PMID- 27652724
TI  - Mixed response to initiatives.
AB  - Health care unions gave a mixed reponse to the Government's Citizen's Charter and
      the announcement that a Patient's Charter will be launched in September.

PMID- 27652723
TI  - ?
AB  - Young at heart: Derrick Morris, the longest surviving heart transplant patient in
      Europe and skin transplant patient Ferrial Sycd pictured at the launch of
      National Transplant Week at St Mary's Hospital. Paddington, last week.

PMID- 27652725
TI  - NVQs.
AB  - The Department of Health's decision to go ahead with its National Vocational
      Qualifications for care workers has been welcomed by nursing unions.

PMID- 27652726
TI  - ?
AB  - First course: About 20 Oxford nurses were recently presented with their
      certificates after attending the first ever resource management course, organised
      jointly by the Royal College of Nursing and Oxford Regional Health Authority .

PMID- 27652727
TI  - Survey reveals major gaps in nurse education.
AB  - Urgent action is needed to improve some nurses' knowledge of HIV and AIDS,
      according to a major new survey.

PMID- 27652728
TI  - New appointments.
AB  - Jennette Golding is the new RCN North Hast Thames Senior Officer.

PMID- 27652729
TI  - Nurses pay for vandalised cars.
AB  - Community midwives at Guy's Hospital say they are having to pay up to L150 a
      month towards the cost of repairs to lease cars vandalised while they are on
      duty.

PMID- 27652731
TI  - Forum told Standards are 'practically useless'.
AB  - Standards have taken the 'academically respectable and practically useless' role
      previously filled by the 'Nursing Process', a speaker told the RCN's General
      Managers' Forum Conference last week.

PMID- 27652730
TI  - Obituary.
AB  - The Royal College of Nursing has paid tribute to Jack Steinberg, who died
      recently. He was benefactor of the Steinberg nursing research collection at the
      RCN library. A businessman, Mr Steinberg was Chair of both the King's College
      Hospital Research Trust and the King's Medical Research Trust.

PMID- 27652732
TI  - ?
AB  - Norma Major, left, joined the Prime Minister at a topping out' ceremony for the
      third phase of the rebuilding programme at Guy's Hospital in London.

PMID- 27652734
TI  - Nurses condemn'alarmist' POA reaction to escape.
AB  - The Prison Officers' Association at Broadmoor Hospital has been criticised for
      making 'inflammatory statements' after an escape from the hospital.

PMID- 27652733
TI  - Audit commission.
AB  - An Audit Commission report due out in October is likely to recommend that nurse
      management needs to become leaner and more clinically based while maintaining a
      role at the highest levels in the health service.

PMID- 27652735
TI  - Care of the elderly.
AB  - The King's Fund Grants Committee has set aside L400,000 to improve services for
      elderly people. Applications for a share of the money are invited from any
      organisation which is either a commissioner or provider of such services.

PMID- 27652736
TI  - ?
AB  - Art transplant: An exhibition of paintings by Addenbrooke's surgeon Sir Roy Caine
      opened last week at the Barbican to coincide with National Transplant Week.
      Robert Blades, pictured, was one of the patients at the launch.

PMID- 27652737
TI  - RCN welcomes guidelines for minimum standards.
AB  - A minimum of two registered sick children's nurses should be on duty at all times
      in hospital paediatric departments and wards, new Department of Health guidelines
      on the 'Welfare of children and young people in hospital' recommend.

PMID- 27652739
TI  - Parliament.
AB  - Theft, fraud and arson cost the NHS in England over L3.4 million last year,
      Junior Health Minister Stephen Dorrell told the all-party select committee on
      health last week.

PMID- 27652740
TI  - ?
AB  - In focus: Nursing Standard Editor, Norah Casey, second left, hosted a reception
      in Cambridge to launch our East Anglian Focus.

PMID- 27652741
TI  - UK should be leaders in European mental health.
AB  - British psychiatric nurses should be at the forefront of nursing initiatives as
      European nations prepare for the development of an open market in 1992, it was
      claimed last week.

PMID- 27652743
TI  - Call to earmark education money.
AB  - Midwives are demanding health authorities earmark cash for their continuing
      education and professional development.

PMID- 27652742
TI  - ?
AB  - RCM President Margaret Brain announced plans to launch a 'Midwives Manifesto'
      prior to the General Election to motivate midwives to lobby local candidates on
      policies which will affect women. Any party wishing to form a new Government must
      have women's issues at the forefront of their manifesto if they are to succeed,'
      she said, warning delegates that now is the time for us to be setting out our
      wares'.

PMID- 27652744
TI  - Delegates oppose more responsibility for HCAs.
AB  - Proposals to give health care assistants more responsibility in midwifery units
      were opposed by delegates.

PMID- 27652746
TI  - Cash available for NDUs.
AB  - Nurses are being encouraged to apply for funds to establish Nursing Development
      Units by junior health minister, Stephen Dorrell. He was speaking at a Department
      of Health/London post-graduate teaching hospitals' conference organised by
      Nursing Standard.

PMID- 27652745
TI  - Vote to delay reforms.
AB  - National Health Service reforms should be put on hold until the Trusts approved
      this year are fully evaluated, delegates agreed.

PMID- 27652747
TI  - Excellence in contemporary clinical nursing.
AB  - Chief Nursing Officer Anne Poole, who chaired the conference, with Hewlyn
      Heywood. Assistant Director of Nursing Services, Moorfields Eye Hospital.

PMID- 27652749
TI  - Nurse specialists could lead to fragmentation.
AB  - The increasing number of clinical nurse specialists could result in a return to
      task orientation and fragmentation of care, it was claimed. Sophie Thomas, a
      senior nurse from the Hammersmith Hospital Haematology Unit, described this as
      one of the threats posed to nursing by an increasingly specialised, high
      technology health service.

PMID- 27652748
TI  - ?
AB  - Helen Ference, Director of the American-based Nightingale Society, holds an
      unpublished letter written by Florence Nightingale. The Nightingale Society was
      just one of the exhibitors at the 'Excellence in contemporary clinical nursing'
      conference.

PMID- 27652752
TI  - World news.
AB  - United States The American Nurses Association has moved to safeguard the rights
      of patients to demand protection against HIV transmission in hospitals and
      clinics.

PMID- 27652750
TI  - Reality orientation can be 'distressing and cruel'.
AB  - Reality orientation (RO) can be very distressing for many elderly, severely
      demented patients, the conference was told.

PMID- 27652753
TI  - Cure for Alzheimer's disease 'in 50 years'.
AB  - A genetic cure for Alzheimer's disease and improved drug treatments will be
      within reach in 50 years time, a nurse specialist from the Department of Genetics
      at Nottingham's City Hospital told a conference organised by the Community
      Psychiatric Nursing Association.

PMID- 27652755
TI  - ?
AB  - A presentation flip-chart designed to help practice nurses in counselling clients
      on the risks associated with heart disease, endorsed by the RCN, has been
      produced by the The Flora Project for Heart Disease Prevention. Practice nurses
      can get a free copy of the Primary Care Presenter from: Flora Project for Heart
      Disease Prevention, PO Box 1392, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 6FS.

PMID- 27652754
TI  - Milk extract used to reduce tooth decay.
AB  - Tests on a compound extracted from milk show it reduces the incidence of dental
      cavities and helps repair tooth decay.

PMID- 27652756
TI  - Folic acid 'prevents neural tube defects'.
AB  - Folic acid supplements prevent neural tube defects and should be given to women
      who have previously had an affected pregnancy, the Medical Research Council's
      vitamin study shows. The Council has called for a public health campaign to
      ensure the diet of all women of child-bearing age contains an adequate amount of
      the B-group vitamin.

PMID- 27652758
TI  - Stroke prevention in people over sixty.
AB  - In people aged 60 or more with isolated systolic hypertension, treatment can
      reduce the incidence of stroke and major cardiovascular events.

PMID- 27652757
TI  - Study links diabetes risk to deprivation.
AB  - Studies attempting to show a link between the incidence of diabetes and social
      class have so far proved inconclusive but researchers from the north of England
      have established that the incidence of childhood diabetes is related to material
      deprivation.

PMID- 27652759
TI  - Volume size and pain of insulin injection.
AB  - The pain of insulin injection is associated with the bluntness of the needle
      rather than the volume injected.

PMID- 27652761
TI  - Evidence for vertical spread of hepatitis C.
AB  - It is possible for hepatitis C virus (HCV) to be transmitted vertically,
      researchers from California claim.

PMID- 27652760
TI  - Insulin misuse in diabetic women.
AB  - Clinical eating disorders are no more common in diabetic women than in non
      diabetics but disturbed eating is associated with insulin misuses to influence
      body weight.

PMID- 27652763
TI  - Learning bullseye.
AB  - Peter Newberry reckons that since he qualified six years ago, a grand total of
      L60 has been invested in his postregistration education by various health
      authorities. He is probably typical of many nurses; he could, in fact, be one of
      the lucky ones.

PMID- 27652762
TI  - Ribavarin efficacy in HIV disease.
AB  - Ribavarin might be a useful drug, used in combination, to prevent progression of
      HIV disease, researchers say.

PMID- 27652764
TI  - College of steel.
AB  - Did you hear about the Swazi chief, the Catalunian Giant and the Sheffield
      'buffer girl? Probably not unless you are a Project 2000 student from the
      Sheffield and North Trent College of Nursing and Midwifery.

PMID- 27652765
TI  - Coming up roses.
AB  - Nearly 40 years ago a group of entrepreneurial nurses formed a small network of
      home-based nursing agencies which has grown to become the largest in the United
      Kingdom. The British Nursing Association is now arguably the best- known nursing
      agency in the country and its parent company is spreading its wings in the
      international scene.

PMID- 27652766
TI  - The dilemma of 'them' and 'us'.
AB  - It would seem that Pamela Chari wood, Director of the Institute of Health Service
      Management, cannot or will not believe the evidence before her (Letters, Nursing
      Standard July 17). If she'd read all the articles by Catherine Williams et al in
      Nursing Standard on why nurses leave the profession, she would have seen that it
      is indeed a question of 'them' and 'us', and very much so.

PMID- 27652768
TI  - Information exchange.
AB  - As part of an ongoing assessment of the effectiveness of practice, we are
      researching the function/usefulness of community meetings in an acute psychiatric
      admission ward setting. We are currently searching for information from other
      wards and units. Does anyone have any information sheets for staff or clients or
      any other information/ references they could share with us?

PMID- 27652767
TI  - 'Ear waxing lyrical'.
AB  - In response to Rosemary Cook's article 'Ear waxing lyrical' (Nursing Standard
      July 3), there is a lot more to ears than just syringing and there are a lot more
      joys to find than helping one elderly person. My survey among the elderly
      population of the area I work in showed that between 64-80 per cent of elderly
      people examined had some kind of ear problem.

PMID- 27652769
TI  - Commenting on hepatitis.
AB  - The interesting article by Marie Kedzierski on 'Management of viral hepatitis'
      (Nursing Standard July 10) referred to several practices in relation to hepatitis
      A infection which are not always required in modern hospitals.

PMID- 27652770
TI  - Nurse's Pocket Guide: Nursing Diagnoses with Interventions M Doenges M Moorbouse
      Nurse's Pocket Guide: Nursing Diagnoses with Interventions F A Davis 548pp L12.00
      0-8036-2666-5 [Formula: see text].
AB  - My first thought when I began to read the Nurse's Pocket Guide: Nursing Diagnoses
      with Interventions was 'at last, a nursing dictionary instead of the usual
      medical dictionary for nurses!' Unfortunately, it did not live up to my
      expectations. The book starts out with a good idea but, like so many others,
      fails to communicate it effectively and simply.

PMID- 27652771
TI  - Pain Control, 2nd edition J Latham Pain COntrol, 2nd edition Austen Cornish 122pp
      L6.50 1-870065-16-6.
AB  - Pain Control introduces the complex and multifaceted problem of pain control with
      which nurses are daily confronted. The opening chapters relate to the appropriate
      anatomy, physiology and development of pain theories. The explanation of the Gate
      Control Theory, in particular, is easily read and informative.

PMID- 27652772
TI  - Case Studies in Critical Care Nursing B Mims Case Studies in Critical Care
      Nursing Williams & Wilkins 556pp L26.00 0-683-06051-7 [Formula: see text].
AB  - Case Studies in Critical Care Nursing is an exciting book for the critical care
      nurse who is striving to develop skills in analysing the complex needs of the
      critically ill patient. It will enable nurses to play a vital role in co
      ordinating and focusing the efforts of the many health care workers toward
      realistic patient-orientated goals.

PMID- 27652773
TI  - Feeling the pinch.

PMID- 27652774
TI  - Listings.

PMID- 27652775
TI  - A new frontier in CO2 flux measurements using a highly portable DIAL laser
      system.
AB  - Volcanic CO2 emissions play a key role in the geological carbon cycle, and
      monitoring of volcanic CO2 fluxes helps to forecast eruptions. The quantification
      of CO2 fluxes is challenging due to rapid dilution of magmatic CO2 in CO2-rich
      ambient air and the diffuse nature of many emissions, leading to large
      uncertainties in the global magmatic CO2 flux inventory. Here, we report
      measurements using a new DIAL laser remote sensing system for volcanic CO2
      (CO2DIAL). Two sites in the volcanic zone of Campi Flegrei (Italy) were scanned,
      yielding CO2 path-amount profiles used to compute fluxes. Our results reveal a
      relatively high CO2 flux from Campi Flegrei, consistent with an increasing trend.
      Unlike previous methods, the CO2DIAL is able to measure integrated CO2 path
      amounts at distances up to 2000 m using virtually any solid surface as a
      reflector, whilst also being highly portable. This opens a new frontier in
      quantification of geological and anthropogenic CO2 fluxes.

PMID- 27652776
TI  - Introduction to Purinergic Regulation in the Eye Special Issue.

PMID- 27652777
TI  - Structure and catalytic mechanism of monodehydroascorbate reductase, MDHAR, from
      Oryza sativa L. japonica.
AB  - Ascorbic acid (AsA) maintains redox homeostasis by scavenging reactive oxygen
      species from prokaryotes to eukaryotes, especially plants. The enzyme
      monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR) regenerates AsA by catalysing the
      reduction of monodehydroascorbate, using NADH or NADPH as an electron donor. The
      detailed recycling mechanism of MDHAR remains unclear due to lack of structural
      information. Here, we present the crystal structures of MDHAR in the presence of
      cofactors, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and nicotinamide adenine
      dinucleotide phosphate (NADP+), and complexed with AsA as well as its analogue,
      isoascorbic acid (ISD). The overall structure of MDHAR is similar to other iron
      sulphur protein reductases, except for a unique long loop of 63-80 residues,
      which seems to be essential in forming the active site pocket. From the
      structural analysis and structure-guided point mutations, we found that the
      Arg320 residue plays a major substrate binding role, and the Tyr349 residue
      mediates electron transfer from NAD(P)H to bound substrate via FAD. The enzymatic
      activity of MDHAR favours NADH as an electron donor over NADPH. Our results show,
      for the first time, structural insights into this preference. The MDHAR-ISD
      complex structure revealed an alternative binding conformation of ISD, compared
      with the MDHAR-AsA complex. This implies a broad substrate (antioxidant)
      specificity and resulting greater protective ability of MDHAR.

PMID- 27652778
TI  - Lysosomal storage disorders.

PMID- 27652779
TI  - Myriad maladies.

PMID- 27652780
TI  - Biomedicine: A rare opportunity.

PMID- 27652781
TI  - Perspective: The rare must become common.

PMID- 27652782
TI  - Advocacy: Strong foundations.

PMID- 27652783
TI  - Drug development: Through the barrier.

PMID- 27652784
TI  - Gene therapy: A new chapter.

PMID- 27652785
TI  - Perspective: Finding common ground.

PMID- 27652786
TI  - Screening: Baby's first test.

PMID- 27652787
TI  - Lysosomal storage disorders: 4 big questions.

PMID- 27652788
TI  - Theory of tailorable optical response of two-dimensional arrays of plasmonic
      nanoparticles at dielectric interfaces.
AB  - Two-dimensional arrays of plasmonic nanoparticles at interfaces are promising
      candidates for novel optical metamaterials. Such systems materialise from 'top
      down' patterning or 'bottom-up' self-assembly of nanoparticles at liquid/liquid
      or liquid/solid interfaces. Here, we present a comprehensive analysis of an
      extended effective quasi-static four-layer-stack model for the description of
      plasmon-resonance-enhanced optical responses of such systems. We investigate in
      detail the effects of the size of nanoparticles, average interparticle
      separation, dielectric constants of the media constituting the interface, and the
      nanoparticle position relative to the interface. Interesting interplays of these
      different factors are explored first for normally incident light. For off-normal
      incidence, the strong effects of the polarisation of light are found at large
      incident angles, which allows to dynamically tune the reflectance spectra. All
      the predictions of the theory are tested against full-wave simulations, proving
      this simplistic model to be adequate within the quasi-static limit. The model
      takes seconds to calculate the system's optical response and makes it easy to
      unravel the effect of each system parameter. This helps rapid rationalization of
      experimental data and understanding of the optical signals from these novel
      'metamaterials', optimised for light reflection or harvesting.

PMID- 27652789
TI  - Laparoscopic repair of congenital duodenal obstruction is feasible even in small
      volume centres.
AB  - INTRODUCTION It has been suggested that laparoscopic repair of congenital
      duodenal obstruction (CDO) should be restricted to a limited number of designated
      centres of expertise. After gaining extensive experience with intracorporeal
      suturing in other procedures, we evaluated the feasibility of this approach at
      the Royal Hospital for Sick Children (RHFSC; Edinburgh, UK). METHODS We conducted
      a retrospective review of all cases of CDO presenting to the RHFSC from 2012 to
      2014. Cases were identified from our electronic database using standardised
      codes. Data comprised: gestation; birth weight; associated anomalies; patient age
      and weight at surgery; operative time; complications; postoperative course.
      RESULTS Five consecutive non-selected cases of isolated CDO were repaired
      laparoscopically, and all were carried out by the senior surgeon. The male:female
      ratio was 4:1. Corrected gestational age at surgery was 35-38 weeks, and the
      weight at surgery was 1.7-3.1 kg. None of our patients had significant associated
      anomalies. CONCLUSIONS The present study demonstrates the feasibility of
      laparoscopic repair of CDO in small-volume centres, and is the first report of
      laparoscopically managed congenital duodenal atresia in twins.

PMID- 27652791
TI  - Virtual fracture clinic delivers British Orthopaedic Association compliance.
AB  - INTRODUCTION The British Orthopaedic Association recommends that patients
      referred to fracture clinic are thereafter reviewed within 72 hours. With the aim
      of improving care by seeking to meet this target, waiting times for fracture
      clinic appointments in a district general hospital were audited prospectively
      against this national guideline, with the intervening implementation of a virtual
      fracture clinic. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was conducted as a prospective
      closed-loop audit in which the second cycle took place several months after a
      change in the clinical pathway for all referrals from the emergency department to
      fracture clinic. Data were gathered in real-time via a pro forma during fracture
      clinic consultations. RESULTS The first cycle demonstrated a non-compliant mean
      waiting time of 10.7 days, with 6% of patients being seen within the 72-hour
      target. Following the implementation of the virtual fracture clinic, the second
      cycle found that all patients were reviewed within the 72-hour target (mean 1.3
      days). DISCUSSION The improvement in performance was delivered with no increase
      in clinic capacity. The cost of implementation was negligible. CONCLUSION A
      simple virtual fracture clinic model delivered a significant reduction in waiting
      times and achieved compliance with the British Orthopaedic Association guideline.
      Similar results could be achieved in subsequent deployment elsewhere in the NHS.

PMID- 27652790
TI  - Comparison of magnetic resonance arthrography with arthroscopy for imaging of
      shoulder injuries: retrospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND Arthroscopy is the established 'gold standard' diagnostic
      investigation for detection of shoulder disorders. We aimed to compare the
      diagnostic accuracy of arthroscopy with magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) for
      detection of shoulder disorders. METHODS Patients who underwent arthroscopy by a
      single surgeon and preoperative MRA between February 2011 and March 2012 for
      shoulder instability were identified. MRAs were reported by experienced
      musculoskeletal radiologists. Labral tears, anterior labral tears, superior
      labral anterior posterior (SLAP) lesions, posterior labral tears, rotator-cuff
      tears (RCTs), osteoarthritis, loose bodies and Hill-Sachs lesions were
      identified. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative
      predictive value, positive likelihood ratio and negative likelihood ratio were
      calculated. RESULTS A total of 194 patients were identified. The sensitivity and
      specificity for anterior labral tears was 0.60 and 0.92, SLAP lesions was 0.75
      and 0.81, posterior labral tears was 0.57 and 0.96, any labral tear was 0.87 and
      0.76, Hill-Sachs lesions was 0.91 and 0.91, RCTs was 0.71 and 0.86,
      osteoarthritis was 0.72 and 0.95, and loose bodies was 0.22 and 0.96,
      respectively. The positive predictive value and negative predictive value for
      anterior labral tears were 0.88 and 0.71, SLAP lesions was 0.64 and 0.88,
      posterior labral tears was 0.74 and 0.45, any labral tear was 0.89 and 0.71, Hill
      Sachs lesions was 0.66 and 0.98, RCTs was 0.47 and 0.95, osteoarthritis was 0.70
      and 0.95, and loose bodies was 0.27 and 0.95, respectively. CONCLUSIONS MRA has
      high diagnostic accuracy for labral tears and Hill-Sachs lesions, but whether MRA
      should be the first-line imaging modality is controversial.

PMID- 27652792
TI  - Specimen 'sandwich' - orientating the operative specimen in breast surgery.

PMID- 27652793
TI  - Transition from paediatric surgery: how many patients do we need to plan for?
AB  - INTRODUCTION Transitional care is an NHS priority with newly published NICE
      guidance. Many paediatric surgical patients need quality care to continue into
      adulthood. We undertook an evaluation of our departmental activity to assess the
      magnitude of this issue. METHODS We identified all outpatients >= 15 years
      (potentially requiring imminent transition) seen over a 12 month period for all
      five general paediatric surgery consultants in our tertiary centre. Those
      patients requiring transition were highlighted and the appropriate adult team for
      referral recorded. RESULTS There were 2989 general paediatric surgery clinic
      appointments within the year; 289 (9.7%) were for young people aged 15 years or
      older; 62 patients (28% of those >= 15years) were deemed to require transition
      into adult care. Significantly more patients having colorectal surgery required
      follow-up (P = 0.0009 Chi-square test) compared with patients in other
      subspecialties. CONCLUSIONS More patients than expected required transition. This
      may be the case in other units. Current best practice includes time intensive
      preclinic planning, careful preparation of patient and family, followed by joint
      clinics. A joint clinic appointment takes 30 minutes, allowing for comprehensive
      handover and forging new relationships. In our department, we need at least ten
      transition clinics across 2 years. Coalition with adult colleagues is vital.
      These data enable us to plan services to provide quality care for our adolescent
      patients and highlights colorectal surgery as a priority.

PMID- 27652794
TI  - Choosing between the modified Ravitch and Nuss procedures for pectus excavatum:
      Considering the patients's perspective.
AB  - INTRODUCTION Pectus excavatum (PE) is the most common paediatric chest wall
      deformity. The majority of patients are treated for cosmetic purposes, with the
      modified Ravitch and Nuss procedures the most commonly performed. We tested the
      preferences of healthy individuals over their choice of procedure. METHODS The
      study was conducted from February to August 2014. A five-item illustrated
      questionnaire was administered to teenagers and young adults aged 14-26 years
      over their willingness to seek medical advice if they had PE, provided its
      cosmetic appearance was the only complaint. They were asked about their
      preference over the modified Ravitch and Nuss procedures, with the surgical
      details for both procedures explained by medical professionals, alongside
      illustrated outcomes. RESULTS Two hundred and two healthy individuals were
      interviewed. The median age was 19.5 years (14-26 years) and 141 (69.8%) were
      male. Sixty seven (33.2%) participants refused any intervention, while 11 (5.4%)
      initially wanted an intervention but refused after understanding the surgical
      procedures available. Of the 135 respondents who chose surgical correction, 84
      (62.2%) preferred the modified Ravitch operation, while 51 (37.8%) preferred the
      Nuss procedure. The main reason for choosing the modified Ravitch technique was
      not having something metal in the chest, while most participants who chose the
      Nuss procedure felt that it was "cosmetically better". CONCLUSIONS Patients have
      preferences over the choice of procedure for PE repair that can affect the
      treatment decision. Paediatric and thoracic surgeons should therefore be
      experienced in performing both procedures.

PMID- 27652795
TI  - Portal vein thrombosis following laparoscopic gastric plication.
AB  - Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) following laparoscopic surgery including Roux-en-Y
      bypass, sleeve gastrectomy and Nissen's fundoplication is a rare but recognised
      complication. Laparoscopic gastric plication in a new procedure that is popular
      in some parts of the world. We report a case of a patient suffering PVT as a
      complication of this surgery.

PMID- 27652796
TI  - An atypical case of medial radial head dislocation.
AB  - Radial head dislocations are common in children who fall onto outstretched hands.
      We present a case of medial radial head dislocation without a concomitant ulna
      fracture in a 14-year-old girl and the long-term sequelae of the injury.

PMID- 27652797
TI  - Tension pneumoperitoneum: a very rare complication of acute gangrenous
      appendicitis.
AB  - Tension pneumoperitoneum is a very rare consequence of acute gangrenous
      appendicitis. We report a case of a 32-year-old woman who presented with
      abdominal pain, progressively increasing abdominal distension, profound
      hemodynamic instability and ventilatory compromise. The diagnosis of tension
      pneumoperitoneum was confirmed by computed tomography, which showed compression
      of the intra-abdominal viscera and liver (saddlebag sign) by a large volume of
      intraperitoneal free air. Urgent needle decompression was done as an emergency
      measure. Exploratory laparotomy, planned due to persistent peritonitis, revealed
      gangrenous appendicitis with perforation near its base. Appendicectomy with
      excision of gangrenous portion of caecum was performed. The purpose of the
      reporting this case is to highlight that the tension pneumoperitoneum can be,
      very rarely, associated with gangrenous appendicitis and timely diagnosis is very
      important for the emergency management of this deadly condition.

PMID- 27652798
TI  - Transanal total mesorectal excision: technical aspects of approaching the
      mesorectal plane from below.
AB  - Standardization of transanal total mesorectal excision requires the delineation
      of the principal procedural components before implementation in practice. This
      technique is a bottom-up approach to a proctectomy with the goal of a complete
      mesorectal excision for optimal outcomes of oncologic treatment. A detailed
      stepwise description of the approach with technical pearls is provided to
      optimize one's understanding of this technique and contribute to reducing the
      inherent risk of beginning a new procedure. Surgeons should be trained according
      to standardized pathways including online preparation, observational or hands-on
      courses as well as the potential for proctorship of early cases experiences.
      Furthermore, technological pearls with access to the "video-in-photo" (VIP)
      function, allow surgeons to link some of the images in this article to operative
      demonstrations of certain aspects of this technique. 

PMID- 27652800
TI  - Factors influencing insulin usage among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: A
      study in Turkish primary care.
AB  - BACKGROUND: DM (diabetes mellitus) patients with poorly regulated blood glucose
      levels are at risk of increased morbidity and mortality. There are different
      factors that cause resistance to the initiation of insulin therapy such as
      beliefs and perceptions concerning diabetes and its treatment and the nature and
      consequences of insulin therapy. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to explore the reasons for
      this reluctance and how these obstacles could be overcome so that DM patients who
      require insulin could initiate therapy. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional,
      descriptive study of diabetic patients with glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1C)
      levels above 7.0%, who were followed-up at a primary care and endocrinology
      outpatient clinic. RESULTS: Ninety-four patients (57.4% females, 42.6% males)
      were recruited for this study. Most patients (57.4%) considered that insulin was
      a drug of last resort. Among all patients, 34.1% thought that insulin lowered
      blood glucose levels to an extreme degree and 14.9% disagreed. The patients
      thought that self-injection was hard (27.6%), required someone else to administer
      the injection (27.6%), insulin injection was painful (33.0%). 59.6% of all
      patients believed that their religion did not restrict the use of insulin, 52.1%
      stated that their family physicians had sufficiently informed them. CONCLUSION:
      Our most significant finding is that a lack of adequate information relating to
      insulin appears to be the major factor behind DM patients' refusal of insulin
      treatment. The fact that patients consider insulin treatment as a final solution
      to DM could be related to resistance to the initiation of insulin therapy. [Box:
      see text].

PMID- 27652799
TI  - What's a SNP between friends: The influence of single nucleotide polymorphisms on
      virulence and phenotypes of Clostridium difficile strain 630 and derivatives.
AB  - Clostridium difficile is a major cause of antibiotic induced diarrhea worldwide,
      responsible for significant annual mortalities and represents a considerable
      economic burden on healthcare systems. The two main C. difficile virulence
      factors are toxins A and B. Isogenic toxin B mutants of 2 independently isolated
      erythromycin-sensitive derivatives (630E and 630Deltaerm) of strain 630 were
      previously shown to exhibit substantively different phenotypes. Compared to 630,
      strain 630E and its progeny grow slower, achieve lower final cell densities,
      exhibit a reduced capacity for spore-formation, produce lower levels of toxin and
      are less virulent in the hamster infection model. By the same measures, strain
      630Deltaerm and its derivatives more closely mirror the behavior of 630. Genome
      sequencing revealed that 630Deltaerm had acquired 7 unique Single Nucleotide
      Polymorphisms (SNPs) compared to 630 and 630E, while 630E had 9 SNPs and a DNA
      inversion not found in the other 2 strains. The relatively large number of
      mutations meant that the identification of those responsible for the altered
      properties of 630E was not possible, despite the restoration of 3 mutations to
      wildtype by allelic exchange and comparative RNAseq analysis of all 3 strains.
      The latter analysis revealed large differences in gene expression between the 3
      strains, explaining in part why no single SNP could restore the phenotypic
      differences. Our findings suggest that strain 630Deltaerm should be favored over
      630E as a surrogate for 630 in genetic-based studies. They also underline the
      importance of effective strain curation and the need to genome re-sequence master
      seed banks wherever possible.

PMID- 27652801
TI  - Histologic and metabolic assessment in a cohort of patients with genital
      prolapse: preoperative stage and recurrence investigations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Biological basis of prolapse development and recurrence are still
      unclear. Aim of this observational and prospective study is to correlate clinical
      stage of anterior vaginal wall prolapse and anatomical recurrence to histological
      and metabolic characteristics of vaginal tissue. METHODS: Patients undergoing
      surgery were divided into two groups according to anterior stage <=II (group A)
      and >=III (group B). Full-thickness excisional biopsies of the anterior vaginal
      wall were obtained after hysterectomy. Hystological characteristics and
      metalloproteinases activity (MMP-2) were analyzed. RESULTS: Sixty-nine patients
      (35 group A; 34 group B) completed evaluation. Mean follow-up was 35 months.
      Collagen amount and organization were significantly higher in group B both in
      lamina propria and fascia specimens, but MMP-2 activity was significantly lower
      in this group. Recurrence rate of anterior compartment was 10.1%. Collagen
      cellularity of fascia was higher in recurrence groups. On the contrary MMP-2
      activity showed a close to significant correlation to surgical success (P=0.07).
      CONCLUSIONS: Patients with advanced stages of prolapse have increased collagen
      amount associated to decreased MMP-2 activity. This suggests that connective
      tissue is more abundant but less metabolically active in patients with severe
      prolapse. A similar trend can be found in recurrences.

PMID- 27652802
TI  - Distance between Great Vessels and the Lumbar Spine: MRI Study for Anterior
      Longitudinal Ligament Release Through a Lateral Approach.
AB  - Objective Anterior column reconstruction using the lateral transpsoas approach
      requires sectioning of the anterior longitudinal ligament while protecting the
      great vessels. Our aim was to study the anatomical plane of separation between
      the retroperitoneal vessels and the anterior aspect of the lumbar spine as they
      relate to safety in the lateral transpsoas anterior column reconstruction
      procedure. Method A total of 100 T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
      examinations were studied. Measurements were obtained for each vertebral body and
      for each intervertebral disk levels from L1-L2 to L4-L5, and for these vessels:
      abdominal aorta, inferior vena cava , and common iliac vessels. The following
      parameters were obtained: (sagittal) total lumbar lordosis and segmental
      lordosis; (axial) closest distance (areolar space [AS]) between the lumbar spine
      and vessels; and position of the great vessels. Results The AS was differently
      distributed for the abdominal aorta and the inferior vena cava. Average values
      for the inferior vena cava were larger at upper levels (p < 0.001; range: 0.2-9.2
      mm), and there were differences between the arteries among the levels (p < 0.001;
      range: 1.0-4.3 mm) but with no clear difference between the upper and lower
      lumbar spine. A narrower AS was found at the intervertebral disk level compared
      with the adjacent vertebral body. At L4-L5, the veins usually lay over the
      anterior border of the lumbar spine, with substantially wider AS at other lumbar
      levels. Conclusion The plane between the great vessels and the lumbar spine is
      differently distributed along the lumbar spine and is especially narrow at lower
      lumbar levels and in front of the intervertebral disk. The results shown here may
      help guide surgical decision making for the lateral anterior column
      reconstruction and may aggregate data from dislocation of the vessels in the
      lateral decubitus and individualized analysis.

PMID- 27652803
TI  - Minimally Invasive Direct Lateral Corpectomy of the Thoracolumbar Spine for
      Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression.
AB  - Objectives To evaluate the feasibility, safety, clinical, and radiologic outcomes
      of a minimally invasive direct lateral-approach corpectomy (MIDLaC) for
      decompression and stabilization of symptomatic metastatic spinal cord compression
      (MSCC). Methods A retrospective study on a prospective cohort was conducted.
      Nineteen patients were consecutively treated with MIDLaC and posterior pedicle
      screw fixation between May 2012 and July 2014. Demographic information and
      radiologic outcomes including sagittal deformity correction and vertebral body
      height were recorded. Operative variables (operative duration, blood loss) and
      clinical variables (Tokuhashi score, mortality, complication rate, pain visual
      analogue scale [VAS], opioid usage, and Frankel grade) were recorded and
      analyzed. Results All nineteen patients (mean age: 67.6 +/- 12.7 years)
      successfully underwent MIDLaC with excellent neural decompression. Operative
      duration was 188.4 +/- 30.3 minutes for single-level MIDLaC and 327.2 +/- 71.9
      minutes for multilevel surgery (p < 0.0001). Mean blood loss per spinal level was
      390.8 mL with a decrease to 102.3 mL excluding renal cell MSCC. A total of 47.4%
      of patients had a Tokuhashi score of 0 to 8. There was one approach-related
      complication and one perioperative mortality. The overall complication rate was
      15.8% (n = 3) with no postoperative wound infections. Kaplan-Meier survival
      estimates at 6 months were 0.50. Overall, 31.6% of patients improved by one or
      more Frankel grades, and no patients demonstrated worsening neurology
      postoperatively. VAS was significantly improved postoperatively (p < 0.05).
      Vertebral body height was significantly increased (+7.6 +/- 8.1 mm; p = 0.002),
      with improvements in lumbar lordosis (8.3 +/- 7.3 degrees) and thoracic kyphosis
      (2.4 +/- 7.1 degrees) postoperatively. Conclusion MIDLaC is a safe and feasible
      palliative approach in the management of MSCC with encouraging early clinical
      outcomes. Further prospective studies are required to define the role of MIDLaC
      in the management of MSCC vis-a-vis other mini-open or minimally invasive
      techniques.

PMID- 27652804
TI  - Biportal Endoscopic Lumbar Decompression for Lumbar Disk Herniation and Spinal
      Canal Stenosis: A Technical Note.
AB  - Background and Study Aims Endoscopic lumbar diskectomy through the interlaminar
      window is gaining recognition. Most of the literature describes these endoscopic
      procedures using specialized uniportal multichannel endoscopes. However, a single
      portal limits the motion of the instruments and obscures visualization of the
      operating field. To overcome this limitation, we propose a new technique that
      utilizes two portals to access the spinal canal. The biportal endoscopic lumbar
      decompression (BELD) technique uses two portals to treat difficult lumbar disk
      herniations and also lumbar spinal stenoses. Patients and Methods Seventeen
      patients were treated with BELD for 11 lumbar disk herniations and 6 lumbar
      spinal stenoses. Preoperative back and leg visual analog scale (VAS-B and VAS-L,
      respectively) scores and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were recorded and
      compared with corresponding values on final follow-up. Results There was an
      average follow-up of 14 months. For the disk herniation group, preoperative VAS-L
      (7.8750 +/- 1.24) and ODI (51.73 +/- 18.57) was significantly different from
      follow-up postoperative VAS-L (0.87 +/- 0.64, p = 0.000) and ODI (9.37 +/- 4.83,
      p = 0.001). For the stenosis group, preoperative VAS-B (6.17 +/- 1.94), VAS
      L(7.83 +/- 1.47), and ODI (63.27 +/- 7.67) were significantly different from
      follow-up postoperative values (2.5 +/- 1.04, p = 0.022; 2.00 +/- 1.67, p =
      0.001; 24.00 +/- 6.45, p = 0.000, respectively). One patient underwent revision
      microdiskectomy for incomplete decompression. Conclusions BELD can achieve a
      similar decompression effect as microdiskectomy and unilateral laminotomy for
      bilateral decompression with a smaller incision than tubular diskectomy.

PMID- 27652805
TI  - A favorable outcome from dengue hemorrhagic fever: Teaching Hospital Kandy, Sri
      Lanka, May 2016.

PMID- 27652806
TI  - A Novel Platelet-Repellent Polyphenolic Surface and Its Micropattern for Platelet
      Adhesion Detection.
AB  - Surface patterning provides a powerful tool to the diagnosis of platelet
      adhesion. However, the current methodologies of constructing platelet-patterned
      surfaces require laborious and complicated steps. Herein, a novel and simple
      platelet-repellent surface was reported by metal (Fe3+ ions)-polyphenol (tannic
      acid, TA) coordination interaction. The platelet-repellent effect was
      significantly better than that of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) in a long-term.
      Moreover, the platelet-repellent behavior could extend to other polyphenols
      functionalized surfaces. On the basis of these observations, a TA-based
      micropattern was fabricated in situ by one-step microcontact printing for well
      defined platelet adhesion, which can effectively avoid the traditional
      introduction of inert hydrophilic polymers and bioactive ligands. Afterward, the
      TA-based micropattern was applied to monitor the adhesion of defective platelets
      treated with an antiplatelet drug (tirofiban). This work provided a facile,
      versatile, and environmentally friendly strategy to construct platelet-repellent
      polyphenolic surfaces and their micropattern. We expect that this simple
      micropattern could act as a low-cost and label-free platform for biomaterials and
      biosensors, and could be widely used in the clinical diagnoses of platelet
      adhesive functions and the evaluation of antiplatelet therapies.

PMID- 27652807
TI  - Photoinduced Electron Transfer and Hole Migration in Nanosized Helical Aromatic
      Oligoamide Foldamers.
AB  - A series of photoactive triads have been synthesized and investigated in order to
      elucidate photoinduced electron transfer and hole migration mechanism across
      nanosized, rigid helical foldamers. The triads are comprised of a central helical
      oligoamide foldamer bridge with 9, 14, 18, 19, or 34 8-amino-2
      quinolinecarboxylic acid repeat units, and of two chromophores, an N-terminal
      oligo(para-phenylenevinylene) electron donor and a C-terminal perylene bis-imide
      electron acceptor. Time-resolved fluorescence and transient absorption
      spectroscopic studies showed that, following photoexcitation of the electron
      acceptor, fast electron transfer occurs initially from the oligoquinoline bridge
      to the acceptor chromophore on the picosecond time scale. The oligo(para
      phenylenevinylene) electron donor is oxidized after a time delay during which the
      hole migrates across the foldamer from the acceptor to the donor. The charge
      separated state that is finally generated was found to be remarkably long-lived
      (>80 MUs). While the initial charge injection rate is largely invariant for all
      foldamer lengths (ca. 60 ps), the subsequent hole transfer to the donor varies
      from 1 * 109 s-1 for the longest sequence to 17 * 109 s-1 for the shortest. In
      all cases, charge transfer is very fast considering the foldamer length. Detailed
      analysis of the process in different media and at varying temperatures is
      consistent with a hopping mechanism of hole transport through the foldamer helix,
      with individual hops occurring on the subpicosecond time scale (kET = 2.5 * 1012
      s-1 in CH2Cl2). This work demonstrates the possibility of fast long-range hole
      transfer over 300 A (through bonds) across a synthetic modular bridge, an
      achievement that had been previously observed principally with DNA structures.

PMID- 27652808
TI  - How long should dual antiplatelet therapy be used in diabetic patients after
      implantation of drug-eluting stents?
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To analyze evidence from randomized clinical trials (RCTs)
      that identifies the optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after
      implantation of newer generation drug-eluting stents (DESs) in diabetic patients.
      RECENT FINDINGS: Patients with diabetes mellitus have increased risk of ischemic
      events and bleeding after DES implantation. The optimal duration of DAPT for this
      population is currently unknown. In a subgroup analysis of 8542 diabetic patients
      enrolled in eight RCTs of DAPT duration after implantation of newer generation
      DESs, prolonged courses of DAPT of 12-36 months in duration resulted in rates of
      major adverse cardiac events that were no different from those seen after shorter
      courses of DAPT of 3-12 months in duration (odds ratio 1.00, 95% Bayesian
      credible interval 0.74-1.33). SUMMARY: Prolonged DAPT up to 36 months after newer
      generation DES implantation in diabetic subgroups has not been associated with
      better outcomes than shorter courses of 3-12 months. Until dedicated trials are
      completed in diabetic populations, DAPT duration after newer generation DES
      implantation in patients with diabetes mellitus should follow recommendations for
      the general population.

PMID- 27652809
TI  - Aortic disease and pregnancy.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: During pregnancy, cardiac disease is the most important cause
      of maternal mortality, with aortic disease being the most important contributor.
      This review describes the impact of pregnancy, risk stratification for and the
      management of aortic diseases during pregnancy and delivery. RECENT FINDINGS: The
      most common aortic diseases with an increased risk of complications during
      pregnancy are genetic syndromes such as Marfan, Loeys-Dietz, vascular Ehlers
      Danlos, Turner syndrome and bicuspid aortic valve. The key management of aortic
      dilatation consists of prepregnancy counseling, including imaging of the entire
      aorta and preventive treatment when indicated. The possible treatment options for
      aortic dissection during pregnancy are medication and surgical treatment.
      Percutaneous interventions are associated with a high risk. SUMMARY: The
      heterogeneity of aortic diseases underlines the need for an individual risk
      assessment and management. A dedicated plan for diagnosis, management, follow-up,
      labor and delivery should be formulated by an experienced multidisciplinary team.

PMID- 27652810
TI  - Primary tumors of the heart.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Primary cardiac tumors are a rare disease, which may have
      severe clinical consequences. Malignant tumors may be misdiagnosed as mixomas,
      with improper treatment. The aim of this review is to report how to make a
      differential diagnosis using old and modern tools, the latest trends in tumor
      classification and treatment, and their possible impact on prognosis. RECENT
      FINDINGS: Papillary fibroelastomas seem to be more frequent than previously
      reported, and surgery is also suggested in asymptomatic patients. A genetic
      background has been identified for some myxomas and angiosarcomas. Malignant
      tumors are now classified as soft-tissue sarcomas of other organs.
      Immunohistochemistry and molecular diagnosis aid in recognizing several subtypes
      of sarcomas, leading to the possibility of targeted chemotherapy. The reports of
      single-center and multicenter experiences, collecting a large number of treated
      patients, analyzed the impact on prognosis of different approaches. The best
      results for survival and event-free survival are obtained with the multimodality
      approach. SUMMARY: Before referring a patient with cardiac tumor to the cardiac
      surgeon, a presumptive diagnosis of benignity or malignancy should be obtained.
      Malignant tumors should be referred to a cardiac tumor team with special
      expertise, in order to plan the best therapeutic approach.

PMID- 27652812
TI  - Cardiovascular consequences of obstructive sleep apnea.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: There is an increased awareness of obstructive sleep apnea
      (OSA) and its potential impact on cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The number of
      patients diagnosed with OSA is likely to increase as the obesity epidemic
      continues to grow. We review recent publications that have examined the links
      between OSA and CVD. RECENT FINDINGS: The cardiovascular consequences of OSA
      include hypertension, strokes, atrial fibrillation, and heart failure. It is
      likely that these are related to OSA-induced changes in endothelial dysfunction,
      oxidative stress, and systemic inflammation. The mainstay of treatment of OSA
      remains positive airway pressure devices (PAP), but issues of adherence continue
      to plague effective management. Oral appliances may also be a suitable
      alternative and may have a similar effect on blood pressure as PAP. To date,
      randomized trials have verified a significant (though relatively modest) impact
      of PAP on blood pressure, and some have shown an improvement in glucose control
      in diabetic individuals. However, it is unclear whether PAP prevents
      cardiovascular events in patients with OSA, although patients well managed and
      adherent with PAP seem to do better than those who are nonadherent. SUMMARY: The
      mortality and morbidity associated with OSA are reduced in patients well managed
      with PAP. However, we await the results of large randomized clinical trials to
      definitely determine whether PAP reduces the rate of cardiovascular events.
      Current efforts aimed at identifying biomarkers in OSA may offer a strategy for
      personalized treatment plans of OSA patients.

PMID- 27652811
TI  - Microvascular dysfunction in patients with diabetes after cardioplegic arrest and
      cardiopulmonary bypass.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of the current review is to describe the changes
      of microvascular function in patients with diabetes after cardioplegic arrest and
      cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and cardiac surgery. RECENT FINDINGS: Cardiac
      surgery, especially that involving cardioplegia and CPB, is associated with
      significant changes in vascular reactivity of coronary/peripheral
      microcirculation, vascular permeability, gene/protein expression, and programmed
      cell death, as well as with increased morbidity and mortality after surgical
      procedures. In particular, these changes are more profound in patients with
      poorly controlled diabetes. SUMMARY: Because alterations in vasomotor regulation
      are critical aspects of mortality and morbidity of cardioplegia/CPB, a better
      understanding of diabetic regulation of microvascular function may lead to
      improved postoperative outcomes of patients with diabetes after cardioplegia/CPB
      and cardiac surgery.

PMID- 27652813
TI  - The value of noninvasive computed tomography derived fractional flow reserve in
      our current approach to the evaluation of coronary artery stenosis.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Contemporary diagnosis and management of stable chest pain
      symptoms possibly due to coronary ischemia is a frequent clinical challenge that
      involves a variety of test options, based upon either coronary angiographic
      (anatomic) or functional imaging. This review will discuss the evolution of
      coronary computed tomography derived fractional flow reserve (FFRCT) from basic
      science to a currently clinically approved diagnostic test. RECENT FINDINGS: In
      recent years, FFR measured invasively in the coronary catheterization lab has
      demonstrated clinical outcome benefit for coronary revascularization decisions.
      Both coronary angiographic (anatomic) and functional myocardial imaging have been
      limited by an inability to reliably estimate physiologic significance determined
      by FFR. However, advances in computational fluid dynamics have led to interest in
      FFR estimated by coronary angiograms obtained noninvasively through coronary CT
      angiography. SUMMARY: The current use of FFRCT has been mostly limited to
      research applications due to lack of availability and cost, as well as limited
      outcomes and cost-effectiveness data. Nevertheless, interest remains in the
      potential role of FFRCT for coronary revascularization treatment decisions, and
      thus, ongoing and future studies will continue to investigate this technology.

PMID- 27652814
TI  - Clinical significance of noninvasive coronary flow reserve assessment in patients
      with ischemic heart disease.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The importance of physiologic assessments in ischemic heart
      disease is well recognized. Coronary flow reserve (CFR) is a novel physiologic
      imaging biomarker that complements both anatomic and semiquantitative perfusion
      assessments of coronary artery disease (CAD) severity. RECENT FINDINGS: Beyond
      this, assessment of CFR may provide clinical insights useful for refining
      diagnosis, prognosis, and eventually, management of patients along the full range
      of ischemic heart disease phenotypes, from multivessel obstructive CAD to diffuse
      coronary microvascular dysfunction. SUMMARY: We begin by defining the concept of
      noninvasive CFR, specifically focusing on quantification of blood flow using PET,
      for which robust observational data exist. Next, we describe the continuum of
      cardiovascular risk by CFR values in patients across the anatomic spectrum of
      CAD, including those with diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and nonobstructive
      CAD and coronary microvascular dysfunction. Finally, we summarize the impact of
      CFR on prognosis, with a focus on future directions for management strategies and
      potential novel therapies, particularly in patients with very low CFR and less
      obstructive CAD. This latter phenotype may provide a critical link to
      understanding hidden biological risk of ischemic heart disease in vulnerable
      populations, including women and patients with heart failure with preserved
      ejection fraction, metabolic syndrome, cardio-oncologic complications, and
      inflammatory-related disease.

PMID- 27652815
TI  - Two-Photon-Induced Isomerization of Spiropyran/Merocyanine at the Air/Water
      Interface Probed by Second Harmonic Generation.
AB  - Photochromic molecules often exhibit switchable hyperpolarizabilities upon
      photoisomerization between two molecular states and can be widely applied in
      nonlinear optical materials. Photoisomerization can occur through either one
      photon or two-photon processes. Two-photon-induced isomerization has several
      advantages over one-photon process but has not been fully explored. In the
      present study, we have used second harmonic generation to investigate the two
      photon-induced isomerization between spiropyran and merocyanine at the air/water
      interface. We show that spiropyran and merocyanine can be converted into each
      other reversibly with 780-nm laser-beam irradiation through two-photon processes.
      We also investigated the isomerization rates under various incident laser powers.
      Quantitative analysis revealed that the isomerization rates of spiropyran and
      merocyanine depend differently on the laser power. We attribute the difference to
      the distinct molecular structures of spiropyran and merocyanine. At the
      interface, nonplanar spiropyran molecules exist mainly as monomers, whereas
      planar merocyanine molecules form aggregates. Upon aggregation, steric hindrance
      effects and excitonic coupling efficiently arrest the photoisomerization of
      merocyanine. This work provides an in-depth understanding of two-photon-induced
      isomerization at the interface, which is beneficial for designing and controlling
      optical thin-film materials.

PMID- 27652817
TI  - New frontiers in interventional cardiology: percutaneous treatment of tricuspid
      regurgitation.

PMID- 27652816
TI  - Silent large vegetative mitral-aortic enterococcal endocarditis.
AB  - : In spite of the evolution of diagnostic and imaging tools, infective
      endocarditis still remains a challenging diagnostic problem. We report the case
      of a 77-year-old heart failure patient with a very large mitral vegetative lesion
      but without fever or any other clinical or microbiological 'endocarditis
      criteria' except the echocardiographic findings. In this scenario, the second
      more likely differential diagnosis was neoformation of the mitral valve but
      despite an exhaustive preoperative diagnostic cardiac imaging, this hypothesis
      could not be excluded before surgical excision and microbiological examination of
      the surgical specimen.

PMID- 27652818
TI  - How important is to reduce sodium and increase potassium in patients with
      hypertension?

PMID- 27652819
TI  - NSAIDs and cardiovascular risk.
AB  - NSAIDs are the most largely used class of drugs in the world, due to their large
      use in many diseases, in particular for the systemic inflammatory diseases.
      Nevertheless, today NSAIDs are less used for some of these diseases, due to
      several side-effects correlated to these drugs. The antiinflammatory mechanism of
      NSAIDs consist in the inibhition of two forms of cyclooxygenase, namely COX-1
      (its block contributes to an antiplatelet effect) and COX-2 (its block has a
      greater antiinflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic effect). The COX-2 inhibition
      might reduce the risk of gastrointestinal toxicity, but several studies have
      shown the cardiovascular side effects of this inhibition. Mechanisms of the
      cardiovascular side effects are controversial yet, so the aim of this document is
      to review side-effects profile of NSAIDs and, specifically, to investigate
      cardiovascular consequences of NSAIDs use in clinical practice.

PMID- 27652820
TI  - MULTIMODAL IMAGING AND ELECTRORETINOGRAPHY IN LONG-CHAIN 3-HYDROXYACYL COENZYME A
      DEHYDROGENASE DEFICIENCY.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report a case of pigmentary retinopathy in long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl
      coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency using multimodal imaging techniques. METHODS:
      Case report. RESULTS: An 8-year-old boy with a history of failure to thrive and a
      diagnosis of long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency was
      referred for examination. Examination revealed a pigmentary retinopathy with
      macular atrophy; electroretinography results were consistent with a rod-cone
      dystrophy. Fundus autofluorescence and optical coherence tomography revealed
      retinal pigment epithelium atrophy. Follow-up examination findings showed
      increased severity of retinopathy on electroretinography, with optical coherence
      tomography angiography revealing enhanced visualization of choroidal vessels.
      CONCLUSION: This report reveals that long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl coenzyme A
      dehydrogenase deficiency can be characterized as a progressive rod-cone
      dystrophy, with multi-modal imaging techniques used to describe this condition.
      In particular, optical coherence tomography angiography can be used to further
      characterize this condition.

PMID- 27652821
TI  - Full-Color Plasmonic Metasurface Holograms.
AB  - Holography is one of the most attractive approaches for reconstructing optical
      images, due to its capability of recording both the amplitude and phase
      information on light scattered from objects. Recently, optical metasurfaces for
      manipulating the wavefront of light with well-controlled amplitude, phase, and
      polarization have been utilized to reproduce computer-generated holograms.
      However, the currently available metasurface holograms have only been designed to
      achieve limited colors and record either amplitude or phase information. This
      fact significantly limits the performance of metasurface holograms to reconstruct
      full-color images with low noise and high quality. Here, we report the design and
      realization of ultrathin plasmonic metasurface holograms made of subwavelength
      nanoslits for reconstructing both two- and three-dimensional full-color
      holographic images. The wavelength-multiplexed metasurface holograms with both
      amplitude and phase modulations at subwavelength scale can faithfully produce not
      only three primary colors but also their secondary colors. Our results will
      advance various holographic applications.

PMID- 27652822
TI  - Nazarov Cyclization/Internal Redox Cyclization Sequence for the Synthesis of N
      Heterocyclic Bridged Ring Systems.
AB  - A 1,6 conjugate addition/Nazarov electrocyclization/internal redox cyclization
      sequence was developed. Various 5-hydroxycyclopentenones were made through the
      1,6-conjugate addition initiated Nazarov reaction with excellent
      diastereoselectivities. Under thermal conditions, these underwent a through-space
      1,5-hydride-transfer/ring-closure reaction to form bridged bicyclic N
      heterocyclic compounds with up to four stereogenic centers. It was also possible
      to convert simple acyclic dienyl diketones into the bicyclo[3.2.1] products in a
      one-pot process (with a solvent switch).

PMID- 27652823
TI  - Highly Efficient Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence in Dinuclear Ag(I)
      Complexes with a Bis-Bidentate Tetraphosphane Bridging Ligand.
AB  - A series of highly emissive neutral dinuclear silver complexes
      [Ag(PPh3)(X)]2(tpbz) (tpbz = 1,2,4,5-tetrakis(diphenylphosphanyl)benzene; X = Cl
      (1), Br (2), I (3)) was synthesized and structurally characterized. In the
      complexes, the silver atoms with tetradedral geometry are bridged by the tpbz
      ligand, and the ends of the molecules are coordinated by a halogen anion and a
      terminal triphenylphosphine ligand for each silver atom. These complexes exhibit
      intense white-blue (lambdamax = 475 nm (1) and 471 nm (2)) and green (lambdamax =
      495 nm (3)) photoluminescence in the solid state with quantum yields of up to 98%
      (1) and emissive decay rates of up to 3.3 * 105 s-1 (1) at 298 K. With
      temperature decreasing from 298 to 77 K, a red shift of the emission maximum by 9
      nm for all these complexes is observed. The temperature dependence of the
      luminescence for complex 1 in solid state indicates that the emission originates
      from two thermally equilibrated charge transfer (CT) excited states and exhibits
      highly efficient thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) at ambient
      temperature. At 77 K, the decay time is 638 MUs, indicating that the emission is
      mainly from a triplet state (T1 state). With temperature increasing from 77 to
      298 K, a significant decrease of the emissive decay time by a factor of almost
      210 is observed, and at 298 K, the decay time is 3.0 MUs. The remarkable decrease
      of the decay time indicates that thermal population of a short-lived singlet
      state (S1 state) increases as the temperature increases. The charge transfer
      character of the excited states and TADF behavior of the complexes are
      interrogated by DFT and TDDFT calculations. The computational results demonstrate
      that the origin of TADF can be ascribed to 1,3(ILCT + XLCT+ MLCT) states in
      complexes 1 and 2 and 1,3(XLCT) states mixed with minor contributions of MLCT and
      ILCT in complex 3.

PMID- 27652824
TI  - Acceptability of physiotherapists as primary care practitioners and advanced
      practice physiotherapists for care of patients with musculoskeletal disorders: a
      survey of a university community within the province of Quebec.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders represent a great burden on the
      health care system. The use of physiotherapists in their autonomous roles and in
      advanced practice roles may help increase access to care. Thus, the aim of this
      survey was to assess the perceptions of a university community sample within the
      province of Quebec about physiotherapists as primary care practitioners and
      advanced practice physiotherapists (APPs) for the treatment of patients with
      musculoskeletal disorders. METHODS: An electronic survey was sent in February
      2014 via a web platform to members of the Laval University community (Quebec
      City, Canada). The survey included questions about knowledge and perceptions on
      current physiotherapists' autonomous role in primary care and on APP future model
      of care for patients with MSK disorders. Survey results were synthetized with
      descriptive statistics. Differences in responses according to demographics,
      personal characteristics and previous physiotherapy care experience were
      evaluated using Chi-Square tests. RESULTS: A total of 513 participants completed
      the online survey (1 % response rate). The majority of respondents were women (74
      %) and aged 18 to 24 (39 % of all respondent). About 90 % of respondents believed
      that physiotherapists were skilled and competent and 91 % answered that they had
      trust in physiotherapists for the treatment of MSK disorders in primary care. A
      total of 90 % of respondents supported the idea of introducing APPs for the
      treatment of patients with MSK disorders. Over 90 % of respondents were in favour
      of the delegation of medical acts such as: communicating a medical diagnosis,
      ordering imaging tests, triaging surgical candidates or prescribing medication
      such as NSAIDS. CONCLUSIONS: Respondents are satisfied and have confidence in
      physiotherapists as primary care practitioners; they also support the intended
      new roles of the APPs in the health care system. Caution should be taken in
      generalizing these results from this particular sample. These results need to be
      corroborated in the general population.

PMID- 27652825
TI  - Is imatinib a prototypical example of targeted drug therapy?

PMID- 27652826
TI  - Radiation track, DNA damage and response-a review.
AB  - The purpose of this paper has been to review the current status and progress of
      the field of radiation biophysics, and draw attention to the fact that physics,
      in general, and radiation physics in particular, with the aid of mathematical
      modeling, can help elucidate biological mechanisms and cancer therapies. We
      hypothesize that concepts of condensed-matter physics along with the new genomic
      knowledge and technologies and mechanistic mathematical modeling in conjunction
      with advances in experimental DNA (Deoxyrinonucleic acid molecule) repair and
      cell signaling have now provided us with unprecedented opportunities in radiation
      biophysics to address problems in targeted cancer therapy, and genetic risk
      estimation in humans. Obviously, one is not dealing with 'low-hanging fruit', but
      it will be a major scientific achievement if it becomes possible to state, in
      another decade or so, that we can link mechanistically the stages between the
      initial radiation-induced DNA damage; in particular, at doses of radiation less
      than 2 Gy and with structural changes in genomic DNA as a precursor to cell
      inactivation and/or mutations leading to genetic diseases. The paper presents
      recent development in the physics of radiation track structure contained in the
      computer code system KURBUC, in particular for low-energy electrons in the
      condensed phase of water for which we provide a comprehensive discussion of the
      dielectric response function approach. The state-of-the-art in the simulation of
      proton and carbon ion tracks in the Bragg peak region is also presented. The
      paper presents a critical discussion of the models used for elastic scattering,
      and the validity of the trajectory approach in low-electron transport. Brief
      discussions of mechanistic and quantitative aspects of microdosimetry, DNA damage
      and DNA repair are also included as developed by the authors' work.

PMID- 27652827
TI  - Identifying adults' valid waking wear time by automated estimation in activPAL
      data collected with a 24 h wear protocol.
AB  - The activPAL monitor, often worn 24 h d-1, provides accurate classification of
      sitting/reclining posture. Without validated automated methods, diaries
      burdensome to participants and researchers-are commonly used to ensure measures
      of sedentary behaviour exclude sleep and monitor non-wear. We developed, for use
      with 24 h wear protocols in adults, an automated approach to classify activity
      bouts recorded in activPAL 'Events' files as 'sleep'/non-wear (or not) and on a
      valid day (or not). The approach excludes long periods without posture
      change/movement, adjacent low-active periods, and days with minimal movement and
      wear based on a simple algorithm. The algorithm was developed in one population
      (STAND study; overweight/obese adults 18-40 years) then evaluated in AusDiab
      2011/12 participants (n  =  741, 44% men, aged  >35 years, mean  +/-  SD 58.5  +/
      10.4 years) who wore the activPAL3TM (7 d, 24 h d-1 protocol). Algorithm
      agreement with a monitor-corrected diary method (usual practice) was tested in
      terms of the classification of each second as waking wear (Kappa; kappa) and the
      average daily waking wear time, on valid days. The algorithm showed 'almost
      perfect' agreement (kappa  >  0.8) for 88% of participants, with a median kappa
      of 0.94. Agreement varied significantly (p  <  0.05, two-tailed) by age (worsens
      with age) but not by gender. On average, estimated wear time was approximately
      0.5 h d-1 higher than by the diary method, with 95% limits of agreement of
      approximately this amount  +/-2 h d-1. In free-living data from Australian
      adults, a simple algorithm developed in a different population showed 'almost
      perfect' agreement with the diary method for most individuals (88%). For several
      purposes (e.g. with wear standardisation), adopting a low burden, automated
      approach would be expected to have little impact on data quality. The accuracy
      for total waking wear time was less and algorithm thresholds may require
      adjustments for older populations.

PMID- 27652828
TI  - Sacrospinous ligament suspension with transobturator mesh versus sacral colpopexy
      for genital prolapse.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the safety and efficacy of abdominal sacral colpopexy and
      sacrospinous ligament suspension with the use of vaginal mesh for apical
      prolapse. METHOD: This retrospective study was conducted from 2005 to 2012 and
      included 89 women with apical prolapse who underwent surgery. Assessments
      included pre- and postoperative Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q)
      stage. Rates of objective cure and immediate/late complications were compared.
      RESULTS: In total, 41 of the 89 women underwent sacrospinous ligament suspension,
      and 48 of the women underwent abdominal sacral colpopexy. A total of 40.4% of the
      women had vault prolapse (p=0.9361). Most of them had no complications (93.2%)
      (p=0.9418). Approximately 30% of the women had late complications; local pain was
      the main symptom and was found only in women who underwent the abdominal
      procedure (25.6%) (p=0.001). Only the women who were submitted to the vaginal
      procedure had mesh exposure (18.4%). The objective success rate and the rate of
      anterior vaginal prolapse (p=0.2970) were similar for both techniques.
      CONCLUSION: Sacrospinous ligament suspension was as effective and had a similar
      objective success rate as abdominal sacral colpopexy for the treatment of apical
      prolapse. Sacrospinous ligament suspension performed with the use of vaginal mesh
      in the anterior compartment was effective in preventing anterior vaginal prolapse
      after surgery.

PMID- 27652829
TI  - Hypertension and arterial stiffness in heart transplantation patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Post-transplantation hypertension is prevalent and is associated with
      increased cardiovascular morbidity and subsequent graft dysfunction. The present
      study aimed to identify the factors associated with arterial stiffness as
      measured by the ambulatory arterial stiffness index. METHODS: The current study
      used a prospective, observational, analytical design to evaluate a group of adult
      heart transplantation patients. Arterial stiffness was obtained by monitoring
      ambulatory blood pressure and using the ambulatory arterial stiffness index as
      the surrogate outcome. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed
      to control confounding. RESULTS: In a group of 85 adult heart transplantation
      patients, hypertension was independently associated with arterial stiffness (OR
      4.98, CI 95% 1.06-23.4) as well as systolic and diastolic blood pressure averages
      and nighttime descent. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of ambulatory arterial stiffness
      index is a new, non-invasive method that is easy to perform, may contribute to
      better defining arterial stiffness prognosis and is associated with hypertension.

PMID- 27652830
TI  - Mothers' conceptions about excess weight in infancy and the nutritional status of
      their children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze maternal conceptions about excess weight in infancy and the
      nutritional status of their preschool-aged children. METHODS: A mixed,
      exploratory study was performed using semi-structured interviews. Two study
      groups were defined: a group of 16 mothers of children with excess weight and a
      group of 15 mothers of eutrophic children. The interviews were submitted to
      content analysis using CHIC software (Classification Hierarchique Implicative et
      Cohesitive-). RESULTS: The mothers of children with excess weight tended to
      conceive thin children as malnourished, while those of normal weight children
      emphasized the influence of family and genetics as determinants of a child's
      nutritional status. Although there was a certain consensus among the mothers that
      an unhealthy diet contributes to the risk of a child developing excess weight,
      the concept of genetics as a determinant of a child's nutritional status was also
      present in the dialogue from the mothers of both groups. This result indicates a
      lack of clarity regarding the influence of eating behavior and family lifestyle
      on weight gain and the formation of a child's eating habits. Both groups
      indicated that the mother has a decisive role in the eating habits of her child;
      however, the mothers of children with excess weight did not seem to take
      ownership of this concept when addressing the care of their own children.
      CONCLUSION: Differences in conceptions, including taking ownership of care, may
      contribute to the development of excess weight in preschool-aged children.

PMID- 27652831
TI  - Is polysomnographic examination necessary for subjects with diaphragm
      pathologies?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: While respiratory distress is accepted as the only indication for
      diaphragmatic plication surgery, sleep disorders have been underestimated. In
      this study, we aimed to detect the sleep disorders that accompany diaphragm
      pathologies. Specifically, the association of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
      with diaphragm eventration and diaphragm paralysis was evaluated. METHODS: This
      study was performed in Sureyyapasa Chest Diseases and Thoracic Surgery Training
      and Research Hospital between 2014-2016. All patients had symptoms of obstructive
      sleep apnea (snoring and/or cessation of breath during sleep and/or daytime
      sleepiness) and underwent diaphragmatic plication via video-assisted mini
      thoracotomy. Additionally, all patients underwent pre- and postoperative full
      night polysomnography. Pre- and postoperative clinical findings, polysomnography
      results, Epworth sleepiness scale scores and pulmonary function test results were
      compared. RESULTS: Twelve patients (7 males) with a mean age of 48 (range, 27-60)
      years and a mean body mass index of 25 (range, 20-30) kg/m2 were included in the
      study. Preoperative polysomnography showed obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in 9
      of the 12 patients (75%), while 3 of the patients (25%) were regarded as normal.
      Postoperatively, patient complaints, apnea hypopnea indices, Epworth sleepiness
      scale scores and pulmonary function test results all demonstrated remarkable
      improvement. CONCLUSION: All patients suffering from diaphragm pathologies with
      symptoms should undergo polysomnography, and patients diagnosed with obstructive
      sleep apnea syndrome should be operated on. In this way, long-term comorbidities
      of sleep disorders may be prevented.

PMID- 27652832
TI  - Prenatal natural history of isolated fetal mild bilateral pyelectasis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the prenatal outcomes in a cohort of fetuses with mild
      bilateral pyelectasis and determine whether performing serial ultrasounds is a
      good follow-up strategy. METHODS: A prospective longitudinal study was conducted
      on 62 fetuses with mild bilateral pyelectasis. Fetal mild bilateral pyelectasis
      was considered when the renal pelvis measured (in millimeters) >=5.0 to 10.0,
      >=7.0 to 10.0, and >=10.0 to 15 at <=23 weeks 6 days, 24 to 31 weeks 6 days, and
      >=32 weeks, respectively, with no uretero-calyceal dilatation. Ultrasounds were
      performed every 3 weeks to assess whether the mild bilateral pyelectasis
      regressed, remained unchanged (Group 1) or progressed (Group 2). RESULTS: Group 1
      consisted of 53 fetuses (85.4%), and progression was observed in 9 cases (Group
      2, 14.6%). The initial renal pelvis diameter was significantly larger in fetuses
      with progression (p=0.028). Statistically significant differences in the renal
      pelvis diameter were also found at weeks 31 and 35 for both kidneys (p<0.05). The
      cases requiring intrauterine procedures or early delivery were not observed.
      CONCLUSION: Fetal mild bilateral pyelectasis with no calyceal dilatation is a
      benign condition that can be managed in the postnatal period. The initial renal
      pelvis diameter and the diameter in week 31 or 35 were valuable parameters for
      identifying cases that would eventually need specific postnatal procedures.

PMID- 27652833
TI  - Peak expiratory flow mediates the relationship between handgrip strength and
      timed up and go performance in elderly women, but not men.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to verify if there is sex difference
      in the associations among handgrip strength, peak expiratory flow (PEF) and timed
      up and go (TUG) test results. METHODS: The sample included 288 consecutive
      elderly men (n=93) and women (n=195). Functional capacity was measured using the
      TUG test, and muscle strength was measured based on handgrip. Moreover, as a
      measure of current health status, PEF was evaluated. Linear regression procedures
      were performed to analyze the relationships between handgrip and both PEF and TUG
      test results, with adjustment for confounders, and to identify the possible
      mediating role of PEF in the association between handgrip strength and TUG test
      results. RESULTS: In men, handgrip strength was associated with both PEF and TUG
      performance (p<0.01). After adjustment for PEF, the relationship between handgrip
      strength and TUG performance remained significant. In women, handgrip strength
      was also associated with both PEF and TUG performance (p<0.01). However, after
      adjustment for PEF, the relationship between handgrip strength and TUG
      performance was no longer significant. CONCLUSION: Mobility in the elderly is sex
      dependent. In particular, PEF mediates the relationship between handgrip strength
      and TUG performance in women, but not in men.

PMID- 27652834
TI  - Autonomic and Renal Alterations in the Offspring of Sleep-Restricted Mothers
      During Late Pregnancy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Considering that changes in the maternal environment may result in
      changes in progeny, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of
      sleep restriction during the last week of pregnancy on renal function and
      autonomic responses in male descendants at an adult age. METHODS: After
      confirmation of pregnancy, female Wistar rats were randomly assigned to either a
      control or a sleep restriction group. The sleep-restricted rats were subjected to
      sleep restriction using the multiple platforms method for over 20 hours per day
      between the 14th and 20th day of pregnancy. After delivery, the litters were
      limited to 6 offspring that were designated as offspring from control and
      offspring from sleep-restricted mothers. Indirect measurements of systolic blood
      pressure (BPi), renal plasma flow, glomerular filtration rate, glomerular area
      and number of glomeruli per field were evaluated at three months of age. Direct
      measurements of cardiovascular function (heart rate and mean arterial pressure),
      cardiac sympathetic tone, cardiac parasympathetic tone, and baroreflex
      sensitivity were evaluated at four months of age. RESULTS: The sleep-restricted
      offspring presented increases in BPi, glomerular filtration rate and glomerular
      area compared with the control offspring. The sleep-restricted offspring also
      showed higher basal heart rate, increased mean arterial pressure, increased
      sympathetic cardiac tone, decreased parasympathetic cardiac tone and reduced
      baroreflex sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that reductions in sleep
      during the last week of pregnancy lead to alterations in cardiovascular autonomic
      regulation and renal morpho-functional changes in offspring, triggering increases
      in blood pressure.

PMID- 27652835
TI  - Estrogen deficiency in ovariectomized rats: can resistance training re-establish
      angiogenesis in visceral adipose tissue?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of resistance
      training on angiogenesis markers of visceral adipose tissue in ovariectomized
      rats. METHOD: Adult Sprague-Dawley female rats were divided into four groups (n=6
      per group): sham-sedentary, ovariectomized sedentary, sham-resistance training
      and ovariectomized resistance training. The rats were allowed to climb a 1.1-m
      vertical ladder with weights attached to their tails and the weights were
      progressively increased. Sessions were performed three times per week for 10
      weeks. Visceral adipose tissue angiogenesis and morphology were analyzed by
      histology. VEGF-A mRNA and protein levels were analyzed by real-time PCR and
      ELISA, respectively. RESULTS: Ovariectomy resulted in higher body mass
      (p=0.0003), adipocyte hypertrophy (p=0.0003), decreased VEGF-A mRNA (p=0.0004)
      and protein levels (p=0.0009), and decreased micro-vascular density (p=0.0181) in
      the visceral adipose tissue of the rats. Resistance training for 10 weeks was not
      able to attenuate the reduced angiogenesis in the visceral adipose tissue of the
      ovariectomized rats. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that the resistance
      training program used in this study could not ameliorate low angiogenesis in the
      visceral adipose tissue of ovariectomized rats.

PMID- 27652836
TI  - Review of developments in corneal transplantation in the regions of Brazil -
      Evaluation of corneal transplants in Brazil.
AB  - The aim of this study was to identify inequalities in corneal donation and
      transplantation among the regions of Brazil. A transversal and retrospective
      study was specifically conducted using data from the Brazilian Transplant
      Registry collected by the Brazilian Association of Organ Transplantation between
      January 2002 and December 2014. The collected data were processed using
      descriptive statistical methods, and p<0.05 was the rate of rejection of the null
      hypothesis. From 2002 to 2014, there was an increase in the absolute number of
      corneal transplants, the annual rate of transplants per million people and the
      percentage of needed transplants performed in each of the five regions of Brazil.
      Family refusal and medical contraindication were the most frequent reasons for a
      lack of corneal donation. Although remarkable progress has been made in the last
      decade in each of the five Brazilian regions, health professionals' lack of
      preparation to approach families with donation requests at the death of a family
      member appears to be the main obstacle to increasing the number of corneal
      donations. Thus, the present study suggests the implementation of public policies
      to make corneal transplants more effective, particularly given that there are
      considerable disparities in the effectiveness with which regional needs are met
      and in health professionals' ability to perform transplants among the Brazilian
      regions, with higher rates in the South, Southeast and Midwest regions and lower
      rates in the North and Northeast regions. 

PMID- 27652837
TI  - Hydrogen, a potential safeguard for graft-versus-host disease and graft ischemia
      reperfusion injury?
AB  - Post-transplant complications such as graft-versus-host disease and graft
      ischemia-reperfusion injury are crucial challenges in transplantation. Hydrogen
      can act as a potential antioxidant, playing a preventive role against post
      transplant complications in animal models of multiple organ transplantation.
      Herein, the authors review the current literature regarding the effects of
      hydrogen on graft ischemia-reperfusion injury and graft-versus-host disease.
      Existing data on the effects of hydrogen on ischemia-reperfusion injury related
      to organ transplantation are specifically reviewed and coupled with further
      suggestions for future work. The reviewed studies showed that hydrogen (inhaled
      or dissolved in saline) improved the outcomes of organ transplantation by
      decreasing oxidative stress and inflammation at both the transplanted organ and
      the systemic levels. In conclusion, a substantial body of experimental evidence
      suggests that hydrogen can significantly alleviate transplantation-related
      ischemia-reperfusion injury and have a therapeutic effect on graft-versus-host
      disease, mainly via inhibition of inflammatory cytokine secretion and reduction
      of oxidative stress through several underlying mechanisms. Further animal
      experiments and preliminary human clinical trials will lay the foundation for
      hydrogen use as a drug in the clinic. 

PMID- 27652839
TI  - Estimates of first-generation women and girls with female genital mutilation in
      the European Union, Norway and Switzerland.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Female genital mutilation (FGM) is the practice of partial or total
      removal of female genitalia for non-medical reasons. The procedure has no known
      health benefits but can cause serious immediate and long-term obstetric,
      gynaecological and sexual health problems. Health workers in Europe are often
      unaware of the consequences of FGM and lack the knowledge to treat women
      adequately. OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to estimate the number of first-generation
      girls and women in the European Union, Norway and Switzerland who have undergone
      FGM. Before migration from FGM-practicing countries began, FGM was an unknown
      phenomenon in Europe. METHODS: Secondary analysis of data from the 2011 EU census
      and extrapolation from age-specific FGM prevalence rates in the immigrants' home
      countries to these data were used to provide our estimates. Estimates based on
      census and other demographic data were compared to our results for Belgium.
      RESULTS: In 2011 over half a million first-generation women and girls in the EU,
      Norway and Switzerland had undergone FGM before immigration. One in two was
      living in the UK or France, one in two was born in East-Africa. CONCLUSIONS: For
      the first time, scientific evidence gives a reliable estimate of the number of
      first-generation women and girls in Europe coming from countries where FGM is
      practiced. The use of census data proves reliable for policy makers to guide
      their actions, e.g., regarding training needs for health workers who might be
      confronted with women who have undergone FGM, or the need for reconstructive
      surgery.

PMID- 27652838
TI  - Clinical features and outcomes of diffuse endocapillary proliferation Henoch
      Schonlein purpura nephritis in children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the outcomes of childhood diffuse endocapillary
      proliferation Henoch-Schonlein purpura nephritis (DEP-HSPN) in response to early
      diagnosis and prompt treatment. METHODS: Eleven cases of DEP-HSPN in children
      were investigated in comparison to HSPN without diffuse endocapillary
      proliferation (non-DEP-HSPN). RESULTS: DEP-HSPN had a higher prevalence of
      nephrotic syndrome but a lower prevalence of hematuria compared to non-DEP-HSPN.
      IgA, IgG and IgM antibody deposition was found in DEP-HSPN by histopathological
      examination. Proteinuria cleared in all 11 cases through treatment with steroids
      and/or immunosuppressive drugs. However, half of the DEP-HSPN patients
      continuously had hematuria after treatment. CONCLUSION: The early diagnosis and
      prompt initiation of immunosuppressive treatment based on renal biopsy are
      important for achieving favorable outcomes.

PMID- 27652841
TI  - Success story.
AB  - The development of the role of the specialist continence adviser hits been one of
      the greatest success stories of the profession. Any reservations expressed in the
      early days that the role was superfluous have long been overcome. Continence
      advisers have played a major part in altering the emphasis of care from passive
      management of incontinence to positive attempts to promote continence. They have
      earned the gratitude of countless clients and the respect of their colleagues.

PMID- 27652840
TI  - Epilepsy and electroencephalographic abnormalities in C9orf72 repeat expansion.
AB  - A patient has been recently described with frontotemporal cognitive decline and
      C9orf72 repeat expansion who presented abnormally slowed background and
      photoparoxysmal response at electroencephalographic (EEG) recording. Our data,
      based on five patients with repeat expansions in C9orf72 and EEG recordings
      suggest that abnormally slowed background and epilepsy represent previously
      unrecognized features of the C9orf72 phenotype in some patients.

PMID- 27652842
TI  - How European are you?
AB  - Green issues have been nudged from the top of the small-talk hit list: it's far
      more fashionable now to have a view on Europe. With Sir Geoffrey Howe joining the
      growing band of deserters from the Tory camp over the vexed European question,
      chasms in the Cabinet have resulted in divisions at the dinner table. But Sir
      Geoffrey's walk-out came at the end of a week when euphoria mingled with
      indignation as France and Britain were linked by the Channel Tunnel. Shock waves
      rippled through the country with the realisation that Britain is 'no longer an
      island'. The euphoria had more to do with the glimmer of hope that the 'Chunnel
      was at some stage going to reach its objective.

PMID- 27652843
TI  - Prescribing rights.
AB  - The report of the advisory group on nurse prescribing (1) has met a mixed
      response from continence advisers. There is much to be welcomed in this report
      which, if implemented, will undoubtedly improve many aspects of patient care. In
      this interim period between the end of the consultation exercise and the issue of
      any revisions based upon that consultation, it is impossible to know what the
      final terms of nurse prescribing will be. If implemented unchanged, some serious
      anomalies and problems can be foreseen.

PMID- 27652844
TI  - Nurses stop work to protest captivity.
AB  - British and Irish nurses held hostage in Iraq have stopped work at one of
      Baghdad's largest hospitals, in protest at not being allowed home.

PMID- 27652845
TI  - Education changes to be funded by DoH?
AB  - There were hints last week that major changes in post-registration education
      could be funded by extra cash from the Government.

PMID- 27652846
TI  - Clarke moved from Health Department.
AB  - Kenneth Clarke's surprise departure from the Department of Health in last week's
      Cabinet reshuffle met a mixed reaction from nursing organisations.

PMID- 27652847
TI  - Nursing care audit.
AB  - A new nursing audit initiative was launched last week to teach all grass-roots
      staff how to measure the quality of their care.

PMID- 27652848
TI  - What prescribing powers mean.
AB  - From April 1992 it has been recommended that nurses working in the community will
      be able to prescribe from a Nurses' Formulary a limited list of drugs, dressings,
      appliances and chemical reagents ( 1 ). This article describes some of the key
      recommendations from the report, discusses their implications for continence
      advisers and presents the necessary educational initiatives required for
      continence advisers to prepare themselves for these changes.

PMID- 27652850
TI  - Overweight nurses given slim chance of work.
AB  - Overweight nurses applying for jobs in Cleveland have been told they are not fit
      enough for work on the wards, it was revealed last week.

PMID- 27652851
TI  - ?
AB  - Pictured at the launch of the Maternity Alliance/Persil hirthplan and midwives'
      teaching notes are (left to right) Jennette Golding, RCN Adviser to the General
      Secretary on Race and Ethnicity: Dr Miriam Stoppard; and Angela Phillips, MA Vice
      chair.

PMID- 27652852
TI  - Era of practice nursing 'beckons health visitors'.
AB  - More health visitors are likely to become practice nurses or be employed by GPs
      in future, Health Minister Virginia Bottomley predicted last week.

PMID- 27652853
TI  - ?
AB  - Patient services, the National Health Service reforms and clinical grading were
      on the agenda when labour's Chief Spokesman for Wales, MP Barry Jones, visited
      the Royal College of Nursing Welsh Board recently. Nurses told Mr Jones about
      their concerns over waiting lists and said no hospital should become an NHS Trust
      unless there are real benefits for the community. He is pictured with Anne
      Pegington. Board Secretary, left, and Chairman Meg Edwards.

PMID- 27652854
TI  - Nurses 'must not be loss leaders' in pay rounds.
AB  - Nurses must not be used as 'loss leaders' by the Government in its attempt to
      keep wages down in the economy as a whole, RCN General Secretary Christine
      Hancock has told Employment Secretary Michael Howard.

PMID- 27652855
TI  - Call for stronger nursing links in Europe.
AB  - United Kingdom nurses share the same concerns and hopes for the future as their
      European colleagues, according to new research findings.

PMID- 27652857
TI  - 'Children suffer' due to undertreatment by nurses.
AB  - Older children are suffering unnecessarily in hospital because nurses
      underestimate the pain they feel, a Dutch child psychologist said last week.

PMID- 27652856
TI  - Deprived Welsh areas targeted for community care.
AB  - A project which targets the work of community nurses in deprived parts of Wales
      was launched last week.

PMID- 27652858
TI  - ?
AB  - Footballer Garth Crooks was one of the guest speakers at a Camberwell Community
      Health Council public meeting on the treatment of patients with sickle cell
      anaemia last week. He is pictured with Sandra Gordon, who chaired the meeting.

PMID- 27652859
TI  - Nurses told to mobilise for future.
AB  - Working with elderly people is nursing's greatest challenge and one of the
      biggest political issues confronting the profession, according to Professor June
      Clark, RCN President Elect.

PMID- 27652861
TI  - Parliament.
AB  - Hopes of funding community care for mentally ill or handicapped people through
      large land sales are set to be dashed according to the Commons Social Services
      Committee.

PMID- 27652860
TI  - Trophic stimulation.
AB  - Recent research papers show that the female pelvic floor muscles make
      stereotypical adaptations to poor usage, pain and in some 50 per cent of cases
      studies pudendal nerve lesion. These adaptations involve a selective loss of the
      deep muscle fibres which give the pelvic floor the postural tone to support the
      weight of the pelvic contents. They have also been shown to aid in the
      transmission of abdominal pressure increase during coughing and sneezing to
      support the external sphincter and allow the superficial, fast-acting fibres to
      have maximal efficiency in preventing urine leakage.

PMID- 27652862
TI  - Catheter choice.
AB  - While catheterisation is usually a medical decision, in the community setting it
      is frequently the district nurse who selects the catheter with advice from the
      local continence adviser. With nurse prescribing on the horizon, those of us
      responsible for selection should make use of relevant research to ensure we
      choose the correct product for our patients and clients. The Nursing Practice
      Research Unit report ( 1 ) on procedures for catheter care made several
      recommendations, including.

PMID- 27652863
TI  - More training needed for fertility nurses.
AB  - Two thirds of fertility nurses believe they need specialised training in order to
      carry out many of the tasks expected of them, a major survey has revealed.

PMID- 27652864
TI  - New cancer test to undergo trials.
AB  - A new test to detect early cancers from blood samples is to be introduced at
      Southampton General Hospital as part of an international trial next year.

PMID- 27652866
TI  - Dispensing advice.
AB  - Helen Ball and Joy Chapman are, respectively, the centre manager and an appliance
      practice nurse (APN) at the Thackraycare dispensing appliance centre in
      Wolverhampton. Both are qualified RGNs who joined the company from posts within
      the health service.

PMID- 27652868
TI  - Project 2000 may face stumbling block.
AB  - Fear of change among the hierarchies in nursing could present a major stumbling
      block to the success of Project 2000, the new RCN Director of Education Tom
      Bolger believes.

PMID- 27652869
TI  - Struggling towards the thinking practitioner.
AB  - Nursing must rid itself of its traditional task-orientated approach to practice
      and its over-obsession with rules, according to leading nurse educator Professor
      Maureen Lahitf.

PMID- 27652870
TI  - NHS reforms viewed as harmful to nurses.
AB  - Former Royal College of Nursing General Secretary Trevor Clay slammed the NHS
      reforms and claimed it would be one of the major issues at the next general
      election.

PMID- 27652872
TI  - Cutting down on decibels.
AB  - Noise pollution is an ever-increasing problem in the hospital environment, which
      can be both distressing and damaging to health.

PMID- 27652871
TI  - Linking study, education and practice.
AB  - If you are the kind of nurse who thinks study is only for students, the launch
      last week of the UK Central Council's major report on continuing education could
      leave you deeply shaken.

PMID- 27652873
TI  - Give peace a chance.
AB  - After eight weeks in hospital, Mrs Gertrude Apthorpe, is serene and charming
      despite having suffered several sleepless nights due to bed pumps creaking,
      chairs screeching across the floor and nurses carrying out their usual night
      routines.

PMID- 27652874
TI  - Listings.
AB  - Nursing Standard regrets that owing to unprecedented demand we are no longer able
      to take listings over the telephone. We would like to remind our readers that the
      listings section is for use by charitable organisations, unions, professional
      organisations and health authorities to publicise forthcoming events. Your
      listings should be sent to us on an official listings form and contain all
      relevant details. Listings forms can be obtained from Clare Ward at Nursing
      Standard, 17-19 Peterborough Road, Harrow, Middlesex HA1 2AX.

PMID- 27652875
TI  - Registering dismay.
AB  - Although I did note that Richard Miller's Debate article ('Abolish RMN
      Specialisms', Nursing Standard, October 24) was intended to be provocative, I had
      to read his article twice and then check the date to make sure it wasn't an April
      Fool's joke.

PMID- 27652876
TI  - ?

PMID- 27652877
TI  - Specialism sadness.
AB  - I am somewhat saddened by Richard Miller's apparently well researched article
      ('Abolish RMN Specialisms', ! Nursing Standard October 24).

PMID- 27652878
TI  - Professional status.
AB  - In response to D J Brown's letter Professional recognition' (Nursing Standard
      October 24).

PMID- 27652879
TI  - The wrong reign.
AB  - Astute readers will have noticed that in last week's nursing history article,
      'Waiting for the Bombs to Fall', we catapulted the reigning monarch back in time.
      King George VI became King George IV due to an error of transposition. We
      apologise to the author, Dame Kathleen Raven for any embarrassment.

PMID- 27652880
TI  - Trained anger.
AB  - I read with dismay the letter Helpers must support nurses' (Nursing Standard
      October 24). Here we go again - 'I am trained you are not' - the I am a trained
      nurse syndrome'.

PMID- 27652881
TI  - Information exchange.
AB  - I and other interested colleagues are planning to initiate a Cognitive
      Behavioural Therapy Interest Group in our district.

PMID- 27652882
TI  - Issue of the moment.
AB  - Current media attention to the Graham Pink case has implied that nursing
      academics and researchers (among others) fail to get involved in the issues of
      the moment, namely the struggle for resources and power. As a result, it is
      claimed, informed commentary from this section of the nursing community is
      noteable by its absence.

PMID- 27652883
TI  - Answers to last week's crossword.

PMID- 27652885
TI  - Unity is strength.
AB  - The nursing profession finally appears to be waking up to the reality of that new
      breed of community nurse - the practice nurse.

PMID- 27652884
TI  - Points of view.
AB  - About a year ago, when the ' billboard adverts declaring 'Drugs - the effects can
      last forever' first appeared, I thought: 'Oh good, at last someone is having a go
      at the pharmaceutical industry for the way it markets dangerous drugs.'

PMID- 27652886
TI  - Effect of graphene oxide ratio on the cell adhesion and growth behavior on a
      graphene oxide-coated silicon substrate.
AB  - Control of living cells on biocompatible materials or on modified substrates is
      important for the development of bio-applications, including biosensors and
      implant biomaterials. The topography and hydrophobicity of substrates highly
      affect cell adhesion, growth, and cell growth kinetics, which is of great
      importance in bio-applications. Herein, we investigate the adhesion, growth, and
      morphology of cultured breast cancer cells on a silicon substrate, on which
      graphene oxides (GO) was partially formed. By minimizing the size and amount of
      the GO-containing solution and the further annealing process, GO-coated Si
      samples were prepared which partially covered the Si substrates. The coverage of
      GO on Si samples decreases upon annealing. The behaviors of cells cultured on two
      samples have been observed, i.e. partially GO-coated Si (P-GO) and annealed
      partially GO-coated Si (Annealed p-GO), with a different coverage of GO. Indeed,
      the spreading area covered by the cells and the number of cells for a given
      culture period in the incubator were highly dependent on the hydrophobicity and
      the presence of oxygenated groups on GO and Si substrates, suggesting
      hydrophobicity-driven cell growth. Thus, the presented method can be used to
      control the cell growth via an appropriate surface modification.

PMID- 27652887
TI  - Drug-Loaded Nanoparticles Embedded in a Biomembrane Provide a Dual-Release
      Mechanism for Drug Delivery to the Eye.
AB  - PURPOSE: Topical delivery by eye drops, which accounts for ~90% of all ophthalmic
      formulations, is inefficient for drug delivery to the posterior segment. Only 5%
      of the drug applied as drops reaches the target, whereas the rest is lost through
      tear drainage. A number of conditions such as glaucoma and proliferative
      retinopathy need sustained drug release to be therapeutically effective. The
      purpose of this study was to develop a novel dual-release drug delivery system to
      meet this requirement. METHODS: Our system consists of lidocaine-loaded
      poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles suspended within a thin
      collagen membrane. This system provides constant contact with the cornea, and the
      nanoparticles supply a continuous release of medication, resulting in more drug
      reaching the target. This system provides dual release of the drug, from both the
      nanoparticles and the membrane. RESULTS: The nanoparticles loaded into the
      membrane did not have a significant effect on light transmittance through the
      membrane compared with a commercial contact lens. The membranes containing
      nanoparticles showed a lesser burst release of 16.2% of the initial lidocaine
      loading than the free nanoparticles with a burst release of 41.8% of the initial
      lidocaine loading. The membrane containing nanoparticles showed a slow and
      continuous release of lidocaine of up to 23.4% of the initial loading after 7
      days compared with 64% for the free nanoparticles. CONCLUSIONS: The dual-release
      membrane system shows promise for a new drug delivery method to the eye with
      limited burst release and sustained delivery.

PMID- 27652888
TI  - Curli mediate bacterial adhesion to fibronectin via tensile multiple bonds.
AB  - Many enteric bacteria including pathogenic Escherichia coli and Salmonella
      strains produce curli fibers that bind to host surfaces, leading to bacterial
      internalization into host cells. By using a nanomechanical force-sensing
      approach, we obtained real-time information about the distribution of molecular
      bonds involved in the adhesion of curliated bacteria to fibronectin. We found
      that curliated E. coli and fibronectin formed dense quantized and multiple
      specific bonds with high tensile strength, resulting in tight bacterial binding.
      Nanomechanical recognition measurements revealed that approximately 10 bonds were
      disrupted either sequentially or simultaneously under force load. Thus the curli
      formation of bacterial surfaces leads to multi-bond structural components of
      fibrous nature, which may explain the strong mechanical binding of curliated
      bacteria to host cells and unveil the functions of these proteins in bacterial
      internalization and invasion.

PMID- 27652889
TI  - Distinct and Overlapping Requirements for Cyclins A, B, and B3 in Drosophila
      Female Meiosis.
AB  - Meiosis, like mitosis, depends on the activity of the cyclin dependent kinase
      Cdk1 and its cyclin partners. Here, we examine the specific requirements for the
      three mitotic cyclins, A, B, and B3 in meiosis of Drosophila melanogaster We find
      that all three cyclins contribute redundantly to nuclear envelope breakdown,
      though cyclin A appears to make the most important individual contribution.
      Cyclin A is also required for biorientation of homologs in meiosis I. Cyclin B3,
      as previously reported, is required for anaphase progression in meiosis I and in
      meiosis II. We find that it also plays a redundant role, with cyclin A, in
      preventing DNA replication during meiosis. Cyclin B is required for maintenance
      of the metaphase I arrest in mature oocytes, for spindle organization, and for
      timely progression through the second meiotic division. It is also essential for
      polar body formation at the completion of meiosis. With the exception of its
      redundant role in meiotic maturation, cyclin B appears to function independently
      of cyclins A and B3 through most of meiosis. We conclude that the three mitotic
      cyclin-Cdk complexes have distinct and overlapping functions in Drosophila female
      meiosis.

PMID- 27652890
TI  - Genomic Prediction of Resistance to Pasteurellosis in Gilthead Sea Bream (Sparus
      aurata) Using 2b-RAD Sequencing.
AB  - Gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) is a species of paramount importance to the
      Mediterranean aquaculture industry, with an annual production exceeding 140,000
      metric tons. Pasteurellosis due to the Gram-negative bacterium Photobacterium
      damselae subsp. piscicida (Phdp) causes significant mortality, especially during
      larval and juvenile stages, and poses a serious threat to bream production.
      Selective breeding for improved resistance to pasteurellosis is a promising
      avenue for disease control, and the use of genetic markers to predict breeding
      values can improve the accuracy of selection, and allow accurate calculation of
      estimated breeding values of nonchallenged animals. In the current study, a
      population of 825 sea bream juveniles, originating from a factorial cross between
      67 broodfish (32 sires, 35 dams), were challenged by 30 min immersion with 1 *
      105 CFU virulent Phdp. Mortalities and survivors were recorded and sampled for
      genotyping by sequencing. The restriction-site associated DNA sequencing
      approach, 2b-RAD, was used to generate genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism
      (SNP) genotypes for all samples. A high-density linkage map containing 12,085
      SNPs grouped into 24 linkage groups (consistent with the karyotype) was
      constructed. The heritability of surviving days (censored data) was 0.22 (95%
      highest density interval: 0.11-0.36) and 0.28 (95% highest density interval: 0.17
      0.4) using the pedigree and the genomic relationship matrix respectively. A
      genome-wide association study did not reveal individual SNPs significantly
      associated with resistance at a genome-wide significance level. Genomic
      prediction approaches were tested to investigate the potential of the SNPs
      obtained by 2b-RAD for estimating breeding values for resistance. The accuracy of
      the genomic prediction models (r = 0.38-0.46) outperformed the traditional BLUP
      approach based on pedigree records (r = 0.30). Overall results suggest that major
      quantitative trait loci affecting resistance to pasteurellosis were not present
      in this population, but highlight the effectiveness of 2b-RAD genotyping by
      sequencing for genomic selection in a mass spawning fish species.

PMID- 27652891
TI  - The Selective Maintenance of Allelic Variation Under Generalized Dominance.
AB  - Simple models of viability selection acting on variation at a single diploid
      locus only maintain multiple alleles for very restricted sets of fitnesses. Most
      of these models assume that fitnesses are independent, even if the genotypes
      share alleles. Here, we extend this result to a model with generalized dominance
      interactions, in which fitnesses are strongly affected by what we call the
      "primary effects" of the genotype's component alleles, so that genotypes with
      shared alleles have correlated fitnesses. Nevertheless, in keeping with
      previously reported results, we also show that such fitness sets are easily
      constructed over time if recurrent mutation is occurring simultaneously. We find
      that such models maintain less variation over time than do (previous) models with
      independently sampled fitnesses, especially when the effects of genetic drift are
      taken into account. We also show that there is a weak tendency for greater
      weighting of primary effects to evolve over time.

PMID- 27652893
TI  - Inversion of diffraction data for amorphous materials.
AB  - The general and practical inversion of diffraction data-producing a computer
      model correctly representing the material explored-is an important unsolved
      problem for disordered materials. Such modeling should proceed by using our full
      knowledge base, both from experiment and theory. In this paper, we describe a
      robust method to jointly exploit the power of ab initio atomistic simulation
      along with the information carried by diffraction data. The method is applied to
      two very different systems: amorphous silicon and two compositions of a solid
      electrolyte memory material silver-doped GeSe3. The technique is easy to
      implement, is faster and yields results much improved over conventional
      simulation methods for the materials explored. By direct calculation, we show
      that the method works for both poor and excellent glass forming materials. It
      offers a means to add a priori information in first-principles modeling of
      materials, and represents a significant step toward the computational design of
      non-crystalline materials using accurate interatomic interactions and
      experimental information.

PMID- 27652892
TI  - Extensive Epigenetic Changes Accompany Terminal Differentiation of Mouse
      Hepatocytes After Birth.
AB  - DNA methylation is traditionally thought to be established during early
      development and to remain mostly unchanged thereafter in healthy tissues,
      although recent studies have shown that this epigenetic mark can be more dynamic.
      Epigenetic changes occur in the liver after birth, but the timing and underlying
      biological processes leading to DNA methylation changes are not well understood.
      We hypothesized that this epigenetic reprogramming was the result of terminal
      differentiation of hepatocyte precursors. Using genomic approaches, we
      characterized the DNA methylation patterns in mouse liver from E18.5 until
      adulthood to determine if the timing of the DNA methylation change overlaps with
      hepatocyte terminal differentiation, and to examine the genomic context of these
      changes and identify the regulatory elements involved. Out of 271,325 CpGs
      analyzed throughout the genome, 214,709 CpGs changed DNA methylation by more than
      5% (e.g., from 5 to 10% methylation) between E18.5 and 9 wk of age, and 18,863
      CpGs changed DNA methylation by more than 30%. Genome-scale data from six time
      points between E18.5 and P20 show that DNA methylation changes coincided with the
      terminal differentiation of hepatoblasts into hepatocytes. We also showed that
      epigenetic reprogramming occurred primarily in intergenic enhancer regions while
      gene promoters were less affected. Our data suggest that normal postnatal hepatic
      development and maturation involves extensive epigenetic remodeling of the
      genome, and that enhancers play a key role in controlling the transition from
      hepatoblasts to fully differentiated hepatocytes. Our study provides a solid
      foundation to support future research aimed at further revealing the role of
      epigenetics in stem cell biology.

PMID- 27652895
TI  - 2016 APMA Annual Scientific Meeting (The National) Abstract Competition Winners.

PMID- 27652894
TI  - A basal ganglia circuit for evaluating action outcomes.
AB  - The basal ganglia, a group of subcortical nuclei, play a crucial role in decision
      making by selecting actions and evaluating their outcomes. While much is known
      about the function of the basal ganglia circuitry in selection, how these nuclei
      contribute to outcome evaluation is less clear. Here we show that neurons in the
      habenula-projecting globus pallidus (GPh) in mice are essential for evaluating
      action outcomes and are regulated by a specific set of inputs from the basal
      ganglia. We find in a classical conditioning task that individual mouse GPh
      neurons bidirectionally encode whether an outcome is better or worse than
      expected. Mimicking these evaluation signals with optogenetic inhibition or
      excitation is sufficient to reinforce or discourage actions in a decision-making
      task. Moreover, cell-type-specific synaptic manipulations reveal that the
      inhibitory and excitatory inputs to the GPh are necessary for mice to
      appropriately evaluate positive and negative feedback, respectively. Finally,
      using rabies-virus-assisted monosynaptic tracing, we show that the GPh is
      embedded in a basal ganglia circuit wherein it receives inhibitory input from
      both striosomal and matrix compartments of the striatum, and excitatory input
      from the 'limbic' regions of the subthalamic nucleus. Our results provide
      evidence that information about the selection and evaluation of actions is
      channelled through distinct sets of basal ganglia circuits, with the GPh
      representing a key locus in which information of opposing valence is integrated
      to determine whether action outcomes are better or worse than expected.

PMID- 27652896
TI  - The putative flavin carrier family FlcA-C is important for Aspergillus fumigatus
      virulence.
AB  - Aspergillus fumigatus is an opportunistic fungal pathogen and the most important
      species causing pulmonary fungal infections. The signaling by calcium is very
      important for A. fumigatus pathogenicity and it is regulated by the transcription
      factor CrzA. We have previously used used ChIP-seq (Chromatin Immunoprecipitation
      DNA sequencing) aiming to identify gene targets regulated by CrzA. We have
      identified among several genes regulated by calcium stress, the putative flavin
      transporter, flcA. This transporter belongs to a small protein family composed of
      FlcA, B, and C. The DeltaflcA null mutant showed several phenotypes, such as
      morphological defects, increased sensitivity to calcium chelating-agent ethylene
      glycol tetraacetic acid (EGTA), cell wall or oxidative damaging agents and
      metals, repre-sentative of deficiencies in calcium signaling and iron
      homeostasis. Increasing calcium concentrations improved significantly the
      DeltaflcA growth and conidiation, indicating that DeltaflcA mutant has calcium
      insufficiency. Finally, DeltaflcA-C mutants showed reduced flavin adenine
      dinucleotide (FAD) and were avirulent in a low dose murine infection model.

PMID- 27652898
TI  - Overview of the potent cyanobacterial neurotoxin beta-methylamino-L-alanine
      (BMAA) and its analytical determination.
AB  - Blue-green algae are responsible for the production of different types of toxins
      which can be neurotoxic, hepatotoxic, cytotoxic and dermatotoxic and that can
      affect both aquatic and terrestrial life. Since its discovery the neurotoxin beta
      methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) has been a cause for concern, being associated with
      the neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/Parkinsonism-dementia
      complex (ALS/PDC). The initial focus was on Guam where it was observed that a
      high number of people were affected by the ALS/PDC complex. Subsequently,
      researchers were surprised to find levels of BMAA in post mortem brains from
      Canadian patients who also suffered from ALS/PDC. Recent research demonstrates
      that BMAA has been found at different levels in the aquatic food web in the
      brackish waters of the Baltic Sea. There is emerging evidence to suggest that
      sand-borne algae from Qatar can also contain BMAA. Furthermore, there is now
      concern because BMAA has been found not only in warmer regions of the world but
      also in temperate regions like Europe. The aim of this review is to focus on the
      methods of extraction and analysis of the neurotoxic non-protein amino acid BMAA.
      We also consider the neurotoxicity, aetiology, and diverse sources and routes of
      exposure to BMAA. In recent years, different methods have been developed for the
      analysis of BMAA. Some of these use HPLC-FD, UPLC-UV, UPLC-MS and LC-MS/MS using
      samples that have been derivatised or underivatised. To date the LC-MS/MS
      approach is the most widely used analytical technique as it is the most selective
      and sensitive method for BMAA determination.

PMID- 27652897
TI  - BMI-specific associations between health-related behaviours and overweight - a
      longitudinal study among Norwegian adolescents.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate BMI-specific associations between health-related
      behaviours in early adolescence and the likelihood of overweight in mid
      adolescence in a sample of Norwegian adolescents. DESIGN: Longitudinal study of
      393 adolescents recruited from schools in Telemark County, Norway. Parents
      reported baseline data on children's behavioural variables and background data
      (at age 12-13 years). Dietary data were reported by means of a retrospective FFQ.
      Eating patterns were identified using principal component analysis. Height and
      weight were measured at baseline and 3-year follow-up. BMI-specific differences
      in health-related behaviours (eating patterns, physical activity and screen time)
      at baseline were analysed using cross-tabulation and Pearson's chi 2 test
      (Fisher's test). Associations between early health-related behaviours and the
      likelihood of later overweight were examined using multiple logistic regression.
      SETTING: Primary and secondary schools, Telemark, Norway. SUBJECTS: Children (n
      393) in 7th grade (mean age 12.7 (sd 0.3) years), followed up in 10th grade, and
      parents. RESULTS: A moderate to high intake of a varied Norwegian eating pattern
      combined with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity >=1 h/d in the 7th grade
      were associated with a reduced likelihood of being overweight in the 10th grade,
      but only among already overweight adolescents (adjusted OR=0.2; 95 % CI 0.1,
      1.0). Screen time of >3 h/d in the 7th grade was associated with an increased
      likelihood of subsequent overweight only among adolescents with an initial normal
      weight (adjusted OR=2.8; 95 % CI 1.1, 7.3). CONCLUSIONS: BMI-specific
      associations were observed between health-related behaviours in early adolescence
      and the likelihood of being overweight in mid-adolescence.

PMID- 27652899
TI  - The frequency and outcome of acute dyspnoea in primary care: An observational
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little is known about the occurrence of acute dyspnoea in primary
      care and its underlying causes. OBJECTIVES: What are the occurrence and most
      frequent causes of acute dyspnoea in primary care, predictors of referral,
      hospitalization, death and possible underlying causes? METHODS: Twenty-five
      general practitioners (GPs) in Flanders (Belgium) recorded patient contacts for
      four periods of two weeks during one year. They recorded patients presenting with
      acute dyspnoea, location of contact (surgery versus home visit), new dyspnoea
      versus exacerbation, tentative diagnosis, referral to a specialist and hospital,
      and one month later final diagnosis, its justification, referral, hospitalization
      and death. RESULTS: Twenty-two GPs recorded 14,620 patient contacts. Acute
      dyspnoea was encountered in 317 patient-doctor contacts (2.2%; 95%CI: 1.9-2.4),
      without significant association between the acute dyspnoea frequency, and age and
      gender. Immediate referral and hospitalization were most frequent in patients 61
      to 90 years old. Forty-five patients (14.2%; 95%CI: 10.4-18.0) were referred to a
      specialist immediately and an additional 34 (10.7%; 95%CI: 7.3-14.1) by one month
      follow-up. Fourteen patients (4.4%) were hospitalized immediately, and 11 (3.5%)
      within one month. Six patients (1.9%), all 61 to 90 years old, died within one
      month. CONCLUSION: Dyspnoea occurs in about two per cent of consultations.
      Serious cases are rare and are much more likely in the older age group. Twenty
      five per cent of the contacts concerning acute or worsening dyspnoea were
      referred to a specialist or hospitalized. In daily practice, the risk of
      immediate referral, hospitalization and death is higher in men and older
      patients, especially if the contact is at the patient's home. [Box: see text].

PMID- 27652901
TI  - Current views of pediatric B Cell Precursor Acute Leucoyteic Leukemia: a review.
AB  - The most common type cancer prevailing in pediatric patients worldwide is acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The characteristic feature of this cancer is the
      accumulation of immature lymphoid cell in the bone marrow. Further a subtype of
      ALL namely B-cell precursor (BCP) ALL has raised in the recent years and is the
      most common subtype of ALL prevalent in children worldwide. The present review
      article will put light on the current aspects of BCP ALL including etiology,
      causative factors, diagnostic and treatment.

PMID- 27652900
TI  - Pediatric cardiovascular risk factors.
AB  - The dominant cause of mortality, morbidity and hospitalization worldwide is
      cardiac complications, and are the major public health problem in adult
      populations. The worldwide research is being focused on the idea that
      cardiovascular disease is an early life pathological state. Early unfavorable
      exposures, acting in different periods of fetal and early postnatal life, have
      been observed to be responsible for permanent editions in the cardiac system.
      This idea has been confirmed by preclinical experimental studies confirming the
      early life growth restriction leading to developmental adaptations in
      cardiovascular form and system. All these editions results in elevated
      susceptibility to cardiovascular disease. The present review article will put
      emphasis on these risk factors, which lead to the deadly cardiac pathology state
      in young infants.

PMID- 27652902
TI  - Antiretroviral therapy in HIV affected children: a review.
AB  - The pediatric Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) has shown enormous
      progress in recent years but still, a high percentage of children continue to
      experience treatment failure. The main causes found responsible are the
      development of drug resistance, inadequate dosing and poor adherence. This review
      is aimed at exploring the current status of antiretroviral therapy in children
      with focus on the interaction between disease, drug and patient behavior, all of
      which are strongly correlated .An overview of HIV viral characteristics and of
      the available antiretroviral drug classes currently combined to avoid development
      of resistance has been also discussed.

PMID- 27652903
TI  - A Sensitive Triple Quadrupole Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometric Method for
      the Estimation of Valproic Acid in K2EDTA Human Plasma using Furosemide as the
      Internal Standard.
AB  - A valproic acid is primarily being used in the treatment of epilepsy is a histone
      deacetylase inhibitor and it is under investigation for treatment of HIV and
      various cancer indications. A specific, sensitive and fast bioanalytical LC-MS/MS
      method was developed with furosemide as an internal standard (IS) and thoroughly
      validated for the quantitation of valproic acid using turbo ion spray in negative
      ion mode. The analyte and IS was extracted using protein precipitation. The
      chromatographic separation of analytes from extracted matrix was achieved using a
      Chromolith RP 18e (2.0*50 mm) column with a gradient mobile phase comprising of
      acetonitrile and purified water with acetic acid. The elution of both peaks was
      achieved within 5.2 min, with retention times of 2.55 min and 1.67 min for
      valproic acid and IS, respectively. Quantitation of valproic acid was achieved by
      the pseudo SRM transition pairs (m/z 142.8->m/z 142.8), and SRM transition pair
      (m/z 328.8 ->m/z 204.6) for internal standard.The calibration standards of
      valproic acid showed linear over a range from 50 to 40 000 ng/mL, with a lower
      limit of quantitation of 50 ng/mL with accuracy of 3.74% and precision of 5.06%.
      The bias for inter- and intra-batch assays was 1.24-6.14% and 3.85-11.84%,
      respectively; while the corresponding precision was 2.56-16.37% and 1.29-11.34%,
      respectively. The developed method was used to monitor valproic acid levels in
      clinical samples. Because of higher sensitivity, this method can be used for
      therapeutic drug monitoring in pediatric subjects.

PMID- 27652905
TI  - Biomimetic Multi-Functional Superamphiphobic FOTS-TiO2 Particles beyond Lotus
      Leaf.
AB  - It is widely known that natural examples like lotus leaves can only repel room
      temperature water but cannot repel hot water and oils. Even though
      superamphiphobic surfaces composed of re-entrant "mushroom-like" or "T-shaped"
      structures are promising, they are generally regarded as substrate-dependent and
      difficult to fabricate, and hence, their practical use on various materials has
      been limited. Here, we synthesize a flower-like superamphiphobic FOTS-TiO2 powder
      by solvothermal process and self-assembly functionalization. These structured and
      functionalized submicron particles can repel the liquids with surface tension as
      low as 23.8 mN.m-1 (n-decane), which is the lowest among powder samples. With
      respect to the biomimetic aspect, the surface morphology of FOTS-TiO2 particle is
      similar to the hierarchical micro/nano-structures of the lotus leaf surface, but
      it is beyond the lotus leaf for superoleophobic capacity. The difference in the
      oleophobicity is suggested to be the interplay of quasi-spherical re-entrant
      structure and perfluorined modification. Because of superior superamphiphobicity
      of the powder, a facile yet versatile strategy is developed, adhesive-assisted
      sieve deposition fabrication (AASDF), for preparing superamphiphobic coatings on
      various substrates. The investigation results pertaining to the water/oil
      proofing, mechanical durability, self-cleaning, and antifouling performances
      prove that the FOTS-TiO2 coating is robust and multifunctional, which will enable
      more opportunities for practical applications. Apart from these general
      applications, we find that the superamphiphobic FOTS-TiO2 powders when coated on
      sponge as anti-icing surface have good ice delay and icephobic performances.
      Furthermore, they can be used to prepare magnetic Fe3O4&FOTS-TiO2 composite
      particles through liquid marbles, implying significant scientific value.

PMID- 27652904
TI  - Inference of gene regulation functions from dynamic transcriptome data.
AB  - To quantify gene regulation, a function is required that relates transcription
      factor binding to DNA (input) to the rate of mRNA synthesis from a target gene
      (output). Such a 'gene regulation function' (GRF) generally cannot be measured
      because the experimental titration of inputs and simultaneous readout of outputs
      is difficult. Here we show that GRFs may instead be inferred from natural changes
      in cellular gene expression, as exemplified for the cell cycle in the yeast S.
      cerevisiae. We develop this inference approach based on a time series of mRNA
      synthesis rates from a synchronized population of cells observed over three cell
      cycles. We first estimate the functional form of how input transcription factors
      determine mRNA output and then derive GRFs for target genes in the CLB2 gene
      cluster that are expressed during G2/M phase. Systematic analysis of additional
      GRFs suggests a network architecture that rationalizes transcriptional cell cycle
      oscillations. We find that a transcription factor network alone can produce
      oscillations in mRNA expression, but that additional input from cyclin
      oscillations is required to arrive at the native behaviour of the cell cycle
      oscillator.

PMID- 27652906
TI  - Developing a Modern Approach To Account for Steric Effects in Hammett-Type
      Correlations.
AB  - The effects of aryl ring ortho-, meta-, and para-substitution on site selectivity
      and enantioselectivity were investigated in the following reactions: (1)
      enantioselective Pd-catalyzed redox-relay Heck reaction of arylboronic acids, (2)
      Pd-catalyzed beta-aryl elimination of triarylmethanols, and (3) benzoylformate
      decarboxylase-catalyzed enantioselective benzoin condensation of benzaldehydes.
      Through these studies, it is demonstrated that the electronic and steric effects
      of various substituents on selectivities obtained in these reactions can be
      described by NBO charges, the IR carbonyl stretching frequency, and Sterimol
      values of various substituted benzoic acids. An extended compilation of NBO
      charges and IR carbonyl stretching frequencies of various substituted benzoic
      acids was used as an alternative to Hammett values. These parameters provide a
      correlative tool that allows for the analysis of a much greater range of
      substituent effects because they can also account for proximal and remote steric
      effects.

PMID- 27652907
TI  - Optical Rotation Calculations for Fluorinated Alcohols, Amines, Amides, and
      Esters.
AB  - We have calculated the optical rotation at lambda = 589 nm for 45 fluorinated
      alcohols, amines, amides, and esters using both time-dependent density functional
      theory (TDDFT) with the CAM-B3LYP functional and the second-order approximate
      coupled-cluster singles and doubles (CC2) method, where the aug-cc-pVDZ basis set
      was adopted in both methods. Comparison of CAM-B3LYP and CC2 results to
      experiments illustrates that both methods are able to reproduce the experimental
      optical rotation results for both sign and magnitude. Several conformers for
      molecules containing the benzyloxy and naphthalene groups needed to be considered
      to obtain consistent signs with experiments, and these conformers are discussed
      in detail. We have also used a two-point inverse power extrapolation of the basis
      set to investigate the optical rotation in the basis set limit at the CC2 level,
      however, we only found small differences compared to the aug-cc-pVTZ results. Our
      results demonstrate that the least computationally expensive method investigated
      here, the CAM-B3LYP functional with the aug-cc-pVDZ basis set, is a reliable
      method to predict the optical rotation for large molecules and thereby the
      absolute configuration of chiral molecules.

PMID- 27652908
TI  - Computer decision support for acute kidney injury: current and future.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Growing awareness regarding the impact of acute kidney injury
      (AKI) as a grave consequence of critical illnesses resulted in the expansion of
      the need for early detection and appropriate management strategies. Clinical
      decision support systems (CDSS) can generate information to improve the care of
      AKI patients by providing point-of-care accurate patient-specific information and
      recommendations. Our objective is to describe the characteristics of CDSS and
      review the current knowledge regarding the impact of CDSS on patients in the
      acute care settings, and specifically for AKI. RECENT FINDINGS: Several recent
      systematic analyses showed the positive impact of CDSS on critically ill patients
      care processes. These studies also highlighted the scarcity of data regarding the
      effect of CDSS on the patient outcomes. In the field of AKI, there have been
      several reports to describe development and validation of homegrown CDSS and
      electronic alert systems. A large number of investigations showed the
      implementation of CDSS could improve the quality of AKI care; although, only in a
      very small subgroup of these studies patient outcomes improved. SUMMARY: The
      heterogeneity of these studies in their size, design, and conduct has produced
      controversial findings; hence, this has left the field completely open for
      further investigations.

PMID- 27652909
TI  - Cracking of Polycrystalline Graphene on Copper under Tension.
AB  - Roll-to-roll manufacturing of graphene is attractive because of its compatibility
      with flexible substrates and its promise of high-speed production. Several
      prototype roll-to-roll systems have been demonstrated, which produce large-scale
      graphene on polymer films for transparent conducting film applications.1-4 In
      spite of such progress, the quality of graphene may be influenced by the tensile
      forces that are applied during roll-to-roll transfer. To address this issue, we
      conducted in situ tensile experiments on copper foil coated with graphene grown
      by chemical vapor deposition, which were carried out in a scanning electron
      microscope. Channel cracks, which were perpendicular to the loading direction,
      initiated over the entire graphene monolayer at applied tensile strain levels
      that were about twice the yield strain of the (annealed) copper. The spacing
      between the channel cracks decreased with increasing applied strain, and new
      graphene wrinkles that were parallel to the loading direction appeared. These
      morphological features were confirmed in more detail by atomic force microscopy.
      Raman spectroscopy was used to determine the strain in the graphene, which was
      related to the degradation of the graphene/copper interface. The experimental
      data allowed the fracture toughness of graphene and interfacial properties of the
      graphene/copper interface to be extracted based on classical channel crack and
      shear-lag models. This study not only deepens our understanding of the mechanical
      and interfacial behavior of graphene on copper but also provides guidelines for
      the design of roll-to-roll processes for the dry transfer of graphene.

PMID- 27652910
TI  - Inotropic Effects of Prostacyclins on the Right Ventricle Are Abolished in
      Isolated Rat Hearts With Right-Ventricular Hypertrophy and Failure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prostacyclin mimetics are vasodilatory agents used in the treatment
      of pulmonary arterial hypertension. The direct effects of prostanoids on right
      ventricular (RV) function are unknown. We aimed to investigate the direct effects
      of prostacyclin mimetics on RV function in hearts with and without RV hypertrophy
      and failure. METHODS: Wistar rats were subjected to pulmonary trunk banding to
      induce compensated RV hypertrophy (n = 32) or manifest RV failure (n = 32). Rats
      without banding served as healthy controls (n = 30). The hearts were excised and
      perfused in a Langendorff system and subjected to iloprost, treprostinil,
      epoprostenol, or MRE-269 in increasing concentrations. The effect on RV function
      was evaluated using a balloon-tipped catheter inserted into the right ventricle.
      RESULTS: In control hearts, iloprost, treprostinil, and MRE-269 improved RV
      function. The effect was, however, absent in hearts with RV hypertrophy and
      failure. Treprostinil and MRE-269 even impaired RV function in hearts with
      manifest RV failure. CONCLUSIONS: Iloprost, treprostinil, and MRE-269 improved RV
      function in the healthy rat heart. RV hypertrophy abolished the positive
      inotropic effect, and in the failing right ventricle, MRE-269 and treprostinil
      impaired RV function. This may be related to changes in prostanoid receptor
      expression and reduced coronary flow reserve in the hypertrophic and failing
      right ventricle.

PMID- 27652911
TI  - Dexmedetomidine Depresses Sinoatrial and Atrioventricular Nodal Function Without
      Any Change in Atrial Fibrillation Inducibility.
AB  - It has been reported that dexmedetomidine (dex) has an impact on the cardiac
      conduction system and even has potential antiarrhythmic actions. We examined the
      influence of dex on the cardiac electrophysiological properties and atrial
      fibrillation (AF) inducibility. Adult paroxysmal AF patients were randomly
      assigned to receive (N = 107) or not receive (N = 108) dex during cardiac
      electrophysiological studies. The corrected sinus node recovery time (558 +/- 331
      vs. 459 +/- 260 milliseconds; P = 0.02), Wenckebach cycle length (P < 0.001),
      atrioventricular nodal effective refractory period (317 +/- 76 vs. 252 +/- 54
      milliseconds; P < 0.001), and atrio-His interval (P < 0.001) were longer in
      patients with dex than in those without. We tested the induction of repetitive
      atrial firing (RFA) defined as the occurrence of >=2 successive atrial activities
      induced by single premature atrial stimuli to determine the AF inducibility. RFA
      was seen with a similar proportion (41.1% vs. 44.4%), yet it was evoked at a
      longer stimulus coupling interval in the dex patients, which was potentially
      attributed to the longer atrial effective refractory period (237 +/- 36 vs. 213
      +/- 27 milliseconds; P < 0.001) and more prolonged atrial conduction delay seen
      in the dex group. In conclusion, dex may depress the sinus and atrioventricular
      nodal function, however, it may not reduce the AF inducibility.

PMID- 27652912
TI  - HORIZONTAL RIDGE AS A POSTERIOR POLE FINDING IN A HIGHLY MYOPIC EYE WITH DOME
      SHAPED MACULA.
AB  - PURPOSE: This article describes a case with a highly myopic eye and a posterior
      pole with ridge-like lesions. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: A 72-year-old man
      with unilateral high myopia showed poor vision and an extremely elongated axial
      length in his right eye, but normal vision and normal axial length in his left
      eye. He was examined using fundus examination and optical coherence tomography,
      and revealed to have dome-shaped macula with two horizontal ridges connecting the
      optic disc and the macula in his highly-myopic eye. CONCLUSION: The findings
      suggest that a dome-shaped macula may not be limited to the macula area, but may
      involve the whole posterior pole and is potentially involved in the elongation of
      highly myopic eyeballs.

PMID- 27652914
TI  - RISK FACTORS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF MACULAR HOLE RETINAL DETACHMENT AFTER PARS PLANA
      VITRECTOMY FOR PATHOLOGIC MYOPIC FOVEOSCHISIS.
AB  - PURPOSE: To identify the risk factors for the development of macular hole retinal
      detachment (MHRD) after vitrectomy without internal limiting membrane peeling for
      pathologic MF. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 131 eyes (115
      patients) treated with vitrectomy for pathologic MF from 2009 to 2014. The best
      corrected visual acuity (BCVA), refractive error, axial length, and spectral
      domain optical coherence tomography findings were analyzed. RESULTS:
      Postoperative MHRD developed in 7 eyes (5.3%). Between patients with or without
      secondary MHRD after vitrectomy, there were no significant differences in age,
      sex, axial length, preoperative BCVA, refractive error, lens status, and presence
      of posterior staphyloma. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography showed all
      7 eyes (100%) had foveal detachment, while only 47 patients (37.9%) of 124 eyes
      had foveal detachment (P = 0.004). There was no significant difference between
      preoperative and postoperative BCVA in the 7 eyes with MHRD. The postoperative
      BCVA in the 124 eyes without MHRD was significantly improved (P < 0.001). Among
      the 124 eyes, both preoperative and postoperative BCVA of eyes with foveal
      detachment was worse than the eyes without foveal detachment (P < 0.001,
      respectively). CONCLUSION: Preoperative foveal detachment is a risk factor for
      the development of MHRD after vitrectomy for pathologic MF.

PMID- 27652915
TI  - INTRAVITREAL AFLIBERCEPT IN NEOVASCULAR AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION WITH
      LIMITED RESPONSE TO RANIBIZUMAB: A Treat-and-Extend Trial.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate aflibercept treat-and-extend regimen for treatment of
      neovascular age-related macular degeneration in patients with limited response to
      ranibizumab. METHODS: This prospective single-arm trial included 33 patients with
      neovascular age-related macular degeneration pretreated with treat-and-extend
      regimen ranibizumab for >=6 months who failed to be extended to a 6-week interval
      at least twice. All patients received aflibercept (2 mg/0.05 mL) at baseline, and
      were subsequently treated according to treat-and-extend regimen, starting with a
      4-week interval and extending in 2-week steps. Evaluations included mean maximum
      recurrence-free treatment interval; best-corrected visual acuity; central retinal
      thickness; and pigment epithelium detachment height and horizontal diameter.
      RESULTS: At Week 24, the maximum recurrence-free treatment interval increased to
      >=6 weeks in ~35% of patients, whereas the mean interval was 4.9 +/- 1.3 weeks.
      Best-corrected visual acuity score remained stable, but significant reductions in
      central retinal thickness (P < 0.001) and pigment epithelium detachment height (P
      = 0.001) were observed compared with baseline, as was a small decrease in
      horizontal pigment epithelium detachment diameter (P = 0.035). CONCLUSION: After
      switching patients with limited ranibizumab response to aflibercept, signs of
      choroidal neovascularization activity regressed, and an increased duration of
      treatment effects was seen in approximately one-third of lesions, but visual
      acuity was unchanged.

PMID- 27652913
TI  - CLINICAL ENDPOINTS FOR THE STUDY OF GEOGRAPHIC ATROPHY SECONDARY TO AGE-RELATED
      MACULAR DEGENERATION.
AB  - PURPOSE: To summarize the recent literature describing the application of modern
      technologies in the study of patients with geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to
      age-related macular degeneration. METHODS: Review of the literature describing
      the terms and definitions used to describe GA, imaging modalities used to capture
      and measure GA, and the tests of visual function and functional deficits that
      occur in patients with GA. RESULTS: In this paper, we describe the evolution of
      the definitions used to describe GA. We compare imaging modalities used in the
      characterization of GA, report on the sensitivity and specificity of the
      techniques where data exist, and describe the correlations between these various
      modes of capturing the presence of GA. We review the functional tests that have
      been used in patients with GA, and critically examine their ability to detect and
      quantify visual deficits. CONCLUSION: Ophthalmologists and retina specialists now
      have a wide range of assessments available for the functional and anatomic
      characterization of GA in patients with age-related macular degeneration. To
      date, studies have been limited by their unimodal approach, and we recommend that
      future studies of GA use multimodal imaging. We also suggest strategies for the
      optimal functional testing of patients with GA.

PMID- 27652916
TI  - ELECTRORETINOGRAPHIC AND VISUAL-EVOKED POTENTIAL CHANGES IN RELATION TO CHELATION
      MODALITY IN CHILDREN WITH THALASSEMIA.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate possible benefits of using electrophysiological
      investigations for detecting retinal and visual pathway changes and correlating
      them with chelation modality in children with thalassemia. METHODS: This study
      included 60 patients on single oral iron chelator (deferasirox) (Group 1), 60 on
      deferoxamine chelator (Group 2), and 60 controls (Group 3). Participants
      underwent full ophthalmologic examination, pattern visual-evoked potential,
      pattern electroretinogram, and multifocal electroretinogram. RESULTS: Fundus
      showed no abnormalities. Multifocal electroretinogram mean P1 amplitude showed
      statistically significant differences in all 5 rings, amplitudes being
      significantly lower in Groups 1 and 2 than Group 3; moreover, significantly lower
      in Group 2 than Group 1. There was a statistically significant difference between
      groups regarding P50 wave latency and N35-P50 of pattern electroretinogram
      amplitude (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). However, there were no
      statistically significant differences between groups regarding N95 wave of
      pattern electroretinogram and pattern visual-evoked potential waves' amplitude
      and latency. Multiple regression analyses illustrated that chelator was the most
      important determinant for multifocal electroretinogram and P50 parameters.
      CONCLUSION: Preclinical electrophysiologic changes existed in thalassemics, more
      obvious in those on deferoxamine. Electrophysiologic studies analysis denotes an
      early toxic macular insult rather than optic nerve affection. Thus, regular
      follow-up using multifocal electroretinogram and pattern electroretinogram is
      recommended.

PMID- 27652918
TI  - Michael Addition-Lactonization of Arylacetyl Phosphonate to beta,gamma
      Unsaturated alpha-Keto Esters for the Synthesis of Chiral syn-3,4
      Dihydropyranones and 5,6-Dihydropyranones.
AB  - Catalytic asymmetric Michael addition-lactonization of arylacetyl phosphonates to
      beta,gamma-unsaturated alpha-keto esters by a chiral bifunctional thiourea
      tertiary amine was established. Using the developed protocol, a range of
      optically pure syn-3,4-dihydropyranones were generated in good yields with good
      to excellent stereoselectivities (up to >20:1 dr and 99% ee). Meanwhile, when
      stoichiometric diisopropylethylamine and 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene were
      used as the base for the same reaction, a series of 5,6-dihydropyranones could be
      obtained in moderate to good yields (53-75% yield).

PMID- 27652919
TI  - Isophthalate-Hydrazone 2D Zinc-Organic Framework: Crystal Structure, Selective
      Adsorption, and Tuning of Mechanochemical Synthetic Conditions.
AB  - A new layered mixed-linker metal-organic framework [Zn2(iso)2(pcih)2]n (MOF)
      built from isophthalate ions (iso2-) and 4-pyridinecarbaldehyde isonicotinoyl
      hydrazone (pcih) was prepared using both solution and mechanochemical methods. By
      use of the latter, the 2D MOF is obtained either in a one-mortar three-component
      grinding or on the way of a two-step mechanosynthesis. Tuning of mechanochemical
      synthetic conditions allowed us to identify both necessary and favorable factors
      for the solid-state formation of the MOF. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction
      reveals the presence of interdigitated layers in the ABAB arrangement and
      interlayer 0D cavities filled with guest molecules. Upon thermal activation, the
      dynamic framework exhibits stepwise and selective adsorption of CO2 over N2 as
      well as high-pressure H2 adsorption reaching maximum excess of 1.15 wt% at 77 K.
      The mechanochemical synthetic protocol is expanded to a few other interdigitated
      structures.

PMID- 27652920
TI  - Empirically derived cut-points for sedentary behaviour: are we sitting
      differently?
AB  - Sedentary behaviour (SB) is associated with a number of adverse health outcomes.
      Studies that have used ActiGraph monitors to define sedentary time tend to use a
      threshold of  <100 counts per minute (cpm) for classifying SB; however, this cut
      point was not empirically derived for adults. It is not known whether ActiGraph
      cut-points for SB differ depending on the context in which it occurs. We aimed
      to: (1) empirically derive an optimal threshold for classifying SB, using the cpm
      output from the ActiGraph GT3X+, compared to the sedentary classification from
      the activPAL3TM; and (2) ascertain whether this varied by day of the week and in
      working time versus non-working time. A convenience sample of 30 office-based
      university employees (females (66.67%); age 40.47  +/-  10.95 years; BMI 23.93 
      +/-  2.46 kg m-2) wore the ActiGraph GT3X+ and activPAL3TM devices simultaneously
      for seven days. Data were downloaded in 1 min epochs and non-wear time was
      removed. Generalised estimating equations were used to make minute by minute
      comparisons of sedentary time from the two devices, using sedentary minutes (when
      all 60 s were classified as sitting/lying) from the activPAL3TM as the criterion
      measure. After data reduction participants provided on average 11 h 27 min of
      data per day. The derived cut-points from the models were significantly higher on
      a Saturday (97 cpm) compared to weekdays (60 cpm) and Sunday (57 cpm). Derived
      cpm for sedentary time during working time were significantly lower compared to
      non-working time (35 (95%CI 30-41) versus 73 (54-113)). Compared to the 100 cpm
      and 150 cpm thresholds, the empirically derived cut-points were not significantly
      different in terms of area-under-the-curve, but had lower mean bias for working
      and non-working times. Accelerometer cut-points for SB can depend on day and also
      domain, suggesting that the nature of sitting differs depending on the context in
      which sedentary time is accrued.

PMID- 27652921
TI  - Nasopharyngeal dimensions in normal individuals: normative data.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To establish normative values of minimum cross-sectional
      nasopharyngeal area in individuals without craniofacial anomalies at different
      age ranges. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Ninety-six individuals of both genders, without
      craniofacial anomalies, and with normal body mass index and neck circumference
      were evaluated. Participants were divided into 4 age groups: children, aged 6 to
      10 years (G1); adolescents, aged 11 to 17 years (G2); young adults, 18 to 39
      years (G3), and middle-aged adults, 40 to 59 years (G4). Minimum cross-sectional
      nasopharyngeal area (nasopharyngeal area - NPA) was assessed by means of modified
      anterior rhinomanometry (pressure-flow technique) using a PERCI-SARS system
      (version 3.50 - Microtronics Corp.). RESULTS: Mean+/-SD values of NPA were
      1.025+/-0.054cm2, 1.055+/-0.081cm2, 1.050+/-0.083cm2, and 1.054+/-0.081cm2,
      respectively for groups G1, G2, G3, and G4, showing that there were no
      differences between the four age groups. CONCLUSION: Normative data of NPA were
      established for individuals without craniofacial anomalies from different age
      ranges, and they may be used as reference values in the clinical routine and for
      future studies regarding nasopharyngeal obstruction diagnosis, particularly in
      cases of craniofacial anomalies.

PMID- 27652922
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 27652923
TI  - Variables in P300 recording: task type and electrode position.
AB  - PURPOSE: To analyze the latency and amplitude of P300 responses obtained with
      electrodes positioned at Cz and Fz and in different tasks of infrequent stimulus
      identification in normal hearing individuals. METHODS: Forty adults of both
      genders participated in the study. Three recordings with three different tasks
      were obtained for the identification of the infrequent stimulus; simultaneous
      recordings were obtained from Cz and Fz positions. RESULTS: Cz position showed
      significantly greater amplitudes and lower latencies than Fz. Regarding the three
      tasks, only "pronouncing the word 'thin'" was different from "raising a finger",
      with lowest latencies for the verbal task. Regarding amplitude, significantly
      higher values were observed for "raising a finger", followed by "pronouncing the
      word 'thin'" and mental counting. CONCLUSION: Cz obtained the best values,
      highest amplitude and lowest latency. Lowest latencies were obtained for the task
      of "pronouncing the word 'thin'" and the highest amplitudes were obtained for
      "raising a finger".

PMID- 27652924
TI  - Nouns and verbs used by preschoolers with language impairment.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the functional use of verbs and nouns by Brazilian Portuguese
      speaking children with language impairment (LI) and to verify whether their use
      of these word classes is different from that of children with typical language
      development (TLD). This study also aimed to compare the use of each verb type
      between groups. METHODS: Participants were 80 preschool children, 20 of them
      diagnosed with LI and 60 with TLD. The age ranges of participants were 3 to 6
      years for children with LI and 2 to 4 years for children with TLD. Individuals
      were paired based on their expressive language age. Ludic interaction was used to
      elicit the speech sample from which nouns and verbs were selected from
      spontaneous speech. All nouns and verbs were tabulated and verbs were classified.
      RESULTS: Preschoolers with LI use verbs more often than nouns in their production
      of spontaneous speech. The use of nouns presented no difference between the
      groups, but verb use frequency was higher in children with LI for the 3-year-old
      subgroup. The verbs most frequently used by children with LI were copula,
      intransitive, and transitive direct. Comparison between the groups revealed few
      differences regarding the use of transitive direct, bitransitive, and copular
      verbs. Only transitive circumstantial verbs were more often used by children with
      TLD at all ages. CONCLUSION: The use of nouns and verbs by children with LI
      complies with the typical development standard, but it occurs more slowly. The
      use of verbs with fewer complements is predominant in these children.

PMID- 27652925
TI  - Impact of specific language impairment and type of school on different language
      subsystems.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore quantitative and qualitative effects of type
      of school and specific language impairment (SLI) on different language abilities.
      METHODS: 204 Brazilian children aged from 4 to 6 years old participated in the
      study. Children were selected to form three groups: 1) 63 typically developing
      children studying in private schools (TDPri); 2) 102 typically developing
      children studying in state schools (TDSta); and 39 children with SLI studying in
      state schools (SLISta). All individuals were assessed regarding expressive
      vocabulary, number morphology and morphosyntactic comprehension. RESULTS: All
      language subsystems were vulnerable to both environmental (type of school) and
      biological (SLI) effects. The relationship between the three language measures
      was exactly the same to all groups: vocabulary growth correlated with age and
      with the development of morphological abilities and morphosyntactic
      comprehension. Children with SLI showed atypical errors in the comprehension test
      at the age of 4, but presented a pattern of errors that gradually resembled
      typical development. CONCLUSION: The effect of type of school was marked by
      quantitative differences, while the effect of SLI was characterised by both
      quantitative and qualitative differences.

PMID- 27652926
TI  - Work process, performance and professional profile of a Hearing Health Network:
      reference for satisfaction.
AB  - PURPOSE: To analyze the correlation between the satisfaction of professionals
      from the Hearing Health Care network in two micro-regions of Minas Gerais state
      and the sociodemographic profile, work process, and work performance in the
      health service. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional, observational, analytic study
      with a non-probabilistic sample including 34 professionals from the Hearing
      Health Care services. Data collection occurred through individual interviews in
      the municipality of professional practice. Associations between the Professional
      Satisfaction variable and the explanatory variables Sociodemographic Data, Work
      Routine, and Developed Actions were conducted. RESULTS: Professionals with
      graduate studies were more satisfied with the human resources policy and the
      activities developed, whereas health civil servants showed more satisfaction with
      the wage policy and the work schedule. The correlation analysis between work
      process and satisfaction revealed a moderate positive correlation between items
      such as Health Promotion Actions, Satisfaction with Diagnostic Equipment, and
      Satisfaction with Maintenance Equipment. CONCLUSION: The present study revealed a
      higher level of satisfaction among professionals with graduate studies (human
      resources policy and activities developed) and civil servants (wage policy and
      work schedule). The relevance of this study lies on the important role that
      health professionals play on the Health Care Network. Additionally, the study of
      satisfaction level can provide a search for improvements, considering that
      satisfied professionals not only improve service quality, but also show greater
      creativity, commitment, and performance.

PMID- 27652927
TI  - Aspects of the speaking voice of elderly women with choral singing experience.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Despite several studies related to singing and aging voice found in
      the literature, there is still the need for investigation seeking to understand
      the effects of this practice in the speaking voice of the elderly. OBJECTIVE: To
      compare the characteristics of the speaking voice of elderlies with experience in
      choral singing with those of elderlies without this experience. METHOD:
      Participants were 75 elderly women: 50 with experience in choral singing - group
      of singers (SG) and 25 without experience - group of nonsingers (NSG). A
      questionnaire was applied to characterize the elderly and collect data with
      respect to lifestyle and voice. Speech samples (sustained vowels, repetition of
      sentences, and running speech excerpts) were collected in a quiet room in sitting
      position. The voices were analyzed by three expert speech-language pathologists
      according to the protocol Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE
      V). Data were submitted to descriptive and statistical analysis. RESULTS: The
      voices of elderly nonsingers (NSG) showed significant increase in scores related
      to the overall degree of deviance and presence of roughness and strain.
      CONCLUSION: Analysis of the aspects of the speaking voice of subjects in the SG,
      compared with that of subjects in the NSG, showed better overall degree of
      deviance due to lower roughness and strain.

PMID- 27652928
TI  - Voice care knowledge by dysphonic and healthy individuals of different
      generations.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to identify the opinions of both dysphonic and
      vocally healthy individuals regarding the factors that affect their voices
      positively and negatively, analyzing them according to the generation to which
      the participants belong. Eight hundred sixty-six individuals (304 dysphonic and
      562 vocally healthy; 196 men and 670 women) categorized by generation: 22
      individuals in Silent Generation (1926/-/1945), 180 in Baby Boomers (1946/
      /1964), 285 in Generation X (1965/-/1981), and 379 in Generation Y (1982/-/2003)
      responded to two open questions: "Cite five things that you believe are good/bad
      to your voice". Five thousand, two hundred sixty answers were identified (2478
      positive and 2782 negative) and organized in 365 factors related to voice care.
      The three most prevalent positive and negative factors for each generation were
      as follows: Silent Generation - positive factors: 1 - water, honey and
      pomegranate, 2 - apple, and 3 - ginger tea, voice exercises and gargling;
      negative factors: 1 - cold drinks, 2 - excessive speaking, and 3 - alcoholic
      drinks, smoking and screaming; Baby Boomers - positive factors: 1 - water, 2 -
      apple, and 3 - sleeping well; negative factors: 1 - cold drinks, 2 - screaming,
      and 3 - smoking; Generation X - positive factors: 1 - water, 2 - apple, and 3 -
      vocal warm-up; negative factors: 1 - screaming, 2 - smoking, and 3 - alcoholic
      drinks; and Generation Y - positive factors: 1 - water, 2 - apple, and 3 - vocal
      warm-up; negative factors: 1 - screaming, 2 - smoking, and 3 - alcoholic drinks.
      The impact of generation was greater on the frequency of the responses than on
      their type. Water and apple were the most frequently cited positive factors for
      all the generations investigated, whereas screaming and smoking were the most
      frequently mentioned negative factors. Behavioral aspects related to popular
      beliefs were reported more frequently by the older generations. 

PMID- 27652929
TI  - Language development and its relation to social behavior and family and school
      environments: a systematic review.
AB  - PURPOSE: To conduct a systematic review of the literature on the relationship
      between language development, social behavior, and family and school environments
      in children aged 4 to 6 years. RESEARCH STRATEGY: Papers published between March
      2009 and March 2014 were searched in electronic databases. The first phase of the
      study consisted in preparing the guiding question. Subsequently, survey and
      selection of studies were conducted. To this end, descriptors were defined by
      groups of themes. SELECTION CRITERIA: The following types of publications were
      included in the search: complete scientific articles available in full and freely
      and original research papers or literature reviews published in the past five
      years covering the 4 to 6-year age range. DATA ANALYSIS: The analysis of the
      papers was conducted through critical reading and selection of the results that
      responded to the guiding question. RESULTS: Fourteen articles were selected. Most
      of the studies used at least one standardized instrument. Research indicates that
      the family environment is related to language development, mainly regarding
      socioeconomic status and parental education; number of adults who live with the
      child; parental health; language motivation; and interaction between parents and
      children. Only one article showed association between quality of the school
      environment and language development, and none showed evidence of an association
      between social behavior and language development. CONCLUSION: Most of the studies
      analyzed focus on the relationship between family environment and language
      development. Very few studies with this approach are available in the specific
      literature.

PMID- 27652930
TI  - Is targeted therapy possible for patients with gastric adenocarcinoma?

PMID- 27652931
TI  - Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells seeded on cartilaginous endplates promote
      Intervertebral Disc Regeneration through Extracellular Matrix Remodeling.
AB  - Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is characterized by significant
      biochemical and histomorphological alterations, such as loss of extracellular
      matrix (ECM) integrity, by abnormal synthesis of ECM main components, resultant
      from altered anabolic/catabolic cell activities and cell death. Mesenchymal
      Stem/Stromal Cell (MSC) migration towards degenerated IVD may represent a viable
      strategy to promote tissue repair/regeneration. Here, human MSCs (hMSCs) were
      seeded on top of cartilaginous endplates (CEP) of nucleotomized IVDs of bovine
      origin and cultured ex vivo up to 3 weeks. hMSCs migrated from CEP towards the
      lesion area and significantly increased expression of collagen type II and
      aggrecan in IVD, namely in the nucleus pulposus. Concomitantly, hMSCs stimulated
      the production of growth factors, promoters of ECM synthesis, such as fibroblast
      growth factor 6 (FGF-6) and 7 (FGF-7), platelet-derived growth factor receptor
      (PDGF-R), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and insulin
      like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1sR). Overall, our results demonstrate that
      CEP can be an alternative route to MSC-based therapies for IVD regeneration
      through ECM remodeling, thus opening new perspectives on endogenous repair
      capacity through MSC recruitment.

PMID- 27652933
TI  - Editorial.
AB  - the family of nursing is worldwide. That's because people's need for nursing is
      basic and universal, and because, like the best families, its members are bound
      together by common values and shared knowledge. Our regular family gathering' in
      the form of the Quadrennial Congress of the International Council of Nurses takes
      place this year in Madrid - the first time for 25 years that it has been held in
      Europe.

PMID- 27652932
TI  - A Wound Closed: A Memoir.

PMID- 27652934
TI  - Behind closed doors.
AB  - With the unemployment total reaching three million last week, nurses are going to
      have to learn to compete in the job market. But to do so they need good career
      advice and training to equip them for the search for employment.

PMID- 27652935
TI  - Global unity.
AB  - the headquarters of the International Council of Nurses in Geneva, Switzerland,
      is part of a new building near the lake. There are 17 staff members and only four
      of us are nurses, yet we have a pretty productive team.

PMID- 27652937
TI  - Growing evidence of cuts in services and nursing posts.
AB  - * People who are out of work are more likely to become ill, be depressed and to
      commit suicide, according to a Liberal Democrats' report which coincided with the
      announcement that unemployment has topped three million in Britain. The Liberal
      Democrats have just completed a nationwide survey of the wider consequences for
      those without work. It found evidence of a disturbing link between early death
      and unemployment, with the death rate some 21 per cent above the national
      average.

PMID- 27652936
TI  - Mixed reaction to revised London hospital closure plan.
AB  - Nursing unions have given a mixed response to government plans for health
      services in London, which propose the closure of at least five hospitals in the
      capital and about 2,500 beds.

PMID- 27652938
TI  - Spotlight on congress.
AB  - With over 100 national nurses' associations in membership of the International
      Council of Nurses - of which the Royal College of Nursing is the largest - ICN
      Congress provides an unrivalled opportunity to meet with nurses from all over the
      world. It's a networker's paradise.

PMID- 27652939
TI  - Independent midwifery challenges medical myth.
AB  - Midwives who have left the 'safe' environment of the NHS to practise
      independently offer women choice, continuity and control, Royal College of
      Midwives General Secretary Ruth Ashton told a business seminar last week. It was
      'sad' that the only way women could be assured of personalised, individual care
      during the antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal periods was to look outside the
      NHS, she said. Independent midwives 'have shown us what can be done'.

PMID- 27652940
TI  - Experiment reveals increased responsibility improves care.
AB  - An experimental project in which nurses perform tasks previously the preserve of
      junior doctors has improved patient care and saved money, a regional practice
      development manager claimed last week. But nurses' workloads have increased,
      especially at night, and doctors are reluctant to devolve decision-making resp
      onsibility, said Frances Pickers- gill of SE Thames RIIA.

PMID- 27652941
TI  - Little overlap with technicians' work.
AB  - There is little evidence of an overlap between nurses and technicians in high
      technology areas of care, according to a report commissioned by the Department of
      Health.

PMID- 27652942
TI  - Call to guarantee support for mentally disturbed offenders.
AB  - Funding for the support of mentally disturbed offenders must be ringfenced to
      ensure they receive adequate care after the shake-up of community services on
      April 1, the National Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders
      (Nacro) has warned.

PMID- 27652944
TI  - Congress highlights.
AB  - as ICN Executive Director Constance Holleran points out: Nurses from the UK have
      always been at the forefront of the work of ICN, starting with Ethel Bedford
      Fenwick in 1899. The Royal College of Nursing is the largest member of ICN and
      RCN President Dr June Clark is working with the ICN Professional Services
      Committee on the Classification of Nursing Practice project. Former RCN General
      Secretary Trevor Clay is first vice president and Robert Tiffany [formerly Chief
      Nurse at The Royal Marsden Hospital] is a member of the Board of Directors.'

PMID- 27652943
TI  - Scots satisfied with services.
AB  - A survey of NHS patients across Scotland has confirmed a high level of
      satisfaction with the services provided.

PMID- 27652945
TI  - The days of DHAs and FHSAs may be numbered.
AB  - The days of District Health Authorities and Family Health Service Authorities are
      numbered, the Audit Commission's David Browning told delegates.

PMID- 27652946
TI  - CNs need more responsibility to manage own workloads.
AB  - Community nurses need fewer managers and more responsibility to manage their own
      workloads, an RCN conference heard last week.

PMID- 27652947
TI  - 'Golden handshake' for RHA chief in financial scandal.
AB  - Health Secretary Virginia Bottomley has given a 'golden handshake' to a regional
      health chief who quit amid a series of financial scandals.

PMID- 27652948
TI  - Auxiliaries to perform routine nursing tasks?
AB  - Nursing auxiliaries could administer insulin and perform other tasks
      traditionally the preserve of qualified nurses under plans being considered in
      South East Kent, the RCN London conference heard last week.

PMID- 27652949
TI  - ?
AB  - Russia More than two in five hospitals have no hot water and 12 per cent have no
      water supply at all, according statistics published in Nezavisimaya Gazeta, a
      Russian daily paper.

PMID- 27652951
TI  - World news.
AB  - United States More than half of nurses in the Milwaukee area have been verbally
      abused by both doctors and patients, a survey has found. But getting them and
      other health workers to whistleblow on their abusers remains a problem, the
      American journal Health Wire reports.

PMID- 27652952
TI  - Viva espana.
AB  - Situated in the heart of Spain, its capital since 1606 and a cultural centre with
      more than 50 museums and art galleries, Madrid is the country's second largest
      industrial centre (Barcelona being the first). A university city, seat of a royal
      residence and see of an archbishop, it was also one of the first cities in Europe
      to boast a branch of that now ubiquitous hamburger house - McDonald's.

PMID- 27652953
TI  - Parliament.
AB  - MIS managers' wage bills have increased almost eight times as much as nurses'
      have during the past two years, according to figures comparing NHS wage costs
      since 1989.

PMID- 27652955
TI  - Only certified personnel can practise occupational health.
AB  - Nurses who call themselves 'occupational health nurses' but do not hold the
      Occupational Health Nursing Certificate (OHNC) are breaking the law, according to
      legal expert Gillian Howard.

PMID- 27652954
TI  - Nursing a Spanish ambition.
AB  - for most of us, Spain has traditionally been a holiday destination, a country of
      sun and beaches where we can lay aside our cares and just relax. Occasionally, as
      we pack our bags to come home, we may wonder what it would be like to live and
      work there. Then we head for the airport having decided that this would be about
      as realistic as expecting a holiday romance to last.

PMID- 27652956
TI  - OH nurses must promote their value.
AB  - The time is ripe for occupational health nurses to 'sell themselves' to
      employers, according to Dr Ewan Mac Donald, Senior Lecturer at Glasgow
      University. He cited the removal of Crown immunity, the introduction of the
      Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) and new EC Directives among the
      changes that have increased the need for OH nurses.

PMID- 27652958
TI  - Jam tomorrow...
AB  - There was no surprise, of course. It was known since the Autumn Statement last
      year, when John Major wrote to Review Body (RB) Chair Michael Bett, saying I the
      RB's remit was to be altered 'for the coming year', that the pay award was to be
      imposed rather than negotiated.

PMID- 27652957
TI  - A better London?
AB  - In a blaze of publicity, the Government finally launched its proposals last week
      for the future of health care in London. A cure for the capital's ills, the
      Health Secretary called it. A very bad day for London, said Labour.

PMID- 27652959
TI  - Careers out of control?
AB  - The ENB's Resource and Careers Service is the only one of its kind available to
      nurses, midwives and health visitors seeking advice on courses and career
      development in England. The ENB states in its Applicant Handbook: 'This office
      can provide detailed information about pre-registration courses and opportunities
      for career development in England.'

PMID- 27652960
TI  - Getting back to work.
AB  - Unemployment and fear of unemployment are not traditional problems for nurses.
      Until recently there had always been too many jobs chasing too few nurses. But
      the climate has changed and unemployment is now a real fear for many. The
      traditional sources for job hunting, such as advertisements in professional
      journals, offer one source of reemployment possibilities, but by no means the
      only one. The Employment Service has a wide range of support services at its
      fingertips.

PMID- 27652961
TI  - A community nurse at heart.
AB  - Although the job finding initiatives outlined are available to all, in the
      Employment Service nurses have something of a 'secret weapon' - the Nursing
      Employment Service (NES).

PMID- 27652962
TI  - Life exists outside London's confines.
AB  - I am in full agreement with the Nurses workcampaign. If patient care and safety
      is not to become compromised, then the government must review its attitude to the
      nursing profession.

PMID- 27652963
TI  - Feeling of being kicked in the teeth.
AB  - As a 42 year old married woman, I recently qualified following three years on a
      Project 2000 course. Unfortunately, I am unemployed.

PMID- 27652964
TI  - The challenge of evaluating skills.
AB  - I am writing with reference to the report about a recently published research
      study undertaken within Somerset Health District, which indicated that district
      nurses may be failing to assess and reassess the needs of their physically
      disabled clients (Clinical News, January 20). community care requirements which
      take effect from April.

PMID- 27652965
TI  - ?
AB  - "She thinks all this new lifting equipment is a waste of money."

PMID- 27652966
TI  - Employing foreign nurses is outrageous.
AB  - I was enraged at the report that a hospital in Newcastle may have to recruit
      paediatric nurses overseas to fill vacancies ('Paediatric recruitment crisis',
      News, February 10). I understand that a number of hospitals nationwide have run
      on low numbers within the paediatric environment.

PMID- 27652967
TI  - A question of national recognition.
AB  - I was very interested to read that Virginia Bottomley had announced cash help
      from the NILS Management Executive for nurse managers who want to undertake a
      Master's degree course (News, February 3).

PMID- 27652968
TI  - Time to act on staffing cutbacks.
AB  - As a full-time auxiliary for over 20 years with the same health authority, I work
      with an efficient, hard-working and dedicated team of qualified nurses whose main
      aim is our clients' well-being.

PMID- 27652970
TI  - Points of view.
AB  - The Care Sector Consortium (CSC) is the Industry Lead Body responsible for
      developing the occupational standards which form the basis of National Vocational
      Qualifications (NVQs). Several thousand health care assistants and health care
      support workers are currently being assessed for NVQs.

PMID- 27652969
TI  - Are you in need of information?
AB  - A number of members of the RCN Rheumatology Forum are complaining that they are
      not receiving information from the Forum. As well as the usual problems such as
      changes of address, surnames or not quoting RCN numbers, some of our members were
      inadvertently deleted from our membership list.

PMID- 27652971
TI  - Microchips on shoulders.
AB  - The name's Health. Nat Health, digitised investigator into services rhat care.
      Computers are easy, it's only the people involved that make them impossible.
      Particularly the computer experts. They've sold health authorities so many
      lemons, they could teach Pete Deale how to run his fruit stall in Albert Square.

PMID- 27652972
TI  - Caring for Children in Hospital J Cleary Caring for Children in Hospital Scutari
      Press I74pp L14.50 1-871364-67-1.
AB  - Caring for Children in Hospital contains information that should be of interest
      to all paediatric nurses. It argues that parents may take over the responsibility
      for care of their children in hospital. If this view is accepted, it has great
      implications for paediatric practice.

PMID- 27652974
TI  - Case Studies in Law and Nursing Case Studies in Law and Nursing A P Young Chapman
      & Hall 259pp L14.95 0-412-44130-6.
AB  - Case Studies in Law and Nursing is not, in the author's words, 'a conventional
      book, more a learning pack'. With the growing recognition that nurses need a
      sound knowledge of the law as it affects them and their practice, the book will
      serve to take much of mystique, confusion and even tedium out of that learning.

PMID- 27652973
TI  - Economics of Health Care Financing Economics of Health Care Financing C Donaldson
      et al . Macmillan Press 218pp L14.99 0-333-53870-6 [Formula: see text].
AB  - Economics of Health Care Financing will be of interest to nurses undertaking a
      DMS or MBA, and to those who are interested in an international perspective on
      different ways of financing health care, and the continuing debate regarding the
      moral dilemmas of both consumers and providers of health care.

PMID- 27652975
TI  - ?

PMID- 27652976
TI  - Graphene as a Reversible and Spectrally Selective Fluorescence Quencher.
AB  - We report reversible and spectrally selective fluorescence quenching of quantum
      dots (QDs) placed in close proximity to graphene. Controlling interband
      electronic transitions of graphene via electrostatic gating greatly modifies the
      fluorescence lifetime and intensity of nearby QDs via blocking of the
      nonradiative energy transfer between QDs and graphene. Using ionic liquid (IL)
      based electrolyte gating, we are able to control Fermi energy of graphene in the
      order of 1 eV, which yields electrically controllable fluorescence quenching of
      QDs in the visible spectrum. Indeed, our technique enables us to perform voltage
      controllable spectral selectivity among quantum dots at different emission
      wavelengths. We anticipate that our technique will provide tunable light-matter
      interaction and energy transfer that could yield hybrid QDs-graphene based
      optoelectronic devices with novel functionalities, and additionally, may be
      useful as a spectroscopic ruler, for example, in bioimaging and biomolecular
      sensing. We propose that graphene can be used as an electrically tunable and
      wavelength selective fluorescence quencher.

PMID- 27652977
TI  - Predictive value of DCE-MRI for early evaluation of pathological complete
      response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in resectable primary breast cancer: A
      single-center prospective study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study proposed to establish a predictive model using dynamic
      enhanced MRI multi-parameters for early predicting pathological complete response
      (pCR) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in breast cancer. METHODS: In this
      prospective cohort study, 170 breast cancer patients treated with NAC were
      enrolled and were randomly grouped into training sample (136 patients) and
      validation sample (34 patients). DCE-MRI parameters achieved at the end of the
      first cycle of NAC were screened to establish the predictive model by using
      multivariate logistic regression model according to pCR status. Receiver
      operating characteristic curves were conducted to assess the predictive
      capability. The association between MRI-predicted pCR and actual pCR in survival
      outcomes was estimated by using the Kaplan-Meier method with log-rank test.
      RESULTS: Multivariate analysis showed DeltaAreamax and DeltaSlopemax were
      independent predictors for pCR, odds ratio were 0.939 (95%CI, 0.915 to 0.964),
      and 0.966 (95%CI, 0.947 to 0.986), respectively. A predictive model was
      established using training sample as "Y = -0.063*DeltaAreamax -
      0.034*DeltaSlopemax", a cut-off point of 3.0 was determined. The AUC for training
      and validation sample were 0.931 (95%CI, 0.890-0.971) and 0.971 (95%CI, 0.923
      1.000), respectively. MRI-predicted pCR patients showed similar RFS (p = 0.347),
      DDFS (p = 0.25) and OS (p = 0.423) with pCR patients. CONCLUSION: The multi
      parameter MRI model can be potentially used for early prediction of pCR status at
      the end of the first NAC cycle, which might allow timely regimen refinement
      before definitive surgical treatment.

PMID- 27652978
TI  - Dopaminergic Receptors on CD4+ T Naive and Memory Lymphocytes Correlate with
      Motor Impairment in Patients with Parkinson's Disease.
AB  - Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by loss of dopaminergic neurons in
      substantia nigra pars compacta, alpha-synuclein (alpha-syn)-rich intraneuronal
      inclusions (Lewy bodies), and microglial activation. Emerging evidence suggests
      that CD4+ T lymphocytes contribute to neuroinflammation in PD. Since the mainstay
      of PD treatment is dopaminergic substitution therapy and dopamine is an
      established transmitter connecting nervous and immune systems, we examined CD4+ T
      naive and memory lymphocytes in PD patients and in healthy subjects (HS), with
      specific regard to dopaminergic receptor (DR) expression. In addition, the in
      vitro effects of alpha-syn were assessed on CD4+ T naive and memory cells.
      Results showed extensive association between DR expression in T lymphocytes and
      motor dysfunction, as assessed by UPDRS Part III score. In total and CD4+ T naive
      cells expression of D1-like DR decrease, while in T memory cells D2-like DR
      increase with increasing score. In vitro, alpha-syn increased CD4+ T memory
      cells, possibly to a different extent in PD patients and in HS, and affected DR
      expression with cell subset-specific patterns. The present results support the
      involvement of peripheral adaptive immunity in PD, and may contribute to develop
      novel immunotherapies for PD, as well as to better use of current dopaminergic
      antiparkinson drugs.

PMID- 27652979
TI  - Fragment-based discovery of a new family of non-peptidic small-molecule
      cyclophilin inhibitors with potent antiviral activities.
AB  - Cyclophilins are peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerases (PPIase) that catalyse the
      interconversion of the peptide bond at proline residues. Several cyclophilins
      play a pivotal role in the life cycle of a number of viruses. The existing
      cyclophilin inhibitors, all derived from cyclosporine A or sanglifehrin A, have
      disadvantages, including their size, potential for side effects unrelated to
      cyclophilin inhibition and drug-drug interactions, unclear antiviral spectrum and
      manufacturing issues. Here we use a fragment-based drug discovery approach using
      nucleic magnetic resonance, X-ray crystallography and structure-based compound
      optimization to generate a new family of non-peptidic, small-molecule cyclophilin
      inhibitors with potent in vitro PPIase inhibitory activity and antiviral activity
      against hepatitis C virus, human immunodeficiency virus and coronaviruses. This
      family of compounds has the potential for broad-spectrum, high-barrier-to
      resistance treatment of viral infections.

PMID- 27652980
TI  - A 6-amino acid insertion/deletion polymorphism in the mucin domain of TIM-1
      confers protections against HIV-1 infection.
AB  - We investigated whether a 6-amino acid insertion/deletion polymorphism in the
      mucin domain of TIM-1 (T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 1), modulates
      susceptibility to HIV-1 infection. The polymorphism was genotyped in three
      case/control cohorts of HIV-1 exposed seronegative individuals (HESN) and HIV-1
      infected subjects from Italy, Peru, and Colombia; data from a Thai population
      were retrieved from the literature. Across all cohorts, homozygosity for the
      short TIM-1 allele was more common in HESNs than in HIV-1 infected subjects. A
      meta-analysis of the four association analyses yielded a p value of 0.005. In
      vitro infection assays of CD4+ T lymphocytes indicated that homozygosity for the
      short allele is associated with lower rate of HIV-1 replication. These results
      suggest that the deletion allele protects from HIV-1 infection with a recessive
      effect.

PMID- 27652982
TI  - Pulmonary Manifestations of Acute Lung Injury: More Than Just Diffuse Alveolar
      Damage.
AB  - CONTEXT: - Acute pulmonary injury may occur as a result of myriad direct or
      indirect pulmonary insults, often resulting in hypoxemic respiratory failure and
      clinical acute respiratory distress syndrome. Histologically, most patients will
      exhibit diffuse alveolar damage on biopsy, but other histologic patterns may be
      encountered, such as acute eosinophilic pneumonia, acute fibrinous and organizing
      pneumonia, and diffuse alveolar hemorrhage with capillaritis. OBJECTIVE: - To
      review the diagnostic features of various histologic patterns associated with a
      clinical picture of acute lung injury, and to discuss key features in the
      differential diagnosis. DATA SOURCES: - The review is drawn from pertinent peer
      reviewed literature and the personal experience of the authors. CONCLUSIONS: -
      Acute pulmonary injury is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. In
      addition to diffuse alveolar damage, pathologists should be aware of alternate
      histologic patterns of lung disease that may present with a similar clinical
      presentation because this may impact treatment decisions and disease outcome.

PMID- 27652981
TI  - Early life characteristics and late life burden of cerebral small vessel disease
      in the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936.
AB  - It is unknown whether relations between early-life factors and overall health in
      later life apply to burden of cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD), a major cause
      of stroke and dementia. We explored relations between early-life factors and cSVD
      in the Lothian Birth Cohort, a healthy aging cohort. Participants were recruited
      at age 70 (N = 1091); most had completed a test of cognitive ability at age 11 as
      part of the Scottish Mental Survey of 1947. Of those, 700 participants had brain
      MRI that could be rated for cSVD conducted at age 73. Presence of lacunes, white
      matter hyperintensities, microbleeds, and perivascular spaces were summed in a
      score of 0-4 representing all MRI cSVD features. We tested associations with
      early-life factors using multivariate logistic regression. Greater SVD score was
      significantly associated with lower age-11 IQ (OR higher SVD score per SD age-11
      IQ = .78, 95%CI 0.65-.95, p=.01). The associations between SVD score and own job
      class (OR higher job class, .64 95%CI .43-.95, p=.03), age-11 deprivation index
      (OR per point deprivation score, 1.08, 95%CI 1.00-1.17, p=.04), and education (OR
      some qualifying education, .60 95%CI .37-.98, p=.04) trended towards significance
      (p<.05 for all) but did not meet thresholds for multiple testing. No early-life
      factor was significantly associated with any one individual score component.
      Early-life factors may contribute to age-73 burden of cSVD. These relations, and
      the potential for early social interventions to improve brain health, deserve
      further study.

PMID- 27652983
TI  - Outcomes of a conservative approach to management in amoebic liver abscess.
AB  - CONTEXT: Unfortunately, there is confusion among the medical community regarding
      the management of amoebic liver abscess (ALA). Therapeutic options range from
      simple pharmacotherapy to use of interventions like a needle or catheter
      aspiration under ultrasound guidance to surgical intervention. There is a
      plethora of thresholds for parameters such as the maximum diameter of the abscess
      and volume on ultrasound examination suggested by various authors to serve as a
      criterion to help to decide when to use which modality in these cases. AIMS: To
      assess the outcome of patients with uncomplicated ALA treated using a
      conservative approach. Moreover, to identify factors associated with its failure.
      SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A prospective, observational study was carried out at a
      large municipal urban health care center over a period of 3-year (2011-2014) in
      India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with uncomplicated ALA were recruited. All
      patients were managed with pharmacotherapy initially for a period of 72 h.
      Response to treatment was assessed by resolution of symptoms within the given
      time frame. Failure to respond was considered an indication for intervention.
      Needle aspiration was offered to these patients and response assessed within 72
      h. Failure to respond to aspiration was considered an indication for catheter
      drainage. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data recorded were entered in a Microsoft
      Office Excel Sheet and analyzed using the SPSS version 16.0 (IBM). RESULTS: Sixty
      patients with ALA were included in the study over its duration. Forty-nine
      (81.67%) patients were managed conservatively, while 11 (18.33%) patients needed
      an intervention for relief. Patients who required intervention had deranged liver
      function at presentation, a larger abscess diameter (10.09 +/- 2.23 vs. 6.33 +/-
      1.69 cm P < 0.001) and volume (399.73 +/- 244.46 vs. 138.34 +/- 117.85 ml, P <
      0.001) compared to those who did not need it. Patients that required intervention
      had a longer length of hospital stay (7.1 +/- 2.4 vs. 4.8 +/- 0.9 days, P <
      0.001). On post hoc analysis, a maximum diameter of >7.7 cm was found to be the
      optimal criterion to predict the need of intervention in cases of ALA.
      CONCLUSIONS: A conservative approach is effective in the management of ALA for a
      majority of patients. Failure of conservative management was predicted by the
      size of the abscess (maximum diameter >7.7 cm). Even in the cases of failure, a
      gradual step-up with interventions was found to be safe and effective.

PMID- 27652987
TI  - Right atrial mural thrombi: An autopsy study of an under-diagnosed complication
      at an unusual site.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Right atrial mural thrombi (RAMT) are often seen in association with
      cardiac diseases or foreign bodies. Unusual locations at the flutter isthmus and
      the atrial appendage prompted us to evaluate our 2-year autopsy data on such
      thrombi. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the 2-year retrospective autopsy, the clinical
      and autopsy records of patients with RAMT were reviewed, with particular
      reference to the presence of central venous catheter (CVC), its site of
      insertion, its type, material and size, its duration of placement, and the drugs
      infused through the catheter. RESULTS: Of the 940 autopsies performed in 2 years,
      RAMT was seen in 24 hearts and was related to an insertion of a CVC in 23
      patients (95.8%). The risk and/or associated factors for this complication were
      tunneled and polyethylene catheters, Intensive Care Unit admission, infused
      drugs, underlying cardiac diseases, and pregnancy. A noteworthy feature was the
      location of the thrombi in the flutter isthmus in 16 hearts (66.7%) and atrial
      appendage in another six hearts. Localized endocarditis/myocarditis and pulmonary
      thromboembolism were observed in six and four patients, respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: This autopsy study, which has a high incidence of catheter-related
      RAMT, does not reflect the true incidence but reiterates the importance of guided
      insertion of central venous and prompt recognition of thrombus formation.

PMID- 27652991
TI  - First Virtual Live Conference in Healthcare.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Conferences and meetings bring together thousands of doctors from
      diverse locations. However, the traveling, accommodation, and arrangement of
      venues for conferences and meetings are expensive and a lot of time needs to be
      devoted to these logistics. The purpose of this article was to present our own
      virtual live conference experience using web conferencing and to briefly outline
      the basics and advantages of this technology in organization of healthcare
      conferences. METHODS: Web conferencing technology was used to organize an
      international bariatric surgery conference, allowing a large number of attendees
      to participate and interact from wherever they were, using merely an Internet
      connection with a video player on their personal computers, laptops, or
      smartphones. RESULTS: A virtual live conference saves a lot of time and cost and
      simplifies the logistics needed to organize a learning conference with worldwide
      participation. CONCLUSION: As far as we know, this is the first report of a
      virtual live conference in healthcare. We see it as the future of organizing
      experts as well as medical teaching conferences.

PMID- 27652986
TI  - Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase-based classification of diabetes
      pharmacotherapy.
AB  - The current classification of both diabetes and antidiabetes medication is
      complex, preventing a treating physician from choosing the most appropriate
      treatment for an individual patient, sometimes resulting in patient-drug
      mismatch. We propose a novel, simple systematic classification of drugs, based on
      their effect on adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK). AMPK is
      the master regular of energy metabolism, an energy sensor, activated when
      cellular energy levels are low, resulting in activation of catabolic process, and
      inactivation of anabolic process, having a beneficial effect on glycemia in
      diabetes. This listing of drugs makes it easier for students and practitioners to
      analyze drug profiles and match them with patient requirements. It also
      facilitates choice of rational combinations, with complementary modes of action.
      Drugs are classified as stimulators, inhibitors, mixed action, possible action,
      and no action on AMPK activity. Metformin and glitazones are pure stimulators of
      AMPK. Incretin-based therapies have a mixed action on AMPK. Sulfonylureas either
      inhibit AMPK or have no effect on AMPK. Glycemic efficacy of alpha-glucosidase
      inhibitors, sodium glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor, colesevelam, and
      bromocriptine may also involve AMPK activation, which warrants further
      evaluation. Berberine, salicylates, and resveratrol are newer promising agents in
      the management of diabetes, having well-documented evidence of AMPK stimulation
      medicated glycemic efficacy. Hence, AMPK-based classification of antidiabetes
      medications provides a holistic unifying understanding of pharmacotherapy in
      diabetes. This classification is flexible with a scope for inclusion of promising
      agents of future.

PMID- 27652993
TI  - Breastfeeding during the first year of life: estimates using records generated in
      general paediatrics.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The monitoring of breastfeeding during a child's first year of life
      is highly recommended. The proportion of children who are exclusively breastfed
      for at least six months is a strong indicator of breastfeeding promotion in the
      community. The objectives of the study were to survey the exclusive breastfeeding
      of children during the first year of life for cohorts born in Trentino (north
      eastern Italy) in 2009 to 20013, evaluate the decrease of exclusive breastfeeding
      at six months and analyse possible relationships between the maintenance of
      breastfeeding up to the age of six months and certain maternal socio-demographic
      characteristics, as well as clinical aspects of the pregnancy and birth. EVIDENCE
      ACQUISITION: Cohorts born in Trentino between 2009 and 2013 were studied,
      calculating the proportion of infants who were breastfed upon discharge from the
      hospital (source: data on the CedAP informative flow, that is the Italian
      Certificate of Delivery Assistance data-base). The data provided on the 12-month
      health evaluation form found in the PEDIATRIC HEALTH BOOKLET, completed by
      regional family paediatricians, was linked with that of the respective CedAP
      (96.7% linkage). The trend for exclusive breastfeeding and its monthly decrease
      was analyzed. The maintenance of exclusive breastfeeding until the age of 6
      months was analyzed in relation to citizenship, area of residence, maternal
      education level and employment status, parity, single or multiple birth, infant
      exposure to passive smoke and attendance or non-attendance of a state-promoted
      childbirth preparation course. This final variable was studied solely for
      primiparous women, who are generally most likely to attend a childbirth
      preparation course. All results were adjusted for the following potential
      confounding variables: "birth type", "prematurity" and "feeding method upon
      discharge from the hospital". EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: CedAP data revealed that 83.5%
      of live infants were exclusively breastfed and that this percentage decreased to
      34.7% by the age of 6 months (35.4% among full-term infants and 27% among
      premature infants). Data from the Province of Trento demonstrates that exclusive
      breastfeeding up to the age of 6 months is influenced by the mother's
      citizenship, area of residence and education level, but not by her employment
      status. In addition, the study revealed a significant association with parity,
      passive smoke exposure and attendance of a childbirth preparation course.
      CONCLUSIONS: The paediatric health booklet with its information on the state of
      health of children (in combination with data from the CedAP) offers a valid tool
      for monitoring breastfeeding during the first year of life. Data confirmed a
      decrease in the rate of breastfeeding between birth and the first month of life
      and between the first and sixth months of living at home. The results regarding
      the conditions that favour and discourage breastfeeding suggest potential public
      health care measures to improve children's health.

PMID- 27652992
TI  - Australia's evolving food practices: a risky mix of continuity and change.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate trends in five key aspects of Australian food practice
      which have been implicated in diet-related health risks, specifically energy
      intake. They are: the replacement of home-prepared foods by commercially prepared
      foods; consumer reliance on ultra-processed foods; de-structured dining;
      increased pace of eating; and a decline in commensal eating. DESIGN: Data were
      from repeated cross-sections from the national Household Expenditure and Time Use
      Surveys. Trends in food practice aspects were examined using indicators of food
      expenditure across different food groups and time spent eating and cooking,
      including where, when and with whom eating activities took place. SETTING:
      Australia, 1989-2010. SUBJECTS: Nationally representative samples of Australian
      households. RESULTS: The share of the total food budget spent on food away from
      home rose steadily from 22.8 % in 1989 to 26.5 % in 2010, while spending on ultra
      processed foods increased. The basic patterning of meals and the pace of eating
      changed little, although people spent more time eating alone and at restaurants.
      Cooking time declined considerably, particularly for women. CONCLUSIONS: These
      changes have occurred over the same time that obesity and diet-related, non
      communicable diseases have increased rapidly in Australia. Some aspects are
      implicated more than others: particularly the shift from domestic cooking to use
      of pre-prepared and ultra-processed foods, a reduction in time spent in food
      preparation and cooking, as well as an upsurge in time and money devoted to
      eating away from home. These are all likely to operate through the higher energy
      content of commercially prepared, compared with unprocessed or lightly processed,
      foods.

PMID- 27652994
TI  - Rehabilitation during congenital heart disease in pediatric patients.
AB  - Cardiac rehabilitation is an important part of daily routine for cardiac disorder
      patients in adults. However, pediatric rehabilitation is an emerging field, and
      is totally different and new field in case of pediatric patients. The main reason
      of variability is the Pediatric patients differ from adult patients in several
      ways. The main difference is they are dependent on their parents for meeting
      their needs, including for transportation and following of rehabilitation
      initiatives. Furthermore, rehabilitation initiatives are often connected to large
      urban university hospitals and unavailable to children whose parents cannot bring
      them for exercise training on a regular basis. The present review article is
      focused on these aspects of rehabilitation during congenital heart disease.

PMID- 27652995
TI  - Association between Number of Formed Embryos, Embryo Morphology and Clinical
      Pregnancy Rate after Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection.
AB  - Introduction Infertility has a high prevalence in the general population,
      affecting ~ 5 to 15% of couples in reproductive age. The assisted reproduction
      techniques (ART) include in vitro manipulation of gametes and embryos and are an
      important treatment indicated to these couples. It is well accepted that the
      implantation rate is positively influenced by the morphology of transferred
      embryos. However, we question if, apart from the assessment of embryo morphology,
      the number of produced embryos per cycle is also related to pregnancy rates in
      the first fresh transfer cycle. Purpose To evaluate the clinical pregnancy rate
      according to the number of formed embryos and the transfer of top quality embryos
      (TQEs). Methods In a retrospective cohort study, between January 2011 and
      December 2012, we evaluated women who underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection
      (ICSI), aged < 40 years, and with at least 1 formed embryo fresh transferred in
      cleavage stage. These women were stratified into 3 groups according to the number
      of formed embryos (1 embryo, 2-3 and >= 4 embryos). Each group was divided into 2
      subgroups according to the presence or not of at least 1 transferred TQE (1 with
      TQE; 1 without TQE; 2-3 with TQE, 2-3 without TQE; >= 4 with TQE; >= 4 without
      TQE). The clinical pregnancy rates were compared in each subgroup based on the
      presence or absence of at least one transferred TQE. Results During the study
      period, 636 women had at least one embryo to be transferred in the first fresh
      cycle (17.8% had 1 formed embryo [32.7% with TQE versus 67.3% without TQE], 42.1%
      of women had 2-3 formed embryos [55.6% with TQE versus 44.4% without TQE], and
      40.1% of patients had >= 4 formed embryos [73.7% with TQE versus 26.3% without
      TQE]). The clinical pregnancy rate was significantly higher in the subgroup with
      >= 4 formed embryos with at least 1 transfered TQE (45.2%) compared with the
      subgroup without TQE (28.4%). Conclusions Having at least two available embryos
      and at least one TQE for embryo transfer are predictors of the pregnancy rates.

PMID- 27652996
TI  - A General Strategy for Decoupled Hydrogen Production from Water Splitting by
      Integrating Oxidative Biomass Valorization.
AB  - Conventional water electrolyzers produce H2 and O2 simultaneously, such that
      additional gas separation steps are needed to prevent H2/O2 mixing. The sluggish
      anodic O2 evolution reaction (OER) always results in low overall energy
      conversion efficiency and the product of OER, O2, is not of significant value. In
      addition, the potential formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) may lead to
      degradation of cell membranes and thus premature device failure. Herein we report
      a general concept of integrating oxidative biomass upgrading reactions with
      decoupled H2 generation from water splitting. Five representative biomass
      substrates, ethanol, benzyl alcohol, furfural, furfuryl alcohol, and 5
      hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), were selected for oxidative upgrading catalyzed by a
      hierarchically porous Ni3S2/Ni foam bifunctional electrocatalyst (Ni3S2/NF). All
      the five organics can be oxidized to value-added liquid products at much lower
      overpotentials than that of OER. In particular, the electrocatalytic oxidation of
      HMF to the value-added 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) was further studied in
      detail. Benefiting from the more favorable thermodynamics of HMF oxidation than
      that of OER, the cell voltage for integrated H2 production and HMF oxidation was
      significantly reduced by ~200 mV relative to pure water splitting to achieve 100
      mA cm-2, while the oxidation product (FDCA) at the anode was much more valuable
      than O2. When utilized as electrocatalysts for both cathode and anode, Ni3S2/NF
      demonstrated outstanding durability and nearly unity Faradaic efficiencies for
      both H2 and FDCA production. Overall, such an integration of oxidative biomass
      valorization and HER via earth-abundant electrocatalysts not only avoids the
      generation of explosive H2/O2 mixture and ROS, but also yields products of high
      value at both electrodes with lower voltage input, maximizing the energy
      conversion efficiency.

PMID- 27652997
TI  - Polarity-Tunable Host Materials and Their Applications in Thermally Activated
      Delayed Fluorescence Organic Light-Emitting Diodes.
AB  - A series of polarity-tunable host materials were developed based on
      oligocarbazoles and diphenylphosphine oxide, and their polarities can be tuned
      through increasing distance of acceptor and donor units. Density functional
      theory calculations were employed, and photoluminescence spectra in different
      polar solvents were measured to illustrate different polarities of these host
      materials. As CZPO has relatively stronger polarity, electroluminescence (EL)
      spectrum of solution-processed device based on 6 wt % PXZDSO2:CZPO is 7 nm red
      shifted relative to that of other host materials based devices. Besides, a
      comparable impressive external quantum efficiency (EQE) value of 18.7% is
      achieved for an evaporation-processed yellow device consisting of FCZBn, which is
      superior to that of the device based on CBP (4,4'-dicarbazolyl-1,1'-biphenyl)
      (17.0%), and its efficiency roll-off is also obviously reduced, giving an EQE
      value as high as 16.3% at the luminance of 1000 cd/m2. In addition, from CZPO to
      FCZBn as the polarities of host materials decrease, EL spectra of solution
      processed devices based on DMAC-DPS emitter blue-shift constantly from 496 to 470
      nm. The current work gives a constructive approach to control EL spectra of
      organic light-emitting diodes with a fixed thermally activated delayed
      fluorescence emitter by tuning the polarities of host materials.

PMID- 27652998
TI  - Nitrate Photolysis in Salty Snow.
AB  - Nitrate photolysis from snow can have a significant impact on the oxidative
      capacity of the local atmosphere, but the factors affecting the release of gas
      phase products are not well understood. Here, we report a systematic study of the
      amounts of NO, NO2, and total nitrogen oxides (NOy) emitted from illuminated snow
      samples as a function of both nitrate and total salt (NaCl and Instant Ocean)
      concentration. The results provide experimental evidence that the release of
      nitrogen oxides to the gas phase is directly related to the expected nitrate
      concentration in the brine at the surface of the snow crystals. With no added
      salts, steady-state release of gas-phase products increases to a plateau value
      with increasing prefreezing nitrate concentration; with the addition of salts,
      the steady-state gas-phase nitrogen oxides generally decrease with increasing
      prefreezing NaCl or Instant Ocean concentration. In addition, for these frozen
      mixed nitrate (25 mM)-salt (0-500 mM) solutions, there is an increase in gas
      phase NO2 seen at low added salt amounts, with NO2 production enhanced by up to
      42% at low prefreezing [NaCl] (<=25 mM) and by up to 89% at prefreezing Instant
      Ocean concentrations lower than 200 mM [Cl-]. This enhancement may be important
      to the atmospheric oxidative capacity in polar regions.

PMID- 27652999
TI  - FGF-23 and cardiovascular disease: review of literature.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review examines associations between fibroblast growth
      factor 23 (FGF-23) and cardiovascular disease. RECENT FINDINGS: FGF-23 is a
      hormone produced by osteocytes and osteoblasts that aids with phosphate excretion
      by the kidney and acts as a negative feedback regulator for activated vitamin D
      synthesis. Recent studies have found associations between elevated FGF-23 levels
      and a number of cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, left ventricular
      hypertrophy, endothelial dysfunction, cardiovascular events and mortality.
      CONCLUSION: Recent studies have explored the possible effects of FGF-23 on the
      cardiovascular system. In animal and observational human studies, there is a link
      between elevated FGF-23 levels and multiple cardiovascular outcomes, including
      hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy and cardiovascular events and
      mortality. Further studies are required to evaluate whether decreasing FGF-23
      levels improves cardiovascular outcomes.

PMID- 27653001
TI  - Ethics of medical and nonmedical oocyte cryopreservation.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To assess the effectiveness and ethical dimensions of oocyte
      cryopreservation for both medical and social indications. RECENT FINDINGS: As
      more women are postponing motherhood for a variety of reasons, including lack of
      partner, for completing career plans and reaching financial stability, they are
      resorting to oocyte cryopreservation. To make informed choices, women rely on
      their primary care physicians (PCPs) for initial advice, but PCPs are not always
      fully prepared to discuss oocyte cryopreservation. Interestingly, there are mixed
      feelings among obstetricians/gynecologists on whether oocyte cryopreservation
      should be used for elective reasons, whereas it is fully supported for medical
      indications. SUMMARY: Oocyte vitrification has become an established procedure
      for safeguarding future reproductive chances for medical reasons, and its use is
      progressively expanding. There is an urgent need in preparing future PCPs and
      obstetricians/gynecologists as to how to initiate discussions with their patients
      about elective oocyte banking consistent with fully respecting patient autonomy
      so as to facilitate informed decisions.

PMID- 27653000
TI  - An update on vitamin D for clinicians.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The clinical benefits of vitamin D therapy have received
      substantial attention over the past decade. Recently, several trials looked to
      clarify the optimal vitamin D dose or serum level needed to promote human health.
      The purpose of this review is to highlight selected studies published since
      January 2015. RECENT FINDINGS: Several recent trials challenge whether serum
      vitamin D levels at least 30 ng/ml promote human health. In postmenopausal women
      with 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels 21 +/- 3 ng/ml, high-dose vitamin D for
      1 year increased calcium absorption by 1%, without changes in bone mineral
      density, physical function, or falls when compared with low-dose vitamin D and
      placebo. High-dose vitamin D increased risk of falling in 200 adults 78 +/- 5
      years old with baseline 25(OH)D levels of ~19 +/- 9 ng/ml. High-dose vitamin D in
      adults increased the number and duration of upper respiratory tract infections
      compared with placebo. Asthma patients achieving 25(OH)D levels more than 30
      ng/ml during a trial experienced more respiratory infections than those not
      achieving such levels. SUMMARY: Recent studies are congruent with the Institute
      of Medicine's conclusion that humans are vitamin D replete when their serum
      25(OH)D levels are at least 20 ng/ml. Higher levels seem to promote falls and
      respiratory infections.

PMID- 27653002
TI  - Evolution of human oocyte cryopreservation: slow freezing versus vitrification.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose is to determine the efficiency and efficacy of
      oocyte cryopreservation by slow freezing versus vitrification, recent data
      collected from the Italian National Assisted Reproductive Technology Register
      during the period 2009-2014 will be presented and reviewed. The data on oocyte
      cryopreservation were also compared with the results obtained with embryo
      cryopreservation and relative IVF with fresh oocytes. RECENT FINDINGS: During the
      period 2009-2014 preservation of oocytes by vitrification had a significantly
      higher survival rate, implantation, and pregnancy rate than slow freezing;
      however, there are still large variations in success rates among centers in
      relation to the number of procedures performed. SUMMARY: Vitrification has now
      become the method of choice for oocyte cryopreservation because of better results
      than slow freezing, but still requires a more standardized utilization. The
      transfer of fresh or cryopreserved embryo still shows a statistically significant
      better performance than transfers with embryos obtained with cryopreserved
      oocytes. Only in a few centers with much experience in cryopreservation are the
      results between transfers of frozen embryos or embryos obtained from oocyte
      cryopreservation comparable.

PMID- 27653003
TI  - Bisphosphonates and atypical femoral fractures.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Bisphosphonates are used widely for the treatment of
      osteoporosis and prevention of fractures. Although generally well tolerated and
      effective, bisphosphonates (and denosumab, a newer antiresorptive agent) have
      been associated with unusual fractures of the femoral shaft. RECENT FINDINGS: New
      information about the incidence, pathophysiology, and management of atypical
      femoral fractures (AFFs) are reviewed. Histomorphometric studies have shown
      variable amounts of bone turnover suppression, but new studies suggest that
      healing near bone cracks may not occur in patients with AFF. Some studies suggest
      that hip and femur geometry make certain people more at risk for AFF. In some but
      not all studies, the risk of AFF appears to be related to duration of treatment.
      Thus, the benefit/risk ratio needs to be reassessed as bisphosphonate therapy is
      prolonged. SUMMARY: If we can better understand the pathogenesis of AFF, it may
      be possible to identify those patients at highest risk. In the meantime,
      clinicians must periodically assess risk for osteoporotic fracture versus risk
      for AFF in managing patients with osteoporosis.

PMID- 27653004
TI  - Crossword Puzzle.

PMID- 27653005
TI  - Clinical Effect of Sex-Specific Cutoff Values of High-Sensitivity Cardiac
      Troponin T in Suspected Myocardial Infarction.
AB  - Importance: It is currently unknown whether the uniform (universal clinical
      practice for more than 2 decades) or 2 sex-specific cutoff levels are preferable
      when using high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) levels in the diagnosis
      of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Objective: To improve the management of
      suspected AMI in women by exploring sex-specific vs uniform cutoff levels for hs
      cTnT. Design, Setting, and Participants: In an ongoing prospective, diagnostic,
      multicenter study conducted at 9 emergency departments, the present study
      evaluated patients enrolled from April 21, 2006, through June 5, 2013. The
      participants included 2734 adults presenting with suspected AMI. Duration of
      follow-up was 2 years, and data analysis occurred from June 5 to December 21,
      2015. Interventions: The final diagnosis was centrally adjudicated by 2
      independent cardiologists using all available information, including measurements
      of serial hs-cTnT blood concentrations twice: once using the uniform 99th
      percentile cutoff value level of 14 ng/L and once using sex-specific 99th
      percentile levels of hs-cTnT (women, 9 ng/L; men, 15.5 ng/L). Main Outcomes and
      Measures: Diagnostic reclassification in women and men using sex-specific vs the
      uniform cutoff level in the diagnosis of AMI. Results: Of the 2734 participants,
      876 women (32%) and 1858 men (68%) were included. Median (interquartile range)
      age was 68 (55-77) and 59 (48-71) years, respectively. With the use of the
      uniform cutoff value, 127 women (14.5%) and 345 men (18.6%) received a final
      diagnosis of AMI. Among these, at emergency department presentation, levels of hs
      cTnT were already above the uniform cutoff value in 427 patients (sensitivity,
      91.3% [95% CI, 85%-95.6%] in women vs 90.7% [95% CI, 87.1%-93.5% in men];
      specificity, 79.2% [95% CI, 76.1%-82.1%] in women vs 78.5% [95% CI, 76.4%-80.6%]
      in men). After readjudication using sex-specific 99th percentile levels,
      diagnostic reclassification regarding AMI occurred in only 3 patients: 0.11% (95%
      CI, 0.02-0.32) of all patients and 0.6% (95% CI, 0.13-1.85) of patients with AMI.
      The diagnosis in 2 women was upgraded from unstable angina to AMI, and the
      diagnosis in 1 man was downgraded from AMI to unstable angina. These diagnostic
      results were confirmed when using 2 alternative pairs of uniform and sex-specific
      cutoff values. Conclusions and Relevance: The uniform 99th percentile should
      remain the standard of care when using hs-cTnT levels for the diagnosis of AMI.

PMID- 27653007
TI  - Codman, Hawthorne, and End Results of a Watched System.

PMID- 27653006
TI  - Association Between Hospital Participation in a Medicare Bundled Payment
      Initiative and Payments and Quality Outcomes for Lower Extremity Joint
      Replacement Episodes.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Bundled Payments for Care Improvement (BPCI) is a voluntary
      initiative of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to test the effect of
      holding an entity accountable for all services provided during an episode of care
      on episode payments and quality of care. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether BPCI was
      associated with a greater reduction in Medicare payments without loss of quality
      of care for lower extremity joint (primarily hip and knee) replacement episodes
      initiated in BPCI-participating hospitals that are accountable for total episode
      payments (for the hospitalization and Medicare-covered services during the 90
      days after discharge). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A difference-in
      differences approach estimated the differential change in outcomes for Medicare
      fee-for-service beneficiaries who had a lower extremity joint replacement at a
      BPCI-participating hospital between the baseline (October 2011 through September
      2012) and intervention (October 2013 through June 2015) periods and beneficiaries
      with the same surgical procedure at matched comparison hospitals. EXPOSURE: Lower
      extremity joint replacement at a BPCI-participating hospital. MAIN OUTCOMES AND
      MEASURES: Standardized Medicare-allowed payments (Medicare payments),
      utilization, and quality (unplanned readmissions, emergency department visits,
      and mortality) during hospitalization and the 90-day postdischarge period.
      RESULTS: There were 29 441 lower extremity joint replacement episodes in the
      baseline period and 31 700 in the intervention period (mean [SD] age, 74.1 [8.89]
      years; 65.2% women) at 176 BPCI-participating hospitals, compared with 29 440
      episodes in the baseline period (768 hospitals) and 31 696 episodes in the
      intervention period (841 hospitals) (mean [SD] age, 74.1 [8.92] years; 64.9%
      women) at matched comparison hospitals. The BPCI mean Medicare episode payments
      were $30 551 (95% CI, $30 201 to $30 901) in the baseline period and declined by
      $3286 to $27 265 (95% CI, $26 838 to $27 692) in the intervention period. The
      comparison mean Medicare episode payments were $30 057 (95% CI, $29 765 to $30
      350) in the baseline period and declined by $2119 to $27 938 (95% CI, $27 639 to
      $28 237). The mean Medicare episode payments declined by an estimated $1166 more
      (95% CI, -$1634 to -$699; P < .001) for BPCI episodes than for comparison
      episodes, primarily due to reduced use of institutional postacute care. There
      were no statistical differences in the claims-based quality measures, which
      included 30-day unplanned readmissions (-0.1%; 95% CI, -0.6% to 0.4%), 90-day
      unplanned readmissions (-0.4%; 95% CI, -1.1% to 0.3%), 30-day emergency
      department visits (-0.1%; 95% CI, -0.7% to 0.5%), 90-day emergency department
      visits (0.2%; 95% CI, -0.6% to 1.0%), 30-day postdischarge mortality (-0.1%; 95%
      CI, -0.3% to 0.2%), and 90-day postdischarge mortality (-0.0%; 95% CI, -0.3% to
      0.3%). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In the first 21 months of the BPCI initiative,
      Medicare payments declined more for lower extremity joint replacement episodes
      provided in BPCI-participating hospitals than for those provided in comparison
      hospitals, without a significant change in quality outcomes. Further studies are
      needed to assess longer-term follow-up as well as patterns for other types of
      clinical care.

PMID- 27653008
TI  - Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS) in China.

PMID- 27653009
TI  - Minimally Invasive Pedicle Screws Fixation and Percutaneous Vertebroplasty for
      the Surgical Treatment of Thoracic Metastatic Tumors With Neurologic Compression.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. OBJECTIVE: To describe minimally invasive
      pedicle screw fixation (MIPS) combined with percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP),
      minimally invasive decompression and partial tumor resection for the treatment of
      thoracic metastasis with symptoms of neurologic compression and evaluate the
      feasibility, efficacy, and safety. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Neurologic
      decompression, spinal tumor resection, and stabilization with instrumentation
      should be performed from an anterior, a posterior, or a combined approach for
      spinal metastatic tumors with symptoms of neurologic compression. These
      operations, however, have significant morbidity related to the surgical approach,
      potential blood loss, extensive dissection, or biomechanical instability.
      METHODS: Eighteen patients who sustained single-level thoracic vertebral
      metastasis and neurologic compression underwent MIPS (The minimal-access in a
      paraspinal sacrospinalis muscle-splitting approach was performed to insert the
      pedicle screws into the vertebrae under direct vision and two rods of appropriate
      size were placed over the pedicle screws through subcutaneous soft tissues and
      muscles) combined with PVP, minimally invasive neurologic decompression, and
      partial tumor resection. The patients were evaluated preoperatively according to
      the Tomita, revised Tokuhashi, Bilsky grading system, and Spinal Instability
      Neoplastic Score. Pre- and postoperative VAS score, American Spinal Injury
      Association grade, ambulatory status, and urinary continence were also recorded.
      The Cobb angles, central, and anterior vertebral body height were measured on the
      lateral radiographs before surgery and during the follow-up. RESULTS: Clinical
      follow-up was available for 17 patients in this study ranging from 12 to 16
      months (mean time, 14.2 months), and 1 patient died 8 months after surgery. The
      Visual Analog Scale was significantly decreased after surgery. Improvement of
      paraplegia was observed after surgery in all of these patients. Spine stability
      was observed in all of the surviving patients during the follow-up. CONCLUSION:
      MIPS combined with PVP, minimally invasive decompression, and partial tumor
      resection is a good choice of surgical treatment of thoracic metastatic tumors
      with neurologic compression. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2.

PMID- 27653010
TI  - Application of Laparoscopic Lumbar Discectomy and Artificial Disc Replacement: At
      Least Two Years of Follow-Up.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: This prospective observational study included 22 patients who were
      diagnosed with symptomatic degenerative disc disease treated via artificial disc
      replacement (ADR) with a laparoscopic technique. OBJECTIVE: The current study
      aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of ADR using a laparoscopic technique for
      lumbar disc herniation. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Symptomatic degenerative disc
      disease is the major cause of low back pain with lumbar segmental instability.
      ADR has increased in popularity as an alternative treatment for lumbar disc
      herniation. However, the traditional approach to spinal surgery carries the risk
      of catastrophic bleeding from injury to major vessels, as well as iatrogenic
      injury to the viscera and associated structures. Therefore, laparoscopic lumbar
      discectomy and ADR may represent a useful alternative. METHODS: Twenty-two
      patients (8 males and 14 females) who were diagnosed with symptomatic
      degenerative disc disease were included in this study. Seven cases involved the
      L4/5 level, and 15 cases involved the L5/S1 level. All patients were ineffective
      after at least 6 months of conservative treatments; all patients were informed of
      the surgery before the operation and provided consent. Three-dimensional computed
      tomographic angiography (3D-CTA) of the iliac great blood vessels was completed
      before the surgery. All surgical procedures were performed under a laparoscope.
      All patients were followed up. RESULTS: All surgeries were successfully
      completed. The average operation time was 120 minutes (range 110-150 min), and
      the average hemorrhage was 145 mL (range 80-360 mL). All cases underwent X-rays
      at 3 days, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and the final postoperative follow-up. The
      outcome indicated that there was no mobilization, displacement, or subsidence in
      all patients with the exception of one case with prosthesis migration. The follow
      up time was 43.8 months (range 24-64 months). The mean visual analog scale (VAS)
      and Oswestry scores were decreased postoperatively. The mean improvement rate of
      the VAS score was 73.5%. CONCLUSION: Lumbar ADR using a laparoscope represents a
      novel, minimally invasive treatment for symptomatic degenerative disc disease and
      severe lumbar discogenic pain.

PMID- 27653011
TI  - Cyclo[4]carbazole, an Iodide Anion Macrocyclic Receptor.
AB  - A novel preorganized and rigid iodide anion macrocyclic receptor,
      cyclo[4]carbazole (Cy[4]C), is reported here. The structure of Cy[4]C was
      confirmed by single-crystal X-ray analysis. The binding affinity of Cy[4]C for
      iodide anion was investigated by UV-vis and 1H NMR spectroscopic techniques. The
      crystal structure of the complex between Cy[4]C and chloroform also provided
      evidence for the recognition ability of Cy[4]C toward iodide anion. Furthermore,
      the 1:1 complexation stoichiometry between Cy[4]C and iodide anion was confirmed
      by high-resolution mass spectrometry and molecular modeling.

PMID- 27653012
TI  - Processes and conditions underlying the link between shyness and school
      adjustment among Turkish children.
AB  - This study examined the underlying processes and conditions that contribute to
      the school adjustment of shy children in Turkey, where children's interpersonal
      relationships in social settings and academic achievement are highly emphasized.
      First, we examined the unique mediating roles of children's feelings of social
      anxiety, depressive symptoms, and loneliness in the associations between shyness
      and indices of school outcomes (academic achievement and school
      liking/avoidance). Second, we explored the moderating role of children's peer
      acceptance in these associations. Fourth- and fifth-grade children (N = 599; Mage
      = 10.11 years, SD = 0.65; 48% girls) provided information on shyness, social
      anxiety, depressive symptoms, loneliness, and school liking/avoidance. Head
      teachers in each classroom reported on students' academic performance. The peer
      nomination method was used to assess children's peer relationships. Results
      revealed that when children displayed shy behaviours, they reported more
      depressive symptoms that were, in turn, associated with poorer academic
      performance, less school liking, and higher school avoidance. Moreover, shyness
      negatively predicted school liking at low levels of peer acceptance, suggesting
      that difficulties in peer relationships increased shy children's risk of school
      dissatisfaction. Overall, our findings support the importance of the
      interpersonal relationship context for children's adjustment within the Turkish
      cultural context. Statement of contribution What is already known on this
      subject? Shy children have difficulties initiating and maintaining social
      interactions, which put them at risk for a wide range of socio-emotional
      difficulties. Shy children have poor academic performance and experience school
      adjustment difficulties in North America. What does this study add? Shyness is an
      important risk factor for poorer academic performance and adjustment among
      children in Turkey. The association between shyness and difficulties at school is
      explained by children's experience of depressive symptoms. Difficulties with peer
      relationships increase shy children's risk of school dissatisfaction.

PMID- 27653013
TI  - Enhancing self-care, adjustment and engagement through mobile phones in youth
      with HIV.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of mobile phones in enhancing self-care,
      adjustment and engagement in non-disclosed youth living with HIV. BACKGROUND:
      Youth aged 15-24 years represent 42% of new HIV infections globally. Youth who
      are aware of their HIV status generally do not disclose it or utilize HIV-related
      facilities because of fear of stigma. They rely on the Internet for health
      maintenance information and access formal care only when immune-compromised and
      in crisis. INTRODUCTION: This study shows how non-disclosed youth living with HIV
      can be reached and engaged for self-management and adjustment through mobile
      phone. STUDY DESIGN: One-group pre-test/post-test experimental design was used.
      METHODS: Mobile phones were used to give information, motivation and counselling
      to 19 purposively recruited non-disclosed youth with HIV in Calabar, South-South
      Nigeria. Psychological adjustment scale, modified self-care capacity scale and
      patient activation measure were used to collect data. Data were analysed using
      PASW 18.0. RESULTS: Scores on self-care capacity, psychological adjustment and
      engagement increased significantly at post-test. HIV-related visits to health
      facilities did not improve significantly even at 6 months. Participants still
      preferred to consult healthcare providers for counselling through mobile phone.
      DISCUSSION: Mobile phone-based interventions are low cost, convenient, ensure
      privacy and are suitable for youth. Such remote health counselling enhances self
      management and positive living. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR HEALTH POLICY:
      Mobile phones enhance self-care, psychological adjustment and engagement in non
      disclosed youth living with HIV, and can be used to increase care coverage.
      Findings underline the importance of policies to increase access by locating,
      counselling and engaging HIV-infected youth in care.

PMID- 27653014
TI  - Interesting microorganism.

PMID- 27653016
TI  - Crystal Growth, Structure, Resistivity, Magnetic, and Photoelectric Properties of
      One-Dimensional Selenometallate Ba2 BiFeSe5.
AB  - Low-dimensional materials have attracted extensive research interest in recent
      years owing to their interesting structural chemistry and physical properties,
      which will greatly deepen our knowledge of these materials and could lead to
      additional breakthroughs in the future. Herein we have synthesized and
      characterized Ba2 BiFeSe5 , which adopts a quasi-one-dimensional structure and
      possesses some fascinating physical properties. The sharp divergences between the
      field-cooled (FC) and the zero-field-cooled (ZFC) data and the rather small
      magnetic moment per Fe3+ (0.07 MUB ) strongly suggest that the title compound is
      weakly ferromagnetic with a high magnetic transition temperature above room
      temperature, which is controlled by competing super-exchange interactions within
      and between [FeBiSe5 ]infinity anionic ladders. Moreover, with its narrow bandgap
      of 0.95 eV, Ba2 BiFeSe5 shows photoelectric properties with a photocurrent
      density of approximately 30 mA cm2 at 5 V. Our study demonstrates that Ba2
      FeBiSe5 might be a new type of multifunctional material that deserves further
      investigation.

PMID- 27653017
TI  - Herpes simplex infection on a recent tattoo. A new case of "herpes compuctorum".

PMID- 27653018
TI  - Extremely Active Organocatalysts Enable a Highly Enantioselective Addition of
      Allyltrimethylsilane to Aldehydes.
AB  - The enantioselective allylation of aldehydes to form homoallylic alcohols is one
      of the most frequently used carbon-carbon bond-forming reaction in chemical
      synthesis and, for several decades, has been a testing ground for new asymmetric
      methodology. However, a general and highly enantioselective catalytic addition of
      the inexpensive, nontoxic, air- and moisture-stable allyltrimethylsilane to
      aldehydes, the Hosomi-Sakurai reaction, has remained elusive. Reported herein is
      the design and synthesis of a highly acidic imidodiphosphorimidate motif (IDPi),
      which enables this transformation, thus converting various aldehydes with
      aromatic and aliphatic groups at catalyst loadings ranging from 0.05 to 2.0 mol %
      with excellent enantioselectivities. Our rationally constructed catalysts feature
      a highly tunable active site, and selectively process small substrates, thus
      promising utility in various other challenging chemical reactions.

PMID- 27653015
TI  - Peroxiredoxin 1 - an antioxidant enzyme in cancer.
AB  - Peroxiredoxins (PRDXs), a ubiquitous family of redox-regulating proteins, are
      reported of potential to eliminate various reactive oxygen species (ROS). As a
      major member of the antioxidant enzymes, PRDX1 can become easily over-oxidized on
      its catalytically active cysteine induced by a variety of stimuli in vitro and in
      vivo. In nucleus, oligomeric PRDX1 directly associates with p53 or transcription
      factors such as c-Myc, NF-kappaB and AR, and thus affects their bioactivities
      upon gene regulation, which in turn induces or suppresses cell death.
      Additionally, PRDX1 in cytoplasm has anti-apoptotic potential through direct or
      indirect interactions with several ROS-dependent (redox regulation) effectors,
      including ASK1, p66Shc , GSTpi/JNK and c-Abl kinase. PRDX1 is proven to be a
      versatile molecule regulating cell growth, differentiation and apoptosis. Recent
      studies have found that PRDX1 and/or PRDX1-regulated ROS-dependent signalling
      pathways play an important role in the progression and metastasis of human
      tumours, particularly in breast, oesophageal and lung cancers. In this paper, we
      review the structure, effector functions of PRDX1, its role in cancer and the
      pivotal role of ROS in anticancer treatment.

PMID- 27653019
TI  - The learning curves in living donor hemiliver graft procurement using small upper
      midline incision.
AB  - The learning curve for performing living donor hemiliver procurement (LDHP) via
      small upper midline incision (UMI) has not been determined. Living donors (n=101)
      who underwent LDHP via UMI were included to investigate the learning curve using
      cumulative sum analysis. The cumulative sum analysis showed that nine cases for
      right lobe (case #23) and 19 cases for left lobe (case #32 in the whole series)
      are needed for stable and acceptable surgical outcomes in LDHP via UMI. The
      established phase (n=69, since case #33) had a significantly shorter operative
      time, a smaller incision size, and less blood loss than the previous learning
      phase (n=32, serial case number up to the last 19th left lobe case). Multivariate
      analysis showed that the learning phase, high body mass index >=25 kg/m2 , and
      left lobe graft procurement are the factors associated with surgical events
      including operative blood loss >=400 mL, operative time >=300 minutes, or
      surgical complications >=Clavien-Dindo grade II. There is an obvious learning
      curve in performing LDHP via UMI, and 32 cases including both 19 cases for left
      lobe and nine cases for right lobe are needed for having stable and acceptable
      surgical outcomes.

PMID- 27653020
TI  - Adopting an external focus of attention alters intracortical inhibition within
      the primary motor cortex.
AB  - AIM: Although it is well established that an external (EF) compared to an
      internal (IF) or neutral focus of attention enhances motor performance, little is
      known about the underlying neural mechanisms. This study aimed to clarify whether
      the focus of attention influences not only motor performance but also activity of
      the primary motor cortex (M1) when executing identical fatiguing tasks of the
      right index finger (first dorsal interosseous). Transcranial magnetic stimulation
      (TMS) at intensities below motor threshold was applied over M1 to assess and
      compare the excitability of intracortical inhibitory circuits. METHODS: In
      session 1, 14 subjects performed an isometric finger abduction at 30% of their
      maximal force to measure the time to task failure (TTF) with either an IF or EF.
      In session 2, the same task was performed with the other focus. In sessions 3 and
      4, subthreshold TMS (subTMS) and paired-pulse TMS were applied to the
      contralateral M1 to compare the activity of cortical inhibitory circuits within
      M1 during EF and IF. RESULTS: With an EF, TTF was significantly prolonged (P =
      0.01), subTMS-induced electromyographical suppression enhanced (P = 0.001) and
      short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) increased (P = 0.004). CONCLUSION:
      The level of intracortical inhibition was previously shown to influence motor
      performance. Our data shed new light on the ability to instantly modulate the
      activity of inhibitory circuits within M1 by changing the type of attentional
      focus. The increased inhibition with EF might contribute to the better movement
      efficiency, which is generally associated with focusing externally.

PMID- 27653021
TI  - Mathematics as a conduit for translational research in post-traumatic
      osteoarthritis.
AB  - Biomathematical models offer a powerful method of clarifying complex temporal
      interactions and the relationships among multiple variables in a system. We
      present a coupled in silico biomathematical model of articular cartilage
      degeneration in response to impact and/or aberrant loading such as would be
      associated with injury to an articular joint. The model incorporates fundamental
      biological and mechanical information obtained from explant and small animal
      studies to predict post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) progression, with an eye
      toward eventual application in human patients. In this sense, we refer to the
      mathematics as a "conduit of translation." The new in silico framework presented
      in this paper involves a biomathematical model for the cellular and biochemical
      response to strains computed using finite element analysis. The model predicts
      qualitative responses presently, utilizing system parameter values largely taken
      from the literature. To contribute to accurate predictions, models need to be
      accurately parameterized with values that are based on solid science. We discuss
      a parameter identification protocol that will enable us to make increasingly
      accurate predictions of PTOA progression using additional data from smaller scale
      explant and small animal assays as they become available. By distilling the data
      from the explant and animal assays into parameters for biomathematical models,
      mathematics can translate experimental data to clinically relevant knowledge. (c)
      2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop
      Res 35:566-572, 2017.

PMID- 27653022
TI  - Management of Hypertension With a Fixed-Dose (Single-Pill) Combination of
      Bisoprolol and Amlodipine.
AB  - Hypertension is currently one of the greatest global health care challenges.
      Although many effective drugs are available, combinations of 2 or more
      medications are often required to meet clinical targets. Combination therapy has
      several advantages over monotherapy: lower doses of each drug can be used to
      achieve therapeutic goals; lower doses may lead to fewer adverse events,
      facilitating patient adherence; and using multiple drugs with different modes of
      action may be more effective in treating multifactorial diseases, including
      hypertension. Adherence is an important consideration when requiring patients to
      self-administer multiple medications; as the number of concurrent medications
      increases, patient adherence tends to decrease. Recent evidence suggests that
      fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) may be more effective than free-dose combinations,
      as they provide all necessary medications in a single convenient tablet/single
      pill combination. Among combinations of hypertension medications, a beta-blocker
      such as bisoprolol with a calcium channel blocker such as amlodipine is an
      effective combination therapy for hypertension, with distinct and complimentary
      modes of action. With advantages over free-dose combinations, the FDC of
      bisoprolol/amlodipine is thus an effective and convenient treatment for
      hypertension, allowing more patients to achieve their therapeutic goals, while
      potentially reducing the burden of hypertension on health care systems.

PMID- 27653024
TI  - Retinal microcirculation in association with caffeinated and alcoholic drinks in
      subjects at increased cardiovascular risk.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The association of caffeinated and alcoholic drinks with
      microcirculation is poorly investigated. The aim of the study was to investigate
      the associations of daily consumption of caffeinated and alcoholic drinks with
      retinal vessel calibers. METHODS: In consecutive adults at increased risk but
      free of CVD and diabetes mellitus, (n=181, age: 51.32+/-12.42 y, 51.4% women), we
      determined CRAE, CRVE and AVR, respectively. Daily consumption of caffeinated and
      alcoholic drinks was assessed through 24 h recalls. RESULTS: After adjustment for
      potential confounders: (i) caffeine was positively associated with CRVE (b=0.177,
      P=.006 for left, b=0.208, P=.002 for right eye, respectively) (ii) decaffeinated
      coffee was positively associated with CRAE (b=0.141, P=.035 for left eye) and
      negatively associated with CRVE (b=-0.234, P<.001 for left, b=-0.189, P=.006 for
      right eye, respectively). Regular coffee, tea, alcohol, and any type of alcoholic
      drink did not associate with retinal vessel calibers. CONCLUSIONS: Alcohol and
      alcoholic drinks' consumption were not associated, while decaffeinated coffee and
      caffeine consumption were associated in an opposing pattern with retinal vessel
      calibers. The reason of this controversy merits further investigation.

PMID- 27653025
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 27653023
TI  - DDR2-CYR61-MMP1 Signaling Pathway Promotes Bone Erosion in Rheumatoid Arthritis
      Through Regulating Migration and Invasion of Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes.
AB  - Regulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) by collagen in the fibroblast-like
      synoviocytes (FLSs) plays a critical role in joint destruction in rheumatoid
      arthritis (RA). Our previous study indicated that discoidin receptor 2 (DDR2)
      mediated collagen upregulation of MMPs. However, the precise underlying mechanism
      remains unclear. We report here that CYR61, a secreted, extracellular matrix
      associated signaling protein which is capable of regulating a broad range of
      cellular activities, including cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, and
      apoptosis, is significantly upregulated in collagen II-stimulated RA FLS. Further
      studies found that collagen II-activated phosphorylated-DDR2 induces CYR61
      through activation of transcription factor activator protein 1 (AP-1). The
      elevated CYR61, in turn, accelerates MMP1 production via ETS1 (ETS proto-oncogene
      1). In addition, CYR61 significantly promotes FLS invasion and migration.
      Blockade of CYR61 by an adenovirus expressing CYR61 shRNA (Ad-shCYR61) in vivo
      remarkably ameliorated the severity of arthritis, reduced inflammatory cytokine
      secretion, and attenuated bone erosion as detected by micro-computed tomography
      (MUCT), in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats. Taken together, we uncovered
      the Collagen II-DDR2-AP-1-CYR61-ETS1-MMP1 loop in RA FLS. In which, CYR61 acts as
      a hinge to promote cartilage damage through regulating FLS invasion, migration,
      and MMP1 production and the inflammatory cascade in RA. Thus, CYR61 may be a
      promising diagnostic and therapeutic target for RA treatment. (c) 2016 American
      Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

PMID- 27653026
TI  - Isotopic Combinatomer Analysis Provides in Vivo Evidence of the Direct
      Epimerization of Monoglucosyl Diacylglycerol in Cyanobacteria.
AB  - Galactolipids constitute the majority of photosynthetic membranes called
      thylakoid membranes in cyanobacteria and chloroplasts of land plants and algae.
      The galactolipids, although identical in headgroup structure, are synthesized by
      significantly different pathways in cyanobacteria and chloroplasts. In the
      cyanobacterial pathway, monoglucosyl diacylglycerol (GlcDG) is synthesized first
      and then converted to monogalactosyl diacylglycerol (MGDG). On the basis of
      circumstantial evidence, the mechanism of conversion was thought to be
      epimerization at C-4, but no direct evidence has yet been provided, because there
      is no in vitro enzymatic system of the putative membrane-bound reaction. Labeling
      studies with 14C and 13C suggested that the labels in the headgroup and the acyl
      groups were kept at a reasonably constant ratio before and after the conversion.
      We then provide in vivo evidence of the direct epimerization based on detailed
      isotopomer analysis of the conversion, named "combinatomer analysis". The
      different types of molecules formed by the combination of labeled or unlabeled
      parts (sn-1 acyl, sn-2 acyl, glycerol, and hexose) are called here
      "combinatomers". Combinatomer analysis of the experiments with pulse labeling
      with 13C and chase in Anabaena sp. PCC 7118 indicated that the composition of
      combinatomers in the precursor GlcDG was kept unchanged in the product MGDG.
      Production of combinatomers resulting from exchange of hexose was minimal. This
      provides solid evidence of the epimerization of the glucose moiety of GlcDG, as
      well as the direct desaturation of acyl groups at the sn-1 position.

PMID- 27653028
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 27653029
TI  - Muscle activation and energy expenditure of sedentary behavior alternatives in
      young and old adults.
AB  - The physiological mechanisms that underlie the metabolic benefits of breaking up
      sedentary behavior (SB) have yet to be determined. The purpose of this study is
      to compare energy expenditure (EE) and muscle activation (MA) responses to
      sitting and four SB alternatives in younger and older adults. Twenty-two adults,
      grouped by age (21-35 and 62-76 years), completed five randomly ordered 20 min
      tasks: (1) continuous sitting (Sit), (2) sitting on a stability ball (Ball), (3)
      continuous standing (Stand), (4) sitting interrupted by walking (S/W), and (5)
      sitting interrupted by standing (S/S). Muscle activation of two upper (trapezius
      and erector spinae) and two lower (rectus femoris and medial gastrocnemius) body
      muscles and total body EE were measured continuously. A linear mixed model using
      gender and age as a covariate with Bonferroni adjustment were used to determine
      significant differences between tasks. Collectively, S/W produced significantly
      higher MA and EE compared with Sit (p  <  0.001). Stand and Ball provided
      significantly greater EE, but not MA, compared to Sit (p  <  0.05), while S/S did
      not significantly change EE or MA compared to Sit. There were no net EE
      differences when comparing age groups across the tasks. Upper body MA was not
      consistent in both age groups across tasks. Specifically, during S/W the upper
      body MA of older adults (9.7  +/-  1.5% MVC) was double that of young adults (4.8
      +/-  0.7% MVC, p  =  0.006). Lower body MA responded similarly to all tasks in
      both age groups. Disrupting sitting with walking produced the largest increase in
      EE and MA compared to other SB alternatives in both age groups. These results are
      important considering the wide use of SB alternatives by researchers and public
      health practitioners.

PMID- 27653030
TI  - Adverse childhood experiences and autonomic regulation in response to acute
      stress: the role of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: After a previous report demonstrated blunted heart
      rate (HR) reactivity in association with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
      [Voellmin, A., Winzeler, K., Hug, E., Wilhelm, F. H., Schaefer, V., Gaab, J., ...
      Bader, K. (2015). Blunted endocrine and cardiovascular reactivity in young
      healthy women reporting a history of childhood adversity.
      Psychoneuroendocrinology, 51, 58-67. doi: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2014.09.008 ], the
      present analysis aimed at clarifying the role of the sympathetic and
      parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system in this relationship.
      DESIGN AND METHODS: One hundred eighteen healthy young women provided data on
      ACEs and underwent psychosocial stress testing. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and
      respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA, quantified by high-frequency HR variability)
      were assessed as measures of sympathetic and parasympathetic cardiovascular
      activity, respectively. A mediation model was calculated to test the indirect
      effects of ACEs on HR via SBP and RSA. RESULTS: The effect of ACEs on HR
      reactivity was mediated by SBP reactivity but not by RSA reactivity. ACEs were
      associated with reduced SBP at rest. CONCLUSIONS: ACEs were associated with down
      regulation in a measure of sympathetic but no alteration in a measure of
      parasympathetic cardiovascular stress reactivity in adulthood. Future research
      will need to clarify whether this indicates risk or resilience.

PMID- 27653031
TI  - Relationship Between Different Subpopulations of Circulating CD4+ T-lymphocytes
      and Microvascular Structural Alterations in Humans.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Different components of the immune system, including innate and
      adaptive immunity (T-effector lymphocytes and T-regulatory lymphocytes-TREGs) may
      be involved in the development of hypertension. In addition, it was demonstrated
      in animal models that TREGs may prevent angiotensin II-induced hypertension and
      vascular injury/inflammation. However, no data are presently available in humans
      about possible relationships between T-lymphocyte subtypes and microvascular
      structural alterations. METHODS: For this purpose, in the present study, we
      enrolled 24 normotensive subjects and 12 hypertensive patients undergoing an
      elective surgical intervention. No sign of local or systemic inflammation was
      present. All patients underwent a biopsy of subcutaneous fat during surgery.
      Subcutaneous small resistance arteries were dissected and mounted on a wire
      myograph and the media to lumen ratio (M/L) was calculated. In addition, retinal
      arteriolar structure was evaluated noninvasively by scanning laser Doppler
      flowmetry. Capillary density in the nailfold, dorsum of the finger, and forearm
      were evaluated by videomicroscopy. A peripheral blood sample was obtained before
      surgery for assessment of T-lymphocyte subpopulations by flow cytometry. RESULTS:
      Significant negative correlations were observed between indices of microvascular
      structure (M/L of subcutaneous small arteries and wall to lumen ratio of retinal
      arterioles) and circulating TREG lymphocytes. A direct correlation was observed
      between M/L of subcutaneous small arteries and circulating Th17 lymphocytes. In
      addition, total capillary density was correlated with a TREG effector memory
      subpopulation. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that some lymphocyte subpopulations
      may be related to microvascular remodeling, confirming previous animal data, and
      opening therapeutic possibilities.

PMID- 27653032
TI  - Cerebral Biomarkers in Women With Preeclampsia Are Still Elevated 1 Year
      Postpartum.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is evidence of cerebral involvement among women with
      preeclampsia. Levels of the cerebral biomarkers neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and
      S100B are elevated during pregnancy in women developing preeclampsia. It is
      although not known if these biomarkers return to normal range postpartum. The aim
      with this study was to compare levels of S100B and NSE during pregnancy and 1
      year postpartum in women who have had preeclampsia to women with normal
      pregnancies. METHODS: This study was a longitudinal study of cases (n = 53) with
      preeclampsia and controls (n = 58) consisted of normal pregnant women in matched
      gestational weeks. Plasma samples were collected at inclusion during pregnancy
      and 1 year postpartum. Plasma samples were analyzed for levels of S100B and NSE
      by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays kits. RESULTS: Levels of NSE and S100B in
      women with preeclampsia were higher during pregnancy than in women with normal
      pregnancies. One year postpartum, women who have had preeclampsia still had a
      higher median level of both NSE (5.07 vs. 4.28 ug/l, P < 0.05) and S100B (0.07
      vs. 0.06 ug/l, P < 0.05) compared to women with previous normal pregnancies. High
      levels of NSE and S100B postpartum remained associated with previous preeclampsia
      after adjustment for confounding factors. Levels of NSE correlated to S100B
      during pregnancy and postpartum. CONCLUSIONS: Levels of NSE and S100B are still
      elevated 1 year postpartum in women who have had preeclampsia in contrast to
      women with previous normal pregnancies. We hypothesize that there might be a
      persistent cerebral involvement among women with preeclampsia even 1 year
      postpartum.

PMID- 27653033
TI  - Effects of 17beta-Estradiol and Androgen on Glucose Metabolism in Skeletal
      Muscle.
AB  - Diabetes develops predominantly in males in experimental models, and extensive
      evidence suggests that 17beta-estradiol (E2) modulates progression of diabetes in
      humans. We previously developed a severely diabetic transgenic (Tg) mouse model
      by beta-cell-specific overexpression of inducible cAMP early repressor (ICER) and
      found that male ICER-Tg mice exhibit sustained severe hyperglycemia, but female
      ICER-Tg mice gradually became normoglycemic with aging. This implies that
      differences in circulating androgen and E2 levels might influence skeletal muscle
      glucose uptake and glycemic status. Here we examined whether a decrease of
      androgen or E2 excess can improve muscle glucose uptake in hyperglycemic male
      ICER-Tg mice and, conversely, whether a decrease of E2 or androgen excess can
      elevate blood glucose levels and impair muscle glucose uptake in normoglycemic
      female ICER-Tg mice. We treated hyperglycemic male ICER-Tg mice with orchiectomy
      (ORX) or ORX+E2 pellet implantation and normoglycemic female ICER-Tg mice with
      ovariectomy (OVX) or OVX+5alpha-DHT pellet implantation to alter the androgen to
      E2 ratio. ORX+E2 treatment of male ICER-Tg mice caused a rapid drop in blood
      glucose via both a dramatic increase of beta-cells and significantly improved
      muscle glucose uptake due to the induction of glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4)
      expression and translocation of GLUT4 to the cell membrane. In contrast,
      OVX+5alpha-DHT-treated female ICER-Tg mice showed an elevation of blood glucose
      without any decrease of beta-cells; instead, they showed decreased muscle glucose
      uptake due to decreased activation of serine/threonine-specific protein kinase
      AKT and GLUT4 expression. These findings suggest that androgen (5alpha-DHT)
      promotes insulin resistance in females, whereas E2 improves insulin sensitivity
      in severely diabetic male mice.

PMID- 27653035
TI  - Maternal Obesity Programs Senescence Signaling and Glucose Metabolism in Osteo
      Progenitors From Rat and Human.
AB  - Nutritional status during intrauterine and early postnatal life impacts the risk
      of chronic diseases, presumably via epigenetic mechanisms. However, evidence on
      the impact of gestational events on regulation of embryonic bone cell fate is
      sparse. We investigated the effects of maternal obesity on fetal osteoblast
      development in both rodents and humans. Female rats were fed control or an
      obesogenic high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks and mated with male rats fed control
      diets, and respective maternal diets were continued during pregnancy. Embryonic
      rat osteogenic calvarial cells (EOCCs) were taken from gestational day 18.5
      fetuses from control and HFD dams. EOCCs from HFD obese dams showed increases in
      p53/p21-mediated cell senescence signaling but decreased glucose metabolism.
      Decreased aerobic glycolysis in HFD-EOCCs was associated with decreased
      osteoblastic cell differentiation and proliferation. Umbilical cord human
      mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from 24 pregnant women (12 obese and 12 lean) along
      with placentas were collected upon delivery. The umbilical cord MSCs of obese
      mothers displayed less potential toward osteoblastogenesis and more towards
      adipogenesis. Human MSCs and placenta from obese mothers also exhibited increased
      cell senescence signaling, whereas MSCs showed decreased glucose metabolism and
      insulin resistance. Finally, we showed that overexpression of p53 linked
      increased cell senescence signaling and decreased glucose metabolism in fetal
      osteo-progenitors from obese rats and humans. These findings suggest programming
      of fetal preosteoblastic cell senescence signaling and glucose metabolism by
      maternal obesity.

PMID- 27653034
TI  - Administration of Melatonin and Metformin Prevents Deleterious Effects of
      Circadian Disruption and Obesity in Male Rats.
AB  - Circadian disruption and obesity synergize to predispose to development of type 2
      diabetes mellitus (T2DM), signifying that therapeutic targeting of both circadian
      and metabolic dysfunctions should be considered as a potential treatment
      approach. To address this hypothesis, we studied rats concomitantly exposed to
      circadian disruption and diet-induced obesity (CDO), a rat model recently shown
      to recapitulate phenotypical aspects of obese T2DM (eg, circadian disruption,
      obesity, insulin resistance, and islet failure). CDO rats were subsequently
      treated daily (for 12 wk) by timed oral gavage with vehicle, melatonin (a known
      chronobiotic), metformin, or combination treatment of both therapeutics.
      Melatonin treatment alone improved circadian activity rhythms, attenuated
      induction of beta-cell failure, and enhanced glucose tolerance. Metformin alone
      did not modify circadian activity but enhanced insulin sensitivity and glucose
      tolerance. Importantly, the combination of melatonin and metformin had
      synergistic actions to modify progression of metabolic dysfunction in CDO rats
      through improved adiposity, circadian activity, insulin sensitivity, and islet
      cell failure. This study suggests that management of both circadian and metabolic
      dysfunctions should be considered as a potential preventative and therapeutic
      option for treatment of obesity and T2DM.

PMID- 27653036
TI  - Human Parturition Involves Phosphorylation of Progesterone Receptor-A at Serine
      345 in Myometrial Cells.
AB  - The hypothesis that phosphorylation of progesterone receptor (PR) isoforms, PR-A
      and PR-B, in myometrial cells affects progesterone action in the context of human
      parturition was tested. Immunodetection of phosphoserine (pSer) PR forms in term
      myometrium revealed that the onset of labor is associated with increased
      phosphorylation of PR-A at serine-345 (pSer345-PRA) and that pSer345-PRA
      localized to the nucleus of myometrial cells. In explant cultures of term
      myometrium generation of pSer345-PRA was induced by interleukin-1beta and
      dependent on progesterone, suggesting that pSer345-PRA generation is induced by a
      proinflammatory stimulus. In the hTERT-HMA/B human myometrial cell line,
      abundance of pSer345-PRA was induced by progesterone in a dose- (EC50 ~1 nM) and
      time-dependent manner. Prevention of pSer345 (by site-directed mutagenesis)
      abolished the capacity for PR-A to inhibit anti-inflammatory actions of
      progesterone mediated by PR-B but had no effect on the transrepressive activity
      of PR-A at a canonical progesterone response element. Taken together, the data
      show that human parturition involves the phosphorylation of PR-A at serine-345 in
      myometrial cells and that this process is ligand dependent and induced by a
      proinflammatory stimulus. We also found that in myometrial cells, pSer345
      activates the capacity for PR-A to inhibit antiinflammatory actions of
      progesterone mediated by PR-B. Phosphorylation of PR-A at serine-345 may be an
      important functional link between tissue-level inflammation and PR-A-mediated
      functional progesterone withdrawal to trigger parturition.

PMID- 27653038
TI  - A bilinear pairing based anonymous authentication scheme in wireless body area
      networks for mHealth.
AB  - Wireless body area networks (WBANs) have become one of the key components of
      mobile health (mHealth) which provides 24/7 health monitoring service and greatly
      improves the quality and efficiency of healthcare. However, users' concern about
      the security and privacy of their health information has become one of the major
      obstacles that impede the wide adoption of WBANs. Anonymous and unlinkable
      authentication is critical to protect the security and privacy of sensitive
      physiological information in transit from the client to the application provider.
      We first show that the anonymous authentication scheme of Wang and Zhang based on
      bilinear pairing is prone to client impersonation attack. Then, we propose an
      enhanced anonymous authentication scheme to remedy the flaw in Wang and Zhang's
      scheme. We give the security analysis to demonstrate that the enhanced scheme
      achieves the desired security features and withstands various known attacks.

PMID- 27653037
TI  - G6PC2 Modulates the Effects of Dexamethasone on Fasting Blood Glucose and Glucose
      Tolerance.
AB  - The glucose-6-phosphatase catalytic subunit 2 (G6PC2) gene encodes an islet
      specific glucose-6-phosphatase catalytic subunit. G6PC2 forms a substrate cycle
      with glucokinase that determines the glucose sensitivity of insulin secretion.
      Consequently, deletion of G6pc2 lowers fasting blood glucose (FBG) without
      affecting fasting plasma insulin. Although chronic elevation of FBG is
      detrimental to health, glucocorticoids induce G6PC2 expression, suggesting that
      G6PC2 evolved to transiently modulate FBG under conditions of glucocorticoid
      related stress. We show, using competition and mutagenesis experiments, that the
      synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone (Dex) induces G6PC2 promoter activity
      through a mechanism involving displacement of the islet-enriched transcription
      factor MafA by the glucocorticoid receptor. The induction of G6PC2 promoter
      activity by Dex is modulated by a single nucleotide polymorphism, previously
      linked to altered FBG in humans, that affects FOXA2 binding. A 5-day repeated
      injection paradigm was used to examine the chronic effect of Dex on FBG and
      glucose tolerance in wild-type (WT) and G6pc2 knockout mice. Acute Dex treatment
      only induces G6pc2 expression in 129SvEv but not C57BL/6J mice, but this chronic
      treatment induced G6pc2 expression in both. In 6-hour fasted C57BL/6J WT mice,
      Dex treatment lowered FBG and improved glucose tolerance, with G6pc2 deletion
      exacerbating the decrease in FBG and enhancing the improvement in glucose
      tolerance. In contrast, in 24-hour fasted C57BL/6J WT mice, Dex treatment raised
      FBG but still improved glucose tolerance, with G6pc2 deletion limiting the
      increase in FBG and enhancing the improvement in glucose tolerance. These
      observations demonstrate that G6pc2 modulates the complex effects of Dex on both
      FBG and glucose tolerance.

PMID- 27653039
TI  - Secured Medical Images - a Chaotic Pixel Scrambling Approach.
AB  - In this paper, a cryptosystem is proposed to encrypt 16-bit monochrome DICOM
      image using enhanced chaotic economic map. A new enhanced chaotic economic map
      (ECEM) is designed from the chaotic economic map which has better bifurcation
      nature and positive Lyapunov exponent values. In order to improve the sternness
      of the encryption algorithm, the enhanced chaotic map is employed to generate the
      pixel permutation, masking, and swapping sequences. The substitution operation is
      introduced in-between the standard permutation and diffusion operations. The
      robustness of the proposed image encryption algorithm is measured by various
      analyses such as histogram, key sensitivity, key space, number of pixel change
      rate (NPCR), unified average change intensity (UACI), information entropy and
      correlation coefficient. The results of the security analyses are compared with
      existing algorithms to validate that the proposed algorithm is better in terms of
      larger key space to resist brute force attacks and other common attacks on
      encryption.

PMID- 27653040
TI  - A Secure Dynamic Identity and Chaotic Maps Based User Authentication and Key
      Agreement Scheme for e-Healthcare Systems.
AB  - Secure user authentication schemes in many e-Healthcare applications try to
      prevent unauthorized users from intruding the e-Healthcare systems and a remote
      user and a medical server can establish session keys for securing the subsequent
      communications. However, many schemes does not mask the users' identity
      information while constructing a login session between two or more parties, even
      though personal privacy of users is a significant topic for e-Healthcare systems.
      In order to preserve personal privacy of users, dynamic identity based
      authentication schemes are hiding user's real identity during the process of
      network communications and only the medical server knows login user's identity.
      In addition, most of the existing dynamic identity based authentication schemes
      ignore the inputs verification during login condition and this flaw may subject
      to inefficiency in the case of incorrect inputs in the login phase. Regarding the
      use of secure authentication mechanisms for e-Healthcare systems, this paper
      presents a new dynamic identity and chaotic maps based authentication scheme and
      a secure data protection approach is employed in every session to prevent illegal
      intrusions. The proposed scheme can not only quickly detect incorrect inputs
      during the phases of login and password change but also can invalidate the future
      use of a lost/stolen smart card. Compared the functionality and efficiency with
      other authentication schemes recently, the proposed scheme satisfies desirable
      security attributes and maintains acceptable efficiency in terms of the
      computational overheads for e-Healthcare systems.

PMID- 27653041
TI  - Simulation of Trauma Incidents : Modelling the Evolution of Patients and
      Resources.
AB  - Mathematical modeling and simulation with medical applications has gained much
      interest in the last few years, mainly due to the widespread availability of low
      cost technology and computational power. This paper presents an integrated
      platform for the in-silico simulation of trauma incidents, based on a suite of
      interacting mathematical models. The models cover the generation of a scenario
      for an incident, a model of physiological evolution of the affected individuals,
      including the possible effect of the treatment, and a model of evolution in time
      of the required medical resources. The problem of optimal resource allocation is
      also investigated. Model parameters have been identified according to the
      expertise of medical doctors and by reviewing some related literature. The models
      have been implemented and exposed as web services, while some software clients
      have been built for the purpose of testing. Due to its extendability, our
      integrated platform highlights the potential of model-based simulation in
      different health-related fields, such as emergency medicine and personal health
      systems. Modifications of the models are already being used in the context of two
      funded projects, aiming at evaluating the response of health systems to major
      incidents with and without model-based decision support.

PMID- 27653042
TI  - Fine-grained Database Field Search Using Attribute-Based Encryption for E
      Healthcare Clouds.
AB  - An effectively designed e-healthcare system can significantly enhance the quality
      of access and experience of healthcare users, including facilitating medical and
      healthcare providers in ensuring a smooth delivery of services. Ensuring the
      security of patients' electronic health records (EHRs) in the e-healthcare system
      is an active research area. EHRs may be outsourced to a third-party, such as a
      community healthcare cloud service provider for storage due to cost-saving
      measures. Generally, encrypting the EHRs when they are stored in the system (i.e.
      data-at-rest) or prior to outsourcing the data is used to ensure data
      confidentiality. Searchable encryption (SE) scheme is a promising technique that
      can ensure the protection of private information without compromising on
      performance. In this paper, we propose a novel framework for controlling access
      to EHRs stored in semi-trusted cloud servers (e.g. a private cloud or a community
      cloud). To achieve fine-grained access control for EHRs, we leverage the
      ciphertext-policy attribute-based encryption (CP-ABE) technique to encrypt tables
      published by hospitals, including patients' EHRs, and the table is stored in the
      database with the primary key being the patient's unique identity. Our framework
      can enable different users with different privileges to search on different
      database fields. Differ from previous attempts to secure outsourcing of data, we
      emphasize the control of the searches of the fields within the database. We
      demonstrate the utility of the scheme by evaluating the scheme using datasets
      from the University of California, Irvine.

PMID- 27653043
TI  - On-line monitoring of electrolytes in hemodialysis: on the road towards
      individualizing treatment.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients depend on dialysis for
      removal of toxic waste products, fluid overload relief and maintenance of
      electrolyte balance. Dialysis prolongs millions of lives. To some extent, ESRD
      has become a manageable disease with a steadily growing dialysis population of
      increasing average age and associated comorbidity. During 7 decades many
      technical refinements have been developed e.g. sodium profiling, blood volume,
      ultrafiltration variation based on blood pressure measurement, urea kinetics etc.
      Despite its large potentials, in-line electrolyte monitoring lags behind in
      dialysis treatment. Areas covered: In this paper, we review the state of
      technologies available for in-line monitoring of the electrolytes sodium,
      potassium and calcium during hemodialysis. Expert commentary: We concluded that
      individual optimization of dialysate composition should be able to improve hard
      medical outcomes, but practical clinical implementation stands/falls with
      reliable and affordable in-line ion-selective sensing technology. Optical ion
      selective microsensors and microsystems form a promising pathway for
      individualizing the dialysis treatment.

PMID- 27653044
TI  - Arterial stiffness is not increased in patients with short duration rheumatoid
      arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
AB  - Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) have
      increased cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality. Arterial stiffness is an
      independent predictor of CV events. The aim of the study was to assess arterial
      stiffness and inflammatory markers in patients with short duration chronic
      arthritis. We assessed carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation
      index (AIx), traditional CV risk factors and inflammatory and endothelial markers
      in 71 chronic arthritis patients (RA and AS) and in 29 healthy controls. We did
      not find differences in PWV (for RA, AS and controls, respectively: 10 [8.8-10.9]
      versus 10.7 [9.1-11.8] versus 9.2 [8.3-11.4] m/s; p = .14) and AIx (for RA, AS
      and controls, respectively: 24.3 +/- 11.5 versus 5.7 +/- 12.4 versus 10 +/-
      12.8%; p = .22). Both groups of arthritis patients had active disease with
      significantly elevated inflammatory markers compared to controls. There were no
      correlations between endothelial and inflammatory markers and parameters of
      arterial stiffness in arthritis patients. When analyzing arthritis patients
      according to median of PVW, there were no significant differences in inflammatory
      and endothelial markers. We found that in patients with short duration active RA
      and AS arterial stiffness was not increased and furthermore, there was no
      association between markers of systemic inflammation and arterial stiffness.

PMID- 27653045
TI  - Performance of Bemisia tabaci Biotype B on Soybean Genotypes.
AB  - Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) has been recognized as an
      important pest of many agricultural systems including soybean [Glycine max (L.)
      Merrill] crops. As an alternative to chemical control, the use of resistant
      genotypes represents an important tool for integrated pest management (IPM). This
      study aimed to evaluate the biological development of Bemisia tabaci biotype B
      confined on 13 soybean genotypes under greenhouse conditions. Initially, the
      nymphal period, complete development period (egg-adult), and the viability of the
      silverleaf whitefly nymphs were evaluated in all genotypes. Then, four genotypes
      promising for resistance ('Jackson,' UX-2569-159, 'P98Y11,' and 'TMG132 RR') and
      a susceptible genotype (PI-227687) were selected for further assays, where two
      insect populations were compared: a first population from the initial rearing
      (cabbage plants) and another corresponding to insects previously reared out on
      the selected genotypes. In addition to the parameters evaluated in preliminary
      tests, we also determined the viability and incubation period of eggs. Moderate
      levels of resistance (antibiosis/antixenosis) to B. tabaci biotype B were found
      in three genotypes. 'P98Y11' and 'TMG132 RR' were less suitable for insect
      development, extending the development cycle, and UX-2569-159 caused high nymphal
      mortality. We did not observe a significant increase in the level of plant
      resistance by the use of previously stressed insects. This suggests that the
      evaluation of a single whitefly generation may be sufficient to make correct
      decisions on promising soybean genotypes.

PMID- 27653047
TI  - The Mais Medicos (More Doctors) Program: assessments and prospects.

PMID- 27653046
TI  - Pharmacological inhibitors of TRPV4 channels reduce cytokine production, restore
      endothelial function and increase survival in septic mice.
AB  - Sepsis is characterized by systemic inflammation, edema formation and hypo
      perfusion leading to organ dysfunction and ultimately death. Activation of the
      transient receptor potential vanilloid type 4 (TRPV4) channel is associated with
      edema formation and circulatory collapse. Here, we show that TRPV4 channels are
      involved in the hyper-inflammatory response and mortality associated with sepsis.
      Pharmacological inhibition of TRPV4 channels in mice reduced mortality in
      lipopolysaccharide and cecal-ligation-and-puncture models of sepsis, but not in a
      tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha)-induced sepsis model. These protective
      effects of TRPV4 channel inhibition were attributable to prevention of the sepsis
      induced surge of a broad spectrum of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including
      TNFalpha, interleukin (IL)-1 and IL-6, and subsequent preservation of endothelial
      cell function, including Ca2+ signaling, integrity and endothelium-dependent
      vasodilation. These results suggest that TRPV4 antagonists may be of therapeutic
      utility in the management of sepsis.

PMID- 27653048
TI  - Primary care in Brazil, and the Mais Medicos (More Doctors) Program in the
      Unified Health System: achievements and limits.
AB  - An historical analysis of Brazil's policies in Primary Healthcare, with emphasis
      on the Family Health Strategy (FHS), and the Mais Medicos Program (PMM). Studies
      were made of documents and secondary official data, and the bibliography that has
      been produced on this theme. It was found that primary healthcare has been
      established and successfully consolidated as an option in healthcare for a great
      part of the population of Brazil. There have, however, been structural hurdles,
      which have tended to compromise the effectiveness and sustainability of this
      policy. It was identified that these obstacles arise principally from
      insufficient financing and from inefficient modes of planning and management. The
      Mais Medicos Program has widened care coverage and made the distribution of
      primary healthcare doctors more equitable, although it has not resolved the
      structural problems of the public system. 

PMID- 27653049
TI  - Beyond the Mais Medicos (More Doctors) Program.

PMID- 27653050
TI  - Family and Community Medicine: now more than ever!

PMID- 27653051
TI  - Some risks connected with medical training in the Mais Medicos (More Doctors)
      Program.

PMID- 27653052
TI  - Where now for the Mais Medicos (More Doctors) Program?

PMID- 27653053
TI  - Impact of the Mais Medicos (More Doctors) Program in reducing physician shortage
      in Brazilian Primary Healthcare.
AB  - The Mais Medicos (More Doctors) Program (PMM) was put in place in Brazil aiming
      to reduce inequalities in access to Primary Healthcare. Based on diverse evidence
      that pointed to a scenario of profound shortage of doctors in the country, one of
      its central thrusts was emergency provision of these professionals in vulnerable
      areas, referred to as the Mais Medicos para o Brasil (More Doctors for Brazil)
      Project. The article analyses the impact of the PMM in reducing shortage of
      physicians in Brazilian municipalities. To do this, it uses the Primary
      Healthcare Physicians Shortage Index, which identifies and measures the shortage
      in the periods of March 2003 and September 2015, before and after implementation
      of the program. The results show that there was a substantial increase in the
      supply of physicians in primary healthcare in the period, which helped reduce the
      number of municipalities with shortage from 1,200 to 777. This impact also helped
      reduce inequalities between municipalities, but the inequities in distribution
      persisted. It was also found that there was a reduction in the regular supply of
      doctors made by municipalities, suggesting that these were being simply
      substituted by the supply coming from the program. Thus, an overall situation of
      insecurity in care persists, reflecting the dependence of municipalities on the
      physician supply from the federal government. 

PMID- 27653054
TI  - Primary Health Care in Brazil and the Mais Medicos (More Doctors) Program: an
      analysis of production indicators.
AB  - This study analyzes the number of medical appointments and referrals performed in
      primary health care in Brazil focusing on the Mais Medicos Program (More Doctors
      Program). It is a cross-sectional study on the work of physicians included, or
      not, to the Mais Medicos Program in 2014. Based on validation protocols, a
      unified database was created from two health information system databases - SIAB
      and ESUS. Absolute indicators were defined: the total of medical appointments per
      month; medical referrals and community health education activities. In addition,
      other indicators were considered, such as weekly rates and productivity of
      appointments, in line with the profile of Brazilian municipalities. The mean of
      all appointments was 285 per month corresponding to an average of 14.4
      appointments/day. In the poorest municipalities, the figures for the Mais Medicos
      Program physicians were higher than national rates. The educational activities
      provided by primary care teams that included a Mais Medicos Program professional
      were higher in Brazilian capital cities. The Mais Medicos Program achieved one of
      its main goals, which was to increase health access for vulnerable populations
      and to contribute towards the consolidation of primary health care in Brazil. 

PMID- 27653055
TI  - Emergency supply of doctors by the Mais Medicos (More Doctors) Program and the
      quality of the structure of primary health care facilities.
AB  - The health policy context in Brazil has featured a series of measures to improve
      primary health care (PHC), including a national access and quality improvement
      program (Programa Nacional de Melhoria do Acesso e Qualidade, PMAQ-AB) and the
      Mais Medicos Program (More Doctors, PMM) and upgrading PHC centers ('Requalifica
      UBS'). The paper examines the PMM's placement of doctors, by quality of PHC
      structure, in an endeavor to identify synergies among the three programs. It
      reports on a transverse study based on secondary data from PMAQ-AB Cycles 1 and
      2, the PMM and 'Requalifica UBS'. The PHC facilities inventoried during PMAQ-AB
      Cycle 1 were classified, on pre-established typology, into five groups ranked
      from A (best) to E (failed). They were then compared in terms of PMM personnel
      allocated and Requalifica UBS proposals. The results point to convergences in
      investments by the three programs. Incentives targeted predominantly PHC
      facilities of types B and C, indicating a concentration of efforts on PHC
      facilities with potential for structural quality improvements. In addition to
      expanding access, the provision of doctors by the PMM, added to infrastructure
      upgrades and work process improvements, contributes to addressing high turnover
      and guaranteeing retention of doctors in PHC. 

PMID- 27653056
TI  - The Mais Medicos (More Doctors) Program, the infrastructure of Primary Health
      Units and the Municipal Human Development Index.
AB  - The main objective of this article was to examine the context in which
      professionals working within the Mais Medicos (More Doctors) Program operate.
      This study used the infrastructure scale of primary health units (PHUs), which
      was recently developed by Soares Neto and colleagues to provide more information
      regarding the relationship between the infrastructure of PHUs and the Municipal
      Human Development Index (MHDI) of municipalities that received Mais Medicos
      Program doctors. Using exploratory and inferential statistics, the article shows
      that 65.2% of the PHUs that received Mais Medicos Program doctors had medium
      quality infrastructure and only 5.8% of them had low-quality infrastructure. The
      correlation of 0.50 between the infrastructure indicator and the MHDI points to a
      moderate tendency for municipalities with low MHDIs to have more precarious PHUs.
      Using multiple linear regression analysis it can be inferred that the main factor
      that contributed to the increase in the infrastructure indicator of the PHUs was
      the average municipal income. On the other hand, the factor that negatively
      affected the infrastructure of the PHUs was being located in the north or
      northeast regions. 

PMID- 27653057
TI  - The Mais Medicos (More Doctors) Program: the placement of physicians in priority
      municipalities in Brazil from 2013 to 2014.
AB  - The inadequate placement and distribution of health professionals are problems
      that occur in various countries. The scope of the "Programa Mais Medicos" (More
      Doctors Program) was to reduce the shortfall of physicians and diminish regional
      inequalities in health. A descriptive study on the placement of physicians
      between 2013 and 2014 using the Ministry of Health database is presented. There
      was an allocation of 14,168 physicians to the 3,785 municipalities that signed up
      to the program: 2,377 met the priority and/or vulnerability criteria and received
      77.7% of the physicians; 1,408 received 22.3% of the physicians, but did not meet
      the established priorities. This study reveals the reduction in the lack of
      physicians, mainly in the North and Northeast. These regions account for 36% of
      the Brazilian population and 46.3% of the physicians were allocated there.
      However, the introduction of an eligibility profile, which allocated 3,166
      physicians in 1,408 non-priority municipalities is questionable. The conclusion
      drawn is that this may have hindered the ability of the Mais Medicos Program to
      fully achieve its objectives as a public policy aimed at reducing regional
      inequalities of access to primary healthcare. Further studies are necessary to
      evaluate the impact of the Mais Medicos Program. 

PMID- 27653058
TI  - The implementation of the Mais Medicos (More Doctors) Program and
      comprehensiveness of care in the Family Health Strategy.
AB  - The Mais Medicos (More Doctors) Program is a Brazilian government program that
      aims to expand access to medical care and thus improve the quality of primary
      healthcare delivery. This study aims to analyze the perceptions of nondoctor
      members of the Family Health Strategy teams regarding comprehensiveness of care
      after the inclusion of doctors from the program. The study encompassed 32 poor
      municipalities in Brazil's five geographical regions. A total of 78 health
      workers were interviewed. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using
      content analysis and the software Atlas.ti Version 1.0.36. The study found that
      the program led to: an increase in access to and accessibility of services
      provided under the Family Health Strategy; humanized care and the establishment
      of bonds - understanding, partnership, friendship and respect; going back to
      clinical approaches - dedicated time, listening attentively, and detailed
      physical examination; the desire and willingness to resolve problems; continuity
      of care; guarenteeing home visits; and coordination of multidisciplinary teams in
      networks. It was concluded that the Mais Medicos Program contributed to the
      enhancement of comprehensiveness, thus leading to improvements in primary health
      care delivery. 

PMID- 27653059
TI  - Assessment of the scope of practice of physicians participating in the Mais
      Medicos (More Doctors) Program, and associated factors.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to characterize the scope of practice of physicians
      working in primary healthcare participating in the Mais Medicos (More Doctors)
      Program ('PMM') and investigate the factors associated with execution of a larger
      number of clinical activities. It is an exploratory study carried over January to
      March 2016, through a self-applied questionnaire containing a list of 49
      procedures, activities and actions carried out in primary healthcare. A total of
      1,241 physicians took part in the study, most of them female, between age 40 and
      49, and of Cuban nationality. The physicians carried out an average of 22.8 +/-
      8.2 procedures; they reported knowing how to carry out a larger number of
      procedures. Factors associated with executing a larger number of procedures were:
      being male, having graduated more recently, two years or less practicing in their
      primary healthcare unit, practicing in the North or South geographical regions,
      in small towns and more distant from the regional health headquarters. The main
      reason for not carrying out the procedures and activities that they reported
      knowing how to do was the lack of materials and inadequate infrastructure. The
      results show that the scope of practice of the physicians of the PMM is lower
      than their capacities, and that interventions with the intention of widening
      their scope are necessary. 

PMID- 27653060
TI  - Evaluation of user satisfaction and service responsiveness in municipalities
      enrolled in the Mais Medicos (More Doctors) Program.
AB  - The Mais Medicos (More Doctors) Program (PMM) addresses shortages of doctors, one
      of whose objectives is to reduce regional inequalities in access to health care.
      This descriptive cross-sectional study evaluated service responsiveness and user
      satisfaction with PMM doctors among 263 users of the public health system in 32
      municipalities with 20% or more of extreme poverty. Questionnaires of open and
      closed questions were used. Users were satisfied with patient-doctor
      relationships, information about diseases and treatment and the clarity and
      comprehensibility of medical indications. The doctors' technical and humanised
      conduct helped ensure satisfaction among users, who stressed the importance of
      the programme's continuance. As regards responsiveness, most users were pleased
      with the non-medical aspects of care: prompt scheduling of appointments, waiting
      times of less than one hour and privacy. Users suggested improving infrastructure
      and making more medicines and more doctors available, which should be considered
      by SUS managers to help ensure access to the right to health guaranteed in
      Brazil's constitution. 

PMID- 27653061
TI  - Analysis of the Mais Medicos (More Doctors) Program in terms of its institutional
      arrangements: sector cooperation, federative relations, social participations and
      territoriality.
AB  - This article analyzes the Mais Medicos (More Doctors) program based on the
      concept of an institutional arrangement, understood as the set of rules,
      organizations and processes that define the specific design of a given public
      policy, defining how it will articulate across players and interests. This
      concept will allow us to understand the dynamics of the players in this
      arrangement, as well as their governance, decision-making and governability, and
      how these factors reflect on public policy performance. A deeper analysis is
      based on four categories considered essential to understand an organizational
      arrangement in Brazil: sector cooperation (sometimes referred to as
      intersecoriality), federative relationships, social involvement and
      territoriality. 

PMID- 27653062
TI  - Mais Medicos (More Doctors) Program: its contribution in view of WHO
      recommendations for provision of doctors.
AB  - In order to examine whether Brazil's Mais Medicos (More Doctors) Programme (PMM)
      reflected World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations for improved
      attraction, retention and recruitment of health workers in remote and rural
      areas, this descriptive, qualitative study drew on document analysis in order to
      compare the WHO recommendations published in 2010 with Brazil's Law No.
      12,871/13, which instituted the PMM. Of the 16 WHO recommendations systematised
      here, the PMM met 37.5%. Recommendations not incorporated into the PMM include
      career development programmes and public recognition strategies. Although
      reflecting WHO recommendations and already in place elsewhere in the SUS prior to
      announcement of the PMM, the National Retention Grant Programme and multi
      professional teams (as in the Family Health Strategy) were not implemented by the
      PMM. The programme contains innovative components such as a new curriculum for
      medical schools and compulsory medical service. On the other hand, the PMM could
      have invested more in personal and professional support. 

PMID- 27653063
TI  - The Mais Medicos (More Doctors) Program: panorama of the scientific output.
AB  - Despite the progress achieved by the Primary Health Care and Family Health
      Strategy in the Unified Health System (SUS) challenges still remain with regard
      to the universality of access and the quality of services, one of the factors
      being the unequal distribution of physicians. The Brazilian Government
      established the Mais Medicos Program (More Doctors Program), in order to move
      forward in the provision, placement and training of physicians in the SUS. This
      study consists of a review of the literature of the Mais Medicos Program, in
      order to map and assess the scientific production on the Program, as well as
      summarize the findings and present the results of the analysis. Fifty-four
      publications were selected, which evaluate the Program in terms of effectiveness,
      analysis of the implementation process, the media and the statements of the
      actors and assessment of the legal and constitutional precepts. The criticisms
      and limitations found were also systematically analyzed. With respect to the
      analysis, evaluations of the Program are overwhelmingly positive, showing
      important changes in the work processes in services and training. The studies
      that show the Program as being an important instrument for the effective
      implementation of the right to health are highlighted. 

PMID- 27653064
TI  - Academic tutorship of the Mais Medicos para o Brasil (More Doctors to Brazil)
      Project in Santa Catarina: the ethical-political viewpoint.
AB  - This study aims to identify the fundamentals that drive the academic tutorship of
      the Mais Medicos para o Brasil (More Doctors for Brazil) project in Santa
      Catarina, based on the unit of analysis entitled values achieved. It is an
      exploratory and comprehensive study carried out in 2015, with tutors of the State
      of Santa Catarina, decentralized reference professionals of the Education and
      Health Ministries, and key reference professionals of the Education Ministry.
      Focus groups were used as the instrument for collection of data, through semi
      structured interview. Based on the category Emergency care as a force of
      innovation in the Mais Medicos Program, the analysis was conducted from an
      ethical-political approach. Three fundamentals emerged: 'Putting out fires',
      'Qualification of the Project', and 'the procedural point of view'. It was
      concluded that academic tutorship of the productive activities of doctors in
      emergency care is not an isolated pedagogical approach, since it is a part and a
      consequence of the historic development of the theory and of the practice. The
      activity corresponds, dialectically, to movements of rupture, resistance,
      emancipation and also requires collective reflection about the values chosen and
      achieved in the acts of decision. 

PMID- 27653065
TI  - Physicians' reflections on the personal learning process and the significance of
      distance learning in family health.
AB  - The scope of the article is to present the reflections of professionals from the
      Mais Medicos Program (More Doctors Program) on the significance of the
      specialization course in Family Health in terms of professional practice and
      learning the most important concepts. This is an empirically based qualitative
      study on the statements recorded in the "Critical reflection on their personal
      learning process" of the final work of the specialization course at the Federal
      University of Pelotas. For textual analysis, 101 reports were randomly selected
      from a total of 1,011 reports completed in seven states of the North, Northeast
      and South of Brazil from June to December 2015. The initial barriers were
      overcome with tutor support and team integration, with emphasis on teaching tools
      for the improvement of clinical practice and strategic organization of work and
      greater understanding of the public health system. Fostering the learning of the
      Portuguese language and the exchange of experience in the forums were considered
      valuable positive aspects. Despite the difficulty in Internet access in some
      municipalities it reaffirmed the central role of ongoing education and the
      viability of the problem-solving methodology, even from a distance. 

PMID- 27653066
TI  - The Mais Medicos (More Doctors) Program in Northeast: evaluation of
      hospitalizations for Primary Healthcare-sensitive conditions.
AB  - This paper analyzes the increase in professionals in Brazil's Northeastern Region
      resulting from the Mais Medicos (More Doctors) Program. The scale of the increase
      was analyzed through the indicator Hospitalizations for Primary-Care Sensitive
      Conditions (HPSCs). The method used was a quantitative approach, based on data on
      distribution of doctors and service they provided in these states, and on
      hospitalizations for diarrhea and gastroenteritis in the period September 2012 to
      August 2015. The choice of this condition took into account the aspects of: its
      high frequency in the period; the simplicity of intervention; and its historic
      occurrence in the Northeast. The results show that the Mais Medicos Program had
      an influence on the reduction of hospitalizations for this type of condition -
      they fell by 35% in the period investigated, with important differences between
      the states. In spite of the significant scale of the entry of medical
      professionals into the health system, it is known that in isolation simply
      increasing the number of professionals of a particular type has a limited effect
      in improving primary healthcare. 

PMID- 27653067
TI  - Analysis of the experience of Cuban physicians in a Brazilian metropolis in
      accordance with the Paideia Method.
AB  - We had hoped that the Mais Medicos Program (More Doctors Program) would have
      generated several changes and reflections in each municipality in which it was
      deployed. In order to observe those changes, we sought to analyze the experience
      of Cuban physicians in the Mais Medicos program from an actor-centered
      perspective, based on the Paideia Method - an approach that seeks to enhance the
      ability of the subjects to analyze and intervene in their practice. We performed
      semi-structured interviews to analyze our research object that consisted in the
      experience of those actors included professionally in the Mais Medicos program in
      a metropolis with unique characteristics. In order to assess the interviews, we
      applied Content Analysis followed by Thematic Analysis. From the discourse of the
      actors, of which illustrative excerpts are transcribed in this article, we can
      affirm that the program's potential surpassed any initial barriers, presenting
      itself as fine-tuning instrument for replacing the biomedical model in line with
      the Paideia Method. 

PMID- 27653068
TI  - A comparative analysis of the implementation of the Mais Medicos (More Doctors)
      Program in municipalities in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
AB  - The Mais Medicos (More Doctors) Program has led to an increase in the number of
      doctors and medical treatment in primary health care services across Brazil. This
      article presents the results of a case-control study of groups of municipalities
      based on secondary data sources. It aims to explore and discuss a set of
      indicators of primary health care service delivery. An improvement in performance
      against structural indicators was observed in municipalities where the program
      was implemented. With respect to the outcome indicators, a slight improvement in
      service delivery was observed in municipalities where the program was
      implemented. However, no difference was observed in impacts between the case and
      control municipalities. These results may have been influenced by the fact that
      the program has only been underway for a limited time, by underreporting of
      doctors by the National Health Facilities Register (CNES, acronym in Portuguese),
      and the predominantly substitutive nature of the allocation of medical
      professionals under the program in the selected municipalities. 

PMID- 27653069
TI  - Effectiveness of the Family Health Strategy in units with, and without, the Mais
      Medicos (More Doctors) Program in a municipality in the west of Parana state,
      Brazil.
AB  - Two years after the Mais Medicos (More Doctors) Program, (Programa Mais Medicos -
      PMM) was put in place in Brazil, there is a need to study its feasibility. This
      study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the primary healthcare service
      offered, from the point of view of the health professionals, comparing units
      which have, and which do not have, doctors from the Mais Medicos Program. It is a
      quantitative survey, using for data collection the instrument Primary Care
      Assessment Tool - Brazil, Version for Health Professionals, applied across the
      totality of the family health units in a medium sized municipality in the
      interior of the southern Brazilian State of Parana, from November 2015 to
      February 2016. It covered 72 professionals, 47 of them allocated in Family Health
      Strategy (FHS) units and 25 in FHS units containing the Program. In both groups
      the scores for core attributes (6.93) and general attributes (7.10) were
      considered to be appropriate to the precepts of primary healthcare. However, the
      attributes accessibility (4.17), in both groups, and coordination - information
      system (6.57), in units with the Mais Medicos Program, did not reach the
      satisfactory level, indicating a need to alter the organization of the Family
      Health Strategy, whether the PMM program is implemented or not. 

PMID- 27653070
TI  - Service users' perceptions of the Mais Medicos (More Doctors) Program in the
      Municipality of Mossoro, Brazil.
AB  - The Mais Medicos (More Doctors) Program (MMP), which was launched in 2013, sought
      to provide doctors to work in primary health care in priority areas within the
      Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS). This article analyzes the perception of
      MMP service users through the results of a qualitative study that consisted of
      interviews with service users of the Family Health Strategy (ESF) in which
      doctors from the MMP worked. The service users who were interviewed had a
      positive view of the MMP because it had expanded access to health care, although
      there still remained organizational and technical problems that limited the use
      of services. The performance of foreign doctors was well viewed, with an emphasis
      on a humanized relationship between doctor and service user, which was
      characterized by listening, attention and dialogue. In terms of communication
      with these professionals, some service users referred to language as being a
      barrier, which was ameliorated by the use of communication strategies within the
      ESF. The MMP offered a quick and satisfactory resolution to the historical
      problem of difficulty of access to doctors in Brazil. However, the effectiveness
      of the Brazilian health system requires that weaknesses are overcome, such as
      access to specialized services, organizational problems and the implementation of
      service production models that are centered on illness. 

PMID- 27653071
TI  - Strengthening Primary Health Care in the municipalities in the Metropolitan
      Region of Porto Alegre, Brazil, after the introduction of the Mais Medicos (More
      Doctors) Program: an inter-municipal comparison.
AB  - This article aims to propose an adaptation of the methodology used by Starfield
      and Shy (2002) to assess the quality of health care in the municipalities which
      joined the Mais Medicos (More Doctors) Program. The indicators were adapted for
      each one of the nine criteria proposed in the methodology and were applied to
      medium and large municipalities in the Metropolitan Region of Porto Alegre before
      and after they were integrated in the Mais Medicos Program. In 2014, the
      municipalities were grouped into three groups according to their scores. An
      analysis concerning any correlations between the different group scores for the
      municipalities and the health indicators that were evaluated, did not reveal
      anything significant. However the averages of the evaluated indicators were
      better in the group of municipalities characterized through having the best APS
      scores. In relation to the income indicator, the highest amount of money spent
      per capita in health is related to the best APS performance in the
      municipalities. An adaption of this methodology may be able to provide a better
      understanding of the policies related to health care. 

PMID- 27653072
TI  - The Mais Medicos (More Doctors) Program in Mato Grosso State, Brazil:
      implementation analysis.
AB  - Although the 224 health professionals engaged by the More Doctors for Brazil
      Project (Projeto Mais Medicos para o Brazil, PMMB) to strengthen the National
      Primary Health Care Policy (Politica Nacional de Atencao Basica, PNab) in 104
      municipalities of Mato Grosso (MT) State have encountered significant problems in
      the work process, important advances have resulted in the health of populations
      served by the More Doctors Programme (Programa Mais Medicos, PMM). This article
      analyses the implementation and development of the PMM in MT, from 2013 to 2015,
      on the basis of primary data from focus groups and interviews of social
      stakeholders at the institutions involved and secondary data from reports by
      supervisors, tutors, managers and institutions on the MT State Coordinating
      Committee (CCE) of the PMM. Despite political difficulties in managing
      implementation, the results show that the endeavour was beneficial in that it
      surmounted previous obstacles, afforded users greater access, prompted discussion
      of the problem and proposed and experimented with ways to strengthen primary
      health care. We conclude that there is a need for broader academic discussion of
      the provision and training of doctors, of the model of care and of human resource
      capacity-building by continuing professional development with integration among
      teaching, service and community. 

PMID- 27653073
TI  - Characteristics of the distribution of doctors in the Mais Medicos (More Doctors)
      Program in the states of Brazil's Northeast.
AB  - Inequalities in access to health, reflecting shortages and inadequate
      geographical distribution of health professionals, have been indicated as a
      challenge for Brazil. This paper analyzes the geographical distribution of
      professionals of the Mais Medicos Program allocated in the Northeastern Region of
      Brazil, through a descriptive cross-sectional study. Secondary data provided by
      the Health Ministry were used, and thematic maps of distribution of doctors in
      the Region were prepared. Data on 4,716 doctors who became members of health
      teams in 1,294 municipalities in six Indigenous Health Districts in the years
      2013 and 2014 were analyzed. The greater part of the municipalities of the Region
      received between one and five doctors. The municipalities most benefited had, at
      least, 20% of their population in extreme poverty. 99.9% of the doctors were
      allocated in a Health Center or Primary Healthcare Unit. The majority were women
      (57%), predominantly of the 45-49 age group (24%). In spite of the advances
      achieved by the Program - such as distribution of the doctors in locations with
      greater vulnerability - some States continue to have significant shortages of
      healthcare. 

PMID- 27653074
TI  - Expanding health access in the more vulnerable region in the state of Sao Paulo,
      Brazil: is this a reflection of the Mais Medicos (More Doctors) Program?
AB  - The Mais Medicos (More Doctors) Program seeks to broaden access to health by
      providing medical professionals, investments in health units and multi
      professional integration geared to the Family Health Strategy. Vale do Ribeira
      includes 25 cities and is among the most vulnerable regions in Sao Paulo. It has
      been allocated 41 physicians from the Program. This study is to evaluate access
      to health, comparing health indicators before and after the Program. We collected
      data from DATASUS, SIAB, and the Ministry of Health. There was a marked increase
      in the number of appointments for infants under one year of age, adults, the
      elderly, STD/HIV patients and group patient care. There was a decrease in
      appointments outside the catchment area, as well as hospital admissions for other
      causes, mothers exclusively breastfeeding their infants up to four months. We
      concluded that after deployment of the Program, there was an increase in health
      access and health promotion focused on an area that presents an enormous
      challenge for Primary Health Care (PHC). It would seem that, since this is a high
      vulnerability area with a large area for care, hospital admissions for PHC care
      sensitive conditions, as well as referrals for secondary services, did not
      decrease. 

PMID- 27653075
TI  - Participation of small municipalities in the Mais Medicos para o Brasil (More
      Doctors to Brazil) Program in the macro-region of Northern Parana.
AB  - Doctor shortage is a constant problem in smaller cities and towns, which tend to
      be more vulnerable from a social and economic point of view, and located in
      geographically isolated areas. The goal of this study was to establish the share
      and characteristics of the small cities and towns in the macro-region of northern
      Parana that subscribed to the Mais Medicos para o Brasil (PMMB) program. This is
      a quantitative study of 82 cities and towns using primary and secondary data.
      Results show that only a few of them (6.1%) had any adherence criteria, which was
      not an impediment for other cities and towns (75%) to adhere to the project.
      Cities and towns with over five thousand inhabitants, lower municipal HDI (Human
      Development Index), some adherence criteria and more geographically isolated,
      either from the main city in the region or the closest large or mid-sized city,
      tended to adhere to the PMMB. It is undeniable that the PMMB significantly
      reduced the uneven distribution of doctors in Brazil and the study region.
      However, the sustainability of this policy is linked to addressing other
      remaining challenges in the SUS system. 

PMID- 27653076
TI  - Interview: Evaluating the impact of the of the Mais Medicos (More Doctors)
      Program: how can we measure outcomes?

PMID- 27653077
TI  - Mais Medicos (More Doctors) Program - a view from England.
AB  - The Programa Mais Medicos (PMM) is a national strategy to increase the numbers of
      Brazilian trained doctors entering primary care and is possibly the most
      significant human resource intervention in Latin America in recent years. From an
      English perspective, there are clearly opportunities to learn the PMM. First,
      PAHO's role in the PMM provides an exemplar for an overarching human resource
      migration and recruitment role throughout the EU. The role of the WHO in
      influencing and overseeing the recruitment of doctors throughout the EU could be
      an opportunity for improved distribution, avoiding a reliance on market forces.
      Secondly, a centrally-coordinated and governed process following well-established
      criteria and guidance laid out in law has helped to ensure that doctors are
      allocated to regions of the greatest need. Finally, the deployment of primary
      care doctors to ensure that the needs of the whole population are met, including
      in hard-to-reach areas. However, Brazil should not fall into the trap of doing
      much, and evaluating little. Brazil is in an exciting position to conduct robust
      before-after studies regarding the improvement in access, outcomes and equity
      that the ESF has already been credited with. Evaluation must include the impact
      of the PMM on Cuba. 

PMID- 27653078
TI  - Monitoring and evaluation of the PAHO/WHO cooperation project, the Mais Medicos
      (More Doctors) Program: a mid-term assessment.
AB  - Working relations between the Pan- American Health Organization/World Health
      Organization (PAHO/WHO) and Brazilian health institutions accumulated a long
      history of cooperation with mutual benefits, which in many cases were shared with
      other nations under various cooperation frameworks among countries for health
      development. A milestone in this relationship is the technical cooperation
      provided by PAHO/WHO to the More Doctors Program (Programa Mais Medicos - PMM).
      This cooperation has added both strategic value in reducing gaps in health
      equality and has capitalized on the unique nature of the Cuba-Brazil South-South
      cooperation experience, triangulated through PAHO/WHO. This paper discusses
      PAHO/WHO's role in the evaluation of its technical cooperation within PMM. A
      Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework has been developed in order to
      progressively identify the advances in coverage and quality of primary health
      care provided by the Unified Health System (Sistema Unico de Saude - SUS) through
      the PMM. Special attention was given to identify best practices in health
      services, to analyze results and impacts of the PMM, and to manage and share
      knowledge that has been produced by its implementation, through a web-based
      knowledge platform. Some relevant results of PMM are briefly presented and
      discussed. 

PMID- 27653079
TI  - Impact of educational strategies in low-risk prenatal care: systematic review of
      randomized clinical trials.
AB  - This study aimed to analyze the impact of educational strategies developed in low
      risk prenatal care on obstetric outcomes from a systematic literature review.
      This review consulted databases PubMed, Medline, SciELO and Lilacs, analyzing
      randomized clinical trials with the following birth outcomes: birth weight,
      prematurity and breastfeeding, using the following combination of keywords: pre
      natal, antenatal visits, education, health education, pregnancy outcomes, birth
      weight, prematurity, breastfeeding and randomized clinical trial. Nine studies
      were included following quality evaluation. Actions prove to be more effective
      when extended to the postpartum period. Most of them occurred during home visits
      and had a positive impact on breastfeeding and birth weight. The establishment of
      groups of pregnant women contributed to lower prevalence of prematurity.
      Breastfeeding was found to be the outcome most sensitive to educational
      strategies. Educational practices during the prenatal period contributed to
      favorable obstetric outcomes as they minimized pregnant women concerns and
      anxiety during the pregnancy process, preparing them for childbirth and
      postpartum, and should be incorporated into health services' work process. 

PMID- 27653080
TI  - Teaching-Service integration within the National Professional Health Education
      Reorientation Program.
AB  - This integrative literature review aimed at identifying the characteristics and
      describing how teaching-service integration is expressed in studies on Pro-Saude
      (Charitable institution for social and hospital assistance) published in Brazil
      in the period 2007-2012. For the search, the term National Professional Health
      Education Reorientation Program was entered in the following databases: Virtual
      Health Library (BVS), Google Scholar and the Bank of Theses of the Coordination
      for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES). Forty-one publications
      were selected with the following inclusion criteria: scientific papers; theses
      and dissertations; studies in English, Portuguese or Spanish. The critical review
      of studies was performed through a comprehensive reading of the texts. Outcomes
      are presented in two categories: Dialogue and partnership as tools for teaching
      service integration and Movements of change in teaching-service through Pro
      Saude. Studies have shown that changes in professional education and practice are
      possible and necessary, especially when supported by strategies that encourage
      active participation of subjects and confirm teaching-service integration as
      opportunity for dialogue, promoted by this inducing policy. 

PMID- 27653082
TI  - New Media, Part One: Tool Apps for Palliative Care Providers.

PMID- 27653081
TI  - Children's Health in Brazil: orienting basic network to Primary Health Care.
AB  - This is an integrative literature review that analyzed the scientific knowledge
      produced on the orientation of Brazilian basic care services to primary health
      care focusing on child health. Searches were carried out in SciELO, Lilacs and
      Medline databases using descriptors "primary health care", "family health
      program", "child health" and "evaluation of health services". Studies published
      in Portuguese, English and Spanish between 2000 and 2013 were selected. A total
      of 32 studies were chosen and characterized in relation to the features of
      primary health care, region of the country, type of study and authors' practice
      area. A thematic review of studies was conducted and resulted in two categories:
      child care in the context of Brazilian primary health care and primary health
      care features: limitations to child care. It can be understood that Brazilian
      primary health care services are heterogeneous regarding the presence and scope
      of essential child care characteristics. There is a lack of structural and
      process changes in the services to substantially plan child care actions in basic
      care. 

PMID- 27653083
TI  - Introduction of the American Pediatric Society's 2016 John Howland Award
      Recipient, Barbara J. Stoll, MD.

PMID- 27653084
TI  - Evaluation of four commercial virological assays for early infant HIV-1 diagnosis
      using dried blood specimens.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early infant diagnosis (EID) of HIV-1 is necessary to reduce HIV
      related mortality. As maternal antibodies transferred across the placenta may
      persist up to 18 mo, commercial virological assays (CVAs) are needed. This study
      compares four CVAs for EID using dried blood specimens (DBS) from HIV-1-exposed
      infants. METHODS: DBS from 68 infants born to HIV-1-infected women were collected
      from November 2012 to December 2013 in Equatorial Guinea. Four CVAs were
      performed: Siemens VERSANT HIV-1 RNA 1.0 kPCR assay, Roche CAP/CTM Quantitative
      Test v2.0, CAP/CTM Qualitative Tests v1.0 and v2.0. Definitive diagnosis was
      established following World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. RESULTS:
      Two HIV-1-infected infants (2.9%) were detected by the four CVAs while 49 (72%)
      resulted negative. Discordant results were observed in 17 (25%) infants and HIV-1
      infection was excluded in 14 patients when virological and serological testing
      was performed in additional DBS. Different false-positive rates HIV-1 were
      observed with Roche assays. CONCLUSION: CVAs using DBS were useful for EID,
      although discrepant results were common. Further research is required to reduce
      false-positive results that could result in wrong diagnosis and unneeded
      treatment. We propose caution with low viral load (VL) values when using VL
      assays. Clear guidelines are required for EID of HIV-exposed infants with
      discrepant virological results.

PMID- 27653085
TI  - Assessing resting energy expenditure in overweight and obese adolescents in a
      clinical setting: validity of a handheld indirect calorimeter.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Accurately determining energy requirements is key for nutritional
      management of pediatric obesity. Recently, a portable handheld indirect
      calorimeter, MedGem (MG) has become available to measure resting energy
      expenditure (REE). Our work aims to determine the clinical validity and
      usefulness of MG to measure REE in overweight and obese adolescents. METHODS:
      Thirty-nine overweight and obese adolescents (16 male (M): 23 female (F), 15.2 +/
      1.9 y, BMI percentile: 98.6 +/- 2.2%) and 15 normal weight adolescents (7M: 8F,
      age 15.2 +/- 2.0 y, BMI percentile: 39.2 +/- 20.9%) participated. REE was
      measured with both MG and standard indirect calorimeter (VMax) in random order.
      RESULTS: MG REE (1,600 +/- 372 kcal/d) was lower than VMax REE (1,727 +/- 327
      kcal/) in the overweight and obese adolescents. Bland Altman analysis (MG -VMax)
      showed a mean bias of -127 kcal/d (95% CI = -72 to -182 kcal/d, P < 0.001), and a
      proportional bias existed such that lower measured REE by VMax was underestimated
      by MG, and higher measured REE by VMax were overestimated by MG. CONCLUSION: MG
      systematically underestimates REE in the overweight and adolescent population,
      thus the MG portable indirect calorimeter is not recommended for routine use.
      Considering that it is a systematic underestimation of REE, MG may be clinically
      acceptable, only if used with caution.

PMID- 27653086
TI  - Medical morbidities and DNA methylation of NR3C1 in preterm infants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although there are no accepted "normal" levels of circulating
      cortisol in preterm infants, critically ill preterm infants show lower cortisol
      levels than healthy preterm infants. The regulation of cortisol reactivity by
      epigenetic changes in glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) expression has been
      demonstrated. This study aims to examine the relationship between medical
      morbidities in preterm infants and DNA methylation of NR3C1. METHODS:
      Pyrosequencing was used to determine DNA methylation in CpG sites 1-4 of promoter
      region 1F of NR3C1. Cluster analysis placed 67 preterm infants born <1,500 g into
      groups based on medical morbidities. The DNA methylation pattern was compared
      across groups. RESULTS: Cluster analysis identified a high medical risk cluster
      and a low medical risk cluster. A Mann-Whitney U-test showed lower methylation at
      CpG1 for infants in the high-risk group (M = 0.336, SE = 0.084) than infants in
      the low-risk group (M = 0.617, SE = 0.109, P = 0.032). The false discovery rate
      was low (q = 0.025). Cohen's D effect size was moderate (0.525). CONCLUSION:
      Decreased DNA methylation of CpG1 of NR3C1 in high-risk infants may allow for
      increased binding of transcription factors involved in the stress response,
      repair and regulation of NR3C1. This may ensure healthy growth in high-risk
      preterm infants over increasing cortisol levels.

PMID- 27653087
TI  - American Pediatric Society's 2016 John Howland Award acceptance lecture: every
      newborn matters-progress and promise.

PMID- 27653088
TI  - Association of desaturase activity and C-reactive protein in European children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Desaturase enzymes influence the fatty acid (FA) composition of body
      tissues and their activity affects the conversion rate of saturated to
      monounsaturated FA and of polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) to long-chain PUFA.
      Desaturase activity has further been shown to be associated with inflammation. We
      investigate the association between delta-9 (D9D), delta-6 (D6D) and delta-5
      desaturase (D5D) activity and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (CRP) in young
      children. METHODS: In the IDEFICS (Identification and prevention of dietary- and
      lifestyle-induced health effects in children and infants) cohort study children
      were examined at baseline (T0) and after 2 y (T1). D9D, D6D, and D5D activities
      were estimated from T0 product-precursor FA ratios. CRP was measured at T0 and
      T1. In a subsample of 1,943 children with available information on FA, CRP, and
      covariates, the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of desaturase
      activity and CRP were analyzed. RESULTS: Cross-sectionally, a D9D increase of
      0.01 units was associated with a 11% higher risk of having a serum CRP >=
      Percentile 75 (P75) (OR, 99% CI: 1.11 (1.01; 1.22)) whereas D6D and D5D were not
      associated with CRP. No significant associations were observed between baseline
      desaturase activity and CRP 2 y later. CONCLUSION: Cross-sectionally, our results
      indicate a positive association of D9D and CRP independent of weight status. High
      D9D activity may increase the risk of subclinical inflammation which is
      associated with metabolic disorders. As D9D expression increases with higher
      intake of saturated FA and carbohydrates, dietary changes may influence D9D
      activity and thus CRP. However, it remains to be investigated whether there is a
      causal relationship between D9D activity and CRP.

PMID- 27653091
TI  - Thousands wait for A&E beds, says RCN.
AB  - Thousands of patients are spending the night on trolleys in A&E departments while
      they wait for beds, the RCN claimed this week.

PMID- 27653090
TI  - Waiting for God?
AB  - 'Wet leaves on the line', may not be the most plausible of explanations for
      British Rail delays, but at least it is an excuse. The NHS doesn't even have 'wet
      leaves' to fall back on to justify the endless waiting that now permeates the
      service.

PMID- 27653089
TI  - Comparing nodal versus bony metastatic spread using tumour phylogenies.
AB  - The role of lymph node metastases in distant prostate cancer dissemination and
      lethality is ill defined. Patients with metastases restricted to lymph nodes have
      a better prognosis than those with distant metastatic spread, suggesting the
      possibility of distinct aetiologies. To explore this, we traced patterns of
      cancer dissemination using tumour phylogenies inferred from genome-wide copy
      number profiling of 48 samples across 3 patients with lymph node metastatic
      disease and 3 patients with osseous metastatic disease. Our results show that
      metastatic cells in regional lymph nodes originate from evolutionary advanced
      extraprostatic tumour cells rather than less advanced central tumour cell
      populations. In contrast, osseous metastases do not exhibit such a constrained
      developmental lineage, arising from either intra or extraprostatic tumour cell
      populations, at early and late stages in the evolution of the primary.
      Collectively, this comparison suggests that lymph node metastases may not be an
      intermediate developmental step for distant osseous metastases, but rather
      represent a distinct metastatic lineage.

PMID- 27653092
TI  - Regraded nurses face huge tax bills.
AB  - Nurses receiving lump sum payments after winning clinical regrading appeals are
      being hit with massive tax bills.

PMID- 27653093
TI  - DoH nursing division at risk.
AB  - An uncertain future hangs over the Department of Health's nursing division
      following the announcement of the latest NHS management review.

PMID- 27653094
TI  - ?
AB  - Edinburgh opthalmic nurse Caron Jenkins has just returned front the heat of a
      Zimbabwean summer where she worked on a project to help restore the sight of
      people suffering from cataracts. As a volunteer with the youth development
      charity Raleigh International, Caron managed the programme for the American
      charity Scientific Eye Expeditions (SEE). She led a team of volunteers who helped
      to screen nearly 2,500 people. 'It has been a real challenge and I feel honoured
      to be involved in something so worthwhile,' she said. Caron also helped to build
      a clinic in a remote rural area.

PMID- 27653095
TI  - Pay review bodies resignation rumours.
AB  - Rumours were rife last week that the health sector's pay review bodies were set
      to resign en masse in protest at the government's public sector pay clampdown.

PMID- 27653096
TI  - Sacked staff win compensation battle.
AB  - A group of nurses and auxiliaries unfairly dismissed from an independent
      Yorkshire hospital have won their fight for compensation - four years after they
      were sacked.

PMID- 27653097
TI  - ?
AB  - Nurses from Glasgow's Western Infirmary feature in a Channel Four Cutting Edge
      programme to be broadcast next Monday. Filmed over a two-month period last
      summer, the documentary begins as the nurses prepare for their early shift and
      explores some of the feelings the staff have about the work. 'Outside of my shift
      I'm probably one of the least caring people out. But because you're paid to be
      caring, anyone could do it,' says staff nurse Ian Molloy. Another staff nurse,
      Liz Marshall, describes herself as 'a glorified waitress, a glorified cleaner and
      a glorified social worker'. 'You do all these jobs and you just wear a nurse's
      uniform,' she says. [Figure: see text].

PMID- 27653098
TI  - ENB report on Project 2000 to lose critical foreword.
AB  - The ENB confirmed last week that it would publish in the spring a controversial
      report which highlights major problems with Project 2000.

PMID- 27653099
TI  - Morale slumps after job cuts threat.
AB  - Morale among nurses at a Cheshire trust hospital has hit rock bottom as up to 40
      nursing posts are set to go, the RCN claimed last week.

PMID- 27653100
TI  - Councils slam policy on mental health.
AB  - Confusion over government policy on mental health is causing major problems,
      including poor access and fierce competition for scarce resources, with the
      prospect of an even bleaker future for service users, it was claimed this week.

PMID- 27653101
TI  - Hospitals 'ignore standards for patient nutrition'.
AB  - Many hospitals are failing to meet basic nutrition standards, while over a third
      of doctors believe their patients are nor routinely weighed, according to a
      survey of more than 1,000 medical staff.

PMID- 27653102
TI  - Nurse set for operating theatre roadshow.
AB  - A theatre nurse is preparing to I take to the road as part of a unique project
      that will see a travelling operating theatre taken to GP surgeries.

PMID- 27653104
TI  - DoH 'wasted drug misuse cash'.
AB  - A nurse expert has criticised a Department of Health campaign to prevent drug and
      solvent misuse by young people, saying the money could have been better spent on
      local drug prevention and treatment initiatives.

PMID- 27653105
TI  - Study awards.
AB  - Five nurses from West Yorkshire have won awards worth L10,000 to develop their
      studies. Jacqueline Broadbent from Leeds, Carol Hendrick from Halifax, Kathryn
      Robinson from Huddersfield, Lilian Saunders from Dewsbury and Elaine Weforzewski
      from Bradford all received Smith and Nephew Foundation awards.

PMID- 27653106
TI  - Allitt inquiry to report soon.
AB  - The Clothier Inquiry into the Beverley Allitt murders looks set to publish its
      findings at the end of this month.

PMID- 27653107
TI  - Braer study reveals ongoing ill-health.
AB  - Some Shetland Islanders are continuing to experience health problems which they
      attribute to the Braer disaster a year after the tanker went aground off the
      South Mainland, a nurse researcher said last week.

PMID- 27653108
TI  - Help your patients to quit the habit.
AB  - A handbook for nurses, health visitors and midwives to help patients stop smoking
      has been launched by QUIT, the UK charity which aims to motivate people to break
      the habit.

PMID- 27653109
TI  - A&E advice line 'can save time and money'.
AB  - A nurse-run advice line in accident and emergency departments can benefit
      patients and save both time and money, according to recent research in
      Cambridgeshire.

PMID- 27653110
TI  - Call to press MPs over tobacco ads.
AB  - Nurses are being asked to write to their MPs to secure their support for a
      private members bill that proposes a ban on tobacco advertising.

PMID- 27653112
TI  - World news.
AB  - Japan Abortion is the main method of birth control because most men will not use
      condoms and other contraceptive methods are not widely available, a member of the
      Japanese Parliament has claimed.

PMID- 27653113
TI  - HEA fears complacency over immunisation.
AB  - The Health Education Authority has called on nurses and health professionals to
      support its new year Immunisation Promotion Campaign aimed at eradicating vaccine
      preventable childhood diseases.

PMID- 27653114
TI  - ?
AB  - Not to be sneezed at: London's Science Museum staged a special exhibition showing
      the history and effects of Beijing flu. which was first identified in the Chinese
      capital in 1992.

PMID- 27653115
TI  - Epilepsy liaison nurse programme launched.
AB  - UK nurses are to play a key role in improving epilepsy care through the formation
      of a new epilepsy liaison nurse programme.

PMID- 27653117
TI  - Hope for TS sufferers as gene is discovered.
AB  - The UK's 6,000 tuberous sclerosis (TS) sufferers have been given hope with the
      discovery of a gene thought to cause the disorder. TS affects more than a million
      people worldwide and causes a range of conditions, including epilepsy, learning
      difficulties, autism and kidney problems.

PMID- 27653118
TI  - Preconditioning effect from angina pectoris?
AB  - The reduced blood flow which causes the pain of angina pectoris might have a
      protective effect, researchers report.

PMID- 27653119
TI  - Artificial surfactant in cases of near drowning.
AB  - Artificial surfactant might be a useful treatment for cases of near drowning,
      according to a report from Kettering.

PMID- 27653120
TI  - Metoprolol benefits in cardiomyopathy.
AB  - Giving metoprolol to patients with symptomatic idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy
      prevents clinical deterioration, improves symptoms, cardiac function, and quality
      of life.

PMID- 27653121
TI  - Vitamin intake and vascular disease.
AB  - Increasing vitamin intake might reduce the risk of vascular disease in older
      people, American researchers suggest.

PMID- 27653122
TI  - Instrument coating cuts down risk of clots.
AB  - Coating instruments with a lipid compound might reduce the risks of blood
      clotting and infection.

PMID- 27653123
TI  - Wilson's model of family caregiving.
AB  - The stresses and burdens imposed upon the carers of relatives with Alzheimer's
      disease are well understood, but effective strategies to enable health
      professionals to assess the effects of these stressors appropriately hat e not
      been widely utilised. The authors describe one such approach and through the use
      of short case histories demonstrate how it can be used to represent the carer's
      perspective accurately.

PMID- 27653124
TI  - Save your arts from the elbow.
AB  - Over the past 35 years, I have witnessed an apparent quest to make nursing into
      something which it isn't, and to ignore the simple natural healing process which
      it is. I believe that nursing (nurturing) effectively promotes self-healing.

PMID- 27653125
TI  - Back from the grave - saved by Bristol.
AB  - Nat Health, the private investigator featured in Viewpoint's columns, does not of
      course, exist. I invented him more or less as a laugh about the NI IS - God knows
      we need it at times.

PMID- 27653126
TI  - There's no need to envy NVQs.
AB  - Your news article, NVQ plans could deskill OH nursing (December 8), quotes a
      Sarah Dymott as speaking vehemently about a subject that I feel she knows little
      about.

PMID- 27653127
TI  - Acute nurse on rotating split.
AB  - Linda Nazarko's article, Losing the battle of all NHS mothers (Viewpoint,
      November 24) stuck a chord with me as it echoed the plights I have experienced.

PMID- 27653128
TI  - Don't relax with sex-mix patients.
AB  - Jackie De Rochas quite rightly referred to the anxiety caused to many people
      allocated to mixed sex wards, 'particularly adults and senior citizens who find
      this objectionable and are not prepared to be cared for in such environments'
      (Mixed sex feeling ignored by NHS, Letters, December 8).

PMID- 27653129
TI  - Information exchange.
AB  - *We use aromatherapy at the hospital where I am a staff nurse, but have noticed
      that after using lavender essential oil, four patients have had convulsions. Each
      had some cerebral involvement - a brain tumour or cerebral metastases, and we are
      concerned whether lavender oil had anything to do with it.

PMID- 27653130
TI  - Taken further to task over NVQs.
AB  - Nursing will not become a 'deskilled and mechanistic profession', as Sarah Dymott
      claimed.

PMID- 27653131
TI  - Pulling up the pill pushers.
AB  - The meal was superb. What a spread - quality ingredients, expertly cooked,
      efficiently and unobtrusively served, and all in a delightful setting, with soft
      music, intimate tables and knee-deep carpets.

PMID- 27653133
TI  - The Nursing of Families Feetham S L The nursing of families et al SAGE 308pp
      L14.50 0-8039-4715-1.
AB  - The Nursing of Families uses selected papers from the Second International
      Conference on Family Nursing held in the USA.

PMID- 27653132
TI  - In Charge of the Ward, 3rd edition A Matthews J Whelan In Charge of the Ward, 3rd
      edition Blackwell Scientific 278pp L11.99 0-632-03448-3.
AB  - The only 'negative' criticism that I can make of In Charge of the Ward, 3rd
      edition, is that it is not pocket-sized to allow for continual use. It is an
      invaluable source of practical and professional information on a variety of
      issues, reflecting the considerable changes in nursing. The style of the book
      makes it easy to read, each chapter being packed full of relevant information for
      managing a ward.

PMID- 27653134
TI  - Nursing practice in the UK and North America E Levine P Leatt and K Poulton
      Nursing practice in the UK and north america Chapman & Hall 328pp L15.50 0-412
      33490-9.
AB  - Nursing Practice in the UK and North America is divided into five parts and
      considers first the conceptual background to the book, an interesting and
      illuminating account of statistics and factors which have led to the development
      of the health care systems in the United Kingdom, the USA and Canada.

PMID- 27653135
TI  - Top tips by the ton Jamsa K Jama's 100I doS and PC Tips 1992 . Osborne , McGraw
      Hill . L31.97 . Jamsa K Jama's 1001 Windows Tips . 1993 . Jamsa Press . L36.95 .
AB  - Kris Jamsa undertook a courageous enterprise when he set out to find 1,001 tips
      for the world's most used operating system, and then another 1,001 tips for
      Windows.

PMID- 27653136
TI  - Caring for the family hit by HIV.
AB  - The World Health Organization has estimated that ten million adults in the
      developing countries of Africa, Asia and Latin America are infected with HIV. The
      ratio of infected males and females is almost equal, indicating the predominance
      of heterosexual transmission.

PMID- 27653138
TI  - What's on.

PMID- 27653137
TI  - HIV and the long-term mentally ill.
AB  - As Project 2000 students we were allocated to a psychiatric rehabilitation
      hospital tor people with long-term mental illness for a module of the common
      foundation programme. During our stay we were required to examine the health
      needs of the clients, identify those that were not being met and suggest ways of
      addressing them.

PMID- 27653139
TI  - Career listings.
AB  - Nursing Standard regrets that it is no longer able to take listings over the
      telephone because of unprecedented demand. Readers are reminded that the listings
      section is for the use of charitable and professional organisations, unions and
      health authorities to publicise forthcoming events.

PMID- 27653141
TI  - Radiological and Clinical Evaluation of the Transosseous Cortical Button
      Technique in Distal Biceps Tendon Repair.
AB  - PURPOSE: One of the options to repair a ruptured distal biceps tendon to the
      radial tuberosity is by means of a transosseous cortical button. Although
      excellent functional outcomes have been reported, no studies have been performed
      to quantify the effect of the transosseous fixation technique on the radius. Our
      study evaluated the clinical outcome and radiological outcome of this technique.
      The main goal of this study was to evaluate the radiographic evolution of the
      bone tunnel in the radius. METHODS: Patients with an acute distal biceps tendon
      rupture treated with a transosseous cortical button were invited to take part in
      the study. Fourteen patients were included in the final analysis. All patients
      were evaluated both clinically and by computed tomography scanning of the
      proximal radius after a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Outcomes were recorded
      using the visual analog scale score for pain, the Mayo Elbow Performance Score,
      and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores. Bone tunnel volume was
      measured with semiautomated computed tomography segmentation using image
      processing software. RESULTS: There were no failures of fixation in the patient
      group examined. Elbow mobility, arm, and forearm circumference were symmetric for
      all patients. Average visual analog scale for pain was less than 2. Mean
      Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score and Mayo Elbow Performance
      Score were 2.3 and 97.6, respectively. Computed tomography images showed an
      average closure of the radial bony tunnel of 64% of the initial volume.
      CONCLUSIONS: Biceps tendon repair with cortical button fixation only shows
      partial tunnel closure. This could reduce the risk of potential complications due
      to osteolysis, such as radius fracture or hardware failure. Functional results
      were excellent and comparable to other fixation methods. The role of interference
      screws in transosseous cortical button techniques to strengthen the repair and to
      avoid osteolysis may therefore be questioned. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
      Therapeutic IV.

PMID- 27653142
TI  - Extensor Carpi Ulnaris Subsheath Reconstruction.
AB  - Acute extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) subsheath injury and chronic subsheath
      insufficiency may result in symptomatic ECU instability at the level of the
      distal ulna osseous sulcus. Associated ulnocarpal (ie, triangular fibrocartilage
      complex) and ECU intrinsic tendinopathic changes may accompany subsheath
      pathologies and require concomitant treatment. Surgical treatment is indicated in
      refractory cases despite nonoperative treatment and may consist of repair of the
      torn edge of the ECU subsheath or, more frequently, reconstruction utilizing a
      radially based extensor retinacular sling. An ECU subsheath reconstructive
      technique is detailed.

PMID- 27653140
TI  - Effect of Intermittent versus Chronic Calorie Restriction on Tumor Incidence: A
      Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Animal Studies.
AB  - Both chronic calorie restriction (CCR) and intermittent calorie restriction (ICR)
      have shown anticancer effects. However, the direct evidence comparing ICR to CCR
      with respect to cancer prevention is controversial and inconclusive. PubMed and
      Web of Science were searched on November 25, 2015. The relative risk (RR) [95%
      confidence interval (CI)] was calculated for tumor incidence, and the
      standardised mean difference (95% CI) was computed for levels of serum insulin
      like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), leptin, and adiponectin using a random-effects meta
      analysis. Sixteen studies were identified, including 11 using genetically
      engineered mouse models (908 animals with 38-76 weeks of follow-up) and 5 using
      chemically induced rat models (379 animals with 7-18 weeks of follow-up).
      Compared to CCR, ICR decreased tumor incidence in genetically engineered models
      (RR = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.37, 0.88) but increased the risk in chemically induced
      models (RR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.13, 2.06). It appears that ICR decreases IGF-1 and
      leptin and increases adiponectin in genetically engineered models. Thus, the
      evidence suggests that ICR exerts greater anticancer effect in genetically
      engineered mouse models but weaker cancer prevention benefit in chemically
      induced rat models as compared to CCR. Further studies are warranted to confirm
      our findings and elucidate the mechanisms responsible for these effects.

PMID- 27653143
TI  - Dupuytren in a Child: Rare Presentation of a Rare Clinical Entity.
AB  - Dupuytren disease in children younger than 10 years is rare and only 8
      histologically proven cases have been reported. A histologically proven Dupuytren
      disease in a 10-year-old with an uncommon clinical presentation as a nodule on
      the radial side of the middle phalanx of the little finger is documented.
      Dupuytren's disease should be in the differential diagnosis in cases of nodules
      and contractures in the palm and fingers of children.

PMID- 27653145
TI  - Candida tropicalis biofilm inhibition by ZnO nanoparticles and EDTA.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Biofilm of Candida tropicalis denote as a complex cellular
      congregation with major implication in pathogenesis. This lifestyle of fungus as
      a biofilm can inhibit immune system and antifungal therapy in treatment of
      infectious disease especially medical device associated chronic disease. In this
      study effects of Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles and EDTA were evaluated on C.
      tropicalis biofilm by using different techniques. ZnO nanoparticles were
      synthesized from Egg albumin. DESIGN: To assay the formation of biofilm of yeast
      cells like Fluconazole-susceptible C. tropicalis (ATCC 13,803) and fluconazole
      resistant standard strains of C. tropicalis (ATCC 750) were grown in 24 well
      plates and antifungal effect of ZnO and EDTA were evaluated on C. tropicalis
      biofilm using ATP bioluminescence and tetrasodium salt (XTT) reduction assays.
      RESULTS: Synthesized ZnO NPs and EDTA had effective antifungal properties at the
      concentration of 5.2, 8.6MUg/ml for Fluconazole susceptible strain and 5.42,
      10.8MUg/ml Fluconazole resistant strains of C. tropicalis biofilms compared to
      fluconazole drug. CONCLUSION: In present study we conclude, ZnO considered as a
      new agent in field of prevention C. tropicalis biofilms especially biofilms
      formed surface of medical device.

PMID- 27653146
TI  - The role of osteocytes during experimental orthodontic tooth movement: A review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the types of orthodontic force-induced mechanical stimuli
      that regulate osteocyte function. DESIGN: In orthodontics, a tooth can be moved
      through the alveolar bone when an appropriate orthodontic force is applied. These
      mechanical loads stimulate cells within the bone tissue around the tooth. These
      cellular responses lead to bone resorption on the side of the tooth where the
      pressure has been applied and bone deposition on the side of the tooth
      experiencing tension. Recently, osteocytes were identified to function as mechano
      sensory cells in bone tissue that direct bone resorption and bone formation.
      Based on recent literature, the proposed function of osteocytes during
      orthodontic tooth movement is explored with better understanding. RESULTS:
      Several stimuli regulating osteocyte function have been highlighted, and their
      potential roles in events initiating osteocyte sensing of orthodontic force have
      been explored in detail. The most popular hypotheses for osteocyte response
      include stress-induced bone matrix deformation/microcrack formation and fluid
      flow shear stress. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding osteocyte function under mechanical
      stress may have profound implications in future orthodontic treatments.

PMID- 27653147
TI  - Examination of stride-to-stride independence of selected lower extremity
      kinematic and temporal variables during treadmill walking.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to examine the nature of the intra-subject
      independence among strides during treadmill walking. We investigated the strength
      of the relationships among strides sampled in different ways from a population of
      observed strides. Eighteen asymptomatic subjects walked on a treadmill at 1.4+/
      0.1m/s. Maximum angles and ranges of motion from the ankle, knee and hip joints,
      as well as stride duration were obtained and autocorrelation coefficients (AC)
      for 3 lags were calculated among 12 strides sampled consecutively (CS), in order
      but non-adjacently (NA), and randomly (RA). Ninety-nine percent of AC values were
      within Bartlett's 95% confidence interval limits and thus the strides were not
      considered significantly autocorrelated. The results support the hypothesis that
      strides obtained from an individual walking on a treadmill can be statistically
      independent. This supports the theoretical assumption that in some circumstances
      humans can be modeled as random sample generators due to inherent movement
      variability. The ability to assess statistically clinical intervention provides
      objective rigor for evaluating rehabilitation outcomes.

PMID- 27653144
TI  - GDF11 decreases bone mass by stimulating osteoclastogenesis and inhibiting
      osteoblast differentiation.
AB  - Osteoporosis is an age-related disease that affects millions of people. Growth
      differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) is a secreted member of the transforming growth
      factor beta (TGF-beta) superfamily. Deletion of Gdf11 has been shown to result in
      a skeletal anterior-posterior patterning disorder. Here we show a role for GDF11
      in bone remodelling. GDF11 treatment leads to bone loss in both young and aged
      mice. GDF11 inhibits osteoblast differentiation and also stimulates RANKL-induced
      osteoclastogenesis through Smad2/3 and c-Fos-dependent induction of Nfatc1.
      Injection of GDF11 impairs bone regeneration in mice and blocking GDF11 function
      prevents oestrogen-deficiency-induced bone loss and ameliorates age-related
      osteoporosis. Our data demonstrate that GDF11 is a previously unrecognized
      regulator of bone remodelling and suggest that GDF11 is a potential target for
      treatment of osteoporosis.

PMID- 27653148
TI  - Development of a smartphone application to measure reaction times during walking.
AB  - Dual-task methodology is useful to assess walking ability. We developed a
      smartphone application to measure reaction times (RTs) during walking. We can
      assess the attentional demands for a task from the RTs. In experiment 1, the
      accuracy and precision of the RT application were evaluated in two subjects. We
      investigated the agreement between the RTs calculated based on the external
      inertial sensor and the RT application; the application was installed in two
      smartphone models with different levels of performance. Additionally, in
      experiment 2, we investigated the RTs under 4 conditions: sitting, overground
      walking, treadmill walking, and auditory cued overground walking (n=19). The
      constant systematic error and low standard deviation of the difference between
      the two methods was demonstrated; this depended on the sampling interval of each
      sensor. The RTs in overground walking were increased compared with sitting and
      decreased compared with treadmill walking and auditory cued overground walking.
      Overall, the RTs were more decreased in the smartphone model with the shorter
      sampling interval. The RT application would be valid within a smartphone with a
      similar level of performance, because bias and precision are strongly dependent
      on the sampling interval. In field tests under different walking conditions, the
      RT application obtained results similar to those seen in previous studies and
      could identify even slight differences if there were many trials. The developed
      RT application will be a simple tool that is able to assess attentional demands
      during dual-task walking.

PMID- 27653149
TI  - Long-term changes in femoral anteversion and hip rotation following femoral
      derotational osteotomy in children with cerebral palsy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Excessive femoral anteversion is common in cerebral palsy (CP), is
      often associated with internal hip rotation during gait, and is frequently
      treated with a femoral derotational osteotomy (FDO). Concerns exist regarding
      long-term maintenance of surgical outcomes. Past studies report varying rates of
      recurrence, but none have employed a control group. METHODS: We conducted a
      retrospective analysis examining long-term (~5 years) changes in anteversion and
      hip rotation following FDO in children with CP. We included a control group that
      was matched for age and exhibited excessive anteversion (>30 degrees ) but did
      not undergo an FDO. Anteversion, mean stance hip rotation, and rates of
      problematic remodeling and recurrence were assessed (>15 degrees  change and
      final level outside of normal limits). RESULTS: The control group was reasonably
      well matched, but exhibited 9 degrees  less anteversion and 3 degrees  less
      internal hip rotation at the pre time point. At a five year follow-up, the FDO
      group had less anteversion than the control group (20 degrees  vs. 35 degrees ,
      p<0.05). The mean stance phase hip rotation did not differ between the groups (4
      degrees  vs. 5 degrees , p=0.17). Over one third of limbs remained excessively
      internal in both groups (FDO: 34%, Control: 37%). Rates of problematic recurrence
      and remodeling were low (0%-11%). CONCLUSIONS: An FDO is an effective way to
      correct anteversion in children with CP. Long-term hip rotation is not fully
      corrected by the procedure, and is not superior to a reasonably well matched
      control group. Rates of problematic recurrence and remodeling are low, and do not
      differ between the groups.

PMID- 27653150
TI  - A validation of neural co-activation as a measure of attentional focus in a
      postural task.
AB  - Postural threat can induce conscious involvement in movement control. This
      internal focus has been implicated in compromising attentional processing
      efficiency during postural control, leading to behavioral adaptations that might
      increase the risk of falling in the elderly. It is suggested that
      electroencephalography (EEG) coherence, or 'communication', between T3 (verbal
      analytical) and Fz (motor-planning) regions may provide an objective measure of
      internal focus in learned movement skills. However, it is currently unknown
      whether this experimental technique can be applied to the control of gait and
      posture; skills which develop early in life, without the use of declarative
      knowledge/explicit verbal cues to guide performance. We validate the utility of
      the EEG T3-Fz coherence analysis in a postural task. A total of 24 young adults
      produced small voluntary swaying movements in medial-lateral or anterior
      posterior direction under conditions that directed their attentional focus either
      internally or externally. Although EEG coherence was sensitive to voluntary
      changes in attentional focus, the lack of observed between-group (High/Low-trait
      reinvestment) difference in coherence may suggest that younger adults cannot be
      assumed to utilize explicit verbal cues to control voluntary postural sway unless
      explicitly instructed to do so. As a result, while these results indicate that
      EEG T3-Fz is a valid technique for assessing attentional focus in postural tasks,
      our data do not support the clinical application of this method of analysis in
      providing an objective indication of trait-reinvestment in tasks involving
      voluntary postural sway.

PMID- 27653151
TI  - Control of false positives in randomized phase III clinical trials.
AB  - Randomized Phase III clinical trials serve as the gold-standard for the
      evaluation of the efficacy of a medical intervention. Although research and
      development in earlier stages together with rigorous statistical examination
      assure a small probability of false positive for a given trial, it is unclear how
      many false positives were generated from the large number of randomized Phase III
      trials from the biopharmaceutical industry in the United States. The proportion
      of comparisons in Phase III trials where the medical intervention has null or
      negative efficacy, or proportion of null or negative (PNN), is at the central
      position for the estimation and control of the number of false positives. We seek
      to estimate PNN using a new Bayesian deconvolution method. Using data from
      clinicaltrials.gov and other data sources, we identified 1393 trials completed in
      2008-2012 that meet our study entry criteria, which are dominated by trials on
      drugs for treatment purpose. Among the 1221 trials with results available on the
      selected comparisons, 789 (64.6%) show statistically significant superiority of
      the intervention, with 561 (45.9%) having a two-sided p-value less than 0.001.
      The PNN is estimated to be no more than 7-9%. Based on the PNN, we estimated that
      18-22% of the trials have at least one comparison with null or negative efficacy,
      leading to an expectation of no more than 6-8 trials with at least one false
      positive comparison over a 5-year period.

PMID- 27653152
TI  - Electron Microscopy Findings in N-Methyl-N-Nitrosourea-Induced Mammary Tumors.
AB  - Although the rat model of mammary tumors chemically induced by N-methyl-N
      nitrosourea (MNU) has been frequently used by several research teams, there is a
      lack of ultrastructural studies in this field. The main aim of this work was to
      perform an ultrastructural characterization of MNU-induced mammary tumors in
      female rats. Some alterations previously reported in human mammary tumors, such
      as nucleus size and shape, accumulation of heterochromatin in the perinuclear
      region, and interdigitating cytoplasmic processes between cancer cells were also
      observed in MNU-induced mammary tumors. Although a low number of samples were
      analyzed by transmission electron microscopy in the present study, we consider
      that it may contribute to a better understanding of MNU-induced mammary
      carcinogenesis in a rat model. The ultrastructural characteristics of the two
      most frequently diagnosed mammary carcinomas described in the present work can be
      useful to differentiate them from other histological patterns. In addition, the
      loss of cytoplasm in neoplastic cells and formation of vacuoles were described.

PMID- 27653153
TI  - Influence of 12-week Nordic Walking training on biomarkers of endothelial
      function in healthy postmenopausal women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a 12-week Nordic
      Walking (NW) intervention on nitric oxide synthase activity (eNOS), levels of
      antibodies against oxidatively modified low-density lipoproteins (oLAb), plasma
      antioxidant capacity (TAC), thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS)
      concentration, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, and atherosclerosis risk
      factors (AIP) in postmenopausal women. METHODS: A sample of 39 women, divided
      into two comparable groups: training (N.=20) and control (N.=19), took part in
      the study. Participants in the training group performed a 12-week supervised NW
      training: 60-minute sessions of exercise, repeated three times per week. The
      biochemical and anthropometric data were obtained before and after the
      intervention. During the first and the last training sessions, the individual
      walking distance in trained group was measured. RESULTS: After the intervention,
      significant differences in covered distance, body mass, BMI, fat mass, insulin
      level (P<0.01), systolic blood pressure and TBARS concentration (P<0.05) were
      found in trained women. CONCLUSIONS: Applied training was able to improve
      functional capacity and body composition in healthy postmenopausal women. It
      appears to be no direct link between a significant decrease in the level of
      systolic blood pressure, the level of eNOS activity, TAC, oLAb and plasma TBARS
      concentration in trained women. It seems probable that NW training would be more
      effective for postmenopausal women with more severely impaired endothelial
      function.

PMID- 27653154
TI  - Validation of the iPhone app using the force platform to estimate vertical jump
      height.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vertical jump performance has been evaluated with several devices:
      force platforms, contact mats, Vertec, accelerometers, infrared cameras and high
      velocity cameras; however, the force platform is considered the gold standard for
      measuring vertical jump height. The purpose of this study was to validate an
      iPhone app called My Jump, that measures vertical jump height by comparing it
      with other methods that use the force platform to estimate vertical jump height,
      namely, vertical velocity at take-off and time in the air. METHODS: A total of 40
      sport sciences students (age 21.4+/-1.9 years) completed five countermovement
      jumps (CMJs) over a force platform. Thus, 200 CMJ heights were evaluated from the
      vertical velocity at take-off and the time in the air using the force platform,
      and from the time in the air with the My Jump mobile application. The height
      obtained was compared using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).
      RESULTS: Correlation between APP and force platform using the time in the air was
      perfect (ICC=1.000, P<0.001). Correlation between APP and force platform using
      the vertical velocity at take-off was also very high (ICC=0.996, P<0.001), with
      an error margin of 0.78%. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, these results showed that
      application, My Jump, is an appropriate method to evaluate the vertical jump
      performance; however, vertical jump height is slightly overestimated compared
      with that of the force platform.

PMID- 27653155
TI  - The acute effects of interval exercise on oxidative stress and antioxidant status
      in volleyball players.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Volleyball is briefly described as an "interval" sport with both
      aerobic and anaerobic components. Exercise may influence antioxidant/prooxidant
      balance, which leads to differences in oxidative stress status between athletes
      in different sport disciplines, but the results of the previous studies are
      inconsistent. In this study, we aimed to determine the acute effects of exercise
      on oxidative stress parameters such as serum total oxidant status (TOS) and total
      antioxidant status (TAS) levels in volleyball players. METHODS: Thirteen male
      volleyball players from the same team participated in this study. The volleyball
      game lasted approximately 95 minutes including warm-up and cool-down periods.
      Blood samples were taken before the warm-up and after the cool down. Serum TOS
      and TAS levels were measured. Oxidative stress index (OSI), a predictor of
      antioxidant/prooxidant balance (TOS/TAS), was also calculated. RESULTS: The
      following data were revealed as median: TOS 6.84 MUmol H2O2 Eq/L (95% CI: 5.80
      8.13) and 5.15 (95% CI: 4.20-6.02); TAS 1.96 mmol Trolox Eq/L (95% CI: 1.91-2.08)
      and 1.95 (95% CI: 1.86-2.00); and OSI indexes, 3.31 (arbitrary unit) (95% CI:
      2.84-4.00) and 2.64 (95% CI: 2.26-3.18) before and after the match with
      respectively. Serum TOS and OSI levels were significantly lower after volleyball
      match when compared to before (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in
      serum TAS levels (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In individuals who exercise active
      sports, TOS level has been found to be decreased while TAS level has not been
      affected significantly after volleyball match. Our results suggested that
      volleyball training may not cause oxidative stress in these players. Regular
      physical exercise especially, volleyball training may provide adequate protection
      against exercise-induced oxidative stress.

PMID- 27653156
TI  - The validity of forceplate data as a measure of rapid and targeted volitional
      movements of the centre of mass in transtibial prosthesis users.
AB  - PURPOSE: To validate outcome variables from the limits of stability protocol that
      are derived from the center of pressure with those same variables derived from
      the center of mass during rapid, volitional responses in transtibial prosthesis
      users. METHOD: Prosthesis users (n = 21) and matched controls (n = 21) executed
      movements while force and motion data were collected. Correlation coefficients
      were used to investigate relationships between center of pressure and center of
      mass for: x/y coordinates positions, limits of stability outcome variables and
      muscular reaction times. RESULTS: Significant differences were seen in
      correlation between x/y coordinate positions toward the intact limb (mean effect
      size of differences: r = .38). Limits of stability variables were positively
      correlated (reaction time and maximum excursion range rs: .585-.846; directional
      control and mean velocity range rs: .307-.472). Muscular reaction times
      correlated weakly with those from center of pressure (mean rs prosthesis users:
      .186 and controls: .101). CONCLUSIONS: Forceplate measures are valid in
      describing rapid, volitional movements in unilateral transtibial prosthesis
      users. Limits of stability outcomes extracted from center of pressure and center
      of mass are highly correlated, but can be sensitive to direction. Muscular
      reaction time correlates very little with reaction times extracted from the other
      variables. Implications for rehabilitation Rehabilitation programs utilizing
      limits of stability are valid measures of postural control in transtibial
      prosthesis users. Clinicians interpreting the outcomes from limits of stability
      need to be aware of their varying validity. Muscular reaction times correlate
      weakly with other measures of reaction time, highlighting the complexity of
      rapidly coordinating volitional movements in prosthesis users.

PMID- 27653157
TI  - A novel method to determine valnemulin in feedingstuffs for several animal
      species by liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry.
AB  - A new method specific for the determination and unambiguous confirmation of the
      antibiotic valnemulin in feed for all animal species is described. Simple clean
      up based on solvent extraction and liquid partition is carried out prior to
      determination by liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray tandem mass
      spectrometry on a hybrid QTRAP 4000 system, in multiple reaction monitoring mode.
      Valnemulin is licensed in the European Union as a veterinary drug for use in feed
      for pigs and rabbits, but unavoidable carryover in feed for non-target species
      should be monitored. The method is rapid and reliable, and was validated in-house
      at 10, 100 and 750 ng g-1, evaluating the analytical performances according to
      Commission Regulation (EC) No. 882/2004. Good mean recoveries from 79.7% to
      92.6%, and within-laboratory reproducibility RSDs, ranging from 6.2% to 12.1%,
      were measured; the limit of quantification at 10.0 ng g-1 also allows for
      sensitive evaluation of undesirable carryover in feed for non-target species. The
      results of monitoring 24 compound feeds for several animal species are also
      reported.

PMID- 27653158
TI  - Manipulating the Interfacial Energetics of n-type Silicon Photoanode for
      Efficient Water Oxidation.
AB  - The photoanodes with heterojunction behavior could enable the development of
      solar energy conversion, but their performance largely suffers from the poor
      charge separation and transport process through the multiple interfacial energy
      levels involved. The question is how to efficiently manipulate these energy
      levels. Taking the n-Si Schottky photoanode as a prototype, the undesired donor
      like interfacial defects and its adverse effects on charge transfer in n-Si/ITO
      photoanode are well recognized and diminished through the treatment on electronic
      energy level. The obtained n-Si/TiOx/ITO Schottky junction exhibits a highly
      efficient charge transport and a barrier height of 0.95 eV, which is close to the
      theoretical optimum for n-Si/ITO Schottky contact. Then, the holes extraction can
      be further facilitated through the variation of surface energy level, with the
      NiOOH coated ITO layer. This is confirmed by a 115% increase in surface
      photovoltage of the photoanodes. Eventually, an unprecedentedly low onset
      potential of 0.9 V (vs RHE) is realized for water oxidation among n-Si
      photoanodes. For the water oxidation reaction, the n-Si/TiOx/ITO/NiOOH photoanode
      presents a charge separation efficiency up to 100% and an injection efficiency
      greater than 90% at a wide voltage range. This work identifies the important role
      of interfacial energetics played in photoelectrochemical conversion.

PMID- 27653160
TI  - Rutile TiO2(011)-2 * 1 Reconstructed Surfaces with Optical Absorption over the
      Visible Light Spectrum.
AB  - The stable structures of the reconstructed rutile TiO2(011) surface are explored
      based on an evolutionary method. In addition to the well-known "brookite(001)
      like" 2 * 1 reconstruction model, three 2 * 1 reconstruction structures are
      revealed for the first time, all being more stable in the high Ti-rich condition.
      Importantly, the predicted Ti4O4-2 * 1 surface model not only is in excellent
      agreement with the reconstructed metastable surface detected by Tao et al. [Nat.
      Chem. 3, 296 (2011)] from their STM experiment but also gives a consistent
      formation mechanism and electronic structures with the measured surface. The
      computed imaginary part of the dielectric function suggests that the newly
      predicted reconstructed surfaces are capable of optical absorption over the
      entire visible light spectrum, thereby offering high potential for photocatalytic
      applications.

PMID- 27653161
TI  - Relaxation Processes of Potassium Tantalate Doped by Lithium.
AB  - The results of an investigation of dielectric properties of perovskite-type
      single crystals with solid solutions of potassium-lithium tantalate K1-xLixTaO3
      are presented. Particular attention is focused on two selected concentrations of
      x, 2% and 4.3%, which are representative for the samples with lower and higher
      concentration of lithium ions, respectively. While a peak in dielectric losses,
      as observed at higher temperature, has just been revealed for low Li content, it
      becomes well developed for high lithium concentration. In such crystals there
      exist noticeable oxygen vacancies, and additional defects associated with lithium
      ions have a great influence on the dielectric losses in low temperature scope.
      The consideration pertains to the temperature dependence of the activation energy
      of the possible polaronic state in the context of lithium ion content.

PMID- 27653159
TI  - Sex and gender disparity in pathology, disability, referral pattern, and wait
      time for surgery in workers with shoulder injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The role of sex as an important biological determinant of
      vulnerability to sustaining injury and gender as a social determinate of access
      to resources, referral for medical care and perceived disability remains
      conflicted in injured workers. The purpose of this study was to examine sex and
      gender disparity following a compensable work-related shoulder injury. METHODS:
      This study involved cross-sectional analyses of data of two independent samples
      of workers with shoulder injury. Measures of disability and pain were the Quick
      Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) and Numerical Pain Rating
      Scale (NPRS) for patients seen at an Early Shoulder Physician Assessment (ESPA)
      program and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) assessment form and
      Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for the sample who underwent surgery. RESULTS: The
      files of 1000 (443 females, 557 men) consecutive patients seen at an ESPA program
      and 150 (44 females, and 106 men) consecutive patients who underwent rotator cuff
      surgery (repair or decompression) were reviewed. Significant gender disparity was
      observed in the referral pattern of injured workers seen at the ESPA program who
      were referred for surgical consultation (22 vs. 78 % for females and males
      respectively, p < 0.0001). The independent rotator cuff surgical group had a
      similar gender discrepancy (29 % vs. 71 %, p < 0.0001). The timeframe from injury
      to surgery was longer in women in the surgical group (p = 0.01). As well, women
      waited longer from the date of consent to date of surgery (p = 0.04). Women had
      higher incidence of repetitive injuries (p = 0.01) with men reporting higher
      incidence of falls (p = 0.01). Women seen at the ESPA program were more disabled
      than men (p = 0.02). Women in both samples had a higher rate of medication
      consumption than men (p = 0.01 to <0.0001). Men seen at the ESPA program had a
      higher prevalence of full thickness rotator cuff tears (p < 0.0001) and labral
      pathology (p = 0.01). However, these pathologies did not explain gender disparity
      in the subsample of ESPA who were referred for surgical consultation or those who
      had surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Sex and gender disparity exists in workers with
      shoulder injuries and is evident in the mechanism of injury, perceived
      disability, medication consumption, referral pattern, and wait time for surgery.

PMID- 27653162
TI  - Update on innate immunity and perspectives on metabolite regulation in acute
      pancreatitis.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Acute pancreatitis is a major cause of gastrointestinal
      morbidity for which specific therapy is greatly needed to prevent progression to
      and induce resolution of severe disease. RECENT FINDINGS: Innate immune
      components and metabolite signaling are recently identified as strong
      determinants of disease severity and resolution in acute pancreatitis and this
      work will be discussed herein. SUMMARY: Targeting innate immune cell populations
      and metabolite signaling pathways in acute pancreatitis may result in broader and
      ultimately more efficacious re-direction of the inflammatory programme toward
      disease resolution and improved clinical outcomes.

PMID- 27653163
TI  - Gastrointestinal defense mechanisms.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To summarize and illuminate the recent findings regarding
      gastroduodenal mucosal defense mechanisms and the specific biomolecules involved
      in regulating this process, such as glucagon-like peptides (GLPs). RECENT
      FINDINGS: There has been a growing interest in luminal nutrient chemosensing and
      its physiological effects throughout the digestive system. From the ingestion of
      food in the oral cavity to the processing and absorption of nutrients in the
      intestines, nutrient chemosensing receptors signal the production and release of
      numerous bioactive peptides from enteroendocrine cells, such as the proglucagon
      derived peptides. There has been a major emphasis on two proglucagon-derived
      peptides, namely GLP-1 and GLP-2, due to their apparent beneficial effect on gut
      structure, function, and on metabolic processes. As an incretin, GLP-1 not only
      enhances the effect and release of insulin on pancreatic betacells but also has
      been implicated in having trophic effects on the intestinal epithelium. In
      addition, GLP-2, the other major proglucagon-derived peptide, has potent
      intestinotrophic effects, such as increasing the rate of mucosal stem cell
      proliferation, mucosal blood flow, and fluid absorption, as well as augmenting
      the rate of duodenal bicarbonate secretion to improve gastric mucosal health and
      longevity. SUMMARY: Understanding the mechanisms underlying nutrient chemosensing
      and how it relates to GLP release can further elucidate how the gut functions in
      response to cellular changes and disturbances. Furthermore, a more in-depth
      comprehension of GLP release and its tissue-specific effects will help improve
      the utility of GLP-1 and GLP-2 receptor agonists in clinical settings. This, in
      turn, should help patients suffering from intestinal failure, malabsorption, and
      mucosal injury.

PMID- 27653164
TI  - Fixed-dose combination of zofenopril plus hydrochlorothiazide vs. irbesartan plus
      hydrochlorothiazide in hypertensive patients with established metabolic syndrome
      uncontrolled by previous monotherapy. The ZAMES study (Zofenopril in Advanced
      MEtabolic Syndrome).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Whether all antihypertensive drugs are equally effective in patients
      with metabolic syndrome is still unclear. The goal of the Zofenopril in Advanced
      MEtabolic Syndrome (ZAMES) study was to investigate whether treatment with the
      fixed-dose combination of sulphydril-containing angiotensin-converting enzyme
      inhibitor zofenopril plus hydrochlorothiazide is at least as effective as that
      with the angiotensin receptor blocker irbesartan plus hydrochlorothiazide in
      patients with metabolic syndrome and essential hypertension, uncontrolled by a
      previous monotherapy. METHODS: We enrolled 721 patients in a multicenter,
      international (Italy and Romania), randomized, double-blind, parallel group,
      phase III study. Following a 1-week screening withdrawal period, 482 patients
      (mean age 59 +/- 10 years, 53% men) bearing a SBP at least 140 mmHg and/or DBP at
      least 90 mmHg plus metabolic syndrome (ATP-III criteria) were randomly allocated
      to a fixed-dose combination of zofenopril 30 mg plus hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg
      or irbesartan 150 mg plus hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg once daily for a cumulative
      period of 24 weeks. After 8 and 16 weeks, zofenopril and irbesartan doses were
      doubled in nonnormalized study participants. The study endpoint was the office
      DBP reduction at study end. In 20% of patients, an ambulatory blood pressure
      monitoring was performed. RESULTS: The prevalence of diabetes at baseline was
      significantly (P < 0.05) greater in the zofenopril plus hydrochlorothiazide group
      (82%) than in the irbesartan plus hydrochlorothiazide (73%) group. Baseline
      adjusted DBP reductions were superimposable (P = 0.370) with zofenopril plus
      hydrochlorothiazide [n = 231; 9.8 (95% confidence interval: 11.1, 8.4) mmHg] and
      irbesartan plus hydrochlorothiazide [n = 235; 10.4 (11.8, 9.0) mmHg]. The same
      was for SBP [17.0 (19.2, 14.8) mmHg zofenopril plus hydrochlorothiazide vs. 18.8
      (21.0, 16.6) mmHg irbesartan plus hydrochlorothiazide, P = 0.113]. Rate of
      normalized and responder patients (SBP/DBP < 140/90 mmHg or SBP reduction more
      than 20 mmHg or DBP reduction more than 10 mmHg) did not differ at study end
      (65.8% and 77.5% zofenopril plus hydrochlorothiazide vs. 67.7% and 81.5%
      irbesartan plus hydrochlorothiazide; P = 0.695, P = 0.301). These results were
      confirmed in the 69 study participants undergoing ambulatory blood pressure
      monitoring (35 zofenopril plus hydrochlorothiazide; 34 irbesartan plus
      hydrochlorothiazide), with a comparable 24-h average BP reduction [BP difference
      between-treatment: SBP: 0.1 (-5.7, 5.9) mmHg, P = 0.975; DBP: -0.9 (-3.8, 2.0)
      mmHg, P = 0.541]. Both drugs attained similar BP reductions also in the last 6 h
      of the dosing interval [between-treatment difference SBP: 0.1 (-7.4, 7.5) mmHg P
      = 0.990; DBP: -0.9 (-4.4, 2.6) mmHg, P = 0.602]. Metabolic and renal indexes were
      not altered. Few patients were withdrawn for moderate adverse events (5%
      zofenopril plus hydrochlorothiazide; 5% irbesartan plus hydrochlorothiazide).
      CONCLUSION: This is the first study supporting the comparable antihypertensive
      and metabolic response to fixed-dose combinations of sulphydril-containing
      angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (zofenopril) or angiotensin receptor
      blockers (Irbesartan) with a diuretic in patients with advanced metabolic
      syndrome and nonresponders to monotherapy. The results of this study can further
      improve the clinical management of high cardiovascular risk patients with
      hypertension and metabolic syndrome, because these two drug combinations increase
      the number of available combinations, which may significantly improve patients'
      adherence in this special clinical condition that is frequently found in everyday
      practice.

PMID- 27653165
TI  - Safety of Preoperative Use of Ticagrelor With or Without Aspirin Compared With
      Aspirin Alone in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes Undergoing Coronary
      Artery Bypass Grafting.
AB  - Importance: The optimal timing of discontinuation of ticagrelor before cardiac
      surgery is controversial. Objective: To evaluate the safety of preoperative use
      of ticagrelor with or without aspirin in patients with acute coronary syndromes
      (ACS) undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) compared with
      aspirin alone. Design, Setting, and Participants: This prospective, multicenter
      clinical trial was performed at 15 European centers of cardiac surgery.
      Participants were patients with ACS undergoing isolated CABG from the European
      Multicenter Study on Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (E-CABG) registry between
      January and September 2015. Exposures: Before surgery, patients received
      ticagrelor with or without aspirin or aspirin alone. Main Outcomes and Measures:
      Severe bleeding as defined by the Universal Definition of Perioperative Bleeding
      (UDPB) and E-CABG bleeding classification criteria. A propensity score-matched
      analysis was performed to adjust for differences in baseline and operative
      covariates. Results: Of 2482 patients from the E-CABG registry, the study cohort
      included 786 (31.7%) consecutive patients with ACS (mean [SD] age, 67.1 [9.3]
      years; range, 32-88 years), and 132 (16.8%) were female. One-to-one propensity
      score matching provided 215 pairs, whose baseline and operative covariates had a
      standardized difference of less than 10%. Preoperative use of ticagrelor was
      associated with a similar risk of bleeding according to the UDPB and E-CABG
      bleeding classifications, but the incidence of platelet transfusion was higher in
      the ticagrelor group (13.5% [29 of 215] vs 6.0% [13 of 215]). Compared with those
      receiving aspirin alone, continuing ticagrelor up to the time of surgery or
      discontinuing its use less than 2 days before surgery was associated with a
      higher risk of platelet transfusion (22.7% [5 of 22] vs 6.4% [12 of 187]) and E
      CABG bleeding grades 2 and 3 (18.2% [4 of 22] vs 5.9% [11 of 187]) and tended to
      have an increased risk of UDPB grades 3 and 4 (22.7% [5 of 22] vs 9.6% [18 of
      187]). Among patients in whom antiplatelet drug use was discontinued at least 2
      days before surgery, the incidence of platelet transfusion was 12.4% (24 of 193)
      in the ticagrelor group and 3.6% (1 of 28) in the aspirin-alone group.
      Conclusions and Relevance: In propensity score-matched analyses among patients
      with ACS undergoing CABG, the use of preoperative ticagrelor with or without
      aspirin compared with aspirin alone was associated with more platelet transfusion
      but similar degree of bleeding; in patients receiving ticagrelor 1 day before or
      up until surgery, there was an increased rate of severe bleeding.

PMID- 27653166
TI  - The CMS Comprehensive Care Model and Racial Disparity in Joint Replacement.

PMID- 27653167
TI  - Improved Recovery After Laparoscopic Bilateral Inguinal Hernia Repair: Perception
      vs Function Improvement?

PMID- 27653168
TI  - A decade of hospital-based violence intervention: Benefits and shortcomings.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Initial analyses of hospital-based violence intervention programs
      (VIPs) have demonstrated decreased violent injury recidivism. Long-term VIP
      performance has not been assessed. Violence intervention program quality
      improvement requires evaluation to identify shortcomings and client
      subpopulations warranting additional resources. We evaluated our case manager
      based VIPs to identify modifiable risk factors that most impact violent injury
      recidivism and determine subpopulations that need modification of targeted
      services. METHODS: Data on demographic variables, socioeconomic factors, needs,
      and injury recidivism from 2005 to 2014 were collected through our VIP database.
      Possible client needs included housing, education, employment, court advocacy,
      driver's license obtainment, and "other." Case managers assessed needs as "not
      needed," "identified (unmet)," and "met." chi And nonparametric tests were used
      to identify factors associated with recidivism reduction. RESULTS: Over the 10
      year period, 466 clients were enrolled in VIP. During the program period, the
      violent reinjury rate was 4%, as compared with a historical control of 8% from
      2000 to 2004. Women had lower rates of reinjury than men (3% vs 13%,
      respectively, p = 0.023). Blacks had the lowest recidivism (2%, p < 0.0001),
      whereas a higher rate (11%) was observed among Latinos. Although a minority of
      clients (5%), 100% of white clients were reinjured. Mental health services (51%),
      victim-of-crime compensation (48%), employment (36%), and housing (30%) were the
      most frequently identified needs. Expressing the need for education was
      significantly associated with likelihood of reinjury, an effect that was
      completely reversed when the need was met. CONCLUSION: This evaluation of a VIP
      demonstrates sustained recidivism reduction and success in addressing client
      needs from a traditionally underserved population. Efforts to identify and
      address root causes of Latino and white client reinjury should be increased.
      Violence intervention program prioritization of housing needs may reduce future
      reinjury. This study demonstrating sustainable success underscores the importance
      of increased integration of VIP into trauma centers nationally. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, level III.

PMID- 27653169
TI  - Preperitoneal balloon tamponade for lethal closed retroperitoneal pelvic
      hemorrhage in a swine model: A comparable and minimally invasive alternative to
      open pre-peritoneal pelvic packing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The management of massive pelvic fracture-associated hemorrhage is
      extremely challenging, particularly in the unstable patient. We sought to
      characterize and compare the efficacy of a minimally invasive preperitoneal
      balloon technique (MIB) to standard open packing. METHODS: Twenty-six swine were
      randomized to control (C), open preperitoneal packing technique (OP), and MIB
      groups. A closed extraperitoneal iliac vascular injury followed by intervention +
      resuscitation over a 120-minute OP and MIB efficacy was assessed by procedure
      time, hemodynamics, extraperitoneal tamponade pressures (ETPs), blood loss, and
      survival. Angiography was performed in select animals, and ETPs were also
      measured in humans undergoing MIB placement for an elective procedure. RESULTS:
      Baseline parameters (mean arterial pressure [MAP] 29, 38, and 38 mm Hg; cardiac
      index [CI] 3.5, 3.8, and 4.2; and EPTs 5, 4, and 5 mm Hg) were similar among C,
      OP, and MIB groups, respectively (all p's > 0.05). The OP and MIB groups had
      markedly improved MAP and CI versus C. MIB generated significantly higher ETP (28
      vs 17 mm Hg), was faster to deploy (164 vs 497 seconds), and had lower total
      blood loss versus OP (0.7 vs 1.2 L, all p's < 0.05). OP and MIB had equivalent
      survival times that were significantly improved versus C (91 and 116 vs 43
      minutes, p < 0.05). Survival to 2 hours was 80% with OP versus 100% in the MIB
      group. Angiography showed no active extravasation in both study groups, but
      controlled partial deflation of the MIB allowed easy visualization of
      extravasation. Minimally invasive preperitoneal balloon inflation in five human
      subjects demonstrated a significant increase in mean ETP from 2.4 to 31 mm Hg (p
      < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive preperitoneal balloon tamponade was as
      effective as OP in improving hemodynamics and prolonging survival times, and
      performed superiorly to OP in time to placement, blood loss, and generation of
      tamponade pressures. The MIB allows for controlled deflation and reinflation to
      facilitate angiographic interventions, and may represent a promising new bedside
      intervention in this patient population.

PMID- 27653170
TI  - AlCl3-Catalyzed Annulations of Ynamides Involving a Torquoselective Process for
      the Simultaneous Control of Central and Axial Chirality.
AB  - A highly torquoselective process for simultaneous control of central and axial
      chirality by the annulation of terminally substituted ynamides with o-quinone
      methides is reported. In the presence of AlCl3, a sequence comprising a [2 + 2]
      cycloaddition followed by the torquoselective 4pi-electrocyclic ring opening and
      6pi-electrocyclic ring closure leads to highly stereoselective formation of
      diastereoisomeric 4-amino-2H-chromenes. Terminally unsubstituted ynamides undergo
      AlCl3-catalyzed [4 + 2] cycloaddition with o-quinone methides providing 2-amino
      4H-chromenes.

PMID- 27653171
TI  - Ensifer alkalisoli sp. nov. isolated from root nodules of Sesbania cannabina
      grown in saline-alkaline soils.
AB  - A group of Sesbania cannabina rhizobia belonging to four recA genotypes of a
      novel group was further characterized in comparison with the related Ensifer
      species. They showed 98.2 to 99.9 % similarities among themselves and 92.9 to
      93.3 % similarities with the most related strain Ensifer sojae CCBAU 05684T in
      multilocus sequence analysis of recA, atpD and glnII. The genome average
      nucleotide identity values between representative strain YIC4027T and the type
      strains of its closely related species were 81.6 to 88.9 %. Identical symbiotic
      gene (nodA, nodC and nifH) sequences highly similar with those in other Sesbania
      nodulating strains (Rhizobium sp. SIN-1, Neorhizobium huautlense S02T, Ensifer
      saheli ORS609T and Rhizobium sp. IRBG74) were detected. The representative strain
      YIC4027T could form effective nodules on its original host Sesbaniacannabina, but
      not on Sophora flavescens, Trifolium repens, Glycine max, Glycyrrhiza uralensis,
      Phaseolus vulgaris or Medicago sativa. The use of lactulose as sole carbon
      source, possession of C13 : 0 2-OH, C13 : 1 at 12-13, C15 : 1 iso omega9c, C17 :
      0 anteiso and C18 : 0 iso and absence of C14 : 0 anteiso, C15 : 0 anteiso and C18
      : 0 3-OH in fatty acids distinguished the strain YIC4027T from the type strains
      of its closely related species. Based on all the analyses mentioned above, we
      propose a novel species Ensifer alkalisoli sp. nov. and designate YIC4027T
      (=HAMBI 3655T=LMG 29286T) as the type strain. The genome size of YIC4027T is 5.97
      Mbp, comprising 5588 predicted genes, and the DNA G+C content is 62.2 mol%.

PMID- 27653172
TI  - From imitation to implementation: How two- and three-year-old children learn to
      enforce social norms.
AB  - Young children enforce social norms from early on, but little research has
      examined how this enforcement behaviour emerges. This study investigated whether
      observing an adult's norm enforcement influences children's own enforcement of
      that norm compared with observing an action demonstration without enforcement.
      Additionally, children experienced enforcement either following their own (second
      party) or a third-party's transgression (N = 120). Results revealed that
      observing enforcement increased two- and three-year-old children's protest
      against the sanctioned action regardless of second- or third-party context.
      However, only three-year-olds generalized their enforcement to a novel action not
      matching the norm, whereas two-year-olds only protested against the previously
      sanctioned action. Importantly, without any enforcement demonstration, two-year
      olds rarely protested at all while three-year-olds did so quite frequently. Thus,
      providing an opportunity to imitate enforcement seems to give rise to enforcement
      behaviour in two-year-olds while three-year-olds already understand normative
      implications following a variety of cues and even apply norm enforcement without
      any demonstration of how to do it. Statement of contribution What is already
      known on this subject? Children conform to social norms from early in
      development. Young children from 2 to 3 years of age also enforce social norms on
      third parties. What does this study add? Observing enforcement by an adult
      increases two- and three-year-olds' protest against the sanctioned action. It
      does not matter whether children experienced enforcement on their own or a third
      party's action. Three-, but not two-year-olds, generalize their enforcement to
      novel actions that do not match the norm.

PMID- 27653173
TI  - Percutaneous coronary intervention and heart surgery learning needs of patients
      in Jordan.
AB  - AIM: This study aimed to identify and prioritize the perceived learning needs of
      patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention or open-heart surgery.
      BACKGROUND: Identifying learning needs for post-cardiac intervention patients is
      essential to establish successful health education programmes based on patient
      central care. METHODS: A descriptive comparative design was employed on a
      convenience sample of 260 patients who underwent a percutaneous coronary
      intervention and 105 patients who underwent open-heart surgery patients.
      Participants had completed the Patient Learning Needs Scale. Data were collected
      between 1 October 2014 and 31 June 2015. RESULTS: Patients from the two groups
      highly requesting health and recovery related information. They scored all
      learning need topics as important or highly important for them. The top priority
      learning need for both patient groups was 'information about wound care', and the
      lowest priority learning need topic was 'physical activity'. CONCLUSIONS: The
      learning needs of both groups were very close, which indicated that educational
      secondary prevention programmes' content can be prepared in a unified structure
      for those patients. Although, specific headings can be used to address the unique
      needs that emerge from having a specific cardiac interventional procedure.
      IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY: The fact that wound care and
      medications are areas of highest learning needs for patients requires health
      policy decision makers to address these topics at the time of hospital discharge.
      In addition, a policy focus on considering patients' actual learning needs
      requires establishment and managerial support. As patients' learning needs might
      change later after discharge, the health services should be proactive and focus
      on continuous support for patients after hospital discharge. Secondary prevention
      programmes should incorporate health education topics based on patients' own
      views. This can be done by giving higher priority to understand patients' needs,
      put much more effort into how to meet patients' information needs and to create a
      more engaging learning environment for patients and their families.

PMID- 27653174
TI  - Protective effects of melatonin on bovine sperm characteristics and subsequent in
      vitro embryo development.
AB  - We aimed to investigate the effect of melatonin on bovine frozen-thawed semen and
      its impact on fertilization outcome. Plasma membrane integrity, mitochondrial
      activity, acrosome integrity, and levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species
      (ROS) were measured in spermatozoa treated with different concentrations of
      melatonin. Melatonin-treated spermatozoa were then used for in vitro
      fertilization, followed by analysis of subsequent embryo development and the
      expression of apoptosis- and antioxidant-related genes. The results revealed that
      10-5 and 10-3  M melatonin led to higher plasma membrane integrity, mitochondrial
      activity, and acrosome integrity, and significantly decreased intracellular ROS
      levels (P < 0.05). The blastocyst development rate of in vitro-produced bovine
      embryos originating from 10-3  M melatonin-treated spermatozoa was significantly
      higher, while the incidence of apoptotic nuclei in blastocysts was markedly lower
      than for embryos from any other group (P < 0.05). CASP3 and BAX mRNA abundance
      were significantly reduced whereas BCL2, XIAP, and CAT transcript abundance were
      significantly increased in embryos produced from spermatozoa treated with 10-3  M
      melatonin; GPX4 expression, however, was comparable in all treatment groups.
      Thus, 10-3  M melatonin can improve the quality of bovine frozen-thawed semen.
      These beneficial effects appear to influence preimplantation embryos, given the
      correlation with its anti-apoptotic and anti-oxidative properties. Mol. Reprod.
      Dev. 83: 993-1002, 2016 (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27653175
TI  - Balancing the risks and benefits of prophylaxis: a reply to "Pneumocystis
      jiroveci pneumonia in patients treated with systemic immunosuppressive agents for
      dermatologic conditions".

PMID- 27653176
TI  - The Thr-His Connection on the Distal Heme of Catalase-Related Hemoproteins: A
      Hallmark of Reaction with Fatty Acid Hydroperoxides.
AB  - This review focuses on a group of heme peroxidases that retain the catalase fold
      in structure, yet show little or no reaction with hydrogen peroxide. Instead of
      having a role in oxidative defense, these enzymes are involved in secondary
      metabolite biosynthesis. The prototypical enzyme is catalase-related allene oxide
      synthase, an enzyme that converts a specific fatty acid hydroperoxide to the
      corresponding allene oxide (epoxide). Other catalase-related enzymes form allylic
      epoxides, aldehydes, or a bicyclobutane fatty acid. In all catalases (including
      these relatives), a His residue on the distal face of the heme is absolutely
      required for activity. Its immediate neighbor in sequence as well as in 3 D space
      is conserved as Val in true catalases and Thr in the fatty acid hydroperoxide
      metabolizing enzymes. Thr-His on the distal face of the heme is critical in
      switching the substrate specificity from H2 O2 to fatty acid hydroperoxide.

PMID- 27653177
TI  - Preformed donor-specific HLA antibodies are associated with increased risk of
      early mortality after liver transplantation.
AB  - There is limited evidence for a negative impact of preformed, donor-specific HLA
      antibodies (DSA) identified by cross-matching on outcomes after liver
      transplantation. Three recent studies have suggested an association between
      preformed DSA detected by Luminex and reduced graft or recipient survival in
      liver transplant cohorts with a high prevalence of hepatitis C. This study
      investigated the impact of preformed DSA identified by Luminex in the Scottish
      liver transplant population. All recipients of liver transplants in Scotland
      between 2007 and 2015 with samples available for day of transplant antibody
      testing and donor HLA typing were included (n=459); 96% of the cohort were white
      and 19% had a primary diagnosis of hepatitis C. The median follow-up time was 36
      months. Preformed DSA were detected in 88 recipients. In multivariate analysis,
      preformed DSA with a median fluorescent intensity >=10 000 were associated with
      recipient mortality at 1 year. There was no association between DSA and overall
      graft or recipient survival. This study adds to the growing body of evidence
      supporting a detrimental impact of preformed, high-level DSA in a subset of liver
      transplant recipients by identifying an association in an ethnically and
      demographically distinct liver transplant population.

PMID- 27653178
TI  - Long-term vascular effects of anaesthesia in mice - What does it mean for our
      data and our patients?

PMID- 27653179
TI  - Osteoclast depletion with clodronate liposomes delays fracture healing in mice.
AB  - Osteoclasts are abundant within the fracture callus and also localize at the
      chondro-osseous junction. However, osteoclast functions during fracture healing
      are not well defined. Inhibition of osteoclast formation or resorptive activity
      impairs callus remodeling but does not prevent callus formation. Interestingly,
      though anti-osteoclast therapies differentially affect resolution of callus
      cartilage into bone. Treatments that inhibit osteoclast formation or viability
      tend to impair callus cartilage resolution, while treatments that target
      inhibition of bone resorption generally do not affect callus cartilage
      resolution. Here, we tested whether depletion of osteoclasts by systemic
      treatment with clodronate liposomes would similarly impair callus cartilage
      resolution. ICR mice were treated by intraperitoneal injections of clodronate
      laden liposomes or control liposomes and subjected to closed femur fracture.
      Femurs were resected at multiple times after fracture and analyzed by
      radiography, histology, and mechanical testing to determine effects on healing.
      Clodronate liposome treatment did not prevent callus formation. However,
      radiographic scoring indicated that clodronate liposome treatment impaired
      healing. Clodronate liposome treatment significantly reduced callus osteoclast
      populations and delayed resolution of callus cartilage. Consistent with continued
      presence of callus cartilage, torsional mechanical testing found significant
      decreases in callus material properties after 28 days of healing. The results
      support a role for osteoclasts in the resolution of callus cartilage into bone.
      Whether the cartilage resolution role for osteoclasts is limited to simply
      resorbing cartilage at the chondro-osseous junction or in promoting bone
      formation at the chondro-osseous junction through another mechanism, perhaps
      similar to the reversal process in bone remodeling, will require further
      experimentation. (c) 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:1699-1706, 2017.

PMID- 27653181
TI  - High-throughput sequencing to identify microRNA signatures during hepatic
      differentiation of human umbilical cord Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem
      cells.
AB  - AIM: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) constitute a class of small non-coding RNAs involved in
      regulation of cognate mRNAs post-transcriptionally. MicroRNAs have been
      implicated in regulating the stem cell differentiation process. Limited
      regulatory miRNAs have been reported to date during hepatic differentiation of
      stem cells. The present study was designed to identify the signature miRNAs
      implicated in hepatic differentiation of stem cells using next-generation
      sequencing methods. METHODS: We undertook sequencing of miRNAs isolated from
      three different time points during hepatic differentiation of human umbilical
      cord Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) from two
      biological replicates. RESULTS: Out of a total known 2588 miRNAs (according to
      miRBase version 21), 880 miRNAs were identified in our study. A total of 63
      significantly expressed miRNAs during hepatic differentiation, with at least 2
      fold change and a false discovery rate value <0.05, were considered for further
      analysis. The putative target genes of significantly downregulated miRNAs during
      hepatic differentiation appeared to be mostly associated with biological
      processes that are essential for hepatic differentiation and maintenance of
      mature hepatic phenotype-like liver development, stem cell differentiation, Wnt
      receptor signaling pathway, and drug and cholesterol metabolic processes.
      Putative target genes of significantly upregulated miRNAs are highly enriched in
      regulating processes that block hepatic differentiation of hUC-MSCs like
      epithelial-mesenchymal transition, transforming growth factor-beta receptor
      signaling pathway, and stem cell maintenance. CONCLUSION: The study provides a
      new insight for investigation of miRNA-regulated pathways during the
      differentiation process.

PMID- 27653180
TI  - Pembrolizumab: Role of Modeling and Simulation in Bringing a Novel Immunotherapy
      to Patients With Melanoma.
AB  - Recently, immunotherapy has yielded promising results in several cancer types.
      Contrary to the established classical chemotherapy-dosing paradigm, a maximum
      tolerated dose approach does not always produce better clinical outcomes for
      novel targeted therapies, as their efficacy is frequently robust at
      pharmacologically active doses below the maximum tolerated dose. Integrated
      safety and efficacy assessments are needed to inform clinical dose and trial
      design, and to support an early identification of potentially safe and
      efficacious combination treatments.

PMID- 27653182
TI  - Senescent Osteocytes: Do They Cause Damage and Can They Be Targeted to Preserve
      the Skeleton?

PMID- 27653183
TI  - Does serelaxin treatment alter passive mechanical wall properties in small
      resistance arteries?
AB  - The peptide hormone relaxin is recognized for its connective tissue remodeling
      actions in the reproductive tract during pregnancy and parturition, but it also
      has vascular remodeling actions independent of pregnancy. Recombinant human
      relaxin (serelaxin) treatment in male and non-pregnant female rodents enhances
      passive arterial compliance in the renal vasculature. This review focuses on
      serelaxin's actions on passive mechanical wall properties in small arteries and
      highlights the diversity of responses to serelaxin treatment in rodents.
      Different experimental approaches (duration of serelaxin treatment, rat strain,
      age) and animal models of disease (obesity, hypertension) will be considered.
      Most studies in young rodents demonstrate that serelaxin treatment fails to alter
      passive compliance in resistance-size arteries (mesenteric and femoral arteries
      and cerebral parenchymal arterioles), suggesting that serelaxin's beneficial
      effects are minimal in healthy animals. Short-term serelaxin treatment (5d) in
      aged, obese, and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) is largely without effect
      on passive mechanical wall properties. However, a longer duration of serelaxin
      treatment in SHRs (14d) enhances passive compliance in large muscular arteries as
      well as resistance-size arteries. In conclusion, serelaxin is capable of vascular
      remodeling. Its actions are vascular bed-dependent, more prominent in disease,
      and likely requires a longer duration of treatment to be effective.

PMID- 27653184
TI  - Simple tests for the diagnosis of childhood obesity: a systematic review and meta
      analysis.
AB  - There is a need to accurately quantify levels of adiposity in order to identify
      overweight and obesity in children. This systematic review aimed to identify all
      diagnostic accuracy studies evaluating simple tests for obesity and adiposity,
      including body mass index (BMI), skin-fold thickness and waist circumference,
      compared against high-quality reference tests. Twenty-four cohort studies
      including 25,807 children were included. BMI had good performance when diagnosing
      obesity: a sensitivity of 81.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 73.0 to 93.8) for
      a specificity of 96.0% (95% CI: 93.8 to 98.1). It was less effective at
      diagnosing overweight (sensitivity: 76.3%, 95% CI: 70.2 to 82.4; specificity:
      92.1% 95% CI: 90.0 to 94.3). When diagnosing obesity, waist circumference had
      similar performance (sensitivity: 83.8%; specificity: 96.5%). Skin-fold thickness
      had slightly poorer performance (sensitivity: 72.5%; specificity: 93.7%). Few
      studies considered any other tests. There was no conclusive evidence that any
      test was generally superior to the others. BMI is a good simple diagnostic test
      for identifying childhood adiposity. It identifies most genuinely obese and
      adipose children while misclassifying only a small number as obese. There was no
      conclusive evidence that any test should be preferred to BMI, and the extra
      complexity of skin-fold thickness tests does not appear to improve diagnostic
      accuracy.

PMID- 27653185
TI  - Standard Gibbs Energy of Metabolic Reactions: I. Hexokinase Reaction.
AB  - The standard Gibbs energy of reaction enables calculation of the driving force of
      a (bio)chemical reaction. Gibbs energies of reaction are required in
      thermodynamic approaches to determine fluxes as well as single reaction
      conversions of metabolic bioreactions. The hexokinase reaction (phosphorylation
      of glucose) is the entrance step of glycolysis, and thus its standard Gibbs
      energy of reaction (DeltaRg degrees ) is of great impact. DeltaRg degrees  is
      accessible from equilibrium measurements, and the very small concentrations of
      the reacting agents cause usually high error bars in data reduction steps. Even
      worse, works from literature do not account for the nonideal behavior of the
      reacting agents (activity coefficients were assumed to be unity); thus published
      DeltaRg degrees  values are not standard data. Consistent treatment of activity
      coefficients of reacting agents is crucial for the accurate determination of
      standard Gibbs energy from equilibrium measurements. In this work, equilibrium
      molalities of hexokinase reaction were measured with an enzyme kit. These results
      were combined with reacting agents' activity coefficients obtained with the
      thermodynamic model ePC-SAFT. Pure-component parameters for adenosine
      triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) were fitted to experimental
      osmotic coefficients (water + Na2ATP, water + NaADP). DeltaRg degrees  of the
      hexokinase reaction at 298.15 K and pH 7 was found to be -17.83 +/- 0.52 kJ.mol
      1. This value was compared with experimental literature data; very good agreement
      between the different DeltaRg degrees  values was obtained by accounting for pH,
      pMg, and the activity coefficients of the reacting agents.

PMID- 27653186
TI  - The accuracy of claims data for measuring transfusion rates.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine if billing records accurately report the receipt of red
      blood cell transfusions. BACKGROUND: Many red blood transfusions are given
      inappropriately, but efforts to monitor transfusion rates are hampered by a lack
      of data that facilitate benchmarking. METHODS: Using billing records and
      electronic medical records from 53 community hospitals, we estimated the
      sensitivity and specificity of billing records for measuring the receipt of
      transfusions in patients undergoing surgery for hip fractures. RESULTS: The
      sample included 12 091 patients, of whom 5215 received red blood cell
      transfusions according to electronic medical records. The sensitivity of billing
      data for measuring transfusions was 71.6% (95% CI: 60.4-82.8%). The specificity
      was 92.6% (95% CI: 88.3-97.0%). CONCLUSIONS: Researchers can use billing records
      to measure transfusion rates but should consider excluding hospitals with very
      low transfusion rates, which may indicate that the hospitals do not accurately
      report transfusions in billing data.

PMID- 27653187
TI  - Reverse Size Dependences of the Cellular Uptake of Triangular and Spherical Gold
      Nanoparticles.
AB  - Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) show promise as both drug and imaging carriers with
      applications in both diagnosis and therapy. For the safe and effective use of
      such gold nanomaterials in the biomedical field, it is crucial to understand how
      the size and shape of the nanomaterials affect their biological features, such as
      in vitro cellular uptake speed and accumulation as well as cytotoxicity. Herein,
      we focus on triangular gold nanoparticles (TNPs) of four different sizes (side
      length 46, 55, 72, and 94 nm; thickness 30 nm) and compare the cellular
      internalization efficiency with those of spherical nanoparticles (SNPs) of
      various diameters (22, 39, and 66 nm). Both surfaces were coated with anionic
      thiol ligands. Inductively coupled plasma-emission spectrometry (ICP-ES) data
      demonstrated that TNPs with longer sides showed higher levels of uptake into
      RAW264.7 and HeLa cells. On the other hand, in the case of SNPs, those with
      smaller diameters showed higher levels of uptake in both cells. Our results
      support the notion of a reverse size dependence of TNPs and SNPs in terms of
      cellular uptake. For HeLa cells, in particular, 20-fold more efficient
      internalization was observed for TNPs with longer sides (72 nm side length)
      compared to SNPs (66 nm) with a similar surface area. These results highlight the
      importance of the shape of nanomaterials on their interactions with cells and
      provide a useful guideline for the use of TNPs.

PMID- 27653188
TI  - Validity of wrist worn accelerometers and comparability between hip and wrist
      placement sites in estimating physical activity behaviour in preschool children.
AB  - Wrist-worn accelerometers can increase compliance with wearing accelerometers,
      however, several large scale studies continue to use hip-worn accelerometers and
      it is unclear how comparable data is from the two sites. The study aims were: to
      investigate agreement between wrist- and hip- worn accelerometers and to
      determine the validity of Johansson et al cut-points for wrist worn
      accelerometers in preschool children. A sample of 32 preschool children (21 boys,
      4.2 (0.5) years, BMI 16.6 (1.1)) were videoed wearing GT3X+  accelerometers on
      their wrist and hip while they engaged in 1 h of free-play in their nursery.
      Children's activity were coded using, the children's activity rating scale
      (CARS): with CARS, level 1 'sedentary' and levels 2-5 were classified as time
      spent in total physical activity (TPA). Accelerometry data were processed using
      Johansson et al cut-points for the wrist data and Evenson et al cut-points for
      the hip data, into time spent in different intensities of physical activity (PA).
      The mean counts per minute (cpm) from the hip and wrist were compared. There was
      a strong correlation between the hip and wrist cpm (r  =  0.81, p  <  0.01) and
      total count data (r  =  0.83 p  <  0.01), however there was a large systematic
      bias with wide limits of agreement. Good agreement (mean difference (LOA) 1.1 (
      9.9, 12.1) was found between the CARS estimate of TPA (29.5 (10.4) mins) and the
      wrist estimate, using the Johansson et al cut points (28.4 (9.8) mins). There was
      also a reasonable agreement between the hip estimates with the Evenson et al cut
      points and Johansson et al estimate (mean difference (LOA):6.3 (-8.8, 21.4) mins.
      In conclusion, the findings suggest that the Johansson et al (2013 Pediatr. Obes.
      10 1-6) cut-points applied to wrist worn accelerometers provides a valid estimate
      of TPA in preschool children and have reasonable agreement with Evenson et al cut
      points applied to hip accelerometers.

PMID- 27653189
TI  - Chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity: importance of early detection.

PMID- 27653190
TI  - Technological trends and market perspectives for production of microbial oils
      rich in omega-3.
AB  - In recent years, foods that contain omega-3 lipids have emerged as important
      promoters of human health. These lipids are essential for the functional
      development of the brain and retina, and reduction of the risk of cardiovascular
      and Alzheimer's diseases. The global market for omega-3 production, particularly
      docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), saw a large expansion in the last decade due to the
      increasing use of this lipid as an important component of infant food formulae
      and supplements. The production of omega-3 lipids from fish and vegetable oil
      sources has some drawbacks, such as complex purification procedures, unwanted
      contamination by marine pollutants, reduction or even extinction of several
      species of fish, and aspects related to sustainability. A promising alternative
      system for the production of omega-3 lipids is from microbial metabolism of
      yeast, fungi, or microalgae. The aim of this review is to discuss the various
      omega-3 sources in the context of the global demand and market potential for
      these bioactive compounds. To summarize, it is clear that fish and vegetable oil
      sources will not be sufficient to meet the future needs of the world population.
      The biotechnological production of single-cell oil comes as a sustainable
      alternative capable of supplementing the global demand for omega-3, causing less
      environmental impact.

PMID- 27653191
TI  - Stable, Free-space Optical Trapping and Manipulation of Sub-micron Particles in
      an Integrated Microfluidic Chip.
AB  - We demonstrate stable, free-space optical trapping and manipulation in an
      integrated microfluidic chip using counter-propagating beams. An inverted ridge
      type waveguide made of SU8 is cut across by an open trench. The design of the
      waveguide provides low propagation losses and small divergence of the trapping
      beam upon emergence from the facet, and the trench designed to be deeper and
      wider than the optical mode enables full utilization of the optical power with an
      automatic alignment for counter-propagating beams in a trap volume away from all
      surfaces. After integration with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic channel
      for particle delivery, 0.65 MUm and 1 MUm diameter polystyrene beads were trapped
      in free space in the trench, and manipulated to an arbitrary position between the
      waveguides with a resolution of < 100 nm. Comparison with numerical simulations
      confirm stable trapping of sub-micron particles, with a 10 kBT threshold power of
      less than 1 mW and a stiffness that can be 1 order of magnitude larger than that
      of comparable fiber-based trapping methods.

PMID- 27653192
TI  - [Development and validation of indicators for best patient safety practices: the
      ISEP-Brazil Project].
AB  - Efficacious patient safety monitoring should focus on the implementation of
      evidence-based practices that avoid unnecessary harm related to healthcare. The
      ISEP-Brazil project aimed to develop and validate indicators for best patient
      safety practices in Brazil. The basis was the translation and adaptation of the
      indicators validated in the ISEP-Spain project and the document Safe Practices
      for Better Healthcare (U.S. National Quality Forum), recommending 34 best
      practices. A 25-member expert panel validated the indicators. Reliability and
      feasibility were based on a pilot study in three hospitals with different
      management formats (state, federal, and private). Seventy-five best practice
      indicators were approved (39 structure; 36 process) for 31 of the 34
      recommendations. The indicators were considered valid, reliable, and useful for
      monitoring patient safety in Brazilian hospitals. 

PMID- 27653193
TI  - [Neonatal adverse events and near misses reported in Brazil from 2007 to 2013].
AB  - This study aimed to analyze adverse events and near misses in newborns up to 28
      days of life, reported to the Brazilian National Notification System for Sanitary
      Surveillance (NOTIVISA) system from 2007 to 2013. This was a quantitative,
      descriptive, retrospective study with analysis of secondary data. A total of 355
      incidents were reported: 118 (33.3%) related to medical devices, 4 (1.1%) medical
      equipment, and 233 (65.6%) medicines. Silver nitrate and antibiotics were the
      most frequently reported medicines, and among medical devices and equipment,
      phlebitis associated with IV lines was the most frequently reported adverse
      event. The study unveils the reporting of adverse events and near misses,
      fostering discussion on what actually constitutes harm according to the person
      that reports the event. The challenge for NOTIVISA is to improve the system, and
      as with other information systems, this results from its use, critical analysis,
      and interaction with users - incident reporters and interested parties like
      teaching and research institutions. 

PMID- 27653194
TI  - [Effectiveness of the National Strategy for Healthy Complementary Feeding to
      improve complemantary feeding of infants in a municipality in Southern Brazil].
AB  - The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the National Strategy
      for Healthy Complementary Feeding (ENPACS) in improving complementary feeding in
      the first year of life in a Brazilian municipality (county). This was an impact
      evaluation study that enrolled 340 infants from 6 to 12 months of age, followed
      at primary healthcare units. The target outcomes were prevalence rates for the
      consumption of vegetables, legumes, fruits, and unhealthy foods, and the
      prevalence of foods with adequate consistency for age. Poisson regression showed
      that the strategy was associated with reductions of 32% in the consumption of
      sodas and/or industrialized juices, 35% of industrialized foods, and 5% of
      unhealthy foods. There was no increase in the consumption of fruits, legumes,
      vegetables, or foods with adequate consistency for age. In conclusion, the
      strategy's positive effect was partial, but it has the potential to help improve
      infant nutrition, based on its effectiveness in reducing the consumption of
      unhealthy foods. 

PMID- 27653195
TI  - [Watching TV and eating habits: the results from 2006 to 2014 in Brazilian state
      capitals].
AB  - The objectives were to analyze trends in TV watching in Brazil and to identify
      the association between this habit and food consumption in the Brazilian adult
      population from 2006 to 2014. Data were obtained from the Surveillance System for
      Risk and Protective Factors for Chronic Illnesses Using a Telephone Survey
      (VIGITEL) for the years 2006 to 2014. The daily habit of watching TV and
      consumption of fruits, vegetables, beans, meat, milk, sodas, and/or sweetened
      beverages were analyzed over the period, and their association was investigated
      using regression models. The proportion of adults that reported watching more
      than three hours of TV per day did not vary significantly over the years, but
      these individuals showed declining consumption of healthy foods and increasing
      consumption of unhealthy foods. This situation was observed in both sexes and in
      all age and schooling brackets. The habit of watching TV is associated with
      unhealthy eating. 

PMID- 27653196
TI  - [Environmental, social, and roadway vulnerability in accidents involving
      transportation of hazardous products: a case study of the BR-101 highway between
      Osorio and Torres in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil].
AB  - This study aimed to assess the environmental and social vulnerability and
      identify critical highway stretches for accidents involving transportation of
      hazardous products on the BR-101 highway between the cities of Osorio and Torres
      in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. The study's approach consisted of a multiple
      criteria analysis combining highway safety analysis and environmental and social
      vulnerability analysis in the occurrence of accidents with hazardous products,
      plus cartographic analysis techniques. Thirty-eight kilometers of the highway
      showed high vulnerability, of which 8 kilometers with critical vulnerability,
      associated with bridges over rivers, water uptake points, a tunnel, environmental
      preservation areas, and an urban area. These stretches should be prioritized when
      developing action plans for accident mitigation and development of public
      policies for this highway. This proved to be an unprecedented approach when
      compared to existing studies and a potentially useful tool for decision-making in
      emergency operations. 

PMID- 27653197
TI  - [Association between malaria and anemia in an urban area with Plasmodium
      transmission: Mancio Lima, Acre State, Brazil].
AB  - The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of malaria-attributable
      anemia in the urban population of Mancio Lima, Acre State, Brazil. This was a non
      concurrent cohort study of 1,167 persons followed for the three months prior to
      the interview using data from the SIVEP-Malaria database. Anemia frequency and
      prevalence rates were calculated in patients with and without a recent history of
      malaria, according to target variables. 50.2% of the individuals were males, and
      67.96% were 15 years or older. Overall anemia prevalence was 7.1%, higher in the
      6 months to 5 years age bracket. Some 8.3% of men with a recent history of
      malaria presented anemia. Overall, prevalence of malaria-attributable anemia was
      negligible, except in men (2.4%) and the Cobal neighborhood (51.4%). The results
      showed that anemia prevalence was low and that malaria's contribution to anemia
      only existed in men and in specific geographic areas. 

PMID- 27653198
TI  - [Analysis of researchers' implication in a research-intervention in the Stork
      Network: a tool for institutional analysis].
AB  - This qualitative study is based on institutional analysis as the methodological
      theoretical reference with the objective of analyzing researchers' implication
      during a research-intervention and the interferences caused by this analysis. The
      study involved researchers from courses in medicine, nursing, and dentistry at
      two universities and workers from a Regional Health Department in follow-up on
      the implementation of the Stork Network in Sao Paulo State, Brazil. The
      researchers worked together in the intervention and in analysis workshops,
      supported by an external institutional analysis. Two institutions stood out in
      the analysis: the research, established mainly with characteristics of
      neutrality, and management, with Taylorist characteristics. Differences between
      researchers and difficulties in identifying actions proper to network management
      and research were some of the interferences that were identified. The study
      concludes that implication analysis is a powerful tool for such studies. 

PMID- 27653199
TI  - [Evaluation of the cascade of care in prevention of mother-to-child HIV
      transmission in Brazil].
AB  - This study aimed to assess the cascade of care in the reduction of mother-to
      child HIV transmission in the states of Amazonas, Ceara, Espirito Santo, Rio de
      Janeiro, and Rio Grande do Sul and the Distrito Federal, Brazil, using data from
      the Brazilian Information System on Diseases of Notification (SINAN). From 2007
      to 2012, there was an increase (from 7.3% in Distrito Federal to 46.1% in
      Amazonas) in intra-gestational detection of HIV in 5 states, with a 18.6%
      reduction in Rio de Janeiro. Fewer than 90% of the women received antiretroviral
      therapy during their prenatal care, including those that already knew they were
      HIV-positive. The elective cesarean rate was low. The AIDS detection rate in
      children under 5 years as a proxy for mother-to-child HIV transmission showed a
      reduction of 6.3% from 2007 to 2012, and was highest in Rio Grande do Sul (50%),
      the state with the highest rates in the period, while Espirito Santo showed the
      highest increase (50%). Evaluation of the cascade of HIV care in pregnant women
      identified flaws in all the points. A link is needed between primary care and
      referral centers for HIV/AIDS, organizing care for the family and better outcomes
      for the children. 

PMID- 27653200
TI  - [Psychosocial stressors, sense of community, and subjective wellbeing in children
      and adolescents in urban and rural areas in Northeast Brazil].
AB  - The study's overall objective was to investigate the relationship between
      psychosocial stressors, sense of community, and subjective wellbeing in urban and
      rural schoolchildren in Northeast Brazil, focusing on differences according to
      territorial context. The sample consisted of 757 participants, 495 from urban
      schools and 262 from rural schools, enrolled in the 6th and 7th grades (9 to 18
      years of age) in 21 municipal and state public schools, of which 13 urban and 8
      rural, in 7 municipalities (counties) in Ceara State, Brazil. The study
      instruments were inventory of stressful events, scale of life satisfaction for
      students, index of sense of community, and satisfaction indices by life domains
      (family, material goods, relations, neighborhood/zone, health, time, school, and
      personal). The results indicate that socioeconomically underprivileged public
      schoolchildren from urban areas are more exposed to daily stress and score lower
      on satisfaction in specific domains of life and on sense of community. This
      latter is an important indicator for evaluating wellbeing in this young
      population. 

PMID- 27653201
TI  - ["Hormone bomb": risks of emergency contraception from the perspective of
      pharmacy attendants in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil].
AB  - This study focused on views towards emergency contraception among pharmacy
      attendants in Greater Metropolitan Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The empirical material
      came from a socio-anthropological study with 20 semi-structured interviews of
      pharmacy attendants of both sexes (8 females and 12 males). The interviews showed
      negative views of emergency contraception, emphasizing its potential health
      risks. Interviews considered emergency contraception a "hormone bomb" that can
      harm the female reproductive organs and other organ systems. The pharmacy
      attendants highlighted the risks of "uncontrolled" or "indiscriminate" use,
      especially by adolescents and young women. Since they considered it "dangerous"
      to women's bodies, they assigned the responsibility for orientation and
      counseling on use of the method to gynecologists rather than to pharmacists. The
      article discusses the need to expand the public debate on emergency contraception
      in Brazil to include pharmacists and pharmacy attendants, in addition to health
      professionals in general and teachers. 

PMID- 27653202
TI  - [Collective memories of women who have experienced maternal near miss: health
      needs and human rights].
AB  - The collective memories of women that have experienced maternal near miss can
      help elucidate serious obstetric events, like maternal death. Their experience is
      authentic and representative, with the construction of a common identity. This
      identity lends quality to a group's memory, and such memory is thus a social
      phenomenon. The study analyzed the experience of twelve women who nearly died
      during the gestational and postpartum cycle. The thematic oral history method was
      used, from the perspective of health needs and human rights. Six collective
      memories comprised the discourses: unmet health needs; healthcare deficiencies;
      denial of contact with the newborn child; violation of rights; absence of demand
      for rights; and compensation for unmet rights and needs. To understand these
      women's health needs is to acknowledge the women as bearers of rights and to
      individualize care, respecting their autonomy, guaranteeing access to
      technologies, and establishing an effective bond with health professionals. 

PMID- 27653203
TI  - [Health and school: thoughts on the medicalization of education].
AB  - Children and youth reach school with different starting points. It is not known
      for sure how far these children and youth will go, and what path the school holds
      for them, particularly at a stage in which teachers are divided in multi-tasking
      (with some tasks that are merely administrative). Meanwhile, it is increasingly
      common to explain students' "inappropriate" behavior in biomedical terms. The
      increasing emergence of disorders and deficits calls for critical reflection on
      what they actually involve in public health terms. Thisarticle addresses the
      school's role in the educational achievement and comprehensive development of
      students flagged for or with clinical indication of medication based on "fuzzy"
      diagnoses. The concept of medicalization acquires a central position, and the
      article discusses its implications based on a set of field notes and interviews
      with parents and teachers in the North of Portugal. 

PMID- 27653204
TI  - What CSP expects of systematic reviews in the future.

PMID- 27653206
TI  - Erratum: High current density GaAs/Si rectifying heterojunction by defect free
      Epitaxial Lateral overgrowth on Tunnel Oxide from nano-seed.

PMID- 27653205
TI  - Factors Affecting Sexual Activity in Midlife Women: Results from the Midlife
      Health Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to identify (1) the importance of a
      number of potential factors affecting the likelihood of sexual activity in
      perimenopausal women and (2) the likelihood of a number of barriers to sexual
      activity. METHODS: A cohort of 780 women undergoing menopausal transition was
      surveyed annually for up to 7 years. Data were collected on sexual activity and,
      if not sexually active, reasons for no sexual activity, as well as a number of
      potential risk factors. Height and weight were measured at an annual clinic
      visit; serum hormone concentrations were assayed using blood samples donated
      annually. Data were examined with logistic regression models using the individual
      as a random effect, with subset analysis of nonsexually active women to determine
      the likelihood of each barrier. All factors with univariate associations of p <
      0.1 were considered in multivariate model building with stepwise addition.
      RESULTS: A total of 2440 woman-years were included in the analysis of sexual
      activity. The likelihood of sexual activity increased for women living with a
      partner, with perceived quality of life, and with less frequent hot flashes.
      Among 513 woman-years reporting no sexual activity, women living with a partner
      and women reporting frequent fatigue were less likely to lack a sexual partner,
      but were more likely to have sexual difficulties. Women with more physical work
      than average and women with higher serum estradiol levels were less likely to
      have sexual difficulties. CONCLUSIONS: The factors associated with sexual
      activity in menopausal women are complex, indicating that an individualized
      approach to improving sexual activity is required.

PMID- 27653208
TI  - Attention and interpretation processes and trait anger experience, expression,
      and control.
AB  - This study explored attention and interpretation biases in processing facial
      expressions as correlates of theoretically distinct self-reported anger
      experience, expression, and control. Non-selected undergraduate students (N =
      101) completed cognitive tasks measuring attention bias, interpretation bias, and
      Spielberger's State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI-2). Attention bias
      toward angry faces was associated with higher trait anger and anger expression
      and with lower anger control-in and anger control-out. The propensity to quickly
      interpret ambiguous faces as angry was associated with greater anger expression
      and its subcomponent of anger expression-out and with lower anger control-out.
      Interactions between attention and interpretation biases did not contribute to
      the prediction of any anger component suggesting that attention and
      interpretation biases may function as distinct mechanisms. Theoretical and
      possible clinical implications are discussed.

PMID- 27653207
TI  - Increased aqueous flare is associated with thickening of inner retinal layers in
      eyes with retinitis pigmentosa.
AB  - Retinitis pigmentosa(RP) is a hereditary retinal disease that causes
      photoreceptor, outer retinal, degeneration. Although the pathogenesis is still
      unclear, there have been numerous reports regarding inner retinal changes in RP
      eyes. The aim of this study is to retrospectively evaluate the changes in the
      thicknesses of different retinal layers of RP eyes, and its association with
      aqueous flare, which is used for measuring the intensity of intraocular
      inflammation. A total of 125 eyes of 64 patients with RP and 13 normal eyes were
      studied. The thicknesses of total neural retina,nerve fiber layer(NFL),ganglion
      cell layer(GCL),inner plexiform layer(IPL),inner nuclear layer(INL),outer layers
      and foveal thickness were measured in the optical coherence tomographic images.
      Aqueous flare was measured with a laser flare-cell meter. The associations
      between those parameters, visual acuity and visual field were determined in RP
      eyes using multivariate analysis. The results of this study showed the
      significant thickening of NFL, GCL and INL, the significant thinning of outer
      layers and the association of them with increased aqueous flare, whereas NFL and
      INL thickening associated with outer retinal thinning. These results can suggest
      the involvement of intraocular inflammation in the pathogenesis of inner retinal
      thickening as a secondary change following outer retinal degeneration.

PMID- 27653209
TI  - Influenza A Virus Polymerase Recruits the RNA Helicase DDX19 to Promote the
      Nuclear Export of Viral mRNAs.
AB  - Enhancing the knowledge of host factors that are required for efficient influenza
      A virus (IAV) replication is essential to address questions related to
      pathogenicity and to identify targets for antiviral drug development. Here we
      focused on the interplay between IAV and DExD-box RNA helicases (DDX), which play
      a key role in cellular RNA metabolism by remodeling RNA-RNA or RNA-protein
      complexes. We performed a targeted RNAi screen on 35 human DDX proteins to
      identify those involved in IAV life cycle. DDX19 was a major hit. In DDX19
      depleted cells the accumulation of viral RNAs and proteins was delayed, and the
      production of infectious IAV particles was strongly reduced. We show that DDX19
      associates with intronless, unspliced and spliced IAV mRNAs and promotes their
      nuclear export. In addition, we demonstrate an RNA-independent association
      between DDX19 and the viral polymerase, that is modulated by the ATPase activity
      of DDX19. Our results provide a model in which DDX19 is recruited to viral mRNAs
      in the nucleus of infected cells to enhance their nuclear export. Information
      gained from this virus-host interaction improves the understanding of both the
      IAV replication cycle and the cellular function of DDX19.

PMID- 27653210
TI  - An improved in vitro method for screening toxin and medicine targeting CYP2E1.
AB  - The cytochrome P450 enzyme 2E1 (CYP2E1) presents in both microsome and
      mitochondrion, which influences the metabolism of many xenobiotics. The mice
      active liver homogenate was prepared for the medicinal incubation and
      mitochondrion was extracted for chemical screening targeting CYP2E1 enzyme.
      Representative CYP2E1 inducers (ethanol and pyrazole) and inhibitors
      (diallyldisulfide and kaempferol) were applied to evaluate the effectiveness of
      homogenate-mitochondrial system. In parallel, the in-vitro microsomal method
      targeting CYP2E1 was also operated for comparison. The results showed that in
      homogenate-mitochondrial method, the protein level and activity of CYP2E1 were
      increased by ethanol and pyrazole; reduced by diallyldisulfide and kaempferol,
      and this homogenate-mitochondrial method is convenient with good repeatability
      and reproducibility in screening chemicals targeting CYP2E1, especially for the
      inducers. Thus, the homogenate-mitochondrial method might be effective in
      screening both CYP2E1 inhibitor and inducer.

PMID- 27653211
TI  - The effects of chlormequat chloride on the development of pubertal male rats.
AB  - Chlormequat Chloride (CCC) is a plant growth regulator that is widely applied in
      agriculture. Previous studies have shown that long-term exposure of CCC could
      decrease body weight in animals. However, the underlying mechanisms have not been
      studied. In this study, CCC was administered to rats daily by gavage on postnatal
      days 23-60 at doses of 0, 75, 150 and 300mg/kg bw/d. The results showed that body
      weight and the length of the right femur were significantly decreased in the
      300mg/kg bw/d group. Histological analysis of proximal growth plates of the right
      femurs showed narrowed proliferative zones and hypertrophic zones in CCC-treated
      groups. The mRNA expression of growth hormone, growth hormone receptor and
      insulin like growth factor 1 were decreased in the CCC-treated group. The results
      indicated that CCC may affect the expression of growth hormone and insulin-like
      growth factor 1 and subsequently cause a decrease in body weight and bone length.

PMID- 27653212
TI  - Screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment: a 5-year comparison of
      staff buy-in.

PMID- 27653214
TI  - Co-administration of walnut (Juglans regia) prevents systemic hypertension
      induced by long-term use of dexamethasone: a promising strategy for steroid
      consumers.
AB  - CONTEXT: The long-term consumption of glucocorticoids (GCs) may induce serious
      adverse effects such as hypertension. There is sufficient evidence related to the
      benefit of walnuts on the cardiovascular system. OBJECTIVE: This study assesses
      the effect of methanol extract of walnut [Juglans regia L. (Juglandaceae)] on
      dexamethasone-induced hypertension and the possible mechanisms in Wistar rats.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: Animals were randomized into control, kernel extract (100
      and 200 mg/kg/d, orally), dexamethasone (0.03 mg/kg/d, subcutaneously),
      dexamethasone + kernel (100 and 200 mg/kg/d, separately), and dexamethasone +
      captopril (25 mg/kg/d, orally) groups. Animals were treated with water, kernel
      extract or captopril by gavage 4 d before and during 11 d of saline or
      dexamethasone treatment. On the 16th day, blood pressure (BP) was recorded and
      blood samples were collected to measure nitric oxide (NO). Animal hearts were
      frozen for measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX).
      RESULTS: Dexamethasone increased the diastolic BP and MDA/GPX ratio in comparison
      with control group (128 +/- 7 vs. 105 +/- 3 mmHg, p < 0.05 and 0.2 +/- 0.046 vs.
      0.08 +/- 0.02, p < 0.05). Combination of dexamethasone and walnut (200 mg/kg)
      prevented the dexamethasone-induced diastolic hypertension (109 +/- 3 vs. 128 +/-
      7 mmHg; p < 0.05), increased the GPX level (14.8 +/- 1.46 vs. 5.1 +/- 0.64
      unit/mg, p < 0.05), reduced the MDA/GPX ratio (0.16 +/- 0.015 vs. 0.2 +/- 0.046)
      and improved serum NO level. CONCLUSION: Similar to captopril, walnut extract
      normalized dexamethasone-induced hypertension. A part of this beneficial effect
      apparently involves maintaining balance of the redox system and NO production.

PMID- 27653213
TI  - Palmitoyl acyltransferase DHHC21 mediates endothelial dysfunction in systemic
      inflammatory response syndrome.
AB  - Endothelial dysfunction is a hallmark of systemic inflammatory response
      underlying multiple organ failure. Here we report a novel function of DHHC
      containing palmitoyl acyltransferases (PATs) in mediating endothelial
      inflammation. Pharmacological inhibition of PATs attenuates barrier leakage and
      leucocyte adhesion induced by endothelial junction hyperpermeability and ICAM-1
      expression during inflammation. Among 11 DHHCs detected in vascular endothelium,
      DHHC21 is required for barrier response. Mice with DHHC21 function deficiency
      (Zdhhc21dep/dep) exhibit marked resistance to injury, characterized by reduced
      plasma leakage, decreased leucocyte adhesion and ameliorated lung pathology,
      culminating in improved survival. Endothelial cells from Zdhhc21dep/dep display
      blunted barrier dysfunction and leucocyte adhesion, whereas leucocytes from these
      mice did not show altered adhesiveness. Furthermore, inflammation enhances
      PLCbeta1 palmitoylation and signalling activity, effects significantly reduced in
      Zdhhc21dep/dep and rescued by DHHC21 overexpression. Likewise, overexpression of
      wild-type, not mutant, PLCbeta1 augments barrier dysfunction. Altogether, these
      data suggest the involvement of DHHC21-mediated PLCbeta1 palmitoylation in
      endothelial inflammation.

PMID- 27653215
TI  - Reformulations of practice: beyond experience in paramedic airway management.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: "Deliberate practice" and "feedback" are necessary for the development
      of expertise. We explored clinical performance in settings where these features
      are inconsistent or limited, hypothesizing that even in algorithmic domains of
      practice, clinical performance reformulates in ways that may threaten patient
      safety, and that experience fails to predict performance. METHODS: Paramedics
      participated in two recorded simulation sessions involving airway management,
      which were analyzed three ways: first, we identified variations in "decision
      paths" by coding the actions of the participants according to an airway
      management algorithm. Second, we identified cognitive schemas driving behavior
      using qualitative descriptive analysis. Third, clinical performances were
      evaluated using a global rating scale, checklist, and time to achieve
      ventilation; the relationship between experience and these metrics was assessed
      using Pearson's correlation. RESULTS: Thirty participants completed a total of 59
      simulations. Mean experience was 7.2 (SD=5.8) years. We observed highly variable
      practice patterns and identified idiosyncratic decision paths and schemas
      governing practice. We revealed problematic performance deficiencies related to
      situation awareness, decision making, and procedural skills. There was no
      association between experience and clinical performance (Scenario 1: r=0.13,
      p=0.47; Scenario 2: r=-0.10, p=0.58), or the number of errors (Scenario 1: r=.10,
      p=0.57; Scenario 2: r=0.25, p=0.17) or the time to achieve ventilation (Scenario
      1: r=0.53, p=0.78; Scenario 2: r=0.27, p=0.15). CONCLUSION: Clinical performance
      was highly variable when approaching an algorithmic problem, and procedural and
      cognitive errors were not attenuated by provider experience. These findings
      suggest reformulations of practice emerge in settings where feedback and
      deliberate practice are limited.

PMID- 27653216
TI  - Metrics in academic profiles: a new addictive game for researchers?
AB  - This study aims to promote reflection and bring attention to the potential
      adverse effects of academic social networks on science. These academic social
      networks, where authors can display their publications, have become new
      scientific communication channels, accelerating the dissemination of research
      results, facilitating data sharing, and strongly promoting scientific
      collaboration, all at no cost to the user.One of the features that make them
      extremely attractive to researchers is the possibility to browse through a wide
      variety of bibliometric indicators. Going beyond publication and citation counts,
      they also measure usage, participation in the platform, social connectivity, and
      scientific, academic and professional impact. Using these indicators they
      effectively create a digital image of researchers and their reputations.However,
      although academic social platforms are useful applications that can help improve
      scientific communication, they also hide a less positive side: they are highly
      addictive tools that might be abused. By gamifying scientific impact using
      techniques originally developed for videogames, these platforms may get users
      hooked on them, like addicted academics, transforming what should only be a means
      into an end in itself.

PMID- 27653217
TI  - Hypolipidemic effects of crude green tea polysaccharide on rats, and structural
      features of tea polysaccharides isolated from the crude polysaccharide.
AB  - Crude tea polysaccharide (crude TPS) was prepared from instant green tea by
      ethanol precipitation followed by ultrafiltration membrane treatment and its
      effects on blood lipid, liver lipid, and fecal lipid levels were examined with
      Sprague-Dawley rats fed a high-fat diet. Although crude TPS showed no effects on
      the serum lipid levels, it suppressed the liver lipid accumulation and increased
      the fecal excretion of dietary fat. Then, the structural features of crude TPS
      were investigated. After separation of crude TPS by DEAE-cellulose and gel
      filtration column chromatography, two kinds of neutral tea polysaccharides (NTPS
      LP and NTPS-HH) and an acidic polysaccharide (ATPS-MH) were obtained. According
      to monosaccharide composition, methylation, and NMR analyses, NTPS-LP, NPTS-HH,
      and ATPS-MH were presumed to be starch, arabinogalactan with beta-1,3-linked
      galactosyl backbone blanched at position 6 and with 1,5-linked arabinofuranosyl
      residues, and alpha-1,4-linked galacturonic acid backbone with arabinogalactan
      region, respectively.

PMID- 27653218
TI  - The Substrate is a pH-Controlled Second Gate of Electrolyte-Gated Organic Field
      Effect Transistor.
AB  - Electrolyte-gated organic field-effect transistors (EGOFETs), based on ultrathin
      pentacene films on quartz, were operated with electrolyte solutions whose pH was
      systematically changed. Transistor parameters exhibit nonmonotonic variation
      versus pH, which cannot be accounted for by capacitive coupling through the Debye
      Helmholtz layer. The data were fitted with an analytical model of the accumulated
      charge in the EGOFET, where Langmuir adsorption was introduced to describe the pH
      dependent charge buildup at the quartz surface. The model provides an excellent
      fit to the threshold voltage and transfer characteristics as a function of the
      pH, which demonstrates that quartz acts as a second gate controlled by pH and is
      mostly effective from neutral to alkaline pH. The effective capacitance of the
      device is always greater than the capacitance of the electrolyte, thus
      highlighting the role of the substrate as an important active element for
      amplification of the transistor response.

PMID- 27653220
TI  - HDL infusion for the management of atherosclerosis: current developments and new
      directions.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Because human genetic studies and large clinical trials have
      demonstrated that HDL-cholesterol levels are not causally related to
      cardiovascular disease risk, attention has shifted toward the functional
      properties of HDL. Infusion of HDL mimetics containing apolipoprotein A-I remains
      a potential strategy to exploit the atheroprotective effects of HDL. RECENT
      FINDINGS: Three HDL mimetic drugs are under development and currently being
      evaluated in clinical trials. Upon infusion, these drugs increase cholesterol
      efflux capacity. Although proof-of-concept studies are promising, large outcome
      studies are awaited. Alternatively, HDL particles may be used for targeted drug
      delivery in a nanomedicine approach. Finally, links between cholesterol efflux
      and myelopoeisis may prove to be a target for HDL infusion in the future.
      SUMMARY: Clinical studies are currently ongoing to evaluate the potential of
      several HDL mimetic drugs. Novel nanomedicinal approaches and emerging
      pathophysiological insights may further expand the relevance of HDL infusion.

PMID- 27653219
TI  - The skin is a significant but overlooked anatomical reservoir for vector-borne
      African trypanosomes.
AB  - The role of mammalian skin in harbouring and transmitting arthropod-borne
      protozoan parasites has been overlooked for decades as these pathogens have been
      regarded primarily as blood-dwelling organisms. Intriguingly, infections with low
      or undetected blood parasites are common, particularly in the case of Human
      African Trypanosomiasis caused by Trypanosoma brucei gambiense. We hypothesise,
      therefore, the skin represents an anatomic reservoir of infection. Here we
      definitively show that substantial quantities of trypanosomes exist within the
      skin following experimental infection, which can be transmitted to the tsetse
      vector, even in the absence of detectable parasitaemia. Importantly, we
      demonstrate the presence of extravascular parasites in human skin biopsies from
      undiagnosed individuals. The identification of this novel reservoir requires a re
      evaluation of current diagnostic methods and control policies. More broadly, our
      results indicate that transmission is a key evolutionary force driving parasite
      extravasation that could further result in tissue invasion-dependent pathology.

PMID- 27653221
TI  - Absence of Neuropathology With Prolonged Isoflurane Sedation in Healthy Adult
      Rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of isoflurane sedation for prolonged periods in the critical
      care environment is increasing. However, isoflurane-mediated neurotoxicity has
      been widely reported. The goal of the present study was to determine whether long
      term exposure to low-dose isoflurane in mechanically ventilated rodents is
      associated with evidence of neurodegeneration or neuroinflammation. METHODS:
      Adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this study. Experimental animals
      (n=11) were induced with 1.5% isoflurane, intubated, and given a neuromuscular
      blockade with alpha-cobratoxin. EEG electrodes were surgically implanted,
      subcutaneous precordial EKG Ag wire electrodes, and bladder, femoral artery, and
      femoral vein cannulas permanently placed. After these procedures, the isoflurane
      concentration was reduced to 0.5% and, in conjunction with the neuromuscular
      blockade, continued for 7 days. Arterial blood gases and chemistry were measured
      at 3 time points and core body temperature servoregulated and maintenance IV
      fluids were given during the 7 days. Experimental animals and untreated controls
      (n=9) were euthanized on day 7. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical and cytochemical
      assays did not detect evidence of microgliosis, astrocytosis, neuronal apoptosis
      or necrosis, amyloidosis, or phosphorylated-tau accumulation. Blood glucose
      levels were significantly reduced on days 3/4 and 6/7 and partial pressure of
      oxygen was significantly reduced, but still within the normal range, on day 6/7.
      All other blood measurements were unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: No neuropathologic
      changes consistent with neurotoxicity were detected in the brain after 1 week of
      continuous exposure to 0.5% isoflurane in healthy rats. These data suggest that
      even long exposures to low concentrations of isoflurane have no overt
      consequences on neuropathology.

PMID- 27653223
TI  - Angiotensin Neprilysin Inhibition for Patients With Heart Failure: What If
      Sacubitril/Valsartan Were a Treatment for Cancer?

PMID- 27653224
TI  - A Reversible Cause of Left Ventricular Dysfunction.

PMID- 27653222
TI  - A Dexamethasone-regulated Gene Signature Is Prognostic for Poor Survival in
      Glioblastoma Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dexamethasone is reported to induce both tumor-suppressive and tumor
      promoting effects. The purpose of this study was to identify the genomic impact
      of dexamethasone in glioblastoma stem cell (GSC) lines and its prognostic value;
      furthermore, to identify drugs that can counter these side effects of
      dexamethasone exposure. METHODS: We utilized 3 independent GSC lines with
      tumorigenic potential for this study. Whole-genome expression profiling and
      pathway analyses were done with dexamethasone-exposed and control cells. GSCs
      were also co-exposed to dexamethasone and temozolomide. Risk scores were
      calculated for most affected genes, and their associations with survival in The
      Cancer Genome Atlas and Repository of Molecular Brain Neoplasia Data databases.
      In silico Connectivity Map analysis identified camptothecin as antagonist to
      dexamethasone-induced negative effects. RESULTS: Pathway analyses predicted an
      activation of dexamethasone network (z-score: 2.908). Top activated canonical
      pathways included "role of breast cancer 1 in DNA damage response" (P=1.07E-04).
      GSCs were protected against temozolomide-induced apoptosis when coincubated with
      dexamethasone. Altered cellular functions included cell movement, cell survival,
      and apoptosis with z-scores of 2.815, 5.137, and -3.122, respectively.
      CCAAT/enhancer binding protein beta (CEBPB) was activated in a dose dependent
      manner specifically in slow-dividing "stem-like" cells. CEBPB was activated in
      dexamethasone-treated orthotopic tumors. Patients with high risk scores had
      significantly shorter survival. Camptothecin was validated as potential partial
      neutralizer of dexamethasone-induced oncogenic effects. CONCLUSIONS:
      Dexamethasone exposure induces a genetic program and CEBPB expression in GSCs
      that adversely affects key cellular functions and response to therapeutics. High
      risk scores associated with these genes have negative prognostic value in
      patients. Our findings further suggest camptothecin as a potential neutralizer of
      adverse dexamethasone-mediated effects.

PMID- 27653225
TI  - Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery at a VA
      Hospital.

PMID- 27653226
TI  - Comparative Study of the Immunoregulatory Capacity of In Vitro Generated
      Tolerogenic Dendritic Cells, Suppressor Macrophages, and Myeloid-Derived
      Suppressor Cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Regulatory myeloid cell (RMC) therapy is a promising strategy for the
      treatment of immunological disorders such as autoimmune disease and allograft
      transplant rejection. Various RMC subsets can be derived from total bone marrow
      using different protocols, but their phenotypes often overlap, raising questions
      about whether they are truly distinct. METHODS: In this study, we directly
      compared the phenotype and function of 3 types of RMCs, tolerogenic dendritic
      cells, suppressor macrophages, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells, generated in
      vitro from the same mouse strain in a single laboratory. RESULTS: We show that
      the 3 RMC subsets tested in this study share some phenotypic markers, suppress T
      cell proliferation in vitro and were all able to prolong allograft survival in a
      model of skin transplantation. However, our results highlight distinct mechanisms
      of action that are specific to each cell population. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      shows for the first time a side-by-side comparison of 3 types of RMCs using the
      same phenotypic and functional assays, thus providing a robust analysis of their
      similarities and differences.

PMID- 27653228
TI  - Influence of Donor and Recipient CYP3A4, CYP3A5, and ABCB1 Genotypes on Clinical
      Outcomes and Nephrotoxicity in Liver Transplant Recipients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study investigated the influence of the CYP3A4*22, CYP3A5*3, and
      ABCB1 exons 12, 21, and 26 polymorphisms in donors and recipients on clinical
      outcomes and renal function in 170 liver transplant patients on cyclosporin A
      (CsA) or tacrolimus (Tac). METHODS: Allelic discrimination assays were used for
      genotyping. Multivariate time-dependent Cox proportional hazard models, multiple
      linear regression using the generalized estimating equation and linear mixed
      effect models were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Expression of CYP3A5
      by either or both the donor and the recipient was significantly associated with
      lower Tac, but not CsA, dose-normalized trough levels. In the whole population,
      graft loss was only significantly associated with longer exposure to high
      calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) concentrations (hazard ratio, 6.93; 95% confidence
      interval, 2.13-22.55), P = 0.00129), whereas in the Tac subgroup, the risk of
      graft loss was significantly higher in recipient CYP3A5*1 expressers (hazard
      ratio, 3.39; 95% confidence interval, 1.52-7.58; P = 0.0028). Renal function was
      significantly associated with: (1) baseline modification of diet in renal disease
      (beta = 0.51 +/- 0.05; P < 0.0001); (2) duration of patient follow-up (per visit,
      beta = -0.98 +/- 0.22; P < 0.0001); and (3) CNI exposure (per quantile increase,
      beta = -2.42 +/- 0.59; P < 0.0001). No genetic factor was associated with patient
      survival, acute rejection, liver function test results, recurrence of viral or
      other initial liver disease, or renal function. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms
      the effect of CYP3A5*3 on tacrolimus dose requirement in liver transplantation
      and shows unexpected associations between the type of, and exposure to, CNI and
      either chronic rejection or graft loss. None of the genetic polymorphisms studied
      had a noticeable impact on renal function degradation at 10 years.

PMID- 27653229
TI  - Controlling Diabetes After Liver Transplantation: Room for Improvement.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic illness with great impact on long-term
      outcome after liver transplantation (LT). Despite this, the current level of
      glycemic control and quality of screening strategies for diabetes-associated
      conditions that are being provided to liver transplant recipients with diabetes
      have not yet been assessed. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional, multicenter
      study that included 344 liver transplant recipients and examined the level of
      glycemic control and its associated factors, as well as the quality of screening
      strategies for diabetes-associated conditions. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients
      (21.8%) suffered from diabetes before transplantation, and 82 (23.8%) developed
      diabetes mellitus after transplantation. Adequate glycemic control (HbA1c < 7%)
      was achieved in 66.7% of the patients. Forty-eight percent of patients underwent
      regular screening for retinopathy, 47.1% for nephropathy, 4.5% for neuropathy,
      and 5.7% for foot ulcers. Diabetes was associated with higher frequency of
      cardiovascular disease and dyslipidemia both before and after LT. Multivariate
      analysis revealed association between poor glycemic control and arterial
      hypertension, presence of diabetes before transplantation, elevated GGT, and
      insulin use. CONCLUSIONS: Glycemic control was inadequate in 33.3% of LT
      recipients with diabetes, and screening protocols for diabetes-associated
      conditions did not meet the standards for medical care set by the American
      Diabetes Association in any of the participating centers. Consequently, this
      study reveals a clear deficiency in the quality of diabetes care provided to
      patients after LT and, hence, we predict that future progress in this area will
      have a significant impact on medium-term to long-term outcome of these patients.

PMID- 27653230
TI  - Metal/Benzoyl Peroxide (BPO)-Controlled Chemoselective Cycloisomerization of (o
      Alkynyl)phenyl Enaminones: Synthesis of alpha-Naphthylamines and Indeno[1,2
      c]pyrrolones.
AB  - Synthetic methods involving chemoselective tandem reactions for the synthesis of
      alpha-naphthylamines and indeno[1,2-c]pyrrolones starting from (o-aklynyl)phenyl
      enaminones are described. When reactions were carried out in N,N
      dimethylformamide (DMF) using a AgNO3 catalyst, alpha-naphthylamines were
      obtained in up to 89% isolated yields within 2 h. Whereas indeno[1,2-c]pyrrolones
      were produced in high isolated yields in the presence of benzoyl peroxide (BPO)
      and CuCl catalysis.

PMID- 27653227
TI  - Adherence to and Acceptance of Once-Daily Tacrolimus After Kidney and Liver
      Transplant: Results From OSIRIS, a French Observational Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adherence to immunosuppressive treatments is a major concern in
      transplanted patients. METHODS: This 6-month French observational, longitudinal,
      prospective study aimed to assess patient adherence to and acceptance of once
      daily tacrolimus (Advagraf) initiation in kidney and liver transplant recipients.
      Data from 1106 patients initiating once-daily tacrolimus during posttransplant
      follow-up were analyzed. Adherence and acceptance were assessed using self
      administered questionnaires at inclusion and at 3 and 6 months. RESULTS: Mean age
      was 52.4 +/- 13.2 years, 61.5% were men. For 94.9% of patients, once-daily
      tacrolimus was prescribed after switching from twice-daily tacrolimus. At
      inclusion, 20.9% of patients reported good treatment adherence, 72.0% minor
      nonadherence, and 7.1% were nonadherent. Mean general acceptance score (range, 0
      100) was 77.7 (+/-24.7). At 3 months, adherence was improved in 21.1%, unchanged
      in 69.2%, and worsened in 9.7% of patients. Mean general acceptance score was
      75.4 (+/-26.5). General acceptance score was improved in 28.0%, unchanged in
      39.4%, and worsened in 32.7% of patients. At 6 months, similar changes in
      adherence and acceptance were observed. Higher general acceptance score at month
      3 was significantly associated with better adherence at month 6. CONCLUSIONS:
      Conversion to once-daily tacrolimus led to an improved rate of adherence at month
      3 in more than 20% of patients and a worsened rate of adherence in less than 10%
      of patients.

PMID- 27653231
TI  - Buzz off! An evaluation of ultrasonic acoustic vibration for the disruption of
      marine micro-organisms on sensor-housing materials.
AB  - : Biofouling is a process of ecological succession which begins with the
      attachment and colonization of micro-organisms to a submerged surface. For marine
      sensors and their housings, biofouling can be one of the principle limitations to
      long-term deployment and reliability. Conventional antibiofouling strategies
      using biocides can be hazardous to the environment, and therefore alternative
      chemical-free methods are preferred. In this study, custom-made testing
      assemblies were used to evaluate ultrasonic vibration as an antibiofouling
      process for marine sensor-housing materials over a 28-day time course. Microbial
      biofouling was measured based on (i) surface coverage, using fluorescence
      microscopy and (ii) bacterial 16S rDNA gene copies, using Quantitative polymerase
      chain reaction (PCR). Ultrasonic vibrations (20 KHz, 200 ms pulses at 2-s
      intervals; total power 16.08 W) significantly reduced the surface coverage on two
      plastics, poly(methyl methacrylate) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) for up to 28
      days. Bacterial gene copy number was similarly reduced, but the results were only
      statistically significant for PVC, which displayed the greatest overall
      resistance to biofouling, regardless of whether ultrasonic vibration was applied.
      Copper sheet, which has intrinsic biocidal properties was resistant to biofouling
      during the early stages of the experiment, but inhibited measurements made by PCR
      and generated inconsistent results later on. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE
      STUDY: In this study, ultrasonic acoustic vibration is presented as a chemical
      free, ecologically friendly alternative to conventional methods for the
      perturbation of microbial attachment to submerged surfaces. The results indicate
      the potential of an ultrasonic antibiofouling method for the disruption of
      microbial biofilms on marine sensor housings, which is typically a principle
      limiting factor in their long-term operation in the oceans. With increasing
      deployment of scientific apparatus in aquatic environments, including further
      offshore and for longer duration, the identification and evaluation of novel
      antifouling strategies that do not employ hazardous chemicals are widely sought.

PMID- 27653232
TI  - AHNS series - Do you know your guidelines? Diagnosis and management of cutaneous
      squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - This article is the next installment of the series "Do You Know Your Guidelines"
      presented by the Education Committee of the American Head and Neck Society.
      Guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis, workup, and management of cutaneous
      squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are reviewed. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head
      Neck 38: 1708-1716, 2016.

PMID- 27653234
TI  - Weighing the risks and benefits of Pneumocystis pneumonia prophylaxis in
      iatrogenically immunosuppressed dermatology patients.

PMID- 27653233
TI  - Evaluation of the 2-(1-Hexyloxyethyl)-2-devinyl pyropheophorbide (HPPH) mediated
      photodynamic therapy by macroscopic singlet oxygen modeling.
AB  - Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is known as a non-invasive treatment modality that is
      based on photochemical reactions between oxygen, photosensitizer, and a special
      wavelength of light. However, a dosimetric predictor for PDT outcome is still
      elusive because current dosimetric quantities do not account for the differences
      in the PDT oxygen consumption rate for different fluence rates. In this study, we
      evaluate several dose metrics, total fluence, photobleaching ratio, PDT dose, and
      mean reacted singlet oxygen (mean [1 O2 ]rx ) for predicting the PDT outcome and
      a clinically relevant tumor re-growth endpoint. For this reason, radiation
      induced fibrosarcoma (RIF) mice tumors are treated with 2-(1-Hexyloxyethyl)-2
      devinyl pyropheophorbide (HPPH) and different in-air fluences (30 J/cm2 , 50
      J/cm2 , 135 J/cm2 , 250 J/cm2 , and 350 J/cm2 ) and in-air fluence rates (20, 50,
      75, 150 mW/cm2 ). Explicit measurements of HPPH and oxygen concentration as well
      as tissue optical properties are performed pre- and post-treatment. Then, this
      information is incorporated into a macroscopic model to calculate the
      photobleaching, PDT dose, and mean [1 O2 ]rx . Changes in tumor volume are
      tracked following the treatment and compared with the dose metrics. The
      correlation demonstrates that mean [1 O2 ]rx  serves as a better dosimetric
      quantity for predicting treatment outcome and a clinically relevant tumor re
      growth endpoint.

PMID- 27653235
TI  - Immunohistochemical markers for hepatocellular carcinoma prognosis after liver
      resection and liver transplantation.
AB  - AIM: There were differences in progression and prognosis of hepatocellular
      carcinoma (HCC) after surgery between liver resection (LR) and liver
      transplantation (LT). In this study, immunohistochemical (IHC) markers associated
      with the prognosis of HCC were assessed. METHODS: Data were collected from 167
      patients who underwent LT (n=41) or LR (n=126) for HCC. IHC markers including
      alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), p53, Ki-67, cytokeratin 7 (CK7), and cytokeratin 19
      (CK19) were compared between the treatment methods in tumor tissue. RESULTS: AFP-
      and p53-negative patients had a significantly higher survival rate than AFP- and
      p53-positive patients (AFP: disease-free survival [DFS] P=.006, overall survival
      [OS] P=.016; p53: DFS P=.005, OS P=.038) in the LR group. CK19 was related to DFS
      (P=.005), while CK7 (P=.014) and CK19 (P=.06) were related to OS in the LT group.
      When we combined factors that were significant in both groups (LR: AFP and p53,
      LT: CK7 and CK19), all-negative patients had a higher survival rate (LR: DFS
      P=.025, OS P=.043, LT: DFS P=.034, OS P=.008). CONCLUSION: p53 and AFP were
      predictors for poor prognosis of HCC after LR; CK7 and CK19 could be predictors
      for poor prognosis of patients with HCC after LT.

PMID- 27653236
TI  - Increasing the salience of fluency cues does not reduce the recognition memory
      impairment in Alzheimer's disease!
AB  - In Alzheimer's disease (AD), it is now well established that recollection is
      impaired from the beginning of the disease, whereas findings are less clear
      concerning familiarity. One of the most important mechanisms underlying
      familiarity is the sense of familiarity driven by processing fluency. In this
      study, we attempted to attenuate recognition memory deficits in AD by maximizing
      the salience of fluency cues in two conditions of a recognition memory task. In
      one condition, targets and foils have been created from the same pool of letters
      (Overlap condition). In a second condition, targets and foils have been derived
      from two separate pools of letters (No-Overlap condition), promoting the use of
      letter-driven visual and phonetic fluency. Targets and foils were low-frequency
      words. The memory tasks were performed by 15 patients with AD and 16 healthy
      controls. Both groups improved their memory performance in the No-Overlap
      condition compared to the Overlap condition. Patients with AD were able to use
      fluency cues during recognition memory as older adults did, but this did not
      allow to compensate for dysfunction of recognition memory processes.

PMID- 27653237
TI  - New perspectives on ACL injury: On the role of repetitive sub-maximal knee
      loading in causing ACL fatigue failure.
AB  - In this paper, we review a series of studies that we initiated to examine
      mechanisms of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in the hope that these
      injuries, and their sequelae, can be better prevented. First, using the earliest
      in vitro model of a simulated single-leg jump landing or pivot cut with realistic
      knee loading rates and trans-knee muscle forces, we identified the worst-case
      dynamic knee loading that causes the greatest peak ACL strain: Combined knee
      compression, flexion, and internal tibial rotation. We also identified
      morphologic factors that help explain individual susceptibility to ACL injury.
      Second, using the above knee loading, we introduced a possible paradigm shift in
      ACL research by demonstrating that the human ACL can fail by a sudden rupture in
      response to repeated sub-maximal knee loading. If that load is repeated often
      enough over a short time interval, the failure tended to occur proximally, as
      observed clinically. Third, we emphasize the value of a physical exam of the hip
      by demonstrating how limited internal axial rotation at the hip both increases
      the susceptibility to ACL injury in professional athletes, and also increases
      peak ACL strain during simulated pivot landings, thereby further increasing the
      risk of ACL fatigue failure. When training at-risk athletes, particularly females
      with their smaller ACL cross-sections, rationing the number and intensity of
      worst-case knee loading cycles, such that ligament degradation is within the
      ACL's ability to remodel, should decrease the risk for ACL rupture due to
      ligament fatigue failure.(c) 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by
      Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:2059-2068, 2016.

PMID- 27653239
TI  - Rosuvastatin limits the activation of hepatic stellate cells in diet-induced
      obese mice.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of rosuvastatin in a
      model of diet-induced obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, with
      attention to the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). METHOD: Male
      C57BL/6 mice received a control diet (C; 10% energy as lipids) or a high-fat diet
      (HF; 50% energy as lipids) for 12 weeks, followed by 7 weeks of treatment. Group
      CR received control diet + rosuvastatin; group HFR received high-fat diet +
      rosuvastatin. RESULTS: The HF group showed higher insulin, total cholesterol,
      triacylglycerol, and leptin levels than the C group, all of which were
      significantly diminished by rosuvastatin in the HFR group. The HF group had
      greater steatosis and activated HSCs than the C group, whereas rosuvastatin
      diminished the steatosis (less 21%, P < 0.001) and significantly inhibited the
      activation of the HSCs in the HFR group compared to the HF group. The sterol
      regulatory element-binding protein-1 and the peroxisome proliferator-activated
      receptor (PPAR)-gamma protein expressions were increased in HF animals and
      reduced after treatment in the HFR group. By contrast, low PPAR-alpha and
      carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 expressions were found in the HF group, and were
      restored by rosuvastatin treatment in the HFR group. CONCLUSION: Rosuvastatin
      mitigated hepatic steatosis by modulating PPAR balance, favoring PPAR-alpha over
      PPAR-gamma downstream effects. The effects were accompanied by a diminishing of
      insulin resistance, the anti-inflammatory adipokine profile, and HSC activation,
      avoiding non-alcoholic fatty liver disease progression and non-alcoholic
      steatohepatitis onset in this model.

PMID- 27653238
TI  - Applied Concepts in PBPK Modeling: How to Build a PBPK/PD Model.
AB  - The aim of this tutorial is to introduce the fundamental concepts of
      physiologically based pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PBPK/PD) modeling with a
      special focus on their practical implementation in a typical PBPK model building
      workflow. To illustrate basic steps in PBPK model building, a PBPK model for
      ciprofloxacin will be constructed and coupled to a pharmacodynamic model to
      simulate the antibacterial activity of ciprofloxacin treatment.

PMID- 27653240
TI  - Bone Density Loss Is Associated With Blood Cell Counts.
AB  - Hematopoiesis depends on a supportive microenvironment. Preclinical studies in
      mice have demonstrated that osteoblasts influence the development of blood cells,
      particularly erythrocytes, B lymphocytes, and neutrophils. However, it is unknown
      whether osteoblast numbers or function impact blood cell counts in humans. We
      tested the hypothesis that men with low BMD or greater BMD loss have decreased
      circulating erythrocytes and lymphocytes and increased myeloid cells. We
      performed a cross-sectional analysis and prospective analysis in the Osteoporotic
      Fractures in Men (MrOS) study, a multisite longitudinal cohort study. A total of
      2571 community-dwelling men (>=65 years) who were able to walk without
      assistance, did not have a hip replacement or fracture, and had complete blood
      counts (CBCs) at the third study visit were analyzed. Multivariable (MV)-adjusted
      logistic regression estimated odds of white blood cell (WBC) subtypes (highest
      and lowest quintile versus middle), and anemia (clinically defined) associated
      with BMD by DXA scan (at visit 3), annualized percent BMD change (baseline to
      visit 3), and high BMD loss (>0.5%/year, from baseline to visit 3) at the femoral
      neck (FN) and total hip (TH). MV-adjusted models included age, BMI, cancer
      history, smoking status, alcohol intake, corticosteroid use, self-reported
      health, thiazide use, and physical activity. At visit 3 greater TH BMD loss (per
      1 SD) was associated with increased odds of anemia, high neutrophils, and low
      lymphocytes. Annualized BMD loss of >0.5% was associated with increased odds of
      anemia, high neutrophils, and low lymphocytes. Similar results were observed for
      FN BMD regarding anemia and lymphocytes. We conclude that community-dwelling
      older men with declining hip BMD over about 7 years had increased risks of
      anemia, lower lymphocyte count, and higher neutrophil count, consistent with
      preclinical studies. Bone health and hematopoiesis may have greater
      interdependency than previously recognized. (c) 2016 American Society for Bone
      and Mineral Research.

PMID- 27653241
TI  - Endothelial-smooth muscle cell interactions in the regulation of vascular tone in
      skeletal muscle.
AB  - The SMCs of skeletal muscle arterioles are intricately sensitive to changes in
      membrane potential. Upon increasing luminal pressure, the SMCs depolarize,
      thereby opening VDCCs, which leads to contraction. Mechanisms that oppose this
      myogenic tone can involve voltage-dependent and independent dilator pathways, and
      can be endothelium-dependent or independent. Of particular interest are the
      pathways leading to hyperpolarization of SMCs, as these can potentially evoke
      both local and conducted dilation. This review focuses on three agonists that
      cause local and conducted dilation in skeletal muscle: ACh, ATP, and KCl. The
      mechanisms for the release of these agonists during motor nerve stimulation
      and/or hypoxia, and their actions to open either Ca2+ -activated K+ channels (KCa
      ) or inwardly rectifying K+ channels (KIR ) are described. By causing local and
      conducted dilation, each agonist has the ability to improve skeletal muscle blood
      flow during exercise and ischemia.

PMID- 27653244
TI  - Capillary Displacement of Viscous Liquids in Geometries with Axial Variations.
AB  - Axial variations in geometry and presence of viscous displaced fluid are known to
      alter the diffusive-dynamics of capillary imbibition of a wetting liquid. We here
      show that the coupled effect of axially varying capillary geometry and finite
      viscosity of the displaced fluid can lead to significant variations in both short
      and long time dynamics of imbibition. Based on a theoretical model and lattice
      Boltzmann simulations, we analyze capillary displacement of a viscous liquid in
      straight and diverging capillaries. At short times, the imbibition length scales
      proportionally with time as opposed to the diffusive-dynamics of imbibition of a
      single wetting liquid. Whereas, at long times, geometry-dependent power-law
      behavior occurs which qualitatively resembles single liquid imbibition. The
      distance at which the crossover between these two regimes occurs depends strongly
      on the viscosities of the imbibing and the displaced liquid. Additionally, our
      simulations show that the early time imbibition dynamics are also affected by the
      dynamic contact angle of the meniscus.

PMID- 27653243
TI  - Effect of Hydroxymethylcytosine on the Structure and Stability of Holliday
      Junctions.
AB  - 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) is an epigenetic marker that has recently been
      shown to promote homologous recombination (HR). In this study, we determine the
      effects of 5hmC on the structure, thermodynamics, and conformational dynamics of
      the Holliday junction (the four-stranded DNA intermediate associated with HR) in
      its native stacked-X form. The hydroxymethyl and the control methyl substituents
      are placed in the context of an amphimorphic GxCC trinucleotide core sequence
      (where xC is C, 5hmC, or the methylated 5mC), which is part of a sequence also
      recognized by endonuclease G to promote HR. The hydroxymethyl group of the 5hmC
      junction adopts two distinct rotational conformations, with an in-base-plane form
      being dominant over the competing out-of-plane rotamer that has typically been
      seen in duplex structures. The in-plane rotamer is seen to be stabilized by a
      more stable intramolecular hydrogen bond to the junction backbone. Stabilizing
      hydrogen bonds (H-bonds) formed by the hydroxyl substituent in 5hmC or from a
      bridging water in the 5mC structure provide approximately 1.5-2 kcal/mol per
      interaction of stability to the junction, which is mostly offset by entropy
      compensation, thereby leaving the overall stability of the G5hmCC and G5mCC
      constructs similar to that of the GCC core. Thus, both methyl and hydroxymethyl
      modifications are accommodated without disrupting the structure or stability of
      the Holliday junction. Both 5hmC and 5mC are shown to open the structure to make
      the junction core more accessible. The overall consequences of incorporating 5hmC
      into a DNA junction are thus discussed in the context of the specificity in
      protein recognition of the hydroxymethyl substituent through direct and indirect
      readout mechanisms.

PMID- 27653245
TI  - The accuracy of the SenseWear Pro3 and the activPAL3 Micro devices for
      measurement of energy expenditure.
AB  - Activity monitors such as the SenseWear Pro3 (SWP3) and the activPAL3 Micro
      (aP3M) are regularly used by researchers and practitioners to provide estimates
      of the metabolic cost (METs) of activities in free-living settings. The purpose
      of this study is to examine the accuracy of the MET predictions from the SWP3 and
      the aP3M compared to the criterion standard MET values from indirect calorimetry.
      Fifty-six participants (mean age: 39.9 (+/-11.5), 25M/31F) performed eight
      activities (four daily living, three ambulatory and one cycling), while
      simultaneously wearing a SWP3, aP3M and the Cosmed K4B2 (K4B2) mobile metabolic
      unit. Paired samples T-tests were used to examine differences between device
      predicted METs and criterion METs. Bland-Altman plots were constructed to examine
      the mean bias and limits of agreement for predicted METs compared to criterion
      METs. SWP3 predicted MET values were significantly different from the K4B2 for
      each activity (p  ?  0.004), excluding sweeping (p  =  0.122). aP3M predicted MET
      values were significantly different (p  <  0.001) from the K4B2 for each
      activity. When examining the activities collectively, both devices underestimated
      activity intensity (0.20 METs (SWP3), 0.95 METs (aP3M)). The greatest mean bias
      for the SWP3 was for cycling (-3.25 METs), with jogging (-5.16 METs) producing
      the greatest mean bias for the aP3M. All of the activities (excluding SWP3
      sweeping) were significantly different from the criterion measure. Although the
      SWP3 predicted METs are more accurate than their aP3M equivalent, the predicted
      MET values from both devices are significantly different from the criterion
      measure for the majority of activities.

PMID- 27653246
TI  - Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the apple ASR gene family
      in response to Alternaria alternata f. sp. mali.
AB  - The ABA/water stress/ripening-induced (ASR) gene family exists universally in
      higher plants, and many ASR genes are up-regulated during periods of
      environmental stress and fruit ripening. Although a considerable amount of
      research has been performed investigating ASR gene response to abiotic stresses,
      relatively little is known about their roles in response to biotic stresses. In
      this report, we identified five ASR genes in apple (Malus * domestica) and
      explored their phylogenetic relationship, duplication events, and selective
      pressure. Five apple ASR genes (Md-ASR) were divided into two clades based on
      phylogenetic analysis. Species-specific duplication was detected in M. domestica
      ASR genes. Leaves of 'Golden delicious' and 'Starking' were infected with
      Alternaria alternata f. sp. mali, which causes apple blotch disease, and examined
      for the expression of the ASR genes in lesion areas during the first 72 h after
      inoculation. Md-ASR genes showed different expression patterns at different
      sampling times in 'Golden delicious' and 'Starking'. The activities of stress
      related enzymes, peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT),
      phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), and polyphenoloxidase (PPO), and the content
      of malondialdehyde (MDA) were also measured in different stages of disease
      development in two cultivars. The ASR gene expression patterns and theses
      physiological indexes for disease resistance suggested that Md-ASR genes are
      involved in biotic stress responses in apple.

PMID- 27653247
TI  - A shot in the arm for front line staff.
AB  - Emergency department matron Amanda Webb was among the first front line staff at
      University College Hospital, London, to receive the swine flu vaccine as part of
      a mass immunisation programme launched last month.

PMID- 27653248
TI  - Introduction of CCTV expected to reduce violence against staff.
AB  - Closed circuit television cameras are to be introduced into emergency departments
      across Wales to protect nurses against violent attacks.

PMID- 27653242
TI  - Prevalence of personal weight control attempts in adults: a systematic review and
      meta-analysis.
AB  - The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to estimate the
      prevalence of personal weight control attempts (weight loss and/or maintenance)
      worldwide and to identify correlates, personal strategies used and the underlying
      motives. We included epidemiological/observational studies of adults (>=18 years)
      reporting prevalence of weight control attempts in the past-year. Seventy-two
      studies (n = 1,184,942) met eligibility criteria. Results from high quality
      studies showed that 42% of adults from general populations and 44% of adults from
      ethnic-minority populations reported trying to lose weight, and 23% of adults
      from general populations reported trying to maintain weight annually. In general
      population studies, higher prevalence of weight loss attempts was observed in the
      decade of 2000-2009 (48.2%), in Europe/Central Asia (61.3%) and in
      overweight/obese individuals and in women (p < 0.01). Of the 37 strategies
      (grouped in 10 domains of the Oxford Food and Activity Behaviours Taxonomy) and
      12 motives reported for trying to control weight, exercising and dieting (within
      the energy compensation and restraint domains, respectively) and wellbeing and
      long-term health were the most prevalent. To our knowledge, this is the first
      systematic review to investigate weight control attempts worldwide. Key
      strategies and motives were identified which have implications for future public
      health initiatives on weight control.

PMID- 27653251
TI  - Board's eye view.
AB  - Many of us who work in emergency care ensure daily that the four-hour operational
      standard is met. And, as more patients are admitted over the coming winter,
      meeting this challenge will become harder.

PMID- 27653250
TI  - Urgent care patients with alcohol problems to receive 'binge packs'.
AB  - Turning point, a leading UK social care organisation, is distributing 'binge
      packs' to emergency departments (EDs) to tackle increasing levels of alcohol
      misuse among members of the public.

PMID- 27653252
TI  - Diary.
AB  - Our roundup of what's on.

PMID- 27653254
TI  - Wound care.
AB  - Wounds UK, at www.wounds-uk.com is a site devoted to the promotion of good
      practice in wound care and the provision of affordable and accessible educational
      resources.

PMID- 27653253
TI  - Noticeboard.
AB  - Courses, events, grants, and awards to progress your career.

PMID- 27653255
TI  - Patient experience.
AB  - The Division of Public Health and Primary Health Care, at the University of
      Oxford, runs an award-winning website, at www.healthtalkonline.org , concerning
      people's experiences of health and illness.

PMID- 27653256
TI  - Web scan.
AB  - Do you know how to use dressings correctly so that you do not waste money by
      making them ineffective? Many staff are unfamiliar with the properties of the
      dressings they use regularly but it is possible to obtain all the important
      information from www.dressings.org.

PMID- 27653257
TI  - New developments in work-related asthma.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Work-related asthma includes two subtypes: occupational asthma or
      asthma caused by specific agents (sensitizers or irritants) in the workplace, and
      work-exacerbated asthma or pre-existing asthma worsened by workplace exposures.
      Areas covered: This review provides an update on the definitions and the clinical
      features of the different work-related asthma subtypes as well as new insights
      into their etiology and the pathophysiological mechanisms involved. The diagnosis
      of work-related asthma should be made on objective basis using a constellation of
      clinical, physiologic and allergologic tests. Specific inhalation challenge with
      the suspected occupational agent(s) remains as the reference standard for
      diagnosis. A literature search was performed using the following terms: work
      related asthma, occupational asthma, work-exacerbated asthma, irritant-induced
      asthma and etiological agents. Expert commentary: Studies focusing on the
      biological effects and mechanisms of environmental exposures in the development
      of sensitizer-induced or irritant-induced asthma in various workplace settings
      are of greatest interest. An integrative approach that combines clinical
      parameters with component-resolved diagnosis as well as inflammatory biomarkers
      appears to be very promising. Occupational allergy provides a good opportunity to
      understand the complex relationships between exposure to allergens in the
      workplace, interaction with genes and the co-exposures to other factors in the
      working environment.

PMID- 27653258
TI  - Hyaluronic acid-modified manganese-chelated dendrimer-entrapped gold
      nanoparticles for the targeted CT/MR dual-mode imaging of hepatocellular
      carcinoma.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common malignant tumor of the liver.
      The early and effective diagnosis has always been desired. Herein, we present the
      preparation and characterization of hyaluronic acid (HA)-modified,
      multifunctional nanoparticles (NPs) targeting CD44 receptor-expressing cancer
      cells for computed tomography (CT)/magnetic resonance (MR) dual-mode imaging. We
      first modified amine-terminated generation 5 poly(amidoamine) dendrimers (G5.NH2)
      with an Mn chelator, 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid
      (DOTA), fluorescein isothiocyanate (FI), and HA. Then, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs)
      were entrapped within the above raw product, denoted as G5.NH2-FI-DOTA-HA. The
      designed multifunctional NPs were formed after further Mn chelation and
      purification and were denoted as {(Au0)100G5.NH2-FI-DOTA(Mn)-HA}. These NPs were
      characterized via several different techniques. We found that the {(Au0)100G5.NH2
      FI-DOTA(Mn)-HA} NPs exhibited good water dispersibility, stability under
      different conditions, and cytocompatibility within a given concentration range.
      Because both AuNPs and Mn were present in the product, {(Au0)100G5.NH2-FI
      DOTA(Mn)-HA} displayed a high X-ray attenuation intensity and favorable r1
      relaxivity, which are advantageous properties for targeted CT/MR dual-mode
      imaging. This approach was used to image HCC cells in vitro and orthotopically
      transplanted HCC tumors in a unique in vivo model through the CD44 receptor
      mediated endocytosis pathway. This work introduces a novel strategy for preparing
      multifunctional NPs via dendrimer nanotechnology.

PMID- 27653259
TI  - Science and impact: the challenge faced by Dental Press Journal of Orthodontics.

PMID- 27653260
TI  - Miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expander (MARPE): the quest for pure orthopedic
      movement.
AB  - The midpalatal suture has bone margins with thick connective tissue interposed
      between them, and it does not represent the fusion of maxillary palatal processes
      only, but also the fusion of palatal processes of the jaws and horizontal osseous
      laminae of palatal bones. Changing it implies affecting neighboring areas. It has
      got three segments that should be considered by all clinical analyses, whether
      therapeutic or experimental: the anterior segment (before the incisive foramen,
      or intermaxillary segment), the middle segment (from the incisive foramen to the
      suture transversal to the palatal bone ) and the posterior segment (after the
      suture transversal to the palatal bone ). Rapid palatal expansion might be
      recommended for patients at the final pubertal growth stage, in addition to adult
      patients with maxillary constriction. It represents a treatment solution that can
      potentially avoid surgical intervention. When performed in association with rapid
      palatal expanders, it might enhance the skeletal effects of the latter. Of the
      various designs of expansion appliances, MARPE (miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal
      expander) has been modified in order to allow its operational advantages and
      outcomes to become familiar in the clinical practice. 

PMID- 27653261
TI  - An interview with Kotaro Tanimoto.

PMID- 27653262
TI  - Influence of ligation method on friction resistance of lingual brackets with
      different second-order angulations: an in vitro study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate stainless steel archwire static friction in active and
      passive self-ligating lingual and conventional brackets with second-order
      angulations. METHODS: Two conventional lingual brackets for canines (STb
      light/Ormco; PSWb/Tecnident), and two self-ligating brackets, one active (In
      Ovation L/GAC) and the other passive (3D/ Forestadent), were evaluated. A
      stainless steel archwire was used at 0 degrees , 3 degrees  and 5 degrees 
      angulations. Metal ligatures, conventional elastic ligatures, and low friction
      elastic ligatures were also tested. A universal testing machine applied friction
      between brackets and wires, simulating sliding mechanics, to produce 2-mm sliding
      at 3 mm/minute speed. RESULTS: Two-way analysis of variance demonstrated a
      significant effect of the interaction between brackets and angulations (p <
      0.001). Tukey test indicated that the highest frictional resistance values were
      observed at 5 degrees  angulation for In-Ovation L, PSWb bracket with non
      conventional ligature, and STb bracket with metal ligature. As for 3D, PSWb with
      conventional or metal ligatures, and STb brackets with non conventional ligature,
      showed significantly lower static frictional resistance with 0 degrees 
      angulation. At 0 degrees  angulation, STb brackets with metal ties, In-Ovation L
      brackets and 3D brackets had the lowest frictional resistance. CONCLUSIONS: As
      the angulation increased from 0 degrees  to 3 degrees , static friction
      resistance increased. When angulation increased from 3 degrees  to 5 degrees ,
      static friction resistance increased or remained the same. Self-ligating 3D and
      In-Ovation L brackets, as well as conventional STb brackets, seem to be the best
      option when sliding mechanics is used to perform lingual orthodontic treatment.

PMID- 27653263
TI  - Diagnostic performance of various cephalometric parameters for the assessment of
      vertical growth pattern.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Multiple cephalometric analyses are used to diagnose vertical
      skeletal facial discrepancy. A multitude of times, these parameters show
      conflicting results, and a specific diagnosis is hard to reach. OBJECTIVE: Hence,
      this study aimed to identify the skeletal analysis that performs best for the
      identification of vertical skeletal pattern in borderline cases. METHODS: The
      sample consisted of 161 subjects (71 males and 90 females; mean age = 23.6 +/-
      4.6 years). Y-axis, Sella-Nasion to mandibular plane angle (SN.MP), maxillary
      plane to mandibular plane angle (MMA), Sella-Nasion to Gonion-Gnathion angle
      (SN.GoGn), Frankfort to mandibular plane angle (FMA), R-angle and facial height
      ratio (LAFH.TAFH) were used to evaluate vertical growth pattern on lateral
      cephalograms. The subjects were divided into three groups (hypodivergent,
      normodivergent and hyperdivergent groups), as indicated by the diagnostic results
      of the majority of parameters. Kappa statistics was applied to compare the
      diagnostic accuracy of various analyses. To further validate the results,
      sensitivity and positive predictive values (PPV) for each parameter were also
      calculated. RESULTS: SN.GoGn showed a substantial interclass agreement (k =
      0.850). In the hypodivergent group, MMA showed the highest sensitivity (0.934),
      whereas FMA showed the highest PPV (0.964). In the normodivergent group, FMA
      showed the highest sensitivity (0.909) and SN.GoGn had the highest PPV (0.903).
      SN.GoGn showed the highest sensitivity (0.980) and PPV (0.87) in the
      hyperdivergent group. CONCLUSIONS: SN.GoGn and FMA were found to be the most
      reliable indicators, whereas LAFH.TAFH is the least reliable indicator in
      assessing facial vertical growth pattern. Hence, the cephalometric analyses may
      be limited to fewer analyses of higher diagnostic performance.

PMID- 27653264
TI  - Comparative evaluation of soft tissue changes in Class I borderline patients
      treated with extraction and nonextraction modalities.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare soft tissue changes in Class I borderline cases treated
      with extraction and nonextraction modalities. METHODS: A parent sample of 150
      patients with Class I dental and skeletal malocclusion (89 patients treated with
      premolar extraction and 61 patients without extraction) was randomly selected and
      subjected to discriminant analysis which identified the borderline sample of 44
      patients (22 extraction and 22 nonextraction patients). Pretreatment and post
      treatment cephalograms of the borderline subsample were analyzed using 22 soft
      tissue parameters. RESULTS: Upper and lower lips were more retracted and
      thickness of the upper lip increased more in the borderline extraction cases (p <
      0.01). The nasolabial angle became more obtuse and the interlabial gap was
      reduced in the borderline extraction cases (p < 0.01). Lower lip, interlabial gap
      and nasolabial angle showed no changes in the borderline nonextraction cases.
      CONCLUSION: The soft tissue parameters which can be used as guideline in decision
      making to choose either extraction or nonextraction in Class I borderline cases
      are upper and lower lip protrusion in relation to the E-plane and Sn-Pg' line,
      lower lip protrusion in relation to the true vertical line (TVL), upper lip
      thickness, nasolabial angle and interlabial gap.

PMID- 27653265
TI  - Cleansing orthodontic brackets with air-powder polishing: effects on frictional
      force and degree of debris.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Debris buildup on the bracket-wire interface can influence
      friction. Cleansing brackets with air-powder polishing can affect this process.
      OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the frictional force and amount
      of debris remaining on orthodontic brackets subjected to prophylaxis with air
      powder polishing. METHODS: Frictional force and debris buildup on the surface of
      28 premolar brackets were evaluated after orthodontic treatment. In one hemiarch,
      each bracket was subjected to air-powder polishing (n = 14) for five seconds,
      while the contralateral hemiarch (n = 14) served as control. Mechanical friction
      tests were performed and images of the polished bracket surfaces and control
      surfaces were examined. Wilcoxon test was applied for comparative analysis
      between hemiarches at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Brackets that had been cleaned with air
      powder polishing showed lower friction (median = 1.27 N) when compared to the
      control surfaces (median = 4.52 N) (p < 0.01). Image analysis showed that the
      control group exhibited greater debris buildup (median = 2.0) compared with the
      group that received prophylaxis with air-powder polishing (median = 0.5) (p <
      0.05). CONCLUSION: Cleansing orthodontic brackets with air-powder polishing
      significantly reduces debris buildup on the bracket surface while decreasing
      friction levels observed during sliding mechanics.

PMID- 27653266
TI  - Digital orthodontic radiographic set versus cone-beam computed tomography: an
      evaluation of the effective dose.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the equivalent and effective
      doses of different digital radiographic methods (panoramic, lateral cephalometric
      and periapical) with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS: Precalibrated
      thermoluminescent dosimeters were placed at 24 locations in an anthropomorphic
      phantom (Alderson Rando Phantom, Alderson Research Laboratories, New York, NY,
      USA), representing a medium sized adult. The following devices were tested:
      Heliodent Plus (Sirona Dental Systems, Bernsheim, Germany), Orthophos XG 5
      (Sirona Dental Systems, Bernsheim, Germany) and i-CAT (Imaging Sciences
      International, Hatfield, PA, USA). The equivalent doses and effective doses were
      calculated considering the recommendations of the International Commission of
      Radiological Protection (ICRP) issued in 1990 and 2007. RESULTS: Although the
      effective dose of the radiographic set corresponded to 17.5% (ICRP 1990) and
      47.2% (ICRP 2007) of the CBCT dose, the equivalent doses of skin, bone surface
      and muscle obtained by the radiographic set were higher when compared to CBCT.
      However, in some areas, the radiation produced by the orthodontic set was higher
      due to the complete periapical examination. CONCLUSION: Considering the
      optimization principle of radiation protection, i-CAT tomography should be used
      only in specific and justified circumstances. Additionally, following the ALARA
      principle, single periapical radiographies covering restricted areas are more
      suitable than the complete periapical examination.

PMID- 27653267
TI  - Is there an association between skeletal asymmetry and tooth absence?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Facial skeletal asymmetry is commonly found in humans and its main
      characteristic is menton deviation. The literature suggests that occlusal and
      masticatory problems arising from tooth absence could be related to the
      development of such asymmetries. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this cross-sectional study
      was to estimate the prevalence of mandibular skeletal asymmetries and to
      investigate its association with posterior tooth absences. METHODS: Tomographic
      images of 952 individuals aged from 18 to 75 years old were used. Asymmetry was
      the analyzed outcome, and it was categorized into three groups according to
      gnathion displacement in relation to the midsagittal plane (relative symmetry,
      moderate asymmetry, and severe asymmetry). Patients were sorted by the presence
      of all posterior teeth, unilateral posterior tooth absence, or bilateral
      posterior tooth absence. Chi-square test with a significance level of 5% was used
      to verify the association between posterior tooth absence and asymmetry. RESULTS:
      Results show relative symmetry present in 55.3% of the sample, as well as the
      prevalence of 27.3% for moderate mandibular asymmetry and 17.4% for severe
      asymmetry. Moderate and severe mandibular asymmetries occurred in a higher
      proportion in patients with unilateral posterior tooth absence. However, there
      was no statistically significant difference between the analyzed groups (p =
      0.691). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, mandibular asymmetries did not present any
      association with the absence of teeth on the posterior area of the arch.

PMID- 27653268
TI  - A comparison between two lingual orthodontic brackets in terms of speech
      performance and patients' acceptance in correcting Class II, Division 1
      malocclusion: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare speech performance and levels of oral impairment between
      two types of lingual brackets. METHODS: A parallel-group randomized controlled
      trial was carried out on patients with Class II, Division 1 malocclusion treated
      at the University of Hama School of Dentistry in Hama, Syria. A total of 46
      participants (mean age: 22.3 +/- 2.3 years) with maxillary dentoalveolar
      protrusion were randomly distributed into two groups with 23 patients each (1:1
      allocation ratio). Either STb (Ormco) or 7th Generation (Ormco) lingual brackets
      were applied. Fricative sound/s/ spectrograms were analyzed directly before
      intervention (T0), one week following premolar extraction prior to bracket
      placement (T1), within 24 hours of bracket bonding (T2), one month after (T3),
      and three months after (T4) bracket placement. Patients' acceptance was assessed
      by means of standardized questionnaires. RESULTS: After bracket placement,
      significant deterioration in articulation was recorded at all assessment times in
      the 7th Generation group, and up to T3 in the STb group. Significant intergroup
      differences were detected at T2 and T3. No statistically significant differences
      were found between the two groups in reported tongue irritation levels, whereas
      chewing difficulty was significantly higher in the 7th Generation group one month
      after bracket placement. CONCLUSIONS: 7th Generation brackets have more
      interaction with sound production than STb ones. Although patients in both groups
      complained of some degree of oral impairment, STb appliances appeared to be more
      comfortable than the 7th Generation ones, particularly within the first month of
      treatment.

PMID- 27653269
TI  - Orthodontic camouflage of skeletal Class III malocclusion with miniplate: a case
      report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Skeletal Class III malocclusion is often referred for orthodontic
      treatment combined with orthognathic surgery. However, with the aid of
      miniplates, some moderate discrepancies become feasible to be treated without
      surgery. OBJECTIVE: To report the case of a 24-year-old man with severe skeletal
      Angle Class III malocclusion with anterior crossbite and a consequent concave
      facial profile. METHODS: The patient refused to undergo orthognathic surgery;
      therefore, orthodontic camouflage treatment with the aid of miniplates placed on
      the mandibular arch was proposed. RESULTS: After 18 months of treatment, a Class
      I molar and canine relationship was achieved, while anterior crossbite was
      corrected by retraction of mandibular teeth. The consequent decrease in lower lip
      fullness and increased exposure of maxillary incisors at smiling resulted in a
      remarkable improvement of patient's facial profile, in addition to an
      esthetically pleasing smile, respectively. One year later, follow-up revealed
      good stability of results.

PMID- 27653270
TI  - Class II malocclusion associated with mandibular deficiency and maxillary and
      mandibular crowding: follow-up evaluation eight years after treatment completion.
AB  - This report describes the correction of a clinical case of malocclusion with
      anteroposterior discrepancy and transverse, sagittal and vertical deficiencies. A
      nonextraction technique was used to preserve space in the dental arches and
      control facial growth for the correction of the sagittal skeletal relationship
      and of overbite. The mechanics adopted efficiently corrected malocclusion: all
      functional and esthetic goals were achieved, and results remained stable eight
      years after treatment completion. This case was presented to the Committee of the
      Brazilian Board of Orthodontics and Facial Orthopedics (BBO) as part of the
      requirements necessary to obtain the BBO Diploma. 

PMID- 27653271
TI  - Functional Aesthetic Occlusal Plane (FAOP).
AB  - INTRODUCTION: A reasonable exposure of incisors and gingival tissues is generally
      considered more attractive than excess or lack of exposure. A reasonable gingival
      exposure is considered to be around 0 to 2 mm when smiling and 2-4 mm exposure of
      the maxillary incisor edge when the lips are at rest. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this
      paper is to present the Functional Aesthetic Occlusal Plane (FAOP), which aims to
      help in the diagnosis of the relationships established among molars, incisors and
      the upper lip. CONCLUSION: FAOP can complement an existing and established
      orthodontic treatment plan, facilitating the visualization of functional and
      aesthetic demands by giving a greater focus on the position of incisors in the
      relationship established among the incisors, molars and the upper lip stomion.

PMID- 27653272
TI  - Structural basis for the phosphorylation of FUNDC1 LIR as a molecular switch of
      mitophagy.
AB  - Mitophagy is a fundamental process that determines mitochondrial quality and
      homeostasis. Several mitophagy receptors, including the newly identified FUNDC1,
      mediate selective removal of damaged or superfluous mitochondria through their
      specific interaction with LC3. However, the precise mechanism by which this
      interaction is regulated to initiate mitophagy is not understood. Here, we report
      the solution structure of LC3 in complex with a peptide containing the FUNDC1 LC3
      interacting region (LIR) motif. The structure reveals a noncanonical LC3-LIR
      binding conformation, in which the third LIR residue (Val20) is also inserted
      into the hydrophobic pocket of LC3, together with the conserved residues Tyr18
      and Leu21. This enables Tyr18 to be positioned near Asp19 of LC3, and thus
      phosphorylation of Tyr18 significantly weakens the binding affinity due to
      electrostatic repulsion. Functional analysis revealed that mitochondrial
      targeting of the LIR-containing cytosolic portion of FUNDC1 is necessary and
      sufficient to initiate mitophagy when Tyr18 is unphosphorylated, even in the
      absence of mitochondrial fragmentation. Thus, we demonstrated that
      phosphorylation of Tyr18 of FUNDC1 serves as a molecular switch for mitophagy.
      This may represent a novel target for therapeutic intervention.

PMID- 27653274
TI  - Fluorescence-based assay as a new screening tool for toxic chemicals.
AB  - Our study involves development of fluorescent cell-based diagnostic assay as a
      new approach in high-throughput screening method. This highly sensitive optical
      assay operates similarly to e-noses and e-tongues which combine semi-specific
      sensors and multivariate data analysis for monitoring biochemical processes. The
      optical assay consists of a mixture of environmental-sensitive fluorescent dyes
      and human skin cells that generate fluorescence spectra patterns distinctive for
      particular physico-chemical and physiological conditions. Using chemometric
      techniques the optical signal is processed providing qualitative information
      about analytical characteristics of the samples. This integrated approach has
      been successfully applied (with sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 97%) in
      assessing whether particular chemical agents are irritating or not for human
      skin. It has several advantages compared with traditional biochemical or
      biological assays and can impact the new way of high-throughput screening and
      understanding cell activity. It also can provide reliable and reproducible method
      for assessing a risk of exposing people to different harmful substances,
      identification active compounds in toxicity screening and safety assessment of
      drugs, cosmetic or their specific ingredients.

PMID- 27653275
TI  - Corrigendum: Paired arrangement of kinetochores together with microtubule
      pivoting and dynamics drive kinetochore capture in meiosis I.

PMID- 27653273
TI  - Non-professional marathon running: RAGE axis and ST2 family changes in relation
      to open-window effect, inflammation and renal function.
AB  - Conflicting data exist on the relevance of marathon (M) and half marathon (HM)
      running for health. The number of non-professional athletes finishing M and HM
      events is steadily growing. In order to investigate molecular changes occurring
      in amateur athletes, we enrolled 70 non-professional runners finishing a single M
      (34) or HM (36) event at baseline, the finish line and during recovery, and 30
      controls. The measurement of the Receptor for Advanced Glycation Endproducts,
      Interleukin 1 receptor antagonist, ST2 and cytokeratin 18 was combined with
      molecules measured during clinical routine. Results were analyzed in the light of
      blood cell analysis, lactate measurements, correction for changes in plasma
      volume and body composition assessments. There were intrinsic differences in body
      mass index, abdominal body fat percentage and training time between M and HM
      runners. C-reactive protein changes in M and HM runners. While soluble RAGE, AGEs
      and ST2 increased immediately after the race in HM runners, HMGB1 increased in HM
      and M after the race and declined to baseline after a recovery period. We give
      insights into the regulation of various molecules involved in physical stress
      reactions and their possible implications for the cardiovascular system or renal
      function.

PMID- 27653276
TI  - Recognition for peer review.

PMID- 27653277
TI  - Interaction between 8-methoxypsoralen and trypsin: Monitoring by spectroscopic,
      chemometrics and molecular docking approaches.
AB  - 8-Methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) is a naturally occurring furanocoumarin with various
      biological activities. However, there is little information on the binding
      mechanism of 8-MOP with trypsin. Here, the interaction between 8-MOP and trypsin
      in vitro was determined by multi-spectroscopic methods combined with the
      multivariate curve resolution-alternating least squares (MCR-ALS) chemometrics
      approach. An expanded UV-vis spectral data matrix was analysed by MCR-ALS, the
      concentration profiles and pure spectra for the three reaction species (trypsin,
      8-MOP and 8-MOP-trypsin) were obtained to monitor the interaction between 8-MOP
      and trypsin. The fluorescence data suggested that a static type of quenching
      mechanism occurred in the binding of 8-MOP to trypsin. Hydrophobic interaction
      dominated the formation of the 8-MOP-trypsin complex on account of the positive
      enthalpy and entropy changes, and trypsin had one high affinity binding site for
      8-MOP with a binding constant of 3.81*104Lmol-1 at 298K. Analysis of three
      dimensional fluorescence, UV-vis absorption and circular dichroism spectra
      indicated that the addition of 8-MOP induced the rearrangement of the
      polypeptides carbonyl hydrogen-bonding network and the conformational changes in
      trypsin. The molecular docking predicted that 8-MOP interacted with the catalytic
      residues His57, Asp102 and Ser195 in trypsin. The binding patterns and trypsin
      conformational changes may result in the inhibition of trypsin activity. This
      study has provided insights into the binding mechanism of 8-MOP with trypsin.

PMID- 27653278
TI  - Representational changes of latent strategies in rat medial prefrontal cortex
      precede changes in behaviour.
AB  - The ability to change behavioural strategies in the face of a changing world has
      been linked to the integrity of medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) function in
      several species. While recording studies have found that mPFC representations
      reflect the strategy being used, lesion studies suggest that mPFC is necessary
      for changing strategy. Here we examine the relationship between representational
      changes in mPFC and behavioural strategy changes in the rat. We found that on
      tasks with a forced change in reward criterion, strategy-related representational
      transitions in mPFC occurred after animals learned that the reward contingency
      had changed, but before their behaviour changed. On tasks in which animals made
      their own strategic decisions, representational transitions in mPFC preceded
      changes in behaviour. These results suggest that mPFC does not merely reflect the
      action-selection policy of the animal, but rather that mPFC processes information
      related to a need for a change in strategy.

PMID- 27653279
TI  - Differential proteomic analysis of platelets suggested target-related proteins in
      rabbit platelets treated with Rhizoma Corydalis.
AB  - CONTEXT: Corydalis yanhusuo W.T. Wang (Papaveraceae) (Rhizoma Corydalis) showed
      inhibitory effects on rabbit platelet aggregation induced by ADP, thrombin (THR)
      or arachidonic acid (AA). OBJECTIVE: This study separates and identifies the
      possible target-related platelet proteins and suggests possible signal cascades
      of RC antiplatelet aggregation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Based on comparative
      proteomics, the differentially expressed platelet proteins treated before and
      after with 50 mg/mL RC 90% ethanol extract (for 15 min at 37  degrees C) were
      analyzed and identified by two dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and MALDI
      TOF-MS/MS. To further verify the possible signalling pathways of RC antiplatelet
      aggregation function, the concentration of calcium (Ca2+) was measured by Fura
      2/AM fluorescence (Ex 340/380 nm, Em 500 nm) (RC final concentrations of 0.0156
      0.1563 mg/mL), the levels of P-selectin and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)
      were quantified by ELISA (OD. 450 nm) (RC final concentrations of 0.0156-1.5625
      mg/mL), and the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) level was measured using ortho
      phthalaldehyde (OPT) fluorescence (Ex 340 nm, Em 470 nm) (RC final concentrations
      of 0.3125-1.5625 mg/mL). RESULTS: The expression of 52 proteins were altered in
      rabbit platelets after the treatment and the MALDI-TOF-MS analysis indicated that
      those proteins include 12 cytoskeleton proteins, 7 cell signalling proteins, 3
      molecular chaperone proteins, 6 proteins related to platelet function, 16 enzymes
      and 7 other related proteins. Furthermore, RC extract could decrease the levels
      of 5-HT [inhibition rate of 96.80% (p < 0.05, vs. THR-activated group) treated
      with 0.7813 mg/mL of RC], Ca2+ [172.73 +/- 5.07 to 113.56 +/- 5.46 nM (p < 0.001,
      vs. THR-activated group) treated with 0.0313 mg/mL of RC] and P-selectin [13.48
      +/- 0.96 ng/3 * 108 to 11.64 +/- 0.17 ng/3 * 108 (p < 0.05, vs. THR-activated
      group) treated with 0.0156 mg/mL of RC], and increase in cGMP level [38.93 +/-
      0.57 to 50.26 +/- 4.05 ng/3 * 108 (p < 0.05, vs. THR-activated group) treated
      with 1.5165 mg/mL of RC] in ADP (10 MUmol/L), THR (0.25 u/mL) or AA-(0.205
      mmol/L) activated rabbit platelets. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The present study
      indicated that P2Y12 receptor might be one of the direct target proteins of RC in
      platelets. The signal cascades network of RC after binding with P2Y12 receptor is
      mediating Galphai proteins to activate downstream signalling pathways (AC and/or
      PI3K signalling pathways) for the inhibition of platelet aggregation.

PMID- 27653280
TI  - The impact of adding assistants in nursing to acute care hospital ward nurse
      staffing on adverse patient outcomes: An analysis of administrative health data.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of adding assistants
      in nursing to acute care hospital ward nurse staffing on adverse patient outcomes
      using administrative health data. DESIGN: Logistic regression modelling was used
      with linked administrative health data to examine the association between seven
      adverse patient outcomes and use of assistants in nursing utilising a pre
      test/post-test design. Outcomes included were in-hospital 30-day mortality,
      failure to rescue, urinary tract infection, pressure injury, pneumonia, sepsis
      and falls with injury. SETTING: Eleven acute care metropolitan hospitals in
      Western Australia. SAMPLE: Patients were retained in the dataset if they spent
      any time on a medical, surgical or rehabilitation ward during their admission and
      excluded if they only spent time on other ward types, as the outcomes used in
      this study are only validated for these patient populations. There were 256,302
      patient records in the total sample with 125,762 in the pre-test period (2006
      2007) and 130,540 in the post-test period (2009-2010). RESULTS: The results
      showed three significant increases in observed to expected adverse outcomes on
      the assistant in nursing wards (failure to rescue, urinary tract infection, falls
      with injury), with one significant decrease (mortality). On the non-assistant in
      nursing wards there was one significant decrease (pneumonia) in the observed to
      expected adverse outcomes and one significant increase (falls with injury). Post
      test analysis showed that spending time on assistant in nursing wards was a
      significant predictor for urinary tract infection and pneumonia. For every 10% of
      extra time patients spent on assistant in nursing wards they had a 1% increase in
      the odds of developing a urinary tract infection and a 2% increase in the odds of
      developing pneumonia. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the introduction of
      assistants in nursing into ward staffing in an additive role should be done under
      a protocol which clearly defines their role, scope of practice, and working
      relationship with registered nurses, and the impact on patient care should be
      monitored.

PMID- 27653282
TI  - A retrospective cohort study examining treatments and operative interventions for
      frostbite in a tertiary care hospital.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Frostbite is a common yet challenging injury to both diagnose and
      treat. McCauley's frostbite treatment protocol consists of 12 treatments that
      might well represent the standard of care. However, its effectiveness in
      preventing operative intervention has yet to be examined. Our objectives were to
      characterize frostbite injuries in Eastern Ontario, identify risk factors for
      deep injuries, and assess the protocol's efficacy in preventing operative
      outcomes. METHODS: This cohort study examined patients with frostbite over ten
      years at a tertiary care hospital. Demographics and predisposing factors were
      recorded. Frostbite severity was categorized into superficial or deep. Treatments
      were recorded, including adherence to protocol and operative outcome. RESULTS: Of
      the 265 frostbite patients identified, deep frostbite accounted for 56 (21.1%,
      95% CI: 16.2-26.1%), of whom 20 (35.7%) had an operative outcome. Amputation
      occurred in 16 (28.6%) of deep injuries and debridement in 5 (8.9%). Risk factors
      for deep frostbite were older age (p =0.002), smoking (p <0.001), male sex (p
      =0.056) and alcohol abuse (p =0.056). None of the patients with deep frostbite
      had all 12 treatments performed. Adherence to protocol ranged from 0.0% to 48.2%
      per treatment. The rate of operative intervention was 7.7% in patients with deep
      frostbite who did not have any McCauley's frostbite treatments and ranged from
      0.0% to 100.0% per treatment in those who did receive treatments. CONCLUSIONS:
      The frostbite protocol was not regularly followed and therefore its efficacy in
      preventing operative intervention could not be determined. Further, none of the
      individual treatments in the protocol were associated with preventing operative
      intervention. We recommend that future research focus on identifying effective
      individual treatments.

PMID- 27653281
TI  - A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Multiple Airborne Pollutants and Autism
      Spectrum Disorder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Exposure to ambient air pollution is widespread and may be
      detrimental to human brain development and a potential risk factor for Autism
      Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We conducted a systematic review of the human evidence
      on the relationship between ASD and exposure to all airborne pollutants,
      including particulate matter air pollutants and others (e.g. pesticides and
      metals). OBJECTIVE: To answer the question: "is developmental exposure to air
      pollution associated with ASD?" METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive search of
      the literature, identified relevant studies using inclusion/exclusion criteria
      pre-specified in our protocol (registered in PROSPERO, CRD # 42015017890),
      evaluated the potential risk of bias for each included study and identified an
      appropriate subset of studies to combine in a meta-analysis. We then rated the
      overall quality and strength of the evidence collectively across all air
      pollutants. RESULTS: Of 1,158 total references identified, 23 human studies met
      our inclusion criteria (17 case-control, 4 ecological, 2 cohort). Risk of bias
      was generally low across studies for most domains; study limitations were related
      to potential confounding and accuracy of exposure assessment methods. We rated
      the quality of the body of evidence across all air pollutants as "moderate." From
      our meta-analysis, we found statistically significant summary odds ratios (ORs)
      of 1.07 (95% CI: 1.06, 1.08) per 10-MUg/m3 increase in PM10 exposure (n = 6
      studies) and 2.32 (95% CI: 2.15, 2.51) per 10-MUg/m3 increase in PM2.5 exposure
      (n = 3 studies). For pollutants not included in a meta-analysis, we collectively
      evaluated evidence from each study in rating the strength and quality of overall
      evidence considering factors such as inconsistency, imprecision, and evidence of
      dose-response. All included studies generally showed increased risk of ASD with
      increasing exposure to air pollution, although not consistently across all
      chemical components. CONCLUSION: After considering strengths and limitations of
      the body of research, we concluded that there is "limited evidence of toxicity"
      for the association between early life exposure to air pollution as a whole and
      diagnosis of ASD. The strongest evidence was between prenatal exposure to
      particulate matter and ASD. However, the small number of studies in the meta
      analysis and unexplained statistical heterogeneity across the individual study
      estimates means that the effect could be larger or smaller (including not
      significant) than these studies estimate. Our research supports the need for
      health protective public policy to reduce exposures to harmful airborne
      contaminants among pregnant women and children and suggests opportunities for
      optimizing future research.

PMID- 27653283
TI  - Effects of whey protein supplement in the elderly submitted to resistance
      training: systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - AIM: We performed a systematic review to map the evidence and analyze the effect
      of whey protein supplementation in the elderly submitted to resistance training.
      METHODS: A comprehensive search on Medline, LILACS, EMBASE, and the Cochrane
      Library for relevant publications was conducted until August 2015. The terms used
      in the search were: "Resistance training"; "Whey protein"; "Elderly". RESULTS: A
      total of 632 studies were screened. Five studies were included composing a sample
      of 391 patients. The supplement whey protein was associated with higher total
      protein ingestion 9.40 (95% CI: 4.03-14.78), and with an average change in plasma
      leucine concentration. The supplementation was also associated with increased
      mixed muscle protein synthesis 1.26 (95% CI: 0.46-2.07) compared to the control
      group. CONCLUSION: We observed an increase in total protein intake, resulting in
      increased concentration of leucine and mixed muscle protein fractional synthesis
      rate.

PMID- 27653284
TI  - A self-report version of the Ways of Responding: Reliability and validity in a
      clinical sample.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The Ways of Responding (WOR) instrument measures compensatory skills,
      a central construct in some theories of the mechanism of cognitive therapy for
      depression. However, the instrument is time-consuming and expensive to use in
      community settings, because it requires trained independent judges to rate
      subjects' open-ended written responses to depressogenic scenarios. The present
      study evaluated the reliability and validity of a self-report version of the WOR
      (WOR-SR) in a community mental health sample with depressive symptoms (N = 467).
      METHOD: Subjects completed the WOR-SR, a modified version of the original WOR,
      and other measures of depressive symptoms, dysfunctional cognitions, functioning,
      quality of life, and interpersonal problems at multiple time points. RESULTS: An
      exploratory factor analysis confirmed the two-factor structure of the WOR-SR. The
      positive and negative subscales both demonstrated excellent internal consistency
      (Cronbach's alphas = .91) and moderate convergent validity with other measures.
      CONCLUSION: The WOR-SR is a reliable and valid measure of compensatory skills in
      patients receiving treatment for depression at community mental health centers.

PMID- 27653285
TI  - Inhibition of the TWEAK/Fn14 pathway attenuates autoimmune arthritis in a SKG
      mouse model.
AB  - Tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) is a proinflammatory
      cytokine that is involved in pathogenesis of abnormal or disregulated
      inflammation. To verify how TWEAK/fibroblast growth factor-inducible gene 14
      (Fn14) signals affect development of Th17 cells in arthritis, we utilized the SKG
      mouse, which spontaneously develops Th17-mediated autoimmune arthritis. Fn14-Fc
      was administered to zymosan A-induced arthritogenic SKG mice, and the effects in
      vivo were examined. Destruction of cartilage and bone damage was assessed by
      Hematoxylin and Eosin, and safranin O staining of the affected tissues.
      Phenotypic analysis of cells expressing inflammatory cytokines and angiogenesis
      related factors, and the expression of transcription factor STAT3 in the affected
      joints were determined by immunohistochemistry. Blockade of Fn14 with Fn14-Fc
      reduced the clinical and histologic scores of inflammatory arthritis in the mouse
      model of spontaneously developed chronic autoimmune arthritis. Fn14-Fc suppressed
      production of inflammatory cytokines and angiogenesis-promoting factors, such as
      vascular endothelial growth factor and matrix metalloproteinase 3. Moreover,
      blocking of the TWEAK signal inhibited expression of STAT3 as well as interleukin
      17 and -21 produced by Th17 cells. These results implicate TWEAK as a potential
      molecular target for treatment or prevention of inflammatory arthritis and
      autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

PMID- 27653287
TI  - Correction to "Best Face Forward: Crystal-Face Competition at the Ice-Water
      Interface".

PMID- 27653286
TI  - Structural Aspects of Heparan Sulfate Binding to Robo1-Ig1-2.
AB  - Roundabout 1, or Robo1, is a cell surface signaling molecule important in axon
      guidance. Its interaction with heparan sulfate (HS) and members of the Slit
      protein family is essential to its activity, making characterization of these
      interactions by structural methods, such as NMR, highly desirable. However, the
      fact that Robo1 is a glycosylated protein prevents employment of commonly used
      bacterial hosts for expression of properly glycosylated forms with the uniform
      15N, 13C, and 2H labeling needed for NMR studies. Here, we apply an alternative
      methodology, based on labeling with a single amino acid type and high structural
      content NMR data, to characterize a two-domain construct of glycosylated Robo1
      (Robo1-Ig1-2) interacting with a synthetic HS tetramer (IdoA-GlcNS6S-IdoA2S
      GlcNS6S-(CH2)5NH2). Significant chemical shift perturbations of the crosspeak
      from K81 on titration with the tetramer provide initial evidence for the location
      of a binding site and allow determination of a 255 MUM disassociation constant.
      The binding epitopes, bound conformation, and binding site placement of the HS
      tetramer have been further characterized by saturation transfer difference (STD),
      transferred nuclear Overhauser effect (trNOE), and paramagnetic perturbation
      experiments. A model of the complex has been generated using constraints derived
      from the various NMR experiments. Postprocessing energetic analysis of this model
      provides a rationale for the role each glycan residue plays in the binding event,
      and examination of the binding site in the context of a previous Robo-Slit
      structure provides a rationale for modulation of Robo-Slit interactions by HS.

PMID- 27653288
TI  - Gut microbiota, 1013 new pieces in the Parkinson's disease puzzle.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Gastrointestinal dysfunction is highly prevalent in
      Parkinson's disease and may precede motor symptoms by more than a decade. It has
      been proposed that the neurodegenerative cascade may actually be initiated in the
      gut with subsequent spreading to the brain and that gut microbiota could be
      involved in this process. This review provides a short introduction into the
      methodology of microbiome-wide association studies and discusses the recently
      published first comprehensive assessments of gut microbiota in Parkinson's
      disease. RECENT FINDINGS: Three case-control studies have studied gut microbiota
      composition in Parkinson's disease and all found significant differences between
      Parkinson's disease patients and controls. However, most of the differentially
      abundant taxa as well as associations of microbiota with clinical variables
      differed between studies. This may at least in part be explained by
      methodological differences between studies in terms of selection of participants,
      analysis pipelines, statistical analysis, and confounder control. SUMMARY:
      Current evidence suggests that there are alterations of gut microbiota in
      Parkinson's disease, but the exact nature of these changes is not established.
      Future larger studies should assess gut microbiota in Parkinson's disease
      covering diverse geographical regions, ethnicities, disease stages, and
      phenotypes using well-defined selection criteria for patients and controls and
      standardized methodology.

PMID- 27653289
TI  - Neurooncology: a Swiss army knife specialty.

PMID- 27653290
TI  - Neurologic complications of immune checkpoint inhibitors.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In recent years, advances in the understanding of the
      regulatory mechanisms of the immune system has led to the development of new
      approaches for cancer treatment. Currently, immune checkpoint inhibitors are the
      first successful examples of this approach and several agents that target
      cytotoxic lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death-1
      (PD-1) have been approved for various oncologic situations. The aim of this
      review is to describe the neurologic adverse event profiles for these new immune
      therapeutic approaches and to discuss their appropriate management. RECENT
      FINDINGS: The immune checkpoint inhibitor ipilimumab against CTLA-4 and nivolumab
      or pembrolizumab against PD-1 show a unique spectrum of toxic effects. The most
      common toxicities include rash, colitis, hepatitis, endocrinopathies, and
      pneumonitis. Neurologic side-effects are rare but include cases of immune
      polyneuropathies, Guillain Barre syndrome, myasthenia gravis, posterior
      reversible encephalopathy syndrome, aseptic meningitis, enteric neuropathy,
      transverse myelitis as well as immune encephalitis. SUMMARY: It is essential that
      neurologic immune-related adverse events are recognized and treated as soon as
      possible, as early treatment increases the odds of a complete recovery.

PMID- 27653291
TI  - The United Nations and the Urgent Need for Coordinated Global Action in the Fight
      Against Antimicrobial Resistance.

PMID- 27653292
TI  - AZALEA Trial Highlights Antibiotic Overuse in Acute Asthma Attacks.

PMID- 27653293
TI  - Efficacy of Local Anesthetic With Dexamethasone on the Quality of Recovery
      Following Total Extraperitoneal Bilateral Inguinal Hernia Repair: A Randomized
      Clinical Trial.
AB  - Importance: Quality of recovery (directly associated with patient satisfaction)
      is an important clinical outcome measurement and a surrogate of
      anesthetic/surgical care quality. Objectives: To compare the efficacy of a
      transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block with dexamethasone sodium phosphate and
      preperitoneal instillation of local anesthetic (PILA) with dexamethasone vs
      control on postoperative quality of recovery following a bilateral total
      extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair (TEP-IHR) (>24 hours). Secondary
      objectives included efficacy of this technique on postoperative opioid use,
      nausea and vomiting, and pain scores. Design, Setting, and Participants:
      Conducted from November 2013 to August 2015, this randomized, prospective, single
      blinded study compared 2 groups (a TAP block and PILA) with a standard anesthetic
      technique with no regional technique (control) following bilateral TEP-IHR. This
      study at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center (Indianapolis, Indiana) included
      patients ages 18 to 80 years with an American Society of Anesthesiologists
      physical status of 1 to 3 scheduled for an outpatient bilateral TEP-IHR. Nurses
      assigning pain scores and administrating opioids for pain and staff
      anesthesiologists administering the Quality of Recovery-40 (QoR-40) questionnaire
      were blinded. Interventions: Patients randomized to receive a TAP block with
      local anesthetics and dexamethasone, PILA with dexamethasone, or no regional
      technique (3 groups). Main Outcomes and Measures: Patient's response to the QoR
      40 questionnaire following a TEP-IHR surgery. Results: The mean (SD) ages in the
      TAP block (n = 19), PILA (n = 24), and control (n = 23) groups were 58.2 (9.4)
      years, 62.5 (8.1) years, and 62.9 (7.8) years, respectively. The global QoR-40
      scores on postoperative day 1 for the TAP block group (median [interquartile
      range (IQR)], 178 [173-188]) were comparable with the control group (median
      [IQR], 174 [150-181]), while the PILA group had better global QoR-40 scores
      (median [IQR], 184 [175.5-190.75]) (P = .002). The effects of the TAP block and
      PILA on pain in the postoperative care unit (PACU) (median [IQR], 1 [0-5] and 3.5
      [0-6.8], respectively), pain after discharge (median [IQR], 3 [2-5] and 3 [1
      5.5], respectively), opiate use after discharge (median [IQR], 6.7 [5-10] and 6.7
      [3.3-10], respectively), and incidence of nausea and vomiting in the PACU (4 of
      19 [21.1%] and 6 of 24 [25%], respectively) were not significantly different from
      the control group (median [IQR], 4 [3-6] for pain scores in the PACU; 4 [3-7] for
      pain scores after discharge; 6.7 [3.3-10] for opioid use after discharge; and 6
      of 23 [26.1%] for incidence of nausea/vomiting in the PACU). While there was a
      significant reduction of opioid use in the PACU in the TAP block group (median
      [IQR], 0 [0-1.3]) when compared with the control group (median [IQR], 4 [1.3
      6.7]) (P = .001), this was not seen in the PILA group (median [IQR], 2 [0-6.4]).
      Conclusions and Relevance: This study demonstrates a better quality of recovery
      in patients' receiving PILA with dexamethasone compared with control for a TEP
      IHR surgery. Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT02036983.

PMID- 27653295
TI  - 21st Nantes Actualites Transplantation: "When Stem Cells Meet Immunology".
AB  - "When Stem Cells Meet Immunology" has been the topic of the 21st annual "Nantes
      Actualites en Transplantation" meeting (June 9-10, 2016, Nantes, France). This
      meeting brought together pioneers and leading experts in the fields of stem
      cells, biomaterials and immunoregulation. Presentations covered multipotent
      (mesenchymal and hematopoietic) and pluripotent stem cells (embryonic and
      induced) for regenerative medicine of incurable diseases, immunotherapy and blood
      transfusions. An additional focus had been immune rejections and responses of
      allogeneic or autologous stem cells. Conversely, stem cells are also able to
      directly modulate the immune response through the production of immunoregulatory
      molecules. Moreover, stem cells may also provide an unlimited source of immune
      cells (DCs, NK cells, B cells, and T cells) that can operate as "super" immune
      cells, for example, through genetic engineering with chimeric antigen
      receptors.This meeting report puts presentations into an overall context
      highlighting new potential biomarkers for potency prediction of mesenchymal stem
      cell-derived and pluripotent stem cell-derived multicellular organoids. Finally,
      we propose future directions arising from the flourishing encounter of stem cell
      and immune biology.

PMID- 27653298
TI  - MicroRNA 628-5p as a Novel Biomarker for Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) remains the leading cause of
      morbidity and mortality after orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT). Because of
      its clinically silent progression and lack of symptoms, detection is often
      difficult and invasive coronary angiography is performed routinely. To date,
      there are no established noninvasive biomarkers available for prediction of CAV
      in transplanted patients.MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are highly conserved, small noncoding
      RNA molecules that negatively regulate gene expression. As they are detectable in
      peripheral blood, recent studies have suggested miRNAs as biomarkers for various
      cardiovascular diseases. Thus, we hypothesized that circulating miRNAs may serve
      as noninvasive biomarkers for CAV. METHODS: To determine the regulation of
      circulating miRNAs, we performed miRNA profiling studies in plasma samples of OHT
      patients with confirmed high-degree CAV and a matched control group consisting of
      patients without any signs of CAV at least 5 years after OHT. Candidate miRNAs
      were verified by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction.
      RESULTS: Microarray analysis revealed 5 candidate miRNAs (miR-34a, miR-98, miR
      155, miR-204, miR-628-5p) that were differentially regulated in plasma samples of
      patients with CAV and therefore were selected for verification by quantitative
      reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. In CAV patients, plasma levels
      of miR-628-5p and miR-155 were significantly increased (P = 0.001 and P = 0.028,
      respectively). A miR628-5p value above 1.336 was able to predict CAV with a
      sensitivity of 72% and a specificity of 83%. CONCLUSIONS: For the first time, the
      present study identifies the circulating miRNA miR-628-5p as a novel potential
      biomarker of CAV in patients after OHT.

PMID- 27653300
TI  - In Vivo Costimulation Blockade-Induced Regulatory T Cells Demonstrate Dominant
      and Specific Tolerance to Porcine Islet Xenografts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although islet xenotransplantation is a promising therapy for type 1
      diabetes, its clinical application has been hampered by cellular rejection and
      the requirement for high levels of immunosuppression. The aim of this study was
      to determine the role of Foxp3 regulatory T (Treg) cells in costimulation
      blockade-induced dominant tolerance to porcine neonatal islet cell cluster (NICC)
      xenografts in mice. METHODS: Porcine-NICC were transplanted under the renal
      capsule of BALB/c or C57BL/6 recipients and given a single dose of CTLA4-Fc at
      the time of transplant and 4doses of anti-CD154 mAb to day 6. Depletion of
      Foxp3Treg cell was performed in DEpletion of REGulatory T cells mice at day 80
      posttransplantation. Foxp3Treg cell from spleens of treated BALB/c mice (tolerant
      Treg cell), and splenocytes were cotransferred into islet transplanted nonobese
      diabetic background with severe combined immunodeficiency mice to assess
      suppressive function. RESULTS: In treated mice, increased numbers of Foxp3Treg
      cell were identified in the porcine-NICC xenografts, draining lymph node, and
      spleen. Porcine-NICC xenografts from treated mice expressed elevated levels of
      TGF-beta, IL-10 and IFN-gamma. Porcine-NICC xenograft tolerance was abrogated
      after depletion of Foxp3Treg cell. Tolerant Treg cell produced high levels of IL
      10 and had diverse T cell receptor Vbeta repertoires with an oligoclonal
      expansion in CDR3 of T cell receptor Vbeta14. These tolerant Treg cells had the
      capacity to transfer dominant tolerance and specifically exhibited more potent
      regulatory function to porcine-NICC xenografts that naive Treg cell. CONCLUSIONS:
      This study demonstrated that short-term costimulation blockade-induced dominant
      tolerance and that Foxp3Treg cell played an essential role in its maintenance.
      Foxp3Treg cells were activated and had more potent regulatory function in vivo
      than naive Treg cells.

PMID- 27653301
TI  - Clinical Outcome of Patients With De Novo C1q-Binding Donor-Specific HLA
      Antibodies After Renal Transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: De novo donor specific anti-HLA antibodies (dnDSA) may cause graft
      loss in renal transplant recipients. The capability to bind the complement may
      help to stratify the risk for inferior outcomes associated with dnDSA. We
      developed a modified C1q-binding assay and hypothesized that C1q-binding dnDSA
      could differentiate between indolent and harmful dnDSA causing antibody-mediated
      rejection (AMR) and graft loss. METHODS: We retrospectively identified 59 renal
      transplant recipients who developed dnDSA and had serum available and complete
      follow-up. All patients were analyzed for C1q-binding dnDSA at the time of dnDSA
      detection, and 1-year later or at time of AMR. AMR-positive patients were also
      tested 6 to 12 months before the event if IgG dnDSA was present. RESULTS: Thirty
      seven of 59 dnDSA patients developed AMR during 5.9 +/- 3.1 years follow-up. AMR
      positive patients had more dnDSA with a significant higher frequency of class I,
      a higher frequency and a higher mean fluorescence intensity value of C1q-dnDSA at
      all time-points. Death-censored AMR-free and allograft survivals were
      significantly lower in C1q-dnDSA patients. In multivariate analysis, C1q-dnDSA
      was an independent risk factor for AMR. CONCLUSIONS: C1q-binding dnDSA is
      associated with inferior outcomes, yet not in all patients. Nevertheless, C1q
      dnDSA was shown to be an independent risk factor of AMR and graft loss and may be
      a useful tool to stratify the immunological risk for AMR.

PMID- 27653302
TI  - [Primary malignant small bowel tumors].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Small bowel presents 75% of the gut length and 90% of the gut
      surface. However, primary malignant tumors of the small bowel represent only 1-3%
      of all malignant gastrointestinal tumors. The aim of the present paper is to
      offer a current review of primary malignant small bowel tumors - their
      epidemiology, localization, symptoms, diagnostic and treatment options. METHODS:
      The authors have performed a comprehensive review of databases Medline, Scopus
      and Google Scholar focusing on studies regarding small bowel cancer. RESULTS: The
      most frequent small bowel tumors are adenocarcinoma (30-40%), neuroendocrine
      tumors (35-44%), lymphomas (10-20%) and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (12-18%).
      Symptomatology is non-specific and varies widely, which is why small bowel cancer
      is usually diagnosed in a locally advanced stage of the disease. Diagnosis is
      determined through standard methods (gastroscopy, colonoscopy, CT) and
      complementary special diagnostic modalities (capsule enteroscopy, enteroscopy,
      octreotide scan, etc.). Diagnostic process with a negative outcome frequently
      leads to diagnostic laparoscopy/laparotomy.The treatment of small bowel cancer in
      patients operated in acute settings is done according to acute abdomen management
      guidelines. Elective surgery of small bowel cancer differs with respect to the
      tumor type. Adenocarcinomas and neuroendocrine tumors should be treated with
      surgical R0 resection with radical lymphadenectomy (and multivisceral resection
      if necessary). Patients with GIST should undergo en bloc resection with 2-3cm
      safety resection margins (lymphadenectomy is not necessary). Palliative resection
      of neuroendocrine tumors can be associated with a significant clinical effect. On
      the other hand, palliative resection of adenocarcinomas of GIST is not advocated.
      CONCLUSION: Small bowel cancer is an infrequent condition. Symptoms are non
      specific; patients are often diagnosed in an advanced stage of the disease.
      Achieving R0 surgical resection is usually difficult due to locally advanced
      stage of the disease. Besides the tumor type, patients prognosis is influenced by
      very late diagnosis of the tumor. KEY WORDS: primary tumor - small intestine -
      diagnostics - treatment options - surgical resection.

PMID- 27653303
TI  - [Postpancreatectomy haemorrhage (PPH), prevalence, diagnosis and management].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Postpancreatectomy haemorrhage (PPH) is considered to be the most
      severe specific postoperative complication following pancreatic resections and
      its treatment is difficult and requires coordinated interdisciplinary
      collaboration. PPH causes 11-38% of all post-pancreatectomy deaths. The aim of
      this study was to determine the prevalence of PPH in a set of patients operated
      on within the last 10 years, and to analyze the diagnostic methods, treatment
      modalities and the outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients
      undergoing pancreatic resections between 2006 and 2015. Clinically relevant PPH
      (types B and C) were the subject of interest. The onset, location and severity of
      PPH were analysed. Other factors analysed included operation diagnosis of PPH,
      diagnostic methods along with signs of sentinel bleeding, treatment options
      undertaken including the number of transfusions. 30-day, 90-day and in-hospital
      mortality, as well as the length of hospital stay and readmission rate were
      calculated. A descriptive statistical method was used. RESULTS: A total of 449
      patients were operated on. Pancreatoduodenectomy (DPE) or pylorus-preserving
      pancreatoduodenectomy (PPPD) was done in 76.4%, left sided pancreatectomy (LPE)
      in 19.8% and total pancreatectomy (TPE) in 3.8%. 190 of the patients (42.3%) were
      women and 259 (57.7%) men, with the mean age of 61.5+/-11.1 years. A total of 23
      (5.1%) PPH cases were identified, 21 (4.7%) were clinically relevant. Eight
      patients (35%) developed early PPH with direct reoperation, late PPH was seen in
      14 patients after DPE and in one after LPE. Sentinel bleeding was present in
      53.3% of late PPH cases. CT/CTA was performed in four patients with subsequent
      DSA performed in three. DSA identified a gastroduodenal artery stump
      pseudoaneurysm in one patient, which was resolved using a stent. Surgical
      intervention for late PPH was required in 10 patients in total, six of whom
      needed direct surgery due to the rapid development of circulatory instability and
      3 due to inconclusive radiological management. One patient needed surgical
      drainage of both an abscess and haematoma. In two patients the origin of bleeding
      was due to a gastric ulcer, which was proven and solved endoscopically and 2
      patients required conservative treatment only. The specific mortality for PPH was
      17.4%. In the group of patients that suffered with any PPH following DPE and
      PPDPE the mortality rate was 22.2%, and 28.6% for late PPH. If late PPH developed
      coincidentally with postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF), the mortality was
      44%. In the early PPH group, an average of 10.1+/-2.5 transfusion units (TUs)
      were used with an average length of hospital stay 17.5+/-4.8 days and zero
      mortality in comparison to an average of 11.7+/-10 TUs and 29.9+/-14.6 days in
      hospital and 26.6% mortality in the late PPH group. CONCLUSION: PPH is a severe
      complication, which has a high mortality rate. It also often coincidentally
      develops with POPFs. Early clinical diagnosis with identification of its cause
      plays a key role in management. The use of interventional radiology in the
      treatment of PPH has begun to dominate other treatment modalities due to a very
      high success rate, and close collaboration with interventional radiologists is
      necessary in order to reduce the rate of surgical intervention required in PPH.
      KEY WORDS: haemorrhage - pancreas - resection - complications - mortality.

PMID- 27653304
TI  - [Quality of life after extensive pelvic surgery].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Multiorgan resections in the small pelvis are standard procedures
      in oncosurgery and some indications have no alternative. In advanced pelvic
      cancer, pelvic exenteration with en bloc resection of the involved organs and
      structures, including portions of the bony pelvis, is indicated. The 5-year
      survival rate is fairly good, around 50%, but little is known about the long-term
      quality of life. The aim was to describe the quality of life of long-term total
      pelvic exenteration survivors. METHOD: In total, 63 pelvic exenterations were
      performed between 2000 to 2015 at the Department of Surgery, Thomayer Hospital,
      First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, mostly for primary or
      relapsed rectal cancer. In this retrospective cohort study, the quality of life
      was assessed using the EORTC QLQ-C30 (version 3.0) and the EORTC QLQ-CR29
      questionnaires. The completed questionnaires were scored according to EORTC
      instructions. RESULTS: At the time of this survey, 24 patients after TPE were
      surviving longer than one year after the surgery. The five-year survival of all
      patients was 49%, median survival 4.6 years, and median follow-up 15 months. Most
      of our patients reported a good level of their physical, emotional, cognitive and
      social functions. Some patients reported a worse body image, and of course a
      worsening in their sexual life. Regarding symptom-oriented questions, some
      patients evaluated the necessity of more frequent care of the stomia as slightly
      problematic; most patients reported impotence (men) or painful sexual intercourse
      (women). CONCLUSION: Long-term quality of life in survivors of pelvic
      exenteration for rectal cancer is comparable with reported results following
      primary rectal cancer resection with the exception of the sexual function. The
      quality of life gradually improves in the course of weeks to months from the
      surgery. KEY WORDS: pelvic exenteration quality of life.

PMID- 27653305
TI  - [Circumscribed and diffuse peritonitis: severe complications in bariatric and
      metabolic surgery; specifics related to their diagnosis and therapy].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cases of localized and diffuse peritonitis are severe surgical
      conditions. Despite expanding possibilities for the diagnosis and therapy,
      patients with peritonitis, its diffuse form in particular, still suffer from high
      morbidity and mortality. The management of this condition, both in the healthy
      and especially seriously ill population, is not satisfactory. Recently, we have
      witnessed an increase in bariatric and metabolic surgery in response to an ever
      rising number of extremely obese patients worldwide. Bariatric patients belong to
      a group of seriously ill patients with a significant risk of post-operative
      complications due to an infection. Although their treatment is identical to that
      of the normal population, a great emphasis is put on early recognition of
      complications, and the decision on any potential surgical revision should be
      actively approached, often necessitating the absence of frequently lengthy
      paraclinical assessments. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 346
      obese bariatric patients undergoing surgical treatment for morbid obesity between
      August 2011 and August 2015. RESULTS: A total of 6 patients experienced severe
      complications including two cases of diffuse peritonitis, two cases of localized
      peritonitis and two cases of intraperitoneal bleeding. One patient died after her
      discharge from hospital due to toxic shock caused by stomach perforation. We
      describe two case reports in greater detail to highlight the importance of early
      detection of complications and a timely surgical intervention. CONCLUSION: In
      principle, bariatric patients are a severely ill population where standard
      diagnostic procedures for post-operative complications often fail. Clinical
      findings and the surgeons experience are commonly the only diagnostic signs that
      trigger a surgical revision. In contrast, surgical treatment of post-operative
      complications in obese patients with peritonitis is virtually identical to that
      in patients with normal or slightly increased BMI. It involves thorough toilette
      of the abdominal cavity, lavage and drainage. Due to high morbidity and large
      peritoneal surface, obese patients may deteriorate rapidly. Timely surgical
      intervention is thus the only proper therapeutic approach, even without any,
      often lengthy paraclinical assessments. KEY WORDS: peritonitis - bariatric
      surgery - complications in bariatric surgery.

PMID- 27653306
TI  - [Synchronous colorectal carcinoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma - two case reports].
AB  - : Colorectal carcinoma represents an important cause of morbidity and mortality
      in adults, and its incidence in the Czech Republic is one of the world's highest.
      The basic therapeutic approach is surgery: surgical removal of the affected part
      of the bowel together with regional lymph nodes dissection. The lymph nodes are
      routinely examined by means of histopathology. In this paper, we present two
      patients whose histological examination of mesocolic lymph nodes revealed an
      infiltration by synchronous malignant B-non-Hodgkin-lymphoma. Mantle cell
      lymphoma was present in the first case, and small cell lymphoma CLL/SLL in the
      other. Relevant literature is reviewed. KEY WORDS: synchronous - malignancy -
      colorectal - lymphoma - lymph node.

PMID- 27653307
TI  - [Corpus alienum - migrating foreign body].
AB  - Our case study presents a case of foreign body migration through the vascular
      system of the human body. The following paper is a comprehensive overview of
      different diagnostic approaches, extraction indications, common ways in which a
      foreign body can migrate via the vascular system and possible complications
      caused by the migration or extraction of the foreign body.

PMID- 27653308
TI  - [Coincidence of colonic lymphoma and gallstone ileus - case report].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Primary colonic lymphoma is a very rare malignant disease of the
      gastrointestinal tract, accounting for 14% of all malignant diseases in this
      location. It is classified in the group of extranodal lymphomas; its long-term
      asymptomatic progression makes it different from common colorectal carcinomas
      making its diagnosis very difficult, more often accidental. Gallstone ileus is
      quite an uncommon complication of cholecystolithiasis diagnosed with difficulty.
      Up to 50% of cases are diagnosed during surgery. The obturated location depends
      on the size of the stone, location of the conjunction between the biliary and
      gastrointestinal tracts, and also on any preexisting stenosis due to another
      unknown pathology. CASE REPORT: We present a case of an 86-year-old man treated
      for acute diverticulitis with typical clinical symptoms. Following further
      examination (colonoscopy, computed tomography) revealed a tumour-like
      infiltration in the sigmoid colon wall and a voluminous polyp was suspected
      according to the colonoscopy. Computed tomography described an obstruction by a
      biliary stone tumbling through the cholecystocolonic fistula. Subsequent biopsy
      supported the suspected malignant etiology. The patient underwent resection of
      the sigmoid colon sec. Hartmann; an infiltration was found in the subhepatic
      space, which corresponded to the described fistulisation between the biliary
      tract and the colon. A large 40 mm gallstone was found in the resected sigmoid
      colon over the stenosis and the bowel wall showed diffuse thickening with several
      polyps; final histopathological assessment confirmed malignant lymphoma of the
      plasmocytoma type. No serious complications occurred in the postoperative period;
      after healing, the patient was transferred to hematooncology care. CONCLUSION:
      The article describes the presence of two rare diseases - colonic lymphoma and
      gallstone ileus. Clearly, without the biliary stone obstruction in the
      preexisting tumorous stenosis in the sigmoid colon, the malignant hematooncology
      disease would not have been diagnosed. KEY WORDS: primary colonic lymphoma -
      gallstone ileus - complication of the cholecystolithiasis - extranodal lymphoma -
      acute diverticulitis.

PMID- 27653309
TI  - Amplification and protein overexpression of cyclin D1: Predictor of occult nodal
      metastasis in early oral cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Accurate nodal staging is pivotal for treatment planning in early
      (stage I-II) oral cancer. Unfortunately, current imaging modalities lack
      sensitivity to detect occult nodal metastases. Chromosomal region 11q13,
      including genes CCND1, Fas-associated death domain (FADD), and CTTN, is often
      amplified in oral cancer with nodal metastases. However, evidence in predicting
      occult nodal metastases is limited. METHODS: In 158 patients with early tongue
      and floor of mouth (FOM) squamous cell carcinomas, both CCND1 amplification and
      cyclin D1, FADD, and cortactin protein expression were correlated with occult
      nodal metastases. RESULTS: CCND1 amplification and cyclin D1 expression
      correlated with occult nodal metastases. Cyclin D1 expression was validated in an
      independent multicenter cohort, confirming the correlation with occult nodal
      metastases in early FOM cancers. CONCLUSION: Cyclin D1 is a predictive biomarker
      for occult nodal metastases in early FOM cancers. Prospective research on biopsy
      material should confirm these results before implementing its use in routine
      clinical practice. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 326-333, 2017.

PMID- 27653310
TI  - Optimization and therapeutic effects of PDT mediated by ALA and MAL in the
      treatment of cutaneous malignant lesions: A comparative study.
AB  - 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and its methylated ester (MAL) are the most common
      topical agents used in photodynamic therapy (PDT) as precursors of the
      photosensitizer protoporphyrin IX (PpIX). The induction of newly PpIX depends on
      incubation time of each photosensitizer in the tissue and the presence of high
      intralesional porphyrin levels is an important parameter for the PDT
      effectiveness. This study used laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) spectroscopy to
      evaluate the optimum time to light exposure of PDT mediated by ALA (20% w/w) and
      MAL (10% w/w) to treat malignant lesions precursors of cutaneous squamous cell
      carcinoma induced in mice. The therapeutic effects obtained by optimized ALA- and
      MAL-PDT were assessed 10 and 20 days after treatments. Higher PpIX levels were
      evidenced in the lesions photosensitized by ALA than MAL and according to LIF
      measurements the PDT irradiation was performed, respectively, at 300 and 330
      minutes after ALA and MAL incubation. Histopathological analysis evidenced
      necrosis and epithelial atrophy after 10 days of PDT using both prodrugs, as well
      as reepitelization and collagen deposition at 20 days. Thus, despite the distinct
      concentration of ALA and MAL used in the formulation of each photosensitizing
      cream, PDT mediated by both photosensitizing agents obtained similar therapeutic
      outcomes.

PMID- 27653311
TI  - A case of occipital neuralgia in a vemurafenib-treated melanoma patient.

PMID- 27653314
TI  - Poster.

PMID- 27653315
TI  - Abstracts Published Only.

PMID- 27653312
TI  - Transfusion with packed red blood cells while awaiting lung transplantation is
      associated with reduced survival after lung transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The effect of pretransplant transfusion of red blood cells on
      survival after lung transplantation (LTx) has not been studied. METHODS: The UNOS
      database was queried from 2005 to 2013 to compare survival in recipients
      receiving a transfusion while on the LTx wait list. RESULTS: Of 12 283 adult
      patients undergoing single or bilateral LTx from May 2005 onwards, 11 801 met
      inclusion criteria, among whom 512 required transfusion while on the LTx wait
      list. Transfusion was associated with a higher mortality hazard in unadjusted Cox
      proportional hazards analysis (HR=1.296; 95% CI: 1.124, 1.494; P<.001), and in a
      multivariable Cox model (HR=1.178; 95% CI: 1.013, 1.369; P=.033) after multiple
      imputation was used to complete data on covariates. Propensity score matching was
      used to match transfusion recipients to nonrecipients on the likelihood of having
      received transfusions on the wait list, calculated from characteristics at the
      time of listing. Unadjusted Cox regression stratified on the matched pairs also
      demonstrated an association between transfusion receipt on the wait list and
      higher post-transplant mortality hazard (HR=1.494; 95% CI: 1.127, 1.979; P=.005).
      CONCLUSIONS: Blood transfusion while on the LTx wait list was associated with
      diminished patient survival after transplantation.

PMID- 27653316
TI  - Others.

PMID- 27653319
TI  - Nutrient content and nutrient availability of sorghum wet distiller's grain in
      comparison with the parental grain for ruminants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to compare wet sorghum distiller's grain
      (WSDG) with sorghum grain (SG) in terms of: (i) chemical composition; (ii) in
      situ rumen degradation kinetics of organic matter (OM) and neutral detergent
      fiber (NDF); (iii) crude protein (CP) sub-fractions; (iv) in situ disappearance
      at 12 and 48 h; and (v) energy values. The WSDG intestinal digestibility (ID) of
      undegradable crude protein (UCP) was compared to soybean meal (SBM). RESULTS:
      Compared to SG, WSDG exhibited: (i) lower (P < 0.01) dry matter and non-fiber
      carbohydrate content, whereas the other chemical components were higher (P <
      0.01); (ii) higher (P < 0.01) degradation rates of OM and NDF and lower (P <
      0.01) degradable fraction of OM and NDF; (iii) lower (P < 0.05) contents of CP
      sub-fractions A, B1 and B2, and higher (P < 0.05) contents of B3 and C; (iv)
      lower (P < 0.05) protein disappearance at 12 and 48 h and higher UCP; and (v)
      lower (P < 0.05) energy content. The ID of UCP for WSDG was lower (P < 0.05)
      compared to SBM. CONCLUSION: The WSDG as a supplement provides a good source of
      energy. To enable its use as a protein supplement, further studies should be
      performed. (c) 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID- 27653318
TI  - PTH(1-34) and zoledronic acid have differing longitudinal effects on juvenile
      mouse femur strength and morphology.
AB  - Treatment of secondary pediatric osteoporosis-particularly that due to chronic
      diseases, immobilization, and necessary medical treatments-is currently limited
      by a poor understanding of the long-term efficacy and safety of skeletal
      metabolism modifying drugs. This study aimed to characterize longitudinal effects
      of representative anabolic (parathyroid hormone, PTH) and anti-catabolic
      (zoledronic acid, ZA) drugs on skeletal morphology, mechanical strength, and
      growth in juvenile mice. BALB/cJ mice aged 4 weeks were given PTH(1-34) or
      vehicle (control) daily for 8 weeks, or 4 weekly doses of ZA, and evaluated at
      time points 0-26 weeks after treatment initiation. There were no enduring
      differences in body length or mass between treatment groups. ZA increased femur
      size as early as week 0, including increased distal femur bone volume and
      diaphyseal cross-sectional area, persisting through week 26. PTH treatment only
      transiently increased bone size, including distal femur volume at weeks 4-12. ZA
      decreased diaphyseal cortical tissue mineral density (TMD) at 12-26 weeks versus
      controls; PTH decreased TMD only at 2 weeks (vs. controls). ZA increased bending
      strength at 0-12 weeks and flexural strength at week 4 (vs. controls), but
      decreased flexural strength and modulus at week 26. PTH treatment increased
      bending strength only at 4 weeks, and did not affect flexural strength. Overall,
      ZA rapidly and persistently increased femur strength and size, but compromised
      bone material quality long-term. In healthy juvenile mice, limited-duration PTH
      treatment did not exert a strong anabolic effect, and had no adverse effects on
      femur strength, morphology, or growth. (c) 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society.
      Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:1707-1715, 2017.

PMID- 27653320
TI  - Osteocyte-Secreted Wnt Signaling Inhibitor Sclerostin Contributes to Beige
      Adipogenesis in Peripheral Fat Depots.
AB  - Cells of the osteoblast lineage are increasingly identified as participants in
      whole-body metabolism by primarily targeting pancreatic insulin secretion or
      consuming energy. Osteocytes, the most abundant bone cells, secrete a Wnt
      signaling inhibitor called sclerostin. Here we examined three mouse models
      expressing high sclerostin levels, achieved through constitutive or inducible
      loss of the stimulatory subunit of G-proteins (Gsalpha in mature osteoblasts
      and/or osteocytes). These mice showed progressive loss of white adipose tissue
      (WAT) with tendency toward increased energy expenditure but no changes in glucose
      or insulin metabolism. Interestingly beige adipocytes were increased extensively
      in both gonadal and inguinal WAT and had reduced canonical beta-catenin
      signaling. To determine if sclerostin directly contributes to the increased beige
      adipogenesis, we engineered an osteocytic cell line lacking Gsalpha which has
      high sclerostin secretion. Conditioned media from these cells significantly
      increased expression of UCP1 in primary adipocytes, and this effect was partially
      reduced after depletion of sclerostin from the conditioned media. Similarly,
      treatment of Gsalpha-deficient animals with sclerostin-neutralizing antibody
      partially reduced the increased UCP1 expression in WAT. Moreover, direct
      treatment of sclerostin to wild-type mice significantly increased UCP1 expression
      in WAT. These results show that osteocytes and/or osteoblasts secrete factors
      regulating beige adipogenesis, at least in part, through the Wnt-signaling
      inhibitor sclerostin. Further studies are needed to assess metabolic effects of
      sclerostin on adipocytes and other metabolic tissues. (c) 2016 American Society
      for Bone and Mineral Research.

PMID- 27653322
TI  - A review of software applications and non-software approaches in JAN.

PMID- 27653325
TI  - Fetal scalp blood sampling should be abandoned: FOR: FBS does not fulfil the
      principle of first do no harm.

PMID- 27653327
TI  - Antenatal corticosteroids are currently used excessively and more stringent
      controls on their use should be established: FOR: The use of antenatal
      corticosteroids should be restricted if we are to avoid causing harm.

PMID- 27653326
TI  - Fetal scalp blood sampling should be abandoned: AGAINST: Fetal scalp blood
      sampling in conjunction with electronic fetal monitoring reduces the risk of
      unnecessary operative delivery.

PMID- 27653328
TI  - Antenatal corticosteroids are currently used excessively and more stringent
      controls on their use should be established: AGAINST: Current use of antenatal
      corticosteroids effectively reduces neonatal morbidity and mortality.

PMID- 27653329
TI  - Re-evaluating the eVALuate study and the NICE guidelines: a personal review.

PMID- 27653321
TI  - Defining biotypes for depression and anxiety based on large-scale circuit
      dysfunction: a theoretical review of the evidence and future directions for
      clinical translation.
AB  - Complex emotional, cognitive and self-reflective functions rely on the activation
      and connectivity of large-scale neural circuits. These circuits offer a relevant
      scale of focus for conceptualizing a taxonomy for depression and anxiety based on
      specific profiles (or biotypes) of neural circuit dysfunction. Here, the
      theoretical review first outlines the current consensus as to what constitutes
      the organization of large-scale circuits in the human brain identified using
      parcellation and meta-analysis. The focus is on neural circuits implicated in
      resting reflection (default mode), detection of "salience," affective processing
      ("threat" and "reward"), "attention," and "cognitive control." Next, the current
      evidence regarding which type of dysfunctions in these circuits characterize
      depression and anxiety disorders is reviewed, with an emphasis on published meta
      analyses and reviews of circuit dysfunctions that have been identified in at
      least two well-powered case:control studies. Grounded in the review of these
      topics, a conceptual framework is proposed for considering neural circuit-defined
      "biotypes." In this framework, biotypes are defined by profiles of extent of
      dysfunction on each large-scale circuit. The clinical implications of a biotype
      approach for guiding classification and treatment of depression and anxiety is
      considered. Future research directions will develop the validity and clinical
      utility of a neural circuit biotype model that spans diagnostic categories and
      helps to translate neuroscience into clinical practice in the real world.

PMID- 27653330
TI  - Authors' reply.

PMID- 27653332
TI  - Re: Trends in urinary incontinence in women between 4 and 24 months postpartum in
      the EDEN cohort.

PMID- 27653331
TI  - Re: Pelvic organ function before and after laparoscopic bowel resection for
      rectosigmoid endometriosis: a prospective, observational study.

PMID- 27653333
TI  - Re: Frequency, severity and risk factors for urinary and faecal incontinence at 4
      years postpartum: a prospective cohort.

PMID- 27653334
TI  - Authors' reply.

PMID- 27653335
TI  - Authors' reply.

PMID- 27653336
TI  - A report from #BlueJC: How to avoid excessive weight gain during pregnancy?

PMID- 27653337
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 27653338
TI  - Centimeter-Scale Surface Interactions Using Hydrodynamic Flow Confinements.
AB  - We present a device and method for selective chemical interactions with immersed
      substrates at the centimeter-scale. Our implementations enable both, sequential
      and simultaneous delivery of multiple reagents to a substrate, as well as the
      creation of gradients of reagents on surfaces. The method is based on localizing
      submicroliter volumes of liquids on an immersed surface with a microfluidic probe
      (MFP) using a principle termed hydrodynamic flow confinement (HFC). We here show
      spatially defined, multiplexed surface interactions while benefiting from the
      probe capabilities such as non-contact scanning operation and convection-enhanced
      reaction kinetics. Three-layer glass-Si-glass probes were developed to implement
      slit-aperture and aperture-array designs. Analytical and numerical analysis
      helped to establish probe designs and operating parameters. Using these probes,
      we performed immunohistochemical analysis on individual cores of a human breast
      cancer tissue microarray. We applied alpha-p53 antibodies on a 2 mm diameter core
      within 2.5 min using a slit-aperture probe (HFC dimension: 0.3 mm * 1.2 mm).
      Further, multiplexed treatment of a tissue core with alpha-p53 and alpha-beta
      actin antibodies was performed using four adjacent HFCs created with an aperture
      array probe (HFC dimension: 4 * 0.3 mm * 0.25 mm). The ability of these devices
      and methods to perform multiplexed assays, present sequentially different liquids
      on surfaces, and interact with surfaces at the centimeter-scale will likely spur
      new and efficient surface assays.

PMID- 27653339
TI  - Investigating optimal accelerometer placement for energy expenditure prediction
      in children using a machine learning approach.
AB  - Accurate measurement of energy expenditure (EE) is imperative for identifying and
      targeting health-associated implications. Whilst numerous accelerometer-based
      regression equations to predict EE have been developed, there remains little
      consensus regarding optimal accelerometer placement. Therefore, the purpose of
      the present study was to validate and compare artificial neural networks (ANNs)
      developed from accelerometers worn on various anatomical positions, and
      combinations thereof, to predict EE. Twenty-seven children (15 boys; 10.8  +/- 
      1.1 years) participated in an incremental treadmill test and 30 min exergaming
      session wearing a portable gas analyser and nine ActiGraph GT3X+  accelerometers
      (chest and left and right wrists, hips, knees, and ankles). Age and sex-specific
      resting EE equations (Schofield) were used to estimate METs from the oxygen
      uptake measures. Using all the data from both exergames, incremental treadmill
      test and the transition period in between, ANNs were created and tested
      separately for each accelerometer and for combinations of two or more using a
      leave-one-out approach to predict EE compared to measured EE. Six features (mean
      and variance of the three accelerometer axes) were extracted within each 15 s
      window as inputs in the ANN. Correlations and root mean square error (RMSE) were
      calculated to evaluate prediction accuracy of each ANN, and repeated measures
      ANOVA was used to statistically compare accuracy of the ANNs. All single
      accelerometer ANNs and combinations of two-, three-, and four-accelerometers
      performed equally (r  =  0.77-0.82), demonstrating higher correlations than the 9
      accelerometer ANN (r  =  0.69) or the Freedson linear regression equation (r  = 
      0.75). RMSE did not differ between single-accelerometer ANNs or combinations of
      two, three, or four accelerometers (1.21-1.31 METs), demonstrating lower RMSEs
      than the 9-accelerometer ANN (1.46 METs) or Freedson equation (1.74 METs). These
      findings provide preliminary evidence that ANNs developed from single
      accelerometers mounted on various anatomical positions demonstrate equivalency in
      the accuracy to predict EE in a semi-structured setting, supporting the use of
      ANNs in improving EE prediction accuracy compared with linear regression.

PMID- 27653340
TI  - Linking adults and immatures of South African marine fishes.
AB  - The early life-history stages of fishes are poorly known, impeding acquisition of
      the identifications needed to monitor larval recruitment and year-class strength.
      A comprehensive database of COI sequences, linked to authoritatively identified
      voucher specimens, promises to change this situation, representing a significant
      advance for fisheries science. Barcode records were obtained from 2526 early
      larvae and pelagic eggs of fishes collected on the inshore shelf within 5 km of
      the KwaZulu-Natal coast, about 50 km south of Durban, South Africa. Barcodes were
      also obtained from 3215 adults, representing 946 South African fish species.
      Using the COI reference library on BOLD based on adults, 89% of the immature
      fishes could be identified to a species level; they represented 450 species. Most
      of the uncertain sequences could be assigned to a genus, family, or order; only
      92 specimens (4%) were unassigned. Accumulation curves based on inference of
      phylogenetic diversity indicate near-completeness of the collecting effort. The
      entire set of adult and larval fishes included 1006 species, representing 43% of
      all fish species known from South African waters. However, this total included
      189 species not previously recorded from this region. The fact that almost 90% of
      the immatures gained a species identification demonstrates the power and
      completeness of the DNA barcode reference library for fishes generated during the
      10 years of FishBOL.

PMID- 27653341
TI  - On the buses.
AB  - Urgent care staff launched a publicity campaign last month to highlight the
      centralisation of children's emergency care services at Leeds General Infirmary
      (LGI). The move, which is advertised on local buses, is part of a L35 million
      reconfiguration of services at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust over the next
      year. Pictured, left to right, are nursery nurse Sandra Barker, senior sister
      Julie Walker and paediatric staff nurse Roxanne Spoiverato, all of whom work in
      the LGI emergency department. According to trust plans, all children's inpatient
      care is being brought together at LGI while adult acute and elderly medicine
      services are centralising at St James's University Hospital.

PMID- 27653342
TI  - Use of care checklist set to become standard practice.
AB  - EMERGENCY NURSES must soon undertake a standardised list of clinical checks for
      all patients, according to proposals being considered at the Department of Health
      (DH).

PMID- 27653343
TI  - Care scandal trust staff may lose licence to provide services.
AB  - MID STAFFORDSHIRE NHS Foundation Trust is among the organisations that have been
      warned that they may lose their licences to provide healthcare services.

PMID- 27653345
TI  - ED under scrutiny for 'unreported breaches' of operational standard.
AB  - ONE OF the busiest emergency departments in England has come under scrutiny for
      failing to report breaches of the four-hour operational standard.

PMID- 27653344
TI  - Uk implementation of needlestick injury law faces three-year delay.
AB  - NURSES MAY have to wait up to three years before European Union legislation to
      protect them against needlestick injuries is implemented in the UK.

PMID- 27653347
TI  - Someone has died suddenly: for children and adults to read together Mary Williams
      Amy & Tom Someone has died suddenly: for children and adults to read together
      L4.99 45pp 9781906409098 1906409099 [Formula: see text].
AB  - SOMEONE HAS Died suddenly is an e-resource to help children of all ages cope with
      the trauma of sudden death.

PMID- 27653351
TI  - Diary.
AB  - Trauma care 2010 May 10-14, Telford Further details: Gillian Robins at Trauma
      Care Management. Tel: 07847 124727 Email: trauma.care@stees.nhs.uk.

PMID- 27653349
TI  - No laughing matter.
AB  - THE WIDESPREAD popularity of social networking websites may lull people into a
      false sense of security about their safety and confidentiality.

PMID- 27653352
TI  - Noticeboard.
AB  - Courses, events, grants, and awards to progress your career.

PMID- 27653354
TI  - Disaster response.
AB  - This article highlights the need for nurses to understand and appreciate the
      uniqueness of older people affected by disasters.

PMID- 27653353
TI  - Eye injuries.
AB  - The authors of this paper highlight a growing number of children's eye injuries
      caused by liquid detergent capsules.

PMID- 27653355
TI  - Emergency contraception.
AB  - This study of access to emergency contraception reviewed 11 trials and involved a
      total of 7,695 women from China, India, Sweden and the United States.

PMID- 27653356
TI  - Macro-economic factors influencing the architectural business model shift in the
      pharmaceutical industry.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Technological innovations, new regulations, increasing costs of
      drug productions and new demands are only few key drivers of a projected
      alternation in the pharmaceutical industry. The purpose of this review is to
      understand the macro economic factors responsible for the business model
      revolution to possess a competitive advantage over market players. Areas covered:
      Existing literature on macro-economic factors changing the pharmaceutical
      landscape has been reviewed to present a clear image of the current market
      environment. Expert commentary: Literature shows that pharmaceutical companies
      are facing an architectural alteration, however the evidence on the rationale
      driving the transformation is outstanding. Merger & Acquisitions (M&A) deals and
      collaborations are headlining the papers. Q1 2016 did show a major slowdown in
      M&A deals by volume since 2013 (with deal cancellations of Pfizer and Allergan,
      or the downfall of Valeant), but pharmaceutical analysts remain confident that
      this shortfall was a consequence of the equity market volatility. It seems likely
      that the shift to an M&A model will become apparent during the remainder of 2016,
      with deal announcements of Abbott Laboratories, AbbVie and Sanofi worth USD
      45billion showing the appetite of big pharma companies to shift from the fully
      vertical integrated business model to more horizontal business models.

PMID- 27653357
TI  - Current driven spin-orbit torque oscillator: ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic
      coupling.
AB  - We consider theoretically the impact of Rashba spin-orbit coupling on spin torque
      oscillators (STOs) in synthetic ferromagnets and antiferromagnets that have
      either a bulk multilayer or a thin film structure. The synthetic magnets consist
      of a fixed polarizing layer and two free magnetic layers that interact through
      the Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida interaction. We determine analytically which
      collinear states along the easy axis that are stable, and establish numerically
      the phase diagram for when the system is in the STO mode and when collinear
      configurations are stable, respectively. It is found that the Rashba spin-orbit
      coupling can induce anti-damping in the vicinity of the collinear states, which
      assists the spin transfer torque in generating self-sustained oscillations, and
      that it can substantially increase the STO part of the phase diagram. Moreover,
      we find that the STO phase can extend deep into the antiferromagnetic regime in
      the presence of spin-orbit torques.

PMID- 27653358
TI  - Scientific journal publishing is too complex to be measured by a single metric:
      time to review the role of the impact factor!

PMID- 27653360
TI  - Mapping the global geographic potential of Zika virus spread.
AB  - The Americas are presently experiencing the most serious known outbreak of Zika
      virus (ZIKV). Here, we present a novel set of analyses using environmental
      characteristics, vector mosquito distributions, and socioeconomic risk factors to
      develop the first map to detail global ZIKV transmission risk in multiple
      dimensions based on ecological niche models. Our model predictions were tested
      against independent evaluation data sets, and all models had predictive ability
      significantly better than random expectations. The study addresses urgent
      knowledge gaps regarding (1) the potential geographic scope of the current ZIKV
      epidemic, (2) the global potential for spread of ZIKV, and (3) drivers of ZIKV
      transmission. Our analysis of potential drivers of ZIKV distributions globally
      identified areas vulnerable in terms of some drivers, but not for others. The
      results of these analyses can guide regional education and preparedness efforts,
      such that medical personnel will be better prepared for diagnosis of potential
      ZIKV cases as they appear. 

PMID- 27653359
TI  - Mechanisms of carbapenem resistance in endemic Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates
      after an SPM-1 metallo-beta-lactamase producing strain subsided in an intensive
      care unit of a teaching hospital in Brazil.
AB  - Carbapenem-resistance mechanisms are a challenge in the treatment of Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa infections. We investigated changes in P. aeruginosa carbapenem
      resistance determinants over a time period of eight years after the emergence of
      Sao Paulo metallo-beta-lactamase in a university hospital in Rio de Janeiro,
      Brazil. Patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) were screened for P.
      aeruginosa colonisation and followed for the occurrence of infections from April
      2007 to April 2008. The ICU environment was also sampled. Isolates were typed
      using random amplified polymorphic DNA, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and
      multilocus sequence typing. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by disk
      diffusion and E-test, production of carbapenemases by a modified-CarbaNP test and
      presence of carbapenemase-encoding genes by polymerase chain reaction. Non
      carbapenemase resistance mechanisms studied included efflux and AmpC
      overexpression by PAbetaN and cloxacillin susceptibility enhancement,
      respectively, as well as oprD mutations. From 472 P. aeruginosa clinical isolates
      (93 patients) and 17 isolates from the ICU environment, high genotypic diversity
      and several international clones were observed; one environment isolate belonged
      to the blaSPM-1 P. aeruginosa epidemic genotype. Among isolates from infections,
      10 (29%) were carbapenem resistant: none produced carbapenemases, three exhibited
      all non-carbapenemase mechanisms studied, six presented a combination of two
      mechanisms, and one exclusively displayed oprD mutations. Carbapenem-resistant P.
      aeruginosa displayed a polyclonal profile after the SPM-1 epidemic genotype
      declined. This phenomenon is connected with blaSPM-1 P. aeruginosa replaced by
      other carbapenem-resistant pathogens. 

PMID- 27653361
TI  - High malaria transmission in a forested malaria focus in French Guiana: How can
      exophagic Anopheles darlingi thwart vector control and prevention measures?
AB  - In French Guiana, malaria vector control and prevention relies on indoor residual
      spraying and distribution of long lasting insecticidal nets. These measures are
      based on solid epidemiological evidence but reveal a poor understanding of the
      vector. The current study investigated the behaviour of both vectors and humans
      in relation to the ongoing prevention strategies. In 2012 and 2013, Anopheles
      mosquitoes were sampled outdoors at different seasons and in various time slots.
      The collected mosquitoes were identified and screened for Plasmodium infection.
      Data on human behaviour and malaria episodes were obtained from an interview. A
      total of 3,135 Anopheles mosquitoes were collected, of which Anopheles darlingi
      was the predominant species (96.2%). For the December 2012-February 2013 period,
      the Plasmodium vivax infection rate for An. darlingi was 7.8%, and the
      entomological inoculation rate was 35.7 infective bites per person per three
      month span. In spite of high bednet usage (95.7%) in 2012 and 2013, 52.2% and
      37.0% of the participants, respectively, had at least one malaria episode. An.
      darlingi displayed heterogeneous biting behaviour that peaked between 20:30 and
      22:30; however, 27.6% of the inhabitants were not yet protected by bednets by
      21:30. The use of additional individual and collective protective measures is
      required to limit exposure to infective mosquito bites and reduce vector
      densities. 

PMID- 27653362
TI  - Draft genome sequence of Acinetobacter pittii ST643 shared by cystic fibrosis
      patients.
AB  - Acinetobacter pittii has emerged as an important hospital pathogen that is
      associated with outbreaks and drug resistance. In cystic fibrosis (CF) patients,
      the detection of Acinetobacter spp. is rare; however, we isolated the A. pittii
      sequence type ST643 in several Brazilian CF patients treated in the same centre.
      The current study describes the draft genome of A. pittii ST643. 

PMID- 27653363
TI  - Genome-wide analyses of HTLV-1aD strains from Cape Verde, Africa.
AB  - We characterised and reported the first full-length genomes of Human T-cell
      Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 subgroup HTLV-1aD (CV21 and CV79). This subgroup is one
      of the major determinants of HTLV-1 infections in North and West Africa, and
      recombinant strains involving this subgroup have been recently demonstrated. The
      CV21 and CV79 strains from Cape Verde/Africa were characterised as pure HTLV-1aD
      genomes, comparative analyses including HTLV-1 subtypes and subgroups revealed
      HTLV-1aD signatures in the envelope, pol, and pX regions. These genomes provide
      original information that will contribute to further studies on HTLV-1a
      epidemiology and evolution. 

PMID- 27653364
TI  - Emergence of Acinetobacter baumannii ST730 carrying the blaOXA-72 gene in Brazil.
AB  - Over the last decade, Acinetobacter baumannii resistant to carbapenems has
      emerged in many medical centres and has been commonly associated with high
      morbimortality. In Brazil, this resistance is mainly attributed to the spread of
      OXA-23-producing clones and, to a lesser extent, to OXA-143-producing clones.
      Here, we describe, for the first time, two OXA-72-producing A. baumannii isolates
      in southern Brazil to a broad spectrum of antibiotics, except polymyxin B and
      tigecycline. Molecular typing by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) demonstrated
      that both OXA-72-producing isolates belong to a new sequence type (ST), ST730,
      which was recently identified in OXA-23-producing A. baumannii isolates in Sao
      Paulo, Brazil. We demonstrate that the two A. baumannii ST730 isolates carrying
      blaOXA-72share a common ancestral origin with the blaOXA-23producers in Brazil.
      This observation reinforces the importance of strain-typing methods in order to
      clarify the dynamics of the emergence of new clones in a geographic region. 

PMID- 27653366
TI  - Analysis of Sogatella furcifera proteome that interact with P10 protein of
      Southern rice black-streaked dwarf virus.
AB  - Southern rice black-streaked dwarf virus (SRBSDV) is transmitted efficiently only
      by white-backed planthopper (WBPH, Sogatella furcifera) in a persistent
      propagative manner. Here we used a yeast two-hybrid system to investigate the
      interactions between the SRBSDV- P10 and the cDNA library of WBPH. Of 130
      proteins identified as putative interactors, 28 were further tested in a
      retransformation analysis and beta-galactosidase assay to confirm the
      interaction. The full-length gene sequences of 5 candidate proteins: vesicle
      associated membrane protein 7 (VAMP7), vesicle transport V-SNARE protein (Vti1A),
      growth hormone-inducible transmembrane protein (Ghitm), nascent polypeptide
      associated complex subunit alpha, and ATP synthase lipid-binding protein) were
      amplified by 5' rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) and used in a GST fusion
      protein pull-down assay. Three of these proteins interacted with SRBSDV-P10 in
      vitro experiment GST pull-down assay. In a gene expression analysis of 3
      different growth stages and 6 different tissue organs of S. furcifera, the mRNA
      level of VAMP7 was high in adult males and gut. Vti1A was abundant in adult
      female, and malpighian tubule, gut and ovary. Ghitm was predominantly found in
      adult male and the malpighian tubule. These research findings are greatly helpful
      to understand the interaction between SRBSDV and insect vector.

PMID- 27653367
TI  - Associations between metabolic syndrome and clinical benign prostatic hyperplasia
      in a northern urban Han Chinese population: A prospective cohort study.
AB  - Biologic rationales exist for the associations between metabolic syndrome (MetS)
      and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). However, epidemiologic studies have yield
      inconsistent results. The aim of the present study was to prospectively evaluate
      the associations of MetS with the risk of BPH. The presence of MetS, the number
      of MetS components, and the individual MetS components were evaluated. After
      adjusting for potential confounders, MetS was associated with increased risk of
      BPH (HR: 1.29; 95% CI, 1.08-1.50; p < 0.001). Compared with subjects without any
      MetS components, the HRs were 0.88 (95% CI, 0.67-1.09; p = 0.86), 1.18 (95% CI,
      0.89-1.47; p = 0.29) and 1.37 (95% CI, 1.08-1.66; p = 0.014) for subjects with 1,
      2, or >=3 MetS components, and there was a biologic gradient between the number
      of MetS components and the risk of BPH (p-trend < 0.001). Central obesity and low
      high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were the two main divers of the associations
      between these two conditions, with HRs of 1.93 (95% CI, 1.14-2.72; p = 0.001) for
      central obesity, and 1.56 (95% CI, 1.08-2.04; p = 0.012) for low HDL-C. Our
      findings support the notion that MetS may be an important target for BPH
      prevention and intervention.

PMID- 27653365
TI  - Thyroid hormone suppresses hepatocarcinogenesis via DAPK2 and SQSTM1-dependent
      selective autophagy.
AB  - Recent studies have demonstrated a critical association between disruption of
      cellular thyroid hormone (TH) signaling and the incidence of hepatocellular
      carcinoma (HCC), but the underlying mechanisms remain largely elusive. Here, we
      showed that disruption of TH production results in a marked increase in
      progression of diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced HCC in a murine model, and
      conversely, TH administration suppresses the carcinogenic process via activation
      of autophagy. Inhibition of autophagy via treatment with chloroquine (CQ) or
      knockdown of ATG7 (autophagy-related 7) via adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors,
      suppressed the protective effects of TH against DEN-induced hepatic damage and
      development of HCC. The involvement of autophagy in TH-mediated protection was
      further supported by data showing transcriptional activation of DAPK2 (death
      associated protein kinase 2; a serine/threonine protein kinase), which enhanced
      the phosphorylation of SQSTM1/p62 (sequestosome 1) to promote selective
      autophagic clearance of protein aggregates. Ectopic expression of DAPK2 further
      attenuated DEN-induced hepatoxicity and DNA damage though enhanced autophagy,
      whereas, knockdown of DAPK2 displayed the opposite effect. The pathological
      significance of the TH-mediated hepatoprotective effect by DAPK2 was confirmed by
      the concomitant decrease in the expression of THRs and DAPK2 in matched HCC tumor
      tissues. Taken together, these findings indicate that TH promotes selective
      autophagy via induction of DAPK2-SQSTM1 cascade, which in turn protects
      hepatocytes from DEN-induced hepatotoxicity or carcinogenesis.

PMID- 27653368
TI  - ?

PMID- 27653369
TI  - ?

PMID- 27653370
TI  - ?

PMID- 27653371
TI  - ?

PMID- 27653372
TI  - ?

PMID- 27653374
TI  - Identification of miRNAs and their targets in wild tomato at moderately and
      acutely elevated temperatures by high-throughput sequencing and degradome
      analysis.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are 19-24 nucleotide (nt) noncoding RNAs that play important
      roles in abiotic stress responses in plants. High temperatures have been the
      subject of considerable attention due to their negative effects on plant growth
      and development. Heat-responsive miRNAs have been identified in some plants.
      However, there have been no reports on the global identification of miRNAs and
      their targets in tomato at high temperatures, especially at different elevated
      temperatures. Here, three small-RNA libraries and three degradome libraries were
      constructed from the leaves of the heat-tolerant tomato at normal, moderately and
      acutely elevated temperatures (26/18  degrees C, 33/33  degrees C and 40/40 
      degrees C, respectively). Following high-throughput sequencing, 662 conserved and
      97 novel miRNAs were identified in total with 469 conserved and 91 novel miRNAs
      shared in the three small-RNA libraries. Of these miRNAs, 96 and 150 miRNAs were
      responsive to the moderately and acutely elevated temperature, respectively.
      Following degradome sequencing, 349 sequences were identified as targets of 138
      conserved miRNAs, and 13 sequences were identified as targets of eight novel
      miRNAs. The expression levels of seven miRNAs and six target genes obtained by
      quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) were largely consistent with the sequencing
      results. This study enriches the number of heat-responsive miRNAs and lays a
      foundation for the elucidation of the miRNA-mediated regulatory mechanism in
      tomatoes at elevated temperatures.

PMID- 27653375
TI  - Non-linear scaling of a musculoskeletal model of the lower limb using statistical
      shape models.
AB  - Accurate muscle geometry for musculoskeletal models is important to enable
      accurate subject-specific simulations. Commonly, linear scaling is used to obtain
      individualised muscle geometry. More advanced methods include non-linear scaling
      using segmented bone surfaces and manual or semi-automatic digitisation of muscle
      paths from medical images. In this study, a new scaling method combining non
      linear scaling with reconstructions of bone surfaces using statistical shape
      modelling is presented. Statistical Shape Models (SSMs) of femur and tibia/fibula
      were used to reconstruct bone surfaces of nine subjects. Reference models were
      created by morphing manually digitised muscle paths to mean shapes of the SSMs
      using non-linear transformations and inter-subject variability was calculated.
      Subject-specific models of muscle attachment and via points were created from
      three reference models. The accuracy was evaluated by calculating the differences
      between the scaled and manually digitised models. The points defining the muscle
      paths showed large inter-subject variability at the thigh and shank - up to 26mm;
      this was found to limit the accuracy of all studied scaling methods. Errors for
      the subject-specific muscle point reconstructions of the thigh could be decreased
      by 9% to 20% by using the non-linear scaling compared to a typical linear scaling
      method. We conclude that the proposed non-linear scaling method is more accurate
      than linear scaling methods. Thus, when combined with the ability to reconstruct
      bone surfaces from incomplete or scattered geometry data using statistical shape
      models our proposed method is an alternative to linear scaling methods.

PMID- 27653376
TI  - The effect of the extensor mechanism on maximum isometric fingertip forces: A
      numerical study on the index finger.
AB  - The extensor mechanism is a tendinous network connecting intrinsic and extrinsic
      muscles of the finger and its function has not yet been fully understood. The
      goal of this study was to assess the effect of the extensor mechanism on the
      maximum isometric fingertip forces - a parameter which is essential for grasping.
      For this purpose, maximum fingertip forces in all directions (i.e. feasible force
      sets) of two musculoskeletal models of the index finger were compared: the wEM
      model included a full representation of the extensor mechanism, whereas in the
      noEM model the extensor mechanism was replaced by a single extensor tendon
      without connectivity to intrinsic muscles. The feasible force sets were computed
      in the flexion-extension plane for nine postures. Forces in four predefined
      directions (palmar, proximal, dorsal, and distal), and the peak resultant forces
      were evaluated. Averaged forces in all four predefined directions were
      considerably larger in the wEM model (+187.6%). However, peak resultant forces
      were slightly lower in the wEM model (-4.3% on average). The general advantage of
      the wEM model could be explained by co-contraction of intrinsic and extrinsic
      extensor muscles which allowed reaching larger activation levels of the extrinsic
      flexors. Only within a narrow range of force directions the co-contraction of
      intrinsic muscles limited the fingertip forces and lead to lower peak resultant
      forces in the wEM model. Rather than maximizing peak resultant forces, it appears
      that the extensor mechanism is a sophisticated tool for increasing maximum
      fingertip forces over a broad range of postures and force directions - making the
      finger more versatile during grasping.

PMID- 27653377
TI  - Decrease of the electrical potentials measured on the surface of the knee and
      produced by cartilage compression during successive loading cycles.
AB  - Electroarthrography (EAG) is a new technique for measuring electrical potentials
      appearing on the knee surface during loading that reflects cartilage quality and
      joint contact force. Our objective was to investigate the evolution of EAG
      signals during successive loading cycles. The study was conducted on 20 standing
      subjects who shifted their body weight to achieve knee loading. Their EAG signals
      were recorded during 10 successive loading cycles, and during a subsequent
      sequence of 10 cycles recorded after a 15min exercise period. Multiple linear
      regression models estimated the electro-mechanical ratio (EMR) interpreting the
      ability of cartilage to generate a certain potential for a given ground reaction
      force by taking into account this force and the center of pressure displacements
      during unipedal stance. The results showed that the EMR values slowly decreased
      with successive cycles: during the initial sequence, the correlation coefficients
      between EMR values and sequence numbers were significant at 3 of the 4 electrode
      sites (p<0.05); for the post-exercise sequence, the EMR values still decreased
      and were significantly lower than during the initial sequence (p<0.001). The
      reduction of EMR values could arise from muscle activity and habituation of the
      stretch reflex, and also from the time dependent electromechanical properties of
      cartilage. In conclusion, refraining from physical activity before the EAG
      measurements is important to improve measurement repeatability because of the EMR
      decrease. The electromechanical model confirmed the role of EAG as a natural
      sensor of the changes in the knee contact force and also improved EAG measurement
      accuracy.

PMID- 27653378
TI  - Identification of tonsillar CD4+CD25-LAG3+ T cells as naturally occurring IL-10
      producing regulatory T cells in human lymphoid tissue.
AB  - IL-10-producing regulatory T cells (IL-10-producing Tregs) are one of the
      regulatory T cell subsets characterized by the production of high amounts of IL
      10, the lack of FOXP3 expression and the strong immunosuppressive capabilities.
      IL-10-producing Tregs have been primarily reported as induced populations thus
      far, in part because identifying naturally occurring IL-10-producing Tregs was
      difficult due to the lack of definitive surface markers. Lymphocyte-activation
      gene 3 (LAG3) is a CD4 homologue that we have identified as being expressed on IL
      10 producing Tregs. In human PBMC, LAG3 combined with CD49b efficiently
      identifies IL-10-producing Tregs. However, naturally occurring IL-10-producing
      Tregs in human secondary lymphoid tissue have not been described. In this report,
      we identified CD4+CD25-LAG3+ T cells in human tonsil. This T cell subset produced
      high amounts of IL-10 and expressed low levels of FOXP3. Surface markers and
      microarray analysis revealed that this is a distinct tonsillar CD4+ T cell
      subset. CD4+CD25-LAG3+ T cells expressed interleukin 10 (IL10), PR/SET domain 1
      (PRDM1), and CD274 at high levels and chemokine receptor 5 (CXCR5) at low levels.
      CD4+CD25-LAG3+ T cells suppressed antibody production more efficiently than
      CD4+CD25+ T cells, and CD4+CD25-LAG3+ T cells induced B cell apoptosis. Moreover,
      analysis of humanized mice revealed that this cell subset suppressed a graft
      versus-host disease (GVHD) reaction in vivo. Our study reveals the existence of
      naturally occurring IL-10-producing Tregs in human secondary lymphoid tissue and
      their function in immune regulation.

PMID- 27653379
TI  - A polyvalent inactivated rhinovirus vaccine is broadly immunogenic in rhesus
      macaques.
AB  - As the predominant aetiological agent of the common cold, human rhinovirus (HRV)
      is the leading cause of human infectious disease. Early studies showed that a
      monovalent formalin-inactivated HRV vaccine can be protective, and virus
      neutralizing antibodies (nAb) correlated with protection. However, co-circulation
      of many HRV types discouraged further vaccine efforts. Here, we test the
      hypothesis that increasing virus input titres in polyvalent inactivated HRV
      vaccine may result in broad nAb responses. We show that serum nAb against many
      rhinovirus types can be induced by polyvalent, inactivated HRVs plus alhydrogel
      (alum) adjuvant. Using formulations up to 25-valent in mice and 50-valent in
      rhesus macaques, HRV vaccine immunogenicity was related to sufficient quantity of
      input antigens, and valency was not a major factor for potency or breadth of the
      response. Thus, we have generated a vaccine capable of inducing nAb responses to
      numerous and diverse HRV types.

PMID- 27653380
TI  - Value of 18F-FDG heterogeneity for discerning metastatic from benign lymph nodes
      in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients with suspected recurrence.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the value of fluorine-18 fludeoxyglucose (18F
      FDG) heterogeneity as an indicator of metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) in patients
      with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). We further assessed whether addition of this
      parameter improves diagnostic performance beyond that provided by maximum
      standardized uptake value (SUVmax). METHODS: We analyzed 74 LNs that were
      suspicious for metastasis. These LNs were measured for coefficient of variation
      (CV) of 18F-FDG uptake, which was used as a parameter for 18F-FDG heterogeneity.
      RESULTS: Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that a high CV
      (hazard ratio, 20.97; 95% confidence interval, 2.26-194.62; p = 0.007) was an
      independent predictor of metastatic LNs. However, receiver-operating
      characteristic curve analysis (p = 0.278) and net reclassification (p = 0.539)
      were unable to show improved diagnostic performance by addition of CV to SUVmax.
      CONCLUSION: High CV of 18F-FDG uptake is an independent risk factor for
      metastatic LNs in patients with NPC displaying suspicious LNs following
      treatment. Advances in knowledge: Heterogeneity of 18F-FDG uptake has a potential
      as a biomarker of metastatic LNs.

PMID- 27653381
TI  - Erratum to 'The TIDieR checklist will benefit the physiotherapy profession'
      [Manual Therapy 24C (2016) V-VI].

PMID- 27653382
TI  - The Role of PIEZO2 in Human Mechanosensation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The senses of touch and proprioception evoke a range of perceptions
      and rely on the ability to detect and transduce mechanical force. The molecular
      and neural mechanisms underlying these sensory functions remain poorly defined.
      The stretch-gated ion channel PIEZO2 has been shown to be essential for aspects
      of mechanosensation in model organisms. METHODS: We performed whole-exome
      sequencing analysis in two patients who had unique neuromuscular and skeletal
      symptoms, including progressive scoliosis, that did not conform to standard
      diagnostic classification. In vitro and messenger RNA assays, functional brain
      imaging, and psychophysical and kinematic tests were used to establish the effect
      of the genetic variants on protein function and somatosensation. RESULTS: Each
      patient carried compound-inactivating variants in PIEZO2, and each had a
      selective loss of discriminative touch perception but nevertheless responded to
      specific types of gentle mechanical stimulation on hairy skin. The patients had
      profoundly decreased proprioception leading to ataxia and dysmetria that were
      markedly worse in the absence of visual cues. However, they had the ability to
      perform a range of tasks, such as walking, talking, and writing, that are
      considered to rely heavily on proprioception. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that
      PIEZO2 is a determinant of mechanosensation in humans. (Funded by the National
      Institutes of Health Intramural Research Program.).

PMID- 27653383
TI  - Recent Internet Use and Associations with Clinical Outcomes among Patients
      Entering Addiction Treatment Involved in a Web-Delivered Psychosocial
      Intervention Study.
AB  - The acceptability and clinical impact of a web-based intervention among patients
      entering addiction treatment who lack recent internet access are unclear. This
      secondary analysis of a national multisite treatment study (NIDA Clinical Trials
      Network-0044) assessed for acceptability and clinical impact of a web-based
      psychosocial intervention among participants enrolling in community-based,
      outpatient addiction treatment programs. Participants were randomly assigned to
      12 weeks of a web-based therapeutic education system (TES) based on the community
      reinforcement approach plus contingency management versus treatment as usual
      (TAU). Demographic and clinical characteristics, and treatment outcomes were
      compared among participants with recent internet access in the 90 days preceding
      enrollment (N = 374) and without internet access (N = 133). Primary outcome
      variables included (1) acceptability of TES (i.e., module completion;
      acceptability of web-based intervention) and (2) clinical impact (i.e., self
      reported abstinence confirmed by urine drug/breath alcohol tests; retention
      measured as time to dropout). Internet use was common (74 %) and was more likely
      among younger (18-49 years old) participants and those who completed high school
      (p < .001). Participants randomized to TES (n = 255) without baseline internet
      access rated the acceptability of TES modules significantly higher than those
      with internet access (t = 2.49, df = 218, p = .01). There was a near significant
      interaction between treatment, baseline abstinence, and internet access on time
      to dropout (chi 2(1) = 3.8089, p = .051). TES was associated with better
      retention among participants not abstinent at baseline who had internet access (X
      2(1) = 6.69, p = .01). These findings demonstrate high acceptability of this web
      based intervention among participants that lacked recent internet access.

PMID- 27653385
TI  - Physical and/or Cognitive Impairment, Out-of-Pocket Spending, and Medicaid Entry
      among Older Adults.
AB  - While Medicare provides health insurance coverage for those over 65 years of age,
      many still are underinsured, experiencing substantial out-of-pocket costs for
      covered and non-covered services as a proportion of their income. Using the
      Health and Retirement Study (HRS), this study found that being underinsured is a
      significant predictor of entering into Medicaid coverage over a 16-year period.
      The rate of entering Medicaid was almost twice as high for those who were
      underinsured and with physical and/or cognitive impairment than those who were
      not, while supplemental health insurance reduced the rate of entering Medicaid by
      30 %. Providing more comprehensive coverage through the traditional Medicare
      program, including a ceiling on out-of-pocket expenditures or targeted support
      for those with physical or cognitive impairment, could postpone becoming covered
      by Medicaid and yield savings in Medicaid.

PMID- 27653384
TI  - Accelerated Health Declines among African Americans in the USA.
AB  - The weathering hypothesis, an explanation for race disparities in the USA,
      asserts that the health of African Americans begin to deteriorate prematurely
      compared to whites as a consequence of long-term exposure to social and
      environmental risk factors. Using data from 2000-2009 National Health Interview
      Surveys (NHIS), we sought to describe differences in age-related health outcomes
      in 619,130 African Americans and whites. Outcome measures included hypertension,
      diabetes, stroke, and cardiovascular disease. Using a mixed models approach to
      age-period-cohort analysis, we calculated age- and race-specific prevalence rates
      that accounted for the complex sampling design of NHIS. African Americans
      exhibited higher prevalence rates of hypertension, diabetes, and stroke than
      whites across all age groups. Consistent with the weathering hypothesis, African
      Americans exhibited equivalent prevalence rates for these three conditions 10
      years earlier than whites. This suggests that African Americans are acquiring age
      related conditions prematurely compared to whites.

PMID- 27653386
TI  - Dietary Resistant Starch Supplementation Increases High-Density Lipoprotein
      Particle Number in Pigs Fed a Western Diet.
AB  - Resistant starch (RS) has been well characterized for its glycemic control
      properties; however, there is little consensus regarding the influence of RS on
      blood lipid concentrations and lipoprotein distribution and size. Therefore, this
      study aimed to characterize the effect of daily RS supplementation in a
      controlled capsule delivery on biomarkers of cardiovascular (blood lipids,
      lipoproteins) and diabetes (glucose, insulin) risk in a pig model. Twelve 8-week
      old male Yorkshire pigs were placed on a synthetic Western diet and randomly
      divided into two groups (n = 6/group) for 30 days: (1) a placebo group
      supplemented with capsules containing unmodified pre-gelatinized potato starch (0
      g/RS/day); and (2) an RS group supplemented with capsules containing resistant
      potato starch (10 g/RS/day). Serum lipids including total-cholesterol (C), low
      density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol
      (HDL-C), and triglycerides did not differ (p > 0.05) between the RS and placebo
      groups. Although the total numbers of very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and low
      density lipoprotein (LDL) particles were similar (p > 0.05) between the two
      groups, total high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles were higher (+28%, p <
      0.05) in the RS group compared with placebo, resulting from an increase (p <
      0.05) in the small HDL subclass particles (+32%). Compared with the placebo
      group, RS supplementation lowered (p < 0.05) fasting serum glucose (-20%) and
      improved (p < 0.05) insulin resistance as estimated by Homeostatic Model
      Assessment-Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) without a change in insulin.
      Additionally, total serum glucagon-like-peptide 1 (GLP-1) was higher (+141%, p <
      0.05) following RS supplementation compared with placebo. This data suggests that
      in addition to the more well-characterized effect of RS intake in lowering blood
      glucose and improving insulin sensitivity, the consumption of RS may be
      beneficial in lipid management strategies by enhancing total HDL particle number.

PMID- 27653387
TI  - War Metaphors in Health Care: What Are They Good For?

PMID- 27653388
TI  - Healing Without Waging War: Beyond Military Metaphors in Medicine and HIV Cure
      Research.
AB  - Military metaphors are pervasive in biomedicine, including HIV research. Rooted
      in the mind set that regards pathogens as enemies to be defeated, terms such as
      "shock and kill" have become widely accepted idioms within HIV cure research.
      Such language and symbolism must be critically examined as they may be especially
      problematic when used to express scientific ideas within emerging health-related
      fields. In this article, philosophical analysis and an interdisciplinary
      literature review utilizing key texts from sociology, anthropology, history, and
      Chinese and African studies were conducted to investigate the current
      proliferation of military metaphors. We found the use of these metaphors to be
      ironic, unfortunate, and unnecessary. To overcome military metaphors we propose
      to (1) give them less aggressive meanings, and/or (2) replace them with more
      peaceful metaphors. Building on previous authors' work, we argue for the
      increased use of "journey" (and related) metaphors as meaningful, cross
      culturally appropriate alternatives to military metaphors.

PMID- 27653389
TI  - Metaphors as Equipment for Living.

PMID- 27653390
TI  - Journeys as Shared Human Experiences.

PMID- 27653391
TI  - Military Metaphors in Health Care: Who Are We Actually Trying to Help?

PMID- 27653392
TI  - Medical Metaphors Matter: Experiments Can Determine the Impact of Metaphors on
      Bioethical Issues.

PMID- 27653393
TI  - Military Metaphors and Their Contribution to the Problems of Overdiagnosis and
      Overtreatment in the "War" Against Cancer.

PMID- 27653394
TI  - Asking More of Our Metaphors: Narrative Strategies to End the "War on
      Alzheimer's" and Humanize Cognitive Aging.

PMID- 27653395
TI  - Killing the Pain and Battling the Lethargy: Misleading Military Metaphors in
      Palliative Care.

PMID- 27653396
TI  - Of HIV, Kings, and Cures: Troubling the Apocryphal Apothecary.

PMID- 27653397
TI  - HIV/AIDS: The Challenging Journey.

PMID- 27653398
TI  - Governance of Transnational Global Health Research Consortia and Health Equity.
AB  - Global health research partnerships are increasingly taking the form of consortia
      of institutions from high-income countries and low- and middle-income countries
      that undertake programs of research. These partnerships differ from
      collaborations that carry out single projects in the multiplicity of their goals,
      scope of their activities, and nature of their management. Although such
      consortia typically aim to reduce health disparities between and within
      countries, what is required for them to do so has not been clearly defined. This
      article takes a conceptual approach to explore how the governance of
      transnational global health research consortia should be structured to advance
      health equity. To do so, it applies an account called shared health governance to
      derive procedural and substantive guidance. A checklist based on this guidance is
      proposed to assist research consortia determine where their governance practices
      strongly promote equity and where they may fall short.

PMID- 27653399
TI  - Justice and Global Health Research.

PMID- 27653400
TI  - More Than One Way to Be Global: Globalization of Research and the Contest of
      Ideas.

PMID- 27653401
TI  - Deliberation to Promote Shared Sovereignty in Health Research: Four Questions to
      Clarify Goals, Methods, and Scope.

PMID- 27653402
TI  - Consistency in the Structure of Global Health Research Consortia.

PMID- 27653403
TI  - No "Shared Governance" Without Attention to Law, Broadly Conceived.

PMID- 27653404
TI  - Global Health Research Partnerships-Shared Responsibility Regulative Model.

PMID- 27653405
TI  - Governance and Standards in International Clinical Research: The Role of
      Transnational Consortia.

PMID- 27653406
TI  - The Role of Development Research Funders in Promoting Equity in Research
      Consortia.

PMID- 27653407
TI  - Shared Governance Embedded in Population Ethics Can Enhance Health Equity
      Research at Both Micro and Macro Levels.

PMID- 27653408
TI  - When a Clinical Trial Is the Only Option.

PMID- 27653409
TI  - "Respect for Persons," Not "Respect for Citizens".

PMID- 27653410
TI  - The Potentially High Cost of a Free Clinical Trial.

PMID- 27653411
TI  - Contextualizing "Choice" for Undocumented Immigrants in U.S. Clinical Trials
      Research.

PMID- 27653412
TI  - Studying the Role of Financial Incentives to Promote Hepatitis B Vaccination in a
      Community Clinic.

PMID- 27653413
TI  - Treatment Incentives and the Nature of the Doctor-Patient Relationship.

PMID- 27653414
TI  - The Ethics of Studying Financial Incentives in Public Health Implementation:
      Study Design Challenges.

PMID- 27653416
TI  - Response to Open Peer Commentaries on "Human Germline CRISPR-Cas Modification:
      Toward a Regulatory Framework".

PMID- 27653415
TI  - You Can Lead a Horse to Water, But Can You Pay to Make Him Drink? An Ethical
      Analysis of Research on Using Incentives to Promote Patient Health.

PMID- 27653419
TI  - Real-Time Kinetic Probes Support Monothiol Glutaredoxins As Intermediate Carriers
      in Fe-S Cluster Biosynthetic Pathways.
AB  - Iron-sulfur (Fe-S) clusters are protein cofactors that are required for many
      essential cellular functions. Fe-S clusters are synthesized and inserted into
      target proteins by an elaborate biosynthetic process. The insensitivity of most
      Fe-S assembly and transfer assays requires high concentrations for components and
      places major limits on reaction complexity. Recently, fluorophore labels were
      shown to be effective at reporting cluster content for Fe-S proteins. Here, the
      incorporation of this labeling approach allowed the design and interrogation of
      complex Fe-S cluster biosynthetic reactions that mimic in vivo conditions. A
      bacterial Fe-S assembly complex, composed of the cysteine desulfurase IscS and
      scaffold protein IscU, was used to generate [2Fe-2S] clusters for transfer to
      mixtures of putative intermediate carrier and acceptor proteins. The focus of
      this study was to test whether the monothiol glutaredoxin, Grx4, functions as an
      obligate [2Fe-2S] carrier protein in the Fe-S cluster distribution network.
      Interestingly, [2Fe-2S] clusters generated by the IscS-IscU complex transferred
      to Grx4 at rates comparable to previous assays using uncomplexed IscU as a
      cluster source in chaperone-assisted transfer reactions. Further, we provide
      evidence that [2Fe-2S]-Grx4 delivers clusters to multiple classes of Fe-S targets
      via direct ligand exchange in a process that is both dynamic and reversible.
      Global fits of cluster transfer kinetics support a model in which Grx4
      outcompetes terminal target proteins for IscU-bound [2Fe-2S] clusters and
      functions as an intermediate cluster carrier. Overall, these studies demonstrate
      the power of chemically conjugated fluorophore reporters for unraveling
      mechanistic details of biological metal cofactor assembly and distribution
      networks.

PMID- 27653420
TI  - Simultaneous liver kidney transplantation.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Simultaneous liver kidney transplantation (SLK) has taken
      center stage since the initiation of the new kidney allocation system (KAS). This
      review places SLK in the context of the changing landscape of organ allocation.
      RECENT FINDINGS: The introduction of the Mayo End-Stage Liver Disease score into
      liver allocation policy in 2002 resulted in a significant increase in the number
      of SLKs performed in the United States. Except for a brief respite in 2009, the
      rate of SLK has continued to increase with 2015 seeing 626 SLKs. KAS did not
      mandate sharing kidneys with regionally shared livers. It was anticipated this
      would reduce the number of SLKs. Additionally, the Kidney Donor Profile Index in
      KAS made possible a more granular assessment of the quality of the kidneys being
      allocated to SLK recipients. This revealed that nearly 50% of Kidney Donor
      Profile Index kidneys 0.35 or less, those to be allocated to children, were given
      to SLK recipients and that a significant proportion of them may not need a
      kidney. SUMMARY: Medical eligibility criteria, rules for the allocation of
      kidneys simultaneously with livers, and the establishment of a safety net, will
      provide nephrologists with the framework and authority to decide which liver
      disease patients truly need a kidney.

PMID- 27653421
TI  - Current status of pancreas transplantation.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review recent pancreas transplantation outcomes and
      indications and describe studies of the impact of pancreas transplant upon
      patient survival and secondary complications. RECENT FINDINGS: A number of
      surgical advances have occurred that have improved the early success rate of
      transplant, and modern immunosuppressive strategies have improved the rate of
      longer term allograft survival. Pancreas transplant is associated with a
      mortality benefit when performed in patients with end-stage renal disease in
      combination with kidney transplant, but questions regarding the impact upon
      secondary diabetic complications together with the risk assumed by the surgical
      procedure and the attendant immunosuppression in the nonuremic patient may have
      tempered enthusiasm for broader expansion of transplantation. Thus, despite these
      advances, the number of pancreas transplants performed annually is falling
      consistently. Efforts to define optimal donor and recipient characteristics and
      understand the pathophysiological impact of pancreas transplant are active areas
      of research that may lead to greater expansion of pancreas transplant in the
      future. SUMMARY: The review summarizes these advances, including the utilization
      patterns of pancreas transplant and current concepts of patient selection and
      graft monitoring, and places into perspective the current and future role of
      pancreas transplantation as a therapeutic option in diabetes.

PMID- 27653422
TI  - Getting Pharmacogenomics Into the Clinic.

PMID- 27653423
TI  - Breakthrough cancer pain: twenty-five years of study.
AB  - Breakthrough cancer pain (BTcP) is an episode of severe pain that "breaks
      through" a period of persistent pain at least partly controlled by a stable
      opioid regimen. Although mentioned in the literature decades ago, it has been
      only 25 years since the first effort to define and measure it. Controversy about
      the definition of BTcP continues despite an international effort to achieve
      consensus. Nevertheless, common approaches to measurement of BTcP have led to a
      robust literature, including many surveys that have described prevalence,
      characteristics, and association with adverse outcomes. Measurement also has been
      important for clinical trials of new drug formulations specifically designed for
      BTcP. Several approaches have been reported in the literature, although most of
      them have never been substantiated with appropriate studies. Administration of an
      opioid as needed is the most common treatment. Twenty-five years of research has
      produced a more refined understanding of the safety and efficacy of oral opioids
      in this context, and provided the clinical trials data necessary to attain
      regulatory approval of multiple new formulations specifically developed for BTcP.
      Transmucosal formulations of fentanyl may provide meaningful analgesia within 5
      to 15 minutes. Given the difference in cost, transmucosal formulations should be
      considered in a subset of patients with BTcP, including those with pain that are
      not adequately controlled with an oral drug and those with distress associated
      with the rapid pain onset. The long-term use of opioids for BTcP remains to be
      clarified. Future studies should assess the potential of personalized treatment
      of BTcP.

PMID- 27653424
TI  - Incentive and Restriction in Combination-Make Food Assistance Healthier With
      Carrots and Sticks.

PMID- 27653425
TI  - Urologist-Level Correlation in the Use of Observation for Low- and High-Risk
      Prostate Cancer.
AB  - Importance: The reporting of individual urologist rates of observation for
      localized prostate cancer may be a valuable performance measure with important
      downstream implications for patient and payer stakeholder groups. However, few
      studies have examined the urologist-level variation in the use of observation
      across all risk strata of prostate cancer. Objectives: To measure variation in
      the use of observation at the urologist level by disease risk strata and to
      evaluate the association between the urologist-level rates of observation for men
      with low-risk and high-risk prostate cancer. Design, Setting, and Participants:
      With the use of linked Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)
      Medicare data, a population-based study of men diagnosed with prostate cancer
      from January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2009, was performed in SEER catchment areas
      of the United States. A total of 57 639 men with prostate cancer with 1884
      diagnosing urologists were identified. Data were analyzed from October 1 to
      December 31, 2015. Main Outcomes and Measures: The main outcome was observation,
      which is defined as the absence of definitive treatment within 1 year of
      diagnosis. In each risk stratum, a multivariable mixed-effects model was fit to
      characterize associations between observation and selected patient
      characteristics. From these models, the estimated probability of observation was
      calculated for each urologist within each risk stratum, and the association
      between the physician-level estimated rates of observation for low-risk and high
      risk disease was assessed. Results: Among the 57 639 men included in the study,
      the estimated probability of observation for low-risk disease varied impressively
      (mean, 27.8%; range, 5.1%-71.2%) at the individual urologist level. Considerably
      less urologist-level variation was seen in the use of observation for
      intermediate-risk disease (11.1%; range, 4.8%-31.5%) and high-risk disease (5.8%;
      range, 3.2%-16.5%). Furthermore, the estimated rates of observation for low- and
      high-risk disease were correlated at the urologist level (Spearman rho = 0.17; P
      < .001). A comparable correlation was likewise observed among urologists with
      high-volume prostate cancer practices (Spearman rho = 0.24; P < .001).
      Conclusions and Relevance: Considerable urologist-level variation is seen in the
      use of observation for men with low-risk prostate cancer. More important, the use
      of observation for low-risk and high-risk patients with prostate cancer is
      correlated at the urologist level. This study reveals the strikingly variable use
      of observation among US urologists and establishes a framework for the use of
      urologist-level treatment signatures as a quality measure in the emerging value
      based health care environment.

PMID- 27653426
TI  - Lactobacillus pentosus expressing porcine lactoferrin elevates antibacterial
      activity and improves the efficacy of vaccination against Aujeszky's disease.
AB  - In this study, Lactobacillus pentosus expressing porcine lactoferrin (pLF) was
      tested for in vitro antibacterial activity and for its ability to enhance
      immunity induced by an orally administered Aujeszky's disease virus (ADV)
      vaccine. The cDNA encoding N-terminus of pLF was cloned into a Lactobacillus
      specific plasmid to produce L. pentosus pLF expressing transformants (pPG612.1
      pLFN/ L. pentosus). The antimicrobial activity of the recombinant pLF protein
      inhibited bacterial growth in vitro. The supernatant of pPG612.1-pLF-N/L.
      pentosus had an inhibitory effect on Staphylococcus aureus strain CVCC26003,
      Bacillus subtilis strain CVCC63501, Escherichia coli strain CVCC10141 and
      Salmonella enterica ssp. enterica Choleraesuis strain CVCC79102, while it did not
      inhibit the growth of Lactobacillus casei strain ATCC393. A mouse model was
      established to test the effectiveness of the orally administered probiotic L.
      pentosus recombinant strain in the gastrointestinal tract. Mice were immunised
      with an attenuated porcine Aujeszky's disease virus (ADV) vaccine. Serum antibody
      levels determined using a mouse Aujeszky's disease IgG ELISA showed that IgG
      levels were significantly higher in the pPG612.1-pLFN/L. pentosus group than in
      the PBS and Lactobacillus pentosus groups at days 7 and 21 (P < 0.01) and at day
      14 (P < 0.05), indicating that this oral recombinant strain can improve the
      effectiveness of the vaccine and play a role in immune enhancement through
      humoral immunity. These results suggest that the recombinant Lactobacillus
      pentosus not only has the beneficial characteristics of lactic acid bacteria but
      also produces biologically functional lactoferrin.

PMID- 27653427
TI  - Effects of subclinical Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis infection on
      some physiological parameters, health status and production in dairy cows.
AB  - Milk yield, milk ingredients, health and other, production-related parameters of
      subclinically infected, Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis (MAP-) shedding
      (positive faecal PCR, n = 20) and non-shedding (negative faecal PCR, n = 10)
      dairy cows were compared in the period from 10 days prepartum to 120 days
      postpartum. Body condition, rumen fill and faeces scores were lower in the MAP
      shedding cows. There was no significant difference in plasma or urine metabolic
      parameters between the groups. Milk yield and lactose content tended to be lower
      (P = 0.074 and 0.077, respectively), somatic cell count tended to be higher (P =
      0.097), while milk fat content was significantly higher (P = 0.006) in MAP
      shedding cows than in the controls. Milk protein content did not differ between
      the groups. All other health and production parameters [number of reproductive
      tract treatments, number of udder treatments, number of artificial inseminations
      (AIs), calving interval, and service period] were significantly better in the
      control group. It is concluded that MAP infection, even in a subclinical form,
      has a significant impact on some production and health parameters of dairy cows.

PMID- 27653428
TI  - Comparative clinical evaluation of tacrolimus and cyclosporine eye drops for the
      treatment of canine keratoconjunctivitis sicca.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of tacrolimus eye drops in
      alleviating the clinical symptoms of canine keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) and
      to compare this efficacy with that of cyclosporine. The clinical study was
      conducted on 40 dogs diagnosed with idiopathic KCS. The dogs were divided into
      two groups of 20 animals each. In Group I, 0.75% cyclosporine eye drops were
      administered three times a day, while in Group II 0.02% tacrolimus eye drops were
      given twice daily. In addition, each group was subdivided into three subgroups
      based on the results of Schirmer tear test I (STT I). Clinical and ophthalmologic
      examinations were performed prior to the treatment as well as after one and two
      months of therapy. The application of both tacrolimus and cyclosporine resulted
      in a significant reduction of neovascularisation after the first and second month
      of treatment (P < 0.05, P < 0.001); however, in moderate and advanced stages, the
      observed efficacy of tacrolimus was higher. Across all patients, a significant
      increase in STT I values was observed after both the first and second month of
      treatment with tacrolimus (P < 0.01), as well as after two months of treatment
      with cyclosporine (P < 0.05). In both groups, some patients were observed to
      exhibit inhibited development of pigmentation, but an analysis of particular
      clinical cases and statistical data revealed no statistically significant
      discrepancies in the course of the study. In cases of advanced canine KCS, the
      efficacy of tacrolimus may be higher than that of cyclosporine.

PMID- 27653429
TI  - Congenital and acquired anomalies of the caudal vertebrae in dogs: Radiographic
      classification and prevalence evaluation.
AB  - A prospective study to create radiographic classification of caudal vertebral
      anomalies in dogs was performed and the prevalence of the disorders estimated.
      Radiographic examination of the caudal vertebrae was performed in 595 client
      owned dogs undergoing routine radiological examination of the hip joints.
      Anomalies of the caudal vertebrae were divided into four groups: (1) congenital
      anomalies with aberrant fusion of the vertebral epiphysis, like hemivertebra,
      block or transitional vertebra; (2) morphological anomalies like vertebra curva
      and dysplastic vertebral epiphysis; (3) post-traumatic changes, represented by
      fracture or luxation; and (4) degenerative changes, represented by spondylosis,
      osteophyte formation and mineralisation of intervertebral spaces. A total of 303
      caudal vertebral anomalies were detected in 259 dogs (43.53% of all dogs
      examined). A single type of vertebral anomaly was present in 215 dogs and a
      combination of two pathologies was recorded in 44 dogs, which represents 83.01%
      and 16.99%, respectively, of the affected dogs. Congenital anomaly was present in
      11.09% of the dogs examined. Sacrocaudal transitional vertebra was the most
      common congenital anomaly, present in 12.74% of the affected dogs. Radiographic
      examination of the caudal vertebrae is recommended as an essential part of any
      screening process to confirm the presence of congenital anomaly as a cause of
      kinked tail.

PMID- 27653430
TI  - Impacts of urbanisation level and distance from potential natural mosquito
      breeding habitats on the abundance of canine dirofilariosis.
AB  - Dirofilariosis is an emerging mosquito-borne veterinary and medical problem in
      the Northern hemisphere. The ecological investigation of 56 canine dirofilariosis
      cases in new endemic locations was performed in Szeged, Hungary. The aim was to
      analyse the influence of the spatial patterns of dog abundance and the potential
      mosquito breeding habitats on the spatial occurrence patterns of dirofilariosis
      in the city of Szeged. The limnoecological characterisation was based on the
      fluvial habitat classification of Amoros of natural water bodies; the built
      environment was evaluated using the UrbanisationScore urbanisation intensity
      measuring software. Dirofilaria immitis accounted for 51% and D. repens for 34.3%
      of the dirofilariosis cases, and in 20% of the cases only the Knott's test was
      positive. It was concluded that most of the cases were related to locations with
      a medium to high urbanisation index, although the proximity of mosquito-bearing
      waters also played an important role in the observed spatial infection patterns.
      We found that the distance from potential mosquito habitats and the urbanisation
      intensity determine the abundance of dirofilariosis in urban environments.

PMID- 27653431
TI  - Multiple congenital cardiovascular defects including type IV persistent truncus
      arteriosus in a Shetland pony - Short communication.
AB  - This case report describes the pathological findings of multiple congenital
      cardiac defects in a 2-year-old female Shetland pony with clinical signs of
      chronic respiratory distress. Persistent truncus arteriosus (PTA) type IV,
      interventricular septal defect, overriding aorta, pulmonary trunk agenesis,
      pulmonary arteries arising from the descending aorta, and compensatory right
      ventricular hypertrophy were observed.

PMID- 27653432
TI  - Effect of ELISA kit manufacturing process and incubation time on progesterone
      concentration measured in dog serum for ovulation diagnosis - Short
      communication.
AB  - Twenty-two serum samples of healthy bitches were tested with the frozen and
      lyophilised version of the same ELISA kit (Quanticheck, Faculty of Veterinary
      Science, Budapest, Hungary). Samples were chosen on the basis of their
      progesterone (P4) concentrations, which were between 1.00 and 20.00 ng/mL. As it
      is well known, this range has the highest clinical relevance in ovulation
      diagnosis. Both types of microplates were read at 15-min intervals from the 15th
      until the 90th minute (min) of incubation, and the results were compared with
      those of frozen plates at 60 min of incubation as 100 percent. Lyophilised
      microplates gave on average 18 percent higher results than the frozen version at
      equal incubation times. The highest difference between lyophilised and frozen
      samples was observed at 45 and 60 min of incubation. Ninety-four percent of the
      reaction in the frozen microplate occurred in the first 15 min, and during the
      subsequent 30 min the reaction seemingly stopped. After the 45th min of
      incubation, this 94 percent increased to 108 percent in the subsequent 30 min,
      which remained the final approximate result at the end of the 90 min of
      incubation. In contrast to the frozen microplate, the measured concentration
      increased continuously in the lyophilised version and reached the highest level
      at the 60th min. The results of the lyophilised microplate reached the same level
      at 30 min of incubation as those of the frozen version at 60 min. In conclusion,
      a mechanical increase or decrease of the incubation time does not generate a
      linear change in the test results. This study demonstrated that the results of a
      series of samples collected from the same bitch cannot be compared if they are
      measured with different laboratory methods or different ELISA kits.

PMID- 27653433
TI  - Quick cytogenetic screening of breeding bulls using flow cytometric sperm DNA
      histogram analysis.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to test the FXCycle PI/RNase kit for routine DNA
      analyses in order to detect breeding bulls and/or insemination doses carrying
      cytogenetic aberrations. In a series of experiments we first established basic
      DNA histogram parameters of cytogenetically healthy breeding bulls by measuring
      the intraspecific genome size variation of three animals, then we compared the
      histogram profiles of bulls carrying cytogenetic defects to the baseline values.
      With the exception of one case the test was able to identify bulls with
      cytogenetic defects. Therefore, we conclude that the assay could be incorporated
      into the laboratory routine where flow cytometry is applied for semen quality
      control.

PMID- 27653434
TI  - Correlation of carcass meat content with development of the reproductive system
      in sexually immature gilts.
AB  - This study evaluated the correlation of carcass meat content with the development
      of the reproductive system in sexually immature gilts of Polish Large White (PLW)
      and Polish Landrace (PL) breeds. The results, obtained from three groups (I, II,
      III) of gilts differing in lean meat percentage, indicate an effect on fattening
      and slaughtering traits as well as on the morphometric characteristics of the
      uterus. There were statistically significant differences in the values of
      fattening and slaughtering traits in the groups of gilts tested. Studies on the
      relationship between morphometric characteristics of the reproductive system and
      carcass meat content showed that there was a correlation between the weight of
      the uterus with and without the broad ligament and the meat content of the
      carcass. The weight of the uterus was higher (P <= 0.05) in gilts with lower meat
      content. The negative influence of high gilt meatiness on development of the
      reproductive system was more pronounced in PLW gilts.

PMID- 27653435
TI  - T-2 mycotoxin slows down the development of mouse blastocysts, decreases their
      blastomere number and increases chromatin damage.
AB  - The mycotoxin T-2 has many harmful effects on mammalian cells and reproductive
      functions. In the present study, the in vitro effect of T-2 toxin on mouse
      blastocysts was examined. Embryos were cultured in media supplemented with 0.5,
      0.75 and 1 ng/ml T-2. Different exposure times were applied [96 h (treatment I)
      or 24 h following 72 h in toxin-free media (treatment II)]. Blastomere number,
      nuclear chromatin status and blastocoel formation were investigated in
      blastocysts. Our data show that the effect of T-2 toxin may vary depending on the
      stage of the embryo at the start of exposure. At 96 h of exposure, the
      blastocysts had blastomeres with normal chromatin quality but their developmental
      potential was decreased. After 24 h of exposure applied following a 72-h culture,
      blastomeres had a higher level of chromatin damage, although their developmental
      potential was the same as in the control embryos. In both cases, decreased
      mitotic rate was found, which resulted in decreased blastomere number even at low
      toxin concentration.

PMID- 27653436
TI  - Demonstration of homologous recombination events in the evolution of bovine viral
      diarrhoea virus by in silico investigations.
AB  - Complete genome sequences of bovine viral diarrhoea virus types 1 and 2 (BVDV-1
      and 2) deposited in the GenBank were submitted to bioinformatic analysis using a
      recombination-detecting software. The results indicate that recombination events
      are not rare in the case of BVDV, which frequently causes immunotolerance and,
      consequently, persistent infection in calves. The lack of specific immunity
      provides an ideal possibility for multiple infections by antigenically related
      but genetically different BVDV strains, and hence recombinations may occur. Among
      the 62 BVDV-1 genomes five recombinants and their possible parent strains, while
      among the 50 BVDV-2 genomes one simple recombinant and its parent strains were
      identified, which were supported by extremely strong probability values (P values
      varying between 1.26 * 10-4 and 1.58 * 10-310). Besides the newly identified
      recombinants, recombination events described previously were confirmed, but in
      some of these cases former information was completed with new data, or different
      parent(s) were suggested by the programme (RDP 4.46 BETA) used in this study.

PMID- 27653437
TI  - Primary payer status, individual patient characteristics, and hospital-level
      factors affecting length of stay and total cost of hospitalization in total
      laryngectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Medicaid and uninsured patients anecdotally incur higher cost and
      length of stay because of nonmedical, discharge-related factors. The purpose of
      this study was to investigate the association between primary payer and length of
      stay and cost, controlling for comorbidities and complications, in patients
      undergoing total laryngectomy. METHODS: The sample included 4128 patients who
      underwent total laryngectomy in the 2005 to 2010 National Inpatient Sample (NIS).
      Patients were categorized into 4 subgroups based on payer status: Medicare,
      Medicaid, uninsured, and private insurance. Using multilevel modeling, we
      examined differences in length of stay and hospitalization costs. RESULTS: The
      odds of being in the top quartile of length of stay increased for Medicaid
      patients by 41% (odds ratio [OR] = 1.41; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.03
      1.92) compared with privately insured patients. CONCLUSION: After controlling for
      medical factors, Medicaid patients had increased lengths of stay. Overall costs
      were highest for those with public insurance, but no difference was seen for the
      adjusted cost. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 311-319, 2017.

PMID- 27653438
TI  - Accuracy of weight loss information in Spanish search engine results on the
      internet.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To systematically assess the quality of online information related to
      weight loss that Spanish speakers in the U.S. are likely to access. METHODS: This
      study evaluated the accessibility and quality of information for websites that
      were identified from weight loss queries in Spanish and compared this with
      previously published results in English. The content was scored with respect to
      five dimensions: nutrition, physical activity, behavior, pharmacotherapy, and
      surgical recommendations. RESULTS: Sixty-six websites met eligibility criteria
      (21 commercial, 24 news/media, 10 blogs, 0 medical/government/university, 11
      unclassified sites). Of 16 possible points, mean content quality score was 3.4
      (SD = 2.0). Approximately 1.5% of sites scored greater than 8 (out of 12) on
      nutrition, physical activity, and behavior. Unsubstantiated claims were made on
      94% of the websites. Content quality scores varied significantly by type of
      website (P < 0.0001) with unclassified websites scoring the highest (mean = 6.3,
      SD = 1.4) and blogs scoring the lowest (mean = 2.2, SD = 1.2). All content
      quality scores were lower for Spanish websites relative to English websites.
      CONCLUSIONS: Weight loss information accessed in Spanish Web searches is
      suboptimal and relatively worse than weight loss information accessed in English,
      suggesting that U.S. Spanish speakers accessing weight loss information online
      may be provided with incomplete and inaccurate information.

PMID- 27653440
TI  - Raman Spectroscopy for the Endoscopic Diagnosis of Esophageal, Gastric, and
      Colonic Diseases.
AB  - Globally white-light endoscopy with biopsy sampling is the gold standard
      diagnostic modality for esophageal, gastric, and colonic pathologies. However,
      there is overwhelming evidence to highlight the deficiencies of an approach based
      predominantly on eyeball visualization. Biopsy sampling is also problematic due
      in part to excessive sampling and hence attendant cost. Various innovations are
      currently taking place in the endoscopic domain to aid operators in diagnosis
      forming. These include narrow band imaging which aims to enhance the surface
      anatomy and vasculature, and confocal laser endomicroscopy which provides real
      time histological information. However, both of these tools are limited by the
      skill of the operator and the extensive learning curve associated with their use.
      There is a gap therefore for a new form of technology that relies solely on an
      objective measure of disease and reduces the need for biopsy sampling. Raman
      spectroscopy (RS) is a potential platform that aims to satisfy these criteria. It
      enables a fingerprint capture of tissue in relation to the protein, DNA, and
      lipid content. This focused review highlights the strong potential for the use of
      RS during endoscopic gastroenterological examination.

PMID- 27653439
TI  - Perineural and intraneural cutaneous granulomas in granulomatous mycosis
      fungoides mimicking tuberculoid leprosy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Histological similarities between granulomas and granulomatous
      mycosis fungoides (GMF) may lead to misdiagnoses of sarcoidosis or leprosy.
      METHODS: This report presents four patients with GMF in whom skin biopsies showed
      perineural and intraneural granulomas that were confused with tuberculoid leprosy
      granulomas. RESULTS: Patient 1 presented with erythematous plaques and bulky
      nodules. Biopsy findings suggested cutaneous sarcoidosis. Tumor resection showed
      granulomatous infiltrate extending to the fascia and skeletal muscle.
      Clinicopathological correlations permitted a diagnosis of GMF. Patient 2
      presented with erythematous plaques. Skin biopsies had indicated sarcoidosis.
      Resection of a thigh nodule excluded leprosy, and GMF was diagnosed. Patient 3
      presented with scaly, hyperpigmented plaques. Biopsy showed diffuse granulomatous
      inflammation with epithelioid and giant cells, abundant lymphocytes, and some
      eosinophils, and indicated GMF. Patient 4 presented with pruritic, erythematous
      plaques. Biopsy of an indurated mammary plaque initially indicated sarcoid
      granulomatous inflammation. Biopsy review suggested GMF. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      highlights both the diagnosis of GMF, and granulomatous cutaneous nerve injury in
      GMF and its possible confusion with leprosy granulomas. The histological
      diagnosis of GMF includes: (i) a granulomatous infiltrate rich in giant cells,
      emperipolesis, histiocytic cells, and scattered eosinophils, which may reach the
      fascia and muscle; (ii) the absence of elastic fibers or their phagocytosis by
      giant cells; and (iii) lymphocytes that may show atypia and epidermotropism. Deep
      biopsies reveal GMF diagnostic changes and, in conjunction with
      clinicopathological correlations, exclude a diagnosis of leprosy and support one
      of GMF, thus facilitating its appropriate management.

PMID- 27653441
TI  - Colon Capsule Endoscopy: Where Are We and Where Are We Going.
AB  - Colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) is a noninvasive technique for diagnostic imaging
      of the colon. It does not require air inflation or sedation and allows minimally
      invasive and painless colonic evaluation. The role of CCE is rapidly evolving;
      for example, for colorectal screening (colorectal cancer [CRC]) in average-risk
      patients, in patients with an incomplete colonoscopy, in patients refusing a
      conventional colonoscopy, and in patients with contraindications for conventional
      colonoscopy. In this paper, we comprehensively review the technical
      characteristics and procedure of CCE and compare CCE with conventional methods
      such as conventional colonoscopy or computed tomographic colonography. Future
      expansion of CCE in the area of CRC screening for the surveillance of polyps and
      adenomatous lesions and for assessment of inflammatory bowel disease is also
      discussed.

PMID- 27653442
TI  - Structure and Substrate Recognition of the Bottromycin Maturation Enzyme BotP.
AB  - The bottromycins are a family of highly modified peptide natural products, which
      display potent antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, including
      methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Bottromycins have recently been
      shown to be ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides
      (RiPPs). Unique amongst RiPPs, the precursor peptide BotA contains a C-terminal
      "follower" sequence, rather than the canonical N-terminal "leader" sequence. We
      report herein the structural and biochemical characterization of BotP, a leucyl
      aminopeptidase-like enzyme from the bottromycin pathway. We demonstrate that BotP
      is responsible for the removal of the N-terminal methionine from the precursor
      peptide. Determining the crystal structures of both apo BotP and BotP in complex
      with Mn2+ allowed us to model a BotP/substrate complex and to rationalize
      substrate recognition. Our data represent the first step towards targeted
      compound modification to unlock the full antibiotic potential of bottro- mycin.

PMID- 27653443
TI  - Is universal antifungal prophylaxis mandatory in adults after lung
      transplantation? A review and meta-analysis of observational studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lung transplant (LTX) recipients are at high risk of invasive
      Aspergillus infections (IAI). However, no randomized-controlled trials (RCT) or
      international guidelines on antifungal prophylaxis (AFP) in the LTX population
      exist. METHODS: A meta-analysis was performed to determine whether AFP reduces
      the rate of IAI after LTX. A total of six eligible observational studies (five
      with no prophylaxis, one with targeted prophylaxis, three studies including
      heart/lung transplantation) with a total of 748 patients were included. RESULTS:
      The pooled odds ratio (OR) for IAI (62 IFI in the intervention arm and 82 in the
      control group) was 0.234 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.097-0.564, P=0.001, z=
      3.237). Pooled studies were characterized by substantial heterogeneity (I2
      =66.64%); number needed to treat was 6.8. A subgroup analyses with exclusion of
      heart transplant recipients also showed a statistically significant reduction in
      IAI with AFP (OR 0.183, 95% CI 0.0449-0.744, P=0.018). CONCLUSION: This study
      suggests that universal antifungal prophylaxes reduces incidence of IAI after
      LTX. However, included studies are limited by small sample size, single-center
      structure without randomization, mixed population (including heart/heart-lung
      transplant), and heterogeneity due to variations in immunosuppression, type, and
      duration of AFP. Therefore, there is a clear need for an adequately powered RCT.

PMID- 27653444
TI  - Standard-dose versus low-dose azathioprine in the treatment of Crohn's disease: A
      prospective randomized study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Azathioprine (AZA) is widely used to treat Crohn's disease (CD) with a
      recommended dose of 2-2.5 mg/kg per day for Westerners. Asian patients are
      suggested to take a lower dose. However, many clinicians reported poor efficacy
      with a reduced dose. This study aimed to explore a efficient and safe dose of AZA
      providing the best efficacy for Chinese CD patients. METHODS: Fifty patients with
      active CD were enrolled and randomized into two groups (n = 25 each). All other
      treatments were the same except that group A received 1 mg/kg per day and group B
      took 2 mg/kg per day of AZA. Complete remission (CR) rate and response rate at
      weeks 12, 24 and 48 were assessed by using intent-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol
      (PP) analyses. Adverse events and recurrence rate were also evaluated. RESULTS:
      At week 48, CR rate and response rate in group B (ITT: 50.0% and 59.1%; PP: 57.9%
      and 68.4%) were significantly higher than those in group A (ITT: 13.0% and 17.4%;
      PP: 16.7% and 22.2%) (P < 0.05). Nine adverse events occurred, including
      pancreatitis (n = 1), arthritis (n = 2) and myelosuppression (n = 6). There was
      no significant difference in adverse events between the two groups. However,
      recurrence rate was significantly higher in group A than in group B (P = 0.042).
      CONCLUSION: AZA 2 mg/kg per day is more appropriate than 1 mg/kg per day for
      Chinese CD patients with a high efficacy, a low recurrence rate and not increased
      adverse events.

PMID- 27653446
TI  - A reporting system for endometrial cytology: Cytomorphologic criteria-Implied
      risk of malignancy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There have been various attempts to assess endometrial lesions on
      cytological material obtained via direct endometrial sampling. The majority of
      efforts focus on the description of cytological criteria that lead to
      classification systems resembling histological reporting formats. These systems
      have low reproducibility, especially in cases of atypical hyperplasia and well
      differentiated carcinomas. Moreover, they are not linked to the implied risk of
      malignancy. METHODS: The material was collected from women examined at the
      outpatient department of four participating hospitals. We analyzed 866
      consecutive, histologically confirmed cases. The sample collection was performed
      using the EndoGyn device, and processed via Liquid Based Cytology, namely
      ThinPrep technique. The diagnostic categories and criteria were established by
      two cytopathologists experienced in endometrial cytology; performance of the
      proposed reporting format was assessed on the basis of histological outcome;
      moreover, the implied risk of malignancy was calculated. RESULTS: The proposed
      six diagnostic categories are as follows: (i) nondiagnostic or unsatisfactory;
      (ii) without evidence of hyperplasia or malignancy; (iii) atypical cells of
      endometrium of undetermined significance; (iv) atypical cells of endometrium of
      low probability for malignancy; (v) atypical cells of endometrium of high
      probability for malignancy; and (vi) malignant. The risk of malignancy was 1.42%
      +/- 0.98%, 44.44% +/- 32.46% (nine cases), 4.30% +/- 4.12%, 89.80% +/- 8.47%, and
      97.81% +/- 2.45%, respectively. CONCLUSION: We propose a clinically oriented
      classification scheme consisting of diagnostic categories with well determined
      criteria. Each diagnostic category is linked with an implied risk of malignancy;
      thus, clinicians may decide on patient management and eventually reduce
      unnecessary interventional diagnostic procedures. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2016;44:888
      901. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27653445
TI  - A Case of Cutaneous Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor.
AB  - Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) rarely occurs as a primary cutaneous
      lesion. We report a case of cutaneous IMT in an 8-year-old girl presenting with
      an ulcerated nodule on the cheek. Although cutaneous IMT poses a diagnostic
      challenge because of its rarity, excision of the lesion is likely to be curative.

PMID- 27653447
TI  - Heart failure outcomes in clinical trials of glucose-lowering agents in patients
      with diabetes.
AB  - Diabetes is a major risk factor for heart failure (HF). Patients with diabetes
      have a high incidence of both clinical HF and subclinical LV dysfunction.
      Although intensive glucose lowering does not appear to impact on HF outcomes, the
      choice of glucose-lowering agents plays an important role in the development of
      HF and related cardiovascular outcomes. Whilst metformin and insulin appear to
      have little impact on HF progression, the role of sulphonylurea agents in this
      patient population remains uncertain. Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) are associated
      with a significant risk of HF progression and are best avoided in patients at
      risk. The incretin-based therapies (GLP agonists and DPP-4 inhibitors) are
      generally not associated with any HF interaction. However, a small increase in HF
      admissions was observed with the DPP-4 inhibitor saxagliptin. The GLP-1 agonist
      liraglutide was recently shown to reduce cardiovascular and all-cause mortality,
      yet hospitalization for HF was not significantly reduced. The SGLT2 inhibitor
      empagliflozin was shown to reduce HF admissions and cardiovascular mortality in
      patients with prior cardiovascular disease including HF. These recent data
      showing improved outcomes with a glucose-lowering category provide a novel
      strategy to improve survival and reduce morbidity in diabetic patients at high
      cardiovascular disease risk.

PMID- 27653448
TI  - Efficacy and safety of abobotulinumtoxinA liquid formulation in cervical
      dystonia: A randomized-controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Approved botulinum toxin A products require reconstitution.
      AbobotulinumtoxinA solution for injection is a ready-to-use liquid formulation of
      abobotulinumtoxinA. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to demonstrate
      the superior efficacy of abobotulinumtoxinA solution for injection to placebo and
      to test the noninferior efficacy of abobotulinumtoxinA solution for injection
      versus abobotulinumtoxinA (dry formulation) in cervical dystonia. METHODS: This
      was a phase-3, multicenter, prospective, double-blind, randomized, active, and
      placebo-controlled study (N = 369). Patients with cervical dystonia were
      randomized (3:3:1) to abobotulinumtoxinA solution for injection 500 U,
      abobotulinumtoxinA 500 U, or placebo. Following the double-blind phase, patients
      received abobotulinumtoxinA solution for injection, open-label, for up to 4
      cycles. The primary outcome was change from baseline at week 4 of the Toronto
      Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale total score. Secondary measures
      included change from baseline or cycle baseline in Toronto Western Spasmodic
      Torticollis Rating Scale scores. RESULTS: At week 4, both products were superior
      to placebo (Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale total score least
      square mean decrease from baseline, abobotulinumtoxinA solution for injection 500
      U -12.5, abobotulinumtoxinA 500 U -14.0, placebo -3.9; P < .0001 vs placebo). The
      noninferiority limit of 3 points in the Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis
      Rating Scale total score at week 4 was not met for abobotulinumtoxinA solution
      for injection versus abobotulinumtoxinA. Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis
      Rating Scale total score reductions were maintained for up to 4 cycles of
      abobotulinumtoxinA solution for injection open-label follow-up treatment. Safety
      profiles of abobotulinumtoxinA solution for injection and abobotulinumtoxinA were
      similar, with dysphagia and injection-site pain the most frequent drug-related
      adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Although the predefined noninferiority criterion was
      not met, abobotulinumtoxinA solution for injection was similarly effective to
      freeze-dried abobotulinumtoxinA in reducing Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis
      Rating Scale total scores with a similar safety profile. AbobotulinumtoxinA
      solution for injection efficacy was maintained with chronic open-label treatment,
      and this novel formulation may add convenience as well as dosing accuracy to
      treatment with abobotulinumtoxinA. (c) 2016 International Parkinson and Movement
      Disorder Society.

PMID- 27653449
TI  - Do metabolic derangements in end-stage polycystic kidney disease differ versus
      other primary kidney diseases?
AB  - AIM: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), a systemic disorder
      caused by mutation in genes encoding polycystins, has been reported to lead to
      metabolic derangements including new-onset diabetes mellitus after kidney
      transplantation. We analyzed markers of insulin resistance (IR), inflammation,
      nutritional status and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in end-stage renal
      disease (ESRD) patients with ADPKD and ESRD patients with other primary kidney
      diseases. METHODS: In a post hoc cross-sectional analysis in 254 non-diabetic CKD
      5 patients starting on dialysis, glucose metabolism (insulin, IGF-1, homeostasis
      model assessment of IR, HOMA-IR), inflammation (high sensitivity C-reactive
      protein, interleukin-6, and tumour necrosis factor), nutritional status, and bone
      mineral density (BMD), were assessed. Survival was recorded for median time of 28
      months (IQR 15-48 months). RESULTS: Neither indices of IR, nor IGF-1,
      inflammatory status, nutritional status, or BMD were different in patients with
      ADPKD as compared to other aetiologies of ESRD. Kaplan-Meier curves showed better
      survival among the ADPKD group versus other aetiologies, even after an exclusion
      of diabetic patients. CONCLUSIONS: The ESRD phenotype did not differ in ADPKD
      versus other primary kidney diseases in terms of markers of IR, inflammation, and
      nutritional status. This argues against the proposition that ADPKD patients are
      more prone to develop metabolic derangements beyond those generally observed in
      advanced CKD. However, additional studies are warranted to further elucidate
      systemic metabolic aspects of ADPKD.

PMID- 27653450
TI  - Feasibility, appropriateness, meaningfulness and effectiveness of patient
      participation at bedside shift reporting: mixed-method research protocol.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the feasibility, appropriateness, meaningfulness and
      effectiveness of bedside shift reporting in a minimum of five interventions and
      five control wards. BACKGROUND: Hospitals continually improve their quality of
      care. Next to improvements in clinical performance, more patient participation is
      stimulated through different methods. Methods to enhance patient participation
      such as bedside shift reporting lack rigorously performed research to determine
      their feasibility, appropriateness, meaningfulness and effectiveness. Small-scale
      research and a previous pilot study indicate that bedside shift reporting
      improves patient participation, nurse-nurse communication and nurse-patient
      communication. DESIGN: The development, implementation and evaluation of bedside
      shift report are based on the Medical Research Council framework for complex
      interventions in health care. A matched, controlled, mixed-method, longitudinal
      study design will be used. The Feasibility-Appropriateness-Meaningfulness
      Effectiveness framework will be applied for the quantitative and qualitative
      evaluation of bedside shift report. METHODS: A tailored intervention and
      implementation process for bedside shift report will be developed using
      diagnostic interviews, co-design and acceptability testing. The intervention will
      be evaluated before implementation and three times after implementation.
      Individual and focus group interviews will be performed. Questionnaires,
      observations and analysis of the medical records and administrative databases
      will be completed. This study was funded in October 2015. Research Ethics
      Committee approval was granted in March 2016. DISCUSSION: There is a pressing
      need for rigorous research into the effects of interventions for improving
      patient participation. This study addresses the significance of bedside shift
      report as an intervention to improve quality of care, communication and patient
      participation within a large-scale, matched, controlled research design.

PMID- 27653451
TI  - Beneficial effects of moderate alcohol use-a case for Occam's razor?

PMID- 27653452
TI  - Micropipette Technique Study of Natural and Synthetic Lung Surfactants at the Air
      Water Interface: Presence of a SP-B Analog Peptide Promotes Membrane Aggregation,
      Formation of Tightly Stacked Lamellae, and Growth of Myelin Figures.
AB  - The present study is a microscopic interfacial characterization of a series of
      lung surfactant materials performed with the micropipette technique. The
      advantages of this technique include the measurement of equilibrium and dynamic
      surface tensions while acquiring structural and dynamic information at
      microscopic air-water interfaces in real time and upon compression. Here, we
      characterized a series of animal-derived and synthetic lung surfactant
      formulations, including native surfactant obtained from porcine lungs (NS); the
      commercial Curosurf, Infasurf, and Survanta; and a synthetic Super Mini-B (SMB)
      containing formulation. It was observed that the presence of the natural
      hydrophobic proteins and, more strikingly, the peptide SMB, promoted vesicle
      condensation as thick membrane stacks beneath the interface. Only in the presence
      of SMB, these stacks underwent spontaneous structural transformations, consisting
      of the nucleation and growth of microtubes and in some cases their subsequent
      coiling into helices. The dimensions of these tubes (2-15 MUm diameter) and their
      linear (2-3 MUm/s) and volumetric growth rates (20-30 MUm3/s) were quantified,
      and no specific effects were found on them for increasing SMB concentrations from
      0.1 to 4%. Nevertheless, a direct correlation between the number of tubes and SMB
      contents was found, suggesting that SMB molecules are the promoters of tube
      nucleation in these membranes. A detailed analysis of the tube formation process
      was performed following previous models for the growth of myelin figures,
      proposing a combined mechanism between dehydration-rehydration of the lipid
      bilayers and induction of mechanical defects by SMB that would act as nucleation
      sites for the tubes. The formation of tubes was also observed in Infasurf, and in
      NS only after subsequent expansion and compression but neither in the other
      clinical surfactants nor in protein-free preparations. Finally, the connection
      between this data and the observations from the lung surfactant literature
      concerning the widely reported "near-zero surface tension" for lung surfactant
      films and intact alveolar surfaces is also discussed.

PMID- 27653453
TI  - Accuracy of a low-cost global positioning system receiver for estimating grade
      during outdoor walking.
AB  - The aim of this study was to assess, for the first time, the accuracy of a low
      cost global positioning system (GPS) receiver for estimating grade during outdoor
      walking. Thirty subjects completed outdoor walks (2.0, 3.5 and 5.0 km . h-1) in
      three randomized conditions: 1/level walking on a 0.0% grade; 2/graded (uphill
      and downhill) walking on a 3.4% grade; and 3/on a 10.4% grade. Subjects were
      equipped with a GPS receiver (DG100, GlobalSat Technology Corp., Taiwan; ~US$75).
      The GPS receiver was set to record at 1 Hz and its antenna was placed on the
      right shoulder. Grade was calculated from GPS speed and altitude data (grade  = 
      altitude variation/travelled distance  *  100). Two methods were used for the
      grade calculation: one using uncorrected altitude data given by the GPS receiver
      and another one using corrected altitude data obtained using map projection
      software (CartoExploreur, version 3.11.0, build 2.6.6.22, Bayo Ltd, Appoigny,
      France, ~US$35). Linear regression of GPS-estimated versus actual grade with R 2
      coefficients, bias with 95% limits of agreement (+/-95% LoA), and typical error
      of the estimate with 95% confidence interval (TEE (95% CI)) were computed to
      assess the accuracy of the GPS receiver. 444 walking periods were performed.
      Using uncorrected altitude data, we obtained: R 2  =  0.88 (p  <  0.001), bias  =
      0.0  +/-  6.6%, TEE between 1.9 (1.7-2.2)% and 4.2 (3.6-4.9)% according to the
      grade level. Using corrected altitude data, we obtained: R 2  =  0.98 (p  < 
      0.001), bias  =  0.2  +/-  1.9%, TEE between 0.2 (0.2-0.3)% and 1.0 (0.9-1.2)%
      according to the grade level. The low-cost GPS receiver used was weakly accurate
      for estimating grade during outdoor walking when using uncorrected altitude data.
      However, the accuracy was greatly improved when using corrected altitude data.
      This study supports the potential interest of using GPS for estimating energy
      expenditure during outdoor walking.

PMID- 27653454
TI  - Synthesis and fungicidal activity of tryptophan analogues - the unexpected
      calycanthaceous alkaloid derivatives.
AB  - A series of 21 N-protected tryptophan derivatives were synthesised from
      tryptophan in good yields. Their structures were characterised by IR, 1H NMR, 13C
      NMR, DEPT (90 degrees  and 135 degrees ) and MS analysis. The synthesised
      compounds were evaluated against a wide variety of plant pathogen fungi.
      Compounds a19 and a21 displayed activity against Fusarium oxysporum (F.
      oxysporum), and compound a21 showed high activity against F. oxysporum and
      Eggplant Verticillium, with EC50 values of 58.27 and 77.39 MUg mL-1,
      respectively. Considering that the bioassay of the title compounds was evaluated,
      effects of the chain alkyl substituents may contribute to the significant
      variations in fungicidal potency. Their structure-antifungal activity
      relationships were also discussed. These results will pave the way for further
      design, structural modification and development of calycanthaceous alkaloids as
      antimicrobial agents.

PMID- 27653455
TI  - Strategies to develop vaccines of pediatric interest.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The success of the vaccines available on the market has
      significantly increased interest in vaccine development. Areas covered: The main
      aim of this paper is to discuss the most important vaccines of pediatric interest
      that are currently being developed. New pneumococcal vaccines and vaccines
      against group B Streptococcus, Staphylococcus aureus and respiratory syncytial
      virus are analyzed in detail. Expert commentary: Advances in understanding human
      immunology, including human monoclonal antibody identification, sequencing
      technology, and the ability to solve atomic level structures of vaccine targets
      have provided tools to guide the rational design of future vaccines. It is likely
      that some of these vaccines will reach the market in the future and will thus
      partially contribute to the prevention of very severe diseases that significantly
      affect the morbidity and mortality of children. However, further studies in
      animals and several clinical trials in children must be performed before new
      vaccines become licensed.

PMID- 27653456
TI  - Systematic analysis of genetic variants in Han Chinese patients with sporadic
      Parkinson's disease.
AB  - Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders.
      Accumulated evidence confirms that genetic factors play a considerable role in PD
      pathogenesis. To examine whether point variants or haplotypes are associated with
      PD development, genotyping of 35 variants in 22 PD-related genes was performed in
      a well-characterized cohort of 512 Han Chinese PD patients and 512 normal
      controls. Both Pearson's chi2 test and haplotype analysis were used to evaluate
      whether variants or their haplotypes were associated with PD in this cohort. The
      only statistically significant differences in genotypic and allelic frequencies
      between the patients and the controls were in the DnaJ heat shock protein family
      (Hsp40) member C10 gene (DNAJC10) variant rs13414223 (P = 0.004 and 0.002,
      respectively; odds ratio = 0.652, 95% confidence interval: 0.496-0.857). No other
      variants or haplotypes exhibited any significant differences between these two
      groups (all corrected P > 0.05). Our findings indicate that the variant
      rs13414223 in the DNAJC10 gene, a paralog of PD-related genes DNAJC6 and DNAJC13,
      may play a protective role in PD. This suggests it may be a PD-associated gene.

PMID- 27653457
TI  - Polycyclic Eruption of the Thighs.

PMID- 27653458
TI  - Violation of the transit-time limit toward generation of ultrashort electron
      bunches with controlled velocity chirp.
AB  - Various methods to generate ultrashort electron bunches for the ultrafast science
      evolved from the simple configuration of two-plate vacuum diodes to advanced
      technologies such as nanotips or photocathodes excited by femtosecond lasers. In
      a diode either in vacuum or of solid-state, the transit-time limit originating
      from finite electron mobility has caused spatiotemporal bunch-collapse in
      ultrafast regime. Here, we show for the first time that abrupt exclusion of
      transit-phase is a more fundamental origin of the bunch-collapse than the transit
      time limit. We found that by significantly extending the cathode-anode gap
      distance, thereby violating the transit-time limit, the conventional transit-time
      related upper frequency barrier in diodes can be removed. Furthermore, we reveal
      how to control the velocity chirp of bunches leading to ballistic bunch
      compression. Demonstration of 0.707 THz-, 46.4 femtosecond-bunches from a 50 MUm
      wide diode in three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations shows a way toward
      simple and compact sources of ultrafast electron bunches for diverse ultrafast
      sciences.

PMID- 27653459
TI  - Corrigendum: Staircase Quantum Dots Configuration in Nanowires for Optimized
      Thermoelectric Power.

PMID- 27653460
TI  - Bioelectronic interfaces by spontaneously organized peptides on 2D atomic single
      layer materials.
AB  - Self-assembly of biological molecules on solid materials is central to the
      "bottom-up" approach to directly integrate biology with electronics. Inspired by
      biology, exquisite biomolecular nanoarchitectures have been formed on solid
      surfaces. We demonstrate that a combinatorially-selected dodecapeptide and its
      variants self-assemble into peptide nanowires on two-dimensional nanosheets,
      single-layer graphene and MoS2. The abrupt boundaries of nanowires create
      electronic junctions via spatial biomolecular doping of graphene and manifest
      themselves as a self-assembled electronic network. Furthermore, designed peptides
      form nanowires on single-layer MoS2 modifying both its electric conductivity and
      photoluminescence. The biomolecular doping of nanosheets defined by peptide
      nanostructures may represent the crucial first step in integrating biology with
      nano-electronics towards realizing fully self-assembled bionanoelectronic
      devices.

PMID- 27653461
TI  - Thoracic wall reconstruction with bioabsorbable plates in pediatric malignant
      thoracic wall tumors.
AB  - AIM: Childhood malignant chest wall tumors may require extensive surgical
      resection and reconstruction with musculoskeletal flaps or non-resorbable
      prosthetic materials. Implant-related complications and scoliosis often occur.
      This study analyzes the outcomes of chest wall reconstruction using resorbable
      plates as an alternative approach. METHODS: Retrospective review (2007-2015) of
      patients who underwent resection of malignant primary chest wall tumors in 2
      tertiary pediatric centers. Reconstruction was performed using copolymer (l
      lactic and glycolic acid) plates, fixed to the ribs and surrounding structures
      with copolymer screws and/or polyglactin sutures. RESULTS: Eight patients aged
      10.6+2.6years were treated. There were no operative complications, and implant
      removal was not required in any case. Six patients received postoperative
      radiotherapy. Over follow-up (39.6months, range 9.4-78), chest wall shape was
      maintained in all, and there were no radiological artifacts. Three patients
      developed scoliosis (Cobb 17 degrees -33 degrees ), but treatment was needed only
      in one, who had undergone hemivertebrectomy. There were no cases of local tumor
      relapse. One patient died because of metastatic spread. CONCLUSIONS: Implantation
      of bioabsorbable l-lactic and glycolic acid copolymer plates with a relatively
      simple technique provided a rigid, stable reconstruction with only mild mid-/long
      term complications. Resorbable plates may be a good alternative for pediatric
      chest wall reconstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

PMID- 27653462
TI  - Metabolic switches during the first steps of adipogenic stem cells
      differentiation.
AB  - The understanding of metabolism during cell proliferation and commitment provides
      a greater insight into the basic biology of cells, allowing future applications.
      Here we evaluated the energy and oxidative changes during the early adipogenic
      differentiation of human adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (hASCs). hASCs were
      maintained under differentiation conditions during 3 and 7days. Oxygen
      consumption, mitochondrial mass and membrane potential, reactive oxygen species
      (ROS) generation, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities, non-protein
      thiols (NPT) concentration and lipid peroxidation were analyzed. We observed that
      7days of adipogenic induction are required to stimulate cells to consume more
      oxygen and increase mitochondrial activity, indicating organelle maturation and a
      transition from glycolytic to oxidative energy metabolism. ROS production was
      only increased after 3days and may be involved in the differentiation commitment.
      ROS source was not only the mitochondria and we suggest that NOX proteins are
      related to ROS generation and therefore adipogenic commitment. ROS production did
      not change after 7days, but an increased activity of catalase and NPT
      concentration as well as a decreased lipid peroxidation were observed. Thus, a
      short period of differentiation induction is able to change the energetic and
      oxidative metabolic profile of hASCs and stimulate cytoprotection processes.

PMID- 27653463
TI  - Urinary dopamine in psychotic disorders is similar to that of pheochromocytoma
      and paraganglioma.

PMID- 27653465
TI  - Hollow manganese oxide nanoparticle-enhanced MRI of hypoxic-ischaemic brain
      injury in the neonatal rat.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the utility of hollow manganese oxide nanoparticle (HMON)
      enhanced MRI in depicting and monitoring apoptotic area following hypoxic
      ischaemic injury in a neonatal rat brain and to evaluate the longitudinal
      evolution of hypoxic-ischaemic brain injury (HII) up to 21 days. METHODS: The
      institutional animal care and use committee approval was obtained. The Rice
      Vannucci model of HII was used in 7-day-old rat pups (n = 17). MRI was performed
      1, 3, 7, 14 and 21 days after HII with intraperitoneal injection of HMON.
      Relative contrast values in the injured hemisphere and mean apparent diffusion
      coefficient values were calculated at each time point. Apoptosis and reactive
      astrogliosis were detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP
      biotin nick end-labelling (TUNEL) and glial fibrillary acidic protein staining,
      and the distribution and intensity of immunohistochemical staining were directly
      compared with those of HMON enhancement on MRI. RESULTS: The dorsolateral
      thalamus, hippocampus and remaining cortex of the injured hemisphere showed HMON
      enhancement from 3 to 21 days after HII. The mean relative contrast values in the
      dorsolateral thalamus showed an increase from a negative value at 1 day to 16.5
      +/- 4.8% at 21 days. The apoptotic cells and reactive astrocytes were observed on
      immunohistochemical staining from 1 to 21 days after HII. The accumulation of
      apoptotic cells regionally matched with the areas of HMON enhancement, while that
      of reactive astrocytes did not. CONCLUSION: The areas of HMON enhancement showed
      best spatial agreement with those of apoptosis on TUNEL staining. Both HMON
      enhancement and TUNEL-positive cells were observed up to 21 days after HII.
      Advances in knowledge: The strength of our study is the visualization of
      apoptotic area in vivo using HMON-enhanced MRI, and we also showed that HII has a
      prolonged evolution lasting for several weeks.

PMID- 27653464
TI  - Comparative genomics reveals adaptive evolution of Asian tapeworm in switching to
      a new intermediate host.
AB  - Taenia saginata, Taenia solium and Taenia asiatica (beef, pork and Asian
      tapeworms, respectively) are parasitic flatworms of major public health and food
      safety importance. Among them, T. asiatica is a newly recognized species that
      split from T. saginata via an intermediate host switch ~1.14 Myr ago. Here we
      report the 169- and 168-Mb draft genomes of T. saginata and T. asiatica.
      Comparative analysis reveals that high rates of gene duplications and functional
      diversifications might have partially driven the divergence between T. asiatica
      and T. saginata. We observe accelerated evolutionary rates, adaptive evolutions
      in homeostasis regulation, tegument maintenance and lipid uptakes, and
      differential/specialized gene family expansions in T. asiatica that may favour
      its hepatotropism in the new intermediate host. We also identify potential
      targets for developing diagnostic or intervention tools against human tapeworms.
      These data provide new insights into the evolution of Taenia parasites,
      particularly the recent speciation of T. asiatica.

PMID- 27653467
TI  - Disentangling the ACA's Coverage Effects - Lessons for Policymakers.

PMID- 27653466
TI  - Novel Therapeutic Transplantation of Induced Neural Stem Cells for Stroke.
AB  - Somatic cells can be directly converted into induced neural stem cells (iNSCs) by
      defined transcription factors. However, the therapeutic effect of
      undifferentiated iNSCs on ischemic stroke has not been demonstrated. In this
      study, we used a mouse model of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion
      (tMCAO). iNSCs (5 * 105) were injected directly into the ipsilateral striatum and
      cortex 24 h after tMCAO. Histological analysis was performed at 7 days, 28 days,
      and 8 months after tMCAO. We found that iNSC transplantation successfully
      improved the survival rate of stroke model mice with significant functional
      recovery from the stroke. The fate of engrafted iNSCs was that the majority of
      iNSCs had differentiated into astroglial cells but not into neural cells in both
      the sham-operated brain and the poststroke brain without forming a tumor up to 8
      months after tMCAO. Our data suggest that the directly converted iNSCs can be
      regarded as a candidate of safe cell resource for transplantation therapy in
      patients suffering from ischemic stroke.

PMID- 27653468
TI  - Continuous venovenous hemofiltration combined with hemoperfusion for toxic
      epidermal necrolysis: a retrospective cohort study.
AB  - AIM: The current treatments of toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are limited to
      the discontinuation of a suspect medication and supportive measures. We conducted
      a retrospective study to evaluate the efficacy of adding continuous venovenous
      hemofiltration (CVVH) and hemoperfusion (HP) to the conventional treatment for
      TEN. METHODS: TEN patients who were admitted to our center between January 2008
      and May 2016 were considered as candidates. The included patients were divided
      into the CVVH&HP group (n = 34) and the conventional group (n = 34) according to
      their accepted therapies during hospital stay. RESULTS: The patients in the
      conventional group had a significantly reduced 28-day survival proportion
      compared with patients in the CVVH&HP group (73.5 versus 91.2%, p = .047). The
      adjusted results demonstrated that the conventional group had a significantly
      higher risk of 28-day mortality as well. Moreover, patients in the CVVH&HP group
      were associated with significantly shorter hospital stay, rash, fever, and
      antibiotic durations. However, the addition of CVVH&HP to conventional treatment
      did not significantly increase the in-hospital cost. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion,
      CVVH&HP might be a safe and effective adjuvant therapy for TEN. Further well
      designed studies are warranted to obtain robust evidence.

PMID- 27653469
TI  - Developing particle emission inventories using remote sensing (PEIRS).
AB  - : Information regarding the magnitude and distribution of PM2.5 emissions is
      crucial in establishing effective PM regulations and assessing the associated
      risk to human health and the ecosystem. At present, emission data is obtained
      from measured or estimated emission factors of various source types. Collecting
      such information for every known source is costly and time-consuming. For this
      reason, emission inventories are reported periodically and unknown or smaller
      sources are often omitted or aggregated at large spatial scale. To address these
      limitations, we have developed and evaluated a novel method that uses remote
      sensing data to construct spatially resolved emission inventories for PM2.5. This
      approach enables us to account for all sources within a fixed area, which renders
      source classification unnecessary. We applied this method to predict emissions in
      the northeastern United States during the period 2002-2013 using high-resolution
      1 km * 1 km aerosol optical depth (AOD). Emission estimates moderately agreed
      with the EPA National Emission Inventory (R2 = 0.66-0.71, CV = 17.7-20%).
      Predicted emissions are found to correlate with land use parameters, suggesting
      that our method can capture emissions from land-use-related sources. In addition,
      we distinguished small-scale intra-urban variation in emissions reflecting
      distribution of metropolitan sources. In essence, this study demonstrates the
      great potential of remote sensing data to predict particle source emissions cost
      effectively. IMPLICATIONS: We present a novel method, particle emission
      inventories using remote sensing (PEIRS), using remote sensing data to construct
      spatially resolved PM2.5 emission inventories. Both primary emissions and
      secondary formations are captured and predicted at a high spatial resolution of 1
      km * 1 km. Using PEIRS, large and comprehensive data sets can be generated cost
      effectively and can inform development of air quality regulations.

PMID- 27653471
TI  - Identifying N-Glycan Biomarkers in Colorectal Cancer by Mass Spectrometry.
AB  - Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide.
      Delineating biological markers (biomarkers) for early detection, when treatment
      is most effective, is key to prevention and long-term survival of patients.
      Development of reliable biomarkers requires an increased understanding of the CRC
      biology and the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms of the disease. With
      recent advances in new technologies and approaches, tremendous efforts have been
      put in proteomics and genomics fields to deliver detailed analysis of the two
      major biomolecules, genes and proteins, to gain a more complete understanding of
      cellular systems at both genomic and proteomic levels, allowing a mechanistic
      understanding of the human diseases, including cancer, and opening avenues for
      identification of novel gene and protein based prognostic and therapeutic
      markers. Although the importance of glycosylation in modulating protein function
      has long been appreciated, glycan analysis has been complicated by the diversity
      of the glycan structures and the large number of potential glycosylation
      combinations. Driven by recent technological advances, LC-MS/MS based glycomics
      is gaining momentum in cancer research and holds considerable potential to
      deliver new glycan-based markers. In our laboratory, we investigated alterations
      in N-glycosylation associated with CRC malignancy in a panel of CRC cell lines
      and CRC patient tissues. In an initial study, LC-MS/MS-based N-glycomics were
      utilized to map the N-glycome landscape associated with a panel of CRC cell lines
      (LIM1215, LIM1899, and LIM2405). These studies were subsequently extended to
      paired tumor and nontumorigenic CRC tissues to validate the findings in the cell
      line. Our studies in both CRC cell lines and tissues identified a strong
      representation of high mannose and alpha2,6-linked sialylated complex N-glycans,
      which corroborate findings from previous studies in CRC and other cancers. In
      addition, certain unique glycan determinants such as bisecting beta1,4
      GlcNAcylation and alpha2,3-sialylation, identified in the metastatic (LIM1215)
      and aggressive (LIM2405) CRC cell lines, respectively, were shown to be
      associated with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression status. In
      this Account, we will describe the mass spectrometry based N-glycomics approach
      utilized in our laboratory to accurately profile the cell- and tissue-specific N
      glycomes associated with CRC. We will highlight altered N-glycosylation observed
      by our studies, consistent with findings from other cancer studies, and discuss
      how the observed alterations can provide insights into CRC pathogenesis, opening
      new avenues to identify novel disease-associated glycan markers.

PMID- 27653470
TI  - Bioactivity of Ruta graveolens and Satureja montana Essential Oils on Solanum
      tuberosum Hairy Roots and Solanum tuberosum Hairy Roots with Meloidogyne
      chitwoodi Co-cultures.
AB  - As a nematotoxics screening biotechnological system, Solanum tuberosum hairy
      roots (StHR) and S. tuberosum hairy roots with Meloidogyne chitwoodi co-cultures
      (StHR/CRKN) were evaluated, with and without the addition of the essential oils
      (EOs) of Satureja montana and Ruta graveolens. EOs nematotoxic and phytotoxic
      effects were followed weekly by evaluating nematode population density in the co
      cultures as well as growth and volatile profiles of both in vitro cultures types.
      Growth, measured by the dissimilation method and by fresh and dry weight
      determination, was inhibited after EO addition. Nematode population increased in
      control cultures, while in EO-added cultures numbers were kept stable. In
      addition to each of the EOs main components, and in vitro cultures constitutive
      volatiles, new volatiles were detected by gas chromatography and gas
      chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry in both culture types. StHR with CRKN
      co-cultures showed to be suitable for preliminary assessment of nematotoxic EOs.

PMID- 27653472
TI  - Angling for A Better View.

PMID- 27653473
TI  - Microfluidic Cold-Finger Device for the Investigation of Ice-Binding Proteins.
AB  - Ice-binding proteins (IBPs) bind to ice crystals and control their structure,
      enlargement, and melting, thereby helping their host organisms to avoid injuries
      associated with ice growth. IBPs are useful in applications where ice growth
      control is necessary, such as cryopreservation, food storage, and anti-icing. The
      study of an IBP's mechanism of action is limited by the technological
      difficulties of in situ observations of molecules at the dynamic interface
      between ice and water. We describe herein a new, to our knowledge, apparatus
      designed to generate a controlled temperature gradient in a microfluidic chip,
      called a microfluidic cold finger (MCF). This device allows growth of a stable
      ice crystal that can be easily manipulated with or without IBPs in solution.
      Using the MCF, we show that the fluorescence signal of IBPs conjugated to green
      fluorescent protein is reduced upon freezing and recovers at melting. This
      finding strengthens the evidence for irreversible binding of IBPs to their
      ligand, ice. We also used the MCF to demonstrate the basal-plane affinity of
      several IBPs, including a recently described IBP from Rhagium inquisitor. Use of
      the MCF device, along with a temperature-controlled setup, provides a relatively
      simple and robust technique that can be widely used for further analysis of
      materials at the ice/water interface. 

PMID- 27653475
TI  - Can Dissipative Properties of Single Molecules Be Extracted from a Force
      Spectroscopy Experiment?
AB  - We performed dynamic force spectroscopy of single dextran and titin I27 molecules
      using small-amplitude and low-frequency (40-240 Hz) dithering of an atomic force
      microscope tip excited by a sine wave voltage fed onto the tip-carrying piezo. We
      show that for such low-frequency dithering experiments, recorded phase
      information can be unambiguously interpreted within the framework of a
      transparent theoretical model that starts from a well-known partial differential
      equation to describe the dithering of an atomic force microscope cantilever and a
      single molecule attached to its end system, uses an appropriate set of initial
      and boundary conditions, and does not exploit any implicit suggestions. We
      conclude that the observed phase (dissipation) signal is due completely to the
      dissipation related to the dithering of the cantilever itself (i.e., to the
      change of boundary conditions in the course of stretching). For both cases, only
      the upper bound of the dissipation of a single molecule has been established as
      not exceeding 3?10(-7)kg/s. We compare our results with previously reported
      measurements of the viscoelastic properties of single molecules, and we emphasize
      that extreme caution must be taken in distinguishing between the dissipation
      related to the stretched molecule and the dissipation that originates from the
      viscous damping of the dithered cantilever. We also present the results of an
      amplitude channel data analysis, which reveal that the typical values of the
      spring constant of a I27 molecule at the moment of module unfolding are equal to
      4+/-1.5mN/m, and the typical values of the spring constant of dextran at the
      moment of chair-boat transition are equal to 30-50mN/m. 

PMID- 27653476
TI  - Identification of HIV-1-Based Virus-like Particles by Multifrequency Atomic Force
      Microscopy.
AB  - Virus-like particles (VLPs) have become a promising platform for vaccine
      production. VLPs are formed by structural viral proteins that inherently self
      assemble when expressed in a host cell. They represent a highly immunogenic and
      safe vaccine platform, due to the absence of the viral genome and its high
      protein density. One of the most important parameters in vaccine production is
      the quality of the product. A related bottleneck in VLP-based products is the
      presence of cellular vesicles as a major contaminant in the preparations, which
      will require the set up of techniques allowing for specific discrimination of
      VLPs from host vesicular bodies. In this work novel, to our knowledge,
      multifrequency (MF) atomic force microscopy (AFM) has permitted full structural
      nanophysical characterization by its access to the virus capsid of the HIV-based
      VLPs. The assessment of these particles by advanced amplitude modulation
      frequency modulation (AM-FM) viscoelastic mapping mode has enhanced the imaging
      resolution of their nanomechanical properties, opening a new window for the study
      of the biophysical attributes of VLPs. Finally, the identification and
      differentiation of HIV-based VLPs from cellular vesicles has been performed under
      ambient conditions, providing, to our knowledge, novel methodology for the
      monitoring and quality control of VLPs. 

PMID- 27653474
TI  - Domain Organization in the 54-kDa Subunit of the Chloroplast Signal Recognition
      Particle.
AB  - Chloroplast signal recognition particle (cpSRP) is a heterodimer composed of an
      evolutionarily conserved 54-kDa GTPase (cpSRP54) and a unique 43-kDa subunit
      (cpSRP43) responsible for delivering light-harvesting chlorophyll binding protein
      to the thylakoid membrane. While a nearly complete three-dimensional structure of
      cpSRP43 has been determined, no high-resolution structure is yet available for
      cpSRP54. In this study, we developed and examined an in silico three-dimensional
      model of the structure of cpSRP54 by homology modeling using cytosolic homologs.
      Model selection was guided by single-molecule Forster resonance energy transfer
      experiments, which revealed the presence of at least two distinct conformations.
      Small angle x-ray scattering showed that the linking region among the GTPase (G
      domain) and methionine-rich (M-domain) domains, an M-domain loop, and the cpSRP43
      binding C-terminal extension of cpSRP54 are predominantly disordered.
      Interestingly, the linker and loop segments were observed to play an important
      role in organizing the domain arrangement of cpSRP54. Further, deletion of the
      finger loop abolished loading of the cpSRP cargo, light-harvesting chlorophyll
      binding protein. These data highlight important structural dynamics relevant to
      cpSRP54's role in the post- and cotranslational signaling processes. 

PMID- 27653477
TI  - Ultraslow Water-Mediated Transmembrane Interactions Regulate the Activation of
      A2A Adenosine Receptor.
AB  - Water molecules inside a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) have recently been
      spotlighted in a series of crystal structures. To decipher the dynamics and
      functional roles of internal water molecules in GPCR activity, we studied the A2A
      adenosine receptor using microsecond molecular-dynamics simulations. Our study
      finds that the amount of water flux across the transmembrane (TM) domain varies
      depending on the receptor state, and that the water molecules of the TM channel
      in the active state flow three times more slowly than those in the inactive
      state. Depending on the location in solvent-protein interface as well as the
      receptor state, the average residence time of water in each residue varies from
      ~O(10(2)) ps to ~O(10(2)) ns. Especially, water molecules, exhibiting ultraslow
      relaxation (~O(10(2)) ns) in the active state, are found around the microswitch
      residues that are considered activity hotspots for GPCR function. A continuous
      allosteric network spanning the TM domain, arising from water-mediated contacts,
      is unique in the active state, underscoring the importance of slow water
      molecules in the activation of GPCRs. 

PMID- 27653478
TI  - Cardiac Calcium ATPase Dimerization Measured by Cross-Linking and Fluorescence
      Energy Transfer.
AB  - The cardiac sarco/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA) establishes the
      intracellular calcium gradient across the sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane. It has
      been proposed that SERCA forms homooligomers that increase the catalytic rate of
      calcium transport. We investigated SERCA dimerization in rabbit left ventricular
      myocytes using a photoactivatable cross-linker. Western blotting of cross-linked
      SERCA revealed higher-molecular-weight species consistent with SERCA
      oligomerization. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer measurements in cells
      transiently transfected with fluorescently labeled SERCA2a revealed that SERCA
      readily forms homodimers. These dimers formed in the absence or presence of the
      SERCA regulatory partner, phospholamban (PLB) and were unaltered by PLB
      phosphorylation or changes in calcium or ATP. Fluorescence lifetime data are
      compatible with a model in which PLB interacts with a SERCA homodimer in a
      stoichiometry of 1:2. Together, these results suggest that SERCA forms
      constitutive homodimers in live cells and that dimer formation is not modulated
      by SERCA conformational poise, PLB binding, or PLB phosphorylation. 

PMID- 27653479
TI  - A Dynamic Picture of the Early Events in Nociceptin Binding to the NOP Receptor
      by Metadynamics.
AB  - Nociceptin (NCC, also known as FQ (N/OFQ)) is the 17-amino acid neuropeptide,
      endogenous ligand for the G-protein-coupled receptor (NOP, also known as ORL-1).
      In this study, starting from the recently reported x-ray structure at pH 7 of NOP
      in complex with an antagonist, new insights, to our knowledge, on the binding
      geometry of NCC to NOP have been provided in silico. After a rigid docking of NCC
      in an alpha-helix conformation, molecular dynamics (MD) and metadynamics (METAD),
      a method for the analysis of free-energy surfaces (FES), were performed on the
      protein-peptide complex. Free-energy profiles were obtained as a function of the
      alpha-helix content of different segments of the 17-mer ligand, and a structural
      ensemble of conformations of NCC, corresponding to the minimum of the FES, was
      extracted, thus representing the NCC bound to the inactive form of NOP. The
      structural features were compared with many known experimental data. The pose of
      the "message" domain (residues 1-4) of NCC differs from that of the known NOP
      antagonists, as being slightly slipped deeper inside the protein core. A residual
      alpha-helix content in the central part of the peptide (residues 4-9) is
      maintained, whereas the C-terminal segment (residues 13-17) is unstructured and
      highly flexible. An important stabilization due to interactions with residues
      D130 and D110 of the receptor has been found, in agreement with the large
      decrease in agonist potency reported for the D130A and D110A mutants. The
      importance of the extracellular domain 2 (ECL2) in the selectivity toward the
      endogenous ligand has been confirmed. A pivotal role for the conserved residue
      N133 is suggested and further supported by a study of the N133A in silico mutant.
      Accordingly, N133 can work as a molecular microswitch driving the change between
      the inactive and active NOP conformations, in the framework of an extended H-bond
      and water network rearrangement in the deep binding site. 

PMID- 27653480
TI  - Energetics of Ion Permeation in an Open-Activated TRPV1 Channel.
AB  - Ion channels enable diffusion of ions down physiological electrochemical
      gradients. Modulation of ion permeation is crucial for the physiological
      functioning of cells, and misregulation of ion channels is linked to a myriad of
      channelopathies. The ion permeation mechanism in the transient receptor potential
      (TRP) ion channel family is currently not understood at an atomistic level. In
      this work, we employed a simulation strategy for ion permeation (molecular
      dynamics simulations with bias-exchange metadynamics) to study and compare
      monovalent (Na(+), K(+)) ion permeation in the open-activated TRP vanniloid-1
      (TRPV1) ion channel. Using ~3.6 MUs of simulation trajectories, we obtained
      atomistic evidence for the nonselective nature of TRPV1. Our analysis shows that
      solvated monovalent ions permeate through the selectivity filter with comparable
      energetic barriers via a two-site mechanism. Finally, we confirmed that an
      intracellular binding site is located between the intracellular gate residues
      I679 and E684. 

PMID- 27653481
TI  - Voltage Dependence of Conformational Dynamics and Subconducting States of VDAC-1.
AB  - The voltage-dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC-1) is an important protein of the
      outer mitochondrial membrane that transports energy metabolites and is involved
      in apoptosis. The available structures of VDAC proteins show a wide beta-stranded
      barrel pore, with its N-terminal alpha-helix (N-alpha) bound to its interior.
      Electrophysiology experiments revealed that voltage, its polarity, and membrane
      composition modulate VDAC currents. Experiments with VDAC-1 mutants identified
      amino acids that regulate the gating process. However, the mechanisms for how
      these factors regulate VDAC-1, and which changes they trigger in the channel, are
      still unknown. In this study, molecular dynamics simulations and single-channel
      experiments of VDAC-1 show agreement for the current-voltage relationships of an
      "open" channel and they also show several subconducting transient states that are
      more cation selective in the simulations. We observed voltage-dependent
      asymmetric distortions of the VDAC-1 barrel and the displacement of particular
      charged amino acids. We constructed conformational models of the protein voltage
      response and the pore changes that consistently explain the protein conformations
      observed at opposite voltage polarities, either in phosphatidylethanolamine or
      phosphatidylcholine membranes. The submicrosecond VDAC-1 voltage response shows
      intrinsic structural changes that explain the role of key gating amino acids and
      support some of the current gating hypotheses. These voltage-dependent protein
      changes include asymmetric barrel distortion, its interaction with the membrane,
      and significant displacement of N-alpha amino acids. 

PMID- 27653482
TI  - Single-Molecule Imaging of Nav1.6 on the Surface of Hippocampal Neurons Reveals
      Somatic Nanoclusters.
AB  - Voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channels are responsible for the depolarizing phase of
      the action potential in most nerve cells, and Nav channel localization to the
      axon initial segment is vital to action potential initiation. Nav channels in the
      soma play a role in the transfer of axonal output information to the rest of the
      neuron and in synaptic plasticity, although little is known about Nav channel
      localization and dynamics within this neuronal compartment. This study uses
      single-particle tracking and photoactivation localization microscopy to analyze
      cell-surface Nav1.6 within the soma of cultured hippocampal neurons. Mean-square
      displacement analysis of individual trajectories indicated that half of the
      somatic Nav1.6 channels localized to stable nanoclusters ~230 nm in diameter.
      Strikingly, these domains were stabilized at specific sites on the cell membrane
      for >30 min, notably via an ankyrin-independent mechanism, indicating that the
      means by which Nav1.6 nanoclusters are maintained in the soma is biologically
      different from axonal localization. Nonclustered Nav1.6 channels showed anomalous
      diffusion, as determined by mean-square-displacement analysis. High-density
      single-particle tracking of Nav channels labeled with photoactivatable
      fluorophores in combination with Bayesian inference analysis was employed to
      characterize the surface nanoclusters. A subpopulation of mobile Nav1.6 was
      observed to be transiently trapped in the nanoclusters. Somatic Nav1.6
      nanoclusters represent a new, to our knowledge, type of Nav channel localization,
      and are hypothesized to be sites of localized channel regulation. 

PMID- 27653483
TI  - Simulations of Membrane-Disrupting Peptides I: Alamethicin Pore Stability and
      Spontaneous Insertion.
AB  - An all-atom molecular dynamics simulation of the archetype barrel-stave
      alamethicin (alm) pore in a 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine bilayer at
      313 K indicates that ~7 MUs is required for equilibration of a preformed 6
      peptide pore; the pore remains stable for the duration of the remaining 7 MUs of
      the trajectory, and the structure factors agree well with experiment. A 5 MUs
      simulation of 10 surface-bound alm peptides shows significant peptide unfolding
      and some unbinding, but no insertion. Simulations at 363 and 413 K with a -0.2 V
      electric field yield peptide insertion in 1 MUs. Insertion is initiated by the
      folding of residues 3-11 into an alpha-helix, and mediated by membrane water or
      by previously inserted peptides. The stability of five alm pore peptides at 413 K
      with a -0.2 V electric field demonstrates a significant preference for a
      transmembrane orientation. Hence, and in contrast to the cationic antimicrobial
      peptide described in the following article, alm shows a strong preference for the
      inserted over the surface-bound state. 

PMID- 27653484
TI  - Simulations of Membrane-Disrupting Peptides II: AMP Piscidin 1 Favors Surface
      Defects over Pores.
AB  - Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that disrupt bacterial membranes are promising
      therapeutics against the growing number of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The
      mechanism of membrane disruption by the AMP piscidin 1 was examined with
      multimicrosecond all-atom molecular dynamics simulations and solid-state NMR
      spectroscopy. The primary simulation was initialized with 20 peptides in four
      barrel-stave pores in a fully hydrated 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3
      phosphocholine/1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoglycerol bilayer. The
      four pores relaxed to toroidal by 200 ns, only one porelike structure containing
      two transmembrane helices remained at 26 MUs, and none of the 18 peptides
      released to the surface reinserted to form pores. The simulation was repeated at
      413 K with an applied electric field and all peptides were surface-bound by 200
      ns. Trajectories of surface-bound piscidin with and without applied fields at 313
      and 413 K and totaling 6 MUs show transient distortions of the bilayer/water
      interface (consistent with (31)P NMR), but no insertion to transmembrane or pore
      states. (15)N chemical shifts confirm a fully surface-bound conformation. Taken
      together, the simulation and experimental results imply that transient defects
      rather than stable pores are responsible for membrane disruption by piscidin 1,
      and likely other AMPs. 

PMID- 27653486
TI  - Optimal Background Estimators in Single-Molecule FRET Microscopy.
AB  - Single-molecule total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy
      constitutes an umbrella of powerful tools that facilitate direct observation of
      the biophysical properties, population heterogeneities, and interactions of
      single biomolecules without the need for ensemble synchronization. Due to the low
      signal/noise ratio in single-molecule TIRF microscopy experiments, it is
      important to determine the local background intensity, especially when the
      fluorescence intensity of the molecule is used quantitatively. Here we compare
      and evaluate the performance of different aperture-based background estimators
      used particularly in single-molecule Forster resonance energy transfer. We
      introduce the general concept of multiaperture signatures and use this technique
      to demonstrate how the choice of background can affect the measured fluorescence
      signal considerably. A new, to our knowledge, and simple background estimator is
      proposed, called the local statistical percentile (LSP). We show that the LSP
      background estimator performs as well as current background estimators at low
      molecular densities and significantly better in regions of high molecular
      densities. The LSP background estimator is thus suited for single-particle TIRF
      microscopy of dense biological samples in which the intensity itself is an
      observable of the technique. 

PMID- 27653485
TI  - Membrane Binding and Oligomerization of the Lipopeptide A54145 Studied by Pyrene
      Fluorescence.
AB  - A54145 is a lipopeptide antibiotic related to daptomycin that permeabilizes
      bacterial cell membranes. Its action requires both calcium and
      phosphatidylglycerol in the target membrane, and it is accompanied by the
      formation of membrane-associated oligomers. We here probed the interaction of
      A54145 with model membranes composed of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine and
      dimyristoylphosphatidylglycerol, using the steady-state and time-resolved
      fluorescence of a pyrene-labeled derivative (Py-A54145). In solution, the labeled
      peptide was found to exist as a monomer. Its membrane interaction occurred in two
      stages that could be clearly distinguished by varying the calcium concentration.
      In the first stage, which was observed between 0.15 and 1 mM calcium, Py-A54145
      bound to the membrane, as indicated by a strong increase in pyrene monomer
      emission. At the same calcium concentration, excimer emission increased also,
      suggesting that Py-A54145 had oligomerized. A global analysis of the time
      resolved pyrene monomer and excimer fluorescence confirmed that Py-A54145 forms
      oligomers quantitatively and concomitantly with membrane binding. When calcium
      was raised beyond 1 mM, a distinct second transition was observed that may
      correspond to a doubling of the number of oligomer subunits. The collective
      findings confirm and extend our understanding of the action mode of A54145 and
      daptomycin. 

PMID- 27653487
TI  - The Effect of Temperature on Microtubule-Based Transport by Cytoplasmic Dynein
      and Kinesin-1 Motors.
AB  - Cytoplasmic dynein and kinesin are both microtubule-based molecular motors but
      are structurally and evolutionarily unrelated. Under standard conditions, both
      move with comparable unloaded velocities toward either the microtubule minus
      (dynein) or plus (most kinesins) end. This similarity is important because it is
      often implicitly incorporated into models that examine the balance of cargo
      fluxes in cells and into models of the bidirectional motility of individual
      cargos. We examined whether this similarity is a robust feature, and specifically
      whether it persists across the biologically relevant temperature range. The
      velocity of mammalian cytoplasmic dynein, but not of mammalian kinesin-1,
      exhibited a break from simple Arrhenius behavior below 15 degrees C-just above
      the restrictive temperature of mammalian fast axonal transport. In contrast, the
      velocity of yeast cytoplasmic dynein showed a break from Arrhenius behavior at a
      lower temperature (~8 degrees C). Our studies implicate cytoplasmic dynein as a
      more thermally tunable motor and therefore a potential thermal regulator of
      microtubule-based transport. Our theoretical analysis further suggests that motor
      velocity changes can lead to qualitative changes in individual cargo motion and
      hence net intracellular cargo fluxes. We propose that temperature can potentially
      be used as a noninvasive probe of intracellular transport. 

PMID- 27653488
TI  - A Beetle Flight Muscle Displays Leg Muscle Microstructure.
AB  - In contrast to major flight muscles in the Mecynorrhina torquata beetle, the
      third axillary (3Ax) muscle is a minor flight muscle that uniquely displays a
      powerful mechanical function despite its considerably small volume, ~1/50 that of
      a major flight muscle. The 3Ax muscle contracts relatively slowly, and in flight
      strongly pulls the beating wing to attenuate the stroke amplitude. This
      attenuation leads to left-right turning in flight or wing folding to cease
      flying. What enables this small muscle to be so powerful? To explore this
      question, we examined the microstructure of the 3Ax muscle using synchrotron x
      ray diffraction, optical microscopy, and immunoblotting analysis. We found that
      the 3Ax muscle has long (~5 MUm) myofilaments and that the ratio of thick
      (myosin) filaments to thin (actin) filaments is 1:5 or 1:6. These characteristics
      are not observed in the major flight muscles, which have shorter myofilaments
      (~3.5 MUm) with a smaller ratio (1:3), and instead are more typical of a leg
      muscle. Furthermore, the flight-muscle-specific troponin isoform, TnH, is not
      expressed in the 3Ax muscle. Since such a microstructure is suitable for
      generating large tension, the 3Ax muscle is appropriately designed to pull the
      wing strongly despite its small volume. 

PMID- 27653489
TI  - Electrophysiological Determination of Submembrane Na(+) Concentration in Cardiac
      Myocytes.
AB  - In the heart, Na(+) is a key modulator of the action potential, Ca(2+)
      homeostasis, energetics, and contractility. Because Na(+) currents and
      cotransport fluxes depend on the Na(+) concentration in the submembrane region,
      it is necessary to accurately estimate the submembrane Na(+) concentration
      ([Na(+)]sm). Current methods using Na(+)-sensitive fluorescent indicators or
      Na(+) -sensitive electrodes cannot measure [Na(+)]sm. However, electrophysiology
      methods are ideal for measuring [Na(+)]sm. In this article, we develop patch
      clamp protocols and experimental conditions to determine the upper bound of
      [Na(+)]sm at the peak of action potential and its lower bound at the resting
      state. During the cardiac cycle, the value of [Na(+)]sm is constrained within
      these bounds. We conducted experiments in rabbit ventricular myocytes at body
      temperature and found that 1) at a low pacing frequency of 0.5 Hz, the upper and
      lower bounds converge at 9 mM, constraining the [Na(+)]sm value to ~9 mM; 2) at 2
      Hz pacing frequency, [Na(+)]sm is bounded between 9 mM at resting state and 11.5
      mM; and 3) the cells can maintain [Na(+)]sm to the above values, despite changes
      in the pipette Na(+) concentration, showing autoregulation of Na(+) in beating
      cardiomyocytes. 

PMID- 27653490
TI  - Topography of Cells Revealed by Variable-Angle Total Internal Reflection
      Fluorescence Microscopy.
AB  - We propose an improved version of variable-angle total internal reflection
      fluorescence microscopy (vaTIRFM) adapted to modern TIRF setup. This technique
      involves the recording of a stack of TIRF images, by gradually increasing the
      incident angle of the light beam on the sample. A comprehensive theory was
      developed to extract the membrane/substrate separation distance from
      fluorescently labeled cell membranes. A straightforward image processing was then
      established to compute the topography of cells with a nanometric axial
      resolution, typically 10-20 nm. To highlight the new opportunities offered by
      vaTIRFM to quantify adhesion process of motile cells, adhesion of MDA-MB-231
      cancer cells on glass substrate coated with fibronectin was examined. 

PMID- 27653491
TI  - Saturation Dynamics Measures Absolute Cross Section and Generates Contrast within
      a Neuron.
AB  - The intensity required to optically saturate a chromophore is a molecular
      property that is determined by its absorption cross section (sigma) and the
      excited state lifetime. We present an analytical description of such a system and
      show that fluorescence around the onset of saturation is characterized by product
      of absorption cross section and lifetime. Using this approach we formulate a
      generalized method for measuring the multiphoton cross section of fluorophores
      and use it to obtain the absolute three-photon cross-section spectra of
      tryptophan. We find that the tryptophan three-photon cross section ranges from
      0.28 S.I. units (m(6)s(2)photon(-2)) at 870 nm to 20 S.I. units at 740 nm.
      Further, we show that the product of molecular rate of excitation and de
      excitation, denoted as beta, serves as a vital contrasting agent for imaging
      local environment. Our contrast parameter, beta, is related to fraction of the
      population present in the excited state and is independent of the fluorophore
      concentration. We show that beta-imaging can be carried out in a regular two
      photon microscope setup through a series of intensity scans. Using enhanced green
      fluorescent protein (EGFP) fluorescence from the brain slices of Thy-1 EGFP
      transgenic mice, we show that there is an inherent, concentration independent,
      variation in contrast across the soma and the dendrite. 

PMID- 27653492
TI  - New Biological Frontiers Illuminated by Molecular Sensors and Actuators.

PMID- 27653493
TI  - Tracheoesophageal fistula: open versus endoscopic repair.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The management of primary or recurrent tracheoesophageal
      fistula (TEF) remains an important challenge for airway surgeons. RECENT
      FINDINGS: The accuracy of prenatal detection can be significantly improved in
      specialized centers. Routine preoperative and postoperative airway endoscopy is
      recommended to detect a proximal fistula and evaluate vocal cord motility.
      Minimally invasive thoracoscopic approaches have equal success and improved
      cosmesis and visualization as compared with thoracostomy. Novel open approaches
      for complex TEF include a transcervical, transtracheal approach, and slide
      tracheoplasty.Endoscopic closure of TEF carries less morbidity. Options include
      de-epithelialization of the tract, interposed material, and combinations. The
      mean operative time is 30 min; however multiple treatments are required (average
      2.1). Use of continuous positive airway pressure in the immediate postoperative
      period was not associated with increased leak or recurrence. Children post-TEF
      repair continue to have frequent gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms.
      SUMMARY: Prenatal diagnosis is beneficial both for prenatal counseling and for
      planning care. The ideal endoscopic approach is undecided but remains an
      interesting alternative to open surgery provided failures are anticipated and
      prompt repeated treatments initiated to preclude ongoing respiratory
      complications. Transtracheal approaches and slide tracheoplasty are well
      tolerated and effective in complex/recurrent cases. Long-term follow-up of
      patients with TEF is important.

PMID- 27653494
TI  - Use of Baby Isao Simulator and Standardized Parents in Hearing Screening and
      Parent Counseling Education.
AB  - PURPOSE: The primary purpose of this study was to test the effect of the combined
      use of trained standardized parents and a baby simulator on students' hearing
      screening and parental counseling knowledge and skills. METHOD: A one-group
      pretest-posttest quasi-experimental study design was used to assess self-ratings
      of confidence in knowledge and skills and satisfaction of the educational
      experience with standardized parents and a baby simulator. The mean age of the 14
      audiology students participating in this study was 24.79 years (SD = 1.58).
      Participants completed a pre- and postevent questionnaire in which they rated
      their level of confidence for specific knowledge and skills. Six students (2
      students in each scenario) volunteered to participate in the infant hearing
      screening and counseling scenarios, whereas others participated as observers. All
      participants participated in the briefing and debriefing sessions immediately
      before and after each of 3 scenarios. After the last scenario, participants were
      asked to complete a satisfaction survey of their learning experience using
      simulation and standardized parents. RESULTS: Overall, the pre- and post
      simulation event questionnaire revealed a significant improvement in the
      participants' self-rated confidence levels regarding knowledge and skills. The
      mean difference between pre- and postevent scores was 0.52 (p < .01). The mean
      satisfaction level was 4.71 (range = 3.91-5.00; SD = 0.30) based on a Likert
      scale, where 1 = not satisfied and 5 = very satisfied. CONCLUSIONS: The results
      of this novel educational activity demonstrate the value of using infant hearing
      screening and parental counseling simulation sessions to enhance student
      learning. In addition, this study demonstrates the use of simulation and
      standardized parents as an important pedagogical tool for audiology students.
      Students experienced a high level of satisfaction with the learning experience.

PMID- 27653495
TI  - Patient Safety During Chest Drain Insertion-A Survey of Current Practice.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to identify the degree of awareness of the
      current guidelines and common practices for pleural drain insertion. METHODS: A
      10-item questionnaire was sent electronically to junior physicians from 4
      different hospitals in the South Eastern Sydney and Illawarra Shoalhaven Local
      Health District. Participants were asked to give their level of experience and
      management practices for chest drain insertion. RESULTS: A total of 94 junior
      medical officers from 4 hospitals in the district completed the survey. More than
      20% had never inserted a chest drain at the time; 72% had primarily learned from
      bedside teaching and peer learning, but 11% had no training at all. More than 50%
      of physicians felt that the biggest threat to the procedure was their own lack of
      confidence for drain insertion. Despite current guidelines, 25% insert chest
      drains routinely without the aid of ultrasound. A third of interviewees were
      aware of local guidelines but had not read them. Most physicians (86%) believe
      that formal standardized training should be available for junior physicians.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate the ongoing need for improved procedural
      training in chest drain insertion, with emphasis on mandatory thoracic
      ultrasound. We consider it important to continue to raise concern and awareness
      that chest drain insertion is not a harmless procedure, and further physician
      procedural competence is required.

PMID- 27653496
TI  - Identifying Patient Characteristics Associated With Deficits in Surgical Decision
      Making.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patient involvement in surgical decisions is formalized in the
      informed consent process, which should reflect that the patient understands their
      diagnosis, planned procedure, and the associated risks and benefits before
      consenting to treatment. If high-quality shared decision making has occurred, the
      treatment chosen should best match the goals and preferences of the patient.
      Little information currently exists that analyzes factors associated with
      decisional quality in surgery. Identifying patient factors correlated with
      specific deficits in preoperative decision making is essential for improvement of
      the shared decision-making process. This study aims to identify patient
      characteristics and coping strategies associated with the presence of knowledge
      deficits regarding their diagnosis and procedure so that interventions can be
      targeted to these vulnerable groups. METHODS: Approximately 882 preoperative
      patients were assessed regarding understanding of their diagnosis and procedure.
      Sociodemographic and decision-making variables were evaluated using validated
      measures. Univariate analysis and logistic regression models assessed factors
      associated with lower decisional quality. RESULTS: Approximately 136 (15%) of 882
      patients had deficits in knowledge of diagnosis and/or procedure. Older patients
      were more likely to demonstrate these deficits (P = 0.0002). Using multivariate
      analysis, independent predictors of knowledge deficits included patients who
      identified themselves as Black, Asian, or other race (odds ratio [OR], 2.63; 95%
      confidence interval [CI], 1.19-5.85; and OR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.00-3.55,
      respectively); were older (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01-1.04); and used denial as a
      coping strategy (OR, 2.61; 95% CI, 1.29-5.28). The use of acceptance as a coping
      strategy negatively predicted knowledge deficits (OR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.36-0.84).
      CONCLUSIONS: Specific patient factors and coping strategies are associated with
      deficiencies in decisional quality. Identifying vulnerable groups at risk for
      these issues can help target methodologies and resources to ensure high-quality
      surgical decision making.

PMID- 27653497
TI  - Tipping the Balance Toward Fewer Antibiotics.

PMID- 27653499
TI  - The New USA NIH Strategic Plan for Complementary and Integrative Health:
      Interview with Josephine Briggs, MD.

PMID- 27653498
TI  - Complications and Failure to Rescue After Inpatient Noncardiac Surgery in the
      Veterans Affairs Health System.
AB  - Importance: The quality of surgical care in the Veterans Health Administration
      improved markedly in the 1990s after implementation of the Veterans Affairs (VA)
      National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (now called the VA Surgical Quality
      Improvement Program). Although there have been many recent evaluations of
      surgical care in the private sector, to date, a contemporary global evaluation
      has not been performed within the VA health system. Objective: To provide a
      contemporaneous report of noncardiac postoperative outcomes in the VA health
      system during the past 15 years. Design, Setting, and Participants: A
      retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from the VA Surgical Quality
      Improvement Program among veterans who underwent inpatient general, vascular,
      thoracic, genitourinary, neurosurgical, orthopedic, or spine surgery from October
      1, 1999, through September 30, 2014. Main Outcomes and Measures: Rates of 30-day
      morbidity, mortality, and failure to rescue (FTR) over time. Results: Among 704
      901 patients (mean [SD] age, 63.7 [11.8] years; 676 750 [96%] male) undergoing
      noncardiac surgical procedures at 143 hospitals, complications occurred in 97 836
      patients (13.9%), major complications occurred in 66 816 (9.5%), FTR occurred in
      12 648 of the 97 836 patients with complications (12.9%), FTR after major
      complications occurred in 12 223 of the 66 816 patients with major complications
      (18.3%), and 18 924 patients (2.7%) died within 30 days of surgery. There were
      significant decreases from 2000 to 2014 in morbidity (8202 of 59 421 [13.8%] vs
      3368 of 32 785 [10.3%]), major complications (5832 of 59 421 [9.8%] vs 2284 of 32
      785 [7%]), FTR (1445 of 8202 [17.6%] vs 351 of 3368 [10.4%]), and FTR after major
      complications (1388 of 5832 [23.8%] vs 343 of 2284 [15%]) (trend test, P < .001
      for all). Although there were no clinically meaningful differences in rates of
      complications and major complications across hospital risk-adjusted mortality
      quintiles (any complications: lowest quintile, 20 945 of 147 721 [14.2%] vs
      highest quintile, 18 938 of 135 557 [14%]; major complications: lowest quintile,
      14 044 of 147 721 [9.5%] vs highest quintile, 12 881 of 135 557 [9.5%]), FTR
      rates (any complications: lowest quintile, 2249 of 20 945 [10.7%] vs highest
      quintile, 2769 of 18 938 [14.6%]; major complications: lowest quintile, 2161 of
      14 044 [15.4%] vs highest quintile, 2663 of 12 881 [20.7%]) were significantly
      higher with increasing quintile (P < .001). However, across hospital quintiles,
      there were significant decreases in morbidity (20.6%-29.9% decrease; trend test,
      P < .001 for all) and FTR (29.2%-50.6% decrease; trend test, P < .001 for all)
      during the study period. After hierarchical modeling, the odds of postoperative
      mortality, FTR, and FTR after a major complication were approximately 40% to 50%
      lower in the most recent study year compared with 15 years ago (P < .001 for
      all). Conclusions and Relevance: For the past 15 years, morbidity, mortality, and
      FTR have improved within the VA health system. Other integrated health systems
      providing a high volume of surgical care for their enrollees may benefit by
      critically evaluating the system-level approaches of the VA health system to
      surgical quality improvement.

PMID- 27653500
TI  - Photochemical Nickel-Catalyzed C-H Arylation: Synthetic Scope and Mechanistic
      Investigations.
AB  - An iridium photocatalyst and visible light facilitate a room temperature, nickel
      catalyzed coupling of (hetero)aryl bromides with activated alpha
      heterosubstituted or benzylic C(sp3)-H bonds. Mechanistic investigations on this
      unprecedented transformation have uncovered the possibility of an unexpected
      mechanism hypothesized to involve a Ni-Br homolysis event from an excited-state
      nickel complex. The resultant bromine radical is thought to abstract weak C(sp3)
      H bonds to generate reactive alkyl radicals that can be engaged in Ni-catalyzed
      arylation. Evidence suggests that the iridium photocatalyst facilitates nickel
      excitation and bromine radical generation via triplet-triplet energy transfer.

PMID- 27653501
TI  - Genomic alterations in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/ERBB2) in
      head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite recent advances, survival outcomes for those with metastatic
      or recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have remained poor.
      Novel approaches should be investigated to improve outcomes. METHODS: A
      retrospective chart review was performed of a patient who presented with a TNM
      classification III HNSCC of the oropharynx, positive for human papillomavirus
      (HPV) who had a complete response to a human epidermal growth factor receptor 2
      (HER2)-targeted therapy. Amplification rates of HER2 in the HNSCC Cancer Genome
      Atlas Network (TCGA) dataset and the FoundationOne genomic profiling dataset were
      evaluated. RESULTS: Comprehensive genomic profiling of the tumor obtained from
      the dermal metastasis identified amplification of HER2. Data from TCGA and
      FoundationOne showed that the frequency of HER2 alteration was not observed to
      vary significantly with HPV tumor status. CONCLUSION: This case demonstrates the
      application of genomic profiling to guide treatments in a patient with HNSCC with
      advanced metastatic disease refractory to standard of care therapies. (c) 2016
      Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: E15-E19, 2017.

PMID- 27653504
TI  - A personality and impairment approach to examine the similarities and differences
      between avoidant personality disorder and social anxiety disorder.
AB  - The current study examined whether avoidant personality disorder (AvPD) and
      social anxiety disorder (SAD) should be considered distinct disorder constructs,
      which is a persistent and controversial issue in the clinical literature. We
      examined whether relative scores on SAD and AvPD were associated with the same
      personality profile and severity of impairment. The current research used a cross
      sectional design and self-report inventories, including multiple measures of
      personality, impairment and psychopathology. Results from a mixed sample of 402
      university and community participants found that scores on AvPD and SAD were
      similarly associated with personality traits and impairment indices. Moreover, a
      latent construct accounting for the shared variance for AvPD and SAD was
      associated with personality traits and impairment, whereas the residuals
      representing the uniquenesses of these disorder constructs were not. These
      findings support the view that AvPD and SAD are similar disorders from a
      phenotypic personality trait and impairment perspective. These findings are
      contrary to a prevalent view in the literature, known as severity continuum
      hypothesis, because the two disorders could not be meaningfully differentiated
      based on severity of impairment. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27653503
TI  - Endometriosis and its global research architecture: an in-depth density
      equalizing mapping analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Endometriosis is one of the most common gynecological diseases. It is
      still a chameleon in many aspects and urges intense research activities in the
      fields of diagnosis, therapy and prevention. Despite the need to foster research
      in this area, no in-depth analysis of the global architecture of endometriosis
      research exists yet. METHODS: We here used the NewQIS platform to conduct a
      density equalizing mapping study, using the Web of Science as database with
      endometriosis related entries between 1900 and 2009. Density equalizing maps of
      global endometriosis research encompassing country-specific publication
      activities, and semi-qualitative indices such as country specific citations,
      citation rates, h-Indices were created. RESULTS: In total, 11,056 entries related
      to endometriosis were found. The USA was leading the field with 3705 publications
      followed by the United Kingdom (952) and Japan (846). Concerning overall
      citations and country-specific h-Indices, the USA again was the leading nation
      with 74,592 citations and a modified h-Index of 103, followed by the UK with
      15,175 citations (h-Index 57). Regarding the citation rate, Sweden and Belgium
      were at top positions with rates of 22.46 and 22.26, respectively. Concerning
      collaborative studies, there was a steep increase in numbers present; analysis of
      the chronological evolution indicated a strong increase in international
      collaborations in the past 10 years. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first
      analysis that illustrates the global endometriosis research architecture. It
      shows that endometriosis research is constantly gaining importance but also
      underlines the need for further efforts and investments to foster research and
      ultimately improve endometriosis management on a global scale.

PMID- 27653502
TI  - The Biophysical Basis Underlying Gating Changes in the p.V1316A Mutant Nav1.7
      Channel and the Molecular Pathogenesis of Inherited Erythromelalgia.
AB  - The Nav1.7 channel critically contributes to the excitability of sensory neurons,
      and gain-of-function mutations of this channel have been shown to cause inherited
      erythromelalgia (IEM) with neuropathic pain. In this study, we report a case of a
      severe phenotype of IEM caused by p.V1316A mutation in the Nav1.7 channel.
      Mechanistically, we first demonstrate that the Navbeta4 peptide acts as a gating
      modifier rather than an open channel blocker competing with the inactivating
      peptide to give rise to resurgent currents in the Nav1.7 channel. Moreover, there
      are two distinct open and two corresponding fast inactivated states in the
      genesis of resurgent Na+ currents. One is responsible for the resurgent route and
      practically existent only in the presence of Navbeta4 peptide, whereas the other
      is responsible for the "silent" route of recovery from inactivation. In this
      regard, the p.V1316A mutation makes hyperpolarization shift in the activation
      curve, and depolarization shift in the inactivation curve, vividly uncoupling
      inactivation from activation. In terms of molecular gating operation, the most
      important changes caused by the p.V1316A mutation are both acceleration of the
      transition from the inactivated states to the activated states and deceleration
      of the reverse transition, resulting in much larger sustained as well as
      resurgent Na+ currents. In summary, the genesis of the resurgent currents in the
      Nav1.7 channel is ascribable to the transient existence of a distinct and novel
      open state promoted by the Navbeta4 peptide. In addition, S4-5 linker in domain
      III where V1316 is located seems to play a critical role in activation
      inactivation coupling, chiefly via direct modulation of the transitional kinetics
      between the open and the inactivated states. The sustained and resurgent Na+
      currents may therefore be correlatively enhanced by specific mutations involving
      this linker and relevant regions, and thus marked hyperexcitability in
      corresponding neural tissues as well as IEM symptomatology.

PMID- 27653505
TI  - Infections with Plasmodium falciparum during pregnancy affect VAR2CSA DBL-5
      domain-specific T cell cytokine responses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Current knowledge of human immunological responses to pregnancy
      associated malaria-specific Plasmodium falciparum protein VAR2CSA concerns almost
      exclusively B cell-driven antibody-mediated activity. Knowledge of VAR2CSA
      specific T cell-mediated activity is minimal by comparison, with only a single
      published report of a study investigating VAR2CSA-derived peptide-specific T cell
      responses. The study described here represents an attempt to redress this
      balance. METHODS: Within the framework of a cohort study of 1037 pregnant
      Beninese, sub-groups were selected on the basis of the documented
      presence/absence of infection with P. falciparum and conducted detailed
      immunological assessments both at inclusion into the study and at delivery.
      Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated, stimulated in vitro, and
      VAR2CSA DBL-5 domain-specific, IFN-gamma-secreting T-cell frequencies and
      cytokine responses were quantified using flow cytometric techniques. Multivariate
      analyses were used to determine primarily whether the T cell-mediated DBL5
      specific activity measured was associated with infection by P. falciparum
      adjusted for gravidity, anaemia and other cofactors. RESULTS: Infections with P.
      falciparum detected at inclusion were associated with enhanced non-specific TNF
      responses, whilst diminished non-specific and DBL-5-specific IL-10 responses were
      associated with infections detected at delivery. Infections during pregnancy led
      to enhanced non-specific and DBL-5-specific IFN-gamma responses detectable at
      delivery but to concomitantly lower DBL-5-specific CD8+ IFN-gamma responses.
      Prospective assessments indicated that non-specific pro-inflammatory responses
      detectable at inclusion in the study were associated with the occurrence of
      infections subsequently during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: The findings represent a
      first step in elucidating the quantity and quality of cellular immunological
      responses to VAR2CSA, which will help in the development of the primary vaccine
      candidate for prevention of pregnancy-associated malaria.

PMID- 27653506
TI  - Systems Analysis of Early Host Gene Expression Provides Clues for Transient
      Mycobacterium avium ssp avium vs. Persistent Mycobacterium avium ssp
      paratuberculosis Intestinal Infections.
AB  - It has long been a quest in ruminants to understand how two very similar
      mycobacterial species, Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis (MAP) and
      Mycobacterium avium ssp. avium (MAA) lead to either a chronic persistent
      infection or a rapid-transient infection, respectively. Here, we hypothesized
      that when the host immune response is activated by MAP or MAA, the outcome of the
      infection depends on the early activation of signaling molecules and host
      temporal gene expression. To test our hypothesis, ligated jejuno-ileal loops
      including Peyer's patches in neonatal calves were inoculated with PBS, MAP, or
      MAA. A temporal analysis of the host transcriptome profile was conducted at
      several times post-infection (0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 hours). When comparing the
      transcriptional responses of calves infected with the MAA versus MAP, discordant
      patterns of mucosal expression were clearly evident, and the numbers of unique
      transcripts altered were moderately less for MAA-infected tissue than were
      mucosal tissues infected with the MAP. To interpret these complex data, changes
      in the gene expression were further analyzed by dynamic Bayesian analysis.
      Bayesian network modeling identified mechanistic genes, gene-to-gene
      relationships, pathways and Gene Ontologies (GO) biological processes that are
      involved in specific cell activation during infection. MAP and MAA had
      significant different pathway perturbation at 0.5 and 12 hours post inoculation.
      Inverse processes were observed between MAP and MAA response for epithelial cell
      proliferation, negative regulation of chemotaxis, cell-cell adhesion mediated by
      integrin and regulation of cytokine-mediated signaling. MAP inoculated tissue had
      significantly lower expression of phagocytosis receptors such as mannose receptor
      and complement receptors. This study reveals that perturbation of genes and
      cellular pathways during MAP infection resulted in host evasion by mucosal
      membrane barrier weakening to access entry in the ileum, inhibition of Ca
      signaling associated with decreased phagosome-lysosome fusion as well as
      phagocytosis inhibition, bias toward Th2 cell immune response accompanied by cell
      recruitment, cell proliferation and cell differentiation; leading to persistent
      infection. Contrarily, MAA infection was related to cellular responses associated
      with activation of molecular pathways that release chemicals and cytokines
      involved with containment of infection and a strong bias toward Th1 immune
      response, resulting in a transient infection.

PMID- 27653507
TI  - Efficacy and safety of rituximab therapy in patients with pemphigus vulgaris:
      first report from Turkey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a severe, chronic, and potentially life
      threatening autoimmune blistering disease that affects the skin and mucous
      membranes. Rituximab is a monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody which has been used
      increasingly in the therapy of PV. METHODS: The present study sought to test the
      efficacy and safety of rituximab as an adjuvant therapy by retrospective analysis
      of clinical and immunological data for 29 patients with PV who were treated with
      rituximab between 2010 and 2015. Response to therapy, duration of clinical
      remission, serology of the response, and adverse effects of rituximab were
      evaluated. RESULTS: The mean +/- standard deviation (SD) follow-up time was 17.48
      +/- 13.18 months. In all patients, findings showed either a decrease in antibody
      titers or that antibodies were completely undetectable after therapy. Rituximab
      use resulted in a significant reduction in steroid dosage during follow-up. At
      the end of the follow-up period, 26 patients (96.2%) had achieved complete
      remission with or without therapy (one patient had no follow-up and one patient
      had died, most probably as the result of a thromboembolic event). In 44.4% of
      patients, a clinical relapse occurred after a mean +/- SD period of 13.1 +/- 4.7
      months after the initiation of rituximab therapy. Relapses were managed with
      additional infusions of rituximab. CONCLUSIONS: Rituximab is a beneficial and
      relatively safe adjuvant treatment for PV that facilitates prolonged clinical
      remission and has a significant steroid-sparing effect.

PMID- 27653508
TI  - A Second, Druggable Binding Site in UDP-Galactopyranose Mutase from Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis?
AB  - UDP-galactopyranose mutase (UGM), a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of
      mycobacterial cell walls, is a potential target for the treatment of
      tuberculosis. In this work, we investigate binding models of a non-substrate-like
      inhibitor, MS-208, with M. tuberculosis UGM. Initial saturation transfer
      difference (STD) NMR experiments indicated a lack of direct competition between
      MS-208 and the enzyme substrate, and subsequent kinetic assays showed mixed
      inhibition. We thus hypothesized that MS-208 binds at an allosteric binding site
      (A-site) instead of the enzyme active site (S-site). A candidate A-site was
      identified in a subsequent computational study, and the overall hypothesis was
      supported by ensuing mutagenesis studies of the A-site. Further molecular
      dynamics studies led us to propose that MS-208 inhibition occurs by preventing
      complete closure of an active site mobile loop that is necessary for productive
      substrate binding. The results suggest the presence of an A-site with potential
      druggability, opening up new opportunities for the development of novel drug
      candidates against tuberculosis.

PMID- 27653509
TI  - Myocardial injury in patients with hemodynamic derangements during and/or after
      liver transplantation.
AB  - Myocardial injury, defined as an elevation of cardiac troponin (cTn) resulting
      from ischemia, is associated with substantial mortality in surgical patients, and
      its incidence, risk factors, and impact on patients undergoing liver
      transplantation (LT) are poorly understood. In this study, adult patients who
      experienced perioperative hemodynamic derangements and had cTn measurements
      within 30 days after LT between 2006 and 2013 were studied. Of 502 patients, 203
      (40.4%) met the diagnostic criteria (cTn I >=0.1 ng/mL) of myocardial injury. The
      majority of myocardial injury occurred within the first three postoperative days
      and presented without clinical signs or symptoms of myocardial infarction. Thirty
      day mortality in patients with myocardial injury was 11.4%, significantly higher
      compared with that in patients without myocardial injury (3.4%, P<.01). Cox
      analysis indicated the peak cTn was significantly associated with 30-day
      mortality. Multivariable logistic analysis identified three independent risk
      factors: requirement of ventilation before transplant (odds ratios (OR) 1.6,
      P=.006), RBC>=15 units (OR 1.7, P=.006), and the presence of PRS (OR 2.0,
      P=.028). We concluded that post-LT myocardial injury in this high-risk population
      was common and associated with mortality. Our findings may be used in
      pretransplant stratification. Further studies to investigate this postoperative
      cardiac complication in all LT patients are warranted.

PMID- 27653510
TI  - Open Microcomedone Extraction Facilitated by Polarized Dermoscopy.
AB  - Microcomedonal lesions can be aesthetically and psychologically displeasing. The
      burden of comedones increases when considering their frequency and demand for
      time-consuming attention. The objective of the current study was to describe a
      novel technique to facilitate open microcomedone extraction. The instrumentation
      used includes smartphone photography with dermatoscopy. The dermatoscope is an
      effective tool for diagnosing a broad range of dermatologic conditions. The
      polarized dermatoscope can facilitate execution of cutaneous procedures whenever
      magnification and optimal illumination are necessary. Its connection to a
      smartphone with a unique adapter enabled single-handed examination of
      microcomedones. Under magnification with this unit, the involved lesions are
      photographed to clearly demonstrate the condition and achieve informed consent.
      The complete procedure can be recorded on video for documentation. In this case,
      four separate lesions of the left auricle of a young man were treated using
      direct pressure extraction. The procedure undertaken was rapid, convenient, and
      completed without any adverse sequelae. This procedure is recommended for similar
      cases using the dermatoscope, which does not require additional specific training
      and is readily available at no extra cost. This technique could be used in
      various dermatologic conditions.

PMID- 27653512
TI  - Fostering trusting relationships with older immigrants hospitalised for end-of
      life care.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Trust has been identified as a vital value in the nurse-patient
      relationship. Although increasingly the subject of empirical inquiries, the
      specific processes used by nurses to foster trust in nurse-patient relationships
      with older immigrants of non-English speaking backgrounds hospitalised for end-of
      life care have not been investigated. AIMS: To explore and describe the specific
      processes that nurses use to foster trust and overcome possible cultural mistrust
      when caring for older immigrants of non-English speaking backgrounds hospitalised
      for end-of-life care. RESEARCH DESIGN: A qualitative descriptive approach was
      used. Twenty-two registered nurses were recruited from four metropolitan health
      services in Melbourne, Australia. Ethical considerations: Research approval was
      granted by the Human Research Ethics Committees of the host institution and four
      participating health services. FINDINGS: Thematic analysis revealed that
      fostering trust encompassed the following three commensurate stages: establishing
      trust, strengthening trust and sustaining trust. Underpinning the successful
      achievement of these stages was the nurses' moral commitment (reflected in their
      intentional, conscious and conscientious approach) to fostering trust as an
      essential ingredient of quality end-of-life care. DISCUSSION: This study has
      shown that while professional competencies are important to providing quality end
      of-life care to older immigrant patients of non-English speaking backgrounds, it
      is a nurse's moral commitment to fostering trust that may ultimately lay the
      foundations for a trusting quality care relationship to be established and
      sustained. CONCLUSION: This study has captured the processes used by nurses to
      foster trust as an essential element of quality end-of-life care in older
      immigrants. The characteristics of trust and the different factors influencing
      its expression in diverse cultural contexts are, however, under-researched.
      Accordingly, gaps remain in the knowledge and understanding of the specific
      cultural nuances and manifestations of trust across and within different
      cultures. This is an area that is germane to further cross-cultural and
      international collaborative scholarly inquiry and research.

PMID- 27653511
TI  - Laryngeal T regulatory cells in the setting of smoking and reflux.
AB  - OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The larynx is a mucosal organ rich in lymphatic tissue
      that is regularly exposed to a multitude of inhaled, ingested, and refluxed
      microorganisms and irritants. The first line of mucosal immune defense is the
      barrier, including resident immune cells. T regulatory (Treg) cells are a
      specialized subset of CD4+ T cells that suppress or dampen immune responses to
      prevent damaging immunopathology. As Treg cells have been shown to preferentially
      accumulate at sites of infection, and Treg responses may contribute to
      persistence of infection by impairing antibacterial immunity, we sought to
      quantify these cells in laryngeal tissue exposed to smoking and reflux. STUDY
      DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Using an epigenetic assay, we quantified
      Treg and T cells and calculated the ratio of Treg to T cells (i.e., cellular
      ratio of immune tolerance [ImmunoCRIT]) in disease-free laryngeal biopsies
      representing four inflammatory states: 1) tobacco-exposed tissue, 2) refluxate
      and tobacco-exposed tissue, 3) refluxate-exposed tissue, and 4) unexposed tissue.
      RESULTS: There was epigenetic evidence of Treg cells in all tissues, and we found
      no differences in Treg cell frequency relative to smoking and reflux in laryngeal
      tissue collected from 42 non-treatment-seeking participants. There was a decrease
      in total T cell frequency and an increase in ImmunoCRIT values in smokers
      regardless of reflux status. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, laryngeal tissue from
      smokers show decreased overall T cells and increased ImmunoCRIT values. Our
      findings indicate that laryngeal inflammation is not directly mediated by loss of
      Treg cells in response to smoking and reflux in local tissue and increased
      ImmunoCRIT values in smokers implicate a role for this environmental exposure in
      modulating laryngeal immune homeostasis. More studies are indicated to explore
      Treg cell dysfunction in the pathophysiology of laryngeal disease. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 127:882-887, 2017.

PMID- 27653513
TI  - Ethics of rationing of nursing care.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rationing of various needed services, for example, nursing care, is
      inevitable due to unlimited needs and limited resources. Rationing of nursing
      care is considered an ethical issue since it requires judgment about potential
      conflicts between personal and professional values. OBJECTIVES: The present
      research sought to explore aspects of rationing nursing care in Iran. RESEARCH
      DESIGN: This study applied qualitative content analysis, a method to explore
      people's perceptions of everyday life phenomena and interpret the subjective
      content of text data. Data collection was performed through in-depth,
      unstructured, face-to-face interviews with open-ended questions. Participants and
      research context: The study population included Iranian nurses of all nursing
      positions, from clinical nurses to nurse managers. Purposive sampling was
      employed to select 15 female and 3 male nurses (11 clinical nurses, 3
      supervisors, 1 matron, 1 nurse, and 2 members of the Nursing Council) working in
      hospitals of three cities in Iran. Ethical considerations: The study protocol was
      approved by Tehran University of Medical Sciences (91D1302870). Written informed
      consent was also obtained from all participants. FINDINGS: According to the
      participants, rationing of nursing care consisted of two categories, that is,
      causes of rationing and consequences of rationing. The first category comprised
      three subcategories, namely, patient needs and demands, routinism, and VIP
      patients. The three subcategories forming the second category were missed nursing
      care, patient dissatisfaction, and nurses' feeling of guilt. CONCLUSION: Levels
      at which healthcare practices are rationed and clarity of the rationing are
      important structural considerations in the development of an equal, appropriate,
      and ethical healthcare system. Moreover, the procedure of rationing is critical
      as it not only influences people's lives but also reflects the values that
      dominate in the society. Therefore, in order to minimize the negative
      consequences of rationing of nursing care, further studies on the ethical
      dimensions of this phenomenon are warranted.

PMID- 27653515
TI  - Symposium Summaries.

PMID- 27653514
TI  - Pediatric Pulmonology.

PMID- 27653516
TI  - Poster Session Abstracts.

PMID- 27653518
TI  - Program & Papers.

PMID- 27653519
TI  - Structural and Biochemical Analysis of Protein-Protein Interactions Between the
      Acyl-Carrier Protein and Product Template Domain.
AB  - In fungal non-reducing polyketide synthases (NR-PKS) the acyl-carrier protein
      (ACP) carries the growing polyketide intermediate through iterative rounds of
      elongation, cyclization and product release. This process occurs through a
      controlled, yet enigmatic coordination of the ACP with its partner enzymes. The
      transient nature of ACP interactions with these catalytic domains imposes a major
      obstacle for investigation of the influence of protein-protein interactions on
      polyketide product outcome. To further our understanding about how the ACP
      interacts with the product template (PT) domain that catalyzes polyketide
      cyclization, we developed the first mechanism-based crosslinkers for NR-PKSs.
      Through in vitro assays, in silico docking and bioinformatics, ACP residues
      involved in ACP-PT recognition were identified. We used this information to
      improve ACP compatibility with non-cognate PT domains, which resulted in the
      first gain-of-function ACP with improved interactions with its partner enzymes.
      This advance will aid in future combinatorial biosynthesis of new polyketides.

PMID- 27653521
TI  - "I would have preferred more options": accounting for non-binary youth in health
      research.
AB  - As a research team focused on vulnerable youth, we increasingly need to find ways
      to acknowledge non-binary genders in health research. Youth have become more
      vocal about expanding notions of gender beyond traditional categories of boy/man
      and girl/woman. Integrating non-binary identities into established research
      processes is a complex undertaking in a culture that often assumes gender is a
      binary variable. In this article, we present the challenges at every stage of the
      research process and questions we have asked ourselves to consider non-binary
      genders in our work. As researchers, how do we interrogate the assumptions that
      have made non-binary lives invisible? What challenges arise when attempting to
      transform research practices to incorporate non-binary genders? Why is it crucial
      that researchers consider these questions at each step of the research process?
      We draw on our own research experiences to highlight points of tensions and
      possibilities for change. Improving access to inclusive health-care for non
      binary people, and non-binary youth in particular, is part of creating a more
      equitable healthcare system. We argue that increased and improved access to
      inclusive health-care can be supported by research that acknowledges and includes
      people of all genders.

PMID- 27653520
TI  - Nigral and striatal connectivity alterations in asymptomatic LRRK2 mutation
      carriers: A magnetic resonance imaging study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The study of functional connectivity by means of magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI) in asymptomatic LRRK2 mutation carriers could contribute to the
      characterization of the prediagnostic phase of LRRK2-associated Parkinson's
      disease (PD). The objective of this study was to characterize MRI functional
      patterns during the resting state in asymptomatic LRRK2 mutation carriers.
      METHODS: We acquired structural and functional MRI data of 18 asymptomatic LRRK2
      mutation carriers and 18 asymptomatic LRRK2 mutation noncarriers, all first
      degree relatives of LRRK2-PD patients. Starting from resting-state data, we
      analyzed the functional connectivity of the striatocortical and the nigrocortical
      circuitry. Structural brain data were analyzed by voxel-based morphometry,
      cortical thickness, and volumetric measures. RESULTS: Asymptomatic LRRK2 mutation
      carriers had functional connectivity reductions between the caudal motor part of
      the left striatum and the ipsilateral precuneus and superior parietal lobe.
      Connectivity in these regions correlated with subcortical gray-matter volumes in
      mutation carriers. Asymptomatic carriers also showed increased connectivity
      between the right substantia nigra and bilateral occipital cortical regions
      (occipital pole and cuneus bilaterally and right lateral occipital cortex). No
      intergroup differences in structural MRI measures were found. In LRRK2 mutation
      carriers, age and functional connectivity correlated negatively with striatal
      volumes. Additional analyses including only subjects with the G2019S mutation
      revealed similar findings. CONCLUSIONS: Asymptomatic LRRK2 mutation carriers
      showed functional connectivity changes in striatocortical and nigrocortical
      circuits compared with noncarriers. These findings support the concept that
      altered brain connectivity precedes the onset of classical motor features in a
      genetic form of PD. (c) 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder
      Society.

PMID- 27653522
TI  - A qualitative meta-synthesis: public health nurses role in the identification and
      management of perinatal mental health problems.
AB  - AIM: To report findings of a systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative
      studies exploring public health nurses' perceptions and experiences of
      identifying and managing women with perinatal mental health (PMH) problems.
      BACKGROUND: Public health nurses play a key role in supporting women who
      experience PMH problems and several qualitative studies have explored their role.
      DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-synthesis DATA SOURCES: A comprehensive search
      was developed and multiple databases were searched from 2000-2015. REVIEW
      METHODS: Studies that employed qualitative methods to explore experiences of
      public health nurses in identifying and managing women with PMH problems were
      included. Two reviewers independently assessed the methodological quality of
      studies. Themes, concepts and interpretations were extracted and synthesized
      using the process of thematic analysis. RESULTS: Fifteen papers including 14
      unique qualitative studies were included. Two overarching themes were identified:
      'conceptualization and detection of PMH problems' and 'barriers and facilitators
      to management'. The former of these comprised several subthemes including the use
      of formal screening tools vs. clinical intuition and challenges encountered in
      detection. The latter theme, barriers to management included availability of
      referral pathways and time. In terms of facilitators, training, public health
      nursing interventions, support groups and referral pathways were identified as
      factors that optimize management. CONCLUSIONS: Public health nurses use a variety
      of methods to identify women with PMH problems. However, several support
      structures are needed to optimize management including access to appropriate
      referral pathways, support groups and relationship continuity.

PMID- 27653524
TI  - Hepatic glucose utilization in hepatic steatosis and obesity.
AB  - Hepatic steatosis is associated with obesity and insulin resistance. Whether
      hepatic glucose utilization rate (glucose phosphorylation rate; MRglu) is
      increased in steatosis and/or obesity is uncertain. Our aim was to determine the
      separate relationships of steatosis and obesity with MRglu. Sixty patients
      referred for routine PET/CT had dynamic PET imaging over the abdomen for 30 min
      post-injection of F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), followed by Patlak-Rutland
      graphical analysis of the liver using abdominal aorta for arterial input signal.
      The plot gradient was divided by the intercept to give hepatic FDG clearance
      normalized to hepatic FDG distribution volume (ml/min per 100 ml) and multiplied
      by blood glucose to give hepatic MRglu (MUmol/min per 100 ml). Hepatic steatosis
      was defined as CT density of <=40 HU measured from the 60 min whole body routine
      PET/CT and obesity as body mass index of >=30 kg/m2 Hepatic MRglu was higher in
      patients with steatosis (3.3+/-1.3 MUmol/min per 100 ml) than those without
      (1.7+/-1.2 MUmol/min per 100 ml; P<0.001) but there was no significant difference
      between obese (2.5+/-1.6 MUmol/min per 100 ml) and non-obese patients (2.1+/-1.3
      MUmol/min per 100 ml). MRglu was increased in obese patients only if they had
      steatosis. Non-obese patients with steatosis still had increased MRglu. There was
      no association between MRglu and chemotherapy history. We conclude that MRglu is
      increased in hepatic steatosis probably through insulin resistance,
      hyperinsulinaemia and up-regulation of hepatic hexokinase, irrespective of
      obesity.

PMID- 27653523
TI  - Opposing impacts on healthspan and longevity by limiting dietary selenium in
      telomere dysfunctional mice.
AB  - Selenium (Se) is a trace metalloid essential for life, but its nutritional and
      physiological roles during the aging process remain elusive. While telomere
      attrition contributes to replicative senescence mainly through persistent DNA
      damage response, such an aging process is mitigated in mice with inherently long
      telomeres. Here, weanling third generation telomerase RNA component knockout mice
      carrying short telomeres were fed a Se-deficient basal diet or the diet
      supplemented with 0.15 ppm Se as sodium selenate to be nutritionally sufficient
      throughout their life. Dietary Se deprivation delayed wound healing and
      accelerated incidence of osteoporosis, gray hair, alopecia, and cataract, but
      surprisingly promoted longevity. Plasma microRNA profiling revealed a circulating
      signature of Se deprivation, and subsequent ontological analyses predicted
      dominant changes in metabolism. Consistent with this observation, dietary Se
      deprivation accelerated age-dependent declines in glucose tolerance, insulin
      sensitivity, and glucose-stimulated insulin production in the mice. Moreover, DNA
      damage and senescence responses were enhanced and Pdx1 and MafA mRNA expression
      were reduced in pancreas of the Se-deficient mice. Altogether, these results
      suggest a novel model of aging with conceptual advances, whereby Se at low levels
      may be considered a hormetic chemical and decouple healthspan and longevity.

PMID- 27653525
TI  - Cucurbitacin E inhibits osteosarcoma cells proliferation and invasion through
      attenuation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway.
AB  - Cucurbitacin E (CuE), a potent member of triterpenoid family isolated from
      plants, has been confirmed as an antitumour agent by inhibiting proliferation,
      migration and metastasis in diverse cancer. However, the effects and mechanisms
      of CuE on osteosarcoma (OS) have not been well understood. The present study
      aimed to test whether CuE could inhibit growth and invasion of OS cells and
      reveal its underlying molecular mechanism. After various concentrations of CuE
      treatment, the anti-proliferative effect of CuE was assessed using the cell
      counting Kit-8 assay. Flow cytometry analysis was employed to measure apoptosis
      of OS cells. Cell cycle distribution was analysed by propidium iodide staining.
      Transwell assay was performed to evaluate the effect of CuE on invasion potential
      of OS cells. The protein levels were measured by western blot. In addition, the
      potency of CuE on OS cells growth inhibition was assessed in vivo Our results
      showed that CuE inhibited cell growth and invasion, induced a cell cycle arrest
      and triggered apoptosis and modulated the expression of cell growth, cell cycle
      and cell apoptosis regulators. Moreover, CuE inhibited the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway
      and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which suppressed the invasion and
      metastasis of OS. In addition, we also found that CuE inhibited OS cell growth in
      vivo Taken together, our study demonstrated that CuE could inhibit OS tumour
      growth and invasion through inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway. Our
      findings suggest that CuE can be considered to be a promising anti-cancer agent
      for OS.

PMID- 27653527
TI  - Developing the Surface Chemistry of Transparent Butyl Rubber for Impermeable
      Stretchable Electronics.
AB  - Transparent butyl rubber is a new elastomer that has the potential to
      revolutionize stretchable electronics due to its intrinsically low gas
      permeability. Encapsulating organic electronic materials and devices with
      transparent butyl rubber protects them from problematic degradation due to oxygen
      and moisture, preventing premature device failure and enabling the fabrication of
      stretchable organic electronic devices with practical lifetimes. Here, we report
      a methodology to alter the surface chemistry of transparent butyl rubber to
      advance this material from acting as a simple device encapsulant to functioning
      as a substrate primed for direct device fabrication on its surface. We
      demonstrate a combination of plasma and chemical treatment to deposit a
      hydrophilic silicate layer on the transparent butyl rubber surface to create a
      new layered composite that combines Si-OH surface chemistry with the favorable
      gas-barrier properties of bulk transparent butyl rubber. We demonstrate that
      these surface Si-OH groups react with organosilanes to form self-assembled
      monolayers necessary for the deposition of electronic materials, and furthermore
      demonstrate the fabrication of stretchable gold wires using nanotransfer printing
      of gold films onto transparent butyl rubber modified with a thiol-terminated self
      assembled monolayer. The surface modification of transparent butyl rubber
      establishes this material as an important new elastomer for stretchable
      electronics and opens the way to robust, stretchable devices.

PMID- 27653526
TI  - Prevalence of arterial stiffness and the risk of myocardial diastolic dysfunction
      in women.
AB  - The present study determines the prevalence of vascular dysfunction and arterial
      stiffness (ASt) in a female urban population by measuring the brachial
      augmentation index (AIx) and aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV). The study tests
      the hypothesis that the measurement of AIx and PWV is useful in addition to that
      of traditional cardiovascular risk factors when assessing the risk for left
      ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD). This cross-sectional study recruited
      965 women aged 25-75 years from 12 districts of Berlin. The ASt indices, brachial
      AIx, aortic PWV and the central blood pressure were measured by an oscillometric
      method. A randomly selected subgroup (n=343) was examined by echocardiography.
      Trans-mitral inflow E/A ratio and diastolic mitral annulus velocity (e) were
      assessed. Questionnaires, medical history and blood sampling were used for the
      evaluation of individual risk factors. Normal vascular function was found in 55%
      of the women included. The prevalence of women with pathological AIx only (AIx ? 
      10%, PWV normal) was 21.5%, whereas 17.9% were affected by increased AIx and PWV
      (AIx ? -10%, PWV ?9.7 m/s), and 6% with only pathological PWV values. The
      prevalence of LVDD was 31.7%. LVDD was significantly associated with pathological
      PWV ? 9.7 m/s [OR: 1.27, 95%CI: 1.02-1.57], age [OR: 4.17, 95%CI: 2.87-6.07] and
      a waist circumference >80 cm [OR: 3.61, 95%CI: 1.85-7.04] in multiple regression
      analysis. The high prevalence of markers for vascular dysfunction and ASt in a
      general female population and their importance as a mediator of diastolic
      dysfunction should encourage implementation of aortic PWV measurement to improve
      cardiovascular-risk assessment in particular to identify subclinical myocardial
      diastolic dysfunction.

PMID- 27653528
TI  - Automatic car driving detection using raw accelerometry data.
AB  - Measuring physical activity using wearable devices has become increasingly
      popular. Raw data collected from such devices is usually summarized as 'activity
      counts', which combine information of human activity with environmental
      vibrations. Driving is a major sedentary activity that artificially increases the
      activity counts due to various car and body vibrations that are not connected to
      human movement. Thus, it has become increasingly important to identify periods of
      driving and quantify the bias induced by driving in activity counts. To address
      these problems, we propose a detection algorithm of driving via accelerometry
      (DADA), designed to detect time periods when an individual is driving a car. DADA
      is based on detection of vibrations generated by a moving vehicle and recorded by
      an accelerometer. The methodological approach is based on short-time Fourier
      transform (STFT) applied to the raw accelerometry data and identifies and focuses
      on frequency vibration ranges that are specific to car driving. We test the
      performance of DADA on data collected using wrist-worn ActiGraph devices in a
      controlled experiment conducted on 24 subjects. The median area under the
      receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) for predicting driving periods was
      0.94, indicating an excellent performance of the algorithm. We also quantify the
      size of the bias induced by driving and obtain that per unit of time the activity
      counts generated by driving are, on average, 16% of the average activity counts
      generated during walking.

PMID- 27653529
TI  - Comparative evaluation of patients' and physicians' satisfaction with interferon
      beta-1b therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Due to the preventive nature of disease-modifying therapies for
      multiple sclerosis, treatment success particularly depends on adherence to
      therapeutic regimens and patients' perception of treatment efficacy. The latter
      is strongly influenced by the confidence in the involved health care
      professionals and the relationship to the treating physician. METHODS: In this
      report, we considered physicians' and patients' evaluation of satisfaction with
      interferon beta-1b treatment efficacy for assessing the congruence in ratings.
      Data were queried in a study conducted between 2009 and 2013. RESULTS: After 6
      months of therapy, > 80 % of the patients and physicians (N = 445) showed high
      degrees of satisfaction regarding interferon beta-1b treatment, with only few
      physicians and patients (<=2.0 %) rating "not satisfied". The proportion of
      patients rating with the same category as their physicians was similar after 6
      months (47 % congruence) and at the 24 months/study end visit (49 %).
      Discrepancies between ratings were observed with respect to study end: for
      patients with premature study end, more patients and physicians rated being not
      satisfied with the therapy, accompanied by a considerably lower congruence of 33
      % compared to 54 % for patients receiving the therapy for at least 2 years and
      completing the study regularly. CONCLUSIONS: Regular communication between
      physicians and patients about their perception of therapy might improve alignment
      of treatment evaluation and could result in increased therapy persistence. In
      addition, patients' willingness to perform a long-term therapy - even in the
      absence of disease symptoms - might be promoted by repeated exchange between
      health care providers and patients with regard to realistic treatment
      expectations. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00902135 (registered May
      13, 2009).

PMID- 27653530
TI  - Fast analysis of volatile compounds from Lippia citriodora with nanoporous
      aluminum wire as solid-phase microextraction fibres.
AB  - In this study, the efficiency of nanoporous aluminium wires as fibres for
      headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) of volatile compounds from Lippia
      citriodora was investigated and compared with two anodised methods. The prepared
      fibres are durable with very good chemical and thermal stability which can be
      coupled to GC and GC/MS. A one at-a-time optimisation strategy was applied for
      optimising the important extraction parameters such as extraction temperature,
      extraction time, sample mass and added water. Compared with hydrodistillation
      (HD), HS-SPME provide the advantages of a small amount of sample, time-saving,
      simplicity and cheapness.

PMID- 27653531
TI  - Calls for cycle helmet campaign to reduce injuries to children.
AB  - TRIAGE NURSES should alert GPs, school nurses and other professionals when
      children repeatedly attend emergency departments (EDs) with injuries, according
      to draft guidance.

PMID- 27653534
TI  - Too many interruptions can affect patient care adversely, study finds.
AB  - INTERRUPTIONS TO care in emergency departments (EDs) have a negative impact on
      patient satisfaction, research has found.

PMID- 27653533
TI  - Total ban on driving after drinking alcohol debated at RCN congress.
AB  - A BAN on drinking and driving to reduce the number of alcohol-related road deaths
      was backed by nurses at RCN congress.

PMID- 27653535
TI  - Preventing and reducing aggression and violence in health and social care Ford
      Kelvin Preventing and reducing aggression and violence in health and social care
      Richard Byrt James Dooher M&K L28 280pp 9781905539574 1905539576 [Formula: see
      text].
AB  - This book will find a worthy place in hospital libraries around the country but,
      because most of the scenarios it presents occur in psychiatric hospitals, its
      value for emergency department nurses may be more limited.

PMID- 27653536
TI  - Board's eye view.
AB  - HISTORICALLY, ACCIDENT and emergency nursing courses were granted regional
      funding, and nurses who took part in them were given supernumerary status and
      rotational clinical experience. Today, nurses usually attend such courses on day
      release, often without study leave or funding.

PMID- 27653537
TI  - Anthony's textbook of anatomy & physiology Kevin T Patton Anthony's textbook of
      anatomy & physiology Gary A Thibodeau Elsevier L49.99 1224pp 9780323055390
      0323055397 [Formula: see text].
AB  - EXCEPTIONALLY WELL presented, this book on anatomy and physiology clarifies
      complex and difficult material.

PMID- 27653539
TI  - Diary.
AB  - Our roundup of what's on.

PMID- 27653538
TI  - Noticeboard.
AB  - Courses, events, grants, and awards to progress your career.

PMID- 27653540
TI  - Emergency scenarios.
AB  - The ambulance technician study site, at www.ambulancetechnicianstudy.co.uk , has
      been devised to help nurses develop their skills and knowledge of how to deal
      with emergency care scenarios.

PMID- 27653542
TI  - Learning disabilities.
AB  - Easyhealth, at www.easyhealth.org.uk , provides a wide range of online
      educational material, including short films and a list of useful contacts to help
      healthcare professionals provide timely care to people with learning disabilities
      who attend emergency departments (EDs) or acute hospitals.

PMID- 27653541
TI  - Image interpretation.
AB  - The Norwich image interpretation course website, at www.imageinterpretation.co.uk
      , is aimed primarily at radiographers who provide a 'red dot' service to EDs.

PMID- 27653543
TI  - M2-based influenza vaccines: recent advances and clinical potential.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Current influenza vaccines can prevent disease caused by influenza
      viruses but require annual administration and almost yearly reformulation. An
      attractive alternative approach would be to use a vaccine that provides broad
      and, ideally, lifelong protection against all influenza A and B virus strains.
      The extracellular domain of matrix protein 2 (M2e) of influenza A viruses is
      conserved and thus fits well in such a broadly protective vaccine. Areas covered:
      Recent advances in M2e vaccine design, the mode of action of M2e-based immunity
      and clinical progress of M2-based influenza vaccines. Expert commentary: Many M2e
      vaccine have been successfully tested for efficacy against a panel of divergent
      influenza viruses in animal models. More recently, clinical studies have been
      conducted with M2e vaccine candidates, which demonstrated their safety and
      immunogenicity in humans. Efficacy studies in humans are still needed to provide
      evidence that an M2e-based vaccine can protect against human influenza.

PMID- 27653544
TI  - Pulmonary injury at the anhepatic phase without veno-venous bypass in portal
      hypertensive rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In order to understand the characterization and evolution of pulmonary
      injury, a portal hypertension rat model was used to imitate the anhepatic phase
      during standard orthotopic liver transplantation without veno-venous bypass.
      METHODS: In this study, 135 healthy male Wistar rats were selected; in which 15
      rats were assigned in the normal control (NC) group and the remaining 120 rats
      were used to establish a recoverable prehepatic portal hypertension model, which
      were further evenly divided into eight groups after ischemia-reperfusion: portal
      hypertensive control group (PHTC), R0h, R6h, R12h, R24h, R48h, R72h, and R7d
      groups. Meanwhile, arterial blood pressure, dry-to-wet weight ratios of the lung,
      alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level in serum, arterial oxygen pressure (PaO2),
      and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in lung tissue were measured. Morphology
      changes of the lung were observed using an optical microscope and a transmission
      electron microscope. RESULTS: The portal hypertension rat model was successfully
      established three weeks after the first operation. These portal hypertensive rats
      could withstand 1 hour at the anhepatic phase. Pulmonary injury severity
      increased to the most at 12-24 hours, and decreased to normal at seven days after
      reperfusion. CONCLUSION: Ischemia-reperfusion injury is an important mechanism
      that results in pulmonary injury after liver transplantation. It is safe for
      portal hypertensive rats to tolerate 1 hour at the anhepatic phase. Pulmonary
      injury was the most severe within 12-24 hours after ischemia-reperfusion.

PMID- 27653545
TI  - Factors associated with mortality among patients with active pulmonary
      tuberculosis requiring intensive care.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to identify patient characteristics and
      risk factors associated with in-hospital mortality of patients with pulmonary
      tuberculosis (PTB) requiring intensive care unit (ICU) management. METHODS: A
      retrospective chart review was conducted of all patients with active PTB admitted
      to the ICU at Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, between January 2005 and
      December 2010. RESULTS: There were 2,155 patients with active PTB diagnosed, of
      whom 83 (3.9%) patients were admitted to the ICU, but eight were excluded because
      their admission to the ICU was unrelated to PTB. The most common comorbidities
      were diabetes mellitus (n = 23, 30.7%) and immunocompromised host (n = 25,
      33.3%). A few (n = 4, 5.3%) of the patients had HIV coinfection. A majority (n =
      67, 89.3%) of patients required mechanical ventilation and the mean duration of
      mechanical ventilation was 8.05 +/- 14.43 days. Mean duration of ICU stay and
      hospital stay were 10.23 +/- 15.8 days and 33.7 +/- 50.7 days, respectively. In
      hospital mortality was 62.7% (n = 47), and 36 of these patients died while in the
      ICU (ICU mortality, 48.0%). Univariate analysis identified ischaemic heart
      disease, low albumin, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation score,
      disseminated intravascular coagulation, shock and multiorgan failure as
      significantly associated with mortality. Multivariate analysis showed that low
      albumin on the day of ICU admission was the only significant independent
      predictor of death (p = 0.033). CONCLUSION: In-hospital mortality from active PTB
      requiring ICU admission was 62.7%, and low albumin was an independent predictor
      of mortality in this study.

PMID- 27653547
TI  - Characteristics and Practices of Adults Who Use Tanning Beds in Private
      Residences.

PMID- 27653546
TI  - Body mass index and the risk of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak following
      transsphenoidal surgery in an Asian population.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak is a serious
      complication following transsphenoidal surgery for which elevated body mass index
      (BMI) has been implicated as a risk factor, albeit only in two recent North
      American studies. Given the paucity of evidence, we sought to determine if this
      association holds true in an Asian population, where the BMI criteria for obesity
      differ from the international standard. METHODS: A retrospective study of 119
      patients who underwent 123 transsphenoidal procedures for sellar lesions between
      May 2000 and May 2012 was conducted. Univariate and multivariate logistic
      regression analyses were performed to investigate the impact of elevated BMI and
      other risk factors on postoperative CSF leak. RESULTS: 10 (8.1%) procedures in
      ten patients were complicated by postoperative CSF leak. The median BMI of
      patients with postoperative leak following transsphenoidal procedures was
      significantly higher than that of patients without postoperative CSF leak (27.0
      kg/m2 vs. 24.6 kg/m2; p = 0.018). Patients categorised as either moderate or high
      risk under the Asian BMI classification were more likely to suffer from a
      postoperative leak (p = 0.030). Repeat procedures were also found to be
      significantly associated with postoperative CSF leak (p = 0.041). CONCLUSION:
      Elevated BMI is predictive of postoperative CSF leak following transsphenoidal
      procedures, even in an Asian population, where the definition of obesity differs
      from international standards. Thus, BMI should be considered in the clinical
      decision-making process prior to such procedures.

PMID- 27653548
TI  - Chronic recurrent dehydration associated with periodic water intake exacerbates
      hypertension and promotes renal damage in male spontaneously hypertensive rats.
AB  - Epidemiological evidence links recurrent dehydration associated with periodic
      water intake with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, minimal attention has
      been paid to the long-term impact of periodic water intake on the progression of
      CKD and underlying mechanisms involved. Therefore we investigated the chronic
      effects of recurrent dehydration associated with periodic water restriction on
      arterial pressure and kidney function and morphology in male spontaneously
      hypertensive rats (SHR). Arterial pressure increased and glomerular filtration
      rate decreased in water-restricted SHR. This was observed in association with
      cyclic changes in urine osmolarity, indicative of recurrent dehydration.
      Additionally, water-restricted SHR demonstrated greater renal fibrosis and an
      imbalance in favour of pro-inflammatory cytokine-producing renal T cells compared
      to their control counterparts. Furthermore, urinary NGAL levels were greater in
      water-restricted than control SHR. Taken together, our results provide
      significant evidence that recurrent dehydration associated with chronic periodic
      drinking hastens the progression of CKD and hypertension, and suggest a potential
      role for repetitive bouts of acute renal injury driving renal inflammatory
      processes in this setting. Further studies are required to elucidate the specific
      pathways that drive the progression of recurrent dehydration-induced kidney
      disease.

PMID- 27653549
TI  - Novel anti-EPHA2 antibody, DS-8895a for cancer treatment.
AB  - Overexpression of EPHA2 has been observed in multiple cancers and reported to be
      associated with poor prognosis. Here, we produced an afucosylated humanized anti
      EPHA2 monoclonal antibody (mAb), DS-8895a for cancer treatment. The antibody
      recognizes the extracellular juxtamembrane region of EPHA2 and therefore can bind
      to both full-length and truncated forms of EPHA2, which are anchored to cell
      membranes and recently reported to be produced by post-translational cleavage in
      tumors. DS-8895a exhibited markedly increased antibody dependent cellular
      cytotoxicity (ADCC) in vitro and also inhibited tumor growth in EPHA2-positive
      human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 and human gastric cancer SNU-16 xenograft mouse
      models. Moreover, DS-8895a in combination with cisplatin (CDDP) showed better
      efficacy than each of the monotherapies did in the human gastric cancer model.
      These results suggest that a novel antibody, DS-8895a has therapeutic potential
      against EPHA2-expressing tumors.

PMID- 27653550
TI  - Spatial Distribution of the Cannabinoid Type 1 and Capsaicin Receptors May
      Contribute to the Complexity of Their Crosstalk.
AB  - The cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptor and the capsaicin receptor (TRPV1) exhibit
      co-expression and complex, but largely unknown, functional interactions in a sub
      population of primary sensory neurons (PSN). We report that PSN co-expressing CB1
      receptor and TRPV1 form two distinct sub-populations based on their
      pharmacological properties, which could be due to the distribution pattern of the
      two receptors. Pharmacologically, neurons respond either only to capsaicin (COR
      neurons) or to both capsaicin and the endogenous TRPV1 and CB1 receptor ligand
      anandamide (ACR neurons). Blocking or deleting the CB1 receptor only reduces both
      anandamide- and capsaicin-evoked responses in ACR neurons. Deleting the CB1
      receptor also reduces the proportion of ACR neurons without any effect on the
      overall number of capsaicin-responding cells. Regarding the distribution pattern
      of the two receptors, neurons express CB1 and TRPV1 receptors either isolated in
      low densities or in close proximity with medium/high densities. We suggest that
      spatial distribution of the CB1 receptor and TRPV1 contributes to the complexity
      of their functional interaction.

PMID- 27653551
TI  - Retinal expression of small non-coding RNAs in a murine model of proliferative
      retinopathy.
AB  - Ocular neovascularization is a leading cause of blindness in proliferative
      retinopathy. Small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) play critical roles in both vascular
      and neuronal development of the retina through post-transcriptional regulation of
      target gene expression. To identify the function and therapeutic potential of
      sncRNAs in retinopathy, we assessed the expression profile of retinal sncRNAs in
      a mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) with pathologic proliferation
      of neovessels. Approximately 2% of all analyzed sncRNAs were significantly
      altered in OIR retinas compared with normoxic controls. Twenty three microRNAs
      with substantial up- or down-regulation were identified, including miR-351, -762,
      -210, 145, -155, -129-5p, -150, -203, and -375, which were further analyzed for
      their potential target genes in angiogenic, hypoxic, and immune response-related
      pathways. In addition, nineteen small nucleolar RNAs also revealed differential
      expression in OIR retinas compared with control retinas. A decrease of overall
      microRNA expression in OIR retinas was consistent with reduced microRNA
      processing enzyme Dicer, and increased expression of Alu element in OIR.
      Together, our findings elucidated a group of differentially expressed sncRNAs in
      a murine model of proliferative retinopathy. These sncRNAs may exert critical
      post-transcriptional regulatory roles in regulating pathological
      neovascularization in eye diseases.

PMID- 27653552
TI  - The effect of contextual auditory stimuli on virtual spatial navigation in
      patients with focal hemispheric lesions.
AB  - Topographical disorientation is a frequent deficit among patients suffering from
      brain injury. Spatial navigation can be explored in this population using virtual
      reality environments, even in the presence of motor or sensory disorders.
      Furthermore, the positive or negative impact of specific stimuli can be
      investigated. We studied how auditory stimuli influence the performance of brain
      injured patients in a navigational task, using the Virtual Action Planning
      Supermarket (VAP-S) with the addition of contextual ("sonar effect" and "name of
      product") and non-contextual ("periodic randomised noises") auditory stimuli. The
      study included 22 patients with a first unilateral hemispheric brain lesion and
      17 healthy age-matched control subjects. After a software familiarisation, all
      subjects were tested without auditory stimuli, with a sonar effect or periodic
      random sounds in a random order, and with the stimulus "name of product".
      Contextual auditory stimuli improved patient performance more than control group
      performance. Contextual stimuli benefited most patients with severe executive
      dysfunction or with severe unilateral neglect. These results indicate that
      contextual auditory stimuli are useful in the assessment of navigational
      abilities in brain-damaged patients and that they should be used in
      rehabilitation paradigms.

PMID- 27653553
TI  - Energy crisis precedes global metabolic failure in a novel Caenorhabditis elegans
      Alzheimer Disease model.
AB  - Alzheimer Disease (AD) is a progressive neurological disorder characterized by
      the deposition of amyloid beta (Abeta), predominantly the Abeta1-42 form, in the
      brain. Mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired energy metabolism are important
      components of AD pathogenesis. However, the causal and temporal relationships
      between them and AD pathology remain unclear. Using a novel C. elegans AD strain
      with constitutive neuronal Abeta1-42 expression that displays neuromuscular
      defects and age-dependent behavioural dysfunction reminiscent of AD, we have
      shown that mitochondrial bioenergetic deficit is an early event in AD
      pathogenesis, preceding dysfunction of mitochondrial electron transfer chain
      (ETC) complexes and the onset of global metabolic failure. These results are
      consistent with an emerging view that AD may be a metabolic neurodegenerative
      disease, and also confirm that Abeta-driven metabolic and mitochondrial effects
      can be reproduced in organisms separated by large evolutionary distances.

PMID- 27653554
TI  - Formulation and Coating of Alginate and Alginate-Hydroxypropylcellulose Pellets
      Containing Ranolazine.
AB  - The formulation and the coating composition of biopolymeric pellets containing
      ranolazine were studied to improve their technological and biopharmaceutical
      properties. Eudragit L100 (EU L100) and Eudragit L30 D-55-coated alginate and
      alginate-hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC) pellets were prepared by ionotropic
      gelation using 3 concentrations of HPC (0.50%, 0.65%, and 1.00% wt/wt) and
      applying different percentages (5%, 10%, 20%, and 30% wt/wt) of coating material.
      The uncoated pellets were regular in shape and had mean diameter between 1490 and
      1570 MUm. The rate and the entity of the swelling process were affected by the
      polymeric composition: increasing the HPC concentration, the structure of the
      pellets became more compact and slowed down the penetration of fluids. Coated
      alginate-HPC formulations were able to control the drug release at neutral pH: a
      higher quantity of HPC in the system determined a slower release of the drug. The
      nature of the coating polymer and the coating level applied affected the drug
      release in acidic environment: EU L100 gave better performance than Eudragit L30
      D-55 and the best coating level was 20%. The pellets containing 0.65% of HPC and
      coated with 20% EU L100 represented the best formulation, able to limit the drug
      release in acidic environment and to control it at pH 6.8.

PMID- 27653555
TI  - Space-time variation of respiratory cancers in South Carolina: a flexible
      multivariate mixture modeling approach to risk estimation.
AB  - PURPOSE: Many types of cancer have an underlying spatiotemporal distribution.
      Spatiotemporal mixture modeling can offer a flexible approach to risk estimation
      via the inclusion of latent variables. METHODS: In this article, we examine the
      application and benefits of using four different spatiotemporal mixture modeling
      methods in the modeling of cancer of the lung and bronchus as well as "other"
      respiratory cancer incidences in the state of South Carolina. RESULTS: Of the
      methods tested, no single method outperforms the other methods; which method is
      best depends on the cancer under consideration. The lung and bronchus cancer
      incidence outcome is best described by the univariate modeling formulation,
      whereas the "other" respiratory cancer incidence outcome is best described by the
      multivariate modeling formulation. CONCLUSIONS: Spatiotemporal multivariate
      mixture methods can aid in the modeling of cancers with small and sparse
      incidences when including information from a related, more common type of cancer.

PMID- 27653556
TI  - Adaptive radiation by waves of gene transfer leads to fine-scale resource
      partitioning in marine microbes.
AB  - Adaptive radiations are important drivers of niche filling, since they rapidly
      adapt a single clade of organisms to ecological opportunities. Although thought
      to be common for animals and plants, adaptive radiations have remained difficult
      to document for microbes in the wild. Here we describe a recent adaptive
      radiation leading to fine-scale ecophysiological differentiation in the
      degradation of an algal glycan in a clade of closely related marine bacteria.
      Horizontal gene transfer is the primary driver in the diversification of the
      pathway leading to several ecophysiologically differentiated Vibrionaceae
      populations adapted to different physical forms of alginate. Pathway architecture
      is predictive of function and ecology, underscoring that horizontal gene transfer
      without extensive regulatory changes can rapidly assemble fully functional
      pathways in microbes.

PMID- 27653557
TI  - Injuries observed in a prospective transition from traditional to minimalist
      footwear: correlation of high impact transient forces and lower injury severity.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Minimalist running is increasing in popularity based upon a concept
      that it can reduce impact forces and decrease injury rates. The purpose of this
      investigation is to identify the rate and severity of injuries in runners
      transitioning from traditional to minimalist footwear. The secondary aims were to
      identify factors correlated with injuries. METHODS: Fourteen habitually shod
      (traditional running shoes) participants were enrolled for this prospective study
      investigating injury prevalence during transition from traditional running shoes
      to 5-toed minimalist shoes. Participants were uninjured, aged between 22-41
      years, and ran at least twenty kilometers per week in traditional running shoes.
      Participants were given industry recommended guidelines for transition to
      minimalist footwear and fit with a 5-toed minimalist running shoe. They completed
      weekly logs for identification of injury, pain using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS),
      injury location, and severity. Foot strike pattern and impact forces were
      collected using 3D motion analysis at baseline, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks. Injuries
      were scored according to a modified Running Injury Severity Score (RISS).
      RESULTS: Fourteen runners completed weekly training and injury logs over an
      average of 30 weeks. Twelve of 14 (86%) runners sustained injuries. Average
      injury onset was 6 weeks (range 1-27 weeks). Average weekly mileage of 23.9
      miles/week prior to transition declined to 18.3 miles/week after the transition.
      The magnitude of the baseline impact transient peak in traditional shoes and in
      minimalist shoes negatively correlated with RISS scores (r = -0.45, p = 0.055 and
      r = -0.53, p = 0.026, respectively). CONCLUSION: High injury rates occurred
      during the transition from traditional to minimalist footwear. Non-compliance to
      transition guidelines and high injury rates suggest the need for improved
      education. High impact transient forces unexpectedly predicted lower modified
      RISS scores in this population.

PMID- 27653558
TI  - Evaluation of mitigation measures to reduce hydropeaking impacts on river
      ecosystems - a case study from the Swiss Alps.
AB  - New Swiss legislation obligates hydropower plant owners to reduce detrimental
      impacts on rivers ecosystems caused by hydropeaking. We used a case study in the
      Swiss Alps (hydropower company Kraftwerke Oberhasli AG) to develop an efficient
      and successful procedure for the ecological evaluation of such impacts, and to
      predict the effects of possible mitigation measures. We evaluated the following
      scenarios using 12 biotic and abiotic indicators: the pre-mitigation scenario
      (i.e. current state), the future scenario with increased turbine capacity but
      without mitigation measures, and future scenarios with increased turbine capacity
      and four alternative mitigation measures. The evaluation was based on
      representative hydrographs and quantitative or qualitative prediction of the
      indicators. Despite uncertainties in the ecological responses and the future
      operation mode of the hydropower plant, the procedure allowed the most
      appropriate mitigation measure to be identified. This measure combines a basin
      and a cavern at a total retention volume of 80,000m3, allowing for substantial
      dampening in the flow falling and ramping rates and in turn considerable
      reduction in stranding risk for juvenile trout and in macroinvertebrate drift. In
      general, this retention volume had the greatest predicted ecological benefit and
      can also, to some extent, compensate for possible modifications in the hydropower
      operation regime in the future, e.g. due to climate change, changes in the energy
      market, and changes in river morphology. Furthermore, it also allows for more
      specific seasonal regulations of retention volume during ecologically sensitive
      periods (e.g. fish spawning seasons). Overall experience gained from our case
      study is expected to support other hydropeaking mitigation projects.

PMID- 27653559
TI  - First study on oyster-shell-based phosphorous removal in saltwater - A proxy to
      effluent bioremediation of marine aquaculture.
AB  - The efficiency of oyster-shell waste for the removal of phosphorous (P) in
      saltwater was herein evaluated. For that, different factors were tested, being
      attained >56% and >98% P removal by natural oyster shell (NOS)-fraction <0.125mm
      and COS (calcined oyster shell)-fraction 0.5mm, respectively. Adsorption was the
      main mechanism suggested for NOS, whilst a co-mechanism of precipitation occurred
      with COS. NOS adsorption was consistent with Langmuir model and followed both the
      Elovich and Intraparticle Difusion kinetic models. COS followed only Pseudo
      Second Order and, mainly, the Elovich model. Overall, optimal conditions for P
      removal from saltwater were established for NOS and COS, which will
      unquestionably allow to comply with regulated P levels for the discharge of
      wastewater from saltwater RAS.

PMID- 27653560
TI  - T1 hyperintensity on brain imaging subsequent to gadolinium-based contrast agent
      administration: what do we know about intracranial gadolinium deposition?
AB  - There is growing evidence for the accumulation of gadolinium (Gd) in patients
      administered with intravenous Gd-based contrast agents, even in the absence of
      renal impairment. This review of the literature will discuss what has been found
      to date in cadaveric human studies, clinical studies of patients and from animal
      models. Evidence for the potential route of entry into the brain will be
      examined. The current state of knowledge of effects of Gd accumulation in the
      brain is discussed. We will then discuss what the possible implications may be
      for the choice of Gd-based contrast agents in clinical practice.

PMID- 27653562
TI  - Incentives for Clinical Trialists to Share Data.

PMID- 27653561
TI  - Toward a Shared Vision for Cancer Genomic Data.

PMID- 27653563
TI  - Data Sharing at a Crossroads.

PMID- 27653564
TI  - Nasal High-Flow Therapy for Primary Respiratory Support in Preterm Infants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Treatment with nasal high-flow therapy has efficacy similar to that
      of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) when used as postextubation
      support in neonates. The efficacy of high-flow therapy as the primary means of
      respiratory support for preterm infants with respiratory distress has not been
      proved. METHODS: In this international, multicenter, randomized, noninferiority
      trial, we assigned 564 preterm infants (gestational age, >=28 weeks 0 days) with
      early respiratory distress who had not received surfactant replacement to
      treatment with either nasal high-flow therapy or nasal CPAP. The primary outcome
      was treatment failure within 72 hours after randomization. Noninferiority was
      determined by calculating the absolute difference in the risk of the primary
      outcome; the chosen margin of noninferiority was 10 percentage points. Infants in
      whom high-flow therapy failed could receive rescue CPAP; infants in whom CPAP
      failed were intubated and mechanically ventilated. RESULTS: Trial recruitment
      stopped early at the recommendation of the independent data and safety monitoring
      committee because of a significant difference in the primary outcome between
      treatment groups. Treatment failure occurred in 71 of 278 infants (25.5%) in the
      high-flow group and in 38 of 286 infants (13.3%) in the CPAP group (risk
      difference, 12.3 percentage points; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5.8 to 18.7;
      P<0.001). The rate of intubation within 72 hours did not differ significantly
      between the high-flow and CPAP groups (15.5% and 11.5%, respectively; risk
      difference, 3.9 percentage points; 95% CI, -1.7 to 9.6; P=0.17), nor did the rate
      of adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: When used as primary support for preterm infants
      with respiratory distress, high-flow therapy resulted in a significantly higher
      rate of treatment failure than did CPAP. (Funded by the National Health and
      Medical Research Council and others; Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials
      Registry number, ACTRN12613000303741 .).

PMID- 27653565
TI  - Antimalarial Activity of KAF156 in Falciparum and Vivax Malaria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: KAF156 belongs to a new class of antimalarial agents
      (imidazolopiperazines), with activity against asexual and sexual blood stages and
      the preerythrocytic liver stages of malarial parasites. METHODS: We conducted a
      phase 2, open-label, two-part study at five centers in Thailand and Vietnam to
      assess the antimalarial efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetic profile of KAF156
      in adults with acute Plasmodium vivax or P. falciparum malaria. Assessment of
      parasite clearance rates in cohorts of patients with vivax or falciparum malaria
      who were treated with multiple doses (400 mg once daily for 3 days) was followed
      by assessment of the cure rate at 28 days in a separate cohort of patients with
      falciparum malaria who received a single dose (800 mg). RESULTS: Median parasite
      clearance times were 45 hours (interquartile range, 42 to 48) in 10 patients with
      falciparum malaria and 24 hours (interquartile range, 20 to 30) in 10 patients
      with vivax malaria after treatment with the multiple-dose regimen and 49 hours
      (interquartile range, 42 to 54) in 21 patients with falciparum malaria after
      treatment with the single dose. Among the 21 patients who received the single
      dose and were followed for 28 days, 1 had reinfection and 7 had recrudescent
      infections (cure rate, 67%; 95% credible interval, 46 to 84). The mean (+/-SD)
      KAF156 terminal elimination half-life was 44.1+/-8.9 hours. There were no serious
      adverse events in this small study. The most common adverse events included sinus
      bradycardia, thrombocytopenia, hypokalemia, anemia, and hyperbilirubinemia.
      Vomiting of grade 2 or higher occurred in 2 patients, 1 of whom discontinued
      treatment because of repeated vomiting after receiving the single 800-mg dose.
      More adverse events were reported in the single-dose cohort, which had longer
      follow-up, than in the multiple-dose cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: KAF156 showed
      antimalarial activity without evident safety concerns in a small number of adults
      with uncomplicated P. vivax or P. falciparum malaria. (Funded by Novartis and
      others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01753323 .).

PMID- 27653567
TI  - IMAGES IN CLINICAL MEDICINE. Regression of Clubbing after Treatment of Lung
      Cancer.

PMID- 27653566
TI  - Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis.

PMID- 27653568
TI  - CASE RECORDS of the MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL. Case 29-2016. A 53-Year-Old
      Woman with Pain and a Mass in the Breast.

PMID- 27653569
TI  - The Importance - and the Complexities - of Data Sharing.

PMID- 27653570
TI  - Engineering Reversal - Finding an Antidote for Direct Oral Anticoagulants.

PMID- 27653571
TI  - Obesity and Management of Weight Loss.

PMID- 27653572
TI  - Blood-Pressure and Cholesterol Lowering in the HOPE-3 Trial.

PMID- 27653573
TI  - Blood-Pressure and Cholesterol Lowering in the HOPE-3 Trial.

PMID- 27653574
TI  - Blood-Pressure and Cholesterol Lowering in the HOPE-3 Trial.

PMID- 27653575
TI  - Blood-Pressure and Cholesterol Lowering in the HOPE-3 Trial.

PMID- 27653576
TI  - Blood-Pressure and Cholesterol Lowering in the HOPE-3 Trial.

PMID- 27653577
TI  - Acute HIV-1 Infection in Adults in East Africa and Thailand.

PMID- 27653578
TI  - Acute HIV-1 Infection in Adults in East Africa and Thailand.

PMID- 27653579
TI  - Elimination of Taenia solium Transmission in Peru.

PMID- 27653580
TI  - Elimination of Taenia solium Transmission in Peru.

PMID- 27653581
TI  - Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding Due to a Peptic Ulcer.

PMID- 27653582
TI  - Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding Due to a Peptic Ulcer.

PMID- 27653583
TI  - Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding Due to a Peptic Ulcer.

PMID- 27653584
TI  - The Hidden Lesion.

PMID- 27653585
TI  - The Hidden Lesion.

PMID- 27653586
TI  - More on Viral Bronchiolitis in Children.

PMID- 27653587
TI  - More on Viral Bronchiolitis in Children.

PMID- 27653588
TI  - Weight Gain over the Holidays in Three Countries.

PMID- 27653590
TI  - Viral Bronchiolitis in Children.

PMID- 27653589
TI  - Prolonged Shedding of Zika Virus Associated with Congenital Infection.

PMID- 27653591
TI  - IMAGES IN CLINICAL MEDICINE. In Vitro Exflagellation of Plasmodium vivax.

PMID- 27653592
TI  - Participants' Role Expectations in Genetics Research and Re-consent: Revising the
      Theory and Methods of Mental Models Research Relating to Roles.
AB  - The rise of large cohort-based health research that includes genetic components
      has increased the communication challenges for researchers. Controversies have
      been amplified over requirements for re-consent, return of results, and privacy
      protections, among other issues. This study extended research on the impact that
      the perceived role of "research participant" might have on communication
      expectations to illuminate research participants' preferences for re-consent. The
      study employed an online survey of participants in a long-standing cancer
      genetics registry. Results confirmed previous exploratory findings that research
      participants endorse multiple mental models of participant roles in research
      (doctor-patient, collaborator, donor, legal contract, etc.). Regression analyses
      indicated that high and low salience of different models of the role of research
      participant are related to different communication expectations. However, the
      pattern of relationships among roles is relevant. The results of the regression
      analysis also indicated that preference for mandatory re-consent and its
      relationship to mental models of roles are related to attitudes of trust,
      benefits, and informational risks. The discussion identifies implications as
      including the use of explicit approaches to address role relationships in
      communication with research participants. It also points to implications for
      methodological approaches in mental model research.

PMID- 27653593
TI  - Gene Expression Patterns Are Altered in Athymic Mice and Metabolic Syndrome
      Factors Are Reduced in C57BL/6J Mice Fed High-Fat Diets Supplemented with Soy
      Isoflavones.
AB  - Soy isoflavones exert beneficial health effects; however, their potential to
      ameliorate conditions associated with the metabolic syndrome (MetS) has not been
      studied in detail. In vitro and in vivo models were used to determine the effect
      of isoflavones on lipid metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative stress. In nude
      mice, consumption of Novasoy (NS) increased cholesterol and lipid metabolism gene
      expression, including Scd-1 (27.7-fold), Cyp4a14 (35.2-fold), and Cyp4a10 (9.5
      fold), and reduced anti-inflammatory genes, including Cebpd (16.4-fold). A high
      fat (HF) diet containing 0.4% (w/w) NS for 10 weeks significantly reduced percent
      weight gain (74.6 +/- 2.5 vs 68.6 +/- 3.5%) and hepatic lipid accumulation (20 +/
      1.2 vs 27 +/- 1.5%), compared to HF alone (p < 0.05) in C57BL/6J mice. NS also
      increased lipid oxidation and antioxidant gene expression while decreasing
      inflammatory cytokines. In vitro analysis in HepG2 cells revealed that genistein
      dose-dependently decreases oleic acid-induced lipid accumulation. Soy isoflavones
      may ameliorate symptoms associated with MetS via anti-inflammatory, antioxidant,
      and hypolipidemic modulation.

PMID- 27653594
TI  - Multiple Curricula for B Cell Developmental Programming.
AB  - B-1 B cells differ from conventional B-2 B cells functionally, but how these
      differences relate to the ontogeny of these lineages has been unclear. Two recent
      Immunity articles, Kristiansen et al. (2016) and Montecino-Rodriguez et al.
      (2016), now provide insight into the origins of B-1 and B-2 B cells, revealing a
      multi-layered developmental program and successive waves of B cell precursors.

PMID- 27653595
TI  - Looping around Bcl6 in Germinal Center to Sharpen B Cell Immunity.
AB  - We are beginning to understand the function of 3D genome architecture in the
      immune system. In this issue, Bunting et al. (2016) reported massive multi-layer
      genome reorganization from naive B cells to germinal center B cells, centered on
      a locus control region of Bcl6.

PMID- 27653596
TI  - Identity Crisis: CD301b(+) Mononuclear Phagocytes Blur the M1-M2 Macrophage Line.
AB  - Obesity shifts the immune phenotype from M2 macrophage polarization to M1, which
      causes metabolic dysfunction. In this issue of Immunity, Kumamoto et al. (2016)
      identify a tissue-resident mononuclear phagocyte population that promotes weight
      gain and glucose intolerance but are defined by the M2 marker CD301b.

PMID- 27653597
TI  - HSC Contribution in Making Steady-State Blood.
AB  - In homeostasis, whether blood cells are derived from committed progenitor or
      mutipotent stem cell activity remains controversial. In this issue of Immunity,
      Sawai et al. (2016) describe murine HSCs as the major contributor to the
      maintenance of multilineage hematopoiesis, both in the steady state and during
      cytokine response.

PMID- 27653598
TI  - CD8(+) T Cells and cART: A Dynamic Duo?
AB  - A new macaque study by Cartwright et al. (2016) suggests that CD8(+) T cells
      could play a previously unrecognized role in the suppression of HIV-1 during
      ongoing antiretroviral therapy.

PMID- 27653599
TI  - Homegrown Macrophages.
AB  - Macrophages residing in different organs have diverse gene-expression programs.
      Mass et al. (2016) propose that this diversity develops "at home"-within those
      organs-after the recruitment of a common precursor that had not made prior
      commitments to diversity.

PMID- 27653602
TI  - The Tumor Microenvironment Represses T Cell Mitochondrial Biogenesis to Drive
      Intratumoral T Cell Metabolic Insufficiency and Dysfunction.

PMID- 27653603
TI  - The QuEChERS Approach for the Determination of Pesticide Residues in Soil
      Samples: An Overview.
AB  - Soil samples are complex matrixes; therefore, soil sample preparation is a
      critical step, and one that is usually expensive, time-consuming, and labor
      intensive. The quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) method,
      originally developed for the determination of pesticides in fruits and
      vegetables, has been recently modified and adopted for the analysis of pesticides
      in soil. This paper reviews all aspects of sample preparation, including
      extraction and clean-up, and describes the applications of conventional and
      modified QuEChERS techniques. It also presents a comparison of the QuEChERS
      method with other methods used for sample preparation for determination of
      pesticides in soil.

PMID- 27653604
TI  - Intraoperative management of anterior capsular tear.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The article reviews the current literature on intraoperative
      techniques to properly manage anterior capsular tears during cataract surgery.
      RECENT FINDINGS: Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery creates a more
      consistent capsulorhexis than traditional capsulotomies, but can also present
      with new challenges. Irregularities, like microadhesions and tags, can lead to
      anterior tears if not properly treated. New technology, like the Zepto (Mynosys,
      Fremont, CA, USA) pulse precision capsulotomy, may produce a smoother edge and
      reduce the incidence of capsular tears. However, there are novel rescue
      techniques in the case that a tear-out does occur. SUMMARY: Anterior capsular
      tears can occur at any stage of cataract surgery. The proper management of these
      tears will prevent them from extending into the posterior capsule and
      compromising the structural integrity of the capsular bag. This is essential for
      endocapsular placement of artificial lenses and for optimal visual outcomes for
      the patient.

PMID- 27653601
TI  - CD8(+) Lymphocytes Are Required for Maintaining Viral Suppression in SIV-Infected
      Macaques Treated with Short-Term Antiretroviral Therapy.
AB  - Infection with HIV persists despite suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART), and
      treatment interruption results in rapid viral rebound. Antibody-mediated CD8(+)
      lymphocyte depletion in simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected rhesus
      macaques (RMs) shows that these cells contribute to viral control in untreated
      animals. However, the contribution of CD8(+) lymphocytes to maintaining viral
      suppression under ART remains unknown. Here, we have shown that in SIV-infected
      RMs treated with short-term (i.e., 8-32 week) ART, depletion of CD8(+)
      lymphocytes resulted in increased plasma viremia in all animals and that
      repopulation of CD8(+) T cells was associated with prompt reestablishment of
      virus control. Although the number of SIV-DNA-positive cells remained unchanged
      after CD8 depletion and reconstitution, the frequency of SIV-infected CD4(+) T
      cells before depletion positively correlated with both the peak and area under
      the curve of viremia after depletion. These results suggest a role for CD8(+) T
      cells in controlling viral production during ART, thus providing a rationale for
      exploring immunotherapeutic approaches in ART-treated HIV-infected individuals.

PMID- 27653600
TI  - Germinal Center B Cell Dynamics.
AB  - Germinal centers (GCs) are the site of antibody diversification and affinity
      maturation and as such are vitally important for humoral immunity. The study of
      GC biology has undergone a renaissance in the past 10 years, with a succession of
      findings that have transformed our understanding of the cellular dynamics of
      affinity maturation. In this review, we discuss recent developments in the field,
      with special emphasis on how GC cellular and clonal dynamics shape antibody
      affinity and diversity during the immune response.

PMID- 27653605
TI  - Update on congenital cataract surgery management.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The basic procedure of pediatric cataract surgery has not
      dramatically changed over the past few years. Recent multicenter study results
      along with technological innovations, however, have increased our understanding
      and armamentarium of techniques and devices used to improve outcomes. RECENT
      FINDINGS: We review surgical techniques that have been recently applied to the
      management of pediatric cataracts and describe newer intraocular lenses that have
      become available for use in the pediatric population. The 5-year results of the
      Infant Aphakia Treatment Study, including visual outcomes and complications, as
      well as other studies comparing intraocular lens implants with contact lenses for
      infants have shaped our management of congenital cataract. We also discuss how
      ocular imaging with optical coherence tomography has enhanced our understanding
      of the microstructural effects on pediatric eyes after cataract surgery and touch
      on other future innovations. SUMMARY: We review updates in the management of
      congenital cataract, which remains a major cause of preventable childhood
      blindness.

PMID- 27653606
TI  - Clinical outcomes after injection of a compounded pharmaceutical for prophylaxis
      after cataract surgery: a large-scale review.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To evaluate relevant clinical outcomes following a
      transzonular intravitreal injection of a compounded triamcinolone-moxifloxacin
      vancomycin (TMV) formulation for postoperative prophylaxis after cataract surgery
      in a retrospective review of medical records from a private practice, single
      specialty ambulatory center in New Jersey, USA. RECENT FINDINGS: The analysis
      included 1541 cases from 922 patients who underwent cataract surgery with an
      intravitreal injection of TMV from November 2013 to December 2014. Cataract
      surgery was performed by a standard clear corneal phacoemulsification technique.
      Transzonular injection was used to deliver TMV directly into the anterior
      vitreous after implantation of an intraocular lens. SUMMARY: There were no major
      intraoperative complications associated with the transzonular injection
      technique. There were no cases of postoperative endophthalmitis. Nearly 92% of
      cases (n = 1413/1541) did not require supplemental medication after surgery. The
      rate of breakthrough inflammation at Days 14-21 was 9.2% (n = 132/1429). The rate
      of visually significant postoperative cystoid macular edema was 2.0% (n =
      28/1429). The rate of clinically significant postoperative intraocular pressure
      increase was low: 0.9% (n = 13/1425) of cases had an at least 10 mmHg increase at
      Days 14-21 or 90. Four of these cases had intraocular pressure at least 30 mmHg.
      The rates of infection and inflammation reported in this retrospective review of
      a transzonular injection of TMV for prophylaxis after cataract surgery appear
      similar to reported rates with alternative prophylactic therapies such as topical
      drops. The transzonular injection of TMV may have advantages in terms of patient
      compliance.

PMID- 27653607
TI  - Floppy iris syndrome and cataract surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) occurs in 2% of
      cataract surgeries and is associated with an increased risk of surgical
      complications. These complications can be avoided when high-risk patients are
      identified by preoperative screening and appropriate measures are used
      intraoperatively. The purpose of this article is to review emerging risk factors
      for IFIS and to summarize management strategies used in IFIS. RECENT FINDINGS:
      Although alpha1-antagonists in general, and tamsulosin (Flomax, Jalyn) in
      particular, have long been associated with IFIS, recent studies have more firmly
      demonstrated the elevated risk of IFIS attributed to tamsulosin. This resulted in
      a revision of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery/American
      Academy of Ophthalmology guidelines on IFIS. Our understanding of additional
      medications and medical conditions involved in IFIS is also evolving, including
      an appreciation that women are also susceptible to IFIS. New modifications of
      techniques used in the intraoperative management of IFIS are also discussed.
      SUMMARY: Preoperative screening should include both men and women. Current or
      prior use of alpha1-antagonists and antipsychotics should be documented, along
      with hypertension. Surgeons should be prepared to employ a range of perioperative
      interventions in a graded response to IFIS of different severities.

PMID- 27653608
TI  - Benefits and barriers of accommodating intraocular lenses.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Presbyopia and cataract development are changes that
      ubiquitously affect the aging population. Considerable effort has been made in
      the development of intraocular lenses (IOLs) that allow correction of presbyopia
      postoperatively. The purpose of this review is to examine the benefits and
      barriers of accommodating IOLs, with a focus on emerging technologies. RECENT
      FINDINGS: True accommodation of an IOL involves a dynamic increase in dioptric
      power to affect a shift from distance to intermediate or near focus. The
      Crystalens (Crystalens Bausch and Lomb, Inc., Rochester, NY, USA) was the first
      IOL labeled by the FDA as an accommodating IOL. Further studies have suggested
      that the Crystalens and several other single optic presbyopia-correcting IOLs may
      be providing improved intermediate or near vision predominantly through
      pseudoaccommodative mechanisms, in addition to small changes in axial
      translation. In light of these findings, a more objective demonstration of
      accommodation is now required for an IOL to have an accommodative label. Newer
      technology accommodating IOLs in development have embraced design strategies
      using dual optics, shape-changing optics, and IOLs with dynamic changes in
      refractive index. Prevention and treatment algorithms for capsular contraction
      syndromes unique to Crystalens and Trulign IOL designs will be discussed.
      SUMMARY: Accommodating IOLs that are in current use are constrained by their low
      and varied amplitude of accommodation. Such limitations may be circumvented in
      the future by accommodative design strategies that rely more on shape-related
      changes in the surfaces of the IOLs or in dynamic changes in refractive index
      than by forward translation alone.

PMID- 27653609
TI  - Five-Year Hearing Outcomes in Bilateral Simultaneously Cochlear-Implanted Adult
      Patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To report the speech performance and sound localization in adult
      patients 5 years after bilateral simultaneous cochlear implantation and to
      evaluate the change in speech scores between 1 and 5 years. DESIGN: In this
      prospective multicenter study, 26 patients were evaluated 5 years after
      implantation using long straight electrode arrays (MED-EL Combi 40+, standard
      electrode array, 31 mm). Speech perception was measured using disyllabic words in
      quiet and noise, with the speech coming from the front and a cocktail party
      background noise coming from 5 loudspeakers. Speech localization measurements
      were performed in noise under the same test conditions. These results were
      compared to those obtained at 1 year reported in a previous study. RESULTS: Five
      years after implantation, an improvement in speech performance scores compared to
      1 year after implantation was found for the poorer ear both in quiet and in noise
      (+12.1 +/- 2.6%, p < 0.001). The lower the speech score of the poorer ear at 1
      year, the greater the improvement at 5 years, both in quiet (r = -0.62) and at a
      signal-to-noise ratio of +15 dB (r = -0.58). The sound localization on the
      horizontal plane in noise provided by bilateral implantation was better than the
      unilateral one and remained stable after the results observed at 1 year.
      CONCLUSION: In adult patients simultaneously and bilaterally implanted, the
      poorest speech scores improved between 1 and 5 years after implantation. These
      findings are an additional element to recommend bilateral implantation in adult
      patients. The use of both cochlear implants and speech training sessions for
      patients with poor performance should continue in the period after 1 year
      following implantation, since the speech scores will improve over time.

PMID- 27653610
TI  - Repeated Oral or Subcutaneous LMWH Has similar Antithrombotic Activity in a Rat
      Venous Thrombosis Model: Antithrombotic Activity Correlates With Heparin on
      Endothelium When Orally Administered.
AB  - Low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) endure as important drugs for
      thromboprophylaxis. Although clinical use relies on the subcutaneous (SC) route,
      our previous studies show that single-dose orally administered LMWHs have
      antithrombotic activity. Since thromboprophylaxis requires long-term treatment,
      we examined antithrombotic effects of subacute oral LMWHs in a rat venous
      thrombosis model and compared results to SC or single-dose oral administration.
      We measured LMWH in endothelium and plasma, weight change and complete blood
      counts (CBC). Oral LMWH tinzaparin (3 * 0.1 mg/kg/12 or 24 hours) or reviparin (3
      * 0.025 mg/kg/24 hours) significantly decreased thrombosis compared to saline. In
      the subacute study (60 * 0.1 mg/kg/12 hours), oral or SC tinzaparin significantly
      reduced thrombosis compared to saline but not to single or 3 * 0.1 mg/kg/12 hours
      oral tinzaparin. Antithrombotic effects were similar between oral and SC
      administration. LMWH was found on endothelium following oral but not SC
      administration. Endothelial concentrations were significantly correlated with
      incidence of stable thrombi ( P = 0.021 and 0.04 for aortic and vena cava
      endothelium respectively, chi2 test) and total thrombi ( P = 0.003 for vena cava
      endothelium). Anti-Xa activity was significantly greater for oral or SC LMWH than
      saline and significantly greater for SC versus oral LMWH. Values for CBCs were
      within normal ranges (mean +/- 2 SD). There was no evidence of bleeding. Weight
      gain was similar between groups. In conclusion, subacute oral and SC LMWH have
      similar antithrombotic effects. Antithrombotic activity with oral administration
      is correlated with endothelial LMWH concentrations but not with plasma
      anticoagulant activity.

PMID- 27653611
TI  - Executive Functions in Children With Specific Language Impairment: A Meta
      Analysis.
AB  - Purpose: Mounting evidence demonstrates deficits in children with specific
      language impairment (SLI) beyond the linguistic domain. Using meta-analysis, this
      study examined differences in children with and without SLI on tasks measuring
      inhibition and cognitive flexibility. Method: Databases were searched for
      articles comparing children (4-14 years) with and without SLI on behavioral
      measures of inhibition or cognitive flexibility. Weighted average effect size was
      calculated using multilevel modeling to measure potential group differences.
      Results: The analysis included 46 studies. Of those, 34 included inhibitory
      control measures and 22 included cognitive flexibility tasks. Children with SLI
      performed below same-aged peers on both inhibitory control tasks (g = -.56) and
      cognitive flexibility tasks (g = -.27). Moderator analyses showed no effect of
      linguistic task demands, participant age, or severity of language impairment on
      the degree of difference between children with SLI and controls on measures of
      inhibitory control. Conclusion: Reliable differences between children with and
      without SLI were found on inhibition and cognitive flexibility tasks. A moderate
      group effect was found for inhibition tasks, but there was only a small effect
      for cognitive flexibility tasks. Results of moderator analyses suggest that these
      deficits are present throughout development despite task demands or severity of
      linguistic impairment.

PMID- 27653612
TI  - To Maintain Pediatric Competence, Walk With Our Patients and Families.

PMID- 27653613
TI  - Inclusion of Hypoglycemia in Clinical Practice Guidelines and Performance
      Measures in the Care of Patients With Diabetes.

PMID- 27653614
TI  - Automatic segmentation of mandibular canal in cone beam CT images using
      conditional statistical shape model and fast marching.
AB  - PURPOSE: Accurate segmentation of the mandibular canal in cone beam CT data is a
      prerequisite for implant surgical planning. In this article, a new segmentation
      method based on the combination of anatomical and statistical information is
      presented to segment mandibular canal in CBCT scans. METHODS: Generally,
      embedding shape information in segmentation models is challenging. The proposed
      approach consists of three main steps as follows: At first, a method based on low
      rank decomposition is proposed for preprocessing. Then, a conditional statistical
      shape model is trained, and mandibular bone is segmented with high accuracy. In
      the final stage, fast marching with a new speed function is utilized to find the
      optimal path between mandibular and mental foramen. Fast marching tries to find
      the darkest tunnel close to the initial segmentation of the canal, which was
      obtained with conditional SSM model. In this regard, localization of mandibular
      canal is performed more accurately. RESULTS: The method is applied to the
      identification of mandibular canal in 120 sets of CBCT images. Conditional
      statistical model is evaluated by calculating the compactness capacity,
      specificity and generalization ability measures. The capability of the proposed
      model is evaluated in the segmentation of mandibular bone and canal. The
      framework is effective in noisy scans and is able to detect canal in cases with
      mild bone resorption. CONCLUSION: Quantitative analysis of the results shows that
      the method performed better than two other recent methods in the literature.
      Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed framework is effective and can
      be used in computer-guided dental implant surgery.

PMID- 27653615
TI  - Evaluation of a robotic system for irreversible electroporation (IRE) of
      malignant liver tumors: initial results.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Comparison of conventional CT-guided manual irreversible
      electroporation (IRE) of malignant liver tumors and a robot-assisted approach
      regarding procedural accuracy, intervention time, dose, complications, and
      treatment success. METHODS: A retrospective single-center analysis of 40 cases of
      irreversible electroporation of malignant liver tumors in 35 patients (6 females,
      29 males, average age 60.3 years). Nineteen of these ablation procedures were
      performed manually and 21 with robotic assistance. A follow-up (ultrasound, CT,
      and MRI) was performed after 6 weeks in all patients. RESULTS: The time from the
      planning CT scan to the start of the ablation as well as the dose-length product
      were significantly lower under robotic assistance (63.5 vs. 87.4 min, [Formula:
      see text]; 2132 vs. 4714 mGy cm, [Formula: see text]). The procedural accuracy,
      measured as the deviation of the IRE probes with respect to a defined reference
      probe, was significantly higher using robotic guidance (2.2 vs. 3.1 mm, [Formula:
      see text]). There were no complications. There was one incomplete ablation in the
      manual group. CONCLUSION: Robotic assistance for IRE of liver tumors allows for
      faster procedure times with higher accuracy while reducing radiation dose as
      compared to the manual placement of IRE probes.

PMID- 27653616
TI  - A framework for automatic creation of gold-standard rigid 3D-2D registration
      datasets.
AB  - PURPOSE: Advanced image-guided medical procedures incorporate 2D intra
      interventional information into pre-interventional 3D image and plan of the
      procedure through 3D/2D image registration (32R). To enter clinical use, and even
      for publication purposes, novel and existing 32R methods have to be rigorously
      validated. The performance of a 32R method can be estimated by comparing it to an
      accurate reference or gold standard method (usually based on fiducial markers) on
      the same set of images (gold standard dataset). Objective validation and
      comparison of methods are possible only if evaluation methodology is
      standardized, and the gold standard  dataset is made publicly available.
      Currently, very few such datasets exist and only one contains images of multiple
      patients acquired during a procedure. To encourage the creation of gold standard
      32R datasets, we propose an automatic framework. METHODS: The framework is based
      on rigid registration of fiducial markers. The main novelty is spatial grouping
      of fiducial markers on the carrier device, which enables automatic marker
      localization and identification across the 3D and 2D images. RESULTS: The
      proposed framework was demonstrated on clinical angiograms of 20 patients. Rigid
      32R computed by the framework was more accurate than that obtained manually, with
      the respective target registration error below 0.027 mm compared to 0.040 mm.
      CONCLUSION: The framework is applicable for gold standard setup on any rigid
      anatomy, provided that the acquired images contain spatially grouped fiducial
      markers. The gold standard datasets and software will be made publicly available.

PMID- 27653618
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 27653617
TI  - Association of biofilm production with colonization among clinical isolates of
      Acinetobacter baumannii.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: The pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii is increasingly causing
      healthcare-associated infections worldwide, particularly in intensive care units.
      Biofilm formation, a factor contributing to the virulence of A. baumannii, is
      associated with long-term persistence in hospital environments. The present study
      investigates the clinical impact of biofilm production on colonization and
      acquisition after patient admission. METHODS: Forty-nine A. baumannii isolates
      were obtained between August and November 2013 from Keimyung University Dongsan
      Medical Center, Daegu, Korea. All isolates were obtained from sputum samples of
      new patients infected or colonized by A. baumannii. The microtiter plate assay
      was used to determine biofilm formation. RESULTS: Twenty-four A. baumannii
      isolates (48%) demonstrated enhanced biofilm formation capacity than that of the
      standard A. baumannii strain (ATCC 19606). All isolates were resistant to
      carbapenem, 38 isolates (77%) were collected from patients in an intensive care
      unit, and 47 isolates (95%) were from patients who had been exposed to
      antibiotics in the previous month. The median duration of colonization was longer
      for biofilm-producing isolates than that of the biofilm non-biofilm producing
      isolates (18 days vs. 12 days, p < 0.05). Simultaneous colonization with other
      bacteria was more common for biofilm-producing isolates than that for the non
      biofilm producing isolates. The most prevalent co-colonizing bacteria was
      Staphylococcus aureus. CONCLUSIONS: Biofilm-producing isolates seem to colonize
      the respiratory tract for longer durations than the non-biofilm producing
      isolates. During colonization, biofilm producers promote co-colonization by other
      bacteria, particularly S. aureus. Additional research is required to determine
      possible links between biofilm formation and nosocomial infection.

PMID- 27653619
TI  - Direct intralesional ethanol sclerotherapy of extensive venous malformations with
      oropharyngeal involvement after a temporary tracheotomy in the head and neck:
      Initial results.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of
      direct intralesional ethanol sclerotherapy for venous malformations (VMs) with
      oropharyngeal involvement after a temporary tracheotomy. METHODS: A retrospective
      assessment was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of direct intralesional
      ethanol sclerotherapy on 21 consecutive patients presenting with extensive VMs
      involving the oropharynx in the head and neck and who had undergone tracheotomy.
      RESULTS: Of the 21 patients, 4 were treated once and 17 were treated from 2 to 5
      times. The duration of follow-up was, on average, 9.1 months. Of the 21 patients,
      7 (33.3%) had complete palliation, whereas the rest (66.7%) achieved partial
      palliation. Minor complications occurred in 12 of the 21 patients. CONCLUSION:
      Direct intralesional ethanol sclerotherapy after a temporary tracheotomy is a
      safe and effective treatment for extensive VMs involving oropharyngeal areas of
      the head and neck. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 288-296, 2017.

PMID- 27653620
TI  - Dyspraxia in ASD: Impaired coordination of movement elements.
AB  - Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have long been known to have
      deficits in the performance of praxis gestures; these motor deficits also
      correlate with social and communicative deficits. To date, the precise nature of
      the errors involved in praxis has not been clearly mapped out. Based on
      observations of individuals with ASD performing gestures, we hypothesized that
      the simultaneous execution of multiple movement elements is especially impaired
      in affected children. We examined 25 school-aged participants with ASD and 25 age
      matched controls performing seven simultaneous gestures that required the
      concurrent performance of movement elements and nine serial gestures, in which
      all elements were performed serially. There was indeed a group * gesture-type
      interaction (P < 0.001). Whereas both groups had greater difficulty performing
      simultaneous than serial gestures, children with ASD had a 2.6-times greater
      performance decrement with simultaneous (vs. serial) gestures than controls.
      These results point to a potential deficit in the simultaneous processing of
      multiple inputs and outputs in ASD. Such deficits could relate to models of
      social interaction that highlight the parallel-processing nature of social
      communication. Autism Res 2016,. (c) 2016 International Society for Autism
      Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Autism Res 2017, 10: 648-652. (c) 2016
      International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27653621
TI  - Filaggrin gene loss-of-function mutations explain discordance of atopic
      dermatitis within dizygotic twin pairs.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to examine the association between loss-of
      function mutations in the filaggrin gene (FLG) and atopic dermatitis (AD) and
      asthma in adult twins. METHODS: A previously well-characterized cohort of 575
      adult twins were genotyped for the loss-of-function mutations in FLG (R501X,
      2282del4 and R2447X) most common among northern Europeans. Subjects were examined
      for symptoms of atopic diseases as well as for lung function, airway
      responsiveness, and atopy. RESULTS: In the whole population of twins, the risk
      for AD was significantly increased in individuals with FLG mutations in
      comparison with wild-type carriers (34.3% vs. 21.8%) after adjustment for
      possible confounders (odds ratio [OR] 1.92, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07
      3.41; P = 0.028). A significant association was also observed for persistent AD
      (OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.02-4.36; P = 0.046). There were no significant differences in
      risk for asthma by FLG mutation status in individuals with and without AD,
      respectively (P-value for interaction, 0.595). In 11 dizygotic twin pairs
      discordant for FLG mutation status, risk for AD was higher in the twin carrying
      the FLG mutation (five of 11 [45.5%] twins had developed AD) than in the non
      carrier co-twin (two of 11 [18.2%] twins had developed AD) (OR 2.50, 95% CI 0.45
      13.85; P = 0.293). FLG status did not explain a significant proportion of the
      variation in AD (P = 0.328) or asthma (P = 0.321). CONCLUSIONS: Filaggrin gene
      mutations are risk factors for the presence and persistence of AD and explain the
      discordance of AD within dizygotic twin pairs.

PMID- 27653622
TI  - Herringbone Pattern and CH-pi Bonding in the Crystal Architecture of Linear
      Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons.
AB  - The herringbone pattern is a pervasive structural motive found in most molecular
      crystals involving aromatic compounds. A plot of the experimental sublimation
      enthalpies of members of increasing size of the acene, phenacene and p-phenyl
      families versus the number of carbons uncovers a linear relationship between the
      two magnitudes, suggesting a major role of CH-pi bonding. In this work we
      undertake the task of evaluating the relevance of the edge-to-face interaction
      (or CH-pi bond) in the overall reticular energy of the crystal, to quantitatively
      assess the importance of this structural element. Following a heuristic approach,
      we considered the series of acenes, phenacenes and p-phenyls and analyzed the
      edge-to-face interaction between the molecules as they occur in the experimental
      crystal network. Isolation of the relevant molecular dimers allows to incorporate
      some of the most sophisticated tools of quantum chemistry and get a reliable
      picture of the isolated bond. When compared to the experimental sublimation
      energy, our results are conclusive: this sole interaction is the largest
      contribution to the lattice energy, and definitively dictates the crystal
      architecture in all the studied cases. Elusive enough, the edge-to-face
      interaction is mainly dominated by correlation interactions, specifically in the
      form of dispersion and, to a less extent, of charge-transfer terms. A suggestive
      picture of the bond has been obtained by displaying the differences in local
      electron densities calculated by either correlated or non-correlated methods.

PMID- 27653624
TI  - A study on negative and depressive symptom prevalence in individuals at ultra
      high risk for psychosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Negative symptoms are known to be present in the prodromal stage of
      psychotic disorders, yet little is known about their prevalence. Studies
      examining the presence of negative symptoms in ultra-high risk (UHR) populations
      have shown some limitations, notably failing to control depression. The objective
      of this study was to examine the prevalence of negative symptoms in the presence
      of significant levels of depression and in the absence of such symptoms (primary
      negative symptoms) over 1 year and to examine differences in negative symptoms in
      psychosis converters and non-converters. METHODS: Participants were 123
      individuals at UHR for the development of psychosis receiving follow-up for a
      period of 2 years. Negative symptoms and depression were measured using the Scale
      for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms and the Montgomery-Asberg Depression
      Scale at baseline, 6 and 12 months post-admission. RESULTS: At baseline, the
      prevalence of negative symptoms and primary negative symptoms was 76.4% and
      32.7%, respectively. Whereas the prevalence of negative symptoms was
      significantly decreased at 6 months, the prevalence of primary negative symptoms
      was similar at all time points. Negative symptoms at baseline were not different
      between later converters and non-converters to psychosis. CONCLUSION: Our
      findings confirm the presence of secondary and primary negative symptoms in
      individuals at UHR, but suggest a differential trajectory of both measures over
      time. Future studies should include larger UHR groups and focus on the
      investigation of intra-individual changes in primary negative symptoms over time
      and further explore their potential role for psychosis conversion.

PMID- 27653623
TI  - Allergen immunotherapy for the prevention of allergy: A systematic review and
      meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a need to establish the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness,
      and safety of allergen immunotherapy (AIT) for the prevention of allergic
      disease. METHODS: Two reviewers independently screened nine international
      biomedical databases. Studies were quantitatively synthesized using random
      effects meta-analyses. RESULTS: A total of 32 studies satisfied the inclusion
      criteria. Overall, meta-analysis found no conclusive evidence that AIT reduced
      the risk of developing a first allergic disease over the short term (RR = 0.30;
      95% CI: 0.04-2.09) and no randomized controlled evidence was found in relation to
      its longer-term effects for this outcome. There was, however, a reduction in the
      short-term risk of those with allergic rhinitis developing asthma (RR = 0.40; 95%
      CI: 0.30-0.54), with this finding being robust to a pre-specified sensitivity
      analysis. We found inconclusive evidence that this benefit was maintained over
      the longer term: RR = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.31-1.23. There was evidence that the risk
      of new sensitization was reduced over the short term, but this was not confirmed
      in the sensitivity analysis: RR = 0.72; 95% CI: 0.24-2.18. There was no clear
      evidence of any longer-term reduction in the risk of sensitization: RR = 0.47;
      95% CI: 0.08-2.77. AIT appeared to have an acceptable side effect profile.
      CONCLUSIONS: AIT did not result in a statistically significant reduction in the
      risk of developing a first allergic disease. There was, however, evidence of a
      reduced short-term risk of developing asthma in those with allergic rhinitis, but
      it is unclear whether this benefit was maintained over the longer term. We are
      unable to comment on the cost-effectiveness of AIT.

PMID- 27653625
TI  - Sudden Onset of Papular Elastorrhexis After Immunologic Recovery in a Boy with
      Human Immunodeficiency Virus.
AB  - Papular elastorrhexis (PE) is an uncommon elastic tissue disorder clinically
      characterized by the onset of asymptomatic flesh-colored to whitish papules over
      the trunk and upper limbs in children. Its etiology remains unknown, although
      isolated familial cases have suggested that acquired and inherited forms of the
      disease may exist. We present the case of a 13-year-old boy with human
      immunodeficiency virus who presented with such lesions after immunological
      recovery from very low CD4+ counts after introducing highly active antiretroviral
      therapy. Because neutrophils and macrophages are implicated in elastin metabolism
      and degradation pathways, immune dysregulation might be another etiologic factor
      to be considered in this rare disease.

PMID- 27653626
TI  - A cost-effectiveness analysis of nasal surgery to increase continuous positive
      airway pressure adherence in sleep apnea patients with nasal obstruction.
AB  - OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Nasal surgery has been implicated to improve continuous
      positive airway pressure (CPAP) compliance in patients with obstructive sleep
      apnea (OSA) and nasal obstruction. However, the cost-effectiveness of nasal
      surgery to improve CPAP compliance is not known. We modeled the cost
      effectiveness of two types of nasal surgery versus no surgery in patients with
      OSA and nasal obstruction undergoing CPAP therapy. STUDY DESIGN: Cost
      effectiveness decision tree model. METHODS: We built a decision tree model to
      identify conditions under which nasal surgery would be cost-effective to improve
      CPAP adherence over the standard of care. We compared turbinate reduction and
      septoplasty to nonsurgical treatment over varied time horizons from a third-party
      payer perspective. We included variables for cost of untreated OSA, surgical cost
      and complications, improved compliance postoperatively, and quality of life.
      RESULTS: Our study identified nasal surgery as a cost-effective strategy to
      improve compliance of OSA patients using CPAP across a range of plausible model
      assumptions regarding the cost of untreated OSA, the probability of adherence
      improvement, and a chronic time horizon. The relatively lower surgical cost of
      turbinate reduction made it more cost-effective at earlier time horizons, whereas
      septoplasty became cost-effective after a longer timespan. CONCLUSIONS: Across a
      range of plausible values in a clinically relevant decision model, nasal surgery
      is a cost-effective strategy to improve CPAP compliance in OSA patients with
      nasal obstruction. Our results suggest that OSA patients with nasal obstruction
      who struggle with CPAP therapy compliance should undergo evaluation for nasal
      surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2c Laryngoscope, 127:977-983, 2017.

PMID- 27653628
TI  - Folding and Unfolding Kinetics of Unpurified Proteins by Pulse Proteolysis.
AB  - It has been reported that pulse proteolysis may be used to investigate protein
      unfolding kinetics in cell lysate. However, the method has not become popular and
      we could not judge whether or not it is effective for protein folding study. In
      this work, we examined the folding and unfolding kinetics of a protein and its
      variants without purification by pulse proteolysis. The unfolding and refolding
      rates of the unpurified proteins were similar to those of the purified proteins
      determined by pulse proteolysis and circular dichroism. Furthermore, because we
      used a super-stable subtilisin as a protease, we could evaluate the kinetics at
      50 degrees C. The present work demonstrates the validity of pulse proteolysis for
      folding and unfolding studies of unpurified proteins.

PMID- 27653627
TI  - EDA-Fibronectin Originating from Osteoblasts Inhibits the Immune Response against
      Cancer.
AB  - Osteoblasts lining the inner surface of bone support hematopoietic stem cell
      differentiation by virtue of proximity to the bone marrow. The osteoblasts also
      modify their own differentiation by producing various isoforms of fibronectin
      (FN). Despite evidence for immune regulation by osteoblasts, there is limited
      knowledge of how osteoblasts modulate cells of the immune system. Here, we show
      that extra domain A (EDA)-FN produced by osteoblasts increases arginase
      production in myeloid-derived cells, and we identify alpha5beta1 as the mediating
      receptor. In different mouse models of cancer, osteoblasts or EDA-FN was found to
      up-regulate arginase-1 expression in myeloid-derived cells, resulting in
      increased cancer growth. This harmful effect can be reduced by interfering with
      the integrin alpha5beta1 receptor or inhibiting arginase. Conversely, in tissue
      injury, the expression of arginase-1 is normally beneficial as it dampens the
      immune response to allow wound healing. We show that EDA-FN protects against
      excessive fibrotic tissue formation in a liver fibrosis model. Our results
      establish an immune regulatory function for EDA-FN originating from the
      osteoblasts and identify new avenues for enhancing the immune reaction against
      cancer.

PMID- 27653629
TI  - The Nearest-Neighbor Effect on Random-Coil NMR Chemical Shifts Demonstrated Using
      a Low-Complexity Amino-Acid Sequence.
AB  - In NMR experiments, the chemical shift is typically the first parameter measured
      and is a source of structural information for biomolecules. Indeed, secondary
      chemical shifts, the difference between the measured chemical shifts and those
      expected for a randomly oriented sequence of peptides (the &quot;random
      coil&quot;), are correlated with the secondary structure of proteins; secondary
      shift analysis is thereby a standard approach in structural biology. For
      intrinsically disordered or denatured proteins furthermore, secondary chemical
      shifts reveal the propensity of particular segments to form different secondary
      structures. However, because the atoms in unfolded proteins all have very similar
      chemical environments, the chemical shifts measured for a certain atom type vary
      less than in globular proteins. Since chemical shifts can be measured precisely,
      the secondary chemical shifts calculated for an unfolded system depend mainly on
      the particular random coil chemical shift database chosen as a point of
      reference. Certain databases correct the random coil shift for a given residue
      based on its neighbors in the amino acid sequence. However, these corrections are
      typically derived from the analysis of model peptides; there have been relatively
      few direct and systematic studies of the effect of neighboring residues for
      specific amino acid sequences in disordered proteins. For the study reported
      here, we used the intrinsically disordered C-terminal domain of TDP-43, which has
      a highly repetitive amino-acid sequence, as a model system. We assigned the
      chemical shifts of this protein at low pH in urea. Our results demonstrate that
      the identity of the nearest neighbors is decisive in determining the value of the
      chemical shift for atoms in a random coil arrangement. Based on these
      observations, we also outline a possible approach to construct a random-coil
      library of chemical shifts that comprises all possible arrangement of tripeptides
      from a manageable number of polypeptides.

PMID- 27653630
TI  - Functions of Type II Thioesterases in Bacterial Polyketide Biosynthesis.
AB  - Many polyketides show biological activities and have thus been applied in
      clinics, as food additives, and in agriculture. Type II thioesterases (TEIIs)
      play an important role in polyketide biosynthesis. Most TEIIs belong to
      alpha/beta-hydrolase family and usually contain a catalytic triad Ser-His-Asp. In
      polyketide biosynthesis, TEIIs can play an editing role by removal of aberrant
      non-extendable acyl units in elongation steps, a starter unit selection role by
      removal of unfavored starter acyl units in initiation steps, and a releasing role
      by removal of final product in termination steps. Complementation of TEIIs has
      been observed and applied.

PMID- 27653631
TI  - Transition of Solvent Interaction Research from Basic Science to Applied Science.
AB  - As a graduate course student, I studied the aggregation behavior of the wheat
      protein gluten, induced by changes in pH and ionic strength, thus beginning my
      research career in the field of solvent effects. The following 5 years were spent
      as a post-doctoral reseracher in the U.S., focused on protein-solvent
      interactions, which, according to my advisor, Dr. Timasheff, was too basic to be
      supported by academic grants. This study, however, answered a number of questions
      about how different solvents affect behavior of proteins in solution, e.g., a
      solubility behavior known as Hofmeister series. This research experience landed
      me an R&D position at a startup biotech company, Amgen, where knowledge on
      solvents played a fundamental role in protein refolding, formulation and
      chromatography. This demonstrates the unanticipated possibility that an un
      funded, basic academic science study earlier can be transitioned later into an
      industrially-significant applied science.

PMID- 27653632
TI  - The effect of brisk walking on postural stability, bone mineral density, body
      weight and composition in women over 50 years with a sedentary occupation: a
      randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To assess the effect of brisk walking on postural stability, bone
      mineral density (BMD) and body composition in women over 50 years of age with a
      sedentary occupation. METHODS: A 10-week walking intervention based on self
      regulated brisk walking (BW) to or from work of 30-35 min at least 5 times per
      week. The research included a total of 104 women (58 women in intervention
      group). The mean center of pressure (COP) velocity in medial-lateral and anterior
      posterior directions, mean total COP velocity with eyes open and closed, BMD of
      the distal forearm and the calcaneus, body weight, fat mass, and lean body mass
      were assessed. RESULTS: The BW intervention was completed by 76 % of
      participants. A significant effect (time * group interaction) was confirmed only
      in the mean COP velocity in the anterior-posterior direction with eyes closed (F
      = 7.41, P = 0.008). The effect of BW was not confirmed in BMD, body weight, or
      body composition. The results indicate that the effect of the intervention is
      influenced by baseline body mass index in body weight, fat mass and visceral
      adipose tissue. CONCLUSIONS: BW prevents the deterioration of postural stability
      with eyes closed, which can have a direct effect on reducing the risk of falls
      under worse spatial orientation and visibility. The presented intervention model
      is insufficient for weight loss, changes in BMD, or body composition, and its
      effect should be assessed during a longer period of time. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00007638 , registered March 10, 2015
      (retrospectively registered).

PMID- 27653633
TI  - Erratum to: Maternally-derived antibodies do not prevent transmission of swine
      influenza A virus between pigs.

PMID- 27653634
TI  - A Convenient Late-Stage Fluorination of Pyridylic C-H Bonds with N
      Fluorobenzenesulfonimide.
AB  - Pyridine features prominently in pharmaceuticals and drug leads, and methods to
      selectively manipulate pyridine basicity or metabolic stability are highly sought
      after. A robust, metal-free direct fluorination of unactivated pyridylic C-H
      bonds was developed. This convenient reaction shows high functional-group
      tolerance and offers complimentary selectivity to existing C-H fluorination
      strategies. Importantly, this late-stage pyridylic C-H fluorination provides
      opportunities to rationally modulate the basicity, lipophilicity, and metabolic
      stability of alkylpyridine drugs.

PMID- 27653635
TI  - Elevational Distribution and Ecology of Small Mammals on Tanzania's Second
      Highest Mountain.
AB  - Mt. Meru is Tanzania's second highest mountain and the ninth highest in Africa.
      The distribution and abundance of small mammals on this massif are poorly known.
      Here we document the distribution of shrews and rodents along an elevational
      gradient on the southeastern versant of Mt. Meru. Five sites were sampled with
      elevational center points of 1950, 2300, 2650, 3000, and 3600 m, using a
      systematic methodology of standard traps and pitfall lines, to inventory the
      shrews and rodents of the slope. Ten species of mammal were recorded, comprising
      2 shrew and 8 rodent species with the greatest diversity for each group at 2300
      m. No species previously unrecorded on Mt. Meru was observed. Two rodent genera
      that occur in nearby Eastern Arc Mountains (Hylomyscus and Beamys) were not
      recorded. The rodent Lophuromys verhageni and a recently described species of
      shrew, Crocidura newmarki, are the only endemic mammals on Mt. Meru, and were
      widespread across the elevational gradient. As in similar small mammal surveys on
      other mountains of Tanzania, rainfall positively influenced trap success rates
      for shrews, but not for rodents. This study provides new information on the local
      small mammal fauna of the massif, but numerous other questions remain to be
      explored. Comparisons are made to similar surveys of other mountains in Tanzania.

PMID- 27653636
TI  - Dystonia in ATP2B3-associated X-linked spinocerebellar ataxia.

PMID- 27653637
TI  - Nursing care in multifunctional small group homes providing day, visiting and
      overnight services for older people living at home.
AB  - Home care programs for older people have been developed around the world. Nurses
      are key to these programs. The aim of this study is to explore details of the
      nursing activities used in group homes to provide a basis for describing
      effective nursing practices in such facilities. A self-administered questionnaire
      was sent to 240 randomly selected facilities throughout Japan in 2013. Responses
      indicated that the activities of nurses in managing the health of older people
      included determining the need for medical consultations, dealing with
      emergencies, and making arrangements for the use of flexible care services.
      Nursing activities were directly related to the percentage of older people in
      each facility with diagnoses such as dementia or heart disease. Nurses reported
      low general self-efficacy for some of the more specialized nursing activities
      they performed. Nursing activities are performed with the aim of supporting older
      people with high health care needs to continue living at home; are tailored to
      the characteristics of residents and contribute to the provision of timely health
      examinations and flexible arrangement of services. Findings indicate that it
      might be advantageous to increase the nursing staffing at these facilities, to
      provide care guidelines and training opportunities to increase nurse self
      efficacy.

PMID- 27653638
TI  - Patterns of behaviour in families of critically ill patients in the emergency
      room: a focused ethnography.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to understand the patterns of behaviour from
      relatives of critically ill patients admitted to the emergency room. BACKGROUND:
      Admission of a critically ill family member to an accident and emergency
      department is often a sudden and unexpected experience for the family. This
      stressful event often creates feelings of instability and intense suffering in
      relatives. Understanding the experiences of these families is essential for the
      provision of comprehensive health care in the emergency room. DESIGN: A focused
      ethnography design was applied to the study. METHODS: Peripheral participant
      observation and informal conversations were conducted in an emergency room in
      southern Brazil during January 2015. Analysis of data was based on Leininger.
      FINDINGS: Suffering was recurrent among family members of critically ill patients
      admitted to the emergency room. The environment, which was conditioned by the
      patient's life-threatening situation and professionals' attitudes, resulted in
      relatives experiencing a range of feelings from suffering to calm. A distant
      approach and poor communication of professionals made relatives confused and
      silent. Factors that seemed to foster feelings of calm in families were the
      establishment of a continuous and close communication with professionals and the
      possibility to remain with the patient outside the established visiting hours.
      CONCLUSION: The findings of this study challenge emergency department providers
      and managers to promote comprehensive care in the emergency room by inviting
      family members to be with the patient and by engaging in family-centred care.

PMID- 27653639
TI  - Is There a Difference in Tachycardia Cycle Length during SVT in Children with
      AVRT and AVNRT?
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are limited adult data suggesting the tachycardia cycle length
      (TCL) of atrioventricular reentry tachycardia (AVRT) is shorter than
      atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT), though little data exist in
      children. We sought to determine if there is a difference in TCL between AVRT and
      AVNRT in children. METHODS: A single-center retrospective review of children with
      supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) from 2000 to 2015 was performed. INCLUSION
      CRITERIA: Age <= 18 years, invasive electrophysiology study (EPS) confirming AVRT
      or AVNRT. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Atypical AVNRT, congenital heart disease,
      antiarrhythmic medication use at time of EPS. Data were compared between patients
      with AVRT and AVNRT via t-test, chi2 test, and linear regression. RESULTS: A
      total of 835 patients were included (12 +/- 4 years, 52 +/- 31 kg, TCL 321 +/- 55
      ms), 539 (65%) with AVRT (270 Wolff-Parkinson-White, 269 concealed pathways) and
      296 (35%) with AVNRT. Patients with AVRT were younger (11.7 +/- 4.1 years vs 13.0
      +/- 3.6 years, P < 0.001) and smaller (49 +/- 22 kg vs 57 +/- 43 kg, P < 0.001).
      In the baseline state, the TCL was shorter in AVRT than AVRNT (329 +/- 51 ms vs
      340 +/- 60 ms, P = 0.04). In patients requiring isoproterenol to induce SVT,
      there was no difference in TCL (290 +/- 49 ms vs 297 +/- 49 ms, P = 0.26). When
      controlling for age, there was no difference in TCL between AVRT and AVNRT at
      baseline or on isoproterenol. The regression equation for TCL in the baseline
      state was TCL = 290 + 4 (age), indicating the TCL will increase by 4 ms above a
      baseline of 290 ms for each year of life. CONCLUSIONS: When controlling for age,
      there is no difference in the TCL between AVRT and AVNRT in children. Age, not
      tachycardia mechanism, is the most significant factor in predicting TCL.

PMID- 27653640
TI  - Culture of Tumorigenic Cells on Protein Fibers Reveals Metastatic Cell Behaviors.
AB  - Tumorigenic cell behaviors can be suppressed or enhanced by their physicochemical
      environment. As a first step toward developing materials that allow tumorigenic
      behaviors to be observed and manipulated, we cultured related MCF10 breast cell
      lines on fibers composed of the Drosophila protein Ultrabithorax (Ubx). These
      cell lines, originally derived from fibrocystic breast tissue, represent a
      continuum of tumorigenic behavior. Immortal but nontumorigenic MCF10A cells, as
      well as semitumorigenic MCF10AT cells, attached and spread on Ubx fibers. MCF10CA
      1a cells, the most highly transformed line, secreted high concentrations of
      matrix metalloproteinases when cultured on Ubx materials, resulting in
      differences in cell attachment and cytoskeletal structure, and enabling invasive
      behavior. Because the mechanical and functional properties of Ubx fibers can be
      genetically manipulated, these materials provide a valuable tool for cancer
      research, allowing creation of diverse microenvironments that allow assessment of
      invasive, metastatic behavior.

PMID- 27653642
TI  - Wrist-independent energy expenditure prediction models from raw accelerometer
      data.
AB  - PURPOSES: (1) Develop artificial neural network (ANN) models for wrist
      accelerometer data which can predict energy expenditure (EE) using data collected
      from either wrist. (2) Develop ANNs for detecting the wrist on which the
      accelerometer was worn. Forty-four adults wore GENEActiv accelerometers on the
      left and right wrists and a portable metabolic analyzer while participating in a
      90 min semi-structured activity protocol. Participants performed 14 sedentary,
      lifestyle, exercise, and ambulatory activities and were allowed to choose
      activity order, duration, and intensity. ANNs were created to predict EE and
      wrist detection using a leave-one-out cross-validation. In total, 12 combinations
      of feature sets (mean and variance of raw, vector magnitude, and absolute value
      data), training methods (left- and right- wrist), and testing methods (left- and
      right-wrist data) were used to develop EE prediction ANNs. Accuracy of the ANNs
      was evaluated using correlations, root mean square error (RMSE), and bias, using
      metabolic analyzer data as the criterion for EE. ANNs using raw data from the
      same wrist (e.g. EE predicted from right wrist ANNs using accelerometer data from
      right wrist) had the highest accuracy for EE prediction (r  =  0.84, RMSE  = 
      1.25-1.26 METs); conversely, opposite-wrist prediction accuracy (e.g. EE
      predicted from right wrist ANNs using accelerometer data from left wrist) was
      lower (r  =  0.60-0.64, RMSE  =  1.93-2.01 METs). Preprocessing into absolute
      values prior to ANN development allowed for, high EE prediction accuracy, with no
      difference in accuracy for same- versus opposite-wrist prediction (r  =  0.80
      0.83, RMSE  =  1.30-1.49 METs). Wrist detection ANNs correctly determined wrist
      placement 100% of the time. Highly accurate, wrist-independent EE prediction ANNs
      were developed by computing absolute values of raw acceleration data prior to ANN
      development. This method provides a potential approach for advancing predictive
      accuracy of wrist-worn accelerometers.

PMID- 27653641
TI  - Eurobarometer survey and e-cigarettes: unsubstantiated claims.

PMID- 27653645
TI  - Staff cuts: there is an alternative.
AB  - As you read this, another RCN Emergency Care Association (ECA) conference will
      have ended and participants will have been energised for another year. It is
      always a pleasure to meet people for whom emergency care is a genuine passion,
      not simply a job.

PMID- 27653644
TI  - Essential oil composition of Ajuga comata Stapf. from Southern Zagros, Iran.
AB  - The chemical composition of essential oil obtained from the aerial parts of Ajuga
      comata Stapf. was analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Thirty-seven components were
      identified in the oil. (E)-beta-caryophyllene (30.9%), caryophyllene oxide
      (24.9%), (E)-beta-farnesene (12.6%), beta-eudesmol (3.2%), delta-cadinene (3.1%)
      and germacrene D (3.0%) were the main compounds in the EOs. The chemical
      composition of A. comata Stapf. from the Southern Zagros of Iran is reported for
      the first time.

PMID- 27653648
TI  - Changes to guidelines on resuscitation and advanced life support.
AB  - RESUSCITATION GUIDELINES that place greater emphasis on chest compressions in
      cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of automated external
      defibrillators have been published.

PMID- 27653649
TI  - Driven to distraction.
AB  - A drive to raise funds for a 3D sensory pain distraction system for children in
      the emergency department (ED) at James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough,
      has been launched by a local shopping centre. About 20,000 children present at
      the ED every year.

PMID- 27653646
TI  - Donor scheme launched to meet demand for organs in Scotland.
AB  - A CAMPAIGN to encourage people to sign up to the organ-donor register has been
      launched in Scotland.

PMID- 27653650
TI  - Waiting around.
AB  - After reading the article by Julian Newell (Emergency Nurse 18, 6, 8), I had to
      smile. Discussing the abolition of the four-hour emergency department (ED)
      standard, he says: 'We may see the return to the days of patients lying on
      trolleys for hours as they wait for a bed to become available.'

PMID- 27653651
TI  - Coping with death.
AB  - Benjamin Franklin said that 'in this world nothing can be said to be certain,
      except death and taxes'. Death is something that nurses, particularly those
      working in emergency departments, have to deal with sometimes on a daily basis,
      as most serious accidents and emergencies can result in loss of life.

PMID- 27653652
TI  - Numeracy in nursing and healthcare: calculations and practice Pearl Shihab
      Numeracy in nursing and healthcare: calculations and practice Pearson Education
      L17.99 248pp 9780273720744 0273720740 [Formula: see text].
AB  - THE AUTHOR of this well-written book explains the calculations nurses must make,
      from the basic to the most complicated.

PMID- 27653653
TI  - Law and Professional Issues in Nursing Richard Griffith Law and Professional
      Issues in Nursing Cassam Tengnah Learning Matters L20 248pp 9781844453726
      1844453723 [Formula: see text].
AB  - LEGAL ISSUES concerning essential nursing care are demystified in this useful
      book, which covers accountability, equality and human rights, consent to
      treatment, confidentiality, and the protection of vulnerable clients including
      children.

PMID- 27653654
TI  - Clinical Teaching Made Easy Judy McKimm , Tim Swanwick Clinical Teaching Made
      Easy Quay Books L22.99 250pp 9781856424081 [Formula: see text].
AB  - THIS EASY-TO-USE reference guide offers a broad overview of medical education,
      including the importance of curriculum design and quality assurance.

PMID- 27653655
TI  - Diary.
AB  - Our roundup of what's on.

PMID- 27653657
TI  - Diagnosing the cause of blackouts.
AB  - About half of the UK population will experience blackouts, or transient loss of
      consciousness (TLoC), at some point in their lives, and some will attend
      emergency departments as a result, according to the National Institute for Health
      and Clinical Excellence (NICE).

PMID- 27653656
TI  - Notice board.
AB  - Courses, events, grants, and awards to progress your career.

PMID- 27653658
TI  - Patient group directions.
AB  - The patient group directions (PGD) website, which is part of the National
      electronic Library for Medicines (NeLM), is the national resource in England for
      healthcare professionals who work with, or who are involved in the development or
      review of, PGDs.

PMID- 27653659
TI  - Safeguarding website.
AB  - Safeguarding is part of everyday nursing practice in all settings and, according
      to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), nurses should have the skills to
      confidently recognise and effectively manage situations where they suspect people
      in their care are at risk of harm, abuse or neglect, including poor practice.

PMID- 27653660
TI  - Policies and practice.
AB  - NHS Evidence, a website that allows all health and social care workers to access
      a wide range of information on quality patient care, has a dedicated emergency
      and urgent care section that provides high quality and up-to-date information and
      resources on all aspects of emergency and urgent health care, including clinical
      and organisational issues.

PMID- 27653661
TI  - Relationship between cardio-ankle vascular index and homocysteine in hypertension
      subjects with hyperhomocysteinemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Arteriosclerosis evaluated by arterial stiffness is the basic
      pathophysiological change during the development of hypertension. Cardio-ankle
      vascular index (CAVI) is an index of arterial stiffness. Hyperhomocysteinemia
      (HHcy) is an independent risk factor for vascular diseases. However, there was
      little research about the relationship between CAVI and homocysteine (Hcy) in
      hypertension subjects with HHcy. METHODS: A total of 330 subjects (M/F 133/197)
      from Vascular Medicine of Peking University Shougang Hospital were divided into
      four groups: control group (group 1, normotensive with normal Hcy, n = 149),
      hypertension group (group 2, n = 113), HHcy group (group 3, n = 30), and
      hypertension with HHcy group (group 4, n = 38). CAVI was measured by VS-1000
      apparatus. RESULTS: Our results showed that CAVI was significantly higher in
      group 4 than in group 1 and group 2 (8.41 +/- 1.08 vs. 7.79 +/- 1.14; 8.41 +/-
      1.08 vs. 7.87 +/- 1.02, both p < 0.05, respectively). Positive correlation
      between CAVI and Hcy was found in the entire study group (r = 0.109, p = 0.049)
      and hypertension subjects (group 2 + group 4; r = 0.202, p = 0.014). Multivariate
      analysis showed that Hcy was an independent associating factor of CAVI in all
      subjects (beta = 0.251, p = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that
      CAVI was significantly higher in hypertension subjects with HHcy compared to
      hypertension group. There was significant correlation between CAVI and Hcy,
      indicating the relationship between arterial stiffness and biomarkers in vascular
      related diseases.

PMID- 27653662
TI  - Cutaneous Gamma-Delta T-Cell Lymphoma Successfully Treated With Brentuximab
      Vedotin.

PMID- 27653663
TI  - A computational lens for sexual-stage transmission, reproduction, fitness and
      kinetics in Plasmodium falciparum.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The burden of falciparum malaria remains unacceptably high in much of
      sub-Saharan Africa and massive efforts are underway to eliminate the parasite.
      While symptoms of malaria are caused by asexual reproduction of the parasite,
      transmission to new human hosts relies entirely on male and female sexual-stage
      parasites, known as gametocytes. Successful transmission can be observed at very
      low gametocyte densities, which raises the question of whether transmission
      enhancing mechanisms exist in the human host, the mosquito, or both. METHODS: A
      new computational model was developed to investigate the probability of
      fertilization over a range of overdispersion parameters and male gamete
      exploration rates. Simulations were used to fit a likelihood surface for data on
      rates of mosquito infection across a wide range of host gametocyte densities.
      RESULTS: The best fit simultaneously requires very strong overdispersion and
      faster gamete exploration than is possible with random swimming in order to
      explain typical prevalence levels in mosquitoes. Gametocyte overdispersion or
      clustering in the human host and faster gamete exploration of the mosquito blood
      meal are highly probably given these results. CONCLUSIONS: Density-dependent
      gametocyte clustering in the human host, and non-random searching (e.g.,
      chemotaxis) in the mosquito are probable. Future work should aim to discover
      these mechanisms, as disrupting parasite development in the mosquito will play a
      critical role in eliminating malaria.

PMID- 27653664
TI  - Identification of hepta-histidine as a candidate drug for Huntington's disease by
      in silico-in vitro- in vivo-integrated screens of chemical libraries.
AB  - We identified drug seeds for treating Huntington's disease (HD) by combining in
      vitro single molecule fluorescence spectroscopy, in silico molecular docking
      simulations, and in vivo fly and mouse HD models to screen for inhibitors of
      abnormal interactions between mutant Htt and physiological Ku70, an essential DNA
      damage repair protein in neurons whose function is known to be impaired by mutant
      Htt. From 19,468 and 3,010,321 chemicals in actual and virtual libraries, fifty
      six chemicals were selected from combined in vitro-in silico screens; six of
      these were further confirmed to have an in vivo effect on lifespan in a fly HD
      model, and two chemicals exerted an in vivo effect on the lifespan, body weight
      and motor function in a mouse HD model. Two oligopeptides, hepta-histidine (7H)
      and Angiotensin III, rescued the morphological abnormalities of primary neurons
      differentiated from iPS cells of human HD patients. For these selected drug
      seeds, we proposed a possible common structure. Unexpectedly, the selected
      chemicals enhanced rather than inhibited Htt aggregation, as indicated by dynamic
      light scattering analysis. Taken together, these integrated screens revealed a
      new pathway for the molecular targeted therapy of HD.

PMID- 27653666
TI  - Genome-wide analysis of Dof transcription factors reveals functional
      characteristics during development and response to biotic stresses in pepper.
AB  - The DNA-binding with one zinc finger proteins (Dofs) are a plant-specific family
      of transcription factors. The Dofs are involved in a variety of biological
      processes such as phytohormone production, seed development, and environmental
      adaptation. Dofs have been previously identified in several plants, but not in
      pepper. We identified 33 putative Dof genes in pepper (CaDofs). To gain an
      overview of the CaDofs, we analyzed phylogenetic relationships, protein motifs,
      and evolutionary history. We divided the 33 CaDofs, containing 25 motifs, into
      four major groups distributed on eight chromosomes. We discovered an expansion of
      the CaDofs dated to a recent duplication event. Segmental duplication that
      occurred before the speciation of the Solanaceae lineages was predominant among
      the CaDofs. The global gene-expression profiling of the CaDofs by RNA-seq
      analysis showed distinct temporal and pathogen-specific variation during
      development and response to biotic stresses (two TMV strains, PepMoV, and
      Phytophthora capsici), suggesting functional diversity among the CaDofs. These
      results will provide the useful clues into the responses of Dofs in biotic
      stresses and promote a better understanding of their multiple function in pepper
      and other species.

PMID- 27653667
TI  - Intein mediated hyper-production of authentic human basic fibroblast growth
      factor in Escherichia coli.
AB  - Human basic fibroblast growth factor is a functionally versatile but very
      expensive polypeptide. In this communication, employing a novel amplification
      method for the target gene and genetic optimization of a previously engineered
      expression construct, pWK3R, together with a refined fed-batch fermentation
      protocol, we report an achievement of a phenomenal yield of 610 mg/L of the 146
      aa authentic human basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in Escherichia coli.
      Construct pWK3R was first modified to form plasmid pWK311ROmpAd, which was devoid
      of the ompA leader sequence and possessed two copies of a DNA segment encoding a
      fusion product comprising an intein, Saccharomyces cerevisiae vascular membrane
      ATPase (VMA), and bFGF. When E. coli transformant JM101 [pWK311ROmpAd] was
      cultivated using the refined fed-batch fermentation protocol, superb expression
      resulting in a total yield of 610 mg/L of bFGF was detected. Despite existing in
      high levels, the bFGF remained to be soluble and highly bioactive.

PMID- 27653665
TI  - T-type calcium channels in synaptic plasticity.
AB  - The role of T-type calcium currents is rarely considered in the extensive
      literature covering the mechanisms of long-term synaptic plasticity. This
      situation reflects the lack of suitable T-type channel antagonists that till
      recently has hampered investigations of the functional roles of these channels.
      However, with the development of new pharmacological and genetic tools, a clear
      involvement of T-type channels in synaptic plasticity is starting to emerge.
      Here, we review a number of studies showing that T-type channels participate to
      numerous homo- and hetero-synaptic plasticity mechanisms that involve different
      molecular partners and both pre- and post-synaptic modifications. The existence
      of T-channel dependent and independent plasticity at the same synapse strongly
      suggests a subcellular localization of these channels and their partners that
      allows specific interactions. Moreover, we illustrate the functional importance
      of T-channel dependent synaptic plasticity in neocortex and thalamus.

PMID- 27653668
TI  - Inhibition in task switching: The reliability of the n - 2 repetition cost.
AB  - The n - 2 repetition cost seen in task switching is the effect of slower response
      times performing a recently completed task (e.g. an ABA sequence) compared to
      performing a task that was not recently completed (e.g. a CBA sequence). This
      cost is thought to reflect cognitive inhibition of task representations and as
      such, the n - 2 repetition cost has begun to be used as an assessment of
      individual differences in inhibitory control; however, the reliability of this
      measure has not been investigated in a systematic manner. The current study
      addressed this important issue. Seventy-two participants performed three task
      switching paradigms; participants were also assessed on rumination traits and
      processing speed-measures of individual differences potentially modulating the n 
      2 repetition cost. We found significant n - 2 repetition costs for each
      paradigm. However, split-half reliability tests revealed that this cost was not
      reliable at the individual-difference level. Neither rumination tendencies nor
      processing speed predicted this cost. We conclude that the n - 2 repetition cost
      is not reliable as a measure of individual differences in inhibitory control.

PMID- 27653669
TI  - The nuclear genome of Rhazya stricta and the evolution of alkaloid diversity in a
      medically relevant clade of Apocynaceae.
AB  - Alkaloid accumulation in plants is activated in response to stress, is limited in
      distribution and specific alkaloid repertoires are variable across taxa.
      Rauvolfioideae (Apocynaceae, Gentianales) represents a major center of structural
      expansion in the monoterpenoid indole alkaloids (MIAs) yielding thousands of
      unique molecules including highly valuable chemotherapeutics. The paucity of
      genome-level data for Apocynaceae precludes a deeper understanding of MIA pathway
      evolution hindering the elucidation of remaining pathway enzymes and the
      improvement of MIA availability in planta or in vitro. We sequenced the nuclear
      genome of Rhazya stricta (Apocynaceae, Rauvolfioideae) and present this high
      quality assembly in comparison with that of coffee (Rubiaceae, Coffea canephora,
      Gentianales) and others to investigate the evolution of genome-scale features.
      The annotated Rhazya genome was used to develop the community resource, RhaCyc, a
      metabolic pathway database. Gene family trees were constructed to identify
      homologs of MIA pathway genes and to examine their evolutionary history. We found
      that, unlike Coffea, the Rhazya lineage has experienced many structural
      rearrangements. Gene tree analyses suggest recent, lineage-specific expansion and
      diversification among homologs encoding MIA pathway genes in Gentianales and
      provide candidate sequences with the potential to close gaps in characterized
      pathways and support prospecting for new MIA production avenues.

PMID- 27653670
TI  - Effects of structured testing versus routine testing of blood glucose in diabetes
      self-management: A randomized controlled trial.
AB  - AIMS: To compare the effects of structured and routine testing regimens used in
      self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) on glycemic control and diabetes self
      management in insulin-naive type 2 diabetes patients. METHODS: Sixty-two
      outpatients with insulin-naive type 2 diabetes were randomly allocated into two
      less-frequent SMBG usage groups: a structured testing group (STG) and a routine
      testing group (RTG). Subjects in STG measured 7-points on SMBG for 3 consecutive
      days once every two months without daily testing; subjects in RTG measured SMBG 3
      times each week before breakfast on Monday and Friday and before dinner on
      Wednesday. The primary endpoint was HbA1c reduction. The secondary endpoints were
      change in body weight, blood pressure, treatment change, and self-management
      performance change. RESULTS: HbA1c levels were significantly decreased by 0.32%
      (3.50mmol/mol) in STG, partly because physicians changed medications more
      actively. In contrast, body weight and systolic/diastolic blood pressure were
      significantly reduced by 0.94kg and 6.8/4.7mmHg, respectively, in RTG, possibly
      related to the increased diet and exercise score in RTG. CONCLUSIONS: Structured
      testing without daily testing is beneficial for glycemic control; routine testing
      3 times a week is more helpful for daily self-management. In low SMBG frequency
      usage, these two regimens can be utilized according to individual diabetic
      conditions.

PMID- 27653671
TI  - Unusual lattice vibration characteristics in whiskers of the pseudo-one
      dimensional titanium trisulfide TiS3.
AB  - Transition metal trichalcogenides form a class of layered materials with strong
      in-plane anisotropy. For example, titanium trisulfide (TiS3) whiskers are made
      out of weakly interacting TiS3 layers, where each layer is made of weakly
      interacting quasi-one-dimensional chains extending along the b axis. Here we
      establish the unusual vibrational properties of TiS3 both experimentally and
      theoretically. Unlike other two-dimensional systems, the Raman active peaks of
      TiS3 have only out-of-plane vibrational modes, and interestingly some of these
      vibrations involve unique rigid-chain vibrations and S-S molecular oscillations.
      High-pressure Raman studies further reveal that the AgS-S S-S molecular mode has
      an unconventional negative pressure dependence, whereas other peaks stiffen as
      anticipated. Various vibrational modes are doubly degenerate at ambient pressure,
      but the degeneracy is lifted at high pressures. These results establish the
      unusual vibrational properties of TiS3 with strong in-plane anisotropy, and may
      have relevance to understanding of vibrational properties in other anisotropic
      two-dimensional material systems.

PMID- 27653672
TI  - Low-dose radiation differentially regulates protein acetylation and histone
      deacetylase expression in human coronary artery endothelial cells.
AB  - PURPOSE: Ionizing radiation induces cardiovascular disease, the endothelium being
      the main target. The exact mechanism of the damage is unclear but the involvement
      of multiple signaling pathways is probable. Reversible lysine acetylation is a
      posttranslational protein modification that regulates activity across a broad
      range of signaling pathways. The aim of this study was to determine if a low
      radiation dose results in acetylome alteration in endothelial cells. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Human coronary artery endothelial cell line was irradiated with Cs
      137 gamma-rays (0.5 Gy) and proteomics analysis was performed using enriched
      acetylated peptides and all peptides. Data were validated using immunoblotting,
      deacetylase activity assay, and RhoA activity assay. RESULTS: Nearly a hundred
      proteins were found to have an altered acetylation status 24 h after irradiation,
      primarily due to an overall decrease in acetylation. The expression of specific
      deacetylases was significantly increased, coinciding with an enhancement in
      global deacetylase activity. Proteins changed in their acetylation status
      belonged to several pathways including protein synthesis, cytoskeleton-related
      processes, protein folding and calcium signaling. The predicted changes in the
      RhoA/actin cytoskeleton pathway were validated by immunoassay. CONCLUSIONS: This
      study shows that protein acetylation is an important mediator of radiation
      responses in human cardiac coronary endothelial cells. Increased knowledge of the
      endothelial response to radiation is crucial for the development of normal tissue
      sparing modalities during radiation therapy.

PMID- 27653674
TI  - Use of Visible and Short-Wave Near-Infrared Hyperspectral Imaging To Fingerprint
      Anthocyanins in Intact Grape Berries.
AB  - In red grape berries, anthocyanins account for about 50% of the skin phenols and
      are responsible for the final wine color. Individual anthocyanin levels and
      compositional profiles vary with cultivar, maturity, season, region, and yield
      and have been proposed as chemical markers to differentiate wines and to provide
      valuable information regarding the adulteration of musts and wines. A fast, easy,
      solvent-free, nondestructive method based on visible, short-wave, and near
      infrared hyperspectral imaging (HSI) in intact grape berries to fingerprint the
      color pigments in eight different grape varieties was developed and tested
      against HPLC. Predictive models based on modified partial least-squares (MPLS)
      were built for 14 individual anthocyanins with coefficients of determination of
      cross-validation (R2CV) ranging from 0.70 to 0.93. For the grouping of total and
      nonacylated anthocyanins, external validation was conducted with coefficient of
      determination of prediction (R2P) of 0.86. HSI could potentially become an
      alternative to HPLC with reduced analysis time and labor costs while providing
      reliable and robust information on the anthocyanin composition of grape berries.

PMID- 27653673
TI  - Comparison of oblique coronal images in knee of three-dimensional isotropic T2
      weighted turbo spin echo MRI versus two-dimensional fast spin echo T2-weighted
      sequences for evaluation of posterior cruciate ligament injury.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare image quality between three-dimensional volume isotropic
      turbo spin echo acquisition (3D VISTA) with the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)
      view and two-dimensional (2D) fast spin echo (FSE) for evaluation of PCL injury.
      METHODS: This retrospective study included 60 patients with clinical suspicion of
      PCL injury who underwent both 2D FSE and 3D VISTA of the knee between January
      2015 and December 2015. The diagnostic performance of each oblique coronal view
      and the combined images was evaluated for sensitivity, specificity and accuracy
      for diagnosing a PCL tear. The arthroscopically confirmed diagnoses were used as
      the reference standard. Data were analyzed using the McNemar test. RESULTS: The
      mean contrast-to-noise ratio was significantly higher for 3D VISTA than for 2D
      FSE. The two imaging modalities did not differ significantly in anatomical
      identification ability, with the exception of margin sharpness, which was
      inferior for 3D VISTA with Reader 2 (p = 0.038). When we classified the diagnoses
      of PCL injury as normal or abnormal, there were no significant differences in
      sensitivity, specificity or accuracy between the PCL view of 3D VISTA and 2D FSE
      images (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: 3D VISTA had a superior contrast-to-noise ratio
      than 2D FSE and similar image quality in the evaluation of the PCL. The PCL view
      of 3D VISTA has the same diagnostic ability as 2D FSE in the diagnosis of PCL
      injury and can thus replace 2D FSE. Advances in knowledge: The oblique coronal
      view 3D VISTA MRI has similar diagnostic ability to 2D FSE in the diagnosis of
      PCL injury, and therefore 3D VISTA image can replace 2D FSE.

PMID- 27653675
TI  - COOLAIR Antisense RNAs Form Evolutionarily Conserved Elaborate Secondary
      Structures.
AB  - There is considerable debate about the functionality of long non-coding RNAs
      (lncRNAs). Lack of sequence conservation has been used to argue against
      functional relevance. We investigated antisense lncRNAs, called COOLAIR, at the
      A. thaliana FLC locus and experimentally determined their secondary structure.
      The major COOLAIR variants are highly structured, organized by exon. The distally
      polyadenylated transcript has a complex multi-domain structure, altered by a
      single non-coding SNP defining a functionally distinct A. thaliana FLC haplotype.
      The A. thaliana COOLAIR secondary structure was used to predict COOLAIR exons in
      evolutionarily divergent Brassicaceae species. These predictions were validated
      through chemical probing and cloning. Despite the relatively low nucleotide
      sequence identity, the structures, including multi-helix junctions, show
      remarkable evolutionary conservation. In a number of places, the structure is
      conserved through covariation of a non-contiguous DNA sequence. This structural
      conservation supports a functional role for COOLAIR transcripts rather than, or
      in addition to, antisense transcription.

PMID- 27653676
TI  - The Ribosome Cooperates with the Assembly Chaperone pICln to Initiate Formation
      of snRNPs.
AB  - The formation of macromolecular complexes within the crowded environment of cells
      often requires aid from assembly chaperones. PRMT5 and SMN complexes mediate this
      task for the assembly of the common core of pre-mRNA processing small nuclear
      ribonucleoprotein particles (snRNPs). Core formation is initiated by the PRMT5
      complex subunit pICln, which pre-arranges the core proteins into spatial
      positions occupied in the assembled snRNP. The SMN complex then accepts these
      pICln-bound proteins and unites them with small nuclear RNA (snRNA). Here, we
      have analyzed how newly synthesized snRNP proteins are channeled into the
      assembly pathway to evade mis-assembly. We show that they initially remain bound
      to the ribosome near the polypeptide exit tunnel and dissociate upon association
      with pICln. Coincident with its release activity, pICln ensures the formation of
      cognate heterooligomers and their chaperoned guidance into the assembly pathway.
      Our study identifies the ribosomal quality control hub as a site where chaperone
      mediated assembly of macromolecular complexes can be initiated.

PMID- 27653677
TI  - Trans-Binding Mechanism of Ubiquitin-like Protein Activation Revealed by a UBA5
      UFM1 Complex.
AB  - Modification of proteins by ubiquitin or ubiquitin-like proteins (UBLs) is a
      critical cellular process implicated in a variety of cellular states and
      outcomes. A prerequisite for target protein modification by a UBL is the
      activation of the latter by activating enzymes (E1s). Here, we present the
      crystal structure of the non-canonical homodimeric E1, UBA5, in complex with its
      cognate UBL, UFM1, and supporting biochemical experiments. We find that UBA5
      binds to UFM1 via a trans-binding mechanism in which UFM1 interacts with distinct
      sites in both subunits of the UBA5 dimer. This binding mechanism requires a
      region C-terminal to the adenylation domain that brings UFM1 to the active site
      of the adjacent UBA5 subunit. We also find that transfer of UFM1 from UBA5 to the
      E2, UFC1, occurs via a trans mechanism, thereby requiring a homodimer of UBA5.
      These findings explicitly elucidate the role of UBA5 dimerization in UFM1
      activation.

PMID- 27653678
TI  - IFN-gamma Induces Histone 3 Lysine 27 Trimethylation in a Small Subset of
      Promoters to Stably Silence Gene Expression in Human Macrophages.
AB  - The mechanisms by which IFN-gamma activates expression of interferon-stimulated
      genes that have inflammatory and host defense functions are well understood. In
      contrast, little is known about how IFN-gamma represses gene expression. By using
      transcriptomic and epigenomic analysis, we found that stable repression of a
      small group of genes by IFN-gamma is associated with recruitment of the histone
      methyltransferase EZH2 and deposition of the negative mark histone 3 lysine 27
      trimethylation (H3K27me3) at their promoters. Repressed genes included MERTK,
      PPARG, and RANK, which have anti-inflammatory functions and promote osteoclast
      differentiation. Gene repression and H3K27me3 persisted after IFN-gamma signaling
      was terminated, and these silenced genes were no longer responsive to
      glucocorticoids, IL-4, and M-CSF. These results identify cytokine-induced H3K27
      trimethylation as a mechanism that stabilizes gene silencing in macrophages. IFN
      gamma-induced macrophage activation is thus reinforced by a chromatin-based
      mechanism that blocks anti-inflammatory and opposing pathways.

PMID- 27653679
TI  - The Role of Dendritic Cells in S. pneumoniae Transport to Follicular Dendritic
      Cells.
AB  - Affinity-mature B cells require cognate antigen, retained by follicular dendritic
      cells (FDCs), for clonal selection within germinal centers. Studies on how FDCs
      in lymphoid tissues acquire antigen have relied primarily on model protein
      antigens. To examine delivery of intact bacteria to FDCs, we used inactivated
      Streptococcus pneumonia (SP). We found that both medullary macrophages and a
      subset of SIGN-R1-positive dendritic cells (DCs) in the lymph node capture SP
      from the draining afferent lymphatics. The presence of DCs is required for
      initial complement activation, opsonization of the bacteria, and efficient
      transport of SP to FDCs. Moreover, we observed a major role for transport of
      bacteria to FDCs by naive B cells via a CD21-dependent pathway. We propose a
      mechanism by which efficient transport of SP to FDCs is dependent on DCs for
      initial binding and activation of complement and either direct transport to FDCs
      or transfer to naive B cells.

PMID- 27653680
TI  - Reprogramming by De-bookmarking the Somatic Transcriptional Program through
      Targeting of BET Bromodomains.
AB  - One critical event in reprogramming to pluripotency is erasure of the somatic
      transcriptional program of starting cells. Here, we present the proof of
      principle of a strategy for reprogramming to pluripotency facilitated by small
      molecules that interfere with the somatic transcriptional memory. We show that
      mild chemical targeting of the acetyllysine-binding pockets of the BET
      bromodomains, the transcriptional bookmarking domains, robustly enhances
      reprogramming. Furthermore, we show that chemical targeting of the
      transcriptional bookmarking BET bromodomains downregulates or turns off the
      expression of somatic genes in both naive and reprogramming fibroblasts. Chemical
      blocking of the BET bromodomains also results in loss of fibroblast morphology
      early in reprogramming. We therefore experimentally demonstrate that cell fate
      conversion can be achieved by chemically targeting the transcriptional
      bookmarking BET bromodomains responsible for transcriptional memory.

PMID- 27653682
TI  - Increased Persistent Sodium Current Causes Neuronal Hyperexcitability in the
      Entorhinal Cortex of Fmr1 Knockout Mice.
AB  - Altered neuronal excitability is one of the hallmarks of fragile X syndrome
      (FXS), but the mechanisms underlying this critical neuronal dysfunction are
      poorly understood. Here, we find that pyramidal cells in the entorhinal cortex of
      Fmr1 KO mice, an established FXS mouse model, display a decreased AP threshold
      and increased neuronal excitability. The AP threshold changes in Fmr1 KO mice are
      caused by increased persistent sodium current (INaP). Our results indicate that
      this abnormal INaP in Fmr1 KO animals is mediated by increased mGluR5-PLC-PKC
      (metabotropic glutamate receptor 5/phospholipase C/protein kinase C) signaling.
      These findings identify Na(+) channel dysregulation as a major cause of neuronal
      hyperexcitability in cortical FXS neurons and uncover a mechanism by which
      abnormal mGluR5 signaling causes neuronal hyperexcitability in a FXS mouse model.

PMID- 27653681
TI  - Mammary-Stem-Cell-Based Somatic Mouse Models Reveal Breast Cancer Drivers Causing
      Cell Fate Dysregulation.
AB  - Cancer genomics has provided an unprecedented opportunity for understanding
      genetic causes of human cancer. However, distinguishing which mutations are
      functionally relevant to cancer pathogenesis remains a major challenge. We
      describe here a mammary stem cell (MaSC) organoid-based approach for rapid
      generation of somatic genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs). By using RNAi
      and CRISPR-mediated genome engineering in MaSC-GEMMs, we have discovered that
      inactivation of Ptpn22 or Mll3, two genes mutated in human breast cancer, greatly
      accelerated PI3K-driven mammary tumorigenesis. Using these tumor models, we have
      also identified genetic alterations promoting tumor metastasis and causing
      resistance to PI3K-targeted therapy. Both Ptpn22 and Mll3 inactivation resulted
      in disruption of mammary gland differentiation and an increase in stem cell
      activity. Mechanistically, Mll3 deletion enhanced stem cell activity through
      activation of the HIF pathway. Thus, our study has established a robust in vivo
      platform for functional cancer genomics and has discovered functional breast
      cancer mutations.

PMID- 27653683
TI  - Parent-of-Origin DNA Methylation Dynamics during Mouse Development.
AB  - Parent-specific differentially methylated regions (DMRs) are established during
      gametogenesis and regulate parent-specific expression of imprinted genes.
      Monoallelic expression of imprinted genes is essential for development,
      suggesting that imprints are faithfully maintained in embryos and adults. To test
      this hypothesis, we targeted a reporter for genomic methylation to the imprinted
      Dlk1-Dio3 intergenic DMR (IG-DMR) to assess the methylation of both parental
      alleles at single-cell resolution. Biallelic gain or loss of IG-DMR methylation
      occurred in a small fraction of mouse embryonic stem cells, significantly
      affecting developmental potency. Mice carrying the reporter in either parental
      allele showed striking parent-specific changes in IG-DMR methylation, causing
      substantial and consistent tissue- and cell-type-dependent signatures in embryos
      and postnatal animals. Furthermore, dynamics in DNA methylation persisted during
      adult neurogenesis, resulting in inter-individual diversity. This substantial
      cell-cell DNA methylation heterogeneity implies that dynamic DNA methylation
      variations in the adult may be of functional importance.

PMID- 27653686
TI  - Quantitative Lipid Droplet Proteome Analysis Identifies Annexin A3 as a Cofactor
      for HCV Particle Production.
AB  - Lipid droplets are vital to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection as the putative
      sites of virion assembly, but morphogenesis and egress of virions remain ill
      defined. We performed quantitative lipid droplet proteome analysis of HCV
      infected cells to identify co-factors of that process. Our results demonstrate
      that HCV disconnects lipid droplets from their metabolic function. Annexin A3
      (ANXA3), a protein enriched in lipid droplet fractions, strongly impacted HCV
      replication and was characterized further: ANXA3 is recruited to lipid-rich
      fractions in HCV-infected cells by the viral core and NS5A proteins. ANXA3
      knockdown does not affect HCV RNA replication but severely impairs virion
      production with lower specific infectivity and higher density of secreted
      virions. ANXA3 is essential for the interaction of viral envelope E2 with
      apolipoprotein E (ApoE) and for trafficking, but not lipidation, of ApoE in HCV
      infected cells. Thus, we identified ANXA3 as a regulator of HCV maturation and
      egress.

PMID- 27653685
TI  - Multivalent Chromatin Engagement and Inter-domain Crosstalk Regulate MORC3
      ATPase.
AB  - MORC3 is linked to inflammatory myopathies and cancer; however, the precise role
      of MORC3 in normal cell physiology and disease remains poorly understood. Here,
      we present detailed genetic, biochemical, and structural analyses of MORC3. We
      demonstrate that MORC3 is significantly upregulated in Down syndrome and that
      genetic abnormalities in MORC3 are associated with cancer. The CW domain of MORC3
      binds to the methylated histone H3K4 tail, and this interaction is essential for
      recruitment of MORC3 to chromatin and accumulation in nuclear bodies. We show
      that MORC3 possesses intrinsic ATPase activity that requires DNA, but it is
      negatively regulated by the CW domain, which interacts with the ATPase domain.
      Natively linked CW impedes binding of the ATPase domain to DNA, resulting in a
      decrease in the DNA-stimulated enzymatic activity. Collectively, our studies
      provide a molecular framework detailing MORC3 functions and suggest that its
      modulation may contribute to human disease.

PMID- 27653684
TI  - Bcl11a Deficiency Leads to Hematopoietic Stem Cell Defects with an Aging-like
      Phenotype.
AB  - B cell CLL/lymphoma 11A (BCL11A) is a transcription factor and regulator of
      hemoglobin switching that has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for
      sickle cell disease and thalassemia. In the hematopoietic system, BCL11A is
      required for B lymphopoiesis, yet its role in other hematopoietic cells,
      especially hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) remains elusive. The extensive
      expression of BCL11A in hematopoiesis implicates context-dependent roles,
      highlighting the importance of fully characterizing its function as part of
      ongoing efforts for stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine. Here, we
      demonstrate that BCL11A is indispensable for normal HSC function. Bcl11a
      deficiency results in HSC defects, typically observed in the aging hematopoietic
      system. We find that downregulation of cyclin-dependent kinase 6 (Cdk6), and the
      ensuing cell-cycle delay, correlate with HSC dysfunction. Our studies define a
      mechanism for BCL11A in regulation of HSC function and have important
      implications for the design of therapeutic approaches to targeting BCL11A.

PMID- 27653687
TI  - IL-4 Induces Metallothionein 3- and SLC30A4-Dependent Increase in Intracellular
      Zn(2+) that Promotes Pathogen Persistence in Macrophages.
AB  - Alternative activation of macrophages promotes wound healing but weakens
      antimicrobial defenses against intracellular pathogens. The mechanisms that
      suppress macrophage function to create a favorable environment for pathogen
      growth remain elusive. We show that interleukin (IL)-4 triggers a metallothionein
      3 (MT3)- and Zn exporter SLC30A4-dependent increase in the labile Zn(2+) stores
      in macrophages and that intracellular pathogens can exploit this increase in Zn
      to survive. IL-4 regulates this pathway by shuttling extracellular Zn into
      macrophages and by activating cathepsins that act on MT3 to release bound Zn. We
      show that IL-4 can modulate Zn homeostasis in both human monocytes and mice. In
      vivo, MT3 can repress macrophage function in an M2-polarizing environment to
      promote pathogen persistence. Thus, MT3 and SLC30A4 dictate the size of the
      labile Zn(2+) pool and promote the survival of a prototypical intracellular
      pathogen in M2 macrophages.

PMID- 27653688
TI  - iNKT Cell Emigration out of the Lung Vasculature Requires Neutrophils and
      Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells in Inflammation.
AB  - iNKT cells are a subset of innate T cells that recognize glycolipids presented on
      CD1d molecules and protect against bacterial infections, including S. pneumoniae.
      Using lung intravital imaging, we examined the behavior and mechanism of
      pulmonary iNKT cell activation in response to the specific iNKT cell ligand alpha
      galactosylceramide or S. pneumoniae infection. In untreated mice, the major
      fraction of iNKT cells resided in the vasculature, but a small critical
      population resided in the extravascular space in proximity to monocyte-derived
      DCs. Administration of either alpha-GalCer or S. pneumoniae induced CD1d
      dependent rapid recruitment of neutrophils out of the vasculature. The
      neutrophils guided iNKT cells from the lung vasculature via CCL17. Depletion of
      monocyte-derived DCs abrogated both the neutrophil and subsequent iNKT cell
      extravasation. Moreover, impairing iNKT cell recruitment by blocking CCL17
      increased susceptibility to S. pneumoniae infection, suggesting a critical role
      for the influx of iNKT cells in host defense.

PMID- 27653689
TI  - Human iNKT Cells Promote Protective Inflammation by Inducing Oscillating
      Purinergic Signaling in Monocyte-Derived DCs.
AB  - Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are innate T lymphocytes that promote
      host defense against a variety of microbial pathogens. Whether microbial ligands
      are required for their protective effects remains unclear. Here, we show that
      iNKT cells stimulate human-monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs) to produce
      inflammatory mediators in a manner that does not require the presence of
      microbial compounds. Interleukin 2 (IL-2)-exposed iNKT cells selectively induced
      repeated cytoplasmic Ca(2+) fluxes in DCs that were dependent on signaling by the
      P2X7 purinergic receptor and mediated by ATP released during iNKT-DC
      interactions. Exposure to iNKT cells led to DC cyclooxygenase 2 (PTGS2) gene
      transcription, and release of PGE2 that was associated with vascular
      permeabilization in vivo. Additionally, soluble factors were released that
      induced neutrophil recruitment and activation and enhanced control of Candida
      albicans. These results suggest that sterile interactions between iNKT cells and
      monocyte-derived DCs lead to the production of non-redundant inflammatory
      mediators that promote neutrophil responses.

PMID- 27653690
TI  - Overcoming CD4 Th1 Cell Fate Restrictions to Sustain Antiviral CD8 T Cells and
      Control Persistent Virus Infection.
AB  - Viral persistence specifically inhibits CD4 Th1 responses and promotes Tfh
      immunity, but the mechanisms that suppress Th1 cells and the disease consequences
      of their loss are unclear. Here, we demonstrate that the loss of CD4 Th1 cells
      specifically leads to progressive CD8 T cell decline and dysfunction during viral
      persistence. Therapeutically reconstituting CD4 Th1 cells restored CD4 T cell
      polyfunctionality, enhanced antiviral CD8 T cell numbers and function, and
      enabled viral control. Mechanistically, combined interaction of PD-L1 and IL-10
      by suppressive dendritic cell subsets inhibited new CD4 Th1 cells in both acute
      and persistent virus infection, demonstrating an unrecognized suppressive
      function for PD-L1 in virus infection. Thus, the loss of CD4 Th1 cells is a key
      event leading to progressive CD8 T cell demise during viral persistence with
      important implications for restoring antiviral CD8 T cell immunity to control
      persistent viral infection.

PMID- 27653692
TI  - Acetylation of the Cd8 Locus by KAT6A Determines Memory T Cell Diversity.
AB  - How functionally diverse populations of pathogen-specific killer T cells are
      generated during an immune response remains unclear. Here, we propose that fine
      tuning of CD8alphabeta co-receptor levels via histone acetylation plays a role in
      lineage fate. We show that lysine acetyltransferase 6A (KAT6A) is responsible for
      maintaining permissive Cd8 gene transcription and enabling robust effector
      responses during infection. KAT6A-deficient CD8(+) T cells downregulated surface
      CD8 co-receptor expression during clonal expansion, a finding linked to reduced
      Cd8alpha transcripts and histone-H3 lysine 9 acetylation of the Cd8 locus. Loss
      of CD8 expression in KAT6A-deficient T cells correlated with reduced TCR
      signaling intensity and accelerated contraction of the effector-like memory
      compartment, whereas the long-lived memory compartment appeared unaffected, a
      result phenocopied by the removal of the Cd8 E8I enhancer element. These findings
      suggest a direct role of CD8alphabeta co-receptor expression and histone
      acetylation in shaping functional diversity within the cytotoxic T cell pool.

PMID- 27653691
TI  - Control of Paneth Cell Fate, Intestinal Inflammation, and Tumorigenesis by
      PKClambda/iota.
AB  - Paneth cells are a highly specialized population of intestinal epithelial cells
      located in the crypt adjacent to Lgr5(+) stem cells, from which they
      differentiate through a process that requires downregulation of the Notch
      pathway. Their ability to store and release antimicrobial peptides protects the
      host from intestinal pathogens and controls intestinal inflammation. Here, we
      show that PKClambda/iota is required for Paneth cell differentiation at the level
      of Atoh1 and Gfi1, through the control of EZH2 stability by direct
      phosphorylation. The selective inactivation of PKClambda/iota in epithelial cells
      results in the loss of mature Paneth cells, increased apoptosis and inflammation,
      and enhanced tumorigenesis. Importantly, PKClambda/iota expression in human
      Paneth cells decreases with progression of Crohn's disease. Kaplan-Meier survival
      analysis of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients revealed that low PRKCI levels
      correlated with significantly worse patient survival rates. Therefore,
      PKClambda/iota is a negative regulator of intestinal inflammation and cancer
      through its role in Paneth cell homeostasis.

PMID- 27653694
TI  - Sterile Inflammation Enhances ECM Degradation in Integrin beta1 KO Embryonic
      Skin.
AB  - Epidermal knockout of integrin beta1 results in complete disorganization of the
      basement membrane (BM), resulting in neonatal lethality. Here, we report that
      this disorganization is exacerbated by an early embryonic inflammatory response
      involving the recruitment of tissue-resident and monocyte-derived macrophages to
      the dermal-epidermal junction, associated with increased matrix metalloproteinase
      activity. Remarkably, the skin barrier in the integrin beta1 knockout animals is
      intact, suggesting that this inflammatory response is initiated in a sterile
      environment. We demonstrate that the molecular mechanism involves de novo
      expression of integrin alphavbeta6 in the basal epidermal cells, which activates
      a TGF-beta1 driven inflammatory cascade resulting in upregulation of dermal NF
      kappaB in a Tenascin C-dependent manner. Importantly, treatment of beta1 KO
      embryos in utero with small molecule inhibitors of TGF-betaR1 and NF-kappaB
      results in marked rescue of the BM defects and amelioration of immune response,
      revealing an unconventional immuno-protective role for integrin beta1 during BM
      remodeling.

PMID- 27653693
TI  - Neuronal Nuclear Membrane Budding Occurs during a Developmental Window Modulated
      by Torsin Paralogs.
AB  - DYT1 dystonia is a neurodevelopmental disease that manifests during a discrete
      period of childhood. The disease is caused by impaired function of torsinA, a
      protein linked to nuclear membrane budding. The relationship of NE budding to
      neural development and CNS function is unclear, however, obscuring its potential
      role in dystonia pathogenesis. We find NE budding begins and resolves during a
      discrete neurodevelopmental window in torsinA null neurons in vivo. The
      developmental resolution of NE budding corresponds to increased torsinB protein,
      while ablating torsinB from torsinA null neurons prevents budding resolution and
      causes lethal neural dysfunction. Developmental changes in torsinB also correlate
      with NE bud formation in differentiating DYT1 embryonic stem cells, and
      overexpression of torsinA or torsinB rescues NE bud formation in this system.
      These findings identify a torsinA neurodevelopmental window that is essential for
      normal CNS function and have important implications for dystonia pathogenesis and
      therapeutics.

PMID- 27653695
TI  - The RNA Exosome Channeling and Direct Access Conformations Have Distinct In Vivo
      Functions.
AB  - The RNA exosome is a 3'-5' ribonuclease complex that is composed of nine core
      subunits and an essential catalytic subunit, Rrp44. Two distinct conformations of
      Rrp44 were revealed in previous structural studies, suggesting that Rrp44 may
      change its conformation to exert its function. In the channeling conformation,
      (Rrp44(ch)), RNA accesses the active site after traversing the central channel of
      the RNA exosome, whereas in the other conformation, (Rrp44(da)), RNA gains direct
      access to the active site. Here, we show that the Rrp44(da) exosome is important
      for nuclear function of the RNA exosome. Defects caused by disrupting the direct
      access conformation are distinct from those caused by channel-occluding
      mutations, indicating specific functions for each conformation. Our genetic
      analyses provide in vivo evidence that the RNA exosome employs a direct-access
      route to recruit specific substrates, indicating that the RNA exosome uses
      alternative conformations to act on different RNA substrates.

PMID- 27653696
TI  - APC/C and SCF(cyclin F) Constitute a Reciprocal Feedback Circuit Controlling S
      Phase Entry.
AB  - The anaphase promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) is an ubiquitin ligase and core
      component of the cell-cycle oscillator. During G1 phase, APC/C binds to its
      substrate receptor Cdh1 and APC/C(Cdh1) plays an important role in restricting S
      phase entry and maintaining genome integrity. We describe a reciprocal feedback
      circuit between APC/C and a second ubiquitin ligase, the SCF (Skp1-Cul1-F box).
      We show that cyclin F, a cell-cycle-regulated substrate receptor (F-box protein)
      for the SCF, is targeted for degradation by APC/C. Furthermore, we establish that
      Cdh1 is itself a substrate of SCF(cyclin F). Cyclin F loss impairs Cdh1
      degradation and delays S-phase entry, and this delay is reversed by simultaneous
      removal of Cdh1. These data indicate that the coordinated, temporal ordering of
      cyclin F and Cdh1 degradation, organized in a double-negative feedback loop,
      represents a fundamental aspect of cell-cycle control. This mutual antagonism
      could be a feature of other oscillating systems.

PMID- 27653697
TI  - Molecular and Biological Compatibility with Host Alpha-Synuclein Influences
      Fibril Pathogenicity.
AB  - The accumulation and propagation of misfolded alpha-synuclein (alpha-Syn) is a
      central feature of Parkinson's disease and other synucleinopathies. Molecular
      compatibility between a fibrillar seed and its native protein state is a major
      determinant of amyloid self-replication. We show that cross-seeded aggregation of
      human (Hu) and mouse (Ms) alpha-Syn is bidirectionally restricted. Although
      fibrils formed by Hu-Ms-alpha-Syn chimeric mutants can overcome this inhibition
      in cell-free systems, sequence homology poorly predicts their efficiency in
      inducing alpha-Syn pathology in primary neurons or after intracerebral injection
      into wild-type mice. Chimeric alpha-Syn fibrils demonstrate enhanced or reduced
      pathogenicities compared with wild-type Hu- or Ms-alpha-Syn fibrils. Furthermore,
      alpha-Syn mutants induced to polymerize by fibrillar seeds inherit the functional
      properties of their template, suggesting that transferable pathogenic and non
      pathogenic states likely influence the initial engagement between exogenous alpha
      Syn seeds and endogenous neuronal alpha-Syn. Thus, transmission of
      synucleinopathies is regulated by biological processes in addition to molecular
      compatibility.

PMID- 27653698
TI  - RNF4-Dependent Oncogene Activation by Protein Stabilization.
AB  - Ubiquitylation regulates signaling pathways critical for cancer development and,
      in many cases, targets proteins for degradation. Here, we report that
      ubiquitylation by RNF4 stabilizes otherwise short-lived oncogenic transcription
      factors, including beta-catenin, Myc, c-Jun, and the Notch intracellular-domain
      (N-ICD) protein. RNF4 enhances the transcriptional activity of these factors, as
      well as Wnt- and Notch-dependent gene expression. While RNF4 is a SUMO-targeted
      ubiquitin ligase, protein stabilization requires the substrate's phosphorylation,
      rather than SUMOylation, and binding to RNF4's arginine-rich motif domain.
      Stabilization also involves generation of unusual polyubiquitin chains and
      docking of RNF4 to chromatin. Biologically, RNF4 enhances the tumor phenotype and
      is essential for cancer cell survival. High levels of RNF4 mRNA correlate with
      poor survival of a subgroup of breast cancer patients, and RNF4 protein levels
      are elevated in 30% of human colon adenocarcinomas. Thus, RNF4-dependent
      ubiquitylation translates transient phosphorylation signal(s) into long-term
      protein stabilization, resulting in enhanced oncoprotein activation.

PMID- 27653699
TI  - Elucidating the Neuronal Architecture of Olfactory Glomeruli in the Drosophila
      Antennal Lobe.
AB  - Olfactory glomeruli are morphologically conserved spherical compartments of the
      olfactory system, distinguishable solely by their chemosensory repertoire,
      anatomical position, and volume. Little is known, however, about their numerical
      neuronal composition. We therefore characterized their neuronal architecture and
      correlated these anatomical features with their functional properties in
      Drosophila melanogaster. We quantitatively mapped all olfactory sensory neurons
      (OSNs) innervating each glomerulus, including sexually dimorphic distributions.
      Our data reveal the impact of OSN number on glomerular dimensions and demonstrate
      yet unknown sex-specific differences in several glomeruli. Moreover, we
      quantified uniglomerular projection neurons for each glomerulus, which unraveled
      a glomerulus-specific numerical innervation. Correlation between morphological
      features and functional specificity showed that glomeruli innervated by narrowly
      tuned OSNs seem to possess a larger number of projection neurons and are involved
      in less lateral processing than glomeruli targeted by broadly tuned OSNs. Our
      study demonstrates that the neuronal architecture of each glomerulus encoding
      crucial odors is unique.

PMID- 27653700
TI  - The Tumor Suppressor Hace1 Is a Critical Regulator of TNFR1-Mediated Cell Fate.

PMID- 27653701
TI  - The Histone Chaperone FACT Contributes to DNA Replication-Coupled Nucleosome
      Assembly.

PMID- 27653702
TI  - DNA Barcoding of Philippine Herbal Medicinal Products.
AB  - The Philippine government established the Traditional and Alternative Medicine
      Act in 1997 to promote traditionally used herbal products and to provide an
      effective yet affordable alternative to conventional medicines. However,
      government regulation of herbal medicinal products (HMPs) is not stringent,
      relying only on submitted quality data from the manufacturer. In this study we
      validated the taxonomic identity of 26 plant samples contained within 22 HMPs,
      each produced by different local manufacturers, through DNA barcoding of the
      nuclear internal transcribed spacer-2 (ITS2) region. We recovered 19 ITS2
      barcodes from 26 samples. These were compared to sequences in GenBank using
      MEGABLAST, but ambiguous results (similar max scores for different species) were
      phylogenetically analyzed. Twelve of the 19 samples matched the indicated species
      on the product label, three were equivocal in specific identity but were placed
      in the expected genus, and four other samples from three manufacturers contained
      contamination and/or substitution. GenBank's reference database was at times
      problematic because some sequences were lacking or were misidentified, but the
      database was still useful. Overall, ITS2 barcoding was successful in
      authenticating the HMPs, and it is recommended during the premarket evaluation
      process so as to obtain a certificate of registration from the government. The
      government should also develop a comprehensive database of barcodes for
      Philippine plants, and should prioritize the development of the traditional
      pharmacopeia because many locally produced HMPs are not indigenous.

PMID- 27653703
TI  - Indoor allergen exposure and asthma outcomes.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of the present review is to discuss updates on
      research regarding the relationship between indoor allergen exposure and
      childhood asthma with a focus on clinical effects, locations of exposure, and
      novel treatments. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent data continue to demonstrate that early
      life sensitization to indoor allergens is a predictor of asthma development later
      in life. Furthermore, avoidance of exposure to these allergens continues to be
      important especially given that the vast majority of children with asthma are
      sensitized to at least one indoor allergen. New research suggests that mouse
      allergen, more so than cockroach allergen, may be the most relevant urban
      allergen. Recent evidence reminds us that children are exposed to clinically
      important levels of indoor allergens in locations away from their home, such as
      schools and daycare centers. Exposure to increased levels of indoor mold in
      childhood has been associated with asthma development and exacerbation of current
      asthma; however, emerging evidence suggests that early exposure to higher fungal
      diversity may actually be protective for asthma development. Novel treatments
      have been developed that target TH2 pathways thus decreasing asthmatic responses
      to allergens. These therapies show promise for the treatment of severe allergic
      asthma refractory to avoidance strategies and standard therapies. SUMMARY:
      Understanding the relationship between indoor allergens and asthma outcomes is a
      constantly evolving study of timing, location, and amount of exposure.

PMID- 27653705
TI  - Diradical Character-Based Design for Singlet Fission of Bisanthene Derivatives:
      Aromatic-Ring Attachment and pi-Plane Twisting.
AB  - We demonstrate a diradical character-based molecular design for singlet fission
      using polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, bisanthene derivatives. Two types of
      chemical modifications-aromatic-ring attachment and pi-plane twisting-are
      examined in order to satisfy the energy level matching condition for singlet
      fission. Detailed analysis of the electronic structures of the model molecules
      using nucleus-independent chemical shift, molecular orbitals, and their energies
      has demonstrated the usefulness of the relationship between the resonance
      structure and aromaticity and that between nonplanarity of pi-conjugated systems
      and reduction of orbital overlap for tuning the diradical character. This result
      provides a novel design guideline for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons toward
      efficient singlet fission.

PMID- 27653706
TI  - Diagnosis of Latent Tuberculous Infection.

PMID- 27653707
TI  - Diagnosis of Latent Tuberculous Infection.

PMID- 27653708
TI  - Diagnosis of Latent Tuberculous Infection.

PMID- 27653709
TI  - Acupuncture for Menopausal Hot Flashes.

PMID- 27653710
TI  - Acupuncture for Menopausal Hot Flashes.

PMID- 27653711
TI  - Acupuncture for Menopausal Hot Flashes.

PMID- 27653713
TI  - Radiation-Induced Breast Cancer.

PMID- 27653712
TI  - Acupuncture for Menopausal Hot Flashes.

PMID- 27653704
TI  - Methylmalonic and propionic acidemias: clinical management update.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Recent clinical studies and management guidelines for the
      treatment of the organic acidopathies methylmalonic acidemia (MMA) and propionic
      acidemia address the scope of interventions to maximize health and quality of
      life. Unfortunately, these disorders continue to cause significant morbidity and
      mortality due to acute and chronic systemic and end-organ injury. RECENT
      FINDINGS: Dietary management with medical foods has been a mainstay of therapy
      for decades, yet well controlled patients can manifest growth, development,
      cardiac, ophthalmological, renal, and neurological complications. Patients with
      organic acidopathies suffer metabolic brain injury that targets specific regions
      of the basal ganglia in a distinctive pattern, and these injuries may occur even
      with optimal management during metabolic stress. Liver transplantation has
      improved quality of life and metabolic stability, yet transplantation in this
      population does not entirely prevent brain injury or the development of optic
      neuropathy and cardiac disease. SUMMARY: Management guidelines should identify
      necessary screening for patients with methylmalonic acidemia and propionic
      acidemia, and improve anticipatory management of progressive end-organ disease.
      Liver transplantation improves overall metabolic control, but injury to
      nonregenerative tissues may not be mitigated. Continued use of medical foods in
      these patients requires prospective studies to demonstrate evidence of benefit in
      a controlled manner.

PMID- 27653714
TI  - Comparative Benefits and Harms of Antidepressant, Psychological, Complementary,
      and Exercise Treatments for Major Depression.

PMID- 27653715
TI  - Radiation-Induced Breast Cancer.

PMID- 27653716
TI  - Comparative Benefits and Harms of Antidepressant, Psychological, Complementary,
      and Exercise Treatments for Major Depression.

PMID- 27653718
TI  - Flight: For Sophia.

PMID- 27653717
TI  - Comparative Benefits and Harms of Antidepressant, Psychological, Complementary,
      and Exercise Treatments for Major Depression.

PMID- 27653719
TI  - Web Exclusives. The Consult Guys - Risk With Atrial Fibrillation: A Guy Thing?

PMID- 27653720
TI  - Annals for Educators - 20 September 2016.

PMID- 27653721
TI  - Annals for Hospitalists - 20 September 2016.

PMID- 27653722
TI  - Web Exclusives. Annals for Hospitalists Inpatient Notes - Oral Anticoagulation
      for the Hospitalist-Expanded Choices Improve Patient-Centered Care.

PMID- 27653723
TI  - Evidence-Based Guideline: The USPSTF recommends screening for colorectal cancer
      in adults 50 to 75 years of age.

PMID- 27653724
TI  - Pooled RCTs: After ischemic stroke or TIA, aspirin for secondary prevention
      reduced early recurrence and severity.

PMID- 27653725
TI  - Review: Omega-3 HUFAs added to antidepressant therapy may reduce depression
      symptoms.

PMID- 27653727
TI  - Telephone-based CBT reduced insomnia severity more than menopause education in
      menopausal women.

PMID- 27653726
TI  - Review: In patients with depressive disorders, EPA-predominant omega-3 HUFAs
      improve depression symptoms.

PMID- 27653728
TI  - Review: In severe aortic stenosis, TAVI and conventional surgery do not differ
      for <= 30-day or <= 1-year mortality.

PMID- 27653729
TI  - Intensive lowering of systolic BP did not reduce death or disability more than
      standard lowering in ICH.

PMID- 27653730
TI  - Intensive glucose-lowering in type 2 diabetes was linked to hypoglycemia in high
      complexity patients.

PMID- 27653731
TI  - Long-acting opioids for chronic noncancer pain were linked to mortality.

PMID- 27653732
TI  - 4 risk assessment models had good calibration but poor discrimination for VTE in
      hospitalized medical patients.

PMID- 27653733
TI  - Myoclonic movements of the elbow and wrist as a rare complication of
      supracondylar humerus fracture in a child.
AB  - Supracondylar humerus fractures are associated with neurological complications.
      This report describes a child who suffered from persistent myoclonus-like
      movements of the elbow and wrist as a consequence of a previous displaced
      fracture. Symptoms were progressive. Seven years later, sensation was decreased
      in the ulnar nerve distribution. Palpation of the ulnar nerve exacerbated the
      myoclonic jerks. As symptoms progressed, electoneuromyography became abnormal.
      Cubital tunnel release and anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve were
      required to reach full recovery. Long-term outcome was excellent. In conclusion,
      myoclonus-like movements are a rare complication of supracondylar humerus
      fractures, resulting from ulnar nerve injury.

PMID- 27653734
TI  - Supplemental Feedings for High-Risk Preterm Infants.

PMID- 27653736
TI  - Complications and Near-Miss Events After Hepatectomy for Living-Related Liver
      Donation: An Italian Single Center Report of One Hundred Cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND In healthy individuals, such as liver living donors, potential
      complications may occur during surgery. Reporting such complications and near
      miss events is mandatory to improve living donor management and safety. MATERIAL
      AND METHODS This retrospective study was performed on a prospective database with
      the aim of providing a brief analysis of the perioperative, medium-term, and long
      term complications, and the near-miss events in a single center series of 100
      consecutive liver resections for adult-to-adult living-donor liver
      transplantation. RESULTS Only 23.3% of potential living donors underwent surgery.
      No living donor mortality was reported; 29 patients (29%) experienced at least
      one complication. Five patients developed mild long-term dysfunction; two aborted
      hepatectomies, and there were two near-miss events reported. CONCLUSIONS A
      strategy for an accurate assessment of living donor complications and strict
      selection criterion cannot be overemphasized, as well as the need to continuously
      update center patient outcome reports.

PMID- 27653735
TI  - Effects of Subsidies and Prohibitions on Nutrition in a Food Benefit Program: A
      Randomized Clinical Trial.
AB  - Importance: Strategies to improve the nutritional status of those participating
      in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are of interest to
      policymakers. Objective: To evaluate whether the proposed policy of incentivizing
      the purchase of fruits and vegetables and prohibiting the purchase of less
      nutritious foods in a food benefit program improves the nutritional quality of
      participants' diets. Design, Setting, and Participants: Lower income participants
      (n = 279) not currently enrolled in SNAP were randomized to 1 of 4 experimental
      financial food benefit conditions: (1) incentive (30% financial incentive for
      fruits and vegetables purchased using food benefits); (2) restriction (not
      allowed to buy sugar sweetened beverages, sweet baked goods, or candies with food
      benefits); (3) incentive plus restriction (30% financial incentive on fruits and
      vegetables and restriction of purchase of sugar sweetened beverages, sweet baked
      goods, or candy with food benefits); or (4) control (no incentive or restrictions
      on foods purchased with food benefits). Participants in all conditions were given
      a study-specific debit card where funds were added every 4 weeks for a 12-week
      period. Outcome measures were collected at baseline and in the final 4 weeks of
      the experimental period. Main Outcomes and Measures: Primary outcomes (from 24
      hour dietary recalls) included intake of energy, discretionary calories, and
      overall diet quality. Results: A number of favorable changes were observed in the
      incentive plus restriction condition that were significantly different from
      changes in the control condition. These included (1) reduced intake of energy (
      96 kcal/d, standard error [SE], 59.9); (2) reduced intake of discretionary
      calories (-64 kcal/d, SE 26.3); (3) reduced intake of sugar sweetened beverages,
      sweet baked goods, and candies (-0.6 servings/d, SE 0.2); (4) increased intake of
      solid fruit (0.2 servings/d, SE 0.1); and (5) improved Healthy Eating Index score
      (4.1 points, SE 1.4). Fewer improvements were observed in the incentive only and
      restriction only arms. Conclusions and Relevance: A food benefit program that
      pairs incentives for purchasing more fruits and vegetables with restrictions on
      the purchase of less nutritious foods may reduce energy intake and improve the
      nutritional quality of the diet of participants compared with a program that does
      not include incentives or restrictions. Clinical Trial Registration:
      clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT02643576.

PMID- 27653737
TI  - Physical Activity, Air Pollution, and the Risk of Asthma and Chronic Obstructive
      Pulmonary Disease.
AB  - RATIONALE: Physical activity enhances uptake of air pollutants in the lung,
      possibly augmenting their harmful effects on chronic lung disease during
      exercise. OBJECTIVES: To examine whether benefits of physical activity with
      respect to the risk of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
      are moderated by exposure to high air pollution levels in an urban setting.
      METHODS: A total of 53,113 subjects (50-65 yr) from the Danish Diet, Cancer, and
      Health cohort reported physical activity at recruitment (1993-1997) and were
      followed until 2013 in the National Patient Register for incident
      hospitalizations for asthma and COPD. Levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) were
      estimated at subject residences at the time of recruitment. We used Cox
      regression to associate physical activities and NO2 (high/medium/low) with asthma
      and COPD, and then introduced an interaction term between each physical activity
      and NO2. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 1,151 subjects were
      hospitalized for asthma and 3,225 for COPD during 16 years. We found inverse
      associations of participation in sports (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]:
      0.85 [0.75-0.96]) and cycling (0.85 [0.75-0.96]) with incident asthma, and of
      participation in sports (0.82 [0.77-0.89]), cycling (0.81 [0.76-0.87]), gardening
      (0.88 [0.81-0.94]), and walking (0.85 [0.75-0.95]) with incident COPD admissions.
      We found positive associations between NO2 and incident asthma (1.23 [1.04-1.47])
      and COPD (1.15 [1.03-1.27]) hospitalizations (comparing >=21.0 MUg/m3 to <14.3
      MUg/m3). We found no interaction between associations of any physical activity
      and NO2 on incident asthma or COPD hospitalizations. CONCLUSIONS: Increased
      exposure to air pollution during exercise does not outweigh beneficial effects of
      physical activity on the risk of asthma and COPD.

PMID- 27653738
TI  - Direct C(sp3)-H Cross Coupling Enabled by Catalytic Generation of Chlorine
      Radicals.
AB  - Here we report the development of a C(sp3)-H cross-coupling platform enabled by
      the catalytic generation of chlorine radicals by nickel and photoredox catalysis.
      Aryl chlorides serve as both cross-coupling partners and the chlorine radical
      source for the alpha-oxy C(sp3)-H arylation of cyclic and acyclic ethers.
      Mechanistic studies suggest that photolysis of a Ni(III) aryl chloride
      intermediate, generated by photoredox-mediated single-electron oxidation, leads
      to elimination of a chlorine radical in what amounts to the sequential capture of
      two photons. Arylations of a benzylic C(sp3)-H bond of toluene and a completely
      unactivated C(sp3)-H bond of cyclohexane demonstrate the broad implications of
      this manifold for accomplishing numerous C(sp3)-H bond functionalizations under
      exceptionally mild conditions.

PMID- 27653740
TI  - Neurotypical subjective experience is caused by a hippocampal simulation.
AB  - We propose that the phenomenon known to neurologically intact people as
      'Subjective Experience' is best understood as the activation of various sites in
      both extrinsic and intrinsic networks by a brand new episodic memory engram
      (i.e., a complex theta wave coding pattern originating from field CA1 of the
      hippocampus). Like a media news outlet, the hippocampal complex receives
      reportage from widely distributed structures around the brain and organizes and
      binds those reports together into a brand new episodic memory (i.e., a virtual
      reality, movie-like, unified, contextualized, but vastly simplified summation of
      what just happened). This memory pattern is then 'broadcast' back to structures
      across the brain (via bidirectional pathways to and from the entorhinal cortex
      and perirhinal area) for error correction, to expedite predictive processing, and
      to inform sites in both extrinsic and intrinsic networks of one unified history.
      It is the cortical activation by the new episodic memory engram that gives rise
      to the event of experiencing. Because episodic memory is the only unified and
      contextualized representation of self-in-the-world in the brain, and because it
      informs most of the major cortices about 'what just happened,' it is subjectively
      misinterpreted as the actual interaction of the body/mind with its environment.
      This misinterpretation offers insight into many of the distinct and mysterious
      features of neurotypical subjective experience and the pathologies of
      consciousness. WIREs Cogn Sci 2017, 8:e1412. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1412 For further
      resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.

PMID- 27653741
TI  - A 92,XXXY Miscarriage Consecutive to a Digynic Triploid Pregnancy.
AB  - The patient was referred for prenatal diagnosis due to the sonographic finding of
      a polymalformed male fetus, and an amniocentesis was performed before termination
      of pregnancy. The pathological study of the placenta did not show morphological
      alterations. In her next pregnancy, sonographic examination disclosed a missed
      abortion with a visible embryo, and a chorionic villi sample was obtained for
      cytogenetic analysis before evacuation. Macroscopic examination of the villi
      sample did not reveal molar vesicular appearance. QF-PCR and cytogenetic analyses
      were performed on amniotic fluid (first pregnancy) and chorionic villi samples
      (second pregnancy). A 69,XXY and 92,XXXY karyotype was found, respectively. QF
      PCR results disclosed 2 maternal and 1 paternal alleles in the first pregnancy
      (digynic triploidy), and double maternal and double paternal contribution to the
      tetraploid pregnancy. Among the few reported cases of 92,XXXY tetraploidy, those
      associated with partial moles show a PPPM genotype (3 paternal and 1 maternal
      alleles), and the only case with a PPMM genotype was found in a spontaneously
      aborted fetus similar to our case. We are not aware of other cases with
      combination of a digynic triploid pregnancy and a tetraploid pregnancy with a
      PPMM contribution. Our case adds evidence to the influence of the balance between
      paternal and maternal genomic doses on the phenotype.

PMID- 27653742
TI  - Investigating the role of dissolved and droplet oil in aquatic toxicity using
      dispersed and passive dosing systems.
AB  - Characterization of the aquatic toxicity of oil is needed to support hazard
      assessment and inform spill response. Natural processes and mitigation strategies
      involving dispersant use can result in exposures to both dissolved and droplet
      oil that are not typically differentiated when oil exposures are characterized in
      toxicity tests. Thus, the impact of droplets on aquatic toxicity is largely
      uncharacterized. To improve the understanding of the role of droplets, acute
      toxicity tests with Daphnia magna and Americamysis bahia were performed with
      Endicott crude oil in low-energy mixing systems with and without Corexit 9500
      dispersant. Exposures were also prepared by placing crude oil in silicone tubing
      and passively dosing test media to provide dissolved oil exposures without
      droplets. A framework is described for characterizing dissolved phase exposures
      using both mechanistic modeling and passive sampling measurements. The approach
      is then illustrated by application to data from the present study. Expression of
      toxicity in terms of toxic units calculated from modeled dissolved oil
      concentrations or passive sampling measurements showed similar dose responses
      between exposure systems and organisms, despite the gradient in droplet oil.
      These results indicate that droplets do not appreciably contribute to toxicity
      for the 2 species investigated and further support hazard evaluation of dispersed
      oil on the basis of dissolved exposure metrics. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1020
      1028. (c) 2016 SETAC.

PMID- 27653743
TI  - Lichen planus after rabies vaccination: an example of isovaccinetopic response.

PMID- 27653744
TI  - Targeting PSG1 to enhance chemotherapeutic efficacy: new application for anti
      coagulant the dicumarol.
AB  - Chemotherapeutic response is critical for the successful treatment and good
      prognosis in cancer patients. In this study, we analysed the gene expression
      profiles of preoperative samples from oestrogen receptor (ER)-negative breast
      cancer patients with different responses to taxane-anthracycline-based (TA-based)
      chemotherapy, and identified a group of genes that was predictive. Pregnancy
      specific beta-1-glycoprotein 1 (PSG1) played a central role within signalling
      pathways of these genes. Inhibiting PSG1 can effectively reduce chemoresistance
      via a transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta)-related pathway in ER-negative
      breast cancer cells. Drug screening then identified dicumarol (DCM) to target the
      PSG1 and inhibit chemoresistance to TA-based chemotherapy in vitro, in vivo, and
      in clinical samples. Taken together, this study highlights PSG1 as an important
      mediator of chemoresistance, whose effect could be diminished by DCM.

PMID- 27653745
TI  - Reversible Electrocatalytic Activity of Carbon-Supported Ptx Ni1-x in Hydrogen
      Reactions.
AB  - Hydrogen oxidation and evolution reactions (HOR and HER) are studied on Ptx Ni1-x
      /C materials synthesized by the bromide anion exchange method. Physicochemical
      characterization shows that this surfactant-free method enables the preparation
      of well-dispersed and effective catalysts for the processes involved in the anode
      of H2 /O2 fuel cells (HOR) and the cathode of water electrolyzers (HER). The Pt
      based materials are modified with different Ni contents to decrease the amount of
      costly precious metal in the electrode materials. These modified Pt-based
      materials are found to be electroactive for both reactions without additional
      overpotential. Kinetic parameters such as the Tafel slope, exchange (j0 ) and
      kinetic current densities, and the rate-determining steps of the reaction
      mechanisms are determined for each Pt-Ni catalyst and compared to those obtained
      at the Pt/C surface in alkaline medium. The high j0 values that are obtained
      indicate a probable contribution of the surface structure of the catalysts due to
      their roughness and the presence of oxygenated Ni species even at low potentials.

PMID- 27653746
TI  - A model for perception-based identification of sensitive skin.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With high prevalence of sensitive skin (SS), lack of strong evidence
      on pathomechanisms, consensus on associated symptoms, proof of existence of
      'general' SS and tools to recruit subjects, this topic attracts increasing
      attention of research. OBJECTIVE: To create a model for selecting subjects in
      studies on SS by identifying a complete set of self-reported SS characteristics
      and factors discriminatively describing it. METHODS: A survey (n = 3058) was
      conducted, comprising questions regarding socio-demographics, atopy, skin
      characteristics, personal care, degree of self-assessed SS and subjective and
      objective reactions to endogenous and exogenous factors. Exploratory factor
      analysis on 481 questionnaires was performed to identify underlying dimensions
      and multivariate logistic regression to find contributing variables to the
      likelihood of reporting SS. RESULTS: The prevalence of SS was found to be 41%,
      and 56% of SS subjects reports a concomitant atopic condition. The most
      discriminative were the eliciting factors toiletries and emotions, and not
      specific skin symptoms in general. CONCLUSION: Triggers of different origins seem
      to elicit SS, it is not defined by concomitant skin diseases only, suggesting
      existence of 'general' SS. A multifactorial questionnaire could be a better
      diagnostic than a one-dimensional provocative test.

PMID- 27653747
TI  - Coughing a fragment without stent failure: a rare presentation of airway stent
      damage.

PMID- 27653748
TI  - Genetic Testing in Dermatology: A Survey Analyzing Obstacles to Appropriate Care.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The past several decades have witnessed unprecedented
      advances in genomic technology, bringing genetic testing to the forefront of
      medical practice and moving us towards the practice of personalized medicine.
      Genetic testing has become an important aspect in preempting and successfully
      treating diseases in dermatology, yet difficulty remains in regards to obtaining
      genetic testing for patients. We conducted a survey for pediatric dermatologists
      in order to try to gauge and understand where difficulties lie in obtaining
      genetic testing and to analyze how best these issues can be resolved. METHODS: An
      18-question survey was emailed to 480 dermatologists who have attended at least
      one of the last three annual Society for Pediatric Dermatology (SPD) meetings.
      RESULTS: Virtually all providers encountered at least one situation in which they
      required genetic testing for a patient (97.3% [n = 108]) and 37.4% indicated
      needing genetic testing more than six times per year. Of the respondents who had
      attempted to obtain genetic testing, half were unsuccessful in obtaining coverage
      more than 75% of the time (45% [n = 32]) and only 7.0% (n = 5) achieved success
      75% to 100% of the time. The most common reasons for obtaining genetic testing
      included the need to provide an accurate diagnosis, followed by the need to
      provide prognostic information and appropriate medical management. CONCLUSION:
      The role of genetic testing in the practice of dermatology is expanding, yet
      obtaining coverage for genetic testing remains a challenge. We propose several
      solutions as to how this can be remedied.

PMID- 27653749
TI  - Treatment delay and facility case volume are associated with survival in early
      stage glottic cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify and compare treatment and system factors associated with
      survival in early-stage glottic cancer. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study of
      cases in the Commission on Cancer National Cancer Database. METHODS: Adult
      patients with early glottic cancer (stage I or II) diagnosed between January 1,
      2004, and December 31, 2012, were included. Demographic, tumor, and survival
      variables were included in the analyses. Multivariate Cox regressions as well as
      univariate Kaplan-Meier analyses were conducted. RESULTS: In total, 5,627
      patients were included in the study. Treatment factors associated with improved
      survival included larynx-preserving surgery alone (hazard ratio [HR] 0.740; P =
      0.001) and larynx-preserving surgery with radiation (HR 0.837; P = 0.010) when
      compared to radiotherapy alone. System factors associated with worse survival
      included intermediate- (HR 1.123; P = 0.047) or low- (HR 1.458; P = 0.017) volume
      centers; Medicaid (HR 1.882; P < 0.001), Medicare (HR 1.532; P < 0.001), or other
      government insurance (HR 2.041; P < 0.001); and delay between diagnosis and
      treatment greater than 100 days (HR 1.605; P = 0.006). CONCLUSION: A number of
      treatment and system factors were found to be significantly associated with
      survival when controlling for patient and tumor factors. These may present
      targets for the improvement of outcomes in early-stage glottic cancers. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: 4. Laryngoscope, 127:616-622, 2017.

PMID- 27653750
TI  - Catalytic Asymmetric Synthesis of N-Chiral Amine Oxides.
AB  - Direct asymmetric synthesis of N-chiral amine oxides was accomplished (up to 91:9
      e.r.) by means of a bimetallic titanium catalyst. A hydroxy group situated at the
      gamma-position of the N stereocenter enables the desired N-oxidation through
      dynamic kinetic resolution of the trivalent amine substrates. The method was
      further extended to the kinetic resolution of racemic gamma-amino alcohols with a
      preexisting stereocenter, giving an important class of enantioenriched (up to
      99.9:0.1 e.r.) building blocks that are otherwise difficult to synthesize.

PMID- 27653752
TI  - The mediating effect of emotional intelligence between emotional labour, job
      stress, burnout and nurses' turnover intention.
AB  - This study was designed to construct and test the structural equation modelling
      on nurses' turnover intention including emotional labour, job stress, emotional
      intelligence and burnout in order to identify the mediating effect of emotional
      intelligence between those variables. Emotional labour, job stress and burnout
      increase turnover intention of nurses. However, emotional intelligence is
      negatively correlated with emotional labour and reduces job stress, burnout and
      turnover intention. Structural equation modelling was used to analyse the
      goodness of fit of the hypothetical model of nurses' turnover intention. Research
      data were collected via questionnaires from 4 to 22 August 2014 and analysed
      using SPSS version 18.0 and AMOS version 20.0. The model fit indices for the
      hypothetical model were suitable for recommended. Emotional intelligence has
      decreasing effect on turnover intention through burnout, although its direct
      effect on turnover intention is not significant. Emotional intelligence has
      mediation effect between emotional labour and burnout. This study's results
      suggest that increasing emotional intelligence might critically decrease nurses'
      turnover intention by reducing the effect of emotional labour on burnout.

PMID- 27653751
TI  - The usefulness of cone-beam computed tomography during chemoembolization of
      hepatocellular carcinomas fed exclusively by the cystic artery.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefulness of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for
      monitoring the transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) of hepatocellular
      carcinomas supplied by the cystic artery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In seven tumors
      (mean diameter: 19 mm), the iodized oil distributions in the tumor and
      gallbladder wall were evaluated by CBCT after injecting iodized oil emulsion
      (LipCBCT) through the cystic artery. Gelatin sponge particles were injected to
      completely obstruct the tumor-feeding vessel when iodized oil deposition was seen
      in less than one third of the wall circumference. The following parameters were
      retrospectively investigated: (1) the iodized oil distribution during LipCBCT and
      on CT scans 1 week after TACE; (2) local tumor control; and (3) complications.
      RESULTS: LipCBCT showed iodized oil accumulation throughout the entire tumor in
      all cases, and iodized oil deposition in the gallbladder wall in three cases (43
      %) (less than one third of the circumference). Therefore, gelatin sponge
      particles were used in all cases. CT 1 week after TACE showed an almost identical
      iodized oil distribution to intraoperative LipCBCT. None of the tumors recurred
      during follow-up, and no complications occurred. CONCLUSION: CBCT is useful for
      evaluating the distribution of iodized oil in TACE via the cystic artery.

PMID- 27653753
TI  - A randomized controlled trial of a home-based training programme to decrease
      depression in family caregivers of persons with dementia.
AB  - AIMS: The aim of this study was to explore distinct trajectories of caregivers'
      depressive symptoms and the effects of a training programme on these trajectories
      over 18 months after the programme. BACKGROUND: Overall effects of caregiver
      training programmes on family caregivers' depressive symptoms have been reported,
      but few studies explored distinct courses of changes in caregivers' depressive
      symptoms and followed up intervention effects on these distinct courses. DESIGN:
      Randomized clinical trial. METHODS: Family caregivers (n = 116) were randomly
      assigned into experimental (n = 57) and control (n = 59) groups. The experimental
      group received the training programme with telephone consultation and the control
      group received written educational materials and social telephone follow-ups.
      Caregivers' depressive symptoms were assessed from June 2009 - March 2012 by self
      completed questionnaires before, at 2 weeks and 3, 6, 12 and 18 months after the
      intervention. Groups of individual trajectories were distinguished using group
      based trajectory modelling. RESULTS: Caregivers' depressive symptoms fell into
      three stable trajectories: non-depressed, mildly blue and depressed. After
      controlling for covariates, caregivers who received the caregiver-training
      programme were less likely than those who did not experience persistent
      depressive symptoms (b = -1.92, odds ratio = 0.15, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION:
      Depressive symptoms of family caregivers of persons with dementia were relatively
      stable and followed three distinct courses: non-depressed, mildly blue and
      depressed. Therefore, caregivers' depressive symptoms should be assessed as early
      as possible. Caregivers in the experimental group had a lower probability of
      persistent depressive symptoms than caregivers in the control group. Therefore,
      this training programme can be used by healthcare providers for persons with
      dementia and their caregivers. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02667951.

PMID- 27653754
TI  - Nonlinear Flow Rate Response to Pumping Frequency and Reduced Hemolysis in the
      Drastically Under-Occluded Pulsatile Roller Pump.
AB  - Roller pumps are widely used in many medical procedures including cardiopulmonary
      bypass, left/right ventricular assist, and hemodialysis. However, to date, the
      problem of the roller pumping mechanism causing significant hemolysis remains
      unresolved. It has been shown that with under-occlusion of the roller pump,
      hemolysis can be reduced, but significant reduction of the mean flow rate also
      takes place due to backflow through the under-occlusion. We performed an
      investigation of the flow dynamics of an under-occluded roller pump which
      featured significantly higher amount of under-occlusion than previously
      investigated. Our results showed that the mean flow rate produced by the pump has
      a strong, nonlinear dependence on pumping frequency. Mean flow rate generally
      increases with the pumping frequency and the degree of maximum occlusion except
      at certain frequencies where sharp reductions were observed. These frequencies
      coincide with the fundamental frequency of the system and its harmonics, bearing
      resemblance to the impedance pump, suggesting that the drastically under-occluded
      roller pump is a unique device that employs the pumping mechanisms of both roller
      pumping and impedance pumping. At the appropriate frequencies, this under
      occluded roller pump could sustain sufficiently high flow rates for clinical
      uses. Blood damage potential of the under-occluded roller pump was compared to a
      fully occluded roller pump via the assay of free-plasma hemoglobin, and it was
      found that the under-occlusion reduced hemolysis by about half for any given flow
      rate. The drastically under-occluded roller pumping reported in this study,
      therefore, has the potential of being translated into an improved clinical blood
      pump.

PMID- 27653755
TI  - Progress of Chiral Schiff Bases with C1 Symmetry in Metal-Catalyzed Asymmetric
      Reactions.
AB  - In this Personal Account, various chiral Schiff base-metal-catalyzed
      enantioselective organic reactions are reported; the Schiff bases used were O,N,O
      as well as N,N,P-tridentate ligands and N,N-bidentate ligands having C1
      symmetry. In particular, the enantioselective addition of trimethylsilyl cyanide,
      dialkylzinc, and organozinc halides to aldehydes, enantioselective 1,4-addition
      of dialkylzinc to cyclic and acyclic enones, and asymmetric allylic oxidation are
      reported. Typically, ketimine-type Schiff base-metal complexes exhibited higher
      reactivity and enantioselectivity compared with the corresponding aldimine-type
      Schiff base-metal complexes. Notably, remarkable ligand acceleration was observed
      for all reactions. The obtained products can be used as key intermediates for
      optically active natural products and pharmaceuticals.

PMID- 27653756
TI  - Informal caregivers of people with an intellectual disability in England: health,
      quality of life and impact of caring.
AB  - There is wide variation in reported impact of caring on caregiver well-being, and
      often a negative appraisal of caregiving. Researchers are beginning to question
      the robustness of the evidence base on which negative appraisals are based. The
      present study aimed to draw on data from a population-representative sample to
      describe the health, quality of life and impact of caring of informal caregivers
      of people with an intellectual disability. Informal carers of people with
      intellectual disability (N = 260) were identified among 2199 carers in the
      English Survey of Carers in Households 2009/10. Generalised estimating equations
      explored the association between socio-demographic and caring profile with
      quality of life, physical health status, and impact on psychological health and
      personal life. Compared to other caregivers, providing care to a person with
      intellectual disability was not associated with reduced quality of life. There
      was an 82% increased risk of reporting poorer health status, even though poorer
      health was not likely to be attributed to care-giving. A higher risk of negative
      impact on personal life was seen in comparison with the wider group of
      caregivers, but not in comparison with more similar-sized caregiver groups
      (mental health or dementia). Carers of people with intellectual disability were
      more likely to be struggling financially and have a high caring load. These
      factors were systematically related to lower well-being. A uniformly negative
      appraisal of caring for people with intellectual disability was not supported by
      these English population-representative data. Poverty and long care-giving hours
      may make caregivers more susceptible to negative well-being. Support for
      caregivers of people with intellectual disability should focus on alleviating
      those two factors.

PMID- 27653759
TI  - Solid-State Spectroscopic Investigation of Molecular Interactions between
      Clofazimine and Hypromellose Phthalate in Amorphous Solid Dispersions.
AB  - It has been technically challenging to specify the detailed molecular
      interactions and binding motif between drugs and polymeric inhibitors in the
      solid state. To further investigate drug-polymer interactions from a molecular
      perspective, a solid dispersion of clofazimine (CLF) and hypromellose phthalate
      (HPMCP), with reported superior amorphous drug loading capacity and physical
      stability, was selected as a model system. The CLF-HPMCP interactions in solid
      dispersions were investigated by various solid state spectroscopic methods
      including ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis), infrared (IR), and solid-state NMR
      (ssNMR) spectroscopy. Significant spectral changes suggest that protonated CLF is
      ionically bonded to the carboxylate from the phthalyl substituents of HPMCP. In
      addition, multivariate analysis of spectra was applied to optimize the
      concentration of polymeric inhibitor used to formulate the amorphous solid
      dispersions. Most interestingly, proton transfer between CLF and carboxylic acid
      was experimentally investigated from 2D 1H-1H homonuclear double quantum NMR
      spectra by utilizing the ultrafast magic-angle spinning (MAS) technique. The
      molecular interaction pattern and the critical bonding structure in CLF-HPMCP
      dispersions were further delineated by successfully correlating ssNMR findings
      with quantum chemistry calculations. These high-resolution investigations provide
      critical structural information on active pharmaceutical ingredient-polymer
      interaction, which can be useful for rational selection of appropriate polymeric
      carriers, which are effective crystallization inhibitors for amorphous drugs.

PMID- 27653758
TI  - Apixaban: A Review in Venous Thromboembolism.
AB  - Apixaban (Eliquis(r)) is an oral, direct factor Xa inhibitor that is available
      for use in the treatment and secondary prevention of venous thromboembolism
      (VTE). Like other direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), apixaban has generally
      predictable pharmacological properties and does not require routine
      anticoagulation monitoring. In large phase III trials, oral apixaban was
      noninferior to subcutaneous enoxaparin sodium overlapped with and followed by
      oral warfarin (enoxaparin/warfarin) in the treatment of adults with acute VTE
      over 6 months with regard to the incidence of recurrent VTE or VTE-related death
      (AMPLIFY), and was significantly more effective than placebo in the prevention of
      recurrent VTE or all-cause mortality over 12 months in patients who had completed
      6-12 months' anticoagulation treatment for VTE (AMPLIFY-EXT). Apixaban was
      generally well tolerated in these trials; the risks of major bleeding and the
      composite endpoint of major or clinically relevant nonmajor (CRNM) bleeding with
      apixaban were significantly lower than enoxaparin/warfarin in AMPLIFY and not
      significantly different from that of placebo in AMPLIFY-EXT. Similarly, in
      Japanese adults with acute VTE (AMPLIFY-J), apixaban was associated with a
      significantly lower risk of major or CRNM bleeding than unfractionated heparin
      plus warfarin, and no cases of recurrent VTE or VTE-related death over 24 weeks.
      Thus, apixaban is useful therapeutic alternative for the management of adults
      with VTE.

PMID- 27653760
TI  - Measuring gait with an accelerometer-based wearable: influence of device
      location, testing protocol and age.
AB  - Wearables such as accelerometers are emerging as powerful tools for quantifying
      gait in various environments. Flexibility in wearable location may improve ease
      of use and data acquisition during instrumented testing. However, change of
      location may impact algorithm functionality when evaluating associated gait
      characteristics. Furthermore, this may be exacerbated by testing protocol
      (different walking speed) and age. Therefore, the aim of this study was to
      examine the effect of an accelerometer-based wearable(s) (accW) location, walking
      speed, age and algorithms on gait characteristics. Forty younger (YA) and 40
      older adults (OA) were recruited. Participants wore accW positioned at the chest,
      waist and lower back (L5, gold standard) and were asked to walk continuously for
      2 min at preferred and fast speeds. Two algorithms, previously validated for accW
      located on L5, were used to quantify step time and step length. Mean, variability
      and asymmetry gait characteristics were estimated for each location with
      reference to L5. To examine impact of locations and speed on algorithm-dependant
      characteristic evaluation, adjustments were made to the temporal algorithm.
      Absolute, relative agreement and difference between measurements at different
      locations and L5 were assessed. Mean step time and length evaluated from the
      chest showed excellent agreement compared to L5 for both age groups and speeds.
      Agreement between waist and L5 was excellent for mean step time for both speeds
      and age groups, good for mean step length at both speeds for YA and at preferred
      speed for OA. Step time and length asymmetry evaluated from the chest showed
      moderate agreement for YA only. Lastly, results showed that algorithm adjustment
      did not influence agreement between results obtained at different locations. Mean
      spatiotemporal characteristics can be robustly quantified from accW at the
      locations used in this study irrespective of speed and age; this is not true when
      estimating variability and asymmetry characteristics.

PMID- 27653757
TI  - Predictors of Response to Multiple Sclerosis Therapeutics in Individual Patients.
AB  - Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the central nervous
      system. Several disease-modifying therapies have been shown to ameliorate the
      disease course; however, the individual treatment response and the occurrence of
      adverse events remain highly unpredictable. In the last 2 decades, a multitude of
      studies have aimed to identify biomarkers that enable treatment allocation in the
      individual patient or subgroup of patients with regard to treatment efficacy and
      safety profile. Following a PubMed database search, we provide an overview on
      what is presently known about body fluid markers for the prediction of response
      to the currently approved MS therapeutics. We also discuss the potential use of
      biomarkers with regard to drug-induced adverse events. To date, only a few
      molecules have been introduced in clinical routine: anti-drug antibodies against
      interferon (IFN)-beta and natalizumab that are associated with abolished drug
      levels and treatment failure; anti-JC virus (JCV) antibody index that allows risk
      stratification for the development of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
      (PML), a rare but severe adverse event during natalizumab treatment; and
      serostatus of varicella zoster virus as screening examination prior to fingolimod
      therapy to prevent the infection. A few candidate biomarkers still need closer
      examination, such as type I IFN signature and T-helper cell (Th)-17 reactivity
      for prediction of IFN-beta treatment response, L-selectin expression for
      prediction of natalizumab-associated PML, interleukin (IL)-21 levels for
      prediction of secondary autoimmunity after exposure to alemtuzumab, lymphocyte
      count with regard to PML risk while receiving dimethyl fumarate or N-terminal-pro
      B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) for monitoring of cardiac side effects
      during mitoxantrone therapy.

PMID- 27653762
TI  - Noticeboard.
AB  - Courses, events, grants, and awards to progress your career.

PMID- 27653761
TI  - Bioactive new metabolites from the green alga Udotea orientalis growing on the
      Gorgonian coral Pseudopterogorgia rigida.
AB  - As part of our continued search for bioactive secondary metabolites from marine
      sources using a bioassay-guided fractionation technique (Cytotoxic and anti
      trypanosome activities), we have examined the organic extract of Papua New
      Guinean collection of the green alga Udotea orientalis growing on the Gorgonian
      coral Pseudopterogorgia rigida. Successive HPLC investigations resulted in
      isolation of three new compounds, (+) curcuepoxide A, (+) curcuepoxide B and (+)
      10alpha-hydroxycurcudiol. Analysis of different spectroscopic data e.g. UV, IR,
      LRMS, HRMS, 1D NMR and 2D NMR on the isolated compounds allowed for construction
      of the planar structures. Stereochemistry assignment at C-7 and C-10 in the new
      compounds was discussed. Isolated compounds were found to be active in an in
      vitro assay of antitrypanosome activity. The isolated compounds were found to
      have variable cytotoxic activity in human lung cancer cell lines.

PMID- 27653764
TI  - Alcohol-related injuries.
AB  - Alcohol is a common presenting factor among patients at EDs and alcohol
      consumption is especially widespread in people with injuries.

PMID- 27653765
TI  - Cognitive impairment.
AB  - The rise in incidence and prevalence of dementia will have a large impact on
      healthcare systems. Canadian researchers report on a scoping and integrative
      review of research on cognitive impairment in adults aged 65 and above who
      visited emergency departments (EDs) between 1990 and 2008, to determine the
      effectiveness of interventions for this population.

PMID- 27653763
TI  - Diary.
AB  - Our roundup of what's on.

PMID- 27653766
TI  - Septic shock in children.
AB  - Delayed recognition and inadequate fluid resuscitation in children with septic
      shock results in suboptimal care.

PMID- 27653767
TI  - Clinical approach to the diagnosis and treatment of cystic fibrosis and CFTR
      related disorders.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most frequent life-shortening autosomal
      recessive disorder in Caucasians. Defects or absence of the CF-transmembrane
      conductance regulator impair ion transport in apical membranes of exocrine
      glands. Leading symptoms of typical CF are exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and
      progressive pulmonary destruction, causing premature death. Additionally,
      patients can suffer from chronic rhinosinusitis, hepatic and intestinal
      involvement, diabetes and predominantly male infertility. Areas covered: CFTR
      related disorders affect only one or several different organ systems, often to a
      milder degree. The definition and usage of the term has seen some variations in
      the last years, aiming to improve differentiation of the broad clinical spectrum
      associated with CFTR defects. In this review we present disease characteristics,
      diagnostic criteria, and treatment options of CFTR-related disorders for a
      multidisciplinary readership. Expert commentary: CFTR-related disorders are often
      diagnosed late, leading to lack of specialized attendance and adequate therapy.
      In clinical care, monitoring of the nutritional status, lung function, airway
      pathogen colonization and laboratory parameters is necessary to optimize therapy
      and the course of the disease.

PMID- 27653768
TI  - Target organ damage in primary hypertensive patients: role of the morning heart
      rate surge.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The morning heart rate surge (MHRS) and morning blood pressure surge
      (MBPS) may be responsible for the high prevalence of cardiovascular events during
      the morning period. The clinical significance of the MBPS has been well
      established, but that of the MHRS remains unclear. Thus, we evaluated the
      association between the MHRS and target organ damage (TOD). METHODS: A cross
      sectional study of 580 hypertensive patients was performed. MHRS and heart rate
      variability (HRV) were analyzed by 24 h electrocardiogram. TOD was assessed by
      estimated glomerular filtration rate, carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), and
      left ventricular mass index. RESULTS: The prevalence of TOD tended to decrease
      with sleep-trough MHRS (first to fourth quartiles: 71%, 70.3%, 58.6%, and 52.7%,
      respectively) or prewaking MHRS quartiles (first to fourth quartiles: 65.3%,
      73.6%, 61.4%, and 54.2%, respectively), whereas the opposite trend was observed
      for standard deviation of all normal NN intervals (SDNN). Moreover, sleep-trough
      MHRS, prewaking MHRS, SDNN, and SDNN index were significantly lower in patients
      with TOD than in those without TOD. According to four logistic regression models,
      the associations of prewaking MHRS, SDNN, and SDNN index with TOD were lost after
      adjustment for age and BP. Patients in the first (<=11.125 bpm) and second sleep
      trough MHRS quartiles (11.125-15.75 bpm) had a 1.95-2.06-fold increased risk of
      TOD compared with those in the fourth quartile (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: A blunted
      sleep-trough MHRS, which may serve as a surrogate marker for autonomic imbalance,
      was independently associated with TOD in primary hypertensive patients.

PMID- 27653769
TI  - Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer in Nonwhite Organ Transplant Recipients.
AB  - Importance: Organ transplant recipients have a higher incidence of skin cancer.
      This risk is magnified over time and with continued exposure to
      immunosuppression. Skin cancer in nonwhite patients is associated with greater
      morbidity and mortality owing to diagnosis at a more advanced stage, which
      suggests that nonwhite organ transplant recipients are at even higher risk.
      Objective: To describe demographic and clinical factors and the incidence of skin
      cancer in nonwhite organ transplant recipients. Design, Setting, and
      Participants: We performed a retrospective medical record review of patients who
      were organ transplant recipients (154 were white and 259 nonwhite [black, Asian,
      Hispanic, Pacific Islander]) seen from November 1, 2011, to April 18, 2016 at an
      academic referral center. Main Outcomes and Measures: Variables were analyzed and
      compared between racial groups, including sex, age, race/ethnicity, Fitzpatrick
      type, type and location of skin cancer, type of organ transplanted, time to
      diagnosis of skin cancer after transplantation, and history of condyloma
      acuminata and/or verruca vulgaris. Results: Most of the 413 patients (62.7%)
      evaluated were nonwhite organ transplant recipients; 264 were men, and 149 were
      women. Their mean (SD) age was 60.09 (13.59) years. Nineteen skin cancers were
      identified in 15 patients (5.8%) representing 3 racial/ethnic groups: black (6
      patients), Asian (5), and Hispanic (4). All squamous cell carcinomas in blacks
      were diagnosed in the in situ stage, located on sun-protected sites, and occurred
      in patients whose lesions tested positive for human papilloma virus (HPV) and/or
      who endorsed a history of condyloma acuminata or verruca vulgaris. Most skin
      cancers in Asians were located on sun-exposed areas and occurred in individuals
      who emigrated from equatorial locations. Conclusions and Relevance: Nonwhite
      organ transplant recipients are at risk for developing skin cancer
      posttransplantation. Follow-up in a specialized transplant dermatology center and
      baseline total-body skin examination should be part of posttransplantation care
      in all organ transplant recipients, including nonwhite patients. A thorough
      inspection of the groin and genitalia is imperative in black organ transplant
      recipients. History of HPV infection, particularly in black organ transplant
      recipients, and sun exposure/emigration history in Asian organ transplant
      recipients should be documented. Vigilant photoprotection may be of lesser
      importance in the prevention of skin cancer in black organ transplant recipients.
      Risk factors for nonwhite organ transplant recipients differ between
      races/ethnicities and warrant further study in efforts to better counsel and
      prevent skin cancer in these patients.

PMID- 27653770
TI  - Dynamics of single photon transport in a one-dimensional waveguide two-point
      coupled with a Jaynes-Cummings system.
AB  - We study the dynamics of an ultrafast single photon pulse in a one-dimensional
      waveguide two-point coupled with a Jaynes-Cummings system. We find that for any
      single photon input the transmissivity depends periodically on the separation
      between the two coupling points. For a pulse containing many plane wave
      components it is almost impossible to suppress transmission, especially when the
      width of the pulse is less than 20 times the period. In contrast to plane wave
      input, the waveform of the pulse can be modified by controlling the coupling
      between the waveguide and Jaynes-Cummings system. Tailoring of the waveform is
      important for single photon manipulation in quantum informatics.

PMID- 27653771
TI  - Lasting immune memory against hepatitis B in 12-13-year-old adolescents
      previously vaccinated with 4 doses of hexavalent DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib vaccine in
      infancy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vaccinating infants against hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the most
      effective way of preventing the disease. However, since HBV exposure can increase
      during adolescence, it is essential that antibody persistence is maintained. We
      evaluated the antibody persistence and immune memory against hepatitis B, in 12
      13 y olds who had received complete primary + booster vaccination with diphtheria
      tetanus-acellular pertussis-hepatitis B-inactivated poliovirus/Haemophilus
      influenza type b (DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib) vaccine in infancy. METHODS: Open phase-IV
      study conducted at 12 centers in Germany [NCT02052661]. Adolescents aged 12-13 y,
      vaccinated with 4 doses of DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib (Infanrix hexaTM, GSK Vaccines) in
      infancy, received a single challenge dose of monovalent pediatric hepatitis B
      vaccine (EngerixTM-B Kinder; GSK Vaccines). Blood samples were taken before and 1
      month post-challenge to measure anti-hepatitis B (anti-HBs) antibodies using a
      chemiluminescence immunoassay (seroprotection cut-off: >=10 mIU/ml). Post
      challenge adverse events (AEs) were monitored. RESULTS: 300 subjects were
      vaccinated; of 293 subjects in the ATP immunogenicity cohort, 60.5% had pre
      challenge anti-HBs antibodies >=10 mIU/ml, which rose to 97.6% post-challenge
      (>=100 mIU/ml in 94.1%). An anamnestic response was seen in 96.5% subjects. A 150
      fold increase in antibody geometric mean concentrations was observed (22.4 to
      3502.6 mIU/ml). Pain (44%) and fatigue (24.3%) were the most frequent solicited
      local and general AEs, respectively; 14.7% subjects reported unsolicited symptoms
      during the 31-day post-vaccination period. Two vaccine-unrelated serious AEs
      occurred. CONCLUSION: Vaccination with DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib in infancy induces
      sustained seroprotection and immune memory against HBV, as shown by the strong
      anamnestic response to the hepatitis B vaccine challenge in 12-13 year-old
      adolescents.

PMID- 27653772
TI  - Mouse Specific Cleavage-Resistant RAGE Splice Variant.

PMID- 27653773
TI  - Third trimester phthalate exposure is associated with DNA methylation of growth
      related genes in human placenta.
AB  - Strong evidence implicates maternal phthalate exposure during pregnancy in
      contributing to adverse birth outcomes. Recent research suggests these effects
      might be mediated through the improper regulation of DNA methylation in offspring
      tissue. In this study, we examined associations between prenatal phthalate
      exposure and DNA methylation in human placenta. We recruited 181 mother-newborn
      pairs (80 fetal growth restriction newborns, 101 normal newborns) in Wenzhou,
      China and measured third trimester urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations
      and placental DNA methylation levels of IGF2 and AHRR. We found urinary
      concentrations of mono (2-ethyl-5- hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP), and mono (2
      ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP) were significantly inversely associated with
      placental IGF2 DNA methylation. The associations were much more evident in fetal
      growth restriction (FGR) newborns than those in normal newborns. These findings
      suggest that changes in placental DNA methylation might be part of the underlying
      biological pathway between prenatal phthalate exposure and adverse fetal growth.

PMID- 27653774
TI  - Improving Initiation and Tracking of Research Projects at an Academic Health
      Center: A Case Study.
AB  - Research service cores at academic health centers are important in driving
      translational advancements. Specifically, biostatistics and research design units
      provide services and training in data analytics, biostatistics, and study design.
      However, the increasing demand and complexity of assigning appropriate personnel
      to time-sensitive projects strains existing resources, potentially decreasing
      productivity and increasing costs. Improving processes for project initiation,
      assigning appropriate personnel, and tracking time-sensitive projects can
      eliminate bottlenecks and utilize resources more efficiently. In this case study,
      we describe our application of lean six sigma principles to our biostatistics
      unit to establish a systematic continual process improvement cycle for intake,
      allocation, and tracking of research design and data analysis projects. The
      define, measure, analyze, improve, and control methodology was used to guide the
      process improvement. Our goal was to assess and improve the efficiency and
      effectiveness of operations by objectively measuring outcomes, automating
      processes, and reducing bottlenecks. As a result, we developed a web-based
      dashboard application to capture, track, categorize, streamline, and automate
      project flow. Our workflow system resulted in improved transparency, efficiency,
      and workload allocation. Using the dashboard application, we reduced the average
      study intake time from 18 to 6 days, a 66.7% reduction over 12 months (January to
      December 2015).

PMID- 27653775
TI  - Identification of gefitinib off-targets using a structure-based systems biology
      approach; their validation with reverse docking and retrospective data mining.
AB  - Gefitinib, an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is used as FDA approved drug in
      breast cancer and non-small cell lung cancer treatment. However, this drug has
      certain side effects and complications for which the underlying molecular
      mechanisms are not well understood. By systems biology based in silico analysis,
      we identified off-targets of gefitinib that might explain side effects of this
      drugs. The crystal structure of EGFR-gefitinib complex was used for binding
      pocket similarity searches on a druggable proteome database (Sc-PDB) by using
      IsoMIF Finder. The top 128 hits of putative off-targets were validated by reverse
      docking approach. The results showed that identified off-targets have efficient
      binding with gefitinib. The identified human specific off-targets were confirmed
      and further analyzed for their links with biological process and clinical disease
      pathways using retrospective studies and literature mining, respectively.
      Noticeably, many of the identified off-targets in this study were reported in
      previous high-throughput screenings. Interestingly, the present study reveals
      that gefitinib may have positive effects in reducing brain and bone metastasis,
      and may be useful in defining novel gefitinib based treatment regime. We propose
      that a system wide approach could be useful during new drug development and to
      minimize side effect of the prospective drug.

PMID- 27653777
TI  - Teachers' conceptions of learning and teaching in student-centred medical
      curricula: the impact of context and personal characteristics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gibbs and Coffey (2004) have reported that teaching practices are
      influenced by teachers' conceptions of learning and teaching. In our previous
      research we found significant differences between teachers' conceptions in two
      medical schools with student-centred education. Medical school was the most
      important predictor, next to discipline, gender and teaching experience. Our
      research questions for the current study are (1) which specific elements of
      medical school explain the effect of medical school on teachers' conceptions of
      learning and teaching? How? and (2) which contextual and personal characteristics
      are related to conceptions of learning and teaching? How? METHODS: Individual
      interviews were conducted with 13 teachers of the undergraduate curricula in two
      medical schools. Previously their conceptions of learning and teaching were
      assessed with the COLT questionnaire. We investigated the meanings they attached
      to context and personal characteristics, in relation to their conceptions of
      learning and teaching. We used a template analysis. RESULTS: Large individual
      differences existed between teachers. Characteristics mentioned at the medical
      school and curriculum level were 'curriculum tradition', 'support by educational
      department' and 'management and finances'. Other contextual characteristics were
      'leadership style' at all levels but especially of department chairs,
      'affordances and support', 'support and relatedness', and 'students'
      characteristics'. Personal characteristics were 'agency', 'experience with PBL
      (as a student or a teacher)','personal development', 'motivation and work
      engagement'and 'high content expertise'. CONCLUSION: Several context and personal
      characteristics associated with teachers' conceptions were identified, enabling a
      broader view on faculty development with attention for these characteristics,
      next to teaching skills.

PMID- 27653778
TI  - Plasmodium falciparum proteins involved in cytoadherence of infected erythrocytes
      to chemokine CX3CL1.
AB  - Malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum is associated with cytoadherence of
      infected red blood cells (iRBC) to endothelial cells. Numerous host molecules
      have been involved in cytoadherence, including the adhesive chemokine CX3CL1.
      Most of the identified parasite ligands are from the multigenic and hypervariable
      Plasmodium falciparum Erythrocyte Membrane Protein 1 (PfEMP1) family which makes
      them poor targets for the development of a broadly protective vaccine. Using
      proteomics, we have identified two 25-kDa parasite proteins with adhesive
      properties for CX3CL1, called CBP for CX3CL1 Binding Proteins. CBPs are coded by
      single-copy genes with little polymorphic variation and no homology with other P.
      falciparum gene products. Specific antibodies raised against epitopes from the
      predicted extracellular domains of each CBP efficiently stain the surface of RBC
      infected with trophozoites or schizonts, which is a strong indication of CBP
      expression at the surface of iRBC. These anti-CBP antibodies partially neutralize
      iRBC adherence to CX3CL1. This adherence is similarly inhibited in the presence
      of peptides from the CBP extracellular domains, while irrelevant peptides had no
      such effect. CBP1 and CBP2 are new P. falciparum ligands for the human chemokine
      CX3CL1. The identification of this non-polymorphic P. falciparum factors provides
      a new avenue for innovative vaccination approaches.

PMID- 27653776
TI  - Incidence and Risk Factors for Health-Care Associated Infections after Hip
      Operation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hip operation reduces pain and improves mobility and quality of life
      for more than 300,000 people annually, most of whom are more than 65 years old.
      Substantial increases in surgical volume are projected between 2005 and 2030 in
      primary total (174%) and revision (137%) procedures. This projection demands that
      the impact of increasing age on the relative risk of health-care associated
      infections (HAI) after hip surgical procedures be assessed. Our aim was to
      examine the incidence and risk factors of HAI among patients who underwent hip
      operations between 2006 and 2012. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This secondary analysis
      included data from patients 18 years old or older and having a hip prosthesis
      procedure in three New York City hospitals between 2006 and 2012. Procedures were
      categorized as total or partial hip replacements or revision and re-surfacing
      procedures. Outcomes of interest were blood stream infections (BSI), urinary
      tract infections (UTI), or surgical site infections (SSI). Patients in whom an
      infection developed during the hospital visit in which the hip procedure occurred
      were counted as cases. RESULT: Of 2021 patients, approximately 11% (n = 218) had
      an HAI. There was no difference in infection rates by admission year despite an
      increase in surgical volume. SSI was associated with younger age, previous
      hospitalization, and hip revision surgical procedure whereas UTI and BSI were
      associated with older age, greater co-morbidity, longer pre-operative length of
      stay and intensive care unit stay, (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: HAI after hip
      operation affected approximately one in 10 patients over a 7-year period in three
      high-volume hospitals. SSI occurred least frequently, predominantly among
      patients who underwent revision surgery (without previous SSI), were younger, and
      had a history of previous hospitalization. Infections such as BSI and UTI,
      although rare, occurred more frequently and in patients with more co-morbidities,
      longer pre-operative length of stay, and who required higher level care. Further
      research to understand these unexpected findings and target interventions is
      warranted.

PMID- 27653779
TI  - A covert authentication and security solution for GMOs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Proliferation and expansion of security risks necessitates new
      measures to ensure authenticity and validation of GMOs. Watermarking and other
      cryptographic methods are available which conceal and recover the original
      signature, but in the process reveal the authentication information. In many
      scenarios watermarking and standard cryptographic methods are necessary but not
      sufficient and new, more advanced, cryptographic protocols are necessary.
      RESULTS: Herein, we present a new crypto protocol, that is applicable in broader
      settings, and embeds the authentication string indistinguishably from a random
      element in the signature space and the string is verified or denied without
      disclosing the actual signature. Results show that in a nucleotide string of
      1000, the algorithm gives a correlation of 0.98 or higher between the
      distribution of the codon and that of E. coli, making the signature virtually
      invisible. CONCLUSIONS: This algorithm may be used to securely authenticate and
      validate GMOs without disclosing the actual signature. While this protocol uses
      watermarking, its novelty is in use of more complex cryptographic techniques
      based on zero knowledge proofs to encode information.

PMID- 27653780
TI  - A novel dendrochronological approach reveals drivers of carbon sequestration in
      tree species of riparian forests across spatiotemporal scales.
AB  - Aboveground carbon (C) sequestration in trees is important in global C dynamics,
      but reliable techniques for its modeling in highly productive and heterogeneous
      ecosystems are limited. We applied an extended dendrochronological approach to
      disentangle the functioning of drivers from the atmosphere (temperature,
      precipitation), the lithosphere (sedimentation rate), the hydrosphere
      (groundwater table, river water level fluctuation), the biosphere (tree
      characteristics), and the anthroposphere (dike construction). Carbon
      sequestration in aboveground biomass of riparian Quercus robur L. and Fraxinus
      excelsior L. was modeled (1) over time using boosted regression tree analysis
      (BRT) on cross-datable trees characterized by equal annual growth ring patterns
      and (2) across space using a subsequent classification and regression tree
      analysis (CART) on cross-datable and not cross-datable trees. While C
      sequestration of cross-datable Q. robur responded to precipitation and
      temperature, cross-datable F. excelsior also responded to a low Danube river
      water level. However, CART revealed that C sequestration over time is governed by
      tree height and parameters that vary over space (magnitude of fluctuation in the
      groundwater table, vertical distance to mean river water level, and longitudinal
      distance to upstream end of the study area). Thus, a uniform response to climatic
      drivers of aboveground C sequestration in Q. robur was only detectable in trees
      of an intermediate height class and in taller trees (>21.8m) on sites where the
      groundwater table fluctuated little (<=0.9m). The detection of climatic drivers
      and the river water level in F. excelsior depended on sites at lower altitudes
      above the mean river water level (<=2.7m) and along a less dynamic downstream
      section of the study area. Our approach indicates unexploited opportunities of
      understanding the interplay of different environmental drivers in aboveground C
      sequestration. Results may support species-specific and locally adapted forest
      management plans to increase carbon dioxide sequestration from the atmosphere in
      trees.

PMID- 27653781
TI  - Psychological and neuropsychological assessment of regular hoasca users.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hoasca (also called ayahuasca) is a N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) -
      containing psychedelic brew originally used for magico-religious purposes by
      Amerindian populations of the Amazon Basin. Recently, Brazilian syncretic
      churches have helped spread the ritual use of hoasca to Western societies. The
      aim of this study was to evaluate substance use, and neuropsychological and
      psychological functioning of regular hoasca users within a religious setting.
      METHODS: Assessment of socio-economic status, mood, personality traits,
      impulsiveness, drug use, quality of life, extrinsic and intrinsic religiosity,
      and neuropsychological function was performed on 30 volunteers from a U.S. branch
      of Uniao do Vegetal (UDV), a Brazilian religion which uses hoasca ritually. We
      also assessed 27 non-hoasca-using control subjects matched by socio-demographic
      profile and church attendance. Mann-Whitney U, chi-squared and Fisher tests were
      used to analyze differences between groups. Spearman's association and simple
      logistic regression tests were used to analyze the impact of frequency of hoasca
      use on dependent variables. RESULTS: Relative to the control group, the UDV group
      demonstrated lower scores for depression (p=0.043, r=.27) and confusion (p=0.032,
      r=.29) as assessed by the Profile of Mood States (POMS); higher scores on the
      instrument Big Five Inventory (BFI) for the personality traits agreeableness
      (p=0.028, r=.29) and openness (p=0.037, r=.28); higher scores on the quality life
      domain role limitations due to physical health as determined by the instrument
      Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 - SF-36 (p=0.035, r=.28); less recent use of
      alcohol (p<0.001, phic=.57), greater past use of alcohol to intoxication
      (p=0.007, phic=.36) and past use of cannabis (p=0.001, phic=.45) as measured by
      the Addiction Severity Index (ASI), 5th edition; better score on a measure of
      memory vulnerability to proactive interference as measured by the California
      Verbal Learning Test - CVLT (p=0.040, r=.27). Lifetime use of hoasca was
      positively correlated with role limitations due to physical health (p=0.032,
      rs=.39) and negatively associated with lifetime heavy alcohol use (p=0.034,
      OR=0.979). CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that religious use of hoasca does
      not adversely affect neuropsychological functioning and may have positive effects
      on substance abuse and mood.

PMID- 27653782
TI  - The communicative impairment as a core feature of schizophrenia: Frequency of
      pragmatic deficit, cognitive substrates, and relation with quality of life.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Impairments in specific aspects of pragmatic competence, supporting
      the use of language in context, are largely documented in schizophrenia and might
      represent an indicator of poor outcome. Yet pragmatics is rarely included in
      clinical settings. This paper aims to promote a clinical consideration of
      pragmatics as a target of assessment and intervention. We investigated the
      frequency of the pragmatic deficit, its cognitive substrates, and the relation
      with quality of life. METHODS: Pragmatic abilities were compared in a sample of
      patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls based on a comprehensive
      pragmatic test (APACS). We assessed also for psychopathology, cognition, social
      cognition, and quality of life. We explored the co-occurrence of deficits in
      different domains, and we used multiple regressions to investigate the effect of
      cognition and social cognition on pragmatics, and of pragmatics on quality of
      life. RESULTS: Pragmatic abilities, especially comprehending discourse and non
      literal meanings, were compromised in schizophrenia, with 77% of patients falling
      below cutoff. Pragmatic deficit co-occurred with cognitive or socio-cognitive
      deficits in approximately 30% of cases. Multiple regression analysis confirmed
      the interplay of cognition and social cognition in pragmatic behavior. Quality of
      life was predicted by symptoms and by pragmatic abilities. CONCLUSIONS: The high
      frequency of impairment suggests that the pragmatic deficit is a core feature of
      schizophrenia, associated with quality of life. Cognitive and socio-cognitive
      abilities might represent necessary though not sufficient building blocks for the
      acquisition of pragmatic abilities throughout development. Therefore, a more
      precise incorporation of pragmatics in the description of the pathology is of
      high clinical and translational relevance.

PMID- 27653783
TI  - Acupuncture for osteoporosis: a systematic review protocol.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is a global high prevalence of chronic metabolic disease
      with serious disability-adjusted life years losing. Acupuncture is used to treat
      osteoporosis broadly in China and other countries although the evidence on
      effectiveness cannot give a certain answer. The aim of this systematic review
      protocol is to appraise the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for osteoporosis.
      METHODS: A literature search of randomized controlled trials focusing on
      acupuncture for osteoporosis will be performed in the databases of Medline,
      Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EBASE, Springer, WHO International Clinical
      Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI),
      Wan fang, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), Chinese Scientific
      Journal Database (VIP), and other possible resources with a valid search
      strategy. Outcomes of pain, bone mineral density, fracture, mortality,
      improvement proportion, biochemical indicators, quality of life, adverse event,
      and other valid will be extracted and merged for quantitative analysis using
      Review Manager software (V.5.3.5) or descriptive analysis correspondingly.
      DISCUSSION: This is the first systematic review to estimate the effect of
      acupuncture on osteoporosis, and the result may provide evidence to clinical
      doctor. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42016037829.

PMID- 27653785
TI  - Low-dose non-targeted radiation effects in human esophageal adenocarcinoma cell
      lines.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate non-targeted radiation effects in esophageal
      adenocarcinoma cell lines (OE19 and OE33) using human keratinocyte and colorectal
      cancer cell reporters following gamma-ray exposure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Both
      clonogenic assays and ratiometric calcium endpoints were used to check for the
      occurrence of bystander signals in reporter cells. RESULTS: We report data
      suggesting that gamma-irradiation increases cell killing over the expected linear
      quadratic (LQ) model levels in the OE19 cell line exposed to doses below 1 Gy,
      i.e. which may be suggestive to be a low hyper-radiosensitive (HRS) response to
      direct irradiation. Both EAC cell lines (OE19 and OE33) have the ability to
      produce bystander signals when irradiated cell conditioned medium (ICCM) is
      placed onto human keratinocyte reporters, but do not seem to be capable of
      responding to bystander signals when placed on their autologous reporters.
      Further work with human keratinocyte reporter models showed statistically
      significant intracellular calcium fluxes following exposure of the reporters to
      ICCM harvested from both EAC cell lines exposed to 0.5 Gy. CONCLUSION: These
      experiments suggest that the OE19 and OE33 cell lines produce bystander signals
      in human keratinocyte reporter cells. However, the radiosensitivity of the EAC
      cell lines used in this study cannot be enhanced by the bystander response since
      both cell lines could not respond to bystander signals.

PMID- 27653784
TI  - H2A.Z controls the stability and mobility of nucleosomes to regulate expression
      of the LH genes.
AB  - The structure and dynamics of promoter chromatin have a profound effect on the
      expression levels of genes. Yet, the contribution of DNA sequence, histone post
      translational modifications, histone variant usage and other factors in shaping
      the architecture of chromatin, and the mechanisms by which this architecture
      modulates expression of specific genes are not yet completely understood. Here we
      use optical tweezers to study the roles that DNA sequence and the histone variant
      H2A.Z have in shaping the chromatin landscape at the promoters of two model
      genes, Cga and Lhb. Guided by MNase mapping of the promoters of these genes, we
      reconstitute nucleosomes that mimic those located near the transcriptional start
      site and immediately downstream (+1), and measure the forces required to disrupt
      these nucleosomes, and their mobility along the DNA sequence. Our results
      indicate that these genes are basally regulated by two distinct strategies,
      making use of H2A.Z to modulate separate phases of transcription, and highlight
      how DNA sequence, alternative histone variants and remodelling machinery act
      synergistically to modulate gene expression.

PMID- 27653787
TI  - Anatomic and dosimetric changes in patients with head and neck cancer treated
      with an integrated MRI-tri-60Co teletherapy device.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Prior studies have relied on CT to assess alterations in anatomy among
      patients undergoing radiation for head and neck cancer. We sought to determine
      the feasibility of using MRI-based image-guided radiotherapy to quantify these
      changes and to ascertain their potential dosimetric implications. METHODS: 6
      patients with head and neck cancer were treated with intensity-modulated
      radiotherapy (IMRT) on a novel tri-60Co teletherapy system equipped with a 0.35-T
      MRI (VR, ViewRay Incorporated, Oakwood Village, OH) to 66-70 Gy in 33 fractions
      (fx). Pre-treatment MRIs on Fx 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 33 were imported into
      a contouring interface, where the primary gross tumour volume (GTV) and parotid
      glands were delineated. The centre of mass (COM) shifts for these structures were
      assessed relative to Day 1. Dosimetric data were co-registered with the MRIs, and
      doses to the GTV and parotid glands were assessed. RESULTS: Primary GTVs
      decreased significantly over the course of IMRT (median % volume loss, 38.7%;
      range, 29.5-72.0%; p < 0.05) at a median rate of 1.2%/fx (range, 0.92-2.2%/fx).
      Both the ipsilateral and contralateral parotid glands experienced significant
      volume loss (p < 0.05, for all) and shifted medially during IMRT. Weight loss
      correlated significantly with parotid gland volume loss and medial COM shift (p <
      0.05). CONCLUSION: Integrated on-board MRI can be used to accurately contour and
      analyze primary GTVs and parotid glands over the course of IMRT. COM shifts and
      significant volume reductions were observed, confirming the results of prior CT
      based exercises. Advances in knowledge: The superior resolution of on-board MRI
      may facilitate online adaptive replanning in the future.

PMID- 27653786
TI  - Dengue Contingency Planning: From Research to Policy and Practice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dengue is an increasingly incident disease across many parts of the
      world. In response, an evidence-based handbook to translate research into policy
      and practice was developed. This handbook facilitates contingency planning as
      well as the development and use of early warning and response systems for dengue
      fever epidemics, by identifying decision-making processes that contribute to the
      success or failure of dengue surveillance, as well as triggers that initiate
      effective responses to incipient outbreaks. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS:
      Available evidence was evaluated using a step-wise process that included
      systematic literature reviews, policymaker and stakeholder interviews, a study to
      assess dengue contingency planning and outbreak management in 10 countries, and a
      retrospective logistic regression analysis to identify alarm signals for an
      outbreak warning system using datasets from five dengue endemic countries. Best
      practices for managing a dengue outbreak are provided for key elements of a
      dengue contingency plan including timely contingency planning, the importance of
      a detailed, context-specific dengue contingency plan that clearly distinguishes
      between routine and outbreak interventions, surveillance systems for outbreak
      preparedness, outbreak definitions, alert algorithms, managerial capacity, vector
      control capacity, and clinical management of large caseloads. Additionally, a
      computer-assisted early warning system, which enables countries to identify and
      respond to context-specific variables that predict forthcoming dengue outbreaks,
      has been developed. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Most countries do not have
      comprehensive, detailed contingency plans for dengue outbreaks. Countries tend to
      rely on intensified vector control as their outbreak response, with minimal focus
      on integrated management of clinical care, epidemiological, laboratory and vector
      surveillance, and risk communication. The Technical Handbook for Surveillance,
      Dengue Outbreak Prediction/ Detection and Outbreak Response seeks to provide
      countries with evidence-based best practices to justify the declaration of an
      outbreak and the mobilization of the resources required to implement an effective
      dengue contingency plan.

PMID- 27653789
TI  - How Do Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse Experience Formally Delivered
      Talking Therapy? A Systematic Review.
AB  - This systematic review explored how adult survivors of child sexual abuse
      experienced nonspecific and trauma-focused talking therapies. Following extensive
      systematic searches of academic databases, 23 qualitative empirical studies were
      chosen for review. Using a line-by-line thematic synthesis, four analytical
      themes developed. These themes were: The Therapeutic Process as a Means for
      Forming Connections, which discusses therapeutic relationships; Developing a
      Sense of Self Through the Therapeutic Processes, which identifies stages of
      developmental recovery; Therapeutic Lights and Black Holes in the Shadows of
      child sexual abuse, which reflects on how a history of child sexual abuse
      influenced experiences of therapy; and Healing or Harrowing: Connecting With
      Others and First-time Experiences, which explores what was helpful, hindering,
      and new throughout the therapeutic journey. Findings related to participants
      developing new options for interpersonal relationships through the experience of
      authentic trust and the experiential learning of control and choice.
      Recommendations are discussed in relation to developing therapeutic practice and
      future research.

PMID- 27653788
TI  - Parasite dynamics in the peripheral blood and the placenta during pregnancy
      associated malaria infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Malaria infections during pregnancy lead to sequestration of parasite
      infected red blood cells in the placenta. Placental infection can result in
      adverse outcomes for mothers and infants. Despite many studies, it remains
      unclear which peripheral blood infections during pregnancy lead to development of
      placental malaria. Understanding the timing of peripheral infections that lead to
      placental malaria and the ability of intermittent preventive treatment with
      sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP-IPT) and artemisinin-based combination therapy to
      clear infections will enable the rational design of new interventions to decrease
      the burden of malaria in pregnancy. METHODS: Microsatellite markers were used to
      genotype peripheral and placental malaria infections in an observational cohort
      in Blantyre, Malawi. Genotypes were compared to determine the timing of
      infections that sequester in the placenta. The effects of SP-IPT and artemether
      lumefantrine as curative treatment were also evaluated by assessing the
      occurrence of peripheral infections or matching genotypes between peripheral and
      placental parasites following treatment. RESULTS: Genotypes from 92 peripheral
      samples prior to delivery, 26 peripheral samples at delivery, and 29 placental
      samples were compared. Thirty percent of women with genotyped parasites in their
      placentas that had peripheral infections detected during pregnancy had matching
      peripheral-placental genotypes. Matching genotypes were not associated with
      gestational age and occurred from 13 to 39 weeks. Among women with more than one
      genotyped peripheral infection during pregnancy, 80 % had persistent infection
      with the same genotype while the remaining were new infections. Among infections
      treated with SP or artemether-lumefantrine, 28/84 (33 %) and 9/56 (16 %) had
      infection detected after treatment, respectively. Recrudescent infections were
      detected after both treatments and occurred up to 76 days after treatment. Women
      treated with SP-IPT and artemether-lumefantrine had genotypes matching treated
      infections detected in the placenta. CONCLUSIONS: Placental malaria can occur at
      any time during pregnancy. In the context of late enrollment in antenatal care,
      interventions that protect all women of childbearing age and throughout pregnancy
      are needed. Currently used medications do not always clear peripheral or
      placental infections. The ability of anti-malarial drugs to prevent or clear
      placental infections should be considered in the development of future
      interventions.

PMID- 27653790
TI  - Electrochemical Determination of Albendazole at Glassy Carbon Electrode.
AB  - In this article, the electrochemical behavior on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE)
      was investigated and the electrochemical parameters of albendazole (ALB) were
      calculated. ALB effectively accumulated on the GCE surface and caused a pair of
      redox peaks at around 1.095 V and 1.028 V and an oxidation peak at 0.844 V
      (versus saturated calomel electrode) in 0.2 M phosphate buffer solution (pH 3.0).
      Under optimized conditions, the anodic peak current was linear to the ALB
      concentration the range of 1.5 * 10-7 M to 4.0 * 10-5 M. The regression equation
      was: Ipa (10-6 A) = 0.79 [ALB] (MUM) + 0.84 (R2 = 0.982). The detection limit
      6.08 * 10-8 M was obtained. The proposed method was successfully used to
      determine ALB content in tablet samples, with satisfactory results.

PMID- 27653791
TI  - Multistate Mechanism of Lysozyme Denaturation through Synchronous Analysis of
      Raman Spectra.
AB  - The denaturation mechanism of hen egg lysozyme is still controversial. In this
      study, Raman spectroscopy was employed to study the thermal and chemical
      denaturation mechanisms of lysozyme. All of the Raman bands were synchronously
      recorded and analyzed during the denaturation process. It was found that the
      Raman bands of the side groups changed before the bands of skeleton groups. This
      directly reveals the three-state mechanism of thermal denaturation of lysozyme.
      The preferential change of the side groups was also observed in the chemical
      denaturation of lysozyme by guanidine hydrochloride. Moreover, it was found that
      the Raman bands of the groups on the surface of lysozyme changed before those of
      the other groups. This indicates that the chemical denaturants interact with the
      protein surface before the protein core in each step and the chemical
      denaturation of lysozyme conforms to the multistate and outside-in mechanisms.
      The synchronous Raman study not only reveals the multistate mechanism of lysozyme
      denaturation but also demonstrates that this synchronous Raman analysis is a
      powerful method to study the denaturation mechanisms of other proteins.

PMID- 27653792
TI  - Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease: an update.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The pathophysiology of aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease
      (AERD) is not fully understood and diagnostic methods and so far, treatments for
      AERD have not been standardized. We summarize recent research into the
      pathological mechanisms of AERD, diagnostic methods, and treatments for AERD
      patients. RECENT FINDINGS: In AERD pathophysiology, not only the reduced
      expression of E prostanoid 2 but also the dysfunction of its pathway could be
      involved. Moreover, eosinophils of AERD patients could be directly activated by
      aspirin to produce prostaglandin D2. Platelet activations are well known to be
      involved in AERD; however, plasma markers do not change during aspirin challenge
      tests. Additionally, novel genetic polymorphisms, such as P2RY12 and dipeptidyl
      peptidase 10 gene, and epigenetic predispositions of AERD were found. In AERD
      diagnosis, bronchial and nasal aspirin challenges have been applied in addition
      to oral challenge. Serum periostin has been suggested as a potential biomarker
      for AERD. Apart from standard pharmacological treatment and aspirin
      desensitization, biologics, including omalizumab and mepolizumab, as well as
      CRTH2 antagonists have been suggested as promising therapies for AERD treatment.
      SUMMARY: AERD is usually associated with severe asthma phenotypes. AERD
      pathophysiology mainly involves the dysregulation of eicosanoid metabolisms,
      activations of effector cells, which could be influenced by genetic/epigenetic
      factors. Understanding the pathophysiology of AERD is key to improve the
      diagnostic methods and proper management of AERD patients.

PMID- 27653793
TI  - Widefield fluorescence microscopy with sensor-based conjugate adaptive optics
      using oblique back illumination.
AB  - We describe a wavefront sensor strategy for the implementation of adaptive optics
      (AO) in microscope applications involving thick, scattering media. The strategy
      is based on the exploitation of multiple scattering to provide oblique back
      illumination of the wavefront-sensor focal plane, enabling a simple and direct
      measurement of the flux-density tilt angles caused by aberrations at this plane.
      Advantages of the sensor are that it provides a large measurement field of view
      (FOV) while requiring no guide star, making it particularly adapted to a type of
      AO called conjugate AO, which provides a large correction FOV in cases when
      sample-induced aberrations arise from a single dominant plane (e.g., the sample
      surface). We apply conjugate AO here to widefield (i.e., nonscanning)
      fluorescence microscopy for the first time and demonstrate dynamic wavefront
      correction in a closed-loop implementation.

PMID- 27653794
TI  - Adaptive optics full-field optical coherence tomography.
AB  - We describe a simple and compact full-field optical coherence tomography (FFOCT)
      setup coupled to a transmissive liquid crystal spatial light modulator (LCSLM) to
      induce or correct aberrations. To reduce the system complexity, strict pupil
      conjugation was abandoned because low-order aberrations are often dominant. We
      experimentally confirmed a recent theoretical and experimental demonstration that
      the image resolution was almost insensitive to aberrations that mostly induce a
      reduction of the signal level. As a consequence, an image-based algorithm was
      applied for the optimization process by using the FFOCT image intensity as the
      metric. Aberration corrections were demonstrated with both an USAF resolution
      target and biological samples for LCSLM-induced and sample-induced wavefront
      distortions.

PMID- 27653795
TI  - Supplemental Feedings for High-Risk Preterm Infants.

PMID- 27653796
TI  - Estimating National Trends in Inpatient Antibiotic Use Among US Hospitals From
      2006 to 2012.
AB  - Importance: The rising threat of antibiotic resistance and other adverse
      consequences resulting from the misuse of antibiotics requires a better
      understanding of antibiotic use in hospitals in the United States. Objective: To
      use proprietary administrative data to estimate patterns of US inpatient
      antibiotic use in recent years. Design, Setting, and Participants: For this
      retrospective analysis, adult and pediatric in-patient antibiotic use data was
      obtained from the Truven Health MarketScan Hospital Drug Database (HDD) from
      January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2012. Data from adult and pediatric patients
      admitted to 1 of approximately 300 participating acute care hospitals provided
      antibiotic use data for over 34 million discharges representing 166 million
      patient-days. Main Outcomes and Measures: We retrospectively estimated the days
      of therapy (DOT) per 1000 patient-days and the proportion of hospital discharges
      in which a patient received at least 1 dose of an antibiotic during the hospital
      stay. We calculated measures of antibiotic usage stratified by antibiotic class,
      year, and other patient and facility characteristics. We used data submitted to
      the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Healthcare Cost Report Information
      System to generate estimated weights to apply to the HDD data to create national
      estimates of antibiotic usage. A multivariate general estimating equation model
      to account for interhospital covariance was used to assess potential trends in
      antibiotic DOT over time. Results: During the years 2006 to 2012, 300 to 383
      hospitals per year contributed antibiotic data to the HDD. Across all years,
      55.1% of patients received at least 1 dose of antibiotics during their hospital
      visit. The overall national DOT was 755 per 1000 patient-days. Overall antibiotic
      use did not change significantly over time. The multivariable trend analysis of
      data from participating hospitals did not show a statistically significant change
      in overall use (total DOT increase, 5.6; 95% CI, -18.9 to 30.1; P = .65).
      However, the mean change (95% CI) for the following antibiotic classes increased
      significantly: third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins, 10.3 (3.1-17.5);
      macrolides, 4.8 (2.0-7.6); glycopeptides, 22.4 (17.5-27.3); beta-lactam/beta
      lactamase inhibitor combinations, 18.0 (13.3-22.6); carbapenems, 7.4 (4.6-10.2);
      and tetracyclines, 3.3 (2.0-4.7). Conclusions and Relevance: Overall DOT of all
      antibiotics among hospitalized patients in US hospitals has not changed
      significantly in recent years. Use of some antibiotics, especially broad spectrum
      agents, however, has increased significantly. This trend is worrisome in light of
      the rising challenge of antibiotic resistance. Our findings can help inform
      national efforts to improve antibiotic use by suggesting key targets for
      improvement interventions.

PMID- 27646850
TI  - Effect of Fibrin Glue on the Incidence of Surgical Complications After Living
      Related-Donor Kidney Transplantation: Results of a Randomized Clinical Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND The incidence of surgical complications after kidney transplantation
      ranges from 10-25%. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if the application
      of fibrin glue as a preventive agent reduces surgical morbidity after a living
      related-donor kidney transplantation. MATERIAL AND METHODS A controlled clinical
      trial involving 78 recipients randomly assigned to receive fibrin glue and 79 in
      the control group without the application of fibrin glue. Patients were followed
      for six months after surgery. RESULTS The average ages were 24.8+/-9.4 and 27.4+/
      11.3 years in the control and study groups, respectively (p=0.11). Individual
      morbidities, such as urologic, lymphatic, vascular, and wound complications, were
      not statistically different between groups; however, the total number of surgical
      complications observed were in five patients in the study group and 16 patients
      in the control group. This difference was statistically significant (p<0.01,
      relative risk 0.44, 95% CI 0.20-0.97). There was no mortality or adverse reaction
      to fibrin glue. One kidney graft was lost because of uncontrollable bleeding
      secondary to tearing of the renal capsule. The incidence of early medical
      complications was similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS Applications of the
      biological adhesive reduced the incidence of surgical complications.

PMID- 27653799
TI  - Domino-Like Intercellular Delivery of Undecylenic Acid-Conjugated Porous Silicon
      Nanoparticles for Deep Tumor Penetration.
AB  - Improving the intratumoral distribution of anticancer agents remains the critical
      challenge for developing efficient cancer chemotherapy. Luminescent porous
      silicon nanoparticles (PSiNPs) have attracted considerable attention in the
      biomedical field especially in drug delivery. Here, we described the lysosomal
      exocytosis-mediated domino-like intercellular delivery of undecylenic acid
      conjugated PSiNPs (UA-PSiNPs) for deep tumor penetration. UA-PSiNPs with
      significantly improved stability in physiological conditions were internalized
      into tumor cells by macropinocytosis-, caveolae-, and clathrin-mediated
      endocytosis and mainly colocalized with Golgi apparatus and lysosomes.
      Substantial evidence showed that UA-PSiNPs was excreted from cells via lysosomal
      exocytosis after cellular uptake. The exocytosed UA-PSiNPs induced a domino-like
      infection of adjacent cancer cells and allowed encapsulated doxorubicin (DOX) to
      deeply penetrate into both three-dimensional tumor spheroids and in vivo tumors.
      In addition, DOX-loaded UA-PSiNPs exhibited strong antitumor activity and few
      side effects in vivo. This study demonstrated that UA-PSiNPs as a drug carrier
      might be applied for deep tumor penetration, offering a new insight into the
      design of more efficient delivery systems of anticancer drugs.

PMID- 27653798
TI  - Comparison of Echocardiographic Indices Used to Predict Fluid Responsiveness in
      Ventilated Patients.
AB  - RATIONALE: Assessment of fluid responsiveness relies on dynamic echocardiographic
      parameters that have not yet been compared in large cohorts. OBJECTIVES: To
      determine the diagnostic accuracy of dynamic parameters used to predict fluid
      responsiveness in ventilated patients with a circulatory failure of any cause.
      METHODS: In this multicenter prospective study, respiratory variations of
      superior vena cava diameter (?SVC) measured using transesophageal
      echocardiography, of inferior vena cava diameter (?IVC) measured using
      transthoracic echocardiography, of the maximal Doppler velocity in left
      ventricular outflow tract (?VmaxAo) measured using either approach, and pulse
      pressure variations (?PP) were recorded with the patient in the semirecumbent
      position. In each patient, a passive leg raise was performed and an increase of
      aortic velocity time integral greater than or equal to 10% defined fluid
      responsiveness. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Among 540 patients (379 men; age,
      65 +/- 13 yr; Simplified Acute Physiological Score II, 59 +/- 18; Sequential
      Organ Failure Assessment, 10 +/- 3), 229 exhibited fluid responsiveness (42%).
      ?PP, ?VmaxAo, ?SVC, and ?IVC could be measured in 78.5%, 78.0%, 99.6%, and 78.1%
      of cases, respectively. ?SVC greater than or equal to 21%, ?VmaxAo greater than
      or equal to 10%, and ?IVC greater than or equal to 8% had a sensitivity of 61%
      (95% confidence interval, 57-66%), 79% (75-83%), and 55% (50-59%), respectively,
      and a specificity of 84% (81-87%), 64% (59-69%), and 70% (66-75%), respectively.
      The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of ?SVC was
      significantly greater than that of ?IVC (P = 0.02) and ?PP (P = 0.01).
      CONCLUSIONS: ?VmaxAo had the best sensitivity and ?SVC the best specificity in
      predicting fluid responsiveness. ?SVC had a greater diagnostic accuracy than ?IVC
      and ?PP, but its measurement requires transesophageal echocardiography.

PMID- 27653800
TI  - One Too Many? Understanding the Influence of Risk Factor Quantity on Perceptions
      of Risk.
AB  - Forming a subjective risk judgment in circumstances that feature multiple risk
      factors is a common, yet complex task. One would expect variations in the number
      of risk factors in a given situation to have an important influence on risk
      judgments, yet the exact nature of this influence remains empirically untested.
      We conducted three studies to address this issue. In Study 1, we found that, when
      individuals were confronted with a preset number of risk factors (zero, one, two,
      or three) in the same scenario, their risk judgments were virtually identical for
      zero, one, and two risk factors, yet markedly higher for three risk factors. By
      contrast, Study 2 showed that when confronted with variations in the number of
      risk factors (zero, one, two, and three) for that same scenario, individuals'
      risk judgments increased/decreased in relatively even increments concurrent with
      increases/decreases in the number of risk factors. Study 3 identified that
      pronounced increases in risk judgments, like those observed in Study 1, may occur
      when the numbers of factors is "high" relative to the potential victim's
      vulnerability to those factors. Our results show that the number of risk factors
      in given circumstances can have an important influence on risk judgments and that
      this influence can differ based on the characteristics of the situation. We
      discuss how these findings provide a better understanding of subjective risk
      judgments and highlight the importance of those who seek to communicate risk
      information being mindful of how data about multiple risk factors could be
      (mis)interpreted.

PMID- 27653801
TI  - Interfering of the Reelin/ApoER2/PSD95 Signaling Axis Reactivates Dendritogenesis
      of Mature Hippocampal Neurons.
AB  - Reelin, an extracellular glycoprotein secreted in embryonic and adult brain,
      participates in neuronal migration and neuronal plasticity. Extensive evidence
      shows that reelin via activation of the ApoER2 and VLDLR receptors promotes
      dendrite and spine formation during early development. Further evidence suggests
      that reelin signaling is needed to maintain a stable architecture in mature
      neurons, but, direct evidence is lacking. During activity-dependent maturation of
      the neuronal circuitry, the synaptic protein PSD95 is inserted into the
      postsynaptic membrane to induce structural refinement and stability of spines and
      dendrites. Given that ApoER2 interacts with PSD95, we tested if reelin signaling
      interference in adult neurons reactivates the dendritic architecture. Unlike
      findings in developing cultures, the presently obtained in vitro and in vivo data
      show, for the first time, that reelin signaling interference robustly increase
      dendritogenesis and reduce spine density in mature hippocampal neurons. In
      particular, the expression of a mutant ApoER2 form (ApoER2-tailless), which is
      unable to interact with PSD95 and hence cannot transduce reelin signaling,
      resulted in robust dendritogenesis in mature hippocampal neurons in vitro. These
      results indicate that reelin/ApoER2/PSD95 signaling is important for neuronal
      structure maintenance in mature neurons. Mechanistically, obtained
      immunofluorescent data indicate that reelin signaling impairment reduced synaptic
      PSD95 levels, consequently leading to synaptic re-insertion of NR2B-NMDARs. Our
      findings underscore the importance of reelin in maintaining adult network
      stability and reveal a new mode for reactivating dendritogenesis in neurological
      disorders where dendritic arbor complexity is limited, such as in depression,
      Alzheimer's disease, and stroke. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 1187-1199, 2017. (c) 2016
      Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27653803
TI  - Evaluation of efficiency and trapping capacity of restricted access media trap
      columns for the online trapping of small molecules.
AB  - Restricted access media are generally composed from multi-modal particles that
      combine a size excluding outer surface and an inner-pore retention mechanism for
      small molecules. Such materials can be used for either online isolation and pre
      concentration of target small molecules or removal of small molecule
      interferences from large macromolecules, such as proteins in complex biological
      matrices. Thus, they are considered as enhanced online solid-phase extraction
      materials. We evaluated the efficiency and trapping capacity of different semi
      permeable surface restricted access media columns (C18 , C8 , and C4 inner pores)
      for four model small molecule compounds (dopamine hydrochloride, acetaminophen, 4
      hydroxybenzoic acid, and diethyl phthalate) having variable physicochemical
      properties. We further studied the effect of mobile phase flow rate (0.25, 0.5,
      1, and 2 mL/min) and pH, using 98:2 0.5% acetic acid in water/ methanol (pH 2.88)
      and 5 mM ammonium acetate in 98:2 water/methanol (pH 6.61) as mobile phases.
      Breakthrough curves generated using frontal analysis were analyzed to determine
      important chromatographic parameters specific for each of the studied compounds.
      Experimental determination of these parameters allowed selection of the most
      efficient trap column and the best loading mobile phase conditions for maximal
      solute enrichment and pre-concentration on restricted access media trap columns.

PMID- 27653802
TI  - Fiberoptic Contact-Force Sensing Electrophysiological Catheters: How Precise Is
      the Technology?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Contact-force (CF) sensing catheters are increasingly used in
      electrophysiological procedures due to their efficacy and safety profile. As data
      about the accuracy of fiberoptic CF technology are scarce, we sought to quantify
      it using in vitro experiments. METHODS AND RESULTS: A force sensor was built with
      a flexible membrane to allow exact reference force measurements for each set of
      experiments. A TactiCath Quartz (TCQ) ablation catheter was brought in contact
      with the force sensor membrane in order to compare the TCQ force measurements to
      sensor reference force measurements. Measurements were performed at different tip
      angles (0 degrees /perpendicular contact, 45 degrees , 90 degrees /parallel
      contact), with fluid irrigation, different degrees of catheter deflection, and
      using a sheath. The accuracy of the TCQ force measurements was 0.9 +/- 0.9 g (0
      degrees ), 0.8 +/- 0.8 g (45 degrees ) and 1.2 +/- 1.3 g (90 degrees ), 0.8 +/-
      0.7 g (irrigation), 0.8 +/- 0.8 g (deflection), and 0.8 +/- 0.9 g (sheath); this
      was not significantly different among all experimental conditions. The precision
      was <=3.8%. CONCLUSION: CF measurements using a fiberoptic sensing technology
      show a high level of accuracy and precision, without being significantly
      influenced by tip angle, fluid irrigation, catheter deflection or use of a
      sheath.

PMID- 27653804
TI  - Models of neuromodulation for computational psychiatry.
AB  - Psychiatry faces fundamental challenges: based on a syndrome-based nosology, it
      presently lacks clinical tests to infer on disease processes that cause symptoms
      of individual patients and must resort to trial-and-error treatment strategies.
      These challenges have fueled the recent emergence of a novel field-computational
      psychiatry-that strives for mathematical models of disease processes at
      physiological and computational (information processing) levels. This review is
      motivated by one particular goal of computational psychiatry: the development of
      'computational assays' that can be applied to behavioral or neuroimaging data
      from individual patients and support differential diagnosis and guiding patient
      specific treatment. Because the majority of available pharmacotherapeutic
      approaches in psychiatry target neuromodulatory transmitters, models that infer
      (patho)physiological and (patho)computational actions of different
      neuromodulatory transmitters are of central interest for computational
      psychiatry. This article reviews the (many) outstanding questions on the
      computational roles of neuromodulators (dopamine, acetylcholine, serotonin, and
      noradrenaline), outlines available evidence, and discusses promises and pitfalls
      in translating these findings to clinical applications. WIREs Cogn Sci 2017,
      8:e1420. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1420 For further resources related to this article,
      please visit the WIREs website.

PMID- 27653805
TI  - ICI-RS 2015-Is a better understanding of sleep the key in managing nocturia?
AB  - AIMS: Nocturia, or waking up at night to void, is a highly prevalent and
      bothersome lower urinary tract symptom. However, the applied treatment modalities
      do not improve symptoms in about half of the patients. The aim of this report is
      to generate new ideas for future nocturia research, with special emphasis on the
      role of sleep physiology and sleep disorders. METHODS: The following is a report
      of the presentations and subsequent discussion of the Nocturia Think Tank session
      at the annual meeting of the International Consultation on Incontinence Research
      Society (ICI-RS), which took place in September 2015 in Bristol. General
      information about the organization of the ICI-RS meeting can be found on the
      website "www.ici-rs.org." An overview of challenges within the existing evidence,
      future research ideas, and results of research with regard to nocturia and sleep
      were presented. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: In order to optimize the management of
      nocturia and nocturnal polyuria (NP), future research has to focus on the
      development of unambiguous terminology regarding nocturia and NP, the role of
      renal function profiles and simplified frequency volume charts as guidance of
      individualized therapy and the role of sleep disorders such as periodic limb
      movements during sleep and habitual voiding as a response to awakening.
      Neurourol. Urodynam. 37:2048-2052, 2018. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27653806
TI  - Tumors on periorbital, axilla, and groin areas.

PMID- 27653807
TI  - On the Stability of Cyclophane Derivates Using a Molecular Fragmentation Method.
AB  - A molecular fragmentation method is used to study the stability of cyclophane
      derivates by decomposing the molecular energy into the molecular strain and
      intramolecular interaction energies. The molecular strain energies obtained by
      utilising the fragmentation method are in good agreement with existing
      experimental data. The intramolecular interaction energies calculated as the
      difference between the supermolecular energy and the bonded fragment energies are
      repulsive in the cyclophanes studied. The nature of this interaction is studied
      for groups of systematically extended doubled layered paracyclophane systems
      using the random-phase approximation (RPA), two recently developed extensions to
      the RPA and standard density functional theory (DFT) methods including dispersion
      corrections. Upon a systematic increase in conjugation the strongly repulsive
      intramolecular interaction energy reduces and thus leads to an increase in the
      stability. Finally, existing experimental and theoretical estimates of the
      molecular strain are compared with the results of this work.

PMID- 27653808
TI  - Annular Lichenoid Dermatitis of Youth: A Chronic Case Managed Using Pimecrolimus.
AB  - Annular lichenoid dermatitis of youth, first described in 2003, is a rare and
      occasionally chronic skin disease. We report a case of annular lichenoid
      dermatitis of youth relapsing over the course of 5 years successfully treated and
      maintained with topical pimecrolimus cream.

PMID- 27653809
TI  - Leaf anatomy mediates coordination of leaf hydraulic conductance and mesophyll
      conductance to CO2 in Oryza.
AB  - Leaf hydraulic conductance (Kleaf ) and mesophyll conductance (gm ) both
      represent major constraints to photosynthetic rate (A), and previous studies have
      suggested that Kleaf and gm is correlated in leaves. However, there is scarce
      empirical information about their correlation. In this study, Kleaf , leaf
      hydraulic conductance inside xylem (Kx ), leaf hydraulic conductance outside
      xylem (Kox ), A, stomatal conductance (gs ), gm , and anatomical and structural
      leaf traits in 11 Oryza genotypes were investigated to elucidate the correlation
      of H2 O and CO2 diffusion inside leaves. All of the leaf functional and
      anatomical traits varied significantly among genotypes. Kleaf was not correlated
      with the maximum theoretical stomatal conductance calculated from stomatal
      dimensions (gsmax ), and neither gs nor gsmax were correlated with Kx . Moreover,
      Kox was linearly correlated with gm and both were closely related to mesophyll
      structural traits. These results suggest that Kleaf and gm are related to leaf
      anatomical and structural features, which may explain the mechanism for
      correlation between gm and Kleaf .

PMID- 27653810
TI  - (5,6-Dihydro-1,4-dithiin-2-yl)methanol as a Versatile Allyl-Cation Equivalent in
      (3+2) Cycloaddition Reactions.
AB  - The title heterocyclic alcohol readily generates a sulfur-substituted allylic
      cation upon simple treatment with a protic acid, thus facilitating a
      synthetically useful stepwise (3+2) cycloaddition reaction pathway with a range
      of conjugated-olefin-type substrates. The introduction of an allyl fragment in
      this way provided rapid access to a variety of cyclopentanoid scaffolds. The
      cyclic nature of the cation precursor alcohol was shown to be instrumental for
      efficient cycloaddition reactions to take place, thus indicating an attractive
      strategy for controlling the reactivity of heteroatom-substituted allyl cations.
      The formal cycloaddition reaction is highly regio- and stereoselective and was
      also used for a short total synthesis of the natural product cuparene in racemic
      form through a cycloaddition-hydrodesulfurization sequence.

PMID- 27653811
TI  - Aging perceptions and self-efficacy mediate the association between personality
      traits and depressive symptoms in older adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Personality traits have been shown to be predictors of depressive
      symptoms in late life. Thus, we examined whether other more modifiable sources of
      individual differences such as self-efficacy and self-perceptions of aging would
      mediate the association between personality traits and depressive symptoms in
      older adults. METHOD: Data were obtained from 3,507 older adult participants who
      took part in the 2012 Health and Retirement Study. The "Big Five" personality
      traits, self-efficacy, aging perceptions, and depressive symptoms were assessed.
      Mediation analyses tested the hypothesis that self-efficacy and aging perceptions
      would mediate the relationship between personality traits and depressive
      symptoms. RESULTS: All five personality traits were significant predictors of
      depressive symptoms. Neuroticism was positively associated with depressive
      symptoms and had the greatest effect compared with the other personality traits.
      There was a significant indirect effect of neuroticism, extraversion, and
      conscientiousness on depressive symptoms (including both mediators). The
      mediating effect of aging perceptions on the relationship between neuroticism and
      depressive symptoms was the strongest compared with self-efficacy, accounting for
      approximately 80% of the total indirect effect. CONCLUSION: Our results provide
      support for interventions aimed at improving self-perceptions related to efficacy
      and aging in order to reduce depressive symptoms in older adults. Copyright (c)
      2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27653812
TI  - Mixed method systematic review: the relationship between breast cancer risk
      perception and health-protective behaviour in women with family history of breast
      cancer.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to determine and explore the relationship between
      risk perception and health-protective behaviour in individuals with family
      history of breast cancer. BACKGROUND: Women with increased risk of breast cancer
      due to inherited predisposition can use health-protective behaviours to
      facilitate prevention or early detection of cancer. DATA SOURCES: Four scientific
      literature databases (CINAHL, Medline, AMED, PsychInfo) and three systematic
      review databases were searched. DESIGN: Mixed method systematic review. REVIEW
      METHODS: The systematic review of peer-reviewed literature was conducted
      following the method described by the Centre of Reviews and Dissemination.
      Research studies published in English between January 2004-December 2014
      focussing on individuals with family history of breast cancer were included. Of
      210 papers identified, 10 studies were eligible for inclusion. Studies were
      assessed for their quality. Due to the diversity of the studies, a three-step
      analysis was undertaken involving narrative summary of the quantitative data,
      thematic analysis and presentation of integrated results in narrative form.
      RESULTS: A clear link between breast cancer risk perception and some health
      protective behaviour was identified. Screening administered by health
      professionals (mammogram screening, chemoprevention) were appropriately adopted.
      However, behaviours requiring high individual input (breast self-examination,
      lifestyle changes) were not as appropriately adopted and the decision process was
      not as clearly linked to risk perception. CONCLUSIONS: There is limited
      understanding about the complex relationship between risk perception and health
      protective behaviour. Risk communication and health promotion need to be further
      developed to assist individuals to better engage with their actual risk and risk
      appropriate behaviours, particularly those that require regular personal effort.

PMID- 27653813
TI  - Comparison of Two Miniaturized Cardiopulmonary Bypass Systems Regarding
      Inflammatory Response.
AB  - Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is a known mediator of systemic inflammatory
      response. Extracorporeal circulations are undergoing continuous modifications and
      optimizations to achieve better results. Hence we aim to compare the inflammatory
      response associated with two recent miniature extracorporeal circulation systems
      during normothermic CPB. We measured plasma levels of cytokines including
      interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, migration
      inhibitory factor (MIF), receptor for advanced glycation endproduct, and cluster
      of differentiation 40 ligand in 60 consecutive patients during the first 24 h
      after CPB. The patients were prospectively randomized to one of three trial
      groups: patients in group A were operated with the minimal extracorporeal
      circulation circuit (MECC, Maquet, Rastatt, Germany), group B operated with the
      extracorporeal circulation circuit optimized (ECC.O, Sorin, Italy), and group C
      operated with a conventional extracorporeal circuit (CECC, Maquet). Arterial
      blood samples were collected at intervals before, 30 min after initiation, and
      after termination of CPB. Further samples were collected 6 and 24 h after CPB. IL
      10 levels were significantly raised in the CECC group as compared with either of
      the mini ECC-circuits with a peak concentration at 6 h postoperatively. Human MIF
      concentrations were significantly higher in the CECC group starting 30 min after
      CPB and peaking at the end of CPB. The overall reduction in cytokine
      concentrations in the mini-ECC groups correlated with a lower need for blood
      transfusion in MECC and a shorter mechanical ventilation time for ECC.O.
      Normothermic CPB using minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation circuits can
      reduce the inflammatory response as measured by cytokine levels, which may be
      beneficial for perioperative preservation of pulmonary function and hemostasis in
      low risk patients.

PMID- 27653814
TI  - Effects of autologous platelet transfusion on platelet inhibition in ticagrelor
      treated and clopidogrel-treated subjects.
AB  - : Essentials Limited data on hemostatic benefits of platelet transfusion (PT)
      exist. 44 healthy subjects had a single dose of ticagrelor or clopidogrel +/-
      autologous PT post-dosing. PT did not reverse ticagrelor's antiplatelet effects
      and had minimal impact post clopidogrel. Post-ticagrelor, PT is unlikely to be
      beneficial, and the benefits post-clopidogrel are unknown. SUMMARY: Background
      Antiplatelet agents increase bleeding risk. Few data on hemostatic benefits of
      platelet transfusion exist. Objective To assess the effect of autologous platelet
      transfusion on ticagrelor-mediated and clopidogrel-mediated platelet inhibition
      in a single-center, open-label, randomized, cross-over study (NCT01744288).
      Methods Forty-four healthy subjects received ticagrelor (180 mg) or clopidogrel
      (600 mg; two functional CYP2C19 alleles [*1 or *17] required) with or without
      platelet transfusion (14-day washout). Subjects received one autologous platelet
      apheresis unit (approximately six pooled donor platelet units) 24 h (n = 15) or
      48 h (n = 13) after ticagrelor or 48 h after clopidogrel (n = 16). Platelet
      apheresis was conducted 72 h before transfusion. Aspirin (81 mg per day) was
      taken from after apheresis until 24 h before transfusion. P2Y12 reaction units
      (PRUs) and inhibition of platelet aggregation (IPA) induced by ADP were measured.
      Results Mean age and body mass index were 30 years (standard deviation [SD] 6
      years) and 26.9 kg m-2 (SD 4.0 kg m-2 ), respectively; 98% of subjects were men,
      and 39 of 44 completed treatment. Platelet transfusion 24 h after ticagrelor had
      minimal effects on IPA or PRU values within 48 h after transfusion. Platelet
      transfusion 48 h after ticagrelor also had minimal effects on IPA or PRU values
      at most post-transfusion times. Platelet transfusion 48 h after clopidogrel,
      versus no transfusion, had a small reversing effect on IPA (24 h, 36 h, and 48 h)
      and PRU values (12 h, 24 h, and 36 h) after transfusion. Conclusions Autologous
      platelet transfusion is unlikely to be of clinical benefit in reversing the
      antiplatelet effects of ticagrelor. The clinical relevance of the small effects
      seen with clopidogrel is unknown.

PMID- 27653815
TI  - Differential actigraphy for monitoring asymmetry in upper limb motor activities.
AB  - Most applications of accelerometry-based actigraphy require a single sensor,
      properly located onto the body, to estimate, for example, the level of activity
      or the energy expenditure. Some approaches adopt a multi-sensor setup to improve
      those analyses or to classify different types of activity. The specific case of
      two symmetrically placed actigraphs allowing, by some kind of differential
      analysis, for the assessment of asymmetric motor behaviors, has been considered
      in relatively few studies. This article presents a novel method for differential
      actigraphy, which requires the synchronized measurements of two triaxial
      accelerometers (programmable eZ430-Chronos, Texas Instruments, USA) placed
      symmetrically on both wrists. The method involved the definition of a robust
      epoch-related activity index and its implementation on-board the adopted
      programmable platform. Finally, the activity recordings from both sensors allowed
      us to define a novel asymmetry index AR24 h ranging from  -100% (only the left
      arm moves) to  +100% (only the right arm moves) with null value marking a perfect
      symmetrical behavior. The accuracy of the AR24 h index was 1.3%. Round-the-clock
      monitoring on 31 healthy participants (20-79 years old, 10 left handed) provided
      for the AR24 h reference data (range  -5% to 21%) and a fairly good correlation
      to the clinical handedness index (r  =  0.66, p  <  0.001). A subset of 20
      participants repeated the monitoring one week apart evidencing an excellent test
      retest reliability (r  =  0.70, p  <  0.001). Such figures support future
      applications of the methodology for the study of pathologies involving motor
      asymmetries, such as in patients with motor hemisyndromes and, in general, for
      those subjects for whom a quantification of the asymmetry in daily motor
      performances is required to complement laboratory tests.

PMID- 27653819
TI  - Dosage calculations for nurses June L Olsen Dosage calculations for nurses et al
      Pearson Education L14.99 312pp 9780132068840 0132068842 [Formula: see text].
AB  - A COMPREHENSIVE review of dosage calculation for nursing staff, this covers
      accurate calculation skills and interpretation of units of measurement in the
      context of safe medication-administration practice.

PMID- 27653817
TI  - Predicting the aquatic toxicity mode of action using logistic regression and
      linear discriminant analysis.
AB  - The paper highlights the use of the logistic regression (LR) method in the
      construction of acceptable statistically significant, robust and predictive
      models for the classification of chemicals according to their aquatic toxic modes
      of action. Essentials accounting for a reliable model were all considered
      carefully. The model predictors were selected by stepwise forward discriminant
      analysis (LDA) from a combined pool of experimental data and chemical structure
      based descriptors calculated by the CODESSA and DRAGON software packages. Model
      predictive ability was validated both internally and externally. The
      applicability domain was checked by the leverage approach to verify prediction
      reliability. The obtained models are simple and easy to interpret. In general, LR
      performs much better than LDA and seems to be more attractive for the prediction
      of the more toxic compounds, i.e. compounds that exhibit excess toxicity versus
      non-polar narcotic compounds and more reactive compounds versus less reactive
      compounds. In addition, model fit and regression diagnostics was done through the
      influence plot which reflects the hat-values, studentized residuals, and Cook's
      distance statistics of each sample. Overdispersion was also checked for the LR
      model. The relationships between the descriptors and the aquatic toxic behaviour
      of compounds are also discussed. 

PMID- 27653820
TI  - Tracheostomies: the complete guide Linda L Morris Tracheostomies: the complete
      guide and M Sherif Afifi Springer Publishing Company L59.95 384pp 97808266105172
      97808266105172 [Formula: see text].
AB  - The chapters of this book are well structured with easy-to-understand diagrams,
      and each gives a supporting conclusion and a key-points-to-remember section.

PMID- 27653821
TI  - The lost art of listening: how learning to listen can improve relationships
      Michael P Nichols The lost art of listening: how learning to listen can improve
      relationships Guilford Press L11.95 314pp 9781593859862 1593859864 [Formula: see
      text].
AB  - It is good to talk, but better to talk and listen. This truism is the subject of
      this self-help guide, in which the author asserts that talking without listening
      is merely the first level of interchange. he goes on to explain what it means to
      listen, and differences of interpretation between men and women.

PMID- 27653816
TI  - Natural genetic variation profoundly regulates gene expression in immune cells
      and dictates susceptibility to CNS autoimmunity.
AB  - Regulation of gene expression in immune cells is known to be under genetic
      control, and likely contributes to susceptibility to autoimmune diseases such as
      multiple sclerosis (MS). How this occurs in concert across multiple immune cell
      types is poorly understood. Using a mouse model that harnesses the genetic
      diversity of wild-derived mice, more accurately reflecting genetically diverse
      human populations, we provide an extensive characterization of the genetic
      regulation of gene expression in five different naive immune cell types relevant
      to MS. The immune cell transcriptome is shown to be under profound genetic
      control, exhibiting diverse patterns: global, cell-specific and sex-specific.
      Bioinformatic analysis of the genetically controlled transcript networks reveals
      reduced cell type specificity and inflammatory activity in wild-derived PWD/PhJ
      mice, compared with the conventional laboratory strain C57BL/6J. Additionally,
      candidate MS-GWAS (genome-wide association study candidate genes for MS
      susceptibility) genes were significantly enriched among transcripts
      overrepresented in C57BL/6J cells compared with PWD. These expression level
      differences correlate with robust differences in susceptibility to experimental
      autoimmune encephalomyelitis, the principal model of MS, and skewing of the
      encephalitogenic T-cell responses. Taken together, our results provide functional
      insights into the genetic regulation of the immune transcriptome, and shed light
      on how this in turn contributes to susceptibility to autoimmune disease.

PMID- 27653822
TI  - Noticeboard.
AB  - Courses, events, grants, and awards to progress your career.

PMID- 27653824
TI  - Simulation practice.
AB  - As practice placements for students become difficult to find, nurse educators
      increasingly turn to high-fidelity patient simulation (HFPS) programmes to
      enhance psychomotor and cognitive skills in controlled environments.

PMID- 27653823
TI  - Diary.
AB  - Our roundup of what's on.

PMID- 27653825
TI  - Temporary staff.
AB  - This article is based on a comparative study of the work done by temporary and
      permanent staff. Using non-participant observation and document analysis of
      interviews, data from 605 general and specialist staff, including permanent and
      temporary staff, were collected between 2004 and 2009.

PMID- 27653826
TI  - Radiographic markers.
AB  - Radiographic markers, which are personal to each radiographer and used with every
      patient, are among the most frequently handled objects in radiology departments.
      Radiographers who fail to clean these accessories do not consider their potential
      as vectors for cross-contamination.

PMID- 27653827
TI  - Intrabronchial valves for persistent air-leaks: what's the verdict?

PMID- 27653829
TI  - Postdischarge Suicides: Nightmare and Disgrace.

PMID- 27653828
TI  - Light Control of Insulin Release and Blood Glucose Using an Injectable
      Photoactivated Depot.
AB  - In this work we demonstrate that blood glucose can be controlled remotely through
      light stimulated release of insulin from an injected cutaneous depot. Human
      insulin was tethered to an insoluble but injectable polymer via a linker, which
      was based on the light cleavable di-methoxy nitrophenyl ethyl (DMNPE) group. This
      material was injected into the skin of streptozotocin-treated diabetic rats. We
      observed insulin being released into the bloodstream after a 2 min trans
      cutaneous irradiation of this site by a compact LED light source. Control animals
      treated with the same material, but in which light was blocked from the site,
      showed no release of insulin into the bloodstream. We also demonstrate that
      additional pulses of light from the light source result in additional pulses of
      insulin being absorbed into circulation. A significant reduction in blood glucose
      was then observed. Together, these results demonstrate the feasibility of using
      light to allow for the continuously variable control of insulin release. This in
      turn has the potential to allow for the tight control of blood glucose without
      the invasiveness of insulin pumps and cannulas.

PMID- 27653830
TI  - Roll-to-Roll sputtered ITO/Cu/ITO multilayer electrode for flexible, transparent
      thin film heaters and electrochromic applications.
AB  - We fabricate high-performance, flexible, transparent electrochromic (EC) films
      and thin film heaters (TFHs) on an ITO/Cu/ITO (ICI) multilayer electrode prepared
      by continuous roll-to-roll (RTR) sputtering of ITO and Cu targets. The RTR
      sputtered ICI multilayer on a 700 mm wide PET substrate at room temperature
      exhibits a sheet resistance of 11.8 Omega/square and optical transmittance of
      73.9%, which are acceptable for the fabrication of flexible and transparent EC
      films and TFHs. The effect of the Cu interlayer thickness on the electrical and
      optical properties of the ICI multilayer was investigated in detail. The bending
      and cycling fatigue tests demonstrate that the RTR-sputtered ICI multilayer was
      more flexible than a single ITO film because of high strain failure of the Cu
      interlayer. The flexible and transparent EC films and TFHs fabricated on the ICI
      electrode show better performances than reference EC films and TFHs with a single
      ITO electrode. Therefore, the RTR-sputtered ICI multilayer is the best substitute
      for the conventional ITO film electrode in order to realize flexible,
      transparent, cost-effective and large-area EC devices and TFHs that can be used
      as flexible and smart windows.

PMID- 27653831
TI  - Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of DSTA4637A: A novel THIOMABTM antibody
      antibiotic conjugate against Staphylococcus aureus in mice.
AB  - DSTA4637A, a novel THIOMABTM antibody antibiotic conjugate (TAC) against
      Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), is currently being investigated as a potential
      therapy against S. aureus infections. Structurally, TAC is composed of an anti-S.
      aureus antibody linked to a potent antibiotic, dmDNA31. The goal of the current
      study was to characterize the pharmacokinetics (PK) of TAC in mice, assess the
      effect of S. aureus infection on its PK, and evaluate its pharmacodynamics (PD)
      by measuring the bacterial load in various organs at different timepoints
      following TAC treatment. Plasma concentrations of 3 analytes, total antibody
      (TAb), antibody-conjugated dmDNA31 (ac-dmDNA31), and unconjugated dmDNA31, were
      measured in these studies. In non-infected mice (target antigen absent),
      following intravenous (IV) administration of a single dose of TAC, systemic
      concentration-time profiles of both TAb and ac-dmDNA31 were bi-exponential and
      characterized by a short distribution phase and a long elimination phase as
      expected for a monoclonal antibody-based therapeutic. Systemic exposures of both
      TAb and ac-dmDNA31 were dose proportional over the dose range tested (5 to 50
      mg/kg). In a mouse model of systemic S. aureus infection (target antigen
      present), a single IV dose of TAC demonstrated PK behavior similar to that in the
      non-infected mice, and substantially reduced bacterial load in the heart, kidney,
      and bones on 7 and 14 d post dosing. These findings have increased our
      understanding of the PK and PK/PD of this novel molecule, and have shown that at
      efficacious dose levels the presence of S. aureus infection had minimal effect on
      TAC PK.

PMID- 27653833
TI  - The evolution of morbidity and mortality conferences.

PMID- 27653832
TI  - Radiation endurance in Al2O3 nanoceramics.
AB  - The lack of suitable materials solutions stands as a major challenge for the
      development of advanced nuclear systems. Most issues are related to the
      simultaneous action of high temperatures, corrosive environments and radiation
      damage. Oxide nanoceramics are a promising class of materials which may benefit
      from the radiation tolerance of nanomaterials and the chemical compatibility of
      ceramics with many highly corrosive environments. Here, using thin films as a
      model system, we provide new insights into the radiation tolerance of oxide
      nanoceramics exposed to increasing damage levels at 600  degrees C -namely 20, 40
      and 150 displacements per atom. Specifically, we investigate the evolution of the
      structural features, the mechanical properties, and the response to impact
      loading of Al2O3 thin films. Initially, the thin films contain a homogeneous
      dispersion of nanocrystals in an amorphous matrix. Irradiation induces
      crystallization of the amorphous phase, followed by grain growth. Crystallization
      brings along an enhancement of hardness, while grain growth induces softening
      according to the Hall-Petch effect. During grain growth, the excess mechanical
      energy is dissipated by twinning. The main energy dissipation mechanisms
      available upon impact loading are lattice plasticity and localized amorphization.
      These mechanisms are available in the irradiated material, but not in the as
      deposited films.

PMID- 27653834
TI  - Multiple introductions and onward transmission of non-pandemic HIV-1 subtype B
      strains in North America and Europe.
AB  - Most HIV-1 subtype B infections in North America and Europe seem to have resulted
      from the expansion of a single pandemic lineage (BPANDEMIC) disseminated from the
      United States (US). Some non-pandemic subtype B strains of Caribbean origin
      (BCAR) may have also reached North America and Europe, but their epidemiological
      relevance in those regions remains largely unknown. Here we analyze a total of
      20,045 HIV-1 subtype B pol sequences from the US, Canada, and Europe, to estimate
      the prevalence and to reconstruct the spatiotemporal dynamics of dissemination of
      HIV-1 BCAR strains in those regions. We find that BCAR strains were probably
      disseminated from the Caribbean into North America and Europe at multiple times
      since the early 1970s onwards. The BCAR strains reached the US, Canada and at
      least 16 different European countries, where they account for a very low fraction
      (<5%) of subtype B infections, with exception of the Czech Republic (7.7%). We
      also find evidence of the onward transmission of BCAR clades in the US, Canada,
      the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK, as well as short-distance
      spreading of BCAR lineages between neighboring European countries from Central
      and Western Europe, and long-distance dissemination between the US and Europe.

PMID- 27653836
TI  - Mislocalisation of BEST1 in iPSC-derived retinal pigment epithelial cells from a
      family with autosomal dominant vitreoretinochoroidopathy (ADVIRC).
AB  - Autosomal dominant vitreoretinochoroidopathy (ADVIRC) is a rare, early-onset
      retinal dystrophy characterised by distinct bands of circumferential pigmentary
      degeneration in the peripheral retina and developmental eye defects. ADVIRC is
      caused by mutations in the Bestrophin1 (BEST1) gene, which encodes a
      transmembrane protein thought to function as an ion channel in the basolateral
      membrane of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. Previous studies suggest that
      the distinct ADVIRC phenotype results from alternative splicing of BEST1 pre
      mRNA. Here, we have used induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology to
      investigate the effects of an ADVIRC associated BEST1 mutation (c.704T > C,
      p.V235A) in patient-derived iPSC-RPE. We found no evidence of alternate splicing
      of the BEST1 transcript in ADVIRC iPSC-RPE, however in patient-derived iPSC-RPE,
      BEST1 was expressed at the basolateral membrane and the apical membrane. During
      human eye development we show that BEST1 is expressed more abundantly in
      peripheral RPE compared to central RPE and is also expressed in cells of the
      developing retina. These results suggest that higher levels of mislocalised BEST1
      expression in the periphery, from an early developmental stage, could provide a
      mechanism that leads to the distinct clinical phenotype observed in ADVIRC
      patients.

PMID- 27653837
TI  - Preemptive kidney transplantation is associated with survival benefits among
      pediatric patients with end-stage renal disease.
AB  - Kidney transplantation is the preferred treatment for pediatric end-stage renal
      disease (ESRD). Preemptive transplantation avoids the increased morbidity and
      mortality of dialysis. Yet, previous studies have not demonstrated significant
      graft or patient survival benefits for children undergoing transplantation
      preemptively versus nonpreemptively. These previous studies were limited by small
      samples sizes and low rates of adverse events. Here we compared graft failure and
      mortality rates using Kaplan-Meier methods and Cox regression among a large
      national cohort of children with ESRD undergoing preemptive versus nonpreemptive
      kidney transplantation between 2000 and 2012. Among 7527 pediatric kidney
      transplant recipients in the United States Renal Data System, 1668 underwent
      preemptive transplantation. Over a median 4.8 years follow-up, 1314 experienced
      graft failure, and over a median 5.2 years of follow-up, 334 died. Dialysis
      exposure versus preemptive transplantation conferred a higher risk of graft
      failure (hazard ratio 1.32; 95% confidence interval: 1.10-1.56) and a higher risk
      of death (hazard ratio 1.69; 95% confidence interval: 1.22-2.33) in multivariable
      analysis. Compared with children undergoing preemptive transplantation, children
      on dialysis for >1 year had a 52% higher risk of graft failure and those on
      dialysis >18 months had an 89% higher risk of death, regardless of donor source.
      Thus, preemptive transplantation is associated with substantial benefits in
      allograft and patient survival among children with ESRD, particularly when
      compared with children who receive dialysis for >1 year. These findings support
      policies to promote early access to transplantation and avoidance of dialysis for
      children with ESRD whenever feasible.

PMID- 27653839
TI  - A single weekly Kt/Vurea target for peritoneal dialysis patients does not provide
      an equal dialysis dose for all.
AB  - Dialysis adequacy is traditionally based on urea clearance, adjusted for total
      body volume (Kt/Vurea), and clinical guidelines recommend a Kt/Vurea target for
      peritoneal dialysis. We wished to determine whether adjusting dialysis dose by
      resting and total energy expenditure would alter the delivered dialysis dose. The
      resting and total energy expenditures were determined by equations based on
      doubly labeled isotopic water studies and adjusted Kturea for resting energy
      expenditure and total energy expenditure in 148 peritoneal dialysis patients
      (mean age, 60.6 years; 97 male [65.5%]; 54 diabetic [36.5%]). The mean resting
      energy expenditure was 1534 kcal/d, and the total energy expenditure was 1974
      kcal/day. Using a weekly target Kt/V of 1.7, Kt was calculated using V measured
      by bioimpedance and the significantly associated (r = 0.67) Watson equation for
      total body water. Adjusting Kt for resting energy expenditure showed a reduced
      delivered dialysis dose (ml/kcal per day) for women versus men (5.5 vs. 6.2), age
      under versus over 65 years (5.6 vs. 6.4), weight <65 versus >80 kg (5.8 vs. 6.1),
      low versus high comorbidity (5.9 vs. 6.2), all of which were significant.
      Adjusting for the total energy expenditure showed significantly reduced dosing
      for those employed versus not employed (4.3 vs. 4.8), a low versus high frailty
      score (4.5 vs. 5.0) and nondiabetic versus diabetic (4.6 vs. 4.9). Thus, the
      current paradigm for a single target Kt/Vurea for all peritoneal dialysis
      patients does not take into account energy expenditure and metabolic rate and may
      lead to lowered dialysis delivery for the younger, more active female patient.

PMID- 27653840
TI  - Parathyroid hormone metabolism and signaling in health and chronic kidney
      disease.
AB  - Circulating parathyroid hormone (PTH) shows a complex relationship with hard
      outcomes in subjects with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Moreover, intervention
      studies directly targeting PTH failed to yield unequivocal results. Disturbed PTH
      metabolism, posttranslational modifications of PTH, and end-organ
      hyporesponsiveness to PTH may explain the poor performance of PTH as an outcome
      biomarker and precise target of therapy in the setting of CKD, at least in the
      gray middle target zone. PTH fragments accumulate in CKD patients and may exert
      effects that are distinct from, if not opposite to biointact (1-84)PTH.
      Posttranslational modification of PTH and especially oxidation may alter the
      interaction of PTH with its receptor. Its clinical relevance, however, remains a
      matter of ongoing debate. Less controversial is the issue of end-organ
      hyporesponsiveness to PTH. This phenomenon, formally referred to as PTH
      resistance, has long been recognized in CKD, but factors and mechanisms
      contributing to it remain poorly defined. Subsequent evidence identified
      downregulation of the PTH receptor and competing downstream signals as underlying
      pathophysiologic mechanisms. End-organ hyporesponsiveness to PTH in CKD, along
      with important analytical and biological variability, renders defining the PTH
      target range in CKD challenging. Although this may still be accomplished at the
      population level, it may prove to be very difficult at the individual level. This
      is a disillusioning thought in an era of personalized medicine. Parallel to the
      search of a functional and readily available assay quantifying PTH signaling tone
      or sensitivity, additional biomarkers (or a panel of biomarkers) should be
      formally evaluated.

PMID- 27653838
TI  - The pathway to muscle fibrosis depends on myostatin stimulating the
      differentiation of fibro/adipogenic progenitor cells in chronic kidney disease.
AB  - Fibrosis in skeletal muscle develops after injury or in response to chronic
      kidney disease (CKD), but the origin of cells becoming fibrous tissue and the
      initiating and sustaining mechanisms causing muscle fibrosis are unclear. We
      identified muscle fibro/adipogenic progenitor cells (FAPs) that potentially
      differentiate into adipose tissues or fibrosis. We also demonstrated that CKD
      stimulates myostatin production in muscle. Therefore, we tested whether CKD
      induces myostatin, which stimulates fibrotic differentiation of FAPs leading to
      fibrosis in skeletal muscles. We isolated FAPs from mouse muscles and found that
      myostatin stimulates their proliferation and conversion into fibrocytes. In vivo,
      FAPs isolated from EGFP-transgenic mice (FAPs-EGFP) were transplanted into
      muscles of mice with CKD or into mouse muscles that were treated with myostatin.
      CKD or myostatin stimulated FAPs-EGFP proliferation in muscle and increased alpha
      smooth muscle actin expression in FAP-EGFP cells. When myostatin was inhibited
      with a neutralizing peptibody (a chimeric peptide-Fc fusion protein), the FAP
      proliferation and muscle fibrosis induced by CKD were both suppressed. Knocking
      down Smad3 in cultured FAPs interrupted their conversion into fibrocytes,
      indicating that myostatin directly converts FAPs into fibrocytes. Thus,
      counteracting myostatin may be a strategy for preventing the development of
      fibrosis in skeletal muscles of patients with CKD.

PMID- 27653841
TI  - Sizing nanomaterials in bio-fluids by cFRAP enables protein aggregation
      measurements and diagnosis of bio-barrier permeability.
AB  - Sizing nanomaterials in complex biological fluids, such as blood, remains a great
      challenge in spite of its importance for a wide range of biomedical applications.
      In drug delivery, for instance, it is essential that aggregation of protein-based
      drugs is avoided as it may alter their efficacy or elicit immune responses.
      Similarly it is of interest to determine which size of molecules can pass through
      biological barriers in vivo to diagnose pathologies, such as sepsis. Here, we
      report on continuous fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (cFRAP) as a
      analytical method enabling size distribution measurements of nanomaterials (1-100
      nm) in undiluted biological fluids. We demonstrate that cFRAP allows to measure
      protein aggregation in human serum and to determine the permeability of
      intestinal and vascular barriers in vivo. cFRAP is a new analytical technique
      that paves the way towards exciting new applications that benefit from
      nanomaterial sizing in bio-fluids.

PMID- 27653845
TI  - In Memoriam Dr. Kenneth S. Bowers (1937-1996).

PMID- 27653846
TI  - In Memoriam Dr. William S. Kroger (1906-1995).

PMID- 27653843
TI  - Optimizing z-axis coverage of abdominal CT scans of the urinary tract: a proposed
      alternative proximal landmark for acquisition planning.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate an alternative method to reduce the acquisition coverage
      of urinary tract CT. METHODS: This retrospective study included 365
      abdominopelvic CT studies. Three radiographers simulated shortened acquisition
      coverages using three methods to determine the upper limit of the acquisition:
      Method 1 used the renal contours; Method 2 used the inferior margin of the 10th
      thoracic vertebra; and Method 3 used the point of intersection of the left
      diaphragmatic dome and the anterior margin of the vertebral bodies. Reductions in
      acquisition coverage and number of CT scans with a portion of the kidney excluded
      from the simulated reduced acquisition were compared between the three methods.
      RESULTS: The mean +/- standard deviation reduction of acquisition coverage for
      the three readers with Methods 1, 2 and 3 were 20.5 +/- 4.8, 15.1 +/- 6.5 and
      18.2 +/- 5.3%, respectively. Compared with Method 2, Method 3 allowed a mean scan
      length reduction of 3.6%. The proportions of CT scans with a portion of the
      kidney excluded from the simulated reduced acquisition with Methods 1, 2 and 3
      and averaged over the three readers were 6.7, 0.7 and 1.4%, respectively, with no
      significant difference between Methods 2 and 3. Interreader and intrareader
      agreements were excellent with all methods, but interclass correlation
      coefficients were higher with Method 3. CONCLUSION: The method using the renal
      contours should not be used owing to its high proportion of kidneys with a
      portion excluded from the acquisition. Using the intersection of the left
      diaphragmatic dome and the anterior margin of the vertebral bodies for proximal
      landmark for urinary tract CT represents a new alternative method with a better
      reduction of scan length compared with the method using the inferior margin of
      T10 and with no significant increase in the number of kidneys with a portion
      excluded from the reduced acquisition. Advances in knowledge: A new method using
      the point of intersection of the left diaphragmatic dome and the anterior border
      of the vertebral bodies on the lateral scout radiograph is introduced to reduce
      the z-axis coverage of urinary tract CT scans.

PMID- 27653847
TI  - An Invitation to Submit Letters to the Editor.

PMID- 27653848
TI  - An Invitation to Submit Questions Relevant to Clinical Practice for the Master
      Class Commentary.

PMID- 27653850
TI  - Editorial board page for "International Journal of Clinical and Experimental
      Hypnosis", Volume 44, Number 4.
AB  - This is a scanned image of the original Editorial Board page(s) for this issue.

PMID- 27653851
TI  - Central or overall obesity: which one is a better predictor of depressive
      symptoms in children, adolescents, and youths?
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Despite the strong effect of central obesity on
      individuals' physical health outcomes, there is little evidence underlying the
      relationship between central obesity and mental disorders such as depression,
      especially in children, adolescents, and youths of the developing countries. This
      study explores the relationship between depressive symptoms (DS) with central and
      overall obesity in a sample of Iranian children, adolescents, and youths.
      METHODS: One thousand and fifty-two male participants ranging from 7 to 24 years
      old underwent standard anthropometry, and filled the DS questionnaire. RESULTS:
      Having controlled the potential confounders (e.g., age, socioeconomic status,
      pubertal maturation status, and physical activity), we found waist circumference
      (WC) significantly related to DS in the children (standardized beta = 0.14; P <
      0.05) and adolescents (standardized beta = 0.13; P < 0.05). No significant
      relationship was observed between WC and DS in the youths (standardized beta =
      0.09; P = 0.22). In addition, no significant relationship was observed between DS
      and the percentage of fat in the sampled children (standardized beta = 0.085; P =
      0.13), adolescents (standardized beta = 0.10; P = 0.10), and youths (standardized
      beta = -0.02; P = 0.75). CONCLUSION: Central obesity (but not overall obesity)
      was a significant predictor of DS in the children and adolescents (7-18 years).
      However, DS in the youths (19-24 years) were not significantly associated with
      both the central and overall body obesity indices.

PMID- 27653853
TI  - 'Growing Old' in Shelters and 'On the Street': Experiences of Older Homeless
      People.
AB  - Homelessness among older people in Canada is both a growing concern, and an
      emerging field of study. This article reports thematic results of qualitative
      interviews with 40 people aged 46 to 75, carried out as part of a mixed-methods
      study of older people who are homeless in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Our
      participants included people with histories of homelessness (n = 14) and persons
      new to homelessness in later life (n = 26). Interviews focused on experiences at
      the intersections of aging and homelessness including social relationships, the
      challenges of living on the streets and in shelters in later life, and the
      future. This article outlines the 5 main themes that capture the experience of
      homelessness for our participants: age exacerbates worries; exclusion and
      isolation; managing significant challenges; shifting needs and realities; and
      resilience, strength, and hope. Together, these findings underscore the need for
      specific programs geared to the unique needs of older people who are homeless.

PMID- 27653852
TI  - Focal status epilepticus and progressive dyskinesia: A novel phenotype for
      glycine receptor antibody-mediated neurological disease in children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Antibody-associated disorders of the central nervous system are
      increasingly recognised in adults and children. Some are known to be
      paraneoplastic, whereas in others an infective trigger is postulated. They
      include disorders associated with antibodies to N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor
      (NMDAR), voltage-gated potassium channel-complexes (VGKC-complex), GABAB receptor
      or glycine receptor (GlyR). With antibodies to NMDAR or VGKC-complexes, distinct
      clinical patterns are well characterised, but as more antibodies are discovered,
      the spectra of associated disorders are evolving. GlyR antibodies have been
      detected in patients with progressive encephalopathy with rigidity and myoclonus
      (PERM), or stiff man syndrome, both rare but disabling conditions. CASE REPORT:
      We report a case of a young child with focal seizures and progressive dyskinesia
      in whom GlyR antibodies were detected. Anticonvulsants and immunotherapy were
      effective in treating both the seizures and movement disorder with good
      neurological outcome and with a decline in the patient's serum GlyR-Ab titres.
      CONCLUSION: Glycine receptor antibodies are associated with focal status
      epilepticus and seizures, encephalopathy and progressive dyskinesia and should be
      evaluated in autoimmune encephalitis.

PMID- 27653854
TI  - Patients' and healthcare providers' perceptions of a mobile portal application
      for hospitalized patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hospital-based patient portals have the potential to better inform
      and engage patients in their care. We sought to assess patients' and healthcare
      providers' perceptions of a hospital-based portal and identify opportunities for
      design enhancements. METHODS: We developed a mobile patient portal application
      including information about the care team, scheduled tests and procedures, and a
      list of active medications. Patients were offered use of tablet computers, with
      the portal application, during their hospitalization. We conducted semi
      structured interviews of patients and provider focus groups. Text from
      transcribed interviews and focus groups was independently coded by two
      investigators using a constant comparative approach. Codes were reviewed by a
      third investigator and discrepancies resolved via consensus. RESULTS: Overall, 18
      patients completed semi-structured interviews and 21 providers participated in
      three focus groups. Patients found information provided by the portal to be
      useful, especially regarding team members and medications. Many patients
      described frequent use of games and non-clinical applications and felt the tablet
      helped them cope with their acute illness. Patients expressed a desire for
      additional detail about medications, test results, and the ability to record
      questions. Providers felt the portal improved patient engagement, but worried
      that additional features might result in a volume and complexity of information
      that could be overwhelming for patients. Providers also expressed concern over an
      enhanced portal's impact on patient-provider communication and workflow.
      CONCLUSIONS: Optimizing a hospital-based patient portal will require attention to
      type, timing and format of information provided, as well as the impact on patient
      provider communication and workflow.

PMID- 27653855
TI  - SIPA1L2, MIR4697, GCH1 and VPS13C loci and risk of Parkinson's diseases in
      Iranian population: A case-control study.
AB  - Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder.
      Prevalence of PD increases steadily with age. A recent meta-analysis of genome
      wide association studies has identified six new loci to be linked with PD. Here
      we investigated the association of four of these new loci, SIPA1L2, MIR4697, GCH1
      and VPS13C with PD in an Iranian population. Through a case-control study a total
      of 1800 subjects comprising 600 PD patients and 1200 unrelated healthy controls
      were recruited. Rs10797576, rs329648, rs11158026 and rs2414739 related to
      SIPA1L2, MIR4697, GCH1 and VPS13C loci respectively, were genotyped in all
      subjects. The difference of genotype and allele frequencies between case and
      control groups were investigated using chi-square test and logistic regression
      models with R software. Genotype and allele frequencies were significantly
      different in PD patients and control group for rs329648, rs11158026 and rs2414739
      (p-value=0.018, 0.025, and 0.009 respectively for allele frequency differences).
      There was no difference in genotype nor allele frequencies between the two groups
      for rs10797576. We replicated the association of three new loci which are
      proposed for PD. More studies in other populations and also functional analysis
      are required to clear the role of these variants in PD. 

PMID- 27653856
TI  - Abnormal sexuality in Parkinson's disease: fact or fancy?
AB  - PURPOSE: Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) variably report sexual
      dysfunctions. We assessed sexuality in PD by comparing sexual function between a
      large group of patients with idiopathic PD and a group of subjects without PD.
      METHODS: We recruited 121 patients with mild-to-moderate PD (aged 40-80years)
      from four Italian Movement Disorder Clinics and 123 non-Parkinsonian controls
      (NPC) (aged 40-80years). Sexual function was assessed with four scales: the Brief
      Index of Sexual Functioning (BISF-M for men; BISF-W for women), the International
      Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).
      Both groups also underwent assessment with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)
      and the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), and patients were assessed with the
      Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-8 (PDQ-8). RESULTS: No differences in total
      score were found between PD and NPC for any sexual function scale (BISF-M, BISF
      W, IIEF, FSFI: p>0.05). However, the Orgasm/Pleasure Domain (BISF, D5) was
      significantly lower in male patients than in controls. CONCLUSION: Our findings
      fail to confirm previous findings that PD is associated with a significant sexual
      impairment. NPC and patients with PD have comparable sexual function in both
      sexes. Thus, rather than dismissing sexual dysfunction as a normal parkinsonian
      symptom, physicians should refer patients to sexual medicine specialists who can
      investigate and discuss problems fully, diagnose possible comorbidities, and
      suggest appropriate treatments.

PMID- 27653857
TI  - Long-term effects of white matter changes on the risk of stroke recurrence after
      carotid artery stenting in patients with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cerebral white matter changes (WMC) are associated with increased
      30-day perioperative risk of stroke in patients undergoing carotid artery
      stenting (CAS). However, there is no data showing their impact on postoperative
      long-term stroke recurrence or survival. It remains unknown whether this effect
      is independent of classic cardiovascular risk factors or not. We tried to assess
      the effects of WMC on long-term stroke recurrence after CAS in patients with
      symptomatic carotid stenosis. METHODS: A database of patients with symptomatic
      carotid stenosis who had undergone CAS was sampled in a single Chinese medical
      center from 2007 to 2014. Copies of baseline brain imaging were analyzed by two
      investigators to evaluate the severity of WMC. We analyzed the association
      between WMC and stroke recurrence after CAS by reviewing case histories and
      conducting telephone interviews, with a mean follow-up time of 28months. RESULTS:
      107 patients with an average age of 66years fulfilled the inclusion criteria, of
      which 70 were examined with CT and the remainder by MRI. In our cohort, 91.6% of
      the participants were male. There were 29 patients with diffuse WMC. In
      univariate analysis, patients with diffuse WMC had more contralateral occlusion
      than those with non-diffuse WMC. In patients with diffuse WMC, more stroke
      recurrences were observed compared with those with non-diffuse WMC (hazard ratio
      [HR] 3.516; 95% CI 1.176, 10.510, P=0.024). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with
      symptomatic carotid artery stenosis, diffuse WMC were a risk factor for stroke
      recurrences after CAS. Larger studies are warranted to confirm this finding and
      explore the potential clinical impact of WMC so as to better determine treatment
      strategies for patients with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis.

PMID- 27653858
TI  - High-sensitivity cardiac troponin T levels and risk of cerebral microbleeds in
      acute ischemic stroke patients with atrial fibrillation and/or rheumatic heart
      disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Elevated high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT)
      levels are associated with coronary disease and small-vessel ischemic stroke
      through their associations with atherosclerosis. Considering the relationship
      between atherosclerosis and cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), the purpose of this
      study was to examine associations between serum hs-cTnT levels and risk of CMBs
      in acute ischemic stroke patients. METHODS: This prospective study involved
      consecutively recruited acute ischemic stroke patients with atrial fibrillation
      and/or rheumatic heart disease treated at a large tertiary care hospital in
      southwestern China. Clinico-demographic data were collected and analyzed by
      logistic regression to identify the relationship between serum hs-cTnT levels and
      CMB occurrence and location. RESULTS: In the final analysis, of 66 patients (27
      males; mean age, 68.7years), 39 (59.1%) had CMBs. Hs-cTnT levels were not
      associated with risk of strictly lobar CMBs. However, after adjusting age, sex,
      current alcohol consumption, total cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes mellitus,
      prior antithrombotic therapy and NIHSS on admission, patients in the higher
      tertile were more likely to have CMBs and deep or infratentorial CMBs (P<0.05)
      compared with the lower hs-cTnT tertile. CONCLUSION: Hs-cTnT may be an
      independent predictor for the occurrence of CMBs, particularly of deep or
      infratentorial CMBs. This finding justifies further research into how hs-cTnT
      levels may contribute to CMBs and potentially other subclinical small-vessel
      diseases.

PMID- 27653859
TI  - Pallidal stimulation in dystonia affects cortical but not spinal inhibitory
      mechanisms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the globus pallidus interna is an
      effective tool for the treatment of dystonia with possible distant effects
      reaching beyond the basal ganglia network. AIM: We analyzed the cortical silent
      period (CoSP) to test inhibitory circuits at the cortical level, and the
      cutaneous silent period (CuSP) and the H-reflex to test inhibitory circuits at
      the spinal level. METHODS: The upper limb muscles of 16 patients (9F, aged 54+/
      (SD)16years) with generalized (N=9) and cervical (N=7) dystonia treated with DBS
      bilaterally were examined by the CoSP, CuSP and H-reflex in two states with
      random order: (i) in DBS ON and (ii) in DBS OFF condition two hours later, and
      compared with healthy controls. RESULTS: While the CuSP and H-Reflex did not
      differ between groups and remained unaffected by DBS, the CoSP was influenced
      significantly in dystonia. The CoSP onset latency was shortened (p<0.05
      corrected) and the CoSP duration prolonged (p<0.01 corrected) in ON versus OFF
      condition. This effect was especially larger in generalized or phasic type of
      dystonia. Compared to healthy controls, the CoSP latency and duration became
      shorter in patients during the OFF condition only. CONCLUSION: The pallidal DBS
      did not affect the spinal inhibitory circuitry in dystonia. However, the
      abnormally low cortical inhibition was normalized after DBS possibly offering
      more efficient suppression of aberrant dystonic movements.

PMID- 27653860
TI  - Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation regulates expression of growth
      differentiation factor 11 and activin-like kinase 5 in cerebral
      ischemia/reperfusion rats.
AB  - Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11), as a rejuvenation factor in
      heterochronic parabiosis, can increase proliferation of primary brain capillary
      endothelial cells (ECs). However, the angiogenic role of GDF11 in ischemia
      induced brain injury is still unclear. There are no previous reports on the
      spatiotemporal expression of GDF11 in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) rats.
      Our recent work has strongly suggested that transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve
      stimulation (ta-VNS) reduces infarct size and induces angiogenesis in focal
      cerebral I/R rats. This study focused on expression of GDF11 and activin-like
      kinase 5 (ALK5) and the effects of ta-VNS in a rat cerebral I/R model. For ta
      VNS, electrical stimulation of the left cavum concha (1h duration) using
      percutaneous needles was initiated 30min after induction of ischemia. Expression
      of GDF11 was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunohistochemistry,
      real-time polymerase chain reaction, and western blot 24h, 3d, and 7d after
      reperfusion. In addition, neurobehavioral function, EC proliferation, and
      expression of ALK5 in ECs in the peri-infarct cortex were measured. Results
      showed that levels of GDF11 were significantly elevated after cerebral I/R, both
      in plasma and the peri-infarct cerebral cortex. Interestingly, splenic GDF11
      levels decreased after ischemia. ALK5 was expressed in ECs in the peri-infarct
      cerebral cortex where active vessel remodeling was noted. ta-VNS improved
      neurobehavioral recovery, upregulated cerebral GDF11 and downregulated splenic
      GDF11, indicating a brain-spleen communication during stroke. ta-VNS also
      increased expression of ALK5 in ECs and stimulated proliferation of ECs. These
      results suggest that, after cerebral ischemia, GDF11 redistributes and
      participates in angiogenesis as an angiogenic factor that acts at least in part
      through ALK5. GDF11/ALK5 may represent a new potential therapy target for stroke.

PMID- 27653861
TI  - Interleukins 17 and 10 in a sample of Egyptian relapsing remitting multiple
      sclerosis patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cytokines are major contributors in the immune disruption in multiple
      sclerosis (MS). OBJECTIVE: Evaluating the proinflammatory (IL-17A) and anti
      inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines in relapsing-remitting (RR) MS patients at time of
      relapse and during remission. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: A case-control study including
      30 RRMS patients and 15 controls. Patients were recruited from the Kasr Al-Ainy
      MS research unit (KAMSU), Cairo University, Egypt. Levels of IL-17A and IL-10
      were assessed in patients' sera, during relapse and 30days after IV
      methylprednisolone, and in control subjects using enzyme linked immunosorbent
      assays (ELISA). RESULTS: IL-17 was higher in patients during relapse and
      remission phases when compared with controls (P=0.001), whereas, IL-10 was higher
      in patients during remission but normal during relapse (P=0.01; 0.86
      respectively). IL-17 increased during relapses (P=0.001) while IL-10 increased
      during remissions (P=0.028). No significant correlations were found between both
      interleukins and age at onset; disease duration, number of relapses; or EDSS.
      CONCLUSION: RRMS patients can have a regulatory imbalance between both pro-and
      antiinflammatory cytokines, which could be a target for treatment strategies
      rather than focusing on a single cytokine.

PMID- 27653862
TI  - Polymorphisms in exon 2 of CD1 genes are associated with susceptibility to
      Guillain-Barre syndrome.
AB  - Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is a post-infectious autoimmune peripheral
      neuropathy. Studies have shown that a T cell-mediated immune response to
      peripheral nerve is associated with the pathogenesis of GBS. CD1 molecules are
      MCH-like glycoproteins specialized to capture and present glycolipids to T cells.
      Polymorphisms of CD1 genes may affect susceptibility to GBS. We investigated the
      polymorphisms of CD1 genes in GBS patients in a Chinese Han population. In 126
      patients and in 138 controls we genotyped exon 2 of the CD1A and CD1E genes. The
      results indicated that polymorphisms of CD1A genes are associated with GBS.
      Furthermore, subjects with CD1A*01/02 had a 2.9 times lower risk of developing
      GBS, and those with CD1A*02/02 had a 2.5 times higher risk to developing GBS than
      the controls, while there was no association between polymorphisms of CD1E genes
      and the susceptibilities to GBS. 

PMID- 27653863
TI  - Clinical classification of 103 Japanese patients with Guillain-Barre syndrome.
AB  - Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is the commonest cause of flaccid paralysis
      worldwide. Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) is a variant of GBS characterized by
      ophthalmoplegia and ataxia. Together GBS and MFS form a continuum of discrete and
      overlapping subtypes, the frequency of which remains unknown. We retrospectively
      analysed the clinical features (antecedent symptoms, pattern of neurological
      weakness or ataxia, presence of hypersomnolence) of 103 patients at a single
      hospital in Japan. Patients were then classified according to new diagnostic
      criteria (Wakerley et al., 2014). Laboratory data (neurophysiology and anti
      ganglioside antibody profiles) were also analysed. According to the new
      diagnostic criteria, the 103 patients could be classified as follows: classic GBS
      73 (71%), pharyngeal-cervical-brachial weakness 2 (2%), acute pharyngeal weakness
      0 (0%), paraparetic GBS 1 (1%), bifacial weakness with paraesthesias 1 (1%),
      polyneuritis cranialis 0 (0%), classic MFS 18 (17%), acute ophthalmoparesis 1
      (1%), acute ptosis 0 (0%), acute mydriasis 0 (0%), acute ataxic neuropathy 1
      (1%), Bickerstaff brainstem encephalitis 3 (3%), acute ataxic hypersomnolence 0
      (0%), GBS and MFS overlap 1 (1%), GBS and Bickerstaff brainstem encephalitis
      overlap 1 (1%), MFS and pharyngeal-cervical-brachial weakness overlap 1 (1%).
      Application of the new clinical diagnostic criteria allowed accurate
      retrospective diagnosis and classification of GBS and MFS subtypes.

PMID- 27653864
TI  - Orolingual angioedema after thrombolysis is not associated with insular cortex
      ischemia on pre-thrombolysis CT.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Orolingual angioedema (OA) is a well known early complication of
      treatment with alteplase in ischemic stroke patients. Our aim was to study risk
      factors for OA in these patients, namely insular cortex ischemia. METHODS:
      Retrospective case-cohort study using the prospective registry of all consecutive
      ischemic stroke patients submitted to intravenous thrombolysis with alteplase.
      Clinical data was retrieved from the registry and medical records. Two
      independent observers evaluated early signs of insular cortex ischemia on pre
      thrombolysis computed tomography (CT) and of insular cortex infarct on early
      follow-up imaging. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to
      identify predictors of OA. RESULTS: Of the 659 patients with acute ischemic
      stroke treated with alteplase, 32 developed OA (4.9%, 95%CI=3.3-6.6). Frequency
      of early signs of insular cortex ischemia on pre-thrombolysis CT and of insular
      cortex infarct on follow-up imaging was similar in patients with and without OA
      (p=0.241 and p=0.145, respectively). The only independent predictors of OA
      occurrence were female sex (OR=5.47, 95%CI=1.98-15.10) and angiotensin-converting
      enzyme inhibitor (ACE-I) use (OR=3.87, 95%CI=1.71-8.75). CONCLUSIONS: Female sex
      and ACE-I use are independent risk factors for OA occurrence in ischemic stroke
      patients treated with alteplase. Early signs of insular cortex ischemia on pre
      thrombolysis CT were not significantly associated with OA.

PMID- 27653865
TI  - Newly diagnosed ganglioglioma in an adult patient with multiple sclerosis.

PMID- 27653866
TI  - Dravet syndrome with autism inherited from a paternal mosaic heterozygous
      mutation on SCN1A.

PMID- 27653867
TI  - Does mild cognitive impairment always lead to dementia? A review.
AB  - Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has often been studied in its association with
      dementia, yet higher rates of reversion to normal cognition than progression to
      dementia suggest that MCI does not necessarily lead to dementia. Compared to the
      numerous studies on MCI progression, relatively few have examined reversion. This
      paper highlights the current literature on characteristics and predictive factors
      of MCI reversion, along with an overview of studies on MCI patients who remain
      diagnostically stable (i.e., MCI stability). Of the available studies, predictors
      of reversion have been noted in areas of cognitive/global functioning,
      demographic/genetic/biomarker data, and personality/lifestyle factors. However,
      there is a need for increased study of MCI reversion, considering that patients
      in this group can fluctuate between different trajectories of MCI (e.g., normal
      cognition back to MCI or even progression to dementia) within a given follow-up
      time period. Further examination of reversion via a longitudinal, multifactorial
      approach would better inform clinicians regarding the likelihood of reversion
      amongst MCI patients and subsequently modify treatment methods accordingly.
      Furthermore, researchers would have greater power in detecting treatment effects
      in their clinical intervention studies of early dementia by improving selection
      criteria to exclude MCI participants who are more likely to revert and remain
      cognitively normal than progress to a dementia. 

PMID- 27653868
TI  - Biomarkers of migraine: Part 1 - Genetic markers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Migraine is a multifactorial socially significant disease affecting
      the peripheral and central nervous system. The diagnosis of "migraine" is still
      the only clinical, and additional methods of inspection are only required to
      avoid secondary headaches if certain "signs of danger". Accordingly, the search
      for biomarkers of migraine, confirming the diagnosis, rather than refuting
      others, is the leading vector in this scientific field. AIM: In this paper we
      have analyzed the literature data on the genetic markers associated with
      migraine. METHODS: List of genes was compiled using Pathway Studio 10(r) software
      and abstract database ResNet12 (r) made by Elsevier. Addition search (last time
      on 15 March 2016) was performed by using PubMed or TargetInsights. Information
      about 185 polymorphic loci in 98 genes associated with migraine was extracted and
      described. RESULTS: The genes associated with migraine could be classified into 8
      major groups: homeostasis of blood vessels - 26.5%, metabolism of
      neurotransmitters - 11.2%, transport and reception of neurotransmitters - 24.5%,
      neurogenesis - 5.1%, inflammation - 8.2%, sex hormones - 5.1%, ion channels and
      membrane potential - 11.2%, other - 8.2%. CONCLUSION: These findings parallel the
      range of mechanisms implicated in migraine pathogenesis.

PMID- 27653869
TI  - Subacute lesion volume as a potential prognostic biomarker for acute ischemic
      stroke after intravenous thrombolysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to identify whether subacute diffusion
      weighted imaging (DWI) lesion volume could predict long-term outcome in patients
      who had undergone intravenous thrombolysis. METHOD: Patients underwent DWI at
      baseline and 7days after thrombolysis. Outcomes included complete independence
      (modified Rankin scale [mRS] score 0 to 1), unfavorable outcome (mRS score 4 to
      6) at 90days, and mortality within 90days. Multivariate logistic regression
      analysis was used to identify outcome predictors. RESULTS: Of 164 patients, 72
      patients (43%) achieved complete independence. Poor outcomes were observed in 45
      patients (27%) with an unfavorable outcome and 10 patients (6%) who died.
      Subacute DWI lesion volume was 3.4mL (interquartile range, 1.1-11.6) in patients
      with complete independence, 90.1mL (23.8-180.2) in patients with unfavorable
      outcome and 155.5mL (78.4-377.5) in patients who died. In multivariate logistic
      regression analysis, subacute DWI lesion volume was an independent predictor of
      complete independence (odds ratio [OR], 0.939; 95% confidence interval [CI],
      0.914-0.965; p<0.001), unfavorable outcome (OR, 1.023; 95% CI, 1.014-1.033;
      p<0.001), and mortality (OR, 1.016; 95% CI, 1.005-1.028; p=0.005). CONCLUSION:
      Subacute DWI lesion volume is a critical determinant of 90-day functional outcome
      and mortality after thrombolysis.

PMID- 27653870
TI  - Usage of SWI (susceptibility weighted imaging) acquired at 7T for qualitative
      evaluation of temporal lobe epilepsy patients with histopathological and clinical
      correlation: An initial pilot study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Ultra high field MRI at 7T is able to provide much improved spatial
      and contrast resolution which may aid in the diagnosis of hippocampal
      abnormalities. This paper presents a preliminary experience on qualitative
      evaluation of 7T MRI in temporal lobe epilepsy patients with a focus on
      comparison to histopathology. METHODS: 7T ultra high field MRI data, using T1
      weighted, T2*-weighted and susceptibility-weighted images (SWI), were acquired
      for 13 patients with drug resistant temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) during
      evaluation for potential epilepsy surgery. Qualitative evaluation of the imaging
      data for scan quality and presence of hippocampal and temporal lobe abnormalities
      were scored while blinded to the clinical data. Correlation of imaging findings
      with the clinical data was performed. Blinded evaluation of 1.5T scans was also
      performed. RESULTS: On the 7T MRI findings, eight out of 13 cases demonstrated
      concordance with the clinically suspected TLE. Among these concordant cases,
      three exhibited supportive abnormal 7T MRI findings which were not detected by
      the clinical 1.5T MRI. Of the ten cases that progressed to epilepsy surgery,
      seven showed concordance between 7T MRI findings and histopathology; of these,
      four cases had hippocampal sclerosis. SWI had the highest concordance with the
      clinical and histopathological findings. Similar clinical and histopathological
      concordance was found with 1.5T MRI. CONCLUSIONS: There was moderate and high
      concordance between the 7T imaging findings with the clinical data and
      histopathology respectively.

PMID- 27653871
TI  - Oriented growth of rat Schwann cells on aligned electrospun poly(methyl
      methacrylate) nanofibers.
AB  - Transplanted Schwann cells have the potential to serve as a support for
      regenerating neurites after spinal cord injury. However, implanted Schwann cells
      die off rapidly once transplanted partly owing to the absence of a proper matrix
      support, with a glia scar and a cavity being present instead at the injury site.
      For this report, we evaluated aligned electrospun poly(methyl methacrylate)
      nanofibers as a Schwann cell-loading scaffold in vitro. By monitoring the
      fluorescence of green fluorescence protein-containing Schwann cells cultured on
      nanofibers, we found that aligned nanofibers provided better support for the
      cells than did non-aligned nanofibers. The cells elongated along the long axes of
      the aligned nanofibers and formed longer cell processes than when the substrate
      was non-aligned nanofibers. By coculturing Schwann cells with dorsal root
      ganglion neurons, it was also found that Schwann cells and neurites of dorsal
      root ganglion neurons could share and both elongate along the orientation of
      aligned nanofibers and thus they had a higher chance of colocalization than
      cocultured on film and non-aligned fibers, which might be beneficial to the
      ensuring process of myelination. The results of the study indicate that aligned
      electrospun nanofibers may serve as a Schwann cell-loading scaffold for future
      implantation research. 

PMID- 27653872
TI  - Vibration training improves disability status in multiple sclerosis: A pretest
      posttest pilot study.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an 8-week vibration
      training program on changing the disability level in people with multiple
      sclerosis (MS). Twenty-five adults with clinically-confirmed MS underwent an 8
      week vibration training on a side-alternating vibration platform. The vibration
      frequency and peak-to-peak displacement were set at 20Hz and 2.6mm, respectively.
      Prior to and following the training course, the disability status was assessed
      for all participants characterized by the Patient Determined Disability Steps
      (PDDS) and MS Functional Composite (MSFC) scores. The training program
      significantly improved the PDDS (3.66+/-1.88 vs. 3.05+/-1.99, p=0.009) and the
      MSFC scores (0.00+/-0.62 vs 0.36+/-0.68, p<0.0001). All three MSFC components
      were improved: lower extremity function (9.37+/-4.92 vs. 8.13+/-4.08s, p=0.011),
      upper extremity function (dominant hand: 27.81+/-5.96 vs. 26.20+/-5.82s, p=0.053;
      non-dominant hand: 28.47+/-7.40 vs. 27.43+/-8.33s, p=0.059), and cognitive
      function (30.55+/-13.54 vs. 36.95+/-15.07 points, p=0.004). Our findings
      suggested that vibration training could be a promising alternative modality to
      reduce the disability level among people with MS. 

PMID- 27653873
TI  - Characteristics of mild cognitive impairment tending to convert into Alzheimer's
      disease or dementia with Lewy bodies: A follow-up study in a memory clinic.
AB  - AIM: To determine characteristics of MCI that can predict whether patients will
      go on to develop AD or DLB. METHODS: Ninety-three patients diagnosed with MCI
      underwent neuropsychological and neuroimaging examinations, and were followed-up
      for a mean of 44.9+/-19.3months. They were divided into four MCI subtypes
      (amnestic/non-amnestic MCI, single/multiple domain) according to
      neuropsychological findings, and into three other MCI categories (AD-type PET,
      DLB-type PET, and unknown-type PET) based on (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET
      findings. Patients who were eventually diagnosed with AD, DLB, other dementia, or
      remained MCI were analyzed in relation to the groups to which they had initially
      been allocated at the MCI stage. RESULTS: Clinical diagnosis after follow-up
      determined AD in 21 patients (22.6%), DLB in 12 patients (12.9%), other dementia
      in 2 patients (2.2%), and non-converter in 58 patients (62.3%). Amnestic single
      domain MCI and AD-type PET tended to convert into AD. Amnestic multiple-domain
      MCI and DLB-type PET tended to convert into DLB. A few patients with AD-type PET
      later developed DLB, and some with DLB-type PET later developed AD. CONCLUSIONS:
      Predicting which type of dementia a person with MCI will later develop might be
      possible based on early assessment with clinical symptoms in conjunction with
      neuropsychological and (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET findings.

PMID- 27653874
TI  - NS1619 regulates the expression of caveolin-1 protein in a time-dependent manner
      via ROS/PI3K/PKB/FoxO1 signaling pathway in brain tumor microvascular endothelial
      cells.
AB  - NS1619, a calcium-activated potassium channel (Kca channel) activator, can
      selectively and time-dependently accelerate the formation of transport vesicles
      in both the brain tumor capillary endothelium and tumor cells within 15min of
      treatment and then increase the permeability of the blood-brain tumor barrier
      (BTB). However, the mechanism involved is still under investigation. Using a rat
      brain glioma (C6) model, the expression of caveolin-1, FoxO1 and p-FoxO1 protein
      were examined at different time points after intracarotid infusion of NS1619 at a
      dose of 30MUg/kg/min. Internalization of Cholera toxin subunit (CTB) labeled
      fluorescently was monitored by flow cytometry. The expression of caveolin-1 and
      FoxO1 protein at tumor microvessels was enhanced and caveolae-mediated CTB
      endocytosis was increased by NS1619 infusion for 15min. Compared with the 15min
      group, the expression of caveolin-1 protein was significantly decreased and the
      level of phosphorylation of FoxO1 was significantly increased in the NS1619 2h
      group. In addition, inhibitors of reactive oxygen species (ROS) or PI3K or PKB
      significantly attenuated the level of FoxO1 phosphorylation and also increased
      the expression of caveolin-1 protein in Human Brain Microvascular Endothelial
      Cells (HBMECs) cocultured with human glioma cells (U87) 2h after NS1619
      treatment. This led to the conclusion that NS1619-mediated transport vesicle
      increase is, at least partly, related to the ROS/PI3K/PKB/FoxO1 signaling
      pathway. 

PMID- 27653875
TI  - Callosal disconnection syndrome after ischemic stroke of the corpus callosum due
      to meningococcal meningitis: A case report.

PMID- 27653876
TI  - Lobar intracerebral haematomas: Neuropathological and 7.0-tesla magnetic
      resonance imaging evaluation.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The Boston criteria for cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA)
      need validation by neuropathological examination in patients with lobar cerebral
      haematomas (LCHs). In "vivo" 1.5-tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is
      unreliable to detect the age-related signal changes in LCHs. This post-mortem
      study investigates the validity of the Boston criteria in brains with LCHs and
      the signal changes during their time course with 7.0-tesla MRI. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Seventeen CAA brains including 26 LCHs were compared to 13 non-CAA
      brains with 14 LCHs. The evolution of the signal changes with time was examined
      in 25 LCHs with T2 and T2* 7.0-tesla MRI. RESULTS: In the CAA group LCHs were
      predominantly located in the parieto-occipital lobes. Also white matter changes
      were more severe with more cortical microinfarcts and cortical microbleeds. On
      MRI there was a progressive shift of the intensity of the hyposignal from the
      haematoma core in the acute stage to the boundaries later on. During the residual
      stage the hyposignal mildly decreased in the boundaries with an increase of the
      superficial siderosis and haematoma core collapse. CONCLUSIONS: Our post-mortem
      study of LCHs confirms the validity of the Boston criteria for CAA. Also 7.0
      tesla MRI allows staging the age of the LCHs.

PMID- 27653877
TI  - Elevated cerebrospinal fluid levels of thrombospondin-1 correlate with adverse
      clinical outcome in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) is a homotrimeric glycoprotein which
      modulates a wide range of biological functions. Elevated level of TSP-1 in plasma
      was reported to be correlated with intracerebral hemorrhage. Our study was
      designed to investigate the relationship between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) TSP-1
      levels and clinical outcomes in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
      (aSAH). METHODS: CSF TSP-1 levels were measured in 31 aSAH patients on days 1-3,
      days 5-7 and days 8-10 after aSAH onset using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
      Patients were under a close follow-up until death or completion of three months
      after aSAH. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to determine
      independent risk factors for the clinical outcomes. RESULTS: TSP-1 levels peaked
      on days 1-3 after aSAH, kept up high on days 5-7 and remained elevated until days
      8-10 (p<0.05). Significant elevation of CSF TSP-1 levels were found in patients
      both with and without vasospasm. Modified Rankin Scale at 3months after aSAH
      showed a significant correlation with CSF TSP-1 levels on days 1-3 and days 5-7
      (both p<0.01). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that higher TSP-1 level
      on days 1-3 (p<0.05) and on days 5-7 (p<0.05) was a predictive marker of
      cerebrovasospasm and poor outcome of patient with aSAH. CONCLUSIONS: Upregulation
      of TSP-1 may involve in the pathological process of aSAH and might be a risk
      factor of future adverse prognosis of aSAH.

PMID- 27653878
TI  - Delayed iron deposit and atrophy of the putamen in a case with osmotic
      demyelination syndrome.

PMID- 27653879
TI  - Comparison of neuropsychological profiles in patients with Alzheimer's disease
      and mixed dementia.
AB  - OBJECTS: We designed this study to extensively compare the neuropsychological
      profiles of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mixed dementia (MD) in a large
      multicenter cohort of patients. Specifically, we performed subgroup analyses to
      examine group differences associated with dementia severity. METHODS: A total of
      1021 AD patients and 577 MD patients were included from the Clinical Research
      Center for Dementia of South Korea (CREDOS) Study. All patients underwent
      comprehensive neuropsychological and functional ratings, as well as complete
      physical and neurological examinations. To avoid floor confounds, only patients
      with Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scores of 0.5-2.0 were included. RESULTS:
      Overall, MD patients showed worse performance in frontal/executive function than
      those with AD. Stratification by dementia severity revealed a significant
      difference in global cognitive function scores between AD and MD patients only in
      the low severity groups (CDR 0.5). Also, MD patients showed worse performance in
      frontal/executive function domains in the CDR 0.5 groups whereas they had better
      performance in the memory domain in the CDR 1 groups than did AD patients.
      Additionally, AD patients showed better performance than MD patients with respect
      to activities of daily living at CDR levels 0.5 and 1. All differences had
      disappeared at the CDR 2 level of global dementia severity. CONCLUSION: This
      study suggests that there are significant differences in neuropsychological
      profiles between AD and MD patients, with the pattern of this difference varying
      distinctively according to dementia severity.

PMID- 27653880
TI  - Severe articular and musculoskeletal pain: An unexpected side effect of dimethyl
      fumarate therapy for multiple sclerosis.

PMID- 27653881
TI  - Computational models and motor learning paradigms: Could they provide insights
      for neuroplasticity after stroke? An overview.
AB  - Computational approaches for modelling the central nervous system (CNS) aim to
      develop theories on processes occurring in the brain that allow the
      transformation of all information needed for the execution of motor acts.
      Computational models have been proposed in several fields, to interpret not only
      the CNS functioning, but also its efferent behaviour. Computational model
      theories can provide insights into neuromuscular and brain function allowing us
      to reach a deeper understanding of neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is the
      process occurring in the CNS that is able to permanently change both structure
      and function due to interaction with the external environment. To understand such
      a complex process several paradigms related to motor learning and computational
      modeling have been put forward. These paradigms have been explained through
      several internal model concepts, and supported by neurophysiological and
      neuroimaging studies. Therefore, it has been possible to make theories about the
      basis of different learning paradigms according to known computational models.
      Here we review the computational models and motor learning paradigms used to
      describe the CNS and neuromuscular functions, as well as their role in the
      recovery process. These theories have the potential to provide a way to
      rigorously explain all the potential of CNS learning, providing a basis for
      future clinical studies. 

PMID- 27653882
TI  - Transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with upper-limb training for improving
      function after stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several neuromodulation treatments have been developed, and their
      effects have been studied in recent years in order to improve neurological
      rehabilitation after a stroke. The association between upper-limb training and
      repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has provoked controversies
      and produced inconclusive results. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to
      investigate the effects of rTMS combined with upper-limb training versus sham
      rTMS combined with upper-limb training on the upper-limb recovery after a stroke.
      METHODS: A systematic review with meta-analysis was performed. The eligible
      studies were randomized controlled trials with stroke subjects, and the outcomes
      were related to upper-limb motor/functional status and spasticity. RESULTS: A
      total of 3234 citations were identified, and 11 studies were included. The meta
      analysis included eight studies with 199 participants and did not show any
      difference between groups, neither for upper-limb function nor for spasticity
      (upper-limb function [0.03 (95% CI: -0.25 to 0.32; I(2) 0%)] and Modified
      Ashworth Scale [-0.31 (95% CI: -0.78 to 0.17; I(2) 43%)]). CONCLUSION: The
      current state of the literature is not enough to support the hypothesis that a
      combination of rTMS and upper-limb training has a stronger effect on upper-limb
      function than upper-limb training alone.

PMID- 27653884
TI  - Changes in effective connectivity of sensorimotor rhythms in thalamocortical
      circuits during the induction and recovery of anesthesia in mice.
AB  - The thalamocortical network serves a role in both consciousness and sensorimotor
      processing. However, little is known regarding how changes in conscious states,
      via induction of and recovery from anesthesia, affect the processing of
      sensorimotor information in the thalamocortical network. To address this, we
      investigated the dynamics of causal interactions among sensorimotor rhythms (SMR;
      frequency range of 3-12Hz) across the thalamocortical network during transitions
      into and out of ketamine-induced unconsciousness. Two local field potentials from
      the ventral lateral and ventrobasal thalamic nuclei, as well as two intracranial
      electroencephalography signals from the primary sensory and primary motor
      regions, were recorded in 10 mice. Spectral Granger causality analysis revealed
      two distinct frequency-specific patterns in sensorimotor rhythms. For the low
      frequency (3-6.5Hz) SMR, loss of consciousness evoked causal influences directed
      from the cortex to the thalamus. For the high-frequency (6.5-12Hz) SMR, causal
      influences from the primary sensory cortex to other regions during the conscious
      period were abruptly altered by loss of consciousness and gradually regenerated
      following recovery of consciousness. The results of the present study indicate
      that anesthesia alters the flow of sensorimotor information in the
      thalamocortical network and may provide evidence of the neural basis of loss and
      recovery of sensorimotor function associated with anesthesia. 

PMID- 27653883
TI  - Epidemiology and prognostic factors of inpatient mortality of Guillain-Barre
      syndrome: A nationwide population study over 14years in Asian country.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of inpatient
      mortality from Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), which is a rare and potentially
      life-threatening polyradiculoneuropathy, in an Asian country, as there are few
      big-data studies regarding this topic. METHODS: We obtained data regarding
      patients with GBS from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database
      admission records. We identified patients with a discharge diagnosis of GBS
      during 2000-2013 using the International Classification of Diseases, 9th
      Revision, Clinical Modification code (357.0), and evaluated their baseline
      characteristics, clinical complications, and risk factors. RESULTS: We identified
      5469 patients with GBS, and the crude incidence of GBS was 1.71 per 100,000
      person-years. The inpatient mortality rate was 1.61% (88/5469) and 55 deaths
      (62.5% of all deaths) occurred before day 19 of the hospitalization (mainly
      during the progressive phase). The predictors of inpatient mortality included
      older age, a greater comorbidity burden (especially catastrophic illness),
      endotracheal intubation, mechanical ventilation, cardiac complications, and
      systemic infection. In contrast, patients who were admitted to a medical center
      or Neurology Department exhibited a higher survival rate. CONCLUSIONS: This 14
      year nationwide study included the largest analysis of Asian patients with GBS to
      date, and identified various prognostic factors that predicted inpatient
      mortality.

PMID- 27653885
TI  - Characteristic lesion pattern and echocardiographic findings in extra-cardiac
      shunt-related stroke.
AB  - Among embolic strokes of undetermined source, under-recognized etiology such as
      extra-cardiac shunt could be a potential risk factor. We sought to characterize
      infarction patterns on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and transesophageal
      echocardiography (TEE) findings in extra-cardiac shunt-related stroke. We
      enrolled 96 consecutive patients with cryptogenic stroke who had an extra- or
      intra-cardiac shunt. Diagnosis of the shunt was performed using TEE with agitated
      saline contrast and pulmonary vein isolation. Infarction patterns on DWI and
      total lesion volume were analyzed. Bubble amounts through the shunt were
      classified via the International Consensus Criteria (ICC). Short-term prognosis,
      patterns and size of DWI lesions, and involved vascular territories were not
      significantly different between two groups. Multivariate analysis revealed that
      extra-cardiac shunt group has a smaller total infarct volume (odds ratio
      [OR]=0.427, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.228-0.799, p=0.008), and
      significantly higher bubble grade during resting state and lower grade during the
      Valsalva maneuver (OR= 0.539, 95% CI 0.438-0.663, p<0.001). Stroke related to an
      extra-cardiac shunt presented smaller infarct volume, favorable clinical outcomes
      and characteristic finding on TEE with agitated saline contrast. Further study is
      needed to confirm whether the extra-cardiac shunt is an independent risk factor. 

PMID- 27653886
TI  - Adult moyamoya-atherosclerosis syndrome: Clinical and vessel wall imaging
      features.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We sought to incorporate high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging
      (HRMRI) into the diagnostic process of intracranial atherosclerosis associated
      moyamoya syndrome in adult patients. METHODS: From March 2013 to March 2014,
      HRMRI was consecutively performed on adult patients with angiographic moyamoya.
      The patients were classified as moyamoya - plaques (MMD-P) if a plaque could be
      identified or as moyamoya - no plaques (MMD-NP) if a plaque could not be
      identified. The angiography, HRMRI findings and atherogenic risk factors of these
      patients were analyzed. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients (mean age 39+/-9, 20 males)
      were enrolled. On traditional angiography, probable intracranial atherosclerosis
      was identified in 5 patients, no definite diagnosis in 12 patients, and moyamoya
      disease in 34 patients. On HRMRI, 15 out of 32 patients with risk factors and 4
      out of 19 patients without risk factors were found to have plaques and were
      diagnosed as MMD-P, while the other 32 patients were diagnosed as MMD-NP. The MMD
      P patients were more likely to be older (P=0.033) and male (P=0.0353) and were
      less likely to have cerebral hemorrhage (P=0.0066) and a history of disease
      progression (P=0.0012). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that HRMRI can help
      diagnose intracranial atherosclerosis more accurately in moyamoya disease
      patients with atherogenic risk factors. The distinct clinical features between
      MMD-P and MMD-NP patients suggest different underlying pathophysiology and
      therefore potentially different treatment strategies.

PMID- 27653887
TI  - At-home tDCS of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex improves visual short
      term memory in mild vascular dementia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Previous studies have shown that anodal transcranial direct current
      stimulation (tDCS) of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) led to an
      improvement of various cognitive functions in patients with Alzheimer dementia,
      early affected by short-term memory deficits. Since this approach has not been
      evaluated in the context of vascular dementia, which rather affects the velocity
      of cognitive responses, we aimed at improving these functions by applying
      repetitive sessions of anodal tDCS. METHODS: Four 20-minute sessions of 2mA
      anodal or sham at-home tDCS were applied to the left DLPFC in a single-blinded
      randomised study of 21 patients with mild vascular dementia, with parallel-group
      design. The effect of tDCS on cognitive testing was assessed up to two weeks
      beyond the stimulation time. RESULTS: A similar clinically meaningful improvement
      of various cognitive and behavioral dysfunction characteristics could be observed
      following either active or sham tDCS, whereas visual recall, and reaction times
      in the n-back task as well as in the go/no-go test improved only in the active
      tDCS group. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with mild vascular dementia, anodal tDCS of
      the left DLPFC is able to produce additional effects to cognitive training on
      visual short-term memory, verbal working memory, and executive control.

PMID- 27653888
TI  - Environmental, dietary and case-control study of Nodding Syndrome in Uganda: A
      post-measles brain disorder triggered by malnutrition?
AB  - Nodding Syndrome (NS) is an epileptic encephalopathy characterized by involuntary
      vertical head nodding, other types of seizures, and progressive neurological
      deficits. The etiology of the east African NS epidemic is unknown. In March 2014,
      we conducted a case-control study of medical, nutritional and other risk factors
      associated with NS among children (aged 5-18years) of Kitgum District, northern
      Uganda (Acholiland). Data on food availability, rainfall, and prevalent disease
      temporally related to the NS epidemic were also analyzed. In NS Cases, the mean
      age of reported head nodding onset was 7.6years (range 1-17years). The
      epidemiologic curve of NS incidence spanned 2000-2013, with peaks in 2003 and
      2008. Month of onset of head nodding was non-uniform, with all-year-aggregated
      peaks in April and June when food availability was low. Families with one or more
      NS Cases had been significantly more dependent on emergency food and, immediately
      prior to head nodding onset in the child, subsistence on moldy plant materials,
      specifically moldy maize. Medical history revealed a single significant
      association with NS, namely prior measles infection. NS is compared with the post
      measles disorder subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, with clinical expression
      triggered by factors associated with poor nutrition. 

PMID- 27653889
TI  - Disease activity in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Evaluation of disease status in patients with chronic inflammatory
      demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is often done by a combination of clinical
      evaluation and electrodiagnostic studies. A CIDP disease activity status (CDAS)
      was developed to standardize outcomes in CIDP patients. We aimed to determine if
      the CDAS was concordant with classical evaluation and whether CDAS enables
      benchmarking of CIDP. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of 305
      CIDP patients and identified 206 patients with >1 visit and applied the CDAS to
      this cohort. We examined relationships between the CDAS and classical evaluation
      as to outcomes and compared our cohort to other CIDP cohorts who had CDAS.
      RESULTS: We found that the CDAS mirrored disease severity as measured by
      electrophysiology and vibration perception thresholds in that CDAS class 5 had
      more severe neuropathy. Our results are similar to other cohorts in the middle
      CDAS strata with the exception of fewer subjects in CDAS 1 and more in CDAS 5.
      The only demographic factor predicting CDAS 5 in our cohort was age, and the
      overall treatment response rate using the CDAS classification was 79.3%.
      CONCLUSIONS: CDAS appears to have sufficient face-validity as a grading system to
      assess disease activity in relation to treatment status. The use of CDAS appears
      to allow benchmarking of patients with CIDP that may be useful in subject
      selection for clinical trials and also to highlight differences in practice.

PMID- 27653890
TI  - Acquired hemophilia A associated with myasthenia gravis and Isaacs' syndrome.

PMID- 27653891
TI  - Increased likelihood of anxiety and poor sleep quality in Parkinson's disease
      patients with pain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pain is a bothersome non-motor symptom in patients with Parkinson's
      disease (PD), but the relationships between PD, presence of pain, different pain
      characteristics, and other non-motor symptoms such as mood and sleep disturbances
      are unclear. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between PD and pain as
      well as specific subtypes of pain with anxiety, depression and sleep quality.
      METHODS: This cross-sectional case-control study included two groups of PD
      patients; one with (n=37) and one without pain (n=37). Healthy controls with
      (n=37) and without pain (n=37) were recruited and matched to the PD groups for
      age and gender. All participants completed questionnaires regarding pain, mood
      and sleep. RESULTS: PD patients with pain showed significantly higher anxiety
      severity and poorer sleep quality than PD patients without pain. Compared to
      controls with pain, PD patients with pain had more anxiety, depression and
      worsened sleep quality. PD patients with pain were more likely to report
      akathisic, tension and sharp pain compared to controls with pain, but these three
      pain characteristics did not correlate with each other. There were no differences
      in depression, anxiety, or sleep between PD patients with akathisic, tension and
      sharp pain and those without. CONCLUSION: Pain in PD seems to be linked with
      specific pain characteristics (akathisic, tension and sharp pain) as well as
      heightened anxiety and worsened sleep quality. Integrative approach treatments
      which address pain in PD may also improve anxiety and sleep quality.

PMID- 27653892
TI  - Effect of CYP2C19*2 and *3 on clinical outcome in ischemic stroke patients
      treated with clopidogrel.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite clopidogrel has been widely applied to patients with ischemic
      stroke combined with aspirin, decreased metabolic activation of clopidogrel still
      occurs because of genetic variations in CYP2C19. METHODS: Three hundred twenty
      one patients completed a genetic test for CYP2C19 loss of function (LOF) alleles
      in hospital. Cox regression models were used to assess the relationship between
      CYP2C19 genotypes with the primary endpoint, which was a composite of nonfatal
      ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, or vascular death. Functional outcome was
      measured by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 3months, 6months and 12months
      intervals. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the correlation between
      poor functional outcome and CYP2C19 LOF alleles. RESULTS: The CYP2C19 LOF alleles
      were independently associated with the primary endpoint. There was no significant
      association between poor functional outcome and CYP2C19 LOF allele (*2 and *3) in
      overall patients. After the participants were stratified by stent treatment into
      two groups, the polymorphisms of CYP2C19 had significant impact on poor prognosis
      at 3months and 6months but not at 12months in patients without stent. No
      correlation was found in patients with stent. CONCLUSIONS: The CYP2C19 LOF
      alleles may increase the recurrent risk of ischemic events. The polymorphisms of
      CYP2C19 may be predictors of poor functional outcome of patients without stent,
      and the effect may be weakened by time.

PMID- 27653894
TI  - Acute reversible seronegative cerebellar ataxia in a young woman with ovarian
      teratoma.

PMID- 27653893
TI  - Outcome of antiepileptic drug treatment of 1282 patients with epilepsy, their
      pharmacovigilance reports and concomitant medication on CNS in an East-Hungarian
      adult database.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the outcome of antiepileptic
      drug (AED) treatment based on seizure freedom, pharmacovigilance reports and
      effects of concomitant medication on the central nervous system (CNS) of adult
      epileptic patients registered in the East-Hungarian Epilepsy Database. METHODS:
      Prospective cross-sectional database was compiled from outpatient files between
      1992 and 2011. RESULTS: The majority of 1282 treated patients were on monotherapy
      894 patients (70%), 286 (22%) on bitherapy and 102 (8%) on polytherapy. Of all
      treated patients, seizure freedom was achieved by 603 (47%). Among the seizure
      free patients 464 (77%) were on monotherapy, 115 (19%) on bitherapy and only 24
      (4%) on polytherapy. The overall rate of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) was 16.2%.
      From patients on AED, 279 (22%) took concomitant drugs acting on the CNS. In a
      logistic regression model, other CNS-related drugs and a number of prescribed
      antiepileptic drugs had a significant influence on the desired outcome of seizure
      freedom. On comparing the Proportional Reporting Ratio and 95%CI of older and
      newer AEDs, no significant superiority of newer AEDs was detected. CONCLUSION:
      Careful drug selection for epileptic patients must be highlighted in order to
      improve outcome, reduce ADRs and improve patient compliance.

PMID- 27653895
TI  - Editor's update and selected articles from the Journal of the Neurological
      Sciences.

PMID- 27653896
TI  - Mortality of advanced Parkinson's disease patients treated with deep brain
      stimulation surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Despite the widespread use of deep brain stimulation (DBS) for
      patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), long-term outcomes remain unclear. We
      aimed to analyze the mortality of advanced PD patients who received DBS surgery.
      METHODS: We assessed the survival rate of 158 consecutive advanced PD patients
      who underwent DBS surgery between April 2002 and May 2014. Kaplan-Meier survival
      curves were constructed using death as the endpoint. Cox proportional hazards
      regression models were used to assess the association of clinical risk factors
      with survival. RESULTS: Twenty-seven (17.1%) PD patients (13 men and 14 women)
      died during the mean follow-up period of 5.3+/-3.1years. The survival rate was
      97% at 3years and 85% at 5years after DBS surgery. Pneumonia (n=7) was the most
      common specific cause of death. Orthostatic hypotension was more frequent in
      deceased patients than in survivors (P=0.026). In a step-wise Cox regression
      analysis, male sex (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.58; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.19
      5.60; P = 0.016), visual hallucination (HR = 9.53; 95% CI = 3.50-26.01; P <
      0.001), and nursing home admission (HR = 6.76; 95% CI = 2.40-18.99; P < 0.001)
      predicted poor survival. CONCLUSION: The poor survival of advanced PD patients
      who underwent DBS surgery was associated with male sex, orthostatic hypotension,
      visual hallucination, and nursing home admission.

PMID- 27653897
TI  - Association between high biomarker probability of Alzheimer's disease and
      improvement of clinical outcomes after shunt surgery in patients with idiopathic
      normal pressure hydrocephalus.
AB  - We examined the effect of the pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) on
      improvement of clinical symptoms after shunt surgery in patients with idiopathic
      normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). Forty-four iNPH patients were classified
      into 18 patients with (iNPH/AD+) and 26 patients without (iNPH/AD-) combination
      with low amyloid beta42 and high total tau in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). We
      compared improvements after lumbo-peritoneal shunt surgery (LPS) between the two
      groups in Timed Up & Go Test, 10-m reciprocating walking test, Digit Symbol
      Substitution Test, attention test, delayed recall test, Mini-Mental State
      Examination, iNPH grading scale, Neuropsychiatric Inventory, Zarit Burden
      Interview, and other evaluations. Three months after LPS, gait, urination,
      overall cognition, psychomotor speed, attention, and neuropsychiatric symptoms
      significantly improved in both groups, but the improvement in delayed recall and
      reduction of caregiver burden were significantly greater in iNPH/AD- than
      iNPH/AD+. In addition, improvement in delayed recall score after LPS was
      significantly and negatively correlated with the probability of AD as judged by
      amyloid beta42 and total tau levels in CSF. Three months after LPS, almost all of
      the triad symptoms decreased in iNPH patients with and without AD pathology but
      memory improved only in iNPH patients without AD pathology. 

PMID- 27653898
TI  - Chitinase expression in Alzheimer's disease and non-demented brains regions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Alzheimer disease is the most typical form of dementia. The causes of
      AD are not yet completely understood, but they include a combination of genetic,
      environmental and lifestyle factors that influence ja person's risk for
      developing the disease. New biomarkers related to these processes could be
      important for the diagnosis and follow-up of AD patients. OBJECTIVE: The intent
      of this study was to weigh the expression levels of chitinases genes in brain
      regions of late-onset AD (LOAD) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analysed
      three microarray datasets obtained from the NCBI in order to verify the
      expression levels of chitinase genes family in brain biopsies (CR, DLPFC and VC)
      of LOAD patients compared to healthy subjects. We also divided the sample in
      function of sex difference and ages. RESULTS: The analysis showed that all
      chitinases genes were modulated in LOAD brain regions compared to healthy
      subjects. Furthermore positively correlation was identified between chitinases
      gene expression and healthy age's subjects. Moreover, it has been shown that
      CHI3L1 and CHI3L2 were regulated differently in healthy and LOAD brain depending
      on the sex. CONCLUSION: It is possible to conclude that all chitinases could be
      considered new potential markers for LOAD disease.

PMID- 27653899
TI  - Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia in anti-musk Myasthenia gravis: A case
      report.

PMID- 27653900
TI  - Periodic alternating nystagmus in a patient on long-term lithium medication.

PMID- 27653901
TI  - A case of non-dystrophic myotonia with concomitant mutations in the SCN4A and
      CLCN1 genes.
AB  - Non-dystrophic myotonias are caused by mutations of either the skeletal muscle
      chloride (CLCN1) or sodium channel (SCN4A) gene. They exhibit several distinct
      phenotypes, including myotonia congenita, paramyotonia congenita and sodium
      channel myotonia, and a genotype-phenotype correlation has been established.
      However, there are atypical cases that do not fit with the standard
      classification. We report a case of 27-year-old male who had non-dystrophic
      myotonia with periodic paralysis and two heterozygous mutations, E950K in CLCN1
      and F1290L in SCN4A. His mother, who exhibited myotonia without paralytic attack,
      only harbored E950K, and no mutations were identified in his asymptomatic father.
      Therefore, the E950K mutation was presumed to be pathogenic, although it was
      reported as an extremely rare genetic variant. The proband experienced paralytic
      attacks that lasted for weeks and were less likely to be caused by CLCN1 mutation
      alone. Functional analysis of the F1290L mutant channel heterologously expressed
      in cultured cells revealed enhanced activation inducing membrane
      hyperexcitability. We therefore propose that the two mutations had additive
      effects on membrane excitability that resulted in more prominent myotonia in the
      proband. Our case stresses the value of performing genetic analysis of both CLCN1
      and SCN4A genes for myotonic patients with an atypical phenotype. 

PMID- 27653902
TI  - RAR-related orphan receptor A (RORA): A new susceptibility gene for multiple
      sclerosis.
AB  - Retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor alpha (RORA) is proposed to
      promote Th17 cells differentiation that play a crucial role in many inflammatory
      diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS). The gene is also involved in
      regulation of inflammatory responses and neuronal cell development. The aim of
      the present study is to determine if any relation exists between RORA rs11639084
      and rs4774388 gene polymorphisms on the individual susceptibility of multiple
      sclerosis. 410 patients with clinically definite MS and 500 ethnically-matched
      healthy controls participated in this study. Genotyping was performed using tetra
      primer-amplification refractory mutation system-PCR (4P-ARMS-PCR) method for the
      mentioned polymorphisms in the RORA gene. Both variants showed significant
      differences in allele and genotype distributions between the studied groups.
      Genotypes were risk associated in additive (P-value of 0.0003 and odds ratio
      equal to 1.7 (95% CI: 1.27-2.26)), dominant (P-value of <0.0001 and odds ratio
      equal to 0.55 (95% CI: 0.41-0.73)) and recessive (P-value of 0.04 and odds ratio
      equal to 0.33 (95% CI: (0.12-0.96)) models for rs11639084. However, the rs4774388
      genotypes were risk associated in recessive model with a P-value of 0.036 and an
      odds ratio of 0.62 (95% CI: (0.4-0.97)). To the best of our knowledge this is the
      first report concerning the association between RORAlpha gene polymorphisms and
      MS. The further study of RORAlpha related pathways and gene networks might result
      in the better understanding of the pathophysiology of MS and related symptoms. 

PMID- 27653903
TI  - Cerebral microbleeds and white matter hyperintensities in cardioembolic stroke
      patients due to atrial fibrillation: single-centre longitudinal study.
AB  - Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are a potential predictor of future stroke risk with
      clinical relevance for antithrombotic treatments, especially in ischaemic stroke
      patients with atrial fibrillation. However, prospective data on CMBs and risk of
      stroke in this particular stroke population remain scarce. We therefore performed
      a single centre longitudinal study to investigate CMBs and white matter
      hyperintensities (WMH) and the risk of future stroke. Consecutive acute stroke
      patients, admitted during 2008-2012 for presumed cardioembolic stroke due to non
      valvular atrial fibrillation with available follow-up for the occurrence of
      recurrent stroke were included in our study. The rate of future stroke between
      patients with vs. without CMBs and moderate to severe WMH at baseline MRI was
      compared in separate survival and multivariable Cox regression analyses. A total
      of 119 cardioembolic stroke patients (49% female, median age: 76; IQR: 68
      82years) were included. CMBs were found at baseline in 26/119 (21.8%; 95% CI:
      14.8-30.4%) patients. Moderate to severe WMH were present in 27/119 (22.7%; 95%
      CI: 15.5-31.3%) cases. During a median follow-up time of 17months (IQR: 3
      50months), 17 of 119 patients experienced a symptomatic stroke: 14 patients had
      an ischaemic stoke and 3 had intracerebral haemorrhage. The overall incidence
      rate for ischaemic stroke and intracerebral haemorrhage was 4.2 (95% CI: 2.3-7.1)
      and 0.9 (95% CI: 0.5-2.6) per 1000 patient-year of follow-up respectively. In
      multivariable Cox regression analysis the hazard ratio for total CMB number and
      the risk of stroke during follow-up was 1.05 (95% CI: 0.99-1.11; p=0.137, per
      each additional CMB increase), after adjusting for CHAD2S. A similar regression
      analysis demonstrated that moderate to severe WMHs were independently associated
      with increased risk of symptomatic stroke at follow-up, after adjusting for
      CHAD2S (HR: 2.99; 95% CI: 1.01-8.30; p=0.036). Despite the small sample size, our
      study provides useful data to guide power calculations and likely effect sizes
      relevant for ongoing and future larger studies and clinical trials. 

PMID- 27653905
TI  - Zika virus associated with sensory polyneuropathy.

PMID- 27653904
TI  - A case of POEMS mimicking a "Guillain-Barre like" syndrome.

PMID- 27653906
TI  - An autopsy case of intravascular large B-cell lymphoma with subcortical U-fiber
      sparing and unique lymphocyte markers.

PMID- 27653907
TI  - Lumbar disc herniation exacerbating venous hypertension from a spinal
      perimedullary arteriovenous fistula of the filum terminale.

PMID- 27653908
TI  - Differences between the behavioral and psychological symptoms of Alzheimer's
      disease and Parkinson's disease.
AB  - AIM: We compared the behavioral and psychological symptoms of Alzheimer's disease
      (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) in order to determine the characteristic
      features of each disorder. METHODS: For this retrospective cohort study, we
      compared the behavioral and psychological symptoms of 288AD patients and 189 PD
      patients (mean age, 74.6+/-5.9 and 73.0+/-8.7years respectively). Symptoms were
      evaluated using the geriatric depression scale (GDS), apathy scale (AS), and
      Abe's behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia score (ABS). RESULTS: AD
      patients had higher AS and ABS scores than PD patients. A gender-dependent
      comparison showed that ABS scores were worse in female AD patients than in female
      PD patients (p=0.001). A subscale analysis of ABS scores revealed that male AD
      patients were only significantly different from male PD patients in 1 item,
      whereas female AD patients were significantly different from female PD patients
      in 4 items. Among patients with mild cognitive decline, no differences in
      affective scores were observed. Alternatively, among patients with moderate
      cognitive decline, affective scores on all 3 scales were worse in PD patients
      than in AD patients. CONCLUSIONS: The present age- and gender-matched
      retrospective analysis identified greater behavioral and psychological disease
      severity in female AD patients relative to female PD patients, and greater
      affective severity in PD patients versus AD patients with a similar degree of
      cognitive decline.

PMID- 27653909
TI  - Small lymphocytic lymphoma associated with extensive myelopathy: Case report and
      review of the literature.

PMID- 27653910
TI  - Bradykinesia in early and advanced Parkinson's disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Motor impairment in Parkinson's disease (PD) includes slowness
      (bradykinesia), decreased amplitude (hypokinesia), impaired rhythm and a
      progressive reduction in speed and amplitude during movement repetition (sequence
      effect). In the present study we aimed to analyse bradykinesia features in newly
      diagnosed and drug-naive patients with PD. Kinematic data were compared with PD
      patients in the advanced stages of the disease and with healthy controls. We also
      investigated the effect of selegiline on motor impairment in early PD. METHODS:
      Fourteen newly-diagnosed and drug-naive PD patients in the early stage of the
      disease, 11 patients with advanced PD and 20 healthy controls performed a
      repetitive finger tapping task. Early PD patients were assessed in two separate
      sessions at baseline and four weeks after treatment with selegiline (10 mg taken
      daily). The repetitive finger movement was analysed using kinematic techniques.
      RESULTS: The speed and amplitude of repetitive finger movement were lower in
      early PD patients than in healthy controls. Early PD patients also had a
      progressive decrement of movement amplitude (sequence effect). Patients with
      advanced PD had lower speed, amplitude and movement regularity during finger
      tapping in comparison to early PD and healthy controls but no sequence effect. In
      early PD, selegiline improved both the movement speed and amplitude though it did
      not influence the sequence effect. CONCLUSIONS: The study yields an objective
      characterization of motor impairment in early and advanced PD. The kinematic
      assessment of the effects of selegiline on movement abnormalities in early PD
      provides a better understanding and interpretation of their pathophysiological
      mechanisms.

PMID- 27653911
TI  - New potential-treatment options in brain injury due to acute carbon monoxide
      poisoning in future.

PMID- 27653912
TI  - Maintenance immunosuppression in myasthenia gravis.
AB  - Therapies for myasthenia gravis (MG) include symptomatic and immunosuppressive
      treatment. Options for immunosuppression include corticosteroids, azathioprine,
      mycophenolate mofetil, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, methotrexate, rituximab,
      cyclophosphamide, intravenous immunoglobulin, plasmapheresis, and thymectomy. The
      practical aspects of long-term immunosuppressive therapy in MG will be critically
      reviewed in this article. Treatment for ocular and generalized myasthenia gravis
      will be discussed. Application of these therapies needs to be considered in
      conjunction with their efficacy, disease subtypes and severity, and patient co
      morbidities. 

PMID- 27653913
TI  - Brain glucose metabolism changes in Parkinson's disease patients with CHCHD2
      mutation based on (18)F-FDG PET imaging.

PMID- 27653914
TI  - Effect of the 2013 AHA/ASA guidelines on TPA use in acute ischemic stroke at
      Assaf Harofeh Medical Center in Israel.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Use of TPA to treat patients with acute ischemic stroke was
      introduced in Assaf Harofeh Medical Center (AHMC) in Israel in November 2007
      initially with strict adherence to the inclusion/exclusion criteria of the
      pivotal NINDS TPA studies published in 1995. The treatment window was expanded in
      2010 to 4.5h following the results of ECASS-III. Application of the 2013 AHA/ASA
      Guidelines resulted in further expanded inclusion and relaxed exclusion criteria.
      DESIGN/METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted of patients who
      received TPA at AHMC to evaluate the additional impact of applying the 2013
      guidelines. Number of patients treated, outcomes at discharge, and safety were
      compared between two periods: May 2011-January 2013 (the 21months preceding the
      2013 Guidelines); and February 2013-October 2014 (the 21months after publication
      of the 2013 Guidelines). Statistical analysis was done using z-tests for
      differences between proportions, and t-tests to compare means. RESULTS: 63
      patients were treated during the immediate pre-2013 Guideline period (36/year, or
      approximately 5% of patients with ischemic stroke), and 105 during the post-2013
      Guidelines period (60/year, approximately 8.3% of patients with ischemic stroke)
      (p<0.001). During the two periods, respectively: discharges home were 22(34%) and
      55(52%) (p<0.05); facility discharges were 29(46%) and 33(31%); and inter
      hospital transfers were 6(9%), and 11(10% of treated patients). Most transfers
      were for endovascular treatment. Total treatment-related symptomatic bleeds in
      the two periods, respectively, was: 4(6%) and 4(4%), and the number of in
      hospital deaths was 6 (9%) and 6 (6%) (unchanged). CONCLUSIONS: Application of
      the 2013 AHA/ASA Guidelines resulted in a 64% increase in the number of acute
      ischemic stroke patients treated with TPA at AHMC with no worsening of aggregate
      outcomes and no increase in bleeds or deaths.

PMID- 27653915
TI  - Ranolazine: A potential treatment for refractory neuropathic pain.

PMID- 27653916
TI  - Factors that impact medical student and house-staff career interest in brain
      related specialties.
AB  - PURPOSE: There is a national shortage of physicians in brain related specialties
      (neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry), with fewer students training in these
      specialties. This study explored socio-economic and experiential factors that
      determined medical trainees' interest in brain related specialties. METHOD:
      Medical students and house-staff at a state university medical school completed a
      46-item questionnaire sent as an anonymous email survey. RESULTS: Survey response
      rate was 22% (n=258). Eighty-eight (34.1%) trainees were interested in brain
      related specialties. Prior neuroscience experience (29.6%) and effective medical
      school neuroscience courses (23.9%) were identified as important by those
      interested in brain related specialties, while "neurophobia" was reported by 30%
      of those not interested. Multivariate regression model showed that effective
      college neuroscience course increased the likelihood for interest in brain
      related specialties (OR=2.28, 95% CI 1.22, 4.28). Factors which decreased the
      likelihood included parent's possessing professional degree (OR=0.37, 95% CI
      0.17, 0.80), personal annual income>$50,000 (OR=0.40, 0.18, 0.87) and current
      debt level>=$100,000 (OR=0.33, 0.17, 0.64). The proportion of trainees interested
      in brain related specialties decreased from 51.7% (1st year medical students) to
      27% (4th year students) and 25.3% among house-staff (chi(2) test of trend
      p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Socioeconomic (current personal debt and annual income)
      and experiential factors (college neuroscience course) influence a medical
      trainee's interest in brain related specialties. Career guidance and improved,
      better and early exposure to neurosciences may help mitigate trend for decreased
      interest in brain related specialties.

PMID- 27653917
TI  - Identification of novel TFG mutation in HMSN-P pedigree: Emphasis on variable
      clinical presentations.
AB  - We aimed to identify the genetic cause of neurological disease in an Iranian
      pedigree whose manifestations suggested hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy
      with proximal predominance (HMSN-P). Identification of a p.Gly269Val mutation in
      TFG, the known HMSN-P causative gene, provided supportive evidence. Subjective,
      biochemical, electrodiagnostic, and imaging data were compared with previously
      reported HMSN-P patients, including patients of an earlier described Iranian
      pedigree. Although notable clinical variability was found, comparable involvement
      of proximal and distal muscles was observed in both Iranian pedigrees.
      Interestingly, the same p.Gly269Val mutation was recently reported as cause of
      Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2 in a Taiwanese pedigree. The likelihood that
      the two pedigrees with the p.Gly269Val mutation are not affected with different
      diseases is discussed. Identification of a second Iranian HMSN-P pedigree further
      confirms that HMSN-P is not confined to the Far East. Furthermore, p.Pro285Leu
      that has been the only TFG mutation thus far reported in HMSN-P patients is not
      the only mutation that can cause the disease. It is emphasized HMSN-P is a
      neuronopathy. 

PMID- 27653919
TI  - Remote preoperative tonic-clonic seizures do not influence outcome after surgery
      for temporal lobe epilepsy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Tonic-clonic seizures are associated with greater chance of seizure
      relapse after anterior temporal lobectomy. We investigated whether the interval
      between the last preoperative tonic-clonic seizure and surgery relates to seizure
      outcome in patients with drug-resistant mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE).
      METHODS: In this retrospective study, patients were prospectively registered in a
      database from 1986 through 2014. Postsurgical outcome was categorized as seizure
      freedom or relapse. The relationship between surgical outcome and the interval
      between the last preoperative tonic-clonic seizure and surgery was investigated.
      RESULTS: One-hundred seventy-one patients were studied. Seventy nine (46.2%)
      patients experienced tonic-clonic seizures before surgery. Receiver operating
      characteristic curve of timing of the last preoperative tonic-clonic seizure was
      a moderate indicator to anticipate surgery failure (area under the curve: 0.657,
      significance; 0.016). The best cutoff that maximizes sensitivity and specificity
      was 27months; with a sensitivity of 0.76 and specificity of 0.60. Cox-Mantel
      analysis confirmed that the chance of becoming free of seizures after surgery in
      patients with no or remote history of preoperative tonic-clonic seizures was
      significantly higher compared with patients with a recent history (i.e., in
      27months before surgery) (p=0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The more remote the occurrence
      of preoperative tonic-clonic seizures, the better the postsurgical seizure
      outcome, with at least a two year gap being more favorable. A recent history of
      tonic-clonic seizures in a patient with MTLE may reflect more widespread
      epileptogenicity extending beyond the borders of mesial temporal structures.

PMID- 27653918
TI  - Intracranial atherosclerosis and cerebral small vessel disease in intracerebral
      hemorrhage patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The association between cerebral small vessel diseases (cSVD) and
      intracranial atherosclerosis is debated and conflicting results have been
      reported. We sought to investigate this association in patients with
      intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), due to severe cSVD. METHODS: Consecutive ICH
      patients were divided into those meeting criteria for cerebral amyloid angiopathy
      (CAA) and those with deep hypertensive ICH consistent with hypertensive cSVD (HTN
      SVD). White matter hyperintensity volumes (WMH) and microbleed counts (MB) were
      measured on MRI. CTA was rated for severity of intracranial carotid
      calcifications and for presence of >50% intracranial stenosis (ICS). Associations
      of intracranial atherosclerosis severity with type of SVD (CAA vs HTN-cSVD) and
      with imaging and clinical markers of cSVD burden were analyzed. RESULTS: The
      cohort included 253 CAA and 90 HTN-SVD patients. In multivariable models, the
      type of cSVD (CAA vs. HTN-cSVD) was not associated with calcification severity
      (OR=1.04, 95% CI [0.62-3.5], p=0.37) or presence of ICS (OR=0.84, 95% CI [0.21
      2.74], p=0.78). We found no association between intracranial atherosclerosis
      (calcifications and stenoses) and parenchymal markers of cSVD severity (WMH and
      MB, adjusted p>=0.2 for all comparisons) and no association with presence of
      dementia before ICH (adjusted p>=0.2 for both comparisons). CONCLUSIONS: We found
      no association between intracranial atherosclerosis and parenchymal or clinical
      consequences of cSVD, suggesting that cSVDs while sharing some risk factors are
      not influenced by upstream larger vessel pathologies.

PMID- 27653920
TI  - Osteopathic manipulative treatment in neurological diseases: Systematic review of
      the literature.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present systematic review is to critically evaluate the
      effectiveness of OMT as an adjuvant therapy in the management of patients with
      neurological diseases. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted and the
      findings were reported following the PRISMA statement. Twelve databases were
      searched for articles reporting the use of osteopathic manipulative treatment in
      neurological disorders. Each article was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias
      tool and the Jadad score. RESULTS: 10 articles were included. OMT was used to
      test its efficacy and/or effectiveness in treating tension-type headache,
      migraine, cerebral palsy and gait analysis in patients affected by Parkinson's
      Disease. The general quality of the included trials ranged from very low, to low
      and moderate according to Cochrane standards. High heterogeneity between studies
      was found for the type of intervention, control and outcome measures used.
      CONCLUSION: Results showed that studies on the efficacy and/or effectiveness of
      OMT treatments are scarce, heterogeneous, and of low methodological quality.
      Further studies should be conducted including a more pragmatic methodology, an
      exhaustive description of all investigated and concurrent interventions, and a
      systematic report of adverse events, so as to obtain robust and generalizable
      results.

PMID- 27653921
TI  - Prevalence of anti-SOX1 reactivity in various neurological disorders.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Anti-SOX1 antibodies are associated with small cell lung cancer
      (SCLC) and predict a paraneoplastic etiology in Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome
      (LEMS). In 2010, a study described these antibodies in a small cohort of putative
      non-paraneoplastic, immune-mediated neuropathies. In this respect, we
      investigated the seroprevalence and specificity of anti-SOX1 antibodies in a
      large cohort of neurological disorders. METHODS: Overall, serum samples of 1493
      consecutive patients were screened for anti-SOX1 reactivity by an ELISA: 471 with
      well-defined neurological disorders (multiple sclerosis, motor neuron disease,
      Guillain-Barre syndrome, and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy),
      185 with polyneuropathy (PNP) of unknown origin, and 837 with neurological
      syndromes of suspicious paraneoplastic etiology. These were compared to eight
      positive controls with definite paraneoplastic neurological syndromes (PNS) and
      92 healthy individuals. We also collected demographic and clinical data,
      including well-characterized onconeural antibodies in anti-SOX1-positive
      patients. RESULTS: Fifteen patients (1.0%) showed anti-SOX1 reactivity: two with
      multiple sclerosis, two with PNP of unknown origin, and 11 suspicious PNS cases.
      Remarkably, 9/15 anti-SOX1-positive patients had a PNP. However, antibody
      concentrations were significantly lower compared to positive controls, and none
      additionally harbored well-characterized onconeural antibodies. During a follow
      up of at least four years, only five patients had cancer: one thyroid, one
      Hodgkin lymphoma, two breast, and one patient had multiple malignancies -
      prostate, penis, cecum, liver, and non-small cell lung cancer. However, none had
      SCLC, typically associated with SOX1 antibodies. CONCLUSIONS: The seroprevalence
      of anti-SOX1 antibodies in patients with various neurological disorders is low.
      These patients predominantly have PNPs, which might represent a group of immune
      mediated diseases.

PMID- 27653923
TI  - When the word doesn't come out: A synthetic overview of dysarthria.
AB  - Motor speech disorders are common in a number of neurological conditions
      including diseases involving impairment of the pyramidal, extrapyramidal, and
      cerebellar pathways, cranial nerves, muscular apparatus, neuromuscular plaque,
      and of cognitive, symbolic and mnestic activities. The diagnosis of speech
      disorders, namely the dysarthrias, involves the assessment of characteristic
      structural cerebral, prosodic, phonetic and phonemic changes, often flanked by
      concomitant functional, clinical, neuroradiological, neurophysiological and
      behavioral impairment. This paper presents a brief outline of the most
      significant associations to facilitate prompt differential diagnosis and thereby
      reduce the number of instrumental examinations required for diagnostic testing. 

PMID- 27653922
TI  - Catechol-O-methyltransferase Val158Met polymorphism influences prefrontal
      executive function in early Parkinson's disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met polymorphism has
      been proposed to be associated with increased risk of Parkinson's disease (PD)
      and have a specific impact on dopamine-mediated prefrontal executive function in
      an inverted-U curve manner. We explored the influence of this genetic
      polymorphism on prefrontal executive function in a well-established Chinese
      cohort of early PD patients with no current or past history of motor fluctuations
      or dyskinesias. METHODS: Cognitive functions were assessed in 250 patients with
      early PD using Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Chinese Revision (WAIS-RC) and
      Wechsler Memory Scale-Chinese Revision (WMS-RC). These patients and 300 healthy
      controls were subsequently genotyped for the COMT gene Val158Met polymorphism. We
      employed analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and a stratified analysis to determine
      the associations between the COMT Val158Met genotype and cognitive functions.
      RESULTS: The COMT Val158Met allele frequency and genotype distributions showed no
      statistically significant differences between PD patients and controls. However,
      patients with met/met genotype performed significantly worse on WAIS-RC
      similarities, a measure of executive function, compared to individuals with
      val/val genotype. Subsequent ANCOVA analysis revealed that COMT genotype
      interacted with sex and daily levodopa equivalent dose (LED) to influence
      executive function. Further stratified analysis showed that the lower-activity
      COMT met/met genotype has a detrimental effect on executive function among women.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that COMT Val158Met polymorphism is probably
      not associated with increased risk of PD, but has an effect on prefrontal
      executive function interacting with gender and dopaminergic medication.

PMID- 27653925
TI  - Reliability of the functional measures of the corticospinal pathways to
      dorsiflexor muscles during maximal voluntary contractions.
AB  - This study aimed to evaluate the intra- and inter-day reliability of transcranial
      magnetic stimulation (TMS)-related measurements recorded from the tibialis
      anterior (TA) muscle. Thirteen healthy young men and women (23+/-4years)
      performed 3 testing sessions to assess intra- (i.e., two sessions performed the
      same day) and inter-day (i.e. two sessions performed one week apart) reliability
      of (i) dorsiflexion cortical maximal voluntary activation level (VATMS), (ii) TA
      corticospinal excitability assessed through the amplitude of the motor evoked
      potentials (MEP) recorded during 100, 75 and 50% maximal voluntary contractions
      (MVC), and (iii) intracortical inhibition investigated via the cortical silent
      period (CSP) recorded at the same % MVC. Absolute (i.e., coefficient of variation
      (CV) and standard error of the mean (SEM)), and relative (i.e., intraclass
      correlation coefficients (ICC)) reliability parameters were calculated. VATMS
      demonstrated excellent intra- and inter-day reliabilities (ICC: 0.80 and 0.99;
      CV: 1.7 and 0.8%, respectively). MEPs and CSPs presented moderate to excellent
      intra- and inter-day reliabilities, while input-output curves extracted
      parameters presented highly variable outcomes. These results suggest that most TA
      corticospinal measurements during voluntary contractions can be used to quantify
      corticospinal adaptations after acute (e.g. fatigue) or long term (e.g. training)
      interventions. 

PMID- 27653924
TI  - Neuroprotective effects of methane-rich saline on experimental acute carbon
      monoxide toxicity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Methane has been reported to play a protective role in ischemia
      reperfusion injury via anti-oxidation, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic
      activities. This study was designed to determine the protective effects of
      methane-rich saline (MRS) on acute carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. METHODS: A
      total of 36 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: sham
      group, CO group and MRS group. Acute CO poisoning was induced by exposing rats to
      1000ppm CO in air for 40min and then to 3000ppm CO for an additional 20min until
      they lost consciousness. MRS at 10ml/kg was intraperitoneally administered at 0h,
      8h and 16h after CO exposure. Rats were sacrificed 24h after CO exposure. Brains
      were collected for Nissl staining. The cortex and hippocampus were separated for
      the detections of malondialdehyde (MDA), 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT), 8
      hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha),
      interleukin1-beta (IL-1beta), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)
      activities. RESULTS: The results showed that MRS treatment improved neuronal
      injury, reduced MDA, 3-NT and 8-OHdG, and increased SOD activity of the
      hippocampus and cortex compared with normal saline-treated rats. In addition, MRS
      reduced the expression of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta in the brain but had no effect
      on IL-6 expression. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that MRS may protect the
      brain against acute CO poisoning-induced injury via its anti-oxidative and anti
      inflammatory activities.

PMID- 27653926
TI  - Superior binasal quadrantanopsia due to acute ischemic stroke.

PMID- 27653928
TI  - Sensitive Determination of Sertraline in Commercial Drugs and Its Stability Check
      in Simulated Gastric Juice.
AB  - A sensitive analytical method was developed for the determination of sertraline
      in commercial drug samples by using GC-MS. The selected-ion monitoring mode was
      used at the most sensitive m/z 274 to obtain a lower detection limit. LOD/LOQ
      values were obtained as 1.6/5.4 ng/mL for sertraline under the optimum
      conditions. The calibration plot was linear between 5.0 and 2000 ng/mL with the
      correlation coefficient of 0.9999. The validated method was successfully applied
      to three different brands of drug samples for both qualitative and quantitative
      measurement of sertraline. In this experiment, four replicate extractions were
      performed for each brand, and the results were compared to the values written on
      the labels of the drug brands. Spiking experiments were also performed to check
      the effect of the matrixes on the determination, and it was observed that there
      was no shift in the retention time of the analyte. In addition, simulated gastric
      juice experiments were performed to check the stability of sertraline in the
      stomach for 240 min, and it was observed that there was no change in the
      structure of the analyte.

PMID- 27653927
TI  - Inflammatory myopathies and lymphoma.
AB  - The inflammatory myopathies comprise a group of immune-mediated muscle diseases.
      Lymphoma is a term for a variety of lymphatic system malignancies. Autoimmune
      diseases and lymphoproliferative malignancies share a complex bidirectional
      relationship. A causal relationship between inflammatory mypathies and lymphoma
      has not been established. The diagnosis/treatment of inflammatory myopathy
      usually precedes the detection/diagnosis of lymphoma. Immune system dysregulation
      presumably underlies the evolution of lymphoma in patients with inflammatory
      myopathies. Inflammatory activity with chronic B-cell activation and/or antigen
      stimulation is deemed the major risk factor for lymphoma in patients with
      autoimmunity. A "paraneoplastic" phenomenon or the effects of immunosuppressive
      therapy may be alternative immune-based mechanisms. In chronic lymphocytic
      leukemia immune system disturbance rarely results in non-hematological autoimmune
      disease, including inflammatory myopathies. 

PMID- 27653929
TI  - Mesoscale Polymer Dissolution Probed by Raman Spectroscopy and Molecular
      Simulations.
AB  - The diffusion of various solvents into a polystyrene (PS) matrix was probed
      experimentally by monitoring the temporal profiles of the Raman spectra and
      theoretically from molecular dynamics simulations. The simulation results assist
      in providing a fundamental, molecular-level connection between the
      mixing/dissolution processes and the difference, Deltadelta = deltasolvent -
      deltaPS, in the values of the Hildebrand parameter (delta) between the two
      components of the binary systems: solvents having values of delta similar to
      those for PS (small Deltadelta) exhibit fast diffusion into the polymer matrix,
      whereas the diffusion slows down considerably when the delta's are different
      (large Deltadelta). To this end, the Hildebrand parameter was identified as a
      useful descriptor that governs the process of mixing in polymer-solvent binary
      systems. The experiments also provide insight into further refinements of the
      models specific to non-Fickian diffusion phenomena that need to be used in the
      simulations.

PMID- 27653930
TI  - Lysosome-Targeted Turn-On Fluorescent Probe for Endogenous Formaldehyde in Living
      Cells.
AB  - As one of the simplest reactive carbonyl species, formaldehyde is implicated in
      nervous system diseases and cancer. Organelles play crucial roles in various
      physiological processes in living cells. Accordingly, the detection of endogenous
      formaldehyde at the subcellular level is of high interest. We herein describe the
      development of the first organelle-targeted fluorescent formaldehyde probe (Na-FA
      Lyso). The new probe exhibits favorable features including a large fluorescence
      enhancement (about 350-fold) and a fast response to formaldehyde. Significantly,
      the novel probe Na-FA-Lyso was employed to visualize the endogenous formaldehyde
      in the lysosomes in living cells for the first time.

PMID- 27653931
TI  - Quantifying tissue viscoelasticity using optical coherence elastography and the
      Rayleigh wave model.
AB  - This study demonstrates the feasibility of using the Rayleigh wave model (RWM) in
      combination with optical coherence elastography (OCE) technique to assess the
      viscoelasticity of soft tissues. Dispersion curves calculated from the spectral
      decomposition of OCE-measured air-pulse induced elastic waves were used to
      quantify the viscoelasticity of samples using the RWM. Validation studies were
      first conducted on 10% gelatin phantoms with different concentrations of oil. The
      results showed that the oil increased the viscosity of the gelatin phantom
      samples. This method was then used to quantify the viscoelasticity of chicken
      liver. The Young's modulus of the chicken liver tissues was estimated as E=2.04+/
      0.88??kPa with a shear viscosity ?=1.20+/-0.13??Pa?s. The analytical solution of
      the RWM correlated very well with the OCE-measured phased velocities (R2=0.96+/
      0.04). The results show that the combination of the RWM and OCE is a promising
      method for noninvasively quantifying the biomechanical properties of soft tissues
      and may be a useful tool for detecting disease.

PMID- 27653932
TI  - Profiling of individual human red blood cells under osmotic stress using
      defocusing microscopy.
AB  - We use a quantitative phase imaging technique, defocusing microscopy (DM), to
      measure morphological, chemical, and mechanical parameters of individual red
      blood cells (RBCs) immersed in solutions with different osmolalities. We monitor
      the RBCs' radius, volume, surface area, sphericity index, and hemoglobin content
      and concentration. The complete shape of cells is recovered and the effects of
      their adhesion to the glass substrate are observed. Finally, membrane fluctuation
      measurements give us information about the cells deformability.

PMID- 27653933
TI  - Effect of the antimicrobial photodynamic therapy on microorganism reduction in
      deep caries lesions: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - This study aimed to perform a systematic review to assess the effectiveness of
      antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in the reduction of microorganisms in
      deep carious lesions. An electronic search was conducted in Pubmed, Web of
      Science, Scopus, Lilacs, and Cochrane Library, followed by a manual search. The
      MeSH terms, MeSH synonyms, related terms, and free terms were used in the search.
      As eligibility criteria, only clinical studies were included. Initially, 227
      articles were identified in the electronic search, and 152 studies remained after
      analysis and exclusion of the duplicated studies; 6 remained after application of
      the eligibility criteria; and 3 additional studies were found in the manual
      search. After access to the full articles, three were excluded, leaving six for
      evaluation by the criteria of the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing
      risk of bias. Of these, five had some risk of punctuated bias. All results from
      the selected studies showed a significant reduction of microorganisms in deep
      carious lesions for both primary and permanent teeth. The meta-analysis
      demonstrated a significant reduction in microorganism counts in all analyses
      (p<0.00001). Based on these findings, there is scientific evidence emphasizing
      the effectiveness of aPDT in reducing microorganisms in deep carious lesions.

PMID- 27653934
TI  - Estimation of optical properties by spatially resolved reflectance spectroscopy
      in the subdiffusive regime.
AB  - We propose and objectively evaluate an inverse Monte Carlo model for estimation
      of absorption and reduced scattering coefficients and similarity parameter ? from
      spatially resolved reflectance (SRR) profiles in the subdiffusive regime. The
      similarity parameter ? carries additional information on the phase function that
      governs the angular properties of scattering in turbid media. The SRR profiles at
      five source-detector separations were acquired with an optical fiber probe. The
      inverse Monte Carlo model was based on a cost function that enabled robust
      estimation of optical properties from a few SRR measurements without a priori
      knowledge about spectral dependencies of the optical properties. Validation of
      the inverse Monte Carlo model was performed on synthetic datasets and measured
      SRR profiles of turbid phantoms comprising molecular dye and polystyrene
      microspheres. We observed that the additional similarity parameter ?
      substantially reduced the reflectance variability arising from the phase function
      properties and significantly improved the accuracy of the inverse Monte Carlo
      model. However, the observed improvement of the extended inverse Monte Carlo
      model was limited to reduced scattering coefficients exceeding ?15??cm?1, where
      the relative root-mean-square errors of the estimated optical properties were
      well within 10%.

PMID- 27653935
TI  - Image recombination transform algorithm for superresolution structured
      illumination microscopy.
AB  - Structured illumination microscopy (SIM) is an attractive choice for fast
      superresolution imaging. The generation of structured illumination patterns made
      by interference of laser beams is broadly employed to obtain high modulation
      depth of patterns, while the polarizations of the laser beams must be elaborately
      controlled to guarantee the high contrast of interference intensity, which brings
      a more complex configuration for the polarization control. The emerging pattern
      projection strategy is much more compact, but the modulation depth of patterns is
      deteriorated by the optical transfer function of the optical system, especially
      in high spatial frequency near the diffraction limit. Therefore, the traditional
      superresolution reconstruction algorithm for interference-based SIM will suffer
      from many artifacts in the case of projection-based SIM that possesses a low
      modulation depth. Here, we propose an alternative reconstruction algorithm based
      on image recombination transform, which provides an alternative solution to
      address this problem even in a weak modulation depth. We demonstrated the
      effectiveness of this algorithm in the multicolor superresolution imaging of
      bovine pulmonary arterial endothelial cells in our developed projection-based SIM
      system, which applies a computer controlled digital micromirror device for fast
      fringe generation and multicolor light-emitting diodes for illumination. The
      merit of the system incorporated with the proposed algorithm allows for a low
      excitation intensity fluorescence imaging even less than 1??W/cm2, which is
      beneficial for the long-term, in vivo superresolved imaging of live cells and
      tissues.

PMID- 27653936
TI  - In vivo optical coherence tomography of stimulus-evoked intrinsic optical signals
      in mouse retinas.
AB  - Intrinsic optical signal (IOS) imaging promises a noninvasive method for advanced
      study and diagnosis of eye diseases. Before pursuing clinical applications, it is
      essential to understand anatomic and physiological sources of retinal IOSs and to
      establish the relationship between IOS distortions and eye diseases. The purpose
      of this study was designed to demonstrate the feasibility of <italic<in
      vivo</italic< IOS imaging of mouse models. A high spatiotemporal resolution
      spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) was employed for depth
      resolved retinal imaging. A custom-designed animal holder equipped with ear bar
      and bite bar was used to minimize eye movements. Dynamic OCT imaging revealed
      rapid IOS from the photoreceptor's outer segment immediately after the
      stimulation delivery, and slow IOS changes were observed from inner retinal
      layers. Comparative photoreceptor IOS and electroretinography recordings
      suggested that the fast photoreceptor IOS may be attributed to the early stage of
      phototransduction before the hyperpolarization of retinal photoreceptor.

PMID- 27653937
TI  - Effect of N1-dansylspermine and Ro25,6981 on locomotor activity in naive mice and
      in the reserpinized mouse model of Parkinson's disease.
AB  - The effect of N1-dansylspermine, a polyamine analogue and competitive polyamine
      antagonist, and Ro25,6981, a noncompetitive polyamine antagonist with good
      affinity and selectivity for the GluN2B subunit, on locomotor activity in naive
      mice was investigated. Furthermore, the ability of the polyamine antagonists to
      reverse reserpine-induced hypokinesia was assessed, 24 h after injection of a
      catecholamine-depleting dose of reserpine (5 mg/kg, subcutaneous), to investigate
      the therapeutic potential of polyamine antagonists in Parkinson's disease. N1
      dansylspermine significantly decreased locomotor activity in naive animals
      (P<0.001) but caused a mild, but significant increase in locomotor activity in
      reserpinized mice at the highest dose tested (P<0.05). Ro25,6981 significantly
      stimulated locomotor activity in naive animals (P<0.001) and had a slight
      significant stimulatory effect on reserpine-induced hypokinesia (P=0.05). N1
      dansylspermine and Ro25,6981 had opposite effects on locomotor activity in naive
      mice, but both had a mild antiparkinsonian effect in the reserpine model. These
      findings suggest that antagonism of the polyamine binding site on the GluN2B
      subunit can reduce hypokinesia, albeit to a limited extent.

PMID- 27653938
TI  - Supplemental Feedings for High-Risk Preterm Infants.

PMID- 27653940
TI  - Isocyanide-Based Multicomponent Bicyclization with Substituted Allenoate and
      Isatin: Synthesis of Unusual Spirooxindole Containing [5.5]-Fused Heterocycle.
AB  - A three-component bicyclization reaction of isocyanide, substituted allenoate,
      and isatin has been disclosed. This protocol is proposed to proceed through
      Michael addition, double cyclization, and [1,5]-hydride shift sequence, thus
      leading to the formation of two new rings and five new chemical bonds, including
      C-C, C-O, and C-N bonds.

PMID- 27653939
TI  - Azithromycin for Acute Exacerbations of Asthma : The AZALEA Randomized Clinical
      Trial.
AB  - Importance: Guidelines recommend against antibiotic use to treat asthma attacks.
      A study with telithromycin reported benefit, but adverse reactions limit its use.
      Objective: To determine whether azithromycin added to standard care for asthma
      attacks in adults results in clinical benefit. Design, Setting, and Participants:
      The Azithromycin Against Placebo in Exacerbations of Asthma (AZALEA) randomized,
      double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, a United Kingdom-based
      multicenter study in adults requesting emergency care for acute asthma
      exacerbations, ran from September 2011 to April 2014. Adults with a history of
      asthma for more than 6 months were recruited within 48 hours of presentation to
      medical care with an acute deterioration in asthma control requiring a course of
      oral and/or systemic corticosteroids. Interventions: Azithromycin 500 mg daily or
      matched placebo for 3 days. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was
      diary card symptom score 10 days after randomization, with a hypothesized
      treatment effect size of -0.3. Secondary outcomes were diary card symptom score,
      quality-of-life questionnaires, and lung function changes, all between
      exacerbation and day 10, and time to a 50% reduction in symptom score. Results:
      Of 4582 patients screened at 31 centers, 199 of a planned 380 were randomized
      within 48 hours of presentation. The major reason for nonrecruitment was receipt
      of antibiotics (2044 [44.6%] screened patients). Median time from presentation to
      drug administration was 22 hours (interquartile range, 14-28 hours). Exacerbation
      characteristics were well balanced across treatment arms and centers. The primary
      outcome asthma symptom scores were mean (SD), 4.14 (1.38) at exacerbation and
      2.09 (1.71) at 10 days for the azithromycin group and 4.18 (1.48) and 2.20 (1.51)
      for the placebo group, respectively. Using multilevel modeling, there was no
      significant difference in symptom scores between azithromycin and placebo at day
      10 (difference, -0.166; 95% CI, -0.670 to 0.337), nor on any day between
      exacerbation and day 10. No significant between-group differences were observed
      in quality-of-life questionnaires or lung function between exacerbation and day
      10, or in time to 50% reduction in symptom score. Conclusions and Relevance: In
      this randomized population, azithromycin treatment resulted in no statistically
      or clinically significant benefit. For each patient randomized, more than 10 were
      excluded because they had already received antibiotics. Trial Registration:
      clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01444469.

PMID- 27653941
TI  - Ciprofloxacin Exposure Leading to Fatal Hepatotoxicity: An Unusual Correlation.
AB  - BACKGROUND Ciprofloxacin is a commonly used fluoroquinolone antibiotic. It is
      occasionally associated with benign elevations in liver enzymes. Few reports in
      the literature correlate ciprofloxacin with significant liver injury. We present
      a fatal case of ciprofloxacin-induced liver failure. CASE REPORT  A 74-year-old
      female was successfully treated with ciprofloxacin for a urinary tract infection
      (UTI), but immediately began having new-onset symptoms, including fatigue and
      nausea. This continued for two months, at which time she presented to the
      hospital; she was found to have elevated liver enzymes and another UTI. She was
      treated with ciprofloxacin again for UTI and discharged three days later,
      following mild improvement. One week later, she returned to another hospital and
      was found to have more significantly elevated liver function tests and jaundice.
      Extensive viral and autoimmune panels were unremarkable. Liver biopsy showed
      cholestatic hepatitis of unclear etiology. The patient was discharged again
      following a mild decline in liver enzymes. Soon after, the patient was admitted
      to our institution with similar complaints. Serum transaminases remained
      elevated, with an increase in alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin. The Council for
      International Organizations of Medical Sciences/the Roussel Uclaf Causality
      Assessment Method (CIOMS/RUCAM) scale was found to be 8, outlining a high or
      definite probability that the ciprofloxacin was the cause of the patient's
      hepatotoxicity. A one-week course of prednisone for possible hypersensitivity
      reaction was tried; however, it proved unsuccessful. Palliative care was
      consulted, and the patient passed away shortly thereafter. CONCLUSIONS This case
      demonstrates the potential for liver failure from ciprofloxacin. Clinicians
      should evaluate the possibility of ciprofloxacin-induced hepatotoxicity in a
      patient presenting with liver injury of unknown etiology. Similarly, it is
      important to consider this significant effect when a practitioner considers
      antibiotic choice.

PMID- 27653942
TI  - Translational Aspects of the Human Respiratory Virome.
AB  - Despite the dominant role of community-acquired respiratory viruses as
      etiological agents of disease, there has been little focus to date on the
      translation of rapidly developing diagnostic modalities, such as next-generation
      sequencing techniques in the examination of lower respiratory tract samples. When
      applied, these techniques should inform strategies to both understand the nexus
      between health and disease states of the respiratory virome, and drive a paradigm
      shift in how the practicing pulmonologist views the conceptual framework of
      respiratory infections. The lower respiratory tract was once thought to be a
      sanctuary site from microbiological colonization owing to the efficacy of upper
      airway-protective mechanisms and the host mucosal barrier function of the lower
      airways, combined with both innate and adaptive immune responses. As a small
      number of recent studies confirm, this is a naive vision of the lung, the viral
      component of which parallels recent revelations from respiratory microbiome
      studies. Hence, it is now timely to revise our thinking regarding the
      constituents, diversity, and changing nature of the respiratory virome in health
      and disease. One area worthy of focus is the interface between community-acquired
      respiratory viruses and the respiratory virome to better understand the dynamics
      in acute infection, as well as the factors that may lead to viral persistence and
      chronic disease. Given recent advances in metagenomics, the tools are now at hand
      to accomplish these goals.

PMID- 27653943
TI  - "Sense-and-Treat" DNA Nanodevice for Synergetic Destruction of Circulating Tumor
      Cells.
AB  - DNA nanostrucures are promising materials for biomedical applications. Herein, we
      established a "sense-and-treat" localized drug delivery system based on a DNA
      nanodevice to specifically destroy circulating tumor cells (CTCs) by synergetic
      chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy. The DNA nanodevices could sense the
      existence of CTCs and treat CTCs with anticancer agents. Typically, the presence
      of target cell promoted the formation of hairpin structure of aptamer, and then
      the aptamer-accompanied DNA tetrahedron would release from the supporter. The
      chemotherapy drugs (doxorubicin, Dox) loaded in DNA tetrahedron would destroy the
      CTCs specifically. Moreover, the photosensitizer labeled on DNA tetrahedron would
      be activated by lights and generated toxic 1O2, once DNA nanodevices bound CTCs
      flow through the superficial capillary. Unlike the aptamer only labeled with
      photosensitizer, the DNA nanodevice showed the capability to promote cellular
      internalization of anticancer agents, increase drug loading capacity, and realize
      synergetic therapy, which enhanced the destructive ability of anticancer agents.
      As proof of concept, this DNA nanodevice has the potential to inhibit metastasis
      by synergetic destruction of CTCs.

PMID- 27653944
TI  - Information Presentation in Decision and Risk Analysis: Answered, Partly
      Answered, and Unanswered Questions.
AB  - For the last 30 years, researchers in risk analysis, decision analysis, and
      economics have consistently proven that decisionmakers employ different processes
      for evaluating and combining anticipated and actual losses, gains, delays, and
      surprises. Although rational models generally prescribe a consistent response,
      people's heuristic processes will sometimes lead them to be inconsistent in the
      way they respond to information presented in theoretically equivalent ways. We
      point out several promising future research directions by listing and detailing a
      series of answered, partly answered, and unanswered questions.

PMID- 27653945
TI  - Thrombolysis in Real Time: Demonstration of Revascularization with Intravenous
      Thrombolysis Therapy in the CT Scanner.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Administration of intravenous tissue plasminogen
      activator (tPA) in the computed tomography (CT) scanner has been recently
      implemented at our institution, as a means to decrease door-to-needle time. This
      change in protocol provided us a unique opportunity to visualize imaging signs of
      early recanalization. METHODS: We evaluated patients who presented with acute
      ischemic stroke both before and after a change in protocol for intravenous tPA
      administration. We identified 10 patients who received tPA on the CT scanner and
      22 patients who received tPA after CT imaging was complete. Early recanalization
      was defined as distal migration of thrombus or disappearance of thrombus between
      initial phases of imaging, large territory of diminished mean transit time on
      initial perfusion CT, large territory of increased cerebral blood flow on initial
      perfusion CT, and/or large territory of increased cerebral blood volume on
      initial perfusion CT. Late recanalization was defined as distal migration of
      thrombus or disappearance of thrombus between initial and follow-up imaging,
      decreased attenuation of thrombus between initial and follow-up imaging, or
      infarcted territory on follow-up imaging smaller than the cerebral blood volume
      defect on initial perfusion CT. RESULTS: In the patients who received tPA on the
      CT scanner, 20% demonstrated imaging evidence of early recanalization and 30%
      demonstrated imaging evidence of late recanalization. In the patients who
      received tPA after CT imaging, 57% demonstrated imaging evidence of late
      recanalization. CONCLUSION: Early recanalization of large-vessel occlusion after
      intravenous thrombolysis results in unique imaging findings.

PMID- 27653946
TI  - Rapid and sensitive screening and confirmation of thirty-four
      aminocarbonyl/carboxamide (NACA) and arylindole synthetic cannabinoid drugs in
      human whole blood.
AB  - We describe the development and validation of a method for the screening and
      confirmation of a range of chemically diverse synthetic cannabinoid drugs in
      human whole blood. The method targets the better known arylindole compounds as
      well as the emerging aminocarbonyl/ carboxamide (NACA) compounds. The approach
      consists of two separate extraction procedures designed to optimize recovery of
      each of these two classes, followed by analysis by liquid chromatography-tandem
      mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The most significant novel compounds added were AB
      FUBINACA, ADBICA, 5 F-ADBICA, ADB-PINACA, ADB-FUBINACA, ADB-FUBINACA, 5 F-ADB
      PINACA, 5 F-ADB-PINACA, AB-PINACA, AB-CHMINACA, and ADB-CHMINACA. A third
      procedure is described for the quantitative confirmation of those compounds for
      which deuterated internal standards permitted quantitative analysis, including
      JWH-018, JWH-122, JWH-081, JWH-210, AM-2201, XLR-11, and UR-144. The methods were
      successfully validated according to Scientific Working Group in Forensic
      Toxicology (SWGTOX) protocol for 34 compounds in common use in the United States
      in the period of 2014 and 2015, although other substances, unknown at the time
      may have been introduced to the market over the same time period. The method was
      determined to be free from carry-over between samples, and no interference was
      found from other common therapeutic abused or novel psychoactive drugs. The
      methods were applied to the analysis of 1142 blood samples from forensic
      investigations, including post-mortem examinations and driving impairment cases.
      The drugs most frequently detected were AB-CHMINACA (18.6%), ADB-CHMINACA (15%),
      XLR-11 (5.5%), AB-FUBINACA (4.5%), AB-PINACA (3.9%), and ADB-FUBINACA (2.3%).
      Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27653948
TI  - Polyglucosan Bodies in the Prostatic Stromal Smooth Muscles of Aged Dogs.
AB  - Polyglucosan bodies (PGB) in the prostate of aged dogs without neurological signs
      were examined by light microscopy, histochemistry and immunohistochemistry.
      Prostatic PGB were round or oval and slightly basophilic. Most of the bodies were
      situated within the stromal smooth muscle cells. PGB were intensely positive for
      PAS, Best's carmine, Lugol's iodine and Grocott's methenamine silver method.
      Moreover, canine prostatic PGB were immunoreactive for monoclonal antibodies
      raised against human polyglucosan. The frequency of PGB in the smooth muscle
      cells was significantly correlated with the age of dogs. The occurrence of PGB in
      the canine prostate might be a non-specific finding related to ageing.

PMID- 27653947
TI  - Persistence of Rabies Virus-Neutralizing Antibodies after Vaccination of Rural
      Population following Vampire Bat Rabies Outbreak in Brazil.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Animal control measures in Latin America have decreased the incidence
      of urban human rabies transmitted by dogs and cats; currently most cases of human
      rabies are transmitted by bats. In 2004-2005, rabies outbreaks in populations
      living in rural Brazil prompted widespread vaccination of exposed and at-risk
      populations. More than 3,500 inhabitants of Augusto Correa (Para State) received
      either post-exposure (PEP) or pre-exposure (PrEP) prophylaxis. This study
      evaluated the persistence of rabies virus-neutralizing antibodies (RVNA) annually
      for 4 years post-vaccination. The aim was to evaluate the impact of rabies PrEP
      and PEP in a population at risk living in a rural setting to help improve
      management of vampire bat exposure and provide additional data on the need for
      booster vaccination against rabies. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: This
      prospective study was conducted in 2007 through 2009 in a population previously
      vaccinated in 2005; study participants were followed-up annually. An RVNA titer
      >0.5 International Units (IU)/mL was chosen as the threshold of seroconversion.
      Participants with titers <=0.5 IU/mL or Equivalent Units (EU)/mL at enrollment or
      at subsequent annual visits received booster doses of purified Vero cell rabies
      vaccine (PVRV). Adherence of the participants from this Amazonian community to
      the study protocol was excellent, with 428 of the 509 (84%) who attended the
      first interview in 2007 returning for the final visit in 2009. The long-term RVNA
      persistence was good, with 85-88.0% of the non-boosted participants evaluated at
      each yearly follow-up visit remaining seroconverted. Similar RVNA persistence
      profiles were observed in participants originally given PEP or PrEP in 2005, and
      the GMT of the study population remained >1 IU/mL 4 years after vaccination. At
      the end of the study, 51 subjects (11.9% of the interviewed population) had
      received at least one dose of booster since their vaccination in 2005.
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: This study and the events preceding it underscore the
      need for the health authorities in rabies enzootic countries to decide on the
      best strategies and timing for the introduction of routine rabies PrEP
      vaccination in affected areas.

PMID- 27653950
TI  - Mindfulness and dermatology.

PMID- 27653949
TI  - Lay knowledge and management of malaria in Baringo county, Kenya.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Malaria, a disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus
      Plasmodium and transmitted by female anopheline mosquitoes, is a major cause of
      morbidity, mortality and loss in productivity in humans. Baringo County is prone
      to seasonal transmissions of malaria mostly in the rainy seasons. METHODS: This
      cross-sectional study used a mixed methods approach to collect data on knowledge
      and lay management of malaria. A questionnaire survey was administered to 560
      respondents while qualitative data was collected through 20 focus group
      discussions in four ecological zones covering Baringo North, Baringo South and
      Marigat sub-Counties of Baringo County. Analyses were done through summary and
      inferential statistics for quantitative data and content analysis for qualitative
      data. RESULTS: The study communities were knowledgeable of malaria signs,
      symptoms, cause and seasonality but this biomedical knowledge co-existed with
      other local perceptions. This knowledge, however, did not influence their first
      (p = 0.77) or second choice treatments (p = 0.49) and compliance to medication (p
      = 0.84). Up to 88 % of respondents reported having suffered from malaria. At the
      onset of a suspected malaria case community members reported the following: 28.9
      % visited a health facility, 37.2 % used analgesics, 26.6 % herbal treatments,
      2.2 % remnant malaria medicines, 2.2 % over the counter malaria medicines, 1 %
      traditional healers and 1.8 % other treatments. Nearly all respondents (97.8 %)
      reported visiting a health facility for subsequent treatments. Herbal treatments
      comprised of infusions and decoctions derived from roots, barks and leaves of
      plants believed to have medicinal value. Compliance to conventional malaria
      treatment regime was, however, identified as a challenge in malaria management.
      Quick relief from symptoms, undesirable qualities like drug bitterness and bad
      smell, undesirable side-effects, such as nausea and long regimen of treatment
      were some of the contributors to non-compliance. Men and women exhibited
      different health-seeking behaviours based on the cultural expectations of
      masculinity, femininity, gender roles and acceptability of health services.
      CONCLUSIONS: While knowledge of malaria is important in identifying the disease,
      it does not necessarily lead to good management practice. Treatment-seeking
      behaviour is also influenced by perceived cause, severity of disease, timing,
      anticipated cost of seeking treatment and gender, besides the availability of
      both traditional and conventional medicines.

PMID- 27653951
TI  - One-Component Dual Actuation: Poly(NIPAM) Can Actuate to Stable 3D Forms with
      Reversible Size Change.
AB  - A rare example of a one-component dual actuator is provided, which displays
      irreversible change in shape by rolling on contact with water and reversible size
      change on changing the temperature. The actuator has a bilayer structure with
      aligned and randomly oriented fibers of poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide). A
      combination of anisotropic E modulus and temperature dependent swelling/shrinkage
      provides the dual actuation.

PMID- 27653952
TI  - European Society of Cardiology 2016 Congress.

PMID- 27653953
TI  - Juxtapapillary Duodenal Diverticulum Impacted with Enterolith.
AB  - A 64-year-old man underwent abdominal computed tomography (CT) as periodic follow
      up following a distal gastrectomy with lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer and
      mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma conducted 31 months earlier.
      Contrast-enhanced CT demonstrated a well-circumscribed mass lesion with
      heterogeneous density measuring 2.2 cm in diameter located between the second
      segment of the duodenum and uncinate process of the pancreas.
      Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed no remarkable findings in the remnant
      stomach; however, the scope could not reach the duodenum due to altered anatomy
      by Roux-en-Y reconstruction after the distal gastrectomy. The patient underwent
      surgical resection of the mass lesion under the clinical diagnosis of MALT
      lymphoma relapse. An orange calculus was apparent in the thinly extended duodenal
      wall on stretching, and the hall was closed by meticulous primary suture after
      the duodenal resection. Macroscopically, the extracted calculus was solid and
      quite hard, measured 2.2 * 2.1 * 2.1 cm, and the cut surface revealed a layered
      structure in the outer areas with granulated contents in the center. Although
      duodenal diverticula are relatively common, an enterolith developing within a
      juxtapapillary duodenal diverticulum is rare, and to the best of our knowledge,
      this is the first such case due to altered anatomy after gastrectomy reported in
      the English literature.

PMID- 27653954
TI  - Xanthogranulomatous Cholecystitis.

PMID- 27653955
TI  - A New Scale for Assessing the Severity of Uncomplicated Diaper Dermatitis in
      Infants: Development and Validation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: One methodologic challenge in conducting research relating to diaper
      dermatitis (DD) is the absence of a reliable, objective, validated scale for
      assessing severity. The aim of this study was to develop and validate such a
      scale. METHODS: Scale development was based on experience of DD assessment and
      clinical and photographic data collected during the early stages of a randomized
      controlled trial of two DD treatments. The severity score is the sum of scores of
      four domains: severity of erythema and irritation, area with any DD, papules or
      pustules, and open skin. Possible scores range from 0 (clear skin) to 6
      (extensive DD including intense erythema, papules or pustules, and open skin with
      damage to the dermis). Assessors used the scale to attribute severity scores
      using high-definition photographs of infants and babies with DD. Interrater
      reliability (IRR), internal consistency, and test-retest reliability were
      considered using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), Cronbach's alpha,
      and Cohen kappa statistics. RESULTS: IRR was very good between assessors familiar
      with the scale (ICC = 0.949, p < 0.001) and between assessors unfamiliar with the
      scale (ICC = 0.850, p < 0.001). Test-retest reliability at 2 weeks was good
      (kappa = 0.603, p < 0.001). Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency was 0.702.
      Collation of photographs according to severity score revealed a visible continuum
      of DD severity, suggesting good construct validity. CONCLUSION: The newly
      developed scale appears to be easy to use, reliable, and effective in detecting
      increasing or lessening DD severity.

PMID- 27653957
TI  - Ultra-Fast Degradation of Chemical Warfare Agents Using MOF-Nanofiber Kebabs.
AB  - The threat associated with chemical warfare agents (CWAs) motivates the
      development of new materials to provide enhanced protection with a reduced
      burden. Metal-organic frame-works (MOFs) have recently been shown as highly
      effective catalysts for detoxifying CWAs, but challenges still remain for
      integrating MOFs into functional filter media and/or protective garments. Herein,
      we report a series of MOF-nanofiber kebab structures for fast degradation of
      CWAs. We found TiO2 coatings deposited via atomic layer deposition (ALD) onto
      polyamide-6 nanofibers enable the formation of conformal Zr-based MOF thin films
      including UiO-66, UiO-66-NH2 , and UiO-67. Cross-sectional TEM images show that
      these MOF crystals nucleate and grow directly on and around the nanofibers, with
      strong attachment to the substrates. These MOF-functionalized nanofibers exhibit
      excellent reactivity for detoxifying CWAs. The half-lives of a CWA simulant
      compound and nerve agent soman (GD) are as short as 7.3 min and 2.3 min,
      respectively. These results therefore provide the earliest report of MOF
      nanofiber textile composites capable of ultra-fast degradation of CWAs.

PMID- 27653956
TI  - Durum wheat seedling responses to simultaneous high light and salinity involve a
      fine reconfiguration of amino acids and carbohydrate metabolism.
AB  - Durum wheat plants are extremely sensitive to drought and salinity during
      seedling and early development stages. Their responses to stresses have been
      extensively studied to provide new metabolic targets and improving the tolerance
      to adverse environments. Most of these studies have been performed in growth
      chambers under low light [300-350 umol m-2 s-1 photosynthetically active
      radiation (PAR), LL]. However, in nature plants have to face frequent
      fluctuations of light intensities that often exceed their photosynthetic capacity
      (900-2000 umol m-2 s-1 ). In this study we investigated the physiological and
      metabolic changes potentially involved in osmotic adjustment and antioxidant
      defense in durum wheat seedlings under high light (HL) and salinity. The combined
      application of the two stresses decreased the water potential and stomatal
      conductance without reducing the photosynthetic efficiency of the plants. Glycine
      betaine (GB) synthesis was inhibited, proline and glutamate content decreased,
      while gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), amides and minor amino acids increased. The
      expression level and enzymatic activities of Delta1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate
      synthetase, asparagine synthetase and glutamate decarboxylase, as well as other
      enzymatic activities of nitrogen and carbon metabolism, were analyzed.
      Antioxidant enzymes and metabolites were also considered. The results showed that
      the complex interplay seen in durum wheat plants under salinity at LL was
      simplified: GB and antioxidants did not play a main role. On the contrary, the
      fine tuning of few specific primary metabolites (GABA, amides, minor amino acids
      and hexoses) remodeled metabolism and defense processes, playing a key role in
      the response to simultaneous stresses.

PMID- 27653958
TI  - Predicting the functional motions of p97 using symmetric normal modes.
AB  - p97 is a protein complex of the AAA+ family. Although functions of p97 are well
      understood, the mechanism by which p97 performs its unfolding activities remains
      unclear. In this work, we present a novel way of applying normal mode analysis to
      study this six-fold symmetric molecular machine. By selecting normal modes that
      are axial symmetric and give the largest movements at D1 or D2 pore residues, we
      are able to predict the functional motions of p97, which are then validated by
      experimentally observed conformational changes. Our results shed light and
      provide new understandings on several key steps of the p97 functional process
      that were previously unclear or controversial, and thus are able to reconcile
      multiple previous findings. Specifically, our results reveal that (i) a venous
      valve-like mechanism is used at D2 pore to ensure a one-way exit-only traffic of
      substrates; (ii) D1 pore remains shut during the functional process; (iii) the
      "swing-up" motion of the N domain is closely coupled with the vertical motion of
      the D1 pore along the pore axis; (iv) because of the shut D1 pore and the one-way
      traffic at D2 pore, it is highly likely that substrates enter the chamber through
      the gaps at the D1/D2 interface. The limited chamber volume inside p97 suggests
      that a substrate may be pulling out from D2 while at the same time being pulling
      in at the interface; (v) lastly, p97 uses a series of actions that alternate
      between twisting and pulling to remove the substrate. Proteins 2016; 84:1823
      1835. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27653959
TI  - Higher prevalence of wheezing and lower FEV1 and FVC percent predicted in adults
      with sickle cell anaemia: A cross-sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Respiratory symptoms including wheezing are common in
      adults with sickle cell anaemia (SCA), even in the absence of asthma. However,
      the prevalence of spirometry changes and respiratory symptoms in adults with SCA
      is unknown. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional study design, we tested the
      hypothesis that adults with SCA (cases) would have higher rates of lower airway
      obstruction and wheezing than those without SCA (controls) using the American
      Thoracic Society Division of Lung Diseases' questionnaire. Patients were adults
      with SCA aged between 18 and 65 years. Controls were consecutive unselected
      individuals without SCA who presented to an outpatient general medicine clinic.
      RESULTS: We enrolled 150 adults with SCA and 287 consecutive controls without
      SCA. The median age was 23.0 and 27.0 years for adults with and without SCA,
      respectively. Cases were more likely to report cough without a cold (35.0% vs
      18.6%, P < 0.001), lower forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1 ) % predicted
      (70.1% vs 82.1%, P = 0.001) and lower forced vital capacity (FVC) % predicted
      (67.4% vs 74.9%, P = 0.001) than controls. In the multivariable model, wheezing
      was significantly associated with SCA status (OR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.08-2.65, P =
      0.024). Similarly, FEV1 % predicted was significantly associated with SCA status
      and wheezing (P = 0.001 for both). CONCLUSION: Adults with SCA experience a
      higher rate of wheezing and impaired respiratory functions compared with controls
      from the same region.

PMID- 27653960
TI  - Systematic literature review on effectiveness of self-management support
      interventions in patients with chronic conditions and low socio-economic status.
AB  - AIM: To assess the quality of evidence and determine the effect of patient
      related and economic outcomes of self-management support interventions in
      chronically ill patients with a low socio-economic status. BACKGROUND: Integrated
      evidence on self-management support interventions in chronically ill people with
      low socio-economic status is lacking. DESIGN: Systematic literature review. DATA
      SOURCES: Cochrane database of trials, PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, PsycINFO
      and Joanna Briggs Institute Library were searched (2000-2013). Randomized
      controlled trials addressing self-management support interventions for patients
      with cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and/or chronic respiratory
      disease were included. REVIEW METHODS: Data extraction and quality assessment
      were performed by independent researchers using a data extraction form. RESULTS:
      Studies (n = 27) focused mainly on diabetes. Fourteen studies cited an underlying
      theoretical basis. Most frequently used self-management support components were
      lifestyle advice, information provision and symptom management. Problem-solving
      and goal-setting strategies were frequently integrated. Eleven studies adapted
      interventions to the needs of patients with a low socio-economic status. No
      differences were found for interventions developed based on health behaviour
      theoretical models. CONCLUSION: Limited evidence was found for self-management
      support interventions in chronically ill patients with low socio-economic status.
      Essential characteristics and component(s) of effective self-management support
      interventions for these patients could not be detected. Rigorous reporting on
      development and underlying theories in the intervention is recommended.

PMID- 27653962
TI  - Atherogenic high cholesterol/high fat diet induces TLRs-associated pulmonary
      inflammation in C57BL/6J mice.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of high cholesterol/high fat diet-induced
      hypercholesterolemia on pulmonary homeostasis of wild-type C57BL/6J mice.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six- to eight-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomly
      divided into two groups and treated with either high cholesterol/high fat diet
      (HCD, containing 20 % fat, 1.25 % cholesterol and 0.5 % sodium cholate) or a
      matching regular diet (RD, containing 4 % fat with no cholesterol and cholate
      added) for 12-16 weeks. RESULTS: Twelve to sixteen weeks after HCD diet feeding,
      hypercholesterolemia and pulmonary lipid accumulation were progressively
      exacerbated in C57BL/6J mice. Meanwhile, the HCD-fed mice showed distinctive
      signs of inflammation in the lung, which includes macrophage accumulation in
      alveolar lumen and lymphocyte infiltration around perivascular area.
      Simultaneously, the mRNA and protein expression of TLR2 and TLR4 were
      significantly up-regulated, and the translocation of NFkappaB into nucleus was
      activated in HCD-fed mice lung. In vitro, oxidized low-density lipoprotein
      (oxLDL) could directly up-regulate the expression of TLR2 and TLR4 in both A549
      and MLE-12 lung epithelial cell lines. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggested that
      high cholesterol/high fat diet-induced hypercholesterolemia could result in
      TLRs/NFkappaB pathway-associated low-grade pulmonary inflammation in C57BL/6J
      mice, which might alter the lung's immune responsiveness to a variety of
      environmental exposures.

PMID- 27653963
TI  - Differential Characteristics of Kidney Transplant Recipients According to 1-Year
      Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3a and Stage 3b Graft Function.
AB  - The outcomes of transplantation have improved, but more than 50% of kidney
      transplantation (KT) recipients are still reported to have renal function of
      chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 3 at 1 year after KT. We reviewed all 1235
      patients who received a KT in our institution between 2008 and 2012. Among these
      recipients, 77 and 289 cases were included in the estimated glomerular filtration
      rate (eGFR) at 1 year after KT 30-44 (CKD stage 3b) group and eGFR 45-59 (CKD
      stage 3a) group, respectively. Longer duration of dialysis (odds ratio [OR] =
      1.007, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.000-1.014, P = 0.047), older donors (OR =
      1.064, 95% CI, 1.031-1.098, P < 0.001), delayed graft function (OR = 3.601, 95%
      CI, 1.031-1.098, P < 0.001), BK virus infection (OR = 2.567, 95% CI, 1.242-5.305,
      P = 0.011), and pneumonia (OR = 4.451, 95% CI, 1.388-14.279, P = 0.012) were
      contributing factors to eGFR 30-44 mL/min. Especially, ureteral stricture
      occurred more frequently in eGFR 30-44 group of deceased donor KT. However, acute
      rejection was not a significant risk factor of lower eGFR. Graft survival was
      better in the eGFR 45-59 group. However, this difference was smaller in deceased
      donor KT. Infections and urologic complications are also important contributing
      factors of lower graft function in CKD stage 3. In addition, dividing CKD stage 3
      into subgroups might be more useful in living donor kidney transplantation.

PMID- 27653964
TI  - The effect of maternal exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals on fetal and
      neonatal development: A review on the major concerns.
AB  - There is a widespread exposure of general population, including pregnant women
      and developing fetuses, to the endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). These
      chemicals have been reported to be present in urine, blood serum, breast milk,
      and amniotic fluid. Endocrine disruptions induced by environmental toxicants have
      placed a heavy burden on society, since environmental exposures during critical
      periods of development can permanently reprogram normal physiological responses,
      thereby increasing susceptibility to disease later in life-a process known as
      developmental reprogramming. During development, organogenesis and tissue
      differentiation occur through a continuous series of tightly-regulated and
      precisely-timed molecular, biochemical, and cellular events. Humans may encounter
      EDCs daily and during all stages of life, from conception and fetal development
      through adulthood and senescence. Nevertheless, prenatal and early postnatal
      windows are the most critical for proper development, due to rapid changes in
      system growth. Although there are still gaps in our knowledge, currently
      available data support the urgent need for health and environmental policies
      aimed at protecting the public and, in particular, the developing fetus and women
      of reproductive age. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 108:224-242, 2016. (c) 2016
      Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27653961
TI  - Prolonged inflammatory microenvironment is crucial for pro-neoplastic growth and
      genome instability: a detailed review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Chronic inflammation can affect the normal cell homeostasis and
      metabolism by rendering the cells susceptible to genomic instability that may
      lead to uncontrolled cellular growth and proliferation ensuing tumorigenesis. The
      causal agents for inflammation may be pathogenic infections like microbial agents
      ranging from viruses to bacteria. These infections lead to DNA damage or
      disruption of normal cell metabolism and alter the genome integrity. FINDINGS: In
      this review, we have highlighted the role of recurrent infections in tumor
      microenvironment can lead to recruitment of pro-inflammatory cells, cytokines and
      growth factors to the site of inflammation. This makes the environment rich in
      cytokines, chemokines, DNA-damaging agents (ROS, RNS) and growth factors which
      activate DNA damage response pathway and help in sustained proliferation of the
      tumor cells. In any inflammatory response, the production of cytokines and
      related signaling molecules is self-regulating and limiting. But in case of
      neoplastic risk, deregulation of these factors may lead to abnormalities and
      related pathogenesis. CONCLUSION: The scope of the present review is to explore
      the probable mechanistic link and factors responsible for chronic inflammation.
      The relation between chronic inflammation and DNA damage response was further
      elucidated to understand the mechanism by which it makes the cells susceptible to
      carcinogenesis.

PMID- 27653965
TI  - The impact of rate heterogeneity on inference of phylogenetic models of trait
      evolution.
AB  - Rates of trait evolution are known to vary across phylogenies; however, standard
      evolutionary models assume a homogeneous process of trait change. These simple
      methods are widely applied in small-scale phylogenetic studies, whereas models of
      rate heterogeneity are not, so the prevalence and patterns of potential rate
      variation in groups up to hundreds of species remain unclear. The extent to which
      trait evolution is modelled accurately on a given phylogeny is also largely
      unknown because studies typically lack absolute model fit tests. We investigated
      these issues by applying both rate-static and variable-rates methods on (i) body
      mass data for 88 avian clades of 10-318 species, and (ii) data simulated under a
      range of rate-heterogeneity scenarios. Our results show that rate heterogeneity
      is present across small-scaled avian clades, and consequently applying only
      standard single-process models prompts inaccurate inferences about the generating
      evolutionary process. Specifically, these approaches underestimate rate
      variation, and systematically mislabel temporal trends in trait evolution.
      Conversely, variable-rates approaches have superior relative fit (they are the
      best model) and absolute fit (they describe the data well). We show that rate
      changes such as single internal branch variations, rate decreases and early
      bursts are hard to detect, even by variable-rates models. We also use recently
      developed absolute adequacy tests to highlight misleading conclusions based on
      relative fit alone (e.g. a consistent preference for constrained evolution when
      isolated terminal branch rate increases are present). This work highlights the
      potential for robust inferences about trait evolution when fitting flexible
      models in conjunction with tests for absolute model fit.

PMID- 27653966
TI  - Actigraphy features for predicting mobility disability in older adults.
AB  - Actigraphy has attracted much attention for assessing physical activity in the
      past decade. Many algorithms have been developed to automate the analysis
      process, but none has targeted a general model to discover related features for
      detecting or predicting mobility function, or more specifically, mobility
      impairment and major mobility disability (MMD). Men (N  =  357) and women (N  = 
      778) aged 70-89 years wore a tri-axial accelerometer (Actigraph GT3X) on the
      right hip during free-living conditions for 8.4  +/-  3.0 d. One-second epoch
      data were summarized into 67 features. Several machine learning techniques were
      used to select features from the free-living condition to predict mobility
      impairment, defined as 400 m walking speed  <0.80 m s-1. Selected features were
      also included in a model to predict the first occurrence of MMD-defined as the
      loss in the ability to walk 400 m. Each method yielded a similar estimate of 400
      m walking speed with a root mean square error of ~0.07 m s-1 and an R-squared
      values ranging from 0.37-0.41. Sensitivity and specificity of identifying slow
      walkers was approximately 70% and 80% for all methods, respectively. The top five
      features, which were related to movement pace and amount (activity counts and
      steps), length in activity engagement (bout length), accumulation patterns of
      activity, and movement variability significantly improved the prediction of MMD
      beyond that found with common covariates (age, diseases, anthropometry, etc).
      This study identified a subset of actigraphy features collected in free-living
      conditions that are moderately accurate in identifying persons with clinically
      assessed mobility impaired and significantly improve the prediction of MMD. These
      findings suggest that the combination of features as opposed to a specific
      feature is important to consider when choosing features and/or combinations of
      features for prediction of mobility phenotypes in older adults.

PMID- 27653967
TI  - Development of an optimized AAV2/5 gene therapy vector for Leber congenital
      amaurosis owing to defects in RPE65.
AB  - Leber congenital amaurosis is a group of inherited retinal dystrophies that cause
      severe sight impairment in childhood; RPE65-deficiency causes impaired rod
      photoreceptor function from birth and progressive impairment of cone
      photoreceptor function associated with retinal degeneration. In animal models of
      RPE65 deficiency, subretinal injection of recombinant adeno-associated virus
      (AAV) 2/2 vectors carrying RPE65 cDNA improves rod photoreceptor function, and
      intervention at an early stage of disease provides sustained benefit by
      protecting cone photoreceptors against retinal degeneration. In affected humans,
      administration of these vectors has resulted to date in relatively modest
      improvements in photoreceptor function, even when retinal degeneration is
      comparatively mild, and the duration of benefit is limited by progressive retinal
      degeneration. We conclude that the demand for RPE65 in humans is not fully met by
      current vectors, and predict that a more powerful vector will provide more
      durable benefit. With this aim we have modified the original AAV2/2 vector to
      generate AAV2/5-OPTIRPE65. The new configuration consists of an AAV vector
      serotype 5 carrying an optimized hRPE65 promoter and a codon-optimized hRPE65
      gene. In mice, AAV2/5-OPTIRPE65 is at least 300-fold more potent than our
      original AAV2/2 vector.

PMID- 27653969
TI  - Multiparametric Analysis of Oncology Drug Screening with Aqueous Two-Phase Tumor
      Spheroids.
AB  - Spheroids present a biologically relevant three-dimensional model of avascular
      tumors and a unique tool for discovery of anticancer drugs. Despite being used in
      research laboratories for several decades, spheroids are not routinely used in
      the mainstream drug discovery pipeline primarily due to the difficulty of mass
      producing uniformly sized spheroids and intense labor involved in handling, drug
      treatment, and analyzing spheroids. We overcome this barrier using a polymeric
      aqueous two-phase microtechnology to robotically microprint spheroids of well
      defined size in standard 384-microwell plates. We use different cancer cells and
      show that resulting spheroids grow over time and display characteristic features
      of solid tumors. We demonstrate the feasibility of robotic, high-throughput
      screening of 25 standard chemotherapeutics and molecular inhibitors against tumor
      spheroids of three different cancer cell lines. This screening uses over 7000
      spheroids to elicit high quality dose-dependent drug responses from spheroids. To
      quantitatively compare performance of different drugs, we employ a
      multiparametric scoring system using half-maximum inhibitory concentration
      (IC50), maximum inhibition (Emax), and area under the dose-response curve (AUC)
      to take into account both potency and efficacy parameters. This approach allows
      us to identify several compounds that effectively inhibit growth of spheroids and
      compromise cellular viability, and distinguish them from moderately effective and
      ineffective drugs. Using protein expression analysis, we demonstrate that
      spheroids generated with the aqueous two-phase microtechnology reliably resolve
      molecular targets of drug compounds. Incorporating this low-cost and convenient
      to-use tumor spheroid technology in preclinical drug discovery will make compound
      screening with realistic tumor models a routine laboratory technique prior to
      expensive and tedious animal tests to dramatically improve testing throughput and
      efficiency and reduce costs of drug discovery.

PMID- 27653968
TI  - Examining the Pathologic Adaptation Model of Community Violence Exposure in Male
      Adolescents of Color.
AB  - The current study examined a model of desensitization to community violence
      exposure-the pathologic adaptation model-in male adolescents of color. The
      current study included 285 African American (61%) and Latino (39%) male
      adolescents (W1 M age = 12.41) from the Chicago Youth Development Study to
      examine the longitudinal associations between community violence exposure,
      depressive symptoms, and violent behavior. Consistent with the pathologic
      adaptation model, results indicated a linear, positive association between
      community violence exposure in middle adolescence and violent behavior in late
      adolescence, as well as a curvilinear association between community violence
      exposure in middle adolescence and depressive symptoms in late adolescence,
      suggesting emotional desensitization. Further, these effects were specific to
      cognitive-affective symptoms of depression and not somatic symptoms. Emotional
      desensitization outcomes, as assessed by depressive symptoms, can occur in male
      adolescents of color exposed to community violence and these effects extend from
      middle adolescence to late adolescence.

PMID- 27653970
TI  - Association Between Levels of High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein and General
      Psychological Distress Symptoms.

PMID- 27653971
TI  - The E3 ubiquitin ligase Hace1 is required for early embryonic development in
      Xenopus laevis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: HECT domain and ankyrin repeat containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase
      1 (HACE1) regulates a wide variety of cellular processes. It has been shown that
      one of the targets of HACE1 is the GTP-bound form of the small GTPase Rac1.
      However, the role of HACE1 in early development remains unknown. RESULTS: In situ
      hybridization revealed that Xenopus laevis hace1 is specifically expressed in the
      ectoderm at the blastula and gastrula stages and in the epidermis, branchial
      arch, kidney, and central nervous system at the tailbud stage. Knockdown of hace1
      in Xenopus laevis embryos via antisense morpholino oligonucleotides led to
      defects in body axis elongation, pigment formation, and eye formation at the
      tadpole stage. Experiments with Keller sandwich explants showed that hace1
      knockdown inhibited convergent extension, a morphogenetic movement known to be
      crucial for body axis elongation. In addition, time lapse imaging of whole
      embryos during the neurula stage indicated that hace1 knockdown also delayed
      neural tube closure. The defects caused by hace1 knockdown were partly rescued by
      knockdown of rac1. Moreover, embryos expressing a constitutively active form of
      Rac1 displayed phenotypes similar to those of embryos with hace1 knocked down.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that Xenopus laevis hace1 plays an important
      role in early embryonic development, possibly via regulation of Rac1 activity.

PMID- 27653972
TI  - 24(S)-Hydroxycholesterol protects the ex vivo rat retina from injury by elevated
      hydrostatic pressure.
AB  - In the central nervous system, 24(S)-hydroxycholesterol (24(S)-HC) is an
      oxysterol synthesized from cholesterol by cholesterol 24-hydroxylase (CYP46A1)
      encoded by the cyp46a1 gene. In the present study using a rat ex vivo glaucoma
      model, we found that retinal 24(S)-HC synthesis is facilitated by pressure
      elevation. Moreover, we found that 24(S)-HC is neuroprotective against pressure
      mediated retinal degeneration. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR, ELISA, and
      immunohistochemistry revealed that elevated pressure facilitated the expression
      of cyp46a1 and CYP46A1. Immunohistochemically, the enhanced expression of CYP46A1
      was mainly observed in retinal ganglion cells (RGC). LC-MS/MS revealed that 24(S)
      HC levels increased in a pressure-dependent manner. Axonal injury and apoptotic
      RGC death induced by 75 mmHg high pressure was ameliorated by exogenously
      administered 1 MUM 24(S)-HC. In contrast, voriconazole, a CYP46A1 inhibitor, was
      severely toxic even at normobaric pressure. Under normobaric conditions, 30 MUM
      24(S)-HC was required to prevent the voriconazole-mediated retinal damage. Taken
      together, our findings indicate that 24(S)-HC is facilitated by elevated pressure
      and plays a neuroprotective role under glaucomatous conditions, while
      voriconazole, an antifungal drug, is retinotoxic. 24(S)-HC and related compounds
      may serve as potential therapeutic targets for protecting glaucomatous eyes from
      pressure-induced injuries.

PMID- 27653974
TI  - Impact of oncologist payment method on health care outcomes, costs, quality: a
      rapid review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The incidence of cancer and the cost of its treatment continue to
      rise. The effect of these dual forces is a major burden on the system of health
      care financing. One cost containment approach involves changing the way
      physicians are paid. Payers are testing reimbursement methods such as capitation
      and prospective payment while also evaluating how the changes impact health
      outcomes, resource utilization, and quality of care. The purpose of this study is
      to identify evidence related to physician payment methods' impacts, with a focus
      on cancer control. METHODS: We conducted a rapid review. This involved defining
      eligibility criteria, identifying a search strategy, performing study selection
      according to the eligibility criteria, and abstracting data from included
      studies. This process was accompanied by a gray literature search for special
      topics. RESULTS: The incentives in fee-for-service payment systems generally lead
      to health care services being applied inconsistently because providers practice
      independently with few systems in place for developing treatment protocols and
      practice reviews. This inconsistency is pronounced in cancer care because much of
      the total per patient spending occurs in the last month of life. Some insurers
      are predicting that this variation can be reduced through the use of prospective
      or bundled payments combined with decision support systems. Workload,
      recruitment, and retention are all affected by changes to physician payment
      models; effects seem to be magnified in the specialist context as their several
      extra years of training lower their overall supply. CONCLUSIONS: Experimentation
      with physician payment methods has tended to neglect cancer care providers.
      Policymakers designing cancer-focused physician reimbursement pilot programs
      should incorporate quality measurement since very ill patients may receive too
      little treatment when payment models do not cover oncologists' total costs, e.g.,
      fee-for-service systems whose prices do not account for the possible presence of
      other diseases.

PMID- 27653975
TI  - Microstructure, local dynamics, and flow behavior of colloidal suspensions with
      weak attractive interactions.
AB  - We present a comprehensive micro- and macrorheological study of the effect of
      weak depletion attraction (Psidep ~ 1-10 kBT) on dense colloidal suspensions
      stabilized by short-range repulsive interactions. We used aqueous polymer
      dispersions as model system and demonstrated the unique capabilities of multiple
      particle tracking (MPT) to disclose structural changes in such technically
      important systems exhibiting many characteristic features of hard sphere systems.
      Below the hard sphere freezing point phic, viscosity increases monotonically with
      increasing Psidep due to the transition from a fluid to a fluid/crystalline and
      finally to a gel state. Above phic, increasing attraction strength first results
      in a viscosity reduction corresponding to the formation of large, permeable
      crystals and then in a viscosity increase when a network of dense, small crystals
      forms. The fraction of the fluid and crystal phase, particle concentration in
      each phase as well as the modulus of the micro-crystals are obtained, the latter
      decreases with Psidep. Above the colloidal glass transition strong
      heterogeneities and different local particle mobility in the repulsive and
      attractive arrested states are found. Particles are trapped in the cage of
      neighboring particles rather than in an attractive potential well. The
      intermediate ergodic state exhibits uniform tracer diffusivity.

PMID- 27653976
TI  - Highly reliable wind-rolling triboelectric nanogenerator operating in a wide wind
      speed range.
AB  - Triboelectric nanogenerators are aspiring energy harvesting methods that generate
      electricity from the triboelectric effect and electrostatic induction. This study
      demonstrates the harvesting of wind energy by a wind-rolling triboelectric
      nanogenerator (WR-TENG). The WR-TENG generates electricity from wind as a
      lightweight dielectric sphere rotates along the vortex whistle substrate.
      Increasing the kinetic energy of a dielectric converted from the wind energy is a
      key factor in fabricating an efficient WR-TENG. Computation fluid dynamics (CFD)
      analysis is introduced to estimate the precise movements of wind flow and to
      create a vortex flow by adjusting the parameters of the vortex whistle shape to
      optimize the design parameters to increase the kinetic energy conversion rate. WR
      TENG can be utilized as both a self-powered wind velocity sensor and a wind
      energy harvester. A single unit of WR-TENG produces open-circuit voltage of 11.2
      V and closed-circuit current of 1.86 MUA. Additionally, findings reveal that the
      electrical power is enhanced through multiple electrode patterns in a single
      device and by increasing the number of dielectric spheres inside WR-TENG. The
      wind-rolling TENG is a novel approach for a sustainable wind-driven TENG that is
      sensitive and reliable to wind flows to harvest wasted wind energy in the near
      future.

PMID- 27653973
TI  - Decoding sORF translation - from small proteins to gene regulation.
AB  - Translation is best known as the fundamental mechanism by which the ribosome
      converts a sequence of nucleotides into a string of amino acids. Extensive
      research over many years has elucidated the key principles of translation, and
      the majority of translated regions were thought to be known. The recent discovery
      of wide-spread translation outside of annotated protein-coding open reading
      frames (ORFs) came therefore as a surprise, raising the intriguing possibility
      that these newly discovered translated regions might have unrecognized protein
      coding or gene-regulatory functions. Here, we highlight recent findings that
      provide evidence that some of these newly discovered translated short ORFs
      (sORFs) encode functional, previously missed small proteins, while others have
      regulatory roles. Based on known examples we will also speculate about putative
      additional roles and the potentially much wider impact that these translated
      regions might have on cellular homeostasis and gene regulation.

PMID- 27653977
TI  - Imagery May Arise from Associations Formed through Sensory Experience: A Network
      of Spiking Neurons Controlling a Robot Learns Visual Sequences in Order to
      Perform a Mental Rotation Task.
AB  - Mental imagery occurs "when a representation of the type created during the
      initial phases of perception is present but the stimulus is not actually being
      perceived." How does the capability to perform mental imagery arise? Extending
      the idea that imagery arises from learned associations, we propose that mental
      rotation, a specific form of imagery, could arise through the mechanism of
      sequence learning-that is, by learning to regenerate the sequence of mental
      images perceived while passively observing a rotating object. To demonstrate the
      feasibility of this proposal, we constructed a simulated nervous system and
      embedded it within a behaving humanoid robot. By observing a rotating object, the
      system learns the sequence of neural activity patterns generated by the visual
      system in response to the object. After learning, it can internally regenerate a
      similar sequence of neural activations upon briefly viewing the static object.
      This system learns to perform a mental rotation task in which the subject must
      determine whether two objects are identical despite differences in orientation.
      As with human subjects, the time taken to respond is proportional to the angular
      difference between the two stimuli. Moreover, as reported in humans, the system
      fills in intermediate angles during the task, and this putative mental rotation
      activates the same pathways that are activated when the system views physical
      rotation. This work supports the proposal that mental rotation arises through
      sequence learning and the idea that mental imagery aids perception through
      learned associations, and suggests testable predictions for biological
      experiments.

PMID- 27653978
TI  - A double-lyophilization method for the preparation of CS/GO-COOH scaffold and its
      application in blood detoxification.
AB  - The accumulation of uremic toxins in blood might induce chronic renal failure
      (CRF). The incidence of CRF was as high as 10%. The traditional therapy for CRF
      was hemodialysis, which was more effective to remove small molecules, such as
      urea and creatinine. However, this detoxification method ignored the tissue
      functional adaption due to the retention of macromolecule uremic toxins. To solve
      this problem, this paper developed a new kind of chitosan/carboxyl graphite oxide
      (CS/GO-COOH) scaffold via a double-lyophilization method. Then, this synthetic
      scaffold was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning
      electron microscope, hydrophilic test, mechanical property, and in vitro
      detoxification test. Covalent bonding and hydrogen bonding were formed,
      indicating the strong interactions between CS and GO-COOH. There were
      interconnected networks in the synthesized scaffold. The mechanical test
      suggested that the GO-2500 scaffold had excellent mechanical strength, which was
      7.41 +/- 0.82 MPa with 25% shrink. What is more, GO-2500 could totally rebound
      within 1s, after compressed to 90% shrink. The rates of GO-2500 were 1587 +/- 60
      and 246 +/- 10% according to the water uptake and retention data, respectively.
      Furthermore, the detoxification of GO-2500 to urea, creatinine, VB12, and beta2-m
      were 67.59 +/- 2.31, 39.67 +/- 2.95, 31.51 +/- 2.62, and 83.82 +/- 7.76 mg/g,
      respectively. The resulting CS/GO-COOH scaffold held great potential for the
      detoxification of uremic toxins.

PMID- 27653979
TI  - Complete mitochondrial genomes of Trisidos kiyoni and Potiarca pilula: Varied
      mitochondrial genome size and highly rearranged gene order in Arcidae.
AB  - We present the complete mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) of Trisidos kiyoni
      and Potiarca pilula, both important species from the family Arcidae (Arcoida:
      Arcacea). Typical bivalve mtDNA features were described, such as the relatively
      conserved gene number (36 and 37), a high A + T content (62.73% and 61.16%), the
      preference for A + T-rich codons, and the evidence of non-optimal codon usage.
      The mitogenomes of Arcidae species are exceptional for their extraordinarily
      large and variable sizes and substantial gene rearrangements. The mitogenome of
      T. kiyoni (19,614 bp) and P. pilula (28,470 bp) are the two smallest Arcidae
      mitogenomes. The compact mitogenomes are weakly associated with gene number and
      primarily reflect shrinkage of the non-coding regions. The varied size in Arcidae
      mitogenomes reflect a dynamic history of expansion. A significant positive
      correlation is observed between mitogenome size and the combined length of cox1
      3, the lengths of Cytb, and the combined length of rRNAs (rrnS and rrnL) (P <
      0.001). Both protein coding genes (PCGs) and tRNA rearrangements is observed in
      P. pilula and T. kiyoni mitogenomes. This analysis imply that the complicated
      gene rearrangement in mitochondrial genome could be considered as one of key
      characters in inferring higher-level phylogenetic relationship of Arcidae.

PMID- 27653980
TI  - Technique to 'Map' Chromosomal Mosaicism at the Blastocyst Stage.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to identify a technique that allows for
      comprehensive chromosome screening (CCS) of individual cells within human
      blastocysts along with the approximation of their location in the trophectoderm
      relative to the inner cell mass (ICM). This proof-of-concept study will allow for
      a greater understanding of chromosomal mosaicism at the blastocyst stage and the
      mechanisms by which mosaicism arises. One blastocyst was held by a holding
      pipette and the ICM was removed. While still being held, the blastocyst was
      further biopsied into quadrants. To separate the individual cells from the
      biopsied sections, the sections were placed in calcium/magnesium-free medium with
      serum for 20 min. A holding pipette was used to aspirate the sections until
      individual cells were isolated. Individual cells from each section were placed
      into PCR tubes and prepped for aCGH. A total of 18 cells were used for analysis,
      of which 15 (83.3%) amplified and provided a result and 3 (16.7%) did not.
      Fifteen cells were isolated from the trophectoderm; 13 (86.7%) provided an aCGH
      result, while 2 (13.3%) did not amplify. Twelve cells were euploid (46,XY), while
      1 was complex abnormal (44,XY), presenting with monosomy 7, 10, 11, 13, and 19,
      and trisomy 14, 15, and 21. A total of 3 cells were isolated from the ICM; 2 were
      euploid (46,XY) and 1 did not amplify. Here, we expand on a previously published
      technique which disassociates biopsied sections of the blastocyst into individual
      cells. Since the blastocyst sections were biopsied in regard to the position of
      the ICM, it was possible to reconstruct a virtual image of the blastocyst while
      presenting each cell's individual CCS results.

PMID- 27653981
TI  - Cerebrospinal fluid-induced retardation of amyloid beta aggregation correlates
      with Alzheimer's disease and the APOE epsilon4 allele.
AB  - Misfolding and aggregation of amyloid beta (Abeta) are key features of
      Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis, but the molecular events controlling this
      process are not known in detail. In vivo, Abeta aggregation and plaque formation
      occur in the interstitial fluid of the brain extracellular matrix. This fluid
      communicates freely with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Here, we examined the effect
      of human CSF on Abeta aggregation kinetics in relation to AD diagnosis and
      carrier status of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) epsilon4 allele, the main genetic
      risk factor for sporadic AD. The aggregation of Abeta was inhibited in the
      presence of CSF and, surprisingly, the effect was more pronounced in APOE
      epsilon4 carriers. However, by fractionation of CSF using size exclusion
      chromatography, it became evident that it was not the ApoE protein itself that
      conveyed the inhibition, since the retarding species eluted at lower volume,
      corresponding to a much higher molecular weight, than ApoE monomers. Cholesterol
      quantification and immunoblotting identified high-density lipoprotein particles
      in the retarding fractions, indicating that such particles may be responsible for
      the inhibition. These results add information to the yet unresolved puzzle on how
      the risk factor of APOE epsilon4 functions in AD pathogenesis.

PMID- 27653982
TI  - Cancer and treatment-related symptoms are associated with mobility disability in
      women with ovarian cancer: A cross-sectional study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the prevalence of symptom-related mobility disability and
      identify specific symptoms and other factors associated with mobility disability
      among a national sample of ovarian cancer (OC) survivors. METHODS: Descriptive,
      correlational secondary analysis of a National Ovarian Cancer Coalition mailed
      survey of women with a history of OC (n=713). We used the Symptom Representation
      Questionnaire (SRQ), the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI) Interference
      Scale, and medical and demographic information to determine prevalence of symptom
      related mobility disability. We constructed a multiple linear regression model to
      determine the relative contributions of specific symptoms and other factors to
      mobility disability. RESULTS: A majority of the sample (60.0%) reported symptom
      related mobility disability. Independent predictors included: > one comorbidity
      (beta=0.112, p=0.001), active OC (beta=0.111, p=0.037), abdominal bloating
      (beta=0.097, p=0.006), fatigue (beta=0.314, p<0.001), lack of appetite
      (beta=0.072, p=0.045), numbness/tingling (beta=0.134, p<0.001), and pain
      (beta=0.194, p<0.001). The model explained 41.5% of the variance in symptom
      related mobility disability (R2=0.415). Unexpectedly, age (beta=-0.028, p=0.412)
      and current chemotherapy (beta=0.107, p=0.118) were not significant predictors.
      CONCLUSIONS: Symptom-related mobility disability is common among women with OC
      and is associated with medical comorbidities, abdominal bloating, fatigue, lack
      of appetite, numbness/tingling, and pain. Longitudinal research should clarify
      the relationship of these symptoms to mobility disability and determine whether
      effective symptom management minimizes disability.

PMID- 27653985
TI  - RACK1 is required for adipogenesis.
AB  - Adipose tissue plays a critical role in metabolic diseases and the maintenance of
      energy homeostasis. RACK1 has been identified as an adaptor protein involved in
      multiple intracellular signal transduction pathways and diseases. However,
      whether it regulates adipogenesis remains unknown. Here, we reported that RACK1
      is expressed in 3T3-L1 cells and murine white adipose tissue and that RACK1
      knockdown by shRNA profoundly suppressed adipogenesis by reducing the expression
      of PPAR-gamma and C/EBP-beta. Depletion of RACK1 increased beta-catenin protein
      levels and activated Wnt signaling. Furthermore, RACK1 knockdown also suppressed
      the PI3K-Akt-mTOR-S6K signaling pathway by reducing the PI3K p85alpha, pAkt T473,
      and S6K p70. Taken together, these results demonstrate that RACK1 is a novel
      factor required for adipocyte differentiation by emerging Wnt/beta-catenin
      signaling and PI3K-Akt-mTOR-S6K signaling pathway(s).

PMID- 27653986
TI  - NaV-igating the MAP from PACAP to excitement. Focus on "Activation of MEK/ERK
      signaling contributes to the PACAP-induced increase in guinea pig cardiac neuron
      excitability".

PMID- 27653984
TI  - Defects in brainstem neurons associated with breathing and motor function in the
      Mecp2R168X/Y mouse model of Rett syndrome.
AB  - Rett Syndrome (RTT) is an X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder caused mostly by
      disruption of the MECP2 gene. Among several RTT-like mouse models, one of them is
      a strain of mice that carries an R168X point mutation in Mecp2 and resembles one
      of the most common RTT-causing mutations in humans. Although several behavioral
      defects have previously been found in the Mecp2R168X/Y mice, alterations in nerve
      cells remain unknown. Here we compare several behavioral and cellular outcomes
      between this Mecp2R168X/Y model and a widely used Mecp2Bird/Y mouse model. With
      lower body weight and shorter lifespan than their wild-type littermates, the
      Mecp2R168X/Y mice showed impairments of breathing and motor function. Thus we
      studied brainstem CO2-chemosensitive neurons and propriosensory cells that are
      associated with these two functions, respectively. Neurons in the locus coeruleus
      (LC) of both mutant strains showed defects in their intrinsic membrane
      properties, including changes in action potential morphology and excessive firing
      activity. Neurons in the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus (Me5) of both strains
      displayed a higher firing response to depolarization than their wild-type
      littermates, likely attributable to a lower firing threshold. Because the
      increased excitability in LC and Me5 neurons tends to impact the excitation
      inhibition balances in brainstem neuronal networks as well as their associated
      functions, it is likely that the defects in the intrinsic membrane properties of
      these brainstem neurons contribute to the breathing abnormalities and motor
      dysfunction. Furthermore, our results showing comparable phenotypical outcomes of
      Mecp2R168X/Y mice with Mecp2Bird/Y mice suggest that both strains are valid
      animal models for RTT research.

PMID- 27653983
TI  - Functional and molecular identification of a TASK-1 potassium channel regulating
      chloride secretion through CFTR channels in the shark rectal gland: implications
      for cystic fibrosis.
AB  - In the shark rectal gland (SRG), apical chloride secretion through CFTR channels
      is electrically coupled to a basolateral K+ conductance whose type and molecular
      identity are unknown. We performed studies in the perfused SRG with 17 K+ channel
      inhibitors to begin this search. Maximal chloride secretion was markedly
      inhibited by low-perfusate pH, bupivicaine, anandamide, zinc, quinidine, and
      quinine, consistent with the properties of an acid-sensitive, four-transmembrane,
      two-pore-domain K+ channel (4TM-K2P). Using PCR with degenerate primers to this
      family, we identified a TASK-1 fragment in shark rectal gland, brain, gill, and
      kidney. Using 5' and 3' rapid amplification of cDNA ends PCR and genomic walking,
      we cloned the full-length shark gene (1,282 bp), whose open reading frame encodes
      a protein of 375 amino acids that was 80% identical to the human TASK-1 protein.
      We expressed shark and human TASK-1 cRNA in Xenopus oocytes and characterized
      these channels using two-electrode voltage clamping. Both channels had identical
      current-voltage relationships (outward rectifying) and a reversal potential of 
      90 mV. Both were inhibited by quinine, bupivicaine, and acidic pH. The pKa for
      current inhibition was 7.75 for shark TASK-1 vs. 7.37 for human TASK-1, values
      similar to the arterial pH for each species. We identified this protein in SRG by
      Western blot and confocal immunofluorescent microscopy and detected the protein
      in SRG and human airway cells. Shark TASK-1 is the major K+ channel coupled to
      chloride secretion in the SRG, is the oldest 4TM 2P family member identified, and
      is the first TASK-1 channel identified to play a role in setting the driving
      force for chloride secretion in epithelia. The detection of this potassium
      channel in mammalian lung tissue has implications for human biology and disease.

PMID- 27653987
TI  - Alpha-synuclein measured in cerebrospinal fluid from patients with Alzheimer's
      disease, mild cognitive impairment, or healthy controls: a two year follow-up
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: alpha-Synuclein has been proposed as a potential biomarker for
      Alzheimer's disease (AD) and amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). However,
      results from alpha-synuclein measurements in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) have been
      inconclusive, and to our knowledge, longitudinal studies of changes prior to the
      AD diagnosis have not been investigated. METHODS: Levels of alpha-synuclein at
      baseline and after one and two years were measured in CSF, by enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay. Twenty-six patients with early AD (AD-AD), 48 patients with
      aMCI, subdivided as 23 that developed AD during follow-up (MCI-AD), and 25 that
      did not (MCI-MCI), and 25 healthy control individuals, were included. One-way
      ANOVA was applied to compare mean alpha-synuclein baseline values between all
      four study groups, and a linear mixed model was used to compare mean change over
      time between the three patient groups. Linear associations between alpha
      synuclein and amyloid-beta 1-42 (Abeta42), amyloid-beta 1-40 (Abeta40), total tau
      and phosphorylated tau were also examined. RESULTS: A large variation in
      individual alpha-synuclein CSF levels was observed, particularly in the MCI-AD
      group. No significant differences were found in mean alpha-synuclein levels
      between all the study groups at baseline. When using a linear mixed model, no
      significant differences were found at follow-up for estimated mean changes
      between the patient groups. MCI-AD patients with short duration of symptoms prior
      to inclusion in the study (<=2 years) had considerably higher mean CSF alpha
      synuclein levels compared to patients with a longer symptom duration (802.2 vs.
      442.8 pg/mL, p = 0.01). No such difference was seen in the MCI-MCI or AD-AD
      groups. Significant linear associations (p < 0.0005) between alpha-synuclein and
      Abeta40, total tau and phosphorylated tau were found. CONCLUSION: The observed
      difference in mean CSF alpha-synuclein level according to duration of symptoms in
      the MCI-AD group, may be an indication of changes related to disease progression.
      However, the lack of significant differences between groups, as well as the large
      individual variation in CSF levels of alpha-synuclein in the present study,
      suggest that alpha-synuclein is not a useful biomarker for AD.

PMID- 27653988
TI  - Transitioning From Cigarettes to Electronic Cigarettes Increases Alcohol
      Consumption.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) are a nicotine delivery device that
      have recently been linked to alcohol use. Many individuals that smoke cigarettes
      transition to e-cigs as an alternative to cigarette use, despite potential
      negative health effects of e-cigs. No research to date has examined how former
      smokers that have transitioned to e-cigs differ from former smokers that do not
      use e-cigs, particularly in relation to alcohol use. Further, no research has
      examined how former smokers that use e-cigs regularly or socially may differ in
      alcohol consumption. METHOD: Using an online community dwelling sample (Former
      smokers N = 198, mean age = 34.70, SD = 11.45, 56.1% female, 78.3% Caucasian,
      37.9% e-cig users), the present study assessed smoking status and alcohol use,
      with the latter assessed using a timeline followback calendar and the alcohol use
      disorder identification test (AUDIT). RESULTS: In all former smokers, total
      drinks (b = 4.01, p = 0.02) and average drinks per drinking day (b = 0.61, p
      =.01) were both related to e-cig use status, with e-cig users reporting higher
      alcohol consumption. Among e-cig using former smokers, social users, but not
      regular users, showed positive relationships with AUDIT scores, b = 1.90, p =.02,
      total drinks, b = 9.12, p <.001, average drinks, b = 0.98, p =.006, and hazardous
      drinking status, OR = 3.21, p =.01. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that: (1)
      former smokers who use e-cigs may have a potential for higher alcohol use; and
      (2) those who use e-cigs socially may be at heightened risk for hazardous
      patterns of alcohol consumption. This should be taken into consideration by
      healthcare providers.

PMID- 27653990
TI  - The use of carbon dioxide angiography for renal sympathetic denervation: a
      technical report.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Hypertension is the leading attributable cause of cardiovascular
      mortality worldwide. Patients with hypertension have multiple comorbidities
      including high rates of concomitant renal disease. Current pharmacological
      approaches are inadequate in the treatment of resistant hypertension. Renal
      sympathetic denervation (RDN) has been shown to effectively treat resistant
      hypertension. The traditional use of iodinated contrast in RDN is contraindicated
      in patients with significant renal insufficiency. In patients with renal
      impairment, carbon dioxide (CO2) can be used as an alternative contrast material
      for RDN. This article describes the technical aspects of RDN using CO2
      angiography. METHODS: Our centre is experienced in the innovative RDN procedure
      using CO2 angiography. We describe the protocol for CO2 angiography for RDN using
      a home-made CO2 delivery system and the SymplicityTM (Minneapolis MN 55432 USA)
      catheter (Medtronic) device. RESULTS: CO2 angiography is an excellent alternative
      to iodinated contrast for RDN procedures. CONCLUSION: CO2 angiography for RDN is
      a safe and effective alternative to iodinated contrast. RDN using CO2 angiography
      is an easy and feasible procedure that can be used in patients with renal
      insufficiency or iodinated contrast allergies. Advances in knowledge: There is a
      paucity of descriptive reports for CO2 angiography for RDN and we provide details
      of the optimal protocol for the procedure. In particular, we describe the use of
      a Symplicity SpyralTM catheter (Medtronic), which has not been reported to date
      for use in this procedure.

PMID- 27653991
TI  - Language lateralization of a bilingual person with epilepsy using a combination
      of fMRI and neuropsychological assessment findings.
AB  - This report describes the findings of language functional magnetic resonance
      imaging (fMRI) in a left-handed Urdu and English speaker with right hemisphere
      originating epilepsy and unclear language dominance. fMRI is a reliable method
      for determining hemispheric language dominance in presurgical planning. However,
      the effects of bilingualism on language activation depend on many factors
      including age of acquisition and proficiency in the tested language, and
      morphological properties of the language itself. This case demonstrates that
      completing fMRI in both spoken languages and interpreting the results within the
      context of a neuropsychological assessment are essential in arriving at accurate
      conclusions about language distribution in bilingual patients.

PMID- 27653992
TI  - Generalized Potential Energy Finite Elements for Modeling Molecular
      Nanostructures.
AB  - The potential energy of molecules and nanostructures is commonly calculated in
      the molecular mechanics formalism by superimposing bonded and nonbonded atomic
      energy terms, i.e. bonds between two atoms, bond angles involving three atoms,
      dihedral angles involving four atoms, nonbonded terms expressing the Coulomb and
      Lennard-Jones interactions, etc. In this work a new, generalized numerical
      simulation is presented for studying the mechanical behavior of three-dimensional
      nanostructures at the atomic scale. The energy gradient and Hessian matrix of
      such assemblies are usually computed numerically; a potential energy finite
      element model is proposed herein where these two components are expressed
      analytically. In particular, generalized finite elements are developed that
      express the interactions among atoms in a manner equivalent to that invoked in
      simulations performed based on the molecular dynamics method. Thus, the global
      tangent stiffness matrix for any nanostructure is formed as an assembly of the
      generalized finite elements and is directly equivalent to the Hessian matrix of
      the potential energy. The advantages of the proposed model are identified in
      terms of both accuracy and computational efficiency. In the case of popular force
      fields (e.g., CHARMM), the computation of the Hessian matrix by implementing the
      proposed method is of the same order as that of the gradient. This analysis can
      be used to minimize the potential energy of molecular systems under nodal loads
      in order to derive constitutive laws for molecular systems where the entropy and
      solvent effects are neglected and can be approximated as solids, such as double
      stranded DNA nanostructures. In this context, the sequence dependent stretch
      modulus for some typical base pairs step is calculated.

PMID- 27653994
TI  - Synthetic Biology: Innovative approaches for pharmaceutics and drug delivery.

PMID- 27653993
TI  - Higher education in gerontology: A comparison of master's programs in Japan,
      Taiwan, and Turkey.
AB  - As of 2015, there is only one master's program of gerontology acknowledged by
      each of the following countries: Japan, Taiwan, and Turkey. All three programs
      have fewer than 15 years of history. These three countries differ in society
      types based on the proportion of older adults, rate of population aging, and
      population size. However, in terms of gerontological education, they seem to
      share great commonalities. Common challenges are a lack of awareness of the field
      of gerontology, insufficient numbers of gerontology programs and faculty members
      to produce trained gerontologists within society, and the inadequacy of
      opportunities for trained gerontologists to play an active role in various
      fields. This study intends not only to compare the differences and similarities
      among three countries and programs, but also to elucidate characteristics of a
      unique gerontology program in each country and identify challenges and
      possibilities from the perspective of gerontological educators.

PMID- 27653995
TI  - Residue Analysis of Benzobicyclon in Soil and Sediment Samples by Ultra High
      Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry.
AB  - A reliable and rapid method was developed to determine benzobicyclon residue in
      different soil and sediment samples. After extraction via a modified quick, easy,
      cheap, effective, rugged, and safe method, samples were purified by SPE cleanup
      with HLB cartridges. Quantitative determination was performed by ultra-HPLC
      (UPLC)-tandem MS (MS/MS) in electrospray positive ionization and multiple
      reaction monitoring modes. When samples were fortified at concentrations of 5,
      50, and 500 ug/L, recoveries of 80.2 to 114.5% were obtained, with the
      repeatability (intraday RSDr) and reproducibility (interday RSDR) <14.1 and
      <21.4%, respectively. The instrumental LODs and LOQs for matrix-matched standards
      and the method LOQs for sample test were 0.19-1.34 MUg/L, 0.64-4.48 MUg/L, and
      0.32-2.24 MUg/kg, respectively. The linear range was 5-1000 MUg/L (R2 > 0.99).
      The established UPLC-MS/MS method was applied in the detection of benzobicyclon
      in real soil samples, which were collected during the supervised field trial.
      Results showed that the maximum concentration of benzobicyclon in the soil was
      4.87 mg/kg and its degradation half-life (t0.5) was 6.7 days. Generally, the
      proposed method could be an effective tool for controlling and monitoring the
      risks posed by benzobicyclon to human health and environmental safety.

PMID- 27653996
TI  - Comment on "Multiple Independent Binding Sites for Small-Molecule Inhibitors on
      the Oncoprotein c-Myc".

PMID- 27653998
TI  - Special Section Guest Editorial:Clinical near-infrared spectroscopy and imaging
      of the brain.

PMID- 27653997
TI  - Soft Surfaces for Fast Characterization and Positioning of Scanning
      Electrochemical Microscopy Nanoelectrode Tips.
AB  - The testing of nanoelectrode tips for scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM)
      is a slow and cumbersome task that often results in untimely electrode breakage
      due to crashing against a substrate. Here, we evaluated approach curves of nano-
      and microelectrodes to soft surfaces using SECM for a rapid and more convenient
      characterization and positioning protocol. Soft surfaces consisted of either a
      submerged argon bubble or a thin polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) layer. While
      approach curves to Ar bubbles in the presence of a surfactant were promising for
      the characterization of microelectrode tips, their performance with
      nanoelectrodes was deficient. In contrast, approach curves to PDMS films allowed
      the rapid positioning of nanoelectrodes as small as 30 nm radius at speeds up to
      5 MUm/s without the risk of breakage. The nanoelectrodes were able to approach
      the polymer films multiple times without affecting their electrochemical
      performance. Furthermore, using a half-coated substrate with PDMS, nanoelectrodes
      could be retracted and positioned very close to the bare, hard substrate for
      characterization with traditional approach curves. We estimate time savings on
      tip characterization/positioning on the order of 10- to 100-fold. This simple
      procedure is easily implemented without the requirement of additional devices
      supplementing existing commercial SECM instruments.

PMID- 27653999
TI  - Comprehensive vascular imaging using optical coherence tomography-based
      angiography and photoacoustic tomography.
AB  - Studies have proven the relationship between cutaneous vasculature abnormalities
      and dermatological disorders, but to image vasculature noninvasively <italic<in
      vivo</italic<, advanced optical imaging techniques are required. In this study,
      we imaged a palm of a healthy volunteer and three subjects with cutaneous
      abnormalities with photoacoustic tomography (PAT) and optical coherence
      tomography with angiography extension (OCTA). Capillaries in the papillary dermis
      that are too small to be discerned with PAT are visualized with OCTA. From our
      results, we speculate that the PA signal from the palm is mostly from hemoglobin
      in capillaries rather than melanin, knowing that melanin concentration in volar
      skin is significantly smaller than that in other areas of the skin. We present
      for the first time OCTA images of capillaries along with the PAT images of the
      deeper vessels, demonstrating the complementary effective imaging depth range and
      the visualization capabilities of PAT and OCTA for imaging human skin <italic<in
      vivo</italic<. The proposed imaging system in this study could significantly
      improve treatment monitoring of dermatological diseases associated with cutaneous
      vasculature abnormalities.

PMID- 27654000
TI  - Guidelines for the Management of Severe Traumatic Brain Injury, Fourth Edition.
AB  - The scope and purpose of this work is 2-fold: to synthesize the available
      evidence and to translate it into recommendations. This document provides
      recommendations only when there is evidence to support them. As such, they do not
      constitute a complete protocol for clinical use. Our intention is that these
      recommendations be used by others to develop treatment protocols, which
      necessarily need to incorporate consensus and clinical judgment in areas where
      current evidence is lacking or insufficient. We think it is important to have
      evidence-based recommendations to clarify what aspects of practice currently can
      and cannot be supported by evidence, to encourage use of evidence-based
      treatments that exist, and to encourage creativity in treatment and research in
      areas where evidence does not exist. The communities of neurosurgery and neuro
      intensive care have been early pioneers and supporters of evidence-based medicine
      and plan to continue in this endeavor. The complete guideline document, which
      summarizes and evaluates the literature for each topic, and supplemental
      appendices (A-I) are available online at
      https://www.braintrauma.org/coma/guidelines.

PMID- 27654001
TI  - Supplemental Feedings for High-Risk Preterm Infants.

PMID- 27654003
TI  - The Clinical Significance of MiR-429 as a Predictive Biomarker in Colorectal
      Cancer Patients Receiving 5-Fluorouracil Treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) based treatment is the standard therapy for
      metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC), but the development of chemoresistance is
      inevitable. Increasing evidence shows that dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) is
      involved in malignant transformation. Thus, it is imperative that we find new
      diagnostic and prognostic marker for chemotherapy in CRC. MATERIAL AND METHODS
      For clinical parameter analysis, 78 CRC tissues and adjacent normal tissues and
      45 serum specimens from CRC patients were included in this study. For chemo
      response analysis, 116 primary tissues were collected from the patients receiving
      first-line 5-FU treatment. Quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to
      detect microRNAs expression. RESULTS The expression of miR-429 was significantly
      increased in both serum and primary tissues from CRC patients, and enhanced miR
      429 level was associated with tumor size, lymph node metastasis, and TNM stage.
      The diagnostic and prognostic values were also confirmed in CRC by using primary
      tissues. For patients receiving 5-FU-based treatment, miR-429 levels were
      significantly lower in responding group. The proportions of patients that did not
      experience response to therapy were higher in primary tumors with high miR-429
      expression levels as compared with primary tumors with low miR-429 expression
      levels. Finally, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that miR-429 is an
      independent prognostic indicator for chemo-response to 5-FU therapy among CRC
      patients. CONCLUSIONS High level of miR-429 expression was correlated with
      enhanced malignant potential and poor prognosis of CRC patients. Furthermore, miR
      429 could affect the chemo-sensitivity of CRC patients to 5-FU therapy and was
      associated with poor response to 5-FU-based chemotherapy in patients with CRC.

PMID- 27654002
TI  - 2016 Update on Medical Overuse: A Systematic Review.
AB  - Importance: Overuse of medical care is an increasingly recognized problem in
      clinical medicine. Objective: To identify and highlight original research
      articles published in 2015 that are most likely to reduce overuse of medical
      care, organized into 3 categories: overuse of testing, overtreatment, and
      questionable use of services. The articles were reviewed and interpreted for
      their importance to clinical medicine. Evidence Review: A structured review of
      English-language articles on PubMed published in 2015 and review of tables of
      contents of relevant journals to identify potential articles that related to
      medical overuse in adults. Findings: Between January 1, 2015, and December 31,
      2015, we reviewed 1445 articles, of which 821 addressed overuse of medical care.
      Of these, 112 were deemed most relevant based on their originality, methodologic
      quality, and number of patients potentially affected. The 10 most influential
      articles were selected by consensus using the same criteria. Findings included a
      doubling of specialty referrals and advanced imaging for simple headache (from
      6.7% in 2000 to 13.9% in 2010); unnecessary hospital admission for low-risk
      syncope, often leading to adverse events; and overly frequent colonoscopy
      screening for 34% of patients. Overtreatment was common in the following areas: 1
      in 4 patients with atrial fibrillation at low risk for thromboembolism received
      anticoagulation; 94% of testosterone replacement therapy was administered off
      guideline recommendations; 91% of patients resumed taking opioids after overdose;
      and 61% of patients with diabetes were treated to potentially harmfully low
      hemoglobin A1c levels (<7%). Findings also identified medical practices to
      question, including questionable use of treatment of acute low-back pain with
      cyclobenzaprine and oxycodone/acetaminophen; of testing for Clostridium difficile
      with molecular assays; and serial follow-up of benign thyroid nodules.
      Conclusions and Relevance: The number of articles on overuse of medical care
      nearly doubled from 2014 to 2015. The present review promotes reflection on the
      top 10 articles and may lead to questioning other non-evidence-based practices.

PMID- 27654005
TI  - Molecular Architecture and Symmetry Properties of 1,3-Alternate Calix[4]arenes
      with Orientable Groups at the Para Position of the Phenolic Rings.
AB  - Two glycoclusters constituted by four fully acetylated beta-acetylmannosamine
      residues linked through trimethylenethioureido spacers to a calix[4]arene core
      and differing for the presence of methoxy or propoxy groups at the lower rim were
      synthesized. One of the two compounds is fixed in the 1,3-alternate geometry by
      the presence of the propoxy groups, while the other is potentially free to assume
      one of the different geometries allowed in calix[4]arene. Their similar NMR
      spectra in chloroform clearly suggest the same 1,3-alternate geometry. Both
      compounds were submitted to a conformational investigation with the DFT approach
      at the standard B3LYP/6-31G(d) level. The two glycocalixarenes showed a large
      conformational preference for the same geometry that put the mannosamine moiety
      of one substituent close to the thioureido group of the opposite substituent.
      This allows the formation of intramolecular hydrogen bonds and originates a
      series of through-space close contacts. A comparison with the NOESY maps evidence
      an excellent correspondence between experimental and theoretical data, thus
      giving an experimental validation of the highly symmetrical conformation that the
      two glycocalixarenes assume in apolar solvents.

PMID- 27654004
TI  - Environment, Global Climate Change, and Cardiopulmonary Health.

PMID- 27654006
TI  - Highly Stretchable and Conductive Copper Nanowire Based Fibers with Hierarchical
      Structure for Wearable Heaters.
AB  - Wearable heaters have been increasingly attracting researchers' great interest
      due to their efficient utility in maintaining warmth and in thermotherapy.
      Nowadays carbon nanomaterials and metallic nanowires tend to become the
      mainstream heating elements in wearable heaters considering their excellent
      electrical and mechanical properties. Though considerable progress has been made,
      there still exist challenging issues that need to be addressed in practical
      applications, including bad breathability and poor endurance to mechanical
      deformations. Here, we devise a copper nanowire based composite fiber with a
      unique hierarchical structure. This fiber possesses not only excellent heating
      performance, but also fantastic tolerance to mechanical impact, such as bending,
      twisting, and stretching. We further weave these fibers into a wearable heating
      fabric and realize smart personal heating management through an Android phone by
      integrating with a microcontroller unit. Two practical applications are
      demonstrated including a heating kneepad for articular thermotherapy and a
      heating coat on an infant model for maintaining warmth.

PMID- 27654007
TI  - Part II: Quantitative Evaluation of Choices Used in Setting Noncancer Chronic
      Human Health Reference Values Across Organizations.
AB  - Environmental and public health organizations, including the World Health
      Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), develop
      human health reference values (HHRV) that set "safe" levels of exposure to
      noncarcinogens. Here, we systematically analyze chronic HHRVs from four
      organizations: USEPA, Health Canada, RIVM (the Netherlands), and the U.S. Agency
      for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. This study is an extension of our
      earlier work and both closely examines the choices made in setting HHRVs and
      presents a quantitative method for identifying the primary factors influencing
      HHRV agreement or disagreement.(1) We evaluated 171 organizational comparisons,
      developing a quantitative method for identifying the factors to which HHRV
      agreement (that is, when both organizations considering the same data set the
      identical HHRV values) is most sensitive. To conduct this analysis, a Bayesian
      belief network was built using expert judgment, including the specific science
      policy choices analysis made in the context of setting an HHRV. Based on a
      sensitivity of findings analysis, HHRV agreement is most sensitive to the point
      of departure value, followed by the total uncertainty factor (UF), critical
      study, critical effect, animal model, and point of departure approach. This
      analysis also considered the specific impacts of individual UFs, with the
      database UF and the subchronic-to-chronic UF being identified as primary factors
      impacting the total UF differences observed across organizations. The sensitivity
      of findings analysis results were strengthened and confirmed by frequency
      analyses evaluating which choices most often disagreed when the HHRV and the
      total UF disagreed.

PMID- 27654008
TI  - Pre-contact by telephone increases response rates to postal questionnaires in a
      population of stroke patients: an open ended randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A follow-up study on a cohort of stroke patients through a postal
      survey questionnaire 3 and 12 months after discharge from hospital was performed.
      The response rate at 3-months follow-up was lower than desired, and pre-contact
      by phone as a measure for increasing the response rate at 12 months was studied.
      METHODS: The study design was a randomized controlled trial on a cohort of 3
      months follow-up-non-responders where the intervention group was pre-contacted
      with an aim to obtain an informal 'consent to receive' the questionnaire before
      the 12-months survey was mailed, and the control group was not. The primary
      outcome was 45 days response rate; secondary outcome was 365 days response rate.
      The main analysis followed the intention to treat principle. A secondary, per
      protocol analysis (i.e. subjects who were not reached by phone were reassigned to
      the control group) is included. Also included is a rudimentary cost-utility
      analysis, where we estimated the cost per additional response. RESULTS: Of the
      235 subjects, 116 were randomized to the intervention group and 119 to the
      control group. 10 were excluded due to death (7 in the IG and 3 in the CG), 6 due
      to dementia (3 in the IG and 3 in the CG), and 2 (1 in the IG and 1 in the CG)
      for other reasons. The primary outcome was a response rate of 42.9 % in the
      intervention group, and 26.8 % in the control group, giving p =0.014, with
      estimated OR of 2.04 (95 % CI [1.16,3.64]). The secondary outcome had p =0.009
      with OR 2.10 (95 % CI [1.20,3.70]). The as-per-protocol analyses gave stronger
      results with p =0.001 and p =0.003, respectively. The cost-utility analysis gave
      a time cost of 1 working hour per additional response. CONCLUSIONS: The results
      are in line with previous research, and show that pre-contact has a positive
      effect on response rate also for a population of elderly with reduced health.
      Given the importance of high response rate in surveys, a cost of 1 working hour
      per additional response is likely to be worth while. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      Registration with ISRCTN initiated on 05/21/2013 and finalised on 06/30/2014 with
      http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN31304930 . Following the prospective submission in
      May 2013, there were no subsequent changes to the protocol. The recruitment
      started on 01/06/13, after initiation of public registration.

PMID- 27654009
TI  - Ferumoxytol negatively enhances T2 -weighted MRI of pedal osteomyelitis in vivo.

PMID- 27654010
TI  - A methodology for constraining power in finite element modeling of radiofrequency
      ablation.
AB  - Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive thermal therapy for the
      treatment of cancer, hyperopia, and cardiac tachyarrhythmia. In RFA, the power
      delivered to the tissue is a key parameter. The objective of this study was to
      establish a methodology for the finite element modeling of RFA with constant
      power. Because of changes in the electric conductivity of tissue with
      temperature, a nonconventional boundary value problem arises in the mathematic
      modeling of RFA: neither the voltage (Dirichlet condition) nor the current
      (Neumann condition), but the power, that is, the product of voltage and current
      was prescribed on part of boundary. We solved the problem using Lagrange
      multiplier: the product of the voltage and current on the electrode surface is
      constrained to be equal to the Joule heating. We theoretically proved the
      equality between the product of the voltage and current on the surface of the
      electrode and the Joule heating in the domain. We also proved the well-posedness
      of the problem of solving the Laplace equation for the electric potential under a
      constant power constraint prescribed on the electrode surface. The Pennes bioheat
      transfer equation and the Laplace equation for electric potential augmented with
      the constraint of constant power were solved simultaneously using the Newton
      Raphson algorithm. Three problems for validation were solved. Numerical results
      were compared either with an analytical solution deduced in this study or with
      results obtained by ANSYS or experiments. This work provides the finite element
      modeling of constant power RFA with a firm mathematical basis and opens pathway
      for achieving the optimal RFA power.

PMID- 27654011
TI  - Targeted Tumor Therapy Based on Nanodiamonds Decorated with Doxorubicin and Folic
      Acid.
AB  - The fabrication of nanodiamond (ND)-based drug carriers for tumor-targeted drug
      delivery is described. The ND clusters with an average size of 52.84 nm are
      fabricated using a simple fluidic device combined with a precipitation method and
      then conjugated with folic acid (FA) and doxorubicin (Dox) via carbodiimide
      chemistry to obtain FA/Dox-modified ND (FA/Dox-ND) clusters. Cell culture
      experiments revealed that KB (folate receptor-positive) cells are preferentially
      ablated by FA/Dox-ND clusters compared to A549 (folate receptor-negative) cells.
      In vivo results revealed that FA/Dox-ND clusters are specifically accumulated in
      tumor tissues after intravenous injection into tumor-bearing mice, effectively
      reducing the volume of tumor. Based on these results, this study suggests that
      FA/Dox-ND clusters can be a good candidate as tumor-targeted nanovehicles for
      delivery of antitumor drug.

PMID- 27654013
TI  - Pericardium: structure and function in health and disease.
AB  - Normal pericardium consists of an outer sac called fibrous pericardium and an
      inner one called serous pericardium. The two layers of serous pericardium:
      visceral and parietal are separated by the pericardial cavity, which contains 20
      to 60 mL of the plasma ultrafiltrate. The pericardium acts as mechanical
      protection for the heart and big vessels, and a lubrication to reduce friction
      between the heart and the surrounding structures. A very important role in all
      aspects of pericardial functions is played by mesothelial cells. The mesothelial
      cells form a monolayer lining the serosal cavity and play an important role in
      antigen presentation, inflammation and tissue repair, coagulation and
      fibrinolysis. The two major types of mesothelial cells, flat or cuboid, differ
      substantially in their ultrastructure and, probably, functions. The latter
      display abundant microvilli, RER, Golgi dense bodies, membrane-bound vesicles and
      intracellular vacuoles containing electron-dense material described as dense
      bodies. The normal structure and functions of the pericardium determine correct
      healing after its injury as a result of surgery or microbial infection. The
      unfavorable resolution of acute or chronic pericarditis leads to the formation of
      adhesions between pericardial leaflets which may lead to serious complications.

PMID- 27654012
TI  - A randomized, open-label, multicenter study of the efficacy and safety of
      intravesical hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate versus dimethyl sulfoxide in
      women with bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis.
AB  - AIMS: Intravesical instillation of hyaluronic acid (HA) plus chondroitin sulfate
      (CS) in women with bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) has shown
      promising results. This study compared the efficacy, safety, and costs of
      intravesical HA/CS (Ialuril(r) , IBSA) to dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). METHODS:
      Randomized, open-label, multicenter study involving 110 women with BPS/IC. The
      allocation ratio (HA/CS:DMSO) was 2:1. Thirteen weekly instillations of HA
      (1.6%)/CS (2.0%) or 50% DMSO were given. Patients were evaluated at 3 (end-of
      treatment) and 6 months. Primary endpoint was reduction in pain intensity at 6
      months by visual analogue scale (VAS) versus baseline. Secondary efficacy
      measurements were quality of life and economic analyses. RESULTS: A significant
      reduction in pain intensity was observed at 6 months in both treatment groups
      versus baseline (P < 0.0001) in the intention-to-treat population. Treatment with
      HA/CS resulted in a greater reduction in pain intensity at 6 months compared with
      DMSO for the per-protocol population (mean VAS reduction 44.77 +/- 25.07 vs.
      28.89 +/- 31.14, respectively; P = 0.0186). There were no significant differences
      between treatment groups in secondary outcomes. At least one adverse event was
      reported in 14.86% and 30.56% of patients in the HA/CS and DMSO groups,
      respectively. There were significantly fewer treatment-related adverse events for
      HA/CS versus DMSO (1.35% vs. 22.22%; P = 0.001). Considering direct healthcare
      costs, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of HA/CS versus DMSO fell between
      3735?/quality-adjusted life years (QALY) and 8003?/QALY. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment
      with HA/CS appears to be as effective as DMSO with a potentially more favorable
      safety profile. Both treatments increased health-related quality of life, while
      HA/CS showed a more acceptable cost-effectiveness profile.

PMID- 27654015
TI  - Lymphangioinvasion in routine H&E staining is strongly associated with poor
      clinical outcome in lymph node-negative cutaneous melanoma patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Lymphatic invasion (LYI) and lymphangiogenesis in the primary tumor
      are important processes related to the dissemination of neoplasms. The aim of the
      study was to examine the relationship of LYI status in cutaneous melanoma with
      patient survival and clinicopathological data. MATERIAL AND METHODS: LYI status
      was assessed in 104 hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) stained melanoma primary tumor
      samples and analyzed in relation to patient survival and other
      clinicopathological and histopathological characteristics. RESULTS: LYI was found
      in 30 (28.8%) patients. It was observed more frequently in ulcerated,
      proliferating, and thicker tumors. It correlated with the presence of sentinel
      lymph node, regional and distant metastases. The presence of LYI significantly
      correlated with shorter overall survival, cancer specific overall survival and
      disease-free survival in Kaplan-Meier analysis (all P < 0.001). Positive LYI
      status was a factor of unfavorable prognosis also in patients without regional
      lymph node metastases. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support earlier observations that
      LYI is a powerful prognostic factor. We recommend an assessment of LYI status
      during routine review of cutaneous melanoma slides stained with H&E as a
      standard, potentially informative, yet economically beneficial procedure.

PMID- 27654014
TI  - Distribution and expression of SLC45A2 in the skin of sheep with different coat
      colors.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: To investigate whether the membrane-associated transporter protein
      SLC45A2 is differentially expressed in the skin of sheep with different coat
      colors and to determine its correlation with coat color establishment in sheep.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: The expression of SLC45A2 in sheep skin samples with
      different coat colors was qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed by PCR
      amplification, RT-PCR, immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting.
      RESULTS: A 193-bp SLC45A2 CDS sequence was successfully amplified from sheep skin
      samples with diverse coat colors. RT-PCR analysis revealed that SLC45A2 mRNA was
      expressed in all sheep skin samples tested, with relative expression levels of
      512.74 +/- 121.51 in black skin, 143.38 +/- 119.31 and 1.36 +/- 0.09 in black
      dots and white dots of piebald skin, respectively, and 1.02 +/- 0.23 in white
      skin (p < 0.01**). Positive SLC45A2 protein bands were also detected in all skin
      samples by Western blot analysis, with relative expression levels of 0.85 +/- +/-
      0.17** in black skin, 0.60 +/- 0.05** and 0.34 +/- 0.07 in black dots and white
      dots of piebald skin, respectively, and 0.20 +/- 0.05 in white skin (p < 0.01**).
      Immunohistochemical assays revealed that SLC45A2 was expressed in the hair
      follicle matrix, the inner and outer root sheath, and the dermal papilla in the
      skin tissues with different coat colors. These patterns were quantified by
      optical density (OD) analysis, which yielded relative expression levels of 0.23
      +/- 0.11 in black skin, 0.19 +/- 0.09 and 0.10 +/- 0.03 in black dots and white
      dots of piebald skin, respectively, and 0.08 +/- 0.01 in white skin (p < 0.05*).
      CONCLUSION: SLC45A2 is detectably expressed in sheep skin of all coat colors,
      though at significantly different levels. SLC45A2 may participate in the
      establishment of coat color by regulating the synthesis and trafficking of
      melanin.

PMID- 27654016
TI  - The effect of femoral nerve block on fracture healing via expressions of growth
      factors and beta-catenin.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Many patients of all ages are admitted to hospital due to bone
      fractures. The etiology of fracture has a very wide spectrum, ranging from motor
      accidents to pathological conditions such as tumors, osteoporosis, and others.
      Bone fracture healing is a well-programmed and well-organized process, but is
      also long and intractable. The outcome of this process is therefore affected by
      many factors, such as the patient's age, ethnicity, nutritional status, and
      extent of the fracture. At present, regional analgesic techniques are frequently
      applied in order to avoid the complications of systemic opioid administration,
      central block applications. Femoral block is one of the regional analgesic
      techniques frequently applied by anesthesiologists when the lower extremities are
      involved. In this study, we evaluated the effect of femoral nerve block on the
      healing of an experimental non-stabilized femur fracture via expression of TGF
      beta, VEGF, and beta-catenin and bone histomorphometry in rats. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: In the control group, only the femoral fracture was performed and the
      bone was not fixated, similarly as in other groups. In the One-Day Block group, a
      one-time femoral nerve block was applied after the femoral fracture. In the Three
      Day Block group, a daily femoral nerve block was performed for three days after
      the femoral fracture. On Days 4, 7, and 13, femurs were excised. The bone
      sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin to evaluate bone tissue and Safranin
      O to assess callus tissue, cartilaginous tissue, and new bone areas. TGF-beta,
      VEGF, and beta-catenin were assessed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS:
      Histomorphometric analysis revealed that femoral block application had a positive
      impact on bone healing. TGF-beta expression in the One-Day and Three-Day Block
      Groups was significantly higher than in the control group at all times, as was
      also the case with VEGF expression. On day 13, beta-catenin expression was
      significantly higher in the Three-Day Block group than the others. CONCLUSIONS:
      The results of the study suggests that the applications of a femoral nerve block
      for perioperative analgesia, for either one day or three days, resulted in better
      and more rapid bone healing.

PMID- 27654017
TI  - Decreased expression of p73 in colorectal cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequent cancer in
      Poland and worldwide. This disease is characterized by distinct genetic
      alterations. p73 belongs to the p53 gene family; however, its role in the
      pathogenesis of CRC has not been completely understood. p73 gene encodes several
      mRNA variants and protein isoforms with its longest and fully functional p73a
      (mRNA) and TAp73a (protein) isoform. The aim of the study was to investigate p73
      gene expression at the mRNA (p73a) and protein (TAp73a) levels in CRC. MATERIAL
      AND METHODS: Small sections of the crc tumor tissue and macroscopically unchanged
      colon mucosa and submucosa from the dissection margin were collected from 23
      patients diagnosed with CRC. p73 mRNA levels were measured by Real-time PCR
      (QPCR) method and the expression level of TAp73a protein was assessed by Western
      blotting (WB) and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. RESULTS: We found a 37%
      decrease in the level of p73a mRNA in neoplastically changed (tumor) compared
      with unchanged normal colon tissue from the surgical margin (p = 0.041). No
      correlations were found between mRNA levels in cancer tissue and clinical
      pathological parameters. The semi-quantification of TAp73a protein revealed lower
      and higher TAp73a protein contents in 11/23 and 12/23 of tumor samples,
      respectively, when compared with the median value of TAp73a protein in normal
      colon tissue (p = 0.61). The level of TAp73a protein level was 5 times lower in
      poorly differentiated cancer cells (G3) in comparison to moderately
      differentiated ones (G2; p = 0.02). No statistically significant correlations
      were observed between the level of the TAp73a protein and clinical-pathological
      patients' characteristics. The IHC analysis of TAp73a protein presence in CRC
      samples showed decreased immunoreactivity when compared with matched sections of
      the unchanged colon wall in 4/9 patients, similar intensity of the IHC reaction
      in 4/9 patients and increased immunoreactivity in 1/9 patients. The TAp73a
      protein was localized mainly in the cytoplasm of the cancer cells. No
      statistically significant correlations between IHC results and clinical
      pathological features of the patients were found. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained
      results suggest that the p73 gene may play a role as a tumor suppressor in the
      CRC progression.

PMID- 27654018
TI  - Why routine prophylactic use of vancomycin should be recommended against.

PMID- 27654019
TI  - Tunable Digital Metamaterial for Broadband Vibration Isolation at Low Frequency.
AB  - A 3D-printed digital metamaterial embedded with electromagnets is fabricated.
      Switching electromagnets between the attaching (1 bit) and detaching (0 bit)
      modes activates different waveguides in the metamaterial. The underlying
      mechanism is investigated theoretically and experimentally. The hierarchical
      assemblies of unit cells, mimicking digital bits, allow programmable broadening
      of the bandgap of the metamaterial.

PMID- 27654020
TI  - The impact of CT colonography on abdominal aortic aneurysm referrals in a
      tertiary hospital.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Computed tomography colonography (CTC) for the detection of
      colorectal disease is gaining popularity as an alternative to colonoscopy. This
      has been associated with an increase in incidental extra-colonic findings such as
      abdominal aortic aneurysms. However, due to the patient selection process of
      obtaining a CTC, it was hypothesised that this patient cohort might represent a
      high-risk group. The primary aim of this study was to determine the impact that
      CTC had on small aneurysm referrals. Owing to the potential selection bias, the
      secondary aim was to compare baseline characteristics referred by CTC to the
      cohort referred by other radiological modalities. METHODS: Consecutive patients
      attending the small aneurysm clinic at a single tertiary centre were included.
      Baseline patient comorbidities were collected and recorded on a prospective
      database. The characteristics of patients who had a CTC-detected aneurysm were
      compared to patients referred by other radiological modalities. RESULTS: There
      were 566 patients with small aneurysms included. Of these, 96 (17.0%) had their
      aneurysm detected from CTC and the remaining aneurysms were detected by other
      radiological modalities. These patients were on average 2 years older and were
      less likely to have a smoking history. There was no difference in other patient
      characteristics. CONCLUSION: Computed tomography colonography contributed to the
      initial diagnosis of one in five patients with small aneurysms. Despite a
      potential selection bias for patients undergoing CTC, there were no major
      baseline differences between the CTC cohort and patients referred by other
      radiological modalities. Routine assessment of the aorta during a CTC may aid in
      aneurysm detection.

PMID- 27654021
TI  - Trends in Pediatric Laboratory-Diagnosed Onychomycosis Between 2006 and 2014 in
      the Southwest of England.
AB  - This is the largest study of laboratory-diagnosed onychomycosis in England for
      children younger than 17 years. The most common (91.5%) cultured organism in this
      population was Trichophyton rubrum. Candida species were isolated only from
      fingernails, and the majority were from children younger than 5 years. Continued
      analysis of fungal pathogens is vital to identify changing trends.

PMID- 27654022
TI  - Exploring factors influencing occupational therapists' perception of patients'
      rehabilitation potential after acquired brain injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Clinical practice guidelines advocate for early involvement of
      rehabilitation professionals in screening acquired brain injury patients'
      rehabilitation needs and determining the required rehabilitation services. Little
      is yet known about the nature of occupational therapists' role in this context.
      This exploratory study sought to identify factors influencing occupational
      therapists' perception of acquired brain injury patients' rehabilitation
      potential for inpatient rehabilitation. METHODS: A qualitative approach was used
      to analyse data from a focus group involving 12 occupational therapists working
      in acute care and inpatient rehabilitation. A consensus-seeking technique was
      used to identify patient-related factors participants perceived as most important
      to consider when assessing rehabilitation potential. The transcription of the
      group discussion was analysed using an interpretive description approach to
      identify additional factors influencing occupational therapists' perception.
      RESULTS: Participants agreed on 11 patient-related factors most important to
      consider: age, behaviour, cognitive abilities, endurance, home environment,
      medical status, observed improvement in acute care post-injury, physical
      abilities, post-injury functional status, pre-injury functional status, patient
      and family expectations. Additional factors included the influence of the
      organisational context (i.e. acute care and broader health care context) as well
      as occupational therapists' professional expertise, knowledge of scientific
      evidence, concerns for ethical decisions and interpretive activities (i.e.
      clinician's interpretation of patients' characteristics in light of all other
      factors). CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that assessing rehabilitation potential
      is a complex process that goes beyond strictly appraising patients'
      characteristics. Additional factors influence clinicians' perception of patients'
      rehabilitation potential. Clinicians should pay more attention to these factors
      when making evidence-based decisions regarding patients' potential to benefit
      from rehabilitation.

PMID- 27654023
TI  - Independent Control of Elastomer Properties through Stereocontrolled Synthesis.
AB  - In most synthetic elastomers, changing the physical properties by monomer choice
      also results in a change to the crystallinity of the material, which manifests
      through alteration of its mechanical performance. Using organocatalyzed
      stereospecific additions of thiols to activated alkynes, high-molar-mass
      elastomers were isolated via step-growth polymerization. The resulting
      controllable double-bond stereochemistry defines the crystallinity and the
      concomitant mechanical properties as well as enabling the synthesis of materials
      that retain their excellent mechanical properties through changing monomer
      composition. Using this approach to elastomer synthesis, further end group
      modification and toughening through vulcanization strategies are also possible.
      The organocatalytic control of stereochemistry opens the realm to a new and
      easily scalable class of elastomers that will have unique chemical handles for
      functionalization and post synthetic processing.

PMID- 27654024
TI  - The Top 100 Cited Papers in Health Care Disparities: a Bibliometric Analysis.
AB  - Health care disparities research is an exponentially growing and multi-faceted
      field. Our objective was to identify and analyze the top 100 cited articles in
      health care disparities. The authors searched the Thomas Reuters Web of Science
      for citations of all research papers (articles) relevant to health care
      disparities. After analyzing search results, the number of citations, authorship,
      year, journal, country of publication, institution of publication, and relevant
      topic were recorded for each article. The most cited article was Martin's 2002
      work identifying the demography of incidence and occurrence of sepsis with
      specific analysis of race, sex, and disposition of US patients. The second most
      cited article was Kamangar's 2006 paper outlining geographic patterns in cancer
      incidence, mortality, and prevalence. The third most cited article was Williams'
      1996 study determining the differences in US health patterns in populations of
      different races and socioeconomic statuses through a review of similar studies.
      The majority of articles originated in the USA (91). The journal with the most
      published articles was JAMA-The Journal of the American Medical Association (14).
      The second most cited journal was The New England Journal of Medicine (7). Most
      articles were published in the 2000s (84). In descending order, the 3 most common
      topics were (1) disparities in cancer incidence, screening, treatment, and
      mortality, (2) disparities in mental health treatment, and (3) physician
      concordance, cultural competency, and relationships with minority patients.
      Overall, the highly cited articles contain current advancements in the body of
      knowledge used to resolve health care disparities in race, ethnicity,
      socioeconomic status, gender, age, wealth, education level, mental health, and
      geography throughout the world.

PMID- 27654026
TI  - Beyond men and women: a critical perspective on gender and disaster.
AB  - Consideration of gender in the disaster sphere has centred almost exclusively on
      the vulnerability and capacities of women. This trend stems from a polarised
      Western understanding of gender as a binary concept of man-woman. Such an
      approach also mirrors the dominant framing of disasters and disaster risk
      reduction (DRR), emphasising Western standards and practices to the detriment of
      local, non-Western identities and experiences. This paper argues that the man
      woman dichotomy is an insufficient construct with which to address the gendered
      dimensions of a disaster as it fails to capture the realities of diverse gender
      minorities in non-Western contexts. The paper presents case studies from the
      Philippines, Indonesia, and Samoa, where gender minorities display specific
      patterns of vulnerability associated with their marginal positions in society,
      yet, importantly, also possess a wide array of endogenous capacities. Recognition
      of these differences, needs, skills, and unique resources is essential to moving
      towards inclusive and gender-sensitive DRR.

PMID- 27654027
TI  - Preoperative Risk Levels and Vascular Access in Transcatheter Aortic Valve
      Implantation-A Single-Institute Analysis.
AB  - Although transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has been indicated for
      patients with high surgical risk, indications for or against the procedure become
      more difficult as vascular access becomes more proximal and/or invasive in order
      to accommodate patients with even higher risks. We compared preoperative factors
      including the European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE)
      and Society of Thoracic Surgeons Predicted Risk of Mortality (STS) score with
      postoperative survival in 195 patients undergoing TAVI during 2.5 years (January
      2010 to June 2012), when vascular access routes were developed from iliofemoral
      (IL/Fm access, n = 149), axillo-clavicular, apical, and direct aortic approaches
      (alternative access, n = 46). Logistic regression analyses showed that
      alternative access was associated with reduced 30-day survival (P = 0.024), while
      high surgical risk (>15% in both EuroSCORE and STS score) was associated with
      reduced 1-year survival (P = 0.046). Thus, patients treated via IL/Fm access had
      acceptable outcome regardless of preoperative risk levels while patients with low
      surgical risk (<15%) had favorable outcome irrespective of access route. Since
      the remaining patients with combined risk factors, high preoperative risk level
      (>15%) requiring alternative access, had a prohibitive risk in our experience,
      they might have been considered untreatable or not amenable even to TAVI and
      offered medical or alternative managements.

PMID- 27654025
TI  - Human and server docking prediction for CAPRI round 30-35 using LZerD with
      combined scoring functions.
AB  - We report the performance of protein-protein docking predictions by our group for
      recent rounds of the Critical Assessment of Prediction of Interactions (CAPRI), a
      community-wide assessment of state-of-the-art docking methods. Our prediction
      procedure uses a protein-protein docking program named LZerD developed in our
      group. LZerD represents a protein surface with 3D Zernike descriptors (3DZD),
      which are based on a mathematical series expansion of a 3D function. The
      appropriate soft representation of protein surface with 3DZD makes the method
      more tolerant to conformational change of proteins upon docking, which adds an
      advantage for unbound docking. Docking was guided by interface residue prediction
      performed with BindML and cons-PPISP as well as literature information when
      available. The generated docking models were ranked by a combination of scoring
      functions, including PRESCO, which evaluates the native-likeness of residues'
      spatial environments in structure models. First, we discuss the overall
      performance of our group in the CAPRI prediction rounds and investigate the
      reasons for unsuccessful cases. Then, we examine the performance of several
      knowledge-based scoring functions and their combinations for ranking docking
      models. It was found that the quality of a pool of docking models generated by
      LZerD, that is whether or not the pool includes near-native models, can be
      predicted by the correlation of multiple scores. Although the current analysis
      used docking models generated by LZerD, findings on scoring functions are
      expected to be universally applicable to other docking methods. Proteins 2017;
      85:513-527. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27654028
TI  - Lack of immunocytological GD2 expression on neuroblastoma cells in bone marrow at
      diagnosis, during treatment, and at recurrence.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Loss of disialoganglioside 2 (GD2) expression in neuroblastoma (NB)
      bone marrow cells has been reported in rare cases. This study investigated
      prospectively the frequency and the patterns of visible GD2 loss at diagnosis,
      during treatment, and at recurrence. METHODS: Bone marrow aspirates of patients
      with new or recurrent stage 4 and 4S NB diagnosed between January 1, 2002 and
      August 31, 2013 were investigated in parallel by cytology and GD2 immunocytology.
      Complete negative immunostaining was defined if staining was absent in all and
      partial if absent in a portion and/or in case of atypical faint staining.
      RESULTS: Of 1,261 investigated trial patients of all stages, 474 had unequivocal
      cytological bone marrow infiltration at initial diagnosis. Thirty-seven patients
      had tumor cells with complete or partial negative GD2 staining at initial
      diagnosis, nine during chemotherapy, and 11 at recurrence (altogether 12.0%). The
      percentage of GD2 negativity in stages 4 and 4S were similar (13% and 9%,
      respectively). Complete negativity was seen in 14 and partial in 43 cases. Twenty
      one cases changed from positive to negative (15 to partial and six to complete)
      and three cases from negative to positive staining (two to partial and one to
      complete). The GD2 negative and positive groups were not different regarding
      tumor sites, molecular characteristics, histology, and tumor markers. Children
      with stage 4 and GD2 negativity tended to be older at diagnosis (42 vs. 32
      months, P = 0.056). Event-free survival and overall survival comparing negative
      versus positive staining did not show any differences. CONCLUSIONS: Complete or
      partial lack of GD2 staining on NB cells in bone marrow is more frequent than
      currently recognized.

PMID- 27654029
TI  - Limited gene dispersal and spatial genetic structure as stabilizing factors in an
      ant-plant mutualism.
AB  - Comparative studies of the population genetics of closely associated species are
      necessary to properly understand the evolution of these relationships because
      gene flow between populations affects the partners' evolutionary potential at the
      local scale. As a consequence (at least for antagonistic interactions),
      asymmetries in the strength of the genetic structures of the partner populations
      can result in one partner having a co-evolutionary advantage. Here, we assess the
      population genetic structure of partners engaged in a species-specific and
      obligatory mutualism: the Neotropical ant-plant, Hirtella physophora, and its ant
      associate, Allomerus decemarticulatus. Although the ant cannot complete its life
      cycle elsewhere than on H. physophora and the plant cannot live for long without
      the protection provided by A. decemarticulatus, these species also have
      antagonistic interactions: the ants have been shown to benefit from castrating
      their host plant and the plant is able to retaliate against too virulent ant
      colonies. We found similar short dispersal distances for both partners, resulting
      in the local transmission of the association and, thus, inbred populations in
      which too virulent castrating ants face the risk of local extinction due to the
      absence of H. physophora offspring. On the other hand, we show that the plant
      populations probably experienced greater gene flow than did the ant populations,
      thus enhancing the evolutionary potential of the plants. We conclude that such
      levels of spatial structure in the partners' populations can increase the
      stability of the mutualistic relationship. Indeed, the local transmission of the
      association enables partial alignments of the partners' interests, and population
      connectivity allows the plant retaliation mechanisms to be locally adapted to the
      castration behaviour of their symbionts.

PMID- 27654030
TI  - Novel technology to help understand the context of physical activity and
      sedentary behaviour.
AB  - When used in large, national surveillance programmes, objective measurement tools
      provide prevalence estimates of low physical activity guideline compliance and
      high amounts of sedentary time. There are undoubtedly a plethora of reasons for
      this but one possible contributing factor is the current lack of behavioural
      context offered by accelerometers and posture sensors. Context includes
      information such as where the behaviour occurs, the type of activity being
      performed and is vital in allowing greater refinement of intervention strategies.
      Novel technologies are emerging with the potential to provide this information.
      Example data from three ongoing studies is used to illustrate the utility of
      these technologies. Study one assesses the concurrent validity of electrical
      energy monitoring and wearable cameras as measures of television viewing. This
      study found that on average the television is switched on for 202 min d-1 but is
      visible in just 90 min of wearable camera images with a further 52 min where the
      participant is in their living room but the television is not visible in the
      image. Study two utilises indoor location monitoring to assess where older adult
      care home residents accumulate their sedentary time. This study found that
      residents were highly sedentary (sitting for an average of 720 min d-1) and spent
      the majority of their time in their own rooms with more time spent in communal
      areas in the morning than in the afternoon. Lastly, study three discusses the use
      of proximity sensors to quantify exposure to a height adjustable desk. These
      studies are example applications of this technology, with many other technologies
      available and applications possible. The adoption of these technologies will
      provide researchers with a more complete understanding of the behaviour than has
      previously been available.

PMID- 27654031
TI  - Sexual dysfunction in women with migraine and tension-type headaches.
AB  - Primary headaches (PHAs) prominently affect the performance and life quality of
      people. Sexual dysfunction (SD) is an important health problem caused by several
      factors. This study aimed to compare the sexual function of women who have PHAs.
      Forty-one female patients who were diagnosed with migraine, 39 female patients
      who were diagnosed with tension-type headache (TTHA) and 41 healthy subjects were
      included in study. Sexual function of the cases were evaluated by using the
      'Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI)'. Beck Depression Scale was applied to
      subjects and those who were diagnosed with depression were excluded from the
      study. SD was detected in both the migraine and TTHA groups. FSFI subgroup scores
      were statistically significantly lower in the migraine and TTHA groups compared
      with the control group. No significant differences were detected between the
      migraine and TTHA groups in terms of FSFI and its components. In addition, no
      significant differences were detected between the blood prolactin levels or SD
      and headache. It was concluded that primary headaches (which are chronic
      diseases) itself may cause SD in female patients with migraine and TTHA
      independently of factors that may cause development of SD such as comorbid
      condition, depression, drug use and age.

PMID- 27654032
TI  - Erectile dysfunction in young men with type 1 diabetes.
AB  - Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common comorbidity of diabetes mellitus, but few
      studies investigated its prevalence in type 1 diabetes. The objective of this
      study was to evaluate the prevalence and correlates of ED in young men with type
      1 diabetes treated with different intensive insulin regimens. The study
      population included 151 type 1 diabetic men, aged 18-35 years, and 60 healthy age
      matched controls. Ninety-four men were treated with multiple daily injections of
      insulin (MDI), and the remaining 71 with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion
      (CSII). All participants in the study completed the International Index of
      Erectile function (IIEF-5), and other validated multiple-choice questionnaires
      assessing quality of life, physical activity, depressive symptoms and diabetes
      related problems. The overall prevalence of ED was higher in diabetic men (37%),
      as compared with controls (6%, P<0.001). ED prevalence rates were similar in both
      MDI (36%) and CSII (39%) groups (P=0.326); both were higher compared with
      controls (P<0.001 for both). More than half of diabetic men (58%) had mild ED.
      Compared with men without ED, diabetic men with ED showed lower weight, body mass
      index, fasting glucose, insulin dose and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol
      levels, and higher self-rating depression score (SRDS). In the multiple
      regression analysis only the SRDS (P=0.032) were independent predictors of IIEF-5
      score in the overall diabetic men. Young men with type 1 diabetes treated with
      MDI or CSII show a higher prevalence of ED, as compared with healthy age-matched
      men. Depression was associated with ED in diabetic population.

PMID- 27654033
TI  - Effects of the start time of glycemic control on erectile function in
      streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.
AB  - Diabetes-induced ED correlates with diabetes duration and glycemic control. This
      study evaluated the effect of glycemic control start time on erectile function in
      streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Rats were divided into normal controls (C);
      untreated diabetic rats (DM); and rats treated after 7 weeks (7W), and 10 weeks
      (10W) from DM. Treated diabetic rats received a timed daily injection of insulin.
      After 14 weeks of lab-controlled diabetes, experiments were performed. Group DM
      showed the ratio of intracavernosal pressure, significantly lower than other
      groups (10W vs DM; P<0.001). Groups 7W and 10W responded similarly, but did not
      recover to normal level (group C vs 7W; P<0.001). The percentage of alpha-smooth
      muscle actin increased more with earlier start times, and group DM's percentages
      decreased significantly (group 10W vs DM; P<0.001). Apoptosis recovered
      significantly only in group 7W, comparable to group C. As start times became
      earlier, for all molecules (eNOS, Akt, MYPT1 and PECAM-1), treatment groups'
      results neared those of group C. In conclusion, erectile function of diabetic
      rats recovered closer to normal controls if diabetic treatment started earlier.
      And the level of glycemic control was expected to be more important than the
      start time of diabetic treatment.

PMID- 27654034
TI  - An experimental study: evaluating the tissue structure of penis with 2D
      ShearWaveTM Elastography.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of two-dimensional
      ShearWaveTM Elastography (2D-SWE) on evaluating the change of tissue structure of
      penis. Twenty healthy male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into penis-developed
      group (PDG, 52 weeks) and penis-underdeveloped group (PUDG, 5 weeks). The
      ultrafast ultrasound device-Aixplorer(r) (SuperSonic Imagine) was used for 2D-SWE
      imaging of the penis, the measurement index was shear wave stiffness (SWS, kPa).
      All rat penises were cut off immediately after ultrasonic examination. After
      paraffin embedding, slicing and hematoxylin-eosin staining, the tissue structure
      of the penis was observed under light microscope. SWS of all rat penises were
      measured successfully. The results showed that SWS of PDG was significantly lower
      than PUDG (P=0.008). At the same time, the pathological results found that there
      were significant differences in the tissue structures (sinusoids, smooth muscle
      cells and fibrocytes) of the penises between the two groups. These results
      suggest that there are significant differences in SWS between different tissue
      structures of penis. 2D-SWE is expected to be used on the etiological diagnosis
      of erectile dysfunction by serving as a new noninvasive method of evaluating the
      change of tissue structure of penis.

PMID- 27654035
TI  - Sexual function and hormonal profiles in women with and without polycystic ovary
      syndrome: a population-based study.
AB  - There is no consensus regarding the impact of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
      and its hormonal profile on sexual function of affected women; majority of data
      documented are not population based and there is a lack of studies investigating
      the association between hormonal profiles with sexual function in women with
      PCOS. We aimed to compare the sexual function of PCOS women with controls in a
      population-based study based on their hormonal profiles. In this cross-sectional
      study, sexual function (using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI)
      questionnaire) and hormonal profiles were determined in 63 PCOS subjects and 216
      healthy women (controls); aged 18-45 years. A comparison of PCOS women and
      controls showed no statistically significant difference in total FSFI and each of
      its specific domain scores. There were significant positive correlations between
      dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and total FSFI, orgasm and satisfaction domains in
      controls (r=0.156, r=0.206, r=0.275, respectively). No significant correlations
      between hormonal profiles and FSFI scores were found in the PCOS group, except
      for prolactin and orgasm (r=-0.250). In conclusion, sexual function did not
      differ between PCOS women and controls. High levels of androgens in women with
      PCOS were not associated with an improvement in sexual function.

PMID- 27654036
TI  - Sleep Duration and Child Well-Being: A Nonlinear Association.
AB  - Although numerous studies among adults have shown a U-shaped association between
      sleep duration and health outcomes, fewer studies have investigated the theory
      that children also have an optimal sleep duration range, with both lower and
      upper limits. We evaluated whether children's sleep duration at ages 5 and 9 has
      a U-shaped association with both behavioral problems and physical health at age
      9. We analyzed data from 1,965 participants in a longitudinal birth cohort, the
      Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study. This sample of children was 52% male
      and approximately 22% non-Hispanic White, 52% non-Hispanic Black, 23% Hispanic,
      and 3% some other race/ethnicity. The child's primary caregiver reported the
      predictor of interest: sleep duration at age 5 and age 9. Both children and
      primary caregivers reported on outcomes of the child's behavior problems
      (internalizing and externalizing) and overall physical health. We found that the
      association between children's sleep duration and well-being was typically
      nonlinear and U-shaped. Adjusting for their sleep duration at age 5, children who
      sleep either too much or too little at age 9 had higher levels of behavior
      problems and scored lower on a global measure of physical health. These nonlinear
      patterns were similar whether children or primary caregivers reported child
      outcomes, with the exception that there was a linear and increasing association
      of longer sleep duration and caregiver-rated child health. This study highlights
      that both short and long sleep duration may be risk factors for adverse
      behavioral and health outcomes in school-age children.

PMID- 27654037
TI  - An Extended Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) Scheme for Rapid Direct Typing of
      Leptospira from Clinical Samples.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rapid typing of Leptospira is currently impaired by requiring time
      consuming culture of leptospires. The objective of this study was to develop an
      assay that provides multilocus sequence typing (MLST) data direct from patient
      specimens while minimising costs for subsequent sequencing. METHODOLOGY AND
      FINDINGS: An existing PCR based MLST scheme was modified by designing nested
      primers including anchors for facilitated subsequent sequencing. The assay was
      applied to various specimen types from patients diagnosed with leptospirosis
      between 2014 and 2015 in the United Kingdom (UK) and the Lao Peoples Democratic
      Republic (Lao PDR). Of 44 clinical samples (23 serum, 6 whole blood, 3 buffy
      coat, 12 urine) PCR positive for pathogenic Leptospira spp. at least one allele
      was amplified in 22 samples (50%) and used for phylogenetic inference. Full
      allelic profiles were obtained from ten specimens, representing all sample types
      (23%). No nonspecific amplicons were observed in any of the samples. Of twelve
      PCR positive urine specimens three gave full allelic profiles (25%) and two a
      partial profile. Phylogenetic analysis allowed for species assignment. The
      predominant species detected was L. interrogans (10/14 and 7/8 from UK and Lao
      PDR, respectively). All other species were detected in samples from only one
      country (Lao PDR: L. borgpetersenii [1/8]; UK: L. kirschneri [1/14], L.
      santarosai [1/14], L. weilii [2/14]). CONCLUSION: Typing information of
      pathogenic Leptospira spp. was obtained directly from a variety of clinical
      samples using a modified MLST assay. This assay negates the need for time
      consuming culture of Leptospira prior to typing and will be of use both in
      surveillance, as single alleles enable species determination, and outbreaks for
      the rapid identification of clusters.

PMID- 27654038
TI  - Care Transitions Measure and Readmissions.

PMID- 27654040
TI  - Are Upper-Body Axial Symptoms a Feature of Early Parkinson's Disease?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Axial disorders are considered to appear late in the course of
      Parkinson's disease (PD). The associated impact on quality of life (QoL) and
      survival and the lack of an effective treatment mean that understanding and
      treating axial disorders is a key challenge. However, upper-body axial disorders
      (namely dysarthria, swallowing and breathing disorders) have never been
      prospectively assessed in early-stage PD patients. OBJECTIVES: To characterize
      upper-body axial symptoms and QoL in consecutive patients with early-stage PD.
      METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 66 consecutive patients with early-stage PD
      (less than 3 years of disease progression) and assessed dysarthria, dysphagia and
      respiratory function (relative to 36 controls) using both objective and patient
      reported outcomes. RESULTS: The mean disease duration was 1.26 years and the mean
      UPDRS motor score was 19.4 out of 108. 74% of the patients presented slight
      dysarthria (primarily dysprosodia). Men appeared to be more severely affected
      (i.e. dysphonia). This dysfunction was strongly correlated with low swallowing
      speed (despite the absence of complaints about dysphagia), respiratory
      insufficiency and poor QoL. Videofluorography showed that oral-phase swallowing
      disorders affected 60% of the 31 tested patients and that pharyngeal-phase
      disorders affected 21%. 24% of the patients reported occasional dyspnea, which
      was correlated with anxiety in women but not in men. Marked diaphragmatic
      dysfunction was suspected in 42% of the patients (predominantly in men).
      CONCLUSION: Upper body axial symptoms were frequent in men with early-stage PD,
      whereas women presented worst non-motor impairments. New assessment methods are
      required because currently available tools do not reliably detect these upper
      body axial disorders.

PMID- 27654041
TI  - [Postresuscitation care].
AB  - Witnessed collapse, bystander resuscitation and the use of automated external
      defibillators for defibrillatable arrhythmias, are recognized as strong
      predictors for a good prognosis after cardiac arrest. In addition, patient care
      after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), i.e. postresuscitation care, has
      been identified as an important factor for survival. It is necessary to
      differentiate between measures for treating the underlying cause of the cardiac
      arrest and measures for limiting reperfusion injury after global hypoxia and
      ischemia. The importance of urgent coronary angiography in cases of ST-elevation
      myocardial infarction (STEMI) and for patients with suspected cardiac origin
      without STEMI, especially with hemodynamic instability is emphasized in the
      current European Resuscitation Council (ERC) guidelines. In order to minimize
      reperfusion injury targeted temperature management (32-36  degrees C) is advised,
      rewarming must be controlled and fever and hyperthermia avoided. The mean
      arterial pressure should be adjusted to allow sufficient urine production (1
      ml/kg/h) and blood glucose should be <=10 mmol/l (<=180 mg/dl). Analgosedation is
      necessary in most patients, especially with the use of targeted temperature
      management. Convulsive seizures must be consistently treated. Cardiac arrest
      centers provide a treatment strategy for postresuscitation care involving
      emergency percutaneous coronary angiography, targeted temperature management and
      comprehensive neurological evaluation for estimating the prognosis. Whether
      establishing these centers will actually lead to improved survival still needs to
      be proven.

PMID- 27654042
TI  - Soft-Tissue Reconstruction Without Fibular Reconstruction in Traumatic Injuries
      of the Ankle With Fibular Loss.

PMID- 27654043
TI  - Endoscopy-Assisted Achilles Tendon Reconstruction With a Central Turndown Flap
      and Semitendinosus Augmentation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to report the results of a new
      minimally invasive Achilles reconstruction technique and to assess the
      perioperative morbidity, medium- to long-term outcomes, and functional results.
      METHODS: Our series was comprised 14 patients (11 men and 3 women), with a mean
      age of 45.6 years at surgery. Each patient had a chronic Achilles tendon rupture.
      The mean interval from rupture to surgery was 5.5 months (range, 2-10). The mean
      total follow-up was 30.1 months (range, 12-78). All patients were operated with a
      central turndown flap augmented with free semitendinosus tendon graft and
      percutaneous sutures in a minimally invasive approach assisted by endoscopy. The
      patients underwent retrospective assessment by clinical examination, the American
      Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot score, and the
      Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS). Paired t tests were used to assess
      the preoperative and postoperative AOFAS scores, ATRS scores, and ankle range of
      motion. RESULTS: The length of the defect ranged from 3 to 8 cm (mean, 5.1),
      while the length of the turndown flap ranged from 8 to 13 cm (mean, 10.1). The
      mean AOFAS score improved from 64.5 points preoperatively to 96.9 points at last
      follow-up. The mean ATRS score improved from 49.4 preoperatively to 91.4 points
      at last follow-up. None of the patients developed a wound complication. No
      patient had a rerupture or sural nerve damage. CONCLUSION: All patients in our
      study had a favorable outcome with no complications. We believe that with this
      triple-repair technique, one can achieve a strong and robust repair such as in
      open surgery while at the same time reducing the incidence of complications.
      LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

PMID- 27654044
TI  - Percutaneous Method to Determine Optimal Surgical Approach for Delayed Treatment
      of Calcaneus Fracture.

PMID- 27654045
TI  - Development of an Expectations Survey for Patients Undergoing Foot and Ankle
      Surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many authors have reported on patient satisfaction from foot and
      ankle surgery, but rarely on expectations, which may vary widely between patients
      and strongly affect satisfaction. In this study, we aimed to develop a patient
      derived survey on expectations from foot and ankle surgery. METHODS: We developed
      and tested our survey using a 3-phase process. Patients with a wide spectrum of
      foot and ankle diagnoses were enrolled. In phase 1, patients were interviewed
      preoperatively with open-ended questions about their expectations from surgery.
      Major concepts were grouped into categories that were used to form a draft
      survey. In phase 2, the survey was administered to preoperative patients on 2
      occasions to establish test-retest reliability. In phase 3, the final survey
      items were selected based on weighted kappa values for response concordance and
      clinical relevance. RESULTS: In phase 1, 94 preoperative patients volunteered 655
      expectations. Twenty-nine representative categories were discerned by qualitative
      analysis and became the draft survey. In phase 2, another 60 patients completed
      the draft survey twice preoperatively. In phase 3, 23 items were retained for the
      final survey. For retained items, the average weighted kappa value was 0.54. An
      overall score was calculated based on the amount of improvement expected for each
      item on the survey and ranged from zero to 100, with higher scores indicating
      more expectations. For patients in phase 2, mean scores for both administrations
      were 65 and 66 and approximated normal distributions. The intraclass correlation
      coefficient between scores was 0.78. CONCLUSION: We developed a patient-derived
      survey specific to foot and ankle surgery that is valid, reliable, applicable to
      diverse diagnoses, and includes physical and psychological expectations. The
      survey generates an overall score that is easy to calculate and interpret, and
      thus offers a practical and comprehensive way to record patients' expectations.
      We believe this survey may be used preoperatively by surgeons to help guide
      patients' expectations and facilitate shared decision making. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
      Level II, cross-sectional study.

PMID- 27654046
TI  - Three-Dimensional Analysis of Fibular Motion After Fixation of Syndesmotic
      Injuries With a Screw or Suture-Button Construct.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Suture-button constructs are an alternative to screw fixation for
      syndesmotic injuries, and proponents advocate that suture-button constructs may
      allow physiological motion of the syndesmosis. Recent biomechanical data suggest
      that fibular instability with syndesmotic injuries is greatest in the sagittal
      plane, but the design of a suture-button construct, being a rope and 2 retention
      washers, is most effective along the axis of the rope (in the coronal plane).
      Some studies report that suture-button constructs are able to constrain fibular
      motion in the coronal plane, but the ability of a tightrope to constrain sagittal
      fibular motion is unknown. The purpose of this study was to assess fibular motion
      in response to an external rotation stress test in a syndesmotic injury model
      after fixation with a screw or suture-button constructs. METHODS: Eleven fresh
      frozen cadaver whole legs with intact tibia-fibula articulations were secured to
      a custom fixture. Fibular motion (coronal, sagittal, and rotational planes) in
      response to a 6.5-Nm external rotation moment applied to the foot was recorded
      with fluoroscopy and a high-resolution motion capture system. Measures were taken
      for the following syndesmotic conditions: intact, complete lateral injury,
      complete lateral and deltoid injury, repair with a tetracortical 4.0-mm screw,
      and repair with a suture button construct (Tightrope; Arthrex, Naples, FL) aimed
      from the lateral fibula to the anterior medial malleolus. RESULTS: The suture
      button construct allowed significantly more sagittal plane motion than the
      syndesmotic screw. Measurements acquired with mortise imaging did not detect
      differences between the intact, lateral injury, and 2 repair conditions. External
      rotation of the fibula was significantly increased in both injury conditions and
      was not restored to intact levels with the screw or the suture-button construct.
      CONCLUSION: A single suture-button placed from the lateral fibula to the anterior
      medial malleolus was unable to replicate the motion observed in the intact
      specimen when subjected to an external rotation stress test and allowed
      significantly more posterior motion of the fibula than when fixed with a screw in
      simulated highly unstable injuries. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Fixation of a syndesmotic
      injury with a single suture-button construct did not restore physiological
      fibular motion, which may have implications for postoperative care and clinical
      outcomes.

PMID- 27654049
TI  - Adult emergency medicine at a glance Thomas Hughes and Jaycen Cruickshank Adult
      emergency medicine at a glance Wiley-Blackwell L21.99 120pp 9781405189019
      1405189010 [Formula: see text].
AB  - AN IDEAL text for junior doctors, nurses or students of any discipline who work
      in emergency departments (eds), this book encapsulates complex subject areas into
      easily digestible, bite-sized pieces that would not overwhelm even the most
      anxious learner.

PMID- 27654047
TI  - Geographic distribution of amino acid mutations in DHFR and DHPS in Plasmodium
      vivax isolates from Lao PDR, India and Colombia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Non-synonymous mutations in dhfr and dhps genes in Plasmodium vivax
      are associated with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) resistance. The present study
      aimed to assess the prevalence of point mutations in P. vivax dhfr (pvdhfr) and
      P. vivax dhps (pvdhps) genes in three countries: Lao PDR, India and Colombia.
      METHODS: Samples from 203 microscopically diagnosed vivax malaria were collected
      from the three countries. Five codons at positions 13, 57, 58, 61, and 117 of
      pvdhfr and two codons at positions 383 and 553 of pvdhps were examined by
      polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism methodology.
      RESULTS: The largest number of 58R/117 N double mutations in pvdhfr was observed
      in Colombia (94.3 %), while the corresponding wild-type amino acids were found at
      high frequencies in Lao PDR during 2001-2004 (57.8 %). Size polymorphism analysis
      of the tandem repeats within pvdhfr revealed that 74.3 % of all the isolates
      carried the type B variant. Eighty-nine per cent of all the isolates examined
      carried wild-type pvdhps A383 and A553. CONCLUSIONS: Although SP is not generally
      used to treat P. vivax infections, mutations in dhfr and dhps that confer
      antifolate resistance in P. vivax are common. The data strongly suggest that,
      when used primarily to treat falciparum malaria, SP can exert a substantial
      selective pressure on P. vivax populations, and this can lead to point mutations
      in dhfr and dhps. Accurate data on the global geographic distribution of dhfr and
      dhps genotypes should help to inform anti-malarial drug-use policies.

PMID- 27654050
TI  - 500 tips for communicating with the public Maggie Kindred 500 tips for
      communicating with the public and Michael Kindred Jessica Kingsley L14.99 160pp
      9781849051750 1849051755 [Formula: see text].
AB  - LogicaLLy structured and divided into well-organised sections on topics such as
      listening, giving advice and setting a tone, this book covers all the issues
      nurses may encounter when communicating with people.

PMID- 27654051
TI  - The ECG Workbook Angela Rowlands The ECG Workbook and Andrew Sargent M&K
      Publishing L25 108pp 9781905539772 1905539770 [Formula: see text].
AB  - THIS IS the second edition of an informative guide for several tasks associated
      with electrocardiography, from attaching electrodes to patients to interpreting
      the results of 12-lead electrocardiograms (ecgs).

PMID- 27654052
TI  - Complete mental health: the go-to guide for clinicians and patients John Ingram
      Walker Complete mental health: the go-to guide for clinicians and patients WW
      Norton and Company L19.99 338pp 9780393706239 0393706230 [Formula: see text].
AB  - PRESENTED IN a witty and engaging style, this book is a primer for doctors and
      non-medical practitioners whose areas of expertise lie primarily outside the
      management of mental health disorders but who are presented regularly with
      clients with mental health issues.

PMID- 27654053
TI  - Noticeboard.
AB  - Courses, events, grants, and awards to progress your career.

PMID- 27654048
TI  - Fusion Molecules of Heat Shock Protein HSPX with Other Antigens of Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis Show High Potential in Serodiagnosis of Tuberculosis.
AB  - Variable individual response against the antigens of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
      necessitates detection of multiple antibodies for enhancing reliability of
      serodiagnosis of tuberculosis. Fusion molecules consisting of two or more
      antigens showing high sensitivity would be helpful in achieving this objective.
      Antigens of M. tuberculosis HSPX and PE35 were expressed in a soluble form
      whereas tnPstS1 and FbpC1 were expressed as inclusion bodies at 37 degrees C.
      Heat shock protein HSPX when attached to the N-termini of the antigens PE35,
      tnPstS1 and FbpC1, all the fusion molecules were expressed at high levels in E.
      coli in a soluble form. ELISA analysis of the plasma samples of TB patients
      against HSPX-tnPstS1 showed 57.7% sensitivity which is nearly the same as the
      expected combined value obtained after deducting the number of plasma samples
      (32) containing the antibodies against both the individual antigens. Likewise,
      the 54.4% sensitivity of HSPX-PE35 was nearly the same as that expected from the
      combined values of the contributing antigens. Structural analysis of all the
      fusion molecules by CD spectroscopy showed that alpha-helical and beta-sheet
      contents were found close to those obtained through molecular modeling. Molecular
      modeling studies of HSPX-tnPstS1 and HSPX-PE35 support the analytical results as
      most of the epitopes of the contributing antigens were found to be available for
      binding to the corresponding antibodies. Using these fusion molecules in
      combination with other antigenic molecules should reduce the number of antigenic
      proteins required for a more reliable and economical serodiagnosis of
      tuberculosis. Also, HSPX seems to have potential application in soluble
      expression of heterologous proteins in E. coli.

PMID- 27654056
TI  - Forgetting dementia?
AB  - It is increasingly understood that care for older adults with cognitive
      impairment who attend EDs should be improved.

PMID- 27654054
TI  - Diary.
AB  - Our roundup of what's on.

PMID- 27654055
TI  - Ultrasound and fractures.
AB  - Ultrasound use by nurse practitioners may have a place in nurse-led minor injury
      units or community hospital EDs that have no continuous radiography services, or
      at triage in larger departments.

PMID- 27654057
TI  - Frequent attenders.
AB  - In most emergency departments (EDs), a few patients account for a considerable
      number of attendances and hospital admissions. Newton and colleagues describe how
      to reduce these numbers by introducing individual care plans.

PMID- 27654058
TI  - Physical fitness and resuscitation.
AB  - Would a muscle-strength exercise programme for ED staff improve patient survival
      rates after cardiac arrest? Ock and colleagues from the Catholic University of
      Korea think that it could. They studied the physical fitness of 47 medical
      students, 25 men and 22 women with a mean age of 22 years, by assessing their
      ability to perform uninterrupted chest compressions on a manikin for five
      minutes.

PMID- 27654059
TI  - Optimum treatment for mediastinal lymph node positive (N2) resectable non-small
      cell lung cancer: what is the role for surgery?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: A third of patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) present
      with Stage III disease with mediastinal (N2) nodal involvement representing an
      extremely heterogeneous population with a generally poor prognosis. Areas
      covered: This article describes the complexity of Stage III-N2 patients reviewing
      the outcomes of key clinical trials while highlighting the trial designs and
      subtleties that have created controversy in management. Both bimodality
      approaches combining chemotherapy with either surgery or radiation and
      trimodality approaches combining chemotherapy with both local therapies are
      reviewed. Finally, prognostic factors and future directions are explored for the
      management of this population. Expert commentary: Upfront surgery is not
      recommended for patients with Stage III-N2 NSCLC. Neoadjuvant approaches with
      both chemotherapy and chemoradiation are acceptable in a multidisciplinary
      setting if appropriate surgery is performed by a dedicated thoracic surgeon. Non
      operative candidates should receive definitive concurrent chemoradiation.
      Innovative approaches are necessary to improve outcomes in this population.

PMID- 27654060
TI  - Precise Targeting of Liver Tumor Using Glycol Chitosan Nanoparticles: Mechanisms,
      Key Factors, and Their Implications.
AB  - Herein, we elucidated the mechanisms and key factors for the tumor-targeting
      ability of nanoparticles that presented high targeting efficiency for liver
      tumor. We used several different nanoparticles with sizes of 200-300 nm,
      including liposome nanoparticles (LNPs), polystyrene nanoparticles (PNPs) and
      glycol chitosan-5beta-cholanic acid nanoparticles (CNPs). Their sizes are
      suitable for the enhanced permeation and retention (EPR) effect in literature.
      Different in vitro characteristics, such as the particle structure, stability,
      and bioinertness, were carefully analyzed with and without serum proteins. Also,
      pH-dependent tumor cell uptakes of nanoparticles were studied using fluorescence
      microscopy. Importantly, CNPs had sufficient stability and bioinertness to
      maintain their nanoparticle structure in the bloodstream, and they also presented
      prolonged circulation time in the body (blood circulation half-life T1/2 = about
      12.2 h), compared to the control nanoparticles. Finally, employing liver tumor
      bearing mice, we also observed that CNPs had excellent liver tumor targeting
      ability in vivo, while LNPs and PNPs demonstrated lower tumor-targeting
      efficiency due to the nonspecific accumulation in normal liver tissue. Liver
      tumor models were produced by laparotomy and direct injection of HT29 tumor cells
      into the left lobe of the liver of athymic nude mice. This study provides
      valuable information concerning the key factors for the tumor-targeting ability
      of nanoparticles such as stability, bioinertness, and rapid cellular uptake at
      targeted tumor tissues.

PMID- 27654061
TI  - Neural Mechanisms of Harm-Avoidance Learning: A Model for Obsessive-Compulsive
      Disorder?

PMID- 27654062
TI  - Circulating free fatty acids inhibit food intake in an oleate-specific manner in
      rats.
AB  - Previous rodent studies showed that when injected into the brain, free fatty
      acids (FFAs) reduced food intake in an oleate-specific manner. The present study
      was performed to test whether food intake is regulated by circulating FFAs in an
      oleate-specific manner. Male Wistar rats received an intravenous infusion of
      olive, safflower, or coconut oil (100mg/h), together with heparin, to raise
      circulating oleate, linoleate, or palmitate, respectively, and their effects on
      overnight food intake were evaluated. Compared to other oils, olive oil infusion
      showed a significantly greater effect to reduce food intake (P<0.01). Total
      caloric intake, the sum of the calories from the diet and infused oil, was
      significantly reduced with olive oil (P<0.01) but not with coconut or safflower
      oil infusion, suggesting an oleate-specific effect on caloric intake. To further
      test this idea, different groups of rats received an intravenous infusion of
      oleate, linoleate, or octanoate (0.5mg/h). Oleate infusion decreased overnight
      food intake by 26% (P<0.001), but no significant effect was seen with linoleate,
      octanoate, or vehicle infusion (P>0.05). The effects of olive oil or oleate
      infusion could not be explained by changes in plasma glucose, insulin, leptin, or
      total FFA levels. The olive oil effect on food intake was not reduced in
      vagotomized rats, suggesting that oleate sensing may not involve peripheral
      sensors. In contrast, olive oil's effect was attenuated in high-fat-fed rats,
      suggesting that this effect is regulated (or impaired) under physiological (or
      pathological) conditions. Taken together, the present study provides evidence
      that circulating oleate is sensed by the brain differentially from other FFAs to
      control feeding in rats.

PMID- 27654064
TI  - Bound exciton and free exciton states in GaSe thin slab.
AB  - The photoluminescence (PL) and absorption experiments have been performed in GaSe
      slab with incident light polarized perpendicular to c-axis of sample at 10 K. An
      obvious energy difference of about 34 meV between exciton absorption peak and PL
      peak (the highest energy peak) is observed. By studying the temperature
      dependence of PL and absorption spectra, we attribute it to energy difference
      between free exciton and bound exciton states, where main exciton absorption peak
      comes from free exciton absorption, and PL peak is attributed to recombination of
      bound exciton at 10 K. This strong bound exciton effect is stable up to 50 K.
      Moreover, the temperature dependence of integrated PL intensity and PL lifetime
      reveals that a non-radiative process, with activation energy extracted as 0.5
      meV, dominates PL emission.

PMID- 27654063
TI  - Identification of 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor gene polymorphisms modulating
      hyperprolactinaemia in antipsychotic drug-treated patients with schizophrenia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Hyperprolactinaemia (HPRL) is a classical side effect of
      antipsychotic drugs primarily attributed to blockade of dopamine D2 subtype
      receptors in the pituitary gland. Although dopamine is considered the primary
      factor inhibiting prolactin release, the activity of prolactin-producing
      lactotrophs is also regulated by the secretagogues thyrotrophin releasing
      hormone, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5
      HT). METHODS: We describe the association between HPRL and a set of 29 SNPs from
      5-HT receptor genes HTR1A, HTR1B, HTR2A, HTR2C, HTR3A, HTR3B and HTR6 in a
      population of 446 Caucasians (221 males/225 females) with a clinical diagnosis of
      schizophrenia (according to ICD-10: F20) who were treated with classical and/or
      atypical antipsychotic drugs. RESULTS: None of the studied autosomal markers were
      found to be associated with HPRL. However, a significant association was
      established between various HTR2C polymorphisms and HPRL. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      revealed an association between HPRL and X-chromosome haplotypes comprised of the
      rs569959 and rs17326429 polymorphisms.

PMID- 27654065
TI  - One material, multiple functions: graphene/Ni(OH)2 thin films applied in
      batteries, electrochromism and sensors.
AB  - Different nanocomposites between reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and Ni(OH)2
      nanoparticles were synthesized through modifications in the polyol method
      (starting from graphene oxide (GO) dispersion in ethylene glycol and nickel
      acetate), processed as thin films through the liquid-liquid interfacial route,
      homogeneously deposited over transparent electrodes and spectroscopically,
      microscopically and electrochemically characterized. The thin and transparent
      nanocomposite films (112 to 513 nm thickness, 62.6 to 19.9% transmittance at 550
      nm) consist of alpha-Ni(OH)2 nanoparticles (mean diameter of 4.9 nm)
      homogeneously decorating the rGO sheets. As a control sample, neat Ni(OH)2 was
      prepared in the same way, consisting of porous nanoparticles with diameter
      ranging from 30 to 80 nm. The nanocomposite thin films present multifunctionality
      and they were applied as electrodes to alkaline batteries, as electrochromic
      material and as active component to electrochemical sensor to glycerol. In all
      the cases the nanocomposite films presented better performances when compared to
      the neat Ni(OH)2 nanoparticles, showing energy and power of 43.7 W h kg-1 and 4.8
      kW kg-1 (8.24 A g-1) respectively, electrochromic efficiency reaching 70 cm2 C-1
      and limit of detection as low as 15.4 +/- 1.2 MUmol L-1.

PMID- 27654066
TI  - Microbial degradation, cytotoxicity and antibacterial activity of polyurethanes
      based on modified castor oil and polycaprolactone.
AB  - The objective of this study was to assess the effects of type of polyol and
      concentration of polycaprolactone (PCL) in polyurethanes (PUs) on microbial
      degradability, cytotoxicity, biological properties and antibacterial activity to
      establish whether these materials may have biomedical applications. Chemically
      modified and unmodified castor oil, PCL and isophorone diisocyanate in a 1:1
      ratio of NCO/OH were used. PUs were characterized by stress/strain fracture tests
      and hardness (ASTM D 676-59). Hydrophilic character was determined by contact
      angle trials and morphology was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy.
      Degradability with Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was evaluated by
      measuring variations in the weight of the polymers. Cytotoxicity was evaluated
      using the ISO 10993-5 (MTT) method with mouse embryonic fibroblasts L-929
      (ATCC(r) CCL-1) in direct contact with the PUs and with NIH/3T3 cells (ATCC(r)
      CRL-1658) in indirect contact with the PUs. Antimicrobial activity against E.
      coli and P. aeruginosa was determined. PUs derived from castor oil modified (P0
      and P1) have higher mechanical properties than PUs obtained from castor oil
      unmodified (CO). The viability of L-929 mouse fibroblasts in contact with
      polymers was greater than 70%. An assessment of NIH/3T3 cells in indirect contact
      with PUs revealed no-toxic degradation products. Finally, the antibacterial
      effect of the PUs decreased by 77% for E. coli and 56% for P. aeruginosa after 24
      h. These results indicate that PUs synthesized with PCL have biocidal activity
      against Gram-negative bacteria and do not induce cytotoxic responses, indicating
      the potential use of these materials in the biomedical field.

PMID- 27654068
TI  - Integrated ZnO Nano-Electron-Emitter with Self-Modulated Parasitic Tunneling
      Field Effect Transistor at the Surface of the p-Si/ZnO Junction.
AB  - The development of high performance nano-electron-emitter arrays with well
      reliability still proves challenging. Here, we report a featured integrated nano
      electron-emitter. The vertically aligned nano-emitter consists of two segments.
      The top segment is an intrinsically lightly n-type doped ZnO nano-tip, while the
      bottom segment is a heavily p-type doped Si nano-pillar (denoted as p-Si/ZnO nano
      emitter). The anode voltage not only extracted the electron emission from the
      emitter apex but also induced the inter-band electron tunneling at the surface of
      the p-Si/ZnO nano-junction. The designed p-Si/ZnO emitter is equivalent to a ZnO
      nano-tip individually ballasted by a p-Si/ZnO diode and a parasitic tunneling
      field effect transistor (TFET) at the surface of the p-Si/ZnO junction. The
      parasitic TFET provides a channel for the supply of emitting electron, while the
      p-Si/ZnO diode is benefit for impeding the current overloading and prevent the
      emitters from a catastrophic breakdown. Well repeatable and stable field emission
      current were obtained from the p-Si/ZnO nano-emitters. High performance nano
      emitters was developed using diamond-like-carbon coated p-Si/ZnO tip array (500 *
      500), i.e., 178 MUA (4.48 mA/cm2) at 75.7 MV/m.

PMID- 27654067
TI  - tRNA-mimicry in IRES-mediated translation and recoding.
AB  - Viruses maintain compact genomes that must be packaged within capsids typically
      less than 200 nanometers in diameter. Therefore, instead of coding for a full set
      of genes needed for replication, viruses have evolved remarkable strategies for
      co-opting the host cellular machinery. Additionally, viruses often increase the
      coding capacity of their own genomes by employing overlapping open reading frames
      (ORFs). Some overlapping viral ORFs involve recoding events that are programmed
      by the viral RNA. During these programmed recoding events, the ribosome is
      directed to translate in an alternative reading frame. Here we describe how the
      Dicistroviridae family of viruses utilize an internal ribosome entry site (IRES)
      in order to recruit ribosomes to initiate translation at a non-AUG codon. The
      IRES accomplishes this in part by mimicking the structure of a tRNA. Recently, we
      showed that the Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus (IAPV) member of the
      Dicistroviridae family utilizes its IRES to initiate translation in 2 different
      reading frames. Thus, IAPV has evolved an apparently novel recoding mechanism
      that reveals important insights into translation. Finally, we compare the IAPV
      structure to other systems that utilize tRNA mimicry in translation.

PMID- 27654069
TI  - Stress and temperature dependence of the avalanche dynamics during creep
      deformation of metallic glasses.
AB  - The understanding of the mesoscopic origin of plasticity in metallic glasses
      remains still an open issue. At the microscopic level, Shear Transformation Zones
      (STZ), composed by dozens of atoms, have been identified as the basic unit of the
      deformation process. Macroscopically, metallic glasses perform either homogeneous
      or inhomogeneous flow depending on the experimental conditions. However, the
      emergence of macroscopic behavior resulting from STZ interactions is still an
      open issue and is of great interest. In the current work we present an approach
      to analyze the different interaction mechanisms of STZ's by studying the
      statistics of the avalanches produced by a metallic glass during tensile creep
      deformation. We identified a crossover between different regimes of avalanches,
      and we analyzed the dependence of such crossover on the experimental conditions,
      namely stress and temperature. We interpret such crossover as a transition from
      3D random STZ activity to localized 2D nano-shear bands. The experimental time at
      which the crossover takes place seems to depend on the overall strain and strain
      rate in the sample.

PMID- 27654070
TI  - Treg cells as potential cellular targets for functionalized nanoparticles in
      cancer therapy.
AB  - Treg cell-mediated immune suppression appears to represent a significant barrier
      to effective anticancer immune responses and their inactivation or removal is
      viewed as a potential therapeutic approach. Although suitable tools for selective
      Treg cell manipulation in man are missing, their number and function can be
      altered by a number of drugs and biologicals and by reprogramming tumor
      infiltrating antigen presenting cells. Nanoparticles offer exceptional new
      options in drug and gene delivery by prolonging the circulation time of their
      cargo, protecting it from degradation and promoting its local accumulation in
      cells and tissues. In tumor therapy, the use of nanoparticles is expected to
      overcome limitations in drug delivery and provide novel means for cell-specific
      functional alteration. In this perspective, we summarize strategies suitable for
      interference with Treg-mediated suppression, discuss the potential use of
      nanoparticles for this purpose and identify additional, unexplored opportunities.

PMID- 27654071
TI  - Fostering the exchange of real-life data across different countries to answer
      primary care research questions: a protocol for an UNLOCK study from the IPCRG.

PMID- 27654072
TI  - Risk behavior and access to HIV/AIDS prevention services in a community sample of
      homeless persons entering permanent supportive housing.
AB  - Homeless persons suffer disproportionately high rates of HIV infection, and
      moving into permanent supportive housing (PSH) can provide a stable base from
      which to access needed prevention services. However, little is known about HIV
      risk or prevention behavior during this critical time of transition. The current
      study investigated STI and HIV risk and prevention behavior and recent use of
      prevention and treatment services (i.e., education, testing, medication) among
      homeless persons preparing to move into PSH. Data come from interviews with 421
      homeless adults before they moved into PSH. Thirty-seven percent of the
      respondents were sexually active; of those, 75.7% reported unprotected sex.
      Nearly two-thirds (64%) reported past year HIV testing and 40% reported testing
      for another STI. Fewer than one-third (31%) of respondents reported receiving
      posttest counseling at their last HIV test. HIV seropositivity was self-reported
      by 10%. Among those persons who were HIV-positive, 57.1% reported less than 100%
      antiretroviral (ARV) adherence. Among HIV-negative respondents, less than 1% had
      been prescribed preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Less than half (46.4%) of the
      sample reported any HIV prevention education in the past year. This population of
      homeless adults about to move into PSH report high rates of HIV risk behavior,
      but low rates of HIV prevention education and very little PrEP utilization.
      Further, low rates of ARV adherence among HIV-positive respondents indicate
      significant risk for HIV transmission and acquisition. Entering PSH is a period
      of transition for homeless persons when integrated care is critically important
      to ensure positive health outcomes, but these data suggest that PrEP and other
      HIV prevention services are poorly accessed among this population. As such,
      multipronged services that integrate PrEP and other HIV prevention services are
      needed to prevent transmission and acquisition of HIV in this high-risk,
      vulnerable population and ensure the health and wellbeing of PSH residents.

PMID- 27654073
TI  - Clinical and bacteriological analyses of bacteremia due to Corynebacterium
      striatum.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Corynebacterium striatum was recently recognized as a potential
      pathogen of various infectious diseases. However, the clinical entity of this
      microorganism has not been clearly identified. Therefore, we analyzed C. striatum
      isolates from blood culture and explored their clinical determinants. METHODS: We
      reviewed the medical records of all patients from whom C. striatum isolates were
      recovered from blood culture for analysis of the patients' backgrounds and
      clinical course including response to antimicrobial therapy and prognosis.
      RESULTS: During the 5-year study period (January 2010 to December 2014), 24 C.
      striatum strains were isolated from blood samples, and the frequency of C.
      striatum bacteremia increased. The majority of the strains were multidrug
      resistant. All of the tested strains were susceptible to only vancomycin. The age
      at onset of C. striatum bacteremia encompassed all adult age groups, and at least
      one underlying condition was documented in all patients. Thirteen of the 24
      patients were cured using appropriate antibiotics (true infection group);
      however, 11 of the 24 patients were cured using inappropriate antibiotic therapy
      or no antibiotics (contamination group). Malignancy and neutropenia significantly
      increased the odds of true C. striatum bloodstream infection. CONCLUSIONS: The
      Corynebacterium species is often considered a contaminant when isolated in
      culture. Instead, particularly when the strain is isolated from blood, the
      species should be considered clinically relevant and identified to the species
      level; in addition, antimicrobial susceptibility testing is recommended.

PMID- 27654075
TI  - Introduction.
AB  - No abstract available for this article.

PMID- 27654074
TI  - Postpartum stress urinary incontinence, is it related to vaginal delivery?
AB  - A postpartum stress urinary incontinence is highly prevalent in Chinese women.
      Both pregnancy and delivery can damage muscular, fascial, and neural mechanisms
      of urinary continence. Elective cesarean section (CS) is not completely
      protective against postpartum stress urinary incontinence.

PMID- 27654078
TI  - Estimation of GHG Emissions from Water Reclamation Plants in Beijing.
AB  - A procedure for estimating Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from a wastewater
      reclamation plant in Beijing was developed based on the process chain model. GHG
      emissions under two typical water reclamation treatment processes, the
      coagulation-sedimentation-filtration traditional process and advanced biological
      treatment process, were examined. The total on-site GHG emissions were estimated
      to be 0.0056 kg/m3 and 0.6765 kg/m3 respectively, while total off-site GHG
      emissions were estimated to be 0.3699 kg/m3 and 0.4816 kg/m3. The overall GHG
      emissions were 0.3755 kg/m3 under the type 1 treatment, which is much lower than
      that under the type 2 of 1.1581 kg/m3. Emissions from both processes were lower
      than that from the tap water production. Wastewater reclamation and reuse should
      be promoted as it not only saves the water resources but also can reduce the GHG
      emissions. Energy consumption was the most significant source of GHG emissions.
      Biogas recovery should be employed as it can significantly reduce the GHG
      emissions, especially under the type 2 treatment process. Considering the
      wastewater treatment and reclamation process as a whole, the type 2 treatment
      process has advantages in reducing the GHG emissions per unit of pollutant. This
      paper provides scientific basis for decision making.

PMID- 27654079
TI  - Pyrolysis of Dried Wastewater Biosolids Can Be Energy Positive.
AB  - Pyrolysis is a thermal process that converts biosolids into biochar (a soil
      amendment), py-oil and py-gas, which can be energy sources. The objectives of
      this research were to determine the product yield of dried biosolids during
      pyrolysis and the energy requirements of pyrolysis. Bench-scale experiments
      revealed that temperature increases up to 500  degrees C substantially decreased
      the fraction of biochar and increased the fraction of py-oil. Py-gas yield
      increased above 500  degrees C. The energy required for pyrolysis was
      approximately 5-fold less than the energy required to dry biosolids (depending on
      biosolids moisture content), indicating that, if a utility already uses energy to
      dry biosolids, then pyrolysis does not require a substantial amount of energy.
      However, if a utility produces wet biosolids, then implementing pyrolysis may be
      costly because of the energy required to dry the biosolids. The energy content of
      py-gas and py-oil was always greater than the energy required for pyrolysis.

PMID- 27654080
TI  - Modeling the Economic Feasibility of Large-Scale Net-Zero Water Management: A
      Case Study.
AB  - While municipal direct potable water reuse (DPR) has been recommended for
      consideration by the U.S. National Research Council, it is unclear how to size
      new closed-loop DPR plants, termed "net-zero water (NZW) plants", to minimize
      cost and energy demand assuming upgradient water distribution. Based on a recent
      model optimizing the economics of plant scale for generalized conditions, the
      authors evaluated the feasibility and optimal scale of NZW plants for treatment
      capacity expansion in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Local data on population
      distribution and topography were input to compare projected costs for NZW vs the
      current plan. Total cost was minimized at a scale of 49 NZW plants for the
      service population of 671,823. Total unit cost for NZW systems, which mineralize
      chemical oxygen demand to below normal detection limits, is projected at ~$10.83
      / 1000 gal, approximately 13% above the current plan and less than rates reported
      for several significant U.S. cities.

PMID- 27654081
TI  - A Spike Cocktail Approach to Improve Microbial Performance Monitoring for Water
      Reuse.
AB  - Water reuse, via either centralized treatment of traditional wastewater or
      decentralized treatment and on-site reuse, is becoming an increasingly important
      element of sustainable water management. Despite advances in waterborne pathogen
      detection methods, low and highly variable pathogen levels limit their utility
      for routine evaluation of health risks in water reuse systems. Therefore, there
      is a need to improve our understanding of the linkage between pathogens and more
      readily measured process indicators during treatment. This paper describes an
      approach for constructing spiking experiments to relate the behavior of viral,
      bacterial, and protozoan pathogens with relevant process indicators. General
      issues are reviewed, and the spiking protocol is applied as a case study example
      to improve microbial performance monitoring and health risk evaluation in a water
      reuse system. This approach provides a foundation for the development of novel
      approaches to improve real or near-real time performance monitoring of water
      recycling systems.

PMID- 27654082
TI  - High Permeate Recovery for Concentrate Reduction by Integrated Membrane Process
      in Textile Effluent.
AB  - The textile dyeing industry consumes a significant amount of high-quality water
      for processing, which stresses water resources. In recent decades, technologies
      have been developed to recover water from wastewater. This study describes the
      high recovery (greater than 92%) of reusable water from an industrial-scale
      hosiery dye-water recovery facility, consisting of three stages of reverse
      osmosis and ultrafiltration. The effluent was pre-treated before the membrane
      process was performed to prevent biofouling. The process performance results in
      the generation of a consistent water quality that is required for dyeing
      operations. An average feed flux of 15 l/m2h was maintained in the reverse
      osmosis membrane by regular chemical dosing and cleaning. The integrated membrane
      process achieved a permeate with a pH of 6.5 and total dissolved solids (TDS) of
      160 mg/l, with no other contaminants, which is of sufficient quality for reuse in
      the cotton hosiery dyeing process.

PMID- 27654083
TI  - Potential Water Reuse for High Strength Fruit and Vegetable Processor Wastewater
      with an MBR.
AB  - High strength food processing wastewater from two processing plants was studied
      to determine the effectiveness of an aerobic membrane bioreactor (MBR) to reduce
      BOD, TSS and nutrients below municipal sewer discharge limits. The MBR comprised
      a 20 L lab-scale reactor combined with a flat sheet, ultrafiltration membrane
      module. The parameters studied included the operational flux, solids and
      hydraulic retention times and recirculation ratio with regards to
      nitrification/denitrification. The MBR system provided excellent removal
      efficiency at 97% COD, 99% BOD, 99.9% TSS, 90% TKN, and 60% TP for both
      processing plants, which eliminated the surcharges, allowing the firms to stay
      competitive. Effluent reuse tests showed that activated carbon proved effective
      in removing color from the MBR permeate, while UV treatment was able to achieve a
      5 log reduction in bacteriophage. Overall, these treatment successes show the
      potential for water reuse in the agrifood sector.

PMID- 27654084
TI  - Hospital and Municipal Wastewater: Identification of Relevant Pharmaceutical
      Compounds.
AB  - The interest in the presence of pharmaceutical compounds (PhC) in the
      environment has increased significantly because of their potential impact on
      human health. Many studies have demonstrated that PhCs can be found in hospital
      and municipal wastewaters, mainly due to the inefficiency of the treatment
      plants. However, the question is how significant the hospital contribution
      represents in the total municipal wastewater generated. Therefore, the objective
      of this paper is to perform a comparison between hospital and municipal
      wastewaters based on literature review, serving as a base for the implementation
      of more efficient management policies in hospitals and municipal wastewater
      treatment plants. Results indicate that there are some compounds found in higher
      concentrations in hospital effluents than in municipal inffluent, particularly
      the class of antibiotics.

PMID- 27654085
TI  - Evaluation of an Industrial Byproduct Glycol Mixture for Denitrification.
AB  - In this study, the effectiveness of an industrial byproduct that contained
      ethylene and propylene glycols to serve as a denitrification carbon source was
      investigated. Use of the byproduct was compared to methanol on the basis of
      denitrification rate and yield. Three sequencing batch reactors (SBR) were
      studied; one was fed methanol, the other two were fed with low and high dosages
      of the byproduct separately. The low dosage reactor (GLYL) exhibited the highest
      denitrification rate of 11.55 mg NOx-N/g MLVSS*h and the lowest yield of 0.21 mg
      VSS/mg COD, while the high dosage reactor (GLYH) had the lowest denitrification
      rate of 8.56 mg NOx-N/g MLVSS*h and the highest yield of 0.55 mg VSS/mg COD. The
      results of this study showed that the industrial byproduct can be used to effect
      efficient nitrogen removal, but excess dosage can cause poor performance.

PMID- 27654086
TI  - Phosphorus Removal in Constructed Stormwater Wetland Mesocosms Amended with Water
      Treatment Residuals.
AB  - Constructed stormwater wetlands (CSWs) reduce stormwater volume and improve
      water quality. One quality improvement is the removal of soluble reactive
      phosphorus (SRP). There has been limited study on SRP fate and transport or on
      the mechanisms to improve SRP removal due to the difficulty in quantifying the
      complex, spatially heterogeneous removal processes in two-dimensional flow. The
      present research analyzed the ability of wetland soil (Control) and wetland soil
      amended with 2%, 5%, and 8% (by mass) of aluminum-based water treatment residuals
      (AlWTRs) to remove SRP in surface-flow vegetated CSW mesocosms. Batch adsorption
      experiments showed increasing SRP sorption capacity with increased AlWTR content
      (590-850 mg/kg soil) compared to the Control (385 mg/kg soil); however, AlWTR
      amended flowing mesocosms removed only 6.0-8.8 mg/kg SRP compared to 9.3 mg/kg
      SRP for the Control. The lack of increased SRP removal in AlWTR-amended mesocosms
      was attributed to flow dynamics (only 20% of the surface outflow was quantified
      as subsurface flow). These results suggest the extent of infiltration versus
      surface flow is key to soil amendments improving SRP removal in a CSW.

PMID- 27654087
TI  - Nanodomains in Biomembranes with Recycling.
AB  - Cell membranes are out of thermodynamic equilibrium notably because of membrane
      recycling, i.e., active exchange of material with the cytosol. We propose an
      analytically tractable model of biomembrane predicting the effects of recycling
      on the size of protein nanodomains also called protein clusters. The model
      includes a short-range attraction between proteins and a weaker long-range
      repulsion which ensures the existence of so-called cluster phases in equilibrium,
      where monomeric proteins coexist with finite-size domains. Our main finding is
      that, when taking recycling into account, the typical cluster size at steady
      state increases logarithmically with the recycling rate at fixed protein
      concentration. Using physically realistic model parameters, the predicted 2-fold
      increase due to recycling in living cells is most likely experimentally
      measurable with the help of super-resolution microscopy.

PMID- 27654088
TI  - Human Leukocyte Antigen-DR Expression is Significantly Related to an Increased
      Disease-Free and Disease-Specific Survival in Patients With Cervical
      Adenocarcinoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II antigens are expressed on
      antigen-presenting cells, that is, macrophages, dendritic cells, and B
      lymphocytes. Under the influence of IFN-gamma, HLA class II molecules can also be
      expressed on T lymphocytes, epithelial and endothelial cells. In addition, HLA
      class II antigens can be expressed in a variety of malignancies; however, the
      link with prognosis and ultimately patient survival is controversial. METHODS:
      The pattern of HLA-DRA expression in cervical carcinoma was studied using
      immunohistochemistry. In total, 124 cervical carcinomas were examined, of which
      60 (48.4%) were squamous cell carcinomas and 64 (51.6%) were adenocarcinomas.
      RESULTS: In squamous cell carcinoma, HLA-DRA was expressed in 41 (68.3%) of 60
      tumors, whereas in adenocarcinoma, HLA-DRA was expressed in 60 (93.8%) of 64
      tumors (P < 0.001). In adenocarcinoma, HLA-DRA expression was associated with an
      increased disease-free survival (211.0 +/- 13.0 vs 53.3 +/- 30.5 months; P =
      0.004) and disease-specific survival (226.45 +/- 11.5 vs 75.8 +/- 27.6 months; P
      = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Upregulation of HLA-DRA is significantly related to an
      increased disease-free and disease-specific survival in cervical adenocarcinoma.
      These data warrant further analysis of the functional role of HLA-DRA in these
      tumors.

PMID- 27654089
TI  - The use of SBIRT in substance abuse screening.
AB  - There are many barriers to screening for alcohol and drug abuse. Screening, brief
      intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) principles can be used in
      identifying and helping patients with substance abuse problems. This article
      introduces SBIRT, discusses barriers to implementation, and reviews current
      practice recommendations. 

PMID- 27654090
TI  - Paternal perinatal depression: Making a case for routine screening.

PMID- 27654093
TI  - Assessing suicide risk in older adults.

PMID- 27654091
TI  - Type 1 diabetes & cardiovascular disease.

PMID- 27654094
TI  - Herbal supplements for health promotion and disease prevention.
AB  - This three-part series is designed to provide clinicians with a working knowledge
      of using herbal supplements for health and disease states. Common herbal
      preparations used for health promotion or disease prevention will be featured in
      this part of the series. 

PMID- 27654095
TI  - Evaluation and treatment of the acutely injured worker.
AB  - The primary care NP has a significant opportunity to meet the special healthcare
      needs of the occupational community. While NPs routinely diagnose and treat
      workers, writing return-to-work restrictions can pose a challenge. 

PMID- 27654097
TI  - Supplemental Feedings for the High-Risk Preterm Infants-Reply.

PMID- 27654098
TI  - Urethral Trauma After Foley Catheter Placement: A Teachable Moment.

PMID- 27654099
TI  - Acute stroke endovascular treatment: tips and tricks.
AB  - Acute ischemic stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in the United
      States, responsible for 1 of every 20 deaths. The efficacy of intravenous tissue
      plasminogen activator (tPA) alone for recanalization of large-vessel occlusion
      (LVO) is low. Several randomized trials have now established endovascular
      treatment of LVO as a standard of care. Endovascular techniques continue to
      evolve at a rapid pace. This review seeks to report recent advances in
      endovascular technology, discuss the correlation between speed of reperfusion and
      patient outcomes, and present mobile stroke care, shortcoming of the recent
      technology (such as clot fragmentation), and potential solutions to overcome
      these drawbacks, as well as anesthetic considerations and cost-effectiveness.

PMID- 27654100
TI  - Drug-eluting balloons in below the knee treatment.
AB  - The endovascular treatment of atherosclerotic disease of the infra-inguinal
      arteries has changed significantly since the introduction of drug-eluting balloon
      technology. The role of angioplasty using drug-eluting balloons for lesions of
      the superficial femoral and popliteal artery is now well established. The
      positive results of the use of drug-eluting balloons in the above knee segment
      could not be achieved in the below-the-knee segment. This paper will give an
      overview of the current status of drug-eluting balloon angioplasty for below-the
      knee lesions, and will present a review of 2 single center registry, 5 randomized
      trials and a meta-analysis.

PMID- 27654101
TI  - New tools in endovascular surgery.

PMID- 27654102
TI  - Total aortic endovascular repair.
AB  - Endovascular repair has an established role in aortic treatment and has with
      evolving technologies expanded its applicability to the whole aorta. Whereas open
      repair is still the standard treatment for aortic arch and ascending aortic
      pathology, in high-risk patients, endovascular treatment has gained an increasing
      role. Endovascular options range from hybrid procedures to total endovascular
      repair using chimney grafts, branched and fenestrated stent grafts. Thoracic
      endovascular repair (TEVAR) for descending aortic pathologies including
      aneurysms, traumatic aortic transection, and complicated type B aortic dissection
      (TBAD) have also been firmly established and in many cases shown superior to open
      alternatives. For uncomplicated type B aortic dissection, TEVAR is controversial
      weighing the benefits of the long-term outcomes with increased short-term
      morbidity and mortality. Endovascular thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair
      with fenestrated and branched stent grafts have also established its role with
      excellent short-term results and promising long-term durability. Staging of
      extensive repairs is widely adopted to prevent spinal cord ischemia. Off-the
      shelf (OTS) devices have a complimentary role in emergency situations where
      custom-made device (CMD) are not available. Chimney and parallel graft techniques
      also still have a place in emergency situations. Fenestrated stent graft is a
      solid treatment for pararenal aneurysms with the trend toward more complex repair
      that aims for durability without compromising the operative outcomes. OTS
      fenestrated repair for juxtarenal aneurysms have shown its feasibility in the
      short-term but long-term results are yet to be published. Techniques for
      infrarenal aneurysm repair have reached a plateau. New devices have been
      developed to overcome the anatomical limitations of current stent grafts,
      especially for unfavorable neck anatomy. New polymer-based endovascular sealing
      (EVAS) technique has shown its feasibility and promising early outcomes, however
      long-term evidence is needed to define its role in the treatment armamentarium.
      Lastly, hypogastric artery preservation is now more feasible when iliac-branched
      devices have shown a good long-term patency and some new devices are available in
      clinical trial. This article gives an overview of available options and the
      results of endovascular solutions for the entire aorta from the ascending aorta
      to the iliac artery.

PMID- 27654104
TI  - Cu(OAc)2-Mediated Reaction of [60]Fullerene with Aldehydes and Primary Amines for
      the Synthesis of Fulleropyrrolines.
AB  - The facile one-step reaction of [60]fullerene with aldehydes and primary amines
      in the presence of cheap and easily available Cu(OAc)2.H2O afforded a series of
      new types of fulleropyrrolines with trisubstituted C?C bonds in good to excellent
      yields, which would be difficult to prepare by known methods. The formed
      fulleropyrroline under the assistance of Pd(OAc)2 and CuCl2.2H2O could be further
      converted to 1-fulleropyrrolidine by the chlorohydroxylation reaction of C?C
      bond. Subsequent elimination reaction of 1-fulleropyrrolidine with the aid of
      TsOH.H2O generated the scarce 1-fulleropyrroline derivative.

PMID- 27654105
TI  - Extent of Extrathyroidal Extension as a Significant Predictor of Nodal Metastasis
      and Extranodal Extension in Patients with Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Extrathyroidal extension (ETE) and extranodal extension (ENE)
      indicate poor prognosis for patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). The
      relationships among ETE, ENE, and nodal metastasis (N1) have not been thoroughly
      studied. In this study, we examined the relationships among the extent of ETE,
      N1, ENE, and posttreatment recurrence in patients with PTC. METHODS: This study
      enrolled 1693 consecutive patients with previously untreated PTC who underwent
      thyroidectomy between 2006 and 2009. The extent of ETE was graded based on
      intraoperative and pathological findings, and central and lateral neck (N1b)
      nodal metastases and ENE were pathologically determined. Univariate and
      multivariate analyses were used to identify the association of
      clinicopathological factors with recurrence-free survival (RFS) and to define the
      relationships among the extent of ETE, N1, and ENE. RESULTS: Of 1693 patients,
      1087 (64.2 %) had ETE and 201 (11.9 %) had ENE. Pathologically positive lymph
      nodes were found in 783 patients (46.2 %), of whom 236 (30.1 %) had N1b. During
      the median follow-up of 86 months, 90 (5.3 %) patients had recurrences.
      Multivariate analyses showed that multifocality, ETE, T and N classification, the
      risk of structural recurrence proposed by the American Thyroid Association, and
      ENE were independent variables for RFS (P < .05). Patients with macroscopic ETE
      had a 13-fold increased risk of recurrence, and ETE had significant relationships
      with N1, N1b, and ENE (all P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Local extension, nodal
      involvement, and ENE contribute to posttreatment recurrence of PTC. Macroscopic
      ETE predicts nodal metastasis and ENE, which are adverse pathologic features.

PMID- 27654103
TI  - Relationships among Maternal Stress and Depression, Type 2 Responses, and
      Recurrent Wheezing at Age 3 Years in Low-Income Urban Families.
AB  - RATIONALE: Maternal depression and prenatal and early life stress may influence
      childhood wheezing illnesses, potentially through effects on immune development.
      OBJECTIVES: To test the hypothesis that maternal stress and/or depression during
      pregnancy and early life are associated with recurrent wheezing and aeroallergen
      sensitivity and altered cytokine responses (enhanced type 2 or reduced virus
      induced cytokine responses) from stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells at
      age 3 years. METHODS: URECA (Urban Environment and Childhood Asthma) is a birth
      cohort at high risk for asthma (n = 560) in four inner cities. Maternal stress,
      depression, and childhood wheezing episodes were assessed by quarterly
      questionnaires beginning at birth. Logistic and linear regression techniques were
      used to examine the relation of maternal stress/depression to recurrent wheezing
      and peripheral blood mononuclear cell cytokine responses at age 3 years.
      MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Overall, 166 (36%) children had recurrent wheeze
      at age 3 years. Measures of maternal perceived stress at Years 2 and 3 were
      positively associated with recurrent wheeze (P < 0.05). Maternal depression (any
      year) was significantly associated with recurrent wheezing (P <= 0.01). These
      associations were also significant when considered in a longitudinal analysis of
      cumulative stress and depression (P <= 0.02). Neither stress nor depression was
      significantly related to aeroallergen sensitization or antiviral responses.
      Contrary to our original hypothesis, prenatal and Year 1 stress and depression
      had significant inverse associations with several type 2 cytokine responses.
      CONCLUSIONS: In urban children at high risk for asthma, maternal perceived stress
      and depression were significantly associated with recurrent wheezing but not
      increased atopy or reduced antiviral responses.

PMID- 27654106
TI  - Prognosis of Fibrosarcoma in Patients With and Without a History of Radiation for
      Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine whether radiation-induced fibrosarcoma (RIF) in patients
      with a history of radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) was associated
      with an inferior prognosis compared to sporadic fibrosarcoma of the head and
      neck. METHODS: Forty-two patients with RIF who previously received radiotherapy
      for NPC and 124 patients with sporadic fibrosarcoma of the head and neck were
      identified between January 1965 and December 2013 at our institution. Information
      on clinicopathologic characteristics and treatment was abstracted from medical
      records. The primary end point was disease-specific survival (DSS). RESULTS: The
      median latency from NPC diagnosis to RIF diagnosis was 9.9 years (range 3.1-36.8
      years). RIF was diagnosed at an older age than sporadic fibrosarcoma. Treatment
      modality was significantly different between the two groups, with only 64.3 % of
      the RIF group receiving surgery +/- adjuvant treatment versus 91.1 % in the
      sporadic fibrosarcoma group (P < 0.001). Patients with RIF had poorer 5-year DSS
      compared to the sporadic fibrosarcoma group (36.2 vs. 50.4 %; P = 0.026).
      Multivariate analysis of the combined group indicated that patient group (P =
      0.032), tumor, node, metastasis classification system stage (P = 0.019),
      histologic grade (P = 0.046) and treatment modality (P < 0.001) were independent
      variables affecting DSS. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to patients with sporadic
      fibrosarcoma, NPC survivors who develop RIF are older at diagnosis of
      fibrosarcoma and have an inferior prognosis.

PMID- 27654107
TI  - Is Radiotherapy Warranted Following Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Resection?
      The Impact of Surgical Margins and Lymph Node Status on Survival.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The role of radiotherapy (RT) for surgically resected intrahepatic
      cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) remains poorly defined. Radiotherapy is often considered
      when positive resection margins exist. The present study sought to examine the
      impact of radiotherapy following ICC resection. METHODS: Patients with early
      stage disease, who underwent surgical resection, were identified from the
      National Cancer Database (1998-2013). Patients were stratified by the receipt of
      RT. Survival outcomes were examined following propensity score matching (PS), and
      a Cox regression for survival analysis was used to examine predictors of
      survival. RESULTS: A total of 2897 patients were identified. R0 status was
      achieved in 1951 patients (67.3 %). RT was delivered to 525 patients (R0 = 255,
      R1/R2 = 230, unknown = 43). Following PS matching, the overall survival for R0
      versus R1/R2 resection was 31.2 versus 19.5 months (p < .001), respectively. RT
      was associated with a trend toward improved survival for R1/R2 lymph node
      negative patients (39.5 vs. 21.1 months; p = .052). In a multivariate model
      accounting for different patient and disease characteristics, RT was not
      associated with survival. In contrast, age, comorbidities, tumor grade, resection
      margins, lymph nodes status, and tumor's T stage were identified as negative
      predictors of survival. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with negative resection margins
      demonstrated improved survival outcome among ICC patients. In patients with
      positive resection margins and node negative disease, radiotherapy did not
      provide a survival benefit. Further studies are warranted to confirm and further
      define these results.

PMID- 27654108
TI  - Impact of an In-visit Decision Aid on Patient Knowledge about Contralateral
      Prophylactic Mastectomy: A Pilot Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies have reported that breast cancer patients have limited
      understanding about the oncologic outcomes following contralateral prophylactic
      mastectomy (CPM). We hypothesized that an in-visit decision aid (DA) would be
      associated with higher patient knowledge about the anticipated short and long
      term outcomes of CPM. METHODS: We piloted a DA which used the SCOPED: (Situation,
      Choices, Objectives, People, Evaluation and Decision) framework. Knowledge,
      dichotomized as "low" (<=3 correct) versus "high" (>=4 correct), was assessed
      immediately after the visit by a 5 item survey. There were 97 DA patients
      (response rate 62.2 %) and 114 usual care (UC) patients (response rate 71.3 %).
      RESULTS: Patient demographic factors were similar between the two groups. Twenty
      one (21.7 %) patients in the DA group underwent CPM compared with 18 (15.8 %) in
      the UC group (p = 0.22). Mean and median knowledge levels were significantly
      higher in the DA group compared with the UC group for patients of all ages, tumor
      stage, race, family history, anxiety levels, worry about CBC, and surgery type.
      Eighty-six (78.9 %) of UC versus 35 (37.9 %) DA patients had low knowledge. Of
      patients who underwent CPM, 15 (83.3 %) in the UC cohort versus 5 (25.0 %) of DA
      patients had "low" knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge was higher in the DA group.
      The UC group had approximately three times the number of patients of the DA group
      who were at risk for making a poorly informed decision to have CPM. Future
      studies should assess the impact of increased knowledge on overall CPM rates.

PMID- 27654109
TI  - Shear-Wave Elastography for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma can Improve Prediction of
      Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate whether the elasticity index of shear
      wave elastography (SWE) can predict cervical lymph node (LN) metastasis of
      papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). METHODS: This retrospective study included 363
      patients with a surgical diagnosis of PTC who underwent preoperative SWE
      evaluation. The elasticity indices of PTC (E mean, E max, E min, E ratio-p, and E
      ratio-m) and gray-scale ultrasound (US) parameters (extrathyroidal extension,
      multifocality, and cervical LN metastasis) were correlated with the pathologic
      staging parameters. The optimal cutoff values for the elasticity indices were
      determined for the prediction of cervical LN metastasis, and diagnostic
      performance was compared between gray-scale US and the combined application of
      gray-scale US and SWE. RESULTS: The findings showed E mean and E max to be
      associated with central LN metastasis (P = 0.037) and E min to be associated with
      lateral LN metastasis (P = 0.015). An E mean value higher than 124 kPa or an E
      max value higher than 138 kPa with suspicious gray-scale US findings improved the
      sensitivity and area under the curve (AUC) for predicting central LN metastasis
      (sensitivity, 45.4 and 44.6 % vs. 28 %, P < 0.001; AUC, 0.659 and 0.667 vs.
      0.615, P = 0.011 and 0.019), whereas an E min value higher than 63 kPa with
      suspicious gray-scale US findings improved the sensitivity and AUC for predicting
      lateral LN metastasis (sensitivity, 95.8 vs. 75 %, P = 0.025; AUC, 0.924 vs.
      0.871, P = 0.047). CONCLUSION: The quantitative elasticity index of PTC on
      preoperative SWE could be useful for predicting cervical LN metastasis.

PMID- 27654110
TI  - Outcomes After Mastectomy and Lumpectomy in Elderly Patients with Early-Stage
      Breast Cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Survival in elderly patients undergoing mastectomy or lumpectomy
      has not been specifically analyzed. METHODS: Patients older than 70 years of age
      with clinical stage I invasive breast cancer, undergoing mastectomy or lumpectomy
      with or without radiation, and surveyed within 3 years of their diagnosis, were
      identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results and medicare
      health outcomes survey-linked dataset. The primary endpoint was breast cancer
      specific survival (CSS). RESULTS: Of 1784 patients, 596 (33.4 %) underwent
      mastectomy, 918 (51.4 %) underwent lumpectomy with radiation, and 270 (15.1 %)
      underwent lumpectomy alone. Significant differences were noted in age, tumor
      size, American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage, lymph node status (all p <
      0.0001) and number of positive lymph nodes between the three groups (p = 0.003).
      On univariate analysis, CSS for patients undergoing lumpectomy with radiation
      [hazard ratio (HR) 0.61, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.43-0.85; p = 0.004] was
      superior to mastectomy. Older age (HR 1.3, 95 % CI 1.09-1.45; p = 0.002), two or
      more comorbidities (HR 1.57, 95 % CI 1.08-2.26; p = 0.02), inability to perform
      more than two activities of daily living (HR 1.61, 95 % CI 1.06-2.44; p = 0.03),
      larger tumor size (HR 2.36, 95 % CI 1.85-3.02; p < 0.0001), and positive lymph
      nodes (HR 2.83, 95 % CI 1.98-4.04; p < 0.0001) were associated with worse CSS. On
      multivariate analysis, larger tumor size (HR 1.89, 95 % CI 1.37-2.57; p < 0.0001)
      and positive lymph node status (HR 1.99, 95 % CI 1.36-2.9; p = 0.0004)
      independently predicted worse survival. CONCLUSIONS: Elderly patients with early
      stage invasive breast cancer undergoing breast conservation have better CSS than
      those undergoing mastectomy. After adjusting for comorbidities and functional
      status, survival is dependent on tumor-specific variables. Determination of lymph
      node status remains important in staging elderly breast cancer patients.

PMID- 27654111
TI  - Routine Level 2b Dissection may be Recommended Only in N1b Papillary Thyroid
      Carcinoma with Three- or Four-Level Lateral Lymph Node Metastasis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Due to the low incidence of level 2b metastasis and the risk of
      spinal accessory nerve injury, previous studies have argued against routine level
      2b dissection for N1b papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). However, other studies
      have suggested the importance of including level 2b during lateral neck
      dissection. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the necessity of routine
      level 2b dissection. METHODS: The study retrospectively reviewed 327 N1b PTC
      patients who underwent unilateral modified radical neck dissection between
      January 1997 and May 2016. RESULTS: The incidence of level 2b metastasis was 10.4
      %, compared with 53.5 % for level 2a metastasis. The univariate analysis showed
      that large tumor size (p = 0.027) and simultaneous lateral lymph node metastasis
      (LLNM) (p = 0.002) were significantly associated with level 2b metastasis. The
      multivariate analysis showed that three-level (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 6.032; p
      = 0.020) and four-level (adjusted OR 9.398; p = 0.012) simultaneous LLNM were
      independent predictors for level 2b metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the low
      incidence of level 2b metastasis, routine level 2b dissection may not be
      necessary for N1b PTC patients. Level 2b dissection may be reserved for patients
      with more than three-level simultaneous LLNM or clinical/radiological evidence of
      level 2b metastasis.

PMID- 27654112
TI  - Utilization of Diurnal Rodents in the Research of Depression.
AB  - Preclinical Research Most neuropsychiatric research, including that related to
      the circadian system, is performed using nocturnal animals, mainly laboratory
      mice and rats. Mood disorders are known to be associated with circadian rhythm
      abnormalities, but the mechanisms by which circadian rhythm disruptions interact
      with depression remain unclear. As the circadian system of diurnal and nocturnal
      mammals differs, we previously suggested that the utilization of diurnal animal
      models may be advantageous for understanding these relations. During the last 10
      years, we and others established the validity of several diurnal rodent species
      as a model for the interactions between circadian rhythms and depression. Diurnal
      rodents respond to photoperiod manipulation in a similar way to humans, the
      behavioral outcome is directly related to the circadian system, and treatment
      that is effective in patients is also effective in the model. Moreover, less
      effective treatments in patients are also less effective in the model. We,
      therefore, suggest that using diurnal animal models to study circadian rhythms
      related affective disorders, such as depression, will provide new insights that
      will hopefully lead to the development of more effective treatments. Drug Dev Res
      77 : 347-356, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27654113
TI  - Supramolecule-Inspired Fabrication of Carbon Nanoparticles In Situ Anchored
      Graphene Nanosheets Material for High-Performance Supercapacitors.
AB  - The remarkable electrochemical performance of graphene-based materials has drawn
      a tremendous amount of attention for their application in supercapacitors.
      Inspired by supramolecular chemistry, the supramolecular hydrogel is prepared by
      linking beta-cyclodextrin to graphene oxide (GO). The carbon nanoparticles
      anchored graphene nanosheets are then assembled after the hydrothermal reduction
      and carbonization of the supramolecular hydrogels; here, the beta-cyclodextrin is
      carbonized to carbon nanoparticles that are uniformly anchored on the graphene
      nanosheets. Transmission electron microscopy reveals that carbon nanoparticles
      with several nanometers are uniformly anchored on both sides of graphene
      nanosheets, and X-ray diffraction spectra demonstrate that the interlayer spacing
      of graphene is enlarged due to the anchored nanoparticles among the graphene
      nanosheets. The as-prepared carbon nanoparticles-anchored graphene nanosheets
      material (C/r-GO-1:3) possesses a high specific capacitance (310.8 F g-1, 0.5 A g
      1), superior rate capability (242.5 F g-1, 10 A g-1), and excellent cycle
      stability (almost 100% after 10 000 cycles, at the scan rate of 50 mV s-1). The
      outstanding electrochemical performance of the resulting C/r-GO-1:3 is mainly
      attributed to (i) the presence of the carbon nanoparticles, (ii) the enlarged
      interlayer spacing of the graphene sheets, and (iii) the accelerated ion
      transport rates toward the interior of the electrode material. The supramolecule
      inspired approach for the synthesis of high-performance carbon nanoparticles
      modified graphene sheets material is promising for future application in graphene
      based energy storage devices.

PMID- 27654114
TI  - Catalytic Use of Elemental Gallium for Carbon-Carbon Bond Formation.
AB  - The first catalytic use of Ga(0) in organic synthesis has been developed by using
      a Ag(I) cocatalyst, crownether ligation, and ultrasonic activation. Ga(I)
      catalyzed C-C bond formations between allyl or allenyl boronic esters and
      acetals, ketals, or aminals have proceeded in high yields with essentially
      complete regio- and chemoselectivity. NMR spectroscopic analyses have revealed
      novel transient Ga(I) catalytic species, formed in situ through partial oxidation
      of Ga(0) and B-Ga transmetalation, respectively. The possibility of asymmetric
      Ga(I) catalysis has been demonstrated.

PMID- 27654116
TI  - MR-based prognostic nomogram for prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based nomogram in the
      prediction of prostate cancer (PCa) biochemical recurrence (BCR) within 3 years
      after prostatectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2009 and 2013, 205 patients
      with biopsy-confirmed PCa had MRI before prostatectomy. BCR was defined as a PSA
      failure (>0.2 ng/ml) after prostatectomy. MR features (cancer location, diameter,
      apparent diffusion coefficients [ADCs], PI-RADS v2 score, dynamic contrast
      enhanced [DCE] type, and MR T-stage) were retrospectively evaluated for
      predicting 3-year BCR based on partial least square regression analysis. Second,
      imaging features were added to a popularized D'Amico and CAPRA scheme to
      determine imaging contribution to published nomograms. Lastly, a multivariable
      Cox regression analysis was employed to determine the independent risk factors of
      time to BCR. RESULTS: Three-year BCR rate (median follow-up of 44.9 mo) was 25.4%
      (52/205). The area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (Az) for
      MR nomogram (0.909, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.861-0.944) was higher than
      popularized D'Amico (0.793, 95% CI: 0.731-0.846, P = 0.001) and CAPRA (0.809, 95%
      CI: 0.748-0.860, P = 0.001). The performance of D'Amico (Az: 0.901, 95% CI: 0.852
      0.938, P < 0.001) and CAPRA (Az: 0.894, 95% CI: 0.843-0.932, P = 0.004) was
      significantly improved by adding MR findings. Tumor ADCs (hazard ratio [HR] =
      1.747; P = 0.011), PI-RADS score (HR = 4.123; P = 0.039), pathological Gleason
      score (HR = 3.701; P = 0.004), and surgical-T3b (HR = 6.341; P < 0.001) were
      independently associated with time to BCR. CONCLUSION: Multiparametric MRI, when
      converted into a prognostic nomogram, can predict the clinical outcome in
      patients with PCa after prostatectomy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 J. Magn. Reson.
      Imaging 2017;45:586-596.

PMID- 27654115
TI  - The minimum information required for a glycomics experiment (MIRAGE) project:
      sample preparation guidelines for reliable reporting of glycomics datasets.
AB  - The minimum information required for a glycomics experiment (MIRAGE) project was
      established in 2011 to provide guidelines to aid in data reporting from all types
      of experiments in glycomics research including mass spectrometry (MS), liquid
      chromatography, glycan arrays, data handling and sample preparation. MIRAGE is a
      concerted effort of the wider glycomics community that considers the adaptation
      of reporting guidelines as an important step towards critical evaluation and
      dissemination of datasets as well as broadening of experimental techniques
      worldwide. The MIRAGE Commission published reporting guidelines for MS data and
      here we outline guidelines for sample preparation. The sample preparation
      guidelines include all aspects of sample generation, purification and
      modification from biological and/or synthetic carbohydrate material. The
      application of MIRAGE sample preparation guidelines will lead to improved
      recording of experimental protocols and reporting of understandable and
      reproducible glycomics datasets.

PMID- 27654118
TI  - Phenylboronic Acid-Cross-Linked Nanoparticles with Improved Stability as Dual
      Acid-Responsive Drug Carriers.
AB  - Herein, a kind of dual acid-sensitive nanoparticles based on monomethoxy
      poly(ethylene glycol)-imine-beta-cyclodextrin is constructed by a facile
      phenylboronic acid-cross-linked way. The data of dynamic light scattering and
      transmission electron microscope reveal the cross-linked nanoparticles have
      improved stability. The cross-linked nanoparticles could easily self-assemble and
      load the anticancer drug at neutral pH condition. However, when the drug-loaded
      nanoparticles are delivered to extracellular tumor sites (pH ~6.8), the surface
      of the nanoparticles would be amino positively charged and easily internalized by
      tumor cell due to the cleavage of the acid-labile benzoic-imine. Subsequently,
      with the acidity in subcellular compartments significantly increasing (such as
      the endosome pH ~5.3), the loaded drug would fast release from the endocytosis
      carriers due to the hydrolysis of boronate ester. These features suggest that
      these dual acid-sensitive cross-linked nanoparticles not only possess excellent
      biocompatibility but also can efficiently load and deliver anticancer drug into
      tumor cells to enhance the inhibition of cellular proliferation, outlining a
      favorable platform as drug carriers.

PMID- 27654117
TI  - HPV16 variants distribution in invasive cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina,
      penis, and anus.
AB  - Human papillomavirus (HPV)16 is the most oncogenic human papillomavirus,
      responsible for most papillomavirus-induced anogenital cancers. We have explored
      by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis the viral variant lineages present in 692
      HPV16-monoinfected invasive anogenital cancers from Europe, Asia, and
      Central/South America. We have assessed the contribution of geography and anatomy
      to the differential prevalence of HPV16 variants and to the nonsynonymous E6
      T350G polymorphism. Most (68%) of the variance in the distribution of HPV16
      variants was accounted for by the differential abundance of the different viral
      lineages. The most prevalent variant (above 70% prevalence) in all regions and in
      all locations was HPV16_A1-3, except in Asia, where HPV16_A4 predominated in anal
      cancers. The differential prevalence of variants as a function of geographical
      origin explained 9% of the variance, and the differential prevalence of variants
      as a function of anatomical location accounted for less than 3% of the variance.
      Despite containing similar repertoires of HPV16 variants, we confirm the
      worldwide trend of cervical cancers being diagnosed significantly earlier than
      other anogenital cancers (early fifties vs. early sixties). Frequencies for
      alleles in the HPV16 E6 T350G polymorphism were similar across anogenital cancers
      from the same geographical origin. Interestingly, anogenital cancers from
      Central/South America displayed higher 350G allele frequencies also within
      HPV16_A1-3 lineage compared with Europe. Our results demonstrate ample variation
      in HPV16 variants prevalence in anogenital cancers, which is partly explained by
      the geographical origin of the sample and only marginally explained by the
      anatomical location of the lesion, suggesting that tissue specialization is not
      essential evolutionary forces shaping HPV16 diversity in anogenital cancers.

PMID- 27654119
TI  - The Gestational Diabetes Management System (GooDMomS): development, feasibility
      and lessons learned from a patient-informed, web-based pregnancy and postpartum
      lifestyle intervention.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) contributes to the epidemic of
      diabetes and obesity in mothers and their offspring. The primary objective of
      this pilot study was to: 1) refine the GDM Management System (GooDMomS), a web
      based pregnancy and postpartum behavioral intervention and 2) assess the
      feasibility of the intervention. METHODS: In phase 1, ten semi-structured
      interviews were conducted with women experiencing current or recent GDM mellitus
      GDM to garner pilot data on the web based intervention interface, content, and to
      solicit recommendations from women about refinements to enhance the GooDMomS
      intervention site. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed and independently
      reviewed to identify major themes with Atlas.ti v7.0. In phase 2, a single-arm
      feasibility study was conducted and 23 participants were enrolled in the GooDMomS
      program. Participants received web lessons, self-tracking of weight and glucose,
      automated feedback and access to a message board for peer support. The primary
      outcome was feasibility, including recruitment and retention and acceptability.
      Secondary outcomes included the proportion of women whose gestational weight gain
      (GWG) was within the Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines and who were able to
      return to their pre-pregnancy weight after delivery. RESULTS: Comments from semi
      structured interviews focused on: 1) usability of the on-line self-monitoring
      diary and tracking system, 2) access to a safe, reliable social network for peer
      support and 3) ability of prenatal clinicians to access the on-line diary for
      clinical management. Overall, 21 (91 %) completed the pregnancy phase. 15/21 (71
      %) of participants were within the Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines for
      GWG. Sixteen (70 %) completed the postpartum phase. 7/16 (43 %) and 9/16 (56 %)
      of participants returned to their pre-pregnancy weight at 6 and 30 weeks
      postpartum, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study documents the feasibility of
      the GooDMomS program. The results can have implications for web technology in
      perinatal care and inform the current care paradigm for women with GDM. Findings
      are supportive of further research with recruitment of a larger sample of
      participants and comparison of the outcomes with the intervention and standard
      care. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on May
      15, 2012 under protocol no. NCT01600534 .

PMID- 27654121
TI  - Prospective follow-up study of artificial urinary sphincter placement preserving
      the bulbospongiosus muscle.
AB  - AIMS: Artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) AMS-800(r) is an effective treatment for
      male stress urinary incontinence. The aim of the study was to assess the long
      term effectiveness and complications of artificial urinary sphincter placement
      preserving the bulbospongiosus muscle. METHODS: From April 2004 to March 2014,
      all consecutive male patients with urinary incontinence who underwent an AUS
      prosthesis insertion were prospectively evaluated. Surgical technique consisted
      of a perineal incision for cuff placement around the bulbous urethra preserving
      the bulbospongiosus muscle. Cure rate was defined as no pad use. RESULTS: A total
      of 82 consecutive patients (median age 68 years, range: 54-78) were prospectively
      evaluated (median follow-up 46 months, range: 12-135). Bulbospongiosus muscles
      were preserved intact in all cases with no intraoperative complications.
      Postoperative complications were reported in 14 patients (1 urethral erosion).
      The overall cure rate (dry rate) was 76.8% and the median ICIQ-UI score improved
      from 18 (range: 8-21) to 4 (range: 0-17) (P < 0.001). Artificial urinary
      sphincter survival rate was 95.5% (95%CI 89.4-100%) at 24 months and 62.6% (95%CI
      45.5-79.6%) at 60 months. The mechanical failure rate was 6.3% (median 46.1
      months, range: 22.2-100.9) and urethral atrophy and/or inadequate compression
      rate was 9.5% (median 58.6 months, range: 39-101.4 months). CONCLUSIONS: Our
      study suggests that placement of AUS preserving the bulbospongiosus muscle is
      technically easy and efficient, reports excellent continence rates and lower
      urethral erosion rates, and could delay the onset of urethral atrophy compared to
      other surgical procedures used for sphincter placement.

PMID- 27654120
TI  - GlycA Is a Novel Biomarker of Inflammation and Subclinical Cardiovascular Disease
      in Psoriasis.
AB  - RATIONALE: GlycA, an emerging inflammatory biomarker, predicted cardiovascular
      events in population-based studies. Psoriasis, an inflammatory disease associated
      with increased cardiovascular risk, provides a model to study inflammatory
      biomarkers in cardiovascular disease (CVD). Whether GlycA associates with
      psoriasis and how it predicts subclinical CVD beyond high-sensitivity C-reactive
      protein in psoriasis is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationships
      between GlycA and psoriasis and between GlycA and subclinical CVD. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: Patients with psoriasis and controls (n=412) participated in a 2-stage
      study. We measured GlycA by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. National
      Institutes of Health (NIH) participants underwent 18-F Fluorodeoxyglucose
      Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography (18-FDG PET/CT) scans to assess
      vascular inflammation (VI) and coronary computed tomographic angiography to
      quantify coronary artery disease burden. Psoriasis cohorts were young (mean
      age=47.9), with low cardiovascular risk and moderate skin disease. high
      sensitivity C-reactive protein and GlycA were increased in psoriasis compared
      with controls (GlycA: [PENN: 408.8+/-75.4 versus 289.4+/-60.2, P<0.0001; NIH:
      415.8+/-63.2 versus 346.2+/-46, P<0.0001]) and demonstrated a dose-response with
      psoriasis severity. In stage 2, VI (beta=0.36, P<0.001) and coronary artery
      disease (beta=0.29, P=0.004) associated with GlycA beyond CV risk factors in
      psoriasis. In receiver operating characteristic analysis, GlycA added value in
      predicting VI (P=0.01) and coronary artery disease (P<0.01). Finally, initiating
      anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy (n=16) reduced psoriasis severity (P<0.001),
      GlycA (463.7+/-92.5 versus 370.1+/-78.5, P<0.001) and VI (1.93+/-0.36 versus
      1.76+/-0.19, P<0.001), whereas GlycA remained associated with VI (beta=0.56,
      P<0.001) post treatment. CONCLUSIONS: GlycA associated with psoriasis severity
      and subclinical CVD beyond traditional CV risk and high-sensitivity C-reactive
      protein. Moreover, psoriasis treatment reduced GlycA and VI. These findings
      support the potential use of GlycA in subclinical CVD risk assessment in
      psoriasis and potentially other inflammatory diseases.

PMID- 27654123
TI  - Electrochemical Synthesis and Catalytic Properties of Encapsulated Metal Clusters
      within Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks.
AB  - It is very interesting and also a big challenge to encapsulate metal clusters
      within microporous solids to expand their application diversity. For this target,
      herein, we present an electrochemical synthesis strategy for the encapsulation of
      noble metals (Au, Pd, Pt) within ZIF-8 cavities. In this method, metal precursors
      of AuCl42- , PtCl62- , and PdCl42- are introduced into ZIF-8 crystals during the
      concurrent crystallization of ZIF-8 at the anode. As a consequence, very small
      metal clusters with sizes around 1.2 nm are obtained within ZIF-8 crystals after
      hydrogen reduction; these clusters exhibit high thermal stability, as evident
      from the good maintenance of their original sizes after a high-temperature test.
      The catalytic properties of the encapsulated metal clusters within ZIF-8 are
      evaluated for CO oxidations. Because of the small pore window of ZIF-8 (0.34 nm)
      and the confinement effect of small pores, about 80 % of the metal clusters
      (fractions of 0.74, 0.77, and 0.75 for Au, Pt, and Pd in ZIF-8, respectively)
      retain their catalytic activity after exposure to the organosulfur poison
      thiophene (0.46 nm), which is in contrast to their counterparts (fractions of
      0.22, 0.25, and 0.20 for Au, Pt, and Pd on the SiO2 support). The excellent
      performances of metal clusters encapsulated within ZIF-8 crystals give new
      opportunities for catalytic reactions.

PMID- 27654122
TI  - Molecular phylogeny and timing of diversification in Alpine Rhithrogena
      (Ephemeroptera: Heptageniidae).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Larvae of the Holarctic mayfly genus Rhithrogena Eaton, 1881
      (Ephemeroptera, Heptageniidae) are a diverse and abundant member of stream and
      river communities and are routinely used as bio-indicators of water quality.
      Rhithrogena is well diversified in the European Alps, with a number of locally
      endemic species, and several cryptic species have been recently detected. While
      several informal species groups are morphologically well defined, a lack of
      reliable characters for species identification considerably hampers their study.
      Their relationships, origin, timing of speciation and mechanisms promoting their
      diversification in the Alps are unknown. RESULTS: Here we present a species-level
      phylogeny of Rhithrogena in Europe using two mitochondrial and three nuclear gene
      regions. To improve sampling in a genus with many cryptic species, individuals
      were selected for analysis according to a recent DNA-based taxonomy rather than
      traditional nomenclature. A coalescent-based species tree and a reconstruction
      based on a supermatrix approach supported five of the species groups as
      monophyletic. A molecular clock, mapped on the most resolved phylogeny and
      calibrated using published mitochondrial evolution rates for insects, suggested
      an origin of Alpine Rhithrogena in the Oligocene/Miocene boundary. A
      diversification analysis that included simulation of missing species indicated a
      constant speciation rate over time, rather than any pronounced periods of rapid
      speciation. Ancestral state reconstructions provided evidence for downstream
      diversification in at least two species groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our species-level
      analyses of five gene regions provide clearer definitions of species groups
      within European Rhithrogena. A constant speciation rate over time suggests that
      the paleoclimatic fluctuations, including the Pleistocene glaciations, did not
      significantly influence the tempo of diversification of Alpine species. A
      downstream diversification trend in the hybrida and alpestris species groups
      supports a previously proposed headwater origin hypothesis for aquatic insects.

PMID- 27654124
TI  - Global Salmonidae introductions reveal stronger ecological effects of changing
      intraspecific compared to interspecific diversity.
AB  - The introduction of organisms within the native range of wild conspecifics is a
      widespread phenomenon and locally modifies patterns in intraspecific diversity.
      However, our knowledge of the resulting ecological effects, as opposed to those
      caused by invasion-induced changes in interspecific diversity, is still limited.
      Here, we investigated the ecological effects of native and non-native invaders
      across levels of biological organisations and recipient organisms using the
      global and long history introductions of salmonids. Our meta-analysis
      demonstrated that the global effects of native species introductions exceeded
      those induced by non-native invaders. The impacts of native invaders were
      primarily manifested at the individual level on wild conspecifics, but remained
      largely unexplored on other native organisms and at the community and ecosystem
      levels. Overlooked and poorly appreciated, quantifying the impacts of native
      invaders has important implications because human-assisted introductions of
      domesticated organisms are ubiquitous and likely to proliferate in the future.

PMID- 27654125
TI  - Complete mitochondrial genomes of eleven extinct or possibly extinct bird
      species.
AB  - Natural history museum collections represent a vast source of ancient and
      historical DNA samples from extinct taxa that can be utilized by high-throughput
      sequencing tools to reveal novel genetic and phylogenetic information about them.
      Here, we report on the successful sequencing of complete mitochondrial genome
      sequences (mitogenomes) from eleven extinct bird species, using de novo assembly
      of short sequences derived from toepad samples of degraded DNA from museum
      specimens. For two species (the Passenger Pigeon Ectopistes migratorius and the
      South Island Piopio Turnagra capensis), whole mitogenomes were already available
      from recent studies, whereas for five others (the Great Auk Pinguinis impennis,
      the Imperial Woodpecker Campehilus imperialis, the Huia Heteralocha acutirostris,
      the Kauai Oo Moho braccathus and the South Island Kokako Callaeas cinereus),
      there were partial mitochondrial sequences available for comparison. For all
      seven species, we found sequence similarities of >98%. For the remaining four
      species (the Kamao Myadestes myadestinus, the Paradise Parrot Psephotellus
      pulcherrimus, the Ou Psittirostra psittacea and the Lesser Akialoa Akialoa
      obscura), there was no sequence information available for comparison, so we
      conducted blast searches and phylogenetic analyses to determine their
      phylogenetic positions and identify their closest extant relatives. These
      mitogenomes will be valuable for future analyses of avian phylogenetics and
      illustrate the importance of museum collections as repositories for genomics
      resources.

PMID- 27654126
TI  - Reduced field-of-view DWI with robust fat suppression and unrestricted slice
      coverage using tilted 2D RF excitation.
AB  - PURPOSE: Reduced field-of-view (rFOV) diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) using 2D
      echo-planar radiofrequency (2DRF) excitation has been widely and successfully
      applied in clinical settings. The purpose of this work is to further improve its
      clinical utility by overcoming slice coverage limitations without any scan time
      penalty while providing robust fat suppression. THEORY AND METHODS: During
      multislice imaging with 2DRF pulses, periodic sidelobes in the slice direction
      cause partial saturation, limiting the slice coverage. In this work, a tilting of
      the excitation plane is proposed to push the sidelobes out of the imaging section
      while preserving robust fat suppression. The 2DRF pulse is designed using Shinnar
      Le Roux algorithm on a rotated excitation k-space. The performance of the method
      is validated via simulations, phantom experiments, and high in-plane resolution
      in vivo DWI of the spinal cord. RESULTS: Results show that rFOV DWI using the
      tilted 2DRF pulse provides increased signal-to-noise ratio, extended coverage,
      and robust fat suppression, without any scan time penalty. CONCLUSION: Using a
      tilted 2DRF excitation, a high-resolution rFOV DWI method with robust fat
      suppression and unrestricted slice coverage is presented. This method will be
      beneficial in clinical applications needing large slice coverage, for example,
      axial imaging of the spine, prostate, or breast. Magn Reson Med 76:1668-1676,
      2016. (c) 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

PMID- 27654127
TI  - Oligomerization of N-Heterocyclic Silylene into Zwitterionic Silenes.
AB  - N-Heterocyclic carbenes (NHC's) are known to serve as efficient substrates for
      the stabilization of various transient species possessing low-valent Group 14
      elements and for the generation of double E=C bonds. Herein, we report that the
      thermal tri- and tetramerizations of pyridoannulated silylene 1 lead to the
      formation of remarkably stable silenes 2 and 3 featuring zwitterionic
      distribution of electron density. Co-oligomerization of 1 and its germanium
      analogue gives a related tetrameric product 4 containing low-valent germanium
      atom stabilized by binding with the partial carbene-character C atom. Bonding
      situations in 2-4 are best described as silene or germene with the significant
      zwitterionic distribution of electron density. The singlet diradical electronic
      state of 2 is 10 kcal mol-1 higher than the ground state configuration.

PMID- 27654128
TI  - Freedom of information: can researchers still promise control of participants'
      data?

PMID- 27654129
TI  - Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer and Hyperbilirubinemia Treated with
      FOLFIRI plus Bevacizumab as First-Line Treatment.
AB  - Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) combined with hyperbilirubinemia is typically
      considered a contraindication to irinotecan-based therapy, a proven first-line
      treatment of mCRC. Herein, we present 6 consecutive patients with mCRC combined
      with hyperbilirubinemia who underwent UGT1A1 genotyping before receiving FOLFIRI
      plus bevacizumab. Dose escalation of irinotecan was performed according to the
      results of UGT1A1 genotyping in all patients. Improvement in the serum total
      bilirubin level to a normal range was noted in all 6 patients. Disease control
      was 100%. The median progression-free survival was 7.5 months and the median
      overall survival was 8.5 months. FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab as a first-line
      chemotherapy may achieve effective disease control and be safe in patients with
      mCRC and hyperbilirubinemia based on UGT1A1 genotyping. More prospective clinical
      studies are necessary to evaluate the clinical benefits and safety of this
      treatment approach.

PMID- 27654130
TI  - Social network characteristics and resource access among formerly displaced
      households in Lira, Uganda.
AB  - In rural African communities, the support of extended family, friends, and
      neighbours is essential in borrowing or leveraging land, labour, food, and money,
      especially at times of social and financial turmoil. Little is known, though,
      about the nature of the networks and the conditions under which they may generate
      greater support in post-conflict communities. This study, conducted in the Lira
      district of northern Uganda, examined the composition, proximity, and size of the
      networks that households utilise to gain access to resources during and after
      resettlement. Network structures with more kin and co-resident ties were found to
      offer greater resource access to households in post-conflict settings.
      Furthermore, there was a lack of meaningful linkages outside of a person's own
      village, especially with regard to households whose head has no or a low level of
      education. These findings enhance understanding of the specific role of
      relationships in social support for resource access among households in post
      conflict communities.

PMID- 27654131
TI  - Oculomotor, Vestibular, and Reaction Time Tests in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Mild traumatic brain injury is a major public health issue and is a
      particular concern in sports. One of the most difficult issues with respect to
      mild traumatic brain injury involves the diagnosis of the disorder. Typically,
      diagnosis is made by a constellation of physical exam findings. However, in order
      to best manage mild traumatic brain injury, it is critically important to develop
      objective tests that substantiate the diagnosis. With objective tests the
      disorder can be better characterized, more accurately diagnosed, and studied more
      effectively. In addition, prevention and treatments can be applied where
      necessary. METHODS: Two cohorts each of fifty subjects with mild traumatic brain
      injury and one hundred controls were evaluated with a battery of oculomotor,
      vestibular and reaction time related tests applied to a population of individuals
      with mild traumatic brain injury as compared to controls. RESULTS: We
      demonstrated pattern differences between the two groups and showed how three of
      these tests yield an 89% sensitivity and 95% specificity for confirming a current
      diagnosis of mild traumatic brain injury. INTERPRETATION: These results help
      better characterize the oculomotor, vestibular, and reaction time differences
      between those the mild traumatic brain injury and non-affected individuals. This
      characterization will allow for the development of more effective point of care
      neurologic diagnostic techniques and allow for more targeted treatment which may
      allow for quicker return to normal activity.

PMID- 27654132
TI  - Knowledge of Kidney Donation Among Care Givers in Two Tertiary Hospitals in
      Southwest Nigeria.
AB  - One of the major challenges of kidney transplantation is shortage of kidney
      donors. Care givers (CGs) are potential kidney donors, but the majority of them
      are unwilling to donate due to inadequate knowledge on kidney donation. This
      study evaluated the knowledge of kidney donation and its determinants among CGs
      in two tertiary hospitals in Southwest Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional study
      that was carried out in the Kidney Care Centre (KCC), Ondo and Babcock University
      Teaching Hospital (BUTH), Ilishan-Remo using a self-administered pretested
      questionnaire that assessed knowledge of kidney donation and its determinants.
      Pvalue of <0.05 was taken as significant. A total of 244 respondents participated
      in the study. The majority were below 40 years, married, and female. The
      proportion of respondents with adequate knowledge of kidney donation was 63.4%.
      More respondents from BUTH compared to KCC had adequate knowledge of kidney
      donation (80% vs. 46.7%, P <= 0.001). Similarly, the mean knowledge score was
      higher in respondents from BUTH (P <= 0.001). Factors that determined knowledge
      of kidney donation were female gender (AOR: 3.43, 95% CI: 1.25-9.40, P = 0.02)
      and social class (AOR: 1.22, 95% CI: 0.50-2.95, P <= 0.001). There was positive
      correlation between knowledge of kidney donation among the respondents from both
      hospitals and their willingness to donate kidneys (r = 0.439, P <= 0.001).
      Knowledge of kidney donation was better among BUTH's respondents. Gender and
      social class were predictors of knowledge of kidney donation. Improving knowledge
      of kidney donation may improve willingness to donate among the public.

PMID- 27654133
TI  - Is screening for abnormal ECG patterns justified in long-term follow-up of
      childhood cancer survivors treated with anthracyclines?
AB  - BACKGROUND: ECG and echocardiography are noninvasive screening tools to detect
      subclinical cardiotoxicity in childhood cancer survivors (CCSs). Our aims were as
      follows: (1) assess the prevalence of abnormal ECG patterns, (2) determine the
      agreement between abnormal ECG patterns and echocardiographic abnormalities; and
      (3) determine whether ECG screening for subclinical cardiotoxicity in CCSs is
      justified. PROCEDURE: We retrospectively studied ECG and echocardiography in
      asymptomatic CCSs more than 5 years after anthracycline treatment. Exclusion
      criteria were abnormal ECG and/or echocardiogram at the start of therapy,
      incomplete follow-up data, clinical heart failure, cardiac medication, and
      congenital heart disease. ECG abnormalities were classified using the Minnesota
      Code. Level of agreement between ECG and echocardiography was calculated with
      Cohen kappa. RESULTS: We included 340 survivors with a mean follow-up of 14.5
      years (range 5-32). ECG was abnormal in 73 survivors (21.5%), with ventricular
      conduction disorders, sinus bradycardia, and high-amplitude R waves being most
      common. Prolonged QTc (>0.45 msec) was found in two survivors, both with a
      cumulative anthracycline dose of 300 mg/m2 or higher. Echocardiography showed
      abnormalities in 44 survivors (12.9%), mostly mild valvular abnormalities. The
      level of agreement between ECG and echocardiography was low (kappa 0.09). Male
      survivors more often had an abnormal ECG (corrected odds ratio: 3.00, 95%
      confidence interval: 1.68-5.37). CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal ECG patterns were present
      in 21% of asymptomatic long-term CCSs. Lack of agreement between abnormal ECG
      patterns and echocardiographic abnormalities may suggest that ECG is valuable in
      long-term follow-up of CCSs. However, it is not clear whether these abnormal ECG
      patterns will be clinically relevant.

PMID- 27654137
TI  - Discriminative Scale Space Tracking.
AB  - Accurate scale estimation of a target is a challenging research problem in visual
      object tracking. Most state-of-the-art methods employ an exhaustive scale search
      to estimate the target size. The exhaustive search strategy is computationally
      expensive and struggles when encountered with large scale variations. This paper
      investigates the problem of accurate and robust scale estimation in a tracking-by
      detection framework. We propose a novel scale adaptive tracking approach by
      learning separate discriminative correlation filters for translation and scale
      estimation. The explicit scale filter is learned online using the target
      appearance sampled at a set of different scales. Contrary to standard approaches,
      our method directly learns the appearance change induced by variations in the
      target scale. Additionally, we investigate strategies to reduce the computational
      cost of our approach. Extensive experiments are performed on the OTB and the
      VOT2014 datasets. Compared to the standard exhaustive scale search, our approach
      achieves a gain of 2.5 percent in average overlap precision on the OTB dataset.
      Additionally, our method is computationally efficient, operating at a 50 percent
      higher frame rate compared to the exhaustive scale search. Our method obtains the
      top rank in performance by outperforming 19 state-of-the-art trackers on OTB and
      37 state-of-the-art trackers on VOT2014.

PMID- 27654138
TI  - Clustering by Minimum Cut Hyperplanes.
AB  - Minimum normalised graph cuts are highly effective ways of partitioning unlabeled
      data, having been made popular by the success of spectral clustering. This work
      presents a novel method for learning hyperplane separators which minimise this
      graph cut objective, when data are embedded in Euclidean space. The optimisation
      problem associated with the proposed method can be formulated as a sequence of
      univariate subproblems, in which the optimal hyperplane orthogonal to a given
      vector is determined. These subproblems can be solved in log-linear time, by
      exploiting the trivial factorisation of the exponential function. Experimentation
      suggests that the empirical runtime of the overall algorithm is also log-linear
      in the number of data. Asymptotic properties of the minimum cut hyperplane, both
      for a finite sample, and for an increasing sample assumed to arise from an
      underlying probability distribution are discussed. In the finite sample case the
      minimum cut hyperplane converges to the maximum margin hyperplane as the scaling
      parameter is reduced to zero. Applying the proposed methodology, both for fixed
      scaling, and the large margin asymptotes, is shown to produce high quality
      clustering models in comparison with state-of-the-art clustering algorithms in
      experiments using a large collection of benchmark datasets.

PMID- 27654134
TI  - Seasonal variation in male alternative reproductive tactics.
AB  - Genetic parentage analyses reveal considerable diversity in alternative
      reproductive behaviours (e.g. sneaking) in many taxa. However, little is known
      about whether these behaviours vary seasonally and between populations. Here, we
      investigate seasonal variation in male reproductive behaviours in a population of
      two-spotted gobies (Gobiusculus flavescens) in Norway. Male two-spotted gobies
      guard nests, attract females and care for fertilized eggs. We collected clutches
      and nest-guarding males early and late in the breeding season in artificial nests
      and used microsatellite markers to reconstruct parentage from a subset of
      offspring from each nest. We hypothesized that mating, reproductive success and
      sneaking should be more prevalent early in the breeding season when competition
      for mates among males is predicted to be higher. However, parentage analyses
      revealed similar values of mating, reproductive success and high frequencies of
      successful sneaking early (30% of nests) and late (27% of nests) in the season.
      We also found that multiple females with eggs in the same nest were fertilized by
      one or more sneaker males, indicating that some males in this population engage
      in a satellite strategy. We contrast our results to previous work that
      demonstrates low levels of cuckoldry in a population in Sweden. Our results
      demonstrate marked stability in both the genetic mating system and male
      alternative reproductive tactics over the breeding season. However, sneaking
      rates may vary geographically within a species, likely due to local selection
      influencing ecological factors encountered at different locations.

PMID- 27654139
TI  - Saliency Detection on Light Field.
AB  - Existing saliency detection approaches use images as inputs and are sensitive to
      foreground/background similarities, complex background textures, and occlusions.
      We explore the problem of using light fields as input for saliency detection. Our
      technique is enabled by the availability of commercial plenoptic cameras that
      capture the light field of a scene in a single shot. We show that the unique
      refocusing capability of light fields provides useful focusness, depths, and
      objectness cues. We further develop a new saliency detection algorithm tailored
      for light fields. To validate our approach, we acquire a light field database of
      a range of indoor and outdoor scenes and generate the ground truth saliency map.
      Experiments show that our saliency detection scheme can robustly handle
      challenging scenarios such as similar foreground and background, cluttered
      background, complex occlusions, etc., and achieve high accuracy and robustness.

PMID- 27654140
TI  - Daily physical activity patterns from hip- and wrist-worn accelerometers.
AB  - Accelerometer wear location may influence physical activity estimates. This study
      investigates this relationship through the examination of activity patterns
      throughout the day. Participants from the aging research evaluating accelerometry
      (AREA) study (n men  =  37, n women  =  47, mean age (SD)  =  78.9 (5.5) years)
      were asked to wear accelerometers in a free-living environment for 7 d at three
      different wear locations; one on each wrist and one on the right hip. During
      waking hours, wrist-worn accelerometers consistently produced higher median
      activity counts, about 5  *  higher, as well as wider variability compared to hip
      worn monitors. However, the shape of the accrual pattern curve over the course of
      the day for the hip and wrist are similar; there is a spike in activity in the
      morning, with a prolonged tapering of activity level as the day progresses. The
      similar patterns of hip and wrist activity accrual provide support that each
      location is capable of estimating total physical activity volume. The examination
      of activity patterns over time may provide a more detailed way to examine
      differences in wear location and different subpopulations.

PMID- 27654141
TI  - Prevalence and phenotypic characterization of MC4R variants in a large pediatric
      cohort.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine the prevalence of melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R)
      variants in a large German cohort of children with obesity in a pediatric
      outpatient clinic and to ascertain whether there is a specific phenotype
      associated with loss-of-function variants as previously reported. STUDY DESIGN:
      Eight hundred and ninety-nine patients from our pediatric obesity clinic were
      screened for MC4R variants by DNA sequencing after PCR amplification.
      Retrospective statistical analysis of anthropometric and metabolic
      characteristics was performed, comparing patients with and without MC4R variants
      across the entire cohort (n=586) as well as in case-control analysis using
      patients with common sequence MC4R individually matched for age, sex and body
      mass index standard deviation score (SDS) (n=11 case-control pairs). RESULTS: We
      identified heterozygous variants within the coding region of the MC4R gene in
      n=22 (2.45%) patients. Fourteen (1.56%) had a variant that impaired receptor
      function. One new frameshift (p.F152Sfs), an yet unpublished nonsense mutation
      (p.Q156X) and one nonsynonymous variation (p.V65E) described in the Mouse Genome
      Database were detected. Across the whole cohort, at all ages, mean height SDS in
      subjects with impaired receptor function was higher than in patients with common
      sequence MC4R. In matched individuals, this trend persisted (8 of the 11 pairs)
      within the case-control setting. No differences were found regarding metabolic
      characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: The observed prevalence of mutations causing
      impaired receptor function in this large cohort is comparable to other pediatric
      cohorts. MC4R deficiency tends to lead to a taller stature, confirming previous
      clinical reports. The association of MC4R mutations with a distinct phenotype
      concerning metabolic characteristics remains questionable.

PMID- 27654142
TI  - Obesity and developmental delay in a patient with uniparental disomy of
      chromosome 2.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Uniparental disomy (UPD) is an unusual situation wherein two
      homologous chromosomes are inherited from the same parent. UPDs can cause
      clinical abnormalities owing to the aberrant dosage of genes regulated by
      epigenetic imprinting or homozygosity of variants for recessive phenotypes. The
      aim of this study was to identify the genetic cause of the obesity and
      developmental delay phenotype in a 3-year-old Chinese boy. STUDY DESIGN:
      Chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) was used for detecting potential copy
      number variations (CNVs) and homozygous segments. Whole-exome sequencing (WES)
      identified sequence variants. Sanger sequencing further confirmed the variants in
      GPBAR1 and CAPN10 both in the patient and the parents. RESULTS: No clinically
      significant CNVs were identified by CMA but a complete UPD of chromosome 2 (UPD2)
      was revealed in the patient. WES identified a total of 13 rare homozygous single
      nucleotide variants (SNVs) on chromosome 2. Among the 13 SNVs, a nonsense
      variation in GPBAR1 (c.753T>G; p.Y251*) and a missense variation in CAPN10
      (c.413C>T; p.S138F) were evaluated as candidate disease-causing variants based on
      their functional impacts to their respective protein and the biological relevance
      of the genes to the clinical presentation of our patient. Both GPBAR1 and CAPN10
      variants were detected in the patient's mother in a heterozygous state,
      indicating that the patient had maternal UPD2. No other clinically relevant
      variants were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Homozygosity of rare recessive variations
      caused by UPD2 likely contributed to the phenotypes of our patient. Based on
      emerging evidence, the nonsense variation in GPBAR1 and the missense variation in
      CAPN10 are considered as causally related to our patient's phenotype, that is,
      obesity and delayed development, respectively. The present study further supports
      the role of GPBAR1 in obesity and the role of calpain-10 in neurological
      function.

PMID- 27654144
TI  - Coping with perceived weight discrimination: testing a theoretical model for
      examining the relationship between perceived weight discrimination and depressive
      symptoms in a representative sample of individuals with obesity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The association between obesity and perceived weight discrimination
      has been investigated in several studies. Although there is evidence that
      perceived weight discrimination is associated with negative outcomes on
      psychological well-being, there is a lack of research examining possible
      buffering effects of coping strategies in dealing with experiences of weight
      discrimination. The present study aims to fill that gap. We examined the
      relationship between perceived weight discrimination and depressive symptoms and
      tested whether problem-solving strategies and/or avoidant coping strategies
      mediated this effect. METHODS: Using structural equation modeling, we analyzed
      representative cross-sectional data of n=484 German-speaking individuals with
      obesity (BMI?30 kg m-2), aged 18 years and older. RESULTS: Results revealed a
      direct effect of perceived weight discrimination on depressive symptoms. Further,
      the data supported a mediational linkage for avoidant coping strategies, not for
      problem-solving strategies. Higher scores of perceived weight discrimination
      experiences were associated with both coping strategies, but only avoidant coping
      strategies were positively linked to more symptoms of depression. CONCLUSIONS:
      Perceived weight discrimination was associated with increased depressive symptoms
      both directly and indirectly through situational coping strategies. Avoidant
      coping has the potential to exacerbate depressive symptoms, whereas problem
      solving strategies were ineffective in dealing with experiences of weight
      discrimination. We emphasize the importance of coping strategies in dealing with
      experiences of weight discrimination and the need to distinguish between using a
      strategy and benefiting from it without detriment.

PMID- 27654143
TI  - Television food advertisement exposure and FTO rs9939609 genotype in relation to
      excess consumption in children.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Exposure to food advertisements may cue overeating among
      children, especially among those genetically predisposed to respond to food cues.
      We aimed to assess how television food advertisements affect eating in the
      absence of hunger among children in a randomized trial. We hypothesized that the
      fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) rs9939609 single-nucleotide
      polymorphism would modify the effect of food advertisements. SUBJECTS/METHODS: In
      this randomized experiment, 200 children aged 9-10 years were served a
      standardized lunch and then shown a 34-min television show embedded with either
      food or toy advertisements. Children were provided with snack food to consume ad
      libitum while watching the show and we measured caloric intake. Children were
      genotyped for rs9939609 and analyses were conducted in the overall sample and
      stratified by genotype. A formal test for interaction of the food advertisement
      effect on consumption by rs9939609 was conducted. RESULTS: About 172 unrelated
      participants were included in this analysis. Children consumed on average 453
      (s.d.=185) kcals during lunch and 482 (s.d.=274) kcals during the experimental
      exposure. Children who viewed food advertisements consumed an average of 48 kcals
      (95% confidence interval: 10, 85; P=0.01) more of a recently advertised food than
      those who viewed toy advertisements. There was a statistically significant
      interaction between genotype and food advertisement condition (P for
      interaction=0.02), where the difference in consumption of a recently advertised
      food related to food advertisement exposure increased linearly with each
      additional FTO risk allele, even after controlling for body mass index
      percentile. CONCLUSIONS: Food advertisement exposure was associated with greater
      caloric consumption of a recently advertised food, and this effect was modified
      by an FTO genotype. Future research is needed to understand the neurological
      mechanism underlying these associations.

PMID- 27654145
TI  - Examination of the Intolerance of Uncertainty Construct in Youth With Generalized
      Anxiety Disorder.
AB  - Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) is a dispositional characteristic reflecting
      negative cognitive, behavioral, and emotional reactivity in response to events or
      situations that are uncertain. Although closely associated with a generalized
      anxiety disorder (GAD) diagnosis in adulthood, IU has received little attention
      in youth. The goal of this study was to examine the construct in children with
      GAD and nonanxious children, including its incremental validity in predicting GAD
      severity and worry beyond anxiety. Ninety-eight children 6 to 11 years of age
      (51% male; 57% Caucasian) were assessed. The sample included 24 with a GAD
      diagnosis only (i.e., pure GAD), 36 with GAD plus at least one other disorder
      (i.e., comorbid GAD), and 38 healthy control children. Clinician, parent, and
      child reports of IU, anxiety, worry, and GAD severity were collected. Significant
      differences in levels of IU were found across all three groups; the highest
      levels in children with comorbid GAD, followed by children with pure GAD, and
      healthy controls. IU significantly contributed to worry but not GAD severity
      beyond the effects of anxiety. A significantly larger proportion of self-reported
      IU data were missing for younger (e.g., 6-8 years) as compared to older children,
      raising question about the validity of the construct in younger children. Overall
      findings suggest that IU is not specific to a GAD diagnosis in childhood. IU may
      instead serve as a broad cognitive risk factor for more severe (e.g., comorbid)
      forms of affective psychopathology. Future directions for research, including
      developmental considerations, are discussed.

PMID- 27654146
TI  - Effects of public and private health insurance on medical service utilization in
      the National Health Insurance System: National panel study in the Republic of
      Korea.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Moral hazard or utilization hazard refers to the phenomenon during
      which patients overuse medical services under national health insurance (NHI)
      because the services are free or the patients are required to pay only a portion
      of the utilization costs. The aim of this study is to investigate how NHI and
      private health insurance (PHI) systems influence increases in health care
      utilization rates. METHODS: We designed a longitudinal study to examine the
      utilization of healthcare services between those insured with NHI or PHI and
      uninsured Koreans using nationally representative four-year panel data from
      13,798 participants. This study was conducted using hierarchical multivariate
      Poisson regression analyses in which covariates and interaction terms are applied
      after adjusting for the heterogeneous treatment effect. RESULTS: After adjusting
      covariates including disease status, lower income Koreans who were covered by
      medical aid were respectively 2.26 and 1.23 times more likely to receive
      inpatient care and outpatient care than those who were covered by NHI. When the
      interaction term of type of insurance was included in the model, those were
      covered by both medical aid and PHI were respectively 2.38 and 1.25 times more
      likely to receive inpatient care and outpatient care than those who were covered
      by only NHI. CONCLUSIONS: The moral hazard behind insurance membership, depending
      on how NHI maintains policies to confer benefits, may give rise to differences in
      medical utilization. This phenomenon must be closely monitored to find a way to
      reform NHI when the rights of medical service consumers are solidified through
      PHI.

PMID- 27654147
TI  - Proceedings of the 13th annual conference of INEBRIA.

PMID- 27654148
TI  - Drug discovery and development in the era of Big Data.

PMID- 27654149
TI  - Metastatic epidural spinal cord compression.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESSC) is a frequent
      event in patients affected by solid tumor metastases. Current available
      approaches for MESCC include corticosteroids, radiotherapy and surgery. In the
      last few years, surgery has evolved from decompression by laminectomy alone, with
      the introduction of instrumentation systems by metalware (screws and hooks), and
      this has been associated to an improvement of clinical results compared to
      radiotherapy alone. Areas covered: In this narrative review, we outline the
      phases of management of cancer patients affected by MESSC, and discuss the timing
      of treatments, their impact on the Quality of life (QoL), and the relative
      benefits and harms of surgery and radiotherapy. Expert commentary: Despite the
      fact that clinical and surgical trials will be required to determine the most
      appropriate surgical technique and timing of surgery, we do expect a newer and
      more important role for radiotherapy in the management of MESCC patients in the
      next future. In particular, the implementation of radiotactic stereosurgery as
      adjuvant to decompressive surgery is expected to increase in the next few years,
      above all in those patients that can be candidate to the so called separation
      surgery.

PMID- 27654150
TI  - VEGF- and VEGFR2-Targeted Liposomes for Cisplatin Delivery to Glioma Cells.
AB  - Targeted delivery of anticancer drugs to brain tumors, especially glioblastoma
      multiforme, which is the most frequent and aggressive type, is one of the
      important objectives in nanomedicine. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)
      and its receptor type II (VEGFR2) are promising targets because they are
      overexpressed by not only core tumor cells but also by migrated glioma cells,
      which are responsible for resistance and rapid progression of brain tumors. The
      purpose of the present study was to develop the liposomal drug delivery system
      combining enhanced loading capacity of cisplatin and high binding affinity to
      glioma cells. This was achieved by using of highly soluble cisplatin analogue,
      cis-diamminedinitratoplatinum(II), and antibodies against the native form of VEGF
      or VEGFR2 conjugated to liposome surface. The developed drug delivery system
      revealed sustained drug release profile, high affinity to antigens, and increased
      uptake by glioma C6 and U-87 MG cells. Pharmacokinetic study on glioma C6-bearing
      rats revealed prolonged blood circulation time of the liposomal formulation. The
      above features enabled the present drug delivery system to overcome both poor
      pharmacokinetics typical for platinum formulations and low loading capacity
      typical for conventional liposomal cisplatin formulations.

PMID- 27654151
TI  - Short-term Suicide Risk After Psychiatric Hospital Discharge.
AB  - Importance: Although psychiatric inpatients are recognized to be at increased
      risk for suicide immediately after hospital discharge, little is known about the
      extent to which their short-term suicide risk varies across groups with major
      psychiatric disorders. Objective: To describe the risk for suicide during the 90
      days after hospital discharge for adults with first-listed diagnoses of
      depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, substance use disorder, and
      other mental disorders in relation to inpatients with diagnoses of nonmental
      disorders and the general population. Design, Setting, and Participants: This
      national retrospective longitudinal cohort included inpatients aged 18 to 64
      years in the Medicaid program who were discharged with a first-listed diagnosis
      of a mental disorder (depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia,
      substance use disorder, and other mental disorder) and a 10% random sample of
      inpatients with diagnoses of nonmental disorders. The cohort included 770 643
      adults in the mental disorder cohort, 1 090 551 adults in the nonmental disorder
      cohort, and 370 deaths from suicide from January 1, 2001, to December 31, 2007.
      Data were analyzed from March 5, 2015, to June 6, 2016. Main Outcomes and
      Measures: Suicide rates per 100 000 person-years were determined for each study
      group during the 90 days after hospital discharge and the demographically matched
      US general population. Adjusted hazard ratios (ARHs) of short-term suicide after
      hospital discharge were also estimated by Cox proportional hazards regression
      models. Information on suicide as a cause of death was obtained from the National
      Death Index. Results: In the overall population of 1 861 194 adults (27% men; 73%
      women; mean [SD] age, 35.4 [13.1] years), suicide rates for the cohorts with
      depressive disorder (235.1 per 100 000 person-years), bipolar disorder (216.0 per
      100 000 person-years), schizophrenia (168.3 per 100 000 person-years), substance
      use disorder (116.5 per 100 000 person-years), and other mental disorders (160.4
      per 100 000 person-years) were substantially higher than corresponding rates for
      the cohort with nonmental disorders (11.6 per 100 000 person-years) or the US
      general population (14.2 per 100 000 person-years). Among the cohort with mental
      disorders, AHRs of suicide were associated with inpatient diagnosis of depressive
      disorder (AHR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.4-2.8; reference cohort, substance use disorder),
      an outpatient diagnosis of schizophrenia (AHR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1-2.2), an
      outpatient diagnosis of bipolar disorder (AHR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.2-2.1), and an
      absence of any outpatient health care in the 6 months preceding hospital
      admission (AHR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.2-2.5). Conclusions and Relevance: After
      psychiatric hospital discharge, adults with complex psychopathologic disorders
      with prominent depressive features, especially patients who are not tied into a
      system of health care, appear to have a particularly high short-term risk for
      suicide.

PMID- 27654153
TI  - In This Issue * October 1, 2016.

PMID- 27654152
TI  - A comprehensive evaluation of novel oximes in creation of butyrylcholinesterase
      based nerve agent bioscavengers.
AB  - A well-considered treatment of acute nerve agents poisoning involves the
      exogenous administration of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE, EC 3.1.1.8) as a
      stoichiometric bioscavenger efficient in preventing cholinergic crises caused by
      acetylcholinesterase (AChE, EC 3.1.1.7) inhibition. An additional improvement in
      medical countermeasures would be to use oximes that could reactivate BChE as well
      to upgrade bioscavenging from stoichiometric to oxime-assisted catalytic.
      Therefore, in this paper we investigated the potency of 39 imidazolium and
      benzimidazolium oximes (36 compounds synthesized for the first time) to be
      considered as the reactivators specifically designed for reactivation of
      phosphylated human BChE. Their efficiency in the reactivation of paraoxon-, VX-,
      and tabun-inhibited human BChE, as well as human AChE was tested and compared
      with the efficiencies of HI-6 and obidoxime, used in medical practice today. A
      comprehensive analysis was performed for the most promising oximes defining
      kinetic parameters of reactivation as well as interactions with uninhibited BChE.
      Furthermore, experimental data were compared with computational studies (docking,
      QSAR analysis) as a starting point in future oxime structure refinement.
      Considering the strict criteria set for in vivo applications, we determined the
      cytotoxicity of lead oximes on two cell lines. Among the tested oxime library,
      one imidazolium compound was selected for preliminary in vivo antidotal study in
      mice. The obtained protection in VX poisoning outlines its potential in
      development oxime-assisted OP-bioscavenging with BChE.

PMID- 27654154
TI  - A golden jubilee for animal welfare protection.

PMID- 27654156
TI  - Letters to the Editor.

PMID- 27654157
TI  - Pets and human suicide.

PMID- 27654158
TI  - What Is Your Diagnosis?

PMID- 27654159
TI  - Animal Behavior Case of the Month.

PMID- 27654160
TI  - Pathology in Practice.

PMID- 27654161
TI  - Pathology in Practice.

PMID- 27654162
TI  - Vocational choices made by alumni of the Leadership Program for Veterinary
      Students at Cornell University.
AB  - OBJECTIVE To compare vocational aspirations and outcomes of participants in the
      10-week Leadership Program for Veterinary Students at Cornell University. DESIGN
      Survey. SAMPLE Veterinary students who participated in the program between 1990
      and 2013. PROCEDURES Questionnaires that sought information about the career
      aspirations of participants at the beginning and end of the program were
      reviewed, along with records documenting the career progression of participants,
      audio recordings of interviews conducted with students, and notes of vocation
      oriented counseling sessions held during each year's program. RESULTS At the
      conclusion of the program, 143 of 174 (82%) participants indicated they were more
      likely than not to undertake research training after completing their veterinary
      degree, compared with 106 of 174 (61%) at the beginning. Participation also
      stimulated interest in residency training and industry, but did little to promote
      interest in careers in government or the military. The percentage of participants
      who indicated they were more likely than not to pursue additional training in
      private practice decreased from 97 of 174 (56%) at the beginning of the program
      to 75 of 174 (43%) at the end. Information on career progression was available
      for 391 individuals, of whom 177 (45%) were pursuing careers of the kind
      envisioned by the program. However, 189 (48%) participants had a career in
      general or specialty clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The
      Leadership Program appeared to have a short-term influence on careers anticipated
      by program participants. However, a substantial proportion pursued careers in
      clinical practice after graduation. 

PMID- 27654163
TI  - Comparison of clinical signs and outcomes between dogs with presumptive ischemic
      myelopathy and dogs with acute noncompressive nucleus pulposus extrusion.
AB  - OBJECTIVE To compare clinical signs and outcomes between dogs with presumptive
      ischemic myelopathy and dogs with presumptive acute noncompressive nucleus
      pulposus extrusion (ANNPE). DESIGN Retrospective study. ANIMALS 51 dogs with
      ischemic myelopathy and 42 dogs with ANNPE examined at 1 referral hospital.
      PROCEDURES Medical records and MRI sequences were reviewed for dogs with a
      presumptive antemortem diagnosis of ischemic myelopathy or ANNPE. Information
      regarding signalment, clinical signs at initial examination, and short-term
      outcome was retrospectively retrieved from patient records. Long-term outcome
      information was obtained by telephone communication with referring or primary
      care veterinarians and owners. RESULTS Compared with the hospital population,
      English Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Border Collies were overrepresented in
      the ischemic myelopathy and ANNPE groups, respectively. Dogs with ANNPE were
      significantly older at disease onset and were more likely to have a history of
      vocalization at onset of clinical signs, have spinal hyperesthesia during initial
      examination, have a lesion at C1-C5 spinal cord segments, and be ambulatory at
      hospital discharge, compared with dogs with ischemic myelopathy. Dogs with
      ischemic myelopathy were more likely to have a lesion at L4-S3 spinal cord
      segments and have long-term fecal incontinence, compared with dogs with ANNPE.
      However, long-term quality of life and outcome did not differ between dogs with
      ischemic myelopathy and dogs with ANNPE. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE
      Results revealed differences in clinical signs at initial examination between
      dogs with ischemic myelopathy and dogs with ANNPE that may aid clinicians in
      differentiating the 2 conditions. 

PMID- 27654164
TI  - Sensitivity and specificity of manual and automated measurements of reticulocyte
      parameters for classification of anemia in dogs: 174 cases (1993-2013).
AB  - OBJECTIVE To assess sensitivity and specificity of manual and automated
      measurements of reticulocyte percentage, number, and production index for
      classification of anemia in dogs. DESIGN Retrospective case series SAMPLE 174
      blood smears from client-owned dogs with anemia collected between 1993 and 2013
      for which reticulocyte parameters were determined manually (nonregenerative
      anemia, 22; preregenerative anemia, 23; regenerative anemia, 28) or with an
      automated laser-based counter (nonregenerative anemia, 66; preregenerative
      anemia, 17; regenerative anemia, 18). PROCEDURES Diagnostic performance was
      evaluated with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves by considering
      preregenerative anemia as nonregenerative or regenerative. Sensitivity,
      specificity, and positive likelihood ratio were calculated by use of cutoffs
      determined from ROC curves or published reference limits. RESULTS Considering
      preregenerative anemia as non regenerative, areas under the curve (AUCs) for
      reticulocyte percentage, number, and production index were 97%, 93%, and 91% for
      manual counting and 93%, 90%, and 93% for automated counting. Sensitivity,
      specificity, and positive likelihood ratio were 82% to 86%, 82% to 87%, and 4.6
      to 6.4, respectively. Considering preregenerative anemia as regenerative, AUCs
      were 77%, 82%, and 80% for manual counting and 81%, 82%, and 92% for automated
      counting. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive likelihood ratio were 72% to
      74%, 76 to 87%, and 2.7 to 6.2, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE
      Whereas all reticulocyte parameters identified regeneration in anemic dogs, the
      performance of specific parameters was dependent on the method used. Findings
      suggested that lower cutoffs than published reference limits are preferred for
      reticulocyte number and production index and higher cutoffs are preferred for
      reticulocyte percentage. Reticulocyte production index may be useful when the
      pretest probability of regeneration is moderate. 

PMID- 27654165
TI  - Perioperative morbidity and outcome of esophageal surgery in dogs and cats: 72
      cases (1993-2013).
AB  - OBJECTIVE To evaluate perioperative morbidity and outcome in dogs and cats
      undergoing esophageal surgery. DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 63
      client-owned dogs and 9 client-owned cats. PROCEDURES Medical records of dogs and
      cats that underwent esophageal surgery were reviewed for information on
      signalment, history, results of preoperative diagnostic testing, condition
      treated, details of surgery, intraoperative complications, and postoperative
      complications. Long-term follow-up data were obtained via veterinarian and client
      telephone conversations. The relationship between complications and survival to
      hospital discharge was evaluated by means of regression analysis. RESULTS The
      most common indication for surgical intervention was an esophageal foreign body
      in dogs (50/63 [79%]) and esophageal stricture in cats (3/9). Complications were
      documented in 54% (34/63) of dogs and 3 of 9 cats. The most common immediate
      postoperative complications were respiratory in nature (9 dogs, 1 cat). Partial
      esophagectomy and resection with anastomosis were significantly associated with
      the development of immediate postoperative complications in dogs. The most common
      delayed postoperative complications were persistent regurgitation (7 dogs) and
      esophageal stricture formation (3 dogs, 1 cat). For dogs, a mass lesion and
      increasing lesion size were significantly associated with the development of
      delayed postoperative complications. Six dogs (10%) and 1 cat died or were
      euthanized prior to discharge, and pneumomediastinum and leukopenia were negative
      prognostic factors for dogs being discharged from the hospital. CONCLUSIONS AND
      CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results of this study suggested that the short-term prognosis
      for dogs and cats that survive surgery for treatment of esophageal lesions is
      favorable, with 90% of patients discharged from the hospital (57/63 dogs; 8/9
      cats). However, dogs treated for more extensive esophageal lesions as well as
      those undergoing esophagectomy or resection and anastomosis were more likely to
      develop postoperative complications. 

PMID- 27654166
TI  - Treatment of a perforating thoracic bite wound in a dog with negative pressure
      wound therapy.
AB  - CASE DESCRIPTION A 4-year-old male Dachshund was examined following a bite attack
      that had occurred 5 days previously. The dog had acutely deteriorated despite IV
      antimicrobial treatment and fluid therapy. CLINICAL FINDINGS On initial
      examination, the patient was recumbent with signs of septic shock and a flail
      chest. Three penetrating wounds in the left thoracic wall with malodorous
      discharge were evident. The animal trauma triage score was 8 out of 18. Thoracic
      and abdominal radiography revealed displaced fractures of the left seventh,
      eighth, and ninth ribs and extensive subcutaneous emphysema. Additionally, a
      marked diffuse bronchointerstitial pattern, areas of alveolar pattern, and
      pneumothorax were present bilaterally. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME Open surgical
      debridement with left lateral lung lobectomy and resection of portions of the
      left thoracic wall were performed. Extensive soft tissue loss precluded primary
      reconstruction. The defect was stabilized with a polypropylene mesh implant, and
      negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) at -100 mm Hg was initiated. Microbial
      culture and susceptibility testing of tissue samples indicated the presence of
      multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. The NPWT dressing was
      changed 2, 5, and 7 days after surgery. Treatment was well tolerated, and the
      mesh was completely covered with granulation tissue 10 days after surgery. On
      follow-up 5, 7, 12, and 19 months after surgery, the dog was clinically normal
      with no apparent complications. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Findings suggested that NPWT
      may be a valuable adjunct when treating small animal patients with severe
      thoracic trauma. 

PMID- 27654168
TI  - Survey of referring veterinarians' perceptions of and reasons for referring
      patients to rehabilitation facilities.
AB  - OBJECTIVE To identify patterns of referral to US small animal rehabilitation
      facilities, document referring veterinarians' perceptions of rehabilitation
      services, and examine factors that encouraged and impeded referral of veterinary
      patients to rehabilitation facilities. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey. SAMPLE 461
      completed surveys. PROCEDURES Referral lists were obtained from 9 US
      rehabilitation facilities, and surveys were emailed or mailed to 2, 738
      veterinarians whose names appeared on those lists. Data obtained from respondents
      were used to generate descriptive statistics and perform chi(2) tests to
      determine patterns for referral of patients to rehabilitation facilities. RESULTS
      461 surveys were completed and returned, resulting in a response rate of 16.8%.
      The margin of error was < 5% for all responses. Most respondents (324/461
      [70.3%]) had referred patients for postoperative rehabilitation therapy.
      Respondents ranked neurologic disorder as the condition they would most likely
      consider for referral for future rehabilitation therapy. The most frequently
      cited reason for not referring a patient for rehabilitation therapy was perceived
      cost (251/461 [54.4%]) followed by distance to a rehabilitation facility (135/461
      [29.3%]). Specialists were more likely than general practitioners to refer
      patients for rehabilitation therapy. The majority (403/461 [87.4%]) of
      respondents felt that continuing education in the field of veterinary
      rehabilitation was lacking. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated
      a need for continuing education in small animal rehabilitation for veterinarians.
      Improved knowledge of rehabilitation therapy will enable veterinarians to better
      understand and more specifically communicate indications and benefits for pets
      receiving this treatment modality. 

PMID- 27654167
TI  - Surgical management of multiple metatarsal fractures in a chinchilla (Chinchilla
      lanigera).
AB  - CASE DESCRIPTION A 3-month-old sexually intact female chinchilla (Chinchilla
      lanigera) was examined for sudden onset of non-weight-bearing lameness of the
      right hind limb. CLINICAL FINDINGS On physical examination, the right pes was
      swollen. An open wound on the medial aspect of the metatarsal region exposed the
      second metatarsal bone, and the pes was displaced laterally. Radiographs of the
      right pes revealed oblique displaced fractures of the 4 metatarsal bones.
      TREATMENT AND OUTCOME Surgical treatment was elected, and enrofloxacin was
      administered prior to surgery. The protruding fragment of the second metatarsal
      bone was excised, and the third and fourth metatarsal bones were repaired with
      intramedullary pins and external skeletal fixation. The chinchilla was bearing
      weight on the affected limb 9 days after surgery with only mild lameness. The
      implants were removed 35 days after surgery when radiographs showed bony union of
      the third and fourth metatarsal bones and continued reduction of the fractures of
      the second and fifth metatarsal bones. Fifty-six days after surgery, the
      chinchilla was bearing full weight on the limb, and radiographs showed bony union
      of the third, fourth, and fifth metatarsal bones. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Findings
      suggested that intramedullary pinning combined with an epoxy resin external
      fixator may be an effective technique for metatarsal fracture repair in
      chinchillas. This method allowed physiologic positioning of the limb and
      functional hind limb use during fracture healing. Prospective studies of fracture
      healing in exotic small mammals are indicated. 

PMID- 27654169
TI  - A conjugate of methotrexate and an analog of luteinizing hormone releasing
      hormone shows increased efficacy against prostate cancer.
AB  - LHRH receptor, is over-expressed in a variety of human tumors and, is a potential
      binding site for targeted metastatic prostate cancer therapy. The objectives of
      our study were to synthesize a bioconjugate of the LHRH analog [DLys6]-LHRH and
      the anti-tumor agent methotrexate and test the hypothesis that [DLys6]-LHRH-MTX
      targets and inhibits prostate cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo. The
      results of in vitro studies, showed that both [DLys6]-LHRH-MTX and MTX displayed
      superior cytotoxicity against prostate cancer cells in a concentration-dependent
      manners, with IC50 concentrations for PC-3 cells of, 1.02 +/- 0.18 MUmol/L and
      6.34 +/- 1.01 MUmol/L; for DU-145 cells, 1.53 +/- 0.27 MUmol/L and 8.03 +/- 1.29
      MUmol/L; and for LNCaP cells, 1.93 +/- 0.19 MUmol/L and 9.68 +/- 1.24 MUmol/L,
      respectively. The IC50 values of [DLys6]-LHRH-MTX and MTX were 110.77 +/- 15.31
      MUmol/L and 42.33 +/- 7.25 MUmol/L, respectively. Finally, [DLys6]-LHRH-MTX
      significantly improved the anti-tumor activity of MTX in nude mice bearing PC-3
      tumor xenografts. The inhibition ratios of tumor volume and tumor weight in the
      [DLys6]-LHRH-MTX treated group were significantly higher than those in the MTX
      treated group. Tumor volume doubling time was also significantly extended from
      6.13 days in control animals to 9.67 days in mice treated with [DLys6]-LHRH-MTX.
      In conclusion, [DLys6]-LHRH -MTX may be useful in treating prostate cancer.

PMID- 27654171
TI  - Fabrication of magnetic nanoparticles armed with quaternarized N-halamine
      polymers as recyclable antibacterial agents.
AB  - Magnetic recyclable bactericidal nanocomposites (Fe3O4@PDMC) were well-designed
      and prepared by coating of Fe3O4 nanoparticles with quaternarized N-halamine
      polymers via the free radical polymerization process. In which, 5,5
      dimethylhydantoinyl-(3-ethyl-methacrylamine)propyl dimethylammonium bromide
      (DEMPA), a new monomeric N-halamine precursor, was used as a coating material as
      well as the dual-functional bactericidal agent. The developed Fe3O4@PDMC
      nanocomposites exhibited suitable size and super-paramagnetic responsibility. The
      antibacterial results showed that the Fe3O4@PDMC nanocomposites had excellent
      biocidal abilities against Staphylococcus aureus (gram-positive) and Escherichia
      coli (gram-negative). Furthermore, the TTC (Triphenyl Tetrazolium Chloride)
      dehydrogenase activity assay confirmed that the reductions of the bacteria were
      mainly attributed to powerful biocidal effects of the coating polymer instead of
      bacteria capture by the cationic surface. Interestingly, due to the magnetic
      responsive performance of Fe3O4, the as-prepared Fe3O4@PDMC nanocomposites can be
      recycled by a magnet and reused for antibacterium through the
      quenching/rechlorination procedure. All the results presented in this study show
      that the proposed Fe3O4@PDMC nanocomposites could be a competitive candidate for
      water purification systems and household sanitation.

PMID- 27654170
TI  - Preferential uptake of antioxidant carbon nanoparticles by T lymphocytes for
      immunomodulation.
AB  - Autoimmune diseases mediated by a type of white blood cell-T lymphocytes-are
      currently treated using mainly broad-spectrum immunosuppressants that can lead to
      adverse side effects. Antioxidants represent an alternative approach for therapy
      of autoimmune disorders; however, dietary antioxidants are insufficient to play
      this role. Antioxidant carbon nanoparticles scavenge reactive oxygen species
      (ROS) with higher efficacy than dietary and endogenous antioxidants. Furthermore,
      the affinity of carbon nanoparticles for specific cell types represents an
      emerging tactic for cell-targeted therapy. Here, we report that nontoxic
      poly(ethylene glycol)-functionalized hydrophilic carbon clusters (PEG-HCCs),
      known scavengers of the ROS superoxide (O2*-) and hydroxyl radical, are
      preferentially internalized by T lymphocytes over other splenic immune cells. We
      use this selectivity to inhibit T cell activation without affecting major
      functions of macrophages, antigen-presenting cells that are crucial for T cell
      activation. We also demonstrate the in vivo effectiveness of PEG-HCCs in reducing
      T lymphocyte-mediated inflammation in delayed-type hypersensitivity and in
      experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, an animal model of multiple sclerosis.
      Our results suggest the preferential targeting of PEG-HCCs to T lymphocytes as a
      novel approach for T lymphocyte immunomodulation in autoimmune diseases without
      affecting other immune cells.

PMID- 27654173
TI  - SmedOB1 is Required for Planarian Homeostasis and Regeneration.
AB  - The planarian flatworm is an emerging model that is useful for studying
      homeostasis and regeneration due to its unique adult stem cells (ASCs).
      Previously, planaria were found to share mammalian TTAGGG chromosome ends and
      telomerases; however, their telomere protection proteins have not yet been
      identified. In Schmidtea mediterranea, we identified a homologue of the human
      protection of telomeres 1 (POT1) with an OB-fold (SmedOB1). SmedOB1 is
      evolutionarily conserved among species and is ubiquitously expressed throughout
      the whole body. Feeding with SmedOB1 double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) led to
      homeostasis abnormalities in the head and pharynx. Furthermore, several ASC
      progeny markers were downregulated, and regeneration was impaired. Here we found
      that SmedOB1 is required for telomeric DNA-protein complex formation and it
      associates with the telomere TTAGGG sequence in vitro. Moreover, DNA damage and
      apoptosis signals in planarian were significantly affected by SmedOB1 RNAi. We
      also confirmed these phenotypes in Dugesia japonica, another flatworm species.
      Our work identified a novel telomere-associated protein SmedOB1 in planarian,
      which is required for planarian homeostasis and regeneration. The phylogenetic
      and functional conservations of SmedOB1 provide one mechanism by which planarians
      maintain telomere and genome stability to ensure their immortality and shed light
      on the regeneration medicine of humans.

PMID- 27654172
TI  - Mobile small RNAs and their role in regulating cytosine methylation of DNA.
AB  - Small (s)RNAs of 21 to 24 nucleotides are associated with RNA silencing and
      methylation of DNA cytosine residues. All sizes can move from cell-to-cell and
      long distance in plants, directing RNA silencing in destination cells. Twenty
      four nucleotide sRNAs are the predominant long-distance mobile species. Thousands
      move from shoot to root, where they target methylation of transposable elements
      both directly and indirectly. We derive several classes of interaction between
      small RNAs and methylation and use these to explore the mechanisms of methylation
      and gene expression that associate with mobile sRNA signaling.

PMID- 27654175
TI  - Editorial.
AB  - A 'care lottery' is how the health committee branded the current inequities in
      health and social care provision for elderly people. In a report which was highly
      critical of the government's stance, the health committee called for national
      guidelines on eligibility criteria for NHS funded care. The committee also called
      for better discharge procedures, which ensured a 'package of care' for elderly
      people, and a charter for long term care to be established, which would set
      minimum standards for patients regardless of where they live.

PMID- 27654176
TI  - MPs say NHS must fund long term care.
AB  - Nurses have welcomed recommendations from the Commons health committee last week
      which call for people to have the right to NHS funded, long term nursing care.

PMID- 27654174
TI  - Removal of proprioception by BCI raises a stronger body ownership illusion in
      control of a humanlike robot.
AB  - Body ownership illusions provide evidence that our sense of self is not coherent
      and can be extended to non-body objects. Studying about these illusions gives us
      practical tools to understand the brain mechanisms that underlie body recognition
      and the experience of self. We previously introduced an illusion of body
      ownership transfer (BOT) for operators of a very humanlike robot. This sensation
      of owning the robot's body was confirmed when operators controlled the robot
      either by performing the desired motion with their body (motion-control) or by
      employing a brain-computer interface (BCI) that translated motor imagery commands
      to robot movement (BCI-control). The interesting observation during BCI-control
      was that the illusion could be induced even with a noticeable delay in the BCI
      system. Temporal discrepancy has always shown critical weakening effects on body
      ownership illusions. However the delay-robustness of BOT during BCI-control
      raised a question about the interaction between the proprioceptive inputs and
      delayed visual feedback in agency-driven illusions. In this work, we compared the
      intensity of BOT illusion for operators in two conditions; motion-control and BCI
      control. Our results revealed a significantly stronger BOT illusion for the case
      of BCI-control. This finding highlights BCI's potential in inducing stronger
      agency-driven illusions by building a direct communication between the brain and
      controlled body, and therefore removing awareness from the subject's own body.

PMID- 27654177
TI  - Nurses under pressure after West trial.
AB  - Health visitors in Gloucester are under pressure because publicity surrounding
      the Rosemary West trail has encouraged more families to disclose sexual and
      physical abuse.

PMID- 27654178
TI  - ?
AB  - NHS cuts, 1840s style: the amputation of a child's leg in the early 19th century
      was reconstructed by staff at the Thackray Medical Museum, Leeds, last week. The
      museum has just been awarded L3 million pounds of National lottery money and Ls
      due to open at Easter 1997.

PMID- 27654181
TI  - Evidence shows more patients prefer to be treated by nurses.
AB  - Calls for more specialist training to enable nurses to substitute for doctors
      have been made by an influential parliamentary inquiry.

PMID- 27654179
TI  - Employers complacent over growing shortage of nurses.
AB  - Nursing shortages are worsening according to the government's own figures, the
      Royal College of Nursing claims in new evidence to the pay Review Body published
      this week.

PMID- 27654182
TI  - ?
AB  - Health Visitors' Association director Margaret Buttigieg, above, Is to resign
      early next year to become regional nurse director for the NHS Executive's south
      and west region.

PMID- 27654183
TI  - Widow sues over stress-related suicide.
AB  - The widow of a mental health nurse who hanged himself is suing an NHS trust for
      L50,000.

PMID- 27654184
TI  - No-smoking message to soaps.
AB  - Trainee scriptwriters are being encouraged by the Royal College of Nursing to
      include no-smoking messages in storylines.

PMID- 27654185
TI  - Hospital's 'no lifting' policy reduces back injuries by half.
AB  - Back injuries to nurses at a top Glasgow hospital have halved since a 'no
      lifting' policy was introduced, a Royal College of Nursing safety officers
      conference was told last week.

PMID- 27654187
TI  - RCN presses for action on racism.
AB  - The Royal College of Nursing will press for legal action to tackle racial
      harassment of nurses at a meeting with the Commission for Racial Equality next
      week.

PMID- 27654186
TI  - Washing uniforms at home may break rules.
AB  - Nurses were warned last week that they may be in breach of health and safety
      regulations if they take their uniforms home to wash.

PMID- 27654188
TI  - ?
AB  - Five nurses, including Amanda McCay, Geraldine Dunne, Jane James and Ruth
      Blackburn, pictured from left, last week became the first recipients of a BSc in
      child health studies from the RCN Institute.

PMID- 27654190
TI  - Move to help nurses rejoin NHS pension scheme.
AB  - Nurses mislead into opting out of the NHS pension scheme received a boost last
      week when the government made it easier for them to rejoin by cutting charges
      levied to insurance companies.

PMID- 27654191
TI  - Ombudsman criticises staff for poor communication.
AB  - Nurses who gave a stroke patient the wrong diet and did not supervise her
      properly at night were among NHS staff criticised in the latest report by the
      health service ombudsman.

PMID- 27654193
TI  - Nursing unions in ireland to ballot on action over pay.
AB  - Ireland's four nursing unions are to ballot their 25,000 members in January for a
      strike mandate to secure a major upgrade in pay scales.

PMID- 27654192
TI  - Danish government doubles pay offer.
AB  - Nurses in Denmark are claiming victory in their long running pay dispute after
      they won a rise double the government's initial 3.5 per cent offer.

PMID- 27654194
TI  - Patient controlled analgesia means better pain control.
AB  - Nurses need a better understanding of pain management and the benefits of patient
      controlled analgesia (PCA), nurses were told at the launch of a new PCA resource
      pack.

PMID- 27654195
TI  - Guidelines improve nutrition in ITU.
AB  - The introduction of nutritional guidelines has resulted in a significant
      reduction in the time taken to initiate feeding of intubated patients.

PMID- 27654196
TI  - Helping people cope in the community.
AB  - Psychological treatment in addition to drugs might help people with schizophrenia
      cope better in community settings, according to researchers.

PMID- 27654197
TI  - Teachers' input with asthmatic children.
AB  - An increased knowledge of asthma among teachers is associated with an improved
      ability to help asthmatic children lead a normal life and potentially reduces the
      risks of an attack.

PMID- 27654198
TI  - Photographic screening for retinopathy.
AB  - A photographic method for detecting diabetic eye disease should be the preferred
      option in national, community based screening programmes, Liverpool researchers
      report.

PMID- 27654199
TI  - Crisis of silence.
AB  - HIV infection and AIDS are overwhelmingly perceived as a younger persons' issue,
      but the latest statistics show that 7 per cent of men with HIV are aged over 50
      rising to 11 per cent of those with AIDS ( 1 ), and there is no reason to expect
      these proportions to decline in the near future; some predict that they will
      increase.

PMID- 27654200
TI  - Doing it for themselves.
AB  - There is a cornucopia of writing about clinical supervision, with assertions
      about how important it is and how it ensures safe practice. There have been
      recommendations from the Allitt inquiry about its introduction, yet there is only
      the sketchiest information about how to do it and introduce it effectively within
      a trust to the satisfaction of both professional clinical staff and managers with
      an eye to the financial bottom line.

PMID- 27654201
TI  - Quality of life affects nurses' morale too.
AB  - Well done Ruth Greene ('The machine breaks', Viewpoint November 8).

PMID- 27654202
TI  - Where is the evidence to back counselling?
AB  - The responses to my letter regarding counselling have so far been disappointing
      since neither has really addressed the issue of whether it is effective or a
      waste of limited resources.

PMID- 27654203
TI  - More prejudice over rank than colour.
AB  - On the subject of racism and prejudice ('Nursing in a multi-ethnic NHS,' News and
      editorial November 8), I have experienced more prejudice because I am an EN than
      because I am an Asian.

PMID- 27654204
TI  - Bring your own blankets in new NHS.
AB  - I did enjoy reading the comments of newly qualified staff in 'What do you miss
      about the old-style NHS?' (Viewpoint November 1).

PMID- 27654205
TI  - Take comfort that you are saving lives.
AB  - I was recently admitted to St Peter's Hospital, Chertsey with a serious
      complication of pregnancy, eclampsia.

PMID- 27654206
TI  - Inter-agency training gets positive response.
AB  - It was interesting to read the article by Professor Wendy Couchman, 'Joint
      education for mental health teams' (Clinical November 8).

PMID- 27654208
TI  - Let's fight cutbacks and not each other.
AB  - After reading 'Essential skills being lost in new NHS' (Letters November 15) I
      feel I have to comment in defence of auxiliary staff and NVQs.

PMID- 27654207
TI  - Some things don't add up.
AB  - Further to Malcolm Wing's letter about the Unison- brokered pay deal 'Pay deal
      secures RB's future' (Letters November 8), the RCN represents 75 per cent of
      registered nurses in the NHS, Unison's claim to represent 240,000 nurses is
      simply not possible. Presumably, they meant to say 240,000 nursing and related
      staff?

PMID- 27654209
TI  - Mixed feelings over pill warnings.
AB  - It has been with confused feelings that I followed the recent coverage of the
      government's supposedly alarmist announcement that seven brands of contraceptive
      pill increase the risk of blood clots.

PMID- 27654210
TI  - Information exchange.
AB  - * We are staff nurses working within the Day Case Unit at Blackburn Royal
      Infirmary. As our unit is relatively new, we are looking towards improving our
      nursing care by devising new nursing care plans for our clients. We would like
      copies of nursing care plans and details of the nursing model on which it is
      based.

PMID- 27654212
TI  - David's story.
AB  - David has had six previous admissions to hospital. On each admission he had been
      violent towards nursing staff.

PMID- 27654211
TI  - Nurses valued!
AB  - Is it me or has anyone else noticed that doctors and the medical profession have
      finally woken up to the fact that nursing has value?

PMID- 27654214
TI  - Listing.
AB  - As there is such a huge demand for the publication of free listings, readers may
      wish to take advantage of a new service being launched by Nursing Standard, for
      further details see the coupon in the appointments section or contact Kim
      Boudler, telephone 0181 423 1066.

PMID- 27654213
TI  - Readers panel - Should we all be nurse pracitioners?
AB  - Our experts consider a hot topic of the day.

PMID- 27654216
TI  - Adolescent Cannabinoid Use and Cognition; Unexpected Results from a Rat Model of
      Cannabinoid Self-Administration.

PMID- 27654217
TI  - Are women more likely to self-test? A short report from an acceptability study of
      the HIV self-testing kit in South Africa.
AB  - This study assessed the acceptability of, as well as the facilitators of and
      barriers to the HIV self-testing kit in the Gauteng province, South Africa. An
      exploratory qualitative cross-sectional study was conducted using focus group
      discussions (FGDs) among a sample of 118 respondents selected from the
      Braamfontein and Soweto areas of Johannesburg. Sixteen FGDs were conducted in
      order to assess the acceptability of the HIV self-testing kit. Respondent groups
      were segmented according to area (Soweto or Braamfontein), gender (male or
      female), age (20-34 and 35-49 years of age) and HIV testing status (have
      previously tested for HIV or have never tested for HIV) in order to achieve
      maximum variability. The main advantage identified was that the self-testing kit
      allows for privacy and confidentiality with regard to HIV status, and does not
      require a visit to a health facility - two of the main barriers to current HIV
      counselling and testing uptake. However, respondents, predominantly males, were
      concerned about the lack of counselling involved, which they thought could lead
      to suicide ideation among testers. The HIV self-testing kit was found to be
      acceptable among the majority of respondents. However, there is still a need for
      follow-up services for self-testers. The idea of a hotline for telephonic
      counselling within the self-testing model seemed to be favourable among many
      respondents and is an alternative to traditional face-to-face counselling,
      although some respondents felt that this was not sufficient.

PMID- 27654218
TI  - Synthesis and biological evaluation of a series of N-alkylated imidazole alkanoic
      acids as mGAT3 selective GABA uptake inhibitors.
AB  - In this paper, we report the synthesis and biological evaluation of a series of
      1,5- and 1,4- substituted derivatives of 1H-imidazol-4-ylacetic acid, a series of
      1,2-substituted 3-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)propanoic acid and an N-substituted (2E)-3
      (1H-imidazol-2-yl)prop-2-enoic acid as new mGAT3 inhibitors. The lipophilic
      moieties attached to the N-atom of the parent structures were delineated from the
      2-[9-(4-methoxyphenyl)-9H-fluoren-9-yl]oxyethyl residue, known from a prototypic
      mGAT3 inhibitor. For the structure-activity-relationship studies, the spacer
      between the N-atom of the imidazole ring and the 2-[9-(4-methoxyphenyl)-9H
      fluoren-9-yl] moiety was varied in length from three to six atoms, and in nature
      being either a pure saturated or unsaturated alkyl chain or an alkyl chain
      containing up to two ether functions. The compounds were characterized for
      inhibitory potencies at mouse GABA transporter proteins mGAT1-mGAT4. Among the
      1,2-substituted compounds, the N-alkylated (2E)-3-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)prop-2-enoic
      acid 12e containing a C5O spacer exhibits a pIC50 value of 5.13 +/- 0.04 at
      mGAT3, but is devoid of significant selectivity for this GABA transporter.
      However, the inhibitory potency displayed by 12e at mGAT3 nominally surpasses
      that of SNAP-5294 reported as the most potent inhibitor of mGAT3 so far.

PMID- 27654219
TI  - Protective effects of the selective alpha1A-adrenoceptor antagonist silodosin
      against cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis in rats.
AB  - We investigated the protective effects of a selective alpha1A-adrenoceptor
      antagonist, silodosin (Silod) on urinary bladder function in cyclophosphamide
      (CYP)-induced cystitis rats, with and without desensitization of the capsaicin
      (CAP)-sensitive afferent nerve pathway. Male Wistar rats (310-400 g) were
      pretreated with Silod (0, 100, or 300 MUg/kg/day, p.o.) for 1 week before
      cystometry, and were administered either CYP (150 mg/kg, i.p.) or saline 2 days
      before the experiment. In another experiment, the rats were treated with CAP (125
      mg/kg, s.c.) 4 days before the cystometry. The rat bladders were harvested,
      weighed, and evaluated histologically. The cystometric evaluation showed
      significant reductions in the intercontraction interval (ICI), single voided
      volume (SVV), and bladder compliance in CYP-treated rats compared to those in the
      vehicle-treated rats. High-dose Silod or CAP treatment significantly increased
      the ICI and SVV in the CYP rats. However, high-dose Silod treatment did not
      increase the ICI and SVV in CAP-treated CYP rats. Treatment with Silod did not
      improve the bladder weight, edema, and leukocyte infiltration resulting from the
      CYP-induced bladder inflammation. These data suggest that blockade of alpha1
      adrenoceptors by Silod inhibited the CAP-sensitive afferent pathway in rats with
      cystitis.

PMID- 27654220
TI  - Superhydrophobic Surface With Shape Memory Micro/Nanostructure and Its
      Application in Rewritable Chip for Droplet Storage.
AB  - Recently, superhydrophobic surfaces with tunable wettability have aroused much
      attention. Noticeably, almost all present smart performances rely on the
      variation of surface chemistry on static micro/nanostructure, to obtain a surface
      with dynamically tunable micro/nanostructure, especially that can memorize and
      keep different micro/nanostructures and related wettabilities, is still a
      challenge. Herein, by creating micro/nanostructured arrays on shape memory
      polymer, a superhydrophobic surface that has shape memory ability in changing and
      recovering its hierarchical structures and related wettabilities was reported.
      Meanwhile, the surface was successfully used in the rewritable functional chip
      for droplet storage by designing microstructure-dependent patterns, which breaks
      through current research that structure patterns cannot be reprogrammed. This
      article advances a superhydrophobic surface with shape memory hierarchical
      structure and the application in rewritable functional chip, which could start
      some fresh ideas for the development of smart superhydrophobic surface.

PMID- 27654221
TI  - Beta-agonist residues in cattle, chicken and swine livers at the wet market and
      the environmental impacts of wastewater from livestock farms in Selangor State,
      Malaysia.
AB  - Fourteen beta-agonists were quantitatively analyzed in cattle, chicken and swine
      liver specimens purchased at 14 wet markets in Selangor State, Malaysia, by
      liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The health risks of
      ractopamine and clenbuterol residues in the Malaysian population were assessed
      based on quantitative data and meat consumption statistics in Malaysia.
      Wastewater samples collected at swine farms (n = 2) and cattle/cow farms (n = 2)
      in the Kuala Langat district were analyzed for the presence for the 14 compounds.
      Wastewater in chicken farms was not collected because there was negligible
      discharge during the breeding period. The environmental impacts caused by beta
      agonists discharged from livestock farms were spatially assessed in the Langat
      River basin using a geographic information system (GIS). As a result, 10
      compounds were detected in the liver specimens. Ractopamine, which is a permitted
      compound for swine in Malaysia, was frequently detected in swine livers; also, 9
      other compounds that are prohibited compounds could be illegally abused among
      livestock farms. The health risks of ractopamine and clenbuterol were assessed to
      be minimal as their hazard quotients were no more than 7.82 * 10-4 and 2.71 * 10
      3, respectively. Five beta-agonists were detected in the wastewater samples, and
      ractopamine in the swine farm resulted in the highest contamination (30.1 MUg/L).
      The environmental impacts of the beta-agonists in the Langat River basin were
      generally concluded to be minimal, but the ractopamine contamination released
      from swine farms was localized in coastal areas near the estuary of the Langat
      River basin because most swine farms were located in that region.

PMID- 27654215
TI  - Towards an Immunophenotype of Schizophrenia: Progress, Potential Mechanisms, and
      Future Directions.
AB  - The evidence to date, coupled with advances in immunology and genetics has
      afforded the field an unparalleled opportunity to investigate the hypothesis that
      a subset of patients with schizophrenia may manifest an immunophenotype, toward
      new potential diagnostics and therapeutics to reduce risk, alleviate symptoms,
      and improve quality of life in both at-risk populations and patients with
      established schizophrenia. In this paper, we will first summarize the findings on
      immune dysfunction in schizophrenia, including (1) genetic, prenatal, and
      premorbid immune risk factors and (2) immune markers across the clinical course
      of the disorder, including cytokines; C-reactive protein; immune cells;
      antibodies, autoantibodies and comorbid autoimmune disorders; complement;
      oxidative stress; imaging of neuroinflammation; infections; and clinical trials
      of anti-inflammatory agents and immunotherapy. We will then discuss a potential
      mechanistic framework toward increased understanding of a potential schizophrenia
      immunophenotype. We will then critically appraise the existing literature, and
      discuss suggestions for the future research agenda in this area that are needed
      to rigorously evaluate this hypothesis.

PMID- 27654222
TI  - Effect of oxidation and catalytic reduction of trace organic contaminants on
      their activated carbon adsorption.
AB  - The combination of ozonation and activated carbon (AC) adsorption is an
      established technology for removal of trace organic contaminants (TrOCs). In
      contrast to oxidation, reduction of TrOCs has recently gained attention as well,
      however less attention has gone to the combination of reduction with AC
      adsorption. In addition, no literature has compared the removal behavior of
      reduction vs. ozonation by-products by AC. In this study, the effect of pre
      ozonation vs pre-catalytic reduction on the AC adsorption efficiency of five
      TrOCs and their by-products was compared. All compounds were susceptible to
      oxidation and reduction, however the catalytic reductive treatment proved to be a
      slower reaction than ozonation. New oxidation products were identified for
      dinoseb and new reduction products were identified for carbamazepine, bromoxynil
      and dinoseb. In terms of compatibility with AC adsorption, the influence of the
      oxidative and reductive pretreatments proved to be compound dependent. Oxidation
      products of bromoxynil and diatrizoic acid adsorbed better than their parent
      TrOCs, but oxidation products of atrazine, carbamazepine and dinoseb showed a
      decreased adsorption. The reductive pre-treatment showed an enhanced AC
      adsorption for dinoseb and a major enhancement for diatrizoic acid. For atrazine
      and bromoxynil, no clear influence on adsorption was noted, while for
      carbamazepine, the reductive pretreatment resulted in a decreased AC affinity. It
      may thus be concluded that when targeting mixtures of TrOCs, a trade-off will
      undoubtedly have to be made towards overall reactivity and removal of the
      different constituents, since no single treatment proves to be superior to the
      other.

PMID- 27654223
TI  - Reverse osmosis brine for phosphorus recovery from source separated urine.
AB  - Phosphorus (P) recovery from waste streams has recently been recognized as a key
      step in the sustainable supply of this indispensable and non-renewable resource.
      The feasibility of using brine from a reverse osmosis (RO) membrane unit treating
      cooling water as a precipitant for P recovery from source separated urine was
      evaluated in the present study. P removal efficiency, process parameters and
      precipitate properties were investigated in batch and continuous flow
      experiments. More than 90% of P removal was obtained from both undiluted fresh
      and hydrolyzed urines by mixing with RO brine (1:1, v/v) at a pH over 9.0. Around
      2.58 and 1.24 Kg of precipitates could be recovered from 1 m3 hydrolyzed and
      fresh urine, respectively, and the precipitated solids contain 8.1-19.0% of P,
      10.3-15.2% of Ca, 3.7-5.0% of Mg and 0.1-3.5% of ammonium nitrogen. Satisfactory
      P removal performance was also achieved in a continuous flow precipitation
      reactor with a hydraulic retention time of 3-6 h. RO brine could be considered as
      urinal and toilet flush water despite of a marginally higher precipitation
      tendency than tap water. This study provides a widely available, low - cost and
      efficient precipitant for P recovery in urban areas, which will make P recovery
      from urine more economically attractive.

PMID- 27654224
TI  - An efficient approach for phosphorus recovery from wastewater using series
      coupled air-agitated crystallization reactors.
AB  - Homogeneous nucleation of hydroxyapatite (HAP) crystallization in high levels of
      supersaturation solution has a negative effect on phosphorus recovery efficiency
      because of the poor settleability of the generated HAP microcrystalline. In this
      study, a new high-performance approach for phosphorus recovery from anaerobic
      supernatant using three series-coupled air-agitated crystallization reactors was
      developed and characterized. During 30-day operation, the proposed process showed
      a high recovery efficiency (~95.82%) and low microcrystalline ratio (~3.11%).
      Particle size analysis showed that the microcrystalline size was successively
      increased (from 5.81 to 26.32 MUm) with the sequence of series-coupled reactors,
      confirming the conjectural mechanism that a multistage-induced crystallization
      system provided an appropriate condition for the growth, aggregation, and
      precipitation of crystallized products. Furthermore, the new process showed a
      broad spectrum of handling ability for different concentrations of phosphorus
      containing solution in the range of 5-350 mg L-1, and the obtained results of
      phosphorus conversion ratio and recovery efficiency were more than 92% and 80%,
      respectively. Overall, these results showed that the new process exhibited an
      excellent ability of efficient phosphorus recovery as well as wide application
      scope, and might be used as an effective approach for phosphorus removal and
      recovery from wastewater.

PMID- 27654226
TI  - Perspectives in Psychiatric Nursing: Thoughts From Our Early Leaders.

PMID- 27654227
TI  - Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Its Predictors in Disaster-Bereaved Survivors.

PMID- 27654225
TI  - Exacerbation of pre-existing diabetes insipidus during pregnancy, mechanisms and
      management.
AB  - During pregnancy, physiological changes in osmotic homeostasis cause water
      retention. If excessive, this can cause gestational diabetes insipidus (DI),
      particularly in patients with already impaired vasopressin secretion. We present
      the case of a 34-year-old patient with pre-existing hypopituitarism who
      experienced a transient exacerbation of her DI during a twin pregnancy. In
      contrast to typical gestational DI, polyuria and polydipsia occurred during the
      first trimester and remained stable thereafter. This case highlights a
      challenging clinical entity of which pathophysiology, diagnostic approach and
      treatment will be discussed.

PMID- 27654228
TI  - Coping with Violence in Mental Health Care Settings: Patient and Staff Member
      Perspectives on De-escalation Practices.
AB  - This multiple case study explored de-escalation processes in threatening and
      violent situations based on patients and staff members perspectives. Our post hoc
      analysis indicated that de-escalation included responsive interactions influenced
      by the perspectives of both patients and staff members. We assembled their
      perspectives in a mental model consisting of three interdependent stages: (1)
      memories and hope, (2) safety and creativity and (3) reflective moments. The data
      indicated that both patients and staff strived for peaceful solutions and that a
      dynamic and sociological understanding of de-escalation can foster shared problem
      solving in violent and threatening situations.

PMID- 27654229
TI  - Effects of Relaxation Exercises and Music Therapy on the Psychological Symptoms
      and Depression Levels of Patients with Schizophrenia.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aims to identify the effects of relaxation exercises and
      music therapy on the psychological symptoms and depression levels of patients
      with chronic schizophrenia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This semi-experimental study
      was conducted using pre- and post-tests with a control group. The study
      population consists of patients with schizophrenia who regularly attended
      community mental health centers in the Malatya and Elazig provinces of Turkey
      between May 2015 and September 2015. The study's sample consists of 70 patients
      with schizophrenia (n=35 in the control group; n=35 in the experimental group)
      who were selected randomly based on power analysis. The "Patient Information
      Form," the "Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS)" and the "Calgary Depression
      Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS)" were used for data collection. Patients in the
      experimental group participated in relaxation exercises and music therapy 5 times
      a week for 4 weeks. The experimental group of 35 persons was divided into three
      groups of approximately 10-12 individuals in order to enable all participants to
      attend the program. No intervention was applied to the patients in the control
      group. The data were evaluated using percentage distribution, arithmetic means,
      standard deviations, Chi-square and independent samples t-tests. RESULTS: The
      study found that patients in the experimental group showed a decrease in total
      mean scores on the BPRS and CDSS; the difference between the post-test scores of
      the experimental group and the post-test scores of the control group was
      statistically significant (p<0.05). The practice of relaxation exercises and
      music therapy was proven to be effective in reducing schizophrenic patients'
      psychological symptoms and levels of depression. CONCLUSION: Relaxation exercises
      and music therapy can be used as a complementary therapy in the medical treatment
      of patients with chronic schizophrenia.

PMID- 27654230
TI  - Predictors of Depression Among Community-Dwelling Older Women Living Alone in
      Korea.
AB  - This study examined the prevalence and predicting factors of depression among
      community-dwelling older women living alone in Korea. Of the 2054 older women
      living alone in this study, 42.9% (881) were experiencing depression. Factors
      associated with a higher prevalence of depression were overall difficulty with
      living alone, taking more than six medications, limitations of instrumental
      activities of daily living, limitations of muscle strength, limitations of
      exercise performance in upper extremities, trouble with hearing, and perceptions
      of poor health status. These results provide a basis for designing preventive
      interventional programs to decrease depression among older women living alone in
      Korea.

PMID- 27654231
TI  - Psychological Adjustment of Infertile Men Undergoing Fertility Treatments: An
      Association With Sperm Parameters.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The difficulties in the psychological adaptation to the infertility
      diagnosis and assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments have shown
      influence on the sperm quality. The biological and psychological aspects of
      infertility seem not to be independent. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the impact of
      depressive symptoms, anxiety, dyadic adjustment and infertility stress on the
      sperm quality of the men proposed to ART first or repeated experience. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: This transversal study was conducted in the Medically Assisted
      Reproduction Unit of Centro Hospitalar de Sao Joao, in Porto, Portugal. 112 men
      with infertility diagnosis were included to initiate an ART cycle. Participants
      completed the Inventory State-Trait Anxiety-Form Y (STAI-Y), the Beck Depression
      Inventory-II (BDI-II), the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) and the Inventory of
      Fertility Problems (IFP) before the beginning of the treatment. RESULTS: The
      state-anxiety had a negative linear impact on the slow progressive motility
      (p<0.05). However, depressive symptoms assumed a suppressor effect on this
      variable, enhancing its importance as a predictor. CONCLUSION: Results show that
      psychopathological symptoms before an ART cycle can influence the sperm motility.
      However, this association seems to only be present in men undergoing first
      experience ART treatments. Thus, this research shows the need for mental health
      professionals to respond to emotional difficulties of the male gender, through
      the development of psychological interventions adjusted, so as to minimize the
      impact of exposure to ART treatments.

PMID- 27654232
TI  - Responses and Results to Ethical Problems by Psychiatric Nurses in Japan.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the responses of Japanese psychiatric
      nurses to ethical problems, and the results of those issues. The participants
      were 130 nurses who worked in psychiatry wards in a hospital. The nurses answered
      the question "how did you respond when you faced an ethical problem and what
      results did you get?" in free description. Seven categories were selected
      qualitatively from their responses: "Lack of action and no change," "Experiencing
      problems and feeling gloomy," "Pointing out misconduct and being hurt,"
      "Consultation among staff and resolution or not," "Consultation with physicians
      and getting positive or negative responses," and "Searching for and providing
      evidence-based care," and "Thinking for themselves." The facts that some nurses
      do not cope with ethical problems and some face moral distress without knowing
      what to do suggest that "improvement of moral efficacy to cope with ethical
      problems", "proposing resolution methods", and "organizational ethics support"
      may be useful.

PMID- 27654233
TI  - Stress in Persons with Dementia: Benefits of a Memory Center Day Program.
AB  - Most persons with dementia are cared for by family members who are so overwhelmed
      that their mental and physical health declines. Adult day care programs (ADC) are
      growing in number to meet caregivers' needs for respite but little is known about
      their effect on enrollee mental health. We examined mental health of enrollees
      (stress, anxiety, mood, emotions) and arousal (blood pressure and salivary
      cortisol) from day program enrollment to 3 months following enrollment. Results
      showed significant decreases in morning cortisol level at 1 and 3 months
      (p=.047). Perceived stress decreased at 1 and 3 months measured by Perceived
      Stress Scale (p=.03) and Index of Clinical Stress (p=.01). Results provide
      support for ADC as a stress-reducing environment for individuals with mild to
      moderate cognitive impairment. Future studies should be conducted to examine
      which elements of ADC are beneficial.

PMID- 27654234
TI  - Factors Affecting Suicidal Ideation Among Middle-Aged Korean Women in an Urban
      Rural Province.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the factors that affect suicidal
      ideation among middle-aged Korean women in an urban-rural province. METHODS: This
      study used a convenience sample consisting of 196 middle-aged Korean women who
      live in Gyeonggi Province. Data were collected between November 2013 and January
      2014. RESULTS: There were significant correlations among social relationships (r=
      .18, p=.013), previous experiences of violence (r=.15, p=.032), subjective
      happiness (r=-.36, p<.001), depression (r=.44, p<.001), and suicidal ideation.
      Economic status, subjective happiness, and depression were found to have an
      effect on suicidal ideation (R(2)=.26). CONCLUSIONS: The study's results
      demonstrate that there needs to be greater focus on middle-aged women when
      considering mental health interventions in rural areas of Korea. The results may
      also contribute to the development of improved interventions for psychological
      health care.

PMID- 27654235
TI  - Perceptions and Feelings of Fathers of Children With Down Syndrome.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aimed to obtain information about the lives of families with
      children with Down syndrome through interviews with the fathers. METHODS: The
      participants were 9 fathers who were recruited from the local Association of
      Parents of Down syndrome. Their children were born between 1996 and 2009. The
      study used a descriptive exploratory design utilizing a focus group. RESULTS:
      Through analysis of the fathers' transcripts, 7 major themes emerged: 1) crisis
      of life, 2) emotional turmoil, 3) attitudes toward the disability, 4) parental
      responsibility, 5) realization of fatherhood, 6) difference of feelings between
      mother and father, and 7) contact with people. CONCLUSIONS: Fathers were upset
      with the fact that their children were born with Down syndrome. However, they
      accepted fatherhood through child-rearing in cooperation with others. The
      experience of fathers in this study provides practical points for caring for
      families with children with Down syndrome.

PMID- 27654237
TI  - Finding Identity and Meaning as a Nurse with a Mental Illness.
AB  - Through professional acculturation, nurses establish their identities as nurses.
      They also develop of an understanding what mental illness and associated
      phenomena mean. When nurses themselves develop mental illness, they must learn to
      establish a new identity as a patient and more specifically as a nurse-patient,
      and come to a new understanding of what mental illness means to them. This
      autoethnographic paper focuses on the author's own experience of finding an
      identity as nurse-patient and discovering what that really meant, at the same
      time incorporating analysis to connect the personal and the cultural.

PMID- 27654236
TI  - How the Illness Management and Recovery Program Enhanced Recovery of Persons With
      Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders: A Qualitative Study.
AB  - This study aims to describe how the Illness Management and Recovery program
      enhanced recovery of persons with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders
      from their own perspective. Participants valued learning how to divide huge goals
      into attainable steps, how to recognize and prevent a relapse by managing
      symptoms, practicing skills, and talking openly about illness related experience.
      They learned from the exchange with peers and from the information in the IMR
      textbook. Nurses should have continuous attention and reinforcement for progress
      on goals, skills practice and exchange of peer information. A peer-support
      specialist can contribute to keep this focus.

PMID- 27654238
TI  - Perceived Control among People with Severe Mental Illness: A Comparative Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Given the importance of perceived control to mental health and
      recovery, research is needed to determine strategies to increase perceived
      control for people with a mental illness. AIM: Investigate the implications of a
      therapeutic recreation program on the perceived control of people with a mental
      illness. METHOD: Participants of an intervention group (n=27) and comparison
      group (n=18) completed the Perceived Control Across Domains Scale at three time
      intervals. Subscale and total scores were analysed. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:
      Significant variation occurred in the perceived control areas of substance use,
      personal cognition and personal empowerment. IMPLICATIONS: A unique nurse led
      therapeutic recreation initiative, such as Recovery Camp, can improve and
      maintain facets of perceived control among people with mental illness.

PMID- 27654239
TI  - Toward Treatment Integrity: Developing an Approach to Measure the Treatment
      Integrity of a Dialectical Behavior Therapy Intervention With Homeless Youth in
      the Community.
AB  - The current paper discusses an approach to measuring treatment integrity of
      dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) when implemented within two programs
      providing services to street-involved youth in the community. Measuring treatment
      integrity is a critical component of effective implementation of evidence-based
      interventions in clinical practice, since sound treatment integrity increases
      confidence in client outcomes and intervention replicability. Despite being an
      essential part of implementation science, few studies report on treatment
      integrity, with limited research addressing either measurement tools or
      maintenance of treatment integrity. To address the lack of available treatment
      integrity measures, researchers in the current study developed and piloted a
      treatment integrity measure which pertain to the individual and group components
      of DBT. A total of 20 recordings were assessed using the treatment integrity
      measure. Results indicate that the community agency staff (e.g. youth workers,
      social workers & nurses) implemented the intervention as intended; increasing
      confidence in the outcome variables, the staffs' training and the replicability
      of the intervention. This article offers one approach to addressing treatment
      integrity when implementing evidence-based interventions, such as DBT in a
      community setting, and discusses the need for effective and feasible integrity
      measures that can be adopted in order to strengthen mental health practice in
      community settings.

PMID- 27654240
TI  - Exploring the Experience of Self-Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Adults.
AB  - One in 68 Americans has autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and diagnosis is often
      delayed into adulthood in individuals without comorbid intellectual disability.
      Many undiagnosed adults resort to self-diagnosis. The purpose of this descriptive
      phenomenology was to explore the experience of realizing a self-diagnosis of ASD
      among 37 individuals who were not formally diagnosed. Results revealed five
      themes: feeling "othered," managing self doubt, sense of belonging, understanding
      myself, and questioning the need for formal diagnosis. Healthcare professionals
      must have an understanding of self-diagnosis to help individuals transition to
      formal diagnosis and to adequately educate, support, and screen this population
      for comorbidities.

PMID- 27654241
TI  - Effects of the Nursing Psychoeducation Program on the Acceptance of Medication
      and Condition-Specific Knowledge of Patients with Schizophrenia.
AB  - The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical utility of the nursing
      psychoeducation program (NPE) for improving the acceptance of medication of
      inpatients with schizophrenia as well as their knowledge regarding their illness
      and the effects of medication on it. This study was a quasi-experimental study
      involving a convenience sample and was performed at the acute treatment units of
      two Japanese psychiatric hospitals. The subjects were recruited from among the
      inpatients being treated at the acute treatment units and were assigned to either
      the experimental or control group. The experimental group took part in the NPE,
      and the control group received the standard treatments for schizophrenia. Data
      were collected using structured questionnaires; i.e., the Medication Perception
      Scale for Patients with Schizophrenia (MPS), Drug Attitude Inventory-10
      Questionnaire (DAI-10), and Knowledge of Illness and Drugs Inventory. Forty-three
      patients (13 men and 30 women) agreed in writing to participate in this study.
      During pre-/postintervention comparisons, the total MPS score, the 'efficacy of
      medication' subscale score, and the total DAI-10 score exhibited significant
      group*time interactions.

PMID- 27654242
TI  - Social Functioning and Self-Esteem of Substance Abuse Patients.
AB  - AIM: This descriptive study was conducted to examine the levels of social
      functioning and self-esteem in individuals diagnosed with substance abuse.
      MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study was conducted at the AMATEM (Alcohol and Substance
      Abuse Treatment Center) service of a psychiatry clinic in the Elazig province in
      eastern Turkey between September 1, 2014 and February 1, 2015. The population is
      comprised of 249 patients being treated in this clinic, and the sample included
      203 patients who comply with the research criteria and agreed to participate in
      the study. A Socia-Demographic Questionnaire, Coopersmith Self-esteem Scale (CSI)
      and Social Functioning Scale (SFS) were used for data collection. Percentages,
      averages, standard deviations and Pearson's correlation were used for data
      analysis. RESULTS: This study found that the patients' mean sore on the Self
      esteem Scale is 50.97+/-18.01. Their score on the Social Functioning Scale is
      115.76+/-22.41. A significant correlation between the patients' self-esteem and
      the age of first substance use was detected (p=0.001). A significant correlation
      was detected between their social functioning and the duration of their substance
      use (p<0.005). This study found a positive significant correlation between social
      functioning and self-esteem (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: This study found that
      substance abuse patients have a medium level of self-esteem and social
      functioning. A significant positive correlation between social functioning and
      self-esteem was found. It was also found that the age of first substance use and
      self-esteem are directly correlated. Counseling to increase patients' levels of
      self-esteem and improve their social functioning is recommended.

PMID- 27654243
TI  - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and It's Predictors Among Tibetan Adolescents
      3Years After the High-Altitude Earthquake in China.
AB  - This study examined post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD) and it's predictors
      among 4072 Tibetan adolescents 3years after the highaltitude earthquake. The
      instruments included The PTSD Checklist-Civilian version, The Internality,
      Powerful others, and Chance Scale and The Coping Style Scale. The results
      indicated the prevalence rate of probable PTSD was 17.8%.The predicting factors
      for PTSD were found to being aged 14 or older, being senior student, being
      monitor, being buried/injured, have family member died/amputated, have severer
      property loss, have witnessed death, have negative coping skills, and have power
      others locus of control. Effective mental health services should be developed to
      facilitate post-disaster recovery.

PMID- 27654244
TI  - Mothering a Child with Autism.

PMID- 27654245
TI  - Impact of Social Support on Symptoms of Depression and Loneliness in Survivors
      Bereaved by Suicide.
AB  - According to the latest statistics from the American Association of Suicidology,
      there were approximately 41,000 suicides in the United States, accounting for 112
      suicides per day or one every 12.8minutes (Drapeau & McIntosh, 2015). Survivors
      bereaved by suicide often experience complicated grief and feelings of social
      isolation. The study was a secondary data analysis from a study which involved 44
      participants over the age of 18 from Southwestern Pennsylvania. Symptoms of
      depression and loneliness were assessed in relation to reported social support
      available to participants. The findings support the notion that increased
      availability of support can decrease symptoms of depression.

PMID- 27654247
TI  - Psychological Distress and Violence Towards Parents of Patients with
      Schizophrenia.
AB  - The present study investigated the relationship between violence and
      psychological distress experienced by parents of patients with schizophrenia.
      Questionnaire data from 379 parents were analyzed. A total of 151 parents (39.8%)
      had not experienced violence in the past year, whereas 96 (25.3%) and 132 (34.8%)
      had experienced psychological violence only or physical violence, respectively. A
      total of 216 (57.0%) of parents reported being psychologically distressed.
      Multiple logistic regression revealed that the risk of psychological distress
      significantly increased with the experience of psychological and physical
      violence, lower household income, greater family stigma, and the increasing age
      of patients.

PMID- 27654246
TI  - Effects of Resourcefulness on Sleep Disturbances, Anxiety, and Depressive
      symptoms in Family Members of Intensive Care Unit Patients.
AB  - The study aimed to investigate the relationships among psychological distresses,
      resourcefulness, sleep disturbances, anxiety and depressive symptoms in family
      members of intensive care unit (ICU) patients. A cross-sectional, descriptive
      correlational design was employed. Using structural equation modeling (SEM)
      approach, relationships among factors, mediators, and outcomes were analyzed. The
      SEM explained 59% of the variances in depressive symptoms and 36% in anxiety.
      Family members with greater learned resourcefulness had fewer sleep disturbances,
      depressive and anxiety symptoms. Nursing professionals need to detect psychiatric
      disease of family members and must be especially vigilant with people who have
      low resourcefulness and sleep disturbances.

PMID- 27654248
TI  - Domestic Violence Against Women In Turkey: A Systematic Review And Meta Analysis.
AB  - AIM: This study was performed to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for
      domestic violence against women in Turkey. BACKGROUND: The data about domestic
      violence against women point out a serious problem all around the world along
      with including cultural differences. DESIGN: The prevalence of domestic violence
      against women was determined through a meta-analysis, and the risk factors were
      determined through a systematic review. A systematic search of eight electronic
      databases was conducted. In this study, 34 primary studies that were published
      between January 2000 and January 2015 were examined. RESULTS: The highest
      prevalence belonged to verbal violence followed by physical, emotional, economic,
      and sexual violence. Despite different questioning methods, it was determined
      that 22 risk factors were most commonly examined in the studies, and these risk
      factors were summed up under three separate categories: socio demographical
      characteristics, well-being related characteristics and marriage related
      characteristics. It is of further interest that the most commonly examined
      characteristics were socio demographic characteristics. CONCLUSION: Just as
      throughout the world, domestic violence is a common problem in Turkey. RELEVANCE
      TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Nurses and midwives should focus not only on women's
      disorders but also on the difficulties the patient faces in regard to being a
      family. It presents valid evidence to produce policies on violence prevention.

PMID- 27654249
TI  - Black and Blue: Depression and African American Men.
AB  - Depression is a common mental disorder affecting individuals. Although many
      strides have been made in the area of depression, little is known about
      depression in special populations, especially African American men. African
      American men often differ in their presentation of depression and are often
      misdiagnosed. African American men are at greater risk for depression, but they
      are less likely to participate in mental health care. This article explores
      depression in African American by looking at environmental factors, sigma, role,
      and other unique to this populations, such as John Henryism. Interventions to
      encourage early screening and participation in care are also discussed.

PMID- 27654250
TI  - Adolescents' and Young Adults' Beliefs about Mental Health Services and Care: A
      Systematic Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adolescents and young people are known to hold negative views about
      mental illness. There is less known about their beliefs about mental health
      services and care. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to systematically examine
      literature on the beliefs of adolescents and young people from the general
      population about mental health services and care. Factors that positively and
      negatively influence these beliefs are also explored. METHODS: Relevant
      electronic databases were searched for papers published in the English language
      between January 2004 and October 2015. RESULTS: Culture seemed to influence how
      adolescents and young adults perceived mental health interventions. This was
      particularly evident in countries such as Palestine and South Africa where prayer
      was highly valued. Adolescents and young people were uninformed about psychiatric
      medication. They believed that accessing mental health care was a sign of
      weakness. Furthermore, they viewed psychiatric hospitals and various mental
      health professionals negatively. Film was found to have a negative impact on how
      adolescents and young people perceived mental health services, whereas open
      communication with family members was found to have a positive impact.
      CONCLUSION: Adolescents and young adults hold uninformed and stigmatizing beliefs
      about mental health treatments, mental health professionals, and access to care.
      The sources of these beliefs remain unclear although some at least seem
      influenced by culture. Further research, (particularly qualitative research) in
      this area is recommended in order to address current gaps in knowledge.

PMID- 27654251
TI  - Timing of Clinical Improvement in Assertive Community Treatment for Adolescents:
      A Pilot Naturalistic Observational Study.

PMID- 27654252
TI  - Determining Factors for the Unfolding Pathway of Peptides, Peptoids, and Peptidic
      Foldamers.
AB  - We present a study of the mechanical unfolding pathway of five different
      oligomers (alpha-peptide, beta-peptide, delta-aromatic-peptides, alpha/gamma
      peptides, and beta-peptoids), adopting stable helix conformations. Using force
      probe molecular dynamics, we identify the determining structural factors for the
      unfolding pathways and reveal the interplay between the hydrogen bond strength
      and the backbone rigidity in the stabilization of their helix conformations. On
      the basis of their behavior, we classify the oligomers in four groups and deduce
      a set of rules for the prediction of the unfolding pathways of small foldamers.

PMID- 27654254
TI  - Response to letter to Editor: "The clinical course of recurrent respiratory
      papillomatosis after the use of cidofovir is influenced by multiple factors" by
      Michel R. M. San Giorgi et al.

PMID- 27654253
TI  - Increased Plasma Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Activities in Patients with Coronary
      Artery Disease.
AB  - Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) is one of the most potent mammalian serine
      proteases participated in the pathogenesis of subclinical atherosclerosis. Here
      we investigated whether the plasma soluble form of DPP4 is associated with the
      prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) with and without diabetes mellitus
      (DM). A cross-sectional study was conducted of 496 aged 26-81 years with (n =
      362) and without (n = 134) CAD. Plasma DPP4 activity, high sensitive C-reactive
      protein (hs-CRP), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density
      lipoprotein levels were measured. The coronary atherosclerotic plaques were
      evaluated by coronary angiography. The CAD patients with (n = 84) and without (n
      = 278) DM had significantly higher DPP4 levels (11.8 +/- 3.1 vs. 6.9 +/- 3.5
      ng/mL, P<0.01) than the nonCAD subjects. The acute coronary syndrome patients (n
      = 299) had elevated DPP4 levels than those with stable angina patients (n = 83).
      CAD patients even without DM had increased plasma DPP4 activities as compared
      with nonCAD subjects (10.9 +/- 4.9 vs. 6.4 +/- 3.1, ng/L, P< 0.01). A linear
      regression analysis revealed that overall, the DPP4 levels were positively
      associated with LCL-C and hs-CRP levels as well as syntax scores. A multiple
      logistic regression analysis demonstrated that plasma DPP4 activity was
      independent predictor of CAD (odds ratio, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.19-1.73; P<0.01). Our
      study shows that increased DPP4 activity levels are associated with the presence
      of CAD and that the plasma DPP4 level serves as a novel biomarker for CAD even
      without DM.

PMID- 27654255
TI  - Adverse Event Profile by Folate Receptor Status for Vintafolide and Pegylated
      Liposomal Doxorubicin in Combination, Versus Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubicin
      Alone, in Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancer: Exploratory Analysis of the Phase II
      PRECEDENT Trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This exploratory analysis evaluated the incidence of adverse events
      (AEs) by folate receptor (FR) status in the randomized, multicenter, open-label
      PRECEDENT study in women with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer receiving
      pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) +/- the small-molecule drug conjugate
      vintafolide. METHODS: Women 18 years or older with platinum-resistant ovarian
      cancer were randomized 2:1 to vintafolide (2.5 mg intravenously, 3 times per
      week, weeks 1 and 3, every 28 days) + PLD (50 mg/m intravenously, day 1, every 28
      days) or PLD alone (same dose/schedule). The expression of functionally active FR
      was evaluated by single-photon emission computed tomography with etarfolatide.
      Patients were categorized according to FR positivity: patients with all target
      lesions positive for FR expression (FR 100%), patients with 1 or more but not all
      target lesions positive for FR expression (FR 10%-90%), and patients with all
      lesions negative for FR expression (FR 0%). RESULTS: Data on FR status were
      available for 94 patients: 38 were FR 100%, 36 were FR 10% to 90%, and 20 were FR
      0%. Across all FR subgroups, the duration of treatment was longer, and the number
      of cycles was higher in combination-therapy arms than PLD-alone arms. Although
      the frequency of AEs was relatively consistent across subgroups, the FR 100%
      subgroup had a higher incidence of patients with at least 1 AE for combination
      therapy versus PLD alone. No surprising safety signals were shown according to FR
      status. The incidence of grade 3 or 4 treatment-emergent drug-related AEs was
      generally low across all FR subgroups and treatment arms. CONCLUSIONS: This
      exploratory analysis suggests that FR status does not influence the AE profile of
      vintafolide + PLD combination therapy or PLD alone in patients with platinum
      resistant ovarian cancer. Future a priori analyses in larger populations are
      needed to confirm these findings.

PMID- 27654256
TI  - Prognostic Significance of Cytokeratin 19 and Squamous Cell Cancer Antigen in
      Histologically Negative Sentinel Lymph Nodes of Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the prognostic value of positive
      cytokeratin 19 (CK19) and squamous cell cancer antigen (SCCAg) expression in
      histologically negative sentinel lymph nodes after surgery for cervical squamous
      cell carcinoma. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the
      expression of CK19 and SCCAg using polyclonal antibody on 149 pair of formalin
      fixed, paraffin-embedded cervical squamous cell carcinoma and histologically
      negative sentinel lymph node tissue samples, and results were compared with data
      from the prospectively registry of cervical squamous cell carcinoma by univariate
      and multivariate logistic regression model focusing specifically on recurrence.
      The survival was assessed by the Kaplan-Meier method and proportional hazards
      model. RESULTS: Cytokeratin 19 and SCCAg expression in histologically negative
      sentinel lymph nodes were documented in 15.4% (n = 23) and 20.8% (n = 31)
      patients and were associated with a higher incidence of tumor progression and
      poorer disease-free survival (DFS, P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression
      analysis demonstrated that CK19 (P = 0.001) and SCCAg (P = 0.001) expression in
      histologically negative sentinel lymph nodes, International Federation of
      Gynecology and Obstetrics staging (P = 0.000), and cervical stroma infiltration
      depth (P = 0.005) were independent predictive factors for recurrence. The
      proportional hazards model identified CK19 (P = 0.001) and SCCAg (P = 0.005)
      expression in histologically negative sentinel lymph nodes, International
      Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics staging (P = 0.003), and cervical stroma
      infiltration depth (P = 0.005), as independently related to DFS. Using subgroup
      analysis, we found that the CK19+/SCCAg + subgroup has the poorest prognosis,
      whereas the CK19-/SCCAg - subgroup has the best prognosis (P = 0.000).
      CONCLUSIONS: Immunohistochemical assessment of both CK19 and SCCAg status in
      histologically negative sentinel lymph nodes may be a valuable approach for
      predicting recurrence and survival after curative surgery for cervical squamous
      cell carcinoma.

PMID- 27654257
TI  - Dutch Risk Classification and FIGO 2000 for Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia
      Compared.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Over the years, there has been a wide variety of classification
      systems in use worldwide to stratify patients between single-agent versus multi
      agent chemotherapy, hindering comparison of international research results. The
      study presents a retrospective comparison of the International Federation of
      Gynecology and Obstetrics 2000 and Dutch risk classification system for
      gestational trophoblastic neoplasia. METHODS AND MATERIALS: All patients
      diagnosed with gestational trophoblastic neoplasia between January 2003 and
      December 2012 at the trophoblastic disease centre in London were retrospectively
      scored according to the Dutch classification system (N = 813). RESULTS: An
      extensive overlap between both scoring systems was seen, even though items and
      relative value of items were quite distinct. The Dutch system seems to be simpler
      and easier to apply in all situation; a degree of overtreatment can however be
      presumed with the use of either system. CONCLUSIONS: Although it is likely that
      outcome is indeed affected by the individual factors used in both systems, many
      factors relate to tumor bulk and may not be independently prognostic. We
      therefore believe that further refinement of the classification systems and their
      underlying prognostic items plus any new items that seem promising would be
      useful.

PMID- 27654258
TI  - Predicting Model of Lymph Node Metastasis Using Preoperative Tumor Grade,
      Transvaginal Ultrasound, and Serum CA-125 Level in Patients With Endometrial
      Cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the predicting model for
      lymph node metastasis using preoperative tumor grade, transvaginal sonography
      (TVS), and serum cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) level in patients with endometrial
      cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2000 and February 2013, we
      identified 172 consecutive patients with surgically staged endometrial cancer.
      Transvaginal sonography was performed by an expert gynecologic radiologist in all
      patients. All patients had complete staging surgery including total hysterectomy
      with bilateral pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy and were staged according
      to the 2009 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics classification.
      Various clinicopathologic data were obtained from medical records and were
      retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Of 172 patients, 138 patients presented with
      stage I (118 IA and 20 IB), 12 had stage II, 18 had stage III (2 IIIA, 1 IIIB, 8
      IIIC1, and 7 IIIC2), and 2 had stage IV diseases. Most patients had endometrioid
      adenocarcinoma (88.4%), and others (12.6%) had nonendometrioid histology.
      Eighteen patients (10.5%) were found to have lymph node metastasis. Deep
      myometrial invasion on preoperative TVS (>=50%), high serum CA-125 level (>= 35
      IU/mL), preoperative grade 2 or 3 tumors were significant preoperative factors
      predicting lymph node metastasis. There was no significant association between
      preoperative histology and lymph node metastasis. We calculated the simple model
      predicting lymph node metastasis based on preoperative tumor grade, TVS findings,
      and CA-125 level using logistic regression analysis. The sensitivity and
      specificity of this model were 94% and 57%, respectively (area under the curve,
      0.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.74-0.93; P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS:
      Preoperative tumor grade, myometrial invasion on preoperative TVS, and CA-125 can
      accurately predict lymph node metastasis in patients with endometrial cancer. The
      current study suggests the possibility that TVS could be positively used for
      preoperative evaluation strategy in the low-resource countries instead of
      expensive imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging or positron
      emission tomography-computed tomography.

PMID- 27654259
TI  - Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1/Mammalian Target of Rapamycin and AMP-Activated
      Protein Kinase Signaling Involved in the Effects of Metformin in the Human
      Endometrial Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Metformin is a well-tolerated biguanide drug used for decades to
      treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. In recent years, long-term administration of
      metformin has been found to reduce carcinogenic risk for cancers derived from
      various tissues. However, its cellular and molecular mechanisms of anticancer
      action in the endometrial cancer (EC) have not yet been fully elucidated.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty patients diagnosed as endometrial carcinoma were
      grouped into (n = 30) and non-treatment mixed (n = 30) for analysis. Thirty
      healthy donors are control groups. We attempt to investigate the interaction of
      metformin, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) expression, and phosphorylated
      mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR) and AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK).
      RESULTS: We found that high IGF-1 plasma concentrations in women with EC were
      reversed by conventional antidiabetic doses of metformin in the present work. In
      parallel, the activation of AMPK and suppression of mTOR seemed to play an
      important role for the effect of metformin in patients with EC. CONCLUSIONS: This
      pilot trial presents biological evidence consistent with antiproliferative
      effects of metformin in women with EC in the clinical setting.

PMID- 27654260
TI  - Effect of Physical Activity on Quality of Life as Perceived by Endometrial Cancer
      Survivors: A Systematic Review.
AB  - PURPOSE: A combination of the relatively high prevalence among gynecologic
      cancers, high survival, and the myriads of factors that negatively impact the
      quality of life (QoL) among endometrial cancer (EC) survivors underscores the
      potential benefits of meeting guideline physical activity (PA) guidelines of 150
      minutes per week among EC survivors. The objective of the present systematic
      review was to collate and critically evaluate the currently available literature
      on the effects of PA on QoL among EC survivors. METHODS: Medline and Web of
      Science databases were searched for articles on EC, QoL, and PA. We also
      inspected bibliographies of relevant publications to identify related articles.
      Our search criteria yielded 70 studies, 7 of which met the inclusion criteria.
      RESULTS: Of the 7 studies examined, 2 of them were intervention studies, whereas
      5 were cross-sectional studies. Meeting guideline PA was significantly associated
      with better QoL score in 4 of the 5 cross-sectional studies. CONCLUSIONS: Results
      from the cross-sectional studies suggest that EC survivors' inactivity is
      significantly correlated with poorer QoL. This correlation was worse among obese
      survivors compared with normal weight survivors. Endometrial cancer survivors may
      benefit from interventions that incorporate PA. More randomized intervention
      studies among EC survivors are needed to add to this body of evidence.

PMID- 27654261
TI  - Statin Use Significantly Improves Overall Survival in High-Grade Endometrial
      Cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Preclinical data and recent epidemiological studies suggest that
      statins have antiproliferative and antimetastatic effects in various cancer
      cells, and reduce cancer mortality and recurrence. We study the effect of statin
      use on survival outcomes and recurrence rates in patients with endometrial cancer
      with high-risk histology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients receiving
      definitive therapy for high-risk endometrial cancer from 1995 to 2014 were
      retrospectively reviewed. Health characteristics at baseline were collected, and
      statin use was determined from medical records. Overall survival (OS) and
      progression-free survival (PFS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and
      compared using the log-rank test. Cox proportional hazards regression models were
      used for univariate and multivariate analysis to determine independent factors
      associated with OS and PFS. RESULTS: A total of 199 patients were included in the
      study, of which 76 were hyperlipidemic and 50 used statins. The median follow-up
      time was 31 months from time of diagnosis. Hyperlipidemic patients who used
      statins had improved OS compared with hyperlipidemic patients not using statins
      (hazard ratio, 0.42; 95% confidence interval, 0.20-0.87; P = 0.02). Statin use
      was also associated with improved PFS (hazard ratio, 0.47; 95% confidence
      interval, 0.23-0.95; P = 0.04) on multivariate analysis. Hyperlipidemic patients
      who used statins had borderline improved freedom from local failure compared with
      hyperlipidemic cases not using statins (P = 0.08, log-rank test). Statin use was
      not found to be associated with improved cancer-specific mortality. CONCLUSIONS:
      Statin use is independently associated with significant improvements in PFS for
      the overall group and PFS and OS in the hyperlipidemic group.

PMID- 27654262
TI  - Long-Term Oncologic and Reproductive Outcomes in Young Women With Early
      Endometrial Cancer Conservatively Treated: A Prospective Study and Literature
      Update.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the long-term oncologic and reproductive
      outcomes in endometrial cancer (EC) in young patients conservatively treated by
      combined hysteroscopic resection (HR) and levonorgestrel intrauterine device (LNG
      IUD). METHODS: Twenty-one patients (age <= 40 years; Stage IA, G1-2 endometrioid
      EC), wishing to preserve their fertility, were enrolled into this prospective
      study. The HR was used to resect (1) the tumor lesion, (2) the endometrium
      adjacent to the tumor, and (3) the myometrium underlying the tumor. Hormonal
      therapy consisted of LNG-IUD (52 mg) for at least 6 months. RESULTS: The median
      follow-up time is 85 months (range, 30-114). After 3 months from the progestin
      start date, 18 patients (85.7%) showed a complete regression (CR), 2 (9.5%)
      showed persistent disease, whereas 1 patient (4.8%) presented with progressive
      disease and underwent definitive surgery (Stage IA, G3 endometrioid). At 6
      months, 1 of the 2 persistences underwent definitive surgery (Stage IA, G1
      endometrioid), whereas the other was successfully re-treated. Two recurrences
      (10.5%) were observed, both involving the endometrium and synchronous ovarian
      cancer (OC) (atypical hyperplasia and Stage IIB G1 endometrioid OC; Stage IA
      endometrioid G1 EC, and Stage IA G1 endometrioid OC). The median duration of
      complete response was 85 months (range, 8-117). Sixty-three percent of complete
      responders attempted to conceive with 92% and 83% pregnancy and live birth rates,
      respectively. To date, all patients are alive and have no evidence of disease.
      CONCLUSIONS: After a long follow-up, combined HR and LNG-IUD would seem to
      improve the efficacy of progestin alone. High pregnancy and live birth rates were
      observed in women attempting to conceive. This approach is still experimental and
      should be offered only in the framework of scientific protocols conducted in
      cancer centers.

PMID- 27654263
TI  - Impact of Abdominal Wall Metastases on Prognosis in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients with the presence of
      abdominal wall metastasis (AWM) are categorized as stage International Federation
      of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) IVB, irrespective of other biologic factors
      or preceding invasive intervention before final surgery. We evaluated the impact
      of AWM on patients' overall survival (OS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this
      exploratory study, 634 consecutive patients with advanced EOC treated in our
      center from 2000 to 2014 were included. Patients were categorized into FIGO IIIC
      (n = 308), FIGO IVB AWM only (n = 86), and FIGO IV others (metastases other than
      AWM, n = 240). Clinicopathological parameters and survival data were extracted
      from our prospectively maintained tumor registry. Survival analyses were
      calculated using Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression models. RESULTS: In 75
      (87.2%) of 86 cases, AWM was seen after a preceding intervention, and only in
      12.7%, the deposits were spontaneously established. The median OS in patients
      with stage FIGO IIIC, FIGO IVB AWM only, and FIGO IV others was 37, 58, and 25
      months (P < 0.001), respectively. Patients with FIGO IVB AWM only had a
      significantly better OS than patients with FIGO IV others (P < 0.001). The
      numeric longer OS of patients with FIGO IVB AWM only compared with patients with
      FIGO IIIC was not statistically significant (P = 0.151). In multivariate analysis
      considering all confounding factors including residual disease, OS of patients
      with FIGO IIIC did not differ from patients with FIGO AWM only (hazard ratio,
      0.84; 95% confidence interval, 0.56-12.26; P = 0.398). CONCLUSIONS: Most AWM are
      acquired after preceding intervention (puncture or laparoscopy). Prognosis of
      patients with AWM as the only site of distant metastasis is superior compared
      with other stage FIGO IV patients. Therefore, up-staging of patients only because
      of AWM to FIGO IVB may be questioned. A revision/clarification of the FIGO
      classification system should be considered to avoid unnecessary stigmatization of
      patients and to classify these patients more appropriately according to
      prognosis.

PMID- 27654264
TI  - Valproic Acid as a Promising Co-Treatment With Paclitaxel and Doxorubicin in
      Different Ovarian Carcinoma Cell Lines.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The current preferred treatment of ovarian cancer is combination
      chemotherapy, usually a platinum-based drug coupled with paclitaxel (PTX). Here,
      we investigated whether co-treatment with valproic acid (VPA) could increase the
      efficiency of various ovarian cancer drugs-PTX, doxorubicin (DOX), carboplatin
      (CBP), and cyclophosphamide (CP)-in different ovarian cancer cell lines. METHODS:
      Three different ovarian cancer cell lines (OVCAR-3, TOV-21G, and TOV-112D) were
      treated with chemotherapeutic drugs, alone or in combination with VPA. Cell
      viability (XTT assay), caspase-3 activity, and the expression of cell cycle- and
      apoptosis-related genes and proteins were assessed. Furthermore, the effects of
      these drugs on alpha-tubulin acetylation and DNA fragmentation were investigated.
      RESULTS: Paclitaxel and DOX decreased cell viability and increased caspase-3
      activity, and co-treatment with VPA enhanced this effect. Carboplatin and CP had
      no effect. Responses to treatment with PAX and DOX together with VPA on gene
      expression profile were highly variable and depended on the cell line
      investigated. However, a common feature in all cell lines was an increased
      expression of CDKN1A, CCNE1, PARP1, and PARP3. Co-treatment with VPA enhanced the
      effect of DOX and PAX on most protein expressions investigated in TOV-21G and TOV
      112D cell lines, whereas in OVCAR-3, the most effect was seen with DOX with VPA.
      Valproic acid did not increase PTX-induced alpha-tubulin acetylation. An additive
      effect of DOX with VPA on DNA fragmentation was observed in TOV-21G and TOV-112D
      cell lines but not in the OVCAR-3. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that VPA
      could be a promising agent in combined anticancer therapy for ovarian cancer,
      with the combination of VPA and DOX being the most effective. Certainly,
      additional in vivo and ex vivo experiments are necessary to investigate the
      molecular mechanisms of action underlying the cellular effects reported here and
      to study possible clinically relevant effects in ovarian cancer explants.

PMID- 27654265
TI  - Central Nervous System Metastases in Patients With Cervical Carcinoma.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cervical cancer (CC) is the most common malignancy throughout
      developing countries, although considered rare, central nervous system metastasis
      (CNSm) does occur. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe our experiences and
      compare them to other published cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From May 2009 to
      August 2015, the files of all patients with CC treated at our referral center
      were reviewed. RESULTS: We found 27 patients with CC and CNSm. Mean age at the
      time of CNS diagnosis was 50 +/- 11 years, mean interval between initial CC and
      CNSm was 46 months; the most frequent initial International Federation of
      Gynecology and Obstetrics stage was IIB with 17 patients followed by IB in 4.
      Fifty-nine percent of patients had lung metastases at the time CNSm were
      diagnosed. Headache was the most common symptom, followed by weakness, altered
      mental status, and ataxia/cerebellar. Mean survival was 8.2 months after CNSm was
      discovered; 3 patients are still alive. CONCLUSIONS: The present study describes
      the largest series of patients with CNSm from CC; this rare complication should
      be suspected in patients with CC who present with headache, ataxia, cranial nerve
      palsy, visual disturbance, altered mental status, focal weakness, or other
      neurological symptom, without other plausible explanation.

PMID- 27654266
TI  - Phase II Study Evaluating PegLiposomal Doxorubicin and Carboplatin Combination
      Chemotherapy in Gynecologic Sarcomas and Mixed Epithelial-Mesenchymal Tumors A
      Phase II Protocol of the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Gynaekologische Onkologie Study
      Group (AGO-GYN 7).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gynecologic sarcomas are rare diseases with still undefined optimal
      treatment. Platinum and anthracyclines were reported as active agents in
      gynecologic sarcoma and carcinosarcoma. So far, data regarding the combination of
      carboplatin and pegylated liposomal doxorubicin for this patient population are
      missing. METHODS: This prospective single-arm multicenter phase II trial
      evaluated the efficacy of carboplatin AUC 6 in combination with pegylated
      liposomal doxorubicin 40 mg/m q28 in 40 patients with newly diagnosed or
      recurrent gynecologic sarcoma or carcinosarcoma. RESULTS: Twenty patients with
      carcinosarcoma and 20 patients with leiomyosarcoma or endometrial stromal sarcoma
      were included. The percentage of patients with grade 3/4 neutropenia was 50%, but
      we did not observe any febrile neutropenia. The rates of grade 1 and 2 palmo
      plantar erythema were moderate with 25% and 10%, respectively. Response rate was
      33.3%. The 12-month progression-free and overall survival times were 32.5% and
      77.0%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of carboplatin and pegylated
      liposomal doxorubicin is feasible and has activity within the investigated study
      cohort.

PMID- 27654267
TI  - Photosensitized UVA-Induced Cross-Linking between Human DNA Repair and
      Replication Proteins and DNA Revealed by Proteomic Analysis.
AB  - Long wavelength ultraviolet radiation (UVA, 320-400 nm) interacts with
      chromophores present in human cells to induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) that
      damage both DNA and proteins. ROS levels are amplified, and the damaging effects
      of UVA are exacerbated if the cells are irradiated in the presence of UVA
      photosensitizers such as 6-thioguanine (6-TG), a strong UVA chromophore that is
      extensively incorporated into the DNA of dividing cells, or the fluoroquinolone
      antibiotic ciprofloxacin. Both DNA-embedded 6-TG and ciprofloxacin combine
      synergistically with UVA to generate high levels of ROS. Importantly, the
      extensive protein damage induced by these photosensitizer+UVA combinations
      inhibits DNA repair. DNA is maintained in intimate contact with the proteins that
      effect its replication, transcription, and repair, and DNA-protein cross-links
      (DPCs) are a recognized reaction product of ROS. Cross-linking of DNA
      metabolizing proteins would compromise these processes by introducing physical
      blocks and by depleting active proteins. We describe a sensitive and
      statistically rigorous method to analyze DPCs in cultured human cells.
      Application of this proteomics-based analysis to cells treated with 6-TG+UVA and
      ciprofloxacin+UVA identified proteins involved in DNA repair, replication, and
      gene expression among those most vulnerable to cross-linking under oxidative
      conditions.

PMID- 27654268
TI  - Spatial Heterogeneity of Habitat Suitability for Rift Valley Fever Occurrence in
      Tanzania: An Ecological Niche Modelling Approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the long history of Rift Valley fever (RVF) in Tanzania,
      extent of its suitable habitat in the country remains unclear. In this study we
      investigated potential effects of temperature, precipitation, elevation, soil
      type, livestock density, rainfall pattern, proximity to wild animals, protected
      areas and forest on the habitat suitability for RVF occurrence in Tanzania.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Presence-only records of 193 RVF outbreak locations from
      1930 to 2007 together with potential predictor variables were used to model and
      map the suitable habitats for RVF occurrence using ecological niche modelling.
      Ground-truthing of the model outputs was conducted by comparing the levels of RVF
      virus specific antibodies in cattle, sheep and goats sampled from locations in
      Tanzania that presented different predicted habitat suitability values. PRINCIPAL
      FINDINGS: Habitat suitability values for RVF occurrence were higher in the
      northern and central-eastern regions of Tanzania than the rest of the regions in
      the country. Soil type and precipitation of the wettest quarter contributed
      equally to habitat suitability (32.4% each), followed by livestock density
      (25.9%) and rainfall pattern (9.3%). Ground-truthing of model outputs revealed
      that the odds of an animal being seropositive for RVFV when sampled from areas
      predicted to be most suitable for RVF occurrence were twice the odds of an animal
      sampled from areas least suitable for RVF occurrence (95% CI: 1.43, 2.76, p <
      0.001). CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: The regions in the northern and central-eastern
      Tanzania were more suitable for RVF occurrence than the rest of the regions in
      the country. The modelled suitable habitat is characterised by impermeable soils,
      moderate precipitation in the wettest quarter, high livestock density and a
      bimodal rainfall pattern. The findings of this study should provide guidance for
      the design of appropriate RVF surveillance, prevention and control strategies
      which target areas with these characteristics.

PMID- 27654272
TI  - Help your patients downsize with bariatric surgery.
AB  - Your patient has probably tried everything else. Now she's chosen to have weight
      loss surgery. Do you know how to help her succeed?

PMID- 27654273
TI  - Help your patients downsize with bariatric surgery.

PMID- 27654274
TI  - Tighten your glycemic control.
AB  - Follow the development of a hyperglycemic insulin protocol for a cardiovascular
      surgical program.

PMID- 27654269
TI  - Combined Analysis of ChIP Sequencing and Gene Expression Dataset in Breast
      Cancer.
AB  - Breast cancer is a common malignancy in women and contribute largely to the
      cancer related death. The purpose of this study is to confirm the roles of GATA3
      and identify potential biomarkers of breast cancer. Chromatin Immunoprecipitation
      combined with high-throughput sequencing (ChIP-Seq) (GSM1642515) and gene
      expression profiles (GSE24249) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus
      (GEO) database. Bowtie2 and MACS2 were used for the mapping and peak calling of
      the ChIP-Seq data respectively. ChIPseeker, a R bioconductor package was adopted
      for the annotation of the enriched peaks. For the gene expression profiles, we
      used affy and limma package to do normalization and differential expression
      analysis. The genes with fold change >2 and adjusted P-Value <0.05 were screened
      out. Besides, BETA (Binding and Expression Target Analysis) was used to do the
      combined analysis of ChIP-Seq and gene expression profiles. The Database for
      Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) was used for the
      functional enrichment analysis of overlapping genes between the target genes and
      differential expression genes (DEGs). What's more, the protein-protein
      interaction (PPI) network of the overlapping genes was obtained through the Human
      Protein Reference Database (HPRD). A total of 46,487 peaks were identified for
      GATA3 and out of which, 3256 ones were found to located at -3000 ~ 0 bp from the
      transcription start sites (TSS) of their nearby gene. A total of 236 down- and
      343 up-regulated genes were screened out in GATA3 overexpression breast cancer
      samples compared with those in control. The combined analysis of ChIP-Seq and
      gene expression dataset showed GATA3 act as a repressor in breast cancer.
      Besides, 68 overlaps were obtained between the DEGs and genes included in peaks
      located at -3000 ~ 0 bp from TSS. Gene Ontology (GO) terms and Kyoto Encyclopedia
      of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways related to cancer progression and gene
      regulation were found to be enriched in those overlaps. In the PPI network,
      NDRG1, JUP and etc. were found to directly interact with large number of genes,
      which might indicate their important roles in the progression of breast cancer.

PMID- 27654275
TI  - Preventing venous thromboembolism.
AB  - Learn to recognize who's at risk for potentially fatal complications and how to
      reduce your patient's risks.

PMID- 27654276
TI  - Extreme makeover-OR edition.
AB  - With an eye toward becoming a center for orthopedic excellence, one hospital's
      surgical-services team took the helm of redeveloping the facility's surgical
      suite.

PMID- 27654277
TI  - Slash sharps risk for surgical personnel.
AB  - Injury patterns for OR staff members differ from those in other healthcare
      settings. For this reason, tailor safety strategies to the OR environment to
      reduce injuries and blood exposures in this setting.

PMID- 27654278
TI  - Association of Peripheral Blood Levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor With
      Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
AB  - Importance: Accumulating evidence suggests that brain-derived neurotrophic factor
      (BDNF) may be implicated in the developmental outcomes of children with autism
      spectrum disorder (ASD). Objective: To use meta-analysis to determine whether
      children with ASD have altered peripheral blood levels of BDNF. Data Source: A
      systematic search of PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science was performed for
      English-language literature through February 7, 2016. The search terms included
      brain-derived neurotrophic factor or BDNF in combination with autism, without
      year restriction. Two additional records were retrieved after a review of the
      reference lists of selected articles. Study Selection: Studies were included if
      they provided data on peripheral blood levels of BDNF in children with ASD and
      healthy control children. Studies that included adults or with overlapping
      samples were excluded. Data Extraction and Synthesis: Data were extracted by 2
      independent observers from 19 included studies. Data were pooled using a random
      effects model with Comprehensive Meta-analysis software. Main Outcomes and
      Measures: Blood levels of BDNF in children with ASD compared with healthy
      controls. Altered levels of BDNF were hypothesized to be related to ASD. Results:
      This meta-analysis included 19 studies with 2896 unique participants. Random
      effects meta-analysis of all 19 studies showed that children with ASD had
      significantly increased peripheral blood levels of BDNF compared with healthy
      controls (Hedges g, 0.490; 95% CI, 0.185-0.794; P = .002). Subgroup analyses in 4
      studies revealed that neonates diagnosed with ASD later in life had no
      association with blood levels of BDNF (Hedges g, 0.384; 95% CI, -0.244 to 1.011;
      P = .23), whereas children in the nonneonate ASD group (15 studies) demonstrated
      significantly increased BDNF levels compared with healthy controls (Hedges g,
      0.524; 95% CI, 0.206 to 0.842; P = .001). Further analysis showed that children
      in the nonneonate ASD group had increased BDNF levels in serum (10 studies)
      (Hedges g, 0.564; 95% CI, 0.168 to 0.960; P = .005) but not in plasma (5 studies)
      (Hedges g, 0.436; 95% CI, -0.176 to 1.048; P = .16). Meta-regression analyses
      revealed that sample size had a moderating effect on the outcome of the meta
      analysis in the nonneonate group. In addition, no publication bias was found in
      the meta-analysis. Conclusions and Relevance: Children with ASD have increased
      peripheral blood levels of BDNF, strengthening the clinical evidence of an
      abnormal neurotrophic factor profile in this population.

PMID- 27654279
TI  - Characteristics of Plasmonic Bragg Reflectors with Graphene-Based Silicon
      Grating.
AB  - We propose a plasmonic Bragg reflector (PBR) composed of a single-layer graphene
      based silicon grating and numerically study its performance. An external voltage
      gating has been applied to graphene to tune its optical conductivity. It is
      demonstrated that SPP modes on graphene exhibit a stopband around the Bragg
      wavelengths. By introducing a nano-cavity into the PBR, a defect resonance mode
      is formed inside the stopband. We further design multi-defect PBR to adjust the
      characteristics of transmission spectrum. In addition, through patterning the PBR
      unit into multi-step structure, we lower the insertion loss and suppress the
      rippling in transmission spectra. The finite element method (FEM) has been
      utilized to perform the simulation work. 

PMID- 27654280
TI  - High-Performance Self-powered Photodetectors Based on ZnO/ZnS Core-Shell Nanorod
      Arrays.
AB  - In recent years, there is an urgent demand for high-performance ultraviolet
      photodetectors with high photosensitivity, fast responsivity, and excellent
      spectral selectivity. In this letter, we report a self-powered
      photoelectrochemical cell-type UV detector using the ZnO/ZnS core-shell nanorod
      array as the active photoanode and deionized water as the electrolyte. This
      photodetector demonstrates an excellent spectral selectivity and a rapid
      photoresponse time of about 0.04 s. And the maximum responsivity is more than
      0.056 (A/W) at 340 nm, which shows an improvement of 180 % compared to detectors
      based on the bare ZnO nanorods. This improved photoresponsivity can be understood
      from the step-like band energy alignment of the ZnO/ZnS interface, which will
      accelerate the separation of photoexcited electron-hole pairs and improve the
      efficiency of the photodetector. Considering its uncomplicated low-cost
      fabrication process, and environment-friendly feature, this self-powered device
      is a promising candidate for UV detector application. 

PMID- 27654281
TI  - Plasmonic Probe With Circular Nano-Moat for far-Field Free Nanofocusing.
AB  - In this work, a metallic probe with a sharp tip and two half-circular
      nanostructures on its base is introduced and investigated. The proposed design
      aims at improving the detection performance of a probe for scattering scanning
      near-field optical microscopy in terms of enhanced signal-to-noise ratio. Under
      the premise of processing feasibility, the structure of the probe is designed and
      optimized with three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain method. And then
      the performance and optical property of the probe are theoretically investigated
      and experimentally demonstrated using a scanning near-field optical microscope
      with aperture probe. It is indicated that a tightly confined optical field with
      significantly reduced far-field background can be achieved at the tip apex of the
      probe. 

PMID- 27654282
TI  - Potential of the Antibody Against cis-Phosphorylated Tau in the Early Diagnosis,
      Treatment, and Prevention of Alzheimer Disease and Brain Injury.
AB  - Alzheimer disease (AD) and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) share a common
      neuropathologic signature-neurofibrillary tangles made of phosphorylated tau-but
      do not have the same pathogenesis or symptoms. Although whether traumatic brain
      injury (TBI) could cause AD has not been established, CTE is shown to be
      associated with TBI. Until recently, whether and how TBI leads to tau-mediated
      neurodegeneration was unknown. The unique prolyl isomerase Pin1 protects against
      the development of tau-mediated neurodegeneration in AD by converting the
      phosphorylated Thr231-Pro motif in tau (ptau) from the pathogenic cis
      conformation to the physiologic trans conformation, thereby restoring ptau
      function. The recent development of antibodies able to distinguish and eliminate
      both conformations specifically has led to the discovery of cis-ptau as a
      precursor of tau-induced pathologic change and an early driver of
      neurodegeneration that directly links TBI to CTE and possibly to AD. Within hours
      of TBI in mice or neuronal stress in vitro, neurons prominently produce cis-ptau,
      which causes and spreads cis-ptau pathologic changes, termed cistauosis.
      Cistauosis eventually leads to widespread tau-mediated neurodegeneration and
      brain atrophy. Cistauosis is effectively blocked by the cis-ptau antibody, which
      targets intracellular cis-ptau for proteasome-mediated degradation and prevents
      extracellular cis-ptau from spreading to other neurons. Treating TBI mice with
      cis-ptau antibody not only blocks early cistauosis but also prevents development
      and spreading of tau-mediated neurodegeneration and brain atrophy and restores
      brain histopathologic features and functional outcomes. Thus, cistauosis is a
      common early disease mechanism for AD, TBI, and CTE, and cis-ptau and its
      antibody may be useful for early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of these
      devastating diseases.

PMID- 27654283
TI  - Simultaneous transapical transcatheter mitral and aortic valve replacement for
      native valve stenosis.

PMID- 27654284
TI  - Early Secretory Antigenic Target-6 Drives Matrix Metalloproteinase-10 Gene
      Expression and Secretion in Tuberculosis.
AB  - Tuberculosis (TB) causes disease worldwide, and multidrug resistance is an
      increasing problem. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), particularly the
      collagenase MMP-1, cause lung extracellular matrix destruction, which drives
      disease transmission and morbidity. The role in such tissue damage of the
      stromelysin MMP-10, a key activator of the collagenase MMP-1, was investigated in
      direct Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb)-infected macrophages and in conditioned
      medium from Mtb-infected monocyte-stimulated cells. Mtb infection increased MMP
      10 secretion from primary human macrophages 29-fold, whereas Mtb-infected
      monocytes increased secretion by 4.5-fold from pulmonary epithelial cells and
      10.5-fold from fibroblasts. Inhibition of MMP-10 activity decreased collagen
      breakdown. In two independent cohorts of patients with TB from different
      continents, MMP-10 was increased in both induced sputum and bronchoalveolar
      lavage fluid compared with control subjects and patients with other respiratory
      diseases (both P < 0.05). Mtb drove 3.5-fold greater MMP-10 secretion from human
      macrophages than the vaccine strain bacillus Calmette-Guerin (P < 0.001), whereas
      both mycobacteria up-regulated TNF-alpha secretion equally. Using overlapping,
      short, linear peptides covering the sequence of early secretory antigenic target
      6, a virulence factor secreted by Mtb, but not bacillus Calmette-Guerin, we found
      that stimulation of human macrophages with a single specific 15-amino acid
      peptide sequence drove threefold greater MMP-10 secretion than any other peptide
      (P < 0.001). Mtb-driven MMP-10 secretion was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner
      by p38 and extracellular signal-related kinase mitogen-activated protein kinase
      blockade (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01 respectively), but it was not affected by
      inhibition of NF-kappaB. In summary, Mtb activates inflammatory and stromal cells
      to secrete MMP-10, and this is partly driven by the virulence factor early
      secretory antigenic target-6, implicating it in TB-associated tissue destruction.

PMID- 27654285
TI  - Influenza Virus Susceptibility of Wild-Derived CAST/EiJ Mice Results from Two
      Amino Acid Changes in the MX1 Restriction Factor.
AB  - : The interferon-regulated Mx1 gene of the A2G mouse strain confers a high degree
      of resistance against influenza A and Thogoto viruses. Most other laboratory
      inbred mouse strains carry truncated nonfunctional Mx1 alleles and, consequently,
      exhibit high virus susceptibility. Interestingly, CAST/EiJ mice, derived from
      wild Mus musculus castaneus, possess a seemingly intact Mx1 gene but are highly
      susceptible to influenza A virus challenge. To determine whether the enhanced
      influenza virus susceptibility is due to intrinsically reduced antiviral activity
      of the CAST-derived Mx1 allele, we generated a congenic C57BL/6J mouse line that
      carries the Mx locus of CAST/EiJ mice. Adult animals of this line were almost as
      susceptible to influenza virus challenge as standard C57BL/6J mice lacking
      functional Mx1 alleles but exhibited far more pronounced resistance to Thogoto
      virus. Sequencing revealed that CAST-derived MX1 differs from A2G-derived MX1 by
      two amino acids (G83R and A222V) in the GTPase domain. Especially the A222V
      mutation reduced GTPase activity of purified MX1 and diminished the inhibitory
      effect of MX1 in influenza A virus polymerase activity assays. Further, MX1
      protein was substantially less abundant in organs of interferon-treated mice
      carrying the CAST Mx1 allele than in those of mice carrying the A2G Mx1 allele.
      We found that the CAST-specific mutations reduced the metabolic stability of the
      MX1 protein although Mx1 mRNA levels were unchanged. Thus, the enhanced influenza
      virus susceptibility of CAST/EiJ mice can be explained by minor alterations in
      the MX1 restriction factor that negatively affect its enzymatic activity and
      reduce its half-life. IMPORTANCE: Although the crystal structure of the
      prototypic human MXA protein is known, the importance of specific protein domains
      for antiviral activity is still incompletely understood. Novel insights might
      come from studying naturally occurring MX protein variants with altered antiviral
      activity. Here we identified two seemingly minor amino acid changes in the GTPase
      domain that negatively affect the enzymatic activity and metabolic stability of
      murine MX1 and thus dramatically reduce the influenza virus resistance of the
      respective mouse inbred strain. These observations highlight our current
      inability to predict the biological consequences of previously uncharacterized MX
      mutations in mice. Since this is probably also true for naturally occurring
      mutations in Mx genes of humans, careful experimental analysis of any natural MXA
      variants for altered activity is necessary in order to assess possible
      consequences of such mutations on innate antiviral immunity.

PMID- 27654286
TI  - The Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-Anchored Variable Region of Llama Heavy Chain
      Only Antibody JM4 Efficiently Blocks both Cell-Free and T Cell-T Cell
      Transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1.
AB  - : The variable regions (VHHs) of two heavy chain-only antibodies, JM2 and JM4,
      from llamas that have been immunized with a trimeric gp140 bound to a CD4 mimic
      have been recently isolated (here referred to as VHH JM2 and VHH JM4,
      respectively). JM2 binds the CD4-binding site of gp120 and neutralizes HIV-1
      strains from subtypes B, C, and G. JM4 binds gp120 and neutralizes HIV-1 strains
      from subtypes A, B, C, A/E, and G in a CD4-dependent manner. In the present
      study, we constructed glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored VHH JM2 and JM4
      along with an E4 control and transduced them into human CD4+ cell lines and
      primary CD4 T cells. We report that by genetically linking the VHHs with a GPI
      attachment signal, VHHs are targeted to the lipid rafts of the plasma membranes.
      Expression of GPI-VHH JM4, but not GPI-VHH E4 and JM2, on the surface of
      transduced TZM.bl cells potently neutralizes multiple subtypes of HIV-1 isolates,
      including tier 2 or 3 strains, transmitted founders, quasispecies, and soluble
      single domain antibody (sdAb) JM4-resistant viruses. Moreover, transduction of
      CEMss-CCR5 cells with GPI-VHH JM4, but not with GPI-VHH E4, confers resistance to
      both cell-free and T cell-T cell transmission of HIV-1 and HIV-1 envelope
      mediated fusion. Finally, GPI-VHH JM4-transduced human primary CD4 T cells
      efficiently resist both cell-free and T cell-T cell transmission of HIV-1. Thus,
      we conclude that VHH JM4, when targeted to the lipid rafts of the plasma
      membrane, efficiently neutralizes HIV-1 infection via both cell-free and T cell-T
      cell transmission. Our findings should have important implications for GPI
      anchored antibody-based therapy against HIV-1. IMPORTANCE: Lipid rafts are
      specialized dynamic microdomains of the plasma membrane and have been shown to be
      gateways for HIV-1 budding as well as entry into T cells and macrophages. In
      nature, many glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins localize in the
      lipid rafts. In the present study, we developed GPI-anchored variable regions
      (VHHs) of two heavy chain-only antibodies, JM2 and JM4, from immunized llamas. We
      show that by genetically linking the VHHs with a GPI attachment signal, VHHs are
      targeted to the lipid rafts of the plasma membranes. GPI-VHH JM4, but not GPI-VHH
      JM2, in transduced CD4+ cell lines and human primary CD4 T cells not only
      efficiently blocks diverse HIV-1 strains, including tier 2 or 3 strains,
      transmitted founders, quasispecies, and soluble sdAb JM4-resistant strains, but
      also efficiently interferes T cell-T cell transmissions of HIV-1 and HIV-1
      envelope-mediated fusion. Our findings should have important implications in GPI
      anchored antibody-based therapy against HIV-1.

PMID- 27654287
TI  - Tetherin Antagonism by HIV-1 Group M Nef Proteins.
AB  - : Although Nef is the viral gene product used by most simian immunodeficiency
      viruses to overcome restriction by tetherin, this activity was acquired by the
      Vpu protein of HIV-1 group M viruses due to the absence of sequences in human
      tetherin that confer susceptibility to Nef. Thus, it is widely accepted that HIV
      1 group M uses Vpu instead of Nef to counteract tetherin. Challenging this
      paradigm, we identified Nef alleles of HIV-1 group M isolates with significant
      activity against human tetherin. These Nef proteins promoted virus release and
      tetherin downmodulation from the cell surface, and in the context of vpu-deleted
      HIV-1 recombinants, enhanced virus replication and resistance to antibody
      dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). Further analysis revealed that the
      Vpu proteins from several of these viruses lack anti-tetherin activity,
      suggesting that under certain circumstances, HIV-1 group M Nef may acquire the
      ability to counteract tetherin to compensate for the loss of this function by
      Vpu. These observations illustrate the remarkable plasticity of HIV-1 in
      overcoming restriction by tetherin and challenge the prevailing view that all HIV
      1 group M isolates use Vpu to counteract tetherin. IMPORTANCE: Most HIV-1 group M
      viruses, the main group of HIV-1 responsible for the global AIDS pandemic, use
      their Vpu proteins to overcome restriction by tetherin (BST-2 or CD317), which is
      a transmembrane protein that inhibits virus release from infected cells. Here we
      show that the Nef proteins of certain HIV-1 group M isolates can acquire the
      ability to counteract tetherin. These results challenge the current paradigm that
      HIV-1 group M exclusively uses Vpu to counteract tetherin and underscore the
      importance of tetherin antagonism for efficient viral replication.

PMID- 27654288
TI  - Multiple Antibody Lineages in One Donor Target the Glycan-V3 Supersite of the HIV
      1 Envelope Glycoprotein and Display a Preference for Quaternary Binding.
AB  - : One of the goals of HIV-1 vaccine development is the elicitation of
      neutralizing antibodies against vulnerable regions on the envelope glycoprotein
      (Env) viral spike. Broadly neutralizing antibodies targeting the Env glycan-V3
      region (also called the N332 glycan supersite) have been described previously,
      with several single lineages each derived from different individual donors. We
      used a high-throughput B-cell culture method to isolate neutralizing antibodies
      from an HIV-1-infected donor with high serum neutralization breadth. Clonal
      relatives from three distinct antibody lineages were isolated. Each of these
      antibody lineages displayed modest breadth and potency but shared several
      characteristics with the well-characterized glycan-V3 antibodies, including
      dependence on glycans N332 and N301, VH4 family gene utilization, a heavy chain
      complementarity-determining region 2 (CDRH2) insertion, and a longer-than-average
      CDRH3. In contrast to previously described glycan-V3 antibodies, these antibodies
      preferentially recognized the native Env trimer compared to monomeric gp120.
      These data indicate the diversity of antibody specificities that target the
      glycan-V3 site. The quaternary binding preference of these antibodies suggests
      that that their elicitation likely requires the presentation of a native-like
      trimeric Env immunogen. IMPORTANCE: Broadly neutralizing antibodies targeting the
      HIV-1 glycan-V3 region with single lineages from individual donors have been
      described previously. Here we describe three lineages from a single donor, each
      of which targets glycan-V3. Unlike previously described glycan-V3 antibodies,
      these mature antibodies bind preferentially to the native Env trimer and weakly
      to the gp120 monomer. These data extend our knowledge of the immune response
      recognition of the N332 supersite region and suggest that the mode of epitope
      recognition is more complex than previously anticipated.

PMID- 27654289
TI  - The P Protein of Spring Viremia of Carp Virus Negatively Regulates the Fish
      Interferon Response by Inhibiting the Kinase Activity of TANK-Binding Kinase 1.
AB  - : Spring viremia of carp virus (SVCV) is an efficient pathogen causing high
      mortality in the common carp. Fish interferon (IFN) is a powerful cytokine
      enabling host cells to establish an antiviral response; therefore, the strategies
      that SVCV uses to avoid the cellular IFN response were investigated. Here, we
      report that the SVCV P protein is phosphorylated by cellular TANK-binding kinase
      1 (TBK1), which decreases IFN regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) phosphorylation and
      suppresses IFN production. First, overexpression of P protein inhibited the IFN
      promoter activation induced by SVCV and the IFN activity activated by the
      mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS) although TBK1 activity was not
      blocked by P protein. Second, P protein colocalized and interacted with TBK1.
      Dominant negative experiments suggested that the TBK1 N-terminal kinase domain
      interacted with P protein and was essential for P protein and IRF3
      phosphorylation. Finally, P protein overexpression reduced the IRF3
      phosphorylation activated by TBK1 and reduced host cellular ifn transcription.
      Collectively, our data demonstrated that the SVCV P protein is a decoy substrate
      for the host phosphokinase TBK1, preventing IFN production and facilitating SVCV
      replication. IMPORTANCE: TBK1 is a pivotal phosphokinase that activates host IFN
      production to defend against viral infection; thus, it is a potential target for
      viruses to negatively regulate IFN response and facilitate viral evasion. We
      report that the SVCV P protein functions as a decoy substrate for cellular TBK1,
      leading to the reduction of IRF3 phosphorylation and suppression of IFN
      expression. These findings reveal a novel immune evasion mechanism of SVCV.

PMID- 27654290
TI  - Multiple Strategies Reveal a Bidentate Interaction between the Nipah Virus
      Attachment and Fusion Glycoproteins.
AB  - : The paramyxoviral family contains many medically important viruses, including
      measles virus, mumps virus, parainfluenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus,
      human metapneumovirus, and the deadly zoonotic henipaviruses Hendra and Nipah
      virus (NiV). To both enter host cells and spread from cell to cell within
      infected hosts, the vast majority of paramyxoviruses utilize two viral envelope
      glycoproteins: the attachment glycoprotein (G, H, or hemagglutinin-neuraminidase
      [HN]) and the fusion glycoprotein (F). Binding of G/H/HN to a host cell receptor
      triggers structural changes in G/H/HN that in turn trigger F to undergo a series
      of conformational changes that result in virus-cell (viral entry) or cell-cell
      (syncytium formation) membrane fusion. The actual regions of G/H/HN and F that
      interact during the membrane fusion process remain relatively unknown though it
      is generally thought that the paramyxoviral G/H/HN stalk region interacts with
      the F head region. Studies to determine such interactive regions have relied
      heavily on coimmunoprecipitation approaches, whose limitations include the use of
      detergents and the micelle-mediated association of proteins. Here, we developed a
      flow-cytometric strategy capable of detecting membrane protein-protein
      interactions by interchangeably using the full-length form of G and a soluble
      form of F, or vice versa. Using both coimmunoprecipitation and flow-cytometric
      strategies, we found a bidentate interaction between NiV G and F, where both the
      stalk and head regions of NiV G interact with F. This is a new structural
      biological finding for the paramyxoviruses. Additionally, our studies disclosed
      regions of the NiV G and F glycoproteins dispensable for the G and F
      interactions. IMPORTANCE: Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic paramyxovirus that
      causes high mortality rates in humans, with no approved treatment or vaccine
      available for human use. Viral entry into host cells relies on two viral envelope
      glycoproteins: the attachment (G) and fusion (F) glycoproteins. Binding of G to
      the ephrinB2 or ephrinB3 cell receptors triggers conformational changes in G that
      in turn cause F to undergo conformational changes that result in virus-host cell
      membrane fusion and viral entry. It is currently unknown, however, which specific
      regions of G and F interact during membrane fusion. Past efforts to determine the
      interacting regions have relied mainly on coimmunoprecipitation, a technique with
      some pitfalls. We developed a flow-cytometric assay to study membrane protein
      protein interactions, and using this assay we report a bidentate interaction
      whereby both the head and stalk regions of NiV G interact with NiV F, a new
      finding for the paramyxovirus family.

PMID- 27654291
TI  - Hepacivirus NS3/4A Proteases Interfere with MAVS Signaling in both Their Cognate
      Animal Hosts and Humans: Implications for Zoonotic Transmission.
AB  - : Multiple novel members of the genus Hepacivirus have recently been discovered
      in diverse mammalian species. However, to date, their replication mechanisms and
      zoonotic potential have not been explored in detail. The NS3/4A serine protease
      of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is critical for cleavage of the viral polyprotein. It
      also cleaves the cellular innate immune adaptor MAVS, thus decreasing interferon
      (IFN) production and contributing to HCV persistence in the human host. To
      investigate the conservation of fundamental aspects of the hepaciviral life
      cycle, we explored if MAVS cleavage and suppression of innate immune signaling
      represent a common mechanism employed across different clades of the genus
      Hepacivirus to enhance viral replication. To estimate the zoonotic potential of
      these nonhuman hepaciviruses, we assessed if their NS3/4A proteases were capable
      of cleaving human MAVS. NS3/4A proteases of viruses infecting colobus monkeys,
      rodents, horses, and cows cleaved the MAVS proteins of their cognate hosts and
      interfered with the ability of MAVS to induce the IFN-beta promoter. All NS3/4A
      proteases from nonhuman viruses readily cleaved human MAVS. Thus, NS3/4A
      dependent cleavage of MAVS is a conserved replication strategy across multiple
      clades within the genus Hepacivirus Human MAVS is susceptible to cleavage by
      these nonhuman viral proteases, indicating that it does not pose a barrier for
      zoonotic transmission of these viruses to humans. IMPORTANCE: Virus infection is
      recognized by cellular sensor proteins triggering innate immune signaling and
      antiviral defenses. While viruses have evolved strategies to thwart these
      antiviral programs in their cognate host species, these evasion mechanisms are
      often ineffective in a novel host, thus limiting viral transmission across
      species. HCV, the best-characterized member of the genus Hepacivirus within the
      family Flaviviridae, uses its NS3/4A protease to disrupt innate immune signaling
      by cleaving the cellular adaptor protein MAVS. Recently, a large number of HCV
      related viruses have been discovered in various animal species, including wild,
      livestock, and companion animals. We show that the NS3/4A proteases of these
      hepaciviruses from different animals and representing various clades of the genus
      cleave their cognate host MAVS proteins in addition to human MAVS. Therefore,
      cleavage of MAVS is a common strategy of hepaciviruses, and human MAVS is likely
      unable to limit replication of these nonhuman viruses upon zoonotic exposure.

PMID- 27654292
TI  - Convallatoxin-Induced Reduction of Methionine Import Effectively Inhibits Human
      Cytomegalovirus Infection and Replication.
AB  - : Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a ubiquitous human pathogen that increases the
      morbidity and mortality of immunocompromised individuals. The current FDA
      approved treatments for CMV infection are intended to be virus specific, yet they
      have significant adverse side effects, including nephrotoxicity and hematological
      toxicity. Thus, there is a medical need for safer and more effective CMV
      therapeutics. Using a high-content screen, we identified the cardiac glycoside
      convallatoxin as an effective compound that inhibits CMV infection. Using a panel
      of cardiac glycoside variants, we assessed the structural elements critical for
      anti-CMV activity by both experimental and in silico methods. Analysis of the
      antiviral effects, toxicities, and pharmacodynamics of different variants of
      cardiac glycosides identified the mechanism of inhibition as reduction of
      methionine import, leading to decreased immediate-early gene translation without
      significant toxicity. Also, convallatoxin was found to dramatically reduce the
      proliferation of clinical CMV strains, implying that its mechanism of action is
      an effective strategy to block CMV dissemination. Our study has uncovered the
      mechanism and structural elements of convallatoxin, which are important for
      effectively inhibiting CMV infection by targeting the expression of immediate
      early genes. IMPORTANCE: Cytomegalovirus is a highly prevalent virus capable of
      causing severe disease in certain populations. The current FDA-approved
      therapeutics all target the same stage of the viral life cycle and induce
      toxicity and viral resistance. We identified convallatoxin, a novel cell
      targeting antiviral that inhibits CMV infection by decreasing the synthesis of
      viral proteins. At doses low enough for cells to tolerate, convallatoxin was able
      to inhibit primary isolates of CMV, including those resistant to the anti-CMV
      drug ganciclovir. In addition to identifying convallatoxin as a novel antiviral,
      limiting mRNA translation has a dramatic impact on CMV infection and
      proliferation.

PMID- 27654293
TI  - Resistance to Mutant Group 2 Influenza Virus Neuraminidases of an Oseltamivir
      Zanamivir Hybrid Inhibitor.
AB  - : Influenza virus neuraminidase (NA) drug resistance is one of the challenges to
      preparedness against epidemic and pandemic influenza virus infections. NA N1- and
      N2-containing influenza viruses are the primary cause of seasonal epidemics and
      past pandemics. The structural and functional basis underlying drug resistance of
      the influenza virus N1 NA is well characterized. Yet drug resistance of the N2
      strain is not well understood. Here, we confirm that replacement of N2 E119 or
      I222 results in multidrug resistance, and when the replacements occur together,
      the sensitivity to NA inhibitors (NAI) is reduced severely. Using
      crystallographic studies, we showed that E119 replacement results in a loss of
      hydrogen bonding to oseltamivir and zanamivir, whereas I222 replacement results
      in a change in the hydrophobic environment that is critical for oseltamivir
      binding. Moreover, we found that MS-257, a zanamivir-oseltamivir hybrid
      inhibitor, is less susceptible to drug resistance. The binding mode of MS-257
      shows that increased hydrogen bonding interactions between the inhibitor and NA
      active site anchor the inhibitor within the active site and allow adjustments in
      response to active-site modifications. Such stability is likely responsible for
      the observed reduced susceptibility to drug resistance. MS-257 serves as a next
      generation anti-influenza virus drug candidate and serves also as a scaffold for
      further design of NAIs. IMPORTANCE: Oseltamivir and zanamivir are the two major
      antiviral drugs available for the treatment of influenza virus infections.
      However, multidrug-resistant viruses have emerged in clinical cases, which pose a
      challenge for the development of new drugs. N1 and N2 subtypes exist in the
      viruses which cause seasonal epidemics and past pandemics. Although N1 drug
      resistance is well characterized, the molecular mechanisms underlying N2 drug
      resistance are unknown. A previous report showed that an N2 E119V/I222L dual
      mutant conferred drug resistance to seasonal influenza virus. Here, we confirm
      that these substitutions result in multidrug resistance and dramatically reduced
      sensitivity to NAI. We further elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying N2
      drug resistance by solving crystal structures of the N2 E119V and I222L mutants
      and the dual mutant. Most importantly, we found that a novel oseltamivir
      zanamivir hybrid inhibitor, MS-257, remains more effective against drug-resistant
      N2 and is a promising candidate as a next-generation anti-influenza virus drug.

PMID- 27654294
TI  - The Cytoskeletal Adaptor Obscurin-Like 1 Interacts with the Human Papillomavirus
      16 (HPV16) Capsid Protein L2 and Is Required for HPV16 Endocytosis.
AB  - : The human papillomavirus (HPV) capsid protein L2 is essential for viral entry.
      To gain a deeper understanding of the role of L2, we searched for novel cellular
      L2-interacting proteins. A yeast two-hybrid analysis uncovered the actin
      depolymerizing factor gelsolin, the membrane glycoprotein dysadherin, the
      centrosomal protein 68 (Cep68), and the cytoskeletal adaptor protein obscurin
      like 1 protein (OBSL1) as putative L2 binding molecules. Pseudovirus (PsV)
      infection assays identified OBSL1 as a host factor required for gene transduction
      by three oncogenic human papillomavirus types, HPV16, HPV18, and HPV31. In
      addition, we detected OBSL1 expression in cervical tissue sections and noted the
      involvement of OBSL1 during gene transduction of primary keratinocytes by HPV16
      PsV. Complex formation of HPV16 L2 with OBSL1 was demonstrated in
      coimmunofluorescence and coimmunoprecipitation studies after overexpression of L2
      or after PsV exposure. We observed a strong colocalization of OBSL1 with HPV16
      PsV and tetraspanin CD151 at the plasma membrane, suggesting a role for OBSL1 in
      viral endocytosis. Indeed, viral entry assays exhibited a reduction of viral
      endocytosis in OBSL1-depleted cells. Our results suggest OBSL1 as a novel L2
      interacting protein and endocytosis factor in HPV infection. IMPORTANCE: Human
      papillomaviruses infect mucosal and cutaneous epithelia, and the high-risk HPV
      types account for 5% of cancer cases worldwide. As recently discovered, HPV entry
      occurs by a clathrin-, caveolin-, and dynamin-independent endocytosis via
      tetraspanin-enriched microdomains. At present, the cellular proteins involved in
      the underlying mechanism of this type of endocytosis are under investigation. In
      this study, the cytoskeletal adaptor OBSL1 was discovered as a previously
      unrecognized interaction partner of the minor capsid protein L2 and was
      identified as a proviral host factor required for HPV16 endocytosis into target
      cells. The findings of this study advance the understanding of a so far less well
      characterized endocytic pathway that is used by oncogenic HPV subtypes.

PMID- 27654296
TI  - Extragenic Suppression of a Mutation in Herpes Simplex Virus 1 UL34 That Affects
      Lamina Disruption and Nuclear Egress.
AB  - : Nuclear egress of herpesviruses is accompanied by changes in the architecture
      of the nuclear membrane and nuclear lamina that are thought to facilitate capsid
      access to the inner nuclear membrane (INM) and curvature of patches of the INM
      around the capsid during budding. Here we report the properties of a point mutant
      of pUL34 (Q163A) that fails to induce gross changes in nuclear architecture or
      redistribution of lamin A/C. The UL34(Q163A) mutant shows a roughly 100-fold
      defect in single-step growth, and it forms small plaques. This mutant has a
      defect in nuclear egress, and furthermore, it fails to disrupt nuclear shape or
      cause observable displacement of lamin A/C despite retaining the ability to
      recruit the pUS3 and PKC protein kinases and to mediate phosphorylation of
      emerin. Extragenic suppressors of the UL34(Q163A) phenotype were isolated, and
      all of them carry a single mutation of arginine 229 to leucine in UL31.
      Surprisingly, although this UL31 mutation largely restores virus replication, it
      does not correct the lamina disruption defect, suggesting that, in Vero cells,
      changes in nuclear shape and gross displacements of lamin A/C may facilitate but
      are unnecessary for nuclear egress. IMPORTANCE: Herpesvirus nuclear egress is an
      essential and conserved process that requires close association of the viral
      capsid with the inner nuclear membrane and budding of the capsid into that
      membrane. Access to the nuclear membrane and tight curvature of that membrane are
      thought to require disruption of the nuclear lamina that underlies the inner
      nuclear membrane, and consistent with this idea, herpesvirus infection induces
      biochemical and architectural changes at the nuclear membrane. The significance
      of the nuclear membrane architectural changes is poorly characterized. The
      results presented here address that deficiency in our understanding and show that
      a combination of mutations in two of the viral nuclear egress factors results in
      a failure to accomplish at least two components of lamina disruption while still
      allowing relatively efficient viral replication, suggesting that changes in
      nuclear shape and displacement of lamins are not necessary for herpes simplex
      virus 1 (HSV-1) nuclear egress.

PMID- 27654295
TI  - HIV-1 Escape from a Peptidic Anchor Inhibitor through Stabilization of the
      Envelope Glycoprotein Spike.
AB  - : The trimeric HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein spike (Env) mediates viral entry into
      cells by using a spring-loaded mechanism that allows for the controlled insertion
      of the Env fusion peptide into the target membrane, followed by membrane fusion.
      Env is the focus of vaccine research aimed at inducing protective immunity by
      antibodies as well as efforts to develop drugs that inhibit the viral entry
      process. The molecular factors contributing to Env stability and decay need to be
      understood better in order to optimally design vaccines and therapeutics. We
      generated viruses with resistance to VIR165, a peptidic inhibitor that binds the
      fusion peptide of the gp41 subunit and prevents its insertion into the target
      membrane. Interestingly, a number of escape viruses acquired substitutions in the
      C1 domain of the gp120 subunit (A60E, E64K, and H66R) that rendered these viruses
      dependent on the inhibitor. These viruses could infect target cells only when
      VIR165 was present after CD4 binding. Furthermore, the VIR165-dependent viruses
      were resistant to soluble CD4-induced Env destabilization and decay. These data
      suggest that VIR165-dependent Env proteins are kinetically trapped in the
      unliganded state and require the drug to negotiate CD4-induced conformational
      changes. These studies provide mechanistic insight into the action of the gp41
      fusion peptide and its inhibitors and provide new ways to stabilize Env trimer
      vaccines. IMPORTANCE: Because of the rapid development of HIV-1 drug resistance,
      new drug targets need to be explored continuously. The fusion peptide of the
      envelope glycoprotein can be targeted by anchor inhibitors. Here we describe
      virus escape from the anchor inhibitor VIR165. Interestingly, some escape viruses
      became dependent on the inhibitor for cell entry. We show that the identified
      escape mutations stabilize the ground state of the envelope glycoprotein and
      should thus be useful in the design of stabilized envelope-based HIV vaccines.

PMID- 27654297
TI  - Comprehensive Genome Scale Phylogenetic Study Provides New Insights on the Global
      Expansion of Chikungunya Virus.
AB  - : Since the India and Indian Ocean outbreaks of 2005 and 2006, the global
      distribution of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and the locations of epidemics have
      dramatically shifted. First, the Indian Ocean lineage (IOL) caused sustained
      epidemics in India and has radiated to many other countries. Second, the Asian
      lineage has caused frequent outbreaks in the Pacific islands and in 2013 was
      introduced into the Caribbean, followed by rapid spread to nearly all of the
      neotropics. Further, CHIKV epidemics, as well as exported cases, have been
      reported in central Africa after a long period of perceived silence. To
      understand these changes and to anticipate the future of the virus, the exact
      distribution, genetic diversity, transmission routes, and future epidemic
      potential of CHIKV require further assessment. To do so, we conducted the most
      comprehensive phylogenetic analysis to date, examined CHIKV evolution and
      transmission, and explored distinct genetic factors associated with the emergence
      of the East/Central/South African (ECSA) lineage, the IOL, and the Asian lineage.
      Our results reveal contrasting evolutionary patterns among the lineages, with
      growing genetic diversities observed in each, and suggest that CHIKV will
      continue to be a major public health threat with the potential for further
      emergence and spread. IMPORTANCE: Chikungunya fever is a reemerging infectious
      disease that is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes and causes severe health and
      economic burdens in affected populations. Since the unprecedented Indian Ocean
      and Indian subcontinent outbreaks of 2005 and 2006, CHIKV has further expanded
      its geographic range, including to the Americas in 2013. Its evolution and
      transmission during and following these epidemics, as well as the recent
      evolution and spread of other lineages, require optimal assessment. Using newly
      obtained genome sequences, we provide a comprehensive update of the global
      distribution of CHIKV genetic diversity and analyze factors associated with
      recent outbreaks. These results provide a solid foundation for future
      evolutionary studies of CHIKV that can elucidate emergence mechanisms and also
      may help to predict future epidemics.

PMID- 27654298
TI  - The Respiratory Syncytial Virus Phosphoprotein, Matrix Protein, and Fusion
      Protein Carboxy-Terminal Domain Drive Efficient Filamentous Virus-Like Particle
      Formation.
AB  - : Virus-like particles (VLPs) are attractive as a vaccine concept. For human
      respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV), VLP assembly is poorly understood and appears
      inefficient. Hence, hRSV antigens are often incorporated into foreign VLP systems
      to generate anti-RSV vaccine candidates. To better understand the assembly, and
      ultimately to enable efficient production, of authentic hRSV VLPs, we examined
      the associated requirements and mechanisms. In a previous analysis in HEp-2
      cells, the nucleoprotein (N), phosphoprotein (P), matrix protein (M), and fusion
      protein (F) were required for formation of filamentous VLPs, which, similar to
      those of wild-type virus, were associated with the cell surface. Using
      fluorescence and electron microscopy combined with immunogold labeling, we
      examined the surfaces of transfected HEp-2 cells and further dissected the
      process of filamentous VLP formation. Our results show that N is not required.
      Coexpression of P plus M plus F, but not P plus M, M plus F, or P plus F, induced
      both viral protein coalescence and formation of filamentous VLPs that resembled
      wild-type virions. Despite suboptimal coalescence in the absence of P, the M and
      F proteins, when coexpressed, formed cell surface-associated filaments with
      abnormal morphology, appearing longer and thinner than wild-type virions. For F,
      only the carboxy terminus (Fstem) was required, and addition of foreign protein
      sequences to Fstem allowed incorporation into VLPs. Together, the data show that
      P, M, and the F carboxy terminus are sufficient for robust viral protein
      coalescence and filamentous VLP formation and suggest that M-F interaction drives
      viral filament formation, with P acting as a type of cofactor facilitating the
      process and exerting control over particle morphology. IMPORTANCE: hRSV is
      responsible for >100,000 deaths in children worldwide, and a vaccine is not
      available. Among the potential anti-hRSV approaches are virus-like particle (VLP)
      vaccines, which, based on resemblance to virus or viral components, can induce
      protective immunity. For hRSV, few reports are available concerning authentic VLP
      production or testing, in large part because VLP production is inefficient and
      the mechanisms underlying particle assembly are poorly understood. Here, we took
      advantage of the cell-associated nature of RSV particles and used high-resolution
      microscopy analyses to examine the viral proteins required for formation of wild
      type-virus-resembling VLPs, the contributions of these proteins to morphology,
      and the domains involved in incorporation of the antigenically important viral F
      protein. The results provide new insights that will facilitate future production
      of hRSV VLPs with defined shapes and compositions and may translate into improved
      manufacture of live-attenuated hRSV vaccines.

PMID- 27654299
TI  - Assessment of the PrPc Amino-Terminal Domain in Prion Species Barriers.
AB  - : Chronic wasting disease (CWD) in cervids and bovine spongiform encephalopathy
      (BSE) in cattle are prion diseases that are caused by the same protein-misfolding
      mechanism, but they appear to pose different risks to humans. We are interested
      in understanding the differences between the species barriers of CWD and BSE. We
      used real-time, quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) to model the central
      molecular event in prion disease, the templated misfolding of the normal prion
      protein, PrPc, to a pathogenic, amyloid isoform, scrapie prion protein, PrPSc We
      examined the role of the PrPc amino-terminal domain (N-terminal domain [NTD],
      amino acids [aa] 23 to 90) in cross-species conversion by comparing the
      conversion efficiency of various prion seeds in either full-length (aa 23 to 231)
      or truncated (aa 90 to 231) PrPc We demonstrate that the presence of white-tailed
      deer and bovine NTDs hindered seeded conversion of PrPc, but human and bank vole
      NTDs did the opposite. Additionally, full-length human and bank vole PrPcs were
      more likely to be converted to amyloid by CWD prions than were their truncated
      forms. A chimera with replacement of the human NTD by the bovine NTD resembled
      human PrPc The requirement for an NTD, but not for the specific human sequence,
      suggests that the NTD interacts with other regions of the human PrPc to increase
      promiscuity. These data contribute to the evidence that, in addition to primary
      sequence, prion species barriers are controlled by interactions of the substrate
      NTD with the rest of the substrate PrPc molecule. IMPORTANCE: We demonstrate that
      the amino-terminal domain of the normal prion protein, PrPc, hinders seeded
      conversion of bovine and white-tailed deer PrPcs to the prion forms, but it
      facilitates conversion of the human and bank vole PrPcs to the prion forms.
      Additionally, we demonstrate that the amino-terminal domain of human and bank
      vole PrPcs requires interaction with the rest of the molecule to facilitate
      conversion by CWD prions. These data suggest that interactions of the amino
      terminal domain with the rest of the PrPc molecule play an important role in the
      susceptibility of humans to CWD prions.

PMID- 27654300
TI  - PrPC Governs Susceptibility to Prion Strains in Bank Vole, While Other Host
      Factors Modulate Strain Features.
AB  - : Bank vole is a rodent species that shows differential susceptibility to the
      experimental transmission of different prion strains. In this work, the
      transmission features of a panel of diverse prions with distinct origins were
      assayed both in bank vole expressing methionine at codon 109 (Bv109M) and in
      transgenic mice expressing physiological levels of bank vole PrPC (the BvPrP
      Tg407 mouse line). This work is the first systematic comparison of the
      transmission features of a collection of prion isolates, representing a panel of
      diverse prion strains, in a transgenic-mouse model and in its natural
      counterpart. The results showed very similar transmission properties in both the
      natural species and the transgenic-mouse model, demonstrating the key role of the
      PrP amino acid sequence in prion transmission susceptibility. However,
      differences in the PrPSc types propagated by Bv109M and BvPrP-Tg407 suggest that
      host factors other than PrPC modulate prion strain features. IMPORTANCE: The
      differential susceptibility of bank voles to prion strains can be modeled in
      transgenic mice, suggesting that this selective susceptibility is controlled by
      the vole PrP sequence alone rather than by other species-specific factors.
      Differences in the phenotypes observed after prion transmissions in bank voles
      and in the transgenic mice suggest that host factors other than the PrPC sequence
      may affect the selection of the substrain replicating in the animal model.

PMID- 27654303
TI  - Dimensional Effects of MoS2 Nanoplates Embedded in Carbon Nanofibers for
      Bifunctional Li and Na Insertion and Conversion Reactions.
AB  - Controlling structural and morphological features of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2)
      nanoplates determines anode reaction performance for Li-ion and Na-ion batteries.
      In this work, we investigate dimensional effects of MoS2 nanoplates randomly
      embedded in twisted mesoporous carbon nanofibers (MoS2@MCNFs) on Li and Na
      storage properties. Considering dimensions of the MoS2 nanoplates (e.g.,
      interlayer, lateral distance, and slabs of stacking in number), we controlled
      thermolysis temperature to synthesize the MoS2 nanoplates with different geometry
      and optimize them in the hybrid anode for delivering high performance. The
      MoS2@MCNFs electrode exhibits reversible Li and Na capacities greater than 1000
      cycles even at high current density of 1.0 A g-1 (1221.94 mAh g-1 with capacity
      retention of 95.6% for Li-ion batteries and 447.29 mAh g-1 with capacity
      retention of 87.11% for Na-ion batteries). We elucidated the insertion,
      conversion, and interfacial reaction characteristics of the thermosensitive MoS2
      nanoplates in the MCNFs, especially associated with a reversible capacity. Our
      study will hint at rational design of the nanostructured MoS2 electrodes and
      focus on significance of their dimensional effects on anode performance.

PMID- 27654302
TI  - Fucoidan Induces ROS-Dependent Apoptosis in 5637 Human Bladder Cancer Cells by
      Downregulating Telomerase Activity via Inactivation of the PI3K/Akt Signaling
      Pathway.
AB  - Preclinical Research Fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide, is a compound found in
      various species of seaweed that has anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant,
      anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities; however, the underlying
      relationship between apoptosis and anti-telomerase activity has not been
      investigated. Here, we report that fucoidan-induced apoptosis in 5637 human
      bladder cancer cells was associated with an increase in the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, the
      dissipation of the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP, Deltapsim), and
      cytosolic release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria. Under the same
      experimental conditions, fucoidan-treatment decreased hTERT (human telomerase
      reverse transcriptase) expression and the transcription factors, c-myc and Sp1.
      This was accompanied by decreased telomerase activity. Fucoidan-treatment also
      suppressed activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Inhibition of PI3K/Akt
      signaling enhanced fucoidan-induced apoptosis and anti-telomerase activity.
      Meanwhile, fucoidan treatment increased the generation of intracellular ROS,
      whereas the over-elimination of ROS by N-acetylcysteine, an anti-oxidant,
      attenuated fucoidan-induced apoptosis, inhibition of hTERT, c-myc, and Sp1
      expression, and reversed fucoidan-induced inactivation of the PI3K/Akt signaling
      pathway. Collectively, these data indicate that the induction of apoptosis and
      the inhibition of telomerase activity by fucoidan are mediated via ROS-dependent
      inactivation of the PI3K/Akt pathway. Drug Dev Res 78 : 37-48, 2017.   (c) 2016
      Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27654301
TI  - A Novel Benzodiazepine Compound Inhibits Yellow Fever Virus Infection by
      Specifically Targeting NS4B Protein.
AB  - : Although a highly effective vaccine is available, the number of yellow fever
      cases has increased over the past two decades, which highlights the pressing need
      for antiviral therapeutics. In a high throughput screening campaign, we
      identified an acetic acid benzodiazepine (BDAA) compound, which potently inhibits
      yellow fever virus (YFV). Interestingly, while treatment of YFV infected cultures
      with 2 MUM of BDAA reduced the virion production by greater than 2 logs, the
      compound is not active against 21 other viruses from 14 different viral families.
      Selection and genetic analysis of drug resistant viruses revealed that
      substitution of proline at amino acid 219 (P219) of the nonstructural protein 4B
      (NS4B) with serine, threonine or alanine confers YFV resistance to BDAA without
      apparent loss of replication fitness in cultured mammalian cells. However,
      substitution of P219 with glycine confers BDAA resistance with significant loss
      of replication ability. Bioinformatics analysis predicts that the P219 localizes
      at the endoplasmic reticulum lumen side of the fifth putative trans-membrane
      domain of NS4B and the mutation may render the viral protein incapable of
      interacting with BDAA. Our studies thus revealed important role and structural
      basis for NS4B protein in supporting YFV replication. Moreover, in YFV-infected
      hamsters, oral administration of BDAA protected 90% of the animals from death,
      significantly reduced viral load by greater than 2 logs and attenuated viral
      infection-induced liver injury and body weight loss. The encouraging preclinical
      results thus warrant further development of BDAA or its derivatives as antiviral
      agents to treat yellow fever. IMPORTANCE: Yellow fever is an acute viral
      hemorrhagic disease which threatens approximately one billion people living in
      tropical areas of Africa and Latin America. Although a highly effective yellow
      fever vaccine has been available for more than seven decades, the low vaccination
      rate fails to prevent outbreaks in at-risk regions. It has been estimated that up
      to 1.7 million YFV infections occur in Africa each year, resulting in 29,000 to
      60,000 death. Thus far, there is no specific antiviral treatment for yellow
      fever. To cope with this medical challenge, we identified a benzodiazepine
      compound that selectively inhibits YFV by targeting the viral NS4B protein. To
      our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating in vivo safety and
      antiviral efficacy of an YFV NS4B inhibitor in an animal model. We have thus
      reached a critical milestone toward the development of specific antiviral
      therapeutics for clinical management of yellow fever.

PMID- 27654304
TI  - Selective Growth of Subnanometer Diameter Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Arrays in
      Hydrogen-Free CVD.
AB  - Small diameter single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) arrays with larger bandgap
      are more desirable as near-infrared optical absorbers for the fabrication of high
      performance photovoltaic and photodetector devices. We report herein a rational
      approach to selective growth of well-aligned subnanometer diameter (~84% between
      0.75 and 0.95 nm) SWNT arrays with a density of 0.3-0.5 tubes/MUm on quartz
      surfaces using solid Mo2C catalysts for short-time growth by low carbon feeding
      in hydrogen-free CVD. These subnanometer diameter SWNTs have a narrow chirality
      distribution (the ratio of (8,4), (8,5) and (7,6) is higher than 73%). During
      nanotube growth, only small size Mo nanoparticles are carbonized into stable Mo2C
      for catalyzing the growth of SWNTs through low carbon feeding rate over short
      time in the hydrogen-free environment, whereas larger catalysts are inactive due
      to underfeeding. Meanwhile, solid Mo2C catalysts are effective in reducing the
      chirality distributions of the as-grown SWNTs. Additionally, combining an
      annealing process after loading catalyst on the sapphire substrates, the average
      density is increased to ~15 tubes/MUm while maintaining small diameter and narrow
      chirality distribution. Our results offer more choices for structurally
      controlled growth of aligned-SWNTs, with potential applications in
      nanoelectronics.

PMID- 27654306
TI  - Opinion of Spanish Consumers on Hydrosustainable Pistachios.
AB  - Fruits and vegetables cultivated under controlled deficit irrigation (CDI) are
      called hydrosustainable (hydroSOS) products and have its own personality and are
      environmentally-friendly. Focus groups helped in classifying key farming,
      sensory, and health concepts associated with CDI-grown pistachios. Besides, focus
      groups also helped in stating that a logo was needed for these special foods, and
      that a hydroSOS index is also essential to certify that the products have been
      controlled by a control board. Conjoint analysis was used to check which
      attributes could be helpful in promoting CDI-grown pistachios among Spanish
      consumers in a 1st step toward the European Union (EU) market. It was clearly
      proved that the main silo of properties driving the attention of Spanish
      consumers was that related to health. The most important attributes for
      pistachios were "product of Spain," "rich in antioxidant," and "crunchy"; this
      finding was clearly related to the popularity of regional foods, the
      preoccupation of European consumers for their health, and the joy related to the
      crunchiness of toasted nuts, respectively. The use of these 3 concepts, together
      with the use of the hydroSOS logo, will be essential to promote hydroSOS
      pistachios among Spanish and EU consumers. Finally, it is important to highlight
      that in general Spanish consumers were willing to pay an extra amount of 1.0
      euros per kg of hydroSOS pistachios. These earnings will be essential to convince
      Spanish farmers to implement CDI strategies and have a sustainable and
      environmental-friendly use of the irrigation water.

PMID- 27654307
TI  - Application of texture analysis based on apparent diffusion coefficient maps in
      discriminating different stages of rectal cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: To explore the potential of texture analysis based on apparent diffusion
      coefficient (ADC) maps, as a predictor of local invasion depth (stage pT1-2
      versus pT3-4) and nodal status (pN0 versus pN1-2) of rectal cancer. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Sixty-eight patients with rectal cancer underwent preoperative magnetic
      resonance (MR) imaging including diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) at a 3.0 Tesla
      system. Routine ADC variables (ADCmean , ADCmin , ADCmax ), histogram features
      (skewness, kurtosis) and gray level co-occurrence matrix features (entropy,
      contrast, correlation) were compared between pT1-2 and pT3-4 stages, between pN0
      and pN1-2 stages. RESULTS: Skewness, entropy, and contrast were significantly
      lower in patients with pT1-2 as compared to those with pT3-4 tumors (0.166 versus
      0.476, P = 0.015; 3.212 versus 3.441 P = 0.004; 10.773 versus 13.596, P = 0.017).
      Furthermore, skewness and entropy were identified as independent predictors for
      extramural invasion of tumors (stage pT3-4). Significant differences were
      observed between pN0 and pN1-2 tumors with respect to ADCmean (1.152 versus
      1.044, P = 0.029), ADCmax (1.692 versus 1.460, P = 0.006) and entropy (3.299
      versus 3.486, P = 0.015). ADCmax. and entropy were independent predictors of
      positive nodal status. CONCLUSION: Texture analysis on ADC maps could provide
      valuable information in identifying locally advanced rectal cancer. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: 3 J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;45:1798-1808.

PMID- 27654305
TI  - Antioxidant Response of Chronic Wounds to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.
AB  - We analyzed the effects of the clinical hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on the
      plasma antioxidant response and levels of endothelin-1, Interleukine-6 (IL-6) and
      vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in patients with chronic wounds (20.2+/
      10.0 months without healing). They received 20 HBOT sessions (five
      sessions/week), and blood samples were obtained at sessions 1, 5 and 20 before
      and 2 hours after the HBOT. An additional blood sample was collected 1 month
      after wound recovery. Serum creatine kinase activity decreased progressively in
      accordance with the wound healing. Plasma catalase activity significantly
      increased after the first and fifth sessions of HBOT. Plasma myeloperoxidase
      activity reported significantly lower values after sessions. Plasma VEGF and IL-6
      increased after sessions. Endothelin-1 levels were progressively decreasing
      during the HBOT, being significant at the session 20. Plasma malondialdehyde
      concentration was significantly reduced at the last session. Both creatine kinase
      activity and malondialdehyde levels were maintained lower 1 month after wound
      recovery respect to initial values. In conclusion, HBOT enhanced the plasma
      antioxidant defenses and may contribute to activate the healing resolution,
      angiogenesis and vascular tone regulation by increasing the VEGF and IL-6 release
      and the endothelin-1 decrease, which may be significant factors in stimulating
      wound healing.

PMID- 27654308
TI  - Polyphosphoesters: New Trends in Synthesis and Drug Delivery Applications.
AB  - Polymers with repeating phosphoester linkages in the backbone are biodegradable
      materials that emerge as a promising class of novel biomaterials, especially in
      the field of drug delivery systems. In contrast to aliphatic polyesters, the
      pentavalency of the phosphorus atom offers a large diversity of structures and as
      a consequence a wide range of properties for these materials. In this paper, it
      is focused on the synthesis of well-defined polyphosphoesters (PPEs) by
      organocatalyzed ring-opening polymerization, improving the functionalities by
      combination with click reactions, degradation of functional PPEs and their
      cytotoxicity, and inputs for applications in drug delivery.

PMID- 27654309
TI  - Lemont B. Kier: Art, Science and Green Cheese.

PMID- 27654311
TI  - Reverse Takotsubo syndrome in a patient with diagnosed multiple sclerosis.

PMID- 27654310
TI  - Perioperative complications of conduit urinary diversion with concomitant
      cystectomy for benign indications: A population-based analysis.
AB  - AIMS: Beyond single-institution case series, limited data are available to
      describe risks of performing a concurrent cystectomy at the time of urinary
      diversion for benign end-stage lower urinary tract dysfunction. Using a
      population-representative sample, this study aimed to analyze factors associated
      with perioperative complications in patients undergoing urinary diversion with or
      without cystectomy. METHODS: A representative sample of patients undergoing
      urinary diversion for benign indications was identified from the Healthcare Cost
      and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 1998 to 2011.
      Perioperative complications of urinary diversion with and without concomitant
      cystectomy were identified and coded using the International Classification of
      Diseases, version 9. Multivariate logistic regression models identified hospital
      and patient-level characteristics associated with complications of concomitant
      cystectomy with urinary diversion. RESULTS: There were 15,717 records for urinary
      diversion identified, of which 31.8% demonstrated perioperative complications:
      urinary diversion with concurrent cystectomy (35.0%) and urinary diversion
      without concomitant cystectomy (30.6%). Comparing the two groups, a concomitant
      cystectomy at the time of urinary diversion was significantly associated with a
      complication (OR = 1.23, 95%CI: 1.03-1.48). Comorbid conditions of obesity,
      pulmonary circulation disease, drug abuse, weight loss, and electrolyte disorders
      were positively associated with a complication, while private insurance and
      southern geographic region were negatively associated. CONCLUSIONS: A concomitant
      cystectomy with urinary diversion for refractory lower urinary tract dysfunction
      elevates risk in this population-representative sample, particularly in those
      with certain comorbid conditions. This analysis provides critical information for
      preoperative patient counseling.

PMID- 27654312
TI  - Cardiac contractility modulation: a new treatment option for chronic heart
      failure in Poland.

PMID- 27654313
TI  - "Grafting" of Coordination Complex Modified Polyoxometalate on Ethylenediamine
      Planted Polyvinylidene Fluoride: Superhydrophilic Composite Membrane for
      Oxytetracycline Treatment.
AB  - Under the guide of chemical bonding, a composite membrane had been fabricated
      successfully through grafting of a coordination complex modified polyoxometalate
      to an ethylenediamine planted polyvinylidene fluoride. Compared with neat
      polyvinylidene fluoride membrane, the oxytetracycline adsorption capacity of the
      polyoxometalate grafted composite membrane has been improved to a great extent.
      In addition, this polyoxometalate grafted composite membrane also exhibits
      excellent hydrophilicity, which leads to a clear enhancement in its antifouling
      properties. Besides oxytetracycline, its performances in the removal of other
      tetracycline-type antibiotics, such as tetracycline and doxycycline, also looks
      outstanding. Furthermore, after successive adsorption and desorption experiments,
      the pollutant removal activity and antifouling property of this composite
      membrane are well retained, which suggests it is stable for removing tetracycline
      type antibiotics in waste water treatment processes.

PMID- 27654314
TI  - Hydrogen peroxide is a central determinant of oral polymicrobial synergy.

PMID- 27654316
TI  - The Cost-Effectiveness of Integrating HIV Counseling and Testing into Primary
      Health Care in the Ukraine.
AB  - We estimate the number of HIV cases diagnosed, costs, and cost per HIV case
      detected associated with integrating HIV counseling and testing (HCT) into
      primary health care facilities in Ukraine. The study uses a difference-in
      difference design with four districts implementing the intervention compared to
      20 districts where HCT were offered only at specialized HIV clinics. There was a
      2.01 (95 % CI: 1.12-3.61) times increase in the number of HIV cases detected per
      capita in intervention districts compared to other districts. The incremental
      cost of the intervention was $21,017 and the incremental cost per HIV case
      detected was $369. The average cost per HIV case detected before the intervention
      was $558. Engaging primary health care facilities to provide HCT is likely
      desirable from an efficiency point-of-view. However, the affordability of the
      intervention needs to be assessed because expansion will require additional
      investment.

PMID- 27654317
TI  - Integrated Photoelectrochemical Solar Energy Conversion and Organic Redox Flow
      Battery Devices.
AB  - Building on regenerative photoelectrochemical solar cells and emerging
      electrochemical redox flow batteries (RFBs), more efficient, scalable, compact,
      and cost-effective hybrid energy conversion and storage devices could be
      realized. An integrated photoelectrochemical solar energy conversion and
      electrochemical storage device is developed by integrating regenerative silicon
      solar cells and 9,10-anthraquinone-2,7-disulfonic acid (AQDS)/1,2-benzoquinone
      3,5-disulfonic acid (BQDS) RFBs. The device can be directly charged by solar
      light without external bias, and discharged like normal RFBs with an energy
      storage density of 1.15 Wh L-1 and a solar-to-output electricity efficiency
      (SOEE) of 1.7 % over many cycles. The concept exploits a previously undeveloped
      design connecting two major energy technologies and promises a general approach
      for storing solar energy electrochemically with high theoretical storage capacity
      and efficiency.

PMID- 27654315
TI  - Optimal echo time for functional MRI of the infant brain identified in response
      to noxious stimulation.
AB  - PURPOSE: Blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) brain activity, measured using
      functional MRI (fMRI), is dependent on the echo time (TE) and the reversible spin
      spin relaxation time constant ( T2*) that describes the decay of transverse
      magnetization. Use of the optimal TE during fMRI experiments allows maximal
      sensitivity to BOLD to be achieved. Reports that T2* values are longer in infants
      (due to higher water concentrations and lower lipid content) have led to the use
      of longer TEs during infant fMRI experiments; however, the optimal TE has not
      been established. METHODS: In this study, acute experimental mildly noxious
      stimuli were applied to the heel in 12 term infants (mean gestational age = 40
      weeks, mean postnatal age = 3 days); and the percentage change in BOLD activity
      was calculated across a range of TEs, from 30 to 70 ms, at 3 Tesla. In addition,
      T2* maps of the whole brain were collected in seven infants. RESULTS: The maximal
      change in BOLD occurred at a TE of 52 ms, and the average T2* across the whole
      brain was 99 ms. CONCLUSION: A TE of approximately 50 ms is recommended for use
      in 3T fMRI investigations in term infants. Magn Reson Med 78:625-631, 2017. (c)
      2016 The Authors Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals,
      Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

PMID- 27654318
TI  - Patterns of preference and practice: bridging actors in wildfire response
      networks in the American Northwest.
AB  - The roles of bridging actors in emergency response networks can be important to
      disaster response outcomes. This paper is based on an evaluation of wildfire
      preparedness and response networks in 21 large-scale wildfire events in the
      wildland-urban interface near national forests in the American Northwest. The
      study investigated how key individuals in responder networks anticipated seeking
      out specific people in perceived bridging roles prior to the occurrence of
      wildfires, and then captured who in fact assumed these roles during actual large
      scale events. It examines two plausible, but contradictory, bodies of theory
      similarity and dissimilarity-that suggest who people might seek out as bridgers
      and who they would really go to during a disaster. Roughly one-half of all pre
      fire nominations were consistent with similarity. Yet, while similarity is a
      reliable indicator of how people expect to organise, it does not hold up for how
      they organise during the real incident.

PMID- 27654319
TI  - A Study of Normothermic Hemoperfusion of the Porcine Pancreas and Kidney.
AB  - Normothermic machine perfusion has enormous potential to improve organ
      preservation and expand the organ donor pool. It is well established in other
      organs but not the pancreas, which has especially strict organ acceptance
      criteria. We established a model of normothermic hemoperfusion of the porcine
      pancreas with and without addition of the kidney as a dialysis organ. Four
      pancreases were harvested and perfused for 120 min with autologous whole blood at
      body temperature, two with parallel perfusion of the kidney and two without. The
      organs and perfusion circuit were evaluated for gross appearance, pH, histology
      and perfusion parameters. The organs maintained steadily increasing flow rate and
      perfusion pressure. Gross appearance of the organs was stable but appeared
      grossly ischemic toward the end of the perfusion period. Histology demonstrated
      necrosis centered in acinar tissue but islet cells were preserved. pH was
      significantly alkalotic toward the end of the perfusion, likely due to pancreatic
      tissue damage. Addition of the kidney did not result in significant improvement
      of the acid-base environment in this small series. In conclusion, normothermic
      perfusion of the pancreas is still in the experimental stages but holds great
      potential. Further studies to optimize perfusion parameters will significantly
      improve results. Parallel perfusion of the kidney may facilitate improvement in
      the acid-base environment.

PMID- 27654321
TI  - Minimum Variance Approaches to Ultrasound Pixel-Based Beamforming.
AB  - We analyze the principles underlying minimum variance distortionless response
      (MVDR) beamforming in order to integrate it into a pixel-based algorithm. There
      is a challenge posed by the low echo signal-to-noise ratio (eSNR) when
      calculating beamformer contributions at pixels far away from the beam centreline.
      Together with the well-known scarcity of samples for covariance matrix
      estimation, this reduces the beamformer performance and degrades the image
      quality. To address this challenge, we implement the MVDR algorithm in two
      different ways. First, we develop the conventional minimum variance pixel-based
      (MVPB) beamformer that performs the MVDR after the pixel-based superposition
      step. This involves a combination of methods in the literature, extended over
      multiple transmits to increase the eSNR. Then we propose the coherent MVPB
      beamformer, where the MVDR is applied to data within individual transmits. Based
      on pressure field analysis, we develop new algorithms to improve the data
      alignment and matrix estimation, and hence overcome the low-eSNR issue. The
      methods are demonstrated on data acquired with an ultrasound open platform. The
      results show the coherent MVPB beamformer substantially outperforms the
      conventional MVPB in a series of experiments, including phantom and in vivo
      studies. Compared to the unified pixel-based beamformer, the newest delay-and-sum
      algorithm in [1], the coherent MVPB performs well on regions that conform to the
      diffuse scattering assumptions on which the minimum variance principles are
      based. It produces less good results for parts of the image that are dominated by
      specular reflections.

PMID- 27654320
TI  - Unsupervised Learning for Robust Respiratory Signal Estimation From X-Ray
      Fluoroscopy.
AB  - Respiratory signals are required for image gating and motion compensation in
      minimally invasive interventions. In X-ray fluoroscopy, extraction of a
      respiratory signal can be challenging due to characteristics of interventional
      imaging, in particular injection of contrast agent and automatic exposure
      control. We present a novel method for respiratory signal extraction based on
      dimensionality reduction that can tolerate these events. Images are divided into
      patches of multiple sizes. Low-dimensional embeddings are generated for each
      patch using illumination-invariant kernel PCA. Patches with respiratory
      information are selected automatically by agglomerative clustering. The signals
      from this respiratory cluster are combined robustly to a single respiratory
      signal. In the experiments, we evaluate our method on a variety of scenarios. If
      the diaphragm is visible, we track its superior-inferior motion as ground truth.
      Our method has a correlation coefficient of more than 91% with the ground truth
      irrespective of whether or not contrast agent injection or automatic exposure
      control occur. Additionally, we show that very similar signals are estimated from
      biplane sequences and from sequences without visible diaphragm. Since all these
      cases are handled automatically, the method is robust enough to be considered for
      use in a clinical setting.

PMID- 27654323
TI  - Spatial Prediction Filtering of Acoustic Clutter and Random Noise in Medical
      Ultrasound Imaging.
AB  - One of the major challenges in array-based medical ultrasound imaging is the
      image quality degradation caused by sidelobes and off-axis clutter, which is an
      inherent limitation of the conventional delay-and-sum (DAS) beamforming operating
      on a finite aperture. Ultrasound image quality is further degraded in imaging
      applications involving strong tissue attenuation and/or low transmit power. In
      order to effectively suppress acoustic clutter from off-axis targets and random
      noise in a robust manner, we introduce in this paper a new adaptive filtering
      technique called frequency-space (F-X) prediction filtering or FXPF, which was
      first developed in seismic imaging for random noise attenuation. Seismologists
      developed FXPF based on the fact that linear and quasilinear events or wavefronts
      in the time-space (T-X) domain are manifested as a superposition of harmonics in
      the frequency-space (F-X) domain, which can be predicted using an auto-regressive
      (AR) model. We describe the FXPF technique as a spectral estimation or a
      direction-of-arrival problem, and explain why adaptation of this technique into
      medical ultrasound imaging is beneficial. We apply our new technique to simulated
      and tissue-mimicking phantom data. Our results demonstrate that FXPF achieves CNR
      improvements of 26% in simulated noise-free anechoic cyst, 109% in simulated
      anechoic cyst contaminated with random noise of 15 dB SNR, and 93% for
      experimental anechoic cyst from a custom-made tissue-mimicking phantom. Our
      findings suggest that FXPF is an effective technique to enhance ultrasound image
      contrast and has potential to improve the visualization of clinically important
      anatomical structures and diagnosis of diseased conditions.

PMID- 27654322
TI  - Isotropic Total Variation Regularization of Displacements in Parametric Image
      Registration.
AB  - Spatial regularization is essential in image registration, which is an ill-posed
      problem. Regularization can help to avoid both physically implausible
      displacement fields and local minima during optimization. Tikhonov regularization
      (squared l2 -norm) is unable to correctly represent non-smooth displacement
      fields, that can, for example, occur at sliding interfaces in the thorax and
      abdomen in image time-series during respiration. In this paper, isotropic Total
      Variation (TV) regularization is used to enable accurate registration near such
      interfaces. We further develop the TV-regularization for parametric displacement
      fields and provide an efficient numerical solution scheme using the Alternating
      Directions Method of Multipliers (ADMM). The proposed method was successfully
      applied to four clinical databases which capture breathing motion, including CT
      lung and MR liver images. It provided accurate registration results for the whole
      volume. A key strength of our proposed method is that it does not depend on organ
      masks that are conventionally required by many algorithms to avoid errors at
      sliding interfaces. Furthermore, our method is robust to parameter selection,
      allowing the use of the same parameters for all tested databases. The average
      target registration error (TRE) of our method is superior (10% to 40%) to other
      techniques in the literature. It provides precise motion quantification and
      sliding detection with sub-pixel accuracy on the publicly available breathing
      motion databases (mean TREs of 0.95 mm for DIR 4D CT, 0.96 mm for DIR COPDgene,
      0.91 mm for POPI databases).

PMID- 27654324
TI  - Outcomes of children with rhabdomyosarcoma treated with intensive chemotherapy,
      surgery, and radiotherapy through a period of protocol revision at a South
      African center, 1990-2010.
AB  - A total of 75 children with biopsy-proven rhabdomyosarcoma were treated at our
      institution between 1990 and 2010. Five-year overall survival (OS) for the entire
      cohort was 58.7%. OS by stage was as follows: Stage 1 (80%), Stage 2 (80%), Stage
      3 (54.1%), and Stage 4 (38.5%). There was a trend to suggest that revision of
      treatment approaches improved crude survival over time: pre-2003 (OS 42.1%); 2003
      2005 (OS 50.0%); 2005-2010 (OS 60.8%).

PMID- 27654325
TI  - Evolution of dark colour in toucans (Ramphastidae): a case of molecular
      adaptation?
AB  - In the last decades, researchers have been able to determine the molecular basis
      of some phenotypes, to test for evidence of natural selection upon them, and to
      demonstrate that the same genes or genetic pathways can be associated with
      convergent traits. Colour traits are often subject to natural selection because
      even small changes in these traits can have a large effect on fitness via
      camouflage, sexual selection or other mechanisms. The melanocortin-1 receptor
      locus (MC1R) is frequently associated with intraspecific coat colour variation in
      vertebrates, but it has been far harder to demonstrate that this locus is
      involved in adaptive interspecific colour differences. Here, we investigate the
      contribution of the MC1R gene to the colour diversity found in toucans
      (Ramphastidae). We found divergent selection on MC1R in the clade represented by
      the genus Ramphastos and that this coincided with the evolution of darker plumage
      in members of this genus. Using phylogenetically corrected correlations, we show
      significant and specific relationships between the rate of nonsynonymous change
      in MC1R (dN) and plumage darkness across Ramphastidae, and also between the rate
      of functionally significant amino acid changes in MC1R and plumage darkness.
      Furthermore, three of the seven amino acid changes in MC1R that occurred in the
      ancestral Ramphastos branch are associated with melanism in other birds. Taken
      together, our results suggest that the dark colour of Ramphastos toucans was
      related to nonsynonymous substitutions in MC1R that may have been subject to
      positive selection or to a relaxation of selective pressure. These results also
      demonstrate a quantitative relationship between gene and phenotype evolution,
      representing an example of how MC1R molecular evolution may affect macroevolution
      of plumage phenotypes.

PMID- 27654326
TI  - Moderate to vigorous physical activity, not sedentary time, is associated with
      total and regional adiposity in a sample of UK adults at risk of type 2 diabetes.
AB  - How sedentary time (ST) relates to total and regional adiposity and whether these
      associations are independent of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity
      (MVPA) are of clinical and public health interest. We assessed the relationship
      between objectively measured MVPA, ST and ST breaks in adults at risk of type 2
      diabetes. The sample consisted of 163 adults (37-75 years) recruited from primary
      care. Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (iDXA, GE Corp) was used to estimate total
      and regional (appendages and trunk) fat mass as well as fat mass in the abdominal
      (android) and hip/thigh (gynoid) regions. The Actigraph GT3X was worn for 7 days
      (participants with  ?4 valid days included herein) and published cut-points were
      applied to 15 s epoch data to estimate mean MVPA, ST and breaks in ST. Multiple
      regression investigated associations between both ST and MVPA with total and
      regional adiposity without and with adjustment for known and potential
      confounders (including total lean mass) and for each other. MVPA was negatively
      and significantly associated with total (b  =  -62; p  =  0.002), and regional (p
      <  0.05) adiposity before and after adjusting for confounders including ST.
      Although ST was positively and significantly associated with total (b  =  46.4; p
      =  0.002) and regional adiposity (all p  ?  0.007), these relationships
      disappeared after adjustment for MVPA (p  >  0.05). Sedentary breaks were not
      significantly related to adiposity before or after adjustment. An age-by-MVPA
      interaction for total, android, gynoid and trunk fat revealed that MVPA did not
      remain significant when controlling for ST and other covariates in the adults
      over 65 years old. In this sample of adults at risk of type 2 diabetes, MVPA, and
      not ST, was associated with total and regional adiposity after adjustment for
      each other. However, in older adults at risk of T2D weight related benefits may
      be gained from reducing daily ST and increasing MVPA.

PMID- 27654327
TI  - Impact of telephone nursing education program for equity in healthcare.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Swedish Healthcare Act prescribes that healthcare should be
      provided according to needs and with respect for each person's human dignity. The
      goal is equity in health for the whole population. In spite of this, studies have
      revealed that Swedish healthcare is not always provided equally. This has also
      been observed in telephone nursing. Therefore, the aim of the present study was
      to investigate if and how an educational intervention can improve awareness of
      equity in healthcare among telephone nurses. METHODS: The study had a quasi
      experimental design, with one intervention group and one control group. A base
      line measurement was performed before an educational intervention and a follow-up
      measurement was made afterwards in both groups, using a study specific
      questionnaire in which fictive persons of different age, gender and ethnicity
      were assessed concerning, e.g., power over one's own life, quality of life and
      experience of discrimination. The educational intervention consisted of a web
      based lecture, literature and a seminar, covering aspects of inequality in
      healthcare related to gender, age and ethnicity, and gender and intersectionality
      theories as explaining models for these conditions. RESULTS: The results showed
      few significant differences before and after the intervention in the intervention
      group. Also in the control group few significant differences were found in the
      second measurement, although no intervention was performed in that group. The
      reason might be that the instrument used was not sensitive enough to pick up an
      expected raised awareness of equity in healthcare, or that solely the act of
      filling out the questionnaire can create a sort of intervention effect. Fictive
      persons born in Sweden and of young age were assessed to have a higher Good life
      index than the fictive persons born outside Europe and of higher age in all
      assessments. CONCLUSION: The results are an imperative that equity in healthcare
      still needs to be educated and discussed in different healthcare settings. The
      intervention and questionnaire were designed to fit telephone nurses, but could
      easily be adjusted to suit other professional groups, who need to increase their
      awareness of equity in healthcare.

PMID- 27654328
TI  - Pre- and undiagnosed-hypertension in urban Chinese adults: a population-based
      cross-sectional study.
AB  - Hypertension is common in adults and often undiagnosed, and the prevalence of pre
      and undiagnosed-hypertension remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the
      prevalence of pre- and undiagnosed-hypertension and their correlates among urban
      Chinese adults. A total of 7435 participants aged 20-79 were included in this
      study. Data on demographics, lifestyle and medical history were collected through
      a structured interview. Pre- and undiagnosed-hypertension was defined as systolic
      blood pressure/ diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP) of 120-139/80-89 mm Hg and
      SBP?140 mm Hg and/or DBP?90 mm Hg, respectively, in participants without a
      history of hypertension and use of antihypertensive medication. Prevalence rates
      were calculated and standardized using local age- and gender-specific census
      data. Data were analysed using multinomial logistic regression with adjustment
      for potential confounders. Of all the participants, 2726 (36.7%) were diagnosed
      with pre-hypertension and 919 (12.3%) with undiagnosed-hypertension. Undiagnosed
      hypertension accounted for 37.3% of all participants with hypertension. The
      prevalence of pre-hypertension gradually decreased with age, while undiagnosed
      hypertension increased, although presenting different changing patterns among men
      and women. In a fully adjusted multinomial logistic regression, age, male sex,
      low socio-economic status (SES), abdominal obesity, alcohol drinking, physical
      inactivity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were significantly associated with
      increased odds of pre- and undiagnosed-hypertension. In conclusions, the
      prevalence of pre- and undiagnosed-hypertension was ~50% among urban Chinese
      adults. Abdominal obesity, low SES, alcohol drinking, physical inactivity and
      T2DM may be indicators for pre- and undiagnosed-hypertension.

PMID- 27654329
TI  - Effects of blueberry supplementation on blood pressure: a systematic review and
      meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
AB  - Blueberries belong to the genus Vaccinium of the family Ericaceae. A series of
      epidemiological studies have demonstrated that blueberry polyphenols,
      particularly blueberry anthocyanins provide significant beneficial effects for
      humans. However, the findings of clinical studies have been equivocal. Therefore,
      we sought to assess the potential anti-hypertensive effects of blueberry
      supplementation through a meta-analysis of available randomized controlled trials
      (RCTs). A comprehensive literature search of PubMed, The Cochrane Library, AMED
      (Allied and Complementary Medicine Database), Embase, Web of Science, Wanfang
      Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure were performed to identify
      potential studies published before June 2015. The standardized mean difference
      and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used as summary statistics. Net changes in
      systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) between the
      blueberry and placebo groups were calculated by subtracting the values at the end
      of follow-up from those at baseline. Meta-regression was used to identify
      potential moderators of effect size. Six RCT studies with 204 participants were
      included in our meta-analysis. There was no significant effect of blueberry
      supplementation on changes in blood pressure (BP) relative to baseline, and there
      was a mean difference of -0.28 (95% CI: -1.11 to 0.56, I2=87%) and -0.5 (95% CI: 
      1.24 to 0.24, I2=84%) mmHg for SBP and DBP, respectively. In summary, the results
      from this meta-analysis do not favor any clinical efficacy of blueberry
      supplementation in improving BP. Further well-designed larger RCTs are required
      to verify the association between blueberry supplementation and BP.

PMID- 27654330
TI  - Eye-Gaze Analysis of Facial Emotion Recognition and Expression in Adolescents
      with ASD.
AB  - Impaired emotion recognition and expression in individuals with autism spectrum
      disorder (ASD) may contribute to observed social impairment. The aim of this
      study was to examine the role of visual attention directed toward nonsocial
      aspects of a scene as a possible mechanism underlying recognition and expressive
      ability deficiency in ASD. One recognition and two expression tasks were
      administered. Recognition was assessed in force-choice paradigm, and expression
      was assessed during scripted and free-choice response (in response to emotional
      stimuli) tasks in youth with ASD (n = 20) and an age-matched sample of typically
      developing youth (n = 20). During stimulus presentation prior to response in each
      task, participants' eye gaze was tracked. Youth with ASD were less accurate at
      identifying disgust and sadness in the recognition task. They fixated less to the
      eye region of stimuli showing surprise. A group difference was found during the
      free-choice response task, such that those with ASD expressed emotion less
      clearly but not during the scripted task. Results suggest altered eye gaze to the
      mouth region but not the eye region as a candidate mechanism for decreased
      ability to recognize or express emotion. Findings inform our understanding of the
      association between social attention and emotion recognition and expression
      deficits.

PMID- 27654332
TI  - Antibiotics: where to throw the spanner in the ribosomal machinery?
AB  - The sheer molecular scale of the ribosome is intimidating to the traditional drug
      designer. By analyzing the ribosome as a series of 12 key target sites, this
      review seeks to make the ribosome ligand design process more manageable. Analysis
      of recently evaluated ribosomal structures, particularly those with bound
      antibiotics, indicates where the ligand target sites are located. This review
      employs current research data to map antibiotic binding across the ribosome. A
      number of neighboring ligand-binding sites are often contiguous and can be
      combined. Ligands that bind in close proximity can be combined into hybrid
      structures. The different ways antibiotics disrupt ribosomal function are also
      discussed. Antibiotics tend to inhibit conformational changes that are essential
      to the ribosomal mechanism.

PMID- 27654333
TI  - Stabilization of Paclitaxel-Conjugated Micelles by Cross-Linking with Cystamine
      Compromises the Antitumor Effects against Two- and Three-Dimensional Tumor
      Cellular Models.
AB  - Paclitaxel (PTX)-conjugated micelles provide a promising tool for the treatment
      of prostate cancer. Core cross-linking by incorporating a disulfide bridge is a
      useful approach to improving the in vivo stability of polymeric micelles. This
      paper aims to investigate the effects of different degrees of cross-linking on
      the antitumor efficacy of micelles formed by poly(ethylene glycol methyl ether
      acrylate)-b-poly(carboxyethyl acrylate) (POEGMEA-b-PCEA-PTX) block copolymer.
      Both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) in vitro prostate tumor cell
      models were used to evaluate the un-cross-linked and cross-linked micelles. The
      cytotoxicity decreased with an increase in the degree of cross-linking upon being
      tested with 2D cultured cells, and all micelles remained less cytotoxic than free
      PTX. In the 3D prostate MCTS model, however, there was no statistical difference
      between the performance of un-cross-linked micelles and free PTX, while
      increasing cross-linking densities led to significantly relevant decreases in the
      antitumor efficacy of micelles. These results are contradictory to our previous
      research using an irreversible cross-linker (1,8-diaminooctane) to stabilize
      POEGMEA-b-PCEA-PTX conjugate micelles where it was shown that cross-linking
      accelerates and improves the effects of the micelles when compared to those of un
      cross-linked micelles. Further studies that aim to investigate the underlying
      mechanisms of disulfide bonds when micelles are internalized into cells are
      desired.

PMID- 27654331
TI  - The application of transcriptomic data in the authentication of beef derived from
      contrasting production systems.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Differences between cattle production systems can influence the
      nutritional and sensory characteristics of beef, in particular its fatty acid
      (FA) composition. As beef products derived from pasture-based systems can demand
      a higher premium from consumers, there is a need to understand the biological
      characteristics of pasture produced meat and subsequently to develop methods of
      authentication for these products. Here, we describe an approach to
      authentication that focuses on differences in the transcriptomic profile of
      muscle from animals finished in different systems of production of practical
      relevance to the Irish beef industry. The objectives of this study were to
      identify a panel of differentially expressed (DE) genes/networks in the muscle of
      cattle raised outdoors on pasture compared to animals raised indoors on a
      concentrate based diet and to subsequently identify an optimum panel which can
      classify the meat based on a production system. RESULTS: A comparison of the
      muscle transcriptome of outdoor/pasture-fed and Indoor/concentrate-fed cattle
      resulted in the identification of 26 DE genes. Functional analysis of these genes
      identified two significant networks (1: Energy Production, Lipid Metabolism,
      Small Molecule Biochemistry; and 2: Lipid Metabolism, Molecular Transport, Small
      Molecule Biochemistry), both of which are involved in FA metabolism. The
      expression of selected up-regulated genes in the outdoor/pasture-fed animals
      correlated positively with the total n-3 FA content of the muscle. The pathway
      and network analysis of the DE genes indicate that peroxisome proliferator
      activated receptor (PPAR) and FYN/AMPK could be implicit in the regulation of
      these alterations to the lipid profile. In terms of authentication, the
      expression profile of three DE genes (ALAD, EIF4EBP1 and NPNT) could almost
      completely separate the samples based on production system (95 % authentication
      for animals on pasture-based and 100 % for animals on concentrate- based diet) in
      this context. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of DE genes between muscle of the
      outdoor/pasture-fed and concentrate-fed cattle were related to lipid metabolism
      and in particular beta-oxidation. In this experiment the combined expression
      profiles of ALAD, EIF4EBP1 and NPNT were optimal in classifying the muscle
      transcriptome based on production system. Given the overall lack of comparable
      studies and variable concordance with those that do exist, the use of
      transcriptomic data in authenticating production systems requires more
      exploration across a range of contexts and breeds.

PMID- 27654335
TI  - Assessment of Microbiological Diagnosis of Active Pulmonary Tuberculosis: Culture
      on Liquid Medium with or without Solid Medium.

PMID- 27654334
TI  - Clinical Utility of On-Demand Multiplex Respiratory Pathogen Testing among Adult
      Outpatients.
AB  - Multiplex tests for respiratory tract infections include up to 20 targets for
      common pathogens, predominantly viruses. A specific therapeutic intervention is
      available for individuals testing positive for influenza viruses (oseltamivir),
      and it is potentially beneficial to identify non-influenza viruses to avoid
      unnecessary antibiotic use. We evaluated antimicrobial prescriptions following
      respiratory pathogen testing among outpatients at a large Veterans Administration
      (VA) medical center. Results of the FilmArray respiratory panel (BioFire, Salt
      Lake City, UT) from 15 December 2014 to 15 April 2015 were evaluated among 408
      outpatients, and patient medical records were reviewed. Differences in antibiotic
      and oseltamivir prescription rates were analyzed. Among 408 patients tested in
      outpatient centers (emergency departments, urgent care clinics, and outpatient
      clinics), 295 (72.3%) were managed as outpatients. Among these 295 outpatients,
      105 (35.6%) tested positive for influenza virus, 109 (36.9%) tested positive for
      a non-influenza virus pathogen, and 81 (27.5%) had no respiratory pathogen
      detected. Rates of oseltamivir and antibiotic prescriptions were significantly
      different among the three test groups (chi-squared values of 167.6 [P < 0.0001]
      and 10.48 [P = 0.005], respectively), but there was no significant difference in
      antibiotic prescription rates between the non-influenza virus pathogen group and
      those who tested negative (chi-square value, 0; P = 1.0). Among adult
      outpatients, testing positive for influenza virus was associated with receiving
      fewer antibiotic prescriptions, but no such effect was seen for those who tested
      positive for a non-influenza virus. These data suggest that testing for influenza
      viruses alone may be sufficient and more cost-effective than multiplex pathogen
      testing for outpatients.

PMID- 27654336
TI  - Burkholderia pseudomallei: Challenges for the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory.
AB  - Melioidosis is a potentially fatal infection caused by the bacterium Burkholderia
      pseudomallei Clinical diagnosis of melioidosis can be challenging since there is
      no pathognomonic clinical syndrome, and the organism is often misidentified by
      methods used routinely in clinical laboratories. Although the disease is more
      prevalent in Thailand and northern Australia, sporadic cases may be encountered
      in areas where it is not endemic, including the United States. Since the organism
      is considered a tier 1 select agent according to the Centers for Disease Control
      and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health
      Inspection Service, clinical laboratories must be proficient at rapidly
      recognizing isolates suspicious for B. pseudomallei, be able to safely perform
      necessary rule-out tests, and to refer suspect isolates to Laboratory Response
      Network reference laboratories. In this minireview, we report a case of
      melioidosis encountered at our institution and discuss the laboratory challenges
      encountered when dealing with clinical isolates suspicious for B. pseudomallei or
      clinical specimens from suspected melioidosis cases.

PMID- 27654337
TI  - A Multilaboratory, Multicountry Study To Determine Bedaquiline MIC Quality
      Control Ranges for Phenotypic Drug Susceptibility Testing.
AB  - The aim of this study was to establish standardized drug susceptibility testing
      (DST) methodologies and reference MIC quality control (QC) ranges for
      bedaquiline, a diarylquinoline antimycobacterial, used in the treatment of adults
      with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. Two tier-2 QC reproducibility studies of
      bedaquiline DST were conducted in eight laboratories using Clinical Laboratory
      and Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Agar dilution and broth microdilution
      methods were evaluated. Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv was used as the QC
      reference strain. Bedaquiline MIC frequency, mode, and geometric mean were
      calculated. When resulting data occurred outside predefined CLSI criteria, the
      entire laboratory data set was excluded. For the agar dilution MIC, a 4-dilution
      QC range (0.015 to 0.12 MUg/ml) centered around the geometric mean included 95.8%
      (7H10 agar dilution; 204/213 observations with one data set excluded) or 95.9%
      (7H11 agar dilution; 232/242) of bedaquiline MICs. For the 7H9 broth
      microdilution MIC, a 3-dilution QC range (0.015 to 0.06 MUg/ml) centered around
      the mode included 98.1% (207/211, with one data set excluded) of bedaquiline
      MICs. Microbiological equivalence was demonstrated for bedaquiline MICs
      determined using 7H10 agar and 7H11 agar but not for bedaquiline MICs determined
      using 7H9 broth and 7H10 agar or 7H9 broth and 7H11 agar. Bedaquiline DST
      methodologies and MIC QC ranges against the H37Rv M. tuberculosis reference
      strain have been established: 0.015 to 0.12 MUg/ml for the 7H10 and 7H11 agar
      dilution MICs and 0.015 to 0.06 MUg/ml for the 7H9 broth microdilution MIC. These
      methodologies and QC ranges will be submitted to CLSI and EUCAST to inform future
      research and provide guidance for routine clinical bedaquiline DST in
      laboratories worldwide.

PMID- 27654338
TI  - A Multilaboratory, Multicountry Study To Determine MIC Quality Control Ranges for
      Phenotypic Drug Susceptibility Testing of Selected First-Line Antituberculosis
      Drugs, Second-Line Injectables, Fluoroquinolones, Clofazimine, and Linezolid.
AB  - Our objective was to establish reference MIC quality control (QC) ranges for drug
      susceptibility testing of antimycobacterials, including first-line agents, second
      line injectables, fluoroquinolones, and World Health Organization category 5
      drugs for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis using a 7H9 broth microdilution MIC
      method. A tier-2 reproducibility study was conducted in eight participating
      laboratories using Clinical Laboratory and Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines.
      Three lots of custom-made frozen 96-well polystyrene microtiter plates were used
      and prepared with 2* prediluted drugs in 7H9 broth-oleic acid albumin dextrose
      catalase. The QC reference strain was Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv. MIC
      frequency, mode, and geometric mean were calculated for each drug. QC ranges were
      derived based on predefined, strict CLSI criteria. Any data lying outside CLSI
      criteria resulted in exclusion of the entire laboratory data set. Data from one
      laboratory were excluded due to higher MIC values than other laboratories. QC
      ranges were established for 11 drugs: isoniazid (0.03 to 0.12 MUg/ml), rifampin
      (0.03 to 0.25 MUg/ml), ethambutol (0.25 to 2 MUg/ml), levofloxacin (0.12 to 1
      MUg/ml), moxifloxacin (0.06 to 0.5 MUg/ml), ofloxacin (0.25 to 2 MUg/ml),
      amikacin (0.25 to 2 MUg/ml), kanamycin (0.25 to 2 MUg/ml), capreomycin (0.5 to 4
      MUg/ml), linezolid (0.25 to 2 MUg/ml), and clofazimine (0.03 to 0.25 MUg/ml). QC
      ranges could not be established for nicotinamide (pyrazinamide surrogate),
      prothionamide, or ethionamide, which were assay nonperformers. Using strict CLSI
      criteria, QC ranges against the M. tuberculosis H37Rv reference strain were
      established for the majority of commonly used antituberculosis drugs, with a
      convenient 7H9 broth microdilution MIC method suitable for use in resource
      limited settings.

PMID- 27654339
TI  - High intraspecies heterogeneity within Staphylococcus sciuri and rejection of its
      classification into S. sciuri subsp. sciuri, S. sciuri subsp. carnaticus and S.
      sciuri subsp. rodentium.
AB  - A polyphasic taxonomic approach was applied to strains of the species
      Staphylococcus sciuri in order to clarify the taxonomic legitimacy of the
      delineation of S. sciuri into S. sciurisubsp.sciuri, S. sciurisubsp.carnaticus
      and S. sciurisubsp.rodentium. A group of 81 S. sciuri isolates obtained from
      human (n=62) and veterinary (n=17) clinical materials and foods (n=2) and ten
      reference and type strains obtained from the Czech Collection of Microorganisms
      were characterized by extensive biotyping using conventional tests and commercial
      identification kits (ID 32 Staph, STAPHYtest, Biolog Microbial ID System), matrix
      assisted laser-desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, automated
      ribotyping with EcoRI restriction enzyme, 16S-23S rRNA gene intergenic
      transcribed spacer PCR fingerprinting and repetitive sequence-based PCR
      fingerprinting with the (GTG)5 primer. Selected strains representing different
      ribotypes were further characterized using sequencing of the beta-subunit of RNA
      polymerase (rpoB) gene. Individual techniques revealed high heterogeneity within
      the analysed S. sciuri strains but differentiation of the investigated strains
      into groups corresponding to the aforementioned S. sciuri subspecies and
      supported by these techniques was not clearly revealed. Based on obtained results
      and data retrieved from literature we propose rejecting the separation of S.
      sciuri species into S. sciurisubsp.sciuri, S. sciurisubsp.carnaticus and S.
      sciurisubsp.rodentium and we suggest reclassification these subspecies as S.
      sciuri with the type strain W.E. Kloos SC 116T (=ATCC 29062T=BCRC 12927T=CCM
      3473T=CCUG 15598T=CNCTC 5683T=DSM 20345T=JCM 2425T=NCTC 12103T).

PMID- 27654340
TI  - GRADE Methods for Guideline Development: Time to Evolve?

PMID- 27654341
TI  - Pain in the body. Altered interoception in chronic pain conditions: A systematic
      review.
AB  - Interoception is the sense of the physiological condition of the body. Modern
      definitions differentiated three separated sub-constructs: accuracy (IAc), i.e.,
      the ability to detect physiological states, sensibility (IAs), i.e., a self
      evaluated measure of interoception, and awareness (IAw) i.e., a metacognitive
      awareness of the accuracy. Preliminary researches correlated pain with
      alterations in the interoceptive matrix albeit, to the best of our knowledge,
      interoceptive alterations in chronic pain conditions have never been studied
      systematically. We searched for studies that assessed interoception in subjects
      with chronic pain and compared it to healthy population. Eleven studies were
      included among different chronic pain conditions. Results suggested that chronic
      pain subjects might present low IAc and, allegedly, that IAc negatively
      correlates with symptoms severity in specific disorders. Data were inconclusive
      for IAs and IAw. The high risk of bias across multiple dimensions suggests to
      consider these conclusions with cautions. Nonetheless, deficits in interoceptive
      processes indicate a promising path for new form of therapies, and they require
      further attention and a more defined line of research.

PMID- 27654342
TI  - Junior doctors' strikes: BMA responds to your questions.

PMID- 27654343
TI  - Psychometric Evaluation of an Adolescent and Young Adult Module of the Impact of
      Cancer Instrument.
AB  - PURPOSE: To develop and evaluate a new instrument that measures unique aspects of
      long-term survivorship for people diagnosed with cancer as Adolescent and Young
      Adult (AYA), not measured by existing tools. METHODS: A new candidate instrument
      the Impact of Cancer for Adolescent and Young Adult (IOC-AYA) cancer survivors
      was developed and administered to AYA cancer survivors aged 18-35 years who were
      15-29 years old when diagnosed with cancer. Psychometric properties of newly
      derived scales were assessed. RESULTS: Factor analyses of items derived seven new
      and specific subscales: Social Life; Uncertainties, Worries and Wonders;
      Cognitive Function; Sense of Purpose/Life Goals; Identity; Health Behaviors; and
      Health Literacy. Two separate and conditional subscales were formed: Relationship
      Concerns (partnered/unpartnered) and Having Children (at least one child/no
      children). Internal consistency measurements for these subscales ranged from 0.70
      to 0.90. Expected associations within and among IOC-AYA subscales and
      standardized measures of quality of life were observed. CONCLUSION: Psychometric
      analyses indicated that this initial version of the IOC-AYA measures distinct and
      relevant constructs for survivors diagnosed with cancer in adolescence and young
      adulthood. Future work is needed to confirm the responsiveness to change and
      further validate the instrument in multiple and representative samples. Use of
      the IOC-AYA instrument in research and clinical practice will inform the
      development of psychosocial and supportive care interventions that not only
      minimize or prevent long-term deleterious effects of cancer but also promote
      positive adaptation, resilience, and the achievement of age-specific
      developmental tasks.

PMID- 27654345
TI  - A shape tailored gold-conductive polymer nanocomposite as a transparent electrode
      with extraordinary insensitivity to volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
AB  - In this study, the transparent conducting polymer of poly (3,4
      ethylenendioxythiophene): poly(styrene sulphonate) (PEDOT:PSS) was nanohybridized
      via inclusion of gold nanofillers including nanospheres (NSs) and nanorods (NRs).
      Such nanocomposite thin films offer not only more optimum conductivity than the
      pristine polymer but also excellent resistivity against volatile organic
      compounds (VOCs). Interestingly, such amazing properties are achieved in the
      diluted regimes of the nanofillers and depend on the characteristics of the
      interfacial region of the polymer and nanofillers, i.e. the aspect ratio of the
      latter component. Accordingly, a shape dependent response is made that is more
      desirable in case of using the Au nanorods with a much larger aspect ratio than
      their nanosphere counterparts. This transparent nanocomposite thin film with an
      optimized conductivity and very low sensitivity to organic gases is undoubtedly a
      promising candidate material for the touch screen panel production industry.
      Considering PEDOT as a known material for integrated electrodes in energy saving
      applications, we believe that our strategy might be an important progress in the
      field.

PMID- 27654344
TI  - Point-of-Care Hemostatic Testing in Cardiac Surgery: A Stepped-Wedge Clustered
      Randomized Controlled Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiac surgery is frequently complicated by coagulopathic bleeding
      that is difficult to optimally manage using standard hemostatic testing. We
      hypothesized that point-of-care hemostatic testing within the context of an
      integrated transfusion algorithm would improve the management of coagulopathy in
      cardiac surgery and thereby reduce blood transfusions. METHODS: We conducted a
      pragmatic multicenter stepped-wedge cluster randomized controlled trial of a
      point-of-care-based transfusion algorithm in consecutive patients undergoing
      cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass at 12 hospitals from October 6, 2014,
      to May 1, 2015. Following a 1-month data collection at all participating
      hospitals, a transfusion algorithm incorporating point-of-care hemostatic testing
      was sequentially implemented at 2 hospitals at a time in 1-month intervals, with
      the implementation order randomly assigned. No other aspects of care were
      modified. The primary outcome was red blood cell transfusion from surgery to
      postoperative day 7. Other outcomes included transfusion of other blood products,
      major bleeding, and major complications. The analysis adjusted for secular time
      trends, within-hospital clustering, and patient-level risk factors. All outcomes
      and analyses were prespecified before study initiation. RESULTS: Among the 7402
      patients studied, 3555 underwent surgery during the control phase and 3847 during
      the intervention phase. Overall, 3329 (45.0%) received red blood cells, 1863
      (25.2%) received platelets, 1645 (22.2%) received plasma, and 394 (5.3%) received
      cryoprecipitate. Major bleeding occurred in 1773 (24.1%) patients, and major
      complications occurred in 740 (10.2%) patients. The trial intervention reduced
      rates of red blood cell transfusion (adjusted relative risk, 0.91; 95% confidence
      interval, 0.85-0.98; P=0.02; number needed to treat, 24.7), platelet transfusion
      (relative risk, 0.77; 95% confidence interval, 0.68-0.87; P<0.001; number needed
      to treat, 16.7), and major bleeding (relative risk, 0.83; 95% confidence
      interval, 0.72-0.94; P=0.004; number needed to treat, 22.6), but had no effect on
      other blood product transfusions or major complications. CONCLUSIONS:
      Implementation of point-of-care hemostatic testing within the context of an
      integrated transfusion algorithm reduces red blood cell transfusions, platelet
      transfusions, and major bleeding following cardiac surgery. Our findings support
      the broader adoption of point-of-care hemostatic testing into clinical practice.
      CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique
      identifier: NCT02200419.

PMID- 27654346
TI  - Contrasting diets reveal metabolic plasticity in the tree-killing beetle,
      Anoplophora glabripennis (Cerambycidae: Lamiinae).
AB  - Wood-feeding insects encounter challenging diets containing low protein
      quantities, recalcitrant carbohydrate sources, and plant defensive compounds. The
      Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) is a wood-feeding insect that
      attacks and kills a diversity of hardwood tree species. We compared gene
      expression of midguts collected from larvae feeding in a preferred tree, sugar
      maple, to those consuming a nutrient-rich artificial diet, to identify genes
      putatively involved in host plant utilization. Anoplophora glabripennis larvae
      exhibited differential expression of ~3600 genes in response to different diets.
      Genes with predicted capacity for plant and microbial carbohydrate usage,
      detoxification, nutrient recycling, and immune-related genes relevant for
      facilitating interactions with microbial symbionts were upregulated in wood
      feeding larvae compared to larvae feeding in artificial diet. Upregulation of
      genes involved in protein degradation and synthesis was also observed, suggesting
      that proteins incur more rapid turnover in insects consuming wood. Additionally,
      wood-feeding individuals exhibited elevated expression of several mitochondrial
      cytochrome C oxidase genes, suggesting increased aerobic respiration compared to
      diet-fed larvae. These results indicate that A. glabripennis modulates digestive
      and basal gene expression when larvae are feeding in a nutrient-poor, yet
      suitable host plant compared to a tractable and nutrient-rich diet that is free
      of plant defensive compounds.

PMID- 27654347
TI  - Spheroidal Organoids Reproduce Characteristics of Longitudinal Depth Zones in
      Bovine Articular Cartilage.
AB  - Articular cartilage has multiple histologically distinct longitudinal depth
      zones. Development and pathogenesis occur throughout these zones. Cartilage
      explants, monolayer cell culture and reconstituted 3-dimensional cell constructs
      have been used for investigating mechanisms of pathophysiology in articular
      cartilage. Such models have been insufficient to reproduce zone-dependent
      cellular characteristics and extracellular matrix (ECM) upon investigation into
      cartilage development and pathogenesis. Therefore, we defined a chondrocyte
      spheroid model consistently formed with isolated chondrocytes from longitudinal
      depth zones without extrinsic materials. This spheroid showed zone-dependent
      characteristics of size, cartilage-specific ECM (collagen types I and II,
      aggrecan and keratan sulfate) and gene expressions of anabolic and catabolic
      molecules (matrix molecules and matrix metalloproteinase-13). In addition, the
      spheroid model is small enough to maintain the viability of cells and point
      symmetry to analyze the gradient of diffusive molecules. This spheroid organoid
      model will be useful to elucidate the mechanism of histogenesis and pathogenesis
      in articular cartilage.

PMID- 27654349
TI  - The origin of neutron biological effectiveness as a function of energy.
AB  - The understanding of the impact of radiation quality in early and late responses
      of biological targets to ionizing radiation exposure necessarily grounds on the
      results of mechanistic studies starting from physical interactions. This is
      particularly true when, already at the physical stage, the radiation field is
      mixed, as it is the case for neutron exposure. Neutron Relative Biological
      Effectiveness (RBE) is energy dependent, maximal for energies ~1 MeV, varying
      significantly among different experiments. The aim of this work is to shed light
      on neutron biological effectiveness as a function of field characteristics, with
      a comprehensive modeling approach: this brings together transport calculations of
      neutrons through matter (with the code PHITS) and the predictive power of the
      biophysical track structure code PARTRAC in terms of DNA damage evaluation. Two
      different energy dependent neutron RBE models are proposed: the first is
      phenomenological and based only on the characterization of linear energy transfer
      on a microscopic scale; the second is purely ab-initio and based on the induction
      of complex DNA damage. Results for the two models are compared and found in good
      qualitative agreement with current standards for radiation protection factors,
      which are agreed upon on the basis of RBE data.

PMID- 27654348
TI  - The temporally controlled expression of Drongo, the fruit fly homolog of AGFG1,
      is achieved in female germline cells via P-bodies and its localization requires
      functional Rab11.
AB  - To achieve proper RNA transport and localization, RNA viruses exploit cellular
      vesicular trafficking pathways. AGFG1, a host protein essential for HIV-1 and
      Influenza A replication, has been shown to mediate release of intron-containing
      viral RNAs from the perinuclear region. It is still unknown what its precise role
      in this release is, or whether AGFG1 also participates in cytoplasmic transport.
      We report for the first time the expression patterns during oogenesis for Drongo,
      the fruit fly homolog of AGFG1. We find that temporally controlled Drongo
      expression is achieved by translational repression of drongo mRNA within P
      bodies. Here we show a first link between the recycling endosome pathway and
      Drongo, and find that proper Drongo localization at the oocyte's cortex during
      mid-oogenesis requires functional Rab11.

PMID- 27654350
TI  - A New Chronology for Rhafas, Northeast Morocco, Spanning the North African Middle
      Stone Age through to the Neolithic.
AB  - Archaeological sites in northern Africa provide a rich record of increasing
      importance for the origins of modern human behaviour and for understanding human
      dispersal out of Africa. However, the timing and nature of Palaeolithic human
      behaviour and dispersal across north-western Africa (the Maghreb), and their
      relationship to local environmental conditions, remain poorly understood. The
      cave of Rhafas (northeast Morocco) provides valuable chronological information
      about cultural changes in the Maghreb during the Palaeolithic due to its long
      stratified archaeological sequence comprising Middle Stone Age (MSA), Later Stone
      Age (LSA) and Neolithic occupation layers. In this study, we apply optically
      stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating on sand-sized quartz grains to the cave
      deposits of Rhafas, as well as to a recently excavated section on the terrace in
      front of the cave entrance. We hereby provide a revised chronostratigraphy for
      the archaeological sequence at the site. We combine these results with geological
      and sedimentological multi-proxy investigations to gain insights into site
      formation processes and the palaeoenvironmental record of the region. The older
      sedimentological units at Rhafas were deposited between 135 ka and 57 ka (MIS 6 
      MIS 3) and are associated with the MSA technocomplex. Tanged pieces start to
      occur in the archaeological layers around 109 ka, which is consistent with
      previously published chronological data from the Maghreb. A well indurated
      duricrust indicates favourable climatic conditions for the pedogenic cementation
      by carbonates of sediment layers at the site after 57 ka. Overlying deposits
      attributed to the LSA technocomplex yield ages of ~21 ka and ~15 ka,
      corresponding to the last glacial period, and fall well within the previously
      established occupation phase in the Maghreb. The last occupation phase at Rhafas
      took place during the Neolithic and is dated to ~7.8 ka.

PMID- 27654352
TI  - Editorial.
AB  - SHOULD RAPISTS ever be restored to the register? Most people would say no.
      Indeed, over 90 per cent of nurses at this year's Royal College of Nursing
      Congress voted in favour of a resolution to ban nurses convicted of rape and
      other serious offences from nursing for life. The question is - do the proposals
      that the UKCC have devised and are most likely to be approved at this week's
      Council meeting go far enough in protecting patients and nursing's reputation?

PMID- 27654351
TI  - Corrigendum: Mammalian Mon2/Ysl2 regulates endosome-to-Golgi trafficking but
      possesses no guanine nucleotide exchange activity toward Arl1 GTPase.

PMID- 27654353
TI  - Proposed rules fall short of permanent ban on convicts.
AB  - NEW RULES drawn up after convicted rapist Yuen How Choy was restored to the
      nursing register will be considered by the UK Central Council (UKCC) this week.

PMID- 27654354
TI  - Opinion still split over composition of UKCC for next term of office.
AB  - The consultation exercise on the make up of the UKCC for its next term of office
      has brought no consensus on what the proportion of nurses, midwives and health
      visitors should be.

PMID- 27654355
TI  - Antenatal care row continues.
AB  - The UKCC's bid to clear up controversy over practice nurses giving antenatal care
      has failed to settle differences between nurses and midwives.

PMID- 27654356
TI  - Fury as second trust moves to a 'generic worker' scheme.
AB  - Nursing unions are furious at plans by a second NHS trust to use cleaners for
      nursing tasks.

PMID- 27654358
TI  - Inadequate information leads to baby milk scare.
AB  - Nursing unions have attacked the government for failing to give health
      practitioners and the public adequate information about whether some brands of
      baby milk formulae contain contarminants.

PMID- 27654357
TI  - ?
AB  - Bikini bare: TV presenter Toyah Wilcox with the bikini condom, once used in
      America and now just one of the items on display at the History of Contraception
      Museum, which opened in London last week. Other rare and unusual exhibits include
      crocodile dung, weasels' testicles and bones, a wooden pessary, and lucky charms,
      such as mules' ear wax and a bone taken from the right side of a totally black
      cat.

PMID- 27654359
TI  - It's time Gary the guide dog had his day, says College steward.
AB  - A nurse is calling for a guide dog to be made an honorary member of the Royal
      College of Nursing.

PMID- 27654362
TI  - Nominations requested for RCN posts.
AB  - Nominations for the next RCN president, deputy president and student member of
      Council are now being requested.

PMID- 27654360
TI  - Ancillaries to get pay rise denied to nurses.
AB  - Nurses at an Essex trust have been told they will get nothing to top up the 2 per
      cent national pay award, so that low pay among ancillary staff can be tackled.

PMID- 27654363
TI  - Extended roles need national standards.
AB  - NATIONAL STANDARDS and qualifications are urgently required for nurses in
      extended roles, the Association of Surgeons annual meeting was told.

PMID- 27654364
TI  - On the move.
AB  - Promotions / new appointments.

PMID- 27654365
TI  - Depressed older people not getting proper care.
AB  - A STUDY of older people receiving home care found almost half of them had a
      mental disorder and many were not getting appropriate treatment.

PMID- 27654367
TI  - US nurses help terminally ill patients to die.
AB  - ONE IN FIVE intensive care nurses in the United States have intentionally
      hastened the death of a terminally ill patient without telling the patient's
      doctor, says a report in The New England Journal of Medicine.

PMID- 27654366
TI  - ?
AB  - No sucker: Unison general secretary Rodney Bickerstaffe joined in at a
      celebration to mark the union's sponsorship of the National Jazz Youth Orchestra,
      which will receive L35,000 over the next three years.

PMID- 27654368
TI  - Government cuts funds for breast cancer screening in older women.
AB  - FUNDING FOR breast cancer screening for women over 65 was cut by 40 per cent last
      year, according to figures discovered by the chair of the parliamentary all-party
      breast cancer group.

PMID- 27654369
TI  - More cash to train paediatric ITU nurses.
AB  - HEALTH secretary Stephen Dorrell is to make an extra L2 million available to
      train children's nurses in intensive care in time for the expected peak in demand
      this winter.

PMID- 27654370
TI  - ?
AB  - Nurses from Bradford Royal Infirmary joined Geoff Thompson, the BBC TV Good
      Morning self defence expert, in a workshop to learn how to use self defence
      skills to deal with aggressive patients.

PMID- 27654371
TI  - Joining a gun club helped my son.
AB  - I would like to offer my views on guns, following Mike Lehane's article (Opinion
      May 15). At the age of 13 my son Martin was, like many teenagers, aggressive and
      difficult at home and school.

PMID- 27654372
TI  - A&E nurses best for emergency patients.
AB  - After reading the article,'Heart to heart' (Features May 15) I congratulate
      Andrew Mooraby and his colleagues for demonstrating how the nurse's role can be
      developed to enhance patient care.

PMID- 27654373
TI  - Legal responsibility for midwives.
AB  - In 'Do birthplans empower women? A study of their views' (Art & Science April
      24), Sooi-Ken Too states that in making a successful birthplan the woman 'retains
      autonomy for decision making and accepts responsibility for any decisions made'.

PMID- 27654374
TI  - Systematic reviews help practice.
AB  - The systematic review of the research on the preventative use of compression
      stockings by Dickson and her colleagues (Art & Science April 17) is to be
      welcomed. Nurses often do not have time to read the overwhelming amount of
      clinical research pertinent to their practice and this can detract from their
      ability to provide evidence- based health care. This article did much to
      demystify the analytic outcomes of recent research.

PMID- 27654375
TI  - Children have the right to play free from the perils of fouled parks and
      pavements.
AB  - I am so incensed by the report about the shortsighted view expressed by the RCN
      officer in Northern Ireland and her objection to the anti-dog fouling poster
      showing a boy squatting (News May 22). She's right about one tiling - it is an
      abuse of children, but only because they cannot play freely without getting dog
      muck on their shoes and on their hands They can't even tumble off their trikes
      without fear of dog excreta infecting a small graze. I applaud Lisburn council's
      poster. Sort out the real abuse of children and defend their right to play free
      of dog muck.

PMID- 27654376
TI  - Excellent service needs extra funding.
AB  - From reading the article 'Heart to heart', (Features May 15) it is apparent that
      this service is excellent. It was stated, however, that no cover is provided
      between 10pm and 7am, yet this is precisely the time when variation in circadian
      rhythms can prove responsible for chest pains and indeed acute myocardial
      infarction. Surely it is time extra funding was injected into this project and
      then perhaps other hospitals would adopt a similar response.

PMID- 27654377
TI  - The law and extended roles.
AB  - As someone working in practice development I have been involved in discussions
      regarding the use of the UKCC's Scope of Professional Practice and how it relates
      to certain aspects of midwifery practice. For example, topping up of epidurals
      and IV cannulation.

PMID- 27654378
TI  - ?
AB  - In October, the emergency admissions ward at Southampton general hospital is
      being moved to a new area and we are using the opportunity to re-think
      procedures. I have drawn up a short questionnaire consisting of yes and no
      answers concerning admission documentation and patients' length of stay. The
      questionnaire is already being piloted at one hospital. Would any trained staff
      working on an emergency admissions ward be willing to participate in our study?
      An SAE will be enclosed and information will be seen only by tine senior clinical
      nurses working on the unit. We hope to be able to publish some results of this
      survey later on.

PMID- 27654379
TI  - Sidelines.
AB  - Nurses with a flair for writing may have been tempted to combine their talents by
      becoming medical copywriters. But it would appear they would have no joy if they
      applied for a post at Lane, Earl & Cox, who describe themselves as 'one of the
      UK's leading healthcare advertising agencies, with a client list that's left the
      competition feeling pretty sick'. For their latest recruitment ad is headed 'Goat
      wanted for position of junior medical copywriter', and explains that a copy test
      will be set with the aim of separating the sheep from the goats. 'The goats will
      send back a copy test full of innovative, hard selling ideas and will be a
      pleasure to interview,' the ad concludes. 'The sheep will be sent a map of
      Wales.'

PMID- 27654380
TI  - Acting the scapegoat.
AB  - THE NATIONAL Health Service has seen the emergence of a new trend of 'customer
      relations', which has been accompanied by a rising number of complaints about its
      services.

PMID- 27654382
TI  - Readers Panel - A word for it.
AB  - Our experts consider a hot topic of the day.

PMID- 27654381
TI  - Divine intervention.
AB  - THE ROLE OF the hospital chaplain has had to change perhaps more them most in
      order to survive the NHS reforms. It is no longer enough to turn up on a ward
      beaming benignly, blessing everything that moves.

PMID- 27654383
TI  - The implementation and development of lecturer practitioner roles in nursing
      Judith Lathlean The implementation and development of lecturer practitioner roles
      in nursing Ashdale Press 205pp L12.95 1-870899-06-7 1870899067 [Formula: see
      text].
AB  - In these clays of innovation, there are frequently too many fashions which are
      not subjected to tire rigour of academic scrutiny. Judith Lathlean, a highly
      respected academic, has subjected one such innovation - that of
      lecturer/practitioner (LP) - to a longitudinal indepth ethnographic study over
      three years and she has produced a fascinating insight into evolving roles in an
      evolving profession.

PMID- 27654384
TI  - Bank on it?
AB  - Traditionally, nurses working on the bank have been seen as nonemployees or self
      employed in that they have not been afforded the same employment rights,
      including statutory lights, in such matters as unfair dismissal and redundancy.

PMID- 27654385
TI  - Soundbites.
AB  - Quotable quotes from the world of health.

PMID- 27654387
TI  - Nurses' use of nonnecessary touch.
AB  - When and why do nurses and older patients use spontaneous touch?

PMID- 27654386
TI  - Treatment for radiation enteritis.
AB  - Hyperbaric oxygen might be useful for treating intestinal radiation injury,
      German researchers say.

PMID- 27654388
TI  - Nurses' attitudes to people with IBS.
AB  - Nurses hold negative attitudes towards people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
      which can only be detrimental to a patient's treatment.

PMID- 27654389
TI  - Rheumatoid arthritis.

PMID- 27654390
TI  - Reply: Platelet noradrenaline uptake is unrelated to renal denervation.

PMID- 27654391
TI  - Reply: Platelet noradrenaline overload - cause of increased noradrenaline
      spillover in hypertension?

PMID- 27654392
TI  - Filarial nematode infection in eclectus parrots (Eclectus roratus) in Taiwan.
AB  - A total of 166 psittacines belonging to 22 species were received by the Animal
      Hospital of National Pingtung University of Science & Technology (NPUST) from
      2013 to 2015. Only eclectus parrots (Eclectus roratus) were identified as hosts
      for microfilariae. All eclectus parrots were adult birds and had been kept in
      Taiwan for more than three years. The relevance of filariae to eclectus parrots
      is evident as indicated by the 35.7% (5/14) infection rate. At necropsy, adult
      filarial nematodes 57-75 mm in length and 0.4-0.7 mm in width were found in the
      hepatic veins. The microfilariae were 170-230 MUm in length. Histopathological
      examination confirmed that eggs and larvae were observed in the ovaries and uteri
      of female filariae. These nematodes were closely related to an unidentified
      Filaria sp. (KJ612514.1) as indicated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis
      and phylogenetic analysis of nucleotide sequences from 18S ribosomal DNA gene
      (18S rDNA), mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COX1) gene, and
      internal transcribed spacers 1-5.8S ribosomal DNA gene (ITS 1-5.8S rDNA).
      However, structurally the filarial nematodes were similar to that of the
      Pelecitus sp. Eclectus parrot species are important pet birds and are highly
      traded, resulting in high uncertainty of the origin of the parasite infection.
      This study is the first of its kind to report the presence and potential impact
      of filarial nematode infection on eclectus parrots, suggesting parasite
      inspection prior to the international trade of these pet birds.

PMID- 27654393
TI  - Pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine-3-carboxamide hybrids: Design, synthesis and evaluation
      of anti-tubercular activity.
AB  - A series of pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine-3-carboxamide hybrids were designed and
      evaluated as novel anti-tubercular agents. The representative hybrid 7 exhibited
      promising in vitro activity against susceptive strain H37Rv and a panel of drug
      resistant Mtb strains with MIC values of 0.006 MUg/mL and ranged from 0.003 to
      0.014 MUg/mL, respectively. More importantly, the hybrid 7 also showed very low
      cytotoxicity, and could significantly reduce the mycobacterial burden in a mouse
      model infected with autoluminescent H37Ra strain, which may serve as a lead
      compound for further development of new anti-tubercular agents.

PMID- 27654394
TI  - Fluorescein hydrazones: A series of novel non-intercalative topoisomerase IIalpha
      catalytic inhibitors induce G1 arrest and apoptosis in breast and colon cancer
      cells.
AB  - Fluorescein hydrazones (5 and 7) were synthesized in three/four steps with 82-92%
      yields. All synthesized compounds were evaluated by topoisomerase I (topo I) and
      topoisomerase IIalpha (topo IIalpha)-mediated relaxation and cell viability
      assays. Among them, most of the compounds showed topo I & IIalpha inhibitory
      activity and nineteen compounds showed strong anti-proliferative activity against
      various cell lines. In brief, 5e inhibited 53% topo IIalpha (etoposide 29%) at 20
      MUM and showed excellent antiproliferative activity against DU145 (1.43 +/- 0.04
      MUM), HCT15 (2.4 +/- 0.03 MUM) and MCF7 (11.4 +/- 0.5 MUM) cell lines in
      comparison with adriamycin, etoposide, and camptothecin. Compounds 5e, 5g and 5h
      were further evaluated to determine their mode of action. Compounds 5e, 5g and 5h
      functioned as non-intercalative topo IIalpha catalytic inhibitor with induction
      of G1 arrest and activation of apoptotic proteins in dose-dependent manner.

PMID- 27654395
TI  - Discovery of new hit-molecules targeting Plasmodium falciparum through a global
      SAR study of the 4-substituted-2-trichloromethylquinazoline antiplasmodial
      scaffold.
AB  - From 4 antiplasmodial hit-molecules identified in 2-trichloromethylquinazoline
      series, we conducted a global Structure-Activity relationship (SAR) study
      involving 26 compounds and covering 5 molecular regions (I - V), aiming at
      defining the corresponding pharmacophore and identifying new bioactive
      derivatives. Thus, after studying the aniline moiety in detail, thienopyrimidine,
      quinoline and quinoxaline bio-isosters were synthesized and tested on the K1
      multi-resistant P. falciparum strain, along with a cytotoxicity evaluation on the
      human HepG2 cell line, to define selectivity indecies. SARs first showed that
      thienopyrimidines and quinolines were globally more cytotoxic, while quinoxaline
      analogs appeared as active as- and less cytotoxic than their quinazoline
      counterparts. Such pharmacomodulation in quinoxaline series not only provided a
      new antiplasmodial reference hit-molecule (IC50 = 0.4 MUM, selectivity index =
      100), but also highlighted an active (IC50 = 0.4 MUM) and quite selective (SI =
      265) synthesis intermediate.

PMID- 27654397
TI  - Predominant cause of prolonged low-frequency force depression changes during
      recovery after in situ fatiguing stimulation of rat fast-twitch muscle.
AB  - To investigate time-dependent changes in sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ release
      and myofibrillar (my-) Ca2+ sensitivity during recovery from prolonged low
      frequency force depression (PLFFD), rat gastrocnemius muscles were electrically
      stimulated in situ. After 0 h (R0), 0.5 h (R0.5), 2 h (R2), 6 h (R6), or 12 h of
      recovery, the superficial gastrocnemius muscles were excised and used for
      biochemical and skinned fiber analyses. At R0, R0.5, R2, and R6, the ratio of
      force at 1 Hz to that at 50 Hz was decreased in the skinned fibers. The ratio of
      depolarization-induced force to the maximum Ca2+-activated force (depol/Ca2+
      force ratio) was utilized as an indicator of SR Ca2+ release. At R0, both the
      depol/Ca2+ force ratio and my-Ca2+ sensitivity were decreased. At R0.5 and R2, my
      Ca2+ sensitivity was recovered, while the depol/Ca2+ force ratio remained
      depressed. At R6, my-Ca2+ sensitivity was decreased again, whereas the depol/Ca2+
      force ratio was nearly restored. Western blot analyses demonstrated that
      decreased my-Ca2+ sensitivity at R6 and reduced depol/Ca2+ force ratio at R0,
      R0.5, and R2 were accompanied by depressions in S-glutathionylated troponin I and
      increases in dephosphorylated ryanodine receptor 1, respectively. These results
      indicate that, in the early stage of recovery, reduced SR Ca2+ release plays a
      primary role in the etiology of PLFFD, whereas decreased my-Ca2+ sensitivity is
      involved in the late stage, and suggest that S-glutathionylation of troponin I
      and dephosphorylation of ryanodine receptor 1 contribute, at least partly, to
      fatiguing contraction-induced alterations in my-Ca2+ sensitivity and SR Ca2+
      release, respectively.

PMID- 27654398
TI  - Reduced compensatory responses to maintain central blood volume during
      hypovolemic stress in women with vasovagal syncope.
AB  - Although vasovagal syncope (VVS) is a common clinical condition, the underlying
      pathophysiology is not fully understood. A decrease in cardiac output has
      recently been suggested as a factor in orthostatic VVS. The aim was to
      investigate compensatory mechanisms to maintain central blood volume and venous
      return during hypovolemic stress in women with VVS. Fourteen VVS women (25.7 +/-
      5.0 yr) and 15 matched controls (22.8 +/- 3.2 yr) were investigated. Single-step
      and graded lower body negative pressure (LBNP) to presyncope were used to create
      hypovolemic stress. Peripheral mobilization of venous blood from the arm
      (capacitance response and net capillary fluid absorption) and lower limb blood
      pooling (calf capacitance response) were evaluated using a volumetric technique.
      Cardiovascular responses and plasma norepinephrine (P-NE) were measured. Resting
      P-NE was elevated in VVS women (P < 0.01). Despite a similar hypovolemic
      stimulus, the increase in P-NE was blunted (P < 0.01) and the maximal percent
      increase in total peripheral resistance was reduced (P < 0.05) during graded LBNP
      in VVS women. The arm capacitance response was slower (P < 0.05) and reduced in
      VVS women at higher levels of LBNP (P < 0.05). Capillary fluid absorption from
      extra- to intravascular space was reduced by ~40% in VVS women (P < 0.05).
      Accordingly, the reduction in cardiac output was more pronounced (P < 0.05). In
      conclusion, in VVS women, mobilization of peripheral venous blood and net fluid
      absorption from tissue to blood during hypovolemic stress were decreased partly
      as a result of an attenuated vasoconstrictor response. This may seriously impede
      maintenance of cardiac output during hypovolemic stress and could contribute to
      the pathogenesis of VVS.

PMID- 27654399
TI  - Cholinergic and beta-adrenergic control of cardiovascular reflex responses to
      brief repeated asphyxia in term-equivalent fetal sheep.
AB  - The role of cholinergic and beta-adrenergic activity in mediating fetal
      cardiovascular recovery from brief repeated episodes of asphyxia consistent with
      established labor, remains unclear. In this study, we tested the effect of
      cholinergic and beta-adrenergic blockade on the fetal chemoreflex and fetal heart
      rate (FHR) overshoot responses during brief repeated asphyxia at rates consistent
      with early or active labor. Chronically instrumented fetal sheep at 0.85 of
      gestation received either i.v. atropine sulfate (cholinergic blockade, n=8) or
      vehicle (n=7) followed by 3 x 1-minute umbilical cord occlusions repeated every 5
      minutes (1:5; consistent with early labor), or i.v. propranolol hydrochloride
      (beta-adrenergic blockade, n=6) or vehicle (n=6) followed by 3 x 2-minute
      occlusions repeated every 5 minutes (2:5; consistent with active labor). In
      vehicle-controls, 1:5 occlusions were associated with rapid and sustained FHR
      decelerations followed by rapid return of FHR to baseline values after release of
      the occlusion. Cholinergic blockade abolished FHR decelerations during occlusions
      and caused FHR overshoot after release of the occlusion (P<0.05 vs. control 1:5).
      In vehicle-controls, 2:5 occlusions caused rapid and sustained FHR decelerations
      followed by FHR overshoot after release of the occlusion. beta-adrenergic
      blockade was associated with greater reduction in FHR during occlusions and
      attenuated FHR overshoot (P<0.05 vs. control 2:5). These data demonstrate that
      the FHR overshoot pattern after asphyxia is mediated by a combination of
      attenuated parasympathetic activity and increased beta-adrenergic stimulation of
      the fetal heart.

PMID- 27654400
TI  - International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice.

PMID- 27654396
TI  - Maternal Western diet increases adiposity even in male offspring of obesity
      resistant rat dams: early endocrine risk markers.
AB  - Maternal overnutrition or associated complications putatively mediate the
      obesogenic effects of perinatal high-fat diet on developing offspring. Here, we
      tested the hypothesis that a Western diet developmental environment increases
      adiposity not only in male offspring from obesity-prone (DIO) mothers, but also
      in those from obesity-resistant (DR) dams, implicating a deleterious role for the
      Western diet per se. Selectively bred DIO and DR female rats were fed chow (17%
      kcal fat) or Western diet (32%) for 54 days before mating and, thereafter,
      through weaning. As intended, despite chow-like caloric intake, Western diet
      increased prepregnancy weight gain and circulating leptin levels in DIO, but not
      DR, dams. Yet, in both genotypes, maternal Western diet increased the weight and
      adiposity of preweanlings, as early as in DR offspring, and increased plasma
      leptin, insulin, and adiponectin of weanlings. Although body weight normalized
      with chow feeding during adolescence, young adult Western diet offspring
      subsequently showed decreased energy expenditure and, in DR offspring, decreased
      lipid utilization as a fuel substrate. By mid-adulthood, maternal Western diet DR
      offspring ate more chow, weighed more, and were fatter than controls. Thus,
      maternal Western diet covertly programmed increased adiposity in childhood and
      adulthood, disrupted relations of energy regulatory hormones with body fat, and
      decreased energy expenditure in offspring of lean, genetically obesity-resistant
      mothers. Maternal Western diet exposure alone, without maternal obesity or
      overnutrition, can promote offspring weight gain.

PMID- 27654401
TI  - Relationship between impulsivity and obsession types in obsessive-compulsive
      disorder.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Impulsivity is an important aspect of obsessive-compulsive disorder
      (OCD) which is classified under a new heading in DSM-5 with other impulsivity
      related disorders like trichotillomania. Due to its heterogeneous nature,
      different obsessions may be linked to varying impulsivity profiles. Aim of this
      study was to investigate the impulsivity traits and their relationship with
      obsession types by comparing OCD subjects who display sexual, religious and
      aggressive obsessions or other obsessions to healthy controls. METHODS:
      Outpatients with OCD (n = 146) and healthy controls (n = 80) were evaluated with
      Sociodemographic Data Form, SCID-I, SCID non-patient version, Yale-Brown
      Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11).
      RESULTS: BIS-11 attention scores of the OCD group were significantly higher than
      healthy subjects. In patients with sexual, aggressive, religious obsessions, BIS
      11 attention scores were significantly higher than those who have other obsession
      types and that of controls. CONCLUSIONS: Higher levels of attentional
      impulsivity, particularly in patients suffering from sexual, aggressive or
      religious obsessions suggest a common diathesis for a dysfunction in neural
      correlates corresponding to these symptoms. The results of our study may promote
      further studies conducted with more advanced and objective neuropsychometric
      tests evaluating features of the clinical course, neurobiology and the response
      to OCD treatment.

PMID- 27654402
TI  - Early adolescents' motivations to defend victims in school bullying and their
      perceptions of student-teacher relationships: A self-determination theory
      approach.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate whether various dimensions of student
      teacher relationships were associated with different types of motivation to
      defend victims in bullying and to determine the association between these types
      of motivations and various bystander behaviors in bullying situations among early
      adolescents in Italy. Data were collected from 405 Italian adolescents who
      completed a survey in their classroom. Results showed that warm student-teacher
      relationships were positively associated with defending victims and with
      autonomous motivation to defend victims. In contrast, conflictual student-teacher
      relationships were positively associated with passive bystanding and with
      extrinsic motivation to defend victims. Different forms of motivation to defend
      were found to be mediators between student-teacher relationship qualities and
      bystander behaviors in school bullying. Our findings suggest that teachers should
      build warm and caring student-teacher relationships to enhance students'
      autonomous motivation to defend victims of bullying as well as their inclination
      to defend the victims in practice.

PMID- 27654403
TI  - Pneumonia: Features registered in autopsy material.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite improvements in clinical practice, pneumonia remains one of
      the leading causes of death worldwide. Pathologic findings from autopsy reports
      could provide more precise and valid data on characteristics of pneumonia
      patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed autopsy reports of deceased
      patients admitted to the Institute for Pulmonary Diseases of Vojvodina in Sremska
      Kamenica, Serbia, between 1994 and 2003. The patients were classified into two
      groups: group 1 (n = 161) comprised patients in whom pneumonia was the main cause
      of death, while group 2 (n = 165) consisted of patients in whom pneumonia was
      confirmed at autopsy but had various different causes of death. RESULTS: From
      1776 patients who underwent autopsy 326 (18.3%) were diagnosed with pneumonia.
      The most common underlying diseases were atherosclerosis (29.4%), chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (26.7%), and malignancies (20.2%). Pneumonia
      was the main cause of death in 161 cases (group 1) while in group 2 major causes
      of death were heart failure (HF) (26.7%), acute myocardial infarction (AMI)
      (16.4%), and pulmonary embolism (PE) (10.9%). Multilobar involvement (91%
      vs.27%), pulmonary effusion (29% vs.14%), and lung abscess (23.6% vs.8.5%) were
      more frequently found in group 1, compared to group 2. CONCLUSION: In patients
      with pneumonia who underwent autopsy most common underlying diseases were
      atherosclerosis, COPD, and malignancies, while major causes of death were:
      progression of pneumonia, HF, AMI, and PE.

PMID- 27654404
TI  - Public health facility resource availability and provider adherence to first
      antenatal guidelines in a low resource setting in Accra, Ghana.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lack of resources has been identified as a reason for non-adherence
      to clinical guidelines. Our aim was to describe public health facility resource
      availability in relation to provider adherence to first antenatal visit
      guidelines. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis of the baseline data of a
      prospective cohort study on adherence to first antenatal care visit guidelines
      was carried out in 11 facilities in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Provider
      adherence was studied in relation to health facility resource availability such
      as antenatal workload for clinical staffs, routine antenatal drugs, laboratory
      testing, protocols, ambulance and equipment. RESULTS: Eleven facilities
      comprising 6 hospitals (54.5 %), 4 polyclinics (36.4 %) and 1 health center were
      randomly sampled. Complete provider adherence to first antenatal guidelines for
      all the 946 participants was 48.1 % (95 % CI: 41.8-54.2 %), varying significantly
      amongst the types of facilities, with highest rate in the polyclinics. Average
      antenatal workload per month per clinical staff member was higher in polyclinics
      compared to the hospitals. All facility laboratories were able to conduct routine
      antenatal tests. Most routine antenatal drugs were available in all facilities
      except magnesium sulphate and sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine which were lacking in
      some. Antenatal service protocols and equipment were also available in all
      facilities. CONCLUSION: Although antenatal workload varies across different
      facility types in the Greater Accra region, other health facility resources that
      support implementation of first antenatal care guidelines are equally available
      in all the facilities. These factors therefore do not adequately account for the
      low and varying proportions of complete adherence to guidelines across facility
      types. Providers should be continually engaged for a better understanding of the
      barriers to their adherence to these guidelines.

PMID- 27654405
TI  - Simulating the Function of the MjNhaP1 Transporter.
AB  - The structures of transport proteins have been steadily revealed in the last few
      decades, and yet the conversion of this information into molecular-level
      understanding of their function is still lagging behind. In this study, we try to
      elucidate how the action of the archaeal sodium/proton antiporter MjNhaP1 depends
      on its structure-energy relationship. To this end, we calculate the binding
      energies of its substrates and evaluate the conformational change barrier,
      focusing on the rotation of the catalytic residue D161. We find that sodium ions
      and protons compete against a common binding site and that the accessibility of
      this binding site is restricted to either the inside or outside of the cell. We
      suggest that the rotation of D161 chi1 angle correlates with the conformational
      change and is energetically unfavorable when D161 does not bind any substrate.
      This restriction ensures coupling between the sodium ions and the protons,
      allowing MjNhaP1 and probably other similar transporters to exchange substrates
      with minimal leak. Using Monte Carlo simulations we demonstrate the feasibility
      of our model. Overall we present a complete picture that reproduces the
      electroneutral (at 1:1 substrate ratio) and coupled transport activity of MjNhaP1
      including the energetic basis for the criteria provided by Jardetzky half a
      century ago.

PMID- 27654406
TI  - Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery II: Surgical Technique and Postoperative
      Management.
AB  - Techniques for minimally invasive mitral valve repair and replacement continue to
      evolve. This expert opinion, the second of a 3-part series, outlines current best
      practices for nonrobotic, minimally invasive mitral valve procedures, and for
      postoperative care after minimally invasive mitral valve surgery. 

PMID- 27654408
TI  - Glaucoma Diagnostic Ability of Layer-by-Layer Segmented Ganglion Cell Complex by
      Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography.
AB  - Purpose: To evaluate the diagnostic ability of layer-by-layer segmented macular
      ganglion cell complex (GCC) using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography
      (OCT) for detection of glaucoma and to analyze the topographic patterns of the
      segmented thicknesses in open-angle glaucoma. Methods: Seventy-seven open-angle
      glaucoma patients and 59 healthy subjects were enrolled in this cross-sectional
      study. Spectral-domain OCT with automated segmentation was used to measure the
      separate thicknesses of macular retinal nerve fiber layer (mRNFL), ganglion cell
      layer (GCL), and inner plexiform layer (IPL). We compared the specific diagnostic
      abilities of the GCC (RNFL+GCL+IPL), ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL:
      GCL+IPL), and circumpapillary RNFL (cpRNFL) to discriminate between normal eyes
      and glaucoma. Results: The mRNFL, GCL, IPL, and cpRNFL thicknesses in glaucoma
      patients were all significantly thinner compared with healthy subjects and showed
      different topographic patterns. The GCC, mRNFL, and GCL thicknesses were best
      able to discriminate between the glaucoma and normal groups. The areas under the
      curve of receiver operating characteristics (AUROCs) of the mRNFL and GCL did not
      show significant difference from that of the cpRNFL. The AUROC of the GCL did not
      show significant difference from that of GCIPL after Bonferroni correction. The
      global IPL thickness had the smallest AUROC and showed lower diagnostic
      performance than the GCL, GCIPL, and GCC. Conclusions: The diagnostic ability of
      segmented mRNFL and GCL to discriminate between normal and glaucoma eyes is high
      and comparable to that of cpRNFL thickness. The measurement and monitoring of GCL
      could be a practical and effective approach to glaucoma diagnostics.

PMID- 27654407
TI  - Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery I: Patient Selection, Evaluation, and
      Planning.
AB  - Widespread adoption of minimally invasive mitral valve repair and replacement may
      be fostered by practice consensus and standardization. This expert opinion, first
      of a 3-part series, outlines current best practices in patient evaluation and
      selection for minimally invasive mitral valve procedures, and discusses
      preoperative planning for cannulation and myocardial protection. 

PMID- 27654409
TI  - Tear Interferon-Gamma as a Biomarker for Evaporative Dry Eye Disease.
AB  - Purpose: To assess whether tear hyperosmolarity, being diagnostic of dry eye
      disease (DED), is associated with specific alterations to the cytokine content of
      human tears that may provide a biomarker for DED. Methods: In this prospective,
      cross-sectional, clinical study, participants (n = 77) were recruited from a
      single clinical site and categorized into groups based upon tear osmolarity
      status (n = 62 hyperosmolar, n = 15 normo-osmolar). Comprehensive anterior eye
      clinical assessments were undertaken. Concentrations of seven cytokines (IL-2, IL
      4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, IFN-gamma, and TNF-alpha) in basal tears were assayed
      using multiplex cytometric bead array. The main outcome measure was difference in
      cytokine concentration between groups. Group comparisons were undertaken using 2
      tailed t-tests. Cohen's effect size was calculated for each finding. Spearman
      correlations between cytokine concentrations, clinical symptoms, and clinical
      parameters of DED were calculated. Results: Tear hyperosmolarity was specifically
      associated with increased tear IFN-gamma levels (13.3 +/- 2.0 vs. 4.4 +/- 1.4
      pg/mL, P = 0.03). Cohen's effect size was large (0.8) for changes to tear IFN
      gamma levels. Significant correlations were observed between IFN-gamma
      concentration and each of: tear osmolarity (r = 0.34; P = 0.007), total ocular
      surface staining (r = 0.56, P < 0.0001), and Schirmer test score (r = -0.33, P =
      0.003). Conclusions: Tear hyperosmolarity is specifically associated with higher
      levels of the proinflammatory cytokine IFN-gamma, which correlate with key
      clinical parameters of DED. The calculated effect size (0.8) suggests that this
      assay has diagnostic power as a biomarker for evaporative DED.

PMID- 27654410
TI  - Assessment of Transepidermal Water Loss From the Ocular Area in Dry Eye Disease.
AB  - Purpose: To investigate transepidermal water loss (TEWL) from the ocular area in
      dry eye disease (DED) and evaluate the correlation between ocular TEWL and other
      DED parameters. Methods: Transepidermal water loss from the ocular area in 56
      eyes with DED and 38 healthy eyes was measured using a Tewameter TM300 that was
      equipped with custom made goggles (measuring temperature 24 degrees C-26 degrees
      C and relative humidity 35%-45%). The DED group was classified into two
      subgroups, aqueous deficient dry eye (ADDE) and evaporative dry eye (EDE).
      Correlations between ocular TEWL and other DED parameters, such as tear
      osmolarity, tear break-up time (TBUT), corneal staining, conjunctival staining,
      Schirmer I test, Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), and Visual Analogue Scale
      score were evaluated. Results: Ocular TEWL was significantly higher in the DED
      group (63.0 +/- 12.2 g/h/m2) than in the control group (54.7 +/- 14.2 g/h/m2; P =
      0.003). Although there was no significant difference, TEWL was higher in the ADDE
      subgroup (64.0 +/- 10.7 g/h/m2) compared with the EDE subgroup (61.1 +/- 14.9
      g/h/m2). Tear break-up time, corneal staining score, and OSDI were significantly
      correlated with ocular TEWL (P < 0.05) in all participants. Ocular TEWL loss was
      negatively correlated with Schirmer I test value in the DED group. Conclusions:
      Ocular TEWL was significantly higher in DED patients compared with controls,
      reflecting higher tear evaporation in DED patients. Patients who have shorter
      Schirmer I test values tend to have higher TEWL values. Not only EDE but also
      ADDE patients may have increased tear evaporation.

PMID- 27654411
TI  - Complexity of the Class B Phenotype in Autosomal Dominant Retinitis Pigmentosa
      Due to Rhodopsin Mutations.
AB  - Purpose: Previously, patients with RHO mutations and a class A phenotype were
      found to have severe early-onset loss of rod function, whereas patients with a
      class B phenotype retained rod function at least in certain retinal regions. Here
      class B patients were studied at different disease stages to understand the
      topographic details of the phenotype in preparation for therapies of this
      regionalized retinopathy. Methods: A cohort of patients with RHO mutations and
      class B phenotype (n = 28; ages 10-80 years) were studied with rod and cone
      perimetry and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Results: At least three
      components of the phenotype were identified in these cross-sectional studies.
      Patients could have hemifield dysfunction, pericentral loss of function, or a
      diffuse rod sensitivity loss across the visual field. Combinations of these
      different patterns were also found. Colocalized photoreceptor layer thicknesses
      were in agreement with the psychophysical results. Conclusions: These disorders
      with regional retinal variation of severity require pre-evaluations before
      enrollment into clinical trials to seek answers to questions about where in the
      retina would be appropriate to deliver focal treatments, and, for retina-wide
      treatment strategies, where in the retina should be monitored for therapeutic
      efficacy (or safety).

PMID- 27654412
TI  - Modeling the Chronic Loss of Optic Nerve Axons and the Effects on the Retinal
      Nerve Fiber Layer Structure in Primary Disorder of Myelin.
AB  - Purpose: We determined whether the chronic lack of optic nerve myelination and
      subsequent axon loss is associated with optical coherence tomography (OCT)
      changes in the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), and whether this models what
      occurs in multiple sclerosis (MS) and confers its use as a surrogate marker for
      axon degeneration. Methods: Using an animal model of Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease
      (shp) bilateral longitudinal measurements of the peripapillary RNFL (spectral
      domain OCT), electroretinograms (ERG), and visual evoked potentials (VEP) were
      performed in affected and control animals from 5 months to 2 years and in
      individual animals at single time points. Light and electron microscopy of the
      optic nerve and retina and histomorphometric measurements of the RNFL were
      compared to OCT data. Results: Of the shp animals, 17% had an average reduction
      of OCT RNFL thickness on the superior retinal quadrant compared to controls (P <
      0.05). Electroretinograms showed normal photopic A- and B-waves but flash VEPs
      were disorganized in shp animals. Morphologically, the shp retinas and optic
      nerves revealed significant RNFL thinning (P < 0.001) without retinal ganglion
      cell (RGC) loss, decrease total and relative retinal axonal area, and loss of
      optic nerve axons. There was strong positive correlation between OCT and
      morphometric RNFL thickness measurements (r = 0.878, P = 0.004). Conclusion: The
      loss of optic nerve axons demonstrated in the shp model resulted in moderate
      thinning of the RNFL confirmed by OCT and histology. These results indicate that
      OCT-derived RNFL measurement can be a useful surrogate biomarker of optic nerve
      axon loss and potentially disease progression in demyelinating diseases.

PMID- 27654414
TI  - Characterization of Antigen-Presenting Macrophages and Dendritic Cells in the
      Healthy Human Sclera.
AB  - Purpose: The sclera is mainly made of collagen and fibroblasts. The aim of this
      study was to analyze whether immune cells are present in the healthy human
      sclera. Methods: Ten human anterior episcleral or stromal tissue samples from
      globe donors were immunohistochemically examined using confocal microscopy. The
      expression of the macrophage markers CD68, CD163 and CD11b, CD45 (a general
      leukocyte marker), MHCII (expressed by antigen-presenting cells [APCs]), CD11c
      (dendritic cell marker), lymphatic endothelium hyaluronan receptor-1 (LYVE1;
      expressed on lymphatic endothelium and macrophage subsets), chemokine receptor 7
      (CCR7, a homing receptor for leukocytes), CXCL12 (expressed by activated
      leukocytes), CCR2 (a marker for inflammatory monocytes), and glial fibrillary
      acidic protein (GFAP; expressed by astrocytes) was analyzed and quantified.
      Results: In the episclera, a high number of cells (>=40 cells/mm2) were
      immunoreactive for CD68, CD45, MHCII, CCR7, LYVE1, and CD11b. Lower numbers (<20
      cells/mm2) were positive for CXCL12, CCR2, and GFAP. The episclera showed a
      significantly higher number of cells compared to the stroma (P = 0.008). MHCII+
      cells could be double positive for CCR7, CD45, CD11c, or CD11b and seldom CXCL12.
      Macrophages were most likely from the M1 type (CD68+, CD163-). Conclusions: The
      healthy human sclera contains several macrophage populations, which can function
      as APCs, with the highest density being present in the episclera. Most cells
      express macrophage markers and may function as APCs. The presence of these cells
      might indicate that scleral immune cells are important for maintaining
      physiological functions in the eye and may potentially contribute to blood vessel
      homeostasis.

PMID- 27654413
TI  - Shape Changes of the Anterior Lamina Cribrosa in Normal, Ocular Hypertensive, and
      Glaucomatous Eyes Following Acute Intraocular Pressure Elevation.
AB  - Purpose: The purpose of this study was to estimate and compare changes in
      anterior lamina cribrosa (LC) morphology in normal, ocular hypertensive (OHT),
      and glaucomatous eyes following acute elevations in intraocular pressure (IOP).
      Methods: The optic nerve heads (ONHs) of 97 subjects (17 OHT, 19 primary open
      angle glaucoma [POAG], 31 primary angle-closure glaucoma [PACG], and 30 normal
      subjects) were imaged using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Intraocular
      pressure was raised twice by applying forces to the anterior sclera, using an
      ophthalmodynamometer. After each IOP elevation, IOP was held constant and
      measured; each ONH was rescanned with OCT. In each OCT volume, the anterior LC
      was enhanced, delineated, and its global shape index (GSI) calculated and
      compared across groups. Results: The baseline IOP was 17.5 +/- 3.5 mm Hg and was
      increased to 38 +/- 5.9 mm Hg and then to 46.5 +/- 5.9 mm Hg. At the first IOP
      increment, mean GSI was significantly smaller than that at baseline in normal
      subjects and glaucoma subjects (P < 0.05) but not in OHT subjects (P = 0.12). For
      the second IOP increment, the mean GSI was significantly smaller than that at
      baseline in normal subjects and in OHT eyes (P < 0.05). After adjusting for age,
      sex, and baseline IOP, the LC of POAG eyes was found to be significantly more
      posteriorly curved than that of normal subjects (P = 0.04). Conclusions: Acute
      IOP elevations altered anterior LC shape in a complex nonlinear fashion. The LC
      of POAG eyes was more cupped following acute IOP elevations compared to that of
      normal subjects.

PMID- 27654417
TI  - Comparison of Several Parameters in Two Optical Coherence Tomography Systems for
      Detecting Glaucomatous Defects in High Myopia.
AB  - Purpose: To compare the diagnostic powers of parameters of the RTVue and Cirrus
      HD optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems in detecting glaucoma in highly
      myopic eyes. Methods: For this study, 28 glaucoma patients with high myopia (HM
      G) and 28 high-myopia controls (HM-C) were enrolled. The circumpapillary retinal
      nerve fiber layer (cp-RNFL) and ganglion cell complex (GCC) parameters in the
      RTVue-OCT, and the ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) and cp-RNFL
      parameters in the Cirrus HD-OCT, were obtained for each subject. The receiver
      operating characteristics curve (ROC) was used to assess the diagnostic ability
      of each parameter, and the areas under the curves (AUROCs) of those parameters
      were compared. Results: In both OCTs, the macular parameters showed significantly
      higher diagnostic power than the cp-RNFL thickness. The minimum GCIPL (0.977),
      inferotemporal GCIPL (0.947), and vertical cup/disc (C/D) ratio (0.968) showed
      the best performances among all of the Cirrus HD-OCT parameters. The focal loss
      volume (FLV) (0.964), global loss volume (GLV) (0.899), and vertical C/D ratio
      (0.899) showed the best performances among all of the RTVue-OCT parameters. Among
      the parameters with high diagnostic ability in each protocol of the two OCTs, the
      superior sector of the cp-RNFL had significantly lower abilities than the FLV and
      the minimum of the GCIPL (P < 0.05) in detecting glaucoma in high myopia.
      Conclusions: The macular measurements had significantly better glaucoma detection
      abilities than the cpRNFL thickness in the high-myopia subjects in both RTVue-OCT
      and Cirrus HD-OCT, with no significant differences in the diagnostic ability
      between the two macular parameters.

PMID- 27654415
TI  - Postnatal Chick Choroids Exhibit Increased Retinaldehyde Dehydrogenase Activity
      During Recovery From Form Deprivation Induced Myopia.
AB  - Purpose: Increases in retinaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (RALDH2) transcript in the
      chick choroid suggest that RALDH2 may be responsible for increases observed in
      all-trans-retinoic acid (atRA) synthesis during recovery from myopic defocus. The
      purpose of the present study was to examine RALDH2 protein expression, RALDH
      activity, and distribution of RALDH2 cells in control and recovering chick ocular
      tissues. Methods: Myopia was induced in White Leghorn chicks for 10 days,
      followed by up to 15 days of unrestricted vision (recovery). Expression of RALDH
      isoforms in chick ocular tissues was evaluated by Western blot. Catalytic
      activity of RALDH was measured in choroidal cytosol fractions using an in vitro
      atRA synthesis assay together with HPLC quantification of synthesized atRA.
      Distribution of RALDH2 cells throughout the choroid was evaluated by
      immunohistochemistry. Results: RALDH2 was expressed predominately in the chick
      choroid (P < 0.001) and increased after 24 hours and 4 days of recovery (76%,
      74%, and 165%, respectively; P < 0.05). Activity of RALDH was detected solely in
      the choroid and was elevated at 3 and 7 days of recovery compared to controls
      (70% and 48%, respectively; P < 0.05). The number of RALDH2 immunopositive cells
      in recovering choroids was increased at 24 hours and 4 to 15 days of recovery (P
      < 0.05) and were concentrated toward the RPE side compared to controls.
      Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that RALDH2 is the major RALDH
      isoform in the chick choroid and is responsible for the increased RALDH activity
      seen during recovery.

PMID- 27654416
TI  - Lack of R-Ras Leads to Increased Vascular Permeability in Ischemic Retinopathy.
AB  - Purpose: The role of R-Ras in retinal angiogenesis and vascular permeability was
      evaluated in an oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model using R-Ras knockout (KO)
      mice and in human diabetic neovascular membranes. Methods: Mice deficient for R
      Ras and their wild-type (WT) littermates were subjected to 75% oxygen from
      postnatal day 7 (P7) to P12 and then returned to room air. At P17 retinal
      vascularization was examined from whole mounts, and retinal vascular permeability
      was studied using Miles assay. Real-time RT-PCR, Western blotting, and
      immunohistochemistry were used to assess the expression of R-Ras in retina during
      development or in the OIR model. The degree of pericyte coverage and vascular
      endothelial (VE)-cadherin expression on WT and R-Ras KO retinal blood vessels was
      quantified using confocal microscopy. The correlation of R-Ras with vascular
      endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and human serum albumin on human
      proliferative diabetic retinopathy membranes was assessed using
      immunohistochemistry. Results: In retina, R-Ras expression was mostly restricted
      to the vasculature. Retinal vessels in the R-Ras KO mice were significantly more
      permeable than WT controls in the OIR model. A significant reduction in the
      direct physical contact between pericytes and blood vessel endothelium as well as
      reduced VE-cadherin immunostaining was found in R-Ras-deficient mice. In human
      proliferative diabetic retinopathy neovascular membranes, R-Ras expression
      negatively correlated with increased vascular leakage and expression of VEGFR2, a
      marker of blood vessel immaturity. Conclusions: Our results suggest that R-Ras
      has a role in controlling retinal vessel maturation and stabilization in ischemic
      retinopathy and provides a potential target for pharmacologic manipulation to
      treat diabetic retinopathy.

PMID- 27654418
TI  - Combination of Carboplatin and Bevacizumab Is an Efficient Therapeutic Approach
      in Retinoblastoma Patient-Derived Xenografts.
AB  - Purpose: Retinoblastoma (Rb) is a rare childhood cancer of the retina with a
      survival rate of 95% in children living in high-income countries, after
      appropriate therapies such as chemotherapy, local ophthalmologic treatment, and
      radiotherapy. However, due to inactivation of the RB1 gene, all bilateral and
      almost 15% of unilateral retinoblastoma patients have a higher risk of s econdary
      cancers, especially sarcomas. Hence, new nonmutagen treatments are warranted.
      Therefore, we investigated the efficacy of therapy using anti-VEGF antibody
      bevacizumab, either alone or with carboplatin, in well-characterized Rb patient
      derived xenografts (PDXs). Methods: Three Rb PDXs previously established and
      characterized, RB102, RB111, and RB200, have been treated using carboplatin,
      bevacizumab, or carboplatin + bevacizumab. In order to define antitumor
      responses, various quantitative PCR and histopathologic analyses have then been
      performed on tumors collected at the end of experiments. Results: In all treated
      PDX models, we have observed a high and significant improvement of chemotherapy
      induced in vivo efficacy by the antiangiogenic antibody. The overall response
      rate, lower than -0.5, was 48%, 27%, and 86% after carboplatin, bevacizumab, and
      carboplatin + bevacizumab, respectively (carboplatin versus carboplatin +
      bevacizumab; P < 10-2; bevacizumab versus carboplatin + bevacizumab; P < 10-3).
      In the Rb200 PDX, such a result was also observed when bevacizumab was combined
      with lower doses of carboplatin. Quantitative PCR and histopathologic analyses
      have been performed and confirmed the impact of the bevacizumab-based treatments
      on various angiogenic markers. Conclusions: Overall, our in vivo results confirm
      the interest in antiangiogenic therapy for the treatment of Rb in combination
      with carboplatin and provide a robust rationale for testing this combination in
      the clinical setting for Rb patients.

PMID- 27654419
TI  - Separate and Combined Effects of Hypoxia and Horizontal Bed Rest on Retinal Blood
      Vessel Diameters.
AB  - Purpose: To assess the separate and combined effects of exposure to prolonged and
      sustained recumbency (bed rest) and hypoxia on retinal microcirculation. Methods:
      Eleven healthy male subjects (mean +/- SD age = 27 +/- 6 years; body mass index
      [BMI] = 23.7 +/- 3.0 kg m-2) participated in a repeated-measures crossover design
      study comprising three 21-day interventions: normoxic bed rest (NBR; partial
      pressure of inspired O2, PiO2 = 133.1 +/- 0.3 mm Hg); hypoxic ambulation (HAMB;
      PiO2 = 90.0 +/- 0.4 mm Hg), and hypoxic bed rest (HBR; PiO2 = 90.0 +/- 0.4 mm
      Hg). Central retinal arteriolar (CRAE) and venular (CRVE) equivalents were
      measured at baseline and at regular intervals during each 21-day intervention.
      Results: Normoxic bed rest caused a progressive reduction in CRAE, with the
      change in CRAE relative to baseline being highest on day 15 (DeltaCRAE = -7.5
      MUm; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -10.8 to -4.2; P < 0.0001). Hypoxic ambulation
      resulted in a persistent 21-day increase in CRAE, reaching a maximum on day 4
      (DeltaCRAE = 9.4 MUm; 95% CI: 6.0-12.7; P < 0.0001). During HBR, the increase in
      CRAE was highest on day 3 (DeltaCRAE = 4.5 MUm; 95% CI: 1.2-7.8; P = 0.007), but
      CRAE returned to baseline levels thereafter. Central retinal venular equivalent
      decreased during NBR and increased during HAMB and HBR. The reduction in CRVE
      during NBR was highest on day 1 (DeltaCRVE = -7.9 MUm; 95 CI: -13.3 to -2.5), and
      the maximum DeltaCRVE during HAMB (24.6 MUm; 95% CI: 18.9-30.3) and HBR (15.2
      MUm; 95% CI: 9.8-20.5) was observed on days 10 and 3, respectively. Conclusions:
      The diameters of retinal blood vessels exhibited a dynamic response to hypoxia
      and bed rest, such that retinal vasodilation was smaller during combined bed rest
      and hypoxia than during hypoxic exposure.

PMID- 27654420
TI  - Choroidal Structural Changes in Myopic Choroidal Neovascularization After
      Treatment With Antivascular Endothelial Growth Factor Over 1 Year.
AB  - Purpose: To evaluate choroidal structural changes in eyes with myopic choroidal
      neovascularization (mCNV) treated with anti-VEGF over 12 months. Methods: We
      prospectively evaluated subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) and choroidal
      vascularity index (CVI) using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD
      OCT) at baseline, 6, and 12 months in both eyes in patients presenting with
      unilateral mCNV. Choroidal vascularity index was defined as the ratio of luminal
      area to total choroidal area after SD-OCT images were binarized digitally.
      Results: We included 20 patients (20 eyes with mCNV and 20 fellow eyes without
      mCNV) with mean age of 60.35 +/- 10.85 years. At baseline, mean SFCT and CVI was
      similar between eyes with mCNV and fellow eyes (69.20 +/- 63.04 MUm vs. 67.10 +/-
      65.74 MUm, P = 0.713 for SFCT and 59.44 +/- 3.92% vs. 59.03 +/-. 5.58%, P = 0.958
      for CVI). Subfoveal choroidal thickness decreased significantly in the mCNV eyes
      to 54.75 +/- 45.43 MUm (P = 0.017) at 12 months after anti-VEGF therapy, whereas
      SFCT in the contralateral eyes did not change significantly. There was no
      significant change in CVI in mCNV eyes or contralateral eyes from baseline to 12
      months. Thinning of SFCT did not influence final BCVA. Conclusions: Thinning of
      subfoveal choroid without alteration in CVI was observed in eyes with mCNV
      treated with anti-VEGF therapy over 12 months. This finding may be explained by
      mechanical stretching in response to globe expansion.

PMID- 27654421
TI  - Fractal Dimensional Analysis of Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Eyes
      With Diabetic Retinopathy.
AB  - Purpose: We used fractal dimensional analysis to analyze retinal vascular disease
      burden in eyes with diabetic retinopathy using spectral-domain optical coherence
      tomography angiography (OCTA). Methods: A retrospective study was performed of 13
      eyes with diabetic retinopathy without diabetic macular edema and 56 control
      eyes. Optical coherence tomography angiography images were acquired using the
      RTVue XR Avanti. Automated segmentation was obtained through the superficial and
      deep capillary plexuses for each eye. Grayscale OCTA images were standardized and
      binarized using ImageJ. Fractal box-counting analyses were performed using
      Fractalyse. Fractal dimensions (FD) as well as software-generated vascular
      density analyses of the superficial and deep capillary plexuses were compared
      between diabetic and control eyes using 2-tailed t-tests and 1-way multivariate
      ANOVA (MANOVA) analyses. Results: The superficial and deep plexuses from diabetic
      and control eyes were analyzed. The average FD for diabetic eyes was
      significantly lower than control eyes for the superficial (P = 4.513 * 10-3) and
      deep (P = 2.653 * 10-3) capillary plexuses. In diabetic eyes, the vascular
      density also was significantly reduced in the superficial (P = 8.068 * 10-5) and
      deep (P = 3.120 * 10-6) capillary plexuses. One-way MANOVA showed a significant
      difference between diabetic and control eyes. Conclusions: The OCTA FD is
      significantly reduced in the superficial and deep capillary plexuses in eyes with
      diabetic retinopathy. Applying fractal analysis to OCTA imaging holds the
      potential to establish quantitative parameters for microvascular pathology.

PMID- 27654422
TI  - The Appearance of Phosphenes Elicited Using a Suprachoroidal Retinal Prosthesis.
AB  - Purpose: Phosphenes are the fundamental building blocks for presenting meaningful
      visual information to the visually impaired using a bionic eye device. The aim of
      this study was to characterize the size, shape, and location of phosphenes
      elicited using a suprachoroidal retinal prosthesis. Methods: Three patients with
      profound vision loss due to retinitis pigmentosa were implanted with a
      suprachoroidal electrode array, which was used to deliver charge-balanced
      biphasic constant-current pulses at various rates, amplitudes, and durations to
      produce phosphenes. Tasks assessing phosphene appearance, location, overlap, and
      the patients' ability to recognize phosphenes were performed using a custom
      psychophysics setup. Results: Phosphenes were reliably elicited in all three
      patients, with marked differences in the reported appearances between patients
      and between electrodes. Phosphene shapes ranged from simple blobs to complex
      forms with multiple components in both space and time. Phosphene locations within
      the visual field generally corresponded to the retinotopic position of the
      stimulating electrodes. Overlap between phosphenes elicited from adjacent
      electrodes was observed with one patient, which reduced with increasing electrode
      separation. In a randomized recognition task, two patients correctly identified
      the electrode being stimulated for 57.2% and 23% of trials, respectively.
      Conclusions: Phosphenes of varying complexity were successfully elicited in all
      three patients, indicating that the suprachoroidal space is an efficacious site
      for electrically stimulating the retina. The recognition scores obtained with two
      patients suggest that a suprachoroidal implant can elicit phosphenes containing
      unique information. This information may be useful when combining phosphenes into
      more complex and meaningful images that provide functional vision.

PMID- 27654423
TI  - Glial Endothelin-1 Regulates Retinal Blood Flow During Hyperoxia in Cats.
AB  - Purpose: To investigate the role of endothelin-1 (ET-1) in retinal glial cells in
      regulating retinal blood flow (RBF) during hyperoxia in cats. Methods: We
      measured the vessel diameter (D), blood velocity (V), and blood flow (F)
      simultaneously in first-order retinal arterioles using a laser Doppler
      velocimetry system. The animals were under general anesthesia during hyperoxia
      (100% oxygen) for 10 minutes 24 hours after intravitreal injection of L-2
      aminoadipic acid (LAA), a gliotoxic compound, or diluted hydrochloric acid (0.01
      N) used as the vehicle control. We also measured the changes in the RBF after
      intravitreal injection of BQ-123, a specific ET type A receptor antagonist, in
      LAA-treated eyes. To examine if endothelin-converting enzyme-1 (ECE-1), as an ET
      1-generating enzyme located in retinal glial cells, immunohistochemical
      examinations with costaining of antiglial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)
      antibody and anti-ECE-1 antibody were performed in whole-mount retinas. Results:
      During hyperoxia, the decreases in D, V, and F in response to hyperoxia were
      attenuated significantly (P < 0.01 for all comparisons) in the LAA-treated eyes
      compared with the vehicle control (LAA, D, -8.5 +/- 1.5%; V, -13.8 +/- 1.5%; F, 
      27.8 +/- 3.0% versus vehicle control, D, -16.8 +/- 1.3%; V, -26.3 +/- 2.0%; F, 
      48.9 +/- 2.4%). In LAA-treated eyes, intravitreal injections of BQ-123 did not
      change the rate of hyperoxia-induced RBF compared to LAA-treated eyes. The anti
      ECE-1 antibody was costained with anti-GFAP antibody in the whole-mount retinas.
      Conclusions: The current findings suggest that retinal glial ET-1 may play an
      important role in regulating RBF during hyperoxia in cats.

PMID- 27654425
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 27654424
TI  - The Antiproliferative Effect of Bevacizumab on Human Tenon Fibroblasts Is Not
      Mediated by Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Inhibition.
AB  - Purpose: Vascular endothelial growth factor-signaling in human tenon fibroblasts
      (hTFs) has recently become a target for antifibrotic treatment in glaucoma
      filtration surgery. The anti-VEGF antibody bevacizumab (BVC) has been shown to
      increase filtration bleb size. Given the relatively high concentration of BVC
      needed to obtain an effect, we investigated whether BVC acts through VEGF
      inhibition or via non-antigen-dependent ways. Methods: Human tenon fibroblast
      primary cultures were obtained from strabismus surgery subjects. Under low (0.2%)
      and high (10%) serum conditions, cells were incubated with BVC, ranibizumab
      (RNB), aflibercept (AFB), or rituximab (RTX) at different concentrations. Total
      number of cells and number of dead or proliferating (5-bromo-2-deoxy-uridine
      positive) cells were assessed after 24 hours. Concentrations of VEGF-A in cell
      culture media was measured with ELISA. Intracellular IgG was detected with
      immunostaining and Western blot analysis. Results: In quiescent hTF culture (0.2%
      serum) the addition of 5 mg/mL BVC induced widespread cell death. Under
      proliferative conditions (10% serum), BVC reduced the number of proliferating
      cells. No such effect was observed with 2.5 mg/mL BVC or with 10 mg/mL AFB or 2.5
      mg/mL RNB, although they were equally effective in binding free VEGF-A in the
      culture media. Instead, the CD20 antibody RTX, which did not bind VEGF, induced
      hTF death and inhibited proliferation in a BVC-comparable fashion. Bevacizumab,
      AFB, and RTX were detected intracellularly in a concentration-dependent manner.
      Conclusions: The cell death-inducing and antiproliferative effect of 5 mg/mL BVC
      appeared not to depend on VEGF inhibition. Our data question a direct role of
      VEGF for hTF survival and proliferation.

PMID- 27654426
TI  - Retinal Degeneration in Mice Deficient in the Lysosomal Membrane Protein CLN7.
AB  - Purpose: Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses comprise a genetically heterogeneous
      group of mainly childhood-onset neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorders.
      Progressive loss of vision is among the typical clinical symptoms of these fatal
      disorders. Here, we performed a detailed analysis of retinal degeneration in mice
      deficient in the lysosomal membrane protein CLN7, a novel animal model of CLN7
      disease. Methods: Immunohistochemical analyses of retinas at different ages were
      performed to qualitatively and quantitatively characterize retinal degeneration
      in CLN7-deficient mice. Storage material in mutant retinas was analyzed by
      electron microscopy, and expression levels of various lysosomal proteins were
      studied using immunohistochemistry, immunoblot analyses, and quantitative real
      time PCR. Results: We observed an early onset and rapidly progressing
      degeneration of photoreceptor cells in CLN7-deficient mice, resulting in the loss
      of more than 70% rod photoreceptors in 4-month-old animals. The number of cone
      photoreceptors was not detectably altered at this age. Loss of rod photoreceptors
      was accompanied by reactive astrogliosis and microgliosis. Immunohistochemical
      and immunoblot analyses revealed accumulation of subunit c of mitochondrial ATP
      synthase and saposin D in mutant retinas, and electron microscopic analyses
      demonstrated the presence of curvilinear bodies or fingerprint-like profiles in
      various cell types of CLN7-deficient retinas. We also found a marked
      dysregulation of various lysosomal proteins in mutant retinas. Conclusions: We
      conclude that the retina of CLN7-deficient mice represents a useful model to
      elucidate the pathomechanisms ultimately leading to neurodegeneration in CLN7
      disease, and to evaluate the efficacy of strategies aimed at developing
      treatments for this fatal neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorder.

PMID- 27654427
TI  - Reduction of the Lamina Cribrosa Curvature After Trabeculectomy in Glaucoma.
AB  - Purpose: To investigate whether the lamina cribrosa (LC) curvature is decreased
      after trabeculectomy. Methods: Thirty-nine eyes of 39 patients with primary open
      angle glaucoma who underwent trabeculectomy were included. Optic nerves were
      scanned by using enhanced-depth-imaging spectral-domain optical coherence
      tomography before and after trabeculectomy. The LC curvature was assessed by
      measuring the LC curvature index (LCCI) in seven horizontal B-scan images in each
      eye. Results: The LCCI was significantly smaller at postoperative 6 months than
      at the preoperative level in all seven planes (all P < 0.001). Preoperative LCCI
      was associated with younger age at superior midperiphery, midhorizontal plane,
      inferior midperiphery (all P <= 0.005) and higher preoperative intraocular
      pressure (IOP) at superior and inferior midperiphery (both P = 0.039). Younger
      age and larger preoperative LCCI were associated with a larger reduction of the
      LCCI at all three locations (P = 0.003 and 0.031 at superior midperiphery, P =
      0.011 and 0.001 at midhorizontal plane, and P = 0.014 and 0.005 at inferior
      midperiphery, respectively), whereas the percentage IOP lowering was associated
      at superior and inferior midperiphery (P = 0.017 and 0.047, respectively).
      Conclusions: Lamina cribrosa curvature was reduced after trabeculectomy. This
      finding suggests that LC curvature may have value as a parameter relevant to
      optic nerve head biomechanics.

PMID- 27654428
TI  - Concurrent Investigation of Global Motion and Form Processing in Amblyopia: An
      Equivalent Noise Approach.
AB  - Purpose: Directly comparing the motion and form processing in neurologic
      disorders has remained difficult due to the limitations in the experimental
      stimulus. In the current study, motion and form processing in amblyopia was
      characterized using random dot stimuli in different noise levels to parse out the
      effect of local and global processing on motion and form perception. Methods: A
      total of 17 amblyopes (8 anisometropic and 9 strabismic), and 12 visually normal
      subjects monocularly estimated the global direction of motion and global
      orientation in random dot kinematograms (RDK) and Glass patterns (Glass), whose
      directions/orientations were drawn from normal distributions with a range of
      means and variances that served as external noise. Direction/orientation
      discrimination thresholds were measured without noise first then variance
      threshold was measured at the multiples of the direction/orientation threshold.
      The direction/orientation and variance thresholds were modelled to estimate
      internal noise and sampling efficiency parameters. Results: Overall, the
      thresholds for Glass were higher than RDK for all subjects. The thresholds for
      both Glass and RDK were higher in the strabismic eyes compared with the fellow
      and normal eyes. On the other hand, the thresholds for anisometropic amblyopic
      eyes were similar to the normal eyes. The worse performance of strabismic
      amblyopes was best explained by relatively low sampling efficiency compared with
      other groups (P < 0.05). Conclusions: A deficit in global motion and form
      perception was only evident in strabismic amblyopia. Contrary to the dorsal
      stream deficiency hypothesis assumed in other developmental disorders, deficits
      were present in both motion (dorsal) and form (ventral) processing.

PMID- 27654430
TI  - Letters.

PMID- 27654429
TI  - Heterozygous Pitx2 Null Mice Accurately Recapitulate the Ocular Features of
      Axenfeld-Rieger Syndrome and Congenital Glaucoma.
AB  - Purpose: The purpose of this analysis was to assess the utility of Pitx2+/- mice
      as a model for the ocular features of Axenfeld-Rieger Syndrome and for congenital
      glaucoma. Methods: Eyes of Pitx2+/- and wild-type littermates were examined
      clinically using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fundus photography.
      Intraocular pressures were measured using a TonoLab rebound tonometer. Eyes were
      examined histologically to assess PITX2 expression, structural integrity, and
      optic nerve and ganglion cell content. Results: PITX2 is present postnatally in
      the corneal endothelium and stroma, iris stroma, trabecular meshwork, and
      Schlemm's canal. Reduced central corneal thickness, iris defects, and
      iridicorneal adhesions are all prevalent in Pitx2+/- eyes. Although optic nerve
      heads appear normal at postnatal day 7, IOP is elevated and optic nerve head
      cupping is fully penetrant in Pitx2+/- eyes by 3 weeks of age. Neurodegeneration
      is present in a significant percentage of optic nerves from Pitx2+/- mice by 3
      weeks of age, and is fully penetrant by 2 months of age. Pitx2+/- eyes show
      significant reductions in specifically ganglion cell density in all four
      quadrants by 2 months of age. Conclusions: Pitx2+/- mice model the major ocular
      features of Axenfeld-Rieger Syndrome and will be an important resource for
      understanding the molecular mechanisms leading to anterior segment dysgenesis and
      a high prevalence of glaucoma in this disease. In addition, these mice may
      provide an efficient new model for assessing the molecular events in glaucoma
      more generally, and for developing and testing new treatment paradigms for this
      disease.

PMID- 27654433
TI  - Check your local listings.

PMID- 27654435
TI  - Conquering plagiarism in clinical practice.

PMID- 27654434
TI  - Preparing nurses to respond to in-house emergencies as a team.

PMID- 27654436
TI  - Semantic interoperability: The good, the bad, and the ugly.

PMID- 27654438
TI  - Diving deep into hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

PMID- 27654439
TI  - Evidence-based safe practice guidelines for I.V. push medications.

PMID- 27654440
TI  - Pain isn't always physical.

PMID- 27654441
TI  - Servant leadership: A model for emerging nurse leaders.

PMID- 27654442
TI  - Using a 3-question algorithm to interpret heart blocks.

PMID- 27654443
TI  - Nurses' most important role this flu season: Get vaccinated.

PMID- 27654445
TI  - The ethics of opioids for chronic noncancer pain.

PMID- 27654444
TI  - Amiodarone administration for refractory ventricular fibrillation or pulseless
      ventricular tachycardia.

PMID- 27654446
TI  - Today's nurses need genetics education.

PMID- 27654447
TI  - Online resources for opioid addiction.

PMID- 27654449
TI  - The Costs and Cost-effectiveness of Collaborative Care for Adolescents With
      Depression in Primary Care Settings: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
AB  - Importance: Depression is one of the most common adolescent chronic health
      conditions and can lead to increased health care use. Collaborative care models
      have been shown to be effective in improving adolescent depressive symptoms, but
      there are few data on the effect of such a model on costs. Objective: To evaluate
      the costs and cost-effectiveness of a collaborative care model for treatment of
      adolescent major depressive disorder in primary care settings. Design, Setting,
      and Participants: This randomized clinical trial was conducted between April 1,
      2010, and April 30, 2013, at 9 primary care clinics in the Group Health system in
      Washington State. Participants were adolescents (age range, 13-17 years) with
      depression who participated in the Reaching Out to Adolescents in Distress (ROAD)
      collaborative care intervention trial. Interventions: A 12-month collaborative
      care intervention included an initial in-person engagement session, delivery of
      evidence-based treatments, and regular follow-up by master's level clinicians.
      Youth in the usual care control condition received depression screening results
      and could access mental health services and obtain medications through Group
      Health. Main Outcomes and Measures: Cost outcomes included intervention costs and
      per capita health plan costs, calculated from the payer perspective using
      administrative records. The primary effectiveness outcome was the difference in
      quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) between groups from baseline to 12 months.
      The QALYs were calculated using Child Depression Rating Scale-Revised scores
      measured during the clinical trial. Cost and QALYs were used to calculate an
      incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. Results: Of those screened, 105 youths met
      criteria for entry into the study, and 101 were randomized to the intervention (n
      = 50) and usual care (n = 51) groups. Overall health plan costs were not
      significantly different between the intervention ($5161; 95% CI, $3564-$7070) and
      usual care ($5752; 95% CI, $3814-$7952) groups. Intervention delivery cost an
      additional $1475 (95% CI, $1230-$1695) per person. The intervention group had a
      mean daily utility value of 0.78 (95% CI, 0.75-0.80) vs 0.73 (95% CI, 0.71-0.76)
      for the usual care group. The net mean difference in effectiveness was 0.04 (95%
      CI, 0.02-0.09) QALY at $883 above usual care. The mean incremental cost
      effectiveness ratio was $18 239 (95% CI, dominant to $24 408) per QALY gained,
      with dominant indicating that the intervention resulted in both a net cost
      savings and a net increase in QALYs. Conclusions and Relevance: Collaborative
      care for adolescent depression appears to be cost-effective, with 95% CIs far
      below the strictest willingness-to-pay thresholds. These findings support the use
      of collaborative care interventions to treat depression among adolescent youth.
      Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01140464.

PMID- 27654450
TI  - The social, psychological, emotional morbidity and adjustment techniques for
      women with anal incontinence following Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury: use of a
      word picture to identify a hidden syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To identify the emotional, social and psychological consequences and
      recovery process of anal incontinence (AI) following obstetric anal sphincter
      injuries (OASIS) and explore if this can be identified as a recognisable syndrome
      with visual representation. METHODS: A qualitative approach was adopted for this
      study. Data derived from case studies (n = 81) and interviews (n = 14) with women
      with AI after OASIS was used to identify the emotional, social and psychological
      consequences of AI after OASIS. Keywords and synonyms were extracted and the
      power of these statements displayed as a 'word picture'. The validity and
      authenticity of the word picture was then assessed by: a questionnaire sent to a
      group of mothers who had experienced this condition (n = 16); a focus group
      attended by mothers (n = 14) and supported by health professionals (n = 6) and
      via interviews with health professionals (n = 12) who were involved with helping
      mothers with AI following OASIS. RESULTS: Women with AI resulting from OASIS have
      a specific syndrome - the 'OASIS Syndrome' - which we have uniquely visualised as
      a 'word picture'. They feel unclean which results in dignity loss, psychosexual
      morbidity, isolation, embarrassment, guilt, fear, grief, feeling low, anxiety,
      loss of confidence, a feeling of having been mutilated and a compromised role as
      a mother. Coping relies on repetitive washing (which may become a ritual),
      planning daily activities around toiletry needs, sharing, family support,
      employment if possible and attention to the baby. Recovery and healing is through
      care of the child and hope generated by love within the family. CONCLUSIONS: This
      study has identified a previously unrecognised 'OASIS Syndrome' and, by way of a
      new and unique 'word picture', revealed a hidden condition. There should be
      greater awareness by the public and profession about the 'OASIS Syndrome' and a
      mechanism for early identification of the condition and referral for management.
      This, if successful, would overcome the barrier of silence which surrounds this
      currently unspoken taboo.

PMID- 27654452
TI  - A novel planar image-based method for bone marrow dosimetry in (177)Lu-DOTATATE
      treatment correlates with haematological toxicity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: ( 177)Lu-DOTATATE is a valuable treatment option for patients with
      advanced neuroendocrine tumours overexpressing somatostatin receptors. Though
      well tolerated in general, bone marrow toxicity can, besides renal exposure,
      become dose limiting and affect the ability to sustain future therapies. The aim
      of this study was to develop a novel planar image-based method for bone marrow
      dosimetry and evaluate its correlation with haematological toxicity during
      (177)Lu-DOTATATE treatment. In this study, 46 patients with advanced
      neuroendocrine tumours were treated with 7.2 GBq (3.5-8.3 GBq) of (177)Lu
      DOTATATE on two to five occasions. Planar gamma camera images were acquired at 2,
      24, 48 and 168 h post-injection. Whole-body regions of interest were created in
      the images, and a threshold-based segmentation algorithm was applied to separate
      the uptake of (177)Lu-DOTATATE into high and low uptake compartments. The
      conjugate view method was used to quantify the activity, the accumulated activity
      was calculated and the absorbed dose to the bone marrow was estimated according
      to the MIRD scheme. Patients were monitored for haematological toxicity based on
      haemoglobin (Hb), white blood cell (WBC) and platelet (PLT) counts every other
      week during the treatment period. RESULTS: The mean absorbed dose to the bone
      marrow was estimated to 0.20 Gy (0.11-0.37 Gy) per 7.4 GBq of (177)Lu-DOTATATE,
      and the mean dose per fraction correlated with a decrease in Hb (p = 0.01), WBC
      (p < 0.01) and PLT (p < 0.01) counts. The total mean absorbed dose to the bone
      marrow was 0.64 Gy (0.30-1.5 Gy) per 24 GBq (8.2-37 GBq) of (177)Lu-DOTATATE and
      also correlated with a decrease in Hb (p < 0.01), WBC (p = 0.01) and PLT (p <
      0.01) counts. CONCLUSIONS: The planar image-based method developed in this study
      resulted in similar absorbed doses to the bone marrow as reported in earlier
      studies with blood-based bone marrow dosimetry. The results correlated with
      haematological toxicity, making it a promising method for estimating bone marrow
      doses in (177)Lu-DOTATATE treatment without the need for blood and urine
      sampling.

PMID- 27654451
TI  - Diversity of MHC class I alleles in Spheniscus humboldti.
AB  - The major histocompatibility complex locus (MHC) is a gene region related to
      immune response and exhibits a remarkably great diversity. We deduced that
      polymorphisms in MHC genes would help to solve several issues on penguins,
      including classification, phylogenetic relationship, and conservation. This study
      aimed to elucidate the structure and diversity of the so far unknown MHC class I
      gene in a penguin species. The structure of an MHC class I gene from the Humboldt
      penguin (Spheniscus humboldti) was determined by using an inverse PCR method. We
      designed PCR primers to directly determine nucleotide sequences of PCR products
      from the MHC class I gene and to obtain recombinant clones for investigating the
      diversity of the MHC class I gene in Humboldt penguins. A total of 24 MHC class I
      allele sequences were obtained from 40 individuals. Polymorphisms were mainly
      found in exons 2 and 3, as expected from the nature of MHC class I genes in
      vertebrate species including birds and mammals. Phylogenetic analyses of MHC
      class I alleles have revealed that the Humboldt penguin is closely related to the
      Red Knot (Calidris canutus) belonging to Charadriiformes.

PMID- 27654453
TI  - Is body mass index relevant to prognosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma? A
      clinicopathological cohort study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Obesity appears to be related to papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) in
      the observational studies, although its relationship concerning the PTC prognosis
      has not been established. We investigated the association between body mass index
      (BMI) and the prognosis of PTC. METHODS: The WHO BMI classification was used to
      stratify the degree of obesity. The final outcome was disease status, including
      recurrence and persistence, of 783 PTC patients. We reviewed patients' BMI,
      disease status, and other prognostic factors retrospectively. RESULTS: The mean
      BMI was 24.2 kg/m2. When stratified according to the WHO BMI classification, 21
      were Underweight, 482 were Normal, 232 were Overweight, and 48 were Obese. We
      divided patients into two groups: <25.0 kg/m2 (n = 503) vs. >=25.0 kg/m2 (n =
      280). The BMI >=25.0 group was older and more likely to be male in a multivariate
      analysis (p < 0.001). For those with BMI <25.0 and >=25.0, recurrence occurred in
      3.0 and 2.1 % (p = 0.486), persistence in 7.2 and 5.1 % (p = 0.265), and either
      recurrence or persistence in 9.9 and 7.1 %, respectively (p = 0.189). A
      multivariate analysis revealed that older age and male gender in Overweight vs.
      Normal, older age in Obese vs. Normal, and advanced T stage in Normal vs.
      Underweight were statistically significant prognostic factors. CONCLUSIONS: There
      was no significant difference in the prognosis according to BMI in PTC patients.
      However, old age, male gender, and advanced T-stage patients were found more
      frequently in the higher BMI group than in the lower BMI group.

PMID- 27654455
TI  - Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers in Postconcussion Syndrome: Measuring Neuronal
      Injury and Distinguishing Individuals at Risk for Persistent Postconcussion
      Syndrome or Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy.

PMID- 27654454
TI  - Comparison of postoperative early and late complications between pancreas-sparing
      duodenectomy and pancreatoduodenectomy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Pancreas-sparing duodenectomy (PSD) represents an alternative procedure
      to pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) for patients with duodenal neoplasms. METHODS: The
      postoperative early and late complications of 21 patients who underwent PSD
      between 1992 and 2014 were compared with those of 44 patients with soft
      pancreatic parenchyma who underwent PD between 2009 and 2014. RESULTS: The median
      operation time and blood loss were less in the PSD group than in the PD group (P
      < 0.001). The overall incidence of early complications was less in the PSD group
      than in the PD group (PSD with ampullectomy vs. PSD without ampullectomy vs. PD;
      45.5 vs. 20.0 vs. 56.8 %). The incidence of pancreatic fistula formation and
      overall incidence of late complications were also less in the PSD group than in
      the PD group (P = 0.031, 0.020). There were no complications related to the
      pancreatic endocrine or exocrine functions in the PSD group. CONCLUSION: PSD is a
      less-invasive procedure and has the advantage over PD of preserving the pancreas.

PMID- 27654456
TI  - Pineal granuloma masking a germinoma: do not hesitate to repeat the biopsy.

PMID- 27654457
TI  - Immunotherapy Added to Antibiotic Treatment Reduces Relapse of Disease in a Mouse
      Model of Tuberculosis.
AB  - Immune-modulating drugs that target myeloid-derived suppressor cells or stimulate
      natural killer T cells have been shown to reduce mycobacterial loads in
      tuberculosis (TB). We aimed to determine if a combination of these drugs as
      adjunct immunotherapy to conventional antibiotic treatment could also increase
      therapeutic efficacy against TB. In our model of pulmonary TB in mice, we applied
      treatment with isoniazid, rifampicin, and pyrazinamide for 13 weeks alone or
      combined with immunotherapy consisting of all-trans retinoic acid, 1,25(OH)2
      vitamin D3, and alpha-galactosylceramide. Outcome parameters were mycobacterial
      load during treatment (therapeutic activity) and 13 weeks after termination of
      treatment (therapeutic efficacy). Moreover, cellular changes were analyzed using
      flow cytometry and cytokine expression was assessed at the mRNA and protein
      levels. Addition of immunotherapy was associated with lower mycobacterial loads
      after 5 weeks of treatment and significantly reduced relapse of disease after a
      shortened 13-week treatment course compared with antibiotic treatment alone. This
      was accompanied by reduced accumulation of immature myeloid cells in the lungs at
      the end of treatment and increased TNF-alpha protein levels throughout the
      treatment period. We demonstrate, in a mouse model of pulmonary TB, that
      immunotherapy consisting of three clinically approved drugs can improve the
      therapeutic efficacy of standard antibiotic treatment.

PMID- 27654458
TI  - Impact of Redox Reactions on Colloid Transport in Saturated Porous Media: An
      Example of Ferrihydrite Colloids Transport in the Presence of Sulfide.
AB  - Transport of colloids in the subsurface is an important environmental process
      with most research interests centered on the transport in chemically stable
      conditions. While colloids can be formed under dynamic redox conditions, the
      impact of redox reactions on their transport is largely overlooked. Taking the
      redox reactions between ferrihydrite colloids and sulfide as an example, we
      investigated how and to what extent the redox reactions modulated the transport
      of ferrihydrite colloids in anoxic sand columns over a range of environmentally
      relevant conditions. Our results reveal that the presence of sulfide (7.8-46.9
      MUM) significantly decreased the breakthrough of ferrihydrite colloids in the
      sand column. The estimated travel distance of ferrihydrite colloids in the
      absence of sulfide was nearly 7-fold larger than that in the presence of 46.9 MUM
      sulfide. The reduced breakthrough was primarily attributed to the reductive
      dissolution of ferrihydrite colloids by sulfide in parallel with formation of
      elemental sulfur (S(0)) particles from sulfide oxidation. Reductive dissolution
      decreased the total mass of ferrihydrite colloids, while the negatively charged
      S(0) decreased the overall zeta potential of ferrihydrite colloids by attaching
      onto their surfaces and thus enhanced their retention in the sand. Our findings
      provide novel insights into the critical role of redox reactions on the transport
      of redox-sensitive colloids in saturated porous media.

PMID- 27654460
TI  - Open Reduction Internal Fixation of Posterior Malleolus Fractures and Iatrogenic
      Injuries: A Cadaveric Study.
AB  - : Open reduction internal fixation of posterior malleolus fractures from a
      posterior approach is gaining popularity. One concern that has not been studied
      is the risk of iatrogenic injury to anatomical structures on the anterior ankle.
      The purpose of this study is to determine the proximity of these anterior
      structures with relation to K-wires advanced through the anterior cortex. A total
      of 10 cadaver ankles were utilized in the study. A posterolateral approach to the
      ankle was used. K-wires were advanced at varying levels above the articular
      surface, and then, the proximity of the wires to the following structures was
      determined: the neurovascular bundle, tibialis anterior (TA), and extensor
      hallucis longus. Overall, the structure most in danger of being injured was the
      TA (P < .001). This tendon was injured by 52% of all K-wires. These data suggest
      that K-wires should be advanced under direct fluoroscopic visualization to
      minimize the risk of iatrogenic injury. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

PMID- 27654459
TI  - Prevalence and severity of depressive symptoms in relation to rural-to-urban
      migration in India: a cross-sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Migration is a major life event, which may also be a risk factor for
      depression. However, little is known regarding the relationship between these
      phenomena in low and middle income settings. This study explores the frequency
      and severity of depressive symptoms among rural-to-urban migrants compared to
      permanent rural and to urban residents in India. METHODS: We assessed 884
      subjects; urban non-migrants (n = 159), urban migrants (n = 461) and rural non
      migrants (n = 264) in Hyderabad, India, in 2009-2010. The frequency and severity
      of depressive symptoms was assessed with the validated Telugu version of the
      Brief Patient Health Questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression was used to
      examine the association between the presence of depressive symptoms and migration
      status while adjusting for gender, age and several sociodemographic and health
      related parameters using Stata v.12. RESULTS: The prevalence of mild to severe
      depressive symptoms was higher in women (11.3, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 8.3
      14.3 %) compared to men (5.8 %, 95 % CI 3.7-7.9 %). Rural residents reported the
      highest prevalence of mild to severe depressive symptoms (women: 16.7 %, 95 % CI
      9.8-23.5 %; men: 8.0 %, 95 % CI 3.7-12.3 %). Among women, the lowest prevalence
      was reported by migrants (8.2 %, 95 % CI 4.6-11.9 %). Among men, prevalence was
      similar in migrants (5.0 %, 95 % CI 2.2-7.7 %) and urban residents (3.9 %, 95 %
      CI 0-8.3 %). Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed no evidence for
      increased prevalence of mild to severe depressive symptoms among migrants
      compared to either rural or urban residents. CONCLUSIONS: There was no evidence
      for an increased prevalence of mild to severe depressive symptoms among rural
      urban migrants compared to rural or urban residents.

PMID- 27654461
TI  - Leiomyoma of the Foot and Ankle: A Case Series.
AB  - : Leiomyoma is a benign soft-tissue tumor that can arise in any soft tissue;
      however, in the extremities, it is usually a subcutaneous mass. Masses in the
      foot and ankle in general are rare, and few reports in the literature describe
      leiomyoma in this region of the body. We present a series of 8 cases of leiomyoma
      of the foot and ankle, 4 of which are subclassified as angioleiomyomas. The
      characteristic patient presentation, imaging, and histological findings are
      presented here to increase awareness of this soft-tissue mass in the foot and
      ankle. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level V.

PMID- 27654462
TI  - Size Effect of the Interfacial Mechanical Behavior of Graphene on a Stretchable
      Substrate.
AB  - The size effect and deformation transfer of the interface between graphene and a
      polymer substrate are experimentally investigated. Eight composite specimens,
      containing polyethylene terephthalate substrate (PET) and eight different sizes
      of graphene, are designed. The specimens are studied by a series of experiments
      to explore how the mechanical properties of the tangential interface between
      graphene and the substrates can be influenced by the size of graphene. Micro
      Raman spectroscopy is employed to measure the full-field strain of graphene
      subjected to a uniaxial tensile loading process, based on which the evolution of
      the bonding states of the interface is obtained. The existence of a size effect
      in the interfacial strain transfer process at the graphene/PET interface is
      observed, and this phenomenon is characterized by a size threshold and an
      innovatively defined parameter called the critical relative transfer length.
      Combined with previous experimental results on the tangential interface of
      graphene, we observe that the size effect of the interfacial shear stress of
      graphene is the main cause for the inconformity of experimental data published in
      previous reports.

PMID- 27654463
TI  - An Isolable Bismabenzene: Synthesis, Structure, and Reactivity.
AB  - A stable bismabenzene was synthesized, isolated, and structurally characterized.
      The prospective aromaticity of this heavy benzene, bearing a sixth-row element,
      was examined by X-ray crystallography and NMR and UV-vis spectroscopy, as well as
      theoretical DFT calculations. Structural analysis of this bismabenzene revealed a
      planar ring containing unsaturated Bi-C and C-C bonds. As bond alternations could
      not be observed, these results are consistent with the formal criteria of
      aromaticity. Theoretical calculations also support the aromatic nature of this
      bismabenzene, which reacted with an alkyne to form the corresponding [4+2]
      cycloadduct, thus demonstrating a small yet tangible aromatic stabilization
      energy.

PMID- 27654464
TI  - Electrical impedance tomography to determine optimal positive end-expiratory
      pressure in severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

PMID- 27654465
TI  - Comparing Homicide-Suicides in the United States and Sweden.
AB  - Research on homicides followed by suicides has largely relied on very localized
      samples and relatively short time spans of data. As a result, little is known
      about the extent to which patterns within cases of homicide-suicides are
      geographically specific. The current study seeks to help fill this gap by
      comparing twenty years of homicide-suicide data for Sweden and a large U.S.
      county. Although some of the underlying patterns in the two countries are similar
      (e.g., decreasing rates), a number of important differences emerge, particularly
      with respect to incidence, weapons used, perpetrator age, and relationship of the
      perpetrator to the victim.

PMID- 27654466
TI  - Is the daily use of vacuum erection device for a month before penile prosthesis
      implantation beneficial? a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - Patient concerns about penile length after penile prosthesis (PP) implantation
      for erectile dysfunction (ED) have significant impact on patients and their
      partners. In addition, corporal fibrosis is associated with difficult PP
      implantation. The preoperative use of vacuum erectile devices (VED) is an
      uncommon physical treatment for such concerns. Therefore, the current randomized
      controlled study assessed two outcomes: whether pre-operative VED use for a month
      before surgery would significantly increase flaccid stretched penile length (SPL)
      on the day of surgery, and facilitate easier corporal dilatation
      intraoperatively. Fifty-one patients scheduled for PP implantation for ED were
      randomized to either intervention group (pre-operative VED use; 10-15 min/day for
      >=30 days; Group A; n = 25), or control group (no intervention; Group B; n = 26).
      A research assistant (blinded to the treatment assignments) recorded SPL at
      baseline (initial consultation) and on day of surgery. The surgeons performing
      the PP implantation (also blinded to the treatment assignments) provided
      subjective assessments of the ease of corporal dilatation. Baseline patient
      characteristics, demographics, and comorbidities were the same in both groups.
      Baseline measurements (SPL-1) were 10.71 +/- 1.28 and 10.87 +/- 1.26 cm in Group
      A and Group B, respectively; and the day of surgery measurements (SPL-2) were
      11.50 +/- 1.33 and 11.06 +/- 1.34 cm in Group A and Group B, respectively. In
      terms of outcomes: mean SPL increase in Group A was significantly more by a mean
      of 0.80 +/- 0.38 cm (p < 0.05) compared to Group B; and surgeons' subjective
      report of surgical ease indicated smoother corporal dilatation for Group A
      compared to Group B. VED use (10-15 min/day during the month prior to PP
      implantation) was associated with significantly increased SPL on day of surgery,
      and facilitated easier corporal dilatation intraoperatively. Future studies
      should examine the long-term outcomes of penile prosthesis implantation after pre
      operative use of vacuum erectile devices.

PMID- 27654467
TI  - Passive Tumor Targeting of Polymer Therapeutics: In Vivo Imaging of Both the
      Polymer Carrier and the Enzymatically Cleavable Drug Model.
AB  - The enzymatic release of a model drug from a polymer carrier inside a tumor using
      multispectral optical imaging in vivo in nude mice bearing colorectal carcinomas
      HT-29 and DLD-1 is demonstrated. Much higher release rate in vivo from a linear
      (30 kDa) (N-2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide-based polymer compared with a high
      molecular weight branched (170 kDa) polymer conjugate is observed, probably due
      to steric hindrance of the cleavable spacer of the latter polymer to proteolytic
      enzymes. There is no significant difference in the relative biodistribution of
      the two polymers, but the branched polymer circulates much longer. Both polymers
      are labeled with two different fluorophores. Dyomics-676 as a drug model is
      attached to the polymer via an enzymatically cleavable Gly-Phe-Leu-Gly spacer;
      Dyomics 782 is bound to the same polymer via a nondegradable amide bond, enabling
      the tracking of the polymer carrier after i.v. application to mice.

PMID- 27654468
TI  - Inability of 'Whole Genome Amplification' to Improve Success Rates for the
      Biomolecular Detection of Tuberculosis in Archaeological Samples.
AB  - We assessed the ability of whole genome amplification (WGA) to improve the
      efficiency of downstream polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) directed at ancient
      DNA (aDNA) of members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC). Using
      extracts from a variety of bones and a tooth from human skeletons with or without
      lesions indicative of tuberculosis, from multiple time periods, we obtained
      inconsistent results. We conclude that WGA does not provide any advantage in
      studies of MTBC aDNA. The sporadic nature of our results are probably due to the
      fact that WGA is itself a PCR-based procedure which, although designed to deal
      with fragmented DNA, might be inefficient with the low concentration of templates
      in an aDNA extract. As such, WGA is subject to similar, if not the same,
      restrictions as PCR when applied to aDNA.

PMID- 27654469
TI  - Non-invasive characterization of real-time bladder sensation using accelerated
      hydration and a novel sensation meter: An initial experience.
AB  - AIMS: The purpose of this investigation was to develop a non-invasive, objective,
      and unprompted method to characterize real-time bladder sensation. METHODS:
      Volunteers with and without overactive bladder (OAB) were prospectively enrolled
      in a preliminary accelerated hydration study. Participants drank 2L Gatorade
      G2(r) and recorded real-time sensation (0-100% scale) and standardized verbal
      sensory thresholds using a novel, touch-screen "sensation meter." 3D bladder
      ultrasound images were recorded throughout fillings for a subset of participants.
      Sensation data were recorded for two consecutive complete fill-void cycles.
      RESULTS: Data from 14 normal and 12 OAB participants were obtained (ICIq-OAB-5a =
      0 vs. >=3). Filling duration decreased in fill2 compared to fill1, but volume did
      not significantly change. In normals, adjacent verbal sensory thresholds (within
      fill) showed no overlap, and identical thresholds (between fill) were similar,
      demonstrating effective differentiation between degrees of %bladder capacity. In
      OAB, within-fill overlaps and between-fill differences were identified. Real-time
      %capacity-sensation curves left shifted from fill1 to fill2 in normals,
      consistent with expected viscoelastic behavior, but unexpectedly right shifted in
      OAB. 3D ultrasound volume data showed that fill rates started slowly and ramped
      up with variable end points. CONCLUSIONS: This study establishes a non-invasive
      means to evaluate real-time bladder sensation using a two-fill accelerated
      hydration protocol and a sensation meter. Verbal thresholds were inconsistent in
      OAB, and the right shift in OAB %capacity-sensation curve suggests potential
      biomechanical and/or sensitization changes. This methodology could be used to
      gain valuable information on different forms of OAB in a completely non-invasive
      way.

PMID- 27654470
TI  - Heparin promotes fibril formation by the N-terminal fragment of amyloidogenic
      apolipoprotein A-I.
AB  - Glycosaminoglycans are known to be associated with extracellular amyloid deposits
      of various amyloidogenic proteins. In this study, we found that the
      glycosaminoglycan heparin greatly accelerates the elongation step in fibril
      formation by the N-terminal 1-83 fragment of human apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I),
      especially in the amyloidogenic W50R variant. Using fragment peptides, we
      demonstrate that heparin significantly promotes beta-transition and fibril
      formation of the highly amyloidogenic region spanning residues 44-65 and
      colocalizes with fibrils formed by the W50R variant. These results suggest the
      possible role of glycosaminoglycans in fibril formation by amyloidogenic apoA-I
      variants.

PMID- 27654471
TI  - [2016 European Guidelines on cardiovascular disease prevention in clinical
      practice].

PMID- 27654472
TI  - Massive On-X mitral mechanical prosthetic valve thrombosis in NYHA class I
      patient.

PMID- 27654473
TI  - From heart to lung cancer.

PMID- 27654474
TI  - Severe acute cardiotoxicity following two intravenous doses of cyclophosphamide
      in an adolescent treated for rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis.

PMID- 27654475
TI  - First implantation of a HeartMate 3 left ventricular assist device in Poland.

PMID- 27654476
TI  - [Liposomal doxorubicin in patients with breast cancer and concomitant
      cardiovascular diseases - interdisciplinary expert opinion].
AB  - The use of liposomal doxorubicin in place of conventional form can significantly
      reduce the risk of clinically important cardiovascular complications of
      chemotherapy. The use of liposomal doxorubicin-containing regimen seems to be the
      most justified in treatment of breast cancer patients with coexisting
      cardiovascular diseases. The document defines the possible clinical scenarios for
      the use of chemotherapy with liposomal doxorubicin and presents the optimal
      cardiac monitoring of this therapy. 

PMID- 27654477
TI  - Water mass mixing shapes bacterial biogeography in a highly hydrodynamic region
      of the Southern Ocean.
AB  - Even though compelling evidences indicate that marine microbes show biogeographic
      patterns, very little is known on the mechanisms driving those patterns in
      aquatic ecosystems. In the present study, bacterial community structure was
      examined in epipelagic waters of a highly hydrodynamic area of the Southern Ocean
      to gain insight into the role that biogeochemical factors and water mass mixing
      (a proxy of dispersal) have on microbial biogeography. Four water masses that
      converge and mix around the South Shetland Islands (northern tip of the Antarctic
      Peninsula) were investigated. Bacterioplankton communities were water-mass
      specific, and were best explained by dispersal rather than by biogeochemical
      factors, which is attributed to the relatively reduced environmental gradients
      found in these cold and nutrient rich waters. These results support the notion
      that currents and water mixing may have a considerable effect in connecting and
      transforming different water bodies, and consequently, in shaping communities of
      microorganisms. Considering the multidimensional and dynamic nature of the ocean,
      analysis of water mass mixing is a more suitable approach to investigate the role
      of dispersal on the biogeography of planktonic microorganisms rather than
      geographical distance.

PMID- 27654479
TI  - A Faster, Unbiased Path Opening by Upper Skeletonization and Weighted Adjacency
      Graphs.
AB  - The path opening is a filter that preserves bright regions in the image in which
      a path of a certain length L fits. A path is a (not necessarily straight) line
      defined by a specific adjacency relation. The most efficient implementation known
      scales as O(min(L, d, Q) N) with the length of the path, L , the maximum possible
      path length, d , the number of graylevels, Q , and the image size, N . An
      approximation exists (parsimonious path opening) that has an execution time
      independent of path length. This is achieved by preselecting paths, and applying
      1D openings along these paths. However, the preselected paths can miss important
      structures, as described by its authors. Here, we propose a different
      approximation, in which we preselect paths using a grayvalue skeleton. The
      skeleton follows all ridges in the image, meaning that no important line
      structures will be missed. An H-minima transform simplifies the image to reduce
      the number of branches in the skeleton. A graph-based version of the traditional
      path opening operates only on the pixels in the skeleton, yielding speedups up to
      one order of magnitude, depending on image size and filter parameters. The edges
      of the graph are weighted in order to minimize bias. Experiments show that the
      proposed algorithm scales linearly with image size, and that it is often slightly
      faster for longer paths than for shorter paths. The algorithm also yields the
      most accurate results-as compared with a number of path opening variants-when
      measuring length distributions.

PMID- 27654480
TI  - Pedestrian Detection Inspired by Appearance Constancy and Shape Symmetry.
AB  - Most state-of-the-art methods in pedestrian detection are unable to achieve a
      good trade-off between accuracy and efficiency. For example, ACF has a fast speed
      but a relatively low detection rate, while checkerboards have a high detection
      rate but a slow speed. Inspired by some simple inherent attributes of pedestrians
      (i.e., appearance constancy and shape symmetry), we propose two new types of non
      neighboring features: side-inner difference features (SIDF) and symmetrical
      similarity features (SSFs). SIDF can characterize the difference between the
      background and pedestrian and the difference between the pedestrian contour and
      its inner part. SSF can capture the symmetrical similarity of pedestrian shape.
      However, it is difficult for neighboring features to have such above
      characterization abilities. Finally, we propose to combine both non-neighboring
      features and neighboring features for pedestrian detection. It is found that non
      neighboring features can further decrease the log-average miss rate by 4.44%. The
      relationship between our proposed method and some state-of-the-art methods is
      also given. Experimental results on INRIA, Caltech, and KITTI data sets
      demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed method. Compared
      with the state-of-the-art methods without using CNN, our method achieves the best
      detection performance on Caltech, outperforming the second best method (i.e.,
      checkerboards) by 2.27%. Using the new annotations of Caltech, it can achieve
      11.87% miss rate, which outperforms other methods.

PMID- 27654482
TI  - Multi-View 3D Object Retrieval With Deep Embedding Network.
AB  - In multi-view 3D object retrieval, each object is characterized by a group of 2D
      images captured from different views. Rather than using hand-crafted features, in
      this paper, we take advantage of the strong discriminative power of convolutional
      neural network to learn an effective 3D object representation tailored for this
      retrieval task. Specifically, we propose a deep embedding network jointly
      supervised by classification loss and triplet loss to map the high-dimensional
      image space into a low-dimensional feature space, where the Euclidean distance of
      features directly corresponds to the semantic similarity of images. By
      effectively reducing the intra-class variations while increasing the inter-class
      ones of the input images, the network guarantees that similar images are closer
      than dissimilar ones in the learned feature space. Besides, we investigate the
      effectiveness of deep features extracted from different layers of the embedding
      network extensively and find that an efficient 3D object representation should be
      a tradeoff between global semantic information and discriminative local
      characteristics. Then, with the set of deep features extracted from different
      views, we can generate a comprehensive description for each 3D object and
      formulate the multi-view 3D object retrieval as a set-to-set matching problem.
      Extensive experiments on SHREC'15 data set demonstrate the superiority of our
      proposed method over the previous state-of-the-art approaches with over 12%
      performance improvement.

PMID- 27654481
TI  - Hierarchical Representation Learning for Kinship Verification.
AB  - Kinship verification has a number of applications such as organizing large
      collections of images and recognizing resemblances among humans. In this paper,
      first, a human study is conducted to understand the capabilities of human mind
      and to identify the discriminatory areas of a face that facilitate kinship-cues.
      The visual stimuli presented to the participants determine their ability to
      recognize kin relationship using the whole face as well as specific facial
      regions. The effect of participant gender and age and kin-relation pair of the
      stimulus is analyzed using quantitative measures such as accuracy,
      discriminability index d' , and perceptual information entropy. Utilizing the
      information obtained from the human study, a hierarchical kinship verification
      via representation learning (KVRL) framework is utilized to learn the
      representation of different face regions in an unsupervised manner. We propose a
      novel approach for feature representation termed as filtered contractive deep
      belief networks (fcDBN). The proposed feature representation encodes relational
      information present in images using filters and contractive regularization
      penalty. A compact representation of facial images of kin is extracted as an
      output from the learned model and a multi-layer neural network is utilized to
      verify the kin accurately. A new WVU kinship database is created, which consists
      of multiple images per subject to facilitate kinship verification. The results
      show that the proposed deep learning framework (KVRL-fcDBN) yields the state-of
      the-art kinship verification accuracy on the WVU kinship database and on four
      existing benchmark data sets. Furthermore, kinship information is used as a soft
      biometric modality to boost the performance of face verification via product of
      likelihood ratio and support vector machine based approaches. Using the proposed
      KVRL-fcDBN framework, an improvement of over 20% is observed in the performance
      of face verification.

PMID- 27654478
TI  - Increased expression of long-noncoding RNA ZFAS1 is associated with epithelial
      mesenchymal transition of gastric cancer.
AB  - LncRNAs play critical roles in gastric cancer (GC). In this study, the expression
      of fourteen cancer related lncRNAs were investigated in paired tissues of 66
      patients with GC, real-time RT-PCR revealed that ZFAS1 was significantly
      upregulated. We then examined the expression of ZFAS1 in plasmas derived from 77
      GC patients before- and post-operations and 60 healthy individuals, and found
      that circulating ZFAS1 was also upregulated in GC patients and operation can
      reduce its presence in plasma. To investigate the potential mechanisms, we
      compared the expression of ZFAS1 in multiple gastric cell lines and one normal
      cell line and found that ZFAS1 was up-regulated in GC cell lines. Furthermore,
      circulating tumor cells (CTC) were simulated by mixing GC cells with peripheral
      blood. After EpCAM antibody-based cell sorting, we found that the expression of
      ZFAS1 was positively correlated with EMT property of CTCs. In GC patient tissue
      samples, we found that Twist was positively correlated with ZFAS1 by
      immunohistochemical staining. Taken together, our results suggested that ZFAS1
      was up-regulated in both tissues and plasmas of GC patients, and may be involved
      in regulation of EMT in GC progression. Thus, ZFAS1 might serve as a potential
      diagnostic marker and/or therapeutic target for GC.

PMID- 27654483
TI  - Structure Integral Transform Versus Radon Transform: A 2D Mathematical Tool for
      Invariant Shape Recognition.
AB  - In this paper, we present a novel mathematical tool, Structure Integral Transform
      (SIT), for invariant shape description and recognition. Different from the Radon
      Transform (RT), which integrates the shape image function over a 1D line in the
      image plane, the proposed SIT builds upon two orthogonal integrals over a 2D K 
      cross dissecting structure spanning across all rotation angles by which the shape
      regions are bisected in each integral. The proposed SIT brings the following
      advantages over the RT: 1) it has the extra function of describing the interior
      structural relationship within the shape which provides a more powerful
      discriminative ability for shape recognition; 2) the shape regions are dissected
      by the K -cross in a coarse to fine hierarchical order that can characterize the
      shape in a better spatial organization scanning from the center to the periphery;
      and 3) it is easier to build a completely invariant shape descriptor. The
      experimental results of applying SIT to shape recognition demonstrate its
      superior performance over the well-known Radon transform, and the well-known
      shape contexts and the polar harmonic transforms.

PMID- 27654485
TI  - Unsupervised Domain Adaptation With Label and Structural Consistency.
AB  - Unsupervised domain adaptation deals with scenarios in which labeled data are
      available in the source domain, but only unlabeled data can be observed in the
      target domain. Since the classifiers trained by source-domain data would not be
      expected to generalize well in the target domain, how to transfer the label
      information from source to target-domain data is a challenging task. A common
      technique for unsupervised domain adaptation is to match cross-domain data
      distributions, so that the domain and distribution differences can be suppressed.
      In this paper, we propose to utilize the label information inferred from the
      source domain, while the structural information of the unlabeled target-domain
      data will be jointly exploited for adaptation purposes. Our proposed model not
      only reduces the distribution mismatch between domains, improved recognition of
      target-domain data can be achieved simultaneously. In the experiments, we will
      show that our approach performs favorably against the state-of-the-art
      unsupervised domain adaptation methods on benchmark data sets. We will also
      provide convergence, sensitivity, and robustness analysis, which support the use
      of our model for cross-domain classification.

PMID- 27654484
TI  - Dynamic Parallel and Distributed Graph Cuts.
AB  - Graph cuts are widely used in computer vision. To speed up the optimization
      process and improve the scalability for large graphs, Strandmark and Kahl
      introduced a splitting method to split a graph into multiple subgraphs for
      parallel computation in both shared and distributed memory models. However, this
      parallel algorithm (the parallel BK-algorithm) does not have a polynomial bound
      on the number of iterations and is found to be non-convergent in some cases due
      to the possible multiple optimal solutions of its sub-problems. To remedy this
      non-convergence problem, in this paper, we first introduce a merging method
      capable of merging any number of those adjacent sub-graphs that can hardly reach
      agreement on their overlapping regions in the parallel BK-algorithm. Based on the
      pseudo-boolean representations of graph cuts, our merging method is shown to be
      effectively reused all the computed flows in these sub-graphs. Through both
      splitting and merging, we further propose a dynamic parallel and distributed
      graph cuts algorithm with guaranteed convergence to the globally optimal
      solutions within a predefined number of iterations. In essence, this paper
      provides a general framework to allow more sophisticated splitting and merging
      strategies to be employed to further boost performance. Our dynamic parallel
      algorithm is validated with extensive experimental results.

PMID- 27654486
TI  - Self-Organized Stationary Patterns in Networks of Bistable Chemical Reactions.
AB  - Experiments with networks of discrete reactive bistable electrochemical elements
      organized in regular and nonregular tree networks are presented to confirm an
      alternative to the Turing mechanism for the formation of self-organized
      stationary patterns. The results show that the pattern formation can be described
      by the identification of domains that can be activated individually or in
      combinations. The method also enabled the localization of chemical reactions to
      network substructures and the identification of critical sites whose activation
      results in complete activation of the system. Although the experiments were
      performed with a specific nickel electrodissolution system, they reproduced all
      the salient dynamic behavior of a general network model with a single
      nonlinearity parameter. Thus, the considered pattern-formation mechanism is very
      robust, and similar behavior can be expected in other natural or engineered
      networked systems that exhibit, at least locally, a treelike structure.

PMID- 27654487
TI  - Right Ventricular Dysfunction Complicates Time in Therapeutic Range in Heart
      Failure Patients Receiving Warfarin.
AB  - AIM: We aimed to evaluate the effect of echocardiographically demonstrated right
      ventricular dysfunction (RVD) on time in therapeutic range (TTR) in heart failure
      (HF) patients receiving warfarin therapy. METHODS: A total of 893 consecutive HF
      patients were included and classified into 4 different subgroups: HF with
      preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) without RVD (n = 373), HF with reduced EF
      (HFrEF) without RVD (n = 215), HFpEF with RVD (n = 106) and HFrEF with RVD (n =
      199). Groups were compared according to baseline, demographic and clinical data
      and the characteristics of warfarin therapy. RESULTS: Presence of RVD yielded
      lower median TTR values both in HFpEF and HFrEF patients. RVD, current smoking,
      New York Heart Association functional class III/IV, hypertension, diabetes
      mellitus, pulmonary disease, prior transient ischemic attack or stroke, chronic
      kidney disease (CKD) stage 4/5 and CKD stage 3 were found to be independent
      predictors of poor anticoagulation control in multivariate logistic regression
      analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that presence of RVD in HF
      increases the risk for poor anticoagulation.

PMID- 27654488
TI  - Assessing non-metro recovery across two continents: issues and limitations.
AB  - Rural and remote areas of countries such as Australia and the United States are
      less well-resourced and often poorer than their city counterparts. When a
      disaster strikes, therefore, their long-term recovery can be impeded by being
      situated 'over the horizon'. Nonetheless, they are likely to enjoy higher social
      capital, with 'locals' banding together to help restore economic and social life
      in the wake of a calamitous incident. At the same time, a repeat of extreme
      events, springing in part from alteration to the landscape through intense human
      occupation, threatens to derail sustainable recovery processes everywhere,
      suggesting that renewed emphasis needs to be placed on preparedness. Improved
      metrics are also required, spanning both pre- and post-disaster phases, to
      determine effectiveness. Moreover, a focus on the 'hardening' of towns offers a
      better return in limiting damage and potentially hastens the speed of recovery
      should these places later fall victim to extreme events.

PMID- 27654489
TI  - Deairing Techniques for Double-Ended Centrifugal Total Artificial Heart
      Implantation.
AB  - The unique device architecture of the Cleveland Clinic continuous-flow total
      artificial heart (CFTAH) requires dedicated and specific air-removal techniques
      during device implantation in vivo. These procedures comprise special surgical
      techniques and intraoperative manipulations, as well as engineering design
      changes and optimizations to the device itself. The current study evaluated the
      optimal air-removal techniques during the Cleveland Clinic double-ended
      centrifugal CFTAH in vivo implants (n = 17). Techniques and pump design
      iterations consisted of developing a priming method for the device and the use of
      built-in deairing ports in the early cases (n = 5). In the remaining cases (n =
      12), deairing ports were not used. Dedicated air-removal ports were not
      considered an essential design requirement, and such ports may represent an
      additional risk for pump thrombosis. Careful passive deairing was found to be an
      effective measure with a centrifugal pump of this design. In this report, the
      techniques and design changes that were made during this CFTAH development
      program to enable effective residual air removal and prevention of air embolism
      during in vivo device implantation are explained.

PMID- 27654490
TI  - A comparison of safety and efficacy of cytotoxic versus molecularly targeted
      drugs in pediatric phase I solid tumor oncology trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prior reviews of phase I pediatric oncology trials involving
      primarily cytotoxic agents have reported objective response rates (ORRs) and
      toxic death rates of 7.9-9.6% and 0.5%, respectively. These data may not reflect
      safety and efficacy in phase I trials of molecularly targeted (targeted) drugs.
      METHODS: A systematic review of pediatric phase I solid tumor trials published in
      1990-2013 was performed. The published reports were evaluated for patient
      characteristics, toxicity information, and response numbers. RESULTS: A total of
      143 phase I pediatric clinical trials enrolling 3,896 children involving 53
      targeted and 48 cytotoxic drugs were identified. A meta-analysis demonstrated
      that the ORR is 2.1-fold higher with cytotoxic drugs (0.066 vs. 0.031 per
      subject; P = 0.007). By contrast, the pooled estimate of the stable disease rate
      (SDR) is similar for cytotoxic and targeted drugs (0.2 vs. 0.23 per subject; P =
      0.27).  The pooled estimate of the dose-limiting toxicity rate is 1.8-fold larger
      with cytotoxic drugs (0.24 vs. 0.13 per subject; P = 0.0003). The hematologic
      grade 3-4 (G3/4) toxicity rate is 3.6-fold larger with cytotoxic drugs (0.43 vs.
      0.12 per treatment course; P = 0.0001); however, the nonhematologic G3/4
      toxicities and toxic deaths occur at similar rates for cytotoxic and targeted
      drugs. CONCLUSIONS: In phase I pediatric solid tumor trials, ORRs were
      significantly higher for cytotoxic versus targeted agents. SDRs were similar in
      targeted and cytotoxic drug trials. Patients treated with cytotoxic agents were
      more likely to experience hematologic G3/4 toxicities than those patients
      receiving targeted drugs.

PMID- 27654491
TI  - From Macromolecular to Small-Molecular Triggers: Facile Method toward
      Photoinduced LCST Phase Behavior of Thermoresponsive Polymers in Mixed Ionic
      Liquids Containing an Azobenzene Moiety.
AB  - Instead of the reported photoinduced lower critical solution temperature (LCST)
      phase transition behavior in ionic liquids (ILs) achieved by photofunctional
      polymers, this study reports the facile photoinduced LCST phase behavior of
      nonfunctionalized polymers (poly(benzyl methacrylate) (PBnMA) and poly(2
      phenylethyl methacrylate) (PPhEtMA)) in mixed ILs (1,3-dimethylimidazolium
      bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide; [C1 mim][NTf2 ] and a newly designed
      functionalized IL containing an azobenzene moiety (1-butyl-3-(4
      phenylazobenzyl)imidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide; [Azo][NTf2 ])) as
      a small-molecular photo trigger. Interestingly, the length of the alkyl spacer
      between the ester and aryl groups, which is the only structural difference
      between the two polymers, leads to two different photoresponsive LCST phase
      transition behaviors. On the basis of spectroscopic studies, the different phase
      transition behaviors of PBnMA and PPhEtMA may attribute to the different
      cooperative interactions between the polymers and [C1 mim][NTf2 ].

PMID- 27654492
TI  - Walking in hospital is associated with a shorter length of stay in older medical
      inpatients.
AB  - Evidence suggests that inactivity during a hospital stay is associated with poor
      health outcomes in older medical inpatients. We aimed to estimate the
      associations of average daily step-count (walking) in hospital with physical
      performance and length of stay in this population. Medical in-patients aged ?65
      years, premorbidly mobile, with an anticipated length of stay ?3 d, were
      recruited. Measurements included average daily step-count, continuously recorded
      until discharge, or for a maximum of 7 d (Stepwatch Activity Monitor); co
      morbidity (CIRS-G); frailty (SHARE F-I); and baseline and end-of-study physical
      performance (short physical performance battery). Linear regression models were
      used to estimate associations between step-count and end-of-study physical
      performance or length of stay. Length of stay was log transformed in the first
      model, and step-count was log transformed in both models. Similar models were
      used to adjust for potential confounders. Data from 154 patients (mean 77 years,
      SD 7.4) were analysed. The unadjusted models estimated for each unit increase in
      the natural log of step-count, the natural log of length of stay decreased by
      0.18 (95% CI  -0.27 to  -0.09). After adjustment of potential confounders, while
      the strength of the inverse association was attenuated, it remained significant
      (beta log(steps)  =  -0.15, 95%CI  -0.26 to  -0.03). The back-transformed result
      suggested that a 50% increase in step-count was associated with a 6% shorter
      length of stay. There was no apparent association between step-count and end-of
      study physical performance once baseline physical performance was adjusted for.
      The results indicate that step-count is independently associated with hospital
      length of stay, and merits further investigation.

PMID- 27654493
TI  - Placental transfusion: a review.
AB  - Recently there have been a number of studies and presentations on the importance
      of providing a placental transfusion to the newborn. Early cord clamping is an
      avoidable, unphysiologic intervention that prevents the natural process of
      placental transfusion. However, placental transfusion, although simple in
      concept, is affected by multiple factors, is not always straightforward to
      implement, and can be performed using different methods, making this basic
      procedure important to discuss. Here, we review three placental transfusion
      techniques: delayed cord clamping, intact umbilical cord milking and cut
      umbilical cord milking, and the evidence in term and preterm newborns supporting
      this practice. We will also review several factors that influence placental
      transfusion, and discuss perceived risks versus benefits of this procedure.
      Finally, we will provide key straightforward concepts and implementation
      strategies to ensure that placental-to-newborn transfusion can become routine
      practice at any institution.

PMID- 27654495
TI  - A free parking trial to increase visitation and improve extremely low birth
      weight infant outcomes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Frequent parental visits are likely to benefit infants in a neonatal
      intensive care unit (NICU), particularly extremely low birth weight (ELBW; ?1000
      g) survivors. Parking costs (?$10 per visit in our center) may deter visitation,
      especially for low-income parents. We assessed whether free parking (FP)
      decreased survivors' length of stay (LOS). STUDY DESIGN: Parents (N=138) of ELBW
      infants (7 to 14 days old) were randomized to usual care (UC; n=66) or FP (n=72).
      The primary outcome was LOS. RESULTS: Among survivors (n=116), LOS was not
      significantly less with FP than UC (means: FP=89, UC=102 days, P=0.22; medians:
      FP=82, UC=84 days, P=0.30). Groups did not differ significantly on proportion of
      visit days (FP=0.69, UC=0.72, P=0.47), parental involvement, knowledge/skills and
      satisfaction. Post hoc analyses found that parents with a greater income, a car
      and fewer children visited more. CONCLUSION: More potent interventions than FP
      are needed to increase parental visits and reduce LOS for ELBW infants in
      disadvantaged urban populations.

PMID- 27654496
TI  - CBT for Child PTSD is Associated with Reductions in Maternal Depression: Evidence
      for Bidirectional Effects.
AB  - Cognitive behavioral therapy techniques are empirically supported for
      posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in youth, but the role of parents in such
      treatments is less clear. Theoretically there may be a reciprocal relationship
      such that as children improve, their parents may feel better, and conversely as
      parents feel better, psychologically the child may improve or improve at a
      greater rate. This study tested if there were indirect effects of change in child
      PTSD symptoms on change in parent depression symptoms, and vice versa, across
      treatment sessions. The data came from a randomized trial of treatment for PTSD
      and included youth (N = 47) 7-18 years old (51.1% female; ethnicity was reported
      as 40.4% White and 40.4% Black, with the remainder reporting Mixed [17%] or other
      ethnicity [2.1%]) who had been exposed to trauma and experienced significant PTSD
      symptoms. Maternal depression and child PTSD symptoms were assessed at each
      session. Maternal perceptions of who changed first were also assessed at
      posttreatment. Maternal depression significantly decreased over the course of
      treatment, and maternal depression had an indirect effect on child PTSD symptom
      change. Evidence for the reciprocal relationship, child symptom change having an
      indirect effect on parent symptom change, was also found. Age, gender, and
      treatment condition did not moderate these indirect effects. Findings highlight
      the potential benefits of child therapy on parents and the reciprocal benefits of
      improved parent symptoms on the child.

PMID- 27654494
TI  - The role of post-mortem MRI in the neonatal intensive care unit.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Post-mortem examination can provide important information about the
      cause of death and play a significant role in the bereavement process. Autopsies
      reveal previous unknown medical problems approximately 20 to 30% of the time. A
      non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging-based post-mortem examination (PM-MRI)
      may provide an alternative for families who do not consent to an autopsy. STUDY
      DESIGN: This study was a prospective observational study of recently expired
      neonates and infants. Subjects underwent a full body MRI scan (brain, chest,
      abdomen and pelvis) followed by conventional autopsy if the family desired to
      have one. MRI results were compared with autopsy findings and the ante-mortem
      clinical diagnosis. A follow-up survey was conducted to investigate family
      perceptions of the PM-MRI process. RESULTS: Thirty-one infants underwent full PM
      MRI. Of 31 infants, 19 (61%) had complete agreement between the clinician's
      impression and PM-MRI. Twenty-four infants also had conventional autopsy, with
      14/24 (58%) infants having PM-MRI results consistent with autopsy findings. PM
      MRI was superior at detection of free intraperitoneal/intrathoracic air and
      hepatic iron overload. Whole-body PM-MRI did not have the resolution to detect
      focal/microscopic injury, vascular remodeling and some forms of brain injury. Of
      those families who remembered the PM-MRI findings, the majority felt that the
      information was useful. CONCLUSIONS: PM-MRI studies may provide an important
      adjunct to conventional autopsy and a substitute when the latter is not possible
      for personal or religious reasons. Clinicians should be aware of, and communicate
      with the family, the resolution limits of the whole-body PM-MRI to detect certain
      types of injury.

PMID- 27654497
TI  - The World Health Organization Recommendations for Trachoma Surveillance,
      Experience in Nepal and Added Benefit of Testing for Antibodies to Chlamydia
      trachomatis pgp3 Protein: NESTS Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization (WHO) now requires a second
      surveillance survey for trachoma after an impact assessment has found follicular
      trachoma (TF) <5% to determine if re-emergence has occurred. Using new WHO
      guidelines, we undertook surveillance surveys, and determined the prevalence of
      infection and antibody positivity, in two districts in Nepal. METHODS: 20
      clusters were randomly selected within each district, 15 were randomly selected
      for antibody testing. In each cluster, we randomly selected 50 children ages 1-9
      years and 100 adults >=15 years. TF and trachomatous trichiasis (TT) were
      evaluated. Conjunctival swabs to test for chlamydial infection using GenXpert
      platform were obtained, and dried blood spots were collected to test for
      antibodies to Chlamydia Trachomatis pgp3 using the Luminex platform. FINDINGS: 3
      cases of TF were found in the two districts, and one case of infection. Pgp3
      antibody positivity was 2.4% (95% confidence interval: 1.4%, 3.7%), and did not
      increase with age (P = 0.24). No clustering of antibody positivity within
      communities was found. TT prevalence was <1/1,000 population. INTERPRETATION: The
      surveillance surveys, as proposed by WHO, showed no evidence for re-emergence of
      trachoma in two districts of Nepal. The low level and no significant increase by
      age in seroprevalence of antibodies to C trachomatis pgp3 antigen deserve further
      investigation as a marker of interruption of transmission.

PMID- 27654499
TI  - Anti-inflammatory trends of new benzimidazole derivatives.
AB  - AIM: In present study, the anti-inflammatory activities of a new series of
      benzimidazole derivatives were studied, investigating their inhibition of
      secretory phospholipase A2, lipoxygenase, COXs and lipopolysaccharide-induced
      secretion of TNF-alpha and IL-6 in mouse RAW264.7 macrophages. RESULTS:
      Synthesized compounds effectively inhibited proinflammatory enzymes and
      cytokines. CONCLUSION: A strong inhibition of secretory phospholipases A2 was
      exhibited by benzimidazole derivatives with trifluoromethyl and methoxy
      substitutions at position 4 of attached phenyl, whereas compound 8 containing
      pyridine ring substituted with amino group showed very potent 5-lipoxygenase
      inhibition. Molecular docking experiments were carried out to elucidate the
      molecular basis of the observed inhibitory activities.

PMID- 27654500
TI  - [History of anesthesia : "From narcosis to perioperative homeostasis"].
AB  - In the western World 16 October 1846 is often called "Ether Day", marking the
      beginning of anesthesia. Before that date, for physicians there was only a
      struggle against pain. In the following 170 years all fields of general
      anesthesia as well as regional and local anesthesia were continuously developed.
      Pharmacological developments and technical innovations made this evolution
      possible. The complexity of this field of medicine requires a specialist: the
      anesthesiologist, whose selection of the most suitable form of anesthesia for the
      patient makes the surgical intervention painless. In addition, the history of
      anesthesia was characterized by personalities who were responsible for the
      progress of this medical field. Anesthesia is one part of the discipline of
      anesthesiology, which also includes resuscitation, intensive care medicine,
      emergency medicine and pain therapy.

PMID- 27654498
TI  - Participation of Children in Medical Decision-Making: Challenges and Potential
      Solutions.
AB  - Participation in healthcare decision-making is considered to be an important
      right of minors, and is highlighted in both international legislation and public
      policies. However, despite the legal recognition of children's rights to
      participation, and also the benefits that children experience by their
      involvement, there is evidence that legislation is not always translated into
      healthcare practice. There are a number of factors that may impact on the ability
      of the child to be involved in decisions regarding their medical care. Some of
      these factors relate to the child, including their capacity to be actively
      involved in these decisions. Others relate to the family situation, sociocultural
      context, or the underlying beliefs and practices of the healthcare provider
      involved. In spite of these challenges to including children in decisions
      regarding their clinical care, we argue that it is an important factor in their
      treatment. The extent to which children should participate in this process should
      be determined on a case-by-case basis, taking all of the potential barriers into
      account.

PMID- 27654501
TI  - Renal infarction due to ergotamine.

PMID- 27654502
TI  - Age and the economics of an emergency medical admission-what factors determine
      costs?
AB  - Background: The ageing of the population may be anticipated to increase demand on
      hospital resources. We have investigated the relationship between hospital
      episode costs and age profile in a single centre. Methods: All Emergency Medical
      admissions (33 732 episodes) to an Irish hospital over a 6-year period,
      categorized into three age groups, were evaluated against total hospital episode
      costs. Univariate and adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were calculated using
      zero truncated Poisson regression. Results: The total hospital episode cost
      increased with age ( P < 0.001). The multi-variable Poisson regression model
      demonstrated that the most important drivers of overall costs were Acute Illness
      Severity-IRR 1.36 (95% CI: 1.30, 1.41), Sepsis Status -1.46 (95% CI: 1.42, 1.51)
      and Chronic Disabling Disease Score -1.25 (95% CI: 1.22, 1.27) and the Age Group
      as exemplified for those 85 years IRR 1.23 (95% CI: 1.15, 1.32). Conclusion:
      Total hospital episode costs are a product of clinical complexity with
      contributions from the Acute Illness Severity, Co-Morbidity, Chronic Disabling
      Disease Score and Sepsis Status. However age is also an important contributor and
      an increasing patient age profile will have a predictable impact on total
      hospital episode costs.

PMID- 27654503
TI  - Orbital emphysema after nose blowing.

PMID- 27654504
TI  - Tension pneumoventricle and cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea.

PMID- 27654505
TI  - Risk for Congenital Malformation With H1N1 Influenza Vaccine: A Cohort Study With
      Sibling Analysis.
AB  - Background: Earlier studies reporting varying risk estimates for congenital
      malformation in offspring of mothers undergoing vaccination against H1N1
      influenza during pregnancy did not consider the potential role of confounding by
      familial (genetic and shared environmental) factors. Objective: To evaluate an
      association between maternal H1N1 vaccination during pregnancy and offspring
      malformation, with familial factors taken into account. Design: Population-based
      prospective study. Setting: Sweden. Participants: Liveborn offspring born between
      1 October 2009 and 1 October 2011 to mothers receiving monovalent AS03-adjuvanted
      H1N1 influenza vaccine (Pandemrix [GlaxoSmithKline]) during pregnancy. A total of
      40 983 offspring were prenatally exposed to the vaccine, 14 385 were exposed
      within the first trimester (14 weeks), and 7502 were exposed during the first 8
      weeks of pregnancy. Exposed offspring were compared with 197 588 unexposed
      offspring. Corresponding risks in exposed versus unexposed siblings were also
      estimated. Measurements: Congenital malformation, with subanalyses for congenital
      heart disease, oral cleft, and limb deficiency. Results: Congenital malformation
      was observed in 2037 (4.97%) exposed offspring and 9443 (4.78%) unexposed
      offspring. Adjusted risk for congenital malformation was 4.98% in exposed
      offspring versus 4.96% in unexposed offspring (risk difference, 0.02% [95% CI, 
      0.26% to 0.30%]). The corresponding risk differences were 0.16% (CI, -0.23% to
      0.56%) for vaccination during the first trimester and 0.10% (CI, -0.41% to 0.62%)
      for vaccination in the first 8 weeks. Using siblings as comparators yielded no
      statistically significant risk differences. Limitations: The study was based on
      live births, and the possibility that data on miscarriage or induced abortion
      could have influenced the findings cannot be ruled out. Study power was limited
      in analyses of specific malformations. Conclusion: When intrafamilial factors
      were taken into consideration, H1N1 vaccination during pregnancy did not seem to
      be linked to overall congenital malformation in offspring, although risk
      increases for specific malformations could not be ruled out completely. Primary
      Funding Source: Swedish Research Council and Swedish Council for Working Life and
      Social Research.

PMID- 27654506
TI  - No haste, more taste: An EMA study of the effects of stress, negative and
      positive emotions on eating behavior.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Stress and emotions alter eating behavior in several ways: While
      experiencing negative or positive emotions typically leads to increased food
      intake, stress may result in either over- or undereating. Several participant
      characteristics, like gender, BMI and restrained, emotional, or external eating
      styles seem to influence these relationships. Thus far, most research relied on
      experimental laboratory studies, thereby reducing the complexity of real-life
      eating episodes. The aim of the present study was to delineate the effects of
      stress, negative and positive emotions on two key facets of eating behavior,
      namely taste- and hunger-based eating, in daily life using ecological momentary
      assessment (EMA). Furthermore, the already mentioned individual differences as
      well as time pressure during eating, an important but unstudied construct in EMA
      studies, were examined. METHODS: Fifty-nine participants completed 10days of
      signal-contingent sampling and data were analyzed using multilevel modeling.
      RESULTS: Results revealed that higher stress led to decreased taste-eating which
      is in line with physiological stress-models. Time pressure during eating resulted
      in less taste- and more hunger-eating. In line with previous research, stronger
      positive emotions went along with increased taste-eating. Emotional eating style
      moderated the relationship between negative emotions and taste-eating as well as
      hunger-eating. BMI moderated the relationship between negative as well as
      positive emotions and hunger-eating. CONCLUSIONS: These findings emphasize the
      importance of individual differences for understanding eating behavior in daily
      life. Experienced time pressure may be an important aspect for future EMA eating
      studies.

PMID- 27654508
TI  - Being Young and Getting Cancer: Development of a Questionnaire Reflecting the
      Needs and Experiences of Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Cancer is the leading cause of nonaccidental deaths among adolescents
      and young adults (AYAs). In Denmark, there are substantial gaps in knowledge
      concerning how AYAs with cancer perceive their diagnostic and therapeutic
      trajectory and report health-related outcomes. The aim of this study is to
      describe the development of a questionnaire targeting AYAs with cancer aiming to
      evaluate treatment and survivorship from the perspective of the patients.
      METHODS: Identification of themes and development of items included in the
      questionnaire were based on a synthesis of literature and qualitative interviews
      with AYAs in an iterative process involving both a professional advisory panel
      and a youth panel. During the development process, items were validated through
      cognitive interviews. RESULTS: The final questionnaire contained 151 closed- and
      open-ended items divided into 6 sections regarding: (1) "Time before treatment,"
      (2) "Being told about your illness," (3) "Being a young patient," (4) "Your
      treatment," (5) "Receiving help living with and after Cancer," and (6) "How are
      you feeling today?." One hundred one items were specifically developed for this
      study, while 50 were standardized validated indexes. The questionnaire combined
      different types of items such as needs, preferences, experiences, and patient
      reported outcomes. CONCLUSION: This is one of few developed questionnaires aiming
      to evaluate the perspective of AYAs with cancer through their whole cancer
      trajectory. Results from the questionnaire survey are intended for quality
      improvements and research in AYA cancer care. The study highlights the importance
      of an extensive patient involvement in all steps of a questionnaire development
      process.

PMID- 27654507
TI  - The Primary Effect on the Proteome of ARID1A-mutated Ovarian Clear Cell Carcinoma
      is Downregulation of the Mevalonate Pathway at the Post-transcriptional Level.
AB  - Inactivating mutations in ARID1A, which encodes a subunit of the SWI/SNF
      chromatin-remodeling complex, are found in over half of ovarian clear cell
      carcinoma cases and more broadly across most types of cancers. To identify ARID1A
      dependent changes in intracellular signaling pathways, we performed proteome
      analyses of isogenic ovarian clear cell carcinoma cell lines with or without
      ARID1A expression. Knockout of ARID1A in an ovarian clear cell carcinoma cell
      line with wild-type ARID1A, OVCA429, primarily resulted in downregulation of the
      mevalonate pathway, an important metabolic pathway involved in isoprenoid
      synthesis, cholesterol synthesis, and other downstream pathways. In a
      complementary experiment, expression of wild-type ARID1A in an ovarian clear cell
      carcinoma cell line containing mutated ARID1A, OVISE, affected the mevalonate
      pathway in a reciprocal manner. A striking aspect of these analyses was that,
      although only 5% of the detected proteome showed significant abundance changes,
      most proteins in the mevalonate pathway were coordinately affected by ARID1A
      status. There were generally corresponding changes when comparing the proteomics
      data to our previously published microarray data for ectopic expression of ARID1A
      in the OVISE cell line. However, ARID1A-dependent changes were not detected for
      genes within the mevalonate pathway. This discrepancy suggests that the
      mevalonate pathway is not regulated directly by ARID1A-mediated transcription and
      may be regulated post-transcriptionally. We conclude that ARID1A status
      indirectly influences the mevalonate pathway and probably influences other
      processes including glycogen metabolism and 14-3-3-mediated signaling. Further,
      our findings demonstrate that changes in mRNA levels are sometimes poor
      indicators of signaling pathways affected by gene manipulations in cancer cells.

PMID- 27654509
TI  - Etiology of Influenza-Like Illnesses from Sentinel Network Practitioners in
      Reunion Island, 2011-2012.
AB  - In Reunion Island, despite an influenza surveillance established since 1996 by
      the sentinel general practitioner's network, little is known about the etiology
      of Influenza like-illness (ILI) that differs from influenza viruses in a tropical
      area. We set up a retrospective study using nasal swabs collected by sentinel GPs
      from ILI patients in 2011 and 2012. A total of 250 swabs were randomly selected
      and analyzed by multiplex reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT
      PCR) including research of 18 viruses and 4 bacteria. We detected respiratory
      viruses in 169/222 (76.1%) samples, mostly rhinovirus (23.4%), influenza A virus
      (21.2%), influenza B virus (12.6%), coronavirus (4.9%) and Human metapneumovirus
      (3.6%). Nine swabs (5.3% of positive swabs) revealed co-infections with two
      viruses identified, among which six concerned co-infections with influenza
      viruses. We observed important seasonal differences, with circulation of Human
      Metapneumoviruses, RSV A and B and coronavirus only during summer; whereas
      parainfluenza viruses were identified only during winter. In conclusion, this
      study highlights a substantial circulation of multiple respiratory pathogens in
      Reunion Island throughout the year. It shows that ILI are not only attributable
      to influenza and underlines the need for biological surveillance. As the use of
      multiplex RT-PCR showed its efficacy, it is now used routinely in the
      surveillance of ILI.

PMID- 27654510
TI  - UbC-StarTrack, a clonal method to target the entire progeny of individual
      progenitors.
AB  - Clonal cell analysis defines the potential of single cells and the diversity they
      can produce. To achieve this, we have developed a novel adaptation of the genetic
      tracing strategy, UbC-StarTrack, which attributes a specific and unique color
      code to single neural precursors, allowing all their progeny to be tracked. We
      used integrable fluorescent reporters driven by a ubiquitous promoter in PiggyBac
      based vectors to achieve inheritable and stable clonal cell labeling. In
      addition, coupling this to an inducible Cre-LoxP system avoids the expression of
      non-integrated reporters. To assess the utility of this system, we first analyzed
      images of combinatorial expression of fluorescent reporters in transfected cells
      and their progeny. We also validated the efficiency of the UbC-StarTrack to trace
      cell lineages through in vivo, in vitro and ex vivo strategies. Finally,
      progenitors located in the lateral ventricles were targeted at embryonic or
      postnatal stages to determine the diversity of neurons and glia they produce, and
      their clonal relationships. In this way we demonstrate that UbC-StarTrack can be
      used to identify all the progeny of a single cell and that it can be employed in
      a wide range of contexts.

PMID- 27654511
TI  - Cyclooxygenase-2 induced beta1-integrin expression in NSCLC and promoted cell
      invasion via the EP1/MAPK/E2F-1/FoxC2 signal pathway.
AB  - Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) has been implicated in cell invasion in non-small-cell
      lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the mechanism is unclear. The present study
      investigated the effect of COX-2 on beta1-integrin expression and cell invasion
      in NSCLC. COX-2 and beta1-integrin were co-expressed in NSCLC tissues. COX-2
      overexpression or Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) treatment increased beta1-integrin
      expression in NSCLC cell lines. beta1-integrin silencing suppressed COX-2
      mediated tumour growth and cancer cell invasion in vivo and in vitro.
      Prostaglandin E Receptor EP1 transfection or treatment with EP1 agonist mimicked
      the effect of PGE2 treatment. EP1 siRNA blocked PGE2-mediated beta1-integrin
      expression. EP1 agonist treatment promoted Erk1/2, p38 phosphorylation and E2F-1
      expression. MEK1/2 and p38 inhibitors suppressed EP1-mediated beta1-integrin
      expression. E2F-1 silencing suppressed EP1-mediated FoxC2 and beta1-integrin
      upregulation. ChIP and Luciferase Reporter assays identified that EP1 agonist
      treatment induced E2F-1 binding to FoxC2 promotor directly and improved FoxC2
      transcription. FoxC2 siRNA suppressed beta1-integrin expression and EP1-mediated
      cell invasion. Immunohistochemistry showed E2F-1, FoxC2, and EP1R were all highly
      expressed in the NSCLC cases. This study suggested that COX-2 upregulates beta1
      integrin expression and cell invasion in NSCLC by activating the MAPK/E2F-1
      signalling pathway. Targeting the COX-2/EP1/PKC/MAPK/E2F-1/FoxC2/beta1-integrin
      pathway might represent a new therapeutic strategy for the prevention and
      treatment of this cancer.

PMID- 27654512
TI  - Enhancement of anaerobic digestion of grass by pretreatment with imidazolium
      based ionic liquids.
AB  - In this work, the toxicity of imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs) and the
      enhancement of high-solid anaerobic digestion by pretreatment were studied.
      Compared with [Bmim]Cl, [Bmim]OAc and [Bmim]BF4, [Bmim]PF6 had the highest
      toxicity. When the mass ratio of [Bmim]PF6 to grass was higher than 1:10, biogas
      was not produced within 30 days. The ability to remove lignin and hemicellulose
      followed the sequence of [Bmim]OAc, [Bmim]Cl, [Bmim]BF4 and [Bmim]PF6. The
      crystallinity index of grass pretreated with [Bmim]OAc, [Bmim]Cl, [Bmim]BF4 and
      [Bmim]PF6 reduced by 73.83%, 54.44%, 17.52% and 7.47%, respectively. The
      pretreatment with ILs enhanced the methane yield of grass by reducing
      crystallinity and particle size. The grass pretreated with [Bmim]OAc had the
      highest methane yield, about 221 mL/g volatile solids, due to its good lignin
      removal ability and relative low toxicity. After 10 times recycling, the
      cumulative methane yield of grass pretreated by recycled [Bmim]OAc decreased by
      11.95%.

PMID- 27654513
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 27654514
TI  - NOR-1/NR4A3 regulates the cellular inhibitor of apoptosis 2 (cIAP2) in vascular
      cells: role in the survival response to hypoxic stress.
AB  - Vascular cell survival is compromised under pathological conditions such as
      abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). We have previously shown that the nuclear
      receptor NOR-1 is involved in the survival response of vascular cells to hypoxia.
      Here, we identify the anti-apoptotic protein cIAP2 as a downstream effector of
      NOR-1. NOR-1 and cIAP2 were up-regulated in human AAA samples, colocalizing in
      vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). While NOR-1 silencing reduced cIAP2
      expression in vascular cells, lentiviral over-expression of this receptor
      increased cIAP2 mRNA and protein levels. The transcriptional regulation of the
      human cIAP2 promoter was analyzed in cells over-expressing NOR-1 by luciferase
      reporter assays, electrophoretic mobility shift analysis and chromatin
      immunoprecipitation, identifying a NGFI-B site (NBRE-358/-351) essential for NOR
      1 responsiveness. NOR-1 and cIAP2 were up-regulated by hypoxia and by a hypoxia
      mimetic showing a similar time-dependent pattern. Deletion and site-directed
      mutagenesis studies show that NOR-1 mediates the hypoxia-induced cIAP2
      expression. While NOR-1 over-expression up-regulated cIAP2 and limited VSMC
      apoptosis induced by hypoxic stress, cIAP2 silencing partially prevented this NOR
      1 pro-survival effect. These results indicate that cIAP2 is a target of NOR-1,
      and suggest that this anti-apoptotic protein is involved in the survival response
      to hypoxic stress mediated by NOR-1 in vascular cells.

PMID- 27654515
TI  - Outbreaks of colistin-resistant and colistin-susceptible KPC-producing Klebsiella
      pneumoniae in a Brazilian intensive care unit.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), especially those that
      produce Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) and are associated with
      colistin resistance, pose a severe health threat due to the limited treatment
      options. AIM: To describe two outbreaks of KPC-producing K. pneumoniae in an
      adult intensive care unit (AICU) in Brazil. In May 2015, 14 patients had colistin
      susceptible KPC-producing strains (ColS-KPC), and in July 2015, nine patients had
      colistin-resistant KPC-producing strains (ColR-KPC). METHODS: Between September
      2014 and August 2015, we performed surveillance at a university hospital and all
      CRE were tested for blaKPC genes. Clonality was investigated by pulsed-field gel
      electrophoresis. Resistance to colistin was confirmed by broth microdilution
      method. Consumption of carbapenems and colistin was expressed as defined daily
      doses. FINDINGS: In all, 111 patients with CRE were identified during the
      surveillance period; K. pneumoniae was the major isolate (77.13%). The two
      outbreaks were identified when infection rates (KPC per 1000 patient-days)
      exceeded the background level. Rates of carbapenem and colistin consumption were
      high. Control measures (bedside alcohol gel, contact precautions, regular rectal
      swabs) did not curtail the outbreaks. Mortality rates were 42.9% and 44.4% for
      ColS-KPC- and ColR-KPC-infected patients, respectively. After the death of four
      infected patients with ColR-KPC, the unit was closed to new admissions.
      CONCLUSION: Our experience demonstrates the serious risks presented by KPC, and
      especially ColR-KPC, in Brazilian AICUs. Selective pressure from excessive
      antibiotic use and transmission on healthcare workers' hands were likely the
      major factors in transmission.

PMID- 27654516
TI  - Corrigendum: Screening for protein-protein interactions using Forster resonance
      energy transfer (FRET) and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM).

PMID- 27654517
TI  - Our exclusive survey of nurse directors reveals worrying turnover statistics.
AB  - Nursing Standard's annual survey of nurse directors has revealed that turnover in
      the boardrooms of trusts and health boards continues to be at worrying levels. 

PMID- 27654518
TI  - A banner year.
AB  - A special service has been held at York Minster to mark 100 years of the RCN. 

PMID- 27654519
TI  - Mentors 'manipulated, even threatened' by some students.
AB  - Placement mentors are being 'manipulated' and some even subjected to violent
      threats by nursing students, new research reveals. 

PMID- 27654520
TI  - Ebola nurse 'relieved' after NMC clears her of misconduct in airport screening
      process.
AB  - Scottish nurse Pauline Cafferkey (pictured right), who recovered from the Ebola
      virus, spoke of her relief after being cleared of misconduct by the Nursing and
      Midwifery Council. 

PMID- 27654522
TI  - Staff cuts leave FGM vulnerable 'exposed'.
AB  - School nursing cuts and workforce pressures are hampering efforts to end female
      genital mutilation (FGM). 

PMID- 27654523
TI  - 'Come back' letter sent to 54,000 former registrants.
AB  - Letters have been sent to tens of thousands of former practising nurses in
      England urging them to return to the profession. 

PMID- 27654525
TI  - Pension opt-out scheme 'immoral', say unions.
AB  - Unions organised a protest at an NHS hospital over 'morally wrong' plans to allow
      nurses to opt out of their pension in exchange for a higher salary. 

PMID- 27654528
TI  - Support is in decline for families affected by abuse.
AB  - Two in five health visitors say support for families affected by domestic abuse
      in England has declined in the past 2 years. 

PMID- 27654526
TI  - Nurse-led end of life care centre could save the NHS L350,000 each year.
AB  - A nurse-led end of life care service has led to fewer hospital admissions and
      could save the NHS L350,000 a year, an independent review has found. 

PMID- 27654529
TI  - Trusts are struggling to retain chief nurses.
AB  - An analysis of 230 English NHS trusts, 14 Scottish and seven Welsh health boards
      found 132 (53%) chief nurses had only been in post since 2014. Of this figure, 33
      nurse directors took up their new positions this year. 

PMID- 27654532
TI  - Managing obesity in adults and children.
AB  - Essential facts According to the Health Survey for England, in 2013 about a
      quarter of adults were obese, while 41% of men and 33% of women were overweight. 

PMID- 27654533
TI  - Taking vitamin D could halve the risk of asthma attacks.
AB  - Cochrane library research has found that giving a daily oral vitamin D supplement
      to people with mild to moderate asthma reduced the risk of severe attacks
      requiring hospital admission or emergency department attendance from 6% to about
      3%. 

PMID- 27654534
TI  - Economic crisis prompts rise in suicides and mental ill health.
AB  - Recessions are bad for you, especially if you're a man aged 25-44. That's the
      conclusion of a systematic review of studies into the effects on health of the
      2008 banking meltdown. 

PMID- 27654535
TI  - Irregular heartbeat associated with wide range of serious events.
AB  - In collaboration with researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
      in the United States, the researchers analysed the results of 104 studies
      involving nine million participants, 587,867 of whom were diagnosed with atrial
      fibrillation (AF). 

PMID- 27654536
TI  - Near-infrared light could detect early cancer signs.
AB  - Scientists have developed an endoscope which can distinguish between light
      emitted by healthy and abnormal cells. 

PMID- 27654537
TI  - 'Evidence for binge drinking pill does not justify cost to NHS'.
AB  - There is 'no direct evidence' to support the effectiveness of nalmefene, the drug
      approved for use in the NHS in England by the National Institute for Health and
      Care Excellence (NICE) to curb excess drinking among those who are alcohol
      dependent. 

PMID- 27654538
TI  - A roadmap for mental health.
AB  - The Five Year Forward View could be a turning point in the battle to get mental
      health parity with physical health, address long waiting times and unmet need,
      and ensure people get care close to home. 

PMID- 27654539
TI  - On the right track.
AB  - Sarah Ingleby, lead nurse for the acute care and hospital at night teams at
      Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CMFT), says the
      Patientrack handheld electronic system has helped staff to identify, manage and
      treat sepsis. 

PMID- 27654540
TI  - Succeed at the confirmer stage of revalidation.
AB  - Being a confirmer is one way for nurses to learn from their peers. It is common
      for the revalidating nurse to want to go through the confirmation process with
      someone they know and feel comfortable with. There can be a level of nervousness
      surrounding revalidation but, as practice nurse Sarah Alexander advises, the best
      way to avoid being anxious is to allow plenty of time for the process. 

PMID- 27654541
TI  - District nursing needs to be thrown a lifeline.
AB  - There is a profound and growing gap between capacity and demand in district
      nursing, jeopardising the quality of patient care. 

PMID- 27654542
TI  - Is it okay to buy an essay online?
AB  - There is no legal, ethical or professional reason why you should not buy an essay
      to help with your assessments - it is the same as buying a book. However, it is
      not the purchase of the essay that needs consideration, it is what you are going
      to use it for. 

PMID- 27654543
TI  - Health visiting cuts only save problems for later.
AB  - It feels as inevitable as the turning of the leaves - that time of year when
      winter pressures begin to loom, as staff shortages and cuts to training places
      become more apparent. 

PMID- 27654544
TI  - Supporting blind veterans.
AB  - The national charity Blind Veterans UK supports blind or partially sighted ex
      service men and women, providing them with a wide range of practical and
      emotional support. 

PMID- 27654545
TI  - Crisis in emergency care.
AB  - In the past two decades, the problem of bed shortages and emergency departments
      under pressure has increased in intensity. More than 25 years ago, when the seeds
      of today's problems were sown, we were told that it would be okay to reduce bed
      numbers because community and social services would be improved. 

PMID- 27654546
TI  - New idea for student funding.
AB  - Scrapping the student bursary will have a negative impact on the profession. I
      studied nursing from 2007-10 and most of my class was 'mature', with only a few
      students aged 23 or under. Most of the mature students had children and spouses,
      and mortgages and bills to pay. 

PMID- 27654549
TI  - Nothing to fear from CQC.
AB  - When Care Quality Commission inspections are looming, organisations rightly work
      hard to be ready. But if staff are already doing what they should be doing then
      there is no need to behave any differently under the gaze of the inspectors. The
      CQC is about driving up standards, not blaming and shaming. It identifies the
      need for improvement but also highlights good practice. Let's embrace it, not be
      afraid of it. 

PMID- 27654550
TI  - Hanging on the hospital telephone.
AB  - When someone dear to you is admitted to hospital in an emergency, you are not in
      a calm frame of mind. You want news, and fast. But when you call the hospital,
      the phone just keeps ringing. 

PMID- 27654551
TI  - Readers' panel - Is the BMA playing politics in the junior doctors' dispute?
AB  - Our experts consider a hot topic of the day. 

PMID- 27654554
TI  - Dermofit.
AB  - Developed by staff and students at Leeds Beckett University, this app aims to
      train clinical nurses and dermatology specialist nurses to detect skin cancer by
      identifying malignant and benign skin lesions and growths at an earlier stage. 

PMID- 27654555
TI  - Student life - A multisensory approach.
AB  - As a registered nurse, you will be expected to assess each individual and provide
      holistic patient care. As simple as this sounds, it isn't always easy, and you
      will quickly learn that no two patients are the same. 

PMID- 27654556
TI  - Observing nurses has improved my alcohol dependency care.
AB  - My first placement in my first year of nursing training was on a
      gastrointestinal/hepatology ward. Alongside my mentor, I was caring for a patient
      who had been withdrawing from alcohol since admission to hospital the previous
      evening. 

PMID- 27654557
TI  - Doing night shifts: the good, the bad and just coping.
AB  - Working night shifts can play havoc with a person's health and well-being.
      Research published in April found that female nurses in the United States, who
      worked rotating night shifts for 10 years or longer, had a 15% or higher
      increased risk of coronary heart disease compared with women who did not work
      night shifts. 

PMID- 27654558
TI  - 'My band 8 role keeps me close to patients'.
AB  - A charity-funded nursing post may be fulfilling, but is it a dead end for your
      career progression? 

PMID- 27654559
TI  - Valuing mental health staff.
AB  - Ben Thomas is the mental health, learning disabilities and dementia care
      professional officer at the Department of Health (DH). He has held senior
      clinical, academic and management posts in England and Australia, and was a
      director of nursing. Before working at the DH, Ben was head of mental health and
      learning disabilities at the National Patient Safety Agency. He is a member of
      the RCNi editorial board. 

PMID- 27654560
TI  - How to assess vision.
AB  - Rationale and key points An objective assessment of the patient's vision is
      important to assess variation from 'normal' vision in acute and community
      settings, to establish a baseline before examination and treatment in the
      emergency department, and to assess any changes during ophthalmic outpatient
      appointments. " Vision is one of the essential senses that permits people to make
      sense of the world. " Visual assessment does not only involve measuring central
      visual acuity, it also involves assessing the consequences of reduced vision. "
      Assessment of vision in children is crucial to identify issues that might affect
      vision and visual development, and to optimise lifelong vision. " Untreatable
      loss of vision is not an inevitable consequence of ageing. " Timely and repeated
      assessment of vision over life can reduce the incidence of falls, prevent injury
      and optimise independence. Reflective activity 'How to' articles can help update
      you practice and ensure it remains evidence based. Apply this article to your
      practice. Reflect on and write a short account of: 1. How this article might
      change your practice when assessing people holistically. 2. How you could use
      this article to educate your colleagues in the assessment of vision. 

PMID- 27654561
TI  - Supporting students in practice: leadership.
AB  - This article, the tenth in a series of 11, discusses the importance of effective
      leadership in nursing and how it can enhance the provision of high quality care.
      Recent findings regarding suboptimal care practices in nursing have demonstrated
      the need for effective leadership in healthcare settings. Mentors and practice
      teachers are required to demonstrate leadership as part of their nursing role and
      their role in facilitating student learning. In addition, mentors and practice
      teachers are responsible for developing effective leadership skills in students,
      who will be expected to demonstrate these skills when they become registered
      nurses or midwives. Guidance for mentors and practice teachers is provided in
      relation to the eighth domain and outcomes of the Standards to Support Learning
      and Assessment in Practice on leadership. 

PMID- 27654562
TI  - Using the British National Formulary effectively.
AB  - Nursing students, nurses and other healthcare professionals involved in
      prescribing, dispensing, administration and monitoring of medicines should be
      able to navigate and use the British National Formulary (BNF) effectively. Recent
      changes to the structure of the BNF have resulted in new symbols, additional
      sections in drug and drug-class monographs, and a reduction in the amount of
      cross-referencing between chapters. This article explores how healthcare
      professionals can access the information in the BNF to ensure that medicines use
      is optimised, therapeutic effects are maximised, and adverse drug reactions and
      drug interactions are minimised. 

PMID- 27654563
TI  - In-hospital resuscitation.
AB  - What was the nature of the CPD activity, practice-related feedback and/or event
      and/or experience in your practice? The CPD article outlined the response
      sequence required for cardiac arrest in an in-hospital environment and discussed
      effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation. 

PMID- 27654564
TI  - Sarah's support has helped me to tackle my eating disorder.
AB  - I first met Sarah Duffy when I attended the intensive eating disorder service at
      London's Royal Free Hospital. 

PMID- 27654565
TI  - Online.
AB  - 'It is time we shared responsibility for tackling health inequality in our
      communities. Nurses are only part of the solution - citizens are the other'. 

PMID- 27654566
TI  - Uncovering the real Broadmoor.
AB  - Can nurses use the example of Broadmoor to enhance their own practice? Stephanie
      Jones-Berry reports behind the scenes in England's most infamous psychiatric
      hospital. Contrary to the sensational tabloid stories, she discusses the
      hospital's supportive ethos. Ms Jones-Berry talks to Broadmoor nurses about how
      the hospital's inclusive approach helps service users overcome mental health
      issues and how nurses work collaboratively with patients. She also interviews a
      former high-risk service user whose experiences at Broadmoor allowed him to
      transition back into the community and is now involved with mandatory induction
      training for staff. 

PMID- 27654567
TI  - Big picture.
AB  - An all-singing, all-dancing production on the challenge of cancer diagnosis is
      set to hit the stage in Manchester, Exeter and London. The show will look beyond
      poster campaigns and pink ribbons to the reality of family strain and altered
      bodies in a musical form. 

PMID- 27654568
TI  - Nursing textbooks need to inform about spirituality.
AB  - Considering the spiritual needs of patients is an important aspect of holistic
      patient care. However, many nurses lack knowledge and awareness of the subject,
      and spirituality is not strongly featured as a key part of holistic care in core
      nursing textbooks. The author argues that guidance given by nursing textbooks
      needs to be more applicable to practice. 

PMID- 27654569
TI  - Ways to develop numeracy and calculation skills.
AB  - Prescribing and administering medicines to children and young people is
      challenging, resulting in greater potential for error. This article aims to
      enhance children's nurses' knowledge and skills in medicines management, and help
      to address numeracy and calculation deficiencies. The activities throughout will
      help nurses develop and practise numeracy skills. 

PMID- 27654570
TI  - Primary open-angle glaucoma.
AB  - Glaucoma is an optic neuropathy that is characterized by the progressive
      degeneration of the optic nerve, leading to visual impairment. Glaucoma is the
      main cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, but typically remains
      asymptomatic until very severe. Open-angle glaucoma comprises the majority of
      cases in the United States and western Europe, of which, primary open-angle
      glaucoma (POAG) is the most common type. By contrast, in China and other Asian
      countries, angle-closure glaucoma is highly prevalent. These two types of
      glaucoma are characterized based on the anatomic configuration of the aqueous
      humour outflow pathway. The pathophysiology of POAG is not well understood, but
      it is an optic neuropathy that is thought to be associated with intraocular
      pressure (IOP)-related damage to the optic nerve head and resultant loss of
      retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). POAG is generally diagnosed during routine eye
      examination, which includes fundoscopic evaluation and visual field assessment
      (using perimetry). An increase in IOP, measured by tonometry, is not essential
      for diagnosis. Management of POAG includes topical drug therapies and surgery to
      reduce IOP, although new therapies targeting neuroprotection of RGCs and axonal
      regeneration are under development.

PMID- 27654571
TI  - Investigations on aviadenoviruses isolated from turkey flocks in Germany.
AB  - During routine diagnosis in 2012, 69 samples of diseased turkey breeding and
      fattening flocks in Germany were examined for infection with aviadenoviruses by
      virus isolation using primary chicken embryo liver cells. In total, 21
      aviadenovirus isolates, identified by a group-specific indirect
      immunofluorescence test, were obtained from 19 flocks. In almost all cases,
      molecular typing of these isolates based on partial hexon gene sequences revealed
      the presence of different types of turkey aviadenoviruses (TAdVs), including
      species Turkey aviadenovirus B (TAdV-B) with at least two different genotypes, as
      well as the species Turkey aviadenovirus C (TAdV-C) and Turkey aviadenovirus D
      (TAdV-D). Further analysis of DNA-dependent DNA polymerase gene sequences
      confirmed the classification of selected TAdV-C and TAdV-D isolates. Based on the
      results obtained for both genes, we suggest that TAdV-2, in addition to TAdV-4,
      belongs to the species TAdV-C. In contrast, amplification of the DNA polymerase
      gene fragment of nearly all investigated TAdV-B isolates failed due to unknown
      reasons. The results of sequence and phylogenetic analysis support the previously
      proposed classification of TAdVs into three different species and demonstrated
      how widely spread these viruses are in German turkey flocks. Analysis of case
      histories revealed a wide range of clinical and pathological changes; however an
      apparent link between types and disease conditions was not identified.

PMID- 27654572
TI  - Biomechanical, neuromuscular and knee pain effects following therapeutic knee
      taping among patients with knee osteoarthritis during walking gait.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most debilitating diseases
      associated with aging, and is estimated to affect 9% of men and 18% of women over
      65years of age. Knee osteoarthritis affects the condylar surfaces of the joint
      and if left untreated generally leads to the slow and painful degeneration of the
      joint and surrounding structures. With few non-invasive treatment options for
      osteoarthritis patients, this study investigated the effect of therapeutic taping
      on knee pain in combination with spatiotemporal, kinematic, kinetic and muscle
      activation measures. METHODS: Fifteen participants (10 male, 5 female) with
      radiographic diagnosed knee osteoarthritis attended a single testing session and
      walked along at a self-selected pace under three different conditions (no tape,
      sham tape, therapeutic tape). The conditions were randomised within each testing
      session. Knee pain, lower limb biomechanics and muscle activation were analysed
      using a one-way repeated measures ANOVA to determine if any differences existed
      between the three taping conditions (alpha=0.05). FINDINGS: Therapeutic knee
      taping was shown to significantly reduce the self-reported levels of knee joint
      pain during straight line walking. No significant differences in spatiotemporal,
      knee kinetic, knee kinematic or lower limb muscle activation variables were
      observed between the taping conditions. INTERPRETATION: There is evidence
      supporting the use of therapeutic knee taping for the management of
      osteoarthritis related knee pain. Future research is recommended to better
      understand the complex acute neuro-musculoskeletal adaptations that explain these
      positive knee pain findings.

PMID- 27654573
TI  - Efficacy of resistin and leptin in predicting persistent organ failure in
      patients with acute pancreatitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To investigate the accuracy of resistin, leptin and adiponectin
      levels in predicting persistent organ failure in patients with acute pancreatitis
      (AP). METHODS: Data from 90 consecutive patients admitted to our hospital for AP
      were retrospectively collected from an ongoing prospective cohort study. The
      levels of adiponectin, leptin and resistin were measured and compared between
      patients with and without persistent organ failure. The accuracy of the
      adipokines in predicting persistent organ failure were compared with the
      patients' Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE-II) score,
      and were separately investigated in overweight and non-overweight groups.
      RESULTS: Persistent organ failure occurred in 26.7% of the patients. The levels
      of resistin were significantly increased in AP patients with persistent organ
      failure, in both the overweight and the non-overweight subgroups. Resistin and
      APACHE-II score predicted persistent organ failure with comparable areas under
      the curve (AUC) of 0.72 and 0.75, respectively (p = 0.66). Resistin demonstrated
      similar accuracy with the APACHE-II score in predicting persistent organ failure
      in the overweight (0.69 vs. 0.66, p = 0.82) and non-overweight (0.76 vs. 0.87, p
      = 0.39) subgroups. There was no correlation between adiponectin and persistent
      organ failure, but a weak correlation between leptin and persistent organ failure
      was demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: Resistin and leptin levels, rather than
      adiponectin, correlate with persistent organ failure in patients with AP.

PMID- 27654574
TI  - Nerve growth factor regulates CD133 function to promote tumor cell migration and
      invasion via activating ERK1/2 signaling in pancreatic cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Perineural invasion (PNI) is extremely high frequency among the
      various metastatic routes in pancreatic cancer. Nerve growth factor, secreted by
      astroglial cells, exerts effects on tumor invasion in some cancer cells, but its
      function on migration and invasion in pancreatic cancer is still unclear. In the
      present study, we determined the effects of NGF on modulating tumor cell
      metastatic potential and invasion activity and explored its mechanisms in
      pancreatic cancer. METHODS: NGF and CD133 expression were detected in tumor
      tissues using immunohistochemical analysis and Western blotting analysis. The
      effects of NGF on the regulation of CD133 expression and the promotion of cancer
      migration and invasion were investigated using wound healing and matrigel
      transwell assay. A related mechanism that NGF regulates CD133's function via
      activating ERK1/2 signaling also was observed. RESULTS: NGF/CD133 is
      overexpressed in human pancreatic cancer and promotes the migration and invasion
      of human pancreatic cancer cells through the activation of the ERK/CD133
      signaling cascade. NGF/ERK signaling modulates the cancer cell EMT process,
      migration and invasion through the regulation of CD133 expression and its
      subcellular localization. CONCLUSIONS: NGF/CD133 signaling initiated the
      migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells. NGF/CD133 might be an
      effective and potent therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer metastasis,
      particularly in PNI.

PMID- 27654575
TI  - Biodegradable Porous Starch Spheres as a Novel Carrier for Enhancement of
      Dissolution Rate and Oral Bioavailability of Itraconazole.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A biodegradable porous starch (BPS) was developed in order to improve
      dissolution and oral bioavailability of Itraconazole as a poorly water-soluble
      antifungal drug. METHOD: BPS was developed by converting native starch from
      hydrogel to alcogel by solvent exchange method. The developed BPS carrier was
      characterized by SEM and nitrogen adsorption/desorption analysis to understand
      surface morphology and porosity distribution respectively. Itraconazole (ITR) was
      loaded on BPS by adsorption mediated solvent evaporation method, which provides a
      hydrophilic matrix powder. This causes drug distribution within hydrophilic
      matrix of porous starch. RESULTS: Solid-state characterization of optimized batch
      (ITR/BPS-3) was performed using DSC, PXRD, FTIR, SEM and FTIR chemical imaging.
      In vitro dissolution and in vivo pharmacokinetic studies were performed to
      evaluate therapeutic potential of ITR/BPS-3 system. In vitro studies of ITR: BPS
      3 system revealed a burst effect in drug release (93%) compared to marketed
      product, which showed 90% drug release at the end of 60 min compared to 84% of
      marketed. Moreover, ITR/BPS-3 system showed improved oral bioavailability up to
      3.93 fold and marketed product shows 3.12 fold compared to ITR. CONCLUSION: This
      effect is due to high surface area, improved wettability and reduced
      crystallinity of ITR due to its adsorption into BPS. A successful methodology was
      reported to prepare BPS from raw starch.

PMID- 27654576
TI  - Enhanced Bioavailability of Curcumin Nanoemulsions Stabilized with
      Phosphatidylcholine Modified with Medium Chain Fatty Acids.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Curcumin is a natural, oil-soluble polyphenolic compound with potent
      anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. In its free form, it
      is very poorly absorbed in the gut due to its very low solubility. The use of
      nanoemulsions as carrier is a feasible way for improving curcumin
      bioavailability. To this end, the choice of emulsifying agent for stabilizing the
      nanoemulsions is of the upmost importance for achieving a desired functionality.
      METHODS: Phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidycholine enriched (PCE) with
      medium chain fatty acids (42.5 mol %) in combination with glycerol as co
      surfactant, were used for preparing oil-in water nanoemulsions coded as NEPC and
      NEPCE, respectively. RESULTS: NEPCE displayed significantly smaller mean droplet
      size (30 nm), equal entrapment efficiency (100%), better droplet stability and
      suffered lower encapsulation efficiency loss (3%) during storage time (120 days,
      4oC) than NEPC. Bioavailability, measured in terms of area under the curve of
      curcumin concentration versus time, and maximum curcumin plasma concentration,
      was in general terms significantly higher for NEPCE than for NEPC, and for
      curcumin coarse aqueous suspension (CCS). Also, NEPCE produced significantly
      higher curcumin concentrations in liver and lung than NEPC and CCS. CONCLUSION:
      These data support the role of phosphatidylcholine enriched with medium chain
      fatty acids to increase the bioavailability of nanoemulsions for therapeutic
      applications.

PMID- 27654577
TI  - Modeling Liquid Photoemission Spectra: Path-Integral Molecular Dynamics Combined
      with Tuned Range-Separated Hybrid Functionals.
AB  - We present a computational protocol for modeling valence photoemission spectra of
      liquids. We use water as an experimentally well-characterized model system, and
      we represent its liquid state by larger finite-sized droplets. The photoemission
      spectrum is evaluated for an ensemble of structures along molecular dynamics
      simulations. The nuclear quantum effects are accounted for by ab initio based
      path-integral molecular dynamics simulations that are greatly accelerated with
      the so-called colored noise thermostat (PI+GLE) method. The ionization energies
      for the valence electrons are evaluated as orbital energies of optimally tuned
      range-separated hybrid functionals (OT-RSH). This approach provides Koopmans-type
      ionization energies including relaxation energy. We show that the present
      protocol can quantitatively describe the valence photoemission spectrum of liquid
      water, i.e., the positions, shapes, and widths of the photoemission peaks. With
      the PI+GLE simulations, even the subtle isotope effects that have been recently
      observed experimentally can be modeled. The electronic properties of finite-sized
      droplets are shown to converge rapidly to those of liquids. We discuss the
      importance of proper tuning of the range-separation parameter in OT-RSH as well
      as possible sources of error in our simulations. The present approach seems to be
      a viable route to modeling photoemission spectra of liquids, especially in
      conjunction with efficient implementation of density functional methods on
      graphical processing units.

PMID- 27654578
TI  - Giant dedifferentiated liposarcoma of small bowel mesentery: a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dedifferentiated liposarcoma is an uncommon variant of liposarcoma,
      with poor prognosis and higher preponderance to local recurrence. Only nine cases
      of dedifferentiated liposarcoma of small bowel mesentery have been reported till
      now. This is a case of giant dedifferentiated liposarcoma of the small bowel
      mesentery, weighing nearly 9 kg (19.8 lbs), with synchronous lesions in the
      extraperitoneal space, which is the first such case to be reported. CASE
      PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 62-year-old man, who presented with a huge
      abdominal mass occupying nearly the entire abdomen. A contrast enhanced computed
      tomography of abdomen and pelvis revealed a large, poorly enhancing,
      heterogeneous, lobulated mass of size 27 * 16 cm, displacing the bowel loops
      peripherally. At laparotomy, a large mass arising from the small bowel mesentery
      was found. In addition, many other smaller synchronous lesions were studded in
      the entire small bowel mesentery and a couple more in the extraperitoneal space.
      A palliative excision of the giant mass along with the adjacent small bowel was
      done. The other smaller swellings were not causing any mass effect and were left
      behind as they were numerous, virtually ruling out any possibility of a curative
      excision. The histopathological examination suggested the diagnosis of
      dedifferentiated liposarcoma. On immunohistochemistry, S-100 was positive in the
      well-differentiated sarcomatous areas. The CD 117 and SMA were strongly negative
      ruling out the possibility of a gastrointestinal stromal tumour. The CD 34
      however was positive in the tumour cells. CONCLUSIONS: Dedifferentiated
      liposarcoma of the small bowel mesentery is rare. Involvement of nearly whole of
      the small bowel mesentery in the disease process virtually rules out the
      possibility of a curative resection, the mainstay of management. This report
      would add to the knowledge of this rare disease and the possible therapeutic
      problem that may be encountered in case of multifocal disease.

PMID- 27654579
TI  - Hypomethylating agent combination strategies in myelodysplastic syndromes: hopes
      and shortcomings.
AB  - The hypomethylating agents (HMA) azacitidine and decitabine are both approved by
      the FDA for the treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Although heralded
      as a significant advancement, HMA lead to responses in less than half of patients
      and for those that respond most will relapse. As such, there is a crucial need to
      improve frontline therapy approaches. One promising strategy involves combining
      azacitidine or decitabine with investigational or existing therapies with the
      goal of achieving synergistic activity and better patient outcomes. The purpose
      of this paper is to critically review the efficacy and safety of reported HMA
      based combination regimens in patients with higher-risk MDS.

PMID- 27654580
TI  - A hybrid expectation maximisation and MCMC sampling algorithm to implement
      Bayesian mixture model based genomic prediction and QTL mapping.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bayesian mixture models in which the effects of SNP are assumed to
      come from normal distributions with different variances are attractive for
      simultaneous genomic prediction and QTL mapping. These models are usually
      implemented with Monte Carlo Markov Chain (MCMC) sampling, which requires long
      compute times with large genomic data sets. Here, we present an efficient
      approach (termed HyB_BR), which is a hybrid of an Expectation-Maximisation
      algorithm, followed by a limited number of MCMC without the requirement for burn
      in. RESULTS: To test prediction accuracy from HyB_BR, dairy cattle and human
      disease trait data were used. In the dairy cattle data, there were four
      quantitative traits (milk volume, protein kg, fat% in milk and fertility)
      measured in 16,214 cattle from two breeds genotyped for 632,002 SNPs. Validation
      of genomic predictions was in a subset of cattle either from the reference set or
      in animals from a third breeds that were not in the reference set. In all cases,
      HyB_BR gave almost identical accuracies to Bayesian mixture models implemented
      with full MCMC, however computational time was reduced by up to 1/17 of that
      required by full MCMC. The SNPs with high posterior probability of a non-zero
      effect were also very similar between full MCMC and HyB_BR, with several known
      genes affecting milk production in this category, as well as some novel genes.
      HyB_BR was also applied to seven human diseases with 4890 individuals genotyped
      for around 300 K SNPs in a case/control design, from the Welcome Trust Case
      Control Consortium (WTCCC). In this data set, the results demonstrated again that
      HyB_BR performed as well as Bayesian mixture models with full MCMC for genomic
      predictions and genetic architecture inference while reducing the computational
      time from 45 h with full MCMC to 3 h with HyB_BR. CONCLUSIONS: The results for
      quantitative traits in cattle and disease in humans demonstrate that HyB_BR can
      perform equally well as Bayesian mixture models implemented with full MCMC in
      terms of prediction accuracy, but with up to 17 times faster than the full MCMC
      implementations. The HyB_BR algorithm makes simultaneous genomic prediction, QTL
      mapping and inference of genetic architecture feasible in large genomic data
      sets.

PMID- 27654581
TI  - Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress triggers Hax1-dependent mitochondrial apoptotic
      events in cardiac cells.
AB  - Cardiomyocyte apoptosis is a major process in pathogenesis of a number of heart
      diseases, including ischemic heart diseases and cardiac failure. Ensuring
      survival of cardiac cells by blocking apoptotic events is an important strategy
      to improve cardiac function. Although the role of ER disruption in inducing
      apoptosis has been demonstrated, we do not yet fully understand how it influences
      the mitochondrial apoptotic machinery in cardiac cell models. Recent
      investigations have provided evidences that the prosurvival protein HCLS1
      associated protein X-1 (Hax1) protein is intimately associated with the
      pathogenesis of heart disease, mitochondrial biology, and protection from
      apoptotic cell death. To study the role of Hax1 upon ER stress induction, Hax1
      was overexpressed in cardiac cells subjected to ER stress, and cell death
      parameters as well as mitochondrial alterations were examined. Our results
      demonstrated that the Hax1 is significantly downregulated in cardiac cells upon
      ER stress induction. Moreover, overexpression of Hax1 protected from apoptotic
      events triggered by Tunicamycin-induced ER stress. Upon treatment with
      Tunicamycin, Hax1 protected from mitochondrial fission, downregulation of
      mitofusins 1 and 2 (MFN1 and MFN2), loss of mitochondrial membrane potential
      (?Psim), production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptotic cell death.
      Taken together, our results suggest that Hax1 inhibits ER stress-induced
      apoptosis at both the pre- and post-mitochondrial levels. These findings may
      offer an opportunity to develop new agents that inhibit cell death in the
      diseased heart.

PMID- 27654582
TI  - Ultra-Low-Dose Ultrasound Molecular Imaging for the Detection of Angiogenesis in
      a Mouse Murine Tumor Model: How Little Can We See?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the minimum microbubble
      dose for ultrasound molecular imaging to achieve statistically significant
      detection of angiogenesis in a mouse model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The preburst
      minus postburst method was implemented on a Verasonics ultrasound research
      scanner using a multiframe compounding pulse inversion imaging sequence.
      Biotinylated lipid (distearoyl phosphatidylcholine-based) microbubbles that were
      conjugated with antivascular endothelial growth factor 2 (VEGFR2) antibody
      (MBVEGFR2) or isotype control antibody (MBControl) were injected into mice
      carrying adenocarcinoma xenografts. Different injection doses ranging from 5 * 10
      to 1 * 10 microbubbles per mouse were evaluated to determine the minimum
      diagnostically effective dose. RESULTS: The proposed imaging sequence was able to
      achieve statistically significant detection (P < 0.05, n = 5) of VEGFR2 in tumors
      with a minimum MBVEGFR2 injection dose of only 5 * 10 microbubbles per mouse
      (distearoyl phosphatidylcholine at 0.053 ng/g mouse body mass). Nonspecific
      adhesion of MBControl at the same injection dose was negligible. In addition, the
      targeted contrast ultrasound signal of MBVEGFR2 decreased with lower microbubble
      doses, whereas nonspecific adhesion of MBControl increased with higher
      microbubble doses. CONCLUSIONS: The dose of 5 * 10 microbubbles per animal is now
      the lowest injection dose on record for ultrasound molecular imaging to achieve
      statistically significant detection of molecular targets in vivo. Findings in
      this study provide us with further guidance for future developments of clinically
      translatable ultrasound molecular imaging applications using a lower dose of
      microbubbles.

PMID- 27654584
TI  - Caecal ulceration in an asymptomatic man.

PMID- 27654583
TI  - Ex vivo study of human visceral nociceptors.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The development of effective visceral analgesics free of deleterious
      gut-specific side effects is a priority. We aimed to develop a reproducible
      methodology to study visceral nociception in human tissue that could aid future
      target identification and drug evaluation. DESIGN: Electrophysiological (single
      unit) responses of visceral afferents to mechanical (von Frey hair (VFH) and
      stretch) and chemical (bradykinin and ATP) stimuli were examined. Thus, serosal
      afferents (putative nociceptors) were used to investigate the effect of
      tegaserod, and transient receptor potential channel, vanilloid 4 (TRPV4)
      modulation on mechanical responses. RESULTS: Two distinct afferent fibre
      populations, serosal (n=23) and muscular (n=21), were distinguished based on
      their differences in sensitivity to VFH probing and tissue stretch. Serosal units
      displayed sensitivity to key algesic mediators, bradykinin (6/14 units tested)
      and ATP (4/10), consistent with a role as polymodal nociceptors, while muscular
      afferents are largely insensitive to bradykinin (0/11) and ATP (1/10). Serosal
      nociceptor mechanosensitivity was attenuated by tegaserod (-20.8+/-6.9%, n=6,
      p<0.05), a treatment for IBS, or application of HC067047 (-34.9+/-10.0%, n=7,
      p<0.05), a TRPV4 antagonist, highlighting the utility of the preparation to
      examine the mechanistic action of existing drugs or novel analgesics. Repeated
      application of bradykinin or ATP produced consistent afferent responses following
      desensitisation to the first application, demonstrating their utility as test
      stimuli to evaluate analgesic activity. CONCLUSIONS: Functionally distinct
      subpopulations of human visceral afferents can be demonstrated and could provide
      a platform technology to further study nociception in human tissue.

PMID- 27654585
TI  - Building pancreatic organoids to aid drug development.

PMID- 27654587
TI  - Errors in the Text and Supplement.

PMID- 27654590
TI  - Portrait of Virginia: Frida Kahlo.

PMID- 27654586
TI  - Gut microbiota and Toll-like receptors set the stage for cytokine-mediated
      failure of antibacterial responses in the fibrotic liver.

PMID- 27654592
TI  - WHO Declares India Free of Yaws and Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus.

PMID- 27654591
TI  - El Nino's Impact on Children.

PMID- 27654593
TI  - Psychological Scars From Conflict in South Sudan Documented.

PMID- 27654594
TI  - Injectable Diabetes Drug Approved.

PMID- 27654595
TI  - Kratom Products Seized.

PMID- 27654596
TI  - FDA Enlists Physicians' Aid.

PMID- 27654597
TI  - Ensuring Respect for Human Research Participants: Institutional Review Boards and
      Sharing Results From Research.

PMID- 27654598
TI  - Increasing the Value of Social Comparisons of Physician Performance Using Norms.

PMID- 27654599
TI  - Does It Matter?: And Other Unforgiving Rhetoric.

PMID- 27654600
TI  - Early Allergen Introduction for Preventing Development of Food Allergy.

PMID- 27654601
TI  - Introducing JAMA Performance Improvement.

PMID- 27654602
TI  - Effect of Wearable Technology Combined With a Lifestyle Intervention on Long-term
      Weight Loss: The IDEA Randomized Clinical Trial.
AB  - Importance: Effective long-term treatments are needed to address the obesity
      epidemic. Numerous wearable technologies specific to physical activity and diet
      are available, but it is unclear if these are effective at improving weight loss.
      Objective: To test the hypothesis that, compared with a standard behavioral
      weight loss intervention (standard intervention), a technology-enhanced weight
      loss intervention (enhanced intervention) would result in greater weight loss.
      Design, Setting, Participants: Randomized clinical trial conducted at the
      University of Pittsburgh and enrolling 471 adult participants between October
      2010 and October 2012, with data collection completed by December 2014.
      Interventions: Participants were placed on a low-calorie diet, prescribed
      increases in physical activity, and had group counseling sessions. At 6 months,
      the interventions added telephone counseling sessions, text message prompts, and
      access to study materials on a website. At 6 months, participants randomized to
      the standard intervention group initiated self-monitoring of diet and physical
      activity using a website, and those randomized to the enhanced intervention group
      were provided with a wearable device and accompanying web interface to monitor
      diet and physical activity. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome of
      weight was measured over 24 months at 6-month intervals, and the primary
      hypothesis tested the change in weight between 2 groups at 24 months. Secondary
      outcomes included body composition, fitness, physical activity, and dietary
      intake. Results: Among the 471 participants randomized (body mass index [BMI], 25
      to <40; age range, 18-35 years; 28.9% nonwhite, 77.2% women), 470 (233 in the
      standard intervention group, 237 in the enhanced intervention group) initiated
      the interventions as randomized, and 74.5% completed the study. For the enhanced
      intervention group, mean base line weightwas 96.3 kg (95% CI, 94.2-98.5) and 24
      month weight 92.8 kg (95% CI, 90.6-95.0) [corrected].   For the standard
      intervention group, mean baseline weight was 95.2kg (95%CI,93.0-97.3)and24-month
      weight was 89.3 kg (95%CI, 87.1-91.5) [corrected].Weight change at 24 months
      differed significantly by intervention group (estimated mean weight loss, 3.5 kg
      [95% CI, 2.6-4.5} in the enhanced intervention group and 5.9 kg [95% CI, 5.0-6.8]
      in the standard intervention group; difference, 2.4 kg [95% CI, 1.0-3.7]; P =
      .002). Both groups had significant improvements in body composition, fitness,
      physical activity, and diet, with no significant difference between groups.
      Conclusions and Relevance: Among young adults with a BMI between 25 and less than
      40, the addition of a wearable technology device to a standard behavioral
      intervention resulted in less weight loss over 24 months. Devices that monitor
      and provide feedback on physical activity may not offer an advantage over
      standard behavioral weight loss approaches. Trial Registration:
      clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01131871.

PMID- 27654604
TI  - Timing of Allergenic Food Introduction to the Infant Diet and Risk of Allergic or
      Autoimmune Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
AB  - Importance: Timing of introduction of allergenic foods to the infant diet may
      influence the risk of allergic or autoimmune disease, but the evidence for this
      has not been comprehensively synthesized. Objective: To systematically review and
      meta-analyze evidence that timing of allergenic food introduction during infancy
      influences risk of allergic or autoimmune disease. Data Sources: MEDLINE, EMBASE,
      Web of Science, CENTRAL, and LILACS databases were searched between January 1946
      and March 2016. Study Selection: Intervention trials and observational studies
      that evaluated timing of allergenic food introduction during the first year of
      life and reported allergic or autoimmune disease or allergic sensitization were
      included. Data Extraction and Synthesis: Data were extracted in duplicate and
      synthesized for meta-analysis using generic inverse variance or Mantel-Haenszel
      methods with a random-effects model. GRADE was used to assess the certainty of
      evidence. Main Outcomes and Measures: Wheeze, eczema, allergic rhinitis, food
      allergy, allergic sensitization, type 1 diabetes mellitus, celiac disease,
      inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune thyroid disease, and juvenile rheumatoid
      arthritis. Results: Of 16 289 original titles screened, data were extracted from
      204 titles reporting 146 studies. There was moderate-certainty evidence from 5
      trials (1915 participants) that early egg introduction at 4 to 6 months was
      associated with reduced egg allergy (risk ratio [RR], 0.56; 95% CI, 0.36-0.87; I2
      = 36%; P = .009). Absolute risk reduction for a population with 5.4% incidence of
      egg allergy was 24 cases (95% CI, 7-35 cases) per 1000 population. There was
      moderate-certainty evidence from 2 trials (1550 participants) that early peanut
      introduction at 4 to 11 months was associated with reduced peanut allergy (RR,
      0.29; 95% CI, 0.11-0.74; I2 = 66%; P = .009). Absolute risk reduction for a
      population with 2.5% incidence of peanut allergy was 18 cases (95% CI, 6-22
      cases) per 1000 population. Certainty of evidence was downgraded because of
      imprecision of effect estimates and indirectness of the populations and
      interventions studied. Timing of egg or peanut introduction was not associated
      with risk of allergy to other foods. There was low- to very low-certainty
      evidence that early fish introduction was associated with reduced allergic
      sensitization and rhinitis. There was high-certainty evidence that timing of
      gluten introduction was not associated with celiac disease risk, and timing of
      allergenic food introduction was not associated with other outcomes. Conclusions
      and Relevance: In this systematic review, early egg or peanut introduction to the
      infant diet was associated with lower risk of developing egg or peanut allergy.
      These findings must be considered in the context of limitations in the primary
      studies.

PMID- 27654603
TI  - Non-TNF-Targeted Biologic vs a Second Anti-TNF Drug to Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis
      in Patients With Insufficient Response to a First Anti-TNF Drug: A Randomized
      Clinical Trial.
AB  - Importance: One-third of patients with rheumatoid arthritis show inadequate
      response to tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibitors; little guidance
      on choosing the next treatment exists. Objective: To compare the efficacy of a
      non-TNF-targeted biologic (non-TNF) vs a second anti-TNF drug for patients with
      insufficient response to a TNF inhibitor. Design, Setting, and Participants: A
      total of 300 patients (conducted between 2009-2012) with rheumatoid arthritis,
      with persistent disease activity (disease activity score in 28 joints-erythrocyte
      sedimentation rate [DAS28-ESR]  >= 3.2 [range, 0-9.3]) and an insufficient
      response to anti-TNF therapy were included in a 52-week multicenter, pragmatic,
      open-label randomized clinical trial. The final follow-up date was in August
      2013. Interventions: Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive a non-TNF
      targeted biologic agent or an anti-TNF that differed from their previous
      treatment. The choice of the biologic prescribed within each randomized group was
      left to the treating clinician. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome
      was the proportion of patients with good or moderate response according to the
      European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) scale at week 24. Secondary outcomes
      included the EULAR response at weeks 12 and 52; at weeks 12, 24, and 52;
      DAS28ESR, low disease activity (DAS28 <=3.2), remission (DAS28 <=2.6); serious
      adverse events; and serious infections. Results: Of the 300 randomized patients
      (243 [83.2%] women; mean [SD] age, 57.1 [12.2] years; baseline DAS28-ESR, 5.1
      [1.1]), 269 (89.7%) completed the study. At week 24, 101 of 146 patients (69%) in
      the non-TNF group and 76 (52%) in the second anti-TNF group achieved a good or
      moderate EULAR response (OR, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.27-3.37; P = .004, with imputation
      of missing data; absolute difference, 17.2%; 95% CI, 6.2% to 28.2%). The DAS28
      ESR was lower in the non-TNF group than in the second anti-TNF group (mean
      difference adjusted for baseline differences, -0.43; 95% CI, -0.72 to -0.14; P =
      .004). At weeks 24 and 52, more patients in the non-TNF group vs the second anti
      TNF group showed low disease activity (45% vs 28% at week 24; OR, 2.09; 95% CI,
      1.27 to 3.43; P = .004 and 41% vs 23% at week 52; OR, 2.26; 95% CI, 1.33 to 3.86;
      P = .003). Conclusions and Relevance: Among patients with rheumatoid arthritis
      previously treated with anti-TNF drugs but with inadequate primary response, a
      non-TNF biologic agent was more effective in achieving a good or moderate disease
      activity response at 24 weeks than was the second anti-TNF medication. Trial
      Registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01000441.

PMID- 27654605
TI  - Antimicrobial Resistance.
AB  - Importance: The development of antibiotics is considered among the most important
      advances of modern science. Antibiotics have saved millions of lives. However,
      antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threatens this progress and presents significant
      risks to human health. Objective: To identify factors associated with AMR, the
      current epidemiology of important resistant organisms, and possible solutions to
      the AMR problem. Data Sources, Study Selection, and Data Synthesis: PubMed (2000
      2016), NIH REPORTER, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched for articles
      and entries related to AMR, focusing on epidemiology, clinical effects of AMR,
      discovery of novel agents to treat AMR bacterial infections, and
      nonpharmacological strategies to eliminate or modify AMR bacteria. In addition to
      articles and entries found in these databases, selected health policy reports and
      public health guidance documents were reviewed. Of 217 articles, databases, and
      reports identified, 103 were selected for review. Results: The increase in AMR
      has been driven by a diverse set of factors, including inappropriate antibiotic
      prescribing and sales, use of antibiotics outside of the health care sector, and
      genetic factors intrinsic to bacteria. The problem has been exacerbated by
      inadequate economic incentives for pharmaceutical development of new
      antimicrobial agents. A range of specific AMR concerns, including carbapenem- and
      colistin-resistant gram-negative organisms, pose a clinical challenge.
      Alternative approaches to address the AMR threat include new methods of
      antibacterial drug identification and strategies that neutralize virulence
      factors. Conclusions and Relevance: Antimicrobial resistance poses significant
      challenges for current clinical care. Modified use of antimicrobial agents and
      public health interventions, coupled with novel antimicrobial strategies, may
      help mitigate the effect of multidrug-resistant organisms in the future.

PMID- 27654606
TI  - Pragmatic Trials: Practical Answers to "Real World" Questions.

PMID- 27654607
TI  - Performing the Wrong Procedure.

PMID- 27654608
TI  - Physician Capacity to Treat Opioid Use Disorder With Buprenorphine-Assisted
      Treatment.

PMID- 27654609
TI  - Timing of Initiation of Renal Replacement Therapy in Critically Ill Patients With
      Acute Kidney Injury.

PMID- 27654610
TI  - Timing of Initiation of Renal Replacement Therapy in Critically Ill Patients With
      Acute Kidney Injury.

PMID- 27654611
TI  - Timing of Initiation of Renal Replacement Therapy in Critically Ill Patients With
      Acute Kidney Injury.

PMID- 27654612
TI  - Guidelines for Tinnitus.

PMID- 27654614
TI  - Errors in Ratings Table.

PMID- 27654613
TI  - Timing of Initiation of Renal Replacement Therapy in Critically Ill Patients With
      Acute Kidney Injury-Reply.

PMID- 27654615
TI  - Error in Figure.

PMID- 27654617
TI  - Autumnal Equinox.

PMID- 27654616
TI  - Guidelines for Tinnitus-Reply.

PMID- 27654618
TI  - Scientific Inquisitiveness-An Anecdote.

PMID- 27654619
TI  - Types of Pancreatic Cysts.

PMID- 27654620
TI  - Fibrous Hamartoma of Infancy in the Eyelid: A Rare Presentation.
AB  - A 6-year-old girl presented with a left nodular mass around the punctum. Previous
      debulking in a similar location at 10 weeks and 8 months of age confirmed fibrous
      hamartoma of infancy. Pathology at the initial surgery revealed benign-appearing
      fibroadipose tissue, vasculature, and smooth muscle. Pathologic examination from
      the third debulking illustrated less fibrous trabeculae extending into increased
      amounts of mature-appearing adipocytes with collections of immature-appearing
      fibrocytes. The lesion had slight differences in pathology compared with prior
      surgical specimens; however, was still consistent with fibrous hamartoma of
      infancy. No recurrence has been reported since the last surgery.

PMID- 27654621
TI  - Association of Medical School Pediatric Department Chairs Principles of Lifelong
      Learning in Pediatric Medicine.
AB  - Pediatric general and subspecialty care requires continuous effort to maintain
      knowledge and competencies in clinical practice. Equally important are efforts by
      investigators and educators to maintain knowledge and competencies in the conduct
      of research and training. The Association of Medical School Pediatric Department
      Chairs initiated a survey in July 2015 to define principles of lifelong learning
      in pediatric medicine and determine the approaches and strategies used by chairs
      to assess knowledge and competence across the care, research, and teaching
      missions. A total of 101 of 142 chairs (71%) completed the survey. Six of 7
      proposed principles were endorsed by 84% to 96% of Association of Medical School
      Pediatric Department Chairs members. The focus areas included individual
      accountability, individually relevant activities, use of evidence-based
      guidelines/national standards, gaining cognitive expertise, learning as a
      continuous effort, affordability, and focus on individual understanding. The
      chairs endorsed a requirement for evidence of lifelong learning, competence, and
      compliance by all faculty members in clinical (n = 89 [88%]), research (n = 63
      [62%]), and educational (n = 85 [84%]) practice. The survey identified the
      strategies to assess lifelong learning and faculty competence and compliance in
      clinical, research, and educational roles. Across missions, chairs endorsed an
      expectation for individual responsibility supplemented by formal evaluation
      practices and institutional and regulatory office oversight. While chairs
      endorsed an important role for the American Board of Pediatrics in assessing and
      verifying lifelong learning, knowledge, and competence in general and specialty
      certification, most (n = 91 [90%]) endorsed a need to revise current board
      requirements to better emphasize closing gaps in knowledge and using approaches
      that are evidence-based. This study provides the perspectives of pediatric
      department chairs on principles for lifelong learning and strategies and
      approaches used to assess faculty competence and commitment to lifelong learning
      across missions.

PMID- 27654622
TI  - How Do Organizational Policies and Practices Affect Return to Work and Work Role
      Functioning Following a Musculoskeletal Injury?
AB  - Purpose Organizational-level policies and practices that promote safety
      leadership and practices, disability management and ergonomic policies and
      practices are considered key contextual determinants of return to work. Our
      objective was to examine the role of worker-reported organizational policies and
      practices (OPPs) in return to work (RTW) and work role functioning (WRF) and the
      mediating role of pain self-efficacy and work accommodation. Methods A worker
      cohort (n = 577) in Ontario, Canada was followed at 1, 6 and 12 months post
      injury. Both RTW (yes/no) and WRF (WLQ-16) status (3 levels) were measured. OPPs
      were measured (high vs. low) at 1 month post-injury. Pain self-efficacy (PSE) and
      work accommodation (WA) were included in mediation analyses. Results OPPs
      predicted RTW at 6 months (adjusted OR 1.77; 95 % CI 1.07-2.93) and 12 months
      (adjusted OR 2.07; 95 % CI 1.18-3.62). OPPs predicted WRF at 6 months, but only
      the transition from working with limitations to working without limitations
      (adjusted OR 3.21; 95 % CI 1.92-5.39). At 12 months, OPPs predicted both the
      transition from not working to working with and without limitations and from not
      working or working with limitations to working without limitations (adjusted OR
      2.13; 95 % CI 1.37-3.30). Offers of WA mediated the relationship between OPPs and
      both RTW and WRF at 6 months follow-up. PSE mediated the relationship between
      OPPs and RTW and WRF at 6 months. At 12 months neither mediated the relationship.
      Conclusions The findings support worker-reported OPPs as key determinants of both
      RTW and WRF. These results point to the importance of WA and PSE in both RTW and
      WRF at 6 months.

PMID- 27654623
TI  - Frigoribacterium salinisoli sp. nov., isolated from saline soil, transfer of
      Frigoribacterium mesophilum to Parafrigoribacterium gen. nov. as
      Parafrigoribacterium mesophilum comb. nov.
AB  - A Gram-stain-positive, short-rod, aerobic bacterium, designated as strain
      LAM9155T, was isolated from saline soil sample collected from Lingxian County,
      Shandong Province, PR China. The strain grew optimally at 25-30  degrees C, pH
      7.0 and 0.5 % (w/v) NaCl. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that
      strain LAM9155T belonged to the genus Frigoribacterium and was closely related to
      Frigoribacteriumendophyticum EGI 6500707T (99.4 %), Frigoribacteriumfaeni 801T
      (98.6 %) and Frigoribacteriummesophilum MSL-08T (96.2 %). The DNA-DNA
      hybridization values between strain LAM9155T and F. endophyticum JCM 30093T and
      between strain LAM9155T and F. faeni DSM 10309T were 40.2+/-2.1 and 32.8+/-1.6 %,
      respectively. The major fatty acids of LAM9155T were anteiso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C17
      : 0 and iso-C16 : 0. The cell-wall analysis showed the B-type peptidoglycan
      containing alanine, glutamate, glycine, serine and lysine and that the cell wall
      contained the sugars galactose and ribose. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain
      LAM9155T was 68.2 mol%. The predominant menaquinone was MK-9. The main polar
      lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, one unknown glycolipid
      and four unknown lipids. Based on the DNA-DNA hybridization and phenotypic,
      phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic properties, strain LAM9155T could be
      distinguished from the recognized species of the genus Frigoribacterium and was
      suggested to represent a novel species, for which the name Frigoribacterium
      salinisoli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is LAM9155T (=ACCC 19902T=JCM
      30848T). Moreover, the transfer of F. mesophilum Dastager et al. 2008 to
      Parafrigoribacterium gen. nov. as Parafrigoribacterium mesophilum comb. nov.
      (type strain MSL-08T=DSM 19442T=KCTC 19311T) is also proposed.

PMID- 27654624
TI  - Vasculogenesis and Its Cellular Therapeutic Applications.
AB  - Vasculogenesis was originally defined by Risau in 1997 [Nature 386: 671-674] as
      the de novo formation of vessels from endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), so
      called angioblasts. Initially, this process was believed to be related only to
      embryonic life; however, further studies reported vasculogenesis to occur also in
      adult tissues. This overview presents the current knowledge about the origin,
      differentiation and significance of EPCs that have been observed in various
      diseases, tumors, and reparative processes. We also summarize the knowledge of
      how to activate these cells for therapeutic purposes and the outcomes of the
      therapies.

PMID- 27654625
TI  - Chronic Subthreshold Cortical Stimulation to Treat Focal Epilepsy.

PMID- 27654626
TI  - The videolaryngoscopes are now the first choice to see around the corner.

PMID- 27654627
TI  - Long-term skeletodental stability of mandibular symphyseal distraction
      osteogenesis: Tooth-borne vs hybrid distraction appliances.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the long-term skeletodental stability of
      mandibular symphyseal distraction osteogenesis (MSDO) achieved with the use of
      tooth-borne vs. hybrid distraction appliances. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Posttreatment and follow-up orthodontic records were collected for 33 patients.
      The 14 patients who underwent distraction with a tooth-borne appliance had a mean
      follow-up of 5.08 years. The 19 patients who underwent distraction with a hybrid
      appliance had a mean follow-up of 6.07 years. Records included intraoral
      photographs, study models, postero-anterior cephalometric radiographs, and
      lateral cephalometric radiographs. Total changes of 16 measurements were analyzed
      to compare patients who underwent the tooth-borne vs. the hybrid distraction.
      RESULTS: Both groups shared several similar and significant (P < .05) changes
      from posttreatment to follow-up records. Cast analysis showed a decrease in
      intercanine width and arch length and an increase in irregularity index. The
      postero-anterior cephalometric radiograph showed an increase in the width of the
      interincisal apices. The lateral cephalometric radiograph showed a decrease in
      the MP-L1 angle. The only statistically significant difference between the two
      appliances was the intercentral incisor contact point. CONCLUSION: Changes found
      are consistent with those found in untreated and orthodontically treated
      individuals over time. The long-term changes in the current patient sample can be
      determined to be expected and acceptable. MSDO is a viable treatment option with
      the use of either a hybrid or tooth-borne appliance.

PMID- 27654628
TI  - Predictors of postretention stability of mandibular dental arch dimensions in
      patients treated with a lip bumper during mixed dentition followed by fixed
      appliances.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify which dental and/or cephalometric variables were
      predictors of postretention mandibular dental arch stability in patients who
      underwent treatment with transpalatal arch and lip bumper during mixed dentition
      followed by full fixed appliances in the permanent dentition. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Thirty-one patients were divided into stable and relapse groups based on
      the postretention presence or absence of relapse. Intercuspid, interpremolar, and
      intermolar widths; arch length and perimeter; crowding; and lower incisor
      proclination were evaluated before treatment (T0), after lip bumper treatment
      (T1), after fixed appliance treatment (T2), and a minimum of 3 years after
      removal of the full fixed appliance (T3). Logistic regression analyses were
      performed to evaluate the effect of changes between T0 and T1, as predictive
      variables, on the occurrence of relapse at T3. RESULTS: The model explained 53.5
      % of the variance in treatment stability and correctly classified 80.6 % of the
      sample. Of the seven prediction variables, intermolar and interpremolar changes
      between T0 and T1 (P = .024 and P = .034, respectively) were statistically
      significant. For every millimeter of increase in intermolar and interpremolar
      widths there was a 1.52 and 2.70 times increase, respectively, in the odds of
      having stability. There was also weak evidence for the effect of sex (P = .047).
      CONCLUSIONS: The best predictors of an average 4-year postretention mandibular
      dental arch stability after treatment with a lip bumper followed by full fixed
      appliances were intermolar and interpremolar width increases during lip bumper
      therapy. The amount of relapse in this crowding could be considered clinically
      irrelevant.

PMID- 27654629
TI  - Gifts from orthodontists to general dentists.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine how often general dentists receive gifts from
      orthodontists, the value and number of the gifts they receive, and how they
      perceive the motivation behind the gift. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a
      questionnaire-based study. A questionnaire was constructed and tested for
      validity and reliability. An electronic version of survey was sent via email to
      1300 general dentists. RESULTS: The validity and reliability of the survey was
      confirmed. Two hundred fifty-four valid responses were received (20%). Eighty
      five percent of responding general practitioners reported that they received
      gifts from an orthodontist. Almost 100% reported that they referred patients to
      orthodontists. About one-third of the responding general practitioners reported
      that their office provided orthodontic care. There were statistically significant
      correlations between the number of annual patient referrals the general
      practitioners reported making and the number and value of the gifts they received
      from the orthodontists. Female general practitioners reported receiving a higher
      number of gifts of greater total value than male practitioners. General
      practitioners who reported providing orthodontic treatment did not differ from
      those who did not in the number of referrals they made annually and the number
      and value of the gifts they received. Quality of care was the most common reason
      general practitioners reported for their referral to an orthodontist. Forty-four
      percent of the responders reported that they received discounted orthodontic
      treatment. CONCLUSIONS: General practitioners refer patients to orthodontists and
      receive gifts from them. The number and value of the gifts reflects the number of
      referrals they make.

PMID- 27654630
TI  - Intracellular Hg(0) Oxidation in Desulfovibrio desulfuricans ND132.
AB  - The disposal of elemental mercury (Hg(0)) wastes in mining and manufacturing
      areas has caused serious soil and groundwater contamination issues. Under anoxic
      conditions, certain anaerobic bacteria can oxidize dissolved elemental mercury
      and convert the oxidized Hg to neurotoxic methylmercury. In this study, we
      conducted experiments with the Hg-methylating bacterium Desulfovibrio
      desulfuricans ND132 to elucidate the role of cellular thiols in anaerobic Hg(0)
      oxidation. The concentrations of cell-surface and intracellular thiols were
      measured, and specific fractions of D. desulfuricans ND132 were examined for
      Hg(0) oxidation activity and analyzed with extended X-ray absorption fine
      structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy. The experimental data indicate that intracellular
      thiol concentrations are approximately six times higher than those of the cell
      wall. Cells reacted with a thiol-blocking reagent were severely impaired in Hg(0)
      oxidation activity. Spheroplasts lacking cell walls rapidly oxidized Hg(0) to
      Hg(II), while cell wall fragments exhibited low reactivity toward Hg(0). EXAFS
      analysis of spheroplast samples revealed that multiple different forms of Hg
      thiols are produced by the Hg(0) oxidation reaction and that the local
      coordination environment of the oxidized Hg changes with reaction time. The
      results of this study indicate that Hg(0) oxidation in D. desulfuricans ND132 is
      an intracellular process that occurs by reaction with thiol-containing molecules.

PMID- 27654631
TI  - Photoinduced Homolytic Bond Cleavage of the Central Si-C Bond in Porphyrin
      Macrocycles Is a Charge Polarization Driven Process.
AB  - Photoinduced cleavage of the bond between the central Si atom in porphyrin
      macrocycles and the neighboring carbon atom of an axial alkyl ligand is
      investigated by both experimental and computational tools. Photolysis and
      electron paramagnetic resonance measurements indicate that the Si-C bond cleavage
      of Si-phthalocyanine occurs through a homolytic process. The homolytic process
      follows a low-lying electronic excitation of about 1.8 eV that destabilizes the
      carbide bond of similar bond dissociation energy. Using electronic structure
      calculations, we provide insight into the nature of the excited state and the
      resulting photocleavage mechanism. We explain this process by finding that the
      electronic excited state is of a charge transfer character from the axial ligand
      toward the macrocycle in the reverse direction of the ground state polarization.
      We find that the homolytic process yielding the radical intermediate is
      energetically the most stable mechanistic route. Furthermore, we demonstrate
      using our computational approach that changing the phthalocyanine to smaller ring
      system enhances the homolytic photocleavage of the Si-C bond by reducing the
      energetic barrier in the relevant excited states.

PMID- 27654632
TI  - Major Greenwood (1880-1949): the biography.
AB  - Background is provided on the discovery of an unpublished biography of Major
      Greenwood written by one of his sons. The motivation and preparation for online
      publication of the biography in Statistics in Medicine are outlined. (c) 2016 The
      Authors. Statistics in Medicine Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

PMID- 27654633
TI  - MOF-Derived Flower-like MoS2@TiO2 Nanohybrids with Enhanced Activity for Hydrogen
      Evolution.
AB  - A simple hydrothermal method is developed for synthesizing crystalline MoS2@TiO2
      nanohybrids with metal-organic framework (MOF) as precursor. At an optimal ratio
      of 14.6 wt % MoS2, the resultant material exhibits prominent catalytic activity
      for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) with a high hydrogen production rate of 10
      046 MUmol h-1 g-1 under visible light illumination with fluorescein as
      photosensitizer. Furthermore, the synthesized catalyst also possesses an
      attractive electrocatalytic activity with an onset overpotential of -300 mV (vs
      RHE) and a Tafel slope of ~81 mV dec-1. The enhanced catalyst performances are
      mainly attributed to the in situ formed active sites, featuring a uniform
      dispersion and strong connection of MoS2 and TiO2, which can facilitate electron
      transfer. In addition, the MoS2@TiO2 nanohybrids are highly stable and completely
      recyclable over HER.

PMID- 27654634
TI  - Finding the Way to Solar Fuels with Dye-Sensitized Photoelectrosynthesis Cells.
AB  - The dye-sensitized photoelectrosynthesis cell (DSPEC) integrates high bandgap,
      nanoparticle oxide semiconductors with the light-absorbing and catalytic
      properties of designed chromophore-catalyst assemblies. The goals are
      photoelectrochemical water splitting into hydrogen and oxygen and reduction of
      CO2 by water to give oxygen and carbon-based fuels. Solar-driven water oxidation
      occurs at a photoanode and water or CO2 reduction at a cathode or photocathode
      initiated by molecular-level light absorption. Light absorption is followed by
      electron or hole injection, catalyst activation, and catalytic water oxidation or
      water/CO2 reduction. The DSPEC is of recent origin but significant progress has
      been made. It has the potential to play an important role in our energy future.

PMID- 27654635
TI  - Early Father Involvement and Subsequent Child Behaviour at Ages 3, 5 and 7 Years:
      Prospective Analysis of the UK Millennium Cohort Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Fathers are increasingly involved in care of their babies and young
      children. We assessed the association of resident fathers' involvement with
      subsequent behaviour of their children, examining boys and girls separately.
      METHODS: We used longitudinal data from the UK Millennium Cohort Study for
      children born in 2000-2001, divided into three separate analysis periods: ages 9
      months to 3 years, 3 to 5 years, and 5 to 7 years. By exploratory factor analysis
      of self-reported attitudes and engagement in caring activities, we derived
      composite measures of various types of father involvement at 9 months, 3 and 5
      years. Where possible we created equivalent measures of mother involvement. Child
      behaviour was assessed by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ),
      which was completed by the mother when the child was aged 3, 5 and 7 years. We
      estimated gender-specific odds ratios for behaviour problems per quintile of
      father involvement, using separate logistic regression models for boys and girls
      in each analysis period. We controlled for a wide range of potential confounders:
      characteristics of the child (temperament and development at 9 months, and
      illness and exact age at outcome), equivalent mother involvement where
      appropriate, and factors related to socioeconomic status, household change, and
      parental well-being, where statistically significant. RESULTS: Paternal positive
      parenting beliefs at age 9 months and increased frequency of creative play at age
      5 years were significantly associated with lower risk of subsequent behaviour
      problems (SDQ total difficulties) in both boys and girls (p<0.05), odds ratios
      ranging between 0.81 and 0.89 per quintile of involvement. No associations were
      observed for other composite measures of caring activity by the father at 9
      months, 3 years or 5 years. CONCLUSION: Quality of parenting, rather than the
      division of routine care between parents, was associated with child behavioural
      outcomes.

PMID- 27654636
TI  - Fatal Clostridium perfringens Septicemia After Colonoscopic Polypectomy, Without
      Bowel Perforation.
AB  - Since its introduction, colonoscopy has played an important role as a diagnostic,
      therapeutic, and screening tool. In general, colonoscopy is regarded as a safe
      procedure, but complications may occur. The most dreaded of these complications
      is colonic perforation. Bacteremia postprocedure may occur, and although it is
      not uncommon, it rarely results in clinically significant complications. Patients
      with IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) are a high-risk population for bacteremia,
      which may leads to bowel wall overstepping by the bacteria. With regard to that,
      we report a fatal case of gas gangrene complicating colonoscopy polypectomy
      without bowel perforation in a healthy adult. To the best of our knowledge, only
      two other cases of retroperitoneal gas gangrene associated with colonoscopy
      polypectomy without bowel perforation have been described in international
      literature, but none of which was completed by a molecular biology analysis.

PMID- 27654637
TI  - What are People's Experiences of a Novel Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for
      Bipolar Disorders? A Qualitative Investigation with Participants on the TEAMS
      Trial.
AB  - : Background Psychological interventions for bipolar disorders typically produce
      mixed outcomes and modest effects. The need for a more effective intervention
      prompted the development of a new cognitive behavioural therapy, based on an
      integrative cognitive model ('Think Effectively About Mood Swings' [TEAMS]
      therapy). Unlike previous interventions, TEAMS addresses current symptoms and
      comorbidities, and helps clients achieve long-term goals. A pilot randomized
      controlled trial (the TEAMS trial) of the therapy has recently concluded. This
      study explored participants' experiences of TEAMS, recommendations for
      improvement and experiences of useful changes post-therapy. Methods Fourteen
      TEAMS therapy participants took part in semi-structured interviews. Their
      accounts were analysed using interpretative thematic analysis. Two researchers
      coded the dataset independently. Member checks were conducted of the preliminary
      themes. Results Two overarching themes; 'useful elements of therapy' and 'changes
      from therapy' encompassed 12 emerging subthemes. Participants appreciated having
      opportunities to talk and described the therapy as person-centred and delivered
      by caring, approachable and skilled therapists. Some recommended more sessions
      than the 16 provided. Helpful therapeutic techniques were reported to be,
      normalization about moods, methods to increase understanding of moods, relapse
      prevention, reappraisal techniques and metaphors. However, some did not find
      therapeutic techniques helpful. Post-therapy, many reported changes in managing
      mood swings more effectively and in their thinking (although some participants
      reported changes in neither). Many described increased acceptance of themselves
      and of having bipolar disorder, increased productivity and reduced anxiety in
      social situations. Conclusions The present study evaluates participants' therapy
      experiences in detail, including aspects of therapy viewed as helpful, and
      meaningful post-therapy outcomes. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. KEY
      PRACTITIONER MESSAGE: This is the first paper to qualitatively explore people's
      experiences of individual psychotherapy for bipolar disorders. It highlights
      elements of psychotherapy described as particularly helpful or unhelpful and the
      clinical changes viewed as most impactful. Participants reported benefitting in a
      number of ways from TEAMS therapy. They valued learning to reappraise and problem
      solve situations and manage moods. Participants identified TEAMS techniques as
      helpful, such as exploring advantages and disadvantages of moods, and building
      healthy self-states.

PMID- 27654638
TI  - Effect of obesity on sperm retrieval outcome and reproductive hormone levels in
      Japanese azoospermic men with and without Klinefelter syndrome.
AB  - Obesity is reported to have adverse effects on semen quality and the endocrine
      system. In this study, we evaluated the effect of obesity on sperm retrieval
      outcome and reproductive hormone levels in Japanese men with non-obstructive
      azoospermia (NOA). This study is based on the clinical records of 217 men [172
      with a 46,XY karyotype, 45 with Klinefelter syndrome (KS)] with NOA who underwent
      microdissection testicular sperm extraction at Nagoya City University Hospital
      between January 2004 and December 2014. Body mass index (BMI) and serum levels of
      luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and total
      testosterone (TT) were measured in all patients. In a subset of patients,
      bioavailable testosterone (cBAT) also was calculated. Values were evaluated
      separately in patients with and without KS. Sperm retrieval rates (SRRs) in 46,XY
      men with a BMI <25 kg/m2 and >=25 kg/m2 were 29.3% and 18.4%, respectively (p =
      0.142), while SRRs in KS men with a BMI <25 kg/m2 and >=25 kg/m2 were 25.0% and
      35.3%, respectively (p = 0.460). TT level in men with a BMI >=25 kg/m2 was lower
      than that in men with a BMI <25 kg/m2 , regardless of KS status. According to
      Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients, TT and cBAT levels tended to
      have negative correlations with BMI; however, statistical significance was
      observed only for TT level in 46,XY men (r = 0.340, p < 0.001). LH and FSH levels
      were negatively correlated with BMI in KS men (r = -0.466, p = 0.001 and r = 
      0.647, p < 0.001, respectively), but not in 46,XY men. These results suggest that
      obesity may be irrelevant to sperm retrieval outcome in patients with NOA. The
      negative correlations between gonadotropins and BMI in patients with KS suggest
      an underlying suppressive effect on gonadotropin excretion, which is distinctive
      in obese patients with KS.

PMID- 27654640
TI  - Expressions of urothelial functional proteins in idiopathic detrusor overactivity
      patients refractory to antimuscarinic therapy with different urodynamic
      characteristics.
AB  - AIMS: This study investigated the expressions of PGP9.5, P2  X 3 , muscarinic
      receptor (M3) and beta-3 adrenoreceptor (AR) in idiopathic detrusor overactivity
      (IDO) patients refractory to antimuscarinic treatment, and analyzed the
      correlation between protein expressions and clinical symptoms of IDO bladders
      with different urodynamic characteristics. METHODS: Specimens of 48 IDO and 10
      control patients without lower urinary tract symptoms were included. The levels
      of these proteins from bladder mucosa were determined by Western blotting.
      RESULTS: The expression levels of beta3-AR and M3 receptor were similar between
      IDO patients and controls. When IDO patients were divided into two subgroups,
      phasic DO and terminal DO, the results showed that beta3-AR level in the patients
      with phasic DO was significantly higher than that of the controls and terminal DO
      (Both P < 0.05). PGP9.5 and P2  X 3 levels were also significantly increased in
      phasic DO subgroup than controls. P2  X 3 receptor was positively correlated with
      PGP9.5 and beta3-AR, and negatively correlated with the first sensation of
      bladder filling and voided volume in phasic DO. CONCLUSIONS: Similar expression
      M3 receptor and increased P2  X 3 levels in phasic DO, compared with the
      controls, indicate that dysregulation of purinergic bladder signaling may
      contribute to the pathogenesis of phasic DO refractory to antimuscarinics.
      Elevated expression of beta3-AR in phasic DO but not in terminal DO patients may
      explain the different urodynamic characteristics of DO between the two subgroups.
      Our findings suggest that beta3-AR agonist or P2  X 3 antagonist might be a good
      treatment choice for patients with phasic DO refractory to antimuscarinic
      therapy.

PMID- 27654639
TI  - Versatile Nanodelivery Platform to Maximize siRNA Combination Therapy.
AB  - The unsatisfactory outcomes of typical multiple cytotoxic chemotherapeutic
      combination therapies used to treat patients have fostered a need for new
      unconventional combinations of therapeutic agents. Among the candidates, siRNA
      has been widely discussed and tested. However, the right time right place
      codelivery of siRNA with other types of active ingredients is challenging because
      of the possible differences among their physiochemical and pharmacodynamics
      properties. To accomplish a synergistic cytotoxic effect, a nanoassembly is thus
      designed to codeliver siRNA with other therapeutic agents. A siRNA, targeting
      prosurvival gene for the p75 neurotrophin receptor, and an organelle-fusing
      peptide, targeting mitochondria, are layered onto a nanotemplate by charge-charge
      interaction, followed by a layer of CD44 targeting ligand. The formulated triple
      functional nanomedicine is efficiently internalized by the CD44 expressing triple
      negative breast cancer cells. The encapsulated siRNA and the pro-apoptotic
      peptide are released inside cells, silencing the intended prosurvival gene, and
      inducing apoptosis by fusing the mitochondrial membrane, respectively. A
      synergistic effect is achieved by this three-agent combination. The design of the
      developed multifunctional nanomedicine can be generalized to deliver other siRNA
      and drugs for a maximum therapeutic combination with minimal off-targeting
      effects.

PMID- 27654641
TI  - Inhibition of soluble guanylyl cyclase by small molecules targeting the catalytic
      domain.
AB  - Soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) plays a crucial role in cyclic nucleotide
      signaling that regulates numerous important physiological processes. To identify
      new sGC inhibitors that may prevent the formation of the active catalytic domain
      conformation, we carried out an in silico docking screen targeting a 'backside
      pocket' of the inactive sGC catalytic domain structure. Compounds 1 and 2 were
      discovered to inhibit sGC even at high/saturating nitric oxide concentrations.
      Both compounds also inhibit the BAY 58-2667-activated sGC as well as BAY 41-2272
      stimulated sGC activity. Additional biochemical analyses showed that compound 2
      also inhibits the isolated catalytic domain, thus demonstrating functional
      binding to this domain. Both compounds have micromolar affinity for sGC and are
      potential leads to develop more potent sGC inhibitors.

PMID- 27654643
TI  - Children macular thickness correlated with mother macular thickness.

PMID- 27654642
TI  - Copper-Catalyzed Amidation of Primary and Secondary Alkyl Boronic Esters.
AB  - The oxidative copper-catalyzed cross-coupling of functionalized alkyl boronic
      esters with primary amides is reported. Through the identification of appropriate
      diketimine ligands, conditions for efficient coupling of both primary and
      secondary alkyl boronic esters with diverse primary amides, including acetamide,
      have been developed.

PMID- 27654646
TI  - A Survey on Visual Approaches for Analyzing Scientific Literature and Patents.
AB  - The increasingly large number of available writings describing technical and
      scientific progress, calls for advanced analytic tools for their efficient
      analysis. This is true for many application scenarios in science and industry and
      for different types of writings, comprising patents and scientific articles.
      Despite important differences between patents and scientific articles, both have
      a variety of common characteristics that lead to similar search and analysis
      tasks. However, the analysis and visualization of these documents is not a
      trivial task due to the complexity of the documents as well as the large number
      of possible relations between their multivariate attributes. In this survey, we
      review interactive analysis and visualization approaches of patents and
      scientific articles, ranging from exploration tools to sophisticated mining
      methods. In a bottom-up approach, we categorize them according to two aspects:
      (a) data type (text, citations, authors, metadata, and combinations thereof), and
      (b) task (finding and comparing single entities, seeking elementary relations,
      finding complex patterns, and in particular temporal patterns, and investigating
      connections between multiple behaviours). Finally, we identify challenges and
      research directions in this area that ask for future investigations.

PMID- 27654647
TI  - Causal relationship and confounding in statistical models.

PMID- 27654648
TI  - Randomized clinical trial of chewing gum after laparoscopic colorectal resection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chewing gum may enhance intestinal motility after surgery. This trial
      studied whether chewing gum could lead to a further reduction in ileus in
      patients who had a laparoscopic colorectal resection and followed an enhanced
      recovery programme. METHODS: Patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal
      resection were randomized to a control or intervention group. Patients in the
      control group received a standardized recovery programme. Patients in the
      intervention group were, in addition, given chewing gum three times daily from
      day 1 until discharge. Primary outcome measures were time to first flatus and
      first bowel motion. Time to feeling hungry and hospital stay were secondary
      outcome measures. RESULTS: Forty-one patients were randomized into each group.
      Thirty-seven patients underwent rectal resection and 45 had a colonic resection.
      Time to passage of flatus was shorter (18 versus 34 h; P = 0.007), first bowel
      motion occurred earlier (19 versus 44 h; P = 0.001) and time to feeling hungry
      was earlier (16 versus 25 h; P = 0.001) in the intervention group. There was no
      difference in the duration of hospital stay (5 days in the intervention group
      versus 5.5 days in the control group). Subgroup analyses revealed that the
      benefits of chewing gum were clearer in patients who had a colonic resection,
      with a shorter time to first flatus (20 versus 35 h; P = 0.043), first bowel
      motion (19 versus 53 h; P = 0.014) and feeling hungry (14 versus 40 h; P =
      0.001). No adverse events were attributed to chewing gum. CONCLUSION: Chewing gum
      is a simple intervention that speeds intestinal transit in patients managed with
      a recovery programme after laparoscopic colorectal resection. REGISTRATION
      NUMBER: NCT02419586 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/).

PMID- 27654651
TI  - Correction: Molecular profiling of cetuximab and bevacizumab treatment of
      colorectal tumours reveals perturbations in metabolic and hypoxic response
      pathways.

PMID- 27654653
TI  - Five minutes with . . . Caroline Gannon.

PMID- 27654652
TI  - Uni-Directional Transportation on Peristome-Mimetic Surfaces for Completely
      Wetting Liquids.
AB  - Liquid uni-directional transport on solid surface without energy input would
      advance a variety of applications, such as in bio-fluidic devices, self
      lubrication, and high-resolution printing. Inspired by the liquid uni-directional
      transportation on the peristome surface of Nepenthes alata, here, we fabricated a
      peristome-mimicking surface through high-resolution stereo-lithography and
      demonstrated the detailed uni-directional transportation mechanism from a micro
      scaled view visualized through X-ray microscopy. Significantly, an overflow
      controlled liquid uni-directional transportation mechanism is proposed and
      demonstrated. Unlike the canonical predictions for completely wetting liquids
      spreading symmetrically on a high-energy surface, liquids with varied surface
      tensions and viscosities can spontaneously propagate in a single preferred
      direction and pin in all others. The fundamental understanding gained from this
      robust system enabled us to tailor advanced micro-computerized tomography
      scanning and stereo-lithography fabrication to mimic natural creatures and
      construct a wide variety of fluidic machines out of traditional materials.

PMID- 27654654
TI  - Identification of gene knockdown targets conferring enhanced isobutanol and 1
      butanol tolerance to Saccharomyces cerevisiae using a tunable RNAi screening
      approach.
AB  - Improving yeast tolerance to 1-butanol and isobutanol is a step toward enabling
      high-titer production. To identify previously unknown genetic targets leading to
      increased tolerance, we establish a tunable RNA interference (RNAi) screening
      approach. Specifically, we optimized the efficiency and tunability of RNA
      interference library screening in yeast, ultimately enabling downregulation
      efficiencies from 0 to 94 %. Using this system, we identified the Hsp70 family as
      a key regulator of isobutanol tolerance in a single round of screening, with
      downregulation of these genes conferring up to 64 % increased growth in 12 g/L
      isobutanol. For 1-butanol, we find through two rounds of iterative screening that
      the combined downregulation of alcohol dehydrogenase and enolase improves growth
      up to 3100 % in 10 g/L 1-butanol. Collectively, this work improves the tunability
      of RNAi in yeast as demonstrated by the discovery of novel effectors for these
      complex phenotypes.

PMID- 27654655
TI  - Detection, production, and application of microbial arylsulfatases.
AB  - Arylsulfatases are enzymes which catalyze the hydrolysis of arylsulfate ester
      bonds to release a free sulfonate. They are widespread in nature and are found in
      microorganisms, most animal and human tissues, and plant seeds. However, this
      review focuses on arylsulfatases from microbial origin and gives an overview of
      different assays and substrates used to determine the arylsulfatase activity.
      Furthermore, the production of microbial arylsulfatases using wild-type organisms
      as well as the recombinant production using Escherichia coli and Kluyveromyces
      lactis as expression hosts is discussed. Finally, various potential applications
      of these enzymes are reviewed.

PMID- 27654656
TI  - A counterselection method for Lactococcus lactis genome editing based on class
      IIa bacteriocin sensitivity.
AB  - In this paper, we present a new counterselection method for deleting fragments
      from Lactococcus lactis chromosome. The method uses a non-replicating plasmid
      vector, which integrates into the chromosome and makes the cell sensitive to
      bacteriocins. The integration vector carries pUC ori functional in Escherichia
      coli but not in L. lactis, an erythromycin resistance gene for selecting single
      crossover integrants, and two fragments from L. lactis chromosome for homologous
      recombinations. In addition, the integration vector is equipped with the Listeria
      monocytogenes gene mptC encoding the mannose-phosphotransferase system component
      IIC, the receptor for class IIa bacteriocins. Expression of mptC from the
      integration vector renders the naturally resistant L. lactis sensitive to class
      IIa bacteriocins. This sensitivity is then used to select the double crossover
      colonies on bacteriocin agar. Only the cells which have regained the endogenous
      bacteriocin resistance through the loss of the mptC plasmid will survive. The
      colonies carrying the desired deletion can then be distinguished from the wild
      type revertants by PCR. By using the class IIa bacteriocins leucocin A, leucocin
      C or pediocin AcH as the counterselective agents, we deleted 22- and 33-kb
      chromosomal fragments from the wild-type nisin producing L. lactis strain N8. In
      conclusion, this counterselection method presented here is a convenient,
      efficient and inexpensive technique to generate successive deletions in L. lactis
      chromosome.

PMID- 27654657
TI  - Biotechnological production of enantiomerically pure d-lactic acid.
AB  - The fermentation process of l-lactic acid is well known. Little importance was
      attached to d-lactic acid, but in the past 10 years, d-lactic acid gained
      significantly in importance. d-Lactic acid is an interesting precursor for
      manufacturing heat-resistant polylactic acid (PLA) bioplastics which can be
      widely used, for example as packaging material, coatings, for textiles or in the
      automotive industry.This review provides a comprehensive overview of the most
      recent developments, including a spectrum of studied microorganisms and their
      capabilities for the production of d-lactic acid. Additionally, the technological
      achievements in biotechnological d-lactic acid production including fermentation
      techniques like fed batch, simultaneous saccharification, and fermentation and
      continuous techniques are presented. Attention is also turned to suitable
      alternative substrates and their applicability in fermentation processes.
      Furthermore, advantages and disadvantages of product recovery and purification
      are discussed. Economic aspects of PLA are pointed out, and the present
      industrial producers of lactic acid are briefly introduced.

PMID- 27654658
TI  - C-arm computed tomography and volume perfusion computed tomography (VPCT)-based
      assessment of blood volume changes in hepatocellular carcinoma in prediction of
      midterm tumor response to transarterial chemoembolization: a single center
      retrospective trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aims to evaluate immediate changes in perfusion parameters
      in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in C
      arm computed tomography (CT) and volume perfusion CT (VPCT) and prediction of
      midterm tumor response. METHODS: Twenty-five patients (median age 66, range 61 to
      75 years) with 62 HCC lesions undergoing TACE received immediate pre- and post
      interventional assessment by C-arm CT and VPCT. Cross-sectional imaging was
      analyzed at baseline and approximately 12 weeks after TACE according to modified
      RECIST criteria. Outcome was defined as objective response (OR, > 30 % reduction
      of viable tumor) or non-OR. Perfusion parameters were evaluated in C-arm CT
      [parenchymal blood volume (PBV)] and VPCT [blood volume (BV) and blood flow
      (BF)]. Ratios of perfusion parameters before and after TACE within the tumor and
      the non-affected liver parenchyma were calculated. RESULTS: Correlation between
      tumor PBV and BV revealed a moderate correlation (rho = 0.45, p = 0.005). In non
      affected liver parenchyma, a significant decrease in PBV was seen, compared to a
      significant increase in BF and BV. Perfusion ratios in HCC lesions were
      significantly (p < 0.05) increased in OR group compared to non-OR patients in C
      arm CT and VPCT: PBV ratio (0.95 (0.06) to 0.67 (0.38), BV ratio 0.63 (0.34) to
      0.15 (0.6), and BF ratio 0.6 (0.32) to 0.22 (0.51). Logistic regression including
      PBV and BF allowed prediction of OR (sensitivity 88 %/specificity of 83 %).
      CONCLUSIONS: Perfusion parameters acquired by C-arm CT and VPCT cannot simply be
      substituted by each other, but show similar capability in prediction of midterm
      tumor response.

PMID- 27654659
TI  - Current and projected burden of heart failure in the Australian adult population:
      a substantive but still ill-defined major health issue.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Comprehensive epidemiological data to describe the burden of heart
      failure (HF) in Australia remain lacking despite its importance as a major health
      issue. Herewith, we estimate the current and future burden of HF in Australia
      using best available data. METHODS: Australian-specific and the most congruent
      international epidemiological and health utilisation data were applied to the
      Australian population (adults aged >= 45 years, 8.9 of 22.7 million total
      population in 2014) on an age and sex-specific basis. We estimated the current
      incident and prevalent cases of clinically overt/symptomatic HF (predominately
      those with reduced ejection fraction), hospital activity (diagnosis of HF as a
      primary or secondary reason for admission) and health care costs in 2014 and
      future prevalence and burden of HF projected to 2030. RESULTS: We estimated that
      over 61,000 (6.9 per 1000 person-years) adult Australians aged >= 45 years (58 %
      women) are diagnosed with HF with clinically overt signs and symptoms every year.
      On a conservative basis, 480,000 (6.3 %, 95 % CI 2.6 to 10.0 %) Australians (66 %
      men) are now affected by the syndrome with > 150,000 hospitalisations in excess
      of 1 million days in hospital per annum. The annual cost of managing HF in the
      community is approximately $900 million and nearly $2.7 billion ($1.5 versus $1.2
      billion, men versus women) when considering the additional cost of in-patient
      care. We predict that the prevalence and future burden of HF will continue to
      increase over the next 10-15 years to nearly 750,000 people with an estimated
      annual health care cost of $3.8 billion. CONCLUSIONS: Australia is not immune to
      the growing magnitude and implications of a sustained epidemic of HF in an ageing
      population. However, its public health and economic burden will remain ill
      defined until more definitive Australian-specific data are generated.

PMID- 27654660
TI  - Investigating the key indicators for evaluating post-disaster shelter.
AB  - This study sought to identify the primary indicators for evaluating shelter
      assistance following natural disasters and then to develop a shelter evaluation
      instrument based on these indicators. Electronic databases and the 'grey'
      literature were scoured for publications with a relation to post-disaster shelter
      assistance. Indicators for evaluating such assistance were extracted from these
      publications. In total, 1,525 indicators were extracted from 181 publications. A
      preliminary evaluation instrument was designed from these 1,525 indicators.
      Shelter experts checked the instrument for face and content validity, and it was
      revised subsequently based on their input. The revised instrument comprises a
      version for use by shelter agencies (48 questions that assess 23 indicators) and
      a version for use by beneficiaries (52 questions that assess 22 indicators). The
      instrument can serve as a standardised tool to enable groups to gauge whether or
      not the shelter assistance that they supply meets the needs of disaster-affected
      populations.

PMID- 27654661
TI  - The use of anti stretch marks' products by women in pregnancy: a descriptive,
      cross-sectional survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stretch marks (Striae gravidarum) are a cutaneous change occurring
      commonly during pregnancy. A variety of products are available and promoted as
      ways to prevent or reduce their development, but it is not clear what products
      are used most commonly. The objective of this study was to identify topical
      products used during pregnancy to prevent or reduce the development of striae
      gravidarum. We also explored issues around application of the product, cost
      incurred and influences on women's decisions to use a product. METHODS: In this
      cross sectional, descriptive survey we collected data from 773 women, via a paper
      (n = 707) or online (n = 66) questionnaire. Due to missing data in the online
      survey, 753 women at 36 weeks gestation or more were included in the analyses.
      Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were undertaken. RESULTS: Most
      respondents (n = 589, 78.2 %) indicated that they used a product to prevent or
      reduce the development of stretch marks during their current pregnancy. A large
      range of products were used and more than one third of women (n = 210, 36.5 %)
      had used two or more products. Bio-oil was the most frequently used product (n =
      351, 60.9 %) and it was also the most frequently used product among women who
      used only one product (n = 189, 32.8 %). CONCLUSIONS: Many women apply one of the
      many products available to prevent or reduce the development of striae
      gravidarum. Bio-oil was the most commonly used product identified in this study.
      There is a need for high-quality evidence on the effectiveness of Bio-oil and
      other products.

PMID- 27654662
TI  - Emotional, physical and sexual abuse are associated with a heightened limbic
      response to cocaine cues.
AB  - Drug-reward cues trigger motivational circuitry, a response linked to drug
      seeking in animals and in humans. Adverse life events have been reported to
      increase sensitivity to drug rewards and to bolster drug reward signaling.
      Therefore, we hypothesized that cocaine-dependent individuals with prior
      emotional, physical and sexual abuse might have a heightened mesolimbic brain
      response to cues for drug reward in a new brief-cue probe. Cocaine-dependent
      human individuals (N = 68) were stabilized in an inpatient setting and then
      completed an event-related blood-oxygen-level dependent functional magnetic
      resonance imaging task featuring 500-ms evocative (cocaine, sexual, aversive) and
      comparator (neutral) cues. Responses to three questions about emotional, physical
      and sexual abuse from the Addiction Severity Index were used to divide the
      patients into subgroups (history of Abuse [n = 40] versus No Abuse [n = 28]).
      When subjects were grouped by the historical presence or absence of emotional,
      physical or sexual abuse, the Abuse group showed a heightened midbrain, thalamic,
      caudate, and caudal orbitofrontal cortex response to cocaine cues; a similar
      result was found in other evocative cues, as well. These findings are the first
      reported for a 500-ms cocaine-cue probe, and they highlight the ability of very
      brief evocative cues to activate the brain's motivational circuitry. Although all
      participants had severe cocaine use disorders, individuals reporting prior abuse
      had a heightened mesolimbic response to evocative cues. To our knowledge, this is
      the first study in humans linking a history of abuse to a brain vulnerability
      (heightened mesolimbic response to drug cues) previously shown to contribute to
      drug-seeking.

PMID- 27654663
TI  - Detection of Thrombosis in the Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Circuit by
      Infrasound: Proof of Concept.
AB  - As of today, there exist no reliable, objective methods for early detection of
      thrombi in the extracorporeal membrane oxygenators (ECMO) system. Within the ECMO
      system, thrombi are not always fixed to a certain component or location in the
      circuit. Thus, clot fragments of different shapes and consistencies may circulate
      and give rise to vibrations and sound generation. By bedside sound measurements
      and additional laboratory experiments (although not detailed herein), we found
      that the presence of particles (clots or aggregates and fragments of clots) can
      be detected by analyzing the strength of infra-sound (< 20 Hz) modes of the
      spectrum near the inlet and outlet of the centrifugal pump in the ECMO circuit.
      For the few patients that were considered in this study, no clear false positive
      or negative examples were found when comparing the spectral approach with
      clinical observations. A laboratory setup provided insight to the flow in and out
      of the pump, confirming that in the presence of particles a low-amplitude low
      frequency signal is strongly amplified, enabling the identification of a clot.

PMID- 27654664
TI  - Dexmedetomidine does not interfere with meta-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) uptake at
      clinically relevant concentrations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neuroblastoma is a pediatric malignancy, and most tumor cells express
      the norepinephrine transporter (NET) enabling uptake of NET ligands. Meta
      iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) is a NET-specific ligand used as a highly specific
      imaging agent and targeted radiotherapeutic. Patients with neuroblastoma
      frequently require sedation during targeted radiotherapy. Dexmedetomidine has
      been increasingly used to achieve efficacious sedation. There are theoretical
      concerns that this highly selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist may
      interfere with active uptake of MIBG through the NET transporter. In this study,
      we analyzed the impact of [125-iodine]-labeled MIBG ([125 I]MIBG) uptake in the
      presence of dexmedetomidine in human neuroblastoma-derived cellular models.
      PROCEDURE: Carrier-free [125 I]MIBG was synthesized using UltraTrace(r) resin
      (Molecular Insight Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY) through
      radioiododestannylation from a tin precursor bound by a solid-state polymer. NET
      (SLC6A2) protein expression was determined in human neuroblastoma cell lines
      (BE2C, SKNSH and IMR5). [125 I]MIBG internalization studies were performed using
      [125 I]MIBG alone or in combination with either desipramine or dexmedetomidine.
      Dexmedetomidine and desipramine competitive inhibition studies were performed and
      concentration at 50% maximal inhibition was calculated. Finally, NET inhibitor
      dissociation studies were performed in which after pre-incubation with either
      desipramine or dexmedetomidine, cells were washed and [125 I]MIBG was added.
      RESULTS: We show dose-dependent inhibition of [125 I]MIBG uptake by
      dexmedetomidine, but at several logs lower potency than the known NET inhibitor
      desipramine. A review of pediatric dexmedetomidine pharmacokinetic data shows
      that the concentrations achieved in the serum are much lower than those required
      to block MIBG uptake. CONCLUSION: We conclude that dexmedetomidine will not
      interfere with therapeutic [131 I]MIBG efficacy.

PMID- 27654665
TI  - Lessons from iatrogenic Cushing syndrome in children.

PMID- 27654666
TI  - Molecular epidemiology of the enteroviruses associated with hand, foot and mouth
      disease/herpangina in Dongguan, China, 2015.
AB  - Enteroviruses (EVs) are the etiological agents involved in most cases of hand,
      foot and mouth disease (HFMD) and herpangina (HA). Information on the
      epidemiology profiles of EVs in China is very limited, as the present
      surveillance system of China focuses on CAV16 and EV71, and no published data are
      available in Dongguan. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of
      EVs among patients with HFMD and HA in Dongguan, China, during 2015. A total of
      271 clinical stool specimens that were clinically determined to be positive for
      enteroviruses were genotyped by semi-nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for
      the VP1 genes of EVs. The results showed that a total of 14 enterovirus genotypes
      were identified among HFMD and HA patients in this study. CVA6 was the most
      common genotype for HFMD, and CVA2 accounted for the majority of HA cases in this
      study. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis showed that all of the CVA6 and CVA2
      strains identified in our study displayed a close genetic relationship to strains
      identified in other cities in China. This study also demonstrates that there are
      associations between particular causative enterovirus genotypes and some clinical
      symptoms, which may provide useful information for improving case prevention,
      diagnosis and treatment of HFMD and HA.

PMID- 27654667
TI  - Rescue of avian leukosis subgroup-J-associated acutely transforming viruses
      carrying different lengths of the v-fps oncogene and analysis of their
      tumorigenicity.
AB  - In our previous study, six subgroup J strains of avian leukosis virus (ALV-J)
      associated acutely transforming viruses carrying different lengths of the v-fps
      oncogene, designated as Fu-J and Fu-J1-5, were isolated and characterized from
      fibrosarcomas in ALV-J-infected chickens. In the present study, the oncogenic
      potential of Fu-J and Fu-J1-5 was investigated using a reverse genetics
      technique. Six replication-defective viruses, named rFu-J and rFu-J1-5, were
      rescued with the replication-competent rescued ALV-J strain rSDAU1005 as a helper
      virus by co-transfection of chicken embryo fibroblast monolayers with infectious
      clone plasmids. Experimental bird studies were performed, demonstrating that only
      the rescued rFu-J virus carrying the complete v-fps oncogene with rSDAU1005 as
      the helper virus could induce acute fibrosarcoma after inoculation in specific
      pathogen-free (SPF) chickens. These results provide direct evidence that the
      replication-defective acutely transforming Fu-J virus, with the complete v-fps
      oncogene, was associated with acute fibrosarcoma in chickens infected with ALV-J
      in the field, as reported previously.

PMID- 27654668
TI  - Biological and molecular characterization of a tomato isolate of potato virus Y
      (PVY) of the PVYC lineage.
AB  - An isolate of potato virus Y (PVY), PVY-H14, was collected on the island of Oahu,
      Hawaii, from tomato plants exhibiting stunting and necrotic lesions on leaves.
      PVY-H14 triggered the hypersensitive resistance response in potato cultivars King
      Edward and Maris Bard, typical of a PVYC strain, and was unable to infect
      systemically the four tested cultivars, Desiree, Maris Bard, King Edward, and
      Russet Norkotah. Phylogenetic analysis of H14 and the whole genomes of 31 PVY
      isolates of non-recombinant strains of PVY placed PVY-H14 in the same clade with
      PVYC and several unclassified PVY isolates from tomato and tobacco.

PMID- 27654670
TI  - 4th International Conference on Ambulatory Monitoring of Physical Activity and
      Movement (Limerick, Ireland, 10-12 June 2015).

PMID- 27654669
TI  - The molecular epidemiology of bovine rotaviruses circulating in Iran: a two-year
      study.
AB  - Bovine group A rotavirus (bovine RVA) is recognized as a major cause of severe
      gastroenteritis in newborn calves. The purpose of this study was to estimate the
      prevalence and identify the genotypes of circulating bovine RVA in newborn
      diarrheic calves. Two hundred fifty-three stool samples of diarrheic calves up to
      1 month old were collected from 42 industrial dairy farms in two Iranian
      provinces during March 2010 to February 2012. All collected samples were screened
      for the presence of bovine RVA by RT-PCR, and the G and P genotypes were
      determined by semi-nested multiplex RT-PCR assay. The results of RT-PCR indicated
      that 49.4 % (125 out of 253) of the samples were positive for bovine RVA. The G
      and P genotyping of a subset of positive samples (n = 85) by semi-nested
      multiplex RT-PCR revealed that G6 (55.3 %) and G10 (43.5 %) and P[5] (51.8 %) and
      P[11] (27 %) were the most prevalent G and P genotypes, respectively. G6P[5] was
      the dominant genotype (35.3 %), followed by G10P[5], G10P[11] and G6P[11], with
      prevalence rates of 16.5 %, 15.3 % and 10.6 %, respectively. Sequence analysis of
      20 VP7 and four VP4 genes showed highest nucleotide sequence identity with the
      corresponding genes of strains RVA/Cow-tc/GBR/UK/1973/G6P7[5] and RVA/Cow
      tc/USA/B223/XXXX/G10P[11]. The results of this study reveal the diversity of G
      and P genotypes in bovine RVA samples from diarrheic Iranian calves and expands
      our knowledge of bovine RVA infections in the Middle East. These results also
      highlight the importance of producing of an effective rotavirus vaccine and its
      inclusion in the national cattle immunization program.

PMID- 27654679
TI  - Response to Protocol Review Scenario: More oversight and communication might be
      needed.

PMID- 27654680
TI  - How should an IACUC handle high mortality rates?

PMID- 27654681
TI  - Response to Protocol Review Scenario: Postapproval monitoring could have
      identified problems earlier.

PMID- 27654682
TI  - Response to Protocol Review Scenario: Adverse events and deficiencies.

PMID- 27654683
TI  - Response to Protocol Review Scenario: A Word from OLAW.

PMID- 27654684
TI  - Brain-machine interfaces: assistive, thought-controlled devices.

PMID- 27654685
TI  - On strength training paradigms for rodents.

PMID- 27654686
TI  - Simple blood typing and cross matching techniques in swine.

PMID- 27654687
TI  - Keeping current with regulations and requirements.

PMID- 27654688
TI  - Evaluation of buprenorphine hydrochloride Pluronic((r)) gel formulation in male
      C57BL/6NCrl mice.
AB  - Providing adequate analgesia while minimizing handling and stress post-surgery
      can be challenging. Recently, there have been commercial products made available
      for providing long acting analgesia in rodents. However, we find there are
      limitations for use in mice due to the viscosity of the product and the small
      dosing volumes needed. This project evaluated an in-house compounded formulation
      of buprenorphine easily made in the laboratory using pharmaceutical grade
      products. The release of buprenorphine was evaluated when compounded with two
      types of hydrogels (Pluronic((r)) F-127 and F-68). Mice given buprenorphine in
      hydrogel (BP) demonstrated higher serum levels of buprenorphine for a longer
      period of time compared to mice given standard buprenorphine (Bup). However, the
      rate of decline in serum levels between the groups was similar; thus, it is more
      likely that the higher buprenorphine concentration seen in the BP group is due to
      the higher dose of buprenorphine given, rather than a slower release of product.
      Feed consumption was decreased in both groups one day after dosing; however,
      there was no difference in body weights. Increased activity in the open field was
      observed with both buprenorphine formulations, and lipemia was observed in mice
      given BP which persisted to at least 96 h. Based on our results, we conclude that
      this formulation did not sustain the release of buprenorphine or eliminate the
      increased activity commonly seen in mice given buprenorphine. In addition, the
      lipemia may confound research parameters, especially in cardiac studies and lipid
      metabolism studies. Therefore, we cannot recommend this formulation for use. 

PMID- 27654689
TI  - A comparison of sexing methods in fetal mice.
AB  - Accurate mouse sexing is vital when conducting research examining sexual
      dimorphisms. Late fetal and newborn mouse pups are more immature than many
      previously described sexing methods allow. This study compares the sexing
      accuracy of a newly described internal gonad sexing method to a recently
      described peritoneal pigmentation sexing method in embryonic day 20 C57BL/6J
      mouse pups, using Sry genotyping to confirm the sex. The internal gonad sexing
      method was found to be highly accurate, while the peritoneal pigmentation method
      was slightly less accurate. Therefore, while Sry genotyping remains the gold
      standard, immediate and less expensive sexing methods can be performed accurately
      as early as the late fetal period in C57BL/6J mice. 

PMID- 27654690
TI  - The effect of light level, CO2 flow rate, and anesthesia on the stress response
      of mice during CO2 euthanasia.
AB  - Euthanasia protocols are designed to mitigate the stress experienced by animals,
      and an environment that induces minimal stress helps achieve that goal. A
      protocol that is efficient and practical in a typical animal research facility is
      also important. Light intensity, isoflurane, and CO2 flow rate were studied for
      their impact on the stress response of mice during CO2 euthanasia. Behavior was
      observed and scored during euthanasia and serum corticosterone was measured
      immediately after death. Unsurprisingly, animals euthanized with a high-flow rate
      of CO2 became unconscious in the least amount of time, while animals euthanized
      with a low-flow rate required the most time to reach unconsciousness. There was a
      significant increase in anxious behaviors in animals in the isoflurane group
      (F1,12 = 6.67, P = 0.024), the high-flow rate CO2 group (F1,12 = 10.24, P =
      0.007), and bright chamber group (F1,12 = 7.27, P = 0.019). Serum corticosterone
      was highest in the isoflurane group (124.72 +/- 83.98 ng/ml), however there was
      no significant difference in corticosterone levels observed for the other study
      variables of light and flow-rate. A darkened chamber and low CO2 flow rates help
      to decrease stress experienced during CO2 euthanasia, while the use of isoflurane
      was observed to increase the stress response during euthanasia. 

PMID- 27654691
TI  - Tools for organizing training, part 4.

PMID- 27654692
TI  - Hold Gimp in your heart, Dr. Collins.

PMID- 27654693
TI  - Being clear about animal research.

PMID- 27654694
TI  - A picture paints a thousand words: the value of images and video for
      understanding animal research.

PMID- 27654695
TI  - The case for scientists' engagement in animal research policy-making.

PMID- 27654697
TI  - Using environmental enrichment and nutritional supplementation to improve
      breeding success in rodents.

PMID- 27654698
TI  - A Longitudinal Study of Fathers' and Young Children's Depressive Symptoms.
AB  - Considerable research has examined the effects of maternal depression on
      children, but few studies have focused on the relation between paternal and child
      depressive symptoms, particularly during early childhood. Even fewer studies have
      been longitudinal, leaving open questions about how paternal and child depression
      covary over time. The present study sought to address this gap by examining the
      relation between fathers' and children's depressive symptoms over a 3-year
      period. Participants were 153 preschool children with behavior problems and their
      parents. Three longitudinal analytic approaches were used to examine how father
      and child depression change together and predict one another over time.
      Additional analyses examined whether externalizing problems or maternal
      depression might account for the associations between fathers' and children's
      depressive symptoms. Changes in paternal depression significantly predicted
      changes in father-reported and mother-reported child depressive symptoms. These
      effects were evident both in year-to-year fluctuations and in linear trajectories
      across the 3-year period. Cross-lagged analyses suggested that these relations
      may have been driven by father-effects; paternal depression at one time point
      predicted child depression at the next time point, but child depression did not
      significantly predict later paternal depression. We found little evidence that
      externalizing problems or maternal depression accounted for the relations between
      fathers' and children's depressive symptoms. Results provide convergent evidence
      that fathers' depression may play an important role in the development of
      depressive symptoms in young children and underscore the importance of including
      fathers in studies of depression in families.

PMID- 27654699
TI  - Stapled peptides: providing the best of both worlds in drug development.
AB  - Peptide-based drug discovery has experienced a remarkable resurgence within the
      past decade due to the emerging class of inhibitors known as stapled peptides.
      Stapled peptides are therapeutic protein mimetics that have been locked within a
      specific conformational structure by hydrocarbon stapling. These peptides are
      highly important in selectively impairing disease-relevant protein-protein
      interactions and exhibit significant pharmacokinetic advantages over other forms
      of therapeutics in terms of affinity, specificity, size, synthetic accessibility
      and resistance to proteolytic degradation. A series of stapled peptides are
      currently in development, and the potential successes of these peptides, either
      as single-agent treatments or as combinational treatments with other therapeutic
      modalities, could potentially change the landscape of protein therapeutic
      development. Here, we provide examples of successful discovery efforts to
      illustrate the research strategies of stapled peptides in drug design and
      development.

PMID- 27654700
TI  - Dexmedetomidine sedation reduces atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery
      compared to propofol: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation occurs frequently in patients following cardiac
      surgery and can be a cause of increased morbidity and mortality. The use of
      dexmedetomidine to prevent atrial fibrillation is unclear. The present study was
      designed to evaluate the effect of dexmedetomidine sedation on the incidence of
      atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery. METHODS: Upon arrival to the intensive
      care unit (ICU), cardiac surgery patients without prior atrial fibrillation or
      flutter were randomized to receive either dexmedetomidine (0.2-1.5 MUg/kg/h) or
      propofol (0.3-3 mg/kg/h) open-label titrated to a target Richmond agitation
      sedation scale of 0 to -3. Our primary endpoint was the incidence of
      postoperative atrial fibrillation, and the secondary end points were the length
      of ICU stay, length of hospital stay, and hospital costs. RESULTS: Atrial
      fibrillation occurred in 6 of 44 patients (13.6 %) in the dexmedetomidine group
      compared to 16 of 44 patients (36.4 %) in the propofol group (odds ratio = 0.28;
      95 % confidence interval, 0.10, 0.80; P = 0.025). The median (interquartile
      range) length of ICU stay in the dexmedetomidine group was significantly lower
      than in the propofol group (2.9 (2.4-3.5) vs 3.5 (2.7-4.5 days, P = 0.008), with
      a trend toward a decrease in median hospital costs (86,367 vs 77,874 Chinese
      yuan; P = 0.068). The incidence of hypotension was higher in the dexmedetomidine
      group than in the propofol group (25/44 (56.8 %) vs 13/44 (29.5 %); P = 0.017).
      CONCLUSIONS: Dexmedetomidine sedation reduced the incidence of new-onset
      postoperative atrial fibrillation and shortened the length of ICU stay in
      patients after cardiac surgery compared to propofol sedation. Dexmedetomidine
      treatment was associated with more episodes of hypotension. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      chictr.org.cn: ChiCTR-IPR-16008231 , retrospectively registered: April 6, 2016.
      This trial was not prospectively registered due to a lack of importance applied
      to trial registration.

PMID- 27654701
TI  - Aortic valve replacement in a patient with MPO-ANCA-positive Goodpasture disease.
AB  - Goodpasture disease (GD) is a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by the
      development of pathologic autoantibodies against both glomerular and alveolar
      basal membranes. Approximately one third of the patients with GD are also
      positive for anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA). In this case report, a
      74-year-old woman was diagnosed as having myeloperoxidase (MPO)-ANCA-positive GD
      with severe aortic valve stenosis (AS). She underwent immunosuppressive therapy
      and plasmapheresis that led to GD remission. Whether a cardiac surgery affects a
      MPO-ANCA-positive GD in remission is unknown. We reported the outcomes after
      aortic valve replacement for severe AS in a patient with MPO-ANCA-positive GD. 

PMID- 27654702
TI  - Targeting p21 activated kinase 1 (Pak1) to PAKup Pancreatic Cancer.

PMID- 27654703
TI  - Statistical Modelling and Characterization of Experimental mm-Wave Indoor
      Channels for Future 5G Wireless Communication Networks.
AB  - This paper presents an experimental characterization of millimeter-wave (mm-wave)
      channels in the 6.5 GHz, 10.5 GHz, 15 GHz, 19 GHz, 28 GHz and 38 GHz frequency
      bands in an indoor corridor environment. More than 4,000 power delay profiles
      were measured across the bands using an omnidirectional transmitter antenna and a
      highly directional horn receiver antenna for both co- and cross-polarized antenna
      configurations. This paper develops a new path-loss model to account for the
      frequency attenuation with distance, which we term the frequency attenuation (FA)
      path-loss model and introduce a frequency-dependent attenuation factor. The large
      scale path loss was characterized based on both new and well-known path-loss
      models. A general and less complex method is also proposed to estimate the cross
      polarization discrimination (XPD) factor of close-in reference distance with the
      XPD (CIX) and ABG with the XPD (ABGX) path-loss models to avoid the computational
      complexity of minimum mean square error (MMSE) approach. Moreover, small-scale
      parameters such as root mean square (RMS) delay spread, mean excess (MN-EX)
      delay, dispersion factors and maximum excess (MAX-EX) delay parameters were used
      to characterize the multipath channel dispersion. Multiple statistical
      distributions for RMS delay spread were also investigated. The results show that
      our proposed models are simpler and more physically-based than other well-known
      models. The path-loss exponents for all studied models are smaller than that of
      the free-space model by values in the range of 0.1 to 1.4 for all measured
      frequencies. The RMS delay spread values varied between 0.2 ns and 13.8 ns, and
      the dispersion factor values were less than 1 for all measured frequencies. The
      exponential and Weibull probability distribution models best fit the RMS delay
      spread empirical distribution for all of the measured frequencies in all
      scenarios.

PMID- 27654705
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 27654704
TI  - Changes in Hospital-Physician Affiliations in U.S. Hospitals and Their Effect on
      Quality of Care.
AB  - Background: Growing evidence shows that hospitals are increasingly employing
      physicians. Objective: To examine changes in U.S. acute care hospitals that
      reported employment relationships with their physicians and to determine whether
      quality of care improved after the hospitals switched to this integration model.
      Design: Retrospective cohort study of U.S. acute care hospitals between 2003 and
      2012. Setting: U.S. nonfederal acute care hospitals. Participants: 803 switching
      hospitals compared with 2085 nonswitching control hospitals matched for year and
      region. Intervention: Hospitals' conversion to an employment relationship with
      any of their privileged physicians. Measurements: Risk-adjusted hospital-level
      mortality rates, 30-day readmission rates, length of stay, and patient
      satisfaction scores for common medical conditions. Results: In 2003,
      approximately 29% of hospitals employed members of their physician workforce, a
      number that rose to 42% by 2012. Relative to regionally matched controls,
      switching hospitals were more likely to be large (11.6% vs. 7.1%) or major
      teaching hospitals (7.5% vs. 4.5%) and less likely to be for-profit institutions
      (8.8% vs. 19.9%) (all P values <0.001). Up to 2 years after conversion, no
      association was found between switching to an employment model and improvement in
      any of 4 primary composite quality metrics. Limitations: The measure of
      integration used depends on responses to the American Hospital Association annual
      questionnaire, yet this measure has been used by others to examine effects of
      integration. The study examined performance up to 2 years after evidence of
      switching to an employment model; however, beneficial effects may have taken
      longer to appear. Conclusion: During the past decade, hospitals have increasingly
      become employers of physicians. The study's findings suggest that physician
      employment alone probably is not a sufficient tool for improving hospital care.
      Primary Funding Source: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and National
      Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship.

PMID- 27654706
TI  - Open field exposure facilitates recovery from an aversive emotional event:
      Involvement of adrenergic and cholinergic transmitter systems.
AB  - Successive negative contrast (SNC) is an incentive relativity procedure that has
      been widely used to model emotional reactivity in rodents. The reward downshift
      experienced during SNC is thought to result in frustration. The exploration of a
      novel open field (OF), a complex situation involving stress induction and novelty
      detection, can enhance or block the acquisition of associative and non
      associative memories. Previous experiments found a modulatory effect of OF,
      applied before downshift trials, on SNC. This schedule, however, can affect
      retention performance by influencing attentional, motivational, motor or sensory
      perceptual mechanisms at training or retention testing. The use of post-training
      OF exposure avoids these confounds. This work assessed the effect of OF exposure
      after the acquisition of the downshifted memory, with the goal of targeting the
      consolidation of this mnemonic trace. We also investigated the involvement of the
      cholinergic and adrenergic systems in this phenomenon. The results indicated that
      OF facilitates recovery from reward loss and that both transmitter systems,
      cholinergic and adrenergic, play a role in this effect of OF.

PMID- 27654707
TI  - Protective Role of Corilagin on Abeta25-35-Induced Neurotoxicity: Suppression of
      NF-kappaB Signaling Pathway.
AB  - Aggregation and deposition of beta-amyloid peptides (Abeta), a pathological
      hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, has been recognized as a potent activator of
      neuroinflammation and neuronal dysfunction. In this study, the underlying
      molecular mechanisms responsible for the neuroprotective effects of corilagin
      against Abeta25-35-triggered neurotoxicity and inflammatory responses were
      investigated in PC12 cells. Pretreatment with corilagin effectively protected
      PC12 cells against Abeta25-35-induced damage and apoptosis. Abeta25-35 induced
      damage in PC12 cells as revealed by increased production of reactive oxygen
      species, caspase-3 activity, and cell cycle arrest was attenuated by corilagin
      pretreatment. Corilagin not only significantly suppressed the production of
      neurotoxic inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, nitric
      oxide, and prostaglandin E2 but also downregulated cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible
      nitric oxide synthase expression in PC12 cells. It also exerted a beneficial
      effect by suppressing the degradation of inhibitor of kappaB (IkappaB)-alpha and
      subsequent activation of transcription factor nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB),
      mostly through inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinase activity in
      comparison to c-Jun N-terminal kinase and p38 MAP kinase (p38) mitogen-activated
      protein kinase activity. These findings suggest that attenuation of Abeta25-35
      induced inflammatory responses by downregulating the NF-kappaB signaling pathway
      might be a valuable strategy for both Alzheimer's disease prevention and/or
      treatment.

PMID- 27654708
TI  - Metabolic and Dynamic Profiling for Risk Assessment of Fluopyram, a Typical
      Phenylamide Fungicide Widely Applied in Vegetable Ecosystem.
AB  - Fluopyram, a typical phenylamide fungicide, was widely applied to protect fruit
      vegetables from fungal pathogens-responsible yield loss. Highly linked to the
      ecological and dietary risks, its residual and metabolic profiles in the fruit
      vegetable ecosystem still remained obscure. Here, an approach using modified
      QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe) extraction combined
      with GC-MS/MS analysis was developed to investigate fluopyram fate in the typical
      fruit vegetables including tomato, cucumber, pepper under the greenhouse
      environment. Fluopyram dissipated in accordance with the first-order rate
      dynamics equation with the maximum half-life of 5.7 d. Cleveage of fluopyram into
      2-trifluoromethyl benzamide and subsequent formation of 3-chloro-5
      (trifluoromethyl) pyridine-2-acetic acid and 3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)
      picolinic acid was elucidated to be its ubiquitous metabolic pathway. Moreover,
      the incurrence of fluopyram at the pre-harvest interval (PHI) of 7-21 d was
      between 0.0108 and 0.1603 mg/kg, and the Hazard Quotients (HQs) were calculated
      to be less than 1, indicating temporary safety on consumption of the fruit
      vegetables incurred with fluopyram, irrespective of the uncertain toxicity of the
      metabolites. Taken together, our findings reveal the residual essential of
      fluopyram in the typical agricultural ecosystem, and would advance the further
      insight into ecological risk posed by this fungicide associated with its
      metabolites.

PMID- 27654709
TI  - Quantifying overlap between the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and predicted bluefin
      tuna spawning habitat in the Gulf of Mexico.
AB  - Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) are distributed throughout the North
      Atlantic and are both economically valuable and heavily exploited. The fishery is
      currently managed as two spawning populations, with the GOM population being
      severely depleted for over 20 years. In April-August of 2010, the Deepwater
      Horizon oil spill released approximately 4 million barrels of oil into the GOM,
      with severe ecosystem and economic impacts. Acute oil exposure results in
      mortality of bluefin eggs and larvae, while chronic effects on spawning adults
      are less well understood. Here we used 16 years of electronic tagging data for 66
      bluefin tuna to identify spawning events, to quantify habitat preferences, and to
      predict habitat use and oil exposure within Gulf of Mexico spawning grounds. More
      than 54,000 km2 (5%) of predicted spawning habitat within the US EEZ was oiled
      during the week of peak oil dispersal, with potentially lethal effects on eggs
      and larvae. Although the oil spill overlapped with a relatively small portion of
      predicted spawning habitat, the cumulative impact from oil, ocean warming and
      bycatch mortality on GOM spawning grounds may result in significant effects for a
      population that shows little evidence of rebuilding.

PMID- 27654710
TI  - Nutrient status and phytotoxicity analysis of goat manure discharged from farms
      in South Korea.
AB  - The present study evaluated the phytotoxicity effect of goat manure (GM)
      collected from six different regions in South Korea, namely, Chupungnyeong (T1),
      Hoengseong (T2), Goesan (T3), Sancheong (T4), Jangsu (T5) and Namwon (T6).
      Phytotoxicity was assessed by means of the analysis of germination index (GI),
      relative seed germination (RSG), relative root elongation (RRE) and vigor index
      (VI) using five commercial crop varieties, namely, sesame (Sesamum indicum L.),
      chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum indicum L.), carrot (Daucus carota), radish
      (Raphanus sativus) and cabbage (Brassica rapa). Physico-chemical parameter values
      were recorded at appreciable levels in all GM extracts. The effect of seedling
      growth was significantly different (p <= .05) due to the variability of nutrient
      content and phytotoxic effect of the extracts on the different crop seeds. Of the
      extracts, Goesan (T3) and Sancheong (T4) recorded the best results in the range
      of GI (%) (54.1-128.8) and VI (930.7-1044) and GI (%) (70.1-167.3) and VI (609.2
      3034), respectively, and also showed no inhibitory effect in any of the crop
      seeds. Overall results also revealed that radish crops showed excellent and non
      phytotoxic results in all manure extracts compared to the other crops.

PMID- 27654711
TI  - Molecular Pathways: Targeting Steroid Receptor Coactivators in Cancer.
AB  - Coactivators represent a large class of proteins that partner with nuclear
      receptors and other transcription factors to regulate gene expression. Given
      their pleiotropic roles in the control of transcription, coactivators have been
      implicated in a broad range of human disease states, including cancer. This is
      best typified by the three members of the steroid receptor coactivator (SRC)
      family, each of which integrates steroid hormone signaling and growth factor
      pathways to drive oncogenic gene expression programs in breast, endometrial,
      ovarian, prostate, and other cancers. Because of this, coactivators represent
      emerging targets for cancer therapeutics, and efforts are now being made to
      develop SRC-targeting agents, such as the SI-2 inhibitor and the novel SRC
      stimulator, MCB-613, that are able to block cancer growth in cell culture and
      animal model systems. Here, we will discuss the mechanisms through which
      coactivators drive cancer progression and how targeting coactivators represent a
      novel conceptual approach to combat tumor growth that is distinct from the use of
      other targeted therapeutic agents. We also will describe efforts to develop next
      generation SRC inhibitors and stimulators that can be taken into the clinic for
      the treatment of recurrent, drug-resistant cancers. Clin Cancer Res; 22(22); 5403
      7. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27654713
TI  - Empirically Derived Relational Pattern Prototypes in the Treatment of Personality
      Disorders.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patient transference patterns play a central role in the
      psychotherapy of personality disorders. OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were
      to: (1) explore the relationship between patients' personality disorders and
      specific relational patterns and (2) construct empirically derived prototypes of
      relational patterns for each personality disorder. SAMPLING AND METHODS: A random
      national sample of 314 clinicians completed the Psychotherapy Relationship
      Questionnaire, which evaluates patients' relational patterns, and the Shedler
      Westen Assessment Procedure-200, which assesses personality disorders in a
      randomly selected patient currently in the clinician's care and with whom the
      clinician has worked for a minimum of 8 sessions and a maximum of 6 months (1
      session per week). RESULTS: The avoidant/counterdependent transference pattern
      was associated with all cluster A personality disorders; the angry/entitled
      transference pattern was strongly positively associated with all cluster B
      personality disorders, and the anxious/preoccupied transference pattern was
      positively associated in a significant way with all cluster C personality
      disorders. Moreover, our empirically derived prototypes showed how the
      transference phenomena characteristic of each personality disorder are strongly
      coherent with the personality traits and mental and relational functioning of
      each specific disorder. CONCLUSIONS: The results strongly support a fundamental
      hypothesis that the patterns emerging in the therapeutic relationship are not
      arbitrary, and they clearly reflect patterns seen elsewhere in patients' lives
      that can be crucial to address. Regarding limitations, the same clinician
      provided data on both the personality pathology and the transference phenomena
      for each patient.

PMID- 27654712
TI  - Development and Validation of a Six-Gene Recurrence Risk Score Assay for Gastric
      Cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study was aimed at developing and validating a quantitative
      multigene assay for predicting tumor recurrence after gastric cancer surgery.
      EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Gene expression data were generated from tumor tissues of
      patients who underwent surgery for gastric cancer (n = 267, training cohort).
      Genes whose expression was significantly associated with activation of YAP1 (a
      frequently activated oncogene in gastrointestinal cancer), 5-year recurrence-free
      survival, and 5-year overall survival were first identified as candidates for
      prognostic genes (156 genes, P < 0.001). We developed the recurrence risk score
      (RRS) by using quantitative RT-PCR to identify genes whose expression levels were
      significantly associated with YAP1 activation and patient survival in the
      training cohort. RESULTS: We based the RRS assay on 6 genes, IGFBP4, SFRP4,
      SPOCK1, SULF1, THBS, and GADD45B, whose expression levels were significantly
      associated with YAP1 activation and prognosis in the training cohort. The RRS
      assay was further validated in an independent cohort of 317 patients. In
      multivariate analysis, the RRS was an independent predictor of recurrence [HR,
      1.6; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.02-2.4; P = 0.03]. In patients with stage II
      disease, the RRS had an HR of 2.9 (95% CI, 1.1-7.9; P = 0.03) and was the only
      significant independent predictor of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: The RRS assay was a
      valid predictor of recurrence in the two cohorts of patients with gastric cancer.
      Independent prospective studies to assess the clinical utility of this assay are
      warranted. Clin Cancer Res; 22(24); 6228-35. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27654716
TI  - Epidemiology - Role of health professionals in prevention of disease.

PMID- 27654715
TI  - Compatibility of DNA IQTM, QIAamp(r) DNA Investigator, and QIAsymphony(r) DNA
      Investigator(r) with various fingerprint treatments.
AB  - Latent fingerprint and touch DNA are the two most important contact evidence for
      individualization in forensic science which provide complementary information
      that can lead to direct and unequivocal identification of the culprit. In order
      to retrieve useful information from both fingerprints and DNA, which are usually
      mingled together, one strategy is to perform fingerprint examination prior to DNA
      analysis since common DNA sampling technique such as swabbing could disturb or
      even destroy fingerprint details. Here, we describe the compatibility of three
      automatic DNA extraction systems, namely, DNA IQTM, QIAamp(r) DNA Investigator,
      and QIAsymphony(r) DNA Investigator(r), with respective to the effects of various
      fingerprint detection techniques. Our results demonstrate that Super Glue
      fingerprint treatment followed by DNA IQTM extraction shows better effectiveness
      in DNA profiling. Aluminum powder dusting offers the least interference to the
      three DNA extraction systems above. Magnetic powder dusting, on the other hand,
      strongly impedes DNA recovery. Physical Developer is the most intrusive, which
      yields profiles with poor quality, including lower peak heights, poor peak height
      ratios, and poor intra-color balance. In terms of the choice of extraction
      method, DNA IQTM system is recommended for sampling after fingerprint treatments,
      but not the two DNA Investigator systems.

PMID- 27654717
TI  - A national guideline and ILD PAK Registry Report: Recent landmarks in the
      understanding of interstitial lung diseases in Pakistan.

PMID- 27654718
TI  - Assessment of the dietary pattern of dormitory students in Kerman, Iran.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Nowadays it is known that dietary imbalances are associated with non
      communicable diseases which would be a major cause of worldwide deaths in 2020.
      This study was conducted to assess the dietary pattern of students who live in a
      dormitory in Kerman, Iran, based on Healthy Eating Index-2005 (HEI-2005).
      METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 229 students who lived in
      the dormitory of Kerman University of Medical Science. The participants were
      recruited by multistage sampling. Their usual dietary intake was collected by
      using a valid food frequency questionnaire. The diet quality was calculated via
      HEI-2005. The HEI-2005 score was categorized into three groups: less than 50
      (poor diet), between 50-70 (needs improvement) and more than 70 (good diet).
      RESULTS: The mean score of HEI-2005 in the present study was 64.22+/-8.98. 8.1%
      of the participants had poor diet, 63.4% had to improve their diet, and 28.5%
      enjoyed a good diet. The percent of energy intake from total fat, saturated fatty
      acid, solid fat and added sugar, and also sodium were significantly lower in the
      highest category of HEI-2005 than the lowest category. There was no significant
      difference in the intake of cholesterol, total vegetable and dairy products
      between the highest and lowest quartile categories. CONCLUSIONS: Majority of the
      participants need to improve their diet.Policy revisions and dietary
      interventions would require to promote diet quality and prevent non-communicable
      diseases in the future.

PMID- 27654719
TI  - Comparison of serum anti-mullerian hormone among fertile and infertile normal and
      diminished ovarian reserve groups.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare anti-mullerian hormone among fertile and infertile groups
      of women in their reproductive age. METHODS: This case-control study was
      conducted at the Dow University of Health Sciences in collaboration with Civil
      Hospital, Karachi, from October 2011 to October 2012, and comprised fertile non
      pregnant and infertile women. Serum anti-mullerian hormone levels were measured
      in both the infertile and fertile groups. Blood samples to determine anti
      mullerian hormone levels were obtained irrespective of their menstrual cycle
      days. Infertile cases were further divided into two subgroups according to serum
      anti-mullerian hormone levels, into normal ovarian reserve group and diminished
      ovarian reserve group. SPSS 18 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Of the 100
      participants, 48(48%) women were fertile controls and 52(52%) were infertile. Of
      the latter, there were 30(57.69%) in the normal ovarian reserve group and
      22(42.31%) in the diminished ovarian reserve group. The mean age of the
      participants was 26+/-4.026 years (range: 25-35 years). The mean values for the
      control, normal ovarian reserve and diminished ovarian reserve groups were 1.9+/
      0.16 ng/ml, 0.89+/-0.47 ng/ml and 2.0+/-0.6 ng/ml, respectively (p=0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: Mean concentration of serum anti-mullerian hormone in infertile
      women with diminished ovarian reserve was significantly lower than that in normal
      ovarian reserve group and fertile control women.

PMID- 27654714
TI  - Medico-legal perspectives on sudden cardiac death in young athletes.
AB  - Sudden cardiac death (SCD) in a young athlete represents a dramatic event, and an
      increasing number of medico-legal cases have addressed this topic. In addition to
      representing an ethical and medico-legal responsibility, prevention of SCD is
      directly correlated with accurate eligibility/disqualification decisions, with an
      inappropriate pronouncement in either direction potentially leading to legal
      controversy. This review summarizes the common causes of SCD in young athletes,
      divided into structural (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, arrhythmogenic
      cardiomyopathy, congenital coronary artery anomalies, etc.), electrical (Brugada,
      congenital LQT, Wolf-Parkinson-White syndrome, etc.), and acquired cardiac
      abnormalities (myocarditis, etc.). In addition, the roles of hereditary cardiac
      anomalies in SCD in athletes and the effects of a positive result on them and
      their families are discussed. The medico-legal relevance of pre-participation
      screening is analyzed, and recommendations from the American Heart Association
      and European Society of Cardiology are compared. Finally, the main issues
      concerning the differentiation between physiologic cardiac adaptation in athletes
      and pathologic findings and, thereby, definition of the so-called gray zone,
      which is based on exact knowledge of the mechanism of cardiac remodeling
      including structural or functional adaptions, will be addressed.

PMID- 27654720
TI  - The prevalence of autoantibodies among relatives for type 1 and 2 diabetic
      patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of islet cells autoantibodies among non
      diabetic relatives of type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients. METHODS: The study was
      conducted at the College of Medicinal Technology, Basra, Iraq, from December 2010
      to December 2012, and comprised both diabetics and non-diabetics. The
      participants were first divided into two groups: type 1 diabetics; and type 2
      diabetics. Both the groups had 2 sub-groups each; their non-diabetic relatives
      and non-relatives as controls. Laboratory investigations were done to estimate
      glutamic acid decarboxylase and islet cell antigen-2 autoantibodies by enzyme
      linked immunosorbent assay for all groups. Significant differences were assessed
      with chi-square test. RESULTS: Of the 300 subjects, 100(33.3%) were diabetics and
      200(66.6%) non-diabetics. Among diabetics, 40(40%) had type 1 while 60(60%) had
      type 2 diabetes. Among type 1 diabetics, 27(67.5%) tested positive for glutamic
      acid decarboxylase autoantibodies compared to 15(25%) in type 2 diabetics, 6(15%)
      among relatives of type 1, 7(11.7%) among relatives of type 2 diabetic patients,
      and none among controls. Besides, 16(40%) of type 1 diabetic patients tested
      positive for islet cell antigen-2 autoantibodies compared to 8(13.3%) in type 2,
      and none in the sub-groups. CONCLUSIONS: The relatives of both types of diabetic
      patients showed immunity to islet cell autoantibodies which confirmed the effect
      of genetic factors in disease pathogenesis and may be important in disease
      prediction.

PMID- 27654722
TI  - Role of ascorbic acid supplement in amelioration of anaemia in lead intoxication.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess anaemia and oxidative stress in rats that were injected lead
      and to evaluate the possible effects of ascorbic acid supplementation on these
      parameters. METHODS: This randomised control trial study was conducted at the
      Army Medical College, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from October 2007 to September 2008,
      and comprised Sprague Dawley rats. The rats were randomly divided into three
      groups. The rats in Group 1 were given weekly injections of sodium acetate, and
      rats of Group 2 and 3 were given weekly injections of lead acetate. Ascorbic acid
      was supplemented in the drinking water of rats of Group 3. At the end of six
      weeks, terminal sampling was done and blood obtained was used to assess the serum
      malondialdehyde levels and red cell parameters. RESULTS: Of the 105 rats, each
      group had 35(33.33%). The overall mean age was 105+/-15 days and the mean weight
      was 225+/-25gm. The mean malondialdehyde level was 3.2+/-0.39 umol /L in Group 1,
      7.8+/-0.48 in Group 2 and 3.8+/-0.34 in Group 3 (p<0.001). The mean haemoglobin
      level was 13.16+/-0.57 g/dL, 10.64+/-0.86 and 12.22+/-0.81, respectively
      (p<0.001). The red blood cells count was 7.63+/-0.33 106/uL in Group 1, 6.29+/
      0.54 in Group 2 and 6.83+/-0.45 in Group 3 (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Administration
      of ascorbic acid in drinking water significantly reduced the oxidative stress and
      anaemia caused by lead intoxication.

PMID- 27654721
TI  - Metallo-beta-lactamase producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae: A
      rising threat for hospitalized children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL) producing
      E.coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, better phenotypic techniques for MBL detection
      and choices of treatment available for such cases. METHODS: This study was
      conducted in The Children's Hospital, Lahore during March, 2013 and February,
      2014. A total number of 17,651 samples including blood, urine, CSF, pus and
      catheter tips from suspected cases of bacterial infections were processed and
      test organisms were identified using standardized microbiological techniques. MBL
      phenotypic identification was performed by Modified Hodge Test, Double Disc
      Synergy Test and Combined Disc Test. RESULTS: Carbapenem resistance was observed
      in 134/1168 (11.47%) strains which comprised of 89 (67.4%) Klebsiella pneumoniae
      and 45 (32.6%) E.coli. All of these carbapenem resistant isolates were found to
      be carbapenemase producers (CP) by MHT test. Among these CP strains, MBL was
      detected in 131/134 (97.8%) isolates both by CDT and DDST including 87 (66.4%)
      Klebsiella pneumoniae and 44 (33.6%) E.coli. Majority of these organisms were
      resistant to most of the antibiotics used in the study. The isolates showed good
      susceptibility to colistin (90.1%), chloramphenicol (60.3%) and fosfomycin(31%).
      CONCLUSIONS: Isolation of such a high number of MBL producers is a serious threat
      for hospitalized paediatric patients.

PMID- 27654724
TI  - Morbidity of colostomy reversal.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine morbidity after colostomy reversal at a tertiary care
      hospital. METHODS: The retrospective case series was conducted at the Aga Khan
      University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised records of patients aged 15 years or
      more who underwent colostomy reversal from January 2003 to December 2011. Data
      was collected regarding demographics, procedure dates, indication, as well as
      type and location of colostomy. Details of colostomy reversal, including pre
      operative, intra-operative and post-operative variables were recorded. RESULTS:
      The mean age of the 96 patients was 40+/-16 years; 72(75%) of them being males.
      The most frequent indications for fashioning of colostomy were bowel perforation
      in 53 (55.2%) and malignancy in 9(9.3%) patients. Intra-operative complications
      occurred in 5(5.2%) with bowel perforation in 3(3.1%) and bleeding in 2(2%)
      patients. Overall, 40(41.6%) patients had post-operative local complications; the
      most common being wound infection in 19(19.8%) followed by incisional hernia
      15(15.6%). Patients who experienced post-operative complications had
      significantly longer hospital stay compared to those without complications (9+/
      2.8 vs. 7+/-2.4days; p=0.038). CONCLUSIONS: Colostomy reversal was associated
      with non-negligible morbidity. The most common complications were wound infection
      and incisional hernia.

PMID- 27654723
TI  - Frequency of hyponatraemia and hypokalaemia in malnourished children with acute
      diarrhoea.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of hyponatraemia and hypokalaemia in
      malnourished children with acute diarrhoea. METHODS: This cross-sectional study
      was carried out at the Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from September
      2013 to March 2014, and comprised acute diarrhoea patients whose ages ranged from
      six months to five years. Blood samples for serum sodium and potassium were
      examined at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology. Patients were labelled as
      having hyponatraemia, hypokalaemia, both or having normal serum sodium and
      potassium levels. RESULTS: Of the 80 patients, 49(61.3%) were boys and 31(38.7%)
      were girls with an overall mean age of 1.9+/-1.4 years. Besides, 41(51.3%) were
      aged below one year. The mean duration of diarrhoea was 3.2+/-1.7 days, with
      53(66%) patients having the illness for 1-3 days. Hyponatraemia was observed in
      26(32.5%) patients and hypokalaemia in 44(55%), whereas 10(12.5%) had no
      electrolyte imbalance. None of the participants had hypernatraemia or
      hyperkalaemia. CONCLUSIONS: Electrolyte disturbances among malnourished children
      may not be clinically evident, but diarrhoeal illness aggravated these
      imbalances.

PMID- 27654725
TI  - Serum anti-mullerian hormone: Correlation with the ovarian follicular dynamics in
      healthy mice.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between serum anti-Mullerian hormone and
      follicular dynamics in mice. METHODS: This experimental study was conducted in
      November, 2014 at the Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, and comprised
      laboratory-bred albino mice. They were sacrifised under anaesthesia and blood was
      collected via cardiac puncture to assess anti-Mullerian hormone while ovaries
      were collected for morphometric analyses. SPSS 19 was used for data analysis.
      RESULTS: There were 20 mice with a mean weight of 25+/-1.89 grams, while weight
      of the ovaries obtained from these mice was 9.6+/-0.92mg. The mean serum anti
      Mullerian hormone was 29.89+/-9.7ng/ml. On average, there were 87.8+13.54
      primordial follicles, 51.85+/-8.36 primary, 20.35+/-5.57 secondary, 11.30+/-3.38
      early antral and 3.05 +/- 1.27 late antral follciles (p<0.001; p=0.06)..
      CONCLUSIONS: Association of anti-Mullerian hormone with follicle dynamics
      reflected its role as a true ovarian reserve marker. Its assessment was of great
      significance in infertile women as well as young patients receiving chemotherapy.

PMID- 27654726
TI  - Fractionated stereotactic radiosurgery for vestibular schwannomas using
      cyberknife: A single institution experience.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess tumour control, hearing preservation status, and
      complication ratio after fractionated stereotactic radiosurgery/radiotherapy by
      using CyberKnife device in patients with vestibular schwannomas. METHODS: This
      retrospective study was conducted at Izmir Ataturk Research and Tranining
      Hospital, Turkey, and comprised data of vestibular schwannomas patients treated
      with stereotactic radiosurgery/radiotherapy from March 2010 to December 2013. The
      patients were subjected to a dose ranging from 12 to 30Gy using CyberKnife system
      with an average of three fractions. SPSS 17 was used for data analysis. Paired t
      test and Pearson's chi-square test were used to compare clinical parameters
      between groups. P<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Of the 41 patients,
      26(63.4%) were women and 15(36.6%) were men. The median follow-up duration after
      stereotactic radiosurgery/radiotherapy was 25 months (interquartile range: 9-44
      months). Radiographic control evaluation ratio was 95.7% with a median follow-up
      of 3 years (IQR: 18.5 months). Results of 23(56%) patients showed stabile
      response, 17(42%) regression response and 1(2%) progression response. There were
      no statistically significant changes between pre- and post-stereotactic
      radiosurgery/radiotherapy symptoms (p>0.05). One (2.4%) patient reported new
      onset facial paresis. CONCLUSIONS: Stereotactic radiosurgery/radiotherapy
      treatment of vestibular schwannomas resulted in a good ratio of tumour control.
      Hearing preservation status and ratios of toxicity were comparable to published
      literature.

PMID- 27654727
TI  - Academic performance of day scholars versus boarders in pharmacology examinations
      of a medical school in Pakistan.
AB  - Objective: To compare the academic performance of day scholar and boarder
      students in Pharmacology examinations. Methods: This comparative study was
      conducted at Rehman Medical College, Peshawar, Pakistan, from June to September,
      2015. It comprised third-year medical students of the sessions 2013-14 and 2014
      15.The record of the results of examinations, which had already been conducted,
      were assessed. All the exams had two components, i.e. multiple-choice questions
      and short-essay questions. Students were categorised into 4 groups according to
      their academic performance: those who got <50% marks (Group 1); 51-69% marks
      (Group 2); 70-80% marks (Group 3); and >80% marks (Group 4). SPSS 20 was used for
      data analysis. RESULTS: Of the 200 students, 159(79.5%) were day scholars and
      41(20.5%) were boarders. In multiple-choice questions, 29(70.7%) boarder students
      were in Group 2, while none of them was in Group 4. In short-essay questions,
      11(26.8%) of them were in Group 1 and 17(41.5%) in Group 2. Results of day
      scholars' multiple-choice questions exams showed 93(58.5%) were in Group 2 and
      2(1.3%) in Group 4. In short-essay questions, 63(39.6%) were in Group 2 (p>o.o5
      each). CONCLUSIONS: No significant difference was found between the academic
      performance of boarders and day scholars.

PMID- 27654728
TI  - Association of metabolic factors with dengue viral infection on admission triage
      which predict its clinical course during Lahore dengue epidemic.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The study was done to identify metabolic factors which were associated
      with an increased risk of dengue haemorrhagic fever in clinically diagnosed
      patients of dengue viral infection. METHODS: 563 patients with dengue viral
      infection that presented to 3 tertiary care hospitals of Lahore were included in
      this study, out of which approximately half of the patients were diagnosed as
      dengue haemorrhagic fever. RESULTS: A total of 563 patients with 263(46.7%)
      dengue fever and 300(53.3%) dengue haemorrhagic fever patients were studied. The
      mean age of patients was 48.48 +/- 20.07 years. In patients younger than 60
      (n=355), 171 patients had DF and 184 had DHF, while 116 patients above 60 years
      had DHF and 92 had DF (n=208). The presence of metabolic risk factors such as
      diabetes (OR = 2.146), hypertension (OR =1.65), diabetes and hypertension (OR
      =3.56), abnormal liver function tests (OR = 2.27), abnormal renal function tests
      (OR = 2.282) all increased the risk of DHF relative to DF. CONCLUSIONS: The study
      showed that metabolic factors especially diabetes with and without hypertension
      are important risk factors for the development of DHF.

PMID- 27654729
TI  - The effect of topical finasteride 0.5% on the outcome of diode laser therapy in
      the treatment of excess facial hairs in the women with hirsutism.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of topical finasteride 0.5% on the results of
      diode laser therapy in the treatment of hirsutism. METHODS: This double-blind,
      placebo-controlled, clinical trial study was conducted at a private clinic in
      Babol, Iran, between June 2012 and July 2013, and comprised women with idiopathic
      hirsutism. A diode laser (810nm) treatment was applied monthly for 6 months with
      an extra session at the 12th month. The device was adjusted individually
      according to the skin types using Fitzpatrick classification. Patients were
      divided into 2 groups: those who were given topical finasteride 0.5% and those
      who were given placebo solution on a daily basis for 5 days before each session.
      RESULTS: Of the 104 participants, there were 52(50%) each in placebo and
      intervention groups. The mean age was 30.71+9.25 years in the former group and
      31.55+/-7.72 in the latter (p=0.61). The mean hair number before treatment in the
      intervention group was 49.09+/-12.41 and in the placebo group was 48.78+/-15.31
      (p=0.9). At the end of the 6-month period, the mean number in treatment and
      placebo groups were 3.26+/-1.01 and 5.23+/-1.73 (p<0.001), respectively. After a
      one-year follow-up, the mean hair count of 3.73+/-1.20 and 7.36+/-2.40 was
      attained in intervention and placebo groups (p<0.001) respectively. CONCLUSIONS:
      Applying finasteride 0.5% solution to the unwanted facial hairs and performing
      diode laser at the same area resulted in reduction of unwanted hairs.

PMID- 27654730
TI  - Protection of nurses rights in Turkey: A study on nurses' opinions.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate nurses' opinions on the violation and protection of their
      rights at public hospitals. METHODS: The descriptive study was conducted between
      May and November 2013 at 11 hospitals affiliated with the Association of Public
      Hospitals in Istanbul, Turkey. Data was gathered using a questionnaire consisting
      of 59 questions on demographic characteristics, professions, and rights of
      nurses. RESULTS: Of the 1,808 respondents, 1,374(76%) said nurse's rights were
      not protected and 994(55%) believed that their rights were not protected at
      public hospitals. However, 1,027(56.8%) of the nurses stated that their right to
      job security was protected, while 1,448(80.1%) reported violation of their right
      to adequate pay and 1,289(71.3%) reported violation or non-recognition of the
      right to participate in the political decision-making processes that directly
      affect the nursing profession. Those who were middle-aged and those who had
      bachelor's degree believed their rights were not protected, and considered
      nursing as a weak profession that was unable to protect its rights (p<0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: Nurses believed their rights, especially those about salary, were
      not sufficiently protected.

PMID- 27654731
TI  - False negativity in AFB Smear microscopy: An insight into the caveats of the most
      widely used screening tool for tuberculosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the ratio of false negativity in sputum samples in diagnostic
      smears received for acid fast bacilli smear microscopy. METHODS: The
      retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the Ojha Institute of Chest
      Diseases, Karachi, and comprised specimens for microscopy and culture from
      presumptive tuberculosis patients for 38 months starting from November 2010.All
      laboratory investigations had been done as per the National Tuberculosis Control
      Programme guidelines. Statistical analyses were performed on MedCalc and Social
      statistics calculators, and Open Epi software. RESULTS: TOf the 2,158 specimens,
      1,316(60.98%) were of men and 842(39.02%) of women (male-to-female ratio:
      1.56:1). Besides, 843(39.06%) were smear-negative, of which 99(11.74%) were false
      negative. Of the 1,275(96.88%) men whose age was reported, 808(63.37%) were aged
      19-45 years, whereas out of the 792(94.06) women whose age was known, 517(65.28%)
      were in that age group. Microscopic outcomes were significantly related to gender
      (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Smear microscopy cannot be solely relied upon for
      diagnosis and its results must be correlated with additional clinical information
      and other diagnostics due to considerable amount of false negativity, especially
      in female population.

PMID- 27654732
TI  - Tuberculosis knowledge and health seeking behaviour: A tale of two districts of
      Sindh, Pakistan.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the knowledge about tuberculosis and health-seeking
      behaviour of people living in rural areas of Sindh. METHODS: This cross-sectional
      survey was conducted by the Pakistan Red Crescent Society in Dadu and Badin
      districts of Sindh, Pakistan, from January to August 2014. Cluster sampling
      technique was used for the selection of 900 households from two union councils.
      Those staying for less than 6 months and who refused to participate were
      excluded. Personal interviews were conducted by trained data collectors on
      pretested questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS 20. RESULTS: Of the 900
      households, there were 450(50%) in each districts. In Dadu, 298(66.6%)
      participants were illiterate compared to 236(52.4%) in Badin. Half of the
      respondents n= 225 (50%) in Dadu were farmers compared to 136(30.2%) in Badin.
      Besides, 341(75.7%) in Dadu and 311(69%) in Badin were earning less than Rs10,000
      per month. In addition, 318(70.6%) respondents in Dadu and 235(52.2%) in Badin
      had heard about tuberculosis. In Dadu, 237(52.6 %) thought it was curable
      compared to 263(58.4%) in Badin, whereas 32(7%) in Dadu and 45(10%) in Badin
      thought there was no remedy for it. Besides, 216(48%) villagers in both the
      districts were of the opinion that fever was the chief symptom, followed by cough
      and weight loss. Only 109(24.2%) respondents in Badin district confirmed the
      presence of a lady health worker in their village compared to 75(16.6%) in Dadu.
      CONCLUSIONS: Pakistanis living in rural areas had insufficient knowledge about
      most aspects of tuberculosis, and held misconceptions about the disease.

PMID- 27654733
TI  - Comparison of the safety and efficacy of single injection of subtenon
      triamcinolone and topical dexamethasone in reducing postoperative inflammation
      after phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the safety and efficacy of single injection of sub-tenon
      triamcinolone and topical dexamethasone in reducing post-operative inflammation
      after phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation. METHODS: The
      randomised controlled study was conducted at Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar,
      Pakistan, from September 2013 to February 2014. Patients who had undergone
      uneventful phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation by the same
      surgeon were included. Patients in Group A received 0.1% dexamethasone eye drops
      and those in Group B received sub-tenon triamcinolone injection (40mg/1ml).
      Follow-up was at 1st day, 14th day and 6 weeks post-operatively. At follow-up
      visit, grades of anterior chamber cells and aqueous flare were examined with slit
      lamp, and intraocular pressure was recorded. RESULTS: Of the 108 patients, each
      group had 54(50%) subjects. The mean age was 58.87+/-9.69 years (range: 33 to 84
      years) in Group A and 57.77+/-8.93 years (range: 30 to 78 years) in Group B
      (p=0.544). On the first post-operative day, all the patients in both groups had
      some degree of inflammation in the anterior chamber. On the 14th post-operative
      day, anterior chamber cells were present in 4(7.4%) eyes in Group A and in
      3(5.55%) eyes in Group B (p>0.999), while aqueous flare was present in 5(9.25%)
      eyes in Group A and 9(16.66%) eyes in Group B (p=0.391). Six weeks after the
      operation, no anterior chamber cells or aqueous flare was seen in any eye in
      either group. CONCLUSIONS: Sub-tenon triamcinolone injection was found to be a
      safe and effective alternative to topical dexamethasone for control of post
      operative inflammation after phacoemulsification.

PMID- 27654734
TI  - Effect of topical application of hard water in weakening of hair in men.
AB  - Background: Hard water is thought to play a key role in weakening of hair (not
      Hair Loss) and breakage especially when travelling is involved. In our community,
      commonly men do the travelling and complain more about hair problem which is why
      only young male individuals were included in this study. Materials and Methods:
      Water samples from different districts of KPK, Pakistan, were collected and their
      hardness values were estimated to find the water sample of maximum and minimum
      water hardness in order to know the maximum hardness hair would encounter in KPK,
      Pakistan. Samples from district Kohat had maximum hardness whereas minimum
      hardness was estimated in samples of district Peshawar. Water from district Kohat
      was considered as our sample water for the experimental group of hair. Hair
      samples were collected from 76 male individuals of district Peshawar, the area
      with least water hardness among the samples collected. Each hair sample was
      divided into two halves. One half was considered as experimental group and the
      other was considered as control group. The experimental group was treated with
      hard water of district Kohat for 10 minutes on alternate days, for 3 months. In a
      very similar way the control group was treated with de-ionized water. Tensile
      strength in term of "Stress" of both the experimental and control groups were
      measured using the universal testing machine and compared using paired t-test.
      Results and Conclusions: The standard deviations (SD) for hair treated with hard
      water and distilled water was 62.05 and 58.13 respectively and the mean values
      were 238.49 and 255.36 respectively. The results showed that the tensile strength
      of hair was significantly (p=0.001) reduced in hair treated with hard water as
      compared to hair treated with de-ionized water.

PMID- 27654735
TI  - SNP rs3088308 is a risk factor for poor lung function in healthy smokers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To see if single nucleotide polymorphisms of pulmonary innate immune
      molecule surfactant protein D were associated with poor lung function in smokers.
      METHODS: The study was conducted at Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, from
      April 2008 to August 2010, and comprised relatives and attendants of patients, as
      well as college and university students. Self-reported healthy smokers who
      demonstrated no airflow obstruction on spirometry were included. Deoxyribonucleic
      acid was extracted from their blood sample and genotyped for single nucleotide
      polymorphisms rs721917 and rs3088308 by polymerase chain reaction and restriction
      analysis. Serum was separated for measurement of surfactant protein D levels by a
      commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay based kit. Lung
      functions were compared between subjects possessing major and minor alleles using
      two-tailed Student's t-test. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to
      analyse the effect of age, smoking and the two single nucleotide polymorphisms on
      forced expiratory volume in 1 second. RESULTS: Of the 122 participants, all of
      whom were men, 98(80.33%) were smokers while 24(19.67%) had never smoked. Of the
      former, 90(91.84%) were current smokers and 8(8.16%) were ex-smokers. The overall
      mean age was 35.8+/-10.9 years. The mean surfactant protein D level was 121.4+/
      61.6ng/ml. In case of rs3088308, all lung function variables were reduced in
      patients with a minor allele and the results for forced expiratory volume in 1
      second (p=0.016), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (%) predicted (p=0.009),
      forced vital capacity (p=0.048) and forced vital capacity (%) predicted (p=0.048)
      were statistically significant. Age had the highest influence on lung function
      (p<0.001) followed by smoking status (p=0.04) and single nucleotide polymorphisms
      rs3088308 minor allele (p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Single nucleotide polymorphisms
      rs3088308 was found to modulate serum surfactant protein D levels and may be a
      risk factor for development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among
      smokers.

PMID- 27654737
TI  - Innovation in ethics and professionalism course: Early experience with portfolio
      workbook.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyse students' perception regarding the use of portfolio
      workbook in ethics course. METHODS: This mixed method study was conducted at the
      King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in 2014, and comprised fourth
      year medical students. The "portfolio-workbook", developed on principles of
      cognitive load and guided learning theories, contained essential reading
      material. Learning sessions were also facilitated by teaching tools like role
      plays, movie/video clips, vignettes, etc., followed by reflective writing
      exercises. Feedback questionnaire with open- and closed-ended questions was used
      to collect data. Quantitative data was analysed for frequencies and percentages.
      Content analysis was conducted for the open-ended responses. RESULTS: Of the 20
      participants, 10(50%) considered using portfolio-workbook as difficult initially.
      However, on completion of module 16(80%) found it easy. Moreover, 17(85%)
      appreciated it as a learning tool. Besides, 19(95%) students found teaching
      videos and 13(65%) found open discussions as effective learning tools. Portfolio
      workbook as an assessment tool was preferred by 19(95%) students. CONCLUSIONS:
      The use of portfolio-workbook in teaching ethics to undergraduates was found to
      be encouraging as it generated interest and interaction.

PMID- 27654736
TI  - Long-term results of reverse Liss plate applied to unstable proximal femur
      extracapsular fractures in Istanbul, Turkey.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of the minimally invasive internal fixation
      method using reverse Less Invasive Stabilisation System locking plate in unstable
      proximal femur extracapsular fractures. METHODS: The retrospective study was
      conducted at Department of Orthopaedics in Taksim Training and Research Hospital
      (Istanbul, Turkey) and comprised data of patients in whom osteosynthesis was
      applied with reverse Less Invasive Stabilisation System locking plate for an
      unstable extracapsular femur fracture between September 2006 and June 2011.
      Evaluation was made of the fracture reduction quality and degrees of varus-valgus
      and anteversion-retroversion on the postoperative radiographs which were compared
      to the healthy hip. At the final follow-up examination, evaluation was made using
      the Harris Hip Score and Visual Analogue Scale score. The follow-up period ranged
      from 12 to 35 months. RESULTS: Of the 42 patients, 16 (38%) were females and 26
      (62%) were males, with an overall mean age of 64.2+/-22.25 years (range: 23-97
      years). The trauma was low-energy in 24 (57%) patients and high-energy in 18
      (43%). Union was achieved in 38 (90%) patients with secondary bone healing in
      mean 14 weeks (range: 12-20 weeks). Complications were seen in 4 (9%) patients
      and additional surgical interventions were made. Radiographically, reduction was
      anatomic in 33 (79%) patients, acceptable in 8 (19%) and poor in 1 (2%). At the
      12-month follow-up, the mean Harris Hip Score was 88,6 (range: 59-100) and mean
      Visual Analogue Scale score was 2.19 (range: 0-9). CONCLUSIONS: In the surgical
      treatment of unstable extracapsular proximal femur fractures, reverse Less
      Invasive Stabilisation System plate could be easily applied with a minimally
      invasive fixation method as an alternative to other treatment methods with
      successful results.

PMID- 27654738
TI  - Nutrition in intensive care in adults review of the literature and development of
      evidence based feeding protocols.
AB  - The subject of nutrition in intensive care is broad.Thenutrition support therapy
      plays a crucial role in the management of critically ill patients. This review
      was carried out to address the existing controversies and to recognise the
      current practice guidelines for the management of nutrition in intensive care
      units (ICUs) in adults. A PubMed search was carried out for clinical trials
      addressing the current nutrition practice in ICUs, recommendations for
      calculating energy requirements and efficacy of an algorithmic approach to
      nutritional delivery in an ICU setting. Algorithms were developed and modified
      for the practice of nutrition in an adult ICU in a quaternary care hospital in
      Pakistan.

PMID- 27654739
TI  - Socio-economic, environmental and demographic determinants of rise in obesity
      among Pakistani women: A Systematic Review.
AB  - Nutrition transition is a shift in eating and disease patterns towards diet
      nutrition-related non-communicable diseases (NR-NCDs). This shift in many
      developing countries has been accompanied with changes in behaviours, lifestyles,
      diets, physical inactivity, smoking and alcohol consumption. In addition to the
      burden of under-nutrition, nutrition transition has caused a sudden rise in
      overweight/obesity-related chronic diseases in developing countries. Little
      research has been done in Pakistan to explore nutrition transition, and its
      associated nutrition challenges. The current study attempted to investigate the
      socio-economic, environmental and demographic determinants of rise in obesity
      among women of reproductive years (15-49 years) in Pakistan. A review of related
      published literature for a period of 10 years (2005-2015) was carried out. Also,
      data from National Nutrition Survey (NNS-2011) and Pakistan Demographic and
      Health Survey (PDHS 2012-13) was reviewed and used to supplement the published
      researches from Pakistan. For this purpose, a computer-based search was performed
      on PubMed and PubGet to retrieve relevant articles. The major socio-economic and
      environmental risk factors contributing to the risk of obesity among Pakistani
      women were sedentary lifestyle, lack of awareness, higher rates of urbanisation
      along with shift in dietary pattern from high-fibre diet to low-fibre, and high
      calorie diet. The results of this review highlight the need for designing and
      implementing of national nutrition policy focussed on improving the awareness of
      determinants and consequences of nutrition-related illness in Pakistan.

PMID- 27654740
TI  - Spectrum of abdominal-tuberculosis in emergency surgery: 100 cases at a tertiary
      care Centre Dow University of Health Sciences and Civil Hospital Karachi,
      Pakistan.
AB  - The study highlights the spectrum of abdominal TB in emergency surgery and its
      outcome. A proforma based prospective cross sectional study was conducted from
      March 2008 - March 2014, at the Department of General Surgery, Dow University of
      Health Sciences & Civil Hospital Karachi, Pakistan. Total patients studied were
      hundred. Ninety percent patients presented through the emergency department. Mean
      age was 30 +/- 7.29 years. Family history of TB was positive in 46 (46%)
      patients. Pulmonary TB was present in 22 (22%), and 52 (52%) - were already on
      Antitubercular Therapy-- Emergency exploratory laparotomy was performed in 85
      (85%) patients with 61 (61%) having peritonitis. and 24 (24%) having acute
      intestinal obstruction. A total of 15 (15%) patients were kept on ATT under
      observation, Of these 7(7%) were diagnosed with Ileocaecal mass, 5 (5%) with
      enterocutaneous fistula, and 3(3%) had sub-acute intestinal obstruction. Ileum
      was the most common site for abdominal TB in 36(36%), followed by ileocaecal TB
      in 13 (13%) and jejunal TB in 12 (12%). Stoma and abdominal washout was the
      minimum procedure which was performed in 34 (34%) cases. Fourteen (14%) patients
      diagnosed with ileocaecal TB, received limited right hemi colectomy with two end
      stoma whereas 7(7%) patients were subjected to limited right hemi colectomy with
      primary anastomosis. Patients with multiple strictures and perforations were
      subjected to segmental resection with two end stoma. This was performed, in 12
      (12%) cases and primary repair and anastomosis in 9 (9%). Only washouts and
      laparostomy was performed in 5 (5%) and adhenolysis in 4(4%) cases. Redo surgery
      was required in 44 (44%). The overall mortality was 18%. This study concludes
      that abdominal TB patients usually present late with complications in emergency
      surgery because of diagnostic delay, having a high morbidity and mortality.

PMID- 27654741
TI  - Intraoperative ventilatory management of adult tracheoesophageal fistula.
AB  - Iatrogenic Tracheo Esophageal Fistula (TEF) in adults is a rare complication
      occurring secondary to trauma and prolonged intubation. There is very scarce data
      regarding its airway management and that too is from the paediatric age group. We
      describe the case of a young male undergoing TEF repair. We started with routine
      tracheal intubation but during surgery our tracheal tube was hindering surgical
      repair. So we used intermittent ventilation by passing the tracheal tube distal
      to the fistula and then pulling it back and providing clear surgical field during
      apnoea. It was done several times until the repair was completed successfully.
      Different airway management techniques are described in literature with the most
      common being oral intubation and placement of cuff distal to the fistula. However
      it may need to be modified according to the situation. We used a different
      technique for ventilation and will discuss it's pros and cons.

PMID- 27654742
TI  - Successful management of septic patient with concealed left persistent superior
      vena cava: anaesthetic perspective.
AB  - Surviving sepsis guideline supports the placement of central venous cannulation
      (CVC) to target the deranged physiology. The placement of CVC is still
      challenging, which requires detailed knowledge of venous anatomy and orientation
      of congenital venous anomalies. Double or persistent left superior vena cava
      (PLSVC) is a common anomaly in thoracic venous system. Our patient had hidden
      PLSVC, though he was previously asymptomatic with no cardiac disease. We report
      the successful anaesthetic management of an adult male with septicaemia for
      emergency laparotomy. CVC was placed in left internal jugular vein under vision
      by ultrasonography for fluid and vasopressor requirement. The incidental PLSVC
      was initially diagnosed on routine post procedure chest X-ray. Later it was
      confirmed by transthoracic echocardiography with an agitated saline micro bubbles
      contrast media.We conclude that the routine post CVC chest X ray is mandatory not
      only to identify the correct positioning of CVC placement but also very helpful
      in identifying the underlying rare anomalies.

PMID- 27654743
TI  - Sudden-onset paraplegia during pregnancy caused by haemorrhage in a spinal cord
      haemangioblastoma: A case report.
AB  - Spinal cord haemangioblastomas are rare central nervous systems tumours, and
      haemorrhage.It is an uncommon occurance. We report a 28-year-old pregnant patient
      who presented with paraplegia due to acute haemorrhage of a spinal
      haemangioblastoma. Magnetic resonance imaging showed extensive syrinx cavities,
      an intramedullary lesion at the T4-T5 spinal cord level e, and a subarachnoid
      haemorrhage. Digital subtraction angiography showed the feeding artery and
      dilated tortuous draining vein within the dural sac. The lesion was deemed a
      haemangioblastoma. The histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis.
      Postoperatively, the paraplegia improved and the patient was able to walk within
      2 weeks. Imaging is important for early diagnosis to prevent patients persistent
      neurological deficits.

PMID- 27654744
TI  - Reattachment of a partially amputated ear without microsurgery.
AB  - Traumatic ear amputations are relatively rare. Whenever possible, ear re
      implantation should be attempted; however the choice of the surgical procedure
      must be judicious. In the current report, a case of complete non-microsurgical
      salvage of a partially amputated ear treated by the pocket technique described by
      Mladick was presented. The surgical technique is described in detail by serial
      photographs, along with the postoperative management and outcome of the patients.
      The revascularisation of the severed part was successful. Morphological result
      was very good when the ear was freed from the pocket. We recommend the Mladick's
      procedure for reimplantation of fragments less than 1/2 of the auricle with
      favourable tissue condition.

PMID- 27654745
TI  - The different cutaneous presentations in three cases of Kawasaki disease as
      confounding factor of diagnosis.
AB  - We report three paediatric cases of Kawasaki disease (KD). Erythema multiforme
      (EM) was the presenting cutaneous feature in two patients, with young age (43
      days old), macular rash and meningitis in the third patient. Diagnosis of KD was
      difficult due either to initial misdiagnosis of drug eruption, incomplete
      presentation, or the young age of the patient. Clinicians should be aware of
      these cutaneous presentations to prevent KD complications.

PMID- 27654746
TI  - Recent advance in lipid management: Focus on PCSK9I (Proprotein Convertase
      Subtilisin/ Kexin 9 Inhibitors).
AB  - This review discusses recent advances in lipid management, focusing on a new
      class of drugs known as pcsk9i (proprotein convertase subtilisin/ kexin 9
      inhibitors. It describes the basic and clinical pharmacology of these drugs.

PMID- 27654747
TI  - Diabetic tuberculosis.
AB  - Diabetes and tuberculosis coexist together, and influence each other's natural
      history and treatment outcomes significantly. This assumes clinical as well as
      public health significance. This article describes these associations, and
      discusses action that can be taken at the primary care level to tackle this
      challenge.

PMID- 27654748
TI  - Sports-related concussion awareness in Pakistan.

PMID- 27654749
TI  - Infantile metachromatic leukodystrophy in an 18 month old girl.
AB  - Metachromatic leukodystrophy is a rarely occurring neurodegenerative metabolic
      disorder with an incidence of 1-9 individuals out of 1,000,000. We present a
      similar case in an eighteen month old child which was extremely challenging to
      diagnose. Clinical symptoms suggested motor regression and developmental delay
      which gave rise to suspicion of a neurodegenerative disorder. An MRI scan of the
      brain revealed cortical demyelination with tigroid appearance which confirmed the
      diagnosis of Metachromatic leukodystrophy. Due to the lack of availability of a
      treatment option like bone marrow transplant, the patient could only be given
      physiotherapy to help with the musculoskeletal manifestations of the disorder.
      The purpose of this case report is to identify clinical presentation and
      classical MRI findings to diagnose MLD in absence of enzyme assay and gene
      mutation analysis.

PMID- 27654751
TI  - Pulsed dye laser treatment of primary cryptococcal laryngitis: A novel approach
      to an uncommon disease.
AB  - An 82-year-old supplemental oxygen dependent woman with severe COPD presented
      with an eight month history of worsening hoarseness and stridor. Office
      laryngoscopy revealed laryngeal edema and ulcerative masses throughout the
      larynx. In-office biopsies were positive for Cryptococcus neoformans. This report
      details a novel approach to the treatment of cryptococcal laryngitis, a
      combination of in-office pulsed-dye laser (PDL) ablation and medical therapy.
      Despite treatment with oral fluconazole, the recommended treatment for
      cryptococcal laryngitis the patient continued to be symptomatic with dysphonia
      and throat discomfort. Repeated laryngeal exam demonstrated persistent
      cryptococcal nodules. The patient was subsequently effectively treated with an in
      office PDL laser. This case demonstrates the efficacy of in-office laser
      treatment for residual laryngeal Cryptococcus. For patients like this one, who
      have failed medical therapy and are unfit for general anesthetic, the in-office
      laser provides an excellent alternative treatment approach.

PMID- 27654752
TI  - Primary open-angle glaucoma.

PMID- 27654753
TI  - The right kind of support?
AB  - When is a nursing skill not a nursing skill? When ir's a task undertaken by a
      health care assistant?

PMID- 27654750
TI  - Generation of biallelic knock-out sheep via gene-editing and somatic cell nuclear
      transfer.
AB  - Transgenic sheep can be used to achieve genetic improvements in breeds and as an
      important large-animal model for biomedical research. In this study, we generated
      a TALEN plasmid specific for ovine MSTN and transfected it into fetal fibroblast
      cells of STH sheep. MSTN biallelic-KO somatic cells were selected as nuclear
      donor cells for SCNT. In total, cloned embryos were transferred into 37 recipient
      gilts, 28 (75.7%) becoming pregnant and 15 delivering, resulting in 23 lambs, 12
      of which were alive. Mutations in the lambs were verified via sequencing and T7EI
      assay, and the gene mutation site was consistent with that in the donor cells.
      Off-target analysis was performed, and no off-target mutations were detected.
      MSTN KO affected the mRNA expression of MSTN relative genes. The growth curve for
      the resulting sheep suggested that MSTN KO caused a remarkable increase in body
      weight compared with those of wild-type sheep. Histological analyses revealed
      that MSTN KO resulted in muscle fiber hypertrophy. These findings demonstrate the
      successful generation of MSTN biallelic-KO STH sheep via gene editing in somatic
      cells using TALEN technology and SCNT. These MSTN mutant sheep developed and grew
      normally, and exhibited increased body weight and muscle growth.

PMID- 27654754
TI  - Calling the tune.
AB  - Most sports fans are aware that fltheir heroes frequently carry advertising logos
      on their shirts and that a good many sporting occasions are heavily sponsored.
      Indeed, it would be a pointless exercise (from the sponsors' point of view) if
      the fans weren't a ware of the fact; the object of the sponsorship being
      advertising of some product or service.

PMID- 27654755
TI  - Bandages and bandaging.
AB  - The first official British standards for bandages appeared in a supplement to the
      1911 British Pharmaceutical Codex (BPC) which included a specification for crepe
      bandage, as well as monographs for simple non-extensible products such as calico,
      flannel, domette and open-wove bandages. These bandages had a simple retention
      function although they also provided warmth and protection.

PMID- 27654757
TI  - ?
AB  - Back to the future: Nurse Corrin Cameron marked the 150th anniversary of King's
      College Hospital in South London by burying a lime capsule' in the foundations of
      the new day surgery centre where building work began last month as part of the
      King's 2000 project. The package includes equipment dating back to the beginning
      of the century as w ell as modern medical items.

PMID- 27654756
TI  - Students move to block poll tax payments.
AB  - Maverick Confederation of Health Service Employees (COHSE) student nurses are
      advocating non-poll tax payment and attempting to block court orders, contrary to
      national union policy.

PMID- 27654759
TI  - Paediatric oncology ward gets all clear.
AB  - Nursing staff at tuberculosis-struck Alder Hey Hospital's paediatric oncology
      ward were last week given the all clear after one child died of the disease.

PMID- 27654760
TI  - Planning dilemma over new P2000 courses.
AB  - Project 2000 colleges face crippling planning difficulties because the health
      department is refusing to say whether they will ever run the new courses.

PMID- 27654761
TI  - Report describes 'wholly unacceptable' facilities.
AB  - Conditions on a Merseyside psychiatric ward have been condemned as 'wholly
      unacceptable', with peeling walls and insufficient facilities.

PMID- 27654764
TI  - ENB warns of district nurse training crisis.
AB  - District nursing is facing decimation as health authority funding continues to
      shrink, the English National Board warned last week.

PMID- 27654762
TI  - Major review anticipated from new group.
AB  - The future of mental handicap nursing after the Government's community care
      changes are implemented is to be investigated by a newly-established Department
      of Health working group.

PMID- 27654765
TI  - Committee criticises uncertainty over care funding.
AB  - A Tory-dominated parliamentary committee has called the Government's funding
      arrangements for the community care reforms 'far from satisfactory'.

PMID- 27654767
TI  - Clinical comparison of a new compression bandage.
AB  - A t a recent multidisciplinary symposium on venous ulceration sponsored by the
      Department of Health, it was stated that the estimated cost to the Health Service
      of treating leg ulcers was L300 to L600 million per year, similar to the cost of
      tobaccorelated disease ( 1 ).

PMID- 27654768
TI  - Reform plans left to gather dust.
AB  - Plans to reform Northern Ireland's nurse management have been virtually left to
      gather dust since the early 1980s, according to a scathing new report from the
      Province's Audit Office.

PMID- 27654769
TI  - Double poll tax charge could be abolished.
AB  - The double poll tax charge on property- owning nurses who rent hospital
      accommodation could be abolished, following a precedent-setting appeal last week.

PMID- 27654772
TI  - Eire.
AB  - Radical action is needed to deal with acute nursing shortages and widespread
      nurse emigration from Ireland, the Irish Nurses' Organisation General Secretary P
      Maddon has claimed.

PMID- 27654771
TI  - ?
AB  - The echo of former times: delegates test out the acoustics of the Devonshire
      Royal Hospital's dome during a Nursing Standard Stockport, Tameside and Glossop
      College of Nursing rehabilitation conference in Buxton, Derbyshire.

PMID- 27654774
TI  - Ussr.
AB  - Thousands of mentally abnormal children in the Soviet Union have been disowned by
      their parents and dumped in institutions for most of their lives, a report in The
      Times claims.

PMID- 27654773
TI  - Need for battle over contract involvement.
AB  - Nurses may not like the Government's health service reforms but they must ensure
      they are there when contracts arc- drawn up and decisions made, Jane Salvage,
      Director of Nursing Developments at the King's Fund has warned.

PMID- 27654775
TI  - Posthumous regional appeal upheld.
AB  - A nurse who died earlier this year has been posthumously awarded a higher grade
      in a South West Thames regional appeal.

PMID- 27654776
TI  - France.
AB  - A former French health minister has called on the French Government to reopen
      Paris brothels to fight AIDS.

PMID- 27654777
TI  - Parliament.
AB  - Proposals to split the Social Services Select Committee in two look set to spark
      off a new political power struggle.

PMID- 27654778
TI  - Setting standards: pressure sores.
AB  - In 1989, a small working party was convened to develop standards for the
      prevention, detection and treatment of pressure sores as part of the district's
      quality assurance programme. The working party began its task by addressing a
      number of key interrelated issues, including the nurses' responsibility in
      exercising professional accountability. Accountability was defined as assuming
      responsibility for the goals, methods and patient outcomes of any nursing
      intervention. Second, the problems associated with continuity of care, long
      recognised by both patient and nurse were considered.

PMID- 27654783
TI  - Pill conference marks contraceptive changes.
AB  - Scientists last week heralded a brave new world in contraceptive techniques but
      warned that some of the developments I may not be available for decades.

PMID- 27654782
TI  - Free guide to diabetes mellitus management.
AB  - A new desk-top guide to the diagnosis and management of non-insulin dependent
      diabetes mellitus is available free to nurses and doctors.

PMID- 27654784
TI  - Some screening is 'a costly waste of time'.
AB  - Some health screening is a costly waste of time that can even do positive harm,
      health service managers were warned recently.

PMID- 27654785
TI  - Health record aims to give power to parents.
AB  - The widespread introduction of a new, parent-held, child health record would be
      the most significant step in child health since the introduction of vaccinations,
      according to a joint working I party on child health surveillance.

PMID- 27654786
TI  - Toxic shock syndrome warning over tampons.
AB  - Sanitary tampons can still cause toxic shock syndrome, according to two doctors
      writing in the British Medical Journal.

PMID- 27654787
TI  - Crisis ahead.
AB  - Poorly-prepared health authorities may ' be heading for disaster when they begin
      to introduce the health care assistant grade later this year.

PMID- 27654788
TI  - Tapping the potential.
AB  - Scan McCarthy looks smart and confident as he goes about his work on a busy
      medical ward at King's College Hospital, London. The patients call him 'nurse',
      quite unaware rhat he is one of a new breed of NHS stalf: a health care
      assistant. Sean left a career in retail management to do his training with
      Camberwell Health Authority, which already has 65 health care assistants in post.

PMID- 27654789
TI  - Taking reforms on trust.
AB  - When the Parliamentary battle over the National Health Service reforms is sealed
      with Royal Assent next month, a new fight begins.

PMID- 27654790
TI  - Listings.

PMID- 27654791
TI  - Information for Peto's sake.
AB  - Conductive education for motor-disordered children and adults as practised at
      Hungary's world-famous Peto Institute may be the cause of excitement among
      Nursing Standard readers - and some confusion too.

PMID- 27654792
TI  - No grade mix for paediatric wards.
AB  - I was interested to read James Buchan's article 'Grade mix' - Nursing StandardMay
      16-22. I was extremely concerned, however, to note that, according to statistics
      recently published by the Department of Health, learners only comprise five per
      cent of nursing staff in the area of paediatric nursing. The number of nurse
      learners working in paediatric wards varies markedly between paediatric wards in
      district general hospitals (where learners are undergoing general training) and
      children's hospitals (where learners are undergoing both paediatric and general
      nurse training courses).

PMID- 27654793
TI  - HIV and AIDS nurses' forum.
AB  - The first meeting of a London forum for nurses working with HIV and AIDS was held
      on Wednesday June 6 in James Pringle House, Middlesex Hospital. Fifty people
      attended the meeting representing over 20 different HIV and AIDS units around
      London. It was recognised that there is a need for a specific information/support
      group for nurses in this field. It was agreed that the group should meet monthly
      on the first Wednesday of each month, with a different ward or other agency
      providing the venue each time.

PMID- 27654795
TI  - Crossword.

PMID- 27654794
TI  - ?
AB  - "He's agreed to try it, but don't think he's very enthusiastic about holistic
      medicine".

PMID- 27654796
TI  - Having the EN face that fits.
AB  - I felt I must write a reply to the latest letter on enrolled nurse conversion
      courses - especially in reply to Wendy Larsen's letter (Nursing Standard May 30 -
      June 5).

PMID- 27654797
TI  - Information exchange.
AB  - * J Chambers I am a ward sister in a private hospital which uses a daily labour
      management system to reduce or increase the number of nursing hours according to
      the number of patients.

PMID- 27654799
TI  - ?
AB  - * Does anybody have any clinical evidence of anybody contracting HIV from a
      toilet seat?

PMID- 27654798
TI  - The low down on BSE.
AB  - The comment in Nursing Standard May 23 - 29 regarding bovine spongiform
      encephalopathy (BSE) will do little to enhance the standing of the nursing
      profession.

PMID- 27654800
TI  - Romanian insightFollowing her recent visit to Romania, Nursing Standard Editor
      Norah Casey gives an insight in words and pictures into a school for
      educationally and culturally deprived children in Bucharest.
AB  - One of the first visits I made was to a school for educationally deprived
      children in the centre of Bucharest. There were almost 250 children there, from
      the age of five upwards. Even the enthusiasm of the staff could not mask the
      squalor of the building these children were taught in.

PMID- 27654801
TI  - Towards a new era.
AB  - 'Selling' the Royal College of Nursing to politicians and public is arguably the
      most important non-nursing job within the RCN. And stepping straight into
      nursing's complex professional issues and inter-relationships could provide a
      minefield of misconceptions to any lay person taking on the role.

PMID- 27654802
TI  - Coping with Bereavement S Horn Coping with Bereavement Thorsons 128pp L4.99 0
      7225-1651-7.
AB  - Bereavement is any sense of loss often linked to a major life event eg,
      redundancy, changing job, infertility, chronic disease, illness.

PMID- 27654803
TI  - Males at Risk Males at Risk F G Bolton et al SAGE 222pp L13.95 0-8039-3237-5.
AB  - Males at Risk sets out to destroy the myth that it is mainly female children at
      risk from sexual abuse.

PMID- 27654804
TI  - Who Cares Who Cares P Mares BBC/KFC 22pp L9.50 1-870551-99-0.
AB  - Penny Mares' handbook and Jonathan Miller's video are from the King's Fund Centre
      and the BBC TV series Who Cares.

PMID- 27654805
TI  - 'I've got to prioritise': being a parent with cystic fibrosis.
AB  - Due to advances in earlier diagnosis and treatment, the life expectancy of a
      person born with cystic fibrosis (CF) has increased. Therefore, more people with
      CF are becoming parents but the psychological understanding of CF has lagged
      behind advances in medical treatment; there is very limited applied psychological
      research on which parents and professionals can draw when considering issues of
      parenting in this context. This qualitative research explored how mothers and
      fathers with CF experience and manage the dual roles of being a parent and living
      with CF. The aim was to facilitate development of an understanding of experience
      rather than test existing theory. A qualitative methodology was chosen as it
      allowed participants to reflect openly on their individual experiences. Nine
      participants completed semi-structured interviews either in their own homes or a
      clinic base which examined parenting, CF and the interaction between the two
      roles. Four participants were male and five were female with an age range of 21
      50. Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis was used to interpret the
      participants' accounts and generate super-ordinate and master themes. 'Being a
      parent on compressed time' was the super-ordinate theme which reflected the
      challenge of parenting within both a limited life trajectory and a complex
      treatment regime with daily adherence and time pressures. The findings have
      implications for parents with CF, those considering parenting and for health
      professionals working in CF services whose guidance needs to be grounded in an
      evidence-base. Further research is needed to explore the experiences of parents
      within different family structures, parents who have had a transplant and the
      perspectives of others in the wider system in which parents with CF are located.

PMID- 27654806
TI  - DNA Microarray Platform for Detection and Surveillance of Viruses Transmitted by
      Small Mammals and Arthropods.
AB  - Viruses transmitted by small mammals and arthropods serve as global threats to
      humans. Most emergent and re-emergent viral agents are transmitted by these
      groups; therefore, the development of high-throughput screening methods for the
      detection and surveillance of such viruses is of great interest. In this study,
      we describe a DNA microarray platform that can be used for screening all viruses
      transmitted by small mammals and arthropods (SMAvirusChip) with nucleotide
      sequences that have been deposited in the GenBank. SMAvirusChip was designed with
      more than 15,000 oligonucleotide probes (60-mers), including viral and control
      probes. Two SMAvirusChip versions were designed: SMAvirusChip v1 contains 4209
      viral probes for the detection of 409 viruses, while SMAvirusChip v2 contains
      4943 probes for the detection of 416 viruses. SMAvirusChip was evaluated with 20
      laboratory reference-strain viruses. These viruses could be specifically detected
      when alone in a sample or when artificially mixed within a single sample. The
      sensitivity of SMAvirusChip was evaluated using 10-fold serial dilutions of
      dengue virus (DENV). The results showed a detection limit as low as 2.6E3 RNA
      copies/mL. Additionally, the sensitivity was one log10 lower (2.6E2 RNA
      copies/mL) than quantitative real-time RT-PCR and sufficient to detect viral
      genomes in clinical samples. The detection of DENV in serum samples of DENV
      infected patients (n = 6) and in a whole blood sample spiked with DENV confirmed
      the applicability of SMAvirusChip for the detection of viruses in clinical
      samples. In addition, in a pool of mosquito samples spiked with DENV, the virus
      was also detectable. SMAvirusChip was able to specifically detect viruses in cell
      cultures, serum samples, total blood samples and a pool of mosquitoes, confirming
      that cellular RNA/DNA did not interfere with the assay. Therefore, SMAvirusChip
      may represent an innovative surveillance method for the rapid identification of
      viruses transmitted by small mammals and arthropods.

PMID- 27654807
TI  - Interprofessional management of concussion in sport.
AB  - Due to the high incidence of sports concussion, various health and medical
      providers are likely to encounter athletes who have sustained such an injury.
      Management of concussion necessitates coordinated care by the members of the
      sports medicine team due to its pathophysiology and complexity of management
      during recovery. All members of the sports medicine team must possess
      contemporary knowledge of concussion management as well as strong
      interprofessional communication skills to ensure effective care and safe return
      to sports participation. Therefore, the aim of this manuscript is to review the
      current best practices in interdisciplinary management of sports concussion with
      a special emphasis on the required interprofessional communication among the
      sports medicine team.

PMID- 27654808
TI  - Newly identified poor prognostic factors for adult T-cell leukemia-lymphoma
      treated with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
AB  - To explore pre-transplantation prognostic factors for adult T-cell leukemia
      lymphoma (ATL), we retrospectively analyzed allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation (allo-HSCT) in 70 patients at our institute (63 acute type and
      seven lymphoma type patients). Forty-five patients died after HSCT and the three
      year overall survival (OS) rate was 35.2%. By univariate analysis, the adverse
      prognostic factors for OS were performance status >=2, hematopoietic cell
      transplantation-specific comorbidity index (HCT-CI) score >=3, European Group for
      Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) risk score >=5, HSCT from an HLA
      mismatched donor, serum soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) level >=10,000
      U/mL, lymphocyte count >=4000/MUL, and hemoglobin <9 g/dL at the time of HSCT.
      EBMT risk score and sIL-2R were identified as significant adverse prognostic
      factors using multivariate analysis. This analysis clearly demonstrates for the
      first time that HCT-CI and EBMT risk scores are reliable prognostic factors for
      ATL patients receiving allo-HSCT.

PMID- 27654810
TI  - In vivo assessment of antidiabetic and antioxidative activity of natural
      phytochemical isolated from fruit-pulp of Eugenia jambolana in streptozotocin
      induced diabetic rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Eugenia jambolana (E. jambolana) is well known for its antidiabetic
      potential. The aim of the present study was to investigate the antidiabetic and
      antioxidative effect of an active compound (FIIc) isolated from fruit-pulp of E.
      jambolana in streptozotocin (45 mg/kg body weight)-induced diabetic rats.
      METHODS: FIIc was isolated from the crude aqueous extract of fruit-pulp by ion
      exchange column chromatography and high-performance column chromatography.
      Detailed UV, NMR, and IR spectra suggested that FIIc is alpha-hydroxy succinamic
      acid. FIIc was orally administered to diabetic rats at a dose of 10, 15, and 20
      mg/kg body weight (mg/kg bwt.) to determine its effective dose. Thereafter,
      effective dose was administered to 8 weeks to determine its antidiabetic and
      antioxidative activity by estimation of glycemic index, lipid profile, key
      enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism, and oxidative stress parameters. RESULTS:
      Administration of 15 mg/kg dose daily for 8 weeks led to significant (P < 0.001)
      fall in fasting blood glucose. Treatment with FIIc (15 mg/kg bwt.) showed
      significant improvement (P < 0.001) in all the biochemical parameters.
      DISCUSSION: The results demonstrate that FIIc possesses significant antidiabetic
      and antioxidative activity.

PMID- 27654809
TI  - Multimorbidity in the community-dwelling elderly in urban China.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of the study was to investigate the prevalence
      and patterns of multimorbidity in the community-dwelling elderly in urban China.
      METHODS: By a cluster random sampling method, 2452 persons aged 60 years and
      older were enrolled as the subjects in an urban community in Nanjing, China. Data
      on 13 chronic diseases were collected by interviews, physical check-ups and
      support by physicians. Factor analyses and the logistic regression models were
      performed to analyze the patterns of multimorbidity. RESULTS: The prevalence of
      multimorbidity was 49.4% in the community-dwelling elderly in urban China. The
      observed prevalence of 6 chronic disease pairs was higher than their expected
      prevalence, including hypertension and diabetes, hypertension and coronary heart
      disease, hypertension and dyslipidaemia, diabetes and cataract, diabetes and
      hearing disorder, hypertension and stroke. Three patterns were detected as
      follows: the first pattern with a prevalence of 9.5% covered degenerative
      diseases (hearing disorder, cataract, joint disease) and cancer; The second
      pattern with a prevalence of 1.7% was characterized by liver disease, lung
      disease, gastrointestinal disease; And the third pattern with a prevalence of
      22.4% was characterized by cardiovascular diseases (dyslipidaemia, hypertension,
      coronary heart disease), metabolic diseases (diabetes) and kidney disease.
      Compared with <70 years, >=80 years were found as the risk factor of the
      prevalence of three patterns. CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of elderly
      populations was affected by multimorbidity in urban China. Specific patterns of
      multimorbidity were found at group level and the prevalence was associated with
      age.

PMID- 27654811
TI  - The goodness of ethics in research ethics review.

PMID- 27654812
TI  - Interleukin 1-Beta (IL-1beta) Production by Innate Cells Following TLR
      Stimulation Correlates With TB Recurrence in ART-Treated HIV-Infected Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major cause of global morbidity and
      mortality, especially in the context of HIV coinfection because immunity is not
      completely restored following antiretroviral therapy (ART). The identification of
      immune correlates of risk for TB disease could help in the design of host
      directed therapies and clinical management. This study aimed to identify innate
      immune correlates of TB recurrence in HIV+ ART-treated individuals with a history
      of previous successful TB treatment. METHODS: Twelve participants with a
      recurrent episode of TB (cases) were matched for age, sex, time on ART, pre-ART
      CD4 count with 12 participants who did not develop recurrent TB in 60 months of
      follow-up (controls). Cryopreserved peripheral blood mononuclear cells from time
      points before TB recurrence were stimulated with ligands for Toll-like receptors
      (TLR) including TLR-2, TLR-4, and TLR-7/8. Multicolor flow cytometry and
      intracellular cytokine staining were used to detect IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, IL-12,
      and IP10 responses from monocytes and myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs). RESULTS:
      Elevated production of IL-1beta from monocytes following TLR-2, TLR-4, and TLR
      7/8 stimulation was associated with reduced odds of TB recurrence. In contrast,
      production of IL-1beta from both monocytes and mDCs following Bacillus Calmette
      Guerin (BCG) stimulation was associated with increased odds of TB recurrence
      (risk of recurrence increased by 30% in monocytes and 42% in mDCs, respectively).
      CONCLUSION: Production of IL-1beta by innate immune cells following TLR and BCG
      stimulations correlated with differential TB recurrence outcomes in ART-treated
      patients and highlights differences in host response to TB.

PMID- 27654813
TI  - Brief Report: Informing Strategies to Build PrEP Capacity Among San Francisco Bay
      Area Clinicians.
AB  - A large pool of clinicians are needed to meet the growing demand for HIV
      preexposure prophylaxis. We surveyed a mixed group of HIV specialists and
      nonspecialists in the San Francisco Bay Area to determine their attitudes toward
      and training needs regarding prescribing preexposure prophylaxis to persons at
      increased risk of HIV infection. Willingness to prescribe was associated with
      experience in caring for HIV-infected patients (adjusted odds ratio 4.76, 95%
      confidence interval: 1.43 to 15.76, P = 0.01). Desire for further training was
      associated with concerns about drug resistance (P = 0.04) and side effects (P =
      0.04) and was more common among noninfectious disease specialists. Clinicians
      favored online and in-person training methods.

PMID- 27654815
TI  - Seizures in Children With Severe Traumatic Brain Injury.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Traumatic brain injury causes substantial morbidity and mortality in
      children. Posttraumatic seizures may worsen outcomes after traumatic brain
      injury. Posttraumatic seizures risk factors are not completely understood. Our
      objective was to clarify posttraumatic seizures risk factors in a large cohort of
      children with severe traumatic brain injury. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study
      of a probabilistically linked dataset from the National Trauma Data Bank and the
      Pediatric Health Information Systems database, 2007-2010. SETTING: Twenty-nine
      U.S. children's hospitals. PATIENTS: A total of 2,122 children (age, < 18 yr old
      at admission) with linked National Trauma Data Bank and Pediatric Health
      Information Systems records, severe (emergency department Glasgow Coma Scale, <
      8) traumatic brain injury, hospital length of stay more than 24 hours, and
      nonmissing disposition. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The
      outcome was posttraumatic seizures, identified using validated International
      Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis codes.
      Prespecified candidate predictors of posttraumatic seizures included age, injury
      mechanism, emergency department Glasgow Coma Scale, intracranial hemorrhage type,
      hypoxia, hypotension, and cardiac arrest. Posttraumatic seizures were diagnosed
      in 25.2% of children with severe traumatic brain injury. In those without
      abuse/assault or subdural hemorrhage, the posttraumatic seizures rate varied
      between 36.6% in those less than 2 years old and 16.4% in those 14-17 years old.
      Age, abusive mechanism, and subdural hemorrhage are each significant predictors
      of posttraumatic seizures. The risk of posttraumatic seizures has a complex
      relationship with these predictors. The estimated odds of posttraumatic seizures
      decrease with advancing age, odds ratio equal to 0.929 (0.905-0.954) per
      additional year of age with no abuse/assault and no subdural hemorrhage; odds
      ratio equal to 0.820 (0.730-0.922) per additional year of age when abuse and
      subdural hemorrhage are present. An infant with accidental traumatic brain injury
      and subdural hemorrhage has approximately the same estimated probability of
      posttraumatic seizures as an abused infant without subdural hemorrhage (47% [95%
      CI, 39-55%] vs 50% [95% CI, 41-58%]; p = 0.69). The triad of young age, injury by
      abuse/assault, and subdural hemorrhage confers the greatest estimated probability
      for posttraumatic seizures (60% [95% CI, 53-66%]). CONCLUSIONS: Posttraumatic
      seizures risk in children with severe traumatic brain injury is greatest with a
      triad of younger age, injury by abuse/assault, and subdural hemorrhage. However,
      posttraumatic seizures are common even in the absence of these factors.

PMID- 27654817
TI  - Overuse of Medical Imaging and Its Radiation Exposure: Who's Minding Our
      Children?

PMID- 27654818
TI  - Diagnosing Traumatic Encephalopathy Syndrome.

PMID- 27654816
TI  - Dexmedetomidine Use in Critically Ill Children With Acute Respiratory Failure.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Care of critically ill children includes sedation but current
      therapies are suboptimal. To describe dexmedetomidine use in children supported
      on mechanical ventilation for acute respiratory failure. DESIGN: Secondary
      analysis of data from the Randomized Evaluation of Sedation Titration for
      Respiratory Failure clinical trial. SETTING: Thirty-one PICUs. PATIENTS: Data
      from 2,449 children; 2 weeks to 17 years old. INTERVENTIONS: Sedation practices
      were unrestrained in the usual care arm. Patients were categorized as receiving
      dexmedetomidine as a primary sedative, secondary sedative, periextubation agent,
      or never prescribed. Dexmedetomidine exposure and sedation and clinical profiles
      are described. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Of 1,224 usual care patients, 596
      (49%) received dexmedetomidine. Dexmedetomidine as a primary sedative patients (n
      = 138; 11%) were less critically ill (Pediatric Risk of Mortality III-12 score
      median, 6 [interquartile range, 3-11]) and when compared with all other cohorts,
      experienced more episodic agitation. In the intervention group, time in sedation
      target improved from 28% to 50% within 1 day of initiating dexmedetomidine as a
      primary sedative. Dexmedetomidine as a secondary sedative usual care patients (n
      = 280; 23%) included more children with severe pediatric acute respiratory
      distress syndrome or organ failure. Dexmedetomidine as a secondary sedative
      patients experienced more inadequate pain (22% vs 11%) and sedation (31% vs 16%)
      events. Dexmedetomidine as a periextubation agent patients (n = 178; 15%) were
      those known to not tolerate an awake, intubated state and experienced a shorter
      ventilator weaning process (2.1 vs 2.3 d). CONCLUSIONS: Our data support the use
      of dexmedetomidine as a primary agent in low criticality patients offering the
      benefit of rapid achievement of targeted sedation levels. Dexmedetomidine as a
      secondary agent does not appear to add benefit. The use of dexmedetomidine to
      facilitate extubation in children intolerant of an awake, intubated state may
      abbreviate ventilator weaning. These data support a broader armamentarium of
      pediatric critical care sedation.

PMID- 27654819
TI  - Peripheral use of detachable coils: expanding the boundaries of embolization.
AB  - Percutaneous embolization was introduced in the mid-'70s and is now an
      established therapeutic procedure in current medical practice. With the use of
      improved imaging techniques, smaller profile catheters and new tools,
      embolization boundaries are significantly expanded in the last decades.
      Detachable coils were initially introduced in neuroradiology and are now part of
      the everyday peripheral embolization armamentarium. Purpose of this review
      article is to present an overview of the expanded possibilities that this novel
      material is offering in the field of peripheral embolization procedures.

PMID- 27654820
TI  - Evaluation of a training program for medicines-oriented policymakers to use a
      database of systematic reviews.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Suboptimal prescribing and medications use is a problem for health
      systems globally. Systematic reviews are a comprehensive resource that can help
      guide evidence-informed decision-making and implementation of interventions
      addressing such issues; however, a barrier to the use of systematic reviews is
      their inaccessibility (due to both dispersion across journals and inaccessibility
      of content). Publicly available databases, such as Rx for Change, provide quick
      access to summaries of appraised systematic reviews of professional and consumer
      oriented interventions to improve prescribing behaviour and appropriate
      medication use, and may help maximise the use of evidence to inform decisions.
      The present study aims to evaluate a training program to improve attitudes
      towards, confidence in skills, intentions to use, and use of systematic review
      evidence contained within Rx for Change. METHODS: Guided by the Knowledge to
      Action framework, a training program with content customised to local provider
      and consumer contexts was developed with knowledge user input. The training
      program consisted of a 6 minute information video, a 1 hour workshop with hands
      on, interactive and didactic components, and two post-training reminders. Forty
      nine people from five medicines-focused organisations in Canada and Australia
      attended one of six workshops. Participants were surveyed immediately pre and
      post and 3 months after training to evaluate their attitudes towards, confidence
      in skills, intentions to use, and use of Rx for Change, and attitudes towards and
      confidence in skills for using evidence for decision-making. Analyses for
      differences for each of the outcomes at three time points (pre, post and 3 months
      after training) was performed using a random effects model. RESULTS: Immediately
      post-training, there were higher respondent attitudes towards Rx for Change (mean
      increase = 0.54 out of 5, 95% CI, 0.18-0.83, P < 0.005); intention to use Rx for
      Change (0.53, 95% CI, 0.21-0.86, P < 0.005); confidence in skills for using Rx
      for Change (2.08, 95% CI, 1.74-2.42, P < 0.005); and confidence in skills for
      using evidence in policy decision-making (0.50, 95% CI, 0.22-0.77, P < .005)
      compared to pre-training. Confidence in skills for using both Rx for Change and
      evidence were maintained 3 months after training (both P < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS:
      Participants of this training program reported sustained improvements in their
      confidence in skills for using evidence in policy decision-making. This may have
      important implications for uptake of systematic review evidence promoting
      improved prescribing and medication use.

PMID- 27654821
TI  - Metabolic pathways for lipid synthesis under nitrogen stress in Chlamydomonas and
      Nannochloropsis.
AB  - Microalgae are currently being considered as a clean, sustainable and renewable
      energy source. Enzymes that catalyse the metabolic pathways for biofuel
      production are specific and require strict regulation and co-ordination. Thorough
      knowledge of these key enzymes along with their regulatory molecules is essential
      to enable rational metabolic engineering, to drive the metabolic flux towards the
      desired metabolites of importance. This paper reviews two key enzymes that play
      their role in production of bio-oil: DGAT (acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol
      acyltransferase) and PDAT (phospholipid:diacylglycerol acyltransferase). It also
      deals with the transcription factors that control the enzymes while cell
      undergoes a metabolic shift under stress. The paper also discusses the
      association of other enzymes and pathways that provide substrates and precursors
      for oil accumulation. Finally a futuristic solution has been proposed about a
      synthetic algal cell platform that would be committed towards biofuel synthesis.

PMID- 27654822
TI  - Low temperature and Daphnia-associated infochemicals promote colony formation of
      Scenedesmus obliquus and its harvesting.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the combined effects of temperature and Daphnia-associated
      infochemicals on colony formation of Scenedesmus obliquus to faciliate harvesting
      the algal biomass. RESULTS: A three-parameter modified Gaussian model fitted the
      changes of the number of cells per particle in S. obliquus induced by Daphnia
      culture filtrate well under any temperature. Decreases in temperature enhanced
      the induced-colony formation of Scenedesmus. The maximum colony size at 15-25 
      degrees C was significantly larger than those at 30-35  degrees C. An additional
      1 or 2 days at low temperature was needed to reach the maximum colony size, which
      indicates the best harvest time for algal biomass. CONCLUSION: Induced-colony
      formation of Scenedesmus by Daphnia culture filtrate at 15-25  degrees C is
      recommended to settle algal cells. This condition facilitates harvesting the
      biomass.

PMID- 27654823
TI  - Production of 10S-hydroxy-8(E)-octadecenoic acid from oleic acid by whole
      recombinant Escherichia coli cells expressing 10S-dioxygenase from Nostoc
      punctiforme PCC 73102 with the aid of a chaperone.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To increase the production of 10S-hydroxy-8(E)-octadecenoic acid from
      oleic acid by whole recombinant Escherichia coli cells expressing Nostoc
      punctiforme 10S-dioxygenase with the aid of a chaperone. RESULTS: The optimal
      conditions for 10S-hydroxy-8(E)-octadecenoic acid production by recombinant cells
      co-expressing chaperone plasmid were pH 9, 35  degrees C, 15 % (v/v) dimethyl
      sulfoxide, 40 g cells l-1, and 10 g oleic acid l-1. Under these conditions,
      recombinant cells co-expressing chaperone plasmid produced 7.2 g 10S-hydroxy-8(E)
      octadecenoic acid l-1 within 30 min, with a conversion yield of 72 % (w/w) and a
      volumetric productivity of 14.4 g l-1 h-1. CONCLUSION: The activity of
      recombinant cells expressing 10S-dioxygenase was increased by 200 % with the aid
      of a chaperone, demonstrating the first biotechnological production of 10S
      hydroxy-8(E)-octadecenoic acid using recombinant cells expressing 10S
      dioxygenase.

PMID- 27654824
TI  - A novel method to harvest Chlorella sp. by co-flocculation/air flotation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To develop a more effective dissolved air flotation process for
      harvesting microalgae biomass, a co-flocculation/air flotation (CAF) system was
      developed that uses an ejector followed by a helix tube flocculation reactor
      (HTFR) as a co-flocculation device to harvest Chlorella sp. 64.01. RESULTS: The
      optimal size distribution of micro-bubbles and an air release efficiency of 96 %
      were obtained when the flow ratio of inlet fluid (raw water) to motive fluid
      (saturated water) of the ejector was 0.14. With a reaction time of 24 s in the
      HTFR, microalgae cells and micro-bubbles were well flocculated, and these aerated
      flocs caused a fast rising velocity (96 m/h) and high harvesting efficiency (94
      %). CONCLUSIONS: In a CAF process, micro-bubbles can be encapsulated into
      microalgae flocs, which makes aerated flocs more stable. CAF is an effective
      approach to harvesting microalgae.

PMID- 27654826
TI  - [What is new in basal cell carcinoma?]
AB  - BACKGROUND: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer in fair
      skinned individuals. Although lymph node or visceral metastases are observed in
      less than 0.5 % of all cases, BCC can have a fatal course due to its highly
      invasive growth pattern. OBJECTIVES: To provide a comprehensive update on
      diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of BCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We review the
      current literature and recommendations of the German guidelines on treatment and
      prevention of skin cancer. The most pertinent developments are summarized in this
      review article. RESULTS: The use of optical coherence tomography and reflectance
      confocal microscopy can significantly improve the diagnosis of BCC compared with
      clinical assessment and dermoscopy alone. Mohs micrographic surgery remains the
      therapeutic gold standard for tumors in the head and facial area and tumors with
      high-risk features. The application of imiquimod, 5-fluorouracil, or photodynamic
      therapy should be restricted to low-risk superficial tumors. Topical inhibitors
      of the sonic hedgehog (SHH) pathway are currently being evaluated in early
      clinical trials. In contrast, vismodegib and sonidegib have been approved for the
      systemic treatment of locally advanced and metastatic BCC with good response
      rates. The most common adverse events of both agents are muscle cramps,
      dysgeusia, diffuse alopecia, weight loss, and fatigue. In an Australian phase III
      trial, oral nicotinamide (vitamin B3) reduced the occurrence of new BCC by 20 %
      in skin cancer patients. CONCLUSIONS: Targeted therapy with SHH inhibitors has
      improved the prognosis of locally advanced and metastatic BCC, albeit at the cost
      of a significant number of adverse events.

PMID- 27654825
TI  - Comparison of a physical activity recall questionnaire with accelerometry in
      children and adolescents with obesity: a pilot study.
AB  - This study aimed to determine the validity of the Habitual Activity Estimation
      Scale (HAES) for assessing physical activity (PA) in children and adolescents
      with severe obesity. Data were obtained from participants (n = 17) in the High
      Impact Strategies Toward Overweight Reduction in Youth study at the Hospital for
      Sick Children in Toronto. Objective measurement of PA was recorded with
      accelerometers and interpreted using counts-per-minute (CPM) cut-points developed
      for children and adolescents. Self-report measurement of PA was collected using
      the HAES questionnaire. Pearson correlations revealed HAES significantly
      overestimated average daily duration of vigorous (+48 +/- 64 min, p < 0.001) and
      moderate-light activity (+114 +/- 129 min, p < 0.001) but not inactivity (+38 +/-
      158 min, p = 0.17). This disagreement may be explained by increased perceived
      exertion in obese participants when performing PA. Thus, the HAES should not be
      used to assess PA in obese youth. Further work to validate accelerometer CPM cut
      points for obese children and adolescents calibrated to energy consumption and
      perceived exertion during PA in this group is warranted.

PMID- 27654827
TI  - [Risk characteristics and survival rates of malignant melanoma in Germany and the
      Netherlands].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mortality and lethality of malignant melanoma (MM) show marked
      variations throughout Europe, thereunder a higher risk within the Netherlands
      (NL) when compared to Germany (D). GOAL AND METHODS: Comparison of systems and
      exploration of possible causal factors that could explain the difference between
      D and NL. Comparative healthcare research analysis using published international
      literature, as well as publicly accessible databases, and a subsequent hypothesis
      generating analysis. RESULTS: The higher rate of excised MM less than 1 mm in
      diameter in D (65 % vs. 45 %) confirms the clinical reports of the cancer
      registries. The biological factors for the emergence of MM, such as skin type, do
      not seem to significantly differ from each other. Among the further potential
      predictors there are no relevant differences within, for example, geographical
      conditions and the qualifications of the treating physicians. Primary prevention
      has a longer continual tradition in D. Here, secondary prevention is
      characterized by population-based extensive screening, which does not occur
      within the NL. In addition, distinct differences are found regarding access to
      dermatologists. CONCLUSION: System access to a medical specialist and the
      prevention of skin cancer are currently the most distinctive potential
      determinants of more favorable MM survival rate in Germany.

PMID- 27654828
TI  - Effect of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus on the Risk of Incident Respiratory
      Failure: A National Cohort Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: We conducted a nationwide cohort study to investigate the relationship
      between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and the risk of incident respiratory
      failure. METHODS: From the National Health Insurance Research Database, we
      identified 11 533 patients newly diagnosed with SLE and 46 132 controls without
      SLE who were randomly selected through frequency-matching according to age, sex,
      and index year. Both cohorts were followed until the end of 2011 to measure the
      incidence of incident respiratory failure, which was compared between the 2
      cohorts through a Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. RESULTS: The
      adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of incident respiratory failure was 5.80 (95%
      confidence interval [CI] = 5.15-6.52) for the SLE cohort after we adjusted for
      sex, age, and comorbidities. Both men (aHR = 3.44, 95% CI = 2.67-4.43) and women
      (aHR = 6.79, 95% CI = 5.93-7.77) had a significantly higher rate of incident
      respiratory failure in the SLE cohort than in the non-SLE cohort. Both men and
      women aged <35 years (aHR = 31.2, 95% CI = 21.6-45.2), 35-65 years; (aHR = 6.19,
      95% CI = 5.09-7.54) and >=65 years (aHR = 2.35, 95% CI = 1.92-2.87) had a higher
      risk of incident respiratory failure in the SLE cohort. Moreover, the risk of
      incident respiratory failure was higher in the SLE cohort than the non-SLE
      cohort, for subjects with (aHR = 2.65, 95% CI = 2.22-3.15) or without (aHR =
      9.08, 95% CI = 7.72-10.7) pre-existing comorbidities. In the SLE cohort, subjects
      with >24 outpatient visits and hospitalizations per year had a higher incident
      respiratory failure risk (aHR = 21.7, 95% CI = 18.0-26.1) compared with the non
      SLE cohort. CONCLUSION: Patients with SLE are associated with an increased risk
      of incident respiratory failure, regardless of their age, sex, and pre-existing
      comorbidities; especially medical services with higher frequency.

PMID- 27654830
TI  - Onset of medication efficacy in patients with overactive bladder: What should we
      tell them?

PMID- 27654829
TI  - Exploring the Biocompatibility of Zwitterionic Copolymers for Controlling
      Macrophage Phagocytosis of Bacteria.
AB  - This paper provides a biomaterial derived from zwitterionic polymer for
      controlling macrophage phagocytosis of bacteria. A series of zwitterionic
      copolymers, named DMAPS-co-AA, are synthesized with 3-dimethyl
      (methacryloyloxyethyl) ammonium propane sulfonate (DMAPS) and acrylic acid (AA).
      The biocompatibility of DMAPS-co-AA copolymers can be adjusted by adjusting the
      DMAPS-content or pH value. As the DMAPS-content increases, the biocompatibility
      of zwitterionic copolymer increases. The zwitterionic copolymers with DMAPS
      content above 30 wt% have higher biocompatibility. Moreover, the biocompatibility
      also increases significantly as the pH increases from 3.4 to 7.2. By adjusting
      the pH above 5.8, the zwitterionic copolymer with lower DMAPS-content also shows
      higher biocompatibility. Importantly, after incubation with the DMAPS-co-AA
      copolymer solutions at different pH values, phagocytosis behavior of macrophage
      RAW264.7 cells can also be adjusted. The phagocytosis of bacteria is enhanced at
      pH = 7.2. Thus, it is proposed that zwitterionic copolymers can be used for
      controlling phagocytosis of bacteria.

PMID- 27654832
TI  - Pneumococcal vaccines for cystic fibrosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Invasive pneumococcal disease is associated with significant
      mortality and many countries have introduced routine pneumococcal vaccination
      into their childhood immunisation programmes. Whilst pneumococcal disease in
      cystic fibrosis is uncommon, pneumococcal immunisation may offer some protection
      against pulmonary exacerbations caused by this pathogen. In the USA and UK
      pneumococcal vaccination is currently recommended for all children and adults
      with cystic fibrosis. This is an update of a previously published review.
      OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy of pneumococcal vaccines in reducing morbidity
      in people with cystic fibrosis. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Cystic
      Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group Cystic Fibrosis Trials Register, which
      comprises references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches
      and handsearches of relevant journals and abstract books of conference
      proceedings. In addition, the pharmaceutical manufacturers of the polysaccharide
      and conjugate pneumococcal vaccines were approached.Date of the most recent
      search: 27 June 2016. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised and quasi-randomised
      controlled trials comparing pneumococcal vaccination (with either a
      polysaccharide or conjugate pneumococcal vaccine) with non-vaccination or placebo
      in children or adults with cystic fibrosis were eligible for inclusion. DATA
      COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: No relevant trials were identified. MAIN RESULTS: There
      are no trials included in this review. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: As no trials were
      identified we cannot draw conclusions on the efficacy of routine pneumococcal
      immunisation in people with cystic fibrosis in reducing their morbidity or
      mortality. As many countries now include pneumococcal immunisation in their
      routine childhood vaccination schedule it is unlikely that future randomised
      controlled trials will be initiated. Rigorously conducted epidemiological studies
      may offer the opportunity to evaluate the efficacy of pneumococcal vaccination in
      reducing morbidity and mortality in people with cystic fibrosis.

PMID- 27654831
TI  - Functional Neuroimaging in Migraine: Chances and Challenges.
AB  - Functional neuroimaging studies are an indispensable tool in headache research
      and have greatly contributed to our understanding of migraine pathophysiology.
      The past two decades have identified the brainstem as the target region of
      interest in migraine pathophysiology: Recent evidence suggests that certain areas
      of the central nervous system and especially the brainstem periodically change
      activity during different stages of the migraine cycle. Additionally, the number
      of resting-state functional MRI studies in migraine has increased greatly in
      recent years. Three future trends in migraine neuroimaging can be identified:
      brainstem optimized functional imaging, longitudinal approaches tracking
      biological changes through the migraine cycle, and optimized resting-state fMRI.
      Consequently, we face a lot of difficulties regarding image noise and artifacts,
      organizational details, and data interpretation. Optimized neuroimaging studies
      and new approaches will continue to greatly contribute to our pathophysiological
      understanding of migraine.

PMID- 27654834
TI  - Low-Frequency Intracortical Electrical Stimulation Decreases Sensorimotor Cortex
      Hyperexcitability in the Acute Phase of Ischemic Stroke.
AB  - Ischemic stroke causes a series of complex pathophysiological events in the
      brain. Electrical stimulation of the brain has been considered as a novel
      neuroprotection intervention to save the penumbra. However, the effect on the
      cells' responsiveness and their ability to survive has yet to be established. The
      objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of low-frequency
      intracortical electrical stimulation (lf-ICES) applied to the ischemia-affected
      sensorimotor cortex immediately following ischemic stroke. Twenty male Sprague
      Dawley rats were instrumented with an intracortical microelectrode array (IC MEA)
      and a cuff-electrode around the sciatic nerve. Photothrombosis intervention was
      performed within the sensorimotor cortex and the electrophysiological changes
      were assessed by analysis of the neural responses to stimulation of the sciatic
      nerve. Neuroprotection intervention consisted of eight 23 min lf-ICES blocks
      applied to the IC MEA during the initial 4 h following photothrombosis. Our
      results revealed that the area and magnitude of the sensorimotor cortex response
      significantly increased if ischemic stroke was allowed to progress uninterrupted,
      whereas this was not observed for the group of rats subjected to lf-ICES. Our
      findings indicate that low-frequency electrical stimulation is able to minimize
      hyperexcitability and may therefore be a candidate as neuroprotection
      intervention in the future.

PMID- 27654835
TI  - A Masked Phosphinidene Trapped in a Fluxional NCN Pincer.
AB  - The trapping of a phosphinidene (R-P) in an NCN pincer is presented. Stabilized
      phosphinidene 1 was characterized by 31 P{1 H}, 1 H, and 13 C{1 H} NMR
      spectroscopy, exhibiting an averaged C2v symmetry in solution between -60 and 60 
      degrees C. In the solid state, the phosphinidene is coordinated by one adjacent N
      atom featuring a formal P-N bond (1.757(2) A) to give a five-membered ring with
      some aromatic character, confirmed by DFT calculations (B3LYP-D3/6-311G**++) to
      be the ground-state structure. Equilibration of the two N ligands occurs rapidly
      in solution via a "bell-clapper"-type process through an associative symmetric
      transition state calculated to lie 4.0 kcal mol-1 above the ground state.

PMID- 27654836
TI  - Religiousness and Mental Health: Systematic Review Study.
AB  - Many people use religious beliefs and practices to cope with stressful life
      events and derive peace of mind and purpose in life. The goal of this paper was
      to systematically review the recent psychological literature to assess the role
      of religion in mental health outcomes. A comprehensive literature search was
      conducted using medical and psychological databases on the relationship between
      religiosity and mental health. Seventy-four articles in the English and Arabic
      languages published between January 2000 and March 2012 were chosen. Despite the
      controversial relationship between religion and psychiatry, psychology, and
      medical care, there has been an increasing interest in the role which
      spirituality and religion play in mental health. The findings of past research
      showed that religion could play an important role in many situations, as
      religious convictions and rules influence the believer's life and health care.
      Most of the past literature in this area reported that there is a significant
      connection between religious beliefs and practices and mental health. 

PMID- 27654837
TI  - Short-term efficacy and safety of ranibizumab for macular oedema secondary to
      retinal vein occlusion in Japanese patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ranibizumab 0.5 mg in Japanese
      patients with visual impairment due to macular oedema secondary to branch retinal
      vein occlusion (BRVO) or central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and to support the
      applicability of the phase III results from Caucasian to Japanese populations.
      METHODS: This is a 3-month, open-label, single-arm, multicentre, phase III study.
      Thirty-one patients (15 BRVO and 16 CRVO) aged >=18 years with a best-corrected
      visual acuity (BCVA) letter score of 19-73 (BRVO) or 24-73 (CRVO) were included.
      The primary end-point was the mean average change in BCVA from baseline to month
      1 through month 3 after three consecutive monthly intravitreal injections of
      ranibizumab 0.5 mg. Secondary end-points were mean change in BCVA and central
      subfield thickness (CSFT), categorized BCVA, and safety over 3 months. RESULTS:
      At month 3, the mean average change in BCVA improved substantially from baseline
      for BRVO (11.3 letters, p = 0.001) and CRVO (6.7 letters, p = 0.019). The mean
      BCVA improved (12.8 and 9.1 letters) and the mean CSFT decreased (212.5 and 442.1
      MUm) from baseline to month 3. At month 3, 26.7% (BRVO) and 31.3% (CRVO) of the
      patients had a gain of >=15 letters from baseline. Safety findings in this study
      were similar to those reported in the previous clinical trials. CONCLUSION:
      Ranibizumab was effective in improving BCVA and was well tolerated in Japanese
      patients with BRVO and CRVO. The findings from this study were consistent with
      those reported in the Caucasian population.

PMID- 27654838
TI  - 1 H NMR study and multivariate data analysis of reindeer skin tanning methods.
AB  - Reindeer skin clothing has been an essential component in the lives of indigenous
      people of the arctic and sub-arctic regions, keeping them warm during harsh
      winters. However, the skin processing technology, which often conveys the history
      and tradition of the indigenous group, has not been well documented. In this
      study, NMR spectra and relaxation behaviors of reindeer skin samples treated with
      a variety of vegetable tannin extracts, oils and fatty substances are studied and
      compared. With the assistance of principal component analysis (PCA), one can
      recognize patterns and identify groupings of differently treated samples. These
      methods could be important aids in efforts to conserve museum leather artifacts
      with unknown treatment methods and in the analysis of reindeer skin tanning
      processes. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27654839
TI  - Hemorrhagic and Thromboembolic Complications after Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic
      Surgery in Patients Receiving Antithrombotic Therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Perioperative management for patients receiving long-term
      anticoagulant (AC) and antiplatelet (AP) therapy is a great concern for surgeons.
      This single-center retrospective study evaluated the risks of hemorrhage and
      thromboembolism after hepato-biliary-pancreatic (HBP) surgery in such patients.
      METHODS: Between 2009 and 2014, 886 patients underwent HBP surgery. Patients were
      categorized into the AC (n = 39), AP (n = 77), or control (n = 770) group
      according to the administration of antithrombotic drugs. Perioperative management
      of AC and AP therapies followed the guidelines of the Japanese Circulation
      Society. The incidences of hemorrhage and thromboembolism were compared among
      groups. We used 1:1 propensity score matching and compared the incidences between
      the matched pairs. RESULTS: There were 0, 1 (1.3%), and 26 (3.4%) hemorrhagic
      complications in the AC, AP, and control groups, respectively (p = 0.16). There
      were 0, 1 (1.3%), and 6 (0.8%) thromboembolic complications in the AC, AP, and
      control groups, respectively (p = 0.66). There was no significant difference in
      hemorrhagic and thromboembolic complications between the propensity-matched
      pairs. CONCLUSION: The incidences of hemorrhage and thromboembolism after HBP
      surgery in patients receiving long-term AC and AP therapies are within acceptable
      ranges.

PMID- 27654840
TI  - AP-SKAT: highly-efficient genome-wide rare variant association test.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Genome-wide association studies have revealed associations between
      single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and phenotypes such as disease symptoms
      and drug tolerance. To address the small sample size for rare variants,
      association studies tend to group gene or pathway level variants and evaluate the
      effect on the set of variants. One of such strategies, known as the sequential
      kernel association test (SKAT), is a widely used collapsing method. However, the
      reported p-values from SKAT tend to be biased because the asymptotic property of
      the statistic is used to calculate the p-value. Although this bias can be
      corrected by applying permutation procedures for the test statistics, the
      computational cost of obtaining p-values with high resolution is prohibitive.
      RESULTS: To address this problem, we devise an adaptive SKAT procedure termed AP
      SKAT that efficiently classifies significant SNP sets and ranks them according to
      the permuted p-values. Our procedure adaptively stops the permutation test when
      the significance level is outside some confidence interval of the estimated p
      value for a binomial distribution. To evaluate the performance, we first compare
      the power and sample size calculation and the type I error rates estimate of
      SKAT, SKAT-O, and the proposed procedure using genotype data in the SKAT R
      package and from 1000 Genome Project. Through computational experiments using
      whole genome sequencing and SNP array data, we show that our proposed procedure
      is highly efficient and has comparable accuracy to the standard procedure.
      CONCLUSIONS: For several types of genetic data, the developed procedure could
      achieve competitive power and sample size under small and large sample size
      conditions with controlling considerable type I error rates, and estimate p
      values of significant SNP sets that are consistent with those estimated by the
      standard permutation test within a realistic time. This demonstrates that the
      procedure is sufficiently powerful for recent whole genome sequencing and SNP
      array data with increasing numbers of phenotypes. Additionally, this procedure
      can be used in other association tests by employing alternative methods to
      calculate the statistics.

PMID- 27654841
TI  - Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program: Safety-Net Hospitals Show Improvement,
      Modifications To Penalty Formula Still Needed.
AB  - Many observers are calling for modification of Medicare's Hospital Readmissions
      Reduction Program (HRRP) to relieve an unfair burden on safety-net hospitals,
      which serve low-income populations and consequently have relatively high
      readmission rates. To broaden the perspective on this issue, we addressed the
      fundamental question of whether the HRRP has been an effective tool for reducing
      thirty-day readmissions in safety-net hospitals. In the first three years of the
      program, these hospitals reduced readmissions for heart attack by 2.86 percentage
      points, heart failure by 2.78 percentage points, and pneumonia by 1.77 percentage
      points, and they also reduced the disparity between their readmission rates and
      those of other hospitals. While the fairness issue remains unresolved, it appears
      that safety-net hospitals have been able to respond to HRRP incentives.

PMID- 27654842
TI  - The health care experience of patients with cancer during the last year of life:
      Analysis of the SEER-CAHPS data set.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Providing high-quality medical care for individuals with cancer
      during their last year of life involves a range of challenges. An important
      component of high-quality care during this critical period is ensuring optimal
      patient satisfaction. The objective of the current study was to assess factors
      influencing health care ratings among individuals with cancer within 1 year
      before death. METHODS: The current study used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and
      End Results (SEER)-Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems
      (CAHPS) data set, a new data resource linking patient-reported information from
      the CAHPS Medicare Survey with clinical information from the National Cancer
      Institute's SEER program. The study included 5102 Medicare beneficiaries
      diagnosed with cancer who completed CAHPS between 1998 and 2011 within 1 year
      before their death. Multivariable logistic regression analyses examined
      associations between patient demographic and insurance characteristics with 9
      measures of health care experience. RESULTS: Patients with higher general or
      mental health status were significantly more likely to indicate excellent
      experience with nearly all measures examined. Sex, race/ethnicity, and education
      also were found to be significant predictors for certain ratings. Greater time
      before death predicted an increased likelihood of higher ratings for health plan
      and specialist physician. Clinical characteristics were found to have few
      significant associations with experience of care. Individuals in fee-for-service
      Medicare plans (vs Medicare Advantage) had a greater likelihood of excellent
      experience with health plans, getting care quickly, and getting needed care.
      CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with cancer within 1 year before death, experience
      with health plans, physicians, and medical care were found to be associated with
      sociodemographic, insurance, and clinical characteristics. These findings provide
      guidance for the development of programs to improve the experience of care among
      individuals with cancer. Cancer 2017;123:336-344. (c) 2016 American Cancer
      Society.

PMID- 27654843
TI  - Reinventing HCV Treatment: Past and Future Perspectives.
AB  - This review paper summarizes the epidemiology of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and
      chronic HCV infection, including HCV virology and treatment regimens.
      Specifically, we focus on the evolution of past, current, and future HCV
      treatment options, the reasons for treatment failure, and the impact of
      resistance-associated variants on treatment success.

PMID- 27654844
TI  - Redox Non-Innocent Behavior of a Terminal Iridium Hydrazido(2-) Triple Bond.
AB  - The synthesis of the first terminal Group 9 hydrazido(2-) complex, Cp*IrN(TMP)
      (6) (TMP=2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine) is reported. Electronic structure and X
      ray diffraction analysis indicate that this complex contains an Ir-N triple bond,
      similar to Bergman's seminal Cp*Ir(Nt Bu) imido complex. However, in sharp
      contrast to Bergman's imido, 6 displays remarkable redox non-innocent reactivity
      owing to the presence of the Nbeta lone pair. Treatment of 6 with MeI results in
      electron transfer from Nbeta to Ir prior to oxidative addition of MeI to the
      iridium center. This behavior opens the possibility of carrying out facile
      oxidative reactions at a formally IrIII metal center through a hydrazido(2
      )/isodiazene valence tautomerization.

PMID- 27654845
TI  - Psychosocial therapy and causes of death after deliberate self-harm: a register
      based, nationwide multicentre study using propensity score matching.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Psychosocial therapy after deliberate self-harm might be associated
      with reduced risk of specific causes of death. METHOD: In this matched cohort
      study, we included patients, who after an episode of deliberate self-harm
      received psychosocial therapy at a Suicide Prevention Clinic in Denmark between
      1992 and 2010. We used propensity score matching in a 1:3 ratio to select a
      comparison group from 59 046 individuals who received standard care. National
      Danish registers supplied data on specific causes of death over a 20-year follow
      up period. RESULTS: At the end of follow-up, 391 (6.9%) of 5678 patients in the
      psychosocial therapy group had died, compared with 1736 (10.2%) of 17 034
      patients in the matched comparison group. Lower odds ratios of dying by mental or
      behavioural disorders [0.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.37-0.79], alcohol
      related causes (0.63, 95% CI 0.50-0.80) and other diseases and medical conditions
      (0.61, 95% CI 0.49-0.77) were noted in the psychosocial therapy group. Also, we
      found a reduced risk of dying by suicide as well as other external causes,
      however, not by neoplasms and circulatory system diseases. Numbers needed to
      treat were 212.9 (95% CI 139.5-448.4) for mental or behavioural disorders as a
      cause of death, 111.1 (95% CI 79.2-210.5) for alcohol-related causes and 96.8
      (95% CI 69.1-161.8) for other diseases and medical conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      findings indicate that psychosocial therapy after deliberate self-harm might
      reduce long-term risk of death from select medical conditions and external
      causes. These promising results should be tested in a randomized design.

PMID- 27654846
TI  - Brevibacterium sediminis sp. nov., isolated from deep-sea sediments from the
      Carlsberg and Southwest Indian Ridges.
AB  - Three actinobacterial strains, FXJ8.128, FXJ8.269T and FXJ8.309, were isolated
      from deep-sea sediments collected from the Carlsberg Ridge and Southwest Indian
      Ridge at depths of 3690, 1800 and 2461 m, respectively. The three strains had
      highly similar 16S rRNA gene sequences (99.8-99.9 % identities) and formed a
      monophyletic clade within the Brevibacterium 16S rRNA gene tree, showing 98.2
      98.9 % 16S rRNA gene sequence identities with type strains Brevibacterium
      epidermidis NCIMB 702286T, Brevibacterium iodinum DSM 20626T, Brevibacterium
      linens DSM 20425T, Brevibacterium oceani BBH7T and Brevibacterium permense VKM Ac
      2280T. All three isolates showed activity towards the breakdown of pectin and
      fluoranthene. They contained MK-8(H2) as the most predominant menaquinone,
      diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and a glycolipd as the main polar
      lipids, and anteiso-C15 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 0 as the major cellular fatty
      acids. Moreover, the three isolates were distinguished readily from the
      phylogenetically related type strains by DNA-DNA hybridization values, by random
      amplified polymorphic DNA fingerprint profiles and by a range of physiological
      and biochemical characteristics. On the basis of the above polyphasic taxonomic
      data, strains FXJ8.128, FXJ8.269T and FXJ8.309 represent a novel species of the
      genus Brevibacterium, for which the name Brevibacterium sediminis sp. nov. is
      proposed. The type strain is FXJ8.269T (=CGMCC 1.15472T=DSM 102229T).

PMID- 27654847
TI  - Cyclone Aila, livelihood stress, and migration: empirical evidence from coastal
      Bangladesh.
AB  - This paper investigates why households migrated as a unit to Khulna City from the
      affected Upazilas of Dacope and Koyra in Khulna District, Bangladesh, following
      Cyclone Aila on 25 May 2009. The study reveals that households migrated primarily
      because of the livelihood stress that resulted from the failure to derive a
      secure income like before the event from the impacted areas-other push and pull
      factors also played a part in their migration decision. Despite all of the Aila
      induced losses and problems, all households wanted to avoid migration, but they
      were unable to do so for this principal reason. The findings also demonstrate
      that, if livelihoods cannot be restored, some form of widespread migration is
      inevitable after a disaster such as this one. In addition, they show that
      migration has the potential to serve as a key adaptive response to environmental
      events, as evidenced by the improved economic conditions of a substantial number
      of the migrated households.

PMID- 27654849
TI  - Surgical abdomen with intestinal pseudo-obstruction as presenting feature of
      atypical Kawasaki disease.

PMID- 27654848
TI  - A hypo-status in drug-dependent brain revealed by multi-modal MRI.
AB  - Drug addiction is a chronic brain disorder with no proven effective cure.
      Assessing both structural and functional brain alterations by using multi-modal,
      rather than purely unimodal imaging techniques, may provide a more comprehensive
      understanding of the brain mechanisms underlying addiction, which in turn may
      facilitate future treatment strategies. However, this type of research remains
      scarce in the literature. We acquired multi-modal magnetic resonance imaging from
      20 cocaine-addicted individuals and 19 age-matched controls. Compared with
      controls, cocaine addicts showed a multi-modal hypo-status with (1) decreased
      brain tissue volume in the medial and lateral orbitofrontal cortex (OFC); (2)
      hypo-perfusion in the prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, insula, right
      temporal cortex and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and (3) reduced irregularity
      of resting state activity in the OFC and limbic areas, as well as the cingulate,
      visual and parietal cortices. In the cocaine-addicted brain, larger tissue volume
      in the medial OFC, anterior cingulate cortex and ventral striatum and smaller
      insular tissue volume were associated with higher cocaine dependence levels.
      Decreased perfusion in the amygdala and insula was also correlated with higher
      cocaine dependence levels. Tissue volume, perfusion, and brain entropy in the
      insula and prefrontal cortex, all showed a trend of negative correlation with
      drug craving scores. The three modalities showed voxel-wise correlation in
      various brain regions, and combining them improved patient versus control brain
      classification accuracy. These results, for the first time, demonstrate a
      comprehensive cocaine-dependence and craving-related hypo-status regarding the
      tissue volume, perfusion and resting brain irregularity in the cocaine-addicted
      brain.

PMID- 27654851
TI  - A phase II randomized study of lenalidomide or lenalidomide and rituximab as
      maintenance therapy following standard chemotherapy for patients with high/high
      intermediate risk diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

PMID- 27654850
TI  - Species From Feces: Order-Wide Identification of Chiroptera From Guano and Other
      Non-Invasive Genetic Samples.
AB  - Bat guano is a relatively untapped reservoir of information, having great utility
      as a DNA source because it is often available at roosts even when bats are not
      and is an easy type of sample to collect from a difficult-to-study mammalian
      order. Recent advances from microbial community studies in primer design,
      sequencing, and analysis enable fast, accurate, and cost-effective species
      identification. Here, we borrow from this discipline to develop an order-wide DNA
      mini-barcode assay (Species from Feces) based on a segment of the mitochondrial
      gene cytochrome c oxidase I (COI). The assay works effectively with fecal DNA and
      is conveniently transferable to low-cost, high-throughput Illumina MiSeq
      technology that also allows simultaneous pairing with other markers. Our PCR
      primers target a region of COI that is highly discriminatory among Chiroptera
      (92% species-level identification of barcoded species), and are sufficiently
      degenerate to allow hybridization across diverse bat taxa. We successfully
      validated our system with 54 bat species across both suborders. Despite abundant
      arthropod prey DNA in guano, our primers were highly specific to bats; no
      arthropod DNA was detected in thousands of feces run on Sanger and Illumina
      platforms. The assay is extendable to fecal pellets of unknown age as well as
      individual and pooled guano, to allow for individual (using singular fecal
      pellets) and community (using combined pellets collected from across long-term
      roost sites) analyses. We developed a searchable database
      (http://nau.edu/CEFNS/Forestry/Research/Bats/Search-Tool/) that allows users to
      determine the discriminatory capability of our markers for bat species of
      interest. Our assay has applications worldwide for examining disease impacts on
      vulnerable species, determining species assemblages within roosts, and assessing
      the presence of bat species that are vulnerable or facing extinction. The
      development and analytical pathways are rapid, reliable, and inexpensive, and can
      be applied to ecology and conservation studies of other taxa.

PMID- 27654853
TI  - Tolvaptan in Acute Heart Failure: Time to Move On.

PMID- 27654852
TI  - PR1 peptide vaccine induces specific immunity with clinical responses in myeloid
      malignancies.
AB  - PR1, an HLA-A2-restricted peptide derived from both proteinase 3 and neutrophil
      elastase, is recognized on myeloid leukemia cells by cytotoxic T lymphocytes
      (CTLs) that preferentially kill leukemia and contribute to cytogenetic remission.
      To evaluate safety, immunogenicity and clinical activity of PR1 vaccination, a
      phase I/II trial was conducted. Sixty-six HLA-A2+ patients with acute myeloid
      leukemia (AML: 42), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML: 13) or myelodysplastic
      syndrome (MDS: 11) received three to six PR1 peptide vaccinations, administered
      subcutaneously every 3 weeks at dose levels of 0.25, 0.5 or 1.0 mg. Patients were
      randomized to the three dose levels after establishing the safety of the highest
      dose level. Primary end points were safety and immune response, assessed by
      doubling of PR1/HLA-A2 tetramer-specific CTL, and the secondary end point was
      clinical response. Immune responses were noted in 35 of 66 (53%) patients. Of the
      53 evaluable patients with active disease, 12 (24%) had objective clinical
      responses (complete: 8; partial: 1 and hematological improvement: 3). PR1
      specific immune response was seen in 9 of 25 clinical responders versus 3 of 28
      clinical non-responders (P=0.03). In conclusion, PR1 peptide vaccine induces
      specific immunity that correlates with clinical responses, including molecular
      remission, in AML, CML and MDS patients.

PMID- 27654854
TI  - Efficacy and Safety of Tolvaptan in Patients Hospitalized With Acute Heart
      Failure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The oral vasopressin-2 receptor antagonist tolvaptan causes aquaresis
      in patients with volume overload, potentially facilitating decongestion and
      improving the clinical course of patients with acute heart failure (AHF).
      OBJECTIVES: The TACTICS-HF (Targeting Acute Congestion with Tolvaptan in
      Congestive Heart Failure) study was conducted to address the acute use of
      tolvaptan to improve congestion in AHF. METHODS: The TACTICS-HF study randomized
      patients (n = 257) within 24 h of AHF presentation in a prospective, double
      blind, placebo-controlled trial. Patients were eligible regardless of ejection
      fraction, and were randomized to either 30 mg of tolvaptan or placebo given at 0,
      24, and 48 h, with a fixed-dose furosemide regimen as background therapy. The
      primary endpoint was the proportion of patients considered responders at 24 h.
      Secondary endpoints included symptom improvement, changes in renal function, and
      clinical events. RESULTS: Dyspnea relief by Likert scale was similar between
      groups at 8 h (25% moderately or markedly improved with tolvaptan vs. 28%
      placebo; p = 0.59) and at 24 h (50% tolvaptan vs. 47% placebo; p = 0.80). Need
      for rescue therapy was also similar at 24 h (21% tolvaptan, 18% placebo; p =
      0.57). The proportion defined as responders at 24 h (primary study endpoint) was
      16% for tolvaptan and 20% for placebo (p = 0.32). Tolvaptan resulted in greater
      weight loss and net fluid loss compared with placebo, but tolvaptan-treated
      patients were more likely to experience worsening renal function during
      treatment. There were no differences in in-hospital or post-discharge clinical
      outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: In patients hospitalized with AHF, dyspnea, and
      congestion, the addition of tolvaptan to a standardized furosemide regimen did
      not improve the number of responders at 24 h, despite greater weight loss and
      fluid loss. (Targeting Acute Congestion With Tolvaptan in Congestive Heart
      Failure [TACTICS-HF]; NCT01644331).

PMID- 27654855
TI  - Dysregulated JAK2 expression by TrkC promotes metastasis potential, and EMT
      program of metastatic breast cancer.
AB  - Metastatic breast cancers are aggressive tumors associated with high levels of
      epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, activation of IL6/JAK2/STAT3 and
      PI3K/AKT pathways for cell growth, mobility, invasion, metastasis, and CSC
      status. We identified a new molecular and functional network present in
      metastasis that regulates and coordinates with TrkC. Inhibition of SOCS3-mediated
      JAK2 degradation by TrkC increases total JAK2/STAT3 expression, and then leads to
      upregulation of Twist-1 through activation of JAK2/STAT3 cascade. Also, TrkC
      increases secretion and expression of IL-6, suggesting that this autocrine loop
      generated by TrkC maintains the mesenchymal state by continued activation of the
      JAK2/STAT3 cascade and upregulation of Twist expression. Moreover, TrkC interacts
      with the c-Src/Jak2 complex, which increases Twist-1 and Twist-2 levels via
      regulation of JAK2/STAT3 activation and JAK2/STAT3 expression. Furthermore, TrkC
      enhances metastatic potential of breast cancer via induction of EMT by
      upregulating Twist-1 and Twist-2. Additionally, TrkC significantly enhances the
      ability of breast cancer cells to form pulmonary metastases and primary tumor
      formation. Unexpectedly, we found that TrkC expression and clinical breast tumor
      pathological phenotypes show significant correlation. These findings suggest that
      TrkC plays a central role in tumorigenicity, metastasis, and self-renewal traits
      of metastatic breast cancer.

PMID- 27654856
TI  - Mitochondrial pathogenic mechanism and degradation in optineurin E50K mutation
      mediated retinal ganglion cell degeneration.
AB  - Mutations in optineurin (OPTN) are linked to the pathology of primary open angle
      glaucoma (POAG) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Emerging evidence indicates
      that OPTN mutation is involved in accumulation of damaged mitochondria and
      defective mitophagy. Nevertheless, the role played by an OPTN E50K mutation in
      the pathogenic mitochondrial mechanism that underlies retinal ganglion cell (RGC)
      degeneration in POAG remains unknown. We show here that E50K expression induces
      mitochondrial fission-mediated mitochondrial degradation and mitophagy in the
      axons of the glial lamina of aged E50K-tg mice in vivo. While E50K activates the
      Bax pathway and oxidative stress, and triggers dynamics alteration-mediated
      mitochondrial degradation and mitophagy in RGC somas in vitro, it does not affect
      transport dynamics and fission of mitochondria in RGC axons in vitro. These
      results strongly suggest that E50K is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction
      in RGC degeneration in synergy with environmental factors such as aging and/or
      oxidative stress.

PMID- 27654857
TI  - Giving formulary and drug cost information to providers and impact on medication
      cost and use: a longitudinal non-randomized study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Providers wish to help patients with prescription costs but often
      lack drug cost information. We examined whether giving providers formulary and
      drug cost information was associated with changes in their diabetes patients'
      drug costs and use. We conducted a longitudinal non-randomized evaluation of the
      web-based Prescribing Guide ( www.PrescribingGuide.com ), a free resource
      available to Hawaii's providers since 2006, which summarizes the formularies and
      copayments of six health plans for drugs to treat 16 common health conditions.
      All adult primary care physicians in Hawaii were offered the Prescribing Guide,
      and providers who enrolled received a link to the website and regular hardcopy
      updates. METHODS: We analyzed prescription claims from a large health plan in
      Hawaii for 5,883 members with diabetes from 2007 (baseline) to 2009 (follow-up).
      Patients were linked to 299 "main prescribing" providers, who on average,
      accounted for >88 % of patients' prescriptions and drug costs. We compared
      changes in drug costs and use for "study" patients whose main provider enrolled
      to receive the Prescribing Guide, versus "control" patients whose main provider
      did not enroll to receive the Prescribing Guide. RESULTS: In multivariate
      analyses controlling for provider specialty and clustering of patients by
      providers, both patient groups experienced similar increases in number of
      prescriptions (+3.2 vs. +2.7 increase, p = 0.24), and days supply of medications
      (+141 vs. +129 increase, p = 0.40) averaged across all drugs. Total and out-of
      pocket drug costs also increased for both control and study patients. However,
      control patients showed higher increases in yearly total drug costs of $208 per
      patient (+$792 vs. +$584 increase, p = 0.02) and in 30-day supply costs (+$9.40
      vs. +$6.08 increase, p = 0.03). Both groups experienced similar changes in yearly
      out-of-pocket costs (+$41 vs + $31 increase, p = 0.36) and per 30-day supply (
      $0.23 vs. -$0.19 decrease, p = 0.996). CONCLUSION: Giving formulary and drug cost
      information to providers was associated with lower increases in total drug costs
      but not with lower out-of-pocket costs or greater medication use. Insurers and
      health information technology businesses should continue to increase providers'
      access to formulary and drug cost information at the point of care.

PMID- 27654858
TI  - Utilization of paramagnetic relaxation enhancements for structural analysis of
      actin-binding proteins in complex with actin.
AB  - Actin cytoskeleton dynamics are controlled by various actin binding proteins
      (ABPs) that modulate the polymerization of the monomeric G-actin and the
      depolymerization of filamentous F-actin. Although revealing the structures of the
      actin/ABP complexes is crucial to understand how the ABPs regulate actin
      dynamics, the X-ray crystallography and cryoEM methods are inadequate to apply
      for the ABPs that interact with G- or F-actin with lower affinity or multiple
      binding modes. In this study, we aimed to establish the alternative method to
      build a structural model of G-actin/ABP complexes, utilizing the paramagnetic
      relaxation enhancement (PRE) experiments. Thymosin beta4 (Tbeta4) was used as a
      test case for validation, since its structure in complex with G-actin was
      reported recently. Recombinantly expressed G-actin, containing a cysteine
      mutation, was conjugated with a nitroxyl spin label at the specific site. Based
      on the intensity ratio of the 1H-15N HSQC spectra of Tbeta4 in the complex with G
      actin in the paramagnetic and diamagnetic states, the distances between the amide
      groups of Tbeta4 and the spin label of G-actin were estimated. Using the PRE
      derived distance constraints, we were able to compute a well-converged docking
      structure of the G-actin/Tbeta4 complex that shows great accordance with the
      reference structure.

PMID- 27654860
TI  - Neuronal development: Signalling synaptogenesis.

PMID- 27654859
TI  - Mammographic density and breast cancer risk: a mediation analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High mammographic density (MD) is a strong risk factor for breast
      cancer. However, it is unclear whether high MD is an intermediate phenotype or
      whether breast cancer risk factors influence breast cancer risk and MD
      independently. METHODS: Our study population included 1290 invasive breast cancer
      cases and 3422 controls from the Nurses' Health Studies. We estimated the percent
      of the total association between the risk factor and breast cancer that was
      mediated by MD. RESULTS: In both pre- and postmenopausal women, the association
      between history of biopsy-confirmed benign breast disease and risk was partially
      mediated by percent MD (percent mediated (PM) = 17 %, p < 0.01 and PM = 33 %, p =
      0.04, respectively). In premenopausal women, the associations between early life
      body size (adolescent somatotype and BMI at age 18) and breast cancer risk were
      substantially mediated by percent MD (PM = 73 %, p = 0.05 and PM = 82 %, p =
      0.04, respectively). In postmenopausal women, the proportion of the associations
      of childhood somatotype and adolescent somatotype that were mediated by percent
      MD were lower (PM = 26 %, p = 0.01 for both measures). Hormone therapy use at
      mammogram was significantly mediated by percent MD in postmenopausal women (PM =
      22 %, p < 0.01). Associations with other risk factors, such as age at menarche or
      family history of breast cancer, were not mediated by percent MD. CONCLUSIONS:
      Percent MD partially mediated some of the associations between risk factors and
      breast cancer, though the magnitude varied by risk factor and menopausal status.
      These findings suggest that high MD may be an intermediate in some biological
      pathways for breast cancer development.

PMID- 27654861
TI  - Adult neurogenesis: Encouraging integration.

PMID- 27654864
TI  - New way to define disease is needed to reduce overdiagnosis, experts agree.

PMID- 27654863
TI  - Synergy of Microfluidics and Ultrasound : Process Intensification Challenges and
      Opportunities.
AB  - A compact snapshot of the current convergence of novel developments relevant to
      chemical engineering is given. Process intensification concepts are analysed
      through the lens of microfluidics and sonochemistry. Economical drivers and their
      influence on scientific activities are mentioned, including innovation
      opportunities towards deployment into society. We focus on the control of
      cavitation as a means to improve the energy efficiency of sonochemical reactors,
      as well as in the solids handling with ultrasound; both are considered the most
      difficult hurdles for its adoption in a practical and industrial sense.
      Particular examples for microfluidic clogging prevention, numbering-up and
      scaling-up strategies are given. To conclude, an outlook of possible new
      directions of this active and promising combination of technologies is hinted.

PMID- 27654865
TI  - Novel and Practical Scoring Systems for the Diagnosis of Thyroid Nodules.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The clinical management of patients with thyroid nodules that are
      biopsied by fine-needle aspiration cytology and yield indeterminate results
      remains unsettled. The BRAF V600E mutation has dubious diagnostic value due to
      its low sensitivity. Novel strategies are urgently needed to distinguish thyroid
      malignancies from thyroid nodules. DESIGN: This prospective study included 504
      thyroid nodules diagnosed by ultrasonography from 468 patients, and fine-needle
      aspiration cytology was performed under ultrasound guidance. Cytology and
      molecular analysis, including BRAF V600E, RET/PTC1 and RET/PTC3, were conducted
      simultaneously. The cytology, ultrasonography results, and mutational status were
      gathered and analyzed together. Predictive scoring systems were designed using a
      combination of diagnostic parameters for ultrasonography, cytology and genetic
      analysis. The utility of the scoring systems was analyzed and compared to
      detection using the individual methods alone or combined. RESULT: The sensitivity
      of scoring systema (ultrasonography, cytology, BRAF V600E, RET/PTC) was nearly
      identical to that of scoring systemb (ultrasonography, cytology, BRAF V600E);
      these were 91.0% and 90.2%, respectively. These sensitivities were significantly
      higher than those obtained using FNAC, genetic analysis and US alone or combined;
      their sensitivities were 63.9%, 70.7% and 87.2%, respectively. Scoring systemc
      (ultrasonography, cytology) was slightly inferior to the former two scoring
      systems but still had relatively high sensitivity and specificity (80.5% and
      95.1%, respectively), which were significantly superior to those of single
      cytology, ultrasonography or genetic analysis. In nodules with uncertainty
      cytology, scoring systema, scoring systemb and scoring systemc could elevate the
      malignancy detection rates to 69.7%, 69.7% and 63.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION:
      These three scoring systems were quick for clinicians to master and could provide
      quantified information to predict the probability of malignant nodules. Scoring
      systemb is recommended for improving the detection rate among nodules of
      uncertain cytology.

PMID- 27654862
TI  - Mind-wandering as spontaneous thought: a dynamic framework.
AB  - Most research on mind-wandering has characterized it as a mental state with
      contents that are task unrelated or stimulus independent. However, the dynamics
      of mind-wandering - how mental states change over time - have remained largely
      neglected. Here, we introduce a dynamic framework for understanding mind
      wandering and its relationship to the recruitment of large-scale brain networks.
      We propose that mind-wandering is best understood as a member of a family of
      spontaneous-thought phenomena that also includes creative thought and dreaming.
      This dynamic framework can shed new light on mental disorders that are marked by
      alterations in spontaneous thought, including depression, anxiety and attention
      deficit hyperactivity disorder.

PMID- 27654867
TI  - Review of Recent Large-Scale Burn Disasters Worldwide in Comparison to
      Preparedness Guidelines.
AB  - The US National Bioterrorism Hospital Preparedness Program indicates that each
      care facility must have "a plan to care for at least 50 cases per million people
      for patients suffering burns or trauma" to receive national funding disaster
      preparedness. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether this directive is
      commensurate with the severity recent burn disasters, both nationally and
      internationally. We conducted a review of medical journal articles, investigative
      fire reports, and media news sources for major burn disasters dating from 1990 to
      present day. We defined a major burn disaster as any incident with >=50 burn
      injuries and/or >= 30 burn-related deaths. We compared existing preparedness
      guidelines with the magnitude of recent burn disasters using as reference the
      2005 U.S. Health and Human Services directive that each locale must "have a plan
      to care for at least 50 cases per million people for patients suffering burns or
      trauma." We reported the number of actual casualties for each incident, and
      estimated the number of burn beds theoretically available if the "50 [burn
      injury] cases per million people" directive were to be applied to metropolitan
      areas outside the United States. Seven hundred fifty-two burn disaster incidents
      met our inclusion criteria. The majority of burn disasters occurred in
      Asia/Middle East. The incidence of major burn disasters from structural fires and
      industrial blasts remains constant in high-income and resource-restricted
      countries during this study period. The incidence of terrorist attacks increased
      20-fold from 2001 to 2015 compared with 1990 to 2000. Recent incidents
      demonstrate that if current preparedness guidelines were to be adopted
      internationally, local resources including burn-bed availability would be
      insufficient to care for the total number of burn casualties. These findings
      underscore an urgent need to organize better regional, national, and
      international collaboration in burn disaster response.

PMID- 27654866
TI  - Bicyclol induces cell cycle arrest and autophagy in HepG2 human hepatocellular
      carcinoma cells through the PI3K/AKT and Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathways.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bicyclol, a novel synthetic antihepatitis drug, is widely known to
      protect against liver injury. However, few reports have focused on the possible
      effect of bicyclol on anti-proliferation and autophagy induction in cancer cells,
      particularly hepatocellular carcinoma cells. METHODS: In this study, we
      investigated the antitumor efficacy of Bicyclol in HepG2 cells and the mechanism
      of cell growth inhibition. Cell proliferation was analyzed by MTT assay, and the
      cell cycle and apoptosis were assessed by flow cytometry. And we transfected the
      cells with the GFP-RFP-LC3 vector to detect the autophagy flux in the cells.
      Mechanisms of bicyclol-induced cell growth inhibition were probed by western blot
      analysis. RESULTS: Bicyclol effectively inhibited HepG2 cell proliferation in a
      dose- and time-dependent manner. In addition, we found that bicyclol inhibited
      cell cycle progression at G1 phase and induced autophagy in HepG2 cells, which
      implied that the significant decrease in cell proliferation was mainly induced by
      autophagy and inhibition of cell proliferation. Furthermore, western blot showed
      that bicyclol inhibited phosphorylation of Akt and ERK, down-regulated the
      expressions of cyclin D1, cyclin E2, CDK2, CDK4, p-Rb and p-mTOR. Moreover, AKT
      or ERK knockdown by siRNA enhanced bicyclol-induced autophagy and inhibition of
      cell proliferation. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that bicyclol has potent
      anti-proliferative activity against malignant human hepatoma cells via modulation
      of the PI3K/AKT pathway and the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway, and indicate that
      bicyclol is a potential liver cancer drug worthy of further research and
      development.

PMID- 27654869
TI  - Visible and invisible stimulus parts integrate into global object representations
      as revealed by combining monocular and binocular rivalry.
AB  - Our visual system faces the challenging task to construct integrated visual
      representations from the visual input projected on our retinae. Previous research
      has provided mixed evidence as to whether visual awareness of the stimulus parts
      is required for such integration to occur. Here, we address this issue by taking
      a novel approach in which we combine a monocular rivalry stimulus (i.e., a
      bistable rotating cylinder) with binocular rivalry. The results of Experiment 1
      show that in a rivalry condition, where one half of the cylinder is perceptually
      suppressed, significantly more perceptual switches occur that are consistent with
      visual integration of the whole cylinder than occur in a control condition, where
      only half of the cylinder is presented at a time and the presentation of the two
      images is physically alternated. In Experiment 2, stimulation in the observer's
      dominant eye was kept dominant by presenting the half cylinder in this eye at
      higher contrast and by surrounding it with a flickering context. Results show
      that the strong convexity bias that was found in a control condition, where no
      stimulus was presented in the suppressed eye, almost completely disappears when
      the unseen half is presented in the suppressed eye, indicating that both halves
      visually integrate and, subsequently, compete for convexity. These findings
      provide evidence that unseen visual information is biased towards a
      representation that is congruent with the current visible representation and,
      hence, that principles of perceptual organization also apply to parts of the
      visual input that remain unseen by the observer.

PMID- 27654868
TI  - Functional Exercise Capacity in Children With Electrical Burns.
AB  - Electrical burns are a severe form of thermal injury extending deep into tissue.
      Here, we investigated the effect of electrical burns on metabolic rate, body
      composition, and aerobic capacity. We prospectively studied a cohort of 24
      severely burned children. Twelve patients had a combination of electrical and
      flame burns and 12 matched controls had only flame burns. Endpoints were
      cardiopulmonary fitness (maximal oxygen consumption [VO2]), muscle strength (peak
      torque per body weight), body mass index, lean body mass index, and days of
      myoglobinemia (>=500 mg/dl). Demographics of both the groups were comparable. The
      electrical burn group had more days of myoglobinemia during acute hospitalization
      than the flame burn group (3.6 +/- 1.8 days vs 0.3 +/- 0.5 days, P < .0001).
      Maximal VO2 was significantly lower in the electrical burn group than in the
      flame burn group at intensive care unit discharge (27 +/- 6 ml/kg/min vs 34 +/- 5
      ml/kg/min, P < .0014). Electrical burns are associated with myoglobinemia and
      decreased cardiopulmonary fitness.

PMID- 27654870
TI  - Effect of overlaid luminance contrast on perceived color contrast: Shadows
      enhance, borders suppress.
AB  - Natural scenes contain both color and luminance variations at different sizes and
      orientations that are sometimes spatially overlaid and sometimes not. Here, we
      explore visual interactions between overlaid color and luminance contrast that
      are both suprathreshold and highly visible. We used a color-luminance plaid in
      which the perception of the color contrast and luminance contrast components were
      measured separately using a method of constant stimuli, to reveal how overlaid
      cross-oriented luminance contrast affects perceived color contrast, and how color
      contrast affects perceived luminance contrast. Binocular, monocular, and
      dichoptic viewing conditions were used for different spatial frequencies (0.375
      1.5 cpd, 2 Hz) and base contrasts. We find that overlaid, cross-oriented
      luminance contrast enhances perceived color contrast by an average of 32%
      (monocularly and binocularly) across a wide range of luminance contrasts, but
      interocularly suppresses color contrast. For the reverse condition, we found no
      effect of color contrast on perceived luminance contrast. If, however, the cross
      oriented arrangement is changed to co-oriented, specifically with the color and
      luminance borders aligned and in-phase, the color enhancement disappears and
      becomes mild suppression. Likewise, if the phase of the co-aligned components is
      varied, color enhancement returns once the color and luminance borders are
      misaligned and out of phase. Thus the relative position of the color and
      luminance borders is a crucial factor in determining the type of interaction,
      with color suppression occurring when the luminance and color borders coincide,
      as when demarcating an object boundary, and color enhancement when they do not
      coincide, as occurs in shadows and shading.

PMID- 27654871
TI  - Representation and measurement of stereoscopic volumes.
AB  - Binocular disparity information provides the human visual system with a basis for
      the compelling perception of both three-dimensional (3-D) object shape, and of
      the 3-D space between objects. However, while an extensive body of research
      exists into the perception of disparity-defined surface shape, relatively little
      research has been conducted on the associated perception of disparity-defined
      volume. In this paper, we report three experiments that examine this aspect of
      binocular vision. Participants were asked to make judgments about the 3-D spread,
      location-in-depth, and 3-D shape of stereoscopic volumes. Volumes were comprised
      of random dots with disparities drawn from a uniform distribution, a Gaussian
      distribution, or a combination of both. These results were compared to two
      models: One of these made judgments about stereoscopic volumes using information
      about the distributions of disparities in each stimulus, while the other was
      limited to only maximum and minimum disparity information. Psychophysical results
      were best accounted for by the maximum-minimum decision rule model. This suggests
      that, although binocular vision affords a compelling phenomenal sense of 3-D
      volume, when required to make judgments about such volumes, the visual system's
      default strategies make only limited use of available binocular disparity
      signals.

PMID- 27654873
TI  - Timing of Initiation of Renal Replacement Therapy in Critically Ill Patients With
      Acute Kidney Injury.

PMID- 27654874
TI  - Diagnosing Traumatic Encephalopathy Syndrome-Reply.

PMID- 27654872
TI  - PharmGKB summary: very important pharmacogene information for MT-RNR1.

PMID- 27654878
TI  - Sphingomonas piscinae sp. nov., isolated from a fish pond.
AB  - A bacterial strain designated LYH-20T was isolated from a fish pond in Taiwan and
      characterized using a polyphasic taxonomy approach. Cells of strain LYH-20T were
      aerobic, Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate containing,
      showing straight and rod shaped that were covered by large capsules and formed
      yellow-coloured colonies. Growth occurred at 15-40  degrees C (optimum, 30 
      degrees C), with 0-1.0 % NaCl (optimum, 0-0.1 %) and at pH 5.0-9.0 (optimum, pH
      8.0-9.0). According to a phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequence
      analysis, strain LYH-20T belonged to the genus Sphingomonas and clustered with
      Sphingomonas fonticola TNR-2T, with which it shared the highest 16S rRNA gene
      sequence similarity (97.5 %). The major fatty acids (>10 %) of strain LYH-20T
      were C18 : 1omega7c and C16 : 0. The DNA G+C content was 67.5 mol%. The sole
      isoprenoid quinone was Q-10. The polyamines detected were spermidine, putrescine
      and homospermidine. The polar lipid profile consisted of a mixture of
      sphingoglycolipid, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol,
      phosphatidylcholine, diphosphatidylglycerol and three uncharacterized
      phospholipids. The DNA-DNA hybridization value for strain LYH-20T with
      Sphingomonas fonticola TNR-2T was less than 35 %. Phenotypic characteristics of
      the novel strain also differed from those of the closest related species of the
      genus Sphingomonas. On the basis of the genotypic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic
      data, strain LYH-20T represents a novel species in the genus Sphingomonas, for
      which the name Sphingomonas piscinae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is LYH
      20T (=BCRC 80911T=LMG 29002T=KCTC 42741T).

PMID- 27654876
TI  - Dscam1 Forms a Complex with Robo1 and the N-Terminal Fragment of Slit to Promote
      the Growth of Longitudinal Axons.
AB  - The Slit protein is a major midline repellent for central nervous system (CNS)
      axons. In vivo, Slit is proteolytically cleaved into N- and C-terminal fragments,
      but the biological significance of this is unknown. Analysis in the Drosophila
      ventral nerve cord of a slit allele (slit-UC) that cannot be cleaved revealed
      that midline repulsion is still present but longitudinal axon guidance is
      disrupted, particularly across segment boundaries. Double mutants for the Slit
      receptors Dscam1 and robo1 strongly resemble the slit-UC phenotype, suggesting
      they cooperate in longitudinal axon guidance, and through biochemical approaches,
      we found that Dscam1 and Robo1 form a complex dependent on Slit-N. In contrast,
      Robo1 binding alone shows a preference for full-length Slit, whereas Dscam1 only
      binds Slit-N. Using a variety of transgenes, we demonstrated that Dscam1 appears
      to modify the output of Robo/Slit complexes so that signaling is no longer
      repulsive. Our data suggest that the complex is promoting longitudinal axon
      growth across the segment boundary. The ability of Dscam1 to modify the output of
      other receptors in a ligand-dependent fashion may be a general principle for
      Dscam proteins.

PMID- 27654877
TI  - Duration of fascicle shortening is affected by muscle architecture and sex.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine muscle fascicle properties of
      the gastrocnemius medialis (GM) during contraction and stretch between males and
      females. During contraction muscle fascicles shorten and pennation angles
      increase to generate force. Due to the elastic nature of the attached tendon, the
      fascicles continue to shorten when maximal force is achieved in order to sustain
      isometric force and this duration of fascicle shortening (DFS) can be observed
      with ultrasonography. Linear and curved muscle fascicles both display these
      kinetics; however, it is currently unknown if static stretch prior to a maximal
      voluntary contraction (MVC) alters the DFS and whether the effect differs between
      males and females. METHODS: Subjects performed an isometric MVC of the plantar
      flexors before and after a 2-min maximal dorsi-flexion stretch. Plantar flexor
      force was measured and ultrasound videography used to record GM and Achilles
      tendon architecture. RESULTS: Males were stronger than females (p = 0.004). The
      DFS was longer for females compared to males (p = 0.001) and the addition of a
      static stretch increased the DFS for curved (p = 0.002), but not linear,
      fascicles. Curved fascicles were longer (p = 0.05) with larger pennation angles
      (p = 0.04) for both males and females when compared to linear fascicles. Tendon
      excursion was greater (p = 0.05) post-stretch during contraction when compared to
      pre-stretch. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence that regardless of sex,
      curved muscle fascicles behave differently than linear fascicles and should be
      considered separately when muscle architecture is examined.

PMID- 27654879
TI  - Brainstem sources of cardiac vagal tone and respiratory sinus arrhythmia.
AB  - KEY POINTS: Cardiac vagal tone is a strong predictor of health, although its
      central origins are unknown. Respiratory-linked fluctuations in cardiac vagal
      tone give rise to respiratory sinus arryhthmia (RSA), with maximum tone in the
      post-inspiratory phase of respiration. In the present study, we investigated
      whether respiratory modulation of cardiac vagal tone is intrinsically linked to
      post-inspiratory respiratory control using the unanaesthetized working heart
      brainstem preparation of the rat. Abolition of post-inspiration, achieved by
      inhibition of the pontine Kolliker-Fuse nucleus, removed post-inspiratory peaks
      in efferent cardiac vagal activity and suppressed RSA, whereas substantial
      cardiac vagal tone persisted. After transection of the caudal pons, part of the
      remaining tone was removed by inhibition of nucleus of the solitary tract. We
      conclude that cardiac vagal tone depends upon at least 3 sites of the
      pontomedullary brainstem and that a significant proportion arises independently
      of RSA. ABSTRACT: Cardiac vagal tone is a strong predictor of health, although
      its central origins are unknown. The rat working heart-brainstem preparation
      shows strong cardiac vagal tone and pronounced respiratory sinus arrhythmia. In
      this preparation, recordings from the cut left cardiac vagal branch showed
      efferent activity that peaked in post-inspiration, ~0.5 s before the cyclic
      minimum in heart rate (HR). We hypothesized that respiratory modulation of
      cardiac vagal tone and HR is intrinsically linked to the generation of post
      inspiration. Neurons in the pontine Kolliker-Fuse nucleus (KF) were inhibited
      with bilateral microinjections of isoguvacine (50-70 nl, 10 mm) to remove the
      post-inspiratory phase of respiration. This also abolished the post-inspiratory
      peak of cardiac vagal discharge (and cyclical HR modulation), although a
      substantial level of activity remained. In separate preparations with intact
      cardiac vagal branches but sympathetically denervated by thoracic spinal pithing,
      cardiac chronotropic vagal tone was quantified by HR compared to its final level
      after systemic atropine (0.5 MUm). Bilateral KF inhibition removed 88% of the
      cyclical fluctuation in HR but, on average, only 52% of the chronotropic vagal
      tone. Substantial chronotropic vagal tone also remained after transection of the
      brainstem through the caudal pons. Subsequent bilateral isoguvacine injections
      into the nucleus of the solitary tract further reduced vagal tone: remaining
      sources were untraced. We conclude that cardiac vagal tone depends on neurons in
      at least three sites of the pontomedullary brainstem, and much of it arises
      independently of respiratory sinus arrhythmia.

PMID- 27654881
TI  - Stiffened Extracellular Matrix and Signaling from Stromal Fibroblasts via
      Osteoprotegerin Regulate Tumor Cell Invasion in a 3-D Tumor in Situ Model.
AB  - Several changes have been described in the stroma surrounding a tumor, including
      changes in cellular composition, altered extracellular matrix composition and
      organization, and increases in stiffness. Tumor cells are influenced by the
      composition, organization, and mechanical properties of the microenvironment, and
      by signals from stromal cells. Here we sought to test whether signaling from
      stromal fibroblasts and/or the small change in stiffness observed in vivo
      surrounding epithelial tumors regulates tumor cell invasion from a model of a
      tumor in situ. We generated a novel tumor in situ model system in which a tumor
      spheroid is encased within a collagen-IV containing membrane and further encased
      within a collagen-I matrix of in vivo stiffness with or without fibroblasts.
      Effects of the matrix, fibroblasts or fibroblast signals were determined by
      observing the invasion of tumor cells into the matrix. Effects of reciprocal
      tumor cell signaling upon fibroblasts were determined by observing markers of
      fibroblast activation. We found that a stiffened matrix led to increased
      dissemination of MDA-MB-231 cells from tumor spheroids when no fibroblasts were
      present and that MCF10A cells maintained a more normal organization with a
      stiffened matrix. The presence of fibroblasts, or fibroblast conditioned media,
      attenuated the effect upon MDA-MB-231 cells. We also observed an attenuation of
      fibroblast activation associated gene expression in the presence of MDA-MB-231
      cells, with a paradoxical increase in activation associated contractile activity.
      Furthermore, we identified osteoprotegerin as a soluble factor released by
      fibroblasts in the stiffened environment that is key to the inhibition of cell
      invasion.

PMID- 27654880
TI  - Relationship between structural and functional connectivity change across the
      adult lifespan: A longitudinal investigation.
AB  - Extensive efforts are devoted to understand the functional (FC) and structural
      connections (SC) of the brain. FC is usually measured by functional magnetic
      resonance imaging (fMRI), and conceptualized as degree of synchronicity in brain
      activity between different regions. SC is typically indexed by measures of white
      matter (WM) properties, for example, by diffusion weighted imaging (DWI). FC and
      SC are intrinsically related, in that coordination of activity across regions
      ultimately depends on fast and efficient transfer of information made possible by
      structural connections. Convergence between FC and SC has been shown for specific
      networks, especially the default mode network (DMN). However, it is not known to
      what degree FC is constrained by major WM tracts and whether FC and SC change
      together over time. Here, 120 participants (20-85 years) were tested at two time
      points, separated by 3.3 years. Resting-state fMRI was used to measure FC, and
      DWI to measure WM microstructure as an index of SC. TRACULA, part of FreeSurfer,
      was used for automated tractography of 18 major WM tracts. Cortical regions with
      tight structural couplings defined by tractography were only weakly related at
      the functional level. Certain regions of the DMN showed a modest relationship
      between change in FC and SC, but for the most part, the two measures changed
      independently. The main conclusions are that anatomical alignment of SC and FC
      seems restricted to specific networks and tracts, and that changes in SC and FC
      are not necessarily strongly correlated. Hum Brain Mapp 38:561-573, 2017. (c)
      2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27654883
TI  - Comprehensive Reactive Receiver Modeling for Diffusive Molecular Communication
      Systems: Reversible Binding, Molecule Degradation, and Finite Number of
      Receptors.
AB  - This paper studies the problem of receiver modeling in molecular communication
      systems. We consider the diffusive molecular communication channel between a
      transmitter nano-machine and a receiver nano-machine in a fluid environment. The
      information molecules released by the transmitter nano-machine into the
      environment can degrade in the channel via a first-order degradation reaction and
      those that reach the receiver nano-machine can participate in a reversible
      bimolecular reaction with receiver receptor proteins. Thereby, we distinguish
      between two scenarios. In the first scenario, we assume that the entire surface
      of the receiver is covered by receptor molecules. We derive a closed-form
      analytical expression for the expected received signal at the receiver, i.e., the
      expected number of activated receptors on the surface of the receiver. Then, in
      the second scenario, we consider the case where the number of receptor molecules
      is finite and the uniformly distributed receptor molecules cover the receiver
      surface only partially. We show that the expected received signal for this
      scenario can be accurately approximated by the expected received signal for the
      first scenario after appropriately modifying the forward reaction rate constant.
      The accuracy of the derived analytical results is verified by Brownian motion
      particle-based simulations of the considered environment, where we also show the
      impact of the effect of receptor occupancy on the derived analytical results.

PMID- 27654882
TI  - A pilot study of the effects of niacin administration on free fatty acid and
      growth hormone concentrations in children with obesity.
AB  - CONTEXT: Children with obesity have low spontaneous growth hormone (GH)
      secretion. High circulating free fatty acid (FFA) concentration is believed to
      inhibit GH secretion in those with obesity. In adults, lipolytic inhibition with
      niacin lowers FFA and increases GH, but there are no prior studies in children
      with obesity. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine the dose and
      frequency of niacin administration required to lower FFA and stimulate GH in
      children with obesity. DESIGN: Dose-finding study of nondiabetic children ages 6
      12 years with body mass index (BMI) >= 95th percentile given niacin 250 mg q2h *
      3 doses (n = 2), 500 mg q2h * 3 doses (n = 5) or 500 mg q1h * 4 doses (n = 5).
      PARTICIPANTS: Eight boys and four girls (age 9.7 +/- 1.8 years; BMI 26.4 +/- 3.1
      kg m-2 ; BMIz 2.2 +/- .25) were studied. MAIN OUTCOME: Percentage of serum FFA
      values that were below 0.2 mEq L-1 . GH, insulin and glucose were also measured
      serially. RESULTS: FFA decreased as the dose and frequency of niacin increased (p
      = .01). Niacin 500 mg q1h 4 doses suppressed FFA < 0.2 mEq L-1 and significantly
      increased GH (p = .04). Adverse effects were flushing/warmth (100%), tingling
      (60%) and GI complaints (20-40%). CONCLUSIONS: Niacin 500 mg q1h significantly
      lowered serum FFA and increased GH. These pilot data suggest that high FFA is an
      important suppressor of GH secretion in children with obesity.

PMID- 27654884
TI  - Literature Review: Double-Barrelled Wet Colostomy (One Stoma) versus Ileal
      Conduit with Colostomy (Two Stomas).
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this literature review was to analyse the advantages and
      disadvantages of a traditional ileal conduit (IC) with separate colostomy
      technique compared to the outcomes of a double-barrelled wet colostomy (DBWC)
      technique. The former technique results in the formation of two stomas, and the
      latter results in the formation of one stoma. METHODS: PubMed was searched
      electronically for articles on DBWC. Fifteen articles were retrieved and of them
      13 were included in the literature review (350 patients). Of the articles, 3
      directly compared DBWC to IC with colostomy. RESULTS: Review of 13 DBWC articles
      demonstrated perioperative mortality ranging between 0 and 11.1% and
      postoperative complications ranging from 0 to 100%. Three of the studies directly
      compared DBWC to IC with colostomy; median operating times and length of stay
      were shorter in DBWC patients (p < 0.001); 30-day morbidity was reported to
      either be lower in the DBWC group (p < 0.043) or to have no statistically
      significant difference. Rates of mortality, pyelonephritis, electrolyte
      disturbances and urinary anastomotic problems did not differ between the 2
      groups. CONCLUSION: The DBWC technique inherently has a benefit over the IC with
      colostomy technique, as it requires only one stoma. This literature review
      supports the use of the technically less challenging DBWC technique as a viable
      alternative to the traditional IC with colostomy technique.

PMID- 27654885
TI  - Postpolymerization Modifications of Alkene-Functional Polycarbonates for the
      Development of Advanced Materials Biomaterials.
AB  - Functional aliphatic polycarbonates have attracted significant attention as
      materials for use as biomedical polymers in recent years. The incorporation of
      pendent functionality offers a facile method of modifying materials
      postpolymerization, thus enabling functionalities not compatible with ring
      opening polymerization (ROP) to be introduced into the polymer. In particular,
      polycarbonates bearing alkene-terminated functional groups have generated
      considerable interest as a result of their ease of synthesis, and the wide range
      of materials that can be obtained by performing simple postpolymerization
      modifications on this functionality, for example, through radical thiol-ene
      addition, Michael addition, and epoxidation reactions. This review presents an in
      depth appraisal of the methods used to modify alkene-functional polycarbonates
      postpolymerization, and the diversity of practical applications for which these
      materials and their derivatives have been used.

PMID- 27654886
TI  - Outcome and Efficacy of Interventions by a Public Figure Threat Assessment and
      Management Unit: A Mirrored Study of Concerning Behaviors and Police Contacts
      Before and After Intervention.
AB  - Specialized units for the assessment and management of concerning behaviors
      towards public figures have been set up in various jurisdictions. Their efficacy
      has been demonstrated descriptively and in terms of reduction in concern rates.
      This study of 100 consecutive cases from the Fixated Threat Assessment Centre
      (FTAC) in the UK uses a novel measure of outcome in the form of reduction in
      behaviors of concern and in police call-outs/stops, using data culled from police
      and health service records. It adopts a mirrored design, comparing individuals
      over 12-month and 2-year periods before and after FTAC intervention. It
      demonstrates significant reductions in both numbers of individuals involved in,
      and number of actual incidents of, concerning communication and problematic
      approach, as well as police call-outs/stops. Most results are consistent across
      subgroups with regard to gender, previous convictions, concern level, compulsory
      hospitalization and grievance-driven behavior. Such threat assessment units
      reduce risky behavior and save police time and, possibly, costs. Copyright (c)
      2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27654887
TI  - THC (Delta9-Tetrahydrocannabinol) Exerts Neuroprotective Effect in Glutamate
      affected Murine Primary Mesencephalic Cultures Through Restoring Mitochondrial
      Membrane Potential and Anti-apoptosis Involving CB1 Receptor-dependent Mechanism.
AB  - Aging-related neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease (PD) or
      related disorders, are an increasing societal and economic burden worldwide.
      Delta9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is discussed as a neuroprotective agent in
      several in vitro and in vivo models of brain injury. However, the mechanisms by
      which THC exhibits neuroprotective properties are not completely understood. In
      the present study, we investigated neuroprotective mechanisms of THC in glutamate
      induced neurotoxicity in primary murine mesencephalic cultures, as a culture
      model for PD. Glutamate was administered for 48 h with or without concomitant THC
      treatment. Immunocytochemistry staining and resazurin assay were used to evaluate
      cell viability. Furthermore, superoxide levels, caspase-3 activity, and
      mitochondrial membrane potential were determined to explore the mode of action of
      this compound. THC protected dopaminergic neurons and other cell types of primary
      dissociated cultures from glutamate-induced neurotoxicity. Moreover, THC
      significantly counteracted the glutamate-induced mitochondrial membrane
      depolarization and apoptosis. SR141716A, a CB1 receptor antagonist, concentration
      dependently blocked the protective effect of THC in primary mesencephalic
      cultures. In conclusion, THC exerts anti-apoptotic and restores mitochondrial
      membrane potential via a mechanism dependent on CB1 receptor. It strengthens the
      fact that THC has a benefit on degenerative cellular processes occurring, among
      others, in PD and other neurodegenerative diseases by slowing down the
      progression of neuronal cell death. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27654888
TI  - Aflibercept improves outcome in eyes with poor vision from neovascular age
      related macular degeneration.

PMID- 27654889
TI  - Characterization of a Zika Virus Isolate from Colombia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Zika virus (Flavivirus genus) is the first mosquito-borne virus known
      to cause high rates of microcephaly and abortion in humans. Typically, Zika virus
      causes a self-limiting, systemic illness; however, the current outbreak of Zika
      virus in the Americas has been associated with increased rates of fetal
      malformations and Guillain-Barre syndrome. Very few Zika virus isolates have been
      described in the literature, and live viruses are needed to perform studies of
      pathogenesis and to develop vaccines and treatments. METHODOLOGY/CLINICAL
      FINDINGS: We isolated Zika virus, strain FLR, directly from the serum of an
      individual infected in Barranquilla, Colombia (December, 2015). Here, we describe
      the patient's clinical course and characterize strain FLR by its growth
      characteristics in mosquito and mammalian cells and its partial resistance to UV
      inactivation. The full genome sequence of FLR was also analyzed (including the 3'
      un-translated region), to determine its probable geographic origin, and to
      pinpoint structural differences from other Zika virus strains.
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: We anticipate that the study of this low passage,
      clinical isolate of Zika virus, which is available for worldwide distribution,
      will help uncover the mechanisms of viral replication and host immune responses
      contributing to the varied and sometimes severe clinical presentations seen
      during the current epidemic in the Americas.

PMID- 27654890
TI  - Use of ade1 and ade2 mutations for development of a versatile red/white colour
      assay of amyloid-induced oxidative stress in saccharomyces cerevisiae.
AB  - Mutations in adenine biosynthesis pathway genes ADE1 and ADE2 have been
      conventionally used to score for prion [PSI+ ] in yeast. If ade1-14 mutant allele
      is present, which contains a premature stop codon, [psi- ] yeast appear red on
      YPD medium owing to accumulation of a red intermediate compound in vacuoles. In
      [PSI+ ] yeast, partial inactivation of the translation termination factor, Sup35
      protein, owing to its amyloid aggregation allows for read-through of the ade1-14
      stop codon and the yeast appears white as the red intermediate pigment is not
      accumulated. The red colour development in ade1 and ade2 mutant yeast requires
      reduced-glutathione, which helps in transport of the intermediate metabolite P
      ribosylaminoimidazole carboxylate into vacuoles, which develops the red colour.
      Here, we hypothesize that amyloid-induced oxidative stress would deplete reduced
      glutathione levels and thus thwart the development of red colour in ade1 or ade2
      yeast. Indeed, when we overexpressed amyloid-forming human proteins TDP-43, Abeta
      42 and Poly-Gln-103 and the yeast prion protein Rnq1, the otherwise red ade1
      yeast yielded some white colonies. Further, the white colour eventually reverted
      back to red upon turning off the amyloid protein's expression. Also, the
      aggregate-bearing yeast have increased oxidative stress and white phenotype yeast
      revert to red when grown on media with reducing agent. Furthermore, the red/white
      assay could also be emulated in ade2-1, ade2Delta, and ade1Delta mutant yeast and
      also in an ade1-14 mutant with erg6 gene deletion that increases cell-wall
      permeability. This model would be useful tool for drug-screening against general
      amyloid-induced oxidative stress and toxicity. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley &
      Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27654893
TI  - Lengths of nephron tubule segments and collecting ducts in the CD-1 mouse kidney:
      an ontogeny study.
AB  - The kidney continues to mature postnatally, with significant elongation of
      nephron tubules and collecting ducts to maintain fluid/electrolyte homeostasis.
      The aim of this project was to develop methodology to estimate lengths of
      specific segments of nephron tubules and collecting ducts in the CD-1 mouse
      kidney using a combination of immunohistochemistry and design-based stereology
      (vertical uniform random sections with cycloid arc test system). Lengths of
      tubules were determined at postnatal day 21 (P21) and 2 and 12 mo of age and also
      in mice fed a high-salt diet throughout adulthood. Immunohistochemistry was
      performed to identify individual tubule segments [aquaporin-1, proximal tubules
      (PT) and thin descending limbs of Henle (TDLH); uromodulin, distal tubules (DT);
      aquaporin-2, collecting ducts (CD)]. All tubular segments increased significantly
      in length between P21 and 2 mo of age (PT, 602% increase; DT, 200% increase;
      TDLH, 35% increase; CD, 53% increase). However, between 2 and 12 mo, a
      significant increase in length was only observed for PT (76% increase in length).
      At 12 mo of age, kidneys of mice on a high-salt diet demonstrated a 27% greater
      length of the TDLH, but no significant change in length was detected for PT, DT,
      and CD compared with the normal-salt group. Our study demonstrates an efficient
      method of estimating lengths of specific segments of the renal tubular system.
      This technique can be applied to examine structure of the renal tubules in
      combination with the number of glomeruli in the kidney in models of altered renal
      phenotype.

PMID- 27654894
TI  - An experimentum crucis in salt sensitivity.

PMID- 27654891
TI  - Sex-dependent expression of TRPV1 in bladder arterioles.
AB  - Transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) is a major nociceptive ion
      channel implicated in bladder physiology and/or pathophysiology. However, the
      precise expression of TRPV1 in neuronal vs. nonneuronal bladder cells is
      uncertain. Here we used reporter mouse lines (TRPV1-Cre:tdTomato and TRPV1PLAP
      nlacZ) to map expression of TRPV1 in postnatal bladder. TRPV1 was not detected in
      the urothelium, however, we found marked expression of TRPV1 lineage in sensory
      nerves, and surprisingly, in arterial/arteriolar smooth muscle (ASM) cells.
      Tomato fluorescence was prominent in the vesical arteries and in small-diameter
      (15-40 MUm) arterioles located in the suburothelial layer with a near equal
      distribution in bladder dome and base. Notably, arteriolar TRPV1 expression was
      greater in females than in males and increased in both sexes after 90 days of
      age, suggesting sex hormone and age dependency. Analysis of whole bladder and
      vesical artery TRPV1 mRNA revealed a similar sex and developmental dependence.
      Pharmacological experiments confirmed functional TRPV1 protein expression;
      capsaicin increased intracellular Ca2+ in ~15% of ASM cells from wild-type female
      bladders, but we observed no responses to capsaicin in bladder arterioles
      isolated from TRPV1-null mice. Furthermore, capsaicin triggered arteriole
      constriction that was rapidly reversed by the TRPV1 antagonist, BCTC. These data
      show that predominantly in postpubertal female mice, bladder ASM cells express
      functional TRPV1 channels that may act to constrict arterioles. TRPV1 may
      therefore play an important role in regulating the microcirculation of the female
      bladder, and this effect may be of significance during inflammatory conditions.

PMID- 27654895
TI  - In situ lactate dehydrogenase activity: a novel renal cortical imaging biomarker
      of tubular injury?
AB  - Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury is the state of which a tissue experiences
      injury after a phase of restrictive blood supply and recirculation. Ischemia
      reperfusion injury (I/R-I) is a leading cause of acute kidney injury (AKI) in
      several disease states, including kidney transplantation, sepsis, and hypovolemic
      shock. The most common methods to evaluate AKI are creatinine clearance, plasma
      creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, or renal histology. However, currently, there
      are no precise methods to directly assess renal injury state noninvasively.
      Hyperpolarized 13C-pyruvate MRI enables noninvasive accurate quantification of
      the in vivo conversion of pyruvate to lactate, alanine, and bicarbonate. In the
      present study, we investigated the in situ alterations of metabolic conversion of
      pyruvate to lactate, alanine, and bicarbonate in a unilateral I/R-I rat model
      with 30 min and 60 min of ischemia followed by 24 h of reperfusion. The pyruvate
      conversion was unaltered compared with sham in the 30 min I/R-I group, while a
      significant reduced metabolic conversion was found in the postischemic kidney
      after 60 min of ischemia. This indicates that after 30 min of ischemia, the
      kidney maintains normal metabolic function in spite of decreased kidney function,
      whereas the postischemic kidney after 60 min of ischemia show a generally reduced
      metabolic enzyme activity concomitant with a reduced kidney function. We have
      confidence that these findings can have a high prognostic value in prediction of
      kidney injury and the outcome of renal injury.

PMID- 27654892
TI  - Functional and therapeutic importance of purinergic signaling in polycystic
      kidney disease.
AB  - Polycystic kidney diseases (PKD) are a group of inherited nephropathies marked
      with the formation of fluid-filled cysts along the nephron. This renal disorder
      affects millions of people worldwide, but current treatment strategies are
      unfortunately limited to supportive therapy, dietary restrictions, and,
      eventually, renal transplantation. Recent advances in PKD management are aimed at
      targeting exaggerated cell proliferation and dedifferentiation to interfere with
      cyst growth. However, not nearly enough is known about the ion transport
      properties of the cystic cells, or specific signaling pathways modulating
      channels and transporters in this condition. There is growing evidence that
      abnormally elevated concentrations of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in PKD may
      contribute to cyst enlargement; change in the profile of purinergic receptors may
      also result in promotion of cystogenesis. The current mini-review is focused on
      the role of ATP and associated signaling affecting ion transport properties of
      the renal cystic epithelia.

PMID- 27654897
TI  - Simulation modelling as a tool for knowledge mobilisation in health policy
      settings: a case study protocol.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Evidence-informed decision-making is essential to ensure that health
      programs and services are effective and offer value for money; however, barriers
      to the use of evidence persist. Emerging systems science approaches and advances
      in technology are providing new methods and tools to facilitate evidence-based
      decision-making. Simulation modelling offers a unique tool for synthesising and
      leveraging existing evidence, data and expert local knowledge to examine, in a
      robust, low risk and low cost way, the likely impact of alternative policy and
      service provision scenarios. This case study will evaluate participatory
      simulation modelling to inform the prevention and management of gestational
      diabetes mellitus (GDM). The risks associated with GDM are well recognised;
      however, debate remains regarding diagnostic thresholds and whether screening and
      treatment to reduce maternal glucose levels reduce the associated risks. A
      diagnosis of GDM may provide a leverage point for multidisciplinary lifestyle
      modification interventions. This research will apply and evaluate a simulation
      modelling approach to understand the complex interrelation of factors that drive
      GDM rates, test options for screening and interventions, and optimise the use of
      evidence to inform policy and program decision-making. METHODS/DESIGN: The study
      design will use mixed methods to achieve the objectives. Policy, clinical
      practice and research experts will work collaboratively to develop, test and
      validate a simulation model of GDM in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). The
      model will be applied to support evidence-informed policy dialogues with diverse
      stakeholders for the management of GDM in the ACT. Qualitative methods will be
      used to evaluate simulation modelling as an evidence synthesis tool to support
      evidence-based decision-making. Interviews and analysis of workshop recordings
      will focus on the participants' engagement in the modelling process; perceived
      value of the participatory process, perceived commitment, influence and
      confidence of stakeholders in implementing policy and program decisions
      identified in the modelling process; and the impact of the process in terms of
      policy and program change. DISCUSSION: The study will generate empirical evidence
      on the feasibility and potential value of simulation modelling to support
      knowledge mobilisation and consensus building in health settings.

PMID- 27654898
TI  - Recent Advances in Drug Delivery of Polymeric Nano-Micelles.
AB  - In clinical studies, drugs with hydrophobic characteristic usually reflect low
      bioavailability, poor drug absorption, and inability to achieve the therapeutic
      concentration in blood. The production of poor solubility drugs, in abundance, by
      pharmaceutical industries calls for an urgent need to find the alternatives for
      resolving the above mentioned shortcomings. Poor water solubility drugs loaded
      with polymeric micelle seem to be the best alternative to enhance drugs
      solubility and bioavailability. Polymeric micelle, formed by self-assembled of
      amphiphilic block copolymers in aqueous environment, functioned as solubilizing
      agent for hydrophobic drug. This review discusses the fundamentals of polymeric
      micelle as drug carrier through representative literature, and demonstrates some
      applications in various clinical trials. The structure, characteristic, and
      formation of polymeric micelle have been discussed firstly. Next, this manuscript
      focuses on the potential of polymeric micelles as drug vehicle in oral,
      transdermal routes, and anti-cancer agent. Several results from previous studies
      have been reproduced in this review in order to prove the efficacy of the
      micelles in delivering hydrophobic drugs. Lastly, future strategies to broaden
      the application of polymeric micelles in pharmaceutical industries have been
      highlighted.

PMID- 27654896
TI  - Blocking peptides and molecular mimicry as treatment for kidney disease.
AB  - Protein mimotopes, or blocking peptides, are small therapeutic peptides that
      prevent protein-protein interactions by selectively mimicking a native binding
      domain. Inexpensive technology facilitates straightforward design and production
      of blocking peptides in sufficient quantities to allow preventive and therapeutic
      trials in both in vitro and in vivo experimental disease models. The kidney is an
      ideal peptide target, since small molecules undergo rapid filtration and
      efficient bulk absorption by tubular epithelial cells. Because the half-life of
      peptides is markedly prolonged in the kidneys compared with the bloodstream,
      blocking peptides are an attractive tool for treating diverse renal diseases,
      including ischemia, proteinuric states, such as membranous nephropathy and focal
      and segmental glomerulosclerosis, and renal cell carcinoma. Therapeutic peptides
      represent one of the fastest-growing reagent classes for novel drug development
      in human disease, partly because of their ease of administration, high binding
      affinity, and minimal off-target effects. This review introduces the concepts of
      blocking peptide design, production, and administration and highlights the
      potential use of therapeutic peptides to prevent or treat specific renal
      diseases.

PMID- 27654899
TI  - Genetic and Non-Genetic Determinants of the Pharmacological Activity of Statins.
AB  - Statins are cholesterol-lowering agents which belong to the group of the most
      commonly prescribed drugs. The use of statins has become the standard treatment
      in patients with an increased risk of cardiovascular and coronary heart diseases.
      However, many clinical studies have shown that 13 - 75% of patients fail to
      achieve LDL-cholesterol and total cholesterol target levels. The clinical
      implications of insufficient response include cardiovascular complications caused
      by atherosclerosis leading to acute myocardial infarction, stroke and death. The
      mechanism underlying statin resistance has been associated with genetic
      polymorphisms and nongenetic factors (e.g. concomitant diseases, drug-drug
      interactions, interactions with food and dietary supplements). The article
      provides a comprehensive update of the current knowledge regarding the role of
      genetic polymorphism and non-genetic determinants of cholesterol-lowering effect
      of statins. Dietary aspects of statin efficacy were also presented. The Pubmed
      search was performed to identify relevant papers from the last ten years which
      were included in the review. Consideration of the genetic and non-genetic
      determinants of pharmacological action of statins as well as mechanisms of drug
      drug interactions may be useful in clinical practice for improving safety and
      efficacy of statin treatment.

PMID- 27654900
TI  - Inhalation anesthesia induced by isoflurane alters penicillin disposition in
      swine tissues.
AB  - Twelve healthy swine were dosed with penicillin G intramuscularly. Fluids and
      tissues samples were collected at the end of two periods of general anesthesia,
      performed 24 h apart. Tissue samples were collected by minimally invasive
      laparoscopy under general anesthesia at 8 and 28 h postdose. Four
      nonanesthetized, penicillin-treated pigs were euthanized at 8 h postdose, and a
      second set of four similarly treated control pigs were sacrificed 28 h postdose.
      Liver penicillin tissue concentrations from animals that underwent anesthesia and
      laparoscopic tissue collection had tissue concentrations that were higher than
      nonanesthetized pigs at both time points. Urine, plasma, kidney, skeletal, and
      cardiac muscle showed no differences between the two groups. Laparoscopic tissue
      collection under general anesthesia in swine induces physiological changes that
      cause alterations in tissue pharmacokinetics not seen in conscious animals.

PMID- 27654901
TI  - HF-Free Boc Synthesis of Peptide Thioesters for Ligation and Cyclization.
AB  - We have developed a convenient method for the direct synthesis of peptide
      thioesters, versatile intermediates for peptide ligation and cyclic peptide
      synthesis. The technology uses a modified Boc SPPS strategy that avoids the use
      of anhydrous HF. Boc in situ neutralization protocols are used in combination
      with Merrifield hydroxymethyl resin and TFA/TMSBr cleavage. Avoiding HF extends
      the scope of Boc SPPS to post-translational modifications that are compatible
      with the milder cleavage conditions, demonstrated here with the synthesis of the
      phosphorylated protein CHK2. Peptide thioesters give easy, direct, access to
      cyclic peptides, illustrated by the synthesis of cyclorasin, a KRAS inhibitor.

PMID- 27654902
TI  - Cost-effectiveness of cognitive remediation and supported employment for people
      with mental illness: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little is known about the economic benefits of cognitive remediation
      and supported employment (CR + SE). The present study aimed to investigate the
      cost-effectiveness of CR + SE compared with traditional vocational services
      (TVS). METHOD: Individuals with mental illness and low cognitive function were
      recruited at six sites in Japan. A total of 111 participants were randomly
      allocated to the CR + SE group or the TVS group. Clinical and vocational outcomes
      were assessed at baseline and 12-month follow-up. Service utilization data were
      collected monthly. The data on outcomes and costs were combined to examine cost
      effectiveness. RESULTS: The data were obtained from a total of 92 participants.
      The CR + SE group resulted in better vocational and clinical outcomes (employment
      rate, 62.2%; work tenures, 78.6 days; cognitive improvement, 0.5) than the TVS
      group (19.1%, 24.9 days and 0.2). There was no significant difference in mean
      total costs between the groups (CR + SE group: $9823, s.d. = $6372, TVS group:
      $11 063, s.d. = $11 263) with and without adjustment for covariates. However,
      mean cost for medical services in the CR + SE group was significantly lower than
      that in the TVS group after adjusting covariates (Beta = -$3979, 95% confidence
      interval -$7816 to -$143, p = 0.042). Cost-effectiveness acceptability curves for
      vocational outcomes illustrated the high probabilities (approximately 70%) of the
      CR + SE group being more cost-effective than TVS when society is not willing to
      pay additional costs. CONCLUSIONS: CR + SE appears to be a cost-effective option
      for people with mental illness who have low cognitive functioning when compared
      with TVS.

PMID- 27654904
TI  - Response to Letter Regarding 'Pregnancy Following Bariatric Surgery-Medical
      Complications and Management'.

PMID- 27654905
TI  - The evolving local social contract for managing climate and disaster risk in
      Vietnam.
AB  - How do disasters shape local government legitimacy in relation to managing
      climate- and disaster-related risks? This paper looks at how local authorities in
      Central Vietnam perceive their social contract for risk reduction, including the
      partial merging of responsibilities for disaster risk management with new plans
      for and investments in climate change adaptation and broader socioeconomic
      development. The findings indicate that extreme floods and storms constitute
      critical junctures that stimulate genuine institutional change. Local officials
      are proud of their strengthened role in disaster response and they are eager to
      boost investment in infrastructure. They have struggled to reinforce their
      legitimacy among their constituents, but given the shifting roles of the state,
      private sector, and civil society, and the undiminished emphasis on high-risk
      development models, their responsibilities for responding to emerging climate
      change scenarios are increasingly nebulous. The past basis for legitimacy is no
      longer valid, but tomorrow's social contract is not yet defined.

PMID- 27654903
TI  - Effect of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass on the NLRP3 Inflammasome in Pancreatic Islets
      from Zucker Diabetic Fatty Rats.
AB  - PURPOSE: Diabetes and obesity are associated with inflammasome-mediated low
      grade, chronic inflammation that may induce pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction and
      apoptosis. We examined the effects of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery on
      NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing-3 (NLRP3) inflammasome-related
      genes from pancreatic islets of Zucker diabetic fatty rats. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Islets were collected from Zucker diabetic fatty sham control and RYGB,
      30 days after surgery. We assessed expression of genes that regulate glucose
      metabolism and the NLRP3 inflammasome (NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1beta, IL-18,
      apoptosis-associated speck-like protein), IL-6, and monocyte chemoattractant
      protein-1. RESULTS: Gene expression for NLRP3 (p < 0.02), IL-1beta (p < 0.04),
      and IL-6 (p < 0.01) was reduced by RYGB and positively correlated with change in
      body weight. IL-1beta positively correlated with glucose AUC response.
      CONCLUSION: Suppression of the NLRP3 inflammasome in pancreatic islets may
      contribute to improved glycemic control after RYGB.

PMID- 27654906
TI  - Breast cancer screening-opportunistic use of registry and linked screening data
      for local evaluation.
AB  - RATIONALE: Screening has been found to reduce breast cancer mortality at a
      population level in Australia, but these studies did not address local settings
      where numbers of deaths would generally have been too low for evaluation.
      Clinicians, administrators, and consumer groups are also interested in local
      service outcomes. We therefore use more common prognostic and treatment measures
      and survivals to gain evidence of screening effects among patients attending 4
      local hospitals for treatment. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To compare prognostic,
      treatment, and survival measures by screening history to determine whether
      expected screening effects are occurring. METHODS: Employing routine clinical
      registry and linked screening data to investigate associations of screening
      history with these measures, using unadjusted and adjusted analyses. RESULTS:
      Screened women had a 10-year survival from breast cancer of 92%, compared with
      78% for unscreened women; and 79% of screened surgical cases had breast
      conserving surgery compared with 64% in unscreened women. Unadjusted analyses
      indicated that recently screened cases had earlier tumor node metastasis stages,
      smaller diameters, less nodal involvement, better tumor differentiation, more
      oestrogen and progesterone receptor positive lesions, more hormone therapy, and
      less chemotherapy. Radiotherapy tended to be more common in screening
      participants. More frequent use of adjunctive radiotherapy applied when breast
      conserving surgery was used. CONCLUSIONS: Results confirm the screening effects
      expected from the scientific literature and demonstrate the value of
      opportunistic use of available registry and linked screening data for indicating
      to local health administrations, practitioners, and consumers whether local
      screening services are having the effects expected.

PMID- 27654907
TI  - Effect of Female Body Mass Index on Oocyte Quantity in Fertility Treatments
      (IVF): Treatment Cycle Number Is a Possible Effect Modifier. A Register-Based
      Cohort Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Overweight and obese women may require higher doses of
      gonadotrophin when undergoing In Vitro Fertilization Treatment (IVF).
      Consequently, one may expect a sub-optimal oocyte retrieval in the first
      treatment cycle and thus a larger compensation in gonadotrophin-dose in the
      following treatment-cycles and a more favorable outcome. The main objective was
      to explore if treatment cycle number modifies the outcome when investigating the
      effect of female Body Mass Index (BMI) on oocyte quantity in IVF. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: A historical cohort study was conducted on 5,342 treatment-cycles during
      the period 1999-2009. Exclusion criteria were missing information on BMI or
      treatment type. Further, women were excluded if they had ovulated before oocyte
      retrieval. According to baseline BMI, women were divided into four categories
      following the World Health Organization standards. Multiple linear regressions
      analyses were performed accounting for the non-independence of >=2 cycles in a
      woman. RESULTS: Stratification according to cycle number revealed a more
      suboptimal outcome in the first treatment- cycles than in the following cycles,
      suggesting a possible interaction or effect modification from cycle number or a
      factor related to cycle number. The median dose of total follicular stimulating
      hormone given to the four BMI groups could not straight forwardly explain the
      less optimal oocyte outcome observed in first treatment cycles. No statistically
      significant differences were observed in oocyte yield for underweight, overweight
      and obesity compared to normal weight women when analyzing all treatment-cycles.
      Overweight women had significantly fewer mature (MII) oocytes (p = 0.009) than
      normal weight women, whereas no differences was observed for underweight and
      obese women. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests a possible interaction or effect
      modification related to treatment cycle number. Investigating the effects of BMI
      on IVF-results in first treatment-cycles alone should be carried out cautiously.

PMID- 27654908
TI  - Acute encephalopathy: When febrile status more than 'fits'.

PMID- 27654909
TI  - [Acute kidney injury : A clinical syndrome].
AB  - Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a clinical syndrome occurring in the context of
      multiple and diverse disease entities. Although the term AKI implies renal damage
      as well as functional impairment or a combination of both, diagnosis is solely
      based on the functional parameters serum creatinine and urine output. Independent
      of the underlying disease and even assuming full recovery of renal function, AKI
      is associated with increased morbidity and mortality not only during the acute
      situation, but also long term. Awareness of the individual risk profile of each
      patient and the variety of causes and clinical manifestations of AKI is pivotal
      for prophylaxis, diagnosis, and therapy. The complexity of the clinical syndrome
      in the context of sepsis, solid organ transplantation, malignancy, and autoimmune
      diseases requires differentiated diagnostic and therapeutic approaches and
      interdisciplinary care.

PMID- 27654911
TI  - Particle physics: Search for neutrinoless double-beta decay.

PMID- 27654910
TI  - Genomic analyses inform on migration events during the peopling of Eurasia.
AB  - High-coverage whole-genome sequence studies have so far focused on a limited
      number of geographically restricted populations, or been targeted at specific
      diseases, such as cancer. Nevertheless, the availability of high-resolution
      genomic data has led to the development of new methodologies for inferring
      population history and refuelled the debate on the mutation rate in humans. Here
      we present the Estonian Biocentre Human Genome Diversity Panel (EGDP), a dataset
      of 483 high-coverage human genomes from 148 populations worldwide, including 379
      new genomes from 125 populations, which we group into diversity and selection
      sets. We analyse this dataset to refine estimates of continent-wide patterns of
      heterozygosity, long- and short-distance gene flow, archaic admixture, and
      changes in effective population size through time as well as for signals of
      positive or balancing selection. We find a genetic signature in present-day
      Papuans that suggests that at least 2% of their genome originates from an early
      and largely extinct expansion of anatomically modern humans (AMHs) out of Africa.
      Together with evidence from the western Asian fossil record, and admixture
      between AMHs and Neanderthals predating the main Eurasian expansion, our results
      contribute to the mounting evidence for the presence of AMHs out of Africa
      earlier than 75,000 years ago.

PMID- 27654912
TI  - The Simons Genome Diversity Project: 300 genomes from 142 diverse populations.
AB  - Here we report the Simons Genome Diversity Project data set: high quality genomes
      from 300 individuals from 142 diverse populations. These genomes include at least
      5.8 million base pairs that are not present in the human reference genome. Our
      analysis reveals key features of the landscape of human genome variation,
      including that the rate of accumulation of mutations has accelerated by about 5%
      in non-Africans compared to Africans since divergence. We show that the ancestors
      of some pairs of present-day human populations were substantially separated by
      100,000 years ago, well before the archaeologically attested onset of behavioural
      modernity. We also demonstrate that indigenous Australians, New Guineans and
      Andamanese do not derive substantial ancestry from an early dispersal of modern
      humans; instead, their modern human ancestry is consistent with coming from the
      same source as that of other non-Africans.

PMID- 27654915
TI  - Human migration: Climate and the peopling of the world.

PMID- 27654913
TI  - The architecture of respiratory supercomplexes.
AB  - Mitochondrial electron transport chain complexes are organized into
      supercomplexes responsible for carrying out cellular respiration. Here we present
      three architectures of mammalian (ovine) supercomplexes determined by cryo
      electron microscopy. We identify two distinct arrangements of supercomplex
      CICIII2CIV (the respirasome)-a major 'tight' form and a minor 'loose' form
      (resolved at the resolution of 5.8 A and 6.7 A, respectively), which may
      represent different stages in supercomplex assembly or disassembly. We have also
      determined an architecture of supercomplex CICIII2 at 7.8 A resolution. All
      observed density can be attributed to the known 80 subunits of the individual
      complexes, including 132 transmembrane helices. The individual complexes form
      tight interactions that vary between the architectures, with complex IV subunit
      COX7a switching contact from complex III to complex I. The arrangement of active
      sites within the supercomplex may help control reactive oxygen species
      production. To our knowledge, these are the first complete architectures of the
      dominant, physiologically relevant state of the electron transport chain.

PMID- 27654916
TI  - Population genetics: A map of human wanderlust.

PMID- 27654914
TI  - A genomic history of Aboriginal Australia.
AB  - The population history of Aboriginal Australians remains largely uncharacterized.
      Here we generate high-coverage genomes for 83 Aboriginal Australians (speakers of
      Pama-Nyungan languages) and 25 Papuans from the New Guinea Highlands. We find
      that Papuan and Aboriginal Australian ancestors diversified 25-40 thousand years
      ago (kya), suggesting pre-Holocene population structure in the ancient continent
      of Sahul (Australia, New Guinea and Tasmania). However, all of the studied
      Aboriginal Australians descend from a single founding population that
      differentiated ~10-32 kya. We infer a population expansion in northeast Australia
      during the Holocene epoch (past 10,000 years) associated with limited gene flow
      from this region to the rest of Australia, consistent with the spread of the Pama
      Nyungan languages. We estimate that Aboriginal Australians and Papuans diverged
      from Eurasians 51-72 kya, following a single out-of-Africa dispersal, and
      subsequently admixed with archaic populations. Finally, we report evidence of
      selection in Aboriginal Australians potentially associated with living in the
      desert.

PMID- 27654917
TI  - The architecture of the mammalian respirasome.
AB  - The respiratory chain complexes I, III and IV (CI, CIII and CIV) are present in
      the bacterial membrane or the inner mitochondrial membrane and have a role of
      transferring electrons and establishing the proton gradient for ATP synthesis by
      complex V. The respiratory chain complexes can assemble into supercomplexes
      (SCs), but their precise arrangement is unknown. Here we report a 5.4 A cryo
      electron microscopy structure of the major 1.7 megadalton SCI1III2IV1 respirasome
      purified from porcine heart. The CIII dimer and CIV bind at the same side of the
      L-shaped CI, with their transmembrane domains essentially aligned to form a
      transmembrane disk. Compared to free CI, the CI in the respirasome is more
      compact because of interactions with CIII and CIV. The NDUFA11 and NDUFB9
      supernumerary subunits of CI contribute to the oligomerization of CI and CIII.
      The structure of the respirasome provides information on the precise arrangements
      of the respiratory chain complexes in mitochondria.

PMID- 27654918
TI  - Rewriting yeast central carbon metabolism for industrial isoprenoid production.
AB  - A bio-based economy has the potential to provide sustainable substitutes for
      petroleum-based products and new chemical building blocks for advanced materials.
      We previously engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae for industrial production of
      the isoprenoid artemisinic acid for use in antimalarial treatments. Adapting
      these strains for biosynthesis of other isoprenoids such as beta-farnesene
      (C15H24), a plant sesquiterpene with versatile industrial applications, is
      straightforward. However, S. cerevisiae uses a chemically inefficient pathway for
      isoprenoid biosynthesis, resulting in yield and productivity limitations
      incompatible with commodity-scale production. Here we use four non-native
      metabolic reactions to rewire central carbon metabolism in S. cerevisiae,
      enabling biosynthesis of cytosolic acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA, the two-carbon
      isoprenoid precursor) with a reduced ATP requirement, reduced loss of carbon to
      CO2-emitting reactions, and improved pathway redox balance. We show that strains
      with rewired central metabolism can devote an identical quantity of sugar to
      farnesene production as control strains, yet produce 25% more farnesene with that
      sugar while requiring 75% less oxygen. These changes lower feedstock costs and
      dramatically increase productivity in industrial fermentations which are by
      necessity oxygen-constrained. Despite altering key regulatory nodes, engineered
      strains grow robustly under taxing industrial conditions, maintaining stable
      yield for two weeks in broth that reaches >15% farnesene by volume. This
      illustrates that rewiring yeast central metabolism is a viable strategy for cost
      effective, large-scale production of acetyl-CoA-derived molecules.

PMID- 27654919
TI  - Structural insight into the role of the Ton complex in energy transduction.
AB  - In Gram-negative bacteria, outer membrane transporters import nutrients by
      coupling to an inner membrane protein complex called the Ton complex. The Ton
      complex consists of TonB, ExbB, and ExbD, and uses the proton motive force at the
      inner membrane to transduce energy to the outer membrane via TonB. Here, we
      structurally characterize the Ton complex from Escherichia coli using X-ray
      crystallography, electron microscopy, double electron-electron resonance (DEER)
      spectroscopy, and crosslinking. Our results reveal a stoichiometry consisting of
      a pentamer of ExbB, a dimer of ExbD, and at least one TonB. Electrophysiology
      studies show that the Ton subcomplex forms pH-sensitive cation-selective channels
      and provide insight into the mechanism by which it may harness the proton motive
      force to produce energy.

PMID- 27654920
TI  - Late Pleistocene climate drivers of early human migration.
AB  - On the basis of fossil and archaeological data it has been hypothesized that the
      exodus of Homo sapiens out of Africa and into Eurasia between ~50-120 thousand
      years ago occurred in several orbitally paced migration episodes. Crossing
      vegetated pluvial corridors from northeastern Africa into the Arabian Peninsula
      and the Levant and expanding further into Eurasia, Australia and the Americas,
      early H. sapiens experienced massive time-varying climate and sea level
      conditions on a variety of timescales. Hitherto it has remained difficult to
      quantify the effect of glacial- and millennial-scale climate variability on early
      human dispersal and evolution. Here we present results from a numerical human
      dispersal model, which is forced by spatiotemporal estimates of climate and sea
      level changes over the past 125 thousand years. The model simulates the overall
      dispersal of H. sapiens in close agreement with archaeological and fossil data
      and features prominent glacial migration waves across the Arabian Peninsula and
      the Levant region around 106-94, 89-73, 59-47 and 45-29 thousand years ago. The
      findings document that orbital-scale global climate swings played a key role in
      shaping Late Pleistocene global population distributions, whereas millennial
      scale abrupt climate changes, associated with Dansgaard-Oeschger events, had a
      more limited regional effect.

PMID- 27654922
TI  - Expression of the zinc importer protein ZIP9/SLC39A9 in glioblastoma cells
      affects phosphorylation states of p53 and GSK-3beta and causes increased cell
      migration.
AB  - Zinc importer proteins (ZIPs) have been proven as important molecular regulators
      in different cancers. As a member of the solute carrier family, ZIP9/SLC39A9 is
      overexpressed in prostate and breast cancer and affects B-cell receptor
      signaling. Here, we present data indicating that changes in intracellular zinc
      levels in glioblastoma cells can cause enhanced cell survival and cell migration,
      both hallmarks of the disease process. In particular, treatment of human
      glioblastoma cells with sublethal doses of cell-permeable heavy metal (Zn2+ >
      Fe2+ > Mn2+) chelator (N,N,N',N'-tetrakis (2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine
      (TPEN)) induced ZIP9 expression. Either TPEN treatment or expression of ZIP9 cDNA
      causes enhanced migration behavior of glioblastoma cells. Compared to untreated
      glioblastoma cells TPEN treatment or expression of ZIP9 results in activation of
      the tumor suppressor p53 by phosphorylation at serine residue 46 (Ser46) and in
      inactivation of the migration relevant glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK
      3beta) by phosphorylation at serine residue 9 (Ser9). Whilst p53 activation
      affects cell survival in response to TPEN, GSK-3beta inactivation directly
      affects glioblastoma cell migration. Therefore, ZIP9 expression could regulate
      the migratory behavior of glioblastoma cells, so that ZIP9 may be of biological,
      but not of clinical relevance for glioblastomas, since in GBM tumor tissues, ZIP9
      expression is not significantly increased compared to normal brain.

PMID- 27654921
TI  - Ecogenomics and potential biogeochemical impacts of globally abundant ocean
      viruses.
AB  - Ocean microbes drive biogeochemical cycling on a global scale. However, this
      cycling is constrained by viruses that affect community composition, metabolic
      activity, and evolutionary trajectories. Owing to challenges with the sampling
      and cultivation of viruses, genome-level viral diversity remains poorly described
      and grossly understudied, with less than 1% of observed surface-ocean viruses
      known. Here we assemble complete genomes and large genomic fragments from both
      surface- and deep-ocean viruses sampled during the Tara Oceans and Malaspina
      research expeditions, and analyse the resulting 'global ocean virome' dataset to
      present a global map of abundant, double-stranded DNA viruses complete with
      genomic and ecological contexts. A total of 15,222 epipelagic and mesopelagic
      viral populations were identified, comprising 867 viral clusters (defined as
      approximately genus-level groups). This roughly triples the number of known ocean
      viral populations and doubles the number of candidate bacterial and archaeal
      virus genera, providing a near-complete sampling of epipelagic communities at
      both the population and viral-cluster level. We found that 38 of the 867 viral
      clusters were locally or globally abundant, together accounting for nearly half
      of the viral populations in any global ocean virome sample. While two-thirds of
      these clusters represent newly described viruses lacking any cultivated
      representative, most could be computationally linked to dominant, ecologically
      relevant microbial hosts. Moreover, we identified 243 viral-encoded auxiliary
      metabolic genes, of which only 95 were previously known. Deeper analyses of four
      of these auxiliary metabolic genes (dsrC, soxYZ, P-II (also known as glnB) and
      amoC) revealed that abundant viruses may directly manipulate sulfur and nitrogen
      cycling throughout the epipelagic ocean. This viral catalog and functional
      analyses provide a necessary foundation for the meaningful integration of viruses
      into ecosystem models where they act as key players in nutrient cycling and
      trophic networks.

PMID- 27654923
TI  - New findings in potential applications of tobacco osmotin.
AB  - The osmotin protein is involved in both monocot and dicot plant responses to
      biotic and abiotic stress. To determine the biological activity of osmotin, the
      gene was amplified from tobacco genomic DNA, fused with the hexahistidine tag
      motif and successfully expressed in Escherichia coli, after which the recombinant
      osmotin was purified and renatured. Various activities were then tested,
      including hemolytic activity, toxicity against human embryonic kidney cells, and
      the antifungal activity of the recombinant osmotin. We found that osmotin had no
      adverse effects on human kidney cells up to a concentration of 500 MUg.ml-1.
      However, the purified osmotin also had significant antimicrobial activity,
      specifically against fungal pathogens causing candidiasis and otitis, and against
      the common food pathogens. Using the osmotin-Agrobacterium construct, the osmotin
      gene was inserted into tobacco plants in order to facilitate the isolation of
      recombinant protein. Using qPCR, the presence and copy number of the transgene
      was detected in the tobacco plant DNA. The transgene was also quantified using
      mRNA, and results indicated a strong expression profile, however the native
      protein has been never isolated. Once the transgene presence was confirmed, the
      transgenic tobacco plants were grown in high saline concentrations and monitored
      for seed germination and chlorophyll content as indicators of overall plant
      health. Results indicated that the transgenic tobacco plants had a higher
      tolerance for osmotic stress. These results indicate that the osmotin gene has
      the potential to increase crop tolerance to stresses such as fungal attack and
      unfavorable osmotic conditions.

PMID- 27654924
TI  - Diphenyl diselenide derivatives inhibit microbial biofilm formation involved in
      wound infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Organoselenium compounds have antimicrobial activity against some
      bacteria and fungi; furthermore, the antioxidant activity of diselenides has been
      demonstrated. The aim of the present work was to examine the in vitro minimal
      inhibitory concentration of a panel of differently substituted diselenides and
      their effectiveness in inhibiting biofilm formation and dispersing preformed
      microbial biofilm of Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus,
      Streptococcus pyogenes and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the yeast Candida albicans,
      all involved in wound infections. Moreover, the cytotoxicity of the compounds was
      determined in human dermal fibroblast and keratinocytes. In closing, we tested
      their direct antioxidant activity. RESULTS: Diselenides showed different
      antimicrobial activity, depending on the microorganism. All diselenides
      demonstrated a good antibiofilm activity against S. aureus and S. epidermidis,
      the compounds camphor diselenide, bis[ethyl-N-(2'-selenobenzoyl) glycinate] and
      bis[2'-seleno-N-(1-methyl-2-phenylethyl) benzamide] were active against S.
      pyogenes and C. albicans biofilm while only diselenides 2,2'-diselenidyldibenzoic
      acid and bis[ethyl-N-(2'-selenobenzoyl) glycinate] were effective against P.
      aeruginosa. Moreover, the compounds bis[ethyl-N-(2'-selenobenzoyl) glycinate] and
      bis[2'-seleno-N-(1-methyl-2-phenylethyl) benzamide] showed an antioxidant
      activity at concentrations lower than the 50 % of cytotoxic concentration.
      CONCLUSIONS: Because microbial biofilms are implicated in chronic infection of
      wounds and treatment failure, the combination of antimicrobial activity and
      potential radical scavenging effects may contribute to the improvement of wound
      healing. Therefore, this study suggests that bis[ethylN-(2'-selenobenzoyl)
      glycinate] and bis[2'-seleno-N-(1-methyl-2-phenylethyl) benzamide] are promising
      compounds to be used in preventing and treating microbial wound infections.

PMID- 27654925
TI  - Prenatal Echocardiographic Assessment of Foramen Ovale Appearance in Fetuses with
      D-Transposition of the Great Arteries and Impact on Neonatal Outcome.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Neonates with D-transposition of the great arteries (dTGA) may die
      at birth because of the inadequate intracardiac mixing due to a misdiagnosed
      restrictive foramen ovale. We reviewed our experience in echocardiographic
      assessment and perinatal management of fetuses with dTGA searching for new
      features that may predict the need for urgent balloon atrial septostomy (BAS)
      immediately after birth. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We included fetuses diagnosed with
      dTGA between January 2000 and December 2014. We assessed pre- and postnatal
      appearance of the foramen ovale, ductus arteriosus and pulmonary veins. Both the
      diagnostic findings at the time of last prenatal echocardiogram and those
      findings deriving from a retrospective reevaluation of stored videos were
      considered. BAS was defined as urgent if performed in neonates with restrictive
      foramen ovale and severe hypoxemia. RESULTS: We reviewed 40 fetuses with dTGA.
      20/40 fetuses received urgent BAS at birth. Not only the restrictive but also the
      hypermobile and the redundant appearance of the foramen ovale was significantly
      associated with urgent BAS (p < 0.0001, p = 0.002 and p = 0.0001, respectively).
      CONCLUSIONS: Prenatal evaluation of the foramen ovale appearance in fetuses with
      dTGA is still challenging. Based on our experience, also the redundant foramen
      ovale appearance may need urgent BAS at birth.

PMID- 27654926
TI  - Recent advances in complementary and replacement therapy with nutraceuticals in
      combating gastrointestinal illnesses.
AB  - The digestive system provides nourishment to the whole body. Disorders in this
      system would result in many associated illnesses as the body is deprived of
      essential nutrients. Gastrointestinal diseases, in particular, gastric
      ulceration, inflammatory bowel diseases and colorectal cancer have become more
      prevalent in all population age groups. While this can be attributed to diet and
      lifestyle changes, the measures to combat these illnesses with conventional drugs
      is losing popularity owing to the harsh side effects, drug resistance and lack of
      patient compliance. The focus of this review is to endorse promising
      nutraceutical dietary components such as phytosterols, polyphenols, anthocyanins
      and polyunsaturated fatty acids and their synergistic value, in combination with
      conventional management of key gastrointestinal diseases. As most of these
      nutraceuticals are labile compounds, the need for protection and delivery using a
      carrier system is stressed and the methods for targeting to specific parts of the
      gastrointestinal tract are discussed. A section has also been devoted to
      perspectives on co-encapsulation methods of drugs and nutraceuticals using
      different particle systems. Multilayered carrier systems like double layered and
      core shell particles have been proposed as an exemplary system to co-encapsulate
      both drugs and nutrients while keeping them segregated.

PMID- 27654927
TI  - Findings in the hair of drug abusers using pressurized liquid extraction and
      solid-phase extraction coupled in-line with capillary electrophoresis.
AB  - A suitable method has been developed and validated for simultaneously determining
      cocaine and its major metabolite, benzoylecgonine, 6-acetylmorphine, codeine,
      morphine and the methadone enantiomers in human hair samples by the in-line
      coupling between SPE and CyD-assisted CE with a previous sample pretreatment
      procedure based on pressurized liquid extraction. Optimal separation was achieved
      on a fused silica-capillary of 50MUm i.d. and 80cm total length using 11mM alpha
      CyD in an aqueous solution of 80mM sodium phosphate at pH 2.5 as the separation
      medium and an applied voltage of 30kV. The SPE-CE device consisted of a short
      length of capillary packed with Oasis HLB sorbent, which was inserted near to the
      inlet end of the CE capillary. Several parameters affecting the in-line
      preconcentration were evaluated. The LOQs reached for hair samples were in the
      range of 0.3-2.5ng/mg with satisfactory analytical precision in both intraday and
      day-to-day experiments (RSDs <13%). Relative recoveries greater than 80% were
      obtained. The method has successfully been applied to the determination of these
      drugs of abuse in segmented hair from drug abusers who were undergoing methadone
      maintenance treatment. The results were consistent with the patients' statements,
      indicating that the method established herein can be used for verifying a history
      of drug abuse.

PMID- 27654929
TI  - The Influence of Processing and Storage Conditions on Renal Protein Biomarkers.

PMID- 27654930
TI  - Effect of Processing Delay and Storage Conditions on Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine
      Ratio.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Because there is substantial biologic intraindividual
      variation in albumin excretion, randomized trials of albuminuria-reducing
      therapies may need multiple urine samples to estimate daily urinary albumin
      excretion. Mailing spot urine samples could offer a convenient and cost-effective
      method to collect multiple samples, but urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio
      stability in samples stored at ambient temperatures for several days is unknown.
      DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: Patients with kidney disease
      provided fresh urine samples in two tubes (with and without boric acid
      preservative). Reference aliquots from each participant were analyzed
      immediately, whereas remaining aliquots were subject to different
      handling/storage conditions before analysis, including delayed processing for up
      to 7 days at three different storage temperatures (4 degrees C, 18 degrees C, and
      30 degrees C), multiple freeze-thaw cycles, and long-term frozen storage at -80
      degrees C, -40 degrees C, and -20 degrees C. We calculated the mean percentage
      change in urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio for each condition, and we considered
      samples stable if the 95% confidence interval was within a +/-5% threshold.
      RESULTS: Ninety-three patients provided samples with detectable albuminuria in
      the reference aliquot. Median (interquartile range) urine albumin-to-creatinine
      ratio was 87 (20-499) mg/g. The inclusion of preservative had minimal effect on
      fresh urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio measurements but reduced the changes in
      albumin and creatinine in samples subject to processing delay and storage
      conditions. The urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio was stable for 7 days in
      samples containing preservative at 4 degrees C and 18 degrees C and 2 days when
      stored at 30 degrees C. It was also stable in samples with preservative after
      three freeze-thaw cycles and in frozen storage for 6 months at -80 degrees C or 
      40 degrees C but not at -20 degrees C. CONCLUSIONS: Mailed urine samples
      collected with preservative and received within 7 days if ambient temperature is
      <=18 degrees C, or within 2 days if the temperature is higher but does not exceed
      30 degrees C, are suitable for the measurement of urine albumin-to-creatinine
      ratio in randomized trials. Preserved samples frozen to -40 degrees C or -80
      degrees C for 6 months before analysis also seem suitable.

PMID- 27654932
TI  - Under one roof: The effect of co-residing with adult children on depression in
      later life.
AB  - RATIONALE: The number of older parents living without adult children has
      increased dramatically over the last decades. However, recent trends exacerbated
      by the Great Recession have led to an increase in intergenerational co-residing.
      METHODS: We used three waves of data (2004-2010) from the Survey of Health,
      Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) collected around the Great Recession to
      assess the effects of intergenerational co-residence on mental health in later
      life (n = 50,043). We used an instrumental variable (IV) approach that exploits
      changes in employment opportunities of adult children during the Great Recession
      to examine the impact of co-residing with adult children on depression scores
      measured using the Euro-D scale of depression. RESULTS: Northern European
      countries exhibited low levels of both co-residence and depression in older age,
      while most countries in Eastern and Southern Europe had high levels of both co
      residence and depression. In OLS models that controlled for measured
      characteristics, co-residing with an adult child was not associated with
      depressive symptoms in older parents (beta = -0.0387; 95% CI -0.0892 to 0.0118).
      By contrast, results from IV models suggest that co-residing with an adult child
      significantly reduces depressive symptoms by 0.731 points (95% CI -1.261 to 
      0.200) on the 12-item scale. Results were robust to a series of robustness checks
      including controls for child characteristics, country-specific time trends, and
      analyses restricted to homeowners. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that, in the
      context of high unemployment rates during the Great Recession in Europe,
      increased intergenerational exchange between adult children and older parents in
      the form of co-residence had positive mental health effects on older parents.

PMID- 27654931
TI  - Nocardioides flavus sp. nov., isolated from marine sediment.
AB  - A Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, non-motile, non-spore-forming and short rod
      shaped actinomycete strain, Y4T, was isolated from a sediment sample collected
      from the Western Pacific. This isolate grew in the presence of 0-10 % (w/v) NaCl
      and at pH 6.0-9.0 and 4-40  degrees C; optimum growth was observed with 1 % (w/v)
      NaCl and at pH 7.0 and 35-37  degrees C. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA
      gene sequence showed that strain Y4T belonged to the genus Nocardioides and was
      most closely related to the type strains Nocardioides ganghwensis JC2055T (98.0
      %) and Nocardioides exalbidus RC825T (98.0 %), followed by Nocardioides alpinus
      Cr7-14T (97.9 %), Nocardioides oleivorans DSM 16090T (97.9 %), Nocardioides
      furvisabuli SBS-26T (97.4 %) and Nocardioides hwasunensis HFW-21T (97.4 %).
      Sequence similarities between strain Y4T and the other related species of the
      genus Nocardioides were less than 96.3 %. Strain Y4T had MK-8(H4) and MK-7(H4) as
      the predominant respiratory quinones and C17 : 1omega8c, iso-C16 : 0 and C17 : 0
      as major fatty acids. The polar lipids contained diphosphatidylglycerol,
      phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, one unknown phospholipid, two unknown
      glycolipids and one unknown lipid. The DNA G+C content was 70.4 mol%. The
      diagnostic diamino acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan was ll-diaminopimelic
      acid. Strain Y4T could be differentiated from recognized Nocardioides species
      based on phenotypic characteristics, chemotaxonomic differences, phylogenetic
      analysis and DNA-DNA hybridization data. Thus, strain Y4T is considered to
      represent a novel species of the genus Nocardioides, for which the name
      Nocardioides flavus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Y4T (=MCCC
      1A09944T=LMG 28100T=JCM 19770T=CGMCC 1.12791T).

PMID- 27654928
TI  - Renal Toxicities of Novel Agents Used for Treatment of Multiple Myeloma.
AB  - Survival for patients with multiple myeloma has significantly improved in the
      last decade in large part due to the development of proteasome inhibitors and
      immunomodulatory drugs. These next generation agents with novel mechanisms of
      action as well as targeted therapies are being used both in the preclinical and
      clinical settings for patients with myeloma. These agents include monoclonal
      antibodies, deacetylase inhibitors, kinase inhibitors, agents affecting various
      signaling pathways, immune check point inhibitors, and other targeted therapies.
      In some cases, off target effects of these therapies can lead to unanticipated
      effects on the kidney that can range from electrolyte disorders to AKI. In this
      review, we discuss the nephrotoxicities of novel agents currently in practice as
      well as in development for the treatment of myeloma.

PMID- 27654933
TI  - Spontaneous Cerebral Hemorrhage and Sudden Biventricular Failure After Lung
      Transplantation.

PMID- 27654935
TI  - An update on minimally invasive techniques in colorectal surgery for neoplasia.
AB  - Minimally invasive colorectal surgery continues to evolve. As more is learned
      about the techniques and surgical and oncologic outcomes, practice and technique
      are modified. It also becomes clear that new technologies do not always provide
      improved outcomes, especially in novice hands. Therefore, it remains imperative
      that clinicians understand the benefits and limitations of each minimally
      invasive technique. The goal remains to decrease the impact of surgery and
      provide an optimal recovery while remaining diligent to provide optimal
      functional and oncologic outcomes.

PMID- 27654934
TI  - Neurochemical Aftermath of Repetitive Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.
AB  - Importance: Evidence is accumulating that repeated mild traumatic brain injury
      (mTBI) incidents can lead to persistent, long-term debilitating symptoms and in
      some cases a progressive neurodegenerative condition referred to as chronic
      traumatic encephalopathy. However, to our knowledge, there are no objective tools
      to examine to which degree persistent symptoms after mTBI are caused by neuronal
      injury. Objective: To determine whether persistent symptoms after mTBI are
      associated with brain injury as evaluated by cerebrospinal fluid biochemical
      markers for axonal damage and other aspects of central nervous system injury.
      Design, Settings, and Participants: A multicenter cross-sectional study involving
      professional Swedish ice hockey players who have had repeated mTBI, had
      postconcussion symptoms for more than 3 months, and fulfilled the criteria for
      postconcussion syndrome (PCS) according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual
      of Mental Disorders (Fourth Edition) matched with neurologically healthy control
      individuals. The participants were enrolled between January 2014 and February
      2016. The players were also assessed with Rivermead Post Concussion Symptoms
      Questionnaire and magnetic resonance imaging. Main Outcomes and Measures:
      Neurofilament light protein, total tau, glial fibrillary acidic protein, amyloid
      beta, phosphorylated tau, and neurogranin concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid.
      Results: A total of 31 participants (16 men with PCS; median age, 31 years;
      range, 22-53 years; and 15 control individuals [11 men and 4 women]; median age,
      25 years; range, 21-35 years) were assessed. Of 16 players with PCS, 9 had PCS
      symptoms for more than 1 year, while the remaining 7 returned to play within a
      year. Neurofilament light proteins were significantly increased in players with
      PCS for more than 1 year (median, 410 pg/mL; range, 230-1440 pg/mL) compared with
      players whose PCS resolved within 1 year (median, 210 pg/mL; range, 140-460
      pg/mL) as well as control individuals (median 238 pg/mL, range 128-526 pg/mL; P =
      .04 and P = .02, respectively). Furthermore, neurofilament light protein
      concentrations correlated with Rivermead Post Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire
      scores and lifetime concussion events (rho = 0.58, P = .02 and rho = 0.52, P =
      .04, respectively). Overall, players with PCS had significantly lower
      cerebrospinal fluid amyloid-beta levels compared with control individuals
      (median, 1094 pg/mL; range, 845-1305 pg/mL; P = .05). Conclusions and Relevance:
      Increased cerebrospinal fluid neurofilament light proteins and reduced amyloid
      beta were observed in patients with PCS, suggestive of axonal white matter injury
      and amyloid deposition. Measurement of these biomarkers may be an objective tool
      to assess the degree of central nervous system injury in individuals with PCS and
      to distinguish individuals who are at risk of developing chronic traumatic
      encephalopathy.

PMID- 27654936
TI  - Antigen Presenting Properties of a Myeloid Dendritic-Like Cell in Murine Spleen.
AB  - This paper distinguishes a rare subset of myeloid dendritic-like cells found in
      mouse spleen from conventional (c) dendritic cells (DC) in terms of phenotype,
      function and gene expression. These cells are tentatively named "L-DC" since they
      resemble dendritic-like cells produced in longterm cultures of spleen. L-DC can
      be distinguished on the basis of their unique phenotype as CD11bhiCD11cloMHCII
      CD43+Ly6C-Ly6G-Siglec-F- cells. They demonstrate similar ability as cDC to uptake
      and retain complex antigens like mannan via mannose receptors, but much lower
      ability to endocytose and retain soluble antigen. While L-DC differ from cDC by
      their inability to activate CD4+ T cells, they are capable of antigen cross
      presentation for activation of CD8+ T cells, although less effectively so than
      the cDC subsets. In terms of gene expression, CD8- cDC and CD8+ cDC are quite
      distinct from L-DC. CD8+ cDC are distinguishable from the other two subsets by
      expression of CD24a, Clec9a, Xcr1 and Tlr11, while CD8- cDC are distinguished by
      expression of Ccnd1 and H-2Eb2. L-DC are distinct from the two cDC subsets
      through upregulated expression of Clec4a3, Emr4, Itgam, Csf1r and CD300ld. The L
      DC gene profile is quite distinct from that of cDC, confirming a myeloid cell
      type with distinct antigen presenting properties.

PMID- 27654938
TI  - Erratum to: Adsorption of amino acids on the magnetite-(111)-surface: a force
      field study.

PMID- 27654937
TI  - Cancer biomarker discovery is improved by accounting for variability in general
      levels of drug sensitivity in pre-clinical models.
AB  - We show that variability in general levels of drug sensitivity in pre-clinical
      cancer models confounds biomarker discovery. However, using a very large panel of
      cell lines, each treated with many drugs, we could estimate a general level of
      sensitivity to all drugs in each cell line. By conditioning on this variable,
      biomarkers were identified that were more likely to be effective in clinical
      trials than those identified using a conventional uncorrected approach. We find
      that differences in general levels of drug sensitivity are driven by biologically
      relevant processes. We developed a gene expression based method that can be used
      to correct for this confounder in future studies.

PMID- 27654939
TI  - Transfer String Kernel for Cross-Context DNA-Protein Binding Prediction.
AB  - Through sequence-based classification, this paper tries to accurately predict the
      DNA binding sites of transcription factors (TFs) in an unannotated cellular
      context. Related methods in the literature fail to perform such predictions
      accurately, since they do not consider sample distribution shift of sequence
      segments from an annotated (source) context to an unannotated (target) context.
      We, therefore, propose a method called "Transfer String Kernel" (TSK) that
      achieves improved prediction of transcription factor binding site (TFBS) using
      knowledge transfer via cross-context sample adaptation. TSK maps sequence
      segments to a high-dimensional feature space using a discriminative mismatch
      string kernel framework. In this high-dimensional space, labeled examples of the
      source context are re-weighted so that the revised sample distribution matches
      the target context more closely. We have experimentally verified TSK for TFBS
      identifications on fourteen different TFs under a cross-organism setting. We find
      that TSK consistently outperforms the state-of-the-art TFBS tools, especially
      when working with TFs whose binding sequences are not conserved across contexts.
      We also demonstrate the generalizability of TSK by showing its cutting-edge
      performance on a different set of cross-context tasks for the MHC peptide binding
      predictions.

PMID- 27654941
TI  - Machine Learning Algorithms for Automatic Classification of Marmoset
      Vocalizations.
AB  - Automatic classification of vocalization type could potentially become a useful
      tool for acoustic the monitoring of captive colonies of highly vocal primates.
      However, for classification to be useful in practice, a reliable algorithm that
      can be successfully trained on small datasets is necessary. In this work, we
      consider seven different classification algorithms with the goal of finding a
      robust classifier that can be successfully trained on small datasets. We found
      good classification performance (accuracy > 0.83 and F1-score > 0.84) using the
      Optimum Path Forest classifier. Dataset and algorithms are made publicly
      available.

PMID- 27654942
TI  - Topographical gradients of semantics and phonology revealed by temporal lobe
      stimulation.
AB  - Word retrieval is a fundamental component of oral communication, and it is well
      established that this function is supported by left temporal cortex.
      Nevertheless, the specific temporal areas mediating word retrieval and the
      particular linguistic processes these regions support have not been well
      delineated. Toward this end, we analyzed over 1000 naming errors induced by left
      temporal cortical stimulation in epilepsy surgery patients. Errors were primarily
      semantic (lemon -> "pear"), phonological (horn -> "corn"), non-responses, and
      delayed responses (correct responses after a delay), and each error type appeared
      predominantly in a specific region: semantic errors in mid-middle temporal gyrus
      (TG), phonological errors and delayed responses in middle and posterior superior
      TG, and non-responses in anterior inferior TG. To the extent that semantic
      errors, phonological errors and delayed responses reflect disruptions in
      different processes, our results imply topographical specialization of semantic
      and phonological processing. Specifically, results revealed an inferior-to
      superior gradient, with more superior regions associated with phonological
      processing. Further, errors were increasingly semantically related to targets
      toward posterior temporal cortex. We speculate that detailed semantic input is
      needed to support phonological retrieval, and thus, the specificity of semantic
      input increases progressively toward posterior temporal regions implicated in
      phonological processing. Hum Brain Mapp 38:688-703, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27654940
TI  - Synchronous deficits in cumulative muscle protein synthesis and ribosomal
      biogenesis underlie age-related anabolic resistance to exercise in humans.
AB  - KEY POINTS: Resistance exercise training (RET) is one of the most effective
      strategies for preventing declines in skeletal muscle mass and strength with age.
      Hypertrophic responses to RET with age are diminished compared to younger
      individuals. In response to 6 weeks RET, we found blunted hypertrophic responses
      with age are underpinned by chronic deficits in long-term muscle protein
      synthesis. We show this is likely to be the result of multifactorial deficits in
      anabolic hormones and blunted translational efficiency and capacity. These
      results provide great insight into age-related exercise adaptations and provide a
      platform on which to devise appropriate nutritional and exercise interventions on
      a longer term basis. ABSTRACT: Ageing is associated with impaired hypertrophic
      responses to resistance exercise training (RET). Here we investigated the
      aetiology of 'anabolic resistance' in older humans. Twenty healthy male
      individuals, 10 younger (Y; 23 +/- 1 years) and 10 older (O; 69 +/- 3 years),
      performed 6 weeks unilateral RET (6 * 8 repetitions, 75% of one repetition
      maximum (1-RM), 3 times per week). After baseline bilateral vastus lateralis (VL)
      muscle biopsies, subjects consumed 150 ml D2 O (70 atom%; thereafter 50 ml week-1
      ), further bilateral VL muscle biopsies were taken at 3 and 6 weeks to quantify
      muscle protein synthesis (MPS) via gas chromatography-pyrolysis-isotope ratio
      mass spectrometry. After RET, 1-RM increased in Y (+35 +/- 4%) and O (+25 +/- 3%;
      P < 0.01), while MVC increased in Y (+21 +/- 5%; P < 0.01) but not O (+6 +/- 3%;
      not significant (NS)). In comparison to Y, O displayed blunted RET-induced
      increases in muscle thickness (at 3 and 6 weeks, respectively, Y: +8 +/- 1% and
      +11 +/- 2%, P < 0.01; O: +2.6 +/- 1% and +3.5 +/- 2%, NS). While 'basal' longer
      term MPS was identical between Y and O (~1.35 +/- 0.1% day-1 ), MPS increased in
      response to RET only in Y (3 weeks, Y: 1.61 +/- 0.1% day-1 ; O: 1.49 +/- 0.1% day
      1 ). Consistent with this, O exhibited inferior ribosomal biogenesis (RNA:DNA
      ratio and c-MYC induction: Y: +4 +/- 2 fold change; O: +1.9 +/- 1 fold change),
      translational efficiency (S6K1 phosphorylation, Y: +10 +/- 4 fold change; O: +4
      +/- 2 fold change) and anabolic hormone milieu (testosterone, Y: 367 +/- 19; O:
      274 +/- 19 ng dl-1 (all P < 0.05). Anabolic resistance is thus multifactorial.

PMID- 27654943
TI  - Help-seeking for mental health problems by employees in the Australian Mining
      Industry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The current study examined help-seeking behavior for mental health
      problems of employees in the mining industry. METHODS: The research involved a
      paper-based survey completed by a cross-section of employees from eight coalmine
      sites. The research aimed to investigate the frequency of contact with
      professional and non-professional sources of support, and to determine the socio
      demographic and workplace factors associated. RESULTS: A total of 1,457 employees
      participated, of which, 46.6 % of participants reported contact with support to
      discuss their own mental health within the preceding 12 months. Hierarchical
      logistic regression revealed a significant contribution of workplace variables,
      with job security and satisfaction with work significantly associated with help
      seeking behavior. CONCLUSIONS: The results provide an insight into the help
      seeking behaviour of mining employees, providing useful information to guide
      mental health workplace program development for the mining industry, and male
      dominated industry more broadly.

PMID- 27654944
TI  - Dynein-mediated trafficking negatively regulates LET-23 EGFR signaling.
AB  - Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) signaling is essential for animal
      development and increased signaling underlies many human cancers. Identifying the
      genes and cellular processes that regulate EGFR signaling in vivo will help
      elucidate how this pathway can become inappropriately activated. Caenorhabditis
      elegans vulva development provides an in vivo model to genetically dissect EGFR
      signaling. Here we identified a mutation in dhc-1, the heavy chain of the
      cytoplasmic dynein minus-end directed microtubule motor, in a genetic screen for
      regulators of EGFR signaling. Despite the many cellular functions of dynein, DHC
      1 is a strong negative regulator of EGFR signaling during vulva induction. DHC-1
      is required in the signal-receiving cell, genetically functions upstream or in
      parallel to LET-23 EGFR. LET-23 EGFR accumulates in cytoplasmic foci in dhc-1
      mutants consistent with mammalian cell studies whereby dynein has been shown to
      regulate late endosome trafficking of EGFR with the Rab7 GTPase. However, we
      found different distributions of LET-23 EGFR foci in rab-7 versus dhc-1 mutants,
      suggesting that dynein functions at an earlier step of LET-23 EGFR trafficking to
      the lysosome than RAB-7. Our results demonstrate an in vivo role for dynein in
      limiting LET-23 EGFR signaling via endosomal trafficking.

PMID- 27654947
TI  - Sixty seconds on . . . sex education.

PMID- 27654945
TI  - The tubulin repertoire of C. elegans sensory neurons and its context-dependent
      role in process outgrowth.
AB  - Microtubules contribute to many cellular processes, including transport,
      signaling, and chromosome separation during cell division (Kapitein and
      Hoogenraad, 2015). They are comprised of alphabeta-tubulin heterodimers arranged
      into linear protofilaments and assembled into tubes. Eukaryotes express multiple
      tubulin isoforms (Gogonea et al., 1999), and there has been a longstanding debate
      as to whether the isoforms are redundant or perform specialized roles as part of
      a tubulin code (Fulton and Simpson, 1976). Here, we use the well-characterized
      touch receptor neurons (TRNs) of Caenorhabditis elegans to investigate this
      question, through genetic dissection of process outgrowth both in vivo and in
      vitro With single-cell RNA-seq, we compare transcription profiles for TRNs with
      those of two other sensory neurons, and present evidence that each sensory neuron
      expresses a distinct palette of tubulin genes. In the TRNs, we analyze process
      outgrowth and show that four tubulins (tba-1, tba-2, tbb-1, and tbb-2) function
      partially or fully redundantly, while two others (mec-7 and mec-12) perform
      specialized, context-dependent roles. Our findings support a model in which
      sensory neurons express overlapping subsets of tubulin genes whose functional
      redundancy varies between cell types and in vivo and in vitro contexts.

PMID- 27654946
TI  - A novel method to accurately locate and count large numbers of steps by
      photobleaching.
AB  - Photobleaching event counting is a single-molecule fluorescence technique that is
      increasingly being used to determine the stoichiometry of protein and RNA
      complexes composed of many subunits in vivo as well as in vitro. By tagging
      protein or RNA subunits with fluorophores, activating them, and subsequently
      observing as the fluorophores photobleach, one obtains information on the number
      of subunits in a complex. The noise properties in a photobleaching time trace
      depend on the number of active fluorescent subunits. Thus, as fluorophores
      stochastically photobleach, noise properties of the time trace change
      stochastically, and these varying noise properties have created a challenge in
      identifying photobleaching steps in a time trace. Although photobleaching steps
      are often detected by eye, this method only works for high individual fluorophore
      emission signal-to-noise ratios and small numbers of fluorophores. With filtering
      methods or currently available algorithms, it is possible to reliably identify
      photobleaching steps for up to 20-30 fluorophores and signal-to-noise ratios down
      to ~1. Here we present a new Bayesian method of counting steps in photobleaching
      time traces that takes into account stochastic noise variation in addition to
      complications such as overlapping photobleaching events that may arise from
      fluorophore interactions, as well as on-off blinking. Our method is capable of
      detecting >=50 photobleaching steps even for signal-to-noise ratios as low as
      0.1, can find up to >=500 steps for more favorable noise profiles, and is
      computationally inexpensive.

PMID- 27654948
TI  - Ketoprofen for episodic tension-type headache in adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tension-type headache (TTH) affects about 1 person in 5 worldwide. It
      is divided into infrequent episodic TTH (fewer than one headache day per month),
      frequent episodic TTH (2 to 14 headache days per month), and chronic TTH (15
      headache days a month or more). Ketoprofen is one of a number of analgesics
      suggested for acute treatment of headaches in frequent episodic TTH. OBJECTIVES:
      To assess the efficacy and safety of ketoprofen for treatment of episodic TTH in
      adults compared with placebo or any active comparator. SEARCH METHODS: We
      searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE,
      Embase, and the Oxford Pain Relief Database up to May 2016, and also reference
      lists of relevant published studies and reviews. We sought unpublished studies by
      asking personal contacts and searching online clinical trial registers and
      manufacturers' websites. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised, double
      blind, placebo-controlled studies (parallel-group or cross-over) using oral
      ketoprofen for symptomatic relief of an acute episode of TTH. Studies had to be
      prospective, with participants aged 18 years or over, and include at least 10
      participants per treatment arm. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors
      independently assessed studies for inclusion and extracted data. We used the
      numbers of participants achieving each outcome to calculate the risk ratio (RR)
      and number needed to treat for one additional beneficial outcome (NNT) or one
      additional harmful outcome (NNH) for oral ketoprofen compared to placebo or an
      active intervention for a range of outcomes, predominantly those recommended by
      the International Headache Society (IHS).We assessed the evidence using GRADE and
      created a 'Summary of findings' table. MAIN RESULTS: We included four studies,
      all of which enrolled adults with frequent episodic TTH. They all specified using
      the IHS diagnostic criteria and reported mean baseline pain of at least moderate
      intensity. While 1253 people with TTH participated in these studies, the numbers
      available for any analysis were lower than this because outcomes were
      inconsistently reported and because many participants received active
      comparators.None of the included studies were at low risk of bias across all
      domains considered, although for most studies and domains this was likely to be
      due to inadequate reporting rather than poor methods. We judged one study to be
      at high risk of bias due to small size.Useful information was available only for
      ketoprofen 25 mg. For the IHS preferred outcome of being pain-free at two hours
      the NNT for ketoprofen 25 mg compared with placebo was 9.0 (95% confidence
      interval (CI) 4.8 to 72) in two studies (272 participants; low quality evidence).
      The NNT was 3.7 (95% CI 2.6 to 6.3) for pain-free or mild pain at two hours in
      two studies (272 participants; moderate quality evidence). Fewer people needed
      rescue medication with ketoprofen 25 mg than with placebo, with a number needed
      to treat to prevent one event (NNTp) of 6.2 (95% CI 4.3 to 11) in three studies
      (605 participants; moderate quality evidence). The number of participants
      reporting any adverse event was higher with ketoprofen 25 mg than placebo (NNH
      15, (95% CI 8.7 to 45)) in three studies (651 participants with 66 events; low
      quality evidence). Most events were of mild to moderate intensity.Ketoprofen 25
      mg was not different from paracetamol 1000 mg in two studies with 276
      participants for any efficacy outcomes (low to moderate quality evidence); the RR
      for pain-free at two hours was 1.3 (95% CI 0.9 to 2.0). The number of
      participants reporting any adverse event was higher with ketoprofen 25 mg than
      with paracetamol (NNH 17, 95% CI 8.9 to 130)) in two studies (582 participants,
      68 events; low quality evidence).Studies reported no serious adverse events.We
      judged the quality of the evidence comparing ketoprofen 25 mg with placebo or
      paracetamol 1000 mg as moderate to very low. Where evidence was downgraded it was
      because of the small number of studies and events. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS:
      Ketoprofen 25 mg provided a small benefit compared with placebo in terms of being
      pain-free at two hours or having mild or no pain at two hours for people with
      frequent episodic TTH who have an acute headache of moderate or severe intensity.
      Its use was associated with more people experiencing adverse events. Ketoprofen
      25 mg was not superior to paracetamol 1000 mg for any efficacy outcome.

PMID- 27654949
TI  - Measurement of emerging dechloranes in human serum using modulated gas
      chromatography coupled to electron capture negative ionization time-of-flight
      mass spectrometry.
AB  - RATIONALE: Quite recently, the presence of significant amounts of several
      emerging Dechlorane (Dec) flame retardants (FRs) was reported in environmental
      and biota samples, principally from Canada and China, but also from Europe.
      Several molecules were identified, e.g. Dec 602, 603, 604, Dechlorane Plus (DP),
      and Chlordene Plus (CP). Gas chromatography (GC) coupled to electron ionization
      (EI) high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) is typically used for their
      measurement in various matrices based on hexachlorocyclopentadiene (HCCPD)
      fragment ions at m/z 271.8102/273.8072. METHODS: We investigated the use of GC
      with cryogenic zone compression and electron capture negative ionization time-of
      flight mass spectrometry (CZC-GC/ECNI-TOFMS) to measure Dechlorane compounds at
      low levels in human serum. The TOFMS instrument provided a resolving power of
      5000 (FWHM) with an acquisition rate of 25 Hz and was equipped with a specific
      low thermal emission filament, which allowed it to perform reproducibly in ECNI
      mode at ion source temperatures as low as 140 degrees C, thus yielding a signal
      for the molecular ion cluster. RESULTS: The method provided comparable
      sensitivity to the GC/EI-SectorHRMS technique used in selected ion monitoring
      (SIM) mode, and specificity for the target Dechlorane compounds. The method was
      applied on human serum samples and quantification was performed for Dec 602, Dec
      603, and CP, ranging from 0.1 to 10 ng/g lipid weight levels. The main drawbacks
      of the method are the high instrument detection limits (IDLs) obtained for DP and
      Dec 604. The method would benefit from even softer ionization and better ion
      transmission. CONCLUSIONS: The main advantages of the present method are the
      selectivity, as detection is based on the molecular ion signal, and the use of
      good mass accuracy combined with isotopic distribution calculation for molecular
      formulae investigation of halogenated compounds. This methodology should
      facilitate the monitoring of emerging Dechlorane contaminants in future studies,
      and possibly extend the scope to untargeted emerging analogues. Copyright (c)
      2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27654950
TI  - Using corneal confocal microscopy to track changes in the corneal layers of dry
      eye patients after autologous serum treatment.
AB  - BACKROUND: In vivo corneal confocal microscopy allows the examination of each
      layer of the cornea in detail and the identification of pathological changes at
      the cellular level. The purpose of this study was to identify the possible
      effects of a three-month treatment with autologous serum eye-drops in different
      corneal layers of patients with severe dry eye disease using corneal confocal
      microscopy. METHODS: Twenty-six patients with dry eye disease were included in
      the study. Corneal fluorescein staining was performed. The corneas of the right
      eyes were examined using in vivo corneal confocal microscopy before and after a
      three-month treatment with autologous serum drops. The densities of superficial
      and basal epithelial cells, Langerhans cells, the keratocytes and activated
      keratocytes, the density of endothelial cells and the status of the sub-basal
      nerve plexus fibres were evaluated. RESULTS: A significant decrease in corneal
      fluorescein staining was found after the three-month autologous serum treatment
      (p = 0.0006). The basal epithelial cell density decreased significantly (p =
      0.001), while the density of superficial epithelial cells did not change
      significantly (p = 0.473) nor did the number of Langerhans cells or activated
      keratocytes (p = 0.223; p = 0.307, respectively). There were no differences in
      the other corneal cell layers or in the status of the nerve fibres. CONCLUSIONS:
      The results demonstrate the ability of corneal confocal microscopy to evaluate an
      improvement in the basal epithelial cell layer of the cornea after autologous
      serum treatment in patients with dry eye disease. More studies with longer follow
      up periods are needed to elucidate the suitability of corneal confocal microscopy
      to follow the effect of autologous serum treatment on nerve fibres or other
      corneal layers in dry eye disease patients.

PMID- 27654951
TI  - Disruption of Src homology 3-binding motif within non-structural protein 1 of
      influenza B virus unexpectedly enhances viral replication in human cells.
AB  - The influenza virus non-structural protein 1 (NS1) is a multifunctional virulence
      factor that plays a crucial role during infection by blocking the innate
      antiviral immune response of infected cells. In contrast to the well-studied NS1
      protein of influenza A virus, knowledge about structure and functions of the
      influenza B virus homologue B/NS1, which shares less than 25 % sequence identity,
      is still limited. Here, we report on a reverse genetic analysis to study the role
      of a highly conserved class II Src homology 3 domain-binding motif matching the
      consensus PxxPx(K/R) that we identified at positions 122-127 of the B/NS1
      protein. Surprisingly, glycine substitutions in the Src homology 3 domain-binding
      motif increased virus replication up to three orders of magnitude in human lung
      cells. Enhanced mutant virus propagation was accompanied by increased gene
      expression and apoptosis induction linking this motif to the control of
      programmed cell death. A MS-based interactome study revealed that the glycine
      substitutions facilitate binding of B/NS1 to heat shock protein 90-beta
      (HSP90beta). Moreover, recruitment of the viral polymerase basic protein 2 to the
      B/NS1-HSP90beta complex was observed. Pharmacological inhibition of HSP90 reduced
      mutant virus propagation suggesting that the mutation-induced involvement of
      HSP90beta enhanced viral replication. This study not only functionally
      characterizes a conserved motif within the B/NS1 protein, but also illustrates a
      rare example in which mutation of a highly conserved sequence within a viral
      protein does not result in high fitness costs, but rather increases viral
      replication via recruitment of a host factor.

PMID- 27654952
TI  - Increased pCO2 and temperature reveal ecotypic differences in growth and
      photosynthetic performance of temperate and Arctic populations of Saccharina
      latissima.
AB  - MAIN CONCLUSION: The Arctic population of the kelp Saccharina latissima differs
      from the Helgoland population in its sensitivity to changing temperature and CO 2
      levels. The Arctic population does more likely benefit from the upcoming
      environmental scenario than its Atlantic counterpart. The previous research
      demonstrated that warming and ocean acidification (OA) affect the biochemical
      composition of Arctic (Spitsbergen; SP) and cold-temperate (Helgoland; HL)
      Saccharina latissima differently, suggesting ecotypic differentiation. This study
      analyses the responses to different partial pressures of CO2 (380, 800, and 1500
      uatm pCO2) and temperature levels (SP population: 4, 10  degrees C; HL
      population: 10, 17  degrees C) on the photophysiology (O2 production, pigment
      composition, D1-protein content) and carbon assimilation [Rubisco content, carbon
      concentrating mechanisms (CCMs), growth rate] of both ecotypes. Elevated
      temperatures stimulated O2 production in both populations, and also led to an
      increase in pigment content and a deactivation of CCMs, as indicated by 13C
      isotopic discrimination of algal biomass (epsilon p) in the HL population, which
      was not observed in SP thalli. In general, pCO2 effects were less pronounced than
      temperature effects. High pCO2 deactivated CCMs in both populations and produced
      a decrease in the Rubisco content of HL thalli, while it was unaltered in SP
      population. As a result, the growth rate of the Arctic ecotype increased at
      elevated pCO2 and higher temperatures and it remained unchanged in the HL
      population. Ecotypic differentiation was revealed by a significantly higher O2
      production rate and an increase in Chl a, Rubisco, and D1 protein content in SP
      thalli, but a lower growth rate, in comparison to the HL population. We conclude
      that both populations differ in their sensitivity to changing temperatures and OA
      and that the Arctic population is more likely to benefit from the upcoming
      environmental scenario than its Atlantic counterpart.

PMID- 27654953
TI  - Trichoscopy as a useful method to differentiate tinea capitis from alopecia
      areata in children at Zagazig University Hospitals.
AB  - Trichoscopy corresponds to the scalp, and hair dermoscopy has been increasingly
      used as an aid in the diagnosis, follow-up, and prognosis of hair disorders.
      Trichoscopy represents a valuable link between clinical and histological
      diagnosis. Tinea capitis (TC) and alopecia areata (AA) are considered the most
      common causes of hairless patches of the scalp in pediatrics. TC may have the
      same clinical appearance of AA, so dermoscopy has recently become a useful
      diagnostic tool for AA and TC, particularly in doubtful cases. The aim of this
      study is to identify the trichoscopic features of TC and AA in children that may
      facilitate in their differentiation from each other and choosing the appropriate
      treatment, which is a non-invasive method of diagnosis.

PMID- 27654954
TI  - Residue depletion of amoxicillin and its major metabolites in eggs.
AB  - The depletion of amoxicillin (AMO) and its major metabolites, amoxicilloic acid
      (AMA) and amoxicillin-diketopiperazine-2',5'-dione (DIKETO) in the albumen, yolk
      and whole egg was studied after the oral dose of AMO (25 and 50 mg/kg body
      weight) to laying hens once per day for five consecutive days. Egg samples were
      prepared by a simple liquid-liquid extraction procedure with acetonitrile and
      saturated methylene chloride and analysed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass
      spectrometry. The results showed that AMO, AMA and DIKETO residues were mainly
      distributed in the yolk, where particularly high concentrations of AMO and DIKETO
      were found, whereas the albumen contained high concentrations of AMA. This
      distribution suggested that AMO and DIKETO were depleted slowly in yolk, whereas
      AMA was depleted slowly in albumen. The amount of AMO residue positively
      correlated with the dose, and the theoretical withdrawal times, which were
      calculated based on the residue level falling below a safe limit, were 5.21 and
      7.67 days at AMO doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg, respectively. Moreover, the
      theoretical withdrawal times for all residues in the whole egg were 8.00 and 9.11
      days at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg, respectively. Our findings suggested that 9
      days was an appropriate withdrawal time for the use of AMO in laying hens.

PMID- 27654955
TI  - Natural history of superficial head and neck squamous cell carcinoma under
      scheduled follow-up endoscopic observation with narrow band imaging:
      retrospective cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The incidence rate has been increasing for superficial head and neck
      squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) discovered through surveillance endoscopic study
      using narrow band imaging (NBI), a procedure mainly used for high-risk patients
      with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, there are few reports on
      the natural history of superficial HNSCC. The aim of this retrospective study was
      to investigate the natural history of superficial HNSCC. METHODS: From January
      2007 to December 2012, 535 consecutive histologically confirmed superficial
      HNSCCs at the oropharynx, hypopharynx, or larynx in 319 patients were detected by
      endoscopic surveillance examination by using NBI. Of those, 20 untreated and
      observed lesions fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were analyzed in this
      study. RESULTS: Twenty lesions from 17 patients were analyzed. All patients were
      men ranging from 52 to 86 years of age, with a median age of 69 years. The median
      endoscopic follow-up period was 20 months (range, 6-71); 17 lesions progressed in
      size. In this study, four patients died; the causes of death were synchronous
      ESCC, synchronous HNSCC, acute myocardial infarction, and unknown causes. No
      patient died from progression of superficial HNSCC. CONCLUSIONS: Most superficial
      HNSCC has the potential to change progressively. Therefore, superficial HNSCC
      should be detected at an early stage and be treated less invasively, such as with
      endoscopic resection or partial resection.

PMID- 27654956
TI  - Mixed Directing-Group Strategy: Oxidative C-H/C-H Bond Arylation of Unactivated
      Arenes by Cobalt Catalysis.
AB  - A mixed directing-group strategy for inexpensive [Co(acac)3 ]-catalyzed oxidative
      C-H/C-H bond arylation of unactivated arenes has been disclosed. This strategy
      enables the arylation of a wide range of benzamide and arylpyridines effectively
      to afford novel bifunctionalized biaryls, which are difficult to achieve by
      common synthetic routes. Two different pathways, namely, a single-electron
      transmetalation process (8-aminoquinoline-directed) and a concerted metalation
      deprotonation process (pyridine-directed), were involved to activate two
      different inert aromatic C-H bonds. Moreover, the aryl radicals have been trapped
      by 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol to form benzylated products. This unique
      strategy should be useful in the design of other arene C-H/C-H cross-couplings as
      well.

PMID- 27654957
TI  - Predictors of psychological improvement on non-professional suicide message
      boards: content analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Suicide message boards have been at the core of debates about
      negative influences of the Internet on suicidality. Nothing is currently known
      about communication styles that may help users to psychologically improve in
      these settings. METHOD: In all, 1182 archival threads with 20 499 individual
      postings from seven non-professional suicide message boards supporting an
      'against-suicide', 'neutral' or 'pro-suicide' attitude were randomly selected and
      subject to content analysis. Initial needs of primary posters (i.e. individual
      who open a thread), their psychological improvement by the end of the thread,
      their responses received and indicators of suicidality were coded. Differences
      between 'pro-suicide', 'neutral' and 'against suicide' boards, and correlations
      between primary posters and respondents in terms of suicidality were assessed.
      Logistic regression was used to test associations with psychological improvement.
      RESULTS: 'Pro-suicide' boards (n = 4) differed from 'neutral' (n = 1) and
      'against-suicide' (n = 2) boards in terms of communicated contents. Indicators of
      suicidality correlated moderately to strongly between primary posters and
      respondents on 'pro-suicide' message boards, but less on other boards. Several
      communicative strategies were associated with psychological improvement in
      primary posters, including the provision of constructive advice [adjusted odds
      ratio (aOR) 4.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.40-7.03], active listening (aOR
      1.60, 95% CI 1.12-2.27), sympathy towards the poster (aOR 2.22, 95% CI 1.68-2.95)
      and provision of alternatives to suicide (aOR 2.30, 95% CI 1.67-3.18).
      CONCLUSIONS: Respondents resemble primary posters with regard to suicidality in
      'pro-suicide' boards, which may hinder psychological improvement. Still,
      opportunities to intervene in these settings using simple communication
      techniques exist and need to be taken and evaluated.

PMID- 27654958
TI  - Household adjustment to flood risk: a survey of coastal residents in Texas and
      Florida, United States.
AB  - Individual households have increasingly borne responsibility for reducing the
      adverse impacts of flooding on their property. Little observational research has
      been conducted, however, at the household level to examine the major factors
      contributing to the selection of a particular household adjustment. This study
      addresses the issue by evaluating statistically the factors influencing the
      adoption of various household flood hazard adjustments. The results indicate that
      respondents with higher-value homes or longer housing tenure are more likely to
      adopt structural and expensive techniques. In addition, the information source
      and the Community Rating System (CRS) score for the jurisdiction where the
      household is located have a significant bearing on household adjustment. In
      contrast, proximity to risk zones and risk perception yield somewhat mixed
      results or behave counter to assumptions in the literature. The study findings
      provide insights that will be of value to governments and decision-makers
      interested in encouraging homeowners to take protective action given increasing
      flood risk.

PMID- 27654959
TI  - DNase gamma, DNase I and caspase-activated DNase cooperate to degrade dead cells.
AB  - Serum endonucleases are essential for degrading the chromatin released from dead
      cells and preventing autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus.
      Serum DNase I is known as the major endonuclease, but recently, another
      endonuclease, DNase gamma/DNase I-like 3, gained attention. However, the precise
      role of each endonuclease, especially that of DNase gamma, remains unclear. In
      this study, we distinguished the activities of DNase gamma from those of DNase I
      in mouse serum and concluded that both cooperated in degrading DNA during
      necrosis: DNase gamma functions as the primary chromatolytic activity, causing
      internucleosomal DNA fragmentation, and DNase I as the secondary one, causing
      random DNA digestion for its complete degradation. These results were confirmed
      by two in vivo experimental mouse models, in which necrosis was induced,
      acetaminophen-induced hepatic injury and streptozotocin-induced beta-cell
      necrosis models. We also determined that DNase gamma functions as a backup
      endonuclease for caspase-activated DNase (CAD) in the secondary necrosis phase
      after gamma-ray-induced apoptosis in vivo.

PMID- 27654961
TI  - Doctor please feel my pulses! An aid to diagnosis in the newborn.

PMID- 27654960
TI  - In vivo study of alginate hydrogel conglutinating cells to polycaprolactone
      vascular scaffolds fabricated by electrospinning.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore an innovative cell-seeding
      technology applied on artificial vascular scaffolds. METHODS: Scaffolds were
      fabricated by electrospinning polycaprolactone (PCL) and seeded with rat
      endothelial progenitor cells differentiated from adipose-derived stem cells.
      Then, we modified the PCL scaffolds through the use of alginate hydrogel
      conglutinating cells (AHCC), a blank alginate hydrogel coating (BAHC), and
      natural sedimentation seeding cells (NSSC). The blank PCL (BP) scaffolds without
      any modifications were considered the blank control group. After modification,
      the scaffolds were implanted in a rat model. The implanted scaffolds were
      harvested and observed using histological and immunohistochemical methods and
      scanning electron microscopy (SEM) at 1, 2, and 4 weeks after implantation,
      respectively. RESULTS: The best regeneration and configuration of the endothelium
      tissue and the most similar morphology to that of natural endangium was observed
      qualitatively in the AHCC scaffolds. The BP scaffolds had qualitatively the worst
      regeneration and configuration and the most dissimilar morphology at the same
      time point. In the AHCC group, cells could adhere directly on the inner surface
      of the vascular scaffolds, eliminating the time delay via the NSSC method prior
      to cell adhesion. CONCLUSION: AHCC are an effective method for seeding cells on
      vascular scaffolds and can eliminate the time delay for cell adhesion. (c) 2016
      Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 2443
      2454, 2017.

PMID- 27654962
TI  - Vector Competence of French Polynesian Aedes aegypti and Aedes polynesiensis for
      Zika Virus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In 2013-2014, French Polynesia experienced for the first time a Zika
      outbreak. Two Aedes mosquitoes may have contributed to Zika virus (ZIKV)
      transmission in French Polynesia: the worldwide distributed Ae. aegypti and the
      Polynesian islands-endemic Ae. polynesiensis mosquito. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL
      FINDINGS: To evaluate their vector competence for ZIKV, mosquitoes were infected
      per os at viral titers of 7 logs tissue culture infectious dose 50%. At several
      days post-infection (dpi), saliva was collected from each mosquito and inoculated
      onto C6/36 mosquito cells to check for the presence of ZIKV infectious particles.
      Legs and body of each mosquito were also collected and submitted separately to
      RNA extraction and ZIKV RT-PCR. In Ae. aegypti the infection rate was high as
      early as 6 dpi and the dissemination efficiency get substantial from 9 dpi while
      the both rates remained quite low in Ae. polynesiensis. The transmission
      efficiency was poor in Ae. aegypti until 14 dpi and no infectious saliva was
      found in Ae. polynesiensis at the time points studied. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE:
      In our experimental conditions, the late ability of the French Polynesian Ae.
      aegypti to transmit ZIKV added by the poor competence of Ae. polynesiensis for
      this virus suggest the possible contribution of another vector for the
      propagation of ZIKV during the outbreak, in particular in remote islands where
      Ae. polynesiensis is predominating.

PMID- 27654963
TI  - Interleukin-1 is not involved in synovial inflammation and cartilage destruction
      in collagenase-induced osteoarthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is an alleged important cytokine in
      osteoarthritis (OA), although the exact contribution of IL-1 to joint destruction
      remains unclear. Here we investigated the involvement of IL-1alpha and IL-1beta
      in joint pathology during collagenase-induced OA (CiOA). METHODS: CiOA was
      induced in wild type (WT) and IL-1alphabeta-/- mice. Additionally, IL-1 signaling
      was inhibited in WT mice with CiOA using osmotic pumps containing IL-1RA. Joint
      pathology was assessed using histology. Activity of cartilage-degrading enzymes
      was determined using antibodies against aggrecan neo-epitopes VDIPEN and NITEGE.
      Synovial gene expression was analyzed using quantitative real-time polymerase
      chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Serum protein levels were measured with Luminex or
      enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Synovial IL-1beta expression
      was strongly elevated 7 days after induction of CiOA in WT mice but decreased
      afterwards, whereas S100A8/A9, previously described to aggravate OA, remained
      elevated for 21 days. Remarkably, synovial inflammation was comparable between WT
      and IL-1alphabeta-/- mice on day 7 of CiOA. In line, synovial mRNA expression of
      genes involved in IL-1 signaling and inflammatory mediators was comparable
      between WT and IL-1alphabeta-/- mice, and serum levels for Keratinocyte
      Chemoattractant (KC)/IL-6/S100A8/S100A9/IL-10 were equal. Synovial matrix
      metalloproteinase (MMP)/aggrecanase expression and activity in cartilage was not
      different in WT and IL-1alphabeta-/- mice on day 7 of CiOA. Cartilage destruction
      on day 42 was not different between WT and IL-1alphabeta-/- mice, which was
      supported by our finding that IL-1RA treatment in WT mice with CiOA did not alter
      joint destruction. CONCLUSIONS: IL-1alpha and IL-1beta are not involved in
      synovial inflammation and cartilage destruction during CiOA, implicating that
      other mediators are responsible for the joint damage.

PMID- 27654964
TI  - Concentrations of synovial fluid biomarkers and the prediction of knee
      osteoarthritis 16 years after anterior cruciate ligament injury.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the longitudinal patterns of release, and investigate the
      association between a set of synovial fluid biomarkers at the acute and chronic
      stage and the development of radiographic knee osteoarthritis (OA) after an
      anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. DESIGN: Synovial fluid was aspirated
      from the acutely ACL-injured knee within the first 2weeks (acute samples), and
      yearly (chronic samples) up to 7.5 years after injury in 88 subjects (60% men).
      Non-injured subjects (n = 12) were used as reference group. Aggrecan, cartilage
      oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 and tissue
      inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 in synovial fluid were quantified by
      immunoassays. The presence of radiographic tibiofemoral (TF) or patellofemoral
      (PF) OA [Kellgren and Lawrence (K&L) >=2] was examined with weight-bearing knee
      radiography 16 years after the ACL injury. RESULTS: The average acute and chronic
      SF concentrations of COMP and aggrecan were elevated in comparison with the
      reference group (P < 0.001). The levels of COMP and aggrecan clearly decreased
      approximately half a year after the ACL injury, and returned to reference values
      during the 7.5 years of follow-up. Using logistic regression analysis neither
      acute nor chronic concentrations of the four biomarkers were associated with the
      development of radiographic knee OA at the 16 year follow-up. CONCLUSION:
      Increased synovial fluid concentrations of aggrecan and COMP was related to knee
      injury, but acute and chronic synovial fluid concentrations of aggrecan, COMP,
      MMP-3 and TIMP-1 failed to predict knee OA 16 years after ACL injury.

PMID- 27654965
TI  - Soluble (Pro) Renin Receptor is a Predictor of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common endocrine
      complication in pregnancy. While it has been established that age, family history
      of diabetes, insulin resistance and several biomarkers are associated with GDM
      but significant gaps remain in understanding risk factors for GDM. Soluble pro
      renin receptor (s [Pro] RR) as a biomarker reflects the activation of renin
      angiotensin system in tissues which may be related to insulin resistance
      Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the role of (s [pro] RR) in
      predicting GDM. METHODS: one hundred-eighty singleton pregnant women in first
      trimester were enrolled. We excluded women with previous history of GDM,
      hypertension and consumption of drugs affected reninangiotensin system. A fasting
      blood glucose and s (pro) RR level were obtained during first trimester and OGTT
      was performed at 24-28 weeks of gestation. We used ROC curves to identify s (pro)
      RR cutoff points for detecting GDM and the difference in s (pro)RR level was
      assessed in GDM and non- GDM women. RESULTS: Among 180 women, 24 (13.33%) had
      GDM. There was no significant difference between age and body mass index in
      subjects with GDM compared to non- GDM. The concentration of s (pro) RR was
      significantly higher in GDM subjects rather than non- GDM [29.27(24.60-35.92) vs.
      22.89(19.46- 24.27), P<0.001]. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed a
      significant association of s(pro) RR with GDM (odd ratio: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.17
      1.48, P=0.04). A cut-off point 24.52 ng/ml of s(pro) RR had 75% sensitivity and
      80% specificity for predicting GDM. CONCLUSION: Increased level of s (pro) RR in
      first trimester may be a marker for predicting GDM.

PMID- 27654966
TI  - Marijuana and tobacco co-administration in blunts, spliffs, and mulled
      cigarettes: A systematic literature review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Blunts and spliffs/mulled cigarettes combine marijuana and tobacco
      for co-administration (use at the same time, in the same product). Co
      administration of marijuana and tobacco presents significant potential for
      nicotine exposure, and may lead to exclusive tobacco use patterns, nicotine
      addiction, and compounded health effects. No review articles have summarized the
      number and nature of studies published on these co-administered products.
      METHODS: Keywords "(blunt* OR spliff OR mull* OR joint) AND (tobacco OR smok* OR
      cigarette) AND (cannabis OR marijuana OR hashish)" were searched in the published
      literature. A total of 220 articles were considered for inclusion, 49 were
      reviewed by two independent qualitative coders, and 45 were included in this
      review. RESULTS: Of the 45 articles, most (n=27) of studies were observational or
      descriptive; ten were qualitative, five employed causal designs, and three were
      mixed methods. A majority of the studies assessed blunts; only 11 studies
      assessed spliffs/mulled cigarettes. Many studies focused on sub-populations of
      youth, males, and African Americans. Use of co-administered marijuana and tobacco
      products was associated with several indicators of problematic use patterns,
      including perceptions of less risk, dependence on nicotine and marijuana, and
      greater subjective effects related to marijuana. CONCLUSIONS: Literature on
      marijuana and tobacco co-administration comes largely from qualitative and
      observational/descriptive studies. In addition to continued surveillance,
      experimental research that directly assesses the smoking patterns of co
      administered marijuana and tobacco products as compared with to those of
      marijuana and tobacco only products is needed to determine the potential long
      term health consequences of using blunts, spliffs, or other co-administered
      products.

PMID- 27654967
TI  - Erratum to: The Rho kinase inhibitor, fasudil, ameliorates diabetes-induced
      cardiac dysfunction by improving calcium clearance and actin remodeling.

PMID- 27654968
TI  - Tau Positron Emission Tomographic Imaging in the Lewy Body Diseases.
AB  - Importance: The causes of cognitive impairment in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB)
      and Parkinson disease (PD) are multifactorial. Tau pathologic changes are
      commonly observed at autopsy in individuals with DLB and PD dementia, but their
      contribution to these diseases during life is unknown. Objective: To contrast tau
      aggregation in DLB, cognitively impaired persons with PD (PD-impaired),
      cognitively normal individuals with PD (PD-normal), and healthy persons serving
      as control participants, and to evaluate the association between tau aggregation,
      amyloid deposition, and cognitive function. Design, Setting, and Participants:
      This cross-sectional study was conducted from January 1, 2014, to April 28, 2016,
      in a tertiary care center's memory and movement disorders units. Twenty-four
      patients with Lewy body disease (7 DLB, 8 PD-impaired, and 9 PD-normal) underwent
      multimodal brain imaging, cognitive testing, and neurologic evaluation, and
      imaging measures were compared with those of an independently acquired group of
      29 controls with minimal brain amyloid burden as measured with carbon 11-labeled
      Pittsburgh Compound B ([11C]PiB) positron emission tomography (PET). Exposures:
      Imaging with fluorine 18-labeled AV-1451 ([18F]AV-1451) (formerly known as
      [18F]T807), [11C]PiB PET, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), neurologic
      examination, and detailed cognitive testing using the Mini-Mental State
      Examination (MMSE) and Clinical Dementia Rating scale. Main Outcomes and
      Measures: Main outcomes were differentiation of diagnostic groups on the basis of
      [18F]AV-1451 binding, the association of [18F]AV-1451 binding with [11C]PiB
      binding, and the association of [18F]AV-1451 binding with cognitive impairment.
      All but 3 individuals underwent amyloid imaging with [11C]PiB PET. The hypotheses
      being tested were formulated before data collection. Mini-Mental State
      Examination (range, 0-30, with 30 being best) and Clinical Dementia Rating scale
      sum-of-boxes scale (range, 0-18, with 0 being best) were used for assessment of
      cognitive function. Results: In patients with DLB, cortical [18F]AV-1451 uptake
      was highly variable and greater than in the controls, particularly in the
      inferior temporal gyrus and precuneus. Foci of increased [18F]AV-1451 binding in
      the inferior temporal gyrus and precuneus were also evident in PD-impaired
      patients. Elevated cortical [18F]AV-1451 binding was observed in 4 of 17 patients
      with Lewy body disease with low cortical [11C]PiB retention. For DLB and PD
      impaired patients, greater [18F]AV-1451 uptake in the inferior temporal gyrus and
      precuneus was associated with increased cognitive impairment as measured with the
      MMSE and the Clinical Dementia Rating scale sum-of-boxes score. Conclusions and
      Relevance: Patients with Lewy body disease manifest a spectrum of tau pathology.
      Cortical aggregates of tau are common in patients with DLB and in PD-impaired
      patients, even in those without elevated amyloid levels. When present, tau
      deposition is associated with cognitive impairment. These findings support a role
      for tau copathology in the Lewy body diseases.

PMID- 27654969
TI  - Docosahexaenoic Acid Inhibits Tumor Promoter-Induced Urokinase-Type Plasminogen
      Activator Receptor by Suppressing PKCdelta- and MAPKs-Mediated Pathways in ECV304
      Human Endothelial Cells.
AB  - The overexpression of urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) is
      associated with inflammation and virtually all human cancers. Despite the fact
      that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory
      and anti-tumor properties, the negative regulation of uPAR by DHA is still
      undefined. Here, we investigated the effect of DHA on 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol
      13-acetate (TPA)-induced uPAR expression and the underlying molecular mechanisms
      in ECV304 human endothelial cells. DHA concentration-dependently inhibited TPA
      induced uPAR. Specific inhibitors and mutagenesis studies showed that PKCdelta,
      JNK1/2, Erk1/2, NF-kappaB, and AP-1 were critical for TPA-induced uPAR
      expression. Application of DHA suppressed TPA-induced translocation of PKCdelta,
      activation of the JNK1/2 and Erk1/2 signaling pathways, and subsequent AP-1 and
      NF-kappaB transactivation. In conclusion, these observations suggest a novel role
      for DHA in reducing uPAR expression and cell invasion by inhibition of PKCdelta,
      JNK1/2, and Erk1/2, and the reduction of AP-1 and NF-kappaB activation in ECV304
      human endothelial cells.

PMID- 27654971
TI  - Inhibition of EGFR, HER2, and HER3 signaling with AZD8931 in combination with
      anastrozole as an anticancer approach: Phase II randomized study in women with
      endocrine-therapy-naive advanced breast cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: AZD8931 is an orally bioavailable, reversible tyrosine kinase inhibitor
      of EGFR, HER2, and HER3 signaling. The Phase II MINT study (ClinicalTrials.gov
      NCT01151215) investigated whether adding AZD8931 to endocrine therapy would delay
      development of endocrine resistance in patients with hormone-sensitive advanced
      breast cancer. METHODS: Patients were randomized 1:1:1 to receive daily
      anastrozole (1 mg) in combination with AZD8931 20 mg twice daily (bid), AZD8931
      40 mg bid, or placebo. The primary objective was evaluation of progression-free
      survival (PFS) in patients treated with combination AZD8931 and anastrozole
      versus anastrozole alone. Secondary objectives included assessment of safety and
      tolerability, objective response rate, and overall survival. RESULTS: At the
      interim analysis, 359 patients were randomized and received anastrozole in
      combination with AZD8931 20 mg (n = 118), 40 mg (n = 120), or placebo (n = 121);
      39 % of patients (n = 141) had a progression event. Median PFS (HR; 95 % CI vs
      placebo) in the AZD8931 20, 40 mg, and placebo arms was 10.9 (1.37; 0.91-2.06, P
      = 0.135), 13.8 (1.16; 0.77-1.75, P = 0.485), and 14.0 months, respectively. No
      indication of clinical benefit was observed following treatment with AZD8931 for
      the secondary endpoints. Safety findings showed a greater incidence of diarrhea
      (40, 51, and 12 % for AZD8931 20, 40 mg, and placebo, respectively), rash (32,
      48, and 12 %), dry skin (19, 25, and 2 %), and acneiform dermatitis (16, 28, and
      2 %) in patients treated with AZD8931 versus placebo. CONCLUSIONS: AZD8931, in
      combination with endocrine therapy, does not appear to enhance endocrine
      responsiveness and is associated with greater skin and gastrointestinal toxicity.

PMID- 27654970
TI  - Cost-effectiveness analysis of 1st through 3rd line sequential targeted therapy
      in HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer in the United States.
AB  - PURPOSE: Based on available phase III trial data, we performed a cost
      effectiveness analysis of different treatment strategies that can be used in
      patients with newly diagnosed HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (mBC).
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: We constructed a Markov model to assess the cost
      effectiveness of four different HER2 targeted treatment sequences in patients
      with HER2-positive mBC treated in the U.S. The model followed patients weekly
      over their remaining life expectancies. Health states considered were progression
      free survival (PFS) 1st to 3rd lines, and death. Transitional probabilities were
      based on published phase III trials. Cost data (2015 US dollars) were captured
      from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) drug payment table
      and physician fee schedule. Health utility data were extracted from published
      studies. The outcomes considered were PFS, OS, costs, QALYs, the incremental cost
      per QALY gained ratio, and the net monetary benefit. Deterministic and
      probabilistic sensitivity analyses assessed the uncertainty around key model
      parameters and their joint impact on the base-case results. RESULTS: The
      combination of trastuzumab, pertuzumab, and docetaxel (THP) as first-line
      therapy, trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) as second-line therapy, and
      lapatinib/capecitabine third-line resulted in 1.81 QALYs, at a cost of
      $335,231.35. The combination of trastuzumab/docetaxel as first line without
      subsequent T-DM1 or pertuzumab yielded 1.41 QALYs, at a cost of $175,240.69. The
      least clinically effective sequence (1.27 QALYs), but most cost-effective at a
      total cost of $149,250.19, was trastuzumab/docetaxel as first-line therapy, T-DM1
      as second-line therapy, and trastuzumab/lapatinib as third-line therapy.
      CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that THP as first-line therapy, followed by T-DM1
      as second-line therapy, would require at least a 50 % reduction in the total drug
      acquisition cost for it to be considered a cost-effective strategy.

PMID- 27654975
TI  - Clinical Outcome Prediction Using Single-Cell Data.
AB  - Single-cell technologies like flow cytometry (FCM) provide valuable biological
      data for knowledge discovery in complex cellular systems like tissues and organs.
      FCM data contains multi-dimensional information about the cellular heterogeneity
      of intricate cellular systems. It is possible to correlate single-cell markers
      with phenotypic properties of those systems. Cell population identification and
      clinical outcome prediction from single-cell measurements are challenging
      problems in the field of single cell analysis. In this paper, we propose a hybrid
      learning approach to predict clinical outcome using samples' single-cell FCM
      data. The proposed method is efficient in both i) identification of cellular
      clusters in each sample's FCM data and ii) predict clinical outcome (healthy
      versus unhealthy) for each subject. Our method is robust and the experimental
      results indicate promising performance.

PMID- 27654972
TI  - Interferon-gamma blocks signalling through PDGFRbeta in human brain pericytes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neuroinflammation and blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption are common
      features of many brain disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, and
      motor neuron disease. Inflammation is thought to be a driver of BBB breakdown,
      but the underlying mechanisms for this are unclear. Brain pericytes are critical
      cells for maintaining the BBB and are immunologically active. We sought to test
      the hypothesis that inflammation regulates the BBB by altering pericyte biology.
      METHODS: We exposed primary adult human brain pericytes to chronic interferon
      gamma (IFNgamma) for 4 days and measured associated functional aspects of
      pericyte biology. Specifically, we examined the influence of inflammation on
      platelet-derived growth factor receptor-beta (PDGFRbeta) expression and
      signalling, as well as pericyte proliferation and migration by qRT-PCR,
      immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry, and western blotting. RESULTS: Chronic
      IFNgamma treatment had marked effects on pericyte biology most notably through
      the PDGFRbeta, by enhancing agonist (PDGF-BB)-induced receptor phosphorylation,
      internalization, and subsequent degradation. Functionally, chronic IFNgamma
      prevented PDGF-BB-mediated pericyte proliferation and migration. CONCLUSIONS:
      Because PDGFRbeta is critical for pericyte function and its removal leads to BBB
      leakage, our results pinpoint a mechanism linking chronic brain inflammation to
      BBB dysfunction.

PMID- 27654976
TI  - A Wirelessly-Powered Homecage With Segmented Copper Foils and Closed-Loop Power
      Control.
AB  - A new wireless electrophysiology data acquisition system, built around a standard
      homecage, is presented in this paper, which can power up and communicate with
      sensors and actuators/stimulators attached to or implanted in small freely
      behaving animal subjects, such as rodents. Key abilities of the energized
      homecage (EnerCage) system is enabling longitudinal experiments with minimal
      operator involvement or interruption, while providing test subjects with an
      enriched environment closer to their natural habitat, without the burden of being
      tethered or carrying bulky batteries. The magnetic resonant multi-coil design
      used in the new EnerCage-HC2 automatically localizes the transmitted
      electromagnetic power from a single transmitter (Tx) coil at the bottom of the
      cage toward the receiver coil (Rx), carried on/in the animal body, obviating the
      need for tracking the animal or switching the coils. In order to increase the
      resonators' quality factor (Q > 166) at the desired operating frequency of 13.56
      MHz, while maintaining a high self-resonance frequency [Formula: see text], they
      are made of wide copper foils and optimally segmented based on a set of design
      rules that can be adopted for experimental arenas with different shapes and
      dimensions. The Rx rectified voltage is regulated at a user-defined window
      [Formula: see text] by a Tx-Rx closed-loop power control (CLPC) mechanism that
      creates a volume inside the homecage with 42 mW of power delivered to the load
      (PDL), and a homogeneous power transfer efficiency (PTE) plane of 14% on average
      at ~7 cm height, plus stability against angular mis-alignments of up to 80
      degrees .

PMID- 27654977
TI  - An Integrated Passive Phase-Shift Keying Modulator for Biomedical Implants With
      Power Telemetry Over a Single Inductive Link.
AB  - This paper presents a passive phase-shift keying (PPSK) modulator for uplink data
      transmission for biomedical implants with simultaneous power and data
      transmission over a single 13.56 MHz inductive link. The PPSK modulator provides
      a data rate up to 1.35 Mbps with a modulation index between 3% and 38% for a
      variation of the coupling coefficient between 0.05 and 0.26. This modulation
      scheme is particularly suited for biomedical implants that have high power demand
      and low coupling coefficients. The PPSK modulator operates in conjunction with on
      off-keying downlink communication. The same inductive link is used to provide up
      to 100 mW of power to a multi-channel stimulator. The majority of the system on
      the implant side was implemented as an application specific integrated circuit
      (ASIC), fabricated in 0.6- [Formula: see text] high voltage CMOS technology. The
      theory of PPSK modulation, simulated and measured performance evaluation, and
      comparison with other state-of-the-art impedance modulation techniques is
      presented. The measured bit error rate around critical coupling at 1.35 Mbps is
      below 6 *10-8.

PMID- 27654978
TI  - Deep Neural Networks for Identifying Cough Sounds.
AB  - In this paper, we consider two different approaches of using deep neural networks
      for cough detection. The cough detection task is cast as a visual recognition
      problem and as a sequence-to-sequence labeling problem. A convolutional neural
      network and a recurrent neural network are implemented to address these problems,
      respectively. We evaluate the performance of the two networks and compare them to
      other conventional approaches for identifying cough sounds. In addition, we also
      explore the effect of the network size parameters and the impact of long-term
      signal dependencies in cough classifier performance. Experimental results show
      both network architectures outperform traditional methods. Between the two, our
      convolutional network yields a higher specificity 92.7% whereas the recurrent
      attains a higher sensitivity of 87.7%.

PMID- 27654980
TI  - Angiotensin Receptor Neprilysin Inhibitor Use Urgency: Festina Lente.

PMID- 27654979
TI  - Erratum to: Genotyping bacterial and fungal pathogens using sequence variation in
      the gene for the CCA-adding enzyme.

PMID- 27654981
TI  - Are carriers of CYP21A2 mutations less vulnerable to psychological stress? A
      population-based national cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is one of the most common
      monogenic autosomal recessive disorders with an incidence of one in 15 000. About
      one in 70 individuals in the general population are carriers of a severe CYP21A2
      mutation. It has been suggested that this confers a survival advantage, perhaps
      as a result of increased activity in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. We
      investigated vulnerability to psychological stress in obligate carriers. METHOD:
      The Swedish CAH Registry encompasses more than 600 patients. Parents, that is
      obligate carriers of the CYP21A2 mutation, were identified through the
      Multigeneration Register. The diagnosis of the child was used as the
      psychological stressor. Psychiatric diagnoses before and after the birth of a
      child with CAH were compared to those of controls derived from (i) the general
      population, (ii) parents of children with hypospadias and (iii) parents of
      children with diabetes mellitus type 1 (T1DM). RESULTS: Parents of children with
      CAH had less risk of being diagnosed with any psychiatric disorder (OR, 0.6), an
      affective disorder (OR, 0.5) or substance misuse (OR, 0.5) after the diagnosis of
      the child, compared to the general population. Their risk was also decreased
      compared to parents of a child with hypospadias (OR, 0.6, 0.4 and 0.2,
      respectively) and parents of a child with T1DM (OR 0.7, 0.6 and 0.2,
      respectively). The CYP21A2 carriers had a lower risk of developing mood and
      stress-related disorders after the diagnosis of the child. CONCLUSION: Obligate
      CYP21A2 carriers had a reduced risk of a psychiatric diagnosis and were less
      vulnerable to a psychologically stressful situation, at least with respect to
      receiving a psychiatric diagnosis. This indicates a better ability to cope with
      psychological stress among heterozygous carriers of severe CYP21A2 mutations,
      which may contribute to the apparent survival advantage.

PMID- 27654982
TI  - Robert M. Diener.

PMID- 27654984
TI  - 5th Iberian Primatological Congress.

PMID- 27654983
TI  - Placement of transnasal drainage catheter and covered esophageal stent for the
      treatment of perforated esophageal carcinoma with mediastinal abscess.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Perforated esophageal carcinoma with mediastinal
      abscess is a clinically life-threatening emergency. Herein, we summarize our
      experience with placement of transnasal drainage catheters and covered esophageal
      stents for the treatment of this condition. METHODS: We retrospectively assessed
      the medical records of 20 patients who were treated using our intervention
      protocol. Patients received local anesthesia and sedation prior to transnasal
      drainage catheter placement into the mediastinal abscess, which was followed by
      esophageal stent placement. Once the fluid was completely drained and the abscess
      was completely closed, the drainage catheter was removed. RESULTS: The placement
      of the drainage catheter and stent was successful in all patients. The drainage
      catheter was successfully removed from the mediastinum after 7-60 days in 14
      patients. During the follow-up of 1-18 months, six patients died from hemorrhage,
      eight from cancer progression or pulmonary infection, one from atrial
      fibrillation, and one from asphyxia caused by tracheal compression. The remaining
      four patients can eat normally. CONCLUSIONS: Placement of transnasal drainage
      catheters and covered esophageal stents may be an appropriate palliative therapy
      for patients with perforated esophageal carcinoma with mediastinal abscess who
      are not candidates for surgery or have a high postoperative risk. J. Surg. Oncol.
      2016;114:725-730. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27654985
TI  - Preclinical and Healthy Volunteer Studies of Potential Drug-Drug Interactions
      Between Tenapanor and Phosphate Binders.
AB  - Tenapanor (RDX5791, AZD1722), a first-in-class small molecule with minimal
      systemic availability, is an inhibitor of the sodium/hydrogen exchanger isoform
      3. Tenapanor acts locally in the gut, where it reduces absorption of sodium and
      phosphate. It is being studied in patients with chronic kidney disease requiring
      dialysis, who are often administered phosphate binders such as sevelamer to help
      control hyperphosphatemia. We investigated whether coadministration of tenapanor
      with phosphate binders (sevelamer or calcium-based binders) impacts the
      pharmacodynamic effects of tenapanor. In vitro studies suggested a binding
      interaction between tenapanor and sevelamer, but this did not translate into
      altered pharmacodynamic effects in rats. An open-label, 2-way crossover study was
      then conducted in healthy volunteers (NCT02346890). This showed that 4 days'
      treatment with tenapanor hydrochloride (15 mg twice daily) with or without
      sevelamer carbonate (800 mg 3 times daily) resulted in comparable 24-hour stool
      and urinary sodium and phosphorus levels. Stool frequency, consistency, and
      weight were also comparable between the treatments. These results suggest that
      the binding between sevelamer and tenapanor observed in vitro does not translate
      into altered pharmacodynamic effects in humans.

PMID- 27654987
TI  - What is the contrast-filled structure seen during right ventriculography?

PMID- 27654986
TI  - A Contemporary Estimate of Total Mortality and Cardiovascular Disease Risk in
      Young Adults With Type 1 Diabetes: The Pittsburgh Epidemiology of Diabetes
      Complications Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The degree to which mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD)
      incidence remains elevated in young U.S. adults with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) is
      unclear. We determined contemporary rates for adults <45 years old with long
      standing, childhood-onset T1DM from the Pittsburgh Epidemiology of Diabetes
      Complications (EDC) Study. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Members of the EDC Study
      cohort <45 years old during the 1996-2012 follow-up period (n = 502) were
      studied. Mortality and CVD rates were calculated for those aged 30-39 and 40-44
      years. Data from the background Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, population were
      used to calculate age- and sex-matched standardized mortality (SMR) and incidence
      rate ratios (IRR). RESULTS: In both age groups, the SMR for total mortality was
      ~5 (95% CIs: 30-39-year-olds, 2.8, 7.2; 40-44-year-olds, 3.4, 7.8). CVD mortality
      SMRs ranged from 19 (95% CI 11, 32) to 33 (95% CI 17, 59). Hospitalized CVD IRR
      was ~8 (95% CIs: 30-39-year-olds, 2.5, 18.9; 40-44-year-olds, 4.5, 12.8);
      revascularization procedures account for much of the increased risk. For all
      outcomes, the relative risk was larger in women. Participants aged 30-39 years
      had 6.3% (95% CI 3.8, 9.8) absolute 10-year CVD risk, approaching the American
      College of Cardiology/American Heart Association-recommended cut point of 7.5%
      for initiation of statin therapy in older adults. CONCLUSIONS: Total and CVD
      mortality and hospitalized CVD are all significantly increased in this
      contemporary U.S. cohort of young adults with long-standing T1DM. These findings
      support more aggressive risk factor management in T1DM, especially among women.

PMID- 27654988
TI  - Finger counting method is more accurate than age-based weight estimation formulae
      in estimating the weight of Hong Kong children presenting to the emergency
      department.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the finger counting
      method and compare its performance with four commonly used age-based weight
      estimation formulae in children aged 1-9 years presenting to the ED in Hong Kong.
      METHODS: A cross-sectional, observational study of children aged 1-9 years who
      presented to the ED of a tertiary referral hospital in Hong Kong over a 6 month
      period was conducted. Actual weight was compared with estimated weight using the
      finger counting method and four commonly used age-based weight estimation
      formulae. Bland-Altman analysis was performed to evaluate the degree of agreement
      in which the mean percentage difference (MPD) and 95% limits of agreement (LOA)
      were calculated. Root mean squared error (RMSE) and proportions of weight
      estimates within 10%, 15% and 20% of actual weight were determined. RESULTS: A
      total of 4178 children were included. The finger counting method was the most
      accurate method (MPD 0.1%; 95% LOA -34.0% to 34.2%). The original Advanced
      Paediatric Life Support (APLS) formula (MPD -7.0%; 95% LOA -38.4% to 24.3%) and
      the updated APLS formula (MPD -0.4%; 95% LOA -38.5% to 37.8%) underestimated
      weight whereas the Luscombe formula (MPD 7.2%; 95% LOA -31.8% to 46.2%) and the
      Best Guess formula (MPD 10.6%; 95% LOA -27.3% to 48.4%) overestimated weight. The
      finger counting method had smallest RMSE of 4.06 kg and estimated the largest
      proportion of children within 10%, 15% and 20% of actual weight. CONCLUSION: The
      finger counting method outperforms the commonly used age-based weight estimation
      formulae in children aged 1-9 years presenting to the ED in Hong Kong.

PMID- 27654989
TI  - Dependent stomach sign and dependent intestine sign of dorsal pancreatic
      agenesis.
AB  - The 'dependent stomach sign' and 'dependent intestine sign' have been typically
      described for agenesis of dorsal pancreas. It is useful to differentiate
      pancreatic agenesis from the fatty infiltration of pancreas which is seen in
      pancreatic atrophy and pancreatic lipomatosis.

PMID- 27654991
TI  - Diagnostic performance of stomach CT compared with endoscopic ultrasonography in
      diagnosing gastric subepithelial tumors.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic ability of multi-detector computed tomography
      (MDCT) compared to endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) as a standard reference, and
      investigate the factors influencing the detection of small gastric subepithelial
      tumors (SETs) (<5 cm) on MDCT with stomach protocol. METHODS: We retrospectively
      investigated 70 patients who were suspected with gastric SETs on
      esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), and underwent both EUS and computed tomographic
      (CT) scanning. EUS was performed by two gastroenterologists, and location, size,
      echotexture, echogenicity, and layer of origin were described when gastric SETs
      were detected on EUS. MDCTs were reviewed based on consensus of two radiologists
      blinded to the EUS result. Size, location, enhancement pattern, and contour of
      the lesion detected on CT were described. We calculated the diagnostic ability of
      CT compared to EUS with respect to detection of gastric SETs, and investigated
      the factors influencing detection of SETs on CT. We also used receiver operating
      characteristic (ROC) curve to obtain optimal cut-off size for predicting CT
      visibility of small SETs. RESULTS: Of the 70 patients, who underwent both CT and
      EUS due to suspicious presence of SET on EGD, EUS detected 56 probable cases of
      SET and 14 cases of external compression. CT led to detection of 39 cases of SET
      out of the 56 cases. Sensitivity and specificity of CT was 69.6% and 100.0%,
      respectively. Positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV)
      of CT were 100.0% and 45.2%, respectively. There was a significant difference in
      mean size of CT-detected lesions compared to CT-invisible lesions (14.36 mm vs.
      8.52 mm, p < 0.001), but no significant differences in terms of layer of origin
      and location between these two groups (p > 0.5) were observed. The ROC analysis
      revealed that the optimal cut-off value, also referred to prediction of CT
      visibility, was 10 mm. Out of 70 cases, 26 cases (37.14%) were identified as
      external compression or insignificant lesions such as lipoma, hemangioma,
      lymphangioma, or gastritis cystica on CT, and do not require regular follow-up.
      CONCLUSIONS: Stomach CT shows good feasibility with respect to depiction of small
      SETs, especially in cases where size is larger than 10 mm. Henceforth, it is
      proposed that stomach CT would be a complimentary or problem-solving tool for SET
      in evaluating the presence of external compression and characterization of
      tumors.

PMID- 27654990
TI  - Diagnostic yield and clinical impact of microbiologic diagnosis from CT-guided
      drainage in patients previously treated with empiric antibiotics.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to evaluate diagnostic yield and the added
      value of culture results on the clinical management of patients empirically
      treated with antibiotics prior to CT-guided drainage. METHODS: This
      retrospective, HIPAA-compliant, IRB-approved study reviewed records of 300
      consecutive patients who underwent CT-guided aspiration or drainage for suspected
      infected fluid collection while on empiric antibiotics (11/2011 to 9/2013) at a
      single institution. Patient imaging and clinical characteristics were evaluated
      by an abdominal imaging fellow and culture results, and patient management were
      evaluated by an infectious diseases fellow. RESULTS: After exclusion of 14/300
      (4.6%) patients who were not on empiric antibiotics and 8/300 (2.6%) patients in
      which no culture was acquired, 278 patients (average age 55 +/- 16 years; M:F
      ratio 54:46) constituted the final study cohort. Leukocytosis was present in
      163/278 (59%), and fever in 65/278 (24%). The average collection size was 8.5 +/-
      4.2 cm with gas present in 140/278 (50%) of collections; median amount drained
      was 35 mL, and visibly purulent material was obtained in 172/278 (63%). 236/278
      (85%) received drains and the remainder were aspirated only. Average time between
      initiation of antibiotics and start of the drainage procedure was 4.1 +/- 6.4
      days (median 1.7 days). Cultures were positive in 205/278 (74%) patients with a
      resulting change in management in 181/278 (65%) cases. The change in management
      included change of antibiotics in 71/278 (26%), narrowing the antibiotic regimen
      in 94/278 (34%), and cessation of antibiotics in 16/278 (6%). Multidrug-resistant
      bacteria were cultured in 53/278 (19%). Several factors were found to be
      statistically significant predictors of positive cultures: patient leukocytosis
      (sens 62%, spec 53%), gas in the collection on CT (sens 59%, spec 77%), purulent
      material aspiration (sens 76%, spec 76%), and presence of polymorphonuclear cells
      in the specimen. CONCLUSIONS: Despite predrainage antibiotic therapy, CT-guided
      drainage demonstrates a high yield of positive cultures and influences clinical
      management in the majority of patients.

PMID- 27654992
TI  - The Relationship between Power Generated by Thrust and Power to Overcome Drag in
      Elite Short Distance Swimmers.
AB  - At constant average speed (v), a balance between thrust force (Ft) and drag force
      (Fd) should occur: Ft-Fd = 0; hence the power generated by thrust forces (Pt =
      Ft.v) should be equal to the power needed to overcome drag forces at that speed
      (Pd = Fd.v); the aim of this study was to measure Pt (tethered swims), to
      estimate Pd in active conditions (at sprint speed) and to compare these values.
      10 front crawl male elite swimmers (expertise: 93.1 +/- 2.4% of 50 m world
      record) participated to the study; their sprint speed was measured during a 30 m
      maximal trial. Ft was assessed during a 15 s tethered effort; passive towing
      measurement were performed to determine speed specific drag in passive conditions
      (kP = passive drag force/v2); drag force in active conditions (Fd = kA.v2) was
      calculated assuming that kA = 1.5.kP. Average sprint speed was 2.20 +/- 0.07 m.s
      1; kA, at this speed, was 37.2 +/- 2.7 N.s2.m-2. No significant differences
      (paired t-test: p > 0.8) were observed between Pt (399 +/- 56 W) and Pd (400 +/-
      57 W) and a strong correlation (R = 0.95, p < 0.001) was observed between these
      two parameters. The Bland-Altman plot indicated a good agreement and a small,
      acceptable, error (bias: -0.89 W, limits of agreement: -25.5 and 23.7 W). Power
      thrust experiments can thus be suggested as a valid tool for estimating a
      swimmer's power propulsion.

PMID- 27654993
TI  - Hard times and European youth. The effect of economic insecurity on human values,
      social attitudes and well-being.
AB  - While economic downturns have adverse effects on young people's life chances,
      empirical studies examining whether and to what extent human values, social
      attitudes and well-being indicators respond to sudden economic shocks are scarce.
      To assess the claim that human values are less affected by economic shocks than
      social attitudes and well-being, two distinct yet related studies based on the
      European Social Survey (ESS) are conducted. The first employs a fixed effects
      pseudo-panel analysis of the 2008-2014 ESS-waves to detect whether changes over
      time in the socio-demographic group's unemployment risk and national youth
      unemployment affect individual dispositions to varying degrees. The second study
      captures micro- and cross-national effects in the 2010 ESS cross-section. Unique
      for this set-up is that we can test whether the findings hold for over-time
      changes in youth unemployment within countries (pseudo-panel), as well as for
      cross-country differences in youth unemployment (multilevel). Both studies
      indicate that political trust, satisfaction with the economy and subjective well
      being are lowered by economic risk and hardship, while social trust and self
      rated health are less affected by changes in youth unemployment. Secondly, human
      values are immune to economic risk, underscoring that values transcend specific
      situations and are therefore resistant against sudden economic shocks.

PMID- 27654994
TI  - Single fixed-dose oral dexketoprofen plus tramadol for acute postoperative pain
      in adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Combining two different analgesics in fixed doses in a single tablet
      can provide better pain relief than either drug alone in acute pain. This appears
      to be broadly true across a range of different drug combinations, in
      postoperative pain and migraine headache. A new combination of dexketoprofen (a
      nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) plus tramadol (an opioid) has been tested in
      acute postoperative pain conditions. It is not yet licensed for use. This review
      is one of a series on oral analgesics for acute postoperative pain. Individual
      reviews have been brought together in two overviews to provide information about
      the relative efficacy and harm of the different interventions. OBJECTIVES: To
      assess the analgesic efficacy and adverse effects of a single fixed-dose of oral
      dexketoprofen plus tramadol, compared with placebo, for moderate to severe
      postoperative pain in adults, using methods that permit comparison with other
      analgesics evaluated in standardised trials using almost identical methods and
      outcomes. A secondary objective was to compare the combination with the
      individual analgesics alone. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Central
      Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) via CRSO, MEDLINE via Ovid, and Embase
      via Ovid from inception to 31 May 2016. We also searched the reference lists of
      retrieved studies and reviews, and two online clinical trial registries.
      SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised, double-blind trials of oral dexketoprofen plus
      tramadol administered as a single oral dose, for the relief of acute
      postoperative pain in adults, and compared to placebo. DATA COLLECTION AND
      ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently considered trials for inclusion in the
      review, examined issues of study quality and potential bias, and extracted data.
      For dichotomous outcomes, we calculated risk ratio (RR) and number needed to
      treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNT) for dexketoprofen plus tramadol,
      compared with placebo with 95% confidence intervals (CI). We collected
      information on the number of participants with at least 50% of the maximum
      possible pain relief over six hours, the median time to use of rescue medication,
      and the proportion of participants requiring rescue medication. We also collected
      information on adverse events and withdrawals. We assessed the quality of the
      evidence using GRADE and created a 'Summary of findings' table.We also collected
      information on the number of participants with at least 50% of the maximum
      possible pain relief over six hours for dexketoprofen alone and tramadol alone.
      MAIN RESULTS: We included three studies with 1853 participants who had undergone
      surgical removal of impacted wisdom teeth, hip replacement, or hysterectomy. The
      overall risk of bias across the three included studies was low, with unclear risk
      of bias in relation to the size of the three studies. Two studies did not report
      all our prespecified outcomes, which limited the analyses we could do.The
      proportion of participants achieving at least 50% pain relief over six hours with
      dexketoprofen 25 mg plus tramadol 75 mg was 66%, compared to 32% with placebo,
      giving an NNT of 3.0 (95% CI 2.5 to 3.7) (RR 2.1 (95% CI 1.7 to 2.4); 748
      participants; 3 studies) (moderate quality evidence). The response rate with
      dexketoprofen 25 mg alone was 53% (RR 1.3 (95% CI 1.1 to 1.4); 744 participants;
      3 studies) and with tramadol alone was 45% (RR 1.5 (95% CI 1.3 to 1.7); 741
      participants; 3 studies) (moderate quality evidence). We downgraded the evidence
      because of some inconsistency in the results.The median time to use of rescue
      medication could not be estimated exactly, but was probably eight hours or more,
      indicating a long duration of effect (moderate quality evidence). We downgraded
      the evidence because it was not possible to estimate the effect exactly in the
      two multiple dose studies, resulting in imprecision. Fewer participants used
      rescue medication with higher doses of active treatment (summary statistic not
      calculated; 123 participants; 1 study) (very low quality evidence). We downgraded
      the evidence because the data came from a single study with few participants and
      events.Adverse events and serious adverse events were not reported consistently
      for the single dose phase of the studies. In the single dose study, 11% of
      participants experienced adverse events with dexketoprofen 25 mg plus tramadol 75
      mg, which were mostly mild or moderate nausea, vomiting, or dizziness, and
      typical with these medicines. Rates were lower with placebo and lower doses (very
      low quality evidence). We downgraded the evidence because the data came from a
      single study with few participants and events. Information on multiple dosing
      over three and five days supported a low event rate with the combination.
      Overall, rates were generally low in all treatment arms, as they were for
      withdrawals for adverse events or other reasons. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: A single
      oral dose of dexketoprofen 25 mg plus tramadol 75 mg provided good levels of pain
      relief with long duration of action to more people than placebo or the same dose
      of dexketoprofen or tramadol alone. The magnitude of the effect was similar to
      other good analgesics. Adverse event rates were low.There is modest uncertainty
      about the precision of the point estimate for efficacy, but the NNT of 3 is
      consistent with other analgesics considered effective and commonly used.

PMID- 27654995
TI  - Organoid Culture of Human Cancer Stem Cells.
AB  - Organoid culture is a three-dimensional culture method that enables ex vivo
      analysis of stem cell behavior and differentiation. This method is also
      applicable to the studies on stem cell characters of human cancer stem cells. The
      components of organoid culture include Matrigel(r) and a culture medium
      containing growth factor cocktails that mimic the microenvironments of organ stem
      cell niches. Here, we describe the basic methods for the organoid culture of
      dissociated or FACS-sorted human cancer stem cells. Then, we introduce a method
      to dissociate the organoids for serial passage and propagation.

PMID- 27654996
TI  - Venous thromboembolism following colorectal resection.
AB  - AIM: The study investigated the rate of significant venous thromboembolism (VTE)
      following colorectal resection during the index admission and over 1 year
      following discharge. It identifies risk factors associated with VTE and considers
      the length of VTE prophylaxis required. METHOD: All adult patients who underwent
      colorectal resections in England between April 2007 and March 2008 were
      identified using Hospital Episode Statistics data. They were studied during the
      index admission and followed for a year to identify any patients who were
      readmitted as an emergency with a diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis or
      pulmonary embolism. RESULTS: In all, 35 997 patients underwent colorectal
      resection during the period of study. The VTE rate was 2.3%. Two hundred and one
      (0.56%) patients developed VTE during the index admission and 571 (1.72%) were
      readmitted with VTE. Following discharge from the index admission, the risk of
      VTE in patients with cancer remained elevated for 6 months compared with 2 months
      in patients with benign disease. Age, postoperative stay, cancer, emergency
      admission and emergency surgery for patients with inflammatory bowel disease
      (IBD) were all independent risk factors associated with an increased risk of VTE.
      Patients with ischaemic heart disease and those having elective minimal access
      surgery appear to have lower levels of VTE. CONCLUSION: This study adds to the
      benefits of minimal access surgery and demonstrates an additional risk to
      patients undergoing emergency surgery for IBD. The majority of VTE cases occur
      following discharge from the index admission. Therefore, surgery for cancer,
      emergency surgery for IBD and those with an extended hospital stay may benefit
      from extended VTE prophylaxis. This study demonstrates that a stratified approach
      may be required to reduce the incidence of VTE.

PMID- 27654997
TI  - Homogenous Boron-doping in Self-sensitized Carbon Nitride for Enhanced Visible
      light Photocatalytic Activity.
AB  - We report a solvothermal approach for the preparation of homogeneously B-doped
      self-sensitized carbon nitride (B-SSCN) composed of a core of B-doped carbon
      nitride microspheres and a covalently linked shell of s-triazine oligomers.
      Compared to the undoped structure, the obtained B-SSCN photocatalyst exhibits an
      enhanced visible-light activity, excellent stability for photocatalytic hydrogen
      generation due to a reduced band-gap, enhanced charge-separation efficiency, and
      better surface reactivity of B-SSCN. This work provides a new strategy to
      uniformly insert heteroatoms into the polymeric carbon nitride framework for the
      development of metal-free photocatalysts towards efficient production of solar
      fuels.

PMID- 27654998
TI  - Effect of corneal cross-linking on contact lens tolerance in keratoconus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim was to investigate changes in corneal sensation and rigid gas
      permeable (RGP) contact lens tolerance after corneal cross-linking (CXL) on
      patients with keratoconus. METHODS: Thirty eyes of 30 patients, who were RGP lens
      intolerant, were treated with CXL. The main outcome measures were corneal
      sensation evaluation by Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometry, sub-basal nerve fibre
      assessment by corneal in vivo confocal microscopy and RGP contact lens tolerance
      evaluation with the Likert scale and wearing time. All eyes were evaluated
      preoperatively and post-operatively at one, three and six months after CXL
      procedure. RESULTS: The mean age was 25.3 +/- 6.2 years. Preoperatively, the
      maximum keratometry (Kmax) in study eyes was 56.89 +/- 4.60 D. Six months after
      CXL, it reduced to 56.03 +/- 4.85 D (p = 0.01). Preoperative mean corneal
      sensation was 0.44 +/- 0.05 g/mm2 , (range: 0.40 to 0.55); it was significantly
      decreased at the first month and increased to preoperative values after six
      months. The sub-basal nerve plexus could not be visualised in 90 per cent of the
      patients by confocal microscopy at one month post-operatively. Gradual
      restoration of corneal innervation with almost similar preoperative levels at
      post-operative month six was noted. There were significant differences in Likert
      scores between preoperative and third and sixth months after CXL. Likert scale
      scores correlated significantly with corneal sensitivity. CONCLUSION: It can be
      concluded that increased RGP contact lens tolerance after CXL may be associated
      with the potential role of decreased corneal sensitivity and corneal flattening
      after CXL.

PMID- 27655000
TI  - Becker's nevus syndrome: a report of a rare disease with unusual associations.

PMID- 27655001
TI  - Measuring Information Security Performance with 10 by 10 Model for Holistic State
      Evaluation.
AB  - Organizations should measure their information security performance if they wish
      to take the right decisions and develop it in line with their security needs.
      Since the measurement of information security is generally underdeveloped in
      practice and many organizations find the existing recommendations too complex,
      the paper presents a solution in the form of a 10 by 10 information security
      performance measurement model. The model-ISP 10*10M is composed of ten critical
      success factors, 100 key performance indicators and 6 performance levels. Its
      content was devised on the basis of findings presented in the current research
      studies and standards, while its structure results from an empirical research
      conducted among information security professionals from Slovenia. Results of the
      study show that a high level of information security performance is mostly
      dependent on measures aimed at managing information risks, employees and
      information sources, while formal and environmental factors have a lesser impact.
      Experts believe that information security should evolve systematically, where
      it's recommended that beginning steps include technical, logical and physical
      security controls, while advanced activities should relate predominantly
      strategic management activities. By applying the proposed model, organizations
      are able to determine the actual level of information security performance based
      on the weighted indexing technique. In this manner they identify the measures
      they ought to develop in order to improve the current situation. The ISP 10*10M
      is a useful tool for conducting internal system evaluations and decision-making.
      It may also be applied to a larger sample of organizations in order to determine
      the general state-of-play for research purposes.

PMID- 27654999
TI  - Age-related accrual of methylomic variability is linked to fundamental ageing
      mechanisms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Epigenetic change is a hallmark of ageing but its link to ageing
      mechanisms in humans remains poorly understood. While DNA methylation at many CpG
      sites closely tracks chronological age, DNA methylation changes relevant to
      biological age are expected to gradually dissociate from chronological age,
      mirroring the increased heterogeneity in health status at older ages. RESULTS:
      Here, we report on the large-scale identification of 6366 age-related variably
      methylated positions (aVMPs) identified in 3295 whole blood DNA methylation
      profiles, 2044 of which have a matching RNA-seq gene expression profile. aVMPs
      are enriched at polycomb repressed regions and, accordingly, methylation at those
      positions is associated with the expression of genes encoding components of
      polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) in trans. Further analysis revealed trans
      associations for 1816 aVMPs with an additional 854 genes. These trans-associated
      aVMPs are characterized by either an age-related gain of methylation at CpG
      islands marked by PRC2 or a loss of methylation at enhancers. This distinct
      pattern extends to other tissues and multiple cancer types. Finally, genes
      associated with aVMPs in trans whose expression is variably upregulated with age
      (733 genes) play a key role in DNA repair and apoptosis, whereas downregulated
      aVMP-associated genes (121 genes) are mapped to defined pathways in cellular
      metabolism. CONCLUSIONS: Our results link age-related changes in DNA methylation
      to fundamental mechanisms that are thought to drive human ageing.

PMID- 27655003
TI  - Materials and Methods.
AB  - Mice obtained for this study were products of pudgy breeding pairs from Jackson
      Laboratories, Bar Harbor, Maine. For the affected pudgy mice, heterozygous
      unaffected littermates served as controls. An affected pudgy mouse (pu/pu) can be
      identified at birth since it is approximately three-quarters the length of its
      non-affected littermates (pu/+) and has a markedly shortened, twisted tail. The
      mice were sacrificed by intraperitoneal injections of sodium pentobarbital.
      Vertebral and rib assessments were performed in 68 mice, 37 affected (pu/pu) and
      31 non-affected (pu/+) age-matched siblings from the late embryo to 3 months of
      age. There were eight sets of births (litters) in which two or more of the
      sibling littermates were affected, allowing for a comparison of rib and vertebral
      anomalies in pudgy mice from the same mother and same pregnancy as well as with
      all other pudgy mice.

PMID- 27655004
TI  - Results.
AB  - Table 3.1 outlines ages of pudgy and non-affected mice, sibling groups with two
      or more littermates affected, and types of structural studies performed in each
      mouse. Table 3.2 outlines the age distribution of the studies.

PMID- 27655005
TI  - Discussion.
AB  - Each of the radiographic, histologic, whole mount, and three-dimensional
      computerized reconstruction techniques throws specific light on the vertebral,
      intervertebral disc, and rib abnormalities in the development of the pudgy mouse.
      The end result demonstrates a failure of both normal formation and normal
      segmentation in the pudgy mouse recognized now as a recessive genetic disorder in
      which mutations in the Delta-like 3 gene (Dll3) have been defined [2]. The
      variable appearance of the vertebral and rib abnormalities from mouse to mouse,
      including in particular the variable appearance in affected littermates,
      indicates that the gene abnormality alone does not account solely for the
      deformities seen. Once the gene abnormality is expressed early in embryogenesis,
      secondary effects, presumably by mechanisms of epigenetics, appear to play a
      significant role in outlining the abnormal pattern. The pudgy mouse and other
      genetically triggered axial developmental abnormalities represent excellent
      models to help unravel pathogenetic mechanisms whereby gene abnormalities are
      translated into three-dimensional structural abnormalities.

PMID- 27655002
TI  - Disordered vertebral and rib morphology in pudgy mice. Structural relationships
      to human scoliosis.
AB  - Normal and abnormal vertebral development have been studied over the past 200
      years at increasing levels of resolution as techniques for biological
      investigation have improved. Disordered development of the axial skeleton from
      the early embryonic period on leads to structurally malformed vertebrae and
      intervertebral discs and ribs causing the severe deformities of scoliosis,
      kyphosis, and kyphoscoliosis. Developmental malformation of the axial skeleton
      therefore has led to considerable biological and clinical interest. This work
      will detail our studies on the structural deformities of the vertebral column and
      adjacent ribs in the pudgy mouse [1] caused by mutations in the delta-like 3
      (Dll3) gene of the Notch family [2]. While gene abnormalities in the pudgy mouse
      have been outlined, there has been no in-depth assessment of the histopathology
      of the pudgy vertebral and rib abnormalities that this study will provide. In
      addition, although congenital scoliosis has been recognized as a clinical problem
      since the mid-nineteenth century (1800s) [3] and accurately defined by
      radiography since the early twentieth century (1900s) [4-6], there have been few
      detailed histopathologic studies of human cases. We will also relate our
      histopathologic findings in the pudgy mouse to the histopathology of human
      vertebral and rib malformations in clinical cases of congenital scoliosis, one of
      which we defined in detail previously [7].

PMID- 27655006
TI  - Conclusions.
AB  - The abnormal findings in the pudgy mouse are remarkably similar to those in the
      severe case of human congenital scoliosis such as seen in the spondylocostal
      dysplasias. The pudgy mouse is an excellent model to study: (i) how gene
      mutations translate into three-dimensional structural abnormalities and (ii)
      which other factors contribute to the final deformities.

PMID- 27655007
TI  - The "Universal" in UHC and Ghana's National Health Insurance Scheme: policy and
      implementation challenges and dilemmas of a lower middle income country.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite universal population coverage and equity being a stated
      policy goal of its NHIS, over a decade since passage of the first law in 2003,
      Ghana continues to struggle with how to attain it. The predominantly (about 70 %)
      tax funded NHIS currently has active enrolment hovering around 40 % of the
      population. This study explored in-depth enablers and barriers to enrolment in
      the NHIS to provide lessons and insights for Ghana and other low and middle
      income countries (LMIC) into attaining the goal of universality in Universal
      Health Coverage (UHC). METHODS: We conducted a cross sectional mixed methods
      study of an urban and a rural district in one region of Southern Ghana. Data came
      from document review, analysis of routine data on enrolment, key informant in
      depth interviews with local government, regional and district insurance scheme
      and provider staff and community member in-depth interviews and focus group
      discussions. RESULTS: Population coverage in the NHIS in the study districts was
      not growing towards near universal because of failure of many of those who had
      ever enrolled to regularly renew annually as required by the NHIS policy. Factors
      facilitating and enabling enrolment were driven by the design details of the
      scheme that emanate from national level policy and program formulation, frontline
      purchaser and provider staff implementation arrangements and contextual factors.
      The factors inter-related and worked together to affect client experience of the
      scheme, which were not always the same as the declared policy intent. This then
      also affected the decision to enrol and stay enrolled. CONCLUSIONS: UHC policy
      and program design needs to be such that enrolment is effectively compulsory in
      practice. It also requires careful attention and responsiveness to actual and
      potential subscriber, purchaser and provider (stakeholder) incentives and related
      behaviour generated at implementation levels.

PMID- 27655009
TI  - Is Genome Complexity a Consequence of Inefficient Selection? Evidence from Intron
      Creation in Nonrecombining Regions.
AB  - Genomes show remarkable variation in architecture and complexity across
      organisms, with large differences in genome size and in numbers of genes, gene
      duplicates, introns and transposable elements. These differences have important
      implications for transcriptome and regulatory complexity and ultimately for
      organismal complexity. Numbers of spliceosomal introns show particularly striking
      differences, ranging across organisms from zero to hundreds of thousands of
      introns per genome. The causes of these differences remain poorly understood.
      According to one influential perspective, differences across species reflect the
      differential ability of selection in different populations to eliminate allegedly
      deleterious intron-containing alleles. Direct tests of this theory have been
      elusive. Here, I study evolution of intron-exon structures in genomic regions of
      recombination suppression (RRSs), which experience drastically reduced selective
      efficiency due to hitchhiking and background selection. I studied intron creation
      in eight independently evolved RRSs, spanning substantial diversity
      phylogenetically (plants, animals, fungi and brown algae) and biologically (sex
      chromosomes, mating type chromosomes, genomic regions flanking self
      incompatibility loci, and the Drosophila "dot" chromosome). To identify newly
      created introns in RRSs, I compared intron positions in RRS genes with those in
      homologous genes. I found very few intron gains: no intron gains were observed in
      7/8 studied data sets, and only three intron gains were observed overall (on the
      Drosophila dot chromosome). These results suggest that efficiency of selection
      may not be a major cause of differences in intron-exon structures across
      organisms. Instead, rates of spontaneous intron-creating and intron-deleting
      mutations may play the central role in shaping intron-exon structures.

PMID- 27655010
TI  - Doctors are working five unpaid extra weeks a year, claim leaders.

PMID- 27655008
TI  - Small-World Brain Networks Revisited.
AB  - It is nearly 20 years since the concept of a small-world network was first
      quantitatively defined, by a combination of high clustering and short path
      length; and about 10 years since this metric of complex network topology began to
      be widely applied to analysis of neuroimaging and other neuroscience data as part
      of the rapid growth of the new field of connectomics. Here, we review briefly the
      foundational concepts of graph theoretical estimation and generation of small
      world networks. We take stock of some of the key developments in the field in the
      past decade and we consider in some detail the implications of recent studies
      using high-resolution tract-tracing methods to map the anatomical networks of the
      macaque and the mouse. In doing so, we draw attention to the important
      methodological distinction between topological analysis of binary or unweighted
      graphs, which have provided a popular but simple approach to brain network
      analysis in the past, and the topology of weighted graphs, which retain more
      biologically relevant information and are more appropriate to the increasingly
      sophisticated data on brain connectivity emerging from contemporary tract-tracing
      and other imaging studies. We conclude by highlighting some possible future
      trends in the further development of weighted small-worldness as part of a deeper
      and broader understanding of the topology and the functional value of the strong
      and weak links between areas of mammalian cortex.

PMID- 27655011
TI  - Oxidative Cleavage of C=S and P=S Bonds at an AlI Center: Preparation of
      Terminally Bound Aluminum Sulfides.
AB  - The treatment of cyclic thioureas with the aluminum(I) compound NacNacAl (1;
      NacNac=[ArNC(Me)CHC(Me)NAr]- , Ar=2,6-Pri2 C6 H3 ) resulted in oxidative cleavage
      of the C=S bond and the formation of 3 and 5, the first monomeric aluminum
      complexes with an Al=S double bond stabilized by N-heterocyclic carbenes.
      Compound 1 also reacted with triphenylphosphine sulfide in a similar manner,
      which resulted in cleavage of the P=S bond and production of the adduct
      [NacNacAl=S(S=PPh3 )] (8). The Al=S double bond in 3 can react with phenyl
      isothiocyanate to furnish the cycloaddition product 9 and zwitterion 10 as a
      result of coupling between the liberated carbene and PhN=C=S. All novel complexes
      were characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, and the structures of 5, 9,
      and 10 were confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. The nature of the Al=S bond
      in 5 was also probed by DFT calculations.

PMID- 27655013
TI  - Human rights and proactive displacement: determining the appropriate balance
      between the duty to protect and the right to remain.
AB  - The proactive displacement by public authorities of populations from areas
      perceived to be exposed to a high risk of disaster presents complex human rights
      challenges. Provided that no ulterior motive is at play, the use of compulsory
      evacuations and relocations as policy responses to such risk is mandated by the
      duty to protect the right to life. However, proactive displacement in the
      interest of saving lives can be problematic as such measures can lead to the
      limitation of other human rights, resulting in an intricate assessment of whether
      compulsory evacuation or permanent relocation is proportional in any given
      circumstance. Such an analysis demands critical attention by public authorities
      to the perception of the disaster risk in question and problematises claims to
      objectivity of official risk assessments. Furthermore, it poses the question as
      to whether measures designed to address the disaster risk in question that are
      less intrusive than relocation may be available to public authorities.

PMID- 27655012
TI  - The effect of sodium nitroprusside on psychotic symptoms and spatial working
      memory in patients with schizophrenia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo
      controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sodium nitroprusside (SNP) has been reported to rapidly reduce
      psychotic symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. This has the potential to
      revolutionize treatment for schizophrenia. In this study, we tested the
      hypothesis that SNP leads to a reduction in psychotic symptoms and an improvement
      in spatial working memory (SWM) performance in patients with schizophrenia.
      METHOD: This was a single-centre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
      trial performed from 27 August 2014 to 10 February 2016 (clinicaltrials.gov
      identifier: NCT02176044). Twenty patients with schizophrenia aged 18-60 years
      with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were recruited from
      psychiatric outpatient clinics in the South London and Maudsley NHS Trust,
      London, UK. Baseline symptoms were measured using the Positive and Negative
      Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the 18-item Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS-18),
      and SWM was assessed using the CANTAB computerized test. Participants received
      either an infusion of SNP (0.5 MUg/kg per min for 4 h) or placebo and were re
      assessed for symptoms and SWM performance immediately after the infusion, and 4
      weeks later. RESULTS: SNP did not lead to any reduction in psychotic symptoms or
      improvement in SWM performance compared to placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Although this
      study was negative, it is possible that the beneficial effects of SNP may occur
      in patients with a shorter history of illness, or with more acute exacerbation of
      symptoms.

PMID- 27655014
TI  - The role of physical activity in early adulthood and middle-age on bone health
      after menopause in epidemiological population from Silesia Osteo Active Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is a growing problem in women after menopause. Among
      factors protecting from this disease is a physical activity (PA). AIM: The
      objective of the study was to evaluate the influence of PA in early adulthood and
      at middle-age on bone health after menopause. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study
      group consisted of 362 randomly recruited postmenopausal women after menopause.
      Mean age was 65.2+/-6.9 years. Medical history was collected from all
      participants, and they completed questionnaires assessing PA in early adulthood
      and at middle-age. Physical capacity was estimated using the Duke scale. Bone
      status was measured with use of densitometry (DXA) for lumbar spine and hip and
      calcaneus quantitative ultrasound (QUS) measurements. RESULTS: Physical activity
      and healthy lifestyle activity in early adulthood did not correlate with bone
      health, but current PA did (for QUS parameters r=.11; P<.05). Physical capacity
      correlated with all QUS parameters (r=.2 to .22; P<.05) and femoral neck (FN) BMD
      and T-score (for both r=.16; P<.05). Current PA frequency at the level of several
      times a week has the highest positive impact on FN DXA results (P=.01). Bone mass
      in DXA and QUS variables is related to the type of exercises (P<.05). CONCLUSION:
      Physical activity, especially several times a week, at middle-age is a major
      factor influencing bone health in women after menopause. Further studies
      concerning the type of exercises are needed.

PMID- 27655015
TI  - 3D perfusion bioreactor-activated porous granules on implant fixation and early
      bone formation in sheep.
AB  - Early fixation of total joint arthroplasties is crucial for ensuring implant
      survival. An alternative bone graft material in revision surgery is needed to
      replace the current gold standard, allograft, seeing that the latter is
      associated with several disadvantages. The incubation of such a construct in a
      perfusion bioreactor has been shown to produce viable bone graft materials. This
      study aimed at producing larger amounts of viable bone graft material
      (hydroxyapatite 70% and beta-tricalcium-phosphate 30%) in a novel perfusion
      bioreactor. The abilities of the bioreactor-activated graft material to induce
      early implant fixation were tested in a bilateral implant defect model in sheep,
      with allograft as the control group. Defects were bilaterally created in the
      distal femurs of the animals, and titanium implants were inserted. The concentric
      gaps around the implants were randomly filled with either allograft, granules,
      granules with bone marrow aspirate or bioreactor-activated graft material.
      Following an observation time of 6 weeks, early implant fixation and bone
      formation were assessed by micro-CT scanning, mechanical testing, and
      histomorphometry. Bone formations were seen in all groups, while no significant
      differences between groups were found regarding early implant fixation. The
      microarchitecture of the bone formed by the synthetic graft materials resembled
      that of allograft. Histomorphometry revealed that allograft induced significantly
      more bone and less fibrous tissue (p < 0.05). In conclusion, bone formation was
      observed in all groups, while the bioreactor-activated graft material did not
      reveal additional effects on early implant fixation comparable to allograft in
      this model. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl
      Biomater, 105B: 2465-2476, 2017.

PMID- 27655016
TI  - Epstein-Barr virus exploits host endocytic machinery for cell-to-cell viral
      transmission rather than a virological synapse.
AB  - Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) establishes a lifelong latent infection in B lymphocytes
      and often is found in epithelial cells. Several lines of evidence indicate that
      viral transmission mediated by cell-to-cell contact is the dominant mode of
      infection by EBV for epithelial cells. However, its detailed molecular mechanism
      has not been fully elucidated. We investigated the role of host membrane
      trafficking machinery in this process. We have found that adhesion molecules
      critical for this process are expressed in EBV-positive and -negative Burkitt's
      lymphoma (BL) cells and multiple epithelial cell lines. Treatment with blocking
      antibodies against beta1 and beta2 integrin families and their ligands suppressed
      EBV transmission in a dose-dependent manner. We also confirmed that adhesion
      molecules are upregulated in co-cultured BL cells. Immunofluorescence staining
      revealed that the intracellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) distributed to the
      cell surface and partially co-localized with recycling endosomes in co-cultured
      BL cells. Moreover, cell-to-cell EBV transmission was inhibited upon blocking
      endocytic recycling by expression of a dominant-negative form of a small GTPase
      Rab11 or by knockdown of Rab11, supporting the notion that the endocytic pathway
      dependent trafficking of ICAM-1 to the cell surface of BL cells contributes to
      viral transmission by stabilizing cell-to-cell contact between the donor cells
      and recipient cells. Finally, we demonstrated that co-cultivation upregulated
      clathrin-mediated endocytosis in the recipient cells, allowing EBV to be
      internalized. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that EBV exploits host
      endocytic machinery in both donor and recipient cells, a process which is
      facilitated by cell-to-cell contact, thereby promoting successful viral
      transmission.

PMID- 27655017
TI  - Paediatric clinical exposure for medical students: Are they seeing enough?
AB  - AIM: To determine whether students are exposed to the 25 clinical presentations
      included in a comprehensive paediatric curriculum based on presenting features,
      as well as to evaluate for any variation in case exposure between the different
      locations and seasons of the student attachments. METHODS: Students in the final
      2 years of a 6-year medical degree completed logbooks during their 8-week
      paediatric attachment, recording which of 25 listed clinical presentations they
      had seen. Data were then collected regarding the period and location of the
      clinical placement, and which presentations had been seen by each student.
      Analysis was performed to detect differences in student case exposure depending
      on location and season of attachment, as well as the frequency with which each
      presentation was seen. RESULTS: Three hundred and sixty-one student logbooks were
      included for analysis. Only one student had seen all 25 presentations; the median
      (range; interquartile range) number of cases seen was 14 (4-25; 11-17). There was
      no significant difference in the number of cases seen relating to location
      (rural, metropolitan or tertiary children's hospital) or season of the paediatric
      attachment. Only three presentations (infant/child with fever, breathing
      difficulties and vomiting/diarrhoea) had been seen by more than 90% of students;
      nine presentations had been seen by less than 50% of students. CONCLUSIONS:
      Students rarely gain exposure to all clinical presentations suggested in a
      comprehensive paediatric curriculum based on presenting features during an 8-week
      clinical attachment. Students have a similar experience regardless of the
      hospital or season of attachment.

PMID- 27655018
TI  - The role of executive control in the activation of manual affordances.
AB  - We investigated the role of executive control processes in the activation of
      manual affordances in two experiments combining stimulus-response compatibility
      (SRC) and dual-task paradigms. We registered an inverse SRC effect in the
      presence of a parallel backward-counting task in Experiment 1, and a cancellation
      of the SRC effect in Experiment 2 when a parallel Stroop-like task was used. We
      interpret our data as supporting a self-inhibition account of the affordance
      activation control. Accordingly, the role of executive processes is to prevent
      self-inhibition in supraliminal conditions: when cognitive resources are depleted
      by a parallel task, the self-inhibition mechanism becomes active and irrelevantly
      potentiated affordances are inhibited, leading to the emergence of an inverse SRC
      effect. In addition, the difference between data patterns observed in the two
      experiments suggests that the exact roles of the executive processes involved
      during the activation of affordances may differ. The results suggest a mechanism
      for action-related activation monitoring based on a flexible control over
      automatically potentiated actions. The paper discusses the proposed mechanism in
      detail and outlines further research directions.

PMID- 27655019
TI  - Clinical implications of microbial biofilms in chronic rhinosinusitis and orbital
      cellulitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Discovery of sessile mode of microbial existence (Biofilm state)
      focussed much interest, during the recent years, on the study of biofilms in many
      recurring and chronic infections. However, the exact role of microbial biofilms
      in chronic rhinosinusitis and orbital cellulitis were not elucidated earlier. The
      purpose of the present study was to look for the adherent property and biofilm
      producing ability of the clinical isolates in chronic rhinosinusitis and orbital
      cellulitis, and to look for the effects of antimicrobial agents on these biofilms
      by colorimetric assay and ultrastructural analysis. METHODS: Organisms were
      isolated and identified from various clinical samples in patients with chronic
      sinusitis and orbital cellulitis. Antimicrobial sensitivity testing was carried
      out by the standard protocol. Biofilms were developed; quantified and
      antimicrobial drug perfusion through the biofilm model was evaluated by the
      earlier devised procedure. Electronmicroscopic study of the biofilm was performed
      by the recommended technique. RESULTS: Of the total of 70 clinical samples
      processed, 48 i.e. 68.5 % grew bacteria and 13 i.e.(18.6 %) fungi. Staphylococcus
      aureus (20), S epidermidis (16) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (6) accounted for the
      majority of the bacterial isolates. Aspergillus flavus (8), however was the
      commonest amongst the fungi. A total of 40 bacteria and 8 fungi could be tested
      for biofilm production. Eighteen (45 %) of the 40 bacterial isolates and 4(50 %)
      out of the 8 A flavus isolates were found to be biofilm producers. In vitro
      adherence testing revealed that majority i.e. 16 (88.8 %) of the 18 biofilm
      positive bacteria were adherent to artificial surfaces. Antimicrobial drug
      perfusion through the biofilm model was poor. Antimicrobial treatment was totally
      ineffective against strong biofilm producers, whose electron microscopic picture
      was quite similar to that observed for biofilm producers without any
      antimicrobial pre-treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Filamentous fungi, like bacteria were
      capable of forming biofilms, which could be one of the important virulence
      factors in determining the pathogenic potential of these organisms in causing
      chronic rhinosinusitis and orbital cellulitis.

PMID- 27655020
TI  - Biological function and mechanism of MALAT-1 in renal cell carcinoma
      proliferation and apoptosis: role of the MALAT-1-Livin protein interaction.
AB  - Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to play a critical role in cancer
      development and progression. LncRNA metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma
      transcript 1 (MALAT-1) is a kidney cancer-associated onco-lncRNA involved in the
      progression of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, the pathological role of
      lncRNA MALAT-1 in RCC proliferation and metastasis remains poorly understood.
      This study was designed to investigate the biological role and mechanism of MALAT
      1 in RCC proliferation and metastasis. The experiments were performed in human
      tissues, renal carcinoma cell lines, and nude mice. The expression of lncRNA
      MALAT-1, Livin mRNA, and the Livin protein was determined by quantitative real
      time PCR (qRT-PCR) or a Western blot. The interaction between MALAT-1 and Livin
      was evaluated by RNA pull-down and RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP).
      Cell viability and apoptosis in RCC cell lines were detected using CCK-8 and
      TUNEL assays. LncRNA MALAT-1 and the Livin protein were highly expressed in RCC
      tissues, as well as in RCC 786-O and Caki-1 cell lines. MALAT-1 interference
      contributed to an increase in cell apoptosis and a reduction in the cell
      viability of 786-O and Caki-1 cells. The increase in apoptosis by si-MALAT-1 was
      reversed by overexpression of Livin. The RIP results showed that MALAT-1 promoted
      the expression of the Livin protein in 786-O and Caki-1 cells by enhancing the
      stability of the protein. Furthermore, the volume of si-MALAT-1-786-O cell
      xenograft was significantly suppressed. These data indicate that lncRNA MALAT-1
      mediated promotion of RCC proliferation and metastasis may be due to the
      upregulation of the expression of Livin.

PMID- 27655021
TI  - The vital prognosis of elderly adults living in a group home in their mid
      eighties.
AB  - The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the vital prognoses of elderly
      people in their mid-eighties living in a group home (GH) compared to age- and sex
      matched outpatient clinic (OPC) in an observational study conducted over 6 years.
      We investigated the association between mortality and general, cardiac, and
      nutritional parameters, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in 54 GH residents
      (83 +/- 8 years old) and 57 OPC attendees (83 +/- 5 years old). Kaplan-Meier
      curves and Cox proportional hazard ratio analyses were used to assess the
      association between EPA drug administration and mortality in the GH residents and
      OPC attendees, respectively. The 54 GH residents had higher mortality and poorer
      nutritional states, as indicated by lower EPA/arachidonic acid values (median
      0.20 vs 0.55, p < 0.001), and BMI under the condition without EPA drug
      administration (1800 mg daily) than did the OPC group. The significant factors
      that differed between survivors and deceased in the GH residents and OPC
      attendees were nutritional and cardiac factors. Cox proportional hazard ratio
      analysis confirmed that a possible determinant of the prognosis was a lower
      incidence of EPA drug administration and lower hemoglobin in GH. Kaplan-Meier
      curves and Cox proportional hazard ratio analyses revealed that EPA drug
      administration significantly reduced the relative mortality by 82 % in the GH
      residents (p < 0.001) but not in the OPC attendees. The vital prognosis in
      individuals from GHs was potentially improved by EPA drug administration, which
      was not the case in the OPC group; however, further prospective studies are
      needed.

PMID- 27655022
TI  - Desensitization of menthol-activated cold receptors in lower extremities during
      local cooling in young women with a cold constitution.
AB  - To test the hypothesis that topical menthol-induced reactivity of cold sensation
      and cutaneous vasoconstriction to local cooling is augmented in individuals with
      a cold constitution, we examined thermal sensation and cutaneous vasoconstrictor
      responses at menthol-treated and untreated sites in the legs during local skin
      cooling in young women complaining of chilliness (C group) and young women with
      no complaint as a normal control group (N group). During local skin cooling, the
      sensitivity to cold sensation was greater in the C group than in the N group. The
      application of menthol enhanced the cold sensation at a low temperature in the N
      group, but not in the C group. Cutaneous vasoconstrictor responses to local skin
      cooling were not altered by menthol treatment in either of the two groups. These
      findings suggest the desensitization of menthol-activated cold receptors in the
      legs of C group subjects, and a minor role of cold receptor activity in cutaneous
      vasoconstrictor response to local cooling.

PMID- 27655023
TI  - The Role of Visual and Haptic Feedback During Dynamically Coupled Bimanual
      Manipulation.
AB  - The mechanisms that underlie the control of bimanual actions in which the two
      hands act separately to manipulate different objects (uncoupled independent
      control) has been well studied. In contrast, much less is known about how the
      central nervous system controls bimanual actions that require the two hands act
      cooperatively to manipulate a single object (dynamically coupled control).
      Furthermore, there is scant research into the manual lateralization and role
      assignment in the processing of visual and haptic feedback during dynamically
      coupled bimanual tasks. In this experiment, we examined the role of the dominant
      and non-dominant hands during a dynamically coupled bimanual task in which visual
      and haptic feedback regarding object penetration were manipulated. Twelve
      subjects performed a bimanual grasp and reach task towards different target
      locations in the workspace by using two identical wrist robotic devices. Results
      showed haptic feedback is necessary for task completion, and that hand
      specialization plays a fundamental role in spatial and temporal coordination
      between the two limbs.

PMID- 27655024
TI  - Occupancy of the Invasive Feral Cat Varies with Habitat Complexity.
AB  - The domestic cat (Felis catus) is an invasive exotic in many locations around the
      world and is thought to be a key factor driving recent mammal declines across
      northern Australia. Many mammal species native to this region now persist only in
      areas with high topographic complexity, provided by features such as gorges or
      escarpments. Do mammals persist in these habitats because cats occupy them less,
      or despite high cat occupancy? We show that occupancy of feral cats was lower in
      mammal-rich habitats of high topographic complexity. These results support the
      idea that predation pressure by feral cats is a factor contributing to the
      collapse of mammal communities across northern Australia. Managing impacts of
      feral cats is a global conservation challenge. Conservation actions such as
      choosing sites for small mammal reintroductions may be more successful if
      variation in cat occupancy with landscape features is taken into account.

PMID- 27655026
TI  - Use of Perfluorodecalin for Bronchoalveolar Lavage in Case of Severe Pulmonary
      Hemorrhage and Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Case Report and Review of
      the Literature.
AB  - We present a patient on venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for
      respiratory failure, secondary to complete airway obstruction from pulmonary
      hemorrhage after open pulmonary embolectomy. Obstruction was refractory to
      conventional therapy, including mechanical debridement and saline lavage. By
      using perfluorodecalin, we were able to transiently clear the airways of thrombus
      and reopen distal airways and alveoli more completely than with conventional
      therapies. The use of perfluorodecalin (versus radiopaque perflubron) enabled us
      to visualize this reopening on chest X-ray.

PMID- 27655025
TI  - An exploratory look at NETosis in atherosclerosis.
AB  - Current evidence suggests the likelihood of a link between venous thromboembolism
      (VTE) and atherosclerosis, although they have been traditionally considered as
      different pathological entities. The contribution of neutrophils to human
      atherogenesis has been underestimated, if compared to their contribution
      established in VTE. This is due to the major importance attributed to macrophages
      in plaque destabilization. Nevertheless, the role of neutrophils in atherogenesis
      deserves increasing attention. In particular, neutrophil extracellular traps
      (NETs) are net-like chromatin fibres that are released from dying neutrophils.
      The death of neutrophils with NETs formation is called NETosis. During
      activation, neutrophils produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), through the
      activation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase. The
      main function of NETs is trapping and killing pathogens. Nevertheless, NETs
      formation has been observed in various chronic inflammatory diseases, autoimmune
      diseases, vasculitis, lung diseases, cancer and VTE. Recent studies suggest that
      NETs formation might contribute also to atherosclerosis progression. New data
      report the presence of NETs in the luminal portion of human atherosclerotic
      vessels and coronary specimens obtained from patients after acute myocardial
      infarction. Programmed death mechanisms in atherosclerosis such as apoptosis,
      efferocytosis and also NETosis, share common features and triggers. If defective,
      they can lead the cells to a switch from programmed death to necrosis, resulting
      in the release of pro-atherogenic factors, accumulation of cell debris and
      progression of the disease. This review provides evidence on the emerging role of
      neutrophils focusing on NETosis and oxidative stress burden in orchestrating
      common mechanisms in atherosclerosis and thrombosis.

PMID- 27655028
TI  - Correction: Molecular Paleoclimate Reconstructions over the Last 9 ka from a Peat
      Sequence in South China.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0160934.].

PMID- 27655027
TI  - [Posttraumatic deformities of the knee joint : Intra-articular osteotomy after
      malreduction of tibial head fractures].
AB  - Malreduction of tibial head fractures often leads to malalignment of the lower
      extremity, pain, limited range of motion and instability. The extent of the
      complaints and the degree of deformity requires an exact analysis and a
      standardized approach. True ligamentous instability should be distinguished from
      pseudoinstability of the joint. Also extra- and intra-articular deformities have
      to be differentiated. In intra-articular deformities the extent of articular
      surface displacement, defects and clefts must be accurately evaluated. A specific
      surgical approach is necessary, which allows adequate visualization, correct
      osteotomy and refixation of the fractured area of the tibial head. In the long
      term course good clinical results are described for intra-articular osteotomies.
      If the joint is damaged to such an extent that it cannot be reconstructed or in
      cases of advanced posttraumatic osteoarthritis, total knee arthroplasty may be
      necessary; however, whenever possible and reasonable, anatomical reconstruction
      and preservation of the joint should be attempted. 

PMID- 27655029
TI  - Standard dosing of piperacillin and meropenem fail to achieve adequate plasma
      concentrations in ICU patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Controversies remain regarding optimal dosing and the need for plasma
      concentration measurements when treating intensive care patients with beta-lactam
      antibiotics. METHODS: We studied ICU patients treated with either antibiotic,
      excluding patients on renal replacement therapy. Antibiotic concentrations were
      measured at the mid and end of the dosing interval, and repeated after 2-3 days
      when feasible. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated from plasma
      creatinine and cystatin C, GFR calculated from cystatin C (eGFR) and measured
      creatinine clearance (CrCl). Measured concentrations were compared to the
      clinical susceptible breakpoints for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 16 and 2 mg/l for
      piperacillin and meropenem respectively. RESULTS: We analysed 33 and 31 paired
      samples from 20 and 19 patients treated with piperacillin-tazobactam and
      meropenem respectively. Antibiotic concentrations at the mid and end of the
      dosing interval were for piperacillin, 27.0 (14.7-52.9) and 8.6 (2.7-30.3); and
      for meropenem, 7.5 (4.7-10.2) and 2.4 (1.0-3.5). All values median (interquartile
      range) and concentrations in mg/l. The percentage of measured concentrations
      below the breakpoint at the mid and end of the dosing interval were for
      piperacillin, 27% and 61%; and for meropenem, 6% and 48%. Lower estimates of GFR
      were associated with higher concentrations but concentrations varied greatly
      between patients with similar GFR. The correlation with terminal concentration
      half-life was similar for eGFR and CrCl. CONCLUSIONS: With standard doses of
      meropenem and piperacillin-tazobactam, plasma concentrations in ICU patients vary
      > 10-fold and are suboptimal in a significant percentage of patients. The
      variation is large also between patients with similar renal function.

PMID- 27655030
TI  - Suppressor of Cytokine Signalling 2 (SOCS2) Regulates Numbers of Mature Newborn
      Adult Hippocampal Neurons and Their Dendritic Spine Maturation.
AB  - Overexpression of suppressor of cytokine signalling 2 (SOCS2) has been shown to
      promote hippocampal neurogenesis in vivo and promote neurite outgrowth of neurons
      in vitro. In the adult mouse brain, SOCS2 is most highly expressed in the
      hippocampal CA3 region and at lower levels in the dentate gyrus, an expression
      pattern that suggests a role in adult neurogenesis. Herein we examine generation
      of neuroblasts and their maturation into more mature neurons in SOCS2 null
      (SOCS2KO) mice. EdU was administered for 7 days to label proliferative neural
      precursor cells. The number of EdU-labelled doublecortin+ neuroblasts and NeuN+
      mature neurons they generated was examined at day 8 and day 35, respectively.
      While no effect of SOCS2 deletion was observed in neuroblast generation, it
      reduced the numbers of EdU-labelled mature newborn neurons at 35 days. As SOCS2
      regulates neurite outgrowth and dentate granule neurons project to the CA3
      region, alterations in dendritic arborisation or spine formation may have
      correlated with the decreased numbers of EdU-labelled newborn neurons. SOCS2KO
      mice were crossed with Nes-CreERT2/mTmG mice, in which membrane eGFP is inducibly
      expressed in neural precursor cells and their progeny, and the dendrite and
      dendritic spine morphology of newborn neurons were examined at 35 days. SOCS2
      deletion had no effect on total dendrite length, number of dendritic segments,
      number of branch points or total dendritic spine density but increased the number
      of mature "mushroom" spines. Our results suggest that endogenous SOCS2 regulates
      numbers of EdU-labelled mature newborn adult hippocampal neurons, possibly by
      mediating their survival and that this may be via a mechanism regulating
      dendritic spine maturation.

PMID- 27655032
TI  - Knowledge and awareness of genital involvement and reproductive health
      consequences of urogenital schistosomiasis in endemic communities in Ghana: a
      cross-sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization, in the year 2009, renamed
      Schistosomiasis haematobium disease, urinary schistosomiasis, as urogenital
      schistosomiasis. This study, sought to determine whether urogenital
      schistosomiasis endemic community members were aware of the broadened scope of
      the disease and associated certain reproductive health related signs and symptoms
      to S. haematobium infection. METHOD: This is a cross-sectional study in which
      2,585 respondents aged 15-49 years from 30 riparian communities along the lower
      arm of the Volta lake were interviewed using a structured questionnaire; 24 focus
      group discussions were also conducted. Descriptive statistics were used to
      determine the frequency of responses for each question posed and Chi squared
      tests used to determine the associations between demographic variables and
      variables of interest. Binary logistic regression was used to predict the
      probability of a reported symptom as an indicator of urogenital schistosomiasis.
      Thematic analysis was used to examine narratives. RESULT: Ninety four percent of
      male respondents and 88.7 % of female respondents acknowledged schistosomiasis as
      a water-borne disease. Only 207 out of 1,096 subjects (18.9 %) responding to
      questionnaire agreed to the knowledge that urogenital schistosomiasis can have
      reproductive health implications. A significant difference in variation in this
      knowledge was found between males (14.5 %) and females (7.2 %) (p = 0.001). The
      study also found that, although knowledge on HIV was high, only 12.3 % of
      respondents knew that urogenital schistosomiasis could facilitate the acquisition
      of HIV. Women who reported to have ever suffered schistosomiasis were 1.3 and 1.5
      times more likely to report vaginal discharge and vaginal itch. Sexual
      dysfunction (11.1 %) and urethral discharge (10.6 %) were the most frequently
      reported symptoms among males. CONCLUSION: The study finds very limited knowledge
      on the reproductive health consequences of the disease among endemic communities.
      It is recommended that health education on urogenital schistosomiasis should also
      include issues on symptoms of the disease, reproductive health consequences and
      HIV transmission.

PMID- 27655031
TI  - The effect of a chewing-intensive, high-fiber diet on oral halitosis: A clinical
      controlled study.
AB  - Tongue coating is the most common cause of oral halitosis and eating results in
      its reduction. Only limited data are available on the effect of different food
      items on tongue coating and halitosis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to
      investigate the effect of a single consumption of food with high fiber content
      versus low fiber content on halitosis parameters. Based on a randomized clinical
      cross-over study, 20 subjects were examined over a period of 2.5 hours after
      consumption of a high-fiber and a low-fiber meal. The determination of volatile
      sulfur compounds (VSC) was performed using a Halimeter, and the organoleptic
      assessment of halitosis was done on the basis of a distance index. The tongue
      coating was determined using a modified Winkel index, and the mouth sensation was
      evaluated subjectively by the subjects. In both the test and the control phase, a
      statistically significant reduction of all selected parameters was detected
      (p<0.05). Only for the organoleptic assessment of halitosis was a statistically
      significantly higher reduction found after consumption of a high-fiber meal
      compared to the control meal (p<0.05). In conclusion, the consumption of the
      meals in this study resulted in an at least 2.5-hour reduction of oral halitosis.
      The chewing-intensive (high-fiber) meal even resulted in a slightly higher
      reduction of oral halitosis in terms of organoleptic assessment (p<0.05).

PMID- 27655033
TI  - Kinase-Associated Phosphoisoform Assay: a novel candidate-based method to detect
      specific kinase-substrate phosphorylation interactions in vivo.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Protein kinases are important components of signalling pathways, and
      kinomes have remarkably expanded in plants. Yet, our knowledge of kinase
      substrates in plants is scarce, partly because tools to analyse protein
      phosphorylation dynamically are limited. Here we describe Kinase-Associated
      Phosphoisoform Assay, a flexible experimental method for directed experiments to
      study specific kinase-substrate interactions in vivo. The concept is based on the
      differential phosphoisoform distribution of candidate substrates transiently
      expressed with or without co-expression of activated kinases. Phosphorylation
      status of epitope-tagged proteins is subsequently detected by high-resolution
      capillary isoelectric focusing coupled with nanofluidic immunoassay, which is
      capable of detecting subtle changes in isoform distribution. RESULTS: The concept
      is validated by showing phosphorylation of the known mitogen-activated protein
      kinase (MAPK) substrate, ACS6, by MPK6. Next, we demonstrate that two
      transcription factors, WUS and AP2, both of which are shown to be master
      regulators of plant development by extensive genetic studies, exist in multiple
      isoforms in plant cells and are phosphorylated by activated MAPKs. CONCLUSION: As
      plant development flexibly responds to environmental conditions, phosphorylation
      of developmental regulators by environmentally-activated kinases may participate
      in linking external cues to developmental regulation. As a counterpart of
      advances in unbiased screening methods to identify potential protein kinase
      substrates, such as phosphoproteomics and computational predictions, our results
      expand the candidate-based experimental toolkit for kinase research and provide
      an alternative in vivo approach to existing in vitro methodologies.

PMID- 27655034
TI  - Fracture management in HIV positive individuals: a systematic review.
AB  - PURPOSE: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection could potentially play an
      important role in the management of fractures as they have been shown to affect
      fracture healing and the post-operative risk of implant sepsis. METHODS: A
      systematic review of the relevant literature was performed on PubMed and Scopus
      databases. Twenty-six studies were identified, critiqued and analysed
      accordingly. No randomised controlled trials were identified. RESULTS: HIV
      positivity was not shown to influence an individual's risk of early wound
      infection in operatively managed closed fractures. The rate of pin track
      infection in open injuries managed with external fixators was low. However, in
      open injuries managed with internal fixation, early wound infection rates were
      increased in the HIV-positive population compared to HIV-negative individuals.
      Regarding late implant infection, in closed fractures there appeared to be no
      increased risk of infection but there is limited evidence for open injuries.
      Additionally, further evidence is needed to establish if the rate of union in
      both open and closed fractures are influenced by HIV status. CONCLUSION: Overall,
      no evidence was found to suggest that surgical management of fractures in the HIV
      population should be avoided, and fixation of closed fractures in the HIV
      population appeared to be safe. The effect of anti-retroviral therapy is unclear
      and this should be further researched. However, based on the limited evidence,
      caution should be taken in the management of open fractures due to the
      potentially increased infection risk. The impact of anti-retroviral therapy on
      the outcomes of surgery needs further evaluation.

PMID- 27655036
TI  - Paget's Disease of the Vulva Treated with Imiquimod: Case Report and Systematic
      Review of the Literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Extramammary Paget's disease of the vulva (EPDV) is a rare
      adenocarcinoma in situ of the vulvar skin and is often resected with involved
      margins due to its reticular growth pattern. Adjuvant treatment with the
      immunomodulator imiquimod may be suitable to avoid repeated and mutilating
      surgery. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 73-year-old woman with EPDV,
      initially treated with surgical resection and re-resection for involved margins.
      Final histology revealed Paget's disease of the left vulva with 8 cm in the
      largest diameter and again involved margins. Subsequently, topical therapy with
      imiquimod 5% cream twice weekly was applied for 3 months. Vulvoscopy and local
      biopsies confirmed complete remission (CR). Based on a literature search using
      PubMed and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, 21 reports on the
      therapeutic efficacy of imiquimod in 70 women with EPDV have been published.
      Pooled rates of CR and partial remission were 71% (50/70) and 16% (11/70),
      respectively. There were 4 cases of disease progression under imiquimod and the
      therapy was generally well tolerated with mild to moderate local reactions in
      >50% of cases. CONCLUSION: EPDV is a rare genital neoplasia and may be
      successfully treated with the topical immunomodulator imiquimod. Specifically,
      adjuvant imiquimod is a feasible and efficacious treatment option for women with
      involved resection margins after surgery.

PMID- 27655037
TI  - Dispersion of positron emitting radioactive gases in a complex urban building
      array: a comparison of dose modelling approaches.
AB  - A radiological assessment was carried out on the release of positron-emitting
      radioactive gases from a roof-level stack at a central London site. Different
      modelling approaches were performed to investigate the range of radiation doses
      to representative persons. Contributions from plume inhalation, gamma shine and
      immersion to effective dose were taken into account. Dry and wet surface
      deposition on the roof, and exposure from contamination on the skin of roof
      workers, added only a mean 4.7% to effective dose and were neglected. A 1:200
      scale model, consisting of the stack and surrounding buildings, was tested in a
      wind tunnel to simulate pollutant dispersion in the near-field region i.e.
      rooftop. Concentration field measurements in the wind tunnel were converted into
      effective dose, including for roof-workers installing glass cladding to the stack
      building. Changes in the building shape, from addition of the cladding layer,
      were investigated in terms of the near-field flow pattern and significant
      differences found between the two cases. Pollutant concentrations were also
      modelled using Air Dispersion Modelling System (ADMS) and the results used to
      calculate the effective dose using the same meteorological data set and source
      release terms. Sector averaged wind tunnel dose estimates were greater than the
      ADMS figure by approximately a factor of two to three. Different stack release
      heights were investigated in the wind tunnel and ADMS simulations in order to
      determine the best height for the replacement flue stack for the building. Other
      techniques were investigated: building wake models, modified Gaussian plume
      methods and uniform dilution into a hemispherical volume to show the wide
      variation in predicted dose possible with different approaches. Large differences
      found between simpler analytic approaches indicated that more robust radiological
      assessments, based on more complex modelling approaches, were required to achieve
      satisfactory estimates of radiation dose to representative groups in adjacent
      buildings and on the building rooftop.

PMID- 27655038
TI  - Evaluation of the Interplay between Uptake Transport and CYP3A4 Induction in
      Micropatterned Cocultured Hepatocytes.
AB  - Previously we assessed the inductive response of prototypical inducers in
      hepatocyte monocultures and the long-term coculture model HepatoPac using
      cryopreserved hepatocytes from the same donors. We noted that the rifampicin EC50
      generated using the HepatoPac model corresponded better to the EC50 based on
      clinical data compared with data generated in the monoculture system. We
      postulated that there may be differences in the functioning of uptake
      transporters between the two systems that may have led to the EC50 difference. In
      this study, we characterized the functional activity of multiple uptake
      transporters in the two systems using cryopreserved hepatocytes from the same
      donors. Our data suggest that uptake transporter activity is higher in HepatoPac
      compared with the monoculture system. As a follow up to this study, we measured
      the intracellular concentrations of rifampicin and bosentan, which are known
      substrates of uptake transporters; we observed significantly higher intracellular
      concentrations of both compounds in HepatoPac relative to the monoculture system.
      This finding equated to lower cytochrome P450 isoform 3A4 (CYP3A4) EC50 values in
      the HepatoPac system compared with the monoculture system for both mRNA and
      activity. In parallel, no significant EC50 shift was observed for carbamazepine
      and phenytoin, which are not known to be substrates of uptake transporters. Our
      data suggest that next generation liver models such as HepatoPac may be a useful
      in vitro tool to quantitatively predict drug-drug interactions when it is known
      that the perpetrator is also a substrate of drug transporters.

PMID- 27655043
TI  - Semi-Paired Discrete Hashing: Learning Latent Hash Codes for Semi-Paired Cross
      View Retrieval.
AB  - Due to the significant reduction in computational cost and storage, hashing
      techniques have gained increasing interests in facilitating large-scale cross
      view retrieval tasks. Most cross-view hashing methods are developed by assuming
      that data from different views are well paired, e.g., text-image pairs. In real
      world applications, however, this fully-paired multiview setting may not be
      practical. The more practical yet challenging semi-paired cross-view retrieval
      problem, where pairwise correspondences are only partially provided, has less
      been studied. In this paper, we propose an unsupervised hashing method for semi
      paired cross-view retrieval, dubbed semi-paired discrete hashing (SPDH). In
      specific, SPDH explores the underlying structure of the constructed common latent
      subspace, where both paired and unpaired samples are well aligned. To effectively
      preserve the similarities of semi-paired data in the latent subspace, we
      construct the cross-view similarity graph with the help of anchor data pairs.
      SPDH jointly learns the latent features and hash codes with a factorization-based
      coding scheme. For the formulated objective function, we devise an efficient
      alternating optimization algorithm, where the key binary code learning problem is
      solved in a bit-by-bit manner with each bit generated with a closed-form
      solution. The proposed method is extensively evaluated on four benchmark datasets
      with both fully-paired and semi-paired settings and the results demonstrate the
      superiority of SPDH over several other state-of-the-art methods in term of both
      accuracy and scalability.

PMID- 27655039
TI  - Effects of a transdiagnostic unguided Internet intervention ('velibra') for
      anxiety disorders in primary care: results of a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Internet-based cognitive-behavioural treatment (ICBT) for anxiety
      disorders has shown some promise, but no study has yet examined unguided ICBT in
      primary care. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigated whether a
      transdiagnostic, unguided ICBT programme for anxiety disorders is effective in
      primary care settings, after a face-to-face consultation with a physician (MD).
      We hypothesized that care as usual (CAU) plus unguided ICBT would be superior to
      CAU in reducing anxiety and related symptoms among patients with social anxiety
      disorder (SAD), panic disorder with or without agoraphobia (PDA) and/or
      generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). METHOD: Adults (n = 139) with at least one of
      these anxiety disorders, as reported by their MD and confirmed by a structured
      diagnostic interview, were randomized. Unguided ICBT was provided by a novel
      transdiagnostic ICBT programme ('velibra'). Primary outcomes were generic
      measures, such as anxiety and depression symptom severity, and diagnostic status
      at post-treatment (9 weeks). Secondary outcomes included anxiety disorder
      specific measures, quality of life, treatment adherence, satisfaction, and
      general psychiatric symptomatology at follow-up (6 months after randomization).
      RESULTS: CAU plus unguided ICBT was more effective than CAU at post-treatment,
      with small to medium between-group effect sizes on primary (Cohen's d = 0.41
      0.47) and secondary (Cohen's d = 0.16-0.61) outcomes. Treatment gains were
      maintained at follow-up. In the treatment group, 28.2% of those with a SAD
      diagnosis, 38.3% with a PDA diagnosis, and 44.8% with a GAD diagnosis at
      pretreatment no longer fulfilled diagnostic criteria at post-treatment.
      CONCLUSIONS: The unguided ICBT intervention examined is effective for anxiety
      disorders when delivered in primary care.

PMID- 27655040
TI  - The Phosphocarrier Protein HPr Contributes to Meningococcal Survival during
      Infection.
AB  - Neisseria meningitidis is an exclusively human pathogen frequently carried
      asymptomatically in the nasopharynx but it can also provoke invasive infections
      such as meningitis and septicemia. N. meningitidis uses a limited range of carbon
      sources during infection, such as glucose, that is usually transported into
      bacteria via the phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP):sugar phosphotransferase system (PTS),
      in which the phosphocarrier protein HPr (encoded by the ptsH gene) plays a
      central role. Although N. meningitidis possesses an incomplete PTS, HPr was found
      to be required for its virulence. We explored the role of HPr using
      bioluminescent wild-type and DeltaptsH strains in experimental infection in
      transgenic mice expressing the human transferrin. The wild-type MC58 strain was
      recovered at higher levels from the peritoneal cavity and particularly from blood
      compared to the DeltaptsH strain. The DeltaptsH strain provoked lower levels of
      septicemia in mice and was more susceptible to complement-mediated killing than
      the wild-type strain. We tested whether meningococcal structures impacted
      complement resistance and observed that only the capsule level was decreased in
      the DeltaptsH mutant. We therefore compared the transcriptomic profiles of wild
      type and DeltaptsH strains and identified 49 differentially expressed genes. The
      HPr regulon contains mainly hypothetical proteins (43%) and several membrane
      associated proteins that could play a role during host interaction. Some other
      genes of the HPr regulon are involved in stress response. Indeed, the DeltaptsH
      strain showed increased susceptibility to environmental stress conditions. Our
      data suggest that HPr plays a pleiotropic role in host-bacteria interactions most
      likely through the innate immune response that may be responsible for the
      enhanced clearance of the DeltaptsH strain from blood.

PMID- 27655044
TI  - Is "disease management" the answer to our problems? No! Population health
      management and (disease) prevention require "management of overall well-being".
AB  - BACKGROUND: Disease management programs based on the chronic care model have
      achieved successful and long-term improvement in the quality of chronic care
      delivery and patients' health behaviors and physical quality of life. However,
      such programs have not been able to maintain or improve broader self-management
      abilities or social well-being, which decline over time in chronically ill
      patients. Disease management efforts, population health management initiatives
      and innovative primary care solutions are still mainly focused on clinical and
      functional outcomes and health behaviors (e.g., smoking cessation, exercise, and
      diet) failing to address individuals' overall quality of life and well-being.
      Individuals' ability to achieve well-being can be assessed with great specificity
      through the application of social production function (SPF) theory. This theory
      asserts that people produce their own well-being by trying to optimize the
      achievement of instrumental goals (stimulation, comfort, status, behavioral
      confirmation, affection) that provide the means to achieve the larger, universal
      goals of physical and social well-being. DISCUSSION: A shift in focus from the
      management of physical function, disease limitations, and lifestyle behaviors
      alone to an approach that fosters self-management abilities such as self-efficacy
      and resource investment as well as overall quality of life, is urgently needed.
      Disease management interventions should be aimed at adequately addressing all
      difficulties chronically ill patients face in life, such as the effects of pain
      and fatigue on the ability to maintain a job and social life and to participate
      in activities promoting physical and social well-being. Patients' ability to
      maintain engagement in stimulating work and social activities with the people who
      are important to them may be even more important than aspects of disease self
      management such as blood pressure or glycemic control. Interventions should aim
      to make chronically ill patients capable of managing their own well-being and
      adequately addressing their needs in a broader sense. So, is disease management
      the answer to our problems in the time of aging populations and increased
      prevalence of unhealthy lifestyles, chronic illnesses, and comorbidity? No!
      Effective (disease) prevention, disease management, patient-centered care, and
      high-quality chronic care and/or population health management calls for
      management of overall well-being.

PMID- 27655045
TI  - Both canonical and non-canonical NF-kappaB activation contribute to the
      proliferative response of the middle ear mucosa during bacterial infection.
AB  - A major aspect of pathology in otitis media (OM), the most common childhood
      bacterial disease, is hyperplasia of the middle ear mucosa. Activation of innate
      immune receptors during OM leads to the activation of NF-kappaB, a pleiotropic
      transcription factor involved both in inflammation and tissue growth. To explore
      the role of NF-kappaB in mucosal hyperplasia during OM, we evaluated the
      expression of genes involved in two modes of NF-kappaB activation during a
      complete episode of acute, bacterial OM in mice. We also determined the effects
      of inhibitors of each pathway on infection-stimulated mucosal growth in vitro. A
      majority of the genes that mediate both the canonical and the non-canonical
      pathways of NF-kappaB activation were regulated during OM, many with kinetics
      related to the time course of mucosal hyperplasia. Inhibition of either pathway
      reduced the growth of cultured mucosal explants in a dose-dependent manner.
      However, inhibition of the canonical pathway produced a greater effect,
      suggesting that this mode of NF-kappaB activation dominates mucosal hyperplasia
      during OM.

PMID- 27655046
TI  - Neutrophil azurophilic granule exocytosis is primed by TNF-alpha and partially
      regulated by NADPH oxidase.
AB  - Neutrophil (polymorphonuclear leukocyte) activation with release of granule
      contents plays an important role in the pathogenesis of acute lung injury,
      prompting clinical trials of inhibitors of neutrophil elastase. Despite mounting
      evidence for neutrophil-mediated host tissue damage in a variety of disease
      processes, mechanisms regulating azurophilic granule exocytosis at the plasma
      membrane, and thus release of elastase and other proteases, are poorly
      characterized. We hypothesized that azurophilic granule exocytosis would be
      enhanced under priming conditions similar to those seen during acute inflammatory
      events and during chronic inflammatory disease, and selected the cytokine TNF
      alpha to model this in vitro. Neutrophils stimulated with TNF-alpha alone
      elicited intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and mobilization
      of secretory vesicles, specific, and gelatinase granules. p38 and ERK1/2 MAPK
      were involved in these components of priming. TNF-alpha priming alone did not
      mobilize azurophilic granules to the cell surface, but did markedly increase
      elastase release into the extracellular space in response to secondary
      stimulation with N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLF). Priming of fMLF-stimulated elastase
      release was further augmented in the absence of NADPH oxidase-derived ROS. Our
      findings provide a mechanism for host tissue damage during neutrophil-mediated
      inflammation and suggest a novel anti-inflammatory role for the NADPH oxidase.

PMID- 27655047
TI  - Extracts of Morus nigra L. Leaves Standardized in Chlorogenic Acid, Rutin and
      Isoquercitrin: Tyrosinase Inhibition and Cytotoxicity.
AB  - Melanogenesis is a process responsible for melanin production, which is stored in
      melanocytes containing tyrosinase. Inhibition of this enzyme is a target in the
      cosmetics industry, since it controls undesirable skin conditions such as
      hyperpigmentation due to the overproduction of melanin. Species of the Morus
      genus are known for the beneficial uses offered in different parts of its plants,
      including tyrosinase inhibition. Thus, this project aimed to study the inhibitory
      activity of tyrosinase by extracts from Morus nigra leaves as well as the
      characterization of its chromatographic profile and cytotoxicity in order to
      become a new therapeutic option from a natural source. M. nigra leaves were
      collected, pulverized, equally divided into five batches and the standardized
      extract was obtained by passive maceration. There was no significant difference
      between batches for total solids content, yield and moisture content, which shows
      good reproducibility of the extraction process. Tyrosinase enzymatic activity was
      determined for each batch, providing the percentage of enzyme inhibition and IC50
      values obtained by constructing dose-response curves and compared to kojic acid,
      a well-known tyrosinase inhibitor. High inhibition of tyrosinase activity was
      observed (above 90% at 15.625 MUg/mL). The obtained IC50 values ranged from 5.00
      MUg/mL +/- 0.23 to 8.49 MUg/mL +/- 0.59 and were compared to kojic acid (3.37
      MUg/mL +/- 0.65). High Performance Liquid Chromatography analysis revealed the
      presence of chlorogenic acid, rutin and, its major compound, isoquercitrin. The
      chromatographic method employed was validated according to ICH guidelines and the
      extract was standardized using these polyphenols as markers. Cytotoxicity,
      assessed by MTT assay, was not observed on murine melanomas, human keratinocytes
      and mouse fibroblasts in tyrosinase IC50 values. This study demonstrated the
      potential of M. nigra leaf extract as a promising whitening agent of natural
      source against skin hyperpigmentation.

PMID- 27655049
TI  - It's a Story, Not a Study: Writing an Effective Research Paper.

PMID- 27655048
TI  - modPDZpep: a web resource for structure based analysis of human PDZ-mediated
      interaction networks.
AB  - BACKGROUND: PDZ domains recognize short sequence stretches usually present in C
      terminal of their interaction partners. Because of the involvement of PDZ domains
      in many important biological processes, several attempts have been made for
      developing bioinformatics tools for genome-wide identification of PDZ interaction
      networks. Currently available tools for prediction of interaction partners of PDZ
      domains utilize machine learning approach. Since, they have been trained using
      experimental substrate specificity data for specific PDZ families, their
      applicability is limited to PDZ families closely related to the training set.
      These tools also do not allow analysis of PDZ-peptide interaction interfaces.
      RESULTS: We have used a structure based approach to develop modPDZpep, a program
      to predict the interaction partners of human PDZ domains and analyze structural
      details of PDZ interaction interfaces. modPDZpep predicts interaction partners by
      using structural models of PDZ-peptide complexes and evaluating binding energy
      scores using residue based statistical pair potentials. Since, it does not
      require training using experimental data on peptide binding affinity, it can
      predict substrates for diverse PDZ families. Because of the use of simple scoring
      function for binding energy, it is also fast enough for genome scale structure
      based analysis of PDZ interaction networks. Benchmarking using artificial as well
      as real negative datasets indicates good predictive power with ROC-AUC values in
      the range of 0.7 to 0.9 for a large number of human PDZ domains. Another novel
      feature of modPDZpep is its ability to map novel PDZ mediated interactions in
      human protein-protein interaction networks, either by utilizing available
      experimental phage display data or by structure based predictions. CONCLUSIONS:
      In summary, we have developed modPDZpep, a web-server for structure based
      analysis of human PDZ domains. It is freely available at
      http://www.nii.ac.in/modPDZpep.html or http://202.54.226.235/modPDZpep.html .
      REVIEWERS: This article was reviewed by Michael Gromiha and Zoltan Gaspari.

PMID- 27655050
TI  - Breaking the Silence: Time to Talk About Race and Racism.
AB  - Recent events in the United States have catalyzed the need for all educators to
      begin paying attention to and discovering ways to dialogue about race. No longer
      can health professions (HP) educators ignore or avoid these difficult
      conversations. HP students are now demanding them. Cultural sensitivity and
      unconscious bias training are not enough. Good will and good intentions are not
      enough. Current faculty development paradigms are no longer sufficient to meet
      the educational challenges of delving into issues of race, power, privilege,
      identity, and social justice.Engaging in such conversations, however, can be
      overwhelmingly stressful for untrained faculty. The authors argue that before any
      curriculum on race and racism can be developed for HP students, and before
      faculty members can begin facilitating conversations about race and racism,
      faculty must receive proper training through intense and introspective faculty
      development. Training should cover how best to engage in, sustain, and deepen
      interracial dialogue on difficult topics such as race and racism within academic
      health centers (AHCs). If such faculty development training-in how to conduct
      interracial dialogues on race, racism, oppression, and the invisibility of
      privilege-is made standard at all AHCs, HP educators might be poised to actualize
      the real benefits of open dialogue and change.

PMID- 27655051
TI  - How to Calculate a Survey Response Rate: Best Practices.

PMID- 27655052
TI  - Conceptual Frameworks to Guide Research and Development (R&D) in Health
      Professions Education.

PMID- 27655053
TI  - Key Sampling Issues in Quantitative Research in Health Professions Education.

PMID- 27655054
TI  - Ten Tips to Move From "Revisions Needed" to Resubmission.

PMID- 27655055
TI  - Common Qualitative Methodologies and Research Designs in Health Professions
      Education.

PMID- 27655056
TI  - Knowledge Translation and Implementation Science in Health Professions Education:
      Time for Clarity?

PMID- 27655057
TI  - The Tools of the Qualitative Research Trade.

PMID- 27655058
TI  - Creating 21st-Century Laboratories and Classrooms for Improving Population
      Health: A Call to Action for Academic Medical Centers.
AB  - Academic medical centers (AMCs) in the United States built world-class
      infrastructure to successfully combat disease in the 20th century, which is
      inadequate for the complexity of sustaining and improving population health. AMCs
      must now build first-rate 21st-century infrastructure to connect combating
      disease and promoting health. This infrastructure must acknowledge the bio-psycho
      social-environmental factors impacting health and will need to reach far beyond
      the AMC walls to foster community "laboratories" that support the "science of
      health," complementary to those supporting the "science of medicine"; cultivate
      community "classrooms" to stimulate learning and discovery in the places where
      people live, work, and play; and strengthen bridges between academic centers and
      these community laboratories and classrooms to facilitate bidirectional teaching,
      learning, innovation, and discovery.Private and public entities made deep
      financial investments that contributed to the AMC disease-centered approach to
      clinical care, education, and research in the 20th century. Many of these same
      funders now recognize the need to transform U.S. health care into a system that
      is accountable for population health and the need for a medical workforce
      equipped with the skills to measure and improve health. Innovative ideas about
      communities as centers of learning, the importance of social factors as major
      determinants of health, and the need for multidisciplinary perspectives to solve
      complex problems are not new; many are 20th-century ideas still waiting to be
      fully implemented. The window of opportunity is now. The authors articulate how
      AMCs must take bigger and bolder steps to become leaders in population health.

PMID- 27655060
TI  - Cons: Can liquid biopsy replace tissue biopsy?-the US experience.

PMID- 27655062
TI  - ?

PMID- 27655061
TI  - Constitutional Symptoms Trigger Diagnostic Testing Before Antibiotic Prescribing
      in High-Risk Nursing Home Residents.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the use of diagnostic testing before treating an
      infection in nursing home (NH) residents suspected of having a urinary tract
      infection (UTI) or pneumonia. DESIGN: Prospective longitudinal study nested
      within a randomized trial, using data from control sites. SETTING: Six NHs in
      southeast Michigan. PARTICIPANTS: NH residents with an indwelling urinary
      catheter, enteral feeding tube, or both (N = 162) with 695 follow-up visits (189
      (28%) visits with an infection). MEASUREMENTS: Clinical and demographic data
      including information on incident infections, antibiotic use, and results of
      diagnostic tests-were obtained at study enrollment, after 14 days, and monthly
      thereafter for up to 1 year. RESULTS: One hundred (62%) NH residents had an
      incident infection requiring antibiotics, with substantial variations between
      NHs. In addition to presence of infection-specific symptoms, change in function
      was a significant predictor of ordering a chest X-ray to detect pneumonia (odds
      ratio (OR) = 1.7, P = .01). Similarly, change in mentation was a significant
      predictor of ordering a urinalysis (OR = 1.9, P = .02), chest X-ray (OR = 3.3, P
      < .001), and blood culture (OR = 2.3, P = .02). Antibiotics were used
      empirically, before laboratory results were available, in 50 of 233 suspected
      cases of UTI (21.5%) and 16 of 53 (30.2%) suspected cases of pneumonia.
      Antibiotics were used in 17% of visits without documented clinical or laboratory
      evidence of infection. CONCLUSION: Constitutional symptoms such as change in
      function and mentation commonly lead to diagnostic testing and subsequent
      antibiotic prescribing. Antibiotic use often continues despite negative test
      results and should be a target for future interventions.

PMID- 27655063
TI  - Hyperediting by ADAR1 of a new herpesvirus lncRNA during the lytic phase of the
      oncogenic Marek's disease virus.
AB  - Marek's disease virus, or Gallid herpesvirus 2 (GaHV-2), is an avian
      alphaherpesvirus that induces T-cell lymphoma in chickens. During transcriptomic
      studies of the RL region of the genome, we characterized the 7.5 kbp gene of the
      ERL lncRNA (edited repeat-long, long non-coding RNA), which may act as a natural
      antisense transcript (NAT) of the major GaHV-2 oncogene meq and of two of the
      three miRNA clusters. During infections in vivo and in vitro, we detected
      hyperediting of the ERL lncRNA that appeared to be directly correlated with ADAR1
      expression levels. The ERL lncRNA was expressed equally during the lytic and
      latent phases of infection and during viral reactivation, but its hyperediting
      increased only during the lytic infection of chicken embryo fibroblasts. We also
      showed that chicken ADAR1 expression was controlled by the JAK/STAT IFN-response
      pathway, through an inducible promoter containing IFN-stimulated response
      elements that were functional during stimulation with IFN-alpha or poly(I:C).
      Like the human and murine miR-155-5p, the chicken gga-miR-155-5p and the GaHV-2
      analogue mdv1-miR-M4-5p deregulated this pathway by targeting and repressing
      expression of suppressor of cytokine signalling 1, leading to the upregulation of
      ADAR1. Finally, we hypothesized that the natural antisense transcript role of the
      ERL lncRNA could be disrupted by its hyperediting, particularly during viral
      lytic replication, and that the observed deregulation of the innate immune system
      by mdv1-miR-M4-5p might contribute to the viral cycle.

PMID- 27655064
TI  - Conversion of simulated radioactive pollutant gas concentrations for a complex
      building array into radiation dose.
AB  - Methods used to convert wind tunnel and ADMS concentration field data for a
      complex building array into effective radiation dose were developed based on
      simulations of a site in central London. Pollutant source terms were from
      positron emitting gases released from a cyclotron and clinical PET radiotracer
      facility. Five years of meteorological data were analysed to determine the
      probability distribution of wind direction and speed. A hemispherical plume cloud
      model (both static and moving) was developed which enabled an expression of gamma
      ray dose, taking into account build-up factors in air, in terms of analytic
      functions in this geometry. The standard building wake model is presented, but
      this is extended and developed in a new model to cover the concentration field in
      the vicinity of a roof top structure recirculation zone, which is then related to
      the concentration in the main building wake zone. For all models presented the
      effective dose was determined from inhalation, positron cloud immersion and gamma
      ray plume contributions. Results of applying these models for determination of
      radiation dose for a particular site are presented elsewhere.

PMID- 27655066
TI  - Meningococcal carriage in children and young adults in the Philippines: a single
      group, cross-sectional study.
AB  - This cross-sectional prevalence study investigates meningococcal carriage for the
      first time in a Southeast Asian population. Posterior pharyngeal swabs were
      collected between August 2013 and March 2014 from 937 healthy Filipinos aged 5-24
      years attending school or university in Manila. Of these, 35 were found to be
      carriers giving an overall carriage prevalence of 3.7% [95% confidence interval
      (CI) 2.6-5.2]. Carriage was associated with age (P < 0.001) and was highest
      (9.0%, 95% CI 5.5-13.8) in subjects aged 10-14 years, but was comparatively low
      (<3%) in all other age groups considered. This suggests that an immunization
      programme in the Philippines designed to reduce carriage acquisition and induce
      herd immunity may require a vaccine dose before the age of 10 years. Serogroup B
      was most commonly carried (65.7%, 95% CI 47.8-80.9), with a small number of
      carriers for serogroups C, Y and W also present. Two individuals (5.7%, 95% CI
      0.7-19.2) who were simultaneously carrying multiple serogroups were identified.
      This exploratory study provides valuable insight into the asymptomatic carriage
      of Neisseria meningitidis in a healthy subset of the Filipino population and
      illustrates the importance of generating local carriage data.

PMID- 27655065
TI  - Effective treatment for prevention of post-operative adhesion after strabismus
      surgery in experimental rabbit model: 0.5 % tranilast ophthalmic solution.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Postoperative adhesion is one of the major complications of
      strabismus surgery and result in motility dysfunction that brings unpredictable
      surgical outcomes. However, there was no definitely accepted treatment method to
      prevent postoperative adhesion. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, controlled
      experimental animal study was performed. Both eyes of each of 14 New Zealand
      White rabbits underwent superior rectus muscle recession. After the surgical
      procedure, the subjects were divided randomly into two groups; 0.5 % tranilast
      ophthalmic solutions and fluoroquinolone antibiotic eye drops were administered
      to the group tranilast (N = 14), while the group control (N = 14) received
      fluoroquinolone eye drops only. Five weeks after surgery, we evaluated gross
      adhesions with a numeric score (0 to 4). In addition, histopathologic examination
      with hematoxylin & eosin staining, Masson's-trichrome staining, and anti
      transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta1) immuno-histochemical staining were
      done. RESULTS: The group tranilast showed significantly less gross adhesion and
      inflammation than the group control (P = 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively).
      Masson's-trichrome staining revealed that post-operative collagen deposition was
      more prominent in the group control than the group tranilast (P < 0.001).
      Moreover, remarkable TGF-beta1 expression was observed in areas with excessive
      collagen deposition. CONCLUSIONS: Instillation of 0.5 % tranilast ophthalmic
      solution is a simple and effective method for preventing post-operative adhesion
      after strabismus surgery.

PMID- 27655067
TI  - Mouse RAGE Variant 4 Is a Dominant Membrane Receptor that Does Not Shed to
      Generate Soluble RAGE.
AB  - The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is a multi-ligand,
      immunoglobulin-like receptor that has been implicated in aging-associated
      diseases. Recent studies have demonstrated that both human and murine Ager genes
      undergo extensive alternative splicing that generates multiple putative
      transcripts encoding different receptor isoforms. Except for the soluble isoform
      (esRAGE), the majority of putative RAGE isoforms remain unstudied. Profiling of
      murine Ager transcripts showed that variant transcript 4 (mRAGE_v4), the second
      most abundant transcript in lungs and multiple other tissues, encodes a receptor
      that lacks nine residues located within the C2 extracellular section close to the
      trans-membrane domain. We therefore characterized mRAGEV4 isoreceptor in
      comparison with the full-length mRAGE (mRAGEFL). Although differing in only nine
      residues, mRAGEFL and mRAGEV4 display very different cellular behaviors. While
      mRAGEFL undergoes constitutive, extensive shedding in the cell to generate sRAGE,
      mRAGEV4 hardly sheds. In addition, we found that while mRAGEFL can localize to
      both the plasma membrane and the endosome, mRAGEV4 is exclusively localized to
      the plasma membrane. These very different cellular localization patterns suggest
      that, in addition to their roles in sRAGE production, mRAGEFL and mRAGEV4 may
      play distinct, spatiotemporal roles in signaling and innate immune responses.
      Compared to mice, humans do not have the v4 transcript. Although hRAGE, like
      mRAGEFL, also localizes to the plasma membrane and the endosome, its rate of
      constitutive shedding is significantly lower. These observations provide valuable
      information regarding RAGE biology, and serve as a reference by which to create
      mouse models relating to human diseases.

PMID- 27655069
TI  - Centrifugal hypomelanosis: a new clinical phenotype of Malassezia infection.

PMID- 27655070
TI  - The Effects of Vitamin B in Depression.
AB  - Vitamins are dietary components which are necessary for life. They play a major
      role in health and their deficiency may be linked to symptoms of psychiatric
      disorders. B vitamins are required for proper functioning of the methylation
      cycle, monoamine oxidase production, DNA synthesis and the repair and maintenance
      of phospholipids. Vitamin B deficiency could influence memory function, cognitive
      impairment and dementia. In particular, vitamins B1, B3, B6, B9 and B12 are
      essential for neuronal function and deficiencies have been linked to depression.
      We discuss the causes of depression and the neurochemical pathways in depression.
      In particular, we provide evidence that vitamin B contributes to the complexity
      of depressive symptoms.

PMID- 27655071
TI  - Leucine-zipper and Sterile-alpha Motif Kinase (ZAK): A Potential Target for Drug
      Discovery.
AB  - Leucine-zipper and sterile-alpha motif kinase (ZAK) is a member of mixed-lineage
      kinase family (MLKs), which is considered as a new potential target for different
      physiological disorders, including myocardial hypertrophy and cardiac fibrosis,
      inflammation and cancer. However, the progress on its biological functions and
      small molecule inhibitors is limited. Only several multi-kinases inhibitors are
      reported to non-selectively bind with ZAK with various potencies. Herein, we
      provide an updated overview on the biological functions and small molecular
      inhibitors of ZAKs.

PMID- 27655068
TI  - Gram-Positive Bacteria with Probiotic Potential for the Apis mellifera L. Honey
      Bee: The Experience in the Northwest of Argentina.
AB  - Apis mellifera L. is one of the most important natural pollinators of significant
      crops and flowers around the world. It can be affected by different types of
      illnesses: american foulbrood, nosemosis, varroasis, viruses, among others. Such
      infections mainly cause a reduction in honey production and in extreme
      situations, the death of the colony. Argentina is the world's second largest
      honey exporter and the third largest honey producer, after China and Turkey.
      Given both the prominence of the honey bee in nature and the economic importance
      of apiculture in Argentina and the world, it is crucial to develop efficient and
      sustainable strategies to control honey bee diseases and to improve bee colony
      health. Gram-positive bacteria, such as lactic acid bacteria, mainly
      Lactobacillus, and Bacillus spp. are promising options. In the Northwest of
      Argentina, several Lactobacillus and Bacillus strains from the honey bee gut and
      honey were isolated by our research group and characterized by using in vitro
      tests. Two strains were selected because of their potential probiotic properties:
      Lactobacillus johnsonii CRL1647 and Bacillus subtilis subsp. subtilis Mori2.
      Under independent trials with both experimental and commercial hives, it was
      determined that each strain was able to elicit probiotic effects on bee colonies
      reared in the northwestern region of Argentina. One result was the increase in
      egg-laying by the queen which therefore produced an increase in bee number and,
      consequently, a higher honey yield. Moreover, the beneficial bacteria reduced the
      incidence of two important bee diseases: nosemosis and varroosis. These results
      are promising and extend the horizon of probiotic bacteria to the insect world,
      serving beekeepers worldwide as a natural tool that they can administer as is, or
      combine with other disease-controlling methods.

PMID- 27655073
TI  - Ellagitannins, gallotannins and their metabolites- the contribution to the anti
      inflammatory effect of food products and medicinal plants.
AB  - The popularity of food products and medicinal plant materials containing
      hydrolysable tannins (HT) is nowadays rapidly increasing. Among various health
      effects attributable to the products of plant origin rich in gallotannins and/or
      ellagitannins the most often underlined is the beneficial influence on diseases
      possessing inflammatory background. Results of clinical, interventional and
      animal in vivo studies clearly indicate the anti-inflammatory potential of HT
      containing products, as well as pure ellagitannins and gallotannins. In recent
      years a great emphasis has been put on the consideration of metabolism and
      bioavailability of natural products during examination of their biological
      effects. Conducted in vivo and in vitro studies of polyphenols metabolism put a
      new light on this issue and indicate the gut microbiota to play a crucial role in
      the health effects following their oral administration. The aim of the review is
      to summarize the knowledge about HT-containing products' phytochemistry and their
      anti-inflammatory effects together with discussion of the data about observed
      biological activities with regards to the current concepts on the HTs'
      bioavailability and metabolism. Orally administered HT-containing products due to
      the limited bioavailability of ellagitannins and gallotannins can influence
      immune response at the level of gastrointestinal tract as well as express
      modulating effects on the gut microbiota composition. However, due to the
      chemical changes being a result of their transit through gastrointestinal tract,
      comprising of hydrolysis and gut microbiota metabolism, the activity of produced
      metabolites has to be taken into consideration. Studies regarding biological
      effects of the HTs' metabolites, in particular urolithins, indicate their strong
      and structure-dependent anti-inflammatory activities, being observed at the
      concentrations, which fit the range of their established bioavailability. The
      impact of HTs on inflammatory processes has been well established on various in
      vivo and in vitro models, while influence of microbiota metabolites on silencing
      the immune response gives a new perspective on understanding anti-inflammatory
      effects attributed to HT containing products, especially their postulated
      effectiveness in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and cardiovascular diseases.

PMID- 27655072
TI  - Synthesis of Pyrido-annelated Diazepines, Oxazepines and Thiazepines.
AB  - The immense amount of research on benzodiazepines resulted in the synthesis of
      heterocycle-fused diazepine derivatives with potential pharmacological activity.
      Pyridoazepines are recognized to be active in the central nervous system and have
      a comparable activity to the well-known benzodiazepines. This makes the synthesis
      and the study of pyridodiazepines an important research topic. This review
      comprises of the synthesis and activity of pyridodiazepines, pyridooxazepines and
      pyridothiazepines. Although these structures have a great similarity with
      benzodiazepines, much less work has been published on their synthesis or
      derivatization. Therefore, there is a need to further develop these classes of
      underexplored scaffolds, in search for new chemistry, new methodology and hence
      new biological features.

PMID- 27655074
TI  - Phytochemical and pharmacological activity profile of Crataegus oxyacantha L.
      (hawthorn) - A cardiotonic herb.
AB  - Crataegus oxyacantha L. (syn. C. rhipidophylla Gand.) (Rosaceae) is one of two
      medicinally recognized hawthorn species in European Pharmacopeia. Standardization
      of the extract prepared from the berry and flowers of the plant is required
      according to its oligomeric procyanidins. C. oxyacantha is well-known for its use
      in the treatment of various heart problems particularly, including heart failure
      in cases of declining cardiac performance equivalent to stages I and II of the
      New York Heart Association classification, angina pectoris, hypertension with
      myocardial insufficiency, mild alterations of cardiac rhythm, and
      atherosclerosis. C. oxyacantha has been reported to exert several other
      pharmacological activities such as hypotensive, antihyperlipidemic,
      antihyperglycemic, anxiolytic, immunomodulatory, and antimutagenic. Oligomeric
      procyanidins and flavone/flavonol types of flavonoids, which are considered to be
      the chief groups of active substances, phenolic acids, triterpenes, fatty acids,
      and sterols are present in the plant. The present review aims mainly to outline
      cardiotonic effect of C. oxyacantha as well as its brief phytochemistry. Numerous
      experiments and clinical studies have underlined cardiovascular efficacy of the
      plant through various mechanisms including positive inotropic and negative
      chronotropic effects, escalation in coronary blood flow and exercise tolerance,
      inhibition of the enzymes such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and
      phosphodiesterase, anti-inflammatory and antihyperlipidemic effects, improving
      status of antioxidant enzymes, etc., which support its cardioactive efficacy. The
      plant possesses several other bioactivities for human health usually concomitant
      to its rich polyphenolic content.

PMID- 27655075
TI  - Quercetin is a useful medicinal compound showing various actions including
      control of blood pressure, neurite elongation and epithelial ion transport.
AB  - Quercetin has multiple potential to control various cell function keeping our
      body condition healthy. In this review article, we describe the molecular
      mechanism on how quercetin exerts its action on blood pressure, neurite
      elongation and epithelial ion transport based from a viewpoint of cytosolic Cl-
      environments, which is recently recognized as an important signaling factor in
      various types of cells. Recent studies show various roles of cytosolic Cl- in
      regulation of blood pressure and neurite elongation, and prevention from
      bacterial and viral infection. We have found the stimulatory action of quercetin
      on Cl- transporter, Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransporter 1 (NKCC1; an isoform of NKCC),
      which has been recognized as one of the most interesting, fundamental actions of
      quercetin. In this review article, based on this stimulatory action of quercetin
      on NKCC1, we introduce the molecular mechanism of quercetin on: 1) blood
      pressure, 2) neurite elongation, and 3) epithelial Cl- secretion including tight
      junction forming in epithelial tissues. 1) Quercetin induces elevation of the
      cytosolic Cl- concentration via activation of NKCC1, leading to anti-hypertensive
      action by diminishing expression of epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC), a key ion
      channel involved in renal Na+ reabsorption, while quercetin has no effects on the
      blood pressure with normal salt intake. 2) Quercetin also has stimulatory effects
      on neurite elongation by elevating the cytosolic Cl- concentration via activation
      of NKCC1 due to tubulin polymerization facilitated through Cl--induced inhibition
      of GTPase. 3) Further, in lung airway epithelia quercetin stimulates Cl-
      secretion by increasing the driving force for Cl- secretion via elevation of the
      cytosolic Cl- concentration: this leads to water secretion, participating in
      prevention of our body from bacterial and viral infection. In addition to
      transcellular ion transport, quercetin regulates tight junction function via
      enhancement of tight junction integrity by modulating expression and assembling
      tight junction-forming proteins. Based on these observations, it is concluded
      that quercetin is a useful medicinal compound keeping our body to be in healthy
      condition.

PMID- 27655076
TI  - Cocoa polyphenols: Chemistry, bioavailability and effects on cardiovascular
      performance.
AB  - This review gives an overview of the phenolic compounds composition of cocoa
      beans and their modification during manufacturing processes to the final
      products. Recently published papers dealing with the qualitative and quantitative
      analysis of the different classes of cocoa phenolic compounds will be discussed.
      Modifications of the qualitative profile and amount of phenolic compounds in
      cocoa after the main processes of production chain, fermentation, drying,
      roasting, and alkalization, will be described. The second part will focus on some
      of the biological effects described for cocoa phenolic compounds in vitro and in
      vivo. In particular, the effects of cocoa flavanols on cardiovascular health and
      endothelial function have been extensively investigated over the last decades,
      with interesting results from nutritional intervention trials and molecular
      studies. A few recent updates on the role of cocoa and chocolate consumption on
      sport performances will be reported.

PMID- 27655077
TI  - Characterization of Crude Oil Degrading Bacteria Isolated from Contaminated Soils
      Surrounding Gas Stations.
AB  - A total of twenty bacterial cultures were isolated from hydrocarbon contaminated
      soil. Of the 20 isolates, RAM03, RAM06, RAM13, and RAM17 were specifically chosen
      based on their relatively higher growth on salt medium amended with 4 % crude
      oil, emulsion index, surface tension, and degradation percentage. These bacterial
      cultures had 16S rRNA gene sequences that were most similar to Ochrobactrum
      cytisi (RAM03), Ochrobactrum anthropi (RAM06 and RAM17), and Sinorhizobium
      meliloti (RAM13) with 96 %, 100 % and 99 %, and 99 % similarity. The tested
      strains revealed a promising potential for bioremediation of petroleum oil
      contamination as they could degrade >93 % and 54 % of total petroleum
      hydrocarbons (TPHs) in a liquid medium and soil amended with 4 % crude oil,
      respectively, after 30 day incubation. These bacteria could effectively remove
      both aliphatic and aromatic petroleum hydrocarbons. In conclusion, these strains
      could be considered as good prospects for their application in bioremediation of
      hydrocarbon contaminated environment.

PMID- 27655078
TI  - Effects of Different Soil Amendments on Mixed Heavy Metals Contamination in
      Vetiver Grass.
AB  - Three different types of low cost soil amendments, namely, EDTA, elemental S and
      N-fertilizer, were investigated with Vetiver grass, Vetiveria zizanioides (Linn.)
      Nash growing under highly mixed Cd-Pb contamination conditions. A significant
      increase (p < 0.05) in Cd and Pb accumulation were recorded in the shoots of all
      EDTA and N-fertilizer assisted treatments. The accumulation of Cd in 25 mmol
      EDTA/kg soil and 300 mmol N/kg soil showed relatively higher translocation factor
      (1.72 and 2.15) and percentage metal efficacy (63.25 % and 68.22 %),
      respectively, compared to other treatments. However, it was observed that the
      increased application of elemental S may inhibit the availability of Pb
      translocation from soil-to-root and root-to-shoot. The study suggests that viable
      application of 25 mmol EDTA/kg, 300 mmol N/kg and 20 mmol S/kg soil have the
      potential to be used for soil amendment with Vetiver grass growing under
      contaminated mixed Cd-Pb soil conditions.

PMID- 27655079
TI  - Determination of Xylene and Toluene by Solid-Phase Microextraction Using Au
      Nanoparticles-Thiol Silane Film Coupled to Ion Mobility Spectrometry.
AB  - A simple, rapid and sensitive method for analysis of xylene and toluene was
      developed using the solid-phase microextraction (SPME) combined with ion
      mobilityspectrometry (IMS). Gold nanoparticles-thiol silane film (Au NPs-TSF) was
      applied as a newsorbent for SPME. Thiol silane film was formed on the surface of
      a stainless steel wire through incorporating Au nanoparticles during synthesis
      using sol-gel technique. The extraction properties of the fiber to xylene and
      toluene were examined, using a SPME device and thermal desorption ininjection
      port of IMS. The calibration graphs were linear in the range of 1.10-32.0 and
      16.0-112.0 ppb for xylene and toluene, respectively. The detection limits for
      xylene and toluene were 0.7 and 8.0 ppb, respectively. The proposed method was
      applied without any considerable sample pretreatment and it was found to be
      simple enough to be strongly recommended for real sample analysis.

PMID- 27655080
TI  - Outcomes associated with observation versus short-stay admission among chest pain
      patients in the Veterans Health Administration.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To determine the extent to which 30- and 90-day hospital readmission
      and mortality rates differ as a function of whether a chest pain patient is
      placed in observation status or admitted to the hospital for a short-stay (<48
      h). METHODS: Using 114,043 observation stays and short-stay admissions for chest
      pain at Veterans Health Administration hospitals between 2005 and 2013, we
      estimated event-level logistic regression models using a generalized estimating
      equation framework to predict 30 and 90-day readmissions and mortality as a
      function of whether the patient had an observation stay or a short-stay
      admission. We also adjusted for a variety of patient characteristics and
      unobserved time-invariant hospital factors. RESULTS: Relative to the short-stay
      inpatient group, veterans with chest pain who were placed in observation status
      were significantly more likely to be female (7.0 % vs. 6.4 %, White (76.6 % vs.
      71.0 %, and from a rural area (28.3 % vs. 20.2 %). There were no other meaningful
      differences between the groups. Veterans with chest pain who were placed in
      observation status had 25 % lower odds of dying within 30 days (95 % confidence
      interval [CI]: 3 % - 43 %) and 12 % lower odds of a 30-day readmission (95 % CI:
      6 % - 17 %) compared to those admitted as short-stay inpatients. Neither 90-day
      outcome was significantly associated with placement in observation status.
      Patient demographics were also important predictors of mortality and
      readmissions. CONCLUSIONS: There are clinically observable differences in
      outcomes between patients admitted to observation and those admitted as short
      stay inpatients. We find no evidence that the increase in observation stays
      reflects a lack of proper care for patients placed in observation status.

PMID- 27655082
TI  - Sins of Omission.

PMID- 27655081
TI  - Analysis of HIV-1 intersubtype recombination breakpoints suggests region with
      high pairing probability may be a more fundamental factor than sequence
      similarity affecting HIV-1 recombination.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With increasing data on HIV-1, a more relevant molecular model
      describing mechanism details of HIV-1 genetic recombination usually requires
      upgrades. Currently an incomplete structural understanding of the copy choice
      mechanism along with several other issues in the field that lack elucidation led
      us to perform an analysis of the correlation between breakpoint distributions and
      (1) the probability of base pairing, and (2) intersubtype genetic similarity to
      further explore structural mechanisms. METHODS: Near full length sequences of
      URFs from Asia, Europe, and Africa (one sequence/patient), and representative
      sequences of worldwide CRFs were retrieved from the Los Alamos HIV database.
      Their recombination patterns were analyzed by jpHMM in detail. Then the
      relationships between breakpoint distributions and (1) the probability of base
      pairing, and (2) intersubtype genetic similarities were investigated. RESULTS:
      Pearson correlation test showed that all URF groups and the CRF group exhibit the
      same breakpoint distribution pattern. Additionally, the Wilcoxon two-sample test
      indicated a significant and inexplicable limitation of recombination in regions
      with high pairing probability. These regions have been found to be strongly
      conserved across distinct biological states (i.e., strong intersubtype
      similarity), and genetic similarity has been determined to be a very important
      factor promoting recombination. Thus, the results revealed an unexpected
      disagreement between intersubtype similarity and breakpoint distribution, which
      were further confirmed by genetic similarity analysis. Our analysis reveals a
      critical conflict between results from natural HIV-1 isolates and those from HIV
      1-based assay vectors in which genetic similarity has been shown to be a very
      critical factor promoting recombination. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate the
      region with high-pairing probabilities may be a more fundamental factor affecting
      HIV-1 recombination than sequence similarity in natural HIV-1 infections. Our
      findings will be relevant in furthering the understanding of HIV-1 recombination
      mechanisms.

PMID- 27655083
TI  - Quiet Time for Mechanically Ventilated Patients in a Medical Intensive Care Unit.

PMID- 27655084
TI  - Work Re-Entry of RNs After Substance Use Disorder Treatment: A Grounded Theory
      Study.

PMID- 27655085
TI  - Internal Assets, Bullying, and Emotional Distress Among Young Adolescents.

PMID- 27655086
TI  - Intimate Partner Violence: Enhancing Vigilance of Screening, Treatment, and
      Referral in the Primary Care Setting.

PMID- 27655087
TI  - Applying the Evidence in Treatment of Acute Uncomplicated Bronchitis in Emergency
      Medicine.

PMID- 27655088
TI  - Implementing a Nurse-Driven Protocol to Manage Diabetic Patients in Hyperbarics.

PMID- 27655089
TI  - Adolescent Concussion: Post-Injury Assessment Relationships.

PMID- 27655090
TI  - An Examination of Nursing Care Quality Efficiency in U.S. Nursing Homes: Using
      Data Envelopment Analysis.

PMID- 27655091
TI  - Effect of Nurse Practitioner Visits on Health Outcomes in African American Teens
      With Asthma.

PMID- 27655092
TI  - E-Pain Reporter: A Digital Pain and Analgesic Diary for Home Hospice Care.

PMID- 27655093
TI  - An IL1RN Polymorphism Predicts Early Birth Among African American Women.

PMID- 27655094
TI  - Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions of Tuberculosis Among Adults in Rural
      Maharashtra, India.

PMID- 27655096
TI  - Seeing Students Squirm: Student Nurses' Bullying Experiences in Clinical
      Settings.

PMID- 27655095
TI  - Testing a Protocol to Stop Ineffective Drug and Non-Drug Treatments.

PMID- 27655097
TI  - Social Determinants Documentation in Electronic Health Records With and Without
      Standardized Terminologies.

PMID- 27655098
TI  - In Memoriam: A. Robert Kagan, MD.

PMID- 27655099
TI  - A Retrospective Feasibility Study of Salvage Pelvic Nodal Radiation in 6 Patients
      With Biochemical Failure Following Prostate Fossa Radiation: An Alternative to
      Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT).
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate salvage pelvic nodal radiation as an alternative to androgen
      deprivation therapy (ADT) in patients with biochemical failure and lymph node
      recurrence following salvage prostate fossa radiation. METHODS: Six patients with
      biochemical failure and lymph node recurrence following prostate fossa radiation
      were treated with salvage pelvic nodal radiation therapy. A gross target volume
      was contoured using Choline PET/CT, CT, or MRI imaging. The clinical target
      volume included pelvic nodes. Avoidance structures were created using isodose
      lines from previous prostate fossa radiation plans. Radiation was delivered using
      IMRT or VMAT techniques. Failure was defined as a confirmed rise of prostate
      specific antigen (PSA) over 0.2 ng/mL. RESULTS: Four patients had presalvage PSA
      values <1 and 2 patients had PSAs >1. Dose to the clinical target volume was 54
      to 60 Gy. The gross target volume dose was 60 to 73.6 Gy. One of the 2 patients
      with a high PSA received 6 months of concomitant ADT. Mean follow-up after RT for
      all patients was 24.9 months (range, 18.1 to 33.0 mo). All 5 patients with no ADT
      had significant PSA responses. PSA reduction was 80% (62% to 100%) of pre-RT PSA.
      At last follow-up, 2 patients with initial PSA<1 ng/mL remain free of biochemical
      progression at 33 and 20 months. Four patients have had PSA rise and meet
      criteria for failure. This included both patients with initial PSA values > 1.
      Duration of response before failure was 18.1 to 30.7 months. ADT for failure has
      been started in 1 patient. There was no grade >=2 GI or GU toxicity. CONCLUSIONS:
      Salvage lymph node irradiation for patients with early biochemical recurrence and
      radiologic evidence of pelvic nodal metastases is well tolerated and associated
      with a durable biochemical response and may be an alternative to or may delay the
      need for ADT in some patients.

PMID- 27655100
TI  - ERAT: A New ERA for Appendicitis Therapy?

PMID- 27655101
TI  - Role of Non-hepatic Medical Comorbidity and Functional Limitations in Predicting
      Mortality in Patients with HCV.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Medical comorbidities and functional status limitations are
      determinants of mortality in many chronic diseases. The extent to which survival
      in the rapidly aging cohort of patients with HCV is affected by these competing
      causes of mortality remains unclear. AIM: We sought to determine the effect of
      medical/functional comorbidities on survival after adjusting for liver disease
      severity in a cohort of patients with HCV infection. METHODS: We prospectively
      recruited consecutive patients from an HCV clinic 2009-2014. We calculated an
      index of survival (Schonberg Index, SI) based on age, gender, medical
      comorbidities, and functional status variables. We defined cirrhosis with the
      FibroSure test (F3/4-F4). We used multivariable Cox modeling to assess
      association between functional/survival measure and survival after adjustment for
      severity of liver disease. RESULTS: The cohort consisted of 1052 HCV patients.
      The average age was 56.8 years; 36 % had cirrhosis. The mean SI was 8.2 (SD =
      2.7). During a mean follow-up of 5610 person-years, 102 (9.7 %) patients died. In
      unadjusted analysis, higher baseline SI predicted mortality (HR 1.17; 95 % CI
      1.09-1.25). SI similarly predicted mortality in cirrhotic patients (HR 1.23, 95 %
      CI 1.13-1.34) and non-cirrhotic patients (HR 1.21, 95 % CI 1.08-1.36). This did
      not change after adjusting for age, drug use, or coronary artery disease.
      DISCUSSION: Comorbidities and functional limitations predict higher mortality in
      patients with HCV; this relationship is independent of cirrhosis. Use of general
      prognostic indices may help identify HCV patients at high risk for mortality,
      which could further guide clinical care in a manner not achievable with
      assessment of liver disease alone.

PMID- 27655103
TI  - Familial Risk of Biliary Tract Cancers: A Population-Based Study in Utah.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Biliary tract cancers (BTC) including,
      cholangiocarcinoma (CC) and gallbladder cancer (GBC), are rare and highly fatal
      malignancies. The etiology and inherited susceptibility of both malignancies are
      poorly understood. We quantified the risk of BTC in first-degree (FDR), second
      degree (SDR), and first cousin (FC) relatives of individuals with BTC, stratified
      by tumor subsite. METHODS: BTC diagnosed between 1980 and 2011 were identified
      from the Utah Cancer Registry and linked to pedigrees from the Utah Population
      Database. Age- and gender-matched BTC-free controls were selected to form the
      comparison group for determining BTC risk in relatives using Cox regression
      analysis. RESULTS: Of the 1302 index patients diagnosed with BTC, 550 (42.2 %)
      were located in the gallbladder and 752 (57.8 %) were cholangiocarcinomas. There
      was no elevated risk of BTC (all subsites combined) in FDRs (HR 0.94, 95 % CI
      0.29-3.0), SDRs (HR 0.25, 95 % CI 0.06-1.03), and FCs (HR 0.96, 95 % CI 0.61
      1.51) of BTC cases compared to cancer-free controls. Similarly, no increased
      familial risk of GBC or CC was found in relatives of BTC patients stratified by
      tumor subsite compared to relatives of controls. CONCLUSIONS: Relatives of BTC
      patients are not at an increased risk of GBC or CC in a statewide population.
      This suggests that biliary tract cancer risk is not associated with a familial
      predisposition and may be mitigated more strongly by environmental modifiers.

PMID- 27655104
TI  - Rifaximin Decreases the Incidence and Severity of Acute Kidney Injury and
      Hepatorenal Syndrome in Cirrhosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While the effects of rifaximin have been shown to be protective
      against acute kidney injury (AKI) and hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) in alcohol
      induced cirrhosis, its long-term effects on the renal function of other cirrhotic
      patients are unknown. AIM: To examine the long-term effects of rifaximin on the
      renal function of patients with cirrhosis from various etiologies. METHODS: In a
      retrospective study, we examined cirrhotic patients at the University of Chicago
      Liver Clinic from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2014. The study enrolled
      patients on rifaximin for >=90 days, who were then matched by age, gender, and
      MELD score to a control group. Patients with malignancy and renal replacement
      therapy (RRT) at baseline were excluded. Data were censored at the last follow
      up, termination of rifaximin therapy, initiation of RRT, death, or liver
      transplant. RESULTS: Eighty-eight rifaximin cases were identified and matched to
      88 control cases. Baseline characteristics were similar, with the exceptions of
      more prevalent long-term midodrine use (>=90 days) (17.0 vs 4.5 %, p = 0.01) and
      baseline ascites (37.5 vs 23.8 %, p = 0.05) in the rifaximin group. There was no
      difference in the frequency of infections, deaths, liver transplants, or
      hospitalizations. After controlling for cofounders, the incidence rate ratio of
      AKI (IRR 0.71, p = 0.02) and HRS (IRR 0.21, p = 0.02), as well as the risk of
      requiring RRT (OR 0.23, p = 0.01), was lower in the rifaximin group. CONCLUSIONS:
      Long-term use of rifaximin is associated with a decrease incidence of AKI and HRS
      and a decrease risk of requiring RRT in a general population of cirrhotic
      patients.

PMID- 27655106
TI  - Relationship Between Frailty and Oral Function in Community-Dwelling Elderly
      Adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the standard values of and age-related changes in
      objective oral function of healthy older people; compare oral function of robust,
      prefrail, and frail older people; and determine the association between oral
      function and frailty. DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis. SETTING: General
      community. PARTICIPANTS: Elderly adults (>=65) from the Obu Study of Health
      Promotion for the Elderly were included and assigned to the robust, prefrail, and
      frail groups (N = 4,720). MEASUREMENTS: Each participant underwent detailed
      physical testing to assess frailty. The frailty phenotype was defined according
      to the presence of limitations in three or more of the following five domains:
      mobility, strength, endurance, physical activity, and nutrition. The numbers of
      present teeth and functional teeth were counted, and occlusal force, masseter
      muscle thickness, and oral diadochokinesis (ODK) rate were measured, along with
      sociodemographic and functional status, comorbidities, and blood chemistry.
      RESULTS: The number of present teeth, occlusal force, masseter muscle thickness,
      and ODK rate decreased with age. The frail group had significantly fewer present
      teeth (women aged >=70), lower occlusal force (women aged >=70; men aged >=80),
      lower masseter muscle thickness, and lower ODK rate than the robust group.
      Multivariate analysis indicated that age, Geriatric Depression Scale score,
      skeletal muscle mass index, Mini-Mental State Examination score, hypertension,
      diabetes mellitus, albumin and triglyceride levels, and oral function were
      significantly associated with frailty. CONCLUSION: Age-related differences in
      oral function were found in older adults. Moreover, frail older individuals had
      significantly poorer oral function than prefrail and robust individuals. The risk
      of frailty was associated with lower occlusal force, masseter muscle thickness,
      and ODK rate.

PMID- 27655102
TI  - B Cell-Activating Factor (BAFF)-Targeted B Cell Therapies in Inflammatory Bowel
      Diseases.
AB  - Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) involve dysregulated immune responses to gut
      antigens in genetically predisposed individuals. While a better elucidation of
      IBD pathophysiology has considerably increased the number of treatment options,
      the need for more effective therapeutic strategies remains a pressing priority.
      Defects of both non-hematopoietic (epithelial and stromal) and hematopoietic
      (lymphoid and myeloid) cells have been described in patients with IBD. Within the
      lymphoid system, alterations of the T cell compartment are viewed as essential in
      the pathogenesis of IBD. However, growing evidence points to the additional
      perturbations of the B cell compartment. Indeed, the intestinal lamina propria
      from IBD patients shows an increased presence of antibody-secreting plasma cells,
      which correlates with enhanced pro-inflammatory immunoglobulin G production and
      changes in the quality of non-inflammatory IgA responses. These B cell
      abnormalities are compounded by the emergence of systemic antibody responses to
      various autologous and microbial antigens, which predates the clinical diagnosis
      of IBD and identifies patients with complicated disease. It is presently unclear
      whether such antibody responses play a pathogenetic role, as B cell depletion
      with the CD20-targeting monoclonal antibody rituximab did not ameliorate
      ulcerative colitis in a clinical trial. However, it must be noted that
      unresponsiveness to rituximab is also observed also in some patients with
      autoimmune disorders usually responsive to B cell-depleting therapies. In this
      review, we discussed mechanistic aspects of B cell-based therapies and their
      potential role in IBD with a special interest on BAFF and BAFF-targeting
      therapies buoyed by the success of anti-BAFF treatments in rheumatologic
      disorders.

PMID- 27655107
TI  - Swedish snuff (snus) and its effects on oral health: an update
AB  - Swedish snus (smokeless moist tobacco) is becoming increasingly popular in
      Switzerland. Consumption and import of snus are permitted in Switzerland,
      however, sales were prohibited in 2004 by the European Court. Snus is an
      addictive nicotine containing product, which additionally contains carcinogenic
      nitrosamines. Both consumers and oral health professionals are lacking important
      information on the health consequences. The present paper therefore reviews the
      impact of snus consumption on oral health. For all snus consumers and
      particularly for adolescents, more detailed information should be provided by
      oral health professionals. Specifically with heavy snus users, more frequent
      follow-up is recommended to detect potential precancerous lesions or neoplasias
      in early stages.

PMID- 27655105
TI  - Siglec-7 as a Novel Biomarker to Predict Mortality in Decompensated Cirrhosis and
      Acute Kidney Injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with decompensated cirrhosis have high morbidity and are
      commonly hospitalized with acute kidney injury. AIMS: We examined serum levels of
      Siglec-7, a transmembrane receptor that regulates immune activity, as a biomarker
      for mortality in patients with cirrhosis and acute kidney injury. METHODS: Serum
      Siglec-7 was measured in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis and acute kidney
      injury, as well as in reference groups with acute liver injury/acute kidney
      injury, cirrhosis without acute kidney injury, and sepsis without liver disease.
      Clinical characteristics and subsequent outcomes were examined using univariate
      and multivariable analyses according to initial Siglec-7 levels. Primary outcome
      was death by 90 days. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-eight subjects were included,
      92 of which had cirrhosis and acute kidney injury and were used in the primary
      analysis. Average Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score was 24 [95 % CI
      23, 26], and serum creatinine was 2.5 [2.2, 2.8] mg/dL at the time Siglec-7 was
      measured. After adjusting for age and MELD score, high serum Siglec-7 level
      predicted mortality with a hazard ratio of 1.96 [1.04, 3.69; p = 0.04]. There was
      no difference in Siglec-7 levels by etiology of AKI (p = 0.24). Addition of serum
      Siglec-7 to MELD score improved discrimination for 90-day mortality [category
      free net reclassification index = 0.38 (p = 0.04); integrated discrimination
      increment = 0.043 (p = 0.04)]. CONCLUSION: Serum Siglec-7 was associated with
      increased mortality among hospitalized patients with cirrhosis and acute kidney
      injury. Addition of Siglec-7 to MELD score may increase discrimination to predict
      90-day mortality.

PMID- 27655109
TI  - Pros: Can tissue biopsy be replaced by liquid biopsy?

PMID- 27655108
TI  - MYD88 and functionally related genes are associated with multiple infections in a
      model population of Kenyan village dogs.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to seek associations between immunity-related
      molecular markers and endemic infections in a model population of African village
      dogs from Northern Kenya with no veterinary care and no selective breeding. A
      population of village dogs from Northern Kenya composed of three sub-populations
      from three different areas (84, 50 and 55 dogs) was studied. Canine distemper
      virus (CDV), Hepatozoon canis, Microfilariae (Acantocheilonema dracunculoides,
      Acantocheilonema reconditum) and Neospora caninum were the pathogens studied. The
      presence of antibodies (CDV, Neospora), light microscopy (Hepatozoon) and
      diagnostic PCR (Microfilariae) were the methods used for diagnosing infection.
      Genes involved in innate immune mechanisms, NOS3, IL6, TLR1, TLR2, TLR4, TLR7,
      TLR9, LY96, MYD88, and three major histocompatibility genes class II genes were
      selected as candidates. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were
      detected by Sanger sequencing, next generation sequencing and PCR-RFLP. The
      Fisher's exact test for additive and non-additive models was used for association
      analyses. Three SNPs within the MYD88 gene and one TLR4 SNP marker were
      associated with more than one infection. Combined genotypes and further markers
      identified by next generation sequencing confirmed associations observed for
      individual genes. The genes associated with infection and their combinations in
      specific genotypes match well our knowledge on their biological role and on the
      role of the relevant biological pathways, respectively. Associations with
      multiple infections observed between the MYD88 and TLR4 genes suggest their
      involvement in the mechanisms of anti-infectious defenses in dogs.

PMID- 27655110
TI  - The effects of iodine blocking on thyroid cancer, hypothyroidism and benign
      thyroid nodules following nuclear accidents: a systematic review.
AB  - A potential radiation protection method to reduce the risk of adverse health
      outcomes in the case of accidental radioactive iodine release is the
      administration of potassium iodide (KI). Although KI administration is
      recommended by WHO's Guidelines for Iodine Prophylaxis following Nuclear
      Accidents, a systematic review of the scientific evidence for the guidelines is
      lacking. Therefore, this study aims to systematically review the effects of KI
      administration in the case of accidental radioactive iodine release on thyroid
      cancer, hypothyroidism and benign thyroid nodules. We applied standard systematic
      review methodology for a search of the literature, selection of eligible studies,
      data extraction, assessment of risk of bias, assessment of heterogeneity, data
      synthesis, and the assessment of the quality of the evidence. We searched MEDLINE
      (via PubMed) and EMBASE. We found one cross-sectional study, one analytic cohort
      study and two case-control studies relating to our question. The number of
      participants ranged from 886-12 514. Two studies were conducted in children and
      two other studies in children and adults. It was not possible to conduct a meta
      analysis. We identified low to very low-quality evidence that KI administration
      after a nuclear accident resulted in a reduction of the risk of thyroid cancer in
      children; however, the KI administration and dose was not well described in the
      studies. None of the studies investigated the effects of KI administration in the
      case of a nuclear accident on hypothyroidism and benign thyroid nodules. Low to
      very low-quality evidence suggests that KI intake following a nuclear accident
      may reduce the risk of thyroid cancer in children. No conclusions can be drawn
      about the effectiveness of KI intake with respect to the prevention of
      hypothyroidism and benign thyroid nodules.

PMID- 27655111
TI  - Age-related hearing loss in older adults with cognitive impairment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hearing loss can impair effective communication between caregivers
      and individuals with cognitive impairment. However, hearing loss is not often
      measured or addressed in care plans for these individuals. The aim of this study
      is to measure the prevalence of hearing loss and the utilization of hearing aids
      in a sample of individuals with cognitive impairment in a tertiary care memory
      clinic. METHODS: A retrospective review of 133 charts of individuals >50 years
      who underwent hearing assessment at a tertiary care memory clinic over a 12-month
      period (June 2014-June 2015) was undertaken. Using descriptive statistics, the
      prevalence of hearing loss was determined and associations with demographic
      variables, relevant medical history, cognitive status, and hearing aid
      utilization were investigated. RESULTS: Results indicate that hearing loss is
      highly prevalent among this sample of cognitively impaired older adults. Sixty
      percent of the sample had at least a mild hearing loss in the better hearing ear.
      Among variables examined, age, MMSE, and medical history of diabetes were
      strongly associated with hearing impairment. Hearing aid utilization increased in
      concordance with severity of hearing loss, from 9% to 54% of individuals with a
      mild or moderate/severe hearing loss, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Hearing loss is
      highly prevalent among older adults with cognitive impairment. Despite high
      prevalence of hearing loss, hearing aid utilization remains low. Our study
      highlights the importance of hearing evaluation and rehabilitation as part of the
      cognitive assessment and care management plan in this vulnerable population.

PMID- 27655112
TI  - Low-dose second-generation oral contraceptives are associated with the lowest
      increased risk of cardiovascular adverse effects.

PMID- 27655113
TI  - Social support plays a role in the attitude that people have towards taking an
      active role in medical decision-making.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a growing emphasis towards including patients in medical
      decision-making. However, not all patients are actively involved in such
      decisions. Research has so far focused mainly on the influence of patient
      characteristics on preferences for active involvement. However, it can be argued
      that a patient's social context has to be taken into account as well, because
      social norms and resources affect behaviour. This study aims to examine the role
      of social resources, in the form of the availability of informational and
      emotional support, on the attitude towards taking an active role in medical
      decision-making. METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to members of the Dutch Health
      Care Consumer Panel (response 70 %; n = 1300) in June 2013. A regression model
      was then used to estimate the relation between medical and lay informational
      support and emotional support and the attitude towards taking an active role in
      medical decision-making. RESULTS: Availability of emotional support is positively
      related to the attitude towards taking an active role in medical decision-making
      only in people with a low level of education, not in persons with a middle and
      high level of education. The latter have a more positive attitude towards taking
      an active role in medical decision-making, irrespective of the level of emotional
      support available. People with better access to medical informational support
      have a more positive attitude towards taking an active role in medical decision
      making; but no significant association was found for lay informational support.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that social resources are associated with the
      attitude towards taking an active role in medical decision-making. Strategies
      aimed at increasing patient involvement have to address this.

PMID- 27655115
TI  - A home-based exercise intervention for caregivers of persons with dementia: study
      protocol for a randomised controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Family members, who provide the majority of care for persons with
      dementia, are especially vulnerable to developing depression. Interventions
      targeting their depressive symptoms have been proposed but their efficacies vary
      considerably. It has been suggested that interventions carried out in the home
      setting and involving both caregivers and care recipients are more efficacious.
      This study aims to compare the efficacy of a home-based structured exercise
      programme involving both persons with dementia and their caregivers with
      nonexercise social contact control in treating depression among caregivers.
      METHODS/DESIGN: This is a parallel-group, assessor-blind, randomised controlled
      trial. A total of 136 caregiver-care-recipient dyads (i.e. 272 participants in
      total) will be recruited and randomly allocated to either a home-based structured
      exercise (sitting Tai Chi) group or a social contact control group. The trial
      comprises a 3-month intervention phase followed by an extended observation phase
      of another 3 months. All participants will be assessed at baseline, 6th week,
      12th week and 24th week. The primary outcome will be the reduction in depression
      among caregivers as measured by the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression. The
      secondary outcomes will be burden, quality of life, cognitive performance and
      balance ability of the caregivers, as well as the neuropsychiatric symptoms,
      cognitive function, balance and functional abilities of the persons with
      dementia. We will also examine whether the brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene
      modulates mood changes in response to exercise. DISCUSSION: The findings offer a
      potential avenue of intervention by providing a low-cost, safe and effective
      treatment for depression among dementia caregivers, which may in turn also
      benefit the care recipients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
      NCT02132039 , registered on 28 April 2014.

PMID- 27655114
TI  - Treatment of Men for "Low Testosterone": A Systematic Review.
AB  - Testosterone products are recommended by some prescribers in response to a
      diagnosis or presumption of "low testosterone" (low-T) for cardiovascular health,
      sexual function, muscle weakness or wasting, mood and behavior, and cognition. We
      performed a systematic review of 156 eligible randomized controlled trials in
      which testosterone was compared to placebo for one or more of these conditions.
      We included studies in bibliographic databases between January 1, 1950 and April
      9, 2016, and excluded studies involving bodybuilding, contraceptive
      effectiveness, or treatment of any condition in women or children. Studies with
      multiple relevant endpoints were included in all relevant tables. Testosterone
      supplementation did not show consistent benefit for cardiovascular risk, sexual
      function, mood and behavior, or cognition. Studies that examined clinical
      cardiovascular endpoints have not favored testosterone therapy over placebo.
      Testosterone is ineffective in treating erectile dysfunction and controlled
      trials did not show a consistent effect on libido. Testosterone supplementation
      consistently increased muscle strength but did not have beneficial effects on
      physical function. Most studies on mood-related endpoints found no beneficial
      effect of testosterone treatment on personality, psychological well-being, or
      mood. The prescription of testosterone supplementation for low-T for
      cardiovascular health, sexual function, physical function, mood, or cognitive
      function is without support from randomized clinical trials.

PMID- 27655117
TI  - Reactive Eccrine Glands Hyperplasia in Vascular Proliferations.

PMID- 27655116
TI  - HIV Infection Is Associated with Shortened Telomere Length in Ugandans with
      Suspected Tuberculosis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: HIV infection is a risk factor for opportunistic pneumonias such as
      tuberculosis (TB) and for age-associated health complications. Short telomeres,
      markers of biological aging, are also associated with an increased risk of age
      associated diseases and mortality. Our goals were to use a single cohort of HIV
      infected and HIV-uninfected individuals hospitalized with pneumonia to assess
      whether shortened telomere length was associated with HIV infection, TB
      diagnosis, and 2-month mortality. METHODS: This was a sub-study of the IHOP
      Study, a prospective observational study. Participants consisted of 184 adults
      admitted to Mulago Hospital in Kampala, Uganda who underwent evaluation for
      suspected TB and were followed for 2 months. Standardized questionnaires were
      administered to collect demographic and clinical data. PBMCs were isolated and
      analyzed using quantitative PCR to determine telomere length. The association
      between HIV infection, demographic and clinical characteristics, and telomere
      length was assessed, as were the associations between telomere length, TB
      diagnosis and 2-month mortality. Variables with a P<=0.2 in bivariate analysis
      were included in multivariate models. RESULTS: No significant demographic or
      clinical differences were observed between the HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected
      subjects. Older age (P<0.0001), male gender (P = 0.04), total pack-years smoked
      (P<0.001), alcohol consumption in the past year (P = 0.12), and asthma (P = 0.08)
      were all associated (P<=0.2) with shorter telomere length in bivariate analysis.
      In multivariate analysis adjusting for these five variables, HIV-positive
      participants had significantly shorter telomeres than HIV-negative participants
      (beta = -0.0621, 95% CI -0.113 to -0.011, P = 0.02). Shortened telomeres were not
      associated with TB or short-term mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The association between
      HIV infection and shorter telomeres suggests that HIV may play a role in cellular
      senescence and biological aging and that shorter telomeres may be involved in age
      associated health complications seen in this population. The findings indicate a
      need to further research the impact of HIV on aging.

PMID- 27655118
TI  - CD30 Positive Lymphomatoid Angiocentric Drug Reactions: Characterization of a
      Series of 20 Cases.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Lymphomatoid drug reactions are atypical T cell cutaneous
      lymphocytic infiltrates induced by pharmacological therapy. Due to phenotypic
      abnormalities, clonality, and their close clinical and morphologic resemblance to
      T cell lymphomas, these eruptions have been categorized as drug-associated
      reversible granulomatous T cell dyscrasias. DESIGN: A total of 20 cases were
      encountered in which a diagnosis of CD30 lymphomatoid drug reaction was rendered.
      RESULTS: There were 11 women and 9 men ranging from 31 to 86 years of age
      presenting with a sudden onset often generalized cutaneous papular eruption. Two
      patients had vasculitic lesions. In all cases, a positive drug history was
      elicited and in most the initiation of the drug was temporally associated with
      the cutaneous eruption. Among the implicated drugs were statins (6 cases),
      immunomodulators (4 cases), ACE inhibitors (3 cases), antibiotics (3 cases),
      chemotherapy agents (3 cases), and antidepressants (1 case). Biopsies
      demonstrated a similar morphology, namely a superficial angiocentric lymphocytic
      infiltrate containing many immunoblasts. Tissue eosinophilia, interface
      dermatitis, and supervening eczematous changes in the overlying epidermis were
      observed in most cases. In all cases, the angiocentric infiltrate was highlighted
      by CD3, CD30, and CD4. Cytotoxic protein granule expression or monoclonality was
      not observed. In all cases, there was improvement or complete regression of the
      eruption upon drug modulation. CONCLUSION: The CD30 positive lymphomatoid
      angiocentric drug reaction poses a diagnostic challenge because of its close
      resemblance to type A lymphomatoid papulosis and potential confusion with a
      peripheral T cell lymphoma with large cell transformation.

PMID- 27655119
TI  - Restrained Terminal Differentiation and Sustained Stemness in Neonatal Skin by Ha
      Ras and Bcl-2.
AB  - Nonmelanoma skin cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in the United
      States. Deregulation of bcl-2 and ras family members is commonly observed in
      nonmelanoma skin cancer. It has been previously demonstrated that simultaneous
      bcl-2 and Ha-ras gene expression in keratinocytes results in resistance to cell
      death induced by ultraviolet radiation and enhanced multistep skin
      carcinogenesis. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the central roles of Ha-Ras
      and Bcl-2 in maintaining epidermal homeostasis. To assess the effect of
      deregulated Ha-Ras and Bcl-2 on skin differentiation, we have generated skin
      specific transgenic mouse model constitutively expressing both oncogenic Ha-Ras
      and Bcl-2. Ectopic expression of Ha-Ras and Bcl-2 in newborn double transgenic
      epidermal keratinocytes induced abnormal epidermal differentiation accompanied by
      increased cell proliferation and suppressed apoptotic cell death, which resulted
      in thickened and wrinkled skin morphology in neonate skins. Expression of
      epidermal differentiation marker cytokeratin 1 was decreased. Expression of other
      differentiation markers loricrin and filaggrin was also decreased and delayed to
      be detected only in the upper stratum granulosum, whereas the proliferative
      markers cytokeratin 14 and cytokeratin 6, which are expressed in constitutively
      proliferative basal layer and stem cell niches such as hair follicles or
      neoplastic lesions, respectively, were highly expressed. The abnormal expression
      of epidermal cytokeratins suggests that Ha-Ras and Bcl-2 suppress the terminal
      differentiation and sustain the stem cell-like features in epidermal
      keratinocytes.

PMID- 27655121
TI  - Detection of Merkel Cell Polyoma Virus and Beta Human Papillomavirus in Multiple
      Eccrine Poromas in a Patient With Acute Leukemia Treated With Stem Cell
      Transplant.

PMID- 27655120
TI  - Extraskeletal Myxoid Chondrosarcoma of the Foot Clinically Mimicking Plantar
      Fibromatosis.
AB  - Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC) is a rare soft tissue sarcoma usually
      presenting in proximal extremities of middle-aged men. The authors discuss a
      unique case of EMC, localized in the plantar foot of a 76-year-old woman,
      clinically suspected as plantar fibromatosis. It is important to avoid
      misdiagnosis of EMC because of their propensity for late recurrence and their
      metastatic potential.

PMID- 27655122
TI  - Osteogenic Melanoma With Desmin Expression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Osteogenic differentiation is rarely seen in melanomas, when it
      occurs it is mainly in acral lesions. METHODS: We report a case of an osteogenic
      melanoma in a 49-year-old woman who presented with a pigmented lesion in the
      subungueal region of her left hallux. The lesion was ulcerated and infiltrated
      until the deep dermis without bone involvement. RESULTS: The tumor was composed
      of pleomorphic atypical epithelioid and fusiform cells disposed in nests or
      cords, with vesicular nuclei and prominent central nucleoli. Focal lentiginous
      proliferation of large atypical melanocytes was present along the dermoepidermal
      junction. Areas of osteoid matrix focally mineralized were disposed in
      trabeculae, and there were islands of neoplastic cells. Immunohistochemistry
      revealed strong expression of S-100 protein and, unexpectedly, of desmin. Focal
      expression of Melan-A, microphthalmia transcription factor, and HMB-45 is also
      revealed. Mutations in BRAF and NRAS genes were not present. The patient was
      submitted to an amputation of the left hallux with negative sentinel lymph node.
      CONCLUSION: The importance of recognizing osteogenic melanoma is based on
      difficulties for histologic recognition and its differentials diagnosis.

PMID- 27655123
TI  - Living on the Edge: Diagnosing Sarcomatoid Melanoma Using Histopathologic Cues at
      the Edge of a Dedifferentiated Tumor: A Report of 2 Cases and Review of the
      Literature.
AB  - Sarcomatoid melanoma is a rare type of melanoma lacking typical histologic
      features of melanoma and often lacks expression of S100 protein and melanocyte
      specific markers. Given the rarity of this entity, its clinicopathologic findings
      are not well defined. We report 2 cases of sarcomatoid melanoma received in
      consultation: a 65-year-old woman with a right breast mass and a 62-year-old man
      with a left plantar heel mass. Both lesions were ulcerated, pedunculated, highly
      cellular proliferations of atypical spindle cells arranged as fascicles and/or
      sheets. The tumor cells of the breast mass expressed CD10 and vimentin diffusely
      but S100 protein only focally. The tumor cells of the heel mass lacked expression
      of melanocytic markers altogether, except for weak, very focal S100 protein
      expression. At the junctional edge of the breast mass and in the ulcer base of
      the heel mass, focal precursor melanoma was present and exhibited melanocytic
      differentiation. We report these cases to emphasize the importance of meticulous
      histologic inspection at the lesion's edge and/or ulcer base to correctly
      identify the conventional precursor melanoma in these rare lesions to ensure
      appropriate diagnosis and subsequent clinical management as treatment options may
      be significantly different from those offered for sarcomas.

PMID- 27655124
TI  - Cysticercosis of the Pectoralis Major: A Case Report and Review of Literature.
AB  - Cysticercosis is a condition caused by the encysted larval form of Taenia solium
      (pork tapeworm). The commonest system affected is the central nervous system.
      Symptomatic primary muscle involvement is a rare phenomenon. We present a case of
      a 19-year-old male who presented with a solitary cystic swelling in the right
      infraclavicular area. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a cystic mass in the
      right pectoralis major muscle. The cyst was excised and submitted for
      histopathology. The diagnosis of cysticercosis was confirmed on histopathology of
      the excised cyst.

PMID- 27655125
TI  - Prognostic Implication of Lymphovascular Invasion Detected by Double
      Immunostaining for D-40 and MITF1 in Primary Cutaneous Melanoma: Beware of MITF1
      Specificity and Sensitivity in Unusual Melanoma Subtypes.

PMID- 27655126
TI  - An Immunohistochemical Study of Anogenital Mammary-Like Glands.
AB  - Although the normal histology of anogenital mammary-like glands (AGMLG) has been
      studied, no systemic investigation has been performed on the immunoprofile of
      these structures. We studied intact AGMLG with a broad panel of antibodies. The
      immunoprofile of AGMLG is similar to that of a normal breast tissue, and there
      are similarities to eccrine glands and coils about cytokeratin expression. Our
      immunohistochemical data may contribute to understanding of the pathogenesis of
      lesions arising from AGMLG.

PMID- 27655127
TI  - An Epidemic Outbreak of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Presenting as Suppurative
      Folliculitis: A Study of 6 Cases.
AB  - Folliculitis is defined as the inflammation of the follicles. The most common
      cause of folliculitis is infection. Here, we report an unusual cause of
      suppurative infundibulitis-which had not yet been described in the literature-due
      to Leishmania infection, and exemplified by 6 cases that occurred in the setting
      of an epidemic outbreak. The 6 individuals were immigrants from Morocco. Most of
      them were men (4 men and 2 women), and most of them were less than 30 years old
      (apart from one 40-year-old woman). In all cases, a cutaneous biopsy was
      performed. There was a granulomatous folliculitis with suppurative granulomas in
      all the cases. All cases showed prominence of plasma cells in the inflammatory
      infiltrate, and leishmanias were found in all cases. They were mainly seen in the
      abscessified central areas. The amount of organisms varied from a few to a
      moderate amount. They were stained by the anti-CD1a antibody (Novocastra) and by
      a polyclonal homemade anti-leishmania antibody. In addition, in 1 case,
      microbiological culture was performed, and Leishmania major was demonstrated as
      the causative agent of the infection.

PMID- 27655128
TI  - ?
AB  - Bulk-fill resin composites represent an innovative class of dental composite
      materials, developed to simplify and expedite the restoration process. They can
      be adequately photopolymerized up to 4?5mm composite thickness and therefore
      permit a more economical restorative approach as compared to conventional resin
      composites. The current paper summarizes the most important facts on bulk-fill
      composite materials and provides recommendations for the successful use of these
      materials in daily practice based on up-to-date in vitro and in vivo research.

PMID- 27655129
TI  - MEK and TAK1 Regulate Apoptosis in Colon Cancer Cells with KRAS-Dependent
      Activation of Proinflammatory Signaling.
AB  - : MEK inhibitors have limited efficacy in treating RAS-RAF-MEK pathway-dependent
      cancers due to feedback pathway compensation and dose-limiting toxicities.
      Combining MEK inhibitors with other targeted agents may enhance efficacy. Here,
      codependencies of MEK, TAK1, and KRAS in colon cancer were investigated. Combined
      inhibition of MEK and TAK1 potentiates apoptosis in KRAS-dependent cells.
      Pharmacologic studies and cell-cycle analyses on a large panel of colon cancer
      cell lines demonstrate that MEK/TAK1 inhibition induces cell death, as assessed
      by sub-G1 accumulation, in a distinct subset of cell lines. Furthermore, TAK1
      inhibition causes G2-M cell-cycle blockade and polyploidy in many of the cell
      lines. MEK plus TAK1 inhibition causes reduced G2-M/polyploid cell numbers and
      additive cytotoxic effects in KRAS/TAK1-dependent cell lines as well as a subset
      of BRAF-mutant cells. Mechanistically, sensitivity to MEK/TAK1 inhibition can be
      conferred by KRAS and BMP receptor activation, which promote expression of NF
      kappaB-dependent proinflammatory cytokines, driving tumor cell survival and
      proliferation. MEK/TAK1 inhibition causes reduced mTOR, Wnt, and NF-kappaB
      signaling in TAK1/MEK-dependent cell lines concomitant with apoptosis. A Wnt/NF
      kappaB transcriptional signature was derived that stratifies primary tumors into
      three major subtypes: Wnt-high/NF-kappaB-low, Wnt-low/NF-kappaB-high and Wnt
      high/NF-kappaB-high, designated W, N, and WN, respectively. These subtypes have
      distinct characteristics, including enrichment for BRAF mutations with serrated
      carcinoma histology in the N subtype. Both N and WN subtypes bear molecular
      hallmarks of MEK and TAK1 dependency seen in cell lines. Therefore, N and WN
      subtype signatures could be utilized to identify tumors that are most sensitive
      to anti-MEK/TAK1 therapeutics. IMPLICATIONS: This study describes a potential
      therapeutic strategy for a subset of colon cancers that are dependent on
      oncogenic KRAS signaling pathways, which are currently difficult to block with
      selective agents. Mol Cancer Res; 14(12); 1204-16. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27655130
TI  - Oncofetal Chondroitin Sulfate Glycosaminoglycans Are Key Players in Integrin
      Signaling and Tumor Cell Motility.
AB  - : Many tumors express proteoglycans modified with oncofetal chondroitin sulfate
      glycosaminoglycan chains (ofCS), which are normally restricted to the placenta.
      However, the role of ofCS in cancer is largely unknown. The function of ofCS in
      cancer was analyzed using the recombinant ofCS-binding VAR2CSA protein (rVAR2)
      derived from the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum We demonstrate that ofCS
      plays a key role in tumor cell motility by affecting canonical integrin signaling
      pathways. Binding of rVAR2 to tumor cells inhibited the interaction of cells with
      extracellular matrix (ECM) components, which correlated with decreased
      phosphorylation of Src kinase. Moreover, rVAR2 binding decreased migration,
      invasion, and anchorage-independent growth of tumor cells in vitro Mass
      spectrometry of ofCS-modified proteoglycan complexes affinity purified from tumor
      cell lines on rVAR2 columns revealed an overrepresentation of proteins involved
      in cell motility and integrin signaling, such as integrin-beta1 (ITGB1) and
      integrin-alpha4 (ITGA4). Saturating concentrations of rVAR2 inhibited downstream
      integrin signaling, which was mimicked by knockdown of the core chondroitin
      sulfate synthesis enzymes beta-1,3-glucuronyltransferase 1 (B3GAT1) and
      chondroitin sulfate N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 1 (CSGALNACT1). The ofCS
      modification was highly expressed in both human and murine metastatic lesions in
      situ and preincubation or early intravenous treatment of tumor cells with rVAR2
      inhibited seeding and spreading of tumor cells in mice. This was associated with
      a significant increase in survival of the animals. These data functionally link
      ofCS modifications with cancer cell motility and further highlights ofCS as a
      novel therapeutic cancer target. IMPLICATIONS: The cancer-specific expression of
      ofCS aids in metastatic phenotypes and is a candidate target for therapy. Mol
      Cancer Res; 14(12); 1288-99. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27655132
TI  - Guidelines for identification and treatment of individuals with attention
      deficit/hyperactivity disorder and associated fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
      based upon expert consensus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The association of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
      and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) results in a complex constellation of
      symptoms that complicates the successful diagnosis and treatment of the affected
      individual. Current literature lacks formal guidelines, randomized control
      trials, and evidence-based treatment plans for individuals with ADHD and
      associated FASD. Therefore, a meeting of professional experts was organized with
      the aim of producing a consensus on identification and treatment guidelines that
      will aid clinicians in caring for this unique patient population. METHODS:
      Experts from multiple disciplines in the fields of ADHD and FASD convened in
      London, United Kingdom, for a meeting hosted by the United Kingdom ADHD
      Partnership (UKAP; www.UKADHD.com ) in June 2015. The meeting provided the
      opportunity to address the complexities of ADHD and FASD from different
      perspectives and included presentations, discussions, and group work. The
      attendees worked towards producing a consensus for a unified approach to ADHD and
      associated FASD. RESULTS: The authors successfully came to consensus and produced
      recommended guidelines with specific regards to identification and assessment,
      interventions and treatments, and multiagency liaisons and care management,
      highlighting that a lifespan approach to treatment needs to be adopted by all
      involved. Included in the guidelines are: 1) unique 'red flags', which when
      identified in the ADHD population can lead to an accurate associated FASD
      diagnosis, 2) a treatment decision tree, and 3) recommendations for multiagency
      care management. CONCLUSIONS: While clinically useful guidelines were achieved,
      more research is still needed to contribute to the knowledge base about the
      diagnosis, treatment, and management of those with ADHD and associated FASD.

PMID- 27655133
TI  - Species diversity and spatial distribution of ixodid ticks on small ruminants in
      Greece.
AB  - A cross sectional field study on the distribution of Ixodidae ticks was carried
      out over two consecutive tick seasons (2012 and 2013) in small ruminants (309
      farms) located in mainland and five islands of Greece. A total of 2108 ticks
      (1199 females, 908 males, and 1 nymph) were collected from sheep and goats. Two
      species of Rhipicephalus, two of Ixodes, five of Hyalomma, three of
      Haemaphysalis, and one of Dermacentor were detected. The species with the widest
      distribution were Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. (64.8 %), R. bursa (25.9 %), and
      Dermacentor marginatus (4.1 %), whereas the least frequently collected species
      were Ixodes ricinus, I. gibbosus, Haemaphysalis parva, H. sulcata, H. punctata,
      Hyalomma marginatum, H. excavatum, H. dromedarii, H. rufipes, and H. impeltatum
      representing together less than 5.3 % of the collections. R. sanguineus s.l. was
      the predominant species, while D. marginatus and I. gibbosus were restricted to
      the northeastern Aegean Sea islands. This is the first survey on tick fauna from
      mainland and islands in Greece.

PMID- 27655131
TI  - The Cytoskeletal Adapter Protein Spinophilin Regulates Invadopodia Dynamics and
      Tumor Cell Invasion in Glioblastoma.
AB  - : Glioblastoma is a primary brain cancer that is resistant to all treatment
      modalities. This resistance is due, in large part, to invasive cancer cells that
      disperse from the main tumor site, escape surgical resection, and contribute to
      recurrent secondary lesions. The adhesion and signaling mechanisms that drive
      glioblastoma cell invasion remain enigmatic, and as a result there are no
      effective anti-invasive clinical therapies. Here we have characterized a novel
      adhesion and signaling pathway comprised of the integrin alphavbeta8 and its
      intracellular binding partner, Spinophilin (Spn), which regulates glioblastoma
      cell invasion in the brain microenvironment. We show for the first time that Spn
      binds directly to the cytoplasmic domain of beta8 integrin in glioblastoma cells.
      Genetically targeting Spn leads to enhanced invasive cell growth in preclinical
      models of glioblastoma. Spn regulates glioblastoma cell invasion by modulating
      the formation and dissolution of invadopodia. Spn-regulated invadopodia dynamics
      are dependent, in part, on proper spatiotemporal activation of the Rac1 GTPase.
      Glioblastoma cells that lack Spn showed diminished Rac1 activities, increased
      numbers of invadopodia, and enhanced extracellular matrix degradation.
      Collectively, these data identify Spn as a critical adhesion and signaling
      protein that is essential for modulating glioblastoma cell invasion in the brain
      microenvironment. IMPLICATIONS: Tumor cell invasion is a major clinical obstacle
      in glioblastoma and this study identifies a new signaling pathway regulated by
      Spinophilin in invasive glioblastoma. Mol Cancer Res; 14(12); 1277-87. (c)2016
      AACR.

PMID- 27655136
TI  - Design Expert((r)) supported optimization and predictive analysis of selegiline
      nanoemulsion via the olfactory region with enhanced behavioural performance in
      Parkinson's disease.
AB  - Selegiline is a monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitor and is used in the
      treatment of Parkinson's disease. The main problem associated with its oral
      administration is its low oral bioavailability (10%) due to its poor aqueous
      solubility and extensive first pass metabolism. The aim of the present research
      work was to develop a nanoemulsion loaded with selegiline for direct nose-to
      brain delivery for the better management of Parkinson's disease. A quality by
      design (QbD) approach was used in a statistical multivariate method for the
      preparation and optimization of nanoemulsion. In this study, four independent
      variables were chosen, in which two were compositions and two were process
      variables, while droplet size, transmittance, zeta potential and drug release
      were selected as response variables. The optimized formulation was assessed for
      efficacy in Parkinson's disease using behavioural studies, namely forced
      swimming, locomotor, catalepsy, muscle coordination, akinesia and bradykinesia or
      pole test in Wistar rats. The observed droplet size, polydispersity index (PDI),
      refractive index, transmittance, zeta potential and viscosity of selegiline
      nanoemulsion were found to be 61.43 +/- 4.10 nm, 0.203 +/- 0.005, 1.30 +/- 0.01,
      99.80 +/- 0.04%, -34 mV and 31.85 +/- 0.24 mPas respectively. Surface
      characterization studies demonstrated a spherical shape of nanoemulsion which
      showed 3.7 times enhancement in drug permeation as compared to drug suspension.
      The results of behaviour studies showed that treatment of haloperidol induced
      Parkinson's disease in rats with selegiline nanoemulsion (administered
      intranasally) showed significant improvement in behavioural activities in
      comparison to orally administered drug. These findings demonstrate that
      nanoemulsion could be a promising new drug delivery carrier for intranasal
      delivery of selegiline in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. 

PMID- 27655134
TI  - Hepatitis C virus replicative double-stranded RNA is a potent interferon inducer
      that triggers interferon production through MDA5.
AB  - The cytoplasmic RNA sensors, retinoic acid-inducible gene I and melanoma
      differentiation-associated gene 5, play crucial roles in innate sensing of
      hepatitis C virus (HCV). However, the exact identity of the IFN inducer generated
      during HCV infection is poorly understood. To identify the IFN inducer, we
      extracted the RNAs from HCV-replicating cells and introduced these into IFN
      signalling-competent cells to examine IFN production. RNAs isolated from HCV
      replicating cells triggered robust IFN-beta and IFN-lambda production in Huh7
      cells in a viral replication-dependent manner, preferentially through the
      melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 but not through the retinoic acid
      inducible gene I-mediated pathway. The IFN-inducing capacity of HCV RNA survived
      after calf intestinal alkaline phosphatase and ssRNA-specific S1 nuclease
      treatment, but was completely eliminated by dsRNA-specific RNase III digestion,
      suggesting that viral replicative dsRNA is an IFN inducer. Furthermore, HCV viral
      RNA extracted from replicating cells was sensitive to 5'-monophosphate-dependent
      5'->3' exonuclease (TER) digestion, suggesting that the HCV genome lacks a 5'
      triphosphate or -diphosphate. In semi-permeabilized cells, the HCV IFN inducer
      primarily resided in an enclosed membranous structure that protects the IFN
      inducer from RNase digestion. Taken together, we identified HCV replicative dsRNA
      as a viral IFN inducer enclosed within the viral replication factory.

PMID- 27655135
TI  - Choosing wisely and preoperative hemoglobin A1c testing: what should it mean?

PMID- 27655138
TI  - Advances in molecular genetics for pulmonary atresia.
AB  - Genetic and environmental factors may be similar in certain CHD. It has been
      widely accepted that it is the cumulative effect of these risk factors that
      results in disease. Pulmonary atresia is a rare type of complex cyanotic CHD with
      a poor prognosis. Understanding the molecular mechanism of pulmonary atresia is
      essential for future diagnosis, prevention, and therapeutic approaches. In this
      article, we reviewed several related copy number variants and related genetic
      mutations, which were identified in patients with pulmonary atresia, including
      pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect and pulmonary atresia with
      intact ventricular septum.

PMID- 27655137
TI  - The Mouse-Specific Splice Variant mRAGE_v4 Encodes a Membrane-Bound RAGE That Is
      Resistant to Shedding and Does Not Contribute to the Production of Soluble RAGE.
AB  - The receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) is involved in the onset
      and progression of several inflammatory diseases. The RAGE primary transcript
      undergoes numerous alternative splicing (AS) events, some of which are species
      specific. Here, we characterize the mouse-specific mRAGE_v4 splice variant, which
      is conserved in rodents and absent in primates. mRAGE_v4 derives from exon 9
      skipping and encodes a receptor (M-RAGE) that lacks 9 amino acids between the
      transmembrane and the immunoglobulin (Ig) domains. RNA-Seq data confirm that in
      mouse lung mRAGE_v4 is the most abundant RAGE mRNA isoform after mRAGE, which
      codes for full-length RAGE (FL-RAGE), while in heart all RAGE variants are almost
      undetectable. The proteins M-RAGE and FL-RAGE are roughly equally abundant in
      mouse lung. Contrary to FL-RAGE, M-RAGE is extremely resistant to shedding
      because it lacks the peptide motif recognized by both ADAM10 and MMP9, and does
      not contribute significantly to soluble cRAGE formation. Thus, a cassette exon in
      RAGE corresponds to a specific function of the RAGE protein-the ability to be
      shed. Given the differences in RAGE AS variants between rodents and humans,
      caution is due in the interpretation of results obtained in mouse models of RAGE
      dependent human pathologies.

PMID- 27655139
TI  - Overview of Total Knee Arthroplasty and Modern Pain Control Strategies.
AB  - Perioperative pain management of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains a
      challenge for physicians and anesthesiologists. Reducing postoperative pain is an
      essential component of patient satisfaction, functional outcomes, and hospital
      length of stay. Multimodal pain management regimens have been demonstrated to be
      superior to monotherapy in achieving adequate pain control, as well as an
      effective method of limiting side effects of analgesics. In the present
      investigation, we present literature published over the last year relating to new
      advancements in perioperative pain management for TKA. While it is widely
      accepted that methods including peripheral nerve blocks and local anesthetic
      injections are essential to pain protocols, there is still conflicting evidence
      over what modalities provide superior relief. The incorporation of cryoneurolysis
      preoperatively is a new modality which has been incorporated and has been shown
      to improve pain control in patients undergoing TKA. 

PMID- 27655140
TI  - Predictor characteristics necessary for building a clinically useful risk
      prediction model: a simulation study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Compelled by the intuitive appeal of predicting each individual
      patient's risk of an outcome, there is a growing interest in risk prediction
      models. While the statistical methods used to build prediction models are
      increasingly well understood, the literature offers little insight to researchers
      seeking to gauge a priori whether a prediction model is likely to perform well
      for their particular research question. The objective of this study was to inform
      the development of new risk prediction models by evaluating model performance
      under a wide range of predictor characteristics. METHODS: Data from all births to
      overweight or obese women in British Columbia, Canada from 2004 to 2012 (n =
      75,225) were used to build a risk prediction model for preeclampsia. The data
      were then augmented with simulated predictors of the outcome with pre-set
      prevalence values and univariable odds ratios. We built 120 risk prediction
      models that included known demographic and clinical predictors, and one, three,
      or five of the simulated variables. Finally, we evaluated standard model
      performance criteria (discrimination, risk stratification capacity, calibration,
      and Nagelkerke's r2) for each model. RESULTS: Findings from our models built with
      simulated predictors demonstrated the predictor characteristics required for a
      risk prediction model to adequately discriminate cases from non-cases and to
      adequately classify patients into clinically distinct risk groups. Several
      predictor characteristics can yield well performing risk prediction models;
      however, these characteristics are not typical of predictor-outcome relationships
      in many population-based or clinical data sets. Novel predictors must be both
      strongly associated with the outcome and prevalent in the population to be useful
      for clinical prediction modeling (e.g., one predictor with prevalence >=20 % and
      odds ratio >=8, or 3 predictors with prevalence >=10 % and odds ratios >=4). Area
      under the receiver operating characteristic curve values of >0.8 were necessary
      to achieve reasonable risk stratification capacity. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings
      provide a guide for researchers to estimate the expected performance of a
      prediction model before a model has been built based on the characteristics of
      available predictors.

PMID- 27655141
TI  - How to assess femoral and tibial component rotation after total knee arthroplasty
      with computed tomography: a systematic review.
AB  - PURPOSE: One of the most important factors leading to revision of total knee
      arthroplasties (TKA) is malrotation of femoral and/or tibial component. Rotation
      measurements performed on radiographs are limited and less reliable compared to
      2D computed tomography (CT). Nowadays, 2D-CT and 3D-CT can be distinguished in
      measuring rotation of the TKA components. The aim of this systematic review is to
      determine the most reliable CT techniques in measuring rotation of the TKA
      components and to investigate possible cut-off points that can be used in the
      clinician's decision for a possible revision of the TKA. METHODS: A search of
      PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Web of
      Science was performed up to April 2015. Final selections of 12 articles were used
      in this systematic review. RESULTS: 3D-CT, compared to 2D-CT, is more reliable
      and shows a high level of intra- and interobserver reliability. Femoral component
      rotation is measured using the component's posterior condylar line or inner pegs
      in relation to the epicondylar axis. Five different techniques were used to
      measure tibial component rotation. The posterior border of the tibial component
      in relationship to the geometric centre and tibial tubercle was most frequently
      used. CONCLUSION: This systematic review shows a strong preference for 3D-CT to
      determine the component's rotation following a TKA. The literature shows
      consensus on the reference points of the femoral component. In measurements of
      the tibial component, various techniques are used with similar results. No clear
      cut-off point for revision of malrotated TKA components can be stated because of
      limited evidence. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

PMID- 27655142
TI  - Prolonged persistence of a novel replication-defective HIV-1 variant in plasma of
      a patient on suppressive therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cell-free residual HIV-1 virions (RVs) persist in plasma below 20-50
      vRNA copies/ml in most patients on suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART). How
      RVs are produced in the body during therapy is not fully clear. In this study, we
      have attempted to characterize these viruses of an ART-treated patient in vitro
      in order to gain insights into the mechanism of their production in vivo.
      METHODS: We have reconstructed almost the entire genomes of RVs as DNA forms
      using the patient's residual plasma vRNA by an overlapping RT-nested PCR method,
      and then sequence-analyzed the cloned genomes and tested them for their
      biological activities in vitro. RESULTS: We found that the reconstructed
      molecular clones of RVs lacked antiretroviral drug-resistant mutations, as well
      as G-to-A hypermutations. The vDNA clones, when transfected into TZM-bl cells,
      released HIV-p24 into the culture media at extremely low levels. This low-level
      virus production was found to be due to the presence of a unique mutation (GU-to
      GC) in the conserved 5'-major splice donor (MSD) motif of the corresponding
      vRNAs. We found that the incorporation of this point mutation by itself could
      cause defects in the replication of a standard HIV strain (JRCSF) in vitro.
      However, this novel viral variant was intermittently detected at 5 of 7 time
      points in the patient's plasma over a period of 39 months during therapy.
      CONCLUSIONS: This is the first identification of a natural point mutation (GU-to
      GC) in the conserved 5'-MSD motif of HIV genomic RNA. The intermittent but
      prolonged detection of this replication-defective HIV variant in the patient's
      plasma among other viral populations strongly suggests that this variant is
      released from highly stable productively infected cells present in vivo during
      therapy. The potential implication of this observation is that the elimination of
      such productively infected cells that contribute to residual viremia during
      suppressive therapy could be an important first step towards achieving a cure for
      HIV.

PMID- 27655143
TI  - Sluggish Cognitive Tempo and Speed of Performance.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study examined whether college students who reported higher
      levels of sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) symptoms were actually more "sluggish"
      in their performance while completing speeded cognitive and academic measures.
      METHOD: College students ( N = 253) completed self-reports of SCT and their
      reading and test-taking abilities as well as tests of processing speed, reading
      fluency, and reading comprehension. RESULTS: Across all variables, SCT symptoms
      were most significantly associated with self-reported difficulty on timed reading
      tasks. However, students with high SCT scores were not significantly slower than
      controls on any of the timed tasks. CONCLUSION: In college students, self-reports
      of high SCT levels do not suggest actual slow performance on cognitive and
      academic tasks.

PMID- 27655144
TI  - The Clinical Characteristics of ADHD and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
      Comorbidity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical implications of obsessive-compulsive
      disorder (OCD) and ADHD comorbidity in adults. METHOD: The OCD patients who had
      and had no diagnosis of adulthood ADHD were compared in terms of several
      demographic and clinical variables. RESULTS: The mean number of obsessions and
      compulsions; hoarding, symmetry, and miscellaneous obsessions; ordering/arranging
      and hoarding compulsions; total, attentional, and motor subscale scores of
      Barratt Impulsivity Scale (BIS)-11 were more frequent among the patients with OCD
      ADHD. The mean age of onset was more likely to be earlier in ADHD-OCD group than
      in OCD group. Impulsivity, symmetry obsessions, and hoarding compulsions strongly
      predicted the coexistence between ADHD and OCD. CONCLUSION: OCD-ADHD comorbidity
      in adults seemed to be associated with an earlier onset of OCD, with the
      predominance of impulsivity, and with a different obsessive-compulsive symptom
      (OC) profile from OCD patients without a diagnosis of ADHD.

PMID- 27655145
TI  - Histopatholological Findings in a Fatal Case of Rinkhals Envenomation: A New
      Forensic Pathology Finding?
AB  - Although cobra envenomation continues to pose a threat to life and therefore
      constitutes a major cause of death in Africa, India, and Sri Lanka, the forensic
      pathology reports are not always histologically well documented or illustrated.
      The reports in the literature, although providing graphic evidence of the
      macroscopic appearances of the bite and its ensuing tissue necrosis, should the
      victim survive, often do not illustrate the histopathological findings to a
      sufficient degree. We present an unusual case of fatal envenomation by a rinkhals
      (Hemachatus haemachatus) in which the victim had been bitten a second time after
      a previous rinkhals' bite. Two issues therefore arose: (a) whether the
      histopathological findings in the spleen were an acute reaction to the snake bite
      or were due to immunostimulation as a consequence of the previously inflicted
      bite, and (b) the previously undocumented finding of extravasation of
      erythrocytes into the surrounding Virchow-Robin spaces in the brain, a finding
      usually associated with blunt head trauma and therefore interpreted as a cortical
      contusion hemorrhage by forensic pathologists.

PMID- 27655146
TI  - Towards an electroretinographic assay for studying colour vision in human
      observers.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine whether electroretinograms (ERGs) to heterochromatic
      stimulation can detect and quantify hereditary colour vision deficiency. METHODS:
      ERGs were measured to counterphase modulation of red and green stimuli. The total
      modulation depth of the red and green stimuli was constant. The ratio of red to
      green modulation was varied, and the responses were measured at two temporal
      frequencies: 12 and 36 Hz. Subjects were 13 protanopes, 19 protanomalous
      trichromats, 38 deuteranopes, 16 deuteranomalous trichromats and 22 normal
      trichromats. RESULTS: The responses are in agreement with previous findings: they
      were determined by a vector additive input of L- and M-cones (and thus is
      luminance sensitive) at 36 Hz. At 12 Hz, the responses can be modelled a vector
      addition of an L-/M-additive response (as determined by the 36 Hz ERGs) and an L
      /M-opponent response. From the models, L-cone input fraction (36 Hz) and
      luminance input fraction (12 Hz) were estimated. The five groups showed different
      characteristics. However, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) at 12 Hz was not always
      satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: The ERGs to heterochromatic stimuli are potentially
      interesting for determining the presence and the type of colour vision
      deficiencies, provided some measures are taken to improve the 12 Hz SNRs.

PMID- 27655147
TI  - A late foveal response component of multifocal electroretinograms in healthy
      subjects.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the characteristics of the late foveal response component
      (lfrc) that presents on the first slice of the second-order kernel (K2.1) in
      multifocal electroretinograms (mfERGs). METHODS: mfERGs with 37 hexagonal
      stimulus elements were obtained from 27 healthy subjects under a stimulus
      intensity of 2.67 cds/m2, base rate of 75 Hz, and a net recording time of 1 min
      49.2 s, using bipolar contact lens electrodes. The responses on the centermost
      hexagon (with a diameter of 4.5 degrees -5.2 degrees ) were designated as foveal
      mfERGs. RESULTS: The foveal mfERG of the first-order kernel (K1) was shaped
      similarly to the K1 of the surrounding mfERGs. The foveal mfERG of K2.1 differed
      from the K2.1s of the surrounding mfERGs. This difference varied among subjects;
      however, the potential (0.34 +/- 0.10 uV: mean +/- SD) of the lfrc acutely
      changed at approximately 50 ms (range 48.56 +/- 1.02-56.86 +/- 1.99 ms). Whereas
      the amplitudes of the other major components of K1 and K2.1 significantly
      decreased with increasing refractive error, the amplitude of lfrc was not
      significantly correlated with refraction in this cohort. CONCLUSIONS: The lfrc
      was obtained only on the centermost hexagon within an appropriate recording time
      (<2 min). This finding reflects the particular structure and peculiar
      adaptiveness of the fovea, a specialized area of the human retina, and enables
      the estimation of foveal function in clinical practice.

PMID- 27655149
TI  - An anatomical study of the intersigmoid fossa and applications for internal
      hernia surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE: To improve the knowledge of the morphometry and the surrounding
      anatomical structures of the intersigmoid fossa and to determine possible
      surgical applications. METHOD: Forty eight adult cadavers (29 female and 19 male;
      mean age 83 years) underwent dissection in the Laboratoire d'Anatomie des Alpes
      Francaises. Two injections in the right carotid resulted in a total body
      concentration of formalin of 1.3 %. The study parameters were the dimensions of
      the intersigmoid fossa orifice and the fossa's relationship to surrounding
      structures. Data were recorded and analyzed using Microsoft Office Excel (MS
      Cerp). A Pearson coefficient r was used to examine the correlation between the
      length of colon and the ISF volume. RESULTS: The intersigmoid fossa was present
      in 75 % of cases (n = 36). The average dimensions for the transverse diameter,
      longitudinal diameter, and the depth were, respectively, 20.5 +/- 0.2, 20.3 +/-
      0.13, and 26.8 +/- 0.2 mm. The primary and secondary roots bordering this fossa
      measured on average 59.1 +/- 0.1 and 48.3 +/- 0.13 mm. In 13.9 % of cases (n =
      5), the maximum depth was >40 mm and in 16.7 % of cases (n = 6), one of the
      diameters of the orifice entry of the fossa was >40 mm. The ureter and external
      iliac artery were the most frequently encountered structures during the
      dissection of the fundus of the intersigmoid fossa. CONCLUSION: The intersigmoid
      fossa remains present in most of the reported dissections of cadavers. It
      constitutes an essential landmark in the surgery of the sigmoid colon due to its
      deep structural relationship with the left ureter and external iliac artery.

PMID- 27655148
TI  - Vascular anatomy of the stomach related to resection procedures strategy.
AB  - This study is focused on the vascular anatomy of the stomach in relation to the
      gastric pull-up construction. The vascular anatomy was studied on forty-one human
      specimens. We find out the differences in blood supplement between anterior and
      posterior wall. It was maked an review of the main trunk arteries of the stomach.
      To display the vessels of the stomach we used diaphanoscopy, digital shooting in
      special mode and micro preparation of the vessels. We find out that left gastric
      artery gives more branches to the posterior wall and right gastroepiploic artery
      (RGEA) gives more branches to the anterior wall. But brunches of RGEA are longer
      on the posterior wall than on the anterior. Also we are offering the new
      classification of the RGEA related to gastric pull-up construction. This
      classification based not only on the anatomical shapes of RGEA but on the
      properties of the flow dynamics through the artery.

PMID- 27655150
TI  - Functionalized magnetic microparticle-based colorimetric platform for influenza A
      virus detection.
AB  - A colorimetric platform for influenza A virus detection was developed by using
      the high efficiency of enzymatic catalysis and the reduction of gold ions with
      hydrogen peroxide. Aptamer-functionalized magnetic microparticles were
      synthesized to capture the influenza A virus. This was followed by the binding of
      ConA-GOx-AuNPs to the H3N2 virus through the ConA-glycan interaction. The
      sandwich complex was subsequently dispersed in glucose solution to trigger an
      enzymatic reaction to produce hydrogen peroxide, which controlled the growth of
      gold nanoparticles and produced colored solutions. The determination of H3N2
      concentration was realized by comparing the two differently colored gold
      nanoparticles. This method could detect the target virus as low as 11.16 MUg ml(
      1). Furthermore, it opens new opportunities for sensitive and colorimetric
      detection of viruses and proteins. 

PMID- 27655151
TI  - Intestinal Dysbiosis and Yeast Isolation in Stool of Subjects with Autism
      Spectrum Disorders.
AB  - High frequency of gastrointestinal yeast presence in ASD subjects was shown
      through a simple cultural approach (Candida spp. in 57.5 % of ASDs and no
      controls); the identification of aggressive form (pseudo-hyphae presenting) of
      Candida spp. at light microscope means that adhesion to intestinal mucosa is
      facilitated. Dysbiosis appears sustained by lowered Lactobacillus spp. and
      decreased number of Clostridium spp. Absence of C. difficilis and its toxins in
      both ASDs and controls is also shown. Low-mild gut inflammation and augmented
      intestinal permeability were demonstrated together with the presence of GI
      symptoms. Significant linear correlation was found between disease severity (CARs
      score) and calprotectin and Clostridium spp. presence. Also GI symptoms, such as
      constipation and alternating bowel, did correlate (multivariate analyses) with
      the increased permeability to lactulose. The present data provide rationale basis
      to a possible specific therapeutic intervention in restoring gut homeostasis in
      ASDs.

PMID- 27655153
TI  - Observations on obesity patterns in tetralogy of Fallot patients from childhood
      to adulthood.
AB  - Obesity is increasingly prevalent, and abnormal body mass index is a risk factor
      for cardiovascular disease. There are limited data published regarding body mass
      index and CHD. We tested the hypothesis that body mass index and obesity
      prevalence are increasing in patients with tetralogy of Fallot over time by
      analysing time since surgery, age, height, weight, and body mass index among
      tetralogy of Fallot patients and demographic data from age-matched controls. NYHA
      class and left ventricular ejection fraction were analysed in adults. Body mass
      index was categorised into normal, overweight, and obese in this single-centre,
      retrospective chart review. Data were collected from 137 tetralogy of Fallot
      patients (71 men:66 women), of whom 40 had body mass index >25 kg/m2. Tetralogy
      of Fallot patients aged <6 years had lower body mass index (15.9 versus 17.1;
      p=0.042) until 16-20 years of age (27.4 versus 25.4; p=0.43). For adult tetralogy
      of Fallot patients, the mean body mass index was 26.5 but not statistically
      significantly different from the control cohort. Obese adult patients had
      significantly higher average NYHA class compared with those of normal weight
      (p=0.03), but no differences in left ventricular ejection fraction by
      echocardiography (p=0.55) or cardiac MRI (p=0.26) were noted. Lower body mass
      index was observed initially in tetralogy of Fallot patients, but by late
      adolescence no significant difference was observed. As adults, tetralogy of
      Fallot patients with higher body mass index had increased NYHA class but similar
      left ventricular ejection fraction.

PMID- 27655152
TI  - Equine Pulmonary Cryptococcosis: A Comparative Literature Review and Evaluation
      of Fluconazole Monotherapy.
AB  - Cryptococcus is the most common fungal respiratory pathogen in Australian horses,
      manifesting primarily as pulmonary granulomas. Disease severity at presentation
      is dependent on the athletic use of the horse. The diagnosis and estimation of
      disease severity are centred around clinical findings, cytological evaluation of
      respiratory tract secretions, diagnostic imaging, and antigen titre testing. Both
      the lateral flow assay and the latex cryptococcal antigen titre are used, and
      important similarities and differences between species are discussed.
      Cryptococcus gattii occurs with greater frequency than Cryptococcus neoformans in
      equine pulmonic cryptococcosis and can be successfully treated with enteral
      fluconazole monotherapy, with disease severity determining treatment length.

PMID- 27655154
TI  - Impairment of Small Intestinal Function in Ulcerative Colitis: Role of Enteric
      Innervation.
AB  - Small intestinal dysfunction has been described in patients with ulcerative
      colitis and in experimental animal models of colitis. This is demonstrated by a
      decrease in fluid, electrolyte, amino acid, fat and carbohydrate absorption as
      well as by deranged intestinal motility. Histopathological changes in the small
      intestines in colitis have not been consistently demonstrated, but there is
      evidence of structural and biochemical alterations as shown by increased
      intestinal permeability and a decrease in the expression of multiple brush border
      membrane enzymes such as disaccharidases and aminopetidases, in both humans and
      experimental animals. The pathophysiology of this dysfunction has not been
      elucidated, but it is thought to include alterations in neural circuitry such as
      increased neuronal excitability, neuronal damage and changes of neuropeptidergic
      innervation and receptors as well as an increase in local production of pro
      inflammatory cytokines and alterations in the production of some neurohumoral
      mediators. In the following, we provide an update on the advancement of clinical
      and scientific contributions to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of the
      alteration of the functions of apparently intact small intestinal segments,
      induced by ulcerative colitis.

PMID- 27655155
TI  - Structure of the catalytic domain of the colistin resistance enzyme MCR-1.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Due to the paucity of novel antibiotics, colistin has become a last
      resort antibiotic for treating multidrug resistant bacteria. Colistin acts by
      binding the lipid A component of lipopolysaccharides and subsequently disrupting
      the bacterial membrane. The recently identified plasmid-encoded MCR-1 enzyme is
      the first transmissible colistin resistance determinant and is a cause for
      concern for the spread of this resistance trait. MCR-1 is a phosphoethanolamine
      transferase that catalyzes the addition of phosphoethanolamine to lipid A to
      decrease colistin affinity. RESULTS: The structure of the catalytic domain of MCR
      1 at 1.32 A reveals the active site is similar to that of related
      phosphoethanolamine transferases. CONCLUSIONS: The putative nucleophile for
      catalysis, threonine 285, is phosphorylated in cMCR-1 and a zinc is present at a
      conserved site in addition to three zincs more peripherally located in the active
      site. As noted for catalytic domains of other phosphoethanolamine transferases,
      binding sites for the lipid A and phosphatidylethanolamine substrates are not
      apparent in the cMCR-1 structure, suggesting that they are present in the
      membrane domain.

PMID- 27655158
TI  - CE: A Review of Common Oral Treatments for Breast Cancer: Improving Patient
      Safety in Nononcology Settings.
AB  - : Breast cancer patients are living longer with the disease than ever before.
      According to the National Cancer Institute, more than 3 million women in the
      United States are currently living with a breast cancer diagnosis, and many seek
      care in nononcology settings, whether for treatment, acute symptoms and
      complaints related to their cancer diagnosis, or unrelated concerns. Yet many
      nononcology providers are unfamiliar with the various oral agents used to treat
      breast cancer, and their possible adverse effects and drug interactions. It is
      imperative that all providers be aware of these agents and know when a patient is
      currently taking or has taken them. This article provides an overview of the most
      common oral treatments for breast cancer and discusses common adverse effects and
      management. 

PMID- 27655157
TI  - Cognitive profiles in degenerative dementia without evidence of small vessel
      pathology and small vessel vascular dementia.
AB  - Although a large number of studies have examined possible differences in
      cognitive performance between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia
      (VaD), the data in the literature are conflicting. The aims of this study were to
      analyze the neuropsychological pattern of subjects affected by degenerative
      dementia without evidence of small vessel pathology (DD) and small vessel VaD
      subjects in the early stages and to investigate differences in the progression of
      cognitive impairment. Seventy-five patients with probable VaD and 75 patients
      with probable DD were included. All the subjects underwent a standard
      neuropsychological evaluation, including the following test: Visual Search,
      Attentional matrices, Story Recall, Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices,
      Phonological and Semantic Verbal Fluency, Token, and Copying Drawings. The
      severity of cognitive impairment was stratified according to the MMSE score.
      Fifteen subjects with probable DD and 10 subjects with probable VaD underwent a
      12-month cognitive re-evaluation. No significant difference was found between DD
      and VaD subjects in any of the neuropsychological tests except Story Recall in
      the mild cognitive impairment (P < 0.001). The re-test value was significantly
      worse than the baseline value in the MMSE (P = 0.037), Corsi (P = 0.041), Story
      Recall (P = 0.032), Phonological Verbal Fluency (P = 0.02), and Copying Drawings
      (P = 0.043) in DD patients and in the Visual Search test (P = 0.036) in VaD
      subjects. These results suggest that a neuropsychological evaluation might help
      to differentiate degenerative dementia without evidence of small vessel pathology
      from small vessel VaD in the early stages of these diseases.

PMID- 27655156
TI  - Subsocial Cockroaches Nauphoeta cinerea Mate Indiscriminately with Kin Despite
      High Costs of Inbreeding.
AB  - Many animals have evolved strategies to reduce risks of inbreeding and its
      deleterious effects on the progeny. In social arthropods, such as the eusocial
      ants and bees, inbreeding avoidance is typically achieved by the dispersal of
      breeders from their native colony. However studies in presocial insects suggest
      that kin discrimination during mate choice may be a more common mechanism in
      socially simpler species with no reproductive division of labour. Here we
      examined this possibility in the subsocial cockroach Nauphoeta cinerea, a model
      species for research in sexual selection, where males establish dominance
      hierarchies to access females and control breeding territories. When given a
      binary choice between a sibling male and a non-sibling male that had the
      opportunity to establish a hierarchy prior to the tests, females mated
      preferentially with the dominant male, irrespective of kinship or body size.
      Despite the lack of kin discrimination during mate choice, inbred-mated females
      incurred significant fitness costs, producing 20% less offspring than outbred
      mated females. We discuss how the social mating system of this territorial
      cockroach may naturally limit the probability of siblings to encounter and
      reproduce, without the need for evolving active inbreeding avoidance mechanisms,
      such as kin recognition.

PMID- 27655159
TI  - CE: Assessing and Managing Pain, Agitation, and Delirium in Hospitalized Older
      Adults.
AB  - : In the acute care setting, pain, agitation, and delirium (PAD) often occur as
      interrelated parts of a syndrome rather than as separate entities. Because the
      three facets of PAD may be similar in presentation, it is often difficult for
      clinicians to recognize the syndrome and to assess and treat it. The challenge is
      particularly great in older patients, who are more likely than their younger
      counterparts to have such comorbid conditions as dementia, which may impair the
      ability to report pain, or age-related physiologic changes that may affect the
      metabolism and clearance of certain medications. This article provides an
      overview of each aspect of PAD, discusses clinical considerations related to the
      assessment and treatment of the syndrome in older adults receiving acute care,
      and illustrates the application of published PAD guidelines through the use of a
      hypothetical patient scenario. 

PMID- 27655161
TI  - Evaluation of the Tekscan F-SCAN system for measurement of the kicking force in
      horses.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The incidence of fractures after a kick, coupled with marked soft
      tissue trauma at the site of injury, suggests that the force of a kick from the
      hind limb of a horse is enormous. The goal of this study was to measure this
      force and to investigate whether the Tekscan F-SCAN in-shoe pressure measuring
      system is suitable for quantification of the impact strength of a kick from a
      horse. The system was tested in 6 horses that had undergone clinical examination
      and gait analysis. The sensor-shoe combination was attached to each hind foot and
      the horse was stimulated to kick against a wall. The F-SCAN system measured the
      maximum vertical and horizontal force (N), the main contact area (cm2) of the
      sole with the floor (stance phase limb) or wall (kicking limb) and the duration
      (sec) that the sole was in contact with the floor or wall. In addition, each
      kicking event was recorded with a video camera for subjective evaluation. The
      mean kicking force measured was lower than that recorded in horses trotting on a
      treadmill, where the forces exerted on one limb were similar to the horse's body
      weight. The results of this study indicate that the Tekscan F-SCAN system is not
      ideally suited to measure the force of a kick of a horse in vivo.

PMID- 27655160
TI  - Treatment of cows with parturient paresis using intravenous calcium and oral
      sodium phosphate.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The goal of this study was to investigate whether intravenous
      infusion of 1000 ml 40% calcium borogluconate combined with the oral
      adminstration of 500 g sodium phosphate leads to a better cure rate and longer
      lasting normocalcaemia and normophosphataemia than standard intravenous treatment
      with 500 ml calcium borogluconate in cows with parturient paresis. Forty
      recumbent cows with hypocalcaemia and hypophosphataemia were alternately
      allocated to group A or B. Cows of both groups were treated intravenously with
      500 ml 40% calcium borogluconate, and cows of group B additionally received
      another 500 ml calcium borogluconate via slow intravenous infusion and 500 g
      sodium phosphate administered via an orogastric tube. Thirty-two cows stood
      within 8 hours after the start of treatment and 8 did not; of the 32 cows that
      stood, 18 belonged to group A and 14 to group B (90% of group A vs. 70% of group
      B; P = 0.23). Seven cows relapsed; of these and the 8 that did not respond to
      initial treatment, 10 stood after two standard intravenous treatments. Downer cow
      syndrome occurred in 5 cows, 3 of which recovered after aggressive therapy. The
      overall cure rate did not differ significantly between groups A and B. Twelve
      (60%) cows of group A and 14 (70%) cows of group B were cured after a single
      treatment and of the remaining 14, 11 were cured after two or more treatments.
      Two downer cows were euthanized and one other died of heart failure during
      treatment. Serum calcium concentrations during the first eight hours after the
      start of treatment were significantly higher in group B than in group A, and oral
      sodium phosphate caused a significant and lasting increase in inorganic
      phosphate. More cows of group B than group A were cured after a single treatment
      (P > 0.05). These findings, although not statistically significant, are promising
      and should be verified using a larger number of cows.

PMID- 27655162
TI  - Lack of association between clinical signs and laboratory parameters in dogs with
      hyperadrenocorticism before and during trilostane treatment.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Trilostane therapy, the treatment of choice for pituitary-
      dependent hyperadrenocorticism (HAC) in dogs, is monitored by assessing
      resolution of clinical signs and measuring adrenocortical reserve capacity with
      an ACTH-stimulation test. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate
      agreement between clinical signs reported by owners and cortisol or ACTH
      concentrations before and during trilostane therapy (starting dose 1-2 mg/kg once
      daily). A questionnaire on signs of HAC was used and a clinical score calculated
      as the sum of the 9 questions. Eighteen questionnaires at diagnosis and 97 during
      therapy were filled out by owners of 32 dogs. An ACTH-stimulation test was
      performed at each reevaluation. There were weak correlations between abdominal
      girth, appetite or weight gain and cortisol concentrations during therapy.
      However, the clinical score did not correlate with cortisol or cACTH values. In
      50% of dogs, trilostane application had to be changed from once daily to twice
      daily during the study. Clinical signs reported by owners matched poorly with
      cortisol or cACTH concentrations at any time point. If low-dose trilostane is
      used, treatment frequency often has to be increased.

PMID- 27655163
TI  - [Veterinary care of birds of prey: Development from 1985 to 2015].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: A retrospective study was conducted which analysed the patient
      histories of free-living birds of prey presented to the Clinic of Zoo Animals,
      Exotic Pets and Wildlife of the University of Zurich from 2009 to 2015. The data
      were compared with a previous study on the period from 1985 to 1994. The average
      number of cases presented per year increased from 55 to 109. Most cases are
      presented in the months of February, June and July. Surgical problems were most
      frequently diagnosed and occurred in 61.5% of the cases, with 66.5% of patients
      presenting with one or more fractures. Regarding medical cases (29.5%) the most
      frequent finding was unspecified weakness (47.8%). Ophthalmic pathologies were
      diagnosed in 9% of the patients. With respect to outcome 41.7% of the patients
      could be released, 47.3% and 11.0% had to be euthanized or died, respectively. In
      6 of 9 of the most frequently presented species the rate of release increased
      significantly compared to the previous study.

PMID- 27655164
TI  - [Intralymphatic immunotherapy: An effective and safe alternative route for canine
      atopic dermatitis].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) is the only etiologic
      treatment of atopic dermatitis in dogs. In humans it has been shown that
      intralymphatic immunotherapy (ILIT) enhanced efficacy and patient compliance and
      reduced treatment time from 3 years to 8 weeks. As only safety data have been
      published yet, the aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of
      ILIT in dogs. 20 atopic dogs underwent ILIT with alum-precipitated allergens
      administered every 4 weeks for 3 to 7 times in the popliteal lymph node. Pruritus
      (Hill score), CADESI (canine atopic dermatitis severety index), concurrent
      medications and adverse reactions were recorded initially and every 4 weeks for a
      total period of 24 weeks. The observed clinical response was good in 12/20 (60%)
      patients and improvement could be seen in some dogs already after 4 weeks. The
      median number of injections was 5.6. All dogs tolerated the procedure well and no
      adverse effects were recognized during or after ILIT. Therefore ILIT should be
      regarded as a safe alternative to subucaneous ASIT, enabling a faster clinical
      improvement with the same response rate.

PMID- 27655165
TI  - Altered Markers of Brain Development in Crohn's Disease with Extraintestinal
      Manifestations - A Pilot Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Alterations of brain morphology in Crohn's disease have
      been reported, but data is scarce and heterogenous and the possible impact of
      disease predisposition on brain development is unknown. Assuming a systemic
      course of the disease, brain involvement seems more probable in presence of
      extraintestinal manifestations, but this question has not yet been addressed. The
      present study examined the relationship between Crohn's disease and brain
      structure and focused on the connection with extraintestinal manifestations and
      markers of brain development. METHODS: In a pilot study, brains of 15 patients
      with Crohn's disease (of which 9 had a history of extraintestinal manifestations,
      i.e. arthritis, erythema nodosum and primary sclerosing cholangitis) were
      compared to matched healthy controls using high resolution magnetic resonance
      imaging. Patients and controls were tested for depression, fatigue and global
      cognitive function. Cortical thickness, surface area and folding were determined
      via cortical surface modeling. RESULTS: The overall group comparison (i.e. all
      patients vs. controls) yielded no significant results. In the patient subgroup
      with extraintestinal manifestations, changes in cortical area and folding, but
      not thickness, were identified: Patients showed elevated cortical surface area in
      the left middle frontal lobe (p<0.05) and hypergyrification in the left lingual
      gyrus (p<0.001) compared to healthy controls. Hypogyrification of the right
      insular cortex (p<0.05) and hypergyrification of the right anterior cingulate
      cortex (p<0.001) were detected in the subgroup comparison of patients with
      against without extraintestinal manifestations. P-values are corrected for
      multiple comparisons. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings lend further support to the
      hypothesis that Crohn's disease is associated with aberrant brain structure and
      preliminary support for the hypothesis that these changes are associated with a
      systemic course of the disease as indicated by extraintestinal manifestations.
      Changes in cortical surface area and folding suggest a possible involvement of
      Crohn's disease or its predisposition during brain development.

PMID- 27655167
TI  - Outdoor time, physical activity, sedentary time, and health indicators at ages 7
      to 14: 2012/2013 Canadian Health Measures Survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: International data show that the majority of children and youth are
      not sufficiently active. According to recent research, children who spend more
      time outdoors accumulate more daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and
      engage in less sedentary behaviour. However, the generalizability of these
      findings is uncertain, and few studies investigated whether outdoor time is
      associated with other physical and psychosocial health indicators. DATA AND
      METHODS: This study examined associations between outdoor time and measures of
      physical activity, sedentary time, and physical and psychosocial health in a
      nationally representative sample of 7-to-14-year-olds (n = 1,159) who
      participated in the 2012/2013 Canadian Health Measures Survey. Physical activity
      and sedentary time were measured with Actical accelerometers. Direct measures of
      height, weight, waist circumference, grip strength, blood pressure, cholesterol,
      and glycohemoglobin were obtained. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire
      was used to assess psychosocial health. Relationships between outdoor time and
      physical health measures were examined with multi-variable linear regression
      models adjusted for age, sex, parental education, and household income. Logistic
      regression models controlling for the same variables were used for psychosocial
      health. RESULTS: Each additional hour spent outdoors per day was associated with
      7.0 more minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, 762 more steps, and
      13 fewer minutes of sedentary time. As well, each hour outdoors was associated
      with lower odds of negative psychosocial outcomes (specifically, peer
      relationship problems and total difficulties score). Outdoor time was not
      associated with any of the measures of physical health. INTERPRETATION: Children
      reporting more time outdoors are more active, less sedentary, and less likely to
      have peer relationship problems, compared with those who spend less time
      outdoors.

PMID- 27655168
TI  - Physical activity and sedentary behaviour of Canadian children aged 3 to 5.
AB  - BACKGROUND: For preschool children, physical activity is associated with improved
      measures of health, while sedentary behaviour is associated with less favourable
      health outcomes. This study updates estimates of physical activity and sedentary
      behaviour among children aged 3 to 5, based on combined data from two cycles of
      the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) in order to calculate adherence to
      Canadian physical activity and sedentary behaviour guidelines. DATA AND METHODS:
      The data are from two independent samples that comprised the 2009-to-2011 (cycle
      2) and 2012/2013 (cycle 3) CHMS. Accelerometry and a parent-administered
      questionnaire were used in both cycles on children aged 3 to 5. Accelerometer
      data, collected in 60-second epochs in cycle 2 and in 15-second epochs in cycle
      3, were combined using an adjustment factor derived in an independent sample.
      Prevalence of adherence to the physical activity guidelines, according to the
      accelerometer data, was estimated based on a Betabinomial distribution. Adherence
      to the screen-time component of the sedentary behaviour guidelines was calculated
      using parent reports. Results are presented by personal and household-related
      covariates. RESULTS: An estimated 73% of 3- to 4-year-olds and 30% of 5-year-olds
      met their respective physical activity guidelines. Screen-time targets were met
      by 22% of 3- to 4-year-olds and 76% of 5-year-olds. INTERPRETATION: Because they
      rely on a larger sample size and stronger estimation methods, the findings of
      this study are more robust than previously published estimates. Results reveal
      room for improvement, particularly 5-year-olds' physical activity and 3- to 4
      year-olds' screen time.

PMID- 27655166
TI  - Lapatinib-capecitabine versus capecitabine alone as radiosensitizers in RAS wild
      type resectable rectal cancer, an adaptive randomized phase II trial (LaRRC
      trial): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Preoperative radiochemotherapy followed by surgical removal of the
      rectum with total mesorectum excision is the preferred treatment option for
      stages II and III rectal cancer. However, development of metastatic disease is
      the main cause of death for these patients with 5-year disease-free survival
      rates of 56 %. Anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) targeted therapy is
      effective in metastatic rectal cancer, and human epidermal growth factor receptor
      2 (HER-2) signaling may mediate resistance to EGFR inhibitors. Moreover,
      preclinical data support a synergistic effect of EGFR inhibition with radiation
      therapy. METHODS/DESIGN: This Bayesian phase II trial with adaptive randomization
      was designed to assess the efficacy of adding lapatinib, a dual inhibitor of EGFR
      and HER-2, to standard radiochemotherapy with capecitabine in stages II and III
      rectal cancer. DISCUSSION: The results of this trial will provide evidence of the
      feasibility and efficacy of the combination of lapatinib-capecitabine as
      radiosensitizers and explore potential predictive biomarkers for response to this
      novel neoadjuvant approach to resectable rectal cancer. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      EudraCT 2013-001203-36 . Registered on 13 December 2013.

PMID- 27655169
TI  - Epilepsy in Canada: Prevalence and impact.
AB  - This article provides information about the prevalence and impact of epilepsy,
      based on the 2010 and 2011 Canadian Community Health Surveys, the 2011/2012
      Survey of Neurological Conditions in Institutions in Canada, and the 2011 Survey
      on Living with Neurological Conditions in Canada. An estimated 139,200 Canadians
      had epilepsy. Among the household population, epilepsy was generally diagnosed
      before age 30 (75%). For the majority of these people (64%), epilepsy was their
      only neurological condition. People with epilepsy were more than twice as likely
      to have been diagnosed with a mood disorder, compared with the general population
      (17% versus 7%), and eight times as likely to experience incontinence (34% versus
      4%). Overall, an estimated 18% reported that their life was affected quite a bit
      or extremely by epilepsy; 44% felt that their life was impacted a little bit or
      moderately; and 39% felt that their life was not impacted at all. This study
      examined the impact of epilepsy on interactions with others, sleep, driving,
      education, and employment. 

PMID- 27655170
TI  - Index matching at the nanoscale: light scattering by core-shell Si/SiO x
      nanowires.
AB  - Silicon nanowires (SiNWs) show strong resonant wavelength enhancement in terms of
      absorption as well as scattering of light. However, in most optoelectronic device
      concepts the SiNWs should be surrounded by a contact layer. Ideally, such a layer
      can also act as an index matching layer which could nearly halve the strong
      reflectance of light by silicon. Our results show that this reduction can be
      overcome at the nanometer scale, i.e. SiNWs embedded in a silica (SiO x ) layer
      can not only maintain their high scattering cross sections but also their strong
      polarization dependent scattering. Such effects can be useful for light
      harvesting or optoelectronic applications. Moreover, we show that it is possible
      to optically determine the diameters of the embedded nanoscale silicon (Si)
      cores. 

PMID- 27655172
TI  - Rwanda's Model Prehospital Emergency Care Service: A Two-year Review of Patient
      Demographics and Injury Patterns in Kigali.
AB  - : Introduction Injury is responsible for nearly five million annual deaths
      worldwide, and nearly 90% of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income
      countries (LMICs). Reliable clinical data detailing the epidemiology of injury
      are necessary for improved care delivery, but they are lacking in these regions.
      METHODS: A retrospective review of the Service d'Aide Medicale Urgente (SAMU;
      Kigali, Rwanda) prehospital database for patients with traumatic injury-related
      conditions from December 2012 through November 2014 was conducted. Chi-squared
      analysis, binomial probability test, and student's t-test were used, where
      appropriate, to describe patient demographics, injury patterns, and temporal and
      geographic trends of injuries. RESULTS: In the two-year period, 3,357 patients
      were managed by SAMU for traumatic injuries. Males were 76.5% of the study
      population, and the median age of all injured patients was 29 years (IQR=23-35).
      The most common causes of injury were road traffic crashes (RTCs; 73.4%),
      stabbings/cuts (11.1%), and falls (9.4%), and the most common anatomic regions
      injured were the head (55.7%), lower (45.0%) extremities, and upper (27.0%)
      extremities. Almost one-fourth of injured patients suffered a fracture (24.9%).
      The most common mechanism of injury for adults was motorcycle-related RTCs
      (61.4%), whereas children were more commonly injured as pedestrians (59.8%).
      Centrally located sectors within Kigali represented common areas for RTCs.
      CONCLUSIONS: These data support the call for focused injury prevention
      strategies, some of which already are underway in Rwanda. Further research on
      care processes and clinical outcomes for injured patients may help identify
      avenues for improved care delivery. Enumah S , Scott JW , Maine R , Uwitonze E ,
      Nyinawankusi JD , Riviello R , Byiringiro JC , Kabagema I , Jayaraman S .
      Rwanda's model prehospital emergency care service: a two-year review of patient
      demographics and injury patterns in Kigali. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2016;31(6):614
      620.

PMID- 27655173
TI  - FASD and ADHD: Are they related and How?
AB  - In this issue of the journal, consensus criteria for the diagnosis and management
      of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in people who have fetal
      alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are presented. In the absence of an adequate
      body of research on diagnosis and intervention, this expert consensus opinion is
      a welcome advance and should provide some guidance for clinicians managing people
      with FASD who have a comorbid ADHD.

PMID- 27655171
TI  - A mutation in ADIPOR1 causes nonsyndromic autosomal dominant retinitis
      pigmentosa.
AB  - Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorder
      characterized by night blindness, visual field constriction, and severely reduced
      visual acuity. Despite a number of genes being implicated in RP pathogenesis, the
      genetic etiology of the disease remains unknown in many patients. In this study,
      our aim was to identify the disease-causing mutation of a large Chinese family
      with autosomal dominant RP (adRP). Targeted exon capture sequencing was initially
      performed to screen mutations in known disease-causing genes, followed by exome
      sequencing. In doing so, a heterozygous mutation in ADIPOR1 (c.929A > G) that
      results in an amino acid substitution (p.Y310C) was identified to co-segregate
      with the disease phenotype in this family. Adipor1 is wildly expressed throughout
      the body, but appears to be enriched in the photoreceptor inner and outer
      segments. The p.Y310C mutation, predicted to affect the structure and function of
      the protein, was confirmed to affect protein folding and its subcellular
      localization in vitro. In addition, knockdown of adipor1 expression in a
      zebrafish model with morpholino (MO) preferentially reduced the number of rod
      photoreceptors, with no effect on the number of cones, a phenotype that is
      characteristic of RP. Furthermore, the knockdown phenotype was partially rescued
      by injecting wild-type, but not mutant, human ADIPOR1 mRNA. We conclude that
      ADIPOR1 is a novel adRP-causing gene and plays an important role in rod
      development and maintenance.

PMID- 27655174
TI  - Towards an Accurate and Precise Chronology for the Colonization of Australia: The
      Example of Riwi, Kimberley, Western Australia.
AB  - An extensive series of 44 radiocarbon (14C) and 37 optically stimulated
      luminescence (OSL) ages have been obtained from the site of Riwi, south central
      Kimberley (NW Australia). As one of the earliest known Pleistocene sites in
      Australia, with archaeologically sterile sediment beneath deposits containing
      occupation, the chronology of the site is important in renewed debates
      surrounding the colonization of Sahul. Charcoal is preserved throughout the
      sequence and within multiple discrete hearth features. Prior to 14C dating,
      charcoal has been pretreated with both acid-base-acid (ABA) and acid base
      oxidation-stepped combustion (ABOx-SC) methods at multiple laboratories. Ages are
      consistent between laboratories and also between the two pretreatment methods,
      suggesting that contamination is easily removed from charcoal at Riwi and the
      Pleistocene ages are likely to be accurate. Whilst some charcoal samples
      recovered from outside hearth features are identified as outliers within a
      Bayesian model, all ages on charcoal within hearth features are consistent with
      stratigraphy. OSL dating has been undertaken using single quartz grains from the
      sandy matrix. The majority of samples show De distributions that are well
      bleached but that also include evidence for mixing as a result of post
      depositional bioturbation of the sediment. The results of the two techniques are
      compared and evaluated within a Bayesian model. Consistency between the two
      methods is good, and we demonstrate human occupation at this site from 46.4-44.6
      cal kBP (95.4% probability range). Importantly, the lowest archaeological horizon
      at Riwi is underlain by sterile sediments which have been dated by OSL making it
      possible to demonstrate the absence of human occupation for between 0.9-5.2 ka
      (68.2% probability range) prior to occupation.

PMID- 27655175
TI  - A new eIF4E1 allele characterized by RNAseq data mining is associated with
      resistance to potato virus Y in tomato albeit with a low durability.
AB  - Allele mining on susceptibility factors offers opportunities to find new sources
      of resistance among crop wild relatives for breeding purposes. As a proof of
      concept, we used available RNAseq data to investigate polymorphisms among the
      four tomato genes encoding translation initiation factors [eIF4E1 and eIF4E2,
      eIFiso4E and the related gene new cap-binding protein(nCBP)] to look for new
      potential resistance alleles to potyviruses. By analysing polymorphism among
      RNAseq data obtained for 20 tomato accessions, 10 belonging to the cultivated
      type Solanum lycopersicum and 10 belonging to the closest related wild species
      Solanum pimpinellifolium, we isolated one new eIF4E1 allele, in the S.
      pimpinellifolium LA0411 accession, which encodes a potential new resistance
      allele, mainly due to a polymorphism associated with an amino acid change within
      eIF4E1 region II. We confirmed that this new allele, pot12, is indeed associated
      with resistance to potato virus Y, although with a restricted resistance spectrum
      and a very low durability potential. This suggests that mutations occurring in
      eIF4E region II only may not be sufficient to provide efficient and durable
      resistance in plants. However, our study emphasizes the opportunity brought by
      RNAseq data to mine for new resistance alleles. Moreover, this approach could be
      extended to seek for putative new resistance alleles by screening for variant
      forms of susceptibility genes encoding plant host proteins known to interact with
      viral proteins.

PMID- 27655176
TI  - Do Patients Feel Well Informed in a Radiation Oncology Service?
AB  - Information received by cancer patients has gained importance in recent decades.
      The aim of this study was to evaluate the perception of information received by
      oncological patients in a radiotherapy department and to measure the importance
      of the other information sources. A cross-sectional study was conducted,
      evaluating patients who received radiotherapy. All the patients were asked two
      questionnaires: the EORTC QLQ-INFO26 module evaluating their satisfaction with
      received information, and a questionnaire analyzing other sources of information
      search. One hundred patients between 27 and 84 years were enrolled. Breast cancer
      (26 %) was the commonest cancer. Patients felt better informed about the medical
      tests and secondly about the performed treatment. The younger patients were those
      who were more satisfied with the information received and patients with no formal
      education felt less satisfied, with statistically significant differences.
      Patients did not seek external information; at the most, they asked relatives and
      other people with cancer. Patients were satisfied with the received information,
      although a high percentage would like more information. In general, patients did
      not search for external information sources. Age and educational level seem to
      influence in the satisfaction with the received information.

PMID- 27655178
TI  - Chloride Conundrums.

PMID- 27655177
TI  - Awareness and Knowledge Levels of Turkish College Students about Human Papilloma
      Virus Infection and Vaccine Acceptance.
AB  - Awareness of HPV by the target population is an important determinant of vaccine
      acceptance. The aim of this study is to evaluate the awareness of HPV infection
      and acceptability of the HPV vaccines among Turkish college students. College
      students aged 18-30 who were attending a large public university in Ankara
      participated in this study. The participants were asked to complete a
      questionnaire to elicit demographic characteristics, awareness level of HPV and
      HPV vaccine, and willingness to be vaccinated. One thousand one hundred sixty
      students responded to the invitation email and completed the questionnaire. The
      mean scores of female students about HPV and HPV vaccine were 7.1/15 and 3.6/9,
      respectively, while these scores were 7.9/15 and 3.4/9 among male students,
      respectively. While 51 % percent of female and 33.5 % of male students had heard
      of HPV and 32.8 % and 18 % of them had heard of HPV vaccine, respectively, only
      1.5 % of female and 0.4 % of male students had been vaccinated against HPV. A
      total of 507 students (43.7 %) had previously heard of HPV. Only 309 (26.6 %) of
      the participants had previously heard of the HPV vaccine, and 45.1 % of the
      students were willing to receive HPV vaccination. The main predictors for
      willingness to be vaccinated were the following: sexual experience, sexual
      behavior, past history of sexually transmitted infection (STI), and knowledge
      about HPV and HPV vaccine. Higher awareness levels of HPV and HPV vaccine are
      significantly related to greater willingness to be vaccinated, and the main
      reasons for rejecting the vaccine were insufficient information about the vaccine
      and possible unknown side effects.

PMID- 27655179
TI  - Neurodevelopmental Assessment in Kindergarten in Children Exposed to General
      Anesthesia before the Age of 4 Years: A Retrospective Matched Cohort Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Animal studies demonstrate general anesthetic (GA) toxicity in the
      developing brain. Clinical reports raise concern, but the risk of GA exposure to
      neurodevelopment in children remains uncertain. METHODS: The authors undertook a
      retrospective matched cohort study comparing children less than 4 yr of age
      exposed to GA to those with no GA exposure. The authors used the Early
      Development Instrument (EDI), a 104-component questionnaire, encompassing five
      developmental domains, completed in kindergarten as the outcome measure. Mixed
      effect logistic regression models generated EDI estimates for single versus
      multiple GA exposure and compared both single and multiple exposures by the age
      of 0 to 2 or 2 to 4 yr. Known sociodemographic and physical confounders were
      incorporated as covariates in the models. RESULTS: A total of 18,056 children
      were studied: 3,850 exposed to a single GA and 620 exposed to two or more GA, who
      were matched to 13,586 nonexposed children. In children less than 2 yr of age,
      there was no independent association between single or multiple GA exposure and
      EDI results. Paradoxically, single exposure between 2 and 4 yr of age was
      associated with deficits, most significant for communication/general knowledge
      (estimate, -0.7; 95% CI, -0.93 to -0.47; P < 0.0001) and language/cognition
      (estimate, -0.34; 95% CI, -0.52 to -0.16; P < 0.0001) domains. Multiple GA
      exposure at the age of 2 to 4 yr did not confer greater risk than single GA
      exposure. CONCLUSIONS: These findings refute the assumption that the earlier the
      GA exposure in children, the greater the likelihood of long-term neurocognitive
      risk. The authors cannot confirm an association between multiple GA exposure and
      increased risk of neurocognitive impairment, increasing the probability of
      confounding to explain the results.

PMID- 27655180
TI  - Effects of Different Crystalloid Solutions on Hemodynamics, Peripheral Perfusion,
      and the Microcirculation in Experimental Abdominal Sepsis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Crystalloid solutions are used to restore intravascular volume in
      septic patients, but each solution has limitations. The authors compared the
      effects of three crystalloid solutions on hemodynamics, organ function,
      microcirculation, and survival in a sepsis model. METHODS: Peritonitis was
      induced by injection of autologous feces in 21 anesthetized, mechanically
      ventilated adult sheep. After baseline measurements, animals were randomized to
      lactated Ringer's (LR), normal saline (NS), or PlasmaLyte as resuscitation fluid.
      The sublingual microcirculation was assessed using sidestream dark field
      videomicroscopy and muscle tissue oxygen saturation with near-infrared
      spectroscopy. RESULTS: NS administration was associated with hyperchloremic
      acidosis. NS-treated animals had lower cardiac index and left ventricular stroke
      work index than LR-treated animals from 8 h and lower mean arterial pressure than
      LR-treated animals from 12 h. NS-treated animals had a lower proportion of
      perfused vessels than LR-treated animals after 12 h (median, 82 [71 to 83] vs. 85
      [82 to 89], P = 0.04) and greater heterogeneity of proportion of perfused vessels
      than PlasmaLyte or LR groups at 18 h. Muscle tissue oxygen saturation was lower
      at 16 h in the NS group than in the other groups. The survival time of NS-treated
      animals was shorter than that of the LR group (17 [14 to 20] vs. 26 [23 to 29] h,
      P < 0.01) but similar to that of the PlasmaLyte group (20 [12 to 28] h, P =
      0.74). CONCLUSIONS: In this abdominal sepsis model, resuscitation with NS was
      associated with hyperchloremic acidosis, greater hemodynamic instability, a more
      altered microcirculation, and more severe organ dysfunction than with balanced
      fluids. Survival time was shorter than in the LR group.

PMID- 27655181
TI  - A Slick Way Volatile Anesthetics Reduce Myocardial Injury: Erratum.

PMID- 27655182
TI  - A Day at the Office: Political Advocacy and Private Practice.

PMID- 27655183
TI  - Are Biopsy Tracts a Concern for Seeding and Local Recurrence in Sarcomas?
AB  - BACKGROUND: A biopsy is the final step in the diagnosis of sarcomas. Complete
      resection of the biopsy tract traditionally has been recommended in
      musculoskeletal oncology guidelines, as that tract is considered potentially
      seeded with tumor cells. However, to our knowledge, the frequency and
      implications of contamination of the biopsy tract-specifically with respect to
      the likelihood of local recurrence-and the factors that affect cell seeding are
      not well described. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We asked: (1) How often are biopsy tracts
      contaminated with pathologically detectable tumor cells at the time of tumor
      resection? (2) What factors, in particular biopsy type (open versus
      percutaneous), are associated with tumoral seeding? (3) Is biopsy tract
      contamination associated with local recurrence? METHODS: This is a retrospective
      study of a database with patient data collected from a single center between 2000
      and 2013. We treated 221 patients with sarcomas. A total of 27 patients (12%)
      were excluded and 14 (6%) were lost to followup. One hundred eighty patients
      finally were included in the analysis who either had biopsies at our center (112)
      or biopsies at outside institutions (68). Of those performed at our center, 15
      (13%) were open and 97 (87%) were percutaneous; of those at outside centers,
      those numbers were 47 (69%) and 21 (31%) respectively. Median followup was 40
      months (range, 24-152 months). During the study period, we generally performed
      percutaneous biopsies as a standard practice for the diagnosis of bone and soft
      tissue sarcomas and open biopsies were done when the percutaneous procedure
      failed to provide a histologic characterization. The mean age of the population
      was 48 years (range, 7-87 years); 60% were male; 42% had bone sarcomas. Nineteen
      patients had preoperative radiotherapy and 56 had postoperative radiotherapy.
      Fifty-seven patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and 73 had adjuvant
      chemotherapy. We determined what proportion of biopsy tracts were contaminated by
      pathologic analysis of the biopsy tract specimen; during the period in question,
      our routine practice was to excise the biopsy tract whenever possible at the time
      of the definitive resection. Using the logistic regression test and Mantel
      Haenszel test, we compared open with percutaneous biopsies in terms of the
      proportion of those that were contaminated at our site and for outside referral
      biopsies separately, because we do not assume the level of expertise was the same
      (our site is a referral tumor center). We compared the local recurrence-free
      survival between patients with and without contamination and between open and
      percutaneous biopsies using the Kaplan Meier test, again separating those
      performed at our site from those referred for purposes of this analysis. RESULTS:
      Twenty-one of 180 biopsy tracts were contaminated (12%). Twenty of 62 (32%) of
      the open biopsies and one of 118 (0.8%) of the percutaneous core needle biopsies
      had cell seeding (odds ratio [OR], 56; 95% CI, 7-428; p < 0.001. One of 97 (1%)
      percutaneous biopsies performed in our center, and none of the 21 (0%)
      percutaneous biopsies performed in other centers had contaminated biopsy tracts
      (p = 0.047). Two of 15 (13%) open biopsies performed at our center and 18 of
      41(38%) open biopsies performed at other centers had contaminated biopsy tracts
      (OR, 4; 95% CI, 1-7; p = 0.001). Four of 74 (5%) bone sarcomas and 18 of 106
      (17%) soft tissue sarcomas had biopsy tract contamination (OR, 3; 95% CI, 1-10; p
      = 0.023). The local recurrence-free survival was longer for patients without
      contaminated tracts (mean, 107 months; 95% CI, 74-141 months) than for those with
      biopsy tract seeding (mean, 11 months; 95% CI, 1-20 months; p < 0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: Open biopsies were associated with an increased risk of tumoral
      seeding of the biopsy site, and tumoral seeding was associated with an increased
      risk of local recurrence. However, it is possible that other factors, such as
      increased complexity of the tumor or a difficult location, influenced the
      decision to obtain an open biopsy. Even so, based on these results, we believe
      that higher risk of local recurrence may be caused by an incomplete biopsy tract
      resection. In our opinion, the percutaneous biopsy with neoadjuvant or adjuvant
      therapy is the preferred method of biopsy at our center. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level
      III, therapeutic study.

PMID- 27655184
TI  - Can Facebook Be Used for Research? Experiences Using Facebook to Recruit Pregnant
      Women for a Randomized Controlled Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recruitment is often a difficult and costly part of any human
      research study. Social media and other emerging means of mass communication hold
      promise as means to complement traditional strategies used for recruiting
      participants because they can reach a large number of people in a short amount of
      time. With the ability to target a specified audience, paid Facebook
      advertisements have potential to reach future research participants of a specific
      demographic. This paper describes the experiences of a randomized controlled
      trial in Edmonton, Alberta, attempting to recruit healthy pregnant women between
      8 and 20 weeks' gestation for participation in a prenatal study. Various
      traditional recruitment approaches, in addition to paid Facebook advertisements
      were trialed. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of paid advertisements on
      Facebook as a platform for recruiting pregnant women to a randomized controlled
      trial in comparison with traditional recruitment approaches. METHODS: Recruitment
      using traditional approaches occurred for 7 months, whereas Facebook
      advertisements ran for a total of 26 days. Interested women were prompted to
      contact the study staff for a screening call to determine study eligibility.
      Costs associated with each recruitment approach were recorded and used to
      calculate the cost to recruit eligible participants. Performance of Facebook
      advertisements was monitored using Facebook Ads Manager. RESULTS: Of the 115
      women included, 39.1% (n=45) of the women who contacted study staff heard about
      the study through Facebook, whereas 60.9% (n=70) of them heard about it through
      traditional recruitment approaches. During the 215 days (~7 months) that the
      traditional approaches were used, the average rate of interest was 0.3 (0.2)
      women/day, whereas the 26 days of Facebook advertisements resulted in an average
      rate of interest of 2.8 (1.7) women/day. Facebook advertisements cost Can $506.91
      with a cost per eligible participant of Cad $20.28. In comparison, the
      traditional approaches cost Cad $1087, with approximately Cad $24.15 per eligible
      participant. Demographic characteristics of women were similar between the 2
      recruitment methods except that women recruited using Facebook were significantly
      earlier in their pregnancy than those recruited using traditional approaches
      (P<.03). CONCLUSIONS: Paid Facebook advertisements hold promise as a platform for
      reaching pregnant women. The relative ease of placing an advertisement, the
      comparable cost per participant recruited, and the dramatically improved
      recruitment rates in comparison with traditional approaches highlight the
      importance of combining novel and traditional recruitment approaches to recruit
      women for pregnancy-related studies. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov
      NCT02711644; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02711644 (Archived by WebCite
      at http://www.webcitation.org/6kKpagpMk).

PMID- 27655186
TI  - Urogynecology digest : Presented by Patrick Campbell.

PMID- 27655185
TI  - Developing interprofessional care plans in chronic care: a scoping review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The number of people suffering from one or more chronic conditions is
      rising, resulting in an increase in patients with complex health care demands.
      Interprofessional collaboration and the use of shared care plans support the
      management of complex health care demands of patients with chronic illnesses.
      This study aims to get an overview of the scientific literature on developing
      interprofessional shared care plans. METHODS: We conducted a scoping review of
      the scientific literature regarding the development of interprofessional shared
      care plans. A systematic database search resulted in 45 articles being included,
      5 of which were empirical studies concentrating purely on the care plan. Findings
      were synthesised using directed content analysis. RESULTS: This review revealed
      three themes. The first theme was the format of the shared care plan, with the
      following elements: patient's current state; goals and concerns; actions and
      interventions; and evaluation. The second theme concerned the development of
      shared care plans, and can be categorised as interpersonal, organisational and
      patient-related factors. The third theme covered tools, whose main function is to
      support professionals in sharing patient information without personal contact.
      Such tools relate to documentation of and communication about patient
      information. CONCLUSION: Care plan development is not a free-standing concept,
      but should be seen as the result of an underlying process of interprofessional
      collaboration between team members, including the patient. To integrate the
      patients' perspectives into the care plans, their needs and values need careful
      consideration. This review indicates a need for new empirical studies examining
      the development and use of shared care plans and evaluating their effects.

PMID- 27655188
TI  - Urogynecology digest : Presented by Jenifer Byrnes.

PMID- 27655187
TI  - An innovative approach to treating vaginal mesh exposure after abdominal sacral
      colpopexy: endoscopic resection of mesh and platelet-rich plasma; initial
      experience in three women.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Polypropylene mesh exposure is uncommon after
      abdominal sacral colpopexy (ASC), but in case of symptomatic vaginal mesh
      exposure, surgery is needed. When treating it, care must be taken to completely
      remove the exposed mesh (EM), saving as much vaginal tissue as possible to avoid
      a subsequent shortened and narrowed vagina. In this video, we present a minimally
      invasive technique for treating EM after ASC using endoscopic mesh resection and
      autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) technology. METHODS: Three women were
      referred to our outpatient clinic for vaginal vault mesh exposure after
      laparoscopic ASC with concomitant hysterectomy. All women underwent endoscopic
      bipolar PlasmaKinetic resection (BPR) of EM, and PRP gel was delivered in the
      surgical site to cover the gap left by the resection. RESULTS: Mean operative
      time was 39.6 min. Surgery was uneventful in all cases. All women recovered
      sexual function, and nobody experienced relapsed pelvic organ prolapse at 1-year
      follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary results show that BPR and PRP are safe,
      effective, and feasible for treating vaginal mesh exposure with conservation of
      anatomy and sexual function.

PMID- 27655190
TI  - Rural Matters.

PMID- 27655191
TI  - Do Residencies That Aim to Produce Rural Family Physicians Offer Relevant
      Training?
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Rural family physicians are in short supply. Rural
      training can promote rural practice, but the number of family medicine
      residencies with a rural focus, geographic distribution of training, and training
      content are poorly understood. This study identified rural-centric family
      medicine residencies, their training locations, and rurally relevant skills
      training provided. METHODS: The authors identified family medicine residencies
      offering rural tracks or in rural locations using FREIDA Online(r), the American
      Osteopathic Association "Opportunities," and the American College of Osteopathic
      Family Physicians Residency Finder online databases. Program personnel completed
      a survey in 2013 about training locations and content. RESULTS: Of 583, 171 (29%)
      family medicine residencies met inclusion criteria. A total of 131 returned
      surveys (77%). Fifty-eight programs (44% of respondents) required at least 8
      weeks of rural training; results describe these rural-centric programs. Programs
      reported a mean of 43.6 weeks (SD 49.7) of required rural block rotations. Mean
      hours per week in required rural continuity clinic sessions were 14.3 (SD 12.2).
      Thirty-nine percent of block rotation sites, 31% of clinic sites, and 21% of full
      time training sites reported as rural were urban according to Rural-Urban
      Commuting Area codes. Over 90% of programs provided training in orthopedic care
      and emergency skills. Fewer than 60% provided endoscopy and operative obstetrics
      training. CONCLUSIONS: Though numerous family medicine residencies seek to
      produce rural physicians, most programs required fewer than 8 weeks of rural
      training. Programs varied substantially in rurally located training and rurally
      relevant content. Students seeking rural training should examine program
      curricula carefully.

PMID- 27655192
TI  - Resident Engagement in the Patient-Centered Medical Home.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study's objectives were to assess resident
      understanding and engagement with the patient-centered medical home (PCMH) model
      and to assess the impact of participation in a PCMH transformation collaborative
      on residents' experiences and perceptions related to their training environment.
      METHODS: Residents from practices participating in the largest state-wide PCMH
      learning collaborative were asked to complete surveys describing their
      experiences with the collaborative and the PCMH transformation process. Residents
      from four representative participating residencies were recruited to participate
      in focus groups designed to provide qualitative data to augment our understanding
      of the quantitative survey results. RESULTS: We had a reasonable average response
      rate (39%) with a total of 100 completed resident surveys. Quantitative data
      illustrated high levels of residents' endorsement of PCMH awareness, engagement,
      and PCMH-related skills acquisition. The analyses suggested higher levels of PCMH
      engagement, understanding, and sense of adequacy of preparation among residents
      who attended learning collaborative sessions compared to those who did not. While
      qualitative data validated many of the quantitative findings, they also
      illustrated a somewhat detached and peripheral description of resident
      experiences with the transformation process. CONCLUSIONS: The presented data
      describe the complexities of preparing the next generation of providers for
      practice. Our mixed-methods study illustrated the strengths of participating in
      the learning collaborative but also areas of focus necessary for improving the
      experience and educational benefits of PCMH-related curricula involving
      residents.

PMID- 27655193
TI  - Expectations of the Competencies of Entering Family Medicine Residents: Do
      Members of the Family Agree? A CERA Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Little information is available on what competencies
      family medicine program directors expect of incoming residents and whether those
      incoming residents can deliver on such expectations. Our aim was to determine
      whether there is a common set of skills that both family medicine clerkship
      directors and program directors agree are important for entering residents to
      possess and how often these are being demonstrated. METHODS: This study is an
      analysis of data obtained in the 2014 CERA Family Medicine Clerkship Director and
      Program Director surveys. Clerkship directors and program directors were provided
      with a list of skill areas and professional characteristics and asked to rate how
      important it is for medical school graduates to demonstrate them as well as how
      many medical school graduates consistently demonstrate each skill or
      characteristic. RESULTS: Both groups placed highest importance on honesty,
      professionalism, and communication skills among incoming residents. Clerkship
      directors placed higher importance on several skill areas, with program directors
      emphasizing professional characteristics. This division was also seen in the
      opinions of the two groups for how well entering residents demonstrated each
      area. CONCLUSIONS: Clerkship directors identify several skill sets as being more
      important for graduating medical students to possess compared with program
      directors. Program directors seem to value more personal characteristics as
      important for entering residents to possess rather than skills. Future
      implications may include a focus from family medicine clerkships on skills that
      are valued by program directors but not rated as commonly seen among incoming
      residents.

PMID- 27655194
TI  - Training Family Medicine Clerkship Students in Screening, Brief Intervention, and
      Referral to Treatment for Substance Use Disorders: A CERA Study.

PMID- 27655195
TI  - Reliability of Mini-CEX Assessment of Medical Students in General Practice
      Clinical Attachments.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Mini Clinical Evaluation eXercise (mini-CEX) involves
      observation of routine clinical encounters, initially developed to assess
      clinical competencies of postgraduate doctors. This study aimed to measure its
      inter-rater reliability in assessment of medical students in general practice
      settings. METHODS: General practitioners (GPs) supervising medical students were
      invited to complete online teaching on how to conduct a mini-CEX. This included
      three randomly presented scripted films of clinical scenarios representing
      different levels of student performance. Consenting participants completed an
      online mini-CEX. Mean marks were calculated for each case, Intraclass Correlation
      Coefficients (ICC) for overall clinical and four individual competencies, one-way
      analysis of variance to compare scores, and internal consistency measured by
      Cronbach's alpha. RESULTS: RESULTS were collated for the first 100 completing
      GPs, majority aged 40-59 years (71%), male (59%), New Zealand European (58%).
      Forty-four percent were in rural practice, with 21 mean years in practice. Mean
      mini-CEX grades increased as standardized performance increased, indicating that
      GPs reliably agreed about ranking of student performance from poor to very good.
      The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for overall clinical competency was
      0.78 (95% confidence interval 0.48-0.99), indicating good reliability regarding
      their agreement with each other. A Cronbach's alpha calculated with the overall
      scores was 0.85, indicating good internal consistency. CONCLUSIONS: Mini-CEXs in
      undergraduate general practice attachments provide a reliable measure of
      assessing performance. However, they may be less useful in identifying
      exceptional performance or weaknesses in key competencies. In addition, caution
      must be applied in relying upon mini-CEXs to supply a summative assessment.

PMID- 27655196
TI  - Intent to Build Hepatitis C Treatment Capacity Within Family Medicine
      Residencies: A Nationwide Survey of Program Directors: A CERA Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In the current interferon-free era, family medicine is
      in a unique position to deliver hepatitis C (HCV) treatment with adequate
      training. Little is known about attitudes of family medicine program directors
      (PDs) toward capacity building within their residency programs. We report the
      results of a nationwide survey of family medicine PDs to examine these attitudes.
      METHODS: This study was part of a CERA (Council of Academic Family Medicine
      Educational Research Alliance) omnibus survey administered to family medicine PDs
      between February 2015 and March 2015. Attitudes were assessed using a Likert
      scale ranging from 1=strongly disagree to 6=strongly agree. RESULTS: We surveyed
      452 physicians, with 273 responses (response rate 61%). The majority of PDs (78%)
      believed that chronic HCV represented a significant problem for primary care, and
      61.9% believed their program should take steps to build capacity in HCV
      treatment. There was no effect of regional HCV prevalence, residency program
      context, or PD characteristics on intent to build capacity. CONCLUSIONS: This is
      the first report to examine PDs intent to build capacity in HCV treatment in this
      interferon-free, direct antiviral era. Our findings highlight a historic
      opportunity to train family physicians and position them on the frontline as HCV
      treatment providers.

PMID- 27655189
TI  - The restorative role of annexin A1 at the blood-brain barrier.
AB  - Annexin A1 is a potent anti-inflammatory molecule that has been extensively
      studied in the peripheral immune system, but has not as yet been exploited as a
      therapeutic target/agent. In the last decade, we have undertaken the study of
      this molecule in the central nervous system (CNS), focusing particularly on the
      primary interface between the peripheral body and CNS: the blood-brain barrier.
      In this review, we provide an overview of the role of this molecule in the brain,
      with a particular emphasis on its functions in the endothelium of the blood-brain
      barrier, and the protective actions the molecule may exert in neuroinflammatory,
      neurovascular and metabolic disease. We focus on the possible new therapeutic
      avenues opened up by an increased understanding of the role of annexin A1 in the
      CNS vasculature, and its potential for repairing blood-brain barrier damage in
      disease and aging.

PMID- 27655197
TI  - Community Health Needs Assessment as a Teaching Tool in a Family Medicine
      Residency.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Community-based primary care is a fundamental concept
      taught in family medicine. Best practices for community-oriented and public
      health training in medical training programs are underreported in the published
      literature. A Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) offers an opportunity for
      family medicine residents to practice research and evaluation skills while
      learning about public health and the community they serve. METHODS: A family
      medicine residency program in Harlem, NY, conducted a CHNA in order to assess
      their community's health landscape and as an opportunity to teach the resident
      trainees research skills. Primary and secondary data were collected by the
      residents using public databases, surveys, focus groups, and key informant
      interviews. Residents completed a survey at the project's completion to assess
      their experience with the CHNA and to obtain suggestions for improving the
      process in the future. RESULTS: More than 50% of the 15 residents surveyed
      reported that the CHNA greatly improved their comfort level speaking to patients
      about social factors that affect their health. Participants responded that they
      valued the opportunity to engage with community members and to understand their
      patients on a population level. The greatest challenge for most residents was
      lack of devoted time to complete the project considering competing residency
      responsibilities. CONCLUSIONS: Conducting a CHNA in a primary care training
      program can help the next generation of family physicians become culturally
      competent and community focused in their work.

PMID- 27655198
TI  - Addressing Hospital Readmissions: Impact of Weekly Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The prevention of hospital readmissions has become an
      area for improvement for most health care organizations. Systematic reviews have
      been unable to identify a single intervention or bundle of interventions that
      reliably reduced risk of readmission in a generalizable manner. The aim of this
      quality improvement project was to examine the readmission rate to a family
      medicine residency program inpatient service following the implementation of a
      once per week session that reviewed patients who were readmitted during the prior
      week. METHODS: The inpatient admissions and readmission to the family medicine
      inpatient service associated with a large academic health center were used for
      analysis. The impact of a regularly scheduled multidisciplinary team meeting that
      reviewed a list of patients was examined. Readmitted patients who were at high
      risk for readmission were specifically identified. Descriptive statistics were
      used to characterize and summarize the integral data obtained. The weekly
      readmission rate was presented using a control chart. RESULTS: The readmission
      rate for the patients hospitalized after the intervention was 18.4%, compared to
      the readmission rate prior to the intervention (23.0%). While not a statistically
      different rate, a significant signal was noted. Demographic differences were
      noted in the group of patients considered to be high risk for readmission.
      CONCLUSIONS: Regular rounds of an inpatient team that focuses on readmissions
      during the previous week reduced hospital readmissions. The impact of these
      sessions appears to be multifactorial.

PMID- 27655199
TI  - Systems Change Enhances Access to Family Planning Training and Care Delivery.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) are very
      effective methods of pregnancy prevention. To ensure autonomy over childbearing,
      women need access to contraception and abortion services. Family physicians can
      improve access by increasing numbers and locations of trained providers. In 2014,
      the University of Maryland (UMD) Reproductive Health EDucation In family medicine
      (RHEDI) program sought to enhance LARC and abortion training by increasing: (1)
      resident participation in LARC services, (2) resident participation/interest in
      abortion care, (3) patient access to LARCs and medication abortions (MABs).
      METHODS:  DESIGN: We used a pre-post framework comparing years 2013 and 2014 with
      respect to number of resident-provided LARC services, number of residents
      participating in abortion, and total number of LARCs and MABs provided practice
      wide. SETTING: The setting is an urban residency practice. INTERVENTION: (1)
      increased dedicated appointments for LARC and MABs, (2) dedicated appointment
      scheduler, (3) comprehensive family planning didactics and clinical workshops,
      (4) faculty-supported Residents for Choice group. RESULTS: 2014: Residents
      provided substantially more LARC services compared to 2013. Placement increased
      from 50 to 90, and removals tripled (25 to 73). 2014 site-wide LARC placement
      also increased (160 versus 98), removals increased (44 in 2013, 106 in 2014).
      Twelve residents per year are eligible to participate in abortion care. In 2013,
      two participated: in 2014, 10 participated. MABs provided in 2014 (18) did not
      change from 2013 (17). CONCLUSIONS: The UMD RHEDI program demonstrated that
      attention to care-provision systems and education enhances resident training and
      increases patient access to family planning services. Programs with similar goals
      may find our methods helpful.

PMID- 27655200
TI  - The Emergency Physical.

PMID- 27655201
TI  - Racial Politics in the Exam Room.

PMID- 27655202
TI  - Waking Up Dead.

PMID- 27655203
TI  - On Working Mothers and Daughters.

PMID- 27655204
TI  - Introduction to the US Food System: Public Health, Environment, and Equity.

PMID- 27655206
TI  - The Laws of Medicine: Field Notes From an Uncertain Science (TED Books).

PMID- 27655205
TI  - The Self-Directed Learner in Medical Education-The Three Pillar Model for
      Developing Self-Directedness.

PMID- 27655207
TI  - Expanding the Possibilities for Pharmacy-Family Medicine Residency Collaboration.

PMID- 27655208
TI  - Clinical Pharmacists in Family Medicine Residency Programs: Tackling the Billing
      Barrier.

PMID- 27655209
TI  - Response to "Expanding the Possibilities for Pharmacy- Family Medicine Residency
      Collaboration" and "Clinical Pharmacists in Family Medicine Residency Programs:
      Tackling the Billing Barrier".

PMID- 27655210
TI  - Training (and Maintaining) Full Scope Family Medicine.

PMID- 27655211
TI  - Gold-decorated highly ordered self-organized grating-like nanostructures on Ge
      surface: Kelvin probe force microscopy and conductive atomic force microscopy
      studies.
AB  - Nanoarchitecture by atomic manipulation is considered to be one of the emerging
      trends in advanced functional materials. It has a gamut of applications to offer
      in nanoelectronics, chemical sensing, and nanobiological science. In particular,
      highly ordered one-dimensional semiconductor nanostructures fabricated by self
      organization methods are in high demand for their high aspect ratios and large
      number of applications. An efficient way of fabricating semiconductor
      nanostructures is by molecular beam epitaxy, where atoms are added to a
      crystalline surface at an elevated temperature during growth, yielding the
      desired structures in a self-assembled manner. In this article, we offer a room
      temperature process, in which atoms are sputtered away by ion impacts. Using gold
      ion implantation, the present study reports on the formation of highly ordered
      self-organized long grating-like nanostructures, with grooves between them, on a
      germanium surface. The ridges of the patterns are shown to have flower-like
      protruding nanostructures, which are mostly decorated by gold atoms. By employing
      local probe microscopic techniques like Kelvin probe force microscopy and
      conductive atomic force microscopy, we observe a spatial variation in the work
      function and different nanoscale electrical conductivity on the ridges of the
      patterns and the grooves between them, which can be attributed to gold atom
      decorated ridges. Thus, the architecture  presented offers the advantage of using
      the patterned germanium substrates as periodic arrays of conducting ridges and
      poorly conducting grooves between them. 

PMID- 27655212
TI  - A 22-year-old woman with unexplained exertional dyspnoea.

PMID- 27655213
TI  - Development and Implementation of a Novel Prehospital Care System in the State of
      Kerala, India.
AB  - Most low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have struggled to find a system for
      prehospital care that can provide adequate patient care and geographical coverage
      while maintaining a feasible price tag. The emergency medical systems of the
      Western world are not necessarily relevant in developing economic systems, given
      the lack of strict legislation, the scarcity of resources, and the limited number
      of trained personnel. Meanwhile, most efforts to provide prehospital care in
      India have taken the form of adapting Western models to the Indian context with
      limited success. Described here is a novel approach to prehospital care designed
      for and implemented in the State of Kerala, India. The Active Network Group of
      Emergency Life Savers (ANGELS) was launched in 2011 in Calicut City, the third
      largest city in the Indian State of Kerala. The ANGELS integrated an existing
      fleet of private and state-owned ambulances into a single network utilizing
      Global Positioning System (GPS) technology and a single statewide call number. A
      total of 85 volunteer emergency medical certified technicians (EMCTs) were
      trained in basic first aid and trauma care principles. Public awareness campaigns
      accompanied all activities to raise awareness amongst community members. Funding
      was provided via public-private partnership, aimed to minimize costs to patients
      for service utilization. Over a two-year period from March 2011 to April 2013,
      8,336 calls were recorded, of which 54.8% (4,569) were converted into actual
      ambulance run sheets. The majority of calls were for medical emergencies and most
      patients were transported to Medical College Hospital in Calicut. This unique
      public-private partnership has been responsive to the needs of the population
      while sustaining low operational costs. This system may provide a relevant
      template for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) development in other resource
      limited settings. Brown HA , Douglass KA , Ejas S , Poovathumparambil V .
      Development and implementation of a novel prehospital care system in the State of
      Kerala, India. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2016;31(6):663-666.

PMID- 27655214
TI  - Hoarding and horizontal transfer led to an expanded gene and intron repertoire in
      the plastid genome of the diatom, Toxarium undulatum (Bacillariophyta).
AB  - Although the plastid genomes of diatoms maintain a conserved architecture and
      core gene set, considerable variation about this core theme exists and can be
      traced to several different processes. Gene duplication, pseudogenization, and
      loss, as well as intracellular transfer of genes to the nuclear genome, have all
      contributed to variation in gene content among diatom species. In addition, some
      noncoding sequences have highly restricted phylogenetic distributions that
      suggest a recent foreign origin. We sequenced the plastid genome of the marine
      diatom, Toxarium undulatum, and found that the genome contains three genes (chlB,
      chlL, and chlN) involved in light-independent chlorophyll a biosynthesis that
      were not previously known from diatoms. Phylogenetic and syntenic data suggest
      that these genes were differentially retained in this one lineage as they were
      repeatedly lost from most other diatoms. Unique among diatoms and other
      heterokont algae sequenced so far, the genome also contains a large group II
      intron within an otherwise intact psaA gene. Although the intron is most similar
      to one in the plastid-encoded psaA gene of some green algae, high sequence
      divergence between the diatom and green algal introns rules out recent shared
      ancestry. We conclude that the psaA intron was likely introduced into the plastid
      genome of T. undulatum, or some earlier ancestor, by horizontal transfer from an
      unknown donor. This genome further highlights the myriad processes driving
      variation in gene and intron content in the plastid genomes of diatoms, one of
      the world's foremost primary producers.

PMID- 27655215
TI  - See-Thru-Gonad zebrafish line: developmental and functional validation.
AB  - Zebrafish are an important model species in developmental biology. However, their
      potential in reproductive biology research has yet to be realized. In this study,
      we established See-Thru-Gonad zebrafish, a transparent line with fluorescently
      labeled germ cells visible throughout the life cycle, validated its gonadal
      development features, and demonstrated its applicability by performing a targeted
      gene knockdown experiment using vivo-morpholinos (VMOs). To establish the line,
      we crossed the zf45Tg and mitfa(w2/w2); mpv17(b18/b18) zebrafish lines. We
      documented the in vivo visibility of the germline-specific fluorescent signal
      throughout development, from gametes through embryonic and juvenile stages up to
      sexual maturity, and validated gonadal development with histology. We performed
      targeted gene knockdown of the microRNA (miRNA) miR-92a-3p through injection of
      VMOs directly to maturing ovaries. After the treatment, zebrafish were bred
      naturally. Embryos from miR-92a-3p knockdown ovaries had a significant reduction
      in relative miR-92a-3p expression and a higher percentage of developmental arrest
      at the 1-cell stage as compared with 5-base mismatch-treated controls. The
      experiment demonstrates that See-Thru-Gonad line can be successfully used for
      vertical transmission of the effects of targeted gene knockdown in ovaries into
      their offspring.

PMID- 27655217
TI  - Anesthesia Kills Brain Cells, but What Does It Mean?

PMID- 27655216
TI  - Propolis extracts from the northern region of Thailand suppress cancer cell
      growth through induction of apoptosis pathways.
AB  - The continual increase in mortality rates and number of cancer cases is a matter
      of serious concern in developing countries. The incorporation of natural products
      into classical cancer treatment approaches is a promising direction. The
      mechanisms of A549 and HeLa cancer cell death induction by ethanolic extracts of
      propolis samples from Phayao, Chiang Mai, and Nan provinces in northern Thailand
      were investigated in this study. The propolis extract from Chiang Mai showed the
      highest antioxidant activity and the greatest total phenolic content. The
      propolis extract from Nan also exhibited the highest total flavonoid content. The
      proliferation of A549 and HeLa cells grown in the presence of the propolis
      extracts was suppressed in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Moreover, treatment
      of both cancer cells with the propolis extracts showed DNA fragmentation and
      significantly increased the number of the apoptotic cells. On A549 cells, the
      extrinsic and intrinsic pathways of caspase enzymes were activated by the
      propolis extracts from Phayao and Chiang Mai. In the case of the propolis extract
      from Nan, the mechanisms involved apoptosis on the A549 cells were caspase
      independent pathway. The extrinsic pathway of the caspase enzyme was triggered by
      all of the propolis extracts on HeLa cells. Finally, oral administration of the
      propolis granule produced from the propolis extract from Nan resulted in extended
      survival of tumour-bearing mice. Therefore, propolis extracts from the northern
      region of Thailand demonstrated pharmacological properties, both antioxidant and
      anticancer activities. From these findings, it is evident that propolis extracts
      can be considered as a naturally obtained agent extremely useful in cancer
      treatment.

PMID- 27655218
TI  - Long-term Fate Mapping to Assess the Impact of Postnatal Isoflurane Exposure on
      Hippocampal Progenitor Cell Productivity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Exposure to isoflurane increases apoptosis among postnatally
      generated hippocampal dentate granule cells. These neurons play important roles
      in cognition and behavior, so their permanent loss could explain deficits after
      surgical procedures. METHODS: To determine whether developmental anesthesia
      exposure leads to persistent deficits in granule cell numbers, a genetic fate
      mapping approach to label a cohort of postnatally generated granule cells in Gli1
      CreER::GFP bitransgenic mice was utilized. Green fluorescent protein (GFP)
      expression was induced on postnatal day 7 (P7) to fate map progenitor cells, and
      mice were exposed to 6 h of 1.5% isoflurane or room air 2 weeks later (P21).
      Brain structure was assessed immediately after anesthesia exposure (n = 7
      controls and 8 anesthesia-treated mice) or after a 60-day recovery (n = 8
      controls and 8 anesthesia-treated mice). A final group of C57BL/6 mice was
      exposed to isoflurane at P21 and examined using neurogenesis and cell death
      markers after a 14-day recovery (n = 10 controls and 16 anesthesia-treated mice).
      RESULTS: Isoflurane significantly increased apoptosis immediately after exposure,
      leading to cell death among 11% of GFP-labeled cells. Sixty days after isoflurane
      exposure, the number of GFP-expressing granule cells in treated animals was
      indistinguishable from control animals. Rates of neurogenesis were equivalent
      among groups at both 2 weeks and 2 months after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: These
      findings suggest that the dentate gyrus can restore normal neuron numbers after a
      single, developmental exposure to isoflurane. The authors' results do not
      preclude the possibility that the affected population may exhibit more subtle
      structural or functional deficits. Nonetheless, the dentate appears to exhibit
      greater resiliency relative to nonneurogenic brain regions, which exhibit
      permanent neuron loss after isoflurane exposure.

PMID- 27655219
TI  - Hemin and Cobalt Protoporphyrin Inhibit NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation by
      Enhancing Autophagy: A Novel Mechanism of Inflammasome Regulation.
AB  - Inflammasomes are intracellular protein platforms, which, upon activation,
      produce the highly proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1beta and IL-18.
      Heme, hemin and their degradation products possess significant immunomodulatory
      functions. Here, we studied whether hemin regulates inflammasome function in
      macrophages. Both hemin and its derivative, cobalt protoporphyrin (CoPP),
      significantly reduced IL-1beta secretion by cultured human primary macrophages,
      the human monocytic leukemia cell line and also mouse bone marrow-derived and
      peritoneal macrophages. Intraperitoneal administration of CoPP to mice prior to
      urate crystal-induced peritonitis alleviated IL-1beta secretion to the peritoneal
      cavity. In cultured macrophages, hemin and CoPP inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome
      assembly by reducing the amount of intracellular apoptosis-associated speck-like
      protein containing a caspase-recruitment domain (ASC). The reduction of ASC was
      associated with enhanced autophagosome formation and autophagic flux. Inhibition
      of autophagy prevented the CoPP-induced depletion of ASC, implying that the
      depletion was caused by increased autophagy. Our data indicate that hemin
      functions as an endogenous negative regulator of the NLRP3 inflammasome. The
      inhibition is mediated via enhanced autophagy that results in increased
      degradation of ASC. This regulatory mechanism may provide a novel approach for
      the treatment of inflammasome-related diseases.

PMID- 27655220
TI  - Heartbeat: Microvascular dysfunction in heart failure with preserved ejection
      fraction.

PMID- 27655221
TI  - Microvascular endothelial dysfunction in heart failure with preserved ejection
      fraction.

PMID- 27655222
TI  - Management of Protected Areas and Its Effect on an Ecosystem Function: Removal of
      Prosopis flexuosa Seeds by Mammals in Argentinian Drylands.
AB  - The ecological function of animal seed dispersal depends on species interactions
      and can be affected by drivers such as the management interventions applied to
      protected areas. This study was conducted in two protected areas in the Monte
      Desert: a fenced reserve with grazing exclusion and absence of large native
      mammals (the Man and Biosphere Nacunan Reserve; FR) and an unfenced reserve with
      low densities of large native and domestic animals (Ischigualasto Park; UFR). The
      study focuses on Prosopis flexuosa seed removal by different functional mammal
      groups: "seed predators", "scatter-hoarders", and "opportunistic frugivores".
      Under both interventions, the relative contribution to seed removal by different
      functional mammal groups was assessed, as well as how these groups respond to
      habitat heterogeneity (i.e. vegetation structure) at different spatial scales.
      Camera traps were used to identify mammal species removing P. flexuosa seeds and
      to quantify seed removal; remote sensing data helped analyze habitat
      heterogeneity. In the FR, the major fruit removers were a seed predator (Graomys
      griseoflavus) and a scatter-hoarder (Microcavia asutralis). In the UFR, the main
      seed removers were the opportunistic frugivores (Lycalopex griseus and Dolichotis
      patagonum), who removed more seeds than the seed predator in the FR. The FR shows
      higher habitat homogeneity than the UFR, and functional groups respond
      differently to habitat heterogeneity at different spatial scales. In the FR,
      because large herbivores are locally extinct (e.g. Lama guanicoe) and domestic
      herbivores are excluded, important functions of large herbivores are missing,
      such as the maintenance of habitat heterogeneity, which provides habitats for
      medium-sized opportunistic frugivores with consequent improvement of quality and
      quantity of seed dispersal services. In the UFR, with low densities of large
      herbivores, probably one important ecosystem function this group performs is to
      increase habitat heterogeneity, allowing for the activity of medium-sized mammals
      who, behaving as opportunistic frugivores, did the most significant seed removal.

PMID- 27655223
TI  - Veliparib in combination with whole-brain radiation therapy for patients with
      brain metastases from non-small cell lung cancer: results of a randomized,
      global, placebo-controlled study.
AB  - Veliparib is a potent, orally bioavailable, poly (adenosine diphosphate-ribose)
      polymerase (PARP) inhibitor that crosses the blood-brain barrier and has been
      shown to potentiate the effects of radiation in preclinical and early clinical
      studies. This phase 2, randomized, global study evaluated the efficacy and safety
      of veliparib in combination with whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT) in patients
      with brain metastases from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Three-hundred and
      seven patients with brain metastases from NSCLC were randomized 1:1:1 to WBRT (30
      Gy in 10 fractions) plus 50 mg veliparib twice daily (BID; n = 103), 200 mg
      veliparib BID (n = 102), or placebo BID (n = 102). Treatment began within 28 days
      of diagnosis. Tumor response and safety were assessed; the primary endpoint was
      overall survival (OS). Patients who received >=1 dose of treatment were included
      in the safety analysis. All randomized patients were included in the efficacy
      endpoint analyses. Patient characteristics were well balanced between treatment
      arms. Median OS was 185 days for patients treated with WBRT plus placebo and 209
      days for WBRT plus veliparib (50 or 200 mg). No statistically significant
      differences in OS, intracranial response rate, and time to clinical or
      radiographic progression between any of the treatment arms were noted. No
      differences were observed in adverse events (all grades) across treatment arms;
      nausea, fatigue, alopecia, and headache were the most commonly reported. No new
      safety signals were identified for veliparib. A significant unmet need for
      therapies that improve the outcomes of patients with brain metastases from NSCLC
      remains.

PMID- 27655224
TI  - Quantifying differences in cell line population dynamics using CellPD.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The increased availability of high-throughput datasets has revealed a
      need for reproducible and accessible analyses which can quantitatively relate
      molecular changes to phenotypic behavior. Existing tools for quantitative
      analysis generally require expert knowledge. RESULTS: CellPD (cell phenotype
      digitizer) facilitates quantitative phenotype analysis, allowing users to fit
      mathematical models of cell population dynamics without specialized training.
      CellPD requires one input (a spreadsheet) and generates multiple outputs
      including parameter estimation reports, high-quality plots, and minable XML
      files. We validated CellPD's estimates by comparing it with a previously
      published tool (cellGrowth) and with Microsoft Excel's built-in functions. CellPD
      correctly estimates the net growth rate of cell cultures and is more robust to
      data sparsity than cellGrowth. When we tested CellPD's usability, biologists
      (without training in computational modeling) ran CellPD correctly on sample data
      within 30 min. To demonstrate CellPD's ability to aid in the analysis of high
      throughput data, we created a synthetic high content screening (HCS) data set,
      where a simulated cell line is exposed to two hypothetical drug compounds at
      several doses. CellPD correctly estimates the drug-dependent birth, death, and
      net growth rates. Furthermore, CellPD's estimates quantify and distinguish
      between the cytostatic and cytotoxic effects of both drugs-analyses that cannot
      readily be performed with spreadsheet software such as Microsoft Excel or without
      specialized computational expertise and programming environments. CONCLUSIONS:
      CellPD is an open source tool that can be used by scientists (with or without a
      background in computational or mathematical modeling) to quantify key aspects of
      cell phenotypes (such as cell cycle and death parameters). Early applications of
      CellPD may include drug effect quantification, functional analysis of gene
      knockout experiments, data quality control, minable big data generation, and
      integration of biological data with computational models.

PMID- 27655225
TI  - Impact of Predicting Health Care Utilization Via Web Search Behavior: A Data
      Driven Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: By recent estimates, the steady rise in health care costs has
      deprived more than 45 million Americans of health care services and has
      encouraged health care providers to better understand the key drivers of health
      care utilization from a population health management perspective. Prior studies
      suggest the feasibility of mining population-level patterns of health care
      resource utilization from observational analysis of Internet search logs;
      however, the utility of the endeavor to the various stakeholders in a health
      ecosystem remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to carry out a closed-loop
      evaluation of the utility of health care use predictions using the conversion
      rates of advertisements that were displayed to the predicted future utilizers as
      a surrogate. The statistical models to predict the probability of user's future
      visit to a medical facility were built using effective predictors of health care
      resource utilization, extracted from a deidentified dataset of geotagged mobile
      Internet search logs representing searches made by users of the Baidu search
      engine between March 2015 and May 2015. METHODS: We inferred presence within the
      geofence of a medical facility from location and duration information from users'
      search logs and putatively assigned medical facility visit labels to qualifying
      search logs. We constructed a matrix of general, semantic, and location-based
      features from search logs of users that had 42 or more search days preceding a
      medical facility visit as well as from search logs of users that had no medical
      visits and trained statistical learners for predicting future medical visits. We
      then carried out a closed-loop evaluation of the utility of health care use
      predictions using the show conversion rates of advertisements displayed to the
      predicted future utilizers. In the context of behaviorally targeted advertising,
      wherein health care providers are interested in minimizing their cost per
      conversion, the association between show conversion rate and predicted
      utilization score, served as a surrogate measure of the model's utility. RESULTS:
      We obtained the highest area under the curve (0.796) in medical visit prediction
      with our random forests model and daywise features. Ablating feature categories
      one at a time showed that the model performance worsened the most when location
      features were dropped. An online evaluation in which advertisements were served
      to users who had a high predicted probability of a future medical visit showed a
      3.96% increase in the show conversion rate. CONCLUSIONS: Results from our
      experiments done in a research setting suggest that it is possible to accurately
      predict future patient visits from geotagged mobile search logs. Results from the
      offline and online experiments on the utility of health utilization predictions
      suggest that such prediction can have utility for health care providers.

PMID- 27655227
TI  - Highlights of the Issue 10, 2016.

PMID- 27655228
TI  - Host response to fungal infections - how immunology and host genetics could help
      to identify and treat patients at risk.
AB  - In spite of the ever-increasing incidence and poor outcome of invasive fungal
      infections in immune compromised patients, there is currently no reliable method
      to accurately predict the risk, to monitor the outcome and to treat these
      infections. Protective immunity against Candida and Aspergillus depends on a
      highly coordinated interaction between the innate and adaptive immune systems.
      Genetic and immunological defects in components of these networks result in
      increased risk of invasive fungal infections among patients undergoing
      chemotherapy or transplant recipients. We review the most important genetic and
      immunological factors that influence human susceptibility to Candida and
      Aspergillus infections and discuss the potential role of basic research to
      promote precision medicine for infectious diseases. We discuss how immunogenetic
      studies can help to provide tools for improved identification of high-risk
      patients and the development of tailored antifungal therapies.

PMID- 27655226
TI  - Genomic prediction of coronary heart disease.
AB  - AIMS: Genetics plays an important role in coronary heart disease (CHD) but the
      clinical utility of genomic risk scores (GRSs) relative to clinical risk scores,
      such as the Framingham Risk Score (FRS), is unclear. Our aim was to construct and
      externally validate a CHD GRS, in terms of lifetime CHD risk and relative to
      traditional clinical risk scores. METHODS AND RESULTS: We generated a GRS of 49
      310 SNPs based on a CARDIoGRAMplusC4D Consortium meta-analysis of CHD, then
      independently tested it using five prospective population cohorts (three FINRISK
      cohorts, combined n = 12 676, 757 incident CHD events; two Framingham Heart Study
      cohorts (FHS), combined n = 3406, 587 incident CHD events). The GRS was
      associated with incident CHD (FINRISK HR = 1.74, 95% confidence interval (CI)
      1.61-1.86 per S.D. of GRS; Framingham HR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.18-1.38), and was
      largely unchanged by adjustment for known risk factors, including family history.
      Integration of the GRS with the FRS or ACC/AHA13 scores improved the 10 years
      risk prediction (meta-analysis C-index: +1.5-1.6%, P < 0.001), particularly for
      individuals >=60 years old (meta-analysis C-index: +4.6-5.1%, P < 0.001).
      Importantly, the GRS captured substantially different trajectories of absolute
      risk, with men in the top 20% of attaining 10% cumulative CHD risk 12-18 y
      earlier than those in the bottom 20%. High genomic risk was partially compensated
      for by low systolic blood pressure, low cholesterol level, and non-smoking.
      CONCLUSIONS: A GRS based on a large number of SNPs improves CHD risk prediction
      and encodes different trajectories of lifetime risk not captured by traditional
      clinical risk scores.

PMID- 27655229
TI  - Online Work Force Analyzes Social Media to Identify Consequences of an Unplanned
      School Closure - Using Technology to Prepare for the Next Pandemic.
AB  - BACKGROUND: During an influenza pandemic, the United States Centers for Disease
      Control and Prevention (CDC) may recommend school closures. These closures could
      have unintended consequences for students and their families. Publicly available
      social media could be analyzed to identify the consequences of an unplanned
      school closure. METHODS: As a proxy for an unplanned, pandemic-related school
      closure, we used the district-wide school closure due to the September 10-18,
      2012 teachers' strike in Chicago, Illinois. We captured social media posts about
      the school closure using the Radian6 social media-monitoring platform. An online
      workforce from Amazon Mechanical Turk categorized each post into one of two
      groups. The first group included relevant posts that described the impact of the
      closure on students and their families. The second group included irrelevant
      posts that described the political aspects of the strike or topics unrelated to
      the school closure. All relevant posts were further categorized as expressing a
      positive, negative, or neutral sentiment. We analyzed patterns of relevant posts
      and sentiment over time and compared our findings to household surveys conducted
      after other unplanned school closures. RESULTS: We captured 4,546 social media
      posts about the district-wide school closure using our search criteria. Of these,
      930 (20%) were categorized as relevant by the online workforce. Of the relevant
      posts, 619 (67%) expressed a negative sentiment, 51 (5%) expressed a positive
      sentiment, and 260 (28%) were neutral. The number of relevant posts, and
      especially those with a negative sentiment, peaked on day 1 of the strike.
      Negative sentiment expressed concerns about childcare, missed school lunches, and
      the lack of class time for students. This was consistent with findings from
      previously conducted household surveys. CONCLUSION: Social media are publicly
      available and can readily provide information on the impact of an unplanned
      school closure on students and their families. Using social media to assess the
      impact of an unplanned school closure due to a public health event would be
      informative. An online workforce can effectively assist with the review process.

PMID- 27655230
TI  - Fast growth of well-aligned ZnO nanowire arrays by a microwave heating method and
      their photocatalytic properties.
AB  - The fast growth of aligned ZnO nanowire arrays with optimized structure is
      attractive for electrical and optical devices. In this paper, we report a
      controllable and rapid growth of ZnO nanowire arrays by a microwave-assisted
      hydrothermal method. When using different zinc salts as the precursors, the
      morphology of the samples changes a lot and the length growth rate is several
      times different. The growth mechanism is also investigated. It is found that the
      solution near neutral pH value is ideal for fast nanowire growth, in which the
      length of the nanowires increases linearly with growth time and the growth rate
      is over ten times faster than that in the traditional hydrothermal method.
      Therefore, aligned ZnO nanowire arrays can grow up to tens of microns in a few
      hours, while the density and sizes of these nanowires can be well controlled. The
      ZnO nanowire arrays used as photocatalysts present good photocatalytic
      performance to the degradation of methyl orange (MO) due to the large surface
      area. So this paper provides an effective method to obtain vertically aligned ZnO
      nanowire arrays for practical applications. 

PMID- 27655231
TI  - Spatio-temporal heterogeneity of malaria vectors in northern Zambia: implications
      for vector control.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite large reductions in malaria burden across Zambia, some
      regions continue to experience extremely high malaria transmission. In Nchelenge
      District, Luapula Province, northern Zambia, almost half the human population
      carries parasites. Intervention coverage has increased substantially over the
      past decade, but comprehensive district-wide entomological studies to guide
      delivery of vector control measures are lacking. This study describes the
      bionomics and spatio-temporal patterns of malaria vectors in Nchelenge over a two
      and a half year period, investigates what household factors are associated with
      high vector densities and determines why vector control may not have been
      effective in the past to better guide future control efforts. METHODS: Between
      April 2012 and September 2014, twenty-seven households from across Nchelenge
      District were randomly selected for monthly light trap collections of mosquitoes.
      Anopheline mosquitoes were identified morphologically and molecularly to species.
      Foraging rates were estimated and sporozoite rates were determined by
      circumsporozoite ELISAs to calculate annual entomological inoculation rates.
      Blood feeding rates and host preference were determined by PCR. Zero-inflated
      negative binomial models measured environmental and household factors associated
      with mosquito abundance at study households such as season, proximity to the
      lake, and use of vector control measures. RESULTS: The dominant species in
      Nchelenge was An. funestus (s.s.) with An. gambiae (s.s.) as a secondary vector.
      Both vectors were found together in large numbers across the district and the
      combined EIRs of the two vectors exceeded 80 infectious bites per person per
      annum. An. funestus household densities increased in the dry season whilst An.
      gambiae surged during the rains. Presence of insecticide treated nets (ITNs) and
      closed eaves in the houses were found to be associated with fewer numbers of An.
      gambiae but not An. funestus. There was no association with indoor residual
      spraying (IRS). CONCLUSION: In Nchelenge, the co-existence of two highly
      anthropophagic vectors, present throughout the year, is likely to be driving the
      high malaria transmission evident in the district. The vectors here have been
      shown to be highly resistant to pyrethroids used for IRS during the study. Vector
      control interventions in this area would have to be multifaceted and district
      wide for effective control of malaria.

PMID- 27655232
TI  - Aerobic Exercise Improves Mood, Cognition, and Language Function in Parkinson's
      Disease: Results of a Controlled Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Parkinson's disease (PD) results in a range of non-motor deficits
      that can affect mood, cognition, and language, and many of these issues are
      unresponsive to pharmacological intervention. Aerobic exercise can improve mood
      and cognition in healthy older adults, although only a few studies have examined
      exercise effects on these domains in PD. The current study assesses the effects
      of aerobic exercise on aspects of cognition, mood, and language production in
      people with PD. METHODS: This study compares the effects of aerobic exercise to
      stretch-balance training and a no-contact control group in participants with
      idiopathic PD. The aerobic and stretch-balance groups trained three times a week
      for 16 weeks, while controls continued normal activities. Outcome measures
      included disease severity, mood, cognition (speed of processing, memory, and
      executive function), and language production (picture descriptions). Cognition
      and language were assessed in single and dual task conditions. RESULTS:
      Depressive symptoms increased only in the control group (p<.02). Executive
      function improved in the aerobic exercise group only in the single task (p=.007)
      and declined in controls in the dual task. Completeness of picture descriptions
      improved significantly more in the aerobic group than in the stretch-balance
      group (p<.02). CONCLUSIONS: Aerobic exercise is a viable intervention for PD that
      can be protective against increased depressive symptoms, and can improve several
      non-motor domains, including executive dysfunction and related aspects of
      language production. (JINS, 2016, 22, 878-889).

PMID- 27655233
TI  - Beneficial effect of PEDF-transfected ADSCs on erectile dysfunction in a
      streptozotocin-diabetic rat model.
AB  - Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an important risk factor for erectile dysfunction.
      Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are essential for maintaining erectile
      function but their function is impaired during hyperglycemia. To evaluate the
      effects of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF)-transfected ADSCs on the
      restoration of erectile function ADSCs and PEDF-transfected ADSCs were exposed to
      normal or high glucose levels for 72 h and the effects on cell survival and
      protein expression were determined. For in vivo studies, rats with streptozocin
      induced DM were intravenously injected with ADSCs or PEDF-transfected ADSCs. Two
      weeks later, the intracavernosal pressure (ICP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP)
      were measured to assess erectile function, and penile tissues were harvested for
      further evaluation. PEDF overexpression in ADSCs protected cells against
      hyperglycemia-induced apoptosis (as determined by a TUNEL assay), increasing the
      expression of neurotrophic factors and decreasing the expression of inflammatory
      cytokines and oxidative stress-related proteins (as determined by western
      blotting and ELISA). In DM rats, transplantation with PEDF-transfected ADSCs
      effectively restored erectile function, as determined by the ICP/MAP ratio,
      compared with untreated ADSCs. PEDF overexpression also resulted in higher
      survival rates and decreased apoptosis of ADSCs. Promotion of neurotrophic factor
      expression and suppression of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress-related
      proteins were also observed after transplantation of PEDF-transfected ADSCs.
      Thus, our results demonstrate that transplantation of ADSCs restored erectile
      function in a rat model of DM, attenuating the negative effects of hyperglycemia.
      These findings indicate the therapeutic potential of ADSCs for treating erectile
      dysfunction and the additional benefits of PEDF overexpression.

PMID- 27655234
TI  - The Cost-Effectiveness of Two Forms of Case Management Compared to a Control
      Group for Persons with Dementia and Their Informal Caregivers from a Societal
      Perspective.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objective of this article was to compare the costs and cost
      effectiveness of the two most prominent types of case management in the
      Netherlands (intensive case management and linkage models) against no access to
      case management (control group) for people with already diagnosed dementia and
      their informal caregivers. METHODS: The economic evaluation was conducted from a
      societal perspective embedded within a two year prospective, observational,
      controlled, cohort study with 521 informal caregivers and community-dwelling
      persons with dementia. Case management provided within one care organization
      (intensive case management model, ICMM), case management where care was provided
      by different care organizations within one region (Linkage model, LM), and a
      group with no access to case management (control) were compared. The economic
      evaluation related incremental costs to incremental effects regarding
      neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPI), psychological health of the informal caregiver
      (GHQ-12), and quality adjusted life years (QALY) of the person with dementia and
      informal caregiver. RESULTS: Inverse-propensity-score-weighted models showed no
      significant differences in clinical or total cost outcomes between the three
      groups. Informal care costs were significantly lower in the ICMM group compared
      to both other groups. Day center costs were significantly lower in the ICMM group
      compared to the control group. For all outcomes, the probability that the ICMM
      was cost-effective in comparison with LM and the control group was larger than
      0.97 at a threshold ratio of 0 ?/incremental unit of effect. CONCLUSION: This
      study provides preliminary evidence that the ICMM is cost-effective compared to
      the control group and the LM. However, the findings should be interpreted with
      caution since this study was not a randomized controlled trial.

PMID- 27655236
TI  - Caregiving Subgroups Differences in the Associations Between the Resilience
      Resources and Life Satisfaction.
AB  - Using a model of resilience, this study compared the direct and indirect
      associations between resilience resources (sense of mastery, openness to
      experience, emotion regulation, and social support) and life satisfaction among
      caregiving subgroups (spouses, adult-children, and parents). Participants were
      included from the survey of Midlife in the United States (MIDUS II). Estimates of
      direct and indirect relationships between the resources and life satisfaction
      were calculated for each subgroup, and differences in the relationships between
      subgroups were tested. The direct positive relationships between sense of mastery
      and life satisfaction were significant and stronger for spouses and parents than
      for adult-children. In contrast, an indirect relationship through social support
      between the two variables was stronger for adult-children than for spouses.
      Openness to experience had a direct positive link to life satisfaction among
      spouses, and emotion regulation was directly related to life satisfaction among
      parents. We suggested targeted interventions for caregiving subgroups.

PMID- 27655235
TI  - Clinical trial of modulatory effects of oxytocin treatment on higher-order social
      cognition in autism spectrum disorder: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double
      blind and crossover trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Autism spectrum disorders are neurodevelopmental conditions with
      severe impairments in social communication and interaction. Pioneering research
      suggests that oxytocin can improve motivation, cognition and attention to social
      cues in patients with autism spectrum disorder. The aim of this clinical trial is
      to characterize basic mechanisms of action of acute oxytocin treatment on neural
      levels and to relate these to changes in different levels of socio-affective and 
      cognitive functioning. METHODS: This clinical study is a randomized, double
      blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled, multicenter functional magnetic resonance
      imaging study with two arms. A sample of 102 male autism spectrum disorder
      patients, diagnosed with Infantile Autistic Disorder (F84.0 according to ICD-10),
      Asperger Syndrome (F84.5 according to ICD-10), or Atypical Autism (F84.1
      according to ICD-10) will be recruited and will receive oxytocin and placebo
      nasal spray on two different days. Autism spectrum disorder patients will be
      randomized to determine who receives oxytocin on the first and who on the second
      visit. Healthy control participants will be recruited and case-control matched to
      the autism spectrum disorder patients. The primary outcome will be neural network
      activity, measured with functional magnetic resonance imaging while participants
      perform socio-affective and -cognitive tasks. Behavioral markers such as theory
      of mind accuracy ratings and response times will be assessed as secondary
      outcomes in addition to physiological measures such as skin conductance. Trait
      measures for alexithymia, interpersonal reactivity, and social anxiety will also
      be evaluated. Additionally, we will analyze the effect of oxytocin receptor gene
      variants and how these potentially influence the primary and secondary outcome
      measures. Functional magnetic resonance imaging assessments will take place at
      two time points which will be scheduled at least two weeks apart to ensure a
      sufficient wash-out time after oxytocin treatment. The study has been approved by
      an ethical review board and the competent authority. DISCUSSION: Revealing the
      mechanisms of acute oxytocin administration, especially on the socio-affective
      and -cognitive domains at hand, will be a further step towards novel therapeutic
      interventions regarding autism. TRIAL REGISTRATION: German Clinical Trial
      Register DRKS00010053 . The trial was registered on the 8th of April 2016.

PMID- 27655237
TI  - Seniors Online: Attitudes Toward the Internet and Coping With Everyday Life.
AB  - Many older people do not use the Internet. We investigated the attitudes of older
      people who do (onliners) or do not (offliners) use the Internet, to assess their
      views of the Internet and whether they see the Internet as a resource for coping
      with everyday life situations. Participants aged >=65 years ( N = 1,037), living
      in Switzerland, were interviewed in a telephone survey. Descriptive and
      multivariate analyses were conducted. The data show (a) many of the respondents
      viewed the Internet as useful, in general, and for coping with everyday life
      situations; (b) onliners saw more positive aspects of the Internet than did
      offliners; and

PMID- 27655238
TI  - Long-term Follow-up After Ileorectal Anastomosis for Ulcerative Colitis: A
      GETAID/GETAID Chirurgie Multicenter Retrospective Cohort of 343 Patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the cumulative incidence and the prognostic factors of
      ileorectal anastomosis (IRA) failure after colectomy for ulcerative colitis (UC).
      BACKGROUND: Although ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is recommended after colectomy
      for UC, IRA is still performed. METHODS: This was a multicenter retrospective
      cohort study, which included patients with IRA for UC performed between 1960 and
      2014. IRA failure was defined as secondary proctectomy and/or rectal cancer
      occurrence. Uni- and multivariate survival analyses were performed using Cox
      proportional hazards models. RESULTS: A total of 343 patients from 13 French
      centers were included. Median follow up after IRA was 10.6 years. IRA failure
      rates were estimated at 27.0% (95% confidence interval, CI, 22-32) and 40.0% (95%
      CI 33-47) at 10 and 20 years, respectively. Median survival time without IRA
      failure was estimated at 26.8 years. Two thirds of secondary proctectomies were
      performed for refractory proctitis, and 20% for rectal neoplasia. Univariate
      analysis identified factors associated with IRA failure: IRA performed after
      2005, a longer duration of disease at the time of IRA, indication for colectomy
      and having received immunomodulative agents before IRA. In multivariate analysis,
      treatment with both immunosuppressant (IS) and anti-TNF before colectomy was
      independently associated with IRA failure (HR=2.9, 95% CI 1.2-7.1). Conversely,
      colectomy for severe acute colitis was associated with decreased risk of IRA
      failure (HR=0.6, 95% CI 0.4-0.97). DISCUSSION: Patients with UC have a high risk
      of IRA failure, particularly when colectomy is performed for refractory disease.
      However, IRA could be discussed after colectomy for severe acute colitis, or in
      patients naive to IS and anti-TNF.

PMID- 27655239
TI  - Carolinas Comfort Scale as a Measure of Hernia Repair Quality of Life: A
      Reappraisal Utilizing 3788 International Patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The goal of the present study was to reaffirm the psychometric
      properties of the CCS using an expansive, multinational cohort. BACKGROUND: The
      Carolinas Comfort Scale (CCS) is a validated, disease-specific, quality of life
      (QOL) questionnaire developed for patients undergoing hernia repair. METHODS: The
      data were obtained from the International Hernia Mesh Registry, an American,
      European, and Australian prospective, hernia repair database designed to capture
      information delineating patient demographics, surgical findings, and QOL using
      the CCS at 1, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. RESULTS: A total of 3788
      patients performed 11,060 postoperative surveys. Patient response rates exceeded
      80% at 1 year postoperatively. Acceptability was demonstrated by an average of
      less than 2 missing items per survey. The formal test of reliability revealed a
      global Cronbach's alpha exceeding 0.95 for all hernia types. Test-retest validity
      was supported by the correlation found between 2 different administrations of the
      CCS using the kappa coefficient. Principal component analysis identified 2
      components with a good distribution of variance, with the first component
      explaining approximately 60% of the variance, regardless of hernia type.
      Discriminant validity was assessed by comparing survey responses and use of pain
      medication at 1 month postoperatively and analysis revealed that symptomatic
      patients demonstrated significantly higher odds of requiring pain medication in
      all activity domains and for all hernia types. CONCLUSIONS: The present study
      confirms that the CCS questionnaire is a validated, sensitive, and robust
      instrument for assessing QOL after hernia repair, which has become a predominant
      outcome measure in this discipline of surgery.

PMID- 27655240
TI  - Frailty, Length of Stay, and Mortality in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A
      National Registry and Prospective Cohort Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To test whether frailty, a novel measure of physiologic reserve, is
      associated with longer kidney transplant (KT) length of stay (LOS), and modifies
      the association between LOS and mortality. BACKGROUND: Better understanding of
      LOS is necessary for informed consent and discharge planning. Mortality resulting
      from longer LOS has important regulatory implications for hospital and transplant
      programs. Which recipients are at risk of prolonged LOS and its effect on
      mortality are unclear. Frailty is a novel preoperative predictor of poor KT
      outcomes including delayed graft function, early hospital readmission,
      immunosuppression intolerance, and mortality. METHODS: We used registry-augmented
      hybrid methods, a novel approach to risk adjustment, to adjust for LOS risk
      factors from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (n = 74,859) and
      tested whether (1) frailty, measured immediately before KT in a novel cohort (n =
      589), was associated with LOS (LOS: negative binomial regression; LOS >=2 weeks:
      logistic regression) and (2) whether frailty modified the association between LOS
      and mortality (interaction term analysis). RESULTS: Frailty was independently
      associated with longer LOS [relative risk = 1.15, 95% confidence interval (CI):
      1.03-1.29; P = 0.01] and LOS >=2 weeks (odds ratio = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.06-2.33; P =
      0.03) after accounting for registry-based risk factors, including delayed graft
      function. Frailty also attenuated the association between LOS and mortality
      (nonfrail hazard rate = 1.55 95% CI: 1.30-1.86; P < 0.001; frail hazard rate =
      0.97, 95% CI: 0.79-1.19, P = 0.80; P for interaction = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Frail
      KT recipients are more likely to experience a longer LOS. Longer LOS among
      nonfrail recipients may be a marker of increased mortality risk. Frailty is a
      measure of physiologic reserve that may be an important clinical marker of longer
      surgical LOS.

PMID- 27655241
TI  - Rescuing the Clinical Breast Examination: Advances in Classifying Technique and
      Assessing Physician Competency.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Develop new performance evaluation standards for the clinical breast
      examination (CBE). SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: There are several, technical aspects
      of a proper CBE. Our recent work discovered a significant, linear relationship
      between palpation force and CBE accuracy. This article investigates the
      relationship between other technical aspects of the CBE and accuracy. METHODS:
      This performance assessment study involved data collection from physicians (n =
      553) attending 3 different clinical meetings between 2013 and 2014: American
      Society of Breast Surgeons, American Academy of Family Physicians, and American
      College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Four, previously validated, sensor
      enabled breast models were used for clinical skills assessment. Models A and B
      had solitary, superficial, 2 cm and 1 cm soft masses, respectively. Models C and
      D had solitary, deep, 2 cm hard and moderately firm masses, respectively. Finger
      movements (search technique) from 1137 CBE video recordings were independently
      classified by 2 observers. Final classifications were compared with CBE accuracy.
      RESULTS: Accuracy rates were model A = 99.6%, model B = 89.7%, model C = 75%, and
      model D = 60%. Final classification categories for search technique included
      rubbing movement, vertical movement, piano fingers, and other. Interrater
      reliability was (k = 0.79). Rubbing movement was 4 times more likely to yield an
      accurate assessment (odds ratio 3.81, P < 0.001) compared with vertical movement
      and piano fingers. Piano fingers had the highest failure rate (36.5%). Regression
      analysis of search pattern, search technique, palpation force, examination time,
      and 6 demographic variables, revealed that search technique independently and
      significantly affected CBE accuracy (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results support
      measurement and classification of CBE techniques and provide the foundation for a
      new paradigm in teaching and assessing hands-on clinical skills. The newly
      described piano fingers palpation technique was noted to have unusually high
      failure rates. Medical educators should be aware of the potential differences in
      effectiveness for various CBE techniques.

PMID- 27655242
TI  - Serogenotyping and emergence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase genes in non
      typhoidal Salmonella: first report from Saudi Arabia.

PMID- 27655243
TI  - Effects of Different Levels of Calcium Intake on Brain Cell Apoptosis in
      Fluorosis Rat Offspring and Its Molecular Mechanism.
AB  - The purpose of the investigation is to reveal the influence of dietary calcium on
      fluorosis-induced brain cell apoptosis in rat offspring, as well as the
      underlying molecular mechanism. Sprague-Dawley (SD) female rats were randomly
      divided into five groups: control group, fluoride group, low calcium, low calcium
      fluoride group, and high calcium fluoride group. SD male rats were used for
      breeding only. After 3 months, male and female rats were mated in a 1:1 ratio.
      Subsequently, 18-day-old gestation rats and 14- and 28-day-old rats were used as
      experimental subjects. We determined the blood/urine fluoride, the blood/urine
      calcium, the apoptosis in the hippocampus, and the expression levels of apoptosis
      related genes, namely Bcl-2, caspase 12, and JNK. Blood or blood/urine fluoride
      levels and apoptotic cells were found significantly increased in fluorosis rat
      offspring as compared to controls. Furthermore, the Bcl-2 messenger RNA (mRNA)
      expression levels significantly decreased, and caspase 12 mRNA levels
      significantly increased in each age group as compared to controls. Compared with
      the fluoride group, the blood/urine fluoride content and apoptotic cells
      evidently decreased in the high calcium fluoride group, Bcl-2 mRNA expression
      significantly increased and caspase 12 mRNA expression significantly decreased in
      each age group. All results showed no gender difference. Based on these results,
      the molecular mechanisms of fluorosis-induced brain cell apoptosis in rat
      offspring may include the decrease in Bcl-2 mRNA expression level and increase in
      caspase 12 mRNA expression signaling pathways. High calcium intake could reverse
      these gene expression trends. By contrast, low calcium intake intensified the
      toxic effects of fluoride on brain cells.

PMID- 27655245
TI  - Mobile Sensing and Support for People With Depression: A Pilot Trial in the Wild.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Depression is a burdensome, recurring mental health disorder with
      high prevalence. Even in developed countries, patients have to wait for several
      months to receive treatment. In many parts of the world there is only one mental
      health professional for over 200 people. Smartphones are ubiquitous and have a
      large complement of sensors that can potentially be useful in monitoring
      behavioral patterns that might be indicative of depressive symptoms and providing
      context-sensitive intervention support. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is
      2-fold, first to explore the detection of daily-life behavior based on sensor
      information to identify subjects with a clinically meaningful depression level,
      second to explore the potential of context sensitive intervention delivery to
      provide in-situ support for people with depressive symptoms. METHODS: A total of
      126 adults (age 20-57) were recruited to use the smartphone app Mobile Sensing
      and Support (MOSS), collecting context-sensitive sensor information and providing
      just-in-time interventions derived from cognitive behavior therapy. Real-time
      learning-systems were deployed to adapt to each subject's preferences to optimize
      recommendations with respect to time, location, and personal preference.
      Biweekly, participants were asked to complete a self-reported depression survey
      (PHQ-9) to track symptom progression. Wilcoxon tests were conducted to compare
      scores before and after intervention. Correlation analysis was used to test the
      relationship between adherence and change in PHQ-9. One hundred twenty features
      were constructed based on smartphone usage and sensors including accelerometer,
      Wifi, and global positioning systems (GPS). Machine-learning models used these
      features to infer behavior and context for PHQ-9 level prediction and tailored
      intervention delivery. RESULTS: A total of 36 subjects used MOSS for >=2 weeks.
      For subjects with clinical depression (PHQ-9>=11) at baseline and adherence >=8
      weeks (n=12), a significant drop in PHQ-9 was observed (P=.01). This group showed
      a negative trend between adherence and change in PHQ-9 scores (rho=-.498,
      P=.099). Binary classification performance for biweekly PHQ-9 samples (n=143),
      with a cutoff of PHQ-9>=11, based on Random Forest and Support Vector Machine
      leave-one-out cross validation resulted in 60.1% and 59.1% accuracy,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Proxies for social and physical behavior derived from
      smartphone sensor data was successfully deployed to deliver context-sensitive and
      personalized interventions to people with depressive symptoms. Subjects who used
      the app for an extended period of time showed significant reduction in self
      reported symptom severity. Nonlinear classification models trained on features
      extracted from smartphone sensor data including Wifi, accelerometer, GPS, and
      phone use, demonstrated a proof of concept for the detection of depression
      superior to random classification. While findings of effectiveness must be
      reproduced in a RCT to proof causation, they pave the way for a new generation of
      digital health interventions leveraging smartphone sensors to provide context
      sensitive information for in-situ support and unobtrusive monitoring of critical
      mental health states.

PMID- 27655244
TI  - Increasing mortality in the United States from cholangiocarcinoma: an analysis of
      the National Center for Health Statistics Database.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While mortality in the United States has decreased for most cancers,
      mortality from combined hepatocellular liver cancer and intrahepatic
      cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) has increased and ranked 1st in annual percent increase
      among cancer sites. Because reported statistics combine ICC with other liver
      cancers, mortality rates of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) remain unknown. This study
      is to determine CCA mortality trends and variation based on national data.
      METHODS: This nation-wide study was based on the underlying cause of death data
      collected by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) between 1999 and
      2014. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) Wide-ranging Online Data for
      Epidemiologic Research (WONDER) system was used to obtain data. ICC and extra
      hepatic CCA (ECC) were defined by ICD-10 diagnosis codes. Age-adjusted mortality
      rate was standardized to the US population in 2000. RESULTS: There were more than
      7000 CCA deaths each year in the US after 2013. CCA mortality for those aged 25+
      increased 36 % between 1999 and 2014, from 2.2 per 100,000 (95 % confidence
      interval [CI] 2.1-2.3) to 3.0 per 100,000 (95 % CI, 2.9-3.1). Mortality rates
      were lower among females compared with males (risk ratio [RR] 0.78, 95 % CI 0.77
      0.79). Asians had the highest mortality. Between 2004 and 2014, the increase in
      CCA mortality was highest among African Americans (45 %) followed by Asians (22
      %), and whites (20 %). CONCLUSION: Based on the most recent national data, CCA
      mortality rates have increased substantially in the past decade. Among different
      race/ethnic groups, African Americans have the highest increase in CCA mortality.

PMID- 27655246
TI  - Probiotic Enterococcus faecalis Symbioflor(r) down regulates virulence genes of
      EHEC in vitro and decrease pathogenicity in a Caenorhabditis elegans model.
AB  - Enterohemorrhagic E. coli O157:H7 (EHEC) shorten the lifespan of Caenorhabditis
      elegans compared to avirulent bacteria. Co-feeding EHEC with Enterococcus
      faecalis Symbioflor(r) significantly increased the worms' lifespan. The
      transcriptome of EHEC grown in vitro with or without Symbioflor(r) was analyzed
      using RNA-seq. The analysis revealed downregulation of several virulence
      associated genes in the presence of Symbioflor(r), including virulence key genes
      (e.g., LEE, flagellum, quorum-sensing). The downregulation of the LEE genes was
      corroborated by lux-transposon mutants. Upregulated genes included acid response
      genes, due to a decrease in pH exerted by Symbioflor(r). Further genes indicate
      cellular stress in EHEC (e.g. prophage/mobile elements involved in excision, cell
      lysis, and cell division inhibition). Thus, the observed protection of C. elegans
      during an EHEC infection by the probiotic Symbioflor(r) is suggested to be caused
      by triggering concomitant transcriptomic changes. To verify the biological
      relevance of this modulation, exemplary genes found to be influenced by
      Symbioflor(r) were knocked out (fliD, espB, Z3136, Z3917, and L7052). The
      lifespan of nematodes changed when using knock-outs as food source and the effect
      could be complemented in trans. In summary, Symbioflor(r) appears to be a
      protective probiotic in the nematode model.

PMID- 27655247
TI  - Short-Term Perinatal Outcome among Term Infants with Prenatal Diagnosis of Large
      Abdominal Circumference.
AB  - Background Measuring fetal abdominal circumference (AC) prenatally is an
      effective tool for predicting neonatal weight and macrosomia. Data are lacking
      regarding the outcome of newborn infants with prenatal diagnosis of large AC. Aim
      The aim of this study was to evaluate early short-term neonatal outcome among
      term singleton newborn infants with prenatal diagnosis of large AC. Methods
      Retrospective data were collected on 501 term infants with prenatal diagnosis of
      large AC (>= 360 mm) and on matched controls, including information on maternal
      condition and on infant perinatal complications. Results In compare with
      controls, the study group had higher incidence of macrosomia (188 [37.5%] vs. 18
      [3.6%], p < 0.001), hypoglycemia (48 (9.6%) vs. 25 [5%], p = 0.007), and
      significant morbidity (49 [9.8%] vs. 28 [5.6%], p = 0.017) but without increased
      incidence of congenital malformations or other perinatal complications. Only
      among the macrosomic, study subgroup and their controls differences were recorded
      including hypoglycemia (17.6 vs. 4.8%, p < 0.001), need for oral glucose (11.2
      vs. 2.7%, p = 0.002), significant morbidity (10.1 vs. 3.7%, p = 0.024), and
      hospitalization in special care unit (11.7 vs. 4.3%, p = 0.012). Conclusion
      Prelabor diagnosis of large AC mostly reflects the infant's high birth weight and
      macrosomia with the associated perinatal complications. Large AC by itself was
      not predictive of any congenital malformations or perinatal and postnatal
      complications.

PMID- 27655248
TI  - All-fiber transparent piezoelectric harvester with a cooperatively enhanced
      structure.
AB  - In this paper, we demonstrated a highly-flexible all-fiber based transparent
      piezoelectric harvester (ATPH) by using the direct-write, near-field
      electrospinning (NFES) technique and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) micro/nano
      fibers (MNFs) as source materials. Here, we comprehensively show that transferred
      high performance transparent electrodes with Au-coated nanowire (NW) electrodes
      can be obtained using a facile and scalable combined fabrication route of both
      electrospinning and sputtering processes. Au-coated MNFs of a.c. 110 nm thick can
      significantly reduce junction resistance, which results in high transmittance
      (90%) at low sheet resistance (175 Omega sq(-1)). The Au-coated MNFs electrodes
      also show great flexibility and stretchability, which easily surpass the
      brittleness of indium tin oxide (ITO) films. Further improvement in ATPH
      performance was realized by rolling the device into a cylindrical shape,
      resulting in an increase in power output due to the cooperatively enhanced
      effect. The rolled ATPH with 0.34 cm diameter produces a high output voltage of
      ~4.1 V, current ~295 nA at a strain of 0.5% and 5 hz. This can efficiently run
      commercially available electronic components in a self-powered mode without any
      external electrical supply. 

PMID- 27655249
TI  - When smokers quit: exposure to nicotine and carcinogens persists from thirdhand
      smoke pollution.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Over a 6-month period, we examined tobacco smoke pollutants (also
      known as thirdhand smoke, THS) that remained in the homes of former smokers and
      the exposure to these pollutants. METHODS: 90 smokers completed study measures at
      baseline (BL). Measures were repeated among verified quitters 1 week (W1), 1
      month (M1), 3 months (M3) and 6 months (M6) following cessation. Measures were
      analysed for THS pollutants on household surfaces, fingers and in dust (ie,
      nicotine, tobacco-specific nitrosamines) and for urinary markers of exposure (ie,
      cotinine, 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL)). RESULTS: We
      observed significant short-term reduction of nicotine on surfaces (BL: 22.2
      MUg/m2, W1: 10.8 MUg/m2) and on fingers of non-smoking residents (BL: 29.1
      ng/wipe, W1: 9.1 ng/wipe) without further significant changes. Concentrations of
      nicotine and nicotine-derived nitrosamine ketone (NNK) in dust did not change and
      remained near BL levels after cessation. Dust nicotine and NNK loadings
      significantly increased immediately following cessation (nicotine BL: 5.0 MUg/m2,
      W1: 9.3 MUg/m2; NNK BL: 11.6 ng/m2, W1: 36.3 ng/m2) before returning to and
      remaining at near BL levels. Cotinine and NNAL showed significant initial
      declines (cotinine BL: 4.6 ng/mL, W1: 1.3 ng/mL; NNAL BL: 10.0 pg/mL, W1: 4.2
      pg/mL) without further significant changes. CONCLUSIONS: Homes of smokers
      remained polluted with THS for up to 6 months after cessation. Residents
      continued to be exposed to THS toxicants that accumulated in settled house dust
      and on surfaces before smoking cessation. Further research is needed to better
      understand the consequences of continued THS exposure after cessation and the
      efforts necessary to remove THS.

PMID- 27655250
TI  - Analyzing Confabulations in Schizophrenia and Healthy Participants.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Confabulations occur in schizophrenia and certain severe
      neuropsychiatric conditions, and to a lesser degree in healthy individuals. The
      present study used a forced confabulation paradigm to assess differences in
      confabulation between schizophrenia patients and healthy controls. METHODS:
      Schizophrenia patients (n=60) and healthy control participants (n=19) were shown
      a video with missing segments, asked to fill in the gaps with speculations, and
      tested on their memory for the story. Cognitive functions and severity of
      symptoms were also evaluated. RESULTS: Schizophrenia patients generated
      significantly more confabulations than healthy control participants and had a
      greater tendency to generate confabulations that were related to each other.
      Schizophrenic confabulations were positively associated with temporal context
      confusions and formal thought disorder, and negatively with delusions.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that the schizophrenia patients generate more
      confabulations than healthy controls and schizophrenic confabulations are
      associated with positive symptoms. (JINS, 2016, 22, 911-919).

PMID- 27655251
TI  - Micropropagation of transgenic lettuce containing HBsAg as a method of mass-scale
      production of standardised plant material for biofarming purposes.
AB  - KEY MESSAGE: Micropropagation protocol of transgenic lettuce bearing S-, M- and L
      HBsAg was developed for increased production of uniformised material for oral
      vaccine preparation. Effective manufacturing of plant-based biopharmaceuticals,
      including oral vaccines, depends on sufficient content of a protein of interest
      in the initial material and its efficient conversion into an administrable
      formulation. However, stable production of plants with a uniformised antigen
      content is equally important for reproducible processing. This can be provided by
      micropropagation techniques. Here, we present a protocol for micropropagation of
      transgenic lettuce lines bearing HBV surface antigens: S-, M- and L-HBsAg. These
      were multiplied through axillary buds to avoid the risk of somaclonal variation.
      Micropropagation effectiveness reached 3.5-5.7 per passage, which implies
      potential production of up to 6600 plant clones within a maximum 5 months.
      Multiplication and rooting rates were statistically homogenous for most
      transgenic and control plants. For most lines, more than 90 % of clones obtained
      via in vitro micropropagation had HBsAg content as high as reference plants
      directly developed from seeds. Clones were also several times more uniform in
      HBsAg expression. Variation coefficients of HBsAg content did not exceed 10 % for
      approximately 40-85 % of clones, or reached a maximum 20 % for 90 % of all
      clones. Tissue culture did not affect total and leaf biomass yields. Seed
      production for clones was decreased insignificantly and did not impact progeny
      condition. Micropropagation facilitates a substantial increase in the production
      of lettuce plants with high and considerably equalised HBsAg contents. This,
      together with the previously reported optimisation of plant tissue processing and
      its long-term stability, constitutes a successive step in manufacturing of a
      standardised anti-HBV oral vaccine of reliable efficacy.

PMID- 27655253
TI  - Major Depression and Long-Term Outcomes of Acute Kidney Injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prevalence of depression and its relationship to poor outcomes in
      chronic kidney disease are established facts. Such prognostic impact in acute
      kidney injury (AKI) is not known. This study determines the prognostic
      implication of a diagnosis of depression on renal recovery and major adverse
      cardiovascular events (MACE), a new diagnosis of myocardial infarction,
      cerebrovascular disease (CVD, stroke or transient ischemic attack) or congestive
      heart failure (CHF) after hospitalization with AKI. METHODS: The study population
      comprises adults admitted to the University of Virginia Medical Center between
      January 1, 2002 and December 31, 2012 who suffered AKI during admission. Long
      term outcomes, MACE and all-cause mortality, were compared between 2 groups;
      patients with preexisting diagnosis of major depression and those without. Risk
      adjusted multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression examined the
      association between major depression and these outcomes. RESULTS: Patients with
      AKI numbering 11,425 survived beyond 90 days and had data available. Of these
      patients, 2,519 (22%) were majorly affected by depression; more often, younger
      patients, females, African Americans, and those with more comorbid conditions,
      especially CHF, CVD, diabetes, peptic ulcer disease, chronic pulmonary disease
      and liver disease were found to be affected with depression. Crude hazard ratio
      for MACE was 1.245, 95% CI 1.150-1.348 and for all-cause mortality 1.186, 95% CI
      1.091-1.290; p < 0.001, that is, the cohort with major depression had a long-term
      risk for MACE and all-cause mortality increased by 24 and 18%, respectively.
      CONCLUSION: Patients who develop AKI in hospital and have preexisting major
      depression are at greater long-term risk of MACE and all-cause mortality.

PMID- 27655252
TI  - Pancreas-sparing total duodenectomy for Spigelman stage IV duodenal polyposis
      associated with familial adenomatous polyposis: experience of 10 cases at a
      single institution.
AB  - Duodenal cancer is a leading cause of death in patients with familial adenomatous
      polyposis (FAP). In patients with Spigelman's classification (SC) stage IV
      duodenal polyposis (DP), careful endoscopic surveillance by specialists or
      surgical intervention is mandatory. We herein report the surgical and
      pathological outcomes of FAP patients with SC stage duodenal polyposis undergoing
      pancreas-sparing total duodenectomy (PSTD), which has been rarely reported but
      seems optimal in such patients. PSTD and distal gastrectomy with Billroth-I type
      reconstruction in ten consecutive FAP patients with SC stage IV DP are reported.
      The median duration of surgery was 396 min (range 314-571 min) and the median
      estimated blood loss was 480 mL (range 100-975 mL). Significant postoperative
      complications included wound infection in 1 patient, pancreatic fistula
      [International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula definition (ISGPF) grade B] in 4
      patients. Histopathologic examinations revealed a well-differentiated carcinoma
      in situ in 3 patients and others were all adenomas. Over a median follow-up
      period of 15 months (range 9-29 months), 1 patient developed a stomal ulcer which
      improved with medical treatment. There were no patients with a body weight loss
      of >=10 % relative to the preoperative body weight. No recurrence were
      experienced during the follow up period. Patients were free from postoperative
      diabetes mellitus. PSTD is a feasible and acceptable procedure in FAP patients
      with SC stage IV DP, in terms of surgical, pathological and clinical outcome.
      However, accumulation of the patients and long-term follow up study is necessary.

PMID- 27655255
TI  - Consequences of a Chronic Exposure of Cultured Brain Astrocytes to the Anti
      Retroviral Drug Efavirenz and its Primary Metabolite 8-Hydroxy Efavirenz.
AB  - Efavirenz is a widely prescribed non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor
      for the treatment of HIV infections. To test for potential long-term consequences
      of efavirenz on brain cells, cultured primary astrocytes were incubated with this
      substance or with its primary metabolite 8-hydroxy efavirenz for up to 7 days.
      Both, efavirenz and 8-hydroxy efavirenz caused time- and concentration-dependent
      cell toxicity and stimulated in subtoxic concentrations the glycolytic flux
      (glucose consumption and lactate release) in astrocytes. As 8-hydroxy efavirenz
      was less toxic than efavirenz and stimulated glycolysis in lower concentrations
      we tested for a potential hydroxylation of efavirenz to 8-hydroxy efavirenz in
      astrocytes. Analysis of media and cell lysates by HPLC-UV and mass spectrometry
      revealed that after 3 days of incubation viable astrocytes had accumulated about
      17 and 7 % of the applied efavirenz and 8-hydroxy efavirenz, respectively.
      However, in cultures treated with efavirenz neither 8-hydroxy efavirenz nor any
      other known metabolite of efavirenz was detectable. These data demonstrate that
      cultured rat astrocytes efficiently accumulate, but not metabolize, efavirenz and
      8-hydroxy efavirenz and that the observed chronic stimulation of glycolysis is
      mediated by both efavirenz and 8-hydroxy efavirenz.

PMID- 27655254
TI  - Ammonia Attenuates LPS-Induced Upregulation of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine mRNA in
      Co-Cultured Astrocytes and Microglia.
AB  - Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is associated with cerebral microglia activation.
      Ammonia, a major toxin of HE, activates microglia in vitro but does not trigger
      pro-inflammatory cytokine synthesis. In the present study we analysed effects of
      ammonia on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced upregulation of microglia activation
      and cytokine mRNA as well as on cytokine secretion in mono-cultured microglia and
      co-cultured astrocytes and microglia. In mono-cultured microglia LPS (100 ng/ml,
      18 h) strongly elevated mRNA levels of the microglia activation marker CD14 and
      the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1alpha/beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha. NH4Cl (5
      mmol/l) had no effect on LPS-induced upregulation of CD14, IL-1alpha/beta and IL
      6 mRNA but enhanced LPS-induced upregulation of TNF-alpha mRNA in mono-cultured
      microglia. In co-cultured astrocytes and microglia, however, LPS-induced
      upregulation of IL-1alpha/beta, TNF-alpha, IL-6, CD14 but not of IL-10, IL-12A/B
      or TGFbeta1-3 mRNA was attenuated by NH4Cl. LPS-induced upregulation of IL
      1alpha/beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha was also diminished by the TGR5-ligands
      allopregnanolone and taurolithocholic acid in mono-cultured microglia. NH4Cl also
      attenuated LPS-induced release of MCP-1, IL-6 and IL-10 in mono-cultured
      microglia. mRNA level of surrogate marker for microglia activation (CD14) and for
      the anti-inflammatory M2-type microglia (CD163, CXCL1, CXCL2) were also elevated
      in post mortem brain tissue taken from the fusiforme gyrus of patients with liver
      cirrhosis and HE. The findings suggest that ammonia attenuates LPS-induced
      microglia reactivity in an astrocyte-dependent way. One may speculate that these
      anti-inflammatory effects of ammonia may be triggered by neurosteroids derived
      from astrocytes and may account for absence of microglia reactivity in cerebral
      cortex of cirrhotic patients with HE.

PMID- 27655257
TI  - Heart failure in a neonate with multiple cardiac masses.
AB  - CLINICAL INTRODUCTION: A 16-day-old male neonate weighing 3.4 kg presented with
      severe heart failure. His heart rate was 190/min, normal sinus rhythm, blood
      pressure was 55/30 mm Hg and respiratory rate was 65/min. Transthoracic
      echocardiography and cardiac MRI showed multiple intracardiac masses; the largest
      was filling most of the left ventricular cavity (figure 1A) (see online
      supplementary video 1 and figure S1), measuring around 2.8 cm*1.8 cm and arising
      from the apical septum. Left ventricular function was moderately impaired with an
      ejection fraction of 40%. Due to accelerated haemodynamic instability, the mass
      was excised surgically. Through left ventriculotomy, a large mass could be
      identified which was attached with a pedicle to the apical septum. This mass was
      excised with its pedicle.During early postoperative course, the patient developed
      subdural and intraventricular haemorrhage, necessitating insertion of a
      ventriculoperitoneal shunt. MRI of the brain showed dark-signalled subependymal
      nodules and multiple cortical patches of high T2 signals (see online
      supplementary figure S2). The patient had no neurological sequelae and was
      discharged home.The patient was discharged home with no neurological sequelae.
      During the 2-year follow-up period, serial echocardiograms showed regression of
      the rest of the cardiac tumours and improvement of cardiac functions (see online
      supplementary figure S3). However, fibrous plaques were observed on the child's
      forehead. QUESTION: What is the most likely diagnosis?
      HibernomaFibromaRhabdomyomaRhabdomyosarcoma.

PMID- 27655256
TI  - Intrathecal Injection of Human Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
      Ameliorates Neuropathic Pain in Rats.
AB  - Neuropathic pain (NP) is a clinically incurable disease with miscellaneous
      causes, complicated mechanisms and available therapies show poor curative effect.
      Some recent studies have indicated that neuroinflammation plays a vital role in
      the occurrence and promotion of NP and anti-inflammatory therapy has the
      potential to relieve the pain. During the past decades, mesenchymal stem cells
      (MSCs) with properties of multipotentiality, low immunogenicity and anti
      inflammatory activity have showed excellent therapeutic effects in cell therapy
      from animal models to clinical application, thus aroused great attention. However
      there are no reports about the effect of intrathecal human umbilical cord-derived
      mesenchymal stem cells (HUC-MSCs) on NP which is induced by peripheral nerve
      injury. Therefore, in this study, intrathecally transplanted HUC-MSCs were
      utilized to examine the effect on neuropathic pain induced by a rat model with
      spinal nerve ligation (SNL), so as to explore the possible mechanism of those
      effects. As shown in the results, the HUC-MSCs transplantation obviously
      ameliorated SNL-induced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, which was
      related to the inhibiting process of neuroinflammation, including the suppression
      of activated astrocytes and microglia, as well as the significant reduction of
      pro-inflammatory cytokines Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and Interleukin -17A (IL
      17A) and the up-regulation of anti-inflammatory cytokine Interleukin -10 (IL-10).
      Therefore, through the effect on glial cells, pro-inflammatory and anti
      inflammatory cytokine, the targeting intrathecal HUC-MSCs may offer a novel
      treatment strategy for NP.

PMID- 27655258
TI  - One-year visual outcome of small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) surgery in
      high myopic eyes: retrospective cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the long-term visual outcome of small incision
      lenticule extraction (SMILE) surgery is consistent with the short-term results in
      high myopic eyes. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study; data collected from 8
      August 2011 to 31 August 2015. SETTING: Single refractive surgery centre.
      PARTICIPANTS: A total of 156 eyes were studied: 65 eyes of 39 subjects (22
      female/17 male) in the high myopic group (manifest refraction spherical
      equivalent (MRSE) >=-6.0 D), and 91 eyes of 54 subjects (29 female/25 male) in
      the control group (MRSE <-6.0 D). The inclusion criteria were subjects who had
      follow-ups after 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3, 6 months and 1 year with the manifest
      refraction, uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity (UDVA/CDVA). There
      were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in the
      subjects' gender, age, or cylindrical dioptre, preoperatively (p=0.835, p=0.055,
      p=0.341, respectively). PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: UDVA, refractive
      stability, safety index (postoperative CDVA/preoperative CDVA), and
      predictability (the percentage of eyes within +/-0.50 D). RESULTS: In both
      groups, the 1-year UDVA and safety index were significantly better than results
      at 1 day (high myopic group: p=0.035, p<0.001; control group: p<0.016, p<0.001);
      the 1-year predictability showed no significant difference with the short-term
      results (p=1.00 in both groups). In the high myopic eyes, the 1-year MRSE was
      significantly worse than the short-term result (p=0.048). To correct it, the
      added magnitude (D) for the high myopic eyes may equal 0.13*Attempted SE (D)-0.66
      D. However, the postoperative MRSE showed no differences from 1 day to 1 year
      (p=0.612) in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The 1-year visual outcomes were
      better than the short-term results after the SMILE surgery on the visual acuity
      and safety. However, the high myopic eyes suffered a significant regression at 1
      year, which may be corrected by adding additional magnitude to the SE for high
      myopic eyes.

PMID- 27655259
TI  - A comparison of pregnancy outcomes in Ghanaian women with varying dietary
      diversity: a prospective cohort study protocol.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Poor dietary intake during pregnancy can have negative
      repercussions on the mother and fetus. This study therefore aims to explore the
      dietary diversity (DD) of pregnant women and its associations with pregnancy
      outcomes among women in Northern Ghana. The main outcome variables to be measured
      are gestational weight gain and birth weight. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A prospective
      cohort study design will be used and 600 pregnant women in their first trimester
      will be systematically recruited at health facilities and followed until
      delivery. In three follow-up visits after recruitment, information on
      sociodemographic and general characteristics, physical activity (International
      Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short form, dietary intake (24-hour food
      recall), anthropometry and pregnancy outcomes will be collected. DD will be
      measured three times using the minimum DD-women (MDD-W) indicator and the mean of
      the three values overall will be used to determine low (<5 food groups) and high
      (>=5 food groups) DD. Data will be analysed using SPSS. Comparisons between
      groups (categorical data) will be made using the chi2 test for proportions, and t
      tests and ANOVA will be performed on continuous variables. Regression analysis
      will be used to identify independent outcome predictors while controlling for
      possible confounding factors. The results may help to identify differences in DD
      between healthy and unhealthy pregnancy outcomes. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The
      study protocol has been approved by the ethics committee of Tehran University of
      Medical Sciences and the ethical review committee of the Tamale Teaching
      Hospital. Written informed consent will be obtained from all subjects. The
      results will be published in due course.

PMID- 27655260
TI  - Ability of preoperative falls to predict postsurgical outcomes in non-selected
      patients undergoing elective surgery at an academic medical centre: protocol for
      a prospective cohort study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Falls are increasingly recognised for their ability to herald
      impending health decline. Despite the likely susceptibility of postsurgical
      patients to falls, a detailed description of postoperative falls in an unselected
      surgical population has never been performed. One study suggests that
      preoperative falls may forecast postoperative complications. However, a larger
      study with non-selected surgical patients and patient-centred outcomes is needed
      to provide the generalisability and justification necessary to implement
      preoperative falls assessment into routine clinical practice. The aims of this
      study are therefore twofold. First, we aim to describe the main features of
      postoperative falls in a population of unselected surgical patients. Second, we
      aim to test the hypothesis that a history of falls in the 6 months prior to
      surgery predicts postoperative falls, poor quality of life, functional
      dependence, complications and readmission. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: To achieve these
      goals, we study adult patients who underwent elective surgery at our academic
      medical centre and were recruited to participate in a prospective, survey-based
      cohort study called Systematic Assessment and Targeted Improvement of Services
      Following Yearlong Surgical Outcomes Surveys (SATISFY-SOS) (NCT02032030).
      Patients who reported falling in the 6 months prior to surgery will be considered
      'exposed.' The primary outcome of interest is postoperative falls within 30 days
      of surgery. Secondary outcomes include postoperative functional dependence,
      quality of life (both physical and mental), in-hospital complications and
      readmission. Regression models will permit controlling for important confounders.
      ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The home institution's Institutional Review Board
      approved this study (IRB ID number 201505035). The authors will publish the
      findings, regardless of the results.

PMID- 27655261
TI  - Discontinuing financial incentives for adherence to antipsychotic depot
      medication: long-term outcomes of a cluster randomised controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: In a cluster randomised controlled trial, offering financial
      incentives improved adherence to antipsychotic depot medication over a 1-year
      period. Yet, it is unknown whether this positive effect is sustained once the
      incentives stop. METHODS AND ANALYSES: Patients in the intervention and control
      group were followed up for 2 years after the intervention. Primary and secondary
      outcomes were assessed at 6 months and 24 months post intervention. Assessments
      were conducted between September 2011 and November 2014. RESULTS: After the
      intervention period, intervention and control groups did not show any
      statistically significant differences in adherence, neither in the first 6 months
      (71% and 77%, respectively) nor in the following 18 months (68%, 74%). There were
      no statistically significant differences in secondary outcomes, that is,
      adherence >=95% and untoward incidents either. CONCLUSIONS: It may be concluded
      that incentives to improve adherence to antipsychotic maintenance medication are
      effective only for as long as they are provided. Once they are stopped, adherence
      returns to approximately baseline level with no sustained benefit. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN77769281; Results.

PMID- 27655262
TI  - Sodium intake and blood pressure in children and adolescents: protocol for a
      systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. In
      adults, high sodium intake is associated with elevated blood pressure. In
      children, experimental studies have shown that reducing sodium intake can reduce
      blood pressure. However, their external validity is limited, notably because the
      sodium reduction was substantial and not applicable in a real-life setting.
      Observational studies, on the other hand, allow assess the association between
      blood pressure and sodium intake across usual levels of consumption. There is
      also evidence that the association differs between subgroups of children
      according to age and body weight. Our objective is to conduct a systematic review
      and meta-analysis of experimental and observational studies on the association
      between sodium intake and blood pressure in children and adolescents and to
      assess whether the association differs according to age and body weight. METHODS
      AND ANALYSIS: A systematic search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and CENTRAL
      databases will be conducted and supplemented by a manual search of bibliographies
      and unpublished studies. Experimental and observational studies involving
      children or adolescents between 0 and 18 years of age will be included. The
      exposure will be dietary sodium intake, estimated using different methods
      including urinary sodium excretion. The outcomes will be systolic and diastolic
      blood pressure, elevated blood pressure and hypertension. If appropriate, meta
      analyses will be performed by pooling data across all studies together and
      separately for experimental and observational studies. Subgroup meta-analyses by
      age and body weight will be also conducted. Moreover, separate meta-analyses for
      different sodium intake levels will be conducted to investigate the dose-response
      relationship. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This systematic review and meta-analysis
      will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. A report will be prepared for
      national authorities and other stakeholders in the domains of nutrition, public
      health, and child health in Switzerland. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER:
      CRD42016038245.

PMID- 27655264
TI  - Can a mobile app improve the quality of patient care provided by trainee doctors?
      Analysis of trainees' case reports.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To explore how a medical textbook app ('iDoc') supports newly
      qualified doctors in providing high-quality patient care. DESIGN: The iDoc
      project, funded by the Wales Deanery, provides new doctors with an app which
      gives access to key medical textbooks. Participants' submitted case reports
      describing self-reported accounts of specific instances of app use. The size of
      the data set enabled analysis of a subsample of 'complex' case reports. Of the
      568 case reports submitted by Foundation Year 1s (F1s)/Year 2s (F2s), 142 (25%)
      detailed instances of diagnostic decision-making and were identified as
      'complex'. We analysed these data against the Quality Improvement (QI) Framework
      using thematic content analysis. SETTING: Clinical settings across Wales, UK.
      PARTICIPANTS: Newly qualified doctors (2012-2014; n=114), F1 and F2.
      INTERVENTIONS: The iDoc app, powered by Dr Companion software, provided newly
      qualified doctors in Wales with a selection of key medical textbooks via
      individuals' personal smartphone. RESULTS: Doctors' use of the iDoc app supported
      5 of the 6 QI elements: efficiency, timeliness, effectiveness, safety and patient
      centredness. None of the case reports were coded to the equity element.
      Efficiency was the element which attracted the highest number of case report
      references. We propose that the QI Framework should be expanding to include
      'learning' as a 7th element. CONCLUSIONS: Access to key medical textbooks via an
      app provides trusted and valuable support to newly qualified doctors during a
      period of transition. On the basis of these doctors' self-reported accounts, our
      evidence indicates that the use of the app enhances efficiency, effectiveness and
      timeliness of patient-care in addition consolidating a safe, patient-centred
      approach. We propose that there is scope to extend the QI Framework by
      incorporating 'learning' as a 7th element in recognition of the relationship
      between providing high-quality care through educational engagement.

PMID- 27655263
TI  - Systematic evaluation of patient-reported outcome (PRO) protocol content and
      reporting in UK cancer clinical trials: the EPiC study protocol.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Emerging evidence suggests that patient-reported outcome (PRO)
      specific information may be omitted in trial protocols and that PRO results are
      poorly reported, limiting the use of PRO data to inform cancer care. This study
      aims to evaluate the standards of PRO-specific content in UK cancer trial
      protocols and their arising publications and to highlight examples of best
      practice PRO protocol content and reporting where they occur. The objective of
      this study is to determine if these early findings are generalisable to UK cancer
      trials, and if so, how best we can bring about future improvements in clinical
      trials methodology to enhance the way PROs are assessed, managed and reported.
      HYPOTHESIS: Trials in which the primary end point is based on a PRO will have
      more complete PRO protocol and publication components than trials in which PROs
      are secondary end points. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Completed National Institute for
      Health Research (NIHR) Portfolio Cancer clinical trials (all cancer
      specialities/age-groups) will be included if they contain a primary/secondary PRO
      end point. The NIHR portfolio includes cancer trials, supported by a range of
      funders, adjudged as high-quality clinical research studies. The sample will be
      drawn from studies completed between 31 December 2000 and 1 March 2014 (n=1141)
      to allow sufficient time for completion of the final trial report and
      publication. Two reviewers will then review the protocols and arising
      publications of included trials to: (1) determine the completeness of their PRO
      specific protocol content; (2) determine the proportion and completeness of PRO
      reporting in UK Cancer trials and (3) model factors associated with PRO protocol
      and reporting completeness and with PRO reporting proportion. ETHICS AND
      DISSEMINATION: The study was approved by the ethics committee at University of
      Birmingham (ERN_15-0311). Trial findings will be disseminated via presentations
      at local, national and international conferences, peer-reviewed journals and
      social media including the CPROR twitter account and UOB departmental website
      (http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/cpro0r). TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO
      CRD42016036533.

PMID- 27655265
TI  - Reliable Quantification of the Potential for Equations Based on Spot Urine
      Samples to Estimate Population Salt Intake: Protocol for a Systematic Review and
      Meta-Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Methods based on spot urine samples (a single sample at one time
      point) have been identified as a possible alternative approach to 24-hour urine
      samples for determining mean population salt intake. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this
      study is to identify a reliable method for estimating mean population salt intake
      from spot urine samples. This will be done by comparing the performance of
      existing equations against one other and against estimates derived from 24-hour
      urine samples. The effects of factors such as ethnicity, sex, age, body mass
      index, antihypertensive drug use, health status, and timing of spot urine
      collection will be explored. The capacity of spot urine samples to measure change
      in salt intake over time will also be determined. Finally, we aim to develop a
      novel equation (or equations) that performs better than existing equations to
      estimate mean population salt intake. METHODS: A systematic review and meta
      analysis of individual participant data will be conducted. A search has been
      conducted to identify human studies that report salt (or sodium) excretion based
      upon 24-hour urine samples and spot urine samples. There were no restrictions on
      language, study sample size, or characteristics of the study population. MEDLINE
      via OvidSP (1946-present), Premedline via OvidSP, EMBASE, Global Health via
      OvidSP (1910-present), and the Cochrane Library were searched, and two reviewers
      identified eligible studies. The authors of these studies will be invited to
      contribute data according to a standard format. Individual participant records
      will be compiled and a series of analyses will be completed to: (1) compare
      existing equations for estimating 24-hour salt intake from spot urine samples
      with 24-hour urine samples, and assess the degree of bias according to key
      demographic and clinical characteristics; (2) assess the reliability of using
      spot urine samples to measure population changes in salt intake overtime; and (3)
      develop a novel equation that performs better than existing equations to estimate
      mean population salt intake. RESULTS: The search strategy identified 538 records;
      100 records were obtained for review in full text and 73 have been confirmed as
      eligible. In addition, 68 abstracts were identified, some of which may contain
      data eligible for inclusion. Individual participant data will be requested from
      the authors of eligible studies. CONCLUSIONS: Many equations for estimating salt
      intake from spot urine samples have been developed and validated, although most
      have been studied in very specific settings. This meta-analysis of individual
      participant data will enable a much broader understanding of the capacity for
      spot urine samples to estimate population salt intake.

PMID- 27655266
TI  - Vitamin D and allergic airway disease shape the murine lung microbiome in a sex
      specific manner.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vitamin D is under scrutiny as a potential regulator of the
      development of respiratory diseases characterised by chronic lung inflammation,
      including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It has anti
      inflammatory effects; however, knowledge around the relationship between dietary
      vitamin D, inflammation and the microbiome in the lungs is limited. In our
      previous studies, we observed more inflammatory cells in the bronchoalveolar
      lavage fluid and increased bacterial load in the lungs of vitamin D-deficient
      male mice with allergic airway disease, suggesting that vitamin D might modulate
      the lung microbiome. In the current study, we examined in more depth the effects
      of vitamin D deficiency initiated early in life, and subsequent supplementation
      with dietary vitamin D on the composition of the lung microbiome and the extent
      of respiratory inflammation. METHODS: BALB/c dams were fed a vitamin D
      supplemented or -deficient diet throughout gestation and lactation, with
      offspring continued on this diet post-natally. Some initially deficient offspring
      were fed a supplemented diet from 8 weeks of age. The lungs of naive adult male
      and female offspring were compared prior to the induction of allergic airway
      disease. In further experiments, offspring were sensitised and boosted with the
      experimental allergen, ovalbumin (OVA), and T helper type 2-skewing adjuvant,
      aluminium hydroxide, followed by a single respiratory challenge with OVA.
      RESULTS: In mice fed a vitamin D-containing diet throughout life, a sex
      difference in the lung microbial community was observed, with increased levels of
      an Acinetobacter operational taxonomic unit (OTU) in female lungs compared to
      male lungs. This effect was not observed in vitamin D-deficient mice or initially
      deficient mice supplemented with vitamin D from early adulthood. In addition,
      serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels inversely correlated with total bacterial OTUs,
      and Pseudomonas OTUs in the lungs. Increased levels of the antimicrobial murine
      beta-defensin-2 were detected in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of male and
      female mice fed a vitamin D-containing diet. The induction of OVA-induced
      allergic airway disease itself had a profound affect on the OTUs identified in
      the lung microbiome, which was accompanied by substantially more respiratory
      inflammation than that induced by vitamin D deficiency alone. CONCLUSION: These
      data support the notion that maintaining sufficient vitamin D is necessary for
      optimal lung health, and that vitamin D may modulate the lung microbiome in a sex
      specific fashion. Furthermore, our data suggest that the magnitude of the pro
      inflammatory and microbiome-modifying effects of vitamin D deficiency were
      substantially less than that of allergic airway disease, and that there is an
      important interplay between respiratory inflammation and the lung microbiome.

PMID- 27655267
TI  - Improved survival among ICU-hospitalized patients with community-acquired
      pneumonia by unidentified organisms: a multicenter case-control study.
AB  - A retrospective analysis from prospectively collected data was conducted in
      intensive care units (ICUs) at 33 hospitals in Europe comparing the trend in ICU
      survival among adults with severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) due to
      unknown organisms from 2000 to 2015. The secondary objective was to establish
      whether changes in antibiotic policies were associated with different outcomes.
      ICU mortality decreased (p = 0.02) from 26.9 % in the first study period (2000
      2002) to 15.7 % in the second period (2008-2015). Demographic data and clinical
      severity at admission were comparable between groups, except for age over 65
      years and incidence of cardiomyopathy. Over time, patients received higher rates
      of combination therapy (94.3 vs. 77.2 %; p < 0.01) and early (<3 h) antibiotic
      delivery (72.9 vs. 50.3 %; p < 0.01); likewise, the 2008-2015 group was more
      likely to receive adequate antibiotic prescription [as defined by the Infectious
      Diseases Society of America/American Thoracic Society (IDSA/ATS) guidelines] than
      the 2000-2002 group (70.7 vs. 48.2 %; p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis showed an
      independent association between decreased ICU mortality and early (<3 h)
      antibiotic administration [odds ratio (OR) 3.48 [1.70-7.15], p < 0.01] or
      adequate antibiotic prescription according to guidelines (OR 2.22 [1.11-4.43], p
      = 0.02). In conclusion, our findings suggest that ICU mortality in severe CAP due
      to unidentified organisms has decreased in the last 15 years. Several changes in
      management and better compliance with guidelines over time were associated with
      increased survival.

PMID- 27655269
TI  - Erratum: Transition of Patients with Esophageal Atresia to Adult Care: Results of
      a Transition-Specific Education Program.

PMID- 27655268
TI  - Spatial Distribution of Reef Fish Species along the Southeast US Atlantic Coast
      Inferred from Underwater Video Survey Data.
AB  - Marine fish abundance and distribution often varies across spatial scales for a
      variety of reasons, and this variability has significant ecological and
      management consequences. We quantified the distribution of reef-associated fish
      species along the southeast United States Atlantic coast using underwater video
      survey samples (N = 4,855 in 2011-2014) to elucidate variability within species
      across space, depths, and habitats, as well as describe broad-scale patterns in
      species richness. Thirty-two species were seen at least 10 times on video, and
      the most commonly observed species were red porgy (Pagrus pagrus; 41.4% of
      videos), gray triggerfish (Balistes capriscus; 31.0%), black sea bass
      (Centropristis striata; 29.1%), vermilion snapper (Rhomboplites aurorubens;
      27.7%), and red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus; 22.6%). Using generalized additive
      models, we found that most species were non-randomly distributed across space,
      depths, and habitats. Most rare species were observed along the continental shelf
      break, except for goliath grouper (Epinephelus itajara), which was found on the
      continental shelf in Florida and Georgia. We also observed higher numbers of
      species in shelf-break habitats from southern North Carolina to Georgia, and
      fewer in shallower water and at the northern and southern ends of the southeast
      United States Atlantic coast. Our study provides the first broad-scale
      description of the spatial distribution of reef fish in the region to be based on
      fishery-independent data, reinforces the utility of underwater video to survey
      reef fish, and can help improve the management of reef fish in the SEUS, for
      example, by improving indices of abundance.

PMID- 27655270
TI  - In-vacuum thermolysis of ethane 1,2-diamineborane for the synthesis of ternary
      borocarbonitrides.
AB  - High-temperature (1000  degrees C) thermolytic decomposition of ethane 1,2
      diamineborane (BH3NH2CH2CH2NH2BH3) deposited onto a Cu foil has been performed in
      an ultra-high-vacuum environment. A combined thermolytic, structural (x-ray
      diffraction), microscopic (scanning electron microscopy) and spectroscopic
      (Raman, x-ray photoemission spectroscopy) analysis, has identified a ternary
      borocarbonitride (BCN) compound as a result of the process. The obtained BCN
      compound is nanocrystalline, surrounded by crystallites of ammonium hydroxide
      borate hydrate. The ternary compound presents a 0.2:0.6:0.2 B:C:N composition in
      the bulk and 0.11:0.76:0.13 stoichiometry at the very surface, richer in C-C
      networks with respect to the bulk. Furthermore, the resulting BCN compound does
      not show oxidation at the surface due to the in-vacuum thermolysis of the single
      precursor. 

PMID- 27655271
TI  - Generation of the Human Biped Stance by a Neural Controller Able to Compensate
      Neurological Time Delay.
AB  - The development of a physiologically plausible computational model of a neural
      controller that can realize a human-like biped stance is important for a large
      number of potential applications, such as assisting device development and
      designing robotic control systems. In this paper, we develop a computational
      model of a neural controller that can maintain a musculoskeletal model in a
      standing position, while incorporating a 120-ms neurological time delay. Unlike
      previous studies that have used an inverted pendulum model, a musculoskeletal
      model with seven joints and 70 muscular-tendon actuators is adopted to represent
      the human anatomy. Our proposed neural controller is composed of both feed
      forward and feedback controls. The feed-forward control corresponds to the
      constant activation input necessary for the musculoskeletal model to maintain a
      standing posture. This compensates for gravity and regulates stiffness. The
      developed neural controller model can replicate two salient features of the human
      biped stance: (1) physiologically plausible muscle activations for quiet
      standing; and (2) selection of a low active stiffness for low energy consumption.

PMID- 27655272
TI  - Impact of peer-led quality improvement networks on quality of inpatient mental
      health care: study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Quality improvement networks are peer-led programmes in which members
      of the network assess the quality of care colleagues provide according to agreed
      standards of practice. These networks aim to help members identify areas of
      service provision that could be improved and share good practice. Despite the
      widespread use of peer-led quality improvement networks, there is very little
      information about their impact. We are conducting a cluster randomized controlled
      trial of a quality improvement network for low-secure mental health wards to
      examine the impact of membership on the process and outcomes of care over a 12
      month period. METHODS: Standalone low secure units in England and Wales that
      expressed an interest in joining the quality improvement network were recruited
      for the study from 2012 to 2014. Thirty-eight units were randomly allocated to
      either the active intervention (participation in the network n = 18) or a control
      arm (delayed participation in the network n = 20). Using a 5 % significance level
      and 90 % power, it was calculated that a sample size of 60 wards was required
      taking into account a 10 % drop out. A total of 75 wards were assessed at
      baseline and 8 wards dropped out the study before the data collection at follow
      up. Researchers masked to the allocation status of the units assessed all study
      outcomes at baseline and follow-up 12 months later. The primary outcome is the
      quality of the physical environment and facilities on the wards. The secondary
      outcomes are: safety of the ward, patient-rated satisfaction with care and mental
      well-being, staff burnout, training and supervision. Relative to control wards,
      it is hypothesized that the quality of the physical environment and facilities
      will be higher on wards in the active arm of the trial 12 months after
      randomization. DISCUSSION: To our knowledge, this is the first randomized
      evaluation of a peer-led quality improvement network that has examined the impact
      of participation on both patient-level and service-level outcomes. The study has
      the potential to help shape future efforts to improve the quality of inpatient
      care. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN79614916 .
      Retrospectively registered 28 March 2014].

PMID- 27655274
TI  - Procalcitonin Impairs Endothelial Cell Function and Viability.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Procalcitonin is used as a diagnostic tool for the identification and
      risk stratification of septic patients. Procalcitonin plasma concentrations
      tightly correlate with the severity of the ongoing inflammatory reaction and can
      rise up to 10,000-fold. Impairment of endothelial cell function plays an
      important role in the pathogenesis of hypotension and disturbed organ perfusion
      during sepsis. We investigated the possible effects of procalcitonin itself on
      endothelial cell function and viability. METHODS: Human endothelial cells were
      exposed to 0.01 to 100 ng/mL procalcitonin and investigated for endothelial
      permeability using transwells, migration in a scratch wound assay and new
      capillary formation on extracellular matrix in vitro. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha
      and vascular endothelial growth factor served as positive controls.
      Procalcitonin's impact on the response of endothelial cells toward ischemia was
      investigated in vivo in the murine model of unilateral femoral artery ligation.
      Procalcitonin-exposed endothelial cells were subjected to immunoblot for the
      investigation of vascular endothelial-cadherin expression and angiogenic
      signaling pathways. Flow cytometry was used for the detection of inflammatory
      activation and viability, and genomic analysis was performed. Data are presented
      as difference in means and 95% confidence intervals; statistical analyses were
      performed using analysis of variance/Bonferroni, and P values are reported as
      adjusted for multiple comparisons (Padjust). RESULTS: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha
      and 0.1 ng/mL procalcitonin induced endothelial barrier disruption after
      incubation of endothelial monolayers for 6 hours (-2.53 [-4.16 to -0.89], P =
      .0008 and -2.09 [-3.73 to -0.45], Padjust = .0064 compared with vehicle-treated
      control, respectively). Procalcitonin beginning at concentrations of 0.02 ng/mL
      reduced endothelial cell migration (0.26 [0.06 to 0.47], Padjust = .0069) and new
      capillary formation in vitro (0.47 [0.28 to 0.66], Padjust < .0001) contrasting
      the proangiogenic action of vascular endothelial growth factor. Left ventricular
      injection of procalcitonin in mice on postoperative day 1, 3, and 5 after
      induction of ischemia impaired new capillary formation and recovery of hindlimb
      perfusion in vivo (number of capillaries/mm in the ischemic leg of vehicle
      treated versus procalcitonin-treated mice, 852.6 [383.4-1322], Padjust = .0002).
      Twenty-four-hour incubation with procalcitonin reduced the expression of vascular
      endothelial-cadherin at 100 ng/mL (0.39 [0.06-0.71], Padjust = .0167) and induced
      endothelial cell death (apoptosis, -5.4 [-10.67 to -0.13], Padjust = .0431). No
      alteration in the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell
      adhesion molecule-1 or extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, and AKT
      signaling pathways was observed. Genomic analysis revealed regulation of a
      variety of genes involved in inflammation, angiogenesis, and cell growth.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study found that procalcitonin itself impaired several aspects
      of endothelial cell function. Procalcitonin-induced loss of endothelial barrier
      function may contribute to capillary leakage and therapy-refractory hypotension
      during sepsis. Anti-angiogenic properties of procalcitonin at low concentrations
      could also identify procalcitonin as a mediator of vascular disease associated
      with the metabolic syndrome. Future studies are needed to further test
      procalcitonin as a potential therapeutic target for preserving vascular
      dysfunction during acute and chronic inflammatory disorders.

PMID- 27655273
TI  - Fire Usage and Ancient Hominin Detoxification Genes: Protective Ancestral
      Variants Dominate While Additional Derived Risk Variants Appear in Modern Humans.
AB  - Studies of the defence capacity of ancient hominins against toxic substances may
      contribute importantly to the reconstruction of their niche, including their
      diets and use of fire. Fire usage implies frequent exposure to hazardous
      compounds from smoke and heated food, known to affect general health and
      fertility, probably resulting in genetic selection for improved detoxification.
      To investigate whether such genetic selection occurred, we investigated the
      alleles in Neanderthals, Denisovans and modern humans at gene polymorphisms well
      known to be relevant from modern human epidemiological studies of habitual
      tobacco smoke exposure and mechanistic evidence. We compared these with the
      alleles in chimpanzees and gorillas. Neanderthal and Denisovan hominins
      predominantly possess gene variants conferring increased resistance to these
      toxic compounds. Surprisingly, we observed the same in chimpanzees and gorillas,
      implying that less efficient variants are derived and mainly evolved in modern
      humans. Less efficient variants are observable from the first early Upper
      Palaeolithic hunter-gatherers onwards. While not clarifying the deep history of
      fire use, our results highlight the long-term stability of the genes under
      consideration despite major changes in the hominin dietary niche. Specifically
      for detoxification gene variants characterised as deleterious by epidemiological
      studies, our results confirm the predominantly recent appearance reported for
      deleterious human gene variants, suggesting substantial impact of recent human
      population history, including pre-Holocene expansions.

PMID- 27655275
TI  - The Importance of Developing Standardized Transparent Validation of Large Data.

PMID- 27655276
TI  - Apneic Oxygenation During Prolonged Laryngoscopy in Obese Patients: A Randomized,
      Controlled Trial of Buccal RAE Tube Oxygen Administration.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite optimal preoxygenation, obese patients undergoing induction
      of general anesthesia exhibit significant hypoxemia after 2 to 4 minutes of
      apnea. Apneic oxygenation techniques can assist airway management by extending
      the safe apnea time. We hypothesized that a novel method of apneic oxygenation
      via the oral route would effectively prolong safe apnea in an obese surgical
      population. METHODS: In this open-label, parallel-arm, randomized-controlled
      efficacy trial, 40 ASA physical status I-II obese patients with body mass index
      (BMI) 30-40 were randomly assigned to standard care (n = 20) or buccal
      oxygenation (n = 20) during induction of total IV anesthesia. Buccal oxygen was
      administered via a modified 3.5-mm Ring-Adair-Elwyn (RAE) tube apposed to the
      left internal cheek. Prolonged laryngoscopy maintained apnea with a patent airway
      until SpO2 dropped below 95% or 750 seconds elapsed. The primary outcome was time
      to reach SpO2 < 95%. RESULTS: Patient characteristics were similar in both study
      arms. Recipients of buccal oxygenation were less likely to exhibit SpO2 < 95%
      during 750 seconds of apnea; hazard ratio 0.159 (95% confidence interval 0.044
      0.226, P < .0001). Median (interquartile range [IQR]) apnea times with SpO2 >=
      95% were prolonged in this group; 750 (389-750) versus 296 (244-314) seconds, P <
      .0001. CONCLUSIONS: Clinically important prolongation of safe apnea times can be
      achieved delivering buccal oxygen to obese patients on induction of anesthesia.
      This novel use of apneic oxygenation via the oral route may improve management of
      the difficult airway and overcome some of the limitations of alternative
      techniques.

PMID- 27655278
TI  - Indigenous Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Device for Mitigation of Hypoxemia
      During One Lung Ventilation.

PMID- 27655279
TI  - A Survey of Intravenous Remifentanil Use for Labor Analgesia at Academic Medical
      Centers in the United States.
AB  - Remifentanil is most commonly offered when neuraxial labor analgesia is
      contraindicated. There is no consensus regarding the optimal administration,
      dosing strategy, or requirements for maternal monitoring, which may pose a
      patient safety issue. This exploratory survey evaluated the current practices
      regarding remifentanil use for labor analgesia at academic centers in the United
      States. Of 126 obstetric anesthesia directors surveyed, 84 (67%) responded. In
      2014 to 2015, an estimated 36% (95% confidence interval: 25.7-46.3) of centers
      used remifentanil, most of which did so less than 5 times. Some serious maternal
      and neonatal respiratory complications occurred, emphasizing that clinical
      protocols and adequate monitoring are key to ensure maternal and neonatal safety.

PMID- 27655280
TI  - Important Outcomes Should Be Reported.

PMID- 27655282
TI  - A new argasid tick species (Acari: Argasidae) associated with the rock cavy,
      Kerodon rupestris Wied-Neuwied (Rodentia: Caviidae), in a semiarid region of
      Brazil.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The rock cavy Kerodon rupestris (Wied-Neuwied, 1820) is a rodent
      species endemic to northeastern Brazil. Earlier studies have associated the
      argasid tick Ornithodoros talaje (Guerin-Meneville, 1849) with rocky cavy;
      however, a recent study proposed that O. talaje is not established in Brazil,
      where previous reports of this species were possibly misidentifications of
      closely related species, yet to be properly determined. Here, we describe a new
      species of Ornithodoros Koch, 1844 associated with rock cavies in northeastern
      Brazil. METHODS: During 2012-2013, Ornithodoros ticks were collected from K.
      rupestris resting places in Paraiba State (PB) and Piaui State (PI), northeastern
      Brazil. These ticks were brought alive to the laboratory, and used to form two
      laboratory colonies (PB and PI ticks). Field-collected adults and laboratory
      reared larvae were used for morphological description through light and scanning
      electron microscopy. DNA sequences of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene were
      generated from nymphal ticks and used to conduct phylogenetic analyses along with
      other Ornithodoros spp. sequences from GenBank. Reproductive compatibility of
      crosses between PB and PI adult ticks was evaluated, as well as analyses of
      hybrid ticks through larval morphology by a principal components analysis (PCA)
      and DNA sequences of the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) region from
      adult ticks. RESULTS: Morphological analysis allowed recognizing these ticks as a
      new species, Ornithodoros rietcorreai n. sp. The larva of O. rietcorreai is
      distinct from those of other Ornithodoros spp. by the combination of the
      following character states: 14 pairs of dorsal setae, dorsal plate pyriform,
      hypostome with pointed apex and dental formula 3/3 anteriorly, 2/2 posteriorly,
      and anal valves with long and pointed leaf-shaped ends. There were a few larval
      morphological differences between PB and PI ticks, and their mitochondrial 16S
      rDNA sequences diverged by 3.3 %. On the other hand, cross-mating experiments
      showed that PB and PI ticks were reproductive compatible, indicating that they
      represent a single species. Analyses of ITS2 sequences and PCA corroborated this
      assumption. CONCLUSION: Ornithodoros rietcorreai is described as a new species
      associated with K. rupestris in Brazil, increasing the Brazilian tick fauna to 70
      species.

PMID- 27655283
TI  - Untargeted LC-HRMS-Based Metabolomics for Searching New Biomarkers of Pancreatic
      Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Pilot Study.
AB  - Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is one of the most lethal tumors since it is
      usually detected at an advanced stage in which surgery and/or current
      chemotherapy have limited efficacy. The lack of sensitive and specific markers
      for diagnosis leads to a dismal prognosis. The purpose of this study is to
      identify metabolites in serum of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients that
      could be used as diagnostic biomarkers of this pathology. We used liquid
      chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry for a nontargeted metabolomics
      approach with serum samples from 28 individuals, including 16 patients with
      pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and 12 healthy controls. Multivariate
      statistical analysis, which included principal component analysis and partial
      least squares, revealed clear separation between the patient and control groups
      analyzed by liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry using a
      nontargeted metabolomics approach. The metabolic analysis showed significantly
      lower levels of phospholipids in the serum from patients with pancreatic ductal
      adenocarcinoma compared with serum from controls. Our results suggest that the
      liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry-based metabolomics
      approach provides a potent and promising tool for the diagnosis of pancreatic
      ductal adenocarcinoma patients using the specific metabolites identified as novel
      biomarkers that could be used for an earlier detection and treatment of these
      patients.

PMID- 27655284
TI  - The role of stem cells in benign tumors.
AB  - As stem cells contribute to the development and homeostasis of normal adult
      tissues, malfunction of stem cells in self-renewal and differentiation has been
      associated with tumorigenesis. A growing number of evidences indicating that
      tumor initiating cells play a crucial role, not only in malignancies, but also in
      generation and development of benign tumors. Here we offer an overview of the
      identification and functional characterization of benign tumor initiating cells
      in several tissues and organs, which typically show capacities of uncontrolled
      self-renewal to fuel the tumor growth and abnormal differentiation to give rise
      to tumor heterogeneity. They may originate from alteration of normal stem cells,
      which confer the benign tumor initiating cells with different repertoire of
      "stemness". The plastic functions of benign tumor initiating cells are determined
      by niche regulation mediated via several signaling and epigenetic cues.
      Therefore, targeting stem cell function represents an important strategy for
      understanding the biology and management of benign tumors.

PMID- 27655285
TI  - Expression and prognostic value of E2F activators in NSCLC and subtypes: a
      research based on bioinformatics analysis.
AB  - E2F activators (E2F1-3) codify a family of transcription factors (TFs) in higher
      eukaryotes. E2F activators are involved in the cell cycle regulation and
      synthesis of DNA in mammalian cells, and their overexpression has been detected
      in many human cancers. However, their clinical significance has not been deeply
      researched in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and bioinformatics analysis has
      never been reported to explore their clinical role in NSCLC. In the current
      study, we investigated the expression and prognostic value of E2F activators in
      NSCLC patients through the "TCGA datasets" and the "Kaplan-Meier plotter" (KM
      plotter) database. Hazard ratio (HR), 95 % confidence intervals, and log-rank P
      were calculated. Compared with normal tissue samples, E2F activators were
      overexpressed in NSCLC tissues, in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) tissues, and in
      lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) tissues. In NSCLC patients, E2F1 expression
      was significantly correlated with age, sex, and tumor stage. E2F2 expression was
      found to be significantly correlated with sex and tumor size. We further
      demonstrated that E2F1 and E2F2 overexpressions were significantly associated
      with poor prognosis. In LUAD patients, E2F1 expression was significantly
      correlated with tumor size and tumor stage. E2F2 expression was significantly
      correlated with lymph node status and tumor stage. E2F1 and E2F2 overexpression
      showed a significant association with poor prognosis, while E2F3 overexpression
      was significantly correlated to better prognosis. In LUSC patients, E2F1 was
      concluded to be significantly correlated with tumor stage. However, E2F
      activators were not found to be correlated to prognosis.

PMID- 27655286
TI  - MiR-203 promotes the growth and migration of ovarian cancer cells by enhancing
      glycolytic pathway.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in the tumorigenesis of ovarian cancer.
      Previously, we have reported the dysregulation of miR-203 in the ovarian cancer
      tissues. However, the biological functions and molecular mechanisms of miR-203 in
      ovarian cancer remain unknown. Here, we showed that the expression of miR-203 was
      increased in ovarian cancer tissues compared with the adjacent non-cancerous
      tissues and the transcription of miR-203 was inhibited by P53. Forced expression
      of miR-203 in ovarian cancer promoted cell growth and migration, while depletion
      of miR-203 inhibited the growth and migration of ovarian cancer cells. In
      addition, miR-203 promoted the metastasis of ovarian cancer cells in vivo and
      shorted the survival of the nude mice. Mechanically, miR-203 targeted the 3'-UTR
      of pyruvate dehydrogenase B (PDHB) and increased the consumption of glucose and
      the production of lactate. Overexpression of PDHB abolished the oncogenic effects
      of miR-203 on the growth of ovarian cancer cells. Together, our data suggested
      the oncogenic roles of miR-203 in ovarian cancer by promoting glycolysis, and miR
      203 might be a therapeutic target for ovarian cancer.

PMID- 27655287
TI  - Gamma-synuclein binds to AKT and promotes cancer cell survival and proliferation.
AB  - Hyperactivation of AKT plays a critical role in the survival and proliferation of
      cancer cells. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying AKT activation remain
      elusive. Here, we tested the effect of gamma-synuclein, a member of the synuclein
      family of proteins, on the activation of AKT. We show that the expression level
      of gamma-synuclein is increased in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues.
      gamma-Synuclein binds to the protein kinase domain of AKT and promotes its
      phosphorylation. Overexpression of gamma-synuclein in H157 cells enhances cell
      proliferation and protects the cells from staurosporine-induced cytotoxicity.
      Knockdown of gamma-synuclein attenuates AKT activation and cell proliferation
      induced by epidermal growth factor. The effect of gamma-synuclein is abolished
      when AKT is depleted. Thus, gamma-synuclein promotes cell survival and
      proliferation via activating AKT and may play a causal role in the pathogenesis
      of NSCLC.

PMID- 27655289
TI  - Delirium is not associated with anticholinergic burden or polypharmacy in older
      patients on admission to an acute hospital: an observational case control study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Older people are commonly prescribed multiple medications, including
      medications with anticholinergic effects. Polypharmacy and anticholinergic
      medications may be risk factors for the development of delirium. METHODS:
      Patients from a medical admission unit who were over 70, with DSM-IV diagnosed
      delirium and patients without delirium, were investigated. Number of drugs
      prescribed on admission and anticholinergic burden using two scales (the
      Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden Scale [ACB] and the Anticholinergic Drug Scale
      [ADS]) were recorded from electronic prescribing records. The relationship and
      predictive ability of these were explored. RESULTS: The sample included 125
      patients with DSM-IV diagnosed delirium and 122 patients without delirium. The
      mean age of the sample was 84.0 years. The median number of drugs prescribed was
      7: 79.8 % were prescribed >=5 drugs and 29.0 % >=10 drugs. The median ACB score
      was 1 and the median ADS score was 1.5. 73.4 % of patients had an ACB score of
      >=1 and 73.0 % had a ADS score >=1. There was no association between: number of
      drugs prescribed, rate of polypharmacy, rate of excessive polypharmacy, ACB score
      and ADS score, and a diagnosis of delirium on admission. Only
      acetylcholinesterase inhibitor use predicted delirium (OR 3.86, p = 0.04) and the
      number of drugs prescribed was negatively correlated with age (spearman rho = 
      0.18, p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Neither number of drugs prescribed, polypharmacy or
      anticholinergic burden were associated with delirium on admission, questioning
      the clinical usefulness of anticholinergic drug scales. Further research is
      needed to unpick fully the relationship between, drugs, anticholinergic burden,
      age, and prevalent delirium in older patients and whether there is any role for
      these scales in clinical practice.

PMID- 27655290
TI  - Pituitary abscess with unusual MRI appearance.

PMID- 27655288
TI  - Low expression of MAP1LC3B, associated with low Beclin-1, predicts lymph node
      metastasis and poor prognosis of gastric cancer.
AB  - Since the roles of autophagy in gastric cancer remain unclear, we aim to
      investigate the expression of autophagy-related proteins MAP1LC3B and Beclin-1 in
      human gastric cancer and discuss their clinical significance and correlation with
      prognosis of patients with gastric cancer. A total of 160 consecutive patients
      with gastric cancer who had undergone gastrectomy were enrolled in this study.
      The expressions of MAP1LC3B and Beclin-1 were assessed by immunohistochemistry.
      The protein expression rates were analyzed with chi 2 and Fisher's exact tests.
      Survival analysis (overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS)) was
      determined using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox's proportional hazard regression
      model. Both the expressions of MAP1LC3B and Beclin-1 were lower in gastric cancer
      tissues than adjacent normal tissues (57 vs. 82 %, p = 0.007; 72 vs. 88 %, p =
      0.046, respectively). Relativity analysis indicated MAP1LC3B expression was
      positively correlated with Beclin-1 expression (r = 0.424, p < 0.001). Both the
      MAP1LC3B-high-expression patients and Beclin-1-high-expression patients have
      longer OS time and RFS time than MAP1LC3B-low-expression patients and Beclin-1
      low-expression patients (MAP1LC3B: both p < 0.001; Beclin-1: p = 0.014, p =
      0.015, respectively). High simultaneous MAP1LC3B and Beclin-1 expressions were
      associated with longer OS and RFS compared with low simultaneous MAP1LC3B and
      Beclin-1 expressions (56.77 vs. 24.42 months, p < 0.001; 53.56 vs. 22.33 months,
      p < 0.001, respectively). Multivariate survival analysis showed both MAP1LC3B and
      Beclin-1 were independent prognostic factors for OS time (p = 0.016, p = 0.041,
      respectively). However, MAP1LC3B (p = 0.022) was an independent prognostic factor
      for RFS. Moreover, low expressions of MAP1LC3B and Beclin-1 were significantly
      associated with lymph node metastasis (p = 0.007, p = 0.030, respectively). The
      loss of MAP1LC3B, correlated with loss of Beclin-1, was observed in gastric
      cancer and correlated with poor prognosis and lymph node metastasis of gastric
      cancer patients.

PMID- 27655291
TI  - Thyroglobulin levels measured at the time of remnant ablation to predict response
      to treatment in differentiated thyroid cancer after thyroid hormone withdrawal or
      recombinant human TSH.
AB  - The objective of our study was to evaluate the prognostic value of stimulated
      thyroglobulin levels at the moment of remnant ablation for predicting an initial
      excellent or a structural incomplete response to treatment according to the risk
      of recurrence in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer. Patients were
      divided into two groups according to the preparation mode for remnant ablation
      (thyroid hormone withdrawal or recombinant human TSH). We included 219 patients
      followed-up for at least for 24 months after remnant ablation. The primary
      endpoint was the best response to initial therapy assessed in the first 9-18
      months of follow-up. An excellent response was observed in 45.1 % of patients
      prepared after recombinant human TSH compared to 44.6 % of patients prepared
      after thyroid hormone withdrawal (P = NS). The cutoff value of thyroglobulin
      level after recombinant human TSH for predicting an excellent response was 8
      ng/ml (n = 51), with a sensitivity of 73.9 %, and a positive predictive value of
      61 %. It was similar for patients with low vs. intermediate to high risk of
      recurrence. This cutoff value for thyroglobulin level after thyroid hormone
      withdrawal was 22 ng/ml (n = 168), with a sensitivity of 94.7 % and a positive
      predictive value of 61.7 %. In the thyroid hormone withdrawal group the
      thyroglobulin cutoff level was 12 ng/ml for low-risk patients compared to 16
      ng/ml for those with intermediate to high risk of recurrence (P = 0.003). The
      cutoff value of the thyroglobulin level for predicting a structural incomplete
      response to initial treatment was 20 ng/ml after rhTSH, with a negative
      predictive value of 91.4 %. This level was higher in thyroid hormone withdrawal
      group, and it was established at 25 ng/ml, with a negative predictive value of
      97.7 %. The stimulated Tg level seems to be different depending on the
      preparation mode (rhTSH or THW) for RA. It has a high NPV to predict the absence
      of a structural incomplete response and it is also a good predictor of the
      initial excellent response and the NED status at the end of follow-up .

PMID- 27655292
TI  - Spontaneous intermittent MRI changes of a pituitary stalk lesion causing diabetes
      insipidus and amenorrhea.
AB  - Lymphocytic infundibulo-neurohypophysitis is a rare disorder. We report the case
      of a 29 year-old woman with diabetes insipidus and amenorrhea, in whom the
      magnetic resonance imaging demonstration of a pituitary stalk lesion was
      intermittent. We suggest that, in patients with endocrine dysfunction and
      positivity of circulating antipituitary antibodies at high title, magnetic
      resonance imaging should be repeated after few months, if negative.

PMID- 27655293
TI  - Molecular characterization of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase, plasmid-mediated
      AmpC cephalosporinase and carbapenemase genes among Enterobacteriaceae isolates
      in five medical centres of East and West Azerbaijan, Iran.
AB  - Very little is known about the occurrence and various types of extended-spectrum
      beta-lactamase (ESBL), AmpC and carbapenemase in Iran. The aims of this study
      were to determine the prevalence of ESBLs, AmpCs and carbapenemase genes among
      Enterobacteriaceae in Azerbaijan and to characterize the genetic composition of
      the detected genes. A total of 307 Enterobacteriaceae isolates, recovered from
      five medical centres, were screened for ESBL, AmpC and carbapenemase activities
      by the disc diffusion method and phenotypic confirmatory tests. The 162 selected
      strains (third-generation cephalosporins, cefoxitin- or carbapenem-resistant
      strains with positive or negative phenotypic confirmatory tests) were selected
      for multiplex PCR screening for beta-lactamase genes, and detected genes were
      confirmed by sequencing. Of 162 isolates, 156 harboured 1 to 6 beta-lactamase
      genes of 41 types. The most prevalent genes were blaTEM-1 (29.9 %), followed by
      blaCTX-M-15 (25.7 %). Plasmid-mediated AmpC was detected in 66 strains (21.5 %)
      alone or in combination with other genes. Carbapenemase-encoding genes were
      detected in 18 strains (5.8 %) of 27 carbapenem-non-susceptible isolates
      including 11, 7, 3 and 1 cases of blaOXA-48, blaNDM-1, blaKPC-2 and blaKPC-3
      genes, respectively. Interestingly, 148 (94.8 %) of 156 strains with any beta
      lactamase gene were found to have a multidrug-resistant pattern. The rate of
      resistance to beta-lactams and multidrug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae is high in
      Azerbaijan. All positive strains for carbapenemase genes were resistant to all
      beta-lactams. The present study reveals the high occurrence of CTX-M-type ESBLs
      followed by TEM and SHV variants among Enterobacteriaceae isolates. East
      Azerbaijan seems to be an alarming focus for OXA-48, NDM-1 and KPC dissemination.

PMID- 27655294
TI  - Binary information propagation in circular magnetic nanodot arrays using strain
      induced magnetic anisotropy.
AB  - Nanomagnetic logic has emerged as a potential replacement for traditional
      Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) based logic because of superior
      energy-efficiency (Salahuddin and Datta 2007 Appl. Phys. Lett. 90 093503, Cowburn
      and Welland 2000 Science 287 1466-68). One implementation of nanomagnetic logic
      employs shape-anisotropic (e.g. elliptical) ferromagnets (with two stable
      magnetization orientations) as binary switches that rely on dipole-dipole
      interaction to communicate binary information (Cowburn and Welland 2000 Science
      287 1466-8, Csaba et al 2002 IEEE Trans. Nanotechnol. 1 209-13, Carlton et al
      2008 Nano Lett. 8 4173-8, Atulasimha and Bandyopadhyay 2010 Appl. Phys. Lett. 97
      173105, Roy et al 2011 Appl. Phys. Lett. 99 063108, Fashami et al 2011
      Nanotechnology 22 155201, Tiercelin et al 2011 Appl. Phys. Lett. 99 , Alam et al
      2010 IEEE Trans. Nanotechnol. 9 348-51 and Bhowmik et al 2013 Nat. Nanotechnol. 9
      59-63). Normally, circular nanomagnets are incompatible with this approach since
      they lack distinct stable in-plane magnetization orientations to encode bits.
      However, circular magnetoelastic nanomagnets can be made bi-stable with a voltage
      induced anisotropic strain, which provides two significant advantages for
      nanomagnetic logic applications. First, the shape-anisotropy energy barrier is
      eliminated which reduces the amount of energy required to reorient the
      magnetization. Second, the in-plane size can be reduced (~20 nm) which was
      previously not possible due to thermal stability issues. In circular
      magnetoelastic nanomagnets, a voltage induced strain stabilizes the magnetization
      even at this size overcoming the thermal stability issue. In this paper, we
      analytically demonstrate the feasibility of a binary 'logic wire' implemented
      with an array of circular nanomagnets that are clocked with voltage-induced
      strain applied by an underlying piezoelectric substrate. This leads to an energy
      efficient logic paradigm orders of magnitude superior to existing CMOS-based
      logic that is scalable to dimensions substantially smaller than those for
      existing nanomagnetic logic approaches. The analytical approach is validated with
      experimental measurements conducted on dipole coupled Nickel (Ni) nanodots
      fabricated on a PMN-PT (Lead Magnesium Niobate-Lead Titanate) sample. 

PMID- 27655296
TI  - Analysis of the frequency of EGFR, KRAS and ALK mutations in patients with lung
      adenocarcinoma in Croatia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many studies have been published on the mutational status of patients
      with lung adenocarcinomas, and great population-based variability in mutation
      frequencies has been reported. The main objective of the present study was to
      analyze the EGFR, KRAS and ALK mutation status in a representative cohort of
      patients in Croatia with lung adenocarcinomas and to correlate the mutational
      status with clinical data. METHODS: All patients who were newly diagnosed within
      6 months with histologically proven primary lung adenocarcinomas were included.
      Mutational analyses for EGFR and KRAS mutations were performed in a cobas z 480
      analyzer. ALK immunohistochemistry was performed using the D5F3 clone on
      Benchmark XT instrument. Clinical data were obtained from the medical records.
      RESULTS: Of the 324 patients, 59.9 % were male. At the time of diagnosis, the
      patients ranged in age range from 35 to 88 years (median 63 years). Most of the
      patients were current smokers or former smokers (77.2 %). EGFR mutations were
      found in 15.7 % of the patients, and of these mutations, exon 19 deletion was the
      most common (45.1 %). KRAS mutations were present in 34.9 % of the patients,
      while 4.1 % of patients were ALK-positive. The statistical significance of the
      presence of mutations was detected for both gender and smoking. CONCLUSION: The
      detected mutation rates demonstrated a slightly higher prevalence of KRAS
      mutations, but not a higher prevalence of EGFR mutations or ALK gene
      rearrangement, in comparison with the rates found in other European countries.
      EGFR and ALK mutational status showed a statistically significant correlation
      with gender as well as with smoking, while KRAS mutation status showed a
      statistically significant correlation only with smoking.

PMID- 27655295
TI  - Zebrafish is a predictive model for identifying compounds that protect against
      brain toxicity in severe acute organophosphorus intoxication.
AB  - Acute organophosphorus (OP) intoxication is a worldwide clinical and public
      health problem. In addition to cholinergic crisis, neurodegeneration and brain
      damage are hallmarks of the severe form of this toxidrome. Recently, we generated
      a chemical model of severe acute OP intoxication in zebrafish that is
      characterized by altered head morphology and brain degeneration. The
      pathophysiological pathways resulting in brain toxicity in this model are similar
      to those described in humans. The aim of this study was to assess the predictive
      power of this zebrafish model by testing the effect of a panel of drugs that
      provide protection in mammalian models. The selected drugs included "standard
      therapy" drugs (atropine and pralidoxime), reversible acetylcholinesterase
      inhibitors (huperzine A, galantamine, physostigmine and pyridostigmine), N-methyl
      D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists (MK-801 and memantine), dual-function
      NMDA receptor and acetylcholine receptor antagonists (caramiphen and benactyzine)
      and anti-inflammatory drugs (dexamethasone and ibuprofen). The effects of these
      drugs on zebrafish survival and the prevalence of abnormal head morphology in the
      larvae exposed to 4 uM chlorpyrifos oxon [1 * median lethal concentration (LC50)]
      were determined. Moreover, the neuroprotective effects of pralidoxime, memantine,
      caramiphen and dexamethasone at the gross morphological level were confirmed by
      histopathological and transcriptional analyses. Our results demonstrated that the
      zebrafish model for severe acute OP intoxication has a high predictive value and
      can be used to identify new compounds that provide neuroprotection against severe
      acute OP intoxication.

PMID- 27655298
TI  - Intraoperative optical coherence tomography in descemet stripping automated
      endothelial keratoplasty: pilot experiences.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the added value of intraoperative optical coherence tomography
      (iOCT) in evaluating graft adhesion and graft interface in patients undergoing
      descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK). METHODS: This is
      a prospective single-center case series comprising 8 eyes of 8 patients
      consecutively scheduled for DSAEK surgery. iOCT imaging was performed after
      insertion of the graft, after pressurizing the eye, and at the end of surgery
      (three images per surgery). At each stage of surgery, corneal thickness and the
      widest gap between the recipient and the graft (i.e., maximal interface width)
      were measured using an image processing tool. Follow-up measurements were taken
      at 1 day, 3 and 6 months, post-operatively. RESULTS: Imaging was performed in 21
      of 24 scheduled imaging intervals, and required little to no additional surgical
      time. At the end of surgery, iOCT showed persisting interfaces in six cases. One
      case showed a full graft detachment necessitating surgical intervention.
      CONCLUSION: Real-time iOCT is a safe, efficient, and useful tool in assessing
      graft adherence in DSAEK surgery. With adequate analysis software, iOCT has the
      potential to be a paradigm-shifting development in posterior lamellar surgery and
      could aid the clinician in further lowering the rates of graft dislocation after
      DSAEK.

PMID- 27655299
TI  - Genotyping analysis of the factor V Nara mutation, Hong Kong mutation, and 16
      single-nucleotide polymorphisms, including the R2 haplotype, and the involvement
      of factor V activity in patients with recurrent miscarriage.
AB  - : Recurrent miscarriage can arise from a large diversity of causes and the
      factors responsible have not been fully clarified. The coagulation factor V R506Q
      (Leiden) mutation is a well known risk factor for recurrent miscarriage, although
      it has not been found in Japanese populations. We examined whether the factor V
      Nara and Hong Kong mutations, the factor V gene (F5) 16 single-nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs), including the factor V R2 haplotype, and plasma factor V
      activity (FV:C) were risk factors for recurrent miscarriage. A cross-sectional
      study was conducted among 88 patients with a history of unexplained recurrent
      miscarriage and 95 fertile controls. None of the patients or controls was
      homozygous or heterozygous for the factor V Nara or Hong Kong mutation. In the 16
      SNPs of F5, frequencies of the G/T and T/T genotypes at Ser156Ser were
      significantly lower in patients than in controls (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.22-0.91, OR
      0.32, 95% CI 0.14-0.72) and the allele frequency of C at Leu1288Leu was
      significantly higher in patients than that in controls (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.02
      2.71). The mean FV:C values were not significantly different between patients and
      controls. However, the prevalence of patients with a high or low FV:C (>95th or
      <fifth percentile) was significantly greater than the controls (OR 3.59, 95% CI
      1.11-11.60: OR 3.94, 95% CI 1.23-12.60). These results suggest that some SNPs of
      F5 and a high or low FV:C level might be associated with recurrent miscarriage.

PMID- 27655297
TI  - Effect of antibiotic prophylaxis on Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus virulence
      factor profiles in patients undergoing cataract surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE: In this prospective study, multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was
      used to identify genes encoding virulence factors (ica, atlE and mecA) in
      Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CNS) isolates from the ocular microbiota of
      patients undergoing cataract surgery and to investigate possible changes in the
      CNS profile due to antibiotic prophylaxis. METHODS: Between 09/2011 and 08/2013,
      patients undergoing cataract surgery were recruited at the Department of
      Ophthalmology, National University of Asuncion, Paraguay. In the eye to be
      operated on, patients received moxifloxacin 0.5 % eye drops four times at the day
      before surgery and a last drop 1 hour before surgery (T1). The other eye remained
      as control (T0). Conjunctival swabs were taken from both eyes 1 hour after the
      last drop. The presence of genes encoding biofilm formation (ica and atlE) and
      methicillin resistance (mecA) was detected by a multiplex PCR. RESULTS: Of the
      162 patients (162 study eyes, 162 fellow eye as control group), 87 (53.7 %) eyes
      were positive for CNS at T0 yielding 96 CNS isolates; 70 eyes (43.2 %) were
      positive at T1 yielding 77 CNS isolates. For this study, 43 CNS isolates (44.8 %)
      from T0 and 45 (64.3 %) from T1 were used. Of the total isolates, 81.8 % (72/88)
      had at least one virulence factor gene (37/43 from T0 and 35/45 from T1) (p =
      0.314). Simultaneous detection of ica and atlE genes was higher in T0 (58.0 %)
      than T1 (46.7 %), but the difference was not significant (p = 0.28). CONCLUSION:
      A high frequency of genes encoding virulence factors was observed in the
      coagulase-negative Staphylococcus isolates. The use of moxifloxacin did not
      significantly modify the CNS virulence factor profiles.

PMID- 27655300
TI  - Increased susceptibility of asymmetrically prominent cortical veins correlates
      with misery perfusion in patients with occlusion of the middle cerebral artery.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate tissue perfusion and venous susceptibility in ischaemic
      stroke patients as a means to predict clinical status and early prognosis.
      METHODS: A retrospective study of 51 ischaemic stroke patients were enrolled in
      this study. Susceptibility, perfusion and National Institute of Health stroke
      scale (NIHSS) were compared between patients with and without asymmetrically
      prominent cortical veins (APCVs). The correlation between susceptibility,
      perfusion and NIHSS was performed. RESULTS: Compared to patients without APCVs,
      the age of patients with APCVs was statistically older (p = 0.017). Patients with
      APCVs at discharge showed clinical deterioration in their NIHSS. Mean transit
      time (MTT), time to peak (TTP) and cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the stroke
      hemisphere were statistically delayed/decreased in patients with and without
      APCVs (all p < 0.05). In patients with APCVs, the changes in susceptibility
      positively correlated with increases in MTT and TTP (p < 0.05). Susceptibility
      and TTP positively correlated and CBF negatively correlated with NIHSS both at
      admission and discharge (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with APCVs have a
      tendency of deterioration. The presence of APCVs indicates the tissue has
      increased oxygen extraction fraction. Increased susceptibility from APCVs
      positively correlated with the delayed MTT and TTP, which reflects the clinical
      status at admission and predicts an early prognosis. KEY POINTS: * Patients with
      and without APCVs have similar misery perfusion. * Patients with APCVs have a
      tendency of deterioration compared to those without. * The presence of APCVs
      indicated the tissue has increased oxygen extraction fraction. * Increased
      susceptibility from APCVs positively correlated with the MTT and TTP. * Increased
      susceptibility from APCVs reflected the clinical status at admission.

PMID- 27655301
TI  - A systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the contribution of mr imaging
      to the diagnosis of foetal brain abnormalities In Utero.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This systematic review was undertaken to define the diagnostic
      performance of in utero MR (iuMR) imaging when attempting to confirm, exclude or
      provide additional information compared with the information provided by prenatal
      ultrasound scans (USS) when there is a suspicion of foetal brain abnormality.
      METHODS: Electronic databases were searched as well as relevant journals and
      conference proceedings. Reference lists of applicable studies were also explored.
      Data extraction was conducted by two reviewers independently to identify relevant
      studies for inclusion in the review. Inclusion criteria were original research
      that reported the findings of prenatal USS and iuMR imaging and findings in terms
      of accuracy as judged by an outcome reference diagnosis for foetal brain
      abnormalities. RESULTS: 34 studies met the inclusion criteria which allowed
      diagnostic accuracy to be calculated in 959 cases, all of which had an outcome
      reference diagnosis determined by postnatal imaging, surgery or autopsy. iuMR
      imaging gave the correct diagnosis in 91 % which was an increase of 16 % above
      that achieved by USS alone. CONCLUSION: iuMR imaging makes a significant
      contribution to the diagnosis of foetal brain abnormalities, increasing the
      diagnostic accuracy achievable by USS alone. KEY POINTS: * Ultrasound is the
      primary modality for monitoring foetal brain development during pregnancy * iuMRI
      used together with ultrasound is more accurate for detecting foetal brain
      abnormalities * iuMR imaging is most helpful for detecting midline brain
      abnormalities * The moderate heterogeneity of reviewed studies may compromise
      findings.

PMID- 27655302
TI  - Ultra-high-resolution C-arm flat-detector CT angiography evaluation reveals 3
      fold higher association rate for sporadic intracranial cavernous malformations
      and developmental venous anomalies: a retrospective study in consecutive 58
      patients with 60 cavernous malformations.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The imaging and surgical literature has confusing association rates
      for the association between sporadic intracranial cavernous malformations (CMs)
      and developmental venous anomalies (DVAs). In this study, our purpose was to
      determine the association rate using ultra-high-resolution C-arm flat-detector CT
      angiography (FDCTA) and compare it with literature. METHODS: Fifty-eight patients
      with 60 sporadic intracranial CMs that underwent an FDCTA study were included in
      our retrospective study. Re-evaluation of radiological data was performed based
      on the criteria defined by authors. Isotropic volumetric reconstructions with
      ultra-high resolution (voxel size of 102 MUm3 for initial; 67 MUm3 and 32 MUm3
      for further evaluation) were used for assessment. Sixteen patients underwent
      surgery for excision of their CMs. RESULTS: Fifty-one of all patients (87.9 %)
      were associated with a DVA. Undefined local venous structures (UD-LVSs) were
      observed in the remaining 7 patients (12.1 %). The strength of interobserver
      agreement was excellent [kappa(k) coefficient = 0.923]. CONCLUSIONS: Ultra-high
      resolution FDCTA evaluation of CMs and DVAs reveals 3-fold higher association
      rate compared to the literature. FDCTA for patients with sporadic CMs could help
      identify the associated DVAs that remained undetected or unclear with other
      imaging modalities, which can be useful in decision-making processes, planning
      surgery, and during operation. KEY POINTS: * FDCTA evaluation reveals the highest
      (3-fold) association rate in literature * FDCTA helps detect and define DVAs that
      remained unclear with other modalities * Ratio of DVAs/UD-LVSs ("variants" in
      MRI) increases dramatically with FDCTA * FDCTA reveals venous angioarchitecture
      of CMs in high anatomical detail * FDCTA can be useful in decision-making,
      planning surgery, and during operation.

PMID- 27655303
TI  - MRI shows thickening and altered diffusion in the median and ulnar nerves in
      multifocal motor neuropathy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To study disease mechanisms in multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) with
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of the median
      and ulnar nerves. METHODS: We enrolled ten MMN patients, ten patients with
      amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and ten healthy controls (HCs). Patients
      underwent MRI (in a prone position) and nerve conduction studies. DTI and fat
      suppressed T2-weighted scans of the forearms were performed on a 3.0T MRI
      scanner. Fibre tractography of the median and ulnar nerves was performed to
      extract diffusion parameters: fractional anisotropy (FA), mean (MD), axial (AD)
      and radial (RD) diffusivity. Cross-sectional areas (CSA) were measured on T2
      weighted scans. RESULTS: Forty-five out of 60 arms were included in the analysis.
      AD was significantly lower in MMN patients (2.20 +/- 0.12 * 10-3 mm2/s) compared
      to ALS patients (2.31 +/- 0.17 * 10-3 mm2/s; p < 0.05) and HCs (2.31+/- 0.17 * 10
      3 mm2/s; p < 0.05). Segmental analysis showed significant restriction of AD, RD
      and MD (p < 0.005) in the proximal third of the nerves. CSA was significantly
      larger in MMN patients compared to ALS patients and HCs (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS:
      Thickening of nerves is compatible with changes in the myelin sheath structure,
      whereas lowered AD values suggest axonal dysfunction. These findings suggest that
      myelin and axons are diffusely involved in MMN pathogenesis. KEY POINTS: *
      Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging provides quantitative information about
      multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN). * Diffusion tensor imaging allows non-invasive
      evaluation of the forearm nerves in MMN. * Nerve thickening and lowered diffusion
      parameters suggests myelin and axonal changes. * This study can help to provide
      insight into pathological mechanisms of MMN.

PMID- 27655304
TI  - Assessment of deep myometrial invasion of endometrial cancer on MRI: added value
      of second-opinion interpretations by radiologists subspecialized in gynaecologic
      oncology.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the added value of secondary reports issued by
      radiologists subspecializing in gynaecologic imaging for determining deep
      myometrial invasion of endometrial cancer on MRI. METHODS: Initial (from
      referring institutions) and secondary (by subspecialized radiologists)
      interpretations of MRI of 55 patients with endometrial cancer were
      retrospectively reviewed. A radiologist blinded to clinicopathological
      information assessed both reports for the presence of deep myometrial invasion.
      Reference standard was based on hysterectomy specimens. Kappa coefficients (k)
      were used to measure their concordance. McNemar testing and receiver operating
      characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to compare sensitivities, specificities
      and areas under the curves (AUCs). RESULTS: Deep myometrial invasion was present
      in 25 (45.5 %) patients. Among 27.3 % (15/55; k = 0.458) patients with discrepant
      results, secondary interpretations were correct in 10 (66.7 %) cases. Sensitivity
      was higher in secondary than in initial reports (76.0 % vs. 48.0 %, p = 0.039)
      while no significant difference was seen in specificity (70.0 % vs. 76.7 %, p =
      0.668). At ROC analysis, there was a tendency for higher AUCs in secondary
      reports (0.785 vs 0.669, p = 0.096). CONCLUSION: Secondary readings of MRI by
      subspecialized gynaecologic oncologic radiologists may provide incremental value
      in determining deep myometrial invasion of endometrial cancer. KEY POINTS: * Deep
      myometrial invasion is an important prognostic factor in endometrial cancer. *
      Assessment of deep myometrial invasion is often discrepant between initial and
      secondary reports. * Secondary reports showed higher sensitivity and accuracy. *
      Secondary review of MRI may provide incremental value in endometrial cancer
      patients.

PMID- 27655305
TI  - Diagnostic accuracy of DXA compared to conventional spine radiographs for the
      detection of vertebral fractures in children.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: In children, radiography is performed to diagnose vertebral fractures
      and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to assess bone density. In adults, DXA
      assesses both. We aimed to establish whether DXA can replace spine radiographs in
      assessment of paediatric vertebral fractures. METHODS: Prospectively, lateral
      spine radiographs and lateral spine DXA of 250 children performed on the same day
      were independently scored by three radiologists using the simplified algorithm
      based qualitative technique and blinded to results of the other modality.
      Consensus radiograph read and second read of 100 random images were performed.
      Diagnostic accuracy, inter/intraobserver and intermodality agreements,
      patient/carer experience and radiation dose were assessed. RESULTS: Average
      sensitivity and specificity (95 % confidence interval) in diagnosing one or more
      vertebral fractures requiring treatment was 70 % (58-82 %) and 97 % (94-100 %)
      respectively for DXA and 74 % (55-93 %) and 96 % (95-98 %) for radiographs.
      Fleiss' kappa for interobserver and average kappa for intraobserver reliability
      were 0.371 and 0.631 respectively for DXA and 0.418 and 0.621 for radiographs.
      Average effective dose was 41.9 MUSv for DXA and 232.7 MUSv for radiographs.
      Image quality was similar. CONCLUSION: Given comparable image quality and non
      inferior diagnostic accuracy, lateral spine DXA should replace conventional
      radiographs for assessment of vertebral fractures in children. KEY POINTS: *
      Vertebral fracture diagnostic accuracy of lateral spine DXA is non-inferior to
      radiographs. * The rate of unreadable vertebrae for DXA is lower than for
      radiographs. * Effective dose of DXA is significantly lower than radiographs. *
      Children prefer DXA to radiographs. * Given the above, DXA should replace
      radiographs for paediatric vertebral fracture assessment.

PMID- 27655306
TI  - Effect of ultra-low doses, ASIR and MBIR on density and noise levels of MDCT
      images of dental implant sites.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Differences in noise and density values in MDCT images obtained using
      ultra-low doses with FBP, ASIR, and MBIR may possibly affect implant site density
      analysis. The aim of this study was to compare density and noise measurements
      recorded from dental implant sites using ultra-low doses combined with FBP, ASIR,
      and MBIR. METHODS: Cadavers were scanned using a standard protocol and four low
      dose protocols. Scans were reconstructed using FBP, ASIR-50, ASIR-100, and MBIR,
      and either a bone or standard reconstruction kernel. Density (mean Hounsfield
      units [HUs]) of alveolar bone and noise levels (mean standard deviation of HUs)
      was recorded from all datasets and measurements were compared by paired t tests
      and two-way ANOVA with repeated measures. RESULTS: Significant differences in
      density and noise were found between the reference dose/FBP protocol and almost
      all test combinations. Maximum mean differences in HU were 178.35 (bone kernel)
      and 273.74 (standard kernel), and in noise, were 243.73 (bone kernel) and 153.88
      (standard kernel). CONCLUSIONS: Decreasing radiation dose increased density and
      noise regardless of reconstruction technique and kernel. The effect of
      reconstruction technique on density and noise depends on the reconstruction
      kernel used. KEY POINTS: * Ultra-low-dose MDCT protocols allowed more than 90 %
      reductions in dose. * Decreasing the dose generally increased density and noise.
      * Effect of IRT on density and noise varies with reconstruction kernel. *
      Accuracy of low-dose protocols for interpretation of bony anatomy not known. *
      Effect of low doses on accuracy of computer-aided design models unknown.

PMID- 27655307
TI  - Knowledge and pharmacological management of Alzheimer's disease by managing
      community pharmacists: a nationwide study.
AB  - Background Managing community pharmacists can play a leading role in supporting
      community dwelling individuals with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers.
      Objective The main purpose of this study was to assess knowledge of managing
      community pharmacists towards Alzheimer's disease and its pharmacological
      management. Setting Community pharmacies in the Maltese islands. Method A
      nationwide survey was conducted with full-time managing community pharmacists in
      possession of a tertiary education degree in pharmacy studies. The level of
      knowledge was investigated using the Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale and the
      Alzheimer's Disease Pharmacotherapy Measure. Participants were also asked to rate
      a number of statements related to disease management. Results Maltese managing
      community pharmacists (57 % response rate) had inadequate knowledge on risk
      factors, caregiving issues and pharmacological management of Alzheimer's disease.
      Age and number of years working in a community pharmacy setting were found to be
      negatively correlated with increased knowledge. Conclusion The findings highlight
      the need of providing training and continued educational support to managing
      community pharmacists in order to provide quality advice to individuals with
      dementia and their caregivers in the community.

PMID- 27655309
TI  - Sources and magnitude of error in preparing morphine infusions for nurse-patient
      controlled analgesia in a UK paediatric hospital.

PMID- 27655308
TI  - Low literacy and written drug information: information-seeking, leaflet
      evaluation and preferences, and roles for images.
AB  - Background Low-literate patients are at risk to misinterpret written drug
      information. For the (co-) design of targeted patient information, it is key to
      involve this group in determining their communication barriers and information
      needs. Objective To gain insight into how people with low literacy use and
      evaluate written drug information, and to identify ways in which they feel the
      patient leaflet can be improved, and in particular how images could be used.
      Setting Food banks and an education institution for Dutch language training in
      the Netherlands. Method Semi-structured focus groups and individual interviews
      were held with low-literate participants (n = 45). The thematic framework
      approach was used for analysis to identify themes in the data. Main outcome
      measure Low-literate people's experience with patient information leaflets, ideas
      for improvements, and perceptions on possible uses for visuals. Results Patient
      information leaflets were considered discouraging to use, and information
      difficult to find and understand. Many rely on alternative information sources.
      The leaflet should be shorter, and improved in terms of organisation, legibility
      and readability. Participants thought images could increase the leaflet's appeal,
      help ask questions, provide an overview, help understand textual information, aid
      recall, reassure, and even lead to increased confidence, empowerment and feeling
      of safety. Conclusion Already at the stages of paying attention to the leaflet
      and maintaining interest in the message, low-literate patients experience
      barriers in the communication process through written drug information. Short,
      structured, visual/textual explanations can lower the motivational threshold to
      use the leaflet, improve understanding, and empower the low-literate target
      group.

PMID- 27655310
TI  - A cross-sectional evaluation of community pharmacists' perceptions of
      intermediate care and medicines management across the healthcare interface.
AB  - Background Despite the importance placed on the concept of the multidisciplinary
      team in relation to intermediate care (IC), little is known about community
      pharmacists' (CPs) involvement. Objective To determine CPs' awareness of and
      involvement with IC services, perceptions of the transfer of patients' medication
      information between healthcare settings and views of the development of a CP-IC
      service. Setting Community pharmacies in Northern Ireland. Methods A postal
      questionnaire, informed by previous qualitative work was developed and piloted.
      Main outcome measure CPs' awareness of and involvement with IC. Results The
      response rate was 35.3 % (190/539). Under half (47.4 %) of CPs 'agreed/strongly
      agreed' that they understood the term 'intermediate care'. Three quarters of
      respondents were either not involved or unsure if they were involved with
      providing services to IC. A small minority (1.2 %) of CPs reported that they
      received communication regarding medication changes made in hospital or IC
      settings 'all of the time'. Only 9.5 and 0.5 % of respondents 'strongly agreed'
      that communication from hospital and IC, respectively, was sufficiently detailed.
      In total, 155 (81.6 %) CPs indicated that they would like to have greater
      involvement with IC services. 'Current workload' was ranked as the most important
      barrier to service development. Conclusion It was revealed that CPs had little
      awareness of, or involvement with, IC. Communication of information relating to
      patients' medicines between settings was perceived as insufficient, especially
      between IC and community pharmacy settings. CPs demonstrated willingness to be
      involved with IC and services aimed at bridging the communication gap between
      healthcare settings.

PMID- 27655312
TI  - Research advances on animal genetics in China in 2015.
AB  - Chinese scientists have made significant achievements in the field of animal
      genetics in 2015. Incomplete statistics show that among all the publications of
      2015 involving nematode (Caenorhabditis elegans), fly (Drosophila melanogaster),
      zebrafish (Danio rerio), African clawed frog (Xenopus) or mice (Mus musculus),
      about 1/5 publications are from China. Many innovative studies were published in
      high-impact international academic journals by Chinese scientists, including the
      identification of a putative magnetic receptor MagR, the genetic basis for the
      regulation of wing polyphenism in the insect brown planthopper (Nilaparvata
      lugens), DNA N6-methyladenine (6mA) modification in the Drosophila genome, a
      novel molecular mechanism regarding the dendritic spine pruning and maturation in
      the mammals, the mechanism for the CREB coactivator CRTC2 in the regulation of
      hepatic lipid metabolism, the control of systemic inflammation by
      neurotransmitter dopamine, the role of Gasdermin protein family in triggering
      pyroptosis, a parvalbumin-positive excitatory visual pathway to trigger fear
      responses in mice, etc. Chinese scientists have also made important contributions
      in genome editing via TALEN or CRISPR/Cas system. According to incomplete
      statistics, more than 1/5 of the publications related to genome editing in 2015
      are from China, where a variety of animals with different approaches were
      targeted, ranging from the worm to primates. Particularly, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated
      gene editing in human tripronuclear zygotes was successfully achieved for the
      first time. China has been one of the leading countries in genome sequencing in
      recent years, and Chinese scientists reported the sequence and annotation of the
      genomes of several important animal species in 2015, including goose (Anser
      cygnoides), Schlegel's Japanese Gecko (Gekko japonicus), grass carp
      (Ctenopharyngodon idellus), large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) and pig
      (Sus scrofa). They further analyzed the genome-wide genetic basis of the species
      specific physiological and pathological characteristics as well as their
      adaptation to environmental conditions. In this review, we make a first attempt
      to summarize the research advances on animal genetics in China in 2015, with an
      emphasis on the achievements led by Chinese scientists and carried out in Chinese
      institutions. We will briefly discuss the significance of their research and
      contributions of Chinese scientists in animal genetics.

PMID- 27655311
TI  - Standardising analgesic administration for nurses: a prospective intervention
      study.
AB  - Background Uncontrolled pain reduces quality of life, delays recovery from
      surgery and can potentially contribute to the development of chronic pain.
      Strategies to improve pain management are desirable in view of these detrimental
      outcomes, yet frequently they are predominately medically based despite nurses
      playing key roles in pain assessment and analgesic administration. Objective To
      develop an algorithm-based guidance addressing nurses' pain assessment and
      analgesic administration and investigating its impact on quality of pain
      management. Setting Two orthopaedic units in a university hospital. Method An
      interdisciplinary expert panel consisting of physicians, nurses and clinical
      pharmacists developed an algorithm-based guidance in analgesic administration for
      nurses. The guidance was based on current guidelines addressing the appropriate
      use of analgesics. In a prospective intervention study, clinical pharmacists
      acted as independent monitors who assessed nurses' pain assessment and analgesic
      administration before (control period: usual care without any further support)
      and after implementation of the algorithm-based guidance (intervention period).
      We evaluated patient-nurse contacts for guideline adherence. We predefined
      guideline adherence (main outcome) as fulfilling all three of the following
      criteria: (A) nurses' pain intensity assessment, (B) their assessment of the
      patients' need for analgesics, and (C) analgesic administration depending on
      patients' individual pain intensity (including choice of prescribed analgesics).
      Main outcome measure Adherence to pain management guidelines. Results We analysed
      706 patient-nurse contacts with 162 patients in the control and 748 contacts with
      168 patients in the intervention period. Without support, guidelines were
      followed in 6 % of the patient contacts. We achieved an increase to 54 % (p <
      0.001) after guidance implementation (main outcome). Guideline adherence
      decreased with rising pain intensity (slope coefficient -0.763, p < 0.001).
      Conclusion Especially in patients suffering from severe pain, current guidelines
      were not strictly followed by nurses when administering analgesics. Guideline
      adherence improved eightfold by implementing an algorithm-based guidance.

PMID- 27655313
TI  - Imprinted genes: important regulators in development.
AB  - The imprinted genes are characterized for their allele-specific expression, which
      present a unique phenomenon in the epigenetic and developmental studies. The
      field had dramatically progress in terms of establishment, maintainance and
      function of imprinted genes in organ development. The imprinting was primarily
      discovered in neuro-transplantation studies, and thereafter focused on a few well
      known imprinted cluster. With increasing application of omics techniques, more
      imprinted genes were screened and identified, which drawn great attentions and
      discussions by scientists in the field. One of wonderful example is peculiars
      extrapolation and debate of evolutional conservation of imprinted genes based on
      the data analysis of the whole genome DNA methylome and histone modification. In
      this review, the current research of imprinted genes in mammals were summarized
      from the feature of the genes, the roles in development, the mechanism of
      regulation, the advances of research methods, the evolution of parental
      relationship and the interaction between imprinted genes and environmental
      factors. This review will be helpful for general understanding and research
      approach of imprinted genes.

PMID- 27655314
TI  - Research progress of the structure and function of NF-kappaB and IkappaB in
      different animal groups.
AB  - The mammalian nuclear transcription factors NF-kappaB (Nuclear factor of kappa B)
      family plays a central role in the immune system, and participates in immune
      response, tumorigenesis and apoptosis by regulating the genes involved in the
      development and survival of lymphocytes. Inhibitor of kappa B (IkappaB) is an
      inhibitor of NF-kappaB, which keeps NF-kappaB in inactive state. When cells are
      stimulated by external signals, activated IkappaB is phosphated after a series of
      signal transmission, and then releases the NF-kappaB heterodimers that migrate
      into the nucleus and regulate gene expression. As an important functional
      protein, they exist in both higher animals and lower animals, and exhibit
      conserved functions. In this review, we summarize the investigation about NF
      kappaB and IkappaB in several representative animals from invertebrates to
      vertebrates, in order to approach a more comprehensive and provide references for
      related researches.

PMID- 27655315
TI  - Research progress of photoperiod regulated genes on flowering time in rice.
AB  - Rice flowering regulation is an extremely complex process, which is controlled by
      genetic factors and external environment. Photoperiodic regulatory pathway is
      pivotal to control flowering in rice, in which florigen genes Hd3a and RTF1 are
      at the core and they are regulated by upstream Hd1-dependent, Ehd1-dependent, as
      well as both Hd1- and Ehd1-independent pathways. The three pathways bring a
      variety of light signal information together to Hd3a and RTF1 for further
      integration, and then transmit the signals in the form of florigen to the
      downstream flowering related genes. In this review, we summarize the research
      progress of photoperiod regulated genes on flowering time in rice, including the
      photoreceptors and circadian rhythm genes, the florigens, its upstream,
      downstream and interacting genes. We hope to provide a reference for in-depth
      study of rice flowering regulation.

PMID- 27655316
TI  - A comparative analysis of genetic diversity of candidate genes associated with
      type 2 diabetes in worldwide populations.
AB  - Over the last decade, a larger number of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)
      susceptible candidate genes have been reported by numerous genome-wide
      association studies (GWAS). Understanding the genetic diversity of these
      candidate genes among worldwide populations not only facilitates to elucidating
      the genetic mechanism of T2DM, but also provides guidance to further studies of
      pathogenesis of T2DM in any certain population. In this study, we identified 170
      genes or genomic regions associated with T2DM by searching the GWAS databases and
      related literatures. We next analyzed the genetic diversity of these genes (or
      genomic regions) among present-day human populations by curetting the 1000
      Genomes Projects phase1 dataset covering 14 worldwide populations. We further
      compared the characteristics of T2DM genes in different populations. No
      significant differences of genetic diversity were observed among the 14 worldwide
      populations between the T2DM candidate genes and the non-T2DM genes in terms of
      overall pattern. However, we observed some genes, such as IL20RA, RNMTL1-NXN,
      NOTCH2, ADRA2A-BTBD7P2, TBC1D4, RBM38-HMGB1P1, UBE2E2, and PPARD, show
      considerable differentiation between populations. In particular, IL20RA
      (FST=0.1521) displays the greatest population difference which is mainly
      contributed by that between Africans and non-Africans. Moreover, we revealed
      genetic differences between East Asians and Europeans on some candidate genes
      such as DGKB-AGMO (FST=0.173) and JAZF1 (FST=0.182). Our results indicate that
      some T2DM susceptible candidate genes harbor highly-differentiated variants
      between populations. These analyses, despite preliminary, should advance our
      understanding of the population difference of susceptibility to T2DM and provide
      insightful reference that future studies can relay on.

PMID- 27655317
TI  - Cloning and promoter activity analyses of the promoter of 2'-deoxymugineic acid
      (DMA) secretion channel gene YS3 in maize.
AB  - Iron (Fe) deficiency is a world-wide serious agricultural problem. Maize secretes
      2'-deoxymugineic acid (DMA) to uptake and utilize Fe from the soil. In order to
      explore the gene expression patterns of the DMA secretion channel gene YS3, we
      cloned the 2813 bp YS3 promoter, and constructed the plant expression vector
      pCAMBIA-YS3GUS. The promoter contains a lot of TATA-boxes and CAAT-boxes, and cis
      acting regulatory elements such as the light responsive elements and the hormone
      responsive elements. Arabidopsis was transformed via Agrobacterium tumefacients
      mediated procedures to obtain the pYS3::GUS transgenic plants, which were
      confirmed by GUS staining. Then, the stained tissue was observed using paraffin
      section methods and the YS3 promoter activity was also analyzed. We found that
      the promoter could drive GUS gene expression specifically in the root epidermal
      cells. Mechanical damage could activate the promoter, and drive the GUS gene
      expression adjacent to the damage sites. Our results provide a molecular basis to
      understand the DMA secretion process in maize.

PMID- 27655319
TI  - Establishment and application of a flow cytometry-based method for detecting
      histone acetylation levels.
AB  - Histone deacetylase inhibitors, which have also received attention in AIDS and
      other diseases, are a new class of anticancer drugs developed in recent years.
      However, there is still a lack of a unified and reliable method for detecting
      histone acetylation levels in basic and clinical research. In this study, we
      developed a flow cytometry-based method to detect histone acetylation levels by
      comparing different sample processing temperature (on ice vs. room temperature),
      permeabilization method (intracellular vs. nuclear), antibody dose (antibody
      titration) and antibody incubation time (time gradient) using whole blood and
      peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In addition, we applied this optimized method
      in in vitro experiment and clinical trial of Chidamide (the only China FDA
      approved HDACi), the result of which confirmed that the flow cytometry-based
      method for detecting histone acetylation levels is a reliable, fast and
      convenient method which can be used in basic and clinical research.

PMID- 27655318
TI  - Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of SBP-box gene family in
      Sorghum bicolor L.
AB  - SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-box (SBP-box) family genes encoding plant
      specific transcription factors are involved in many aspects of crop genetic
      improvement such as yield, plant-type and stress-resistance. The SBP-box gene
      family have important practical applications. In this study, 18 SBP-box genes
      were identified from the reference genome of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) using
      bioinformatics. These genes distributed on nine chromosomes while eight of them
      located in the segmental duplication region. Phylogenetic reconstruction resulted
      in six subfamilies of SBP-box genes, among which SbSBP12, SbSBP3 and SbSBP15 are
      orthologous to ZmLG1, ZmTGA1 and ZmUB2/3 in corn, respectively. RNA-seq data
      analysis indicated that SbSBP-box genes show the highest expression level in
      primordial inflorescences. Moreover, SbSBP9 and SbSBP17 exhibited a tissue
      specific expression in primordial inflorescences. The expression levels of
      SbSBP5, SbSBP8 and SbSBP18 were increased in response to exogenous ABA and
      PEG,indicating that SbSBP-box genes are involved in the defense response against
      abiotic stresses in sorghum. This research provides references for cloning
      important genes in SbSBP-box gene family. Genes identified in this study could be
      considered as candidate genes for genetic improvement of sorghum.

PMID- 27655320
TI  - Cotton Rats Alter Foraging in Response to an Invasive Ant.
AB  - We assessed the effects of red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta; hereafter
      fire ant) on the foraging of hispid cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus). We used a
      manipulative experiment, placing resource patches with a known amount of millet
      seed within areas with reduced (RIFA [-]) or ambient (RIFA [+]) numbers of fire
      ants. We measured giving up densities (the amount of food left within each patch)
      within the resource patches for 4 days to quantify the effects of fire ants on
      cotton rat foraging. We assessed the effects of fire ant treatment (RIFA), Day,
      and their interaction on cotton rat giving up densities. Giving up densities on
      RIFA [+] grids were nearly 2.2 times greater across all foraging days and ranged
      from 1.6 to 2.3 times greater from day 1 to day 4 than the RIFA [-] grids. From
      day 1 to day 4, mean giving up densities decreased significantly faster for the
      RIFA [-] than RIFA [+] treatments, 58% and 13%, respectively. Our results
      demonstrate that cotton rats perceive a risk of injury from fire ants, which is
      likely caused by interference competition, rather than direct predation.
      Envenomation from ants likely decrease the foraging efficiency of cotton rats
      resulting in more time spent foraging. Increased time spent foraging is likely
      stressful in terms of the opportunity for direct injury and encounters with other
      predators. These indirect effects may reduce an individual cotton rat's fitness
      and translate into lowered population abundances.

PMID- 27655321
TI  - Characterization of the aurantimycin biosynthetic gene cluster and enhancing its
      production by manipulating two pathway-specific activators in Streptomyces
      aurantiacus JA 4570.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aurantimycin (ATM), produced by Streptomyces aurantiacus JA 4570, is
      a potent antimicrobial and antitumor antibiotic. Although the chemical structure
      of ATM is highly distinctive and features a cyclohexadepsipeptide scaffold
      attached with a C14 acyl side chain, little is known about its biosynthetic
      pathway and regulatory mechanism. RESULTS: In this work, we report the
      identification and characterization of the ATM biosynthetic gene cluster from S.
      aurantiacus JA 4570. Targeted inactivation of artG, coding for a NRPS enzyme,
      completely abolished ATM production, thereof demonstrating the target gene
      cluster (art) is responsible for ATM biosynthesis. Moreover, four NRPS
      adenylation (A) domains including a freestanding enzyme ArtC have been
      characterized in vitro, whose substrate specificities are consistent with in
      silico analysis. Further genetic analysis of the two regulatory genes artB and
      artX unambiguously suggested both of them play positive roles in ATM
      biosynthesis, and ATM-A production was thus rationally enhanced to about 2.5 fold
      via tandem overexpression of artB and artX in S. aurantiacus JA 4570.
      CONCLUSIONS: These results will provide the basis for the understanding of
      precise mechanisms for ATM biosynthesis, and open the way for both rational
      construction of high-production ATM producer and orient-directed generation of
      designer ATM derivatives via synthetic biology strategies.

PMID- 27655322
TI  - Diagnostic Accuracy of a Host Gene Expression Signature That Discriminates
      Clinical Severe Sepsis Syndrome and Infection-Negative Systemic Inflammation
      Among Critically Ill Children.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: SeptiCyte Lab (Immunexpress, Seattle, WA), a molecular signature
      measuring the relative expression levels of four host messenger RNAs, was
      developed to discriminate critically ill adults with infection-positive versus
      infection-negative systemic inflammation. The objective was to assess the
      performance of Septicyte Lab in critically ill pediatric patients. DESIGN:
      Prospective observational study. SETTING: Pediatric and Cardiac ICUs, Seattle
      Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA. PATIENTS: A cohort of 40 children with
      clinically overt severe sepsis syndrome and 30 children immediately
      postcardiopulmonary bypass surgery was recruited. The clinically overt severe
      sepsis syndrome children had confirmed or highly suspected infection (microbial
      culture orders, antimicrobial prescription), two or more systemic inflammatory
      response syndrome criteria (including temperature and leukocyte criteria), and at
      least cardiovascular +/- pulmonary organ dysfunction. INTERVENTIONS: None
      (observational study only). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Next-generation RNA
      sequencing was conducted on PAXgene blood RNA samples, successfully for 35 of 40
      (87.5%) of the clinically overt severe sepsis syndrome patients and 29 of 30
      (96.7%) of the postcardiopulmonary bypass patients. Forty patient samples (~ 60%
      of cohort) were reanalyzed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain
      reaction, to check for concordance with next-generation sequencing results.
      Postcardiopulmonary bypass versus clinically overt severe sepsis syndrome
      descriptors included the following: age, 7.3 +/- 5.5 versus 9.0 +/- 6.6 years;
      gender, 41% versus 49% male; Pediatric Risk of Mortality, version III, 7.0 +/-
      4.6 versus 8.7 +/- 6.4; Pediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction, version II, 5.1 +/-
      2.2 versus 4.8 +/- 2.8. SeptiCyte Lab strongly differentiated postcardiopulmonary
      bypass and clinically overt severe sepsis syndrome patients by receiver operating
      characteristic curve analysis, with an area-under-curve value of 0.99 (95% CI,
      0.96-1.00). Equivalent performance was found using reverse transcription
      quantitative polymerase chain reaction. There was no significant correlation
      between the score produced by the SeptiCyte Lab test and measures of illness
      severity, immune compromise, or microbial culture status. CONCLUSIONS: SeptiCyte
      Lab is able to discriminate clearly between clinically well-defined and
      homogeneous postcardiopulmonary bypass and clinically overt severe sepsis
      syndrome groups in children. A broader investigation among children with more
      heterogeneous inflammation-associated diagnoses and care settings is warranted.

PMID- 27655323
TI  - Accuracy of Laboratory Data Communication on ICU Daily Rounds Using an Electronic
      Health Record.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Accurately communicating patient data during daily ICU rounds is
      critically important since data provide the basis for clinical decision making.
      Despite its importance, high fidelity data communication during interprofessional
      ICU rounds is assumed, yet unproven. We created a robust but simple methodology
      to measure the prevalence of inaccurately communicated (misrepresented) data and
      to characterize data communication failures by type. We also assessed how
      commonly the rounding team detected data misrepresentation and whether data
      communication was impacted by environmental, human, and workflow factors. DESIGN:
      Direct observation of verbalized laboratory data during daily ICU rounds compared
      with data within the electronic health record and on presenters' paper
      prerounding notes. SETTING: Twenty-six-bed academic medical ICU with a well
      established electronic health record. SUBJECTS: ICU rounds presenter (medical
      student or resident physician), interprofessional rounding team. INTERVENTIONS:
      None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: During 301 observed patient presentations
      including 4,945 audited laboratory results, presenters used a paper prerounding
      tool for 94.3% of presentations but tools contained only 78% of available
      electronic health record laboratory data. Ninty-six percent of patient
      presentations included at least one laboratory misrepresentation (mean, 6.3 per
      patient) and 38.9% of all audited laboratory data were inaccurately communicated.
      Most misrepresentation events were omissions. Only 7.8% of all laboratory
      misrepresentations were detected. CONCLUSION: Despite a structured
      interprofessional rounding script and a well-established electronic health
      record, clinician laboratory data retrieval and communication during ICU rounds
      at our institution was poor, prone to omissions and inaccuracies, yet largely
      unrecognized by the rounding team. This highlights an important patient safety
      issue that is likely widely prevalent, yet underrecognized.

PMID- 27655324
TI  - High-Flow Nasal Cannula Oxygenation in Immunocompromised Patients With Acute
      Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure: A Groupe de Recherche Respiratoire en Reanimation
      Onco-Hematologique Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In immunocompromised patients with acute respiratory failure, invasive
      mechanical ventilation remains associated with high mortality. Choosing the
      adequate oxygenation strategy is of the utmost importance in that setting. High
      flow nasal oxygen has recently shown survival benefits in unselected patients
      with acute respiratory failure. The objective was to assess outcomes of
      immunocompromised patients with hypoxemic acute respiratory failure treated with
      high-flow nasal oxygen. DESIGN: We performed a post hoc analysis of a randomized
      controlled trial of noninvasive ventilation in critically ill immunocompromised
      patients with hypoxemic acute respiratory failure. SETTING: Twenty-nine ICUs in
      France and Belgium. PATIENTS: Critically ill immunocompromised patients with
      hypoxemic acute respiratory failure. INTERVENTION: A propensity score-based
      approach was used to assess the impact of high-flow nasal oxygen compared with
      standard oxygen on day 28 mortality. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Among 374
      patients included in the study, 353 met inclusion criteria. Underlying disease
      included mostly malignancies (n = 296; 84%). Acute respiratory failure etiologies
      were mostly pneumonia (n = 157; 44.4%) or opportunistic infection (n = 76;
      21.5%). Noninvasive ventilation was administered to 180 patients (51%). Invasive
      mechanical ventilation was ultimately needed in 142 patients (40.2%). Day 28
      mortality was 22.6% (80 deaths). Throughout the ICU stay, 127 patients (36%)
      received high-flow nasal oxygen whereas 226 patients received standard oxygen.
      Ninety patients in each group (high-flow nasal oxygen or standard oxygen) were
      matched according to the propensity score, including 91 of 180 (51%) who received
      noninvasive ventilation. High-flow nasal oxygen was neither associated with a
      lower intubation rate (hazard ratio, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.11-1.61; p = 0.2) nor day 28
      mortality (hazard ratio, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.45-1.42; p = 0.45). CONCLUSIONS: In
      immunocompromised patients with hypoxemic acute respiratory failure, high-flow
      nasal oxygen when compared with standard oxygen did not reduce intubation or
      survival rates. However, these results could be due to low statistical power or
      unknown confounders associated with the subgroup analysis. A randomized trial is
      needed.

PMID- 27655325
TI  - Hemodynamic Effect of Different Doses of Fluids for a Fluid Challenge: A Quasi
      Randomized Controlled Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study are to determine what is the minimal
      volume required to perform an effective fluid challenge and to investigate how
      different doses of IV fluids in an fluid challenge affect the changes in cardiac
      output and the proportion of responders and nonresponders. DESIGN: Quasi
      randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Cardiothoracic ICU, tertiary university
      hospital. PATIENTS: Eighty postcardiac surgery patients. INTERVENTION: IV
      infusion of 1, 2, 3, or 4 mL/Kg (body weight) of crystalloid over 5 minutes.
      MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Mean systemic filling pressure measured using the
      transient stop-flow arm arterial-venous equilibrium pressure, arterial and
      central venous pressure, cardiac output (LiDCOplus; LiDCO, Cambridge, United
      Kingdom), and heart rate. The groups were well matched with respect to
      demographic and baseline physiologic variables. The proportion of responders
      increased from 20% in the group of 1 mL/kg to 65% in the group of 4 mL/kg (p =
      0.04). The predicted minimal volume required for an fluid challenge was between
      321 and 509 mL. Only 4 mL/Kg increases transient stop-flow arm arterial-venous
      equilibrium pressure beyond the limits of precision and was significantly
      associated with a positive response (odds ratio, 7.73; 95% CI, 1.78-31.04).
      CONCLUSION: The doses of fluids used for an fluid challenge modify the
      proportions of responders in postoperative patients. A dose of 4 mL/Kg increases
      transient stop-flow arm arterial-venous equilibrium pressure and reliably detects
      responders and nonresponders.

PMID- 27655326
TI  - Effects of low-level laser therapy applied before or after plyometric exercise on
      muscle damage markers: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
AB  - Promising effects of phototherapy on markers of exercise-induced muscle damage
      has been already demonstrated in constant load or isokinetic protocols. However,
      its effects on more functional situations, such as plyometric exercises, and when
      is the best moment to apply this treatment (pre- or post-exercise) remain
      unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of
      low-level laser therapy (LLLT) before or after plyometric exercise on quadriceps
      muscle damage markers. A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial was
      conducted with 24 healthy men, 12 at pre-exercise treatment group and 12 at post
      exercise treatment group. Placebo and LLLT (810 nm, 200 mW per diode, 6 J per
      diode, 240 J per leg) were randomly applied on right/left knee extensor muscles
      of each volunteer before/after a plyometric exercise protocol. Muscular echo
      intensity (ultrasonography images), soreness (visual analogue scale - VAS), and
      strength impairment (maximal voluntary contraction - MVC) were assessed at
      baseline, 24, 48, and 72 h post-exercise. Legs treated with LLLT before or after
      exercise presented significantly smaller increments of echo intensity (values up
      to 1 %) compared to placebo treatments (increased up to ~7 %). No significant
      treatment effect was found for VAS and MVC, although a trend toward better
      results on LLLT legs have been found for VAS (mean values up to 30 % lesser than
      placebo leg). In conclusion, LLLT applied before or after plyometric exercise
      reduces the muscle echo intensity response and possibly attenuates the muscle
      soreness. However, these positive results were not observed on strength
      impairment.

PMID- 27655327
TI  - How Negative Social Bias Affects Memory for Faces: An Electrical Neuroimaging
      Study.
AB  - During social interactions, we make inferences about people's personal
      characteristics based on their appearance. These inferences form a potential
      prejudice that can positively or negatively bias our interaction with them. Not
      much is known about the effects of negative bias on face perception and the
      ability to recognize people faces. This ability was investigated by recording
      event-related potentials (ERPs) from 128 sites in 16 volunteers. In the first
      session (encoding), they viewed 200 faces associated with a short fictional story
      that described anecdotal positive or negative characteristics about each person.
      In the second session (recognition), they underwent an old/new memory test, in
      which they had to distinguish 100 new faces from the previously shown faces. ERP
      data relative to the encoding phase showed a larger anterior negativity in
      response to negatively (vs. positively) biased faces, indicating an additional
      processing of faces with unpleasant social traits. In the recognition task, ERPs
      recorded in response to new faces elicited a larger FN400 than to old faces, and
      to positive than negative faces. Additionally, old faces elicited a larger Old
      New parietal response than new faces, in the form of an enlarged late positive
      (LPC) component. An inverse solution SwLORETA (450-550 ms) indicated that
      remembering old faces was associated with the activation of right superior
      frontal gyrus (SFG), left medial temporal gyrus, and right fusiform gyrus. Only
      negatively connoted faces strongly activated the limbic and parahippocampal areas
      and the left SFG. A dissociation was found between familiarity (modulated by
      negative bias) and recollection (distinguishing old from new faces).

PMID- 27655328
TI  - A Meta-Analysis: Identification of Common Mir-145 Target Genes that have Similar
      Behavior in Different GEO Datasets.
AB  - BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs, which are small regulatory RNAs, post-transcriptionally
      regulate gene expression by binding 3'-UTR of their mRNA targets. Their
      deregulation has been shown to cause increased proliferation, migration,
      invasion, and apoptosis. miR-145, an important tumor supressor microRNA, has
      shown to be downregulated in many cancer types and has crucial roles in tumor
      initiation, progression, metastasis, invasion, recurrence, and chemo
      radioresistance. Our aim is to investigate potential common target genes of miR
      145, and to help understanding the underlying molecular pathways of tumor
      pathogenesis in association with those common target genes. METHODS: Eight
      published microarray datasets, where targets of mir-145 were investigated in cell
      lines upon mir-145 over expression, were included into this study for meta
      analysis. Inter group variabilities were assessed by box-plot analysis.
      Microarray datasets were analyzed using GEOquery package in Bioconducter 3.2 with
      R version 3.2.2 and two-way Hierarchical Clustering was used for gene expression
      data analysis. RESULTS: Meta-analysis of different GEO datasets showed that UNG,
      FUCA2, DERA, GMFB, TF, and SNX2 were commonly downregulated genes, whereas MYL9
      and TAGLN were found to be commonly upregulated upon mir-145 over expression in
      prostate, breast, esophageal, bladder cancer, and head and neck squamous cell
      carcinoma. Biological process, molecular function, and pathway analysis of these
      potential targets of mir-145 through functional enrichments in PPI network
      demonstrated that those genes are significantly involved in telomere maintenance,
      DNA binding and repair mechanisms. CONCLUSION: As a conclusion, our results
      indicated that mir-145, through targeting its common potential targets, may
      significantly contribute to tumor pathogenesis in distinct cancer types and might
      serve as an important target for cancer therapy.

PMID- 27655329
TI  - An explorative study of school performance and antipsychotic medication.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Antipsychotic therapy can reduce severe symptoms of psychiatric
      disorders, however, data on school performance among children on such treatment
      are lacking. The objective was to explore school performance among children using
      antipsychotic drugs at the end of primary education. METHODS: A cross-sectional
      study was conducted using the University Groningen pharmacy database linked to
      academic achievement scores at the end of primary school (Dutch Cito-test)
      obtained from Statistics Netherlands. Mean Cito-test scores and standard
      deviations were obtained for children on antipsychotic therapy and reference
      children, and statistically compared using analyses of covariance. In addition,
      differences in subgroups as boys versus girls, ethnicity, household income, and
      late starters (start date within 12 months of the Cito-test) versus early
      starters (start date > 12 months before the Cito-test) were tested. RESULTS: In
      all, data from 7994 children could be linked to Cito-test scores. At the time of
      the Cito-test, 45 (0.6 %) were on treatment with antipsychotics. Children using
      antipsychotics scored on average 3.6 points lower than the reference peer group
      (534.5 +/- 9.5). Scores were different across gender and levels of household
      income (p < 0.05). Scores of early starters were significantly higher than
      starters within 12 months (533.7 +/- 1.7 vs. 524.1 +/- 2.6). CONCLUSION: This
      first exploration showed that children on antipsychotic treatment have lower
      school performance compared to the reference peer group at the end of primary
      school. This was most noticeable for girls, but early starters were less affected
      than later starters. Due to the observational cross-sectional nature of this
      study, no causality can be inferred, but the results indicate that school
      performance should be closely monitored and causes of underperformance despite
      treatment warrants more research.

PMID- 27655330
TI  - Incretin-Based Therapy and Risk of Pancreatic Cancer in Patients with Type 2
      Diabetes Mellitus: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The present study aims to evaluate the risk of pancreatic cancer
      with incretin-based therapy among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
      METHODS: We searched EMBASE, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled
      Trials and ClinicalTrials.gov for eligible studies published up to March 06 2016.
      This meta-analysis includes all studies reporting adverse events of pancreatic
      cancer with use of incretin-based therapies compared with placebo or non-incretin
      anti-diabetic drugs in patients with T2DM. We used fixed-effect model to compare
      pooled relative risk (RR) with related 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: A
      total of 159 randomized trials were identified. Out of these, 135 studies were
      excluded as pancreatic cancer occurrence had not been included as an end point.
      The remaining 24 trials enrolling 47,904 participants were further assessed.
      Overall, no increased risk of pancreatic cancer were detected in association with
      incretin-based treatment (RR = 0.7, 95% CI 0.37-1.05). The incidence of
      pancreatic neoplasm was even lower among incretin-based groups than controls (RR
      = 0.50, 95% CI 0.29-0.87) in trials with duration more than 104 weeks. There was
      even decreased risk of pancreatic cancer within groups paralleled by incretin
      matched placebos (RR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.32-0.93) than by non-incretin anti-diabetic
      drugs. Neither monotherapy (RR = 0.62, 95% CI 0.38-1.01) nor combination regimen
      (RR = 0.92, 95% CI 0.45-1.90) of incretin mimetics increased the risk of
      pancreatic cancer. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis shows that incretin-based
      therapies are not associated with increase in the risk of pancreatic cancer.
      Interestingly, subgroup analyses suggested lower risk of pancreatic cancer in
      incretin groups than placebo in long-term studies (>104 weeks). Considering the
      inconsistent results among randomized trials and previous epidemiological
      investigations, more such studies should be conducted to clarify the existence or
      non-existence of this association. FUNDING: This work was supported by grants
      from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 81270476 and
      81470830).

PMID- 27655331
TI  - Inter-class competition in stage-structured populations: effects of adult density
      on life-history traits of adult and juvenile common lizards.
AB  - Ecological and evolutionary processes in natural populations are largely
      influenced by the population's stage-structure. Commonly, different classes have
      different competitive abilities, e.g., due to differences in body size,
      suggesting that inter-class competition may be important and largely asymmetric.
      However, experimental evidence states that inter-class competition, which is
      important, is rare and restricted to marine fish. Here, we manipulated the adult
      density in six semi-natural populations of the European common lizard, Zootoca
      vivipara, while holding juvenile density constant. Adult density affected
      juveniles, but not adults, in line with inter-class competition. High adult
      density led to lower juvenile survival and growth before hibernation. In
      contrast, juvenile survival after hibernation was higher in populations with high
      adult density, pointing to relaxed inter-class competition. As a result, annual
      survival was not affected by adult density, showing that differences in pre- and
      post-hibernation survival balanced each other out. The intensity of inter-class
      competition affected reproduction, performance, and body size in juveniles. Path
      analyses unravelled direct treatment effects on early growth (pre-hibernation)
      and no direct treatment effects on the parameters measured after hibernation.
      This points to allometry of treatment-induced differences in early growth, and it
      suggests that inter-class competition mainly affects the early growth of the
      competitively inferior class and thereby their future performance and
      reproduction. These results are in contrast with previous findings and, together
      with results in marine fish, suggest that the strength and direction of density
      dependence may depend on the degree of inter-class competition, and thus on the
      availability of resources used by the competing classes.

PMID- 27655332
TI  - Statewide Study to Assess Nurses' Experiences With Meaningful Use-Based
      Electronic Health Records.
AB  - Nursing professionals are at the frontline of the health information technology
      revolution. The Texas Nurses Association and Texas Organization of Nurse
      Executives partnered to evaluate the changing health technology environment in
      Texas, in particular the nurses' satisfaction with the use of clinical
      information systems. A descriptive exploratory study using the Clinical
      Information System Implementation Evaluation Scale and a newly developed
      Demographic Survey and the Meaningful Use Maturity-Sensitive Index, with a
      narrative component, was conducted in 2014 and 2015. Nurses across Texas received
      an electronic invitation to participate in the survey, resulting in 1177
      respondents. Exploratory factor analysis revealed that variables of the
      Meaningful Use Maturity-Sensitive Index and Clinical Information System
      Implementation Evaluation Scale show strong interrater reliability, with
      Cronbach's alpha scores of .889 and .881, respectively, and thereby inform the
      survey analysis, indicating and explaining variations in regional and
      institutional trends with respect to satisfaction. For example, the maturity of a
      clinical information system within an organization and age of the nurse
      significantly influence the probability of nurse satisfaction (P < .05).
      Qualitative analysis of nurses' narratives further explained the nurses'
      experiences. Recommendations for future research and educational were identified.

PMID- 27655333
TI  - Identification potential biomarkers in pulmonary tuberculosis and latent
      infection based on bioinformatics analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The study aimed to identify the potential biomarkers in pulmonary
      tuberculosis (TB) and TB latent infection based on bioinformatics analysis.
      METHODS: The microarray data of GSE57736 were downloaded from Gene Expression
      Omnibus database. A total of 7 pulmonary TB and 8 latent infection samples were
      used to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The protein-protein
      interaction (PPI) network was constructed by Cytoscape software. Then network
      based neighborhood scoring analysis was performed to identify the important
      genes. Furthermore, the functional enrichment analysis, correlation analysis and
      logistic regression analysis for the identified important genes were performed.
      RESULTS: A total of 1084 DEGs were identified, including 565 down- and 519 up
      regulated genes. The PPI network was constructed with 446 nodes and 768 edges.
      Down-regulated genes RIC8 guanine nucleotide exchange factor A (RIC8A), basic
      leucine zipper transcription factor, ATF-like (BATF) and microtubule associated
      monooxygenase, calponin LIM domain containing 1 (MICAL1) and up-regulated genes
      ATPase, Na+/K+ transporting, alpha 4 polypeptide (ATP1A4), histone cluster 1, H3c
      (HIST1H3C), histone cluster 2, H3d (HIST2H3D), histone cluster 1, H3e (HIST1H3E)
      and tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) were selected as important genes in network-based
      neighborhood scoring analysis. The functional enrichment analysis results showed
      that these important DEGs were mainly enriched in regulation of osteoblast
      differentiation and nucleoside triphosphate biosynthetic process. The gene pairs
      RIC8A-ATP1A4, HIST1H3C-HIST2H3D, HIST1H3E-BATF and MICAL1-TYK2 were identified
      with high positive correlations. Besides, these genes were selected as
      significant feature genes in logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The genes
      such as RIC8A, ATP1A4, HIST1H3C, HIST2H3D, HIST1H3E, BATF, MICAL1 and TYK2 may be
      potential biomarkers in pulmonary TB or TB latent infection.

PMID- 27655334
TI  - "Inherently chiral" thiophene-based electrodes at work: a screening of
      enantioselection ability toward a series of pharmaceutically relevant phenolic or
      catecholic amino acids, amino esters, and amine.
AB  - "Inherently chiral" thiophene-based electroactive oligomer films have recently
      been shown to exhibit outstanding chirality manifestations. One of the most
      exciting among them is an unprecedented enantioselection ability as electrode
      surfaces. In fact, in preliminary chiral voltammetry experiments, the new
      electrodes have been shown to both discriminate the enantiomers of chiral probes
      (either enantiopure or in a mixture, in terms of large differences in peak
      potentials) and quantify them (in terms of linear dynamic ranges in peak
      currents), without the need for preliminary separation steps. Such ability has
      now been tested on a series of chiral DOPA-related molecules, from phenolic amino
      acid tyrosine (together with its methyl ester) to catecholic amino acid DOPA
      (together with its methyl ester), to catecholamine epinephrine (adrenaline). The
      wide-range enantioselectivity of the new inherently chiral electrode surfaces is
      fully confirmed, as large peak potential differences are obtained for probe
      enantiomers of the whole series working in common aqueous buffers. Moreover,
      interesting modulating effects on enantiodiscrimination can be observed as a
      function of both molecular structure and pH. Graphical abstract Inherently chiral
      thiophene-based electrodes at work with pharmaceutically relevant probes. 

PMID- 27655335
TI  - A fluorescent probe assay (Heparin Red) for direct detection of heparins in human
      plasma.
AB  - Heparins are widely used anticoagulant drugs. The current monitoring practice for
      heparin in plasma, such as the chromogenic anti-factor Xa assay, relies on
      heparin-triggered activation of antithrombin, an inhibitor of coagulation
      proteases. Such assays are not applicable to the detection of non-anticoagulant
      heparins, an emerging class of drug candidates for therapeutic applications
      unrelated to anticlotting activity. This study describes the application of a
      commercially available fluorescent probe assay (Heparin Red) for the direct and
      sensitive detection of the "chemical" heparin in plasma, independent of any
      anticoagulant activity. The quantification range is about 0-5 MUg/mL for both
      unfractionated heparin (corresponding to 0-1 IU/mL) and the low molecular weight
      heparin enoxaparin. The Heparin Red assay is of particular value for the
      quantification of non-anticoagulant heparins, as exemplified by the low molecular
      weight heparin derivative tafoxiparin and a N-desulfated-N-reacetylated heparin.
      Heparin octa- and decasaccharides are also detected. Graphical abstract Heparin
      quantification in plasma by mixing the sample with the Heparin Red reagent and
      fluorescence readout.

PMID- 27655336
TI  - Micro-liquid chromatography mass spectrometry for the analysis of antineoplastic
      drugs from wipe samples.
AB  - A fast quantification method for the determination of 11 antineoplastic drugs
      from wipe samples was developed using micro-scale liquid chromatography in
      combination with tandem mass spectrometry. The extraction efficiency from the
      wipes has been investigated using different extraction solvents. The results
      indicate that a mixture of 70/30 water/isopropanol (v/v) acidified with 0.1 %
      formic acid is suitable to desorb the antineoplastic drugs with sufficient
      recovery between 80 and 120 %. Compared to conventional liquid chromatography,
      the total analysis time can be reduced to 2.25 min using a 50 * 0.3 mm column at
      a flow rate of 25 MUL min-1. Ion source parameters as well as the injection
      volume were optimized to ensure the highest sensitivity. The results of method
      validation showed an instrumental limit of quantification between 0.0068 and
      0.0488 ng mL-1 using an injection volume of 4.25 MUL estimated by the signal to
      noise ratio. Moreover, the retention time repeatability was determined with a
      maximum relative standard deviation of 0.4 %. Graphical abstract Micro-LC-MS/MS
      separation of 11 antineoplastic drugs from wipe samples.

PMID- 27655338
TI  - Specific Bacillus subtilis 168 variants form biofilms on nutrient-rich medium.
AB  - Bacillus subtilis is an intensively studied Gram-positive bacterium that has
      become one of the models for biofilm development. B. subtilis 168 is a well-known
      domesticated strain that has been suggested to be deficient in robust biofilm
      formation. Moreover, the diversity of available B. subtilis laboratory strains
      and their derivatives have made it difficult to compare independent studies
      related to biofilm formation. Here, we analysed numerous 168 stocks from multiple
      laboratories for their ability to develop biofilms in different set-ups and
      media. We report a wide variation among the biofilm-forming capabilities of
      diverse stocks of B. subtilis 168, both in architecturally complex colonies and
      liquid-air interface pellicles, as well as during plant root colonization. Some
      168 variants are indeed unable to develop robust biofilm structures, while others
      do so as efficiently as the non-domesticated NCIB 3610 strain. In all cases
      studied, the addition of glucose to the medium dramatically improved biofilm
      development of the laboratory strains. Furthermore, the expression of biofilm
      matrix component operons, epsA-O and tapA-sipW-tasA, was monitored during colony
      biofilm formation. We found a lack of direct correlation between the expression
      of these genes and the complexity of wrinkles in colony biofilms. However, the
      presence of a single mutation in the exopolysaccharide-related gene epsC
      correlates with the ability of the stocks tested to form architecturally complex
      colonies and pellicles, and to colonize plant roots.

PMID- 27655339
TI  - Involved field radiotherapy (IFRT) versus elective nodal irradiation (ENI) for
      locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer: a meta-analysis of incidence of
      elective nodal failure (ENF).
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The use of involved field radiotherapy (IFRT) has
      generated concern about the increasing incidence of elective nodal failure (ENF)
      in contrast to elective nodal irradiation (ENI). This meta-analysis aimed to
      provide more reliable and up-to-date evidence on the incidence of ENF between
      IFRT and ENI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched three databases for eligible
      studies where locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients
      received IFRT or ENI. Outcome of interest was the incidence of ENF. The fixed
      effects model was used to pool outcomes across the studies. RESULTS: There were 3
      RCTs and 3 cohort studies included with low risk of bias. There was no
      significant difference in incidence of ENF between IFRT and ENI either among RCTs
      (RR = 1.38, 95 % CI: 0.59-3.25, p = 0.46) or among cohort studies (RR = 0.99, 95
      % CI: 0.46-2.10, p = 0.97). There was also no significant difference in incidence
      of ENF between IFRT and ENI when RCTs and cohort studies were combined (RR =
      1.15, 95 % CI: 0.65-2.01, p = 0.64). I 2 of test for heterogeneity was 0 %.
      CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis provides more reliable and stable evidence that
      there is no significant difference in incidence of ENF between IFRT and ENI.

PMID- 27655340
TI  - Genomic analysis of the molecular neuropathology of tuberous sclerosis using a
      human stem cell model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic disease characterized
      by benign tumor growths in multiple organs and neurological symptoms induced by
      mTOR hyperfunction. Because the molecular pathology is highly complex and the
      etiology poorly understood, we employed a defined human neuronal model with a
      single mTOR activating mutation to dissect the disease-relevant molecular
      responses driving the neuropathology and suggest new targets for treatment.
      METHODS: We investigate the disease phenotype of TSC by neural differentiation of
      a human stem cell model that had been deleted for TSC2 by genome editing.
      Comprehensive genomic analysis was performed by RNA sequencing and ribosome
      profiling to obtain a detailed genome-wide description of alterations on both the
      transcriptional and translational level. The molecular effect of mTOR inhibitors
      used in the clinic was monitored and comparison to published data from patient
      biopsies and mouse models highlights key pathogenic processes. RESULTS: TSC2
      deficient neural stem cells showed severely reduced neuronal maturation and
      characteristics of astrogliosis instead. Transcriptome analysis indicated an
      active inflammatory response and increased metabolic activity, whereas at the
      level of translation ribosomal transcripts showed a 5'UTR motif-mediated increase
      in ribosome occupancy. Further, we observed enhanced protein synthesis rates of
      angiogenic growth factors. Treatment with mTOR inhibitors corrected translational
      alterations but transcriptional dysfunction persisted. CONCLUSIONS: Our results
      extend the understanding of the molecular pathophysiology of TSC brain lesions,
      and suggest phenotype-tailored pharmacological treatment strategies.

PMID- 27655337
TI  - Obesity and stroke: Can we translate from rodents to patients?
AB  - Obesity is a risk factor for stroke and is consequently one of the most common co
      morbidities found in patients. There is therefore an identified need to model co
      morbidities preclinically to allow better translation from bench to bedside. In
      preclinical studies, both diet-induced and genetically obese rodents have worse
      stroke outcome, characterised by increased ischaemic damage and an altered
      inflammatory response. However, clinical studies have reported an 'obesity
      paradox' in stroke, characterised by reduced mortality and morbidity in obese
      patients. We discuss the potential reasons why the preclinical and clinical
      studies may not agree, and review the mechanisms identified in preclinical
      studies through which obesity may affects stroke outcome. We suggest inflammation
      plays a central role in this relationship, as obesity features increases in
      inflammatory mediators such as C-reactive protein and interleukin-6, and chronic
      inflammation has been linked to worse stroke risk and outcome.

PMID- 27655343
TI  - Rapid mapping of compound eye visual sampling parameters with FACETS, a highly
      automated wide-field goniometer.
AB  - A highly automated goniometer instrument (called FACETS) has been developed to
      facilitate rapid mapping of compound eye parameters for investigating regional
      visual field specializations. The instrument demonstrates the feasibility of
      analyzing the complete field of view of an insect eye in a fraction of the time
      required if using non-motorized, non-computerized methods. Faster eye mapping
      makes it practical for the first time to employ sample sizes appropriate for
      testing hypotheses about the visual significance of interspecific differences in
      regional specializations. Example maps of facet sizes are presented from four
      dipteran insects representing the Asilidae, Calliphoridae, and Stratiomyidae.
      These maps provide the first quantitative documentation of the frontal enlarged
      facet zones (EFZs) that typify asilid eyes, which, together with the EFZs in male
      Calliphoridae, are likely to be correlated with high-spatial-resolution acute
      zones. The presence of EFZs contrasts sharply with the almost homogeneous
      distribution of facet sizes in the stratiomyid. Moreover, the shapes of EFZs
      differ among species, suggesting functional specializations that may reflect
      differences in visual ecology. Surveys of this nature can help identify species
      that should be targeted for additional studies, which will elucidate fundamental
      principles and constraints that govern visual field specializations and their
      evolution.

PMID- 27655341
TI  - Automating NEURON Simulation Deployment in Cloud Resources.
AB  - Simulations in neuroscience are performed on local servers or High Performance
      Computing (HPC) facilities. Recently, cloud computing has emerged as a potential
      computational platform for neuroscience simulation. In this paper we compare and
      contrast HPC and cloud resources for scientific computation, then report how we
      deployed NEURON, a widely used simulator of neuronal activity, in three clouds:
      Chameleon Cloud, a hybrid private academic cloud for cloud technology research
      based on the OpenStack software; Rackspace, a public commercial cloud, also based
      on OpenStack; and Amazon Elastic Cloud Computing, based on Amazon's proprietary
      software. We describe the manual procedures and how to automate cloud operations.
      We describe extending our simulation automation software called NeuroManager
      (Stockton and Santamaria, Frontiers in Neuroinformatics, 2015), so that the user
      is capable of recruiting private cloud, public cloud, HPC, and local servers
      simultaneously with a simple common interface. We conclude by performing several
      studies in which we examine speedup, efficiency, total session time, and cost for
      sets of simulations of a published NEURON model.

PMID- 27655342
TI  - Executive Functioning and Engagement in Physical and Relational Aggression among
      Children with ADHD.
AB  - Although evidence suggests that executive functioning (EF) impairments are
      implicated in physically aggressive behavior (e.g., hitting) these cognitive
      impairments have rarely been examined with regard to relational aggression (e.g.,
      gossip, systematic exclusion). Studies also have not examined if EF impairments
      underlie the expression of aggression in children with attention
      deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and if child gender moderates risk.
      Children with and without clinical elevations in ADHD symptoms (N = 124; ages 8
      12 years; 48 % male) completed a battery of EF tests. Parent and teacher report
      of ADHD and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) symptoms and teacher report of
      engagement in physical and relational aggression were collected. Models tested
      the unique association of EF abilities with physical and relational aggression
      and the indirect effect through the expression of ADHD or ODD behaviors; child
      gender was also tested as a moderator. EF impairment was uniquely associated with
      physical aggression, but better EF ability was associated with relational
      aggression. For boys, poor EF also was indirectly associated with greater
      physical aggression through the expression of ADHD behaviors. However, ADHD
      symptoms were unrelated to relational aggression. ODD symptoms also predicted
      physical aggression for boys but relational aggression for girls. Results suggest
      that there are multiple and distinct factors associated with engagement in
      physical and relational aggression and that better EF may actually promote
      relational aggression. Established models of physical aggression should not be
      assumed to map on to explanations of relational aggression.

PMID- 27655346
TI  - A Basal Tapejarine (Pterosauria; Pterodactyloidea; Tapejaridae) from the Crato
      Formation, Early Cretaceous of Brazil.
AB  - A three-dimensional and almost complete pterosaur mandible from the Crato
      Formation (Early Cretaceous of Northeastern Brazil), Araripe Basin, is described
      as a new species of a tapejarine tapejarid. Tapejarines are a particular group of
      toothless pterosaurs, characterized by well-developed cranial crests, downturned
      rostra, and have been proposed to represent frugivorous flying reptiles. Though
      comparatively well represented and distributed, the evolutionary history of the
      group is still poorly known, and the internal relationships of its members are
      not well understood. The new species here reported, named Aymberedactylus
      cearensis gen. et sp. nov., adds new data concerning the evolution of the group,
      concerning their morphology and geographical origin. It differs from known
      tapejarids due to its unusually elongate retroarticular process and a shallow
      fossa on the splenial exhibiting distinctive rugose texture. Furthermore, it
      exhibits a suite of basal and derived conditions within the Tapejaridae,
      demonstrating how their morphological traits probably evolved and that these
      forms were even more diverse than already acknowledged. The discovery of
      Aymberedactylus cearensis sheds new light on the evolutionary history of the
      Tapejarinae.

PMID- 27655344
TI  - Heavy Alcohol Consumption with Alcoholic Liver Disease Accelerates Sarcopenia in
      Elderly Korean Males: The Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
      2008-2010.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Although a few studies have reported that sarcopenia is
      associated with alcoholic liver disease (ALD), no studies have investigated this
      association in a large sample representative of the elderly Korean population.
      METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study that used data from the Fourth and
      Fifth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (KNHANES) on
      subjects aged 65 years and older. Sarcopenia was defined as a skeletal muscle
      index (SMI) more than 1 SD below the gender-specific mean for young adults; SMI
      was calculated as the appendicular muscle mass divided by height squared
      (ASM/Ht2). Heavy alcohol consumption was defined as consuming at least 210
      g/week, and elevated liver enzymes were defined as alanine aminotransferase
      levels of at least 32 U/L or aspartate aminotransferase levels of at least 34
      U/L. ALD was defined as heavy alcohol consumption and elevated liver enzymes.
      RESULTS: The mean age of the 1,151 elderly males was 71.6 +/- 0.2 years, and the
      prevalence of heavy alcohol consumption was 11.8% (136 subjects). SMI did not
      differ between the non-heavy and heavy alcohol consumer groups (7.1 +/- 0.0 kg/m2
      vs. 7.3 +/- 0.1 kg/m2, respectively, P = 0.145). However, after stratifying by
      the presence of liver disease and heavy alcohol consumption and adjusting for
      other confounders in the multivariate logistic regression, SMI was significantly
      lower among heavy alcohol consumers with ALD (all P < 0.05). Additionally, two
      way ANOVA showed a significant interaction between heavy alcohol consumption and
      liver disease (P = 0.011). CONCLUSION: Sarcopenia was accelerated in the elderly
      male ALD group, with a significant interaction between alcohol consumption and
      liver disease.

PMID- 27655345
TI  - Stage-dependent fate of Plasmodium falciparum-infected red blood cells in the
      spleen and sickle-cell trait-related protection against malaria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sickle-cell trait (HbAS) reduces falciparum malaria risk and
      suppresses parasitaemia. Although several candidate mechanisms have been
      proposed, their epidemiological, clinical and experimental correlates have not
      been adequately explained. To explore the basis for generally lower parasitaemias
      and delayed malaria episodes in children with HbAS, it is hypothesized here that
      their spleen-dependent removal of ring-infected red blood cells (RBCs) is more
      efficient than in children with normal haemoglobin A (HbAA). METHODS: The
      mechanical splenic retention of Plasmodium falciparum-infected RBCs from subjects
      with HbAS or HbAA was investigated using two physiologically relevant methods:
      microsphiltration and ex vivo spleen perfusion. P. falciparum-infected RBCs
      obtained from in vitro cultures and from patients were used in either normoxic or
      hypoxic conditions. The effect of sickling in ring-infected HbAS RBCs was also
      investigated. RESULTS: When a laboratory-adapted parasite strain was analysed,
      ring-infected HbAA RBCs were retained in microsphilters at similar or greater
      levels than ring-infected HbAS RBCs, under normoxic (retention rate 62.5 vs 43.8
      %, P < 0.01) and hypoxic (54.0 vs 38.0 %, P = 0.11) conditions. When parasitized
      RBCs from Malian children were analysed, retention of ring-infected HbAA and HbAS
      RBCs was similar when tested either directly ex vivo (32.1 vs 28.7 %, P = 0.52)
      or after one re-invasion in vitro (55.9 vs 43.7 %, P = 0.30). In hypoxia,
      sickling of uninfected and ring-infected HbAS RBCs (8.6 vs 5.7 %, P = 0.51), and
      retention of ring-infected HbAA and HbAS RBCs in microsphilters (72.5 vs 68.8 %,
      P = 0.38) and spleens (41.2 vs 30.4 %, P = 0.11), also did not differ. Retention
      of HbAS and HbAA RBCs infected with mature P. falciparum stages was greater than
      95 %. CONCLUSIONS: Sickle-cell trait is not associated with higher retention or
      sickling of ring-infected RBCs in experimental systems reflecting the mechanical
      sensing of RBCs by the human spleen. As observed with HbAA RBCs, HbAS RBCs
      infected with mature parasites are completely retained. Because the cytoadherence
      of HbAS RBCs infected with mature parasites is impaired, the very efficient
      splenic retention of such non-adherent infected RBCs is expected to result in a
      slower rise of P. falciparum parasitaemia in sickle-cell trait carriers.

PMID- 27655347
TI  - Watch Out for Your Neighbor: Climbing onto Shrubs Is Related to Risk of
      Cannibalism in the Scorpion Buthus cf. occitanus.
AB  - The distribution and behavior of foraging animals usually imply a balance between
      resource availability and predation risk. In some predators such as scorpions,
      cannibalism constitutes an important mortality factor determining their ecology
      and behavior. Climbing on vegetation by scorpions has been related both to prey
      availability and to predation (cannibalism) risk. We tested different hypotheses
      proposed to explain climbing on vegetation by scorpions. We analyzed shrub
      climbing in Buthus cf. occitanus with regard to the following: a) better
      suitability of prey size for scorpions foraging on shrubs than on the ground, b)
      selection of shrub species with higher prey load, c) seasonal variations in prey
      availability on shrubs, and d) whether or not cannibalism risk on the ground
      increases the frequency of shrub climbing. Prey availability on shrubs was
      compared by estimating prey abundance in sticky traps placed in shrubs. A prey
      sample from shrubs was measured to compare prey size. Scorpions were sampled in
      six plots (50 m x 10 m) to estimate the proportion of individuals climbing on
      shrubs. Size difference and distance between individuals and their closest
      scorpion neighbor were measured to assess cannibalism risk. The results showed
      that mean prey size was two-fold larger on the ground. Selection of particular
      shrub species was not related to prey availability. Seasonal variations in the
      number of scorpions on shrubs were related to the number of active scorpions, but
      not with fluctuations in prey availability. Size differences between a scorpion
      and its nearest neighbor were positively related with a higher probability for a
      scorpion to climb onto a shrub when at a disadvantage, but distance was not
      significantly related. These results do not support hypotheses explaining shrub
      climbing based on resource availability. By contrast, our results provide
      evidence that shrub climbing is related to cannibalism risk.

PMID- 27655348
TI  - An Extended Structure-Activity Relationship of Nondioxin-Like PCBs Evaluates and
      Supports Modeling Predictions and Identifies Picomolar Potency of PCB 202 Towards
      Ryanodine Receptors.
AB  - Nondioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (NDL PCBs) activate ryanodine-sensitive
      Ca2+ channels (RyRs) and this activation has been associated with neurotoxicity
      in exposed animals. RyR-active congeners follow a distinct structure-activity
      relationship and a quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) predicts
      that a large number of PCBs likely activate the receptor, which requires
      validation. Additionally, previous structural based conclusions have been
      established using receptor ligand binding assays but the impact of varying PCB
      structures on ion channel gating behavior is not understood. We used
      [3H]Ryanodine ([3H]Ry) binding to assess the RyR-activity of 14 previously
      untested PCB congeners evaluating the predictability of the QSAR. Congeners
      determined to display widely varying potency were then assayed with single
      channel voltage clamp analysis to assess direct influences on channel gating
      kinetics. The RyR-activity of individual PCBs assessed in in vitro assays
      followed the general pattern predicted by the QSAR but binding and lipid bilayer
      experiments demonstrated higher potency than predicted. Of the 49 congeners
      tested to date, tetra-ortho PCB 202 was found to be the most potent RyR-active
      congener increasing channel open probability at 200 pM. Shifting meta
      substitutions to the para-position resulted in a > 100-fold reduction in potency
      as seen with PCB 197. Non-ortho PCB 11 was found to lack activity at the receptor
      supporting a minimum mono-ortho substitution for PCB RyR activity. These findings
      expand and support previous SAR assessments; where out of the 49 congeners tested
      to date 42 activate the receptor demonstrating that the RyR is a sensitive and
      common target of PCBs.

PMID- 27655349
TI  - Pyrethroid Insecticides Directly Activate Microglia Through Interaction With
      Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels.
AB  - Microglia are considered to be the resident immune cells of the central nervous
      system and contribute significantly to ongoing neuroinflammation in a variety of
      neurodegenerative diseases. Recently, we and others identified that voltage-gated
      sodium channels (VGSC) are present on microglia cells and contribute to excessive
      accumulation of intracellular Na+ and release of major pro-inflammatory cytokine
      tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). Based on this finding and the fact that
      pyrethroid pesticides act on VGSC, we hypothesized that exposure of microglia to
      the pyrethroid pesticides, permethrin and deltamethrin, would activate microglia
      and increase the release of TNF-alpha. BV2 cells or primary microglia were
      treated with 0-5 uM deltamethrin or permethrin in the presence or absence of
      tetrodotoxin (TTX), a VGSC blocker for 24-48 h. Both pyrethroids caused a rapid
      Na+ influx and increased accumulation of intracellular sodium [(Na+)i] in the
      microglia in a dose- and time-dependent manner, which was significantly reduced
      by TTX. Furthermore, deltamethrin and permethrin increased the release of TNF
      alpha in a dose- and time-dependent manner, which was significantly reduced by
      pre-treatment of cells with TTX. These results demonstrate that pyrethroid
      pesticides may directly activate microglial cells through their interaction with
      microglial VGSC. Because neuroinflammation plays a key role in many
      neurodegenerative diseases, these data provide an additional mechanism by which
      exposure to pyrethroid insecticides may contribute to neurodegeneration.

PMID- 27655350
TI  - Application of a Mechanistic Model to Evaluate Putative Mechanisms of Tolvaptan
      Drug-Induced Liver Injury and Identify Patient Susceptibility Factors.
AB  - Tolvaptan is a selective vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist, approved in several
      countries for the treatment of hyponatremia and autosomal dominant polycystic
      kidney disease (ADPKD). No liver injury has been observed with tolvaptan
      treatment in healthy subjects and in non-ADPKD indications, but ADPKD clinical
      trials showed evidence of drug-induced liver injury (DILI). Although all DILI
      events resolved, additional monitoring in tolvaptan-treated ADPKD patients is
      required. In vitro assays identified alterations in bile acid disposition and
      inhibition of mitochondrial respiration as potential mechanisms underlying
      tolvaptan hepatotoxicity. This report details the application of DILIsym software
      to determine whether these mechanisms could account for the liver safety profile
      of tolvaptan observed in ADPKD clinical trials. DILIsym simulations included
      physiologically based pharmacokinetic estimates of hepatic exposure for tolvaptan
      and2 metabolites, and their effects on hepatocyte bile acid transporters and
      mitochondrial respiration. The frequency of predicted alanine aminotransferase
      (ALT) elevations, following simulated 90/30  mg split daily dosing, was 7.9%
      compared with clinical observations of 4.4% in ADPKD trials. Toxicity was
      multifactorial as inhibition of bile acid transporters and mitochondrial
      respiration contributed to the simulated DILI. Furthermore, simulation analysis
      identified both pre-treatment risk factors and on-treatment biomarkers predictive
      of simulated DILI. The simulations demonstrated that in vivo hepatic exposure to
      tolvaptan and the DM-4103 metabolite, combined with these 2 mechanisms of
      toxicity, were sufficient to account for the initiation of tolvaptan-mediated
      DILI. Identification of putative risk-factors and potential novel biomarkers
      provided insight for the development of mechanism-based tolvaptan risk-mitigation
      strategies.

PMID- 27655352
TI  - Increased yield of beta-glucosidase-catalyzed hydrolysis reactions in the
      presence of betaine-type metabolite analog.
AB  - beta-Glucosidases (EC 3.2.1.21), abundant enzymes distributed in animals, plants
      and microorganism, has been generating lots of attentions for bioethanol
      production from cellulosic biomass. In this study, using three different origins
      of beta-glucosidases, glucose productivity of beta-glucosidase-catalyzed
      hydrolysis reactions in the presence of synthetic betaine-type metabolite analog
      (2-N,N,N-tri-n-butylammonium) acetate, was investigated. By the addition of the
      analog, the hydrolysis yields for all beta-glucosidases was highly improved from
      4-13 to 64-100 %. To understand the factors affecting on the yield enhancements,
      the kinetic parameters, inhibition constants of end-product and temporal
      stability of beta-glucosidases were compared. As a result, enhancement of the
      yields is mainly related to the increase in the temporal stability of beta
      glucosidases in the presence of the analog. The present findings lead to not only
      improve the glucose productivity of beta-glucosidase-catalyzed hydrolysis
      reaction toward bioethanol production but also apply to a new stabilization
      method for various unstable enzymes.

PMID- 27655351
TI  - A comparative assessment of generalized anxiety, conduct and peer relationship
      problems among AIDS and other orphaned children in India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Data on mental health among orphaned children in India are scanty. We
      compared the generalized anxiety, conduct and peer relationship problems and
      their associated risk factors among children orphaned by HIV/AIDS and those due
      to other reasons in the Indian city of Hyderabad. METHODS: Four hundred orphaned
      children aged 12 to 16 years residing in orphanages in Hyderabad were sampled,
      half being AIDS orphans (COA) and the rest orphaned due to other reasons (COO).
      Interviews were done using standardized scales to assess generalized anxiety,
      conduct and peer relationship problems. A score >8, >4, and >5 was considered as
      indicator of generalized anxiety, conduct problem and peer relationship problem,
      respectively. Variations in the intensity of these three conditions due to
      possible factors including co-existing depression were assessed using multiple
      classification analysis (MCA). RESULTS: A total of 396 (99.3 %) orphans
      participated of whom 199 (50.3 %) were COA. The mean generalized anxiety, conduct
      and peer relationship problem scores were 11.1 (SD 5.2), 3.8 (SD 2.5) and 3.8 (SD
      2.5) for COA; and 7.6 (SD 4), 2.6 (SD 2) and 2.3 (SD 1.8) for COO, respectively.
      Among COA, the prevalence of generalized anxiety score of >8 was 74.4 % (95 % CI
      67.8-80.0 %), of conduct problem score of >4 was 33.2 % (95 % CI 26.9-40.1 %),
      and of peer relationship problem score of >5 was 27.6 %, (95 % CI 21.8-34.3 %),
      with these being significantly lower in COO. In MCA, a higher mean depression
      score had the highest effect on the intensity of generalized anxiety, conduct and
      peer relationship problem (Beta 0.477; 0.379 and 0.453 respectively); being COA
      and a girl had the most impact on generalized anxiety (0.100 and 0.115,
      respectively). CONCLUSIONS: A significantly high proportion of AIDS orphans deal
      with generalized anxiety, conduct and peer relationship problem as compared with
      other orphans highlighting the need to address the poor mental health of orphans
      in India.

PMID- 27655353
TI  - How to assess intra- and inter-observer agreement with quantitative PET using
      variance component analysis: a proposal for standardisation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Quantitative measurement procedures need to be accurate and precise
      to justify their clinical use. Precision reflects deviation of groups of
      measurement from another, often expressed as proportions of agreement, standard
      errors of measurement, coefficients of variation, or the Bland-Altman plot. We
      suggest variance component analysis (VCA) to estimate the influence of errors due
      to single elements of a PET scan (scanner, time point, observer, etc.) to express
      the composite uncertainty of repeated measurements and obtain relevant
      repeatability coefficients (RCs) which have a unique relation to Bland-Altman
      plots. Here, we present this approach for assessment of intra- and inter-observer
      variation with PET/CT exemplified with data from two clinical studies. METHODS:
      In study 1, 30 patients were scanned pre-operatively for the assessment of
      ovarian cancer, and their scans were assessed twice by the same observer to study
      intra-observer agreement. In study 2, 14 patients with glioma were scanned up to
      five times. Resulting 49 scans were assessed by three observers to examine inter
      observer agreement. Outcome variables were SUVmax in study 1 and cerebral total
      hemispheric glycolysis (THG) in study 2. RESULTS: In study 1, we found a RC of
      2.46 equalling half the width of the Bland-Altman limits of agreement. In study
      2, the RC for identical conditions (same scanner, patient, time point, and
      observer) was 2392; allowing for different scanners increased the RC to 2543.
      Inter-observer differences were negligible compared to differences owing to other
      factors; between observer 1 and 2: -10 (95 % CI: -352 to 332) and between
      observer 1 vs 3: 28 (95 % CI: -313 to 370). CONCLUSIONS: VCA is an appealing
      approach for weighing different sources of variation against each other,
      summarised as RCs. The involved linear mixed effects models require carefully
      considered sample sizes to account for the challenge of sufficiently accurately
      estimating variance components.

PMID- 27655354
TI  - Absolute Quantification of Rifampicin by MALDI Imaging Mass Spectrometry Using
      Multiple TOF/TOF Events in a Single Laser Shot.
AB  - Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI IMS)
      allows for the visualization of molecular distributions within tissue sections.
      While providing excellent molecular specificity and spatial information, absolute
      quantification by MALDI IMS remains challenging. Especially in the low molecular
      weight region of the spectrum, analysis is complicated by matrix interferences
      and ionization suppression. Though tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) can be used
      to ensure chemical specificity and improve sensitivity by eliminating chemical
      noise, typical MALDI MS/MS modalities only scan for a single MS/MS event per
      laser shot. Herein, we describe TOF/TOF instrumentation that enables multiple
      fragmentation events to be performed in a single laser shot, allowing the
      intensity of the analyte to be referenced to the intensity of the internal
      standard in each laser shot while maintaining the benefits of MS/MS. This
      approach is illustrated by the quantitative analyses of rifampicin (RIF), an
      antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis, in pooled human plasma using rifapentine
      (RPT) as an internal standard. The results show greater than 4-fold improvements
      in relative standard deviation as well as improved coefficients of determination
      (R2) and accuracy (>93% quality controls, <9% relative errors). This technology
      is used as an imaging modality to measure absolute RIF concentrations in liver
      tissue from an animal dosed in vivo. Each microspot in the quantitative image
      measures the local RIF concentration in the tissue section, providing absolute
      pixel-to-pixel quantification from different tissue microenvironments. The
      average concentration determined by IMS is in agreement with the concentration
      determined by HPLC-MS/MS, showing a percent difference of 10.6%. Graphical
      Abstract ?.

PMID- 27655355
TI  - Comparison of methods for assessing temporal variation of growth of fungi on
      building materials.
AB  - Fungal growth on indoor surfaces can decay building materials and release
      hazardous substances that affect indoor air quality. Despite the numerous methods
      available for growth determination, there is no commonly accepted standard. The
      goal of this study was to compare five different assay methods for the
      measurement of fungal growth: cultivation, MS-based determination of ergosterol,
      beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase activity, quantitative PCR and microscopic spore
      counting. Three fungal species (Aspergillus puulaauensis, Cladosporium
      montecillanum and Penicillium polonicum) were grown on three different building
      materials (two types of acoustic board and wood). Fungal load was determined at
      different time points. Results from all of the methods, except the spore count,
      showed good correlation between each other (r=0.6-0.8). Results obtained with the
      cultivation method had the highest variability among replicate samples (65 %),
      making it the least reproducible in repeated measurements. However, it also
      displayed the highest variability in incubation times (149 %), indicating its
      suitability for detecting transient changes in the physiological state of cells.
      Similar to the cultivation method, quantitative PCR correlated well with the
      other methods and had high variability in incubation times but had lower
      variability among replicate samples. Ergosterol and beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase
      enzyme activity seemed to be the methods least dependent on the physiological
      state of the cells. Varying growth dynamics were observed for different species
      over time with the different assay methods. Each one of the tests provides a
      different perspective on fungal quantification due to its specific responses to
      the various stages of fungal growth.

PMID- 27655356
TI  - Diffusion and perfusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging for tumor volume
      definition in radiotherapy of brain tumors.
AB  - Accurate target volume delineation is crucial for the radiotherapy of tumors.
      Diffusion and perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide functional
      information about brain tumors, and they are able to detect tumor volume and
      physiological changes beyond the lesions shown on conventional MRI. This review
      examines recent studies that utilized diffusion and perfusion MRI for tumor
      volume definition in radiotherapy of brain tumors, and it presents the
      opportunities and challenges in the integration of multimodal functional MRI into
      clinical practice. The results indicate that specialized and robust post
      processing algorithms and tools are needed for the precise alignment of targets
      on the images, and comprehensive validations with more clinical data are
      important for the improvement of the correlation between histopathologic results
      and MRI parameter images.

PMID- 27655359
TI  - A missing link in the bench-to-bedside paradigm: engaging regulatory stakeholders
      in clinical genomics research.
AB  - For genomic medicine research to be fully translated into clinical care, it is
      critical for researchers to engage stakeholders who ultimately regulate the use
      of genomic technologies and therapeutics within healthcare practice. Herein, we
      describe an example of how this might work.

PMID- 27655358
TI  - Turning perception on its head: cephalic perception of whole and partial length
      of a wielded object.
AB  - Flexibility is a fundamental hallmark of perceptual systems. In particular, there
      is a great deal of flexibility in the ability to perceive properties of occluded
      objects by effortful or dynamic touch-hefting, wielding, or otherwise
      manipulating those objects by muscular effort. Perception of length of an
      occluded wielded object is comparable when that object is wielded by anatomical
      components that differ in sensitivity, dexterity, and functionality. Moreover,
      perception of this property is supported by an analogous sensitivity to inertial
      properties across such components. We investigated the ability to perceive whole
      and partial length of an object wielded by hand or by head. Experiment 1 found
      that perception of length by these anatomical components is qualitatively and
      quantitatively indistinguishable. Experiment 2 found that perception of length is
      supported by the same specific sensitivity to inertial properties in each case.
      Experiment 3 found that perception of whole length and partial length are each
      supported by specific sensitivities to inertial properties and that this is the
      case for both hand and by head. The results are discussed in the context of the
      nature of the stimulation patterns and the organization of the haptic system that
      are likely to support such flexibility in perception.

PMID- 27655357
TI  - To bridge or not to bridge the multisensory time gap: bimanual coordination to
      sound and touch with temporal lags.
AB  - Living in a complex and multisensory environment involves constant interaction
      between perception and action. There is evidence that multisensory integration is
      governed by temporal factors, such as physiological synchrony between cross-modal
      stimuli favouring multisensory benefit, and the existence of a range of
      asynchrony between the stimuli which affords their binding (the temporal window
      of integration). These factors were examined in this study in a bimanual
      sensorimotor synchronization task with cross-modal stimuli. Participants
      synchronized each hand to a pair of audio-tactile stimuli, in which the
      asynchrony between onsets of auditory and tactile stimuli was systematically
      manipulated. In cross-modal conditions, they were instructed to tap either to the
      auditory stimuli or to tactile stimuli. The results reported a temporal window of
      integration of 160 ms centred around 40 and 80 ms (tactile first). Moreover, the
      temporal interval between the auditory and tactile stimuli affected the stability
      of bimanual coordination and of synchronization exclusively when participants
      were instructed to synchronize with tactile stimuli. Overall, the results
      indicate that both physiological asynchrony and temporal window of integration
      apply to cross-modal integration in a bimanual synchronization task. In addition,
      it shows the effect of auditory dominance onto multisensory temporal processes.
      This study sheds light on the role of temporal factors in multisensory processes
      when perception and actions are rhythmic and coupled.

PMID- 27655360
TI  - Respite Care, Stress, Uplifts, and Marital Quality in Parents of Children with
      Down Syndrome.
AB  - Parents of children with disabilities are at risk for high stress and low marital
      quality; therefore, this study surveyed couples (n = 112) of children with Down
      syndrome (n = 120), assessing whether respite hours, stress, and uplifts were
      related to marital quality. Structural equation modeling indicated that respite
      hours were negatively related to wife/husband stress, which was in turn
      negatively related to wife/husband marital quality. Also, wife uplifts were
      positively related to both wife and husband marital quality. Husband uplifts were
      positively related to husband marital quality. Therefore, it is important that
      respite care is provided and accessible to parents of children with Down
      syndrome.

PMID- 27655361
TI  - n-Butyl-&#945;-D-fructofuranoside Isolated from Ulmus davidiana Enhances Nrf2
      Activity Through Activation of JNK.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The root bark of Ulmus davidiana Nakai (Ulmaceae), a traditional
      Korean medicinal plant, is used for treating inflammatory diseases. OBJECTIVE: We
      investigated the Nrf2-activating effect of U. davidiana and identified a novel
      Nrf2 activator from its constituent compounds. METHODS: Cytotoxicity was measured
      by MTT assay, and the Nrf2 activity was examined by luciferasereporter assay and
      western blot analysis. The expression of Nrf2-dependent antioxidant genes was
      estimated by RT-PCR. The signal pathway related to Nrf2 activation was analyzed
      by treating specific signaling inhibitors. Anti-inflammatory effects were
      determined using an NO assay and western blot analysis. RESULTS: Ulmus davidiana
      and its constituent compounds, including catechin-3-O-&#945;-L-rhamnopyranoside,
      &#945;-nigerose, n-butyl &#945;-D-fructofuranoside (NBF), and procyanidin B3,
      enhanced the transcriptional activity of Nrf2. Of these compounds, only NBF
      possessed a distinctive structure and exhibited ROS-independent Nrf2 activation.
      In addition, NBF significantly increased the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and
      the expression of Nrf2-dependent detoxifying enzymes, including HO-1 and NQO-1,
      in dose-dependent manner. The Nrf2 activation induced by NBF was mediated by the
      phosphorylation of JNK. Consequently, pretreatment with NBF inhibited the LPS
      induced expression of pro-inflammatory genes. CONCLUSION: To the best of our
      knowledge, this is the first study to report on the Nrf2-activating effect of U.
      davidiana and NBF. Given the importance of Nrf2 as a negative regulator in
      various inflammatory diseases, NBF could be considered as a novel candidate for
      the prevention and treatment of inflammatory diseases.

PMID- 27655362
TI  - Optimization of Ultrasonic-Microwave Synergistic Extraction of Ricinine from
      Castor Cake by Response Surface Methodology.
AB  - Castor cake is the residue in castor oil production in which many active
      components exist and the major one among them is ricinine. In this study,
      optimization of extraction of ricinine from castor cake using ultrasonic
      microwave synergistic extraction (UMSE) was investigated to obtain high yield and
      purity by Box-Behnken design (BBD) response surface design. The optimal
      conditions of extraction were: ultrasound power 342 W, extracting time 5 min,
      microwave power 395 W, and non-significant factor of liquid/solid ratio 1:10. The
      crude extraction was recrystallized from ethanol. As a result, the maximum yield
      of ricinine was approximately 67.52%. The purity of ricinine was 99.39% which was
      determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Additionally, the
      structure of purified ricinine was identified by fourier transforms infrared
      (FTIR) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Scanning electron
      microscope (SEM) was used to characterize the prismatic crystals morphology of
      ricinine. Results demonstrated that the present method combined the advantages of
      ultrasonic extraction and microwave extraction, which is time-saving with high
      extraction yield. Our results offer a suitable method for large-scale isolation
      of ricinine.

PMID- 27655363
TI  - Stereospermum fimbriatum as a Potential Source of Phytochemicals: A Review of
      Stereospermum Genus.
AB  - Stereospermum fimbriatum is one of the medicinal plants that has been claimed to
      be used traditionally to treat several illnesses such as stomachache, earache,
      skin irritation and postpartum illness. The genus of this plant is known to
      possess medicinal properties in every part of the plant. Therapeutic potential of
      S. fimbriatum is anticipated based on numerous previous studies that documented
      variety of phytochemical contents and bioactivity of the genus. The most reported
      bioactivities of its genus are antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti
      inflammatory, anti-diarrheal and analgesic activities. S. fimbriatum is a rare
      species that has not been discovered yet. Thus, this review aims at highlighting
      the potentials of S. fimbriatum by collecting available data on the bioactivities
      of its genus and set the directions for future research on this plant.

PMID- 27655364
TI  - Classification of biliary atresia in the laparoscopic era.
AB  - PURPOSE: According to Kasai's classification of biliary atresia (BA), type III is
      diagnosed when micro bile ducts (MBD) cannot be identified macroscopically on the
      surface of the biliary remnant transected at the porta hepatis. However, during
      laparoscopic Kasai (lapKasai), magnification produced by a 30 degrees  10 mm
      scope at a focal length of 5 cm is *38 and *100 when zooming, enabling more MBD
      to be identified than with the naked eye rendering Kasai's original
      classification questionable in the laparoscopic era. METHODS: Intraoperative
      video recordings of 36 consecutive lapKasai cases (2009-2015) were reviewed to
      confirm MBD visibility. 85 consecutive open Kasai cases examined macroscopically
      served as controls. RESULTS: MBD were not visible under regular laparoscopic
      magnification during lapKasai in 6/36 (lapMBD-; 16.7 %) cases and visible in
      30/36 (83.3 %). However, in open cases, MBD could not be identified
      macroscopically in 77/85 (macroMBD-; 90.6 %), a typical result reported
      internationally. For our lapKasai cases, jaundice clearance was lower in lapMBD
      cases (4/6 = 66.7 % versus 26/30 = 86.7 %), which was not statistically
      significant (p = 0.26).  Conversely, survival with the native liver was
      significantly lower in lapMBD-cases (4/6 = 66.7 % versus 23/30 = 76.7 %) (p <
      0.05). CONCLUSIONS: BA classification may benefit from revision to include
      laparoscopic findings to categorize BA more comprehensively.

PMID- 27655365
TI  - Post-natal erythromycin exposure and risk of infantile hypertrophic pyloric
      stenosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Macrolide antibiotics, erythromycin, in particular, have been linked to
      the development of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS). Our aim was to
      conduct a systematic review of the evidence of whether post-natal erythromycin
      exposure is associated with subsequent development of IHPS. METHODS: A systematic
      review of postnatal erythromycin administration and IHPS was performed. Papers
      were included if data were available on development (yes/no) of IHPS in infants
      exposed/unexposed to erythromycin. Data were meta-analysed using Review Manager
      5.3. A random effects model was decided on a priori due to heterogeneity of study
      design; data are odds ratio (OR) with 95 % CI. RESULTS: Nine papers reported data
      suitable for analysis; two randomised controlled trials and seven retrospective
      studies. Overall, erythromycin exposure was significantly associated with
      development of IHPS [OR 2.45 (1.12-5.35), p = 0.02]. However, significant
      heterogeneity existed between the studies (I 2 = 84 %, p < 0.0001). Data on
      erythromycin exposure in the first 14 days of life was extracted from 4/9 studies
      and identified a strong association between erythromycin exposure and subsequent
      development IHPS [OR 12.89 (7.67-2167), p < 0.00001]. CONCLUSION: This study
      demonstrates a significant association between post-natal erythromycin exposure
      and development of IHPS, which seems stronger when exposure occurs in the first 2
      weeks of life.

PMID- 27655366
TI  - Altered levels of AtHSCB disrupts iron translocation from roots to shoots.
AB  - KEY MESSAGE: Plants overexpressing AtHSCB and hscb knockdown mutants showed
      altered iron homeostasis. The overexpression of AtHSCB led to activation of the
      iron uptake system and iron accumulation in roots without concomitant transport
      to shoots, resulting in reduced iron content in the aerial parts of plants. By
      contrast, hscb knockdown mutants presented the opposite phenotype, with iron
      accumulation in shoots despite the reduced levels of iron uptake in roots. AtHSCB
      play a key role in iron metabolism, probably taking part in the control of iron
      translocation from roots to shoots. Many aspects of plant iron metabolism remain
      obscure. The most known and studied homeostatic mechanism is the control of iron
      uptake in the roots by shoots. Nevertheless, this mechanism likely involves
      various unknown sensors and unidentified signals sent from one tissue to another
      which need to be identified. Here, we characterized Arabidopsis thaliana plants
      overexpressing AtHSCB, encoding a mitochondrial cochaperone involved in [Fe-S]
      cluster biosynthesis, and hscb knockdown mutants, which exhibit altered
      shoot/root Fe partitioning. Overexpression of AtHSCB induced an increase in root
      iron uptake and content along with iron deficiency in shoots. Conversely, hscb
      knockdown mutants exhibited increased iron accumulation in shoots and reduced
      iron uptake in roots. Different experiments, including foliar iron application,
      citrate supplementation and iron deficiency treatment, indicate that the shoot
      directed control of iron uptake in roots functions properly in these lines,
      implying that [Fe-S] clusters are not involved in this regulatory mechanism. The
      most likely explanation is that both lines have altered Fe transport from roots
      to shoots. This could be consistent with a defect in a homeostatic mechanism
      operating at the root-to-shoot translocation level, which would be independent of
      the shoot control over root iron deficiency responses. In summary, the phenotypes
      of these plants indicate that AtHSCB plays a role in iron metabolism.

PMID- 27655367
TI  - Hypofractionated boost after whole breast irradiation in breast carcinoma:
      chronic toxicity results and cosmesis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of hypofractionated boost after hypofractionated
      whole breast irradiation in breast carcinoma. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Patients
      after breast conservative surgery were treated all time with hypofractionation of
      2.67 Gy/day. Whole breast dose was 40.05 Gy followed in case of risk of local
      relapse by a boost of 16.02 Gy or 8.01 Gy. Acute and chronic toxicity results
      were evaluated including cosmetic software-assisted assessment and objective
      evaluation of fibrosis parameters (elasticity and hydration) by means of a skin
      tester. RESULTS: A total of 362 patients were evaluated. Acute toxicities
      comprised grade 1 dermatitis in 48.1 %, grade 2 in 44.5 % and grade 3 in 17
      patients 4.7 %, respectively. After a median follow-up of 4.5 years, in 308 cases
      (86.6 %) there was no chronic skin or subcutaneous changes. In the first
      consecutive 50 patients, measures with skin tester showed no statistical
      differences in parameters for skin and subcutaneous fibrosis. Cosmetic results
      were considered excellent and good in 26 and 62 %, respectively. CONCLUSIONS:
      Boost to tumour bed with hypofractionated doses is well tolerated and acute and
      chronic toxicities are mild with good cosmetic results. Objective systems are
      encouraging methods to assess skin quality and cosmesis.

PMID- 27655368
TI  - Combining PARP inhibitors with radiation therapy for the treatment of
      glioblastoma: Is PTEN predictive of response?
AB  - Glioblastoma (GBM) is fatal. The standard radiotherapy and chemotherapy
      (temozolomide) followed by an adjuvant phase of temozolomide provide patients
      with, on average, a 2.5 months benefit. New treatments that can improve
      sensitivity to the standard treatment are urgently needed. Herein, we review the
      mechanisms and utility of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors in combination
      with radiation therapy as a treatment option for GBM patients and the role of
      phosphatase and tensin homologue mutations as a biomarker of response.

PMID- 27655369
TI  - Urinary Retinol-Binding Protein: Relationship to Renal Function and
      Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Chronic Kidney Disease.
AB  - The role of urinary retinol-binding protein (RBP) as a biomarker of CKD in
      proximal tubular diseases, glomerulopathies and in transplantation is well
      established. However, whether urinary RBP is also a biomarker of renal damage and
      CKD progression in general CKD is not known. In this study, we evaluated the
      association of urinary RBP with renal function and cardiovascular risk factors in
      the baseline data of the Progredir Study, a CKD cohort in Sao Paulo, Brazil,
      comprising 454 participants with stages 3 and 4 CKD. In univariate analysis,
      urinary RBP was inversely related to estimated glomerular filtration rate (CKD
      EPI eGFR) and several cardiovascular risk factors. After adjustments, however,
      only CKD-EPI eGFR, albuminuria, systolic blood pressure, anemia, acidosis, and
      left atrium diameter remained significantly related to urinary RBP. The inverse
      relationship of eGFR to urinary RBP (beta-0.02 +/- 95CI -0.02; -0.01, p<0.0001
      for adjusted model) remained in all strata of albuminuria, even after
      adjustments: in normoalbuminuria (beta-0.008 +/- 95CI (-0.02; -0.001, p = 0.03),
      in microalbuminuria (beta-0.02 +/- 95CI (-0.03; -0.02, p<0,0001) and in
      macroalbuminuria (beta-0.02 +/- 95CI (-0.03; -0.01, p<0,0001). Lastly, urinary
      RBP was able to significantly increase the accuracy of a logistic regression
      model (adjusted for sex, age, SBP, diabetes and albuminuria) in diagnosing
      eGFR<35 ml/min/1.73m2 (AUC 0,77, 95%CI 0,72-0,81 versus AUC 0,71, 95%CI 0,65
      0,75, respectively; p = 0,05). Our results suggest that urinary RBP is
      significantly associated to renal function in CKD in general, a finding that
      expands the interest in this biomarker beyond the context of proximal
      tubulopathies, glomerulopathies or transplantation. Urinary RBP should be further
      explored as a predictive marker of CKD progression.

PMID- 27655371
TI  - Biofeedback in the prophylactic treatment of medication overuse headache: a pilot
      randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Medication overuse headache (MOH) is a major clinical concern and a
      common health risk. Recent literature stressed the need to manage chronic
      headache by using integrated biobehavioral approaches. Few studies evaluated how
      biofeedback can be useful in MOH. The aim of the study is to evaluate in a
      randomized, controlled, single-blind trial the effects of biofeedback associated
      with traditional pharmacological therapy in the prophylactic treatment of MOH.
      METHOD: Twenty-seven subjects were randomized to frontal electromyographic (EMG)
      biofeedback associated with prophylactic pharmacological therapy (Bfb Group) or
      to pharmacological treatment alone (Control Group). The primary outcome was to
      evaluate the number of patients that return episodic after treatment. Secondly we
      evaluate the effects of frontal EMG BFB on frequency of headache and analgesic
      intake. Changes in coping strategies and in EMG frontalis tension were also
      evaluated. ANOVA was performed on all the variables of interest. RESULTS: Our
      results indicate that at the end of treatment the number of patients that
      returned episodic in the Bfb group was significantly higher than in the Control
      group. Patients in the Bfb group differed from the Control group in headache
      frequency, amount of drug intake and active coping with pain. These outcomes were
      confirmed also after 4 months of follow-up. No significant effects were observed
      in EMG recordings. CONCLUSIONS: Biofeedback added to traditional pharmacological
      therapy in the treatment of MOH is a promising approach for reducing headache
      frequency and analgesic intake. Modification of coping cognitions in the Bfb
      group, as an adjunct mechanism of self-regulation, needs more evaluations to
      understand the role of biofeedback in changing maladaptive psychophysiological
      responses.

PMID- 27655370
TI  - The Anoikis Effector Bit1 Inhibits EMT through Attenuation of TLE1-Mediated
      Repression of E-Cadherin in Lung Cancer Cells.
AB  - The mitochondrial Bcl-2 inhibitor of transcription 1 (Bit1) protein is part of an
      anoikis-regulating pathway that is selectively dependent on integrins. We
      previously demonstrated that the caspase-independent apoptotic effector Bit1
      exerts tumor suppressive function in lung cancer in part by inhibiting anoikis
      resistance and anchorage-independent growth in vitro and tumorigenicity in vivo.
      Herein we show a novel function of Bit1 as an inhibitor cell migration and
      epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in the human lung adenocarcinoma A549
      cell line. Suppression of endogenous Bit1 expression via siRNA and shRNA
      strategies promoted mesenchymal phenotypes, including enhanced fibroblastoid
      morphology and cell migratory potential with concomitant downregulation of the
      epithelial marker E-cadherin expression. Conversely, ectopic Bit1 expression in
      A549 cells promoted epithelial transition characterized by cuboidal-like
      epithelial cell phenotype, reduced cell motility, and upregulated E-cadherin
      expression. Specific downregulation of E-cadherin in Bit1-transfected cells was
      sufficient to block Bit1-mediated inhibition of cell motility while forced
      expression of E-cadherin alone attenuated the enhanced migration of Bit1
      knockdown cells, indicating that E-cadherin is a downstream target of Bit1 in
      regulating cell motility. Furthermore, quantitative real-time PCR and reporter
      analyses revealed that Bit1 upregulates E-cadherin expression at the
      transcriptional level through the transcriptional regulator Amino-terminal
      Enhancer of Split (AES) protein. Importantly, the Bit1/AES pathway induction of E
      cadherin expression involves inhibition of the TLE1-mediated repression of E
      cadherin, by decreasing TLE1 corepressor occupancy at the E-cadherin promoter as
      revealed by chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. Consistent with its EMT
      inhibitory function, exogenous Bit1 expression significantly suppressed the
      formation of lung metastases of A549 cells in an in vivo experimental metastasis
      model. Taken together, our studies indicate Bit1 is an inhibitor of EMT and
      metastasis in lung cancer and hence can serve as a molecular target in curbing
      lung cancer aggressiveness.

PMID- 27655372
TI  - Economic Burden of Disease-Associated Malnutrition at the State Level.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Disease-associated malnutrition has been identified as a prevalent
      condition, particularly for the elderly, which has often been overlooked in the
      U.S. healthcare system. The state-level burden of community-based disease
      associated malnutrition is unknown and there have been limited efforts by state
      policy makers to identify, quantify, and address malnutrition. The objective of
      this study was to examine and quantify the state-level economic burden of disease
      associated malnutrition. METHODS: Direct medical costs of disease-associated
      malnutrition were calculated for 8 diseases: Stroke, Chronic Obstructive
      Pulmonary Disease, Coronary Heart Failure, Breast Cancer, Dementia,
      Musculoskeletal Disorders, Depression, and Colorectal Cancer. National disease
      and malnutrition prevalence rates were estimated for subgroups defined by age,
      race, and sex using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and the
      National Health Interview Survey. State prevalence of disease-associated
      malnutrition was estimated by combining national prevalence estimates with
      states' demographic data from the U.S. Census. Direct medical cost for each state
      was estimated as the increased expenditures incurred as a result of malnutrition.
      PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Direct medical costs attributable to disease-associated
      malnutrition vary among states from an annual cost of $36 per capita in Utah to
      $65 per capita in Washington, D.C. Nationally the annual cost of disease
      associated malnutrition is over $15.5 billion. The elderly bear a
      disproportionate share of this cost on both the state and national level.
      CONCLUSIONS: Additional action is needed to reduce the economic impact of disease
      associated malnutrition, particularly at the state level. Nutrition may be a cost
      effective way to help address high health care costs.

PMID- 27655375
TI  - Impact of miniport laparoscopic cholecystectomy versus standard port laparoscopic
      cholecystectomy on recovery of physical activity: a randomized trial.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We conducted a randomized trial comparing minilaparoscopic
      cholecystectomy (MLC) to conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CLC) to
      determine whether MLC accelerated recovery of physical activity after elective
      surgery (NCT01397565). METHODS: A total of 115 patients scheduled for elective
      cholecystectomy were randomized to either CLC or MLC. Both procedures used a 10
      mm umbilical port, but the three upper abdominal ports were 5 mm in CLC and 3 mm
      in MLC. Primary outcome was self-reported physical activity 1 month after surgery
      as estimated by Community Health Activities Model Program for Seniors
      questionnaire (kcal/kg/week). Secondary outcomes were umbilical pain, abdominal
      pain, nausea and fatigue (VAS, 1-10), and cosmetic result at one and 3 months.
      Patients received identical surgical dressings for 1 week, and assessors were
      blinded to group allocation. RESULTS: Forty-two patients randomized to CLC group
      and 33 patients randomized to MLC remained in the trial and were analyzed. Both
      groups were similar at baseline characteristics. In the MLC group, at least one 5
      mm port was used in 17 (51.5 %) mainly due to unavailability of ML equipment.
      Median (IQR) physical activity for the CLC and MLC groups was similar at baseline
      (23.4 [13.1, 44.6] vs 23.6 [14.2, 66.9] kcal/kg/week, p = 0.35) and at 1 month
      (20 [7.9, 52.5] vs 16.8 [11.8, 28.6] kcal/kg/week, p = 0.90). One month post-op,
      umbilical pain and abdominal pain were similar, but the CLC group reported higher
      fatigue (4 [1-5] vs 1 [0-4], p = 0.05) and worse scar appearance scores (4 [3, 4]
      vs 4.5 [4, 5], p = 0.009). At 3 months, the CLC group had worse scar appearance
      (4 [3-5] vs 5 [4-5], p = 0.02) and lower scar satisfaction scores (4 [3, 4] vs 4
      [3.5-4], p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Recovery of physical activity was similar after
      MLC and CLC. MLC resulted in less fatigue and better scar appearance and
      satisfaction. These benefits were seen despite the need to upsize one or more
      ports in more than half of patients related to availability of the miniature
      instruments.

PMID- 27655374
TI  - Blood pressure and proteinuria control remains a challenge in patients with type
      2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease: experience from the prospective
      observational ALICE-PROTECT study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease
      (CKD) in western countries. The combination of both increases the risk of end
      stage renal disease (ESRD), cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. Early
      control of blood pressure (BP) and proteinuria (Pu) is crucial to slow down the
      progression of the CKD and prevent cardiovascular events and mortality. The
      primary objective of the study was to assess BP and Pu control after a 2-year
      follow-up in T2DM patients with CKD. METHODS: Prospective, multicenter,
      observational study. Overall, 153 French nephrologists included 986 T2DM patients
      with Pu (>=0.5 g/day) and an eGFR >15 ml/min/1.73 m2. Data from 729 patients were
      available after a 2-year follow-up. BP and Pu control were respectively defined
      as less than 140/90 mmHg and 0.5 g/day. We also looked at renal and
      cardiovascular events. RESULTS: At baseline, 74 % of the patients were male, mean
      age was 70 years. The mean T2DM duration was 17 years with a mean HbA1c of 7.4 %.
      All were treated for hypertension and 33 % had a controlled BP; 81 % had
      dyslipidemia and LDLc was <1 g/L for 54 %; 44 % had retinopathy, 40 %
      macrovascular complications and 12 % heart failure. Mean Pu was 2 g/day and eGFR
      40 +/- 20 mL/min/1.73 m2, with 13, 18, 32 and 37 % of the patients in
      respectively stage 2, 3a, 3b and 4 CKD. After two years, 21 % reached the Pu
      target and 39 % the BP target. The mean eGFR of 40 +/- 20.3 ml/min/1.73 m2 at
      baseline dropped to 33.9 +/- 22.6 ml/min/1.73 m2 by year two (p < 0.001). This
      corresponded to a mean annual eGFR reduction of 3.2 ml/min/1.73 m2. 118 patients
      presented a renal event (16.2 %): doubling of serum creatinine for 86 patients
      (11.8 %) and start of dialysis for 72 (9.9 %); 176 patients (24.1 %) developed at
      least one cardiovascular complication (mainly coronary events and acute heart
      failure) during the follow-up period, and among these, 50 had also developed
      renal complications. Sixty patients died, i.e., 8.2 %, 26 patients from
      cardiovascular causes. CONCLUSION: Our study highlights that achieving BP and Pu
      targets remains a major challenge in patients with T2DM and nephropathy. Renal
      failure emerges as a more frequent event than death.

PMID- 27655373
TI  - A systematic review of physical activity and sedentary behaviour research in the
      oil-producing countries of the Arabian Peninsula.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The dramatic rise in Noncommunicable Diseases (NCD) in the oil
      producing countries of the Arabian Peninsula is driven in part by insufficient
      physical activity, one of the five main contributors to health risk in the
      region. The aim of this paper is to review the available evidence on physical
      activity and sedentary behaviour for this region. Based on the findings, we
      prioritize an agenda for research that could inform policy initiatives with
      regional relevance. METHODS: We reviewed regional evidence on physical activity
      and sedentary behaviour to identify the needs for prevention and policy-related
      research. A literature search of peer-reviewed publications in the English
      language was conducted in May 2016 using PubMed, Web of Science and Google
      Scholar. 100 studies were identified and classified using the Behavioural
      Epidemiology Framework. RESULTS: Review findings demonstrate that research
      relevant to NCD prevention is underdeveloped in the region. A majority of the
      studies were epidemiological in approach with few being large-scale population
      based studies using standardised measures. Correlates demonstrated expected
      associations with health outcomes, low levels of physical activity (particularly
      among young people), high levels of sedentary behaviour (particularly among men
      and young people) and expected associations of known correlates (e.g. gender,
      age, education, time, self-motivation, social support, and access). Very few
      studies offered recommendations for translating research findings into practice.
      CONCLUSIONS: Further research on the determinants of physical activity and
      sedentary behaviour in the Arabian Peninsula using standard assessment tools is
      urgently needed. Priority research includes examining these behaviours across the
      four domains (household, work, transport and leisure). Intervention research
      focusing on the sectors of education, health and sports sectors is recommended.
      Furthermore, adapting and testing international examples to the local context
      would help identify culturally relevant policy and programmatic interventions for
      the region.

PMID- 27655376
TI  - Technical feasibility and safety of laparoscopic right hepatectomy for
      hepatocellular carcinoma following sequential TACE-PVE: a comparative study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Major liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ideally
      involves preoperative portal venous embolization (PVE) coupled with preoperative
      transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) to improve postoperative course and
      oncological results. Laparoscopic right hepatectomy (RH) following sequential
      TACE-PVE for HCC, although challenging, may help improve both immediate and long
      term patient outcomes. This study is the first to describe and compare
      laparoscopic to open RH following sequential TACE-PVE for HCC in terms of
      feasibility, safety, and patient outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: All patients who
      underwent laparoscopic RH following successful TACE-PVE sequence (video provided)
      were retrospectively reviewed from a prospective database maintained at our
      center. Preoperative characteristics, operative data, and postoperative outcomes
      were analyzed and compared with those of patients who underwent open RH after
      TACE-PVE sequence during the same period. RESULTS: The laparoscopic and open RH
      groups each included 16 patients. F3 or F4 fibrosis was present in 81 % of
      patients. The conversion rate was 25 %. The 90-day postoperative complication
      rate was 25 % in the laparoscopic group versus 50 % in the open group (p = 0.27).
      The incidence of postoperative liver failure grade B was higher in the open group
      than in the laparoscopic group (5 vs. 0 patients, p = 0.043). Severe
      complications, Clavien grade >= IIIb, only occurred in the open group and
      included one postoperative death. Hospital stay was significantly shorter in the
      laparoscopic group than in the open group (7 vs. 12 days, p = 0.001). R0
      resection was accomplished in 93.8 % of laparoscopic patients. CONCLUSION:
      Laparoscopic approach seems technically feasible and safe. This modern approach
      may optimize the surgical strategy in the future of HCC management.

PMID- 27655377
TI  - Self-assessment in laparoscopic surgical skills training: Is it reliable?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The concept of self-assessment has been widely acclaimed for its role
      in the professional development cycle and self-regulation. In the field of
      medical education, self-assessment has been most used to evaluate the cognitive
      knowledge of students. The complexity of training and evaluation in laparoscopic
      surgery has previously acted as a barrier in determining the benefits self
      assessment has to offer in comparison with other fields of medical education.
      METHODS: Thirty-five surgical residents who attended the 2-day Laparoscopic
      Surgical Skills Grade 1 Level 1 curriculum were invited to participate from The
      Netherlands, India and Romania. The competency assessment tool (CAT) for
      laparoscopic cholecystectomy was used for self- and expert-assessment and the
      resulting distributions assessed. RESULTS: A comparison between the expert- and
      self-assessed aggregates of scores from the CAT agreed with previous studies.
      Uniquely to this study, the aggregates of individual sub-categories-'use of
      instruments'; 'tissue handling'; and errors 'within the component tasks' and the
      'end product' from both self- and expert-assessments-were investigated. There was
      strong positive correlation (r s > 0.5; p < 0.001) between the expert- and self
      assessment in all categories with only the 'tissue handling' having a weaker
      correlation (r s = 0.3; p = 0.04). The distribution of the mean of the
      differences between self-assessment and expert-assessment suggested no
      significant difference between the scores of experts and the residents in all
      categories except the 'end product' evaluation where the difference was
      significant (W = 119, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Self-assessment using the CAT form
      gives results that are consistently not different from expert-assessment when
      assessing one's proficiency in surgical skills. Areas where there was less
      agreement could be explained by variations in the level of training and
      understanding of the assessment criteria.

PMID- 27655378
TI  - Laparoscopic duodenoduodenostomy with parallel anastomosis for duodenal atresia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Currently, a diamond-shaped anastomosis is preferred for the surgical
      repair of duodenal atresia (DA) in both open and laparoscopic surgery. We report
      the results of laparoscopic duodenoduodenostomy with parallel anastomosis (LDPA)
      in DA. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 22 patients who underwent
      laparoscopic duodenoduodenostomy from February 2005 to May 2015 in Samsung
      Medical Center. All patients underwent operation within the first month after
      birth. Patients who were transversely anastomosed after duodenotomy and patients
      who underwent simultaneous operation on combined anomalies were excluded.
      Parallel anastomosis was used in all surgeries. Four trocars were used in
      laparoscopic repair. After mobilization of both proximal and distal ends, the
      proximal end was incised transversely and the distal end was incised
      longitudinally. Duodenoduodenostomy with parallel anastomosis using a 5-0
      glyconate monofilament was performed with interrupted sutures. RESULTS: Eleven
      patients (50 %) were male. Median gestational age was 36 + 6 weeks (32 + 7-40 +
      6). Median age at the time of operation and median body weight were 3 days (1-12)
      and 2.53 kg (1.63-3.18), respectively. All patients were diagnosed prenatally and
      16 patients (72.7 %) had associated anomalies. Median operation time was 142 min
      (96-290) and median postoperative day to start oral feeding was 5 days (3-9) and
      median postoperative day of reaching full feeding was 11 days (6-19). Median
      postoperative day was 13 days (10-60). There was no anastomotic leakage or
      stenosis. Median follow up was 3.5 months (1-21). Currently, there is no late
      complication. CONCLUSIONS: LDPA can be performed easily to patients who have DA
      in neonatal period. It is anatomically natural and the risk of leakage or
      stenosis does not seem significant. Therefore, parallel anastomosis should be
      considered as a safe procedural option for laparoscopic duodenoduodenostomy in
      DA.

PMID- 27655379
TI  - Development of an evidence-based training program for laparoscopic hysterectomy
      on a virtual reality simulator.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Substantial evidence in the scientific literature supports the use of
      simulation for surgical education. However, curricula lack for complex
      laparoscopic procedures in gynecology. The objective was to evaluate the validity
      of a program that reproduces key specific components of a laparoscopic
      hysterectomy (LH) procedure until colpotomy on a virtual reality (VR) simulator
      and to develop an evidence-based and stepwise training curriculum. METHODS: This
      prospective cohort study was conducted in a Marseille teaching hospital. Forty
      participants were enrolled and were divided into experienced (senior surgeons who
      had performed more than 100 LH; n = 8), intermediate (surgical trainees who had
      performed 2-10 LH; n = 8) and inexperienced (n = 24) groups. Baselines were
      assessed on a validated basic task. Participants were tested for the LH procedure
      on a high-fidelity VR simulator. Validity evidence was proposed as the ability to
      differentiate between the three levels of experience. Inexperienced subjects
      performed ten repetitions for learning curve analysis. Proficiency measures were
      based on experienced surgeons' performances. Outcome measures were simulator
      derived metrics and Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS)
      scores. RESULTS: Quantitative analysis found significant inter-group differences
      between experienced intermediate and inexperienced groups for time (1369, 2385
      and 3370 s; p < 0.001), number of movements (2033, 3195 and 4056; p = 0.001),
      path length (3390, 4526 and 5749 cm; p = 0.002), idle time (357, 654 and 747 s; p
      = 0.001), respect for tissue (24, 40 and 84; p = 0.01) and number of bladder
      injuries (0.13, 0 and 4.27; p < 0.001). Learning curves plateaued at the 2nd to
      6th repetition. Further qualitative analysis found significant inter-group OSATS
      score differences at first repetition (22, 15 and 8, respectively; p < 0.001) and
      second repetition (25.5, 19.5 and 14; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The VR program for
      LH accrued validity evidence and allowed the development of a training curriculum
      using a structured scientific methodology.

PMID- 27655380
TI  - Transoral fundoplication offers durable symptom control for chronic GERD: 3-year
      report from the TEMPO randomized trial with a crossover arm.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Four randomized controlled trials have demonstrated the short-term
      efficacy and safety of transoral esophagogastric fundoplication (TF) performed
      with the EsophyX(r) device in eliminating troublesome gastroesophageal reflux
      disease (GERD) symptoms in well-selected patient populations. The aim of this
      study was to assess the durability of these outcomes at 3 years post-procedure.
      METHODS: The TF EsophyX versus Medical PPI Open Label trial was conducted in
      seven US sites. Between June and August 2012, we enrolled patients with small (<2
      cm) or absent hiatal hernias who suffered from troublesome GERD symptoms while on
      PPI therapy for at least 6 months and had abnormal esophageal acid exposure
      (EAE). Randomization was to TF group (n = 40) or to PPI group (n = 23). Following
      evaluation at 6 months, all remaining PPI patients (n = 21) elected to undergo
      crossover to TF. Fifty-two patients were assessed at 3 years for (1) GERD symptom
      resolution using three GERD-specific quality of life questionnaires, (2) healing
      of esophagitis using endoscopy, (3) EAE using 48-h Bravo testing, and (4)
      discontinuation of PPI use. Two patients who underwent revisional procedures by
      year 3 were included in the final analysis. RESULTS: At 3-year follow-up,
      elimination of troublesome regurgitation and all atypical symptoms was reported
      by 90 % (37/41) and 88 % (42/48) of patients, respectively. The mean Reflux
      Symptom Index score improved from 22.2 (9.2) on PPIs at screening to 4 (7.1) off
      PPIs 3 years post-TF, p < 0.0001. The mean total % time pH <4 improved from 10.5
      (3.5) to 7.8 (5.7), p = 0.0283. Esophagitis was healed in 86 % (19/22) of
      patients. At the end of study, 71 % (37/52) of patients had discontinued PPI
      therapy. All outcome measures remained stable between 1-, 2-, and 3-year follow
      ups. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that TF can be used to achieve long-term
      control of chronic GERD symptoms, healing of esophagitis, and improvement in EAE.

PMID- 27655382
TI  - Cost-effectiveness of a new strategy to identify uncomplicated gallstone disease
      patients that will benefit from a cholecystectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the cost-effectiveness of a
      new strategy for the preoperative detection of patients that will likely benefit
      from a cholecystectomy, using simple criteria that can be applied by surgeons.
      Criteria for a cholecystectomy indication are: (1) having episodic pain; (2)
      onset of pain 1 year or less before the outpatient clinic visit. METHODS: The
      cost-effectiveness of the new strategy was evaluated against current practice
      using a decision analytic model. The incremental cost-effectiveness of applying
      criteria for a cholecystectomy for a patient with abdominal pain and gallstones
      was compared to applying no criteria. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio
      (ICER) was expressed as extra costs to be invested to gain one more patient with
      absence of pain. Scenarios were analyzed to assess the influence of applying
      different criteria. RESULTS: The new strategy of applying one out of two criteria
      resulted in a 4 % higher mean proportion of patients with absence of pain
      compared to current practice with similar costs. The 95 % upper limit of the ICER
      was ?4114 ($4633) per extra patient with relief of upper abdominal pain.
      Application of two out of two criteria resulted in a 3 % lower mean proportion of
      patients with absence of pain with lower costs. CONCLUSION: The new strategy of
      using one out of two strict selection criteria may be an effective but also a
      cost-effective method to reduce the proportion of patients with pain after
      cholecystectomy.

PMID- 27655381
TI  - Using virtual reality simulation to assess competence in video-assisted
      thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The societies of thoracic surgery are working to incorporate
      simulation and competency-based assessment into specialty training. One challenge
      is the development of a simulation-based test, which can be used as an assessment
      tool. The study objective was to establish validity evidence for a virtual
      reality simulator test of a video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy
      of a right upper lobe. METHODS: Participants with varying experience in VATS
      lobectomy were included. They were familiarized with a virtual reality simulator
      (LapSim(r)) and introduced to the steps of the procedure for a VATS right upper
      lobe lobectomy. The participants performed two VATS lobectomies on the simulator
      with a 5-min break between attempts. Nineteen pre-defined simulator metrics were
      recorded. RESULTS: Fifty-three participants from nine different countries were
      included. High internal consistency was found for the metrics with Cronbach's
      alpha coefficient for standardized items of 0.91. Significant test-retest
      reliability was found for 15 of the metrics (p-values <0.05). Significant
      correlations between the metrics and the participants VATS lobectomy experience
      were identified for seven metrics (p-values <0.001), and 10 metrics showed
      significant differences between novices (0 VATS lobectomies performed) and
      experienced surgeons (>50 VATS lobectomies performed). A pass/fail level defined
      as approximately one standard deviation from the mean metric scores for
      experienced surgeons passed none of the novices (0 % false positives) and failed
      four of the experienced surgeons (29 % false negatives). CONCLUSION: This study
      is the first to establish validity evidence for a VATS right upper lobe lobectomy
      virtual reality simulator test. Several simulator metrics demonstrated
      significant differences between novices and experienced surgeons and pass/fail
      criteria for the test were set with acceptable consequences. This test can be
      used as a first step in assessing thoracic surgery trainees' VATS lobectomy
      competency.

PMID- 27655384
TI  - Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation of right temporoparietal area
      inhibits self-recognition.
AB  - Self-other discrimination is a crucial mechanism for social cognition.
      Neuroimaging and neurostimulation research has pointed to the involvement of the
      right temporoparietal region in a variety of self-other discrimination tasks.
      Although repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation over the right
      temporoparietal area has been shown to disrupt self-other discrimination in face
      recognition tasks, no research has investigated the effect of increasing the
      cortical excitability in this region on self-other face discrimination. Here we
      used transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to investigate changes in
      self-other discrimination with a video-morphing task in which the participant's
      face morphed into, or out of, a familiar other's face. The task was performed
      before and after 20 min of tDCS targeting the right temporoparietal area (anodal,
      cathodal, or sham stimulation). Differences in task performance following
      stimulation were taken to indicate a change in self-other discrimination.
      Following anodal stimulation only, we observed a significant increase in the
      amount of self-face needed to distinguish between self and other. The findings
      are discussed in relation to the control of self and other representations and to
      domain-general theories of social cognition.

PMID- 27655383
TI  - Laparoscopic versus robotic colectomy: a national surgical quality improvement
      project analysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Robotic colorectal surgery is being increasingly adopted. Our
      objective was to compare early postoperative outcomes between robotic and
      laparoscopic colectomy in a nationally representative sample. METHODS: The
      American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project
      Colectomy Targeted Dataset from 2012 to 2014 was used for this study. Adult
      patients undergoing elective colectomy with an anastomosis were included.
      Patients were stratified based on location of colorectal resection (low anterior
      resection (LAR), left-sided resection, or right-sided resection). Bivariate data
      analysis was performed, and logistic regression modeling was conducted to
      calculate risk-adjusted 30-day outcomes. RESULTS: There were a total of 25,998
      laparoscopic colectomies (30 % LAR's, 45 % left-sided, and 25 % right-sided) and
      1484 robotic colectomies (54 % LAR's, 28 % left-sided, and 18 % right-sided). The
      risk-adjusted overall morbidity, serious morbidity, and mortality were similar
      between laparoscopic and robotic approaches in all anastomotic groups. Patients
      undergoing robotic LAR had a lower conversion rate (OR 0.47, 95 % CI 1.20-1.76)
      and postoperative sepsis rate (OR 0.49, 95 % CI 0.29-0.85) but a higher rate of
      diverting ostomies (OR 1.45, 95 % CI 1.20-1.76). Robotic right-sided colectomies
      had significantly lower conversion rates (OR 0.58, 95 % CI 0.34-0.96). Robotic
      colectomy in all groups was associated with a longer operative time (by 40 min)
      and a decreased length of stay (by 0.5 days). CONCLUSIONS: In a nationally
      representative sample comparing laparoscopic and robotic colectomies, the overall
      morbidity, serious morbidity, and mortality between groups are similar while
      length of stay was shorter by 0.5 days in the robotic colectomy group. Robotic
      LAR was associated with lower conversion rates and lower septic complications.
      However, robotic LAR is also associated with a significantly higher rate of
      diverting ostomy. The reason for this relationship is unclear. Surgeon factors,
      patient factors, and technical factors should be considered in future studies.

PMID- 27655385
TI  - A CHASE3/GAF sensor hybrid histidine kinase BmsA modulates biofilm formation and
      motility in Pseudomonas alkylphenolica.
AB  - Pseudomonas alkylphenolica is an important strain in the biodegradation of toxic
      alkylphenols and mass production of bioactive polymannuronate polymers. This
      strain forms a diverse, 3D biofilm architecture, including mushroom-like aerial
      structures, circular pellicles and surface spreading, depending on culture
      conditions. A mutagenesis and complementation study showed that a predicted
      transmembrane kinase, PSAKL28_21690 (1164 aa), harbouring a periplasmic CHASE3
      domain flanked by two transmembrane helices in addition to its cytoplasmic GAF,
      histidine kinase and three CheY-like response regulator domains, plays a positive
      role in the formation of the special biofilm architecture and a negative role in
      swimming activity. In addition, the gene, named here as bmsA, is co-transcribed
      with three genes encoding proteins with CheR (PSAKL28_21700) and CheB
      (PSAKL28_21710) domains and response regulator and histidine kinase domains
      (PSAKL28_21720). This gene cluster is thus named bmsABCD and is found widely
      distributed in pseudomonads and other bacteria. Deletion of the genes in the
      cluster, except forbmsA, did not result in changes in biofilm-related phenotypes.
      The RNA-seq analysis showed that the expression of genes coding for flagellar
      synthesis was increased when bmsA was mutated. In addition, the expression of
      rsmZ, which is one of final targets of the Gac regulon, was not significantly
      altered in the bmsA mutant, and overexpression of bmsA in the gacA mutant did not
      produce the WT phenotype. These results indicate that the sensory Bms regulon
      does not affect the upper cascade of the Gac signal transduction pathway for the
      biofilm-related phenotypes in P. alkylphenolica.

PMID- 27655386
TI  - Histologic and molecular analysis of patient derived xenografts of high-grade
      serous ovarian carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patient derived xenografts (PDX) are generated by transplanting the
      original patient's tumor tissue into immune-deficient mice. Unlike xenograft
      models derived from cell lines, PDX models can better preserve the histopathology
      from the original patient and molecular pathways. High-grade serous carcinoma
      (HGSC) is a deadly form of ovarian/fallopian tube cancer whose response to
      current chemotherapies varies widely due to patient variability. Therefore, a PDX
      model can provide a valuable tool to study and test treatment options for each
      individual patient. METHODS: In this study, over 200 PDX tumors from nine HGSC
      were analyzed to investigate the nature and behavior of PDX tumors originating
      from HGSC. PDX tumors were serially passaged (from P0 to P4) and tumors were
      grafted orthotopically under the ovarian bursa or subcutaneously. RESULTS:
      Comparative analysis of the histology and molecular markers of tumors from over
      200 PDX tumor-bearing mice, revealed that the tumors maintained similar
      histologies, stem cell populations, and expression for the majority of the tested
      oncogenic markers, compared to the primary tumors. However, a significant loss of
      steroid hormone receptors and altered expression of immunoresponsive genes in PDX
      tumors were also noted. CONCLUSION: Our findings provide substantial new
      information about PDX tumor characteristics from HGSC which will be valuable
      towards the development of personalized therapy and new drug development for
      HGSC.

PMID- 27655387
TI  - Genetic and epigenetic analysis of schizophrenia in blood-a no-brainer?
AB  - Several recent studies have investigated either genetic or epigenetic variation
      in schizophrenia. A recent study presents comprehensive analyses of blood samples
      to better characterize the combined role of genetic and epigenetic variation in
      schizophrenia. While the paper identifies significant associations with
      schizophrenia risk and diagnosis, the potential relevance to the brain in
      schizophrenia is questionable.

PMID- 27655388
TI  - Medium- and Long-Term Effects of Estrogenic Contaminants on the Middle River Po
      Fish Community as Reconstructed from a Sediment Core.
AB  - Recent studies showed that endocrine active compounds (EDs) capable to induce
      fish gonadal histopathologies, plasma vitellogenin and thyroid disruption, are
      transported by the River Lambro to the River Po, potentially affecting the fish
      community of the main Italian river. To assess whether fish relative abundance,
      composition and health were impaired by the River Lambro, a 3-year survey was
      undertaken in the main river. Results showed that the tributary supports in the
      River Po a denser fish community (+43 %), with a higher total biomass (+35 %).
      The survey also showed niche- and sensitivity-dependent effects, so that three
      benthopelagic species (bleak, topmouth gudgeon, and bitterling) were, for
      example, more abundant downstream from the tributary (up to 3.4*), but their
      sizes were significantly smaller. The present fish community was then compared
      with that described 30 years before in the same area of the Po River. This
      comparison highlighted that some fish species have disappeared and many have
      severely declined. To better evaluate this contrast, a sediment core of the
      Lambro tributary was analysed for the time trends of natural estrogens (E1, E2,
      E3), bisphenol A and alkylphenols. The results showed that during the last 50
      years the River Lambro has been exposed to high estrogenic activities (16.1 +/-
      9.3 ng E2 equivalents/g), which inevitably affected also the River Po. In
      addition, at the time of the previous survey, six species of the main river had
      skewed sex ratios toward all-female populations, providing evidence that EDs and
      particularly (xeno)estrogens were already affecting the long-term viability of
      fish populations. Estrogens thus can be ascribed among the causal factors of fish
      qualitative and quantitative decline of the River Po, although long-term effects
      have been likely mitigated by nonconfinement of fish populations and nutrient
      enrichment.

PMID- 27655389
TI  - Testicular histology may predict the successful sperm retrieval in patients with
      non-obstructive azoospermia undergoing conventional TESE: a diagnostic accuracy
      study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The present study sought to determine the diagnostic accuracy of FSH
      level, testicular volume, and testicular histology in predicting the successful
      sperm retrieval (SSR) in a large cohort of patients with non-obstructive
      azoospermia undergoing conventional testicular sperm extraction (TESE). METHODS:
      We retrospectively evaluated 356 patients with non-obstructive azoospermia
      between June 2004 and July 2009. Binary logistic regression was used to evaluate
      the diagnostic accuracy of our predicting model, identifying sperm retrieval rate
      as binary dependent variable. The predictive accuracy of all variables
      individually evaluated was quantified with area under curve (AUC) estimates
      derived from receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. RESULTS: The mean
      patients' age was 36.8 years. Testicular sperm were retrieved in 158 out of 356
      patients (44.3 %). Histological diagnosis of Sertoli cell only syndrome (SCO) was
      obtained in 216 patients (60.6 %), while 55 patients (15.4 %) had maturation
      arrest (MA) and 85 (23.8 %) had hypospermatogenesis (HYPO). The binary logistic
      regression model was statistically significant (chi 2 = 96.792, p < 0.0001) and
      correctly classified 72.8 % of cases with 46.8 % sensitivity and 93.4 %
      specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) 85.06 %, negative predictive value
      (NPV) 68.7 %, +likelihood ratio (LR) 7.13, and -LR 0.57. Only testicular
      histology was significant to the model, while FSH and testicular volume were not.
      Sperm retrieval rate (SRR) was significantly higher in patients with HYPO
      compared to patients with SCO or MA (88.2 vs 30.5 and 30.9 %, respectively, p <
      0.0001) CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that including testicular histology
      in a model for predicting sperm retrieval increases its diagnostic accuracy. As
      histology is not available prior to TESE, this model applies only to patients
      with previous testicular surgery.

PMID- 27655390
TI  - Altered bivalent positioning in metaphase I human spermatocytes from Robertsonian
      translocation carriers.
AB  - PURPOSE: The study aims to determine whether there is an altered bivalent
      positioning in metaphase I human spermatocytes from Robertsonian translocation
      carriers. METHODS: Metaphase I human spermatocytes from three
      45,XY,der(13;14)(q10;q10) individuals and a 45,XY,der(14;15)(q10;q10) individual
      were analyzed. Proximity relationships of bivalents were established by analyzing
      meiotic preparations combining Leishman staining and multiplex-FISH procedures.
      Poisson regression model was used to determine proximity frequencies between
      bivalents and to assess associations with chromosome size, gene density,
      acrocentric morphology, and chromosomes with heterochromatic blocks. The
      hierarchical cluster Ward method was used to characterize the groups of bivalents
      with preferred proximities in a cluster analysis. Bivalent groups obtained were
      individually compared with those obtained in normal karyotype individuals
      evaluated in a previous study. RESULTS: A total of 1288 bivalents were examined,
      giving a total of 2289 proximity data. Only four positive significant proximities
      were detected for each type of Robertsonian translocation. Significant bivalent
      associations were only observed by small-size chromosomes for
      MI,22,XY,III(13q14q). These results were clearly divergent from 46,XY
      individuals. Moreover, cluster analysis revealed that about 30 % of the bivalents
      showed changes in their proximity relationships in metaphase I. CONCLUSIONS: The
      territorial organization of bivalents in metaphase I human spermatocytes changes
      in the presence of a Robertsonian translocation.

PMID- 27655393
TI  - Editorial (Thematic Issue: Current Research on Cannabis Use Disorder).

PMID- 27655394
TI  - Editorial: Measurements of ABC Transporters at the Blood-Brain Barrier: Novel
      Methods and Applications.

PMID- 27655391
TI  - Prevention of Early Substance Use Mediates, and Variation at SLC6A4 Moderates,
      SAAF Intervention Effects on OXTR Methylation.
AB  - The Strong African American Family (SAAF) program has been shown to have a
      variety of short and long-term benefits for participating youth and families.
      However, biological mechanisms potentially influencing long-term effects on
      resilience in young adulthood have not been examined. In the current
      investigation, we examine the effects of SAAF on methylation of the OXTR gene in
      young adulthood, focusing on a regulatory region previously identified to be both
      responsive to stress and implicated in resilience. Using the subsample of
      participants from the original study for whom methylation data was available (N =
      388), we replicated the previously reported G * E effect on prevention of early
      substance use and then examined whether there would also be a moderated effect on
      OXTR methylation in early adulthood, with "s" allele carriers, but not "LL"
      participants, showing a significant indirect effect of SAAF on OXTR methylation.
      Results suggest that for susceptible youth (i.e., "s" allele carriers),
      preventive intervention may "get under the skin," in a manner potentially
      beneficial for long-term outcomes. Implications for examination of OXTR
      methylation in future prevention research are discussed.

PMID- 27655392
TI  - Association between pathologic features of peripheral nerves and postoperative
      anal function after neoadjuvant therapy for low rectal cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for rectal cancer improves local
      control but also induces severe postoperative anal dysfunction that may be
      related to neural degeneration. The aims of the study were to identify
      pathological features of neural degeneration caused by neoadjuvant CRT or
      neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and to evaluate the association between neural
      degeneration and anal function. METHODS: A retrospective study using
      chronologically different groups was performed in 95 patients with rectal cancer
      treated with curative resection with neoadjuvant CRT (n = 47), NAC (n = 27), or
      surgery alone (no neoadjuvant therapy) (n = 21) at National Cancer Center
      Hospital East from 2001 to 2014. Peripheral nerve degeneration was evaluated
      histopathologically using H&E stained sections, based on karyopyknosis, vacuolar
      or acidophilic degeneration, denucleation, adventitial neuron change, and
      fibrosis. Morphological analysis of peripheral nerves was compared among the
      three groups. The association between pathological features and anal function
      (Wexner Score) was evaluated. RESULTS: After CRT, the degree of fibrosis around
      the tumor was severe, and neural degeneration was found in peripheral neurons.
      With NAC and surgery alone, there was little fibrosis and neural degeneration.
      Pathological changes after CRT were more pronounced than those after NAC,
      indicating greater tissue degeneration due to CRT. There was an association
      between anal function and degeneration score in the CRT group, but not in the
      other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Peripheral nerves in patients who received neoadjuvant
      CRT showed characteristic pathological features indicating greater degeneration,
      compared with patients who received NAC. Neural degeneration is associated with
      anal function and several pathological factors after CRT.

PMID- 27655396
TI  - Rotenone Decreases Hatching Success in Brine Shrimp Embryos by Blocking
      Development: Implications for Zooplankton Egg Banks.
AB  - While many zooplankton species recover quickly after the treatment of water
      resources with the piscicide, rotenone, some fail to reach pretreatment
      population density or, in rare cases, do not reappear at all. The variable impact
      of rotenone on zooplankton populations could stem from differences in the
      capacity of species to switch entirely to anaerobic catabolic pathways in the
      presence of rotenone, which blocks mitochondrial electron transport.
      Alternatively, variable responses among species could originate from differences
      in permeability of dormant life-stages to lipophilic chemicals like rotenone. The
      purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of rotenone on
      development, emergence and hatching of zooplankton embryos that lack both the
      anaerobic capacity to develop in the presence of rotenone and a permeability
      barrier to prevent the entry of rotenone during dormancy. Post-diapause embryos
      of the brine shrimp, Artemia franciscana, were employed as a model system,
      because they are permeable to lipophilic compounds when dechorionated and require
      aerobic conditions to support development. Early development in this species is
      also well characterized in the literature. Brine shrimp embryos were exposed to
      rotenone while development was either slowed by chilling or suspended by anoxia.
      Development, emergence and hatching were then observed in rotenone-free
      artificial seawater. The data presented demonstrate that rotenone freely diffuses
      across the embryonic cuticle in a matter of hours, and prevents development and
      emergence after brief exposures to ecologically relevant concentrations (0.025
      0.5 mg L-1) of the piscicide. Neither the removal of rotenone from the
      environment, nor the removal of embryonic water with a hypertonic solution, are
      sufficient to reverse this block on development and emergence. These data
      indicate that rotenone could impair recruitment from egg banks for species of
      zooplankton that lack both an embryonic barrier to the entry of lipophilic
      compounds and the anaerobic capacity to develop when NADH:ubiquinone
      oxidoreductase activity is inhibited by rotenone.

PMID- 27655397
TI  - RING box protein-1 gene involved in flagellar disassembly of Dunaliella salina.
AB  - Ring box protein-1 (RBX1), also called Regulator of Cullins-1 (ROC1), is a key
      component of SCF (Skp-1, cullins, F-box proteins) E3 ubiquitin ligases, which
      regulate diverse cellular processes by targeting protein substrates for
      degradation. Although RBX1 plays an important role in ubiquitination machinery of
      both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, studies on the RBX1 have not been involved in
      the unicellular green alga Dunaliella salina. In this study, a full-length RBX1
      cDNA fragment of 817 bp was cloned using rapid amplification of cDNA end (RACE)
      technique. The full-length sequence contained an open reading frame of 411 bp
      encoding 136 amino acids. The predicted protein had a molecular molar mass of
      14.8 kDa and pI of 5.9 with a high degree of homology to RBX1 from Chlamydomonas
      reinhardtii (92 %). Recombinant RBX1 was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 and
      was purified and characterized. The apparent molecular mass of the recombinant
      protein was approximately 17 kDa, and the optimal induction time and
      concentration were 3 h and 0.1 mmol/L IPTG, respectively. The predicted 3D
      structures of RBX1 proteins contained RING-H2 finger domain including "Cys59-X2
      Cys62-X30-Cys93-X1-His95-X2-His98-X2-Cys101-X10-Cys112-X2-Cys115." The expression
      of RBX1 protein was increased by 132 % during flagellar disassembly and decreased
      by 76 % during flagellar assembly of D. salina. The expression of RBX1 mRNA had a
      similar tendency with the expression of RBX1 protein. The results indicated that
      RBX1 responded to flagellar disassembly of D. salina.

PMID- 27655398
TI  - Measuring customer preferences in the German statutory health insurance.
AB  - This paper investigates consumer preferences in the German statutory health
      insurance market. It further aims to test whether preferences differ by age and
      health status. Evidence is provided by a discrete choice experiment conducted in
      2014 using the six most important attributes in sickness fund competition and ten
      random generated choice sets per participant. Price is found to be the most
      important attribute followed by additional benefits, managed care programmes, and
      distance to nearest branch. Other positive attributes of sickness funds are found
      to balance out a higher price, which would allow a sickness fund to position
      itself as high quality. However, significant differences in preferences were
      found between age and health status group. In particular, compromised health is
      associated with higher preference for illness-related additional benefits and
      less distance to the lowest branch, but lower preference for a lower price. Based
      on these differences, a distinct sickness fund offer could be constructed that
      would allow passive risk selection.

PMID- 27655399
TI  - Microbial Characterization of Qatari Barchan Sand Dunes.
AB  - This study represents the first characterization of sand microbiota in migrating
      barchan sand dunes. Bacterial communities were studied through direct counts and
      cultivation, as well as 16S rRNA gene and metagenomic sequence analysis to gain
      an understanding of microbial abundance, diversity, and potential metabolic
      capabilities. Direct on-grain cell counts gave an average of 5.3 +/- 0.4 x 105
      cells g-1 of sand. Cultured isolates (N = 64) selected for 16S rRNA gene
      sequencing belonged to the phyla Actinobacteria (58%), Firmicutes (27%) and
      Proteobacteria (15%). Deep-sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons from 18 dunes
      demonstrated a high relative abundance of Proteobacteria, particularly enteric
      bacteria, and a dune-specific-pattern of bacterial community composition that
      correlated with dune size. Shotgun metagenome sequences of two representative
      dunes were analyzed and found to have similar relative bacterial abundance,
      though the relative abundances of eukaryotic, viral and enterobacterial sequences
      were greater in sand from the dune closer to a camel-pen. Functional analysis
      revealed patterns similar to those observed in desert soils; however, the
      increased relative abundance of genes encoding sporulation and dormancy are
      consistent with the dune microbiome being well-adapted to the exceptionally hyper
      arid Qatari desert.

PMID- 27655400
TI  - Bacterial persistence is an active sigmaS stress response to metabolic flux
      limitation.
AB  - While persisters are a health threat due to their transient antibiotic tolerance,
      little is known about their phenotype and what actually causes persistence. Using
      a new method for persister generation and high-throughput methods, we
      comprehensively mapped the molecular phenotype of Escherichia coli during the
      entry and in the state of persistence in nutrient-rich conditions. The persister
      proteome is characterized by sigma(S)-mediated stress response and a shift to
      catabolism, a proteome that starved cells tried to but could not reach due to
      absence of a carbon and energy source. Metabolism of persisters is geared toward
      energy production, with depleted metabolite pools. We developed and
      experimentally verified a model, in which persistence is established through a
      system-level feedback: Strong perturbations of metabolic homeostasis cause
      metabolic fluxes to collapse, prohibiting adjustments toward restoring
      homeostasis. This vicious cycle is stabilized and modulated by high ppGpp levels,
      toxin/anti-toxin systems, and the sigma(S)-mediated stress response. Our system
      level model consistently integrates past findings with our new data, thereby
      providing an important basis for future research on persisters.

PMID- 27655405
TI  - Association of multiple ischemic strokes with mortality in incident hemodialysis
      patients: an application of multistate model to determine transition
      probabilities in a retrospective observational cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little is known about the effect of multiple, or subsequent, ischemic
      strokes in patients receiving hemodialysis. METHODS: We undertook a retrospective
      cohort study of incident hemodialysis patients with Medicare coverage who had
      experienced a first ischemic stroke. Factors associated with either a subsequent
      ischemic stroke or death following a first new stroke were modeled. A multistate
      model with Cox proportional hazards was used to predict transition probabilities
      from first ischemic stroke to either subsequent stroke or to death, and the
      demographic and clinical factors associated with the respective transition
      probabilities were determined. Effect of a subsequent ischemic stroke on survival
      was quantified. RESULTS: Overall, 12,054 individuals (mean age 69.7 years, 41.3 %
      male, 53.0 % Caucasian and 34.0 % African-American) experienced a first new
      ischemic stroke. Female sex was associated with an increased risk of having a
      subsequent ischemic stroke (adjusted hazard ratio 1.37, 95 % confidence intervals
      1.20 - 1.56, P < 0.0001); African-Americans, as compared to Caucasians, had lower
      likelihood of dying after a first new ischemic stroke (0.81, 0.77 - 0.85, P <
      0.0001). A subsequent stroke trended towards having a higher likelihood of
      transitioning to death compared to a first new ischemic stroke on dialysis (1.72,
      0.96 - 3.09, P = 0.071). When a subsequent ischemic stroke occurs at 24 months,
      probability of survival dropped >15 %, in absolute terms, from 0.254 to 0.096,
      with substantial drops observed at subsequent time points such that the
      probability of survival was more than halved. CONCLUSIONS: Likelihood of
      subsequent ischemic stroke and of survival in hemodialysis patients appears to
      vary by sex and race: females are more likely than males to experience a
      subsequent ischemic stroke, and Caucasians are more likely than African-Americans
      to die after a first new ischemic stroke. The risk of a transitioning to a
      subsequent stroke (after having had a first) increases until about 1 year, then
      decreases. Subsequent strokes are associated with decreased probability of
      survival, an effect which increases as time since first stroke elapses. This
      information may be of assistance to clinicians when counseling hemodialysis
      patients about the implications of recurrent ischemic stroke.

PMID- 27655403
TI  - Modulating ryanodine receptors with dantrolene attenuates neuronopathic phenotype
      in Gaucher disease mice.
AB  - Neuronopathic Gaucher disease (nGD) manifests as severe neurological symptoms in
      patients with no effective treatment available. Ryanodine receptors (Ryrs) are a
      family of calcium release channels on intracellular stores. The goal of this
      study is to determine if Ryrs are potential targets for nGD treatment. A nGD cell
      model (CBE-N2a) was created by inhibiting acid beta-glucosidase (GCase) in N2a
      cells with conduritol B epoxide (CBE). Enhanced cytosolic calcium in CBE-N2a
      cells was blocked by either ryanodine or dantrolene, antagonists of Ryrs and by
      Genz-161, a glucosylceramide synthase inhibitor, suggesting substrate-mediated ER
      calcium efflux occurs through ryanodine receptors. In the brain of a nGD (4L;C*)
      mouse model, expression of Ryrs was normal at 13 days of age, but significantly
      decreased below the wild type level in end-stage 4L;C* brains at 40 days.
      Treatment with dantrolene in 4L;C* mice starting at postnatal day 5 delayed
      neurological pathology and prolonged survival. Compared to untreated 4L;C* mice,
      dantrolene treatment significantly improved gait, reduced LC3-II levels, improved
      mitochondrial ATP production and reduced inflammation in the brain. Dantrolene
      treatment partially normalized Ryr expression and its potential regulators, CAMK
      IV and calmodulin. Furthermore, dantrolene treatment increased residual mutant
      GCase activity in 4L;C* brains. These data demonstrate that modulating Ryrs has
      neuroprotective effects in nGD through mechanisms that protect the mitochondria,
      autophagy, Ryr expression and enhance GCase activity. This study suggests that
      calcium signalling stabilization, e.g. with dantrolene, could be a potential
      disease modifying therapy for nGD.

PMID- 27655406
TI  - Preparedness of HIV care and treatment clinics for the management of concomitant
      non-communicable diseases: a cross-sectional survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Sub-Saharan Africa, epidemiological studies have reported an
      increasing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCD) among people living with
      HIV. NCD management can be feasibly integrated into HIV care; however, clinic
      readiness to provide NCD services in these settings should first be assessed and
      gaps in care identified. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey conducted in July 2013
      assessed the resources available for NCD care at 14 HIV clinics in Dar es Salaam,
      Tanzania. Survey items related to staff training, protocols, and resources for
      cardiovascular disease risk factor screening, management, and patient education.
      RESULTS: 43 % of clinics reported treating patients with hypertension; however,
      only 21 % had a protocol for NCD management. ECHO International Health standards
      for essential clinical equipment were used to measure clinic readiness; 36 % met
      the standard for blood pressure cuffs, 14 % for glucometers. Available laboratory
      tests for NCD included blood glucose (88 %), urine dipsticks (78 %), and lipid
      panel (57 %). 21 % had a healthcare worker with NCD training. All facilities
      provided some form of patient education, but only 14 % included diabetes, 57 %
      tobacco cessation, and 64 % weight management. CONCLUSIONS: A number of gaps were
      identified in this sample of HIV clinics that currently limit the ability of
      Tanzanian healthcare workers to diagnose and manage NCD in the context of HIV
      care. Integrated NCD and HIV care may be successfully achieved in these settings
      with basic measures incorporated into existing infrastructures at minimal added
      expense, i.e., improving access to basic functioning equipment, introducing
      standardized treatment guidelines, and improving healthcare worker education.

PMID- 27655407
TI  - Characterization of the transcription factor encoding gene, KlADR1: metabolic
      role in Kluyveromyces lactis and expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
AB  - In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Adr1 is a zinc-finger transcription factor involved
      in the transcriptional activation of ADH2. Deletion of KlADR1, its putative
      ortholog in Kluyveromyces lactis, led to reduced growth in glycerol, oleate and
      yeast extract-peptone medium suggesting, as in S. cerevisiae, its requirement for
      glycerol, fatty acid and nitrogen utilization. Moreover, growth comparison on
      yeast extract and peptone plates showed in K. lactis a KlAdr1-dependent growth
      trait not present in S. cerevisiae, indicating different metabolic roles of the
      two factors in their environmental niches. KlADR1 is required for growth under
      respiratory and fermentative conditions like KlADH, alcohol dehydrogenase genes
      necessary for metabolic adaptation during the growth transition. Using in-gel
      native alcohol dehydrogenase assay, we showed that this factor affected the Adh
      pattern by altering the balance between these activities. Since the activity most
      affected by KlAdr1 is KlAdh3, a deletion analysis of the KlADH3 promoter allowed
      the isolation of a DNA fragment through which KlAdr1 modulated its expression.
      The expression of the KlADR1-GFP gene allowed the intracellular localization of
      the factor in K. lactis and S. cerevisiae, suggesting in the two yeasts a common
      mechanism of KlAdr1 translocation under fermentative and respiratory conditions.
      Finally, the chimeric Kl/ScADR1 gene encoding the zinc-finger domains of KlAdr1
      fused to the transactivating domains of the S. cerevisiae factor activated in
      Scadr1Delta the transcription of ADH2 in a ScAdr1-dependent fashion.

PMID- 27655409
TI  - [Integration and utilization of physiotherapy in hospice and palliative care : A
      survey on clinical practice in Germany].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Palliative care is an approach that improves the quality of life of
      patients with incurable and progressive illnesses; therefore, in these situations
      physiotherapy can play an important role. AIM: This study was carried out to
      examine the integration and utilization of physiotherapy in palliative and
      hospice care services in Germany. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey including all
      palliative care units, specialized outpatient palliative care teams and hospices
      in Germany (n = 680) in 2013 was carried out. RESULTS: The response rate was 43.5
      % (n = 296). Physiotherapy is predominantly applied in palliative care units (79
      %) but rarely in hospices (38 %) and outpatient palliative care teams (30 %). A
      structured physiotherapeutic assessment is rarely carried out even on palliative
      care units (26 %). Positive effects of physiotherapy are especially described for
      symptoms, such as edema, pain, constipation and dyspnea. CONCLUSION: Despite its
      significant potential to relieve symptoms, physiotherapy is not systematically
      integrated into palliative care practice in Germany.

PMID- 27655408
TI  - SES Gradients Among Mexicans in the United States and in Mexico: A New Twist to
      the Hispanic Paradox?
AB  - : Recent empirical findings have suggested the existence of a twist in the
      Hispanic paradox, in which Mexican and other Hispanic foreign-born migrants
      living in the United States experience shallower socioeconomic status (SES)
      health disparities than those in the U.S. POPULATION: In this article, we seek to
      replicate this finding and test conjectures that could explain this new observed
      phenomenon using objective indicators of adult health by educational attainment
      in several groups: (1) Mexican-born individuals living in Mexico and in the
      United States, (2) U.S.-born Mexican Americans, and (3) non-Hispanic American
      whites. Our analytical strategy improves upon previous research on three fronts.
      First, we derive four hypotheses from a general framework that has also been used
      to explain the standard Hispanic paradox. Second, we study biomarkers rather than
      self-reported health and related conditions. Third, we use a binational data
      platform that includes both Mexicans living in Mexico (Mexican National Health
      and Nutrition Survey 2006) and Mexican migrants to the United States (NHANES 1999
      2010). We find steep education gradients among Mexicans living in Mexico's urban
      areas in five of six biomarkers of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and in the overall
      MetS score. Mexican migrants living in the United States experience similar
      patterns to Mexicans living in Mexico in glucose and obesity biomarkers. These
      results are inconsistent with previous findings, suggesting that Mexican migrants
      in the United States experience significantly attenuated health gradients
      relative to the non-Hispanic white U.S. POPULATION: Our empirical evidence also
      contradicts the idea that SES-health gradients in Mexico are shallower than those
      in the United States and could be invoked to explain shallower gradients among
      Mexicans living in the United States.

PMID- 27655410
TI  - NT1014, a novel biguanide, inhibits ovarian cancer growth in vitro and in vivo.
AB  - BACKGROUND: NT1014 is a novel biguanide and AMPK activator with a high affinity
      for the organic cation-specific transporters, OCT1 and OCT3. We sought to
      determine the anti-tumorigenic effects of NT1014 in human ovarian cancer cell
      lines as well as in a genetically engineered mouse model of high-grade serous
      ovarian cancer. METHODS: The effects of NT1014 and metformin on cell
      proliferation were assessed by MTT assay using the human ovarian cancer cell
      lines, SKOV3 and IGROV1, as well as in primary cultures. In addition, the impact
      of NT1014 on cell cycle progression, apoptosis, cellular stress, adhesion,
      invasion, glycolysis, and AMPK activation/mTOR pathway inhibition was also
      explored. The effects of NT1014 treatment in vivo was evaluated using the K18 -
      gT121+/-; p53fl/fl; Brca1fl/fl (KpB) mouse model of high-grade serous ovarian
      cancer. RESULTS: NT1014 significantly inhibited cell proliferation in both
      ovarian cancer cell lines as well as in primary cultures. In addition, NT1014
      activated AMPK, inhibited downstream targets of the mTOR pathway, induced G1 cell
      cycle arrest/apoptosis/cellular stress, altered glycolysis, and reduced
      invasion/adhesion. Similar to its anti-tumorigenic effects in vitro, NT1014
      decreased ovarian cancer growth in the KpB mouse model of ovarian cancer. NT1014
      appeared to be more potent than metformin in both our in vitro and in vivo
      studies. CONCLUSIONS: NT1014 inhibited ovarian cancer cell growth in vitro and in
      vivo, with greater efficacy than the traditional biguanide, metformin. These
      results support further development of NT1014 as a useful therapeutic approach
      for the treatment of ovarian cancer.

PMID- 27655411
TI  - The risk of hospitalized infection following initiation of biologic agents versus
      methotrexate in the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the present study, we compared the incidence of hospitalized
      infection among children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) following
      initiation of treatment with biologic agents versus methotrexate (MTX). METHODS:
      We used national Medicaid claims data from 2000 through 2010 to create cohorts of
      children with JIA who were new users of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi),
      anakinra, and MTX (without concurrent biologic agent use) as defined by a 6-month
      baseline period of nonuse. Because most anakinra users have systemic juvenile
      idiopathic arthritis (SJIA), we used claims to identify MTX users who likely had
      SJIA. Among TNFi users, concurrent MTX use was a time-varying covariate. The
      study outcome was a primary hospital discharge diagnosis of infection. We
      calculated adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) to compare infection rates between
      biologic agents and MTX. RESULTS: We identified 3075 new MTX users (160 with
      SJIA), 2713 new TNFi users, and 247 new anakinra users. There was no increased
      risk of infection associated with TNFi monotherapy versus MTX (aHR 1.19, 95 % CI
      0.72-1.94) or with TNFi + MTX combination therapy versus MTX (aHR 1.23, 95 % CI
      0.69-2.17). Baseline high-dose oral glucocorticoid use (>=10 mg/day of
      prednisone) was associated with infection (aHR 2.03 [95 % CI 1.21-3.39] versus no
      oral glucocorticoid). Anakinra was associated with infection versus MTX (aHR 3.53
      95 % CI 1.83-6.82), but less so compared with MTX users with SJIA (aHR 2.69, 95 %
      CI 0.82-8.82). CONCLUSIONS: Neither TNFi monotherapy nor TNFi + MTX combination
      therapy was significantly associated with hospitalized infection compared with
      MTX. Anakinra was significantly associated with infection, but there was likely
      residual confounding by disease phenotype.

PMID- 27655412
TI  - Predicting bioactive conformations and binding modes of macrocycles.
AB  - Macrocyclic compounds experience increasing interest in drug discovery. It is
      often thought that these large and chemically complex molecules provide promising
      candidates to address difficult targets and interfere with protein-protein
      interactions. From a computational viewpoint, these molecules are difficult to
      treat. For example, flexible docking of macrocyclic compounds is hindered by the
      limited ability of current docking approaches to optimize conformations of
      extended ring systems for pose prediction. Herein, we report predictions of
      bioactive conformations of macrocycles using conformational search and binding
      modes using docking. Conformational ensembles generated using specialized search
      technique of about 70 % of the tested macrocycles contained accurate bioactive
      conformations. However, these conformations were difficult to identify on the
      basis of conformational energies. Moreover, docking calculations with limited
      ligand flexibility starting from individual low energy conformations rarely
      yielded highly accurate binding modes. In about 40 % of the test cases, binding
      modes were approximated with reasonable accuracy. However, when conformational
      ensembles were subjected to rigid body docking, an increase in meaningful binding
      mode predictions to more than 50 % of the test cases was observed. Electrostatic
      effects did not contribute to these predictions in a positive or negative manner.
      Rather, achieving shape complementarity at macrocycle-target interfaces was a
      decisive factor. In summary, a combined computational protocol using pre-computed
      conformational ensembles of macrocycles as a starting point for docking shows
      promise in modeling binding modes of macrocyclic compounds.

PMID- 27655413
TI  - Speckle-Tracking Echocardiographic Measures of Right Ventricular Diastolic
      Function Correlate with Reference Standard Measures Before and After Preload
      Alteration in Children.
AB  - The accuracy of echocardiographic measures of right ventricular (RV) diastolic
      function has been sparsely studied. Our objective was to evaluate the correlation
      between echocardiographic and reference standard measures of RV diastolic
      function derived from micromanometer pressure analysis before and after preload
      alteration in children. Echocardiograms and micromanometer pressure analyses were
      prospectively performed before and after fluid bolus in children undergoing right
      heart catheterization. The isovolumic relaxation time constant (tau) and end
      diastolic pressure (EDP) were measured. Conventional and speckle-tracking
      echocardiographic (STE) parameters of RV systolic and diastolic function were
      assessed. Normal saline bolus was given to increase RV EDP by 20 %. Twenty-eight
      studies were performed in 22 patients with congenital heart disease or postheart
      transplantation. Mean age was 8.7 +/- 6.1 years. RV longitudinal early diastolic
      strain rate (EDSR) correlated with tau before (r = 0.57, p = 0.001) and after
      fluid bolus (r = 0.48, p = 0.008). No conventional echocardiographic measures
      correlated with tau both before and after fluid bolus. Multiple regression
      analysis revealed RV EDSR and LV circumferential EDSR as independent predictors
      of RV tau. There were no independent predictors of EDP. RV EDSR appears to
      correlate with the reference standard measure of early active ventricular
      relaxation in children at baseline and after changes in preload. Conventional
      echocardiographic measures of diastolic function were not predictive of diastolic
      function after preload alteration. Future studies should assess the prognostic
      significance of STE measures of diastolic function in this population.

PMID- 27655415
TI  - New Advances in the Study of IgE Drug Recognition.
AB  - Allergic drug reactions are currently a major public health problem affecting
      patient health and increasing healthcare costs. They are caused by interactions
      between a drug and the human immune system and result in symptoms ranging from
      urticaria or angioedema to those more serious such as anaphylaxis or anaphylactic
      shock. The most commonly accepted mechanism for immunological activation is based
      on the hapten hypothesis. Drugs are low molecular weight substances that cannot
      cause an immune response on their own. However, they can act as haptens and form
      covalent adducts with proteins. The resulting hapten-carrier (drug-protein)
      conjugate can induce the production of IgE antibodies or T cells. An epitope, or
      antigenic determinant, is the part of the drug-protein antigen that is
      specifically recognized by the immune system. This may involve not only the drug
      derivative but also part of the carrier protein. Understanding the way in which
      drugs are metabolized after protein conjugation is vital in order to make
      progresses in the diagnosis of clinical allergy. In this review, recent advances
      in the identification of the chemical structures of antigenic determinants
      involved in immediate allergic reactions to drugs are presented. We have focused
      on drugs that most commonly elicit these reactions: betalactam and quinolone
      antibiotics and the non-steroidal anti-inflamatory drug pyrazolone. This will be
      discussed from a chemical point of view, relating our understanding of drug
      structure, chemical reactivity and immune recognition.

PMID- 27655416
TI  - The Synthetic Cannabinoids Phenomenon.
AB  - " Spice " is generally used to describe the diverse types of herbal blends that
      encompass synthetic cannabinoids on the market. The emergence of smokable herbal
      products containing synthetic cannabinoids, which mimic the effects of cannabis,
      appears to become increasingly popular, in the new psychoactive substances
      landscape. In 2014, the existence of 134 different types of synthetic
      cannabinoids were reported by the European Union Early Warning System. These
      drugs are mainly sold online as an alternative to controlled and regulated
      psychoactive substances. They appear to have a life cycle of about 1-2 years
      before being replaced by a next wave of products. Legislation controlling these
      designer drugs has been introduced in many countries with the objective to limit
      the spread of existing drugs and control potential new analogs. The majority of
      the synthetic cannabinoids are full agonists at the CB1 receptor and do not
      contain tobacco or cannabis. They are becoming increasingly popular in
      adolescents, students and clubbers as an abused substance. Relatively high
      incidence of adverse effects associated with synthetic cannabinoids use has been
      documented in the literature. Numerous fatalities linked with their use and abuse
      have been reported. In this paper, we will review the available data regarding
      the use and effects of synthetic cannabinoids in humans in order to highlight
      their impact on public health. To reach this objective, a literature search was
      performed on two representative databases (Pubmed, Google Scholar), the Erowid
      Center website (a US non-profit educational organization that provides
      information about psychoactive plants and chemicals), and various governmental
      websites. The terms used for the database search were: "synthetic cannabinoids",
      "spice", "new psychoactive substances", and/or "substance use disorder", and/or
      "adverse effects", and/or "fatalities". The search was limited to years 2005 to
      2016 due to emerging scientific literature at this period Health professionals
      should take into account that limited scientific evidence is available regarding
      the effect of synthetic cannabinoids use in humans. It thus urges to launch more
      systematic epidemiological studies, to develop and validate screening procedures,
      and to investigate the neurobiological and psychological correlates and risk
      factors associated to synthetic cannabinoids use and misuse.

PMID- 27655414
TI  - Engineered Autonomous Human Variable Domains.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The complex multi-chain architecture of antibodies has spurred
      interest in smaller derivatives that retain specificity but can be more easily
      produced in bacteria. Domain antibodies consisting of single variable domains are
      the smallest antibody fragments and have been shown to possess enhanced ability
      to target epitopes that are difficult to access using multidomain antibodies.
      However, in contrast to natural camelid antibody domains, human variable domains
      typically suffer from low stability and high propensity to aggregate. METHODS:
      This review summarizes strategies to improve the biophysical properties of heavy
      chain variable domains from human antibodies with an emphasis on aggregation
      resistance. Several protein engineering approaches have targeted antibody
      frameworks and complementarity determining regions to stabilize the native state
      and prevent aggregation of the denatured state. CONCLUSION: Recent findings
      enable the construction of highly diverse libraries enriched in aggregation
      resistant variants that are expected to provide binders to diverse antigens.
      Engineered domain antibodies possess unique advantages in expression, epitope
      preference and flexibility of formatting over conventional immunoreagents and are
      a promising class of antibody fragments for biomedical development.

PMID- 27655417
TI  - Comparison of Two Cap Thickness in Small Incision Lenticule Extraction: 100MUm
      versus 160MUm.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the changes of biomechanical properties, endothelial cell
      density (ECD), and posterior corneal elevation (PCE) after femtosecond small
      incision lenticule extractions (SMILEs) with 100MUm versus 160MUm cap
      thicknesses. METHODS: A total of 12 rabbits were randomly assigned into two
      groups of 6 each. SMILE was performed at a depth of either 160MUm (160-cap group)
      or 100MUm (100-cap group). Corneal biomechanics, PCE, ECD were evaluated pre
      operatively, 1week, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, and 4 months post-operatively by
      Pentacam, Corvis ST, in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) respectively. The Young's
      modulus was obtained by strip-extensometry test 4 months after surgery. RESULTS:
      At each time point, the second applanation time (A2T) was similar between the
      groups with the exception of 4 months after surgery (22.66+/-0.16 ms in the 160
      cap group versus 21.75+/-0.29 ms in the 100-cap group, p = 0.004). Neither
      deformation amplitude (DA) nor the first applanationtime (A1T) were significantly
      different between the two groups. The postoperative posterior surface did not
      shift forward, the changes of PCE and ECD were not significantly different
      between the two groups at any observation time. Young's modulus was higher in the
      160-cap group than that in the 100-cap group with no statistical significance
      (P>0.05). Regression analyses showed that the PCE changes and Young's modulus
      were not affected by cap thickness (CT) or residual stromal bed thickness (RBT)
      (All P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The differences of corneal biomechanics, posterior
      surface elevation, or ECD changes were quite small when using 100MUm or 160MUm
      cap thicknesses in SMILE.

PMID- 27655419
TI  - Simulation of intracellular Ca2+ transients in osteoblasts induced by fluid shear
      stress and its application.
AB  - Intracellular [Formula: see text] transient induced by fluid shear stress (FSS)
      plays an important role in mechanical regulation of osteoblasts, but the cellular
      mechanism remains incompletely understood. Here, we constructed a mathematical
      model combined with experiments to elucidate it. Our simulated and experimental
      results showed that it was the delay of membrane potential repolarization to
      produce the refractory period of FSS-induced intracellular calcium transients in
      osteoblasts. Moreover, the results also demonstrated that the amplitude of FSS
      induced intracellular calcium transient is crucial to the proliferation, while
      its duration is critical to the differentiation, of osteoblasts. Overall, the
      present study provides a way to understand the cellular mechanism of
      intracellular calcium transients in osteoblast induced by FSS and explains some
      of related physiological events.

PMID- 27655418
TI  - Bone Regeneration Using Gene-Activated Matrices.
AB  - Gene delivery to bone is a potential therapeutic strategy for directed,
      sustained, and regulated protein expression. Tissue engineering strategies for
      bone regeneration include delivery of proteins, genes (viral and non-viral
      mediated delivery), and/or cells to the bone defect site. In addition, biomimetic
      scaffolds and scaffolds incorporating bone anabolic agents greatly enhance the
      bone repair process. Regional gene therapy has the potential of enhancing bone
      defect healing and bone regeneration by delivering osteogenic genes locally to
      the osseous lesions, thereby reducing systemic toxicity and the need for using
      supraphysiological dosages of therapeutic proteins. By implanting gene-activated
      matrices (GAMs), sustained gene expression and continuous osteogenic protein
      production in situ can be achieved in a way that stimulates osteogenesis and bone
      repair within osseous defects. Critical parameters substantially affecting the
      therapeutic efficacy of gene therapy include the choice of osteogenic
      transgene(s), selection of non-viral or viral vectors, the wound environment, and
      the selection of ex vivo and in vivo gene delivery strategies, such as GAMs. It
      is critical for gene therapy applications that clinically beneficial amounts of
      proteins are synthesized endogenously within and around the lesion in a sustained
      manner. It is therefore necessary that reliable and reproducible methods of gene
      delivery be developed and tested for their efficacy and safety before translating
      into clinical practice. Practical considerations such as the age, gender, and
      systemic health of patients and the nature of the disease process also need to be
      taken into account in order to personalize the treatments and progress towards
      developing a clinically applicable gene therapy for healing bone defects. This
      review discusses tissue engineering strategies to regenerate bone with specific
      focus on non-viral gene delivery systems.

PMID- 27655420
TI  - Inferring spatial variations of microstructural properties from macroscopic
      mechanical response.
AB  - Disease alters tissue microstructure, which in turn affects the macroscopic
      mechanical properties of tissue. In elasticity imaging, the macroscopic response
      is measured and is used to infer the spatial distribution of the elastic
      constitutive parameters. When an empirical constitutive model is used, these
      parameters cannot be linked to the microstructure. However, when the constitutive
      model is derived from a microstructural representation of the material, it allows
      for the possibility of inferring the local averages of the spatial distribution
      of the microstructural parameters. This idea forms the basis of this study. In
      particular, we first derive a constitutive model by homogenizing the mechanical
      response of a network of elastic, tortuous fibers. Thereafter, we use this model
      in an inverse problem to determine the spatial distribution of the
      microstructural parameters. We solve the inverse problem as a constrained
      minimization problem and develop efficient methods for solving it. We apply these
      methods to displacement fields obtained by deforming gelatin-agar co-gels and
      determine the spatial distribution of agar concentration and fiber tortuosity,
      thereby demonstrating that it is possible to image local averages of
      microstructural parameters from macroscopic measurements of deformation.

PMID- 27655421
TI  - Generalized plasma skimming model for cells and drug carriers in the
      microvasculature.
AB  - In microvascular transport, where both blood and drug carriers are involved,
      plasma skimming has a key role on changing hematocrit level and drug carrier
      concentration in capillary beds after continuous vessel bifurcation in the
      microvasculature. While there have been numerous studies on modeling the plasma
      skimming of blood, previous works lacked in consideration of its interaction with
      drug carriers. In this paper, a generalized plasma skimming model is suggested to
      predict the redistributions of both the cells and drug carriers at each
      bifurcation. In order to examine its applicability, this new model was applied on
      a single bifurcation system to predict the redistribution of red blood cells and
      drug carriers. Furthermore, this model was tested at microvascular network level
      under different plasma skimming conditions for predicting the concentration of
      drug carriers. Based on these results, the applicability of this generalized
      plasma skimming model is fully discussed and future works along with the model's
      limitations are summarized.

PMID- 27655422
TI  - Model-based cardiovascular disease diagnosis: a preliminary in-silico study.
AB  - In this study, we developed and examined the feasibility of a model-based system
      identification approach to cardiovascular disease diagnosis. The basic premise of
      the approach is that it may be possible to diagnose cardiovascular disease from
      disease-induced alterations in the arterial mechanical properties manifested in
      the proximal and distal arterial blood pressure waveforms. It first
      individualizes the lumped-parameter model of wave propagation and reflection in
      the artery using the measurement of proximal and distal arterial blood pressure
      waveforms. Then, it employs a diagnosis logic, in the form of disease-specific
      patterns in model parameters, referred as [Formula: see text] and pulse transit
      time. The longitudinal change in these parameters is used to diagnose the
      presence of peripheral artery disease and arterial stiffening. We illustrated the
      feasibility of the proposed approach by testing it in a full-scale in-silico
      arterial tree simulation. The results showed that the approach exhibited superior
      sensitivity to ankle-brachial index and convenience to carotid-femoral pulse wave
      velocity: The model parameters [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]
      responded with up to 100 and 40 % changes to peripheral artery disease with up to
      50 % arterial blockage whereas the change in ankle-brachial index was [Formula:
      see text]; the same parameters responded with up to 300 and 40 % changes to up to
      100 % arterial stiffening while pulse transit time changed by up to 24 %.
      Together with the development of more convenient techniques for the measurement
      of arterial blood pressure waveforms, the proposed approach may evolve into a
      viable alternative to the state-of-the-art techniques for cardiovascular disease
      diagnosis.

PMID- 27655423
TI  - Life-course partnership history and midlife health behaviours in a population
      based birth cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Marital and partnership history is strongly associated with health in
      midlife and later life. However, the role of health behaviours as an explanatory
      mechanism remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate prospective
      associations between life-course partnership trajectories (taking into account
      timing, non-marital cohabitation, remarriage and marital transitions) and health
      behaviours measured in midlife. METHODS: We analysed data from the British
      National Child Development Study, a prospective cohort study that includes all
      people born in 1 week of March 1958 (N=10 226). This study included men and women
      with prospective data on partnership history from age 23 to 42-44 and health
      behaviours collected at ages 42-46 (2000-2004). Latent class analysis was used to
      derive longitudinal trajectories of partnership history. We used multivariable
      regression models to estimate the association between midlife health behaviours
      and partnership trajectory, adjusting for various early and young adult
      characteristics. RESULTS: After adjustment for a range of potential selection
      factors in childhood and early adulthood, we found that problem drinking, heavy
      drinking and smoking were more common in men and women who experienced divorce or
      who had never married or cohabited. Women who married later had a lower
      prevalence of smoking and were less likely to be overweight than those who
      married earlier. Overall marriage was associated with a higher body mass index.
      Individuals who never married or cohabited spent less time exercising.
      CONCLUSIONS: Some aspects of partnership history such as remaining unpartnered
      and experiencing divorce are associated with more smoking and drinking in
      midlife, whereas marriage is associated with midlife weight gain. Despite these
      offsetting influences, differences in health behaviours probably account for much
      of the association between partnership trajectories and health found in previous
      studies.

PMID- 27655424
TI  - Value Narratives: A Novel Method for Understanding High-Cost Pediatric Hospital
      Patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To delineate the drivers of cost associated with the most-costly
      inpatients in a tertiary pediatric hospital. METHODS: We identified the 10% most
      costly inpatients treated at a large regional children's hospital in 2010. From
      this group we randomly selected, within representative specialties, 2 groups of
      50 inpatients for detailed chart review. By using daily cost data and clinical
      records, 2 independent reviewers examined the clinical course of each patient to
      identify events that drove cost beyond that expected for standard of care. By
      using an iterative process, these events were grouped into themes or "cost
      drivers." Linear regression was used to measure the association of number of cost
      drivers and total 2010 inpatient cost. RESULTS: We identified 7 cost drivers:
      medical complications (49%), futile treatment (6%), failure to identify family
      care preferences (9%), system errors (65%), preventable admissions (21%), complex
      family dynamics (11%), and expensive diagnosis with no other cost driver (15%).
      Cost drivers were associated with increased total costs. CONCLUSIONS: We
      developed a novel method for understanding high-cost inpatients. This method
      allowed a more detailed understanding of cost drivers than could be achieved with
      administrative data alone. Many of these cost drivers were related to problems
      with communication.

PMID- 27655425
TI  - Growth substrates and caleosin-mediated functions affect conidial virulence in
      the insect pathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana.
AB  - The entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana, is a microbial biological
      control agent capable of infecting a wide range of insect hosts. Conidia (spores)
      initiate infection via adhesion, growth and penetration of the insect cuticle,
      whose outmost layer is rich in lipids. Conidial virulence was investigated in B.
      bassiana WT and caleosin mutants (DeltaBbcal1), the latter a protein involved in
      lipid storage and turnover. Topical insect bioassays revealed that conidia of the
      WT strain showed up to 40-fold differences in LD50 values depending upon the
      growth substrate. The most virulent conidia were harvested from potato dextrose
      agar containing oleic acid, and the least potent were those derived from
      Sabouraud dextrose/yeast extract agar (SDAY). However, with the exception of
      conidia derived from SDAY and Czapek Dox agar, in which values were reduced, mean
      lethal times to kill (LT50) were essentially unaffected. In topical bioassays,
      the DeltaBbcal1 mutant displayed LD50 values 5-40-fold higher than the WT
      depending upon the growth substrate, with DeltaBbcal1 conidia derived from SDAY
      unable to effectively penetrate the host cuticle. The DeltaBbcal1 mutant also
      showed concomitant dramatic increases in LT50 values from a mean of ~4.5 for WT
      to >8.5 days for the mutant. In contrast, intrahaemocoel injection bioassays that
      bypass cuticle penetration events revealed only minor effects on virulence for
      either WT or DeltaBbcal1 conidia. These data highlight the importance of caleosin
      dependent lipid mobilization and/or signalling in cuticle penetration events but
      suggest their dispensability for immune evasion and within-host growth.

PMID- 27655426
TI  - The connection between the primary care and the physical activity sector:
      professionals' perceptions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To stimulate physical activity (PA) and guide primary care patients
      towards local PA facilities, Care Sport Connectors (CSC), to whom a broker role
      has been ascribed, were introduced in 2012 in the Netherlands. The aim of this
      study is to assess perceptions of primary care, welfare, and sport professionals
      towards the CSC role and the connection between the primary care and the PA
      sector. METHODS: Nine focus groups were held with primary care, welfare and sport
      professionals within the CSC network. In these focus groups the CSC role and the
      connection between the sectors were discussed. Both top-down and bottom-up codes
      were used to analyse the focus groups. RESULTS: Professionals ascribed three
      roles to the CSC: 1) broker role, 2) referral, 3) facilitator. Professionals were
      enthusiastic about how the current connection was established. However, barriers
      relating to their own sector were currently hindering the connection: primary
      care professionals' lack of time, money and knowledge, and the lack of suitable
      PA activities and instructors for the target group. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      provides further insight into the CSC role and the connection between the sectors
      from the point of view of primary care, welfare, and sport professionals.
      Professionals found the CSC role promising, but barriers are currently hindering
      the collaboration between both sectors. More time for the CSC and changes in the
      way the primary care and PA sector are organized seem to be necessary to overcome
      the identified barriers and to make a success of the connection. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: Dutch Trial register NTR4986 . Registered 14 December 2014.

PMID- 27655427
TI  - Preclinical evaluation of [(68)Ga]NOTA-pentixafor for PET imaging of CXCR4
      expression in vivo - a comparison to [(68)Ga]pentixafor.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Due to its overexpression in a variety of tumor types, the chemokine
      receptor 4 (CXCR4) represents a highly relevant diagnostic and therapeutic target
      in nuclear oncology. Recently, [(68)Ga]pentixafor has emerged as an excellent
      imaging agent for positron emission tomography (PET) of CXCR4 expression in vivo.
      In this study, the corresponding [(68)Ga]-1,4,7-triazacyclononane-triacetic acid
      (NOTA) analog was preclinically evaluated and compared to the 1,4,7,10
      tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) parent compound
      [(68)Ga]pentixafor. METHODS: NOTA-pentixafor was synthesized by combining solid
      and solution-phase peptide synthesis. The CXCR4 receptor affinities of
      [(68)Ga]pentixafor and [(68)Ga]NOTA-pentixafor were determined in competitive
      binding assays using the leukemic CXCR4-expressing Jurkat T-cell line and
      [(125)I]FC131 as the radioligand. Internalization and cell efflux assays were
      performed using CXCR4-transfected Chem-1 cells. Small-animal PET and
      biodistribution studies were carried out using Daudi-tumor bearing SCID mice.
      RESULTS: [(68)Ga]NOTA-pentixafor showed a 1.4-fold improved affinity towards
      CXCR4 (IC50). However, internalization efficiency into CXCR4(+)-Chem-1 cells was
      substantially decreased compared to [(68)Ga]pentixafor. Accordingly, small-animal
      PET imaging and biodistribution studies revealed a 9.5-fold decreased uptake of
      [(68)Ga]NOTA-pentixafor in Daudi lymphoma xenografts (1.7 +/- 0.4 % vs 16.2 +/-
      3.8 % ID/g at 90 min p.i.) and higher levels of non-specific accumulation,
      primarily in the excretory organs such as the liver, intestines, and kidneys (2.3
      +/- 0.9 % vs 2.0 +/- 0.3 % ID/g, 1.9 +/- 0.8 % vs 0.7 +/- 0.2 % ID/g, and 2.7 +/-
      1.1 % vs 1.7 +/- 0.9 % ID/g, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Despite enhanced CXCR4
      affinity in vitro, the [(68)Ga]NOTA-analog of pentixafor showed reduced CXCR4
      targeting efficiency in vivo. In combination with enhanced background
      accumulation, this resulted in significantly inferior PET imaging contrast, and
      thus, [(68)Ga]NOTA-pentixafor offers no advantages over [(68)Ga]pentixafor.

PMID- 27655428
TI  - Inter-observer agreement improves with PERCIST 1.0 as opposed to qualitative
      evaluation in non-small cell lung cancer patients evaluated with F-18-FDG PET/CT
      early in the course of chemo-radiotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to determine whether a qualitative
      approach or a semi-quantitative approach provides the most robust method for
      early response evaluation with 2'-deoxy-2'-[(18)F]fluoro-D-glucose (F-18-FDG)
      positron emission tomography combined with whole body computed tomography
      (PET/CT) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this study eight Nuclear
      Medicine consultants analyzed F-18-FDG PET/CT scans from 35 patients with locally
      advanced NSCLC. Scans were performed at baseline and after 2 cycles of
      chemotherapy. Each observer used two different methods for evaluation: (1) PET
      response criteria in solid tumors (PERCIST) 1.0 and (2) a qualitative approach.
      Both methods allocate patients into one of four response categories (complete and
      partial metabolic response (CMR and PMR) and stable and progressive metabolic
      disease (SMD and PMD)). The inter-observer agreement was evaluated using Fleiss'
      kappa for multiple raters, Cohens kappa for comparison of the two methods, and
      intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for comparison of lean body mass
      corrected standardized uptake value (SUL) peak measurements. RESULTS: The
      agreement between observers when determining the percentage change in SULpeak was
      "almost perfect", with ICC = 0.959. There was a strong agreement among observers
      allocating patients to the different response categories with a Fleiss kappa of
      0.76 (0.71-0.81). In 22 of the 35 patients, complete agreement was observed with
      PERCIST 1.0. The agreement was lower when using the qualitative method, moderate,
      having a Fleiss kappa of 0.60 (0.55-0.64). Complete agreement was achieved in
      only 10 of the 35 patients. The difference between the two methods was
      statistically significant (p < 0.005) (chi-squared). Comparing the two methods
      for each individual observer showed Cohen's kappa values ranging from 0.64 to
      0.79, translating into a strong agreement between the two methods. CONCLUSIONS:
      PERCIST 1.0 provides a higher overall agreement between observers than the
      qualitative approach in categorizing early treatment response in NSCLC patients.
      The inter-observer agreement is in fact strong when using PERCIST 1.0 even when
      the level of instruction is purposely kept to a minimum in order to mimic the
      everyday situation. The variability is largely owing to the subjective elements
      of the method.

PMID- 27655429
TI  - Allopurinol reduces the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) in the elderly: a
      study of Medicare claims.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous observational studies that have examined the association of
      allopurinol with myocardial infarction (MI) have provided contradictory results.
      One study showed that allopurinol reduced the risk, while another study showed an
      increased risk with allopurinol. Therefore, our objective was to assess whether
      allopurinol use is associated with a reduction in the risk of MI in the elderly.
      METHOD: We used the 2006-2012 5 % random sample of Medicare beneficiaries to
      study the association of new allopurinol initiation and the risk of incident MI
      in a cohort study. Multivariable-adjusted Cox regression models adjusted for age,
      gender, race, and Charlson index, in addition to various cardio-protective
      medications (beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors,
      diuretics, statins). We calculated hazard ratios (HRs) with 95 % confidence
      intervals (CIs). Sensitivity analyses adjusted for coronary artery disease (CAD)
      risk factors, including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and smoking.
      RESULTS: Of the 29,298 episodes of incident allopurinol use, 1544 were associated
      with incident MI (5.3 % episodes). Allopurinol use was associated with reduced
      hazards of MI, with a HR of 0.85 (95 % CI, 0.77 to 0.95). Compared to no
      allopurinol use, longer durations of allopurinol use were associated with a lower
      HR of MI: 1-180 days, 0.98 (95 % CI, 0.84 to 1.14); 181 days to 2 years, 0.83 (95
      % CI, 0.72 to 0.95); and >2 years, 0.70 (95 % CI, 0.56 to 0.88). Other factors
      associated with a higher hazard of MI were: age 75 to <85 years and >=85 years,
      male gender, higher Charlson index score, and the use of an ACE inhibitor.
      Adjustment for CAD risk factors confirmed these findings. CONCLUSION: Incident
      allopurinol use was associated with a reduction in the risk of incident MI in the
      elderly. Longer durations of allopurinol use reduced the risk of incident MI
      incrementally. Future studies should assess the underlying mechanisms for MI
      prevention and assess the risk-benefit ratio for allopurinol use.

PMID- 27655430
TI  - Surface characterization and biological properties of regular dentin,
      demineralized dentin, and deproteinized dentin.
AB  - Bone autografts are often used for reconstruction of bone defects; however, due
      to the limitations of autografts, researchers have been in search of bone
      substitutes. Dentin is of particular interest for this purpose due to high
      similarity to bone. This in vitro study sought to assess the surface
      characteristics and biological properties of dentin samples prepared with
      different treatments. This study was conducted on regular (RD), demineralized
      (DemD), and deproteinized (DepD) dentin samples. X-ray diffraction and Fourier
      transform infrared spectroscopy were used for surface characterization. Samples
      were immersed in simulated body fluid, and their bioactivity was evaluated under
      a scanning electron microscope. The methyl thiazol tetrazolium assay, scanning
      electron microscope analysis and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction
      were performed, respectively to assess viability/proliferation,
      adhesion/morphology and osteoblast differentiation of cultured human dental pulp
      stem cells on dentin powders. Of the three dentin samples, DepD showed the
      highest and RD showed the lowest rate of formation and deposition of
      hydroxyapatite crystals. Although, the difference in superficial apatite was not
      significant among samples, functional groups on the surface, however, were more
      distinct on DepD. At four weeks, hydroxyapatite deposits were noted as needle
      shaped accumulations on DemD sample and numerous hexagonal HA deposit masses were
      seen, covering the surface of DepD. The methyl thiazol tetrazolium, scanning
      electron microscope, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction
      analyses during the 10-day cell culture on dentin powders showed the highest cell
      adhesion and viability and rapid differentiation in DepD. Based on the parameters
      evaluated in this in vitro study, DepD showed high rate of formation/deposition
      of hydroxyapatite crystals and adhesion/viability/osteogenic differentiation of
      human dental pulp stem cells, which may support its
      osteoinductive/osteoconductive potential for bone regeneration.

PMID- 27655431
TI  - Experimental wound dressings of degradable PHA for skin defect repair.
AB  - The present study reports construction of wound dressing materials from
      degradable natural polymers such as hydroxy derivatives of carboxylic acids
      (PHAs) and 3-hydroxybutyrate/4-hydroxybutyrate [P(3HB/4HB)] as copolymer. The
      developed polymer films and electrospun membranes were evaluated for its wound
      healing properties with Grafts-elastic nonwoven membranes carrying fibroblast
      cells derived from adipose tissue multipotent mesenchymal stem cells. The
      efficacy of nonwoven membranes of P(3HB/4HB) carrying the culture of allogenic
      fibroblasts was assessed against model skin defects in Wistar rats. The
      morphological, histological and molecular studies revealed the presence of
      fibroblasts on dressing materials which facilitated wound healing,
      vascularization and regeneration. Further it was also observed that cells
      secreted extracellular matrix proteins which formed a layer on the surface of
      membranes and promoted the migration of epidermal cells from the neighboring
      tissues surrounding the wound. The wounds under the P(3HB/4HB) membrane carrying
      cells healed 1.4 times faster than the wounds under the cell-free membrane and
      3.5 times faster than the wounds healing under the eschar (control).The complete
      wound healing process was achieved at Day 14. Thus the study highlights the
      importance of nonwoven membranes developed from degradable P(3HB/4HB) polymers in
      reducing inflammation, enhancing angiogenic properties of skin and facilitating
      better wound healing process.

PMID- 27655432
TI  - Clinical and imaging considerations in primary immunodeficiency disorders: an
      update.
AB  - Primary immunodeficiencies are a group of genetically determined disorders with
      diverse presentations. The purpose of this review is to provide a practical and
      brief description of a select number of these diseases and to discuss the
      important role the radiologist can have in making an early diagnosis and in
      detecting and following disease complications. The role of diagnostic imaging and
      informed performance and interpretation are vital in the diagnosis, surveillance
      and management of all primary immunodeficiency disorders.

PMID- 27655434
TI  - PD-1, CTLA-4 Point to Drug Response.
AB  - In a study of patients with metastatic melanoma, researchers reported that higher
      numbers of cytotoxic T cells positive for both PD-1 and CTLA-4 in the tumor
      predicted response to anti-PD-1 therapy and improved progression-free survival.

PMID- 27655433
TI  - A Recurrent ERCC3 Truncating Mutation Confers Moderate Risk for Breast Cancer.
AB  - : Known gene mutations account for approximately 50% of the hereditary risk for
      breast cancer. Moderate and low penetrance variants, discovered by genomic
      approaches, account for an as-yet-unknown proportion of the remaining
      heritability. A truncating mutation c.325C>T:p.Arg109* (R109X) in the ATP
      dependent helicase ERCC3 was observed recurrently among exomes sequenced in BRCA
      wild-type, breast cancer-affected individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry.
      Modeling of the mutation in ERCC3-deficient or CRISPR/Cas9-edited cell lines
      showed a consistent pattern of reduced expression of the protein and concomitant
      hypomorphic functionality when challenged with UVC exposure or treatment with the
      DNA alkylating agent IlludinS. Overexpressing the mutant protein in ERCC3
      deficient cells only partially rescued their DNA repair-deficient phenotype.
      Comparison of frequency of this recurrent mutation in over 6,500 chromosomes of
      breast cancer cases and 6,800 Ashkenazi controls showed significant association
      with breast cancer risk (ORBC = 1.53, ORER+ = 1.73), particularly for the
      estrogen receptor-positive subset (P < 0.007). SIGNIFICANCE: A functionally
      significant recurrent ERCC3 mutation increased the risk for breast cancer in a
      genetic isolate. Mutated cell lines showed lower survival after in vitro exposure
      to DNA-damaging agents. Thus, similar to tumors arising in the background of
      homologous repair defects, mutations in nucleotide excision repair genes such as
      ERCC3 could constitute potential therapeutic targets in a subset of hereditary
      breast cancers. Cancer Discov; 6(11); 1267-75. (c)2016 AACR.This article is
      highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1197.

PMID- 27655436
TI  - Prevalence and factors associated with the occurrence of bacterial
      enteropathogens in suckling piglets in farrow-to-finish herds.
AB  - The aim of the study was to determine both environmental and infectious factors,
      influencing occurrence of bacterial enteropathogens in suckling piglets. For this
      purpose, a cross-sectional study in 70 Polish farrow-to-finish pig herds was
      performed. In each herd, presence of selected intestinal pathogens (Escherichia
      coli, Clostridium perfringens and Salmonella species) in faeces of suckling
      piglets were determined using bacteriological and PCR methods. Using logistic
      regression models, risk factors for enterotoxigenic E coli with fimbriae F4 (ETEC
      F4) and C perfringens type A were established. Prevalence of bacterial
      enteropathogens in investigated herds was as follows (on herd and sample level):
      ETEC-F4 30.0 per cent and 9.3 per cent, respectively, C perfringens type A 91.4
      per cent and 58.3 per cent, C perfringens type C 1.4 per cent and 0.3 per cent,
      Salmonella species 2.9 per cent and 0.5 per cent. The occurrence of ETEC-F4 was
      associated with presence of diarrhoea in piglets and vulval discharge in sows.
      Vulval discharge in sows, not slatted floor in farrowing pen and lack of
      coccidiosis prevention were determined as risk factors for C perfringens type A.
      The results obtained in the study revealed the high prevalence of
      enteropathogenic bacteria in pig herds and indicate management and organisation
      of production as factors having the greatest impact on the incidence of bacterial
      enteropathogens in piglets before weaning.

PMID- 27655437
TI  - Frailty and exercise interventions : Evidence and barriers for exercise programs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Due to the worldwide demographic transition healthcare systems are
      facing new demands and are increasingly confronted with an older population with
      specific medical needs related to multiple chronic disorders. The majority of
      older persons have an increased risk of frailty. In addition to pharmaceutical
      interventions another beneficial approach for counteracting frailty might be
      exercise or physical activity intervention. OBJECTIVE: The first goal was to
      narratively investigate the state of the art effective exercise interventions for
      frail older persons and briefly discuss the importance of exercise intervention
      for frailty. The second goal was to give recommendations to overcome barriers in
      the recruitment process and how to increase adherence of frail older persons in
      exercise programs. RESULTS: Several systematic reviews came to the same
      conclusion that exercise has beneficial effects in frail older persons although
      uncertainty exists on the optimal exercise program with regard to frequency, type
      of exercise and duration. Furthermore, all reviews demonstrated the superior
      nature of multicomponent exercise programs as opposed to single component
      exercise programs. With regard to barriers different levels have to be taken into
      account and addressed: older persons themselves with self-efficacy and attitudes,
      the healthcare personnel involved and the provider of the intervention program.
      CONCLUSION: Exercise seems a promising approach to counteract frailty but
      including frail older persons in research programs is challenging. Researchers
      have to be aware of the different levels of possible barriers ranging from older
      frail persons and medical personnel to researchers.

PMID- 27655435
TI  - Targeting PI3K in Cancer: Impact on Tumor Cells, Their Protective Stroma,
      Angiogenesis, and Immunotherapy.
AB  - : The PI3K pathway is hyperactivated in most cancers, yet the capacity of PI3K
      inhibitors to induce tumor cell death is limited. The efficacy of PI3K inhibition
      can also derive from interference with the cancer cells' ability to respond to
      stromal signals, as illustrated by the approved PI3Kdelta inhibitor idelalisib in
      B-cell malignancies. Inhibition of the leukocyte-enriched PI3Kdelta or PI3Kgamma
      may unleash antitumor T-cell responses by inhibiting regulatory T cells and
      immune-suppressive myeloid cells. Moreover, tumor angiogenesis may be targeted by
      PI3K inhibitors to enhance cancer therapy. Future work should therefore also
      explore the effects of PI3K inhibitors on the tumor stroma, in addition to their
      cancer cell-intrinsic impact. SIGNIFICANCE: The PI3K pathway extends beyond the
      direct regulation of cancer cell proliferation and survival. In B-cell
      malignancies, targeting PI3K purges the tumor cells from their protective
      microenvironment. Moreover, we propose that PI3K isoform-selective inhibitors may
      be exploited in the context of cancer immunotherapy and by targeting angiogenesis
      to improve drug and immune cell delivery. Cancer Discov; 6(10); 1090-105. (c)2016
      AACR.

PMID- 27655438
TI  - Estimation of the dietary requirement for vitamin D in adolescents aged 14-18 y:
      a dose-response, double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adolescents are a population group at high risk of low vitamin D
      status, yet the evidence base for establishing dietary vitamin D requirements
      remains weak. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to establish the distribution of vitamin D
      intakes required to maintain serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations
      above proposed cutoffs (25, 30, 40, and 50 nmol/L) during winter in white males
      and females (14-18 y of age) in the United Kingdom (51 degrees N). DESIGN: In a
      dose-response trial, 110 adolescents (aged 15.9 +/- 1.4 y; 43% males) were
      randomly assigned to receive 0, 10, or 20 MUg vitamin D3 supplements/d for 20 wk
      during winter. A nonlinear regression model was fit to total vitamin D intake and
      postintervention serum 25(OH)D concentrations, and regression-predicted values
      estimated the vitamin D intakes required to maintain serum 25(OH)D concentrations
      above specific cutoffs. RESULTS: Mean +/- SD serum 25(OH)D concentrations
      increased from 49.2 +/- 12.0 to 56.6 +/- 12.4 nmol/L and from 51.7 +/- 13.4 to
      63.9 +/- 10.6 nmol/L in the 10- and 20-MUg/d groups, respectively, and decreased
      in the placebo group from 46.8 +/- 11.4 to 30.7 +/- 8.6 nmol/L (all P <= 0.001).
      Vitamin D intakes required to maintain 25(OH)D concentrations >25 and >30 nmol/L
      in 97.5% of adolescents were estimated to be 10.1 and 13.1 MUg/d, respectively,
      and 6.6 MUg/d to maintain 50% of adolescents at concentrations >40 nmol/L.
      Because the response of 25(OH)D reached a plateau at 46 nmol/L, there is
      uncertainty in estimating the vitamin D intake required to maintain 25(OH)D
      concentrations >50 nmol/L in 97.5% of adolescents, but it exceeded 30 MUg/d.
      CONCLUSION: Vitamin D intakes between 10 and ~30 MUg/d are required by white
      adolescents during winter to maintain serum 25(OH)D concentrations >25-50 nmol/L,
      depending on the serum 25(OH)D threshold chosen. This trial was registered at
      clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02150122 and as International Standard Randomized
      Controlled Trial Number ISRCTN40736890.

PMID- 27655440
TI  - Intragastric administration of leucine or isoleucine lowers the blood glucose
      response to a mixed-nutrient drink by different mechanisms in healthy, lean
      volunteers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The branched-chain amino acids leucine and isoleucine lower blood
      glucose after oral glucose ingestion, and the intraduodenal infusion of leucine
      decreases energy intake in healthy, lean men. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the
      effects of the intragastric administration of leucine and isoleucine on the
      gastric emptying of, and blood glucose responses to, a physiologic mixed
      macronutrient drink and subsequent energy intake. DESIGN: In 2 separate studies,
      12 healthy, lean subjects received on 3 separate occasions an intragastric
      infusion of 5 g leucine (leucine-5g) or an intragastric infusion of 10 g leucine
      (leucine-10g), an intragastric infusion of 5 g isoleucine (isoleucine-5g) or an
      intragastric infusion of 10 g isoleucine (isoleucine-10g), or a control. Fifteen
      minutes later, subjects consumed a mixed-nutrient drink (400 kcal, 56 g
      carbohydrates, 15 g protein, and 12 g fat), and gastric emptying (13C-acetate
      breath test) and blood glucose, plasma insulin, C-peptide, glucagon, glucagon
      like peptide-1 (GLP-1), glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), and
      cholecystokinin (leucine study only) were measured for 60 min. Immediately
      afterward, energy intake from a cold, buffet-style meal was assessed. RESULTS:
      Compared with the control, leucine-10g decreased the blood glucose area under the
      curve (AUC) (P < 0.05) and tended to reduce peak blood glucose (P = 0.07),
      whereas effects of leucine-5g were NS. Leucine-10g, but not leucine-5g, increased
      plasma insulin and C-peptide AUCs (P < 0.01 for both), but neither dose affected
      glucagon, GLP-1, GIP, cholecystokinin, gastric emptying, or energy intake.
      Compared with the control, isoleucine-10g reduced the blood glucose AUC and peak
      blood glucose (P < 0.01), whereas effects of isoleucine-5g were NS. Neither load
      affected insulin, C-peptide, glucagon, GLP-1, or GIP. Isoleucine-10g, but not
      isoleucine-5g, slowed gastric emptying (P < 0.05), but gastric emptying was not
      correlated with the blood glucose AUC. Isoleucine did not affect energy intake.
      CONCLUSIONS: In healthy subjects, both leucine and isoleucine reduced blood
      glucose in response to a mixed-nutrient drink but did not affect subsequent
      energy intake. The mechanisms underlying glucose lowering appear to differ;
      leucine stimulated insulin, whereas isoleucine acted insulin independently. These
      trials were registered at www.anzctr.org.au as 12613000899741 and 12614000837628.

PMID- 27655439
TI  - Dietary flavonoid intake and incident coronary heart disease: the REasons for
      Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Flavonoids are dietary polyphenolic compounds with a variety of
      proposed beneficial cardiovascular effects, but rigorous prospective studies that
      examine the association between flavonoid intake and incident coronary heart
      disease (CHD) in geographically and racially diverse US samples are limited.
      OBJECTIVE: With the use of the new, expanded USDA flavonoid database, we assessed
      the association between total flavonoid and flavonoid subclass intakes with
      incident CHD in a biracial and geographically diverse cohort, as well as effect
      modification by age, sex, race, and region of residence. DESIGN: Participants
      were 16,678 black and white men and women enrolled in the REGARDS (REasons for
      Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke) study, a national prospective cohort
      study. All participants were without CHD at baseline, and all completed a Block98
      food-frequency questionnaire. Flavonoid intakes were estimated from USDA
      flavonoid databases, which were recently improved to address missing values for
      cooked foods and to adjust for flavonoid losses due to processing. Incident CHD
      events were participant reported and adjudicated by experts. Quintiles of
      flavonoid intake were examined as predictors of incident CHD by using Cox
      proportional hazards regression to obtain HRs. Tests for trend used the quintile
      medians. RESULTS: Over a mean +/- SD follow-up of 6.0 +/- 1.9 y, 589 CHD events
      occurred. High flavonoid intake was associated with self-identified white race,
      exercise, not smoking, more education, and higher income. In models that adjusted
      for sociodemographic, health behavior, and dietary factors, there was an inverse
      association between anthocyanidin and proanthocyanidin intakes and incident CHD
      (HRs for quintile 5 compared with quintile 1-anthocyanidins: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.52,
      0.98; P-trend = 0.04; proanthocyanidins: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.47, 0.84; P-trend =
      0.02). There was no association between total flavonoid or other flavonoid
      subclass intakes and incident CHD. CONCLUSIONS: Reported anthocyanidin and
      proanthocyanidin intakes were inversely associated with incident CHD. There was
      no significant effect modification by age, sex, race, or region of residence.

PMID- 27655443
TI  - Therapeutic brain modulation with targeted large neutral amino acid supplements
      in the Pah-enu2 phenylketonuria mouse model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Phenylketonuria treatment consists mainly of a Phe-restricted diet,
      which leads to suboptimal neurocognitive and psychosocial outcomes.
      Supplementation of large neutral amino acids (LNAAs) has been suggested as an
      alternative dietary treatment strategy to optimize neurocognitive outcome in
      phenylketonuria and has been shown to influence 3 brain pathobiochemical
      mechanisms in phenylketonuria, but its optimal composition has not been
      established. OBJECTIVE: In order to provide additional pathobiochemical insight
      and develop optimal LNAA treatment, several targeted LNAA supplements were
      investigated with respect to all 3 biochemical disturbances underlying brain
      dysfunction in phenylketonuria. DESIGN: Pah-enu2 (PKU) mice received 1 of 5
      different LNAA-supplemented diets beginning at postnatal day 45. Control groups
      included phenylketonuria mice receiving an isonitrogenic and isocaloric high
      protein diet or the AIN-93M diet, and wild-type mice receiving the AIN-93M diet.
      After 6 wk, brain and plasma amino acid profiles and brain monoaminergic
      neurotransmitter concentrations were measured. RESULTS: Brain Phe concentrations
      were most effectively reduced by supplementation of LNAAs, such as Leu and Ile,
      with a strong affinity for the LNAA transporter type 1. Brain non-Phe LNAAs could
      be restored on supplementation, but unbalanced LNAA supplementation further
      reduced brain concentrations of those LNAAs that were not (sufficiently) included
      in the LNAA supplement. To optimally ameliorate brain monoaminergic
      neurotransmitter concentrations, LNAA supplementation should include Tyr and Trp
      together with LNAAs that effectively reduce brain Phe concentrations. The
      requirement for Tyr supplementation is higher than it is for Trp, and the
      relative effect of brain Phe reduction is higher for serotonin than it is for
      dopamine and norepinephrine. CONCLUSION: The study shows that all 3 biochemical
      disturbances underlying brain dysfunction in phenylketonuria can be targeted by
      specific LNAA supplements. The study thus provides essential information for the
      development of optimal LNAA supplementation as an alternative dietary treatment
      strategy to optimize neurocognitive outcome in patients with phenylketonuria.

PMID- 27655441
TI  - Mortality in children with complicated severe acute malnutrition is related to
      intestinal and systemic inflammation: an observational cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diarrhea affects a large proportion of children with severe acute
      malnutrition (SAM). However, its etiology and clinical consequences remain
      unclear. OBJECTIVE: We investigated diarrhea, enteropathogens, and systemic and
      intestinal inflammation for their interrelation and their associations with
      mortality in children with SAM. DESIGN: Intestinal pathogens (n = 15), cytokines
      (n = 29), fecal calprotectin, and the short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) butyrate
      and propionate were determined in children aged 6-59 mo (n = 79) hospitalized in
      Malawi for complicated SAM. The relation between variables, diarrhea, and death
      was assessed with partial least squares (PLS) path modeling. RESULTS: Fatal
      subjects (n = 14; 18%) were younger (mean +/- SD age: 17 +/- 11 compared with 25
      +/- 11 mo; P = 0.01) with higher prevalence of diarrhea (46% compared with 18%, P
      = 0.03). Intestinal pathogens Shigella (36%), Giardia (33%), and Campylobacter
      (30%) predominated, but their presence was not associated with death or diarrhea.
      Calprotectin was significantly higher in children who died [median (IQR): 1360
      mg/kg feces (2443-535 mg/kg feces) compared with 698 mg/kg feces (1438-244 mg/kg
      feces), P = 0.03]. Butyrate [median (IQR): 31 ng/mL (112-22 ng/mL) compared with
      2036 ng/mL (5800-149 ng/mL), P = 0.02] and propionate [median (IQR): 167 ng/mL
      (831-131 ng/mL) compared with 3174 ng/mL (5819-357 ng/mL), P = 0.04] were lower
      in those who died. Mortality was directly related to high systemic inflammation
      (path coefficient = 0.49), whereas diarrhea, high calprotectin, and low SCFA
      production related to death indirectly via their more direct association with
      systemic inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: Diarrhea, high intestinal inflammation, low
      concentrations of fecal SCFAs, and high systemic inflammation are significantly
      related to mortality in SAM. However, these relations were not mediated by the
      presence of intestinal pathogens. These findings offer an important understanding
      of inflammatory changes in SAM, which may lead to improved therapies. This trial
      was registered at www.controlled-trials.com as ISRCTN13916953.

PMID- 27655442
TI  - Prospective associations of maternal betaine status with offspring weight and
      body composition at birth: the Growing Up in Singapore Towards healthy Outcomes
      (GUSTO) cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Betaine supplementation results in lower body weight and fat mass and
      higher lean mass in animals and adult humans. However, the relation between
      maternal betaine status and offspring birth weight and body composition is less
      known. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to examine the association between maternal betaine
      status and neonatal birth size and adiposity in an Asian mother-offspring cohort.
      DESIGN: We included 955 pregnant women whose plasma betaine concentrations were
      measured at 26-28 wk of gestation. Neonatal anthropometric values were measured
      at birth, and abdominal adipose tissue compartments were assessed by MRI in a
      subset of infants (n = 307) in the first 14 d after birth. Multivariate general
      linear models were used to adjust for gestational age; fetal sex; and maternal
      age, height, education, ethnicity, prepregnancy body mass index, and plasma
      folate, vitamin B-12, and choline concentrations. RESULTS: The mean +/- SD plasma
      concentration of betaine was 13.2 +/- 2.7 MUmol/L (range: 5.3-25.0 MUmol/L).
      After adjustment for covariates, higher maternal plasma betaine was associated
      with lower birth weight (beta: -57.6 g; 95% CI: -109.9, -5.3 g), shorter birth
      length (beta: -0.29 cm per 5-MUmol/L increment; 95% CI: -0.55, -0.03 cm), smaller
      head circumference (-0.20 cm; 95% CI: -0.38, -0.02 cm), smaller midupper arm
      circumference (-0.16 cm; 95% CI: -0.30, -0.03 cm), lower volumes of abdominal
      superficial subcutaneous adipose tissue (-4.53 mL; 95% CI: -8.70, -0.36 mL), and
      a higher risk of small-for-gestational-age birth (OR: 1.57; 95% CI: 1.05, 2.35).
      CONCLUSIONS: Higher maternal betaine status was generally associated with smaller
      infant birth size and less abdominal fat mass. Further studies are needed to
      replicate these findings and to understand their biological mechanisms. This
      study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01174875.

PMID- 27655444
TI  - Treadmill Exercise Improves Fracture Toughness and Indentation Modulus without
      Altering the Nanoscale Morphology of Collagen in Mice.
AB  - The specifics of how the nanoscale properties of collagen (e.g., the crosslinking
      profile) affect the mechanical integrity of bone at larger length scales is
      poorly understood despite growing evidence that collagen's nanoscale properties
      are altered with disease. Additionally, mass independent increases in postyield
      displacement due to exercise suggest loading-induced improvements in bone quality
      associated with collagen. To test whether disease-induced reductions in bone
      quality driven by alterations in collagen can be rescued or prevented via
      exercise-mediated changes to collagen's nanoscale morphology and mechanical
      properties, the effects of treadmill exercise and beta-aminopropionitrile
      treatment were investigated. Eight week old female C57BL/6 mice were given a
      daily subcutaneous injection of either 164 mg/kg beta-aminopropionitrile or
      phosphate buffered saline while experiencing either normal cage activity or 30
      min of treadmill exercise for 21 consecutive days. Despite differences in D
      spacing distribution (P = 0.003) and increased cortical area (tibial: P = 0.005
      and femoral: P = 0.015) due to beta-aminopropionitrile treatment, an overt
      mechanical disease state was not achieved as there were no differences in
      fracture toughness or 4 point bending due to beta-aminopropionitrile treatment.
      While exercise did not alter (P = 0.058) the D-spacing distribution of collagen
      or prevent (P < 0.001) the beta-aminopropionitrile-induced changes present in the
      unexercised animals, there were differential effects in the distribution of the
      reduced elastic modulus due to exercise between control and beta
      aminopropionitrile-treated animals (P < 0.001). Fracture toughness was increased
      (P = 0.043) as a main effect of exercise, but no significant differences due to
      exercise were observed using 4 point bending. Future studies should examine the
      potential for sex specific differences in the dose of beta-aminopropionitrile
      required to induce mechanical effects in mice and the contributions of other
      nanoscale aspects of bone (e.g., the mineral-collagen interface) to elucidate the
      mechanism for the exercise-based improvements in fracture toughness observed here
      and the increased postyield deformation observed in other studies.

PMID- 27655447
TI  - Quasi-periodic fluctuation in Donchin's speller signals and its potential use for
      asynchronous control.
AB  - When we examine the event-related potential (ERP) responses of Donchin's brain
      computer interface (BCI) speller, a type of quasi-periodic fluctuation (FLUC)
      overlapping with the ERP components can be observed; this fluctuation is
      traditionally treated as interference. However, if the FLUC is detectable in a
      working BCI, it can be used for asynchronous control, i.e. to indicate whether
      the BCI is under the control state (CS) or under the non-control idle state (NC).
      Asynchronous control is an important issue to address to enable BCI's practical
      use. In this paper, we examine the characteristics of the FLUC and explore the
      possibility of using the FLUC for asynchronous control of the BCI. For detecting
      the FLUC, we propose a method based on the power spectrum and evaluate the
      detection rates in a simulation. As a result, high true positive rates (TPRs) and
      low false positive rates (FPRs) are obtained. Our work reveals that the FLUC is
      of great value for implementing an asynchronous BCI.

PMID- 27655445
TI  - Disruption of the Hedgehog signaling pathway in inflammatory bowel disease
      fosters chronic intestinal inflammation.
AB  - Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is essential for intestinal homeostasis and has been
      associated with inflammation and tissue repair. We hypothesized that Hh signaling
      could affect the inflammatory process in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). For
      this purpose, colon specimens from the inflamed and non-inflamed mucosa of 15
      patients with Crohn's disease (CD), 15 with ulcerative colitis, and 15 controls
      were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR. The production and
      modulation of cytokines were measured by ELISA from culture explants. Apoptosis
      was assessed by TUNEL and caspase-3 activity assays. Chemotaxis was evaluated
      using a transwell system. Primary human intestinal and skin fibroblasts were used
      for analyzing migration and BrdU incorporation. Hh proteins were generally
      expressed at the superficial epithelium, and a marked reduction was observed in
      CD. In the lamina propria, Gli-1 predominantly co-localized with vimentin- and
      alpha-smooth muscle actin-positive cells, with lower levels observed in CD. In
      colon explants, Hh stimulation resulted in reduction, while blockade increased,
      TNF alpha, IL-17, and TGF beta levels. Apoptotic rates were higher in inflamed
      samples, and they increased after Hh blockade. Levels of Gli-1 mRNA were
      negatively correlated with caspase-3 activity. Hh blockade increased
      chemoattraction of monocytes. Primary fibroblasts incorporated more BrdU, but
      migrated less after Hh blockade. These results suggest that Hh signaling provides
      a negative feedback to the lamina propria, down-regulating inflammatory
      cytokines, and inhibiting leukocyte migration and fibroblast proliferation, while
      favoring fibroblast migration. Therefore, Hh signaling is strongly implicated in
      the pathogenesis of intestinal inflammation, and it may represent a novel
      therapeutic target for IBD.

PMID- 27655448
TI  - A simulation framework for correlated count data of features subsets in high
      throughput sequencing or proteomics experiments.
AB  - As part of the data processing of high-throughput-sequencing experiments count
      data are produced representing the amount of reads that map to specific genomic
      regions. Count data also arise in mass spectrometric experiments for the
      detection of protein-protein interactions. For evaluating new computational
      methods for the analysis of sequencing count data or spectral count data from
      proteomics experiments artificial count data is thus required. Although, some
      methods for the generation of artificial sequencing count data have been
      proposed, all of them simulate single sequencing runs, omitting thus the
      correlation structure between the individual genomic features, or they are
      limited to specific structures. We propose to draw correlated data from the
      multivariate normal distribution and round these continuous data in order to
      obtain discrete counts. In our approach, the required distribution parameters can
      either be constructed in different ways or estimated from real count data.
      Because rounding affects the correlation structure we evaluate the use of
      shrinkage estimators that have already been used in the context of artificial
      expression data from DNA microarrays. Our approach turned out to be useful for
      the simulation of counts for defined subsets of features such as individual
      pathways or GO categories.

PMID- 27655446
TI  - Senescence in hepatic stellate cells as a mechanism of liver fibrosis reversal: a
      putative synergy between retinoic acid and PPAR-gamma signalings.
AB  - Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), also known as perisinusoidal cells, are pericytes
      found in the perisinusoidal space of the liver. HSCs are the major cell type
      involved in liver fibrosis, which is the formation of scar tissue in response to
      liver damage. When the liver is damaged, stellate cells can shift into an
      activated state, characterized by proliferation, contractility and chemotaxis.
      The activated HSCs secrete collagen scar tissue, which can lead to cirrhosis.
      Recent studies have shown that in vivo activation of HSCs by fibrogenic agents
      can eventually lead to senescence of these cells, which would contribute to
      reversal of fibrosis although it may also favor the insurgence of liver cancer.
      HSCs in their non-active form store huge amounts of retinoic acid derivatives in
      lipid droplets, which are progressively depleted upon cell activation in injured
      liver. Retinoic acid is a metabolite of vitamin A (retinol) that mediates the
      functions of vitamin A, generally required for growth and development. The
      precise function of retinoic acid and its alterations in HSCs has yet to be
      elucidated, and nonetheless in various cell types retinoic acid and its receptors
      (RAR and RXR) are known to act synergistically with peroxisome proliferator
      activated receptor gamma (PPAR-gamma) signaling through the activity of
      transcriptional heterodimers. Here, we review the recent advancements in the
      understanding of how retinoic acid signaling modulates the fibrogenic potential
      of HSCs and proposes a synergistic combined action with PPAR-gamma in the
      reversal of liver fibrosis.

PMID- 27655449
TI  - Increased Mortality in Relation to Insomnia and Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Korean
      Patients Studied with Nocturnal Polysomnography.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVES: To elucidate the links between the two most prevalent sleep
      disorders, insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and mortality. METHODS: We
      studied 4,225 subjects who were referred to the Center for Sleep and
      Chronobiology, Seoul National University Hospital, from January 1994 to December
      2008. We divided the subjects into five groups: mild OSA (5 <= AHI < 15),
      moderate OSA (15 <= AHI < 30), severe OSA (AHI >= 30), insomnia, and a no-sleep
      disorder group consisting of subjects without sleep disorders. Standardized
      mortality ratio (SMR), hazard ratio, and the survival rates of the five groups
      were calculated and evaluated. RESULTS: The SMR of all-cause mortality was
      significantly higher in the severe OSA group than in the general population
      (1.52, 95% CI 1.23-1.85, p < 0.05). The SMR of cardiovascular mortality increased
      progressively with the severity of OSA (no-sleep-disorder: 0.09, mild: 0.40,
      moderate: 0.52, severe: 1.79, p < 0.05). Statistical analyses of the hazard
      ratios indicated that severe OSA is a risk factor for all-cause mortality (HR
      3.50, 95% CI 1.03-11.91, p = 0.045) and cardiovascular mortality (HR 17.16, 95%
      CI 2.29-128.83, p = 0.006). Cardiovascular mortality was also significantly
      elevated in the insomnia group (HR 8.11, 95% CI 1.03-63.58, p = 0.046).
      CONCLUSIONS: Severe OSA was associated with increased all-cause mortality and
      cardiovascular mortality compared to the no-sleep-disorder group. Insomnia was
      associated with increased cardiovascular mortality compared to the no-sleep
      disorder group.

PMID- 27655450
TI  - Depth and Distribution of Symptoms in Restless Legs Syndrome/ Willis-Ekbom
      Disease.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVES: To determine the depth and distribution of sensory discomfort
      in idiopathic restless legs syndrome/Willis-Ekbom disease (RLS) and RLS
      concurrent with other leg conditions, specifically peripheral neuropathy,
      sciatica, leg cramps, and arthritis. METHODS: RLS subjects (n = 122) were divided
      into 71 idiopathic RLS and 51 RLS-C, or Comorbid, groups. All subjects were
      examined by an RLS expert, answered standardized RLS questionnaires, and received
      a body diagram to draw the location and depth of their symptoms. RESULTS: Age was
      63.04 +/- 12.84 years, with 77 females and 45 males. All patients had lower limb
      involvement and 43/122 (35.25%) also had upper limb involvement. Of the 122
      subjects, 42.62% felt that the RLS discomfort was only deep, 9.84% felt that the
      discomfort was only superficial, and 47.54% felt both superficial and deep
      discomfort. There were no defining characteristics in depth or distribution of
      RLS sensations that differentiated those patients with idiopathic RLS from those
      patients with RLS associated with other comorbid leg conditions. The sensation of
      arthritis was felt almost exclusively in the joints and not in the four quadrants
      of the leg, whereas the exact opposite was true of RLS sensations. CONCLUSIONS:
      Depth and distribution cannot be used as a discriminative mechanism to separate
      out idiopathic RLS from RLS comorbid with other leg conditions. Although seen in
      clinical practice, the total absence of patients with non-painful RLS only in the
      joints in the current study attests to the rarity of this presentation and raises
      the possibility of misdiagnosis under these circumstances. We recommend that such
      patients not be admitted to genetic or epidemiological studies.

PMID- 27655451
TI  - Importance of Urinary Drug Screening in the Multiple Sleep Latency Test and
      Maintenance of Wakefulness Test.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVES: Multiple sleep latency testing (MSLT) and the maintenance of
      wakefulness test (MWT) are gold-standard objective tests of daytime sleepiness
      and alertness; however, there is marked variability in their interpretation and
      practice. This study aimed to determine the incidence of positive drug screens
      and their influence on MSLT, MWT, and polysomnographic variables. METHODS: All
      patients attending Eastern Health Sleep Laboratory for MSLT or MWT over a 21-mo
      period were included in the study. Urinary drug screening for amphetamines,
      barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cannabinoids, cocaine, methadone, and opiates was
      performed following overnight polysomnography (PSG). Demographics and PSG
      variables were compared. RESULTS: Of 69 studies, MSLT (43) and MWT (26), 16% of
      patients had positive urinary drug screening (7 MSLT; 4 MWT). Drugs detected
      included amphetamines, cannabinoids, opiates, and benzodiazepines. No patient
      self-reported use of these medications prior to testing. No demographic, MSLT or
      MWT PSG data or overnight PSG data showed any statistical differences between
      positive and negative drug screen groups. Of seven MSLT patients testing positive
      for drug use, one met criteria for the diagnosis of narcolepsy and five for
      idiopathic hypersomnia. On MWT, three of the four drug-positive patients had a
      history of a motor vehicle accident and two patients were occupational drivers.
      CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate drug use is present in patients attending
      for daytime testing of objective sleepiness and wakefulness. These data support
      routine urinary drug screening in all patients undergoing MSLT or MWT studies to
      ensure accurate interpretation in the context of illicit and prescription drug
      use.

PMID- 27655452
TI  - Revisions to the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Sleep Questions.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVES: To revise and enhance the current Behavioral Risk Factor
      Surveillance System (BRFSS) sleep questions for detection of sleep/wake disorders
      that contribute to health burden. METHODS: A descriptive qualitative design was
      used to guide the investigation. The three methods were (1) a review of the
      current evidence on sleep related screening questions (including the results from
      the parent study validating the current BRFSS questions), (2) interviews with
      sleep experts about the questions they use in their clinical practice to screen
      for sleep problems, and (3) interviews with lay people to discuss contextual
      meanings, feelings, and beliefs about sufficient and restful sleep and not
      feeling rested. RESULTS: Recommendations for revisions of the current BRFSS
      questions. CONCLUSIONS: The current BRFSS questions should be refined to better
      screen for sleep disorders.

PMID- 27655453
TI  - Cerebral Microbleeds on MRI in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVES: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is known to increase the risk of
      stroke. Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are considered one of the precursors to
      symptomatic stroke. We aimed to clarify the relationship between OSA and CMBs.
      METHODS: We recruited patients who visited our clinic for the evaluation of sleep
      disordered breathing. All patients underwent both overnight polysomnography and
      brain magnetic resonance imaging, which included T2*-weighted gradient-recalled
      echo images. We applied multivariate logistic regression and partial correlation
      analysis to estimate the relationship between OSA and CMBs. RESULTS: A total of
      75 (45 male, 30 female) patients were enrolled. Their mean age was 60.5 years.
      Patients with CMBs had a significantly higher apneahypopnea index (AHI) compared
      with those without CMBs. AHI equal to or greater than 15 was a significant
      independent predictor of CMBs (adjusted odds ratio, 4.51; 95% CI, 1.40-14.58; p =
      0.012) in the multivariate regression analysis. In addition, a partial
      correlation analysis adjusted for age, hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular
      disease revealed a positive relationship between AHI and the number of CMBs (r =
      0.585, p = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: Moderate-to-severe OSA can be one of the
      independent predictors of CMBs which are considered a surrogate marker of overt
      stroke.

PMID- 27655456
TI  - Severe Postictal Hypoxemia-Associated Seizure in a 12-Year-Old Child.
AB  - ABSTRACT: A 9 year-old girl with developmental delay and seizure disorder
      presented for evaluation of witnessed breathing pauses during sleep that were not
      associated with snoring or gasping. Polysomnography showed a generalized seizure
      with post ictal central apnea associated with severe desaturation and a post
      central apnea brief seizure. This case report discusses the pathophysiology of
      post-ictal desaturations and breathing abnormalities during seizures and their
      possible association with sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. The case also
      demonstrates the utility of polysomnography for the diagnosis of breathing
      abnormalities associated with seizures.

PMID- 27655455
TI  - Obstructive Sleep Apnea without Obesity Is Common and Difficult to Treat:
      Evidence for a Distinct Pathophysiological Phenotype.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVES: To determine the proportion and physiological characteristics
      of nonobese patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and their response to
      prescribed therapy. METHODS: Data from 163 consecutive in-laboratory diagnostic
      sleep studies for participants referred to an academic teaching-hospital sleep
      clinic for suspected OSA were assessed. Sleep and anthropometric parameters at
      baseline and follow-up (up to 22 mo) were examined and compared between obese and
      nonobese patients with a diagnosis of OSA (apnea-hypopnea index > 5 events/h
      sleep). A key nonanatomical contributor to OSA pathogenesis, the respiratory
      arousal threshold, was compared between groups. RESULTS: Twenty-five percent of
      the participants with a diagnosis of OSA had a body mass index (BMI) within the
      normal range (BMI < 25 kg/m2) and 54% had a BMI < 30 kg/m2 (nonobese). Of the
      patients prescribed continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), more nonobese
      patients reported not using their CPAP machine at all at follow-up (36% vs. 13%,
      p = 0.03). Objective CPAP compliance was also lower in the nonobese patients with
      OSA (5.1 +/- 0.4 vs. 6.4 +/- 0.4 h/night, p < 0.03). A higher proportion of the
      nonobese patients had a low respiratory arousal threshold compared to obese OSA
      patients (86% vs. 60%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A substantial proportion of
      patients with OSA are not obese. These patients are challenging to treat with
      existing therapies as they are less adherent and compliant with CPAP therapy.
      Nonanatomical contributors to OSA, such a low threshold for arousal, are likely
      to be particularly important in OSA pathogenesis in nonobese patients with OSA.
      These findings have important implications for the pathogenesis of OSA in
      nonobese patients and potential therapeutic targets for this group of patients.

PMID- 27655454
TI  - Unanticipated Nocturnal Oxygen Requirement during Positive Pressure Therapy for
      Sleep Apnea and Medical Comorbidities.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVES: Home-based management of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB)
      generally excludes patients with significant medical comorbidities, but such an
      approach lacks scientific evidence. The current study examined whether
      significant medical comorbidities are associated with persistent hypoxia that
      requires unanticipated nocturnal O2 supplementation to positive airway pressure
      (PAP) therapy. Conceivably, in such patients, home-based management of SDB may
      not detect or therefore adequately treat persistent hypoxia. METHODS: In this
      retrospective study of 200 patients undergoing laboratory-based polysomnography,
      we ascertained significant medical comorbidities (chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease, congestive heart failure, and morbid obesity) and their association with
      the need for unanticipated O2 supplementation to PAP therapy. Postural oxygen
      (SpO2) desaturations between upright and reclining positions were determined
      during calm wakefulness. RESULTS: Postural change in SpO2 during calm wakefulness
      was greater in patients who eventually needed nocturnal O2 supplementation to PAP
      therapy than those needing PAP therapy alone (p < 0.0001). The presence of
      chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (odds ratio [OR] 6.0; 95% confidence
      interval [CI]; 2.1, 17.5; p = 0.001), morbid obesity (OR 3.6; 95% CI 1.9, 7.0; p
      < 0.0001), and age older than 50 y (OR 2.8; 95% CI 1.3, 5.9; p = 0.007) but not
      heart failure were associated with unanticipated need for nocturnal O2
      supplementation. A clinical prediction rule of less than two determinants (age
      older than 50 y, morbid obesity, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and
      postural SpO2 desaturation greater than 5%) had excellent negative predictive
      value (0.92; 95% CI 0.85, 0.96) and likelihood ratio of negative test (0.08; 95%
      CI 0.04, 0.16). CONCLUSIONS: Medical comorbidities can predict persistent hypoxia
      that requires unanticipated O2 supplementation to PAP therapy. Such findings
      justify the use of medical comorbidities to exclude home management of SDB.
      COMMENTARY: A commentary on this article appears in this issue on page 7.

PMID- 27655458
TI  - Case Study: Imaging of Apnea Termination in a Patient with Obstructive Sleep
      Apnea during Natural Sleep.
AB  - ABSTRACT: A 55-year-old woman who presented to the sleep clinic with severe sleep
      apnea (OSA) (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] 62) and excessive somnolence (Epworth
      Sleepiness Scale score 18/24), was imaged with MRI using the Spatial Modulation
      of Magnetization tagging sequence awake and asleep to visualize upper airway
      tissue movement. Awake quiet breathing resulted in minimal movement of upper
      airway tissues. Asleep sequences taken during airway opening post-apnea
      demonstrated neck extension, mandibular advancement, and widespread tongue
      deformation accompanying contraction of genioglossus. At the end of the asleep
      image sequence, the nasopharyngeal airway had a cross-sectional area larger than
      during quiet breathing awake and there was antero-lateral movement in the lateral
      walls. In conclusion, the airway responds to apnea by widespread contraction of
      the genioglossus, followed by mandibular advancement and neck extension. All
      these maneuvers stabilize and open the airway.

PMID- 27655457
TI  - Discussion of Extinction-Based Behavioral Sleep Interventions for Young Children
      and Reasons Why Parents May Find Them Difficult.
AB  - ABSTRACT: The majority of behavioral sleep interventions for young children
      involve extinction procedures where parents must ignore their child's cries for a
      period. Many parents have difficulties with this, contributing to attrition, non
      compliance, and treatment avoidance. Yet why these methods are difficult to
      implement has rarely been addressed in the literature. This paper discusses seven
      potential reasons why parents may find extinction sleep interventions difficult:
      enduring crying, practical considerations, fear of repercussions, misinformation,
      incongruence with personal beliefs, different cultural practices, and parent
      wellness. These reasons are discussed in relation to the current literature.
      Practicing health professionals and sleep researchers could benefit from an
      awareness of these issues when suggesting extinction interventions and offering
      alternatives which may be more appropriate for family circumstances and
      facilitate parental informed choice.

PMID- 27655461
TI  - In Memoriam: Thomas E. Meade DDS, 1941-2016.

PMID- 27655460
TI  - An 18-Year-Old Woman with Prolonged Eyes Closed Unresponsiveness during Multiple
      Sleep Latency Testing.

PMID- 27655459
TI  - Sleep Well!: A Pilot Study of an Education Campaign to Improve Sleep of
      Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Children.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVES: Socioeconomically disadvantaged children are at risk for poor
      sleep hygiene and increased sleep problems. This pilot study examined the
      efficacy of Sleep Well!, a parent-based sleep education endeavor, which
      supplemented an outreach program that provides beds to socioeconomically
      disadvantaged children. METHODS: In addition to receiving a bed, 152 children
      (mean age = 5.95 years, 57.2% boys) were randomly assigned to sleep education (3
      messages: bedtime before 21:00; no caffeine; keep electronics out of the bedroom)
      or control (dental hygiene education) conditions. All education was provided at
      both the time of scheduling and delivery of a bed to each child. Parent-reported
      sleep data were collected at baseline and at 4-week follow-up. RESULTS: Provision
      of a bed was associated with reduced bedroom electronics and increased parent
      reported nighttime sleep duration for all children. However, relative to control
      children, intervention children showed even greater reductions in electronics
      (baseline mean = 1.91 items, follow-up mean = 0.85 items) and improvements in
      sleep duration (baseline mean = 9.75 hours, follow-up mean = 10.19 hours). There
      was no intervention effect for caffeine consumption or bedtime from baseline to
      follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Providing beds to socioeconomically disadvantaged
      children resulted in increased sleep duration and decreased use of electronics at
      bedtime, while the combination of a bed and brief parent sleep education
      conferred additional sleep benefits. Further study of brief child sleep
      interventions is warranted, particularly among socioeconomically disadvantaged
      children who are at risk for sleep problems.

PMID- 27655462
TI  - What's Old is New Again: Fresh Hope for Treatment Refractory Hypersomnolence
      Patients.

PMID- 27655463
TI  - Does Subjective Sleep Affect Bone Mineral Density in Older People with Minimal
      Health Disorders? The PROOF Cohort.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVES: Clinical and epidemiological studies suggest a relation between
      bone mineral density (BMD) and self-assessment of sleep with an effect on bone
      formation and osteoporosis (OS) risk in short and long sleepers. This study
      explores this association in a large sample of older subjects. METHODS: We
      examined 500 participants without insomnia complaints aged 65.7 +/- 0.8 y. Each
      participant had a full evaluation including anthropometric measurement, clinical
      examination and measurements of BMD at the lumbar spine and femoral sites by dual
      energy X-ray absorptiometry. The daily energy expenditure (DEE) was measured by
      the Population Physical Activity Questionnaire. Sleep duration and quality were
      evaluated by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The subjects were stratified
      into three groups according to sleep duration, i.e., short (< 6 h), normal (6-8
      h), and long (>= 8 h) sleepers. RESULTS: Osteopenia was found in 40% of the
      subjects at the femoral level and 43% at the vertebral level. The prevalence of
      OS was lower both at femoral (8%) and vertebral (12%) levels. Short, normal, and
      long sleepers accounted for 29%, 40%, and 31% of subjects, respectively. After
      adjustments for metabolic, anthropometric, and DEE, multinomial logistic
      regression analysis indicated that long sleepers were more likely to have femoral
      neck OS with a slight effect of DEE at vertebral spine. CONCLUSIONS: In a sample
      of older subjects, self-reported long sleep was the best predictor of OS risk at
      the femoral level. This finding suggests an association between OS and self
      reported sleep duration in older subjects. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT
      00759304 and NCT 00766584.

PMID- 27655464
TI  - Associations of Parent Health Behaviors and Parenting Practices with Sleep
      Duration in Overweight and Obese Children.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVES: To examine the extent to which parent health behaviors and
      parenting practices are associated with school-age children's sleep duration.
      METHODS: We surveyed 790 parents of children, aged 6 to 12 y, who had a body mass
      index (BMI) >= 90th percentile and were participating in a randomized controlled
      obesity trial. The main exposures were parent sleep duration, screen time and
      physical activity, parental limits placed on child TV viewing time and TV
      content, and parents' confidence regarding their ability to help their child get
      enough sleep. The primary outcome was child sleep duration. We used linear
      regression models to examine associations of parent behaviors and parenting
      practices with child sleep duration. RESULTS: On average, children slept 9.2 h
      per night, whereas parents slept 6.9 h. Parents reported having an average of 1.9
      h of screen time per day and 0.6 h of physical activity. There were 57.3% of
      parents who reported feeling very/extremely confident that they could help their
      child get enough sleep. In adjusted multivariate analyses, child sleep duration
      was 0.09 h/day (95% confidence interval: 0.03, 0.15) longer for each 1-h
      increment in parent sleep duration. Additionally, children whose parents reported
      being very/extremely confident they could help their child get age-appropriate
      sleep duration slept 0.67 h/day longer (95% confidence interval: 0.54, 0.81) than
      those whose parents were not/somewhat confident. CONCLUSIONS: Educating parents
      about their own sleep health and enhancing parent confidence to help their
      children get enough sleep are potential areas of intervention to increase child
      sleep duration.

PMID- 27655465
TI  - A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey of Sleep-Related Problems in Japanese
      Visually Impaired Patients: Prevalence and Association with Health-Related
      Quality of Life.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVES: This questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted
      (1) to estimate the prevalence of sleep-related problems, and (2) to explore
      factors associated with lower physical/mental quality of life (QOL), particularly
      addressing sleep-related problems among Japanese visually impaired people.
      METHODS: This nationwide questionnaire-based survey was administered to visually
      impaired individuals through the Japan Federation of the Blind. Visually impaired
      individuals without light perception (LP) (n = 311), those with LP (n = 287), and
      age-matched and gender-matched controls (n = 615) were eligible for this study.
      Study questionnaires elicited demographic information, and information about
      visual impairment status, sleep-related problems, and health-related quality of
      life. RESULTS: Visually impaired individuals with and without LP showed higher
      prevalence rates of irregular sleep-wake patterns and difficulty maintaining
      sleep than controls (34.7% and 29.4% vs. 15.8%, 60.1% and 46.7% vs. 26.8%,
      respectively; p < 0.001). These sleep-related problems were observed more
      frequently in visually impaired individuals without LP than in those with LP. Non
      restorative sleep or excessive daytime sleepiness was associated with lower
      mental/physical QOL in visually impaired individuals with LP and in control
      subjects. However, visually impaired individuals without LP showed irregular
      sleep-wake pattern or difficulty waking up at the desired time, which was
      associated with lower mental/physical QOL. CONCLUSIONS: Sleep-related problems
      were observed more frequently in visually impaired individuals than in controls.
      Moreover, the rates of difficulties were higher among subjects without LP. Sleep
      related problems, especially circadian rhythm-related ones, can be associated
      with lower mental/physical QOL in visually impaired individuals without LP.

PMID- 27655466
TI  - Validation of a Suprasternal Pressure Sensor for Sleep Apnea Classification in
      Children.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVES: The recognition and characterization of respiratory events is
      crucial when interpreting sleep studies. The aim of the study was to validate the
      PneaVoX sensor, which integrates the recording of respiratory effort by means of
      suprasternal pressure (SSP), respiratory flow, and snoring for the classification
      of sleep apneas in children. METHODS: Sleep recordings of 20 children with a
      median age of 7.5 (0.5-16.5) years were analyzed. Scoring of apneas according to
      the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) guidelines using nasal pressure,
      oronasal thermal sensor and respiratory efforts by means of respiratory
      inductance plethysmography (RIP), was compared to a scoring using the PneaVoX
      sensor and nasal pressure, without the oronasal thermal sensor nor RIP, during a
      dual blind study. RESULTS: The percentage of sleep time recording without
      artifacts was 97%, 97%, 87%, 65%, and 98% for the respiratory flow and SSP from
      the PneaVoX sensor, oronasal thermal sensor, nasal pressure, and RIP,
      respectively. As compared to the AASM scoring with RIP, sensitivity and
      specificity of the SSP for the scoring of central apneas were 75% and 99% for the
      first reader, and 70% and 100% for the second reader, respectively. Sensitivity
      and specificity for the scoring of obstructive apneas were 98% and 75%, and 100%
      and 70%, respectively. A significant number of apneas scored as central by RIP
      were scored as obstructive by the SSP. CONCLUSIONS: The PneaVoX sensor has a high
      degree of scorability in children. The PneaVoX sensor is a useful adjunct for
      characterizing apneas.

PMID- 27655467
TI  - Obstructive Sleep-Disordered Breathing Is More Common than Central in Mild
      Familial Dysautonomia.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVES: In familial dysautonomia (FD) patients, sleep-disordered
      breathing (SDB) might contribute to their high risk of sleep-related sudden
      death. Prevalence of central versus obstructive sleep apneas is controversial but
      may be therapeutically relevant. We, therefore, assessed sleep structure and SDB
      in FD-patients with no history of SDB. METHODS: 11 mildly affected FD-patients
      (28 +/- 11 years) without clinically overt SDB and 13 controls (28 +/- 10 years)
      underwent polysomnographic recording during one night. We assessed sleep stages,
      obstructive and central apneas (>= 90% air flow reduction) and hypopneas (> 30%
      decrease in airflow with >= 4% oxygen-desaturation), and determined obstructive
      (oAI) and central (cAI) apnea indices and the hypopnea index (HI) as count of
      respective apneas/hypopneas divided by sleep time. We obtained the apnea-hypopnea
      index (AHI4%) from the total of apneas and hypopneas divided by sleep time. We
      determined differences between FD-patients and controls using the U-test and
      within-group differences between oAIs, cAIs, and HIs using the Friedman test and
      Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: Sleep structure was similar in FD-patients and controls.
      AHI4% and HI were significantly higher in patients than controls. In patients,
      HIs were higher than oAIs and oAIs were higher than cAIs. In controls, there was
      no difference between HIs, oAIs, and cAIs. Only patients had apneas and hypopneas
      during slow wave sleep. CONCLUSIONS: In our FD-patients, obstructive apneas were
      more common than central apneas. These findings may be related to FD-specific
      pathophysiology. The potential ramifications of SDB in FD-patients suggest the
      utility of polysomnography to unveil SDB and initiate treatment. COMMENTARY: A
      commentary on this article appears in this issue on page 1583.

PMID- 27655468
TI  - A new socioeconomic status measure for vaccine research in children using
      individual housing data: a population-based case-control study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We recently developed HOUSES, an individual housing-based
      socioeconomic status (SES) measurement for health disparities research. We
      assessed whether HOUSES was associated with risk of pertussis and pertussis
      vaccine up-to-date status in children. METHODS: The study utilized a previous
      population-based case-control study cohort assembled during the 2004-2005
      pertussis outbreak. We collected data on pertussis vaccine status (up-to-date
      status) at the time of the index date. Using a z-score for housing value, actual
      square footage, and numbers of bedrooms and bathrooms, HOUSES was formulated in
      continuous variable and categorized into quartiles. Vaccine up-to-date status was
      compared among subjects with different SES as measured by HOUSES using a chi
      square test and logistic regression models. RESULTS: Of the 391 eligible
      pediatric subjects (median age of 13.1 years with male sex of 55 %), 363 (93 %)
      were successfully geocoded to formulate HOUSES index. HOUSES was not associated
      with the risk of pertussis (p = 0.82). Pertussis vaccine up-to-date statuses were
      79, 86, 83, and 94 % for children in the first (the lowest SES), second, third,
      and fourth quartiles of HOUSES, respectively (p = 0.03). HOUSES as a continuous
      variable was associated with pertussis vaccine up-to-date status (adjusted OR:
      1.15 per increment of one unit of HOUSES, 95 % CI: 1.04-1.27, p = 0.008).
      CONCLUSION: While HOUSES is not associated with the risk of pertussis, it
      predicts vaccine up-to-date status among children with different SES. HOUSES may
      be a useful tool for vaccine delivery research among children.

PMID- 27655469
TI  - Predictors of Neurological Outcome of Tuberculous Meningitis in Childhood: A
      Prospective Cohort Study From a Developing Country.
AB  - AIMS: To assess the long-term outcome of childhood tuberculous meningitis treated
      with modern 4-drug antitubercular regimens and to determine predictors of
      survival and morbidity. METHODS: In this single-center prospective cohort,
      outcome of children with tuberculous meningitis treated with standard regimens
      was assessed at 6 months and 12 months after discharge using the Pediatric
      Cerebral Performance Category Scale. RESULTS: Of 130 children, 38 died in
      hospital and 34 were either severely disabled or comatose/vegetative at
      discharge. At 6 and 12 months, 87% of the survivors were either normal (n = 62)
      or mildly disabled (n = 17, on the Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category
      scale). On multivariate analysis, the factors associated with poor outcome at 12
      months were stage III at admission (adjusted odds ratio 4.4, 95% confidence
      interval, 1.7-11.2, P = .002) and presence of infarcts on neuroimaging (adjusted
      odds ratio 2.6, 95% confidence interval, 1.1-6.6, P = .037). CONCLUSIONS: Despite
      the high in-hospital mortality, in resource-constraint settings, the survivors
      showed remarkable improvement, with two-thirds returning to a normal functional
      status at 6 months' follow-up.

PMID- 27655470
TI  - NeuroDebian Virtual Machine Deployment Facilitates Trainee-Driven Bedside
      Neuroimaging Research.
AB  - Freely available software, derived from the past 2 decades of neuroimaging
      research, is significantly more flexible for research purposes than presently
      available clinical tools. Here, we describe and demonstrate the utility of
      rapidly deployable analysis software to facilitate trainee-driven translational
      neuroimaging research. A recipe and video tutorial were created to guide the
      creation of a NeuroDebian-based virtual computer that conforms to current
      neuroimaging research standards and can exist within a HIPAA-compliant system.
      This allows for retrieval of clinical imaging data, conversion to standard file
      formats, and rapid visualization and quantification of individual patients'
      cortical and subcortical anatomy. As an example, we apply this pipeline to a
      pediatric patient's data to illustrate the advantages of research-derived
      neuroimaging tools in asking quantitative questions "at the bedside." Our goal is
      to provide a path of entry for trainees to become familiar with common
      neuroimaging tools and foster an increased interest in translational research.

PMID- 27655471
TI  - Intermediate Type of Obstetric Brachial Plexus Palsy.
AB  - Data of 829 infants with obstetric brachial plexus palsy were reviewed to
      identify any cases that could not be fitted into the any of the well-known types
      of palsy. These unusual cases were studied in detail with regard to clinical
      presentation and electrophysiological findings as well as management and
      spontaneous motor recovery. Erb's, extended Erb's, and total palsies were seen in
      42.8%, 28.8%, and 28.0% of cases, respectively. Three cases (0.4%) did not fit
      into any of the classic types. One case had bilateral palsy, and the remaining 2
      cases had unilateral palsy. All affected limbs presented with "abducted arms,"
      "flexed forearms," and electrophysiological evidence of denervation of shoulder
      adductors and triceps. All cases had excellent spontaneous recovery within 6-12
      months. It was concluded that these cases represent mild "intermediate" types of
      palsy in which the C7 root was the predominant site of injury. Good spontaneous
      recovery is expected.

PMID- 27655472
TI  - Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Febrile Infection-Related Epilepsy
      Syndrome (FIRES) in the Acute and Chronic Phases.
AB  - Febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES) is a devastating epilepsy
      affecting normal children after a febrile illness. FIRES presents with an acute
      phase with super-refractory status epilepticus and all patients progress to a
      chronic phase with persistent refractory epilepsy. The typical outcome is severe
      encephalopathy or death. The authors present 7 children from 5 centers with FIRES
      who had not responded to antiepileptic drugs or other therapies who were given
      cannabadiol (Epidiolex, GW Pharma) on emergency or expanded investigational
      protocols in either the acute or chronic phase of illness. After starting
      cannabidiol, 6 of 7 patients' seizures improved in frequency and duration. One
      patient died due to multiorgan failure secondary to isoflourane. An average of 4
      antiepileptic drugs were weaned. Currently 5 subjects are ambulatory, 1 walks
      with assistance, and 4 are verbal. While this is an open-label case series, the
      authors add cannabidiol as a possible treatment for FIRES.

PMID- 27655473
TI  - Neurofibromatosis Type 2.
AB  - Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder (incidence
      1:33 000-40 000) characterized by formation of central nervous system tumors, due
      to mutation in the NF2 gene on chromosome 22q12. Vestibular schwannomas are the
      hallmark lesion, affecting 95% of individuals and typically occur bilaterally.
      Schwannomas commonly occur on other nerves intracranially and in the spinal
      compartment, along with meningiomas, ependymomas, and gliomas. Although
      histologically benign, tumors are associated with significant morbidity due to
      multiple problems including hearing and vision loss, gait abnormalities,
      paralysis, pain, and seizures. Risk of early mortality from brainstem compression
      and other complications is significant. Severity of disease is higher when NF2
      presents during childhood. Children have a more variable presentation, which can
      be associated with significant delays in recognition of the condition. Careful
      examination of the skin and eyes can identify important clinical signs of NF2
      during childhood, allowing timely initiation of disease-specific surveillance and
      treatment. Monitoring for complications comprises clinical evaluation, along with
      functional testing including audiology and serial neuroimaging, which together
      inform decisions regarding treatment. Evidence for disease-specific medical
      treatment options is increasing, nevertheless most patients will benefit from
      multimodal treatment including surgery during their lifetime. Patient enrolment
      in international natural history and treatment trials offers the best opportunity
      to accelerate our understanding of the complications and optimal treatment of
      NF2, with a view to improving outcomes for all affected individuals.

PMID- 27655474
TI  - Cognitive Development in Infantile-Onset Pompe Disease Under Very Early Enzyme
      Replacement Therapy.
AB  - Most patients with infantile-onset Pompe disease die in early infancy before
      beginning enzyme replacement therapy, which has made it difficult to evaluate the
      impact of Pompe disease on cognitive development. Patients with infantile-onset
      Pompe disease can survive with enzyme replacement therapy, and physicians can
      evaluate cognitive development in these patients. We established an effective
      newborn screening program with quick clinical diagnostic criteria. Cognitive and
      motor development were evaluated using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler
      Development-Third Edition at 6, 12, and 24 months of age. The patients who were
      treated very early demonstrate normal cognitive development with no significant
      change in cognition during this period (P = .18 > .05). The cognitive development
      was positively correlated with motor development (r = 0.533, P = .011). The
      results indicated that very early enzyme replacement therapy could protect
      cognitive development in patients with infantile-onset Pompe disease up to 24
      months of age.

PMID- 27655476
TI  - Health expenditures spent for prevention, economic performance, and social
      welfare.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Countries with limited resources in economic downturns often reduce
      government expenditures, of which spending on preventive healthcare with no
      apparent immediate health impact might be cut down first. This research aims to
      find the optimum share of preventive health expenditure to gross domestic product
      (GDP) and investigate the implications of preventive health services on economic
      performance and the population's wellbeing. METHODS: We develop the economic
      growth model to undertake health-economic analyses and parameterize for Taiwan
      setting. Based on the US experiences over the period from 1975 to 2013, this
      research further examines the model's predictions on the relationship between
      preventive health expenditure and economic performance. RESULTS: Theoretical
      analysis and numerical simulations show that an inverse U-shaped relationship
      exists between the proportion of GDP spent on prevention and social welfare, as
      well as between the proportion spent on prevention and economic growth. Empirical
      analysis shows an under-investment in prevention in Taiwan. The spending of
      preventive healthcare in Taiwan government was 0.0027 GDP in 2014, while the
      optimization levels for economic development and social welfare would be 0 . 0119
      and 0 . 0203, respectively. There is a statistically significant nonlinear
      relationship between health expenditure on prevention and the estimated real
      impact of economic performance from US experiences. The welfare-maximizing
      proportion of preventive expenditure is usually greater than the proportion
      maximizing economic growth, indicating a conflict between economic growth and
      welfare after a marginal share. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that it is
      worthwhile increasing investment on prevention up until an optimization level for
      economic development and social welfare. Such levels could also be estimated in
      other economies.

PMID- 27655475
TI  - Are elderly and women under-represented in cardiovascular clinical trials?
      Implication for treatment.
AB  - Elderly and women have been often under-represented in randomised clinical trials
      testing the effect of treatments on cardiovascular diseases even though these
      diseases highly affect both of them.Compared to their younger counterparts
      elderly have a higher incidence of disease-related morbidities, take more
      medicines and account for more adverse drug-related events. Similarly women
      present several differences in pathophysiology, clinical manifestations and
      outcomes in comparison to their male counterparts. For these reasons the results
      of randomised clinical trials obtained in younger men cannot be simply translated
      in elderly and women and the conduction of research and clinical trials in these
      patient populations is a key aspect to acquire evidence-based knowledge in the
      understanding and management of their conditions and treatment.Although the under
      representation of elderly and women has been discussed for several years and
      several international guidelines or recommendation have been published to suggest
      how to improve the recruitment of these two populations, their recruitment is
      still insufficient. In particular, frail elderly and those with co-morbidities
      are not included questioning the external validity and the safety of most
      treatments.Aim of this review is to critically analyse how current
      recommendations for treatments of cardiovascular disease are not adequately
      devised for elderly and women.

PMID- 27655477
TI  - Validation of the Fitbit Zip for monitoring physical activity among free-living
      adolescents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The widespread availability of affordable consumer-oriented devices
      for monitoring physical activity offers an appealing option to physical activity
      researchers, but studies are needed to demonstrate the validity and reliability
      of these products. To examine the validity of the Fitbit Zip, we recruited three
      cohorts (N's = 25, 35, and 27) of middle-school students to wear the Fitbit and
      the ActiGraph simultaneously for a week. Adolescents were healthy volunteers
      representing a range of activity levels. Mean daily minutes of MVPA and mean
      steps per day were compared between the Fitbit Zip and the Actigraph. RESULTS:
      The step data for the Fitbit Zip correlated highly with the step data yielded by
      the ActiGraph (r's = .72, .92, .96), and the MVPA data for the Fitbit Zip
      correlated highly with the MVPA data from the ActiGraph (r's = .67, .79, .94).
      Bland-Altman plots revealed that the Fitbit Zip overestimated activity in
      comparison to the ActiGraph, especially for Cohort One, which completed the study
      before Fitbit modified their algorithms to count as activity only bouts that
      continued for at least 10 min. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that the Fitbit Zip
      is a reasonable alternative to the ActiGraph for estimating activity among free
      living adolescents. However, data from the Fitbit should not be used
      interchangeably with data from the ActiGraph, as there is a consistent tendency
      for the Fitbit to overestimate steps in comparison to the ActiGraph. Also, the
      findings confirm concern about using for research a consumer-oriented device that
      does not make public their algorithms.

PMID- 27655478
TI  - The differentiation of mammalian ovarian granulosa cells ? living in the shadow
      of cellular developmental capacity.
AB  - The mammalian cumulus-oocyte complex (COCs) promotes oocyte growth and
      development during long stages of folliculogenesis and oogenesis. Before
      ovulation, the follicle is formed by a variety of fully differentiated cell
      populations; cumulus cells (CCs) that tightly surround the female gamete,
      granulosa cells (GCs) and theca cells (TCs) which build the internal and external
      mass of the follicular wall. It is well documented that CCs surrounding the
      oocyte are necessary for resumption of meiosis and full maturation of the gamete.
      However, the role of the granulosa cells in acquisition of MII stage and/or full
      fertilization ability is not yet entirely known. In this article, we present an
      overview of mammalian oocytes and their relationship to the surrounding cumulus
      and granulosa cells. We also describe the processes of GCs differentiation and
      developmental capacity. Finally, we describe several markers of mammalian GCs,
      which could be used for positive identification of isolated cells. The
      developmental capacity of oocytes and surrounding somatic cells ? a ?fingerprint?
      of folliculogenesis and oogenesis.

PMID- 27655479
TI  - Microfluidic versus molecular assays - different approaches in assessing oocyte
      developmental competence.
AB  - In recent years, molecular techniques have brought about new solutions that focus
      on the developmental capacity of female oocytes and reproductive performance in
      the mammalian species. The developmental potency is the ability of oocytes to
      reach the MII stage following the long stages of folliculo- and oogenesis. The
      main proteins involved in this process belong to the connexin (Cx) family, which
      are responsible for the formation of gap junction (GJC) connections between the
      female gamete and surrounding somatic cells. The Cx are involved in bi
      directional transport of small molecules and are therefore responsible for
      correct oocyte-somatic cell nutrition, proliferation, and differentiation.
      However, the application of certain molecular techniques often leads to
      destabilization or destruction of the materials of interest, such as cells or
      whole tissues. Therefore, the applications of microfluidic methods, which are non
      invasive and quantitative, give new opportunities to further this area of
      biomedical research. Microfluidic research is based on real-time experiments that
      allow for control and/ or observation of the results during each step. The
      purpose of this review is to present both positive and negative aspects of
      molecular-microfluidic methods while describing the role of connexins in oocyte
      developmental capacity.

PMID- 27655480
TI  - Extracorporeal shock waves: perspectives in malignant tumor treatment.
AB  - Progress in basic research led to the design of new generations of anticancer
      drugs with some notable achievements. Over the years, more and more powerful
      drugs have been developed with the purpose of increasing the rate of response to
      therapy. As molecular power of chemotherapeutic agents increased, unfortunately
      also toxicity and undesired side-effects increased. The search for new
      therapeutic strategies to be used in the management of cancer is one of the more
      promising strategies to reduce chemotherapy toxicity. Extracorporeal Shock Waves
      (ESW), widely used for the treatment of urolithiasis, have been reported to cause
      modifications of cell growth both in vitro and in vivo. They exert an agonist
      cytotoxic effect with several chemotherapeutic agents, such as cisplatin,
      doxorubicin, bleomycin, paclitaxel. Moreover, as it has been reported that their
      main mechanism of action is an increase in cell membrane permeability, ESW are
      also used to deliver oligonucleotides and other small particles to cells.
      Recently, it was found that certain dye compounds, in particular porphyrins, can
      achieve a cytopathogenic effect when the disease site is subjected to ultrasound
      irradiation. This technique is referred to as sonodynamic therapy. Based on the
      new knowledge regarding the interaction between ultrasound with bulk liquid,
      several studies have shown a synergic effect of ESW and porphyrins in vitro, thus
      opening a new perspective in sonodynamic therapy, able to overcome some drawbacks
      encountered during conventional anticancer drug treatment. Finally, current
      advances in bioengineering encouraged the application of nano-scale technologies
      to medicine. Nanobubbles, composed of an external shell and a gas core, can
      deliver chemotropic drugs and porfirins, to target tumour tissues in response to
      physical triggers, and ESW features make them an ideal alternative to ultrasound
      in combination with drug-loaded nanobubbles in delivery strategies.

PMID- 27655481
TI  - ENOX2 (or tNOX): a new and old molecule with cancer activity involved in tumor
      prevention and therapy.
AB  - Cancer includes a number of related diseases due to abnormal cell proliferation
      that spreads to nearby tissues. Many compounds (physical, chemical and
      biological) have been used to try to halt this abnormal proliferation, but the
      therapeutic results are poor, due also to the side effects. It has been reported
      that ecto-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide oxidase di-sulfide-thiol exchanger 2
      (ENOX2), also known as tumor-associated nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide oxidase
      (tNOX), was found to be located on the cancer cell surface, essential for cancer
      cell growth. Capsaicin and other anti-oxidants are capable of inhibiting tNOX,
      causing apoptosis of cells, exerting anti-tumor activity. It is interesting that
      some authors reported that ENOX2 is present in the serum of cancer patients
      several years before the clinical symptoms of the tumor. However, this result has
      to be confirmed. In this article we discuss ENOX2 and its inhibition as a hope of
      improving cancer therapy.

PMID- 27655482
TI  - The effects of P. gingivalis and E. coli LPS on the expression of proinflammatory
      mediators in human mast cells and their relevance to periodontal disease.
AB  - Mast cells (MCs) are tissue-resident immune cells that participate in a variety
      of allergic and inflammatory conditions, including periodontal disease, through
      the release of cytokines, chemokines and proteolytic enzymes. Porhyromonas
      gingivalis (P. g) is widely recognized as a major pathogen in the development and
      progression of periodontitis. Here we compared the differential effects of
      lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from P. g and E. coli on the expression and production
      of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and
      monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1) by human MCs. Human LAD2 MCs were
      stimulated with LPS from either P. g or E. coli (1-1000 ng/ml). MCs were also
      stimulated with SP (2MUM) serving as the positive control or media alone as the
      negative control. After 24 h, the cells and supernatant fluids were collected and
      analyzed for beta-Hexosaminidase (beta-hex) spectrophotometrically, TNF, VEGF and
      MCP-1 release by ELISA and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for mediator
      gene expression, respectively. To assess the functional role of tolllike
      receptors (TRL) in mediator release, MCs were pre-incubated with either anti-TLR2
      or anti- TLR4 (2 MUg/ml) polyclonal antibody for 1 h before stimulation with LPS.
      When MCs were stimulated with SP (2 MUM), there was a statistically significant
      beta-hex release as well as release of TNF, VEGF and MCP-1. Stimulation of MCs
      with either type of LPS did not induce degranulation based on the lack of beta
      hex release. However, both types of LPS stimulated expression and release of TNF,
      VEGF and MCP-1. Although, P. g LPS induced significant release of TNF, VEGF and
      MCP-1, the effect was not concentration-dependent. There was no statistically
      significant difference between the effects of P. g and E. coli LPS. P. g LPS
      stimulated TNF through TLR-2 while E. coli utilized TRL-4 instead. In contrast,
      VEGF release by P. g LPS required both TRL-2 and TRL-4 while E. coli LPS required
      TLR-4. Release of MCP-1 was independent of TLR-2 or TLR-4. P. g LPS activates
      human MCs to generate and release TNF, VEGF and MCP-1 through different TLRs than
      E. coli LPS. MCs may, therefore, be involved in the inflammatory processes
      responsible for periodontal disease.

PMID- 27655483
TI  - Obestatin directly controls chicken ovarian cell functions.
AB  - The aim of the present in-vitro study was to examine the role of obestatin in the
      direct control of basic avian ovarian granulosa cell functions ? proliferation,
      apoptosis and secretory activity. In addition, the effects of obestatin on
      hormone release by cultured ovarian granulosa cells and follicular fragments
      (containing both granulosa and theca cells) were examined. We identified the
      effect of obestatin addition (0.1, 10 or 100 ng/ml medium) on the accumulation of
      markers of proliferation (PCNA, cyclin B1, MAPK/ERK1,2) and nuclear (TdT) and
      cytoplasmic (bax, caspase 3) apoptosis, as well as the release of progesterone
      (P), testosterone (T) and estradiol (E) by cultured chicken granulosa cells.
      Furthermore, the action of obestatin addition (0.1, 10 or 100 ng/ml medium) on
      the release of P, T, E and argininevasotocin (AVT) by cultured fragments of
      chicken ovarian follicles was examined. The accumulation of proliferation and
      apoptosis markers was assessed by immunocytochemistry and SDS PAGE-Western
      immunoblotting. The release of hormones was determined by an EIA. It was observed
      that obestatin addition could inhibit the accumulation of proliferation markers
      (PCNA and cyclin B1, but not of MAPK/ERK1,2), promote the expression of nuclear
      (TdT) and cytoplasmic (bax, caspase 3) apoptosis markers and suppress P, T, and E
      release by cultured granulosa cells. In cultured ovarian follicular fragments,
      obestatin promoted P, T, and E, but not AVT, release. These observations
      represent the first demonstration that (i) obestatin can directly control avian
      ovarian cell proliferation, apoptosis and hormone release and (ii) the
      interrelationship between theca and granulosa cells can determine the
      characteristics of obestatin action on ovarian secretory activity.

PMID- 27655484
TI  - Evaluation of CD4+ CD25+ FoxP3+ regulatory T cells during treatment of patients
      with brucellosis.
AB  - Cell-mediated immunity (CMI) plays a critical role in the control of brucellosis.
      Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have a functional character in modulating the balance
      between host immune response and tolerance, which can eventually lead to chronic
      infection or relapse. The aim of this study was to assess the alteration of Tregs
      in cases of brucellosis before and after treatment. Thirty cases of acute
      brucellosis with the mean age of 41.03+/-15.15 years (case group) and 30 healthy
      persons with the mean age of 40.63+/-13.95 years (control group) were selected
      and assessed. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from
      peripheral blood of all individuals. We analyzed the alteration of Treg cell
      count using flow cytometry for CD4, CD25, and FoxP3 markers. The level of CD4+
      CD25+ FoxP3+ Treg cells was increased in active patients compared with controls
      (2.5+/-0.99% vs 1.6+/-0.84%, p= 0.0004), but it had declined in the treated cases
      (1.83+/-0.73%, p=0.02). The level of Tregs was elevated in three relapsed cases.
      The frequency of Tregs and Treg/Teff (effector T cell) ratio was correlated with
      inverse serum agglutination test (SAT) and, 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME) titers as
      markers of treatment in brucellosis. Based on our findings, we suggest that
      regulatory cells, such as CD4+ CD25+ FoxP3+ Treg cells, may contribute to the
      development of infection processes involving immune responses in brucellosis, and
      evaluation of regulatory T-cell levels may be a potential diagnostic strategy for
      the treatment outcome in chronic and relapsed cases of brucellosis.

PMID- 27655485
TI  - ZNF185 inhibits growth and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma cells through
      inhibition of the akt/gsk3beta pathway.
AB  - Zinc finger (ZNF) proteins, a diverse family of proteins, have multiple
      biological functions in cancer. Increased expression of ZNF185 has been involved
      in the regulation of tumor growth and metastasis. However, the function and
      underlying mechanisms of ZNF185 in the tumorigenesis of lung adenocarcinoma (LAC)
      remain unclear. The protein expression of ZNF185 was examined in human LAC
      tissues by immunohistochemical assay. After lentiviral vector-mediated ZNF185
      overexpression was infected into the LAC cell lines (A549 and LETPalpha-2), cell
      growth and invasive potential were respectively evaluated by MTT and Transwell
      assays. We found that the protein expression of ZNF185 was significantly
      downregulated in LAC tissues compared with the adjacent non-cancerous tissues
      (ANCT) (37.10% vs 58.06%, P=0.015), and was negatively correlated with the lymph
      node metastasis of the LAC patients (P=0.005). Furthermore, overexpression of
      ZNF185 reduced cell proliferation and invasion in LAC cells, followed by the
      downregulation of p-AKT, p-GSK3beta, VEGF and MMP-9 expression. Taken together,
      our findings indicate that the decreased expression of ZNF185 is linked to the
      tumor metastasis in human LAC patients, and ZNF185 overexpression inhibits the
      growth and invasion of LAC cells through inhibition of the AKT/GSK3beta
      signaling, suggesting that ZNF185 may represent a potential therapeutic target
      for the treatment of LAC.

PMID- 27655486
TI  - Epithelialization and stromalization of porcine follicular granulosa cells during
      real-time proliferation - a primary cell culture approach.
AB  - The process of oocyte growth and development takes place during long stages of
      folliculogenesis and oogenesis. This is accompanied by biochemical and
      morphological changes, occurring from the preantral to antral stages during
      ovarian follicle differentiation. It is well known that the process of follicle
      growth is associated with morphological modifications of theca (TCs) and
      granulosa cells (GCs). However, the relationship between proliferation and/or
      differentiation of porcine GCs during long-term in vitro culture requires further
      investigation. Moreover, the expression of cytokeratins and vimentin in porcine
      GCs, in relation to real-time cell proliferation, has yet to be explored.
      Utilizing confocal microscopy, we analyzed cytokeratin 18 (CK18), cytokeratin 8 +
      18 + 19 (panCK), and vimentin (Vim) expression, as well as their protein
      distribution, within GCs isolated from slaughtered ovarian follicles. The cells
      were cultured for 168 h with protein expression and cell proliferation index
      analyzed at 24-h intervals. We found the highest expression of CK18, panCK, and
      Vim occurred at 120 h of in vitro culture (IVC) as compared with other
      experimental time intervals. All of the investigated proteins displayed
      cytoplasmic distribution. Analysis of real-time cell proliferation revealed an
      increased cell index after the first 24 h of IVC. Additionally, during each
      period between 24-168 h of IVC, a significant difference in the proliferation
      profile, expressed as the cell index, was also observed. We concluded that higher
      expression of vimentin at 120 h of in vitro proliferation might explain the
      culmination of the stromalization process associated with growth and domination
      of stromal cells in GC culture. Cytokeratin expression within GC cytoplasm
      confirms the presence of epithelial cells as well as epithelial-related GC
      development during IVC. Moreover, expression of both cytokeratins and vimentin
      during short-term culture suggests that the process of GC proliferation is also
      highly associated with porcine ovarian follicular granulosa cell differentiation
      in vitro.

PMID- 27655487
TI  - Kruppel-like factor 2 suppresses growth and invasion of gastric cancer cells in
      vitro and in vivo.
AB  - Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2), a novel tumor-suppressor gene, is implicated in
      diverse cellular processes, including cell growth, apoptosis, and invasion.
      However, the role and action mechanisms of KLF2 in gastric cancer (GC) need be
      further elucidated. The expression of KLF2 was investigated by
      immunohistochemical assay in human GC tissues, and lentivirus-mediated KLF2
      overexpression was transfected into GC cells (AGS and HGC-27) for assessing cell
      proliferation and invasion, respectively indicated by MTT and Transwell assays.
      Subcutaneous GC tumor models were constructed for estimating tumor growth in
      vivo. As a result, the expression level of KLF2 was decreased in GC tissues
      compared with the para-carcinoma tissues (31.03% vs 53.45%, P=0.035), and
      negatively correlated with the lymph node metastasis in GC patients (P=0.02).
      Moreover, overexpression of KLF2 inhibited the cell proliferation and invasive
      potential and downregulated the protein expression of PCNA, Bcl-2 and MMP-9 in GC
      cells. The result in vivo showed KLF2 overexpression reduced the xenograft tumor
      growth. In conclusion, our findings indicate that KLF2 may function as a tumor
      suppressor involved in the progression of human GC.

PMID- 27655489
TI  - Exposure to electromagnetic fields aboard high-speed electric multiple unit
      trains.
AB  - High-speed electric multiple unit (EMU) trains generate high-frequency electric
      fields, low-frequency magnetic fields, and high-frequency wideband
      electromagnetic emissions when running. Potential human health concerns arise
      because the electromagnetic disturbances are transmitted mainly into the car body
      from windows, and from there to passengers and train staff. The transmission
      amount and amplitude distribution characteristics that dominate electromagnetic
      field emission need to be studied, and the exposure level of electromagnetic
      field emission to humans should be measured. We conducted a series of tests of
      the on board electromagnetic field distribution on several high-speed railway
      lines. While results showed that exposure was within permitted levels, the
      possibility of long-term health effects should be investigated.

PMID- 27655490
TI  - Percutaneous coronary intervention for poor coronary microcirculation reperfusion
      of patients with stable angina pectoris.
AB  - Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been extensively applied to repair
      the forward flow of diseased coronary artery and can achieve significant curative
      results. However, some patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) develop
      non-perfusion or poor perfusion of cardiac muscle tissue after PCI, which
      increases the incidence of cardiovascular events and the death rate. PCI can
      dredge narrowed or infarct-related artery (IRA) and thus induce full reperfusion
      of ischemic myocardium. It is found in practice that some cases of AMI still have
      no perfusion or poor perfusion in myocardial tissue even though coronary
      angiography suggests opened coronary artery after PCI, which increases the
      incidence of vascular events and mortality. Therefore, to explore the detailed
      mechanism of PCI in treating coronary microcirculation of patients with stable
      angina pectoris, we selected 140 patients with stable angina pectoris for PCI,
      observing the index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) of descending branch and
      changes of myocardial injury markers and left ventricular systolic function, and
      made a subgroup analysis based on the correlation between clinical indexes, IMR
      and other variables of diabetic and non-diabetic patients, PCI-related and non
      PCI-related myocardial infarction patients. The results suggest that IMR of
      anterior descending branch after PCI was higher compared to that before PCI, and
      the difference was significant (P less than 0.05); creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB),
      myohemoglobin and high sensitive troponin T were all increased after PCI, and the
      difference was also significant (P less than 0.05); brain natriuretic peptide
      (BNP) level became higher after PCI, with significant difference (P less than
      0.05); left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) declined after PCI, and the
      difference before and after PCI was statistically significant (P less than 0.05).
      Moreover, subgroup analysis results of the three groups all demonstrated
      statistically significant differences. PCI can effectively increase
      microcirculatory resistance of patients with stable angina pectoris, especially
      those who develop both stable angina pectoris and diabetes. Patients with higher
      microcirculatory resistance before PCI are more likely to develop PCI-related
      myocardial infarction after PCI.

PMID- 27655488
TI  - Vitamins D3 and K2 may partially counterbalance the detrimental effects of
      pentosidine in ex vivo human osteoblasts.
AB  - Osteoporosis is a metabolic multifaceted disorder, characterized by insufficient
      bone strength. It has been recently shown that advanced glycation end products
      (AGEs) play a role in senile osteoporosis, through bone cell impairment and
      altered biomechanical properties. Pentosidine (PENT), a wellcharacterized AGE, is
      also considered a biomarker of bone fracture. Adequate responses to various
      hormones, such as 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, are prerequisites for optimal
      osteoblasts functioning. Vitamin K2 is known to enhance in vitro and in vitro
      vitamin D-induced bone formation. The aim of the study was to assess the effects
      of Vitamins D3 and K2 and PENT on in vitro osteoblast activity, to convey a
      possible translational clinical message. Ex vivo human osteoblasts cultured, for
      3 weeks, with vitamin D3 and vitamin K2 were exposed to PENT, a well-known
      advanced glycoxidation end product for the last 72 hours. Experiments with PENT
      alone were also carried out. Gene expression of specific markers of bone
      osteoblast maturation [alkaline phosphatase, ALP; collagen I, COL Ialpha1; and
      osteocalcin (bone-Gla-protein) BGP] was measured, together with the receptor
      activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand/osteoproteregin (RANKL/OPG) ratio to
      assess bone remodeling. Expression of RAGE, a well-characterized receptor of
      AGEs, was also assessed. PENT+vitamins slightly inhibited ALP secretion while not
      affecting gene expression, indicating hampered osteoblast functional activity.
      PENT+vitamins up-regulated collagen gene expression, while protein secretion was
      unchanged. Intracellular collagen levels were partially decreased, and a
      significant reduction in BGP gene expression and intracellular protein
      concentration were both reported after PENT exposure. The RANKL/OPG ratio was
      increased, favouring bone reabsorption. RAGE gene expression significantly
      decreased. These results were confirmed by a lower mineralization rate. We
      provided in vitro evidence that glycoxidation might interfere with the maturation
      of osteoblasts, leading to morphological modifications, cellular malfunctioning,
      and inhibition of the calcification process. However, these processes may be all
      partially counterbalanced by vitamins D3 and K2. Therefore, detrimental AGE
      accumulation in bone might be attenuated and/or reversed by the presence or
      supplementation of vitamins D3 and K2.

PMID- 27655491
TI  - Analysis of high risk factors for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
      biliary metallic stenting after malignant duodenal stricture SEMS implantation.
AB  - The aim of this study was to explore the success rates and high risk factors for
      endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) biliary metallic stenting
      after self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) implantation in patients with
      malignant duodenal stricture. A retrospective cohort study was conducted. Forty
      two unresectable patients with malignant duodenal stricture who received
      endoscopic SEMS implantation between February 2012 and February, 2015 in the
      Department of Digestive Diseases of Xijing Hospital were enrolled in the study.
      These patients underwent subsequent ERCP biliary metallic stenting due to
      malignant biliary stricture. The clinical and iconography materials of these
      patients were retrospectively analyzed. ERCP biliary metallic stenting was
      successfully carried out on 71.4% of patients with previous malignant duodenal
      stricture SEMS implantation. In type 1 duodenal strictures 88% success rate of
      ERCP guided biliary decompression was obtained vs 18.2% success rate in Type 2
      duodenal strictures. In both type 1 and 2 duodenal strictures of a length greater
      than 3.5 cm, ERCP was 44.4% successful vs 89% successful for strictures less than
      3.5cm. Multiple regression analysis revealed that duodenal stricture length >=3.5
      cm (OR, 9.85; 95% CI, 1.21-79.88) and 80 or 90 mm duodenal stent (OR, 17.03; 95%
      CI, 1.99-145.81) were independent risk factors for the failure of ERCP (biliary
      drainage or biliary decompression) in the patients with previous SEMS
      implantation. Moreover, duodenal stents of 60 mm had a higher success rate of
      88%, vs 18.2% in 80-90 mm stents. Nevertheless, the success rates of type III
      strictures were 100%, including synchronous and asynchronous implantation of SEMS
      implantation and ERCP biliary metallic stenting. For unresectable malignant
      duodenal stricture patients with SEMS implantation, subsequent ERCP biliary
      metallic stenting was safe and effective. The length of malignant duodenal
      stricture, longer duodenal stents and type II duodenal stricture were high risk
      factors for the failure of ERCP biliary metallic stenting.

PMID- 27655492
TI  - Dynamics of monocyte surface receptors after burns: a pilot study.
AB  - Previous studies suggested that monocytes may play a vital role in infection and
      sepsis following burn injury. The aim of this study was to determine whether burn
      injury had any effect on the levels of expression of monocyte cell-surface
      receptors at different phases post burn injury. Ten adult burn victims with burns
      of >25% of the total body surface area were included in this study. Blood samples
      were collected on the first, third and seventh day post burn injury. The
      peripheral blood mononuclear cells were extracted, with or without
      lipopolysaccharide stimulation. The monocyte phenotypes of CD14, CD16, HLA-DR,
      CD163, TLR2 and TLR4 were characterized by flow cytometry. Six healthy volunteers
      were recruited as controls. The percentage of expressed CD14+ monocytes increased
      during the first day, and then decreased on the third and seventh day after burn
      injury. The percentages of CD14+ cells expressing CD16 and HLA-DR decreased on
      the first day, followed by an increase on the third and seventh day post burn. In
      comparison, the percentage of CD14+ monocytes expressing TLR2 and TLR4 was higher
      on the first day in burn patients than that of control participants, followed by
      no change on the third and seventh day post burn injury. There was no significant
      difference in the percentages of CD14+ expressing CD163 between the two groups.
      This study showed that the expression of the specific receptors on the surface of
      monocyte is affected by burn injury. The changes in the expression levels of
      these receptors may contribute to burn-induced infection susceptibility.

PMID- 27655493
TI  - Rosuvastatin alleviates the development of monocrotaline-induced pulmonary
      hypertension in rats.
AB  - Statins can increase endothelial function through enhancement of the expression
      and activity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). The aim of this study
      is to evaluate the effect of rosuvastatin on the number of circulating
      endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and endothelial expression of eNOS in
      monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertensive rats. Sixty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats
      were divided into three groups of 20: control (group A), pulmonary hypertension
      (PAH) + rosuvastatin group (group B), and PAH (group C). Monocrotaline (MCT; 60
      mg/kg) was injected (intraperitoneally) to induce PAH. Rats in group B received
      rosuvastatin [10 mg/(kg. day)] for 2 weeks. Peripheral blood (5 mL) was aspirated
      from the femoral artery of each rat before and after 2 weeks of treatment.
      Mononuclear cells were isolated and subcultured to obtain EPCs. Small and
      moderately sized pulmonary arteries were collected 2 weeks later for histological
      analyses. eNOS gene expression in endothelial cells of pulmonary arteries were
      then determined at mRNA and protein levels. eNOS expression at mRNA and protein
      levels and the number of circulating EPCs were reduced significantly in groups B
      and C compared with group A (P less than 0.05), and a significant difference
      between group B and group C (P less than 0.05) was observed. Vascular remodeling
      in small and moderately sized pulmonary arteries was attenuated markedly in group
      B compared with group C. These results suggest that rosuvastatin can ameliorate
      the remodeling of pulmonary arteries in MCT-induced PAH rats by increasing the
      number of circulating EPCs and eNOS upregulation.

PMID- 27655494
TI  - Hepatic fibrosis and supersonic shear imaging in patients with different
      etiological chronic hepatic diseases.
AB  - The objective of the present study was to investigate whether hepatic fibrosis
      difference of supersonic shear imaging (SSI) value existed in patients with
      different etiological chronic hepatic diseases. Retrospective analysis was used
      to study chronic hepatitis. All the subjects were diagnosed by shear wave
      elastography and percutaneous liver biopsy. The shear moduli were analyzed to
      check whether any difference existed between groups. For the chronic hepatitis B,
      autoimmune hepatitis and fatty hepatitis, the shear moduli in S0 stage were
      (8.50+/-3.1)kPa, (9.41+/-2.5)kPa, (8.97+/-3.8)kPa; the shear moduli in S1 stage
      were (9.54+/-3.0)kPa, (10.42+/-5.1)kPa, (9.51+/-4.6)kPa; the shear moduli in S2
      stage were (11.77+/-4.8) kPa, (13.25+/-5.6)kPa, (11.03+/-6.0)kPa; the shear
      moduli in S3 stage were (14.96+/-6.1)kPa, (19.03+/-7.8) kPa, (15.38+/-7.8)kPa;
      the shear moduli in S4 stage were (20.36+/-7.5)kPa, (24.99+/-9.5)kPa, (19.53+/
      5.6)kPa. Shear wave elastography could measure the different etiological chronic
      hepatic diseases.

PMID- 27655496
TI  - Expressions of NDRG1, VEGF and Ki-67 in Condyloma Acuminatum.
AB  - The objective of this study was to explore the expressions and significance of
      NDRG1 (N-myc downregulated gene family 1), VEGF (vascular endothelial growth
      factor) and Ki-67 in lesions of Condyloma Acuminatum (CA). Immunohistochemistry
      was adopted to measure the expressions of NDRG1, VEGF and Ki-67 in 48 cases of CA
      and 18 normal skin controls. The positive rates of NDRG1, VEGF and Ki-67 were 63.
      83.33% (40/48), 93.75% (45/48) and 85.42% (41/48) in the CA tissues, and 27.78%
      (5/18), 94.44%(17/18) and 61.11% (11/18) in the controls, respectively. The
      intensities of the expressions of NDRG1, VEGF and Ki-67 in CA tissues were
      significantly higher than those in the controls. There were significant
      differences both in the positive rates and the expression intensities of NDRG1,
      VEGF and Ki-67 between the two groups (P less than0.05). The Spearman?s Rank
      Order Correlation analysis indicated that the expressions of NDRG1 protein and
      VEGF protein were positively correlated by the Spearman?s Rank-Order Correlation
      analysis (r = 0.346, P=0.016). For the CA tissues with high expressions of NDRG1
      and VEGF, NDRG1 and VEGF influenced both the occurrence and development of CA.

PMID- 27655495
TI  - Body composition in healthy older persons: role of the ratio of
      extracellular/total body water.
AB  - The aim of this study was to identify the best prognostic parameters for quickly
      assessing fluid volume status in the context of nutritional status and water
      balance in older persons and to facilitate decision-making of the general
      practitioner (GP). This pilot study was conducted with 142 volunteers aged 60
      years or older who were Polish students of the University of the Third Age.
      Inclusion and exclusion criteria for the study were defined. Assessment tools
      included: the Mini Nutritional Assessment questionnaire (MNA(r)) and the
      anthropometric measurements. Weight and body composition analysis were determined
      by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) using the Tanita MC-780 multi frequency
      segmental Body Composition Analyzer. According to the MNA scale, 89.2% of the
      sample was wellnourished and 10.8% were at risk of malnutrition. A total of 47.1%
      participants had normal body mass index, 20.6% were overweight, and 32.3% were
      obese. The BIA showed that females had more fat mass (FM) compared to males
      (35.84% vs 23.90%), while men had more free fat mass (FFM) and total body water
      (TBW; 61.16% vs 45.22% and 53.31% vs 45.22%respectively). There were no
      statistically significant differences in FM, FFM, and TBW by age. The ratio of
      Extracellular to Total Body Water (ECW/TBW) was higher in women than in men
      (46.76% vs 43.66%). Of all measures, only ECW/TBW increased significantly with
      age and sex, especially after 65 years. We propose that ECW/TBW may be used as
      the first, simple, and fast indicator of water volume status in the context of
      nutritional status and water balance in older subjects. Systematic control of the
      ECW/TBW by GP or nurse may increase senior independence, resulting in longer self
      maintenance at home and reduced hospital admissions.

PMID- 27655497
TI  - Effect of tumor necrosis factor-induced protein 8 on T-cell-mediated immunity in
      mice after thermal injury.
AB  - Tumor necrosis factor-induced protein 8(TNFAIP8), the first identified member of
      the TNFAIP8 family, shares considerable sequence homology with members of this
      family. It is expressed in a wide variety of human normal tissues, with
      relatively higher levels in lymphoid tissues and placenta. The present study was
      designed to examine the effect of TNFAIP8 on T-cell-mediated immunity secondary
      to burn injury. Sixty male mice were randomly divided into four groups as
      follows: sham burn group, burn group, burn with TNFAIP8-siRNA transfection group,
      and burn with negative control transfection group, and they were sacrificed at
      designated time points. CD4+ T cells were isolated using MACS microbeads. T-Cell
      proliferation was analyzed with MTT assay, and IL-2, soluble IL-2R, IL-4,
      interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) were determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      assay kits. It was found that CD4+ T lymphocyte proliferative activity was
      significantly down-regulated when TNFAIP8 gene was silenced by siRNA in mice at
      24 h post burn. Down-regulation of TNFAIP8 can significantly decrease expression
      levels of IL-2 and soluble IL-2R at 24 h after thermal injury. These results
      demonstrated that TNFAIP8 appeared to be involved in the immune regulation of
      CD4+ T lymphocytes, and the decreased expression of TNFAIP8 could affect T
      lymphocyte functions after thermal injury.

PMID- 27655498
TI  - Phytopharmacology of Tribulus terrestris.
AB  - Tribulus terrestris is an annual herb which belongs to the Zygophyllaceae family.
      This plant has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various
      diseases for hundreds of decades. The main active phytoconstituents of this plant
      include flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, lignin, amides, and glycosides. The
      plant parts have different pharmacological activities including aphrodisiac,
      antiinflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant potential. T. terrestris is most
      often used for infertility and loss of libido. It has potential application as
      immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, anthelmintic and
      anticarcinogenic activities. The aim of the present article is to create a
      database for further investigation of the phytopharmacological properties of this
      plant to promote research. This study will definitely help to confirm its
      traditional use along with its value-added utility, eventually leading to higher
      revenues from the plant.

PMID- 27655499
TI  - Effects of 10-hydroxycamptothecin on differentiation of RAW264.7 cells into
      osteoclasts.
AB  - This study was designed to investigate the effect of 10-hydroxycamptothecin (10
      HCPT) on osteoclast formation. RAW264.7 cells were cultured in vitro with 100
      ng/ml receptor activator for nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL) and 30 ng/ml
      recombinant macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF), and 10-HCPT with
      different solubilities were added. After five-day cultivation, tartrate-resistant
      acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining was used to observe the number of osteoclasts.
      mRNA expression of osteoclast-specific genes, such as TRAP, cathepsin K (CTSK)
      and matrix metalloproteinase protease 9 (MMP-9), was detected by real-time
      Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The effect of 10-HCPT on the proliferation
      activity of RAW264.7 cells was detected using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8). CCK-8
      detection showed that 10-HCPT with a certain concentration (1 ng/ml to 5 ng/ml)
      had no effect on cell proliferation (P>0.05); 10-HCPT could inhibit the
      generation of osteoclasts. With the increase of the concentration of 10-HCPT, the
      number of osteoclasts generated from cells cultured with 10-HCPT [1 ng/ml (86+/
      11.14), 2 ng/ml (66.67+/-7.51), 5ng/ml (27.67+/-6.51)] was much lower than that
      of the control group (145+/-8.19), and the difference was statistically
      significant (all P=0, P less than 0.05); mRNA expression of osteoclast-specific
      gene TRAP [1 ng/ml (24.38+/-0.68), 2 ng/ml (20.09+/-1.86), 5 ng/ml (6.23+/
      0.53)], CTSK [1 ng/ml (10.08+/-0.81), 2 ng/ml (7.30+/-0.30), 5 ng/ml (3.20+/
      0.56)] and MMP-9 [1 ng/ml (43.54+/-6.96), 2 ng/ml (28.28+/-5.83), 5 ng/ml
      (11.07+/-2.53)] was much lower than that of the groups added with RANKL and M-CSF
      only (all P=0, P less than 0.05), and with the increase of concentration of 10
      HCPT, the expression of osteoclast-specific genes showed a decreasing tendency.
      All the findings suggest that 10-HCPT can inhibit the formation of osteoclasts by
      reducing the expression of osteoclast-specific genes such as TRAP, CTSK and MMP
      9.

PMID- 27655500
TI  - Radiotherapy of the neck and carotid stenosis.
AB  - The first choice of treatment for neck cancer is often radiotherapy. Therefore,
      we aimed to investigate the microinflammation after radiotherapy of the neck and
      the incidence of carotid stenosis. This study reports on patients treated with
      radiotherapy as part of the treatment for laryngeal cancer in the Department of
      Radiation Oncology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, P.R.
      China. Sixty-two males and nine females were treated with radiotherapy between
      2006 and 3012. The carotid diameter was determined by measuring carotid intima
      media thickness (IMT) in the common, external and internal carotid artery.
      Microinflammatory conditions were assessed by high-sensitivity C-reactive protein
      (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor?alpha (TNF-alpha). Other
      studied risk factors included age, treatment modalities, radiation dose and
      energy, the height of the radiation field, and follow-up time. Carotid stenosis
      was detected in all of the 71 patients. It was mainly clinically unsuspected; 19
      patients had sustained a vascular event (14 TIA, 5 CVI) at a median of 3.11 years
      (range 2.3?5.6 years) following RT. In four of five CVI patients, CVI occurred on
      the side of the irradiation. Eleven patients who suffered vascular incident had
      severe stenosis of the carotid artery and 6 had moderate (31-49% of the lumen).
      Only two patients with mild stenosis on the irradiated side suffered TIAs. Serum
      hs-CRP levels in carotid stenosis were 9.4 (+/-SD=5.97) mg/ml, IL-6 = 12.8 (+/
      SD=2.62) pg/ml and TNF-alpha = 15.4 (+/-SD=4.49) ng/ml. The clinical detection of
      asymptomatic carotid stenosis is challenging, and current recommendations
      regarding the follow-up period should be scrutinized.

PMID- 27655501
TI  - Use of three-dimensional color power doppler in imaging of liver cancer.
AB  - We aimed to assess the role of three-dimensional color power Doppler (3D-CPD)
      imaging in diagnosis of liver cancer. First of all, we performed 2D- and 3D-CPD
      imaging on 96 cases of liver tumors with a total of 106 lesions to examine the
      characteristics of the vascular distribution patterns of the tumors, and in turn,
      compare the sensitivity and specificity. Also, with the use of three-dimensional
      volumetric measurement, we calculated the volume of tumors, quantity of intra
      tumor blood vessels, and the ratio of the quantity of intra-tumor blood vessels
      to tumor volumes (vascular index, VI). Finally, we statistically analyzed the
      vascular index between benign and malignant tumors. We found that the
      sensitivity/specificity were 21.3%/100% for 2D-CPD, and 81.3%/100% for 3D-CPD,
      based on the use of type-III of blood vessels for diagnosis of the malignant
      lesions. In 3D-CPD, the type-III of blood vessels along with VI of > 0.3/cm3 can
      be used as the criteria for the diagnosis of liver cancer since we found that
      average VI was 0.38/cm3 in 75 malignant tumors, but 0.18/cm3 in 31 benign tumors
      (p less than0.05). The sensitivity and specificity in determining malignancy in
      the liver based on VI > 0.3/cm3 were 78.7% and 87.1%, respectively.

PMID- 27655503
TI  - Investigation into early postoperative inflammatory small bowel obstruction by
      applying gastrointestinal decompression.
AB  - The objective of this study was to investigate early postoperative inflammatory
      small bowel obstruction (EPISBO) by applying gastrointestinal decompression to
      relieve abdominal distension. Thirty-six cases of patients were randomly divided
      into two groups: a control group (20 cases) and an observation group (16 cases).
      Routine continuous gastrointestinal decompression was assigned to the control
      group, while gastrointestinal decompression with dynamic and profound adjustment
      of the gastric tube and abdomen movement was assigned to the observation group,
      to induce abundant gastric juice and gas, and significantly relieve abdominal
      distension. A test was performed for each of the two groups to observe the relief
      time of the abdominal distension and the difference of abdominal girth of 5 cm
      before and after gastrointestinal decompression. Compared with the control group,
      the patients in the observation group with abdominal distension had earlier pain
      relief. More patients in the observation group had a difference of abdominal
      girth of 5 cm before and after gastrointestinal decompression. In
      gastrointestinal decompression, the method of dynamic and profound adjustment of
      the gastric tube and abdomen movement improve the effect of the gastrointestinal
      decompression, which relieves abdominal distention and promotes the postoperative
      recovery of organ functions.

PMID- 27655502
TI  - An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants with narcotic, sedative and analgesic
      effects in west of Iran.
AB  - The first step for identification of medicinal plants and their therapeutic
      effects is to determine their use by local people, traditional medicine books and
      personal experiences. The aim of this study was to document the medicinal plants
      used as analgesic, sedative or narcotic agents by local residents of Dehloran,
      Iran. Interviews conducted with 53 informants (38 male and 15 female) revealed
      that a total of 32 medicinal plants belonging to 22 families are used in Dehloran
      as narcotic, sedative and analgesic agents. The most utilized plant families were
      Asteraceae, Rosaceae and Fabaceae. Approximately 74% of the utilized plants was
      attributed to herbs, followed by trees (13%) and shrubs (13%). Sixty-six percent
      of the medicinal plants used in the study area were perennial and the rest were
      annual or biannual. The most widely used plant parts were flowers (34%) followed
      by leaves (24%) and fruits (14%). Thirty-nine percent of the medicinal plants
      were used as sedatives, 39% as analgesics, and 24% as narcotics. Recommended
      plants in this study can be good candidates for further clinical and laboratory
      trials on diseases that are associated with pain, suffering, stress and
      depression. They also can be used to develop new sedative, narcotic and analgesic
      drugs.

PMID- 27655504
TI  - In vitro effect of IL-17D on human ovarian carcinoma cells and inherent immunity.
AB  - This study explored the expression of interleukin 17D (IL-17D) secreted by human
      ovariancarcinoma cells and the effect of exogenous IL-17D transfection on MICA,
      which is the ligand of NKG2D, on the surface of ovary carcinoma cells. Human
      ovarian papillary serous adenocarcinoma cell line SKOV3, empty vector control
      cell line SKOV3/vector, exogenous human IL-17D stable-transfected cell line
      SKOV3/IL-17D, as well as cisplatin (CDDP)-resistant cell SKOV/CDDP were cultured;
      ovarian adenocarcinoma cell line OVCAR-3, empty vector control cell line
      OVCAR3/vector and OVCAE3/IL- 17D were observed under a microscope. In the study,
      methyl-thiazolyl-tetrazolium (MTT) method was used to detect the inhibition rate,
      resistance index and proliferation of SKOV3 and SKOV3/CDDP. It was found that the
      expression of IL-17 D in SKOV3/CDDP was much higher than that of its parent cell
      line SKOV3; IL-17D might be correlated to the drug resistance of cells; the
      proliferation of SKOV3 transfected with IL-17D was significantly accelerated,
      indicating IL-17D may be effective in promoting the growth of oncocyte.

PMID- 27655505
TI  - Clinical effect of mechanical fragmentation combined with recombinant tissue
      plasminogen activator artery thrombolysis on acute cerebral infarction.
AB  - This study aims to explore the clinical effect of mechanical fragmentation
      combined with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) artery
      thrombolysis on acute cerebral infarction (ACI). One hundred and thirty-two cases
      of ACI patients were randomly divided into an experimental group (66 patients)
      and a control group (66 patients). The experimental group was treated with
      mechanical fragmentation combined with rt-PA artery thrombolysis method, while
      the control group was treated with only the rt- PA artery thrombolysis method.
      All the patients had their basic information recorded. A computational analysis
      on National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores, curative effect and
      bleeding data was carried out. The results showed that in the experimental group
      the curative effects were better and there were fewer complications. Accordingly,
      we conclude that mechanical fragmentation combined with rt-PA artery thrombolytic
      method is a safe and reliable therapy with significant curative effects. It
      improves the NIHSS scores of the patients markedly and reduces the incidence of
      subsequent pneumonia.

PMID- 27655506
TI  - Vitamin D and micro-inflammatory state in hemodialysis patients: a mini review
      and meta-analysis.
AB  - There is growing evidence that vitamin D (VitD) plays a role in the
      pathophysiological mechanism of every patient undergoing hemodialysis, and this
      role is significantly altered in a microinflammatory state. However, it is
      unclear whether supplementation dosage or route of administration should be
      altered due to this state. Thus, the objective of our mini review and meta
      analysis was to re-consider supplementation of VitD in HD patients exhibiting
      micro-inflammatory state. Pubmed, Web of Science and Google Scholar were searched
      up to January 19, 2016. We included studies that evaluated supplementation in HD
      patients with micro-inflammatory state. One reviewer extracted data and one
      reviewer verified the data accuracy. We qualitatively summarized the main results
      and meta-analyzed data on comparable outcomes across studies. The main outcome
      measures were serum levels of VitD. Ten eligible studies were published between
      2002 and 2016, involving a total 1,239 patients. Average vintage of hemodialysis
      was 35.36 (+/-31.08) months. We identified a high degree of clinical diversity
      (interventions and outcomes) and methodological heterogeneity (sample size and
      risk of bias) in included trials. The studies we reviewed provide some weak
      evidence to support VitD supplementation in patients on hemodialysis exhibiting
      micro-inflammatory state. We recommend that future trials focus on our main
      outcome measures (that is variable comparable across studies).

PMID- 27655507
TI  - Comparison of effects of 18F-FDG PET-CT and MRI in identifying and grading
      gliomas.
AB  - Glioma is the most common type of brain tumor. Malignant gliomas tend to have an
      increasingly higher incidence and are difficult to treat. Therefore, an accurate
      diagnosis of the grade of glioma before surgery is very important for planning
      surgery and determining prognosis. To compare the values of 18F-deoxyglucose
      positron emission tomography/computer tomography (18F-FDG PET-CT) and magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) for identifying and grading gliomas, we selected 70
      patients who were diagnosed as having a primary glioma or suspected glioma at the
      People?s Hospital of Liaocheng in Shandong, China, and divided them into an
      observation group, which was examined by 18F-FDG PET-CT and a control group,
      which was examined by MRI. Image analysis, visual semi-quantitative analysis and
      qualitative analysis, follow-up and pathological results of the two groups were
      compared. Specificity, accuracy and sensitivity of brain MRI and PET-CT in
      grading the gliomas were calculated, and the results obtained were processed by
      Chi-squared test. Standard uptake value (SUV), SUVcorrect and L/WM (SUVmax ratio
      of a lesion to normal white matters in the opposite side) of FDG in the different
      grades of glioma were analyzed by single-factor variance analysis. Postoperative
      pathological detection confirmed 47 cases of glioma; the sensitivity, specificity
      and accuracy of PET-CT in grading glioma were all higher than those of MRI (P
      less than 0.05); the correlation between SUV and glioma grade, between SUVcorrect
      and glioma grade, and between L/WM and glioma had significant difference (P less
      than 0.05). Thus, it was concluded that 18F-FDG PET-CT performs better in
      diagnosing gliomas than MRI and is also more suitable for identifying different
      grades of glioma.

PMID- 27655508
TI  - Detection and study of plasma D-dimer change in patients with acute exacerbation
      of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to observe the change in plasma D-dimer of patients
      with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). The
      patients were divided into three groups, i.e., AECOPD group, stable COPD group
      (COPD kept stable after treatment) and a healthy control group. The content of
      plasma fibrinogen (FIB) and D-dimer of all research subjects was detected and the
      difference between groups was analyzed. Moreover, pulmonary functions of patients
      in the AECOPD group and the stable COPD group, including forced expiratory volume
      in 1 second (FEV1%) and forced vital capacity rate of 1 second (FEV1/FVC), and
      blood gas (oxygen partial pressure (PO2) and partial pressure of carbon dioxide
      (PaCO2), were detected; and the differences between the two groups and the
      possible correlation were analyzed. Compared to the COPD stable group and the
      control group, the AECOPD group had a statistically significant higher content of
      plasma FIB and D-dimer (p less than 0.05); the content of plasma FIB and D-dimer
      of the COPD stable group was much higher than that of the healthy control group,
      but the difference had no statistical significance (p > 0.05); the content of D
      dimer of AECOPD patients was in a negative correlation with FEV1 and PO2 (p
      smaller than 0.05) and in a positive correlation with PCO2 (p smaller than 0.05).
      It can be concluded that D-dimer is correlated to the severity of AECOPD; hence,
      it can be used as an evaluation index for the severity of AECOPD.

PMID- 27655509
TI  - Non-surgical periodontal management in scleroderma disease patients.
AB  - The aim of the present study is to investigate the periodontal status of people
      with scleroderma and their response to non-surgical treatment protocol aimed at
      controlling the evolution of the disease. The response to non-surgical
      periodontal treatment was tested on patients belonging to a scleroderma group and
      a control group: the data show an improvement of the periodontal conditions of
      all these patients in response to treatment. When compared on the same diagram, a
      slight remission of the periodontal disease was obtained in both scleroderma and
      healthy patients. This highlights the benefit to soft tissues produced by non
      surgical periodontal treatment also in patients affected by systemic diseases.

PMID- 27655510
TI  - Standardization procedure for the nasal nitric oxide measurement method using
      Niox MINO(r) and the tidal-breathing technique with velum-closure.
AB  - Nitric oxide (NO) is a molecule that performs many functions in the human body.
      The entire respiratory tract can produce NO, but the highest production occurs in
      the upper respiratory tract, in the paranasal sinuses in particular. The aim of
      the present study was to assess a new nasal NO (nNO) measurement method using the
      Niox MINO Nasal(r) device (Aerocrine AB, Solna, Sweden) and a special procedure,
      in order to compare the nNO values obtained in 32 healthy subjects with the
      values found in the international literature. The measured normal nNO values were
      equal to 426.76+/-143.27 ppb, with a 95% confidence interval [160.22-733.30].
      Males had an average nNO value equal to 446.76+/-133.63 [178.64 ? 714.02],
      whereas in females the average value was 403.80+/-154.90 [94.00-713.60]. This
      study allows us to confirm that we have been able to establish the normal range
      of nitric oxide quantity produced in the nasal/sinus cavities of healthy
      individuals using the Niox MINO Nasal(r) device and tidal-breathing with velum
      closure manoeuvre.

PMID- 27655511
TI  - Lights and shadows of dental implants: focus on mucositis and perimplantitis and
      their biological markers.
AB  - The increase in oral rehabilitation by means of dental implants has required an
      evolution of the related managing protocols and correct updating of the skills of
      dental professionals. Postsurgical management of the clinical case is aimed to
      stabilize the obtained results and preserve them from adverse conditions: a
      healthy implant prosthesis is maintained thanks to the huge number of
      consolidated protocols of oral hygiene. This practice plays a decisive role in
      the prevention of perimplant pathologies, forming a strong basis to ensure long
      implant life and avoid unnecessary and painful new surgical procedures.
      Furthermore, dental companies, in order to satisfy the new needs of professionals
      in oral hygiene, have produced new instrumentations and targeted drugs, in
      agreement to the cutting-edge scientific literature, thus creating a new market
      attracting huge interests in healthcare. The purpose of this topical review is to
      briefly comment on the state of the art of post-surgical dental implant
      management. This research is aimed to report the current protocols available to
      reduce the risk of oral diseases and prevent the progression of perimplant
      complications. Special focus has been dedicated to the most effective surgical
      and non-surgical protocols for treating mucositis and perimplantitis.

PMID- 27655512
TI  - Cytokine genotype distribution in patients with periodontal disease and
      rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes mellitus.
AB  - The association between oral and systemic health has highlighted the importance
      of periodontal health and treatment, with the consequence that dental assessment
      and attention to oral hygiene have assumed an increasingly important part in the
      clinical management of patients with diabetes mellitus and rheumatoid arthritis.
      The aim of this work was to assess genotype frequencies in polymorphisms of genes
      of IL-1alpha-889 and IL-1beta-511 in a case-controlled study population of
      patients affected by periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes
      mellitus.

PMID- 27655514
TI  - A solitary uterine relapse in T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia: CT features
      and pathologic correlation.
AB  - T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (T-cell ALL) is a rare haematological
      neoplasia, that affects children and less commonly adults. Female genital tract
      and particularly uterus involvement in acute ALL is rare. This report presents
      the CT features of a 64-year-old woman with uterine relapse of T-cell ALL,
      occurring 11 months after the diagnosis, as a second, unique relapse of disease.
      The patient was asymptomatic when a CT examination showed a homogenous thickness
      of the uterine wall in comparison with the previous CT examination. Histology
      from biopsy specimens, obtained through hysteroscopy, confirmed T-cell ALL
      localisation (TdT+, CD10+, CD3c+ and CD2+). The uterus could be a site of relapse
      in patients suffering from ALL. Even though an MRI examination could better
      demonstrate the disease in cases of suspected female genital tract involvement by
      ALL, the comparison of differences between a present and a previous CT
      examination is sufficient to suspect the diagnosis.

PMID- 27655513
TI  - Thyroid and shoulder diseases: the bases of a linked channel.
AB  - The association between thyroid disorders and musculoskeletal diseases has long
      been suspected, but it is still debated whether they have a role in the
      pathogenesis of shoulder diseases. In vivo and in vitro studies describe the role
      of thyroid hormones in bone, cartilage and tendon biology. Retrospective studies
      and case reports suggest that thyroid diseases should be considered as risk
      factors and hold prognostic value in some of the most common causes of shoulder
      pain. Thus, it is advisable to search for underlying thyroid disorders in these
      patients. The pathophysiologic mechanisms by which thyroid hormone imbalance
      affects the onset, progression and response to treatment of these diseases are
      yet to be thoroughly defined and demand further studies.

PMID- 27655515
TI  - Endometriosis and Glanzmann?s thrombasthenia.
AB  - Glanzmann?s thrombasthenia (GT) is a rare bleeding syndrome characterized by
      deficiency or defect of platelet aggregation complex. The pathogenesis of
      endometriosis is controversial but the strongest evidence leans towards
      retrograde menstruation. GT probably predisposes to endometriosis. The management
      of women affected by this disease can be difficult due to the risk of bleeding
      complications, especially during surgical treatment. We describe the cases of
      three sisters affected by endometriosis and GT, referred to our Department, who
      received different therapeutic management.

PMID- 27655517
TI  - Use of sodium hyaluronate and synthetic amino acid precursors of collagen for the
      symptomatic treatment of mucositis in patients undergoing haematopoietic stem
      cell transplants.
AB  - Oral mucositis (OM) may occur in up to 100% of patients undergoing condition
      regimen to hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). From the patient?s
      perspective, OM is one of the most debilitating side effects of transplantation.
      It is commonly thought that oral hygiene can modify the incidence and severity of
      oral mucositis, therefore professional oral health care (POHC) is recommended
      prior to conditioning regimen for HSCT. A new strategy for the treatment of OM is
      sodium hyaluronate (SH) combined with amino acid precursors of collagen (Aas)
      (Mucosamin(r)). SH is a mucoaderent polymer acting as a mechanical barrier and
      pain reliever. Furthermore, it allows prolonged contact of the product with the
      mucous membrane. In this study, a total of 68 adult patients due to undergo HSCT
      for allogenic and autologous transplant were enrolled at the Stem Cell Transplant
      Unit. The patients were divided into two groups. One group was treated with POHC
      before HSCT and applications of Mucosamin(r) during the recovery after
      transplantation. The second group served as controls, with the usual treatment of
      Clorexidine 0.20% adopted by the department. After HSCT the same clinician, an
      expert in oral medicine trained for the clinical trial, evaluated symptoms of the
      patients? mucositis of both groups every day. The treated patients developed less
      severe OM, therefore Mucosamin(r) seems to have a protective role against the
      more severe phases of mucositis. The maximum OM pain, measured with the VAS
      scale, was higher in patients who did not use Mucosamin(r). In the treated group
      OM resolved sooner than in the control group.

PMID- 27655516
TI  - Central apelin-13 administration modulates hypothalamic control of feeding.
AB  - The 77 amino prepropeptide apelin has been isolated from bovine stomach tissue
      and several smaller fragments, including apelin-13, showed high affinity for the
      orphan APJ receptor. The distribution of apelinergic fibers and receptors in the
      hypothalamus may suggest a role of apelin-13 on energy balance regulation, albeit
      the studies reporting the acute effects of apelin on feeding control are
      inconsistent. Considering the possible involvement of apelinergic system on
      hypothalamic appetite controlling network, in the present study we evaluated in
      the rat the effects of intrahypothalamic apelin-13 injection on food intake and
      the involvement of orexigenic and anorexigenic hypothalamic peptides and
      neurotransmitters. Eighteen rats (6 for each group of treatment) were injected
      into the ARC with either vehicle or apelin-13 (1-2 MUg/rat). Food intake and
      hypothalamic peptide and neurotransmitter levels were evaluated 2 and 24 h after
      injection. Compared to vehicle, apelin-13 administration increased food intake
      both 2 and 24 h following treatment. This effect could be related to inhibited
      cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) gene expression and
      serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) synthesis and release, and increased orexin
      A gene expression in the hypothalamus.

PMID- 27655518
TI  - Probiotic mixture supplementation in the preventive management of
      trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid-induced inflammation in a murine model.
AB  - Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are characterized by inflammatory conditions of
      the intestine. Probiotic bacteria (PB) can have beneficial effects in several
      gastrointestinal disorders. The objectives of this study were: (i) to provide an
      acute experimental IBD model induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)
      in CD-1 mice, and (ii) to assess the preventive effects of Citogenex
      (Lactobacillus casei and Bifidobacterum lactis) supplementation on intestinal
      tissues and microbiota. Mice were inoculated intrarectally with saline, ethanol
      or different TNBS solutions. 1%TNBS induced clinical signs of colitis (P less
      than 0.01) and histological damage (P less than 0.01). Based on these results,
      mice were pre-treated with Citogenex or saline for 1, 2 or 3 weeks before 1%TNBS
      treatment. Probiotic pre-treatment determined a reduction of clinical signs (P
      less than 0.05), histological alterations of colitis (P less than 0.05) and
      increased beneficial bacteria (P less than 0.05). This study confirms that TNBS
      induced colitis in CD-1 mice is useful for studying the mechanisms involved in
      IBD pathogenesis, and pre-treatment with Citogenex prevents the intestinal damage
      induced by TNBS.

PMID- 27655519
TI  - Age-related ultrastructural and monoamine oxidase changes in the rat optic nerve.
AB  - The aim of this paper is to study the morphology and the distribution of the
      monoamine oxidase enzymatic system in the optic nerve of 4 month-old Wistar
      (young) and 28 month-old Wistar (old) rats. The optic nerve was harvested from 20
      young and old rats. The segment of optic nerve was divided longitudinally into
      two pieces, each 0.1 mm in length. The first piece was used for transmission
      electron microscopy. The second piece was stained with histochemical reaction for
      monoamine oxidase. The agerelated changes in the optic nerve of rats include
      micro-anatomical details, ultrastructure and monoamine oxidase histochemical
      staining. A strong decrease of the thin nerve fibers and a swelling of the thick
      ones can be observed in optic nerve fibers of old rats. Increased monoamine
      oxidase histochemical staining of the optic nerve of aged rats is well
      demonstrated. The increase of meningeal shealth and the decrease of thin nerve
      fibers of the optic nerve in old rats are well documented. Morphological,
      ultrastructural and histochemical changes observed in optic nerve fibers of the
      old rats show a close relation with aging.

PMID- 27655520
TI  - Newborn screening of inherited metabolic disorders: the Italian situation.
AB  - Starting from an international overview of the current status of screening
      programs, the present paper focuses on the legal situation in Italy and the great
      differences among Italian regions. Since the introduction of tandem mass
      spectrometry (MS/MS) in the ?90s the paradigm ?one spot-one disease? changed.
      Only recently, some regions issued legislative acts to promote expanded newborn
      screening with MS/MS. This approach raises medico-legal and ethical issues
      because a fast neonatal diagnosis of an inborn error of metabolism (IEM) could
      increase chances of an early treatment and reduce disabilities, therefore
      citizens ought to have the same access to care countrywide. Enacting a mandatory
      standard for a disease screening panel using MS/MS and a few centers specialized
      in diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of patients affected by IEM (inborn errors
      of metabolism) can reduce legal and ethical issues.

PMID- 27655521
TI  - IgG4-related cranio-spinal hypertrophic pachymeningitis involving the internal
      auditory canal.
AB  - Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related hypertrophic pachymeningitis, which is a focally
      or diffusely thickened dura mater and lymphoplasmacytic infiltration with
      increased IgG4 bearing plasma cells, is a rare disease, and cases involving the
      whole cervical spine are even rarer. Here, we describe a case of probable IgG4
      related hypertrophic pachymeningitis involving the whole cervical spine and the
      auditory canals in an 18-year-old male. The patient, who had a history of
      paresthesia and had previously experienced weakness, presented with generalized
      tonic seizures. A decompressive laminectomy on cervical vertebrae was performed
      as a matter of urgency, removing intradural fibrous material. The patient
      responded well to treatment and was discharged walking independently, with no
      strength deficit to any of the 4 limbs, and with normal blood tests.

PMID- 27655522
TI  - Nutraceutical approaches to homocysteine lowering in hypertensive subjects at low
      cardiovascular risk: a multicenter, randomized clinical trial.
AB  - Although the role of homocysteine (HCys) in secondary cardiovascular prevention
      has been scaled down, hyper-homocysteinemia remains a risk factor for
      cerebrovascular events. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of
      nutraceuticals in lowering HCys serum levels versus a conventional vitamin
      supplementation in hypertensive subjects at low cardiovascular risk. One-hundred
      and four patients (mean age 62.8+/-14.5 years, 63.5% males), 52 for each
      treatment group, were enrolled. The study recruited patients with stage 1
      essential hypertension and hyper-homocysteinemia (HCys >=15 MUmol/L), without a
      history of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. They were sequentially
      randomized to receive a combined nutraceutical containing 400 MUg folate-6-5
      methyltetrahydrofolate, 3 mg vitamin B6, 5 MUg vitamin B12, 2.4 mg vitamin B2,
      12.5 mg zinc and 250 mg betaine (Normocis400(r)) once daily for two months, or
      supplementation with highly dosed folic acid (5 mg/day) (control group).
      Differences in serum HCys values were compared by ANOVA for repeated measures. A
      significant HCys reduction in comparison to baseline was found in both groups at
      the end of the study treatment, from 21.5+/-8.7 to 10.0+/-1.7 MUmol/L for
      Normocis400(r) subjects (p less than 0.0001), and from 22.6+/-6.2 to 14.3+/-2.8
      MUmol/L for controls (p less than 0.0001). HCys reduction was significantly
      higher among patients treated with Normocis400(r) (p less than 0.035). The ideal
      HCys level (i.e. less than 10 MUmol/L) was reached in 55.8% of cases in
      theNormocis400(r) group, and it was significantly higher than in controls. No
      side effects were observed in either treatment group. Randomized clinical trials
      are ongoing to test the effect of folate, B6, and B12 supplementation in primary
      prevention of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. In the meantime,
      especially when the ideal HCys level is far from being reached, Normocis400(r)
      appears to be safe, well tolerated and effective in reducing HCys levels.

PMID- 27655523
TI  - Neonatal oxidative stress depends on oxygen blood pressure in umbilical artery.
AB  - With advancing gestation, partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) and pH fall
      significantly. Hypoxia is a main factor inducing free radical generation and
      thereby oxidative stress (OS). Placental and fetal tissue response when oxygen
      becomes restricted is complex and partially known. We tested the hypothesis that
      changes in umbilical artery and vein blood gas concentrations modulate OS
      occurrence in the newborn. Seventy umbilical artery and vein plasma samples were
      collected from healthy term newborns immediately after delivery. F2 Isoprostanes
      (F2-Isop) were measured in all samples as reliable markers of lipid peroxidation.
      Significantly lower pCO2 and higher pO2 and pH were found in umbilical vein than
      in artery, as expected. A positive correlation was detected between pH and pO2
      only in umbilical artery (p=0.019). F2-Isop levels were no different between
      artery and vein in cord blood. Significant correlations were found between F2
      Isop and pCO2 (p=0.025) as well as between F2-Isop and pH in umbilical vein
      (p=0.027). F2-Isop correlated with pCO2 (p=0.007) as well as with pO2 values
      (p=0.005) in umbilical artery blood. Oxidative stress (OS) in newborns depends on
      oxygen concentrations in umbilical artery. OS biomarkers significantly correlate
      with pO2 and in umbilical artery but not in umbilical vein. In normoxic
      conditions fetal-maternal gas exchanges occurring in placenta re-establish normal
      higher oxygen levels in umbilical vein than artery, with a normal production of
      free radicals without any deleterious effects.

PMID- 27655524
TI  - Cultivated Sub-Populations of Soil Microbiomes Retain Early Flowering Plant
      Trait.
AB  - The collection of microorganisms found in the root zone of soil, termed the
      rhizosphere microbiome, has been shown to impact plant growth and development.
      Here, we tease apart the function of the cultivable portion of the microbiome
      from the whole microbiome in retaining plant traits modified through artificial
      selection on flowering time. Specifically, the whole microbiome associated with
      earlier flowering time of Arabidopsis thaliana was cultivated on four types of
      solid media to create cultivated fractions of the microbiome. These cultivated
      microbiomes were subsequently preserved in glycerol, frozen, and revived to yield
      a portion of the cultivable fraction to compare (1) whole microbiome, (2)
      cultivable microbiome, and (3) revived, cultivable microbiome controls on early
      flowering time. Plants grown in soils inoculated with bacteria grown on 25 %
      Luria broth and 10 % tryptic soy agar retained the early flowering trait. An
      increase in leaf biomass with two of the cultivated microbiomes (49.4 and 38.5 %)
      contrasted the lowered biomass effect of the whole microbiome. Inoculation with
      the cultivated microbiomes that were cryopreserved in glycerol showed no effect
      on flowering time or leaf biomass. The results indicate that the cultivable
      portion of a plant's microbiome retains the early flowering effect in A.
      thaliana, but cryopreservation of the cultivated microbiomes disrupts the
      microbial effects on flowering time. Furthermore, the contrasting effects on leaf
      biomass (an indirect response from selection on early flowering time), seen with
      the whole microbiome versus the cultivable portion, suggests versatility in using
      cultivation methods to modify multiple traits of plants.

PMID- 27655525
TI  - Glyceamic and insulinaemic response to mashed potato alone, or with broccoli,
      broccoli fibre or cellulose in healthy adults.
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine the role of realistic serving sizes of broccoli, broccoli
      fibre and cellulose co-consumed with mash potato, or mashed potato eaten alone,
      on glycaemic and insulinaemic responses (GR and IR) in healthy adults. METHOD: A
      non-blind randomized crossover trial was conducted with thirteen healthy subjects
      consuming four different meals. Capillary blood samples between 0 and 180 min
      were analysed for glucose and insulin. The incremental area under the fasting
      blood glucose and insulin curves (iAUC) was calculated for different time
      increments. Differences in GR and IR between meals were assessed by repeated
      measures analysis of variance. RESULTS: The immediate GR and IR to one serving of
      mashed potato eaten with two servings of broccoli were significantly lower than
      mashed potato eaten alone. The peak, incremental peak and iAUC0-30min for GR and
      iAUC0-30min for IR were all significantly lower for the broccoli-potato meal.
      This meal also takes longer to return to fasting baseline with a time-delayed lag
      in IR and GR compared to the potato only meal. The iAUC60-120min for IR was
      significantly greater for the broccoli-potato meal compared to the other meals.
      Yet there was no corresponding significant difference between the broccoli-potato
      meal and the other meals for peak, incremental peak IR or any other iAUCs for GR
      and IR. For the potato meals containing added broccoli fibre or cellulose, no
      significant differences in GR or IR were observed when compared with the potato
      eaten alone. CONCLUSION: Co-consumption of cooked broccoli with mashed potato has
      a significant effect on glycaemic and insulinaemic responses compared to potato
      eaten alone. Our study suggests broccoli eaten with potato improves glucose
      homeostasis and therefore indicates a general beneficial nutritional role for
      broccoli when eaten with a carbohydrate staple.

PMID- 27655527
TI  - Impact of a natural soil salinity gradient on fungal endophytes in wild barley
      (Hordeum maritimum With.).
AB  - Occurrence and distribution pattern of fungal endophytes in different tissues of
      halophytic plants across saline depressions are poorly studied. We investigated
      the endophytic fungal communities inhabiting roots, stems and leaves of Hordeum
      maritimum collected in a soil salinity gradient, i.e. non-saline, slightly saline
      and saline, using a culture-dependent approach. A total of 20 taxa belonging to
      Ascomycota phylum were identified by ITS rRNA gene sequence. Pyronema domesticum
      and Alternaria spp. were the most frequently isolated. Roots host higher
      diversity and were more frequently colonized by endophytes than aboveground
      organs. Endophytic composition of all organs surveyed differed according to
      salinity gradient. Contrary to expectations, the colonization rate of roots
      increased with soil salinity, indicating that under salt stress the endophyte
      plant association is promoted. All the isolates exhibited in vitro saline
      tolerance, especially those belonging to genera Xylaria, Chalastospora,
      Alternaria and Pyronema. Fungal tolerance to NaCl under in vitro conditions
      appears to be more dependent on the isolates than on the sites of their
      isolation, suggesting that under natural conditions other factors, beyond soil
      salinity, should be taken into account. These findings highlight the importance
      of fungal endophytes in the protection and/or adaptation of both interacting
      species (plant-fungus) to salt stress under natural conditions.

PMID- 27655526
TI  - Maternal diet during pregnancy and micronuclei frequency in peripheral blood T
      lymphocytes in mothers and newborns (Rhea cohort, Crete).
AB  - PURPOSE: The study assessed whether diet and adherence to cancer prevention
      guidelines during pregnancy were associated with micronucleus (MN) frequency in
      mothers and newborns. MN is biomarkers of early genetic effects that have been
      associated with cancer risk in adults. METHODS: A total of 188 mothers and 200
      newborns from the Rhea cohort (Greece) were included in the study. At early-mid
      pregnancy, we conducted personal interviews and a validated food frequency
      questionnaire was completed. With this information, we constructed a score
      reflecting adherence to the World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for
      Cancer Research cancer prevention guidelines on diet, physical activity and body
      fatness. At delivery, maternal and/or cord blood was collected to measure DNA and
      hemoglobin adducts of dietary origin and frequencies of MN in binucleated and
      mononucleated T lymphocytes (MNBN and MNMONO). RESULTS: In mothers, higher levels
      of red meat consumption were associated with increased MNBN frequency [2nd
      tertile IRR = 1.34 (1.00, 1.80), 3rd tertile IRR = 1.33 (0.96, 1.85)] and MNMONO
      frequency [2nd tertile IRR = 1.53 (0.84, 2.77), 3rd tertile IRR = 2.69 (1.44,
      5.05)]. The opposite trend was observed for MNBN in newborns [2nd tertile IRR =
      0.64 (0.44, 0.94), 3rd tertile IRR = 0.68 (0.46, 1.01)], and no association was
      observed with MNMONO. Increased MN frequency in pregnant women with high red meat
      consumption is consistent with previous knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: Our results also
      suggest exposure to genotoxics during pregnancy might affect differently mothers
      and newborns. The predictive value of MN as biomarker for childhood cancer,
      rather than adulthood, remains unclear. With few exceptions, the association
      between maternal carcinogenic exposures during pregnancy and childhood cancer or
      early biologic effect biomarkers remains poorly understood.

PMID- 27655528
TI  - The response of aggregated Pseudomonas putida CP1 cells to UV-C and UV-A/B
      disinfection.
AB  - UV radiation is a spread method used worldwide for the disinfection of water.
      However, much of the research on the disinfection of bacterial cells by UV has
      focused on planktonic cells. Many bacterial cells in nature are present in clumps
      or aggregates, and these aggregates, which are more resistant to disinfection
      than their planktonic counterparts, can be problematic in engineered water
      systems. The current research used Pseudomonas putida (P. putida) CP1, an
      environmental and non-pathogenic microorganism which autoaggregates when grown
      under certain conditions, as a model organism to simulate aggregated cells. The
      study investigated the response of both the planktonic and the aggregated forms
      of the bacterium to UV-C (lambda = 253.7 nm) and UV-A/B (lambda > 300 nm)
      disinfection at laboratory scale in a minimal medium. The planktonic cells of P.
      putida CP1 were inactivated within 60 s by UV-C and in 60 min by UV-A/B; however,
      the aggregated cells required 120 min of UV-C treatment and 240 min of UV-A/B
      radiation to become inactive. The size of the aggregate was reduced following UV
      treatment. Although all the cells had lost culturability, viability as measured
      by the LIVE/DEAD(r) stain and epifluorescence microscopy was not completely lost
      and the cells all demonstrated regrowth after overnight incubation in the dark.

PMID- 27655530
TI  - Assessing Household Economic Vulnerability in HIV-Affected Communities in Five
      Regions of Cote d'Ivoire.
AB  - The objective of this study was to identify and describe levels of household
      economic vulnerability in HIV-affected communities in Cote d'Ivoire, defined as
      those with a high prevalence of HIV and large numbers of orphans and vulnerable
      children. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 3,749 households in five
      health regions of Cote d'Ivoire. Using principal component analysis, we attempted
      to identify sets of correlated vulnerabilities and derive a small number of
      composite scores to create an index for targeting interventions to vulnerable
      populations. The 65 vulnerability measures examined did not cluster in ways that
      would allow for the creation of a small number of composite measures. Instead, we
      found that households face numerous unique pathways to vulnerability.

PMID- 27655529
TI  - Production of beta-xylosidase from Trichoderma asperellum KIF125 and its
      application in efficient hydrolysis of pretreated rice straw with fungal
      cellulase.
AB  - On-site cellulase and hemicellulase production is a promising way to reduce
      enzyme cost in the commercialization of the lignocellulose-to-ethanol process. A
      hemicellulase-producing fungal strain suitable for on-site enzyme production was
      selected from cultures prepared using wet disc-milling rice straw (WDM-RS) and
      identified as Trichoderma asperellum KIF125. KIF125 hemicellulase showed uniquely
      high abundance of beta-xylosidase in the xylanolytic enzyme system compared to
      other fungal hemicellulase preparations. Supplementation of Talaromyces
      cellulolyticus cellulase with KIF125 hemicellulase was more effective than that
      with the hemicellulases from other fungal sources in reducing the total enzyme
      loading for the improvement of xylose yield in the hydrolysis of ball-milling RS,
      due to its high beta-xylosidase dominance. beta-Xylosidase in KIF125
      hemicellulase was purified and classified as a glycosyl hydrolase family 3 enzyme
      with relatively high specificity for xylobiose. The production of KIF125 beta
      xylosidase in the fermentor was estimated as 118 U/g-WDM-RS (2350 U/L culture) at
      48 h. These results demonstrate that KIF125 is promising as a practical
      hemicellulase source to combine with on-site cellulase production using T.
      cellulolyticus.

PMID- 27655531
TI  - [Relationship between vitamin D deficiency and early-onset neonatal sepsis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of vitamin D level on early-onset sepsis (EOS)
      in neonates. METHODS: Seventy-eight full-term neonates with EOS were used as the
      research group (EOS group). sixty healthy full-term neonates without clinical
      and/or laboratory features related to infections were used as the control group.
      Blood samples of the neonates and their mothers in both groups were collected
      within 72 hours of delivery to determine 25-hydroxyvitamin D(25-OHD) levels. The
      rate of vitamin D deficiency in the neonates and the level of 25-OHD supplemented
      to their mothers during pregnancy were compared between the two groups. RESULTS:
      There was a significant positive correlation between the serum level of 25-OHD of
      the mothers and that of the neonates in both groups (EOS group: r=0.797, P<0.01;
      control group: r=0.929, P<0.01). The neonates and their mothers in the EOS group
      had significantly lower 25-OHD levels than those in the control group (P<0.01).
      The rate of vitamin D deficiency among the neonates in the EOS group was
      significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.01). The level of
      vitamin D supplemented to the mothers during the last 3 months of pregnancy in
      the EOS group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.01).
      CONCLUSIONS: Low serum level of 25-OHD is associated with the development of
      early-onset sepsis in full-term neonates.

PMID- 27655532
TI  - [Effects of antibiotic stewardship on neonatal bloodstream infections].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of antibiotic stewardship on the pathogen
      and clinical outcome of neonatal bloodstream infections (BSIs). METHODS: A
      retrospective study was performed on neonates with BSIs who were admitted to the
      neonatal ward in the years of 2010 (pre-stewardship) and 2013 (post-stewardship)
      for pathogens, antibiotic resistance, antibiotic use, and clinical outcomes.
      RESULTS: The admission rate of BSIs (6.47% vs 2.78%) and the incidence of
      nosocomial BSIs (0.70% vs 0.30%) in 2013 were significantly higher than in 2010
      (P<0.01). However, there were no signicant differences in the clinical outcomes
      between the years of 2010 and 2013 (P>0.05). The four most common pathogens
      isolated from blood cultures, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Staphylococcus
      epidermidis, Klebsiella pneumoniae ssp pneumoniae and E.coli, were similar
      between the two years. There were no significant differences in the detection
      rates of extended spectrum beta-lactamase-positve Klebsiella pneumoniae ssp
      pneumoniae or E.coli between the two years. The detection rates of methicillin
      resistant Staphylococcus/beta-lactamase-positive Staphylococcus haemolyticus and
      Staphylococcus epidermidis were similar between the two years (P>0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: Since the implementation of antibiotic stewardship, there has been
      no marked variation in the common pathogens and their antibacterial resistance in
      neonatal BSIs. The antibiotic stewardship could promote the recovery of patients
      with BSIs.

PMID- 27655533
TI  - [Relationship between R236C site in exon 7 of SP-B gene and respiratory distress
      syndrome in Han newborns in western Inner Mongolia].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To detect and analyze the genetic variation in exon 7 of lung
      surfactant protein B (SP-B), and to investigate the relationship between the
      genetic variation and the incidence of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome
      (NRDS) in Han populations in western Inner Mongolia. METHODS: In the case-control
      study, 47 Han infants with NRDS were assigned to case group. All the 47 patients
      had the last three generations of their ancestors reside in western Inner
      Mongolia. Forty-seven Han newborns without NRDS were assigned to control group.
      PCR-based gene analysis was used to determine the mutation in exon 7 of SP-B gene
      and genotype and allele frequencies of the R236C site in exon 7 of SP-B gene.
      RESULTS: In Han newborns in western Inner Mongolia, there was no mutation in exon
      7 of SP-B gene; two genotypes, CC and CT, were identified in the R236C site in
      exon 7 of SP-B gene. No TT genotype was found in the two groups. There were no
      significant differences in the genotype frequency of CC or CT as well as the
      allele frequency of C or T between the case and control groups (CC: 72% vs 85%,
      P>0.05; CT: 28% vs 15%, P>0.05; C: 85% vs 93%, P>0.05; T: 15% vs 7%, P>0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: There is no mutation in exon 7 of SP-B gene in Han infants with NRDS
      in western Inner Mongolia. There is no significant association between the gene
      polymorphism of the R236C site in exon 7 of SP-B gene and the incidence of NRDS
      in Han populations in that region.

PMID- 27655534
TI  - [Current research status of drug therapy for apnea of prematurity].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the current status of studies on drug therapy for apnea
      of prematurity (AOP) in the past decade in China and abroad, and to describe the
      research trends in the field. METHODS: CNKI and MEDLINE were searched with the
      key words "apnea of prematurity" and "treatment" for articles published in the
      past decade (January 2006 to December 2015). The articles were screened and the
      key words were extracted to establish the co-occurrence matrix. Ucinet 6.2 was
      used to plot the knowledge map. RESULTS: A total of 26 Chinese key words and 20
      English key words were included. Those in the center of the co-existent knowledge
      map of Chinses keywords were "preterm infants", "apnea", "primary apnea",
      "naloxone" and "aminophylline"; while "apnea", "preterm infants" and "caffeine"
      located in the central place of the co-existent knowledge map of English
      keywords. CONCLUSIONS: Methylxanthines are still the major drugs for AOP;
      however, aminophylline is mainly used in China, while caffeine is mainly used in
      foreign countries. Other drugs such as naltrexone are also used in the clinical
      treatment of AOP.

PMID- 27655535
TI  - [Influencing factors and evaluation indicators for asthma control level in
      children].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influencing factors for asthma control level in
      children and the practicability of evaluation indicators for asthma. METHODS: A
      total of 185 children with asthma were enrolled. Questionnaires and pulmonary
      function test were used to evaluate the asthma control level and the factors
      influencing the control level. The correlation between evaluation indicators and
      asthma control level was analyzed. RESULTS: Among the 185 children with asthma,
      139 (75.1%) achieved full control, 36 (19.5%) achieved partial control, and 10
      (5.4%) had uncontrolled asthma. Application of inhaled corticosteroids and
      eosinophil count showed significant effects on asthma control level (P<0.05).
      There were significant differences in the percentage of forced expiratory volume
      in 1 second (FEV1%), fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), childhood asthma
      control test (C-ACT) questionnaire score, and pediatric asthma quality of life
      questionnaire (PAQLQ) score between the full control, partial control, and
      uncontrolled groups (P<0.05). In the children with asthma, FEV1% was positively
      correlated with C-ACT and PAQLQ scores (P<0.05), while there was no significant
      correlation between FEV1% and FeNO (P=0.214). CONCLUSIONS: Application of inhaled
      corticosteroids and eosinophil count are factors influencing asthma control in
      children. A combination of FEV1%, FeNO, C-ACT score, and PAQLQ score helps with
      the evaluation of asthma control level.

PMID- 27655536
TI  - [Application of ultrasonic cardiac output monitor in evaluation of cardiac
      function in children with severe pneumonia].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical application of ultrasonic cardiac output monitor
      (USCOM) in evaluation of cardiac function in children with severe pneumonia.
      METHODS: Twenty-nine children with severe pneumonia were enrolled in the
      observation group and forty-three children with common pneumonia were enrolled in
      the control group. The USCOM was used to measure the cardiac function indices in
      the two groups. The results were compared between the two groups. The changes in
      cardiac function indices after treatment were evaluated in the observation group.
      ESULTS: The observation group had a significantly higher heart rate and
      significantly lower cardiac output, systolic volume, and aortic peak velocity
      than the control group (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in cardiac
      index or systemic vascular resistance between the two groups (P>0.05). In the
      observation group, the heart rate, cardiac output, systolic volume, aortic peak
      velocity, cardiac index, and systemic vascular resistance were significantly
      improved after treatment (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The USCOM is a fast, convenient,
      and accurate approach for dynamic measurement of cardiac function and overall
      circulation state in children with severe pneumonia. The USCOM can provide a
      basis for diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation of the disease, which is quite
      useful in clinical practice.

PMID- 27655537
TI  - [Changes in blood CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells in children with severe purulent
      meningitis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To preliminarily study the changes in CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells
      (Tregs) in children with severe purulent meningitis at the early stage and its
      possible implications. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on the
      clinical data of 39 children with severe purulent meningitis who were admitted to
      the pediatric intensive care unit from August 2014 to December 2015. According to
      whether Tregs count was decreased within 12 hours of hospitalization (considering
      Tregs count <410/mm3 as decreased), they were divided into two groups: decrease
      group and non-decrease group. The associations between the changes in Tregs cells
      and the clinical manifestations, laboratory marker levels, and prognosis were
      analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 39 cases, 13 (33%) showed a decrease in the proportion
      of Tregs cells (<31%) and 18 (46%) showed a decrease in the absolute Tregs cell
      count (<410/mm3). Four deaths were all in the Tregs decrease group. Compared with
      the non-decrease group, the decrease group showed a significantly higher
      proportion of children with a peripheral blood leukocyte count lower than the
      normal range and a significantly greater increase in the level of serum
      procalcitonin (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Tregs might be suppressed in children with
      severe purulent meningitis at the early stage. And its suppression could be
      related to the severer inflammation reaction and higher mortality in those
      patients.

PMID- 27655538
TI  - [Therapeutic effects of zinc supplement as adjunctive therapy in infants and
      young children with rotavirus enteritis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic effects of oral zinc supplement in
      infants and young children with rotavirus enteritis, and its preventive effects
      against diarrhea recurrence within 3 months after treatment. METHODS: A total of
      103 infants and young children with rotavirus enteritis were randomly divided
      into zinc supplement group (n=51) and conventional treatment group (n=52). Both
      groups were equally treated with a comprehensive therapy, besides which the zinc
      supplement group received zinc gluconate granules for 10 days. The treatment
      outcomes were examined at 72 hours after treatment, and the time required for the
      disappearance of positive symptoms and the recovery of injured extra-intestinal
      organs were determined. In addition, these patients were followed up for 3 months
      to determine the incidence of diarrhea recurrence after treatment. RESULTS: The
      overall response rate in the zinc supplement group was significantly higher than
      that in the conventional treatment group (90% vs 75%; P<0.05). The durations of
      diarrhea, high fever, and vomiting in the zinc supplement group were
      significantly shorter than that in the conventional treatment group (P<0.05). In
      addition, the recurrence rate of diarrhea and the incidence of severe diarrhea
      within 3 months after treatment in the zinc supplement group were significantly
      lower than in the conventional treatment group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Oral zinc
      supplement as adjunctive therapy is effective in treating infants and young
      children with rotavirus enteritis, and reducing the incidence and severity of
      diarrhea recurrence in the subsequent 3 months.

PMID- 27655539
TI  - [Immunological mechanism of wheezing attack in children with cytomegalovirus
      infection].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the possible immunological mechanism of wheezing attack in
      children with cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. METHODS: A total of 25 under-5
      year-old children with wheezing following CMV infection were enrolled. The
      expression of serum regulatory T cells (Treg)/T helper 17 (Th17) cytokines
      interleukin (IL)-10, IL-6, and IL-17, and peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets
      were determined. Twenty age-matched healthy children were selected as the control
      group. RESULTS: The wheezing group had a significantly reduced serum IL-10 level,
      significantly increased IL-6 and IL-17 levels, significantly reduced levels of
      natural killer cells, and significantly increased levels of CD8+ T cells and
      CD19+ B cells, as compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Wheezing children
      with CMV infection have Treg/Th17 imbalance and cellular immune dysfunction,
      which may be an important immunological mechanism of the development of wheezing
      in children after CMV infection.

PMID- 27655540
TI  - [Expression of Wif-1 and beta-catenin in the Wnt pathway in childhood acute
      lympho-blastic leukemia].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression and possible roles of Wnt inhibitory
      factor-1 (Wif-1) and beta-catenin in the Wnt pathway in childhood acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). METHODS: The clinical data of 35 children who had
      newly-diagnosed ALL and achieved complete remission on day 33 of remission
      induction therapy were retrospectively reviewed. The children before treatment
      were considered as the incipient group, and those who achieved complete remission
      on day 33 were considered as the remission group. Fifteen children with non
      malignant hematologic diseases were enrolled as the control group. RT-PCR was
      used to measure the mRNA expression of Wif-1 and beta-catenin. ELISA was used to
      measure the protein expression of Wif-1. RESULTS: Compared with the control and
      remission groups, the incipient group had significantly lower mRNA and protein
      expression of Wif-1 and significantly higher mRNA expression of beta-catenin
      (P<0.05). In the incipient and remission groups, high-risk children showed
      significantly higher mRNA expression of beta-catenin and significantly lower mRNA
      and protein expression of Wif-1 than the medium- and low-risk children (P<0.05).
      In the incipient and remission group, the children with T-cell acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia showed significantly higher mRNA expression of beta
      catenin and significantly lower mRNA and protein expression of Wif-1 compared
      with those with B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (P<0.05). In each group,
      there was a negative correlation between the mRNA expression of Wif-1 and beta
      catenin (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Reduced expression of Wif-1 and increased
      expression of beta-catenin may be involved in the pathogenesis of childhood ALL,
      and the degree of reduction in Wif-1 and/or increase in beta-catenin may be
      related to prognosis.

PMID- 27655541
TI  - [Clinical phenotypes and copy number variations in children with microdeletion
      and microduplication syndromes: an analysis of 50 cases].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between genotype and phenotype of
      microdeletion and microduplication syndromes (MMSs) and the pathogenesis of
      pathogenic copy number variations (CNVs). METHODS: A total of 50 children with
      MMSs diagnosed by chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) from June 2013 to
      September 2015 were enrolled, and the clinical manifestations and features of
      pathogenic CNVs were analyzed. RESULTS: The main clinical manifestations of
      children with MMSs included mental retardation, developmental delay, short
      stature, and unusual facies, with the presence of abnormalities in multiple
      systems. There were 54 pathogenic CNVs in total, consisting of 36 microdeletion
      segments and 18 microduplication segments, with sizes ranging from 28 kb to 48.5
      Mb (mean 13.86 Mb). Pathogenic CNVs often occurred in chromosomes X, 15, and 1.
      CONCLUSIONS: The clinical manifestations of MMSs are not specific, and a genotype
      first approach can be used for diagnosis. Mode of inheritance, type of
      recombination (deletion or duplication), size of segment, and functional genes
      included helps with the interpretation of CNVs of de novo mutations, and in-depth
      research on rare pathogenesis may become breakthrough points for the
      identification of new MMSs.

PMID- 27655542
TI  - [A clinical analysis of gynecological diseases in 147 children].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical features of gynecological diseases in
      hospitalized children. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed for the
      clinical data of 147 children with gynecological diseases who were hospitalized
      and treated in the department of gynecology. RESULTS: Among the 147 children,
      ovarian tumors were most common (53 cases, 36.1%), followed by reproductive tract
      dysplasia or malformation (29 cases, 19.7%), adolescent dysfunctional uterine
      bleeding (18 cases, 12.2%), traumatic injury in the vulva/vagina (15 cases,
      10.2%), and vaginal foreign body (8 cases, 5.4%). The main symptoms of ovarian
      tumors included abdominal pain and abdominal or pelvic mass. Progressive
      abdominal pain was a main symptom in children with reproductive tract dysplasia
      or malformation. The children with adolescent dysfunctional uterine bleeding
      manifested as irregular or a lot of vaginal bleeding. The children with ovarian
      tumors and reproductive tract malformation or dysplasia were given surgical
      treatment, and those with adolescent dysfunctional uterine bleeding were given
      different sex hormones based on their clinical manifestations and endometrial
      thickness. Eight children with vaginal foreign body underwent hysteroscopy for
      vaginal examination, and the foreign body was successfully removed without the
      damage of the hymen. One patient with tubal pregnancy underwent laparoscopic
      tubal pregnancy debridement. One patient with hydatid mole was diagnosed with
      invasive hydatid mole after complete curettage of uterine cavity and then
      received chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: The top three gynecological diseases in
      children are ovarian tumors, reproductive tract dysplasia or malformation, and
      adolescent dysfunctional uterine bleeding. Common chief complaints of the
      patients include abdominal pain, abdominal masses, and irregular vaginal
      bleeding. Diagnosis and treatment should fully consider the physiological and
      reproductive features of children and give full play to the advantages of
      laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, and ultrasound.

PMID- 27655543
TI  - [Evaluation of nutritional status of school-age children after implementation of
      "Nutrition Improvement Program" in rural area in Hunan, China].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the nutritional status of school-age children in rural
      area in Hunan, China from 2012 to 2015 and to evaluate the effectiveness of the
      "Nutrition Improvement Program for Compulsory Education Students in Rural Area"
      (hereinafter referred to as "Nutrition Improvement Program"). METHODS: The
      nutritional status of school-age children aged 6-14 years was evaluated after the
      implementation of the "Nutrition Improvement Program" and the changing trend of
      the children's nutritional status was analyzed. The statistical analysis was
      performed on the monitoring data of the school-age children aged 6-14 years in
      rural area in Hunan, China from 2012 to 2015, which came from "The Nutrition and
      Health Status Monitoring and Evaluation System of Nutrition Improvement Program
      for Compulsory Education Students in Rural Area". RESULTS: In 2015, female
      students aged 6-7 years in rural area in Hunan, China had a significantly greater
      body length than the rural average in China (P<0.05). However, the other age
      groups had significantly smaller body length and weight than the rural averages
      in China (P<0.05). After the implementation of "Nutrition Improvement Program",
      the prevalence rate of growth retardation decreased (P<0.05), but the prevalence
      rate of emaciation increased (P<0.05). At the same time, the prevalence rate of
      overweight/obesity increased (P<0.05) and the prevalence rate of anemia decreased
      (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of "Nutrition Improvement Program" has
      achieved some success, but the nutritional status of school-age children has not
      improved significantly. Overweight/obesity and malnutrition are still present.
      Therefore, to promote the nutritional status of school-age children it is
      recommended to improve the measures for the "Nutrition Improvement Program".

PMID- 27655544
TI  - [Fever, generalized pain, and multiple pulmonary nodules in a school-aged boy].
AB  - A 9-year-old boy was admitted to Xiangya Hospital due to pain after trauma in the
      left lower limb for 5 days and fever with generalized pain for 2 days. The
      results of X-ray of the left lower limb were normal. Pulmonary computed
      tomography (CT) showed multiple pulmonary nodules in both lungs. Adrenal CT
      showed marked enlargement of the left adrenal gland. The patient also experienced
      generalized herpes and intermittent delirium and had a blood pressure up to
      155/93 mm Hg. He was transferred to our hospital with a suspected diagnosis of
      pheochromocytoma. On admission, the patient had a blood pressure of 86/44 mm Hg,
      sporadic maculopapule and herpes, touch-evoked pain, exposure of superficial
      veins, white pus coating on the right side of the tongue, and tension in the
      abdominal muscle. No skin damage was observed in the left lower limb, and the
      patient was forced to be in the extending position and experienced significant
      swelling below the knees. Laboratory examination showed a reduction in platelet
      count, hypoproteinemia, a significant increase in creatase, a C-reactive protein
      level of 348 mg/L, and a procalcitonin level of >100 ng/mL. Thoracoabdominal and
      pelvic CT showed multiple patchy and nodular lesions in both lungs, which had an
      undetermined nature, as well as an enlarged spleen. The tests of puncture fluid
      from the left knee joint and the periosteum of the left tibia, blood culture, and
      bone marrow culture all showed methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The
      patient was given anti-shock treatment, anti-infective therapy with vancomycin,
      debridement and continuous irrigation/drainage of osteomyelitis lesions in the
      left tibia, but the patient still experienced recurrent shivering and severe
      fever and increased subcutaneous and pulmonary nodules. Linezolid was added on
      day 8 after admission, and the patient's body temperature returned to normal on
      day 24 after admission. Subcutaneous and pulmonary nodules were gradually reduced
      and disappeared. The patient was treated for 2 months and then evaluated as
      cured.

PMID- 27655545
TI  - [Effects of umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells transplantation via lateral
      ventricle on the neural apoptosis and the expression of Bax and Bcl-2 proteins in
      neonatal rats with hypoxic-ischemic brain damage].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells
      (UCBMC) transplantation on the neuronal apoptosis and the expression of Bcl-2 and
      Bax proteins in neonatal rats with hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD). METHODS:
      Seven-day-old Sprague-Dawley neonatal rats were randomly divided into normal
      control (N)+normal saline (NS), HIBD+NS, N+UCBMC, and HIBD+UCBMC groups. HIBD
      model was prepared using the classical Rice-Vannucci method. Twenty-four hours
      after HIBD, UCBMC were transplanted in the N+UCBMC and HIBD+UCBMC groups. Seven
      days after transplantation, NeuN/Cleaved-Caspase-3 double immunofluorescence
      staining and TUNEL methods were used to observe neural apoptosis in the cortex.
      The expression levels of Bax and Bcl-2 proteins were examined by Western blot
      analysis. RESULTS: There were more NeuN+ cleaved Caspase-3+DAPI+ and TUNEL+DAPI+
      cells in the HIBD+NS group compared with the N+NS and N+UCBMC groups (P<0.01).
      There were less NeuN+ cleaved Caspase-3+DAPI+ and TUNEL+DAPI+ cells in the
      HIBD+UCBMC group compared with the HIBD+NS group (P<0.01). The concentration of
      Bax protein was higher and that of Bcl-2 proteins was lower in the HIBD+NS group
      compared with the N+NS and N+UCBMC groups (P<0.01). The concentration of Bax
      protein in HIBD+UCBMC group was lower than that in the HIBD+NS group (P<0.01).
      The concentration of Bcl-2 protein was higher compared with the HIBD+NS, N+NS and
      N+UCBMC groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: UCBMC transplantation via lateral ventricle
      can upregulate the expression of Bcl-2 protein and down-regulate the expression
      of Bax protein, thus alleviating brain neural apoptosis in neonatal rats with
      HIBD.

PMID- 27655547
TI  - [Role of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 in airway inflammation in
      asthmatic mice].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of the change in transient receptor potential
      vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channel activity on the degree of airway inflammation in
      asthmatic mice. METHODS: BALB/c mice were randomly divided into control, asthma,
      capsaicin (TRPV1 agonist), capsazepine (TRPV1 antagonist), and dexamethasone
      groups. The asthmatic mouse model was established by intraperitoneal injection of
      mixed ovalbumin-aluminium hydroxide solution and ultrasonic atomization with OVA
      for sensitization and challenge. The capsaicin, capsazepine, and dexamethasone
      groups were given intraperitoneal injection of capsaicin (30 MUg/kg), capsazepine
      (10 MUmol/kg), and dexamethasone (2 mg/kg) respectively, at 30 minutes before
      challenge. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to observe the degree of
      pulmonary inflammation. ELISA was used to measure the content of interleukin-8
      (IL-8) and interleukin-13 (IL-13) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Real
      Time PCR was used to measure the relative content of TRPV1 mRNA in lung tissue.
      RESULTS: Compared with the asthma group, the capsazepine and dexamethasone groups
      showed reduced pulmonary inflammation, while the capsaicin group showed
      aggravated pulmonary inflammation. Compared with the control group, the asthma
      and capsaicin groups showed increases in the content of IL-13 and IL-8 in BALF
      and the mRNA expression of TRPV1 in lung tissue (P<0.05). Compared with the
      asthma group, the capsazepine and dexamethasone groups showed reductions in the
      content of IL-13 and IL-8 in BALF and the mRNA expression of TRPV1 in lung tissue
      (P<0.05). The capsaicin group showed increases in the content of IL-13 and IL-8
      in BALF (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: TRPV1 channel agonist and antagonist can influence
      the degree of airway inflammation in asthmatic mice. Dexamethasone may reduce
      airway inflammation through regulating TRPV1 level.

PMID- 27655546
TI  - [Association between endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway mediated by inositol
      requiring kinase 1 and AECII apoptosis in preterm rats induced by hyperoxia].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the association between endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)
      pathway mediated by inositol-requiring kinase 1 (IRE1) and the apoptosis of type
      II alveolar epithelial cells (AECIIs) exposed to hyperoxia. METHODS: The
      primarily cultured AECIIs from preterm rats were devided into an air group and a
      hyperoxia group. The model of hyperoxia-induced cell injury was established. The
      cells were harvested at 24, 48, and 72 hours after hyperoxia exposure. An
      inverted phase-contrast microscope was used to observe morphological changes of
      the cells. Annexin V/PI double staining flow cytometry was performed to measure
      cell apoptosis. RT-PCR and Western blot were used to measure the mRNA and protein
      expression of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), IRE1, X-box binding protein-1
      (XBP-1), and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP). An immunofluorescence assay was
      performed to measure the expression of CHOP. RESULTS: Over the time of hyperoxia
      exposure, the hyperoxia group showed irregular spreading and vacuolization of
      AECIIs. Compared with the air group, the hyperoxia group showed a significantly
      increased apoptosis rate of AECIIs and significantly increased mRNA and protein
      expression of GRP78, IRE1, XBP1, and CHOP compared at all time points (P<0.05).
      The hyperoxia group had significantly greater fluorescence intensity of CHOP than
      the air group at all time points. In the hyperoxia group, the protein expression
      of CHOP was positively correlated with the apoptosis rate of AECIIs and the
      protein expression of IRE1 and XBP1 (r=0.97, 0.85, and 0.88 respectively;
      P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Hyperoxia induces apoptosis of AECIIs possibly through
      activating the IRE1-XBP1-CHOP pathway.

PMID- 27655548
TI  - [Effect of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 overexpression on
      airway inflammation and remodeling in mice with allergic asthma].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid
      cells 2 (TREM-2) overexpression on airway inflammation and remodeling in mice
      with asthma. METHODS: A total of 40 BALB/c mice were randomly divided into normal
      control, asthma, empty vector, and TREM-2 overexpression groups (n=10 each).
      Ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization and challenge were performed to establish the model
      of asthma. The mice in the control group were given normal saline, and those in
      the empty vector and TREM-2 overexpression groups were transfected with
      adenovirus vector and TREM-2 adenovirus, respectively. RT-PCR and Western blot
      were used to measure the expression of TREM-2, MMP-2, MMP-9, ADAM33, and ADAM8.
      Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected to perform cell counting and
      classification. ELISA was used to measure the total serum level of IgE and the
      levels of cytokines in BALF. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the asthma
      group showed significant reductions in the mRNA and protein expression of TREM-2
      (P<0.05), a significantly increased level of Th2 cytokine (P<0.05), and
      significantly increased numbers of total cells and classified cells. Compared
      with the asthma group, the TREM-2 overexpression group showed a significantly
      reduced level of Th2 cytokine (P<0.05), a significantly reduced level of IgE
      (P<0.05), and significantly reduced numbers of total cells and classified cells
      (P<0.05), as well as significantly downregulated expression of the inflammatory
      factors and growth factors MMP-2, MMP-9, TGF-beta1, ADAM8, and ADAM33 (P<0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: TREM-2 overexpression significantly alleviates airway inflammation
      and airway remodeling in mice with asthma and may become a potential target for
      the prevention and treatment of childhood asthma.

PMID- 27655550
TI  - [Pertussis diagnosis: the limitation of the currently used criteria and the
      suggestion of Global Pertussis Initiative].
AB  - It has been recognized that pertussis is a disease that affects all age groups.
      There are obvious limitations in the currently used diagnostic criteria with "one
      size-fits-all" definition, which is not advantageous to start individual
      treatment and perform strategies for preventing the transmission. Therefore, the
      expert group of Global Pertussis Initiative gives a suggestion for the diagnosis
      of pertussis. Based on the related published studies, the present article
      analyzes the limitations of the current criteria, and introduces the GPI's
      suggestion in detail.

PMID- 27655549
TI  - [Inhibitory effect of KyoT2 overexpression on proliferation and migration of
      airway smooth muscle cells in mice with asthma].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of KyoT2 on the proliferation and migration
      of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) in mice with asthma. METHODS: Ovalbumin
      (OVA) was used to establish the asthmatic model of airway remodeling in BALB/c
      mice. ASMCs were isolated and cultured, and primarily cultured ASMCs were used as
      the control group. The expression of KyoT2 in ASMCs was measured in the control
      and asthma groups. After the ASMCs from asthmatic mice were transfected with pCMV
      Myc (empty vector group) or pCMV-Myc-KyoT2 plasmid with overexpressed KyoT2
      (KyoT2 expression group) for 48 hours, RT-PCR and Western blot were used to
      measure the mRNA and protein expression of KyoT2, the MTT assay and BrdU assay
      were used to measure the proliferation of ASMCs, and Transwell assay was used to
      measure the migration of ASMCs. Western blot was used to determine the effect of
      KyoT2 overexpression on the protein expression of RBP-Jkappa, PTEN, and AKT.
      RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the asthma group had significantly
      downregulated expression of KyoT2 in ASMCs, and the KyoT2 expression group had
      significantly upregulated expression of KyoT2 in ASMCs (P<0.05). Compared with
      the empty vector group, overexpressed KyoT2 significantly inhibited cell
      proliferation and migration, downregulated the expression of RBP-Jkappa and AKT,
      and upregulated the expression of PTEN. CONCLUSIONS: Overexpressed KyoT2 can
      inhibit the proliferation and migration of ASMCs through the negative regulation
      of RBP-Jkappa/PTEN/AKT signaling pathway.

PMID- 27655551
TI  - [Recent progress in clinical research on pertussis].
AB  - Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory disease. Despite the high
      vaccination coverage, re-emergence of pertussis has been reported in many
      countries over the past two decades. With the increase in the incidence of
      pertussis, there has been a shift in the epidemiological features: an increased
      incidence of pertussis has been noted in older children and adults, who normally
      lack typical clinical manifestations, and who may be easily missed according to
      current diagnostic references for pertussis. In order to achieve better
      prevention and treatment of pertussis, this review article summarized the recent
      research progress in the epidemiology, clinical features, etiology, diagnosis,
      treatment, and prevention of pertussis, particularly focusing on the diagnosis of
      pertussis in older children and adults.

PMID- 27655552
TI  - [Research progress in relationship between fractional exhaled nitric oxide and
      asthma in children].
AB  - Bronchial asthma is a heterogeneous disease that is characterized by airway
      hyperresponsiveness and chronic inflammation. It is often accompanied by
      reversible airflow obstruction. Current laboratory testing methods for the
      diagnosis of asthma in children mainly include lung ventilation function test.
      Due to the non-cooperation of children, it is very challenging to conduct lung
      ventilation function test for preschoolers. Lung function testing is an
      instantaneous indicator, which is influenced by the children's understanding
      ability and mental factors. In addition, it could not assess the severity of
      airway inflammation. Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is a noninvasive,
      simple, and objective indicator of airway inflammation and has gradually gained
      increased use in children in recent years. This review article introduces the
      source of FeNO, the reference value of FeNO in laboratory testing, and the
      progress in the application of FeNO in the diagnosis, prediction, and treatment
      of asthma in children of various ages.

PMID- 27655553
TI  - [Research progress of the application of probiotics in preterm infants].
AB  - The gastrointestinal structure, function and immunity of preterm infants are
      immature. Furthermore the gastrointestinal microbe colonization is abnormal.
      Therefore the preterm infants are prone to a variety of gastrointestinal
      diseases. Probiotics can regulate gastrointestinal microbe constitute, improve
      gastrointestinal barrier function, reduce gastrointestinal inflammation response
      and regulate the immunity. At present, it is used for the prevention of
      necrotizing enterocolitis, late-onset sepsis, and feeding intolerance. The safety
      and efficacy of probiotics for preterm infants are still controversial.

PMID- 27655554
TI  - [Prevention and treatment of energy failure in neonates with hypoxic-ischemic
      encephalopathy].
AB  - Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) in neonates is the brain injury caused by
      perinatal asphyxia or hypoxia and is a major cause of death in neonates and
      nervous system dysfunction in infants and young children. Although to a certain
      degree, mild hypothermia therapy reduces the mortality of infants with moderate
      to severe HIE, it cannot achieve the expected improvements in nervous system
      dysfunction. Hence, it is of vital importance to search for effective therapeutic
      methods for HIE. The search for more therapies and better preventive measures
      based on the pathogenesis of HIE has resulted in much research. As an important
      link in the course of HIE, energy failure greatly affects the development and
      progression of HIE. This article reviews the research advances in the treatment
      and prevention of energy failure in the course of HIE.

PMID- 27655555
TI  - Effects of intermittent hypoxia on oxidative stress and protein degradation in
      molluscan mitochondria.
AB  - Oxygen fluctuations represent a common stressor in estuarine and intertidal
      environments and can compromise the mitochondrial integrity and function in
      marine organisms. We assessed the role of mitochondrial protection mechanisms
      (ATP-dependent and -independent mitochondrial proteases, and antioxidants) in
      tolerance to intermittent hypoxia or anoxia in three species of marine bivalves:
      hypoxia-tolerant hard clams (Mercenaria mercenaria) and oysters (Crassostrea
      virginica), and a hypoxia-sensitive subtidal scallop (Argopecten irradians). In
      clams and oysters, mitochondrial tolerance to hypoxia (18 h at 5% O2), anoxia (18
      h at 0.1% O2) and subsequent reoxygenation was associated with the ability to
      maintain the steady-state activity of ATP-dependent and -independent
      mitochondrial proteases and an anticipatory upregulation of the total antioxidant
      capacity under the low oxygen conditions. No accumulation of end-products of
      lipid or protein peroxidation was found during intermittent hypoxia or anoxia in
      clams and oysters (except for an increase in protein carbonyl concentration after
      hypoxia-reoxygenation in oysters). In contrast, hypoxia/anoxia and reoxygenation
      strongly suppressed activity of the ATP-dependent mitochondrial proteases in
      hypoxia-sensitive scallops. This suppression was associated with accumulation of
      oxidatively damaged mitochondrial proteins (including carbonylated proteins and
      proteins conjugated with a lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde) despite
      high total antioxidant capacity levels in scallop mitochondria. These findings
      highlight a key role of mitochondrial proteases in protection against hypoxia
      reoxygenation stress and adaptations to frequent oxygen fluctuations in
      intertidal mollusks.

PMID- 27655556
TI  - Validation of XMALab software for marker-based XROMM.
AB  - Marker-based XROMM requires software tools for: (1) correcting fluoroscope
      distortion; (2) calibrating X-ray cameras; (3) tracking radio-opaque markers; and
      (4) calculating rigid body motion. In this paper we describe and validate XMALab,
      a new open-source software package for marker-based XROMM (C++ source and
      compiled versions on Bitbucket). Most marker-based XROMM studies to date have
      used XrayProject in MATLAB. XrayProject can produce results with excellent
      accuracy and precision, but it is somewhat cumbersome to use and requires a
      MATLAB license. We have designed XMALab to accelerate the XROMM process and to
      make it more accessible to new users. Features include the four XROMM steps
      (listed above) in one cohesive user interface, real-time plot windows for
      detecting errors, and integration with an online data management system,
      XMAPortal. Accuracy and precision of XMALab when tracking markers in a machined
      object are +/-0.010 and +/-0.043 mm, respectively. Mean precision for nine users
      tracking markers in a tutorial dataset of minipig feeding was +/-0.062 mm in
      XMALab and +/-0.14 mm in XrayProject. Reproducibility of 3D point locations
      across nine users was 10-fold greater in XMALab than in XrayProject, and six
      degree-of-freedom bone motions calculated with a joint coordinate system were 3-
      to 6-fold more reproducible in XMALab. XMALab is also suitable for tracking white
      or black markers in standard light videos with optional checkerboard calibration.
      We expect XMALab to increase both the quality and quantity of animal motion data
      available for comparative biomechanics research.

PMID- 27655557
TI  - Editorial (Thematic Issue: Managing Strategies for Diverse Diseases: Challenges
      from Bench to Bedside Translation in Successful Drug Discovery and Development
      (Part C)).

PMID- 27655558
TI  - Molecular and ecological investigations on the wild populations of Glycyrrhiza L.
      taxa distributed in the East Mediterranean Area of Turkey.
AB  - This paper covers studies on the molecular and ecological aspects of G. glabra
      var. glandulifera, G. flavescens ssp. flavescens and G. echinata collected from
      Hatay (Turkey); with the aim to better understand their genetic variation and
      ecological requirements for possible conservation programs. The material
      including total genomic DNA was extracted by the CTAB, and for PCR reaction, a
      total of 14 SSR primers developed for Medicago truncatula were used. PCR
      amplifications were performed in a Multigen(r) Thermal Cycler. Soil samples were
      analysed for their texture, pH, total soluble salts, calcium carbonate, total N
      content, total phosphorus and organic matter content. In order to see the
      association between genetic, ecological and geographical data, a similarity
      matrix was generated. Genetic similarity distances between genotypes were
      correlated with those of Eucledian distances obtained from ecological and
      geographical data. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) was performed using
      GenAlEx 6.5 software to determine variation among and within genetic variations.
      The genetic analysis showed that the highest expected heterozygosity values were
      obtained from G. glabra while the lowest were obtained from G. echinata. In
      general heterozygosity values were low, especially for G. echinata. Therefore,
      variation appears to be lower within each species than among three species. The
      physical and chemical analysis of soil and plant samples indicates that mineral
      accumulation in plants is substantially affected by the soil characteristics.
      There is a need for identification of better strategies for the improvement of
      varieties, especially for small farmers managing marginal soils. More studies
      should be conducted in order to safeguard these taxa, especially G. glabra var.
      glandulifera which is collected intensively due to its economic value, the same
      is true for endemic taxon G. flavescens ssp. flavescens.

PMID- 27655560
TI  - [Enhancing health management of chronic and non-communicable diseases to improve
      control effect of hypertension and high blood glucose].
AB  - As the development of social economy, the change of life style, and the
      acceleration of population aging, hypertension and diabetes have become the major
      public health problems influencing people's health in China. The prevalence of
      hypertension and diabetes were in increase during the past few years, moreover,
      the burden of disease has become heavier than ever before. Although the
      awareness, treatment and control rates of hypertension and diabetes increased in
      recent years, compared with developed countries, the rates were still at low
      level. Therefore, it is necessary to enhance the population based comprehensive
      prevention and control of hypertension and diabetes.

PMID- 27655559
TI  - Photobiomodulation therapy in the management of chronic oral graft-versus-host
      disease.
AB  - AIM: Patients treated with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
      (HSCT) may experience oral complications associated with chronic graft-versus
      host disease (cGVHD). These complications may significantly affect quality of
      life, even many years post-HSCT. Current treatment options for oral cGVHD are
      limited and often include steroid or other immunomodulatory medications, which
      may not adequately control the oral condition. A non-immunosuppressive
      intervention for symptomatic relief in oral cGVHD would thus be a welcome
      addition to the treatment paradigm. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We report seven cases
      of oral cGVHD that were treated with photobiomodulation therapy (PBM), previously
      known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT). Patients underwent at least two PBM
      treatments per week in addition to local treatment with steroids, and if on
      systemic therapies, these were either unchanged or dosage was reduced during the
      period of PBM therapy. Follow-up data is presented for 4 weeks of treatment.
      RESULTS: Oral pain, sensitivity, and dry mouth improved in most patients. These
      findings suggest PBM therapy may represent an additional approach for management
      of oral cGVHD, and suggest that controlled studies should be conducted to confirm
      the efficacy and safety of PBM therapy in oral cGVHD and to determine optimal PBM
      therapy protocols.

PMID- 27655561
TI  - [Management of diabetes patients aged >=35 years in disease surveillance areas in
      China].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the community-based management of diabetes patients
      aged >=35 years in China. Methods: The subjects from 2013-2014 Chronic Non
      communicable Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance in China were used in this
      study, those who were aged >=35 years and diagnosed by doctors in hospitals at
      community level or above were selected through clustering sampling. Questionnaire
      was used to collect the data of subjects' general information, health status, the
      treatment and the control of blood glucose. Blood samples were taken from the
      subjects to detect the fasting blood glucose level and blood glucose level at 2
      hours after oral administration of glucosum anhydricum. The subjects were
      weighted according to complex sampling scheme to calculated the different rates
      and 95%CI. The Rao-scott chi2 test was performed to test the differences in rates
      between the subgroups. Results: The survey indicated that among the 10 056
      diabetes patients aged >=35 years and diagnosed with diabetes, 4 609 received
      management service in communities. After being weighted, the management rate of
      diabetes patients was 45.0% (95% CI: 40.8%-49.2%). Females (46.9%, 95% CI: 42.8%
      51.0%) had higher management rate than males (43.0%, 95% CI: 38.1%-47.9%). The
      management rate was higher in rural area (50.4%, 95%CI: 46.3%-54.5%) than in
      urban area (41.6%, 95%CI: 35.5%-47.6%). There was a significant age specific
      difference in the proportion of patients receiving management services
      (chi2=21.0, P<0.01), the rate of management was highest in the patients aged >=65
      years (49.2%, 95%CI: 43.6%-54.7%), but lowest in the patients aged 35-44 years
      (35.2%, 95% CI: 27.9%-42.4%). The overall standardized management rate of
      diabetes patients in communities was 16.7% (95% CI: 13.7%-19.7%). The proportion
      of urban patients receiving standardized management service (19.7%, 95% CI: 15.3%
      24.1%) was higher than that of rural patients (12.8%, 95% CI: 9.8%-15.8%). The
      overall treatment rate of diabetes patients in communities was 95.8% (95%CI:
      94.8%-96.9%). The treatment rate was higher in females (97.0%, 95%CI: 96.0%
      98.0%) than that in males (94.5%, 95%CI: 92.7%-96.4%). The control rate of blood
      glucose in diabetes patients receiving management in communities was 34.6%
      (95%CI: 31.5%-37.6%), and the highest blood glucose control rate was in the
      patients aged >=65 years (38.2%, 95%CI: 33.4%-43.0%), while the lowest blood
      glucose control rate was in the patients aged 45-54 years (34.4%, 95% CI: 26.7%
      42.0%). Conclusions: Both the standardized management rate and blood glucose
      control rate were low in the diabetes patients aged >=35 years in China. It is
      necessary to strengthen the allocation of medical resources in communities and
      standardized diabetes management.

PMID- 27655562
TI  - [Prevalence of diabetes in adults in Hebei province].
AB  - Objective: To understand the prevalence of diabetes in adults in Hebei province.
      Methods: The survey was conducted among the local residents aged >=18 years, who
      were selected through multi stage cluster sampling from September 2013 to April
      2014. Design-based methods were used to analyze the prevalence in the last 12
      months. Results: A total of 7 678 adults were included in the study. The overall
      prevalence of diabetes in Hebei was 12.9% (13.1% in men and 12.8% in women),
      there was no sex specific difference in diabetes prevalence (P=0.09). The
      prevalence was higher in urban residents (16.2%) than that in rural residents
      (12.1%), the difference was significant (P<0.01). The prevalence of diabetes
      increased with age (P<0.01). The prevalence of impaired fasting glucose was 5.1%,
      the difference was significant between men and women and between rural area and
      urban area (P<0.01). The prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance was 10.4%. The
      difference of prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance in men and women and
      between rural area and urban area was not significant. The rates of awareness,
      treatment and control of diabetes were 50.7%, 46.3% and 37.5%, respectively.
      Women had higher awareness rate and treatment rate of diabetes than men, the
      difference was significant (P<0.01). Conclusions: The prevalence of diabetes was
      high in adults in Hebei province, the difference in diabetes prevalence between
      urban area and rural area was significant. The prevalence of impaired fasting
      glucose and impaired glucose tolerance were high, but the rates of awareness,
      treatment and control of diabetes were low.

PMID- 27655563
TI  - [Practices and effects of different measures for blood pressure control in
      hypertension patients in Beijing, 2014].
AB  - Objective: To understand the practices and effects of different measures for
      blood pressure control in hypertension patients. Methods: Patients who have known
      hypertension from the subjects of "2014 Beijing adult (aged 18-79 years) chronic
      diseases and risk factors survey" were selected. The choices of different
      hypertension control measures, the relationship between the measures and
      demographic characteristics of hypertension patients, and the effects of
      different control measures were analyzed. Results: A total of 2 229 known
      hypertension patients were included, the analysis was conducted through a
      questionnaire survey. Those who answered "never taking any measures" , "taking
      medication according to doctor's instructions" and "taking medication when blood
      pressure rose" accounted for 7.0%, 79.8% and 8.3%, respectively. Those who had
      "diet control" , "physical exercises" and "blood pressure monitoring" accounted
      for 22.4%, 23.7% and 22.1%, respectively. In terms of "taking medicine according
      to doctor's instructions" , women (84.3%), those aged >=60 years (87.6%), those
      living in urban area (81.5%), those living alone (83.8%), and Beijing local
      residents (82.3%) had higher compliance rates. As for "diet control" , women
      (24.4%), those aged >=60 years (25.8%) and those with educational level of
      college or above (29.5%) had better practices. In terms of "physical exercise" ,
      those aged >=60 years (27.9%), those living in urban area (25.3%), those with
      educational level of college or above (32.5%) had better practice. Women (24.2%)
      and those aged >=60 years (28.4%) had higher "blood pressure monitoring" rate.
      More men (9.7%), those aged 18-44 years (14.7%), those with educational level of
      high school (9.3%), the unmarried (18.2%), and non-Beijing local residents
      (14.7%) answered "never taking any measure" , and in terms of "taking medication
      when blood pressure rose" , non-Beijing local residents (12.8%) had higher rate.
      In the field survey, more patients who never took any measure (98.1%) had higher
      blood pressure than those who took control measures (67.1%), and those who took
      medicine according to doctor's instructions had lowest blood pressure rise rate
      (63.9%). Conclusions: Most hypertension patients could take medication according
      to doctor's instructions, but less patients received other comprehensive
      intervention measures, and there were still some patients never took any control
      measure, or took medication only when blood pressure rose. "Taking medication
      according to doctor's instructions" showed a significant effect in blood pressure
      control.

PMID- 27655564
TI  - [Prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in adults in
      Shandong province, 2013].
AB  - Objective: To understand the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of
      hypertension in adults in Shandong province in 2013. Methods: Adults aged >=18
      were selected through multistage clustering sampling in 19 counties and districts
      in Shandong province. Design-based methods were adopted to analyze the
      prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension among local
      residents. Results: A total of 11 270 adults aged 18-69 years were surveyed, the
      prevalence of hypertension was 27.9% (31.4% in males, 24.3% in females) in
      Shandong province. The awareness rate of hypertension was 37.4% (34.7% in males,
      41.0% in females), and the treatment rate of hypertension was 26.6% (23.4% in
      males, 30.7% in females). The treatment control rate of hypertension was 26.7%
      (28.3% in males, 25.1% in females) and the control rate of hypertension was 7.1%
      (6.6% in males, 7.7% in females). Conclusions: The prevalence of hypertension was
      high, but the awareness rate of hypertension, the treatment rate and the control
      rate of hypertension were low in adults in Shandong province. It is necessary to
      strengthen the health education about hypertension in young population, the
      prevention and control of hypertension in old population and those with low
      education level, the standardized management of hypertension cases and the
      reduction of risk factors for hypertension.

PMID- 27655566
TI  - [Prevalence and control status of diabetes in elderly community residents and
      risk factors].
AB  - Objective: To analyze the prevalence and control status of diabetes in elderly
      community residents and related risk factors. Methods: A population-based cross
      sectional study was conducted in elderly community residents aged 60-95 years in
      an urban district of Beijing from September 2009 to June 2010 to collect the
      general health status of the elderly in the community, the prevalence of
      diabetes, medication treatment, and laboratory tests were conducted. Results: A
      sample of 2 102, including 848 males and 1 254 females, were selected through
      randomized clustering sampling for this study. Most participants had higher
      educational levels, and the smoking and drinking rates were low among them. The
      prevalence of diabetes, impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance
      were 24.8%, 2.5% and 30.6%, respectively. The awareness, treatment and control
      rates of diabetes were 78.5%, 69.3% and 15.9%, respectively. Multivariate
      logistic regression analysis showed that ORs of obesity, family diabetes history
      for diabetes were 1.42 (95%CI: 1.14-1.76) and 3.42 (95% CI: 2.70-4.35),
      respectively compared with control group. Also, obesity and family diabetes
      history were related risk factors for control status of diabetes. Conclusions:
      The prevalence of diabetes was relatively high, but the control rate was low in
      elderly community residents. Obesity, unhealthy lifestyles and family diabetes
      history were related risk factors.

PMID- 27655565
TI  - [Association between body mass index and risk of lung cancer in non-smoking
      males: a prospective cohort study].
AB  - Objective: To assess the association between baseline body mass index (BMI) and
      risk of lung cancer in non-smoking males. Methods: A dynamic non-smoking male
      cohort was established on May, 2006. Baseline information on demography,
      lifestyle, such as smoking status and alcohol consumption, anthropometry, such as
      body height and weight, were collected during the baseline interview, and the
      information of newly-diagnosed lung cancer cases were also collected during the
      follow-up period. Multivariable Cox proportional-hazards regression model was
      used to analyze the association between baseline BMI and lung cancer in non
      smoking males. Results: By December 31, 2011, a total of 48 799 male non-smokers
      had been assessed in the study and there were 214 620.18 person-years of follow
      up and 4.40 years of average follow-up period. During follow-up, 198 lung cancer
      cases were identified among the 48 799 non-smoking males. Compared with those
      with normal BMI (kg/m2) (18.5<=BMI<24.0), the hazard ratio (95%CI) of lung cancer
      were 1.14(0.53-2.45), 0.57(0.41-0.78) and 0.61(0.38-0.97) for underweight
      (BMI<18.5), overweight (24.0<=BMI<28.0) and obese males (>=28.0), respectively,
      after adjustment for potential confounding factors, including age, education
      level, alcohol consumption, physical activity, history of diabetes and work
      environment. Baseline BMI was negatively associated with the risk of lung cancer
      in non-smoking males and the risk would be reduced by 22% (HR=0.78, 95% CI: 0.64
      0.95) for per 5 kg/m2 BMI increase. The negative association between BMI and risk
      of lung cancer was significant among non-smoking males who aged >=50 years, and
      in those who had physical exercise <4 times/week, never drunk and worked above
      the coal mine, and for per 5 kg/m2 BMI increase, the risk of lung cancer would be
      reduced by 26%(HR=0.74, 95%CI: 0.60-0.92), 24%(HR=0.76, 95%CI: 0.62-0.95), 20%
      (HR=0.80, 95%CI: 0.65-1.00) and 23% (HR=0.77, 95%CI: 0.61-0.97), respectively.
      The result was similar after excluding the cancer patients newly diagnose within
      1-year and their contribution person years. Conclusion: Baseline BMI might be
      negatively associated with risk of lung cancer in non-smoking males.

PMID- 27655567
TI  - [Relationship between hypertension and body mass index, waist circumference and
      waist-hip ratio in middle-aged and elderly residents].
AB  - Objective: To assess the relationship between hypertension and BMI, waist
      circumference and waist-hip ratio in middle-aged and elderly residents in Luzhou,
      Sichuan province. Methods: A total of 2 033 middle-aged and elderly local
      residents aged 35-69 years were enrolled from Luzhou through stratified cluster
      sampling from March 27 to April 20, 2015. A face-to-face questionnaire survey and
      physical examination were conducted by trained investigators. Results: The
      overall prevalence rate of hypertension was 43.48%. The overweight rate, obesity
      rate, centrality obesity (calculated according to waist circumference) and
      centrality obesity (calculated according to waist-hip ratio) were 42.5%, 14.6%,
      48.4% and 74.0%, respectively. The multivariate logistic analysis showed that
      gender and age were related to the prevalence of hypertension. Compared with age
      group <40 years, the OR values were 2.066 and 4.756 respectively in age groups 45
      60 and >=60 years. After control the confounding effect of gender and age,
      overweight, obesity and centrality obesity (calculated according to waist
      circumference) were risk factors for hypertension, waist-hip ratio was not used
      in the regression equation. BMI and waist circumference or waist-hip ratio had
      combined effect on the prevalence of hypertension. Compared with the normal
      adults, the risk for hypertension increased as the increase of the level of
      overweight and obesity [OR from 1.524 (95%CI: 1.044-2.226) to 4.461 (95%CI: 3.405
      6.326) and OR from 1.569 (95%CI: 1.134-2.171) to 5.468 (95%CI: 3.797-7.876)].
      Conclusions: The influences of BMI, waist circumference and waist-hip ratio on
      the prevalence of hypertension were significant, but the influence of waist
      circumference on hypertension was greater than waist-hip ratio. Keeping normal
      bodyweight might be one of the effective hypertension prevention measures.

PMID- 27655568
TI  - [Effectiveness of health education about heat wave hazard prevention in the
      elderly: a mixed effect model analysis].
AB  - Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of health education about prevention of
      heat wave hazard in the elderly. Methods: A non-randomized controlled trial was
      conducted during the summer of 2015 among a sample of residents aged >=60 years
      in Panyu district, Guangzhou. Eight intervention measures for heat wave hazard
      prevention were taken in intervention group for 3 months (from August to October)
      and in control group no intervention measures were taken. The comparison of
      intervention effects was conducted between the intervention group and control
      group with mixed effect model after the collection of related information with
      same questionnaire. Results: After adjusting of family per capita income, family
      air-condition availability, alcohol use, disease history and time, the average
      score of risk awareness in the intervention group increased by 1.62, while it was
      0.51 in the control group, the difference was significant (t=2.76, P=0.006). A
      significant effect was observed in the intervention group on the reduction of
      hospitalizations due to chronic diseases. The hospitalization rate due to chronic
      diseases in resent 3 months in the intervention group decreased from 32.39%
      (46/142) before intervention to 28.87% (41/142) after intervention; while in the
      control group, it increased from 26.28% (41/156) before intervention to 36.53%
      (57/156) after intervention. There was no significant difference between the two
      groups in awareness of knowledge on heat wave hazard prevention and the score of
      adaptation to heat wave. Conclusion: Health education programs could improve the
      risk awareness on heat waves, and reduce the hospitalizations due to chronic
      diseases in the elderly.

PMID- 27655569
TI  - [Current smoking status and awareness of tobacco hazard in adults in Beijing,
      2014].
AB  - Objective: To understand the status of current smoking and awareness of hazard in
      adults in Beijing, 2014. Methods: A total of 19 815 subjects were randomly
      selected with stratified multi-stage cluster sampling from 180 communities of 36
      townships of 16 districts in Beijing. Each subject received a standardized
      questionnaire interview. Results: The current smoking rate of the adults was
      26.6% (5 253/19 738), which was higher in men (52.2%) than in women (3.6%) and
      higher in suburb area (28.9%) than in urban area (25.0%). The adults aged 50-59
      had higher rate of current smoking. The daily smoking rate was 23.7% (4 677/19
      738). The average age when smoking started was 19.2 years. On average, one smoker
      consumed 15.2 cigarettes per day. The average score for smoking hazard awareness
      was 5.8, which was higher in smokers than in non-smokers (5.5 vs. 6.0) (t=-9.854,
      P=0.000). In the smokers, 5.7% (298/5 213) intended to give up smoking within one
      month. Doctors gave advice to stop smoking for 66.0% of current smokers. The
      current smoking rate of patients with chronic disease was 31.8% (3 703/11 628),
      and 5.5% (202/3 686) of them intended to stop smoking within one month.
      Conclusions: The smoking rate was still high in men in Beijing. The age of
      starting smoking every day decreased among younger people. The levels of
      awareness of tobacco hazard and passive smoking were still low. The willingness
      of smoking cessation was low. The rate of doctor giving smoking cessation advice
      was low.

PMID- 27655570
TI  - [Factors associated with smoking cessation attempts in male current smokers in
      rural area of Shandong province].
AB  - Objective: To explore the influencing factors for the smoking cessation attempts
      in male current smokers. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in
      nine villages selected from three counties (Pingyin, Junan and Liangshan) of
      Shandong province in August, 2010 through household questionnaire survey in
      villagers aged >=15 years to collect the information about current smokers
      demographic characteristics and smoking-related behaviors. A hurdle count data
      model was used to assess factors associated with the times of past smoking
      cessation attempts. Results: Among 1 798 male current smokers, 29.53% had at
      least one smoking cessation attempt. Smokers who were married (beta=0.705,
      P=0.002), had high educational level (beta=0.214, P=0.026) and had higher level
      of awareness of smoking risks (beta=0.237, P=0.009) were more likely to have
      smoking cessation attempt. Young age at smoking initiation (beta=-0.167, P=0.035)
      and higher level of awareness of smoking risks (beta=0.146, P=0.020) were
      associated with increased smoking cessation attempts. Conclusions: Less male
      current smokers had smoking cessation attemps in rural area in Shandong. The
      factors influencing smoking cessation attempt varied. It is necessary to conduct
      targeted intervention according to the smokers' smoking cessation experience.

PMID- 27655571
TI  - [Prevalence and trend of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents in
      Guangdong province, 2002-2012].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the prevalence and trend of overweight and obesity in
      children and adolescents aged 6-17 years between 2002 and 2012 in Guangdong
      province. Methods: A total of 7 075 children and adolescents aged 6-17 years were
      selected in Guangdong for nutritional survey in 2002 and a total of 2 319
      children and adolescents aged 6-17 years were selected in nine counties/districts
      of Guangdong for nutritional survey during 2009-2012 through multi-stage random
      cluster sampling. The body height and weight of all the children and adolescents
      were measured. Results: The result of 2009-2012 survey indicated the average
      prevalence of overweight and obesity in the children and adolescents surveyed
      were 7.3% and 4.5%, respectively. The prevalence of overweight and obesity were
      higher in boys (8.9% and 6.5%) than in girls (5.3% and 2.2%), in rural area (9.3%
      and 5.6%) than in urban area (4.7% and 3.2%). Children and adolescents aged 9-11
      years had a higher overweight and obesity rates compared with other age groups.
      Compared with 2002, except for obesity rate in urban girls, the prevalence of
      overweight and obesity in children and adolescents obviously increased. The
      increase rate was higher in rural area than urban area and in boys than in girls.
      Conclusions: Compared with 2002, the prevalence of overweight and obesity in
      children and adolescents in Guangdong obviously increased. The prevalence was
      much higher in boys, those living in rural area and those aged 9-11 years, thus
      more attention should be paid to them.

PMID- 27655572
TI  - [Analysis on duplicate reporting of hepatitis B in national notifiable
      communicable disease report system in China, 2011-2013].
AB  - Objective: To analyze the duplicated reporting of hepatitis B in the national
      notifiable communicable disease report system (NNDRS) in China during 2011-2013.
      Methods: The data of hepatitis B reported from January 1, 2011 to December 31,
      2013 were collected from NNDRS, the duplicated reporting were searched with
      software SAS 9.1.3 according to the cases'ID number, name, gender, birth data and
      current address code. Results: During 2011-2013, a total of 3 389 374 hepatitis B
      cases were reported through NNDRS, but the duplicated reporting rate was 7.35%
      (249 047). According to 6 protocols, the duplicated reporting rate ranged from
      0.88% to 6.38%. If using the data in 2011 as the baseline, the duplicated
      reporting rate in the three years was 2.91%, 8.11% and 11.72%, respectively. In
      the duplicated repeating, 33.04% (71 709) occurred in the same year, and 66.96%
      (145 329) occurred in other year. Without the duplicated repeating, the hepatitis
      B incidence in Xinjiang and Qinghai provinces in 2013 could decreased by
      30.80/100 000 and 26.26/100 000, respectively. Conclusions: The analysis
      indicated that the duplicated repeating rate of hepatitis B was 7.36% in NNDRS
      during 2011-2013, and the duplicated reporting mainly occurred in other years.
      The duplicated reporting of hepatitis B in NNDRS had greatly affected the
      accuracy of surveillance data in some provinces, such as Xinjiang and Qinghai.

PMID- 27655573
TI  - [Etiology and drug resistance of non-typhi Salmonella in Henan province, 2011
      2015].
AB  - Objective: To analyze the serotypes and antibiotic resistance phenotypes of non
      typhi Salmonella strains in Henan province from 2011 to 2015. Methods: The stool
      samples were collected from diarrhea patients, and enriched with SBG enrichment
      broth and the pathogen isolation was conducted with CHROMAgar selective culture
      medium at 37 C for 18-24 hours using KIA/MIU biochemical action and API20E
      biochemical system slab to identify Salmonella strains. The serotypes of all the
      positive strains were detected with SSI Salmonella typing sera. According to K-B
      drug susceptibility testing method published by USA clinical and Laboratory
      Standards Institute (CLSI), the antibiotics resistant phenotype of the positive
      strains were analyzed. Results: A total of 1 351 strains of non-typhi Salmonella
      were isolated, in which 811 were from males, 540 were from females. The ratio of
      men to women was 1.5?1. Children and young adults were mainly affected. The
      pathogen isolation was mainly in May-October during a year. The 1 351 strains of
      non-typhi Salmonlla were divided into 58 serotypes. S. enteritidis, S.
      typhimurium, S. agona, S. derby, S. indiana, S. senftenberg and S. thompson
      ranked 1st-7th. The drug-resistance rate of the 1 351 strains was 46.1% to
      synthetic broad-spectrum penicillin ampicillin (AMP), 19.5% and 21.2% to the
      three generation cephalosporin ceftazidime (CAZ) and cefotaxime (CTX), 8.8% to
      the four generation cephalosporins cefepime (FEP), 58.7% to the one generation of
      quinolones nalidixic acid (NAL), 14.7% to the three generation fluoroquinolone
      ciprofloxacin (CIP) and norfloxacin (NOR), 25.0% and 35.6% to aminoglycoside
      antibiotic gentamicin (GEN) and streptomycin (STR), 35.4% to amphenicols (CHL),
      31.7% to sulfonamide trimethoprim (TMP) and 37.8% to tetracycline (TET). Totally
      879 strains were multidrug resistant (65.1%): 350 strains were resistant to 3-4
      kinds of antibiotics (25.9%), 309 strains were resistant to 5-7 kinds of
      antibiotics (22.9%), 174 strains were resistant to 8-10 kinds of antibiotics
      (12.9%) and 48 strains were resistant to 11-12 kinds of antibiotics (3.6%).
      Conclusion: The serotypes of non-typhi Salmonella strains isolated from Henan
      province varied, some strains were resistant to 12 kinds of antibiotics commonly
      used in clinical treatment and the multidrug resistance has become serious.

PMID- 27655574
TI  - [Spatial-temporal analysis of pulmonary tuberculosis in Shandong province, 2015].
AB  - Objective: To analyze the spatial-temporal epidemiological characteristics of
      active pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and sputum smear positive (SS+) PTB in
      Shandong province, China, 2015. Methods: The surveillance data of active PTB and
      SS+PTB in Shandong in 2015 were collected and analyzed by using the global and
      local indicators of spatial association (Moran's I) for the spatial
      autocorrelation of PTB, and by using SaTScan forspatial-temporal clustering
      characteristics of PTB based on geographic information system. Results: Totally,
      31 776 active PTB cases and 8 631 SS+PTB cases were reported in Shandong in 2015,
      and the reported incidence rates of active PTB and SS+PTB were 33.09/100 000 and
      8.99/100 000, respectively. Active PTB had positive spatial autocorrelation at
      county level, and the value of Moran's I value was 0.219 (P<0.001), indicating
      that the high-high (HH) aggregation areas with high incidence were in the
      northwestern, southeastern and central southern Shandong; SS+PTB also had
      positive spatial autocorrelation at county level, and the value of the Moran's I
      was 1.178 (P<0.001), indicating that the HH aggregation areas with high incidence
      were in the southeastern and northwestern Shandong. The results of spatial
      temporal scanning indicated that there was incidence clustering of active PTB in
      the second quarter and the third quarter in 2015, and the clustering areas were
      in the central southern, southeastern and northwestern Shandong; there also was
      incidence clustering of SS+PTB in the second quarter and the third quarter in
      2015, and the clustering areas were in the southeastern and northwestern
      Shandong. Conclusions: The incidence of active PTB and SS+PTB showed spatial and
      temporal clustering in Shandong in 2015. The areas with high PTB burden and high
      PTB transmission risks were in the northwestern and southeastern Shandong. The
      areas with high PTB burden but without high PTB transmission risks were in the
      central southern Shandong.

PMID- 27655575
TI  - [Survival analysis of HIV/AIDS patients with access to highly antiretroviral
      therapy in Ningbo during 2004-2015].
AB  - Objective: To understand the epidemiology characteristics and survival status of
      HIV/AIDS patients with access to highly antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in Ningbo
      during 2004-2015. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted among
      HIV/AIDS patients diagnosed between 2004 and 2015. Life Tables were used to
      estimate survival rates, and Kaplan-Meier curve with Log rank test were used to
      describe the survival curves and the Cox proportional hazard model was used to
      determine predictors of mortality. Results: Of the subjects, the median age when
      starting HAART was 35 years (IQR: 27-45 years). Most of them were males, local
      residents, married, infected through heterosexual sexual transmission, and their
      baseline CD4 T cells counts were mainly <=200 cells/MUl, and most of them were at
      clinical stageI(WHO). The cumulative survival rate was 96.75% for the first year,
      92.36% for the fifth year, 91.87% for the seventh year and 90.02% for the tenth
      year. The risk of the mortality was 17.34 times higher for those aged >60 years
      compared with those aged <=20 years (95%CI: 2.11-142.71), 2.83 times higher for
      those at clinical stage IV(WHO) compared with those at clinical stageI (WHO) (95%
      CI: 1.67-4.80) and 3.26 times higher for those with drug resistance compared with
      those without drug resistance (95%CI: 1.77-6.01). Blood transmission, lower CD4+
      T cell level, BMI <18.5, unmarried were the risk factors for the mortality.
      Conclusions: The effect of HAART was obvious in the HIV/AIDS patients in Ningbo,
      their survival rate was high. The finding indicated that it is necessary to
      strengthen the health care for old population and health education about AIDS
      prevention and control, and conduct large scale screening. Early discovery, early
      diagnosis, early treatment and improving treatment compliancy are still the
      effective ways to reduce the mortality.

PMID- 27655576
TI  - [Probability of premature mortality caused by non-communicable diseases in
      Beijing, 2010-2015].
AB  - Objective: To understand the probability of premature mortality caused by non
      communicable diseases (NCD) in Beijing from 2010 to 2015. Methods: The data of
      deaths from Beijing vital registration system were used to analyze age
      standardized NCD mortality rates, proportion of NCD deaths in age group <70 years
      and premature NCD mortality. Results: NCD deaths accounted for 90% of the total
      deaths in Beijing. Age-standardized NCD death rate decreased from 332.43/100 000
      in 2010 to 280.02/100 000 in 2015. Meanwhile, the probability of deaths from four
      NCDs between in age group 30-70 years (premature NCD mortality) decreased from
      12.81% to 11.11% in Beijing. The premature mortality of four NCDs in men was
      14.63%, and compared with 2015 baseline, it would decrease by 16.4% to reach 2025
      goal (12.23%), and the probability of premature mortality four NCDs in women was
      7.54%, and compared with 2015 baseline, it would decrease by 6.8% to reach the
      2025 goal (7.03%). People living in suburb areas had a higher probability of
      premature NCD mortality (13.67%) than those living in urban areas (9.72%) in
      Beijing in 2015. Conclusions: The premature NCD mortality was much higher in men
      than in women in Beijing. More attention should be paid to the control of risk
      factors for NCD premature deaths, especially in men and in suburb residents, to
      reach the 25*25 goal.

PMID- 27655577
TI  - [Prevalence of loss of activities of daily living and influencing factors in
      elderly population in China].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the prevalence of the loss of basic activities of daily
      living (ADL) and instrumental ADL (IADL) influencing factors in the elderly
      population in China and provide evidence for the effective keeping and
      improvement of the elderly daily living. Methods: The information about
      demographic characteristics and activities of daily living of elderly Chinese
      aged >=60 years were collected by using the data of 2013 China Health and
      Retirement Longitudinal Study. The elderly's ADL of taking bath, eating, getting
      in and out of bed, dressing, toilet use, and defecating and the IADL of doing
      housework, cooking, making phone call, taking medicine, shopping and money
      managing were evaluated. The differences in loss of ADL among different
      populations were compared by chi2 test and logistic regression analysis was
      conducted to identify influencing factors for the loss of ADL and IADL. Results:
      The overall ADL loss rate was 23.8% and the overall IADL loss rate was 35.4% in
      elderly Chinese. The proportion of having trouble in toilet use was highest among
      all ADL items, followed by bathing and getting in and out of bed. The proportion
      of having trouble in making phone call was highest among all IADL items, followed
      by doing housework and money managing. Female, older age, low educational level,
      living in central and western China, chronic diseases and disability were factors
      associated with ADL loss and IADL loss; the divorced or separated, widowed were
      more likely to have ADL loss; people living in rural area were more likely to
      have IADL loss. Conclusion: It is necessary to take comprehensive measures to
      delay and reduce the ADL and IADL loss in elderly Chinese and provide timely and
      appropriate health care for the elderly with ADL or IADL loss.

PMID- 27655579
TI  - [Influence of hypertension disorder complicating pregancy and its interaction
      with other factors on incidence of small for gestational age].
AB  - Objective: To understand the influence of hypertension disorder complicating
      pregancy on the incidence of small for gestational age (SGA) and its interaction
      with other factors. Methods: A nested case-control study was conducted to analyze
      the influence of hypertension disorder complicating pregancy on the incidence of
      small for gestational age and evaluate the interaction between hypertension
      disorder complicating pregancy and other factors. Results: Data from 6 297
      subjects were collected, including 836 (13.28%) pregnant women with hypertension
      disorder complicating pregancy, 789 (12.53%) infants who were small for
      gestational age. Compared with the pregnant women without hypertension disorder
      complicating pregancy, women with hypertension disorder complicating pregancy
      (aOR=2.185, 95% CI: 1.266-3.770), preeclampsia- eclampsia (aOR=5.322, 95% CI:
      4.224-6.707) and with chronic hypertension complicated with superimposed
      preeclampsia (aOR=3.794, 95% CI: 2.190-6.573) had increased risk for the
      incidence of small for gestational age. The Interaction analysis showed that
      there was strong positive interactions between hypertension disorder complicating
      pregancy and premature birth on small for gestational age infants (RERI=5.260,
      AP=0.586, SI=2.941), (OR=2.331, 95%CI: 1.443-3.767). Addictive interaction was
      found between hypertension disorder complicating pregancy and placental abruption
      (RERI=5.631, AP= 0.522, SI=2.352), and between hypertension disorder complicating
      pregancy and female fetuses (RERI= 3.660, AP=0.374, SI=1.714), and between
      hypertension disorder complicating pregancy and oligohydramnios (RERI=10.619,
      AP=0.636, SI=3.093). However, no significant multiplication interaction was
      found. Conclusions: Hypertension disorder complicating pregancy is the risk
      factor of the incidence of small for gestational age. Hypertension disorder
      complicating pregancy also showed addictive interaction on the incidence of small
      for gestational age with female fetuses, placental abruption as well as
      oligohydramnios. There was addictive and multiplication interactions between
      hypertension disorder complicating pregancy and premature birth.

PMID- 27655578
TI  - [Analysis on molecular genetic evolution of Banna virus based on the 12th
      segment].
AB  - Objective: To understand the evolution characteristics of Banna viruses (BAVs)
      isolated worldwide from 1980 to 2012. Methods: In this study, a phylogenetic
      analysis using Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo simulations was conducted on all
      available 12th segment of genes of BAVs isolated worldwide from 1980 to 2012 to
      investigate the evolutionary and epidemiologic dynamics of BAVs. Results: The
      Bayesian phylogenetic analysis of BAVs revealed that the common ancestor of BAVs
      appeared 315 (95%HPD: 63-619) years ago. The evolutionary rate of BAV based on
      the 12th segment gene was estimated to be 2.33*10-3 (95%HPD: 2.84* 10-4-8.52*10
      3) substitution per site per year, indicating BAV belong to an emerging arbovirus
      with rapid evolution. Conclusion: The evolution of emerging BAVs is rapid and the
      distribution of BAVs has expanded with new variant being detected, so it is
      necessary to enhance the surveillance to fully understand the natural
      distribution and pathogenicity of BAVs.

PMID- 27655580
TI  - [Association between SEC16B polymorphisms and body mass index variation or risk
      of obesity: a Meta-analysis].
AB  - Objective: To systematically evaluate the associations between SEC16B
      polymorphisms and body mass index (BMI) or risk of obesity in different ethnic
      populations. Methods: A literature retrieval was carried out by using
      Wanfangdata, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Science and
      Technology Journal Database (VIP databases), PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, NIH
      GWAS catalog databases to collect the research papers published between 2009 and
      2015 on the associations between SEC16B polymorphisms and BMI or risk of obesity.
      Summary beta estimates (betas), odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals
      (CIs) were calculated to assess the strength for the BMI analyses and obesity
      status. Meta-analysis was performed with Stata 12.0 software. Results: Totally 15
      papers for rs10913469 and 13 papers for rs543874 were included in this Meta
      analysis. Under additive genetic model, rs10913469 and rs543874 in SEC16B gene
      were positively associated with BMI, and the combined beta was 0.04 (95%CI: 0.03
      0.05) and 0.03 (95%CI: 0.02-0.04), respectively, and rs10913469 and rs543874 were
      also associated with the risk of obesity, and the combined OR was 1.11 (95%CI:
      1.08-1.15) and 1.28 (95%CI: 1.20-1.36), respectively. There were no significant
      differences among subgroups of ethnicity, different age groups and literatures
      with different quality. Conclusion: rs10913469 and rs543874 in SEC16B gene are
      significantly associated with BMI and the risk of obesity, and C allele of
      rs10913469 and G allele of rs543874 increase the risk for obesity in different
      ethnic populations.

PMID- 27655581
TI  - [The accuracy of mammography screening for breast cancer: a Meta-analysis].
AB  - Objective: To estimate the accuracy of mammography for population-based breast
      cancer screening. Methods: Studies of screening mammography performance were
      systematically reviewed in the Medline, Embase, Cochrane and China National
      Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) literature databases. The retrieval was performed
      by using related key words, including disease name, screening and intervention
      indicators and study type. A total of 1 167 records were retrieved by June 4,
      2015 and those studies met the inclusion criteria were included for the current
      analysis. The numbers of true-positive, false-positive, false-negative and true
      negative were originally extracted and calculated from each individual study. A
      QUADAS checklist was used to assess the quality of the studies. A curve of
      summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) was applied as a comprehensive
      assessment of diagnosed accuracy. The pooled effect size of both sensitivity and
      specificity was quantitatively synthesized in both total population and subgroup
      with dense breast using the bivariate mixed-effects models. We conducted a
      sensitivity analysis in the studies with sample size over 100 000. Heterogeneity
      between studies was measured by the Q test and I2 statistic, and publication bias
      was evaluated by a funnel plot and the linear regression test. Results: A total
      of 48 publications with 8 551 873 individuals were identified for the final
      qualitative synthesis, most of them were from Europe area and American (38
      studies), 8 were from Asia area, and 2 were from Oceania area. The studies were
      conducted during period of 1975-2013, and the age of study women ranged mostly
      from 40 to 75 years. The area under the SROC curve (AUC) was 0.95 (95%CI: 0.93
      0.97). It was estimated that the pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.81
      (95%CI: 0.77-0.84) and 0.96 (95%CI: 0.94-0.96), respectively. The results were
      indicated stable and robust in sensitivity analysis. In the subgroup with dense
      breast, the sensitivity and specificity were 0.74 (95% CI: 0.61-0.83) and 0.93
      (95% CI: 0.89-0.96), respectively. Funnel plot and test results showed there was
      no significant publication bias among the included studies. Conclusion: The
      accuracy of mammography is high for population-based breast cancer screening in
      women, although the sensitivity is lower in women with dense breast.

PMID- 27655582
TI  - [Relationship between maternal exposure factors and small for gestational age
      infant].
AB  - Through literature study, this paper summarizes the current status of research on
      the relationship between maternal exposure factors and small for gestational age
      infant both in China and abroad. And at the same time, the relationship between
      pregnancy outcome of small for gestational age and maternal exposure factors was
      analyzed. This might contribute to reduce the incidence of small for gestational
      age infant and provide important guidance and references for perinatal care.

PMID- 27655583
TI  - [Progress in research of health-related quality of life].
AB  - Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is a multidimensional concept for the
      comprehensive assessment of people's physical and mental health status, which
      plays an irreplaceable role in clinical treatment, pharmaceutics research,
      prevention and health care, health policy decision and health economy evaluation,
      etc. This paper summarizes the connotation, research status, assessment scales
      and influencing factors of health-related quality of life in order to provide
      reference to improve the research of health-related quality of life in the
      future.

PMID- 27655584
TI  - Cytomegalovirus esophagitis developing during chemoradiotherapy for esophageal
      cancer: two case reports.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is well known that cytomegalovirus esophagitis occurs in
      immunosuppressed patients. However, few reports have described cytomegalovirus
      esophagitis occurring during chemoradiotherapy for esophageal cancer. CASE
      PRESENTATION: We report two cases of patients with cytomegalovirus esophagitis
      that developed during chemoradiotherapy for esophageal cancer. Cytomegalovirus
      esophagitis was diagnosed based on the presence of intranuclear inclusions in
      tumor biopsy specimens. The two Japanese patients presented with anorexia and
      fever, which improved with anti-cytomegalovirus treatment, and intranuclear
      inclusions were no longer seen in the specimens. CONCLUSIONS: The possibility of
      cytomegalovirus esophagitis must be kept in mind for patients with esophageal
      cancer presenting with prolonged fever or digestive symptoms while receiving
      chemoradiotherapy.

PMID- 27655585
TI  - E-Cigarette Policies on College Campuses: Student Use Behaviors, Awareness, and
      Policy Support.
AB  - This study examined e-cigarette use and attitudes toward e-cigarette policies
      among students at colleges and universities with and without policies prohibiting
      e-cigarette use on campus. In April 2015, we fielded an online survey with a
      convenience sample of 930 students at 14 North Dakota colleges and universities.
      The survey included questions about e-cigarette use, observed e-cigarette use on
      campus, awareness of school e-cigarette policy, and support for policies
      prohibiting e-cigarette use on campus. Over 40 % of respondents had used e
      cigarettes at least once, and most current users reported using them rarely (36
      %). Nearly 29 % of respondents reported observing e-cigarette use on campus, and
      more than half of these reported seeing e-cigarette use indoors. More than 42 %
      did not know whether their school's policy prohibited e-cigarette use on campus,
      and students at schools with a policy were more likely to identify their campus
      policy correctly. Sixty-six percent of respondents were in favor of policies
      prohibiting e-cigarette use on campus, and those at schools with policies
      prohibiting e-cigarette use were more likely to support a campus e-cigarette
      policy. Policies prohibiting e-cigarette use on campus intend to restrict use,
      reduce prevalence, and shape social norms. This study indicates that support for
      campus e-cigarette policies is high, although awareness of whether e-cigarettes
      are included in college and university policies is low. These findings
      demonstrate the need for coordinated policy education efforts and may guide
      college administrators and student health services personnel as they consider how
      to implement and evaluate campus e-cigarette policies.

PMID- 27655586
TI  - Electronic Communication Channel Use and Health Information Source Preferences
      Among Latinos in Northern Manhattan.
AB  - Understanding key health concepts is crucial to participation in Precision
      Medicine initiatives. In order to assess methods to develop and disseminate a
      curriculum to educate community members in Northern Manhattan about Precision
      Medicine, clients from a local community-based organization were interviewed
      during 2014-2015. Health literacy, acculturation, use of Internet, email, and
      text messaging, and health information sources were assessed. Associations
      between age and outcomes were evaluated; multivariable analysis used to examine
      the relationship between participant characteristics and sources of health
      information. Of 497 interviewed, 29.4 % had inadequate health literacy and 53.6 %
      had access to the Internet, 43.9 % to email, and 45.3 % to text messaging. Having
      adequate health literacy was associated with seeking information from a
      healthcare professional (OR 2.59, 95 % CI 1.54-4.35) and from the Internet (OR
      3.15, 95 % CI 1.97-5.04); having <= grade school education (OR 2.61, 95 % CI 1.32
      5.17) also preferred information from their provider; persons >45 years (OR 0.29,
      95 % CI 0.18-0.47) were less likely to use the Internet for health information
      and preferred printed media (OR 1.64, 95 % CI 1.07-2.50). Overall, electronic
      communication channel use was low and varied significantly by age with those <=45
      years more likely to utilize electronic channels. Preferred sources of health
      information also varied by age as well as by health literacy and educational
      level. This study demonstrates that to effectively communicate key Precision
      Medicine concepts, curriculum development for Latino community members of
      Northern Manhattan will require attention to health literacy, language preference
      and acculturation and incorporate more traditional communication channels for
      older community members.

PMID- 27655587
TI  - Relative significances of pH and substrate starch level to roles of Streptococcus
      bovis S1 in rumen acidosis.
AB  - To clarify the relative importance of pH and substrate starch level in
      fermentation characteristics and regulatory mechanism of Streptococcus bovis S1
      in rumen acidosis, an in vitro fermentation of three levels of soluble starch (1,
      3 and 9 g/L) was established with pH in the media were maintained constant at 5.5
      or 6.5. The results showed that the dominant product of S. bovis S1 was lactate
      at both pH, the production depended on the starch level, and more lactate was
      produced at pH 6.5 than that at pH 5.5 (P < 0.001). At pH 5.5, the activity of
      lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alpha-amylase (alpha-AMY), their abundances, the
      relative expressions of LDH, PFL (gene encoding pyruvate formate-lyase), CCPA
      (gene encoding global catabolite control protein A) and alpha-AMY genes were
      higher than those at pH 6.5 (P < 0.05), whereas the concentration of fructose-1,6
      diphosphate (FDP) was lower. The activity of LDH, alpha-AMY and FDP, and the
      relative expressions of LDH, PFL, CCPA and alpha-AMY genes were, in general,
      positively related to the starch level. The canonical regression analysis
      indicated that the pH had more profound effect compared with the starch level, in
      terms of the acid productions, enzyme activity and gene expressions. It was
      concluded that the fermentation of S. bovis was regulated at the transcription
      level in response to both pH and substrate starch concentration, but more
      sensitive to pH changes. 

PMID- 27655589
TI  - Reproductive factors, menopausal hormone therapies and primary liver cancer risk:
      a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of observational studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A striking gender disparity in the incidence and outcome of primary
      liver cancer (PLC) has been well recognized. Mounting evidence from basic
      research suggests that hormonal factors may be involved in the gender disparity
      of PLC. Whether hormonal exposures in human subjects are associated with PLC risk
      is largely unknown. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE: Whether reproductive factors and use
      of menopausal hormone therapies (MHTs) in women are associated with PLC risk
      remains controversial. We conducted this study to clarify this issue. SEARCH
      METHODS: PubMed and EMBASE were searched to July, 2016 for studies published in
      English or Chinese. Observational studies (cohort, nested case-control and case
      control) that provided risk estimates of reproductive factors, MHTs and PLC risk
      were eligible. The quality of included studies was determined based on the
      Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale. Summary risk ratios (RRs) were
      calculated using a random-effects model. Dose-response analysis was conducted
      where possible. OUTCOMES: Fifteen peer-reviewed studies, involving 1795 PLC cases
      and 2 256 686 women, were included. Overall meta-analyses on parity and PLC risk
      did not find any significant associations; however, when restricting to studies
      with PLC cases >=100, increasing parity was found to be significantly associated
      with a decreased risk of PLC [RR for the highest versus lowest parity 0.67, 95%
      CI 0.52, 0.88; RR for parous versus nulliparous 0.71, 95% CI 0.53, 0.94; RR per
      one live birth increase 0.93, 95% CI 0.88, 0.99]. A J-shaped relationship between
      parity and PLC risk was identified (Pnon-linearity < 0.01). Compared with never
      users, the pooled RRs of PLC were 0.60 (95% CI 0.37, 0.96) for ever users of MHT,
      0.73 (95% CI 0.46, 1.17) for ever users of estrogen-only therapy (ET) and 0.67
      (95% CI 0.45, 1.02) for ever users of estrogen-progestin therapy (EPT). The
      pooled RR of PLC for the oldest versus youngest category of menarcheal age was
      0.50 (95% CI 0.32, 0.79). Oophorectomy was significantly associated with an
      increased risk of PLC (RR 2.23, 95% CI 1.46, 3.41). No significant association of
      age at first birth, and spontaneous or induced abortion with PLC risk was found.
      No meta-analysis was performed for the association of age at menopause,
      breastfeeding, hysterectomy, menopausal status and stillbirth with PLC risk owing
      to huge methodological heterogeneity and/or very limited studies. WIDER
      IMPLICATIONS: Parity is associated with PLC risk in a J-shaped dose-response
      pattern. Late age at menarche and ever use of MHT are associated with a reduced
      risk of PLC, whereas there is no association of ever use of ET and EPT, age at
      first birth, or spontaneous and induced abortion with PLC risk. Compared to women
      with no history of oophorectomy, those with a history of oophorectomy are at an
      increased risk of PLC. Our findings provide some epidemiological support for a
      role of hormonal exposures in the development of PLC in women. However, these
      findings should be interpreted with much caution because of the limited number of
      studies and potential biases, and need to be validated by studies with good
      design and large sample size.

PMID- 27655591
TI  - [Health effect assessment of risk factors for developing population intervention
      strategies].
AB  - Population health is affected by distal factors such as social, economic,
      cultural factors, proximal factors such as behavior, environment and health
      services, and biologic factors such as genetics and local microbial populations.
      Nowadays, China is in the throes of rapid economic and social development, which
      may affect disease patterns through changes in behavior, environment or
      communicable disease. This paper addresses the burden of disease attributable to
      common behavior, environmental and disease risk factors in 2013, and changes in
      their influence between 1990 and 2013. According to these findings, we can
      discern critical factors that affecting population health, identify the target
      populations of public health intervention projects, and design effective and more
      targeted prevention strategies to control the burden of chronic diseases.

PMID- 27655590
TI  - Long non-coding RNAs in human early embryonic development and their potential in
      ART.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are an emerging category of
      transcripts with increasingly documented functional roles during development.
      LncRNAs and roles during human early embryo development have recently begun to be
      unravelled. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE: This review summarizes the most recent
      knowledge on lncRNAs and focuses on their expression patterns and role during
      early human embryo development and in pluripotent stem cells (PSCs). Public mRNA
      sequencing (mRNA-seq) data were used to illustrate these expression signatures.
      SEARCH METHODS: The PubMed and EMBASE databases were first interrogated using
      specific terms, such as 'lncRNAs', to get an extensive overview on lncRNAs up to
      February 2016, and then using 'human lncRNAs' and 'embryo', 'development', or
      'PSCs' to focus on lncRNAs involved in human embryo development or in
      PSC.Recently published RNA-seq data from human oocytes and pre-implantation
      embryos (including single-cell data), PSC and a panel of normal and malignant
      adult tissues were used to describe the specific expression patterns of some
      lncRNAs in early human embryos. OUTCOMES: The existence and the crucial role of
      lncRNAs in many important biological phenomena in each branch of the life tree
      are now well documented. The number of identified lncRNAs is rapidly increasing
      and has already outnumbered that of protein-coding genes. Unlike small non-coding
      RNAs, a variety of mechanisms of action have been proposed for lncRNAs. The
      functional role of lncRNAs has been demonstrated in many biological and
      developmental processes, including cell pluripotency induction, X-inactivation or
      gene imprinting. Analysis of RNA-seq data highlights that lncRNA abundance
      changes significantly during human early embryonic development. This suggests
      that lncRNAs could represent candidate biomarkers for developing non-invasive
      tests for oocyte or embryo quality. Finally, some of these lncRNAs are also
      expressed in human cancer tissues, suggesting that reactivation of an embryonic
      lncRNA program may contribute to human malignancies. WIDER IMPLICATIONS: LncRNAs
      are emerging potential key players in gene expression regulation. Analysis of RNA
      seq data from human pre-implantation embryos identified lncRNA signatures that
      are specific to this critical step. We anticipate that further studies will show
      that these new transcripts are major regulators of embryo development. These
      findings might also be used to develop new tests/treatments for improving the
      pregnancy success rate in IVF procedures or for regenerative medicine
      applications involving PSC.

PMID- 27655592
TI  - [Recognition of the vaccination: a key and important strategy in controlling
      vaccine preventable diseases].
AB  - China has achieved an outstanding accomplishment in combating infectious
      diseases, which has contributed to health improvement and prolongation of life
      expectancy, and health development globally. Among strategies for combating
      infectious diseases, vaccination is a key component. However, immunization rates
      have fallen sharply as a result of false information, inconvenient access to
      vaccination, and distrust which together can lead to "vaccine hesitancy",
      eventually resulting in the risk of endemic vaccine-preventable disease. By
      analyzing the importance of vaccination and its determinants, it should be
      recognized that vaccination is necessary to protect children's health, and
      considered as a key national policy with forceful strategies for the control of
      vaccine-preventable diseases.

PMID- 27655593
TI  - [Burden of disease attributable to high- sodium diets in China, 2013].
AB  - Objective: To examine the burden of disease(BOD)attributable to high-sodium diets
      in China in 2013. Methods: Data were extracted from the 2013 Global Burden of
      Disease Study for China to examine the BOD attributable to high-sodium diets in
      2013, gender, and disease composition. Measurements for attributable BOD were
      population attributable fraction(PAF), deaths, standardized mortality and
      disability-adjusted life years(DALY)(not including Taiwan, China). An average
      world population age-structure for the period 2000-2025 was adopted to calculate
      age-standardized rates. Results: In 2013, deaths attributable to high-sodium
      diets accounted for 12.6% of all deaths and 14.5% of chronic disease deaths.
      Overall, 7.8% of deaths because of neoplasms, 25.2% of cardiovascular disease
      deaths, and 22.9% of chronic kidney disease deaths were attributable to high
      sodium diets. A total of 1 176 553 deaths were attributable to high-sodium diets
      and the standardized mortality was 91.5/100 000, which was higher in men than in
      women(121.7/100 000 and 63.0/100 000, respectively). Overall, 22.759 million
      DALYs were attributable to high-sodium diets. The DALY standardized rate was 1
      588.0/100 000, which was higher in men than in women(2 189.7/100 000 and
      993.2/100 000, respectively). When compared by province, PAF in Xinjiang(25.0%),
      Qinghai(23.7%), Shanxi(23.2%), Tibet(22.1%)and Shandong(20.5%)was higher than
      other provinces. The standardized mortality in Xinjiang(239.4/100 000),
      Qinghai(238.9/100 000), Tibet(221.7/100 000), Shanxi(166.2/100 000)and
      Hebei(149.9/100 000)were higher than other provinces. The DALY standardized rate
      attributable to high-sodium diets was highest in Xinjiang(4 430.8/100 000),
      Qinghai(4 422.5/100 000), Tibet(4 021.4/100 000), Shanxi(2 816.6/100 000), and
      Hebei(2 624.9/100 000). Conclusion: The BOD attributable to high-sodium diets is
      a serious issue in China, particularly in men and in the northern provinces.
      Effective measures should be taken in northern provinces to reduce sodium intake.

PMID- 27655594
TI  - [Burden of disease attributed to high total cholesterol in 2013 in China].
AB  - Objective: To analyze the burden of disease attributed to high total
      cholesterol(TC)in 2013 in China. Methods: We used data from the 2013 Global
      Burden of Disease Study. The population attributable fraction was calculated to
      estimate the deaths and disability-adjusted life years(DALY)attributed to high
      TC. Disease burden was compared by age, gender, diseases and province(not
      including Taiwan, China). An average world population age structure for the
      period 2000- 2025 was adopted to calculate age-standardized rates. Results: In
      2013, high TC caused 298 952 deaths in China, accounting for 3.3% of total
      deaths, and caused 6 332 thousand DALYs. DALYs attributed to high TC were highest
      among the 50-69 years age group(3 165 thousand person years), accounting for
      50.0% of the total attributed DALYs. The DALY rate in the >=70 years age group
      was 2 053.3/100 000, which was 10.3 times that of 15-49 age group(198.6/100 000).
      DALYs among men were 4 431 thousand person years, which was 2.3 times higher than
      in women(1 900 thousand person years), and the age-standardized DALY rate among
      men was 590.6/100 000, which was 2.3 times higher than in women(257.1/100 000).
      DALYs attributed to high TC were mainly caused by ischemic heart disease(IHD; 5
      572 thousand person years), accounting for 88.0% of the total attributed DALYs.
      Deaths and DALYs attributed to high TC were highest in Shandong(31 002 and 628
      thousand person years for deaths and DALYs, respectively), Henan(27 398 deaths
      and 587 thousand person years, respectively), Hebei(25 744 deaths and 589
      thousand person years, respectively), accounting for 28.1% of total attributed
      deaths and 28.5% of total attributed DALYs. The number of deaths and DALY were
      lowest in Macao(75 deaths and 1 thousand person years, respectively)and Tibet(385
      deaths and 10 thousand person years, respectively). The age standardized DALY
      rates were highest in Beijing(794.8/100 000), Hebei(732.7/100 000), and
      Jilin(709.1/100 000), and lowest in Shanghai(151.4/100 000), Zhejiang(168.1/100
      000), and Hong Kong(182.0/100 000). Conclusion: The burden of disease attributed
      to high TC in 2013 in China was mainly the result of the IHD it causes, with
      greater influence among males and those aged >=50 years, and variation among
      provinces.

PMID- 27655595
TI  - [Burden of disease attributable to high fasting plasma glucose in 1990 and 2013
      in China].
AB  - Objective: To analyze the burden of disease attributed to high fasting plasma
      glucose(FPG)in China in 1990 and 2013. Methods: The analysis used data obtained
      from the 2013 Global Burden of Diseases Study and examined deaths, death rate,
      disability-adjusted life years(DALY), years lived with disability(YLD)and years
      of life lost(YLL)attributed to high FPG in 1990 and 2013 in China(not including
      Taiwan, China). An average world population age-structure for the period 2000-
      2025 was adopted to calculate age-standardized rates. Results: In 2013, the
      number of deaths attributed to high FPG in China increased to 621.9 thousand from
      320.3 thousand in 1990. From 1990- 2013, the age-standardized death rate
      attributable to high FPG increased from 45.69/100 000 to 48.64/100 000. DALYs
      caused by high FPG increased to 20.389 1 million in 2013 from 10.648 3 million in
      1990. In 2013, high FPG caused 8.751 5 million YLD and 11.637 6 million YLL, and
      the percentage of YLL in DALY decreased to 57.1% in 2013 from 68.7% in 1990.
      Compared with 1990, the age-standardized DALY rate attributed to high FPG
      increased by 10.81%. In 2013, the top three provinces with the highest burden of
      disease attributed to high FPG were Xinjiang, Jilin and Liaoning provinces, with
      standardized death rates of 83.38, 74.01 and 68.64/100 000, respectively, and the
      standardized DALY rate was 2 217.96, 2 001.84 and 1 837.79/100 000 in the three
      provinces, respectively. Conclusion: Compared with 1990, the burden of disease
      attributed to high FPG in 2013 increased substantially in China, in particular
      the burden of attributed YLD. However, the burden of YLL attributed to high FPG
      has decreased modestly. The burden of disease caused by high FPG shows variation
      among different provinces in China.

PMID- 27655588
TI  - The epidemiologic evidence linking prenatal and postnatal exposure to endocrine
      disrupting chemicals with male reproductive disorders: a systematic review and
      meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: More than 20 years ago, it was hypothesized that exposure to prenatal
      and early postnatal environmental xenobiotics with the potential to disrupt
      endogenous hormone signaling might be on the causal path to cryptorchidism,
      hypospadias, low sperm count and testicular cancer. Several consensus statements
      and narrative reviews in recent years have divided the scientific community and
      have elicited a call for systematic transparent reviews. We aimed to fill this
      gap in knowledge in the field of male reproductive disorders. OBJECTIVE AND
      RATIONALE: The aim of this study was to systematically synthesize published data
      on the risk of cryptorchidism, hypospadias, low sperm counts and testicular
      cancer following in utero or infant exposure to chemicals that have been included
      on the European Commission's list of Category 1 endocrine disrupting chemicals
      defined as having documented adverse effects due to endocrine disruption in at
      least one intact organism. SEARCH METHODS: A systematic literature search for
      original peer reviewed papers was performed in the databases PubMed and Embase to
      identify epidemiological studies reporting associations between the outcomes of
      interest and exposures documented by biochemical analyses of biospecimens
      including maternal blood or urine, placenta or fat tissue as well as amnion
      fluid, cord blood or breast milk; this was followed by meta-analysis of
      quantitative data. OUTCOMES: The literature search resulted in 1314 references
      among which we identified 33 papers(28 study populations) fulfilling the
      eligibility criteria. These provided 85 risk estimates of links between
      persistent organic pollutants and rapidly metabolized compounds (phthalates and
      Bisphenol A) and male reproductive disorders. The overall odds ratio (OR) across
      all exposures and outcomes was 1.11 (95% CI 0.91-1.35). When assessing four
      specific chemical subgroups with sufficient data for meta-analysis for all
      outcomes, we found that exposure to one of the four compounds, p,p'-DDE, was
      related to an elevated risk: OR 1.35 (95% CI 1.04-1.74). The data did not
      indicate that this increased risk was driven by any specific disorder. WIDER
      IMPLICATIONS: The current epidemiological evidence is compatible with a small
      increased risk of male reproductive disorders following prenatal and postnatal
      exposure to some persistent environmental chemicals classified as endocrine
      disruptors but the evidence is limited. Future epidemiological studies may change
      the weight of the evidence in either direction. No evidence of distortion due to
      publication bias was found, but exposure-response relationships are not evident.
      There are insufficient data on rapidly metabolized endocrine disruptors and on
      specific exposure-outcome relations. A particular data gap is evident with
      respect to delayed effects on semen quality and testicular cancer. Although high
      quality epidemiological studies are still sparse, future systematic and
      transparent reviews may provide pieces of evidence contributing to the narrative
      and weight of the evidence assessments in the field.

PMID- 27655596
TI  - [Mortality attributable to high body mass index in Chinese people aged 15 or
      over, in 1990 and 2013].
AB  - Objective: To analyze and compare deaths(mortality)attributable to high body mass
      index(BMI)in Chinese population aged >=15 years between 1990 and 2013. Methods:
      We used the results of the 2013 Global Burden of Disease Study for China, based
      on population attributable fractions(PAF)to analyze deaths attributable to high
      BMI in all provinces(not including Taiwan, China)in 1990 and 2013. The average
      world population from 2000 to 2025 was used as a reference to calculate age
      standardized mortality rates, and to compare the change of attributable deaths in
      1990 and 2013. Results: In 2013, the number of deaths attributable to high BMI
      was 640 294, compared with 301 231 in 1990, an increase of 114.27%. Compared with
      1990, in 2013, the number of deaths and age-standardized mortality rate
      attributable to high BMI showed a higher growth rate in men(142.81% and 30.74%,
      respectively)than women(84.69% and 2.88% , respectively). The growth rate of
      attributable deaths increased with age. Compared with 1990, in 2013, the growth
      rates of attributable deaths among 15-49, 50-69 and >=70 years age groups were
      63.37%, 89.11% and 183.64%, respectively. In both 1990 and 2013, the top three
      diseases in terms of deaths attributable to high BMI were stroke(128 657 and 247
      042, respectively), ischemic heart disease(57 173 and 156 614, respectively), and
      hypertensive heart disease(34 960 and 58 435, respectively). Compared with 1990,
      in 2013, the standardized mortality rates of chronic kidney disease(129.44%),
      pancreatic cancer(101.76%), colorectal cancer(85.45%)and breast
      cancer(63.86%)showed more substantial increases. In 1990, the top three provinces
      with most deaths attributable to high BMI were Henan(31 376), Shandong(27 969)and
      Hebei(24 164), while in 2013 they were Shandong(61 897), Hebei(58 383)and
      Henan(57 501). Compared with 1990, in 2013, the age-standardized mortality rate
      attributable to high BMI increased in 26 of 33 provinces, with a faster increase
      in Qinghai(56.96%), Guizhou(45.30%)and Yunnan(39.39%). The rate declined in the
      other seven provinces, declining faster in Tianjin(20.68%), Macao(14.08%)and
      Jilin(6.86%). Conclusion: Deaths and age-standardized mortality rates
      attributable to high BMI increased rapidly between 1990 and 2013, with higher
      increases in men than in women. Age-standardized mortality rates of chronic
      kidney disease, pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer and breast cancer
      attributable to high BMI showed much higher growth rates than other attributed
      diseases. The highest BMI-attributed age-standardized mortality rates were found
      in northeast and northern provinces, and the fastest growth rates of BMI
      attributed age-standardized mortality rates were observed in southwest and
      northwest provinces.

PMID- 27655597
TI  - [The burden of disease attributed to low bone mineral density among population
      aged >=40 years old in China, 1990 and 2013].
AB  - Objective: To identify cause-specific death and attributed burden of low bone
      mineral density in China among population aged >=40 years old , 1990 and 2013.
      Methods: By using data from Global Burden of Disease(GBD)2013, this study
      analyzed death caused by low mineral density, and disability-adjusted life
      years(DALY)among population aged 40 and above in China(not including Taiwan,
      China). This study also analyzed DALY by composition of injury which due to low
      bone mineral density. It also analyzed changes in DALY by provinces in China,
      1990 and 2013. An average world population age-structure for the period 2000-
      2025 was adopted to calculate the age standardized rates. Results: In 2013, there
      were 38.1 thousands male and 30.7 thousands female who aged 40 and above dead due
      to low bone mineral density in China. The burden of injury caused by low bone
      mineral density was more sever in male than female, which accounted for 1.525
      million DALY in male and 0.873 million DALY in female. In 1990, low bone mineral
      density attributed transportation and accidental injury caused 0.794 million and
      0.567 million DALY losses, respectively. In 2013, low bone mineral density
      attributed transportation and accidental injury caused 1.421 million and 0.951
      million DALY losses, respectively. Compared to 1990, DALY losses caused by
      transportation and accidental injury, increased by 79.1% and 67.6%, respectively.
      In 1990, DALY rate losses due to low bone mineral density attributed
      transportation and accidental injury were 68.1 per 100 000 and 48.7 per 100 000,
      respectively. In 2013, DALY rate losses due to low bone mineral density
      attributed transportation and accidental injury were 102.0 per 100 000 and 68.2
      per 100 000, respectively. Compared to 1990, DALY rates which caused by
      transportation and accidental injury, increased by 49.8% and 40.2%, respectively.
      According to the ranking of standardized DALY rate in 2013 by provinces, the top
      3 provinces, which standardized DALYs attributed to low bone mineral density lost
      the most, were Zhejiang Province(2.6 per 100 000), Jiangsu Province(2.4 per 100
      000), and Fujian Province(2.2 per 100 000). Compared to 1990, the standardized
      rate of DALY decreased in 27 provinces, while the DALY rate increased in only 6
      provinces which included Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province, Hebei
      Province, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and Henan Province and Xinjiang Uygur
      Autonomous Region. Conclusion: This study found that the burden of health losses
      attributed to it was higher in men than in women. Compared to 1990, DALY rates
      decreased in most of the provinces, however, the rates of losses of DALY which
      caused by transportation and accidental injury were still increasing.

PMID- 27655598
TI  - [Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy recognition of metabolic patterns
      in fecal extracts for early diagnosis of colorectal cancer].
AB  - Objective: To characterize the metabolic " fingerprint" of fecal extracts for
      diagnosis of early-stage colorectal cancer(CRC)using proton nuclear magnetic
      resonance spectroscopy(1H-NMR)-based metabolomics coupled with pattern
      recognition. Methods: From January 2014 to December 2014, we collected fecal
      samples at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College,
      from 25 patients with colorectal adenomas(CR-Ad), 20 with stage I/II CRC, and 32
      healthy controls(HCs). The patients were diagnosed by histopathology. No subjects
      had any complicating diseases. HCs showed no abnormalities from blood tests,
      endoscopic examination, diagnostic imaging, and/or medical interviews. We
      excluded participants who used antibiotics, NSAIDS, statins, or probiotics within
      two months of study participation, and any patients who underwent chemotherapy or
      radiation treatments prior to surgery. We used orthogonal partial least-squares
      discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA)for pattern recognition(dimension reduction)on 1H
      NMR processed data(1H frequency of 400.13 MHz), to find metabolic differences
      among CR-Ad, carcinoma and HC fecal samples; and receiver operating
      characteristic(ROC)analysis to determine the diagnostic value of the fecal
      metabolic biomarkers. Results: Fecal samples were collected from 20 patients with
      Stage I/II CRC(11 M, 9 F, median age(52+/-13)years), 25 with CR-Ad(14 M, 11 F,
      median age(53 +/- 11)years)and 32 HCs(15 M, 17 F, median age(53 +/- 14)years).
      OPLS-DA clearly distinguished CR-Ad and stage I/II CRC from HC samples, based on
      their metabolomic profiles. Relative signal intensities in HCs were significantly
      lower than in the cancer patients for butyrate(HC: 23.0+/-6.0; CR-Ad: 18.0+/-5.0;
      CRC: 14.0+/-6.0; Z=-2.07, P=0.008), acetate(HC: 45.0+/-11.0; CR-Ad: 31.0+/-11.0;
      CRC: 24.0+/-8.0; Z=- 2.32, P=0.011), propionate(HC: 26.0 +/- 7.0; CR-Ad: 22.0 +/-
      6.0; CRC: 19.0 +/- 5.0; Z=- 2.43, P=0.032), glucose(HC: 37.0+/-7.0; CR-Ad: 31.0+/
      7.0; CRC: 26.0+/-8.0; Z=-2.07, P=0.044)and glutamine(HC: 4.5+/-2.0; CR-Ad: 4.9 +/
      1.0; CRC: 5.4 +/- 1.0; Z=2.21, P=0.044). However, relative signal intensities in
      HCs were significantly higher than in patients for lactate(HC: 4.8+/-1.0; CR-Ad:
      6.9+/-2.0; CRC: 4.8+/- 1.0; Z=2.02, P= 0.038), glutamate(HC: 3.2 +/- 2.0; CR-Ad:
      4.9 +/- 1.0; CRC: 3.2 +/- 2.0; Z=2.21, P=0.044)and succinate(HC: 12.0+/-2.0; CR
      Ad: 15.0+/-3.0; CRC: 12.0+/- 2.0; Z=2.25, P=0.011). Among the potential
      biomarkers, acetate at 1.92 ppm, and succinate at 2.41 ppm displayed relatively
      high area under ROC, with sensitivity and specificity both >90%, to distinguish
      early-stage CRC patients from HCs. Conclusion: Fecal metabolic profiles
      distinguish of HCs from patients with CRC patients, even in the early
      stages(stage I/II), highlighting the potential of NMR-based fecal metabolomic
      fingerprinting as tools for early CRC diagnosis.

PMID- 27655599
TI  - [The combined effects of family history of cardiovascular disease and overweight
      on ischemic stroke incidence among the Mongolian population].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the cumulative effect of family history of
      cardiovascular disease(CVD)and overweight on ischemic stroke events in the
      Mongolian population. Methods: Study participants were recruited from 32 villages
      from May 2002 to August 2012 in Kezuohou Banner(county)and Naiman Banner in Inner
      Mongolia, China. Among 3 457 Mongolian people aged >=20 years old living in these
      villages, 2 589 were selected to participate in this study. None of the
      participants had chronic kidney disease, malignant tumor, thyroid disease or
      adrenalopathy, or acute infectious disease. The 2 589 participants were followed
      for a mean of 9.2 years. Six participants were lost to follow up, resulting in a
      follow-up rate of 99.8%. Information collected included demographic
      characteristics, lifestyle risk factors, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking,
      history of disease, family history of CVD, and physical examination. Ischemic
      stroke incidence information was collected during follow-up. All participants
      were categorized into four subgroups according to family history of CVD and
      overweight status. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the
      hazard ratios(HR)and 95% CI of ischemic stroke events among subgroups, compared
      with the subgroup with no family history of CVD and body mass index(BMI)<24
      kg/m2(the reference group). Results: Among 2 589 participants, 76 ischemic stroke
      events occurred after follow-up, and 8 were excluded because of lack of key data.
      Finally, 2 581 participants were included in the analysis, and the incidence
      density was 323/100 000 person-years. The cumulative incidence rates of ischemic
      stroke were 2.48%, 1.86%, 6.67% and 9.00% in the no family history of CVD and BMI
      <24 kg/m2, no family history of CVD and BMI >=24 kg/m2, family history of CVD and
      BMI <24 kg/m2 and family history of CVD and BMI >= 24 kg/m2 subgroups,
      respectively. Using the Cox proportional hazards model, after further adjustment
      for age, gender, smoking, drinking, FPG, hypertension, total cholesterol,
      triglycerides, and heart rate, the risk of ischemic stroke in the subgroup with a
      family history of CVD and BMI >=24 kg/m2 was higher than the reference group(HR:
      2.61, 95% CI: 1.16-5.87). However, the risk of ischemic stroke in other two
      groups was not statistically significant compared with the reference group. The
      HR(95% CI)values in the no family history of CVD and BMI >=24 kg/m2and family
      history of CVD and BMI <24 kg/m2 subgroups were 1.18(0.5- 2.39)and 1.27(0.67-
      2.42), respectively. Conclusion: In the Mongolian population, a family history of
      CVD and coexistent overweight may increase the risk of ischemic stroke events,
      suggesting that in people with family history of cardiovascular disease, weight
      control is conducive to the prevention of ischemic stroke.

PMID- 27655600
TI  - [Prevalence and risk factors of dyslipidemia in a rural population of Henan
      Province, China].
AB  - Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and risk
      factors of dyslipidemia in a rural population of Henan Province, China. Methods:
      A total of 20 194 participants aged >=18 years were selected randomly by cluster
      sampling from two townships(towns)in Henan Province from July to August 2007 and
      July to August 2008. Investigations included questionnaires, anthropometric
      measurements, fasting plasma glucose, and lipid profile examination at baseline.
      A total of 16 155 participants were followed up from July to August 2013 and July
      to October 2014. Overall, 13 869 participants were included in the study, after
      excluding 2 286 participants with incomplete dyslipidemia follow-up data.
      Distributions of the characteristics of dyslipidemia were determined, and
      prevalence was standardized by age according to data of the 2010 Sixth National
      Population Census. Risk factors for dyslipidemia were analyzed using a logistic
      regression model after adjusting for sex, age, education level, marital status,
      and income status. Results: The prevalence of dyslipidemia was 53.72%(7 450/13
      869)for residents aged >=22 years living in rural areas of Henan
      Province(59.32%(3 069/5 174)for men and 50.39%(4 381/8 695)for women). The
      adjusted prevalence of dyslipidemia was 50.50%(59.27% for men and 45.53% for
      women). The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, low HDL-C,
      and high LDL-C was 4.34%(602/13 868), 20.42%(2 826/13 837), 42.75%(5 927/13 865),
      and 3.14%(420/13 375), respectively, and the adjusted prevalence was 2.44%,
      18.84%, 41.42%, and 1.86%, respectively. Logistic regression analyses showed that
      alcohol consumption(OR=1.27, 95% CI: 1.05-1.53), family history of
      hyperlipidemia(OR=1.29, 95% CI: 1.17-1.43), overweight(OR=1.40, 95% CI: 1.22
      1.61), obesity(OR= 1.65, 95% CI: 1.39- 1.96), abnormal waist
      circumference(OR=1.22, 95% CI: 1.04- 1.43), and abnormal waist-height
      ratio(OR=1.21, 95% CI: 1.01-1.45)were significant independent risk factors, and
      high levels of physical activity(OR=0.85, 95% CI: 0.77- 0.95)and
      underweight(OR=0.52, 95% CI: 0.36- 0.75)were protective factors for dyslipidemia
      after adjusting for sex, age, education level, marital status, and income status.
      Conclusion: The prevalence of dyslipidemia was very high for this rural
      population. Alcohol consumption, family history of hyperlipidemia, overweight,
      obesity, abnormal waist circumference, and abnormal waist-height ratio were
      significant independent risk factors for dyslipidemia.

PMID- 27655602
TI  - [Etiological monitoring and analysis of cases of acute flaccid paralysis in Hebei
      Province in 2011-2014].
AB  - Objective: To identify poliomyelitis(polio)virus, the VP1 gene, and its
      nucleotide sequence in fecal samples from patients with acute flaccid
      paralysis(AFP)in Hebei Province in 2011-2014. Methods: A surveillance system for
      AFP was established in Hebei Province in 2011-2014 and registered in 2014. Stool
      samples, each weighing 5 g, were collected from 1 504, 15-year-old symptomatic
      patients with AFP, resulting in a total of 3 001 samples(1 497 patients provided
      duplicate samples and 7 provided single specimens). Poliovirus nucleic acid was
      extracted, the RNA was reverse transcribed, and a VP1 gene fragment was amplified
      with real-time PCR. The PCR products were sequenced to construct a phylogenetic
      tree and check the relatedness of the strains to the Sabin vaccine strain. A chi2
      test was used to compare the differences in the incidence of infection in
      different years. Results: Poliovirus was isolated from 50(1.7%)of the 3 001 stool
      samples, 10 of which were type I strains, 15 were type II strains, 16 were type
      III strains, and 9 were mixed-type strains. The positive rates for poliovirus in
      the years 2011-2014 were 1.0%(9/890), 1.5%(12/824), 2.2%(17/770), and
      2.3%(12/517), respectively(chi2=2.24, P=0.525). Analyses of the VP1 nucleotide
      and amino acid sequence homologies revealed that the type I, type II, and type
      III poliovirus strains shared nucleotide sequence homologies with the Sabin
      vaccine strain of 98.8%- 100%, 99.1%- 100%, and 99.2%- 100%, respectively, and
      amino acid sequence homologies of 98.6%- 100%, 98.3%-100% and 98.6%-100%,
      respectively. A VP1-based phylogenetic analysis showed that the variation rates
      for the poliovirus type I, type II, and type III strains were 0.66%, 0.66%, and
      0.55%, respectively. Conclusion: Only one poliovirus strain was detected in Hebei
      Province in 2011-2014, except for the type II vaccine-derived poliovirus. The
      remaining strains were all similar to the Sabin vaccine strain, with high VP1
      homology.

PMID- 27655601
TI  - [Understanding the risk factors for infectious diseases, their prevention, and
      control, among residents of Zhejiang Province].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the understanding of infectious diseases, their
      prevention, and control, and the factors influencing this literacy among urban
      and rural residents of Zhejiang Province. Methods: In November- December 2014, a
      multistage stratified cluster sampling questionnaire was administered at study
      sites in eight districts of Zhejiang province: Hangzhou city Gongshu district,
      Hangzhou city Chun'an county, Wenzhou city Cangnan county, Dongyang city, Jiaxing
      city Jiashan county, Zhoushan city Putuo district, Linhai city, Lishui city
      Jinyun county. The inclusion criteria were: 15-60 years old, living locally for
      more than six continuous months, and no mental illness. The exclusion criteria
      were: foreigner residing locally, resident of Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan, or
      unable to communicate through speech or writing. In this study, 4 091
      questionnaires were distributed, and 4 020 valid questionnaires were
      returned(98.26%). Health literacy regarding infectious diseases was measured at
      five levels: knowledge, skills, behaviors, access to information, and
      understanding of the prevention of infectious diseases. A total score was
      calculated for each questionnaire, and a total score of >=80 was deemed to
      indicate an understanding of the prevention of infectious diseases. A chi2 test
      was used to compare the levels of health literacy in different populations with
      single-factor analyses, and a multivariate unconditional logistic regression
      model was used to analyze the factors affecting infectious diseases prevention
      and treatment literacy levels. Results: Of the 4 020 respondents(aged(43.84 +/-
      10.28)years), 1 964 were male(48.86%)and 2 056 were female(51.14%). In the total
      surveyed population, 15.17%(n=610)understood the prevention of infectious
      diseases, 294 were male(14.97%)and 316 were female(15.37%)(chi2=2.48, P=0.115).
      When the participants in the different age groups were analyzed, 23.11%, 20.29%,
      13.27%, and 11.04% of those aged 18- 29(n=116), 30- 39(n= 166), 40- 49(n=178),
      and >=50 years(n=150), respectively, understood infectious disease
      prevention(chi2= 63.16, P<0.001). When the participants were analyzed according
      to education, 46.01%, 24.86%, 12.03%, 5.27%, or 2.39% of those educated at
      university(n=167), at high school/vocational school/college(n=175), at middle
      school(n=215), at elementary school(n=46), or who were illiterate/slightly
      literate(n=7), respectively, understood infectious disease
      prevention(chi2=436.67, P<0.001). Among the urban(n=336)and rural
      participants(n=274), 18.98% and 12.18% understood infectious disease prevention,
      respectively(chi2= 35.57, P<0.001), so the urban residents had better health
      literacy than rural residents(OR=1.28, 95% CI= 1.06- 1.54), and those aged 18- 29
      or 30- 39 years had even better health literacy than the rural residents(OR=1.39,
      95%CI=1.01-1.91). When the health literacy levels of migrant workers were
      compared with those of agency/institutional personnel, business people,
      unemployed, and retirees, the OR(95% CI)values were 2.52(1.82-3.49), 1.69(1.24
      2.30), 2.99(1.65-5.39), and 2.43(1.59-3.72), respectively. When the
      illiterate/slightly literate were compared with those educated at university,
      high school/vocational school/secondary school, and junior high school, the
      OR(95%CI)values were 35.11(15.73-78.36), 13.31(6.11-28.99), and 5.37(2.48-11.62),
      respectively. Conclusion: Limited levels of health literacy are common among the
      residents of Zhejiang Province. Lower education level, older age, and rural
      residence were predictors of low health literacy in this study.

PMID- 27655603
TI  - [Epidemiological characteristics and vertification analysis for acute hepatitis B
      in Beijing, 2005-2014].
AB  - Objective: To analyze epidemiological characteristics of acute hepatitis
      B(aHPB)in Beijing and to recheck epidemiology and laboratory results of aHPB
      cases in the sampling area. Methods: We analyzed epidemiological characteristics
      of aHPB cases reported in National Notifiable Disease Reporting System(NNDRS)from
      2005 to 2014 in Beijing, using a stratified cluster sampling method and based on
      the average reported incidence of hepatitis B from 2005 to 2011 in NNDRS, we
      projected 430 aHPB cases in the sampling area from 2012 to 2014, for which 307
      received blood sample retesting. Inclusion criteria of aHPB cases were those
      living in Beijing more than 1 year, using name, sex, age, or identity card number
      as key fields to verify that they had not been previously reported in the
      database. Accuracy and adjusted aHPB incidence rate for 2005- 2014 in Beijing was
      analyzed by rechecking aHPB cases. Results: Epidemiological survey showed that
      aHPB coincidence rate was 89.5%(385/430)in NNDRS from 2012 to 2014 in Beijing.
      Laboratory tests showed that the aHPB coincidence rate was 92.2%(283/307). The
      total coincidence rate was 82.54%. The aHPB adjustment incidence rate dropped
      from 5.05/100 thousand in 2005 to 0.98/100 thousand in 2014 in Beijing. The aHPB
      adjustment incidence rate among residents younger than 15 years dropped to 0/100
      thousand. Conclusion: The incidence of aHPB in Beijing dropped to a low level
      from 2005 to 2014. There were no aHPB cases in residents younger than 15 years.

PMID- 27655605
TI  - [Epidemiological analysis on serogroup Y neisseria meningitidis firstly isolated
      from patient in Tianjin].

PMID- 27655604
TI  - [Factors related to syphilis and other infections among female drug users in
      Shandong women's compulsory drug rehabilitation center in 2015].
AB  - Objective: To analyze the prevalence of HIV, syphilis and related factors among
      female drug users in Shandong women's compulsory drug rehabilitation
      center(SWCDRC). Methods: During May 2015, we used a cluster sampling method for
      drug users in SWCDRC, with a questionnaire and serological testing. We included
      respondents who volunteered to take part in this study, had clear histories of
      drug abuse, and had no symptoms of psychosis or current drug use; 451 women
      participated. The questionnaire addressed socio-demographic information and the
      participants' health knowledge, including AIDS knowledge, behavioral information,
      drug use, and STD treatment. We also drew 5 ml blood from each subject for
      serological tests of HIV and syphilis. Chi-square test was used to compare
      syphilis antibody positive rate among drug users who had different
      characteristics. Multi-factor unconditioned logistic regression model was used to
      explore related factors about syphilis infection of women drug users. Results:
      Subjects' mean age was(27.25+/-7.06)years. Of the 451 women, 33.5%(151/451)tested
      positive for syphilis and 2.2%(10/451)for HIV. The rate of syphilis
      antibody(SAb)positive whether providing commercial server, providing:
      47.2%(25/53); no providing: 31.6%(125/396); chi2=5.12, P=0.024. The SAb + rate
      from whether having temporary sexual behavior, having: 47.4%(91/192); no having:
      23.6%(60/254); chi2=27.6, P<0.001. The SAb+ rate of subjects who tested positive
      for herpes simplex virus-2(HSV-2)was 39.4%(128/325); for those who tested
      negative it was 18.3%(23/126); chi2=18.2, P<0.001. The SAb+ rate by frequency of
      drug use was >=3 times a week: 36.9%(106/287);<3 times per week: 27.3%(42/154);
      chi2=4.20, P=0.041. Compared with subjects who were unmarried, divorced, or
      widowed drug users, the OR(95% CI)for SAb+ among subjects who cohabited with a
      partner was 2.19(1.36- 3.51). Compared with subjects who had not been having
      temporary sexual behavior, the OR(95%CI)for SAb+ among subjects who had been
      having temporary sexual behavior was 2.59(1.65-4.05). Compared with HSV-2-
      subjects, the OR(95%CI)for SAb+ among subjects who were HSV-2+ was 2.69(1.57
      4.59). Conclusion: HIV and syphilis infection rate among female drug users in
      SWCDRC were significantly higher than in the general population. Subjects who had
      provided commercial server in the previous 12 months, had temporary sexual
      behavior in the previous 12 months, were HSV-2+, used drugs >=3 times per week or
      cohabitated with a partner had higher syphilis prevalence.

PMID- 27655606
TI  - [Analysis on the characteristics of violence from injury surveillance hospitals
      in Jiangsu Province, 2006- 2014].

PMID- 27655607
TI  - [Evaluation of economic burden of varicella and cost benefit of different
      immunization strategies of varicella vaccine in Beijing].

PMID- 27655608
TI  - [Antimicrobial resistance analysis of salmonella from broiler cultivation and
      processing production in Heilongjiang Province].

PMID- 27655609
TI  - [Research progress of risk assessment model of type 2 diabetes mellitus].
AB  - Established models of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)are used to determine
      predictors with the aim of disease prevention. Established models are used to
      determine predictors, then assign risk scores or calculate the probability of
      T2DM development within a certain timeframe. A number of countries and regions
      have established T2DM risk assessment models, which can be divided into non
      invasive and invasive tools, depending on whether they use routinely collected
      information or laboratory markers. Here, we review the latest progress of two
      assessment models at the national and international levels, and explore and
      summarize their applications. The noninvasive Finnish Diabetes Risk Score and the
      invasive Framingham model are widely used internationally. However, invasive
      models were more widely applied, as studies on T2DM risk assessment models
      started relatively late in China.

PMID- 27655610
TI  - Radiographic evaluation of posterior selective thoracolumbar or lumbar fusion for
      moderate Lenke 5C curves.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Posterior selective thoracolumbar or lumbar (TL/L) fusion with
      pedicle screw constructs for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) has been
      studied in a few researches. However, few studies have discussed the indication
      for selective TL/L fusion and the behaviors of its adjacent disc angle. The
      present study aims to discuss the indication for posterior selective TL/L fusion
      and the behavior of the adjacent disc angle. METHODS: 45 consecutive cases of AIS
      undergoing posterior selective TL/L fusion were retrospectively evaluated, with
      an average follow-up of 36 months. Radiographs were reviewed to determine the
      coronal curve magnitude and the sagittal alignment preoperatively,
      postoperatively and at final follow-up. Thoracic curves in groups A had a
      correction loss of more than 5 degrees , while thoracic curves in group B had a
      correction loss of not more than 5 degrees . RESULTS: The coronal curve magnitude
      of the TL/L curve averaged 44 degrees  preoperatively and it was corrected to 6
      degrees  immediately with a correction rate of 84.8 %. At final follow-up it was
      9 degrees  with a correction loss of 3 degrees . The minor thoracic curve was 26
      degrees  preoperatively, and the convex side bending curve magnitude averaged 8
      degrees  with a flexibility of 72.7 %. It was corrected to 13 degrees 
      immediately with a spontaneous correction of 48.5 %. At final follow-up it was 14
      degrees  with a correction loss of 1 degrees . UIVA decreased from 4 degrees  to
      2 degrees  after surgery, and it was 2 degrees  at final follow-up. LIVA
      decreased from 7 degrees  to 4 degrees  after surgery, and it was 5 degrees  at
      final follow-up. Maximal correction of TL/L curves in group A is significantly
      less than that in group B. 1 patient received revision surgery to fuse the
      progressive thoracic curve. CONCLUSION: Posterior selective TL/L fusion with
      pedicle screw constructs allows for spontaneous thoracic correction and maintains
      coronal and sagittal balance during the follow-up. Maximal correction instead of
      undercorrection was recommended for moderate Lenke 5C curves. Disc wedging could
      be improved after surgery and well maintained during the follow-up.

PMID- 27655611
TI  - Evaluation of a Brain Acetylcholinesterase Extraction Method and Kinetic
      Constants after Methyl-Paraoxon Inhibition in Three Brazilian Fish Species.
AB  - Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is an important enzyme in the control of the neuronal
      action potential and sensitive to organophosphate inhibition. Brain fish AChE is
      less sensitive to organophosphate inhibition than AChE from terrestrial animals,
      although this sensitivity is variable among species and has not yet been fully
      evaluated in fish species. In this setting, inhibition kinetic constants for
      progressive irreversible inhibition of brain acetylcholinesterase due to methyl
      paraoxon exposure were determined in three fish species (Mugil liza, Genidens
      genidens and Lagocephalus laevigatus) and hen (Gallus domesticus). Enzyme
      extraction using a detergent was shown to be adequate, and samples presented
      activity inhibition in high substrate concentrations and suppression of
      inhibition by methyl-paraoxon in the presence of the substrate, similar to
      kinetic patterns from purified enzyme preparations. Catfish (G. genidens) AChE
      presented the highest sensitivity among the evaluated fish species (IC50 =
      1031.20 nM +/- 63.17) in comparison to M. liza and L. laevigatus (IC50: 2878.83
      +/- 421.94 and 2842.5 +/- 144.63 nM respectively). The lower dissociation
      constant (Kd = 20.3 +/- 2.95 MUM) of catfish AChE showed greater enzyme affinity
      for methyl-paraoxon, explaining this species higher sensitivity to
      organophosphates. Hen AChE presented higher ki (900.57 +/- 65.3 mM-1min-1) and,
      consequently, greater sensitivity to methyl-paraoxon, explained by a lower Kd
      (0.6 +/- 0.13 MUM). Furthermore, hen AChE did not differentiate between the
      propionylthiocholine and acetylthiocholine substrates, indicating easier access
      of methyl-paraoxon to the hen enzyme activity site. The results obtained herein
      indicate a suitable extraction of AChE and, despite different inhibition kinetic
      constants, demonstrate that fish AChE is less sensitive to methyl-paraoxon,
      probably due to reduced access to the catalytic center which provides greater
      enzyme substrate selectivity.

PMID- 27655612
TI  - Effect of di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) on the fruit quality of cucumber and the
      health risk.
AB  - Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) widely used as plastic films' plasticizer, can cause
      agricultural pollution which is of increasing concern because of the food safety
      issues. Cucumber ( Cucumis sativus Linn.), commonly cultured in greenhouse, was
      exposed to DBP stress to gain more information about the ecological risk of DBP
      in this study. Changes of DBP residues and fruit quality of cucumber at different
      DBP concentrations (0, 5, 10, 20, 40 mg/kg of dry soil) were investigated in pot
      experiments using an agricultural soil under greenhouse condition, respectively.
      DBP residue in cucumber fruits ranged from 0.5326 to 1.8938 mg/kg, and the
      quality of cucumber fruits (organic acids, vitamin C, soluble protein, and
      soluble sugar) were influenced by DBP stress. Moreover, the health risk
      assessment was evaluated by estimate daily intakes (EDI) and the target hazard
      quotient (THQ) was analyzed. Under 40 mg/kg DBP condition, the highest value of
      EDI was 2.49 MUg/kg bw/day and the THQ ranged from 0.000700 to 0.0249. Although
      the risk of DBP in cucumber fruits was lower than the threshold limit value of
      risk, the potential health risk was not a negligible issue.

PMID- 27655613
TI  - The potential for constructed wetlands to treat alkaline bauxite-residue
      leachate: Phragmites australis growth.
AB  - High alkalinity (pH > 12) of bauxite-residue leachates presents challenges for
      the long-term storage and managements of the residue. Recent evidence has
      highlighted the potential for constructed wetlands to effectively buffer the
      alkalinity, but there is limited evidence on the potential for wetland plants to
      establish and grow in soils inundated with residue leachate. A pot-based trial
      was conducted to investigate the potential for Phragmites australis to establish
      and grow in substrate treated with residue leachate over a pH range of 8.6-11.1.
      The trial ran for 3 months, after which plant growth and biomass were determined.
      Concentrations of soluble and exchangeable trace elements in the soil substrate
      and also in the aboveground and belowground biomass were determined. Residue
      leachate pH did not affect plant biomass or microbial biomass. With the exception
      of Na, there was no effect on exchangeable trace elements in the substrate;
      however, increases in soluble metals (As, Cd and Na) were observed with
      increasing leachate concentration. Furthermore, increases in Al, As and V were
      observed in belowground biomass and for Cd and Cr in aboveground biomass.
      Concentrations within the vegetation biomass were less than critical phytotoxic
      levels. Results demonstrate the ability for P. australis to grow in bauxite
      residue leachate-inundated growth media without adverse effects.

PMID- 27655614
TI  - Distribution and variability of total mercury in snow cover-a case study from a
      semi-urban site in Poznan, Poland.
AB  - In the present paper, the inter-seasonal Hg variability in snow cover was
      examined based on multivariate statistical analysis of chemical and
      meteorological data. Samples of freshly fallen snow cover were collected at the
      semi-urban site in Poznan (central Poland), during 3-month field measurements in
      winter 2013. It was showed that concentrations of atmospherically deposited Hg
      were highly variable in snow cover, from 0.43 to 12.5 ng L-1, with a mean value
      of 4.62 ng L-1. The highest Hg concentration in snow cover coincided with local
      intensification of fossil fuel burning, indicating large contribution from
      various anthropogenic sources such as commercial and domestic heating, power
      generation plants, and traffic-related pollution. Moreover, the variability of Hg
      in collected snow samples was associated with long-range transport of pollutants,
      nocturnal inversion layer, low boundary layer height, and relatively low air
      temperature. For three snow episodes, Hg concentration in snow cover was
      attributed to southerly advection, suggesting significant contribution from the
      highly polluted region of Poland (Upper Silesia) and major European industrial
      hotspots. However, the peak Hg concentration was measured in samples collected
      during predominant N to NE advection of polluted air masses and after a
      relatively longer period without precipitation. Such significant contribution to
      the higher Hg accumulation in snow cover was associated with intensive emission
      from anthropogenic sources (coal combustion) and atmospheric conditions in this
      area. These results suggest that further measurements are needed to determine how
      the Hg transformation paths in snow cover change in response to longer/shorter
      duration of snow cover occurrence and to determine the interactions between
      mercury and absorbing carbonaceous aerosols in the light of climate change.

PMID- 27655615
TI  - Contaminant bioavailability in soil and phytotoxicity/genotoxicity tests in Vicia
      faba L.: a case study of boron contamination.
AB  - In this work, the model plant for genotoxicity studies Vicia faba L. was used to
      investigate the relation between Boron (B) content and bioavailability in soil
      and plant genotoxic/phytotoxic response. A total of nine soil samples were
      investigated: two soil samples were collected from a B-polluted industrial area
      in Cecina (Tuscany, Italy), the other samples were obtained by spiking control
      soil (from a not polluted area of the basin) with seven increased doses of B,
      from about 20 to 100 mg B kg-1. As expected, B availability, evaluated by
      chemical extraction, was higher (twofold) in spiked soils when compared with
      collected polluted soils with the same B total content. To analyze the phytotoxic
      effects of B, seed germination, root elongation, biomass production, and B
      accumulation in plant tissues were considered in V. faba plants grown in the
      various soils. Moreover, the cytotoxic/genotoxic effects of B were investigated
      in root meristems by mitotic index (MI) and micronuclei frequency (MCN) analysis.
      The results highlighted that V. faba was a B-sensitive plant and the appearance
      of phytotoxic effects, which altered plant growth parameters, were linearly
      correlated to the bioavailable B concentration in soils. Concerning the
      occurrence of cytotoxic/genotoxic effects induced by B, no linear correlation was
      observed even if MCN frequency was logarithmic correlated with the concentration
      of B bioavailable in soils.

PMID- 27655616
TI  - Occurrence of cardiovascular drugs in the sewage-impacted Vistula River and in
      tap water in the Warsaw region (Poland).
AB  - In recent years, cardiovascular diseases were the second most common cause of
      death worldwide. Therefore, the consumption of drugs used to treat cardiovascular
      diseases is high. So far, there were no such comprehensive reports regarding the
      presence of cardiovascular drugs in surface and tap waters, particularly in
      Central and Eastern Europe. The aim of our study was to determine the presence of
      30 pharmaceutically active compounds and some of their metabolites, at specific
      points of the Vistula River and in tap water samples in the Warsaw region. The
      analysis was performed using the liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization
      tandem mass spectrometry method, coupled to solid-phase extraction. To the best
      of the authors' knowledge, this is the first time where the presence of
      ciprofibrate in the environment was investigated. Cardiovascular drugs found at
      the highest concentrations (reaching 1 MUg/L or higher) in surface water were
      beta-blockers, sartans and diuretics. In tap water samples, trace amounts of
      pharmaceuticals were detected, for almost all target compounds. This highlights
      their inadequate elimination by the treatment facility used in the Warsaw region.
      The presence of cardiovascular compounds in the aquatic environment could have a
      long-term effect even at a low exposure level, since synergy effects amongst
      pharmaceuticals may occur.

PMID- 27655617
TI  - Titanium dioxide solid phase for inorganic species adsorption and determination:
      the case of arsenic.
AB  - We have evaluated a new titanium dioxide (Adsorbsia As600) for the adsorption of
      both inorganic As (V) and As (III) species. In order to characterize the sorbent,
      batch experiments were undertaken to determine the capacities of As (III) and As
      (V) at pH 7.3, which were found to be 0.21 and 0.14 mmol g-1, respectively.
      Elution of adsorbed species was only possible using basic solutions, and arsenic
      desorbed under batch conditions was 50 % when 60 mg of loaded titanium dioxide
      was treated with 0.5 M NaOH solution. Moreover, its use as a sorbent for solid
      phase extraction and preconcentration of arsenic species from well waters has
      been investigated, without any previous pretreatment of the sample. Solid-phase
      extraction was implemented by packing several minicolumns with Adsorbsia As600.
      The method has been validated showing good accuracy and precision. Acceptable
      recoveries were obtained when spiked waters at 100-200 MUg L-1 were measured. The
      presence of major anions commonly found in waters did not affect arsenic
      adsoption, and only silicate at 100 mg L-1 level severely competed with arsenic
      species to bind to the material. Finally, the measured concentrations in water
      samples containing arsenic from the Pyrinees (Catalonia, Spain) showed good
      agreement with the ICP-MS results.

PMID- 27655618
TI  - Lead isotopes and heavy minerals analyzed as tools to understand the distribution
      of lead and other potentially toxic elements in soils contaminated by Cu smelting
      (Legnica, Poland).
AB  - Surroundings of the Legnica Cu smelter (Poland) offer insight into the behavior
      of Pb and other metal(oid)s in heavily contaminated soils in a relatively simple
      site, where lithogenic and anthropogenic Pb contributions have uniform Pb isotope
      composition over the time of smelter activity. Distribution of metal(oid)s
      decreases asymptotically with depth and below 30 cm reaches concentrations
      typical or lower than those of upper continental crust. Usually, such
      distribution is interpreted as the decrease in anthropogenic Pb contribution with
      depth. However, calculations based on Pb isotopes indicate that anthropogenic Pb
      is probably distributed both as Pb-rich particles of slags and fly ashes and Pb
      poor soil solutions. Generally, anthropogenic Pb constitutes up to 100 % of Pb in
      the uppermost 10 cm of the soils and comes often from mechanical mixing with slag
      and fly ash particles as well as their weathering products. On the other hand,
      lower soil horizon contains anthropogenic Pb in various forms, and at depths
      below 30 cm, most of anthropogenic Pb comes from soil solutions and can
      constitute from 1 to 65 % of the Pb budget. This is consistent with secondary
      electron microscope (SEM) analyses of heavy mineral particles showing that, in
      upper horizons, Pb, Cu, and Zn are contained in various particles emitted from
      the smelter, which show different stages of weathering. Currently, large portion
      of these metals may reside in the secondary Fe-hydro-oxides. On the other hand,
      in deeper soil horizons, anthropogenic Pb is probably dominated by Pb coming from
      leaching of slag or fly ash particles. Overall, metal(oid) mobility is a dynamic
      process and is controlled by the soil type (cultivated versus forest) and the
      composition and the structure of the metal-rich particles emitted from the
      smelter. High proportions of anthropogenic Pb at depths below 30 cm in some soil
      profiles indicate that Pb (and probably other metal(oid)s) can be transported
      down the soil profile and the present concentration of anthropogenic Pb depends
      on the availability of binding sites.

PMID- 27655619
TI  - Hydrogeochemical processes and impact of tanning industries on groundwater
      quality in Ambur, Vellore district, Tamil Nadu, India.
AB  - The present study was carried out to determine the hydrogeochemical processes and
      the impact of tanning industries on groundwater in Ambur, Vellore district, Tamil
      Nadu, India. Thirty groundwater samples were collected during pre monsoon (July
      2015) and post monsoon (January 2016) from the open and shallow wells around this
      region and were analyzed for major ions and chromium. The major ion concentration
      follows the order of Na+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+ > K+ (cations) and Cl- > HCO3- > SO42- >
      NO3- (anions) for both seasons. The high concentrations of Na+, Cl-, and Cr
      around the tannery regions indicate the impact of effluent discharged from
      tannery units. In general, the groundwater of this study area is of Na+-Cl- type,
      which is due to the mixing of tannery effluent and cation exchange process. Ionic
      ratio indicates that the silicate weathering influences the groundwater
      chemistry. The permissible limit of chromium in the groundwater exceeds in over
      50 % of the sampling wells. The factor analysis reveals that the dominant source
      for ionic contents is due to tannery effluents and cation exchange processes. To
      overcome this situation, it is essential to improve the performance of the
      effluent treatment plants so as to remove the salinity of wastewater and to plan
      for rainfall recharge structures for improving the groundwater recharge.

PMID- 27655620
TI  - Leaching of metals from large pieces of printed circuit boards using citric acid
      and hydrogen peroxide.
AB  - In the present study, the leaching of metals from large pieces of computer
      printed circuit boards (CPCBs) was studied. A combination of citric acid (0.5 M)
      and 1.76 M hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was used to leach the metals from CPCB piece.
      The influence of system variables such as H2O2 concentration, concentration of
      citric acid, shaking speed, and temperature on the metal leaching process was
      investigated. The complete metal leaching was achieved in 4 h from a 4 * 4 cm
      CPCB piece. The presence of citric acid and H2O2 together in the leaching
      solution is essential for complete metal leaching. The optimum addition amount of
      H2O2 was 5.83 %. The citric acid concentration and shaking speed had an
      insignificant effect on the leaching of metals. The increase in the temperature
      above 30  degrees C showed a drastic effect on metal leaching process.

PMID- 27655621
TI  - Wastewater sludges pretreated by different oxidation systems at mild conditions
      to promote the biogas formation in anaerobic processes.
AB  - The effect of different oxidation processes at mild conditions including the
      coupled-Fenton (sono-Fenton, photo-Fenton, and sono-photo-Fenton) and their blank
      systems (ultrasound, ultraviolet, zero valent iron, and Fenton) on anaerobic
      digestion of the sludge for biogas production was investigated. Ultrasounds led
      to the highest organic matter solubilization (3.8 up to 5.2 g chemical oxygen
      demand (COD)/L, for the raw and treated sludge, respectively), while for the
      rest, organic matter transformation was observed resulting in an almost soluble
      COD net balance. Results indicated that for the most oxidative processes, the
      released organic matter was probably mineralized by the hydroxyl radicals
      produced during the treatments. It is interesting to remark that even if the
      biochemical methane potential was barely enhanced by the different methods
      applied, all the methods demonstrated to enhance the overall kinetics of the
      biomethanation processes, increasing the rapidly biodegradable fraction of the
      sludge.

PMID- 27655622
TI  - Exome Variant Analysis of Chronic Periodontitis in 2 Large Cohort Studies.
AB  - Periodontitis is characterized by inflammation of the gingival tissue. The main
      risk factors are socioeconomic factors, sex, age, smoking, and diabetes, but
      periodontal disease has also a genetic background. Previous genome-wide
      association studies failed to reveal genome-wide significant associations of
      single common single-nucleotide polymorphisms with chronic periodontitis. Using
      the Illumina ExomeChip data of 6,576 participants of the German population-based
      cohort studies Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP) and SHIP-Trend, the authors
      performed single variant and also gene-based association studies of rare and
      common exonic variations on different periodontal case definitions. Although our
      study comprised the largest sample size to date to assess genetic predisposition
      for chronic periodontitis, the authors found no significant association. This
      study emphasizes that for chronic periodontitis, large sample sizes will be
      necessary to find genetic associations, even when examining rare genetic
      variants.

PMID- 27655623
TI  - Reduced Bone Stiffness in Women Is Associated with Clinical Attachment and Tooth
      Loss: The Study of Health in Pomerania.
AB  - The authors evaluated the association of reduced bone stiffness of the calcaneus
      with clinical attachment loss (CAL) and tooth loss. The authors analyzed data
      from 4,678 subjects (2,384 women), aged 20 to 88 y, from the second follow-up of
      the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP-2) and the baseline
      examination of the SHIP-Trend cohort. Bone stiffness, characterized by the
      stiffness index (SI) and the osteoporotic fracture risk (OFR), was assessed by
      quantitative ultrasound of the heel. SI and OFR were significantly associated
      with the mean CAL in women. While 1) the SI showed a significant association with
      the mean CAL and 2) the OFR with the median number of teeth in just the
      postmenopausal women, the OFR showed a significant association with mean CAL for
      both pre- and postmenopausal women. In postmenopausal women, a 10-unit increase
      in the SI was associated with a decrease in the mean CAL of 0.05 mm (95%
      confidence interval [CI]: -0.10 to 0.00; P = 0.046). Moreover, the adjusted
      median number of teeth was 21.4 (95% CI: 20.9 to 21.9) among the postmenopausal
      women with a low OFR, while it was 19.1 (95% CI: 17.8 to 20.3; P = 0.001) among
      the postmenopausal women with a high OFR. For the premenopausal women with a low
      OFR, the mean CAL was 1.60 mm (95% CI: 1.53 to 1.66), while for the premenopausal
      women with a high OFR, it was 2.24 mm (95% CI: 1.78 to 2.69; P = 0.006). Reduced
      bone stiffness was associated with clinical attachment and tooth loss in women
      but not in men.

PMID- 27655624
TI  - Periodontal tissue repair after sealing of the gap in vertical root fracture.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine whether sealing of fracture gap using
      adhesive resin through the root canal can prevent inflammation of periodontal
      tissue, and resealing the incompletely sealed fracture gap from outside can
      resolve such inflammation in experimentally created vertical root fractures.
      Vertical root fractures were created in incisor of beagles. In the experimental
      group, the fracture gap was sealed through the root canal with adhesive resin.
      After 5 weeks, sites with the clinical attachment level >=4 mm were further
      divided randomly into the poor-replanting group and the poor-untreated group. In
      the poor-replanting group, the tooth was extracted and replanted after resealing
      the fracture gap with adhesive resin from the outer surface. Sites with clinical
      attachment level <=3 mm after 5 weeks were considered as the satisfactory group.
      The poor-untreated group and the satisfactory group were subjected to no further
      treatment. The clinical attachment level was evaluated at baseline and after 2,
      5, and 9 weeks. After 9 weeks, histological measurements were made to determine
      the length of the epithelial downgrowth and the area of alveolar bone resorption.
      The clinical attachment level and the area of bone resorption were significantly
      smaller in the poor-replanting group and the satisfactory group than in the poor
      untreated group (p < 0.05). The results indicate the possibility that periodontal
      inflammation along the fracture line can be prevented and improved if the
      fracture gap is sealed.

PMID- 27655626
TI  - Autoinflammation and Immunomodulation in Inflammatory Fibromyalgia Syndrome- A
      Review.
AB  - Generalized pain with tender points in specific areas accompanied by systemic
      symptoms such as fatigue and stiffness is characteristic of fibromyalgia (FM)
      syndrome. The genesis of FM is still being investigated with conflicting data on
      factors including autonomic dysfunction, neurotransmitters, and hormones often in
      combination with external stressful events. However, recent research is starting
      to suggest that there is a previously underappreciated subtype of fibromyalgia
      called inflammatory Fibromyalgia (iFM). Recent studies have described cytokines,
      inflammatory markers, sleep disorders, hyperalgesia, cognitive dysfunction, serum
      leptin levels and other inflammatory indicators as potential markers for iFM.
      This article will; 1) review the inflammatory markers and abnormal levels of
      other laboratory indicators that can help to identify the subgroup of patients
      that fall into the new category of Inflammatory Fibromyalgia [1-5] and 2) review
      all completed trials that were focused on treating this new category of disease.
      Through this review it is hoped that and further understanding of the complexity
      of the etiology of fibromyalgia can be explored.

PMID- 27655625
TI  - Caries diagnosis using light fluorescence devices in comparison with traditional
      visual and tactile evaluation: a prospective study in 152 patients.
AB  - The objective of the study was to evaluate the in vivo effectiveness of two
      fluorescence techniques (DIAGNOdent and VistaProof) and of visual and tactile
      evaluation in the diagnosis of occlusal caries in permanent teeth. A total of 302
      teeth (molars and premolars) from 152 patients were studied. The occlusal
      surfaces were cleaned using pumice mixed with water, followed by application of
      the diagnostic methods according to the instructions of the manufacturer, and of
      the visual and tactile methods according to the recommendations. The true extent
      of the lesions was determined by fissurotomy. The sensitivity and specificity of
      visual diagnosis were 79 and 72 %, respectively, versus 53 and 98 % in the case
      of tactile diagnosis. Teeth with caries lesions exhibited significantly higher
      DIAGNOdent and VistaProof scores than those without caries. Using the optimum
      cutoff point of 23.5 obtained in our study for DIAGNOdent, sensitivity and
      specificity were found to be 92.4 and 92.7 %, respectively, while values of 88.1
      and 95.1 % were obtained with a cutoff point of 28.5. Sensitivity in the case of
      the VistaProof system varied between 92.9 % (cutoff point 1.05) and 85.3 %
      (cutoff point 1.3), with respective specificity values of 95.8 and 88.6 %. The
      areas under the curve were 0.756, 0.759, 0.954 and 0.965 for the visual and
      tactile methods and for DIAGNOdent and VistaProof, respectively. The fluorescence
      based techniques showed greater internal and external validity than the visual
      and tactile methods in diagnosing occlusal caries in permanent teeth. VistaProof
      is the best method for diagnosing caries in its early stages.

PMID- 27655627
TI  - Repair of human periodontal bone defects by autologous grafting stem cells
      derived from inflammatory dental pulp tissues.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recently, stem cells derived from inflammatory dental pulp tissues
      (DPSCs-IPs) have demonstrated regenerative potential, but the real effect remains
      to be examined. This pilot study attempted to isolate DPSCs-IPs from two patients
      and to evaluate the feasibility and the effect of reconstructing periodontal
      intrabone defects in each patient. METHODS: DPSCs-IPs were harvested from two
      patients with periodontal intrabone defects with their approval. After discussing
      the biological characteristics of DPSCs-IPs in each patient, DPSCs-IPs were
      loaded onto the scaffold material beta-tricalcium phosphate and engrafted into
      the periodontal defect area in the root furcation. After 1, 3, and 9 months, the
      outcome was evaluated by clinical assessment and radiological study. Furthermore,
      new samples were collected and the biological characteristics of DPSCs-IPs were
      further studied compared with normal dental pulp stem cells. The primary cell
      culture success rate, cell viability, cell cycle analysis, and proliferation
      index were used to describe the growth state of DPSCs-IPs. In-vitro
      differentiation ability detection was used to further discuss the stem cell
      characteristics of DPSCs-IPs. RESULTS: As expected, DPSCs-IPs were able to
      engraft and had an effect of regeneration of new bones to repair periodontal
      defects 9 months after surgical reconstruction. Although the success rate of
      primary cell culture and growth status was slightly inhibited, DPSCs-IPs
      expressed comparable levels of stem cell markers as well as retaining their
      multidifferentiation ability. CONCLUSIONS: We developed a standard procedure that
      is potentially safe and technological for clinical periodontal treatment using
      human autologous DPSCs-IPs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: According to the editorial
      policies, the present study is a purely observational study, so trial
      registration is not required.

PMID- 27655628
TI  - Patient Centered Medical Home Care Among Near-Old and Older Race/Ethnic
      Minorities in the US: Findings from the Medical Expenditures Panel Survey.
AB  - Access to Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) care has not been explored among
      older racial/ethnic minorities. We used data on adults 55-years and older from
      the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (2008-2013). We account for five features of
      PCMH experiences and focus on respondents self-identifying as Non-Latino White,
      Black, and Latino. We used regression models to examine associations between PCMH
      care and its domains and race/ethnicity and decomposition techniques to assess
      contribution to differences by predisposing, enabling and health need factors. We
      found low overall access and significant racial/ethnic variations in experiences
      of PCMH. Our results indicated strong deficiencies in access to a personal
      primary care physician provided healthcare. Factors contributing to differences
      in reported PCMH experiences relative to Whites differed by racial/ethnic
      grouping. Policy initiatives aimed at addressing accessibility to personal
      physician directed healthcare could potentially reduce racial/ethnic differences
      while increasing national access to PCMH care.

PMID- 27655630
TI  - A highly specific sodium aptamer probed by 2-aminopurine for robust Na+ sensing.
AB  - Sodium is one of the most abundant metals in the environment and in biology,
      playing critical ecological and physiological roles. Na+ is also the most common
      buffer salt for nucleic acids research, while its specific interaction with DNA
      has yet to be fully studied. Herein, we probe a highly selective and robust Na+
      aptamer using 2-aminopurine (2AP), a fluorescent adenine analog. This aptamer has
      two DNA strands derived from the Ce13d DNAzyme. By introducing a 2AP at the
      cleavage site of the substrate strand, Na+ induces ~40% fluorescence increase.
      The signaling is improved by a series of rational mutations, reaching >600% with
      the C10A20 double mutant. This fluorescence enhancement suggests relaxed base
      stacking near the 2AP label upon Na+ binding. By replacing a non-conserved
      adenine in the enzyme strand by 2AP, Na+-dependent fluorescence quenching is
      observed, suggesting that the enzyme loop folds into a more compact structure
      upon Na+ binding. The fluorescence changes allow for Na+ detection. With an
      optimized sequence, a detection limit of 0.4 mM Na+ is achieved, reaching
      saturated signal in less than 10 s. The sensor response is insensitive to ionic
      strength, which is critical for Na+ detection.

PMID- 27655632
TI  - Casposon integration shows strong target site preference and recapitulates
      protospacer integration by CRISPR-Cas systems.
AB  - Casposons are a recently discovered group of large DNA transposons present in
      diverse bacterial and archaeal genomes. For integration into the host chromosome,
      casposons employ an endonuclease that is homologous to the Cas1 protein involved
      in protospacer integration by the CRISPR-Cas adaptive immune system. Here we
      describe the site-preference of integration by the Cas1 integrase (casposase)
      encoded by the casposon of the archaeon Aciduliprofundum boonei Oligonucleotide
      duplexes derived from the terminal inverted repeats (TIR) of the A. boonei
      casposon as well as mini-casposons flanked by the TIR inserted preferentially at
      a site reconstituting the original A. boonei target site. As in the A. boonei
      genome, the insertion was accompanied by a 15-bp direct target site duplication
      (TSD). The minimal functional target consisted of the 15-bp TSD segment and the
      adjacent 18-bp sequence which comprises the 3' end of the tRNA-Pro gene
      corresponding to the TPsiC loop. The functional casposase target site bears clear
      resemblance to the leader sequence-repeat junction which is the target for
      protospacer integration catalyzed by the Cas1-Cas2 adaptation module of CRISPR
      Cas. These findings reinforce the mechanistic similarities and evolutionary
      connection between the casposons and the adaptation module of the prokaryotic
      adaptive immunity systems.

PMID- 27655634
TI  - Furoquinoline Alkaloids and Methoxyflavones from the Stem Bark of Melicope
      madagascariensis (Baker) T.G. Hartley.
AB  - Melicope madagascariensis (Rutaceae) is an endemic plant species of Madagascar
      that was first classified as a member of the genus Euodia J. R. & G. Forst
      (Rutaceae) under the scientific name Euodia madagascariensis Baker. Based on
      morphological characteristics, Thomas Gordon Hartley taxonomically revised E.
      madagascariensis Baker to be M. madagascariensis (Baker) T.G. Hartley.
      Chemotaxonomical studies have long been used to help the identification and
      confirmation of taxonomical classification of plant species and botanicals.
      Aiming to find more evidences to support the taxonomical revision performed on E.
      madagascariensis, we carried out phytochemical investigation of two samples of
      the plant. Fractionation of the ethanol extracts prepared from two stem bark
      samples of M. madagascariensis (Baker) T.G. Hartley led to the isolation of seven
      known furoquinoline alkaloids 1-7 and two known methoxyflavones 8 and 9. The
      presence of furoquinoline alkaloids and methoxyflavones in the title species is
      in agreement with its taxonomic transfer from Euodia to Melicope. Antiprotozoal
      evaluation of the isolated compounds showed that 6-methoxy-7-hydroxydictamnine
      (heliparvifoline, 3) showed weak antimalarial activity (IC50 = 35 uM) against the
      chloroquine-resistant strain Dd2 of Plasmodium falciparum. Skimmianine (4)
      displayed moderate cytotoxicity with IC50 value of 1.5 uM against HT-29 colon
      cancer cell line whereas 3,5-dihydroxy-3',4',7-trimethoxyflavone (9) was weakly
      active in the same assay (IC50 = 13.9 uM).

PMID- 27655631
TI  - Exposure to the widely used herbicide atrazine results in deregulation of global
      tissue-specific RNA transcription in the third generation and is associated with
      a global decrease of histone trimethylation in mice.
AB  - The epigenetic events imposed during germline reprogramming and affected by
      harmful exposure can be inherited and transferred to subsequent generations via
      gametes inheritance. In this study, we examine the transgenerational effects
      promoted by widely used herbicide atrazine (ATZ). We exposed pregnant outbred CD1
      female mice and the male progeny was crossed for three generations with untreated
      females. We demonstrate here that exposure to ATZ affects meiosis, spermiogenesis
      and reduces the spermatozoa number in the third generation (F3) male mice. We
      suggest that changes in testis cell types originate from modified transcriptional
      network in undifferentiated spermatogonia. Importantly, exposure to ATZ
      dramatically increases the number of transcripts with novel transcription
      initiation sites, spliced variants and alternative polyadenylation sites. We
      found the global decrease in H3K4me3 occupancy in the third generation males. The
      regions with altered H3K4me3 occupancy in F3 ATZ-derived males correspond to
      altered H3K4me3 occupancy of F1 generation and 74% of changed peaks in F3
      generation are associated with enhancers. The regions with altered H3K4me3
      occupancy are enriched in SP family and WT1 transcription factor binding sites.
      Our data suggest that the embryonic exposure to ATZ affects the development and
      the changes induced by ATZ are transferred up to three generations.

PMID- 27655635
TI  - Effects of insulin on the skin: possible healing benefits for diabetic foot
      ulcers.
AB  - Diabetic foot ulcers affect 15-20 % of all diabetic patients and remain an
      important challenge since the available therapies have limited efficacy and some
      of the novel therapeutic approaches, which include growth factors and stem cells,
      are highly expensive and their safety remains to be evaluated. Despite its low
      cost and safety, the interest for topical insulin as a healing agent has
      increased only in the last 20 years. The molecular mechanisms of insulin
      signaling and its metabolic effects have been well studied in its classical
      target tissues. However, little is known about the specific effects of insulin in
      healthy or even diabetic skin. In addition, the mechanisms involved in the
      effects of insulin on wound healing have been virtually unknown until about 10
      years ago. This paper will review the most recent advances in the cellular and
      molecular mechanisms that underlie the beneficial effects of insulin on skin
      wound healing in diabetes. Emerging evidence that links dysfunction of key
      cellular organelles, namely the endoplasmic reticulum and the mitochondria, to
      changes in the autophagy response, as well as the impaired wound healing in
      diabetic patients will also be discussed along with the putative mechanisms
      whereby insulin could regulate/modulate these alterations.

PMID- 27655633
TI  - Dynamic peptides of human TPP1 fulfill diverse functions in telomere maintenance.
AB  - Telomeres are specialized nucleoprotein complexes that comprise the ends of
      linear chromosomes. Human telomeres end in a short, single-stranded DNA (ssDNA)
      overhang that is recognized and bound by two telomere proteins, POT1 and TPP1.
      Whereas POT1 binds directly to telomere ssDNA, its interaction with TPP1 is
      essential for localization of POT1 to the telomere. TPP1 also provides enhanced
      binding and sequence discrimination that regulates POT1-TPP1 interactions
      exclusively with telomere ssDNA. Finally, TPP1 recruits telomerase, the enzyme
      responsible for synthesis of telomere DNA, to the telomere. While the
      oligosaccharide-oligonucleotide-binding (OB)-fold domain of TPP1 has been solved
      by X-ray crystallography, the molecular interactions within the POT1-TPP1-ssDNA
      ternary complex and the conformational changes that contribute to its diverse
      functions remain ambiguous. We employed hydrogen/deuterium exchange combined with
      mass spectrometry to identify three peptides, all residing within the OB-fold of
      TPP1, that exhibit altered exchange rates upon complex formation or ssDNA
      binding. Mutation of these regions combined with functional assays revealed the
      diverse contributions of each moiety in protein-protein interactions, regulating
      telomerase activity or DNA-binding. Together, these functional data combined with
      biophysical analyses and homology modeling provide a molecular understanding of
      the diverse contributions of TPP1 in telomere maintenance.

PMID- 27655637
TI  - COL3A1 and SNAP91: novel glioblastoma markers with diagnostic and prognostic
      value.
AB  - Although patients with glioblastoma (GBM) have grave prognosis, significant
      variability in patient outcome is observed. This study aims to identify novel
      targets for GBM diagnosis and therapy. Microarray data (GSE4290, GSE7696, and
      GSE4412) obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus was used to identify the
      differentially expressed genes (DEGs) by significant analysis of microarray
      (SAM). Intersection of the identified DEGs for each profile revealed 46 DEGs in
      GBM. A subset of common DEGs were validated by real-time reverse transcription
      quantitative PCR (qPCR). The prognostic value of some of the markers was also
      studied. We determined that RRM2 and COL3A1 were increased and directly
      correlated with glioma grade, while SH3GL2 and SNAP91 were decreased in GBM and
      inversely correlated with glioma grade. Kaplan-Meir analysis of GSE7696 revealed
      that COL3A1 and SNAP91 correlated with survival, suggesting that COL3A1 and
      SNAP91 may be suitable biomarkers for diagnostic or therapeutic strategies for
      GBM.

PMID- 27655639
TI  - Analysis of the variability among radiation oncologists in delineation of the
      postsurgical tumor bed based on 4D-CT.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study investigated interobserver and intraobserver variability in
      radiation oncologists' definition of the tumor bed (TB) after breast-conserving
      surgery (BCS). RESULTS: The TB volume, CVS and number of surgical clips were not
      significantly related to intraobserver variability. Moreover, no correlation was
      noted between CT slice thickness and interobserver variability (Deltainter,
      DSCinter) in TB delineation, and no significant difference was noted among the
      three groups. The TB volume was negatively correlated with Deltainter. DSCinter
      improved significantly with increased TB volume and decreased Deltainter.
      DSCinter also increased significantly in patients with a CVS of 3 to 5 compared
      with patients with a CVS of 1 to 2. DSCinter was thus positively correlated with
      the CVS, with a correlation coefficient of 0.451. The use of 7 to 9 surgical
      clips neither decreased Deltainter nor increased DSCinter. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Five or more surgical clips were placed at the TB during lumpectomy. The TB was
      delineated on the end expiration scan. The data were stratified based on the
      cavity visualization score (CVS), CT slice thickness and surgical clip number.
      The Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and inter(intra)observer variability
      (Deltainter and Deltaintra) in different groups were evaluated and compared.
      CONCLUSIONS: Inter(intra)observer variability in TB delineation was decreased for
      breast cancer patients implanted with 5 or more surgical clips in the cohort with
      a higher CVS and a larger TB. The use of more than 6 surgical clips did not
      significantly improve TB delineation, so 5 to 6 surgical clips are likely
      adequate to delineate the TB.

PMID- 27655638
TI  - Decreased expression of IDH1-R132H correlates with poor survival in
      gastrointestinal cancer.
AB  - Isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH1) is an NADP-dependent enzyme that catalyzes the
      decarboxylation of isocitrate to alpha-ketoglutarate. The IDH1-R132H mutation
      predicts a better clinical outcome for glioma patients, and the expression of
      IDH1-R132H correlates with a favorable outcome in patients with brain tumors.
      Here, we investigated IDH1-R132H expression in both gastric (n=526) and
      colorectal (n=399) tissues by performing immunohistochemistry analyses on tissue
      microarrays. We also tested whether IDH1-R132H expression correlated with various
      clinical parameters. In both gastric and colorectal cancer, expression of IDH1
      R132H was associated with tumor stage. Patients with low IDH1-R132H expression
      had a poor overall survival. Our data indicate that IDH1-R132H expression could
      be used as a predictive marker of prognosis for patients with gastrointestinal
      cancer.

PMID- 27655640
TI  - Primary and recurrent ovarian high-grade serous carcinomas display similar
      microRNA expression patterns relative to those of normal ovarian tissue.
AB  - Most patients with epithelial ovarian cancer eventually die due to recurrence.
      However, little is known about the microRNA (miRNA) expression pattern and its
      involvement in recurrent ovarian cancer. We analyzed miRNA expression profiles
      related to the recurrence of advanced ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC)
      using miRNA microarrays. Between May 2006 and December 2012, 37 ovarian HGSC
      patients underwent secondary cyto-debulking surgery at recurrence. Among them,
      only 8 pairs of primary and recurrent tumor samples were deemed to be adequate
      for analysis. The expression profiles of primary ovarian HGSC compared with
      normal ovarian tissue were significantly consistent with those of recurrent
      ovarian HGSC compared with normal ovarian tissue (correlation coefficient = 0.81,
      P = 0.0078). Among 31 miRNAs that increased by more than 4-fold in primary tumors
      compared with normal ovarian tissue, 27 were also significantly increased in
      recurrent tumor samples. Likewise, among 35 miRNAs that decreased by more than 4
      fold in primary tumors compared with normal ovarian tissue, 34 were also
      significantly decreased in recurrent tumor samples. We identified 60 miRNAs that
      were significantly increased in recurrent serous ovarian carcinoma compared with
      primary tumor tissue, including miR-630, miR-370, and miR-575. Additionally, 52
      miRNAs were significantly decreased in recurrent samples, including miR-509-3p,
      miR-514a-3p, and miR-506-3p. Our results demonstrate that primary and recurrent
      ovarian HGSC displayed similar miRNA expression patterns. Nevertheless, altered
      miRNA expression could be implicated in the recurrence of ovarian HGSC, and
      further study is needed to validate these data in independent cases using a
      homogeneous methodology.

PMID- 27655641
TI  - Uncovering synthetic lethal interactions for therapeutic targets and predictive
      markers in lung adenocarcinoma.
AB  - Two genes are called synthetic lethal (SL) if their simultaneous mutation leads
      to cell death, but mutation of either individual does not. Targeting SL partners
      of mutated cancer genes can selectively kill cancer cells, but leave normal cells
      intact. We present an integrated approach to uncover SL gene pairs as novel
      therapeutic targets of lung adenocarcinoma (LADC). Of 24 predicted SL pairs,
      PARP1-TP53 was validated by RNAi knockdown to have synergistic toxicity in H1975
      and invasive CL1-5 LADC cells; additionally FEN1-RAD54B, BRCA1-TP53, BRCA2-TP53
      and RB1-TP53 were consistent with the literature. While metastasis remains a
      bottleneck in cancer treatment and inhibitors of PARP1 have been developed, this
      result may have therapeutic potential for LADC, in which TP53 is commonly
      mutated. We also demonstrated that silencing PARP1 enhanced the cell death
      induced by the platinum-based chemotherapy drug carboplatin in lung cancer cells
      (CL1-5 and H1975). IHC of RAD54B?, BRCA1?-RAD54B?, FEN1(N)?-RAD54B? and PARP1?
      RAD54B? were shown to be prognostic markers for 131 Asian LADC patients, and all
      markers except BRCA1?-RAD54B? were further confirmed by three independent gene
      expression data sets (a total of 426 patients) including The Cancer Genome Atlas
      (TCGA) cohort of LADC. Importantly, we identified POLB-TP53 and POLB as
      predictive markers for the TCGA cohort (230 subjects), independent of age and
      stage. Thus, POLB and POLB-TP53 may be used to stratify future non-Asian LADC
      patients for therapeutic strategies.

PMID- 27655642
TI  - Second-generation proteasome inhibitor carfilzomib enhances doxorubicin-induced
      cytotoxicity and apoptosis in breast cancer cells.
AB  - Proteasome inhibition is an attractive approach for anticancer therapy.
      Doxorubicin (DOX) is widely used for treatment in a number of cancers including
      breast cancer; however, the development of DOX resistance largely limits its
      clinical application. One of the possible mechanisms of DOX-resistance is that
      DOX might induce the activation of NF-kappaB. In this case, proteasome inhibitors
      could inhibit the activation of NF-kappaB by blocking inhibitory factor kappaB
      (IkappaB) degradation. Carfilzomib, a second-generation proteasome inhibitor,
      overcomes bortezomib resistance and lessens its side-effects. Currently, the
      effect of carfilzomib on breast cancer cell proliferation remains unclear. In
      this study, we exploited the role of carfilzomib in seven breast cancer cell
      lines, MCF7, T-47D, MDA-MB-361, HCC1954, MDA-MB-468, MDA-MB-231, and BT-549,
      representing all major molecular subtypes of breast cancer. We found that
      carfilzomib alone had cytotoxic effects on the breast cancer cells and it
      increased DOX-induced cytotoxic effects and apoptosis in combination by enhancing
      DOX-induced JNK phosphorylation and inhibiting DOX-induced IkappaBalpha
      degradation. The results suggest that carfilzomib has potent antitumor effects on
      breast cancer in vitro and can sensitize breast cancer cells to DOX treatment.
      DOX in combination with carfilzomib may be an effective and feasible therapeutic
      option in the clinical trials for treating breast cancer.

PMID- 27655643
TI  - Biomarker analysis of the MITO2 phase III trial of first-line treatment in
      ovarian cancer: predictive value of DNA-PK and phosphorylated ACC.
AB  - BACKGROUND: No biomarker is available to predict prognosis of patients with
      advanced ovarian cancer (AOC) and guide the choice of chemotherapy. We performed
      a prospective-retrospective biomarker study within the MITO2 trial on the
      treatment of AOC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: MITO2 is a randomised multicentre phase 3
      trial conducted with 820 AOC patients assigned carboplatin/paclitaxel
      (carboplatin: AUC5, paclitaxel: 175 mg/m2, every 3 weeks for 6 cycles) or
      carboplatin/PLD-pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (carboplatin: AUC5, PLD: 30
      mg/m2, every 3 weeks for 6 cycles) as first line treatment. Sixteen biomarkers
      (pathways of adhesion/invasion, apoptosis, transcription regulation, metabolism,
      and DNA repair) were studied in 229 patients, in a tissue microarray. Progression
      free and overall survival were analysed with multivariable Cox model. RESULTS:
      After 72 months median follow-up, 594 progressions and 426 deaths were reported;
      there was no significant difference between the two arms in the whole trial. No
      biomarker had significant prognostic value. Statistically significant
      interactions with treatment were found for DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK)
      and phosphorylated acetyl-coenzymeA carboxylase (pACC), both predicting worse
      outcome for patients receiving carboplatin/paclitaxel. CONCLUSION: These data
      show that in presence of DNA-PK or pACC overexpression, carboplatin/paclitaxel
      might be less effective than carboplatin/PLD as first line treatment of ovarian
      cancer patients. Further validation of these findings is warranted.

PMID- 27655644
TI  - Genetic inhibition of autophagy promotes p53 loss-of-heterozygosity and
      tumorigenesis.
AB  - Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved lysosomal degradation pathway that plays
      an essential role in enabling eukaryotic organisms to adapt to nutrient
      deprivation and other forms of environmental stress. In metazoan organisms,
      autophagy is essential for differentiation and normal development; however,
      whether the autophagy pathway promotes or inhibits tumorigenesis is
      controversial, and the possible mechanisms linking defective autophagy to cancer
      remain unclear. To determine if autophagy is important for tumor suppression, we
      inhibited autophagy in transgenic zebrafish via stable, tissue-specific
      expression of a dominant-negative autophagy protein Atg5K130R. In heterozygous
      tp53 mutants, expression of dominant-negative atg5K130R increased tumor incidence
      and decreased tumor latency compared to non-transgenic heterozygous tp53 mutant
      controls. In a tp53-deficient background, Tg(mitfa:atg5K130R) mutantsdeveloped
      malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs), neuroendocrine tumors and
      small-cell tumors. Expression of a Sox10-dependent GFP transgene in the tumors
      demonstrated their origin from neural crest cells, lending support to a model in
      which mitfa-expressing cells can arise from sox10+ Schwann cell precursors.
      Tumors from the transgenic animals exhibited increased DNA damage and loss-of
      heterozygosity of tp53. Taken together, our data indicate that genetic inhibition
      of autophagy promotes tumorigenesis in tp53 mutant zebrafish, and suggest a
      possible role for autophagy in the regulation of genome stability during
      oncogenesis.

PMID- 27655645
TI  - Early detection of pemetrexed-induced inhibition of thymidylate synthase in non
      small cell lung cancer with FLT-PET imaging.
AB  - Inhibition of thymidylate synthase (TS) results in a transient "flare" in DNA
      thymidine salvage pathway activity measurable with FLT ([18F]thymidine)-positron
      emission tomography (PET). Here we characterize this imaging strategy for
      potential clinical translation in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Since
      pemetrexed acts by inhibiting TS, we defined the kinetics of increases in
      thymidine salvage pathway mediated by TS inhibition following treatment with
      pemetrexed in vitro. Next, using a mouse model of NSCLC, we validated the
      kinetics of the pemetrexed-mediated "flare" in thymidine salvage pathway activity
      in vivo using FLT-PET imaging. Finally, we translated our findings into a proof
      of-principle clinical trial of FLT-PET in a human NSCLC patient. In NSCLC cells
      in vitro, we identified a burst in pemetrexed-mediated thymidine salvage pathway
      activity, assessed by 3H-thymidine assays, thymidine kinase 1 (TK1) expression,
      and equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (ENT1) mobilization to the cell
      membrane, that peaked at 2hrs. This 2hr time-point was also optimal for FLT-PET
      imaging of pemetrexed-mediated TS inhibition in murine xenograft tumors and was
      demonstrated to be feasible in a NSCLC patient. FLT-PET imaging of pemetrexed
      induced TS inhibition is optimal at 2hrs from therapy start; this timing is
      feasible in human clinical trials.

PMID- 27655646
TI  - The effects of intravenous anesthetics on QT interval during anesthetic induction
      with sevoflurane.
AB  - PURPOSE: Sevoflurane is known to prolong the QT interval. This study aimed to
      determine the effect of the interaction between intravenous anesthetics and
      sevoflurane on the QT interval. METHODS: The study included 48 patients who
      underwent lumbar spine surgery. Patients received 3 MUg/kg fentanyl and were then
      randomly allocated to either Group T, in which they received 5 mg/kg thiamylal,
      or Group P, in which they received 1.5 mg/kg propofol, at 2 min after
      administration of fentanyl injection for anesthetic induction. Vecuronium (1.5
      mg/kg) and sevoflurane (3 % inhaled concentration) were administered immediately
      after loss of consciousness and tracheal intubation was performed 3 min after
      vecuronium injection. Heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), bispectral
      index score (BIS), and the heart rate-corrected QT (QTc) interval on a 12-lead
      electrocardiogram were recorded immediately before fentanyl administration (T1),
      2 min after fentanyl injection (T2), immediately before intubation (T3), and 2
      min after intubation (T4). RESULTS: There were no significant differences between
      the two groups in baseline patient characteristics. BIS and MAP significantly
      decreased after anesthesia induction in both groups. At T3, MAP in Group T was
      higher than in Group P, while HR had reduced in both groups. The QTc interval was
      prolonged after anesthesia induction in Group T, but did not change at any time
      point in Group P. The QTc interval after anesthesia induction in Group T was
      longer than in Group P. CONCLUSION: We concluded that an injection of propofol
      could counteract QTc interval prolongation associated with sevoflurane anesthesia
      induction.

PMID- 27655647
TI  - Expert consensus on facilitators and barriers to return-to-work following surgery
      for non-traumatic upper extremity conditions: a Delphi study.
AB  - : This Delphi study aimed to reach consensus on important facilitators and
      barriers for return-to-work following surgery for non-traumatic upper extremity
      conditions. In Round 1, experts ( n = 42) listed 134 factors, which were
      appraised in Rounds 2 and 3. Consensus (?85% agreement) was achieved for 13
      facilitators (high motivation to return-to-work; high self-efficacy for return-to
      work and recovery; availability of modified/alternative duties; flexible return
      to-work arrangements; positive coping skills; limited heavy work exertion;
      supportive return-to-work policies; supportive supervisor/management; no
      catastrophic thinking; no fear avoidance to return-to-work; no fear avoidance to
      pain/activity; return to meaningful work duties; high job satisfaction) and six
      barriers (mood disorder diagnosis; pain/symptoms at more than one musculoskeletal
      site; heavy upper extremity exertions at work; lack of flexible return-to-work
      arrangements; lack of support from supervisor/management; high level of pain
      catastrophizing). Future prognostic studies are required to validate these
      biopsychosocial factors to further improve return-to-work outcomes. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: V.

PMID- 27655648
TI  - Outcomes of a 'One Health' Monitoring Approach to a Five-Year Beaver (Castor
      fiber) Reintroduction Trial in Scotland.
AB  - The Scottish Beaver Trial, involving the translocation and release of 16 wild
      Norwegian beavers (Castor fiber) to Scotland, provides a good example of a 'One
      Health' scientific monitoring approach, with independent monitoring partners on
      ecology and public health feeding into veterinary health surveillance. Pathogen
      detection did not prohibit beaver release, although eight beavers were
      seropositive for Leptospira spp. Six deaths (37.5%) occurred during Rabies
      quarantine, followed by the death of two animals shortly after release and two
      wild-born kits due to suspected predation. Two host-specific parasites, the
      beaver fluke (Stichorchis subtriquetrus) and beaver beetle (Platypsyllus
      castoris) were also reintroduced.

PMID- 27655636
TI  - Kinase inhibitors as potential agents in the treatment of multiple myeloma.
AB  - Recent years have witnessed a dramatic increase in the number of therapeutic
      options available for the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) - from
      immunomodulating agents to proteasome inhibitors to histone deacetylase (HDAC)
      inhibitors and, most recently, monoclonal antibodies. Used in conjunction with
      autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, these modalities have nearly
      doubled the disease's five-year survival rate over the last three decades to
      about 50%. In spite of these advances, MM still is considered incurable as
      resistance and relapse are common. While small molecule protein kinase inhibitors
      have made inroads in the therapy of a number of cancers, to date their
      application to MM has been less than successful. Focusing on MM, this review
      examines the roles played by a number of kinases in driving the malignant state
      and the rationale for target development in the design of a number of kinase
      inhibitors that have demonstrated anti-myeloma activity in both in vitro and in
      vivo xenograph models, as well as those that have entered clinical trials. Among
      the targets and their inhibitors examined are receptor and non-receptor tyrosine
      kinases, cell cycle control kinases, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway kinases, protein
      kinase C, mitogen-activated protein kinase, glycogen synthase kinase, casein
      kinase, integrin-linked kinase, sphingosine kinase, and kinases involved in the
      unfolded protein response.

PMID- 27655650
TI  - Aortic valve disease 2016: evaluation for and outcome of TAVI and surgery.

PMID- 27655649
TI  - Impact of Anthropogenic Disturbance on Native and Invasive Trypanosomes of
      Rodents in Forested Uganda.
AB  - Habitat disturbance and anthropogenic change are globally associated with
      extinctions and invasive species introductions. Less understood is the impact of
      environmental change on the parasites harbored by endangered, extinct, and
      introduced species. To improve our understanding of the impacts of anthropogenic
      disturbance on such host-parasite interactions, we investigated an invasive
      trypanosome (Trypanosoma lewisi). We screened 348 individual small mammals,
      representing 26 species, from both forested and non-forested habitats in rural
      Uganda. Using microscopy and PCR, we identified 18% of individuals (order
      Rodentia) as positive for trypanosomes. Further phylogenetic analyses revealed
      two trypanosomes circulating-T. lewisi and T. varani. T. lewisi was found in
      seven species both native and invasive, while T. varani was identified in only
      three native forest species. The lack of T. varani in non-forested habitats
      suggests that it is a natural parasite of forest-dwelling rodents. Our findings
      suggest that anthropogenic disturbance may lead to spillover of an invasive
      parasite (T. lewisi) from non-native to native species, and lead to local co
      extinction of a native parasite (T. varani) and native forest-dwelling hosts.

PMID- 27655651
TI  - Victor Dzau MD.

PMID- 27655653
TI  - British Cardiovascular Society Annual Conference 2016.

PMID- 27655655
TI  - Can SNOMED CT be squeezed without losing its shape?
AB  - BACKGROUND: In biomedical applications where the size and complexity of SNOMED CT
      become problematic, using a smaller subset that can act as a reasonable
      substitute is usually preferred. In a special class of use cases-like ontology
      based quality assurance, or when performing scaling experiments for real-time
      performance-it is essential that modules show a similar shape than SNOMED CT in
      terms of concept distribution per sub-hierarchy. Exactly how to extract such
      balanced modules remains unclear, as most previous work on ontology
      modularization has focused on other problems. In this study, we investigate to
      what extent extracting balanced modules that preserve the original shape of
      SNOMED CT is possible, by presenting and evaluating an iterative algorithm.
      METHODS: We used a graph-traversal modularization approach based on an input
      signature. To conform to our definition of a balanced module, we implemented an
      iterative algorithm that carefully bootstraped and dynamically adjusted the
      signature at each step. We measured the error for each sub-hierarchy and defined
      convergence as a residual sum of squares <1. RESULTS: Using 2000 concepts as an
      initial signature, our algorithm converged after seven iterations and extracted a
      module 4.7 % the size of SNOMED CT. Seven sub-hierarhies were either over or
      under-represented within a range of 1-8 %. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that
      balanced modules from large terminologies can be extracted using ontology graph
      traversal modularization techniques under certain conditions: that the process is
      repeated a number of times, the input signature is dynamically adjusted in each
      iteration, and a moderate under/over-representation of some hierarchies is
      tolerated. In the case of SNOMED CT, our results conclusively show that it can be
      squeezed to less than 5 % of its size without any sub-hierarchy losing its shape
      more than 8 %, which is likely sufficient in most use cases.

PMID- 27655657
TI  - Getting the dose right for obese children.

PMID- 27655658
TI  - Obesity in adolescents with chronic fatigue syndrome: an observational study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Identify the prevalence of obesity in patients with chronic fatigue
      syndrome (CFS) compared with healthy adolescents, and those identified with CFS
      in a population cohort. DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis of multiple imputed
      data. SETTING: Data from UK paediatric CFS/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME)
      services compared with data collected at two time points in the Avon Longitudinal
      Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). PATIENTS: 1685 adolescents who attended a
      CFS/ME specialist service between 2004 and 2014 and 13 978 adolescents aged
      approximately 13 years and 16 years participating in the ALSPAC study. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURES: Body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2), sex-specific and age-specific
      BMI Z-scores (relative to the International Obesity Task Force cut-offs) and
      prevalence of obesity (%). RESULTS: Adolescents who had attended specialist
      CFS/ME services had a higher prevalence of obesity (age 13 years: 9.28%; age 16
      years: 16.43%) compared with both adolescents classified as CFS/ME in ALSPAC (age
      13 years: 3.72%; age 16 years: 5.46%) and those non-CFS in ALSPAC (age 13 years:
      4.18%; age 16 years: 4.46%). The increased odds of obesity in those who attended
      specialist services (relative to non-CFS in ALSPAC) was apparent at both 13 years
      (OR: 2.31 (1.54 to 3.48)) and 16 years, with a greater likelihood observed at 16
      years (OR: 4.07 (2.04 to 8.11)). CONCLUSIONS: We observed an increased prevalence
      of obesity in adolescents who were affected severely enough to be referred to a
      specialist CFS/ME service. Further longitudinal research is required in order to
      identify the temporal relationship between the two conditions.

PMID- 27655659
TI  - QUESTION 1: Does folic acid supplementation reduce the incidence or severity of
      anaemia in neonates with a positive direct Coombs test?

PMID- 27655660
TI  - Arthritis in children: comparison of clinical and biological characteristics of
      septic arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
AB  - AIM: Childhood arthritis arises from several causes. The aim of this
      observational study is to compare the clinical and biological features and short
      term outcome of different types of arthritis because they have different
      treatment and prognoses. METHODS: Children <16 years of age hospitalised in a
      French tertiary care centre for a first episode of arthritis lasting for less
      than 6 weeks who underwent joint aspiration were retrospectively included. We
      performed non-parametrical tests to compare groups (septic arthritis (SA),
      juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and arthritis with no definitive diagnosis).
      The time before apyrexia or C reactive protein (CRP) <10 mg/L was analysed using
      the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: We studied 125 children with a sex ratio (M/F)
      of 1.1 and a median age of 2.2 years (range 0.3 to 14.6). SA was associated with
      a lower age at onset (1.5 years, IQR 1.2-3.0 vs 3.6 years, IQR 2.2-5.6), shorter
      duration of symptoms before diagnosis (2 days, IQR 1-4 vs 7 days, IQR 1-19) and
      higher synovial white blood cell count (147 cells *103/mm3, IQR 71-227, vs 51
      cells *103/mm3, IQR 12-113), than JIA. Apyrexia occurred later in children with
      JIA (40% after 2 days, 95% CI 17% to 75%) than children with SA (82%, 95% CI 68%
      to 92%), as did CRP<10 mg/L (18% at 7 days, 95% CI 6.3% to 29.6% vs 82.1%, 95% CI
      76.1% to 89.7%, p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: There were no sufficiently reliable
      predictors for differentiating between SA and JIA at onset. The outcomes were
      different; JIA should be considered in cases of poor disease evolution after
      antibiotic treatment and joint aspiration.

PMID- 27655661
TI  - Ulcerative skin lesions following varicella infection.

PMID- 27655663
TI  - Locked nucleic acid-inhibitor of miR-205 decreases endometrial cancer cells
      proliferation in vitro and in vivo.
AB  - Pathogenesis of endometrial cancer has been connected with alterations of
      microRNA expression and in particular miR-205 up-regulation was consistently
      reported in this carcinoma. Presented study aimed to investigate if inhibition of
      miR-205 expression using LNA-modified-nucleotide would attenuate endometrial
      cancer cells proliferation in vitro and in vivo.In the course of the study we
      found that the proliferation of endometrial cancer cells (HEC-1-B, RL-95, KLE,
      Ishikawa) transfected with LNA-miR-205-inhibitor and evaluated using real time
      cell monitoring as well as standard cell proliferation assay, was significantly
      decreased. Next, LNA-miR-205-inhibitor was used to assess the in vivo effects of
      miR-205 inhibition of endometrial cancer growth. Cby.Cg-Foxn1/cmdb mice bearing
      endometrial cancer xenografts were intraperitoneally injected with nine dosages
      of 25mg/kg of miR-205-LNA-inhibitor or scramble control or phosphatase buffered
      saline and were observed for 32 days. We found that systemic administration of
      miR-205-LNA-inhibitor was technically possible, and exerted inhibitory effect on
      endometrial cancer xenograft growth in vivo with only mild toxic effects in
      treated animals.In conclusion our results suggest that systemic delivery of miR
      205-LNA-inhibitor is feasible, devoid of significant toxicity, and could be a
      promising treatment strategy for endometrial cancer. Therefore it warrants
      further studies in other animal models.

PMID- 27655662
TI  - Anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies and EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors as
      combination therapy for triple-negative breast cancer.
AB  - Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by overexpression of
      epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and activation of its downstream
      signaling pathways. Dual targeting of EGFR using one monoclonal antibody (mAb;
      cetuximab or panitumumab) and one tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI; gefitinib
      or erlotinib) is a potential therapeutic approach. We investigated the effect of
      these therapies in EGFR-expressing TNBC cell lines that do or do not harbor the
      main activating mutations of EGFR pathways. Cell lines were sensitive to EGFR
      TKIs, whereas mAbs were active only in MDA-MB-468 (EGFR amplification) and SUM
      1315 (KRAS and PTEN wild-type) cells. MDA-MB-231 (KRAS mutated) and HCC-1937
      (PTEN deletion) cells were resistant to mAbs. The combined treatment resulted in
      a synergistic effect on cell proliferation and superior inhibition of the
      RAS/MAPK signaling pathway in mAb-sensitive cells. The anti-proliferative effect
      was associated with G1 cell cycle arrest followed by apoptosis. Sensitivity to
      therapies was characterized by induction of positive regulators and inactivation
      of negative regulators of cell cycle. These results suggest that dual EGFR
      inhibition might result in an enhanced antitumor effect in a subgroup of TNBC.
      The status of EGFR, KRAS and PTEN could be used as a molecular marker for
      predicting the response to this therapeutic strategy.

PMID- 27655664
TI  - Asn-Gly-Arg-modified polydopamine-coated nanoparticles for dual-targeting therapy
      of brain glioma in rats.
AB  - The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is the major clinical obstacle in the
      chemotherapeutic management of brain glioma. Here we synthesized a pH-sensitive
      dual-targeting doxorubicin (DOX) carrier to compromise tumor endothelial cells,
      enhance BBB transportation, and improve drug accumulation in glioma cells. The
      drug delivery system was constructed with polydopamine (PDA)-coated mesoporous
      silica nanoparticles (NPs, MSNs) and the PDA coating was functionalized with Asn
      Gly-Arg (NGR), a ligand with specific affinity for cluster of differentiation 13
      (CD13). MSN-DOX-PDA-NGR showed a higher intracellular accumulation in primary
      brain capillary endothelial cells (BCECs) and C6 cells and greater BBB
      permeability than the non-targeting NPs (MSN-DOX-PDA) did in vitro. Ex vivo and
      in vivo tests showed that MSN-DOX-PDA-NGR had a higher accumulation in
      intracranial tumorous tissue than the undecorated NPs did. Furthermore, the
      antiangiogenesis and antitumor efficacy of MSN-DOX-PDA-NGR were stronger than
      that of MSN-DOX-PDA. Therefore, these results indicate that the dual-targeting
      vehicles are potentially useful in brain glioma therapy.

PMID- 27655665
TI  - A phase I-II trial of fludarabine, bendamustine and rituximab (FBR) in previously
      treated patients with CLL.
AB  - Chemoimmunotherapy regimens have been the standard first-line therapy for
      patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). For young, fit patients the
      standard of care is combination of fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab
      (FCR). Based on the preclinical work demonstrating that bendamustine combined
      with fludarabine resulted in increased DNA damage, we designed a phase I-II
      clinical trial with fludarabine, bendamustine, and rituximab (FBR) for patients
      with relapsed/refractory CLL. Treatment consisted of fludarabine 20 mg/m2 daily x
      3 days and rituximab 375-500 mg/m2 x 1 day. Phase I included bendamustine at
      increasing doses of 20, 30, 40, or 50 mg/m2 daily x 3 days; phase II was with FR,
      and B at the selected dose. DNA damage response (H2AX phosphorylation) was
      evaluated in a subset of patients. Fifty-one patients were enrolled. The median
      age was 62 years; median number of prior therapies was 2; 40% had del(11q); and
      41 patients had received prior FCR-based therapies. Hematologic toxicity was more
      common in >=40 mg/m2 dose cohorts. Maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was not
      identified. Bendamustine-elicited H2AX phosphorylation was not dose-dependent,
      but markedly increased after fludarabine. We identified bendamustine 30 mg/m2 as
      the safe dose for phase II. The overall response rate (ORR) was 67% with 36%
      complete response (CR) / CR with incomplete count recovery (CRi). Younger
      patients (<65 years) had significantly higher ORR (81% vs. 50%; p=0.038). The
      median progression-free survival was 19 months, and the median overall survival
      was 52.5 months. FBR is an effective and tolerable CIT regimen for patients with
      relapsed CLL.

PMID- 27655666
TI  - Smac mimetic LCL161 supports neuroblastoma chemotherapy in a drug class-dependent
      manner and synergistically interacts with ALK inhibitor TAE684 in cells with ALK
      mutation F1174L.
AB  - Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor during infancy and
      childhood.Outcome of high-risk and late-stage disease remains poor despite
      intensive treatment regimens.Suppressing inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs)
      using Smac mimetics (SM) significantly sensitizes neuroblastoma (NB) cells for
      chemotherapy, however strongly dependent on the cytotoxic drug combined with
      SM.Therefore, a systematic analysis of the impact of SM in combination with
      different classes of chemotherapeutics was of crucial importance. Treatment of NB
      cell lines with SM LCL161 and vinca alkaloids revealed a strong synergistic
      inhibition of proliferation and significant induction of apoptosis in virtually
      all established and de novo NB cell lines (n=8).In contrast, combination of
      anthracyclines or topoisomerase inhibitors with LCL161 showed a synergism for
      single drugs and/or cell lines only.Furthermore, we could show that insensibility
      to LCL161-mediated sensitization for chemotherapeutics is associated with
      aberrant activation of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) by common mutation
      F1174L. Inhibition of ALK using TAE684 is able to overcome this resistance in a
      synergistic fashion, a finding that could be highly relevant for improvement of
      neuroblastoma therapy.

PMID- 27655668
TI  - A model for the effects of germanium on silica biomineralization in
      choanoflagellates.
AB  - Silica biomineralization is a widespread phenomenon of major biotechnological
      interest. Modifying biosilica with substances like germanium (Ge) can confer
      useful new properties, although exposure to high levels of Ge disrupts normal
      biosilicification. No clear mechanism explains why this disruption occurs. Here,
      we study the effect of Ge on loricate choanoflagellates, a group of protists that
      construct a species-specific extracellular lorica from multiple siliceous costal
      strips. High Ge exposures were toxic, whereas lower Ge exposures produced cells
      with incomplete or absent loricae. These effects can be ameliorated by restoring
      the germanium : silicon ratio, as observed in other biosilicifying organisms. We
      developed simulations of how Ge interacts with polymerizing silica. In our
      models, Ge is readily incorporated at the ends of silica forming from silicic
      acid condensation, but this prevents further silica polymerization. Our 'Ge
      capping' model is supported by observations from loricate choanoflagellates. Ge
      exposure terminates costal strip synthesis and lorica formation, resulting in
      disruption to cytokinesis and fatal build-up of silicic acid. Applying the Ge
      capping model to other siliceous organisms explains the general toxicity of Ge
      and identifies potential protective responses in metalloid uptake and sensing.
      This can improve the design of new silica biomaterials, and further our
      understanding of silicon metabolism.

PMID- 27655667
TI  - Cerebellar-inspired algorithm for adaptive control of nonlinear dielectric
      elastomer-based artificial muscle.
AB  - Electroactive polymer actuators are important for soft robotics, but can be
      difficult to control because of compliance, creep and nonlinearities. Because
      biological control mechanisms have evolved to deal with such problems, we
      investigated whether a control scheme based on the cerebellum would be useful for
      controlling a nonlinear dielectric elastomer actuator, a class of artificial
      muscle. The cerebellum was represented by the adaptive filter model, and acted in
      parallel with a brainstem, an approximate inverse plant model. The recurrent
      connections between the two allowed for direct use of sensory error to adjust
      motor commands. Accurate tracking of a displacement command in the actuator's
      nonlinear range was achieved by either semi-linear basis functions in the
      cerebellar model or semi-linear functions in the brainstem corresponding to
      recruitment in biological muscle. In addition, allowing transfer of training
      between cerebellum and brainstem as has been observed in the vestibulo-ocular
      reflex prevented the steady increase in cerebellar output otherwise required to
      deal with creep. The extensibility and relative simplicity of the cerebellar
      based adaptive-inverse control scheme suggests that it is a plausible candidate
      for controlling this type of actuator. Moreover, its performance highlights
      important features of biological control, particularly nonlinear basis functions,
      recruitment and transfer of training.

PMID- 27655669
TI  - Using collision cones to assess biological deconfliction methods.
AB  - Biological systems consistently outperform autonomous systems governed by
      engineered algorithms in their ability to reactively avoid collisions. To better
      understand this discrepancy, a collision avoidance algorithm was applied to
      frames of digitized video trajectory data from bats, swallows and fish (Myotis
      velifer, Petrochelidon pyrrhonota and Danio aequipinnatus). Information available
      from visual cues, specifically relative position and velocity, was provided to
      the algorithm which used this information to define collision cones that allowed
      the algorithm to find a safe velocity requiring minimal deviation from the
      original velocity. The subset of obstacles provided to the algorithm was
      determined by the animal's sensing range in terms of metric and topological
      distance. The algorithmic calculated velocities showed good agreement with
      observed biological velocities, indicating that the algorithm was an informative
      basis for comparison with the three species and could potentially be improved for
      engineered applications with further study.

PMID- 27655670
TI  - Human and avian running on uneven ground: a model-based comparison.
AB  - Birds and humans are successful bipedal runners, who have individually evolved
      bipedalism, but the extent of the similarities and differences of their bipedal
      locomotion is unknown. In turn, the anatomical differences of their locomotor
      systems complicate direct comparisons. However, a simplifying mechanical model,
      such as the conservative spring-mass model, can be used to describe both avian
      and human running and thus, provides a way to compare the locomotor strategies
      that birds and humans use when running on level and uneven ground. Although
      humans run with significantly steeper leg angles at touchdown and stiffer legs
      when compared with cursorial ground birds, swing-leg adaptations (leg angle and
      leg length kinematics) used by birds and humans while running appear similar
      across all types of uneven ground. Nevertheless, owing to morphological
      restrictions, the crouched avian leg has a greater range of leg angle and leg
      length adaptations when coping with drops and downward steps than the straight
      human leg. On the other hand, the straight human leg seems to use leg stiffness
      adaptation when coping with obstacles and upward steps unlike the crouched avian
      leg posture.

PMID- 27655671
TI  - IMP1, an mRNA binding protein that reduces the metastatic potential of breast
      cancer in a mouse model.
AB  - Cells that are able to localize beta-actin mRNA efficiently have decreased
      metastatic potential. Invasive carcinoma cells derived from primary mammary
      tumors have reduced levels of an RNA binding protein IMP1/ZBP1/IGF2BP1, required
      for beta-actin mRNA localization. We showed previously that in human breast
      carcinoma cells in vitro, this protein suppresses invasion. In this work we
      examined whether its re-expression can suppress breast cancer metastasis in a
      breast cancer mouse model. We developed a mouse conditionally expressing IMP1-GFP
      (hereinafter referred to as the IMP1 transgene) specifically in the mammary gland
      of a PYMT breast cancer mouse. We found that mice conditionally expressing the
      IMP1 transgene showed little or no metastases to the lungs from the primary tumor
      in contrast to PYMT mice not expressing IMP1, which uniformly develop metastases
      at an early stage.

PMID- 27655672
TI  - Positive association of collagen type I with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer
      progression.
AB  - PURPOSE: Non-muscle invasive bladder cancers (NMIBC) are generally curable, while
      ~15% progresses into muscle-invasive cancer with poor prognosis. While efforts
      have been made to identify genetic alternations associated with progression, the
      extracellular matrix (ECM) microenvironment remains largely unexplored. Type I
      collagen is a major component of the bladder ECM, and can be altered during
      cancer progression. We set out to explore the association of type I collagen with
      NMIBC progression. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: The associations of COL1A1 and COL1A2
      mRNA levels with progression were evaluated in a multi-center cohort of 189
      patients with NMIBCs. Type I collagen protein expression and structure were
      evaluated in an independent single-center cohort of 80 patients with NMIBCs.
      Immunohistochemical analysis was performed and state-of-the-art multi-photon
      microscopy was used to evaluate collagen structure via second harmonic generation
      imaging. Progression to muscle invasion was the primary outcome. Kaplan-Meier
      method, Cox regression, and Wilcoxon rank-sum were used for statistical analysis.
      RESULTS: There is a significant association of high COL1A1 and COL1A2 mRNA
      expression in patients with poor progression-free survival (P=0.0037 and P=0.011,
      respectively) and overall survival (P=0.024 and P=0.012, respectively).
      Additionally, immunohistochemistry analysis of type I collagen protein deposition
      revealed a significant association with progression (P=0.0145); Second-harmonic
      generation imaging revealed a significant lower collagen fiber curvature ratio in
      patients with invasive progression (P = 0.0018). CONCLUSIONS: Alterations in the
      ECM microenvironment, particularly type I collagen, likely contributes to bladder
      cancer progression. These findings will open avenues to future functional studies
      to investigate ECM-tumor interaction as a potential therapeutic intervention to
      treat NMIBCs.

PMID- 27655673
TI  - Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 exhibits oncogenic activity in pancreatic
      cancer.
AB  - Pancreatic cancer has an extremely grim prognosis, with an overall 5-year
      survival rate less than 5%, as a result of its rapid metastasis and late
      diagnosis. To combat this disease, it is crucial to better understand the
      molecular mechanisms that contribute to its pathogenesis. Herein, we report that
      apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) is overexpressed in pancreatic cancer
      tissues and that its expression correlates with the histological grade of
      pancreatic cancer. The expression of ASK1 is also elevated in pancreatic cancer
      cell lines at both protein and mRNA levels. In addition, ASK1 promotes the
      proliferation and stimulates the tumorigenic capacity of pancreatic cancer cells.
      These functions of ASK1 are abrogated by pharmacological inhibition of its kinase
      activity or by introduction of a kinase-dead mutation, suggesting that the kinase
      activity of ASK1 is required for its role in pancreatic cancer. However, the
      alteration of ASK1 expression or activity does not significantly affect the
      migration or invasion of pancreatic cancer cells. Collectively, these findings
      reveal a critical role for ASK1 in the development of pancreatic cancer and have
      important implications for the diagnosis and treatment of this malignancy.

PMID- 27655675
TI  - miR-424-5p promotes proliferation of gastric cancer by targeting Smad3 through
      TGF-beta signaling pathway.
AB  - MiRNAs have been reported to regulate gene expression and be associated with
      cancer progression. Recently, miR-424-5p was reported to play important role in a
      variety of tumors. However, the role and molecular mechanisms of miR-424-5p in GC
      (gastric cancer) remains largely unknown. In this study, we aimed to explore the
      role of miR-424-5p in GC. QRT-PCR was used to determine the expression levels of
      miR-424-5p and Smad3. CCK8 assay, plate clone assay and cell cycle assay were
      used to measure the effects of miR-424-5p on GC cell proliferation. Luciferase
      reporter assay and western blotting were used to prove that Smad3 was one of the
      direct targets of miR-424-5p. Tumorigenesis assay was used to investigate the
      role of miR-424-5p in tumor growth of GC cells in vivo. We found that miR-424-5p
      was up-regulated in GC tissues and cells. Over-expression of miR-424-5p could
      promote the proliferation of GC cells. In addition, luciferase reporter assay and
      western blotting assay revealed that Smad3 was a direct target of miR-424-5p.
      Over-expression of Smad3 could partially reverse the effects of miR-424-5p on GC
      cell proliferation. Our study further revealed that miR-424-5p could inhibit TGF
      beta signaling pathway by Smad3.

PMID- 27655674
TI  - Oxidative stress-induced epigenetic changes associated with malignant
      transformation of human kidney epithelial cells.
AB  - Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) in humans is positively influenced by oxidative stress
      status in kidneys. We recently reported that adaptive response to low level of
      chronic oxidative stress induces malignant transformation of immortalized human
      renal tubular epithelial cells. Epigenetic alterations in human RCC are well
      documented, but its role in oxidative stress-induced malignant transformation of
      kidney cells is not known. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate
      the potential role of epigenetic changes in chronic oxidative stress-induced
      malignant transformation of HK-2, human renal tubular epithelial cells. The
      results revealed aberrant expression of epigenetic regulatory genes involved in
      DNA methylation (DNMT1, DNMT3a and MBD4) and histone modifications (HDAC1, HMT1
      and HAT1) in HK-2 cells malignantly transformed by chronic oxidative stress.
      Additionally, both in vitro soft agar assay and in vivo nude mice study showing
      decreased tumorigenic potential of malignantly transformed HK-2 cells following
      treatment with DNA de-methylating agent 5-aza 2' dC further confirmed the crucial
      role of DNA hypermethyaltion in oxidative stress-induced malignant
      transformation. Changes observed in global histone H3 acetylation (H3K9, H3K18,
      H3K27 and H3K14) and decrease in phospho-H2AX (Ser139) also suggest potential
      role of histone modifications in increased survival and malignant transformation
      of HK-2 cells by oxidative stress. In summary, the results of this study suggest
      that epigenetic reprogramming induced by low levels of oxidative stress act as
      driver for malignant transformation of kidney epithelial cells. Findings of this
      study are highly relevant in potential clinical application of epigenetic-based
      therapeutics for treatments of kidney cancers.

PMID- 27655676
TI  - Endotoxin promotes neutrophil hierarchical chemotaxis via the p38-membrane
      receptor pathway.
AB  - Neutrophils are the most abundant leukocytes in peripheral blood and play
      critical a role in bacterial infection, tumor immunity and wound repair.
      Clarifying the process of neutrophil chemotaxis to target sites of immune
      activity has been a focus of increased interest within the past decade. In
      bacterial infectious foci, neutrophils migrate toward the bacterial-derived
      chemoattractant N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLP) and ignore other intermediary
      chemoattractants to arrive at the area of infection. Using an under agarose
      chemotaxis assay, we observed that the bacterial fMLP-induced neutrophil
      chemotaxis signal overrode interleukin 8 (IL-8)- and leukotriene B4 (LTB4)
      induced chemotaxis signals. Moreover, in the presence of bacterial
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the fMLP-induced hierarchical chemotaxis signal was
      enhanced. Further studies revealed that LPS increased the membrane expression of
      the fMLP receptor, formyl peptide receptor 1 (FPR1). However, expression levels
      of the membrane receptors for IL-8 and LTB4 were decreased by LPS administration.
      A human Phospho-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) proteome array showed
      that the p38 pathway was significantly activated by LPS stimulation. Moreover,
      p38 was responsible for the altered expression of neutrophil membrane
      chemoattractant receptors. Inhibition of neutrophil p38 restored LPS-improved
      hierarchical chemotaxis. Taken together, these data indicate that endotoxin
      promotes neutrophil hierarchical chemotaxis via the p38-membrane receptor
      pathway.

PMID- 27655677
TI  - The impact of neuronal Notch-1/JNK pathway on intracerebral hemorrhage-induced
      neuronal injury of rat model.
AB  - Notch signaling is a highly conserved pathway that regulates cell fate decisions
      during embryonic development. Notch activation endangers neurons by modulating NF
      kappaB and HIF-1alpha pathways, however, the role of Notch signaling in
      activating JNK/c-Jun following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) has not been
      investigated. In this study, we used rat ICH models and thrombin-induced cell
      models to investigate the potential role of Notch-1/JNK signals. Our findings
      revealed that Notch-1 and JNK increased in hematoma-surrounding neurons tissues
      following ICH during ischemic conditions (all p<0.05). Besides, the expression of
      active caspase-3 protein was also up-regulated after ICH. According to in-vitro
      assays, the expression of Notch-1, p-JNK, and active caspase-3 were all up
      regulated in cell viability-decreasing ICH cell models (all p<0.05). However,
      blocking of either Notch-1 or JNK suppressed the phosphorylation of JNK and the
      expression of active caspase-3, and cell viability was obviously ameliorated. In
      conclusion, this work suggested Notch-1 activates JNK pathway to induce the
      active caspase-3, leading to neuronal injury when intracerebral hemorrhage or
      ischemia occurred. Thus the Notch-1/JNK signal pathway has an important role in
      ICH process, and may be a therapeutic target to prevent brain injury.

PMID- 27655678
TI  - RPN13/ADRM1 inhibitor reverses immunosuppression by myeloid-derived suppressor
      cells.
AB  - Myeloid-derived-suppressor cells (MDSCs) are key mediators of immune suppression
      in the ovarian tumor microenvironment. Modulation of MDSC function to relieve
      immunosuppression may enhance the immunologic clearance of tumors. The bis
      benzylidine piperidone RA190 binds to the ubiquitin receptor RPN13/ADRM1 on the
      19S regulatory particle of the proteasome and directly kills ovarian cancer cells
      by triggering proteotoxic stress. Here we examine the effect of RA190 treatment
      on the immunosuppression induced by MDSCs in the tumor microenvironment,
      specifically on the immunosuppression induced by MDSCs. We show that RA190
      reduces the expression of Stat3 and the levels of key immunosuppressive enzymes
      and cytokines arginase, iNOS, and IL-10 in MDSCs, while boosting expression of
      the immunostimulatory cytokine IL-12. Furthermore, we show that the RA190-treated
      MDSCs lost their capacity to suppress CD8+ T cell function. Finally, we show that
      RA190 treatment of mice bearing syngeneic ovarian tumor elicits potent CD8+ T
      cell antitumor immune responses and improves tumor control and survival. These
      data suggest the potential of RA190 for ovarian cancer treatment by both direct
      killing of tumor cells via proteasome inhibition and relief of MDSC-mediated
      suppression of CD8 T cell-dependent antitumor immunity elicited by the apoptotic
      tumor cells.

PMID- 27655679
TI  - Comprehensive adipocytic and neurogenic tissue microarray analysis of NY-ESO-1
      expression - a promising immunotherapy target in malignant peripheral nerve
      sheath tumor and liposarcoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Immunotherapy targeting cancer-testis antigen NY-ESO-1 shows promise
      for tumors with poor response to chemoradiation. Malignant peripheral nerve
      sheath tumors (MPNSTs) and liposarcomas (LPS) are chemoresistant and have few
      effective treatment options. Materials Methods: Using a comprehensive tissue
      microarray (TMA) of both benign and malignant tumors in primary, recurrent, and
      metastatic samples, we examined NY-ESO-1 expression in peripheral nerve sheath
      tumor (PNST) and adipocytic tumors. The PNST TMA included 42 MPNSTs (spontaneous
      n = 26, NF1-associated n = 16), 35 neurofibromas (spontaneous n = 22, NF-1
      associated n = 13), 11 schwannomas, and 18 normal nerves. The LPS TMA included 48
      well-differentiated/dedifferentiated (WD/DD) LPS, 13 myxoid/round cell LPS, 3
      pleomorphic LPS, 8 lipomas, 1 myelolipoma, and 3 normal adipocytic tissue
      samples. Stained in triplicate, NY-ESO-1 intensity and density were scored.
      RESULTS: NY-ESO-1 expression was exclusive to malignant tumors. 100% of
      myxoid/round cell LPS demonstrated NY-ESO-1 expression, while only 6% of WD/DD
      LPS showed protein expression, one of which was WD LPS. Of MPNST, 4/26 (15%)
      spontaneous and 2/16 (12%) NF1-associated MPNSTs demonstrated NY-ESO-1
      expression. Strong NY-ESO-1 expression was observed in myxoid/round cell and
      dedifferentiated LPS, and MPNST in primary, neoadjuvant, and metastatic settings.
      CONCLUSIONS: We found higher prevalence of NY-ESO-1 expression in MPNSTs than
      previously reported, highlighting a subset of MPNST patients who may benefit from
      immunotherapy. This study expands our understanding of NY-ESO-1 in WD/DD LPS and
      is the first demonstration of staining in a WD LPS and metastatic/recurrent
      myxoid/round cell LPS. These results suggest immunotherapy targeting NY-ESO-1 may
      benefit patients with aggressive tumors resistant to conventional therapy.

PMID- 27655680
TI  - NK cell function is markedly impaired in patients with chronic lymphocytic
      leukaemia but is preserved in patients with small lymphocytic lymphoma.
AB  - Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) are
      part of the same disease classification but are defined by differential
      distribution of tumor cells. B-CLL is characterized by significant immune
      suppression and dysregulation but this is not typical of patients with SLL.
      Natural killer cells (NK) are important mediators of immune function but have
      been poorly studied in patients with B-CLL/SLL. Here we report for the first time
      the NK cell phenotype and function in patients with B-CLL and SLL alongside their
      transcriptional profile. We show for the first time impaired B-CLL NK cell
      function in a xenograft model with reduced activating receptor expression
      including NKG2D, DNAM-1 and NCRs in-vitro. Importantly, we show these functional
      differences are associated with transcriptional downregulation of cytotoxic
      pathway genes, including activating receptors, adhesion molecules, cytotoxic
      molecules and intracellular signalling molecules, which remain intact in patients
      with SLL. In conclusion, NK cell function is markedly influenced by the
      anatomical site of the tumor in patients with B-CLL/SLL and lymphocytosis leads
      to marked impairment of NK cell activity. These observations have implications
      for treatment protocols which seek to preserve immune function by limiting the
      exposure of NK cells to tumor cells within the peripheral circulation.

PMID- 27655681
TI  - Blood RNA expression profiles undergo major changes during the seventh decade.
AB  - Genome-wide alterations in RNA expression profiles are age-associated. Yet the
      rate and temporal pattern of those alterations are poorly understood. We
      investigated temporal changes in RNA expression profiles in blood from population
      based studies using a quadratic regression model. Comparative analysis between
      two independent studies was carried out after sample-weighting that downsized
      differences in sample distribution over age between the datasets. We show that
      age-associated expression profiles are clustered into two major inclinations and
      transcriptional alternations occur predominantly from the seventh decade onwards.
      The age-associated genes in blood are enriched in functional groups of the
      translational machinery and the immune system. The results are highly consistent
      between the two population-based studies indicating that our analysis overcomes
      potential confounders in population-based studies. We suggest that the critical
      age when major transcriptional alterations occur could help understanding aging
      and disease risk during adulthood.

PMID- 27655682
TI  - A rational approach for cancer stem-like cell isolation and characterization
      using CD44 and prominin-1(CD133) as selection markers.
AB  - The availability of adequate cancer stem cells or cancer stem-like cell (CSC) is
      important in cancer study. From ovarian cancer cell lines, SKOV3 and OVCAR3, we
      induced peritoneal ascites tumors in immunodeficient mice. Among the cells
      (SKOV3.PX1 and OVCAR3.PX1) from those tumors, we sorted both CD44 and CD133
      positive cells (SKOV3.PX1_133+44+, OVCAR3.PX1_133+44+), which manifest the
      characteristics of self-renewal, multi-lineage differentiation, chemoresistance
      and tumorigenicity, those of cancer stem-like cells (CSLC). Intraperitoneal
      transplantation of these CD44 and CD133 positive cells resulted in poorer
      survival in the engrafted animals. Clinically, increased CD133 expression was
      found in moderately and poorly differentiated (grade II and III) ovarian serous
      cystadenocarcinomas. The ascites tumor cells from human ovarian cancers
      demonstrated more CD133 and CD44 expressions than those from primary ovarian or
      metastatic tumors and confer tumorigenicity in immunodeficient mice. Compared to
      their parental cells, the SKOV3.PX1_133+44+ and OVCAR3.PX1_133+44+ cells uniquely
      expressed 5 CD markers (CD97, CD104, CD107a, CD121a, and CD125). Among these
      markers, CD97, CD104, CD107a, and CD121a are significantly more expressed in the
      CD133+ and CD44+ double positive cells of human ovarian ascites tumor cells
      (Ascites_133+44+) than those from primary ovarian or metastatic tumors. The
      cancer stem-like cells were enriched from 3% to more than 70% after this
      manipulation. This intraperitoneal enrichment of cancer stem-like cells, from
      ovarian cancer cell lines or primary ovarian tumor, potentially provides an
      adequate amount of ovarian cancer stem-like cells for the ovarian cancer study
      and possibly benefits cancer therapy.

PMID- 27655683
TI  - Liver regeneration microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma for prevention
      and therapy.
AB  - Research on liver cancer prevention and treatment has mainly focused on the liver
      cancer cells themselves. Currently, liver cancers are no longer viewed as only
      collections of genetically altered cells but as aberrant organs with a plastic
      stroma, matrix, and vasculature. Improving the microenvironment of the liver to
      promote liver regeneration and repair by affecting immune function, inflammation
      and vasculature can regulate the dynamic imbalance between normal liver
      regeneration and repair and abnormal liver regeneration, thus improving the
      microenvironment of liver regeneration for the prevention and treatment of liver
      cancer. This review addresses the basic theory of the liver regeneration
      microenvironment, including the latest findings on immunity, inflammation and
      vasculature. Attention is given to the potential design of molecular targets in
      the microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In an effort to improve
      the liver regeneration microenvironment of HCC, researchers have extensively
      utilized the enhancement of immunity, anti-inflammation and the vasculature
      niche, which are discussed in detail in this review. In addition, the authors
      summarize the latest pro-fibrotic transition characteristics of the vascular
      niche and review potential cell therapies for liver disease.

PMID- 27655684
TI  - Antitumor activity of a novel anti-vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1
      monoclonal antibody that does not interfere with ligand binding.
AB  - Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGFR-1) is a tyrosine kinase
      transmembrane receptor that has also a soluble isoform containing most of the
      extracellular ligand binding domain (sVEGFR-1). VEGF-A binds to both VEGFR-2 and
      VEGFR-1, whereas placenta growth factor (PlGF) interacts exclusively with VEGFR
      1. In this study we generated an anti-VEGFR-1 mAb (D16F7) by immunizing BALB/C
      mice with a peptide that we had previously reported to inhibit angiogenesis and
      endothelial cell migration induced by PlGF. D16F7 did not affect binding of VEGF
      A or PlGF to VEGFR-1, thus allowing sVEGFR-1 to act as decoy receptor for these
      growth factors, but it hampered receptor homodimerization and activation. D16F7
      inhibited both the chemotactic response of human endothelial, myelomonocytic and
      melanoma cells to VEGFR-1 ligands and vasculogenic mimicry by tumor cells.
      Moreover, D16F7 exerted in vivo antiangiogenic effects in a matrigel plug assay.
      Importantly, D16F7 inhibited tumor growth and was well tolerated by B6D2F1 mice
      injected with syngeneic B16F10 melanoma cells. The antitumor effect was
      associated with melanoma cell apoptosis, vascular abnormalities and decrease of
      both monocyte/macrophage infiltration and myeloid progenitor mobilization. For
      all the above, D16F7 may be exploited in the therapy of metastatic melanoma and
      other tumors or pathological conditions involving VEGFR-1 activation.

PMID- 27655685
TI  - Dormant tumor cells expressing LOXL2 acquire a stem-like phenotype mediating
      their transition to proliferative growth.
AB  - Recurrence of breast cancer disease years after treatment appears to arise from
      disseminated dormant tumor cells (DTC). The mechanisms underlying the outgrowth
      of DTC remain largely unknown. Here we demonstrate that dormant MCF-7 cells
      expressing LOXL2 acquire a cancer stem cell (CSC)-like phenotype, mediating their
      outgrowth in the 3D BME system that models tumor dormancy and outgrowth.
      Similarly, MCF-7-LOXL2 cells colonizing the lung transitioned from dormancy to
      metastatic outgrowth whereas MCF-7 cells remained dormant. Notably, epithelial to
      mesenchymal transition (EMT) of MCF-7-LOXL2 cells was required for their CSC-like
      properties and their transition to metastatic outgrowth. These findings were
      further supported by clinical data demonstrating that increase in LOXL2 mRNA
      levels correlates with increase in the mRNA levels of EMT and stem cells markers,
      and is also associated with decrease in relapse free survival of breast cancer
      patients. Notably, conditional hypoxia induced expression of endogenous LOXL2 in
      MCF-7 cells promoted EMT and the acquisition of a CSC-like phenotype, while
      knockdown of LOXL2 inhibited this transition. Overall, our results demonstrate
      that expression of LOXL2 endowed DTC with CSC-like phenotype driving their
      transition to metastatic outgrowth and this stem-like phenotype is dependent on
      EMT that can be driven by the tumor microenvironment.

PMID- 27655686
TI  - Targeting p53-deficient chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells in vitro and in vivo
      by ROS-mediated mechanism.
AB  - Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common adult leukemia in Western
      countries. Loss of p53 function in CLL cells due to chromosome 17p deletion or
      p53 mutations often leads to a more malignant disease phenotype and is associated
      with drug resistance and poor clinical outcome. Thus, development of novel
      therapeutic strategies to effectively target CLL cells with p53 deficiency is
      clinically important. Here we showed that p53-null CLL cells were highly
      sensitive to ROS-mediated cell killing due to their intrinsic ROS stress. We
      further demonstrated that a natural compound phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) was
      able to effectively kill CLL cells with loss of p53, even under the protection of
      stromal cells. In p53-defficient CLL cells, PEITC induced a rapid depletion of
      glutathione and a severe accumulation of ROS, leading to massive leukemia cell
      death in the stromal microenvironment. The drug-induced cell death was associated
      with a significant decrease of in MCL-1 survival molecule. We further showed that
      ROS-mediated cell death was the key mechanism by which PEITC induced
      cytotoxicity, since such cell death could be prevented by addition of antioxidant
      NAC. Importantly, in vivo study showed that PEITC was able to induce substantial
      leukemia cell death in mice. Treatment of CLL mice harboring TCL1-Tg:p53-/-
      genotype with PEITC significantly prolonged the median survival time of the
      animals. Our study identifies a vulnerability of p53-null CLL cells with high
      sensitivity to ROS-generating agents, and suggests that PEITC may potentially be
      useful for clinical treatment of CLL with 17p deletion and p53 mutations.

PMID- 27655687
TI  - X-radiation enhances the collagen type I strap formation and migration potentials
      of colon cancer cells.
AB  - Rectal cancer treatment still fails with local and distant relapses of the
      disease. It is hypothesized that radiotherapy could stimulate cancer cell
      dissemination and metastasis. In this study, we evaluated the effect of X
      radiation on collagen type I strap formation potential, i.e. matrix remodeling
      associated with mesenchymal cell migration, and behaviors of SW480, SW620, HCT116
      p53+/+ and HCT116 p53-/- colon cancer cells. We determined a radiation-induced
      increase in collagen type I strap formation and migration potentials of SW480 and
      HCT116 p53+/+. Further studies with HCT116 p53+/+, indicated that after X
      radiation strap forming cells have an increased motility. More, we detected a
      decrease in adhesion potential and mature integrin beta1 expression, but no
      change in non-muscle myosin II expression for HCT116 p53+/+ after X-radiation.
      Integrin beta1 neutralization resulted in a decreased cell adhesion and collagen
      type I strap formation in both sham and X-radiated conditions. Our study
      indicates collagen type I strap formation as a potential mechanism of colon
      cancer cells with increased migration potential after X-radiation, and suggests
      that other molecules than integrin beta1 and non-muscle myosin II are responsible
      for the radiation-induced collagen type I strap formation potential of colon
      cancer cells. This work encourages further molecular investigation of radiation
      induced migration to improve rectal cancer treatment outcome.

PMID- 27655689
TI  - Receptor conversion in metastatic breast cancer: a prognosticator of survival.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This retrospective study investigated the association between hormone
      receptor (HR) conversion and survival in breast cancer patients. METHODS:
      Estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) status (positive or
      negative) of primary tumors and of paired metastatic sites in 627 breast cancer
      patients were analyzed by McNemar's test for rates of receptor conversion. A
      survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method, and prognostic
      factors were assessed using Cox's proportional hazards regression model. RESULTS:
      Conversion of ER occurred in 165 (26.31%) patients, and conversion of PR in 213
      (33.97%; P < 0.001, both). For 82 patients whose ER and PR were reassessed 2-4
      times during metastatic progression, ER and PR re-conversion occurred in 22
      (26.83%) and 29 (35.36%), respectively. The change of ER or PR from positive to
      negative was associated with worse overall survival and post-recurrent survival
      (log-rank; P < 0.001, both). A subgroup analysis of HR-positive patients (i.e.,
      positive ER, PR, or both) in primary tumor and HR-negative in metastatic sites
      showed that patients who accepted both salvage endocrine therapy and chemotherapy
      had better post-recurrent survival than did those who accepted salvage
      chemotherapy only (log-rank; P = 0.003). CONCLUSION: ER and PR status may change
      several times during metastatic tumor progression. A change of HR from positive
      to negative was associated with worse survival compared with consistent
      positivity. Repeated evaluations of HR status are necessary in metastatic breast
      cancer. Salvage hormonal therapy is still worth trying for patients whose HR
      status changes from positive to negative.

PMID- 27655688
TI  - Elevated level of acetylation of APE1 in tumor cells modulates DNA damage repair.
AB  - Apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) sites are frequently generated in the genome by
      spontaneous depurination/depyrimidination or after removal of oxidized/modified
      bases by DNA glycosylases during the base excision repair (BER) pathway.
      Unrepaired AP sites are mutagenic and block DNA replication and transcription.
      The primary enzyme to repair AP sites in mammalian cells is AP endonuclease
      (APE1), which plays a key role in this repair pathway. Although overexpression of
      APE1 in diverse cancer types and its association with chemotherapeutic resistance
      are well documented, alteration of posttranslational modification of APE1 and
      modulation of its functions during tumorigenesis are largely unknown. Here, we
      show that both classical histone deacetylase HDAC1 and NAD+-dependent deacetylase
      SIRT1 regulate acetylation level of APE1 and acetylation of APE1 enhances its AP
      endonuclease activity both in vitro and in cells. Modulation of APE1 acetylation
      level in cells alters AP site repair capacity of the cell extracts in vitro.
      Primary tumor tissues of diverse cancer types have higher level of acetylated
      APE1 (AcAPE1) compared to adjacent non-tumor tissue and exhibit enhanced AP site
      repair capacity. Importantly, in the absence of APE1 acetylation, cells
      accumulate AP sites in the genome and show increased sensitivity to DNA damaging
      agents. Together, our study demonstrates that elevation of acetylation level of
      APE1 in tumor could be a novel mechanism by which cells handle the elevated
      levels of DNA damages in response to genotoxic stress and maintain sustained
      proliferation.

PMID- 27655690
TI  - MDS shows a higher expression of hTERT and alternative splice variants in
      unactivated T-cells.
AB  - Telomere instability and telomerase reactivation are believed to play an
      important role in the development of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Abnormal
      enzymatic activity of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), and its
      alternative splice variants have been reported to account for deregulated
      telomerase function in many cancers. In this study, we aim to compare the
      differences in expression of hTERT and hTERT splice variants, as well as telomere
      length and telomerase activity in unstimulated T-cells between MDS subgroups and
      healthy controls. Telomere length in MDS cases was significantly shorter than
      controls (n = 20, p<0.001) and observed across all subtypes of MDS using World
      Health Organization classification (WHO subgroups versus control: RARS, p= 0.009;
      RCMD, p=0.0002; RAEB1/2, p=0.004, respectively) and the International Prognostic
      Scoring System (IPSS subgroups: Low+Int-1, p<0.001; Int-2+High, p=0.004).
      However, unstimulated T-cells from MDS patients (n=20) had significantly higher
      telomerase activity (p=0.002), higher total hTERT mRNA levels (p=0.001) and hTERT
      alpha+beta- splice variant expression (p<0.001) compared to controls. Other hTERT
      splice variants were lower in expression and not significantly different among
      cases and controls. Telomerase activity was positively correlated with total
      hTERT levels in MDS (r=0.58, p=0.007). This data is in sharp contrast to data
      published previously by our group showing a reduction in telomerase and hTERT
      mRNA in MDS T-cells after activation. In conclusion, this study provides
      additional insight into hTERT transcript patterns and activity in peripheral T
      cells of MDS patients. Additional studies are necessary to better understand the
      role of this pathway in MDS development and progression.

PMID- 27655692
TI  - Serum depletion induced cancer stem cell-like phenotype due to nitric oxide
      synthesis in oncogenic HRas transformed cells.
AB  - Cancer cells rewire their metabolism and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation
      (OXPHOS) to promote proliferation and maintenance. Cancer cells use multiple
      adaptive mechanisms in response to a hypo-nutrient environment. However, little
      is known about how cancer mitochondria are involved in the ability of these cells
      to adapt to a hypo-nutrient environment. Oncogenic HRas leads to suppression of
      the mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate (OCR), but oxygen consumption is
      essential for tumorigenesis. We found that in oncogenic HRas transformed cells,
      serum depletion reversibly increased the OCR and membrane potential. Serum
      depletion promoted a cancer stem cell (CSC)-like phenotype, indicated by an
      increase in CSC markers expression and resistance to anticancer agents. We also
      found that nitric oxide (NO) synthesis was significantly induced after serum
      depletion and that NO donors modified the OCR. An NOS inhibitor, SEITU, inhibited
      the OCR and CSC gene expression. It also reduced anchorage-independent growth by
      promoting apoptosis. In summary, our data provide new molecular findings that
      serum depletion induces NO synthesis and promotes mitochondrial OXPHOS, leading
      to tumor progression and a CSC phenotype. These results suggest that
      mitochondrial OCR inhibitors can be used as therapy against CSC.

PMID- 27655691
TI  - Protein tyrosine phosphatase PTP4A1 promotes proliferation and epithelial
      mesenchymal transition in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma via the PI3K/AKT
      pathway.
AB  - The protein tyrosine phosphatase PTP4A1 is a key molecule that activates tyrosine
      phosphorylation, which is important for cancer progression and metastasis.
      However, the clinical implications and biological function of PTP4A1 in
      intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) remains unknown. Here, we showed that
      PTP4A1 was frequently overexpressed in ICC versus adjacent non-tumor tissues.
      This overexpression significantly correlated with aggressive tumor
      characteristics like the presence of lymph node metastasis and advanced tumor
      stages. Survival analysis further indicated that high PTP4A1 expression was
      significantly and independently associated with worse survival and increased
      recurrence in ICC patients. Moreover, through forced overexpression and knock
      down of PTPT4A1, we demonstrated that PTP4A1 could significantly promote ICC
      cells proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion in vitro, and
      markedly enhance tumor progression in vivo. Mechanistically, PTP4A1 was involved
      in PI3K/AKT signaling and its downstream molecules, such as phosphorylation level
      of GSK3beta and up-regulation of CyclinD1, in ICC cells to promote proliferation.
      Importantly, PTP4A1 induced ICC cells invasion was through activating PI3K/AKT
      signaling controlled epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process by up
      regulating Zeb1 and Snail. Thus, PTP4A1 may serve as a potential oncogene that
      was a valuable prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for ICC.

PMID- 27655694
TI  - Smyd2 is a Myc-regulated gene critical for MLL-AF9 induced leukemogenesis.
AB  - The Smyd2 protein (Set- and Mynd domain containing protein 2) is a methyl
      transferase that can modify both histones and cytoplasmic proteins. Smyd2 is over
      expressed in several cancer types and was shown to be limiting for tumor
      development in the pancreas. However, genetic evidence for a role of Smyd2 in
      other cancers or in mouse development was missing to date. Using germ line
      deleted mouse strains, we now show that Smyd2 and the related protein Smyd3 are
      dispensable for normal development. Ablation of Smyd2 did not affect
      hematopoiesis, but retarded the development of leukemia promoted by MLL-AF9, a
      fusion oncogene associated with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in humans. Smyd2
      deleted leukemic cells showed a competitive disadvantage relative to wild-type
      cells, either in vitro or in vivo. The Smyd2 gene was directly activated by the
      oncogenic transcription factor Myc in either MLL9-AF9-induced leukemias, Myc
      induced lymphomas, or fibroblasts. However, unlike leukemias, the development of
      lymphomas was not dependent upon Smyd2. Our data indicate that Smyd2 has a
      critical role downstream of Myc in AML.

PMID- 27655695
TI  - Cyanidin-3-o-glucoside directly binds to ERalpha36 and inhibits EGFR-positive
      triple-negative breast cancer.
AB  - Anthocyanins have been shown to inhibit the growth and metastatic potential of
      breast cancer (BC) cells. However, the effects of individual anthocyanins on
      triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) have not yet been studied. In this study, we
      found that cyanidin-3-o-glucoside (Cy-3-glu) preferentially promotes the
      apoptosis of TNBC cells, which co-express the estrogen receptor alpha 36
      (ERalpha36) and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). We demonstrated that
      Cy-3-glu directly binds to the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of ERalpha36, inhibits
      EGFR/AKT signaling, and promotes EGFR degradation. We also confirmed the
      therapeutic efficacy of Cy-3-glu on TNBC in the xenograft mouse model. Our data
      indicates that Cy-3-glu could be a novel preventive/therapeutic agent against the
      TNBC co-expressed ERalpha36/EGFR.

PMID- 27655696
TI  - Identification of the APC/C co-factor FZR1 as a novel therapeutic target for
      multiple myeloma.
AB  - Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a haematological neoplasm characterised by the clonal
      proliferation of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow. The success of
      proteasome inhibitors in the treatment of MM has highlighted the importance of
      the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) in the pathogenesis of this disease. In
      this study, we analysed gene expression of UPS components to identify novel
      therapeutic targets within this pathway in MM. Here we demonstrate how this
      approach identified previously validated and novel therapeutic targets. In
      addition we show that FZR1 (Fzr), a cofactor of the multi-subunit E3 ligase
      complex anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C), represents a novel
      therapeutic target in myeloma. The APC/C associates independently with two
      cofactors, Fzr and Cdc20, to control cell cycle progression. We found high levels
      of FZR1 in MM primary cells and cell lines and demonstrate that expression is
      further increased on adhesion to bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). Specific
      knockdown of either FZR1 or CDC20 reduced viability and induced growth arrest of
      MM cell lines, and resulted in accumulation of APC/CFzr substrate Topoisomerase
      IIalpha (TOPIIalpha) or APC/CCdc20 substrate Cyclin B. Similar effects were
      observed following treatment with proTAME, an inhibitor of both APC/CFzr and
      APC/CCdc20. Combinations of proTAME with topoisomerase inhibitors, etoposide and
      doxorubicin, significantly increased cell death in MM cell lines and primary
      cells, particularly if TOPIIalpha levels were first increased through pre
      treatment with proTAME. Similarly, combinations of proTAME with the microtubule
      inhibitor vincristine resulted in enhanced cell death. This study demonstrates
      the potential of targeting the APC/C and its cofactors as a therapeutic approach
      in MM.

PMID- 27655693
TI  - Somatic polyploidy is associated with the upregulation of c-MYC interacting genes
      and EMT-like signature.
AB  - The dependence of cancer on overexpressed c-MYC and its predisposition for
      polyploidy represents a double puzzle. We address this conundrum by cross-species
      transcription analysis of c-MYC interacting genes in polyploid vs. diploid
      tissues and cells, including human vs. mouse heart, mouse vs. human liver and
      purified 4n vs. 2n mouse decidua cells. Gene-by-gene transcriptome comparison and
      principal component analysis indicated that c-MYC interactants are significantly
      overrepresented among ploidy-associated genes. Protein interaction networks and
      gene module analysis revealed that the most upregulated genes relate to growth,
      stress response, proliferation, stemness and unicellularity, as well as to the
      pathways of cancer supported by MAPK and RAS coordinated pathways. A surprising
      feature was the up-regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) modules
      embodied by the N-cadherin pathway and EMT regulators from SNAIL and TWIST
      families. Metabolic pathway analysis also revealed the EMT-linked features, such
      as global proteome remodeling, oxidative stress, DNA repair and Warburg-like
      energy metabolism. Genes associated with apoptosis, immunity, energy demand and
      tumour suppression were mostly down-regulated. Noteworthy, despite the
      association between polyploidy and ample features of cancer, polyploidy does not
      trigger it. Possibly it occurs because normal polyploidy does not go that far in
      embryonalisation and linked genome destabilisation. In general, the analysis of
      polyploid transcriptome explained the evolutionary relation of c-MYC and
      polyploidy to cancer.

PMID- 27655697
TI  - GADD45beta, an anti-tumor gene, inhibits avian leukosis virus subgroup J
      replication in chickens.
AB  - Avian leukosis virus subgroup J (ALV-J) is a retroviruses that induces neoplasia,
      hepatomegaly, immunosuppression and poor performance in chickens. The tumorigenic
      and pathogenic mechanisms of ALV-J remain a hot topic. To explore anti-tumor
      genes that promote resistance to ALV-J infection in chickens, we bred ALV-J
      resistant and susceptible chickens (F3 generation). RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) of
      liver tissue from the ALV-J resistant and susceptible chickens identified 216
      differentially expressed genes; 88 of those genes were up-regulated in the ALV-J
      resistant chickens (compared to the susceptible ones). We screened for
      significantly up-regulated genes (P < 0.01) of interest in the ALV-J resistant
      chickens, based on their involvement in biological signaling pathways. Functional
      analyses showed that overexpression of GADD45beta inhibited ALV-J replication.
      GADD45beta could enhance defense against ALV-J infection and may be used as a
      molecular marker to identify ALV-J infections.

PMID- 27655698
TI  - Diagnostic value of circulating miR-21: An update meta-analysis in various
      cancers and validation in endometrial cancer.
AB  - MiR-21 has been identified as one of the most common proto-oncogenes. It is
      hypothesized that up-regulated miR-21 could be served as a potential biomarker
      for human cancer diagnosis. However, inconsistencies or discrepancies about
      diagnostic accuracy of circulating miR-21 still remain. In this sense, miR-21's
      diagnostic value needs to be fully validated. In this study, we performed an
      update meta-analysis to estimate the diagnostic value of circulating miR-21 in
      various human cancers. Additionally, we conducted a validation test on 50
      endometrial cancer patients, 50 benign lesion patients and 50 healthy controls. A
      systematical literature search for relevant articles was performed in Pubmed,
      Embase and Cochrane Library. A total of 48 studies from 39 articles, involving
      3,568 cancer patients and 2,248 controls, were included in this meta-analysis.
      The overall sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative
      likelihood ratio (NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) and area under the curve
      (AUC) were 0.76 (0.71-0.80), 0.82 (0.79-0.85), 4.3 (3.6-5.1), 0.29 (0.24-0.35),
      15 (11-20) and 0.86 (0.83-0.89), respectively. In the validation test, the
      expression levels of serum miR-21 were significantly higher in benign lesion
      patients (p = 0.003) and endometrial cancer patients (p = 0.000) compared with
      that of healthy controls. Endometrial cancer patients showed higher miR-21
      expression levels (p = 0.000) compared with benign lesion patients. In
      conclusion, the meta-analysis shows that circulating miR-21 has excellent
      performance on the diagnosis for various cancers and the validation test
      demonstrates that serum miR-21 could be served as a novel biomarker for
      endometrial carcinoma.

PMID- 27655700
TI  - Shikonin potentiates the effect of arsenic trioxide against human hepatocellular
      carcinoma in vitro and in vivo.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly lethal malignancy mostly because of
      metastasis, recurrence and acquired resistance to conventional chemotherapy.
      Arsenic trioxide (ATO) is successfully used to treat hematological malignancies,
      and has been proven to trigger apoptosis in HCC cells. However, the phase II
      trial evaluating the efficacy and toxicity of ATO in patients with HCC showed
      that single-agent ATO is poorly active against HCC. Therefore, it is of great
      importance to develop effective chemosensitization agents to ATO. The aim of the
      present study was to determine whether shikonin (SHI), a natural product from the
      root of lithospermum erythrorhizon, could synergistically enhance the anti-HCC
      efficacy of ATO both in vitro and in vivo. We found that the combination of SHI
      and ATO exhibited synergistic anticancer efficacy and achieved greater
      selectivity between cancer cells and normal cells. By inducing intracellular
      oxidative stress, SHI potentiated ATO-induced DNA damage, followed by increased
      activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress. In addition, inhibition of ROS
      reversed the apoptosis induced by SHI and ATO, and recovered the activation of
      endoplasmic reticulum stress, which revealed the vital role of ROS in the
      synergism. Moreover, HepG2 xenograft tumor growth in nude mice was more
      effectively inhibited by combined treatment with SHI and ATO. These data suggest
      that the combination of SHI with ATO presents a promising therapeutic approach
      for the treatment of HCC.

PMID- 27655699
TI  - Sorting nexin 9 (SNX9) is not essential for development and auditory function in
      mice.
AB  - Sorting nexins are a large family of evolutionarily conserved proteins that play
      fundamental roles in endocytosis, endosomal sorting and signaling. As an
      important member of sorting nexin family, sorting nexin 9 (SNX9) has been shown
      to participate in coordinating actin polymerization with membrane tubulation and
      vesicle formation. We previously showed that SNX9 is expressed in mouse auditory
      hair cells and might regulate actin polymerization in those cells. To further
      examine the physiological role of SNX9, we generated Snx9 knockout mice using
      homologous recombination method. Unexpectedly, Snx9 knockout mice have normal
      viability and fertility, and are morphologically and behaviorally
      indistinguishable from control mice. Further investigation revealed that the
      morphology and function of auditory hair cells are not affected by Snx9
      inactivation, and Snx9 knockout mice have normal hearing threshold. In
      conclusion, our data revealed that Snx9-deficient mice do not show defects in
      development as well as auditory function, suggesting that SNX9 is not essential
      for mice development and hearing.

PMID- 27655701
TI  - Native and bone marrow-derived cell mosaicism in gastric carcinoma in H. pylori
      infected p27-deficient mice.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Chronic Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection promotes non-cardia
      gastric cancer. Some mouse models suggest that bone marrow derived cells (BMDC)
      contribute to Helicobacter-associated gastric carcinogenesis. We determined
      whether this increased susceptibility to Helicobacter-induced gastric
      carcinogenesis of p27-deficient mice is dependent upon their p27-null BMDC or
      their p27-null gastric epithelial cells. DESIGN: Female mice (recipients) were
      irradiated and transplanted with BMDC from male donors. Wild type (WT) mice in
      group 1 (control) received BMDC from male GFP-transgenic mice. Female WT and p27
      KO mice were engrafted with male p27KO mice BMDC (Group 2) or GFP-transgenic WT
      BMDC (Group 3). Recipients were infected with H. pylori SS1 for one year.
      RESULTS: Mice lacking p27 in either the BM pool or gastric epithelium developed
      significantly more advanced gastric pathology, including high-grade dysplasia. Co
      staining of donor BMDC in dysplastic gastric glands was confirmed by
      immunofluorescence. Gastric expression of IL-1 beta protein was reduced in groups
      2 and 3 (p < 0.05 vs control) whereas expression of IFN-gamma and chemokines MIP
      1 beta, MIG, IP-10 and RANTES in group 2 were significantly higher than group 3.
      CONCLUSIONS: Both bone marrow-derived and gastric epithelial cells contribute to
      the increased gastric cancer susceptibility of p27-deficient H. pylori-infected
      mice.

PMID- 27655702
TI  - Sex chromosome loss and the pseudoautosomal region genes in hematological
      malignancies.
AB  - Cytogenetic aberrations, such as chromosomal translocations, aneuploidy, and
      amplifications, are frequently detected in hematological malignancies. For many
      of the common autosomal aberrations, the mechanisms underlying their roles in
      cancer development have been well-characterized. On the contrary, although loss
      of a sex chromosome is observed in a broad range of hematological malignancies,
      how it cooperates in disease development is less understood. Nevertheless, it has
      been postulated that tumor suppressor genes reside on the sex chromosomes.
      Although the X and Y sex chromosomes are highly divergent, the pseudoautosomal
      regions are homologous between both chromosomes. Here, we review what is
      currently known about the pseudoautosomal region genes in the hematological
      system. Additionally, we discuss implications for haploinsufficiency of critical
      pseudoautosomal region sex chromosome genes, driven by sex chromosome loss, in
      promoting hematological malignancies. Because mechanistic studies on disease
      development rely heavily on murine models, we also discuss the challenges and
      caveats of existing models, and propose alternatives for examining the
      involvement of pseudoautosomal region genes and loss of a sex chromosome in vivo.
      With the widespread detection of loss of a sex chromosome in different
      hematological malignances, the elucidation of the role of pseudoautosomal region
      genes in the development and progression of these diseases would be invaluable to
      the field.

PMID- 27655703
TI  - Prognostic factors of successful on-purpose tumor biopsies in metastatic cancer
      patients included in the SHIVA prospective clinical trial.
AB  - PURPOSE: To identify patient/tumor characteristics associated with success of
      biopsy in patients who received multiple lines of chemotherapy. METHODS: Patients
      with refractory cancer from our center, who were included in a prospective
      randomized phase II trial comparing targeted therapies based on molecular profile
      of tumors versus conventional chemotherapy, were retrospectively included in this
      IRB-approved study. All patients had a biopsy of a tumor lesion performed during
      surgery, or using CT/palpation/endoscopic guidance. A biopsy was considered
      successful if the neoplastic cellularity was greater than 30%. Primary lesion,
      size and location of biopsied lesion, on-going chemotherapy and the differential
      attenuation between non-enhanced and venous phase (HU) for CT-guided biopsied
      lesions were recorded. RESULTS: 228 patients (age=59+/-15yo; M/F=1.9) were
      included. One hundred and sixty biopsies (72%) of the 221 biopsies performed were
      successful. Prognostic factors of biopsy success were: no ongoing chemotherapy,
      surgical or palpation-guided biopsy, lymph nodes/soft tissue location(P <0.01).
      Among the 221 performed biopsies, 122 (55%) were performed using CT guidance and
      82 (67%) were successful. In this subgroup, biopsied lesions located in lymph
      nodes/soft tissue were associated with a higher success rate while lung location
      was associated with failure (P <0.01). The mean differential attenuation was
      significantly higher in lesions with a successful biopsy (P <0.001). CONCLUSION:
      Success of biopsy was less frequent with CT guidance than with surgical or
      palpation-guided biopsy and was higher in soft tissues and lymph nodes than that
      in visceral metastasis. Ongoing chemotherapy decreased tumor cell content and
      consequently the success of the biopsy samples for molecular profiling.

PMID- 27655704
TI  - Poorer breast cancer survival outcomes in males than females might be
      attributable to tumor subtype.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Substantial controversy exists regarding the differences in
      tumor subtypes between male breast cancer (MBC) and female breast cancer (FBC).
      This is the largest population-based study to compare MBC and FBC patients.
      METHODS: Using data obtained by the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results
      (SEER) program from 2010-2012, a retrospective, population-based cohort study was
      conducted to investigate tumor subtype-specific differences in various
      characteristics, overall survival (OS) and breast cancer-specific mortality
      (BCSM) between males and females. RESULTS: In all, 181,814 BC patients (1,516
      male and 180,298 female) were eligible for this study. The male patients were
      more likely to be black, older, and have lower histological grades, more advanced
      stages, larger tumors, more lymph node and distant metastases and human epidermal
      growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative tumors (each p<0.05). A matched analysis
      showed that the 2-year OS was 91.2% and 93.7% and that the BCSM was 2.2% and 2.5%
      for male and female patients, respectively. The univariate analysis showed that
      male triple-negative (TN), hormone receptor (HoR)-positive/HER2-positive and HoR
      positive/HER2-negative patients had poorer OS (p <0.01). Meanwhile, the HoR
      positive/HER2-positive and TN subtypes were associated with a higher BCSM in MBC
      patients (p<0.01). The multivariate analysis revealed that TN MBC patients had
      poorer OS and BCSM (p<0.05). Simultaneously, the results showed that male
      patients in the HoR-positive/HER2-negative subgroup were less likely to die of BC
      when adjusting for other factors (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The analysis of 2-year OS
      and BCSM among the BC subtypes showed clear differences between MBC and FBC
      patients with the TN subtype; these differences warrant further investigation.

PMID- 27655705
TI  - The role of cerebral blood flow gradient in peritumoral edema for differentiation
      of glioblastomas from solitary metastatic lesions.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Differentiation of glioblastomas from solitary brain metastases using
      conventional MRI remains an important unsolved problem. In this study, we
      introduced the conception of the cerebral blood flow (CBF) gradient in
      peritumoral edema-the difference in CBF values from the proximity of the
      enhancing tumor to the normal-appearing white matter, and investigated the
      contribution of perfusion metrics on the discrimination of glioblastoma from a
      metastatic lesion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-two consecutive patients with
      glioblastoma or a solitary metastatic lesion underwent three-dimensional arterial
      spin labeling (3D-ASL) before surgical resection. The CBF values were measured in
      the peritumoral edema (near: G1; Intermediate: G2; Far: G3). The CBF gradient was
      calculated as the subtractions CBFG1 -CBFG3, CBFG1 - CBFG2 and CBFG2 - CBFG3. A
      receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to seek for the
      best cutoff value permitting discrimination between these two tumors. RESULTS:
      The absolute/related CBF values and the CBF gradient in the peritumoral regions
      of glioblastomas were significantly higher than those in metastases(P < 0.038).
      ROC curve analysis reveals, a cutoff value of 1.92 ml/100g for the CBF gradient
      of CBFG1 -CBFG3 generated the best combination of sensitivity (92.86%) and
      specificity (100.00%) for distinguishing between a glioblastoma and metastasis.
      CONCLUSION: The CBF gradient in peritumoral edema appears to be a more promising
      ASL perfusion metrics in differentiating high grade glioma from a solitary
      metastasis.

PMID- 27655706
TI  - The anti-fibrotic effect of GV1001 combined with gemcitabine on treatment of
      pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
AB  - GV1001 is a telomerase-based cancer vaccine made of a 16-mer telomerase reverse
      transcriptase (TERT) peptide, and human TERT, the rate-limiting subunit of the
      telomerase complex, is an attractive target for cancer vaccination. The aim of
      this study was to evaluate the effect of telomerase peptide vaccination, GV1001
      combined with gemcitabine in treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocardinoma
      (PDAC). Human PDAC cell lines were used in vitro experiment and also, PDAC
      xenograft mice model was established using PANC1, AsPC1 and CD133+ AsPC1 (PDAC
      stem cell). Treatment groups were divided as follows; control, gemcitabine,
      GV1001, gemcitabine and GV1001 combination. The inflammatory cytokines were
      measured from the blood, and xenograft tumor specimens were evaluated. GV1001
      treatment alone did not affect the proliferation or the apoptosis of PDAC cells.
      Gemcitabine alone and gemcitabine with GV1001 groups had significantly reduced in
      tumor size and showed abundant apoptosis compared to other treatment groups.
      Surprisingly, xenograft PDAC tumor specimens of gemcitabine alone group had been
      replaced by severe fibrosis whereas gemcitabine with GV1001 group had
      significantly less fibrosis. Blood levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha,
      interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1beta increased in gemcitabine alone group, however, it
      was decreased in gemcitabine with GV1001 group. GV1001 combined with gemcitabine
      treatment showed significant loss of fibrosis in tumor tissue as well as tumor
      cell death. Therefore, further investigation of GV1001 effect combined with
      gemcitabine treatment may give us useful insights to overcome the hurdle in anti
      cancer drug delivery over massive fibrosis around PDACs.

PMID- 27655707
TI  - The clinicopathologic relevance and prognostic value of tumor deposits and the
      applicability of N1c category in rectal cancer with preoperative radiotherapy.
AB  - The clinicopathologic relevance and prognostic value of tumor deposits in
      colorectal cancer has been widely demonstrated. However, there are still debates
      in the prognostic value of tumor deposits and the applicability of N1c category
      in rectal cancer with preoperative radiotherapy. In this study, rectal cancer
      with preoperative radiotherapy followed by resection of primary tumors registered
      in Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database from 2010-2012 were
      analyzed. There were 4,813 cases eligible for this study, and tumor deposits were
      found in 514 (10.7%) cases. The presence of tumor deposits was significantly
      associated with some aggressive characteristics, including poorer tumor
      differentiation, more advanced ypT category, ypN category and ypTNM stage,
      distant metastasis, elevated carcinoembryonic antigen, higher positive rates of
      circumferential resection margin and perineural invasion (all P < = 0.001). Tumor
      deposit was also an independent negative prognostic factor for cancer-specific
      survival in rectal cancer with preoperative radiotherapy (adjusted HR and 95% CI:
      2.25 (1.51 - 3.35)). N1c category had significant worse survival compared with N0
      category (adjusted HR and 95% CI: 2.41 (1.24 - 4.69)). In conclusion, tumor
      deposit was a significant and independent prognostic factor, and the N1c category
      by the 7th edition of AJCC/TNM staging system was applicable in rectal cancer
      with preoperative radiotherapy.

PMID- 27655709
TI  - Deptor transcriptionally regulates endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis in multiple
      myeloma cells.
AB  - Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant disorder of plasma cells characterized by
      active production and secretion of monoclonal immunoglobulins (IgG), thus
      rendering cells prone to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. For this reason, MM
      cell survival requires to maintain ER homeostasis at basal levels. Deptor is an
      mTOR binding protein, belonging to the mTORC1 and mTORC2 complexes. It was
      reported that Deptor is overexpressed in MM cells where it inhibits mTOR kinase
      activity and promotes cell survival by activating Akt signaling. Here we identify
      Deptor as a nuclear protein, able to bind DNA and regulate transcription in MM
      cells. In particular, we found that Deptor plays an important role in the
      maintenance of the ER network, sustaining the expression of several genes
      involved in this pathway. In agreement with this, Deptor depletion induces ER
      stress and synergizes the effect of the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib (Bz) in
      MM cells. These findings provide important new insights in the ER stress control
      in MM cells.

PMID- 27655708
TI  - Clinical benefit from EGFR-TKI plus ginsenoside Rg3 in patients with advanced non
      small cell lung cancer harboring EGFR active mutation.
AB  - PURPOSE: Acquired resistance is a bottleneck that restricts the efficacy of
      epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) for lung
      cancer. Ginsenoside Rg3 is an antiangiogenic agent which can down-regulate the
      expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and EGFR. Combination of
      EGFR-TKI and ginsenoside Rg3 may be a promising strategy to delay acquired
      resistance. This retrospective study explored the efficacy and safety of this
      combined regimen in patients with EGFR mutation and advanced non-small cell lung
      cancer (NSCLC). RESULTS: By the deadline of March 31th 2016, the median follow-up
      period reached 22.9 months. The median PFS was significantly longer in group A
      than in group B (12.4 months vs 9.9 months, P = 0.017). In addition, ORR was
      significantly higher in group A than in group B (59.6% vs 41.7%, P = 0.049). The
      median OS in group A showed no extended tendency compared with that in group B
      (25.4 months vs 21.4 months, P = 0.258). No significant difference in side
      effects was found between the two groups. METHODS: A total of 124 patients with
      advanced NSCLC and EGFR active mutation were collected and analyzed. All of them
      were treated with first-line EGFR-TKI and divided into two groups. In group A
      (n=52), patients were administered EGFR-TKI plus ginsenoside Rg3 at standard
      doses. In group B (n=72), patients received EGFR-TKI alone. Progression-free
      survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR) and side
      effects were analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: Ginsenoside Rg3 improves median PFS and ORR
      of first-line EGFR-TKI treatment in EGFR-mutant advanced NSCLC patients, thus
      providing a new regimen to delay acquired resistance of EGFR-TKI.

PMID- 27655710
TI  - TERT rs2853676 polymorphisms correlate with glioma prognosis in Chinese
      population.
AB  - High rates of recurrence and the lack of effective treatments contribute to the
      poor prognosis of patients with glioma. There is therefore an urgent need for an
      easily detectable biomarker to facilitate early detection. In this study, we
      explored the association between TERT rs2853676 genetic polymorphisms and the
      prognosis of Chinese glioma patients. A total of 481 glioma patients at the
      Tangdu Hospital of the Fourth Military Medical University in China were included
      in this study. The overall survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier
      method. Prognostic factors were determined through multivariate Cox regression
      analysis. The overall survival (OS) rates of one, two, and three years were 31%,
      10.3%, and 7.5%, respectively. The progress-free survival (PFS) rates of one,
      two, and three years were 15.7%, 7.3%, and 4.7%, respectively. The genotype "A/G"
      of TERT rs2857676 decreased the PFS rate (hazard ratios [HR] = 0.824; P = 0.059).
      The genotype "A/G (HR = 0.803; 95% CI, 0.656 - 0.982; P = 0.032)" and "A/A + A/G"
      decreased the recurrence rate compared to the genotype G/G (HR = 0.818; 95% CI,
      0.675-0.99; P = 0.040). Our study indicates that TERT rs2853676 polymorphisms
      correlate with glioma survival and recurrence rates in a Chinese population,
      which suggests that they could potentially serve as prognostic markers in glioma
      patients.

PMID- 27655712
TI  - Evaluating clinical and prognostic implications of Glypican-3 in hepatocellular
      carcinoma.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most deadly cancers worldwide. In
      patients with HCC, histopathogical differentiation is an important indicator of
      prognosis; however, because determination of HCC differentiation is difficult,
      the recently described immunohistochemical (IHC) marker glypican3 (GPC3) might
      assist in HCC prognostication.The goal of our study was to investigate GPC3's IHC
      staining pattern and define the relationship between its expression and patients'
      clinicopathologic features and overall survival. We retrieved clinical parameters
      from 101 pathologically diagnosed HCC patients' medical records and classified
      these patients into 4 clinical score categories (0-3) based on increasing GPC3
      staining intensity and the percentage of stained tumor cells in their resection
      and biopsy specimens. Histopathological samples were well, moderately, and poorly
      differentiated in 33, 22, and 12 patients, respectively, and the GPC3 expression
      rate was 63%, 86%, and 92%,respectively. The median overall survival was 49.9
      months (confidence interval (CI): 35.3-64.6 months) for clinical scores 0-1 and
      30.7 months (CI: 19.4-41.9 months) for clinical scores 2-3. This difference was
      not statistically significant (P = .06) but showed a strong trend. In conclusion,
      a greater GPC3 expression is associated with a worse HCC prognosis and may be a
      promising prognostic marker.

PMID- 27655711
TI  - Targeting MET and EGFR crosstalk signaling in triple-negative breast cancers.
AB  - There is a vital need for improved therapeutic strategies that are effective in
      both primary and metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Current
      treatment options for TNBC patients are restricted to chemotherapy; however
      tyrosine kinases are promising druggable targets due to their high expression in
      multiple TNBC subtypes. Since coexpression of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs)
      can promote signaling crosstalk and cell survival in the presence of kinase
      inhibitors, it is likely that multiple RTKs will need to be inhibited to enhance
      therapeutic benefit and prevent resistance. The MET and EGFR receptors are
      actionable targets due to their high expression in TNBC; however crosstalk
      between MET and EGFR has been implicated in therapeutic resistance to single
      agent use of MET or EGFR inhibitors in several cancer types. Therefore it is
      likely that dual inhibition of MET and EGFR is required to prevent crosstalk
      signaling and acquired resistance. In this study, we evaluated the heterogeneity
      of MET and EGFR expression and activation in primary and metastatic TNBC
      tumorgrafts and determined the efficacy of MET (MGCD265 or crizotinib) and/or
      EGFR (erlotinib) inhibition against TNBC progression. Here we demonstrate that
      combined MET and EGFR inhibition with either MGCD265 and erlotinib treatment or
      crizotinib and erlotinib treatment were highly effective at abrogating tumor
      growth and significantly decreased the variability in treatment response compared
      to monotherapy. These results advance our understanding of the RTK signaling
      architecture in TNBC and demonstrate that combined MET and EGFR inhibition may be
      a promising therapeutic strategy for TNBC patients.

PMID- 27655713
TI  - SMAD4 loss enables EGF, TGFbeta1 and S100A8/A9 induced activation of critical
      pathways to invasion in human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells.
AB  - Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) receptor overexpression, KRAS, TP53, CDKN2A and
      SMAD4 mutations characterize pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. This mutational
      landscape might influence cancer cells response to EGF, Transforming Growth
      Factor beta1 (TGFbeta1) and stromal inflammatory calcium binding proteins
      S100A8/A9. We investigated whether chronic exposure to EGF modifies in a SMAD4
      dependent manner pancreatic cancer cell signalling, proliferation and invasion in
      response to EGF, TGFbeta1 and S100A8/A9. BxPC3, homozigously deleted (HD) for
      SMAD4, and BxPC3-SMAD4+ cells were or not stimulated with EGF (100 ng/mL) for
      three days. EGF pre-treated and non pretreated cells were stimulated with a
      single dose of EGF (100 ng/mL), TGFbeta1 (0,02 ng/mL), S100A8/A9 (10 nM).
      Signalling pathways (Reverse Phase Protein Array and western blot), cell
      migration (Matrigel) and cell proliferation (XTT) were evaluated. SMAD4 HD
      constitutively activated ERK and Wnt/beta-catenin, while inhibiting PI3K/AKT
      pathways. These effects were antagonized by chronic EGF, which increased p-BAD
      (anti-apoptotic) in response to combined TGFbeta1 and S100A8/A9 stimulation.
      SMAD4 HD underlied the inhibition of NF-kappaB and PI3K/AKT in response to
      TGFbeta1 and S100A8/A9, which also induced cell migration. Chronic EGF exposure
      enhanced cell migration of both BxPC3 and BxPC3-SMAD4+, rendering the cells less
      sensitive to the other inflammatory stimuli. In conclusion, SMAD4 HD is
      associated with the constitutive activation of the ERK and Wnt/beta-catenin
      signalling pathways, and favors the EGF-induced activation of multiple signalling
      pathways critical to cancer proliferation and invasion. TGFbeta1 and S100A8/A9
      mainly inhibit NF-kappaB and PI3K/AKT pathways and, when combined, sinergize with
      EGF in enhancing anti-apoptotic p-BAD in a SMAD4-dependent manner.

PMID- 27655715
TI  - A dosimetric and treatment efficiency evaluation of stereotactic body radiation
      therapy for peripheral lung cancer using flattening filter free beams.
AB  - To investigate potential dosimetric benefits and treatment efficiency of dynamic
      conformal arc therapy (DCA), intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), and
      double partial arcs Rapidarc (RA) techniques in the treatment of early-stage
      peripheral lung cancer using stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) with
      flattening filter free (FFF) beams. Twenty early-stage peripheral lung cancer
      patients were selected. For each patient, DCA, IMRT and RA plans were created to
      meet Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) 0915 objectives with 48 Gy covering
      95% of the planning target volume (PTV) in 4 fractions. PTV coverage, organs at
      risk (OARs) doses, planning time, monitor units (MU) and treatment time were
      evaluated. RA was significantly better than DCA for PTV coverage. RA provided a
      lower V32Gy to chest wall and less V20Gy to lung over those of DCA and IMRT. For
      other OARs, there is no significant difference among all three techniques. DCA
      plans showed significantly less planning time, shorter treatment time and lower
      MU number than those of RA and IMRT. RA provides a superior dosimetric benefit to
      DCA and IMRT in the treatment of early-stage lung cancer using SBRT with FFF
      beams. Considering the MU number, planning time and treatment efficiency, DCA
      technique is an effective treatment strategy.

PMID- 27655714
TI  - Aberrant expression of JNK-associated leucine-zipper protein, JLP, promotes
      accelerated growth of ovarian cancer.
AB  - Ovarian cancer is the most fatal gynecologic cancer with poor prognosis.
      Etiological factors underlying ovarian cancer genesis and progression are poorly
      understood. Previously, we have shown that JNK-associated Leucine zipper Protein
      (JLP), promotes oncogenic signaling. Investigating the role of JLP in ovarian
      cancer, our present study indicates that JLP is overexpressed in ovarian cancer
      tissue and ovarian cancer cells. Transient overexpression of JLP promotes
      proliferation and invasive migration of ovarian cancer cells. In addition,
      ectopic expression of JLP confers long-term survival and clonogenic potential to
      normal fallopian tube-derived epithelial cells. Coimmunoprecipitation and
      colocalization analyses demonstrate the in vivo interaction of JLP and JNK, which
      is stimulated by lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), an oncogenic lipid growth factor in
      ovarian cancer. We also show that LPA stimulates the translocation of JLP-JNK
      complex to the perinuclear region of SKOV3-ip cells. JLP-knockdown using shRNA
      abrogates LPA-stimulated activation of JNK as well as LPA-stimulated
      proliferation and invasive migration of SKOV3-ip cells. Studies using ovarian
      cancer xenograft mouse model indicate that the mice bearing JLP-silenced
      xenografts exhibits reduced tumor volume. Analysis of the xenograft tumor tissues
      indicate a reduction in the levels of JLP, JNK, phosphorylated-JNK, c-Jun and
      phosphorylated-c-Jun in JLP-silenced xenografts, thereby correlating the
      attenuated JLP-JNK signaling node with suppressed tumor growth. Thus, our results
      identify a critical role for JLP-signaling axis in ovarian cancer and provide
      evidence that targeting this signaling node could provide a new avenue for
      therapy.

PMID- 27655716
TI  - Novel lymph node ratio predicts prognosis of colorectal cancer patients after
      radical surgery when tumor deposits are counted as positive lymph nodes: a
      retrospective multicenter study.
AB  - The lymph node ratio (LNR), defined as the relation of tumor-infiltrated to
      resected lymph nodes, has been identified as an independent prognostic factor for
      colorectal cancer (CRC) after radical surgery. Recently, new guidelines propose
      counting tumor deposits (TDs) as positive lymph nodes (pLNs). The aim of this
      study was to investigate whether a novel LNR (nLNR) that considers TDs as pLNs
      can be used to accurately predict the long-term outcome of CRC patients. In this
      multicenter retrospective study, clinicopathological and outcome data from 2,051
      stage III CRC patients who underwent R0 resection were collected between January
      2004 and December 2011. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS)
      according to the nLNR category were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves.
      Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine significant
      prognostic factors, and ROC curves were computed to measure the predictive
      capacity of the nLNR category. The 5-year DFS rates of nLNR1-4 were 68.3%, 48.4%,
      33.3% and 16.5%, respectively (P<0.0001), and the 5-year OS rate of nLNR1-4 were
      71.8%, 60.1%, 42.7% and 21.8%, respectively (P<0.0001). The area of under curve
      (AUC) of the nLNR was 0.686 (95% CI 0.663-0.710) and 0.672 (95% CI 0.648-0.697)
      for predicting DFS and OS. Our results demonstrate that the nLNR predicted long
      term outcomes better than the LNR, npN and pN, using the cutoff points 0.250,
      0.500 and 0.750.

PMID- 27655717
TI  - Targeting Notch enhances the efficacy of ERK inhibitors in BRAF-V600E melanoma.
AB  - The discovery of activating BRAF mutations in approximately 50% of melanomas has
      led to the development of MAPK pathway inhibitors, which have transformed
      melanoma therapy. However, not all BRAF-V600E melanomas respond to MAPK
      inhibition. Therefore, it is important to understand why tumors with the same
      oncogenic driver have variable responses to MAPK inhibitors. Here, we show that
      concurrent loss of PTEN and activation of the Notch pathway is associated with
      poor response to the ERK inhibitor SCH772984, and that co-inhibition of Notch and
      ERK decreased viability in BRAF-V600E melanomas. Additionally, patients with low
      PTEN and Notch activation had significantly shorter progression free survival
      when treated with BRAF inhibitors. Our studies provide a rationale to further
      develop combination strategies with Notch antagonists to maximize the efficacy of
      MAPK inhibition in melanoma. Our findings should prompt the evaluation of
      combinations co-targeting MAPK/ERK and Notch as a strategy to improve current
      therapies and warrant further evaluation of co-occurrence of aberrant PTEN and
      Notch activation as predictive markers of response to therapy.

PMID- 27655718
TI  - NOX4 downregulation leads to senescence of human vascular smooth muscle cells.
AB  - Senescence is a stress response characterized by an irreversible growth arrest
      and alterations in certain cell functions. It is believed that both double-strand
      DNA breaks (DSB) and increased ROS level are the main culprit of senescence.
      Excessive ROS production is also particularly important in the development of a
      number of cardiovascular disorders. In this context the involvement of
      professional ROS-producing enzymes, NADPH oxidases (NOX), was postulated. In
      contrary to the common knowledge, we have shown that not only increased ROS
      production but also diminished ROS level could be involved in the induction of
      senescence.Accordingly, our studies revealed that stress-induced premature
      senescence (SIPS) of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) induced by doxorubicin
      or H2O2, correlates with increased level of DSB and ROS. On the other hand, both
      SIPS and replicative senescence were accompanied by diminished expression of
      NOX4. Moreover, inhibition of NOX activity or decrease of NOX4 expression led to
      permanent growth arrest of VSMCs and secretion of interleukins and VEGF.
      Interestingly, cells undergoing senescence due to NOX4 depletion neither acquired
      DSB nor activated DNA damage response. Instead, transient induction of the p27,
      upregulation of HIF-1alpha, decreased expression of cyclin D1 and
      hypophosphorylated Rb was observed. Our results showed that lowering the level of
      ROS-producing enzyme - NOX4 oxidase below physiological level leads to cellular
      senescence of VSMCs which is correlated with secretion of pro-inflammatory
      cytokines. Thus the use of specific NOX4 inhibitors for pharmacotherapy of
      vascular diseases should be carefully considered.

PMID- 27655719
TI  - Adipocyte miR-200b/a/429 ablation in mice leads to high-fat-diet-induced obesity.
AB  - Growing evidence demonstrates the important role of microRNAs (miRs) in
      regulating adipogenesis, obesity and insulin resistance. The miR-200b/a/429
      cluster has been functionally characterized in mammalian reproduction; however,
      the potential role of the miR-200 family in adipocytes is poorly understood. The
      aim of our study was to investigate the physiological function of miR-200b/a/429
      in the regulation of whole-body metabolism in terms of the activities and targets
      of this cluster in adipocytes. We generated adipocyte-specific miR-200b/a/429
      knockout (ASKO) mice using a Cre-loxP system in which Cre expression was driven
      by the aP2 promoter. The ASKO and wild type (WT) littermate were fed a chow diet
      (CD) or high-fat-diet (HFD), and changes in body composition, metabolic
      parameters, energy homeostasis, glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity were
      analyzed. The miR-200b/a/429 putative target genes were predicted and validated
      via luciferase reporter assays. We found that the HFD-fed ASKO mice gradually
      gained more body weight than the WT mice due to the increased adiposity.
      Decreased glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity were also observed in the HFD
      fed ASKO mice. Notably, the down-regulation of lipolysis-related genes and the
      decreased response to CL-316,243 stimulation in the HFD-fed ASKO mice suggested
      that these animals exhibited impaired lipolysis. In addition, the HFD-fed ASKO
      mice displayed impaired energy expenditure, indicating that the miR-200b/a/429
      cluster is essential for developing adaptive responses to stressors such as HFD.
      For the first time, our studies demonstrated the essential role of miR-200b/a/429
      in adipocytes in the regulation of HFD-induced whole-body metabolic changes.

PMID- 27655720
TI  - Sodium fluoride induces apoptosis in cultured splenic lymphocytes from mice.
AB  - Though fluorine has been shown to induce apoptosis in immune organs in vivo,
      there has no report on fluoride-induced apoptosis in the cultured lymphocytes.
      Therefore, this study was conducted with objective of investigating apoptosis
      induced by sodium fluoride (NaF) and the mechanism behind that in the cultured
      splenic lymphocytes by flow cytometry, western blot and Hoechst 33258 staining.
      The splenic lymphocytes were isolated from 3 weeks old male ICR mice and exposed
      to NaF (0, 100, 200, and 400 MUmol/L) in vitro for 24 and 48 h. When compared to
      control group, flow cytometry assay and Hoechst 33258 staining showed that NaF
      induced lymphocytes apoptosis, which was promoted by decrease of mitochondria
      transmembrane potential, up-regulation of Bax, Bak, Fas, FasL, caspase 9, caspase
      8, caspase 7, caspase 6 and caspase 3 protein expression (P < 0.05 or P <0.01),
      and down-regulation of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL protein expression (P <0.05 or P <0.01).
      The above-mentioned data suggested that NaF-induced apoptosis in splenic
      lymphocytes could be mediated by mitochondrial and death receptor pathways.

PMID- 27655721
TI  - Functional genetic variant in the Kozak sequence of WW domain-containing
      oxidoreductase (WWOX) gene is associated with oral cancer risk.
AB  - In Taiwan, oral cancer is the fourth leading cancer in males and is associated
      with exposure to environmental carcinogens. WW domain-containing oxidoreductase
      (WWOX), a tumor suppressor gene, is associated with the development of various
      cancers. We hypothesized that genetic variants of WWOX influence the
      susceptibility to oral cancer. Five polymorphisms of WWOX gene from 761 male
      patients with oral cancer and 1199 male cancer-free individuals were genotyped.
      We observed that individuals carrying the polymorphic allele of WWOX rs11545028
      are more susceptible to oral cancer. Furthermore, patients with advanced-stage
      oral cancer were associated with a higher frequency of WWOX rs11545028
      polymorphisms with the variant genotype TT than did patients with the wild-type
      gene. An additional integrated in silico analysis confirmed that rs11545028
      affects WWOX expression, which significantly correlates with tumor expression and
      subsequently with tumor development and aggressiveness. In conclusion, genetic
      variants of WWOX contribute to the occurrence of oral cancer, and the findings
      regarding these biomarkers provided a prediction model for risk assessment.

PMID- 27655722
TI  - Impact of label-free technologies in head and neck cancer circulating tumour
      cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The ability to identify high risk head and neck cancer (HNC) patients
      with disseminated disease prior to presenting with clinically detectable
      metastases holds remarkable potential. A fraction of circulating tumour cells
      (CTCs) are invasive cancer cells which mediate metastasis by intravasation,
      survival and extravasation from the blood stream to metastatic sites. CTCs have
      been cleared by the FDA for use as surrogate markers of overall survival and
      progression free survival for breast, prostate and colorectal cancers using the
      CellSearch(r) system. However, the clinical significance of CTCs in head and neck
      cancer patients has yet to be determined. There has been a significant shift in
      CTC enrichment platforms, away from exclusively single marker selection, to
      epitope-independent systems. METHODS: The aim of this study was to screen
      advanced stage HNC patients by the CellSearch(r) platform and utilise two other
      epitope-independent approaches, ScreenCell(r) (microfiltration device) and
      RosetteSepTM (negative enrichment), to determine how a shift to such
      methodologies would enable CTC enrichment and detection. RESULTS: In advanced
      stage HNC patients, single CTCs were detected in 8/43 (18.6%) on CellSearch(r),
      13/28 (46.4%) on ScreenCell(r) and 16/25 (64.0%) by RosetteSepTM (the latter
      could also detect CTC clusters). Notably, in patients with suspicious lung
      nodules, too small to biopsy, CTCs were found upon presentation. Moreover, CTCs
      were readily detected in advanced stage HNC patients. CONCLUSION: The epitope
      independent platforms detected higher CTC numbers and clusters. Further studies
      are needed to ascertain whether CTCs can be used as independent prognostic
      markers for HNCs.

PMID- 27655723
TI  - Nitric oxide, PKC-epsilon, and connexin43 are crucial for ischemic
      preconditioning-induced chemical gap junction uncoupling.
AB  - Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) maintains connexin43 (Cx43) phosphorylation and
      reduces chemical gap junction (GJ) coupling in cardiomyocytes to protect against
      ischemic damage. However, the signal transduction pathways underlying these
      effects are not fully understood. Here, we investigated whether nitric oxide (NO)
      and protein kinase C-epsilon (PKC-epsilon) contribute to IPC-induced
      cardioprotection by maintaining Cx43 phosphorylation and inhibiting chemical GJ
      coupling. IPC reduced ischemia-induced myocardial infarction and increased
      cardiomyocyte survival; phosphorylated Cx43, eNOS, and PKC-epsilon levels; and
      chemical GJ uncoupling. Administration of the NO donor SNAP mimicked the effects
      of IPC both in vivo and in vitro, maintaining Cx43 phosphorylation, promoting
      chemical GJ uncoupling, and reducing myocardial infarction. Preincubation with
      the NO synthase inhibitor L-NAME or PKC-epsilon translocation inhibitory peptide
      (PKC-epsilon-TIP) abolished these effects of IPC. Additionally, by inducing NO
      production, IPC induced translocation of PKC-epsilon, but not PKC-delta, from the
      cytosolic to the membrane fraction in primary cardiac myocytes. IPC-induced
      cardioprotection thus involves increased NO production, PKC-epsilon
      translocation, Cx43 phosphorylation, and chemical GJ uncoupling.

PMID- 27655724
TI  - Increased expression of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) in human pituitary
      tumors.
AB  - PURPOSE: Subsets of pituitary tumors exhibit an aggressive clinical courses and
      recur despite surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Because modulation of the
      immune response through inhibition of T-cell checkpoints has led to durable
      clinical responses in multiple malignancies, we explored whether pituitary
      adenomas express immune-related biomarkers that could suggest suitability for
      immunotherapy. Specifically, programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) has emerged as a
      potential biomarker whose expression may portend more favorable responses to
      immune checkpoint blockade therapies. We thus investigated the expression of PD
      L1 in pituitary adenomas. METHODS: PD-L1 RNA and protein expression were
      evaluated in 48 pituitary tumors, including functioning and non-functioning
      adenomas as well as atypical and recurrent tumors. Tumor infiltrating lymphocyte
      populations were also assessed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Pituitary tumors
      express variable levels of PD-L1 transcript and protein. PD-L1 RNA and protein
      expression were significantly increased in functioning (growth hormone and
      prolactin-expressing) pituitary adenomas compared to non-functioning (null cell
      and silent gonadotroph) adenomas. Moreover, primary pituitary adenomas harbored
      higher levels of PD-L1 mRNA compared to recurrent tumors. Tumor infiltrating
      lymphocytes were observed in all pituitary tumors and were positively correlated
      with increased PD-L1 expression, particularly in the functional subtypes.
      CONCLUSIONS: Human pituitary adenomas harbor PD-L1 across subtypes, with
      significantly higher expression in functioning adenomas compared to non
      functioning adenomas. This expression is accompanied by the presence of tumor
      infiltrating lymphocytes. These findings suggest the existence of an immune
      response to pituitary tumors and raise the possibility of considering checkpoint
      blockade immunotherapy in cases refractory to conventional management.

PMID- 27655725
TI  - Management of advanced gastric cancer: An overview of major findings from meta
      analysis.
AB  - This study aims to provide an overview of different treatment for advanced
      gastric cancer. In the present study, we systematically reviewed the major
      findings from relevant meta-analyses. A total of 54 relevant papers were searched
      via the PubMed, Web of Science, and Google scholar databases. They were
      classified according to the mainstay treatment modalities such as surgery,
      chemotherapy and others. Primary outcomes including overall survival, response
      rate, disease-free survival, recurrence-free survival, progression-free survival,
      time-to-progression, time-to failure, recurrence and safety were summarized. The
      recommendations and uncertainties regarding the treatment of advanced gastric
      cancer were also proposed. It was suggested that laparoscopic gastrectomy was a
      safe and technical alternative to open gastrectomy. Besides, neoadjuvant
      chemotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy were thought to benefit the survival over
      surgery alone. And it was demonstrated in the study that targeted therapy like
      anti-angiogenic and anti-HER2 agents but anti-EGFR agent might have a significant
      survival benefit.

PMID- 27655726
TI  - Gamma-interferon-inducible, lysosome/endosome-localized thiolreductase, GILT, has
      anti-retroviral activity and its expression is counteracted by HIV-1.
AB  - The mechanism by which type II interferon (IFN) inhibits virus replications
      remains to be identified. Murine leukemia virus (MLV) replication was
      significantly restricted by gamma-IFN, but not human immunodeficiency virus type
      1 (HIV-1) replication. Because MLV enters host cells via endosomes, we speculated
      that certain cellular factors among gamma-IFN-induced, endosome-localized
      proteins inhibit MLV replication. We found that gamma-IFN-inducible lysosomal
      thiolreductase (GILT) significantly restricts HIV-1 replication as well as MLV
      replication by its thiolreductase activity. GILT silencing enhanced replication
      defective HIV-1 vector infection and virion production in gamma-IFN-treated
      cells, although gamma-IFN did not inhibit HIV-1 replication. This result showed
      that GILT is required for the anti-viral activity of gamma-IFN. Interestingly,
      GILT protein level was increased by gamma-IFN in uninfected cells and env-deleted
      HIV-1-infected cells, but not in full-length HIV-1-infected cells. gamma-IFN
      induced transcription from the gamma-IFN-activation sequence was attenuated by
      the HIV-1 Env protein. These results suggested that the gamma-IFN cannot restrict
      HIV-1 replication due to the inhibition of gamma-IFN signaling by HIV-1 Env.
      Finally, we found that 4,4'-dithiodipyridine (4-PDS), which inhibits S-S bond
      formation at acidic pH, significantly suppresses HIV-1 vector infection and
      virion production, like GILT. In conclusion, this study showed that GILT
      functions as a host restriction factor against the retroviruses, and a GILT
      mimic, 4-PDS, is the leading compound for the development of novel concept of
      anti-viral agents.

PMID- 27655729
TI  - Suicidal Risks in Report of Reports of Long-Term Treatment Trials for Major
      Depressive Disorder.

PMID- 27655727
TI  - Colony-forming unit cell (CFU-C) assays at diagnosis: CFU-G/M cluster predicts
      overall survival in myelodysplastic syndrome patients independently of IPSS-R.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In vitro colony-forming unit cell (CFU-C) assays are usually-used to
      detect the quantitative and qualitative features of haematopoietic stem cells
      (HSCs). We studies CFU-C assays in bone marrow samples from 365 consecutive
      subjects with newly-diagnosed myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Data were
      interrogated for associations with prognosis. METHODS: CFU-C assays were
      performed according to the protocol of MethoCultTM H4435 Enriched. 365
      consecutive newly-diagnosed, untreated subjects with MDS diagnosed from July,
      2007 to April, 2014 were studied. All subjects were reclassified according to the
      2008 WHO criteria. Subjects were observed for survival until July 31, 2015.
      Follow-up data were available for 289 (80%) subjects. Median follow-up of
      survivors was 22 months (range, 1-85) months. Erythroid and myeloid colonies were
      isolated from each subject with one cytogenetic abnormality such as del(5/5q),
      +8, del(7/7q) or del(20q). Cytogenetic abnormalities of each colony were analyzed
      by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). SPSS 17.0 software was used to make
      statistical analysis. RESULTS: The numbers of burst-forming units-erythroid (BFU
      E), colony forming unit-erythroid (CFU-E) and colony forming unit
      granulocytes/macrophages (CFU-G/M) were significantly lower than normals. A high
      ratio of cluster- to CFU-G/M was associated with poor-risk cytogenetics. In
      multivariable analyses a cluster- to CFU-G/M ratio >0.6 was an independent risk
      factor for OS after adjusting for IPSS-R (HR 3.339, [95%CI 1.434-7.778]; P =
      0.005) in very high-risk cohort. CONCLUSION: These data suggest abnormalities of
      proliferation and differentiation of erythroid and myeloid precursor cells in
      vitro parallel the ineffective hematopoiesis typical of MDS and may be useful in
      predicting outcomes of persons with higher-risk MDS.

PMID- 27655730
TI  - The outer membrane phospholipase A is essential for membrane integrity and type
      III secretion in Shigella flexneri.
AB  - Outer membrane phospholipase A (OMPLA) is an enzyme located in the outer membrane
      of Gram-negative bacteria. OMPLA exhibits broad substrate specificity, and some
      of its substrates are located in the cellular envelope. Generally, the enzymatic
      activity can only be induced by perturbation of the cell envelope integrity
      through diverse methods. Although OMPLA has been thoroughly studied as a membrane
      protein in Escherichia coli and is constitutively expressed in many other
      bacterial pathogens, little is known regarding the functions of OMPLA during the
      process of bacterial infection. In this study, the proteomic and transcriptomic
      data indicated that OMPLA in Shigella flexneri, termed PldA, both stabilizes the
      bacterial membrane and is involved in bacterial infection under ordinary culture
      conditions. A series of physiological assays substantiated the disorganization of
      the bacterial outer membrane and the periplasmic space in the DeltapldA mutant
      strain. Furthermore, the DeltapldA mutant strain showed decreased levels of type
      III secretion system expression, contributing to the reduced internalization
      efficiency in host cells. The results of this study support that PldA, which is
      widespread across Gram-negative bacteria, is an important factor for the
      bacterial life cycle, particularly in human pathogens.

PMID- 27655731
TI  - Exploring the active site of the Streptococcus pneumoniae topoisomerase IV-DNA
      cleavage complex with novel 7,8-bridged fluoroquinolones.
AB  - As part of a programme of synthesizing and investigating the biological
      properties of new fluoroquinolone antibacterials and their targeting of
      topoisomerase IV from Streptococcus pneumoniae, we have solved the X-ray
      structure of the complexes of two new 7,8-bridged fluoroquinolones (with
      restricted C7 group rotation favouring tight binding) in complex with the
      topoisomerase IV from S. pneumoniae and an 18-base-pair DNA binding site-the E
      site-found by our DNA mapping studies to bind drug strongly in the presence of
      topoisomerase IV (Leo et al. 2005 J. Biol. Chem. 280, 14 252-14 263,
      doi:10.1074/jbc.M500156200). Although the degree of antibiotic resistance towards
      fluoroquinolones is much lower than that of beta-lactams and a range of ribosome
      bound antibiotics, there is a pressing need to increase the diversity of members
      of this successful clinically used class of drugs. The quinolone moiety of the
      new 7,8-bridged agents ACHN-245 and ACHN-454 binds similarly to that of
      clinafloxocin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin and trovofloxacin but the cyclic
      scaffold offers the possibility of chemical modification to produce interactions
      with other topoisomerase residues at the active site.

PMID- 27655732
TI  - A role for the p53 tumour suppressor in regulating the balance between homologous
      recombination and non-homologous end joining.
AB  - Loss of p53, a transcription factor activated by cellular stress, is a frequent
      event in cancer. The role of p53 in tumour suppression is largely attributed to
      cell fate decisions. Here, we provide evidence supporting a novel role for p53 in
      the regulation of DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair pathway choice. 53BP1,
      another tumour suppressor, was initially identified as p53 Binding Protein 1, and
      has been shown to inhibit DNA end resection, thereby stimulating non-homologous
      end joining (NHEJ). Yet another tumour suppressor, BRCA1, reciprocally promotes
      end resection and homologous recombination (HR). Here, we show that in both human
      and mouse cells, the absence of p53 results in impaired 53BP1 focal recruitment
      to sites of DNA damage induced by ionizing radiation. This effect is largely
      independent of cell cycle phase and the extent of DNA damage. In p53-deficient
      cells, diminished localization of 53BP1 is accompanied by a reciprocal increase
      in BRCA1 recruitment to DSBs. Consistent with these findings, we demonstrate that
      DSB repair via NHEJ is abrogated, while repair via homology-directed repair (HDR)
      is stimulated. Overall, we propose that in addition to its role as an 'effector'
      protein in the DNA damage response, p53 plays a role in the regulation of DSB
      repair pathway choice.

PMID- 27655733
TI  - Differential sub-nuclear distribution of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF)-1 and -2
      alpha impacts on their stability and mobility.
AB  - Cellular adaptation to hypoxia occurs via a complex programme of gene expression
      mediated by the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF). The oxygen labile alpha subunits,
      HIF-1alpha/-2alpha, form a heterodimeric transcription factor with HIF-1beta and
      modulate gene expression. HIF-1alpha and HIF-2alpha possess similar domain
      structure and bind to the same consensus sequence. However, they have different
      oxygen-dependent stability and activate distinct genes. To better understand
      these differences, we used fluorescent microscopy to determine precise
      localization and dynamics. We observed a homogeneous distribution of HIF-1alpha
      in the nucleus, while HIF-2alpha localized into speckles. We demonstrated that
      the number, size and mobility of HIF-2alpha speckles were independent of cellular
      oxygenation and that HIF-2alpha molecules were capable of exchanging between the
      speckles and nucleoplasm in an oxygen-independent manner. The concentration of
      HIF-2alpha into speckles may explain its increased stability compared with HIF
      1alpha and its slower mobility may offer a mechanism for gene specificity.

PMID- 27655735
TI  - Diabetes, the brain, and cognition: More clues to the puzzle.

PMID- 27655734
TI  - Cognitive decline following incident and preexisting diabetes mellitus in a
      population sample.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine if incident and preexisting diabetes mellitus (DM) were
      associated with cognitive decline among African Americans (AAs) and European
      Americans (EAs). METHODS: Based on a prospective study of 7,740 older adults
      (mean age 72.3 years, 64% AA, 63% female), DM was ascertained by hypoglycemic
      medication use and Medicare claims during physician or hospital visits, and
      cognition by performance on a brief battery for executive functioning, episodic
      memory, and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Decline in composite and
      individual tests among those with incident DM, with preexisting DM, and without
      DM was studied using a linear mixed effects model with and without change point.
      RESULTS: At baseline, 737 (15%) AAs and 269 (10%) EAs had preexisting DM. Another
      721 (17%) AAs and 289 (12%) EAs had incident DM in old age. Following incident
      DM, cognitive decline increased by 36% among AAs and by 40% among EAs compared to
      those without DM. No significant difference was observed between AAs and EAs (p =
      0.64). However, cognitive decline increased by 17% among AAs with preexisting DM
      compared to those without DM, but no increased decline was observed among EAs
      with preexisting DM. In secondary analyses, faster decline in executive
      functioning and episodic memory was observed following incident DM. CONCLUSIONS:
      In old age, faster cognitive decline was present among AAs and EAs following
      incident DM, compared to cognitive decline prior to DM, and among those without
      DM. This underscores the need for stronger prevention and control of DM in old
      age.

PMID- 27655737
TI  - Involvement of the nucleus accumbens and dopamine system in chronic pain.

PMID- 27655736
TI  - Social cognition in multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To quantify the magnitude of deficits in theory of mind (ToM) and
      facial emotion recognition among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) relative
      to healthy controls. METHODS: An electronic database search of Ovid MEDLINE,
      PsycINFO, and Embase was conducted from inception to April 1, 2016. Eligible
      studies were original research articles published in peer-reviewed journals that
      examined ToM or facial emotion recognition among patients with a diagnosis of MS
      and a healthy control comparison group. Data were independently extracted by 2
      authors. Effect sizes were calculated using Hedges g. RESULTS: Twenty-one
      eligible studies were identified assessing ToM (12 studies) and/or facial emotion
      recognition (13 studies) among 722 patients with MS and 635 controls. Deficits in
      both ToM (g = -0.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.88 to -0.55, p < 0.001) and
      facial emotion recognition (g = -0.64, 95% CI -0.81 to -0.47, p < 0.001) were
      identified among patients with MS relative to healthy controls. The largest
      deficits were observed for visual ToM tasks and for the recognition of negative
      facial emotional expressions. Older age predicted larger emotion recognition
      deficits. Other cognitive domains were inconsistently associated with social
      cognitive performance. CONCLUSIONS: Social cognitive deficits are an overlooked
      but potentially important aspect of cognitive impairment in MS with potential
      prognostic significance for social functioning and quality of life. Further
      research is required to clarify the longitudinal course of social cognitive
      dysfunction, its association with MS disease characteristics and neurocognitive
      impairment, and the MS-specific neurologic damage underlying these deficits.

PMID- 27655739
TI  - Applying Critical Discourse Analysis in Health Policy Research: Case Studies in
      Regional, Organizational, and Global Health.
AB  - Critical discourse analysis (CDA) is a promising methodology for policy research
      in nursing. As a critical theoretical methodology, researchers use CDA to analyze
      social practices and language use in policies to examine whether such policies
      may promote or impede social transformation. Despite the widespread use of CDA in
      other disciplines such as education and sociology, nursing policy research
      employing CDA methodology is sparse. To advance CDA use in nursing science, it is
      important to outline the overall research strategies and describe the steps of
      CDA in policy research. This article describes, using exemplar case studies, how
      nursing and health policy researchers can employ CDA as a methodology. Three case
      studies are provided to discuss the application of CDA research methodologies in
      nursing policy research: (a) implementation of preconception care policies in the
      Zhejiang province of China, (b) formation and enactment of statewide asthma
      policy in Washington state of the United States, and (c) organizational
      implementation of employee antibullying policies in hospital systems in the
      Pacific Northwest of the United States. Each exemplar details how CDA guided the
      examination of policy within specific contexts and social practices. The
      variations of the CDA approaches in the three exemplars demonstrated the
      flexibilities and potentials for conducting policy research grounded in CDA. CDA
      provides novel insights for nurse researchers examining health policy formation,
      enactment, and implementation.

PMID- 27655738
TI  - Long-term improvement in obsessions and compulsions with subthalamic stimulation.

PMID- 27655740
TI  - Mitral valve laceration: an unusual complication during transcatheter aortic
      valve replacement.

PMID- 27655745
TI  - Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery versus open lobectomy for lung cancer: time
      for a randomized trial.

PMID- 27655741
TI  - Closure of a high ventricular septal defect after transcatheter aortic valve
      implantation with an atrial septal occluder-hybrid treatment for a rare
      complication.
AB  - A patient with porcelain aorta underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation
      with a self-expandable prosthesis for severe aortic stenosis. After
      postdilatation trace paravalvular regurgitation was accepted. 10 weeks later the
      patient returned with complete heart block and underwent pacemaker implantation.
      A new heart murmur prompted further investigation. A ventricular septal defect
      from the left ventricular outflow tract into the right ventricle was detected. It
      was successfully closed under direct surgical visualization and total
      cardiopulmonary bypass in an aortic no touch approach. Closure was accomplished
      with a percutaneous Amplatzer-PFO-occluder. Functional result was excellent.

PMID- 27655749
TI  - An Intention-Based Account of Perspective-Taking: Why Perspective-Taking Can Both
      Decrease and Increase Moral Condemnation.
AB  - Perspective-taking often increases generosity in behavior and attributions. We
      present an intentions-based account to explain how perspective-taking can both
      decrease and increase moral condemnation. Consistent with past research, we
      predicted perspective-taking would reduce condemnation when the perspective-taker
      initially attributed benevolent intent to a transgressor. However, we predicted
      perspective-taking would increase condemnation when malevolent intentions were
      initially attributed to the wrongdoer. We propose that perspective-taking
      amplifies the intentions initially attributed to a transgressor. Three studies
      measured and manipulated intention attributions and found that perspective-taking
      increased condemnation when malevolent intentions were initially attributed to a
      transgressor. Perspective-taking also increased costly punishment of a
      transgressor, an effect mediated by malevolent intentions. In contrast, empathy
      did not increase punitive responses, supporting its conceptual distinction from
      perspective-taking. Whether perspective-taking leads to forgiveness or
      condemnation depends on the intentions the perspective-taker initially attributes
      to a transgressor.

PMID- 27655748
TI  - Helium-related hepatic necrosis due to intra-aortic balloon pump leakage.

PMID- 27655750
TI  - Testing the Link Between Empathy and Lay Theories of Happiness.
AB  - Happiness is a topic that ignites both considerable interest and considerable
      disagreement. Thus far, however, there has been little attempt to characterize
      people's lay theories about happiness or explore their consequences. We examined
      whether individual differences in lay theories of happiness would predict
      empathy. In Studies 1a and 1b, we validated the Lay Theories of Happiness Scale
      (LTHS), which includes three dimensions: flexibility, controllability, and locus.
      In Study 2, higher dispositional empathy was predicted by the belief that
      happiness is flexible, controllable, and internal. In Studies 3 and 4, higher
      empathy toward a specific target was predicted by the belief that happiness is
      flexible, uncontrollable, and external. In conjunction, Studies 2, 3, and 4
      provide evidence that trait and state empathy are separable and can have opposing
      relationships with people's lay theories. Overall, these findings highlight
      generalized beliefs that may guide empathic reactions to the unhappiness of
      others.

PMID- 27655751
TI  - Personality Traits, Ego Development, and the Redemptive Self.
AB  - Life narratives are the internalized stories that people construct to provide
      meaning, purpose, and coherence in their lives. Prior research suggests that
      psychologically healthy and socially engaged adults generally narrate their lives
      in a prototypical fashion labeled the redemptive self, consisting of five themes:
      (a) a sense of childhood advantage, (b) empathy for others' sufferings, (c) moral
      steadfastness, (d) turning of negative events into positive outcomes (redemption
      sequences), and (e) prosocial goals. The current study examines trait correlates
      of the redemptive self in 157 late-midlife adults. Summing thematic scores across
      12 life story interview scenes, the redemptive self was positively associated
      with four of the Big Five traits: extraversion, conscientiousness, agreeableness,
      and emotional stability, but unrelated to cognitive features of personality, as
      assessed on openness and ego development. The findings suggest those with
      positive socio-emotional personality traits, but not necessarily a proclivity for
      sophisticated thoughts, tend to have redemptive life stories.

PMID- 27655752
TI  - Straying From the Righteous Path and From Ourselves: The Interplay Between
      Perceptions of Morality and Self-Knowledge.
AB  - The present research addresses the relationship between morally valenced behavior
      and perceptions of self-knowledge, an outcome that has received little attention
      in moral psychology. We propose that morally valenced behavior is related to
      subjective perceptions of self-knowledge, such that people experience lower
      levels of self-knowledge when they are reminded of their immoral behaviors. We
      tested this proposition in four studies ( N = 1,177). Study 1 used daily-diary
      methods and indicates that daily perceptions of self-knowledge covary with daily
      levels of morally valenced behavior. The final three studies made use of
      experimental methods and demonstrate that thinking about immoral behaviors
      attenuates current perceptions of self-knowledge. The predicted relationships and
      effects generally persist when controlling for self-esteem. Based on our
      findings, we argue that perceived self-knowledge may play a functional role in
      moral self-concept maintenance and moral regulatory processes.

PMID- 27655753
TI  - Beyond Affective Influences on Deontological Moral Judgment: The Role of
      Motivations for Prevention in the Moral Condemnation of Harm.
AB  - Past research suggests that deontological judgments, which condemn deliberate
      harm no matter what the beneficial consequences, typically arise from emotional
      and intuitive reactions to the harm, whereas utilitarian judgments, which
      acknowledge the potential benefits of deliberate harm, typically arise from
      rational deliberation about whether these benefits outweigh the costs. The
      present research explores whether specific motivational orientations might, at
      times, increase the likelihood of deontological judgments without increasing
      emotional reactions. A meta-analysis of 10 newly conducted studies indicated
      that, compared with when focused on advancement ( promotion), when people were
      focused on security ( prevention) they made stronger deontological judgments in
      hypothetical moral dilemmas. Moreover, this effect could not be explained by
      participants' differing emotional reactions to the dilemmas when prevention
      focused, but instead mirrored reports of their explicit reasoning. Implications
      for expanding current models of deontological and utilitarian moral judgment are
      discussed.

PMID- 27655754
TI  - Were they in the loop during automated driving? Links between visual attention
      and crash potential.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A proposed advantage of vehicle automation is that it relieves
      drivers from the moment-to-moment demands of driving, to engage in other, non
      driving related, tasks. However, it is important to gain an understanding of
      drivers' capacity to resume manual control, should such a need arise. As
      automation removes vehicle control-based measures as a performance indicator,
      other metrics must be explored. METHODS: This driving simulator study, conducted
      under the European Commission (EC) funded AdaptIVe project, assessed drivers'
      gaze fixations during partially-automated (SAE Level 2) driving, on approach to
      critical and non-critical events. Using a between-participant design, 75 drivers
      experienced automation with one of five out-of-the-loop (OOTL) manipulations,
      which used different levels of screen visibility and secondary tasks to induce
      varying levels of engagement with the driving task: 1) no manipulation, 2)
      manipulation by light fog, 3) manipulation by heavy fog, 4) manipulation by heavy
      fog plus a visual task, 5) no manipulation plus an n-back task. RESULTS: The OOTL
      manipulations influenced drivers' first point of gaze fixation after they were
      asked to attend to an evolving event. Differences resolved within one second and
      visual attention allocation adapted with repeated events, yet crash outcome was
      not different between OOTL manipulation groups. Drivers who crashed in the first
      critical event showed an erratic pattern of eye fixations towards the road centre
      on approach to the event, while those who did not demonstrated a more stable
      pattern. CONCLUSIONS: Automated driving systems should be able to direct drivers'
      attention to hazards no less than 6 seconds in advance of an adverse outcome.

PMID- 27655755
TI  - Daily Cholecalciferol Supplementation during Pregnancy Alters Markers of
      Regulatory Immunity, Inflammation, and Clinical Outcomes in a Randomized
      Controlled Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency is widespread in pregnancy and has been
      associated with adverse health conditions in mothers and infants. Vitamin D
      supplementation in pregnancy may support the maintenance of pregnancy by its
      effects on innate and adaptive immunity. OBJECTIVE: We assessed the effects of
      vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy on vitamin D status and markers of
      immune function associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. METHODS: We conducted
      a randomized, controlled, double-blind intervention of 2 doses of cholecalciferol
      (400 and 2000 IU/d) from <20 wk to delivery in 57 pregnant women. Vitamin D
      status, regulatory and inflammatory T cells, markers of innate immunity and
      systemic inflammation, and clinical outcomes including maternal blood pressure
      and birth weight were assessed at 26 and 36 wk of pregnancy. RESULTS:
      Supplementation with 2000 IU/d vitamin D had a greater effect on the change in
      vitamin D status over pregnancy (P < 0.0001) and the final value at 36 wk (P <
      0.0001) than 400 IU/d, increasing serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D from 81.1 nmol/L at
      baseline to 116 nmol/L at 36 wk and from 69.6 nmol/L at baseline to 85.6 nmol/L
      at 36 wk, respectively. The 2000-IU/d group had 36% more interleukin-10+
      regulatory CD4+ T cells at 36 wk than did the 400-IU/d group (P < 0.007). The
      daily intake of 2000 compared with 400 IU/d tended to dampen the pregnancy
      related increase in diastolic blood pressure by 1.3-fold (P = 0.06) and increase
      birth weight by 8.6% (P = 0.06), but these differences were not statistically
      significant. CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation with 2000 IU/d is more effective at
      increasing vitamin D status in pregnant women than 400 IU/d and is associated
      with increased regulatory T cell immunity that may prevent adverse outcomes
      caused by excess inflammation. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as
      NCT01417351.

PMID- 27655756
TI  - Egg Consumption Increases Vitamin E Absorption from Co-Consumed Raw Mixed
      Vegetables in Healthy Young Men.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Most people living in the United States underconsume vitamin E, and
      dietary approaches to increase the absorption of vitamin E may help individuals
      to meet their body's needs. OBJECTIVE: We assessed the effect of adding cooked
      whole egg to a raw mixed-vegetable salad on alpha-tocopherol and gamma-tocopherol
      absorption. METHODS: With the use of a randomized-crossover design, 16 healthy
      young men [mean +/- SD age: 24 +/- 4 y; mean +/- SD body mass index (in kg/m2):
      24 +/- 2] consumed the same salad (all served with 3 g canola oil) with no egg
      [control (CON)], with 75 g cooked egg [low egg (LE)], or with 150 g cooked egg
      [high egg (HE)]; a 1-wk dietary washout period was included between trials. For
      the first 7 d of each trial, participants consumed a low-vitamin E diet to reduce
      plasma vitamin E concentrations. Blood was collected hourly for 10 h and the
      triacylglycerol-rich lipoprotein fractions (TRLs) were isolated. alpha-Tocopherol
      and gamma-tocopherol concentrations in TRLs were analyzed and composite areas
      under the curve (AUCs) were calculated. RESULTS: The alpha-tocopherol 0- to 10-h
      AUCs (AUCs0-10 h) in TRLs was higher (P < 0.05) for the HE trial (least-squares
      mean +/- SE: 981 +/- 162 nmol/L ? 10 h) than for the LE (311 +/- 162 nmol/L ? 10
      h) and CON (117 +/- 162 nmol/L ?10 h) trials, which did not differ from one
      another. The gamma-tocopherol AUCs0-10 h in TRLs was also higher (P < 0.05) for
      the HE trial (402 +/- 54 nmol/L ? 10 h) than for the CON trial (72 +/- 54 nmol/L
      ? 10 h). CONCLUSION: The consumption of cooked whole eggs is an effective way to
      increase the absorption of alpha-tocopherol and gamma-tocopherol from a co
      consumed meal that naturally contains vitamin E, such as a raw mixed-vegetable
      salad, in healthy young men. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as
      NCT01951313.

PMID- 27655758
TI  - Hepcidin Attenuates Zinc Efflux in Caco-2 Cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepcidin mediates the hypoferremia of inflammation by inhibiting iron
      transfer into circulation; however, a regulator for the hypozincemia observed in
      individuals with acute and chronic inflammatory and infectious diseases is not
      known. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the effects of
      hepcidin on zinc transport in intestinal epithelial cells. METHODS:
      Differentiated human intestinal Caco-2 cells were untreated or treated with 1 MUM
      hepcidin for 3-24 h. Zinc transport was assessed in cells seeded on Transwell
      inserts. Media from the apical and basolateral chambers were collected, and zinc
      concentrations were determined using 67Zn. Labile zinc pools were imaged and
      quantified in cells loaded with FluoZin-3-AM and expression of metallothionein
      and the zinc transporters zrt-/irt-like protein (ZIP)4 (SLC39A4), ZIP5 (SLC39A5),
      ZIP14 (SLC39A14), and zinc transporter 1 (ZnT1) (SLC30A1) was determined. Cells
      were transfected with SLC40A1- or SLC30A1-specific small interfering RNA to knock
      down ferroportin and ZnT1 protein, respectively. Cell surface proteins were
      isolated by cell surface biotinylation and lysosomal and proteasomal degradation
      was inhibited by treating cells with chloroquine or MG132, respectively. RESULTS:
      Hepcidin attenuated zinc transport, as cells treated with hepcidin exported 26%
      less 67Zn (P < 0.05) into the basolateral chamber and retained 27% more cellular
      67Zn (P < 0.05) than did control cells. Labile zinc decreased, and the mRNA
      abundance of metallothionein increased by ~50% in hepcidin-treated cells compared
      with control cells (P < 0.05). Hepcidin reduced ZnT1 protein by 75% (P < 0.05)
      compared with control cells. Hepcidin-mediated reductions in zinc export remained
      in ferroportin knockdown cells compared with untreated controls (P < 0.05),
      whereas knockdown of ZnT1 inhibited this effect (P >= 0.05). Hepcidin
      significantly reduced biotinylated cell surface ZnT1 compared with control cells
      (P < 0.05); chloroquine inhibited hepcidin-mediated degradation of ZnT1 (P >=
      0.05), whereas MG132 had no effect (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Hepcidin reduces
      intestinal zinc export by post-translationally downregulating ZnT1 through a
      lysosomal-mediated degradation pathway, indicating that hepcidin may contribute
      to the hypozincemia of inflammation and infection.

PMID- 27655757
TI  - Simulated Models Suggest That Price per Calorie Is the Dominant Price Metric That
      Low-Income Individuals Use for Food Decision Making.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The price of food has long been considered one of the major factors
      that affects food choices. However, the price metric (e.g., the price of food per
      calorie or the price of food per gram) that individuals predominantly use when
      making food choices is unclear. Understanding which price metric is used is
      especially important for studying individuals with severe budget constraints
      because food price then becomes even more important in food choice. OBJECTIVE: We
      assessed which price metric is used by low-income individuals in deciding what to
      eat. METHODS: With the use of data from NHANES and the USDA Food and Nutrient
      Database for Dietary Studies, we created an agent-based model that simulated an
      environment representing the US population, wherein individuals were modeled as
      agents with a specific weight, age, and income. In our model, agents made dietary
      food choices while meeting their budget limits with the use of 1 of 3 different
      metrics for decision making: energy cost (price per calorie), unit price (price
      per gram), and serving price (price per serving). The food consumption patterns
      generated by our model were compared to 3 independent data sets. RESULTS: The
      food choice behaviors observed in 2 of the data sets were found to be closest to
      the simulated dietary patterns generated by the price per calorie metric. The
      behaviors observed in the third data set were equidistant from the patterns
      generated by price per calorie and price per serving metrics, whereas results
      generated by the price per gram metric were further away. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      simulations suggest that dietary food choice based on price per calorie best
      matches actual consumption patterns and may therefore be the most salient price
      metric for low-income populations.

PMID- 27655759
TI  - Life-Course Body Mass Index Trajectories Are Predicted by Childhood Socioeconomic
      Status but Not Exposure to Improved Nutrition during the First 1000 Days after
      Conception in Guatemalan Adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Latin America has experienced increases in obesity. Little is known
      about the role of early life factors on body mass index (BMI) gain over the life
      course. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research was to examine the role of
      early life factors [specifically, nutrition supplementation during the first 1000
      d (from conception to 2 y of age) and childhood household socioeconomic status
      (SES)] on the pattern of BMI gain from birth or early childhood through
      midadulthood by using latent class growth analysis. METHODS: Study participants
      (711 women, 742 men) who were born in 4 villages in Guatemala (1962-1977) were
      followed prospectively since participating in a randomized nutrition
      supplementation trial as children. Sex-specific BMI latent class trajectories
      were derived from 22 possible measures of height and weight from 1969 to 2004. To
      characterize early life determinants of BMI latent class membership, we used
      logistic regression modeling and estimated the difference-in-difference (DD)
      effect of nutrition supplementation during the first 1000 d. RESULTS: We
      identified 2 BMI latent classes in women [low (57%) and high (43%)] and 3 classes
      in men [low (38%), medium (47%), and high (15%)]. Nutrition supplementation
      during the first 1000 d after conception was not associated with BMI latent class
      membership (DD test: P > 0.15 for men and women), whereas higher SES was
      associated with increased odds of high BMI latent class membership in both men
      (OR: 1.98; 95% CI: 1.09, 3.61) and women (OR: 1.62; 95% CI: 1.07, 2.45) for the
      highest relative to the lowest tertile. CONCLUSIONS: In a cohort of Guatemalan
      men and women, nutrition supplementation provided during the first 1000 d was not
      significantly associated with higher BMI trajectory. Higher childhood household
      SES was associated with increased odds of high BMI latent class membership
      relative to the poorest households. The pathways through which this operates
      still need to be explored.

PMID- 27655760
TI  - Flavanone Intake Is Inversely Associated with Risk of Incident Ischemic Stroke in
      the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Flavonoids may have beneficial cerebrovascular effects, but evidence
      from racially and geographically representative cohorts in comprehensive
      flavonoid databases is lacking. Given racial and geographic disparities in stroke
      incidence, representative cohort studies are needed. OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the
      association between flavonoid intake and incident ischemic stroke in a biracial,
      national cohort using updated flavonoid composition tables and assessed
      differences in flavonoid intake by sex, race, and region of residence. METHODS:
      We evaluated 20,024 participants in the REGARDS (REasons for Geographic and
      Racial Differences in Stroke) study, a biracial prospective study. Participants
      with stroke history or missing dietary data were excluded. Flavonoid intake was
      estimated by using a Block98 food frequency questionnaire and the USDA's
      Provisional Flavonoid Addendum and Proanthocyanidin Database. Associations
      between quintiles of flavonoid intake and incident ischemic stroke were evaluated
      by using Cox proportional hazards models, adjusting for confounders. RESULTS:
      Over 6.5 y, 524 acute ischemic strokes occurred. Flavanone intake was lower in
      the Southeastern United States but higher in blacks than in whites. After
      multivariable adjustment, flavanone intake was inversely associated with incident
      ischemic stroke (HR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.55, 0.95; P-trend = 0.03). Consumption of
      citrus fruits and juices was inversely associated with incident ischemic stroke
      (HR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.53, 0.91; P-trend = 0.02). Total flavonoids and other
      flavonoid subclasses were not associated with incident ischemic stroke. There was
      no statistical interaction with sex, race, or region for any flavonoid measure.
      CONCLUSIONS: Greater consumption of flavanones, but not total or other flavonoid
      subclasses, was inversely associated with incident ischemic stroke. Associations
      did not differ by sex, race, or region for the association; however, regional
      differences in flavanone intake may contribute to regional disparities in
      ischemic stroke incidence. Higher flavanone intake in blacks suggests that
      flavanone intake is not implicated in racial disparities in ischemic stroke
      incidence.

PMID- 27655761
TI  - Prior Consumption of a Fat Meal in Healthy Adults Modulates the Brain's Response
      to Fat.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The consumption of fat is regulated by reward and homeostatic
      pathways, but no studies to our knowledge have examined the role of high-fat meal
      (HFM) intake on subsequent brain activation to oral stimuli. OBJECTIVE: We
      evaluated how prior consumption of an HFM or water load (WL) modulates reward,
      homeostatic, and taste brain responses to the subsequent delivery of oral fat.
      METHODS: A randomized 2-way crossover design spaced 1 wk apart was used to
      compare the prior consumption of a 250-mL HFM (520 kcal) [rapeseed oil (440
      kcal), emulsifier, sucrose, flavor cocktail] or noncaloric WL on brain activation
      to the delivery of repeated trials of a flavored no-fat control stimulus (CS) or
      flavored fat stimulus (FS) in 17 healthy adults (11 men) aged 25 +/- 2 y and with
      a body mass index (in kg/m2) of 22.4 +/- 0.8. We tested differences in brain
      activation to the CS and FS and baseline cerebral blood flow (CBF) after the HFM
      and WL. We also tested correlations between an individual's plasma
      cholecystokinin (CCK) concentration after the HFM and blood oxygenation level
      dependent (BOLD) activation of brain regions. RESULTS: Compared to the WL,
      consuming the HFM led to decreased anterior insula taste activation in response
      to both the CS (36.3%; P < 0.05) and FS (26.5%; P < 0.05). The HFM caused reduced
      amygdala activation (25.1%; P < 0.01) in response to the FS compared to the CS
      (fat-related satiety). Baseline CBF significantly reduced in taste (insula: 5.7%;
      P < 0.01), homeostatic (hypothalamus: 9.2%, P < 0.01; thalamus: 5.1%, P < 0.05),
      and reward areas (striatum: 9.2%; P < 0.01) after the HFM. An individual's plasma
      CCK concentration correlated negatively with brain activation in taste and oral
      somatosensory (rho = -0.39; P < 0.05) and reward areas (rho = -0.36; P < 0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results in healthy adults show that an HFM suppresses BOLD
      activation in taste and reward areas compared to a WL. This understanding will
      help inform the reformulation of reduced-fat foods that mimic the brain's
      response to high-fat counterparts and guide future interventions to reduce
      obesity.

PMID- 27655762
TI  - Predicting evolutionary rescue via evolving plasticity in stochastic
      environments.
AB  - Phenotypic plasticity and its evolution may help evolutionary rescue in a novel
      and stressful environment, especially if environmental novelty reveals cryptic
      genetic variation that enables the evolution of increased plasticity. However,
      the environmental stochasticity ubiquitous in natural systems may alter these
      predictions, because high plasticity may amplify phenotype-environment
      mismatches. Although previous studies have highlighted this potential detrimental
      effect of plasticity in stochastic environments, they have not investigated how
      it affects extinction risk in the context of evolutionary rescue and with
      evolving plasticity. We investigate this question here by integrating stochastic
      demography with quantitative genetic theory in a model with simultaneous change
      in the mean and predictability (temporal autocorrelation) of the environment. We
      develop an approximate prediction of long-term persistence under the new pattern
      of environmental fluctuations, and compare it with numerical simulations for
      short- and long-term extinction risk. We find that reduced predictability
      increases extinction risk and reduces persistence because it increases stochastic
      load during rescue. This understanding of how stochastic demography, phenotypic
      plasticity, and evolution interact when evolution acts on cryptic genetic
      variation revealed in a novel environment can inform expectations for invasions,
      extinctions, or the emergence of chemical resistance in pests.

PMID- 27655763
TI  - Synergistic impacts of habitat loss and fragmentation on model ecosystems.
AB  - Habitat loss and fragmentation are major threats to biodiversity, yet separating
      their effects is challenging. We use a multi-trophic, trait-based, and spatially
      explicit general ecosystem model to examine the independent and synergistic
      effects of these processes on ecosystem structure. We manipulated habitat by
      removing plant biomass in varying spatial extents, intensities, and
      configurations. We found that emergent synergistic interactions of loss and
      fragmentation are major determinants of ecosystem response, including population
      declines and trophic pyramid shifts. Furthermore, trait-mediated interactions,
      such as a disproportionate sensitivity of large-sized organisms to fragmentation,
      produce significant effects in shaping responses. We also show that top-down
      regulation mitigates the effects of land use on plant biomass loss, suggesting
      that models lacking these interactions-including most carbon stock models-may not
      adequately capture land-use change impacts. Our results have important
      implications for understanding ecosystem responses to environmental change, and
      assessing the impacts of habitat fragmentation.

PMID- 27655764
TI  - Prenatal stress effects in a wild, long-lived primate: predictive adaptive
      responses in an unpredictable environment.
AB  - Prenatal maternal stress affects offspring phenotype in numerous species
      including humans, but it is debated whether these effects are evolutionarily
      adaptive. Relating stress to adverse conditions, current explanations invoke
      either short-term developmental constraints on offspring phenotype resulting in
      decelerated growth to avoid starvation, or long-term predictive adaptive
      responses (PARs) resulting in accelerated growth and reproduction in response to
      reduced life expectancies. Two PAR subtypes were proposed, acting either on
      predicted internal somatic states or predicted external environmental conditions,
      but because both affect phenotypes similarly, they are largely indistinguishable.
      Only external (not internal) PARs rely on high environmental stability
      particularly in long-lived species. We report on a crucial test case in a wild
      long-lived mammal, the Assamese macaque (Macaca assamensis), which evolved and
      lives in an unpredictable environment where external PARs are probably not
      advantageous. We quantified food availability, growth, motor skills, maternal
      caretaking style and maternal physiological stress from faecal glucocorticoid
      measures. Prenatal maternal stress was negatively correlated to prenatal food
      availability and led to accelerated offspring growth accompanied by decelerated
      motor skill acquisition and reduced immune function. These results support the
      'internal PAR' theory, which stresses the role of stable adverse internal somatic
      states rather than stable external environments.

PMID- 27655765
TI  - Climate change relaxes the time constraints for late-born offspring in a long
      distance migrant.
AB  - Animals in seasonal environments need to fit their annual-cycle stages, such as
      moult and migration, in a tight schedule. Climate change affects the phenology of
      organisms and causes advancements in timing of these annual-cycle stages but not
      necessarily at the same rates. For migratory birds, this can lead to more severe
      or more relaxed time constraints in the time from fledging to migration,
      depending on the relative shifts of the different stages. We tested how a shift
      in hatch date, which has advanced due to climate change, impacts the organization
      of the birds' whole annual cycle. We experimentally advanced and delayed the
      hatch date of pied flycatcher chicks in the field and then measured the timing of
      their annual-cycle stages in a controlled laboratory environment. Hatch date
      affected the timing of moult and pre-migratory fattening, but not migration.
      Early-born birds hence had a longer time to fatten up than late-born ones; the
      latter reduced their interval between onset of fattening and migration to be able
      to migrate at the same time as the early-born birds. This difference in time
      constraints for early- and late-born individuals may explain why early-born
      offspring have a higher probability to recruit as a breeding bird. Climate change
      associated advancements of avian egg-lay dates, which in turn advances hatch
      dates, can thus reduce the negative fitness consequences of reproducing late,
      thereby reducing the selection for early egg-laying migratory birds.

PMID- 27655766
TI  - Modelling the climatic niche of turtles: a deep-time perspective.
AB  - Ectotherms have close physiological ties with the thermal environment;
      consequently, the impact of future climate change on their biogeographic
      distributions is of major interest. Here, we use the modern and deep-time fossil
      record of testudines (turtles, tortoises, and terrapins) to provide the first
      test of climate on the niche limits of both extant and extinct (Late Cretaceous,
      Maastrichtian) taxa. Ecological niche models are used to assess niche overlap in
      model projections for key testudine ecotypes and families. An ordination
      framework is applied to quantify metrics of niche change (stability, expansion,
      and unfilling) between the Maastrichtian and present day. Results indicate that
      niche stability over evolutionary timescales varies between testudine clades.
      Groups that originated in the Early Cretaceous show climatic niche stability,
      whereas those diversifying towards the end of the Cretaceous display larger niche
      expansion towards the modern. Temperature is the dominant driver of modern and
      past distributions, whereas precipitation is important for freshwater turtle
      ranges. Our findings demonstrate that testudines were able to occupy warmer
      climates than present day in the geological record. However, the projected rate
      and magnitude of future environmental change, in concert with other conservation
      threats, presents challenges for acclimation or adaptation.

PMID- 27655767
TI  - The effect of aggregation on visibility in open water.
AB  - Aggregation is a common life-history trait in open-water taxa. Qualitative
      understanding of how aggregation by prey influences their encounter rates with
      predators is critical for understanding pelagic predator-prey interactions and
      trophic webs. We extend a recently developed theory on underwater visibility to
      predict the consequences of grouping in open-water species in terms of increased
      visual detection of groups by predators. Our model suggests that enhanced
      visibility will be relatively modest, with maximum detection distance typically
      only doubling for a 100-fold increase in the number of prey in a group. This
      result suggests that although larger groups are more easily detected, this cost
      to aggregation will in many cases be dominated by benefits, especially through
      risk dilution in situations where predators cannot consume all members of a
      discovered group. This, in turn, helps to explain the ubiquity of grouping across
      a great variety of open-water taxa.

PMID- 27655769
TI  - Probiotic treatment restores protection against lethal fungal infection lost
      during amphibian captivity.
AB  - Host-associated microbiomes perform many beneficial functions including resisting
      pathogens and training the immune system. Here, we show that amphibians
      developing in captivity lose substantial skin bacterial diversity, primarily due
      to reduced ongoing input from environmental sources. We combined studies of wild
      and captive amphibians with a database of over 1 000 strains that allows us to
      examine antifungal function of the skin microbiome. We tracked skin bacterial
      communities of 62 endangered boreal toads, Anaxyrus boreas, across 18 time
      points, four probiotic treatments, and two exposures to the lethal fungal
      pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) in captivity, and compared these to
      33 samples collected from wild populations at the same life stage. As the
      amphibians in captivity lost the Bd-inhibitory bacteria through time, the
      proportion of individuals exposed to Bd that became infected rose from 33% to
      100% in subsequent exposures. Inoculations of the Bd-inhibitory probiotic
      Janthinobacterium lividum resulted in a 40% increase in survival during the
      second Bd challenge, indicating that the effect of microbiome depletion was
      reversible by restoring Bd-inhibitory bacteria. Taken together, this study
      highlights the functional role of ongoing environmental inputs of skin-associated
      bacteria in mitigating a devastating amphibian pathogen, and that long-term
      captivity decreases this defensive function.

PMID- 27655768
TI  - Demographic mechanisms underpinning genetic assimilation of remnant groups of a
      large carnivore.
AB  - Current range expansions of large terrestrial carnivores are occurring following
      human-induced range contraction. Contractions are often incomplete, leaving small
      remnant groups in refugia throughout the former range. Little is known about the
      underlying ecological and evolutionary processes that influence how remnant
      groups are affected during range expansion. We used data from a spatially
      explicit, long-term genetic sampling effort of grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) in
      the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem (NCDE), USA, to identify the
      demographic processes underlying spatial and temporal patterns of genetic
      diversity. We conducted parentage analysis to evaluate how reproductive success
      and dispersal contribute to spatio-temporal patterns of genetic diversity in
      remnant groups of grizzly bears existing in the southwestern (SW), southeastern
      (SE) and east-central (EC) regions of the NCDE. A few reproductively dominant
      individuals and local inbreeding caused low genetic diversity in peripheral
      regions that may have persisted for multiple generations before eroding rapidly
      (approx. one generation) during population expansion. Our results highlight that
      individual-level genetic and reproductive dynamics play critical roles during
      genetic assimilation, and show that spatial patterns of genetic diversity on the
      leading edge of an expansion may result from historical demographic patterns that
      are highly ephemeral.

PMID- 27655771
TI  - Circulating miRNAs in Murine Experimental Endometriosis.
AB  - Endometriosis is a chronic disease that commonly affects women of reproductive
      age; however, diagnosis is often delayed due to lack of appreciation of early
      signs and symptoms. Development of a noninvasive biomarker would significantly
      reduce delays in diagnosis and treatment. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) have
      been implicated as biomarkers for several diseases including endometriosis. Here,
      we use an miRNA array to investigate differential miRNA abundance in the serum of
      mice after induction of experimental endometriosis. let-7a-5p was decreased in
      the serum of mice with endometriosis. let-7b-5p, c-5p, and e-5p also showed a
      trend toward downregulation. Serum let-7 family miRNA shows similar dysregulation
      in endometriosis in both humans and mice. Diminished circulating let-7 implies a
      complex regulation that potentially involves multiple organs. Further
      investigation is necessary to determine the functional roles of let-7 miRNAs in
      this disease.

PMID- 27655770
TI  - Novel energy-saving strategies to multiple stressors in birds: the ultradian
      regulation of body temperature.
AB  - This study aimed to examine thermoregulatory responses in birds facing two
      commonly experienced stressors, cold and fasting. Logging devices allowing long
      term and precise access to internal body temperature were placed within the
      gizzards of ducklings acclimated to cold (CA) (5 degrees C) or thermoneutrality
      (TN) (25 degrees C). The animals were then examined under three equal 4-day
      periods: ad libitum feeding, fasting and re-feeding. Through the analysis of
      daily as well as short-term, or ultradian, variations of body temperature, we
      showed that while ducklings at TN show only a modest decline in daily
      thermoregulatory parameters when fasted, they exhibit reduced surface
      temperatures from key sites of vascular heat exchange during fasting. The CA
      birds, on the other hand, significantly reduced their short-term variations of
      body temperature while increasing long-term variability when fasting. This
      phenomenon would allow the CA birds to reduce the energetic cost of body
      temperature maintenance under fasting. By analysing ultradian regulation of body
      temperature, we describe a means by which an endotherm appears to lower
      thermoregulatory costs in response to the combined stressors of cold and fasting.

PMID- 27655773
TI  - Reducing time to surgery after anterior cruciate ligament injury.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Recent work suggests that reconstruction of the ruptured anterior
      cruciate ligament within 12 months of injury results in better outcomes. We
      present a complete audit cycle examining the effect of establishment of an Acute
      Knee Clinic on time to surgery. METHODS: Records of 20 anterior cruciate ligament
      reconstructions undertaken by the senior author between June 2003 and May 2004
      were examined to identify the time to surgery. The Acute Knee Clinic was
      established in December 2004. Prospectively collected data on patients attending
      the Acute Knee Clinic between May 2005 and July 2007 and patients undergoing
      anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction from September 2006 to 2007 were
      reviewed with respect to referral route, time from injury to specialist review
      and time to surgery. RESULTS: Mean time from injury to surgery of the initial
      cohort was 14 months (range 3-56). After establishment of the Acute Knee Clinic,
      90% of referrals from Accident and Emergency (A&E) were seen by a specialist
      within four weeks. Between September 2006 and September 2007, 49 patients
      underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: 21 came via the Acute Knee
      Clinic, with a mean time from injury to surgery of 6 months; 28 patients from the
      elective clinic had a mean time to surgery of 25 months. 95% of Acute Knee Clinic
      patients and 53 % of elective clinic patients had surgery within 12 months of
      injury. DISCUSSION: The Acute Knee Clinic has been shown to reduce the time from
      injury to anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The Acute Knee Clinic only
      accounts for the referral of 40% of anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions in
      this series: Further education work is required with A&E staff and GPs regarding
      the referral of knee injuries. Access to the Acute Knee Clinic could be extended
      to GPs, although this could create service overload.

PMID- 27655772
TI  - Does the Presence of Blood in the Catheter or the Degree of Difficulty of Embryo
      Transfer Affect Live Birth?
AB  - The technique used for embryo transfer (ET) can affect implantation. Prior
      research that evaluated the effect of postprocedural blood of the transfer
      catheter tip have yielded mixed results, and it is unclear whether this is
      actually a marker of difficulty of the transfer. Our objective was to estimate
      the effect of blood at the time of ET and the difficulty of ET on live birth
      rates (LBR). This retrospective cohort study utilized generalized estimating
      equations (GEEs) with nesting for repeated cycles for all analyses. Univariate
      modeling was performed and a final multivariate (adjusted) GEE model accounted
      for all significant confounders. Embryo transfers were subjectively graded (easy,
      medium, or hard) by a physician at the time of transfer. The presence of blood at
      ET was associated with more difficult ETs, retained embryos, and presence of
      mucous in the catheter. In the univariate analysis, ET with blood was not
      associated with live birth, while the degree of difficulty for ET had a negative
      impact on LBR. In the final multivariate GEE model, which accounts for repeated
      cycles from a patient, the only factors associated with an increased LBR were the
      degree of difficulty of the ET, female age, and blastocyst transfer. After
      controlling for confounding variables, the presence of blood in the transfer
      catheter was not associated with the likelihood of pregnancy and thus was not an
      independent predictor of cycle outcome. This indicates that the difficulty of the
      transfer itself was a strong negative predictor of pregnancy.

PMID- 27655774
TI  - Sensitising effects of genetically modified enzymes used in flavour, fragrance,
      detergence and pharmaceutical production: cross-sectional study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The use of genetically engineered enzymes in the synthesis of
      flavourings, fragrances and other applications has increased tremendously. There
      is, however, a paucity of data on sensitisation and/or allergy to the finished
      products. We aimed to review the use of genetically modified enzymes and the
      enormous challenges in human biomonitoring studies with suitable assays of
      specific IgE to a variety of modified enzyme proteins in occupational settings
      and measure specific IgE to modified enzymes in exposed workers. METHODS:
      Specific IgE antibodies against workplace-specific individual enzymes were
      measured by the specific fluorescence enzyme-labelled immunoassay in 813 exposed
      workers seen in cross-sectional surveys. RESULTS: Twenty-three per cent of all
      exposed workers showed type I sensitisation with IgE antibodies directed against
      respective workplace-specific enzymes. The highest sensitisation frequencies
      observed were for workers exposed enzymes derived from alpha-amylase (44%),
      followed by stainzyme (41%), pancreatinin (35%), savinase (31%), papain (31%),
      ovozyme (28%), phytase (16%), trypsin (15%) and lipase (4%). The highest
      individual antibody levels (up to 110 kU/L) were detected in workers exposed to
      phytase, xylanase and glucanase. In a subgroup comprising 134 workers, detailed
      clinical diagnostics confirmed work-related symptoms. There was a strong
      correlation (r=0.75, p<0.0001) between the symptoms and antibody levels. Workers
      with work-related respiratory symptoms showed a higher prevalence for the
      presence of specific IgE antibodies against workplace-specific enzymes than
      asymptomatic exposed workers (likelihood ratio 2.32, sensitivity 0.92,
      specificity 0.6). CONCLUSIONS: Our data confirm the previous findings showing
      that genetically engineered enzymes are potent allergens eliciting immediate-type
      sensitisation. Owing to lack of commercial diagnostic tests, few of those exposed
      receive regular surveillance including biomonitoring with relevant specific IgE
      assays.

PMID- 27655776
TI  - Regulation of Lysophosphatidic Acid Metabolism and Signaling by Lipoproteins.

PMID- 27655775
TI  - Physical occupational exposures and health expectancies in a French occupational
      cohort.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine the relationships of strenuous and hazardous working
      conditions and rotating shifts that involve night working with life expectancy in
      good perceived health and life expectancy without chronic disease. METHODS: The
      sample contained male gas and electricity workers from the French GAZEL cohort
      (n=13 393). Six measures of physical working conditions were examined: Self
      reports from 1989 and 1990 of ergonomic strain, physical danger, rotating shifts
      that involve night working and perceived physical strain; company records of
      workplace injuries and a job-exposure matrix of chemical exposures. Partial
      healthy life expectancies (age 50-75) relating to (1) self-rated health and (2)
      chronic health conditions, obtained from annual questionnaires (1989-2014) and
      company records, were estimated using multistate life tables. The analyses were
      adjusted for social class and occupational grade. RESULTS: Participants with
      physically strenuous jobs and who had experienced industrial injuries had shorter
      partial life expectancy. More physically demanding and dangerous work was
      associated with fewer years of life spent in good self-rated health and without
      chronic conditions, with the exception of shift work including nights, where the
      gradient was reversed. CONCLUSIONS: Strenuous and hazardous work may contribute
      to lost years of good health in later life, which has implications for
      individuals' quality of life as well as healthcare use and labour market
      participation.

PMID- 27655777
TI  - Metabolic Manipulation to Put the Brakes on Platelet Activation: A Potential
      Novel Pharmacologic Approach to Atherothrombosis.

PMID- 27655778
TI  - (MYO)SLIDing Our Way Into the Vascular Pool of Long Noncoding RNAs.

PMID- 27655779
TI  - NETs Activate Pulmonary Arterial Endothelial Cells.

PMID- 27655781
TI  - Subjective health literacy: Development of a brief instrument for school-aged
      children.
AB  - AIMS: The present paper focuses on the measurement of health literacy (HL), which
      is an important determinant of health and health behaviours. HL starts to develop
      in childhood and adolescence; hence, there is a need for instruments to monitor
      HL among younger age groups. These instruments are still rare. The aim of the
      project reported here was, therefore, to develop a brief, multidimensional,
      theory-based instrument to measure subjective HL among school-aged children.
      METHODS: The development of the instrument covered four phases: item generation
      based on a conceptual framework; a pilot study ( n = 405); test-retest ( n =
      117); and construction of the instrument ( n = 3853). All the samples were taken
      from Finnish 7th and 9th graders. RESULTS: Initially, 65 items were generated, of
      which 32 items were selected for the pilot study. After item reduction, the
      instrument contained 16 items. The test-retest phase produced estimates of
      stability. In the final phase a 10-item instrument was constructed, referred to
      as Health Literacy for School-Aged Children (HLSAC). The instrument exhibited a
      high Cronbach alpha (0.93), and included two items from each of the five
      predetermined theoretical components (theoretical knowledge, practical knowledge,
      critical thinking, self-awareness, citizenship). CONCLUSIONS: The iterative and
      validity-driven development process made it possible to construct a brief
      multidimensional HLSAC instrument. Such instruments are suitable for large-scale
      studies, and for use with children and adolescents. Validation will require
      further testing for use in other countries.

PMID- 27655780
TI  - Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells.

PMID- 27655782
TI  - Educational differences in cardiovascular mortality: The role of shared family
      factors and cardiovascular risk factors.
AB  - AIMS: To explore the confounding effects of early family factors shared by
      siblings and cardiovascular risk factors in midlife on the educational
      differences in mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD). METHODS: Data from
      national and regional health surveys in Norway (1974-2003) were linked with data
      from the Norwegian Family Based Life Course Study, the National Educational
      Registry and the Cause of Death Registry. The study population consisted of
      participants with at least one full sibling among the health survey participants
      ( n=271,310). Data were available on CVD risk factors, including weight, height,
      blood pressure, total cholesterol and smoking. RESULTS: The hazards ratio (HR) of
      CVD mortality was 3.44 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.98-3.96) in the lowest
      educational group relative to the highest. The HRs were little altered in the
      within-sibship analyses. Adjusted for risk factors, the HR for CVD mortality in
      the cohort analyses was 2.05 (CI 1.77-2.37) in the lowest educational group
      relative to the highest. The respective HR in the within-sibship analyses was
      2.46 (CI 1.48-2.24). CONCLUSIONS: Using a sibling design, we did not find that
      the association between education and CVD mortality was confounded by early life
      factors shared by siblings, but it was explained to a large extent by CVD risk
      factors. These results suggest that reducing levels of CVD risk factors could
      have the greatest effect on mortality in less well-educated people.

PMID- 27655783
TI  - Health-related quality of life of Finnish patients with diabetes.
AB  - AIMS: This study evaluated the influence of diabetes on the health-related
      quality of life (HRQoL) scores of adult patients with diabetes in northern
      Finland. METHODS: A total of 3771 patients of the population of 10,264 patients
      aged ?15 years with the right for reimbursement of the cost of diabetes
      medication attended fundus photography screening for retinopathy in 2012. The 15D
      HRQoL scores and data on age, sex, type and duration of diabetes were gathered
      concurrently. The results were compared with the 15D scores reported in Finnish
      population studies. RESULTS: The 15D score was obtained from 2461 patients aged
      60+/-14 years; 20% had type 1 diabetes (T1D). The mean+/-SD 15D index was 0.930+/
      0.079 in patients with T1D and their mean+/-SD age was 46+/-15 years. The mean+/
      SD 15D index of the patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) was 0.890+/-0.100 and
      their mean+/-SD age was 63+/-11 years. The 15D index was no lower than in the
      Finnish general population in either patient group or in any age group. However,
      the 15D score was negatively influenced by an increasing duration of diabetes in
      both patients with T1D and patients with T2D. No sex difference was found.
      CONCLUSIONS: The mean HRQoL score of patients with diabetes in this study is
      comparable with that of the general population of equal age. Neither the type of
      diabetes nor sex independently affected the HRQoL score, but a longer duration of
      diabetes seemed to impair the HRQoL score. Current diabetes care appears to
      maintain a normal HRQoL score in this diabetic population in Finland.

PMID- 27655785
TI  - Functional Roles of Fructose: Crosstalk between O-Linked Glycosylation and
      Phosphorylation of Akt-TSC2-MTOR Cell Signaling Cascade in Ovine Trophectoderm
      Cells.
AB  - During pregnancy, the placentae of ungulate mammals (e.g., cows, sheep, and pigs)
      convert glucose into fructose which is the most abundant hexose sugar in fetal
      fluids and blood. However, the role of fructose, the most enigmatic component of
      carbohydrate metabolism in fetal-placental tissues, is largely ignored since it
      is not metabolized via the glycolytic pathway or the Krebs cycle as an energy
      source. Here we provided evidence for biological functions of fructose that
      affect proliferative behavior of the conceptus trophectoderm/chorion via
      activation of the Akt-TSC2-MTOR signaling cascade. The phosphorylation for
      activation of this cascade is mediated by O-GlcNAcylation from UDP-N
      acetylglucosamine (UDP-GlcNAc), a primary product of the hexosamine biosynthesis
      pathway. These results reveal novel functional roles of fructose in promoting
      embryonic/fetal growth and development during pregnancy, and also provide new
      insight into understanding the relationship between excessive fructose intake and
      metabolic disorders.

PMID- 27655787
TI  - How to do better health reform: a snapshot of change and improvement initiatives
      in the health systems of 30 countries.
AB  - Health systems are continually being reformed. Why, and how? To answer these
      questions, we draw on a book we recently contributed, Healthcare Reform, Quality
      and Safety: Perspectives, Participants, Partnerships and Prospects in 30
      Countries. We analyse the impact that these health-reform initiatives have had on
      the quality and safety of care in an international context-that is, in low-,
      middle- and high-income countries-Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, China,
      Denmark, England, Ghana, Germany, the Gulf states, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia,
      Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Myanmar, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Papua New
      Guinea (PNG), South Africa, the USA, Scotland and Sweden. Popular reforms in less
      well-off countries include boosting equity, providing infrastructure, and
      reducing mortality and morbidity in maternal and child health. In countries with
      higher GDP per capita, the focus is on new IT systems or trialling innovative
      funding models. Wealthy or less wealthy, countries are embracing ways to enhance
      quality of care and keep patients safe, via mechanisms such as accreditation,
      clinical guidelines and hand hygiene campaigns. Two timely reminders are that,
      first, a population's health is not determined solely by the acute system, but is
      a product of inter-sectoral effort-that is, measures to alleviate poverty and
      provide good housing, education, nutrition, running water and sanitation across
      the population. Second, all reformers and advocates of better-quality of care
      should include well-designed evaluation in their initiatives. Too often,
      improvement is assumed, not measured. That is perhaps the key message.

PMID- 27655786
TI  - Mutations in the MOV10L1 ATP Hydrolysis Motif Cause piRNA Biogenesis Failure and
      Male Sterility in Mice.
AB  - Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNAs. piRNAs
      protect the genome integrity of the germline by silencing active transposable
      elements and are essential for germ cell development. Most piRNA pathway proteins
      are evolutionarily conserved. MOV10L1, a testis-specific RNA helicase, binds to
      piRNA precursors and is a master regulator of piRNA biogenesis in mouse. Here we
      report that mutation of the MOV10L1 ATP hydrolysis site leads to depletion of
      piRNAs on Piwi proteins, de-repression of transposable elements, and
      conglomeration of piRNA pathway proteins into polar granules. The Mov10l1 mutant
      mice exhibit meiotic arrest and male sterility. Our results show that mutation of
      the MOV10L1 ATP hydrolysis site perturbs piRNA biogenesis.

PMID- 27655784
TI  - Extracellular Vesicles in the Intrauterine Environment: Challenges and Potential
      Functions.
AB  - Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes (30-150 nm) and microvesicles
      (100-1500 nm), play important roles in mediating cell-cell communication. Such
      particles package distinct cargo elements, including lipids, proteins, mRNAs,
      microRNAs, and DNA, that vary depending on the cell of origin and its phenotype.
      This cargo can be horizontally transferred to target cells where its components
      can reprogram the recipient cell to modify its function. EVs have been identified
      within the uterine cavity of women, sheep, and mice, where they contribute to the
      microenvironment of sperm transport, and of blastocyst and endometrial
      preparation for implantation. It is likely that exosomes and microvesicles carry
      different cargo and coordinate different roles in this intrauterine environment.
      Understanding and defining these subtypes of EVs is important for future
      functional studies and clinical translation. Here we critically review the
      various purification and validation procedures for extracellular vesicle analysis
      and discuss what is known of endometrial-derived exosome cargo and of their
      hormonal regulation. The current knowledge of the functions of uterine exosomes,
      with respect to sperm transport and function, and of their actions on
      trophectodermal cells to promote implantation are summarized and evaluated in
      their physiological context. Given the potential importance of this form of cell
      cell interactions within the reproductive tract, the critical issues discussed
      will guide new insights in this rapidly expanding field.

PMID- 27655788
TI  - Cost-effectiveness of implementing the chronic care model for HIV care in Uganda.
AB  - Objective: The chronic care model (CCM) is an integrated, population-based
      approach for treating those with chronic diseases that involves patient self
      management, delivery system design and decision support for clinicians to ensure
      evidence-based care. We sought to determine effectiveness and cost-effectiveness
      of implementing the CCM for HIV care in Uganda. Design: This controlled, pre/post
      intervention study used difference-in-differences analysis to evaluate
      effectiveness of the CCM to improve patient adherence to antiretroviral therapy
      (ART) and CD4 counts. Setting: One district hospital and two smaller facilities
      each in one intervention and one control district in Uganda. Participants: About
      46 randomly sampled patients receiving HIV services at three control sites and 56
      patients from three intervention sites. Intervention: Two group training sessions
      and monthly coaching visits from improvement experts over 1 year, implementing
      the CCM. Main Outcome Measure(s): Patient adherence to ART prescriptions (pill
      counts) and CD4 counts were measured at baseline and en dline. Results: The odds
      of increased CD4 in the intervention group was 3.2 times higher than controls (P
      = 0.022). Clinician-reported ART adherence was 60% (P = 0.001) higher in the
      intervention group. The intervention cost $11 740 and served 7016 patients ($1.67
      per patient). Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of the intervention compared
      to business-as-usual was $6.90 per additional patient with improved CD4 and $3.40
      per additional ART patient with stable or improved adherence. Conclusion: For
      modest expenditure, it is possible to improve indicators of HIV care quality
      using the CCM. We recommended implementing the CCM in Uganda; it may be
      applicable in similar settings in other countries.

PMID- 27655789
TI  - Intra-hospital correlations among 30-day mortality rates in 18 different clinical
      and surgical settings.
AB  - Objective: To examine whether a correlation exists in hospitals among 30-day
      mortality rates for different types of hospitalizations. Design: Cross-sectional
      study of hospital care based on publically available Italian data from the
      National Outcome Evaluation Program Edition 2015 of the Italian Agency for
      Regional Health Services. Setting and Participants: Patients hospitalized with a
      diagnosis of congestive heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, chronic renal
      failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation, femoral neck
      fracture, ischemic stroke and non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding, or
      those who underwent isolated cardiac valve procedure, isolated coronary artery
      bypass graft surgery, non-ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm repair and
      interventions for the following tumors: colon, kidney, brain, lung, stomach,
      rectal, liver or pancreatic cancer. Main Outcome Measures: Condition-specific 30
      day crude and risk-adjusted mortality rates. Results: A total of 808 280
      admissions were reported from 844 institutions (median of 4 conditions evaluated
      per hospital; interquartile range 2-8). Volumes and outcome varied by clinical
      and surgical conditions across hospitals. Out of 153 pairs of different
      conditions, 41 were statistically significant in terms of concordance with crude
      mortality rates and 44 for their adjusted values. The hospital mean percentile
      rank for 30-day mortality, a composite measure that summarized the multiple
      indicators, increased significantly alongside number of conditions per hospital
      with a significant reduction of mortality when most of the studied conditions
      were treated in the same hospital. Conclusions: The variability in 30-day
      mortality rates at hospital level and the correlation between risk mortality
      rates suggest that there may be common hospital-wide factors influencing short
      term mortality.

PMID- 27655790
TI  - Effect of the medical insurance on the quality of care for Chinese patients with
      chronic heart failure.
AB  - Objective: To assess the effect of medical insurance on the quality of care for
      patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Design: Seven quality indicators were
      used to assess the association between medical insurance and quality of care.
      Statistical analyses were conducted using multilevel logistic models for the
      total population and the subpopulation stratified by sex and age. Participants:
      In total, 1862 CHF patients who were admitted in 20 tertiary hospitals between 1
      January 2009 and 31 October 2010. Results: Of 1862 patients, 53.8% patients had
      basic medical insurance and 26.9% patients paid the hospital costs by themselves.
      After adjusting for confounding factors, patients with New Rural Cooperative
      Medical Scheme (NRCMS) were more likely to receive warfarin (odds ratios [OR],
      3.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08-13.99; P = 0.038), but less likely to
      receive aldosterone receptor antagonist (OR, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.08-0.56; P = 0.002)
      than patients without any medical insurance. Urban Employee Basic Medical
      Insurance (UEBMI) and NRCMS were associated with more use of discharge
      instructions ([OR, 3.54; 95% CI, 2.44-5.13; P < 0.001] and [OR, 2.09; 95% CI,
      1.21-3.62; P = 0.009], respectively). After stratified by sex, male patients with
      UEBMI were more likely to receive the evaluation of left ventricular function
      than male patients without any medical insurance (OR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.06-2.98; P
      = 0.029). Conclusions: UEBMI and NRCMS could increase the adherence to quality
      indicators of CHF to some extent. Improving the medical insurance system is
      expected to achieve equality in medical security and improve the quality of care
      for CHF patients.

PMID- 27655791
TI  - Patient satisfaction with ambulatory care in Germany: effects of patient- and
      medical practice-related factors.
AB  - Objective: The study aimed to illustrate the effect of the patients' sex, age,
      self-rated health and medical practice specialization on patient satisfaction.
      Design: Secondary analysis of patient survey data using multilevel analysis
      (generalized linear mixed model, medical practice as random effect) using a
      sequential modelling strategy. We examined the effects of the patients' sex, age,
      self-rated health and medical practice specialization on four patient
      satisfaction dimensions: medical practice organization, information, interaction,
      professional competence. Setting: The study was performed in 92 German medical
      practices providing ambulatory care in general medicine, internal medicine or
      gynaecology. Participants: In total, 9888 adult patients participated in a
      patient survey using the validated 'questionnaire on satisfaction with ambulatory
      care-quality from the patient perspective [ZAP]'. Main outcome measure(s): We
      calculated four models for each satisfaction dimension, revealing regression
      coefficients with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for all independent variables,
      and using Wald Chi-Square statistic for each modelling step (model validity) and
      LR-Tests to compare the models of each step with the previous model. Results: The
      patients' sex and age had a weak effect (maximum regression coefficient 1.09, CI
      0.39; 1.80), and the patients' self-rated health had the strongest positive
      effect (maximum regression coefficient 7.66, CI 6.69; 8.63) on satisfaction
      ratings. The effect of medical practice specialization was heterogeneous.
      Conclusions: All factors studied, specifically the patients' self-rated health,
      affected patient satisfaction. Adjustment should always be considered because it
      improves the comparability of patient satisfaction in medical practices with
      atypically varying patient populations and increases the acceptance of
      comparisons.

PMID- 27655792
TI  - Drug-dispensing problems community pharmacists face when patients are discharged
      from hospitals: a study about 537 prescriptions in Alsace.
AB  - Objectives: To identify both type and frequency of the challenges community
      pharmacists face when dispensing drugs from hospital discharge prescriptions, to
      describe the measures undertaken to resolve the issues at stake and to list their
      consequences. Design: We carried out an observational study in the community
      pharmacies of the French region of Alsace and asked the community pharmacy staff
      to review 537 hospital discharge prescriptions in 2013 using anonymous data
      collection forms. Setting and Participants: Nineteen community pharmacies. Main
      outcome measures: Number of patients informed about their medication (at hospital
      and/or community pharmacy), type and frequency of issues encountered during drug
      dispensing, type and frequency of measures undertaken to resolve the issues, type
      and frequency of the consequences regarding drug dispensing. Results: Community
      pharmacists faced 165 challenges from 145 hospital discharge prescriptions (i.e.
      27.5% out of 528 analysed prescriptions), mostly correlated to the quality of the
      prescriptions (n = 100, 60.6%) or to logistical matters (n = 54, 32.7%). A mere
      36.8% of the patients received information pertaining to their medication while
      being hospitalized. Of note, 40.5% of the prescriptions were delivered to
      pharmacies within 2 days following the patients' discharge. In order to resolve
      the different issues preventing drugs from being dispensed (n = 33/145
      prescriptions), pharmacists sought information, mainly from patients, colleagues
      and hospital prescribers. The pharmacists were able to dispense all the drugs
      prescribed in 138 out of 145 cases (95.2%). Conclusions: This study highlighted
      the challenges encountered by community pharmacists and their significant
      contribution to the continuity of care upon patients being discharged from
      hospitals.

PMID- 27655793
TI  - Content validity of a health science evidence-based practice questionnaire (HS
      EBP) with a web-based modified Delphi approach.
AB  - Objective: To develop a tool for measuring evidence-based practice (EBP) and to
      evaluate its content validity by Delphi technique. A five-factor/dimensions
      latent structure for the EBP construct was defined a priori and operationalized.
      Design: Online Delphi technique. Setting and Participants: A group of 32 national
      EBP experts from different health professions. Intervention: The experts rated
      the initial questionnaire items according to adequacy and relevance criteria
      using four-point Likert scales and including open fields for suggestions, with
      basic and supplementary criteria consensus established a priori. Main Outcome
      Measure: Level of consensus in the Content Validity Index Item. Results: An EBP
      construct solution was designed with the elements that constitute the
      operationalization proposal of the EBP. This initial version consisted of 76
      items, whereas the version arising from the Delphi study was made up of 73 items.
      In the first round, 13 items did not reach the minimum level of consensus, and 12
      of these were reformulated. Three additional items were removed in the second
      round. Conclusions: A new psychometric tool forms measuring EBP with a five
      factor structure, and 73 items obtained adequate content validity evidence based
      on expert opinion.

PMID- 27655795
TI  - The differential effects of azithromycin on the airway epithelium in vitro and in
      vivo.
AB  - Macrolides including azithromycin (AZM) can improve clinical symptoms in asthma
      regardless of infection status. The mechanisms underlying these beneficial
      effects are yet to be elucidated. The aim of this study was to determine the
      effect of AZM on the airway epithelial barrier both in an in vitro model and in
      patients with asthma. Primary human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC) were grown
      at air liquid interface (ALI) and challenged using lipopolysaccharides from
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa AZM was added at various stages and barrier integrity
      assessed using transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and permeability to
      FITC-dextran. MMP-9 levels were measured using ELISA AZM enhanced barrier
      integrity (TEER/FITC-dextran), increased thickness, suppressed mucin production,
      and MMP-9 release during the formation of a normal epithelial barrier in vitro.
      MMP-9 levels inversely correlated with TEER AZM also enhanced maintenance of the
      barrier and facilitated repair post-LPS challenge. To provide translation of our
      findings, 10 patients with moderate-severe asthma were recruited and received 250
      mg AZM o.d for 6 weeks. Bronchial biopsies taken pre- and post-AZM treatment did
      not show evidence of increased epithelial barrier thickness or decreased mucin
      production. Similarly, bronchial wash samples did not show reduced MMP-9 levels.
      Overall, our data show that AZM can significantly improve the development of a
      normal bronchial epithelial barrier in vitro, mimicking reepithelization
      postinjury. AZM also suppressed MMP-9 release which correlated with barrier
      integrity, suggesting a putative mechanism. However, these effects were not
      observed in biopsy samples from asthma patients treated with AZM, possibly due to
      small sample size.

PMID- 27655796
TI  - Thyroid hormone treatment decreases hepatic glucose production and renal
      reabsorption of glucose in alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats.
AB  - The thyroid hormone (TH) plays an important role in glucose metabolism. Recently,
      we showed that the TH improves glycemia control by decreasing cytokines
      expression in the adipose tissue and skeletal muscle of alloxan-induced diabetic
      rats, which were also shown to present primary hypothyroidism. In this context,
      this study aims to investigate whether the chronic treatment of diabetic rats
      with T3 could affect other tissues that are involved in the control of glucose
      homeostasis, as the liver and kidney. Adult Male Wistar rats were divided into
      nondiabetic, diabetic, and diabetic treated with T3 (1.5 MUg/100 g BW for 4
      weeks). Diabetes was induced by alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg, BW, i.p.).
      Animals showing fasting blood glucose levels greater than 250 mg/dL were selected
      for the study. After treatment, we measured the blood glucose, serum T3, T4, TSH,
      and insulin concentration, hepatic glucose production by liver perfusion, liver
      PEPCK, GAPDH, and pAKT expression, as well as urine glucose concentration and
      renal expression of SGLT2 and GLUT2. T3 reduced blood glucose, hepatic glucose
      production, liver PEPCK, GAPDH, and pAKT content and the renal expression of
      SGLT2 and increased glycosuria. Results suggest that the decreased hepatic
      glucose output and increased glucose excretion induced by T3 treatment are
      important mechanisms that contribute to reduce serum concentration of glucose,
      accounting for the improvement of glucose homeostasis control in diabetic rats.

PMID- 27655794
TI  - CC-chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) deficiency alters adipose tissue leukocyte
      populations in mice.
AB  - The mechanism by which macrophages and other immune cells accumulate in adipose
      tissue (AT) has been an area of intense investigation over the past decade.
      Several different chemokines and their cognate receptors have been studied for
      their role as chemoattractants in promoting recruitment of immune cells to AT
      However, it is also possible that chemoattractants known to promote clearance of
      immune cells from tissues to regional lymph nodes might be a critical component
      to overall AT immune homeostasis. In this study, we evaluated whether CCR7
      influences AT macrophage (ATM) or T-cell (ATT) accumulation. CCR7-/- and
      littermate wild-type (WT) mice were placed on low-fat diet (LFD) or high-fat diet
      (HFD) for 16 weeks. CCR7 deficiency did not impact HFD-induced weight gain,
      hepatic steatosis, or glucose intolerance. Although lean CCR7-/- mice had an
      increased proportion of alternatively activated ATMs, there were no differences
      in ATM accumulation or polarization between HFD-fed CCR7-/- mice and their WT
      counterparts. However, CCR7 deficiency did lead to the preferential accumulation
      of CD8+ ATT cells, which was further exacerbated by HFD feeding. Finally,
      expression of inflammatory cytokines/chemokines, such as Tnf, Il6, Il1beta, Ccl2,
      and Ccl3, was equally elevated in AT by HFD feeding in CCR7-/- and WT mice, while
      Ifng and Il18 were elevated by HFD feeding in CCR7-/- but not in WT mice.
      Together, these data suggest that CCR7 plays a role in CD8+ATT cell egress, but
      does not influence ATM accumulation or the metabolic impact of diet-induced
      obesity.

PMID- 27655798
TI  - The Mayak Worker Dosimetry System (MWDS-2013): Uncertainty in the Measurement of
      Pu Activity in a 24-Hour Urine Sample of a Typical Mayak PA Worker.
AB  - In the Mayak Worker Dosimetry System (MWDS-2013), intakes of plutonium and organ
      doses are assessed on the basis of measurements made on the plutonium content of
      56 400 urine samples. Altogether, there were urine bioassays for 7591 (29%) of
      the 25 757 cohort members who were employed any time at Mayak between 1948 and
      1982. These measurements are subject to uncertainty due to many factors (e.g.
      whether or not creatinine is measured, the volume of the sample, whether
      diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid was administered, etc.) and this uncertainty
      will affect not only the uncertainty in the estimated doses, but also the values
      of the doses themselves. Therefore, it is important for the estimated uncertainty
      to be as accurate as possible. The input to the dose calculation requires an
      estimate of the plutonium activity in a true 24-hour sample. The uncertainty in
      this activity is approximated by a lognormal distribution. The aim of this paper
      is to describe and justify how the parameters of this lognormal distribution are
      derived from the raw data. Histograms of the distribution of sample volumes are
      given for both sexes. The method of calculation of the decision threshold and
      relative standard uncertainty (RSU) of a measurement result for Pu activity in a
      worker's urine sample is shown. Diagrams of correlation between Pu activity in
      collected urine and its RSU are given.

PMID- 27655797
TI  - Neurons in primary visual cortex represent distribution of luminance.
AB  - To efficiently detect a wide range of light-intensity changes, visual neurons
      must adapt to ambient luminance. However, how neurons in the primary visual
      cortex (V1) code the distribution of luminance remains unknown. We designed
      stimuli that represent rapid changes in luminance under different luminance
      distributions and investigated V1 neuron responses to these novel stimuli. We
      demonstrate that V1 neurons represent luminance changes by dynamically adjusting
      their responses when the luminance distribution changes. Many cells (35%)
      detected luminance changes by responding to dark stimuli when the distribution
      was dominated by bright stimuli, bright stimuli when dominated by dark stimuli,
      and both dark and bright stimuli when dominated by intermediate luminance
      stimuli; 13% of cells signaled the mean luminance that was varied with different
      distributions; the remaining 52% of cells gradually shifted the responses that
      were most sensitive to luminance changes when the luminance distribution varied.
      The remarkable response changes of the former two cell groups suggest their
      crucial roles in detecting luminance changes. These response characteristics
      demonstrate that V1 neurons are not only sensitive to luminance change, but also
      luminance distribution change. They encode luminance changes according to the
      luminance distribution. Mean cells represent the prevailing luminance and
      reversal cells represent the salient stimuli in the environment.

PMID- 27655799
TI  - Radionuclides Content in Pasteurized Cow Milk: Dose Estimation.
AB  - Results from the radiological monitoring of 46 pasteurized cow milks for the
      period of 2011-2015 are presented. The activity of 137Cs, 90Sr, 226Ra, 40K,
      210Pb, 232Th and natural U was determined by gamma spectrometry for gamma
      emitters and by radiochemical separation for 90Sr. The maximum obtained results
      are 0.449 +/- 0.016 Bq/l (137Cs), 0.105 +/- 0.020 Bq/l (90Sr), 1.63 +/- 0.16 Bq/l
      (226Ra), 53.1 +/- 1.6 Bq/l (40K), 1.01 +/- 0.30 Bq/l (210Pb), 0.05 +/- 0.07 Bq/l
      (232Th) and 0.14 +/- 0.12 mg/l (natural U). Annual Effective Dose from the
      ingestion of above-mentioned radionuclides was estimated on the basis of the
      consumption for adults and children (1-2 y) applying two models-realistic and
      conservative. The values for the Ingestion Dose vary from 0.02 mSv/y to 0.05
      mSv/y (adults, realistic model) and from 0.06 to 0.15 mSv/y (adults) and from
      0.15 to 0.87 mSv/y (children 1-2 y old) from conservative model. For bought
      models, the main contribution to the Ingestion Dose, instead of 40K, is due to
      the 210Pb and 226Ra. Three hypotheses are given for the 226Ra content in
      pasteurized cow milk. The received results demonstrate the need of determination
      of artificial and natural radionuclides in cow milk.

PMID- 27655800
TI  - New Correction Factors Based on Seasonal Variability of Outdoor Temperature for
      Estimating Annual Radon Concentrations in UK.
AB  - Indoor radon concentrations generally vary with season. Radon gas enters
      buildings from beneath due to a small air pressure difference between the inside
      of a house and outdoors. This underpressure which draws soil gas including radon
      into the house depends on the difference between the indoor and outdoor
      temperatures. The variation in a typical house in UK showed that the mean indoor
      radon concentration reaches a maximum in January and a minimum in July. Sine
      functions were used to model the indoor radon data and monthly average outdoor
      temperatures, covering the period between 2005 and 2014. The analysis showed a
      strong negative correlation between the modelled indoor radon data and outdoor
      temperature. This correlation was used to calculate new correction factors that
      could be used for estimation of annual radon concentration in UK homes. The
      comparison between the results obtained with the new correction factors and the
      previously published correction factors showed that the new correction factors
      perform consistently better on the selected data sets.

PMID- 27655801
TI  - Development of a Multi-Sensitive Element Passive Dosemeter Based on OSL
      Technology.
AB  - In 2012 the IEC 62387-1:2007 (IEC.Radiation protection instrumentation-Passive
      integrating dosimetry systems for environmental and personal monitoring Part 1:
      General characteristics and performance requirements. IEC 62387-1:2007 (2007))
      standard has been transposed by the CENELEC into a European version (EN 62387
      1:2012 (Instrumentation pour la radioprotection-Systemes dosimetriques integres
      passifs pour la surveillance de l'environnement et de l'individu-Partie 1 :
      Caracteristiques generales et exigences de fonctionnement. NF EN 62387-1:2012
      (2012))). In order to meet with this standard, LANDAUER has developed, by Monte
      Carlo method, a new dosemeter based on the Optically Stimulated Luminescence
      technology with Al2O3:C crystals and a new type of dose estimation algorithm.
      This dosemeter aims at measuring dose equivalent generated from exposure to X
      rays, gamma-rays and beta-rays. According to the standard, it has undergone a
      comprehensive set of tests that have been performed by the LNE-LNHB, the French
      national metrology laboratory responsible for the fields of ionizing radiation
      (Bordy, J.-M. Evaluation of the algorithms used to derive the dose from the raw
      readings of the Inlight LDR holder case type GN of Landauer. LNHB technical note,
      LNHB 2013-46 (2013)). In the end, the dosemeter was declared compliant with the
      EN 62387-1:2012 standard.

PMID- 27655802
TI  - SPECTRAL CORRECTION FACTORS FOR CONVENTIONAL NEUTRON DOSE METERS USED IN HIGH
      ENERGY NEUTRON ENVIRONMENTS-IMPROVED AND EXTENDED RESULTS BASED ON A COMPLETE
      SURVEY OF ALL NEUTRON SPECTRA IN IAEA-TRS-403.
AB  - This paper presents improved and extended results of our previous study on
      corrections for conventional neutron dose meters used in environments with high
      energy neutrons (En > 10 MeV). Conventional moderated-type neutron dose meters
      tend to underestimate the dose contribution of high-energy neutrons because of
      the opposite trends of dose conversion coefficients and detection efficiencies as
      the neutron energy increases. A practical correction scheme was proposed based on
      analysis of hundreds of neutron spectra in the IAEA-TRS-403 report. By comparing
      252Cf-calibrated dose responses with reference values derived from fluence-to
      dose conversion coefficients, this study provides recommendations for neutron
      field characterization and the corresponding dose correction factors. Further
      sensitivity studies confirm the appropriateness of the proposed scheme and
      indicate that (1) the spectral correction factors are nearly independent of the
      selection of three commonly used calibration sources: 252Cf, 241Am-Be and 239Pu
      Be; (2) the derived correction factors for Bonner spheres of various sizes (6"
      9") are similar in trend and (3) practical high-energy neutron indexes based on
      measurements can be established to facilitate the application of these correction
      factors in workplaces.

PMID- 27655803
TI  - Estimating the Internal Dose for 131I Production Workers From Air Sampling
      Method.
AB  - Besides the most common methods of internal dose assessment from inhaled 131I,
      that are thyroid monitoring and urine analysis, air sampling is a possible way
      but rarely used for dose estimate. This study aimed to focus on the utilisation
      of portable air sampler to estimate the internal dose for workers working at 131I
      production facility. In addition, internal dose estimated from urine analysis at
      the same time was carried out for comparison. Based on this research, it was
      found that air monitoring can be done efficiently as urine monitoring if the
      following conditions are met: (1) the indoor areas are not large, (2) sampling
      sites need to be placed as near breathing zone as possible and (3) the time-micro
      environment patterns of monitored workers are collected carefully.

PMID- 27655804
TI  - The Mayak Worker Dosimetry System (MWDS-2013): How to Reduce Hyper-Realisations
      to Realisations.
AB  - Two important aspects in which the MWDS-2013 output (absorbed dose to organs
      calculated in each calendar year) differs from previous data bases (MWDS-2008 and
      DOSES-2005) are that they have been designed to (a) deal explicitly with
      uncertainties in model parameters, and (b) differentiate parameters that are
      considered to be shared (unknown, but having the same value for all workers) and
      unshared (unknown, but having different values between workers). A multiple
      realisation approach is used to preserve information on the effects of shared and
      unshared parameters both for internal and external doses. Previously, a single
      realisation (a set of organ doses: one for each worker in the cohort) was
      calculated using the best estimates of parameter values only. In MWDS-2013, a set
      of 1000 realisations is produced, to reflect the uncertainty in assumed model
      parameters: each realisation using a different set of parameter values. Within
      each realisation, shared parameter values are fixed throughout the cohort, while
      unshared parameters are allowed to vary between workers. One problem is that
      because the calculation of organ dose is Bayesian, the estimate for each organ
      dose is not just a single value, but is itself a distribution (hyper-dose).
      Technically, it is the probability density of dose given the sampled set of
      parameter values and given the data for that worker. Thus, in our case, the
      realisations consist not of single doses, but distributions of doses. The term
      hyper-realisation is used to differentiate this from the more conventional
      realisation. Although the multiple hyper-realisation in principle contains all of
      the necessary information on parameter uncertainty, including shared and unshared
      parameters, in order to make preliminary epidemiological analyses tractable, and
      also for consistency with the external doses, it was required to convert the
      hyper-realisations to realisations. The aim of this paper is to discuss the
      different approaches that were considered to do this, and to define the method
      that was eventually chosen. Single spot (point) estimates of dose (for each
      worker) were also calculated to support the epidemiological analysis. The
      different methods for obtaining these and the implications are also discussed.

PMID- 27655805
TI  - ANOVA model for network meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy data.
AB  - Procedures combining and summarising direct and indirect evidence from
      independent studies assessing the diagnostic accuracy of different tests for the
      same disease are referred to network meta-analysis. Network meta-analysis
      provides a unified inference framework and uses the data more efficiently.
      Nonetheless, handling the inherent correlation between sensitivity and
      specificity continues to be a statistical challenge. We developed an arm-based
      hierarchical model which expresses the logit transformed sensitivity and
      specificity as the sum of fixed effects for test, correlated study-effects to
      model the inherent correlation between sensitivity and specificity and a random
      error associated with various tests evaluated in a given study. We present the
      accuracy of 11 tests used to triage women with minor cervical lesions to detect
      cervical precancer. Finally, we compare the results with those from a contrast
      based model which expresses the linear predictor as a contrast to a comparator
      test. The proposed arm-based model is more appealing than the contrast-based
      model since the former permits more straightforward interpretation of the
      parameters, makes use of all available data yielding shorter credible intervals,
      and models more natural variance-covariance matrix structures.

PMID- 27655806
TI  - Inferring marginal association with paired and unpaired clustered data.
AB  - In the marginal analysis of clustered data, where the marginal distribution of
      interest is that of a typical observation within a typical cluster, analysis by
      reweighting has been introduced as a useful tool for estimating parameters of
      these marginal distributions. Such reweighting methods have foundation in within
      cluster resampling schemes that marginalize potential informativeness due to
      cluster size or within-cluster covariate distribution, to which reweighting
      methods are asymptotically equivalent. In this paper, we introduce a reweighting
      scheme for the marginal analysis of clustered data that generalizes prior
      reweighting methods, with a particular application to measuring bivariate
      correlation in unpaired clustered data, in which observations of two random
      variables are not naturally paired at the within-cluster level. We develop
      unpaired clustered data analogs of well-known product moment correlation
      coefficients (Pearson, Spearman, phi), as well as the polyserial coefficient for
      measuring correlation between one discrete and one continuous variable. We
      evaluate the performance of these coefficients via a simulation study and
      demonstrate their use by finding no statistically significant association between
      dental caries at an early age and dental fluorosis at age 13 using a large dental
      dataset.

PMID- 27655808
TI  - Colon Cancer Germline Genetics: The Unbelievable Year 1993 and Thereafter.

PMID- 27655809
TI  - The Role of CagA in the Gastric Biology of Helicobacter pylori.

PMID- 27655811
TI  - Errors in surgery.

PMID- 27655810
TI  - Gender differences in VO2 and HR kinetics at the onset of moderate and heavy
      exercise intensity in adolescents.
AB  - The majority of the studies on VO2 kinetics in pediatric populations investigated
      gender differences in prepubertal children during submaximal intensity exercise,
      but studies are lacking in adolescents. The purpose of this study was to test the
      hypothesis that gender differences exist in the VO2 and heart rate (HR) kinetic
      responses to moderate (M) and heavy (H) intensity exercise in adolescents. Twenty
      one healthy African-American adolescents (9 males, 15.8 +/- 1.1 year; 12 females,
      15.7 +/- 1 year) performed constant work load exercise on a cycle ergometer at M
      and H. The VO2 kinetics of the male group was previously analyzed (Lai et al.,
      Appl. Physiol. Nutr. Metab. 33:107-117, 2008b). For both genders, VO2 and HR
      kinetics were described with a single exponential at M and a double exponential
      at H. The fundamental time constant (tau1) of VO2 was significantly higher in
      female than male at M (45 +/- 7 vs. 36 +/- 11 sec, P < 0.01) and H (41 +/- 8 vs.
      29 +/- 9 sec, P < 0.01), respectively. The functional gain (G1) was not
      statistically different between gender at M and statistically higher in females
      than males at H: 9.7 +/- 1.2 versus 10.9 +/- 1.3 mL min-1 W-1, respectively. The
      amplitude of the slow component was not significantly different between genders.
      The HR kinetics were significantly (tau1, P < 0.01) slower in females than males
      at M (61 +/- 16 sec vs. 45 +/- 20 sec, P < 0.01) and H (42 +/- 10 sec vs. 30 +/-
      8 sec, P = 0.03). The G1 of HR was higher in females than males at M: 0.53 +/-
      0.11 versus 0.98 +/- 0.2 bpm W-1 and H: 0.40 +/- 0.11 versus 0.73 +/- 0.23 bpm W
      1, respectively. Gender differences in the VO2 and HR kinetics suggest that
      oxygen delivery and utilization kinetics of female adolescents differ from those
      in male adolescents.

PMID- 27655812
TI  - Commentaries on Clinical results of releasing the entire A2 pulley after flexor
      tendon repair in zone 2C. K. Moriya, T. Yoshizu, N. Tsubokawa, H. Narisawa, K.
      Hara and Y. Maki. J Hand Surg Eur. 2016, 41: 822-28.

PMID- 27655813
TI  - Re: Agrawal AK, Mat Jais IS, Chew EM, Yam AKT, Tay SC. Biomechanical
      investigation of 'figure of 8' flexor tendon repair techniques. J Hand Surg Eur.
      2016, 41: 815-21.

PMID- 27655816
TI  - A sparsity-controlled vector autoregressive model.
AB  - Vector autoregressive (VAR) models constitute a powerful and well studied tool to
      analyze multivariate time series. Since sparseness, crucial to identify and
      visualize joint dependencies and relevant causalities, is not expected to happen
      in the standard VAR model, several sparse variants have been introduced in the
      literature. However, in some cases it might be of interest to control some
      dimensions of the sparsity, as e.g. the number of causal features allowed in the
      prediction. To authors extent none of the existent methods endows the user with
      full control over the different aspects of the sparsity of the solution. In this
      article, we propose a versatile sparsity-controlled VAR model which enables a
      proper visualization of potential causalities while allows the user to control
      different dimensions of the sparsity if she holds some preferences regarding the
      sparsity of the outcome. The model coefficients are found as the solution to an
      optimization problem, solvable by standard numerical optimization routines. The
      tests performed on both simulated and real-life time series show that our
      approach may outperform a greedy algorithm and different Lasso approaches in
      terms of prediction errors and sparsity.

PMID- 27655817
TI  - Inference for the difference in the area under the ROC curve derived from nested
      binary regression models.
AB  - The area under the curve (AUC) statistic is a common measure of model performance
      in a binary regression model. Nested models are used to ascertain whether the AUC
      statistic increases when new factors enter the model. The regression coefficient
      estimates used in the AUC statistics are computed using the maximum rank
      correlation methodology. Typically, inference for the difference in AUC
      statistics from nested models is derived under asymptotic normality. In this
      work, it is demonstrated that the asymptotic normality is true only when at least
      one of the new factors is associated with the binary outcome. When none of the
      new factors are associated with the binary outcome, the asymptotic distribution
      for the difference in AUC statistics is a linear combination of chi-square random
      variables. Further, when at least one new factor is associated with the outcome
      and the population difference is small, a variance stabilizing reparameterization
      improves the asymptotic normality of the AUC difference statistic. A confidence
      interval using this reparameterization is developed and simulations are generated
      to determine their coverage properties. The derived confidence interval provides
      information on the magnitude of the added value of new factors and enables
      investigators to weigh the size of the improvement against potential costs
      associated with the new factors. A pancreatic cancer data example is used to
      illustrate this approach.

PMID- 27655818
TI  - Lissaman, Shollenberger and formation flight in birds.

PMID- 27655819
TI  - Mechanosensory signaling as a potential mode of communication during social
      interactions in fishes.
AB  - Signals produced during social interactions convey crucial information about the
      sender's identity, quality, reproductive state and social status. Fishes can
      detect near-body water movements via the mechanosensory lateral line system, and
      this sense is used during several common fish behaviors, such as schooling,
      rheotaxis and predator-prey interactions. In addition, many fish behaviors, such
      as aggressive lateral displays and reproductive body quivers, involve fin and
      body motions that generate water movements that can be detected by the lateral
      line system of nearby fish. This mechanosensory system is well studied for its
      role in obstacle avoidance and detection of inadvertent hydrodynamic cues
      generated during schooling and predator-prey interactions; however, little
      research has focused on the role of mechanosensory communication during social
      interactions. Here, we summarize the current literature on the use of
      mechanosensation-mediated behaviors during agonistic and reproductive encounters,
      as well as during parental care. Based on these studies, we hypothesize that
      mechanosensory signaling is an important but often overlooked mode of
      communication during conspecific social interactions in many fish species, and we
      highlight its importance during multimodal communication. Finally, we suggest
      potential avenues of future research that would allow us to better understand the
      role of mechanosensation in fish communication.

PMID- 27655820
TI  - Photoreception and vision in the ultraviolet.
AB  - Ultraviolet (UV) light occupies the spectral range of wavelengths slightly
      shorter than those visible to humans. Because of its shorter wavelength, it is
      more energetic (and potentially more photodamaging) than 'visible light', and it
      is scattered more efficiently in air and water. Until 1990, only a few animals
      were recognized as being sensitive to UV light, but we now know that a great
      diversity, possibly even the majority, of animal species can visually detect and
      respond to it. Here, we discuss the history of research on biological UV
      photosensitivity and review current major research trends in this field. Some
      animals use their UV photoreceptors to control simple, innate behaviors, but most
      incorporate their UV receptors into their general sense of vision. They not only
      detect UV light but recognize it as a separate color in light fields, on natural
      objects or living organisms, or in signals displayed by conspecifics. UV visual
      pigments are based on opsins, the same family of proteins that are used to detect
      light in conventional photoreceptors. Despite some interesting exceptions, most
      animal species have a single photoreceptor class devoted to the UV. The roles of
      UV in vision are manifold, from guiding navigation and orientation behavior, to
      detecting food and potential predators, to supporting high-level tasks such as
      mate assessment and intraspecific communication. Our current understanding of UV
      vision is restricted almost entirely to two phyla: arthropods and chordates
      (specifically, vertebrates), so there is much comparative work to be done.

PMID- 27655821
TI  - Shoaling reduces metabolic rate in a gregarious coral reef fish species.
AB  - Many animals live in groups because of the potential benefits associated with
      defense and foraging. Group living may also induce a 'calming effect' on
      individuals, reducing overall metabolic demand. This effect could occur by
      minimising the need for individual vigilance and reducing stress through social
      buffering. However, this effect has proved difficult to quantify. We examined the
      effect of shoaling on metabolism and body condition in the gregarious damselfish
      Chromis viridis Using a novel respirometry methodology for social species, we
      found that the presence of shoal-mate visual and olfactory cues led to a
      reduction in the minimum metabolic rate of individuals. Fish held in isolation
      for 1 week also exhibited a reduction in body condition when compared with those
      held in shoals. These results indicate that social isolation as a result of
      environmental disturbance could have physiological consequences for gregarious
      species.

PMID- 27655822
TI  - Smart Mechanical Dipole: a device for the measurement of sphere motion in
      behavioral and neurophysiological experiments.
AB  - Fluid motion and pressure fields induced by vibrating spheres are frequently used
      to investigate the function of biological mechanosensory systems and artificial
      sensors. The calibration of the sphere motion amplitude (displacement, velocity,
      acceleration), time course and vibration direction often demands expensive
      equipment. To mitigate this requirement, we have developed a high-quality, low
      cost device that we term a 'Smart Mechanical Dipole'. It provides real-time
      measurement of sphere acceleration along three axes and can be used to obtain an
      accurate stimulation trace. We applied digital filtering to equalize the
      frequency response of the vibrating sphere, which also reduced unwanted amplitude
      and frequency changes in the hydrodynamic signal. In addition, we show that the
      angular orientation of the rod to which the sphere was attached, i.e. axial
      versus transverse, but not the immersion depth of the sphere affected sphere
      vibration behavior.

PMID- 27655823
TI  - Navigating under sea ice promotes rapid maturation of diving physiology and
      performance in beluga whales.
AB  - Little is known about the postnatal development of the physiological
      characteristics that support breath-hold in cetaceans, despite their need to swim
      and dive at birth. Arctic species have the additional demand of avoiding
      entrapment while navigating under sea ice, where breathing holes are patchily
      distributed and ephemeral. This is the first investigation of the ontogeny of the
      biochemistry of the locomotor muscle in a year-round Arctic-dwelling cetacean
      (beluga whale, Delphinapterus leucas). Compared with what we know about other
      cetaceans, belugas are born with high myoglobin content (1.56+/-0.02 g 100 g-1
      wet muscle mass, N=2) that matures rapidly. Myoglobin increased by 452% during
      the first year after birth and achieved adult levels (6.91+/-0.35 g 100 g-1 wet
      muscle mass, N=9) by 14 months postpartum. Buffering capacity was 48.88+/-0.69
      slykes (N=2) at birth; adult levels (84.31+/-1.38 slykes, N=9) were also achieved
      by 14 months postpartum. As the oxygen stores matured, calculated aerobic dive
      limit more than doubled over the first year of life, undoubtedly facilitating the
      movements of calves under sea ice. Nonetheless, small body size theoretically
      continues to constrain the diving ability of newly weaned 2 year olds, as they
      only had 74% and 69% of the aerobic breath-hold capacity of larger adult female
      and male counterparts. These assessments enhance our knowledge of the biology of
      cetaceans and provide insight into age-specific flexibility to alter underwater
      behaviors, as may be required with the ongoing alterations in the Arctic marine
      ecosystem associated with climate change and increased anthropogenic activities.

PMID- 27655824
TI  - Morphine addiction in ants: a new model for self-administration and neurochemical
      analysis.
AB  - Conventional definitions of drug addiction are focused on characterizing the
      neurophysiological and behavioral responses of mammals. Although mammalian models
      have been invaluable in studying specific and complex aspects of addiction,
      invertebrate systems have proven advantageous in investigating how drugs of abuse
      corrupt the most basic motivational and neurochemical systems. It has recently
      been shown that invertebrates and mammals have remarkable similarities in their
      behavioral and neurochemical responses to drugs of abuse. However, until now only
      mammals have demonstrated drug seeking and self-administration without the
      concurrent presence of a natural reward, e.g. sucrose. Using a sucrose-fading
      paradigm, followed by a two-dish choice test, we establish ants as an
      invertebrate model of opioid addiction. The ant species Camponotus floridanus
      actively seeks and self-administers morphine even in the absence of caloric value
      or additional natural reward. Using HPLC equipped with electrochemical detection,
      the neurochemicals serotonin, octopamine and dopamine were identified and
      subsequently quantified, establishing the concurrent neurochemical response to
      the opioid morphine within the invertebrate brain. With this study, we
      demonstrate dopamine to be governing opioid addiction in the brains of ants.
      Thus, this study establishes ants as the first non-mammalian model of self
      administration that is truly analogous to mammals.

PMID- 27655825
TI  - Automatic control: the vertebral column of dogfish sharks behaves as a
      continuously variable transmission with smoothly shifting functions.
AB  - During swimming in dogfish sharks, Squalus acanthias, both the intervertebral
      joints and the vertebral centra undergo significant strain. To investigate this
      system, unique among vertebrates, we cyclically bent isolated segments of 10
      vertebrae and nine joints. For the first time in the biomechanics of fish
      vertebral columns, we simultaneously characterized non-linear elasticity and
      viscosity throughout the bending oscillation, extending recently proposed
      techniques for large-amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS) characterization to large
      amplitude oscillatory bending (LAOB). The vertebral column segments behave as non
      linear viscoelastic springs. Elastic properties dominate for all frequencies and
      curvatures tested, increasing as either variable increases. Non-linearities
      within a bending cycle are most in evidence at the highest frequency, 2.0 Hz, and
      curvature, 5 m-1 Viscous bending properties are greatest at low frequencies and
      high curvatures, with non-linear effects occurring at all frequencies and
      curvatures. The range of mechanical behaviors includes that of springs and
      brakes, with smooth transitions between them that allow for continuously variable
      power transmission by the vertebral column to assist in the mechanics of
      undulatory propulsion.

PMID- 27655826
TI  - Spatial learning in the cuttlefish Sepia officinalis: preference for vertical
      over horizontal information.
AB  - The world is three-dimensional; hence, even surface-bound animals need to learn
      vertical spatial information. Separate encoding of vertical and horizontal
      spatial information seems to be the common strategy regardless of the locomotory
      style of animals. However, a difference seems to exist in the way freely moving
      species, such as fish, learn and integrate spatial information as opposed to
      surface-bound species, which prioritize the horizontal dimension and encode it
      with a higher resolution. Thus, the locomotory style of an animal may shape how
      spatial information is learned and prioritized. An alternative hypothesis relates
      the preference for vertical information to the ability to sense hydrostatic
      pressure, a prominent cue unique to this dimension. Cuttlefish are mostly benthic
      animals, but they can move freely in a volume. Therefore, they present an optimal
      model to examine these hypotheses. We tested whether cuttlefish could separately
      recall the vertical and horizontal components of a learned two-dimensional
      target, and whether they have a preference for vertical or horizontal
      information. Sepia officinalis cuttlefish were trained to select one of two
      visual cues set along a 45 deg diagonal. The animals were then tested with the
      two visual cues arranged in a horizontal, vertical or opposite 45 deg
      configuration. We found that cuttlefish use vertical and horizontal spatial cues
      separately, and that they prefer vertical information to horizontal information.
      We propose that, as in fish, the availability of hydrostatic pressure, combined
      with the ecological value of vertical movements, determines the importance of
      vertical information.

PMID- 27655827
TI  - Correction: Body density and diving gas volume of the northern bottlenose whale
      (Hyperoodon ampullatus).

PMID- 27655828
TI  - Correction: Programming of the hypothalamic-pituitary-interrenal axis by maternal
      social status in zebrafish (Danio rerio).

PMID- 27655829
TI  - The boldness of philanthropists.

PMID- 27655830
TI  - Traumatic Avulsion of the Serratus Anterior Muscle in a Collegiate Rower: A Case
      Report.
AB  - A 19-year-old female collegiate rower presented with a new, painful mass along
      her right anterolateral chest wall after competition. The patient was diagnosed
      with a rupture of the serratus anterior muscle from its costal attachments, as
      confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. The patient fully recovered after a
      period of rest followed by a graduated 2-month physical therapy regimen
      consisting of stretching and scapulothoracic and core strengthening. A traumatic
      rupture of the serratus anterior muscle should be suspected in athletes who
      present with a painful chest wall mass after exertion of large forces through the
      scapulothoracic region. Athletes can return to play after nonoperative
      management.

PMID- 27655831
TI  - Can vestibular rehabilitation exercises help patients with concussion? A
      systematic review of efficacy, prescription and progression patterns.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Concussion symptoms normally resolve within 7-10 days but vertigo,
      dizziness and balance dysfunction persist in 10-30% of cases causing significant
      morbidity. This study systematically evaluated the evidence supporting the
      efficacy, prescription and progression patterns of vestibular rehabilitation
      therapy (VRT) in patients with concussion. DESIGN: Systematic Review, guided by
      PRISMA guidelines and presenting a best evidence synthesis. DATA SOURCES:
      Electronic databases PubMed (1949 to May 2015), CINAHL (1982 to May 2015), EMBASE
      (1947 to May 2015), SPORTDiscus (1985 to May 2015), Web of Science (1945 to May
      2015) and PEDRO (1999 to May 2015), supplemented by manual searches and grey
      literature. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR STUDY SELECTION: Article or abstract of
      original research, population of patients with concussion/mild traumatic brain
      injury (mTBI) with vestibular symptoms, interventions detailing VRT, measurement
      of outcomes pre-VRT/post-VRT. Study type was not specified. RESULTS: Following a
      double review of abstract and full-text articles, 10 studies met the inclusion
      criteria: randomised controlled trial (n=2), uncontrolled studies (n=3) and case
      studies (n=5). 4 studies evaluated VRT as a single intervention. 6 studies
      incorporated VRT in multimodal interventions (including manual therapy, strength
      training, occupational tasks, counselling or medication). 9 studies reported
      improvement in outcomes but level I evidence from only 1 study was found that
      demonstrated increased rates (OR 3.91; 95% CI 1.34 to 11.34; p=0.002) of medical
      clearance for return to sport within 8 weeks, when VRT (combined with cervical
      therapy) was compared with usual care. Heterogeneity in study type and outcomes
      precluded meta-analysis. Habituation and adaptation exercises were employed in 8
      studies and balance exercises in 9 studies. Prescription and progression patterns
      lacked standardisation. CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence for optimal prescription
      and efficacy of VRT in patients with mTBI/concussion is limited. Available
      evidence, although weak, shows promise in this population. Further high-level
      studies evaluating the effects of VRT in patients with mTBI/concussion with
      vestibular and/or balance dysfunction are required.

PMID- 27655832
TI  - The glucose 6-phosphate shunt around the Calvin-Benson cycle.

PMID- 27655833
TI  - Novel Helicobacter species H.japonicum isolated from laboratory mice from Japan
      induces typhlocolitis and lower bowel carcinoma in C57BL/129 IL10-/- mice.
AB  - A novel Helicobacter species Helicobacter japonicum was isolated from the stomach
      and intestines of clinically normal mice received from three institutes from
      Japan. The novel Helicobacter sp. was microaerobic, grew at 37 degrees C and 42
      degrees C, was catalase and oxidase positive, but urease negative. It is most
      closely related to the 16S rRNA gene of H.muridarum (98.6%); to the 23S rRNA gene
      of H.hepaticus (97.9%); to the hsp60 gene of H.typhlonius (87%). The novel
      Helicobacter sp. has in vitro cytolethal distending toxin (CDT) activity; its
      cdtB gene sequence has 83.8% identity with that of H.hepaticus The whole genome
      sequence of H.japonicum MIT 01-6451 has a 2.06-Mb genome length with a 37.5% G +
      C content. When the organism was inoculated into C57BL/129 IL10-/- mice, it was
      cultured from the stomach, colon and cecum of infected mice at 6 and 10 weeks
      post-infection. The cecum had the highest H.japonicum colonization levels by
      quantitative PCR. The histopathology of the lower bowel was characterized by
      moderate to severe inflammation, mild edema, epithelial defects, mild to severe
      hyperplasia, dysplasia and carcinoma. Inflammatory cytokines IFNgamma, TNFalpha
      and IL17a, as well as iNOS were significantly upregulated in the cecal tissue of
      infected mice. These results demonstrate that the novel H.japonicum can induce
      inflammatory bowel disease and carcinoma in IL10-/- mice and highlights the
      importance of identifying novel Helicobacter spp. especially when they are
      introduced from outside mouse colonies from different geographic locations.

PMID- 27655834
TI  - Prevention of DNA damage in Barrett's esophageal cells exposed to acidic bile
      salts.
AB  - Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EA) is one of the fastest rising tumors in the USA.
      The major risk factor for EA is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). During
      GERD, esophageal cells are exposed to refluxate which contains gastric acid
      frequently mixed with duodenal bile. This may lead to mucosal injury and
      Barrett's metaplasia (BE) that are important factors contributing to development
      of EA. In this study, we investigated DNA damage in BE cells exposed to acidic
      bile salts and explored for potential protective strategies. Exposure of BE cells
      to acidic bile salts led to significant DNA damage, which in turn, was due to
      generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We found that acidic bile salts
      induce a rapid increase in superoxide radicals and hydrogen peroxide, which were
      determined using electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and Amplex Red
      assay. Analyzing a panel of natural antioxidants, we identified apocynin to be
      the most effective in protecting esophageal cells from DNA damage induced by
      acidic bile salts. Mechanistic analyses showed that apocynin inhibited ROS
      generation and increases the DNA repair capacity of BE cells. We identified BRCA1
      and p73 proteins as apocynin targets. Downregulation of p73 inhibited the
      protective effect of apocynin. Taken together, our results suggest potential
      application of natural compounds such as apocynin for prevention of reflux
      induced DNA damage and GERD-associated tumorigenesis.

PMID- 27655836
TI  - Diagnosis and Management of a Pancreaticopleural Fistula in a Patient with AIDS
      and a Large Pleural Effusion.
AB  - Pleural effusions typically present with nonspecific pulmonary complaints in the
      setting of either acute or chronic diseases. In the general population, these
      illnesses include congestive heart failure, infection, and malignancy. However,
      in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), pleural effusions often result from
      opportunistic infections and AIDS-defining malignancies, such as Kaposi sarcoma
      and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Since the introduction of highly active antiretroviral
      therapy, there has been a decline in the frequency of AIDS-defining opportunistic
      infections and AIDS-defining cancers and an increase in certain non-AIDS-defining
      malignancies including lung cancer. Throughout this period, longer life
      expectancy in PLWHA has contributed to an increased risk of those chronic
      diseases that can result in pleural effusions. This case describes an HIV
      infected man who was an active cigarette smoker and alcoholic and who presented
      with a large pleural effusion of uncertain etiology. The authors review several
      important noncardiac risk factors associated with pleural effusions in PLWHA. The
      authors also emphasize the importance of obtaining a detailed medical history and
      the use of appropriate imaging and laboratory tests in order to identify an
      underlying cause and to provide optimal treatment.

PMID- 27655837
TI  - Eggs or peanuts in early infant diet may cut allergy risk.

PMID- 27655835
TI  - HIV Stigma: Perspectives from Kenyan Child Caregivers and Adolescents Living with
      HIV.
AB  - Stigma shapes all aspects of HIV prevention and treatment, yet there are limited
      data on how HIV-infected youth and their families are affected by stigma in sub
      Saharan Africa. The authors conducted a qualitative study using focus group
      discussions among 39 HIV-infected adolescents receiving care at HIV clinics in
      western Kenya and 53 caregivers of HIV-infected children. Participants felt that
      while knowledge and access to treatment were increasing, many community members
      still held negative and inaccurate views about HIV, including associating it with
      immorality and believing in transmission by casual interactions. Stigma was
      closely related to a loss of social and economic support but also included
      internalized negative feelings about oneself. Participants identified treatment
      related impacts of stigma, including nonadherence, nondisclosure of status to
      child or others, and increased mental health problems. Qualitative inquiry also
      provided insights into how to measure and reduce stigma among affected
      individuals and families.

PMID- 27655838
TI  - An unusual initial manifestation of acute myeloid leukemia.
AB  - Leukemia cutis is seen in around 20% of acute monocytic leukemia. They usually
      present as papules or nodules or infiltrated plaques but ulceration is uncommon.
      A 28-year-old female presented with multiple painless indurated genital ulcers of
      three weeks' duration with low-grade fever, gum hyperplasia, and generalized
      lymphadenopathy. Tissue smear from the edge of the ulcer showed atypical
      monocytes suggestive of leukemic infiltrate which was further confirmed by
      peripheral smear and bone marrow aspirate. Herein, we report a case of acute
      monocytic leukemia (AML) with leukemia cutis presenting initially with genital
      ulcers simulating chancre.

PMID- 27655839
TI  - Dietary supplement interactions with antiretrovirals: a systematic review.
AB  - Many patients who take antiretroviral drugs also take alternative therapies
      including dietary supplements. Some drug-supplement combinations may result in
      clinically meaningful interactions. We aimed to investigate the evidence for
      dietary supplement interactions with antiretrovirals. A systematic review was
      conducted using multiple resources including PubMed, Natural Medicine
      Comprehensive Database, The Review of Natural Products, and Google Scholar. All
      human studies or case reports evaluating an interaction between a dietary
      supplement and an antiretroviral were selected for inclusion. Twenty-eight
      pharmacokinetic studies and case-series/case reports were selected for inclusion.
      Calcium carbonate, ferrous fumarate, some forms of ginkgo, some forms of garlic,
      some forms of milk thistle, St. John's wort, vitamin C, zinc sulfate, and
      multivitamins were all found to significantly decrease the levels of selected
      antiretrovirals and should be avoided in patients taking these antiretrovirals.
      Cat's claw and evening primrose oil were found to significantly increase the
      levels of antiretrovirals and patients should be monitored for adverse effects
      while taking these dietary supplements with antiretrovirals. This systematic
      review shows the importance of screening all human immunodeficiency virus
      patients for dietary supplement use to prevent treatment failure or adverse
      effects related to an interaction.

PMID- 27655840
TI  - A Role for TIC55 as a Hydroxylase of Phyllobilins, the Products of Chlorophyll
      Breakdown during Plant Senescence.
AB  - Chlorophyll degradation is the most obvious hallmark of leaf senescence.
      Phyllobilins, linear tetrapyrroles that are derived from opening of the chlorin
      macrocycle by the Rieske-type oxygenase PHEOPHORBIDE a OXYGENASE (PAO), are the
      end products of chlorophyll degradation. Phyllobilins carry defined modifications
      at several peripheral positions within the tetrapyrrole backbone. While most of
      these modifications are species-specific, hydroxylation at the C32 position is
      commonly found in all species analyzed to date. We demonstrate that this
      hydroxylation occurs in senescent chloroplasts of Arabidopsis thaliana. Using
      bell pepper (Capsicum annuum) chromoplasts, we establish that phyllobilin
      hydroxylation is catalyzed by a membrane-bound, molecular oxygen-dependent, and
      ferredoxin-dependent activity. As these features resemble the requirements of
      PAO, we considered membrane-bound Rieske-type oxygenases as potential candidates.
      Analysis of mutants of the two Arabidopsis Rieske-type oxygenases (besides PAO)
      uncovered that phyllobilin hydroxylation depends on TRANSLOCON AT THE INNER
      CHLOROPLAST ENVELOPE55 (TIC55). Our work demonstrates a catalytic activity for
      TIC55, which in the past has been considered as a redox sensor of protein import
      into plastids. Given the wide evolutionary distribution of both PAO and TIC55, we
      consider that chlorophyll degradation likely coevolved with land plants.

PMID- 27655841
TI  - Field of Genes: Uncovering EGRINs (Environmental Gene Regulatory Influence
      Networks) in Rice That Function during High-Temperature and Drought Stress.

PMID- 27655843
TI  - Side effects are under-reported in peer reviewed journals.

PMID- 27655842
TI  - EGRINs (Environmental Gene Regulatory Influence Networks) in Rice That Function
      in the Response to Water Deficit, High Temperature, and Agricultural
      Environments.
AB  - Environmental gene regulatory influence networks (EGRINs) coordinate the timing
      and rate of gene expression in response to environmental signals. EGRINs
      encompass many layers of regulation, which culminate in changes in accumulated
      transcript levels. Here, we inferred EGRINs for the response of five tropical
      Asian rice (Oryza sativa) cultivars to high temperatures, water deficit, and
      agricultural field conditions by systematically integrating time-series
      transcriptome data, patterns of nucleosome-free chromatin, and the occurrence of
      known cis-regulatory elements. First, we identified 5447 putative target genes
      for 445 transcription factors (TFs) by connecting TFs with genes harboring known
      cis-regulatory motifs in nucleosome-free regions proximal to their
      transcriptional start sites. We then used network component analysis to estimate
      the regulatory activity for each TF based on the expression of its putative
      target genes. Finally, we inferred an EGRIN using the estimated transcription
      factor activity (TFA) as the regulator. The EGRINs include regulatory
      interactions between 4052 target genes regulated by 113 TFs. We resolved distinct
      regulatory roles for members of the heat shock factor family, including a
      putative regulatory connection between abiotic stress and the circadian clock.
      TFA estimation using network component analysis is an effective way of
      incorporating multiple genome-scale measurements into network inference.

PMID- 27655844
TI  - The Receptor for Advanced Glycation Endproducts Drives T Cell Survival and
      Inflammation in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.
AB  - The ways in which environmental factors participate in the progression of
      autoimmune diseases are not known. After initiation, it takes years before
      hyperglycemia develops in patients at risk for type 1 diabetes (T1D). The
      receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) is a scavenger receptor of the
      Ig family that binds damage-associated molecular patterns and advanced glycated
      endproducts and can trigger cell activation. We previously found constitutive
      intracellular RAGE expression in lymphocytes from patients with T1D. In this
      article, we show that there is increased RAGE expression in T cells from at-risk
      euglycemic relatives who progress to T1D compared with healthy control subjects,
      and in the CD8+ T cells in the at-risk relatives who do versus those who do not
      progress to T1D. Detectable levels of the RAGE ligand high mobility group box 1
      were present in serum from at-risk subjects and patients with T1D. Transcriptome
      analysis of RAGE+ versus RAGE- T cells from patients with T1D showed differences
      in signaling pathways associated with increased cell activation and survival.
      Additional markers for effector memory cells and inflammatory function were
      elevated in the RAGE+ CD8+ cells of T1D patients and at-risk relatives of
      patients before disease onset. These studies suggest that expression of RAGE in T
      cells of subjects progressing to disease predates dysglycemia. These findings
      imply that RAGE expression enhances the inflammatory function of T cells, and its
      increased levels observed in T1D patients may account for the chronic autoimmune
      response when damage-associated molecular patterns are released after cell injury
      and killing.

PMID- 27655846
TI  - IL-17 Augments B Cell Activation in Ocular Surface Autoimmunity.
AB  - Accumulating evidence shows that IL-17 is critically involved in diverse
      autoimmune diseases. However, its effect on the induction and progression of the
      humoral immune response is not fully understood. Using a preclinical model of IL
      17-mediated dry eye disease, we demonstrate that upon encountering both the BCR
      and a secondary T cell signal, IL-17 can enhance B cell proliferation and
      germinal center formation in dry eye disease mice, suggesting that a stable Ag
      dependent T-B cell interaction is required. Additionally, IL-17 also promotes the
      differentiation of B cells into isotype-switched B cells and plasma cells.
      Furthermore, we show that Th17 cells are more effective than Th1 cells to provide
      B cell help. Reduced B cell response correlates with significant reduction in
      clinical disease after in vivo IL-17A neutralization. In conclusion, our findings
      demonstrate a new role of IL-17 in promoting autoimmunity in part through
      directly enhancing B cell proliferation, differentiation, and plasma cell
      generation.

PMID- 27655847
TI  - Boosting translational research in the U.K.
AB  - Investment in national infrastructure is critical for growth in early-phase
      translational research and experimental medicine.

PMID- 27655845
TI  - Global Analysis of O-GlcNAc Glycoproteins in Activated Human T Cells.
AB  - T cell activation in response to Ag is largely regulated by protein
      posttranslational modifications. Although phosphorylation has been extensively
      characterized in T cells, much less is known about the glycosylation of
      serine/threonine residues by O-linked N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc). Given that
      O-GlcNAc appears to regulate cell signaling pathways and protein activity
      similarly to phosphorylation, we performed a comprehensive analysis of O-GlcNAc
      during T cell activation to address the functional importance of this
      modification and to identify the modified proteins. Activation of T cells through
      the TCR resulted in a global elevation of O-GlcNAc levels and in the absence of O
      GlcNAc, IL-2 production and proliferation were compromised. T cell activation
      also led to changes in the relative expression of O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT)
      isoforms and accumulation of OGT at the immunological synapse of murine T cells.
      Using a glycoproteomics approach, we identified >200 O-GlcNAc proteins in human T
      cells. Many of the identified proteins had a functional relationship to RNA
      metabolism, and consistent with a connection between O-GlcNAc and RNA, inhibition
      of OGT impaired nascent RNA synthesis upon T cell activation. Overall, our
      studies provide a global analysis of O-GlcNAc dynamics during T cell activation
      and the first characterization, to our knowledge, of the O-GlcNAc glycoproteome
      in human T cells.

PMID- 27655848
TI  - Inhibition of ileal bile acid uptake protects against nonalcoholic fatty liver
      disease in high-fat diet-fed mice.
AB  - Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease
      in the Western world, and safe and effective therapies are needed. Bile acids
      (BAs) and their receptors [including the nuclear receptor for BAs, farnesoid X
      receptor (FXR)] play integral roles in regulating whole-body metabolism and
      hepatic lipid homeostasis. We hypothesized that interruption of the enterohepatic
      BA circulation using a luminally restricted apical sodium-dependent BA
      transporter (ASBT) inhibitor (ASBTi; SC-435) would modify signaling in the gut
      liver axis and reduce steatohepatitis in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice.
      Administration of this ASBTi increased fecal BA excretion and messenger RNA
      (mRNA) expression of BA synthesis genes in liver and reduced mRNA expression of
      ileal BA-responsive genes, including the negative feedback regulator of BA
      synthesis, fibroblast growth factor 15. ASBT inhibition resulted in a marked
      shift in hepatic BA composition, with a reduction in hydrophilic, FXR
      antagonistic species and an increase in FXR agonistic BAs. ASBT inhibition
      restored glucose tolerance, reduced hepatic triglyceride and total cholesterol
      concentrations, and improved NAFLD activity score in HFD-fed mice. These changes
      were associated with reduced hepatic expression of lipid synthesis genes
      (including liver X receptor target genes) and normalized expression of the
      central lipogenic transcription factor, Srebp1c Accumulation of hepatic lipids
      and SREBP1 protein were markedly reduced in HFD-fed Asbt(-/-) mice, providing
      genetic evidence for a protective role mediated by interruption of the
      enterohepatic BA circulation. Together, these studies suggest that blocking ASBT
      function with a luminally restricted inhibitor can improve both hepatic and whole
      body aspects of NAFLD.

PMID- 27655849
TI  - Cytokine-induced memory-like natural killer cells exhibit enhanced responses
      against myeloid leukemia.
AB  - Natural killer (NK) cells are an emerging cellular immunotherapy for patients
      with acute myeloid leukemia (AML); however, the best approach to maximize NK cell
      antileukemia potential is unclear. Cytokine-induced memory-like NK cells
      differentiate after a brief preactivation with interleukin-12 (IL-12), IL-15, and
      IL-18 and exhibit enhanced responses to cytokine or activating receptor
      restimulation for weeks to months after preactivation. We hypothesized that
      memory-like NK cells exhibit enhanced antileukemia functionality. We demonstrated
      that human memory-like NK cells have enhanced interferon-gamma production and
      cytotoxicity against leukemia cell lines or primary human AML blasts in vitro.
      Using mass cytometry, we found that memory-like NK cell functional responses were
      triggered against primary AML blasts, regardless of killer cell immunoglobulin
      like receptor (KIR) to KIR-ligand interactions. In addition, multidimensional
      analyses identified distinct phenotypes of control and memory-like NK cells from
      the same individuals. Human memory-like NK cells xenografted into mice
      substantially reduced AML burden in vivo and improved overall survival. In the
      context of a first-in-human phase 1 clinical trial, adoptively transferred memory
      like NK cells proliferated and expanded in AML patients and demonstrated robust
      responses against leukemia targets. Clinical responses were observed in five of
      nine evaluable patients, including four complete remissions. Thus, harnessing
      cytokine-induced memory-like NK cell responses represents a promising
      translational immunotherapy approach for patients with AML.

PMID- 27655851
TI  - The Sodium Paradox: Dysnatremia and Mortality in Patients Implanted With
      Extracorporeal Mechanical Circulatory Support Devices.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Dysnatremia, abnormal serum sodium levels, has long been used as a
      marker for disease progression in heart failure patients. Classically,
      hyponatremia is associated with increased fluid volume in heart failure and is
      often a result of neuroendocrine dysfunction and poor cardiac output. Recent
      studies have noted that dysnatremia and hypernatremia are predictive of worsened
      outcomes in critical care and renal disease populations. We investigated the
      relationship between dysnatremia and postoperative outcomes in patients implanted
      with extracorporeal mechanical circulatory devices. METHODS: A total of 97
      patients who underwent implantation with the CentriMag mechanical circulatory
      assist system were included in this retrospective study. Patients were divided
      into 2 groups based on preoperative serum sodium level cutoff of 135 mEq/L.
      Outcomes and mortality were compared between groups. RESULTS: The mean age for
      the study population was 56.21 +/- 15.13 years, and 57 patients (58.8%) were
      male. The mean time on CentriMag support was 22.7 days. Patients with serum
      sodium levels <=135 mEq/L were noted to have significantly worsened indicators of
      preoperative cardiac function. However, patients with serum sodium levels >135
      mEq/L had significantly shorter postoperative survival ( P = .006). When entered
      into a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model, sodium was an independent
      predictor for increased risk of mortality (hazard ratio: 1.224; 95% confidence
      interval: 1.009-1.485; P = .040). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that elevated
      preoperative sodium in patients undergoing implantation of a temporary mechanical
      circulatory support system is predictive of worsened postoperative survival.

PMID- 27655852
TI  - Factors Associated With the Increasing Rates of Discharges Directly Home From
      Intensive Care Units-A Direct From ICU Sent Home Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the relationship between rates of discharge directly to
      home (DDH) from the intensive care unit (ICU) and bed availability (ward and
      ICU). Also to identify patient characteristics that make them candidates for safe
      DDH and describe transfer delay impact on length of stay (LOS). METHODS:
      Retrospective cohort study of all adult patients who survived their stay in our
      medical-surgical-trauma ICU between April 2003 and March 2015. RESULTS: Median
      age was 49 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 33.5-60.4), and the majority of the
      patients were males (54.8%). Median number of preexisting comorbidities was 5
      (IQR: 2-7) diagnoses. Discharge directly to home increased from 28 (3.1% of all
      survivors) patients in 2003 to 120 (12.5%) patients in 2014. The mean annual rate
      of DDH was between 11% and 12% over the last 6 years. Approximately 62% (n = 397)
      of patients waited longer than 4 hours for a ward bed, with a median delay of 2.0
      days (IQR: 0.5-4.7) before being DDH. There was an inverse correlation between
      ICU occupancy and DDH rates ( rP = -.55, P < .0001, 95% confidence interval [CI]
      = -0.36 to -0.69, R2 = .29). There was no correlation with ward occupancy and DDH
      rates ( rs = -.055, P = .64, 95% CI = -0.25 to 0.21). CONCLUSIONS: The DDH rates
      have been increasing over time at our institution and were inversely correlated
      with ICU bed occupancy but were not associated with ward occupancy. The DDH
      patients are young, have few comorbidities on admission, and few discharge
      diagnoses, which are usually reversible single system problems with low disease
      burden. Transfers to the ward are delayed in a majority of cases, leading to
      increased ICU LOS and likely increased overall hospital LOS as well.

PMID- 27655853
TI  - Comment on: Resistance gene naming and numbering: is it a new gene or not?

PMID- 27655850
TI  - IVIG-mediated protection against necrotizing pneumonia caused by MRSA.
AB  - New therapeutic approaches are urgently needed to improve survival outcomes for
      patients with necrotizing pneumonia caused by Staphylococcus aureus One such
      approach is adjunctive treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), but
      clinical practice guidelines offer conflicting recommendations. In a preclinical
      rabbit model, prophylaxis with IVIG conferred protection against necrotizing
      pneumonia caused by five different epidemic strains of community-associated
      methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) as well as a widespread strain of hospital
      associated MRSA. Treatment with IVIG, either alone or in combination with
      vancomycin or linezolid, improved survival outcomes in this rabbit model. Two
      specific IVIG antibodies that neutralized the toxic effects of alpha-hemolysin
      (Hla) and Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) conferred protection against
      necrotizing pneumonia in the rabbit model. This mechanism of action of IVIG was
      uncovered by analyzing loss-of-function mutant bacterial strains containing
      deletions in 17 genes encoding staphylococcal exotoxins, which revealed only Hla
      and PVL as having an impact on necrotizing pneumonia. These results demonstrate
      the potential clinical utility of IVIG in the treatment of severe pneumonia
      induced by S. aureus.

PMID- 27655854
TI  - Patient and public understanding and knowledge of antimicrobial resistance and
      stewardship in a UK hospital: should public campaigns change focus?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The rising global tide of antimicrobial resistance is a well
      described phenomenon. Employing effective and innovative antimicrobial
      stewardship strategies is an essential approach to combat this public health
      threat. Education of the public and patients is paramount to enable the success
      of such strategies. METHODS: A panel of hospital multidisciplinary healthcare
      professionals was set up and a short quiz containing true/false statements around
      antimicrobial stewardship and resistance was designed and piloted. An educational
      leaflet with the correct replies and supporting information was also produced and
      disseminated. Participants were recruited on a single day (18 November 2015) from
      the hospital outpatient clinics and the hospital outpatient pharmacy waiting
      room. RESULTS: One hundred and forty-five completed quizzes were returned,
      providing a total of 1450 answers. Overall, 934 of 1450 (64%) statements were
      scored correctly whilst 481 (33%) were scored incorrectly; 35 (3%) statements
      were left unscored. We speculate that these results may demonstrate that
      respondents understood the statements, as only a small proportion of statements
      were left unanswered. The question dealing with the definition of antimicrobial
      resistance and the question dealing with the definition of antimicrobial
      stewardship obtained the most incorrect replies (85% and 72%, respectively).
      However, a specific factual recall question regarding only one microorganism
      (MRSA) received the most correct responses (99%). CONCLUSIONS: We describe a
      simple, innovative method of engagement with patients and the general public to
      help educate and disseminate important public health messages around
      antimicrobial resistance and stewardship. We also identified the need for public
      health campaigns to address the knowledge gaps found around this topic.

PMID- 27655855
TI  - Risk factors for resistance to ciprofloxacin in community-acquired urinary tract
      infections due to Escherichia coli in an elderly population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial resistance to ciprofloxacin is rising worldwide,
      especially in bacteria causing urinary tract infections (UTIs). Prudent use of
      current antibiotic drugs is therefore necessary. OBJECTIVES: We analysed
      (modifiable) risk factors for ciprofloxacin-resistant Escherichia coli. METHODS:
      Urinary cultures of UTIs caused by E. coli were collected from participants in
      the Rotterdam Study, a prospective cohort study in an elderly population, and
      analysed for susceptibility to ciprofloxacin. Multivariate logistic regression
      was performed to investigate several possible risk factors for resistance.
      RESULTS: Ciprofloxacin resistance in 1080 E. coli isolates was 10.2%.
      Multivariate analysis showed that higher age (OR 1.03; 95% CI 1.00-1.05) and use
      of two (OR 5.89; 95% CI 3.45-10.03) and three or more (OR 3.38; 95% CI 1.92-5.97)
      prescriptions of fluoroquinolones were associated with ciprofloxacin resistance,
      while no association between fluoroquinolone use more than 1 year before culture
      and ciprofloxacin resistance could be demonstrated. Furthermore, a high intake of
      pork (OR 3.68; 95% CI 1.36-9.99) and chicken (OR 2.72; 95% CI 1.08-6.85) and
      concomitant prescription of calcium supplements (OR 2.51; 95% CI 1.20-5.22) and
      proton pump inhibitors (OR 2.04; 95% CI 1.18-3.51) were associated with
      ciprofloxacin resistance. CONCLUSIONS: Ciprofloxacin resistance in community
      acquired UTI was associated with a high intake of pork and chicken and with
      concomitant prescription of calcium supplements and proton pump inhibitors.
      Modification of antibiotic use in animals as well as temporarily stopping the
      prescription of concomitant calcium and proton pump inhibitors need further
      evaluation as strategies to prevent ciprofloxacin resistance.

PMID- 27655856
TI  - Long-term clonal dynamics of Enterococcus faecium strains causing bloodstream
      infections (1995-2015) in Spain.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the population structure of Enterococcus faecium
      causing bloodstream infections (BSIs) in a tertiary Spanish hospital with low
      glycopeptide resistance, and to enhance our knowledge of the dynamics of
      emergence and spread of high-risk clonal complexes. METHODS: All available E.
      faecium causing BSIs (n = 413) in our hospital (January 1995-May 2015) were
      analysed for antibiotic susceptibility (CLSI), putative virulence traits (PCR,
      esp, hylEfm) and clonal relationship (SmaI-PFGE, MLST evaluated by goeBURST and
      BAPS). RESULTS: The increased incidence of BSIs caused by enterococci [2.30/00 of
      attended patients (inpatients and outpatients) in 1996 to 3.00/00 in 2014]
      significantly correlated with the increase in BSIs caused by E. faecium (0.330/00
      of attended patients in 1996 to 1.30/00 in 2014). The BSIs Enterococcus
      faecalis:E. faecium ratio changed from 5:1 in 1996 to 1:1 in 2014. During the
      last decade an increase in E. faecium BSIs episodes in cancer patients (10.9% in
      1995-2005 and 37.1% in 2006-15) was detected. Ampicillin-susceptible E. faecium
      (ASEfm; different STs/BAPS) and ampicillin-resistant E. faecium (AREfm; ST18/ST17
      BAPS 3.3a) isolates were recovered throughout the study. Successive waves of BAPS
      2.1a-AREfm (ST117, ST203 and ST80) partially replaced ASEfm and ST18-AREfm since
      2006. CONCLUSIONS: Different AREfm clones (belonging to BAPS 2.1a and BAPS 3.3a)
      consistently isolated during the last decade from BSIs might be explained by a
      continuous and dense colonization (favouring both invasion and cross
      transmission) of hospitalized patients. High-density colonization by these clones
      is probably enhanced in elderly patients by heavy and prolonged antibiotic
      exposure, particularly in oncological patients.

PMID- 27655857
TI  - Impact of efavirenz pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenomics on neuropsychological
      performance in older HIV-infected patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics of efavirenz and its 8
      hydroxy metabolite (8-OH-efavirenz) have not been robustly evaluated in older HIV
      infected persons. OBJECTIVES: We investigated relationships between
      neuropsychological (NP) performance and efavirenz and 8-OH-efavirenz PK in HIV
      infected individuals >50 years of age. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of HIV
      infected adults on an efavirenz-containing regimen. The 12 and 18 h post-dose
      plasma efavirenz and 8-OH-efavirenz were quantified. CYP2B6 polymorphisms were
      investigated. Participants underwent neuropsychological tests; surveys were used
      for depression, sleep quality and anxiety. We investigated potential correlations
      of efavirenz and 8-OH-efavirenz plasma concentrations with NP performance, sleep,
      depression, anxiety and CYP2B6 polymorphisms. RESULTS: Thirty participants (24
      men and 6 women) with mean age 57 years (range 50-68). Plasma efavirenz
      concentrations did not correlate with NP performance; however, higher plasma 8-OH
      efavirenz correlated with better learning (P = 0.002), language (P = 0.002) and
      total NP z-scores (P = 0.003). No correlation was seen for efavirenz or 8-OH
      efavirenz with sleep, anxiety or depression. Median 12 and 18 h efavirenz plasma
      concentrations were 1967 ng/mL (IQR 1476-2394) and 1676 ng/mL (IQR 1120-2062),
      respectively. Median 12 and 18 h 8-OH-efavirenz plasma concentrations were 378
      ng/mL (IQR 223-589) and 384 ng/mL (IQR 216-621), respectively. CYP2B6 G516T was
      associated with significantly higher plasma efavirenz at 12 and 18 h (P = 0.02)
      but not worse NP function. CONCLUSIONS: Better neurocognitive functioning was
      associated with higher 8-OH-efavirenz but not efavirenz plasma concentrations. No
      correlation was observed with sleep or depression. These findings point to a need
      for greater understanding of the metabolic profile of efavirenz and 8-OH
      efavirenz in plasma and the CNS and relationships with antiviral effect and
      neurotoxicity.

PMID- 27655858
TI  - Less-drug regimen including atazanavir in maintenance treatment of HIV infection:
      how, who, when, why?
AB  - For many patients living with HIV-1, the efficacy of combined ART (cART) has made
      the infection turn to a chronic disease. Because cART is associated with a risk
      of long-term toxicity, switching patients with virological success to another
      therapy remains a major issue. Studies undertaken and published over recent years
      have shown that switching patients exhibiting virological suppression to less
      drug regimens (LDR) is a possible option of maintenance strategy. The use of
      ritonavir-boosted PIs (PI/r) as the backbone of LDR-based maintenance therapy is
      consistent with their virological potency and a high genetic barrier of
      resistance. Atazanavir is the most documented PI/r regarding maintenance in dual
      therapy, with favourable results in terms of virological suppression, tolerance
      improvement and absence of emergence of mutations. Furthermore, atazanavir is the
      only commonly prescribed PI that can be used after withdrawal of ritonavir, with
      maintenance of virological suppression whatever the backbone of associated NRTIs.
      Based on clinical studies, and taking into account the characteristics of the
      patients included, one may consider that for any patient with a virological
      suppression on cART for at least 12 months, with the nadir CD4 >100 cells/mm3 and
      an absence of encephalitis, an LDR-based maintenance therapy including atazanavir
      can be considered. Cumulative genotypes must be available to make sure that the
      LDR will not jeopardize future therapeutic options. The final decision regarding
      the most appropriate LDR must be guided by the objectives shared by the physician
      and his/her patient.

PMID- 27655860
TI  - Beyond Bedlam.

PMID- 27655859
TI  - Different impact of raltegravir versus efavirenz on CD4/CD8 ratio recovery in HIV
      infected patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: A low CD4/CD8 ratio during treated HIV identifies individuals with
      heightened immunoactivation and excess mortality. Whether ART regimens elicit
      distinct CD4/CD8 ratio recovery remains unknown. We aimed to compare the efficacy
      of an integrase inhibitor versus a non-nucleoside to normalize the CD4/CD8 ratio.
      METHODS: We conducted a post hoc analysis of the STARTMRK study, a randomized,
      blinded, double-dummy Phase III trial of raltegravir versus efavirenz, and each
      in combination with tenofovir/emtricitabine, in treatment-naive HIV-infected
      adults. Blinding was maintained for the entire 5 year duration of the study.
      Kaplan-Meier methods for time-dependent variables were used to calculate the
      rates of CD4/CD8 normalization at different cut-offs and cumulative
      probabilities. Cox proportional hazard models were used to compare probabilities
      of CD4/CD8 normalization by treatment arm. RESULTS: A total of 563 patients were
      analysed; 81% were males and the mean age (SD) was 37 (10) years. Raltegravir was
      associated with higher rates of CD4/CD8 ratio normalization at the >0.4 cut-off
      (median time to normalization = 56 versus 84 days; P = 0.048 by log-rank test). A
      Cox proportional hazard model stratified based on baseline CD4 counts showed an
      association between raltegravir and higher rates of CD4/CD8 ratio normalization
      (HR = 1.23; P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: We herein show that normalization of the
      CD4/CD8 ratio above a clinically meaningful threshold may be dependent on the
      drug class used. Raltegravir showed faster CD4/CD8 ratio normalization compared
      with efavirenz, a finding with potential clinical implications. Whether other
      integrase inhibitors have a similar impact for this outcome remains to be
      explored.

PMID- 27655862
TI  - Increasing physicians in hospital staff does not improve quality of care, US
      study suggests.

PMID- 27655863
TI  - Government must spell out how mental health will achieve parity with physical
      health, say MPs.

PMID- 27655861
TI  - Predicting inpatient clinical order patterns with probabilistic topic models vs
      conventional order sets.
AB  - Objective: Build probabilistic topic model representations of hospital admissions
      processes and compare the ability of such models to predict clinical order
      patterns as compared to preconstructed order sets. Materials and Methods: The
      authors evaluated the first 24 hours of structured electronic health record data
      for > 10 K inpatients. Drawing an analogy between structured items (e.g.,
      clinical orders) to words in a text document, the authors performed latent
      Dirichlet allocation probabilistic topic modeling. These topic models use initial
      clinical information to predict clinical orders for a separate validation set of
      > 4 K patients. The authors evaluated these topic model-based predictions vs
      existing human-authored order sets by area under the receiver operating
      characteristic curve, precision, and recall for subsequent clinical orders.
      Results: Existing order sets predict clinical orders used within 24 hours with
      area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.81, precision 16%, and
      recall 35%. This can be improved to 0.90, 24%, and 47% ( P  < 10 -20 ) by using
      probabilistic topic models to summarize clinical data into up to 32 topics. Many
      of these latent topics yield natural clinical interpretations (e.g., "critical
      care," "pneumonia," "neurologic evaluation"). Discussion: Existing order sets
      tend to provide nonspecific, process-oriented aid, with usability limitations
      impairing more precise, patient-focused support. Algorithmic summarization has
      the potential to breach this usability barrier by automatically inferring patient
      context, but with potential tradeoffs in interpretability. Conclusion:
      Probabilistic topic modeling provides an automated approach to detect thematic
      trends in patient care and generate decision support content. A potential use
      case finds related clinical orders for decision support.

PMID- 27655865
TI  - Women Veterans' Experiences of Intimate Partner Violence and Non-Partner Sexual
      Assault in the Context of Military Service: Implications for Supporting Women's
      Health and Well-Being.
AB  - Women who have served in the military in the United States experience high rates
      of intimate partner violence (IPV) and non-partner sexual assault (SA). The
      military setting presents challenges and opportunities not experienced in other
      employment contexts that may compound the negative impacts of IPV/SA on women's
      lives. The purpose of this study was to explore the intersection of women's
      experiences of IPV/SA and military service through analysis of women veterans'
      narrative accounts. We conducted in-depth face-to-face qualitative interviews
      with 25 women veterans receiving primary care at a U.S. Veterans Affairs Medical
      Center. We draw upon Adler and Castro's (2013) Military Occupational Mental
      Health Model to frame our understanding of the impact of IPV/SA as a stressor in
      the military cultural context and to inform efforts to prevent, and support women
      service members who have experienced, these forms of violence. Our findings
      highlight the impact of IPV/SA on women's military careers, including options for
      entering and leaving military service, job performance, and opportunities for
      advancement. Women's narratives also reveal ways in which the military context
      constrains their options for responding to and coping with experiences of IPV/SA.
      These findings have implications for prevention of, and response to, intimate
      partner or sexual violence experienced by women serving in the military and
      underscore the need for both military and civilian communities to recognize and
      address the negative impact of such violence on women service members before,
      during, and after military service.

PMID- 27655864
TI  - Three-dimensional echocardiography in congenital heart disease: an expert
      consensus document from the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging and
      the American Society of Echocardiography.
AB  - Three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) has become important in the management
      of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD), particularly with pre-surgical
      planning, guidance of catheter intervention, and functional assessment of the
      heart. 3DE is increasingly used in children because of good acoustic windows and
      the non-invasive nature of the technique. The aim of this paper is to provide a
      review of the optimal application of 3DE in CHD including technical
      considerations, image orientation, application to different lesions, procedural
      guidance, and functional assessment. 

PMID- 27655866
TI  - Prevalence and Predictors of Bidirectional Violence in Survivors of Intimate
      Partner Violence Residing at Shelters.
AB  - There has been a long-standing debate regarding whether or not there is gender
      symmetry in intimate partner violence (IPV); however, shelter samples have been
      understudied thus far. This study investigates the prevalence and predictors of
      IPV perpetration in a sample of 227 women in battered women's shelters.
      Participants were asked to complete a number of measures assessing demographics,
      Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed., text rev.; DSM-IV
      TR) diagnoses, traumatic life events, and perpetration and victimization of IPV.
      Although the vast majority of women in this sample (93%) report perpetrating some
      form of IPV, few women endorsed violence that was not mutual (5.3%). Furthermore,
      for every type of IPV assessed, women were victimized significantly more than
      they perpetrated. Results also indicate that women's perpetration of IPV, and
      predictors of such perpetration, varied across type, severity, and measurement of
      violence. However, most IPV outcome variables were predicted by women's
      experience of victimization. Taken as a whole, these results support the
      assertion that context matters when examining the relative rates of perpetration
      as well as its predictors.

PMID- 27655867
TI  - It All Just Piles Up: Challenges to Victim Credibility Accumulate to Influence
      Sexual Assault Case Processing.
AB  - The underreporting of sexual assault is well known to researchers, practitioners,
      and victims. When victims do report, their complaints are unlikely to end in
      arrest or prosecution. Existing research on police discretion suggests that the
      police decision to arrest for sexual assault offenses can be influenced by a
      variety of legal and extra-legal factors particularly challenges to victim
      credibility. Although extant literature examines the effects of individual
      behaviors on police outcomes, less is known about how the accumulation of these
      behaviors, attributions, and characteristics affects police decision making.
      Using data collected from the Los Angeles Police Department and Sheriff's
      Department, we examine one police decision point-the arrest to fill this gap in
      the literature. First, we examine the extent to which the effects of potential
      challenges to victim credibility, based on victim characteristics and behaviors,
      influence the arrest decision, and next, how these predictors vary across
      circumstances. Specifically, we examine how factors that challenge victim
      credibility affect the likelihood of arrest in sexual assault cases where the
      victim and offender are strangers, acquaintances, and intimate partners.

PMID- 27655868
TI  - A Virus-Like Particle Vaccine Elicits Broad Neutralizing Antibody Responses in
      Humans to All Chikungunya Virus Genotypes.
AB  - Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an alphavirus that has emerged as a global health
      burden. There are 3 CHIKV genotypes: Asian, West African, and
      Eastern/Central/South African. No licensed CHIKV vaccine is available, and
      whether the antibody response elicited by one genotype can neutralize
      heterologous genotypes is unclear. We assessed neutralizing antibody (NAb)
      responses of volunteers in a phase 1 study of a CHIKV vaccine against 9 viral
      strains representing all 3 genotypes. Minimal differences in vaccine-elicited NAb
      responses were observed among genotypes, suggesting that vaccination with a
      single CHIKV strain can elicit cross-protective NAbs against all 3 genotypes.

PMID- 27655869
TI  - Clinical Predictors of Critical Lower Respiratory Tract Illness Due to
      Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Infants and Children: Data to Inform Case
      Definitions for Efficacy Trials.
AB  - We analyzed data from 524 Argentinean infants hospitalized with lower respiratory
      tract illness (LRTI) due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) to inform selection
      of clinical end points for RSV vaccine efficacy trials. Cases of LRTI due to RSV
      that required a mask, continuous or bilevel positive airway pressure, or
      mechanical ventilation were classified as critical. Oxygen saturation of <=90%,
      tachypnea, and tachycardia were each associated with an increased odds of
      critical LRTI due to RSV (adjusted odds ratios [ORs], 2.30 [95% confidence
      interval {CI}, 1.26-4.24; P = .007], 2.22 [95% CI, 1.19-4.16; P = .012], and 2.35
      [95% CI, 1.22-4.50; P = .010], respectively). The odds of critical LRTI due to
      RSV increased substantially (OR, 8.57; 95% CI, 2.19-73.5; P = .001) among
      individuals with >=2 indicators. Lower chest wall indrawing was not associated
      with critical disease.

PMID- 27655871
TI  - Timothy Evans: Keen to cut variations in practice.

PMID- 27655870
TI  - Increased Proinflammatory Responses of Monocytes and Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells
      to Influenza A Virus Infection During Pregnancy.
AB  - Pregnancy-induced alterations in immunity may contribute to the increased
      morbidity associated with influenza A virus infection during pregnancy. We
      characterized the immune response of monocytes and plasmacytoid dendritic cells
      (pDCs) to influenza A virus infection in 21 pregnant and 21 nonpregnant women. In
      pregnant women, monocytes and pDCs exhibit an exaggerated proinflammatory immune
      response to 2 strains of influenza A virus, compared with nonpregnant women,
      characterized by increased expression of major histocompatibility complex class
      II (approximately 2.0-fold), CD69 (approximately 2.2-fold), interferon gamma
      induced protein 10 (approximately 2.0-fold), and macrophage inflammatory protein
      1beta (approximately 1.5-fold). This enhanced innate inflammatory response during
      pregnancy could contribute to pulmonary inflammation following influenza A virus
      infection.

PMID- 27655873
TI  - Use of aspirin as sole oral antiplatelet therapy in acute flow diversion for
      ruptured dissecting aneurysms.
AB  - Subarachnoid hemorrhage secondary to rupture of a circumferential dissecting
      aneurysm continues to be a treatment dilemma. Vessel sacrifice, when possible,
      continues to be the safest option but in certain cases this is not possible due
      to lack of collateral supply. In such cases, coil assisted endovascular flow
      diversion has become a potential option but the requirement for dual antiplatelet
      therapy in an unsecured intracranial aneurysm continues to raise concern.We
      present a 48-year-old man with a World Federation of Neurological Surgeons grade
      5 subarachnoid hemorrhage, secondary to a ruptured intradural left vertebral
      artery dissecting aneurysm, who was treated successfully with a pipeline
      embolization device with Shield technology using aspirin and a single intravenous
      loading dose of abciximab. To our knowledge, this is the first case of an acute
      flow diversion performed using only aspirin as the sole oral antiplatelet agent.

PMID- 27655875
TI  - Acute optic neuritis with diffusion restriction on MRI.

PMID- 27655874
TI  - Acute osteoarthritis: exuberant presentation of an unusual condition in the
      neonatal period.

PMID- 27655876
TI  - Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist against severe aggression in autism.
AB  - Aggression in patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents an important
      therapeutic challenge. Conventional treatment appears to be inadequate in a
      number of cases. The occurrence of severe aggressive symptoms since the inception
      of adolescence in a male patient with ASD suggested a hormonal influence by
      androgens. Conventional treatment with antipsychotic and antiepileptic drugs and
      benzodiazepines was ineffective. A subcutaneous long-acting gonadotropin
      releasing hormone agonist (GnRH agonist) injection was given on a monthly basis
      resulting in a substantial improvement in his aggressive behaviour and renewed
      socialisation.

PMID- 27655872
TI  - A Golgi rhomboid protease Rbd2 recruits Cdc48 to cleave yeast SREBP.
AB  - Hypoxic growth of fungi requires sterol regulatory element-binding protein
      (SREBP) transcription factors, and human opportunistic fungal pathogens require
      SREBP activation for virulence. Proteolytic release of fission yeast SREBPs from
      the membrane in response to low oxygen requires the Golgi membrane-anchored Dsc
      E3 ligase complex. Using genetic interaction arrays, we identified Rbd2 as a
      rhomboid family protease required for SREBP proteolytic processing. Rbd2 is an
      active, Golgi-localized protease that cleaves the transmembrane segment of the
      TatA rhomboid model substrate. Epistasis analysis revealed that the Dsc E3 ligase
      acts on SREBP prior to cleavage by Rbd2. Using APEX2 proximity biotinylation, we
      demonstrated that Rbd2 binds the AAA-ATPase Cdc48 through a C-terminal SHP box.
      Interestingly, SREBP cleavage required Rbd2 binding of Cdc48, consistent with
      Cdc48 acting to recruit ubiquitinylated substrates. In support of this claim,
      overexpressing a Cdc48-binding mutant of Rbd2 bypassed the Cdc48 requirement for
      SREBP cleavage, demonstrating that Cdc48 likely plays a role in SREBP
      recognition. In the absence of functional Rbd2, SREBP precursor is degraded by
      the proteasome, indicating that Rbd2 activity controls the balance between SREBP
      activation and degradation.

PMID- 27655877
TI  - Irreversible electroporation in the curative treatment of Ewing's sarcoma.
AB  - Ewing's sarcoma (ES) is the second most common paediatric cancer of the bone.
      Standard therapy includes surgery or radiation for local control of primary and
      relapsed lesions and chemotherapy for systemic control. Irreversible
      electroporation (IRE), which uses short electrical pulses to induce pores and
      ablate neoplastic cells, has emerged as an alternative method of local control
      for inoperable metastatic liver and lung lesions. We present the first case in
      which IRE was used for local control of bony ES. This method has achieved
      successful local tumour control in our patient for 3 years.

PMID- 27655878
TI  - Primary tuberculous osteomyelitis of the mandible in a 3-year-old child.
AB  - A 3-year-old girl child presented with swelling in her right lower jaw that had
      started 5 days previously. History revealed the child being non-immunised.
      Initial-evaluation revealed proptosis and bony hard swelling over the right body
      of the mandible. Radiological evaluation including a CT scan indicated expansile
      osteolytic lesion involving the body-ramus with onion-peel periosteal reaction
      suggesting osteomyelitis/malignancy. Blood investigations showed raised
      erythrocyte sedimentation rate and eosinophilia. Family screening for
      tuberculosis (TB) revealed that the patient, her father and siblings were PPD
      positive though chest screening and sputum examinations were negative in all of
      them. Lesion biopsy showed acute/chronic osteomyelitis with eosinophilia, tilting
      diagnosis towards eosinophilic granuloma/Hand-Schuller-Christian disease. Further
      investigations for diabetes insipidus, histiocytosis-X, skull-pelvic-femur
      radiographs, abdominal ultrasonography, ophthalmic consultation and PCR-TB test
      were negative. Histology, radiography, purified protein derivative (PPD)-positive
      result and history led to the diagnosis of primary TB of the mandible. Complete
      resolution occurred following antitubercular therapy. The case report emphasises
      that diagnosis of TB can sometimes be based on circumstantial evidence and
      positive response to antitubercular therapy even in view of a negative PCR
      result.

PMID- 27655879
TI  - Unusual cause of paraparesis in a patient with Cushing's syndrome.
AB  - Paraparesis is a rare manifestation in patients with Cushing's syndrome and the
      causes include vertebral compression fracture, hypokalaemia, spinal epidural
      lipomatosis, paraneoplastic syndrome and metastasis to the vertebrae and spinal
      cord. We report an unusual cause of paraparesis due to radiation-induced
      myelomalacia in a patient with adrenocortical carcinoma-associated Cushing's
      syndrome, who are predisposed to radiation-induced injury.

PMID- 27655880
TI  - Spontaneous evisceration of the appendix through an incisional hernia at rest.

PMID- 27655881
TI  - A bilateral macular star and optic disc oedema.

PMID- 27655882
TI  - Capillary and Venous Lactate Agreement: a pilot prospective observational study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Blood lactate is a marker of patient illness severity. Capillary
      lactate (CAP-LACT) measurement can potentially improve patient screening;
      however, it has poor evidence of clinical utility. AIM: We aimed to investigate
      agreement between CAP-LACT and peripheral venous lactate (PV-LACT). METHODS: We
      performed a prospective observational pilot study of 99 patients requiring
      lactate measurement. Paired CAP-LACT and PV-LACT was recorded. Agreement was
      determined by Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS: Bias was 0.2 mmol/L, with 95%
      limits of agreement from -1.9 to 2.3. CONCLUSIONS: CAP-LACT has poor agreement
      with PV-LACT. Further research is needed to improve its potential clinical
      utility.

PMID- 27655883
TI  - Performance of a simplified termination of resuscitation rule for adult traumatic
      cardiopulmonary arrest in the prehospital setting.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The prehospital termination of resuscitation (TOR) guidelines for
      traumatic cardiopulmonary arrest (TCPA) was proposed in 2003. Its multiple
      descriptors of cases where efforts can be terminated make it complex to apply in
      the field. Here we proposed a simplified rule and evaluated its predictive
      performance. METHODS: We analysed Utstein registry data for 2009-2013 from a
      Taipei emergency medical service to test a simplified TOR rule that comprises two
      criteria: blunt trauma injury and the presence of asystole. Enrolees were adults
      (>=18 years) with TCPA. The predicted outcome was in-hospital death. We compared
      the areas under the curve (AUC) of the simple rule with each of four descriptors
      in the guidelines and with a combination of all four to assess their
      discriminatory ability. Test characteristics were calculated to assess predictive
      performance. RESULTS: A total of 893 TCPA cases were included. Blunt trauma
      occurred in 459 (51.4%) cases and asystole in 384 (43.0%). In-hospital mortality
      was 854 (95.6%) cases. The simplified TOR rule had greater discriminatory ability
      (AUC 0.683, 95% CI 0.618 to 0.747) compared with any single descriptor in the
      2003 guidelines (range of AUC: 0.506-0.616) although the AUC was similar when all
      four were combined (AUC 0.695, 95% CI 0.615 to 0.775). The specificity of the
      simplified rule was 100% (95% CI 88.8% to 100%) and positive predictive value
      100% (95% CI 96.8% to 100%). The false positive value, false negative value and
      decreased rate of unnecessary transport were 0% (95% CI 0% to 3.2%), 94.8% (95%
      CI 92.9% to 96.2%) and 16.4% (95% CI 14.1% to 19.1%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS:
      The simplified TOR rule appears to accurately predict non-survivors in adults
      with TCPA in the prehospital setting.

PMID- 27655884
TI  - Clinical assessment and management of multimorbidity: summary of NICE guidance.

PMID- 27655885
TI  - Balancing Trained Immunity with Persistent Immune Activation and the Risk of
      Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Infection in Infant Macaques Vaccinated with
      Attenuated Mycobacterium tuberculosis or Mycobacterium bovis BCG Vaccine.
AB  - Our goal is to develop a pediatric combination vaccine to protect the vulnerable
      infant population against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and
      tuberculosis (TB) infections. The vaccine consists of an auxotroph Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis strain that coexpresses HIV antigens. Utilizing an infant rhesus
      macaque model, we have previously shown that this attenuated M. tuberculosis
      (AMtb)-simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) vaccine is immunogenic, and although
      the vaccine did not prevent oral SIV infection, a subset of vaccinated animals
      was able to partially control virus replication. However, unexpectedly,
      vaccinated infants required fewer SIV exposures to become infected compared to
      naive controls. Considering that the current TB vaccine, Mycobacterium bovis
      bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), can induce potent innate immune responses and
      confer pathogen-unspecific trained immunity, we hypothesized that an imbalance
      between enhanced myeloid cell function and immune activation might have
      influenced the outcome of oral SIV challenge in AMtb-SIV-vaccinated infants. To
      address this question, we used archived samples from unchallenged animals from
      our previous AMtb-SIV vaccine studies and vaccinated additional infant macaques
      with BCG or AMtb only. Our results show that vaccinated infants, regardless of
      vaccine strain or regimen, had enhanced myeloid cell responses. However, CD4+ T
      cells were concurrently activated, and the persistence of these activated target
      cells in oral and/or gastrointestinal tissues may have facilitated oral SIV
      infection. Immune activation was more pronounced in BCG-vaccinated infant
      macaques than in AMtb-vaccinated infant macaques, indicating a role for vaccine
      attenuation. These findings underline the importance of understanding the
      interplay of vaccine-induced immunity and immune activation and its effect on HIV
      acquisition risk and outcome in infants.

PMID- 27655886
TI  - Highlights of the 11th International Bordetella Symposium: from Basic Biology to
      Vaccine Development.
AB  - Pertussis is a severe respiratory disease caused by infection with the bacterial
      pathogen Bordetella pertussis The disease affects individuals of all ages but is
      particularly severe and sometimes fatal in unvaccinated young infants. Other
      Bordetella species cause diseases in humans, animals, and birds. Scientific,
      clinical, public health, vaccine company, and regulatory agency experts on these
      pathogens and diseases gathered in Buenos Aires, Argentina from 5 to 8 April 2016
      for the 11th International Bordetella Symposium to discuss recent advances in our
      understanding of the biology of these organisms, the diseases they cause, and the
      development of new vaccines and other strategies to prevent these diseases.
      Highlights of the meeting included pertussis epidemiology in developing nations,
      genomic analysis of Bordetella biology and evolution, regulation of virulence
      factor expression, new model systems to study Bordetella biology and disease,
      effects of different vaccines on immune responses, maternal immunization as a
      strategy to prevent newborn disease, and novel vaccine development for pertussis.
      In addition, the group approved the formation of an International Bordetella
      Society to promote research and information exchange on bordetellae and to
      organize future meetings. A new Bordetella.org website will also be developed to
      facilitate these goals.

PMID- 27655887
TI  - Strain analysis of protein structures and low dimensionality of mechanical
      allosteric couplings.
AB  - In many proteins, especially allosteric proteins that communicate regulatory
      states from allosteric to active sites, structural deformations are functionally
      important. To understand these deformations, dynamical experiments are ideal but
      challenging. Using static structural information, although more limited than
      dynamical analysis, is much more accessible. Underused for protein analysis,
      strain is the natural quantity for studying local deformations. We calculate
      strain tensor fields for proteins deformed by ligands or thermal fluctuations
      using crystal and NMR structure ensembles. Strains-primarily shears-show
      deformations around binding sites. These deformations can be induced solely by
      ligand binding at distant allosteric sites. Shears reveal quasi-2D paths of
      mechanical coupling between allosteric and active sites that may constitute a
      widespread mechanism of allostery. We argue that strain-particularly shear-is the
      most appropriate quantity for analysis of local protein deformations. This
      analysis can reveal mechanical and biological properties of many proteins.

PMID- 27655888
TI  - Integrating biogeochemistry with multiomic sequence information in a model oxygen
      minimum zone.
AB  - Microorganisms are the most abundant lifeform on Earth, mediating global fluxes
      of matter and energy. Over the past decade, high-throughput molecular techniques
      generating multiomic sequence information (DNA, mRNA, and protein) have
      transformed our perception of this microcosmos, conceptually linking
      microorganisms at the individual, population, and community levels to a wide
      range of ecosystem functions and services. Here, we develop a biogeochemical
      model that describes metabolic coupling along the redox gradient in Saanich Inlet
      a seasonally anoxic fjord with biogeochemistry analogous to oxygen minimum zones
      (OMZs). The model reproduces measured biogeochemical process rates as well as
      DNA, mRNA, and protein concentration profiles across the redox gradient.
      Simulations make predictions about the role of ubiquitous OMZ microorganisms in
      mediating carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur cycling. For example, nitrite "leakage"
      during incomplete sulfide-driven denitrification by SUP05 Gammaproteobacteria is
      predicted to support inorganic carbon fixation and intense nitrogen loss via
      anaerobic ammonium oxidation. This coupling creates a metabolic niche for nitrous
      oxide reduction that completes denitrification by currently unidentified
      community members. These results quantitatively improve previous conceptual
      models describing microbial metabolic networks in OMZs. Beyond OMZ-specific
      predictions, model results indicate that geochemical fluxes are robust indicators
      of microbial community structure and reciprocally, that gene abundances and
      geochemical conditions largely determine gene expression patterns. The
      integration of real observational data, including geochemical profiles and
      process rate measurements as well as metagenomic, metatranscriptomic and
      metaproteomic sequence data, into a biogeochemical model, as shown here, enables
      holistic insight into the microbial metabolic network driving nutrient and energy
      flow at ecosystem scales.

PMID- 27655889
TI  - Lateral association and elongation of vimentin intermediate filament proteins: A
      time-resolved light-scattering study.
AB  - Vimentin intermediate filaments (IFs) are part of a family of proteins that
      constitute one of the three filament systems in the cytoskeleton, a major
      contributor to cell mechanics. One property that distinguishes IFs from the other
      cytoskeletal filament types, actin filaments and microtubules, is their highly
      hierarchical assembly pathway, where a lateral association step is followed by
      elongation. Here we present an innovative technique to follow the elongation
      reaction in solution and in situ by time-resolved static and dynamic light
      scattering, thereby precisely capturing the relevant time and length scales of
      seconds to minutes and 60-600 nm, respectively. We apply a quantitative model to
      our data and succeed in consistently describing the entire set of data, including
      particle mass, radius of gyration, and hydrodynamic radius during longitudinal
      association.

PMID- 27655890
TI  - Detection of deep stratospheric intrusions by cosmogenic 35S.
AB  - The extent to which stratospheric intrusions on synoptic scales influence the
      tropospheric ozone (O3) levels remains poorly understood, because quantitative
      detection of stratospheric air has been challenging. Cosmogenic 35S mainly
      produced in the stratosphere has the potential to identify stratospheric air
      masses at ground level, but this approach has not yet been unambiguously shown.
      Here, we report unusually high 35S concentrations (7,390 atoms m-3; ~16 times
      greater than annual average) in fine sulfate aerosols (aerodynamic diameter less
      than 0.95 um) collected at a coastal site in southern California on May 3, 2014,
      when ground-level O3 mixing ratios at air quality monitoring stations across
      southern California (43 of 85) exceeded the recently revised US National Ambient
      Air Quality Standard (daily maximum 8-h average: 70 parts per billion by volume).
      The stratospheric origin of the significantly enhanced 35S level is supported by
      in situ measurements of air pollutants and meteorological variables, satellite
      observations, meteorological analysis, and box model calculations. The deep
      stratospheric intrusion event was driven by the coupling between midlatitude
      cyclones and Santa Ana winds, and it was responsible for the regional O3
      pollution episode. These results provide direct field-based evidence that 35S is
      an additional sensitive and unambiguous tracer in detecting stratospheric air in
      the boundary layer and offer the potential for resolving the stratospheric
      influences on the tropospheric O3 level.

PMID- 27655891
TI  - High pressure-induced distortion in face-centered cubic phase of thallium.
AB  - The complex and unusual high-pressure phase transition of III-A (i.e. Al, Ga, and
      In) metals have been investigated in the last several decades because of their
      interesting periodic table position between the elements having metallic and
      covalent bonding. Our present first principles-based electronic structure
      calculations and experimental investigation have revealed the unusual distortion
      in face-centered cubic (f.c.c.) phase of the heavy element thallium (Tl) induced
      by the high pressure. We have predicted body-centered tetragonal (b.c.t) phase at
      83 GPa using an evolutionary algorithm coupled with ab initio calculations, and
      this prediction has been confirmed with a slightly distorted parameter ([Formula:
      see text] * a - c)/c lowered by 1% using an angle-dispersive X-ray diffraction
      technique. The density functional theory (DFT)-based calculations suggest that s
      p mixing states and the valence-core overlapping of 6s and 5d states play the
      most important roles for the phase transitions along the pathway h.c.p[Formula:
      see text]f.c.c.[Formula: see text]b.c.t.

PMID- 27655892
TI  - How curvature-generating proteins build scaffolds on membrane nanotubes.
AB  - Bin/Amphiphysin/Rvs (BAR) domain proteins control the curvature of lipid
      membranes in endocytosis, trafficking, cell motility, the formation of complex
      subcellular structures, and many other cellular phenomena. They form 3D
      assemblies that act as molecular scaffolds to reshape the membrane and alter its
      mechanical properties. It is unknown, however, how a protein scaffold forms and
      how BAR domains interact in these assemblies at protein densities relevant for a
      cell. In this work, we use various experimental, theoretical, and simulation
      approaches to explore how BAR proteins organize to form a scaffold on a membrane
      nanotube. By combining quantitative microscopy with analytical modeling, we
      demonstrate that a highly curving BAR protein endophilin nucleates its scaffolds
      at the ends of a membrane tube, contrary to a weaker curving protein centaurin,
      which binds evenly along the tube's length. Our work implies that the nature of
      local protein-membrane interactions can affect the specific localization of
      proteins on membrane-remodeling sites. Furthermore, we show that amphipathic
      helices are dispensable in forming protein scaffolds. Finally, we explore a
      possible molecular structure of a BAR-domain scaffold using coarse-grained
      molecular dynamics simulations. Together with fluorescence microscopy, the
      simulations show that proteins need only to cover 30-40% of a tube's surface to
      form a rigid assembly. Our work provides mechanical and structural insights into
      the way BAR proteins may sculpt the membrane as a high-order cooperative assembly
      in important biological processes.

PMID- 27655893
TI  - Brassinosteroids participate in the control of basal and acquired freezing
      tolerance of plants.
AB  - Brassinosteroids (BRs) are growth-promoting plant hormones that play a role in
      abiotic stress responses, but molecular modes that enable this activity remain
      largely unknown. Here we show that BRs participate in the regulation of freezing
      tolerance. BR signaling-defective mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana were
      hypersensitive to freezing before and after cold acclimation. The constitutive
      activation of BR signaling, in contrast, enhanced freezing resistance. Evidence
      is provided that the BR-controlled basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor
      CESTA (CES) can contribute to the constitutive expression of the C
      REPEAT/DEHYDRATION-RESPONSIVE ELEMENT BINDING FACTOR (CBF) transcriptional
      regulators that control cold responsive (COR) gene expression. In addition, CBF
      independent classes of BR-regulated COR genes are identified that are regulated
      in a BR- and CES-dependent manner during cold acclimation. A model is presented
      in which BRs govern different cold-responsive transcriptional cascades through
      the posttranslational modification of CES and redundantly acting factors. This
      contributes to the basal resistance against freezing stress, but also to the
      further improvement of this resistance through cold acclimation.

PMID- 27655894
TI  - Acute stress enhances heterodimerization and binding of corticosteroid receptors
      at glucocorticoid target genes in the hippocampus.
AB  - A stressful event results in secretion of glucocorticoid hormones, which bind to
      mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs) and glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) in the
      hippocampus to regulate cognitive and affective responses to the challenge. MRs
      are already highly occupied by low glucocorticoid levels under baseline
      conditions, whereas GRs only become substantially occupied by stress- or
      circadian-driven glucocorticoid levels. Currently, however, the binding of MRs
      and GRs to glucocorticoid-responsive elements (GREs) within hippocampal
      glucocorticoid target genes under such physiological conditions in vivo is
      unknown. We found that forced swim (FS) stress evoked increased hippocampal RNA
      expression levels of the glucocorticoid-responsive genes FK506-binding protein 5
      (Fkbp5), Period 1 (Per1), and serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 1
      (Sgk1). Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis showed that this stressor
      caused substantial gene-dependent increases in GR binding and surprisingly, also
      MR binding to GREs within these genes. Different acute challenges, including
      novelty, restraint, and FS stress, produced distinct glucocorticoid responses but
      resulted in largely similar MR and GR binding to GREs. Sequential and tandem ChIP
      analyses showed that, after FS stress, MRs and GRs bind concomitantly to the same
      GRE sites within Fkbp5 and Per1 but not Sgk1 Thus, after stress, MRs and GRs seem
      to bind to GREs as homo- and/or heterodimers in a gene-dependent manner. MR
      binding to GREs at baseline seems to be restricted, whereas after stress, GR
      binding may facilitate cobinding of MR. This study reveals that the interaction
      of MRs and GRs with GREs within the genome constitutes an additional level of
      complexity in hippocampal glucocorticoid action beyond expectancies based on
      ligand-receptor interactions.

PMID- 27655896
TI  - US Air Force Behavioral Health Optimization Program: team members' satisfaction
      and barriers to care.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Research has shown significant contribution of integrated behavioural
      health care; however, less is known about the perceptions of primary care
      providers towards behavioural health professionals. OBJECTIVE: The current study
      examined barriers to care and satisfaction with integrated behavioural health
      care from the perspective of primary care team members. DESIGN: This study
      utilized archival data from 42 treatment facilities as part of ongoing program
      evaluation of the Air Force Medical Service's Behavioral Health Optimization
      Program. SETTING: This study was conducted in a large managed health care
      organization for active duty military and their families, with specific clinic
      settings that varied considerably in regards to geographic location, population
      diversity and size of patient empanelment. STUDY PARTICIPANTS: De-identified
      archival data on 534 primary care team members were examined. RESULTS: Team
      members at larger facilities rated access and acuity concerns as greater barriers
      than those from smaller facilities (t(533) = 2.57, P < 0.05). Primary Care
      Managers (PCMs) not only identified more barriers to integrated care (beta = 
      0.07, P < 0.01) but also found services more helpful to the primary care team
      (t(362.52) = 1.97, P = 0.05). Barriers to care negatively impacted perceived
      helpfulness of integrated care services for patients (beta = -0.12, P < 0.01) and
      team members, particularly among non-PCMs (beta = -0.11, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS:
      Findings highlight the potential benefits of targeted training that differs in
      facilities of larger empanelment and is mindful of team members' individual roles
      in a Patient Centered Medical Home. In particular, although generally few
      barriers were perceived, given the impact these barriers have on perception of
      care, efforts should be made to decrease perceived barriers to integrated
      behavioural health care among non-PCM team members.

PMID- 27655897
TI  - Who to handover: a case-control study of a novel scoring system to prioritise
      handover of internal medicine inpatients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Handover of patients between care providers is a critical event in
      patient care. There is, however, little evidence to guide the handover process,
      including determining which patients to handover. AIM: Compare the ability of
      gestalt-based handover with two structured scores, the modified early warning
      score (MEWS) and our novel iHAND clinical decision support system, to predict
      which patients will be assessed by a physician overnight. METHODS: This case
      control study included 90 inpatients, comprising 32 patients assessed overnight
      (cases) and 58 patients not assessed overnight (controls) at a teaching hospital
      in British Columbia, Canada (May 2012). Gestalt, MEWS and iHAND scores were
      analysed against patients seen overnight using logistic regression and receiver
      operating characteristic (ROC) curves. RESULTS: Neither current gestalt-based
      handover practice (odds ratio (OR) 1.50, 95% CI 0.89 to 3.83) nor MEWS (OR 0.96,
      95% CI 0.75 to 1.24, area under the ROC curve (AUC) 0.61, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.73)
      were significantly associated with need to be seen overnight. The iHAND score was
      associated with need to be seen (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.24 to 3.02, AUC 0.70, 95% CI
      0.60 to 0.81). CONCLUSIONS: The iHAND score had moderate ability to predict which
      patients required assessment overnight, while MEWS score and current gestalt
      approach correlated poorly, suggesting the iHAND score may help prioritisation of
      patients likely to be seen overnight for handover.

PMID- 27655895
TI  - Mutational landscape, clonal evolution patterns, and role of RAS mutations in
      relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
AB  - Although multiagent combination chemotherapy is curative in a significant
      fraction of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients, 20% of cases
      relapse and most die because of chemorefractory disease. Here we used whole-exome
      and whole-genome sequencing to analyze the mutational landscape at relapse in
      pediatric ALL cases. These analyses identified numerous relapse-associated
      mutated genes intertwined in chemotherapy resistance-related protein complexes.
      In this context, RAS-MAPK pathway-activating mutations in the neuroblastoma RAS
      viral oncogene homolog (NRAS), kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS),
      and protein tyrosine phosphatase, nonreceptor type 11 (PTPN11) genes were present
      in 24 of 55 (44%) cases in our series. Interestingly, some leukemias showed
      retention or emergence of RAS mutant clones at relapse, whereas in others RAS
      mutant clones present at diagnosis were replaced by RAS wild-type populations,
      supporting a role for both positive and negative selection evolutionary pressures
      in clonal evolution of RAS-mutant leukemia. Consistently, functional dissection
      of mouse and human wild-type and mutant RAS isogenic leukemia cells demonstrated
      induction of methotrexate resistance but also improved the response to
      vincristine in mutant RAS-expressing lymphoblasts. These results highlight the
      central role of chemotherapy-driven selection as a central mechanism of leukemia
      clonal evolution in relapsed ALL, and demonstrate a previously unrecognized dual
      role of RAS mutations as drivers of both sensitivity and resistance to
      chemotherapy.

PMID- 27655899
TI  - A transcribed ultraconserved noncoding RNA, uc.417, serves as a negative
      regulator of brown adipose tissue thermogenesis.
AB  - Brown adipose tissue (BAT) oxidizes fatty acids for thermogenesis and could
      therefore be considered as part of a new strategy in combating obesity and
      associated metabolic diseases. It is well established that aging is accompanied
      by a decline of brown adipocyte regenerative capacity. How aging contributes to
      this loss is poorly understood. Here, we identify a long noncoding RNA, uc.417,
      which is transcribed from an ultraconserved region in rodents. Expression of
      uc.417 increases with age. Ectopic expression of uc.417 impairs adipogenesis and
      the thermogenic program in brown adipocytes. However, uc.417 is not required for
      brown fat function. In vivo, uc.417 attenuates the cold-induced thermogenic
      program in mouse BAT. Moreover, we find that uc.417 moderately inhibits
      phosphorylation of p38MAPK without affecting the total protein level of p38MAPK.
      The p38MAPK pathway is essential for activating BAT to stimulate uncoupling
      protein 1 gene expression. The data point to uc.417 as being an important factor
      in an age-dependent loss of function of brown adipose tissue.-Cui, X., You, L.,
      Li, Y., Zhu, L., Zhang, F., Xie, K., Cao, Y., Ji, C., Guo, X. A transcribed
      ultraconserved noncoding RNA, uc.417, serves as a negative regulator of brown
      adipose tissue thermogenesis.

PMID- 27655898
TI  - Baby Boomers and Birth Certificates: Early-Life Socioeconomic Status and Cancer
      Risk in Adulthood.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early-life socioeconomic status (SES) may play a role in cancer risk
      in adulthood. However, measuring SES retrospectively presents challenges.
      Parental occupation on the birth certificate is a novel method of ascertaining
      early-life SES that has not been applied in cancer epidemiology. METHODS: For a
      Baby-Boom cohort born from 1945-1959 in two Utah counties, individual-level Nam
      Powers SES (Np-SES) was derived from parental industry/occupation reported on
      birth certificates. Neighborhood SES was estimated from average household income
      of census tract at birth. Cancer incidence was determined by linkage to Utah
      Cancer Registry records through the Utah Population Database. Hazard ratios (HR)
      for cancer risk by SES quartile were estimated using Cox proportional hazards
      regression. RESULTS: Females with low Np-SES at birth had lower risk of breast
      cancer compared with those in the highest Np-SES group [HRQ1/Q4 = 0.83; 95%
      confidence interval (CI), 0.72-0.97; HRQ2/Q4 = 0.81; 95% CI, 0.69-0.96]. Np-SES
      was inversely associated with melanoma (HRQ1/Q4 = 0.81; 95% CI, 0.67-0.98) and
      prostate cancer (HRQ1/Q4 = 0.70; 95% CI, 0.56-0.88). Women born into lower SES
      neighborhoods had significantly increased risk for invasive cervical cancer
      (HRQ1/Q4 = 1.44; 95% CI, 1.12-1.85; HRQ2/Q4 = 1.33; 95% CI, 1.04-1.72).
      Neighborhood SES had similar effects for melanoma and prostate cancers, but was
      not associated with female breast cancer. We found no association with SES for
      pancreas, lung, and colon and rectal cancers. CONCLUSIONS: Individual SES derived
      from parental occupation at birth was associated with altered risk for several
      cancer sites. IMPACT: This novel methodology can contribute to improved
      understanding of the role of early-life SES on cancer risk. Cancer Epidemiol
      Biomarkers Prev; 26(1); 75-84. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27655901
TI  - Occurrence of white striping and wooden breast in broilers fed grower and
      finisher diets with increasing lysine levels.
AB  - Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the prevalence and severity of white
      striping (WS) and wooden breast (WB) in breast fillets from broilers fed diets
      with increasing digestible Lysine (dLys) from 12 to 28 d (Exp. 1) and from 28 to
      42 d (Exp. 2). Trials were sequentially conducted using one-d-old male, slow
      feathering Cobb 500 * Cobb broilers, both with 6 treatments and 8 replicates.
      Increasing dLys levels were equally spaced from 0.77 to 1.17% in Exp. 1 and from
      0.68 to 1.07% in Exp. 2. The lowest dLys diet was not supplemented with L-Lysine
      (L-Lys) in either one of the studies and all other essential amino acid (AA) met
      or exceeded current commercial recommendations such that their dietary
      concentrations did not limit broiler growth. Four birds per pen were randomly
      selected from each replication and processed at 35 and 42 d in Exp. 1 and Exp. 2,
      respectively. Deboned breast fillets (Pectoralis major) were submitted to a 3
      subject panel evaluation to detect the presence of WS and WB, as well as to
      provide scores of WS (0-normal, 1-moderate, 2-severe) and WB (0-normal, 1
      moderate light, 2-moderate, 3-severe). Increasing the level of dLys had a
      positive effect on BW, carcass, and breast weight, as well as breast yield. White
      striping and WB prevalences were 32.3 and 85.9% in Exp. 1 and 87.1 and 89.2% in
      Exp. 2. Birds fed diets not supplemented with L-Lys had the lowest average WS and
      WB scores (0.22 and 0.78 in Exp. 1 and 0.61 and 0.68 in Exp. 2). White striping
      and WB presented linear responses to performance variables in Exp. 1, whereas
      quadratic responses were observed for all variables in Exp. 2. In conclusion,
      increasing the level of dLys improved growth performance and carcass traits as
      well as induced the occurrence and severity of WS and WB lesions.

PMID- 27655900
TI  - CCR2 deficiency does not provide sustained improvement of muscular dystrophy in
      mdx5cv mice.
AB  - Genetic ablation or pharmacologic inhibition of CC chemokine receptor type 2
      (CCR2) reduced macrophage (MP) infiltration and improved muscle pathology and
      function in mdx diaphragm muscle at early stages. We addressed whether CCR2
      deficiency resulted in sustained improvement of mdx5cv-Ccr2-/- diaphragm.
      Compared to mdx5cv controls, CCR2 deficiency in mdx5cv-Ccr2-/- mice markedly
      reduced intramuscular Ly6Chi MPs at all stages, but it reduced Ly6Clow MPs only
      at early stages (4 and 9 wk). CCR2 deficiency reduced quadriceps and diaphragm
      muscle damage and fibrosis at 14 wk but not at 6 mo, and it improved diaphragm
      muscle regeneration and respiratory function at 14 wk but not at 6 mo.
      Intramuscular MPs in mdx5cv-Ccr2-/- diaphragm expressed a low level of IL-1beta,
      IL-6, and IFN-gamma genes, a similar level of TNF-alpha, TGF-beta1, and platelet
      derived growth factor alpha genes, and a high level of IGF-1 and osteopontin
      genes compared to mdx5cv controls. Diaphragm fibroblasts at 14 wk showed a
      similar cell number with a similar level of collagen and profibrogenic growth
      factor gene expression in mdx5cv-Ccr2-/- and mdx5cv mice. Diaphragm MPs from both
      mdx5cv-Ccr2-/- and mdx5cv mice stimulated collagen gene expression by cocultured
      fibroblasts. The findings suggest that CCR2 deficiency does not provide a
      sustained benefit and that Ly6Clow MPs may contribute to the progressive fibrosis
      and dysfunction of mdx5cv diaphragm.-Zhao, W., Wang, X., Ransohoff, R. M., Zhou,
      L. CCR2 deficiency does not provide sustained improvement of muscular dystrophy
      in mdx5cv mice.

PMID- 27655902
TI  - Role of surgery in N2 NSCLC: pros.
AB  - The optimal management of clinical N2 Stage IIIA non-small cell lung cancer is
      still controversial. For a cure of locally advanced IIIA/N2 non-small cell lung
      cancer, the control of both local regions and possible distant micrometastases is
      crucial. Chemotherapy is generally expected to prevent distant recurrence. For
      local tumor control, radiotherapy or surgery has been adopted singly or in
      combination. If a complete resection can be safely performed, surgery remains the
      strongest modality for 'eradicating' local disease. Many retrospective studies
      have reported a possible survival benefit of induction treatment followed by
      surgery in selected patients with IIIA/N2 non-small cell lung cancer; however,
      randomized Phase III trials have failed to demonstrate the superiority of
      induction treatment followed by surgery over chemoradiotherapy, mainly because of
      the heterogeneity of the N2 status. IIIA/N2 non-small cell lung cancer consists
      of a heterogeneous group of disease ranging from microscopically single station
      to radiologically bulky ipsilateral multi-station mediastinal lymph node
      involvement. A recent definition proposed by the American College of Chest
      Physicians classified non-small cell lung cancer based on the N2 status, such as
      discrete or infiltrative type, and recommendations were made according to this N2
      status, with definitive chemoradiotherapy recommended for infiltrative clinical
      N2 and definitive chemoradiotherapy or induction treatment followed by surgery
      recommended for other cases. Thus, the introduction of a multimodality treatment
      strategy seems to be necessary for the improved prognosis of non-small cell lung
      cancer patients with IIIA/N2 disease. In this review, we discuss the role of
      surgery and the optimal surgical management for patients with IIIA/N2 non-small
      cell lung cancer.

PMID- 27655903
TI  - Preoperative chemoradiotherapy for elderly patients with locally advanced rectal
      cancer-a real-world outcome study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Preoperative chemoradiotherapy has been established as a standard
      treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer. It is unclear whether preoperative
      chemoradiotherapy is truly beneficial in the elderly patients. Our aim was to
      assess the impact of age on the treatment tolerance and clinical outcomes.
      METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 160 consecutive patients with clinical stage
      T3-4, and/or lymph node positive tumors who received preoperative
      chemoradiotherapy from May 2003 to December 2010 at a single hospital. Treatment
      tolerance and outcomes were compared between patients >=70 years (N = 56) and <70
      years (N = 104). RESULTS: There was no disparity in the achievement of prescribed
      radiation dose and dose reduction of chemotherapy between two groups. Pathologic
      complete response rate (15.6% vs. 16.0%) and sphincter preservation rate (91.1%
      vs. 95.0%; P = 0.459) were not significantly different. The 3-year disease-free
      survival of older vs. younger patients was 77.8% vs. 92.3% and 5-year disease
      free survival was 60.0% vs. 78.6%, respectively (P = 0.023). In multivariable
      analysis, age was significantly associated with disease-free survival (P = 0.033)
      but comorbidities were not (P = 0.092). However, both age (hazard ratio, 2.331; P
      = 0.028) and comorbidities (hazard ratio, 2.772; P = 0.031) were significantly
      associated with overall survival as well as clinical stage. Anemia was the only
      adverse effect more prominent in older patients. CONCLUSIONS: Older patients
      showed non-inferior compliance and equivalent pathologic complete response rates
      without an increased incidence of treatment complications with preoperative
      chemoradiotherapy. More comprehensive consideration than age alone is warranted
      in the decision of applying preoperative chemoradiotherapy to elderly patients
      with rectal cancer.

PMID- 27655904
TI  - Treatments and outcomes of advanced/recurrent non-small cell lung cancer
      harboring the EGFR T790M mutation: a retrospective observational study of 141
      patients in Japan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) T790M mutation is
      considered the major mechanism of acquired resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase
      inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with EGFR
      sensitizing mutations. Although chemotherapy is commonly used for those patients
      under the condition without T790M-targeted therapy, the clinical outcomes are
      poorly defined. Therefore, we aimed to reveal the treatment patterns and clinical
      outcomes in patients with T790M-positive NSCLC. METHODS: We conducted a
      retrospective observational study at 23 sites in Japan, and 141 patients with
      T790M-positive advanced/recurrent NSCLC were identified from January 2008 to
      December 2014. Their records were studied to understand treatment patterns after
      detection of a T790M mutation and to assess the objective response rate (ORR) and
      median survival time (MST) to specific treatment modalities. RESULTS: Of 141
      patients, 24 had de novo T790M-positive tumors and 117 had acquired T790M
      positive tumors, with MSTs (95% CI) of 21.4 (12.4-36.7) and 9.1 (6.4-13.9)
      months, respectively. The most common regimen was platinum-based doublet
      chemotherapy +/- bevacizumab, which was associated with an ORR/MST of 25.0%/29.1
      months, respectively, in patients with de novo T790M mutations, and 22.2%/15.3
      months, respectively, in patients with acquired T790M mutations. CONCLUSIONS:
      This study reveals the treatment patterns and outcomes of NSCLC patients in Japan
      after detection of the T790M mutation. The most common treatment following
      detection of the T790M mutation was platinum-based doublet chemotherapy +/-
      bevacizumab. Platinum-based doublet chemotherapy +/- bevacizumab was moderately
      effective, indicating the need for targeted therapies for patients with T790M
      mutation-positive NSCLC.

PMID- 27655905
TI  - A Phase II/III randomized controlled trial comparing perioperative versus
      postoperative chemotherapy with mFOLFOX6 for lower rectal cancer with suspected
      lateral pelvic node metastasis: Japan Clinical Oncology Group Study JCOG1310
      (PRECIOUS study).
AB  - A randomized phase II/III trial was started in May 2015 comparing perioperative
      versus postoperative chemotherapy with modified infusional fluorouracil and
      folinic acid with oxaliplatin for lower rectal cancer patients with suspected
      lateral pelvic node metastasis. The standard arm is total mesorectal excision or
      tumor-specific mesorectal excision with lateral pelvic node dissection (LND)
      followed by postoperative chemotherapy (modified infusional fluorouracil and
      folinic acid with oxaliplatin; 12 cycles). The experimental (perioperative
      chemotherapy) arm is six courses of modified infusional fluorouracil and folinic
      acid with oxaliplatin before and six courses after total mesorectal excision with
      lateral pelvic node dissection. The aim of this trial is to confirm the
      superiority of perioperative chemotherapy. A total of 330 patients will be
      enrolled over 7 years. The primary endpoint in Phase II part is proportion of R0
      resection and that in Phase III part is overall survival. Secondary endpoints are
      progression-free survival, local progression-free survival, etc. This trial has
      been registered in the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry as UMIN000017603
      [http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index-j.htm].

PMID- 27655906
TI  - A prediction model of survival for patients with bone metastasis from uterine
      corpus cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to establish a predictive model of survival
      period after bone metastasis from endometrial cancer. METHODS: A total of 28
      patients with bone metastasis from uterine corpus cancer were included in the
      study. Data at the time of bone metastasis diagnosis, which included presence of
      extraskeletal metastasis, performance status, history of any previous
      radiation/chemotherapy and the number of bone metastases, were collected.
      Survival data were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier methods and Cox proportional
      hazard models. RESULTS: The most common site of bone metastasis was the pelvis
      (50.0%), followed by lumbar spine (32.1%), thoracic spine (25.0%) and rib bone
      (17.9%). The median survival period after bone metastasis was 25 weeks. The
      overall rate of survival after bone metastasis of the entire cohort was 75.0% at
      13 weeks, 46.4% at 26 weeks and 42.9% at 52 weeks. Performance status of 3-4 was
      confirmed as an independent prognostic factor (Hazard ratio, 3.5; 95% confidence
      interval, 1.41-8.70) and multiple bone metastases tended to be associated with
      poor prognosis (Hazard ratio, 2.4; 95% confidence interval, 0.95-5.97). A
      prognostic score was calculated by adding up the number of these two factors. The
      26-week survival rates after bone metastasis were 88.9% for those with a score of
      0, 45.5% for those with a score of 1 and 0% for those with a score of 2 (P =
      0.0006). CONCLUSIONS: This scoring system can be used to determine the optimal
      treatment for patients with bone metastasis from endometrial cancer.

PMID- 27655908
TI  - Incidence rate for uterus cancer in Japanese in Japan and in the United States
      from the Cancer Incidence in Five Continents.

PMID- 27655907
TI  - The role of pulmonary resection in tumors metastatic from esophageal carcinoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this study were to determine the role of surgical
      treatment and to identify factors affecting survival of patients undergoing
      resection of pulmonary metastatic tumors from esophageal carcinoma. METHODS: We
      reviewed 33 patients who had undergone resection of pulmonary metastatic tumors
      from esophageal carcinoma after definitive treatment. RESULTS: The operative
      morbidity rate was only 5%, no patients died within 30 days after resection, and
      complete resection was achieved in 30 patients. The overall 1-, 3- and 5-year
      survival rates after pulmonary metastasectomy were 79.4, 47.8 and 43.0%,
      respectively, and the median survival time was 17.9 months. The factors found on
      univariate analysis to affect survival significantly were disease-free interval
      <16 months and nodal involvement of the primary tumor. The most frequent pattern
      of initial recurrence after pulmonary resection was distant metastasis (70%).
      CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of surgical resection
      for selected patients with pulmonary metastatic tumors from esophageal carcinoma.
      However, with a high recurrence rate in patients with negative prognostic
      factors, adjuvant systemic chemotherapy after pulmonary resection should be
      considered.

PMID- 27655909
TI  - N-Glycosylation influences transport, but not cellular trafficking, of a neuronal
      amino acid transporter SNAT1.
AB  - SNAT1 is a system N/A neutral amino acid transporter that primarily expresses in
      neurons and mediates the transport of l-glutamine (Gln). Gln is an important
      amino acid involved in multiple cellular functions and also is a precursor for
      neurotransmitters, glutamate and GABA. In the present study, we demonstrated that
      SNAT1 is an N-glycoprotein expressed in neurons. We identified three
      glycosylation sites at asparagine residues 251, 257 and 310 in SNAT1 protein, and
      that the first two are the primary sites. The biotinylation and confocal
      immunofluorescence analysis showed that the glycosylation-impaired mutants and
      deglycosylated SNAT1 were equally capable of expressing on the cell surface.
      However, l-Gln and 3H-labeled methyl amino isobutyrate (MeAIB) was significantly
      compromised in N-glycosylation-impaired mutants and deglycosylated SNAT1 when
      compared with the wild-type control. Taken together, these results suggest that
      SNAT1 is an N-glycosylated protein with three de novo glycosylation sites and N
      glycosylation of SNAT1 may play an important role in the transport of substrates
      across the cell membrane.

PMID- 27655911
TI  - Stable expression of Shigella dysenteriae serotype 1 O-antigen genes integrated
      into the chromosome of live Salmonella oral vaccine vector Ty21a.
AB  - Typhoid fever and shigellosis cause high morbidity and mortality worldwide, yet
      no anti-Shigella vaccine is currently available. However, to protect against
      typhoid fever, an approved vaccine, based on the attenuated Salmonella enterica
      serovar Typhi strain Ty21a is available. We have investigated Ty21a as a live
      oral vaccine vector for expression of heterologous foreign antigens to protect
      against other diseases (e.g. shigellosis, anthrax, and plague). Shigella LPS is a
      potent vaccine antigen for serotype-specific protection against Shigellae. We
      previously reported the construction of a Ty21a derivative expressing S. sonnei O
      antigen by insertion of a large (~12.5 kb) operon comprising the S. sonnei O
      antigen biosynthetic genes into a targeted site within the Ty21a chromosome using
      modified lambda red recombineering methods. In the current study, S. dysenteriae
      1 O-antigen biosynthetic genes from 2 separate genetic loci, rfp and rfb were
      assembled and inserted into the Ty21a chromosome by lambda red-mediated
      recombineering to construct strain Ty21a-Sd. To obtain a high level of
      heterologous LPS expression, the native upstream promoter was replaced with the
      constitutive lpp promoter, which resulted in Ty21a-Sdl with enhanced heterologous
      LPS expression. Both Ty21a-Sd and Ty21a-Sdl elicited significant serum antibody
      responses in mice against both Ty21a and this heterologous Shigella LPS, and
      conferred protection against virulent S. dysenteriae 1 challenge. This work
      represents progress toward the goal of a safe and effective vaccine against
      Shigella.

PMID- 27655910
TI  - Fluorescence-based rapid measurement of sphingosine-1-phosphate transport
      activity in erythrocytes.
AB  - Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is present in the blood plasma and acts as a
      pivotal intercellular signal transmitter in the immune system by recruiting
      lymphocytes from the thymus and secondary lymphoid tissues. The plasma S1P
      concentration is maintained by the supply of S1P from erythrocytes. Previously,
      we showed that S1P release from erythrocytes is mediated by an ATP-dependent
      transporter. In this study, we attempted to establish a rapid and reliable method
      for measuring the S1P transport activity in erythrocytes by using a fluorescent
      S1P analog, 7-nitro-2-1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-yl (NBD)-labeled S1P. NBD-S1P was
      released from erythrocytes in a time-dependent manner. The NBD-S1P release was
      reduced after exposure to glyburide, which is an inhibitor of the S1P transporter
      in erythrocytes. Moreover, the release of NBD-S1P and S1P from erythrocytes was
      competitively inhibited by intracellular S1P and NBD-S1P, respectively. These
      results showed that the erythrocyte S1P transporter exports NBD-S1P. We optimized
      the sample-preparation conditions and lipid extraction to increase the
      sensitivity of the assay. Furthermore, we successfully measured NBD-S1P release
      without lipid extraction by decreasing the concentration of BSA in the assay
      buffer to 0.1%. This method will be useful for the high-throughput screening of
      S1P transporter inhibitors using conventional fluorometers.

PMID- 27655912
TI  - Central nervous system infection following vertical transmission of
      Coxsackievirus B4 in mice.
AB  - Coxsackie B viruses (CV-B) are important pathogens associated with several
      central nervous system (CNS) disorders. CV-B are mainly transmitted by the faecal
      oral route, but there is also evidence for vertical transmission. The outcome of
      in utero CV-B infections on offspring's CNS is poorly explored. The aim of this
      study was to investigate vertical transmission of CV-B to the CNS. For this
      purpose, pregnant Swiss albino mice were intraperitoneally inoculated with CV-B4
      E2 at gestational days 10G or 17G. Different CNS compartments were collected and
      analyzed for virus infection and histopathological changes. Using plaque assays,
      we demonstrated CV-B4 E2 vertical transmission to offspring's CNS. Viral RNA
      persisted in the CNS up to 60 days after birth, as evidenced by a sensitive semi
      nested(sn) reverse transcripton(RT)-PCR method. This was despite infectious
      particles becoming undetectable at later time points. Persistence was associated
      with inflammatory lesions, lymphocyte infiltration and viral dsRNA detected by
      immunohistochemistry. Offspring born to dams mock- or virus-infected at day 17G
      were challenged by the same virus at day 21 after birth (-+ and ++ groups,
      respectively). Sn-RT-PCR and histology results compared between both ++ and -+
      groups, show that in utero infection did not enhance CNS infection during
      challenge of the offspring with the same virus.

PMID- 27655914
TI  - The Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase MEG2 Regulates the Transport and Signal
      Transduction of Tropomyosin Receptor Kinase A.
AB  - Protein tyrosine phosphatase MEG2 (PTP-MEG2) is a unique nonreceptor tyrosine
      phosphatase associated with transport vesicles, where it facilitates membrane
      trafficking by dephosphorylation of the N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion factor.
      In this study, we identify the neurotrophin receptor TrkA as a novel cargo whose
      transport to the cell surface requires PTP-MEG2 activity. In addition, TrkA is
      also a novel substrate of PTP-MEG2, which dephosphorylates both Tyr-490 and Tyr
      674/Tyr-675 of TrkA. As a result, overexpression of PTP-MEG2 down-regulates
      NGF/TrkA signaling and blocks neurite outgrowth and differentiation in PC12 cells
      and cortical neurons.

PMID- 27655913
TI  - Actin-based motility of bacterial pathogens: mechanistic diversity and its impact
      on virulence.
AB  - A diverse spectrum of intracellular bacterial pathogens that inhabit the cytosol
      have evolved the ability to polymerize actin on their surface to power
      intracellular actin-based motility (ABM). These include species of Listeria,
      Burkholderia and Rickettsia, as well as Shigella and Mycobacteria Here, we
      provide an overview of the roles of bacterial ABM in survival and virulence.
      Moreover, we survey the molecular mechanisms of actin polymerization in host
      cells and describe how bacterial pathogens mimic or harness the full diversity of
      these mechanisms for ABM. Finally, we present ABM through a new lens by comparing
      motility mechanisms between related species of Listeria, Burkholderia, and
      Rickettsia Through these comparisons, we hope to illuminate how exploitation of
      different actin polymerization mechanisms influences ABM as well as pathogenicity
      and virulence in humans and other animals.

PMID- 27655915
TI  - Very Low Density Lipoprotein Assembly Is Required for cAMP-responsive Element
      binding Protein H Processing and Hepatic Apolipoprotein A-IV Expression.
AB  - Hepatic apolipoprotein A-IV (apoA-IV) expression is correlated with hepatic
      triglyceride (TG) content in mouse models of chronic hepatosteatosis, and
      steatosis-induced hepatic apoA-IV gene expression is regulated by nuclear
      transcription factor cAMP-responsive element-binding protein H (CREBH)
      processing. To define what aspects of TG homeostasis regulate hepatic CREBH
      processing and apoA-IV gene expression, several mouse models of attenuated VLDL
      particle assembly were subjected to acute hepatosteatosis induced by an overnight
      fast or short term ketogenic diet feeding. Compared with chow-fed C57BL/6 mice,
      fasted or ketogenic diet-fed mice displayed increased hepatic TG content, which
      was highly correlated (r2 = 0.95) with apoA-IV gene expression, and secretion of
      larger, TG-enriched VLDL, despite a lower rate of TG secretion and a similar or
      reduced rate of apoB100 secretion. When VLDL particle assembly and secretion was
      inhibited by hepatic shRNA-induced apoB silencing or genetic or pharmacologic
      reduction in microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) activity, hepatic TG
      content increased dramatically; however, CREBH processing and apoA-IV gene
      expression were attenuated compared with controls. Adenovirus-mediated
      reconstitution of MTP expression proportionately restored CREBH processing and
      apoA-IV expression in liver-specific MTP knock-out mice. These results reveal
      that hepatic TG content, per se, does not regulate CREBH processing. Instead, TG
      mobilization into the endoplasmic reticulum for nascent VLDL particle assembly
      activates CREBH processing and enhances apoA-IV gene expression in the setting of
      acute steatosis. We conclude that VLDL assembly and CREBH activation play key
      roles in the response to hepatic steatosis by up-regulating apoA-IV and promoting
      assembly and secretion of larger, more TG-enriched VLDL particles.

PMID- 27655918
TI  - Editor's Choice- Impact of immediate multivessel percutaneous coronary
      intervention versus culprit lesion intervention on 1-year outcome in patients
      with acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock: Results of the
      randomised IABP-SHOCK II trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Current guidelines recommend immediate multivessel percutaneous
      coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with cardiogenic shock, despite the lack
      of randomised trials. We sought to investigate the use and impact on outcome of
      multivessel PCI in comparison to culprit lesion only PCI in a retrospective
      analysis in patients with cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial
      infarction. METHODS AND RESULTS: In the randomised IABP-SHOCK II trial,
      investigating the effect of intra-aortic balloon pump on outcome, 451 (75%) of
      the total of 600 patients had multivessel coronary artery disease and underwent
      PCI. Immediate multivessel PCI was performed in 167 (37%) patients. TIMI 3
      patency after PCI in all treated vessels was observed in 83.2% versus 79.0% of
      patients after multivessel versus culprit lesion PCI, respectively. The 30-day
      (44.9% vs. 42.3%) and 12-month (54.8% vs. 52.7%) mortality rates did not
      significantly differ between the two groups. In the multivariate analysis
      multivessel PCI was not associated with an improved mortality after 12 months
      (odds ratio 0.92, 95% confidence intervals 0.69-1.21). CONCLUSION: In this
      retrospective analysis of the largest randomised study in cardiogenic shock
      immediate multivessel PCI was used in approximately one third of patients with
      cardiogenic shock. There was no benefit with immediate multivessel PCI in
      comparison to culprit lesion only PCI. Therefore a randomised trial is needed to
      determine the definitive role of multivessel PCI in cardiogenic shock. CLINICAL
      TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT00491036.

PMID- 27655916
TI  - Endoplasmic Reticulum Lipid Flux Influences Enterocyte Nuclear Morphology and
      Lipid-dependent Transcriptional Responses.
AB  - Responding to a high-fat meal requires an interplay between multiple digestive
      tissues, sympathetic response pathways, and the gut microbiome. The epithelial
      enterocytes of the intestine are responsible for absorbing dietary nutrients and
      preparing them for circulation to distal tissues, which requires significant
      changes in cellular activity, including both morphological and transcriptional
      responses. Following a high-fat meal, we observe morphological changes in the
      enterocytes of larval zebrafish, including elongation of mitochondria, formation
      and expansion of lipid droplets, and the rapid and transient ruffling of the
      nuclear periphery. Dietary and pharmacological manipulation of zebrafish larvae
      demonstrated that these subcellular changes are specific to triglyceride
      absorption. The transcriptional changes that occur simultaneously with these
      morphological changes were determined using RNA sequencing, revealing a cohort of
      up-regulated genes associated with lipid droplet formation and lipid transport
      via lipoprotein particles. Using a microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP)
      inhibitor to block beta-lipoprotein particle formation, we demonstrate that the
      transcriptional response to a high-fat meal is associated with the transfer of ER
      triglyceride to nascent beta-lipoproteins, possibly through the activation of
      Creb3l3/cyclic AMP-responsive element-binding protein. These data suggest that a
      transient increase in ER lipids is the likely mediator of the initial
      physiological response of intestinal enterocytes to dietary lipid.

PMID- 27655917
TI  - Regulation of Integrin alpha6 Recycling by Calcium-independent Phospholipase A2
      (iPLA2) to Promote Microglia Chemotaxis on Laminin.
AB  - Microglia are the immune effector cells that are activated in response to
      pathological changes in the central nervous system. Microglial activation is
      accompanied by the alteration of integrin expression on the microglia surface.
      However, changes of integrin expression upon chemoattractant (ADP) stimulation
      still remain unknown. In this study, we investigated whether ADP induces the
      alteration of integrin species on the cell surface, leading to changes in
      chemotactic ability on different extracellular matrix proteins. Flow cytometry
      scans and on-cell Western assays showed that ADP stimulation induced a
      significant increase of alpha6 integrin-GFP, but not alpha5, on the surface of
      microglia cells. Microglia also showed a greater motility increase on laminin
      than fibronectin after ADP stimulation. Time lapse microscopy and integrin
      endocytosis assay revealed the essential role of calcium-independent
      phospholipase A2 activity for the recycling of alpha6 integrin-GFP from the
      endosomal recycling complex to the plasma membrane. Lack of calcium-independent
      phospholipase A2 activity caused a reduced rate of focal adhesion formation on
      laminin at the leading edge. Our results suggest that the alteration of integrin
      mediated adhesion may regulate the extent of microglial infiltration into the
      site of damage by controlling their chemotactic ability.

PMID- 27655919
TI  - Experience with indwelling pleural catheters in the treatment of recurrent
      pleural effusions.
AB  - Recurrent pleural effusions are frequently encountered in clinical practice.
      Whether malignant or nonmalignant, they often pose a challenge to the practicing
      clinician. When they recur, despite optimum medical therapy of the underlying
      condition and repeated thoracenteses, more invasive definitive approaches are
      usually required. Since its introduction in 1997, the PleurX catheter became the
      preferred method to treat recurrent malignant pleural effusions. Since then, a
      number of publications have documented its utility in managing recurrent
      nonmalignant pleural effusions. The purpose of this paper is to review the use of
      the PleurX catheter in recurrent pleural effusions.

PMID- 27655928
TI  - Molecularly Defined Subplate Neurons Project Both to Thalamocortical Recipient
      Layers and Thalamus.
AB  - In mammals, subplate neurons (SPNs) are among the first generated cortical
      neurons. While most SPNs exist only transiently during development, a number of
      SPNs persist among adult Layer 6b (L6b). During development, SPNs receive
      thalamic and intra-cortical input, and primarily project to Layer 4 (L4). SPNs
      are critical for the anatomical and functional development of thalamocortical
      connections and also pioneer corticothalamic projections. Since SPNs are
      heterogeneous, SPN subpopulations might serve different roles. Here, we
      investigate the connectivity of one subpopulation, complexin-3 (Cplx3)-positive
      SPNs (Cplx3-SPNs), in mouse whisker somatosensory (barrel) cortex (S1). We find
      that many Cplx3-SPNs survive into adulthood and become a subpopulation of L6b.
      Cplx3-SPNs axons project to thalamorecipient layers, that is, L4, 5a, and 1. The
      L4 projections are biased towards the septal regions between barrels in the
      second postnatal week. Thus, S1 Cplx3-SPN targets co-localize with the eventual
      projections of the medial posterior thalamic nucleus (POm). In addition to their
      cortical targets, Cplx3-SPNs also extend long-range axons to several thalamic
      nuclei, including POm. Thus, Cplx3-SPN/L6b neurons are associated with
      paralemniscal pathways and can potentially directly link thalamocortical and
      corticothalamic circuits. This suggests an additional key role for SPNs in the
      establishment and maintenance of thalamocortical processing.

PMID- 27655929
TI  - Gradual Development of Visual Texture-Selective Properties Between Macaque Areas
      V2 and V4.
AB  - Complex shape and texture representations are known to be constructed from V1
      along the ventral visual pathway through areas V2 and V4, but the underlying
      mechanism remains elusive. Recent study suggests that, for processing of
      textures, a collection of higher-order image statistics computed by combining V1
      like filter responses serves as possible representations of textures both in V2
      and V4. Here, to gain a clue for how these image statistics are processed in the
      extrastriate visual areas, we compared neuronal responses to textures in V2 and
      V4 of macaque monkeys. For individual neurons, we adaptively explored their
      preferred textures from among thousands of naturalistic textures and fitted the
      obtained responses using a combination of V1-like filter responses and higher
      order statistics. We found that, while the selectivity for image statistics was
      largely comparable between V2 and V4, V4 showed slightly stronger sensitivity to
      the higher-order statistics than V2. Consistent with that finding, V4 responses
      were reduced to a greater extent than V2 responses when the monkeys were shown
      spectrally matched noise images that lacked higher-order statistics. We therefore
      suggest that there is a gradual development in representation of higher-order
      features along the ventral visual hierarchy.

PMID- 27655931
TI  - Resting-state Functional Connectivity is an Age-dependent Predictor of Motor
      Learning Abilities.
AB  - This magnetoencephalography study investigates how ageing modulates the
      relationship between pre-learning resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC)
      and subsequent learning. Neuromagnetic resting-state activity was recorded 5 min
      before motor sequence learning in 14 young (19-30 years) and 14 old (66-70 years)
      participants. We used a seed-based beta-band power envelope correlation approach
      to estimate rsFC maps, with the seed located in the right primary sensorimotor
      cortex. In each age group, the relation between individual rsFC and learning
      performance was investigated using Pearson's correlation analyses. Our results
      show that rsFC is predictive of subsequent motor sequence learning but involves
      different cross-network interactions in the two age groups. In young adults,
      decreased coupling between the sensorimotor network and the cortico-striato
      cerebellar network is associated with better motor learning, whereas a similar
      relation is found in old adults between the sensorimotor, the dorsal-attentional
      and the DMNs. Additionally, age-related correlational differences were found in
      the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, known to subtend attentional and controlled
      processes. These findings suggest that motor skill learning depends-in an age
      dependent manner-on subtle interactions between resting-state networks subtending
      motor activity on the one hand, and controlled and attentional processes on the
      other hand.

PMID- 27655932
TI  - The "Creative Right Brain" Revisited: Individual Creativity and Associative
      Priming in the Right Hemisphere Relate to Hemispheric Asymmetries in Reward Brain
      Function.
AB  - The idea that creativity resides in the right cerebral hemisphere is persistent
      in popular science, but has been widely frowned upon by the scientific community
      due to little empirical support. Yet, creativity is believed to rely on the
      ability to combine remote concepts into novel and useful ideas, an ability which
      would depend on associative processing in the right hemisphere. Moreover,
      associative processing is modulated by dopamine, and asymmetries in dopamine
      functionality between hemispheres may imbalance the expression of their
      implemented cognitive functions. Here, by uniting these largely disconnected
      concepts, we hypothesize that relatively less dopamine function in the right
      hemisphere boosts creativity by releasing constraining effects of dopamine on
      remote associations. Indeed, participants with reduced neural responses in the
      dopaminergic system of the right hemisphere (estimated by functional MRI in a
      reward task with positive and negative feedback), displayed higher creativity
      (estimated by convergent and divergent tasks), and increased associative
      processing in the right hemisphere (estimated by a lateralized lexical decision
      task). Our findings offer unprecedented empirical support for a crucial and
      specific contribution of the right hemisphere to creativity. More importantly our
      study provides a comprehensive view on potential determinants of human
      creativity, namely dopamine-related activity and associative processing.

PMID- 27655930
TI  - Anterior Cingulate Pathways May Affect Emotions Through Orbitofrontal Cortex.
AB  - The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and posterior orbitofrontal cortex (pOFC) are
      associated with emotional regulation. These regions are old in phylogeny and have
      widespread connections with eulaminate neocortices, intricately linking areas
      associated with emotion and cognition. The ACC and pOFC have distinct cortical
      and subcortical connections and are also interlinked, but the pattern of their
      connections-which may be used to infer the flow of information between them-is
      not well understood. Here we found that pathways from ACC area 32 innervated all
      pOFC areas with a significant proportion of large and efficient terminals, seen
      at the level of the system and the synapse. The pathway from area 32 targeted
      overwhelmingly elements of excitatory neurons in pOFC, with few postsynaptic
      sites found on presumed inhibitory neurons. Moreover, pathways from area 32
      originated mostly in the upper layers and innervated preferentially the middle
      deep layers of the least differentiated pOFC areas, in a pattern reminiscent of
      feedforward communication. Pathway terminations from area 32 overlapped in the
      deep layers of pOFC with output pathways that project to the thalamus and the
      amygdala, and may have cascading downstream effects on emotional and cognitive
      processes and their disruption in psychiatric disorders.

PMID- 27655935
TI  - Controversies in MS: All relapsing multiple sclerosis patients should be managed
      at a specialist clinic - Combine the best of two worlds!

PMID- 27655933
TI  - Genetic Labeling of Nuclei-Specific Thalamocortical Neurons Reveals Putative
      Sensory-Modality Specific Genes.
AB  - The thalamus is a central brain structure with topographically ordered long-range
      axonal projections that convey sensory information to the cortex via distinct
      nuclei. Although there is an increasing knowledge about genes important for
      thalamocortical (TC) development, the identification of genetic landmarks of the
      distinct thalamic nuclei during the embryonic development has not been addressed
      systematically. Indeed, a more comprehensive understanding of how the axons from
      the individual nuclei find their way and connect to their corresponding cortical
      area is called for. Here, we used a genetic dual labeling strategy in mice to
      purify distinct principal sensory thalamic neurons. Subsequent genome-wide
      transcriptome profiling revealed genes specifically expressed in each nucleus
      during embryonic development. Analysis of regulatory regions of the identified
      genes revealed key transcription factors and networks that likely underlie the
      specification of individual sensory-modality TC connections. Finally, the
      importance of correct axon targeting for the specific sensory-modality population
      transcriptome was evidenced in a Sema6A mutant, in which visual TC axons are
      derailed at embryonic life. In sum, our data determined the developmental
      transcriptional profile of the TC neurons that will eventually support sensory
      processing.

PMID- 27655934
TI  - The Child Obesity Epidemic in Saudi Arabia: A Review of the Literature.
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine prevalence, nutrition and activity, and overweight and
      obesity prevention and management in Saudi Arabia. DESIGN: Using the Preferred
      Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis criteria, PubMed, Web of
      Science, PyschINFO, Global Health, Family Studies Worldwide, Middle Eastern
      Studies, and Sociological Abstracts was searched from January 1, 2003 to January
      31, 2016. Inclusion criteria included peer-reviewed articles published in Arabic
      and English that focused on prevalence, overweight or obesity in children 2 to 20
      years of age, body mass index percentile, and interventions. FINDINGS: Three
      themes were identified: epidemiological features, where the eastern region had
      the highest prevalence of overweight and obesity, risk factors, which included
      higher parental education, and lifestyle factors, which included increased
      consumption of calorie-dense food and a sedentary lifestyle. CONCLUSION:
      Childhood obesity is increasing in Saudi Arabia at an alarming rate. IMPLICATIONS
      FOR PRACTICE: Practitioners need to consider the cultural influences of the
      increasing obesity epidemic in Saudi Arabia.

PMID- 27655936
TI  - Direct visualization of lithium via annular bright field scanning transmission
      electron microscopy: a review.
AB  - Annular bright field (ABF) scanning transmission electron microscopy has proven
      able to directly image lithium columns within crystalline environments, offering
      much insight into the structure and properties of lithium-ion battery materials.
      We summarize the image formation mechanisms underpinning ABF imaging, review the
      experimental application of this technique to imaging lithium in materials and
      overview the conditions that help maximize the visibility of lithium columns.

PMID- 27655937
TI  - Electron microscopic study of capillary network remodeling in the extensor
      digitorum longus muscle of normal adult rat.
AB  - Capillary networks demonstrate structural changes during maturation, aging,
      vascular disease, and cancer. Their morphological structure and function have an
      important influence on each other. Understanding the process of morphological
      vascular changes in the capillary network with advancing age may help overcome
      fatal vascular diseases. Aging-related structural changes of the capillary
      segments may accompany degeneration and regeneration of muscle fibers and serve
      to remodel the capillary network as a means of adapting to the changing
      environment. However, difficulty in obtaining human samples has hampered
      clarification of these microstructural changes. Herein, we examined serial
      ultrathin sections of capillary segments in the extensor digitorum longus muscle
      of normal mature (12 months old) rats in an attempt to analyze their structural
      changes. After bifurcation, a minimum of one capillary segment was filled with
      erythrocytes and was found to have fenestrations and plural endothelial
      disruptions, or pores, at the fenestrated portions. Some of the stagnated
      erythrocytes demonstrated extended protrusions, and their processes appeared to
      penetrate the basal lamina through the pores. These findings can also show that
      capillary segments are involved in partial remodeling of the capillary network. A
      better understanding of age-related structural changes of the capillary networks
      will help in fine-tuning novel vascular therapy for not only several fatal
      vascular diseases but also malignant tumors.

PMID- 27655938
TI  - Detection of local chemical states of lithium and their spatial mapping by
      scanning transmission electron microscopy, electron energy-loss spectroscopy and
      hyperspectral image analysis.
AB  - Advancements in the field of renewable energy resources have led to a growing
      demand for the analysis of light elements at the nanometer scale. Detection of
      lithium is one of the key issues to be resolved for providing guiding principles
      for the synthesis of cathode active materials, and degradation analysis after
      repeated use of those materials. We have reviewed the different techniques
      currently used for the characterization of light elements such as high-resolution
      transmission electron microscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy
      (STEM) and electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS). In the present study, we
      have introduced a methodology to detect lithium in solid materials, particularly
      for cathode active materials used in lithium-ion battery. The chemical states of
      lithium were isolated and analyzed from the overlapping multiple spectral
      profiles, using a suite of STEM, EELS and hyperspectral image analysis. The
      method was successfully applied in the chemical state analyses of hetero-phases
      near the surface and grain boundary regions of the active material particles
      formed by chemical reactions between the electrolyte and the active materials.

PMID- 27655939
TI  - NHERF1 in Microvilli of Vomeronasal Sensory Neurons.
AB  - In most mammals, the vomeronasal system detects a variety of (semio)chemicals
      that mediate olfactory-driven social and sexual behaviors. Vomeronasal
      chemosensation depends on G protein-coupled receptors (V1R, V2R, and FPR-rs) that
      operate at remarkably low stimulus concentrations, thus, indicating a highly
      sensitive and efficient signaling pathway. We identified the PDZ domain
      containing protein, Na+/H+ exchanger regulatory factor-1 (NHERF1), as putative
      molecular organizer of signal transduction in vomeronasal neurons. NHERF1 is a
      protein that contains 2 PDZ domains and a carboxy-terminal ezrin-binding domain.
      It localizes to microvilli of vomeronasal sensory neurons and interacts with
      V1Rs. Furthermore, NHERF1 and Galphai2 are closely colocalized. These findings
      open up new aspects of the functional organization and regulation of vomeronasal
      signal transduction by PDZ scaffolding proteins.

PMID- 27655940
TI  - Individual Differences in Verbal and Non-Verbal Affective Responses to Smells:
      Influence of Odor Label Across Cultures.
AB  - Olfactory perception is highly variable from one person to another, as a function
      of individual and contextual factors. Here, we investigated the influence of 2
      important factors of variation: culture and semantic information. More
      specifically, we tested whether cultural-specific knowledge and presence versus
      absence of odor names modulate odor perception, by measuring these effects in 2
      populations differing in cultural background but not in language. Participants
      from France and Quebec, Canada, smelled 4 culture-specific and 2 non-specific
      odorants in 2 conditions: first without label, then with label. Their ratings of
      pleasantness, familiarity, edibility, and intensity were collected as well as
      their psychophysiological and olfactomotor responses. The results revealed
      significant effects of culture and semantic information, both at the verbal and
      non-verbal level. They also provided evidence that availability of semantic
      information reduced cultural differences. Semantic information had a unifying
      action on olfactory perception that overrode the influence of cultural
      background.

PMID- 27655941
TI  - Left anteromedial strangulated congenital diaphragmatic hernia in an 11-year-old
      child: a case report.

PMID- 27655942
TI  - A study on nutritional status of school-going adolescents in Aligarh, India.
AB  - Adolescence is a highly vulnerable period for malnutrition. This study was based
      on a Global School Health Survey methodology in the 13-15-year age group;
      employing WHO AnthroPlus to evaluate the nutritional status, find the prevalence
      of both extremes of malnutrition, compare with the growth curves and to find its
      sociodemographic correlates. A total of 1456 students were sampled and the mean
      BMI for age Z score was found to be -0.11. The prevalence of overweight and obese
      were 11.95% and 2.27%, respectively, whereas 2.75% suffered from thinness,
      defined as BMI for age <2 standard deviations. The prevalence of being overweight
      and obese was associated with a higher standard of living, a higher education of
      father or mother, working mothers and father's occupation being service/business.
      The evident double burden of malnutrition presages a large public health burden
      in future, requiring interventional attention.

PMID- 27655943
TI  - Proteinuria in HIV-infected Indian children.
AB  - Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among
      individuals with HIV infection. Screening for proteinuria in HIV-infected
      children will help in early detection and treatment, and thus prevention and
      progression to CKD to end-stage kidney disease (ESRD). We screened 139 HIV
      infected children aged 18 months to 18 years for proteinuria by urinary dipstick
      and confirmed by spot urine protein-to-creatinine ratio. If proteinuria was
      absent by the above methods, patients were screened for microalbuminuria by
      urinary albumin to creatinine ratio. We found proteinuria in 11.5% and
      microalbuminuria in 10.6% of our study population. The prevalence of proteinuria
      was higher in the advanced stages; 8.05% in stage 1, 12.12% in stage 2 and 26.32%
      in stages 3 + 4.

PMID- 27655944
TI  - Donor Preference Meets Heterochromatin: Moonlighting Activities of a
      Recombinational Enhancer in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
AB  - In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a small, intergenic region known as the
      recombination enhancer regulates donor selection during mating-type switching and
      also helps shape the conformation of chromosome III. Using an assay that detects
      transient losses of heterochromatic repression, we found that the recombination
      enhancer also acts at a distance in cis to modify the stability of gene
      silencing. In a mating-type-specific manner, the recombination enhancer
      destabilized the heterochromatic repression of a gene located ~17 kbp away. This
      effect depended on a subregion of the recombination enhancer that is largely
      sufficient to determine donor preference. Therefore, this subregion affects both
      recombination and transcription from a distance. These observations identify a
      rare example of long-range transcriptional regulation in yeast and raise the
      question of whether other cis elements also mediate dual effects on recombination
      and gene expression.

PMID- 27655945
TI  - Genetic Mapping by Bulk Segregant Analysis in Drosophila: Experimental Design and
      Simulation-Based Inference.
AB  - Identifying the genomic regions that underlie complex phenotypic variation is a
      key challenge in modern biology. Many approaches to quantitative trait locus
      mapping in animal and plant species suffer from limited power and genomic
      resolution. Here, I investigate whether bulk segregant analysis (BSA), which has
      been successfully applied for yeast, may have utility in the genomic era for
      trait mapping in Drosophila (and other organisms that can be experimentally bred
      in similar numbers). I perform simulations to investigate the statistical signal
      of a quantitative trait locus (QTL) in a wide range of BSA and introgression
      mapping (IM) experiments. BSA consistently provides more accurate mapping signals
      than IM (in addition to allowing the mapping of multiple traits from the same
      experimental population). The performance of BSA and IM is maximized by having
      multiple independent crosses, more generations of interbreeding, larger numbers
      of breeding individuals, and greater genotyping effort, but is less affected by
      the proportion of individuals selected for phenotypic extreme pools. I also
      introduce a prototype analysis method for simulation-based inference for BSA
      mapping (SIBSAM). This method identifies significant QTL and estimates their
      genomic confidence intervals and relative effect sizes. Importantly, it also
      tests whether overlapping peaks should be considered as two distinct QTL. This
      approach will facilitate improved trait mapping in Drosophila and other species
      for which hundreds or thousands of offspring (but not millions) can be studied.

PMID- 27655947
TI  - Sutureless open vascular anastomosis connector: An experimental study.
AB  - The objective of this study was to assess the safety of a new developed
      sutureless vascular adapter system in a porcine model. In five pigs, 4-cm-long
      polyester prosthesis (6 mm diameter) were implanted and anastomosed with the
      newly developed adapter proximally and suture anastomosis distally. The
      integration of the adapter was investigated in comparison to the suture
      anastomosis. These investigations were performed by light microscopy and scanning
      electron microscopy. Median operative time for performing the adapter anastomosis
      was significantly shorter compared to suture anastomosis (66 s vs. 246 s, p <
      0.05). Median estimated blood loss during adapter anastomosis implementation was
      22.5 mL (range 19.0-25.0 mL) compared to 48.2 mL (range 45.4-63.5 mL, p < 0.05).
      In five hand-sewn anastomoses, overall eight additional stitches were necessary
      whereas all adapter anastomoses showed primary leak tightness. This in vivo study
      shows the technical feasibility of the newly developed adapter.

PMID- 27655946
TI  - Incorporating Functional Annotations for Fine-Mapping Causal Variants in a
      Bayesian Framework Using Summary Statistics.
AB  - Functional annotations have been shown to improve both the discovery power and
      fine-mapping accuracy in genome-wide association studies. However, the optimal
      strategy to incorporate the large number of existing annotations is still not
      clear. In this study, we propose a Bayesian framework to incorporate functional
      annotations in a systematic manner. We compute the maximum a posteriori solution
      and use cross validation to find the optimal penalty parameters. By extending our
      previous fine-mapping method CAVIARBF into this framework, we require only
      summary statistics as input. We also derived an exact calculation of Bayes
      factors using summary statistics for quantitative traits, which is necessary when
      a large proportion of trait variance is explained by the variants of interest,
      such as in fine mapping expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL). We compared
      the proposed method with PAINTOR using different strategies to combine
      annotations. Simulation results show that the proposed method achieves the best
      accuracy in identifying causal variants among the different strategies and
      methods compared. We also find that for annotations with moderate effects from a
      large annotation pool, screening annotations individually and then combining the
      top annotations can produce overly optimistic results. We applied these methods
      on two real data sets: a meta-analysis result of lipid traits and a cis-eQTL
      study of normal prostate tissues. For the eQTL data, incorporating annotations
      significantly increased the number of potential causal variants with high
      probabilities.

PMID- 27655948
TI  - Threatened limb from stingray injury.
AB  - We present the case of a 43-year-old female who suffered a stingray injury to her
      left ankle. The sting caused occlusion of the dorsalis pedis artery, causing dry
      gangrene of the medial forefoot. A below knee amputation was recommended but she
      was transferred for a second opinion. A Prostaglandin E1 infusion was commenced,
      resulting in alleviation of pain and improvement in perfusion. Amputation of
      great and second toes was performed, with the head of the first metatarsal
      preserved and covered via a cross-over skin flap raised from the contralateral
      leg. Achilles tendon lengthening was then performed to return the foot to a
      functional position. This case serves to highlight the utility of prostaglandin
      infusion, and the requirement for a multidisciplinary approach to critical limb
      ischemia in order to avoid major amputation.

PMID- 27655949
TI  - The Effects of Life Events and Socioeconomic Position in Childhood and Adulthood
      on Successful Aging.
AB  - Objectives: Building on social stress theory, this study has 2 aims. First, we
      aim to estimate the effects of stressful life events in childhood and adulthood
      on Successful Aging (SA). Second, we examine how unequal exposure to such life
      events between individuals with different socioeconomic position (SEP)
      contributes to socioeconomic inequalities in SA. Method: We used 16-year
      longitudinal data from 2,185 respondents aged 55-85 years in 1992 in the Dutch
      nationally representative Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam. Measurement of SA
      was based on earlier work, in which we integrated trajectories in 9 indicators of
      functioning into an index of SA. Using path analysis, we investigated direct and
      indirect effects of parental and adulthood SEP as well as of self-reported
      childhood and adulthood life events on SA. Results: Almost all included life
      events had negative direct effects on SA. Parental SEP had no direct effect on
      SA, whereas adulthood SEP had. Higher Parental SEP increased the likelihood of
      parental problems and parental death in childhood, resulting in negative indirect
      effects on SA. Higher adulthood SEP had both positive and negative indirect
      effects on SA, through increasing the likelihood of divorce and unemployment, but
      decreasing the likelihood of occupational disability. Discussion: SEP and
      particular stressful life events are largely, but not entirely independent
      predictors of SA. We found that high and low SEP may increase exposure to
      particular events that negatively affect SA. Findings suggest that low
      (childhood) SEP and stressful life events are interrelated factors that may limit
      individual opportunities to age successfully.

PMID- 27655951
TI  - Incidence and Risk Factors for Stroke Among 14 European Countries.
AB  - Background This study compared the risk factors for and incidence of stroke among
      14 European countries by using the Survey of Health, Aging, and Retirement in
      Europe (SHARE). Methods The analysis was based on data collected during 2006 to
      2007 from Wave 2 of SHARE and panel data from respondents interviewed during 2004
      to 2005. Results and Conclusion The highest stroke incidence rates were found in
      Denmark, Poland, and Sweden; these incidence rates were more than double that of
      Spain. Stroke was mostly associated with elderly people (age, >=65 years) in
      Sweden, France, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Greece. In addition, stroke
      incidence was high among young males (age, <65 years) in Italy and elderly males
      in Germany and Switzerland. A negative association was found between stroke and
      vigorous exercise for younger people in Sweden and elderly people in Poland,
      whereas moderate exercise was significantly associated with stroke only for
      elderly Belgians, Greeks, and Irish.

PMID- 27655950
TI  - Successful Aging Among African American Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes.
AB  - Objectives: Rowe and Kahn's concept of successful aging remains an important
      model of well-being; additional research is needed, however, to identify how
      economically and socially disadvantaged older adults experience well-being,
      including the role of life events. The findings presented here help address this
      gap by examining the subjective construction of well-being among urban African
      American adults (age >= 50) with Type 2 diabetes. Method: As part of the National
      Institute on Aging-funded Subjective Experience of Diabetes among Urban Older
      Adults study, ethnographers interviewed African American older adults with
      diabetes (n = 41) using an adaptation of the McGill Illness Narrative Interview.
      Data were coded using an inductively derived codebook. Codes related to aging,
      disease prognosis, and "worldview" were thematically analyzed to identify
      constructions of well-being. Results: Participants evaluate their well-being
      through comparisons to the past and to the illnesses of friends and family.
      Diabetes self-care motivates social engagement and care of others. At times,
      distrust of medical institutions means well-being also is established through
      nonadherence to suggested biomedical treatment. Discussion: Hardship and illness
      in participants' lives frame their diabetes experience and notions of well-being.
      Providers need to be aware of the social, economic, and political lenses shaping
      diabetes self-management and subjective well-being.

PMID- 27655952
TI  - Age Differences in Information Use While Making Decisions: Resource Limitations
      or Processing Differences?
AB  - Recent research on the decision-making abilities of older adults has shown that
      they use less information than young adults. One explanation ascribes this age
      difference to reductions in cognitive abilities with age. The article includes
      three experimental studies that focused on determining the conditions in which
      older and young adults would display dissimilar information processing
      characteristics. Findings from Studies 1 and 2 demonstrated that older adults are
      not necessarily at greater disadvantage than young adults in decision contexts
      that demand more information processing resources. Findings from Study 3
      indicated that older adults when faced with decisions that require greater
      processing are likely to use a strategy that reduces the amount of information
      needed, whereas younger adults rely on strategies that utilize more resources.
      Combined the findings indicate that older adults change their decision-making
      strategies based on the context and information provided. Furthermore, support is
      provided for processing difference.

PMID- 27655953
TI  - Social Support and Attitudes to Aging in Later Life.
AB  - Negative attitudes to aging are a risk factor for poor health and well-being. The
      current study sought to examine satisfaction with social support as a potentially
      modifiable factor that might facilitate the development of more positive
      attitudes to aging. A convenience sample of 501 older respondents (Mage = 72.06)
      reported on frequency of social support and their satisfaction with it, as well
      as completing a rating of attachment (model of the self and others), a measure of
      attitudes to aging, and a number of background measures. Results indicated that
      better subjective health, younger age, and greater satisfaction with social
      support were all significant predictors of more positive attitudes to aging,
      while frequency of social support was not. Model of the self accounted for some
      variation in satisfaction with social support. Interventions to increase
      satisfaction with social support in later life, recognizing individual
      differences and attachment styles, may improve attitudes to aging and further
      support health and well-being.

PMID- 27655954
TI  - Perceived Risk of Death in Older Primary Care Patients.
AB  - There is a large gap between life expectancy and healthy life years at age 65. To
      reduce this gap, it is necessary that people with medical concerns perceived at
      higher risk of adverse outcomes are readily identified and treated. The same goes
      for the need to implement prevention plans. The main objectives of this study are
      to, in a first step, (a) estimate the percentage of medical concerns, (b)
      identify factors associated with this concern; in a second step, (c) estimate the
      perceived risk of death, and (d) evaluate the ability of medical concerns to
      predict this risk. Results show that the existence and severity of medical
      concerns are crucial in the prediction of perceived risk of death. Early
      identification of severity of medical concerns and the availability and adequacy
      of informal caregiving should allow healthcare professionals to promptly initiate
      an appropriate assessment and treatment of older patients.

PMID- 27655955
TI  - Friendship Repertoires and Care Arrangement: A Praxeological Approach.
AB  - Friends are important companions and serve as sources for diverse dimensions of
      social support, including elderly care. Rather than researching populations that
      have already established care arrangements including friends, the author seeks to
      understand relationship systems with a focus on the inner logic friendship to
      consequently describe and understand involved care arrangements, be it with
      family members or friends. To illustrate the diversity of friendship repertoires,
      qualitative interviews with older adult Germans are analyzed regarding cognitive
      concepts of friendships in contrast to familiar ties as well as social practices
      around relationship systems. While some repertoires successfully include chosen
      ties in their care arrangements, others not only focus on family, they do not
      wish to receive care from friends. The article's praxeological approach
      highlights the need to reflect habitual differences when thinking about elderly
      informal care arrangements.

PMID- 27655957
TI  - The Benefits of Savoring Life: Savoring as a Moderator of the Relationship
      Between Health and Life Satisfaction in Older Adults.
AB  - We investigated the protective impact of savoring capacity on the relationship
      between physical health and psychological well-being among older adults. A total
      of 266 adults over 55 years old ( Mean = 73.4 years) completed measures of
      savoring ability, self-reported health, and life satisfaction. Savoring ability
      moderated the relationship between health and life satisfaction in older adults.
      Among people with less savoring ability, poor health was associated with lower
      life satisfaction. In contrast, people with greater savoring ability maintained
      higher life satisfaction, regardless of their level of health. These effects were
      consistent across a variety of different aspects of health, including general
      health, pain, limitations due to physical health, energy, and social functioning.
      These findings have direct implications for developing positive interventions to
      support the psychological well-being of older adults.

PMID- 27655959
TI  - Word Adjacency Graph Modeling: Separating Signal From Noise in Big Data.
AB  - There is a need to develop methods to analyze Big Data to inform patient-centered
      interventions for better health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to
      develop and test a method to explore Big Data to describe salient health concerns
      of people with epilepsy. Specifically, we used Word Adjacency Graph modeling to
      explore a data set containing 1.9 billion anonymous text queries submitted to the
      ChaCha question and answer service to (a) detect clusters of epilepsy-related
      topics, and (b) visualize the range of epilepsy-related topics and their mutual
      proximity to uncover the breadth and depth of particular topics and groups of
      users. Applied to a large, complex data set, this method successfully identified
      clusters of epilepsy-related topics while allowing for separation of potentially
      non-relevant topics. The method can be used to identify patient-driven research
      questions from large social media data sets and results can inform the
      development of patient-centered interventions.

PMID- 27655960
TI  - Quality Improvement Curriculum for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
      Residents: A Needs Assessment.
AB  - This needs assessment survey of physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R)
      program directors (PDs) from Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education
      accredited programs aimed to (1) describe current quality improvement (QI)
      training, (2) characterize PDs' perceptions of their own and their faculty's QI
      knowledge and skill, and (3) determine PDs' opinions of optimal QI training to
      inform the development of a future QI curriculum. Descriptive statistics were
      used for data analysis. Forty-five percent of PDs (35/78) responded. All programs
      had QI education and required QI project participation; however, the quantity and
      types of learning experiences varied greatly. PDs assessed their ability as less
      than proficient to teach QI (67%) and lead a project (57%), and rated 60% of
      their faculty as having novice or advanced beginner QI skills. PDs reported 31%
      of graduating residents had less than competent QI skills. Almost all PDs were
      interested in a standardized QI curriculum.

PMID- 27655961
TI  - Superentrainment of muscle sympathetic nerve activity during sinusoidal galvanic
      vestibular stimulation.
AB  - Sinusoidal galvanic vestibular stimulation (sGVS), delivered at frequencies
      ranging from 0.08 to 2.0 Hz, induces vestibular illusions of side-to-side motion
      and robust modulation of muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) to the lower
      legs. We have previously documented, in seated subjects, de novo synthesis of
      bursts of MSNA that are temporally locked to the sinusoidal stimulus rather than
      to the cardiac-related rhythm. Here we tested the hypothesis that this vestibular
      entrainment of MSNA is higher in the upright than in the supine position. MSNA
      was recorded from the common peroneal nerve in 10 subjects lying on a tilt table.
      Bipolar binaural sGVS (+/-2 mA, 200 cycles) was applied to the mastoid processes
      at 0.2, 0.8, and 1.4 Hz in the supine and upright (75 degrees ) positions. In
      four subjects, "superentrainment" of MSNA occurred during sGVS, with strong
      bursts locked to one phase of the sinusoidal stimulus. This occurred more
      prominently in the upright position. On average, cross-correlation analysis
      revealed comparable vestibular modulation of MSNA in both positions at 0.2 Hz
      (84.9 +/- 3.6% and 78.7 +/- 5.7%), 0.8 Hz (77.4 +/- 3.9% and 74.4 +/- 8.9%), and
      1.4 Hz (69.8 +/- 4.6% and 80.2 +/- 7.4%). However, in the supine position there
      was a significant linear fall in the magnitude of vestibular modulation with
      increasing frequency, whereas this was not present in the upright position. We
      conclude that vestibular contributions to the control of blood pressure are
      higher in the upright position.

PMID- 27655964
TI  - A switching cost for motor planning.
AB  - Movement planning consists of choosing the intended endpoint of the movement and
      selecting the motor program that will bring the effector on the endpoint. It is
      widely accepted that movement endpoint is updated on a trial-by-trial basis with
      respect to the observed errors and that the motor program for a given movement
      follows the rules of optimal feedback control. In this article, we show clear
      limitations of these theories. First, participants in the current study could not
      tune their motor program appropriately for each individual trial. This was true
      even when the participants selected the width of the target that they reached
      toward or when they had learned the appropriate motor program previously. These
      data are compatible with the existence of a switching cost for motor planning,
      which relates to the drop in performance due to an imposed switch of motor
      programs. This cost of switching shares many features of costs reported in
      cognitive task switching experiments and, when tested in the same participants,
      was correlated with it. Second, we found that randomly changing the width of a
      target over the course of a reaching experiment prevents the motor system from
      updating the endpoint of movements on the basis of the performance on the
      previous trial if the width of the target has changed. These results provide new
      insights into the process of motor planning and how it relates to optimal control
      theory and to an action selection based on the reward consequences of the motor
      program rather than that based on the observed error.

PMID- 27655965
TI  - Seeing pain and pleasure on self and others: behavioral and psychophysiological
      reactivity in immersive virtual reality.
AB  - Studies have explored behavioral and neural responses to the observation of pain
      in others. However, much less is known about how taking a physical perspective
      influences reactivity to the observation of others' pain and pleasure. To explore
      this issue we devised a novel paradigm in which 24 healthy participants immersed
      in a virtual reality scenario observed a virtual: needle penetrating (pain),
      caress (pleasure), or ball touching (neutral) the hand of an avatar seen from a
      first (1PP)- or a third (3PP)-person perspective. Subjective ratings and
      physiological responses [skin conductance responses (SCR) and heart rate (HR)]
      were collected in each trial. All participants reported strong feelings of
      ownership of the virtual hand only in 1PP. Subjective measures also showed that
      pain and pleasure were experienced as more salient than neutral. SCR analysis
      demonstrated higher reactivity in 1PP than in 3PP. Importantly, vicarious pain
      induced stronger responses with respect to the other conditions in both
      perspectives. HR analysis revealed equally lower activity during pain and
      pleasure with respect to neutral. SCR may reflect egocentric perspective, and HR
      may merely index general arousal. The results suggest that behavioral and
      physiological indexes of reactivity to seeing others' pain and pleasure were
      qualitatively similar in 1PP and 3PP. Our paradigm indicates that virtual reality
      can be used to study vicarious sensation of pain and pleasure without actually
      delivering any stimulus to participants' real body and to explore behavioral and
      physiological reactivity when they observe pain and pleasure from ego- and
      allocentric perspectives.

PMID- 27655962
TI  - Circuits for presaccadic visual remapping.
AB  - Saccadic eye movements rapidly displace the image of the world that is projected
      onto the retinas. In anticipation of each saccade, many neurons in the visual
      system shift their receptive fields. This presaccadic change in visual
      sensitivity, known as remapping, was first documented in the parietal cortex and
      has been studied in many other brain regions. Remapping requires information
      about upcoming saccades via corollary discharge. Analyses of neurons in a
      corollary discharge pathway that targets the frontal eye field (FEF) suggest that
      remapping may be assembled in the FEF's local microcircuitry. Complementary data
      from reversible inactivation, neural recording, and modeling studies provide
      evidence that remapping contributes to transsaccadic continuity of action and
      perception. Multiple forms of remapping have been reported in the FEF and other
      brain areas, however, and questions remain about the reasons for these
      differences. In this review of recent progress, we identify three hypotheses that
      may help to guide further investigations into the structure and function of
      circuits for remapping.

PMID- 27655963
TI  - alpha7-nAChR agonist enhances neural plasticity in the hippocampus via a
      GABAergic circuit.
AB  - Agonists of the alpha7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (alpha7-nAChR) have
      entered clinical trials as procognitive agents for treating schizophrenia and
      Alzheimer's disease. The most advanced compounds are orthosteric agonists, which
      occupy the ligand binding site. At the molecular level, agonist activation of
      alpha7-nAChR is reasonably well understood. However, the consequences of
      activating alpha7-nAChRs on neural circuits underlying cognition remain elusive.
      Here we report that an alpha7-nAChR agonist (FRM-17848) enhances long-term
      potentiation (LTP) in rat septo-hippocampal slices far below the cellular EC50
      but at a concentration that coincides with multiple functional outcome measures
      as we reported in Stoiljkovic M, Leventhal L, Chen A, Chen T, Driscoll R, Flood
      D, Hodgdon H, Hurst R, Nagy D, Piser T, Tang C, Townsend M, Tu Z, Bertrand D,
      Koenig G, Hajos M. Biochem Pharmacol 97: 576-589, 2015. In this same
      concentration range, we observed a significant increase in spontaneous gamma
      aminobutyric acid (GABA) inhibitory postsynaptic currents and a moderate
      suppression of excitability in whole cell recordings from rat CA1 pyramidal
      neurons. This modulation of GABAergic activity is necessary for the LTP-enhancing
      effects of FRM-17848, since inhibiting GABAA alpha5-subunit-containing receptors
      fully reversed the effects of the alpha7-nAChR agonist. These data suggest that
      alpha7-nAChR agonists may increase synaptic plasticity in hippocampal slices, at
      least in part, through a circuit-level enhancement of a specific subtype of
      GABAergic receptor.

PMID- 27655967
TI  - Dissociable roles of preSMA in motor sequence chunking and hand switching-a TMS
      study.
AB  - Motor chunking, the grouping of individual movements into larger units, is
      crucial for sequential motor performance. The presupplementary motor area
      (preSMA) is involved in chunking and other related processes such as task
      switching, response selection, and response inhibition that are crucial for
      organizing sequential movements. However, previous studies have not
      systematically differentiated the role of preSMA in motor chunking and hand
      switching, thus leaving its relative contribution to each of these processes
      unclear. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the differential role of preSMA
      in motor chunking and hand switching. We designed motor sequences in which
      different kinds of hand switches (switching toward the right or left hand or
      continuing with the right hand) were counterbalanced across between- and within
      chunk sequence points. Eighteen healthy, right-handed participants practiced four
      short subsequences (chunks) of key presses. In a subsequent task, these chunks
      had to be concatenated into one long sequence. We applied double-pulse
      transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over left preSMA or left M1 areas at
      sequence initiation, between chunks, or within chunks. TMS over the left preSMA
      significantly slowed the next response when stimulation was given between chunks,
      but only if a hand switch toward the contralateral (right) hand was required.
      PreSMA stimulation within chunks did not interfere with responses. TMS over the
      left M1 area delayed responses with the contralateral hand, both within and
      between chunks. Both preSMA and M1 stimulation decreased response times at
      sequence initiation. These results suggest that left preSMA is not necessary for
      chunking per se, but rather for organizing complex movements that require
      chunking and hand switching simultaneously.

PMID- 27655966
TI  - Physiology and anatomy of neurons in the medial superior olive of the mouse.
AB  - In mammals with good low-frequency hearing, the medial superior olive (MSO)
      computes sound location by comparing differences in the arrival time of a sound
      at each ear, called interaural time disparities (ITDs). Low-frequency sounds are
      not reflected by the head, and therefore level differences and spectral cues are
      minimal or absent, leaving ITDs as the only cue for sound localization. Although
      mammals with high-frequency hearing and small heads (e.g., bats, mice) barely
      experience ITDs, the MSO is still present in these animals. Yet, aside from
      studies in specialized bats, in which the MSO appears to serve functions other
      than ITD processing, it has not been studied in small mammals that do not hear
      low frequencies. Here we describe neurons in the mouse brain stem that share
      prominent anatomical, morphological, and physiological properties with the MSO in
      species known to use ITDs for sound localization. However, these neurons also
      deviate in some important aspects from the typical MSO, including a less refined
      arrangement of cell bodies, dendrites, and synaptic inputs. In vitro, the vast
      majority of neurons exhibited a single, onset action potential in response to
      suprathreshold depolarization. This spiking pattern is typical of MSO neurons in
      other species and is generated from a complement of Kv1, Kv3, and IH currents. In
      vivo, mouse MSO neurons show bilateral excitatory and inhibitory tuning as well
      as an improvement in temporal acuity of spiking during bilateral acoustic
      stimulation. The combination of classical MSO features like those observed in
      gerbils with more unique features similar to those observed in bats and opossums
      make the mouse MSO an interesting model for exploiting genetic tools to test
      hypotheses about the molecular mechanisms and evolution of ITD processing.

PMID- 27655970
TI  - Derivation, Replication, and Validity Analyses of a Screener for the Behavioral
      Assessment of Executive Functions in Young Adults.
AB  - Ecologically valid indicators of executive functions are designed to capture
      dysfunction not easily measured in a lab setting. Here, we present two studies on
      the development and validity analyses of a behavioral screener for executive
      functions among young adults. In Study 1, we derived a four-factor (problem
      solving, attentional control, behavioral control, and emotional control)
      behavioral screener using a sample of 765 individuals. We used invariance
      analyses to evaluate the screener's measurement reliability across sex. In Study
      2, we replicated the screener derivation analyses using an independent sample of
      197 undergraduates. To further examine the screener's validity, we evaluated it
      against a well-known executive functions rating scale. The four-factor model was
      supported in both samples and analyses provided support for this screener as a
      valid and reliable measure for everyday executive functions among young adults.

PMID- 27655969
TI  - Three-dimensional ocular kinematics underlying binocular single vision.
AB  - We have analyzed the binocular coordination of the eyes during far-to-near
      refixation saccades based on the evaluation of distance ratios and angular
      directions of the projected target images relative to the eyes' rotation centers.
      By defining the geometric point of binocular single vision, called Helmholtz
      point, we found that disparities during fixations of targets at near distances
      were limited in the subject's three-dimensional visual field to the vertical and
      forward directions. These disparities collapsed to simple vertical disparities in
      the projective binocular image plane. Subjects were able to perfectly fuse the
      vertically disparate target images with respect to the projected Helmholtz point
      of single binocular vision, independent of the particular location relative to
      the horizontal plane of regard. Target image fusion was achieved by binocular
      torsion combined with corrective modulations of the differential half-vergence
      angles of the eyes in the horizontal plane. Our findings support the notion that
      oculomotor control combines vergence in the horizontal plane of regard with
      active torsion in the frontal plane to achieve fusion of the dichoptic binocular
      target images.

PMID- 27655968
TI  - Edge orientation signals in tactile afferents of macaques.
AB  - The orientation of edges indented into the skin has been shown to be encoded in
      the responses of neurons in primary somatosensory cortex in a manner that draws
      remarkable analogies to their counterparts in primary visual cortex. According to
      the classical view, orientation tuning arises from the integration of untuned
      input from thalamic neurons with aligned but spatially displaced receptive fields
      (RFs). In a recent microneurography study with human subjects, the precise
      temporal structure of the responses of individual mechanoreceptive afferents to
      scanned edges was found to carry information about their orientation. This
      putative mechanism could in principle contribute to or complement the classical
      rate-based code for orientation. In the present study, we further examine
      orientation information carried by mechanoreceptive afferents of Rhesus monkeys.
      To this end, we record the activity evoked in cutaneous mechanoreceptive
      afferents when edges are indented into or scanned across the skin. First, we
      confirm that information about the edge orientation can be extracted from the
      temporal patterning in afferent responses of monkeys, as is the case in humans.
      Second, we find that while the coarse temporal profile of the response can be
      predicted linearly from the layout of the RF, the fine temporal profile cannot.
      Finally, we show that orientation signals in tactile afferents are often highly
      dependent on stimulus features other than orientation, which complicates putative
      decoding strategies. We discuss the challenges associated with establishing a
      neural code at the somatosensory periphery, where afferents are exquisitely
      sensitive and nearly deterministic.

PMID- 27655971
TI  - How Small Is Big: Sample Size and Skewness.
AB  - Sample sizes of 50 have been cited as sufficient to obtain stable means and
      standard deviations in normative test data. The influence of skewness on this
      minimum number, however, has not been evaluated. Normative test data with varying
      levels of skewness were compiled for 12 measures from 7 tests collected as part
      of ongoing normative studies in Brisbane, Australia. Means and standard
      deviations were computed from sample sizes of 10 to 100 drawn with replacement
      from larger samples of 272 to 973 cases. The minimum sample size was determined
      by the number at which both mean and standard deviation estimates remained within
      the 90% confidence intervals surrounding the population estimates. Sample sizes
      of greater than 85 were found to generate stable means and standard deviations
      regardless of the level of skewness, with smaller samples required in skewed
      distributions. A formula was derived to compute recommended sample size at
      differing levels of skewness.

PMID- 27655977
TI  - Stem Cell Therapy for Knee Pain-What Exactly Are We Injecting, and Why?

PMID- 27655972
TI  - Knockdown of Unconventional Myosin ID Expression Induced Morphological Change in
      Oligodendrocytes.
AB  - Myelin is a special multilamellar structure involved in various functions in the
      nervous system. In the central nervous system, the oligodendrocyte (OL) produces
      myelin and has a unique morphology. OLs have a dynamic membrane sorting system
      associated with cytoskeletal organization, which aids in the production of
      myelin. Recently, it was reported that the assembly and disassembly of actin
      filaments is crucial for myelination. However, the partner myosin molecule which
      associates with actin filaments during the myelination process has not yet been
      identified. One candidate myosin is unconventional myosin ID (Myo1d) which is
      distributed throughout central nervous system myelin; however, its function is
      still unclear. We report here that Myo1d is expressed during later stages of OL
      differentiation, together with myelin proteolipid protein (PLP). In addition,
      Myo1d is distributed at the leading edge of the myelin-like membrane in cultured
      OL, colocalizing mainly with actin filaments, 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide
      phosphodiesterase and partially with PLP. Myo1d-knockdown with specific siRNA
      induces significant morphological changes such as the retraction of processes and
      degeneration of myelin-like membrane, and finally apoptosis. Furthermore, loss of
      Myo1d by siRNA results in the impairment of intracellular PLP transport.
      Together, these results suggest that Myo1d may contribute to membrane dynamics
      either in wrapping or transporting of myelin membrane proteins during formation
      and maintenance of myelin.

PMID- 27655978
TI  - Intra-Articular Cellular Therapy for Osteoarthritis and Focal Cartilage Defects
      of the Knee: A Systematic Review of the Literature and Study Quality Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intra-articular cellular therapy injections constitute an appealing
      strategy that may modify the intra-articular milieu or regenerate cartilage in
      the settings of osteoarthritis and focal cartilage defects. However, little
      consensus exists regarding the indications for cellular therapies, optimal cell
      sources, methods of preparation and delivery, or means by which outcomes should
      be reported. METHODS: We present a systematic review of the current literature
      regarding the safety and efficacy of cellular therapy delivered by intra
      articular injection in the knee that provided a Level of Evidence of III or
      higher. A total of 420 papers were screened. Methodological quality was assessed
      using a modified Coleman methodology score. RESULTS: Only 6 studies (4 Level II
      and 2 Level III) met the criteria to be included in this review; 3 studies were
      on treatment of osteoarthritis and 3 were on treatment of focal cartilage
      defects. These included 4 randomized controlled studies without blinding, 1
      prospective cohort study, and 1 retrospective therapeutic case-control study. The
      studies varied widely with respect to cell sources, cell characterization,
      adjuvant therapies, and assessment of outcomes. Outcome was reported in a total
      of 300 knees (124 in the osteoarthritis studies and 176 in the cartilage defect
      studies). Mean follow-up was 21.0 months (range, 12 to 36 months). All studies
      reported improved outcomes with intra-articular cellular therapy and no major
      adverse events. The mean modified Coleman methodology score was 59.1 +/- 16
      (range, 32 to 82). CONCLUSIONS: The studies of intra-articular cellular therapy
      injections for osteoarthritis and focal cartilage defects in the human knee
      suggested positive results with respect to clinical improvement and safety.
      However, the improvement was modest and a placebo effect cannot be disregarded.
      The overall quality of the literature was poor, and the methodological quality
      was fair, even among Level-II and III studies. Effective clinical assessment and
      optimization of injection therapies will demand greater attention to study
      methodology, including blinding; standardized quantitative methods for cell
      harvesting, processing, characterization, and delivery; and standardized
      reporting of clinical and structural outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic
      Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of
      evidence.

PMID- 27655979
TI  - Development and Validation of a Preoperative Surgical Site Infection Risk Score
      for Primary or Revision Knee and Hip Arthroplasty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surgical site infection (SSI) is a major complication following total
      joint arthroplasty. Host susceptibility to infection has emerged as an important
      predictor of SSI. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a
      preoperative SSI risk-assessment tool for primary or revision knee and hip
      arthroplasty. METHODS: Data for 6,789 patients who underwent total joint
      arthroplasty (from the years 2000 to 2011) were obtained from a single hospital
      system. SSI was defined as a superficial infection within 30 days or deep
      infection within 1 year. Logistic regression modeling was utilized to create a
      risk scoring system for a derivation sample (n = 5,789; 199 SSIs), with
      validation performed on a hold-out sample (a subset of observations chosen
      randomly from the initial sample to form a testing set; n = 1,000; 41 SSIs).
      RESULTS: On the basis of logistic regression modeling, we created a scoring
      system to assess SSI risk (range, 0 to 35 points) that is the point sum of the
      following: primary hip arthroplasty (0 points); primary knee (1); revision hip
      (3); revision knee (3); non-insulin-dependent diabetes (1); insulin-dependent
      diabetes (1.5); chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (1); inflammatory
      arthropathy (1.5); tobacco use (1.5); lower-extremity osteomyelitis or pyogenic
      arthritis (2); pelvis, thigh, or leg traumatic fracture (2); lower-extremity
      pathologic fracture (2.5); morbid obesity (2.5); primary bone cancer (4);
      reaction to prosthesis in the last 3 years (4); and history of staphylococcal
      septicemia (4.5). The risk score had good discriminatory capability (area under
      the ROC [receiver operating characteristic] curve = 0.77) and calibration (Hosmer
      Lemeshow chi-square test, p = 0.34) and was validated using the independent
      sample (area under the ROC curve = 0.72). A small subset of patients (5.9%) had a
      >10% estimated infection risk. CONCLUSIONS: The patient comorbidities composing
      the risk score heavily influenced SSI risk for primary or revision knee and hip
      arthroplasty. We believe that infection risk can be objectively determined in a
      preoperative setting with the proposed SSI risk score.

PMID- 27655980
TI  - Demographic, Clinical, and Operative Factors Affecting Long-Term Revision Rates
      After Cervical Spine Arthrodesis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Limited data exist on long-term revision rates following cervical
      spine arthrodeses. The purposes of this study were to define reoperation rates
      after primary cervical arthrodeses and to identify risk factors for revisions.
      METHODS: New York State's all-payer health-care database was queried to identify
      all primary subaxial cervical arthrodeses occurring in the 16 years from 1997
      through 2012. A total of 87,042 patients were included in the study cohort.
      Demographic information was extracted. Patients' preoperative medical
      comorbidities, surgical indications, and operative approaches were assembled
      using codes from the ICD-9-CM (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth
      Revision, Clinical Modification). The cohort was followed to revision surgical
      procedures, death, or the end of the study period. All subsequent contiguous
      spinal arthrodeses, including in the subaxial cervical spine, were considered
      revisions. The overall revision risk and the risk associated with various
      preoperative characteristics, surgical indications, and operative approaches were
      assessed using a Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS: During the study period,
      6,721 patients (7.7%) underwent revision. The median time to revision was 24.5
      months. The probability of undergoing at least one revision by 192 months was
      12.6%. Arthrodeses performed via anterior-only approaches had a significantly
      higher probability of revision (p < 0.001) at 13.4% (95% confidence interval [95%
      CI], 12.9% to 13.9%) than those performed via posterior approaches at 7.4% (95%
      CI, 6.6% to 8.4%) or circumferential (anterior and posterior) approaches at 5.2%
      (95% CI, 4.0% to 6.8%). This relationship persisted in multivariate analysis;
      compared with anterior surgical procedures, there was a significantly lower risk
      of revision (p < 0.001) for posterior surgical approaches at a hazard ratio of
      0.76 (95% CI, 0.69 to 0.84) and circumferential approaches at a hazard ratio of
      0.53 (95% CI, 0.42 to 0.66). Patient age of 18 to 34 years, white race, insurance
      status of Workers' Compensation or Medicare, and surgical procedures for spinal
      stenosis, spondylosis, deformity, and neoplasm were associated with elevated
      revision risk. Arthrodeses spanning few levels and those performed for fractures
      had a lower revision risk. CONCLUSIONS: Primary subaxial cervical spine
      arthrodeses had a probability of revision approaching 13% over a 16-year period,
      with elevated reoperation rates in patients undergoing anterior-only surgical
      procedures. Age, race, insurance status, surgical indication, and number of
      spinal levels included in the arthrodesis were also associated with reoperation
      risk. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for
      a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID- 27655981
TI  - Cellular and Morphological Alterations in the Vastus Lateralis Muscle as the
      Result of ACL Injury and Reconstruction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Individuals who have had an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear and
      reconstruction continue to experience substantial knee extensor strength loss
      despite months of physical therapy. Identification of the alterations in muscle
      morphology and cellular composition are needed to understand potential mechanisms
      of muscle strength loss, initially as the result of the injury and subsequently
      from surgery and rehabilitation. METHODS: We performed diffusion tensor imaging
      magnetic resonance imaging and analyzed muscle biopsies from the vastus lateralis
      of both the affected and unaffected limbs before surgery and again from the
      reconstructed limb following the completion of rehabilitation.
      Immunohistochemistry was done to determine fiber type and size, Pax-7-positive
      (satellite) cells, and extracellular matrix (via wheat germ agglutinin
      straining). Using the diffusion tensor imaging data, the fiber tract length,
      pennation angle, and muscle volume were determined, yielding the physiological
      cross-sectional area (PCSA). Paired t tests were used to compare the effects of
      the injury between injured and uninjured limbs and the effects of surgery and
      rehabilitation within the injured limb. RESULTS: We found significant reductions
      before surgery in type-IIA muscle cross-sectional area (CSA; p = 0.03),
      extracellular matrix (p < 0.01), satellite cells per fiber (p < 0.01), pennation
      angle (p = 0.03), muscle volume (p = 0.02), and PCSA (p = 0.03) in the injured
      limb compared with the uninjured limb. Following surgery, these alterations in
      the injured limb persisted and the frequency of the IIA fiber type decreased
      significantly (p < 0.01) and that of the IIA/X hybrid fiber type increased
      significantly (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Significant and prolonged differences in
      muscle quality and morphology occurred after ACL injury and persisted despite
      reconstruction and extensive physical therapy. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These results
      suggest the need to develop more effective early interventions following an ACL
      tear to prevent deleterious alterations within the quadriceps.

PMID- 27655982
TI  - Postoperative Limb-Offset Discrepancy Notably Affects Soft-Tissue Tension in
      Total Hip Arthroplasty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inadequate soft-tissue tension in total hip arthroplasty is regarded
      as one cause of dislocation or abductor muscle weakness. The purpose of the
      present study was to assess how the postoperative discrepancy in limb offset
      (consisting of both femoral offset and acetabular offset) affects soft-tissue
      tension compared with other factors among patients with unilateral hip disease
      undergoing total hip arthroplasty. METHODS: A total of 89 consecutive patients
      underwent mini-incision total hip arthroplasty involving an anterolateral or
      posterior approach and with use of a computer navigation system. Soft-tissue
      tension was measured by applying traction amounting to 40% of body weight with
      the joint positioned at 0 degrees , 15 degrees , 30 degrees , and 45 degrees  of
      flexion. The separation between the cup and the prosthetic head was measured
      using the navigation system. RESULTS: The cup-head separation differed
      significantly for varying angles of flexion (p < 0.001), with the greatest
      distance noted at 15 degrees  of flexion (mean and standard deviation, 11 +/- 5
      mm). Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that postoperative limb-offset
      discrepancy, an anterolateral approach, and preoperative abduction range of
      motion were correlated with the cup-head separation at 15 degrees  of flexion.
      Postoperative limb-offset discrepancy was negatively correlated with the cup-head
      separation at 0 degrees , 15 degrees , and 30 degrees  of flexion. CONCLUSIONS:
      Postoperative limb-offset discrepancy significantly affected the soft-tissue
      tension in total hip arthroplasty at varying degrees of flexion. This indicated
      that it is important to restore normal limb offset without overlengthening to
      obtain adequate soft-tissue tension in total hip arthroplasty. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
      Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of
      levels of evidence.

PMID- 27655983
TI  - Are We Prescribing Our Patients Too Much Pain Medication? Best Predictors of
      Narcotic Usage After Spinal Surgery for Scoliosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Physicians play a role in the current prescription drug-abuse
      epidemic. Surgeons often prescribe more postoperative narcotic pain medication
      than patients routinely need. Although narcotics are effective for severe, acute,
      postoperative pain, few evidence-based guidelines exist regarding the routinely
      required amount and duration of use post-hospital discharge. METHODS: Patients in
      a prospective cohort undergoing posterior spinal fusion for idiopathic scoliosis
      were asked preoperatively to rate their pain level, the level of pain expected
      each week postoperatively, and their pain tolerance. Post-discharge pain scores
      and narcotic use were reported at weekly intervals for 4 weeks postoperatively.
      Demographic data, preoperative Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-22 scores,
      operative details, perioperative data, and self-reported pain levels were
      analyzed with respect to their association with total medication use and refills
      received. Disposal plans were also assessed. RESULTS: Seventy-two patients were
      enrolled, and 85% completed the surveys. The mean patient age was 14.9 years; 69%
      of the patients were female. The cohort was divided into 3 groups on the basis of
      total medication usage. The mean number of pills used in the middle (average-use)
      group was 49 pills. In postoperative week 4, narcotic usage was minimal (a mean
      of 2.9 pills by the highest-use group). Also by this time point, pain scores had,
      on average, returned to preoperative levels. Older age, male sex, a higher body
      mass index, and a higher preoperative pain score were associated with increased
      narcotic use. Sixty-seven percent of the patients planned to dispose of their
      unused medication, although only 59% of those patients planned on doing so in a
      manner recommended by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. CONCLUSIONS:
      Postoperative narcotic dosing may be improved by considering patient age, weight,
      sex, and preoperative pain score. The precise estimation of individual narcotic
      needs is complex. Patient and family education on the importance and proper
      method of narcotic disposal is an essential component of minimizing the
      availability of unused postoperative medication. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic
      Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of
      evidence.

PMID- 27655984
TI  - Patient Compliance with Postoperative Lower-Extremity Non-Weight-Bearing
      Restrictions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A period of non-weight-bearing is prescribed following many
      orthopaedic injuries and procedures. It is believed that a period of non-weight
      bearing is important for proper healing and recovery. The degree to which
      patients are compliant with non-weight-bearing instructions is unknown. The
      purpose of this study was to measure patient compliance with a period of
      prescribed non-weight-bearing. METHODS: In this single-blinded study, pressure
      sensitive film was embedded into short leg casts of 51 consecutive adult
      orthopaedic patients with unilateral lower-extremity abnormality who had been
      instructed to be strictly non-weight-bearing. Sensors were retrieved at the time
      of cast removal (mean, 24.3 days [range, 7 to 48 days]) and then were analyzed
      for force distribution and magnitude. Noncompliance was defined as maximum
      detectable pressure exerted on >=50% of the film. Patient characteristics and the
      time of year that the casts were worn were also examined to determine if they
      correlated with weight-bearing. RESULTS: Fourteen (27.5%) of 51 patients were
      noncompliant with the non-weight-bearing restriction. Six (42.9%) of the 14
      noncompliant patients compared with 11 (29.7%) of the 37 compliant patients
      experienced an adverse event (p = 0.51). Sex, age, language spoken, body mass
      index, time in the cast, and the treating surgeon did not have a significant
      influence on weight-bearing performance (p > 0.05). Significantly greater weight
      bearing was found (p = 0.04) in warmer months (June to October) than in colder
      months (November to March) in the United States. CONCLUSIONS: The noncompliance
      rate with the postoperative non-weight-bearing restriction was 27.5% (95%
      confidence interval, 15.2% to 39.8%) in this patient group, despite explicit
      instructions and education about possible complications associated with weight
      bearing. The only factor found to have a significant effect on weight-bearing
      compliance was the time of year that the cast was worn. No significant difference
      was found between the complication rate of the compliant patients and that of the
      noncompliant patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions
      for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID- 27655985
TI  - Return to Work and Sport Following High Tibial Osteotomy: A Systematic Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to examine (1) timelines for return to
      sport and work following high tibial osteotomy (HTO), and (2) whether patients
      return to sport and work at levels similar to preoperative levels. METHODS: A
      systematic search was conducted across 3 databases (MEDLINE, Embase, and PubMed).
      Two reviewers independently screened the results for relevant articles. Data
      regarding patient demographics, indications, surgical technique, return to work
      and sport, and complication and failure rates were abstracted from eligible
      studies. RESULTS: Nineteen studies were included, involving 1,189 patients (64%
      male, 21% female, 15% unspecified) and 1,224 knees. Mean age was 46.2 years
      (range, 16 to 80 years). Opening-wedge HTO was most commonly used, followed by
      closing-wedge HTO and hemicallotasis. Mean follow-up was 65.4 months (range, 8 to
      253 months). Overall, 87.2% of patients returned to sport postoperatively, and
      78.6% returned at an equal or greater level. Among competitive athletes, 54%
      returned to competition. Overall, 84.5% of patients returned to work
      postoperatively, and 65.5% returned at an equal or greater level. Approximately
      90% of patients who returned to work or sport did so within 1 year. The
      complication rate was 5.8%, with infection being the most common complication;
      7.0% of patients progressed to a total knee arthroplasty at a mean of 6.7 years
      (range, 0.8 to 15 years) following HTO. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients
      undergoing HTO return to sport and work, and most return within 1 year of the
      operation. Most patients return to sport at a level equal to or greater than the
      preoperative level. Approximately two-thirds of patients return to an equal or
      greater level of physical work. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See
      Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID- 27655987
TI  - What's New in Hip Replacement.

PMID- 27655986
TI  - The Effects of Acupuncture on Chronic Knee Pain Due to Osteoarthritis: A Meta
      Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acupuncture reportedly relieves chronic knee pain and improves
      physical function in patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis, but the duration of
      these effects is controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the
      temporal effects of acupuncture on chronic knee pain due to knee osteoarthritis
      by means of a meta-analysis. METHODS: The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central
      Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched for studies published
      through March 2015. Ten randomized controlled trials of acupuncture compared with
      sham acupuncture, usual care, or no intervention for chronic knee pain in
      patients with clinically diagnosed or radiographically confirmed knee
      osteoarthritis were included. All of the studies were available in English.
      Weighted mean differences (WMDs), 95% confidence intervals (CIs), publication
      bias, and heterogeneity were calculated. RESULTS: The acupuncture groups showed
      superior pain improvement (p < 0.001; WMD = -1.24 [95% CI, -1.92 to -0.56]; I(2)
      > 50%) and physical function (p < 0.001; WMD = 4.61 [95% CI, 2.24 to 6.97]; I(2)
      > 50%) in the short term (up to 13 weeks). The acupuncture groups showed superior
      physical function (p = 0.016; WMD = 2.73 [95% CI, 0.51 to 4.94]; I(2) > 50%) but
      not superior pain improvement (p = 0.199; WMD = -0.55 [95% CI, -1.39 to 0.29];
      I(2) > 50%) in the long term (up to 26 weeks). Subgroup analysis revealed that
      the acupuncture groups tended to have better outcomes compared with the controls.
      Significant publication bias was not detected (p > 0.05), but the heterogeneity
      of the studies was substantial. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis demonstrates that
      acupuncture can improve short and long-term physical function, but it appears to
      provide only short-term pain relief in patients with chronic knee pain due to
      osteoarthritis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for
      Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID- 27655988
TI  - The Science of Health-Care Delivery.
AB  - As the health-care system evolves toward delivering greater value for the
      patient, orthopaedic surgeons are continually being challenged to manage the
      health of a population. The traditional focus of scientific inquiry within
      orthopaedics has been at the individual patient level. The science of health-care
      delivery is an evolving field that is aimed at bringing rigorous inquiry into
      determining the proper organizational design that can deliver high-quality and
      low-cost care for a population. This article provides an overview of basic
      concepts involved in systems and organizational theory relevant to orthopaedic
      surgery. 

PMID- 27655989
TI  - Distribution of High-Volume Shoulder Arthroplasty Surgeons in the United States:
      Data from the 2014 Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data Release.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Access to total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) may become a concern in
      the United States because of an aging and active population resulting in
      increased demand. As high-volume TSA surgeons have demonstrated superior
      outcomes, access to these surgeons is a matter of patient and public health
      policy interest. The release of the 2012 Medicare Provider Utilization and
      Payment Data Public Use File (MPUPD-PUF) in 2014 provided volume and
      reimbursement data for procedures performed by individual physicians
      participating in Medicare. This study analyzed surgeon prevalence, surgeon
      distribution, and factors associated with higher or lower surgeon prevalence in
      metropolitan areas. METHODS: The MPUPD-PUF was reviewed for the 2012 calendar
      year, and data were extracted for all physicians who performed a minimum of 11
      TSA procedures for Medicare beneficiaries. Physicians in each major metropolitan
      area (population of >1 million) were grouped together. Average reimbursement,
      number of high-volume TSA surgeons, and number of total procedures were
      calculated per major metropolitan area. The presence of an American Shoulder and
      Elbow Surgeons (ASES) fellowship program and mean geographic reimbursement were
      analyzed for association with the number of high-volume TSA surgeons. RESULTS:
      The MPUPD-PUF included 774 surgeons across the United States who performed an
      annual minimum of 11 TSA procedures covered by Medicare, with a combined total of
      19,505 TSA procedures. Of these surgeons, 45% practiced within major metropolitan
      areas with a population of >1 million. Surgeons who had completed an ASES
      fellowship had a higher volume of procedural claims (median, 26; range, 11 to
      120) compared with other surgeons (median, 17; range, 11 to 163; p < 0.001). The
      distribution among major metropolitan areas was highly unequal, and more surgeons
      were present in cities with an ASES fellowship program. CONCLUSIONS: Access to
      high-volume shoulder arthroplasty surgeons by the Medicare population is lacking
      in multiple major metropolitan areas in the United States because of the uneven
      distribution of these surgeons. The method of analysis in this study allows for
      opportunities to target training programs as well as placement of physicians to
      ensure access to high-volume shoulder arthroplasty surgeons.

PMID- 27655990
TI  - Surgical Site Infection: Can We Predict the Future? Commentary on an article by
      Joshua S. Everhart, MD, MPH, et al.: "Development and Validation of a
      Preoperative Surgical Site Infection Risk Score for Primary or Revision Knee and
      Hip Arthroplasty".

PMID- 27655991
TI  - What Happened to My Quad? Commentary on an article by Brian Noehren, PT, PhD, et
      al.: "Cellular and Morphological Alterations in the Vastus Lateralis Muscle as
      the Result of ACL Injury and Reconstruction".

PMID- 27655992
TI  - Consider the Patient When Prescribing Total Non-Weight-Bearing: Commentary on an
      article by Christopher P. Chiodo, MD, et al.: "Patient Compliance with
      Postoperative Lower-Extremity Non-Weight-Bearing Restrictions".

PMID- 27655993
TI  - Effects of Music Intervention on State Anxiety and Physiological Indices in
      Patients Undergoing Mechanical Ventilation in the Intensive Care Unit.
AB  - Patients in intensive care units (ICUs) often experience stress and anxiety.
      Although stress and anxiety can be pharmacologically attenuated, some drugs cause
      adverse side effects such as bradycardia, immobility, and delirium. There is thus
      a need for an alternative treatment with no substantial adverse effects. Music
      intervention is a potential alternative. In the present study, we used cortisol
      levels, subjective questionnaires, and physiological parameters to explore the
      anxiety-reducing effects of music intervention in a sample of ICU patients on
      mechanical ventilation. Patients admitted to the ICU for >= 24 hr were randomly
      assigned to the music intervention ( n = 41) or control group ( n = 44). Music
      group patients individually listened to music from 4:00 to 4:30 p.m.; control
      group patients wore headphones but heard no music for the same 30 min. Anxiety
      was measured using serum cortisol levels, the Chinese Version of the State-Trait
      Anxiety Inventory, the Visual Analogue Scale for Anxiety, heart rate, and blood
      pressure. After adjusting for demographics, analysis of covariance showed that
      the music group had significantly better scores for all posttest measures ( p <
      .02) and pre-post differences ( p < .03) except for diastolic blood pressure.
      Because of music intervention's low cost and easy administration, clinical nurses
      may want to use music to reduce stress and anxiety for ICU patients. A single 30
      min session might work immediately without any adverse effects. However, the
      duration of the effect is unclear; thus, each patient's mood should be monitored
      after the music intervention.

PMID- 27655994
TI  - Targeted autopsy practice for coroners is likely to miss diagnoses.

PMID- 27655995
TI  - Evidence for Human Adaptation and Foodborne Transmission of Livestock-Associated
      Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
AB  - We investigated the evolution and epidemiology of a novel livestock-associated
      methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strain, which colonizes and infects
      urban-dwelling Danes even without a Danish animal reservoir. Genetic evidence
      suggests both poultry and human adaptation, with poultry meat implicated as a
      probable source.

PMID- 27655997
TI  - Bridge Therapy Outcomes in Patients With Mechanical Heart Valves.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bridge therapy is associated with an increased risk of major bleeding
      in patients with atrial fibrillation and venous thromboembolism (TE) without a
      corresponding reduction in TE. The benefits of bridge therapy in patients with
      mechanical heart valve (MHV) prostheses interrupting warfarin for invasive
      procedures are not well described. METHODS AND RESULTS: A retrospective cohort
      study was conducted at an integrated health-care delivery system. Anticoagulated
      patients with MHV interrupting warfarin for invasive diagnostic or surgical
      procedures between January 1, 2006, and March 31, 2012, were identified. Patients
      were categorized according to exposure to bridge therapy during the
      periprocedural period and TE risk (low, medium, and high). Outcomes validated via
      manual chart review included clinically relevant bleeding, TE, and all-cause
      mortality in the 30 days following the procedure. There were 547 procedures in
      355 patients meeting inclusion criteria. Mean cohort age was 65.2 years, and 38%
      were female. Bridge therapy was utilized in 466 (85.2%) procedures (95.2%, 77.3%,
      and 65.8% of high, medium, and low TE risk category procedures, respectively).
      The 30-day rate of clinically relevant bleeding was numerically higher in bridged
      (5.8%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.9%-8.3%) versus not bridged procedures
      (1.2%; 95% CI, <0.1%-6.7%; P = .102). No TEs or deaths were identified.
      CONCLUSION: The use of bridge therapy is common among patients with MHV and may
      be associated with increased bleeding risk. Further research is needed to
      determine whether bridge therapy reduces TE in patients with MHV interrupting
      warfarin for invasive procedures.

PMID- 27655996
TI  - Substantial Decline in Vaccine-Type Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Among Vaccinated
      Young Women During the First 8 Years After HPV Vaccine Introduction in a
      Community.
AB  - BACKGROUND:  Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine effectiveness and herd protection
      are not well established in community settings. Our objective was to determine
      trends in vaccine-type HPV in young women during the 8 years after vaccine
      introduction, to assess changes in HPV prevalence and characterize herd
      protection in a community. METHODS:  We recruited 3 samples of sexually
      experienced, 13-26-year-old adolescent girls and young women (hereafter women; N
      = 1180) from 2006-2014: before widespread vaccine introduction (wave 1) and 3
      (wave 2) and 7 (wave 3) years after vaccine introduction. We determined the
      prevalence of vaccine-type HPV (HPV-6, -11, -16, and -18) among all, vaccinated,
      and unvaccinated women at waves 1, 2, and 3, adjusted for differences in
      participant characteristics, then examined whether changes in HPV prevalence were
      significant using inverse propensity score-weighted logistic regression. RESULTS:
      Vaccination rates increased from 0% to 71.3% across the 3 waves. Adjusted
      vaccine-type HPV prevalence changed from 34.8% to 8.7% (75.0% decline) in all
      women, from 34.9% to 3.2% (90.8% decline) in vaccinated women, and from 32.5% to
      22.0% (32.3% decline) in unvaccinated women. Among vaccinated participants,
      vaccine-type HPV prevalence decreased significantly from wave 1 to wave 2
      (adjusted odds ratio, 0.21; 95% confidence interval, .13-.34) and from wave 1 to
      wave 3 (0.06; .03-.13). The same decreases were also significant among
      unvaccinated participants (adjusted odds ratios, 0.44; [95% confidence interval,
      .27-.71] and 0.59; [.35-.98], respectively). CONCLUSIONS:  The prevalence of
      vaccine-type HPV decreased >90% in vaccinated women, demonstrating high
      effectiveness in a community setting, and >30% in unvaccinated women, providing
      evidence of herd protection.

PMID- 27655998
TI  - Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated With Hypertension in von Willebrand
      Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: von Willebrand factor (VWF) is a biomarker for endothelial damage.
      Increased VWF levels are observed in hypertension (HTN) and disorders of
      endothelial dysfunction, for example, atherosclerotic heart disease (ASHD) and
      diabetes. Whether low VWF protects against HTN is unknown. METHODS: To determine
      prevalence and risk factors for HTN in patients with von Willebrand disease
      (VWD), we conducted a cross-sectional analysis of discharge data from the
      National Inpatient Sample, 2009 to 2011. Group comparisons were performed by Rao
      Scott chi2 test. Odds of HTN and HTN outcomes in VWD were estimated by weighted
      multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: The prevalence of hypertension in
      patients with VWD (N = 7556), 37.35%, was significantly lower than that in non
      VWD patients (N = 19 918 970), 49.40%, P < .0001. Hypertension risk factors
      (hyperlipidemia, diabetes, smoking, hepatitis C, and HIV) and HTN outcomes (ASHD,
      myocardial infarction [MI], ischemic stroke, and renal failure) were less common
      in patients with VWD than in non-VWD patients, all P <= .0001. Patients with VWD
      were younger, 49.67 versus 57.30 years, Caucasian, 82.23% versus 68.35%, and
      female, 75.44% versus 59.61%, P < .0001. Patients with HTN were older, 67.55
      versus 47.29 years, male, 45.99% versus 34.90%, and had more HTN risk factors and
      HTN outcomes than those without HTN, all P < .0001, including male and female
      subgroups, each P < .0001. The unadjusted odds of HTN in patients with VWD (odds
      ratio [OR] = 0.611, P < .0001) and of HTN outcomes in patients with VWD (ASHD, OR
      = 0.509; MI, OR = 0.422; ischemic stroke, OR = 0.521; renal failure, OR = 0.420,
      all P < .0001) became insignificant after adjustment for HTN risk factors plus
      demographics (age/race/gender), OR = 1.035, P = .260. CONCLUSION: The risk of HTN
      is reduced in patients with VWD, but not after adjustment for HTN risk factors
      plus demographics, as patients with VWD not having HTN are also typically young,
      Caucasian, and female.

PMID- 27655999
TI  - Evolution of Cognitive Function After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the evolution of cognitive function after
      transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Previous smaller studies reported
      conflicting results on the evolution of cognitive function after TAVI. METHODS
      AND RESULTS: In this prospective cohort, cognitive function was measured in 229
      patients >=70 years using the Mini Mental State Examination before and 6 months
      after TAVI. Cognitive deterioration or improvement was defined as change of >=3
      points decrease or increase in the Mini Mental State Examination score between
      baseline and follow-up. Cognitive deterioration was found in 29 patients (12.7%).
      Predictive analysis using logistic regression did not identify any statistically
      significant predictor of cognitive deterioration. A review of individual medical
      records in 8 patients with a major Mini Mental State Examination score decrease
      of >=5 points revealed specific causes in 6 cases (postinterventional delirium in
      2; postinterventional stroke, progressive renal failure, progressive heart
      failure, or combination of preexisting cerebrovascular disease and mild cognitive
      impairment in 1 each). Among 48 patients with impaired baseline cognition (Mini
      Mental State Examination score <26 points), 18 patients (37.5%) cognitively
      improved. The preinterventional aortic valve area was lower in patients who
      cognitively improved (median aortic valve area 0.60 cm2) as compared with
      patients who did not improve (median aortic valve area 0.70 cm2; P=0.01).
      CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study providing evidence that TAVI results in
      cognitive improvement among patients who had impaired preprocedural cognitive
      function, possibly related to hemodynamic improvement in patients with severe
      aortic stenosis. Our results confirm that some patients experience cognitive
      deterioration after TAVI.

PMID- 27656000
TI  - Changes in Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction Predict Survival and
      Hospitalization in Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Left ventricular remodeling, as commonly measured by left ventricular
      ejection fraction (LVEF), is associated with clinical outcomes. Although change
      in LVEF over time should reflect response to therapy and clinical course, serial
      measurement of LVEF is inconsistently performed in observational settings, and
      the incremental prognostic value of change in LVEF has not been well
      characterized. METHODS AND RESULTS: The beta-Blocker Evaluation of Survival Trial
      measured LVEF by radionuclide ventriculography at baseline and at 3 and 12 months
      after randomization. We built a series of multivariable models with 16 clinical
      parameters plus change in LVEF for predicting 4 major clinical end points,
      including the trial's primary end point of all-cause mortality. Among 2484
      patients with at least 1 follow-up LVEF, change in LVEF was the second most
      significant predictor (behind baseline creatinine) of all-cause mortality
      (adjusted hazard ratio for improvement in LVEF by >=5 U responder versus
      nonresponder [95% confidence intervals] for all-cause mortality=0.62 [0.52
      0.73]). Other end points, including heart failure hospitalization or the
      composite of all-cause mortality and heart failure hospitalization, yielded
      similar results. LVEF change >=5 U was associated with a modest increase in
      discrimination when added to traditional predictors and was predictive of
      outcomes in both the bucindolol and placebo treatment groups. LVEF change as a
      predictor of outcomes was affected by sex and race, with evidence that LVEF
      improvement is associated with less survival benefit in African Americans and
      women. CONCLUSIONS: Serial evaluation for LVEF change predicts both survival and
      heart failure hospitalization and provides a dynamic/real-time measure of
      prognosis in heart failure with reduced LVEF. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL:
      http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00000560.

PMID- 27656001
TI  - World War II Mobilization in Men's Work Lives: Continuity or Disruption for the
      Middle Class?
AB  - The labor needs of World War II fueled a growing demand for both military and war
      industry personnel. This longitudinal study investigates mobilization into these
      competing activities and their work life effects among men from the middle class.
      Hazard estimates show significant differences in wartime activities across
      occupations, apart from other deferment criteria. By war's end, critical
      employment, in contrast to military service, is positively associated with
      supervisory responsibility for younger men and with occupation change. This
      empoloyment does not predict postwar career advancement up to the 1970s. By
      comparison, men who were officers had a "pipeline" to advancement after the war,
      whereas other service men fared worse than nonveterans.

PMID- 27656002
TI  - Colored dissolved organic matter dynamics and anthropogenic influences in a major
      transboundary river and its coastal wetland.
AB  - Most transboundary rivers and their wetlands are subject to considerable
      anthropogenic pressures associated with multiple and often conflicting uses. In
      the Eastern Mediterranean such systems are also particularly vulnerable to
      climate change, posing additional challenges for integrated water resources
      management. Comprehensive measurements of the optical signature of colored
      dissolved organic matter (CDOM) were combined with measurements of river
      discharges and water physicochemical and biogeochemical properties, to assess
      carbon dynamics, water quality, and anthropogenic influences in a major
      transboundary system of the Eastern Mediterranean, the Evros (or, Maritsa or,
      Meric) river and its Ramsar protected coastal wetland. Measurements were
      performed over three years, in seasons characterized by different hydrologic
      conditions and along transects extending more than 70 km from the freshwater end
      member to two kilometers offshore in the Aegean Sea. Changes in precipitation,
      anthropogenic dissolved organic matter (DOM) inputs from the polluted Ergene
      tributary, and the irregular operation of a dam were key factors driving water
      quality, salinity regimes, and biogeochemical properties in the Evros delta and
      coastal waters. Marsh outwelling affected coastal carbon quality, but the
      influence of wetlands was often masked by anthropogenic DOM contributions. A
      distinctive five-peak CDOM fluorescence signature was characteristic of upstream
      anthropogenic inputs and clearly tracked the influence of freshwater discharges
      on water quality. Monitoring of this CDOM fluorescence footprint could have
      direct applications to programs focusing on water quality and environmental
      assessment in this and other transboundary rivers where management of water
      resources remains largely ineffective.

PMID- 27656003
TI  - Distribution of mesopredatory fish determined by habitat variables in a predator
      depleted coastal system.
AB  - Shallow nearshore habitats are highly valued for supporting marine ecosystems,
      but are subject to intense human-induced pressures. Mesopredatory fish are key
      components in coastal food webs, and alterations in their abundance may have
      evident effects also on other parts of the ecosystem. The aim of this study was
      to clarify the relationship between the abundance of coastal mesopredatory fish,
      defined as mid-trophic level demersal and benthic species with a diet consisting
      predominantly of invertebrates, and ambient environmental variables in a fjord
      system influenced by both eutrophication and overfishing. A field survey was
      conducted over a coastal gradient comprising 300 data points sampled consistently
      for fish community and environmental data. Results from multivariate and
      univariate analyses supported each other, demonstrating that mesopredatory fish
      abundance at species and functional group level was positively related to the
      cover of structurally complex vegetation and negatively related to
      eutrophication, as measured by water transparency. Contrary to other studies
      showing an inverse relationship to piscivore abundance over time, the spatial
      distribution of mesopredatory fish was not locally regulated by the abundance of
      piscivorous fish, probably attributed to piscivores being at historically low
      levels due to previous overfishing. Mesopredatory fish abundance was highest in
      areas with high habitat quality and positively related to the abundance of
      piscivores, suggesting a predominance of bottom-up processes. We conclude that,
      in parallel with ongoing regulations of fishing pressure, measures to restore
      habitat function and food web productivity are important for the recovery of
      coastal fish communities in the area.

PMID- 27656004
TI  - Quantification of Stereochemical Communication in Metal-Organic Assemblies.
AB  - The derivation and application of a statistical mechanical model to quantify
      stereochemical communication in metal-organic assemblies is reported. The factors
      affecting the stereochemical communication within and between the metal
      stereocenters of the assemblies were experimentally studied by optical
      spectroscopy and analyzed in terms of a free energy penalty per "incorrect" amine
      enantiomer incorporated, and a free energy of coupling between stereocenters.
      These intra- and inter-vertex coupling constants are used to track the degree of
      stereochemical communication across a range of metal-organic assemblies
      (employing different ligands, peripheral amines, and metals); temperature
      dependent equilibria between diastereomeric cages are also quantified. The model
      thus provides a unified understanding of the factors that shape the chirotopic
      void spaces enclosed by metal-organic container molecules.

PMID- 27656007
TI  - Formation of ridges in a stable lithosphere in mantle convection models with a
      viscoplastic rheology.
AB  - Numerical simulations of mantle convection with a viscoplastic rheology usually
      display mobile, episodic or stagnant lid regimes. In this study, we report a new
      convective regime in which a ridge can form without destabilizing the surrounding
      lithosphere or forming subduction zones. Using simulations in 2-D spherical
      annulus geometry, we show that a depth-dependent yield stress is sufficient to
      reach this ridge only regime. This regime occurs when the friction coefficient is
      close to the critical value between mobile lid and stagnant lid regimes. Maps of
      convective regime as a function of the parameters friction coefficients and depth
      dependence of viscosity are provided for both basal heating and mixed heating
      situations. The ridge only regime appears for both pure basal heating and mixed
      heating mode. For basal heating, this regime can occur for all vertical viscosity
      contrasts, while for mixed heating, a highly viscous deep mantle is required.

PMID- 27656006
TI  - Spectral properties of Titan's impact craters imply chemical weathering of its
      surface.
AB  - We examined the spectral properties of a selection of Titan's impact craters that
      represent a range of degradation states. The most degraded craters have rims and
      ejecta blankets with spectral characteristics that suggest that they are more
      enriched in water ice than the rims and ejecta blankets of the freshest craters
      on Titan. The progression is consistent with the chemical weathering of Titan's
      surface. We propose an evolutionary sequence such that Titan's craters expose an
      intimate mixture of water ice and organic materials, and chemical weathering by
      methane rainfall removes the soluble organic materials, leaving the insoluble
      organics and water ice behind. These observations support the idea that fluvial
      processes are active in Titan's equatorial regions.

PMID- 27656005
TI  - Mercury in Marine and Oceanic Waters-a Review.
AB  - Mercury contamination in water has been an issue to the environment and human
      health. In this article, mercury in marine and oceanic waters has been reviewed.
      In the aquatic environment, mercury occurs in many forms, which depend on the
      oxidation-reduction conditions. These forms have been briefly described in this
      article. Mercury concentrations in marine waters in the different parts of the
      world have been presented. In the relevant literature, two models describing the
      fate and behavior of mercury in saltwater reservoirs have been presented, a
      conceptual model which treats all the oceans as one ocean and the "ocean margin"
      model, providing that the ocean margins manifested themselves as the convergence
      of continents and oceans, covering such geological features, such as estuaries,
      inland seas, and the continental shelf. These two conceptual models have been
      summarized in the text. The mercury content in benthic sediments usually reflects
      is level in the water reservoir, particularly in reservoirs situated in
      contaminated areas (mines, metallurgical plants, chemically protected crops). The
      concentrations of mercury and its compounds determined in the sediments in
      surface waters in the different parts of the world have been presented. Due to
      the fact that the pollution caused by mercury is a serious threat for the marine
      environment, the short paragraph about mercury bioaccumulation in aquatic
      organisms has been included. The cited data demonstrated a large scatter of
      mercury contents both between the fish species and the water areas. Mathematical
      models, valuable tools which provide information about the possible responses of
      ecosystems, developed to simulate mercury emissions, both at a small scale, for
      local water reservoirs, and at a global scale, as well as to model mercury
      bioaccumulation in the chain web of aquatic systems have been described.

PMID- 27656008
TI  - Charge exchange in cometary coma: Discovery of H- ions in the solar wind close to
      comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko.
AB  - As Rosetta was orbiting comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, the Ion and Electron
      Sensor detected negative particles with angular distributions like those of the
      concurrently measured solar wind protons but with fluxes of only about 10% of the
      proton fluxes and energies of about 90% of the proton energies. Using well-known
      cross sections and energy-loss data, it is determined that the fluxes and
      energies of the negative particles are consistent with the production of H- ions
      in the solar wind by double charge exchange with molecules in the coma.

PMID- 27656010
TI  - Accelerated deforestation in the humid tropics from the 1990s to the 2000s.
AB  - Using a consistent, 20 year series of high- (30 m) resolution, satellite-based
      maps of forest cover, we estimate forest area and its changes from 1990 to 2010
      in 34 tropical countries that account for the majority of the global area of
      humid tropical forests. Our estimates indicate a 62% acceleration in net
      deforestation in the humid tropics from the 1990s to the 2000s, contradicting a
      25% reduction reported by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization
      Forest Resource Assessment. Net loss of forest cover peaked from 2000 to 2005.
      Gross gains accelerated slowly and uniformly between 1990-2000, 2000-2005, and
      2005-2010. However, the gains were overwhelmed by gross losses, which peaked from
      2000 to 2005 and decelerated afterward. The acceleration of humid tropical
      deforestation we report contradicts the assertion that losses decelerated from
      the 1990s to the 2000s.

PMID- 27656009
TI  - Near-Earth injection of MeV electrons associated with intense dipolarization
      electric fields: Van Allen Probes observations.
AB  - Substorms generally inject tens to hundreds of keV electrons, but intense
      substorm electric fields have been shown to inject MeV electrons as well. An
      intriguing question is whether such MeVelectron injections can populate the outer
      radiation belt. Here we present observations of a substorm injection of MeV
      electrons into the inner magnetosphere. In the premidnight sector at L ~ 5.5, Van
      Allen Probes (Radiation Belt Storm Probes)-A observed a large dipolarization
      electric field (50 mV/m) over ~40 s and a dispersionless injection of electrons
      up to ~3 MeV. Pitch angle observations indicated betatron acceleration of MeV
      electrons at the dipolarization front. Corresponding signals of MeV electron
      injection were observed at LANL-GEO, THEMIS-D, and GOES at geosynchronous
      altitude. Through a series of dipolarizations, the injections increased the MeV
      electron phase space density by 1 order of magnitude in less than 3 h in the
      outer radiation belt (L > 4.8). Our observations provide evidence that deep
      injections can supply significant MeV electrons.

PMID- 27656012
TI  - Children's Sex and the Happiness of Parents.
AB  - Demographers are interested in sex preferences for children because they can skew
      sex ratios and influence population-level fertility, parenting behavior, and
      family outcomes. Based on parity progression ratios, in most European countries,
      there are no sex preferences for a first child, but a strong preference for mixed
      sex children. We hypothesize that mixed-sex preferences also influence parental
      happiness. Parents' disappointment with a second child of the same sex as the
      first could have negative effects for parents and children. We use longitudinal
      data from the German Socio-Economic Panel and the British Household Panel Study
      to examine parental happiness by the children's sex and analyze whether these
      effects differ by parent's sex, age, nativity, and educational attainment. The
      results are only partially consistent with predictions from parity progression
      ratios. As expected, parental happiness does not depend on the sex of the first
      child. We find weak evidence suggesting that two boys decrease happiness, but the
      findings are not consistent across German and British data or across
      subpopulations. Moreover, two girls do not reduce happiness. Although sex
      preferences influence fertility, they appear to have little impact on happiness,
      perhaps because of unobserved positive factors associated with having same-sex
      children.

PMID- 27656011
TI  - Parenthood and Well-Being: The Moderating Role of Leisure and Paid Work.
AB  - This study contributes to our knowledge on the association between parenthood and
      psychological well-being by examining whether pre-parenthood lifestyles (leisure
      and paid work) moderate the transition to parenthood. We expected that people
      with less active lifestyles would find it easier to adapt to the demands of
      parenthood. Using eleven waves of the Swiss Household Panel (N = 1332 men and
      1272 women; 1999-2008, 2010), fixed effects models are estimated for men and
      women separately. Results show that-on average-parenthood was not associated with
      well-being for men, whereas it increased well-being for women. As expected, the
      well-being premium/cost to parenthood was contingent upon individuals' lifestyle
      before the transition to parenthood. For men, parenthood reduced well-being, but
      only if they frequently participated in leisure before the birth of the child.
      For women, motherhood had a beneficial effect on well-being but this effect was
      weaker for women who combined leisure with working long hours before motherhood.

PMID- 27656013
TI  - Interpretation and application of carbon isotope ratios in freshwater diatom
      silica.
AB  - Carbon incorporated into diatom frustule walls is protected from degradation
      enabling analysis for carbon isotope composition (delta13Cdiatom). This presents
      potential for tracing carbon cycles via a single photosynthetic host with well
      constrained ecophysiology. Improved understanding of environmental processes
      controlling carbon delivery and assimilation is essential to interpret changes in
      freshwater delta13Cdiatom. Here relationships between water chemistry and
      delta13Cdiatom from contemporary regional data sets are investigated. Modern
      diatom and water samples were collected from river catchments within England and
      lake sediments from across Europe. The data suggest dissolved, biogenically
      produced carbon supplied proportionately to catchment productivity was critical
      in the rivers and soft water lakes. However, dissolved carbon from calcareous
      geology overwhelmed the carbon signature in hard water catchments. Both results
      demonstrate carbon source characteristics were the most important control on
      delta13Cdiatom, with a greater impact than productivity. Application of these
      principles was made to a sediment record from Lake Tanganyika. delta13Cdiatom co
      varied with delta13Cbulk through the last glacial and Holocene. This suggests
      carbon supply was again dominant and exceeded authigenic demand. This first
      systematic evaluation of contemporary delta13Cdiatom controls demonstrates that
      diatoms have the potential to supply a record of carbon cycling through lake
      catchments from sediment records over millennial timescales.

PMID- 27656014
TI  - Monocyte-Derived Macrophages Modulate Inflammation and Promote Long-Term
      Functional Recovery in a Mouse Model of Ischemia.

PMID- 27656015
TI  - A Schwanncentric View of Axon Arborization in Neuromuscular Junction (NMJ)
      Formation.

PMID- 27656016
TI  - Heteromodal Cortical Areas Encode Sensory-Motor Features of Word Meaning.
AB  - The capacity to process information in conceptual form is a fundamental aspect of
      human cognition, yet little is known about how this type of information is
      encoded in the brain. Although the role of sensory and motor cortical areas has
      been a focus of recent debate, neuroimaging studies of concept representation
      consistently implicate a network of heteromodal areas that seem to support
      concept retrieval in general rather than knowledge related to any particular
      sensory-motor content. We used predictive machine learning on fMRI data to
      investigate the hypothesis that cortical areas in this "general semantic network"
      (GSN) encode multimodal information derived from basic sensory-motor processes,
      possibly functioning as convergence-divergence zones for distributed concept
      representation. An encoding model based on five conceptual attributes directly
      related to sensory-motor experience (sound, color, shape, manipulability, and
      visual motion) was used to predict brain activation patterns associated with
      individual lexical concepts in a semantic decision task. When the analysis was
      restricted to voxels in the GSN, the model was able to identify the activation
      patterns corresponding to individual concrete concepts significantly above
      chance. In contrast, a model based on five perceptual attributes of the word form
      performed at chance level. This pattern was reversed when the analysis was
      restricted to areas involved in the perceptual analysis of written word forms.
      These results indicate that heteromodal areas involved in semantic processing
      encode information about the relative importance of different sensory-motor
      attributes of concepts, possibly by storing particular combinations of sensory
      and motor features. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The present study used a predictive
      encoding model of word semantics to decode conceptual information from neural
      activity in heteromodal cortical areas. The model is based on five sensory-motor
      attributes of word meaning (color, shape, sound, visual motion, and
      manipulability) and encodes the relative importance of each attribute to the
      meaning of a word. This is the first demonstration that heteromodal areas
      involved in semantic processing can discriminate between different concepts based
      on sensory-motor information alone. This finding indicates that the brain
      represents concepts as multimodal combinations of sensory and motor
      representations.

PMID- 27656018
TI  - Involvement of Spinal IL-6 Trans-Signaling in the Induction of Hyperexcitability
      of Deep Dorsal Horn Neurons by Spinal Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha.
AB  - During peripheral inflammation, both spinal TNF-alpha and IL-6 are released
      within the spinal cord and support the generation of inflammation-evoked spinal
      hyperexcitability. However, whether spinal TNF-alpha and IL-6 act independently
      in parallel or in a functionally dependent manner has not been investigated. In
      extracellular recordings from mechanonociceptive deep dorsal horn neurons of
      normal rats in vivo, we found that spinal application of TNF-alpha increased
      spinal neuronal responses to mechanical stimulation of knee and ankle joints.
      This effect was significantly attenuated by either sgp130, which blocks IL-6
      trans-signaling mediated by IL-6 and its soluble receptor IL-6R (sIL-6R); by an
      antibody to the IL-6 receptor; or by minocycline, which inhibits the microglia.
      IL-6 was localized in neurons of the spinal cord and, upon peripheral noxious
      stimulation in the presence of spinal TNF-alpha, IL-6 was released spinally.
      Furthermore, TNF-alpha recruited microglial cells to provide sIL-6R, which can
      form complexes with IL-6. Spinal application of IL-6 plus sIL-6R, but not of IL-6
      alone, enhanced spinal hyperexcitability similar to TNF-alpha and the inhibition
      of TNF-alpha-induced hyperexcitability by minocycline was overcome by
      coadministration of sIL-6R, showing that sIL-6R is required. Neither minocycline
      nor the TNF-alpha-neutralizing compound etanercept inhibited the induction of
      hyperexcitability by IL-6 plus sIL-6R. Together, these data show that the
      induction of hyperexcitability of nociceptive deep dorsal horn neurons by TNF
      alpha largely depends on the formation of IL-6/sIL-6R complexes that are
      downstream of TNF-alpha and requires the interactions of neurons and microglia
      orchestrated by TNF-alpha. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Both spinal TNF-alpha and IL-6
      induce a state of spinal hyperexcitability. We present the novel finding that the
      full effect of TNF-alpha on the development of spinal hyperexcitability depends
      on IL-6 trans-signaling acting downstream of TNF-alpha. IL-6 trans-signaling
      requires the formation of complexes of IL-6 and soluble IL-6 receptor. Spinal TNF
      alpha furthers the release of IL-6 from neurons in the spinal cord during
      peripheral noxious stimulation and recruits microglial cells to provide soluble
      IL-6 receptor, which can form complexes with IL-6. Therefore, a specific
      interaction between neurons and microglia is required for the full development of
      TNF-alpha-induced hyperexcitability of nociceptive deep horsal horn neurons.

PMID- 27656017
TI  - Schwann Cells in Neuromuscular Junction Formation and Maintenance.
AB  - The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a tripartite synapse that is formed by motor
      nerve terminals, postjunctional muscle membranes, and terminal Schwann cells
      (TSCs) that cover the nerve-muscle contact. NMJ formation requires intimate
      communications among the three different components. Unlike nerve-muscle
      interaction, which has been well characterized, less is known about the role of
      SCs in NMJ formation and maintenance. We show that SCs in mice lead nerve
      terminals to prepatterned AChRs. Ablating SCs at E8.5 (i.e., prior nerve arrival
      at the clusters) had little effect on aneural AChR clusters at E13.5, suggesting
      that SCs may not be necessary for aneural clusters. SC ablation at E12.5, a time
      when phrenic nerves approach muscle fibers, resulted in smaller and fewer nerve
      induced AChR clusters; however, SC ablation at E15.5 reduced AChR cluster size
      but had no effect on cluster density, suggesting that SCs are involved in AChR
      cluster maturation. Miniature endplate potential amplitude, but not frequency,
      was reduced when SCs were ablated at E15.5, suggesting that postsynaptic
      alterations may occur ahead of presynaptic deficits. Finally, ablation of SCs at
      P30, after NMJ maturation, led to NMJ fragmentation and neuromuscular
      transmission deficits. Miniature endplate potential amplitude was reduced 3 d
      after SC ablation, but both amplitude and frequency were reduced 6 d after.
      Together, these results indicate that SCs are not only required for NMJ
      formation, but also necessary for its maintenance; and postsynaptic function and
      structure appeared to be more sensitive to SC ablation. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT:
      Neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) are critical for survival and daily functioning.
      Defects in NMJ formation during development or maintenance in adulthood result in
      debilitating neuromuscular disorders. The role of Schwann cells (SCs) in NMJ
      formation and maintenance was not well understood. We genetically ablated SCs
      during development and after NMJ formation to investigate the consequences of the
      ablation. This study reveals a critical role of SCs in NMJ formation as well as
      maintenance.

PMID- 27656019
TI  - DDX3 Modulates Neurite Development via Translationally Activating an RNA Regulon
      Involved in Rac1 Activation.
AB  - The RNA helicase DDX3 is a component of neuronal granules, and its gene mutations
      are linked to intellectual disability (ID). Here we demonstrate that DDX3
      depletion in neurons impairs neurite development by downregulating Rac1 level and
      activation. Moreover, DDX3 activates the translation of functionally coherent
      mRNAs involved in Rac1 activation including Rac1 Among the DDX3 regulon, Prkaca
      encodes the catalytic subunit of PKA, a potential activator of Rac1 in neurons.
      DDX3-modulated PKAcalpha and Rac1 expression tunes the strength of PKA-Rac1
      signaling and thereby contributes to neurite outgrowth and dendritic spine
      formation. Inhibition of DDX3 activity or expression in neonatal mice impaired
      dendritic outgrowth and spine formation of hippocampal neurons, echoing neuronal
      deficits underling DDX3 mutation-associated ID. Finally, we provide evidence that
      DDX3 activates local protein synthesis through a 5' UTR-dependent mechanism in
      neurons. The novel DDX3 regulon may conduct a spatial and temporal control of
      Rac1 signaling to regulate neurite development. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: DDX3X
      mutations are linked to intellectual disability (ID). We provide first evidence
      that DDX3 is required for neurite outgrowth and dendritic spine formation in
      vitro and in vivo We identified a DDX3 regulon constituting functionally cohesive
      mRNAs involved in Rac1 signaling, which contributes to DDX3-modulated neurite
      development. Inhibition or ablation of DDX3 in vivo shortened neurite lengths and
      impaired dendritic spine formation in hippocampal neurons, reflecting the
      prevalence of ID-associated DDX3X mutations in the helicase domain.
      Mechanistically, DDX3 activates local protein synthesis of mRNAs sharing similar
      5' UTR structures and therefore controls Rac1 signaling strength in neurites.

PMID- 27656020
TI  - Pattern Adaptation and Normalization Reweighting.
AB  - Adaptation to an oriented stimulus changes both the gain and preferred
      orientation of neural responses in V1. Neurons tuned near the adapted orientation
      are suppressed, and their preferred orientations shift away from the adapter. We
      propose a model in which weights of divisive normalization are dynamically
      adjusted to homeostatically maintain response products between pairs of neurons.
      We demonstrate that this adjustment can be performed by a very simple learning
      rule. Simulations of this model closely match existing data from visual
      adaptation experiments. We consider several alternative models, including
      variants based on homeostatic maintenance of response correlations or covariance,
      as well as feedforward gain-control models with multiple layers, and we
      demonstrate that homeostatic maintenance of response products provides the best
      account of the physiological data. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Adaptation is a
      phenomenon throughout the nervous system in which neural tuning properties change
      in response to changes in environmental statistics. We developed a model of
      adaptation that combines normalization (in which a neuron's gain is reduced by
      the summed responses of its neighbors) and Hebbian learning (in which synaptic
      strength, in this case divisive normalization, is increased by correlated
      firing). The model is shown to account for several properties of adaptation in
      primary visual cortex in response to changes in the statistics of contour
      orientation.

PMID- 27656021
TI  - Dysregulated NMDA-Receptor Signaling Inhibits Long-Term Depression in a Mouse
      Model of Fragile X Syndrome.
AB  - Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a neurodevelopmental disease. It is one of the
      leading monogenic causes of intellectual disability among boys with most also
      displaying autism spectrum disorder traits. Here we investigated the role of NMDA
      receptors on mGluR-dependent long-term depression (mGluR-LTD), a key biomarker in
      the disease, at four different developmental stages. First, we applied the mGluR
      agonist 3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine in the absence or presence of the NMDAR
      blocker, APV, hereby unmasking the NMDAR component in this process. As expected,
      in the presence of APV, we found more LTD in the mouse KO than in WT. This,
      however, was only observed in the p30-60 age group. At all other age groups
      tested, mGluR-LTD was almost identical between KO and WT. Interestingly, at p60,
      in the absence of APV, no or very little LTD was found in KO that was completely
      restored by application of APV. This suggests that the underlying cause of the
      enhanced mGluR-LTD in KO (at p30) is caused by dysregulated NMDAR signaling. To
      investigate this further, we next used NMDAR-subunit-specific antagonists.
      Inhibition of GluN2B, but not GluN2A, blocked mGluR-LTD only in WT. This was in
      contrast in the KO where blocking GluN2B rescued mGluR-LTD, suggesting GluN2B
      containing NMDARs in the KO are hyperactive. Thus, these findings suggest strong
      involvement of GluN2B-containing-NMDARs in the pathophysiology of FXS and
      highlight a potential path for treatment for the disease. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT:
      There is currently no cure for fragile X, although medications targeting specific
      FXS symptoms do exist. The FXS animal model, the Fmr1 knock-out mouse, has
      demonstrated an increased mGluR5-mediated long-term depression (LTD) leading to
      several clinical trials of mGluR5 inhibitors/modulators, yet all have failed. In
      addition, surprisingly little information exists about the possible role of other
      ion channels/receptors, including NMDA receptors (NMDAR), in mGluR-LTD. Here we
      focus on NMDARs and their regulation of mGluR-mediated LTD at different
      developmental stages using several different NMDAR blockers/antagonists. Our
      findings suggest dysregulated NMDARs in the pathophysiology of FXS leading to
      altered mGluR-mediated LTD. Together, these data will help to develop new drug
      candidates that could lead to reversal of the FXS phenotype.

PMID- 27656023
TI  - Necessary Contributions of Human Frontal Lobe Subregions to Reward Learning in a
      Dynamic, Multidimensional Environment.
AB  - Real-world decisions are typically made between options that vary along multiple
      dimensions, requiring prioritization of the important dimensions to support
      optimal choice. Learning in this setting depends on attributing decision outcomes
      to the dimensions with predictive relevance rather than to dimensions that are
      irrelevant and nonpredictive. This attribution problem is computationally
      challenging, and likely requires an interplay between selective attention and
      reward learning. Both these processes have been separately linked to the
      prefrontal cortex, but little is known about how they combine to support learning
      the reward value of multidimensional stimuli. Here, we examined the necessary
      contributions of frontal lobe subregions in attributing feedback to relevant and
      irrelevant dimensions on a trial-by-trial basis in humans. Patients with focal
      frontal lobe damage completed a demanding reward learning task where options
      varied on three dimensions, only one of which predicted reward. Participants with
      left lateral frontal lobe damage attributed rewards to irrelevant dimensions,
      rather than the relevant dimension. Damage to the ventromedial frontal lobe also
      impaired learning about the relevant dimension, but did not increase reward
      attribution to irrelevant dimensions. The results argue for distinct roles for
      these two regions in learning the value of multidimensional decision options
      under dynamic conditions, with the lateral frontal lobe required for selecting
      the relevant dimension to associate with reward, and the ventromedial frontal
      lobe required to learn the reward association itself. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The
      real world is complex and multidimensional; how do we attribute rewards to
      predictive features when surrounded by competing cues? Here, we tested the
      critical involvement of human frontal lobe subregions in a probabilistic,
      multidimensional learning environment, asking whether focal lesions affected
      trial-by-trial attribution of feedback to relevant and irrelevant dimensions. The
      left lateral frontal lobe was required for filtering option dimensions to allow
      appropriate feedback attribution, while the ventromedial frontal lobe was
      necessary for learning the value of features in the relevant dimension. These
      findings argue that selective attention and associative learning processes
      mediated by anatomically distinct frontal lobe subregions are both critical for
      adaptive choice in more complex, ecologically valid settings.

PMID- 27656022
TI  - Adult Brain Serotonin Deficiency Causes Hyperactivity, Circadian Disruption, and
      Elimination of Siestas.
AB  - Serotonin (5-HT) is a crucial neuromodulator linked to many psychiatric
      disorders. However, after more than 60 years of study, its role in behavior
      remains poorly understood, in part because of a lack of methods to target 5-HT
      synthesis specifically in the adult brain. Here, we have developed a genetic
      approach that reproducibly achieves near-complete elimination of 5-HT synthesis
      from the adult ascending 5-HT system by stereotaxic injection of an adeno
      associated virus expressing Cre recombinase (AAV-Cre) into the midbrain/pons of
      mice carrying a loxP-conditional tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (Tph2) allele. We
      investigated the behavioral effects of deficient brain 5-HT synthesis and
      discovered a unique composite phenotype. Surprisingly, adult 5-HT deficiency did
      not affect anxiety-like behavior, but resulted in a robust hyperactivity
      phenotype in novel and home cage environments. Moreover, loss of 5-HT led to an
      altered pattern of circadian behavior characterized by an advance in the onset
      and a delay in the offset of daily activity, thus revealing a requirement for
      adult 5-HT in the control of daily activity patterns. Notably, after normalizing
      for hyperactivity, we found that the normal prolonged break in nocturnal activity
      (siesta), a period of rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM sleep, was absent in
      all animals in which 5-HT deficiency was verified. Our findings identify adult 5
      HT as a requirement for siestas, implicate adult 5-HT in sleep-wake homeostasis,
      and highlight the importance of our adult-specific 5-HT-synthesis-targeting
      approach in understanding 5-HT's role in controlling behavior. SIGNIFICANCE
      STATEMENT: Serotonin (5-HT) is a crucial neuromodulator, yet its role in behavior
      remains poorly understood, in part because of a lack of methods to target
      specifically adult brain 5-HT synthesis. We developed an approach that
      reproducibly achieves near-complete elimination of 5-HT synthesis from the adult
      ascending 5-HT system. Using this technique, we discovered that adult 5-HT
      deficiency led to a novel compound phenotype consisting of hyperactivity,
      disrupted circadian behavior patterns, and elimination of siestas, a period of
      increased sleep during the active phase. These findings highlight the importance
      of our approach in understanding 5-HT's role in behavior, especially in
      controlling activity levels, circadian behavior, and sleep-wake homeostasis,
      behaviors that are disrupted in many psychiatric disorders such as attention
      deficit hyperactivity disorder.

PMID- 27656026
TI  - Eye Can Hear Clearly Now: Inverse Effectiveness in Natural Audiovisual Speech
      Processing Relies on Long-Term Crossmodal Temporal Integration.
AB  - Speech comprehension is improved by viewing a speaker's face, especially in
      adverse hearing conditions, a principle known as inverse effectiveness. However,
      the neural mechanisms that help to optimize how we integrate auditory and visual
      speech in such suboptimal conversational environments are not yet fully
      understood. Using human EEG recordings, we examined how visual speech enhances
      the cortical representation of auditory speech at a signal-to-noise ratio that
      maximized the perceptual benefit conferred by multisensory processing relative to
      unisensory processing. We found that the influence of visual input on the neural
      tracking of the audio speech signal was significantly greater in noisy than in
      quiet listening conditions, consistent with the principle of inverse
      effectiveness. Although envelope tracking during audio-only speech was greatly
      reduced by background noise at an early processing stage, it was markedly
      restored by the addition of visual speech input. In background noise,
      multisensory integration occurred at much lower frequencies and was shown to
      predict the multisensory gain in behavioral performance at a time lag of ~250 ms.
      Critically, we demonstrated that inverse effectiveness, in the context of natural
      audiovisual (AV) speech processing, relies on crossmodal integration over long
      temporal windows. Our findings suggest that disparate integration mechanisms
      contribute to the efficient processing of AV speech in background noise.
      SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The behavioral benefit of seeing a speaker's face during
      conversation is especially pronounced in challenging listening environments.
      However, the neural mechanisms underlying this phenomenon, known as inverse
      effectiveness, have not yet been established. Here, we examine this in the human
      brain using natural speech-in-noise stimuli that were designed specifically to
      maximize the behavioral benefit of audiovisual (AV) speech. We find that this
      benefit arises from our ability to integrate multimodal information over longer
      periods of time. Our data also suggest that the addition of visual speech
      restores early tracking of the acoustic speech signal during excessive background
      noise. These findings support and extend current mechanistic perspectives on AV
      speech perception.

PMID- 27656024
TI  - Optimized Parallel Coding of Second-Order Stimulus Features by Heterogeneous
      Neural Populations.
AB  - Efficient processing of sensory input is essential to ensure an organism's
      survival in its natural environment. Growing evidence suggests that sensory
      neurons can optimally encode natural stimuli by ensuring that their tuning
      opposes stimulus statistics, such that the resulting neuronal response contains
      equal power at all frequencies (i.e., is "white"). Such temporal decorrelation or
      whitening has been observed across modalities, but the effects of neural
      heterogeneities on determining tuning and thus responses to natural stimuli have
      not been investigated. Here, we investigate how heterogeneities in sensory
      pyramidal neurons organized in three parallel maps representing the body surface
      determine responses to second-order electrosensory stimulus features in the
      weakly electric fish Apteronotus leptorhynchus While some sources of
      heterogeneities such as ON- and OFF-type responses to first-order did not affect
      responses to second-order electrosensory stimulus features, other sources of
      heterogeneity within and across the maps strongly determined responses. We found
      that these cells effectively performed a fractional differentiation operation on
      their input with exponents ranging from zero (no differentiation) to 0.4 (strong
      differentiation). Varying adaptation in a simple model explained these
      heterogeneities and predicted a strong correlation between fractional
      differentiation and adaptation. Using natural stimuli, we found that only a small
      fraction of neurons implemented temporal whitening. Rather, a large fraction of
      neurons did not perform any significant whitening and thus preserved natural
      input statistics in their responses. We propose that this information is needed
      to properly decode optimized information sent in parallel through temporally
      whitened responses based on context. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: We demonstrate that
      heterogeneities in the same sensory neuron type can either have no or significant
      influence on their responses to second-order stimulus features. While an ON- or
      OFF-type response to first-order stimulus attributes has no significant influence
      on responses to second-order stimulus features, we found that only a small
      fraction of sensory neurons optimally encoded natural stimuli through high-pass
      filtering, thereby implementing temporal whitening. Surprisingly, a large
      fraction of sensory neurons performed little if no filtering of stimuli, thereby
      preserving natural stimulus statistics. We hypothesize that this pathway is
      necessary to properly decode optimized information contained in temporally
      whitened responses based on context.

PMID- 27656025
TI  - The Role of Primary Motor Cortex (M1) Glutamate and GABA Signaling in l-DOPA
      Induced Dyskinesia in Parkinsonian Rats.
AB  - Long-term treatment of Parkinson's disease with l-DOPA almost always leads to the
      development of involuntary movements termed l-DOPA-induced dyskinesia. Whereas
      hyperdopaminergic signaling in the basal ganglia is thought to cause dyskinesia,
      alterations in primary motor cortex (M1) activity are also prominent during
      dyskinesia, suggesting that the cortex may represent a therapeutic target. The
      present study used the rat unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesion model of
      Parkinson's disease to characterize in vivo changes in GABA and glutamate
      neurotransmission within M1 and determine their contribution to behavioral
      output. 6-Hydroxydopamine lesion led to parkinsonian motor impairment that was
      partially reversed by l-DOPA. Among sham-lesioned rats, l-DOPA did not change
      glutamate or GABA efflux. Likewise, 6-hydroxydopamine lesion did not impact GABA
      or glutamate among rats chronically treated with saline. However, we observed an
      interaction of lesion and treatment whereby, among lesioned rats, l-DOPA given
      acutely (1 d) or chronically (14-16 d) reduced glutamate efflux and enhanced GABA
      efflux. Site-specific microinjections into M1 demonstrated that l-DOPA-induced
      dyskinesia was reduced by M1 infusion of a D1 antagonist, an AMPA antagonist, or
      a GABAA agonist. Overall, the present study demonstrates that l-DOPA-induced
      dyskinesia is associated with increased M1 inhibition and that exogenously
      enhancing M1 inhibition may attenuate dyskinesia, findings that are in agreement
      with functional imaging and transcranial magnetic stimulation studies in human
      Parkinson's disease patients. Together, our study suggests that increasing M1
      inhibitory tone is an endogenous compensatory response designed to limit
      dyskinesia severity and that potentiating this response is a viable therapeutic
      strategy. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Most Parkinson's disease patients will receive
      l-DOPA and eventually develop hyperkinetic involuntary movements termed
      dyskinesia. Such symptoms can be as debilitating as the disease itself. Although
      dyskinesia is associated with dynamic changes in primary motor cortex physiology,
      to date, there are no published studies investigating in vivo neurotransmitter
      release in M1 during dyskinesia. In parkinsonian rats, l-DOPA administration
      reduced M1 glutamate efflux and enhanced GABA efflux, coincident with the
      emergence of dyskinetic behaviors. Dyskinesia could be reduced by local M1
      modulation of D1, AMPA, and GABAA receptors, providing preclinical support for
      the notion that exogenously blunting M1 signaling (pharmacologically or with
      cortical stimulation) is a therapeutic approach to the treatment of debilitating
      dyskinesias.

PMID- 27656027
TI  - Reduced Efficacy of Anti-Abeta Immunotherapy in a Mouse Model of Amyloid
      Deposition and Vascular Cognitive Impairment Comorbidity.
AB  - Vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) is the second most common form
      of dementia behind Alzheimer's disease (AD). It is estimated that 40% of AD
      patients also have some form of VCID. One promising therapeutic for AD is anti
      Abeta immunotherapy, which uses antibodies against Abeta to clear it from the
      brain. While successful in clearing Abeta and improving cognition in mice, anti
      Abeta immunotherapy failed to reach primary cognitive outcomes in several
      different clinical trials. We hypothesized that one potential reason the anti
      Abeta immunotherapy clinical trials were unsuccessful was due to this high
      percentage of VCID comorbidity in the AD population. We used our unique model of
      VCID-amyloid comorbidity to test this hypothesis. We placed 9-month-old wild-type
      and APP/PS1 mice on either a control diet or a diet that induces
      hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy). After being placed on the diet for 3 months, the
      mice then received intraperotineal injections of either IgG2a control or 3D6 for
      another 3 months. While we found that treatment of our comorbidity model with 3D6
      resulted in decreased total Abeta levels, there was no cognitive benefit of the
      anti-Abeta immunotherapy in our AD/VCID mice. Further, microhemorrhages were
      increased by 3D6 in the APP/PS1/control but further increased in an additive
      fashion when 3D6 was administered to the APP/PS1/HHcy mice. This suggests that
      the use of anti-Abeta immunotherapy in patients with both AD and VCID would be
      ineffective on cognitive outcomes. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Despite significant
      mouse model data demonstrating both pathological and cognitive efficacy of anti
      Abeta immunotherapy for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, clinical trial
      outcomes have been underwhelming, failing to meet any primary endpoints. We show
      here that vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) comorbidity
      eliminates cognitive efficacy of anti-Abeta immunotherapy, despite amyloid
      clearance. Further, cerebrovascular adverse events of the anti-Abeta
      immunotherapy are significantly exacerbated by the VCID comorbidity. These data
      suggest that VCID comorbidity with Alzheimer's disease may mute the response to
      anti-Abeta immunotherapy.

PMID- 27656029
TI  - The Nature of the Sensory Input to the Neonatal Rat Barrel Cortex.
AB  - Sensory input plays critical roles in the development of the somatosensory cortex
      during the neonatal period. This early sensory input may involve: (1) stimulation
      arising from passive interactions with the mother and littermates and (2) sensory
      feedback arising from spontaneous infant movements. The relative contributions of
      these mechanisms under natural conditions remain largely unknown, however. Here,
      we show that, in the whisker-related barrel cortex of neonatal rats, spontaneous
      whisker movements and passive stimulation by the littermates cooperate, with
      comparable efficiency, in driving cortical activity. Both tactile signals arising
      from the littermate's movements under conditions simulating the littermates'
      position in the litter, and spontaneous whisker movements efficiently triggered
      bursts of activity in barrel cortex. Yet, whisker movements with touch were more
      efficient than free movements. Comparison of the various experimental conditions
      mimicking the natural environment showed that tactile signals arising from the
      whisker movements with touch and stimulation by the littermates, support: (1) a
      twofold higher level of cortical activity than in the isolated animal, and (2) a
      threefold higher level of activity than in the deafferented animal after the
      infraorbital nerve cut. Together, these results indicate that endogenous (self
      generated movements) and exogenous (stimulation by the littermates) mechanisms
      cooperate in driving cortical activity in newborn rats and point to the
      importance of the environment in shaping cortical activity during the neonatal
      period. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Sensory input plays critical roles in the
      development of the somatosensory cortex during the neonatal period. However, the
      origins of sensory input to the neonatal somatosensory cortex in the natural
      environment remain largely unknown. Here, we show that in the whisker-related
      barrel cortex of neonatal rats, spontaneous whisker movements and passive
      stimulation by the littermates cooperate, with comparable efficiency, in driving
      cortical activity during the critical developmental period.

PMID- 27656028
TI  - Slow Temporal Integration Enables Robust Neural Coding and Perception of a Cue to
      Sound Source Location.
AB  - In mammals, localization of sound sources in azimuth depends on sensitivity to
      interaural differences in sound timing (ITD) and level (ILD). Paradoxically,
      while typical ILD-sensitive neurons of the auditory brainstem require millisecond
      synchrony of excitatory and inhibitory inputs for the encoding of ILDs, human and
      animal behavioral ILD sensitivity is robust to temporal stimulus degradations
      (e.g., interaural decorrelation due to reverberation), or, in humans, bilateral
      clinical device processing. Here we demonstrate that behavioral ILD sensitivity
      is only modestly degraded with even complete decorrelation of left- and right-ear
      signals, suggesting the existence of a highly integrative ILD-coding mechanism.
      Correspondingly, we find that a majority of auditory midbrain neurons in the
      central nucleus of the inferior colliculus (of chinchilla) effectively encode
      ILDs despite complete decorrelation of left- and right-ear signals. We show that
      such responses can be accounted for by relatively long windows of bilateral
      excitatory-inhibitory interaction, which we explicitly measure using trains of
      narrowband clicks. Neural and behavioral data are compared with the outputs of a
      simple model of ILD processing with a single free parameter, the duration of
      excitatory-inhibitory interaction. Behavioral, neural, and modeling data
      collectively suggest that ILD sensitivity depends on binaural integration of
      excitation and inhibition within a ?3 ms temporal window, significantly longer
      than observed in lower brainstem neurons. This relatively slow integration
      potentiates a unique role for the ILD system in spatial hearing that may be of
      particular importance when informative ITD cues are unavailable. SIGNIFICANCE
      STATEMENT: In mammalian hearing, interaural differences in the timing (ITD) and
      level (ILD) of impinging sounds carry critical information about source location.
      However, natural sounds are often decorrelated between the ears by reverberation
      and background noise, degrading the fidelity of both ITD and ILD cues. Here we
      demonstrate that behavioral ILD sensitivity (in humans) and neural ILD
      sensitivity (in single neurons of the chinchilla auditory midbrain) remain robust
      under stimulus conditions that render ITD cues undetectable. This result can be
      explained by "slow" temporal integration arising from several-millisecond-long
      windows of excitatory-inhibitory interaction evident in midbrain, but not
      brainstem, neurons. Such integrative coding can account for the preservation of
      ILD sensitivity despite even extreme temporal degradations in ecological acoustic
      stimuli.

PMID- 27656030
TI  - Calpain Activation in Alzheimer's Model Mice Is an Artifact of APP and Presenilin
      Overexpression.
AB  - Intraneuronal calcium stimulates the calpain-dependent conversion of p35 to p25,
      a CDK5 activator. It is widely believed that amyloid beta peptide (Abeta) induces
      this conversion that, in turn, has an essential role in Alzheimer's disease
      pathogenesis. However, in vivo studies on p25 generation used transgenic mice
      overexpressing mutant amyloid precursor protein (APP) and presenilin (PS). Here,
      using single App knock-in mice, we show that p25 generation is an artifact caused
      by membrane protein overexpression. We show that massive Abeta42 accumulation
      without overexpression of APP or presenilin does not produce p25, whereas p25
      generation occurred with APP/PS overexpression and in postmortem mouse brain. We
      further support this finding using mice deficient for calpastatin, the sole
      calpain-specific inhibitor protein. Thus, the intracerebral environment of the
      APP/PS mouse brain and postmortem brain is an unphysiological state. SIGNIFICANCE
      STATEMENT: We recently estimated using single App knock-in mice that accumulate
      amyloid beta peptide without transgene overexpression that 60% of the phenotypes
      observed in Alzheimer's model mice overexpressing mutant amyloid precursor
      protein (APP) or APP and presenilin are artifacts (Saito et al., 2014). The
      current study further supports this estimate by invalidating key results from
      papers that were published in Cell These findings suggest that more than 3000
      publications based on APP and APP/PS overexpression must be reevaluated.

PMID- 27656032
TI  - Ventral Tegmental Area Dopamine Cell Activation during Male Rat Sexual Behavior
      Regulates Neuroplasticity and d-Amphetamine Cross-Sensitization following Sex
      Abstinence.
AB  - Experience with sexual behavior causes cross-sensitization of amphetamine reward,
      an effect dependent on a period of sexual reward abstinence. We previously showed
      that DeltaFosB in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) is a key mediator of this cross
      sensitization, potentially via dopamine receptor activation. However, the role of
      mesolimbic dopamine for sexual behavior or cross-sensitization between natural
      and drug reward is unknown. This was tested using inhibitory designer receptors
      exclusively activated by designer drugs in ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine
      cells. rAAV5/hSvn-DIO-hm4D-mCherry was injected into the VTA of TH::Cre adult
      male rats. Males received clozapine N-oxide (CNO) or vehicle injections before
      each of 5 consecutive days of mating or handling. Following an abstinence period
      of 7 d, males were tested for amphetamine conditioned place preference (CPP).
      Next, males were injected with CNO or vehicle before mating or handling for
      analysis of mating-induced cFos, sex experience-induced DeltaFosB, and reduction
      of VTA dopamine soma size. Results showed that CNO did not affect mating
      behavior. Instead, CNO prevented sexual experience-induced cross-sensitization of
      amphetamine CPP, DeltaFosB in the NAc and medial prefrontal cortex, and decreases
      in VTA dopamine soma size. Expression of hm4D-mCherry was specific to VTA
      dopamine cells and CNO blocked excitation and mating-induced cFos expression in
      VTA dopamine cells. These findings provide direct evidence that VTA dopamine
      activation is not required for initiation or performance of sexual behavior.
      Instead, VTA dopamine directly contributes to increased vulnerability for drug
      use following loss of natural reward by causing neuroplasticity in the mesolimbic
      pathway during the natural reward experience. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Drugs of
      abuse act on the neural pathways that mediate natural reward learning and memory.
      Exposure to natural reward behaviors can alter subsequent drug-related reward.
      Specifically, experience with sexual behavior, followed by a period of abstinence
      from sexual behavior, causes increased reward for amphetamine in male rats. This
      study demonstrates that activation of ventral tegmental area dopamine neurons
      during sexual experience regulates cross-sensitization of amphetamine reward.
      Finally, ventral tegmental area dopamine cell activation is essential for
      experience-induced neural adaptations in the nucleus accumbens, prefrontal
      cortex, and ventral tegmental area. These findings demonstrate a role of
      mesolimbic dopamine in the interaction between natural and drug rewards, and
      identify mesolimbic dopamine as a key mediator of changes in vulnerability for
      drug use after loss of natural reward.

PMID- 27656031
TI  - Stress-Induced Reinstatement of Nicotine Preference Requires Dynorphin/Kappa
      Opioid Activity in the Basolateral Amygdala.
AB  - The dynorphin (DYN)/kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) system plays a conserved role in
      stress-induced reinstatement of drug seeking for prototypical substances of
      abuse. Due to nicotine's high propensity for stress-induced relapse, we
      hypothesized that stress would induce reinstatement of nicotine seeking-like
      behavior in a KOR-dependent manner. Using a conditioned place preference (CPP)
      reinstatement procedure in mice, we show that both foot-shock stress and the
      pharmacological stressor yohimbine (2 mg/kg, i.p.) induce reinstatement of
      nicotine CPP in a norbinaltorphimine (norBNI, a KOR antagonist)-sensitive manner,
      indicating that KOR activity is necessary for stress-induced nicotine CPP
      reinstatement. After reinstatement testing, we visualized robust c-fos expression
      in the basolateral amygdala (BLA), which was reduced in mice pretreated with
      norBNI. We then used several distinct but complementary approaches of locally
      disrupting BLA KOR activity to assess the role of KORs and KOR-coupled
      intracellular signaling cascades on reinstatement of nicotine CPP. norBNI
      injected locally into the BLA prevented yohimbine-induced nicotine CPP
      reinstatement without affecting CPP acquisition. Similarly, selective deletion of
      BLA KORs in KOR conditional knock-out mice prevented foot-shock-induced CPP
      reinstatement. Together, these findings strongly implicate BLA KORs in stress
      induced nicotine seeking-like behavior. In addition, we found that chemogenetic
      activation of Galphai signaling within CaMKIIalpha BLA neurons was sufficient to
      induce nicotine CPP reinstatement, identifying an anatomically specific
      intracellular mechanism by which stress leads to reinstatement. Considered
      together, our findings suggest that activation of the DYN/KOR system and Galphai
      signaling within the BLA is both necessary and sufficient to produce
      reinstatement of nicotine preference. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Considering the
      major impact of nicotine use on human health, understanding the mechanisms by
      which stress triggers reinstatement of drug-seeking behaviors is particularly
      pertinent to nicotine. The dynorphin (DYN)/kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) system has
      been implicated in stress-induced reinstatement of drug seeking for other
      commonly abused drugs. However, the specific role, brain region, and mechanisms
      that this system plays in reinstatement of nicotine seeking has not been
      characterized. Here, we report region-specific engagement of the DYN/KOR system
      and subsequent activation of inhibitory (Gi-linked) intracellular signaling
      pathways within the basolateral amygdala during stress-induced reinstatement of
      nicotine preference. We show that the DYN/KOR system is necessary to produce this
      behavioral state. This work may provide novel insight for the development of
      therapeutic approaches to prevent stress-related nicotine relapse.

PMID- 27656034
TI  - Hyperspectral Imaging of Neoplastic Progression in a Mouse Model of Oral
      Carcinogenesis.
AB  - Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is an emerging modality for medical applications and
      holds great potential for noninvasive early detection of cancer. It has been
      reported that early cancer detection can improve the survival and quality of life
      of head and neck cancer patients. In this paper, we explored the possibility of
      differentiating between premalignant lesions and healthy tongue tissue using
      hyperspectral imaging in a chemical induced oral cancer animal model. We proposed
      a novel classification algorithm for cancer detection using hyperspectral images.
      The method detected the dysplastic tissue with an average area under the curve
      (AUC) of 0.89. The hyperspectral imaging and classification technique may provide
      a new tool for oral cancer detection.

PMID- 27656033
TI  - Interfering with the Chronic Immune Response Rescues Chronic Degeneration After
      Traumatic Brain Injury.
AB  - After traumatic brain injury (TBI), neurons surviving the initial insult can
      undergo chronic (secondary) degeneration via poorly understood mechanisms,
      resulting in long-term cognitive impairment. Although a neuroinflammatory
      response is promptly activated after TBI, it is unknown whether it has a
      significant role in chronic phases of TBI (>1 year after injury). Using a closed
      head injury model of TBI in mice, we showed by MRI scans that TBI caused
      substantial degeneration at the lesion site within a few weeks and these did not
      expand significantly thereafter. However, chronic alterations in neurons were
      observed, with reduced dendritic spine density lasting >1 year after injury. In
      parallel, we found a long-lasting inflammatory response throughout the entire
      brain. Deletion of one allele of CX3CR1, a chemokine receptor, limited
      infiltration of peripheral immune cells and largely prevented the chronic
      degeneration of the injured brain and provided a better functional recovery in
      female, but not male, mice. Therefore, targeting persistent neuroinflammation
      presents a new therapeutic option to reduce chronic neurodegeneration.
      SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) often causes chronic
      neurological problems including epilepsy, neuropsychiatric disorders, and
      dementia through unknown mechanisms. Our study demonstrates that inflammatory
      cells invading the brain lead to secondary brain damage. Sex-specific
      amelioration of chronic neuroinflammation rescues the brain degeneration and
      results in improved motor functions. Therefore, this study pinpoints an effective
      therapeutic approach to preventing secondary complications after TBI.

PMID- 27656035
TI  - Superpixel-based spectral classification for the detection of head and neck
      cancer with hyperspectral imaging.
AB  - Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is an emerging imaging modality for medical
      applications. HSI acquires two dimensional images at various wavelengths. The
      combination of both spectral and spatial information provides quantitative
      information for cancer detection and diagnosis. This paper proposes using
      superpixels, principal component analysis (PCA), and support vector machine (SVM)
      to distinguish regions of tumor from healthy tissue. The classification method
      uses 2 principal components decomposed from hyperspectral images and obtains an
      average sensitivity of 93% and an average specificity of 85% for 11 mice. The
      hyperspectral imaging technology and classification method can have various
      applications in cancer research and management.

PMID- 27656037
TI  - Geographical Mobility, Income, Life Satisfaction and Family Size Preferences: An
      Empirical Study on Rural Households in Shaanxi and Henan Provinces in China.
AB  - Employing data from the China rural-urban mobility survey conducted in 2010, this
      study investigates the influence of family demographic characteristics on the
      income, life satisfaction, and potential for rural-urban mobility at the rural
      household level of two provinces of China: Shaanxi and Henan. A larger labor
      force in a rural household was found to reduce a family's ability or inclination
      to move to a city. The findings reveal that family size negatively affects the
      average income per family member and reduces the marginal income of the labor
      force and that minor children can improve the life satisfaction of family
      members. We conclude that a larger family size does not translate to more
      benefits for a rural household. Family size preference is found to be a
      reflection of parents' concerns about elderly care and is deemed to be
      unfavorable for urbanization in P. R. China.

PMID- 27656038
TI  - Approximate chemical analysis of volcanic glasses using Raman spectroscopy.
AB  - The effect of chemical composition on the Raman spectra of a series of natural
      calcalkaline silicate glasses has been quantified by performing electron
      microprobe analyses and obtaining Raman spectra on glassy filaments (~450 um)
      derived from a magma mingling experiment. The results provide a robust
      compositionally-dependent database for the Raman spectra of natural silicate
      glasses along the calcalkaline series. An empirical model based on both the
      acquired Raman spectra and an ideal mixing equation between calcalkaline basaltic
      and rhyolitic end-members is constructed enabling the estimation of the chemical
      composition and degree of polymerization of silicate glasses using Raman spectra.
      The model is relatively insensitive to acquisition conditions and has been
      validated using the MPI-DING geochemical standard glasses1 as well as further
      samples. The methods and model developed here offer several advantages compared
      with other analytical and spectroscopic methods such as infrared spectroscopy, X
      ray fluorescence spectroscopy, electron and ion microprobe analyses, inasmuch as
      Raman spectroscopy can be performed with a high spatial resolution (1 um2)
      without the need for any sample preparation as a nondestructive technique. This
      study represents an advance in efforts to provide the first database of Raman
      spectra for natural silicate glasses and yields a new approach for the treatment
      of Raman spectra, which allows us to extract approximate information about the
      chemical composition of natural silicate glasses using Raman spectroscopy. We
      anticipate its application in handheld in situ terrestrial field studies of
      silicate glasses under extreme conditions (e.g. extraterrestrial and submarine
      environments).

PMID- 27656036
TI  - Quantitative Diagnosis of Tongue Cancer from Histological Images in an Animal
      Model.
AB  - We developed a chemically-induced oral cancer animal model and a computer aided
      method for tongue cancer diagnosis. The animal model allows us to monitor the
      progress of the lesions over time. Tongue tissue dissected from mice was sent for
      histological processing. Representative areas of hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)
      stained tissue from tongue sections were captured for classifying tumor and non
      tumor tissue. The image set used in this paper consisted of 214 color images (114
      tumor and 100 normal tissue samples). A total of 738 color, texture, morphometry
      and topology features were extracted from the histological images. The
      combination of image features from epithelium tissue and its constituent nuclei
      and cytoplasm has been demonstrated to improve the classification results. With
      ten iteration nested cross validation, the method achieved an average sensitivity
      of 96.5% and a specificity of 99% for tongue cancer detection. The next step of
      this research is to apply this approach to human tissue for computer aided
      diagnosis of tongue cancer.

PMID- 27656039
TI  - Methods of mapping ethnographic data on migration, tourism labor, and health risk
      in the Dominican Republic.
AB  - This paper focuses on a mixed-method approach to quantifying qualitative data
      from the results of an ongoing NIDA-funded ethnographic study entitled
      "Migration, Tourism, and the HIV/Drug-Use Syndemic in the Dominican Republic".
      This project represents the first large-scale mixed method study to identify
      social, structural, environmental, and demographic factors that may contribute to
      ecologies of health vulnerability within the Caribbean tourism zones. Our
      research has identified deportation history as a critical factor contributing to
      vulnerability to HIV, drugs, mental health problems, and other health conditions.
      Therefore, understanding the movements of our participants became a vital aspect
      of this research. This paper describes how we went about translating 37
      interviews into visual geographic representations. These methods help develop
      possible strategies for confronting HIV/AIDS and problematic substance use by
      examining the ways that these epidemics are shaped by the realities of people's
      labor migration and the spaces they inhabit. Our methods for mapping this
      qualitative data contribute to the ongoing, broadening capabilities of using GIS
      in social science research. A key contribution of this work is its integration of
      different methodologies from various disciplines to help better understand
      complex social problems.

PMID- 27656040
TI  - A preliminary assessment of water partitioning and ecohydrological coupling in
      northern headwaters using stable isotopes and conceptual runoff models.
AB  - We combined a conceptual rainfall-runoff model and input-output relationships of
      stable isotopes to understand ecohydrological influences on hydrological
      partitioning in snow-influenced northern catchments. Six sites in Sweden
      (Krycklan), Canada (Wolf Creek; Baker Creek; Dorset), Scotland (Girnock) and the
      USA (Dry Creek) span moisture and energy gradients found at high latitudes. A
      meta-analysis was carried out using the Hydrologiska Byrans Vattenbalansavdelning
      (HBV) model to estimate the main storage changes characterizing annual water
      balances. Annual snowpack storage importance was ranked as Wolf Creek > Krycklan
      > Dorset > Baker Creek > Dry Creek > Girnock. The subsequent rate and longevity
      of melt were reflected in calibrated parameters that determine partitioning of
      waters between more rapid and slower flowpaths and associated variations in soil
      and groundwater storage. Variability of stream water isotopic composition depends
      on the following: (i) rate and duration of spring snowmelt; (ii) significance of
      summer/autumn rainfall; and (iii) relative importance of near-surface and deeper
      flowpaths in routing water to the stream. Flowpath partitioning also regulates
      influences of summer evaporation on drainage waters. Deviations of isotope data
      from the Global Meteoric Water Line showed subtle effects of internal catchment
      processes on isotopic fractionation most likely through evaporation. Such effects
      are highly variable among sites and with seasonal differences at some sites.
      After accounting for climate, evaporative fractionation is strongest at sites
      where lakes and near-surface runoff processes in wet riparian soils can mobilize
      isotopically enriched water during summer and autumn. Given close soil-vegetation
      coupling, this may result in spatial variability in soil water isotope pools
      available for plant uptake. We argue that stable isotope studies are crucial in
      addressing the many open questions on hydrological functioning of northern
      environments. (c) 2015 The Authors. Hydrological Processes published by John
      Wiley & Sons Ltd.

PMID- 27656041
TI  - Attitudes, Perceptions, and Utilization of Evidence-Based Practices in
      Residential Care.
AB  - This study reports on results of a national survey conducted in the United States
      about the attitudes, perceptions and utilization of evidence-based practices
      (EBPs) in residential care settings. Seventy-five of 118 member agencies (63.6%
      response rate) of a voluntary national residential care association responded to
      a web-administered structured survey, which included the Evidence-Based Practices
      Attitude Scale (Aarons, 2004). Results show overwhelmingly positive attitudes
      toward EBPs. Concerns were reported mainly with regard to cost and impeding a
      client-driven practice approach. The study also showed a high degree of
      utilization of EBPs with over 88 percent of programs reporting the use of at
      least one practice they considered to be evidence-based. Altogether 53 different
      practices were reported although it is unknown at this point whether practices
      were delivered with fidelity. Behaviorally-based and trauma-focused interventions
      constituted the most common interventions used by residential care agencies.
      Practices were subsequently validated against four national clearinghouse sites,
      indicating that only slightly over half of all reported practices had been
      evaluated by at least one clearinghouse and rated as having some research
      evidence for effectiveness. Divergent views about what practices are evidence
      based point to the need for continued discussion between the practice and
      research fields about conceptualizations of evidence.

PMID- 27656042
TI  - Electroconductive Hydrogel Based on Functional Poly(Ethylenedioxy Thiophene).
AB  - Poly(ethylene dioxythiophene) with functional pendant groups bearing double bonds
      is synthesized and employed for the fabrication of electroactive hydrogels with
      advantageous characteristics: covalently cross-linked porous 3D scaffolds with
      notable swelling ratio, appropriate mechanical properties, electroactivity in
      physiological conditions, and suitability for proliferation and differentiation
      of C2C12 cells. This is a new approach for the fabrication of conductive
      engineered constructs.

PMID- 27656043
TI  - Perspectives on CMIP5 model performance in the Nile River headwaters regions.
AB  - Ranking the performance of global climate models (GCMs) is a notoriously
      difficult exercise. Multi-model comparison studies nearly always show that each
      model has strengths and weaknesses relative to others, and for many purposes the
      multi-model ensemble mean delivers better estimates than any individual model.
      Nevertheless, in regions like East Africa, where there is little consensus
      between models on the magnitude or sign of 21st century precipitation change, the
      multi-model ensemble mean approach to climate projection provides little value
      for adaptation planning. Here, we consider several possible frameworks for model
      evaluation and ranking, and assess the differences in performance of a subset of
      models participating in the 5th Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5)
      according to each framework. Our test case is precipitation in the Nile River
      headwaters regions. We find that there is little consistency in the relative
      performance of models across frameworks based on amount and seasonality of
      precipitation, interannual precipitation variability, precipitation
      teleconnections, and continental scale climate patterns. These analyses offer
      some guidance on which GCMs are most likely to provide meaningful results for
      specific applications, but they caution that any effort to select 'best
      performing' GCMs for the Nile River basin must carefully consider the purposes
      for which GCMs are being selected.

PMID- 27656044
TI  - Influence of cigarette smoking on ALS outcome: a population-based study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the prognostic influence of premorbid smoking habits and
      vascular risk profile on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) phenotype and
      outcome in a population-based cohort of Italian patients. METHODS: A total of 650
      patients with ALS from the Piemonte/Valle d'Aosta Register for ALS, incident in
      the 2007-2011 period, were recruited. Information about premorbid cigarette
      smoking habits and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were collected at
      the time of diagnosis. RESULTS: Current smokers had a significantly shorter
      median survival (1.9 years, IQR 1.2-3.4) compared with former (2.3 years, IQR 1.5
      4.2) and never smokers (2.7 years, IQR 1.8-4.6) (p=0.001). Also COPD adversely
      influenced patients' prognosis. Both smoking habits and CODP were retained in Cox
      multivariable model. CONCLUSIONS: This study has demonstrated in a large
      population-based cohort of patients with ALS that cigarette smoking is an
      independent negative prognostic factor for survival, with a dose-response
      gradient. Its effect is not related to the presence of COPD or to respiratory
      status at time of diagnosis. The understanding of the mechanisms, either genetic
      or epigenetic, through which exogenous factors influence disease phenotype is of
      major importance towards a more focused approach to cure ALS.

PMID- 27656045
TI  - Metabolic syndrome is related to polyneuropathy and impaired peripheral nerve
      function: a prospective population-based cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Diabetes mellitus is a known risk factor for polyneuropathy, but the
      role of pre-diabetes and metabolic syndrome remains unclear. We aimed to
      investigate the role of these factors in a community-dwelling middle-aged and
      elderly population. METHODS: 1256 participants of the population-based Rotterdam
      Study (mean age 70.0, 54.5% females) were screened for polyneuropathy with a
      questionnaire, neurological examination and nerve conduction studies. Data on
      type 2 diabetes and components of metabolic syndrome were also collected.
      Logistic regression was used to investigate associations of diabetes, pre
      diabetes and metabolic syndrome and its separate components with polyneuropathy.
      Linear regression was used to investigate associations with nerve conduction
      parameters in participants without polyneuropathy. FINDINGS: Diabetes was
      associated with polyneuropathy (OR 3.01, 95% CI 1.60 to 5.65), while impaired
      fasting glucose was not (OR 1.55, 95% CI 0.70 to 3.44). Metabolic syndrome was
      associated with polyneuropathy (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.09 to 3.38), with a stronger
      association when more components of the syndrome were present. Analysing separate
      components of metabolic syndrome revealed associations for elevated waist
      circumference (OR 2.84, 95% CI 1.35 to 5.99) and elevated triglycerides (OR 2.01,
      95% CI 1.11 to 3.62). Similar associations were found after excluding
      participants with diabetes. In participants without polyneuropathy, metabolic
      syndrome associated with lower sural sensory nerve action potential amplitudes.
      CONCLUSIONS: Metabolic syndrome, abdominal obesity and dyslipidaemia, are
      strongly associated with polyneuropathy, irrespective of the presence of
      diabetes. Metabolic syndrome also associates with impaired nerve function in
      people without polyneuropathy. Our study therefore suggests that cardiometabolic
      disturbances have an impact on peripheral nerve function that extends beyond
      clinically manifest disease.

PMID- 27656046
TI  - Challenges of a transition to a sustainably managed shrimp culture agro-ecosystem
      in the Mahakam delta, East Kalimantan, Indonesia.
AB  - Around 1990, when in other countries mangrove protection took off, massive
      conversion of mangrove forest into shrimp ponds started in the Mahakam delta. To
      identify constraints to and options for sustainable management we analysed
      institutions and constraints with stakeholders. In 3 sites we used participatory
      tools and a complementary survey to assess the livelihood framework. Since 1970,
      ponds for shrimp farming gradually replaced 75% of mangrove forested area. After
      2004, recovery of mangrove took off, as, mainly due to low shrimp yields, ponds
      were abandoned. In 2008, 54% of the delta was dedicated to ponds for shrimp
      production. Around 80% of livelihood activities of pond-farmers, pond caretakers,
      and fishermen was related to mangroves. The involvement of men and women in these
      activities varied between sites and types. Poor households depended more on
      mangroves. Most activities resulted in seasonal income peaks; only a few
      activities resulted in a full daily livelihood. Ponds, on the other hand, provide
      50% of households' livelihood, but this remains vulnerable in the context of the
      risky shrimp production. Skewed land holding, unequal sharing of benefits,
      competing claims and vested interests of stakeholders pose a great challenge to a
      transition to a more sustainable use of the mangrove area. In particular, ponds
      located on peat soils are non-sustainable and would require full restoration into
      mangrove; ponds on other soils could best be transformed into a mixed mangrove
      pond system using a 'green-water' technology.

PMID- 27656048
TI  - Serum Cytokines in Young Pediatric Patients with Congenital Cardiac Shunts and
      Altered Pulmonary Hemodynamics.
AB  - Background and Objective. Inflammation is central in the pathogenesis of
      pulmonary hypertension. We investigated how serum cytokines correlate with
      clinical features, hemodynamics, and lung histology in young patients with
      pulmonary hypertension associated with congenital cardiac shunts. Design.
      Prospective, observational study. Methods and Results. Patients (n = 44) were
      aged 2.6 to 37.6 months. Group I patients (n = 31) were characterized by
      pulmonary congestion and higher pulmonary blood flow compared to group II (p =
      0.022), with no need for preoperative cardiac catheterization. Group II patients
      (n = 13) had no congestive features. At catheterization, they had elevated
      pulmonary vascular resistance (5.7 [4.4-7.4] Wood units.m2, geometric mean with
      95% CI). Cytokines were measured by chemiluminescence. Macrophage migration
      inhibitory factor (MIF) was found to be inversely related to pulmonary blood flow
      (r = -0.33, p = 0.026) and was higher in group II (high pulmonary vascular
      resistance) compared to group I (high pulmonary blood flow) (p = 0.017). In
      contrast, RANTES chemokine (regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and
      secreted) was characteristically elevated in Group I (p = 0.022). Interleukin 16
      was also negatively related to pulmonary blood flow (rS = -0.33, p = 0.029) and
      was higher in patients with obstructive vasculopathy at intraoperative lung
      biopsy (p = 0.021). Conclusion. Cytokines seem to be important and differentially
      regulated in subpopulations of young patients with cardiac shunts.

PMID- 27656047
TI  - Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygenation during DSS-Induced Colitis in
      BALB/c Mice Include Changes in Gene Expression of HIF-1alpha, Proinflammatory
      Cytokines, and Antioxidative Enzymes.
AB  - Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitrogen species have an indispensable role in
      regulating cell signalling pathways, including transcriptional control via
      hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha). Hyperbaric oxygenation treatment
      (HBO2) increases tissue oxygen content and leads to enhanced ROS production. In
      the present study DSS-induced colitis has been employed in BALB/c mice as an
      experimental model of gut mucosa inflammation to investigate the effects of HBO2
      on HIF-1alpha, antioxidative enzyme, and proinflammatory cytokine genes during
      the colonic inflammation. Here we report that HBO2 significantly reduces severity
      of DSS-induced colitis, as evidenced by the clinical features, histological
      assessment, impaired immune cell expansion and mobilization, and reversal of IL
      1beta, IL-2, and IL-6 gene expression. Gene expression and antioxidative enzyme
      activity were changed by the HBO2 and the inflammatory microenvironment in the
      gut mucosa. Strong correlation of HIF-1alpha mRNA level to GPx1, SOD1, and IL-6
      mRNA expression suggests involvement of HIF-1alpha in transcriptional regulation
      of these genes during colonic inflammation and HBO2. This is further confirmed by
      a strong correlation of HIF-1alpha with known target genes VEGF and PGK1. Results
      demonstrate that HBO2 has an anti-inflammatory effect in DSS-induced colitis in
      mice, and this effect is at least partly dependent on expression of HIF-1alpha
      and antioxidative genes.

PMID- 27656049
TI  - Myeloperoxidase-Oxidized LDLs Enhance an Anti-Inflammatory M2 and Antioxidant
      Phenotype in Murine Macrophages.
AB  - Macrophages and oxidized LDLs play a key role in atherogenesis but their
      heterogeneity has been neglected up to now. Macrophages are prone to polarization
      and subsets of polarized macrophages have been described in atheromas. LDLs can
      be oxidized not only chemically by copper (Ox-LDLs) but also enzymatically by
      myeloperoxidase (MpOx-LDLs) resulting in oxidized LDLs poor in lipid peroxides.
      The effects of physiologically relevant myeloperoxidase-oxidized LDLs on
      macrophage polarization or on polarized macrophages remain largely unknown. In
      this study, the effects of LDLs on macrophage polarization were investigated by
      monitoring the expression of M1 and M2 genes following stimulation with native
      LDLs, Ox-LDLs, or MpOx-LDLs in RAW 264.7 cells. Except for MRC1, which is induced
      only by Ox-LDLs, MpOx-LDLs induced an overexpression of most of the selected
      marker genes at the mRNA level. MpOx-LDLs also modulate marker gene expression in
      polarized macrophages favoring notably anti-inflammatory Arg1 expression in M2
      cells and also in the other phenotypes. Noteworthy, MpOx-LDLs were the most
      efficient to accumulate lipids intracellularly in (un)polarized macrophages
      whatever the phenotype. These data were largely confirmed in murine bone marrow
      derived macrophages. Our data suggest that MpOx-LDLs were the most efficient to
      accumulate within cells and to enhance an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
      phenotype in M2 cells and also in the other macrophage phenotypes.

PMID- 27656050
TI  - Sphingolipids as Mediators in the Crosstalk between Microbiota and Intestinal
      Cells: Implications for Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
AB  - Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) describes different illnesses characterized by
      chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Although the pathogenic
      mechanisms leading to IBD are poorly understood, immune system disturbances
      likely underlie its development. Sphingolipids (SLs) have been identified as
      important players and promising therapeutic targets to control inflammation in
      IBD. Interestingly, it seems that microorganisms of the normal gut microbiota and
      probiotics are involved in sphingolipid function. However, there is a great need
      to investigate the role of SLs as intermediates in the crosstalk between
      intestinal immunity and microorganisms. This review focuses on recent
      investigations that describe some mechanisms involved in the regulation of
      cytokine profiles by SLs. We also describe the importance of gut microbiota in
      providing signaling molecules that favor the communication between resident
      bacteria and intestinal cells. This, in turn, modulates the immune response in
      the bowel and likely in other peripheral organs. The potential of SLs and gut
      microbiota as targets or therapeutic agents for IBD is also discussed.

PMID- 27656051
TI  - Acculturation and Health Insurance of Mexicans in the USA.
AB  - We study how the health insurance coverage of Mexican immigrants changes with
      time in the U.S. Cross sectional estimates indicate that time since arrival is
      negatively correlated with the probability of being uninsured for both male and
      female Mexican immigrants, and about a third of the decline could be attributed
      to civic and labor market incorporation of Mexican immigrants. However, much of
      the relationship between time in the U.S. and health insurance coverage, after
      adjusting for demographic and labor market factors, is due to failure to control
      for age at arrival and period of arrival. Estimates from longitudinal analyses
      suggest that there is no systematic relationship between time in the U.S. and
      health insurance of Mexican immigrants, although imprecision in the fixed effects
      estimates makes it difficult to draw firm conclusions.

PMID- 27656053
TI  - Comparative evaluation of effect of preoperative alprazolam and diclofenac
      potassium on the success of inferior alveolar, Vazirani-Akinosi, and Gow-Gates
      techniques for teeth with irreversible pulpitis: Randomized controlled trial.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In teeth with irreversible pulpitis, successful local anesthesia is
      hard to achieve irrespective of the amount of local anesthesia and technique
      used. Such cases can be managed by concoction of pre-medications like
      anxiolytics, analgesics and effective local anesthesia. This double-blind,
      placebo-controlled study was planned to evaluate the effect of oral
      administration of alprazolam and diclofenac potassium on the success rate of
      inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB), Gow-Gates (GG) and Vazirani-Akinosi (VA)
      techniques for the root canal treatment of mandibular molars with irreversible
      pulpitis. METHOD: 198 emergency patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis
      were randomly divided into three groups as - A, B and C receiving IANB, GG or V-A
      respectively using 2% lidocaine with 1: 100,000 epinephrine. These groups were
      sub-divided into sub-groups I and II as control and pre-medication groups.
      Patients who did not react to the stimulus made by an explorer between the canine
      and first premolar and showing subjective lip and tongue numbness were included
      in the study. RESULT: All sub-groups showed statistically significant reduction
      in VAS score. However sub-groups V and VI (that is GG with and without pre
      medication respectively) showed best improvement in initial severe pain in
      mandibular molars with irreversible pulpitis. Moreover, all pre-medication sub
      groups showed better pain control compared to respective control groups.
      CONCLUSION: It was concluded that use of pre-medications in the form of
      combination of anxiolytics and analgesics improves the success rate of local
      anesthesia in teeth with irreversible pulpitis. Use of anxiolytics eases the
      patient in endodontic emergencies. Also use of GG along with pre-medication is
      the best method for effective pain management of acute pain in irreversible
      pulpitis.

PMID- 27656052
TI  - Sleep bruxism: Current knowledge and contemporary management.
AB  - Bruxism is defined as the repetitive jaw muscle activity characterized by the
      clenching or grinding of teeth. It can be categorized into awake and sleep
      bruxism (SB). Frequent SB occurs in about 13% of adults. The exact etiology of SB
      is still unknown and probably multifactorial in nature. Current literature
      suggests that SB is regulated centrally (pathophysiological and psychosocial
      factors) and not peripherally (morphological factors). Cited consequences of SB
      include temporomandibular disorders, headaches, tooth wear/fracture, implant, and
      other restoration failure. Chairside recognition of SB involves the use of
      subjective reports, clinical examinations, and trial oral splints. Definitive
      diagnosis of SB can only be achieved using electrophysiological tools.
      Pharmacological, psychological, and dental strategies had been employed to manage
      SB. There is at present, no effective treatment that "cures" or "stops" SB
      permanently. Management is usually directed toward tooth/restoration protection,
      reduction of bruxism activity, and pain relief. 

PMID- 27656054
TI  - Effect of apical clearing technique on the treatment outcome of teeth with
      asymptomatic apical periodontitis: A randomized clinical trial.
AB  - AIM: This study aims to compare the periapical healing of teeth with asymptomatic
      apical periodontitis treated either by conventional apical preparation (CAP) or
      apical clearing technique (ACT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty subjects with
      bilateral nonvital similar teeth exhibiting comparable periapical index (PAI)
      score were enrolled and randomly allocated. Group I (CAP, n = 20): Apical
      preparation three sizes greater (master apical file [MAF]) than the first binding
      file at the established working length. Group II (ACT, n = 20): Apical
      preparation three sizes greater than the MAF that was followed by dry reaming.
      Root canal therapy was accomplished in single-visit for all the teeth. They were
      pursued radiographically at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Pre- and post-treatment PAI
      scores were compared. To ascertain the proportion of healed teeth between the two
      groups, McNemar Chi-square test was applied. RESULTS: At 3, 6, and 9 months' time
      interval the proportion of healed teeth for Group II (ACT) was greater in
      comparison to Group I (CAP) (P < 0.05). However, at 12 months follow-up period
      this difference was not significant (P = 0.08). CONCLUSION: ACT enhanced the
      healing kinetics. However, the long-term (12 months) radiographic outcome was
      similar for either technique.

PMID- 27656055
TI  - Comparative evaluation of the accuracy of two electronic apex locators in
      determining the working length in teeth with simulated apical root resorption: An
      in vitro study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Accurate determination of working length (WL) is a critical factor
      for endodontic success. This is commonly achieved using an apex locator which is
      influenced by the presence or absence of the apical constriction. Hence, this
      study was done to compare the accuracy of two generations of apex locators in
      teeth with simulated apical root resorption. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty
      maxillary central incisors were selected and after access preparation, were
      embedded in an alginate mold. On achieving partial set, teeth were removed, and a
      45 degrees  oblique cut was made at the apex. The teeth were replanted and
      stabilized in the mold, and WL was determined using two generations of apex
      locators (Raypex 5 and Apex NRG XFR). Actual length of teeth (control) was
      determined by visual method. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Results were subjected to
      statistical analysis using the paired t-test. RESULTS: Raypex 5 and Apex NRG was
      accurate for only 33.75% and 23.75% of samples, respectively. However, with +/
      0.5 mm acceptance limit, they showed an average accuracy of 56.2% and 57.5%,
      respectively. There was no significant difference in the accuracy between the two
      apex locators. CONCLUSION: Neither of the two apex locators were 100% accurate in
      determining the WL.

PMID- 27656056
TI  - Comparative evaluation of the effect of chlorhexidine and Aloe barbadensis Miller
      (Aloe vera) on dentin stabilization using shear bond testing.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The main objective of adhesive dentistry is to create an effective,
      durable union between the tooth structure and restorative material. However,
      degradation of adhesive dentine interface remains largely responsible for the
      relatively short lifetime of tooth colored resin restoration. AIM: The aim of the
      study is to compare the dentin collagen stabilization property of Chlorhexidine
      (CHX) and Aloe barbadensis Miller using shear bond strength testing. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Occlusal reduction was done in sixty extracted human mandibular
      molars to expose the mid coronal dentin and divided into three groups n = 20.
      Following the surface pretreatment (Group 1 = control, Group 2 = CHX, Group 3 =
      Aloevera), dentine bonding agent and composite resin were applied and cured. The
      specimens were then subjected to shear bond strength testing. RESULTS: From the
      results analyzed, it was noted that there was statistically significant
      difference between the groups Control and CHX and Control and A. barbadensis
      Miller (P < 0.05), specifically the values of Control < CHX and Control < A.
      barbadensis Miller (P < 0.05). However, there was no statistically significant
      difference between CHX and A. barbadensis Miller (P > 0.05). Hence, the following
      result for the shear bond strengths to dentin was obtained: Control < CHX ~ A.
      barbadensis Miller. CONCLUSION: CHX and A. barbadensis Miller, as pretreatment
      agents of acid demineralized dentin collagen, has no adverse effect on the
      immediate shear bond strength of a two-step etch and rinse adhesive to dentin.

PMID- 27656057
TI  - Effect of ProTaper and Reciproc preparation and gutta-percha cone on cold lateral
      compaction.
AB  - CONTEXT: The effectiveness of cold lateral compaction depends on the root canal
      preparation and used gutta-percha cone. AIMS: The aim of this study is to
      evaluate finger spreader penetration into root canals prepared with ProTaper (PT)
      or Reciproc (Rec) systems and filled with gutta-percha cones with different
      tapers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four simulated root canals in resin blocks
      with 30 degrees  curvature were prepared up to PT F2 or Rec R25. They were
      divided into four experimental groups according to the master gutta-percha cone
      and preparation (25.02 or F2/PT, and 25.02 or R25/Rec). Cold lateral compaction
      was performed using a stainless steel finger spreader size B. The set cone-finger
      spreader-resin block was placed in a universal test machine, and a load up to 1.5
      kg was applied on the finger spreader. The final distance between the finger
      spreader and apical preparation after load application was obtained. For
      comparison among the groups, data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey's tests, with
      a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: Greater finger spreader penetration was
      observed for 0.02/Rec and 0.02/PT, followed by F2/PT and R25/Rec. CONCLUSION: The
      use of cones associated with PT and Rec preparations does not allow the finger
      spreader penetration up to the apical third.

PMID- 27656059
TI  - Effects of simplified ethanol-wet bonding technique on immediate bond strength
      with normal versus caries-affected dentin.
AB  - AIM: The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the use of simplified
      ethanol-wet bonding (EWB) technique improved the immediate microtensile bond
      strength (MUTBS) between resin composite and caries-affected dentin (CAD).
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four extracted carious human permanent molars were
      sectioned to expose the carious lesion. The carious dentin was excavated until
      CAD was exposed. The samples were divided into two groups: water-wet bonding with
      Adper Scotchbond Multi-Purpose and a simplified EWB (three 100% ethanol
      applications for 30 s each), followed by application of an experimental
      hydrophobic primer and restoration. The samples were vertically sectioned to
      produce 1 mm * 1 mm thick slabs. The normal dentin (ND) slabs and CAD slabs were
      identified and were subjected to MUTBS evaluation. Slabs from four teeth (two
      from each group) were evaluated under microscope. Data were analyzed using two
      way ANOVA and post hoc Holm-Sidak test at P < 0.05. RESULTS: EWB improved the
      MUTBS in ND but not in CAD group. The dentinal tubules in CAD group showed
      sclerotic activity with minimal or no hybrid layer. CONCLUSIONS: Simplified
      ethanol bonding does not improve the bond strength in CAD.

PMID- 27656058
TI  - Effect of ceramic type, thickness, and time of irradiation on degree of
      polymerization of dual - cure resin cement.
AB  - AIM: The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of ceramic type, thickness,
      and time of irradiation on degree of polymerization of dual-cure resin cement.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dual-cure resin cement (SoloCem) was used to prepare disk
      shaped samples (0.5 mm thick * 5 mm diameter). Study group samples (n = 5) were
      light-cured for 40, 60, and 80 s through all ceramic leucite-reinforced (Cergo
      Kiss), lithium disilicate-reinforced (IPS e.max), and monolithic zirconia
      reinforced (Ziecon) of three thicknesses (2, 3, and 4 mm). Negative control group
      samples were cured through metal disks and positive control samples were cured
      without the presence of ceramic. The degree of conversion (DC) was evaluated by
      Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. The recorded data were subjected to one
      way analysis of variance, followed by post hoc analysis (Tukey HSD). RESULTS AND
      CONCLUSION: Greatest light transmission and DC were seen through Cergo Kiss,
      followed by IPS e.max Press and Ziecon, with insignificant difference between the
      latter two. The attenuation of light irradiance increased with increasing
      thickness of ceramic disks, with statistically significant values between 3 and 4
      mm. Increasing time of irradiation to cure dual-cure resin cement did not always
      result in greater degree of polymerization.

PMID- 27656060
TI  - Effect of diode laser and ultrasonics with and without ethylenediaminetetraacetic
      acid on smear layer removal from the root canals: A scanning electron microscope
      study.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the effect of diode laser and ultrasonics with and without
      ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) on the smear layer removal from root
      canals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 120 mandibular premolars were
      decoronated to working the length of 12 mm and prepared with protaper rotary
      files up to size F3. Group A canals irrigated with 1 ml of 3% sodium hypochlorite
      (NaOCl) followed by 3 ml of 3% NaOCl. Group B canals irrigated with 1 ml of 17%
      EDTA followed by 3 ml of 3% NaOCl. Group C canals lased with a diode laser. Group
      D canals were initially irrigated with 0.8 ml of 17% EDTA the remaining 0.2 ml
      was used to fill the root canals, and diode laser application was done. Group E
      canals were irrigated with 1 ml distilled water with passive ultrasonic
      activation, followed by 3 ml of 3% NaOCl. Group F canals were irrigated with 1 ml
      EDTA with passive ultrasonic activation, followed by 3 ml of 3% NaOCl. Scanning
      electron microscope examination of canals was done for remaining smear layer at
      coronal middle and apical third levels. RESULTS: Ultrasonics with EDTA had the
      least smear layer scores. CONCLUSION: Diode laser alone performed significantly
      better than ultrasonics.

PMID- 27656061
TI  - Effect of bleaching agents having a neutral pH on the surface of mineral trioxide
      aggregate using electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the effect of bleaching agents having a neutral pH on the
      surface of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) used as a coronal seal material for
      nonvital bleaching, beneath the bleaching agent, with the help of energy
      dispersive X-ray microanalysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Six samples of plastic tubes filled with white MTA (Angelus white)
      were kept in 100% humidity for 21 days. Each sample was divided into 2 and made
      into 12 samples. These were then divided into three groups. Group A was exposed
      to Opalescence Boost 40% hydrogen peroxide (HP) (Ultradent). Group B to
      Opalescence 10% carbamide peroxide (Ultradent) and Group C (control group) not
      exposed to any bleaching agent. After recommended period of exposure to bleaching
      agents according to manufacturers' instructions, the samples were observed under
      SEM with an energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis system (JSM-6380 LA). RESULTS:
      There were no relevant changes in color and no statistically significant surface
      structure changes of the MTA in both the experimental groups. CONCLUSION: The
      present findings suggest that even high concentration HP containing bleaching
      agents with neutral pH can be used on the surface of MTA without causing
      structural changes. The superior sealing ability of MTA and the high alkalinity
      would prevent cervical resorption postbleaching.

PMID- 27656062
TI  - A comparative evaluation of the increase in root canal surface area and canal
      transportation in curved root canals by three rotary systems: A cone-beam
      computed tomographic study.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to measure the increase in root canal surface area
      and canal transportation after biomechanical preparation at 1, 3, and 5 mm short
      of the apex with three different rotary systems in both continuous rotary and
      reciprocating rotary motions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty freshly extracted
      human mandibular molars with mesial root canal curvatures between 20 degrees  and
      30 degrees  were included in the study. Teeth were randomly distributed into
      three groups (n = 20). Biomechanical preparations were done in all the mesial
      canals. In Group 1, instrumentation was done with ProTaper universal rotary
      files, Group 2, with K3XF rotary files, and Group 3, with LSX rotary files. Each
      group was further subdivided into subgroups A and B (n = 10) where
      instrumentation was done by continuous rotary and reciprocating rotary
      techniques, respectively. Increase in root canal surface area and canal
      transportation was measured using the preoperative and postoperative cone-beam
      computed tomography scans. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The data were analyzed by one
      way ANOVA followed by Tukey pairwise multiple comparison tests. RESULTS: Increase
      in root canal surface area was significantly more (P < 0.05) in ProTaper and K3XF
      groups when compared to LSX group. Canal transportation was significantly more (P
      < 0.05) in ProTaper group when compared to K3XF and LSX groups. There was no
      significant difference (P > 0.05) in increase of root canal surface area and
      canal transportation between continuous rotary and reciprocating rotary
      techniques for ProTaper Universal, K3XF and LSX groups. CONCLUSION: LSX rotary
      system showed minimal increase of root canal surface area and minimal canal
      transportation when compared to ProTaper and K3XF rotary systems.

PMID- 27656063
TI  - Comparative evaluation of canal transportation, centering ability, and remaining
      dentin thickness between WaveOne and ProTaper rotary by using cone beam computed
      tomography: An in vitro study.
AB  - AIMS: To compare the canal transportation, centering ability, and remaining
      dentin thickness of WaveOne and ProTaper systems using cone beam computed
      tomography. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty extracted human single-rooted premolars
      were used in the present study. Preinstrumentation scanning of all teeth was
      taken; canal curvatures were calculated, and the samples were randomly divided
      into two groups, with twenty samples in each group; one group was instrumented
      with WaveOne system and the other group with ProTaper rotary system.
      Postinstrumentation scans were performed, and the two scans were compared to
      determine canal transportation, centering ability, and remaining dentin thickness
      at 3 mm, 6 mm, and 9 mm from the root apex. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Student's
      unpaired t-test. RESULTS: Using Student's unpaired t-test, results were as
      follows: for canal transportation, Group 1 showed significant difference at 3 mm
      and 6 mm and insignificant difference at 9 mm while Group 2 showed insignificant
      difference in all the three regions. For centering ability and remaining dentin
      thickness, Group 1 showed insignificant difference at 3 mm and 9 mm while
      significant difference at 6 mm was obtained. When comparison of remaining dentin
      thickness was done at three levels using two groups WaveOne and ProTaper, there
      was no significant difference between two groups. CONCLUSIONS: (1) WaveOne single
      reciprocation file system respected better canal anatomy better than ProTaper.
      (2) Individually, centering ability of WaveOne was better at 3 mm, 6 mm, and 9 mm
      levels. (3) However, ProTaper individually was better centered at 3 mm (apical
      third) and 9 mm (coronal 3(rd)) levels than 6 mm level (middle third).

PMID- 27656064
TI  - Vitality of Enterococcus faecalis inside dentinal tubules after five root canal
      disinfection methods.
AB  - AIM: To compare the vitality of Enterococcus faecalis within dentinal tubules
      after subjected to five root canal disinfection methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Dentin blocks (n = 60) were colonized with E. faecalis. After 4 weeks of
      incubation, the dentin blocks were divided into one control and five test groups
      (n = 10 each). The root canals of test groups were subjected to one of the
      disinfection methods, namely, normal saline (NS), sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl),
      chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX), neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:
      YAG) laser, and diode laser. The effect of disinfection methods was assessed by
      LIVE/DEAD BacLight stain under the confocal laser scanning microscopy to
      determine the "zone of dead bacteria" (ZDB). Mean values were calculated for ZDB
      and the difference between groups was established. RESULTS: Penetration of E.
      faecalis was seen to a depth of >1000 MUm. Viable bacteria were detected with NS
      irrigation. NaOCl and CHX showed partial ZDB. When the root canals were
      disinfected with Nd: YAG and diode lasers, no viable bacteria were found.
      CONCLUSION: E. faecalis has the ability to colonize inside dentinal tubules to a
      depth of >1000 MUm. In contrast to conventional irrigants, both Nd: YAG and diode
      lasers were effective in eliminating the vitality of E. faecalis. NS, NaOCl, and
      CHX showed viable bacteria remaining in dentinal tubules.

PMID- 27656065
TI  - Cone beam computed tomographic evaluation of two access cavity designs and
      instrumentation on the thickness of peri-cervical dentin in mandibular anterior
      teeth.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to determine the effect of
      two access cavity designs on the peri-cervical dentin thickness before and after
      instrumentation using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Sixty mandibular anterior teeth were divided into two groups of thirty
      teeth each: Group I: conventional access cavity preparation, where access was
      prepared just above the cingulum and Group II: incisal access cavity preparation,
      where access was prepared in proximity to the incisal edge. CBCT scans were taken
      preoperatively, following access cavity preparation and post instrumentation. 200
      MUm thick slices were obtained 4mm apical and coronal to the cemento-enamel
      junction. The peri-cervical dentin thickness was calculated on the facial,
      lingual, mesial, and distal for all the three obtained scans. RESULTS: The
      analysis showed that access cavity preparation and instrumentation resulted in a
      significant loss of tooth structure in Group I on all surfaces, but in Group II,
      there was a significant loss of tooth structure only in the mesial, lingual, and
      distal surfaces (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Incisal access cavity preparation
      resulted in lesser loss of dentin in the peri-cervical region.

PMID- 27656067
TI  - Comparison of bond strength of different endodontic sealers to root dentin: An in
      vitro push-out test.
AB  - AIM: To compare the bond strength of four different endodontic sealers to root
      dentin through push-out test design. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty single-rooted
      teeth with completely formed apices were selected. Teeth were decoronated, and
      working length was determined. Instrumentation and irrigation were performed. The
      teeth were divided into four groups based upon the sealer used. Group 1:
      Bioceramic sealer (Endosequence), Group 2: Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) based
      sealer (MTA Fill apex), Group 3: Epoxy resin based sealer (MM-Seal), and Group 4:
      Dual cure resin-based sealer (Hybrid Root Seal). Manipulation and application of
      the sealer was done as per the manufacturer instructions. All the teeth were
      obturated using 6% gutta-percha. After obturation, each tooth was prepared for
      push-out test with root slices of 2 mm thickness using universal testing machine.
      RESULTS: The highest bond strength was found in Group 1 (Endosequence) (P < 0.05)
      compared to other groups. The lowest bond strength was found in Group 2 (MTA Fill
      apex). Statistical analysis is done by two-way ANOVA and Newman-Keuls multiple
      post hoc. CONCLUSION: The push-out bond strength of Bioceramic sealer was highest
      followed by resin-based sealer and lowest bond strength was observed in MTA-based
      sealer.

PMID- 27656066
TI  - Effect of dentin on the antimicrobial efficacy of 3% sodium hypochlorite, 2%
      chlorhexidine, 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, and 18% etidronic acid on
      Candida albicans: An in vitro study.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dentin on the
      antimicrobial efficacy of 3% sodium hypochlorite, 2% chlorhexidine, 17% EDTA and
      18% etidronic acid against C. albicans. METHODOLOGY: Dentin powder was prepared
      from mandibular first premolar using electrical grinder and sterilized. 3% NaOCl,
      2%CHX, 17% EDTA and 18% etidronic acid were tested against C. albicans in the
      presence and absence of dentin, in eppendorf tubes. Group 1 (presence of dentin):
      100ul dentin powder + 100ul C. albicans suspension + 100ul irrigating solution.
      Group 2 (absence of dentin):- 100ul C. albicans suspension+ 100ul irrigating
      solution. CONTROL GROUP: - 100ul C. albicans suspension.+ 100ul sterile saline
      Suspension was thoroughly mixed, submitted for serial dilution upto10-5 after 1
      min and colony forming units were counted. RESULTS: In group 2 (without dentin
      powder), 3% NaOCl and 2% CHX showed the lowest bacterial count compared to group
      1 (with dentin powder). Dentin had a significant inhibitory effect on 3% NaOCl (P
      < 0.001) and 2% CHX (P<0.001). 17% EDTA showed lowest bacterial count in group 1
      (with dentin powder) compared to group 2 (without dentin powder). 18% Etidronic
      acid showed similar bacterial counts in the both the groups. No reduction was
      observed in the control group. CONCLUSION: NaOCl & EDTA showed measurable
      antimicrobial effect even in the presence of dentin which can be promising in the
      reduction of C. albicans in root canal therapy.

PMID- 27656068
TI  - Capacity of a hydroxyapatite-lysozyme combination against Streptococcus mutans
      for the treatment of dentinal caries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: One current strategy for the treatment of carious lesions is the use
      of biomaterials with antimicrobial activity. AIMS: The aim of this study was to
      evaluate a combination of hydroxyapatite and lysozyme for the treatment of
      dentinal caries by measuring Streptococcus mutans counts before carious tissue
      sealing, and 24 h, 1 month, and 6 months after treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Forty permanent third molars were selected, and flat dentin surfaces were
      prepared. The teeth were exposed to a cariogenic challenge with S. mutans. After
      challenge, the dentinal caries were collected from five specimens. The remaining
      specimens were treated with a mixture of hydroxyapatite and lysozyme in sodium
      laureth sulfate and sealed with composite resin. S. mutans counts were obtained
      24 h, 1 month, and 6 months after sealing. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The results were
      evaluated by descriptive statistics and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS: a
      significant reduction in S. mutans (CFU/mL) was observed in dentinal lesions 1
      month after treatment with hydroxyapatite/lysozyme in sodium laureth sulfate (P =
      0.0254). Comparison of S. mutans counts obtained 24 h, 1 month, and 6 months
      after treatment revealed reductions only at the 1-month time point (P = 0.0318).
      CONCLUSIONS: the combination of hydroxyapatite and lysozyme may be an alternative
      for reducing the S. mutans burden in dentinal caries.

PMID- 27656069
TI  - Overall pattern of publication in Journal of Conservative Dentistry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Journal of Conservative Dentistry (JCD) has been online since
      2008. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This paper reviews the publication in this journal
      over a 5-year period (2011-2015). It assesses the types of articles published,
      coverage of various types of subjects of endodontics, and conservative dentistry
      in the journal and explores the authorship patterns in the publication and
      citation of the journal over this period. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: JCD has
      delivered broad-based, balanced coverage of endodontics and conservative
      dentistry between 2011 and 2015, with contributions from all over India, as well
      as abroad. Although a maximum number of articles were from India, the
      publications from other countries are also on an increase. Thus, the widespread
      coverage of this journal suggests that JCD has begun to represent the global face
      of the Indian Association of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics.

PMID- 27656071
TI  - Centering and transportation: in vitro evaluation of continuous and reciprocating
      systems in curved root canals.
AB  - CONTEXT: One of the goals of endodontic therapy is the shaping and cleaning of
      the root canal system. In recent years, there has been multiple systems
      instrumentation, and changes in their dynamics are central to maintain the
      original shape of the canal after preparation. AIMS: The aim of this study was to
      evaluate centering and transportation in curved root canals after using
      ProTaper((r)) and MTwo((r)) in continuous rotation, Reciproc((r)) in
      reciprocating motion, and a step-down manual instrumentation technique. SETTINGS
      AND DESIGN: Mesiobuccal roots of human extracted the first and second maxillary
      molars were selected and the canals (n = 60) were divided into four groups
      according to the preparation techniques: PT-ProTaper((r)); MT-MTwo((r)); RE
      Reciproc((r)); MI-manual instrumentation. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The final apical
      diameter was standardized to a size 25. Centering and transportation were
      evaluated by cone-beam computed tomography and Adobe Photoshop 8.0 software.
      STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and
      Tukey post hoc. RESULTS: Results of transportation showed no statistical
      differences (P > 0.05) between groups, and significantly, difference (P < 0.05)
      between ProTaper((r)) and Reciproc((r)) was found when evaluating centering
      ability in the apical third. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that there were no
      differences in transportation between the evaluated systems for the preparation
      of curved root canals with an apical instrumentation diameter of #25. For
      centering ability, in the apical third, ProTaper((r)) presented worst behavior
      when compared to Reciproc((r)).

PMID- 27656070
TI  - Effect of chitosan-ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid on Enterococcus faecalis
      dentinal biofilm and smear layer removal.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of
      chitosan and chitosan-ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) (3:1,1:1,1:3) in
      comparison with 5.2% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) in disinfecting Enterococcus
      faecalis biofilm on root canal dentin and in the removal of smear layer with
      minimal erosion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy single-rooted extracted human
      mandibular premolars (n = 70) were selected for the study. Forty tooth samples
      were biomechanically prepared, vertically sectioned, and sterilized by
      autoclaving. The tooth sections were artificially infected with E. faecalis (ATCC
      29212 [n = 35] and clinical isolate [SBEF2, n = 35]) to form mature dentinal
      biofilm in vitro. The tooth samples were treated with the test solutions:
      chitosan and chitosan-EDTA (3:1, 1:1, 1:3), and the killing time was determined.
      The smear layer removal ability of the test solutions (Group A: chitosan-EDTA
      [1:1], Group B: EDTA, Group C: control) (n = 10 tooth/group) was assessed.
      RESULTS: Chitosan and chitosan-EDTA (3:1, 1:1, 1:3) exhibited antibacterial
      activity against both the strains of E. faecalis. Chitosan and chitosan-EDTA
      caused 3 log reduction in the viable count of the sessile cells of E. faecalis at
      15 min while 5.2% NaOCl exhibited 99.98% inhibition at 15 min. Chitosan-EDTA
      (1:1) was found to be effective in removing the smear layer and showed lesser
      erosion than EDTA at the coronal and middle portions. CONCLUSION: Chitosan-EDTA
      (1:1) is a potential root canal irrigant that performs a dual role - root canal
      disinfection and smear layer removal.

PMID- 27656072
TI  - Leaching of monomers from bulk-fill composites: An in vitro study.
AB  - AIM AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the elution of bisphenol A-glycidyl methacrylate
      (BisGMA) and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) from two bulk-fill
      composites at different polymerization times, for different storage periods when
      cured with quartz-tungsten-halogen (QTH) curing unit. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Tetric N-Ceram bulk fill and EverX Posterior were analyzed using high-performance
      liquid chromatography unit. Totally, 68 samples were prepared, two groups (n =
      17) from both the composites, one for each tested polymerization time. Each
      sample was cured with a QTH curing unit, using soft-start curing technique and
      stored in 2 ml of ethanol for 24 h. Storage medium was renewed and then stored
      again for 1 week. Data acquired were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The elution
      of BisGMA was significantly higher from Tetric N-Ceram bulk fill and BisGMA and
      TEGDMA from EverX Posterior composite at the end of 24 h, irrespective of the
      curing time. In EverX Posterior, a higher amount of TEGDMA was eluted at the end
      of 24 h, while at the end of 1 week, significantly higher amount of BisGMA was
      released. CONCLUSION: A significant amount of the release of BisGMA as well as
      TEGDMA was seen from both the composites when stored for different time
      intervals.

PMID- 27656073
TI  - Dens in dente: A minimally invasive nonsurgical approach!
AB  - Dens invaginatus, also known as dens in dente, is a rare anomaly affecting human
      dentition. The condition results in invagination of an amelodental structure
      within the pulp. This case report discusses the current management protocol of
      dens invaginatus using a minimally invasive and nonsurgical treatment option. As
      with most conditions, early diagnosis and preventive measures help minimize
      complications in dens invaginatus cases. 

PMID- 27656074
TI  - The stamp technique for direct Class II composite restorations: A case series.
AB  - BACKGROUND: "Stamp" technique is a new method for placing large composite
      restorations with accurate occlusal topography. It was introduced mainly to
      restore Class I cavities and erosively damaged teeth. This technique is indicated
      when the preoperative anatomy of the tooth is intact and not lost due to the
      carious lesion. A precise tooth-like filling an accurate functional occlusion is
      obtained when the stamp technique is applied. However, using this technique to
      restore Class II cavities is not established yet. AIM: To introduce modifications
      of the stamp technique that make it applicable to restore Class II composite
      restorations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The traditional materials and tools used for
      direct composite restorations are needed with no additional instruments. Clinical
      illustrations and step-by-step description are provided in this paper. RESULTS
      AND CONCLUSION: Using the stamp technique to restore Class II cavities is
      achievable, simple and practical, and result in a very accurate anatomical
      restoration.

PMID- 27656075
TI  - Hip structure analysis by DXA of teriparatide treatment: A 24-month follow-up
      clinical study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to perform a hip structure analysis
      (HSA) of teriparatide (TPTD) treatment in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis.
      METHODS: The study included 96 patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis and
      received 20 MUg TPTD daily. HSA was performed by dual-energy X-ray
      absorptiometry. RESULTS: The percent changes from baseline for the cross
      sectional moment of inertia, section modulus, buckling ratio, and femoral
      strength index based on HSA results were 9.8% (p < 0.01), 10.7%, 3.3%, and 14.9%
      (p < 0.01), respectively, at 24 months. CONCLUSION: Based on the HSA results
      obtained with DXA, TPTD was effective for hip structures.

PMID- 27656076
TI  - The role of lasers in the treatment of peri-implant diseases: A review.
AB  - We reviewed the indexed literature regarding the efficacy of laser therapy in the
      treatment of peri-implantitis (PI). Databases were searched using combinations of
      the following keywords: peri-implantitis, bone loss, photodynamic therapy, laser,
      and light-activated disinfection. Titles and abstracts of publications from these
      search results were screened to determine which studies fulfilled the eligibility
      criteria. Full texts of relevant studies were read and independently assessed
      against the eligibility criteria. The resulting 28 studies described the role of
      lasers in the treatment of PI. The erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser can be
      used to sterilize implant surfaces without damaging them. Likewise, the carbon
      dioxide laser can disinfect implant surfaces and enhance the bone-to-implant
      contact around previously infected sites. Photodynamic therapy exhibits high
      target specificity and can destroy pathogens associated with the etiology of PI.
      Laser therapy can significantly reduce levels of clinical markers of peri-implant
      tissue inflammation (i.e., bleeding upon probing and clinical attachment loss)
      without jeopardizing the integrity of the implant or alveolar bone. In
      conclusion, laser therapy as an adjunct to conventional mechanical debridement
      therapy can be used effectively for the treatment of PI. 

PMID- 27656077
TI  - Evaluation of bone regenerative capacity in rats claverial bone defect using
      platelet rich fibrin with and without beta tri calcium phosphate bone graft
      material.
AB  - AIM: To compare bone regeneration in noncritical rat calvarial bone defects
      filled with platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), alone or combined with beta-tricalcium
      phosphate (beta-TCP), using micro-computed tomographic (MCT) evaluation. ANIMALS
      AND METHODS: Two calvarial bone defects were created in each of 45 male Sprague
      Dawley rats (age: 20-22 weeks, weight: 350-450 g), using a dental trephine with
      an external diameter of 3 mm. The 90 defects were randomly allocated among three
      groups, each containing 30 unilateral defects in a total of 30 rats. Defects in
      the control group were allowed to heal spontaneously. Defects in the PRF group
      received PRF alone. Defects in the PRF/beta-TCP group received PRF mixed with
      beta-TCP in a 50?50 percentage. Nine animals (three per group) were killed after
      1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 postoperative weeks, and 18 calvarial defects from each period
      were analyzed for new bone formation and bone mineral density using MCT. Results
      were compared by a one-way Analysis of Variance with the POST HOC Least
      Significant Difference test. RESULTS: The volume and mineral density of bone
      formed in the control group were significantly different from those of the other
      two groups. Greater bone regeneration was observed in defects receiving PRF with
      beta-TCP compared to defects receiving PRF alone in the first 2 weeks (P <
      0.001). However, differences in the volume and density of newly formed bone
      between the PRF and PRF/beta-TCP groups were not significant at 3, 4, and 6
      postoperative weeks (P > 0.005). CONCLUSION: The addition of beta-TCP to PRF
      significantly improved bone regeneration in the first 2 weeks after surgery.
      Although the differences between results with and without the addition of beta
      TCP to PRF were statistically insignificant from weeks 3 to 6, it was
      nevertheless apparent that the group receiving the combination showed better
      results. We suggest a synergistic mechanism for this effect.

PMID- 27656078
TI  - Self-perceived halitosis and related factors among adults residing in Riyadh,
      Saudi Arabia. A cross sectional study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted to determine
      the prevalence of self-perceived halitosis among adults in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
      and to assess the relation of halitosis with some socio-demographic factors, oral
      habits and health practices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire was
      distributed to randomly selected subjects including senior high school students,
      college students and employees working in governmental offices. High schools and
      governmental offices were selected using systematic random sampling from each of
      the main five regions of Riyadh. The college students were selected from the
      major universities in Riyadh. One hundred questionnaires were randomly
      distributed in each of the 15 locations for males and 15 for females (5 schools,
      5 universities and 5 governmental offices for each gender) giving a total of 3000
      questionnaires. RESULTS: The prevalence of self-perceived halitosis was 22.8%
      among the participants. The majority of the subjects with self-perceived
      halitosis experienced bad breath on waking up (83.5%). Nearly half of the sample
      with self-perceived halitosis was told by others that they had bad breath, 25.8%
      visited a doctor regarding that, 23.8% received treatment for their bad breath
      and 54.1% made trials to control their problem by using some aids. Self-perceived
      halitosis was found to be more prevalent among males compared to females (P <
      0.000), whereas, no statistically significant differences were found among the
      different age groups (P = 0.317). A statistically significant relationship was
      found between self-perceived halitosis and times of mouth cleaning, use of tooth
      brush, use of tooth paste, tongue cleaning (P < 0.000), and the use of dental
      floss (P = 0.004). A statistically significant relationship was also found
      between self-perceived halitosis and shisha (P < 0.000) and cigarette smoking (P
      = 0.045). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of self-perceived halitosis among the
      population in Riyadh is within the range reported in other countries. Self
      perceived halitosis is related to gender, inadequate oral hygiene practices and
      cigarettes and shisha smoking however, it is not related to age.

PMID- 27656079
TI  - Association between salivary sialic acid and periodontal health status among
      smokers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Smoking is an environmental risk factor causing poor dental health.
      Sialic acid is a salivary marker of oxidative stress for research of periodontal
      diseases. AIMS: To identify diagnostic sialic acid fraction and its scavenger
      effect for periodontal diseases among smokers and periodental health status.
      SUBJECT AND METHOD: This study carried out in the Khanzad specialized dental
      center - Erbil city. The study population is composed of 62 convenient samples. A
      structured interview questionnaire form was used to collect data about socio
      demographic properties and smoking history. Clinical measurements were carried
      out to measure periodontal health status. Un-stimulated whole saliva samples were
      collected for measuring sialic acid fractions. Statistical package for social
      science (SPSS, version 18), was used for analysis and odds ratio. RESULTS: Risk
      of smoking increased significantly in young to mid ages, which included most of
      the current smokers, with periodontal diseases, and high total free sialic acid.
      Risk of periodontitis and teeth missing increased significantly by long duration
      of smoking, bad tooth brushing, and poor eating habits. Risk of teeth mobility
      and loss decreased significantly by early smoking cessation and low income. High
      levels of free sialic acid correlated significantly in current smokers with
      medium and deep pocket depth. CONCLUSION: Salivary free sialic acid may be used
      as a diagnostic oxidative stress biomarker for periodontal diseases among young
      current smokers. Cumulative destructive effect of long duration of smoking on the
      periodontum can be controlled by smoking cessation, good oral hygiene and diet
      habit in early old ages.

PMID- 27656080
TI  - The knowledge, attitude and practices of male sports participants to sports
      related dental trauma in Khobar and Dammam, Saudi Arabia - A pilot survey.
AB  - The risk of dental trauma may increase during sports participation. The purpose
      of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practices of sports
      participants concerning sports-related dental trauma and associated
      emergency/preventive practices. The study included 124 male subjects over 18
      years of age participating in contact and non-contact sports in three clubs in
      the Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. A questionnaire was used to assess past
      experience of dental trauma related to sports in addition to the use of a mouth
      guard and knowledge of related emergency procedures. Outcomes were compared
      between individuals practicing direct and non-direct contact sports. One third of
      the participants had experienced dental trauma while playing sports, mostly crown
      fracture, mobility, and avulsion. Their knowledge of first aid and emergency
      procedures was inadequate. A significantly higher proportion of non-direct
      contact sport participants sought the help of a dentist for themselves or others
      (P = 0.04 and 0.003, respectively). Only 33.9% used mouth guards, with higher
      odds of mouth guard use associated with participating in direct contact sports
      and believing a tooth can be lost during sports practice (odds ratio = 5.59 and
      5.37, respectively). Educational programs are needed to increase the awareness in
      sports participants of the risk of dental trauma during sports participation, to
      improve their knowledge of first aid procedures, and to increase the use of mouth
      guards. 

PMID- 27656082
TI  - A first experience with digital complete overdentures.
AB  - The development of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing systems for
      dentistry in the 1980s resulted in the successful fabrication of crowns, fixed
      dental prostheses, and superstructures for both natural teeth and dental
      implants. Today, this technology is available for constructing digitally designed
      and milled, completely removable dental prostheses. The procedure uses clinical
      and laboratory protocols that allow fabrication of completely removable
      prostheses within two clinical appointments. The aim of this clinical report is
      to present the author's first experience with digital complete overdentures, the
      practicality of this technology, and patient feedback. Compared with conventional
      overdentures, the fit of the digital prostheses was improved because the cameo
      and flanges of the prostheses were nicely shaped and rolled, and this enhanced
      their stability and retention. Occlusion was also excellent. However, aesthetics
      in terms of the alignment, shape, and size of the maxillary overdenture teeth
      were inacceptable. Despite some of the drawbacks identified in our study, the use
      of removable digital dentures does provide excellent adaptation of the denture
      base and requires fewer clinic visits. We anticipate that the unsatisfactory
      aesthetic outcomes presented in this report can be corrected with more
      experience. We also believe that acquiring an in-house scanning machine would be
      beneficial. We highly recommend including this technique in dental school
      curriculums at both the undergraduate and graduate levels in order to keep
      students and residents up to date on the latest technology available. 

PMID- 27656081
TI  - Children's ages and reasons for receiving their first dental visit in a Saudi
      community.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Epidemiological studies conducted in different parts of the world have
      revealed the postponement of first dental visits and an increased prevalence of
      early childhood caries in general populations in developed and developing
      countries. This study aimed to assess the average age of and most common reasons
      for first dental visits in children attending governmental and private dental
      clinics in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Data were collected
      retrospectively from the dental records of new pediatric patients attending a
      governmental institute (College of Dentistry, Department of Pediatric Dentistry
      and Orthodontics, King Saud University) and a private clinic (the investigator's
      private practice) in Riyadh. Only children attending their first dental visits
      with no previous dental experience were included in the study. Descriptive
      statistics, cross-tabulation analysis, and chi-squared test were done. The
      significance level was set at P ? 0.05. RESULTS: Initial dental visitation
      occurred at 1-3 years in 32.2% of children, 3-5 years in 52.9% of children, at >5
      years in 14% of children. Pain was the dominant reason (71.5%) for first dental
      visits. Dental check-up was the main reason for 27.3% of dental visits, and
      fluoride application was the main reason for 20.5% of visits. Emergency cases
      accounted for 44.7% of first dental visits during the study period. Most (68%)
      children were medically fit, and 67.2% behaved positively during their first
      dental procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Parental compliance with the standard age for
      initial dental visitation recommended by the major dental academies is lacking.

PMID- 27656083
TI  - Maternal age at maturation underpins contrasting behavior in offspring.
AB  - In species where parental care occurs primarily via the provisioning of eggs,
      older females tend to produce larger offspring that have better fitness
      prospects. Remarkably however, a relationship between age of mother and fitness
      of offspring has also been reported independently of effects on offspring size
      suggesting that there may be other factors at play. Here, using experimental
      matings between wild Atlantic salmon that differed in their age at sexual
      maturation, we demonstrate distinct size-independent variation in the behavior of
      their offspring that was related to the maturation age of the mother (but not the
      father). We found that when juvenile salmon were competing for feeding
      territories, offspring of early-maturing mothers were more aggressive than those
      of late-maturing mothers, but were out-competed for food by them. This is the
      first demonstration of a link between natural variation in parental age at
      maturation and variation in offspring behavior.

PMID- 27656084
TI  - Imperfect past and present progressive: beak color reflects early-life and adult
      exposure to antigen.
AB  - Secondary sexual traits may convey information about individual condition. We
      assessed the capacity for immune challenge with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or
      keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) during the prenatal and early postnatal stages to
      impact beak color development and expression in captive zebra finches. In
      addition, we tested whether adult immune challenge impacted beak color, and if
      early-life experience was influential. Immune challenge with KLH early in life
      slowed development of red beak coloration, and males challenged with KLH as
      nestlings had reduced red coloration as adults. Following adult KLH challenge,
      males exhibited a decline in beak redness. Birds challenged with KLH during
      development produced more anti-KLH antibodies after adult challenge. There was a
      significant interaction between young treatment and anti-KLH antibody production;
      for males not challenged with KLH early in life, individuals that mounted a
      weaker antibody response lost more red coloration after challenge than males
      mounting a stronger antibody response. Based on models of avian vision, these
      differences in beak coloration should be detectable to the finches. In contrast
      to previous studies, we found no effect of early-life or adult challenge with LPS
      on any aspects of beak coloration. These results provide evidence that beak color
      reflects developmental and current conditions, and that the signal is linked to
      critical physiological processes.

PMID- 27656085
TI  - Not leaving home: grandmothers and male dispersal in a duolocal human society.
AB  - Models suggest that dispersal patterns will influence age- and sex-dependent
      helping behavior in social species. Duolocal social systems (where neither sex
      disperses and mating is outside the group) are predicted to be associated with
      mothers favoring sons over daughters (because the latter are in reproductive
      competition with each other). Other models predict daughter-biased investment
      when benefits of wealth to sons are less than daughters. Here, we test whether
      sex-biased investment is occurring in the duolocal Mosuo of southwestern China.
      Using demographic and observational data from Mosuo, we show support for both
      hypotheses, in that 1) males are more likely to disperse from their natal
      household if their mother dies, but females are not; 2) a large number of
      brothers increases the likelihood that both females and males disperse, whereas a
      large number of sisters only increases female dispersal; 3) mothers help
      daughters reproduce earlier and reduce death risk of daughter's children, but not
      sons or sons' children; 4) data on multiple paternity show that female
      reproductive success does not suffer from multiple partners, and in males
      multiple mates are associated with higher reproductive success, indicating that
      mothers can benefit from investing in their sons' mating effort; and 5) gift
      decisions reveal similar kin effects to those shown in the demographic data, with
      mothers helping adult daughters and adult sons equally, but helping only her
      daughter's children, not her son's children. Mosuo mothers may invest resources
      for parental investment in their daughters and their offspring, while investing
      in their sons mating effort.

PMID- 27656086
TI  - Sexually selected sentinels? Evidence of a role for intrasexual competition in
      sentinel behavior.
AB  - Although the evolutionary mechanisms that favor investment in cooperative
      behaviors have long been a focus of research, comparatively few studies have
      considered the role that sexual selection may play. For example, evolutionary
      explanations for sentinel behavior (where 1 individual assumes an elevated
      position and scans the surroundings while other group members forage nearby) have
      traditionally focused on the inclusive fitness benefits arising from its effects
      on predation risk, while its potential role in defense against intrasexual
      competitors remains largely unexplored. Here, we provide experimental evidence of
      a role for sentinel behavior in intrasexual competition, in a cooperatively
      breeding songbird, the white-browed sparrow weaver (Plocepasser mahali). First,
      dominant males sentinel substantially more than other group members (even when
      controlling for variation in age and body condition), consistent with a role for
      sentineling in intrasexual competition for mates and/or territory. Second,
      experimental playback of an unfamiliar male's solo song elicited a marked
      increase in sentineling by the dominant male, and the vocal response to the
      playback also positively predicted his sentinel effort following the simulated
      intrusion. A second experiment also suggests that sentineling may facilitate
      mounting rapid anti-intruder responses, as responses to intruder-playback
      occurred significantly earlier when the dominant male was sentineling rather than
      foraging at playback onset. Together, our findings provide rare support for the
      hypothesis that sentinel behavior plays a role in intrasexual competition, and so
      highlight the potential for sexually selected direct benefits to shape its
      expression in this and other social vertebrates.

PMID- 27656087
TI  - Dazzle camouflage, target tracking, and the confusion effect.
AB  - The influence of coloration on the ecology and evolution of moving animals in
      groups is poorly understood. Animals in groups benefit from the "confusion
      effect," where predator attack success is reduced with increasing group size or
      density. This is thought to be due to a sensory bottleneck: an increase in the
      difficulty of tracking one object among many. Motion dazzle camouflage has been
      hypothesized to disrupt accurate perception of the trajectory or speed of an
      object or animal. The current study investigates the suggestion that dazzle
      camouflage may enhance the confusion effect. Utilizing a computer game style
      experiment with human predators, we found that when moving in groups, targets
      with stripes parallel to the targets' direction of motion interact with the
      confusion effect to a greater degree, and are harder to track, than those with
      more conventional background matching patterns. The findings represent empirical
      evidence that some high-contrast patterns may benefit animals in groups. The
      results also highlight the possibility that orientation and turning may be more
      relevant in the mechanisms of dazzle camouflage than previously recognized.

PMID- 27656088
TI  - The Role of Rigidity in Adaptive and Maladaptive Families Assessed by FACES IV:
      The Points of View of Adolescents.
AB  - Previous studies using Olson's Circumplex Model and FACES IV, the self-report
      assessing family functioning, did not clarify the role of rigidity, a dimension
      of this model. Rigidity emerged as ambiguous: it was considered either as a
      functional or as a dysfunctional dimension. Building upon the results of previous
      studies, we provided a contribution intended to disambiguate the role of rigidity
      considering adolescents' perceptions and using a non-a priori classification
      analysis. 320 Italian adolescents (13-21 years) participated in this study and
      responded to a questionnaire containing scales of the study variables. A latent
      class analysis was performed to identify the association of rigidity with the
      other dimensions of Olson's model and with indicators of adaptive family
      functioning in adolescence: parental monitoring and family satisfaction. We found
      six clusters corresponding to family typologies and having different levels of
      functioning. Rigidity emerged as adaptive in the typologies named rigidly
      balanced and flexibly oscillating; it was associated with positive dimensions of
      family functioning, i.e. flexibility, cohesion, parental monitoring, and high
      levels of family satisfaction. Differently, when rigidity was associated with
      disengagement, low cohesion and flexibility, and lack of parental supervision,
      emerged as maladaptive. This was the case of two typologies: the rigidly
      disengaged and the chaotically disengaged. Adolescents of these families reported
      the lowest levels of satisfaction. In the two last typologies, the flexibly
      chaotic and the cohesively disorganized, rigidity indicated a mid-range
      functionality as these families were characterized by emotional connectedness but
      lack of containment. Clinical implications are discussed.

PMID- 27656090
TI  - Design and realization of transparent solar modules based on luminescent solar
      concentrators integrating nanostructured photonic crystals.
AB  - Herein, we present a prototype of a photovoltaic module that combines a
      luminescent solar concentrator integrating one-dimensional photonic crystals and
      in-plane CuInGaSe2 (CIGS) solar cells. Highly uniform and wide-area
      nanostructured multilayers with photonic crystal properties were deposited by a
      cost-efficient and scalable liquid processing amenable to large-scale
      fabrication. Their role is to both maximize light absorption in the targeted
      spectral range, determined by the fluorophore employed, and minimize losses
      caused by emission at angles within the escape cone of the planar concentrator.
      From a structural perspective, the porous nature of the layers facilitates the
      integration with the thermoplastic polymers typically used to encapsulate and
      seal these modules. Judicious design of the module geometry, as well as of the
      optical properties of the dielectric mirrors employed, allows optimizing light
      guiding and hence photovoltaic performance while preserving a great deal of
      transparency. Optimized in-plane designs like the one herein proposed are of
      relevance for building integrated photovoltaics, as ease of fabrication, long
      term stability and improved performance are simultaneously achieved. (c) 2015 The
      Authors. Progress in Photovoltaics: Research and Applications published by John
      Wiley & Sons Ltd.

PMID- 27656089
TI  - Influence of Child Factors on Health-Care Professionals' Recognition of Common
      Childhood Mental-Health Problems.
AB  - Early recognition of childhood mental-health problems can help minimise long-term
      negative outcomes. Recognition of mental-health problems, needed for referral and
      diagnostic evaluation, is largely dependent on health-care professionals' (HCPs)
      judgement of symptoms presented by the child. This study aimed to establish
      whether HCPs recognition of mental-health problems varies as a function of three
      child-related factors (type of problem, number of symptoms, and demographic
      characteristics). In an online survey, HCPs (n = 431) evaluated a series of
      vignettes describing children with symptoms of mental-health problems. Vignettes
      varied by problem type (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD),
      Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Conduct
      Disorder (CD) and Major Depressive Disorder), number of symptoms presented (few
      and many), and child demographic characteristics (ethnicity, gender, age and
      socio-economic status (SES)). Results show that recognition of mental-health
      problems varies by problem type, with ADHD best recognised and GAD worst.
      Furthermore, recognition varies by the number of symptoms presented.
      Unexpectedly, a child's gender, ethnicity and family SES did not influence
      likelihood of problem recognition. These results are the first to reveal
      differences in HCPs' recognition of various common childhood mental-health
      problems. HCPs in practice should be advised about poor recognition of GAD, and
      superior recognition of ADHD, if recognition of all childhood mental-health
      problems is to be equal.

PMID- 27656091
TI  - Castor Oil: Properties, Uses, and Optimization of Processing Parameters in
      Commercial Production.
AB  - Castor oil, produced from castor beans, has long been considered to be of
      important commercial value primarily for the manufacturing of soaps, lubricants,
      and coatings, among others. Global castor oil production is concentrated
      primarily in a small geographic region of Gujarat in Western India. This region
      is favorable due to its labor-intensive cultivation method and subtropical
      climate conditions. Entrepreneurs and castor processors in the United States and
      South America also cultivate castor beans but are faced with the challenge of
      achieving high castor oil production efficiency, as well as obtaining the desired
      oil quality. In this manuscript, we provide a detailed analysis of novel
      processing methods involved in castor oil production. We discuss novel processing
      methods by explaining specific processing parameters involved in castor oil
      production. 

PMID- 27656092
TI  - Echocardiographic Assessment of Cardiac Changes During Normal Pregnancy Among
      Nigerians.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pregnancy is a physiological process associated with an increased
      hemodynamic load and cardiac structural remodeling. Limited echocardiographic
      information exists on cardiac chambers, left ventricular (LV) systolic and
      diastolic functions, and LV mass during trimesters of normal pregnancy among
      African women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Echocardiography was done at the beginning
      of the second trimester, beginning of the third trimester, and middle of the
      third trimester for 100 normal pregnant women and at one visit for age-matched
      100 nonpregnant women. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for
      Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17 software. Analysis of variance was used to
      compare within trimesters, and a P value of <0.05 was considered significant.
      RESULTS: The mean (SD) ages of the patients and controls were 28.20 (+/-5.91) and
      28.35 (+/-6.06) years, respectively (age range = 19-44 years, P = 0.86). Cardiac
      chambers, LV systolic function, and LV mass and its index increased significantly
      during pregnancy. A significant increase in A-wave velocity but slight increase
      in E-wave velocity and a reduction in tissue e' velocity at the septal margin but
      a progressive increase in a' velocity were also observed (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION:
      Cardiac chamber dimensions, LV wall thickness, and mass, most indices of LV
      systolic and diastolic function, though within normal range, were significantly
      higher in pregnant than in nonpregnant Nigerian women.

PMID- 27656093
TI  - Current Developments in Interstitial Lung Disease.

PMID- 27656096
TI  - Discovering Related Clinical Concepts Using Large Amounts of Clinical Notes.
AB  - The ability to find highly related clinical concepts is essential for many
      applications such as for hypothesis generation, query expansion for medical
      literature search, search results filtering, ICD-10 code filtering and many other
      applications. While manually constructed medical terminologies such as SNOMED CT
      can surface certain related concepts, these terminologies are inadequate as they
      depend on expertise of several subject matter experts making the terminology
      curation process open to geographic and language bias. In addition, these
      terminologies also provide no quantifiable evidence on how related the concepts
      are. In this work, we explore an unsupervised graphical approach to mine related
      concepts by leveraging the volume within large amounts of clinical notes. Our
      evaluation shows that we are able to use a data driven approach to discovering
      highly related concepts for various search terms including medications, symptoms
      and diseases. 

PMID- 27656095
TI  - Oncogene Mutations in Colorectal Polyps Identified in the Norwegian Colorectal
      Cancer Prevention (NORCCAP) Screening Study.
AB  - Data are limited on oncogene mutation frequencies in polyps from principally
      asymptomatic participants of population-based colorectal cancer screening
      studies. In this study, DNA from 204 polyps, 5 mm or larger, were collected from
      176 participants of the NORCCAP screening study and analyzed for mutations in
      KRAS, BRAF, and PIK3CA including the rarely studied KRAS exons 3 and 4 mutations.
      KRAS mutations were identified in 23.0% of the lesions and were significantly
      associated with tubulovillous adenomas and large size. A significantly higher
      frequency of KRAS mutations in females was associated with mutations in codon 12.
      The KRAS exon 3 and 4 mutations constituted 23.4% of the KRAS positive lesions,
      which is a larger proportion compared to previous observations in colorectal
      cancer. BRAF mutations were identified in 11.3% and were associated with serrated
      polyps. None of the individuals were diagnosed with de novo or recurrent
      colorectal cancer during the follow-up time (median 11.2 years). Revealing
      differences in mutation-spectra according to gender and stages in tumorigenesis
      might be important for optimal use of oncogenes as therapeutic targets and
      biomarkers. 

PMID- 27656094
TI  - The Role of Laboratory Tests in Crohn's Disease.
AB  - In the past, laboratory tests were considered of limited value in Crohn's disease
      (CD). In the era of biologics, laboratory tests have become essential to evaluate
      the inflammatory burden of the disease (C-reactive protein, fecal calprotectin)
      since symptoms-based scores are subjective, to predict the response to
      pharmacological options and the risk of relapse, to discriminate CD from
      ulcerative colitis, to select candidates to anti-tumor necrosis factors
      [screening tests looking for hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus status and
      latent tuberculosis], to assess the risk of adverse events (testing for
      thiopurine metabolites and thiopurine-methyltransferase activity), and to
      personalize and optimize therapy (therapeutic drug monitoring). Pharmacogenetics,
      though presently confined to the assessment of thiopurineme methyltransferase
      polymorphisms and hematological toxicity associated with thiopurine treatment, is
      a promising field that will contribute to a better understanding of the molecular
      mechanisms of the variability in response to the drugs used in CD with the
      attempt to expand personalized care and precision medicine strategies. 

PMID- 27656098
TI  - An extension for the model IMAZ for large absorption.
AB  - The empirical Ionospheric Model of the Auroral Zone (IMAZ) is based on more than
      100,000 electron density profiles measured by the European Incoherent Scatter
      Radar EISCAT combined with about 100 from sounding rockets. The mathematical
      procedure applied is a neural network (NN) which works fine as long as one
      requests predictions from inside the so-called input space, but predicting
      situations outside it, i.e. for conditions not or only poorly covered by data,
      are in general utterly unrealistic. An analytical procedure is presented which
      reasonably extrapolates the NN results for conditions inadequately covered by
      input data.

PMID- 27656097
TI  - The Impacts of Educational Asthma Interventions in Schools: A Systematic Review
      of the Literature.
AB  - Objective. To review the literature on the impact of educational asthma
      interventions in schools regarding the knowledge and morbidity of the disease
      among children and adolescents. Methods. A systematic review was conducted for
      controlled clinical trials investigating the effectiveness of educational asthma
      interventions for students, asthmatic or nonasthmatic, families, and school
      staff. Databases were CENTRAL, PubMed, LILACS, MEDLINE, and SciELO. Articles
      published in any language were considered, in the period from 2005 to 2014,
      according to the PRISMA guidelines. Results. Seventeen articles were selected (N
      = 5,879 subjects). 94% of the interventions (16 of 17 studies) were applied in
      developed countries that were led by health professionals and most of them
      targeted asthmatics. Asthma education promotes the improvement of knowledge about
      the disease in at least one of the evaluated areas. 29% of the interventions (5
      of 17 studies) showed a reduction of the asthma symptoms, 35% (6 of 17 studies)
      reduction of the hospitalization instances and emergency visits, 29% (5 of 17
      studies) reduction of school absenteeism, and 41% (7 of 17 studies) increase in
      the quality of life of the individuals. Conclusions. Educational interventions in
      schools raise the awareness of asthma and weaken the impact of morbidity
      indicators.

PMID- 27656099
TI  - Problems with mapping the auroral oval and magnetospheric substorms.
AB  - Accurate mapping of the auroral oval into the equatorial plane is critical for
      the analysis of aurora and substorm dynamics. Comparison of ion pressure values
      measured at low altitudes by Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP)
      satellites during their crossings of the auroral oval, with plasma pressure
      values obtained at the equatorial plane from Time History of Events and
      Macroscale Interactions during Substorms (THEMIS) satellite measurements,
      indicates that the main part of the auroral oval maps into the equatorial plane
      at distances between 6 and 12 Earth radii. On the nightside, this region is
      generally considered to be a part of the plasma sheet. However, our studies
      suggest that this region could form part of the plasma ring surrounding the
      Earth. We discuss the possibility of using the results found here to explain the
      ring-like shape of the auroral oval, the location of the injection boundary
      inside the magnetosphere near the geostationary orbit, presence of quiet auroral
      arcs in the auroral oval despite the constantly high level of turbulence observed
      in the plasma sheet, and some features of the onset of substorm expansion.

PMID- 27656100
TI  - Relationship between wave-like auroral arcs and Pi2 disturbances in plasma sheet
      prior to substorm onset.
AB  - Wave-like substorm arc features in the aurora and Pi2 magnetic disturbances
      observed in the near-Earth plasma sheet are frequently, and sometimes
      simultaneously, observed around the substorm onset time. We perform statistical
      analyses of the THEMIS ASI auroral observations that show wave-like bright spot
      structure along the arc prior to substorm onset. The azimuthal mode number values
      of the wave-like substorm arcs are found to be in the range of ~100-240 and
      decrease with increasing geomagnetic latitude of the substorm auroral arc
      location. We suggest that the azimuthal mode number is likely related to the ion
      gyroradius and azimuthal wave number. We also perform correlation study of the
      pre-onset wave-like substorm arc features and Pi2 magnetic disturbances for
      substorm dipolarization events observed by THEMIS satellites during 2008-2009.
      The wave-like arc brightness structures on the substorm auroral arcs tend to move
      azimuthally westward, but with a few exceptions of eastward movement, during tens
      of seconds prior to the substorm onset. The movement of the wave-like arc
      brightness structure is linearly correlated with the phase velocity of the Pi2
      deltaBy disturbances in the near-Earth plasma sheet region. The result suggests
      that the Pi2 transverse deltaBy disturbances are related to the intensifying wave
      like substorm onset arcs. One plausible explanation of the observations is the
      kinetic ballooning instability, which has high azimuthal mode number due to the
      ion gyroradius effect and finite parallel electric field that accelerates
      electrons into the ionosphere to produce the wave-like arc structure.

PMID- 27656102
TI  - Phase space representation of neutron monitor count rate and atmospheric electric
      field in relation to solar activity in cycles 21 and 22.
AB  - Heliospheric modulation of galactic cosmic rays links solar cycle activity with
      neutron monitor count rate on earth. A less direct relation holds between neutron
      monitor count rate and atmospheric electric field because different atmospheric
      processes, including fluctuations in the ionosphere, are involved. Although a
      full quantitative model is still lacking, this link is supported by solid
      statistical evidence. Thus, a connection between the solar cycle activity and
      atmospheric electric field is expected. To gain a deeper insight into these
      relations, sunspot area (NOAA, USA), neutron monitor count rate (Climax,
      Colorado, USA), and atmospheric electric field (Lisbon, Portugal) are presented
      here in a phase space representation. The period considered covers two solar
      cycles (21, 22) and extends from 1978 to 1990. Two solar maxima were observed in
      this dataset, one in 1979 and another in 1989, as well as one solar minimum in
      1986. Two main observations of the present study were: (1) similar short-term
      topological features of the phase space representations of the three variables,
      (2) a long-term phase space radius synchronization between the solar cycle
      activity, neutron monitor count rate, and potential gradient (confirmed by
      absolute correlation values above ~0.8). Finally, the methodology proposed here
      can be used for obtaining the relations between other atmospheric parameters
      (e.g., solar radiation) and solar cycle activity.

PMID- 27656101
TI  - Total (fumarolic + diffuse soil) CO2 output from Furnas volcano.
AB  - Furnas volcano, in Sao Miguel island (Azores), being the surface expression of
      rising hydrothermal steam, is the site of intense carbon dioxide (CO2) release by
      diffuse degassing and fumaroles. While the diffusive CO2 output has long (since
      the early 1990s) been characterized by soil CO2 surveys, no information is
      presently available on the fumarolic CO2 output. Here, we performed (in August
      2014) a study in which soil CO2 degassing survey was combined for the first time
      with the measurement of the fumarolic CO2 flux. The results were achieved by
      using a GasFinder 2.0 tunable diode laser. Our measurements were performed in two
      degassing sites at Furnas volcano (Furnas Lake and Furnas Village), with the aim
      of quantifying the total (fumarolic + soil diffuse) CO2 output. We show that,
      within the main degassing (fumarolic) areas, the soil CO2 flux contribution (9.2
      t day-1) represents a minor (~15 %) fraction of the total CO2 output (59 t day
      1), which is dominated by the fumaroles (~50 t day-1). The same fumaroles
      contribute to ~0.25 t day-1 of H2S, based on a fumarole CO2/H2S ratio of 150 to
      353 (measured with a portable Multi-GAS). However, we also find that the soil CO2
      contribution from a more distal wider degassing structure dominates the total
      Furnas volcano CO2 budget, which we evaluate (summing up the CO2 flux
      contributions for degassing soils, fumarolic emissions and springs) at ~1030 t
      day-1.

PMID- 27656104
TI  - The lasso for high dimensional regression with a possible change point.
AB  - We consider a high dimensional regression model with a possible change point due
      to a covariate threshold and develop the lasso estimator of regression
      coefficients as well as the threshold parameter. Our lasso estimator not only
      selects covariates but also selects a model between linear and threshold
      regression models. Under a sparsity assumption, we derive non-asymptotic oracle
      inequalities for both the prediction risk and the l1-estimation loss for
      regression coefficients. Since the lasso estimator selects variables
      simultaneously, we show that oracle inequalities can be established without
      pretesting the existence of the threshold effect. Furthermore, we establish
      conditions under which the estimation error of the unknown threshold parameter
      can be bounded by a factor that is nearly n-1 even when the number of regressors
      can be much larger than the sample size n. We illustrate the usefulness of our
      proposed estimation method via Monte Carlo simulations and an application to real
      data.

PMID- 27656103
TI  - Standardization of peeling tests for assessing the cohesion and consolidation
      characteristics of historic stone surfaces.
AB  - A peeling test known as the "Scotch Tape test" has been used for more than 40
      years in conservation practice for assessing the consolidation efficiency of
      degraded stone. However, the method has not been supported by any standard or
      reliably verified recommendations for its application. Its applicability is
      overestimated, and its unrestricted use without adequate knowledge and sufficient
      understanding can lead to non-comparable, non-reproducible and, in many cases,
      incorrect and severely biased results and assessments. This paper presents the
      results of a recent study focused on establishing limits for application,
      reliable procedures and a "standard" protocol for testing the cohesion
      characteristics of brittle and quasi-brittle materials, mainly mortars and
      stones. The main application strategy exploits repeated peeling in the same place
      on a surface in order to eliminate the effect of the natural decrease in the
      detached material from the subsurface layers, which might be incorrectly
      interpreted as a consolidation effect. There is a discussion of factors
      influencing the performance of the peeling test method, and examples of peeling
      measurements on various natural and artificial stones are presented.

PMID- 27656105
TI  - Graphene enterprise: mapping innovation and business development in a strategic
      emerging technology.
AB  - This paper explores enterprise development and commercialization in the field of
      graphene. Firm characteristics and relationships, value chain positioning, and
      factors associated with product entry are examined for a set of 65 graphene
      oriented small and medium-sized enterprises located in 16 different countries. As
      well as secondary sources and bibliometric methods to profile developments in
      graphene, we use computerized data mining and analytical techniques, including
      cluster and regression modeling, to identify patterns from publicly available
      online information on enterprise web sites. We identify groups of graphene small
      and medium-sized enterprises differentiated by how they are involved with
      graphene, the materials they target, whether they make equipment, and their
      orientation toward science and intellectual property. In general, access to
      finance and the firms' location are significant factors that are associated with
      graphene product introductions. We also find that patents and scientific
      publications are not statistically significant predictors of product development
      in our sample of graphene enterprises. We further identify a cohort of graphene
      oriented firms that are signaling plans to develop intermediate graphene products
      that should have higher value in the marketplace. Our findings suggest that
      policy needs to ensure attention to the introduction and scale-up of downstream
      intermediate and final graphene products and associated financial, intermediary,
      and market identification support. The paper demonstrates novel data methods that
      can be combined with existing information for real-time intelligence to
      understand and map enterprise development and commercialization in a rapidly
      emerging and growing new technology.

PMID- 27656106
TI  - Estimating species diversity and distribution in the era of Big Data: to what
      extent can we trust public databases?
AB  - AIM: Massive digitalization of natural history collections is now leading to a
      steep accumulation of publicly available species distribution data. However,
      taxonomic errors and geographical uncertainty of species occurrence records are
      now acknowledged by the scientific community - putting into question to what
      extent such data can be used to unveil correct patterns of biodiversity and
      distribution. We explore this question through quantitative and qualitative
      analyses of uncleaned versus manually verified datasets of species distribution
      records across different spatial scales. LOCATION: The American tropics. METHODS:
      As test case we used the plant tribe Cinchoneae (Rubiaceae). We compiled four
      datasets of species occurrences: one created manually and verified through
      classical taxonomic work, and the rest derived from GBIF under different cleaning
      and filling schemes. We used new bioinformatic tools to code species into grids,
      ecoregions, and biomes following WWF's classification. We analysed species
      richness and altitudinal ranges of the species. RESULTS: Altitudinal ranges for
      species and genera were correctly inferred even without manual data cleaning and
      filling. However, erroneous records affected spatial patterns of species
      richness. They led to an overestimation of species richness in certain areas
      outside the centres of diversity in the clade. The location of many of these
      areas comprised the geographical midpoint of countries and political
      subdivisions, assigned long after the specimens had been collected. MAIN
      CONCLUSION: Open databases and integrative bioinformatic tools allow a rapid
      approximation of large-scale patterns of biodiversity across space and
      altitudinal ranges. We found that geographic inaccuracy affects diversity
      patterns more than taxonomic uncertainties, often leading to false positives,
      i.e. overestimating species richness in relatively species poor regions. Public
      databases for species distribution are valuable and should be more explored, but
      under scrutiny and validation by taxonomic experts. We suggest that database
      managers implement easy ways of community feedback on data quality.

PMID- 27656107
TI  - Target volume definition for post prostatectomy radiotherapy: Do the consensus
      guidelines correctly define the inferior border of the CTV?
AB  - AIM: We compare urethrogram delineation of the caudal aspect of the anastomosis
      to the recommended guidelines of post prostatectomy radiotherapy. BACKGROUND:
      Level one evidence has established the indications for, and importance of,
      adjuvant radiotherapy following radical prostatectomy. Several guidelines have
      recently addressed delineation of the prostate bed target volume including
      identification of the vesico-urethral anastomosis, taken as the first CT slice
      caudal to visible urine in the bladder neck. The inferior border of clinical
      target volume is then variably defined 5-12 mm below this anastomosis or 15 mm
      cranial to the penile bulb. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Thirty-three patients who
      received adjuvant radiotherapy following radical prostatectomy were reviewed. All
      underwent planning CT with urethrogram. The authors (MM, JC) independently
      identified the CT slice caudal to the last slice showing urine in the bladder
      neck (called the CT Reference Slice), and measured the distance between this and
      the tip of the urethrogram cone. Five patients also had a diagnostic MRI at the
      time of CT planning to better visualize the anatomy. RESULTS: Sixty-six readings
      were obtained. The mean distance between the Bladder CT Reference Slice and the
      most cranial urethrogram contrast slice was 16.1 mm (MM 16.4 mm, JC 15.8 mm),
      range: 6.8-34.2 mm. The mean distance between the urethrogram tip and the ischial
      tuberosities was 19.9 mm (range 12.5-29.8 mm). The mean distance between the CT
      Reference Slice and the ischial tuberosities was 36.9 mm (range 28.3-52.4 mm).
      CONCLUSIONS: Guidelines for prostate bed radiation post prostatectomy have been
      developed after publication of the trials proving benefit of such treatment, and
      are thus untested. The anastomosis is a frequent site of local relapse but is
      variably defined by the existing guidelines, none of which take into account
      anatomic patient variation and all of which are at variance with urethrogram
      data. We recommend the use of planning urethrogram to better delineate the vesico
      urethral junction and minimize the potential for geographic misses.

PMID- 27656109
TI  - VEGF induces signalling and angiogenesis by directing VEGFR2 internalisation
      through macropinocytosis.
AB  - Endocytosis plays a crucial role in receptor signalling. VEGFR2 (also known as
      KDR) and its ligand VEGFA are fundamental in neovascularisation. However, our
      understanding of the role of endocytosis in VEGFR2 signalling remains limited.
      Despite the existence of diverse internalisation routes, the only known endocytic
      pathway for VEGFR2 is the clathrin-mediated pathway. Here, we show that this
      pathway is the predominant internalisation route for VEGFR2 only in the absence
      of ligand. Intriguingly, VEGFA induces a new internalisation itinerary for
      VEGFR2, the pathway of macropinocytosis, which becomes the prevalent endocytic
      route for the receptor in the presence of ligand, whereas the contribution of the
      clathrin-mediated route becomes minor. Macropinocytic internalisation of VEGFR2,
      which mechanistically is mediated through the small GTPase CDC42, takes place
      through macropinosomes generated at ruffling areas of the membrane.
      Interestingly, macropinocytosis plays a crucial role in VEGFA-induced signalling,
      endothelial cell functions in vitro and angiogenesis in vivo, whereas clathrin
      mediated endocytosis is not essential for VEGFA signalling. These findings expand
      our knowledge on the endocytic pathways of VEGFR2 and suggest that VEGFA-driven
      internalisation of VEGFR2 through macropinocytosis is essential for endothelial
      cell signalling and angiogenesis.

PMID- 27656108
TI  - PRL-3 disrupts epithelial architecture by altering the post-mitotic midbody
      position.
AB  - Disruption of epithelial architecture is a fundamental event during epithelial
      tumorigenesis. We show that the expression of the cancer-promoting phosphatase
      PRL-3 (PTP4A3), which is overexpressed in several epithelial cancers, in
      polarized epithelial MDCK and Caco2 cells leads to invasion and the formation of
      multiple ectopic, fully polarized lumens in cysts. Both processes disrupt
      epithelial architecture and are hallmarks of cancer. The pathological relevance
      of these findings is supported by the knockdown of endogenous PRL-3 in MCF-7
      breast cancer cells grown in three-dimensional branched structures, showing the
      rescue from multiple-lumen- to single-lumen-containing branch ends.
      Mechanistically, it has been previously shown that ectopic lumens can arise from
      midbodies that have been mislocalized through the loss of mitotic spindle
      orientation or through the loss of asymmetric abscission. Here, we show that PRL
      3 triggers ectopic lumen formation through midbody mispositioning without
      altering the spindle orientation or asymmetric abscission, instead, PRL-3
      accelerates cytokinesis, suggesting that this process is an alternative new
      mechanism for ectopic lumen formation in MDCK cysts. The disruption of epithelial
      architecture by PRL-3 revealed here is a newly recognized mechanism for PRL-3
      promoted cancer progression.

PMID- 27656110
TI  - Acsl, the Drosophila ortholog of intellectual-disability-related ACSL4, inhibits
      synaptic growth by altered lipids.
AB  - Nervous system development and function are tightly regulated by metabolic
      processes, including the metabolism of lipids such as fatty acids. Mutations in
      long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 4 (ACSL4) are associated with non-syndromic
      intellectual disabilities. We previously reported that Acsl, the Drosophila
      ortholog of mammalian ACSL3 and ACSL4, inhibits neuromuscular synapse growth by
      suppressing bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling. Here, we report that Acsl
      regulates the composition of fatty acids and membrane lipids, which in turn
      affects neuromuscular junction (NMJ) synapse development. Acsl mutant brains had
      a decreased abundance of C16:1 fatty acyls; restoration of Acsl expression
      abrogated NMJ overgrowth and the increase in BMP signaling. A lipidomic analysis
      revealed that Acsl suppressed the levels of three lipid raft components in the
      brain, including mannosyl glucosylceramide (MacCer), phosphoethanolamine ceramide
      and ergosterol. The MacCer level was elevated in Acsl mutant NMJs and, along with
      sterol, promoted NMJ overgrowth, but was not associated with the increase in BMP
      signaling in the mutants. These findings suggest that Acsl inhibits NMJ growth by
      stimulating C16:1 fatty acyl production and concomitantly suppressing raft
      associated lipid levels.

PMID- 27656111
TI  - Rnd3-induced cell rounding requires interaction with Plexin-B2.
AB  - Rnd proteins are atypical members of the Rho GTPase family that induce actin
      cytoskeletal reorganization and cell rounding. Rnd proteins have been reported to
      bind to the intracellular domain of several plexin receptors, but whether plexins
      contribute to the Rnd-induced rounding response is not known. Here we show that
      Rnd3 interacts preferentially with plexin-B2 of the three plexin-B proteins,
      whereas Rnd2 interacts with all three B-type plexins, and Rnd1 shows only very
      weak interaction with plexin-B proteins in immunoprecipitations. Plexin-B1 has
      been reported to act as a GAP for R-Ras and/or Rap1 proteins. We show that all
      three plexin-B proteins interact with R-Ras and Rap1, but Rnd proteins do not
      alter this interaction or R-Ras or Rap1 activity. We demonstrate that plexin-B2
      promotes Rnd3-induced cell rounding and loss of stress fibres, and enhances the
      inhibition of HeLa cell invasion by Rnd3. We identify the amino acids in Rnd3
      that are required for plexin-B2 interaction, and show that mutation of these
      amino acids prevents Rnd3-induced morphological changes. These results indicate
      that plexin-B2 is a downstream target for Rnd3, which contributes to its cellular
      function.

PMID- 27656114
TI  - Viscosity measurements of crystallizing andesite from Tungurahua volcano
      (Ecuador).
AB  - Viscosity has been determined during isothermal crystallization of an andesite
      from Tungurahua volcano (Ecuador). Viscosity was continuously recorded using the
      concentric cylinder method and employing a Pt-sheathed alumina spindle at 1 bar
      and from 1400 degrees C to subliquidus temperatures to track rheological changes
      during crystallization. The disposable spindle was not extracted from the sample
      but rather left in the sample during quenching thus preserving an undisturbed
      textural configuration of the crystals. The inspection of products quenched
      during the crystallization process reveals evidence for heterogeneous crystal
      nucleation at the spindle and near the crucible wall, as well as crystal
      alignment in the flow field. At the end of the crystallization, defined when
      viscosity is constant, plagioclase is homogeneously distributed throughout the
      crucible (with the single exception of experiment performed at the lowest
      temperature). In this experiments, the crystallization kinetics appear to be
      strongly affected by the stirring conditions of the viscosity determinations. A
      TTT (Time-Temperature-Transformation) diagram illustrating the crystallization
      "nose" for this andesite under stirring conditions and at ambient pressure has
      been constructed. We further note that at a given crystal content and
      distribution, the high aspect ratio of the acicular plagioclase yields a shear
      thinning rheology at crystal contents as low as 13 vol %, and that the relative
      viscosity is higher than predicted from existing viscosity models. These
      viscosity experiments hold the potential for delivering insights into the
      relative influences of the cooling path, undercooling, and deformation on
      crystallization kinetics and resultant crystal morphologies, as well as their
      impact on magmatic viscosity.

PMID- 27656113
TI  - Increased ROS production in non-polarized mammary epithelial cells induces
      monocyte infiltration in 3D culture.
AB  - Loss of epithelial cell polarity promotes cell invasion and cancer dissemination.
      Therefore, identification of factors that disrupt polarized acinar formation is
      crucial. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) drive cancer progression and promote
      inflammation. Here, we show that the non-polarized breast cancer cell line T4-2
      generates significantly higher ROS levels than polarized S1 and T4R cells in
      three-dimensional (3D) culture, accompanied by induction of the nuclear factor
      kappaB (NF-kappaB) pathway and cytokine expression. Minimizing ROS in T4-2 cells
      with antioxidants reestablished basal polarity and inhibited cell proliferation.
      Introducing constitutively activated RAC1 disrupted cell polarity and increased
      ROS levels, indicating that RAC1 is a crucial regulator that links cell polarity
      and ROS generation. We also linked monocyte infiltration with disruption of
      polarized acinar structure using a 3D co-culture system. Gain- and loss-of
      function experiments demonstrated that increased ROS in non-polarized cells is
      necessary and sufficient to enhance monocyte recruitment. ROS also induced
      cytokine expression and NF-kappaB activity. These results suggest that increased
      ROS production in mammary epithelial cell leads to disruption of cell polarity
      and promotes monocyte infiltration.

PMID- 27656112
TI  - New links between SOD1 and metabolic dysfunction from a yeast model of
      amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
AB  - A number of genes have been linked to familial forms of the fatal motor neuron
      disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Over 150 mutations within the gene
      encoding superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) have been implicated in ALS, but why such
      mutations lead to ALS-associated cellular dysfunction is unclear. In this study,
      we identify how ALS-linked SOD1 mutations lead to changes in the cellular health
      of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae We find that it is not the accumulation of
      aggregates but the loss of Sod1 protein stability that drives cellular
      dysfunction. The toxic effect of Sod1 instability does not correlate with a loss
      of mitochondrial function or increased production of reactive oxygen species, but
      instead prevents acidification of the vacuole, perturbs metabolic regulation and
      promotes senescence. Central to the toxic gain-of-function seen with the SOD1
      mutants examined was an inability to regulate amino acid biosynthesis. We also
      report that leucine supplementation results in an improvement in motor function
      in a Caenorhabditis elegans model of ALS. Our data suggest that metabolic
      dysfunction plays an important role in Sod1-mediated toxicity in both the yeast
      and worm models of ALS.

PMID- 27656115
TI  - Increased rates of large-magnitude explosive eruptions in Japan in the late
      Neogene and Quaternary.
AB  - Tephra layers in marine sediment cores from scientific ocean drilling largely
      record high-magnitude silicic explosive eruptions in the Japan arc for up to the
      last 20 million years. Analysis of the thickness variation with distance of 180
      tephra layers from a global data set suggests that the majority of the visible
      tephra layers used in this study are the products of caldera-forming eruptions
      with magnitude (M) > 6, considering their distances at the respective drilling
      sites to their likely volcanic sources. Frequency of visible tephra layers in
      cores indicates a marked increase in rates of large magnitude explosive eruptions
      at ~8 Ma, 6-4 Ma, and further increase after ~2 Ma. These changes are attributed
      to major changes in tectonic plate interactions. Lower rates of large magnitude
      explosive volcanism in the Miocene are related to a strike-slip-dominated
      boundary (and temporary cessation or deceleration of subduction) between the
      Philippine Sea Plate and southwest Japan, combined with the possibility that much
      of the arc in northern Japan was submerged beneath sea level partly due to
      previous tectonic extension of northern Honshu related to formation of the Sea of
      Japan. Changes in plate motions and subduction dynamics during the ~8 Ma to
      present period led to (1) increased arc-normal subduction in southwest Japan (and
      resumption of arc volcanism) and (2) shift from extension to compression of the
      upper plate in northeast Japan, leading to uplift, crustal thickening and
      favorable conditions for accumulation of the large volumes of silicic magma
      needed for explosive caldera-forming eruptions.

PMID- 27656116
TI  - Organoids as a Model for Colorectal Cancer.
AB  - Modelling human diseases in in vitro systems is undisputedly an invaluable
      research tool, yet there are many limitations. Some of those limitations have
      been overcome through the introduction of organoid culture systems, which have
      revolutionised colorectal cancer research and enabled an array of new
      experimental techniques. This 3D system models the physiology, shape, dynamics
      and cell make-up of the intestinal epithelium producing a relevant and highly
      adaptable model system. The increased functional relevance of this model compared
      to the use of 2D cancer cell lines makes it an invaluable tool for both basic and
      translational research. As the limitations of this system are being overcome to
      make high-throughput assays possible, it is clear that organoids are becoming a
      mainstay of colorectal cancer research. This review aims to explore the
      advantages and limitations of this system and discusses the future directions
      enabled by this model.

PMID- 27656117
TI  - Pattern Recognition Approaches for Breast Cancer DCE-MRI Classification: A
      Systematic Review.
AB  - We performed a systematic review of several pattern analysis approaches for
      classifying breast lesions using dynamic, morphological, and textural features in
      dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI). Several machine
      learning approaches, namely artificial neural networks (ANN), support vector
      machines (SVM), linear discriminant analysis (LDA), tree-based classifiers (TC),
      and Bayesian classifiers (BC), and features used for classification are
      described. The findings of a systematic review of 26 studies are presented. The
      sensitivity and specificity are respectively 91 and 83 % for ANN, 85 and 82 % for
      SVM, 96 and 85 % for LDA, 92 and 87 % for TC, and 82 and 85 % for BC. The
      sensitivity and specificity are respectively 82 and 74 % for dynamic features, 93
      and 60 % for morphological features, 88 and 81 % for textural features, 95 and 86
      % for a combination of dynamic and morphological features, and 88 and 84 % for a
      combination of dynamic, morphological, and other features. LDA and TC have the
      best performance. A combination of dynamic and morphological features gives the
      best performance.

PMID- 27656118
TI  - Distinct Somatic Discrimination Reflected by Laser-Evoked Potentials Using Scalp
      EEG Leads.
AB  - Discrimination is an important function in pain processing of the somatic cortex.
      The involvement of the somatic cortex has been studied using equivalent dipole
      analysis and neuroimaging, but the results are inconsistent. Scalp
      electroencephalography (EEG) can reflect functional changes of particular brain
      regions underneath a lead. However, the responses of EEG leads close to the
      somatic cortex in response to pain have not been systematically evaluated. The
      present study applied CO2 laser stimulation to the dorsum of the left hand. Laser
      evoked potentials (LEPs) of C4, T3, and T4 leads and pain ratings in response to
      four stimulus intensities were analyzed. LEPs started earlier at the C4 and T4
      leads. The onset latency and peak latency of LEPs for C4 and T4 leads were the
      same. Only 10 of 22 subjects (45 %) presented equivalent current dipoles within
      the primary somatosensory or motor cortices. LEP amplitudes of these leads
      increased as stimulation intensity increased. The stimulus-response pattern of
      the C4 lead was highly correlated with pain rating. In contrast, an S-shaped
      stimulus-response curve was obtained for the T3 and T4 leads. The present study
      provides supporting evidence that particular scalp channels are able to reflect
      the functional characteristics of their underlying cortical areas. Our data
      strengthen the clinical application of somatic-cortex-related leads for pain
      discrimination.

PMID- 27656119
TI  - Exploring Patterns of Alteration in Alzheimer's Disease Brain Networks: A
      Combined Structural and Functional Connectomics Analysis.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a
      severe derangement of cognitive functions, primarily memory, in elderly subjects.
      As far as the functional impairment is concerned, growing evidence supports the
      "disconnection syndrome" hypothesis. Recent investigations using fMRI have
      revealed a generalized alteration of resting state networks (RSNs) in patients
      affected by AD and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, it was unclear
      whether the changes in functional connectivity were accompanied by corresponding
      structural network changes. In this work, we have developed a novel
      structural/functional connectomic approach: resting state fMRI was used to
      identify the functional cortical network nodes and diffusion MRI to reconstruct
      the fiber tracts to give a weight to internodal subcortical connections. Then,
      local and global efficiency were determined for different networks, exploring
      specific alterations of integration and segregation patterns in AD and MCI
      patients compared to healthy controls (HC). In the default mode network (DMN),
      that was the most affected, axonal loss, and reduced axonal integrity appeared to
      compromise both local and global efficiency along posterior-anterior connections.
      In the basal ganglia network (BGN), disruption of white matter integrity implied
      that main alterations occurred in local microstructure. In the anterior insular
      network (AIN), neuronal loss probably subtended a compromised communication with
      the insular cortex. Cognitive performance, evaluated by neuropsychological
      examinations, revealed a dependency on integration and segregation of brain
      networks. These findings are indicative of the fact that cognitive deficits in AD
      could be associated not only with cortical alterations (revealed by fMRI) but
      also with subcortical alterations (revealed by diffusion MRI) that extend beyond
      the areas primarily damaged by neurodegeneration, toward the support of an
      emerging concept of AD as a "disconnection syndrome." Since only AD but not MCI
      patients were characterized by a significant decrease in structural connectivity,
      integrated structural/functional connectomics could provide a useful tool for
      assessing disease progression from MCI to AD. 

PMID- 27656120
TI  - What Can Neuroscience Tell Us about the Hard Problem of Consciousness?

PMID- 27656121
TI  - Associations between Family Adversity and Brain Volume in Adolescence: Manual vs.
      Automated Brain Segmentation Yields Different Results.
AB  - Associations between brain structure and early adversity have been inconsistent
      in the literature. These inconsistencies may be partially due to methodological
      differences. Different methods of brain segmentation may produce different
      results, obscuring the relationship between early adversity and brain volume.
      Moreover, adolescence is a time of significant brain growth and certain brain
      areas have distinct rates of development, which may compromise the accuracy of
      automated segmentation approaches. In the current study, 23 adolescents
      participated in two waves of a longitudinal study. Family aggression was measured
      when the youths were 12 years old, and structural scans were acquired an average
      of 4 years later. Bilateral amygdalae and hippocampi were segmented using three
      different methods (manual tracing, FSL, and NeuroQuant). The segmentation
      estimates were compared, and linear regressions were run to assess the
      relationship between early family aggression exposure and all three volume
      segmentation estimates. Manual tracing results showed a positive relationship
      between family aggression and right amygdala volume, whereas FSL segmentation
      showed negative relationships between family aggression and both the left and
      right hippocampi. However, results indicate poor overlap between methods, and
      different associations were found between early family aggression exposure and
      brain volume depending on the segmentation method used. 

PMID- 27656122
TI  - Diffusion Capillary Phantom vs. Human Data: Outcomes for Reconstruction Methods
      Depend on Evaluation Medium.
AB  - PURPOSE: Diffusion MRI provides a non-invasive way of estimating structural
      connectivity in the brain. Many studies have used diffusion phantoms as
      benchmarks to assess the performance of different tractography reconstruction
      algorithms and assumed that the results can be applied to in vivo studies. Here
      we examined whether quality metrics derived from a common, publically available,
      diffusion phantom can reliably predict tractography performance in human white
      matter tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We compared estimates of fiber length and
      fiber crossing among a simple tensor model (diffusion tensor imaging), a more
      complicated model (ball-and-sticks) and model-free (diffusion spectrum imaging,
      generalized q-sampling imaging) reconstruction methods using a capillary phantom
      and in vivo human data (N = 14). RESULTS: Our analysis showed that evaluation
      outcomes differ depending on whether they were obtained from phantom or human
      data. Specifically, the diffusion phantom favored a more complicated model over a
      simple tensor model or model-free methods for resolving crossing fibers. On the
      other hand, the human studies showed the opposite pattern of results, with the
      model-free methods being more advantageous than model-based methods or simple
      tensor models. This performance difference was consistent across several metrics,
      including estimating fiber length and resolving fiber crossings in established
      white matter pathways. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that the construction
      of current capillary diffusion phantoms tends to favor complicated reconstruction
      models over a simple tensor model or model-free methods, whereas the in vivo data
      tends to produce opposite results. This brings into question the previous phantom
      based evaluation approaches and suggests that a more realistic phantom or
      simulation is necessary to accurately predict the relative performance of
      different tractography reconstruction methods.

PMID- 27656124
TI  - Lutein and Neurodevelopment in Preterm Infants.

PMID- 27656123
TI  - Alpha-Synuclein Oligomers-Neurotoxic Molecules in Parkinson's Disease and Other
      Lewy Body Disorders.
AB  - Adverse intra- and extracellular effects of toxic alpha-synuclein are believed to
      be central to the pathogenesis in Parkinson's disease and other disorders with
      Lewy body pathology in the nervous system. One of the physiological roles of
      alpha-synuclein relates to the regulation of neurotransmitter release at the
      presynapse, although it is still unclear whether this mechanism depends on the
      action of monomers or smaller oligomers. As for the pathogenicity, accumulating
      evidence suggest that prefibrillar species, rather than the deposits per se, are
      responsible for the toxicity in affected cells. In particular, larger oligomers
      or protofibrils of alpha-synuclein have been shown to impair protein degradation
      as well as the function of several organelles, such as the mitochondria and the
      endoplasmic reticulum. Accumulating evidence further suggest that
      oligomers/protofibrils may have a toxic effect on the synapse, which may lead to
      disrupted electrophysiological properties. In addition, recent data indicate that
      oligomeric alpha-synuclein species can spread between cells, either as free
      floating proteins or via extracellular vesicles, and thereby act as seeds to
      propagate disease between interconnected brain regions. Taken together, several
      lines of evidence suggest that alpha-synuclein have neurotoxic properties and
      therefore should be an appropriate molecular target for therapeutic intervention
      in Parkinson's disease and other disorders with Lewy pathology. In this context,
      immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies against alpha-synuclein
      oligomers/protofibrils should be a particularly attractive treatment option. 

PMID- 27656125
TI  - A vital region for human glycoprotein hormone trafficking revealed by an LHB
      mutation.
AB  - Glycoprotein hormones are complex hormonally active macromolecules. Luteinizing
      hormone (LH) is essential for the postnatal development and maturation of the
      male gonad. Inactivating Luteinizing hormone beta (LHB) gene mutations are
      exceptionally rare and lead to hypogonadism that is particularly severe in males.
      We describe a family with selective LH deficiency and hypogonadism in two
      brothers. DNA sequencing of LHB was performed and the effects of genetic variants
      on hormone function and secretion were characterized by mutagenesis studies,
      confocal microscopy and functional assays. A 20-year-old male from a
      consanguineous family had pubertal delay, hypogonadism and undetectable LH. A
      homozygous c.118_120del (p.Lys40del) mutation was identified in the patient and
      his brother, who subsequently had the same phenotype. Treatment with hCG led to
      pubertal development, increased circulating testosterone and spermatogenesis.
      Experiments in HeLa cells revealed that the mutant LH is retained intracellularly
      and showed diffuse cytoplasmic distribution. The mutated LHB heterodimerizes with
      the common alpha-subunit and can activate its receptor. Deletion of flanking
      glutamic acid residues at positions 39 and 41 impair LH to a similar extent as
      deletion of Lys40. This region is functionally important across all heterodimeric
      glycoprotein hormones, because deletion of the corresponding residues in hCG,
      follicle-stimulating hormone and thyroid-stimulating hormone beta-subunits also
      led to intracellular hormone retention. This novel LHB mutation results in
      hypogonadism due to intracellular sequestration of the hormone and reveals a
      discrete region in the protein that is crucial for normal secretion of all human
      glycoprotein hormones.

PMID- 27656127
TI  - Decreased Endomorphin-2 and MU-Opioid Receptor in the Spinal Cord Are Associated
      with Painful Diabetic Neuropathy.
AB  - Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) is one of the most common complications in the
      early stage of diabetes mellitus (DM). Endomorphin-2 (EM2) selectively activates
      the MU-opioid receptor (MOR) and subsequently induces antinociceptive effects in
      the spinal dorsal horn. However, the effects of EM2-MOR in PDN have not yet been
      clarified in the spinal dorsal horn. Therefore, we aimed to explore the role of
      EM2-MOR in the pathogenesis of PDN. The main findings were the following: (1)
      streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats exhibited hyperglycemia, body weight
      loss and mechanical allodynia; (2) in the spinal dorsal horn, the expression
      levels of EM2 and MOR decreased in diabetic rats; (3) EM2 protein concentrations
      decreased in the brain, lumbar spinal cord and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in
      diabetic rats but were unchanged in the plasma; (4) the frequency but not the
      amplitude of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) was
      significantly higher in diabetic rats than in control rats; and (5) intrathecal
      injection of EM2 for 14 days in the early stage of PDN partially alleviated
      mechanical allodynia and reduced MOR expression in diabetic rats. Our results
      demonstrate that the EM2-MOR signal may be involved in the early stage of PDN. 

PMID- 27656126
TI  - Utility of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells for the Study and Treatment of Genetic
      Diseases: Focus on Childhood Neurological Disorders.
AB  - The study of neurological disorders often presents with significant challenges
      due to the inaccessibility of human neuronal cells for further investigation.
      Advances in cellular reprogramming techniques, have however provided a new source
      of human cells for laboratory-based research. Patient-derived induced pluripotent
      stem cells (iPSCs) can now be robustly differentiated into specific neural
      subtypes, including dopaminergic, inhibitory GABAergic, motorneurons and cortical
      neurons. These neurons can then be utilized for in vitro studies to elucidate
      molecular causes underpinning neurological disease. Although human iPSC-derived
      neuronal models are increasingly regarded as a useful tool in cell biology, there
      are a number of limitations, including the relatively early, fetal stage of
      differentiated cells and the mainly two dimensional, simple nature of the in
      vitro system. Furthermore, clonal variation is a well-described phenomenon in
      iPSC lines. In order to account for this, robust baseline data from multiple
      control lines is necessary to determine whether a particular gene defect leads to
      a specific cellular phenotype. Over the last few years patient-derived neural
      cells have proven very useful in addressing several mechanistic questions related
      to central nervous system diseases, including early-onset neurological disorders
      of childhood. Many studies report the clinical utility of human-derived neural
      cells for testing known drugs with repurposing potential, novel compounds and
      gene therapies, which then can be translated to clinical reality. iPSCs derived
      neural cells, therefore provide great promise and potential to gain insight into,
      and treat early-onset neurological disorders. 

PMID- 27656128
TI  - The Drosophila KIF1A Homolog unc-104 Is Important for Site-Specific Synapse
      Maturation.
AB  - Mutations in the kinesin-3 family member KIF1A have been associated with
      hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), hereditary and sensory autonomic neuropathy
      type 2 (HSAN2) and non-syndromic intellectual disability (ID). Both autosomal
      recessive and autosomal dominant forms of inheritance have been reported. Loss of
      KIF1A or its homolog unc-104 causes early postnatal or embryonic lethality in
      mice and Drosophila, respectively. In this study, we use a previously described
      hypomorphic allele of unc-104, unc-104(bris) , to investigate the impact of
      partial loss-of-function of kinesin-3 on synapse maturation at the Drosophila
      neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Unc-104(bris) mutants exhibit structural defects
      where a subset of synapses at the NMJ lack all investigated active zone (AZ)
      proteins, suggesting a complete failure in the formation of the cytomatrix at the
      active zone (CAZ) at these sites. Modulating synaptic Bruchpilot (Brp) levels by
      ectopic overexpression or RNAi-mediated knockdown suggests that the loss of AZ
      components such as Ca(2+) channels and Liprin-alpha is caused by impaired kinesin
      3 based transport rather than due to the absence of the key AZ organizer protein,
      Brp. In addition to defects in CAZ assembly, unc-104(bris) mutants display
      further defects such as depletion of dense core and synaptic vesicle (SV) markers
      from the NMJ. Notably, the level of Rab3, which is important for the allocation
      of AZ proteins to individual release sites, was severely reduced at unc-104(bris)
      mutant NMJs. Overexpression of Rab3 partially ameliorates synaptic phenotypes of
      unc-104(bris) larvae, suggesting that lack of presynaptic Rab3 contributes to
      defects in synapse maturation. 

PMID- 27656129
TI  - Axon Branch-Specific Semaphorin-1a Signaling in Drosophila Mushroom Body
      Development.
AB  - Correct wiring of the mushroom body (MB) neuropil in the Drosophila brain
      involves appropriate positioning of different axonal lobes, as well as the sister
      branches that develop from individual axons. This positioning requires the
      integration of various guidance cues provided by different cell types, which help
      the axons find their final positions within the neuropil. Semaphorins are well
      known for their conserved roles in neuronal development and axon guidance. We
      investigated the role of Sema-1a in MB development more closely. We show that
      Sema-1a is expressed in the MBs as well as surrounding structures, including the
      glial transient interhemispheric fibrous ring, throughout development. By loss-
      and gain-of-function experiments, we show that the MB axons display lobe and
      sister branch-specific Sema-1a signaling, which controls different aspects of
      axon outgrowth and guidance. Furthermore, we demonstrate that these effects are
      modulated by the integration of MB intrinsic and extrinsic Sema-1a signaling
      pathways involving PlexA and PlexB. Finally, we also show a role for neuronal-
      glial interaction in Sema-1a dependent beta-lobe outgrowth. 

PMID- 27656130
TI  - A Sex Pheromone Receptor in the Hessian Fly Mayetiola destructor (Diptera,
      Cecidomyiidae).
AB  - The Hessian fly, Mayetiola destructor Say (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae), is a pest of
      wheat and belongs to a group of gall-inducing herbivores. This species has a
      unique life history and several ecological features that differentiate it from
      other Diptera such as Drosophila melanogaster and blood-feeding mosquitoes. These
      features include a short, non-feeding adult life stage (1-2 days) and the use of
      a long-range sex pheromone produced and released by adult females. Sex pheromones
      are detected by members of the odorant receptor (OR) family within the
      Lepidoptera, but no receptors for similar long-range sex pheromones have been
      characterized from the Diptera. Previously, 122 OR genes have been annotated from
      the Hessian fly genome, with many of them showing sex-biased expression in the
      antennae. Here we have expressed, in HEK293 cells, five MdesORs that display male
      biased expression in antennae, and we have identified MdesOR115 as a Hessian fly
      sex pheromone receptor. MdesOR115 responds primarily to the sex pheromone
      component (2S,8E,10E)-8,10-tridecadien-2-yl acetate, and secondarily to the
      corresponding Z,E-isomer. Certain sensory neuron membrane proteins (i.e., SNMP1)
      are important for responses of pheromone receptors in flies and moths. The
      Hessian fly genome is unusual in that it encodes six SNMP1 paralogs, of which
      five are expressed in antennae. We co-expressed each of the five antennal SNMP1
      paralogs together with each of the five candidate sex pheromone receptors from
      the Hessian fly and found that they do not influence the response of MdesOR115,
      nor do they confer responsiveness in any of the non-responsive ORs to any of the
      sex pheromone components identified to date in the Hessian fly. Using Western
      blots, we detected protein expression of MdesOrco, all MdesSNMPs, and all MdesORs
      except for MdesOR113, potentially explaining the lack of response from this OR.
      In conclusion, we report the first functional characterization of an OR from the
      Cecidomyiidae, extending the role of ORs as long-range sex pheromone detectors
      from the Lepidoptera into the Diptera. 

PMID- 27656133
TI  - Importance of Proprioceptive Information for Postural Control in Children with
      Strabismus before and after Strabismus Surgery.
AB  - The objective of this study is to examine the role of proprioception in postural
      balance in children with strabismus before and after realignment of their visual
      axes by eye surgery. Postural recordings were made with the TechnoConcept(r)
      force platform in 23 children. Several conditions were studied, whether the
      subjects had both eyes open, or either the dominant or the non-dominant eye open,
      without and with foam pads of 4 mm underfoot. Recordings were performed before
      and after strabismus surgery. The surface area, the length and the mean speed of
      the center of pressure (CoP) were analyzed. Before strabismus surgery, all
      children showed better stability with both eyes open with respect to the
      condition with the non-dominant eye open; furthermore postural stability improved
      in the presence of foam pads. After surgery, the surface area of CoP decreased
      significantly, especially in the non-dominant eye viewing condition. We suggest
      that strabismic children use mainly proprioceptive information in order to
      control their posture, but also visual inputs, which are important for obtaining
      a good postural stability. The alignment of the visual axes after surgery
      provides enhanced postural stability, suggesting, again the major role of visual
      inputs in the control of posture. Proprioceptive plasticity after strabismus
      surgery may allow better visual rehabilitation. 

PMID- 27656131
TI  - The Wiring of Developing Sensory Circuits-From Patterned Spontaneous Activity to
      Synaptic Plasticity Mechanisms.
AB  - In order to accurately process incoming sensory stimuli, neurons must be
      organized into functional networks, with both genetic and environmental factors
      influencing the precise arrangement of connections between cells. Teasing apart
      the relative contributions of molecular guidance cues, spontaneous activity and
      visual experience during this maturation is on-going. During development of the
      sensory system, the first, rough organization of connections is created by
      molecular factors. These connections are then modulated by the intrinsically
      generated activity of neurons, even before the senses have become operational.
      Spontaneous waves of depolarizations sweep across the nervous system, placing
      them in a prime position to strengthen correct connections and weaken others,
      shaping synapses into a useful network. A large body of work now support the idea
      that, rather than being a mere side-effect of the system, spontaneous activity
      actually contains information which readies the nervous system so that, as soon
      as the senses become active, sensory information can be utilized by the animal.
      An example is the neonatal mouse. As soon as the eyelids first open, neurons in
      the cortex respond to visual information without the animal having previously
      encountered structured sensory input (Cang et al., 2005b; Rochefort et al., 2011;
      Zhang et al., 2012; Ko et al., 2013). In vivo imaging techniques have advanced
      considerably, allowing observation of the natural activity in the brain of living
      animals down to the level of the individual synapse. New (opto)genetic methods
      make it possible to subtly modulate the spatio-temporal properties of activity,
      aiding our understanding of how these characteristics relate to the function of
      spontaneous activity. Such experiments have had a huge impact on our knowledge by
      permitting direct testing of ideas about the plasticity mechanisms at play in the
      intact system, opening up a provocative range of fresh questions. Here, we intend
      to outline the most recent descriptions of spontaneous activity patterns in
      rodent developing sensory areas, as well as the inferences we can make about the
      information content of those activity patterns and ideas about the plasticity
      rules that allow this activity to shape the young brain.

PMID- 27656132
TI  - Segmentation of the Cingulum Bundle in the Human Brain: A New Perspective Based
      on DSI Tractography and Fiber Dissection Study.
AB  - The cingulum bundle (CB) is a critical white matter fiber tract in the brain,
      which forms connections between the frontal lobe, parietal lobe and temporal
      lobe. In non-human primates, the CB is actually divided into distinct
      subcomponents on the basis of corticocortical connections. However, at present,
      no study has verified similar distinct subdivisions in the human brain. In this
      study, we reconstructed these distinct subdivisions in the human brain, and
      determined their exact cortical connections using high definition fiber tracking
      (HDFT) technique on 10 healthy adults and a 488-subject template from the Human
      Connectome Project (HCP-488). Fiber dissections were performed to verify
      tractography results. Five CB segments were identified. CB-I ran from the
      subrostral areas to the precuneus and splenium, encircling the corpus callosum
      (CC). CB-II arched around the splenium and extended anteriorly above the CC to
      the medial aspect of the superior frontal gyrus (SFG). CB-III connected the
      superior parietal lobule (SPL) and precuneus with the medial aspect of the SFG.
      CB-IV was a relatively minor subcomponent from the SPL and precuneus to the
      frontal region. CB-V, the para-hippocampal cingulum, stemmed from the medial
      temporal lobe and fanned out to the occipital lobes. Our findings not only
      provide a more accurate and detailed description on the associated architecture
      of the subcomponents within the CB, but also offer new insights into the
      functional role of the CB in the human brain. 

PMID- 27656134
TI  - Non-Type b Haemophilus influenzae Invasive Infections in North Dakota and South
      Dakota, 2013-2015.
AB  - Reports of children with non-type b Haemophilus influenzae infection in the
      United States in recent years have been limited. Here, we report the spectrum and
      severity of disease associated with invasive non-type b H influenzae infection in
      17 patients at 2 tertiary-care children's hospitals over a 2-year period.
      Meningitis was the most common diagnosis. The majority of the patients had
      neurologic sequelae, and 1 patient died. The high proportions of hospitalization,
      intensive care utilization, and neurologic complications reveal that non-type b H
      influenzae infection was associated with significant morbidity in this pediatric
      population.

PMID- 27656135
TI  - Dorsal Raphe Nucleus Down-Regulates Medial Prefrontal Cortex during Experience of
      Flow.
AB  - Previous neuroimaging studies have suggested that the experience of flow aligns
      with a relative increase in activation of the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), and
      relative activation decreases of the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) and of the
      amygdala (AMY). In the present study, Dynamic Causal Modeling (DCM) was used to
      explore effective connectivity between those brain regions. To test our
      hypothesis that the DRN causally down-regulates activity of the MPFC and/or of
      the AMY, 23 healthy male students solved mental arithmetic tasks of varying
      difficulty during functional magnetic resonance imaging. A "flow" condition, with
      task demands automatically balanced with participants' skill level, was compared
      with conditions of "boredom" and "overload". DCM models were constructed modeling
      full reciprocal endogenous connections between the DRN, the MPFC, the AMY, and
      the calcarine. The calcarine was included to allow sensory input to enter the
      system. Experimental conditions were modeled as exerting modulatory effects on
      various possible connections between the DRN, the MPFC, and the AMY, but not on
      self-inhibitory connections, yielding a total of 64 alternative DCM models. Model
      space was partitioned into eight families based on commonalities in the
      arrangement of the modulatory effects. Random effects Bayesian Model Selection
      (BMS) was applied to identify a possible winning family (and model). Although BMS
      revealed a clear winning family, an outstanding winning model could not be
      identified. Therefore, Bayesian Model Averaging was performed over models within
      the winning family to obtain representative DCM parameters for subsequent
      analyses to test our hypothesis. In line with our expectations, Bayesian averaged
      parameters revealed stronger down-regulatory influence of the DRN on the MPFC
      when participants experienced flow relative to control conditions. In addition,
      these condition-dependent modulatory effects significantly predicted
      participants' experienced degree of flow. The AMY was down-regulated irrespective
      of condition. The present results suggest a causal role for the DRN in modulating
      the MPFC, contributing to the experience of flow. 

PMID- 27656136
TI  - Concurrence of High Fat Diet and APOE Gene Induces Allele Specific Metabolic and
      Mental Stress Changes in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease.
AB  - Aging is the main risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases, including
      Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, evidence indicates that the pathological
      process begins long before actual cognitive or pathological symptoms are
      apparent. The long asymptomatic phase and complex integration between genetic,
      environmental and metabolic factors make it one of the most challenging diseases
      to understand and cure. In the present study, we asked whether an environmental
      factor such as high-fat (HF) diet would synergize with a genetic factor to affect
      the metabolic and cognitive state in the Apolipoprotein E (ApoE4) mouse model of
      AD. Our data suggest that a HF diet induces diabetes mellitus (DM)-like
      metabolism in ApoE4 mice, as well as changes in beta-site amyloid precursor
      protein-cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) protein levels between the two ApoE strains.
      Furthermore, HF diet induces anxiety in this AD mouse model. Our results suggest
      that young ApoE4 carriers are prone to psychological stress and metabolic
      abnormalities related to AD, which can easily be triggered via HF nutrition. 

PMID- 27656137
TI  - Altered Effective Connectivity among Core Neurocognitive Networks in Idiopathic
      Generalized Epilepsy: An fMRI Evidence.
AB  - Idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) patients with generalized tonic-clonic
      seizures (GTCS) suffer long-term cognitive impairments, and present a higher
      incidence of psychosocial and psychiatric disturbances than healthy people. It is
      possible that the cognitive dysfunctions and higher psychopathological risk in
      IGE-GTCS derive from disturbed causal relationship among core neurocognitive
      brain networks. To test this hypothesis, we examined the effective connectivity
      across the salience network (SN), default mode network (DMN), and central
      executive network (CEN) using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging
      (fMRI) data collected from 27 IGE-GTCS patients and 29 healthy controls. In the
      study, a combination framework of time domain and frequency domain multivariate
      Granger causality analysis was firstly proposed, and proved to be valid and
      accurate by simulation experiments. Using this method, we then observed
      significant differences in the effective connectivity graphs between the patient
      and control groups. Specifically, between-group statistical analysis revealed
      that relative to the healthy controls, the patients established significantly
      enhanced Granger causal influence from the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex to the
      dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, which is coherent both in the time and
      frequency domains analyses. Meanwhile, time domain analysis also revealed
      decreased Granger causal influence from the right fronto-insular cortex to the
      posterior cingulate cortex in the patients. These findings may provide new
      evidence for functional brain organization disruption underlying cognitive
      dysfunctions and psychopathological risk in IGE-GTCS. 

PMID- 27656138
TI  - Anticipatory Postural Control of Stability during Gait Initiation Over Obstacles
      of Different Height and Distance Made Under Reaction-Time and Self-Initiated
      Instructions.
AB  - Despite the abundant literature on obstacle crossing in humans, the question of
      how the central nervous system (CNS) controls postural stability during gait
      initiation with the goal to clear an obstacle remains unclear. Stabilizing
      features of gait initiation include anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) and
      lateral swing foot placement. To answer the above question, 14 participants
      initiated gait as fast as possible in three conditions of obstacle height, three
      conditions of obstacle distance and one obstacle-free (control) condition. Each
      of these conditions was performed with two levels of temporal pressure: reaction
      time (high-pressure) and self-initiated (low-pressure) movements. A mechanical
      model of the body falling laterally under the influence of gravity and submitted
      to an elastic restoring force is proposed to assess the effect of initial (foot
      off) center-of-mass position and velocity (or "initial center-of-mass set") on
      the stability at foot-contact. Results showed that the anticipatory peak of
      mediolateral (ML) center-of-pressure shift, the initial ML center-of-mass
      velocity and the duration of the swing phase, of gait initiation increased with
      obstacle height, but not with obstacle distance. These results suggest that ML
      APAs are scaled with swing duration in order to maintain an equivalent stability
      across experimental conditions. This statement is strengthened by the results
      obtained with the mechanical model, which showed how stability would be degraded
      if there was no adaptation of the initial center-of-mass set to swing duration.
      The anteroposterior (AP) component of APAs varied also according to obstacle
      height and distance, but in an opposite way to the ML component. Indeed, results
      showed that the anticipatory peak of backward center-of-pressure shift and the
      initial forward center-of-mass set decreased with obstacle height, probably in
      order to limit the risk to trip over the obstacle, while the forward center-of
      mass velocity at foot-off increased with obstacle distance, allowing a further
      step to be taken. These effects of obstacle height and distance were globally
      similar under low and high-temporal pressure. Collectively, these findings imply
      that the CNS is able to predict the potential instability elicited by the
      obstacle clearance and that it scales the spatiotemporal parameters of APAs
      accordingly. 

PMID- 27656139
TI  - Deconstructing the Emotion Regulatory Properties of Mindfulness: An
      Electrophysiological Investigation.
AB  - The present study sought to uncover the emotion regulatory properties of
      mindfulness by examining its effects-differentiated as a meditative practice,
      state of mind and dispositional trait-on the late positive potential (LPP), an
      event-related potentials (ERPs) indexing emotional processing. Results revealed
      that mindfulness as a meditative practice produced a reduction in the difference
      between the LPP response to negative high arousing and neutral stimuli across
      time. In contrast, a state mindfulness induction (i.e., instructions to attend to
      the stimuli mindfully) failed to modulate the LPP. Dispositional mindfulness,
      however, was related to modulation of the LPP as a function of meditation
      practice. Dispositional mindfulness was associated with a reduction of the LPP
      response to negative high arousal stimuli and the difference between negative
      high arousal and neutral stimuli in participants who listened to a control audio
      recording but not for those who engaged in the guided meditation practice.
      Together, these findings provide experimental evidence demonstrating that brief
      mindfulness meditation, but not deliberate engagement in state mindfulness,
      produces demonstrable changes in emotional processing indicative of reduced
      emotional reactivity. Importantly, these effects are akin to those observed in
      individuals with naturally high dispositional mindfulness, suggesting that the
      benefits of mindfulness can be cultivated through practice. 

PMID- 27656140
TI  - Deep Learning with Convolutional Neural Networks Applied to Electromyography
      Data: A Resource for the Classification of Movements for Prosthetic Hands.
AB  - Natural control methods based on surface electromyography (sEMG) and pattern
      recognition are promising for hand prosthetics. However, the control robustness
      offered by scientific research is still not sufficient for many real life
      applications, and commercial prostheses are capable of offering natural control
      for only a few movements. In recent years deep learning revolutionized several
      fields of machine learning, including computer vision and speech recognition. Our
      objective is to test its methods for natural control of robotic hands via sEMG
      using a large number of intact subjects and amputees. We tested convolutional
      networks for the classification of an average of 50 hand movements in 67 intact
      subjects and 11 transradial amputees. The simple architecture of the neural
      network allowed to make several tests in order to evaluate the effect of pre
      processing, layer architecture, data augmentation and optimization. The
      classification results are compared with a set of classical classification
      methods applied on the same datasets. The classification accuracy obtained with
      convolutional neural networks using the proposed architecture is higher than the
      average results obtained with the classical classification methods, but lower
      than the results obtained with the best reference methods in our tests. The
      results show that convolutional neural networks with a very simple architecture
      can produce accurate results comparable to the average classical classification
      methods. They show that several factors (including pre-processing, the
      architecture of the net and the optimization parameters) can be fundamental for
      the analysis of sEMG data. Larger networks can achieve higher accuracy on
      computer vision and object recognition tasks. This fact suggests that it may be
      interesting to evaluate if larger networks can increase sEMG classification
      accuracy too. 

PMID- 27656141
TI  - Regional Gray Matter Atrophy Coexistent with Occipital Periventricular White
      Matter Hyper Intensities.
AB  - White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) and brain atrophy often coexist in the
      elderly. Additionally, WMH is often observed as occipital periventricular
      hyperintensities (OPVHs) with low-grade periventricular (PV) white matter (WM)
      lesions and is usually confined within an anatomical structure. However, the
      effects of OPVHs on gray matter (GM) atrophy remain largely unknown. In this
      study, we investigated GM atrophy in OPVHs patients and explored the relationship
      between such atrophy and clinical risk factors. T1-weighted and T2-weighted
      Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were acquired, and voxel-based morphometry (VBM)
      analysis was applied. The clinical (demographic and cardiovascular) risk factors
      of the OPVHs patients and healthy controls were then compared. Lastly, scatter
      plots and correlation analysis were applied to explore the relationship between
      the MRI results and clinical risk factors in the OPVHs patients. OPVHs patients
      had significantly reduced GM in the right supramarginal gyrus, right angular
      gyrus, right middle temporal gyrus, right anterior cingulum and left insula
      compared to healthy controls. Additionally, OPVHs patients had GM atrophy in the
      left precentral gyrus and left insula cortex, and such atrophy is associated with
      a reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and apolipoprotein-B
      (Apo-B). 

PMID- 27656142
TI  - Pathway Markers for Pro-resolving Lipid Mediators in Maternal and Umbilical Cord
      Blood: A Secondary Analysis of the Mothers, Omega-3, and Mental Health Study.
AB  - The omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid
      (EPA) are precursors to immune regulatory and specialized pro-resolving mediators
      (SPM) of inflammation termed resolvins, maresins, and protectins. Evidence for
      lipid mediator formation in vivo can be gained through evaluation of their 5
      lipoxygenase (LOX) and 15-LOX metabolic pathway precursors and downstream
      metabolites. We performed a secondary blood sample analysis from 60 participants
      in the Mothers, Omega-3, and Mental Health study to determine whether SPM and SPM
      precursors are augmented by dietary EPA- and DHA-rich fish oil supplementation
      compared to soy oil placebo. We also aimed to study whether SPM and their
      precursors differ in early and late pregnancy or between maternal and umbilical
      cord blood. We found that compared to placebo supplementation, EPA- and DHA-rich
      fish oil supplementation increased SPM precursor 17-hydroxy docosahexaenoic acid
      (17-HDHA) concentrations in maternal and umbilical cord blood (P = 0.02). We
      found that the D-series resolvin pathway marker 17-HDHA increased significantly
      between enrollment and late pregnancy (P = 0.049). Levels of both 14-HDHA, a
      maresin pathway marker, and 17-HDHA were significantly greater in umbilical cord
      blood than in maternal blood (P < 0.001, both). 

PMID- 27656144
TI  - Hypoglycemic Activity and the Potential Mechanism of the Flavonoid Rich Extract
      from Sophora tonkinensis Gagnep. in KK-Ay Mice.
AB  - This study investigated the active principles, hypoglycemic activity and
      potential mechanisms of the flavonoid rich extract from Sophora tonkinensis
      Gagnep. (ST-EtOAc) in KK-Ay diabetic mice. An off-line semipreparative liquid
      chromatography-nuclear magnetic resonance (LC-NMR) and liquid chromatography
      ultraviolet-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-UV-ESIMS) protocol was
      performed to determine 13 flavonoids from ST-EtOAc. ST-EtOAc administrated orally
      to the KK-Ay mice significantly increased their sensibility to insulin, reduced
      fasting blood-glucose levels and blood lipid indexes such as triglyceride and
      cholesterol. Moreover, ST-EtOAc exhibited a strong effect of stimulation on
      glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) translocation by 2.7-fold in L6 cells. However, the
      selective AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) inhibitor compound C can completely
      inhibit the activation of the AMPK pathway and prevent the GLUT4 translocation
      caused by ST-EtOAc. In vivo, phosphorylation of the AMPK expression in the liver
      and skeletal muscle was measured. The results showed phosphorylation of the AMPK
      had been improved and GLUT4 expression had been also enhanced. In this paper, we
      conclude that, ST-EtOAc seems to have potential beneficial effects on the
      treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus with the probable mechanism of stimulating
      GLUT4 translocation modulated by the AMPK pathway. 

PMID- 27656145
TI  - Protective Effect of Bioactivity Guided Fractions of Ziziphus jujuba Mill. Root
      Bark against Hepatic Injury and Chronic Inflammation via Inhibiting Inflammatory
      Markers and Oxidative Stress.
AB  - The tribal communities of North Eastern India rely on herbal medicine to cure
      various disease conditions. Ziziphus jujuba Mill. (Rhamnaceae) is one of such
      medicinal plants used for curing liver ailments, insomnia, anemia, diarrhea,
      diabetic complications, cancer, and loss of appetite. The present study was aimed
      to describe the protective ability of Z. jujuba root bark (ZJRB) against hepatic
      injury and chronic inflammation. Bioactivity guided fractionation of Z. jujuba
      methanol extract (ZJME) was performed using different solvents of increasing
      polarity viz. hexane (ZJHF), chloroform (ZJCF), ethyl acetate (ZJEAF), water
      (ZJWF), and residue (ZJMR). In vitro antioxidant results revealed that both ZJME
      and ZJWF possess strong antioxidant activity among all the fractions and mother
      extract tested. Further, ZJME and ZJWF showed significant protection against CCl4
      intoxicated HepG2 cell lines by means of increased cell viability and decreased
      LDH levels compared to control group. ZJME at 200, 400 mg/kg and ZJWF at 50, 100
      mg/kg inhibited the lipid peroxidation and significantly restored the liver
      function markers (AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, SOD, and CAT) and cytokine levels (TNF
      alpha, Il-1beta, and Il-10) in CCl4 induced acute liver damage in rats. All the
      results were comparable with standard drug silymarin which was further confirmed
      by histopathology analysis of liver. Similarly, inflammation and increase
      inflammatory cytokines levels of carrageenan induced paw edema in rats have been
      refurbished to normal levels on par with the standard drug indomethacin. ZJWF
      demonstrated potent response than ZJME in all the biological tests conducted. The
      results of the study signify the ability of ZJRB as good therapeutic agent for
      liver toxicity and chronic inflammation. 

PMID- 27656146
TI  - Protective Effect of Cyanidin-3-O-Glucoside against Ultraviolet B Radiation
      Induced Cell Damage in Human HaCaT Keratinocytes.
AB  - Ultraviolet radiation is the major environmental harmful factor that has
      emotional impact on human skin. The aim of the present study was to determine the
      mechanism of protection of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside against ultraviolet B (UVB)
      induced damage to human HaCaT keratinocytes. Our results show that cyanidin-3-O
      glucoside decreased the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species generated
      by UVB treatment. Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside also decreased the UVB-augmented levels
      of the DNA damage indicators phospho-p53 and phospho-ATM/ATR. In addition,
      cyanidin-3-O-glucoside protected keratinocytes from UVB-induced injury by
      overturning the disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential and reversing
      apoptosis. The expression of anti-apoptotic protein B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) was
      attenuated in UVB-exposed cells but restored in UVB/cyanidin-3-O-glucoside
      treated cells. Furthermore, expression of the proapoptotic proteins Bcl-2
      associated X (Bax) and the key apoptosis executer cleaved caspase-3 were
      increased in UVB-irradiated cells and decreased in UVB/cyanidin-3-O-glucoside
      treated cells. For these reasons, the results demonstrate that cyanidin-3-O
      glucoside protects human keratinocytes against UVB-induced oxidative stress and
      apoptosis. Our study provides a theoretical basis for the use of cyanidin-3-O
      glucoside in the fight against light damage. 

PMID- 27656147
TI  - Molecular Properties of Globin Channels and Pores: Role of Cholesterol in Ligand
      Binding and Movement.
AB  - Globins contain one or more cavities that control or affect such functions as
      ligand movement and ligand binding. Here we report that the extended globin
      family [cytoglobin (Cygb); neuroglobin (Ngb); myoglobin (Mb); hemoglobin (Hb)
      subunits Hba(alpha); and Hbb(beta)] contain either a transmembrane (TM) helix or
      pore-lining region as well as internal cavities. Protein motif/domain analyses
      indicate that Ngb and Hbb each contain 5 cholesterol- binding (CRAC/CARC) domains
      and 1 caveolin binding motif, whereas the Cygb dimer has 6 cholesterol-binding
      domains but lacks caveolin-binding motifs. Mb and Hba each exhibit 2 cholesterol
      binding domains and also lack caveolin-binding motifs. The Hb alphabeta-tetramer
      contains 14 cholesterol-binding domains. Computer algorithms indicate that Cygb
      and Ngb cavities display multiple partitions and C-terminal pore-lining regions,
      whereas Mb has three major cavities plus a C-terminal pore-lining region. The Hb
      tetramer exhibits a large internal cavity but the subunits differ in that they
      contain a C-terminal TM helix (Hba) and pore-lining region (Hbb). The cavities
      include 43 of 190 Cygb residues, 38 of 151 of Ngb residues, 55 of 154 Mb
      residues, and 137 of 688 residues in the Hb tetramer. Each cavity complex
      includes 6 to 8 residues of the TM helix or pore-lining region and CRAC/CARC
      domains exist within all cavities. Erythrocyte Hb alphabeta-tetramers are largely
      cytosolic but also bind to a membrane anion exchange protein, "band 3," which
      contains a large internal cavity and 12 TM helices (5 being pore-lining regions).
      The Hba TM helix may be the erythrocyte membrane "band 3" attachment site. "Band
      3" contributes 4 caveolin binding motifs and 10 CRAC/CARC domains. Cholesterol
      binding may create lipid-disordered phases that alter globin cavities and
      facilitate ligand movement, permitting ion channel formation and conformational
      changes that orchestrate anion and ligand (O2, CO2, NO) movement within the large
      internal cavities and channels of the globins. 

PMID- 27656143
TI  - CFTR Modulators: Shedding Light on Precision Medicine for Cystic Fibrosis.
AB  - Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common life-threatening monogenic disease
      afflicting Caucasian people. It affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal,
      glandular and reproductive systems. The major cause of morbidity and mortality in
      CF is the respiratory disorder caused by a vicious cycle of obstruction of the
      airways, inflammation and infection that leads to epithelial damage, tissue
      remodeling and end-stage lung disease. Over the past decades, life expectancy of
      CF patients has increased due to early diagnosis and improved treatments;
      however, these patients still present limited quality of life. Many attempts have
      been made to rescue CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) expression,
      function and stability, thereby overcoming the molecular basis of CF. Gene and
      protein variances caused by CFTR mutants lead to different CF phenotypes, which
      then require different treatments to quell the patients' debilitating symptoms.
      In order to seek better approaches to treat CF patients and maximize therapeutic
      effects, CFTR mutants have been stratified into six groups (although several of
      these mutations present pleiotropic defects). The research with CFTR modulators
      (read-through agents, correctors, potentiators, stabilizers and amplifiers) has
      achieved remarkable progress, and these drugs are translating into
      pharmaceuticals and personalized treatments for CF patients. This review
      summarizes the main molecular and clinical features of CF, emphasizes the latest
      clinical trials using CFTR modulators, sheds light on the molecular mechanisms
      underlying these new and emerging treatments, and discusses the major
      breakthroughs and challenges to treating all CF patients. 

PMID- 27656151
TI  - Sleep Paralysis in Brazilian Folklore and Other Cultures: A Brief Review.
AB  - Sleep paralysis (SP) is a dissociative state that occurs mainly during awakening.
      SP is characterized by altered motor, perceptual, emotional and cognitive
      functions, such as inability to perform voluntary movements, visual
      hallucinations, feelings of chest pressure, delusions about a frightening
      presence and, in some cases, fear of impending death. Most people experience SP
      rarely, but typically when sleeping in supine position; however, SP is considered
      a disease (parasomnia) when recurrent and/or associated to emotional burden.
      Interestingly, throughout human history, different peoples interpreted SP under a
      supernatural view. For example, Canadian Eskimos attribute SP to spells of
      shamans, who hinder the ability to move, and provoke hallucinations of a
      shapeless presence. In the Japanese tradition, SP is due to a vengeful spirit who
      suffocates his enemies while sleeping. In Nigerian culture, a female demon
      attacks during dreaming and provokes paralysis. A modern manifestation of SP is
      the report of "alien abductions", experienced as inability to move during
      awakening associated with visual hallucinations of aliens. In all, SP is a
      significant example of how a specific biological phenomenon can be interpreted
      and shaped by different cultural contexts. In order to further explore the
      ethnopsychology of SP, in this review we present the "Pisadeira", a character of
      Brazilian folklore originated in the country's Southeast, but also found in other
      regions with variant names. Pisadeira is described as a crone with long
      fingernails who lurks on roofs at night and tramples on the chest of those who
      sleep on a full stomach with the belly up. This legend is mentioned in many
      anthropological accounts; however, we found no comprehensive reference on the
      Pisadeira from the perspective of sleep science. Here, we aim to fill this gap.
      We first review the neuropsychological aspects of SP, and then present the folk
      tale of the Pisadeira. Finally, we summarize the many historical and artistic
      manifestations of SP in different cultures, emphasizing the similarities and
      differences with the Pisadeira. 

PMID- 27656150
TI  - Mesenchymal Remodeling during Palatal Shelf Elevation Revealed by Extracellular
      Matrix and F-Actin Expression Patterns.
AB  - During formation of the secondary palate in mammalian embryos, two vertically
      oriented palatal shelves rapidly elevate into a horizontal position above the
      tongue, meet at the midline, and fuse to form a single entity. Previous
      observations suggested that elevation occurs by a simple 90 degrees  rotation of
      the palatal shelves. More recent findings showed that the presumptive midline
      epithelial cells are not located at the tips of palatal shelves before elevation,
      but mostly toward their medial/lingual part. This implied extensive tissue
      remodeling during shelf elevation. Nevertheless, it is still not known how the
      shelf mesenchyme reorganizes during this process, and what mechanism drives it.
      To address this question, we mapped the distinct and restricted expression
      domains of certain extracellular matrix components within the developing palatal
      shelves. This procedure allowed to monitor movements of entire mesenchymal
      regions relative to each other during shelf elevation. Consistent with previous
      notions, our results confirm a flipping movement of the palatal shelves
      anteriorly, whereas extensive mesenchymal reorganization is observed more
      posteriorly. There, the entire lingual portion of the vertical shelves moves
      close to the midline after elevation, whereas the mesenchyme at the original tip
      of the shelves ends up ventrolaterally. Moreover, we observed that the
      mesenchymal cells of elevating palatal shelves substantially align their actin
      cytoskeleton, their extracellular matrix, and their nuclei in a ventral to medial
      direction. This indicates that, like in other morphogenetic processes, actin
      dependent cell contractility is a major driving force for mesenchymal tissue
      remodeling during palatogenesis. 

PMID- 27656149
TI  - Purification and Partial Characterization of Trypsin-Specific Proteinase
      Inhibitors from Pigeonpea Wild Relative Cajanus platycarpus L. (Fabaceae) Active
      against Gut Proteases of Lepidopteran Pest Helicoverpa armigera.
AB  - Proteinase inhibitors (PIs) are natural defense proteins of plants found to be
      active against gut proteases of various insects. A pigeonpea wild relative
      Cajanus platycarpus was identified as a source of resistance against Helicoverpa
      armigera, a most devastating pest of several crops including pigeonpea. In the
      light of earlier studies, trypsin-specific PIs (CpPI 63) were purified from
      mature dry seeds of C. platycarpus (ICPW-63) and characterized their biochemical
      properties in contributing to H. armigera resistance. CpPI 63 possessed
      significant H. armigera gut trypsin-like proteinase inhibitor (HGPI) activity
      than trypsin inhibitor (TI) activity. Analysis of CpPI 63 using two-dimensional
      (2-D) electrophoresis and matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time-of
      flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry revealed that it contained several
      isoinhibitors and small oligomers with masses ranging between 6 and 58 kDa. The
      gelatin activity staining studies suggest that these isoinhibitors and oligomers
      possessed strong inhibitory activity against H. armigera gut trypsin-like
      proteases (HGPs). The N-terminal sequence of the isoinhibitors (pI 6.6 and pI
      5.6) of CpPI 63 exhibited 80% homology with several Kunitz trypsin inhibitors
      (KTIs) as well as miraculin-like proteins (MLPs). Further, modification of lysine
      residue(s) lead to 80% loss in both TI and HGPI activities of CpPI 63. In
      contrast, the TI and HGPI activities of CpPI 63 were stable over a wide range of
      temperature and pH conditions. The reported results provide a biochemical basis
      for pod borer resistance in C. platycarpus. 

PMID- 27656152
TI  - How Traumatic Violence Permanently Changes Shopping Behavior.
AB  - Traumatic experiences - such as combat, living in a conflict country or war-torn
      nation, or experiencing a violent crime or natural disaster - change social
      relationships and may also influence a life-time of consumer relationships with
      brands and shopping. Our focus on this previously overlooked area is centered on
      an analysis of the long-term shopping habits of 355 combat veterans. We show that
      those who experienced heavy trauma (e.g., heavy combat) exhibited similar
      disconnection from brands as others have experienced in social relationships.
      They became more transactional in that they were more open to switching brands,
      to trying new products, and buying the least expensive alternative (p < 0.01). In
      contrast, those who had experienced a light trauma were more influenced by ads
      and more open to buying brands even when they cost more (p < 0.00). Trauma, such
      as combat, may change one's decision horizon. Functionality and price become more
      important, which is consistent with the idea that they are more focused on the
      present moment than on building on the past or saving for the future. 

PMID- 27656148
TI  - Obesity, Inflammation, and Exercise Training: Relative Contribution of iNOS and
      eNOS in the Modulation of Vascular Function in the Mouse Aorta.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The understanding of obsesity-related vascular dysfunction remains
      controversial mainly because of the diseases associated with vascular injury.
      Exercise training is known to prevent vascular dysfunction. Using an obesity
      model without comorbidities, we aimed at investigating the underlying mechanism
      of vascular dysfunction and how exercise interferes with this process. METHODS:
      High-sugar diet was used to induce obesity in mice. Exercise training was
      performed 5 days/week. Body weight, energy intake, and adipose tissues were
      assessed; blood metabolic and hormonal parameters were determined; and serum
      TNFalpha was measured. Blood pressure and heart rate were assessed by
      plethysmography. Changes in aortic isometric tension were recorded on myograph.
      Western blot was used to analyze protein expression. Nitric oxide (NO) was
      evaluated using fluorescence microscopy. Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides were
      used for inducible nitric oxide synthase isoform (iNOS) knockdown. RESULTS: Body
      weight, fat mass, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol
      fraction, insulin, and leptin were higher in the sedentary obese group (SD) than
      in the sedentary control animals (SS). Exercise training prevented these changes.
      No difference in glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, and
      heart rate was found. Decreased vascular relaxation and reduced endothelial
      nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) functioning in the SD group were prevented by
      exercise. Contractile response to phenylephrine was decreased in the aortas of
      the wild SD mice, compared with that of the SS group; however, no alteration was
      noted in the SD iNOS(-/-) animals. The decreased contractility was endothelium
      dependent, and was reverted by iNOS inhibition or iNOS silencing. The aortas from
      the SD group showed increased basal NO production, serum TNFalpha, TNF receptor
      1, and phospho-IkappaB. Exercise training attenuated iNOS-dependent reduction in
      contractile response in high-sugar diet-fed animals, decreased iNOS expression,
      and increased eNOS expression. CONCLUSION: Obesity caused endothelium
      dysfunction, TNFalpha, and iNOS pathway up-regulation, decreasing vascular
      contractility in the obese animals. Exercise training was an effective therapy to
      control iNOS-dependent NO production and to preserve endothelial function in
      obese individuals.

PMID- 27656154
TI  - Processing of Individual Items during Ensemble Coding of Facial Expressions.
AB  - There is growing evidence that human observers are able to extract the mean
      emotion or other type of information from a set of faces. The most intriguing
      aspect of this phenomenon is that observers often fail to identify or form a
      representation for individual faces in a face set. However, most of these results
      were based on judgments under limited processing resource. We examined a wider
      range of exposure time and observed how the relationship between the extraction
      of a mean and representation of individual facial expressions would change. The
      results showed that with an exposure time of 50 ms for the faces, observers were
      more sensitive to mean representation over individual representation, replicating
      the typical findings in the literature. With longer exposure time, however,
      observers were able to extract both individual and mean representation more
      accurately. Furthermore, diffusion model analysis revealed that the mean
      representation is also more prone to suffer from the noise accumulated in
      redundant processing time and leads to a more conservative decision bias, whereas
      individual representations seem more resistant to this noise. Results suggest
      that the encoding of emotional information from multiple faces may take two
      forms: single face processing and crowd face processing. 

PMID- 27656153
TI  - Comparing Auditory Noise Treatment with Stimulant Medication on Cognitive Task
      Performance in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Results
      from a Pilot Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent research has shown that acoustic white noise (80 dB) can
      improve task performance in people with attention deficits and/or Attention
      Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This is attributed to the phenomenon of
      stochastic resonance in which a certain amount of noise can improve performance
      in a brain that is not working at its optimum. We compare here the effect of
      noise exposure with the effect of stimulant medication on cognitive task
      performance in ADHD. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of
      auditory noise exposure with stimulant medication for ADHD children on a
      cognitive test battery. A group of typically developed children (TDC) took the
      same tests as a comparison. METHODS: Twenty children with ADHD of combined or
      inattentive subtypes and twenty TDC matched for age and gender performed three
      different tests (word recall, spanboard and n-back task) during exposure to white
      noise (80 dB) and in a silent condition. The ADHD children were tested with and
      without central stimulant medication. RESULTS: In the spanboard- and the word
      recall tasks, but not in the 2-back task, white noise exposure led to significant
      improvements for both non-medicated and medicated ADHD children. No significant
      effects of medication were found on any of the three tasks. CONCLUSION: This
      pilot study shows that exposure to white noise resulted in a task improvement
      that was larger than the one with stimulant medication thus opening up the
      possibility of using auditory noise as an alternative, non-pharmacological
      treatment of cognitive ADHD symptoms.

PMID- 27656155
TI  - Sociocultural Influences on Moral Judgments: East-West, Male-Female, and Young
      Old.
AB  - Gender, age, and culturally specific beliefs are often considered relevant to
      observed variation in social interactions. At present, however, the scientific
      literature is mixed with respect to the significance of these factors in guiding
      moral judgments. In this study, we explore the role of each of these factors in
      moral judgment by presenting the results of a web-based study of Eastern (i.e.,
      Russia) and Western (i.e., USA, UK, Canada) subjects, male and female, and young
      and old. Participants (n = 659) responded to hypothetical moral scenarios
      describing situations where sacrificing one life resulted in saving five others.
      Though men and women from both types of cultures judged (1) harms caused by
      action as less permissible than harms caused by omission, (2) means-based harms
      as less permissible than side-effects, and (3) harms caused by contact as less
      permissible than by non-contact, men in both cultures delivered more utilitarian
      judgments (save the five, sacrifice one) than women. Moreover, men from Western
      cultures were more utilitarian than Russian men, with no differences observed for
      women. In both cultures, older participants delivered less utilitarian judgments
      than younger participants. These results suggest that certain core principles may
      mediate moral judgments across different societies, implying some degree of
      universality, while also allowing a limited range of variation due to
      sociocultural factors. 

PMID- 27656157
TI  - Personality and Social Framing in Privacy Decision-Making: A Study on Cookie
      Acceptance.
AB  - Despite their best intentions, people struggle with the realities of privacy
      protection and will often sacrifice privacy for convenience in their online
      activities. Individuals show systematic, personality dependent differences in
      their privacy decision making, which makes it interesting for those who seek to
      design 'nudges' designed to manipulate privacy behaviors. We explore such effects
      in a cookie decision task. Two hundred and ninety participants were given an
      incidental website review task that masked the true aim of the study. At the task
      outset, they were asked whether they wanted to accept a cookie in a message that
      either contained a social framing 'nudge' (they were told that either a majority
      or a minority of users like themselves had accepted the cookie) or contained no
      information about social norms (control). At the end of the task, participants
      were asked to complete a range of personality assessments (impulsivity, risk
      taking, willingness to self-disclose and sociability). We found social framing to
      be an effective behavioral nudge, reducing cookie acceptance in the minority
      social norm condition. Further, we found personality effects in that those
      scoring highly on risk-taking and impulsivity were significantly more likely to
      accept the cookie. Finally, we found that the application of a social nudge could
      attenuate the personality effects of impulsivity and risk-taking. We explore the
      implications for those working in the privacy-by-design space. 

PMID- 27656156
TI  - Factor Structure, Reliability and Measurement Invariance of the Alberta Context
      Tool and the Conceptual Research Utilization Scale, for German Residential Long
      Term Care.
AB  - We translated the Canadian residential long term care versions of the Alberta
      Context Tool (ACT) and the Conceptual Research Utilization (CRU) Scale into
      German, to study the association between organizational context factors and
      research utilization in German nursing homes. The rigorous translation process
      was based on best practice guidelines for tool translation, and we previously
      published methods and results of this process in two papers. Both instruments are
      self-report questionnaires used with care providers working in nursing homes. The
      aim of this study was to assess the factor structure, reliability, and
      measurement invariance (MI) between care provider groups responding to these
      instruments. In a stratified random sample of 38 nursing homes in one German
      region (Metropolregion Rhein-Neckar), we collected questionnaires from 273 care
      aides, 196 regulated nurses, 152 allied health providers, 6 quality improvement
      specialists, 129 clinical leaders, and 65 nursing students. The factor structure
      was assessed using confirmatory factor models. The first model included all 10
      ACT concepts. We also decided a priori to run two separate models for the scale
      based and the count-based ACT concepts as suggested by the instrument developers.
      The fourth model included the five CRU Scale items. Reliability scores were
      calculated based on the parameters of the best-fitting factor models. Multiple
      group confirmatory factor models were used to assess MI between provider groups.
      Rather than the hypothesized ten-factor structure of the ACT, confirmatory factor
      models suggested 13 factors. The one-factor solution of the CRU Scale was
      confirmed. The reliability was acceptable (>0.7 in the entire sample and in all
      provider groups) for 10 of 13 ACT concepts, and high (0.90-0.96) for the CRU
      Scale. We could demonstrate partial strong MI for both ACT models and partial
      strict MI for the CRU Scale. Our results suggest that the scores of the German
      ACT and the CRU Scale for nursing homes are acceptably reliable and valid.
      However, as the ACT lacked strict MI, observed variables (or scale scores based
      on them) cannot be compared between provider groups. Rather, group comparisons
      should be based on latent variable models, which consider the different residual
      variances of each group. 

PMID- 27656159
TI  - Cotard Delusion in the Context of Schizophrenia: A Case Report and Review of the
      Literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Cotard delusion (CD) is one of a variety of narrowly defined
      monothematic delusions characterized by nihilistic beliefs about the body's
      existence or life itself. The presence of CD within the context of schizophrenia
      is rare (<1%), and remains understudied. CASE: 'Mr. C' is a 58-year-old veteran
      with a prior diagnosis of schizophrenia, who presented with CD in the context of
      significant depression, suicidal ideation, violence, and self-harm behavior. He
      perseverated in his belief that he was physically dead and possessed by demons
      for several weeks. This delusion was reinforced by his religious belief that life
      was an attribute of God, and by inference, he as a human, was dead. His condition
      gradually improved over the course of treatment with Divalproex and quetiapine
      with discussions about the rationale for his belief. Upon discharge, Mr. C.
      demonstrated awareness of his fixation on death and an ability to redirect
      himself. DISCUSSION: This case highlights the need to better understand the co
      occurrence of CD in schizophrenia, their differentiation, the increased risk of
      violence and self-harm behavior in this presentation, and how specific events and
      religious factors can influence delusional themes of CD. Pharmacotherapy and
      aspects of cognitive-behavioral therapy may be effective in ameliorating these
      symptoms in CD.

PMID- 27656158
TI  - Helping Others, Warming Yourself: Altruistic Behaviors Increase Warmth Feelings
      of the Ambient Environment.
AB  - Altruistic behaviors typically improve the welfare of the recipient at the cost
      of the performer's resources and energy. Do altruistic performers obtain any
      positive internal reward from altruistic behaviors? We conducted six experiments
      to explore whether altruistic behaviors could increase performer's warmth
      perception of the ambient environment. The first three studies focused on crisis
      situations. A retrospective field study (Study 1, with Hurricane Sandy) and two
      laboratory studies (Studies 2a and 2b, with an earthquake scenario) found that
      people who helped others felt warmer of the ambient environment than people who
      did not. We extended to daily life situations and found that participants who
      performed helping behaviors in laboratory (either voluntarily in Study 3a or
      randomly assigned to in Study 3b) and passers-by who donated to a charity (Study
      4) reported warmer perception of the ambient environment than those who did not.
      These findings suggested an immediate internal reward of altruism. 

PMID- 27656160
TI  - Commentary: Do Bees Play the Producer-Scrounger Game?

PMID- 27656161
TI  - Facial Cosmetics Exert a Greater Influence on Processing of the Mouth Relative to
      the Eyes: Evidence from the N170 Event-Related Potential Component.
AB  - Cosmetic makeup significantly influences facial perception. Because faces consist
      of similar physical structures, cosmetic makeup is typically used to highlight
      individual features, particularly those of the eyes (i.e., eye shadow) and mouth
      (i.e., lipstick). Though event-related potentials have been utilized to study
      various aspects of facial processing, the influence of cosmetics on specific ERP
      components remains unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the
      relationship between the application of cosmetic makeup and the amplitudes of the
      P1 and N170 event-related potential components during facial perception tasks.
      Moreover, the influence of visual perception on N170 amplitude, was evaluated
      under three makeup conditions: Eye Shadow, Lipstick, and No Makeup.
      Electroencephalography was used to monitor 17 participants who were exposed to
      visual stimuli under each these three makeup conditions. The results of the
      present study subsequently demonstrated that the Lipstick condition elicited a
      significantly greater N170 amplitude than the No Makeup condition, while P1
      amplitude was unaffected by any of the conditions. Such findings indicate that
      the application of cosmetic makeup alters general facial perception but exerts no
      influence on the perception of low-level visual features. Collectively, these
      results support the notion that the application of makeup induces subtle
      alterations in the processing of facial stimuli, with a particular effect on the
      processing of specific facial components (i.e., the mouth), as reflected by
      changes in N170 amplitude. 

PMID- 27656162
TI  - The Regulation and Function of Fibroblast Growth Factor 8 and Its Function during
      Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Neuron Development.
AB  - Over the last few years, numerous studies solidified the hypothesis that
      fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling regulates neuroendocrine progenitor cell
      proliferation, fate specification, and cell survival and, therefore, is critical
      for the regulation and maintenance of homeostasis of the body. One important
      example that underscores the involvement of FGF signaling during neuroendocrine
      cell development is gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neuron ontogenesis.
      Indeed, transgenic mice with reduced olfactory placode (OP) Fgf8 expression do
      not have GnRH neurons. This observation indicates the requirement of FGF8
      signaling for the emergence of the GnRH neuronal system in the embryonic OP, the
      putative birth place of GnRH neurons. Mammalian reproductive success depends on
      the presence of GnRH neurons to stimulate gonadotropin secretion from the
      anterior pituitary, which activates gonadal steroidogenesis and gametogenesis.
      Together, these observations are critical for understanding the function of GnRH
      neurons and their control of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis to
      maintain fertility. Taken together, these studies illustrate that GnRH neuron
      emergence and hence HPG function is vulnerable to genomic and molecular signals
      that abnormally modify Fgf8 expression in the developing mouse OP. In this short
      review, we focus on research that is aimed at unraveling how androgen, all-trans
      retinoic acid, and how epigenetic factors modify control mouse OP Fgf8
      transcription in the context of GnRH neuronal development and mammalian
      reproductive success. 

PMID- 27656163
TI  - Aboveground Whitefly Infestation-Mediated Reshaping of the Root Microbiota.
AB  - Plants respond to various types of herbivore and pathogen attack using well
      developed defensive machinery designed for self-protection. Infestation from
      phloem-sucking insects such as whitefly and aphid on plant leaves was previously
      shown to influence both the saprophytic and pathogenic bacterial community in the
      plant rhizosphere. However, the modulation of the root microbial community by
      plants following insect infestation has been largely unexplored. Only limited
      studies of culture-dependent bacterial diversity caused by whitefly and aphid
      have been conducted. In this study, to obtain a complete picture of the
      belowground microbiome community, we performed high-speed and high-throughput
      next-generation sequencing. We sampled the rhizosphere soils of pepper seedlings
      at 0, 1, and 2 weeks after whitefly infestation versus the water control. We
      amplified a partial 16S ribosomal RNA gene (V1-V3 region) by polymerase chain
      reaction with specific primers. Our analysis revealed that whitefly infestation
      reshaped the overall microbiota structure compared to that of the control
      rhizosphere, even after 1 week of infestation. Examination of the relative
      abundance distributions of microbes demonstrated that whitefly infestation
      shifted the proteobacterial groups at week 2. Intriguingly, the population of
      Pseudomonadales of the class Gammaproteobacteria significantly increased after 2
      weeks of whitefly infestation, and the fluorescent Pseudomonas spp. recruited to
      the rhizosphere were confirmed to exhibit insect-killing capacity. Additionally,
      three taxa, including Caulobacteraceae, Enterobacteriaceae, and
      Flavobacteriaceae, and three genera, including Achromobacter, Janthinobacterium,
      and Stenotrophomonas, were the most abundant bacterial groups in the whitefly
      infested plant rhizosphere. Our results indicate that whitefly infestation leads
      to the recruitment of specific groups of rhizosphere bacteria by the plant, which
      confer beneficial traits to the host plant. This study provides a new framework
      for investigating how aboveground insect feeding modulates the belowground
      microbiome. 

PMID- 27656164
TI  - All Three Endogenous Quinone Species of Escherichia coli Are Involved in
      Controlling the Activity of the Aerobic/Anaerobic Response Regulator ArcA.
AB  - The enteron Escherichia coli is equipped with a branched electron transfer chain
      that mediates chemiosmotic electron transfer, that drives ATP synthesis. The
      components of this electron transfer chain couple the oxidation of available
      electron donors from cellular metabolism (e.g., NADH, succinate, lactate,
      formate, etc.) to the reduction of electron acceptors like oxygen, nitrate,
      fumarate, di-methyl-sulfoxide, etc. Three different quinones, i.e., ubiquinone,
      demethyl-menaquinone and menaquinone, couple the transfer of electrons between
      the dehydrogenases and reductases/oxidases that constitute this electron transfer
      chain, whereas, the two-component regulation system ArcB/A regulates gene
      expression, to allow the organism to adapt itself to the ambient conditions of
      available electron donors and acceptors. Here, we report that E. coli can grow
      and adjust well to transitions in the availability of oxygen, with any of the
      three quinones as its single quinone. In all three 'single-quinone' E. coli
      strains transitions in the activity of ArcB are observed, as evidenced by changes
      in the level of phosphorylation of the response regulator ArcA, upon
      depletion/readmission of oxygen. These results lead us to conclude that all
      quinol species of E. coli can reduce (i.e., activate) the sensor ArcB and all
      three quinones oxidize (i.e., de-activate) it. These results also confirm our
      earlier conclusion that demethyl-menaquinone can function in aerobic respiration.

PMID- 27656165
TI  - Composition of Ileal Bacterial Community in Grazing Goats Varies across Non
      rumination, Transition and Rumination Stages of Life.
AB  - The establishment of gut microbiota is increasingly recognized as a crucial
      action in neonatal development, host health and productivity. We hypothesized
      that the ileal microbiome shifted as goats matured, and this colonization process
      would be associated with host fermentation capacity. To this end, 18 Liuyang
      black grazing goats were randomly slaughtered at d 0, 7, 28, 42, and 70. Ileal
      microbiota was profiled by Miseq sequencing of 16S rRNA gene of bacteria, and
      fermentation capacity [volatile fatty acid, activities of amylase,
      carboxymethylcellulase (CMCase) and xylanase] was determined using digesta
      sample. Principal coordinate analysis revealed that each age group harbored its
      distinct bacteria. Total bacteria copy number and most alpha diversity indexes
      increased (P < 0.01) from d 0 to 70. At the phylum level, abundances of
      Cyanobacteria (P = 0.018) and TM7 (P = 0.010) increased linearly, abundances of
      Bacteroidetes (P = 0.075) and Fibrobacteres (P = 0.076) tended to increase
      linearly, whist Proteobacteria abundance tended to decline quadratically (P =
      0.052) with age. At the genus level, Enterococcus (30.9%), Lactobacillus (32.8%),
      and Escherichia (2.0%) dominated at d 0, while Prevotella, Butyrivibrio,
      Ruminococcus, SMB53, and Fibrobacter surged in abundance after day 20. The
      highest amylase activity was observed at day 42, while xylanase activity
      increased quadratically (P = 0.002) from days 28 to 70. Correlation analysis
      indicated that abundances of Bacteroides, Clostridium, Lactobacillus,
      Propionibacterium, Enterococcus, and p-75-a5 positively correlated with enzyme
      activity. Collectively, ileal bacteria in grazing goats assemble into distinct
      communities throughout development, and might participate in the improvement of
      host fermentation capacity. 

PMID- 27656167
TI  - Insights into the Mechanism of Homeoviscous Adaptation to Low Temperature in
      Branched-Chain Fatty Acid-Containing Bacteria through Modeling FabH Kinetics from
      the Foodborne Pathogen Listeria monocytogenes.
AB  - The psychrotolerant foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes withstands the
      stress of low temperatures and can proliferate in refrigerated food. Bacteria
      adapt to growth at low temperatures by increasing the production of fatty acids
      that increase membrane fluidity. The mechanism of homeoviscous increases in
      unsaturated fatty acid amounts in bacteria that predominantly contain straight
      chain fatty acids is relatively well understood. By contrast the analogous
      mechanism in branched-chain fatty acid-containing bacteria, such as L.
      monocytogenes, is poorly understood. L. monocytogenes grows at low temperatures
      by altering its membrane composition to increase membrane fluidity, primarily by
      decreasing the length of fatty acid chains and increasing the anteiso to iso
      fatty acid ratio. FabH, the initiator of fatty acid biosynthesis, has been
      identified as the primary determinant of membrane fatty acid composition, but the
      extent of this effect has not been quantified. In this study, previously
      determined FabH steady-state parameters and substrate concentrations were used to
      calculate expected fatty acid compositions at 30 degrees C and 10 degrees C. FabH
      substrates 2-methylbutyryl-CoA, isobutyryl-CoA, and isovaleryl-CoA produce the
      primary fatty acids in L. monocytogenes, i.e., anteiso-odd, iso-even, and iso-odd
      fatty acids, respectively. In vivo concentrations of CoA derivatives were
      measured, but not all were resolved completely. In this case, estimates were
      calculated from overall fatty acid composition and FabH steady-state parameters.
      These relative substrate concentrations were used to calculate the expected fatty
      acid compositions at 10 degrees C. Our model predicted a higher level of anteiso
      lipids at 10 degrees C than was observed, indicative of an additional step beyond
      FabH influencing fatty acid composition at low temperatures. The potential for
      control of low temperature growth by feeding compounds that result in the
      production of butyryl-CoA, the precursor of SCFAs that rigidify the membrane and
      are incompatible with growth at low temperatures, is recognized. 

PMID- 27656168
TI  - Fragment-Based Whole Cell Screen Delivers Hits against M. tuberculosis and Non
      tuberculous Mycobacteria.
AB  - Reactive multi-target 'fragment drugs' represent critical components of current
      tuberculosis regimens. These compounds, such as pyrazinamide, are old synthetic
      antimycobacterials that are activated inside Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacilli
      and are smaller than the usual drug-like, single-target molecules. Based on the
      success of small 'dirty' drugs in the chemotherapy of tuberculosis, we suggested
      previously that fragment-based whole cell screens should be introduced in our
      current antimycobacterial drug discovery efforts. Here, we carried out such a
      screen and characterized bactericidal activity, selectivity and spectrum of hits
      we obtained. A library of 1725 fragments was tested at a single concentration for
      growth inhibitory activity against M. bovis BCG as screening strain and 38 of 116
      primary hits were confirmed in dose response analyses to be active against
      virulent M. tuberculosis. Bacterial kill experiments showed that most hits
      displayed bactericidal activity at their minimal inhibitory concentration.
      Cytotoxicity assays established that a large proportion of hits displayed a
      favorable selectivity index for mammalian cells. Importantly, one third of M.
      tuberculosis active fragments were also active against M. abscessus and M. avium,
      two emerging non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) pathogens, opening the
      opportunity to develop broad spectrum antimycobacterials. Activity determination
      against Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram negative (Escherichia
      coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa)
      bacteria, as well as fungi (Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans) showed
      only a small overlap indicating a generally narrow spectrum of these novel
      antimicrobial hits for mycobacteria. In conclusion, we carried out the first
      fragment-based whole cell screen against bacteria and identified a substantial
      number of hits with excellent physicochemical properties and dual activity
      against M. tuberculosis and NTM pathogens. These hits will now be evaluated in
      animal models of mycobacterial infection to determine whether any of them can be
      moved forward as a new antimycobacterial fragment drug candidate. 

PMID- 27656169
TI  - The Nucleotide Excision Repair Pathway Protects Borrelia burgdorferi from
      Nitrosative Stress in Ixodes scapularis Ticks.
AB  - The Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi encounters a wide range of
      environmental conditions as it cycles between ticks of the genus Ixodes and its
      various mammalian hosts. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen
      species (RNS) are potent antimicrobial molecules generated during the innate
      immune response to infection, however, it is unclear whether ROS and RNS pose a
      significant challenge to B. burgdorferi in vivo. In this study, we screened a
      library of B. burgdorferi strains with mutations in DNA repair genes for
      increased susceptibility to ROS or RNS in vitro. Strains with mutations in the
      methyl-directed mismatch repair gene mutS1 are hypersensitive to killing by ROS,
      while strains lacking the nucleotide excision repair (NER) gene uvrB show
      increased susceptibility to both ROS and RNS. Therefore, mutS1-deficient and uvrB
      deficient strains were compared for their ability to complete their infectious
      cycle in Swiss Webster mice and I. scapularis ticks to help identify sites of
      oxidative and nitrosative stresses encountered by B. burgdorferi in vivo. Both
      mutS1 and uvrB were dispensable for infection of mice, while uvrB promoted the
      survival of spirochetes in I. scapularis ticks. The decreased survival of uvrB
      deficient B. burgdorferi was associated with the generation of RNS in I.
      scapularis midguts and salivary glands during feeding. Collectively, these data
      suggest that B. burgdorferi must withstand cytotoxic levels of RNS produced
      during infection of I. scapularis ticks. 

PMID- 27656170
TI  - Response: Commentary: Zika Virus: the Latest Newcomer.

PMID- 27656166
TI  - A Review of SHV Extended-Spectrum beta-Lactamases: Neglected Yet Ubiquitous.
AB  - beta-lactamases are the primary cause of resistance to beta-lactams among members
      of the family Enterobacteriaceae. SHV enzymes have emerged in Enterobacteriaceae
      causing infections in health care in the last decades of the Twentieth century,
      and they are now observed in isolates in different epidemiological settings both
      in human, animal and the environment. Likely originated from a chromosomal
      penicillinase of Klebsiella pneumoniae, SHV beta-lactamases currently encompass a
      large number of allelic variants including extended-spectrum beta-lactamases
      (ESBL), non-ESBL and several not classified variants. SHV enzymes have evolved
      from a narrow- to an extended-spectrum of hydrolyzing activity, including
      monobactams and carbapenems, as a result of amino acid changes that altered the
      configuration around the active site of the beta -lactamases. SHV-ESBLs are
      usually encoded by self-transmissible plasmids that frequently carry resistance
      genes to other drug classes and have become widespread throughout the world in
      several Enterobacteriaceae, emphasizing their clinical significance. 

PMID- 27656171
TI  - Advances in Research on Epichloe endophytes in Chinese Native Grasses.
AB  - Epichloe fungal endophytes are broadly found in cool-season grasses. The
      symbiosis between these grasses and Epichloe may improve the abiotic and biotic
      resistance of the grass plant, but some Epichloe species produce alkaloids that
      are toxic for livestock. Therefore, it is important to understand the
      characteristics of the grass-Epichloe s symbiosis so that the beneficial aspects
      can be preserved and the toxic effects to livestock can be avoided. Since the
      1990s, Chinese researchers have conducted a series of studies on grass-Epichloe
      symbiosis. In this review, we describe the current state of Epichloe endophyte
      research in Chinese native grasses. We found that more than 77 species of native
      grasses in China are associated with Epichloe endophytes. In addition, we review
      the effects of various Epichloe species on native grass responses to abiotic and
      biotic stress, phylogeny, and alkaloid production. We provide an overview of the
      study of Epichloe species on native grasses in China and directions for future
      research. 

PMID- 27656174
TI  - Genome Sequence of Vibrio parahaemolyticus VP152 Strain Isolated from Penaeus
      indicus in Malaysia.

PMID- 27656173
TI  - Enhanced Antibacterial Activity of Acinetobacter baumannii Bacteriophage OABP-01
      Endolysin (LysABP-01) in Combination with Colistin.
AB  - Endolysins are lytic enzymes produced by bacteriophages with their ability to
      degrade the cell wall of bacterial hosts. Endolysin (LysABP-01) from
      Acinetobacter baumannii bacteriophage OABP-01 was cloned, overexpressed and
      characterized. Endolysin LysABP-01 has a globular structure consisting of
      lysozyme-like (N-acetyl-beta-D-muramidase) catalytic domain. It contains 185
      amino acids which correspond to a 21.1 kDa protein. The lytic activity of the
      recombinant endolysin protein was determined by a plate lysis assay for its
      ability to lyse the autoclaved cell (crude cell wall) of the different bacterial
      species. LysABP-01 can degrade the crude cell wall of A. baumannii strains,
      Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa but not of Staphylococcus aureus. The
      antibacterial activity of LysABP-01 and its synergism with various antibiotics
      were tested. The results exhibited elevated antibacterial activity in a
      combination of the sub-MIC LysABP-01 and colistin. The checkerboard assay for
      measuring antibiotic synergy of LysABP-01 and colistin was performed. This
      combination was synergistic against various drug-resistant strains of A.
      baumannii (FIC index < 0.5). In summary, our study highlights the ability of
      LysABP-01 endolysin to hydrolyze the A. baumannii cell wall and its synergistic
      interaction with colistin. 

PMID- 27656172
TI  - Validation of a High-Throughput Multiplex Genetic Detection System for
      Helicobacter pylori Identification, Quantification, Virulence, and Resistance
      Analysis.
AB  - Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is closely related to various
      gastroduodenal diseases. Virulence factors and bacterial load of H. pylori are
      associated with clinical outcomes, and drug-resistance severely impacts the
      clinical efficacy of eradication treatment. Existing detection methods are low
      throughput, time-consuming and labor intensive. Therefore, a rapid and high
      throughput method is needed for clinical diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring for
      H. pylori. High-throughput Multiplex Genetic Detection System (HMGS) assay was
      established to simultaneously detect and analyze a set of genes for H. pylori
      identification, quantification, virulence, and drug resistance by optimizing the
      singlet-PCR and multiple primers assay. Twenty-one pairs of chimeric primers
      consisted of conserved and specific gene sequences of H. pylori tagged with
      universal sequence at the 5' end were designed. Singlet-PCR assay and multiple
      primers assay were developed to optimize the HMGS. The specificity of HMGS assay
      was evaluated using standard H. pylori strains and bacterial controls. Six
      clinical isolates with known genetic background of target genes were detected to
      assess the accuracy of HMGS assay. Artificial mixed pathogen DNA templates were
      used to evaluate the ability to distinguish mixed infections using HMGS assay.
      Furthermore, gastric biopsy specimens with corresponding isolated strains were
      used to assess the capability of HMGS assay in detecting biopsy specimens
      directly. HMGS assay was specific for H. pylori identification. HMGS assay for H.
      pylori target genes detection were completely consistent with the corresponding
      genetic background. Mixed infection with different drug-resistant isolates of H.
      pylori could be distinguished by HMGS assay. HMGS assay could efficiently
      diagnose H. pylori infection in gastric biopsy specimens directly. HMGS assay is
      a rapid and high throughput method for the simultaneous identification and
      quantification of H. pylori, analysis of virulence and drug resistance in both
      isolated strains and biopsy specimens. It could also be used to distinguish the
      mixed infection with different resistant genotype strains. Furthermore, HMGS
      could detect H. pylori infection in gastric biopsy specimens directly. 

PMID- 27656175
TI  - Investigating the Inactivation Mechanism of Bacillus subtilis Spores by High
      Pressure CO2.
AB  - The objective of this study was to investigate the inactivation mechanism of
      Bacillus subtilis spores by high pressure CO2 (HPCD) processing. The spores of B.
      subtilis were subjected to heat at 0.1 MPa or HPCD at 6.5-20 MPa, and 64-86
      degrees C for 0-120 min. The germination, the permeability of inner membrane (IM)
      and cortex, the release of pyridine-2, 6-dicarboxylic acid (DPA), and changes in
      the morphological and internal structures of spores were investigated. The HPCD
      treated spores did not lose heat resistance and their DPA release was lower than
      the inactivation, suggesting that spores did not germinate during HPCD. The flow
      cytometry analysis suggested that the permeability of the IM and cortex of HPCD
      treated spores was increased. Furthermore, the DPA of the HPCD-treated spores
      were released in parallel with their inactivation and the fluorescence
      photomicrographs showed that these treated spores were stained by propidium
      iodide, ensuring that the permeability of IM of spores was increased by HPCD. The
      scanning electron microscopy photomicrographs showed that spores were crushed
      into debris or exhibited a hollowness on the surface, and the transmission
      electron microscopy photomicrographs exhibited an enlarged core, ruptured and
      indistinguishable IM and a loss of core materials in the HPCD-treated spores,
      indicating that HPCD damaged the structures of the spores. These findings
      suggested that HPCD inactivated B. subtilis spores by directly damaging the
      structure of the spores, rather than inducing germination of the spores. 

PMID- 27656176
TI  - Marinobacter Dominates the Bacterial Community of the Ostreococcus tauri
      Phycosphere in Culture.
AB  - Microalgal-bacterial interactions are commonly found in marine environments and
      are well known in diatom cultures maintained in laboratory. These interactions
      also exert strong effects on bacterial and algal diversity in the oceans. Small
      green eukaryote algae of the class Mamiellophyceae (Chlorophyta) are ubiquitous
      and some species, such as Ostreococcus spp., are particularly important in
      Mediterranean coastal lagoons, and are observed as dominant species during
      phytoplankton blooms in open sea. Despite this, little is known about the
      diversity of bacteria that might facilitate or hinder O. tauri growth. We show,
      using rDNA 16S sequences, that the bacterial community found in O. tauri RCC4221
      laboratory cultures is dominated by gamma-proteobacteria from the Marinobacter
      genus, regardless of the growth phase of O. tauri RCC4221, the photoperiod used,
      or the nutrient conditions (limited in nitrogen or phosphorous) tested. Several
      strains of Marinobacter algicola were detected, all closely related to strains
      found in association with taxonomically distinct organisms, particularly with
      dinoflagellates and coccolithophorids. These sequences were more distantly
      related to M. adhaerens, M. aquaeoli and bacteria usually associated to
      euglenoids. This is the first time, to our knowledge, that distinct Marinobacter
      strains have been found to be associated with a green alga in culture. 

PMID- 27656177
TI  - The Two Sets of DMSO Respiratory Systems of Shewanella piezotolerans WP3 Are
      Involved in Deep Sea Environmental Adaptation.
AB  - Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is an abundant methylated sulfur compound in deep sea
      ecosystems. However, the mechanism underlying DMSO-induced reduction in benthic
      microorganisms is unknown. Shewanella piezotolerans WP3, which was isolated from
      a west Pacific deep sea sediment, can utilize DMSO as the terminal electron
      acceptor. In this study, two putative dms gene clusters [type I (dmsEFA1B1G1H1)
      and type II (dmsA2B2G2H2)] were identified in the WP3 genome. Genetic and
      physiological analyses demonstrated that both dms gene clusters were functional
      and the transcription of both gene clusters was affected by changes in pressure
      and temperature. Notably, the type I system is essential for WP3 to thrive under
      in situ conditions (4 degrees C/20 MPa), whereas the type II system is more
      important under high pressure or low temperature conditions (20 degrees C/20 MPa,
      4 degrees C/0.1 MPa). Additionally, DMSO-dependent growth conferred by the
      presence of both dms gene clusters was higher than growth conferred by either of
      the dms gene clusters alone. These data collectively suggest that the possession
      of two sets of DMSO respiratory systems is an adaptive strategy for WP3 survival
      in deep sea environments. We propose, for the first time, that deep sea
      microorganisms might be involved in global DMSO/DMS cycling. 

PMID- 27656180
TI  - Cross-Talk between the Aeromonas hydrophila Type III Secretion System and Lateral
      Flagella System.
AB  - Aeromonas hydrophila is responsible for aeromonad septicaemia in fish, and
      gastroenteritis and wound infections in humans. The type III secretion system
      (T3SS) is utilized by aeromonads to inject protein effectors directly into host
      cells. One of the major genetic regulators of the T3SS in several bacterial
      species is the AraC-like protein ExsA. Previous studies have suggested a link
      between T3SS regulation and lateral flagella expression. The aim of this study
      was to determine the genetic regulation of the T3SS and its potential interaction
      with the lateral flagella system in A. hydrophila. To investigate the genes
      encoding the T3SS regulatory components exsA, exsD, exsC, and exsE were mutated
      and the activities of the T3SS promoters were measured in wild type and mutant
      backgrounds demonstrating a regulatory network. The Exs proteins were shown to
      interact with each other by BACTH assay and Far-Western Blot. The findings
      suggested a regulatory cascade in which ExsE was bound to the chaperone protein
      ExsC. When ExsC was free it sequestered the anti-activator ExsD thus stopping the
      inhibition of the T3SS master regulator ExsA allowing T3SS expression. The T3SS
      regulatory components were also shown to affect the expression of the lateral
      flagella system. The activities of the lateral flagella promoters were shown to
      be repressed by the absence of ExsD and ExsE, suggesting that the T3SS master
      regulator ExsA was a negative regulator of the lateral flagella system. 

PMID- 27656179
TI  - Longitudinal Comparison of Antibiotic Resistance in Diarrheagenic and Non
      pathogenic Escherichia coli from Young Tanzanian Children.
AB  - Enteroaggregative, enteropathogenic, and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli
      contribute significantly to the burden of diarrheal infections particularly in
      developing countries. Antibiotic resistance is increasingly common among
      bacterial pathogens including pathogenic E. coli. We assessed the relationship
      between pathogenic E. coli carriage and resistance to six antibiotics in E. coli
      isolated from young children in rural Tanzania. We surveyed temporal stability in
      antibiotic resistance in 2492 E. coli isolated from fecal samples obtained from
      young children in rural Tanzania collected over a 6 months period. Approximately
      half of the 377 children sampled were exposed to an azithromycin mass treatment
      program for trachoma control and half resided in control villages. Children were
      sampled at baseline, 1-, 3-, and 6 months following azithromycin treatment. We
      compared resistance to six antibiotics in pathogenic and non-pathogenic strains
      at the population level, within fecal specimens, and within individuals over time
      using chi-square tests, paired odds ratios, and logistic regression,
      respectively. Resistance to ampicillin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole was
      highly prevalent (>65%). Resistance to 5 of 6 antibiotics tested and multi-drug
      resistance occurred more frequently in pathogenic isolates (p <= 0.001) within
      fecal specimens and overall. Azithromycin mass treatment exposure was
      significantly associated with increased odds of carriage of isolates resistant to
      erythromycin (OR 3.64, p < 0.001) and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (OR 1.60, p <
      0.05). Pathogenic isolates were approximately twice as likely to be resistant to
      erythromycin, ampicillin, or trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole compared to non
      pathogenic isolates from the same fecal specimen. The potential linkage between
      resistance and virulence in E. coli suggests hygiene and sanitation interventions
      aimed at reducing disease burden could play a role in controlling transmission of
      antibiotic resistance. 

PMID- 27656181
TI  - Clinical Potential of Regulatory T Cell Therapy in Liver Diseases: An Overview
      and Current Perspectives.
AB  - The increasing demand for liver transplantation and the decline in donor organs
      has highlighted the need for alternative novel therapies to prevent chronic
      active hepatitis, which eventually leads to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.
      Liver histology of chronic hepatitis is composed of both effector and regulatory
      lymphocytes. The human liver contains different subsets of effector lymphocytes
      that are kept in check by a subpopulation of T cells known as Regulatory T cells
      (Treg). The balance of effector and regulatory lymphocytes generally determines
      the outcome of hepatic inflammation: resolution, fulminant hepatitis, or chronic
      active hepatitis. Thus, maintaining and adjusting this balance is crucial in
      immunological manipulation of liver diseases. One of the options to restore this
      balance is to enrich Treg in the liver disease patients. Advances in the
      knowledge of Treg biology and development of clinical grade isolation reagents,
      cell sorting equipment, and good manufacturing practice facilities have paved the
      way to apply Treg cells as a potential therapy to restore peripheral self
      tolerance in autoimmune liver diseases (AILD), chronic rejection, and
      posttransplantation. Past and on-going studies have applied Treg in type-1
      diabetes mellitus, systemic lupus erythematosus, graft versus host diseases, and
      solid organ transplantations. There have not been any new therapies for the AILD
      for more than three decades; thus, the clinical potential for the application of
      autologous Treg cell therapy to treat autoimmune liver disease is an attractive
      and novel option. However, it is fundamental to understand the deep immunology,
      genetic profiles, biology, homing behavior, and microenvironment of Treg before
      applying the cells to the patients. 

PMID- 27656182
TI  - Development and Function of Secondary and Tertiary Lymphoid Organs in the Small
      Intestine and the Colon.
AB  - The immune system of the gut has evolved a number of specific lymphoid structures
      that contribute to homeostasis in the face of microbial colonization and food
      derived antigenic challenge. These lymphoid organs encompass Peyer's patches (PP)
      in the small intestine and their colonic counterparts that develop in a programed
      fashion before birth. In addition, the gut harbors a network of lymphoid tissues
      that is commonly designated as solitary intestinal lymphoid tissues (SILT). In
      contrast to PP, SILT develop strictly after birth and consist of a dynamic
      continuum of structures ranging from small cryptopatches (CP) to large, mature
      isolated lymphoid follicles (ILF). Although the development of PP and SILT follow
      similar principles, such as an early clustering of lymphoid tissue inducer (LTi)
      cells and the requirement for lymphotoxin beta (LTbeta) receptor-mediated
      signaling, the formation of CP and their further maturation into ILF is
      associated with additional intrinsic and environmental signals. Moreover, recent
      data also indicate that specific differences exist in the regulation of ILF
      formation between the small intestine and the colon. Importantly, intestinal
      inflammation in both mice and humans is associated with a strong expansion of the
      lymphoid network in the gut. Recent experiments in mice suggest that these
      structures, although they resemble large, mature ILF in appearance, may represent
      de novo-induced tertiary lymphoid organs (TLO). While, so far, it is not clear
      whether intestinal TLO contribute to the exacerbation of inflammatory pathology,
      it has been shown that ILF provide the critical microenvironment necessary for
      the induction of an effective host response upon infection with enteric bacterial
      pathogens. Regarding the importance of ILF for intestinal immunity, interfering
      with the development and maturation of these lymphoid tissues may offer novel
      means for manipulating the immune response during intestinal infection or
      inflammation. 

PMID- 27656183
TI  - Identification of Two Subgroups of Type I IFNs in Perciforme Fish Large Yellow
      Croaker Larimichthys crocea Provides Novel Insights into Function and Regulation
      of Fish Type I IFNs.
AB  - Like mammals, fish possess an interferon regulatory factor (IRF) 3/IRF7-dependent
      type I IFN responses, but the exact mechanism by which IRF3/IRF7 regulate the
      type I IFNs remains largely unknown. In this study, we identified two type I IFNs
      in the Perciforme fish large yellow croaker Larimichthys crocea, one of which
      belongs to the fish IFNd subgroup and the other is assigned to a novel subgroup
      of group I IFNs in fish, tentatively termed IFNh. The two IFN genes are
      constitutively expressed in all examined tissues, but with varied expression
      levels. Both IFN genes can be rapidly induced in head kidney and spleen tissues
      by polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid. The recombinant IFNh was shown to be more
      potent to trigger a rapid induction of the antiviral genes MxA and protein kinase
      R than the IFNd, suggesting that they may play distinct roles in regulating early
      antiviral immunity. Strikingly, IFNd, but not IFNh, could induce the gene
      expression of itself and IFNh through a positive feedback loop mediated by the
      IFNd-dependent activation of IRF3 and IRF7. Furthermore, our data demonstrate
      that the induction of IFNd can be enhanced by the dimeric formation of IRF3 and
      IRF7, while the IFNh expression mainly involves IRF3. Taken together, our
      findings demonstrate that the IFN responses are diverse in fish and are likely to
      be regulated by distinct mechanisms. 

PMID- 27656178
TI  - Molecular Biology and Infection of Hepatitis E Virus.
AB  - Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a viral pathogen transmitted primarily via fecal-oral
      route. In humans, HEV mainly causes acute hepatitis and is responsible for large
      outbreaks of hepatitis across the world. The case fatality rate of HEV-induced
      hepatitis ranges from 0.5 to 3% in young adults and up to 30% in infected
      pregnant women. HEV strains infecting humans are classified into four genotypes.
      HEV strains from genotypes 3 and 4 are zoonotic, whereas those from genotypes 1
      and 2 have no known animal reservoirs. Recently, notable progress has been
      accomplished for better understanding of HEV biology and infection, such as
      chronic HEV infection, in vitro cell culture system, quasi-enveloped HEV virions,
      functions of the HEV proteins, mechanism of HEV antagonizing host innate
      immunity, HEV pathogenesis and vaccine development. However, further
      investigation on the cross-species HEV infection, host tropism, vaccine efficacy,
      and HEV-specific antiviral strategy is still needed. This review mainly focuses
      on molecular biology and infection of HEV and offers perspective new insight of
      this enigmatic virus. 

PMID- 27656184
TI  - The Protective Effect against Extracellular Histones Afforded by Long-Pentraxin
      PTX3 as a Regulator of NETs.
AB  - Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is a soluble pattern recognition molecule that plays critical
      roles in innate immunity. Its fundamental functions include recognition of
      microbes, activation of complement cascades, and opsonization. The findings that
      PTX3 is one of the component proteins in neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs)
      and binds with other NET proteins imply the importance of PTX3 in the NET
      mediated trapping and killing of bacteria. As NETs play certain critically
      important host-protective roles, aberrant NET production results in tissue
      damage. Extracellular histones, the main source of which is considered to be
      NETs, are mediators of septic death due to their cytotoxicity toward endothelial
      cells. PTX3 protects against extracellular histones-mediated cytotoxicity through
      coaggregation. In addition to the anti-bacterial roles performed in coordination
      with other NET proteins, PTX3 appears to mitigate the detrimental effect of over
      activated NETs. A better understanding of the role of the PTX3 complexes in NETs
      would be expected to lead to new strategies for maintaining a healthy balance
      between the helpful bactericidal and undesirable detrimental activities of NETs. 

PMID- 27656186
TI  - RNA-seq Analysis of Overexpressing Ovine AANAT Gene of Melatonin Biosynthesis in
      Switchgrass.
AB  - Melatonin serves important functions in the promotion of growth and anti-stress
      regulation by efficient radical scavenging and regulation of antioxidant enzyme
      activity in various plants. To investigate its regulatory roles and metabolism
      pathways, the transcriptomic profile of overexpressing the ovine arylalkylamine N
      acetyltransferase (oAANAT) gene, encoding the penultimate enzyme in melatonin
      biosynthesis, was compared with empty vector control using RNA-seq in
      switchgrass, a model plant of cellulosic ethanol conversion. The 85.22 million
      high quality reads that were assembled into 135,684 unigenes were generated by
      Illumina sequencing for transgenic oAANAT switchgrass with an average sequence
      length of 716 bp. A total of 946 differentially expression genes in transgenic
      line comparing to control switchgrass, including 737 up-regulated and 209 down
      regulated genes, were mainly enriched with two main functional patterns of
      melatonin identifying by gene ontology analysis: the growth regulator and stress
      tolerance. Furthermore, KEGG maps indicated that the biosynthetic pathways of
      secondary metabolite (phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, steroids, stilbenoid,
      diarylheptanoid, and gingerol) and signaling pathways (MAPK signaling pathway,
      estrogen signaling pathway) were involved in melatonin metabolism. This study
      substantially expands the transcriptome information for switchgrass and provides
      valuable clues for identifying candidate genes involved in melatonin biosynthesis
      and elucidating the mechanism of melatonin metabolism. 

PMID- 27656187
TI  - Stress-Inducible Expression of an F-box Gene TaFBA1 from Wheat Enhanced the
      Drought Tolerance in Transgenic Tobacco Plants without Impacting Growth and
      Development.
AB  - E3 ligase plays an important role in the response to many environment stresses in
      plants. In our previous study, constitutive overexpression of an F-box protein
      gene TaFBA1 driven by 35S promoter improved the drought tolerance in transgenic
      tobacco plants, but the growth and development in transgenic plants was altered
      in normal conditions. In this study, we used stress-inducible promoter RD29A
      instead of 35S promoter, as a results, the stress-inducible transgenic tobacco
      plants exhibit a similar phenotype with wild type (WT) plants. However, the
      drought tolerance of the transgenic plants with stress-inducible expressed TaFBA1
      was enhanced. The improved drought tolerance of transgenic plants was indicated
      by their higher seed germination rate and survival rate, greater biomass and
      photosynthesis than those of WT under water stress, which may be related to their
      greater water retention capability and osmotic adjustment. Moreover, the
      transgenic plants accumulated less reactive oxygen species, kept lower MDA
      content and membrane leakage under water stress, which may be related to their
      higher levels of antioxidant enzyme activity and upregulated gene expression of
      some antioxidant enzymes. These results suggest that stress induced expression of
      TaFBA1 confers drought tolerance via the improved water retention and
      antioxidative compete ability. Meanwhile, this stress-inducible expression
      strategy by RD29A promoter can minimize the unexpectable effects by 35S
      constitutive promoter on phenotypes of the transgenic plants. 

PMID- 27656188
TI  - Transcriptomics and Metabolite Analysis Reveals the Molecular Mechanism of
      Anthocyanin Biosynthesis Branch Pathway in Different Senecio cruentus Cultivars.
AB  - The cyanidin (Cy), pelargonidin (Pg), and delphinidin (Dp) pathways are the three
      major branching anthocyanin biosynthesis pathways that regulate flavonoid
      metabolic flux and are responsible for red, orange, and blue flower colors,
      respectively. Different species have evolved to develop multiple regulation
      mechanisms that form the branched pathways. In the current study, five Senecio
      cruentus cultivars with different colors were investigated. We found that the
      white and yellow cultivars do not accumulate anthocyanin and that the blue, pink,
      and carmine cultivars mainly accumulate Dp, Pg, and Cy in differing densities.
      Subsequent transcriptome analysis determined that there were 43 unigenes encoding
      anthocyanin biosynthesis genes in the blue cultivar. We also combined chemical
      and transcriptomic analyses to investigate the major metabolic pathways that are
      related to the observed differences in flower pigmentation in the series of S.
      cruentus. The results showed that mutations of the ScbHLH17 and ScCHI1/2 coding
      regions abolish anthocyanin formation in the white and the yellow cultivars; the
      competition of the ScF3'H1, ScF3'5'H, and ScDFR1/2 genes for naringenin
      determines the differences in branching metabolic flux of the Cy, Dp, and Pg
      pathways. Our findings provide new insights into the regulation of anthocyanin
      branching and also supplement gene resources (including ScF3'5 'H, ScF3'H, and
      ScDFRs) for flower color modification of ornamentals. 

PMID- 27656185
TI  - Improving Adoptive T Cell Therapy: The Particular Role of T Cell Costimulation,
      Cytokines, and Post-Transfer Vaccination.
AB  - Adoptive cellular therapy (ACT) is a form of immunotherapy whereby antigen
      specific T cells are isolated or engineered, expanded ex vivo, and transferred
      back to patients. Clinical benefit after ACT has been obtained in treatment of
      infection, various hematological malignancies, and some solid tumors; however,
      due to poor functionality and persistence of the transferred T cells, the
      efficacy of ACT in the treatment of most solid tumors is often marginal. Hence,
      much effort is undertaken to improve T cell function and persistence in ACT and
      significant progress is being made. Herein, we will review strategies to improve
      ACT success rates in the treatment of cancer and infection. We will deliberate on
      the most favorable phenotype for the tumor-specific T cells that are infused into
      patients and on how to obtain T cells bearing this phenotype by applying novel ex
      vivo culture methods. Moreover, we will discuss T cell function and persistence
      after transfer into patients and how these factors can be manipulated by means of
      providing costimulatory signals, cytokines, blocking antibodies to inhibitory
      molecules, and vaccination. Incorporation of these T cell stimulation strategies
      and combinations of the different treatment modalities are likely to improve
      clinical response rates further. 

PMID- 27656190
TI  - The Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus Genome Is Processed Differentially in its Plant
      Host Arachis hypogaea and its Thrips Vector Frankliniella fusca.
AB  - Thrips-transmitted tospoviruses are economically important viruses affecting a
      wide range of field and horticultural crops worldwide. Tomato spotted wilt virus
      (TSWV) is the type member of the Tospovirus genus with a broad host range of more
      than 900 plant species. Interactions between these viruses and their plant hosts
      and insect vectors via RNAi pathways are likely a key determinant of
      pathogenicity. The current investigation, for the first time, compares biogenesis
      of small RNAs between the plant host and insect vector in the presence or absence
      of TSWV. Unique viral small interfering RNA (vsiRNA) profiles are evident for
      Arachis hypogaea (peanut) and Frankliniella fusca (thrips vector) following
      infection with TSWV. Differences between vsiRNA profiles for these plant and
      insect species, such as the relative abundance of 21 and 22 nt vsiRNAs and
      locations of alignment hotspots, reflect the diverse siRNA biosynthesis pathways
      of their respective kingdoms. The presence of unique vsiRNAs in F. fusca samples
      indicates that vsiRNA generation takes place within the thrips, and not solely
      through uptake via feeding on vsiRNAs produced in infected A. hypogaea. The study
      also shows key vsiRNA profile differences for TSWV among plant families, which
      are evident in the case of A. hypogaea, a legume, and members of Solanaceae (S.
      lycopersicum and Nicotiana benthamiana). Distinctively, overall small RNA (sRNA)
      biogenesis in A. hypogaea is markedly affected with an absence of the 24 nt sRNAs
      in TSWV-infected plants, possibly leading to wide-spread molecular and phenotypic
      perturbations specific to this species. These findings add significant
      information on the host-virus-vector interaction in terms of RNAi pathways and
      may lead to better crop and vector specific control strategies. 

PMID- 27656189
TI  - Morphological Structure and Transcriptome Comparison of the Cytoplasmic Male
      Sterility Line in Brassica napus (SaNa-1A) Derived from Somatic Hybridization and
      Its Maintainer Line SaNa-1B.
AB  - SaNa-1A is a novel cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) line in Brassica napus
      derived from progenies of somatic hybrids between B.napus and Sinapis alba, and
      SaNa-1B is the corresponding maintainer line. In this study, phenotypic
      differences of floral organs between CMS and the maintainer lines were observed.
      By microscope observation in different anther developmental stages of two lines,
      we found the anther development in SaNa-1A was abnormal since the tetrad stage,
      and microspore development was ceased during the uninucleate stage.
      Transcriptomic sequencing for floral buds of sterile and fertile plants were
      conducted to elucidate gene expression and regulation caused by the alien
      chromosome and cytoplasm from S. alba. Clean tags obtained were assembled into
      195,568 unigenes, and 7811 unigenes distributed in the metabolic and protein
      synthesis pathways were identified with significant expression differences
      between two libraries. We also observed that genes participating in carbon
      metabolism, tricarboxylic acid cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, oxidation
      reduction system, pentatricopeptide repeat, and anther development were
      downregulated in the sterile line. Some of them are candidates for researches on
      the sterility mechanism in the CMS material, fertility restoration, and
      improvement of economic traits in the maintainer line. Further research on the
      tags with expressional specificity in the fertile line would be helpful to
      explore desirable agronomic traits from wild species of rapeseed. 

PMID- 27656192
TI  - Rhizobial Inoculation Increases Soil Microbial Functioning and Gum Arabic
      Production of 13-Year-Old Senegalia senegal (L.) Britton, Trees in the North Part
      of Senegal.
AB  - Rhizobial inoculation has been widely used in controlled conditions as a
      substitute for chemical fertilizers to increase plants growth and productivity.
      However, very little is known about such effects on mature trees in natural
      habitats. In this study, we investigated the effect of rhizobial inoculation on
      soil total microbial biomass, mineral nitrogen content, potential CO2
      respiration, fluorescein diacetate (FDA), acid phosphatase activities, and gum
      arabic production by 13-year-old Senegalia senegal (synonym: Acacia senegal)
      under natural conditions in the north part of Senegal during two consecutive
      years. Rhizobial inoculation was performed at the beginning of the rainy season
      (July) for both years with a cocktail of four strains (CIRADF 300, CIRADF 301,
      CIRADF 302, and CIRADF 303). Rhizospheric soils were collected in both dry and
      rainy seasons to a depth of 0-25 cm under uninoculated and inoculated trees.
      Trees were tapped in November (beginning of dry season) using traditional tools.
      Gum arabic was harvested every 15 days from December to March. The results
      obtained from both years demonstrated that rhizobial inoculation increased
      significantly the percentage of trees producing gum arabic, gum arabic production
      per tree, soil microbial biomass, FDA, and acid phosphatase activities. However,
      there was no significant effect on C mineralization and mineral nitrogen (N)
      content. Gum arabic production was positively correlated to rainfall, soil
      microbial biomass, and mineral nitrogen content. Our results showed a positive
      effect of rhizobial inoculation on soil microbial functioning and gum arabic
      production by mature S. senegal trees. These important findings deserve to be
      conducted in several contrasting sites in order to improve gum arabic production
      and contribute to increase rural population incomes. 

PMID- 27656191
TI  - A Mechanical Model to Interpret Cell-Scale Indentation Experiments on Plant
      Tissues in Terms of Cell Wall Elasticity and Turgor Pressure.
AB  - Morphogenesis in plants is directly linked to the mechanical elements of growing
      tissues, namely cell wall and inner cell pressure. Studies of these structural
      elements are now often performed using indentation methods such as atomic force
      microscopy. In these methods, a probe applies a force to the tissue surface at a
      subcellular scale and its displacement is monitored, yielding force-displacement
      curves that reflect tissue mechanics. However, the interpretation of these curves
      is challenging as they may depend not only on the cell probed, but also on
      neighboring cells, or even on the whole tissue. Here, we build a realistic three
      dimensional model of the indentation of a flower bud using SOFA (Simulation Open
      Framework Architecture), in order to provide a framework for the analysis of
      force-displacement curves obtained experimentally. We find that the shape of
      indentation curves mostly depends on the ratio between cell pressure and wall
      modulus. Hysteresis in force-displacement curves can be accounted for by a
      viscoelastic behavior of the cell wall. We consider differences in elastic
      modulus between cell layers and we show that, according to the location of
      indentation and to the size of the probe, force-displacement curves are sensitive
      with different weights to the mechanical components of the two most external cell
      layers. Our results confirm most of the interpretations of previous experiments
      and provide a guide to future experimental work. 

PMID- 27656193
TI  - Characterization of CIPK Family in Asian Pear (Pyrus bretschneideri Rehd) and Co
      expression Analysis Related to Salt and Osmotic Stress Responses.
AB  - Asian pear (Pyrus bretschneideri) is one of the most important fruit crops in the
      world, and its growth and productivity are frequently affected by abiotic
      stresses. Calcineurin B-like interacting protein kinases (CIPKs) as caladium
      sensor protein kinases interact with Ca(2+)-binding CBLs to extensively mediate
      abiotic stress responses in plants. Although the pear genome sequence has been
      released, little information is available about the CIPK genes in pear,
      especially in response to salt and osmotic stresses. In this study, we
      systematically identified 28 CIPK family members from the sequenced pear genome
      and analyzed their organization, phylogeny, gene structure, protein motif, and
      synteny duplication divergences. Most duplicated PbCIPKs underwent purifying
      selection, and their evolutionary divergences accompanied with the pear whole
      genome duplication. We also investigated stress -responsive expression patterns
      and co-expression networks of CIPK family under salt and osmotic stresses, and
      the distribution of stress-related cis-regulatory elements in promoter regions.
      Our results suggest that most PbCIPKs could play important roles in the abiotic
      stress responses. Some PbCIPKs, such as PbCIPK22, -19, -18, -15, -8, and -6 can
      serve as core regulators in response to salt and osmotic stresses based on co
      expression networks of PbCIPKs. Some sets of genes that were involved in response
      to salt did not overlap with those in response to osmotic responses, suggesting
      the sub-functionalization of CIPK genes in stress responses. This study revealed
      some candidate genes that play roles in early responses to salt and osmotic
      stress for further characterization of abiotic stress responses medicated by
      CIPKs in pear. 

PMID- 27656194
TI  - Editorial: The Human Gutome: Nutrigenomics of Host-Microbiome Interactions.

PMID- 27656196
TI  - Adverse reaction to metal debris in a painful hemiarthroplasty of the hip.
AB  - Adverse reaction to metal debris (ARMD) in total hip arthroplasty surgery is a
      well-known problem. We present the case of a unipolar hemiarthroplasty requiring
      revision within 18 months of insertion secondary to an adverse reaction to metal
      debris. This case demonstrates a rare cause for failure of a hemiarthroplasty
      following a fragility fracture. We feel that ARMD should be considered in all
      cases where pain and dysfunction in the presence of any hip prosthesis cannot be
      explained by routine investigations. 

PMID- 27656197
TI  - An alternative technique for direct implantation of an anomalous left coronary
      artery arising from the pulmonary artery with complex coronary arteries.
AB  - A 2-month-old patient with anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the
      pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) underwent an alternative repair involving coronary
      transfer with the bay window technique because of the very short left main
      coronary trunk. This procedure is a clinically relevant and feasible technique
      for ALCAPA with such a delicate coronary artery anomaly. 

PMID- 27656198
TI  - Laparoscopic removal of a gallbladder remnant in a patient with severe biliary
      pancreatitis.
AB  - Many surgeons opt to perform subtotal cholecystectomy to limit duct injuries in
      difficult cases. In these cases, however, there is a risk for the gallbladder
      remnant to become diseased. In these cases, a completion cholecystectomy is
      necessary.Although technically challenging, the laparoscopic approach to
      completion cholecystectomy is feasible and safe, when performed by surgeons with
      advanced laparoscopic experience. 

PMID- 27656199
TI  - Extract the Relational Information of Static Features and Motion Features for
      Human Activities Recognition in Videos.
AB  - Both static features and motion features have shown promising performance in
      human activities recognition task. However, the information included in these
      features is insufficient for complex human activities. In this paper, we propose
      extracting relational information of static features and motion features for
      human activities recognition. The videos are represented by a classical Bag-of
      Word (BoW) model which is useful in many works. To get a compact and
      discriminative codebook with small dimension, we employ the divisive algorithm
      based on KL-divergence to reconstruct the codebook. After that, to further
      capture strong relational information, we construct a bipartite graph to model
      the relationship between words of different feature set. Then we use a k-way
      partition to create a new codebook in which similar words are getting together.
      With this new codebook, videos can be represented by a new BoW vector with strong
      relational information. Moreover, we propose a method to compute new clusters
      from the divisive algorithm's projective function. We test our work on the
      several datasets and obtain very promising results.

PMID- 27656200
TI  - R2-Based Multi/Many-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization.
AB  - We propose to couple the R2 performance measure and Particle Swarm Optimization
      in order to handle multi/many-objective problems. Our proposal shows that through
      a well-designed interaction process we could maintain the metaheuristic almost
      inalterable and through the R2 performance measure we did not use neither an
      external archive nor Pareto dominance to guide the search. The proposed approach
      is validated using several test problems and performance measures commonly
      adopted in the specialized literature. Results indicate that the proposed
      algorithm produces results that are competitive with respect to those obtained by
      four well-known MOEAs. Additionally, we validate our proposal in many-objective
      optimization problems. In these problems, our approach showed its main strength,
      since it could outperform another well-known indicator-based MOEA.

PMID- 27656195
TI  - Structural biology of the macroautophagy machinery.
AB  - Macroautophagy is a conserved degradative process mediated through formation of a
      unique double-membrane structure, the autophagosome. The discovery of autophagy
      related (Atg) genes required for autophagosome formation has led to the
      characterization of approximately 20 genes mediating this process. Recent
      structural studies of the Atg proteins have provided the molecular basis for
      their function. Here we summarize the recent progress in elucidating the
      structural basis for autophagosome formation.

PMID- 27656201
TI  - A Modified MinMax k-Means Algorithm Based on PSO.
AB  - The MinMax k-means algorithm is widely used to tackle the effect of bad
      initialization by minimizing the maximum intraclustering errors. Two parameters,
      including the exponent parameter and memory parameter, are involved in the
      executive process. Since different parameters have different clustering errors,
      it is crucial to choose appropriate parameters. In the original algorithm, a
      practical framework is given. Such framework extends the MinMax k-means to
      automatically adapt the exponent parameter to the data set. It has been believed
      that if the maximum exponent parameter has been set, then the programme can reach
      the lowest intraclustering errors. However, our experiments show that this is not
      always correct. In this paper, we modified the MinMax k-means algorithm by PSO to
      determine the proper values of parameters which can subject the algorithm to
      attain the lowest clustering errors. The proposed clustering method is tested on
      some favorite data sets in several different initial situations and is compared
      to the k-means algorithm and the original MinMax k-means algorithm. The
      experimental results indicate that our proposed algorithm can reach the lowest
      clustering errors automatically.

PMID- 27656202
TI  - Select and Cluster: A Method for Finding Functional Networks of Clustered Voxels
      in fMRI.
AB  - Extracting functional connectivity patterns among cortical regions in fMRI
      datasets is a challenge stimulating the development of effective data-driven or
      model based techniques. Here, we present a novel data-driven method for the
      extraction of significantly connected functional ROIs directly from the
      preprocessed fMRI data without relying on a priori knowledge of the expected
      activations. This method finds spatially compact groups of voxels which show a
      homogeneous pattern of significant connectivity with other regions in the brain.
      The method, called Select and Cluster (S&C), consists of two steps: first, a
      dimensionality reduction step based on a blind multiresolution pairwise
      correlation by which the subset of all cortical voxels with significant mutual
      correlation is selected and the second step in which the selected voxels are
      grouped into spatially compact and functionally homogeneous ROIs by means of a
      Support Vector Clustering (SVC) algorithm. The S&C method is described in detail.
      Its performance assessed on simulated and experimental fMRI data is compared to
      other methods commonly used in functional connectivity analyses, such as
      Independent Component Analysis (ICA) or clustering. S&C method simplifies the
      extraction of functional networks in fMRI by identifying automatically spatially
      compact groups of voxels (ROIs) involved in whole brain scale activation
      networks.

PMID- 27656203
TI  - ELM Meets Urban Big Data Analysis: Case Studies.
AB  - In the latest years, the rapid progress of urban computing has engendered big
      issues, which creates both opportunities and challenges. The heterogeneous and
      big volume of data and the big difference between physical and virtual worlds
      have resulted in lots of problems in quickly solving practical problems in urban
      computing. In this paper, we propose a general application framework of ELM for
      urban computing. We present several real case studies of the framework like smog
      related health hazard prediction and optimal retain store placement. Experiments
      involving urban data in China show the efficiency, accuracy, and flexibility of
      our proposed framework.

PMID- 27656204
TI  - Molecular Diversity of Sapovirus Infection in Outpatients Living in Nanjing,
      China (2011-2013).
AB  - Aim. To gain insight into the molecular diversity of sapovirus in outpatients
      with acute gastroenteritis in Nanjing, China. Methods. The specimens from
      outpatients clinically diagnosed as acute gastroenteritis were detected by real
      time PCR; RT-PCR was then performed to amplify part of VP1 sequences. The PCR
      products were cloned into pGEM-T Easy vector and bidirectionally sequenced. All
      sequences were edited and analyzed. A phylogenetic tree was drawn with the MEGA
      5.0 software. Results. Between 2011 and 2013, 16 sapovirus positive cases were
      confirmed by real-time PCR. The infected cases increased from two in 2011 and six
      in 2012 to eight in 2013. The majority was children and the elderly (15, 93.75%)
      and single infections (15, 93.75%). Of the 16 real-time positive specimens, 14
      specimens had PCR products and the analysis data of the 14 nucleic sequences
      showed that there was one GI genogroup with four genotypes, two GI.2 in 2011,
      three GI.2, and one GI.1 in 2012 and one GI.2, three GI.1, two GI.3, and two GI.5
      in 2013. Conclusion. Our data confirmed continuous existing of GI genogroup and
      GI.2 genotype from 2011 to 2013 in Nanjing and the successive appearance of
      different genotypes from outpatients with gastroenteritis. 

PMID- 27656205
TI  - Clinical Impact of Viral Load on the Development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and
      Liver-Related Mortality in Patients with Hepatitis C Virus Infection.
AB  - Aim. This study aimed to assess clinical impact of hepatitis C viral load on the
      development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver-related mortality in HCV
      infected patients. Methods. A total of 111 subjects with chronic HCV infection
      who were available for serum quantitation of HCV RNA were recruited in this
      retrospective cohort. Cox-proportional hazards models were used to calculate
      hazard ratio (HR) of developing HCC and liver-related mortality according to
      serum HCV RNA titers. Results. HCC was developed in 14 patients during follow-up
      period. The cumulative risk of HCC development was higher in subjects with high
      HCV RNA titer (log HCV RNA IU/mL > 6) than subjects with low titer (log HCV RNA
      IU/mL ? 6) (HR = 4.63, P = 0.032), giving an incidence rate of 474.1 and 111.5
      per 10,000 person-years, respectively. Old age (HR = 9.71, P = 0.014),
      accompanying cirrhosis (HR = 19.34, P = 0.004), and low platelet count (HR =
      13.97, P = 0.009) were other independent risk factors for the development of HCC.
      Liver-related death occurred in 7 patients. Accompanying cirrhosis (HR = 6.13, P
      = 0.012) and low albumin level (HR = 9.17, P = 0.002), but not HCV RNA titer,
      were significant risk factors related to liver-related mortality. Conclusion.
      Serum HCV RNA titer may be considered an independent risk factor for the
      development of HCC but not liver-related mortality. 

PMID- 27656206
TI  - Treatment with Antiangiogenic Drugs in Multiple Lines in Patients with Metastatic
      Colorectal Cancer: Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials.
AB  - Background. In metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), continuing antiangiogenic
      drugs beyond progression might provide clinical benefit. We synthesized the
      available evidence in a meta-analysis. Patients and Methods. We conducted a meta
      analysis of studies investigating the use of antiangiogenic drugs beyond
      progression. Eligible studies were randomized phase II/III trials. Primary
      endpoints were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS).
      Secondary endpoints were the impact of continuing antiangiogenic drugs (i) in
      subgroups, (ii) in different types of compounds targeting the VEGF-axis
      (monoclonal antibodies versus tyrosine kinase inhibitors), and (iii) on remission
      rates and prevention of progression. Results. Eight studies (3,668 patients) were
      included. Continuing antiangiogenic treatment beyond progression significantly
      improved PFS (HR 0.64; 95%-CI, 0.55-0.75) and OS (HR 0.83; 95%-CI, 0.76-0.89).
      PFS was significantly improved in all subgroups with comparable HR. OS was
      improved in all subgroups stratified by age, gender, and ECOG status. The rate of
      patients achieving at least stable disease was improved with an OR of 2.25 (95%
      CI, 1.41-3.58). Conclusions. This analysis shows a significant PFS and OS benefit
      as well as a benefit regarding disease stabilization when using antiangiogenic
      drugs beyond progression in mCRC. Future studies should focus on the optimal
      sequence of administering antiangiogenic drugs. 

PMID- 27656207
TI  - Differences in miRNA and mRNA Profile of Papillary Thyroid Cancer Variants.
AB  - Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) can be divided into classical variant of PTC
      (cPTC), follicular variant of PTC (fvPTC), and tall cell variant (tcPTC). These
      variants differ in their histopathology and cytology; however, their molecular
      background is not clearly understood. Our results shed some new light on
      papillary thyroid cancer biology as new direct miRNA-gene regulations are
      discovered. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) 466 thyroid cancer samples were
      studied in parallel datasets to discover potential miRNA-mRNA regulations.
      Additionally, miRNAs and genes differentiating PTC variants (cPTC, fvPTC, and
      tcPTC) were indicated. Putative miRNA regulatory pairs were discovered: hsa-miR
      146b-5p with PHKB and IRAK1, hsa-miR-874-3p with ITGB4 characteristic for classic
      PTC samples, and hsa-miR-152-3p with TGFA characteristic for follicular variant
      PTC samples. MiRNA-mRNA regulations discovery opens a new perspective in
      understanding of PTC biology. Furthermore, our successful pipeline of miRNA-mRNA
      regulatory pathways discovery could serve as a universal tool to find new miRNA
      mRNA regulations, also in different datasets. 

PMID- 27656208
TI  - Baseline Body Composition in Prepubertal Short Stature Children with Severe and
      Moderate Growth Hormone Deficiency.
AB  - Objective. To compare body composition parameters in short children with severe
      versus moderate and no growth hormone deficiency (GHD). Design and Method. 61
      children (40 boys) were studied. Height SDS, BMI Z-score, waist/height ratio
      (W/HtR), and body composition parameters (BIA) as fat tissue (FAT%), fat-free
      mass (FFM%), predicted muscle mass (PMM%), and total body water (TBW%) were
      evaluated. GH secretion in the overnight profile and two stimulation tests and
      insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) level were measured. Results. Overall, in 16
      (26%) moderate (7.0 > peak GH < 10 ng/mL) and in 11 (18%) severe (GH <= 7.0
      ng/mL) GHD was diagnosed. In children with sGHD BMI Z-score, W/HtR and FAT% were
      significantly higher, while FFM%, PMM%, and TBW% were significantly lower versus
      mGHD and versus noGHD subgroups. No significant differences between mGHD and
      noGHD were found. There were no differences in height SDS and IGF-1 SDS between
      evaluated subgroups. Night GH peak level correlated significantly with FAT%,
      FFM%, PMM%, and TBW%, (p < 0.05) in the entire group. Conclusions. Only sGHD is
      associated with significant impairment of body composition. Body composition
      analysis may be a useful tool in distinguishing between its severe and moderate
      form of GHD. 

PMID- 27656209
TI  - 4-Phenylbutyric Acid Attenuates Pancreatic Beta-Cell Injury in Rats with
      Experimental Severe Acute Pancreatitis.
AB  - Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is a particular process with an imbalance of
      homeostasis, which plays an important role in pancreatitis, but little is known
      about how ER stress is implicated in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) induced
      pancreatic beta-cell injury. To investigate the effect of 4-phenylbutyric acid (4
      PBA) on the beta-cell injury following SAP and the underlying mechanism, twenty
      four Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham-operation (SO) group,
      SAP model group, and 4-PBA treatment group. SAP model was induced by infusion of
      5% sodium taurocholate into the biliopancreatic duct. 4-PBA or normal saline was
      injected intraperitoneally for 3 days in respective group before successful
      modeling. Results showed that 4-PBA attenuated the following: (1) pancreas and
      islet pathological injuries, (2) serum TNF-alpha and IL-1beta, (3) serum insulin
      and glucose, (4) beta-cell ultrastructural changes, (5) ER stress markers (BiP,
      ORP150, and CHOP), Caspase-3, and insulin expression in islet. These results
      suggested that 4-PBA mitigates pancreatic beta-cell injury and endocrine disorder
      in SAP, presumably because of its role in inhibiting excessive endoplasmic
      reticulum stress. This may serve as a new therapeutic target for reducing
      pancreatic beta-cell injury and endocrine disorder in SAP upon 4-PBA treatment. 

PMID- 27656210
TI  - X-Linked Adrenal Hypoplasia Congenita in a Boy due to a Novel Deletion of the
      Entire NR0B1 (DAX1) and MAGEB1-4 Genes.
AB  - X-linked Adrenal Hypoplasia Congenita (AHC) is caused by deletions or point
      mutations in the NR0B1 (DAX1) gene. We present a boy with AHC who came at the age
      of 25 days in a severe state due to prolonged vomiting and progressive
      dehydration. Laboratory studies showed prominent hyponatremia and hyperkaliemia
      but not hypoglycemia. Primary adrenal insufficiency was confirmed with low serum
      cortisol levels and high plasma ACTH levels. Hydrocortisone therapy combined with
      saline and glucose infusions was started immediately after blood collection. Two
      exons of the NR0B1 (DAX1) gene were impossible to amplify using the standard PCR
      method. Array CGH was used to confirm the putative copy-number variation of NR0B1
      (DAX1) revealing a novel hemizygous deletion encompassing the entire NR0B1 (DAX1)
      gene together with the MAGEB genes. This genetic defect was also present in
      heterozygosity in the patient's mother. We show that NR0B1 (DAX1) gene analysis
      is important for confirmation of AHC diagnosis and highlights the role of genetic
      counseling in families with AHC patients, particularly those with X chromosome
      microdeletions, covering more than NR0B1 (DAX1) alone. We hope that further
      clinical follow-up of this patient and his family will shed a new light on the
      role of MAGEB genes. 

PMID- 27656211
TI  - Serum Adiponectin Level as a Predictor of Subclinical Cushing's Syndrome in
      Patients with Adrenal Incidentaloma.
AB  - Subclinical Cushing's syndrome (SCS) is a condition of slight but chronic
      cortisol excess in patients with adrenal incidentaloma (AI) without typical signs
      and symptoms of Cushing's syndrome. Adiponectin has potent roles in modulating
      energy balance and metabolic homeostasis and acts in opposition to
      glucocorticoids. This study aimed to evaluate adiponectin level in SCS and
      nonfunctional AI (NAI) patients and its relation with metabolic parameters.
      Patients with AI (n = 40) and metabolically healthy controls (n = 30) were
      included. In AI patients and controls, detailed medical history assessment,
      physical examinations, anthropometric measurements, and laboratory measurements
      were performed. Age, body mass index, waist circumference, and lipid profiles
      were significantly higher and waist-to-hip ratio and adiponectin level were
      significantly lower in the AI patients than in the controls. The midnight
      cortisol and urinary free cortisol levels were significantly higher in the SCS
      patients (n = 8) than in the NAI patients (n = 32). Adiponectin level of the SCS
      group was significantly lower than those of the NAI and control groups. The
      sensitivity and specificity for an adiponectin level of <=13.00 ng/mL in
      predicting the presence of SCS were 87.5% and 77.4%, respectively. In conclusion,
      adiponectin is valuable in predicting the presence of SCS in AI patients. 

PMID- 27656212
TI  - Fracture Resistance of Endodontically Treated Maxillary Premolars Restored by
      Various Direct Filling Materials: An In Vitro Study.
AB  - The aim of this study is to compare the effect of various restorative materials
      on fracture resistance in maxillary premolars. Premolars (n = 64) with no
      restorations or cracks were selected. MOD cavities were prepared considering the
      buccolingual width to be equal to half of the intercuspal distance. The specimens
      were randomly divided into 8 groups, 8 specimens each: group A intact teeth,
      group B unfilled cavity, group C composite made by oblique layering technique,
      group D composite with 2 mm cusp coverage, group E bulk-filled posterior
      composite, group F glass-ionomer, group G amalgam, and group H composite with
      proximal boxes. The specimens were subjected to an axial compression load with
      the mean values of fracture resistance in group A: 1289 N, group B: 181.75 N,
      group C: 445.38 N, group D: 645.88 N, group E: 355.13 N, group F: 352.00 N, group
      G: 191.38 N, and group H: 572.00 N. There was no significant difference between
      groups B and G, between C and D, E, and F, and between group D and H. All other
      measurements were statistically significant. We conclude that composite
      restoration with cusp coverage is the most ideal nonprosthetic solution for
      endodontically treated teeth. Cusp coverage increases the fracture resistance
      compared to the conventional cavity design. 

PMID- 27656213
TI  - Unintended Pregnancy in Ethiopia: Community Based Cross-Sectional Study.
AB  - Introduction. Unintended pregnancy is defined as a pregnancy which is a sum of
      mistimed pregnancy (pregnancy wanted at a later time) and unwanted pregnancy
      (pregnancy which is not wanted at all). Unintended pregnancy is a global public
      health problem and its sequels are major causes for maternal and neonatal
      morbidity and mortality with its effect to maternal metal illness as well.
      Objective. To determine the prevalence and associated factors of unintended
      pregnancy in Debre Birhan town, northeast of Ethiopia, in 2014. Method. Community
      based cross-sectional study and questionnaire developed from Ethiopian
      demographic health survey 2011. Participants were 690 currently pregnant mothers.
      Association of unintended pregnancy with factors was measured with bivariate and
      multivariate logistic regressions. Result. In this study unintended pregnancy is
      found to be 23.5%. Being formerly married and never married, distance to the
      nearest health facility >80 minutes, gravidity >5, 1-2 parity, and partner
      disagreement on desired number of children are the variables significantly
      associated with unintended pregnancy. Conclusion. Significant proportion of
      unintended pregnancy is found in the study area. To minimize unintended pregnancy
      concerned bodies should work on the identified factors, so we can minimize
      maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality and keep the health of the family
      specifically and country in general. 

PMID- 27656214
TI  - Transplanted Endothelial Progenitor Cells Improve Ischemia Muscle Regeneration in
      Mice by Diffusion Tensor MR Imaging.
AB  - Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play an important role in repairing ischemia
      tissues. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was applied to detect the architectural
      organization of skeletal muscle. This study investigated the feasibility and
      accuracy of using the DTI to evaluate effectiveness of EPCs treatment. Mouse bone
      marrow-derived EPCs were isolated, cultured, characterized, and transplanted to
      hindlimb ischemia mice model. DTI was performed on the hindlimb at postischemia
      time points. The edema regions of diffusion restriction (high signal in diffusion
      weighted imaging) were decreased in the ischemic muscle of EPCs treated mice
      after 14 days compared with the controls. These results from DTI show the lower
      apparent diffusion coefficient and eigenvalues (lambda1, lambda2, and lambda3)
      and the higher fractional anisotropy and fiber counts of ischemic muscle on 7 and
      14 days after EPCs treatment compared to the controls. There was a significant
      correlation between fiber counts calculated by DTI and survival fibers evaluated
      by histological section (r = 0.873, P < 0.01). Our study demonstrated that the
      time frame for muscle fiber regeneration after EPCs transplantation was
      significantly shortened in vivo. DTI could be a useful tool for noninvasive
      evaluation of muscle tissue damage and repair in animal models and patient with
      ischemic diseases. 

PMID- 27656215
TI  - Dynamic Tracking of Injected Mesenchymal Stem Cells after Myocardial Infarction
      in Rats: A Serial 7T MRI Study.
AB  - Purpose. To track the fate of micron-sized particles of iron oxide (MPIO) labeled
      mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in vivo in a rat myocardial infarction model using
      7T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. Materials and Methods. Male MSCs (2
      * 10(6)/50 MUL) dual-labeled with MPIO and CM-DiI were injected into the infarct
      periphery 7 days after myocardial infarction (MI). The control group received
      cell-free media injection. The temporal stem cell location, signal intensity, and
      cardiac function were dynamically assessed using a 7T MRI at 24 h before
      transplantation (baseline), 3 days, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks after transplantation,
      respectively. Results. MR hypointensities caused by MPIOs were observed on T2(*)
      weighted images at all time points after MSCs injection. Cine-MRI showed that
      MSCs moderated progressive left ventricular remodeling. Double staining for iron
      and CD68 revealed that most of the iron-positive cells were CD68-positive
      macrophages. Real-time PCR for rat SRY gene showed the number of survival MSCs
      considerably decreased after transplantation. MSC-treated hearts had
      significantly increased capillary density in peri-infarct region and lower
      cardiomyocytes apoptosis and fibrosis formation. Conclusions. Iron particles are
      not a reliable marker for in vivo tracking the long-term fate of MSCs
      engraftment. Despite of poor cell retention, MSCs moderate left ventricular
      remodeling after MI. 

PMID- 27656217
TI  - Clinical Efficacy and Meta-Analysis of Stem Cell Therapies for Patients with
      Brain Ischemia.
AB  - Objective. Systematic review and meta-analysis to observe the efficacy and safety
      of stem cell transplantation therapy in patients with brain ischemia. Methods. We
      searched Cochrane Library, PubMed, Ovid, CBM, CNKI, WanFang, and VIP Data from
      its inception to December 2015, to collect randomized controlled trials (RCT) of
      stem cell transplantation for the ischemic stroke. Two authors independently
      screened the literature according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria,
      extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias. Thereafter, meta-analysis was
      performed. Results. Sixteen studies and eighteen independent treatments were
      included in the current meta-analysis. The results based upon the pooled mean
      difference from baseline to follow-up points showed that the stem cell
      transplantation group was superior to the control group with statistical
      significance in the neurologic deficits score (NIHSS, MD = 1.57; 95% CI, 0.64
      2.51; I (2) = 57%; p = 0.001), motor function (FMA, MD = 4.23; 95% CI, 3.08-5.38;
      I (2) = 0%; p < 0.00001), daily life ability (Barthel, MD = 8.37; 95% CI, 4.83
      11.91; I (2) = 63%; p < 0.00001), and functional independence (FIM, MD = 8.89;
      95% CI, 4.70-13.08; I (2) = 79%; p < 0.0001). Conclusions. It is suggested that
      the stem cell transplantation therapy for patients with brain ischemic stroke can
      significantly improve the neurological deficits and daily life quality, with no
      serious adverse events. However, higher quality and larger data studies are
      required for further investigation to support clinical application of stem cell
      transplantation. 

PMID- 27656216
TI  - Biological Effects of Culture Substrates on Human Pluripotent Stem Cells.
AB  - In recent years, as human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) have been commonly
      cultured in feeder-free conditions, a number of cell culture substrates have been
      applied or developed. However, the functional roles of these substrates in
      maintaining hPSC self-renewal remain unclear. Here in this review, we summarize
      the types of these substrates and their effect on maintaining hPSC self-renewal.
      Endogenous extracellular matrix (ECM) protein expression has been shown to be
      crucial in maintaining hPSC self-renewal. These ECM molecules interact with
      integrin cell-surface receptors and transmit their cellular signaling. We discuss
      the possible effect of integrin-mediated signaling pathways on maintaining hPSC
      self-renewal. Activation of integrin-linked kinase (ILK), which transmits ECM
      integrin signaling to AKT (also known as protein kinase B), has been shown to be
      critical in maintaining hPSC self-renewal. Also, since naive pluripotency has
      been widely recognized as an alternative pluripotent state of hPSCs, we discuss
      the possible effects of culture substrates and integrin signaling on naive hPSCs
      based on the studies of mouse embryonic stem cells. Understanding the role of
      culture substrates in hPSC self-renewal and differentiation enables us to control
      hPSC behavior precisely and to establish scalable or microfabricated culture
      technologies for regenerative medicine and drug development. 

PMID- 27656218
TI  - Comparison of Stemness and Gene Expression between Gingiva and Dental Follicles
      in Children.
AB  - The aim of this study was to compare the differential gene expression and
      stemness in the human gingiva and dental follicles (DFs) according to their
      biological characteristics. Gingiva (n = 9) and DFs (n = 9) were collected from
      18 children. Comparative gene expression profiles were collected using cDNA
      microarray. The expression of development, chemotaxis, mesenchymal stem cells
      (MSCs), and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSs) related genes was assessed by
      quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).
      Histological analysis was performed using hematoxylin-eosin and
      immunohistochemical staining. Gingiva had greater expression of genes related to
      keratinization, ectodermal development, and chemotaxis whereas DFs exhibited
      higher expression levels of genes related to tooth and embryo development. qRT
      PCR analysis showed that the expression levels of iPSc factors including SOX2,
      KLF4, and C-MYC were 58.5 +/- 26.3, 12.4 +/- 3.5, and 12.2 +/- 1.9 times higher
      in gingiva and VCAM1 (CD146) and ALCAM (CD166) were 33.5 +/- 6.9 and 4.3 +/- 0.8
      times higher in DFs. Genes related to MSCs markers including CD13, CD34, CD73,
      CD90, and CD105 were expressed at higher levels in DFs. The results of qRT-PCR
      and IHC staining supported the microarray analysis results. Interestingly, this
      study demonstrated transcription factors of iPS cells were expressed at higher
      levels in the gingiva. Given the minimal surgical discomfort and simple
      accessibility, gingiva is a good candidate stem cell source in regenerative
      dentistry. 

PMID- 27656219
TI  - Nutritional Status and Intestinal Parasite in School Age Children: A Comparative
      Cross-Sectional Study.
AB  - Background. The objectives of this study were to determine the burden of
      underweight and intestinal parasitic infection in the urban and rural elementary
      school children. Methods. A comparative cross-sectional study design was
      conducted. Binary logistic regression was used to identify the determinants of
      malnutrition or intestinal parasites. Two independent samples' t-test was used to
      identify the effect of malnutrition on school performance or hemoglobin level.
      Results. A total of 2372 students were included. Quarters (24.8%) of school
      children were underweight. Underweight was associated with sex [adjusted odds
      ratio (AOR) 0.61; 95% CI = 0.47-0.78], age [AOR = 0.21; 95% CI = 0.16-0.28],
      intestinal parasitic infection [AOR 2.67; 95% CI = 2-3.55], and family size [AOR
      23; 95% CI = 17.67-30.02]. The prevalence of intestinal parasite among school
      children was 61.7% [95% CI = 60%-64%]. Shoe wearing practice [AOR 0.71; 95% CI =
      0.58-0.87], personal hygiene [AOR 0.8; 95% CI = 0.65-0.99], availability of
      latrine [AOR 0.34; 95% CI = 0.27-0.44], age [AOR 0.58; 95% CI = 0.48-0.7], habit
      of eating raw vegetables [AOR 3.71; 95% CI = 3.01-4.46], and family size [AOR
      1.96; 95% CI = 1.57-2.45] were the predictors of intestinal parasitic infection. 

PMID- 27656221
TI  - Evaluation of immunogenicity and protective efficacy of a liposome containing
      Brucella abortus S19 outer membrane protein in BALB/c mice.
AB  - The use of liposome as an adjuvant and a vaccine carrier has been cited
      previously in the literature. It has also been shown to be effective in enhancing
      the immunogenicity of vaccine candidates. BALB/c mice immunized subcutaneously
      with outer membrane protein (OMP) of Brucella abortus S19 vaccine strain
      entrapped in a commercial cationic liposome (S19-OMP-liposome) for vaccine
      delivery, showed enhanced protection (P<0.05) compared to groups of mice
      inoculated with S19 OMP alone, S19 live B. abortus vaccine and liposome alone,
      when challenged intra-peritoneally with virulent B. abortus strain 544 at 30 days
      post-immunization (DPI). The S19-OMP-liposome preparation was found to be safer
      compared to the live B. abortus S19 vaccine at 15 days post challenge (DPC), as
      evidenced by the significant difference in spleen weight between S19-OMP
      liposome, S19 OMP and S19 live as well as the liposome control groups (P<0.01).
      Antibody isotype response profiles of the experimental groups indicated that the
      immune response was Th1 cell mediated. The protective advantage conferred to mice
      immunized with S19-OMP entrapped in liposome over those immunized with the live
      B. abortus S19 version, could probably be related to the significantly different
      response of IgG2b at 30 DPI (P<0.01), IgG2a (P<0.01), IgG2b (P<0.01) and IgG3
      (P<0.05) at the DPC stages, respectively. 

PMID- 27656222
TI  - Evaluation of the efficacy of a new oil-based adjuvant ISA 61 VG FMD vaccine as a
      potential vaccine for cattle.
AB  - Foot-and-mouth disease is an important viral disease of cloven-hoofed animals.
      Inactivated whole particle virus vaccines are still widely used in prophylactic
      vaccination campaigns. The choice of adjuvant is a very important factor in
      enhancing immune responses and the efficacy of inactivated vaccines. Montanide
      ISA 61 VG is a new ready-to-use mineral oil-based adjuvant developed by SEPPIC
      Inc. (SEPPIC, France) with high-potential immune responses needed for clinical
      protection against FMD infection. In this study, we compared the efficacy of two
      FMD vaccines either formulated with the new oil-based adjuvant ISA 61 VG and
      saponin, or with aluminum hydroxide gel and saponin. Both vaccines contained the
      same antigen payloads of O2010/IR. Two groups of 15 naive cattle received a
      single vaccination with different doses (full dose, 1/3 dose and 1/9 dose) to
      calculate their PD50 (50% protective dose) after being challenged with the
      homologous virulent virus. The mean neutralizing antibody titer was determined at
      0, 7, 14 and 21 days after vaccination, measured by a micro neutralization test.
      The new vaccine improved humoral immune responses by 19%, while inducing a higher
      geometric mean. The titer for neutralizing antibodies was 2.91 log10 compared to
      the alum-gel based adjuvant vaccine which was 2.44 log10 (P-value=0.1782). The
      new vaccine showed a PD50 value of 10.05 as compared to a PD50 value of 4.171,
      respectively. According to the results, the FMD vaccine formulated with the new
      oil adjuvant, ISA 61 VG, shows potential as an alternative vaccine for routine
      and emergency vaccinations in the FMD enzootic region. 

PMID- 27656223
TI  - Influence of naturally unilateral cryptorchidism on the histomorphometry of the
      testes and daily sperm production in West African Dwarf goats.
AB  - Quantitative histology of the descended testis of unilateral cryptorchid bucks
      was compared with testis of normal bucks to evaluate the reproductive potentials
      of the scrotal testis in unilateral cryptorchids, using light microscopy
      techniques. The contralateral scrotal testes of the unilateral cryptorchids and
      the testes of the normal bucks contained profiles of seminiferous epithelium and
      each showed histological evidence of normal activity. The mean heights, lengths,
      lumen diameter, diameter of the seminiferous tubules were significantly higher in
      the contralateral scrotal testes when compared to the retained testes of the
      unilateral cryptorchid bucks (P<0.05). Population of spermatogenic cells per
      testis, and ratio of germ cells to Sertoli cells were not significantly different
      between both groups. The percentage of the testes occupied by various germ cells
      did not differ between the scrotal testis of the cryptorchid bucks and those of
      the normal bucks. The volume occupied by the seminiferous tubules and Leydig
      cells in the contralateral scrotal testis of the unilateral cryptorchid bucks
      were significantly greater than those of the testis of normal bucks (P<0.05).
      From the findings, it appears that the spermatogenic efficiency of the scrotal
      testes of the unilateral cryptorchid bucks was significantly higher than those of
      the normal bucks. 

PMID- 27656220
TI  - Evaluation of Risk Factors for Antibiotic Resistance in Patients with Nosocomial
      Infections Caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
AB  - Background. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is resistant to various
      antibiotics and can cause serious nosocomial infections with high morbidity and
      mortality. In this clinical study, we investigated the risk factors in patients
      who were diagnosed with P. aeruginosa-related nosocomial infection. Methods. A
      retrospective case control study including patients with P. aeruginosa-related
      nosocomial infection. Patients who were resistant to any of the six antibiotics
      (imipenem, meropenem, piperacillin-tazobactam, ciprofloxacin, amikacin, and
      ceftazidime) constituted the study group. Results. One hundred and twenty
      isolates were isolated. Various risk factors were detected for each antibiotic in
      the univariate analysis. In the multivariate analysis, previous cefazolin use was
      found as an independent risk factor for the development of imipenem resistance
      (OR = 3.33; CI 95% [1.11-10.0]; p = 0.03), whereas previous cerebrovascular
      attack (OR = 3.57; CI 95% [1.31-9.76]; p = 0.01) and previous meropenem use (OR =
      4.13; CI 95% [1.21-14.07]; p = 0.02) were independent factors for the development
      of meropenem resistance. For the development of resistance to ciprofloxacin,
      hospitalization in the neurology intensive care unit (OR = 4.24; CI 95% [1.5
      11.98]; p = 0.006) and mechanical ventilator application (OR = 11.7; CI 95% [2.24
      61.45]; p = 0.004) were independent risk factors. Conclusion. The meticulous
      application of contact measures can decrease the rate of nosocomial infections. 

PMID- 27656224
TI  - Detection of dermatophytes in healthy companion dogs and cats in eastern India.
AB  - In recent times increasing occurrence of dermatophytosis, especially among the
      school children in eastern India was evidenced along with increased tendency of
      keeping companion animals such as dogs and cats. This study was undertaken to
      detect the occurrence of dermatophytes with antifungal susceptibility among the
      companion animals. A total of 1501 healthy companion animals comprising 1209 dogs
      and 292 cats belonged to individual owners in and around Kolkata (West Bengal,
      India) were examined for the evidence of dermatophytosis during 2011-2013. The
      collected samples were subjected to direct examination by standard KOH mount
      technique. The samples were inoculated into both Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA)
      with 0.05% chloramphenicol and 0.5% cycloheximide and dermatophyte test medium
      (DTM). Each of the fungal isolate was identified based upon its colony
      characteristics and hyphal and conidial cells it produced. Antifungal
      susceptibility of the isolates was tested by broth micro dilution assay using
      fluconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole, miconazole, griseofulvin and
      amphotericin-B antifungals. Among the 1209 samples from dogs and 292 samples from
      cats, 253 (20.93%) and 109 (37.33%) samples were positive for dermatophytes by
      direct examination. Three identified species of dermatophytes with predominant
      occurrence were Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum and Trichophyton
      mentagrophytes. Ketoconazole (0.06-0.5 ugm/ml), itraconazole (0.03-0.5 ugm/ml)
      and amphotericin-B (0.03-0.5 ugm/ml) showed lowest MIC values against M. canis,
      T. mentagrophytes and M. gypseum, respectively. This is the first systemic report
      of dermatophytes in healthy companion animals with large numbers of samples in
      India. 

PMID- 27656225
TI  - Techniques for augmentation of exogenous DNA uptake by ovine spermatozoa.
AB  - Sperm mediated gene transfer can be an inexpensive and simple method in animal
      transgenesis; however its efficiency is poor, mainly due to the spermatozoa's
      lesser uptake of exogenous DNA. In the present study, the effects of lipofection
      and other augmentation techniques, such as sperm freezing and spermatozoa
      treatment with triton X100 and DMSO, on exogenous DNA uptake by sheep spermatozoa
      and motility of sperms with plasmid uptake were evaluated. In the first
      experiment, ram sperms were incubated with a complex of rhodamine labeled plasmid
      (p-EGFP) and Lipofectamine 2000(TM). In the second, spermatozoa were treated with
      Triton X-100(TM) or DMSO or were frozen without cryoprotectant. The results
      indicated that there was no significant difference (P<0.05) in the transfection
      rates and in the uptake intensity of lipofected sperms with 300 and 600 ng of
      plasmid in comparison with control group, i.e. transfected without lipofectamine.
      Furthermore, lipofection could not improve sperm motility during true plasmid
      uptake. Almost all of triton X100 treated and frozen-thawed spermatozoa had
      absorbed foreign DNA, though all were immotile. In spermatozoa treated with 0.1%
      DMSO, plasmid absorption rate (69.40%) was significantly higher (P<0.05) than
      untreated spermatozoa (57.80%), but sperm motility was not significantly
      different from control group. In conclusion, lipofectamine((r)) 2000 could
      neither improve transfection rate, nor support motility in transfected sperms.
      The methods inducing membrane disruption like, freeze-thaw and triton X100
      treatment, can be used in ICSI-sperm mediated gene transfer without the need for
      sperm selection, provided that they cause no damage to sperm nucleus. 

PMID- 27656226
TI  - Permethrin-induced oxidative damage in liver of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus
      mykiss) and its attenuation by vitamin C.
AB  - The objective of this study was to investigate the propensity of permethrin (PTN)
      to induce oxidative stress and changes in enzyme activities in liver of rainbow
      trout and its possible attenuation by vitamin C. Forty-eight fish were randomly
      assigned to 1 of 6 treatment groups and their livers were used for liver
      perfusion method: control (0 ugL(-1) permethrin and 0 mgL(-1) vitamin C), PTN
      0.16 (0.16 ugL(-1) permethrin), PTN-0.32 (0.32 ugL(-1) permethrin), PTN-0.64
      (0.64 ugL(-1) permethrin), Vit. C (17.2 mgL(-1) vitamin C), and PTN-0.64 + Vit. C
      (0.64 ugL(-1) permethrin and 17.2 mgL(-1) vitamin C). Results obtained showed
      that permethrin significantly (P<0.05) increased ALT, AST and LDH activities in
      the liver perfusion medium and malondialdehyde (MDA) level in liver tissue. The
      values of reduced glutathione (GSH) and total antioxidant capacity (FRAP) in the
      liver tissue were significantly decreased due to permethrin administration.
      Pearson's correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between MDA
      concentration and ALT, AST and LDH activities in the permethrin groups,
      suggesting that the enhanced lipid peroxidation may be linked to hepatic damage
      caused by permethrin. On the other hand, treatment with vitamin C in the PTN-0.64
      + Vit. C group increased the values of GSH and FRAP, and decreased the level of
      MDA and the activities of hepatic enzymes, when compared to the PTN-0.64 group.
      The present study revealed that vitamin C could ameliorate permethrin-induced
      oxidative damage by decreasing lipid peroxidation and altering antioxidant
      defense system in liver of rainbow trout. 

PMID- 27656227
TI  - Comparative evaluation between chitosan and atorvastatin on serum lipid profile
      changes in hyperlipidemic cats.

PMID- 27656228
TI  - Molecular investigation of Coxiella burnetii infections in aborted sheep in
      eastern Turkey.
AB  - Q fever is a zoonotic disease that occurs worldwide and is caused by the obligate
      intracellular bacterium Coxiella burnetii. The aim of this study was to
      investigate the presence of C. burnetii infection in aborted sheep in eastern
      Turkey using PCR. A total of 200 fetuses were collected from aborted sheep
      belonging to 200 herds in different locations in the eastern part of Turkey.
      Foetal organ samples such as liver, spleen, lung and stomach were taken and the
      DNA was purified from two hundred pooled samples. PCR analysis of C. burnetii
      presence in infected organs was performed, and 4 samples (2%) were found
      positive. In addition, the pooled organ suspensions were inoculated to
      embryonated chicken eggs, and PCR analysis of yolk sacs showed C. burnetii DNA in
      5 samples (2.5%). This study shows that C. burnetii infection has an important
      role in sheep abortions in eastern Anatolia region. 

PMID- 27656229
TI  - Cervical mucus characteristics and hormonal status at insemination of Holstein
      cows.
AB  - The present study was carried out to characterize the cervical mucus (CM)
      collected when inseminating Holstein cows and to relate the secretion pattern
      with pregnancy. The mucus was collected from mid-cervix of 64 cows with
      spontaneus estrus (SE) and induced estrus (IE). The quantity, pattern and
      consistency of the mucus, pH, arborization patterns and the sperm motility were
      observed. The levels of progesterone and estradiol 17beta in serum were also
      determined. Pregnancy detection was performed by means of transrectal
      ultrasonography 60 days after insemination. Mucous secretion of cows with SE was
      significantly different from those with IE, showing a lower degree of
      crystallization (SE 2.00; IE 2.75) and a lower level of steroid hormones (P4: SE
      0.17 ng/ml and IE 0.33 ng/ml (t 1.99547 alpha 0.05); E2: SE 30.95 pg/ml and IE
      47.76 pg/ml (t 1.99495 alpha 0.05). Progesterone level was significantly lower
      and estrogen significantly higher in pregnant cows (P) in relation to that
      observed in non pregnant females (N) (P4: P 0.20 ng/ml and N 0.44 ng/ml (t
      1.99602 alpha 0.05); E2: P 54.77 pg/ml and N 40.75 pg/ml (t 1.99505 alpha 0.05).
      In conclusion pregnancy was associated with acopious, clear and watery discharge
      (similar to egg white), with an arborization degree of 2.25, presence of atypical
      fern leaves together with rosette formations and needles or thorns on rails due
      to low levels of progesterone accompanied by high concentrations of estrogens. 

PMID- 27656230
TI  - Immunohistochemical expression of ghrelin in capsaicin-treated rat ovaries during
      the different developmental periods.
AB  - Red hot pepper is a plant that belongs to the Solanaceae family and is known as
      Capsicum annuum. Capsaicin is the active ingredient of cayenne pepper. Ghrelin is
      a hormone, which consists of polypeptide structure. Ghrelin also contributes to
      growth hormone secretion, energy balance, food intake and body weight regulator.
      The aim of this study was the localization and expression of ghrelin in the
      ovaries of rats treated with capsaicin during the postnatal development. Ninety
      female Sprague-Dawley rats (21 d) were used. The rats were randomly divided into
      3 groups (n=30 each) as pubertal, post pubertal and adult. Each group was
      subdivided into three groups. The first subgroup (control) was given no
      injections. The second subgroup (vehicle) received only 0.3 cc solvent and the
      third subgroup (experiment) received subcutaneous injection of equal volume of
      capsaicin (1 mg/kg/d) for 42, 56, and 70 days. Ghrelin immunoreactivity was
      determined in ovarian follicular granulosa cells, interstitial cells and corpus
      luteal cells. A ghrelin immunopositive reaction located in the cytoplasm of cells
      in all groups. These results indicate that prolonged administration of low dose
      capsaicin does not affect ghrelin expression. However, follicular atresia was
      seen in lower rate in capsaicin treated group in comparison to other groups. 

PMID- 27656231
TI  - Morphological and morphometric study of early-cleavage mice embryos resulting
      from in vitro fertilization at different cleavage stages after vitrification.
AB  - The aim of this study was to examine the possible morphological and morphometric
      changes resulting from vitrification of embryos at the cleavage stage. In this
      study, 30 mice early-cleavage embryos at different stages of cleavage, resulting
      from in vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques, were examined before and after
      vitrification. Digital images were taken from embryos before and after
      vitrification. Zona pellucida thickness, differences in zona pellucida thickness,
      and diameter and volume of blastomeres and embryos as morphometric parameters and
      current rating of appearance of embryos as morphological parameters, have been
      studied. According to our findings, there were significant mean differences in
      all morphometric parameters of the two groups except in the zona pellucid
      thickness (P<=0.05). With regard to the morphological parameter, the decrease in
      embryo quality was observed but it was not significant. According to the results,
      although little quantitative change observed is not necessarily synonymous with
      harmful intracellular damage, it seems that it is better to examine vitrification
      method more accurately. Because by making subtle changes in concentration and
      type of consumed solutions or techniques used, the changes may be minimized. 

PMID- 27656232
TI  - Successful management of an equine carpal chip fracture by intra-articularly
      injected adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction after arthroscopic removal.
AB  - Carpal chip fractures are common causes of lameness in racehorses. Due to
      disadvantages in surgical management, adjuvant treatment modalities are usually
      necessary. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have the potential to differentiate
      into other cell types including bone and cartilage cells. Adipose-derived stromal
      vascular fraction (SVF) is produced during ADSCs isolation from adipose tissue.
      The purpose of this report was to present the successful management of a grade
      III chip fracture in the right carpus of a 5-year-old Thoroughbred gelding by
      intra-articularly injected autologous SVF one month after the arthroscopic
      removal of the fracture. This treatment resulted in lameness improvement and
      short rehabilitation period to previous racing activities. High performance
      levels and no recurrent injuries were recorded during a twenty month follow-up
      period. 

PMID- 27656233
TI  - Administration of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG
      CSF) for the intracranial hemorrhage in two dogs: a case report.
AB  - Two dogs with generalized seizures were evaluated. The dogs were diagnosed with
      traumatic intracranial hemorrhages based on the history, neurological
      examinations, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain. Treatment was
      started with oxygen, prednisolone and anticonvulsant agents. No further seizure
      activity was observed after treatment in both dogs, however cushing reflex was
      detected in case 1 and a left-sided hemi-paresis was detected in case 2. Further
      supportive treatment with recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor
      (rhG-CSF) was attempted. No abnormal signs were noted in either of the dogs and
      no recurrence was noted 16 and 14 months later, in case 1 and 2, respectively.
      These cases indicate that a combination of rhG-CSF treatment with previous
      therapy could be used in dogs with traumatic brain injury. 

PMID- 27656234
TI  - The Role of Interferon Lambda 3 Genetic Polymorphisms in Response to Interferon
      Therapy in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients: An Updated Meta-Analysis.
AB  - CONTEXT: Polymorphisms of the interferon lambda 3 (IFNL3) gene have been proposed
      to be associated with drug-induced clearance of the hepatitis C virus (HCV).
      However, the role of IFNL3 polymorphisms in the prediction of treatment on
      chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients have yielded controversial results. The aim of
      this study was to clarify the role of IFNL3 polymorphisms (rs12979860, rs8099917,
      and rs12980275) in the treatment response of CHB patients to interferon (IFN).
      EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: EMBASE and PUBMED/MEDLINE were searched to identify
      relevant studies from January 2009 to March 2015. The search used the keyword
      "interferon lambda 3" or "IFNL3," combined with the following terms: "interferon
      therapy," "hepatitis," and "polymorphisms." Odds ratios (ORs) and their 95%
      confidence intervals (95% CIs) were used to assess the strength of the
      associations between the polymorphisms and the response to IFN therapy. RESULTS:
      Nine studies of 1602 CHB patients receiving IFN treatment were included. Under
      the random-effects model, patients expressing the variant rs12980275 showed a
      significantly increased response to IFN therapy (OR = 2.85; 95% CI = 1.14 -
      4.60). In the subgroup analyses by antiviral agents, the patients carrying the
      rs8099917T allele in the IFN-only treatment group showed a significantly
      increased response to IFN therapy (OR for the dominant model = 2.03; 95% CI =
      1.24 - 3.31), whereas those in the mixed treatment group showed a significantly
      decreased response (OR for the dominant model = 0.30; 95% CI = 0.10 - 0.90).
      CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the idea that the IFNL3 gene is an important
      predictor of the response of CHB patients to IFN therapy.

PMID- 27656236
TI  - The Induction of Apoptosis in A375 Malignant Melanoma Cells by Sutherlandia
      frutescens.
AB  - Sutherlandia frutescens is a medicinal plant indigenous to Southern Africa and is
      commonly known as the "cancer bush." This plant has traditionally been used for
      the treatment of various ailments, although it is best known for its claims of
      activity against "internal" cancers. Here we report on its effect on melanoma
      cells. The aim of this study was to investigate whether an extract of S.
      frutescens could induce apoptosis in the A375 melanoma cell line and to outline
      the basic mechanism of action. S. frutescens extract induced apoptosis in A375
      cells as evidenced by morphological features of apoptosis, phosphatidylserine
      exposure, nuclear condensation, caspase activation, and the release of cytochrome
      c from the mitochondria. Studies in the presence of a pan-caspase inhibitor
      allude to caspase-independent cell death, which appeared to be mediated by the
      apoptosis inducing factor. Taken together, the results of this study show that S.
      frutescens extract is effective in inducing apoptosis in malignant melanoma cells
      and indicates that further in vivo mechanistic studies may be warranted. 

PMID- 27656235
TI  - Establishing Natural Nootropics: Recent Molecular Enhancement Influenced by
      Natural Nootropic.
AB  - Nootropics or smart drugs are well-known compounds or supplements that enhance
      the cognitive performance. They work by increasing the mental function such as
      memory, creativity, motivation, and attention. Recent researches were focused on
      establishing a new potential nootropic derived from synthetic and natural
      products. The influence of nootropic in the brain has been studied widely. The
      nootropic affects the brain performances through number of mechanisms or
      pathways, for example, dopaminergic pathway. Previous researches have reported
      the influence of nootropics on treating memory disorders, such as Alzheimer's,
      Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases. Those disorders are observed to impair
      the same pathways of the nootropics. Thus, recent established nootropics are
      designed sensitively and effectively towards the pathways. Natural nootropics
      such as Ginkgo biloba have been widely studied to support the beneficial effects
      of the compounds. Present review is concentrated on the main pathways, namely,
      dopaminergic and cholinergic system, and the involvement of amyloid precursor
      protein and secondary messenger in improving the cognitive performance. 

PMID- 27656237
TI  - The Efficacy and Safety of Chinese Herbal Decoction in Type 2 Diabetes: A 5-Year
      Retrospective Study.
AB  - Background. The study was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of Chinese
      herbal decoction in treating outpatients with T2DM. Methods. All patients
      enrolled received decoction for at least 6 months. The primary outcome was the
      control rate of HbA1c and the change in HbA1c. FPG, 2hPG, HOMA-IR, and HOMA-beta
      were also collected and evaluated. Results. The control rates after treatment at
      months 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, and 60 were 45.07%, 52.78%, 47.22%, 45.83%, 50.00%,
      57.14%, and 40.00%. Multiple linear regression showed the change of HbA1c has a
      significant relationship with the baseline HbA1c and duration of DM and BMI (p <
      0.05). Both FPG and 2hPG levels significantly decreased compared to the baseline
      (p < 0.05). Chinese herbal decoction also improved islet cell function with
      decreased HOMA-IR and increased HOMA-beta (p < 0.05). 19 and 4 subjects
      deactivated the antidiabetes drugs or insulin, respectively, after taking
      decoction. One subject developed DKD and one developed DPN, and another subject
      showed abnormal liver function which was irrelevant to decoction treatment.
      Conclusions. Chinese herbal decoction significantly enhanced the hypoglycemic
      action and had certain effect on protecting islet cell function. As a candidate
      diabetes therapy, it may reduce the use of antidiabetes drugs and slow the
      progression to diabetes complications. 

PMID- 27656238
TI  - Xianfanghuomingyin, a Chinese Compound Medicine, Modulates the Proliferation and
      Differentiation of T Lymphocyte in a Collagen-Induced Arthritis Mouse Model.
AB  - In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), xianfanghuomingyin (XFHM) is used to treat
      autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Here, we studied the
      mechanisms underlying its treatment effects, especially its anti-inflammatory
      effects in a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model. We found that
      cartilage destruction and pannus formation were alleviated by treatment with
      XFHM. The abnormal differentiation of Th1 and Th17 cells was downregulated
      significantly by XFHM, and Th2 and Treg cells were upregulated. Moreover, the
      expression levels of specific cytokines and transcription factors related to Th1
      cells (interferon gamma [IFNgamma], T-bet) and Th17 cells (interleukin- [IL-] 17)
      and the nuclear receptor retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor-gamma
      (RORgamma) were downregulated. Serum IL-4 and GATA-3, which contribute to Th2
      cells differentiation, increased significantly after XFHM administration. These
      results indicate that XFHM can restore the balance of T lymphocytes and
      reestablish the immunological tolerance to inhibit autoinflammatory disorder of
      RA. Taken together, XFHM can be used as a complementary or alternative
      traditional medicine to treat RA. 

PMID- 27656239
TI  - Effervescent Granules Prepared Using Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. and Moso Bamboo
      Leaves: Hypoglycemic Activity in HepG2 Cells.
AB  - Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. (E. ulmoides Oliv.) and moso bamboo (Phyllostachys
      pubescens) leaves are used as folk medicines in central-western China to treat
      diabetes. To investigate the hypoglycemic activity of the effervescent granules
      prepared using E. ulmoides Oliv. and moso bamboo leaves (EBEG) in HepG2 cells,
      EBEG were prepared with 5% of each of polysaccharides and chlorogenic acids from
      moso bamboo and E. ulmoides Oliv. leaves, respectively. HepG2 cells cultured in a
      high-glucose medium were classified into different groups. The results displayed
      EBEG-treated cells showed better glucose utilization than the negative controls;
      thus, the hypoglycemic effect of EBEG was much greater than that of granules
      prepared using either component alone, thereby indicating that this effect was
      due to a synergistic action of the components. Further, glucose consumption
      levels in the cells treated with EBEG (156.35% at 200 MUg/mL) and the positive
      controls (metformin, 162.29%; insulin, 161.52%) were similar. Thus, EBEG
      exhibited good potential for use as a natural antidiabetic agent. The
      hypoglycemic effect of EBEG could be due to the synergistic action of
      polysaccharides from the moso bamboo leaves and chlorogenic acids from E.
      ulmoides Oliv. leaves via the inhibition of alpha-glucosidase and glucose-6
      phosphate displacement enzyme. 

PMID- 27656240
TI  - To Set Up a Logistic Regression Prediction Model for Hepatotoxicity of Chinese
      Herbal Medicines Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory.
AB  - Aims. To establish a logistic regression (LR) prediction model for hepatotoxicity
      of Chinese herbal medicines (HMs) based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)
      theory and to provide a statistical basis for predicting hepatotoxicity of HMs.
      Methods. The correlations of hepatotoxic and nonhepatotoxic Chinese HMs with four
      properties, five flavors, and channel tropism were analyzed with chi-square test
      for two-way unordered categorical data. LR prediction model was established and
      the accuracy of the prediction by this model was evaluated. Results. The
      hepatotoxic and nonhepatotoxic Chinese HMs were related with four properties (p <
      0.05), and the coefficient was 0.178 (p < 0.05); also they were related with five
      flavors (p < 0.05), and the coefficient was 0.145 (p < 0.05); they were not
      related with channel tropism (p > 0.05). There were totally 12 variables from
      four properties and five flavors for the LR. Four variables, warm and neutral of
      the four properties and pungent and salty of five flavors, were selected to
      establish the LR prediction model, with the cutoff value being 0.204.
      Conclusions. Warm and neutral of the four properties and pungent and salty of
      five flavors were the variables to affect the hepatotoxicity. Based on such
      results, the established LR prediction model had some predictive power for
      hepatotoxicity of Chinese HMs. 

PMID- 27656241
TI  - Diosgenin and 5-Methoxypsoralen Ameliorate Insulin Resistance through ER
      alpha/PI3K/Akt-Signaling Pathways in HepG2 Cells.
AB  - To determine the effects and the underlying mechanism of diosgenin (DSG) and 5
      methoxypsoralen (5-MOP), two main active components in the classical Chinese
      prescription Hu-Lu-Ba-Wan (HLBW), on insulin resistance, HepG2 cells were
      incubated in medium containing insulin. Treatments with DSG, 5-MOP, and their
      combination were performed, respectively. The result showed that the incubation
      of HepG2 cells with high concentration insulin markedly decreased glucose
      consumption and glycogen synthesis. However, treatment with DSG, 5-MOP, or their
      combination significantly reversed the condition and increased the phosphorylated
      expression of estrogen receptor-alpha (ERalpha), sarcoma (Src), Akt/protein
      kinase B, glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK-3beta), and the p85 regulatory
      subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase p85 (PI3Kp85). At the transcriptional
      level, expression of the genes mentioned above also increased except for the
      negative regulation of GSK-3beta mRNA. The increased expression of glucose
      transport-4 (GLUT-4) was meanwhile observed through immunofluorescence.
      Nevertheless, the synergistic effect of DSG and 5-MOP on improving
      glycometabolism was not obvious in the present study. These results suggested
      that DSG and 5-MOP may improve insulin resistance through an ER-mediated PI3K/Akt
      activation pathway which may be a new strategy for type 2 diabetes mellitus,
      especially for women in an estrogen-deficient condition. 

PMID- 27656244
TI  - Polar Pattern Formation in Driven Filament Systems Require Non-Binary Particle
      Collisions.
AB  - Living matter has the extraordinary ability to behave in a concerted manner,
      which is exemplified throughout nature ranging from the self-organisation of the
      cytoskeleton to flocks of animals [1-4]. The microscopic dynamics of constituents
      have been linked to the system's meso- or macroscopic behaviour in silico via the
      Boltzmann equation for propelled particles [5-10]. Thereby, simplified binary
      collision rules between the constituents had to be assumed due to the lack of
      experimental data. We report here experimentally determined binary collision
      statistics by studying the recently introduced molecular system, the high density
      actomyosin motility assay [11-13]. We demonstrate that the alignment effect of
      the binary collision statistics is too weak to account for the observed ordering
      transition. The transition density for polar pattern formation decreases
      quadratically with filament length, which indicates that multi-filament
      collisions drive the observed ordering phenomenon and that a gas-like picture
      cannot explain the transition of the system to polar order. The presented
      findings demonstrate that the unique properties of biological active matter
      systems require a description that goes well beyond a gas-like picture developed
      in the framework of kinetic theories.

PMID- 27656243
TI  - An Aqueous Extract of Marine Microalgae Exhibits Antimetastatic Activity through
      Preferential Killing of Suspended Cancer Cells and Anticolony Forming Activity.
AB  - Research on marine natural products as potential anticancer agents is still
      limited. In the present study, an aqueous extract of a Canadian marine microalgal
      preparation was assessed for anticancer activities using various assays and cell
      lines of human cancers, including lung, prostate, stomach, breast, and pancreatic
      cancers, as well as an osteosarcoma. In vitro, the microalgal extract exhibited
      marked anticolony forming activity. In addition, it was more toxic, as indicated
      by increased apoptosis, to nonadherent cells (grown in suspension) than to
      adherent cells. In vivo, an antimetastatic effect of the extract was observed in
      NOD-SCID mice carrying subrenal capsule xenografts of PC3 prostate cancer cells.
      The results of the present study suggest that the antimetastatic effect of the
      aqueous microalgal extract is based on inhibition of colony forming ability of
      cancer cells and the preferential killing of suspended cancer cells. Further
      research aimed at identification of the molecular basis of the anticancer
      activities of the microalgal extract appears to be warranted. 

PMID- 27656242
TI  - PI3K-GLUT4 Signal Pathway Associated with Effects of EX-B3 Electroacupuncture on
      Hyperglycemia and Insulin Resistance of T2DM Rats.
AB  - Objectives. To explore electroacupuncture's (EA's) effects on fasting blood
      glucose (FBG) and insulin resistance of type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM) model
      rats and give a possible explanation for the effects. Method. It takes high fat
      diet and intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 30 mg/kg) for model
      preparation. Model rats were randomly divided into T2DM Model group, EA
      weiwanxiashu (EX-B3) group, and sham EA group (n = 12/group). EA (2 Hz continuous
      wave, 2 mA, 20 min/day, 6 days/week, 4 weeks) was applied as intervention. FBG,
      area under curve (AUC) of oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), insulin resistance
      index (HOMA-IR), pancreatic B cell function index (HOMA-B), skeletal muscle
      phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), glucose transporter 4
      (GLUT4), and membrane GLUT4 protein expression were measured. Results. EA
      weiwanxiashu (EX-B3) can greatly upregulate model rat's significantly reduced
      skeletal muscle PI3K (Y607) and membrane GLUT4 protein expression (P < 0.01),
      effectively reducing model rats' FBG and AUC of OGTT (P < 0.01). The effects are
      far superior to sham EA group. Conclusion. EA weiwanxiashu (EX-B3) can upregulate
      skeletal muscle phosphorylated PI3K protein expression, to stimulate membrane
      translocation of GLUT4 and thereby increase skeletal muscle glucose intake to
      treat T2DM. 

PMID- 27656245
TI  - Material flows accounting for Scotland shows the merits of a circular economy and
      the folly of territorial carbon reporting.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is essential that the human race limits the environmental damage
      created by our consumption. A realistic pathway to limiting consumption would be
      to transition to a system where materials are conserved and cycled through the
      economy as many times as possible and as slowly as possible, greatly reducing the
      greenhouse gas intensive processes of resource extraction, resource processing
      and waste management. Material flow analysis (MFA) is a method used to understand
      how materials are consumed within a nation. In this study, we attempt a MFA for
      Scotland which links carbon emissions to material consumption using data directly
      based on the mass of materials used in the Scottish economy. It is the first time
      such an analysis has been conducted for an economy in its entirety. RESEARCH
      AIMS: This study aims to create a detailed material flow account (MFA) for
      Scotland, compare the environmental impacts and possible policy implications of
      different future material consumption scenarios and consider two materials, steel
      and neodymium, in detail. RESULTS: The model estimated that 11.4 Mg per capita of
      materials are consumed per year in Scotland, emitting 10.7 Mg CO2e per capita in
      the process, of which, 6.7 Mg CO2e per capita falls under territorial carbon
      accounting. Only the circular economy scenario for 2050 allowed for increases in
      living standards without increases in carbon emissions and material consumption.
      This result was mirrored in the steel and neodymium case studies-environmental
      impacts can be minimised by a national strategy that first reduces use, and then
      locally reuses materials. CONCLUSIONS: Material consumption accounts for a large
      proportion of the carbon emissions of Scotland. Strategic dematerialisation,
      particular of materials such as steel, could support future efforts to reduce
      environmental impact and meet climate change targets. However, policy makers
      should consider consumption carbon accounting boundaries, as well as territorial
      boundaries, if carbon savings are to be maximised. This is because imports and
      recyclate sent abroad can have significant effect on the carbon emissions from
      material consumption. We demonstrate that the more circular an economy is, the
      smaller the difference between global and territorial carbon emissions, and
      therefore that climate change targets based solely on territorial carbon
      emissions create perverse incentives. The study also found that there could be
      areas of economic development which are compatible with environmental aims, based
      around encouraging reprocessing activities in developed nations.

PMID- 27656246
TI  - Patient empowerment: a mixed blessing?

PMID- 27656247
TI  - Pregnancy and pulmonary hypertension: a practical approach to management.
AB  - Pulmonary hypertension remains a major cause of cardiac maternal death in the
      developed world. Over the last two decades, effective therapies for pulmonary
      hypertension have been developed, improving symptoms and survival. Consequently,
      increasing numbers of women with pulmonary hypertension and childbearing
      potential exist, with a number considering pregnancy. Patients with pulmonary
      hypertension may also present for the first time during pregnancy or shortly
      following delivery. The last decade has seen increasing reports of women with
      pulmonary hypertension surviving pregnancy using a variety of approaches but
      there is still a significant maternal mortality at between 12% and 33%. Current
      recommendations counsel that patients with known pulmonary hypertension should be
      strongly advised to avoid pregnancy with the provision of clear contraceptive
      advice and termination of pregnancy should be considered in its eventuality. In
      patients who are fully informed and who have been counselled regarding the risks
      of continuing with pregnancy, there is growing evidence that a multi-professional
      approach with expert care in pulmonary hypertension centres may improve outlook,
      although the mortality remains high. 

PMID- 27656248
TI  - Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and pregnancy: A review of maternal,
      fetal and neonatal risks and benefits.
AB  - Depression is common in women of childbearing age. Whereas non-pharmacological
      interventions are recommended as first line interventions, pharmacological
      treatment may be required. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are
      the most commonly prescribed antidepressants in pregnancy. Ideally, discussion of
      the risks and benefits of SSRI use in pregnancy should occur prior to pregnancy.
      The potential risks of psychotropic medications need to be balanced against the
      risks associated with untreated psychiatric conditions and the discontinuation of
      necessary medications. 

PMID- 27656250
TI  - Completing the cycle: The use of audit to develop a mental health service in
      times of austerity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A published audit demonstrated that a pilot psychiatric clinic failed
      to capture predicted numbers of women with severe and enduring mental illness.
      METHODS: On the basis of recommendations from this audit, along with those from
      the Royal College of Psychiatrists and NICE guidelines, a more comprehensive
      psychiatric service was developed to meet this demand and therefore manage risk
      more effectively. RESULTS: Over the course of a year, the new service attracted a
      higher rate of referrals of pregnant women with severe and enduring mental
      illness. The majority referral source continued to be midwifery-led. CONCLUSIONS:
      Audit is a useful tool for evaluating and informing service development and
      helped us identify further improvements needed to deliver an effective mental
      health service.

PMID- 27656249
TI  - Pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia and non-preeclampsia-related nephrotic
      range proteinuria.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the impact of nephrotic range proteinuria during pregnancy
      on renal, maternal and fetal outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective study of pregnant
      women with proteinuria greater than 3 g/24 h. Outcome measures included:
      gestation and mode of delivery, maternal high dependency unit admission, birth
      weight, maternal blood pressure and proteinuria at time of last follow-up, renal
      biopsy. RESULTS: Two hundred and sixty four pregnancies in 262 women were
      reviewed. Postnatal data were available in 180; of these 104 (57%) had urinary
      protein quantified postnatally. Sixty three (60%) were pure preeclampsia and nine
      (9%) super-imposed preeclampsia. Biopsy-proven renal disease was newly diagnosed
      in nine (9%). Sixty three per cent required caesarean section and 34% required
      high dependency unit admission. There were no maternal deaths. Birth weight
      corrected for gestation was below the fifth centile in 33%. CONCLUSIONS: The
      incidence of underlying renal pathology in this cohort is significant and
      highlights the importance of careful follow-up.

PMID- 27656251
TI  - Pulmonary hypertension imitating HELLP syndrome.
AB  - A case of undiagnosed pulmonary hypertension in a woman with mixed connective
      tissue disease presenting with microangiopathic haemolysis, thrombocytopenia and
      elevated liver enzymes imitating severe preeclampsia (HELLP syndrome) is
      described. Connective tissue disorders are associated with an increased
      prevalence of pulmonary hypertension. Maternal mortality rates with pulmonary
      hypertension in pregnancy are extremely high. All women with connective tissue
      disorders should have pulmonary hypertension excluded by echocardiography before
      attempting conception. End-stage pulmonary hypertension may be associated with
      haemolysis and thrombocytopenia and thus may imitate severe preeclampsia in
      pregnant women. There may be a role for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in
      the peripartum management of women with severe pulmonary hypertension. 

PMID- 27656252
TI  - A 30-year-old pregnant patient with massive haemoptysis and influenza A: Atypical
      presentation of a common pathogen.
AB  - A 30-year-old woman presented at 19 weeks of gestation with symptoms of sore
      throat, rhinorrhea and haemoptysis that progressed to massive haemoptysis. Her
      medical history included asthma and a history of smoking prior to pregnancy.
      Investigations revealed no obvious cause of bleeding. Right lower lobe lobectomy
      was performed, given the suspicion of a lesion within the intermediate bronchus.
      The patient developed adult respiratory distress syndrome around 36 h
      postoperatively. Polymerase chain reaction testing on bronchoalveolar lavage
      samples was positive for influenza A. Therapy with oseltamivir was initiated. She
      was discharged two weeks later. This is a rare case of a severe complication from
      seasonal interpandemic influenza during pregnancy, which underscores the
      importance of immunization for pregnant women. 

PMID- 27656253
TI  - Pregnancy outcomes in a patient with Sjogren's disease with renal involvement.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Maternal and fetal outcome in pregnancy with renal failure is
      unpredictable, where each condition can adversely affect the other. We present a
      case of steroid sensitive Sjogren's nephritis worsened by pregnancy, demonstrated
      over the course of multiple pregnancies and investigated the aetiology. CASE: A
      28-year-old nullipara with a diagnosis of primary Sjogren's syndrome presented
      with a deterioration of renal function. A diagnosis of secondary tubulo
      interstitial nephritis was made on renal biopsy. Her first pregnancy ended in the
      second trimester with a decision to deliver a female infant at 27 weeks due to
      worsening maternal renal function. Renal function improved immediately. A second
      pregnancy ended in a first trimester miscarriage. The third and fourth
      pregnancies delivered male infants at 35 and 34 weeks, with worsening renal
      function in each pregnancy, reaching end stage. Repeat biopsy showed extensive
      glomerulosclerosis and male cells were identified. CONCLUSIONS: This case of
      Sjogren's syndrome with renal disease demonstrated the increased risk of fetal
      and maternal adverse pregnancy outcomes. Renal function worsened in each
      pregnancy and progressed to end-stage renal disease. Fetal microchimerism offers
      an interesting mechanism for our patient's renal failure and its apparent
      relationship to her pregnancies.

PMID- 27656254
TI  - Pulmonary arteriovenous malformation unmasked in pregnancy: A case report.
AB  - Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations are anomalous communications between
      arteries and veins of the pulmonary vasculature. Its incidence is rare. Pulmonary
      arteriovenous malformations can be asymptomatic or cause profound cardiovascular
      compromise and adverse neurological sequelae, as a result of right to left
      shunting of deoxygenated blood. Pregnancy and its physiological demands can
      unmask and exacerbate pulmonary arteriovenous malformations with attendant risks
      of life threatening complications and rarely, death. This case report describes a
      first presentation of pulmonary arteriovenous malformation in pregnancy and the
      tendency for misdiagnosis with pulmonary embolism. A multidisciplinary approach
      to management is pertinent considering the challenges involved in deciding the
      appropriate therapeutic management in pregnancy which has to be weighed against
      potential maternal and fetal risks. 

PMID- 27656255
TI  - A rare case of aggressive squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder in pregnancy.
AB  - We report a rare case of an aggressive squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder in
      a young primigravid woman with recurrent urinary tract infections and microscopic
      haematuria. An emergency caesarean section was performed at 37 weeks gestation
      for suspected placental abruption; however, she was found to have frank
      haematuria. Postnatally, an advanced bladder tumour was diagnosed. She required
      renal dialysis, a radical cystectomy and radiotherapy but sadly died seven months
      after diagnosis. This case illustrates the importance of thorough investigation
      of haematuria in pregnancy. Cystoscopy and even tumour resection can be safely
      performed in pregnancy. Although squamous cell carcinomas account for only 2% of
      bladder tumours in developed countries, they tend to be large and deeply
      invasive, requiring radical surgery and chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Management
      should be multidisciplinary and treatment individualized due to the significant
      clinical and emotional challenges which arise when a woman develops a malignancy
      in pregnancy or the puerperium. 

PMID- 27656256
TI  - Pregnancy in women with congenital heart disease.

PMID- 27656258
TI  - Why Tolerate Conscience?
AB  - In Why Tolerate Religion?, Brian Leiter argues against the special legal status
      of religion, claiming that religion should not be the only ground for exemptions
      to the law and that this form of protection should be, in principle, available
      for the claims of secular conscience as well. However, in the last chapter of his
      book, he objects to a universal regime of exemptions for both religious and
      secular claims of conscience, highlighting the practical and moral flaws
      associated with it. We believe that Leiter identifies a genuine and important
      contemporary legal and philosophical problem. We find much to admire in his
      reasoning. However, we raise questions about two claims that are crucial for his
      argument. The first claim is that it is not religion as such, but conscience that
      deserves toleration and respect. The second claim is that respect for religion
      and conscience demands 'principled toleration' but does not entail stronger
      policies of legal exemptions. Against the first claim, we argue that Leiter does
      not successfully distinguish religious belief from secular conscience and
      morality; and he does not explain why secular conscience (which shares many of
      religious conscience's epistemic features) deserves respect. Against the second
      claim, we argue that the most promising theories of legal exemptions are not
      classical theories of liberal toleration.

PMID- 27656257
TI  - Development of the Health Literacy Assessment Scale for Adolescents (HAS-A).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Health literacy has been found to be a crucial component of
      successful communication and navigation in health care. Various tools have been
      developed to measure health literacy skills, but few have been developed
      specifically for adolescents, and most require in-person administration. This
      study sought to develop a self-report health literacy scale for adolescents to
      assess four key health literacy domains: the ability to obtain, communicate,
      understand, and process health information. METHODS: We collected data from 272
      youth aged 12-19 recruited from a pediatrics clinic (37%) and the community
      (63%). We administered the Rapid Estimate of Adolescent Literacy in Medicine
      Teen, Newest Vital Sign, and three surveys, and used factor analysis to identify
      scale items. RESULTS: Using multiple health literacy assessments, it was clear
      that many teens struggle with low health literacy skills. When identifying items
      that can be used as self-report items in future research, factor analysis
      identified three subscales; a 5-item communication scale (alpha = 0.77), a 4-item
      confusion scale (alpha = 0.73), and a 6-item functional health literacy scale
      (alpha = 0.76). The scales performed reasonably well when compared with
      validation items. CONCLUSIONS: Self-report items can be used to assess health
      literacy skills for adolescents when in-person administration is not possible or
      feasible. Such items will allow for greater study of how health literacy impacts
      communication in not only health care settings, but for all levels of health
      communication. The tool will also allow researchers to better understand how
      adolescent health literacy is related to a variety of health outcomes. Further
      testing of these scales with different populations is warranted.

PMID- 27656259
TI  - Calf circumference predicts mobility disability: A secondary analysis of the
      Mexican health and ageing study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Calf circumference is a surrogate measurement of muscle mass.
      However, there is scarce evidence on its validity in predicting adverse outcomes
      such as mobility disability. The aim of this report is to determine if calf
      circumference could predict incident mobility disability in Mexican 60-year or
      older adults. METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of the Mexican Health and
      Aging Study and in particular of its two first waves. Sixty-year or older adults
      without mobility disability in the first assessment were included and followed-up
      for two years. Calf circumference quartile groups were compared to test the
      difference of incident mobility disability. Logistic regression models were
      fitted to test the independent association when including confounding variables.
      RESULTS: A total of 745 older adults were assessed, from which 24.4% of the older
      adults developed mobility disability at follow-up. A calf circumference > 38 cm
      was associated with a higher risk of developing mobility disability, even after
      adjustment in the multivariate model, with an odds ratio 0.55 (95% confidence
      interval 0.31-0.99, P = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: High calf circumference in Mexican
      older adults is independently associated with incident mobility disability. This
      could reflect the impact of adverse health conditions such as obesity (with high
      fat tissue) or edema. Further research should aim at testing these results in
      different populations.

PMID- 27656260
TI  - Inhibition of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Could Enhance 1,4-Benzoquinone
      Induced Oxidative Damage in K562 Cells.
AB  - Benzene is a chemical contaminant widespread in industrial and living
      environments. The oxidative metabolites of benzene induce toxicity involving
      oxidative damage. Protecting cells and cell membranes from oxidative damage,
      glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) maintains the reduced state of
      glutathione (GSH). This study aims to investigate whether the downregulation of
      G6PD in K562 cell line can influence the oxidative toxicity induced by 1,4
      benzoquinone (BQ). G6PD was inhibited in K562 cell line transfected with the
      specific siRNA of G6PD gene. An empty vector was transfected in the control
      group. Results revealed that G6PD was significantly upregulated in the control
      cells and in the cells with inhibited G6PD after they were exposed to BQ. The
      NADPH/NADP and GSH/GSSG ratio were significantly lower in the cells with
      inhibited G6PD than in the control cells at the same BQ concentration. The
      relative reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and DNA oxidative damage were
      significantly increased in the cell line with inhibited G6PD. The apoptotic rate
      and G2 phase arrest were also significantly higher in the cells with inhibited
      G6PD and exposed to BQ than in the control cells. Our results suggested that G6PD
      inhibition could reduce GSH activity and alleviate oxidative damage. G6PD
      deficiency is also a possible susceptible risk factor of benzene exposure.

PMID- 27656262
TI  - Apigenin Attenuates Oxidative Injury in ARPE-19 Cells thorough Activation of Nrf2
      Pathway.
AB  - The current study was aimed at evaluating the therapeutic implication of apigenin
      and to elucidate the underlying mechanism. The tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP)
      at 200 MUM was used to induce oxidative stress-associated injury in ARPE-19
      cells. Apigenin at concentrations less than 800 MUM did not cause cytotoxic
      effects on ARPE-19 cells. Cell viability assay showed that apigenin at 200 MUM
      significantly promoted cell survival in t-BHP-treated ARPE-19 cells.
      Additionally, apigenin at 100 MUM significantly protected ARPE-19 cells from t
      BHP-induced apoptosis. Molecular examinations demonstrated that apigenin at 400
      MUM significantly upregulated the mRNA and protein expression of Nrf2 and
      stimulated its nuclear translocation in ARPE-19 cells treated with or without t
      BHP. Apigenin 400 MUM also significantly elevated the expression of HO-1, NQO1,
      and GCLM at both mRNA and protein levels in the presence or absence of t-BHP.
      Furthermore, apigenin at 400 MUM significantly increased the activities of SOD,
      CAT, GSH-PX, and T-AOC and reduced the levels of ROS and MDA in t-BHP-treated
      ARPE-19 cells. However, these effects of apigenin were all abolished by being
      transfected with Nrf2 siRNA. Collectively, our current data indicated that
      apigenin exerted potent antioxidant properties in ARPE-19 cells challenged with t
      BHP, which were dependent on activation of Nrf2 signaling.

PMID- 27656261
TI  - Hyperglycemia Aggravates Hepatic Ischemia Reperfusion Injury by Inducing Chronic
      Oxidative Stress and Inflammation.
AB  - Aim. To investigate whether hyperglycemia will aggravate hepatic ischemia
      reperfusion injury (HIRI) and the underlying mechanisms. Methods. Control and
      streptozotocin-induced diabetic Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to partial
      hepatic ischemia reperfusion. Liver histology, transferase, inflammatory
      cytokines, and oxidative stress were assessed accordingly. Similarly, BRL-3A
      hepatocytes were subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) after high (25 mM) or
      low (5.5 mM) glucose culture. Cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and
      activation of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and nuclear
      factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells (NF-kappaB) were
      determined. Results. Compared with control, diabetic rats presented more severe
      hepatic injury and increased hepatic inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress.
      HIRI in diabetic rats could be ameliorated by pretreatment of N-acetyl-L-cysteine
      (NAC) or apocynin. Excessive ROS generation and consequent Nrf2 and NF-kappaB
      translocation were determined after high glucose exposure. NF-kappaB
      translocation and its downstream cytokines were further increased in high glucose
      cultured group after H/R. While proper regulation of Nrf2 to its downstream
      antioxidases was observed in low glucose cultured group, no further induction of
      Nrf2 pathway by H/R after high glucose culture was identified. Conclusion.
      Hyperglycemia aggravates HIRI, which might be attributed to chronic oxidative
      stress and inflammation and potential malfunction of antioxidative system.

PMID- 27656263
TI  - Thioredoxin Binding Protein-2 Regulates Autophagy of Human Lens Epithelial Cells
      under Oxidative Stress via Inhibition of Akt Phosphorylation.
AB  - Oxidative stress plays an essential role in the development of age-related
      cataract. Thioredoxin binding protein-2 (TBP-2) is a negative regulator of
      thioredoxin (Trx), which deteriorates cellular antioxidant system. Our study
      focused on the autophagy-regulating effect of TBP-2 under oxidative stress in
      human lens epithelial cells (LECs). Human lens epithelial cells were used for
      cell culture and treatment. Lentiviral-based transfection system was used for
      overexpression of TBP-2. Cytotoxicity assay, western blot analysis, GFP/mCherry
      fused LC3 plasmid, immunofluorescence, and transmission electronic microscopy
      were performed. The results showed that autophagic response of LECs with
      increased LC3-II, p62, and GFP/mCherry-LC3 puncta (P < 0.01) was induced by
      oxidative stress. Overexpression of TBP-2 further strengthens this response and
      worsens the cell viability (P < 0.01). Knockdown of TBP-2 attenuates the
      autophagic response and cell viability loss induced by oxidative stress. TBP-2
      mainly regulates autophagy in the initiation stage, which is mTOR-independent and
      probably caused by the dephosphorylation of Akt under oxidative stress. These
      findings suggest a novel role of TBP-2 in human LECs under oxidative stress.
      Oxidative stress can cause cell injury and autophagy in LECs, and TBP-2 regulates
      this response. Hence, this study provides evidence regarding the role of TBP-2 in
      lens and the possible mechanism of cataract development.

PMID- 27656264
TI  - Obstructive sleep apnea: Underestimated risk factor in sudden cardiac death in
      schizophrenia.

PMID- 27656265
TI  - Applicability of the actigraphy for astronauts in spaceflight.

PMID- 27656267
TI  - Sexsomnia: A case of sleep masturbation documented by video-polysomnography in a
      young adult male with sleepwalking.
AB  - The first case of video-polysomnography (vPSG) documented sleep masturbation in a
      male is reported, and the second reported case of shift work induced sexsomnia. A
      20 y.o. soldier with childhood sleepwalking (SW) developed sleep masturbation and
      SW triggered by military shift work. vPSG documented two episodes of sleep
      masturbation from N2 sleep in the fourth sleep cycle and from N3 sleep during the
      fifth sleep cycle. There was no sleep-disordered breathing nor periodic limb
      movements. vPSG thus confirmed confusional arousals from NREM sleep as the cause
      of the masturbation. Bedtime clonazepam therapy controlled the SW but not the
      masturbation. 

PMID- 27656266
TI  - Substantive nature of sleep in updating the temporal conditions necessary for
      inducing units of internal sensations.
AB  - Unlike other organs that operate continuously, such as the heart and kidneys,
      many of the operations of the nervous system shut down during sleep. The
      evolutionarily conserved unconscious state of sleep that puts animals at risk
      from predators indicates that it is an indispensable integral part of systems
      operation. A reasonable expectation is that any hypothesis for the mechanism of
      the nervous system functions should be able to provide an explanation for sleep.
      In this regard, the semblance hypothesis is examined. Postsynaptic membranes are
      continuously being depolarized by the quantally-released neurotransmitter
      molecules arriving from their presynaptic terminals. In this context, an
      incidental lateral activation of the postsynaptic membrane is expected to induce
      a semblance (cellular hallucination of arrival of activity from its presynaptic
      terminal, which forms a unit for internal sensation) of the arrival of activity
      from its presynaptic terminal as a systems property. This restricts induction of
      semblance to a context of a very high ratio of the duration of the default state
      of neurotransmitter-induced postsynaptic depolarization to the total duration of
      incidental lateral activations of the postsynaptic membrane. This requirement
      spans within a time-bin of a few sleep-wake cycles. Since the duration of quantal
      release remains maximized, the above requirement can be achieved only by ceiling
      the total duration of incidental lateral activations of the postsynaptic
      membrane, which necessitates a state of sleep. 

PMID- 27656268
TI  - Case comparison of sleep features from ear-EEG and scalp-EEG.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We investigate the potential usability of a novel in-the-ear
      electroencephalography recording device for sleep staging. METHODS: In one
      healthy subject we compare simultaneous earelectroencephalography to standard
      scalp EEG visually and using power spectrograms. Hypnograms independently derived
      from the records are compared. RESULTS: We find that alpha activity, K complexes,
      sleep spindles and slow wave sleep can be visually distinguished using
      earelectroencephalography. Spectral peaks are shared between the two records.
      Hypnograms are 90.9% similar. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that ear
      electroencephalography can be used for sleep staging.

PMID- 27656269
TI  - Sleep complaints and fatigue of airline pilots.
AB  - This work aimed to determine daytime sleepiness and sleep complaints prevalence
      and the corresponding influence on perceived fatigue and to evaluate the
      influence of sociodemographic parameters and labour variables on sleep
      complaints, sleepiness and fatigue. A questionnaire was developed including socio
      economic and labour issues and instruments, focused in sleep and fatigue. The
      response rate was 32% and the final sample had 435 pilots. The prevalence of
      sleep complaints was 34.9%, daytime sleepiness 59.3% and fatigue 90.6%. The high
      prevalence of sleep complaints, sleepiness and fatigue was disclosed in pilots,
      with those who fly short/medium having an added risk of fatigue. 

PMID- 27656270
TI  - Circadian preferences and sleep in 15- to 20-year old Finnish students.
AB  - PURPOSE: Despite progress in research concerning adolescent and young adult sleep
      and circadian preferences, several aspects have remained unexamined. This study
      explored gender and diurnal rhythms in relation to several sleep-related factors:
      sleep duration, bedtime, wake-up time, tiredness, sleepiness, and optimal
      subjective sleep duration. METHODS: Circadian preferences and sleep were
      investigated in 555 (Females N=247) Finnish students aged 15-20. The self-report
      measures included a shortened version of the Horne-Ostberg Morningness
      Eveningness Scale, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale as well as items probing feelings
      of tiredness, optimal subjective sleep durations, and bedtime and wake-up time on
      the most recent day and a typical weekend. Data were collected from Tuesday to
      Thursday during an ordinary school week. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The most
      frequent chronotype was the intermediate type (54%), and compared to previous
      studies, the prevalence of evening-oriented individuals was high (37%), whereas
      only 9% of the participants were classified as morning oriented. No gender
      specific or chronotype-specific differences in sleep durations were observed, but
      girls/women and evening-orientated individuals reported suffering more from
      sleepiness, compared to boys/men and more morning-typed participants,
      respectively. About 20% of the total sample indicated that their subjective need
      for sleep was not satisfied during the weekdays nor the weekend, indicating
      chronic sleep deprivation. Among girls/women and evening-oriented individuals,
      the subjective sleep need was greater for weekday nights.

PMID- 27656271
TI  - Sleep architecture alterations in patients with periodic limb movements disorder
      during sleep and sleep breathing disorders.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Sleep movement disorders includes mainly periodic limb movement and
      others. The more frequent breathing disorders are: obstructive sleep apnea
      hypopnea syndrome and primary snoring. OBJECTIVE: To compare sleep architecture
      in periodic limb movements and breathing disorders of different severity, and
      weight their interactions. METHODS: We compared sleep architecture in 160
      patients, divided in six groups: periodic limb movements (n=25), obstructive
      apnea only (n=30), periodic limb movements/snoring (n=30), periodic limb
      movements/mild apnea (n=25), periodic limb movements/moderate apnea (n=25),
      periodic limb movements/severe apnea (n=26). Polysomnographic variables were
      compared by analysis of variance and Tukey test. RESULTS: We observed an increase
      of percentage of awakenings in the group with periodic limb movements/severe
      apnea. We found an increase of percentage of light sleep in the group with
      obstructive apnea only with respect to periodic limb movements group. The group
      with obstructive apnea only presented less rapid eye movements sleep in relation
      with group with periodic limb movements. We found an increase of awakenings in
      the group with periodic limb movements/severe apnea to the group with periodic
      limb movements only. Oxygen saturation showed a decrease in the group with
      periodic limb movements/severe apnea and obstructive apnea only group to periodic
      limb movements only group. CONCLUSIONS: Periodic limb movements and breathing
      disorders, resulted in more additive changes in sleep architecture alterations,
      than as separately disorders, in a complex interaction. Research in these
      relations deserve more investigations.

PMID- 27656272
TI  - Subchronical treatment with Fluoxetine modifies the activity of the MCHergic and
      hypocretinergic systems. Evidences from peptide CSF concentration and gene
      expression.
AB  - In the postero-lateral hypothalamus are located two neuronal systems that utilize
      the neuropeptides melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) and hypocretins (also
      called orexins) as neuromodulators. These systems have reciprocal connections
      between them, and project throughout the central nervous system. MCH has been
      involved in the generation of sleep, mainly REM sleep, while hypocretins have a
      critical role in the generation of wakefulness. MCHergic activity is also
      involved in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MD). In this
      regards, intracerebral administration of MCH promotes pro-depressive behaviors
      (i.e., immobility in the forced swimming test) and REM sleep hypersomnia, which
      is an important trait of depression. Furthermore, the antagonism of the MCHR-1
      receptor has a reliable antidepressant effect, suggesting that MCH is a pro
      depressive factor. Hypocretins have been also involved in mood regulation;
      however, their role in depression is still on debate. Taking these data into
      account, we explored whether systemic subchronical treatment with Fluoxetine
      (FLX), a serotonergic antidepressant, modifies the concentration of MCH in the
      cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), as well as the preproMCH mRNA expression. We also
      evaluated the hypocretinergic system by quantifying the hypocretin-levels in the
      CSF and the preprohypocretin mRNA expression. Compared to control, FLX increased
      the levels of preprohypocretin mRNA without affecting the hypocretin-1 CSF
      levels. On the contrary, FLX significantly decreased the MCH CSF concentration
      without affecting the preproMCH gene expression. This result is in agreement with
      the fact that MCH serum level diminishes during the antidepressant treatment in
      MD, and supports the hypothesis that an increase in the MCHergic activity could
      have pro-depressive consequences. 

PMID- 27656274
TI  - Prevalence of sleep complaints in Colombia at different altitudes.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of sleep complaints in adults in
      Colombia at different altitudes. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, population-based and
      observational study. SETTING: Urban areas in three cities (Bogota, Bucaramanga,
      Santa Marta) located between 15 and 2640 masl. Subjects Over 18 years old.
      INTERVENTIONS: Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), Pittsburgh sleep quality index
      (PSQI), Berlin questionnaire, STOP-Bang questionnaire and diagnostic criteria for
      restless leg syndrome (IRLSSG). MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: The overall prevalence
      of sleep complaints was 59.6% (CI 95%: 57.3; 61.8%). According to the Pittsburgh
      scale, 45.3% (CI 95%: 43.0; 47.5) required medical assistance. The Berlin
      questionnaire indicated that 19.0% (CI 95%: 17.3; 20.8%) had a high risk of sleep
      apnea (OSA) compared to 26.9% (CI 95%: 24.9; 29.0%) according to STOP-Bang. Among
      the subjects, 13.7% (CI 95%: 12.3; 15.3%) had excessive daytime sleepiness and
      37.7% (CI 95%: 35.5; 39.8%) had a restless leg syndrome. When comparing cities,
      significant differences in the overall frequency of subjects requiring care were
      found between Santa Marta (higher frequency) and the other two cities.
      Differences in sleep problem frequency (Pittsburgh) were observed between Bogota
      (higher frequency) and Bucaramanga and also between Santa Marta (higher
      frequency) and the other two cities. The high risk of OSA (STOP-Bang) was
      different between Bogota (higher frequency) and Bucaramanga and also between
      Santa Marta (high frequency) and Bucaramanga. CONCLUSIONS: We observed a high
      prevalence of sleep complaints with significant differences among the cities,
      indicating a need to pay a greater attention to these problems.

PMID- 27656273
TI  - Maternal dietary supplementation with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids confers
      neuroprotection to the newborn against hypoxia-induced dopamine dysfunction.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Up to 84% of prematurely born infants suffer hypoxic, anoxic, and
      ischemic insults. Those infants with subsequent behavioral, motor or cognitive
      dysfunction represent 8-11% of all live births. Yet, no interventions employed
      during pregnancy attenuate risk of morbidity in those at-risk infants. Dietary
      supplementation with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 PUFAs) has been
      shown to reduce stroke-induced neuropathology in rat models emulating this
      adverse clinical event. To extend those studies we sought to determine whether
      maternal dietary supplementation with omega-3 PUFAs would confer neuroprotection
      against hypoxia-induced neurochemical dysfunction in newborn rat pups exposed to
      repetitive hypoxic insults. METHODS: We provided pregnant rats with either a
      omega-3 PUFA enriched diet or else a standard rat chow diet. At postnatal day 7,
      pups were assigned randomly to either repetitive hypoxic insults or repetitive
      bursts of room air. On postnatal day 12, pups were sacrificed and brain dopamine
      levels characterized. RESULTS: Baseline brain dopamine levels did not differ
      between rat pups born to dams who received omega-3 PUFA enriched versus standard
      rat chow diets. Rat pups born to dams maintained on normal diets, who were
      exposed to five days of repetitive hypoxic insults, experienced a 57% reduction
      in striatal dopamine levels accompanied by significant apoptosis. In contrast,
      omega-3 PUFA-enriched newborn pups experienced no loss in striatal dopamine
      levels, and only minimal apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that it may
      be feasible to confer neuroprotection against hypoxia-induced dopamine
      dysfunction to newborns likely to experience hypoxic insults. This could
      significantly improve the outcomes of those 8-11% of newborns who would otherwise
      experience hypoxia-induced behavioral, motor and cognitive dysfunction.

PMID- 27656276
TI  - Napping after complex motor learning enhances juggling performance.
AB  - The present study examined whether a nap after complex motor learning enhanced
      the following day's physical performance. Eighteen volunteers met the inclusion
      criteria and were assigned to either a nap (n=9; men=5; mean age=21.0+/-1.5) or
      no-nap group (n=9; men=5; mean age=21.9+/-0.3). Participants practiced juggling
      in the morning and were tested immediately afterwards. Participants of the nap
      group were given a 70-minute nap opportunity after juggling practice, while the
      no-nap group stayed awake. Juggling performance was then tested in the evening
      (retest-1) and the next morning (retest-2). Two-way analysis of variance (group:
      nap, no-nap*time: test, retest-1, retest-2) found there was a significant effect
      of test time and a significant group*time interaction. The juggling performance
      of both groups improved from test to retest-1, respectively. However, the
      juggling performance level of the nap group was higher than that of the no-nap
      group at the retest-1. As predicted, a nap promptly after learning motor skills
      was associated with subsequently improved performance. Moreover, the juggling
      performance of the nap group showed additional significant improvements in the
      retest-2. In the no-nap group, however, there were no significant improvements in
      the juggling performance after nocturnal sleep. These results demonstrate that
      the benefits of a nap following learning were further enhanced after nocturnal
      sleep. The present results may provide justification for introducing nap periods
      into daily athletic training as an active method to improve performance. 

PMID- 27656275
TI  - Risk of obstructive sleep apnea, excessive daytime sleepiness and depressive
      symptoms in a Nigerian elderly population.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in a primary
      care population of elderly Nigerians and to determine its correlates. METHODS:
      Clinical and demographic data of 414 elderly individuals in a primary care clinic
      were obtained. Their risk of OSA was estimated using Berlin questionnaire while
      Epworth sleepiness scale and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression
      Scale (CESD-10) were also administered. RESULTS: Of the 414 subjects, 96 (23.2%)
      met the criteria for a high risk for OSA with a male to female ratio of 1:1.
      Subjects at high OSA risk (high OSA risk group) were younger than those at low
      OSA risk (low OSA risk group) (71.4+/-6.8 vs 73.6+/-7.7, p=0.011). Mean body mass
      index (BMI, kg/m(2)) (27.3+/-5.8 vs 24.7+/-5.1, p<0.001) and waist circumference
      (WC, cm) (90.7+/-13.1 vs 86.5+/-13.9, p=0.011) were higher in the high OSA risk
      group compared with the low OSA risk group. A total of 215 (51.9%) and 62 (15.0%)
      subjects had clinically significant depressive symptoms (CESD-10 score>=10) and
      excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), respectively. On regression, the odds of EDS,
      depressive symptoms, increased BMI and younger age were significantly higher in
      the high OSA risk group compared with the low OSA risk group. CONCLUSIONS: High
      risk for OSA and depressive symptoms are common in our sample of elderly
      Nigerians. Depressive symptoms, EDS, BMI and age independently predict high OSA
      risk in the elderly.

PMID- 27656277
TI  - Sleep quality and duration is related with diet and obesity in young adolescent
      living in Sicily, Southern Italy.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between sleeping habits,
      Mediterranean diet pattern, and weight status in an adolescent population. The
      sample consisted of 1586 individuals aged 11-14 years attending 15 secondary
      schools of Sicily, Southern Italy. School were randomly selected and the data
      collected during two school years. Anthropometric data was collected and body
      composition was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Demographic
      information, sleep duration, pediatric daytime sleepiness questionnaire (PDSS),
      physical activity and dietary habits (including adherence to the Mediterranean
      Diet using the KIDMED score) were further collected. The mean age was 12+/-0.7
      and about 24% were overweight and obese. An inverse correlation between total
      sleep time and body mass index (beta=-0.829, P=0.021), fat mass (beta=-0.526,
      P=0.025), and waist circumference (beta=-0.426, P=0.045) was found. Similar
      results were found for weekdays sleep time, while an inverse relationship was
      found with PDSS score. Adherence to Mediterranean Diet was higher in under/normal
      weight adolescent with a significant linear association between the KIDMED score
      and the PDSS, weekdays sleep time and total sleep time. Sleep duration was also
      associated positively with fruits and vegetable intake and negatively with sweet
      and snack consumption and eating outside habits. Short sleep duration and poor
      sleep were associated with an increase in BMI and fat mass as well as to
      unhealthy eating behaviors. These findings suggest that sleep patterns could be a
      potential target for obesity prevention programs in young adolescence. 

PMID- 27656278
TI  - Polysomnographic correlates of inflammatory complement components in young
      healthy males.
AB  - A growing body of evidence has delineated the predominant role of humoral
      mediators of inflammation in linking sleep with immunity. Nonetheless,
      characterization of the relationship between complement components with
      inflammatory functions and objective sleep measures has not been performed. In
      this study we investigated the relationships between objective measures of sleep
      and complement components with inflammatory functions. Thirty-six healthy male
      university students (age, 23.94+/-4.23 years; BMI, 23.44+/-2.67 kg/m(2))
      completed the study. An RMS Quest 32 polysomnograph (PSG) was used for sleep
      recording. Non-fasting blood was collected before subjects went to bed on the
      second night in the sleep laboratory to estimate complement component 3 (C-3),
      complement component 4 (C-4), complement factor-H (Factor-H), C1-inhibitor
      (C1INH), complement factor I (CFI) and other inflammatory mediators, such as IL-6
      and sICAM-1. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess the
      association between PSG sleep measures and inflammatory mediators. Higher values
      of C-3 and lower values of sICAM-1, C1INH, and CFI (adjusted model, R2=0.211,
      p<0.041) predicted longer sleep duration. Lower C-3 (adjusted model, R2=0.078,
      p<0.055) predicted higher N1 (%). Higher levels of C1INH and CFI and lower values
      of C-4 (model adjusted R2=0.269, p<0.008) predicted higher N3 (%). Higher C-3,
      higher C-4, lower IL-6, lower C1INH and lower CFI (model adjusted R2=0.296,
      p<0.007) predicted higher REM (%). Poor sleep measures were associated with
      increased levels of pro-inflammatory complement components and decreased anti
      inflammatory complement components. 

PMID- 27656279
TI  - Resource partitioning between ungulate populations in arid environments.
AB  - Herbivores are major drivers of ecosystem structure, diversity, and function.
      Resilient ecosystems therefore require viable herbivore populations in a
      sustainable balance with environmental resource availability. This balance is
      becoming harder to achieve, with increasingly threatened species reliant on small
      protected areas in increasingly harsh and unpredictable environments. Arid
      environments in North Africa exemplify this situation, featuring a biologically
      distinct species assemblage exposed to extreme and volatile conditions, including
      habitat loss and climate change-associated threats. Here, we implement an
      integrated likelihood approach to relate scimitar-horned oryx (Oryx dammah) and
      dorcas gazelle (Gazella dorcas) density, via dung distance sampling, to habitat,
      predator, and geographic correlates in Dghoumes National Park, Tunisia. We show
      how two threatened sympatric ungulates partition resources on the habitat axis,
      exhibiting nonuniform responses to the same vegetation gradient. Scimitar-horned
      oryx were positively associated with plant species richness, selecting for
      vegetated ephemeral watercourses (wadis) dominated by herbaceous cover.
      Conversely, dorcas gazelle were negatively associated with vegetation density
      (herbaceous height, litter cover, and herbaceous cover), selecting instead for
      rocky plains with sparse vegetation. We suggest that adequate plant species
      richness should be a prerequisite for areas proposed for future ungulate
      reintroductions in arid and semi-arid environments. This evidence will inform
      adaptive management of reintroduced ungulates in protected environments, helping
      managers and planners design sustainable ecosystems and effective conservation
      programs.

PMID- 27656281
TI  - Gangliocytic paraganglioma treated with ampullectomy, A case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gangliocytic paragangliomas are rare, and typically benign
      neuroendocrine neoplasms usually found in the second portion of the duodenum.
      Though recurrence is rare, metastatic cases have been noted. A standardized
      treatment has not been determined. An endoscopic resection can be carried out,
      unless metastasis has been noted. We present the case of a patient who underwent
      an ampullectomy, with successful removal of the tumor, and no recurrence on
      follow-up. CASE SUMMARY: We present a case involving a 58-year-old gentleman, who
      presented with dysphagia, and ultimately diagnosed with a periampullary mass
      proven to be a gangliocytic paraganglioma. The tumor was resected in-toto via an
      ampullectomy. The patient had no recurrence after twenty-one months. CONCLUSION:
      In conclusion, we present the case of an incidental gangliocytic paraganglioma
      occurring in the periampullary region of the patient. Ampullectomy was carried
      out and to date the patient has had no recurrence. Rarity of this tumor, along
      with treatment choice, makes it especially worthy of notability.

PMID- 27656280
TI  - The TNBS-induced colitis animal model: An overview.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite recent advances the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease remains
      incompletely understood. A variety of animal models have been utilized in an
      effort to provide further insights and develop more therapeutic options. In order
      to simulate, to an extent, the pathogenesis and the clinical course of the
      disease, TNBS induced colitis is often used. Various approaches for inducing TNBS
      -colitis have been described in the literature. METHODS/RESULTS: In this review,
      we sought to present the animal model of TNBS induced colitis and outline the
      pathogenesis, pathophysiology, clinical course and pathological characteristics
      of the model. Furthermore, we describe the differences among those protocols
      regarding types of animals and colitis induction. DATA SOURCES: The MEDLINE
      database was thoroughly searched using the keywords: TNBS, colitis, Crohn's
      disease, animal model. Two investigators independently reviewed the abstracts and
      appropriate articles were included in this review. Additional articles were
      gathered and evaluated. CONCLUSION: The aim of this study was to thoroughly
      present an updated review of the TNBS-induced colitis protocols that are
      implemented by researchers.

PMID- 27656282
TI  - Weekly paclitaxel therapy for gastric cancer in patients with renal dysfunction:
      A case report.
AB  - A 57-year-old woman was admitted to National Defense Medical College hospital for
      treatment of gastric cancer with pyloric stenosis. She had been diagnosed with
      chronic kidney disease (CKD) 10 years prior, but received no hemodialysis.
      Because of peritoneal dissemination, a palliative distal gastrectomy was
      performed. In consideration of renal dysfunction, we decided for chemotherapy
      with paclitaxel, but not S-1 plus cisplatin regimen which is renal toxic agents.
      On the 29th postoperative day, chemotherapy using paclitaxel was initiated at a
      dose of 80 mg/m(2). Paclitaxel was administered weekly on days 1, 8, and 15 on a
      28-day cycle. The patient tolerated 13 courses of this treatment without any
      severe adverse effect, such as exacerbation of renal function. Despite the
      gradual increase in the level of tumor markers, metastases were not detected via
      radiography during the clinical course. Moreover, renal function was maintained
      for the duration of the clinical course. To date, standard chemotherapeutic
      treatment for patients with CKD has not been established. We conclude that weekly
      paclitaxel is a suitable treatment regimen for patients with renal failure
      requiring chemotherapy for advanced gastric cancer. 

PMID- 27656283
TI  - Biliary cysts in adults. 26 years experience at a single center.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Biliary cysts are duct dilatation that can occur on all biliary
      ducts, 20-25% is diagnosed in adults. The classic triad for the clinical
      presentation consists on abdominal pain, jaundice and abdominal mass. The
      standard treatment is surgical resection and bilioenteric anastomosis. The
      objective of this study is to analyze the prevalence and characteristics of
      biliary cysts in our center. METHODS: This is an observational retrospective
      study, we included patients older than 16 years old with biliary cyst from march
      1989 to February 2015. The demographic and clinical information was collected
      from the charts and electronic records available at our Hospital. RESULTS:
      Biliary cysts were reported on 52 patients, only 25 clinical charts were
      available. The main symptom was abdominal pain in 21 (84%). The diagnosis was
      performed with abdominal ultrasound in 16 (64%). The most frequent type was IA in
      9 (36%). All patients were treated with surgery as a definitive management.
      DISCUSSION: Vague clinical presentation results on a delay of the diagnosis and
      treatment. Surgical resection is recommended for patients since they have an
      increased risk for malignant transformation. Postoperative complications in our
      patients were stenosis of bilioenteric anastomosis in 3 (12%) patients.
      CONCLUSIONS: Biliary cysts require an accurate diagnosis and surgical treatment
      in order to decrease the risk of malignant transformation and progression of the
      disease. Precise surgical treatment is needed to achieve complete resection and a
      long term postoperative follow up is mandatory.

PMID- 27656284
TI  - A transdisciplinary account of water research.
AB  - Water research is introduced from the combined perspectives of natural and social
      science and cases of citizen and stakeholder coproduction of knowledge. Using the
      overarching notion of transdisciplinarity, we examine how interdisciplinary and
      participatory water research has taken place and could be developed further. It
      becomes apparent that water knowledge is produced widely within society, across
      certified disciplinary experts and noncertified expert stakeholders and citizens.
      However, understanding and management interventions may remain partial, or even
      conflicting, as much research across and between traditional disciplines has
      failed to integrate disciplinary paradigms due to philosophical, methodological,
      and communication barriers. We argue for more agonistic relationships that
      challenge both certified and noncertified knowledge productively. These should
      include examination of how water research itself embeds and is embedded in social
      context and performs political work. While case studies of the cultural and
      political economy of water knowledge exist, we need more empirical evidence on
      how exactly culture, politics, and economics have shaped this knowledge and how
      and at what junctures this could have turned out differently. We may thus channel
      the coproductionist critique productively to bring perspectives, alternative
      knowledges, and implications into water politics where they were not previously
      considered; in an attempt to counter potential lock-in to particular water
      policies and technologies that may be inequitable, unsustainable, or
      unacceptable. While engaging explicitly with politics, transdisciplinary water
      research should remain attentive to closing down moments in the research process,
      such as framings, path-dependencies, vested interests, researchers'
      positionalities, power, and scale. WIREs Water 2016, 3:369-389. doi:
      10.1002/wat2.1132 For further resources related to this article, please visit the
      WIREs website.

PMID- 27656285
TI  - Does habitat disturbance affect stress, body condition and parasitism in two
      sympatric lemurs?
AB  - Understanding how animals react to human-induced changes in their environment is
      a key question in conservation biology. Owing to their potential correlation with
      fitness, several physiological parameters are commonly used to assess the effect
      of habitat disturbance on animals' general health status. Here, we studied how
      two lemur species, the fat-tailed dwarf lemur (Cheirogaleus medius) and the grey
      mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus), respond to changing environmental conditions by
      comparing their stress levels (measured as hair cortisol concentration),
      parasitism and general body condition across four habitats ordered along a
      gradient of human disturbance at Kirindy Forest, Western Madagascar. These two
      species previously revealed contrasting responses to human disturbance; whereas
      M. murinus is known as a resilient species, C. medius is rarely encountered in
      highly disturbed habitats. However, neither hair cortisol concentrations nor
      parasitism patterns (prevalence, parasite species richness and rate of multiple
      infections) and body condition varied across the gradient of anthropogenic
      disturbance. Our results indicate that the effect of anthropogenic activities at
      Kirindy Forest is not reflected in the general health status of both species,
      which may have developed a range of behavioural adaptations to deal with
      suboptimal conditions. Nonetheless, a difference in relative density among sites
      suggests that the carrying capacity of disturbed habitat is lower, and both
      species respond differently to environmental changes, with C. medius being more
      negatively affected. Thus, even for behaviourally flexible species, extended
      habitat deterioration could hamper long-term viability of populations. 

PMID- 27656286
TI  - Molecular characterization of Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis isolates
      from food and human samples by serotyping, antimicrobial resistance, plasmid
      profiling, (GTG)5-PCR and ERIC-PCR.
AB  - In recent years, Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis has been a primary cause
      of human salmonellosis in many countries. The major objective of this study was
      to investigate genetic diversity among Salmonella Enteritidis strains from
      different origins (food and human) by Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic
      Consensus (ERIC) -PCR, as well as to assess their plasmid profiling and
      antimicrobial resistance. A total of 30 Salmonella Enteritidis isolates, 15 from
      food samples (chicken, lamb, beef and duck meats) and 15 from clinical samples
      were collected in Tehran. Identification of isolates as Salmonella was confirmed
      by using conventional standard biochemical and serological tests. Multiplex-PCR
      was used for serotyping of isolates to identify Salmonella Enteritidis.
      Antimicrobial susceptibility testing to 16 agents founds drug resistance patterns
      among Salmonella Enteritidis isolates. No resistance was observed to cephalexin,
      ceftriaxone, ceftazidime and cefotaxime, ciprofloxacin, imipenem or meropenem,
      chloramphenicol and gentamicin. The highest resistance (96.7%) was observed to
      nitrofurantoin. Seven plasmid profiles (P1-P7) were detected, and a 68-kb plasmid
      was found in all isolates. Two different primers; ERIC and (GTG)5 were used for
      genotyping, which each produced four profiles. The majority of clinical and food
      isolates fell into two separate common types (CTs) with a similar percentage of
      95% by ERIC-PCR. Using primer (GTG)5, 29 isolates incorporated in three CTs with
      70% of isolates showing a single banding pattern. Limited genetic diversity among
      human and food isolates of Salmonella Enteritidis may indicate that contaminated
      foods were possibly the source of human salmonellosis. These results confirmed
      that ERIC-PCR genotyping has limited discriminatory power for Salmonella
      Enteritidis of different origin. 

PMID- 27656287
TI  - A 12p13 GRIN2B deletion is associated with developmental delay and macrocephaly.
AB  - N-methyl D-aspartate receptor subtype 2B (GluN2B), encoded by GRIN2B, is one of
      the components of the N-methyl D-aspartate receptor protein. Aberrations in
      GRIN2B have been reported to be responsible for various types of
      neurodevelopmental disorders. We report a Japanese boy with an ~2 Mb interstitial
      deletion in 12p13 involving the entire GRIN2B gene, who presented with
      intellectual disability, motor developmental delay and marked macrocephaly. 

PMID- 27656288
TI  - A novel missense mutation of COL5A2 in a patient with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
AB  - Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a group of inherited connective tissue disorders
      characterized by hyperextensible skin, joint hypermobility and soft tissue
      fragility. For molecular diagnosis, targeted exome sequencing was performed on a
      9-year-old male patient who was clinically suspected to have EDS. The patient
      presented with progressive kyphoscoliosis, joint hypermobility and
      hyperextensible skin without scars. Ultimately, classical EDS was diagnosed by
      identifying a novel, mono-allelic mutation in COL5A2
      [NM_000393.3(COL5A2_v001):c.682G>A, p.Gly228Arg]. 

PMID- 27656289
TI  - The Epidemiology of Leptospira Infection in Mazandaran Province, Northern Iran,
      During 2012 - 2013.

PMID- 27656290
TI  - The Lived Experience of Psoriasis Patients from Social Stigma and Rejection: A
      Qualitative Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a common, chronic skin disease that causes challenges
      such as stigma and labeling from both the community and individuals due to its
      effects on appearance. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to describe
      and explain the social stigma and rejection experienced by patients with
      psoriasis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The present research is a qualitative study with
      a hermeneutic phenomenological approach conducted among psoriasis patients
      referring to the dermatology clinic and ward of Imam Khomeini hospital in Ahvaz,
      Iran between June and December 2014. In this study, 15 patients with psoriasis
      were selected by purposeful sampling, and they were asked to express their
      experience of stigma and rejection. The data were collected through in-depth semi
      structured interviews, and Diekelmann and colleagues' method was used for data
      analysis. RESULTS: After analysis of interviews, four themes were extracted: lack
      of social support, unrealistic and inappropriate labeling, rejection and
      isolation, and feeling of absurdity and futility. These can be indicative of the
      patients' experience from social stigma and rejection phenomena. CONCLUSIONS:
      Patients' experiences of stigma and rejection phenomena indicated that all
      aspects of their lives are affected. Moreover, these findings highlight the
      significance of stigma and rejection concepts in providing better care to these
      patients.

PMID- 27656291
TI  - Split Rib Cranioplasty for Frontal Osteoma: A Case Report and Review of the
      Literature.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Osteomas are benign bone tumors. They generally lead to a local
      thickness on the frontal bone in calvarium. When they occur on the forehead, they
      often cause a cosmetic disorder without any neurological symptoms. The
      significant problem is the repair method of the cranium defect. CASE
      PRESENTATION: The rib of a 34-year-old female was split and used for a small
      cranium defect of 3 * 3.5 cm. The preferred method and the obtained results were
      presented under the guidance of the literature. CONCLUSIONS: Along with the
      technological advancement, different materials are employed according to the size
      of the cranium defect and the age of the case. The application of split costa
      cranioplasty for the small cranium defects in the region of patient's face is the
      method with the least possibility of complications, and its cosmetic and
      functional results are quite promising.

PMID- 27656293
TI  - Predictors of Treatment Outcome for Retreatment Pulmonary Tuberculosis Cases
      among Tribal People of an Eastern India District: A Prospective Cohort Study.
AB  - Objective. The study was conducted to assess the treatment outcome of different
      category retreatment cases with the aim of finding out the important predictors
      of unfavorable outcomes. Methodology. This hospital based prospective cohort
      study was conducted in three tuberculosis units (TUs) of west Midnapore (a
      district of Eastern India), covering mostly the tribal populated areas. Patients
      who were registered for Category II antituberculosis treatment between 1st
      quarter of 2013 (Jan to Mar) and 4th quarter of 2013 (Oct to Dec) were considered
      as our study cohort and they were followed up till December 2014. The study was
      started with 177 patients but ultimately ended with 165 patients. Results.
      Unfavorable outcome was observed among 24.8% patients. Among them mostly 51.2%
      were defaulter, 22% were failure case, and 26.8% died during treatment. Patients,
      who were minority by religion, were found 4 times more vulnerable for unfavorable
      outcome. Unfavorable outcome was found 7 times more common among retreatment TB
      cases who remain sputum positive after completion of initiation phase of Category
      II treatment. Conclusion. Programmatic approach should be specified to address
      the minority by religion population and to reduce the load of sputum positive
      cases after completion of initiation phase treatment by tracking them. 

PMID- 27656292
TI  - Effect of Hydroxychloroquine on the Retinal Layers: A Quantitative Evaluation
      with Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography.
AB  - Purpose. To evaluate the effect of hydroxychloroquine on retinal pigment
      epithelium- (RPE-) Bruch's membrane complex, photoreceptor outer segment, and
      macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thicknesses using spectral
      domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Methods. In this prospective case
      control study, 51 eyes of 51 hydroxychloroquine patients and 30 eyes of 30
      healthy subjects were included. High-quality images were obtained using a Cirrus
      HD-OCT with 5-line raster mode; the photoreceptor inner segment (IS) and outer
      segment (OS), sum of the segments (IS + OS), and RPE-Bruch's membrane complex
      were analyzed. Results. The thicknesses of the IS + OS and OS layers were
      significantly lower in the hydroxychloroquine subjects compared to the control
      subjects (P < 0.05). RPE-Bruch's membrane complex thicknesses were significantly
      higher in the hydroxychloroquine subjects than for those of the control subjects
      (P < 0.05). The minimum and temporal-inferior macular GCIPL thicknesses were
      significantly different between the patients with hydroxychloroquine use and the
      control subjects (P = 0.04 and P = 0.03, resp.). Conclusions. The foveal
      photoreceptor OS thinning, loss of GCIPL, and RPE-Bruch's membrane thickening
      were detected in patients with hydroxychloroquine therapy. This quantitative
      approach using SD-OCT images may have important implications to use as an early
      indicator of retinal toxicity without any visible signs of hydroxychloroquine
      retinopathy. 

PMID- 27656294
TI  - Dialysate White Blood Cell Change after Initial Antibiotic Treatment Represented
      the Patterns of Response in Peritoneal Dialysis-Related Peritonitis.
AB  - Background. Patients with peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis usually have
      different responses to initial antibiotic treatment. This study aimed to explore
      the patterns of response by using the changes of dialysate white blood cell count
      on the first five days of the initial antibiotic treatment. Materials and
      Methods. A retrospective cohort study was conducted. All peritoneal dialysis
      related peritonitis episodes from January 2014 to December 2015 were reviewed. We
      categorized the patterns of antibiotic response into 3 groups: early response,
      delayed response, and failure group. The changes of dialysate white blood cell
      count for each pattern were determined by multilevel regression analysis.
      Results. There were 644 episodes in 455 patients: 378 (58.7%) of early response,
      122 (18.9%) of delayed response, and 144 (22.3%) of failure episodes. The
      patterns of early, delayed, and failure groups were represented by the average
      rate reduction per day of dialysate WBC of 68.4%, 34.0%, and 14.2%, respectively
      (p value < 0.001 for all comparisons). Conclusion. Three patterns, which were
      categorized by types of responses, have variable rates of WBC declining.
      Clinicians should focus on the delayed response and failure patterns in order to
      make a decision whether to continue medical therapies or to aggressively remove
      the peritoneal catheter. 

PMID- 27656295
TI  - Perspectives on the Role and Synergies of Architecture and Social and Built
      Environment in Enabling Active Healthy Aging.
AB  - Research has demonstrated that enabling societal and physical infrastructure and
      personal accommodations enhance healthy and active aging throughout the lifespan.
      Yet, there is a paucity of research on how to bring together the various
      disciplines involved in a multidomain synergistic collaboration to create new
      living environments for aging. This paper aims to explore the key domains of
      skills and knowledge that need to be considered for a conceptual prototype of an
      enabling educational process and environments where healthcare professionals,
      architects, planners, and entrepreneurs may establish a shared theoretical and
      experiential knowledge base, vocabulary, and implementation strategies, for the
      creation of the next generation of living communities of active healthy adults,
      for persons with disabilities and chronic disease conditions. We focus on
      synergistic, paradigmatic, simple, and practical issues that can be easily
      upscaled through market mechanisms. This practical and physically concrete
      approach may also become linked with more elaborate neuroscientific and
      technologically sophisticated interventions. We examine the domains of knowledge
      to be included in establishing a learning model that focuses on the still
      understudied impact of the benefits toward active and healthy aging, where
      architects, urban planners, clinicians, and healthcare facility managers are
      educated toward a synergistic approach at the operational level. 

PMID- 27656296
TI  - Crystal Structures of Two Isozymes of Citrate Synthase from Sulfolobus tokodaii
      Strain 7.
AB  - Thermoacidophilic archaeon Sulfolobus tokodaii strain 7 has two citrate synthase
      genes (ST1805-CS and ST0587-CS) in the genome with 45% sequence identity. Because
      they exhibit similar optimal temperatures of catalytic activity and thermal
      inactivation profiles, we performed structural comparisons between these isozymes
      to elucidate adaptation mechanisms to high temperatures in thermophilic CSs. The
      crystal structures of ST1805-CS and ST0587-CS were determined at 2.0 A and 2.7 A
      resolutions, respectively. Structural comparison reveals that both of them are
      dimeric enzymes composed of two identical subunits, and these dimeric structures
      are quite similar to those of citrate synthases from archaea and eubacteria.
      ST0587-CS has, however, 55 ion pairs within whole dimer structure, while having
      only 36 in ST1805-CS. Although the number and distributions of ion pairs are
      distinct from each other, intersubunit ion pairs between two domains of each
      isozyme are identical especially in interterminal region. Because the location
      and number of ion pairs are in a trend with other CSs from thermophilic
      microorganisms, the factors responsible for thermal adaptation of ST-CS isozymes
      are characterized by ion pairs in interterminal region. 

PMID- 27656297
TI  - Mandibular Fractures Admitted to the Emergency Department: Data Analysis from a
      Swiss Level One Trauma Centre.
AB  - Mandibular fracture is a common occurrence in emergency medicine and belongs to
      the most frequent facial fractures. Historically road traffic injuries (RTIs)
      have played a prominent role as a cause for mandibular fractures. We extracted
      data from all patients between August 2012 and February 2015 with "lower jaw
      fracture" or "mandibular fracture" from the routine database from the emergency
      department. We conducted a descriptive analysis at a Swiss level one trauma
      centre. 144 patients were admitted with suspected mandibular fractures. The
      majority underwent CT diagnostic (83%). In 7% suspected mandibular fracture was
      not confirmed. More than half of all patients suffered two or more fractures. The
      fractures were median or paramedian in 77/144 patients (53%) and in other parts
      (corpus, mandibular angle, ramus mandibularis, collum, and temporomandibular
      joint) in 100/144 (69%). Male to female ratio was 3 : 1 up to 59 years of age;
      69% were younger than 40 years. 72% of all patients presented during daytime, 69%
      had to be hospitalized, and 31% could be discharged from the ED after treatment.
      Most fractures were due to fall (44%), followed by interpersonal violence (25%)
      and sport activities (12%). Falls were a dominant cause of fracture in all age
      groups while violence and sport activities were common only in younger patients.
      Comparisons to other studies were difficult due to lack of standardization of
      causes contributing to the injuries. In the observed time period and setting RTIs
      have played a minor role compared to falls, interpersonal violence, and sports.
      In the future, standardized documentation as well as categorization of causes for
      analytic purposes is urgently needed to facilitate international comparison of
      studies. 

PMID- 27656298
TI  - Etiology and Clinical Characteristics of Single and Multiple Respiratory Virus
      Infections Diagnosed in Croatian Children in Two Respiratory Seasons.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine the causative agent of acute respiratory
      infection (ARI) in hospitalized children, as well as investigate the
      characteristics of ARIs with single and multiple virus detection in two
      respiratory seasons. In 2010 and 2015, nasopharyngeal and pharyngeal swabs from a
      total of 134 children, admitted to the hospital due to ARI, were tested using
      multiplex PCR. Viral etiology was established in 81.3% of the patients.
      Coinfection with two viruses was diagnosed in 27.6% of the patients, and
      concurrent detection of three or more viruses was diagnosed in 12.8% of the
      patients. The most commonly diagnosed virus in both seasons combined was
      respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (28.6%), followed by parainfluenza viruses
      (PIVs) types 1-3 (18.4%), rhinovirus (HRV) (14.3%), human metapneumovirus
      (10.1%), adenovirus (AdV) (7.1%), influenza viruses types A and B (4.8%), and
      coronaviruses (4.2%). In 2015, additional pathogens were investigated with the
      following detection rate: enterovirus (13.2%), bocavirus (HBoV) (10.5%), PIV-4
      (2.6%), and parechovirus (1.3%). There were no statistical differences between
      single and multiple virus infection regarding patients age, localization of
      infection, and severity of disease (P > 0.05). AdV, HRV, HBoV, and PIVs were
      significantly more often detected in multiple virus infections compared to the
      other respiratory viruses (P < 0.001). 

PMID- 27656299
TI  - The Role of TEE in Diagnosing Hepatopulmonary Syndrome and Cryptogenic Cirrhosis.
AB  - In the vast majority of cases, ongoing hypoxemia in a cirrhotic patient is
      usually hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) until proven otherwise; in this case, HPS
      was suspected prior to any known diagnosis of cirrhosis. This is the first
      reported case in the literature whereby HPS and cirrhosis were diagnosed after
      the fact, rather than with the preexisting knowledge of liver cirrhosis. 

PMID- 27656300
TI  - Pneumothorax Causing Pneumoperitoneum: Role of Surgical Intervention.
AB  - The most common cause of a pneumoperitoneum is a perforation of a hollow viscus
      and the treatment is an exploratory laparotomy; nevertheless, not all
      pneumoperitoneums are due to a perforation and not all of them need surgical
      intervention. We hereby present a case of pneumoperitoneum due to a diaphragmatic
      defect, which allowed air from a pneumothorax to escape through the diaphragmatic
      hernia into the abdominal cavity. 

PMID- 27656301
TI  - Occult Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis Presenting with Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma,
      a Thickened Pituitary Stalk and Diabetes Insipidus.
AB  - Etiologies of a thickened stalk include inflammatory, neoplastic, and idiopathic
      origins, and the underlying diagnosis may remain occult. We report a patient with
      a thickened pituitary stalk (TPS) and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) whose
      diagnosis remained obscure until a skin lesion appeared. The patient presented
      with PTC, status postthyroidectomy, and I(131) therapy. PTC molecular testing
      revealed BRAF mutant (V600E, GTC>GAG). She had a 5-year history of
      polyuria/polydipsia. Overnight dehydration study confirmed diabetes insipidus
      (DI). MRI revealed TPS with loss of the posterior pituitary bright spot.
      Evaluation showed hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and low IGF-1. Chest X-ray and
      ACE levels were normal. Radiographs to evaluate for extrapituitary sites of
      Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH) were unremarkable. Germinoma studies were
      negative: normal serum and CSF beta-hCG, alpha-fetoprotein, and CEA. Three years
      later, the patient developed vulvar labial lesions followed by inguinal region
      skin lesions, biopsy of which revealed LCH. Reanalysis of thyroid pathology was
      consistent with concurrent LCH, PTC, and Hashimoto's thyroiditis within the
      thyroid. This case illustrates that one must be vigilant for extrapituitary
      manifestations of systemic diseases to diagnose the etiology of TPS. An
      activating mutation of the protooncogene BRAF is a potential unifying etiology of
      both PTC and LCH. 

PMID- 27656302
TI  - Q Fever Risk in Patients Treated with Chronic Antitumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha
      Therapy.
AB  - Q fever is a zoonotic bacterial disease caused by Coxiella burnetii. Tumor
      necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) plays a pivotal role in the defense against
      infection with this Gram-negative coccobacillus. Theoretically, patients who are
      treated with anti-TNF-alpha medications are at risk for developing chronic Q
      fever. We present two patients who developed Q fever while being treated with
      anti-TNF-alpha agents and discuss the significance of timely diagnosis of C.
      burnetii infection in these patients. 

PMID- 27656303
TI  - Papillary Squamotransitional Cell Carcinoma of the Uterine Cervix: A Case Report
      and Review of the Literature.
AB  - Introduction. Papillary squamotransitional cell carcinoma (PSTCC) is an uncommon
      histopathological variant of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the uterine cervix,
      which occurs in postmenopausal women. Presentation of Case. Herein, we describe a
      case of a 63-year-old woman who presented with 4-month history of postmenopausal
      vaginal bleeding. Vaginal examination revealed a fragile lesion of size 1 * 1 cm
      invading left posterior vaginal fornice and parametrium. Biopsy showed the
      presence of papillae containing fibrovascular cores lined by multilayered
      atypical epithelial cells resembling squamous and transitional cell epithelium,
      confirming the diagnosis of PSTCC of the uterine cervix. After staging work-up
      she was staged according to the International Federation of Gynecology and
      Obstetrics (FIGO) staging system 2009 as FIGO IIB, and she was started on
      extended field concurrent chemoradiation. Discussion. PSTCC of the uterine cervix
      is an extremely rare and aggressive entity. PSTCC is often characterized by the
      presence of papillary structures with prominent fibrovascular cores. PSTCC of the
      uterine cervix should be differentiated from transitional cell carcinoma,
      squamous papilloma, papillary adenocarcinoma, and cervical intraepithelial
      neoplasia with papillary features. Conclusion. PSTCC of the uterine cervix is a
      diagnostic challenge; further studies regarding the mechanism underlying the
      development of PSCC are warranted. 

PMID- 27656304
TI  - Unusual Closed Traumatic Avulsion of Both Flexor Tendons in Zones 1 and 3 of the
      Little Finger.
AB  - Closed tendon avulsion of both flexor tendons in the same finger is an extremely
      rare condition. We encountered the case of a patient who presented a rupture of
      the flexor digitorum profundus in zone 1 and flexor digitorum superficialis in
      zone 3 in the little finger. This occurrence has not been reported previously. We
      hereby present our case, make a review of the literature of avulsion of both
      flexor tendons of the same finger, and propose a treatment according to the site
      of the ruptures. 

PMID- 27656305
TI  - Symptomatic Bilateral Torn Discoid Medial Meniscus Treated with Saucerization and
      Suture.
AB  - Discoid meniscus is an anatomical congenital anomaly more often found in the
      lateral meniscus. A discoid medial meniscus is a very rare anomaly, and even more
      rare is to diagnose a bilateral discoid medial meniscus although the real
      prevalence of this situation is unknown because not all the discoid medial
      menisci are symptomatic and if the contralateral knee is not symptomatic then it
      is not usually studied. The standard treatment of this kind of pathology is
      partial meniscectomy. Currently the tendency is to be very conservative so suture
      and saucerization of a torn discoid meniscus when possible are gaining support.
      We present the case of a 13-year-old patient who was diagnosed with symptomatic
      torn bilateral discoid medial meniscus treated by suturing the tear and
      saucerization. To the best of our knowledge this is the first case reported of
      bilateral torn discoid medial meniscus treated in this manner in the same
      patient. 

PMID- 27656306
TI  - Tympanosclerosis Presenting as Mass: Workup and Differential.
AB  - Introduction. Tympanosclerosis is a commonly encountered entity within ENT
      clinics and primary care settings. Recognizing ear pathology is essential for
      correct management. Oftentimes the diagnosis is clear; however in certain cases
      further workup to rule out other more insidious disease processes is warranted.
      Case Report. We present a case of tympanosclerosis which presented as an ear mass
      without classic appearance of tympanosclerosis. Through imaging and biopsy the
      diagnosis of tympanosclerosis was made. The patient was treated surgically with
      good outcome. Discussion. Various ear pathologies, with different treatment
      algorithms, may present as clinically similar to one another. Differential
      diagnosis for this case included tympanosclerosis, cholesteatoma, or other middle
      ear masses. We review these entities and discuss their pathophysiology and
      implications on management. 

PMID- 27656307
TI  - Cystic and Papillary Neoplasm at the Hepatic Hilum Possibly Originating in the
      Peribiliary Glands.
AB  - Cystic neoplasms of the liver are divided into two types: mucinous cystic
      neoplasm and cystic intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct. We herein
      report two cases of cystic and papillary neoplasm of the liver which differed
      from the abovementioned types. Case  1. A 70-year-old man. Radiologically, a
      cystic tumor measuring 20 mm in diameter was found at the hepatic hilum. Right
      hepatectomy was performed under a diagnosis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
      (iCCA) based on the imaging findings. Case  2. A 70-year-old man. Radiologically,
      a cystic tumor measuring 60 mm in diameter was found at the hepatic hilum. Under
      a diagnosis of iCCA, left hepatic trisectionectomy was performed. In both cases,
      endoscopic retrograde cholangiography did not demonstrate communication between
      the cystic tumor and adjacent bile ducts. Pathologically, these two tumors were
      cystic neoplasms located at the hepatic hilum and were morphologically
      characterized by an intracystic papillary neoplasm composed of diffuse high-grade
      dysplasia and associated with an invasive carcinoma. Ovarian-like stroma was not
      found in the capsule of these tumors. Interestingly, there were peribiliary
      glands near these tumors, and MUC6 was expressed in these papillary neoplasms as
      well as in the peribiliary glands. These neoplasms might have arisen from the
      peribiliary glands. 

PMID- 27656308
TI  - Neurogenic Bladder Repair Using Autologous Mesenchymal Stem Cells.
AB  - The normal function of the urinary bladder is to store and expel urine in a
      coordinated, controlled fashion, the activity of which is regulated by the
      central and peripheral nervous systems. Neurogenic bladder is a term applied to a
      malfunctioning urinary bladder due to neurologic dysfunction or insult emanating
      from internal or external trauma, disease, or injury. This report describes a
      case of neurogenic bladder following laminectomy procedure and long-standing
      diabetes mellitus with neuropathy treated with autologous cellular therapy. The
      differentiation potential and paracrine effects of mesenchymal stem cells on
      bladder function have been highlighted. 

PMID- 27656309
TI  - Acute Bladder Necrosis after Pelvic Arterial Embolization for Pelvic Trauma:
      Lessons Learned from Two Cases of Immediate Postembolization Bladder Necrosis.
AB  - We report two cases of acute bladder injury with bladder neck necrosis identified
      during the initial operative evaluation and within the early postprocedural
      period in patients with significant pelvic trauma requiring pelvic vascular
      embolization. To our knowledge, this is the first report of bladder neck necrosis
      found during the initial intraoperative surgical evaluation or early
      postoperative setting. 

PMID- 27656310
TI  - The Challenges and Relevance of Exploring the Genetics of North Africa's "Barbary
      Lion" and the Conservation of Putative Descendants in Captivity.
AB  - The lions of North Africa were unique in ecological terms as well as from a human
      cultural perspective and were the definitive lions of Roman and Medieval Europe.
      Labelled "Barbary" lions, they were once numerous in North Africa but were
      exterminated by the mid-20th century. Despite subsequent degeneration of the
      Atlas Mountain ecosystem through human pressures, the feasibility of lion
      reintroduction has been debated since the 1970s. Research on the long-established
      captive lion collection traditionally kept by the sultans and kings of Morocco
      has enabled selective breeding coordinated across Moroccan and European zoos
      involving a significant number of animals. Molecular genetic research has
      recently provided insights into lion phylogeny which, despite previous
      suggestions that all lions share recent common ancestry, now indicates clear
      distinctions between lions in North, West, and Central Africa, the Middle East,
      and India versus those in Southern and Eastern Africa. A review of the
      evolutionary relevance of North African lions highlights the important challenges
      and opportunities in understanding relationships between Moroccan lions, extinct
      North African lions, and extant lion populations in India and West and Central
      Africa and the potential role for lions in ecosystem recovery in those regions. 

PMID- 27656311
TI  - Parkinson's Disease and Homocysteine: A Community-Based Study in a Folate and
      Vitamin B12 Deficient Population.
AB  - Background. Homocysteine (Hcy) levels were higher in patients with Parkinson's
      disease (PD). This could be partially explained by levodopa treatment. Whether
      untreated PD patients have higher Hcy levels is contradictory. Methods. A
      community-based study was conducted using a two-stage approach for subjects >= 55
      years to find PD patients in 3 towns of Luliang City. Blood samples were
      collected. Serum Hcy, folate, and vitamin B12 concentrations were measured. For
      each untreated PD patient, 5 controls were selected matched with age and sex to
      evaluate the relationship between Hcy levels and PD. Results. Of 6338 eligible
      residents, 72.7% participated in the study. 31 PD cases were identified. The
      crude prevalence of PD for people >= 55 years was 0.67%. Blood samples were
      collected from 1845 subjects, including 17 untreated PD patients. There was no
      difference for concentrations of serum Hcy, folate, and vitamin B12 between cases
      and controls (P > 0.05). In univariate and multivariate analysis, there was
      significant inverse relation between PD and current smoking (P < 0.05). No other
      factor was significant statistically. Conclusions. The prevalence of PD was
      comparable to earlier studies in China. Hyperhomocysteinemia was not a risk
      factor of PD, as well as folate and vitamin B12 deficiency. 

PMID- 27656312
TI  - Investigation of Anaplasma marginale Seroprevalence in a Traditionally Managed
      Large California Beef Herd.
AB  - Recent observations by stakeholders suggested that ecosystem changes may be
      driving an increased incidence of bovine erythrocytic anaplasmosis, resulting in
      a reemerging cattle disease in California. The objective of this prospective
      cohort study was to estimate the incidence of Anaplasma marginale infection using
      seroconversion in a northern California beef cattle herd. A total of 143 Black
      Angus cattle (106 prebreeding heifers and 37 cows) were enrolled in the study.
      Serum samples were collected to determine Anaplasma marginale seroprevalence
      using a commercially available competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test
      kit. Repeat sampling was performed in seronegative animals to determine the
      incidence density rate from March through September (2013). Seroprevalence of
      heifers was significantly lower than that of cows at the beginning of the study
      (P < 0.001) but not at study completion (P = 0.075). Incidence density rate of
      Anaplasma marginale infection was 8.17 (95% confidence interval: 6.04, 10.81)
      cases per 1000 cow-days during the study period. Study cattle became Anaplasma
      marginale seropositive and likely carriers protected from severe clinical disease
      that might have occurred had they been first infected as mature adults. No
      evidence was found within this herd to suggest increased risk for clinical bovine
      erythrocytic anaplasmosis. 

PMID- 27656313
TI  - Image guidance in skull base tumor resection: A synergistic approach using
      intraoperative navigated angiosonography for real-time vessel visualization.

PMID- 27656315
TI  - Do corticosteroids play a role in the management of traumatic brain injury?
AB  - Neuroprotective strategies for the medical management of traumatic brain injury
      (TBI) have been elusive. While laboratory studies provide a conceptual framework
      for the potential efficacy of corticosteroids in this context, clinical trials
      testing this hypothesis have yielded no convincing evidence of clinical benefit.
      Here, we review the five key randomized control trials (RCTs) that have examined
      this issue. Based on the proposed primary endpoints of these RCTs, the five RCTs
      consistently showed that corticosteroids do not confer significant benefit in the
      TBI population. 

PMID- 27656316
TI  - Erratum: Treatment options for pediatric craniopharyngioma.
AB  - [This corrects the article on p. S174 in vol. 7, PMID: 27057397.]. 

PMID- 27656317
TI  - Multifocal melanocytoma of the posterior fossa and subcutaneous scalp in the
      absence of neurocutaneous melanosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Primary leptomeningeal melanocytic neoplasms of the central nervous
      system are rare. Multifocal lesions typically occur in the setting of cutaneous
      melanosis. We present the first report of a posterior fossa melanocytoma and
      subcutaneous melanocytoma of intermediate grade in the absence of cutaneous
      melanosis. CASE DESCRIPTION: We present the case of a 22-year-old male with
      decreased hearing on the right side, ataxia, nausea, vomiting and a scalp mass.
      Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated occipital and cerebellopontine (CP)
      angle masses. The patient underwent gross total resection of the scalp mass and
      subtotal resection of the CP angle mass. Pathologic examination revealed
      melanocytoma with intermediate grade. The patient underwent stereotactic
      radiosurgery to the residual CP angle tumor. This case represents, to the
      author's knowledge, the first report associating a posterior fossa melanocytoma
      with a subcutaneous melanocytoma of intermediate grade in the absence of
      cutaneous melanosis. CONCLUSION: This case introduces the first report of a new
      variant of multifocal melanocytoma which is not confined to the central nervous
      system.

PMID- 27656318
TI  - Suprasellar epithelioid hemangioendothelioma: Case report and review of the
      literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a rare sarcoma of vascular
      origin, which is clinically and histologically intermediate between benign
      hemangioma and angiosarcoma. It is most commonly found in the liver, lung, and
      bone, however, 46 intracranial cases have been reported in the literature, of
      which this is the fifth reported suprasellar tumor. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 45-year
      old woman developed progressive lethargy, somnolence, and memory decline over the
      course of 6 months. On computed tomography (CT), she was found to have a large
      hypothalamic mass and underwent subtotal resection via a bifrontal craniotomy.
      CONCLUSIONS: While primary intracranial EHE is an uncommon presentation of a rare
      tumor, the suprasellar region does not seem to be an unusual location when it
      does occur. Prognosis is generally good, and may be better for primary
      intracranial disease than that for EHE originating elsewhere. Surgery is the
      first line of therapy, with variable benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy or
      radiation when total resection is not possible. Chemotherapeutic approaches in
      current use are directed at preventing endothelial proliferation.

PMID- 27656319
TI  - Brain metastases from breast cancer during pregnancy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Brain metastasis during pregnancy is a rare occurrence. In
      particular, there have only been three prior cases regarding breast cancer
      metastasis. We report a patient with breast cancer metastasis to the brain during
      pregnancy and review the literature. CASE DESCRIPTION: The patient was a 35-year
      old female with a history of breast cancer (estrogen receptor/progesterone
      receptor negative, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2/neu positive, status
      post-neoadjuvant docetaxel/carboplatin/trastuzumab/pertuzumab therapy, status
      post-bilateral mastectomies), and prior right frontal brain metastases (status
      post-resection, capecitabine/lapatinib/temozolomide therapy, and cyberknife
      treatment). Patient was found to be pregnant at 9 weeks' gestation while on
      chemotherapy; the patient elected to continue with the pregnancy and chemotherapy
      was discontinued. At 14 weeks' gestation, she returned with recurrent right
      frontal disease. She was taken for a craniotomy at 16 weeks' gestation, which
      confirmed metastases. Six weeks later, patient returned with worsening headaches
      and fatigue, with more recurrent right frontal disease. She was started on
      decadron and chemotherapy (5-fluorouracil, adriamycin, and cyclophosphamide).
      Serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated enlarging right frontal
      lesions. She underwent a craniotomy at 27 weeks' gestation, and chemotherapy was
      discontinued promptly. Starting at 30 weeks' gestation, she received whole brain
      radiation for 2 weeks. Subsequently, she delivered a baby girl via cesarean
      section at 32 weeks' gestation. At 6 weeks follow-up, an MRI brain demonstrated
      no new intracranial disease, with stable postoperative findings. CONCLUSION:
      There is a lack of guidelines and clinical consensus on medical and surgical
      treatment for breast cancer metastases in pregnant patients. Treatment usually
      varies based upon underlying tumor burden, location, gestational age of the
      fetus, and patient's preference and symptomatology.

PMID- 27656314
TI  - Metabolic syndrome and the hepatorenal reflex.
AB  - Insufficient hepatic O2 in animal and human studies has been shown to elicit a
      hepatorenal reflex in response to increased hepatic adenosine, resulting in
      stimulation of renal as well as muscle sympathetic nerve activity and activating
      the renin angiotensin system. Low hepatic ATP, hyperuricemia, and hepatic lipid
      accumulation reported in metabolic syndrome (MetS) patients may reflect
      insufficient hepatic O2 delivery, potentially accounting for the sympathetic
      overdrive associated with MetS. This theoretical concept is supported by
      experimental results in animals fed a high fructose diet to induce MetS. Hepatic
      fructose metabolism rapidly consumes ATP resulting in increased adenosine
      production and hyperuricemia as well as elevated renin release and sympathetic
      activity. This review makes the case for the hepatorenal reflex causing
      sympathetic overdrive and metabolic syndrome in response to exaggerated
      splanchnic oxygen consumption from excessive eating. This is strongly reinforced
      by the fact that MetS is cured in a matter of days in a significant percentage of
      patients by diet, bariatric surgery, or endoluminal sleeve, all of which would
      decrease splanchnic oxygen demand by limiting nutrient contact with the mucosa
      and reducing the nutrient load due to the loss of appetite or dietary
      restriction. 

PMID- 27656320
TI  - Ollier disease with anaplastic astrocytoma: A review of the literature and a
      unique case.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ollier disease is a rare, nonfamilial disorder that primary affects
      the long bones and cartilage of joints with multiple enchondromas. It is
      associated with a higher risk of central nervous system (CNS) malignancies;
      although the incidence is unknown. CASE DESCRIPTION: Here, we present the case of
      a 55-year-old woman who developed an anaplastic astrocytoma with a known
      diagnosis of Ollier disease with a survival time of over 3 years. CONCLUSION:
      This report draws attention to the rarity of this disease and the paucity of
      information regarding CNS involvement in Ollier disease, as well as reviews the
      current literature.

PMID- 27656321
TI  - Lymphomatoid granulomatosis of the brain: A case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lymphomatoid granulomatosis is a rare disorder of the central nervous
      system (CNS) with few cases being reported in literature. We present the case of
      an adult with an unusual lesion of the CNS who presented with motor seizures and
      was diagnosed with lymphomatoid granulomatosis, followed by a discussion of the
      process of evaluation and management. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 42-year-old male
      presented with motor seizures and loss of consciousness for 10 minutes along with
      dysarthria and left hemiplegia. Neurological examination and imaging with
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain revealed a mass in the right
      striatum. The patient was hospitalized and underwent an image-guided right
      frontal craniotomy using the Leksell Stereotactic G-Frame. Pathology reported a
      lymphomatoid granulomatosis. Being immunocompetent, the patient received medical
      treatment with prednisone and rituximab. Two years after his diagnosis, the
      patient had no active disease and his brain MRI did not show contrast
      enhancement. After almost 3 years of follow-up, the patient has a mild weakness
      in the left-side of his body (4/5), is seizure-free, and can walk and perform
      daily activities. CONCLUSIONS: This rare lesion in an adult, immunocompetent
      patient, debuting with motor seizures represents a challenge in terms of
      diagnosis and treatment. After surgical and medical treatment, the patient had a
      satisfactory recovery. Clinical features, imaging, differential diagnosis, and
      pathology are discussed.

PMID- 27656323
TI  - HEAVEN: The Frankenstein effect.
AB  - The HEAVEN head transplant initiative needs human data concerning the acute
      restoration of motor transmission after application of fusogens to the severed
      cord in man. Data from two centuries ago prove that a fresh cadaver, after
      hanging or decapitation, can be mobilized by electrical stimulation for up to 3
      hours. By administering spinal cord stimulation by applied paddles to the cord or
      transcranial magnetic stimulation to M1 and recording motor evoked potentials, it
      should be possible to test fusogens in fresh cadavers. Delayed neuronal death
      might be the neuropathological reason. 

PMID- 27656322
TI  - Management and outcomes of intramedullary spinal cord tumors: A single center
      experience from a developing country.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intraoperative neurophysiology, high magnification microscopes, and
      ultrasonic aspirators are considered essential aid for the safe resection of
      intramedullary spinal cord tumors (IMSCTs). Most centers in developing countries
      such as Pakistan still lack these facilities. The purpose of this study was to
      review the management of IMSCTs at our hospital and to determine factors
      associated with the outcomes of surgery. METHODS: This was a retrospective review
      of medical records of adult patients undergoing surgery for IMSCT over 12 years.
      The institutional ethical review committee approved this study. Data were
      collected regarding demographics, clinical and radiological features, and
      surgical details. Modified McCormick Scale was used to grade patients'
      neurological status at admission, discharge, and follow-up. Statistical analysis
      was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22.
      RESULTS: Forty three cases were reviewed. Mean age was 33.8 +/- 15.1 years
      whereas median follow-up was 5 months (range: 0.25-96 months). Most patients had
      ependymoma (n = 16; 73%). Cervical region was the most commonly involved (n = 15;
      34.9%). Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 30 cases (69.8%). The
      preoperative McCormick grade was significantly associated with follow-up
      McCormick grade (P value = 0.002). Eight patients (18.6%) underwent
      intraoperative electrophysiological monitoring, out of which GTR was achieved in
      all cases, and none had disease progression or recurrence. Ten patients received
      postoperative radiotherapy. Thirty five patients (81.4%) had progression free
      survival at last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: We achieved a GTR rate of 68.9% for
      IMSCTs with limited resources. In few cases, where intraoperative
      electrophysiology was used, the rate of GTR was 100%. Preoperative neurological
      status was associated with better postoperative McCormick score.

PMID- 27656324
TI  - Houston, GEMINI has landed: Spinal cord fusion achieved.

PMID- 27656325
TI  - GEMINI: Initial behavioral results after full severance of the cervical spinal
      cord in mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The GEMINI spinal cord fusion protocol has been developed to achieve
      a successful cephalosomatic anastomosis. Here, we report the preliminary data on
      the use of a fusogen [polyethylene glycol (PEG)] after full cervical cord
      transection in mice to facilitate the fusion of both ends of a sharply transected
      spinal cord. METHODS: Cervical laminectomy and a complete, visually confirmed
      cervical cord (C 5) transection was performed on female albino mice (n = 16). In
      Group 1 (n = 8), a fusogen, (PEG) was used to bridge the gap between the cut ends
      of the spinal cord. Group 2 received the same spinal cord transection but was
      treated with saline. Outcome was assessed daily using a standard scale (modified
      22-point Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan scale) and filmed on camera. RESULTS: The PEG
      group (group 1) showed partial restoration of motor function after 4 weeks of
      observation; group 2 (placebo) did not recover any useful motor activity.
      CONCLUSION: In this preliminary experiment, PEG, but not saline, promoted partial
      motor recovery in mice submitted to full cervical transection.

PMID- 27656326
TI  - Spinal cord fusion with PEG-GNRs (TexasPEG): Neurophysiological recovery in 24
      hours in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The GEMINI spinal cord fusion protocol has been developed to achieve
      a successful cephalosomatic anastomosis. Here, for the first time, we report the
      effects of locally applied water-soluble, conductive PEG(polyethylene
      glycol)ylated graphene nanoribbons (PEG-GNRs) on neurophysiologic conduction
      after sharp cervical cord transection in rats. PEG-GNRs were produced by the
      polymerization of ethylene oxide from anion-edged graphene nanoribbons. These
      combine the fusogenic potential of PEG with the electrical conducting properties
      of the graphene nanoribbons. METHODS: Laminectomy and transection of cervical
      spinal cord (C5) was performed on Female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. After applying
      PEG-GNR on the severed part, electrophysiological recovery of the reconstructed
      cervical spinal cord was confirmed by somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) at
      24 h after surgery. RESULTS: While no SSEPs were detected in the control group,
      PEG-GNR treated group showed fast recovery of SSEPs at 24 h after the surgery.
      CONCLUSION: In this preliminary dataset, for the first time, we report the effect
      of a novel form of PEG with the goal of rapid reconstruction of a sharply severed
      spinal cord.

PMID- 27656327
TI  - Accelerated recovery of sensorimotor function in a dog submitted to quasi-total
      transection of the cervical spinal cord and treated with PEG.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A case report on observing the recovery of sensory-motor function
      after cervical spinal cord transection. CASE DESCRIPTION: Laminectomy and
      transection of cervical spinal cord (C5) was performed on a male beagle weighing
      3.5 kg. After applying polyethylene glycol (PEG) on the severed part,
      reconstruction of cervical spinal cord was confirmed by the restoration of
      sensorimotor function. Tetraplegia was observed immediately after operation,
      however, the dog showed stable respiration and survival without any complication.
      The dog showed fast recovery after 1 week, and recovered approximately 90% of
      normal sensorimotor function 3 weeks after the operation, although urinary
      disorder was still present. All recovery stages were recorded by video camera
      twice a week for behavioral analysis. CONCLUSION: While current belief holds that
      functional recovery is impossible after a section greater than 50% at C5-6 in the
      canine model, this case study shows the possibility of cervical spinal cord
      reconstruction after near-total transection. Furthermore, this case study also
      confirms that PEG can truly expedite the recovery of sensorimotor function after
      cervical spinal cord sections in dogs.

PMID- 27656328
TI  - Development of inCVAX, In situ Cancer Vaccine, and Its Immune Response in Mice
      with Hepatocellular Cancer.
AB  - Manipulation of immune system toward the rejection of established cancers has
      become the standard of care in some patients. Here we propose the development of
      an in situ autologous cancer vaccine, inCVAX, for the treatment of hepatocellular
      cancer (HCC). inCVAX is based on the induction of local immunogenic cancer cell
      death combined with local dendritic cell stimulation by intratumoral injection of
      the immune-activator N-dihydro-galacto-chitosan (GC). In a first set of
      experiments, cellular and molecular studies were performed to investigate the
      effect of inCVAX on immune activation in a murine model of HCC that we previously
      developed. Once large tumors were formed in mice, the tumor is surgically exposed
      and a laser fiber was inserted into the center of an individual tumor mass. Using
      a 10 mm diffuser tip, laser irradiation of 1.5 W was applied to heat the tumor at
      different durations (6-10 min) to assess tolerability of photothermal application
      at different temperatures. The laser application was followed by immediate
      injection of GC, and each mouse received one laser treatment and one GC
      injection. ELISA was used to assess the level of cytokines; immunohistochemical
      staining was conducted to analyze the effect of inCVAX on immune cell tumor
      filtration and expression of tumor-specific antigens (TSAs) and tumor-associated
      antigens (TAAs). Results indicate that survival correlated to thermal exposure.
      At lower temperatures the photothermal effect was sufficient to induce tumor
      necrosis, but without obvious complication to the mice, although at these
      temperatures the treatment didn't alter the level of TSAs and TAAs, so further
      optimization is suggested. Nevertheless, in response to the inCVAX treatment,
      cytotoxic cytokine IFN-gamma was significantly increased, but suppressive
      cytokine TGF-beta was dramatically reduced. Furthermore, inCVAX prompted tumor
      infiltration of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells; but modulated macrophage subsets
      differently. In conclusion, while the protocol needs further optimization, it
      would appear that inCVAX for the treatment of HCC activates an immune response in
      tumor-bearing mice, which in turn may have potential for the treatment of HCC.

PMID- 27656329
TI  - Vertical structure and physical processes of the Madden-Julian Oscillation:
      Biases and uncertainties at short range.
AB  - An analysis of diabatic heating and moistening processes from 12 to 36 h lead
      time forecasts from 12 Global Circulation Models are presented as part of the
      "Vertical structure and physical processes of the Madden-Julian Oscillation
      (MJO)" project. A lead time of 12-36 h is chosen to constrain the large-scale
      dynamics and thermodynamics to be close to observations while avoiding being too
      close to the initial spin-up of the models as they adjust to being driven from
      the Years of Tropical Convection (YOTC) analysis. A comparison of the vertical
      velocity and rainfall with the observations and YOTC analysis suggests that the
      phases of convection associated with the MJO are constrained in most models at
      this lead time although the rainfall in the suppressed phase is typically
      overestimated. Although the large-scale dynamics is reasonably constrained,
      moistening and heating profiles have large intermodel spread. In particular,
      there are large spreads in convective heating and moistening at midlevels during
      the transition to active convection. Radiative heating and cloud parameters have
      the largest relative spread across models at upper levels during the active
      phase. A detailed analysis of time step behavior shows that some models show
      strong intermittency in rainfall and differences in the precipitation and
      dynamics relationship between models. The wealth of model outputs archived during
      this project is a very valuable resource for model developers beyond the study of
      the MJO. In addition, the findings of this study can inform the design of process
      model experiments, and inform the priorities for field experiments and future
      observing systems.

PMID- 27656330
TI  - Frequency and causes of failed MODIS cloud property retrievals for liquid phase
      clouds over global oceans.
AB  - Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) retrieves cloud droplet
      effective radius (re ) and optical thickness (tau) by projecting observed cloud
      reflectances onto a precomputed look-up table (LUT). When observations fall
      outside of the LUT, the retrieval is considered "failed" because no combination
      of tau and re within the LUT can explain the observed cloud reflectances. In this
      study, the frequency and potential causes of failed MODIS retrievals for marine
      liquid phase (MLP) clouds are analyzed based on 1 year of Aqua MODIS Collection 6
      products and collocated CALIOP and CloudSat observations. The retrieval based on
      the 0.86 um and 2.1 um MODIS channel combination has an overall failure rate of
      about 16% (10% for the 0.86 um and 3.7 um combination). The failure rates are
      lower over stratocumulus regimes and higher over the broken trade wind cumulus
      regimes. The leading type of failure is the "re too large" failure accounting for
      60%-85% of all failed retrievals. The rest is mostly due to the "re too small" or
      tau retrieval failures. Enhanced retrieval failure rates are found when MLP cloud
      pixels are partially cloudy or have high subpixel inhomogeneity, are located at
      special Sun-satellite viewing geometries such as sunglint, large viewing or solar
      zenith angles, or cloudbow and glory angles, or are subject to cloud masking,
      cloud overlapping, and/or cloud phase retrieval issues. The majority (more than
      84%) of failed retrievals along the CALIPSO track can be attributed to at least
      one or more of these potential reasons. The collocated CloudSat radar
      reflectivity observations reveal that the remaining failed retrievals are often
      precipitating. It remains an open question whether the extremely large re values
      observed in these clouds are the consequence of true cloud microphysics or still
      due to artifacts not included in this study.

PMID- 27656331
TI  - The carbon dioxide system on the Mississippi River-dominated continental shelf in
      the northern Gulf of Mexico: 1. Distribution and air-sea CO2 flux.
AB  - River-dominated continental shelf environments are active sites of air-sea CO2
      exchange. We conducted 13 cruises in the northern Gulf of Mexico, a region
      strongly influenced by fresh water and nutrients delivered from the Mississippi
      and Atchafalaya River system. The sea surface partial pressure of carbon dioxide
      (pCO2) was measured, and the air-sea CO2 flux was calculated. Results show that
      CO2 exchange exhibited a distinct seasonality: the study area was a net sink of
      atmospheric CO2 during spring and early summer, and it was neutral or a weak
      source of CO2 to the atmosphere during midsummer, fall, and winter. Along the
      salinity gradient, across the shelf, the sea surface shifted from a source of CO2
      in low-salinity zones (0<=S<17) to a strong CO2 sink in the middle-to-high
      salinity zones (17<=S<33), and finally was a near-neutral state in the high
      salinity areas (33<=S<35) and in the open gulf (S>=35). High pCO2 values were
      only observed in narrow regions near freshwater sources, and the distribution of
      undersaturated pCO2 generally reflected the influence of freshwater inputs along
      the shelf. Systematic analyses of pCO2 variation demonstrated the importance of
      riverine nitrogen export; that is, riverine nitrogen-enhanced biological removal,
      along with mixing processes, dominated pCO2 variation along the salinity
      gradient. In addition, extreme or unusual weather events were observed to alter
      the alongshore pCO2 distribution and to affect regional air-sea CO2 flux
      estimates. Overall, the study region acted as a net CO2 sink of 0.96 +/- 3.7 mol
      m-2 yr-1 (1.15 +/- 4.4 Tg C yr-1).

PMID- 27656332
TI  - Altimeter-derived seasonal circulation on the southwest Atlantic shelf: 27
      degrees -43 degrees S.
AB  - Altimeter sea surface height (SSH) fields are analyzed to define and discuss the
      seasonal circulation over the wide continental shelf in the SW Atlantic Ocean (27
      degrees -43 degrees S) during 2001-2012. Seasonal variability is low south of the
      Rio de la Plata (RdlP), where winds and currents remain equatorward for most of
      the year. Winds and currents in the central and northern parts of our domain are
      also equatorward during autumn and winter but reverse to become poleward during
      spring and summer. Transports of shelf water to the deep ocean are strongest
      during summer offshore and to the southeast of the RdlP. Details of the flow are
      discussed using mean monthly seasonal cycles of winds, heights, and currents,
      along with analyses of Empirical Orthogonal Functions. Principle Estimator
      Patterns bring out the patterns of wind forcing and ocean response. The largest
      part of the seasonal variability in SSH signals is due to changes in the wind
      forcing (described above) and changes in the strong boundary currents that flow
      along the eastern boundary of the shelf. The rest of the variability contains a
      smaller component due to heating and expansion of the water column, concentrated
      in the southern part of the region next to the coast. Our results compare well to
      previous studies using in situ data and to results from realistic numerical
      models of the regional circulation.

PMID- 27656333
TI  - Distinguishing between pulsed and continuous reconnection at the dayside
      magnetopause.
AB  - Magnetic reconnection has been established as the dominant mechanism by which
      magnetic fields in different regions change topology to create open magnetic
      field lines that allow energy and momentum to flow into the magnetosphere. One of
      the persistent problems of magnetic reconnection is the question of whether the
      process is continuous or intermittent and what input condition(s) might favor one
      type of reconnection over the other. Observations from imagers that record FUV
      emissions caused by precipitating cusp ions demonstrate the global nature of
      magnetic reconnection. Those images show continuous ionospheric emissions even
      during changing interplanetary magnetic field conditions. On the other hand, in
      situ observations from polar-orbiting satellites show distinctive cusp structures
      in flux distributions of precipitating ions, which are interpreted as the
      telltale signature of intermittent reconnection. This study uses a modification
      of the low-velocity cutoff method, which was previously successfully used to
      determine the location of the reconnection site, to calculate for the cusp ion
      distributions the "time since reconnection occurred." The "time since
      reconnection" is used to determine the "reconnection time" for the cusp magnetic
      field lines where these distributions have been observed. The profile of the
      reconnection time, either continuous or stepped, is a direct measurement of the
      nature of magnetic reconnection at the reconnection site. This paper will discuss
      a continuous and pulsed reconnection event from the Polar spacecraft to
      illustrate the methodology.

PMID- 27656334
TI  - Global storm time depletion of the outer electron belt.
AB  - The outer radiation belt consists of relativistic (>0.5 MeV) electrons trapped on
      closed trajectories around Earth where the magnetic field is nearly dipolar.
      During increased geomagnetic activity, electron intensities in the belt can vary
      by orders of magnitude at different spatial and temporal scales. The main phase
      of geomagnetic storms often produces deep depletions of electron intensities over
      broad regions of the outer belt. Previous studies identified three possible
      processes that can contribute to the main-phase depletions: adiabatic inflation
      of electron drift orbits caused by the ring current growth, electron loss into
      the atmosphere, and electron escape through the magnetopause boundary. In this
      paper we investigate the relative importance of the adiabatic effect and
      magnetopause loss to the rapid depletion of the outer belt observed at the Van
      Allen Probes spacecraft during the main phase of 17 March 2013 storm. The
      intensities of >1 MeV electrons were depleted by more than an order of magnitude
      over the entire radial extent of the belt in less than 6 h after the sudden storm
      commencement. For the analysis we used three-dimensional test particle
      simulations of global evolution of the outer belt in the Tsyganenko-Sitnov
      (TS07D) magnetic field model with an inductive electric field. Comparison of the
      simulation results with electron measurements from the Magnetic Electron Ion
      Spectrometer experiment shows that magnetopause loss accounts for most of the
      observed depletion at L>5, while at lower L shells the depletion is adiabatic.
      Both magnetopause loss and the adiabatic effect are controlled by the change in
      global configuration of the magnetic field due to storm time development of the
      ring current; a simulation of electron evolution without a ring current produces
      a much weaker depletion.

PMID- 27656335
TI  - Modular model for Mercury's magnetospheric magnetic field confined within the
      average observed magnetopause.
AB  - Accurate knowledge of Mercury's magnetospheric magnetic field is required to
      understand the sources of the planet's internal field. We present the first model
      of Mercury's magnetospheric magnetic field confined within a magnetopause shape
      derived from Magnetometer observations by the MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment,
      GEochemistry, and Ranging spacecraft. The field of internal origin is
      approximated by a dipole of magnitude 190 nT RM3, where RM is Mercury's radius,
      offset northward by 479 km along the spin axis. External field sources include
      currents flowing on the magnetopause boundary and in the cross-tail current
      sheet. The cross-tail current is described by a disk-shaped current near the
      planet and a sheet current at larger (? 5 RM ) antisunward distances. The tail
      currents are constrained by minimizing the root-mean-square (RMS) residual
      between the model and the magnetic field observed within the magnetosphere. The
      magnetopause current contributions are derived by shielding the field of each
      module external to the magnetopause by minimizing the RMS normal component of the
      magnetic field at the magnetopause. The new model yields improvements over the
      previously developed paraboloid model in regions that are close to the
      magnetopause and the nightside magnetic equatorial plane. Magnetic field
      residuals remain that are distributed systematically over large areas and vary
      monotonically with magnetic activity. Further advances in empirical descriptions
      of Mercury's magnetospheric external field will need to account for the
      dependence of the tail and magnetopause currents on magnetic activity and
      additional sources within the magnetosphere associated with Birkeland currents
      and plasma distributions near the dayside magnetopause.

PMID- 27656336
TI  - What effect do substorms have on the content of the radiation belts?
AB  - Substorms are fundamental and dynamic processes in the magnetosphere, converting
      captured solar wind magnetic energy into plasma energy. These substorms have been
      suggested to be a key driver of energetic electron enhancements in the outer
      radiation belts. Substorms inject a keV "seed" population into the inner
      magnetosphere which is subsequently energized through wave-particle interactions
      up to relativistic energies; however, the extent to which substorms enhance the
      radiation belts, either directly or indirectly, has never before been quantified.
      In this study, we examine increases and decreases in the total radiation belt
      electron content (TRBEC) following substorms and geomagnetically quiet intervals.
      Our results show that the radiation belts are inherently lossy, shown by a
      negative median change in TRBEC at all intervals following substorms and quiet
      intervals. However, there are up to 3 times as many increases in TRBEC following
      substorm intervals. There is a lag of 1-3 days between the substorm or quiet
      intervals and their greatest effect on radiation belt content, shown in the
      difference between the occurrence of increases and losses in TRBEC following
      substorms and quiet intervals, the mean change in TRBEC following substorms or
      quiet intervals, and the cross correlation between SuperMAG AL (SML) and TRBEC.
      However, there is a statistically significant effect on the occurrence of
      increases and decreases in TRBEC up to a lag of 6 days. Increases in radiation
      belt content show a significant correlation with SML and SYM-H, but decreases in
      the radiation belt show no apparent link with magnetospheric activity levels.

PMID- 27656337
TI  - A Method for Simultaneous Determination of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 and Its 3-Sulfate
      in Newborn Plasma by LC/ESI-MS/MS after Derivatization with a Proton-Affinitive
      Cookson-Type Reagent.
AB  - A method for the simultaneous determination of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3]
      and its 3-sulfate [25(OH)D3S] in newborn plasma, which is expected to be helpful
      in the assessment of the vitamin D status, using stable isotope-dilution liquid
      chromatography/electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS/MS)
      has been developed and validated. The plasma was pretreated based on the
      deproteinization and solid-phase extraction, then subjected to derivatization
      with 4-(4-dimethylaminophenyl)-1,2,4-triazoline-3,5-dione (DAPTAD). The
      derivatization enabled the accurate quantification of 25(OH)D3 without
      interference from 3-epi-25(OH)D3 and also facilitated the simultaneous
      determination of the two metabolites by LC/positive ESI-MS/MS. Quantification was
      based on the selected reaction monitoring with the characteristic fragmentation
      of the DAPTAD-derivatives during MS/MS. This method was reproducible (intra- and
      inter-assay relative standard deviations of 7.8% or lower for both metabolites)
      and accurate (analytical recovery, 95.4-105.6%). The limits of quantification
      were 1.0 ng/mL and 2.5 ng/mL for 25(OH)D3 and 25(OH)D3S, respectively, when using
      a 20-MUL sample. The developed method was applied to the simultaneous
      determination of plasma 25(OH)D3 and 25(OH)D3S in newborns; it was recognized
      that the plasma concentration of 25(OH)D3S is significantly higher than that of
      25(OH)D3, and preterm newborns have lower plasma 25(OH)D3S concentrations than
      full-term newborns. 

PMID- 27656339
TI  - Niche construction game cancer cells play.
AB  - Niche construction concept was originally defined in evolutionary biology as the
      continuous interplay between natural selection via environmental conditions and
      the modification of these conditions by the organism itself. Processes unraveling
      during cancer metastasis include construction of niches, which cancer cells use
      towards more efficient survival, transport into new environments and preparation
      of the remote sites for their arrival. Many elegant experiments were done lately
      illustrating, for example, the premetastatic niche construction, but there is
      practically no mathematical modeling done which would apply the niche
      construction framework. To create models useful for understanding niche
      construction role in cancer progression, we argue that a) genetic, b) phenotypic
      and c) ecological levels are to be included. While the model proposed here is
      phenomenological in its current form, it can be converted into a predictive
      outcome model via experimental measurement of the model parameters. Here we give
      an overview of an experimentally formulated problem in cancer metastasis and
      propose how niche construction framework can be utilized and broadened to model
      it. Other life science disciplines, such as host-parasite coevolution, may also
      benefit from niche construction framework adaptation, to satisfy growing need for
      theoretical considerations of data collected by experimental biology.

PMID- 27656340
TI  - Interaction between Ni and HZSM-5 in aromatization-enhanced reactive adsorption
      desulfurization catalysts for FCC gasoline upgrading.
AB  - A compound catalyst (RA) consisted of Ni, ZnO and HZSM-5 with functions of
      reactive adsorption desulfurization (RADS) and olefin aromatization for fluid
      catalytic cracking (FCC) gasoline upgrading was prepared. X-ray powder
      diffraction (XRD), temperature-programmed reduction and low-temperature N2
      adsorption were used to characterize the properties of the catalysts. Performance
      evaluation by FCC gasoline was carried out, and the result showed that the
      catalyst RA performed well in desulfurization and aromatization. For comparison,
      RADS catalyst (represented by DS) consisted of Ni and ZnO and aromatization
      catalyst (represented by Ar) consisted of HZSM-5 were prepared, respectively.
      They were combined in different ways to help investigating interaction between Ni
      and HZSM-5. Performance evaluated by FCC gasoline showed that catalyst RA
      performed best in desulfurization with a slight octane number loss. Interaction
      between Ni and HZSM-5 is a significant factor which influences the performance of
      the catalyst.

PMID- 27656341
TI  - Multifunctional two-stage riser fluid catalytic cracking process.
AB  - This paper described the discovering process of some shortcomings of the
      conventional fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) process and the proposed two-stage
      riser (TSR) FCC process for decreasing dry gas and coke yields and increasing
      light oil yield, which has been successfully applied in 12 industrial units.
      Furthermore, the multifunctional two-stage riser (MFT) FCC process proposed on
      the basis of the TSR FCC process was described, which were carried out by the
      optimization of reaction conditions for fresh feedstock and cycle oil catalytic
      cracking, respectively, by the coupling of cycle oil cracking and light FCC
      naphtha upgrading processes in the second-stage riser, and the specially designed
      reactor for further reducing the olefin content of gasoline. The pilot test
      showed that it can further improve the product quality, increase the diesel
      yield, and enhance the conversion of heavy oil.

PMID- 27656338
TI  - Salicylic acid: old and new implications for the treatment of type 2 diabetes?
AB  - Efficacy of salicylic acid as a treatment for diabetes was first established well
      over a century ago. Antihyperglycaemic effects are thought to include improved
      peripheral insulin sensitivity and suppression of hepatic glucose production. For
      most of this period, the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects have been
      poorly understood and these are still a focus of considerable research, which is
      reviewed here. Antihyperglycaemic effects are observed only at much higher
      concentrations than analgesic, antipyretic and antithrombotic properties,
      suggesting that different targets underlie the antidiabetic aspects of salicylate
      pharmacology. In the 1950s, antihyperglycaemic responses were linked to
      mitochondrial uncoupling effects of the drug. Then at the beginning of this
      century, antihyperglycaemic effects were linked to anti-inflammatory effects of
      the drug on NF-kappaB signalling. More recently, new work suggests that direct
      activation of AMPK may contribute to antihyperglycaemic/antihyperlipidemic
      actions of salicylates. Better understanding of the mechanism of salicylate's
      anthyperglycaemic effects may ultimately accelerate the development of new drugs
      for human use.

PMID- 27656342
TI  - Characterization of nitrogen compounds in coker gas oil by electrospray
      ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry and
      Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.
AB  - In this study, the classes and structures of nitrogen species in coker gas oil
      (CGO) are characterized by electrospray ionization (ESI) Fourier transform ion
      cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) combined with Fourier transform
      infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The results demonstrate that the m/z of basic and
      non-basic nitrogen compounds ranges from 180 to 560 and from 200 to 460,
      respectively. Six basic nitrogen compounds, N1 (a molecule contains one nitrogen
      atom, similarly hereinafter), N1O1, N1O1S1, N1O2, N1S1, and N2, are identified by
      their positive-ion mass spectra, and four non-basic nitrogen compounds, N1, N1O1,
      N1S1, and N2, are characterized by their negative-ion mass spectra. Among these
      nitrogen compounds, the N1 class species are the most predominant. Combined with
      the data of ESI FT-ICR MS and FT-IR, the basic N1 class species are likely
      pyridines, naphthenic pyridines, quinolines, and benzoquinolines. The most non
      basic N1 class species are derivatives of benzocarbazole. The N2 class species
      are likely amphoteric molecules with pyridine and pyrrole core structures.

PMID- 27656343
TI  - Advances of two-stage riser catalytic cracking of heavy oil for maximizing
      propylene yield (TMP) process.
AB  - Two-stage riser catalytic cracking of heavy oil for maximizing propylene yield
      (TMP) process proposed by State Key Laboratory of Heavy oil Processing, China
      University of Petroleum, can remarkably enhance the propylene yield and minimize
      the dry gas and coke yields, and obtain high-quality light oils (gasoline and
      diesel). It has been commercialized since 2006. Up to now, three TMP commercial
      units have been put into production and other four commercial units are under
      design and construction. The commercial data showed that taking paraffinic based
      Daqing (China) atmospheric residue as the feedstock, the propylene yield reached
      20.31 wt%, the liquid products yield (the total yield of liquefied petroleum gas,
      gasoline, and diesel) was 82.66 wt%, and the total yield of dry gas and coke was
      14.28 wt%. Moreover, the research octane number of gasoline could be up to 96.

PMID- 27656344
TI  - Multi-scale CFD simulation of hydrodynamics and cracking reactions in fixed
      fluidized bed reactors.
AB  - Fixed fluidized bed reactor is widely used to evaluate the crackability of heavy
      oils and the activity of catalysts. To understand the hydrodynamics, reaction
      kinetics and thermodynamics in conventional and modified fixed fluidized bed
      reactors, the computational fluid dynamics method, energy-minimization multi
      scale-based two-fluid model coupled with a six-lump kinetic model was used to
      investigate the gas-solid flow and cracking reactions. The gas mixing and
      particle volume fraction distributions, as well as product yields in the
      conventional and modified fixed fluidized bed reactors were analyzed. The
      residence time distribution model was utilized to obtain the parameters
      indicating the back-mixing degree, such as mean residence time and dimensionless
      variance of the gas. The results showed that the simulated product distribution
      is in reasonable agreement with the experimental data; the modified fixed
      fluidized bed reactor is closer to the ideal plug flow reactor, which can
      efficiently enhance the gas-solid mixing, reduce the gas back-mixing degree, and
      hence improve the reaction performance.

PMID- 27656345
TI  - Retardation effect of nitrogen compounds and condensed aromatics on shale oil
      catalytic cracking processing and their characterization.
AB  - Untreated shale oil, shale oil treated with HCl aqueous solution and shale oil
      treated with HCl and furfural were used to do comparative experiments in fixed
      bed reactors. Nitrogen compounds and condensed aromatics extracted by HCl and
      furfural were characterized by electrospray ionization Fourier transform
      cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry and gas chromatography and mass
      spectrometry, respectively. Compared with untreated shale oil, the conversion and
      yield of liquid products increased considerably after removing basic nitrogen
      compounds by HCl extraction. Furthermore, after removing nitrogen compounds and
      condensed aromatics by both HCl and furfural, the conversion and yield of liquid
      products further increased. In addition, N1 class species are predominant in both
      basic and non-basic nitrogen compounds, and they are probably indole, carbazole,
      cycloalkyl-carbazole, pyridine and cycloalkyl-pyridine. As for the condensed
      aromatics, most of them possess aromatic rings with two to three rings and zero
      to four carbon atom.

PMID- 27656347
TI  - Preparation of mesophase pitch by aromatics-rich distillate of naphthenic vacuum
      gas oil.
AB  - Two aromatics-rich distillates R1 and R2 with different properties from
      naphthenic base vacuum gas oil were used for preparing mesophase pitch through
      high-pressure thermal treatment. 1H-NMR, FT-IR and VPO were employed to
      characterize the structural parameters of the raw materials. The products'
      optical texture and molecular structure were analyzed by polarized light optical
      microscopy, 1H-NMR, FT-IR and XRD. The effect of raw materials' structure on the
      formation of mesophase pitch was discussed. The results showed that the structure
      of the raw material had an important effect on the formation of mesophase pitch.
      The raw material R2 with higher aromaticity, more naphthenic structure and less
      alkyl side chains was easy to form mesophase pitch with large-domains optical
      texture, lower softening point and more ordered crystal structure.

PMID- 27656346
TI  - Vacuum ultraviolet photofragmentation of octadecane: photoionization mass
      spectrometric and theoretical investigation.
AB  - The photoionization and fragmentation of octadecane were investigated with
      infrared laser desorption/tunable synchrotron vacuum ultraviolet (VUV)
      photoionization mass spectrometry (IRLD/VUV PIMS) and theoretical calculations.
      Mass spectra of octadecane were measured at various photon energies. The fragment
      ions were gradually detected with the increase of photon energy. The main
      fragment ions were assigned to radical ions (C n H2n+1+, n = 4-11) and alkene
      ions (C n H2n+, n = 5-10). The ionization energy of the precursor and appearance
      energy of ionic fragments were obtained by measuring the photoionization
      efficiency spectrum. Possible formation pathways of the fragment ions were
      discussed with the help of density functional theory calculations.

PMID- 27656348
TI  - Desulfurization of Saudi Arabian crudes by oxidation-extraction method.
AB  - The oxidation-extraction desulfurization of Saudi Arabian crudes was conducted
      with hydrogen peroxide-acetic acid oxidation system. The selection of extractant,
      the optimization of oxidation-extraction conditions, and the exploration of
      desulfurization mechanism were studied. As DMF was used as the extractant, the
      optimal desulfurization rate of 35.11 % and oil recovery of 95 % were obtained at
      70  degrees C with the molar ratio of peracetic acid to sulfur of 8:1, the molar
      ratio of acetic acid to hydrogen peroxide of 2:1 and the volume ratio of
      extractant to oil of 1:1. The desulfurization effect of different fractions in
      the treated Saudi Arabian crudes was found to obey the following order: gasoline
      diesel fraction >VGO fraction >VR fraction, due to different types and structures
      of sulfur compounds. The oil quality was less affected and most sulfides were
      mainly extracted via DMF.

PMID- 27656349
TI  - Effects of zinc incorporation on hierarchical ZSM-11 catalyst for methanol
      conversion.
AB  - ABSTRACT: Hierarchical ZSM-11 and Zn-ZSM-11 catalysts were used in this study.
      The effects of two methods (direct synthesis and impregnation) of zinc
      incorporation on methanol conversion were investigated in a continuous-flow
      isotherm fixed-bed reactor. XRD, SEM, BET, FTIR, and XRF analytical results
      revealed that the introduction of zinc through direct synthesis generated new
      Bronsted acid sites that could tune the ratio of light olefins. The damage to the
      framework structure after zinc incorporation restrained the aromatization,
      dehydrogenation, and decomposition of methanol. The extent of this impact
      determined the degree of deactivation behaviors. Thus, the yield of propene and
      butene was enhanced through the direct synthesis method (2 % ZnZ11-C, 4 % ZnZ11
      C), and the sample 4 % ZnZ11-C displayed a fast deactivation. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT:

PMID- 27656351
TI  - Acute Antibody-Mediated Rejection in Renal Transplantation: Current Clinical
      Management.
AB  - Acute antibody mediated rejection (AMR) is recognized as a major cause of graft
      loss in renal transplant recipients. Early acute AMR in the first few days after
      transplantation occurs primarily in sensitized renal transplant recipients with
      donor-specific alloantibody at the time of transplant and is a relatively "pure"
      form of acute AMR. Late acute AMR occurs months to years after transplantation
      and is commonly a mixed cellular and humoral rejection. While there is no
      consensus regarding optimum treatment, we contend that rational therapeutic
      approaches are emerging and the acute episode can be managed in most instances.
      However, new therapies are needed to prevent ongoing chronic injury in these
      patients.

PMID- 27656350
TI  - Risk perception in fire evacuation behavior revisited: definitions, related
      concepts, and empirical evidence.
AB  - Risk perception (RP) is studied in many research disciplines (e.g., safety
      engineering, psychology, and sociology). Definitions of RP can be broadly divided
      into expectancy-value and risk-as-feeling approaches. In the present review, RP
      is seen as the personalization of the risk related to a current event, such as an
      ongoing fire emergency; it is influenced by emotions and prone to cognitive
      biases. We differentiate RP from other related concepts (e.g., situation
      awareness) and introduce theoretical frameworks relevant to RP in fire evacuation
      (e.g., Protective Action Decision Model and Heuristic-Systematic approaches).
      Furthermore, we review studies on RP during evacuation with a focus on the World
      Trade Center evacuation on September 11, 2001 and present factors modulating RP
      as well as the relation between perceived risk and protective actions. We
      summarize the factors that influence perception risk and discuss the direction of
      these relationships (i.e., positive or negative influence, or inconsequential)
      and conclude with presenting limitations of this review and an outlook on future
      research.

PMID- 27656352
TI  - The red meat allergy syndrome in Sweden.
AB  - In the last decade, a novel type of food allergy presenting with severe allergic
      reactions several hours after consumption of red meat has been recognized. The
      allergic responses are due to IgE antibodies directed against the carbohydrate
      epitope galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-Gal) found in mammalian meat. This
      review presents the red meat allergy syndrome in Sweden, discusses the features
      of the immune response to carbohydrates, and highlights the presence of heat
      stable alpha-Gal-containing proteins in meat. The number of diagnosed red meat
      allergy cases in Sweden has increased significantly over the past few years. All
      patients have been tick bitten. Our recent work has shown that alpha-Gal is
      present in the European tick Ixodes ricinus (I. ricinus), thus potentially
      explaining the strong association between anti-alpha-Gal IgE and tick bites, with
      development of red meat allergy as a secondary phenomenon. Further studies using
      immunoproteomics have identified novel alpha-Gal-containing meat proteins that
      bound IgE from red meat allergic patients. Four of these proteins were stable to
      thermal processing pointing to the fact that the allergenicity of red meat
      proteins is preserved in cooked meat. In keeping with the fact that the alpha-Gal
      epitope is structurally related to the blood group B antigen, a positive
      association with the B-negative blood groups among our red meat allergic patients
      was noted. A selective IgE reactivity to the pure carbohydrate moiety was
      observed when investigating the specificity of the alpha-Gal immune response. IgE
      from red meat allergic patients does not recognize the other major mammalian
      carbohydrate, N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc), also present in high amounts in
      red meat. Furthermore, neither common cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants
      (CCDs) from plants nor venoms are targets of the IgE response in these patients.
      Taken together, the alpha-Gal carbohydrate has shown to be a potentially
      clinically relevant allergen that should be taken into account in the diagnosis
      of food allergy. Many new findings in the field of red meat allergy have been
      obtained during the past years, but further efforts to understand the process of
      digestion, absorption, and delivery of alpha-Gal-containing molecules to the
      circulation are needed.

PMID- 27656353
TI  - Coping with cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants in allergy diagnosis.
AB  - A relevant proportion of allergy diagnosis is accomplished by in vitro
      determination of specific immunglobulin E (sIgE) to extracts from suspected
      allergens. Such extracts inevitably contain glycoproteins, which may react with
      patients' IgE. In the case of plant and insect allergens, the relevant epitope
      structure is an alpha-1,3-fucose on the Asn-linked sugar residue of so-called N
      glycans. Due to their wide distribution, N-glycans carrying this epitope are
      known as "cross-reactive carbohydrate determinant(s)" (CCD[s]). About 15 years of
      awareness allow the conclusion that anti-CCD IgE does not cause noticeable
      clinical symptoms. In consequence, diagnostic results arising from CCD reactivity
      must be rated as false positives. With up to 30 % of CCD reactive patients, this
      can be regarded as a serious problem. Another cross-reactive carbohydrate
      determinant became notorious as a potential cause of anaphylactic reactions to a
      recombinant glycoprotein drug carrying alpha-1,3-galactose. This galactose
      containing determinant (GalCD, galactose containing cross-reactive carbohydrate
      determinant) was supposed as a trigger for delayed allergic reactions to red meat
      in several cases. Thus, alpha-1,3-galactose may have clinical relevance in
      certain cases - possibly as a result of tick bites. Often, however, GalCDs
      probably cause false-positive results with milk and meat extracts. No clear
      evidence for the role of other non-human carbohydrate structures such as N
      glycolylneuraminic acid as CCD has been presented so far. Remedies for sIgE based
      in vitro diagnosis come in the form of non-glycosylated recombinant allergen
      components or of specific CCD inhibitors. The high potential of recombinant
      allergens is optimally realized in the context of component resolved diagnosis
      using allergen arrays with more than 100 components, whereas CCD inhibitors
      increase the specificity of conventional extract-based diagnosis. Reagents for
      the detection and inhibition of CCDs from plants and insects have been developed,
      whereas tools for GalCDs of milk and meat lag behind.

PMID- 27656355
TI  - Texting while driving: A study of 1211 U.S. adults with the Distracted Driving
      Survey.
AB  - Texting and other cell-phone related distracted driving is estimated to account
      for thousands of motor vehicle collisions each year but studies examining the
      specific cell phone reading and writing activities of drivers are limited. The
      objective of this study was to describe the frequency of cell-phone related
      distracted driving behaviors. A national, representative, anonymous panel of 1211
      United States drivers was recruited in 2015 to complete the Distracted Driving
      Survey (DDS), an 11-item validated questionnaire examining cell phone reading and
      writing activities and at what speeds they occur. Higher DDS scores reflect more
      distraction. DDS scores were analyzed by demographic data and self-reported crash
      rate. Nearly 60% of respondents reported a cell phone reading or writing activity
      within the prior 30 days, with reading texts (48%), writing texts (33%) and
      viewing maps (43%) most frequently reported. Only 4.9% of respondents had
      enrolled in a program aimed at reducing cell phone related distracted driving.
      DDS scores were significantly correlated to crash rate (p < 0.0001), with every
      one point increase associated with an additional 7% risk of a crash (p < 0.0001).
      DDS scores were inversely correlated to age (p < 0.0001). The DDS demonstrated
      high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.94). High rates of cell phone
      related distraction are reported here in a national sample. Distraction is
      associated with crash rates and occurs across all age groups, but is highest in
      younger drivers. The DDS can be used to evaluate the impact of public health
      programs aimed at reducing cell-phone related distracted driving. 

PMID- 27656356
TI  - Safety and clinical response of intraventricular caspofungin for Scedosporium
      apiospermum complex central nervous system infection.
AB  - We present a 71-year old woman treated with 14 days of 5 mg intraventricular
      caspofungin for Scedosporium apiospermum complex meningoencephalitis diagnosed
      after spinal fusion and instrumentation. Cerebrospinal fluid studies improved
      during therapy and intraventricular administration was well tolerated. Within
      weeks of discontinuation, the patient experienced clinical deterioration with
      disease progression. There are sparse data on the efficacy and safety of
      administering intraventricular caspofungin. While apparently safe,
      intraventricular caspofungin was insufficient for disease control in this case. 

PMID- 27656354
TI  - Microbiota, regulatory T cell subsets, and allergic disorders.

PMID- 27656357
TI  - Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Endoscopic Repair of Partial Articular Gluteus Tendon
      Avulsion.
AB  - In addition to trochanteric bursitis, gluteus medius and minimus tears (GMMTs)
      can be a common source of insidious lateral hip pain and dysfunction. Partial
      thickness GMMTs are much more common than full-thickness GMMTs but are frequently
      overlooked by both radiologists and orthopaedic surgeons. GMMTs are commonly
      identified on magnetic resonance imaging ordered for lateral hip pain
      unresponsive to conservative management. Imaging can show that high-grade partial
      articular gluteus tendon avulsion (PAGTA) can occur as either an isolated gluteus
      medius tear, an isolated gluteus minimus tear, or a combined GMMT. We describe
      how to identify PAGTA injuries with intraoperative assessment and identification
      of the interval between the gluteus medius and minimus tendons to allow access to
      the PAGTA without violating the bursal side of the tendon. PAGTAs can be repaired
      arthroscopically by single- or double-row suture anchor fixation depending on the
      size of the tear. The purpose of this article is to guide orthopaedic surgeons in
      the recognition of PAGTA with magnetic resonance imaging and dynamic examination
      to allow for accurate repair of GMMTs. 

PMID- 27656358
TI  - The "Sublabral Window" in Arthroscopic Posterior Shoulder Instability Surgery:
      Description of a Technique for Safe Posterior Glenoid Preparation.
AB  - Arthroscopic posterior labral repairs for posterior shoulder instability can be
      challenging. Preparation of the capsulolabral tissue and glenoid bony surface is
      critical. Iatrogenic injury to the articular cartilage and unwarranted truncation
      of the capsulolabral tissue are concerns during preparation. As a result, several
      techniques have been described to potentially avoid these complications. We
      describe an additional technique for improving access and preparing the
      capsulolabral tissue and glenoid surface through a "sublabral window." This
      technique approaches the posterior labrum and glenoid through an already
      established posterior portal and mitigates iatrogenic injury to the labrum and
      articular cartilage. The technique is rather simple and easily adaptable. 

PMID- 27656359
TI  - Tendoscopic Double-Row Suture Bridge Peroneal Retinaculum Repair for Recurrent
      Dislocation of Peroneal Tendons in the Ankle.
AB  - Traumatic dislocation of peroneal tendons in the ankle is an uncommon lesion that
      mainly affects young adults. Unfortunately, most cases lead to recurrent
      dislocation of the peroneal tendons of the ankle (RPTD). Therefore, most cases
      need operative treatment. One of the most common operative procedures is superior
      peroneal retinaculum (SPR) repair. Recently, surgery for RPTD has been achieved
      with less invasive arthroscopic procedures. In this article, tendoscopic surgery
      for RPTD using a double-row suture bridge technique is introduced. This technique
      consists of debridement of the lateral aspect of the fibula under an intrasheath
      pseudo-cavity, suture anchor insertion into the fibular ridge, and reattachment
      of the SPR to the fibula using a knotless anchor screwed into the lateral aspect
      of the fibula. This technique mimics the double-row suture bridge technique for
      rotator cuff tear repair. The double-row suture bridge technique requires more
      surgical steps than the single-row technique, but it provides a wider bone-SPR
      contact surface and tighter fixation than the single-row technique. This
      procedure is an attractive option because it is less invasive and has achieved
      results similar to open procedures. 

PMID- 27656360
TI  - Fibrin Scaffold as a Carrier for Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Growth Factors in
      Shoulder Rotator Cuff Repair.
AB  - With an increase in the aging population, rotator cuff tears are becoming more
      common. High failure rates with shoulder rotator cuff repair surgery have been
      persistent, prompting the introduction of biologic methods to promote healing.
      The aim of the present technique is to deliver stem cells and growth factors to
      the footprint of the repair site. A platelet-rich plasma (PRP) fibrin clot is
      used as a scaffold for the delivery of stem cells, by using PRP, to provide a
      source of growth factors, and platelet-poor plasma (PPP) as a source for
      fibrinogen for the matrix for the scaffold. In the second step, bone marrow is
      harvested from the proximal humerus, concentrated, and combined with the PRP and
      PPP. Using a customized device, we then activate the clotting process and
      transfer the scaffold containing the stem cells using a suture anchor onto the
      shoulder rotator cuff footprint. In an effort to promote healing, this technique
      reimplants autologous stem cells and growth factors into the operative site. This
      technique may serve as an alternative for typically used scaffolds such as
      collagen matrices or decellularized human dermis patches. 

PMID- 27656361
TI  - Anterolateral Ligament Reconstruction Technique: An Anatomic-Based Approach.
AB  - Restoration of anteroposterior laxity after an anterior cruciate ligament
      reconstruction has been predictable with traditional open and endoscopic
      techniques. However, anterolateral rotational stability has been difficult to
      achieve in a subset of patients, even with appropriate anatomic techniques.
      Therefore, differing techniques have attempted to address this rotational laxity
      by augmenting or reconstructing lateral-sided structures about the knee. In
      recent years, there has been a renewed interest in the anterolateral ligament as
      a potential contributor to residual anterolateral rotatory instability in
      anterior cruciate ligament-deficient patients. Numerous anatomic and
      biomechanical studies have been performed to further define the functional
      importance of the anterolateral ligament, highlighting the need for surgical
      techniques to address these injuries in the unstable knee. This article details
      our technique for an anatomic anterolateral ligament reconstruction using a
      semitendinosus tendon allograft. 

PMID- 27656362
TI  - The Mayo Table Technique in Hip Arthroscopy.
AB  - Hip distractor devices or hip fracture tables (HFTs) are vital to perform a
      reliable hip arthroscopy (HA) for the treatment of femoroacetabular impingement,
      especially when labral tears, chondral-labral delaminations, ligamentum teres
      tears, and other intraarticular disorders are present. Adequate hip distractors
      were not available in the early days of HA; most of HFTs being used those days
      were rigid, cumbersome, and did not allow us to properly perform an arthroscopic
      dynamic impingement test to evaluate and assess the femoral head and its site of
      impingement. The mayo table technique was developed because of the lack of
      appropriate hip instrumentation and an HFT when the author (A.P.S.) started to
      perform HA. This easy technique allows the surgeon to control hip maximal range
      of motion and also to assess completely the cam deformity in the posterolateral,
      superolateral, anterior, and anteroinferior aspects. It also allows the surgeon
      to revise where the cam is impinging and afterward perform a complete bony
      resection and decompression. We strongly believe that with the mayo table
      technique HA can be performed simply and reliably in old rigid and cumbersome
      HFTs and also hip distractors that do not allow an adequate dynamic assessment of
      the hip with maximal range of motion. 

PMID- 27656363
TI  - Endoscopic Loose Body Removal From Zone 2 Flexor Hallucis Longus Tendon Sheath.
AB  - Tenosynovial chondromatosis can occur in the flexor hallucis longus tendon
      sheath. Complete synovectomy and removal of the loose bodies comprise the
      treatment of choice. An open procedure requires extensive soft-tissue dissection
      because the flexor hallucis longus tendon is a deep structure except at the
      hallux. A tendoscopy approach to synovectomy and removal of loose bodies has the
      advantage of minimally invasive surgery. This technical note outlines pearls and
      pitfalls and provides a step-by-step guide to performing this procedure. 

PMID- 27656364
TI  - Arthroscopic Reinsertion of Lateral Collateral Ligament, Anterior Capsular
      Plication, and Coronoid Tunneling Technique for Chronic Elbow Posterolateral
      Rotatory Instability.
AB  - Posterolateral rotatory instability (PLRI) of the elbow is a chronic condition
      that results from lateral collateral ligament complex injury and presents with
      pain, clicking, and subluxation within the flexion and extension arcs of elbow
      motion. The primary cause involves a lesion of the lateral collateral ligament
      complex and its avulsion from the lateral epicondyle. In most cases, it is the
      result of trauma such as a fall on an outstretched hand or any other mechanism
      that imparts axial compression, valgus force, and supination. Several surgical
      techniques have been described for the treatment of PLRI, but there is no
      consensus regarding the ideal surgical treatment. The advantages of an
      arthroscopic approach for the treatment of PLRI are first diagnostic. Arthroscopy
      allows for visualization and diagnosis of every compartment of the elbow. The
      main steps of the surgical procedure consist of reinsertion of the lateral
      collateral ligament, anterior capsular plication, and coronoid tunneling. By use
      of this technique, it is possible to perform an anatomic repair and provide
      stability of the elbow. 

PMID- 27656365
TI  - Arthroscopic Microfracture for Osteochondritis Dissecans Lesions of the
      Capitellum.
AB  - Capitellar osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is one of the most common causes of
      elbow pain and dysfunction in adolescent athletes. It typically occurs in
      gymnasts and overhead throwers and presents along a wide spectrum of severity.
      Stable lesions can typically be treated with conservative therapy; however, those
      presenting with instability, fragmentation, or loose bodies generally require
      surgical intervention. Although there are a number of described surgical options
      used to treat capitellar OCD lesions, microfracture is one of the most commonly
      performed and well studied. Patients who are candidates for microfracture
      generally have favorable outcomes with high rates of return to athletic activity
      after postoperative rehabilitation. In this work, we present our preferred
      arthroscopic technique for microfracture of OCD lesions of the capitellum. This
      technique is most suitable for patients with unstable or fragmented OCD lesions
      that are less than 1 cm in diameter and do not violate the lateral-most articular
      margin of the capitellum. 

PMID- 27656366
TI  - Ultrasound-Assisted Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release.
AB  - Various surgical procedures for carpal tunnel syndrome exist, such as open
      release, ultrasound-guided percutaneous release, and endoscopic release.
      Postoperative pain, scarring, and slow recovery to normal function are reported
      complications of open release. Damage to vessels and the median nerve and its
      branches underlying the transverse carpal ligament is a reported complication of
      ultrasound-guided percutaneous release. Damage to the superficial palmar arch and
      incomplete release are reported complications of endoscopic release. By
      performing endoscopic carpal tunnel release with ultrasound assistance, we could
      visualize neurovascular structures directly with the endoscope and also
      indirectly with ultrasound to minimize complications. We could also evaluate the
      morphologic changes of the median nerve dynamically before and after the release.
      We discuss the technique for this procedure and outline pearls and pitfalls for
      success. 

PMID- 27656367
TI  - Endoscopic Resection of the Lateral Ankle Bursa With Synovial Chondromatosis.
AB  - Bursal chondromatosis is synovial chondromatosis of the bursae. It is a rare
      disease entity that can involve the adventitial bursa of the lateral ankle.
      Complete synovectomy, removal of loose bodies, and bursectomy comprise the
      treatment of choice. Detailed preoperative radiologic assessment and surgical
      planning are the keys to success. Any accompanying synovial chondromatosis of the
      ankle or subtalar joint or tenosynovial chondromatosis of the peroneal tendon
      sheath should be treated together with the bursectomy. Endoscopic bursectomy can
      be performed through the bursal portal. The proximal and distal peroneal
      tendoscopy portals serve as viewing portals. The resection of the diseased
      tissues should be performed in a step-by-step zonal manner. Complete synovectomy
      and removal of loose bodies should be performed before bursectomy. Internal
      drainage of the bursal sac into the peroneal tendon sheath may be indicated if
      the sac is adherent to the skin. It should only be performed after complete
      synovectomy and removal of loose bodies. 

PMID- 27656368
TI  - Arthroscopic Posteromedial Capsular Release.
AB  - Post-traumatic or postsurgical flexion contractures of the knee can significantly
      limit function and lead to gait abnormalities. In this setting, interventions to
      regain full extension may include bracing, physical therapy, and open or
      arthroscopic surgery. Open surgical approaches to restore full motion often
      demand extensive recovery and promote further adhesions and loss of motion, which
      has led to the advent of arthroscopic techniques to address these pathologies. We
      present a safe, effective, and reproducible arthroscopic technique for
      posteromedial capsular release to address knee flexion contractures. 

PMID- 27656369
TI  - Arthroscopic All-Inside Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Overcoming
      the "Killer Turn".
AB  - One of the most challenging arthroscopic surgical procedures is posterior
      cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction. PCL injuries account for 20% of all knee
      ligament-related injuries. These may be isolated or occur as part of poly
      ligament injuries. With the possibility of PCL reconstruction with the all-inside
      technique, there has been a surge in interest in treating PCL injuries. With the
      PCL being one of the strongest ligaments in the body and a primary restraint to
      posterior translation of the tibia, the need for PCL reconstruction is being more
      and more recognized. Surgeons often find it difficult to negotiate the so-called
      killer turn while attempting arthroscopic PCL reconstruction. We describe the use
      of the GraftLink graft construct through the posteromedial portal in 7 patients
      (6 male and 1 female patient) with isolated PCL injuries, which we believe not
      only allows us to perform the all-inside PCL reconstruction but also does away
      with the difficulty of the killer turn encountered while performing the
      arthroscopic PCL reconstruction. 

PMID- 27656370
TI  - A Fluoroscopy-Free Technique for Percutaneous Screw Positioning During
      Arthroscopic Treatment of Depression Tibial Plateau Fractures.
AB  - This article aims to describe a simple and reliable technique that helps in
      positioning the cannulated percutaneous screws during fixation of depression-type
      tibial plateau fractures. After fracture reduction under arthroscopic control, an
      outside-in anterior cruciate ligament femoral guide is introduced through the
      tibial cortical metaphyseal window and positioned under endoscopic control just
      underneath the elevated fragment. When proper height is achieved, a guide pin is
      drilled from lateral to medial through the sleeve, 1 to 2 cm distal to the
      articular surface of the depressed fragment. The cannulated screw can then be
      introduced under endoscopic control, without fluoroscopic assistance, just under
      the previously elevated joint surface. This technique ensures optimal placement
      of the cannulated screw in the middle of the bony tunnel to obtain optimal
      subchondral bone support during fixation of the depressed tibial plateau
      fracture. 

PMID- 27656371
TI  - First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Arthroscopy for Osteochondral Lesions.
AB  - Small-joint arthroscopy has supplanted open procedures because it offers the
      potential for improvement in joint visualization, reduced scarring, and
      accelerated recovery. Despite these advantages, arthroscopy of the first
      metatarsophalangeal joint is not commonly performed and reports of its use are
      lacking. The reason for this is not clear but may be because of perceived
      technical complexity and poorly defined indications. In our experience, however,
      arthroscopy of the first metatarsophalangeal joint is a versatile procedure that
      facilitates treatment of many different pathologic processes through a minimally
      invasive approach with few complications. We present our technique for
      arthroscopic management of osteochondral lesions of the hallux. 

PMID- 27656372
TI  - Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction of the Elbow: The Docking Technique.
AB  - Reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is one of the most commonly
      performed surgical procedures in overhead throwing athletes. Since its initial
      description, the procedure has undergone a number of technical modifications and
      advancements. This has resulted in multiple described techniques for UCL
      reconstruction. One of the most commonly performed UCL reconstruction methods is
      the docking technique. It has the advantages of minimizing injury to the flexor
      pronator mass, avoiding the ulnar nerve, allowing robust graft tensioning, and
      reducing the amount of bone removed from the medial epicondyle compared with
      previously described techniques. This article provides a detailed description and
      video demonstration of how to perform this technique. When precise surgical steps
      are followed and postoperative rehabilitation appropriately progresses, this
      procedure has a well-documented history of reliably returning athletes to
      competitive throwing. 

PMID- 27656374
TI  - Anterolateral Biplanar Proximal Tibial Opening-Wedge Osteotomy.
AB  - Proximal tibial anterolateral opening-wedge osteotomies have been reported to
      achieve successful biplanar lower-extremity realignment. Indications for a
      proximal tibial anterolateral osteotomy include symptomatic genu recurvatum with
      genu valgus alignment, usually in patients with a flat sagittal-plane tibial
      slope. The biplanar approach is able to simultaneously address both components of
      a patient's malalignment with a single procedure. The correction amount is
      verified with spacers and intraoperative imaging, while correction of the
      patient's heel height is simultaneously measured. A plate is secured into the
      osteotomy site, and the site is filled with bone allograft. The anterolateral
      tibial osteotomy has been reported to be an effective surgical procedure for
      correcting concomitant genu recurvatum and genu valgus malalignment. 

PMID- 27656373
TI  - Chronic Distal Biceps Repair With an Achilles Allograft.
AB  - In cases of chronic distal biceps ruptures, the combination of muscle atrophy,
      distal tendon retraction, and fibrosis makes primary anatomic reattachment of the
      tendon particularly challenging. To regain tendon length and avoid flexion
      contractures, reconstruction with graft augmentation has been proposed as an
      alternative for cases not amenable to primary repair. We describe our technique
      using an Achilles allograft through a modified Henry approach to reconstruct the
      distal biceps tendon to regain length as well as restore flexion and supination
      strength. With proper and detailed exposure, chronic distal biceps injuries can
      be reconstructed safely and efficaciously using an Achilles allograft. 

PMID- 27656375
TI  - Free Bone Plug Quadriceps Tendon Harvest and Suspensory Button Attachment for
      Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.
AB  - The most commonly used autografts for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
      are the bone-patellar tendon-bone and hamstring tendons. Each has its advantages
      and limitations. The bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft can lead to more donor
      site morbidity, and the hamstring autograft can be unpredictable in size. The
      quadriceps tendon, with or without a bone block, has been described as an
      alternative graft source and has been used especially in revision cases, but in
      recent years, it has attracted attention even for primary cases. We report a
      technique for harvesting a free bone quadriceps tendon graft and attaching an
      extracortical button for femoral fixation for anterior cruciate ligament
      reconstruction. 

PMID- 27656376
TI  - Proximal Rectus Femoris Avulsion Repair.
AB  - Proximal rectus femoris tendon avulsions are rare and occur mostly in male
      athletes. Currently, the standard of care for complete tendinous avulsions of the
      direct arm of the rectus femoris is nonoperative treatment. However, surgical
      repair may be considered in high-level athletes who have a high demand for
      repetitive hip flexion performed in an explosive manner or in patients in whom
      nonoperative treatment has failed. The purpose of this technical note is to
      describe the method for surgical repair of the proximal direct arm of the rectus
      femoris to its origin at the anterior inferior iliac spine using suture anchors. 

PMID- 27656377
TI  - Posterior Wall Blowout During Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction:
      Suspensory Cortical Fixation With a Screw and Washer Post.
AB  - Posterior wall blowout can be a devastating intraoperative complication in
      anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. This loss of osseous containment can
      cause difficulty with graft fixation and can potentially lead to early graft
      failure if unrecognized and left untreated. If cortical blowout occurs despite
      careful planning and proper surgical technique, a thorough knowledge of the local
      anatomy and surgical salvage options is paramount to ensure positive patient
      outcomes. This article highlights our preferred salvage technique using
      suspensory cortical fixation with a screw and washer construct. 

PMID- 27656379
TI  - Anatomic Posterolateral Corner Reconstruction.
AB  - Posterolateral corner injuries represent a complex injury pattern, with damage to
      important coronal and rotatory stabilizers of the knee. These lesions commonly
      occur in association with other ligament injuries, making decisions regarding
      treatment challenging. Grade III posterolateral corner injuries result in
      significant instability and have poor outcomes when treated nonoperatively. As a
      result, reconstruction is advocated. A thorough knowledge of the anatomy is
      essential for surgical treatment of this pathology. The following technical note
      provides a diagnostic approach, postoperative management, and details of a
      technique for anatomic reconstruction of the 3 main static stabilizers of the
      posterolateral corner of the knee. 

PMID- 27656378
TI  - Treatment of Midshaft Clavicle Fractures: Application of Local Autograft With
      Concurrent Plate Fixation.
AB  - Currently, open reduction-internal fixation using contoured plates or
      intramedullary nails is considered the standard operative treatment for midshaft
      clavicle fractures because of the immediate rigid stability provided by the
      fixation device. In addition, autologous iliac crest bone graft has proved to
      augment osteosynthesis during internal fixation of nonunion fractures through the
      release of osteogenic factors. The purpose of this article is to describe a
      surgical technique developed to reduce donor-site morbidity and improve
      functional and objective outcomes after open reduction-internal fixation with
      autologous bone graft placement through local autograft harvesting and concurrent
      plate fixation. 

PMID- 27656380
TI  - The Arthroscopic Hill-Sachs Remplissage: A Technique Using a PASTA Repair Kit.
AB  - The arthroscopic remplissage procedure has gained popularity in recent years and
      is gaining acceptance as an excellent and safe procedure to perform in patients
      with large engaging Hill-Sachs lesions. The procedure was introduced as an
      arthroscopic procedure, but surgeons not familiar with the procedure often
      encounter many problems, which makes the procedure difficult and frustrating to
      perform. A technique for this procedure using a commercially available PASTA
      (partial articular supraspinatus tendon avulsion) repair kit is presented. 

PMID- 27656381
TI  - Combined Reconstruction of the Medial Collateral Ligament and Anterior Cruciate
      Ligament Using Ipsilateral Quadriceps Tendon-Bone and Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone
      Autografts.
AB  - The exclusive autograft choice for medial collateral ligament (MCL)
      reconstruction that has been described until today is the semitendinosus tendon.
      However, this has some potential disadvantages in a knee with combined MCL
      anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, including weakening of the hamstring's
      anterior restraining action in an already ACL-injured knee and nonanatomic distal
      MCL graft insertion when leaving the semitendinosus insertion intact at the pes
      anserinus during reconstruction. Moreover, because some surgeons prefer to use
      the hamstring for autologous ACL reconstruction, the contralateral uninjured knee
      hamstring needs to be harvested as a graft source for the MCL reconstruction if
      autografts and not allografts are the surgeons' preference. We describe a
      technique for performing combined reconstruction of the MCL and ACL using
      ipsilateral quadriceps tendon-bone and bone-patellar tendon-bone autografts. This
      technique of MCL reconstruction spares the hamstring tendons and benefits from
      the advantage provided by bone-to-bone healing on the femur with distal and
      proximal MCL tibial fixation that closely reproduces the native MCL tibia
      insertion. 

PMID- 27656382
TI  - Endoscopic Decompression of the First Branch of the Lateral Plantar Nerve and
      Release of the Plantar Aponeurosis for Chronic Heel Pain.
AB  - Entrapment of the first branch of the lateral plantar nerve is a commonly missed
      cause of recalcitrant plantar heel pain. The diagnosis is made on a clinical
      ground with maximal tenderness at the site of nerve entrapment. Treatment of the
      nerve entrapment is similar to that for plantar fasciitis, with rest, activity
      modification, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, stretching exercise, and
      local steroid injection. Surgical release of the deep abductor hallucis fascia is
      indicated when conservative treatment failed. Endoscopic release of the nerve
      through the dorsal and plantar portals, as well as endoscopic plantar aponeurosis
      release, is a feasible approach. 

PMID- 27656383
TI  - A Medial Meniscal Root Pullout Repair With the Use of a Tibial Tunnel Suturing
      Technique.
AB  - A meniscal root tear is one of the common knee injuries that can lead to
      degenerative changes in the knee joint. Meniscal root repairs can restore proper
      biomechanics of the knee joint. We have developed a suturing technique that uses
      a tibial tunnel for a pullout suture medial meniscal root repair. This is a
      straightforward technique that helps to promote simple suturing of the medial
      meniscal root, avoid iatrogenic injuries to the articular cartilage, and produce
      an additional working portal during a meniscal root repair. 

PMID- 27656384
TI  - Surgical Technique: Arthroscopic Osteoplasty of Anterior Inferior Iliac Spine for
      Femoroacetabular Impingement.
AB  - The anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS) has variable morphology that correlates
      with hip range of motion. Subspinal impingement is an extracapsular cause for
      femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and is clinically significant because it
      results in decreased range of motion and groin pain with flexion-based activity.
      In symptomatic patients with AIIS extension to or below the acetabular rim, AIIS
      decompression is considered part of an FAI corrective procedure. A consistent
      exposed bony area on the anterior and inferomedial aspect of the AIIS serves as a
      "safe zone" of resection allowing for decompression with preservation of the
      origin of the rectus femoris tendon. This surgical note describes a technique for
      AIIS decompression. The goal for low AIIS osteoplasty is to resect the AIIS to 2
      burr widths (using a 5.5-mm burr) above the acetabular rim, achieving an 11-mm
      clearance, creating a type I AIIS. The resultant flat anterior acetabular surface
      between the most anteroinferior prominent point of the AIIS and the acetabular
      rim allows for free movement of the hip joint without impingement. Careful
      execution of AIIS decompression can alleviate clinical symptoms of FAI and
      restore function to the hip joint. 

PMID- 27656386
TI  - Core Decompression Augmented With Autologous Bone Marrow Aspiration Concentrate
      for Early Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head.
AB  - Lack of necessary perfusion to the femoral head can lead to necrosis of the
      underlying bone (avascular necrosis) and result in femoral and acetabular surface
      changes in advanced stages. Numerous treatments have been reported in the
      literature, including nonoperative and surgical procedures. In addition to the
      standard core decompression, we describe the use of bone marrow aspirate to
      stimulate a healing response and bone grafting, allowing for immediate weight
      bearing postoperatively. The purpose of this article was to describe our method
      of core decompression augmented with bone marrow aspirate concentrate and bone
      grafting for the treatment of early avascular necrosis of the femoral head. 

PMID- 27656385
TI  - All-Arthroscopic Latissimus Dorsi Transfer.
AB  - Massive irreparable rotator cuff tears are often associated with severe
      functional impairment and disabling pain. One viable treatment option is a
      latissimus dorsi tendon transfer. We propose an all-arthroscopic technique that
      we believe avoids insult to the deltoid musculature while reducing morbidity from
      open harvest of the tendon. The operation is performed with the patient in the
      lateral decubitus position, by use of a combination of viewing and working
      portals in the axilla. The initial viewing portal is placed along the anterior
      belly of the latissimus muscle in the axilla. The latissimus and teres major are
      identified, as is the thoracodorsal neurovascular pedicle. The tendons are
      carefully separated, and the inferior and superior borders of the latissimus are
      whipstitched using a suture passer, which helps facilitate subsequent
      mobilization of the muscle. The interval deep to the deltoid and superficial to
      the teres minor is developed into a subdeltoid tunnel for arthroscopic tendon
      transfer. The latissimus tendon is then transferred and stabilized
      arthroscopically to the supraspinatus footprint with suture anchors. Our
      preliminary data suggest that this surgical technique results in improvement in
      pain, range of motion, and function. 

PMID- 27656387
TI  - Endoscopic Repair of the Superficial Deltoid Ligament and Spring Ligament.
AB  - The plantar calcaneonavicular ligament, also known as the spring ligament, is an
      important static stabilizer of the medial longitudinal foot arch. Compromise of
      this ligament is a primary causative factor of peritalar subluxation, and it
      should be repaired in addition to treatment of tibialis posterior tendon
      abnormalities. Open repair of the ligament requires extensive soft-tissue
      dissection. The development of the high distal portal for posterior tibial
      tendoscopy allows repair of the ligament endoscopically. This, together with
      endoscopically assisted reconstruction of the tibialis posterior tendon, allows
      complete endoscopic treatment of stage 2 posterior tibial tendon deficiency. The
      major structure at risk is the medial plantar nerve. This technique is
      technically demanding and should be reserved for experienced foot and ankle
      arthroscopists. 

PMID- 27656388
TI  - Calcaneal Ossoscopy.
AB  - Both unicameral bone cysts and intraosseous lipoma of the calcaneus are rare
      entities that are mostly diagnosed because of unspecific heel pain, pathologic
      fracture, or as incidental finding. Minimally invasive ossoscopy with endoscopic
      resection of the tumor followed by grafting can potentially minimize risks of
      open surgery and speed up convalescence. We present our modifications to
      previously described techniques of endoscopic curettage with a particular focus
      on intraosseous lipoma and allogenic grafting. The key point for grafting is the
      use of a funnel-shaped ear speculum facilitating the plombage with allogenic
      cancellous bone chips. Compared with its alternatives, grafting with allogenic
      cancellous bone might prove favorable in this localization for several reasons:
      osteointegration, handling, availability, and costs. The objective of this
      technical note is to present a simple, safe, and cost-effective surgical
      technique for endoscopic surgical treatment of benign osteolytic lesions of the
      calcaneus. 

PMID- 27656389
TI  - Arthroscopic Autologous Chondrocyte Transplantation for Osteochondritis Dissecans
      of the Elbow.
AB  - Osteochondritis dissecans of the humeral capitellum is characterized by
      separation of a circumscript area of the articular surface and the subchondral
      bone in juvenile patients. In advanced lesions, arthroscopic fragment refixation
      or fragment removal with microfracturing or drilling can be successful. The
      purpose of this technical note is to describe an all-arthroscopic surgical
      technique for 3-dimensional purely autologous chondrocyte transplantation for
      osteochondral lesions of the humeral capitellum. 

PMID- 27656390
TI  - Endoscopic Sciatic Nerve Decompression in the Prone Position-An Ischial-Based
      Approach.
AB  - Deep gluteal syndrome is described as sciatic nerve entrapment in the region deep
      to the gluteus maximus muscle. The entrapment can occur from the piriformis
      muscle, fibrous bands, blood vessels, and hamstrings. Good clinical outcomes have
      been shown in patients treated by open and endoscopic means. Sciatic nerve
      decompression with or without piriformis release provides a surgical solution to
      a difficult diagnostic and therapeutic problem. Previous techniques have used
      open methods that can now performed endoscopically. The technique of an
      endoscopic approach to sciatic nerve decompression in the prone position is
      described as well as its advantages and common findings. Through this ischial
      based approach, a familiar anatomy is seen and areas of sciatic nerve entrapment
      can be readily identified and safely decompressed. 

PMID- 27656391
TI  - Endoscopically Assisted Anterior Subcutaneous Transposition of Ulnar Nerve.
AB  - Ulnar nerve compression at the elbow is the most common neuropathy of the upper
      extremity. Surgical options include in situ decompression, decompression with
      anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve, and medial epicondylectomy with or
      without decompression. With the advancement of endoscopic surgery, techniques of
      endoscopic in situ decompression of the ulnar nerve and endoscopic anterior
      transposition of ulnar nerve have been reported. This article describes a
      technique of endoscopically assisted anterior subcutaneous transposition of ulnar
      nerve that is composed of an open release and mobilization of the ulnar nerve at
      and distal to the cubital tunnel and endoscopic release and mobilization of the
      ulnar nerve proximal to the cubital tunnel. 

PMID- 27656392
TI  - Reconstruction of the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament With Arthroscopic Control of
      Patellofemoral Congruence Using Electrical Stimulation of the Quadriceps.
AB  - Reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) for recurrent
      patellar dislocation provides significant improvements in knee function. However,
      various complications have been reported, with most attributed to incorrect
      positioning of anchoring sites for the reconstructed MPFL and inappropriate graft
      tension. Patellofemoral congruence at 30 degrees  of flexion on arthroscopy was
      therefore controlled using devices able to modify the length of the reconstructed
      MPFL. This was done under circumstances of external rotation of the knee joint
      and electrical stimulation of the quadriceps with the purpose of maintaining the
      patella in a lateral shift. Advantages of this technique include completely
      controllable correction on arthroscopy under the worst patellofemoral congruence
      induced by external rotation of the knee joint and electrical stimulation of the
      quadriceps at 30 degrees  of flexion of the knee joint; in other words, voluntary
      determination of lateral shift during arthroscopy. 

PMID- 27656393
TI  - Anatomic Hip Capsular Reconstruction With Separate Suture Anchors.
AB  - The number of reports on the use of capsule suturing techniques during hip
      arthroscopy has increased in the last few years because of the important function
      played by the iliofemoral ligament (IFL). This study describes an arthroscopic
      technique whereby the hip capsule is opened by a limited vertical dissection of
      both the capsule itself and the IFL from their footprint on the acetabular rim,
      and the capsulolabral junction and the IFL's deep fibers are released. After the
      intra-articular procedure, the capsule is closed through 2 to 4 side-to-side
      sutures in the vertical arm of the capsulotomy and 1 to 2 suture anchors with
      sutures are passed through either side of the capsular confluence. This technique
      prevents a full transverse section of the IFL and allows complete capsular
      closure through reconstruction of the capsular footprint. 

PMID- 27656394
TI  - Arthroscopic Distal Clavical Resection Using "Vis-a-Vis" Portal.
AB  - Arthroscopic distal clavicle resection has become an increasingly popular
      procedure in orthopaedics, and various techniques have been published. Many of
      the arthroscopic distal clavicle resection techniques that have been reported
      require visualization from the lateral portal with an anterior working portal to
      perform the resection. While these techniques have reported high success rates,
      there is often difficulty in viewing the entire acromioclavicular joint from the
      2 standard arthroscopic portals (lateral and anterior). This is due to the medial
      edge of the acromion blocking the ability to visualize the most superior and
      posterior portions of the distal clavicle. We propose a technique for
      arthroscopic distal clavicle resection using an accessory anterior portal. 

PMID- 27656395
TI  - Arthroscopic Technique for Acetabular Labral Reconstruction Using Iliotibial Band
      Autograft.
AB  - The dynamic function of the acetabular labrum makes it an important structure for
      both hip stability and motion. Because of this, injuries to the labrum can cause
      significant dysfunction, leading to altered hip kinematics. Labral repair is the
      gold standard for symptomatic labral tears to keep as much labral tissue as
      possible; however, in cases where the labrum has been injured to such a degree
      that it is either deficient or repair is not possible, arthroscopic labral
      reconstruction is preferred. This article describes our preferred approach for
      reconstruction of the acetabular labrum using iliotibial band autograft. 

PMID- 27656396
TI  - Anterior Meniscal Root Repair Using a Transtibial Double-Tunnel Pullout
      Technique.
AB  - The menisci are important structures within the knee and play a critical role in
      maintaining proper stability, load distribution, and joint lubrication. Injury to
      these structures can significantly alter the complex biomechanics of the knee and
      thus affect the health and longevity of the joint. Meniscal root tears are
      increasingly recognized as an important pathologic condition that results in a
      nonfunctional meniscus if not properly repaired. Whereas early treatment of
      meniscal tears traditionally focused on removal of the injured tissue, recent
      attention on the long-term consequences of partial or total meniscectomy has led
      to increased attempts at meniscal repair whenever possible. This article details
      our anatomic anterior root repair procedure using a transtibial double-tunnel
      pullout technique. 

PMID- 27656397
TI  - Insulin in the nervous system and the mind: Functions in metabolism, memory, and
      mood.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Insulin, a pleotrophic hormone, has diverse effects in the body.
      Recent work has highlighted the important role of insulin's action in the nervous
      system on glucose and energy homeostasis, memory, and mood. SCOPE OF REVIEW: Here
      we review experimental and clinical work that has broadened the understanding of
      insulin's diverse functions in the central and peripheral nervous systems,
      including glucose and body weight homeostasis, memory and mood, with particular
      emphasis on intranasal insulin. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS: Implications for the treatment
      of obesity, type 2 diabetes, dementia, and mood disorders are discussed in the
      context of brain insulin action. Intranasal insulin may have potential in the
      treatment of central nervous system-related metabolic disorders.

PMID- 27656398
TI  - An ancestral role for the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier in glucose-stimulated
      insulin secretion.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Transport of pyruvate into the mitochondrial matrix by the
      Mitochondrial Pyruvate Carrier (MPC) is an important and rate-limiting step in
      its metabolism. In pancreatic beta-cells, mitochondrial pyruvate metabolism is
      thought to be important for glucose sensing and glucose-stimulated insulin
      secretion. METHODS: To evaluate the role that the MPC plays in maintaining
      systemic glucose homeostasis, we used genetically-engineered Drosophila and mice
      with loss of MPC activity in insulin-producing cells. RESULTS: In both species,
      MPC deficiency results in elevated blood sugar concentrations and glucose
      intolerance accompanied by impaired glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. In
      mouse islets, beta-cell MPC-deficiency resulted in decreased respiration with
      glucose, ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel hyperactivity, and impaired
      insulin release. Moreover, treatment of pancreas-specific MPC knockout mice with
      glibenclamide, a sulfonylurea KATP channel inhibitor, improved defects in islet
      insulin secretion and abnormalities in glucose homeostasis in vivo. Finally,
      using a recently-developed biosensor for MPC activity, we show that the MPC is
      rapidly stimulated by glucose treatment in INS-1 insulinoma cells suggesting that
      glucose sensing is coupled to mitochondrial pyruvate carrier activity.
      CONCLUSIONS: Altogether, these studies suggest that the MPC plays an important
      and ancestral role in insulin-secreting cells in mediating glucose sensing,
      regulating insulin secretion, and controlling systemic glycemia.

PMID- 27656399
TI  - miR-125b affects mitochondrial biogenesis and impairs brite adipocyte formation
      and function.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In rodents and humans, besides brown adipose tissue (BAT), islands of
      thermogenic adipocytes, termed "brite" (brown-in-white) or beige adipocytes,
      emerge within white adipose tissue (WAT) after cold exposure or beta3
      adrenoceptor stimulation, which may protect from obesity and associated diseases.
      microRNAs are novel modulators of adipose tissue development and function. The
      purpose of this work was to characterize the role of microRNAs in the control of
      brite adipocyte formation. METHODS/RESULTS: Using human multipotent adipose
      derived stem cells, we identified miR-125b-5p as downregulated upon brite
      adipocyte formation. In humans and rodents, miR-125b-5p expression was lower in
      BAT than in WAT. In vitro, overexpression and knockdown of miR-125b-5p decreased
      and increased mitochondrial biogenesis, respectively. In vivo, miR-125b-5p levels
      were downregulated in subcutaneous WAT and interscapular BAT upon beta3
      adrenergic receptor stimulation. Injections of an miR-125b-5p mimic and LNA
      inhibitor directly into WAT inhibited and increased beta3-adrenoceptor-mediated
      induction of UCP1, respectively, and mitochondrial brite adipocyte marker
      expression and mitochondriogenesis. CONCLUSION: Collectively, our results
      demonstrate that miR-125b-5p plays an important role in the repression of brite
      adipocyte function by modulating oxygen consumption and mitochondrial gene
      expression.

PMID- 27656400
TI  - Lipolysis sensation by white fat afferent nerves triggers brown fat
      thermogenesis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Metabolic challenges, such as a cold environment, stimulate
      sympathetic neural efferent activity to white adipose tissue (WAT) to drive
      lipolysis, thereby increasing the availability of free fatty acids as one source
      of fuel for brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis. WAT is also innervated by
      sensory nerve fibers that network to metabolic brain areas; moreover, activation
      of these afferents is reported to increase sympathetic nervous system outflow.
      However, the endogenous stimuli sufficient to drive WAT afferents during
      metabolic challenges as well as their functional relation to BAT thermogenesis
      remain unknown. METHOD: We tested if local WAT lipolysis directly activates WAT
      afferent nerves, and then assessed whether this WAT sensory signal affected BAT
      thermogenesis in Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus). RESULTS: 2-deoxyglucose,
      a sympathetic nervous system stimulant, caused beta-adrenergic receptor dependent
      increases in inguinal WAT (IWAT) afferent neurophysiological activity. In
      addition, direct IWAT injections of the beta3-AR agonist CL316,243 dose
      dependently increased: 1) phosphorylation of IWAT hormone sensitive lipase, an
      indicator of SNS-stimulated lipolysis, 2) expression of the neuronal activation
      marker c-Fos in dorsal root ganglion neurons receiving sensory input from IWAT,
      and 3) IWAT afferent neurophysiological activity, an increase blocked by
      antilipolytic agent 3,5-dimethylpyrazole. Finally, we demonstrated that IWAT
      afferent activation by lipolysis triggers interscapular BAT thermogenesis through
      a neural link between these two tissues. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest IWAT
      lipolysis activates local IWAT afferents triggering a neural circuit from WAT to
      BAT that acutely induces BAT thermogenesis.

PMID- 27656401
TI  - Demonstration of a day-night rhythm in human skeletal muscle oxidative capacity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: A disturbed day-night rhythm is associated with metabolic
      perturbations that can lead to obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In
      skeletal muscle, a reduced oxidative capacity is also associated with the
      development of T2DM. However, whether oxidative capacity in skeletal muscle
      displays a day-night rhythm in humans has so far not been investigated. METHODS:
      Lean, healthy subjects were enrolled in a standardized living protocol with
      regular meals, physical activity and sleep to reflect our everyday lifestyle.
      Mitochondrial oxidative capacity was examined in skeletal muscle biopsies taken
      at five time points within a 24-hour period. RESULTS: Core-body temperature was
      lower during the early night, confirming a normal day-night rhythm. Skeletal
      muscle oxidative capacity demonstrated a robust day-night rhythm, with a
      significant time effect in ADP-stimulated respiration (state 3 MO, state 3 MOG
      and state 3 MOGS, p < 0.05). Respiration was lowest at 1 PM and highest at 11 PM
      (state 3 MOGS: 80.6 +/- 4.0 vs. 95.8 +/- 4.7 pmol/mg/s). Interestingly, the
      fluctuation in mitochondrial function was also observed in whole-body energy
      expenditure, with peak energy expenditure at 11 PM and lowest energy expenditure
      at 4 AM (p < 0.001). In addition, we demonstrate rhythmicity in mRNA expression
      of molecular clock genes in human skeletal muscle. CONCLUSIONS: Our results
      suggest that the biological clock drives robust rhythms in human skeletal muscle
      oxidative metabolism. It is tempting to speculate that disruption of these
      rhythms contribute to the deterioration of metabolic health associated with
      circadian misalignment.

PMID- 27656402
TI  - mTORC2 and AMPK differentially regulate muscle triglyceride content via Perilipin
      3.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We have recently shown that acute inhibition of both mTOR complexes
      (mTORC1 and mTORC2) increases whole-body lipid utilization, while mTORC1
      inhibition had no effect. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that mTORC2
      regulates lipid metabolism in skeletal muscle. METHODS: Body composition,
      substrate utilization and muscle lipid storage were measured in mice lacking
      mTORC2 activity in skeletal muscle (specific knockout of RICTOR (Ric mKO)). We
      further examined the RICTOR/mTORC2-controlled muscle metabolome and proteome; and
      performed follow-up studies in other genetic mouse models and in cell culture.
      RESULTS: Ric mKO mice exhibited a greater reliance on fat as an energy substrate,
      a re-partitioning of lean to fat mass and an increase in intramyocellular
      triglyceride (IMTG) content, along with increases in several lipid metabolites in
      muscle. Unbiased proteomics revealed an increase in the expression of the lipid
      droplet binding protein Perilipin 3 (PLIN3) in muscle from Ric mKO mice. This was
      associated with increased AMPK activity in Ric mKO muscle. Reducing AMPK kinase
      activity decreased muscle PLIN3 expression and IMTG content. AMPK agonism, in
      turn, increased PLIN3 expression in a FoxO1 dependent manner. PLIN3
      overexpression was sufficient to increase triglyceride content in muscle cells.
      CONCLUSIONS: We identified a novel link between mTORC2 and PLIN3, which regulates
      lipid storage in muscle. While mTORC2 is a negative regulator, we further
      identified AMPK as a positive regulator of PLIN3, which impacts whole-body
      substrate utilization and nutrient partitioning.

PMID- 27656403
TI  - The F-actin modifier villin regulates insulin granule dynamics and exocytosis
      downstream of islet cell autoantigen 512.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Insulin release from pancreatic islet beta cells should be tightly
      controlled to avoid hypoglycemia and insulin resistance. The cortical actin
      cytoskeleton is a gate for regulated exocytosis of insulin secretory granules
      (SGs) by restricting their mobility and access to the plasma membrane. Prior
      studies suggest that SGs interact with F-actin through their transmembrane cargo
      islet cell autoantigen 512 (Ica512) (also known as islet antigen 2/Ptprn). Here
      we investigated how Ica512 modulates SG trafficking and exocytosis. METHODS:
      Transcriptomic changes in Ica512 (-/-) mouse islets were analyzed. Imaging as
      well as biophysical and biochemical methods were used to validate if and how the
      Ica512-regulated gene villin modulates insulin secretion in mouse islets and
      insulinoma cells. RESULTS: The F-actin modifier villin was consistently
      downregulated in Ica512 (-/-) mouse islets and in Ica512-depleted insulinoma
      cells. Villin was enriched at the cell cortex of beta cells and dispersed villin
      (-/-) islet cells were less round and less deformable. Basal mobility of SGs in
      villin-depleted cells was enhanced. Moreover, in cells depleted either of villin
      or Ica512 F-actin cages restraining cortical SGs were enlarged, basal secretion
      was increased while glucose-stimulated insulin release was blunted. The latter
      changes were reverted by overexpressing villin in Ica512-depleted cells, but not
      vice versa. CONCLUSION: Our findings show that villin controls the size of the F
      actin cages restricting SGs and, thus, regulates their dynamics and availability
      for exocytosis. Evidence that villin acts downstream of Ica512 also indicates
      that SGs directly influence the remodeling properties of the cortical actin
      cytoskeleton for tight control of insulin secretion.

PMID- 27656404
TI  - Leptin and insulin engage specific PI3K subunits in hypothalamic SF1 neurons.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMH) regulates energy balance
      and glucose homeostasis. Leptin and insulin exert metabolic effects via their
      cognate receptors expressed by the steroidogenic factor 1 (SF1) neurons within
      the VMH. However, detailed cellular mechanisms involved in the regulation of
      these neurons by leptin and insulin remain to be identified. METHODS: We utilized
      genetically-modified mouse models and performed patch-clamp electrophysiology
      experiments to resolve this issue. RESULTS: We identified distinct populations of
      leptin-activated and leptin-inhibited SF1 neurons. In contrast, insulin uniformly
      inhibited SF1 neurons. Notably, we found that leptin-activated, leptin-inhibited,
      and insulin-inhibited SF1 neurons are distinct subpopulations within the VMH.
      Leptin depolarization of SF1 neuron also required the PI3K p110beta catalytic
      subunit. This effect was mediated by the putative transient receptor potential C
      (TRPC) channel. On the other hand, hyperpolarizing responses of SF1 neurons by
      leptin and insulin required either of the p110alpha or p110beta catalytic
      subunits, and were mediated by the putative ATP-sensitive K(+) (KATP) channel.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that specific PI3K catalytic subunits are
      responsible for the acute effects of leptin and insulin on VMH SF1 neurons, and
      provide insights into the cellular mechanisms of leptin and insulin action on VMH
      SF1 neurons that regulate energy balance and glucose homeostasis.

PMID- 27656406
TI  - Fibroblast growth factor 21 has no direct role in regulating fertility in female
      mice.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Reproduction is an energetically expensive process. Insufficient
      calorie reserves, signaled to the brain through peripheral signals such as
      leptin, suppress fertility. Recently, fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) was
      implicated as a signal from the liver to the hypothalamus that directly inhibits
      the hypothalamic-gonadotropin axis during fasting and starvation. However, FGF21
      itself increases metabolic rate and can induce weight loss, which suggests that
      the effects of FGF21 on fertility may not be direct and may reflect changes in
      energy balance. METHODS: To address this important question, we evaluated
      fertility in several mouse models with elevated FGF21 levels including ketogenic
      diet fed mice, fasted mice, mice treated with exogenous FGF21 and transgenic mice
      over-expressing FGF21. RESULTS: We find that ketogenic diet fed mice remain
      fertile despite significant elevation in serum FGF21 levels. Absence of FGF21
      does not alter transient infertility induced by fasting. Centrally infused FGF21
      does not suppress fertility despite its efficacy in inducing browning of inguinal
      white adipose tissue. Furthermore, a high fat diet (HFD) can restore fertility of
      female FGF21-overexpressing mice, a model of growth restriction, even in the
      presence of supraphysiological serum FGF21 levels. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that
      FGF21 is not a direct physiological regulator of fertility in mice. The
      infertility observed in FGF21 overexpressing mice is likely driven by the
      increased energy expenditure and consequent excess calorie requirements resulting
      from high FGF21 levels.

PMID- 27656405
TI  - Sexually dimorphic brain fatty acid composition in low and high fat diet-fed
      mice.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In this study, we analyzed the fatty acid profile of brains and plasma
      from male and female mice fed chow or a western-style high fat diet (WD) for 16
      weeks to determine if males and females process fatty acids differently. Based on
      the differences in fatty acids observed in vivo, we performed in vitro
      experiments on N43 hypothalamic neuronal cells to begin to elucidate how the
      fatty acid milieu may impact brain inflammation. METHODS: Using a comprehensive
      mass spectrometry fatty acid analysis, which includes a profile for 52 different
      fatty acid isomers, we assayed the plasma and brain fatty acid composition of age
      matched male and female mice maintained on chow or a WD. Additionally, using the
      same techniques, we determined the fatty acid composition of N43 hypothalamic
      cells following exposure to palmitic and linoleic acid, alone or in combination.
      RESULTS: Our data demonstrate there is a sexual dimorphism in brain fatty acid
      content both following the consumption of the chow diet, as well as the WD, with
      males having an increased percentage of saturated fatty acids and reductions in
      omega6-polyunsaturated fatty acids when compared to females. Interestingly, we
      did not observe a sexual dimorphism in fatty acid content in the plasma of the
      same mice. Furthermore, exposure of N43 cells to the omega6-PUFA linoleic acid,
      which is higher in female brains when compared to males, reduces palmitic acid
      induced inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest male and female brains, and
      not plasma, differ in their fatty acid profile. This is the first time, to our
      knowledge, lipidomic analyses has been used to directly test the hypothesis there
      is a sexual dimorphism in brain and plasma fatty acid composition following
      consumption of the chow diet, as well as following exposure to the WD.

PMID- 27656407
TI  - Male-lineage transmission of an acquired metabolic phenotype induced by grand
      paternal obesity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Parental obesity can induce metabolic phenotypes in offspring
      independent of the inherited DNA sequence. Here we asked whether such non-genetic
      acquired metabolic traits can be passed on to a second generation that has never
      been exposed to obesity, even as germ cells. METHODS: We examined the F1, F2, and
      F3 a/a offspring derived from F0 matings of obese prediabetic A (vy) /a sires and
      lean a/a dams. After F0, only lean a/a mice were used for breeding. RESULTS: We
      found that F1 sons of obese founder males exhibited defects in glucose and lipid
      metabolism, but only upon a post-weaning dietary challenge. F1 males transmitted
      these defects to their own male progeny (F2) in the absence of the dietary
      challenge, but the phenotype was largely attenuated by F3. The sperm of F1 males
      exhibited changes in the abundance of several small RNA species, including the
      recently reported diet-responsive tRNA-derived fragments. CONCLUSIONS: These data
      indicate that induced metabolic phenotypes may be propagated for a generation
      beyond any direct exposure to an inducing factor. This non-genetic inheritance
      likely occurs via the actions of sperm noncoding RNA.

PMID- 27656408
TI  - Optogenetic activation of leptin- and glucose-regulated GABAergic neurons in
      dorsomedial hypothalamus promotes food intake via inhibitory synaptic
      transmission to paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH) has been considered an orexigenic
      nucleus, since the DMH lesion reduced food intake and body weight and induced
      resistance to diet-induced obesity. The DMH expresses feeding regulatory
      neuropeptides and receptors including neuropeptide Y (NPY), cocaine- and
      amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART), cholecystokinin (CCK), leptin receptor,
      and melanocortin 3/4 receptors. However, the principal neurons generating the
      orexigenic function in the DMH remain to be defined. This study aimed to clarify
      the role of the DMH GABAergic neurons in feeding regulation by using optogenetics
      and electrophysiological techniques. METHODS: We generated the mice expressing
      ChRFR-C167A, a bistable chimeric channelrhodopsin, selectively in GABAergic
      neurons of DMH via locally injected adeno-associated virus 2. Food intake after
      optogenetic activation of DMH GABAergic neurons was measured.
      Electrophysiological properties of DMH GABAergic neurons were measured using
      slice patch clamp. RESULTS: Optogenetic activation of DMH GABAergic neurons
      promoted food intake. Leptin hyperpolarized and lowering glucose depolarized half
      of DMH GABAergic neurons, suggesting their orexigenic property. Optical
      activation of axonal terminals of DMH GABAergic neurons at the paraventricular
      nucleus of hypothalamus (PVN), where anorexigenic neurons are localized,
      increased inhibitory postsynaptic currents on PVN neurons and promoted food
      intake. CONCLUSION: DMH GABAergic neurons are regulated by metabolic signals
      leptin and glucose and, once activated, promote food intake via inhibitory
      synaptic transmission to PVN.

PMID- 27656409
TI  - The role of autonomic efferents and uncoupling protein 1 in the glucose-lowering
      effect of leptin therapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Leptin reverses hyperglycemia in rodent models of type 1 diabetes
      (T1D). Direct application of leptin to the brain can lower blood glucose in
      diabetic rodents, and can activate autonomic efferents and non-shivering
      thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue (BAT). We investigated whether leptin
      reverses hyperglycemia through a mechanism that requires autonomic innervation,
      or uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1)-mediated thermogenesis. METHODS: To examine the
      role of parasympathetic and sympathetic efferents in the glucose-lowering action
      of leptin, mice with a subdiaphragmatic vagotomy or 6-hydroxydopamine induced
      chemical sympathectomy were injected with streptozotocin (STZ) to induce
      hyperglycemia, and subsequently leptin treated. To test whether the glucose
      lowering action of leptin requires activation of UCP1-mediated thermogenesis in
      BAT, we administered leptin in STZ-diabetic Ucp1 knockout (Ucp1 (-/-)) mice and
      wildtype controls. RESULTS: Leptin ameliorated STZ-induced hyperglycemia in both
      intact and vagotomised mice. Similarly, mice with a partial chemical
      sympathectomy did not have an attenuated response to leptin-mediated glucose
      lowering relative to sham controls, and showed intact leptin-induced Ucp1
      expression in BAT. Although leptin activated BAT thermogenesis in STZ-diabetic
      mice, the anti-diabetic effect of leptin was not blunted in Ucp1 (-/-) mice.
      CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that leptin lowers blood glucose in insulin
      deficient diabetes through a manner that does not require parasympathetic or
      sympathetic innervation, and thus imply that leptin lowers blood glucose through
      an alternative CNS-mediated mechanism or redundant target tissues. Furthermore,
      we conclude that the glucose lowering action of leptin is independent of UCP1
      dependent thermogenesis.

PMID- 27656410
TI  - Microbially produced glucagon-like peptide 1 improves glucose tolerance in mice.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The enteroendocrine hormone glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is an
      attractive anti-diabetic therapy. Here, we generated a recombinant Lactococcus
      lactis strain genetically modified to produce GLP-1 and investigated its ability
      to improve glucose tolerance in mice on chow or high-fat diet (HFD). METHODS: We
      transformed L. lactis FI5876 with either empty vector (pUK200) or murine GLP-1
      expression vector to generate LL-UK200 and LL-GLP1, respectively, and determined
      their potential to induce insulin secretion by incubating primary islets from
      wild-type (WT) and GLP-1 receptor knockout (GLP1R-KO) mice with culture
      supernatant of these strains. In addition, we administered these strains to mice
      on chow or HFD. At the end of the study period, we measured plasma GLP-1 levels,
      performed intraperitoneal glucose tolerance and insulin tolerance tests, and
      determined hepatic expression of the gluconeogenic genes G6pc and Pepck. RESULTS:
      Insulin release from primary islets of WT but not GLP1R-KO mice was higher
      following incubation with culture supernatant from LL-GLP1 compared with LL
      UK200. In mice on chow, supplementation with LL-GLP1 versus LL-UK200 promoted
      increased vena porta levels of GLP-1 in both WT and GLP1R-KO mice; however, LL
      GLP1 promoted improved glucose tolerance in WT but not in GLP1R-KO mice,
      indicating a requirement for the GLP-1 receptor. In mice on HFD and thus with
      impaired glucose tolerance, supplementation with LL-GLP1 versus LL-UK200 promoted
      a pronounced improvement in glucose tolerance together with increased insulin
      levels. Supplementation with LL-GLP1 versus LL-UK200 did not affect insulin
      tolerance but resulted in reduced expression of G6pc in both chow and HFD-fed
      mice. CONCLUSIONS: The L. lactis strain genetically modified to produce GLP-1 is
      capable of stimulating insulin secretion from islets and improving glucose
      tolerance in mice.

PMID- 27656412
TI  - Involvement of CD147 on multidrug resistance through the regulation of P
      glycoprotein expression in K562/ADR leukemic cell line.
AB  - The relationship between P-gp and CD147 in the regulation of MDR in leukemic
      cells has not been reported. This study aimed to investigate the correlation
      between CD147 and P-gp in the regulation of drug resistance in the K562/ADR
      leukemic cell line. The results showed that drug-resistant K562/ADR cells
      expressed significantly higher P-gp and CD147 levels than drug-free K562/ADR
      cells. To determine the regulatory effect of CD147 on P-gp expression, anti-CD147
      antibody MEM-M6/6 significantly decreased P-gp and CD147 mRNA and protein levels.
      This is the first report to show that CD147 mediates MDR in leukemia through the
      regulation of P-gp expression. 

PMID- 27656413
TI  - Transcriptional profiling of the effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) pretreatment
      in blood from probiotics-treated dairy cows.
AB  - Probiotic supplements are beneficial for animal health and rumen function; and
      lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from gram negative bacteria have been associated with
      inflammatory diseases. In this study the transcriptional profile in whole blood
      collected from probiotics-treated cows was investigated in response to
      stimulation with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in vitro. Microarray experiment was
      performed between LPS-treated and control samples using the Agilent one-color
      bovine v2 bovine (v2) 4x44K array slides. Global gene expression analysis
      identified 13,658 differentially expressed genes (fold change cutoff >= 2, P <
      0.05), 3816 upregulated genes and 9842 downregulated genes in blood in response
      to LPS. Treatment with LPS resulted in increased expression of TLR4 (Fold change
      (FC) = 3.16) and transcription factor NFkB (FC = 5.4) and decreased the
      expression of genes including TLR1 (FC = - 2.54), TLR3 (FC = - 2.43), TLR10 (FC =
      - 3.88), NOD2 (FC = - 2.4), NOD1 (FC = - 2.45) and pro-inflammatory cytokine IL1B
      (- 3.27). The regulation of the genes involved in inflammation signaling pathway
      suggests that probiotics may stimulate the innate immune response of animal
      against parasitic and bacterial infections. We have provided a detailed
      description of the experimental design, microarray experiment and normalization
      and analysis of data which have been deposited into NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus
      (GEO): GSE75240. 

PMID- 27656411
TI  - Glucagon receptor gene deletion in insulin knockout mice modestly reduces blood
      glucose and ketones but does not promote survival.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: It has been thought that the depletion of insulin is responsible for
      the catabolic consequences of diabetes; however, evidence suggests that glucagon
      also plays a role in diabetes pathogenesis. Glucagon suppression by glucagon
      receptor (Gcgr) gene deletion, glucagon immunoneutralization, or Gcgr antagonist
      can reverse or prevent type 1 diabetes in rodents suggesting that dysregulated
      glucagon is also required for development of diabetic symptoms. However, the
      models used in these studies were rendered diabetic by chemical- or immune
      mediated beta-cell destruction, in which insulin depletion is incomplete.
      Therefore, it is unclear whether glucagon suppression could overcome the
      consequence of the complete lack of insulin. METHODS: To directly test this we
      characterized mice that lack the Gcgr and both insulin genes (GcgrKO/InsKO).
      RESULTS: In both P1 pups and mice that were kept alive to young adulthood using
      insulin therapy, blood glucose and plasma ketones were modestly normalized;
      however, mice survived for only up to 6 days, similar to GcgrHet/InsKO controls.
      In addition, Gcgr gene deletion was unable to normalize plasma leptin levels,
      triglycerides, fatty acids, or hepatic cholesterol accumulation compared to
      GcgrHet/InsKO controls. CONCLUSION: Therefore, the metabolic manifestations
      associated with a complete lack of insulin cannot be overcome by glucagon
      receptor gene inactivation.

PMID- 27656414
TI  - Fine resolution mapping of double-strand break sites for human ribosomal DNA
      units.
AB  - DNA breakage arises during a variety of biological processes, including
      transcription, replication and genome rearrangements. In the context of disease,
      extensive fragmentation of DNA has been described in cancer cells and during
      early stages of neurodegeneration (Stephens et al., 2011 Stephens et al. (2011)
      [5]; Blondet et al., 2001 Blondet et al. (2001) [1]). Stults et al. (2009) Stults
      et al. (2009) [6] reported that human rDNA gene clusters are hotspots for
      recombination and that rDNA restructuring is among the most common chromosomal
      alterations in adult solid tumours. As such, analysis of rDNA regions is likely
      to have significant prognostic and predictive value, clinically. Tchurikov et al.
      (2015a, 2016) Tchurikov et al. (2015a, 2016) [7], [9] have made major advances in
      this direction, reporting that sites of human genome double-strand breaks (DSBs)
      occur frequently at sites in rDNA that are tightly linked with active
      transcription - the authors used a RAFT (rapid amplification of forum termini)
      protocol that selects for blunt-ended sites. They reported the relative frequency
      of these rDNA DSBs within defined co-ordinate 'windows' of varying size and made
      these data (as well as the relevant 'raw' sequencing information) available to
      the public (Tchurikov et al., 2015b). Assay designs targeting rDNA DSB hotspots
      will benefit greatly from the publication of break sites at greater resolution.
      Here, we re-analyse public RAFT data and make available rDNA DSB co-ordinates to
      the single-nucleotide level. 

PMID- 27656415
TI  - Mitochondrial m.3243A > G mutation and carotid artery dissection.
AB  - The common m.3243A > G mutation of the mitochondrial DNA tRNALeu (UUR) gene is a
      maternally inherited mutation causing a wide spectrum of neurological and
      multisystemic disorders, including MELAS, characterized by recurrent cerebral
      infarction from young age. Vascular pathology in mitochondrial diseases has been
      described for small vessels, while large vessels involvement in mitochondrial
      diseases is considered rare. Here we report two female patients harboring the
      m.3243A > G mutation, in whom the diagnosis of mitochondrial disease was made
      after acute dissection of the internal carotid arteries. Our cases expand the
      clinical spectrum of this mutation, and support the idea of large vessels
      vasculopathy due to impaired mitochondrial function in the vessel wall that may
      lead to arterial wall weakness. Thus, stroke in mitochondrial diseases could also
      be related to large vessels disease, but further studies are strongly needed.
      Moreover, mitochondrial aetiology should be kept in mind in patients with large
      vessel dissection, especially in those with additional mitochondrial red flags. 

PMID- 27656416
TI  - Angiomyomatous Leiomyoma of a Female Urethral Meatus Recurrence After Seven Years
      of the Resection: A Case Report.
AB  - A 20 years old woman had an external urethral orifice mass and received an
      excision operation. Seven years later, she complained a tumor with pain that was
      similar to the previous tumor. She underwent the tumor removal. Pathological
      diagnosis was a urethral angiomyomatous leiomyoma in the new concept of estrogen
      receptor-positive smooth muscle tumors. 

PMID- 27656417
TI  - Urothelial Carcinoma Recurrence at an Ileal Orthotopic Neobladder and Unilateral
      Lower Ureter After Surgery.
AB  - The recurrence of urothelial carcinoma in an orthotopic neobladder is rare. We
      report the case of a 61-year-old man with a muscle-invasive bladder tumor that
      was treated using radical cystectomy and the creation of a Studer's orthotopic
      neobladder. However, nine years after the cystectomy, we detected a mass at the
      left ureteroileal anastomosis. We successfully performed Studer's neobladder
      resection, urethrectomy, and left nephroureterectomy to remove the entire mass.
      Pathological examination revealed urothelial carcinoma with adenocarcinoma in the
      neobladder and adenocarcinomatous metastasis in the mesenteric lymph node. 

PMID- 27656418
TI  - Extraperitoneal Rupture of a Bladder Diverticulum and the Role of Multidetector
      Computed Tomography Cystography.
AB  - Nontraumatic rupture of the bladder is less widely recognized than traumatic
      rupture, with a challenging early diagnosis due to high variability in clinical
      presentations. We report a case of extraperitoneal rupture of a bladder
      diverticulum in a patient with diabetes mellitus who presented with paralytic
      ileus. Despite conservative management, the patient developed sepsis requiring
      surgical treatment. Urinary tract infection and bladder outlet obstruction were
      considered to be potential mechanisms of the rupture. Multidetector computed
      tomography cystography should be used as the first-line modality when evaluating
      for a suspected bladder rupture, even in patients with nontraumatic bladder
      rupture. 

PMID- 27656419
TI  - Actionable Intelligence Provided by Pancreatic Cancer Genomic Landscape: Are
      Targets for Curative Therapy On The Map?

PMID- 27656420
TI  - The Impact of L-Dex((r)) Measurements in Assessing Breast Cancer-Related
      Lymphedema as Part of Routine Clinical Practice.
AB  - PURPOSE: With improved survivorship, the prevalence of breast cancer-related
      lymphedema (BCRL) continues to increase, leading to impairment of a patients'
      quality of life. While traditional diagnostic methods are limited by an inability
      to detect BCRL until clinically apparent, bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) has
      been shown to detect subclinical BCRL. The purpose of this study is to evaluate
      the role of BIS in the early detection of BCRL, as well as assessment of response
      to BCRL treatment. METHODS: A retrospective review of 1,133 patients treated
      between November 2008 and July 2013 at two surgical practices was performed.
      Eligible patients (n = 326) underwent preoperative and postoperative L-Dex
      measurements. Patients were identified as having subclinical lymphedema if they
      were asymptomatic and the L-Dex score increased >10 U above baseline and were
      monitored following treatment. Patients were stratified by lymph node dissection
      technique [sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) vs. axillary lymph node dissection
      (ALND)] and receipt of BCRL treatment. RESULTS: The average age of the cohort was
      56.2 years old, and mean follow-up was 21.7 months. Of the 326 patients, 210
      underwent SLNB and 116 underwent ALND. BCRL was identified by L-Dex in 40
      patients (12.3%). The cumulative incidence rate of subclinical lymphedema was
      4.3% for SLNB (n = 9) and 26.7% for ALND (n = 31). Of those diagnosed with BCRL,
      50% resolved following treatment, 27.5% underwent treatment without resolution,
      and 22.5% had resolution without treatment. The prevalence of persistent,
      clinical BCRL was 0.5% for SLNB and 8.6% for ALND. CONCLUSION: This study
      demonstrates both the feasibility and clinical utility of implementing L-Dex
      measurements in routine breast cancer care. L-Dex identified patients with
      possible subclinical BCRL and allowed for assessment of response to therapy.

PMID- 27656423
TI  - Histological and Histopathological Study of Incus.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Chronic otits media is long standing infection of middle ear cleft
      which commonly involves bone erosion. Bone destruction seen in unsafe chronic
      otitis media mainly involves the ossicles, incus being frequently involved
      ossicle. So, an investigation of the histopathological changes in incus was
      carried out to report the various histopathological changes occurring in chronic
      otitis media. AIM: Aim of the study is to report the structural changes occuring
      in incus bone in chronic otitis media. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten normal incuses
      and ten pathological incuses which were removed during the surgery for chronic
      otitis media (both with and without cholesteotoma) were studied histologically,
      after staining with haematoxylin and eosin. RESULTS: Normal incus showed compact
      bone pattern of concentric rings, like that of any long bone of body.
      Pathological incuses of chronic otitis media (both with and without
      cholestoetoma) showed similar changes, i.e., stratified squamous epithelium, with
      distorted concentric rings and increased osseous spaces. CONCLUSION: The study
      was undertaken, so that the knowledge to histological changes may help the
      clinicians to take more rational decisions regarding their diagnosis and
      therapeutic interventions to prevent the changes occurring in the bone in chronic
      otitis media.

PMID- 27656421
TI  - The Place of FDG PET/CT in Renal Cell Carcinoma: Value and Limitations.
AB  - Unlike for most other malignancies, application of FDG PET/CT is limited for
      renal cell carcinoma (RCC), mainly due to physiological excretion of 18F-fluoro-2
      deoxy-2-d-glucose (FDG) from the kidneys, which decreases contrast between renal
      lesions and normal tissue, and may obscure or mask the lesions of the kidneys.
      Published clinical observations were discordant regarding the role of FDG PET/CT
      in diagnosing and staging RCC, and FDG PET/CT is not recommended for this purpose
      based on current national and international guidelines. However, quantitative FDG
      PET/CT imaging may facilitate the prediction of the degree of tumor
      differentiation and allows for prognosis of the disease. FDG PET/CT has potency
      as an imaging biomarker to provide useful information about patient's survival.
      FDG PET/CT can be effectively used for postoperative surveillance and restaging
      with high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy, as early diagnosis of
      recurrent/metastatic disease can drastically affect therapeutic decision and
      alter outcome of patients. FDG uptake is helpful for differentiating benign or
      bland emboli from tumor thrombosis in RCC patients. FDG PET/CT also has higher
      sensitivity and accuracy when compared with bone scan to detect RCC metastasis to
      the bone. FDG PET/CT can play a strong clinical role in the management of
      recurrent and metastatic RCC. In monitoring the efficacy of new target therapy
      such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) treatment for advanced RCC, FDG PET/CT
      has been increasingly used to assess the therapeutic efficacy, and change in FDG
      uptake is a strong indicator of biological response to TKI. 

PMID- 27656422
TI  - The Challenges of Detecting Circulating Tumor Cells in Sarcoma.
AB  - Sarcomas are a heterogeneous group of malignant neoplasms of mesenchymal origin,
      many of which have a propensity to develop distant metastases. Cancer cells that
      have escaped from the primary tumor are able to invade into surrounding tissues,
      to intravasate into the bloodstream to become circulating tumor cells (CTCs), and
      are responsible for the generation of distant metastases. Due to the rarity of
      these tumors and the absence of specific markers expressed by sarcoma tumor
      cells, the characterization of sarcoma CTCs has to date been relatively limited.
      Current techniques for isolating sarcoma CTCs are based on size criteria, the
      identification of circulating cells that express either common mesenchymal
      markers, sarcoma-specific markers, such as CD99, CD81, or PAX3, and chromosomal
      translocations found in certain sarcoma subtypes, such as EWS-FLI1 in Ewing's
      sarcoma, detection of osteoblast-related genes, or measurement of the activity of
      specific metabolic enzymes. Further studies are needed to improve the isolation
      and characterization of sarcoma CTCs, to demonstrate their clinical significance
      as predictive and/or prognostic biomarkers, and to utilize CTCs as a tool for
      investigating the metastatic process in sarcoma and to identify novel therapeutic
      targets. The present review provides a short overview of the most recent
      literature on CTCs in sarcoma. 

PMID- 27656424
TI  - A South Indian Cadaveric Study About the Relationship of Hepatic Segment of
      Inferior Vena Cava with the Liver.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) is the largest vein of the body. It runs
      vertically upwards in the abdomen, behind the liver. Its course is very constant
      in relation to liver. However, the amount of liver parenchyma related to it can
      vary from person to person. The data regarding its course and relations may be
      very useful to radiologists and surgeons during surgical treatment procedures for
      Budd-Chiari syndrome, liver carcinoma, liver transplant, venous cannulations and
      many other clinical procedures. AIM: Aim of this study was to document the
      incidence of straight and curved course of IVC in relation to liver and also to
      note the pattern in which the liver tissue was related to the IVC. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: In the current study, 95 adult cadaveric livers were observed;
      specifically to study the course/direction of the hepatic segment of IVC in
      relation to the liver. The extent of liver tissue related to various aspects of
      IVC was also studied. The course of the IVC was classified as straight and
      curved; and the relationship of liver parenchyma to the IVC was classified into 6
      categories. The data was expressed as percentage incidence. RESULTS: In 78.94%
      cases, the IVC had a straight course in relation to the liver; whereas in 21.06%
      cases, it had a left sided curve (concavity of the curve towards the caudate
      lobe) in its course. In 6.31% cases, IVC travelled in a tunnel, being encircled
      by the liver parenchyma all around; in 36.84% cases, it was covered by liver
      parenchyma on front and sides so that only posterior surface of IVC was visible;
      in 3.15% cases it was covered by liver tissue on front, sides and also partly on
      posterior aspect; in 50.52% of cases, its anterior surface, sides and left edge
      of the posterior surface was covered by liver tissue; and in 3.15% cases it was
      covered only from the front by the liver tissue. CONCLUSION: The data being
      reported here might be useful for surgeons while planning and executing various
      hepatic surgeries and also to the radiologists in planning and performing venous
      cannulation and therapeutic procedures. Since in many livers, the curvature of
      IVC was associated with enlarged caudate lobe, the curved IVC could hint about
      the increase in the volume of caudate lobe or liver itself.

PMID- 27656425
TI  - Abnormal Nuclear Variations in Response to Radiotherapy- As a Tool in Treatment
      Planning and Assessment of Prognosis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The treatment approaches for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC)
      include single management with surgery, radiotherapy, along with chemotherapy or
      various combinations of these modalities. The estimation of radio sensitivity of
      individual tumours is essential for planning the optimum radiation schedule for
      each patient. Assessment of radiation induced histo morphological changes in the
      nucleus is a known marker of radiosensitivity. AIM: The aim of this study was to
      establish the relationship between nuclear changes with radiation dose and to
      investigate the prospect of utilizing them as an assay to predict tumour response
      to radiotherapy in oral cancers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study
      included 50 patients (age range of 30-65yrs) with histopathologically confirmed
      squamous cell carcinoma of oral mucosa and being treated by radiotherapy alone
      with a radiation dose schedule of 4, 14, 24 and 60 Gy respectively at 2(nd),
      7(th), 12(th) and 30(th) day. From the included patients, smear of the buccal
      mucosa was collected and was air dried and fixed with methanol. The Nuclear
      changes of Micronucleus (MN), Nuclear Budding (NB) and Multinucleation (MNU) were
      evaluated under the bright field microscopy after staining with Giemsa and May
      Grunwald's stain. RESULTS: Out of the 50, 37(74%) were males and 13(26%) were
      females (Ratio 3:1). The mean percentage increase of MN and MNU were found to be
      statistically significant (p=0.001) when compared with pre-treatment day. Similar
      findings were seen with NB, except between pretreatment and after 14 Gy (p
      0.110). In the present study the measurement of relative increment index done in
      respect to all nuclear abnormalities show a sustained increase with increasing
      dosage of radiation. CONCLUSION: The present study, was undertaken to explore the
      possibility of establishing a relationship between the frequencies of nuclear
      abnormalities in patients with oral cancer with applied dosage and duration of
      radiotherapy. The progressive increase in Micronucleus and Multinucleation
      indices with increasing dose of radiation proves that these parameters can be
      used as indicators for assessing the response of tumour for radiotherapy. These
      parameters can be used as prognostic indicator in oral carcinoma cases undergoing
      radiotherapy.

PMID- 27656426
TI  - Multiple Heads of Gastrocnemius with Bipennate Fiber Arrangement- A Clinically
      Significant Variation.
AB  - It is common to have additional muscles or muscle slips in the extremities. Some
      of them may compress the nerves and vessels or restrict the movements, while
      others may enhance the muscular activity. However, a small number of them may go
      unnoticed. Knowledge of such variant muscles becomes important for plastic
      surgeons while performing various reconstructive surgeries and for clinicians
      while managing the pain. A case of multiple heads of gastrocnemius muscle was
      observed during routine dissection of the right lower limb of about 70-year-old
      male cadaver. It was observed that the medial head of gastrocnemius was attached
      to the femur with 3 thick heads and lateral head was arising from the lateral
      condyle of femur by 3 thick heads. All the heads of the muscles remained separate
      till they formed tendocalcaneus. Some of these heads showed bipinnate fiber
      arrangement. All the heads were innervated by the branches of tibial nerve. As
      the muscle heads passed down from their origin, they entrapped the sural nerve
      and sural nerve was seen emerging at the beginning of tendocalcaneus. Further,
      detailed literature and the clinical and surgical importance of the case are
      discussed. 

PMID- 27656427
TI  - Effects of Long Term Exposure of 900-1800 MHz Radiation Emitted from 2G Mobile
      Phone on Mice Hippocampus- A Histomorphometric Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The advancement in the telecommunications technology with multi
      functional added features in mobile phone, attracts more users of all age group.
      It is alarming to note that, the mobile phone use has increased amongst children
      and they are exposed to potentially harmful radiofrequency radiation in their
      lifetime. AIM: To investigate the long term exposure of 900 to 1800 MHz
      radiations emitted from 2G mobile phone in mice hippocampus at histomorphometric
      level. MATERIALS AND METHODS: With due approval from institutional animal ethics
      committee, 36 mice were exposed to 2G mobile phone radiation, 48 minutes per day
      for a period of 30-180 days. The control group was kept under similar conditions
      without 2G exposure. Mice were sacrificed and the brain was removed from the
      first month to six months period. Brain was removed from the cranial cavity and
      hippocampus region was dissected out carefully and processed for routine
      histological study. Random serial sections were analysed under microscope for
      histomorphometric changes. For statistical analysis, independent t-test was used
      for comparing control and 2G exposed groups. RESULTS: The mean density of neurons
      in the hippocampus regions CA1, CA2 and DGDB from first to sixth month was
      significantly lower in the 2G exposed groups; however, in CA3 and DGVB, the 2G
      exposed mice showed significantly higher density of neurons. The mean nuclear
      diameter of neurons in the hippocampus region of CA1, CA2, CA3, DGDB and DGVB
      from first to sixth months showed lower nuclear diameter in 2G exposed mice.
      CONCLUSION: The long term exposure to 900-1800 MHz frequency radiations emitted
      from 2G mobile phone could cause significantly reduced neuron density and
      decreased nuclear diameter in the hippocampus neurons of mice.

PMID- 27656428
TI  - Effect of Drug Alprazolam on Restrained Stress Induced Alteration of Serum
      Cortisol and Antioxidant Vitamins (Vitamin C and E) in Male Albino Rats.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Stress can cause harmful effects in the body that induce a wide
      range of biochemical and behavioural changes. As anti-stress drugs are routinely
      used to combat stress hence study is needed to assess the contraindication of
      these drugs in the physiological systems. AIM: To investigate the effect of
      alprazolam on restrained stress induced alteration of serum cortisol, and
      antioxidant vitamin levels in male albino rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult male
      albino rats (body weight 175-225g) were divided into four groups of six animals
      in each. Group I (control), kept undisturbed in the metabolic cage throughout the
      42 days experimental period. Group II (stress) rats were kept in a wire mesh
      restrainer for 6 hr/day for 42 days. Group III (stress+ withdrawal) rats were
      stressed for 21 days and withdrawal of stress for remaining 21 days (total 42
      days). Group IV (stress + alprazolam) rats were only stressed for 21 days and
      treated with drug alprazolam (5mg/kg body weight, intraperitoneal) in
      continuation with stress for remaining 21 days (total period is 42 days). At the
      end of 42 days all the rats were sacrificed and serum cortisol, vitamin C and E
      levels were estimated. RESULTS: Group II (stressed) showed a significant increase
      in serum cortisol level with concomitant decrease of serum vitamin C and E
      levels. Group III (withdrawal) and Group IV (+alprazolam) rats showed significant
      reduction of serum cortisol along with subsequent increase of serum vitamin C and
      E concentrations. CONCLUSION: Results indicate a possible antioxidant effect of
      alprazolam on restrained stress induced alteration of serum cortisol and
      antioxidant vitamin levels.

PMID- 27656429
TI  - Analysis of Arterial Blood Gas Report in Chronic Kidney Diseases - Comparison
      between Bedside and Multistep Systematic Method.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Acid Base Disorders (ABDs) are commonly encountered in critically
      ill Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients. Timely and correct analysis of
      Arterial Blood Gases (ABG) is critical for the diagnosis, treatment and
      prediction of outcome of the patients. AIM: The aim was to explore type and
      prevalence of ABDs in 31 critically ill CKD patients from a tertiary care
      hospital in Maharashtra, to compare two methods of analysis- bedside and
      systematic approaches and to clinically correlate the nature of ABDs in these
      patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The initial ABG reports of 31 consecutive CKD
      patients were analysed by two methods. Medica Easy stat analyser was the
      equipment for analysis with Principle of potentiometry and ion selective
      electrode for pH and pCO2 and amperometry for pO2. Serum albumin was also
      measured by Bromocresol green dye binding method using liquixx albumin kit in
      Erba XL 300 autoanalyser. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Chi-square test was used for
      statistical analysis using Epi Info version 3.5.4 and SPSS 14.0 softwares.
      RESULTS: The systematic method showed a significantly higher prevalence of mixed
      disorders (50%) compared to bedside method (12.9%). Most prevalent disorder by
      bedside method was metabolic acidosis in 15 cases (48.39%). By the systematic
      method, 3 reports were invalid. As a single category, most prevalent type was
      both simple respiratory alkalosis and mixed metabolic acidosis with respiratory
      alkalosis- 6 of 31 cases in each type (19.36% each). As a whole, metabolic
      acidosis (including both High Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis or HAGMA and Non Anion
      Gap Metabolic Acidosis or NAGMA with 4 in each type) was most prevalent- 8 of
      31(25.8%). CONCLUSION: Systematic approach was more effective in diagnosing mixed
      acid base disorders. By systematic method the findings of analysis in most cases
      could be correlated with the clinical condition and provisional diagnosis. Thus
      interpretation of ABDs by using stepwise approach could be useful to the
      clinicians in early diagnosis and management of the patients.

PMID- 27656431
TI  - Plasma Myeloperoxidase and Total Sialic Acid as Prognostic Indicators in Acute
      Coronary Syndrome.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) is the leading cause of death
      worldwide. Oxidative stress and inflammation play important role in the
      destabilization of plaques leading to ACS. Markers which reflect this
      pathophysiologic mechanism may have prognostic value. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) and
      Sialic acid are markers of inflammation and oxidative stress. Both these markers
      are increased in patients with ACS. Their prognostic value in ACS is not well
      established. AIM: To analyse the prognostic value of plasma myeloperoxidase and
      total sialic acid levels in patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted on 93 consecutively
      admitted patients with chest pain from July 2011 to September 2011. Plasma MPO
      and total sialic acid levels on admission were estimated spectrophotometrically.
      These were compared with extent of disease, development of complications during
      the hospital stay, left ventricular ejection fraction and mean duration of stay
      in hospital. RESULTS: Plasma MPO and total sialic acid levels were significantly
      higher in patients with myocardial infarction than those with unstable and stable
      angina (p<0.001 and p<0.007 respectively). The levels of plasma MPO and sialic
      acid levels were significantly higher in patients who developed complications
      like heart failure, arrhythmias, renal failure during their stay in hospital
      (p<0.011 and p<0.006 respectively). Ejection fraction was significantly low in
      patients with high MPO levels (p<0.011). CONCLUSION: In patients with ACS, plasma
      MPO and total sialic acid levels on admission could predict the development of
      complications during their hospital stay. MPO levels correlated with ejection
      fraction in patients with ACS.

PMID- 27656430
TI  - Association of Salivary Osteopontin Levels with Glycaemic Status and
      Microalbuminuria - in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The monitoring of glycaemic status in patients with T2DM is mainly
      through blood tests (Fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c), which are invasive and
      involves painful pricks. This leads to poor patient compliance and soon could
      lead to various micro and macro vascular complications, which hamper the quality
      of life. There are no sensitive and specific markers to predict these
      complications at the earliest. Sialochemistry has recently gained attention for
      monitoring chronic diseases. Osteopontin is a phospho-glycoprotein molecule,
      elevated in many inflammatory conditions. AIM: The aim of the study was to
      evaluate the role of serum and salivary osteopontin in Type 2 Diabetes mellitus
      (T2DM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this case-control study, we recruited 33 cases
      of T2DM and 31 age and gender matched healthy controls. Body Mass Index (BMI),
      Waist/Hip Ratio (WHR), Waist Circumference (WC) and blood pressure was recorded.
      Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG), salivary glucose, HbA1c, microalbuminuria, systolic
      BP, serum and salivary osteopontin levels were estimated. RESULTS: FPG, salivary
      glucose, HbA1c, microalbuminuria, systolic BP, BMI, waist / hip ratio serum and
      salivary osteopontin levels were significantly high in T2DM cases compared to
      control subjects. Serum and salivary osteopontin levels were significantly
      correlated with HbA1c and microalbuminuria in T2DM cases. CONCLUSION: Serum and
      salivary osteopontin levels are significantly elevated in subjects with T2DM and
      are associated with glycaemic control and microalbuminuria.

PMID- 27656432
TI  - Significance of Total Protein, Albumin, Globulin, Serum Effusion Albumin Gradient
      and LDH in the Differential Diagnosis of Pleural Effusion Secondary to
      Tuberculosis and Cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Lung cancer and Pulmonary tuberculosis are two major public health
      problems associated with significant morbidity and mortality worldwide
      particularly in low and middle income countries like India. Wrong diagnosis of
      lung cancer cases as pulmonary tuberculosis in primary health care system delays
      the onset of anti-cancer chemotherapy as well as initiation of DOTS thus
      increasing complication and mortality rate in malignancy patients. In this
      context easy, cost effective diagnostic tool at primary level must be the
      priority and need of hour. AIM: To study and evaluate any significance of
      biochemical parameters (total protein, albumin, globulin, serum effusion albumin
      gradient, LDH) in serum and pleural effusion secondary to tuberculosis and lung
      cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case control study was carried out on patients
      attending OPD and IPD, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, RMCH. Hundred cases of
      Tuberculosis effusion, 50 cases of Malignant effusion and 100 age and sex matched
      apparently healthy controls were taken for correlation of biochemical parameters
      (total protein, albumin, globulin, serum effusion albumin gradient, LDH) and
      statistically evaluated to find any significance between tuberculosis, lung
      cancer and control group. Blood and pleural fluid samples were collected and then
      subjected to assessment of parameters (total protein, albumin, LDH) by using
      EM360 Autoanalyser and kits were supplied by Transasia diagnostics. Globulin and
      Serum Effusion Albumin Gradient (SEAG) was calculated mathematically. STATISTICAL
      ANALYSIS: Data is presented as mean +/- SD. Comparison of serum and pleural fluid
      levels (of taken parameters) were done in TB, Lung Cancer and Control groups by
      ANOVA and students t-test. The p-value <0.05 were considered as statistically
      significant. RESULTS: We found serum-total protein, albumin, globulin to be
      significantly higher in TB group than lung cancer group but serum LDH was higher
      in lung cancer group (in all parameters p=<0.0001). Pleural Fluid-total protein,
      albumin, globulin was again significantly higher in TB group than lung cancer
      group and LDH was higher in lung cancer group (p=<0.0001). SEAG is also
      significantly higher in TB group than lung cancer group (p=<0.002). CONCLUSION:
      The results suggests early quantization of these parameters can differentiate
      pulmonary tuberculosis from lung cancer and thus can decrease the mortality rate
      of lung cancer cases though more extensive study with increased sample size may
      provide more insights.

PMID- 27656433
TI  - Biochemical and Clinical Profile in Type 2 Diabetics with Depression.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There were 72 million adults with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) in 2013 in
      the South East Asian region of which India is a part. This figure is expected to
      rise to more than 123 million by 2035. Some studies have also shown that there is
      an increased risk of depression in subjects with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM).
      The present study is an attempt to decipher whether there is any difference in
      the metabolic and clinical profile between patients having T2DM with depression
      and without depression. AIM: To study the clinical and biochemical profile of
      subjects with T2DM and depression and compare a non-depressed diabetic cohort on
      the same parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cross-sectional study was
      conducted at a tertiary care teaching hospital in rural Andhra Pradesh. Patients
      with T2DM who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria and attending the
      outpatient clinic of the General Medicine department were the subjects of this
      study. The subjects with T2DM were categorized as depressed or non-depressed
      after administering the Patient Health Questionnare-9. Out of them 30 subjects
      with depression and 30 without depression were selected. Samples for blood were
      collected and analysed for glucose, urea, creatinine, lipid profile and glycated
      haemoglobin. Urine micro protein was estimated. Anthropometric measurements,
      blood pressure and chronic complications were recorded. RESULTS: The two groups
      were similar on most of the socio-demographic parameters, biochemical and many of
      the clinical parameters like age, waist circumference, glycated haemoglobin,
      lipid profile and insulin use. The Chi-square test for association between the
      categorical variables like use of insulin, gender predilection, exercise and
      complications with depression were not significant. CONCLUSION: The study did not
      show any significant difference between the two groups in terms of the
      biochemical and clinical profile.

PMID- 27656435
TI  - Galactomannan Assay and Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis - Comparison of the Test
      Performance at an in-house and the Kit Cut-off.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis (IPA) is an important
      opportunistic infection with a high degree of mortality and morbidity.
      Galactomannan assay (GM assay) is found to be useful for diagnosis of IPA in
      patients with neutropenia. However the utility of this assay has not been
      evaluated in a mixed patient population with other co-morbid conditions. Though a
      kit cut-off of 0.5 has been recommended for the diagnosis of IPA, studies have
      reported a higher sensitivity with cut-offs more than 0.5. AIM: To establish an
      in-house cut-off and compare its utility with the kit cut-off to diagnose and
      categorize IPA as proven, probable and possible in patients with varied
      underlying risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This observational study was done
      in St John's Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India from January 2013
      December 2014. GM assay was performed on 25 each of healthy controls and
      clinically diagnosed cases of IPA. The in-house cut-off was calculated by
      plotting the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (ROC). RESULTS: The in-house
      cut-off was calculated to be 0.52. Using this and the kit cut-off (0.5), the
      Sensitivity, Specificity, Positive Predictive Value (PPV) and the Negative
      Predictive Value (NPV) were found to be 75%, 79%, 76%, 82% and 79%, 71%, 77%, 82%
      respectively. Diabetes mellitus was found to be associated with more than 50% of
      the patients. CONCLUSION: The established in house cut-off using healthy controls
      and patients with clinical diagnosis of IPA was not significantly different from
      that of the kit cut-off. Using either of these cut-offs, we could re-categorize
      two of the possible IPA cases in the probable group. This study helped to
      understand the clinical utility of this assay even in a mixed patient population
      with multiple co-morbidities.

PMID- 27656434
TI  - Differentiation of Overweight from Normal Weight Young Adults by Postprandial
      Heart Rate Variability and Systolic Blood Pressure.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Obesity and cardiovascular disease are inextricably linked and the
      health community's response to the current epidemic of adolescent obesity may be
      improved by the ability to target adolescents at highest risk for developing
      cardiovascular disease in the future. Overweight manifests early as autonomic
      dysregulation and current methods do not permit differentiation of overweight
      adolescents or young adults at highest risk for developing cardiovascular
      disease. AIM: This study was designed to test the hypothesis that scaling
      exponents motivated by nonlinear fractal analyses of Heart Rate Variability (HRV)
      differentiate overweight, otherwise healthy adolescent/young adult subjects at
      risk for developing prehypertension, the primary forerunner of cardiovascular
      disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The subjects were 18-20year old males with Body
      Mass Index (BMI) 20.1-42.5kg/m(2). Electrocardiographic inter-beat (RR) intervals
      were measured during 3h periods of bed rest after overnight fasting and ingestion
      of 900Cal high-carbohydrate and high-fat test beverages on separate days.
      Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (DFA), k-means cluster and ANOVA analyses of
      scaling coefficients alpha, alpha(1), and alpha(2), showed dependencies on hourly
      measurements of systolic blood pressure and on premeasured BMI. RESULTS: It was
      observed that alpha value increased during the caloric challenge, appears to
      represent metabolically-induced changes in HRV across the participants. An
      ancillary analysis was performed to determine the dependency on BMI without BMI
      as a parameter. Cluster analysis of the high-carbohydrate test beverage treatment
      and the high-fat treatment produced grouping with very little overlap. ANOVA on
      both clusters demonstrated significance at p<0.001. We were able to demonstrate
      increased sympathetic modulation of our study group during ingestion and
      metabolism of isocaloric high-carbohydrate and high-fat test beverages.
      CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate significantly different clustering of
      alpha, alpha1, and alpha2 and Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) with respect to
      normal, overweight and obese BMI.

PMID- 27656436
TI  - Indirect Haemagglutination Test in Comparison with ELISA for Detection of
      Antibodies against Invasive Amoebiasis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Diagnosis of amoebiasis is based on combination of tests like
      microscopy, imaging, serology and molecular methods. In absence of molecular
      techniques, serology can be used as an alternative aid. Various serological
      techniques were reported with different sensitivity and specificity. The
      diagnostic efficiency of these assays mainly depends on the characteristics of
      antigen that is being used and various conditions of performance. AIM: To
      evaluate the efficiency of recombinant calcium binding domain containing protein
      by Indirect Haemagglutination Assay (IHA) against a commercial ELISA among
      amoebic liver abscess cases and control group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study
      was carried out during the period of 2011-2015 and blood samples were collected
      from suspected amoebiasis cases who were attending the clinics of Medicine and
      Paediatrics department, JIPMER. A total of 200 sera samples which included 100
      Amoebic Liver Abscess (ALA), 50 cases of other parasitic infections and liver
      diseases and 50 presumed healthy controls were examined by IHA and commercial
      ELISA. In brief, chick cells were stabilized by Double Aldehyde Sensitization
      (DAS) method. Optimum Sensitizing Dose (OSD) of the antigen was determined. The
      test was performed in a U-bottomed microtiter plate with recombinant amoebic
      antigen (12.5MUg/ml), incubated at Room Temperature (RT) for 2 hours. RIDASCREEN
      Entamoeba IgG ELISA kit which is commercially available was used to evaluate the
      samples as per manufacturer's instruction. RESULTS: The overall sensitivity and
      specificity of the IHA was 62% and 96%, respectively when compared to ELISA
      having sensitivity and specificity of 69% and 90%, respectively. The positive
      predictive value of the IHA was 91% while negative predictive value was 79%.
      Similarly, the positive predictive value of the ELISA was 87% while negative
      predictive value was 74%. CONCLUSION: As serology heavily suffers due to lack of
      a standardised test system employing the native antigen, there arises need to
      identify alternative source of recombinant antigen which could effectively
      improvise the existing lacunae in the current system. Serology acts as an adjunct
      in clinical decision making if properly interpreted. This is an important
      consideration in endemic region where health services resources are limited.

PMID- 27656438
TI  - Blood Stream Infection by Escherchia hermannii in a Neonate.
AB  - Escherichia hermannii is a Gram negative bacillus, facultative anaerobe and
      member of the family Enterobacteriaceae. It was earlier classified as Enteric
      Group 11 by the Enteric Section of Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and was
      reported in the clinical laboratory as a yellow pigmented E. coli strain. On the
      basis of its unique genomic features, this organism was labelled as a distinct
      species in 1982. A successfully treated case of a blood stream infection by E.
      hermannii in a neonate is being described. 

PMID- 27656437
TI  - Antifungal Activity of Cinnamon Oil and Olive Oil against Candida Spp. Isolated
      from Blood Stream Infections.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Recently non-albicans Candida has emerged as a major cause of
      morbidity and mortality in blood stream infections. Some species of the Candida
      are becoming increasingly resistant to first line and second line antifungals
      such as echinocandins and fluconazole. In view of increasing global antifungal
      resistance, role of alternative and better antifungals like natural plant
      products need to be explored. Essential oils are known to exhibit antimicrobial
      activity against various fungi. Hence, we evaluated the efficacy of cinnamon oil
      and olive oil against Candida spp. AIM: To evaluate the invitro antifungal
      activity of olive oil and cinnamon oil against blood stream Candida isolates.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present prospective observational study was conducted
      in the Department of Microbiology at a tertiary care teaching hospital during one
      year June 2011-July 2012. Blood samples were collected from 1376 patients
      clinically suspected to have fungal septicaemia, out of which 100 (7.2%) Candida
      isolates obtained, were speciated by conventional methods. Antifungal
      susceptibility testing of all the isolates was done against fluconazole,
      voriconazole as per NCCL (M27-A2) and against olive oil and cinnamon oil by agar
      well diffusion method. RESULTS: Prevalence of Candidemia was 7.26%. C. albicans
      (85.3%) and C. parapsilosis (85.7%) were most sensitive to fluconazole followed
      by C. tropicalis (67.4%). All isolates were 100% sensitive to voriconazole. Both
      oils were found to be effective against nearly 50% of the Candida isolates. About
      55.5% of fluconazole resistant C. krusei strains were sensitive to olive and
      cinnamon oil. CONCLUSION: Fluconazole resistant non-albicans Candida has emerged
      as major cause of Candidemia. Cinnamon and olive oil show marked sensitivity
      against albicans and non-albicans spp.

PMID- 27656439
TI  - Pefloxacin as a Surrogate Marker for Fluoroquinolone Susceptibility for
      Salmonella typhi: Problems and Prospects.

PMID- 27656440
TI  - Cefuroxime Prophylaxis in Total Joint Arthroplasty: Need for Antibiotic
      Stewardship.

PMID- 27656441
TI  - Commercial Disinfectants During Disinfection Process Validation: More Failures
      than Success.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Disinfection process validation is mandatory before introduction of
      a new disinfectant in hospital services. Commercial disinfection brands often
      question existing hospital policy claiming greater efficacy and lack of toxicity
      of their products. Inadvertent inadequate disinfection leads to morbidity,
      patient's economic burden, and the risk of mortality. AIM: To evaluate commercial
      disinfectants for high, intermediate and low-level disinfection so as to identify
      utility for our routine situations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This laboratory based
      experiment was conducted at St Stephen Hospital, Delhi during July-September
      2013. Twelve commercial disinfectants: Sanidex(r), Sanocid(r), Cidex(r), SekuSept
      Aktiv(r), BIB Forte(r), Alprojet W(r), Desnet(r), Sanihygiene(r), Incidin(r),
      D125(r), Lonzagard(r), and Glutishield(r) were tested. Time-kill assay
      (suspension test) was performed against six indicator bacteria (Escherichia coli,
      Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella Typhi, Bacillus cereus,
      and Mycobacterium fortuitum). Low and high inoculum (final concentrations
      1.5X10(6) and 9X10(6) cfu/ml) of the first five bacteria while only low level of
      M. fortuitum was tested. RESULTS: Cidex(r) (2.4% Glutaraldehyde) performed best
      as high level disinfectant while newer quarternary ammonium compounds (QACs)
      (Incidin(r), D125(r), and Lonzagard(r)) were good at low level disinfection.
      Sanidex(r) (0.55% Ortho-pthalaldehyde) though mycobactericidal took 10 minutes
      for sporicidal activity. Older QAC containing BIB Forte(r) and Desnet(r) took 20
      minutes to fully inhibit P. aeruginosa. All disinfectants effectively reduced S.
      Typhi to zero counts within 5 minutes. CONCLUSION: Cidex(r) is a good high-level
      disinfectant while newer QACs (Incidin(r), D125(r), and Lonzagard(r)) were
      capable low-level disinfectants.

PMID- 27656442
TI  - Morphological Patterns of Intracranial Lesions in a Tertiary Care Hospital in
      North Karnataka: A Clinicopathological and Immunohistochemical Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: An "Intra-cranial space occupying lesion" (ICSOL)is defined as a
      mass lesion in the cranial cavity with a diverse aetiology like benign or
      malignant neoplasm, inflammatory or parasitic lesion, haematoma, or arterio
      venous malformation. Central nervous system neoplasms represent a unique,
      heterogenous population of neoplasms constituting 1.9% of all malignant tumours
      in India. A broad spectrum of non-neoplastic conditions can mimic a brain tumour,
      both clinically and radiologically and these patients undergo biopsy. In such
      cases, the pathologist can readily differentiate between neoplastic and non
      neoplastic imitators. AIM: The present study attempts to provide preliminary data
      on morphological patterns of intracranial lesions in North Karnataka region and
      to study clinicopathological spectrum with correlation of radiological findings
      of ICSOL. Special emphasis is made on the utility of special stains and IHC
      markers in CNS tumours. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective and prospective
      descriptive study was performed on biopsy specimen of ICSOL received from
      Departmnet of Neurosurgery, Basaveshwar Teaching Hospital, Kalaburgi. The study
      period was from January 2012 to June 2013 retrospectively and July 2013 to June
      2015 prospectively. All specimens were preserved in 10% formalin and allowed to
      fix for 24 hours. The haematoxylin and eosin stained sections of the CNS lesions
      were obtained by routine processing and paraffin embedding. Special stains and
      IHC were done wherever appropriate. RESULTS: Sixty two cases of CNS lesions were
      studied, of which 12 (19.4%) cases were non neoplastic with six (50%) being
      cystic lesions and four (33.4%) were cerebral abscess. The neoplastic lesions
      comprised of 50 (80.6%) cases, which included 48 (96%) primary and two (4%)
      metastatic lesions. Among primary tumours, gliomas constituted the largest
      category of 24 (50%) cases with 16.7% being Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) and
      pilocytic astrocytomas each, followed by schwannomas (14%) and meningothelial
      tumours (12%). Majority were Grade I among gliomas and tumour of meninges with
      37.5% and 87.5% respectively. Mean age of the patients was 26.72+/-11.2 (range:
      0.4 to 80) years. Male to female ratio was 1:1.14. GFAP was demonstrated in
      astrocytomas, mixed gliomas and gliosarcoma. CONCLUSION: The surgical pathologist
      plays an important role in accurate diagnosis of various lesions of CNS which
      will be of immense help for patient prognosis and treatment. Immunohistochemistry
      is currently being employed to assist in the diagnosis of brain tumours.

PMID- 27656443
TI  - Expression of ERalpha and PR in Various Morphological Patterns of Abnormal
      Uterine Bleeding-Endometrial causes in Reproductive Age Group.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB) is most common gynaecological
      problem but its management is not well defined. So FIGO/PALMCOEIN classification
      was developed to provide clear management options as treatment is different in
      PALM and AUB-E group. FIGO/PALM-COEIN classification and immunohistochemistry
      with ERalpha and PR expression in AUB-E group will be helpful in management of
      these patients, thus preventing surgical interventions. AIM: To study
      histomorphological classification according to FIGO/PALM-COEIN classification in
      patients presenting with AUB into PALM and AUB-E group. To study the receptor
      expression of ERalpha and PR in AUB-E group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross
      sectional study was performed in patients presenting with AUB in reproductive age
      group (15-45 years). Six hundred endometrial specimens were stained with H&E for
      histolomorphological examination and classified as per FIGO/PALM-COEIN
      classification of AUB in non-gravid women in reproductive age group. Fifty
      endometrial biopsies were of pregnancy and pregnancy related complications and
      were excluded from study. A total of 550 samples were evaluated in present study.
      IHC for quantification of ERalpha and PR expression was carried out in AUB-E
      (100) cases and control group endometrium (20) cases due to technical
      constraints. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Unpaired student t-test was performed. p-value
      <= 0.05 was taken as critical level of significance. RESULTS: Endometrial
      (58.19%) (AUB-E) causes were most common cause of AUB. Most common morphology was
      AUB-E (Proliferative endometrium), AUB-L (Leiomyoma) and AUB-E (Secretory
      endometrium) respectively. Statistically significant expression of ERalpha and PR
      was found in AUB-E endometrium as compared to control group endometrium. In Non
      secretory/Proliferative endometrium AUB-E group. Proliferative endometrium and
      hyperplasia without atypia had significant expression of ERalpha and PR in glands
      and stroma when compared with proliferative phase control group endometrium. But
      disordered proliferative endometrium had only significant PR expression in
      stroma. When secretory phase endometrium was compared with control group
      secretory phase significant expression for PR was noted only in stroma.
      CONCLUSION: FIGO/PALM-COEIN classification will be helpful in deciding treatment
      of AUB cases. Study of receptor expression in AUB-E group will help in providing
      evidence based treatment and prevent from surgical procedures like hysterectomy
      and endometrial ablation.

PMID- 27656444
TI  - Clinicopathological Features of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms of
      Pancreas in a Tertiary Care Center: A 14 Year Retrospective Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pancreatic surgeries are usually performed for inflammatory
      conditions and neoplasms. Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm (IPMN) account
      for approximately 5-7% of all pancreatic neoplasms in western literature. To the
      best of our knowledge, there has been no published literature in Indian
      subcontinent on IPMN. AIM: To assess the spectrum of different pancreatic
      pathologies on pancreatic resection specimens. Also, to review and share the
      experience on the clinicopathological features of IPMNs in our institute.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a 14 year retrospective study of all cases where
      pancreatic surgeries were done for pancreatic pathology. The slides and blocks of
      diagnosed cases of IPMNs were retrieved from the department archives, reviewed
      and a detailed study on the histopathological features was done. RESULTS: Among
      the 377 pancreatic surgical specimens, pancreatitis was the most common diagnosis
      followed by exocrine neoplasms and endocrine neoplasms. IPMN constituted 3.2 % of
      all pancreatic neoplasms. Histologically, the most common type was the gastric
      foveolar type. Pancreatobiliary type was aggressive and associated with an
      invasive component and had evidence of metastasis on follow up. CONCLUSION: IPMNs
      are rare neoplasms of pancreas with a male predominance. They are usually
      indolent except for the pancreatobiliary type which may have an aggressive
      course, often associated with an invasive adenocarcinoma component. Diligent
      follow up is recommended.

PMID- 27656445
TI  - The Study of MIB-1 LI and CD 34 As A Marker of Proliferative Activity and
      Angiogenesis in Different Grades of Meningioma.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Meningiomas comprise 24-30% of all tumours occurring in the central
      nervous system. Conventional morphologic critera as studied in routine
      Haematoxylin and Eosin stained sections (H & E) may not be accurate in grading
      and assessing prognosis in small stereotactic biopsy specimens. Thus, arises the
      need for objective methods for assessing tumour biology. Angiogenesis is a key
      event in the spread of tumours and denotes a poor prognosis. Intratumoural
      Microvessel Density (MVD) helps in quantification of angiogenesis. AIM: To
      measure the proliferative index by MIB-1 and correlate it with the WHO grading of
      meningiomas. Also to assess the expression of CD34 in various grades of
      meningioma and evaluate their angiogenic potential by calculating MVD. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Paraffin blocks of 30 surgically resected cases, 10 each of grade I,
      II and III meningiomas were reviewed. Tumours were graded and subtyped as per WHO
      criteria. Immunohistochemical staining was done with MIB-1 and CD 34 antibodies.
      Statistical analysis was performed using Mann - Whitney U test. p-value of < 0.05
      was considered significant. RESULTS: The male to female ratio overall was 1:1.
      The age of the patients ranged from 18-81 years. A 73% of patients had raised
      intracranial pressure and 18.4% of patients presented with seizures. The mean +/-
      SD MIB-1 LI was 1.14 +/- 0.84, 8.94 +/- 2.73 and 35.62 +/- 4.44 in grade I, II
      and III tumours respectively which was statistically significant. (p< 0.01). The
      mean +/- SD MVD was 49.67 +/- 22.35, 41.37 +/- 7.45 and 47.86 +/- 10.77
      respectively in grade I, II and III tumours (p NS). CONCLUSION: MIB-1 LI is an
      important complementary tool to accurately grade meningothelial tumours and
      assess tumour biology. Specific cycling endothelial markers along with CD 34 &
      MVD could be used to assess the prognosis of these tumours.

PMID- 27656446
TI  - Diagnostic Pitfalls in Papillary Lesions of the Breast: Experience from a Single
      Tertiary Care Center.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Papillary neoplasms are a group of lesions that are characterized
      by presence of papillae supported by fibrovascular cores lined by epithelial
      cells with or without myoepithelial cell layer. These neoplasms may be benign,
      atypical or malignant. AIMS: This study was conducted to analyse the
      clinicopathological characteristics of papillary lesions of the breast. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: A retrospective and prospective analysis of 34 cases of papillary
      lesions received over a period of 7 years from 2009 to 2015 was done. The
      patient's clinical details were collected from medical archives and the
      histopathological findings were reviewed. The lesions were classified into
      benign, atypical and malignant categories. RESULTS: During the study period,
      there were 34 cases of papillary lesions of breast. The mean age was 58 years.
      The central quadrant was the most common location (66.6%). The most common
      presenting complaint was lump (76.5% cases). Papillary lesions presented more
      commonly as solitary lump (82.4%) rather than multifocal disease. Benign
      papillary lesions were more common than the atypical and malignant lesions. The
      most common papillary lesion accounting for 43% of the cases was intraductal
      papilloma. Malignant lesions accounted for 41.2% cases with intraductal papillary
      carcinoma and invasive papillary carcinoma constituting 14.7% cases each.
      CONCLUSION: Diagnosis of papillary carcinoma is challenging and its
      classification includes different entities that have specific diagnostic
      criteria. Due to their heterozygosity in morphology with benign, atypical and
      malignant subtypes, morphological features such as type of fibrovascular core and
      continuity of myoepithelial layer along with immunohistochemical stains for
      myoepithelial cells should be considered for proper and accurate diagnosis.

PMID- 27656447
TI  - Actinomycosis of Finger: Case Report and Review of the Literature.
AB  - Cutaneous actinomycosis of finger is very unusual, chronic granulomatous disease
      caused by a group of anaerobic or microaerophilic Gram-positive filamentous
      bacteria that normally colonize the mouth, colon and urogenital tract.
      Actinomycosis of finger is rare but clinically important condition that requires
      suitable evaluation for guiding appropriate therapy. We hereby report a case of
      cutaneous actinomycosis of the right finger- a rare site, in a 34-year-old female
      patient which underwent usual treatment of surgical excision. This patient
      complained of existence of a mass and tenderness in the pulp of right index
      finger. The X-ray of hand revealed no significant abnormality. The patient was
      treated successfully with surgical excision. Surgery detected five small nodules
      measuring 0.5 to 1 cm in size. Histopathologic examination of the biopsy from the
      lesions confirmed diagnosis of cutaneous actinomycosis. Here, we report a
      cutaneous actinomycosis in a 34-year-old female located in the index finger. 

PMID- 27656448
TI  - MPV in Uncontrolled & Controlled Diabetics- Its Role as an Indicator of Vascular
      Complication.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Platelets are tiny, disc-shaped, non-nucleated structures derived
      from megakaryocytes. The morphological differences in measuring Mean Platelet
      Volume (MPV) and Platelet Distribution Width (PDW) of platelets have important
      implications for assessing the functional expressions of platelets. Electron
      microscopy reveals the presence of glycogen as prominent masses in platelets. MPV
      values have been generally reported to be very high in individuals with
      uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (DM). AIM: This study aimed to determine and
      compare the MPV values in uncontrolled and controlled group of Type-2 Diabetics
      along with healthy non-diabetic people and to correlate MPV values with age, sex
      and glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in diabetic groups. This study also
      aimed to determine the prevalence of retinopathy in uncontrolled and controlled
      group of diabetic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This case control study was
      carried out in our institution for 1 year. The patients were grouped as
      uncontrolled group of diabetic patients and controlled group of diabetic patients
      based on their HbA1c levels. 106 uncontrolled diabetic patients and 100
      controlled diabetic patients were included, with 100 non-diabetic subjects as
      controls. Patient's profile which included all demographic particulars and
      medical history was obtained. Fundus examination and other ophthalmic findings of
      50 uncontrolled and 50 controlled diabetic cases were recorded. The findings were
      analysed statistically using IBM SPSS software. RESULTS: In uncontrolled group of
      106 diabetic patients, 54 patients were males and 52 patients were females and
      the mean age was 51.63+/-11.04, mean HbA1c was 9.86+/-1.91% and mean MPV was
      8.93+/-0.90fl. In controlled group of 100 diabetic patients, 49 patients were
      males and 51 patients were females and the mean age was 47.88+/-15.17, mean HbA1c
      was 6.08+/-0.49% and mean MPV was 8.106 +/- 0.72fl. In 100 non-diabetic controls
      77 patients were males and 23 patients were females and the mean age was 37.97+/
      9.69 and mean MPV was 8.02+/-0.86fl. Among 50 cases of uncontrolled DM, 14
      uncontrolled DM patients had diabetic retinopathy with an average MPV of about
      9.2+/-0.61fl and mean HbA1c of 10.6+/-1.98% whereas, 30 uncontrolled patients
      with no evidence of retinopathy with an average MPV of about 8.39+/-0.676 fl and
      mean HbA1C of 9.18+/-1.91%. CONCLUSION: MPV values are higher in uncontrolled DM
      patients when compared with controlled DM patients and a higher percentage of
      them develop microvascular complications like Diabetic Retinopathy suggesting
      that mean platelet volume could indicate and play a more important role in the
      detection of vascular complications of Diabetes.

PMID- 27656450
TI  - Solid Pseudopapillary Tumour of Extrapancreatic Origin Presenting as Mesenteric
      Cystic Mass: A Diagnostic Dilemma.
AB  - Solid Pseudopapillary Tumour (SPT) is a rare and distinctive pancreatic exocrine
      neoplasm. Even Rarely, such primary SPT may originate from ectopic pancreatic
      tissues. We are hereby presenting one such unique case, where a 50-year-old
      female presented with pain and a mid-abdominal lump. Radiology revealed a well
      defined outline located adjacent to the tail of pancreas. The excised mass was
      19*14*7cm in dimension having zones of haemorrhage, necrosis and cystic spaces
      filled with necrotic debris. Microscopic examination confirmed the diagnosis of
      SPT. SPT originating in extrapancreatic location may mimic an ovarian cystic
      tumours or mesenteric cysts, its proper identification is crucial. 

PMID- 27656449
TI  - Renal Biopsy Findings in Patients with Hypothyroidism: Report of 16 cases.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Hypothyroidism is prevalent in India. Its association with renal
      diseases though not very common but have been described in many studies. Here we
      are reporting renal biopsy findings in 16 cases, all of whom were already
      diagnosed cases of hypothyroidism. AIM: To study renal parenchymal diseases
      associated in patients with hypothyroidism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Formalin fixed
      paraffin embedded sections of renal biopsy were examined after staining with H&E,
      PAS and Acid Fuschin Orange G (AFOG) stain. Serum urea/creatinine measurements
      done by semi-autoanalysers and urine analysis were done by using urine strips and
      light microscopy. RESULTS: In 16 cases, M:F ratio was 9:7. Duration of disease
      varied from 6 months to 14 years. Blood urea and serum creatinine were raised in
      10 cases (62.5%) and nephrotic range proteinuria was present in 13 cases
      (81.25%). Two of the patients had co existing systemic lupus erythaematous. Renal
      pathology revealed membranous glomerulonephritis (GN) in both cases. In renal
      biopsy seven cases (43.75%) had pure Membranous Glomerulonephritis (MGN), 4 cases
      (25%) had mixture of Mesan-gial cell proliferation and membranous
      Glomerulonephritis(GN) also called MembranoProliferative GN (MPGN). Another four
      cases (25%) had Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) with chronic
      interstitial nephritis and one case was having minimal change disease.
      CONCLUSION: Thus present study concludes that hypothyroidism can cause renal
      parenchymal disease like membranous GN, mesangiocapillary GN which is also called
      as membranoproliferative GN and FSGS.

PMID- 27656451
TI  - Massive Ovarian Oedema- A Case Report.
AB  - Massive ovarian oedema is defined by WHO as formation of tumour like enlargement
      of one or both ovaries by oedema fluid. We report a case of a 18-year-old
      unmarried girl who presented with three months amenorrhoea and left sided lower
      abdominal pain with clinical and radiological diagnosis of cystic ovarian
      neoplasm. Patient underwent lapratomy with left salpingo-oophorectomy. A
      definitive diagnosis of Massive Ovarian Oedema (MOE) was offered on
      histopathological examination. The MOE should be differentiated from ovarian
      fibromatosis, ovarian fibroma, sclerosing stromal tumour and ovarian myxoma. The
      usual management of massive oedema of ovary is unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy,
      as the lesion is mistaken for primary ovarian neoplasm at laparotomy. Recognition
      of MOE is of great importance to prevent unnecessary oophorectomy in young
      patients and can be managed conservatively. We report this case of MOE for its
      rarity. 

PMID- 27656452
TI  - Pheohyphomycosis in Renal Transplant Recipient Presenting as a Rare Case of
      Submandibular Salivary Gland Swelling.
AB  - Renal transplant patients are at high risk of developing various infections
      causing morbidity and mortality. Invasive fungal infection has been recognized as
      a significant complication of organ transplantation. The major fungal infections
      in these patients are due to candida, aspergillus and mucormycosis. However,
      infection because of infrequently encountered fungi like hyaline molds,
      dematiaceous filamentous fungi and zygomycetes are increasing in
      immunocompromised hosts. Dematiaceous fungi are recognized pathogens in organ
      transplant recipients with skin and soft tissue infection. We report the case of
      a 37-year-old man, a renal transplant recipient who developed an asymptomatic
      dematiaceous fungal infection in submandibular salivary gland. He recovered after
      excision and antifungal therapy. 

PMID- 27656453
TI  - Cytodiagnosis of Extraskeletal Ewing's Sarcoma and its Confirmation by
      Fluorescence in situ Hybridization.
AB  - Extraskeletal Ewing's sarcoma is an aggressive malignant small round cell tumour
      usually occuring in children and adolescents. It needs to be differentiated from
      other malignant small round cell tumours and immunohistochemistry plays a pivotal
      role in establishing the diagnosis. Fluorescence in situ hybridization or real
      time-polymerase chain reaction helps in confirming the diagnosis by demonstration
      of EWS-FLI1 translocation, which is found in approximately 85% of the cases. We
      report a case of extraskeletal Ewing's sarcoma in a10-year-old male, who
      presented with a right gluteal region mass. Fine needle aspiration and cell block
      preparation followed by a panel of immunohistochemical markers were performed.
      Immunohistochemistry for CD99 and FLI1 was positive. EWS-FLI1 translocation was
      confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization. 

PMID- 27656454
TI  - Incidental Detection of Hairy Cell Leukaemia with Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)
      Related Lip Ulcer Mimicking Carcinoma.
AB  - Hairy cell leukemia is a chronic lympho-proliferative disease. It is indolent but
      progressive in nature. It arises from B-cell lineage. We report an incidentally
      detected case of Hairy Cell Leukaemia (HCL) in a 55-year-old male patient with
      Herpes simplex virus (HSV) - related lip ulcer mimicking squamous cell carcinoma.
      Clinically the patient presented with lip ulceration without pain. He was found
      to have moderate hepatosplenomegaly and pancytopenia on general examination. Bone
      marrow aspiration and flow cytometric immunophenotyping revealed HCL. The oral
      lesion resolved after antiviral therapy. The intriguing possibility of a combined
      pathogenesis for the two disorders is considered, as HCL is known to be
      associated with immunosuppression, second malignancies and the production of
      cytokines promoting epithelial growth. 

PMID- 27656455
TI  - Chondroblastic Variant of Osteosarcoma of Mandible: Report of a Rare Case.
AB  - Osteosarcoma (OS), a common malignant tumour of the long bones, is rarely seen in
      the craniofacial region (5-8%). Though it's aetiology is unknown, previous
      radiotherapy, Pagets disease, Retinoblastoma and benign bone lesions such as
      fibrous dysplasia are considered as predisposing factors. It is seen commonly in
      adults between the third and fourth decades of life, in the Gnathic location
      mandible. We report a rare case of chondroblastic variant of OS of the right
      mandible, in a 35-year-old male, who underwent right segmental mandibulectomy
      with fibular graft reconstruction and is having disease free survival one and
      half years post surgery. Craniofacial OSs, are considered a separate category in
      view of their low histologic grade, less frequent metastases and better
      prognosis. Hence the diagnosis of this variant is important. This case is
      reported because of its rarity and typical histopathological features. 

PMID- 27656456
TI  - Hepatosplenic T Cell Lymphoma in an Immunocompetent Female Diagnosed using Flow
      Cytometry: A Rare Clinical Entity.
AB  - Hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma is a rare haematopoietic malignancy that comprises
      less than 1% of Non-Hodgkin lymphomas. We are reporting a case of a 26-year-old
      female, who presented with pallor, weight loss, jaundice, pancytopenia and
      hepatosplenomegaly. The bone marrow examination showed infiltration by lymphoid
      cells. These cells on flow cytometric evaluation showed the phenotype of
      hepatosplenic T cell lymphoma. The cells were positive for CD3, CD8, CD56 and TCR
      gammadelta and negative for CD5, CD4, CD8, CD16, CD57, TCRalphabeta along with B
      cell markers. This case is reported for being a rare clinical entity and its
      presence in an immunocompetent female making it rarer. 

PMID- 27656457
TI  - Spindle Cell Variant of Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma: A Rare Entity with Diagnostic
      Challenges.
AB  - The spindle cell variant of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare and a better
      differentiated variant of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, having a better prognosis
      compared to other types of rhabdomyosarcomas. So, it needs to be distinguished
      from classical forms of the neoplasm. Its morphological resemblance to spindle
      cell neoplasms like leiomyosarcomas and fibrosarcomas may pose diagnostic
      difficulties for the pathologist. This problem can be overcome by careful search
      for rhabdomyoblasts in sections, which are usually few, and Immunohistochemistry
      for myogenin. In the present case, a 15-year-old female presented with a
      progressively increasing swelling in the right upper eyelid, which was diagnosed
      as a rare variant of rhabdomyosarcoma. We have also attempted to discuss its
      differential diagnosis, and to emphasize the fact that this rare entity may be
      misdiagnosed. 

PMID- 27656458
TI  - Two Unusual Cases of Acinic Cell Carcinoma: Role of Cytology with Histological
      Corelation.
AB  - Acinic Cell Carcinoma (AcCC) is a slow growing, malignant tumour of salivary
      glands, predominantly found in parotid gland and rarely in submandibular gland or
      minor salivary glands. Rarely, the tumour can arise in Heterotopic Salivary Gland
      Tissue (HSGT) and can present bilaterally. Synchronous contralateral tumour or
      tumour arising in HSGT is easily missed clinically. Fine Needle Aspiration
      Cytology (FNAC) is an important preoperative diagnostic investigation in cases of
      AcCC. Sometimes its diagnosis on cytology is very difficult and it is easily
      misdiagnosed as benign, affecting the long term prognosis. Here, we present two
      unusual cases of AcCC. One developed in HSGT and the other was synchronous
      bilateral. Though the histological features of AcCC appear to be characteristic
      but clinical suspicion and cytological features have been described as equally
      important for preoperative diagnosis. Present cases highlight the importance of a
      cytopathologist who plays an important role in its preliminary diagnosis. 

PMID- 27656459
TI  - A Retrospective Analysis of Reporting of Adverse Drug Reactions in a Tertiary
      Care Teaching Hospital: One Year Survey.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pharmacovigilance (PV) is related to detection, assessment,
      understanding and prevention of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) which are incurred
      when drug is made available in the market and used in different physiological
      conditions. In many countries, ADRs ranks among the top ten leading cause of
      morbidity and mortality. There is a lack of formal culture for monitoring and
      reporting of ADRs in India, with ADR reporting rate being only 1% as compared to
      5% in world. This type of academic detailing activity helps to create awareness
      of ADR reporting in the institutions. AIM: This study was planned to evaluate and
      analyse the incidence and patterns of ADRs in various inpatient and outpatient
      departments of hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an observational,
      retrospective and record based study conducted by analysing the spontaneous ADR
      forms, collected over a period of 12 months (September 2014 to August 2015) at
      Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Bihar, India. RESULTS: During
      the period of one year, 292 ADR forms were collected from 4,34,965 patients
      attending OPD and inpatients of the hospital. Incidence of ADR was 0.67 per
      thousand patients and average of around 24 ADR collected per month. Male:Female
      ratio was 1.30. Adolescent (16-30 yr) was the most common age group affected.
      Department of Skin and VD reported the maximum number of ADRs (33.22%), followed
      by the Departments of Oncology (18.84%). Antibiotics were the most common drug
      implicated followed by anticancer drugs. CONCLUSION: ADR reporting is an ongoing
      and continuous process. Studies from the institute helps to identify and rectify
      the problems related to ADR reporting. Pitfalls can be addressed by creating
      awareness among physicians and the patients to achieve finally the goal of
      Pharmacovigilant India.

PMID- 27656460
TI  - Utilization of Medicines Available at Home by General Population of Rural and
      Urban Set Up of Western India.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In India, medicines are procured with prescription or without
      prescription by patients, which are kept at home and often are utilized in
      inappropriate manner. It may remain unused, get expired or may be repeated in the
      way of self medication. So there remains an increase chance of self-medication
      compared to prescribed drugs. AIM: This study was aimed to explore the
      utilization pattern of medicines available at home with special attention to the
      types of medicine (with or without prescription) and their appropriate
      utilization (dosage compliance) and intended self-medication. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Anand district of Gujarat,
      India during the year 2012- 2014 after Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC)
      approval. Data were collected from 800 houses, 400 each from urban and rural
      areas and then analysed for the details of medicines available in the house as:
      (i) number of homes having medicines; (ii) number of formulations with and
      without prescriptions; (iii) number of formulations with package inserts &
      expired formulations; (iv) Dosage forms of medicines; (v) pharmacological class
      wise distribution of medicines; (vi) status of the medicine use whether for
      current use, future use or leftover; and (vii) Appropriateness of medicines with
      and without prescription in relation to dose and duration of treatment. RESULTS:
      Medicines were available in 93.75% houses. More medicine formulations (16.76%)
      were found without prescription in urban area than in rural (11.82%). Highest
      number of dosage forms found, were that of tablets (62%). Among the prescribed
      medicines, majority of medicines were from cardiovascular disease (19.88%) and
      from without prescription medicines, Non-Steroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs
      (NSAIDs) were the major group available at houses (35.13%). The leftover
      medicines with prescription were 20.39% and without prescription medicines were
      13.37%. Appropriate dose and duration of medicines were followed more
      significantly by urban people than the rural. Only 2.91% medicines were found
      along with package inserts and 2.94% crossed the expiry dates. CONCLUSION: The
      evaluation of utilization of medicines, in urban and rural population describes
      high drug storage, higher leftover medicines and inappropriate use of medicines
      and many self medicated by patients which suggests the need to educate the
      patients about proper and rational use of medicines.

PMID- 27656461
TI  - Is This a Drug?" Answers From Medical Students in a Tertiary Care Teaching
      Hospital in Eastern India.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: World Health Organization (WHO) defines what is drug and what is
      not. Second year MBBS students learn the principles of Pharmacology that they use
      in their later clinical practice life. The aim of the survey was to determine how
      medical students classify a range of preparations they might encounter in their
      professional lives and whether a brand name or a commercial preparation of a drug
      would influence their decision in the categorization of the preparation as a
      'drug' or 'not a drug'. AIM: To assess the knowledge of medical students, if a
      substance or product is a drug. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We surveyed 2 concurrent
      years of medical students to classify 60 candidate medicinal preparations into
      "drug" and "not-drug" from a validated questionnaire. The candidate preparations
      were named either in generic or in their commercially available forms and they
      were all essential drugs as per WHO definition. RESULTS: The two groups of
      students, A and B, included 192 and 215 students respectively. Demographically
      there was little difference in the two groups. Agents like Aspirin, Paracetamol,
      Amphetamine, Salbutamol, Atropine, Dextromethorphan, Codeine, Diazepam,
      Ciprofloxacin ear drops, Levonorgestrol, Neosporin eye ointment, Furosemide,
      Metronidazole, Penicillin, Sorbitrate, Lignocaine, Methotrexate, Penicillin,
      Zolpidem and Thalidomide received almost unanimous votes as drugs. Arsenic
      trioxide, Fentanyl and petroleum jelly were considered to be "non-drugs" by most
      participants. The two groups did not differ significantly in their responses.
      CONCLUSION: Some major lacunae were noted in the knowledge of the participating
      students despite book teaching on the definition of a drug. Drugs used for
      prophylaxis and those used in physiological conditions or topically, were often
      missed. These gaps need to be filled by more emphasis on definition of a drug and
      its clinical applicability based on example and case based studies.

PMID- 27656462
TI  - Bedaquiline: A Novel Antitubercular Agent for the Treatment of Multidrug
      Resistant Tuberculosis.
AB  - The developing countries are having an abruptly growing number of drug resistant
      tuberculosis cases. Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a type of TB in
      which the strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is resistant to at least Isoniazid
      and Rifampicin, the two most effective of the four first-line TB drugs (the other
      two drugs being Ethambutol and Pyrazinamide). The management of such cases is
      complex and requires a treatment for 24-27 months. The current guidelines
      available for the management of this type of TB are largely based on the second
      line TB drugs which are relatively costly, less efficacious and are associated
      with greater side-effects. The introduction of newer drugs to cater to the high
      mortality and early sputum culture conversion in the MDR-TB cases is an absolute
      essential. In the present article, the authors discuss about the introduction of
      a newer drug named Bedaquiline for the control of MDR-TB. 

PMID- 27656464
TI  - Health System Competency for Maternal Health Services in Balasore District and
      Jaleswar Block, Balasore, Odisha, India: An Assessment.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: A competent health system is of paramount importance in delivering
      the desired health services in a particular community. AIM: The broad objective
      of this study was to assess the health system competency for the maternal health
      services in Balasore District and Jaleswar block of Balasore district, Odisha,
      India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A mixed method approach was adopted in order to
      understand the health system competency for maternal health services in the study
      area. RESULTS: There was poor accessibility through road, poor electricity
      connection and piped water for the health care centers in the district. Even,
      existing Primary Health Centres (PHCs) lack ECG and X-Ray machines for proper
      diagnostic services which jeopardize the catering of health services. Community
      Health Centres (CHC) lack basic diagnostic and ambulance services making the
      tribal pockets inaccessible. The tribal dominated Jaleswar block shows poor
      performance in terms of total registered Antenatal Checkups (ANC) (only 77%). A
      gradual decrease in the rate of ANC, from first to fourthcheckup, was observed in
      the district. CONCLUSION: Lack of public health infrastructure in general and non
      compliance to Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) in particular, affect the
      health of tribal women resulting in lack of interest in availing the
      institutional delivery services and other pertinent maternal health services.

PMID- 27656463
TI  - The rs2070895 (-250G/A) Single Nucleotide Polymorphism in Hepatic Lipase (HL)
      Gene and the Risk of Coronary Artery Disease in North Indian Population: A Case
      Control Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Several Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in lipid transport
      genes have been shown to be associated with Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). The
      Hepatic Lipase (HL)glycoprotein is a key component that catalyzes the hydrolysis
      of triglycerides and phospholipids in all major classes of lipoproteins. AIM: We
      studied whether the HL gene-250G/A polymorphism affect blood lipid level and the
      CAD in a North Indian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total number of 477
      subjects were enrolled in the study after approval of the Institutional Ethics
      Committee. Out of 477 subjects, 233 were with coronary artery disease as study
      group and 244 subjects without coronary artery disease as control group. All
      subjects recruited with matched ethnicity in age group of 40-70 years. Blood
      samples were collected in EDTA vials and genomic DNA was extracted from blood
      using the phenol-chloroform method. Lipid profile was estimated by using a
      commercially available kit. Polymorphisms in the HL (-250 G/A) gene were analysed
      by using restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction (PCR
      RFLP) method. The effect of this polymorphism on plasma lipids, lipoproteins and
      coronary artery disease was determined. RESULTS: In Human Hepatic Lipase (LIPC)
      250G/A genotype, the frequencies of GG, GA and AA genotype in CAD group was
      80.69%, 15.45% and 3.86%, respectively; in the control group, the corresponding
      frequencies were 90.16%, 9.02% and 0.82%, respectively. A significant difference
      was found in the genotype (LIPC-250G/A) distribution between the two groups.
      Further logistic regression analysis indicated that the GA and AA genotypes in
      SNP-250G/A were significantly associated with CAD in all genetic models (In
      codominant model- GA vs. GG, OR=1.91, 95% CI=1. 09-3.37, p=0. 03 and AA vs. GG,
      OR= 5.26, 95% CI= 1.10-24.60, p=0.04; in dominant model- GA+AA vs. GG, OR=2.19,
      p=0.004 and in recessive model- AA vs. GG+GA, OR=5.26, p=0.04 whereas, A allele
      at nucleotide -250G/A in the LIPC gene had an association with increased risk of
      CAD (OR=2.33, p=<0.008). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicated that the higher
      frequency of a dominant model (GA+AA) as well as mutant allele A of LIPC-250 G/A
      polymorphism is significantly associated with risk of CAD and the lipid profile
      can be used as a predictor of CAD.

PMID- 27656465
TI  - Development and Validation of a Questionnaire to Measure Iranian Nurses'
      Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding Disaster Preparedness.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Despite the key role of Iranian nurses throughout disaster
      management, there is no instrument available to examine nurses' current disaster
      preparation levels. AIM: The aim of this study was to develop and analyse the
      reliability and validity of a questionnaire on the nurses' knowledge, attitude
      and practice of disaster preparedness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The scale was
      developed based on a comprehensive literature review and applied to 112 nurses in
      three public educational center affiliated to Ilam University of Medical
      Sciences, Ilam, Iran. Relibility was obtained using the test-retest method.
      Cronbach's alpha was used to verify internal consistency. Exploratory factor
      analysis was used to assess the validity of the questionnaire. RESULTS:
      Explanatory factor analysis using varimax rotation revealed seven main factors
      associated with the nurses' knowledge, attitude and practice regarding disaster
      preparedness. The questionnaire overall internal consistency using Cronbach's
      alpha was 0.785, showing acceptable internal consistency. The intraclass
      correlation coefficient using Test-retest method was 0.82. Total variance was
      67.57%. CONCLUSION: The instrument has satisfactory reliability and validity
      indices and can be used to measure nurses' knowledge, attitude and practice
      regarding disaster preparedness.

PMID- 27656467
TI  - The Proposal of a BDS Syllabus Framework to Suit Choice Based Credit System
      (CBCS).
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Higher education takes a new dimension universally in the form of
      choice based Credit System (CBCS). In India, the University Grants Commission
      (UGC) has made CBCS mandatory in all fields except for Health Profession. Not
      much attempts were made in designing a BDS syllabus to suit CBCS. AIM: Aim of the
      study was to propose a model dental syllabus to fit into choice based credit
      system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A model BDS syllabus Prototype for CBCS was
      designed based on the UGC guidelines for terms as well as calculations for CBCS.
      Engineering curriculum models from IIT and Anna University were also referred to.
      RESULTS: Semester based BDS syllabus was designed without changing the norms of
      Dental Council of India (DCI). All the must know areas of the subjects were
      considered as "core" areas and the desirable and nice to know areas are left for
      "electives" by the students. By this method, none of the subject was left out at
      the same time students are provided with electives to learn deeper on their
      topics of choice. CONCLUSION: The existing BDS syllabus can be effectively
      modified by incorporating few changes based on the UGC regulations for Choice
      based credit system. The proposed framework gives an insight on the nature of
      modifications that are needed. By adopting this, BDS Course regulations can also
      follow CBCS without neglecting or reducing the weightage of any subject.

PMID- 27656466
TI  - Factors Associated with Needlestick Injuries in Health Care Occupations: A
      Systematic Review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Needlestick and sharps injuries (NSIs), are among the main job
      related injuries that health care workers experience. In fact, contraction of
      hepatitis B or hepatitis C from work-related NSIs is one of the most common
      occupational hazards among health care workers. AIM: The aim of this study was to
      determine the factors associated with NSIs in health care occupation. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: In this study, a systematic and purposive review with emphasis on
      the research question was run to retrieve, evaluate and consolidate the required
      information. The following four key words were used to search for the relevant
      articles published from January 1998 to May 2015: NSI health care workers, risk
      factor and factors associated, in Science direct, EBSCO Host, PubMed, ProQuest,
      SID and Cochrane Library. Several steps of evaluation were taken to select and
      analyse the full texts of relevant articles. According to the inclusion criteria,
      we finally selected 11 articles from the 18642 retrieved articles. RESULTS: The
      data of the analysed articles indicated that the highest incidence of NSIs was
      seen in nurses and that the associated factors were age, level of education,
      number of shifts per month and history of related training. The highest rate of
      NSIs was related to instrument preparation followed by injection and recapping of
      used needles. Findings show that health care workers suffer a high rate of
      needlestick injuries. CONCLUSION: It was seen that device, location, or action
      cannot be separately considered as responsible for all types of the NSIs. Rather,
      each of them has a contribution to the NSIs. Nevertheless, factors with higher
      frequency should be given a higher priority.

PMID- 27656468
TI  - Comparative Assessment of the Effects of Hatha Yoga and Physical Exercise on
      Biochemical Functions in Perimenopausal Women.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Menopause is a transitional phase in which some women experience
      discomfort, while others may exhibit variety of symptoms. The power of yoga
      therapy in relieving stress, enhancing health, improving fitness and managing
      symptoms of a variety of disorders is remarkable. AIM: The current study was
      designed to study the effect of Hatha yoga therapy and regular physical exercise
      on the Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), Glycated Haemoglobin (GHB), Thyroid Stimulating
      Hormone (TSH), serum cortisol and total plasma thiol levels in perimenopausal
      women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 216 women with perimenopausal
      symptoms, 111 in test group (Hatha yoga) and 105 in control group (physical
      exercise). The duration of intervention was 45 minutes every day for 12 weeks.
      Blood samples were collected in the pre and post intervention period. Statistical
      significance was defined as p<0.05. RESULTS: FBS and GHB (p<=0.05) showed a
      significant decrease after yoga therapy. Cortisol levels significantly (p<=0.05)
      increased in the post intervention period in the control group. However, it is
      maintained in the test group between the two time periods. The total plasma
      thiols level showed a rise in the post intervention period, significant rise
      (p<=0.001) in control group but not significant in the test group. The TSH levels
      were not altered in any group. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that exercise helps in
      maintaining the sugar levels but calming effects of yoga practice is important in
      relieving stress and enhancing health in perimenopausal women.

PMID- 27656469
TI  - Retention and Treatment Outcomes of an Undernutrition Program for HIV patients
      involving Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food at Gondar University Hospital, Ethiopia:
      A Cross-Sectional Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Despite global efforts to eradicate poverty and hunger, under
      nutrition is still a major health problem, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa,
      where HIV/AIDS prevalence is also a serious burden. AIM: To assess the retention
      and outcomes of under-nutrition treatment program in Gondar University Hospital,
      Ethiopia. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted in HIV
      positive children and adults participating in the Ready-to-use Therapeutic Food
      (RUTF) treatment program at Gondar University Hospital ART clinic for one year
      from November 2012 to November 2013. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six hundred and
      thirty six patient records were followed-up for one year. Outcome variables were
      Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) values measured as severe, moderate acute
      malnutrition, normal after treatment, non-respondent, relapsed and lost to follow
      up using the hospital records of HIV positive children and adults eligible for
      the program. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Univariate and multivariate analysis were
      performed to compute Crude Odds Ratio (COR) and Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR).
      Statistical significance was set at p-value<0.05. RESULTS: Among 636 clients,
      44.2% achieved MUAC measures >= 125 mm for children and >= 21 cm for adults at 4
      and 6 months. 70.1% of those were children while 29.9% of the 281 were adults.
      Moreover, a more positive initial response to ready-to-use therapeutic food was
      found among children as there was significant increase (p<0.05) in MUAC value
      after the second month of initiating treatment while adults achieved a
      significant (p<0.05, p<0.01) in MUAC at the 4(th) and 6(th) month respectively.
      There was a significant association between age, nutrition status and treatment
      outcome, while sex, HIV status, education and residency were not associated with
      treatment outcome. CONCLUSION: Recovery and weight gain rates were below 50%.
      Defaulter rates were higher than the Sphere standards and recovery was better in
      children than adults. Integrated RUTF and HIV program and strict follow-up and
      education or counselling of HIV positive patients should be strengthened.

PMID- 27656470
TI  - Knowledge of Radiation Hazards, Radiation Protection Practices and Clinical
      Profile of Health Workers in a Teaching Hospital in Northern Nigeria.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Use of ionizing radiation in medical imaging for diagnostic and
      interventional purposes has risen dramatically in recent years with a concomitant
      increase in exposure of patients and health workers to radiation hazards. AIM: To
      assess the knowledge of radiation hazards, radiation protection practices and
      clinical profile of health workers in UDUTH, Sokoto, Nigeria. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 110 Radiology, Radiotherapy
      and Dentistry staff selected by universal sampling technique. The study comprised
      of administration of standardized semi-structured pre-tested questionnaire (to
      obtain information on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of radiation
      hazards, and radiation protection practices of participants), clinical assessment
      (comprising of chest X-ray, abdominal ultrasound and laboratory investigation on
      hematological parameters), and evaluation of radiation exposure of participants
      (extracted from existing hospital records on their radiation exposure status).
      RESULTS: The participants were aged 20 to 65 years (mean = 34.04 +/- 8.83), most
      of them were males (67.3%) and married (65.7%). Sixty five (59.1%) had good
      knowledge of radiation hazards, 58 (52.7%) had good knowledge of Personal
      Protective Devices (PPDs), less than a third, 30 (27.3%) consistently wore
      dosimeter, and very few (10.9% and below) consistently wore the various PPDs at
      work. The average annual radiation exposure over a 4 year period ranged from
      0.0475mSv to 1.8725mSv. Only 1 (1.2%) of 86 participants had abnormal chest X-ray
      findings, 8 (9.4%) of 85 participants had abnormal abdominal ultrasound findings;
      while 17 (15.5%) and 11 (10.0%) of 110 participants had anemia and leucopenia
      respectively. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated poor radiation protection
      practices despite good knowledge of radiation hazards among the participants, but
      radiation exposure and prevalence of abnormal clinical conditions were found to
      be low. Periodic in-service training and monitoring on radiation safety was
      suggested.

PMID- 27656472
TI  - Estimation of Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) with Hearing Deterioration Index
      (HDI).

PMID- 27656471
TI  - Endoscopic Repair of CSF Fistulae: A Ten Year Experience.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cerebrospinal Fluid (CFF) fistulae are repaired endoscopically with
      varying degrees of success around the world. Large series are still uncommon, and
      the results varied primarily because of the different techniques by different
      surgeons and also because of a variation in the patient profile in each series,
      for example, many series deal primarily with traumatic CSF leaks where the
      defects are larger and outcomes poorer. AIM: To analyse the surgical outcomes of
      Endoscopic CSF rhinorrhea closure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a series of 34
      cases operated upon primarily by one surgeon in two different centres over a
      period of 10 years. RESULTS: Of the 34 cases, 76% of the patients were women.
      Among the patients only 20.6% patients had a history of trauma preceding the CSF
      leak. The most common site of leak was in the fovea ethmoidalis in 19 (55.8%)
      followed by 10 (29.4%) in the cribriform plate. An overlay technique of placing
      the multiple layers of fascia and mucosa was used in 26 (76.5%) patients and
      underlay technique in the remaining. Postoperative lumbar drain was used in all
      patients. CONCLUSION: Based on the treatment outcome of the 34 patients, it can
      be concluded that the success rate of a single endoscopic procedure in our
      experience is 97% and 100% following the second. Endoscopic approach for closure
      of CSF leak is safe with minimal complications and little morbidity.

PMID- 27656475
TI  - Retinal Pigment Epithelial Tear Developing in a Patient with Outer Retinal
      Tubulations: Pathogenic Association or Coincidence?

PMID- 27656474
TI  - A Rare Variation of the Axillary Nerve Formed as Direct Branch of the Upper
      Trunk.
AB  - The brachial plexus has a complex anatomical structure from its origin in the
      neck and through its course in the axillary region. Knowledge of variations of
      the brachial plexus has important clinical applications especially in relation to
      trauma and surgical procedures of upper limb. The present study has reported a
      rare variation of the brachial plexus where the "axillary nerve" arising as a
      direct branch from the upper trunk instead from the posterior cord. Once the
      "axillary nerve" was given off, the remaining superior trunk had joined with the
      anterior division of middle trunk in the formation of the lateral cord. The
      posterior cord was formed by the union of posterior divisions of the middle and
      inferior trunks. The "axillary nerve" has given off braches to subscapularis,
      latissimus dorsi, deltoid and teres minor muscles while having given a
      "communicating branch" for the posterior cord. The current report indicates an
      anatomical variation not documented so far which may help in planning safe
      surgical procedures in this region and to explain unusual resulting
      complications. 

PMID- 27656473
TI  - Total Upper Eyelid Reconstruction with Modified Cutler-Beard Procedure Using
      Autogenous Auricular Cartilage.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Malignant tumour in upper lid is a surgical challenge to
      oculoplastic surgeon. Full thickness defect created after removal of large tumour
      promptly treated with modified cutler beard procedure using autogenous auricular
      cartilage. Surgical procedure is two staged: In first stage, removal of the
      tumour followed by full thickness flap repaired; In second stage, opening the
      closed lid with lid margin repair. Post-operatively, there is good anatomical,
      functional and cosmetic restoration of the eyelid similar to the other eye. AIM:
      To evaluate the efficacy of the modified Cutler-Beard procedure using autogenous
      ear cartilage for tarsal plate reconstruction in the repair of 70-100% upper
      eyelid defects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective, interventional case
      series of 16 patients over a period of three years. Patients with upper eyelid
      defects, secondary to removal of tumour, greater than or equal to 70% were
      included. Of these patients, those with lymph node involvement, distant
      metastasis, lower eyelid involvement, corneal infiltration or intra-orbital
      extension were excluded. FNAC was done in all the cases. Created defect was
      measured in mm (length and width) and later expressed in percentage. Pre and Post
      operative measurement of Levator Palpebrae Superioris (LPS) was done. Pre and
      Post-operative measurement of Margin to Reflex Distance (MRD1) were also noted.
      RESULTS: Upper eyelid recreation was successful in all patients without
      complications. Pre-operative LPS action ranged from 0-4 mm, while post-operative
      LPS action was 12-14 mm. Pre-operative MRD1 ranged from -4 millimeters to -1 mm,
      while post-operative MRD1 was +3 to +4 millimeters. The follow-up period ranged
      from six months to two years. Every patient had a successful upper eyelid
      reconstruction. CONCLUSION: The modified Cutler-Beard procedure using an
      autogenous auricular cartilage graft is an effective procedure for repair of
      large upper eyelid defects, with acceptable functional and cosmetic results.
      Furthermore, it is particularly useful in resource-poor areas, due to lower cost
      than other available options.

PMID- 27656476
TI  - A Clinical Study of Acute Kidney Injury in Tropical Acute Febrile Illness.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Tropical Acute Febrile Illness (TAFI) is one of the most common
      causes of morbidity within the community. Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) due to
      infective and non infective causes is a major complication. Presence of AKI is a
      major cause of mortality among patients with TAFI. AIM: To study the spectrum of
      tropical acute febrile illness; the proportion, spectrum and staging of acute
      kidney injury; Renal Replacement Therapy (RRT) initiation and in-hospital
      mortality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 600 TAFI patients were prospectively
      studied at a tertiary care centre in coastal Karnataka between September 2012 and
      September 2014 for the aetiology of TAFI; the development and staging of AKI
      based on Kidney disease: Improving global outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines; the
      initiation of RRT and in-hospital mortality. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data analysis
      was done using SPSS version 17.0 with statistical significance calculated using
      chi-square and Fisher's exact t-test for which p-value <0.05 was considered
      significant. RESULTS: The spectrum of TAFI, in decreasing order, was vivax
      malaria, leptospirosis, dengue fever, falciparum malaria, mixed malaria, enteric
      fever, scrub typhus and the most common aetiology was malaria. The proportion of
      AKI was 54%. The most common cause of AKI, its stages 2 and 3, RRT initiation and
      in-hospital mortality was leptospirosis; and AKI stage 1 was dengue fever. KDIGO
      AKI stage 1, 2 and 3 was seen in 46.9%, 31.2% and 21.9% of AKI patients,
      respectively. RRT initiation was required in 10.2% of AKI patients and in
      hospital mortality was 3% among all patients. AKI, RRT initiationand in-hospital
      mortality were significantly associated with older age, fever duration and other
      presenting complaints, examination findings, renal function and other parameters,
      leptospirosis, dengue fever, falciparum malaria. CONCLUSION: The aetiology in
      about half of TAFI patients in coastal Karnataka was malaria. More than 50%
      develop AKI with greater than one-fifth of them progressing to AKI stage 3 and
      one-tenth requiring RRT. The most common cause of AKI, AKI stage 2, 3, RRT
      initiation and in-hospital mortality was leptospirosis. AKI was present in almost
      all patients with leptospirosis. Therefore leptospirosis was the most nephrotoxic
      acute febrile illness in the present study population. Dengue fever was the most
      common cause of AKI stage 1. Vivax malaria was the third most common cause of
      AKI. The factors like age, presenting complaints, examination findings, renal
      function and other parameters, aetiology and RRT initiation may be used to
      predict AKI and in-hospital mortality.

PMID- 27656477
TI  - Comparison of Oral Montelukast and Intranasal Fluticasone in Patients with Asthma
      and Allergic Rhinitis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Even though the links between upper and lower airway had been of
      interest to clinicians since long back, it has not attracted the attention of the
      researchers till recent past. But the evidence is still far from conclusive, due
      to limited number of randomized controlled trials available on subjects with
      concomitant allergic rhinitis and asthma. This gap in the knowledge is even more
      conspicuous in Indian population. AIM: The current study is conducted with an
      objective of comparing the efficacy and tolerability of intranasal Fluticasone
      and oral Montelukast in treatment of allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was a prospective randomized, single blinded,
      comparative, parallel group study, with two intervention groups conducted in a
      tertiary teaching hospital in Chennai, Southern India. One hundred and twenty
      patients diagnosed with concomitant diagnosis of allergic rhinitis and bronchial
      asthma was randomly allocated to either Fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal
      spray or oral Montelukast group. RESULTS: Out of total 120 subjects recruited,
      108 subjects were included in the final analysis. The mean reduction in asthma
      and rhinitis symptom scores and improvement in PEFR was higher for Group A,
      compared to Group B during all the follow-up periods. No statistically
      significant difference was observed in proportion of subjects reporting
      exacerbations in the current study. Both the treatments were well tolerated.
      CONCLUSION: Addition of intranasal Fluticasone propionate to Salmeterol plus
      Fluticasone is beneficial in improving asthma control, allergic rhinitis control
      and lung functions as compared to oral Montelukast. Thereby the use of intranasal
      Fluticasone Propionate in comparison to oral Montelukast in control of Allergic
      Rhinitis is justified as per the significant improvement in outcome measures.

PMID- 27656478
TI  - Efficacy of Zinc Sulfate in Peptic Ulcer Disease: A Randomized Double-Blind
      Clinical Trial Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Peptic ulcer is a common disease that affects millions of people
      worldwide. Considering its global prevalence finding new approach for treating is
      important. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of zinc
      sulfate on gastric and duodenal ulcer treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This
      double-blind clinical trial study was done on 90 patients who were admitted to
      the gastrointestinal endoscopy clinic of Tohid hospital in Sanandaj, Iran. All
      patients were diagnosed with gastric and duodenal ulcers. They were randomly
      divided into two-intervention and control groups, using block randomization with
      block sizes of 4. Patients and researcher were unaware of the grouping. To assess
      the level of zinc, blood samples were taken. In case of positive Rapid Urease
      Test (RUT), triple therapy regimen including amoxicillin, clarithromycin and
      omeprazole was administered for two weeks. For intervention group in addition to
      "triple therapy", an oral dose of Zinc Sulfate 220mg capsules were administered
      daily, while the control group received placebo capsules. RESULTS: A total of
      54.5% and 57% of the patients in the intervention and control groups had gastric
      ulcer respectively. The Rapid Urease Test (RUT) result of 72.7% of intervention
      group and 83.3% of control group was positive (p = 0.24). Serum zinc level of
      20.9% of intervention group and 35.7% of control group was lower than the normal
      level (p = 0.13). The mean of serum zinc level of intervention group and control
      group were 81.9 and 78.9 mg dL respectively (p = 0.4). After intervention, peptic
      ulcer in 81.8% of the intervention group and 83.3% of the control groups were
      improved (p= 0.85). Response to treatment were higher in patients with normal
      zinc levels compared to patients with abnormal levels (77.5% vs. 22.5%, p=0.019).
      CONCLUSION: A daily dose of 220mg zinc sulfate was not significantly effective on
      peptic ulcer. However, patients with normal zinc levels had better ulcer
      treatment.

PMID- 27656479
TI  - Study of Aetiology and Outcome in Acute Febrile Illness Patients with Multiple
      Organ Dysfunction Syndrome.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Acute febrile illness with Multi Organ Dysfunction Syndrome (MODS)
      carries significant morbidity and mortality despite standard therapy in intensive
      care settings. Infections are the most common cause of MODS followed by
      polytrauma. Present study was undertaken in medical intensive care units of a
      tertiary hospital to study the aetiology and outcome among patients with acute
      febrile illness developing MODS. AIM: 1) To study the aetiology of acute febrile
      illness in patients developing MODS. 2) To study the final outcome among these
      patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was conducted at a tertiary
      care hospital in Mysuru, Karnataka, India, over a period of 6 months from July
      2013 to December 2013. The Institutional Ethics Committee Approval (IEC) was
      obtained before the commencement of the study. A total of 213 cases admitted in
      intensive care unit with acute febrile illness with two or more organ dysfunction
      were screened for the inclusion and exclusion criterias. RESULTS: A total of 213
      cases of acute febrile illness with one or more organ dysfunction were screened.
      Of the screened patients 75 patients were finally included in the study out of
      which 46 (61.3%) patients were males and 29 (38.7%) patients were females.
      Aetiology for acute febrile illness with MODS could be established in 49 (65.3%)
      patients and it was obscure in 26 (34.7%) patients despite repeated
      investigations. Dengue infection (29.3%) was the commonest cause of febrile
      illness with MODS followed by leptospirosis (22.7%). Majority of these patients
      had haematological derangements (78.7%) and liver function test abnormalities
      (68%). Out of these 75 cases, 54 (72%) patients recovered completely and 21 (28%)
      patients died. Among males (N=46), 35 (76.1%) patients recovered and 11 (23.9%)
      patients died where as among females (N=29), 19 (65.5%) patients recovered and 10
      (34.5%) patients died. Mortality was proportionate with the number of organ
      dysfunction, especially Central Nervous System (CNS) involvement. CONCLUSION:
      Incidence of febrile illness with MODS is more prevalent in males but the outcome
      appears poorer among females. The diagnosis remained obscure in a sizable
      proportion of these patients. Prognosis was inversely dependent on the number of
      organs involved especially with CNS manifestations.

PMID- 27656480
TI  - Comparative Effect of Insulin Sensitizers and Statin on Metabolic Profile and
      Ultrasonographical Score in Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a metabolic disorder
      involving fat accumulation in the liver. The initial management for patients with
      NAFLD includes lifestyle modification and weight loss in overweight or obese
      patients. AIM: The present study was conducted to compare the efficacy of insulin
      sensitizers and statin in the patients of NAFLD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study
      included 98 patients diagnosed with NAFLD on USG (Ultrasonography) abdomen,
      divided into three Groups randomly and administered Metformin (Group I),
      Rosuvastatin (Group II) or Pioglitazone (Group III) along with dietary
      intervention and lifestyle modification. Their Body Mass Index (BMI), liver
      function tests, fasting lipid profile, USG scores for fatty liver were done and
      followed up at 4 weeks, 12 weeks and 24 week for change in above parameters.
      RESULTS: Out of the three Groups, Group II showed a maximum improvements in usg
      scores for NAFLD (p<0.001) and fasting lipid profile. Group II also showed
      maximum derangement of liver enzymes at 24 weeks though none of the subjects had
      more than three times elevation of liver enzymes. CONCLUSION: Rosuvastatin may be
      an effective therapy as add on treatment to dietary and lifestyle intervention in
      patients of NAFLD. As an add-on treatment Rosuvastatin was superior to
      Pioglitazone or Metformin and acute decompensation is unlikely with this drug.
      Metformin was not effective as add on therapy for NAFLD, rather rapid weight loss
      in short period of time resulted in worsening of hepatic steatosis.

PMID- 27656481
TI  - Effect of Vitamin D on Anginal Episodes in Vitamin D Deficient Patients with
      Chronic Stable Angina on Medical Management.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Vitamin D deficiency has been found to contribute to various
      cardiac conditions, such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, stroke, and
      atherosclerosis. However, the clinical cardiovascular benefits after short term
      supplementation have not been reported. AIM: To study the beneficial effect of
      Vitamin D supplementation on angina episodes in Vitamin D deficient patients with
      chronic stable angina on medical management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 40
      patients were studied with group 1 (20 patients) with low Vitamin D levels and
      group 2 with normal Vitamin D levels. 60000 IU of Vitamin D supplementation was
      given every week for 8 weeks in group 1. Frequency of anginal episodes and use of
      sub-lingual nitrates were compared at base-line and after 8 weeks post
      supplementation. RESULTS: Significant 20% (p <0.05) reduction in anginal episodes
      and 17.24% (p <0.05) reduction in use of sub-lingual nitrates was noted in group1
      after Vitamin D supplementation. The benefits were independent of BP, heart rate
      and medications, thus, attributing to supplementation. No significant change was
      noted in group 2. CONCLUSION: Cardiovascular patients need to be evaluated for
      Vitamin D deficiency. Supplementation to correct Vitamin D levels may have
      additional cardiovascular benefits like reduction in angina episodes.

PMID- 27656482
TI  - Correlation between 2D Echocardiography and Multidetector Row CT for Early
      Detection of Diastolic Dysfunction in Normotensive Diabetic Patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Abnormalities in diastolic function are considered early signs of
      diabetic cardiomyopathy. Two dimensional echocardiography with Tissue Doppler
      Imaging (TDI) has been used most commonly to evaluate diastolic left ventricular
      function. AIM: The study was conducted to study the prevalence of diastolic
      dysfunction with the help of echocardiography and MDCT and their correlation in
      asymptomatic diabetic people. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 15 diabetic,
      normotensive patients who had undergone 64-multidetector row CT and 2D
      echocardiography with TDI were included. The parameters used for assessment of
      diastolic dysfunction were early (E) and late (A) transmitral peak velocity
      (cm/s) and peak mitral septal tissue velocity (Ea; cm/s). Subsequently, LV
      filling pressures (E/Ea) were estimated. RESULTS: Of the total 73.3% patients
      showed presence of diastolic dysfunction by both CT and echocardiography. Good
      correlations were observed between cardiac CT and 2D echocardiography for
      assessment of E (r = 0.992; p < 0.001), A (r=0.974, p <0.001), E/A (r = 0.979; p
      < 0.01), Ea (r = 0.977; p < 0.001), and E/Ea (r = 0.994; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION:
      Doppler echocardiography is considered one of the best methods for assessment of
      LV diastolic dysfunction. In this study of cardiac-asymptomatic diabetic
      patients, MDCT and echocardiography showed good correlation for assessment of
      early diastolic dysfunction. Hence, cardiac CT can be an additional tool for
      assessing LV diastolic function.

PMID- 27656483
TI  - Study of Hepatic Osteodystrophy in Patients with Chronic Liver Disease.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Chronic Liver Disease (CLD) is a major cause of morbidity and
      mortality worldwide. It involves haemodynamic and metabolic complications.
      Hepatic Osteodystrophy is a metabolic bone disease that may occur in individuals
      with chronic liver disease. It can significantly affect morbidity and quality of
      life of these patients. Fractures are also associated with an excess mortality.
      It has been an under recognized and inadequately studied complication among
      Indian population. An early diagnosis is essential to correct reversible risk
      factors which predispose to bone mass loss. AIM: To assess the prevalence of
      metabolic bone disease and identify the risk factors associated with hepatic
      osteodystrophy in patients with cirrhosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an
      observational, cross-sectional, hospital based study conducted at a medical
      college hospital. All patients more than 20-year-old, diagnosed with chronic
      liver disease/Cirrhosis were enrolled. They were subjected to haematological,
      biochemical investigations, evaluation of Vitamin D and other hormonal
      parameters. Bone Mineral Density (BMD) was estimated by Dual Energy X-ray
      Absorptiometry (DEXA). RESULTS: A total of 72 patients with mean age 50.04+/
      11.24 years were included in the study. Amongst causes of chronic liver disease
      were alcoholic liver disease 22 (30.6%), CLD due to hepatitis B 24 (33.3%) and
      chronic hepatitis C 26 (36.1%). Twenty one (29.2%) patients had normal BMD while
      51 (70.8%) had a low BMD. Out of these 51 patients, 36 (70.6%) were diagnosed of
      osteopenia and 15 (29.4%) others were found to have osteoporosis. Vitamin D
      levels and severity of liver disease had correlation with low BMD. CONCLUSION:
      Low BMD is highly prevalent in patients with chronic liver disease of variable
      aetiologies. We advocate more randomised and prospective studies to be conducted
      on homogeneous groups with chronic liver disease in its various stages. In view
      of numerous therapeutic options available both for liver disease and bone
      disease, it is prudent to characterize this condition in order to give these
      patients a better chance of survival with good quality of life.

PMID- 27656484
TI  - Markers of Oxidative Stress and Clinical Outcome in Critically ill Septic
      Patients: A Preliminary Study from North India.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Sepsis is the leading cause of mortality in non-coronary Intensive
      Care Units (ICUs). Oxidative stress is one of the important features in
      pathogenesis of sepsis. AIM: This study was undertaken to evaluate levels of
      oxidants and antioxidants in patients with sepsis admitted to ICU. STUDY DESIGN:
      This was a non-interventional clinical case-control study undertaken at a
      tertiary level teaching hospital in New Delhi, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Forty-six consecutive non-pediatric patients admitted to ICU with sepsis were
      included and subjected to detailed history, physical examination and
      investigations. Blood samples were drawn to evaluate oxidant Malondialdehyde
      (MDA) and antioxidant (alpha-tocopherol) levels. Acute Physiology and Chronic
      Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) and Organ Dysfunction and/or Infection (ODIN)
      scores were calculated and patients followed up for outcomes. Twenty age and sex
      matched healthy subjects served as controls. RESULTS: Mean levels of
      malondialdehyde were higher in patients than controls (17.2+/-3.8nm/ml versus
      4.6+/-1.6nm/ml, p<0.001) while levels of alpha-tocopherol were lower (3.2+/
      1.3MUg/ml versus 9.9+/-2.0MUg/ml, p<0.001). The mean APACHE II and ODIN scores
      were 18.1+/-9.3 and 1.7+/-1.3 respectively in patients. These scores were two to
      three fold higher in non survivor patients (n=22) in comparison with survivors
      (n=18) (p<0.001). There was no significant difference between the two groups in
      oxidants and antioxidants levels (p>0.05). However, a significant and positive
      correlation was observed between oxidant -antioxidant levels and APACHE II, ODIN
      and International Normalized Ratio (INR) scores in septic patients overall.
      CONCLUSION: The oxidants in septic patients were significantly higher while
      antioxidants were significantly lower than healthy controls. There was also a
      significant correlation with APACHE II and ODIN scores. A large patient
      population based study may draw more specific conclusions.

PMID- 27656485
TI  - Post Exposure Prophylaxis for Occupational Exposures to HIV and Hepatitis B: Our
      Experience of Thirteen Years at a Rural Based Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital of
      Western India.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Health Care Workers (HCWs) are at risk of occupational transmission
      of HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, which can be minimized by following
      guidelines for standard precautions as well as taking Post Exposure Prophylaxis
      (PEP) measures. There are limited studies from India documenting details of PEP
      for HIV and Hepatitis B. AIM: We aimed to study the efficacy, tolerance, details
      of PEP regimens used among HCWs exposed to HIV and Hepatitis B as well as
      vaccination status and (Anti-Hepatitis B Surface Antigen) anti-HBS Antibody Titre
      Level Among HCWs exposed Hepatitis B. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective
      observational study was done at a rural based tertiary care teaching centre of
      Western India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hospital Infection Control Committee of our
      institute was maintaining a record of all reported incidences of HIV and
      Hepatitis B positive exposures since 2003. We analysed reported incidences of
      exposures to HIV and Hepatitis B positive source occurred during the period of
      January 2003 to December 2015. RESULTS: Of the total 96 exposures, 48 were to HIV
      and 48 were to Hepatitis B. Of the 48 exposures to HIV, PEP was warranted in 39.
      Of 39 exposures, only 14 (35.9%) received PEP within two hours. Basic regimen was
      used in 22 and expanded in 17 exposures. Only 12 (31.6%) reported side effects to
      PEP. Zidovudine based regimen was less well tolerated. All side effects were
      reported by female HCWs only. Of the 48 exposed to Hepatitis B, 33 (68.6%) were
      completely vaccinated. Out of 33, titre result was not available for eight. Three
      (12.0%) of remaining 25 were having low titre (<10mIU/ml) of anti-HBS antibody.
      Five of six with incomplete vaccination status demonstrated anti HBS antibody
      titre > 100mIU/ml. Of the 48, in 17 (35.4%) incidences no action was required; 23
      (47.9%) were managed with booster dose of Hepatitis B vaccine and eight (16.7%)
      with Hepatitis B immunoglobulin. No cases of sero-conversion was reported either
      for HIV or Hepatitis B from available data. CONCLUSION: Inspite of high
      incidences of exposures to HIV or Hepatitis B positive source, good efficacy of
      PEP was observed with no sero-conversion. PEP for HIV was well tolerated; female
      HCWs were less tolerant. Study emphasized the need for creating awareness about
      timely reporting of incidence, achieving maximum vaccination against Hepatitis B
      for all HCWs and need for anti-HBS antibody titre.

PMID- 27656486
TI  - Transient Ischemic Attack Versus Seizure: Use of Complete Blood Count Parameters
      for Differential Diagnosis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Seizures are an important group of diagnoses in the differential
      evaluation of Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)because of their variable and
      temporary signs and symptoms. Physicians must frequently rule out TIA in
      asymptomatic patients with normal diagnostic neuroimaging. AIM: The current study
      aimed to investigate the efficacy of Complete Blood Count (CBC) components in the
      differential diagnosis of TIA and seizures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study was
      a retrospective case-control study. Patients admitted to the Emergency Department
      (ED) and hospitalized with an initial diagnosis of TIA or seizure at the
      neurology clinic of Erzurum Ataturk University Training Hospital between January
      1, 2012, and December 31, 2014, were recruited for the study. Patients with
      inaccessible or missing data were excluded. RESULTS: We identified 1,459 ED
      admissions that resulted in neurology clinic hospitalizations of patients with
      initial diagnoses of TIA (n=911) and seizure (n=420) over a 24-month time period.
      A total of 128 patients were excluded from the study. CONCLUSION: We conclude
      that CBC may have a diagnostic value on TIA and seizure differentiation, but this
      is limited because of statistical and clinical incompatibility. Elevated White
      Blood Cells (WBC) values of seizure patients compared with TIA patients' may help
      clinicians at the preliminary phase of diagnostic studies. We conclude that age
      is a remarkable and valuable demographic parameter in addition to physical
      examination, laboratory and imaging studies.

PMID- 27656487
TI  - Insulinoma Causing Prolonged Hypoglycaemic Coma.
AB  - Insulinoma is a rare pancreatic endocrine tumour with an incidence of four cases
      per million per year. A recurrent episode of fasting hypoglycaemia is the most
      common manifestation of these tumours. Diagnosis is often delayed due to varied
      presentation but once diagnosed, prognosis is often good after surgical resection
      of the lesion. Severe hypoglycaemia in insulinoma causing coma and death is rare.
      We report a case of hypoglycaemic coma secondary to an insulinoma in an elderly
      man which proved fatal. 

PMID- 27656488
TI  - Percutaneous Coronary Intervention of Hidden Coronary Artery-Unusual Type of
      Isolated Single Coronary Artery.
AB  - Single coronary artery is a rare congenital coronary artery anomaly, the
      incidence of which is 0.024-0.066% as described in literature. Report of cases
      having single coronary artery along with acute myocardial infarction are scanty
      and reports of percutaneous intervention in such a situation are even fewer,
      technically challenging and potentially cataclysmic. As single coronary artery
      supplies the entire myocardium, occlusion of this can result in significant
      ischemic insult, resulting in severe biventricular dysfunction. Percutaneous
      Coronary Intervention (PCI) of single coronary artery is technically challenging
      and carries high risk which may be equated to left main intervention. We report a
      rare interesting case of L1 variety of single coronary artery which presented as
      acute inferoposterior myocardial infarction with successful rescue PCI to Left
      Circumflex Artery (LCx). 

PMID- 27656489
TI  - Rare Offshoot of a Common Malady Anaemia and Tuberculosis.
AB  - Haematological manifestations are one of the rarer presentations of tuberculosis
      and are usually of normocytic normochromic type. An association of Autoimmune
      Haemolytic Anaemia (AIHA) with active pulmonary tuberculosis is an exceeding rare
      entity, though anaemia and tuberculosis commonly co-exist. We report a patient
      with sputum negative pulmonary tuberculosis with associated Coomb's positive
      AIHA. The patient responded well to Anti- Tubercular Therapy (ATT) and low dose
      steroids tapered over a month. 

PMID- 27656490
TI  - Endobronchial Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumour-A Case Report.
AB  - Lung malignancies are on the rise and sadly present at an advanced stage.
      Fiberoptic bronchoscopy is used for staging as well as in diagnosis of lung
      malignancies. However, not all endobronchial growth are malignant. Inflammatory
      Myofibroblastic Tumour (IMT) is one of the rare tumours of the lung. A
      controversy regarding the benign versus malignant nature of the tumour is still
      ongoing. The management of these tumours can be challenging because there are no
      established treatment protocols. Although IMT most commonly arises from lung,
      endobronchial presentation is very rare. We report a case of endobronchial
      presentation of IMT and discuss about its aetiology and treatment options. 

PMID- 27656491
TI  - Cefoperazone Induced Gastrointestinal Bleeding.
AB  - Cefoperazone is a beta-lactam antibiotic which is frequently used in treating a
      variety of gram positive and gram negative infections. The chemical structure of
      cefoperazone contains a side chain of N-methylthiotetrazole which can inhibit
      vitamin K metabolism resulting in hypoprothombinemia. We report a case of
      cefoperazone induced coagulopathy manifesting as gastrointestinal bleeding. A
      Naranjo assessment score of 5 was obtained, indicating a probable relationship
      between the patient's coagulation function disorder and her use of the suspect
      drug. 

PMID- 27656492
TI  - Vascular Disease in Young Indians (20-40 years): Role of Hypertension.
AB  - Hypertension (HTN) being one of the important risk factors for cardiovascular
      disease (CVD) is a significant health concern, especially in India. With age,
      prevalence of HTN, especially systolic HTN increases. Special attention needs to
      be directed to HTN in young ages (20-40 years) due to lower awareness, need for
      early treatment and better control of HTN. HTN in the age group of 20-40 years
      needs critical reappraisal. Given the high prevalence of HTN in the general
      population in India, in this review we attempt to provide current evidence and
      expert opinion on epidemiology, aetiopathogenesis and treatment of HTN in young
      (20-40 years) Indians. 

PMID- 27656495
TI  - Pneumothorax Ex Vacuo Following Chemotherapy for Malignant Pleural Effusion.

PMID- 27656494
TI  - Where is the Blood Leaking From?

PMID- 27656496
TI  - Meningotheliomatosis: A Rare Cause of Diffuse Miliary Pattern Pulmonary
      Opacities.

PMID- 27656493
TI  - Vitamin Supplementation as an Adjuvant Treatment for Alzheimer's Disease.
AB  - Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a slowly progressing neurodegenerative disorder
      representing a major health concern worldwide. This disorder is characterised by
      progressive dementia and cognitive decline. The pathological hallmarks of AD
      include the presence of Abeta plaques and tau neurofibrils. Research has shown
      that oxidative stress represents a major risk factor associated with AD
      pathology. Accumulation of Abeta plaques and relative lack of antioxidant defence
      mechanisms, including cellular antioxidant enzymes and dietary antioxidants like
      vitamins, assist in the exacerbation of oxidative stress. Reactive Oxygen Species
      (ROS) produced as the result of oxidative stress, that increase structural and
      functional abnormalities in brain neurons, which then manifests as dementia and
      decline in cognition. Data from numerous epidemiological studies suggests that
      nutrition is one of the most important yet modifiable risk factors for AD. Since
      oxidative stress contributes a great deal in the development and progression of
      AD, anything that could attenuate oxidative stress would help in decreasing the
      prevalence and incidence of AD. There is increasing evidence that supports the
      use of different antioxidant as an adjuvant treatment for AD. Vitamins are one
      such antioxidant that can be used as an adjuvant in AD treatment. This paper will
      focus on the evidence, based on current literature, linking the use of vitamin
      supplementations as an adjuvant treatment for AD. 

PMID- 27656498
TI  - The Laparoscopic Re-Exploration in the Management of the Gallbladder Remnant and
      the Cystic Duct Stump Calculi.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The gallbladder remnant and the cystic duct stump calculi are
      uncommon causes of post-cholecystectomy syndrome. Re-exploration is usually
      needed in the cases where symptom persists. Very few case series and reports are
      available regarding laparoscopic re-exploration. AIM: To assess the safety and
      feasibility of Laparoscopic re-exploration in the cases of gallbladder remnant
      and cystic duct stump calculi leading to post cholecystectomy syndromes.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, laparoscopic re-explorations was done in 22
      patients in which 17 patients had gallbladder remnant calculi and 5 had cystic
      duct stump calculi. The study considered parameters like the operative time,
      conversion rate, post-operative complications, post-operative hospital stay and
      mortality in these patients. The duration of study was 15 years and the data was
      retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: The median operating time was 83 minutes
      (range 51 to 134 minutes). Only one patient had conversion to open surgery. In
      postoperative period two patients had bile leak. They were managed conservatively
      and leak subsided in 8 and 11 days respectively. One patient had postoperative
      bleeding not requiring blood transfusion. There was no major complication
      requiring further intervention and no mortality. Patients were discharged on
      median day 4 (range 2-11) after the surgery. Patients were followed up every 3
      months for one year. However, out of these three patients did not turn up for
      follow-up. CONCLUSION: In expert hands laparoscopic re-exploration of the
      gallbladder remnant/cystic duct stump calculi can be performed within a
      reasonable operating time. The conversion to conventional re-exploration rate was
      very low with minimal post-operative complications and shorter hospital stay.

PMID- 27656497
TI  - Fertility Potential in Adult Hypospadias.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Hypospadias is a congenital anomaly of the urogenital tract
      characterized by abnormal location of the external urethral meatus over ventral
      aspect of penis. The ideal time to correct primary hypospadias is when aged 6-12
      months. However, in some developing countries, such as ours, this anomaly may be
      left untreated until adulthood. There are multiple risk factors responsible for
      development of this anomaly, out of which paternal sub fertility is one of them.
      As the child grows into adulthood, fertility status becomes an important issue,
      frequently raised by patients. AIM: To evaluate the fertility potential of adult
      hypospadiac patients and to rule out the effect of age of surgical correction
      over fertility potential. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy three adult patients of
      hypospadias were prospectively evaluated, out of which 43 were operated during
      adulthood. All patients underwent measurement of penile length and circumference
      in both flaccid and erect positions along with testicular volume, serum LH, FSH
      and testosterone and semen analysis. A set of questionnaire was given to all the
      patients which included assessment of erectile function (IIEF-5), ejaculatory
      function, strength of libido and level of satisfaction after sexual intercourse.
      Results were compared with an age matched control group of 70 healthy person.
      RESULTS: Out of 73 patients with a mean age of 23.73 years, 14(19.17%) had
      proximal and rest 59(80.82%) had distal type of hypospadias. Mean penile length
      in both type of hypospadiac patients under both flaccid and erect conditions
      (7.92+/-1.33 and 9.62+/-1.31cm) were significantly shorter than those of control
      (10.78+/-0.94 and 13.15+/-1.15 cm) (p<0.001). In spite of short penile length,
      the level of satisfaction of all patients and their partner after penetrating
      intercourse were comparable to control (p>0.05). The strength of libido (p>0.05)
      was comparable with control in both type of hypospadiac patients; however IIEF-5
      scores was poor in the proximal type of hypospadias. Semen volume (ml), sperm
      concentration (mill/ml), active sperm motility (%), and normal sperm morphology
      were comparable between distal hypospadiac group and control (p>0.05), however
      these parameters were poor in proximal type. The serum FSH and LH levels were
      significantly higher and serum testosterone level was significantly lower in
      hypospadiac patients than control (p <0.001). However, no difference in
      testicular size was found. The patients who were operated during childhood had
      shorter penile length compared to patients operated during adulthood. CONCLUSION:
      Fertility potential parameters in distal type of hypospadias were comparable with
      control. However the proximal type had poor erectile function and semen quality.
      Patients operated in either childhood or in adulthood, there was no significant
      difference in fertility potential.

PMID- 27656499
TI  - Adrenal Schwannoma: A Rare Incidentaloma.
AB  - Adrenal schwannomas are very rare tumours that are difficult to diagnose
      preoperatively. A 42-year-old male presented with epigastric pain and
      indigestion. He had history of repeated operations for recurrent facial swelling
      on both sides of face diagnosed as Angiolymphoid Hyperplasia with Eosinophilia
      (ALHE). Physical examination revealed right facial swelling. Laboratory tests
      showed no evidence of hormonal hypersecretion. CECT abdomen showed a well-defined
      heterogenously enhancing right adrenal mass (5x4cm). Patient underwent right
      adrenalectomy. Histopathology revealed adrenal schwannoma, confirmed by
      immunohistochemistry (IHC) showing diffuse expression of S-100. Fine-needle
      aspiration biopsy of facial lesion confirmed ALHE recurrence. Less than 35 cases
      have been reported. Diagnosis of adrenal schwannoma on imaging studies is very
      difficult and surgical resection when performed for non-functioning adrenal
      masses >4cm clinches the diagnosis. Adrenal schwannoma is highly uncommon and was
      incidentally associated with recurrent ALHE. 

PMID- 27656500
TI  - Bronchoesophageal Fistula Repair with Intercostal Muscle Flap Followed by
      Occlusion of Residual Diverticula with N-butyl Cyanoacrylate (NBCA) Glue: A Case
      Report.
AB  - The incidence of bronchoesophageal fistula in presence of benign pathology of
      tracheal tree or oesophagus is rare. It is encountered in thoracic diseases like
      tuberculosis, syphilis or histoplasmosis due to erosion by infected lymph node or
      abscess to adjoining structures. The source of primary pathology has to be
      eliminated followed by appropriate steps of fistula tract closure is essential
      for optimal result. We report a 25-year-old patient with left sided
      bronchoesophageal fistula. He had a past history of pulmonary tuberculosis. A
      left lower lobectomy followed by repair of oesophageal fistula opening was
      performed by primary closure and reinforcement with an intercostal muscle flap
      based on posterior intercostal artery. Postoperative oesophagogram showed short
      diverticula, which was occluded with n-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) glue under
      radiological guidance. Feeding was started one week after application of glue
      without further complication. Reports on intercostals muscle flap repair and
      intervention of residual oesophageal diverticula with n-butyl cyanoacrylate
      (NBCA) glue under radiological guidance are scanty. 

PMID- 27656501
TI  - Recurrent Left Atrial Myxoma in a Young Patient: A Rare Entity.
AB  - Recurrence of atrial myxoma arising from the site other than inter-atrial septum
      is quite rare, which is more common in familial than sporadic cases. We here in
      present a case of 15-year-old young female who presented with recurrence of left
      atrial (LA) myxoma from unusual site - posterior LA wall after 3 years without
      any constitutional symptoms, which is the hallmark of recurrence. Complete
      removal of underlying atrial septum with atrial wall for recurrence prevention is
      the dictum in primary operation for tumour removal. 

PMID- 27656503
TI  - Schwannoma of Upper Lip: Report of a Rare Case in a Rare Age Group.
AB  - Schwannoma is a benign, encapsulated perineural tumour originating from the
      schwann cells of the neural sheath of peripheral motor and sensory nerves. It may
      develop at any age but is extremely rare in paediatric age group. The tumour is
      frequently located on the head and neck region, the tongue being the most common
      site followed by the palate, floor of mouth, buccal mucosa, lips and jaws.
      Schwannomas rarely occur in the lip area and it is exceedingly rare in the upper
      lip. The lesion is usually solitary but can be multiple when associated with
      neurofibromatosis. The diagnosis is usually confirmed after biopsy and anti-S100
      protein immuno-histochemical staining is usually used to identify the tumour. In
      the present study the patient was a 14-year-old young girl with the schwannoma on
      the upper lip which is probably the third such case in a paediatric age group
      being reported and was excised without any recurrence at 2 year after excision. 

PMID- 27656502
TI  - Congenital Defect in Lesser Omentum Leading to Internal Hernia in Adult: A Rare
      Case Report.
AB  - Intestinal obstruction is one of the common clinical condition which is
      encountered in emergency room. Internal hernia is one of the rare causes of small
      bowel obstruction accounting for less than 1% of cases. A congenital omental
      defect is very rare, but can potentially cause internal hernia leading to
      obstruction or strangulation of the bowel. We present a case of a 54-year-old man
      who was brought to the emergency department with sudden onset of lower abdominal
      pain. He had no history of abdominal surgeries or history of trauma. An emergency
      laparotomy was performed. On exploring the abdominal cavity, the lesser omental
      defect was detected, 3cm in size. Loops of jejunum had gone through the defect.
      Congested bowel loop was pulled back and defect was approximated. An adult
      congenital omental defect is rare; however, it should be considered as one of the
      differential diagnoses in a relatively young patient with bowel obstruction
      without external hernia, previous abdominal surgery or trauma. 

PMID- 27656505
TI  - Justifying No-Better Than Never.

PMID- 27656504
TI  - Aortopulmonary Window: A Rare Congenital Heart Defect.

PMID- 27656507
TI  - Diagnostic Performance of Ultrasonography for Detection of Abruption and Its
      Clinical Correlation and Maternal and Foetal Outcome.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Placental abruption complicates about 1% of singleton pregnancies
      and is an important cause of perinatal mortality and morbidity. Though
      sensitivity and reliability of ultrasound are poor for detecting or excluding
      placental abruption, because of the advances in ultrasound resolution, imaging
      and interpretation, sensitivity of ultrasound is better than what was reported
      previously. AIM: To determine the diagnostic performance of Ultrasonography (USG)
      for the detection of placental abruption and whether sonographic results
      correlate with maternal and foetal management and outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Thirty patients with clinical diagnosis of placental abruption were studied in
      the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of Krishna Institute of Medical
      Sciences, over a period of 6 months. These patients underwent ultrasonography for
      confirmation. Obstetric and neonatal outcome and sonographic results were
      compared and reviewed. Sonographic sensitivity and specificity and positive and
      negative predictive values were calculated. RESULTS: Incidence of abruption in
      present study was 1.56% (28 patients out of 1786 total deliveries). Sensitivity
      of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of abruption was 57% (CI 37.15%-75.57%) while
      its specificity was 100% (CI 15.81%-100%) with a positive predictive value of
      100% (CI 79.42%-100%) and a 14% (CI 1.78% - 42.83%) negative predictive value. An
      87.5% of patients(14 out of 16) with a positive USG finding of abruption had
      Intrauterine foetal Death (IUD)/still birth while 91.6% of patients (11 out of
      12) with negative USG findings of abruption gave birth to babies who required
      NICU admission. CONCLUSION: Sonography is not sensitive for the detection of
      placental abruption but it is highly specific. Positive sonographic findings are
      associated with increased maternal morbidity, require more aggressive obstetric
      management and it is associated with worse perinatal outcome. In case of a
      negative USG finding, but a strong clinical suspicion of abruption if obstetric
      intervention is made in due time, foetal as well as maternal outcome are better.
      Foetal outcome also depends on gestational age. Preterm patients with positive
      USG and intrapartum findings of abruption have worse foetal outcome compared to
      full-term patients with abruption.

PMID- 27656506
TI  - Maternal Cardiac Diastolic Dysfunction by Doppler Echocardiography in Women with
      Preeclampsia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Preeclampsia may lead to heart failure in late pregnancy and early
      puerperium. Diastolic dysfunction may be the cause of heart failure in these
      patients. There is paucity of data on diastolic dysfunction in patients with
      preeclampsia. AIM: To assess cardiac diastolic dysfunction in women with
      preeclampsia by Doppler echocardiography and to correlate severity of dysfunction
      with severity of preeclampsia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and fifty
      nulliparous women in age group of 20-35 years were recruited for the study. Among
      these, 120 women with preeclampsia were taken as cases and 30 normotensive women
      as controls. Doppler echocardiography was carried out between 28-36 weeks of
      gestation in both groups to assess and grade severity of diastolic dysfunction.
      RESULTS: Of 120 women with preeclampsia, 61 had mild preeclampsia and 59 had
      severe preeclampsia. Diastolic dysfunction was seen in 25(20.8%) cases. Among
      these, grade I diastolic dysfunction was seen in 40% and the rest 60% had grade
      II diastolic dysfunction. In the mild preeclampsia group, only 2(3.3%) patients
      had diastolic dysfunction. Both had grade I dysfunction. Of severe preeclampsia
      patients, 8(13.6%) had grade I and 15(25.4%) had grade II diastolic dysfunction
      (p=0.001). None of these progressed to heart failure or pulmonary oedema.
      Systolic function assessed by left ventricular ejection fraction was normal in
      all cases. All controls had normal systolic and diastolic functions. CONCLUSION:
      Cardiac diastolic dysfunction occurred in one-fifth of women with preeclampsia.
      Grade of diastolic dysfunction correlated with the severity of preeclampsia.

PMID- 27656508
TI  - Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Infection among Pregnant Women in One of the
      Institute of Northern India.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) occurs worldwide with more than 2 billion
      people being infected with HBV at some time in their lives. Transmission of HBV
      from carrier mothers to babies can occur during perinatal period and is important
      factor in determining the prevalence of infection in highly endemic areas. AIM:
      To assess the prevalence of hepatitis B infection, among otherwise healthy
      pregnant females. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study analysed
      records of antenatal care registry from 1(st) April 2013 to 30(th) March 2014 at
      our institution. Details of a total of 3686 pregnant women subjected to screening
      of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay
      (ELISA) was recorded into a preset proforma. Data thus obtained has been analysed
      using SPSS version 13 and presented. RESULTS: Seroprevalence of HBsAg positive
      antenatal females was 1.11%. The mean age of HBsAg positive pregnant women was
      24.98+/-4.16 years. Thirty one (75.61%) subjects hailed form a rural area. 4
      (09.75%) and 3 (07.31%) subjects had HBV-HCV co-infection and HBV-HIV co
      infection respectively. Mean parity of women with HBV infection was 1.83+/-0.87.
      Most common age group with HBV infection was 25-30 years. CONCLUSION: Around 130
      countries in the world are currently covered by routine hepatitis B immunization.
      High prevalence of seropositivity of HBsAg among antenatal female calls for
      routine vaccination against HBV infection. Universal free screening for HBV
      infection needs to be offered to all antenatal females on an opt-out basis to
      prevent the next generation from being grappled by chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis
      and hepatocellular carcinoma.

PMID- 27656509
TI  - Comparison of the Effect of Clomiphene- Estradiol Valerate vs Letrozole on
      Endometrial Thickness, Abortion and Pregnancy Rate in Infertile Women with
      Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Clomiphene citrate is the first-line therapy for ovulation
      induction in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). This drug binds and blocks
      estrogen receptors and thought to have an anti estrogenic effect on endometrium
      volume, thus may have adverse effect on fertility. AIM: This study aimed to
      compare the effect of Clomiphene citrate plus Estradiol Valerate with Letrozole
      on endometrial thickness, abortion and pregnancy rate in infertile women with
      PCOS undergoing ovulation induction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a randomized
      double blind clinical trial study on 100 women with PCOS, with an endometrial
      thickness less than 7mm in spite of follicles greater than 18mm after
      administration of Clomiphene citrate 100mg/d from 3(th) to 7(th) day of
      menstruation. They were randomly divided in two groups. Group A received 100mg
      Clomiphene citrate from day 3 to day 7 of menstruation and 4 mg Estradiol
      Valerate after the 8(th) day of menstruation until 14(th) day. Group B treated by
      5mg Letrozole from day 3 to 7 of menstruation with placebo from 8(th) to 14(th)
      day of menstruation. In both groups endometrial thickness was measured by
      transvaginal sonography in the 14(th) day of menstruation. Data were analysed
      using SPSS Ver.18.0. RESULTS: The mean age was 30.34 years in group A and 29.62
      years in group B (p=0.381). The number of infertility years in group A was 3.73
      years and in group B was 3.85 years. There was no significant relationship
      statistically between the two groups in terms of mean age and infertility years
      (p=0.99). Endometrial thickness in group A was 7.26mm and in group B was 8.17 mm.
      Pregnancy rates in group A and group B was 32% and 16% respectively. There was
      significant relationship statistically between the two groups in terms of
      endometrial thickness and pregnancy rates (p=0.021 and p=0.05). There was no
      abortion in group A and 5 cases had abortion in group B, there was a significant
      relationship between the two groups statistically (p=0.028). CONCLUSION:
      Letrozole increased endometrial thickness and pregnancy rate in infertile women,
      therefore its administration is recommended.

PMID- 27656510
TI  - Frequency of Maternal Mortality in Urban and Rural Areas of Iranshahr County
      (Southeast of Iran) in 2009-2013: A Retrospective Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Maternal mortality is one of the threatening factors of human life
      and the overall status index of women's health in any society. Death of a mother
      causes irreversible damage to a family and a society. This study aims at
      examining the causes of maternal mortality in urban and rural areas. AIM: The
      purpose of this study was to determine the frequney and causes of maternal
      mortality in urban and rural areas in southeast of Iran in 2009-2013. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: This was a retrospective descriptive study and its research
      population includes the entire pregnant woman who died in Iranshahr County
      between April 2009 and March 2013. An eight-section questionnaire was used for
      collecting data. The first section was based on the hospital records of pregnant
      woman including mother's demographic data and the following sections were
      completed based on their health records. RESULTS: The frequency of maternal
      mortality during birth in the study period was 34 (of 4857). The study
      individuals were between 13 and 40-year-old with the mean age of 30+/-6.4.
      Maximum maternal mortality occurred in 2012. Haemorrhage was the most common
      cause of maternal death (38.2%). CONCLUSION: As haemorrhage was the most common
      cause of death of pregnant women in this study, it seems necessary to improve
      care for woman and reduce haemorrhage and its complications during pregnancy
      period.

PMID- 27656511
TI  - Efficacy of Intravenous Infusion of Acetaminophen for Intrapartum Analgesia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The intensity of pain experienced by women in labour, has been
      found to affect the progress of labour, foetal well-being and maternal
      psychology. Adverse effects associated with commonly used opioids for providing
      intrapartum analgesia have created a need for an alternative non-opioid drug.
      AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of an intravenous infusion of 1000 mg of
      acetaminophen as an intrapartum analgesic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present
      prospective single-centre, single blind, placebo-controlled randomized
      interventional study was conducted in Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in
      Vardhaman Mahavir Medical College & Safdarjung Hospital over a period of six
      months from September 2014 to March 2015. After receiving the ethical clearance
      and written informed consent. The first 200 consecutive parturients fulfilling
      the inclusion criteria were recruited into the study. Women were then randomised
      to receive either intravenous 1000 mg (100ml) of acetaminophen (Group A, n=100)
      or 100 ml normal saline (Group B, n=100). Primary outcome assessed was
      effectiveness of acetaminophen to provide an adequate amount of analgesia, as
      measured by a change in Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain intensity score at
      various times after drug administration. Secondary outcomes measured were
      duration of labour, need for additional rescue analgesia and presence of adverse
      maternal or foetal effect. RESULTS: There was pain reduction at 1 and 2 hours in
      both groups (p<0.001). However, it was more significant in the acetaminophen
      group, especially at 1 hour. Duration of labour was shortened in both the groups,
      without any maternal and foetal adverse effects. CONCLUSION: Intravenous
      acetaminophen is an efficacious non-opioid drug for relieving labour pain without
      any significant maternal and foetal adverse effects.

PMID- 27656514
TI  - An Incidental Finding of Bilateral Dysgerminoma During Cesarean Section: Dilemmas
      in Management.
AB  - Dysgerminoma is an uncommon malignant tumour arising from germ cells of ovary. It
      occurs mostly in the reproductive age group. Its association with pregnancy is
      rare. Its management remains a challenge especially in an unsuspected case. We
      present a case of a woman, aged 28-year-old gravida2 para1 who reported to us at
      36 weeks' pregnancy with severe preeclampsia and previous caesarean section. On
      ultrasound she was reported as having subserosal fibroids with single live fetus
      of 35 weeks and 3 days gestation. She delivered a live baby by caesarean section
      done for failed induction. Intraoperatively bilateral ovarian masses were found
      and removed which were later confirmed to be dysgerminoma on histopathological
      examination. As she was not diagnosed dysgerminoma pre-operatively, complete work
      up i.e., tumour markers and MRI was not done, leading to dilemmas in management.
      Though standard protocols for management of dysgerminoma with pregnancy exist,
      yet management of these incidentally diagnosed dysgerminomas remains a dilemma. 

PMID- 27656512
TI  - A Clinical Experience of Ectopic Pregnancies with Initial Free Intraperitoneal
      Fluid.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Extra-uterine pregnancy or Ectopic Pregnancy (EP) is a major health
      problem for pregnant women, presenting as a potentially life-threatening
      emergency in the first trimester. There are three major options for the treatment
      of EP: expectant management, surgical treatment and medical management. The
      presence of free intraperitoneal fluid in EP-diagnosed patients is crucial for
      treatment planning and evaluation. AIM: To compare the outcomes of both the
      expectant man-agement and medical treatment with methotrexate (MTX) in ectopic
      pregnancies with free intraperitoneal fluid. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This
      retrospective cohort study inclu-ded a total of 91 ectopic pregnancies with or
      without rupture in which the women had initial free intraperitoneal fluid and
      were haemodynamically stable. Serial beta-HCG measurements were used to assess
      the outcome of expectant management and medical treatment with MTX. For the
      statistical analysis, the SPSS statistical software package, version 22.0
      (Chicago, IL, USA), was used. For the quantitative variables that were not
      distributed normally, the Kruskal-Wallis test and the Mann-Whitney U test were
      performed for the evaluation of differences between the groups. RESULTS: It was
      observed that the success rate with expectant management was 81% (initial beta
      HCG concentration 626+/-443 mIU/mL). With a single dose of MTX, it was 76%
      (initial beta HCG concentration 2124+/-1647 mIU/mL) and with a total single or
      double dose of MTX, it was 88% (initial beta HCG concentration 2252+/-78 mIU/mL)
      from among EP with or without rupture in women with initial free intraperitoneal
      fluid during diagnosis. There was no significant difference between the groups
      with regard to ultrasonography findings. CONCLUSION: Expectant management or
      medical treatment with methotrexate should be the first line treatment for
      ectopic pregnancies with initial free intraperitoneal fluid, albeit with rupture,
      in patients who are haemodynamically stable, along with beta-HCG follow-up.

PMID- 27656513
TI  - Urethral Coitus in a Case of Vaginal Agenesis - Is Only Vaginoplasty Enough to
      Treat the Urinary Problems?
AB  - Urethral coitus is an extremely rare condition. Megalourethra and urinary
      incontinence due to urethral coitus in vaginal agenesis are unusual
      manifestations because these patients usually present with primary amenorrhea
      before becoming sexually active and receive treatment. A 24-year-old woman came
      to our clinic because of primary amenorrhea, sexual dysfunction, dyspareunia,
      megalourethra and urinary incontinence five months after her marriage due to
      urethral coitus. Based on these clinical and radiological findings a diagnosis of
      Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser Syndrome was made and patient underwent modified
      McIndoe Vaginoplasty. The elasticity of female urethra permits repeated coitus,
      together with the physical damage can probably lead to incontinence. In this
      case, after eliminating the underlying cause of disease with vaginoplasty, no
      other treatment was required. The integrity of sphincteric function and
      structural support of urethra might be regained without subjecting the patient to
      aggressive reconstructive surgical procedures. 

PMID- 27656515
TI  - Outcome Analysis of Locking Plate Fixation in Proximal Humerus Fracture.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Proximal humerus fractures account for approximately 5% of all
      fractures. Stable minimally displaced fractures can be treated nonoperatively but
      the management of displaced fractures remain controversial with various
      modalities of treatment available. Locking plates provide stable fixation and
      enable early postoperative mobilization specially in osteoporotic proximal
      humerus fracture. AIM: To evaluate the functional outcome of locking plate
      fixation and to compare the results of two approaches used for fixation.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study was conducted at a tertiary level
      hospital between September 2011 to December 2013. PHILOS plates were used for
      internal fixation of displaced proximal humerus fractures Neer's type 2 part, 3
      part and 4 part fractures on 26 patients (M/F ratio 1.36:1; mean age 46 years).
      According to Neer classification, 5,12 and 9 patients had displaced 2, 3 and 4
      part fractures respectively. Deltopectoral and deltoid splitting approaches were
      used for fixation on 13 patients each. Functional outcome was assessed using
      Constant-Murley shoulder score. Graphpad software version 6.0 was used with Chi
      square test and Fisher-exact test are used to compare data. The p-value< 0.05 is
      considered significant. RESULTS: Of the 26 patients, all fractures united
      radiologically and clinically and average constant score at final follow-up was
      72.5. At the final follow-up 8 patients had good score, 10 patients had moderate
      score, 6 patients had excellent outcome and 2 patients had poor outcome according
      to Constant score. Mean time to union was 12.3 weeks (9 -15 weeks). Four
      complications (15.4%) were encountered, 2 cases of varus malunion, 1 case of
      wound infection which required wound debridement and 1 case of screw cut-out in
      which screw removal was done. Mean constant score in delto splitting approach was
      70.9 and 74 in deltopectoral group (p-value= 0.54). No significant difference
      existed in constant score in 2 approaches. No significant difference existed
      between groups in terms of complications (P > .05) and all fractures were united.
      CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that locking plate fixation gives good
      functional outcomes in treatment of proximal humerus fractures. There was no
      significant difference in the two approaches used for exposure. Our results are
      comparable to various studies conducted by other authors which states that
      locking plates provide better functional and radiological outcomes as compared to
      other fixation methods like Tension band wiring, percutaneous K-wire fixation,
      non-locking plates, intramedullary nails.

PMID- 27656516
TI  - Delayed Open Reduction and K-Wire Fixation of Widely Displaced Supracondylar
      Fractures of Humerus in Children using Medial Approach.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Supracondylar fractures of humerus in children are usually treated
      with percutaneous pinning on emergency basis. When the operating time is delayed,
      percutaneous pinning is difficult due to massive swelling. Late presentation is
      common in developing countries. AIM: To assess the outcome of open reduction and
      internal fixation with K-wire of widely displaced supracondylar fracture when
      operated later than 2 days after the injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 52
      children (aged 3-12 years) with widely displaced supracondylar fracture of
      humerus (Gartland type-III) who presented later than 2 days after injury were
      treated with open reduction through medial approach and fixation with cross K
      wires. RESULTs were assessed with Flynn's criteria. RESULT: A total of 40
      patients completed follow-up. Mean age of all (n=52) patients was 4.8 years
      (range 3-12 years). Mean delay of presentation was 7.5 days (range 2-14 days).
      Hundred percent patients had satisfactory results according to Flynn's criteria.
      Two patients had pin infections. CONCLUSION: Open reduction through medial
      approach and fixation with two cross K-wires is a reliable method of treatment
      for supracondylar fractures of humerus in children when the operation is delayed.

PMID- 27656517
TI  - Role of Percutaneous Image Guided Biopsy in Spinal Lesions: Adequacy and
      Correlation with MRI Findings.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Although, MRI has increased our understanding of spinal
      pathologies, accurate diagnosis of spinal lesions need biopsy, so that early
      treatment can be initiated. AIM: To evaluate the accuracy of biopsy, safety and
      yield of percutaneously done image guided spinal biopsy using a large bore needle
      and correlate between MRI findings and biopsy as well as the importance of
      various MRI findings in establishing the diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All
      spinal lesions after clinical and MRI evaluation were subjected to Jamshidi
      Needle biopsy using 11 gauge needles. Biopsy material was sent for
      culture/sensitivity, AFB smear and histopathological examination. The outcome
      assessment included percentage of patients in whom diagnosis was changed after
      biopsy, yield in biopsy and complications of biopsy. MRI findings, biopsy
      findings and final diagnosis were correlated to know the sensitivity and
      specificity of MRI and biopsy diagnosis. Logistic regression analysis was used to
      study the importance of each of MRI findings in making a diagnosis. RESULTS:
      Forty five patients with spinal lesions underwent biopsy using an 11 gauge
      Jamshidi needle. Initial biopsy was inconclusive in 4 patients giving a positive
      yield in about 91.2% of cases and a repeat biopsy ensured conclusive report in
      all cases. Following biopsy there was a change in diagnosis in 8% cases. MRI
      showed sensitivity of 85.71% and specificity of 93.54% for the diagnosis of
      malignancy and sensitivity of 85.71% and specificity of 86.48% for the diagnosis
      of tuberculosis. In contrast, initial biopsy had sensitivity of 92.85% and
      specificity of 100% for the diagnosis of malignancy and sensitivity of 71.42% and
      specificity of 100 % for the diagnosis of infection. Logistic regression analysis
      showed good correlation between malignancy and posterior bugle in the vertebral
      body in the absence of a fracture (p = 0.007), involvement of pedicles and
      posterior elements (p = 0.001) and soft tissue extension (p = 0.002); there was
      good correlation between infection and epidural abscess (p<0.001) as well as
      paradiscal involvement (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Image guided biopsy done with good
      technique helps in accuracy of diagnosis thus ensuring the correct treatment at
      the earliest and has minimal complications. This study also shows that presence
      of epidural abscess and paradiscal involvement in MRI are highly suggestive of
      infection, while pedicle involvement and posterior bulge of vertebral body before
      the onset of pathological fracture are suggestive of malignancy, but all spinal
      lesions should be biopsied to confirm the diagnosis.

PMID- 27656518
TI  - Type IIA Monteggia Fracture Dislocation with Ipsilateral Distal Radius Fracture
      in Adult - A Rare Association.
AB  - Monteggia fracture constitutes about 5-10% of the forearm fractures. Monteggia
      fracture by definition is proximal ulnar fracture with disruption of proximal
      radioulnar joint. Bado classified Monteggia fracture dislocation into four types
      and Jupiter subclassified type II Bado's fractures into four types. The
      associated injury in the form of distal radial fractures and distal humerus
      fractures are rare though many cases of distal radial physeal injuries have been
      reported in paediatric population. Hereby we report a rare association of type
      IIA Monteggia fracture dislocation with ipsilateral distal radius fracture in an
      adult patient. This case report also highlights on proper examination and full
      length radiographs of forearm to avoid missing injury at wrist in cases of elbow
      injuries. Management of such complex injuries included open reduction and
      internal fixation of olecronon fracture, distal radius fracture and radial head
      resection. Functional outcome at six months was good at wrist whereas at elbow,
      stiffness was a major concern with elbow range of movement from 40 degrees -110
      degrees . 

PMID- 27656519
TI  - Tissue Doppler Imaging and Focal, Late-Onset Anthracycline-Induced Cardiovascular
      Disease in Long Term Survivors of Childhood Cancer: A Research Article.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy, the onset of diastolic
      dysfunction occurs before systolic dysfunction. Although, conventional
      echocardiogram is the standard method to assess cardiac function post
      anthracycline therapy, Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI) may detect early onset
      cardiac diastolic dysfunction among anthracycline-recipient survivors of
      childhood cancers. There are limited data on the use of TDI in assessing
      anthracycline-associated cardiotoxicity in children. AIM: To evaluate the role of
      Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI) in assessing late-onset cardiotoxicity in survivors
      of paediatric cancers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a single site,
      observational, blinded study of 11 long-term survivors of childhood cancer who
      had been treated with anthracyclines and 22 age-matched controls. The study group
      and the control group underwent conventional echo and TDI; operators were blind
      to study group. Conventional echo measurements were obtained. TDI was used to
      assess systolic and diastolic parameters at the mid-interventricular septum and
      lateral and medial annuli of the mitral valve; these parameters included:
      systolic wave (S'), early diastolic wave (E'), late diastolic wave (A'),
      Isovolemic Contraction Time (ICT), Isovolemic Relaxation Time (IRT) and Ejection
      Time (ET). Myocardial Performance Index (MPI) was also calculated. RESULTS:
      Conventional echo measurements were similar in both groups. Using TDI, cases had
      a lower mean E' velocity (9.7 +/- 1.7 cm/s vs. 11.4 +/- 1.3 cm/s, p=0.004) and a
      lower E'/A' (1.8 +/- 0.5 vs. 2.2 +/- 0.4, p=0.022) at the mid-interventricular
      septum than controls. The mean E' septum velocity in chemotherapy-recipients who
      also received chest radiotherapy was 8.5+/-0.5 cm/s in comparison to 10.2+/-1.7
      cm/s in those that did not receive chest radiotherapy but this not achieve
      statistical significance. We did not find any additional associations between TDI
      parameters and patients' gender, age of diagnosis, length of follow-up and dose
      of anthracycline. CONCLUSION: In long-term survivors of childhood cancer who
      received anthracyclines, diastolic dysfunction can be detected earlier by using
      TDI before overt systolic dysfunction. Further large-scale multicenter studies
      are needed.

PMID- 27656520
TI  - Demographic, Clinical and Hematological Profile of Children with Bronchiolitis: A
      Comparative Study between Respiratory Synctial Virus [RSV] and [Non RSV] Groups.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Acute bronchiolitis is one of major disease affecting the lower
      airways in infants and children with Respiratory Syncitial Virus (RSV) being most
      common causative organism accounting for 50%-80% of bronchiolitis cases. AIM: To
      analyse the demographic characteristics, clinical features and haematological
      profile of children with Bronchiolitis. To compare the findings of demographic
      characteristics, clinical features and haematological profile between RSV and Non
      -RSV bronchiolitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective study, conducted
      in a teritiary care center for 1 year period from Jan 2015 to Dec 2015. The
      demographic characteristics, clinical features and haematological profile of
      children aged between 1 month to 3 years who fulfilled the inclusion criteria
      were noted in predesigned proforma, nasopharyngeal swab was sent for RSV analysis
      and then the findings of the parameters were compared between the two groups of
      RSV bronchiolitis and Non RSV bronchiolitis. RESULTS: Among 80 cases with 40 in
      each group, children below the age of 1year were affected more in RSV group, with
      male preponderance. Among the clinical features except that 89.7% of RSV cases
      had wheeze that was statistically significant with no difference in other
      features. Investigations showed no much difference in both the groups. Percentage
      of Non RSV subjects who received nebulisation with bronchodilators, steroid and
      antibiotic therapy were higher than RSV subjects. The hospital stay was
      significantly higher in RSV cases and none of the study participants met with
      mortality. CONCLUSION: Children with RSV bronchiolitis had prolonged hospital
      stay compared to Non RSV group. Need for nebulisation with bronchodilators,
      steroids and antibiotic therapy was more in Non RSV group.

PMID- 27656521
TI  - A Case with Complete Pancreatic Aplasia Suggestive of Johanson-Blizzard Syndrome.
AB  - Johanson-Blizzard Syndrome (JBS) is a very rare autosomal recessive multisystem
      disorder. We report the case of a two-month-old male with pancreatic
      insufficiency and severe phenotypic features. His diagnosis of JBS was
      established using clinical symptoms and abdominal computed tomography scan that
      showed pancreas aplasia. According to the best of our knowledge, no case with
      this syndrome has presented with complete pancreatic aplasia in the literature. 

PMID- 27656522
TI  - Is Chromosomal Study Necessary for Girls with Inguinal Hernia?

PMID- 27656523
TI  - Role of Gray Scale, Color Doppler and Spectral Doppler in Differentiation Between
      Malignant and Benign Thyroid Nodules.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: High resolution ultrasound is the most sensitive imaging test
      available for the examination of the thyroid gland and due to increase in use of
      ultrasound more incidental thyroid nodules are diagnosed. In this study we try to
      establish the specific grayscale, color and spectral Doppler characteristics of
      malignant and benign thyroid nodules. AIM: To determine the specific gray scale
      characteristics, angioarchitecture and cut-off values of Doppler indices of
      malignant and benign thyroid nodules. To assess the efficacy of grayscale,
      Doppler and combined conventional and Doppler using defined criteria in
      differentiating malignant from benign nodules. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We
      prospectively examined 194 thyroid nodules which were confirmed on FNAC. Each
      nodule was described according to size, number, contents, echogenicity, margins,
      halo, shape, calcification, local infiltration and lymphnode enlargement.
      Vascularity, RI and PI values of each nodule were assessed on Doppler. Each
      nodule was characterized as benign, indeterminate or malignant based on grayscale
      and Doppler characteristics. Cut-off RI and PI values for malignant thyroid
      nodules were obtained by ROC. RESULTS: Out of 194 nodules, 151 nodules were
      benign and 43 nodules were malignant. Significant relationship was observed
      between malignancy and hypoechogenicity, irregular margins, taller than wide,
      thick incomplete halo, micro calcifications, lymphnode enlargement and local
      infiltration. Intranodular vascularity was a significant criterion to suggest
      malignancy in thyroid nodules on color Doppler. Malignant nodules had a mean RI
      of 0.73 and mean PI of 1.3 which were significantly higher than the benign
      nodules. Accuracy of detecting malignant thyroid nodules by combining gray scale
      and Doppler is higher than either of them alone. CONCLUSION: Using specific
      morphological pattern recognition features like microcalcifications,
      hypoechogenicity, taller than wide, irregular thick halo, lymphadenopathy and
      local extra thyroidal invasion has helped in differentiating malignant from
      benign features. Intranodular vascularity and high RI indices were the specific
      Doppler signs for malignant thyroid nodules. Since, Gray scale and Doppler have
      their own strengths and weaknesses, they were complementary rather than
      competitive modalities in diagnosing benign from malignant thyroid nodules.

PMID- 27656524
TI  - Assessment of Portal Venous and Hepatic Artery Haemodynamic Variation in Non
      Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) has various spectrums of
      liver diseases like isolated fatty liver, steatohepatitis and cirrhosis usually
      progressing in a linear fashion. In this process they are known to cause certain
      haemodynamic changes in the portal flow and hepatic artery flow. AIM: The aim of
      the study was to study these haemodynamic changes in patients with NAFLD and to
      correlate it with the disease severity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety patients
      diagnosed to have NAFLD based on ultrasound abdomen (30 each in grade1, grade2
      and grade3 NAFLD) and 30 controls (Normal liver on ultrasound abdomen) were
      subjected to portal vein and hepatic artery Doppler study. Peak maximum velocity
      (Vmax), Peak minimum velocity (Vmin), Mean flow velocity (MFV), and Vein
      pulsality index (VPI) of the portal vein and hepatic artery resistivity index
      (HARI) of the hepatic artery were the doppler parameters which were assessed.
      Liver span was also assessed both for the fatty liver and controls. RESULTS: The
      mean Vmax, Vmin, MFV and VPI of the portal vein in patients with NAFLD was
      12.23+/-1.74cm/sec, 9.31+/-1.45cm/sec, 10.76+/-1.48cm/sec, and 0.24+/-0.04 as
      compared to 14.05+/-2.43cm/sec, 10.01+/-2.27cm/sec, 12.23+/-2.47cm/sec, 0.3+/
      0.08 in controls respectively. All these differences were statistically
      significant except for Vmin. The Mean HARI in patients with fatty liver was
      0.65+/-0.06 when compared to controls of 0.75+/-0.06 (p=0.001). HARI (r-value of 
      0.517) had a better negative correlation followed by VPI (r-value of -0.44) and
      Vmax (r-value of -0.293) with the severity of NAFLD. MFV had a very weak negative
      correlation (r-value of -0.182) with the severity of NAFLD. CONCLUSION: The Vmax,
      MFV, VPI and HARI were significantly less when compared to controls suggesting a
      reduced portal flow and an increased hepatic arterial flow in patients with
      NAFLD. Among the parameters, HARI correlated better with the severity of NAFLD
      followed by VPI.

PMID- 27656525
TI  - Digital Paper Prints as Replacement for LASER Films: A Study of Intra-Observer
      Agreement for Wrist Radiographic Findings in Rickets.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Replacement of conventional LASER films with digital paper prints
      as supplement to radiology reports may serve as an economical and environment
      friendly method. However, it is essential that such a change does not compromise
      patient's intended diagnostic outcome. AIM: The aim of this study was to assess
      the reliability and acceptability of digital paper prints for the radiographic
      images by the treating physicians and radiologists. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This
      observational analytical study was done at a tertiary care hospital of New Delhi,
      India. A total of 58 consecutively ordered wrist radiographs of paediatric
      patients (6 months to 12 years of age) for ruling out rickets were retrieved from
      the PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System). These 58 radiographs, out
      of which 21 (36.2%) had radiological evidence of rickets over PACS were printed
      on two different media i.e., LASER films and glossy photographic paper. An
      objective scoring for the severity of rickets was done on both LASER films and
      paper prints by six observers independently. Overall comfort level with paper
      prints was rated on a 1-5 point Likert scale. Data was analysed using STATA 14.0
      (Stata Corp, College Station, TX). RESULTS: Intra-observer percentage agreement
      and value of Cohen's kappa for PACS vs. LASER films and PACS vs. paper prints was
      equal i.e., 98.3% and 0.97, respectively. Intra-observer agreement between LASER
      films and paper prints for all six observers was excellent, ranging from 0.92 to
      1.00; percentage agreement ranging from 94.8% to 100%. Fracture of ulna/radius
      present in 4 sets of the X-rays was well demonstrated in both LASER films and
      paper prints. Comfort level with paper prints was rated as 5 out of 5 by all due
      to no requirement of any special illuminated view box and dark room. CONCLUSION:
      This study concludes that the use of paper prints may serve as a reliable
      alternative to LASER films to communicate the report of wrist radiographs for the
      treating physicians without any compromise over diagnostic information in cases
      of rickets.

PMID- 27656527
TI  - Evaluation of Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Values in Spinal Tuberculosis by
      MRI.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Spinal tuberculosis presents a radiological challenge in many cases
      when it presents with atypical pattern of involvement and has to be distinguished
      from various differentials, which include metastases. In such cases Diffusion
      Weighted Imaging (DWI) with Apparent Diffusion Co-efficient (ADC) value may play
      a role in reaching towards a conclusion, thereby preventing unnecessary biopsy in
      such patients. AIM: Measurement of mean ADC values in tubercular vertebrae and
      associated collection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was comprised of 55
      patients and was conducted on 3.0 TESLA Siemens machine Magnetom Verio. Patients
      either known to have tuberculosis or those with classic tuberculous findings were
      included in the study. All these patients were followed up for post-treatment
      confirmation and ADC value. All the patients underwent routine MRI along with DW
      MRI sequence, ADC values and FNAC/ Biopsy if required. The ADC values were
      calculated from the involved vertebral bodies and surrounding soft tissue and
      also from normal vertebrae preferably from one above and below the affected
      vertebrae to establish ADC of normal vertebrae, which was helpful in treatment
      response in patients with antitubercular therapy. At least six ADC value was
      taken from affected vertebrae and soft tissue. RESULTS: The mean ADC value of
      tubercular vertebrae was found out to be 1.47 +/- 0.25 x 10(-3) mm(2)/sec, of
      adjacent soft tissue collection (abscess) was 1.94 +/- 0.30 x 10(-3) mm(2)/sec
      and normal vertebrae was 0.48 +/- 0.16 x 10(-3) mm(2)/sec. ADC value of post
      treated vertebrae decreased and complete resolution showed ADC near normal
      vertebrae. CONCLUSION: Normal range of the ADC values in spinal tuberculosis and
      associated paravertebral collection may be helpful in the differentiation of
      spinal tuberculosis from lesions with spinal involvement which are not proven to
      be tuberculosis and who did not have the classical appearance of either
      tuberculosis or metastasis. But there exists a zone of overlap of ADC values in
      metastatic and tubercular vertebrae, which can lead to false negative results.
      Therefore, in overlap cases there should be correlation with clinical history,
      other related investigations or biopsy.

PMID- 27656526
TI  - Comparative Evaluation of Ultrasonography and Cross-sectional Imaging in
      Determining Gall Bladder Perforation in Accordance to Niemeier's Classification.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Gall Bladder (GB) perforation, a rare but dreaded complication of
      acute cholecystitis and is associated with high mortality rate. Early detection
      of acute cases of GB perforation reduces the risk of biliary peritonitis and
      hence the associated mortality and morbidity. AIM: The purpose of the study was
      to make a comparative evaluation of the role of Cross-sectional imaging in GB
      perforation with base line investigation like sonography. Finally both modalities
      were compared in determining the type of perforation according to Niemeier's
      classification. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the
      Ultrasonography (USG), Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imagings
      (MRI) findings in patients of GB perforation with surgical correlation. RESULTS:
      We evaluated 17 patients of GB perforations over a time period of one year. USG
      was done in all patients. As cross-sectional modality only CT scan was done in 14
      patients and MRI scan was done in four patients. Both CT and MRI scans were done
      in one patient. CONCLUSION: Cross-sectional imaging must not be delayed in
      suspected cases of GB perforations because it helps in establishing a quicker
      diagnosis, detecting complications and also helps in decision making related to
      management thereby reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with this
      condition.

PMID- 27656528
TI  - Effect of Dipyridamole Injected for Myocardial Perfusion Imaging on Blood Glucose
      Concentration; A Preliminary Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Dipyridamole inhibits adenosine reuptake and increases cyclic
      Adenosine Monophosphate (cAMP) levels in platelets, erythrocytes and endothelial
      cells, all of which influence blood glucose. Acute hyperglycaemia reduces
      endothelium-dependent vasodilation and suppresses coronary microcirculation;
      which, in theory, can alter the outcome of a radionuclide scan. AIM: The present
      study was conducted with the aim to investigate the changes in blood glucose
      level of patients receiving dipyridamole for cardiac scan. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      A total of 293 patients (85 men and 208 women, age: 60.59+/-10.43 years) were
      included in the study. Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG) was measured before and 8 min
      after dipyridamole (0.568 mg/kg) injection during myocardial perfusion imaging.
      The data in different groups were analysed by paired t-test. RESULTS: There was
      not a significant difference between first (106.89 +/- 19.21mg/dL) and second
      (107.98 +/- 17.57 mg/dL) FBG measurements (p= 0.293). However, when the patients
      were grouped based on the quartiles of first measurement, there was an increase
      in FBG following dipyridamole injection in the first quartile (mean difference:
      7.15+/-21.27 mg/dL, p<0.01); in contrast, FBG levels showed a significant
      decrease after dipyridamole administration in the 4(th) quartile (mean
      difference: -9.53+/-18.20 mg/dL, p<0.001). The differences in 2(nd) and 3(rd)
      quartiles were negligible. The patients were divided into normal, ischemic and
      fixed lesions based on the outcome of scans, then the possible correlation of
      dipyridamole-induced FBG alteration and scan results were investigated. There
      were no significant difference between the FBG values before and after
      dipyridamole injection and the final outcome of scan. CONCLUSION: The effects of
      dipyridamole on blood glucose highly depend on the initial blood glucose level.

PMID- 27656529
TI  - Osteochondroma of Bilateral Mandibular Condyle with Review of Literature.
AB  - Osteochondroma (OC) is a common slow growing tumour of bone. This lesion is
      frequently seen in the axial skeleton and is relatively uncommon in oral and
      maxillofacial region. In facial bones, it usually affects the mandibular condyle
      followed by coronoid process. Very few cases of condylar osteocondroma have been
      reported in the literature. The aim of this article was to present an atypical
      case of osteochondroma of bilateral mandibular condyle in an asymptomatic patient
      and facilitate making an exact diagnosis of it. To the best of our knowledge this
      is the 2(nd) case of this type reported in literature. 

PMID- 27656530
TI  - Letter Regarding Article, 'Unusual Presentation of Dengue Fever Cerebral Venous
      Thrombosis'.

PMID- 27656531
TI  - A Comparative Study of Dexmedetomidine and Midazolam in Reducing Delirium Caused
      by Ketamine.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Ketamine is a well known agent for sedation for short surgical
      procedures due to its very good analgesic action. But it has cardio stimulatory
      response and recovery from anaesthesia after Ketamine use is complicated by
      delirium and hallucination. In studies it is proved that these side effects can
      be reduced by premedication with benzodiazepines. The alpha2 adrenoceptor
      agonists are becoming popular for their properties like haemodynamic stability
      and reducing anaesthetic requirement. AIM: This study was planned to see the
      effects of Dexmedetomidine on emergent reaction of Ketamine, when used as
      premedication agent with Ketamine for conducting short surgeries in adult
      patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study was conducted in 90 ASA class I and II
      male and female patients of age between 18-40 undergoing short procedures like
      laparoscopic ligation, skin grafting, dilatation and curettage, endoscopic
      procedures, excision of small swelling, etc. Patients were randomly divided into
      three groups of 30 each as follows: Group K: after premedication with inj.
      glycopyrrolate 0.01mg/kg, inj. Ketamine 2mg/kg, Group M: after premedication with
      inj. glycopyrrolate 0.01mg/kg and inj midazolam 0.05mg/kg, inj. Ketamine 2mg/kg,
      Group D: after premedication with inj glycopyrrolate 0.01 mg/kg and inj.
      Dexmedetomidine 0.5MUg/kg, Ketamine 2mg/kg was given. Observations were made for
      cardiovascular response to invasive procedure, post anaesthetic anxiety and
      delirium with help of Memorial Delirium Assessment scale (MDAS). RESULTS:
      Midazolam reduced delirium to a greater level, but in comparison to control group
      and midazolam group, dexmedetomidine reduced delirium to a much greater level (p
      value<0.001). Postoperative pain was less in Dexmedetomidine group (p-value<
      0.001). CONCLUSION: Dexmedetomidine reduced delirium caused by Ketamine when used
      as a premedication agent. It produced more haemodynamic stable patients.
      Postoperative analgesia was also better.

PMID- 27656532
TI  - Comparison between IV Paracetamol and Tramadol for Postoperative Analgesia in
      Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Efforts to use safer drug with minimal side effects for
      postoperative analgesia are growing day by day for surgeries of shorter duration
      or which may require day care only, search for ideal agent has been a never
      ending process. AIM: The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of
      intravenous Paracetamol and Tramadol for postoperative analgesia in patients
      undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was
      done at Department of Anaesthesiology, Era's Medical College, Lucknow, India.
      Sixty ASA-I or II patients between 18-55 years of age, scheduled for laparoscopic
      cholecystectomy were randomly allocated to two groups of 30 each. Group A
      received IV infusion of paracetamol 1g in 100 ml solution, while Group B received
      IV infusion of Tramadol 100 mg in 100 ml NS at 0 (first complain of pain
      postoperatively), 6, 12 and 18 hours respectively. Pain intensity was measured by
      a 10 point Visual Analogue Scale (0->no pain and 10->worst imaginable pain) VAS
      at T(0)->just before analgesic administration, at 0.5, 1.5, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24
      hours thereafter, in addition to HR, SBP, DBP. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Chi-square
      test, Student t-test and p-values <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS:
      During postoperative follow-up intervals, paracetamol showed significantly lower
      VAS scores as compared to tramadol at 1.5 hour, 3 hour, 6 hour, 12 hour and 24
      hour follow up intervals. One patient in tramadol group had nausea
      postoperatively (p>0.05). No adverse effect attributable to paracetamol was
      noticed. CONCLUSION: Intravenous Paracetamol can be advocated as an effective and
      safe analgesic agent for postoperative pain relief.

PMID- 27656533
TI  - Comparison of 0.25% Ropivacaine for Intraperitoneal Instillation v/s Rectus
      Sheath Block for Postoperative Pain Relief Following Laparoscopic
      Cholecystectomy: A Prospective Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: As Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (LC) is not a totally pain free
      procedure, with the pain being most intense on the day of surgery and on the
      following day. Various techniques are available for postoperative pain relief
      like intraperitoneal instillation of local anaesthetics and rectus sheath block
      (RSB)which may provide effective pain relief. AIM: To compare the efficacy of
      preemptive administration (initiated before the surgical procedure) of
      intraperitoneal instillation and rectus sheath block using ropivacaine for
      postoperative analgesia after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A total of 75 selected patients were randomly assigned to three equal
      groups as Group R, who received bilateral RSB with 0.25 % ropivacaine 15 ml on
      either side; Group I, who received intraperitoneal instillation of 0.25%
      ropivacaine 50 ml and Group C (Control group), who received only rescue analgesic
      on pain. These were compared regarding postoperative analgesia in terms of Visual
      Analog Scale (0-10 cm), Prince Henry Hospital Pain Score (0-3), time to first
      dose of rescue analgesic (tramadol), total rescue analgesic consumption in 48
      hours, patient satisfaction scores (1-7) and adverse effects. RESULTS: The time
      to first rescue analgesic was significantly longer in Group R (16.16+/-4.73h) and
      Group I (7.84+/-1.34h) as compared to Group C (1.72+/-0.67h), p<0.001. Mean
      tramadol consumption in 48h for each patient was significantly less in Group R
      (148+/-54.92mg) and Group I (202+/-33.78mg) as compared to Group C (298+/
      22.73mg) p<0.001. Postoperative pain scores were also significantly less in Group
      R and Group I as compared to Group C during first 6 hours, p<0.05. The difference
      in above parameters was also significant between Group R and Group I, p<0.05.
      Thus order of postoperative analgesia effect was: Group R > Group I > Group C.
      Rescue analgesic requirement showed a 32.21% reduction in Group I and 50.33%
      reduction in Group R as compared to Group C. Patient Satisfaction Scores (PSS)
      showed a significant difference among groups with acceptable PSS scores as: Group
      R (92%) v/s Group I (40%) v/s Group C (20%) p<0.001. CONCLUSION: Pre-emptive
      administration of rectus sheath block or intraperitoneal instillation of 0.25%
      ropivacaine was found effective in providing better postoperative analgesia as
      compared to control group after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Among these two
      techniques, rectus sheath block was found to be superior over intraperitoneal
      instillation.

PMID- 27656534
TI  - Congenital Lobar Emphysema: An Approach of Anesthetic Management.
AB  - Congenital Lobar Emphysema (CLE) is a medical condition which is quiet rarely
      seen especially in neonates. The disease is characterized by over inflation of
      lungs which is produced due to inhibition of escape of inspired air from lungs.
      This condition usually occurs in infants due to partial obstruction of the
      bronchus and can be reversed with timely and planned anaesthetic management. Here
      in, we are presenting a case of an infant who was merely four months of age. CLE
      was affecting his left upper lobe since birth which was being treated as lobar
      pneumonia outside at some peripheral health center. The case presented to
      hospital with the symptoms acute respiratory distress and was taken up for urgent
      surgical management. Left upper lobectomy was performed which relived his
      symptoms. Case was discharged from hospital after 10 days of uneventful hospital
      stay. The case was challenging, as it involved careful and planned anaesthetic
      management of lung separation as well as prevention of hyperventilation of the un
      involved lung. 

PMID- 27656535
TI  - Comparative Study of Delirium in Emergency and Consultation Liaison- A Tertiary
      Care Hospital Based Study in Northern India.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Delirium is an acute and often fluctuating disturbance in level of
      consciousness and thought process (cognition) that develops over a short period
      of time and is a significant change from previous level of functioning. Its
      prevalence increases with age, complexity of medical co- morbidities and number
      of medications prescribed. AIM: To compare the cause and severity of delirium in
      patients in emergency and consultation liaison psychiatry group. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A cross-sectional, tertiary care hospital based study was conducted on
      the patients who presented with delirium from emergency department (50) and
      consultation-liaison psychiatry groups (50), over a period of one year. The
      diagnosis was made on the basis of DSM- 5 criteria. The Delirium Rating Scale
      (DRS-R-98) was applied to know the severity of delirium, cognitive and non
      cognitive symptoms of delirium in patients. The results were subjected to
      appropriate statistical analysis. RESULTS: In emergency group, 42% patients had
      metabolic abnormalities, while in consultation-liaison, 38% patients had
      hyponatremia and hypokalemia and the difference was found to be statistically non
      significant (p>0.05). In emergency group, 21(42%) patients were diagnosed as
      delirium due to other medical condition, followed by 13 (26%) and 8(16%)
      patients, who were diagnosed as delirium due to multiple aetiologies and
      substance intoxication each respectively. In only 33(66%) cases in consultation
      liaison group patients had delirium secondary to other medical conditions. As per
      DRS-R98 Scale, mean severity score was found to be statistically significant
      (p<0.05) in consultation liaison group as compared to emergency department group
      (p> 0.05). CONCLUSION: Delirium is multifactorial aetiological disease, with
      variable but preventable outcome. Approach should be aimed at finding the
      treatable causes to reduce morbidity and mortality.

PMID- 27656536
TI  - Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Anxiety and Depression among People Undergoing
      Haemodialysis: A Randomized Control Trial.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is becoming a major public health
      problem worldwide. The very diagnosis of CKD brings a plethora of psychological
      problems that adds to the agony of the debilitating illness. Financial
      difficulties apart from the excruciating physical burden of the disease, owing to
      series of psychosocial issues. Anxiety and depression are two major concerns that
      to be managed effectively to sustain the life of people undergoing Haemodialysis.
      AIM: The study aimed at finding the effect of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
      on anxiety and depression among people undergoing haemodialysis. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: An experimental approach with Randomized controlled trial design was
      adopted for the study. The instruments used for data collection were Background
      Proforma and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). A total of 150
      subjects undergoing haemodialysis in a tertiary care hospital of South Karnataka
      were screened for inclusion and exclusion criteria and 80 participants were
      recruited for the study. Through computerized block randomization 40 each were
      allotted to experimental and control groups whereas 33 and 34 respectively in
      both the groups completed the study. CBT, a structured individual therapy of
      cognitive, behavioural and didactic techniques, with 10 weekly sessions each was
      administered to the experimental group. Non-directed counseling, a psychological
      intervention with ten weekly sessions of individual counseling was given to the
      control group. RESULTS: The findings of the study revealed that there was a
      significant reduction of mean anxiety (F=76.739, p=0.001) and depression
      (F=57.326, p= 0.001) in the experimental group when compared with the control
      group. CONCLUSION: Researchers concluded that CBT can be effectively utilized for
      people undergoing haemodialysis in order to obtain control over their negative
      thoughts thereby reducing anxiety and depression.

PMID- 27656537
TI  - Multiple Meningioma in a Patient of Bipolar Disorder: The Dilemma of Detecting
      Structural Brain Lesions in the Backdrop of a Long Standing Psychiatric Illness.
AB  - Multiple meningioma often can be clinically silent and may present with only
      psychiatric symptoms. We report a case of 43-year-old, right handed woman with a
      23 year history of long standing bipolar affective disorder, who presented with a
      mixed episode with psychotic symptoms which did not respond to usual treatment
      and was further complicated with a different set of symptomatology. MRI brain
      revealed multiple dural based mass lesions identified to be multiple meningiomas.
      Patient's symptoms improved after gamma knife stereotactic radiosurgery for the
      multiple meningioma. Our finding illustrates the need to assess for brain lesions
      in presence of atypical symptoms, along with unresponsiveness to traditional
      management with psychotropic medications in patients with bipolar affective
      disorders. 

PMID- 27656538
TI  - Evaluation of Placental Extracts as an Adjuvant Therapy to Phenol in Treatment of
      Idiopathic Guttate Hypomelanolsis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Idiopathic Guttate Hypomelanolsis (IGH) macules are hypo pigmented
      lesions occurring due to decreased functioning of melanocytes due to
      photosensitivity or persistent irritation of skin in middle aged and elderly.
      AIM: To find out the efficacy of placental extracts when used as an adjunct with
      88% phenol for the treatment of IGH macules. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 40
      patients were randomly divided into two groups (n=20 in each group), viz group P,
      (the control group, treated with only 88% phenol) and Group PP (study group,
      treated with Placental extracts along with 88% phenol). Spot peeling was done
      with 88% phenol in both the groups while group PP was advised to use placental
      extract at night for 3 months. Patients of both groups were assessed both
      subjectively and objectively after every session and at the end of 3 months of
      initiation of therapy. The statistical analysis was done using Chi-square test, Z
      test and a p-value<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Both the groups
      showed significant re-pigmentation of lesions i.e., 76.8% in group P and 79.1% in
      group PP; whereas, what group PP had shown was non- significantly (p=0.8203)
      better as compared to group P. CONCLUSION: The clinical and patient acceptability
      of phenol along with the placental extracts as an adjuvant was better with
      similar results. Hence, the use of placental extract is recommended along with
      phenol in IGH lesions.

PMID- 27656539
TI  - Palmoplantar Dermatoses- A Clinical Study of 300 Cases.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Dermatoses affecting palms and soles are among the most difficult
      of all dermatological therapeutic problems. Many previous studies have focused on
      the specific diseases of palmoplantar dermatoses. However, none of them have
      included a comprehensive study of palmoplantar dermatoses. AIMS: To study the
      epidemiological aspects like age distribution, sex distribution, the dermatoses
      affecting the palms & soles and the frequency of involvement of palms, soles or
      both palms & soles, in patient with palmoplantar dermatoses. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: This cross sectional study was conducted in the Department of
      Dermatology between October 2011 to September 2013. First 300 cases attending the
      department of dermatology primarily with complaints pertaining to palms and soles
      were enrolled in the study. After taking consent a detailed history and clinical
      examination pertaining to the aim of the study was recorded and analysed, which
      included inspection of morphology and distribution of lesions and palpation of
      any swelling. Direct microscopic examination of scrapings, wet mounted with 10%
      potassium hydroxide was done for cases with scaly lesions. Those who had a
      pustule, gram staining was done. Patch testing using Indian Standard Battery
      Series was done for those cases of eczema. A sample for biopsy was taken when
      diagnosis could not be arrived clinically, and subjected to histopathological
      examination. RESULTS: In our study of 300 patients with palmoplantar dermatoses,
      164 were females and 136 were males, the ratio observed being 1.2:1. The peak
      incidence was found in the age group 21-30 years, with 41 females (25%) and 35
      males (25.7%). Most frequently affected individuals in this study were housewives
      (30%). The most common five diseases of palmoplantar dermatoses were palmoplantar
      psoriasis (20.7%), moniliasis (19%), palmoplantar hyperhidrosis (7%), keratolysis
      exfoliativa (6%) and pitted keratolysis (6%). Majority of patients had
      involvement of both palms and soles (44.3%) as compared to patients with
      involvement of only palm (28%) and only sole (27.3%). The commonest palmoplantar
      dermatoses with only palm involvement was keratolysis exfoliativa (16.7%), with
      only sole involvement was moniliasis (41%) and with both palms and soles
      involvement was palmoplantar psoriasis (41.4%). Associated nail changes were seen
      in 80 cases (26.6%), with maximum incidence in palmoplantar psoriasis (62.5%).
      Associated dermatological conditions were observed in 43 patients (14.3%).
      CONCLUSION: Palmoplantar dermatoses are frequently encount-ered in the
      dermatologic field. Further investigation with a wider and larger population is
      necessary to understand the epidemiology, based on which accurate diagnosis and
      proper treatment could be achieved.

PMID- 27656540
TI  - Immunohistochemical Expression of Leptin in Non Melanoma Skin Cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Obesity in adults is associated with numerous health disorders
      including some forms of cancer. Various epidemiological studies have found a link
      between excess adiposity and malignant melanoma; however, the association with
      non melanoma skin cancer is questionable. Leptin is a hormone produced mainly by
      the adipose tissue and its serum level may reflect body mass index. Leptin is
      reported to promote proliferation and angiogenesis and deregulate apoptosis,
      therefore facilitates the process of carcinogenesis. AIM: The current study tried
      to assess leptin localization and expression in non melanoma skin cancer to
      verify its possible role in pathogenesis of this cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      This study was carried out on 13 Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) cases and 14 Squamous
      Cell Carcinoma (SCC) cases together with 19 normal skin biopsies as a control
      group using immunohistochemical method. RESULTS: Leptin was expressed in 52.6% of
      the normal epidermis with pure cytoplasmic and both cytoplasmic and nuclear
      staining patterns. All cases of SCC (100%) and two cases of BCC (15.4%) showed
      leptin expression in tumour cells whereas nuclear expression was in favour of
      SCC. Stromal expression of leptin was seen in both SCC (57.1%) and BCC (38.5%)
      without significant differences. Percentage of leptin expression by tumour cells
      in SCC showed positive linear correlation with tumour size (p=0.02) and
      microvessel density (p=0.000). Stromal expression of leptin in SCC was associated
      with large tumour size (p=0.04), advanced stage (p=0.01) and tumours arising in
      sites other than head and neck (p=0.01). CONCLUSION: Leptin could have a more
      important role in pathogenesis of cutaneous SCC rather than BCC that may reflect
      the trivial role of obesity in induction of BCC. The expression of leptin by
      tumour and stromal cells of SCC could co-operate in its progression by promoting
      angiogenesis with subsequently acquiring large tumour size and then advanced
      stage.

PMID- 27656541
TI  - Could Topical Minoxidil Cause Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy?
AB  - Minoxidil hair formulation is commonly used for the treatment of male or female
      androgenic alopecia. Minoxidil is a Health Canada and US FDA-approved medication
      for hair loss in men and women. The drug is marketed as 2% and 5% topical
      solutions. This over-the-counter product is considered safe, but should be used
      with caution. Furthermore, minoxidil is an orally active vasodilator for
      treatment of severe hypertension. Typical side effects of minoxidil are faster
      heart rate, augmented heart function and stroke volume (which can be associated
      with reduced vascular resistance upon baroflex stimulus), retained sodium and
      water and abnormal hair growth. The most common adverse reactions of the topical
      formulation are limited to irritant and allergic contact dermatitis on the scalp.
      Herein, we report a non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy caused by
      topical 5% minoxidil treatment that was resolved after discontinuation of
      minoxidil. 

PMID- 27656542
TI  - Retinol Binding Protein 4 in Non Obese Psoriatic Cases.

PMID- 27656543
TI  - Retrospective Analysis of Efficacy and Toxicity of Hypo-fractionated Radiotherapy
      in Breast Carcinoma.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The conventional dose fractionation of adjuvant radiotherapy (RT)
      to whole breast is 45-50 Gy in 25 fractions as 1.8-2.0-Gy per fraction.
      Lumpectomy cavity with a 1.5-2-cm margin receieves additional 10- 16 Gy doseas
      boost. Alternative dose fraction schedules used in various randomised trials have
      established the role of hypofractionated radiotherapy (HRT) in early breast
      cancer. HRT allows time and cost saving thus better patient compliance. However
      the efficacy and toxicity of HRT in locally advanced breast cancer is still under
      evaluation. AIM: To study the toxicity and efficacy of Hypofractionated
      Radiotherapy (HRT) as compared to Conventional Radiotherapy (CRT) in breast
      cancer at our centre. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of breast
      cancer patients treated between October 2012- September 2014 with adjuvant
      radiation therapy as CRT or HRT. The data of these patients was retrieved and
      analysed regarding demographic profile, stage at presentation, pathological type,
      extent of surgery, chemotherapy, efficacy and toxicity of HRT. The toxicity
      assessment was done as per RTOG toxicity criteria. The data were analysed using
      SPSS software version 20.0. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients with carcinoma
      breast who received radiotherapy over two years were analysed. Age ranged from 18
      90 years, mean 49.15 +/- 12.7 years. Fifty-five patients were post-menopausal,
      predominant clinical feature was painless lump in the breast (98%). Early stage
      (Stage I and II) constituted 41%, locally advanced disease in 59%. Modified
      radical mastectomy was done in 75%, breast conserving surgery in 25%. A 56
      patients received HRT and 44 were treated with CRT. The most common acute
      toxicity was skin grade I. An 18% patients in HRT arm and 30% patients in
      conventional arm developed grade II skin toxicity (p=0.23). Dysphagia grade I was
      seen in 10% cases in CRT arm and 12% in HRT arm. The median follow-up period was
      11.3 months with 2 loco-regional failures in each arm. CONCLUSION: HRT seems to
      be equally efficacious and no more toxic than CRT in carcinoma breast even in
      unselected sub-group of patients.

PMID- 27656544
TI  - Diagnostic Utility of PAX5 in Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: A Study from
      Northern India.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: PAX5 is an immunomarker of B-cell origin and useful in the
      diagnosis of lymphoma. There is hardly any study on PAX5 expression in Indian
      patients with lymphoma. AIM: To evaluate the diagnostic utility of PAX5 as an
      adjunct immunohistochemical marker in the diagnosis of Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) and
      Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Immunohistochemistry was
      performed against CD20, CD3, CD15, CD30, and PAX5 on formalin fixed paraffin
      embedded tissue of 71 cases of lymphoma and CD20, CD3 and PAX5 in control samples
      of reactive lymph nodes. Frequency, mean values, and percentage were calculated.
      Fisher's-exact test and test for analysis of variance were applied. RESULT: For
      24 cases of HL and 47 cases of NHL, the mean age of patients was 17.6+/-14.8
      years and 44.1+/-21.6 years, respectively. The male: female ratio for both HL and
      NHL were 1.7:1. Among NHL cases, the numbers of B-cell and T-cell types were
      39/47 (83%) and 8/47 (17%), respectively. In comparison to control samples, PAX5+
      expression was seen in 23/24 (95.8%) cases of HL (p=1.000) and 32/39 (82%) cases
      of B-NHL (p=0.0834). All the cases of T-NHL showed negative expression of PAX5
      (p<0.0001). Analysis of variance between NHL, HL and control samples was
      statistically significant (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: PAX5 staining between control
      samples and cases of classical HL and B-NHL was statistically not significant,
      whereas, statistically significant difference was observed with T-NHL. Thus, PAX5
      may be used as an adjunct marker in the diagnosis of classical HL and B-NHL.

PMID- 27656545
TI  - Clinicopathological Profile and Outcomes of Follicular Dendritic Cell Sarcoma of
      the Head and Neck Region - A Study of 10 Cases with Literature Review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Follicular Dendritic Cell Sarcomas (FDCS) are rare disorders of the
      lymph node and soft tissues. Accurate characterization of these neoplasms is
      important in planning optimal treatment given its potential for recurrence and
      metastasis. AIM: To analyse the clinicopathological profile and outcomes of a
      series of 10 cases of follicular dendritic cell sarcoma arising in the head and
      neck region diagnosed at our regional cancer centre. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A
      series of 10 cases of FDCS of the head and neck region from the hospital registry
      of head and neck cancers diagnosed between 2007 and 2013 were collected and
      analysed retrospectively. Clinical details, pathologic features, immuno
      phenotypic profile, treatment approach and outcomes over a period of 5 years were
      noted. The Recurrence Free Survivals (RFS) of all the patients were recorded.
      RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 57 years and the mean age was 50.9
      years. Male: female ratio was 7:3. In eight of the 10 patients, the tumours were
      located in the tonsils. All the tumour cells showed diffuse cytoplasmic CD21 and
      CD23 positivity by IHC. All the 10 cases underwent surgical excision of the
      tumour and three cases underwent additional neck dissection for cervical lymph
      node enlargement. All the patients with high grade tumours were uniformly managed
      with Tri-modality treatment (Surgery followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy).
      The overall recurrence rate was 70%. The mean and median recurrence free survival
      was 39.6 and 44 months, respectively. Two of the three patients who remained
      recurrence free at the end of the 60 months had low grade tumours. CONCLUSION:
      Early recognition of follicular dendritic cell sarcomas requires a high index of
      suspicion and bi-modality or tri-modality treatment may cure a subset of low and
      high grade tumours respectively and prolong recurrence in a large subset of
      patients. Surgery is the mainstay and the definitive modality of treatment; the
      advantages and benefit of adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy are yet to be
      established. Tri-modality management may have a role in high grade patients which
      needs to be substantiated in future studies.

PMID- 27656546
TI  - Clinical Measurement of Maximum Mouth Opening in Children of Kolkata and Its
      Relation with Different Facial Types.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Maximal opening of mouth is described as the greatest distance
      between incisal edge of maxillary central incisor to the incisal edge of
      mandibular central incisor, when the mouth is opened as wide as possible
      painlessly or as the inter incisal distance plus the overbite. Clinical
      measurement of normal range of Maximum Mouth Opening (MMO) in children is an
      important diagnostic criterion for evaluation of stomatognathic system,
      especially for those with temporomandibular and neurogenic dysfunctions. AIM: To
      determine the correlation of maximal mouth opening with age, sex, height, body
      weight and different facial types. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was a cross
      sectional study which was conducted on 434 children, who were randomly divided
      into three groups based on their age: Group I- children of age 6 to 8 years,
      Group II- children of age 8.1 to 10 years, Group III- children of age 10.1 to 12
      years. For each child, the examiner took three readings of MMO in millimeters
      (mm) and the mean of the three readings was considered. Age, sex, standing
      height, body weight and facial type of each child were also recorded
      simultaneously. Pearson correlation was used to determine the relationship
      between the different parameters. p-value <0.05 was the bench mark for
      statistical significance in the analysis. Descriptive and inferential analysis
      was done for the data using SPSS version 20.0. (SPSS 20, inc.; Chicago). RESULTS:
      The estimated average MMO measured for girls and boys in the age range of 6-8
      years, with a total sample size of 139, was 41.14 +/- 4.29 mm and 42.16 +/-
      3.98mm respectively in euryprosopic face type. In leptoproscopic face type, it
      was 42.12 +/- 4.54mm and 43.76 +/- 3.80 mm in girls and boys respectively. In
      mesoproscopic face type, MMO measured was 41.77 +/- 4.09mm and 42.51 +/- 3.95 mm
      in girls and boys respectively. The estimated average MMO measured for girls and
      boys in the age range of 8.1-10 years, with a total sample size of 143, was
      44.42+4.69mm and 43.30 +/- 4.11 mm in euryprosopic face type. In leptoproscopic
      face type, it was 43.02 +/- 3.92mm and 46.29 +/-3.09mm in girls and boys
      respectively. In mesoproscopic face type, MMO measured was 42.50 +/-4.32 and
      42.80 +/- 5.16 mm in girls and boys respectively. The estimated average MMO
      measured for girls and boys in the age range of 10.1-12 years, with a total
      sample size of 152, was 44.63 +/- 5.28 mm and 45.80 +/- 5.18 mm respectively in
      euryprosopic face type. In leptoproscopic face type, it was 45.76 +/- 4.98 mm and
      46.28 +/- 4.68 mm in girls and boys respectively. In mesoproscopic face type, MMO
      measured was 45.32 +/- 5.80 mm and 46.03 +/- 5.86 mm in girls and boys
      respectively. CONCLUSION: There was a significant difference in MMO between males
      and females; with males having higher values in all age groups. MMO is seen to
      increase with age in a statistically significant manner. Significantly increased
      value of MMO was observed in leptoproscopic face type in comparison to
      euryproscopic and mesoproscopic face type for each age group.

PMID- 27656547
TI  - The Hormonal Fingerprints and BMI: Implications for Risk Factors in Dental Caries
      and Malocclusion.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The hormonal fingerprint is the ratio between 2(nd) and 4(th) digit
      lengths. It was evidenced in the medical scenario that it can be used as an
      indirect marker in many diseases like Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) and metabolic
      syndromes. As far as dentistry is concerned very few studies in the literature
      have been done to evaluate the influence of hormonal fingerprint on oral health,
      thus provoking us to formulate new method for predicting dental caries and
      malocclusion and its association with Body Mass Index (BMI). AIM: The purpose of
      this retrospective study was to highlight the role of new biological marker
      Hormonal fingerprints in the early detection of malocclusion, caries, the
      influence of BMI on malocclusion and caries. We also attempted to study the
      correlation of BMI with hormonal fingerprints. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of
      300 children were randomly selected from both sexes of age group 10-15 years. The
      hormonal fingerprint was made by measuring the length ratio of the index and ring
      finger with the help of digital Vernier caliper. Anthropometric measures (weight
      in kilograms and height in metres) for the calculation of BMI were recorded.
      Caries assessment was done using standard mouth mirrors and Community Periodontal
      Index probes. DMFT index was followed for assessment of caries according to the
      WHO assessment form, 1997. Occlusal characteristics of the children evaluated
      were molar relation, anterior and posterior cross bite, open bite, deep bite,
      lower anterior crowding. All the factors were recorded by two investigators.
      RESULTS: The results of the study showed that majority of the children among
      study population were having 2D:4D <1. The rate of occurrence of malocclusion was
      increasing with increase in the value of 2D:4D ratio with a statistically
      significant p-value of <0.001. Higher BMI values were associated with normal
      occlusal conditions (p= 0.041) and lower 2D:4D ratio (p= 0.037). High caries
      experience was noticed in children with malocclusion (p= 0.027) which further
      influences the caries susceptibility. Pearson's correlation test, t-test and
      ANOVA were used in the study for statistical analysis using SPSS software.
      CONCLUSION: This study confirms the impact of hormones on incidence of
      malocclusion, BMI which in turn influences the caries index and could be used as
      an early predictor.

PMID- 27656548
TI  - Cone Beam Computed Tomography- An Effective Tool in Detecting Caries Under Fixed
      Dental Prostheses.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Caries under restorations is the most common reason for re
      treatment and replacement in restorative failures. To avoid failures of fixed
      dental prostheses, it is important to diagnose caries under it earlier. Without
      image degradation and metal artifacts, Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) can
      be the solution to detect caries without removing fixed dental prostheses. AIM:
      The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of CBCT in detecting caries
      under fixed dental prostheses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Each specimen was scanned
      with CBCT for evaluation of secondary caries under fixed prostheses. Exposure
      parameters were 60 kVp and 3mA. Field of View (FOV) used was 8cm X 8cm. According
      to International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) criteria, six
      Grade 6 carious extracted teeth were selected. All teeth were prepared with four
      different specimens - full metal, metal-ceramic, full ceramic and metal-acrylic
      crowns for each tooth. Each specimen was scanned by CBCT. T-test was performed
      for mean gray value differences between caries and noncaries regions of each
      material. Gray values were recorded and evaluated for different parameters using
      two-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: Significant differences were found with
      respect to material (full metal, metal-ceramic, full ceramic and metal-acrylic)
      and situation (caries/noncaries) (p<0.001). There were no significant differences
      with respect to location (anterior or posterior). Mean gray values of caries and
      noncaries regions were found to be different for each material. CONCLUSION: CBCT
      can be used as a post-treatment diagnostic technique for detecting caries under
      fixed prostheses without removing it.

PMID- 27656549
TI  - Immunohistochemical Evaluation of Mast Cells in Leukoplakia and Oral Squamous
      Cell Carcinoma.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: More than 90% of oral cancers are squamous cell carcinomas with
      oral leukoplakia being the most common potentially malignant disorder. Among the
      cell types in the stroma, mast cells play an important role in tumourigenesis
      through various mechanisms. AIM: The present study was aimed at comparing the
      mast cell count among normal oral mucosa, leukoplakia and Oral squamous cell
      carcinoma (OSSC) and to evaluate the possible role of mast cells in
      carcinogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mast cell count was assessed
      immunohistochemically using anti-mast cell tryptase amongst 20 cases of
      leukoplakia and OSSC each and 10 normal gingival samples. Overall comparison was
      done using Kruskal Wallis test and intergroup comparison was done using Mann
      Whitney U test. RESULTS: The results of the present study showed an increase in
      mast cell count from normal oral mucosa (Mean: 7.73) to leukoplakia (Mean: 15.11)
      to squamous cell carcinoma (Mean: 22.73). Comparison of mean number of mast cells
      amongst three groups (p-value: 0.001) and intergroup comparisons showed
      statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Mast cells favour malignant transformation
      and can be used as indicators of disease progression.

PMID- 27656550
TI  - An Invitro Evaluation of Antimicrobial Efficacy and Flow Characteristics for AH
      Plus, MTA Fillapex, CRCS and Gutta Flow 2 Root Canal Sealer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cleaning and shaping of root canal does not guarantee complete
      disinfection of the canal, regardless of the systems and techniques used for this
      purpose. Therefore, it becomes mandatory for the endodontic filling materials to
      have a good antimicrobial potential especially against E. faecalis. This research
      was aimed therefore to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy and flow properties of
      different root canal sealers. AIM: To study invitro antimicrobial activity and
      flow characteristics for Resin based (AH Plus), Mineral Trioxide Aggregate based
      (MTA Fillapex), Calcium hydroxide based (CRCS) and Flowable Gutta-Percha (Gutta
      Flow 2) endodontic sealers on Enterococcus faecalis. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212 was used to test antibacterial potential of
      sealers by Agar diffusion test (ADT) and Direct Contact Test (DCT). ADT was
      performed by punching the sealers on a well of 4*6mm diameter on Muller Hinton
      agar plates. These plates were inoculated with standard suspension of E. faecalis
      and the zone of inhibition was measured at 24 hours and after 7 days. All the
      sealers were prepared in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Flow
      of sealers was measured according to ADA specification no. 57. RESULTS: All
      sealers showed antibacterial activity against E. faecalis except Gutta Flow 2. At
      24 hours, zone of inhibition was highest in Calcibiotic Root Canal Sealer (CRCS)
      and lowest in AH Plus. After 7 days the zone of inhibition decreased in AH plus,
      CRCS and MTA Fillapex. DCT showed a significant lower number of organisms in AH
      Plus, CRCS and MTA than controls at both the time intervals. Gutta Flow 2 did not
      show any significant antimicrobial action. Maximum and minimum flow was shown by
      AH Plus and CRCS respectively. CONCLUSION: Highest microbial inhibition was shown
      by (CRCS), followed by MTA Fillapex and AH Plus. Gutta Flow 2 did not show any
      inhibition of E. faecalis by ADT. Maximum reduction in antibacterial property
      with time against E. faecalis was seen with AH Plus. Maximum flow was shown by AH
      Plus and minimum by CRCS.

PMID- 27656552
TI  - Effect of Alendronate with beta - TCP Bone Substitute in Surgical Therapy of
      Periodontal Intra-Osseous Defects: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Alendronate (ALN), an aminobisphosphonate, inhibits osteoclastic
      bone resorption and also stimulates osteogenesis. Beta-Tricalcium Phosphate (beta
      TCP) is an osteoconductive graft material which provides a scaffold for bone
      formation and also a widely used drug delivery vehicle for growth factors and
      antibiotics. Drug delivery vehicles, like beta-TCP, improve the potency of the
      drugs by specific local site delivery of the drug, optimal release
      characteristics and easy handling. AIM: The aim of the this study was to evaluate
      the bone formation potential of 400MUg ALN delivered in beta-TCP in the treatment
      of periodontal intra-osseous defects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients with
      periodontal defects were randomly assigned to 400MUg ALN + beta-TCP + Saline
      (test) group and beta-TCP + Saline (active-control) group. Clinical parameters
      like Clinical Attachment Level (CAL) gain, Probing Depth (PD) reduction, post
      operative Gingival Recession (GR) were assessed from the baseline, 3 months and 6
      months recordings. Radiographic parameters like Linear Bone Growth (LBG),
      Percentage Bone Fill (%BF), and change in alveolar crest height (ACH) were
      assessed from baseline and 6 months radiographs. RESULTS: Mean measurements in
      the ALN test group for CAL gain (3.4 +/- 0.74 mm), PD reduction (4.33 +/- 0.82
      mm), LBG (2.88 +/- 0.88 mm), and %BF (51.98 +/- 15.84%) were significantly
      greater with a p-value <0.05 compared to the mean measurements of CAL gain (2.20
      +/- 0.86 mm), PD reduction (3.20 +/- 1.15 mm), LBG (1.70 +/- 0.39 mm), and %BF
      (30.35 +/- 6.88%) of the control group. There was mild alveolar crestal
      apposition (0.32 +/- 0.68 mm) in the ALN test group and mild alveolar crestal
      resorption (-0.24 +/- 0.40 mm) in the control group. CONCLUSION: 400MUg ALN
      combined with beta-TCP bone graft material was effective in improving soft tissue
      parameters, inhibiting alveolar crestal resorption and enhancing bone formation,
      compared to beta-TCP alone.

PMID- 27656551
TI  - Association of Oral Candida albicans with Severe Early Childhood Caries - A Pilot
      Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In early childhood, children are more susceptible to opportunistic
      microbial colonization in the oral cavity due to immature immune system and not
      fully established micro flora. The current literature proposes a probable role of
      Candida albicans, a fungus in the etiopathogenesis of dental caries. AIM: This
      study was conducted to compare the Candida albicans count in children with severe
      early childhood caries and caries free children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross
      sectional study was conducted in 40 randomly selected healthy children between 12
      to 71 months of age, who were divided into two groups based on the caries
      experience as Severe Early Childhood Caries (SECC) (dmfs >=4) and caries free
      (dmfs = 0). The caries experiences (dmfs index) of the 40 children were recorded
      using visible light and diagnostic instruments. A 2ml sample of unstimulated
      whole saliva collected from the children was transported to the microbiology
      laboratory in universal containers and evaluated for Candida albicans count using
      the selective media. The data was statistically analyzed using SPSS software
      17.0. RESULTS: Candida albicans was found in both the SECC group and caries free
      group. Median Candida albicans of the SECC group was numerically greater than the
      caries free group and this difference was highly statistically significant
      (p=0.012). CONCLUSION: In this present cross-sectional study, we found a 100%
      prevalence of Candida albicans in the saliva of the study children. There was a
      highly significant increase in Candida albicans count in SECC children compared
      to the caries free children.

PMID- 27656553
TI  - Graphical Assessment Technique (GAT) - An Objective, Comprehensive and
      Comparative Hand Hygiene Quantification Tool.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There has been a profound leap in developing countries in sectors
      of human development but it falls short of millennium development goals.
      Diarrhoea, respiratory infections are primary cause of child deaths around the
      world due to improper hygiene practice. There is lack of systematic objective
      analysis, follow-up and quantification of hand hygiene guidelines. So, there is
      an urgent requisite of a tool to assess the same. AIM: To conduct a pilot test
      for assessing the efficacy of Graphical Assessment Technique (GAT) in objectively
      evaluating and comparing intervention based hand hygiene among students of
      National Association of Blind School (NABS) and a government school. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: GAT was used to assess the baseline and post-intervention
      improvement of 80 students considered for the study. Data was analyzed using SPSS
      software version 20.0 and was subjected to quantitative analysis and parametric
      tests. RESULTS: Non-significant difference (p>=0.05) was found at baseline and
      immediate post-intervention on percentage mean scores of blind school students
      and government school student, while government school children also showed non
      significant difference at one week. Significant difference (p<=0.05) was found at
      baseline, post-intervention one week and post-intervention one month for blind
      school children along with baseline and post-intervention mean percentage scores
      for government school children. CONCLUSION: The primary agenda behind the study
      was to test a tool which can objectively evaluate, quantify and compare the
      follow-up of hand hygiene guidelines and aid in better hand hygiene promotion.

PMID- 27656554
TI  - Evaluation of Anxiety Induced Cardiovascular Response in known Hypertensive
      Patients Undergoing Exodontia - A Prospective Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Anxiety towards exodontic procedures is a common occurrence in
      dental practice. In hypertensive patients this anxiety induced stress may have an
      effect on cardiovascular system which may be clinically significant. AIM: To
      evaluate the cardiovascular changes in hypertensive patients that may manifest
      following anxiety induced stress in patients undergoing exodontic procedures
      under local anaesthesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty known hypertensive
      patients under medication reporting to Department of Oral and Maxillofacial
      surgery, Dayananda Sagar College of Dental Sciences Bangalore, Karnataka, India
      for extraction of teeth were taken up for the study. Anxiety was measured before
      local anaesthetic delivery using Amsterdam Pre-operative Anxiety and Information
      Scale (APAIS). Cardiovascular response data including blood pressure, heart rate,
      pulse rate, oxygen saturation and electrocardiographic changes were measured pre
      operatively, immediately after local anaesthesia administration and Post
      operatively at five, ten and fifteen minutes interval. Kruskal-Wallis test was
      used to compare continuous variables before and after the injection of local
      anaesthesia including heart rate, pulse rate, oxygen saturation, and blood
      pressure. Repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyse the
      significance of changes in heart rate, pulse rate, blood pressure, and oxygen
      saturation over time between groups.Chi-square test was used to analyse the
      significance of electrocardiographic changes. RESULTS: The results revealed that
      the mean anxiety score before administration of local anaesthetic was 9.91(S.D +/
      2.9) with a range 4-20. Severe preoperative anxiety (<12) was associated with
      significantly increased heart rate, pulse rate, systolic blood pressure. At the
      pre-injection phase the mean values were systolic blood pressure (130.72+/-9.2),
      diastolic blood pressure (81.6+/-7.7), heart rate (72.7+/-11.9) and oxygen
      saturation (95.2+/-1.9). These values were increased immediately after local
      anaesthetic delivery and this relation was statistically significant for all
      parameters except oxygen saturation. Electrocardiographic abnormalities were
      found before and after injection of local anaesthetic (p>0.001). One patient
      showed right bundle branch block pattern. CONCLUSION: Dental anxiety impacts the
      effects of delivery of local anaesthesia on blood pressure, heart rate, pulse
      rate and electrocardiograph and is significantly associated with the increase in
      systolic blood pressure, heart rate, pulse rate and changes in
      electrocardiograph. Thus, present study supported that increased anxiety in
      hypertensive patients who underwent extraction is associated with cardiovascular
      changes.

PMID- 27656555
TI  - Assesment of Correlation of Herpes Simplex Virus-1 with Oral Cancer and Precancer
      A Comparative Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Most common malignant neoplasm in the oral cavity is squamous cell
      carcinoma. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) may enhance the development of oral
      carcinoma in individuals who are already at increased risk of the disease because
      of tobacco consumption and cigarette smoking and so must be considered as a
      possible etiologic agent in oral cancer and precancer. AIM: To assess and compare
      the correlation of HSV-1 in oral cancer and precancerous lesions/conditions with
      healthy subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study comprised of 150 subjects who
      were divided into three groups as oral cancer, precancer and control group. Their
      blood samples were collected and were tested for HSV-1 IgG antibody level, using
      'Herpe Select-1' ELISA kit. RESULTS: There was statistically insignificant
      difference between the HSV-1 IgG level in cancer and precancer but statistically
      significant difference was found between the HSV-1 IgG level among control group
      and cancer/precancer. CONCLUSION: The present study clearly indicates that
      quantitative estimation of IgG antibody against HSV-1 in cancer/precancer
      patients will give the clue in the etiology of cancer or precancer. However,
      further studies with a large sample size should be carried out to determine the
      role of HSV-1 in etiology of oral cancer and precancer.

PMID- 27656556
TI  - Evaluating the Type of Light Transmittance in Mono Crystalline, Poly Crystalline
      and Sapphire Brackets- An Invitro Spectrofluorometer Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Most of the patients seek orthodontic treatment to improve the
      smile, which improves the facial profile by means of fixed appliances i.e.,
      brackets and wires. The brackets are of different types like stainless steel and
      ceramic. Ceramic brackets were considered as aesthetic appliance which was
      divided into mono-crystalline, polycrystalline and sapphire brackets. The light
      transmittance might influence the degree of curing adhesive material in mono
      crystalline, polycrystalline and sapphire brackets. AIM: The aim of the present
      study was to evaluate the translucency and intensity of three different aesthetic
      brackets (mono crystalline, poly crystalline and sapphire ceramic brackets) and
      to determine their influence on shear bond strength of the brackets. The adhesive
      remnant index was also measured after debonding of the brackets from the tooth
      surface. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty six samples each of monocrystalline,
      polycrystalline and sapphire brackets (total 78 ceramic brackets) were used for
      the study. The bracket samples were subjected to optical fluorescence test using
      spectrofluorometer to measure the intensity of the brackets. Seventy eight
      extracted premolar teeth were procured and divided into 3 groups. The brackets
      were then bonded to the tooth using Transbond XT (3M Unitek) light cure composite
      material and cured with new light cure unit (Light Emitting Diode) of wood pecker
      company (400-450nm) for 30 seconds, and these samples were subjected to shear
      bond strength test with Instron Universal Testing Machine (UNITEK-94100) with a
      load range between 0 to 100 KN with a maximum cross head speed of 0.5mm/min. ARI
      (Adhesive Remnant Index) scores were evaluated according to Artun and Bergland
      scoring system using stereomicroscope at 20x magnification. RESULTS: The light
      absorption values obtained from spectrofluorometeric study were 3300000-3500000
      cps for group 1 (monocrystalline ceramic brackets), 6000000-6500000 cps for Group
      2 (polycrystalline ceramic brackets) and 2700000 -3000000 cps for Group 3
      (sapphire ceramic brackets) i.e., Group 2 showed the highest light absorption and
      the least translucency followed by groups 1 and 3. Shear bond strength results
      were 2.4 mpa, 1.9 mpa and 3.6 mpa for groups 1,2 and 3 respectively. Superior
      shear bond strength was recorded in group 3 (sapphire ceramic brackets). ARI
      results showed that group 3 had increased bond between bracket adhesive
      interfaces when compared to the other 2 groups. CONCLUSION: From this study, it
      has been concluded that sapphire ceramic brackets (Group 3) was superior in
      translucency and shear bond strength followed by monocrystalline and
      polycrystalline ceramic brackets.

PMID- 27656557
TI  - Effect of Various Finishing Procedures on the Reflectivity (Shine) of Tooth
      Enamel - An In-vitro Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Reflectivity of an object is a good parameter for surface finish.
      As the patient evaluates finishing as a function of gloss/reflectivity/shine an
      attempt is made here to evaluate changes in surface finish with custom made
      reflectometer. AIM: The aim of the present study was to study the effect of
      various procedures during orthodontic treatment on the shine of enamel, using a
      custom made reflectometer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty one extracted premolars
      were collected and each tooth was mounted on acrylic block. Reflectivity of the
      teeth was measured as compared to standard before any procedure. One tooth was
      kept as standard throughout the study. Sixty teeth were acid etched. Reflectivity
      was measured on custom made reflectometer and readings recorded. Same procedure
      was repeated after debonding. Then 60 samples were divided into three groups:
      Group 1 - Tungsten Carbide, Group 2 - Astropol, Group 3- Sof-Lex disc depending
      upon the finishing method after debonding and reflectivity was measured. RESULTS:
      The mean percentage of reflectivity after acid etching was 31.4%, debonding
      45.5%, Tungsten carbide bur finishing (Group 1) was 58.3%, Astropol (Group 2)
      72.8%, and Sof-Lex disc (Group 3) 84.4% as that to the standard. There was
      statistically very highly significant (p<0.001) difference in reflectivity
      restored by the three finishing materials in the study. Thus, the light
      reflection was better in Group 3> Group 2> Group 1. CONCLUSION: The primary goal
      was to restore the enamel to its original state after orthodontic treatment. The
      methods tested in this study could not restore the original enamel reflectivity.

PMID- 27656558
TI  - Evaluation of Histomorphometric Changes in Tissue Architecture in Relation to
      Alteration in Fixation Protocol - An Invitro Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Preparation of good tissue specimens for microscopy requires
      complete fixation. No ideal fixative has been found till date, with every
      fixative showing advantages and disadvantages. Appropriate fixation is required
      to maintain clear and consistent morphologic features for histologic examination.
      Pathologists mostly examine formalin fixed tissue sections and are less used to
      the morphologic changes induced by other fixatives. Underfixed and overfixed
      tissue in various fixatives can lead to tissue architectural changes which can
      affect its diagnostic value. AIM: To assess sectioning ability, staining
      intensity and microscopic details of tissues kept in different fixatives at
      different time intervals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fresh tissue specimen i.e., goat
      tongue was collected and its middle-third portion was used for the study purpose.
      The tissue was grossed into 10 equal pieces and kept in various fixatives (10%
      Buffered formalin, Carnoy's solution, Absolute ethyl alcohol, Bouin's fluid) for
      five different time intervals (6, 12, 18, 24 and 30 hours) and normal tissue
      processing steps were carried out followed by sectioning and staining. During
      sectioning, sectioning parameter was assessed. Following sectioning, sections
      were observed under light microscope and were histologically evaluated for
      staining and microscopic details. To calculate the sectioning parameter Fisher's
      exact test was used and to assess parameters for staining and microscopic details
      Mann-Whitney U test was used. RESULTS: According to the study, 10% buffered
      formaldehyde is considered as a superior fixative under all parameters followed
      by Bouin's fluid, Carnoy's solution and Absolute alcohol. CONCLUSION: In our
      study, it was concluded that 10% buffered formaldehyde should be continued as a
      routine fixative however, other fixatives can be used depending upon the non
      availability of required fixative or in case of emergencies. Pathologist should
      be accustomed to histologic and morphologic changes of underfixed and overfixed
      tissue which can affect its diagnostic value.

PMID- 27656560
TI  - Stereomicroscopic Evaluation of Sealing Ability of Four Different Root Canal
      Sealers- An invitro Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The most commonly used core material for root canal filling is
      gutta-percha and as the gutta-percha by itself cannot obturate the complete root
      canal system, owing to its poor sealing properties hence, a sealer is used in
      combination with root filling material. Sealer is more important than the core
      obturating material. Sealer plays a secondary role by merely reinforcing (binding
      or luting) the gutta-percha to the canal walls, however, it is now confirmed that
      the sealer has a prime role in sealing the canal by blocking the irregularities
      between the canal space and the core filling material. AIM: To investigate the
      effectiveness of the apical seal obtained by different sealers used in
      conjugation with cold lateral condensation technique of obturation using gutta
      percha under stereomicroscope. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred single-rooted
      extracted human permanent teeth with a single root canal were used in this in
      vitro study. The sealers tested were conventional Zinc oxide eugenol sealer,
      Apexit, AH-Plus and Roekoseal Automix (RSA). The specimens were examined under a
      stereomicroscope. For the analysis of data Snedocor's F test for the quality of
      variances among the experimental group and control group (One-Way ANOVA) were
      employed. RESULTS: The polydimethylsiloxane endodontic root canal sealer RSA
      provided a significantly better apical seal followed by AH plus and Apexit
      whereas conventional zinc oxide eugenol showed the lowest sealing ability.
      CONCLUSION: It was concluded that there were statistically significant
      differences amongst the experimental groups. The shrinkage related to setting and
      potential dissolution might risk the proper seal of the root canal leading to
      treatment failure.

PMID- 27656559
TI  - Comparative Evaluation of Longevity of Fluoride Release From three Different
      Fluoride Varnishes - An Invitro Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Fluoride varnishes play a pivotal role in inhibition of dental
      caries by increasing remineralization. AIM: To determine the longevity of
      fluoride release from 3 different fluoride varnishes over a period of time
      through salivary fluoride estimation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty four
      extracted human deciduous anterior teeth were divided into four groups, i.e.,
      ClinproTM XT, Flouritop SR, Flourprotector and Control group. Fluoride varnishes
      were applied on 3mm x 3mm window on labial surface of the teeth and then the
      teeth were immersed and stored in artificial saliva. The concentration of
      fluoride in ppm was measured after 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months.
      Fluoride release at each time interval for different groups was statistically
      analyzed using ANOVA and Post Hoc Tukey's test. RESULTS: Although all the
      fluoride varnishes released fluoride, with greatest release observed during 1(st)
      week by Fluoritop SR (66.92+/-16.30ppm), ClinproTM XT Varnish released
      consistently and substantially more fluoride than Fluoritop SR and Fluorprotector
      during 6 months analysis (p<0.05). Fluorprotector showed the lowest rate of F
      release among all the groups compared. CONCLUSION: Over a period of 6 months
      ClinproTM XT Varnish released consistently and substantially more fluoride than
      other tested products.

PMID- 27656561
TI  - Periodontal Health among Non-Hospitalized Chronic Psychiatric Patients in
      Mangaluru City-India.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: A substantial section of society constituting the mentally ill and
      psychiatric patients deserve special attention. Evidence has suggested that
      psychological factors have contributed to an increase in the susceptibility to
      periodontal disease. AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the gingival and
      periodontal health of chronically non-hospitalized psychiatric patients in
      Mangaluru city, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty one psychiatric patients
      having chronic psychiatric illness and on neuroleptic medications for a minimum
      of 2 years were included in the study. The control group consisted of 41 healthy
      dental patients who were selected to match the study group by age and gender, and
      for both groups 20 teeth excluding the third molars should be present.
      Demographic characteristics, dental examination including gingival index and
      periodontal health according to the community periodontal index were recorded for
      each patient in both the groups. RESULTS: In the psychiatric patient group (Group
      A) 47.1% subjects were suffering from schizophrenia and 17.6% subjects were
      having mood disorder. Gingivitis varied from mild to severe among the patients of
      both the groups. Bleeding on probing (CPI 1) was recorded in 23.5% in Group A and
      14.6% in Group B. Dental calculus (CPI 2) in 38.2% in Group A and 58.5% in Group
      B of the subjects, 20.6% with at least one 4mm to 5mm pocket (CPI 3), and 17.6%
      with at least one 6mm pocket (CPI 4). CONCLUSION: The present study underlines a
      considerable need for prevention and treatment of periodontal disease among
      chronic psychiatric patients in Mangaluru city. Every effort should be made to
      increase the awareness of this cohort regarding the importance of oral hygiene
      practices and on the early diagnosis of periodontal problems.

PMID- 27656562
TI  - Spectrophotometric Evaluation of the Pulpal Peroxide Levels in Intact and
      Restored Teeth - An Invitro Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Hydrogen peroxide (30%) is a commonly used "in office" bleaching
      agent. Deleterious effects of hydrogen peroxide on the pulp have been observed.
      AIM: The present study was conducted with the aim to evaluate the penetration of
      30% hydrogen peroxide into the pulp chamber through intact teeth and through the
      surface of teeth, restored with either hybrid composite or Resin Modified Glass
      Ionomer Cement (RMGIC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty extracted human maxillary
      central incisors were selected and divided into six groups. Two groups were
      restored with hybrid composite resin and two with RMGIC, while two groups were
      left intact. The teeth with acetate buffer solution in their pulp cavity were
      then immersed in either 30% hydrogen peroxide or distilled water depending upon
      the group, for 60 minutes at 37 degrees C. Then horseradish peroxidase and
      leucocrystal violet were added to the acetate buffer solution present in the pulp
      chamber after it was transferred to a test tube and the optical density of the
      resultant blue solution obtained was measured spectrophotometrically. STATISTICAL
      ANALYSIS: The data obtained were analyzed using one way ANOVA and Student's t
      test. RESULTS: The data obtained established that hydrogen peroxide penetrated
      into the pulp from the bleaching agent used. Hydrogen peroxide (30%) showed the
      highest pulpal peroxide level in teeth restored with RMGIC followed by teeth
      restored with hybrid composite resin and the least amount of penetration was
      observed in intact teeth. CONCLUSION: The amount of peroxide penetration into the
      tooth is more through restored tooth than intact tooth and is also dependant on
      the type of restorative materials used.

PMID- 27656564
TI  - Evaluating the Effect of CPP-ACP as a Final Irrigant in Improving the Micro
      Hardness of Erosive Root Dentin and its Influence on the Bond Strength of Self
      Etch Resin Sealer - An In-vitro Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Smear layer removal from the root canal wall involves the use of
      17% EDTA and 5.25% sodium hypochlorite, which thereby improves the adhesion of
      obturating materials to root dentin. But these chemical irrigants have shown to
      decrease micro hardness, increase roughness, cause erosion and reduce the root
      dentin fracture toughness. To combat these adverse effects, studies can be
      focussed on the remineralisation of the erosive root dentin and this novel idea
      has been utilized in the present study. AIM: To evaluate the micro hardness of
      erosive root dentin when Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (CPP
      ACP) was used as a final irrigant and its influence on resin sealer bonding
      tested by push-out bond strength method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty extracted
      maxillary incisors were divided into three groups based on the final irrigation
      protocol. Group 1-normal saline, Group 2-17% EDTA (Ethylene Diamine Tetraacetic
      Acid) + 5.25% NaOCl (Sodium Hypochlorite), Group 3 - 17% EDTA + 5.25% NaOCl + CPP
      ACP; each group was divided into two subgroups. Half the specimens of each group
      were evaluated for Vicker's micro hardness test after the treatment. In
      continuation with the above methodology the remaining specimens were tested for
      push-out bond strength after obturation of the specimens with self etch adhesive
      resin sealer and conventional 6% gutta percha cones. RESULTS: Micro hardness was
      statistically analysed using Kruskal Wallis test and push-out bond strength was
      evaluated using Mann Whitney test and paired t-test. CPP-ACP treated group showed
      increased micro hardness (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant
      difference between the push-out bond strength values between group EDTA + NaOCl
      group and EDTA + NaOCl + CPP-ACP group. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of
      this study it can be concluded that, CPP-ACP improved the micro hardness of
      erosive root dentin and is not affecting its bond strength. Therefore, CPP-ACP
      may be used before bonding procedures for promoting remineralization of root
      dentin.

PMID- 27656563
TI  - Immunohistochemical Localization of Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition Markers in
      Cyclosporine A Induced Gingival Overgrowth.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cyclosporine, an immunosuppressive agent used in the management of
      renal transplant patients is known to produce Drug Induced Gingival Overgrowth
      (DIGO) as a side effect. Several mechanisms have been elucidated to understand
      the pathogenesis of DIGO. Recently, epithelial mesenchymal transition has been
      proposed as a mechanism underlying fibrosis of various organs. AIM: The aim of
      the study was to investigate if Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) operates
      in Cyclosporine induced gingival overgrowth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study
      involved obtaining gingival tissue samples from healthy individuals (n=17) and
      subjects who exhibited cyclosporine induced gingival overgrowth (n=18). Presence
      and distribution of E-Cadherin, S100 A4 and alpha smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA)
      was assessed using immunohistochemistry and cell types involved in their
      expression were determined. The number of alpha- SMA positive fibroblasts were
      counted in the samples. RESULTS: In control group, there was no loss of E
      Cadherin and a pronounced staining was seen in the all layers of the epithelium
      in all the samples analysed (100%). S100 A4 staining was noted in langerhans
      cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells and endothelial lined blood capillaries in
      Connective Tissue (CT) of all the samples (100%) while alpha - SMA staining was
      seen only on the endothelial lined blood capillaries in all the samples (100%).
      However in DIGO, there was positive staining of E-Cadherin only in the basal and
      suprabasal layers of the epithelium in all the samples (100%). Moreover there was
      focal loss of E-Cadherin in the epithelium in eight out of 18 samples (44%). A
      break in the continuity of the basement membrane was noted in three out of 18
      samples (16%) on H & E staining. CONCLUSION: Based on the analysis of
      differential staining of the markers, it can be concluded that EMT could be one
      of the mechanistic pathways underlying the pathogenesis of DIGO.

PMID- 27656566
TI  - Immunohistochemical Detection of p75 Neurotrophin Receptor (p75-NTR) in
      Follicular and Plexiform Ameloblastoma.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Ameloblastoma holds a unique position among benign tumours by its
      locally destructive and invasive nature. Recently improvised molecular techniques
      helped researchers to unravel the myth behind such biologic behaviour. Though
      interesting findings have been delivered, the rhythmic correlation regarding the
      exact mechanism still remains lacking. Neurotrophins and their receptor mediated
      pathways play a crucial role in survival, death and differentiation of many
      neuroectoderm derived cells. With this background, the study has been aimed to
      investigate the expression of p75-NTR (Neurotrophin Receptor) in follicular and
      plexiform ameloblastoma. AIM: To analyze the immunohistochemical expression
      pattern of p75-NTR in ameloblastoma and to compare the immunohistochemical
      expression pattern of p75-NTR among the histological types of ameloblastoma,
      follicular and plexiform patterns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total 22 ameloblastomas
      (12 follicular, 10 plexiform) were immuno-stained with anti-human p75-NTR mouse
      IgG monoclonal antibody and the pattern of staining is statistically analyzed.
      RESULTS: Only 11 (10 follicular, 1 plexiform) out of 22 ameloblastomas showed
      immuno-reactivity to p75-NTR. In ameloblastoma, only the peripheral pre
      ameloblast like tall columnar cells showed reactivity whereas the stellate
      reticulum-like cells were immuno-negative. The staining pattern was membranous in
      the immuno-reactive cells. The results were studied with the downstream pathways
      from the literature and a possible mechanism has been proposed. CONCLUSION: The
      expression pattern of p75-NTR was found to be more in follicular ameloblastoma
      than plexiform.

PMID- 27656565
TI  - Evaluation of Outcome Following Coronectomy for the Management of Mandibular
      Third Molars in Close Proximity to Inferior Alveolar Nerve.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Iatrogenic damage to Inferior Alveolar Nerve (IAN) is a significant
      risk factor following prophylactic or therapeutic removal of impacted mandibular
      third molar. The risk to IAN injury increases many fold, when the third molar
      root overlaps the nerve canal as identified by the radiographic imaging. Various
      methods like orthodontic assisted extraction, staged removal of tooth or
      coronectomy have been advocated to reduce the incidence of IAN injury in high
      risk cases with variable outcome. AIM: The aim of present study was to evaluate
      the fate of the root (resorbed, exfoliated, covered by bone) after coronectomy or
      intentional root retention of impacted mandibular 3(rd) molars in patients with
      high risk for inferior alveolar nerve damage as evaluated by the intra oral
      periapical radiograph. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty impacted mandibular third
      molar teeth, in 18 patients with high risk of injury to IAN based on Rood's
      Criteria in an intra oral periapical radiographic examination, between the age
      group of 18 to 40 years, were included in the study. Preoperatively the impacted
      third molars were evaluated clinically as well as radiographically. Pederson
      Difficulty Index and Winter's Classification of impacted tooth was recorded.
      Coronectomy was done at the cemento enamel junction leaving the roots 2-3mm below
      the alveolar crest and primary closure was done. Patients were evaluated
      periodically for two years at six months interval. Post operative pain, swelling,
      IAN injury or any other complications were observed and recorded. RESULTS: None
      of the patients had IAN injury and none required second surgical removal. There
      was no incidence of post-operative infection and none required second surgical
      intervention. However, two of our patients had failed coronectomy (10%) due to
      mobilization of roots intra operatively and the roots were removed. One patient
      developed profuse bleeding intra-operatively in the failed coronectomy case. One
      patient had temporary lingual nerve paresthesia. CONCLUSION: Coronectomy
      procedure is effective in controlling inferior alveolar nerve injury following
      third molar surgery, in radiographically evaluated high risk cases and it has
      very low incidence of complications.

PMID- 27656567
TI  - Interlinking Periodontitis and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus by Assessment of
      Crevicular Visfatin Levels in Health and in Disease Before and After Initial
      Periodontal Therapy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Visfatin is a new adipocytokine associated with both chronic
      periodontitis and type 2 diabetes mellitus independently. AIM: We aimed to
      estimate and compare the changes in the levels of visfatin in the Gingival
      Crevicular Fluid (GCF) of healthy subjects and in subjects with periodontitis
      with or without controlled Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) after administration
      of non-surgical periodontal therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty two subjects
      were equally divided into Group 1 (healthy), Group 2 (systemically healthy with
      chronic periodontitis), Group 3 (subjects with chronic periodontitis having
      controlled T2DM). Defined clinical parameters were recorded at baseline and at
      one month follow-up period. Visfatin was assessed using enzyme linked
      immunosorbent assay. One way ANOVA and Tukey's multiple post hoc procedures were
      used. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used for correlation. RESULTS:
      Significant increase in the visfatin levels was seen with the highest values
      observed in diabetes with periodontal disease. Visfatin responded to non-surgical
      periodontal therapy as observed by significant decrease in levels after one month
      but even at this period diabetics showed the highest levels. CONCLUSION: Visfatin
      levels are highest in individuals with both periodontal disease and diabetes even
      after periodontal therapy. Individuals with T2DM may be at higher risk of
      developing periodontal disease.

PMID- 27656568
TI  - Comparative Evaluation of Flexural Strength of Provisional Crown and Bridge
      Materials-An Invitro Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Provisional restorations serve a key role as a functional and
      esthetic try-in for the design of the final prosthesis. During selection of
      materials for this restoration, clinicians must consider physical properties,
      ease of handling, cost and patient satisfaction and approval. AIM: To evaluate
      and compare the flexural strength of provisional crown and bridge materials
      available commercially. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This in-vitro study was done to
      compare the flexural strength of six temporary crown and bridge materials
      available commercially at 24 hours, 8 days and after repair. Three poly methyl
      methacrylate based materials (DPI, SC10 and Trulon) and three bis-acrylic based
      composite resins (Protemp, Cooltemp and Luxatemp) were selected. A total of 72
      specimens of dimensions 64mm*10mm*2.5mm were prepared from these materials (12
      from each material) and divided into two groups (n=36). Specimens were stored in
      artificial saliva and were fractured after 24 hours and 8 days using Universal
      Testing Machine. The fractured samples from the 8 days study were then subjected
      to repair. A uniform space of 2mm and a 450 bevel was maintained for all the
      repaired samples for better distribution of forces. Flexural strength of these
      repaired samples was recorded using the same machine. RESULTs were recorded and
      statistically analysed by one-way Anova and Post hoc tests. RESULT: RESULTs
      revealed that there was decrease in flexural strength for all the materials
      tested from 24 hours to 8 days, though flexural strength between poly methyl
      methacrylate and bis-acrylic resins was similar at 24 hours and 8 days time
      interval. A substantial decrease was noticed in the strength of bis-acrylic
      composite resins after repair. CONCLUSION: From the current study it can be
      suggested that though there is decrease in flexural strength for all the
      materials from 24 hours to 8 days, both can be used to fabricate the provisional
      restorations. However, in the event of a fracture of a bis-acrylic provisional
      restoration, it may be more advantageous to make a new provisional restoration
      than to repair the fractured one.

PMID- 27656569
TI  - Prevalence of Carcinomatous Foci in Oral Leukoplakia: A Clinicopathologic Study
      of 546 Indian Samples.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Oral Leukoplakia (OL), the most common potentially malignant
      disorder, is diagnosed clinically on the basis of exclusion of other lesions. In
      a country like India, where prevalence of oral cancer is very high, the issue of
      carcinomatous foci within OL at the time of initial diagnosis of leukoplakia has
      never been addressed before. AIM: To estimate the prevalence and risk factors for
      epithelial dysplasia as well as carcinoma within OL lesions at the time of
      initial clinical presentation in an Indian population with high prevalence of
      tobacco use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical and pathologic data (age, sex,
      lesion location and histopathologic grading) of 546 cases of leukoplakia were
      analyzed. The prevalence rate of dysplasia and carcinoma in 546 oral leukoplakia
      cases was calculated. Univariate analysis was performed to examine risk factors
      associated with the presence of carcinoma and dysplasia within the lesions.
      RESULTS: The male to female ratio in this study was 2:1. Majority of the patients
      irrespective of sex had a history of tobacco use. Of the total 85% of non
      homogeneous lesions and 70% for the homogeneous lesions were illustrating,
      features of epithelial dysplasia. The prevalence rate of carcinoma was 11.9%. In
      univariate analysis it was found that lesion site, clinical appearance, tobacco
      use were strongly correlated with the presence of carcinoma within OL.
      CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that majority of leukoplakia irrespective of
      its clinical appearance contain a dysplastic component and significant proportion
      contains carcinomatous foci. Lesions with certain features are more prone to have
      carcinomatous foci. However there is always a chance of finding foci of carcinoma
      in OL anywhere in the oral cavity. Therefore, excision biopsy is always mandatory
      before long term follow-up and treatment is planned.

PMID- 27656570
TI  - Ethical Conventions: A Study on Dental Practitioner's Knowledge and Practice of
      Ethics in their Line of Work in Bangalore, India.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Dentistry, being one of the healing professions, has an obligation
      to society that its members will stick on to high ethical standards of conduct.
      In India, studies done to assess whether the dental practitioners adhere to
      ethics in their line of work are very meager. AIM: The present study was
      conducted to assess the knowledge and practice of ethics in their line of work
      among practicing dentists from various dental colleges in Bangalore, India.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among
      258 practicing dentists attached to various dental colleges in Bangalore city of
      Karnataka, India. Independent sample t-test was used to compare the knowledge and
      practice scores according to gender and qualification. One way ANOVA was used to
      compare knowledge and practice score according to practice type and practice
      period. RESULTS: Mean knowledge score among males is 8.9 as compared to 9.43
      among females and mean practice scores among males was 8.25 as compared to 8.29
      in females. Statistically significant differences were found in the mean
      knowledge and practice scores among graduate dentists and specialists. Mean
      knowledge score among graduate dentists was 8.44 as compared to 9.36 among
      specialists and mean practice scores among graduate dentists was 7.7 as compared
      to 8.53 in specialists. CONCLUSION: A significant association between the
      knowledge and practice scores was observed, implying that with an increase in
      knowledge, there was also an increase in the practices of ethics among study
      population.

PMID- 27656572
TI  - Sextant of Sapphires for Molar Distalization.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Space analysis quantifies the amount of crowding within the arches
      estimating the severity of space discrepancy. The space gaining procedures
      include extraction and non-extraction procedures like expansion, proximal
      stripping and molar distalization. AIM: To identify features seen in molar
      distalization cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample size comprised 20 patients
      in whom molar distalization was decided as the treatment plan. The study models
      and lateral cephalograms of all the patients were taken. Occlusograms were
      obtained. Model analysis and cephalometric analysis were performed. Descriptive
      statistical analysis like mean, standard deviation, standard error and mode were
      done. RESULTS: The parameters in Question gave following results. The Bolton
      analysis showed anterior mandibular excess with mean value of 1.56mm+/-1.07. The
      first order discrepancy between maxillary central and lateral incisors was 5+/
      1.95. The premolar rotation showed mean value of 16.58+/-5.12. The molar rotation
      showed the value of 7.66+/-2.26. The nasolabial angle showed the mean of 101.25+/
      8.7 IMPA of 101.4+/-5.74. CONCLUSION: The six features studied in molar
      distalization cases [First order discrepancy between upper central and lateral
      incisors; Rotation of premolars and molars; Bolton's discrepancy in anterior
      dentition; Average to horizontal growth pattern; Proclined lower incisors and
      Obtuse nasolabial angle] can be taken as patterns seen in molar distalization
      cases and considered as a valid treatment plan.

PMID- 27656571
TI  - A Comparative Evaluation on Antimicrobial Effect of Honey, Neem Leaf Extract and
      Sodium Hypochlorite as Intracanal Irrigant: An Ex-Vivo Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The major determinant of the success of root canal treatment
      depends on meticulous disinfection of the root canal using intracanal irrigants.
      The most commonly used root canal irrigant is sodium hypochlorite which has
      disadvantages of cytotoxicity and unpleasant taste. So there is a need to
      identify a more biocompatible root canal irrigant. AIM: The aim of this ex-vivo
      study was to evaluate the efficacy of 40% honey, 100% neem leaf extract and 5.25%
      sodium hypochlorite as an intracanal irrigant against the isolated microorganisms
      from infected root canal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The samples were collected from
      infected root canals of 60 primary molar teeth indicated for pulpectomy. Alpha
      hemolytic Streptococci, gram negative bacilli, Candida, Staphylococci,
      Lactobacilli, Enterococci, Spore bearing gram positive bacilli and Micrococci
      were the microorganisms isolated from the samples. The zone of inhibition against
      the microbial growth was measured by agar well diffusion method. Statistical
      analysis was done by Repeated Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni method.
      RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed that the means of the zones of inhibition
      measured in this study were 18.56mm, 2.09mm and 1.62mm for sodium hypochlorite,
      100% neem leaf extract and 40% honey respectively. The significance was greater
      between sodium hypochlorite and the other two agents as p-value was <0.001.
      CONCLUSION: The results indicated that 5.25% sodium hypochlorite is more
      effective as root canal irrigant when compared with 100% neem leaf extract and
      40% honey. It was also observed that 100% neem leaf extract has greater
      antimicrobial effect than 40% honey.

PMID- 27656573
TI  - Effect of Training School Teachers on Oral Hygiene Status of 8-10 Years Old
      Government School Children of Udaipur City, India.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Provision of oral health knowledge to the children by their
      teachers at the school level can prove to be more fruitful because it is the time
      period during which the children begin to learn the basic oral hygiene practices
      and are most prone to dental caries. AIM: This study was carried out to assess
      the effect of training school teachers on oral hygiene status of 8-10 years old
      government school children of Udaipur city, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total
      of nine school teachers and 279, 8-10 year old school children from two
      government schools were included in the study. The questionnaire on oral health
      knowledge and practice contained 17 questions to evaluate the knowledge and
      practice of children towards oral hygiene before and after the teachers training
      program. Baseline and six months post training data on oral health knowledge and
      practice was obtained by the questionnaire method. Baseline and six months post
      training data on oral hygiene status was obtained by OHI-S Index. Statistical
      analysis was done using software SPSS 22, the test used were McNemar's test,
      paired t-test. RESULTS: Pre and post training data were compared and it was found
      that there was a significant improvement in oral health knowledge and practices
      of school teachers and children. Also oral hygiene status of school children was
      significantly improved after the program. CONCLUSION: Results of the present
      study suggest that experiential learning is an effective school based oral health
      education method for improvement of oral hygiene in primary school children.

PMID- 27656575
TI  - Extra-nodal Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (Germinal Center Type) Manifesting as
      Non-healing Extraction Socket.
AB  - Lymphomas occurring in the oral cavity are rare. They account only for about 2%
      of extra-nodal sites. Most of the lymphomas occur in the lymph nodes and in the
      oral cavity, the most commonly affected region is the Waldeyer's ring. Its
      occurrence in the mandibular gingiva is rare. Here, we describe a case of Diffuse
      Large B-cell Lymphoma manifested as a non-healing extraction socket in the
      mandibular right posterior region in a 62-year-old male patient. 

PMID- 27656574
TI  - A Rare Simultaneous Occurrence of Odontogenic Keratocyst and Unicystic
      Ameloblastoma in Mandible: A Case Report.
AB  - Odontogenic Keratocyst (OKC) and Ameloblastomas are slow growing benign
      odontogenic lesions that primarily occur in the molar region of the mandible.
      Clinically and radiographically both ameloblastoma, especially the Unicystic
      ameloblastoma and OKC are indistinguishable due to the similar location of
      occurrence and the age of patients. It is very rare for these lesions to arise
      simultaneously in a patient's jaw. The co-occurrence of Ameloblastomas with
      odontogenic cysts or other odontogenic lesions (histologically in a single
      lesion)have already been described as combined or hybrid lesions. There are very
      few reported cases in the English literature for simultaneous occurrence of
      Unicystic Ameloblastoma and OKC as completely distinct lesions. Here we present
      such a rare case of the simultaneous occurrence of OKC and ameloblastoma in the
      posterior region of the mandible of a 22-year-old male in close relation. 

PMID- 27656576
TI  - Papilliferous Keratoameloblastoma of the Mandible - A Rare Case Report.
AB  - Ameloblastomas are common odontogenic tumours that are benign and locally
      aggressive. Histopathologically, the tumor exhibits significant diversity with
      common and rare variants. Here, we report an unusual variant of a common
      odontogenic tumour in the mandibular posterior region on the right side in a 44
      year old male patient. This is the sixth case of Papilliferous
      Keratoameloblastoma (PKA) to be reported in the English literature till date.
      More case reports are vital to determine the clinical, radiological,
      histopathological and behavioural aspects of this extremely rare histological
      type of ameloblastoma. This tumour awaits re-inclusion as a distinct entity in
      the future classifications of the WHO Classification of head and neck tumours
      upon further case accrual. 

PMID- 27656577
TI  - Alveolar Bone Housing- A Modified Wilkodontics Approach- A Case Report.
AB  - Accelerated orthodontic treatment is the need of the hour in current scenario as
      the conventional orthodontics is time taking. Corticotomy assisted orthodontics
      have been used for years to reduce the treatment duration by reducing the
      resistance provided by alveolar bone housing. This case report describes the
      orthodontic treatment combined with the modification in conventional wilkodontic
      technique in a patient to accelerate tooth movement and shorten the treatment
      time with an anterior open bite and flared and spaced upper and lower incisors.
      Firstly plaque control was achieved with supra and subgingival scaling. A
      modified approach using periodontal access flap followed by vertical bone cuts in
      the cortical bone from the crest of the alveolar bone margin to 2mm-3mm below the
      apices of all the anterior teeth extending from upper left canine to upper right
      canine were performed. These vertical cuts were joined by horizontal cuts
      apically and flap repositioned. An MBT 0.018 inch appliance was bonded.
      Orthodontic therapy proceeded with frequent activation of the appliances to
      retract the incisors every two weeks. The total treatment time was four and half
      months with active period of two months and no adverse effects were observed at
      the end of active treatment. The modified decortication technique reduced the
      treatment time to a considerable extent. The interdental spacing closed and
      optimum overjet and overbite was achieved. 

PMID- 27656578
TI  - KCOT Occurring in Bilateral Maxillary Sinus in Non-Syndromic Patient.
AB  - Odontogenic Keratocyst (OKC) also termed as Keratocystic Odontogenic Tumour
      (KCOT) (WHO 2005) is a pathology with unique behavior because of which it is
      under much scrutiny and continued study. The pathology usually presents itself
      commonly in mandible and less commonly in maxilla. The occurrence of KCOT in
      maxillary sinus is reported as rare and multiple occurrences are mostly
      associated along with the presence of Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma (NBCC)
      syndrome. Here, we present a rare case of bilateral Maxillary OKC involving
      maxillary sinuses, without the presence of NBCC syndrome. An interesting feature
      of this case is the presence of left upper third molar in ectopic position in
      maxillary sinus and a vertically impacted right third molar suggesting an origin
      from the dental lamina. 

PMID- 27656579
TI  - Smile Reconstruction for the Preschoolers Using GRASCE Appliance - Two Case
      Reports.
AB  - Preschoolers with early childhood caries or extensive dental trauma may suffer
      from abnormal social interaction with their peers. Dentists face great challenges
      in the aesthetic rehabilitation of these young children. As the parental desire
      towards aesthetics is gaining more importance there is need for an anterior
      aesthetic appliance which may be used to replace these lost teeth. These case
      reports highlight a specific design which can be used successfully in day to day
      clinical practice. 

PMID- 27656580
TI  - An Innovative and Simple Technique of Hollow Maxillary Complete Denture
      Fabrication.
AB  - Prosthetic rehabilitation of severely atrophic ridges has always been an ordeal
      for the clinician due to decreased support, stability and retention. Because of
      severe resorption the restorative space between maxillary and mandibular residual
      ridges is increased. Rehabilitation in such cases may result in increased height
      and weight of the prosthesis further compromising its retention and stability.
      This in turn overloads the underlying hard and soft tissues exacerbating ridge
      resorption so, in order to break this vicious cycle, the weight of the prosthesis
      needs to be reduced which can be achieved by making hollow prosthesis. This
      article describes a novel technique of fabricating a hollow maxillary complete
      denture. 

PMID- 27656581
TI  - Early Eruption of Maxillary Pre Molar with Turner's Hypoplasia in a 5-Year-Old
      Boy.
AB  - Early eruption of permanent maxillary premolar appears to be a unique finding, at
      such an early chronological age. Untimely eruption of permanent maxillary
      premolar is discussed in a 5-year-old male patient. On intra oral examination
      grossly carious primary maxillary first molar (tooth number 54,64) were reported.
      The erupting teeth presented with a hypomineralized cusp tip. Extraction
      following space maintainer in 64 region was given. Pediatric dentist should
      consider these kinds of rarities in eruption pattern while examining a pediatric
      patient. 

PMID- 27656582
TI  - Non-Syndromic Familial Keratocystic Odontogenic Tumour: A Rare Case Report in
      Japanese Identical Twins.
AB  - Keratocystic Odontogenic Tumour (KCOT) is unicystic or multicystic intraosseous
      benign tumour of odontogenic origin that recurs due to locally destructive
      behaviour. KCOTs are usually the first manifestation of Nevoid Basal Cell
      Carcinoma Syndrome (NBCCS), an autosomal dominant disorder also known as Gorlin's
      syndrome and they are most frequently observed familial symptom regardless of
      patients' nationality. In addition, the recurrence rate and multiplicity of KCOTs
      is relatively high as compared to that of other sporadic carcinomas. KCOT has
      been considered as a non-hereditary lesion and its familial onset is an extremely
      rare event in non-NBCCS cases. Here, we describe previously unreported non
      syndromic multiple KCOT cases in identical twins in a Japanese family. The
      subjects were female Japanese identical twins who were 26 and 27 years old,
      respectively, at the time of diagnosis for KCOT. They had no major or minor
      features of NBCCS other than KCOT. Although there were lesions that were likely
      to be dentigerous cysts based on radiographic findings, one of them was KCOT.
      This case report highlights the importance of precise diagnosis, choice of
      surgical method and careful observation for multiplicity or familial onset in
      sporadic KCOT cases without NBCCS. 

PMID- 27656583
TI  - Serratiopeptidase - A Cause for Spread of Infection.
AB  - Serratiopeptidase is a proteolytic enzyme that has been used for reducing
      inflammation, it has antiedemic, analgesic, fibrinolytic and caesinolytic
      properties. Serratiopeptidase is often used in oral surgery for its anti
      inflammatory purpose after impaction surgery, maxillofacial trauma and infections
      but its use should be limited in cases of abscess due to its fibrinolytic
      activity. Here, we report a case of a buccal space abscess which had spread into
      deeper muscular layers after serratiopeptidase administration in a 32-year-old
      male without any systemic condition. Patient presented with a painful swelling on
      the right mid region of the face since seven days. Serratiopeptidase was
      discontinued. After routine blood investigation and ultrasonography, incision and
      drainage was done and the patient recovered after seven days of treatment. 

PMID- 27656584
TI  - Prosthetic Management of a Nasal Septal Defect using a Custom Made Unilateral
      Intranasal Stent: A Case Report.
AB  - Various etiologies including congenital malformations, infections, trauma,
      iatrogenic causes or complications of systemic diseases can result in perforation
      of the nasal septum. The common symptoms associated with such defects include
      difficulty in breathing, nasal twang in voice, rhinorrhea, etc. Obturation can be
      achieved by insertion of a unilateral nasal stent. An attempt has been made in
      the present report to address the prosthetic management of pateint having nasal
      septum perforation utilizing a unilateral, custom made heat cured acrylic stent
      and the details of the technique are presented. 

PMID- 27656585
TI  - Prosthetic Rehabilitation of Lower Limb with RTV Siliconee Using Prosthodontic
      Clinical and Laboratory Techniques - A Case Report.
AB  - Amputation of all or part of a limb may be due to systemic disease, vascular
      disease, infection, local injury or trauma. Partially amputated lower limbs
      present a variety of unique clinical and prosthetic challenges, because of
      distinctly different amputation levels of the lower limb. A female patient with
      history of Partial Foot Amputation (PFA) surgery at metatarsophalangeal joint
      level, due to crush injury reported for prosthetic rehabilitation. This case was
      successfully rehabilitated using room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) medical grade
      silicone for fabrication of foot prosthesis. Though limited in its function, it
      amply proves that the clinical and laboratory techniques used in fabrication of
      maxillofacial prosthesis can be effectively adapted for the fabrication of body
      prosthesis like toes and feet to enhance the quality of life of the patients. The
      patient was reviewed every year for three years. 

PMID- 27656586
TI  - Desmoplastic Ameloblastoma Arising in a Dentigerous Cyst - A Case Report and
      Discussion.
AB  - Dentigerous cyst is a fairly common odontogenic cyst with an uncomplicated
      prognosis. However, reports of odontogenic and non-odontogenic tumors arising
      from the cysts have been published for many years. Therefore, the importance of
      thorough histopathological examination and regular follow-up cannot be
      overemphasized. Here is a case report of a possible development of desmoplastic
      ameloblastoma from a dentigerous cyst. This case is unique for two main reasons.
      Firstly, to our knowledge such a case has not been reported previously. Secondly,
      the tumor seemed to arise from the capsule and not from lining of the dentigerous
      cyst. Transformation of odontogenic rests into cysts is known to occur in the
      syndromic cases of odontogenic keratocysts (resulting in recurrent and daughter
      cysts) but not in dentigerous cysts. This case report may prompt greater interest
      in the role of the supposedly inactive odontogenic nests in the capsule of these
      cysts. 

PMID- 27656587
TI  - Clinical Effectiveness of Aloe Vera in the Management of Oral Mucosal Diseases- A
      Systematic Review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Aloe vera is well known for its medicinal properties which lead to
      its application in treating various diseases. Its use in treating oral lesions
      has not been much documented in literature. AIM: Although, systematic reviews on
      aloe vera and its extracts have been done earlier, but in relation to oral
      diseases this is the first systematic review. The aim of the present systematic
      review was to compile evidence based studies on the effectiveness of Aloe vera in
      treatment of various oral diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Computerized
      literature searches were performed to identify all published articles in the
      subject. The following databases were used: PUBMED [MEDLINE], SCOPUS, COCHRANE
      DATABASE, EMBASE and SCIENCE DIRECT using specific keywords. The search was
      limited to articles published in English or with an English Abstract. All
      articles (or abstracts if available as abstracts) were read in full. Data were
      extracted in a predefined fashion. Assessment was done using Jadad score.
      RESULTS: Fifteen studies satisfied the inclusion criteria. Population of sample
      study ranged from 20 patients to 110 patients with clinically diagnosed oral
      mucosal lesions. Out of 15 studies, five were on patients with oral lichen
      planus, two on patients with oral submucous fibrosis, other studies were carried
      on patients with burning mouth syndrome, radiation induced mucositis, candida
      associated denture stomatitis, xerostomic patients and four were on minor
      recurrent apthous stomatitis. Most studies showed statistically significant
      result demonstrating the effectiveness of Aloe vera in treatment of oral
      diseases. CONCLUSION: Although there are promising results but in future, more
      controlled clinical trials are required to prove the effectiveness of Aloe vera
      for management of oral diseases.

PMID- 27656589
TI  - Modified Interim Mandibular Advancement (MIMA) Appliance for Symptomatic
      Correction of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
AB  - Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a chronic, progressive, multifactorial, life
      threatening disorder that causes significant impact on patient's life. Patients
      with OSA [Apnea/Hypopnea Index (AHI)>30] who cannot tolerate Continuous Positive
      Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy or are not surgical candidates may benefit from
      oral appliances. This paper describes interim appliance devised from existing
      Hawley's retainer in patients with OSA. A 38-year-old man of athletic built with
      history of orthodontic treatment six months back due to esthetic concerns and
      wearing upper Hawley's retainer, reported with chief complaint of frequent
      nocturnal awakening along with excessive daytime somnolence. Based on diagnostic
      aids, he was diagnosed with Class II Division 1 malocclusion with severe
      mandibular retrusion. Sleep test revealed AHI score of 34, suggestive of severe
      OSA. With ENT and Oral surgeon concurrence, mandibular advancement of 7mm with
      Bilateral Sagital Split Osteotomy (BSSO) with distraction was contemplated as a
      viable functional and curative stable treatment plan. Because of non-adherence
      and non-compliance with CPAP therapy and on request of patient, an interim
      anterior positioning appliance was devised to facilitate comfortable sound sleep
      till the time surgery is impending. After three months of wearing this customized
      appliance, improved quality of sleep was discernible; both subjectively as
      reported by patient and objectively using sleep test (AHI=9.8). 

PMID- 27656588
TI  - Apical Periodontitis - Is It Accountable for Cardiovascular Diseases?
AB  - The aim of this review was to assess the relationship between apical
      periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases and the predictive factors regarding
      this association. Cross sectional and observational studies have been included,
      which are mostly retrospective. A comprehensive search was performed in the
      Systematic Electronic Databases, PUBMED and MEDLINE from 1919 till September
      2014. Articles were also hand searched. From 86 studies identified, all were read
      and 58 articles which were relevant were included in the text. Some articles were
      excluded because they were pertaining to periodontology and other systemic
      disorders. Some were solely animal studies and were thus excluded. Our results
      suggest an independent association between cardiovascular diseases and apical
      periodontitis. A causal relationship could not be established since weak
      parameters of risk have been assessed in the studies, population taken is
      difficult to compare and other confounding factors have not been ruled out. Only
      a more focused and better instituted scientific research can determine this
      association. Establishing a cause and effect relationship between apical
      periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases can affect the course of treatment of
      cardiovascular diseases. It is not only of interest from the scientific point of
      view but also from public health perspective. 

PMID- 27656590
TI  - Replication of Palatal Rugae and Incorporation in Complete Denture.

PMID- 27656591
TI  - Central Giant Cell Granuloma of Jaw with Multiple, Multifocal Recurrences.

PMID- 27656592
TI  - Interdisciplinary Management of Impacted Supernumerary Tooth between Roots of
      Permanent Teeth-A Management Dilemma?

PMID- 27656593
TI  - Cast Partial Denture with Cekapreci-Sagix Extra Coronal Attachment and Obturator
      for Rehabilitation of Patient with Maxillary Defect.

PMID- 27656594
TI  - Minor Salivary Gland Carcinoma of Hard Palate with CT Findings- Report of a Case.

PMID- 27656595
TI  - Endodontic Management of Mandibular First Molar with Six Canals Using CBCT-
      Report of a Case.

PMID- 27656596
TI  - Palato-Radicular Groove: A Rare Entity in Maxillary Central Incisor Leading To
      Endo-Perio Lesion.

PMID- 27656597
TI  - Prosthetic Rehabilitation of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Orbit: A Clinical Report.

PMID- 27656598
TI  - Letter to the Editor on "Clinical Evaluation of Success of Primary Teeth
      Pulpotomy Using Mineral Trioxide Aggregate, Laser and Biodentine - An Invivo
      Study".

PMID- 27656599
TI  - Moulding Faces at an Early Age-A Case Series.
AB  - Certain malocclusions have to be treated at an early age to avoid surgeries for
      the correction in the future. Introduction of functional appliances has reduced
      the elimination and correction of skeletal as well as dental discrepancies.
      Proper case selection taking into consideration skeletal and dental age with the
      use of various diagnostic aids helps us to identify and treat the malocclusions
      before it is too late. In this case series, we report three patients with
      skeletal jaw malrelationship treated with functional and orthopaedic appliances. 

PMID- 27656600
TI  - Inflammation and endothelium response in epileptic patients: A case-control
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Blood brain barrier (BBB) permeability plays an important role in the
      brain impairments. The barrier is composed of endothelium cells, due to the
      presence of tight junctions that connect endothelium cells. The failure of BBB
      function has triggering chronic or acute seizures through brain inflammation and
      BBB permeability. Seizure induces vasodilation, BBB leakage and up-regulation of
      vascular cell adhesion molecules which able to bind integrins blood leukocytes.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this case-control study we included 40 epileptic
      patients who were sampled during a seizure as a case group and 20 healthy
      subjects as a healthy control group. Plasma levels of the inflammation and
      endothelium markers including intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM), vascular
      adhesion molecule (VCAM), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1beta) and C-reactive protein
      (CRP) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). RESULTS: The
      ICAM and VCAM concentration in the epileptic patients (135.8 +/- 5.35) (52.04 +/-
      4.24) were significantly higher than healthy control group (110.32 +/- 5.04)
      (23.38 +/- 3.01) (P < 0.005). IL-1 beta concentration was not significantly
      different between groups (P = 0.594). However, CRP level was significantly up
      regulated in epileptic patients (P < 0.005). CONCLUSION: Epileptic patients have
      BBB leakage and dysfunction as the up-regulation of the endothelium cytokines
      showed. The BBB leakage may be the result of the inflammatory impairment.

PMID- 27656601
TI  - Identification of Candida species in patients with oral lesion undergoing
      chemotherapy along with minimum inhibitory concentration to fluconazole.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Various species of Candida, especially Candida albicans was known as
      the most important etiological agent of fungal infections. Oral candidiasis is
      the most common fungal infection in patients undergoing chemotherapy. The purpose
      of this study was to identify Candida species from oral lesions of these patients
      and antifungal susceptibility of the clinical isolates. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Among 385 patients with cancer, 55 (14.3%) showed oral lesions. Oral swabs were
      performed to identify the yeasts using direct smear and CHROMagar medium. Micro
      dilution method was prepared in different concentrations of fluconazole and
      minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum fungicidal concentration of each
      species were compared. RESULTS: Oral candidiasis confirmed in 36 cases by direct
      examination and culture. C. albicans and non-albicans represented in 26 (72.2%)
      and 10 (27.8%) of the isolates, respectively. 76.5% of C. albicans and 23.5% non
      albicans isolates were resistant to fluconazole. Data were shown that 62% and
      30.7% of resistant strains of C. albicans were found in patient with
      gastrointestinal cancer and lymphoma respectively. CONCLUSION: Data were shown
      that C. albicans is the most commonly identified species in oral candidiasis and
      majority of fluconazole resistant C. albicans were found in patients with
      gastrointestinal cancer and lymphoma. Therefore, we recommend an alternative drug
      instead of fluconazole as a first line of treatment for these type of cancers and
      administration of fluconazole in patients undergoing chemotherapy should be
      prescribed in accordance with the type of cancer.

PMID- 27656603
TI  - Obesity phenotypes and resorption percentage after breast autologous fat
      grafting: Rule of low-grade inflammation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: One of the main reasons why the breast fat grafting was questioned is
      that there may be lipofilling resorption. In the literature, the resorption rate
      reported over the 1(st) year is highly variable (20-90%). OBJECTIVE: The aim of
      this work was to identify the biochemical and clinical parameters, which increase
      fat graft maintenance in breast reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A sample
      of 19 patients was treated with fat grafting mixed with platelet-rich plasma. A
      complete screening of anthropometry, body composition, and blood biochemical
      parameters was assessed using the standardized equipment. Pre- and post-operative
      evaluation was performed, which included a complete clinical examination,
      photographic assessment, nuclear magnetic resonance imaging of the soft tissue,
      and ultrasound. The follow-up period was 2 years. RESULTS: The authors divided
      the results into two types of patients: "responder" and "not a responder." In the
      "responder" group patients with normal weight, gynoid fat distribution, obese,
      with normal blood biochemical parameters, and atherogenic indices but with high
      preoperative values of platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) (174.49) and neutrophil
      lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (2.65) showed a greater increase of fat graft maintenance
      at 6 and 12 months after the last lipofilling session. In the "not responder
      group" patients with overweight, android fat distribution, obese, high values of
      atherogenic indices, but with normal preoperative NLR and PLR ratios showed a
      lower fat graft maintenance at 6 and 12 months. CONCLUSION: We assume, the
      problem of fat resorption may be resolved by analysis of body composition and by
      examine the predictive role of preoperative markers of low-grade inflammation.

PMID- 27656602
TI  - Genistein potentiates the effect of 17-beta estradiol on human hepatocellular
      carcinoma cell line.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant
      tumors. This cancer may be due to a multistep process with an accumulation of
      epigenetic alterations in tumor suppressor genes (TSGs), leading to
      hypermethylation of the genes. Hypermethylation of TSGs is associated with
      silencing and inactivation of them. It is well-known that DNA hypomethylation is
      the initial epigenetic abnormality recognized in human tumors. Estrogen receptor
      alpha (ERalpha) is one of the TSGs which modulates gene transcription and its
      hypermethylation is because of overactivity of DNA methyltransferases.
      Fortunately, epigenetic changes especially hypermethylation can be reversed by
      pharmacological compounds such as genistein (GE) and 17-beta estradiol (E2) which
      involve in preventing the development of certain cancers by maintaining a
      protective DNA methylation. The aim of the present study was to analyze the
      effects of GE on ERalpha and DNMT1 genes expression and also apoptotic and
      antiproliferative effects of GE and E2 on HCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cells were
      treated with various concentrations of GE and E2 and the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2
      thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide assay was used. Furthermore, cells
      were treated with single dose of GE and E2 (25 MUM) and flow cytometry assay was
      performed. The expression level of the genes was determined by quantitative real
      time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: GE increased
      ERalpha and decreased DNMT1 genes expression, GE and E2 inhibited cell viability
      and induced apoptosis significantly. CONCLUSION: GE can epigenetically increase
      ERalpha expression by inhibition of DNMT1 expression which in turn increases
      apoptotic effect of E2. Furthermore, a combination of GE and E2 can induce
      apoptosis more significantly.

PMID- 27656604
TI  - Congenital nasal pyriform aperture stenosis: A case with accompanying short
      lingual frenulum.
AB  - Congenital nasal pyriform aperture stenosis (CNPAS) is a rare cause of nasal
      obstruction. We presented a case of CNPAS with accompanying short lingual
      frenulum. Surgical dilatation without osteotomy was used, and the infant had
      normal growth and development. In these cases, the less invasive surgical methods
      can be effective. 

PMID- 27656605
TI  - Determination of antifungal susceptibility patterns among the environmental
      isolates of Aspergillus fumigatus in Iran.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In recent years, triazole-resistant environmental isolates of
      Aspergillus fumigatus have emerged in Europe and Asia. Azole resistance has been
      reported in patients who are treated with long-term azole therapy or exposure of
      the fungus spores to the azole fungicides used in agriculture. To date, a wide
      range of mutations in A. fumigatus have been described conferring azole
      resistance, which commonly involves modifications in the cyp51A gene. We
      investigated antifungal susceptibility pattern of environmental isolates of A.
      fumigatus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 170 environmental samples
      collected from indoors surfaces of three hospitals in Iran. It was used beta
      tubulin gene to confirm the all of A. fumigatus isolates, which was identified by
      conventional methods. Furthermore, the antifungal susceptibility of itraconazole,
      voriconazole, and posaconazole was investigated using broth microdilution test,
      according to European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility testing reference
      method. RESULTS: From a total of 158 environmental molds fungi obtained from the
      hospitals, 58 isolates were identified as A. fumigatus by amplification of
      expected size of beta-tubulin gene (~500 bp). In this study, in vitro antifungal
      susceptibility testing has shown that there were not high minimum inhibitory
      concentration values of triazole antifungals in all of the 58 environmental
      isolates of A. fumigatus. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrated that there was
      not azole-resistant among environmental isolates of A. fumigatus. Medical
      triazoles compounds have structural similarity with triazole fungicide compounds
      in agriculture, therefore, resistance development through exposure to triazole
      fungicide compounds in the environment is important but it sounds there is not a
      serious health problem in drug resistance in environmental isolates in Iran.

PMID- 27656606
TI  - Comparing three clinical prediction rules for primarily predicting the 30-day
      mortality of patients with pulmonary embolism: The "Simplified Revised Geneva
      Score," the "Original PESI," and the "Simplified PESI".
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE) should be evaluated
      for the clinical probability of PE using an applicable risk score. The Geneva
      prognostic score, the PE Severity Index (PESI), and its simplified version
      (sPESI) are well-known clinical prognostic scores for PE. The purpose of this
      study was to analyze these clinical scores as prognostic tools. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A historical cohort study was conducted on patients with acute PE in Al
      Zahra Teaching Hospital, Isfahan, Iran, from June 2013 to August 2014. To compare
      survival in the 1-month follow-up and factor-analyze mortality from the survival
      graph, Kaplan-Meier, and log-rank logistic regression were applied. RESULTS: Two
      hundred and twenty four patients were assigned to two "low risk" and "high risk"
      groups using the three versions of "Simplified PESI, Original PESI, and
      Simplified Geneva." They were followed for a period of 1 month after admission.
      The overall mortality rate within 1 month from diagnosis was about 24% (95%
      confidence interval, 21.4-27.2). The mortality rate of low risk PE patients was
      about 4% in the PESI, 17% in the Geneva, and <1% in the simplified PESI scales (P
      < 0.005). The mortality rate among high risk patients was 33%, 33.5%, and 27.5%,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with acute PE, the simplified PESI
      model was able to accurately predict mortality rate for low risk patients. Among
      high risk patients, however, the difference between the three models in
      predicting prognosis was not significant.

PMID- 27656607
TI  - Comparative study of shock wave therapy and Laser therapy effect in elimination
      of symptoms among patients with myofascial pain syndrome in upper trapezius.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to compare the effects of laser therapy and
      shock wave therapy for symptoms treatment among patients with MPS in the upper
      trapezius muscle. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a clinical trial study, 46 patients
      were selected based on the clinical criteria and physiathrist diagnosis. Subjects
      were randomized into two groups as follows: Twenty individuals were assigned to
      exercise-medication-laser therapy group, and 26 to exercise-medication-shock wave
      therapy group. The pain was assessed based on visual analog scale (VAS), neck
      disability index (NDI), and SPADI in three stages: Before treatment, subsequently
      after treatment, and a month after treatment. RESULTS: One man and 19 women, age
      group of 45.3 +/- 7.7 years, were assigned into laser therapy group. Two men and
      24 women, average age group of 42.3 +/- 10.4 were assigned into shock wave
      therapy group. A significant difference was found among our study groups before
      treatment and after starting treatment for VAS, NDI, and SPDI indices, that is,
      two methods of treatments were effective (P < 0.001). However, among these two
      treatment methods, laser therapy provided higher effect on VAS and NDI as
      compared to the radial shock wave method (P < 0.05) in 2 weeks from starting the
      treatment (consequent to treatment). CONCLUSION: According to this study results,
      we can conclude that shock wave and laser therapy results on similar effect in
      long-term for relieve of pain and eliminating symptoms in patients with
      myofascial but laser provides a faster optimal results.

PMID- 27656608
TI  - Cytotoxic, antioxidant and phytochemical analysis of Gracilaria species from
      Persian Gulf.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Marine algae, also called seaweeds, are abundantly present in the
      coastal area of Iran, especially in Persian Gulf. These plants contain important
      phytochemical constituents and have potential biological activities. The present
      study investigated the presence of phytochemical constituents and total phenolic
      quantification of the seaweeds Gracilaria salicornia and Gracilaria corticata.
      Cytotoxicity of seaweeds was tested against HT-29, HeLa, and MCF-7 cell lines.
      Antioxidant potential of these two Gracilaria species was also analyzed.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Extracts of G. salicornia and G. corticata were subjected
      to phytochemical and cytotoxicity tests. Phytochemical screenings were employed
      to identify the chemical constituents and total phenolic content. Cytotoxicity
      was characterized by IC50 of human cancer cell lines (MCF-7, HeLa, and HT-29)
      using sulforhodamine assay. Antioxidant activities were evaluated using 2,2
      diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl. RESULTS: The analysis revealed that tannins were the
      most abundant compounds in G. corticata while sterols and triterpenes were the
      most abundant ones in G. salicornia, but the total phenolic content of the two
      seaweeds was similar. Cytotoxic results showed that both species could inhibit
      cell growth effectively, especially against HT-29 cell line. CONCLUSION:
      Considerable phytochemicals, high antioxidant potential, and moderate cytotoxic
      activity of G. salicornia and G. corticata make them appropriate candidates for
      further studies and identification of their bioactive principles.

PMID- 27656610
TI  - The effect of extremely low-frequency magnetic field (50-60 Hz) exposure on
      spontaneous apoptosis: The results of a meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This paper is a meta-analysis of the published data from in vitro
      studies to evaluate whether spontaneous apoptosis might be influenced by
      extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields (MFs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A
      comprehensive scientific literature search in electronic databases was conducted
      and studies covering the period 2000-2010 were selected. Then, published studies
      involving the desired topic were retrieved. The inclusion criteria were
      percentage of apoptosis in the cells exposed to 50-60 Hz ELF-MFs. The statistical
      analysis was performed by comprehensive meta-analysis version 2. RESULTS: The
      summary measure of association (95% confidence interval) for all 18 effect
      estimated from 8 studies was 1.18 (1.15, 1.20). Heterogeneity among studies was
      found. There was no evidence of publication bias for the association between
      exposure to MF and apoptosis risk. CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis provided
      conclusive data that ELF-MFs can increase apoptosis in cancer and normal cells.
      Furthermore, there is a possibly individual intensity and time range with maximum
      created effect according to window effect.

PMID- 27656609
TI  - Beneficial effects of L-arginine on 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine
      induced neuronal degeneration in substantia nigra of Balb/c mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: L-arginine has been recently investigated and proposed to reduce
      neurological damage after various experimental models of neuronal cellular
      damage. In this study, we aim to evaluate the beneficial effects of L-arginine
      administration on the numerical density of dark neurons (DNs) in the substantia
      nigra pars compacta (SNc) of Balb/c mice subjected to 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6
      tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) administration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Balb/c mice
      were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 7 each): MPTP only; saline only
      (control); MPTP + L-arginine; and L-arginine only. The animals were infused
      intranasally with a single intranasal administration of the proneurotoxin MPTP (1
      mg/nostril). L-arginine (300 mg/kg) was administrated intraperitoneally once
      daily for 1-week starting from 3 days after MPTP administration. Cavalieri
      principle method was used to estimate the numerical density of DNs in the SNc of
      different studied groups. RESULTS: Twenty days following MPTP administration, the
      number of DNs was significantly increased when compared to sham-control and L
      arginine-control groups (P < 0.05). Nevertheless, our results showed that L
      arginine administration significantly decreased the numerical density of DNs in
      SNc of mice. CONCLUSION: This investigation provides new insights in experimental
      models of Parkinson's disease, indicating that L-arginine represents a potential
      treatment agent for dopaminergic neuron degeneration in SNc observed in
      Parkinson's disease patients.

PMID- 27656611
TI  - Effect of maternal diabetes on gliogensis in neonatal rat hippocampus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diabetes in pregnancy is a common metabolic disorder associated with
      various adverse outcomes in the offspring including impairments in attention and
      memory and alterations in social behavior. Glial cells are proven to have a
      critical role in normal function of neurons, and alteration in their activity
      could contribute to disturbance in the brain function. The aim of this study was
      to investigate the effect of maternal diabetes on hippocampal mRNA expression and
      distribution pattern of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunoreactive
      glial cells in the dentate gyrus (DG) of rat neonate at postnatal day 14 (P14).
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wistar female rats were randomly allocated in control,
      diabetic, and insulin-treated diabetic groups. Diabetes was induced by injection
      of streptozotocin from 4 weeks before gestation until parturition. After
      delivery, the male offspring was euthanized at P14. RESULTS: Our results showed a
      significant higher level of hippocampal GFAP expression and an increase in the
      mean number of GFAP positive cells in the DG of diabetic group offspring (P <
      0.05). We also found an insignificant up-regulation in the expression of GFAP and
      the mean number of positive cells in the insulin-treated diabetic group neonates
      as compared to control group (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The present study revealed
      that diabetes during pregnancy strongly increased the glial cells production in
      the developing rat hippocampus.

PMID- 27656612
TI  - Occurrence of airborne vancomycin- and gentamicin-resistant bacteria in various
      hospital wards in Isfahan, Iran.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Airborne transmission of pathogenic resistant bacteria is well
      recognized as an important route for the acquisition of a wide range of
      nosocomial infections in hospitals. The aim of this study was to determine the
      prevalence of airborne vancomycin and gentamicin (VM and GM) resistant bacteria
      in different wards of four educational hospitals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total
      of 64 air samples were collected from operating theater (OT), Intensive Care Unit
      (ICU), surgery ward, and internal medicine ward of four educational hospitals in
      Isfahan, Iran. Airborne culturable bacteria were collected using all glass
      impingers. Samples were analyzed for the detection of VM- and GM-resistant
      bacteria. RESULTS: The average level of bacteria ranged from 99 to 1079 CFU/m(3).
      The highest level of airborne bacteria was observed in hospital 4 (628 CFU/m(3))
      and the highest average concentration of GM- and VM-resistant airborne bacteria
      were found in hospital 3 (22 CFU/m(3)). The mean concentration of airborne
      bacteria was the lowest in OT wards and GM- and VM-resistant airborne bacteria
      were not detected in this ward of hospitals. The highest prevalence of antibiotic
      resistant airborne bacteria was observed in ICU ward. There was a statistically
      significant difference for the prevalence of VM-resistant bacteria between
      hospital wards (P = 0.012). CONCLUSION: Our finding showed that the relatively
      high prevalence of VM- and GM-resistant airborne bacteria in ICUs could be a
      great concern from the point of view of patients' health. These results confirm
      the necessity of application of effective control measures which significantly
      decrease the exposure of high-risk patients to potentially airborne nosocomial
      infections.

PMID- 27656613
TI  - Nasal carriage screening of community-associated methicillin resistant
      Staphylococcus aureus in healthy children of a developing country.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The rapid emergence and spread of community-associated methicillin
      resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) has raised considerable public health
      concern in both developed and developing countries. The current study aimed to
      address the extent of this phenomenon in healthy preschool children of a
      developing country. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective study from
      April 2013 to March 2014 on 410 healthy 2-6 years old preschool children in
      Isfahan, Iran. Demographic medical data and nasal samples were collected from the
      participating children. Isolates were identified as S. aureus and MRSA based on
      microbiological and molecular tests, including the presence of eap and mecA
      genes. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of S. aureus and CA-MRSA nasal carriage
      was 28% (115/410) and 6.1% (25/410), respectively. The identity of isolates was
      confirmed by molecular assay. The factors that were independently associated with
      nasal carriage of S. aureus were: Children crowding in day-care nurseries and
      income level of families. A total of 20/90 (22.2%) of methicillin-susceptible S.
      aureus and all 25 CA-MRSA displayed multiple drug resistance to 3-8 antibiotics.
      CONCLUSIONS: The current report reflects issues and concerns that the high rate
      of colonization by CA-MRSA in Iranian healthy children provides obliging evidence
      that MRSA have established a foothold in the community and are emerging as
      important health threatening pathogens. It is suggested that we need more
      effective infection control measures to prevent transmission of nasal CA-MRSA in
      healthy preschool children.

PMID- 27656614
TI  - The effect of hydroxychloroquine on glucose control and insulin resistance in the
      prediabetes condition.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hydroxychloroquine can improve most underlying coronary risk factors;
      however, there are a few studies on the effects of hydroxychloroquine on blood
      glucose and insulin resistance. The current study aimed to assess the effects of
      hydroxychloroquine on blood glucose control status as well as on level of lipid
      profile and inflammatory biomarkers in prediabetic patients. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: In a randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial, 39 consecutive
      patients who were suffering from prediabetes and were referred to the Isfahan
      Endocrinology Center in January 2013 were randomly assigned to receive
      hydroxychloroquine (6.5 mg/kg/day) (n = 20) or placebo (n = 19) for 12 weeks. The
      biomarker indices and anthropometric parameters were tested before and after
      completion of treatment. RESULTS: In both groups of patients receiving
      hydroxychloroquine and placebo, except for serum level of insulin that was
      significantly elevated after treatment by hydroxychloroquine, the changes in
      other parameters remained insignificant. Both groups experienced increase of
      insulin level, but this change was considerably higher in those groups receiving
      hydroxychloroquine. The group receiving hydroxychloroquine experienced reduction
      of glucose at 60 min of Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) test after
      intervention, while the placebo group experienced increase of blood glucose at
      the same time. CONCLUSION: The use of hydroxychloroquine may increase the serum
      insulin level in patients with prediabetic states who are at risk of developing
      diabetes mellitus.

PMID- 27656615
TI  - Isolated pulmonary candidiasis in a patient with diabetes mellitus: A rare case
      report.
AB  - Fungal infections are as a cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromise
      patients. Because the respiratory tract is colonized with Candida, the presence
      of this agent in respiratory specimens makes the diagnosis of Candida pneumonia
      problematic. Candida pneumonia is a rare infection, and the majority of cases are
      secondary to hematogenous dissemination. Furthermore isolated Candida pneumonia
      originating from endotracheal inoculation is an extremely rare entity. We
      describe a case of isolated pulmonary candidiasis in the form multiple nodular
      lesions in a patient with long-term history of diabetes mellitus without evidence
      of fungemia or systemic involvement who responded to antifungal therapy. 

PMID- 27656616
TI  - A survey on concomitant common bile duct stone and symptomatic gallstone and
      clinical values in Shiraz, Southern Iran.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Common bile duct stone (CBDS) as a result of gallstone is one of the
      gastrointestinal disorders. In this study, the incidence of CBDS and symptomatic
      gallstone in Shiraz were investigated, and their management suggested. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study that enrolled among 560 patients. The
      incidence of gallstone together with CBDS was evaluated using an ultrasonography
      studyand clinical data in the period between March 2014 and 2014 in Shiraz.
      Comparison between data was done using Student's t-test or Chi-square test.
      RESULTS: Of these patients, 18.6% were male, and 81.4% were female with a mean
      age of 47.67 +/- 0.74 years. The concomitant rate of gallstone and CBDS was 8.6%.
      6.8% of patients with concomitant of gallstone and CBDS showed symptoms while
      1.8% had not been diagnosed before the operation. The mean of serum alkaline
      phosphatase level in patients with the only gallstone was 255.80 IU/L and
      patients with concomitant gallstone, and CBDS was 580.88 IU/L with a significant
      difference between two groups (P < 0.001). Furthermore, liver function tests
      (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase) showed a significant
      difference between two groups of patients (P < 0.01, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS:
      Clinical variables such as tenderness, fever, and Morphy sign were more severein
      patients with concomitant gallstone and CBDS. The concomitant rate of gallstone
      and CBDS in our society is less that Western countries and asymptomatic patients
      showed fewer ratios than other countries. We think the approach for asymptomatic
      CBDS patients with gallstone can be affected by our results.

PMID- 27656617
TI  - Variations in ESR and CRP in total knee arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty
      in Iranian patients from 2009 to 2011.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Implantation of joint prosthesis, either in the knee or in the hip,
      may cause some problems such as an infection, so that a timely treatment is
      essential. In this respect, discovering a marker detecting the incidence of an
      infection is one of the requirements of arthroplasty. The present study was
      conducted to determine variations of two markers in arthroplasty and infection
      incidence in Iranian patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study was
      carried out in Isfahan's educational treatment centers from 2009 to 2011 on
      patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty
      (THA) surgical operations. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was measured
      by Sed rate device (Lena) and C-reactive protein (CRP) by autoanalyzer device
      (Erba) with the unit of ng/dL. The patients underwent ESR and CRP tests the day
      before operation, the day of operation, and 1, 2, 5, and 15 days and 1, 3, 6, and
      12 months after operation. RESULTS: Mean ESR increased during the first 5 days
      then decreased gradually lasting for 3 months. After 1 year it increased to a
      level higher than before the operation. The variations in ESR values were 19.1 +/
      12.9 before the operation and 21.14 +/- 10.8 after 1 year with significant
      difference (P < 0.001). The level of CRP had an upward trend from the first day
      after operation and reached its maximum on the second day, then had a downward
      trend up to 1 month after the operation; however, it did not reach its
      preoperative level during 1 year. CONCLUSION: ESR and CRP and their variations
      can be suitable factors to detect probable infections in patients undergoing TKA
      and THA operations.

PMID- 27656618
TI  - Effect of add-on valproate on craving in methamphetamine depended patients: A
      randomized trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Methamphetamine dependence lead to the compulsive use, loss of
      control, and social and occupational dysfunctions. This study aimed to compare
      the effect of valproate in reducing the craving in methamphetamine dependents.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical
      trial on 40 men of 18-40 years old referred to Noor Hospital during December 2012
      September 2013 in Isfahan, Iran. The subjects participated in matrix program and
      randomly were divided into two groups of valproate and placebo. A 4-months
      program of intervention with valproate or placebo was arranged for each group.
      The rate of craving to methamphetamine and positive methamphetamine urine tests
      were evaluated in both groups every 2 weeks using cocaine craving questionnaire
      brief (CCQ-Brief) and urine test. After the 4 months (active treatment with
      valproate and placebo), the drug was tapered and discontinued within 10 days, and
      patients were introduced to self-help groups and monitored regularly on a weekly
      basis over another 3 months. Collected data were analyzed with SPSS 20 using
      analysis of covariance repeated measure, Chi-square, and t-test. RESULTS: CCQ
      score of the intervention group was significantly less than the placebo group (P
      < 0.001), except on weeks 1, 3, and 28. The ratio of a positive urine test for
      methamphetamine in the intervention group was significantly lower than the
      control group in all screenings except weeks 3 and 28. CONCLUSION: Adding
      valproate to matrix program in the treatment of methamphetamine dependence showed
      significant effect on the reduction of the craving to methamphetamine.

PMID- 27656619
TI  - The science behind the Olympic glory.

PMID- 27656620
TI  - Size dependent classification of heat shock proteins: a mini-review.
AB  - Molecular chaperones are ubiquitous and abundant within cellular environments,
      functioning as a defense mechanism against outer environment. The range of
      molecular chaperones varies from 10 to over 100 kDa. Depending on the size, the
      specific locations and physiological roles of molecular chaperones vary within
      the cell. Multifunctionality of heat shock proteins (HSPs) expressed via various
      cyto-stress including heat shock have been spotlighted as a reliable prognostic
      target biomarker for therapeutic purpose in neuromuscular disease or cancer
      related studies. HSP also plays a critical role in the maintenance of proteins
      and cellular homeostasis in exercise-induced adaptation. Such various functions
      of HSPs give scientists insights into intracellular protective mechanisms in the
      living body thus HSPs can be target molecules to know the defense mechanism in
      cellular environment. Based on experimental results regarding small to large
      scaled HSPs, this review aims to provide updated important information regarding
      the modality of responses of intracellular HSPs towards extracellular
      stimulations. Further, the expressive mechanisms of HSPs data from tremendous in
      vivo and in vitro studies underlying the enhancement of the functionality of
      living body will be discussed. 

PMID- 27656621
TI  - Matrix metalloproteinase and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase responses to
      muscle damage after eccentric exercise.
AB  - High-intensity eccentric exercise is known to induce muscle damage leading to
      inflammatory responses and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. These
      degradation processes involve enzymes such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)
      and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). MMPs are calcium and zinc
      dependent proteolytic enzymes that play a role in ECM degradation and recruitment
      of inflammatory and myogenic cells into the damaged site. In contrast, TIMPs
      inhibit MMP-induced ECM degradation to maintain normal homeostasis in ECM.
      Recently, several studies have examined the process of muscle remodeling and the
      roles of ECM, MMPs, and TIMPs in exercise-induced muscle damage. However, the
      results of these studies are not inconsistent. In the present mini-review, we
      will discuss the responses of MMP and TIMP to eccentric exercise based on the
      literature review. 

PMID- 27656622
TI  - Physical therapy guideline for children with malnutrition in low income
      countries: clinical commentary.
AB  - Physical therapy intervention along with nutritional rehabilitation has recently
      become an inevitable combo after recent evidences suggesting a strong interaction
      between malnutrition and neuro-muscular disabilities which contribute to a
      significant burden in global settings. Recent studies confirm that appropriate
      physical assessment of neuro-musculo skeletal system, developmental assessment or
      cognitive tools along with nutritional assessments followed by exercise
      rehabilitation will yield positive results in children with malnutrition. There
      is an obvious need to make available a simple physical therapy exercise
      guidelines with simple measure and exercise to be used in resource limited
      settings of developing countries. The purpose of this clinical commentary is to
      summarize simple assessment tools to evaluate activity impairment, participation
      restriction, gross motor activity and simple physical therapy intervention
      program for children with disability secondary to malnutrition. 

PMID- 27656623
TI  - Treadmill exercise ameliorates Alzheimer disease-associated memory loss through
      the Wnt signaling pathway in the streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.
AB  - Diabetes mellitus is considered as a risk factor for Alzheimer disease. The aim
      of the present study was to evaluate the possibility whether treadmill exercise
      ameliorates Alzheimer disease-associated memory loss in the diabetes mellitus.
      For this study, the effects of treadmill exercise on short-term memory and
      spatial learning ability in relation with Wnt signaling pathway were evaluated
      using the streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by
      intraperitoneal injection of STZ. Step-down avoidance task and 8-arm radial maze
      test were performed for the memory function. Immunohistochemistry for 5-bro-mo-2'
      deoxyridine (BrdU) and doublecortin (DCX) and Western blot for Wnt3 and glycogen
      synthase kinase-3beta (GSK-3beta) were conducted. The rats in the exercise groups
      were made to run on the treadmill for 30 min per one day, 5 times a week, during
      12 weeks. In the present results, short-term memory and spatial learning ability
      were deteriorated by induction of diabetes. Treadmill exercise improved short
      term memory and spatial learning ability in the diabetic rats. The numbers of
      BrdU-positive and DCX-positive cells in the hippocampal dentate gyrus were
      decreased by induction of diabetes. Treadmill exercise increased these numbers in
      the diabetic rats. Wnt3 expression in the hippocampus was decreased and GSK-3beta
      expression in the hippocampus was increased by induction of diabetes. Treadmill
      exercise increased Wnt3 expression and suppressed GSK-3beta expression in the
      diabetic rats. The present study suggests that treadmill exercise alleviates
      Alzheimer disease-associated memory loss by increasing neurogenesis through
      activating Wnt signaling pathway in the diabetic rats. 

PMID- 27656624
TI  - Treadmill exercise facilitates recovery of locomotor function through axonal
      regeneration following spinal cord injury in rats.
AB  - Spinal cord injury (SCI) disrupts both axonal pathways and segmental spinal cord
      circuity, resulting in permanent neurological deficits. Physical exercise is
      known to increase the expression of neurotrophins for improving the injured
      spinal cord. In the present study, we investigated the effects of treadmill
      exercise on locomotor function in relation with brain-derived neurotrophic factor
      (BDNF) expression after SCI. The rats were divided into five groups: control
      group, sham operation group, sham operation and exercise group, SCI group, and
      SCI and exercise group. The laminectomy was performed at the T9-T10 level. The
      exposed dorsal surface of the spinal cord received contusion injury (10 g * 25
      mm) using the impactor. Treadmill exercise was performed 6 days per a week for 6
      weeks. In order to evaluate the locomotor function of animals, Basso-Beattie
      Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor scale was conducted once a week for 6 weeks. We
      examined BDNF expression and axonal sprouting in the injury site of the spinal
      cord using Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining. SCI induced
      loss of locomotor function with decreased BDNF expression in the injury site.
      Treadmill exercise increased the score of BBB locomotor scale and reduced cavity
      formation in the injury site. BDNF expression and axonal sprouting within the
      trabecula were further facilitated by treadmill exercise in SCI-exposed rats. The
      present study provides the evidence that treadmill exercise may facilitate
      recovery of locomotor function through axonal regeneration via BDNF expression
      following SCI. 

PMID- 27656625
TI  - Treadmill exercise ameliorates motor dysfunction through inhibition of Purkinje
      cell loss in cerebellum of valproic acid-induced autistic rats.
AB  - Autism is a complex developmental disorder with impairments in social
      interaction, communication, repetitive behavior and motor skills. Exercise
      enhances cognitive function, ameliorates motor dysfunction, and provides
      protective profits against neurodegeneration. In the present study, we evaluated
      the effect of treadmill exercise on the motor coordination and Purkinje cell loss
      in relation with reactive astrocytes and microglial activation in the cerebellum
      using valproic acid (VPA)-induced autism rat model. On the 12th day of pregnancy,
      the pregnant rats in the VPA-exposed group received intraperitoneal injections of
      600-mg/kg VPA. After birth, the rat pups were divided into four groups: the
      control group, the exercise group, the VPA-treated group, the VPA-treated and
      exercise group. The rat pups in the exercise groups were forced to run on a
      treadmill for 30 min once a day, 5 times a week for 4 weeks. In the present
      results, motor balance and coordination was disturbed by induction of autism, in
      contrast, treadmill exercise alleviated motor dysfunction in the autistic rats.
      Purkinje cell loss, reactive astrocytes, and microglial activation were occurred
      by induction of autism, in contrast, treadmill exercise enhanced survival rate of
      Purkinje neurons through inhibition of reactive astrocytes and microglia in the
      autistic rats. The present study showed that exercise may provide a potential
      therapeutic strategy for the alleviation of motor dysfunction in autistic
      patients. 

PMID- 27656626
TI  - Treadmill exercise ameliorates intracerebral hemorrhage-induced depression in
      rats.
AB  - Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a severe type of stroke causing neurological
      dysfunction with high mortality rate. Depression is one of the most common
      complications of ICH. In the present study, the effects of treadmill exercise on
      ICH-induced depressive symptoms in relation with apoptosis were investigated
      using rats. ICH rat model was induced by injection of collagenase into the
      hippocampus using stereotaxic instrument. Open field test for activity and forced
      swimming test for depressive symptoms were conducted. Apoptosis in the
      hippocampus was detected using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated
      dUTP nick end labeling assay, immunohistochemistry for caspase-3, and western
      blot for Bcl-2 and Bax. Western blot analysis for 5-hydroxy-tryptamine (5-HT,
      serotonin) and tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) in the dorsal raphe was also
      conducted for biomarkers of depression. In the present results, immobility time
      was increased and climbing time was decreased by induction of ICH and treadmill
      exercise inhibited immobility time and increased climbing time in ICH rats. DNA
      fragmentation and caspase-3 expression in the hippocampal dentate gyrus were
      enhanced by induction of ICH and treadmill exercise suppressed ICH-induced DNA
      fragmentation and caspase-3 expression. Bax expression in the hippocampus was
      increased by induction of ICH and treadmill exercise inhibited Bax expression in
      the ICH rats. Expressions of 5-HT and TPH in the dorsal raphe were decreased by
      induction of ICH and treadmill exercise increased expressions of 5-HT and TPH in
      the ICH rats. In the present study, treadmill exercise ameliorated depressive
      symptoms through inhibiting apoptosis. 

PMID- 27656627
TI  - The effects of compression garments and electrostimulation on athletes' muscle
      soreness and recovery.
AB  - In this study, we explained the effects of compression garment and
      electrostimulation on athletes' recovery period by evaluating blood lactate and
      isokinetic peak torque parameters. Twenty volunteers (15.55+/- 0.51 yr) were
      included to study. At recovery period, blood samples was taken for lactate values
      at 0th, 3rd, 5th, 15th, 30th min. The isokinetic strength test was performed on
      right ankle at 15th min and on the left ankle at 30th min. The same protocol was
      performed for compression garment on 2 weeks and for electrostimulation on third
      weeks and results were compared. There wasn't any significant difference on blood
      lactate levels within groups. At women; there was not any significant difference
      on isokinetic peak torques within two groups. but at electro-stimulation usage we
      found significant increases on right plantar flexion (P<0.1), right dorsal
      flexion (RDF) (P<0.1) and left plantar flexion (LPF) (P<0.1) values compared to
      control measurements. At men; with compression garment usage, there was
      significant increase on LPF values compared to control measurements. At
      electrostimulation usage, we found significant increases on RDF (P<0.1) and left
      dorsal flexion (P<0.1) values compared to control measurements. During recovery,
      there is not any beneficial effect seen on blood lactate level within two groups.
      When compared to passive rest, compression garments and electrostimulation
      interventions effects on force generation capacity at recovery are statically
      significant. Also in terms of force generation capacity; usage of
      electrostimulation during 15 min and compression garments during 30 min were
      statically more significant. 

PMID- 27656628
TI  - Effects of Taekwondo intervention on balance in children with autism spectrum
      disorder.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of an 8-week Taekwondo
      (TKD) intervention on balance in children with autism spec-trum disorder (ASD). A
      total of 14 children with ASD participated in this study. Eight children (eight
      males; mean age, 10.25+/-2.38 yr) completed TKD intervention (50 min/2 times/8
      week), and six children received no intervention serving as controls (five males,
      one female; mean age, 10.00+/-2.83 yr). A computed posturography system with a
      long forceplate (NeuroCom Balance Master) was used to evaluate static (double and
      single leg stance with various test conditions) and functional balance (step
      quick-turn). Balance was measured before and after the intervention. A mixed
      model analysis of variance showed a significant group by time interaction in
      single leg stance balance. After the intervention, the TKD group displayed a
      greater improvement in single leg stance balance with eyes closed condition than
      the control group (P=0.046). Within-group analysis showed that the TKD group
      significantly improved single leg stance balance with eyes open condition
      (P=0.014). In addition, TKD group displayed trends of improvements in double leg
      stance balance with unstable surface under eyes closed condition (ES=0.83) and
      step-quick-turn (Cohen d [ES]=0.70). The control group did not show any
      significant changes in balance outcomes. In conclusion, TKD training can help
      children with ASD improve their balance. Children with ASD also showed a high
      rate of adherence (92%) to the TKD training. Our findings suggest that TKD can be
      a fun, feasible, and effective therapeutic option for balance improvement of
      children with ASD. 

PMID- 27656629
TI  - Acute effects of aerobic stretching, health and happiness improving movement
      exercise on cortical activity of children.
AB  - Acute high-intensity physical exercise is known to improve cognitive performance
      of children, including those with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
      (ADHD). In this work, we investigated the acute effect of an aerobic stretching
      and moderate-intensity, health and happiness improving movement (HHIM) exercise
      on the cortical activity of children with and without ADHD using
      electroencephalography (EEG). Children aged 12 to 14 yr with combined-type ADHD
      and age-matched healthy controls participated in the study, performing two
      individual movements (n=79, 35 controls) and a single exercise bout (n=45, 18
      controls). electroencephalographic signals were recorded before and immediately
      after each movement, and before and after acute exercise under resting
      conditions, to obtain absolute and relative power estimates for the theta (3.5-8
      Hz), alpha (8-12 Hz), sensory motor rhythm (12-16 Hz), and beta (16-25 Hz) bands.
      After acute HHIM exercise, all children showed significant changes in their
      relative EEG, mainly in the theta and alpha bands. Individual movements were
      found to influence relative theta, alpha and beta, and theta-to-beta ratios. He
      presents aerobic stretching HHIM exercise has demonstrated acute effect on the
      cortical activity of children. 

PMID- 27656630
TI  - The effects of the academic performance of college students whose major is sports
      on body composition and abdominal fat rates.
AB  - The subjects of this research are 30 students of Dong-Eui Institute of Technology
      in Busan city, who were grouped into two categories after applying the curriculum
      of the second semester of the freshman year to their classes: those whose
      academic performance was at the top 20% (15 students) and those whose academic
      performance was at the bottom 20% (15 students). For the measurement items, we
      measured their weight, body fat mass, body fat rates, body mass index, and
      abdominal fat rates by using a body composition testing machine. We then analyzed
      the t-test results by using the IBM SPSS ver. 18.0 program. Through this
      research, we found that there was a significant difference among those in the
      group of students whose academic performance was at the top 20% in terms of body
      fat mass and body fat rates, which means that academic performance has relatively
      little effect on body composition and abdominal fat rates. 

PMID- 27656631
TI  - Physical and functional follow-up of tuberculosis patients in initial intensive
      phase of treatment in Cameroon using the 6-min walk test.
AB  - This study aimed to evaluate functional capacities of Cameroonian tuberculosis
      (TB) patients in initial intensive phase of treatment using the 6-min walk test
      (6MWT) and to compare them to an age-matched healthy group. Twenty-eight TB
      patients newly diagnosed and 19 healthy age-matched peoples participated in the
      study. Performance parameters were determined using the 6MWT. Anthropometric and
      cardiorespiratory parameters were measured at baseline and after 6MWT. Two months
      later, TB patients were submitted to the same evaluation. We found significant
      differences in anthropometric parameters between the two groups. The baseline
      cardiorespiratory parameters and performance characteristics of TB patients were
      lower than control group (571.7+/-121.0 m vs 841.6+/-53.0 m, P<0.0001 for 6-min
      walk distance (6MWD) and 18.1+/-2.8 mL/kg/min vs 24.3+/-1.2 mL/kg/min, P<0.001
      for mean VO2 peak (peak oxygen consumption). Two months after, significant
      improvements were noted in anthropometric, cardiorespiratory and performance
      parameters except for bone mass and FEV1/FEV6 (forced expiratory volumes in 1
      second/6 seconds) ratio. Significant correlations were found between the 2-min
      walked distance (P<0.0001, r=0.95), 4-min walked distance (P<0.0001, r=0.97) and
      6MWD. In conclusion, TB patients have impaired physical functional capacity but
      they improved after 2 months of treatment. 6MWT can be a useful tool in the
      assessment of physical parameters and cardiorespiratory functional capacity
      rehabilitation of TB patients during the treatment. 

PMID- 27656632
TI  - Development and effect of a cognitive enhancement gymnastics program for elderly
      people with dementia.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to develop a cognitive enhancement gymnastics
      program for the elderly with dementia and to verify its effect. The study was
      conducted on 27 people with dementia being treated in a dementia day care center
      in Incheon city. No statistically significant differences were found in the
      measures Mini-Mental State Examination for Dementia Screening (MMSE-DS), Short
      Geriatric Depression Scale (SGDS), Seoul Activities of Daily Living (S-ADL), or
      rock-paper-scissors. However, the MMSE-DS and rock-paper-scissors showed
      improvement after 12 weeks. 

PMID- 27656634
TI  - An exploration of implications for the development of Pilates instructor system
      through identification of instructors' difficulties.
AB  - This study is aimed at exploring ideas for the development of Pilates instructor
      qualification system by identifying a range of difficulties Pilates instructors
      are experiencing. Open-ended questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were
      conducted to collect data before they were analyzed with inductive content
      analysis method. In consideration of the difficulties Pilates instructors
      experience during three qualification stages (before-during-after qualification
      education), three key categories were incorporated in the collected data: (1)
      lack of information on Pilates qualification system, (2) difficulties in
      understanding the human anatomy related with the diverse movements taught in
      Pilates classes and its application to Pilates practice, (3) need for
      professional development through retraining. Based on these findings, a need for
      rethinking the monitoring and evaluation process for Pilates qualification system
      and Pilates education in Korea was identified. In addition, we need to summarize
      and offer information on a range of Pilates qualifications. And the quality of
      Pilates instructor education program should be improved as well by proving them a
      range of teaching methods including microteaching, discussion-based lessons as
      well as reading and writing sessions and other necessary teaching media. 

PMID- 27656633
TI  - Influence of the actions observed on cervical motion in patients with chronic
      neck pain: a pilot study.
AB  - The aim of the present pilot study was to prove if the action-observation (AOb)
      improved the cervical range of motion (CROM) in patients with nonspecific chronic
      neck pain (CNP). Double blind pilot study. A total of 28 subjects were randomly
      assigned to an effective-movement group (n=14) and an ineffective-movement group
      (n=14). The follow-up consisted of: pretreatment, posttreatment and 10 min after
      second measurement (motor imagery). Outcome measures were CROM, and pres-sure
      pain detection thresholds (PPDTs). No statistical differences were found in
      baseline on CROM and on the PPDT. Test for independent groups revealed
      significant changes in cervical rotation movement. Both groups in posttreatment
      (P=0.042; Cohen d=0.81) and after 10 min (P=0.019; Cohen d=0.9). For intragroup
      PPDT, the Wilcoxon test revealed significant effects in the effective movement at
      C2 of the pre to 10-min post (P=0.040). However, the ineffective movement
      revealed a significant reduction in PPDT in zygapophyseal joint of C5-C6 as the
      pre to post (P=0.010) as the pre to 10-min post (P=0.041) periods. In conclusions
      this pilot study demonstrated that the effective AOb produced significant changes
      versus ineffective AOb in the CROM and it could influences in PPT in subject with
      CNP immediately. 

PMID- 27656635
TI  - Evaluation of the accuracy of Lachman and Anterior Drawer Tests with KT1000 in
      the follow-up of anterior cruciate ligament surgery.
AB  - Ligament laxity measurement is clinically valuable to diagnose the injury and
      also to compare the laxity before and after surgical procedure. The aim of the
      study was to compare the accuracy of the Lachman and Anterior Drawer Tests to
      evaluate the knee examination with the KT1000 arthrometer after the anterior
      cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery in early follow-up period. Fourty ACL
      reconstructed knees were examined with the Lachman and Anterior Drawer Tests, and
      KT1000 arthrometer with compariable intact knee of the same patients. Physical
      emanination findings were compared with the KT1000 arthrometer with each power.
      Spearman correlation and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were
      used for the evaluation of relations between parameters. Significance was
      evaluated in P<0.1 and P<0.05. The mean age was 28.18+/-6.21 yr, and the mean
      follow-up was 23.09+/-9.08 months. The mean KT1000 measurements of 40 operated
      knees state at 6.8, 9.1, 13.6 kg and maxium anterior displacement forces were
      4.9, 6.7, 8.7, and 11.9 mm, respectively. The same values for the same acting
      forces of intact knees were 4.2, 5.9, 7.8, and 10.2, respectively. In Spearman's
      correlation and ROC analysis at 13.6-kg power on KT1000 arthrometer statistically
      matched with pyhsical examinations (P<0.1, P<0.01). In our study, correlation of
      physical examinations with KT1000 arthrometer is a worthy evaluation technique
      that can be added to examination of ACL reconstructed knee to control with
      inexperinced examiners' findings. We suggest that at 13.6-kg power with KT1000
      arthrometer findings perfectly match the Lachman and Anterior Drawer Tests of the
      knee. 

PMID- 27656636
TI  - Effect of the kinetic variables and postural stability between bilateral in lower
      limbs by the Oreum trekking exercise: asymmetric index.
AB  - This study aimed to analyze an effect of the kinetic variables and postural
      stability between bilateral in lower limbs by participation of Oreum trekking
      exercise program and subjects participated were composed of adult male and female
      subjects (n=14) of 20s. Experiment was performed with the drop landing which can
      evaluate postural stability and kinetic variables between bilateral in lower
      limbs. peak vertical force (PVF) value showed significant difference with the
      less in case of post than before participation of Oreum trekking exercise. Also
      PVF of bilateral in lower limbs did not showed significant difference, and too
      the effect of interaction. vertical stability index (VSI) and dynamic postural
      stability index (DPSI) showed significant difference with improvement of postural
      stability by Oreum trekking, but did not between bilateral in the limbs.
      Particularly the result of one-way analysis of variance due to VSI's effect of
      interaction, showed the more influence on the improvement of postural stability
      in left leg after participation of Oreum trekking exercise. When consideration
      the above, the analysis result on asymmetric index of bilateral in lower limbs
      showed more symmetric pattern in post than before participation of Oreum trekking
      exercise program. 

PMID- 27656637
TI  - Restrictions of physical activity participation in older adults with disability:
      employing keyword network analysis.
AB  - Older adults with disability might have been increasing due to the rapid aging of
      society. Many studies showed that physical activity is an essential part for
      improving quality of life in later lives. Regular physical activity is an
      efficient means that has roles of primary prevention and secondary prevention.
      However, there were few studies regarding older adults with disability and
      physical activity participation. The purpose of this current study was to
      investigate restriction factors to regularly participate older adults with
      disability in physical activity by employing keyword network analysis. Two
      hundred twenty-nine older adults with disability who were over 65 including aging
      with disability and disability with aging in type of physical disability and
      brain lesions defined by disabled person welfare law partook in the open
      questionnaire assessing barriers to participate in physical activity. The results
      showed that the keyword the most often used was 'Traffic' which was total of 21
      times (3.47%) and the same proportion as in the 'personal' and 'economical'.
      Exercise was considered the most central keyword for participating in physical
      activity and keywords such as facility, physical activity, disabled, program,
      transportation, gym, discomfort, opportunity, and leisure activity were
      associated with exercise. In conclusion, it is necessary to educate older persons
      with disability about a true meaning of physical activity and providing more
      physical activity opportunities and decreasing inconvenience should be
      systematically structured in Korea. 

PMID- 27656638
TI  - Assessment of Liver Stiffness in Pediatric Fontan Patients Using Transient
      Elastography.
AB  - Background. Hepatic fibrosis is a potential complication following Fontan surgery
      and heralds long-term risk for cirrhosis. Transient elastography (TE) is a rapid,
      noninvasive method to assess liver fibrosis by measuring liver stiffness.
      Objectives. To compare liver stiffness and liver biochemistries in pediatric
      Fontan patients with age- and sex-matched controls and to determine patients'
      acceptance of TE. Methods. Patients were recruited from British Columbia
      Children's Hospital. Twenty-two Fontan patients (15 males) were identified.
      Demographic information and cardiac data were collected. TE was measured using
      size-appropriate probes. Results. The median age of the Fontan cohort was 13.7
      (5.9-16.8) years. Time from Fontan surgery to TE was 9.6 (1.0-12.9) years. The
      median Fontan circuit pressure was 13 (11-14) mmHg. TE values were higher in
      Fontan patients versus controls (18.6 versus 4.7 kPa, p < 0.001). There was no
      association between TE values and patient age (r = 0.41, p = 0.058), time since
      Fontan surgery (r = 0.40, p = 0.062), or median Fontan circuit pressure (CVP) (r
      = 0.35, p = 0.111). Patients found TE to be nonpainful, convenient, and safe.
      Conclusions. TE is feasible to assess liver stiffness in children following
      Fontan surgery. Pediatric Fontan patients have markedly elevated liver stiffness
      values. TE may have important utility in liver care follow-up of pediatric Fontan
      patients.

PMID- 27656639
TI  - Physical Activity Participation of Disabled Children: A Systematic Review of
      Conceptual and Methodological Approaches in Health Research.
AB  - Physical activity (PA) participation is widely recognized as a critical component
      of health and development for disabled and non-disabled children. Emergent
      literature reflects a paradigm shift in the conceptualization of childhood PA as
      a multi-dimensional construct, encompassing aspects of physical performance, and
      self-perceived engagement. However, ambiguity remains around how participation as
      a health construct is integrated into PA research. The primary objective of the
      present mini-review is to critically examine current conceptual and
      methodological approaches to evaluating PA participation among disabled children.
      We conducted a systematic review of contemporary literature (published between
      2000 and 2016). Seventeen articles met inclusion criteria, and their research
      approach was classified into guiding framework, definition of the key construct,
      and measurement used. The primary guiding framework was the international
      classification of functioning, disability and health. An explicit definition of
      PA participation was absent from all studies. Eight studies (47%) operationalized
      PA and participation as independent constructs. Measurements included traditional
      performance-based aspects of PA (frequency, duration, and intensity), and
      alternative participation measures (subjective perception of involvement,
      inclusion, or enjoyment). Approximately 64% of included articles were published
      in the past 2 years (2014-2016) indicating a rising interest in the topic of PA
      participation. Drawing from the broader discussion of participation in the
      literature, we offer a working definition of PA participation as it pertains to
      active, health-associated behaviors. Further description of alternative
      approaches to framing and measuring PA participation are offered to support
      effective assessment of health status among disabled children. 

PMID- 27656640
TI  - Predictors of Participation in Mammography Screening among Non-Hispanic Black,
      Non-Hispanic White, and Hispanic Women.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Many factors influence women's decisions to participate in
      guideline-recommended screening mammography. We evaluated the influence of
      women's socioeconomic characteristics, health-care access, and cultural and
      psychological health-care preferences on timely mammography screening
      participation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A random digit dial survey of United States
      non-Hispanic Black, non-Hispanic White, and Hispanic women aged 40-75, from
      January to August 2009, determined self-reported time of most recent mammogram.
      Screening rates were assessed based on receipt of a screening mammogram within
      the prior 12 months, the interval recommended at the time by the American Cancer
      Society. RESULTS: Thirty-nine percent of women reported not having a mammogram
      within the last 12 months. The odds of not having had a screening mammography
      were higher for non-Hispanic White women than for non-Hispanic Black (OR = 2.16,
      95% CI = 0.26, 0.82, p = 0.009) or Hispanic (OR = 4.17, 95% CI = 0.12, 0.48, p =
      0.01) women. Lack of health insurance (OR = 3.22, 95% CI = 1.54, 6.73, p = 0.002)
      and lack of usual source of medical care (OR = 3.37, 95% CI = 1.43, 7.94, p =
      0.01) were associated with not being screened as were lower self-efficacy to
      obtain screening (OR = 2.43, 95% CI = 1.26, 4.73, p = 0.01) and greater levels of
      religiosity and spirituality (OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.00, 2.00, p = 0.05). Neither
      perceived risk nor present temporal orientation was significant. DISCUSSION: Odds
      of not having a mammogram increased if women were uninsured, without medical
      care, non-Hispanic White, older in age, not confident in their ability to obtain
      screening, or held passive or external religious/spiritual values. Results are
      encouraging given racial disparities in health-care participation and suggest
      that efforts to increase screening among minority women may be working.

PMID- 27656641
TI  - The Use of Signal-Transduction and Metabolic Pathways to Predict Human Disease
      Targets from Electric and Magnetic Fields Using in vitro Data in Human Cell
      Lines.
AB  - Using in vitro data in human cell lines, several research groups have
      investigated changes in gene expression in cellular systems following exposure to
      extremely low frequency (ELF) and radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields
      (EMF). For ELF EMF, we obtained five studies with complete microarray data and
      three studies with only lists of significantly altered genes. Likewise, for RF
      EMF, we obtained 13 complete microarray datasets and 5 limited datasets.
      Plausible linkages between exposure to ELF and RF EMF and human diseases were
      identified using a three-step process: (a) linking genes associated with classes
      of human diseases to molecular pathways, (b) linking pathways to ELF and RF EMF
      microarray data, and (c) identifying associations between human disease and EMF
      exposures where the pathways are significantly similar. A total of 60 pathways
      were associated with human diseases, mostly focused on basic cellular functions
      like JAK-STAT signaling or metabolic functions like xenobiotic metabolism by
      cytochrome P450 enzymes. ELF EMF datasets were sporadically linked to human
      diseases, but no clear pattern emerged. Individual datasets showed some linkage
      to cancer, chemical dependency, metabolic disorders, and neurological disorders.
      RF EMF datasets were not strongly linked to any disorders but strongly linked to
      changes in several pathways. Based on these analyses, the most promising area for
      further research would be to focus on EMF and neurological function and
      disorders. 

PMID- 27656642
TI  - Fluorescence In situ Hybridization: Cell-Based Genetic Diagnostic and Research
      Applications.
AB  - Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is a macromolecule recognition
      technology based on the complementary nature of DNA or DNA/RNA double strands.
      Selected DNA strands incorporated with fluorophore-coupled nucleotides can be
      used as probes to hybridize onto the complementary sequences in tested cells and
      tissues and then visualized through a fluorescence microscope or an imaging
      system. This technology was initially developed as a physical mapping tool to
      delineate genes within chromosomes. Its high analytical resolution to a single
      gene level and high sensitivity and specificity enabled an immediate application
      for genetic diagnosis of constitutional common aneuploidies,
      microdeletion/microduplication syndromes, and subtelomeric rearrangements. FISH
      tests using panels of gene-specific probes for somatic recurrent losses, gains,
      and translocations have been routinely applied for hematologic and solid tumors
      and are one of the fastest-growing areas in cancer diagnosis. FISH has also been
      used to detect infectious microbias and parasites like malaria in human blood
      cells. Recent advances in FISH technology involve various methods for improving
      probe labeling efficiency and the use of super resolution imaging systems for
      direct visualization of intra-nuclear chromosomal organization and profiling of
      RNA transcription in single cells. Cas9-mediated FISH (CASFISH) allowed in situ
      labeling of repetitive sequences and single-copy sequences without the disruption
      of nuclear genomic organization in fixed or living cells. Using oligopaint-FISH
      and super-resolution imaging enabled in situ visualization of chromosome
      haplotypes from differentially specified single-nucleotide polymorphism loci.
      Single molecule RNA FISH (smRNA-FISH) using combinatorial labeling or sequential
      barcoding by multiple round of hybridization were applied to measure mRNA
      expression of multiple genes within single cells. Research applications of these
      single molecule single cells DNA and RNA FISH techniques have visualized intra
      nuclear genomic structure and sub-cellular transcriptional dynamics of many genes
      and revealed their functions in various biological processes. 

PMID- 27656644
TI  - Repair of Perineal Hernia Following Abdominoperineal Excision with Biological
      Mesh: A Systematic Review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Perineal hernia (PerH) following abdominoperineal excision (APE)
      procedure is a recognized complication. PerH was considered an infrequent
      complication of APE procedure; however, PerH rates of up to 45% have been
      reported in recent publications following a laparoscopic APE procedure. Various
      methods of repair of PerH with the use of synthetic meshes or myocutaneous flap
      have been described, although there is no general agreement on an optimal
      strategy. The use of biological meshes for different operations is growing in
      popularity, and these have been promoted as being superior and safer when
      compared to synthetic meshes. Although the use of biologics is becoming popular
      claims of better outcomes are largely unsupported by evidence. The aim of this
      systematic review is to evaluate the currently available evidence supporting the
      use of biologic or biosynthetic meshes for the repair of PerH that develop
      following an APE. METHODS: A systematic review of all English language literature
      relevant to repair of PerH following APE with biologic or biosynthetic mesh
      published between January 1, 2000 and July 31, 2016 was carried out using
      MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library of Systematic Reviews for relevant
      literature. Searches were performed using a combination of Medical Subject
      Headings (MeSH) terms and text words "PerH," "APE," "morbidity," "biologics,"
      "biosynthetic," and "hernia." Studies in which the use of biological meshes was
      not reported were excluded from the review. Various outcome measures, including
      operative technique, complication rates, recurrence rates, type of mesh,
      management of recurrences, and risk factors, were extracted. Oxford Centre for
      Evidence-based Medicine - Levels of Evidence (March 2009) was used to assess the
      quality of evidence. RESULTS: The systematic review of the literature identified
      three case reports, four case series, and one pooled analysis that were included
      in the final review. Overall, these studies were of poor quality providing level
      4 evidence. Various different approaches and techniques of repair of PerH were
      described; however, it was difficult to extract information with regard to the
      primary and secondary outcome measures. CONCLUSION: There is no general agreement
      to the optimal operative strategy to repair PerH following an APE. There is
      insufficient evidence to recommend any specific operative approach or repair
      technique for PerH following an APE.

PMID- 27656643
TI  - The Immunomodulatory Functions of Diacylglycerol Kinase zeta.
AB  - The generation of diacylglycerol (DAG) is critical for promoting immune cell
      activation, regulation, and function. Diacylglycerol kinase zeta (DGKzeta) serves
      as an important negative regulator of DAG by enzymatically converting DAG into
      phosphatidic acid (PA) to shut down DAG-mediated signaling. Consequently, the
      loss of DGKzeta increases DAG levels and the duration of DAG-mediated signaling.
      However, while the enhancement of DAG signaling is thought to augment immune cell
      function, the loss of DGKzeta can result in both immunoactivation and
      immunomodulation depending on the cell type and function. In this review, we
      discuss how different immune cell functions can be selectively modulated by
      DGKzeta. Furthermore, we consider how targeting DGKzeta can be potentially
      beneficial for the resolution of human diseases by either promoting immune
      responses important for protection against infection or cancer or dampening
      immune responses in immunopathologic conditions such as allergy and septic shock.

PMID- 27656645
TI  - Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Guided Treatment of Equine Distal Interphalangeal
      Joint Collateral Ligaments: 2009-2014.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the outcome of treating distal interphalangeal joint
      collateral ligament (DIJCL) desmopathy using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
      guided ligament injection. METHODS: Medical records of 13 adult horses diagnosed
      with DIJCL desmopathy using low-field MRI and treated by MRI-guided ligament
      injection of mesenchymal stem cells and/or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) were
      reviewed. Information collected included signalment, MRI diagnosis, treatment
      type, time to resolution of lameness, and level of exercise after treatment.
      RESULTS: Collateral ligament inflammation was diagnosed as a cause of lameness in
      13 horses. MRI was used to guide the injection of the injured DIJCL. All lameness
      attributed to DIJCL desmopathy resolved with the resulting level of performance
      at expected (10) or less than expected (3). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE:
      Injection of the DIJCL can be safely completed in horses standing in a low-field
      magnet guided by MRI as previously demonstrated in cadaver specimens. The
      positive response in all horses suggests that administration of stem cells or PRP
      along with rest and appropriate shoeing may be a safe and useful treatment for
      DIJCL desmopathy.

PMID- 27656646
TI  - General Commentary on: Alternatives to Antibiotic Growth Promoters in Animals.

PMID- 27656647
TI  - Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Profiles of Tiamulin in an Experimental
      Intratracheal Infection Model of Mycoplasma gallisepticum.
AB  - Mycoplasma gallisepticum is the most important pathogen in poultry among four
      pathogenic Mycoplasma species. Tiamulin is a pleuromutilin antibiotic that shows
      a great activity against M. gallisepticum and has been approved for use in
      veterinary medicine particularly for poultry. However, the
      pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) profiles of tiamulin against M.
      gallisepticum are not well understood. Therefore, in the current studies, we
      investigated the in vivo PK/PD profiles of tiamulin using a well-established
      experimental intratracheal infection model of M. gallisepticum. The efficacy of
      tiamulin against M. gallisepticum was studied in 8-day-old chickens after
      intramuscular (i.m.) administration at 10 doses between 0-80 mg/kg. Liquid
      chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to evaluate the PK
      parameters of tiamulin following i.m. administration at doses of 5, 40, and 80
      mg/kg in Mycoplasma gallisepticum-infected neutropenic chickens. Real-time PCR
      (RT-PCR) was used for quantitative detection of M. gallisepticum. The MIC of
      tiamulin against M. gallisepticum strain S6 was 0.03 MUg/mL. The PK/PD index,
      AUC24h/MIC, correlated well with the in vivo antibacterial efficacy. The in vivo
      data suggest that animal dosage regimens should supply AUC24h/MIC of tiamulin of
      382.68 h for 2 log10 ccu equivalents M. gallisepticum reduction. To attain that
      goal, the administered dose is expected to be 45 mg/kg b.w. for treatment of M.
      gallisepticum infection with an MIC90 of 0.03 MUg/mL. 

PMID- 27656648
TI  - Clinical Application of a Modular Genomics Technique in Systemic Lupus
      Erythematosus: Progress towards Precision Medicine.
AB  - Monitoring disease activity in a complex, heterogeneous disease such as lupus is
      difficult. Both over- and undertreatment lead to damage. Current standard of care
      serologies are unreliable. Better measures of disease activity are necessary as
      we move into the era of precision medicine. We show here the use of a data
      driven, modular approach to genomic biomarker development within lupus
      specifically lupus nephritis. 

PMID- 27656649
TI  - The Expression of NOX4 in Smooth Muscles of Small Airway Correlates with the
      Disease Severity of COPD.
AB  - Airway smooth muscle (ASM) remodeling is a hallmark in chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease (COPD), and nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)
      oxidases (NOXs) produced reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a crucial role in
      COPD pathogenesis. In the present study, the expression of NOX4 and its
      correlation with the ASM hypertrophy/hyperplasia, clinical pulmonary functions,
      and the expression of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) in the ASM of
      COPD small airways were investigated by semiquantitative morphological and/or
      immunohistochemistry staining methods. The results showed that an elevated
      expression of NOX4 and TGF-beta, along with an increased volume of ASM mass, was
      found in the ASM of small airways in COPD patients. The abundance of NOX4 protein
      in the ASM was increased with disease severity and inversely correlated with the
      pulmonary functions in COPD patients. In addition, the expression of NOX4 and ASM
      marker alpha-SMA was colocalized, and the increased NOX4 expression was found to
      accompany an upregulated expression of TGF-beta in the ASM of small airways of
      COPD lung. These results indicate that NOX4 may be a key regulator in ASM
      remodeling of small airway, in part through a mechanism interacting with TGF-beta
      signaling in the pathogenesis of COPD, which warrants further investigation.

PMID- 27656650
TI  - Prosexual Effect of Chrysactinia mexicana A. Gray (Asteraceae), False Damiana, in
      a Model of Male Sexual Behavior.
AB  - Chrysactinia mexicana A. Gray (Asteraceae) and Turnera diffusa Willd
      (Turneraceae) are employed in traditional medicine as aphrodisiacs; however,
      there is no scientific evidence supporting the prosexual properties of C.
      mexicana. The aim of this study was to determine whether an aqueous extract of C.
      mexicana (Cm) stimulates rat male sexual behavior in the sexual exhaustion
      paradigm. Sexually exhausted (SExh) male rats were treated with Cm (80, 160, and
      320 mg/kg), an aqueous extract of T. diffusa (Td), or yohimbine. The sexual
      exhaustion state in the control group was characterized by a low percentage of
      males exhibiting mounts, intromissions, and ejaculations and no males
      demonstrating mating behavior after ejaculation. Cm (320 mg/kg), Td, or yohimbine
      significantly increased the proportion of SExh rats that ejaculated and resumed
      copulation after ejaculation. In males that exhibited reversal of sexual
      exhaustion, Cm (320 mg/kg) improved sexual performance by reducing the number of
      intromissions and shrinking ejaculation latency. The effects of treatments on
      sexual behavior were not related with alterations in general locomotion. In
      conclusion, the prosexual effects of Cm, as well as those of Td, are established
      at a central level, which supports the traditional use of C. mexicana for
      stimulating sexual activity.

PMID- 27656652
TI  - Extracellular Ribonuclease from Bacillus licheniformis (Balifase), a New Member
      of the N1/T1 RNase Superfamily.
AB  - The N1/T1 RNase superfamily comprises enzymes with well-established antitumor
      effects, such as ribotoxins secreted by fungi, primarily by Aspergillus and
      Penicillium species, and bacterial RNase secreted by B. pumilus (binase) and B.
      amyloliquefaciens (barnase). RNase is regarded as an alternative to classical
      chemotherapeutic agents due to its selective cytotoxicity towards tumor cells.
      New RNase with a high degree of structural similarity with binase (73%) and
      barnase (74%) was isolated and purified from Bacillus licheniformis (balifase,
      calculated molecular weight 12421.9 Da, pI 8.91). The protein sample with
      enzymatic activity of 1.5 * 106 units/A280 was obtained. The physicochemical
      properties of balifase are similar to those of barnase. However, in terms of its
      gene organization and promoter activity, balifase is closer to binase. The unique
      feature of balifase gene organization consists in the fact that genes of RNase
      and its inhibitor are located in one operon. Similarly to biosynthesis of binase,
      balifase synthesis is induced under phosphate starvation; however, in contrast to
      binase, balifase does not form dimers under natural conditions. We propose that
      the highest stability of balifase among analyzed RNase types allows the protein
      to retain its structure without oligomerization.

PMID- 27656653
TI  - Improved Efficiency and Reliability of NGS Amplicon Sequencing Data Analysis for
      Genetic Diagnostic Procedures Using AGSA Software.
AB  - Screening for BRCA mutations in women with familial risk of breast or ovarian
      cancer is an ideal situation for high-throughput sequencing, providing large
      amounts of low cost data. However, 454, Roche, and Ion Torrent, Thermo Fisher,
      technologies produce homopolymer-associated indel errors, complicating their use
      in routine diagnostics. We developed software, named AGSA, which helps to detect
      false positive mutations in homopolymeric sequences. Seventy-two familial breast
      cancer cases were analysed in parallel by amplicon 454 pyrosequencing and Sanger
      dideoxy sequencing for genetic variations of the BRCA genes. All 565 variants
      detected by dideoxy sequencing were also detected by pyrosequencing. Furthermore,
      pyrosequencing detected 42 variants that were missed with Sanger technique. Six
      amplicons contained homopolymer tracts in the coding sequence that were
      systematically misread by the software supplied by Roche. Read data plotted as
      histograms by AGSA software aided the analysis considerably and allowed
      validation of the majority of homopolymers. As an optimisation, additional 250
      patients were analysed using microfluidic amplification of regions of interest
      (Access Array Fluidigm) of the BRCA genes, followed by 454 sequencing and AGSA
      analysis. AGSA complements a complete line of high-throughput diagnostic sequence
      analysis, reducing time and costs while increasing reliability, notably for
      homopolymer tracts.

PMID- 27656651
TI  - Roles of Rack1 Proteins in Fungal Pathogenesis.
AB  - Pathogenic fungi cause diseases on various organisms. Despite their differences
      in life cycles, fungal pathogens use well-conserved proteins and pathways to
      regulate developmental and infection processes. In this review, we focus on
      Rack1, a multifaceted scaffolding protein involved in various biological
      processes. Rack1 is well conserved in eukaryotes and plays important roles in
      fungi, though limited studies have been conducted. To accelerate the study of
      Rack1 proteins in fungi, we review the functions of Rack1 proteins in model and
      pathogenic fungi and summarize recent progress on how Rack1 proteins are involved
      in fungal pathogenesis.

PMID- 27656654
TI  - Osteopontin Promotes Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase 13 through NF-kappaB
      Signaling in Osteoarthritis.
AB  - Osteopontin (OPN) is associated with the severity and progression of
      osteoarthritis (OA); however, the mechanism of OPN in the pathogenesis of OA is
      unknown. In this study, we found that OA patients had higher abundance of OPN and
      matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13). In chondrocytes, we showed that OPN promoted
      the production of MMP13 and activation of NF-kappaB pathway by increasing the
      abundance of p65 and phosphorylated p65 and translocation of p65 protein from
      cytoplasm to nucleus. Notably, inhibition of NF-kappaB pathway by inhibitor
      suppressed the production of MMP13 induced by OPN treatment. In conclusion, OPN
      induces production of MMP13 through activation of NF-kappaB pathway.

PMID- 27656655
TI  - Hypothyroidism Affects Olfactory Evoked Potentials.
AB  - Background. Objective electrophysiological methods for investigations of the
      organ of smell consist in recordings of olfactory cortex responses to specific,
      time restricted odor stimuli. In hypothyroidism have impaired sense of smell.
      Material and Methods. Two groups: control of 31 healthy subjects and study group
      of 21 with hypothyroidism. The inclusion criterion for the study group was the
      TSH range from 3.54 to 110 MUIU/mL. Aim. Assessment of the latency time of evoked
      responses from the olfactory nerve N1 and the trigeminal nerve N5 using two
      smells of mint and anise in hypothyroidism. Results. The smell perception in
      subjective olfactory tests was normal in 85% of the hypothyroid group.
      Differences were noticed in the objective tests. The detailed intergroup analysis
      of latency times of recorded cortical responses PN5 and PN1 performed by means
      between the groups of patients with overt clinical hypothyroidism versus
      subclinical hypothyroidism demonstrated a significant difference (p < 0.05)
      whereas no such differences were found between the control group versus
      subclinical hypothyroidism group (p > 0.05). Conclusion. We can conclude that
      registration of cortex potentials at irritation of olfactory and trigeminal
      nerves offers possibilities for using this method as an objective indicator of
      hypothyroidism severity and prognostic process factor.

PMID- 27656656
TI  - Charcot Neuropathic Arthropathy of the Foot: A Literature Review and Single
      Center Experience.
AB  - Charcot neuropathic osteoarthropathy of the foot is a relatively common
      complication of diabetic neuropathy. Incorrect diagnosis and improper treatment
      often result in the extremity having to be amputated. This paper summarises the
      current view on the etiology, diagnostics, and treatment of diabetic Charcot
      neuropathic osteoarthropathy, with particular focus on preserving the extremity
      through surgical intervention from our own experiences.

PMID- 27656657
TI  - Exendin-4 Promotes Survival of Mouse Pancreatic beta-Cell Line in Lipotoxic
      Conditions, through the Extracellular Signal-Related Kinase 1/2 Pathway.
AB  - Type 2 diabetes is a heterogeneous disorder that develops as a result of
      relatively inappropriate insulin secretion and insulin resistance. Increased
      levels of free fatty acids (FFAs) are one of the important factors for the
      pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes and contribute to defective beta-cell
      proliferation and increased beta-cell apoptosis. Recently, glucagon-like peptide
      1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists have been shown to possess an antiapoptotic effect,
      by increasing beta-cell mass and improving beta-cell function. However, their
      effects on beta-cells in vitro against lipotoxicity have not been elucidated
      completely. In this study, we investigated whether the GLP-1 receptor agonist
      exendin-4 displays prosurvival effects in pancreatic beta-cells exposed to
      chronic elevated FFAs. Results showed that exendin-4 inhibited apoptosis induced
      by palmitate in MIN6 cells. After 24 h of incubation, exendin-4 caused rapid
      activation of extracellular signal-related kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) under lipotoxic
      conditions. The ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 blocked the antilipotoxic effect of
      exendin-4 on MIN6 cells. Exendin-4 also inhibited the mitochondrial pathway of
      apoptosis. This inhibition is associated with upregulation of BCL-2. Our findings
      suggested that exendin-4 may exert cytoprotective effects through activation of
      ERK1/2 and inhibition of the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway.

PMID- 27656658
TI  - Patient Activation in Type 2 Diabetes: Does It Differ between Men and Women?
AB  - Background. Aim was to investigate whether the degree of patient activation of
      patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) is different between men and women.
      Furthermore, we investigated which factors are associated with patient activation
      in men and women. Methods. This cross-sectional study included 1615 patients with
      T2D from general practices. Patient activation was measured with the Patient
      Activation Measure (PAM) questionnaire. Multivariate linear regression analyses
      were used to investigate the association between gender and patient activation.
      Stratified analyses according to gender were performed to investigate which
      factors are associated with patient activation. Results. No association between
      gender and PAM score was found after adjustment for all selected confounders (p =
      0.094). In men, lower age (p = 0.001), a higher WHO-5 score (p < 0.001), and a
      lower BMI (p = 0.013) were associated with a higher PAM score. In women, a higher
      WHO-5 score (p < 0.017) and the absence of macrovascular complications (p <
      0.031) were associated with a higher PAM score. Conclusion. There is no
      difference in the degree of patient activation of men and women with T2D. Age,
      well-being, and BMI were found to be associated with patient activation in men,
      whereas well-being and macrovascular complications were found to be associated
      with patient activation in women.

PMID- 27656659
TI  - The Influence of Diabetes Mellitus in Myocardial Ischemic Preconditioning.
AB  - Ischemic preconditioning (IP) is a powerful mechanism of protection discovered in
      the heart in which ischemia paradoxically protects the myocardium against other
      ischemic insults. Many factors such as diseases and medications may influence IP
      expression. Although diabetes poses higher cardiovascular risk, the
      physiopathology underlying this condition is uncertain. Moreover, although
      diabetes is believed to alter intracellular pathways related to myocardial
      protective mechanisms, it is still controversial whether diabetes may interfere
      with ischemic preconditioning and whether this might influence clinical outcomes.
      This review article looks at published reports with animal models and humans that
      tried to evaluate the possible influence of diabetes in myocardial ischemic
      preconditioning.

PMID- 27656660
TI  - Severe Babesia microti Infection in an Immunocompetent Host in Pennsylvania.
AB  - Babesiosis, due to infection by a tick-borne protozoan (predominantly Babesia
      microti in North America), is an emerging health risk that is expanding into new
      areas and may be unfamiliar to clinicians in locations not previously considered
      endemic. Manifestations of infection can range from asymptomatic to life
      threatening, with severe disease more likely in those who have had a splenectomy,
      are immunocompromised, have chronic medical conditions, or are over 50 years of
      age. In this article, we describe an elderly but otherwise healthy man from an
      area not generally considered endemic for babesiosis who presented with severe
      hemolysis, acute renal failure, and high-level Babesia microti parasitemia;
      serological results suggestive of possible coinfection by Borrelia burgdorferi
      (the agent of Lyme disease, which is carried by the same tick as is Babesia
      microti) also was found. This report highlights that severe babesiosis can occur
      in an apparently normal host and underscores the continued geographic expansion
      of this pathogen and the need for early recognition and therapy. 

PMID- 27656661
TI  - A multiple sclerosis-like disorder in patients with OPA1 mutations.
AB  - We describe three unrelated patients presenting with a spinal cord syndrome and
      neuroimaging features consistent with multiple sclerosis (MS). All harbored a
      pathogenic OPA1 mutation. Although the neurological phenotype resembled
      neuromyelitis optica (NMO), anti-aquaporin 4 antibodies were not detected and the
      disorder followed a slow progressive course. The coincidental occurrence of OPA1
      mutations and an MS-like disorder is likely to have modulated the phenotypic
      manifestations of both disorders, but unlike the previously reported association
      of Leber hereditary optic neuropathy and MS (Harding disease), the optic
      neuropathy in patients with OPA1 mutations and an MS-like disorder can be mild
      with a good visual prognosis.

PMID- 27656662
TI  - Global proteomics dataset of miR-126 overexpression in acute myeloid leukemia.
AB  - A deep proteomics analysis was conducted on a primary acute myeloid leukemia
      culture system to identify potential protein targets regulated by miR-126.
      Leukemia cells were transduced either with an empty control lentivirus or one
      containing the sequence for miR-126, and resulting cells were analyzed using
      ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled with high resolution
      mass spectrometry. The mass spectrometry data have been deposited to the
      ProteomeXchange Consortium via the PRIDE partner repository with the dataset
      identifier PRIDE: PXD001994. The proteomics data and statistical analysis
      described in this article is associated with a research article, "miR-126
      regulates distinct self-renewal outcomes in normal and malignant hematopoietic
      stem cells" (Lechman et al., 2016) [1], and serves as a resource for researchers
      working in the field of microRNAs and their regulation of protein levels. 

PMID- 27656664
TI  - Data supporting the co-expression of PDHA1 gene and of its paralogue PDHA2 in
      somatic cells of a family.
AB  - This article presents a dataset proving the simultaneous presence of a 5'UTR
      truncated PDHA1 mRNA and a full-length PDHA2 mRNA in the somatic cells of a PDC
      deficient female patient and all members of her immediate family (parents and
      brother). We have designed a large set of primer pairs in order to perform
      detailed RT-PCR assays allowing the clear identification of both PDHA1 and PDHA2
      mRNA species in somatic cells. In addition, two different experimental approaches
      were used to elucidate the copy number of PDHA1 gene in the patient and her
      mother. The interpretation and discussion of these data, along with further
      extensive experiments concerning the origin of this altered gene expression and
      its potential therapeutic consequences, can be found in "Complex genetic findings
      in a female patient with pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiency: null
      mutations in the PDHX gene associated with unusual expression of the testis
      specific PDHA2 gene in her somatic cells" (A. Pinheiro, M.J. Silva, C. Florindo,
      et al., 2016) [1]. 

PMID- 27656663
TI  - Data on amyloid precursor protein accumulation, spontaneous physical activity,
      and motor learning after traumatic brain injury in the triple-transgenic mouse
      model of Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - This data article contains supporting information regarding the research article
      entitled "Traumatic brain injury accelerates amyloid-beta deposition and impairs
      spatial learning in the triple-transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease" (H.
      Shishido, Y. Kishimoto, N. Kawai, Y. Toyota, M. Ueno, T. Kubota, Y. Kirino, T.
      Tamiya, 2016) [1]. Triple-transgenic (3*Tg)-Alzheimer's disease (AD) model mice
      exhibited significantly poorer spatial learning than sham-treated 3*Tg-AD mice 28
      days after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Correspondingly, amyloid-beta (Abeta)
      deposition within the hippocampus was significantly greater in 3*Tg-AD mice 28
      days after TBI. However, data regarding the short-term and long-term influences
      of TBI on amyloid precursor protein (APP) accumulation in AD model mice remain
      limited. Furthermore, there is little data showing whether physical activity and
      motor learning are affected by TBI in AD model mice. Here, we provide
      immunocytochemistry data confirming that TBI induces significant increases in APP
      accumulation in 3*Tg-AD mice at both 7 days and 28 days after TBI. Furthermore,
      3*Tg-AD model mice exhibit a reduced ability to acquire conditioned responses
      (CRs) during delay eyeblink conditioning compared to sham-treated 3*Tg-AD model
      mice 28 days after TBI. However, physical activity and motor performance are not
      significantly changed in TBI-treated 3*Tg-AD model mice. 

PMID- 27656665
TI  - Data on some qualitative parameters of Carolea olive oils obtained in different
      areas of Calabria (Southern Italy).
AB  - This data article contains complementary results related to the paper
      "Characterization of monovarietal olive oils obtained from mills of Calabria
      region (Southern Italy)" (Piscopo et al., 2016) [1]. Data was obtained by
      capillary-column gas chromatography, analyzing sterols and triterpene dialcohols
      and ethyl esters in the composition of Carolea olive oils. They were produced in
      different areas of Calabria region (Southern Italy), named: the Sibari's plateau
      (SP), the Valley of Sant' Eufemia (VSE), the Tyrrhenian southern area (TSA), the
      Ionian southern coast (ISC) and the Ionian area of Catanzaro (IAC). Specifically
      the characterized samples were 24 in the SP; 43 in the VSE; 15 in the TSA; 30 in
      the ISC, and 34 in the IAC, for a total amount of 146 olive oils. The differences
      in some compositional characteristics denoted the effect of the environmental and
      could be considered to improve the local productions. The compilation of this
      data provides a resource for the wider research community and the interpretation
      of this data could be found in the research article noted above. 

PMID- 27656666
TI  - Data of expression and purification of recombinant Taq DNA polymerase.
AB  - Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique is widely used in many experimental
      conditions, and Taq DNA polymerase is critical in PCR process. In this article,
      the Taq DNA polymerase expression plasmid is reconstructed and the protein
      product is obtained by rapid purification, ("Rapid purification of high-activity
      Taq DNA polymerase" (Pluthero, 1993 [1]), "Single-step purification of a
      thermostable DNA polymerase expressed in Escherichia coli" (Desai and Pfaffle,
      1995 [2])). Here we present the production data from protein expression and
      provide the analysis results of the production from two different vectors.
      Meanwhile, the purification data is also provided to show the purity of the
      protein product. 

PMID- 27656667
TI  - A synthetic Longitudinal Study dataset for England and Wales.
AB  - This article describes the new synthetic England and Wales Longitudinal Study
      'spine' dataset designed for teaching and experimentation purposes. In the United
      Kingdom, there exist three Census-based longitudinal micro-datasets, known
      collectively as the Longitudinal Studies. The England and Wales Longitudinal
      Study (LS) is a 1% sample of the population of England and Wales (around 500,000
      individuals), linking individual person records from the 1971 to 2011 Censuses.
      The synthetic data presented contains a similar number of individuals to the
      original data and accurate longitudinal transitions between 2001 and 2011 for key
      demographic variables, but unlike the original data, is open access. 

PMID- 27656668
TI  - Characterization, kinetic, and isotherm data for Cr (VI) removal from aqueous
      solution by Populus alba biochar modified by a cationic surfactant.
AB  - Populus alba is fast and auto- growing tree which profoundly accessible in around
      the world. The usage of the wastes of this tree would be admirable from
      environmental and solid waste management point of view. Thus, herein, this data
      set presents a facile method for providing an adsorbent from wastes of P. alba
      tree. The prepared adsorbent was modified by the cationic surfactant of
      (C16H33)N(CH3)3Br and applied to remove Cr (VI) from aqueous solution. The
      characterization data of the modified adsorbent were analyzed using FTIR and SEM
      methods. The information regarding kinetics, isotherms, and thermodynamics of
      chromium ions adsorption were listed. The data implied that the maximum
      adsorption capacity of adsorbent to uptake Cr (VI) from aqueous solution was
      obtained 52.63 mg/g. The acquired data indicated that the adsorption of Cr (VI)
      by the adsorbent prepared from P. alba is an promising technique for treating Cr
      bearing wastewaters. 

PMID- 27656669
TI  - Data generated from three quantitative mass spectral methods for the analysis of
      trivalent influenza vaccine antigens are compared.
AB  - Herein we present the data necessary for generation of alternative means to
      produce equimolar mixtures of peptides ("Design and Expression of a QconCAT
      Protein to Validate Hi3 Protein Quantification of Influenza Vaccine Antigens"
      (D.G.S. Smith, G. Gingras, Y. Aubin, T.D. Cyr, 2016) [1]), such as QConCAT
      ("Trends in QconCATs for targeted proteomics" (J. Chen, I.V. Turko, 2014) [2] ,
      "Natural flanking sequences for peptides included in a quantification concatamer
      internal standard" (C.S. Cheung, K.W. Anderson, M. Wang, I.V. Turko, 2015) [3])
      and SpikeTides versus the label free Hi3 approach. The experimental design and
      the interpretation of results are discussed in the original article [1]. 

PMID- 27656670
TI  - Morphological and optical data of AgNW embedded transparent conductive layer.
AB  - In this data article, morphological and optical data of AgNW encapsulated between
      ITO layers are presented to get insights into our article
      (DOI:10.1016/j.solmat.2016.04.038; Hong-Sik Kim, Pankaj Yadav, Malkeshkumar
      Patel, Hyunki Kim, Kavita Pandey, Joondong Kim, 2016) [1]. SEM images for the
      formation of AgNWs networks by number of spin coating are also presented. SEM
      photographs showing the surface morphologies before and after rapid thermal
      treatment of prepared samples have been presented. Apart from morphological data
      set, optical characteristics of this type of samples are given. The comparison
      plots of optical reflectance from AgNW encapsulated between ITO layers and bare
      ITO are given between the wavelength ranges from 300 to 1100 nm. At the end,
      transmittance and reflectance curves of native glass substrates used in this
      study are presented. 

PMID- 27656671
TI  - Time perspective and well-being: Swedish survey questionnaires and data.
AB  - The data pertains 448 Swedes' responses to questionnaires on time perspective
      (Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory), temporal life satisfaction (Temporal
      Satisfaction with Life Scale), affect (Positive Affect and Negative Affect
      Schedule), and psychological well-being (Ryff's Scales of Psychological Well
      Being-short version). The data was collected among university students and
      individuals at a training facility (see U. Sailer, P. Rosenberg, A.A. Nima, A.
      Gamble, T. Garling, T. Archer, D. Garcia, 2014; [1]). Since there were no
      differences in any of the other background variables, but exercise frequency, all
      subsequent analyses were conducted on the 448 participants as one single sample.
      In this article we include the Swedish versions of the questionnaires used to
      operationalize the time perspective and well-being variables. The data is
      available, SPSS file, as Supplementary material in this article. We used the
      Expectation-Maximization Algorithm to input missing values. Little's Chi-Square
      test for Missing Completely at Random showed a chi (2)=67.25 (df=53, p=.09) for
      men and chi (2)=77.65 (df=72, p=.31) for women. These values suggested that the
      Expectation-Maximization Algorithm was suitable to use on this data for missing
      data imputation. 

PMID- 27656672
TI  - Dataset of differentially expressed genes from SOX9 over-expressing NT2/D1 cells.
AB  - The data presents the genes that are differentially up-regulated or down
      regulated in response to SOX9 in a human Sertoli-like cell line, NT2/D1. The
      dataset includes genes that may be implicated in gonad development and are
      further explored in our associated article, "SOX9 Regulates Expression of the
      Male Fertility Gene Ets Variant Factor 5 (ETV5) during Mammalian Sex Development"
      (D. lankarage, R. Lavery, T. Svingen, S. Kelly, L.M. Ludbrook, S. Bagheri-Fam, et
      al., 2016) [1]. The necessity of SOX9 for male sex development is evident in
      instances where SOX9 is lost, as in 46, XY DSD where patients are sex reversed or
      in mouse knock-out models, where mice lacking Sox9 are sex reversed. Despite the
      crucial nature of this transcriptional activator, downstream target genes of SOX9
      remain largely undiscovered. Here, we have utilized NT2/D1 cells to transiently
      over-express SOX9 and performed microarray analysis of the RNA. Microarray data
      are available in the ArrayExpress database (www.ebi.ac.uk/arrayexpress) under
      accession number E-MTAB-3378. 

PMID- 27656673
TI  - Data on the oral CRTh2 antagonist QAW039 (fevipiprant) in patients with
      uncontrolled allergic asthma.
AB  - This article contains data on clinical endpoints (Peak Flow Expiratory Rate,
      fractional exhaled nitric oxide and total IgE serum levels) and plasma
      pharmacokinetic parameters concerning the use of the oral CRTh2 antagonist QAW039
      (fevipiprant) in mild to moderate asthma patients. Information on experimental
      design and methods on how this data was obtained is also described. Further
      interpretation and discussion of this data can be found in the article "The oral
      CRTh2 antagonist QAW039 (fevipiprant): a phase II study in uncontrolled allergic
      asthma" (Erpenbeck et al., in press) [1]. 

PMID- 27656674
TI  - Data on the mechanisms underlying succinate-induced aortic contraction.
AB  - We describe the mechanisms underlying the vascular contraction induced by
      succinate. The data presented here are related to the article entitled
      "Pharmacological characterization of the mechanisms underlying the vascular
      effects of succinate" (L.N. Leite, N.A. Gonzaga, J.A. Simplicio, G.T. Vale, J.M.
      Carballido, J.C. Alves-Filho, C.R. Tirapelli, 2016) [1]. Succinate acts as a
      signaling molecule by binding to a G-protein-coupled receptor termed GPR91,
      "Citric acid cycle intermediates as ligands for orphan G-protein-coupled
      receptors" (W. He, F.J. Miao, D.C. Lin, R.T. Schwandner, Z. Wang, J. Gao, J.L.
      Chen, H. Tian, L. Ling, 2004) [2]. Here we include data on the contractile effect
      of succinate in the aorta. Succinate contracted both endothelium-intact and
      endothelium-denuded aortic rings isolated from male Wistar rats or C57BL/6 mice.
      Succinate was less effective at inducing contraction in arteries isolated from
      GPR91-deficient mice, when compared to its vascular effect in aortas from wild
      type mice. SB203508 (p38MAK inhibitor), SP600125 (JNK inhibitor) and Y27632 (Rho
      kinase inhibitor) reduced succinate-induced contraction in both endothelium
      intact and endothelium-denuded rat aortic rings, while PD98059 (ERK1/2 inhibitor)
      did not affect succinate-induced contraction. The contractile response induced by
      succinate on endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded rat aortic rings was
      reduced by indomethacin (non-selective cyclooxygenase inhibitor), H7 (protein
      kinase C inhibitor), verapamil (Ca(2+) channel blocker) and tiron (superoxide
      anion scavenger). 

PMID- 27656675
TI  - Expression and methylation data from SLE patient and healthy control blood
      samples subdivided with respect to ARID3a levels.
AB  - Previously published studies revealed that variation in expression of the DNA
      binding protein ARID3a in B lymphocytes from patients with systemic lupus
      erythematosus (SLE) correlated with levels of disease activity ("Disease activity
      in systemic lupus erythematosus correlates with expression of the transcription
      factor AT-rich-interactive domain 3A" (J.M. Ward, K. Rose, C. Montgomery, I.
      Adrianto, J.A. James, J.T. Merrill et al., 2014) [1]). The data presented here
      compare DNA methylation patterns from SLE peripheral blood mononuclear cells
      obtained from samples with high numbers of ARID3a expressing B cells (ARID3a(H))
      versus SLE samples with normal numbers of ARID3a(+) B cells (ARID3a(N)). The
      methylation data is available at the gene expression omnibus (GEO) repository,
      "Gene Expression Omnibus: NCBI gene expression and hybridization array data
      repository" (R. Edgar, M. Domrachev, A.E. Lash, 2002) [2]. Isolated B cells from
      SLE ARID3a(H) and ARID3a(N) B samples were also evaluated via qRT-PCR for Type I
      interferon (IFN) signature and pathway gene expression levels by qRT-PCR.
      Similarly, healthy control B cells and B cells stimulated to express ARID3a with
      the TLR agonist, CpG, were also compared via qRT-PCR. Primers designed to detect
      6 IFNa subtype mRNAs were tested in 4 IFNa, Epstein-Barr Virus-transformed B cell
      lines ("Reduced interferon-alpha production by Epstein-Barr virus transformed B
      lymphoblastoid cell lines and lectin-stimulated lymphocytes in congenital
      dyserythropoietic anemia type I" (S.H. Wickramasinghe, R. Hasan, J. Smythe, 1997)
      [3]). The data in this article support the publication, "Human effector B
      lymphocytes express ARID3a and secrete interferon alpha" (J.M. Ward, M.L.
      Ratliff, M.G. Dozmorov, G. Wiley, J.M. Guthridge, P.M. Gaffney, J.A. James, C.F.
      Webb, 2016) [4]. 

PMID- 27656676
TI  - Multivariate data validation for investigating primary HCMV infection in
      pregnancy.
AB  - We reported data concerning the Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)
      based metabolomic analysis of amniotic fluid (AF) samples obtained from pregnant
      women infected with Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV). These data support the
      publication "Primary HCMV Infection in Pregnancy from Classic Data towards
      Metabolomics: an Exploratory analysis" (C. Fattuoni, F. Palmas, A. Noto, L.
      Barberini, M. Mussap, et al., 2016) [2]. GC-MS and Multivariate analysis allow to
      recognize the molecular phenotype of HCMV infected fetuses (transmitters) and
      that of HCMV non-infected fetuses (non-transmitters); moreover, GC-MS and
      multivariate analysis allow to distinguish and to compare the molecular phenotype
      of these two groups with a control group consisting of AF samples obtained in
      HCMV non-infected pregnant women. The obtained data discriminate controls from
      transmitters as well as from non-transmitters; no statistically significant
      difference was found between transmitters and non-transmitters. 

PMID- 27656677
TI  - Data on meq gene sequence analysis of Ludhiana MDV isolates.
AB  - The data described are related to the article entitled "Sequence Analysis of Meq
      oncogene among Indian isolates of Marek's Disease Herpesvirus" M. Gupta, D. Deka,
      Ramneek, 2016. Seven meq genes of Ludhiana Marek's disease virus (MDV) field
      isolates were PCR amplified by using proof reading Platinum Pfx DNA polymerase
      enzyme, sequenced and then analyzed for the distinct polymorphisms and point
      mutations. The sequences were named as LDH 1758, LDH 2003, LDH 2483, LDH 2614,
      LDH 2700, LDH 2929 and LDH 3262. At this point, their deduced Meq amino acid
      sequences were compared with GenBank available already sequenced meq genes
      worldwide in their deduced amino acid form to study their identity/similarity
      with each other. 

PMID- 27656678
TI  - Behavioral Problems in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Controlled Study to
      Examine the Risk of Psychopathology in a Chronic Pediatric Disorder.
AB  - Children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) are prone to the problems that
      can delay their psychosocial development; however, the existing literature has
      not reached a consensus on the psychological problems related to JIA. A total of
      51 children and adolescents with JIA and 75 healthy controls aged 6 to 18 years
      were examined using the Child Behavioral Checklist (CBCL). Our results
      represented that 70 percent of JIA group reached "borderline clinical" range or
      "clinical" range in internalizing problems, while this percentage in the control
      group was 18 percent. In addition, our results indicated that JIA group has
      gotten significantly higher scores (more than twofold) in externalizing behaviors
      compared to control group. Furthermore, children with JIA showed higher rate of
      anxiety/depression, withdrawal/depression, somatic complaints, rule breaking
      behaviors, and aggressive behaviors as well as thought and social problems
      compared to control group (p < 0.001). As a conclusion, children and adolescents
      with JIA compared to healthy controls may show higher rate of both internalizing
      and externalizing problems. Furthermore, our novel findings on externalizing,
      social, and thought problems in JIA warrant further investigation on affected
      children who may be at greater risk of future psychopathologies. 

PMID- 27656679
TI  - alphaB-crystallin Expression in Breast Cancer is Associated with Brain
      Metastasis.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The molecular chaperone alphaB-crystallin is expressed in
      estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and human epidermal growth factor
      receptor-2 "triple-negative" breast carcinomas and promotes brain and lung
      metastasis. We examined alphaB-crystallin expression in primary breast carcinomas
      with metastatic data to evaluate its association with prognosis and site-specific
      metastases. METHODS: alphaB-crystallin gene (CRYAB) expression was examined using
      publically available global-gene expression data (n=855 breast tumors) with first
      site of distant metastasis information ("855Met"). alphaB-crystallin protein
      expression was determined by immunohistochemistry using the clinically annotated
      tissue microarray (n=3987 breast tumors) from British Columbia Cancer Agency
      (BCCA). Kaplan-Meier and multivariable Cox regression analyses were used to
      evaluate the prognostic value of alphaB-crystallin. Multivariable logistic
      regression analysis was used to evaluate risks of alphaB-crystallin and other
      markers for site of metastasis. RESULTS: In the 855Met dataset, alphaB-crystallin
      gene (CRYAB) expression was an independent predictor of brain as the first
      distant site of relapse (HR = 1.2, (95% CI 1.0-1.4), P = 0.021). In the BCCA
      series, alphaB-crystallin protein expression was an independent prognostic marker
      of poor breast cancer specific survival (HR = 1.3, (95% CI 1.1-1.6), P = 0.014).
      Among patients with metastases, alphaB-crystallin was the strongest independent
      predictor of brain metastasis (OR = 2.99 (95% CI 1.83-4.89), P < 0.0001) and the
      only independent predictor of brain as the first site of distant metastasis (OR =
      3.15 (95% CI1.43-6.95), P = 0.005). alphaB-crystallin was also associated with
      worse survival (3.0 versus 4.7 months, P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: alphaB-crystallin
      is a promising biomarker to identify breast cancer patients at high risk for
      early relapse in the brain, independent of ER and HER2 status.

PMID- 27656680
TI  - PD-1 pathway-mediated regulation of islet-specific CD4+ T cell subsets in
      autoimmune diabetes.
AB  - Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a CD4+ T cell-driven autoimmune disease resulting from
      the destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells. Clinical evidence and
      studies in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice suggest that insulin is a major
      autoantigen. With this in mind, we developed insulin B10-23:IAg7 tetramer
      reagents to track insulin-specific CD4+ T cells in mice and interrogated the role
      of Programmed death-1 (PD-1) for peripheral tolerance. PD-1 is a T cell
      inhibitory receptor necessary to maintain tolerance and prevent T1D in NOD mice.
      PD-1 pathway inhibitors are increasingly used in the clinic for treating
      malignancies, and while many patients benefit, some develop adverse autoimmune
      events, including T1D. We therefore sought to understand the role of PD-1 in
      maintaining islet-specific tolerance in diabetes-resistant strains. B6.g7 mice
      express the same MHC Class II allele as NOD mice, have predominantly naive
      insulin-specific CD4+ T cells in the periphery, and remain diabetes-free even
      after PD-1 pathway blockade. Here, we examined the trafficking potential of
      insulin-specific CD4+ T cells in NOD and B6.g7 mice with or without anti-PD-L1
      treatment, and found that PD-L1 blockade preferentially increased the number of
      CD44highCXCR3+ insulin-specific cells in NOD but not B6.g7 mice. Additionally, we
      investigated whether pancreatic islets in NOD and B6.g7 mice expressed CXCL10, a
      lymphocyte homing chemokine and ligand for CXCR3. Anti-PD-L1 treated and control
      NOD mice had detectable CXCL10 expression in the islets, while B6.g7 islets did
      not. These data suggest that islet tolerance may be in part attributed to the
      pancreatic environment and in the absence of pancreas inflammation, chemotactic
      cytokines may be missing. This, together with our previous data showing that PD-1
      pathway blockade preferentially affects effector but not anergic self-specific T
      cells has implications for the use of checkpoint blockade in treating tumor
      patients. Our work suggests that determining tumor- and self-specific CD4+ T cell
      activation status (naive, effector or anergic) prior to initiation of
      immunotherapy would likely help to stratify individuals who would benefit from
      this therapy versus those who might have adverse effects or incomplete tumor
      control.

PMID- 27656682
TI  - A sliding-bulge structure at the Dicer processing site of pre-miRNAs regulates
      alternative Dicer processing to generate 5'-isomiRs.
AB  - 5'-isomiRs expand the repertoire of miRNA targets. However, how they are
      generated is not well understood. Previously, we showed that for some miRNAs in
      mammalian cells, Drosha cleaves at multiple sites to generate multiple pre-miRNAs
      that give rise to multiple 5'-isomiRs. Here, we showed that for some other
      miRNAs, 5'-isomiRs are generated by alternative Dicer processing. In addition, we
      showed that in miR-203, alternative Dicer processing is regulated by a conserved
      sliding-bulge structure at the Dicer processing site, which allows the pre-miRNA
      molecule to fold into two different structures that are processed differently by
      Dicer. So far no RNA motif that slides to change conformation and alter a protein
      RNA interaction has been reported. Thus, our study revealed a novel RNA motif
      that regulates 5'-isomiR generation in some miRNAs. It might also contribute to
      regulating protein-RNA interactions in other biological processes, since it takes
      only one point mutation to generate the sliding bulge, and there are a large
      number of different RNAs in the cell. 

PMID- 27656683
TI  - Nitrogen transfer from Lupinus albus L., Trifolium incarnatum L. and Vicia sativa
      L. contribute differently to rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) nitrogen nutrition.
AB  - Nitrogen (N) transfer is well documented in legume-cereal intercropping but this
      is less often reported for legume-Brassica intercrops even though Brassica crops
      require higher levels of N fertilizers. The present study was carried out to
      quantify N transfer from legumes (Lupinus albus L., Trifolium incarnatum L. or
      Vicia sativa L.) to rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) using the split-root (15)N
      labelling method. After three months we observed that legumes did not alter the
      growth of rapeseed. Vetch showed the lowest growth and demonstrated low (15)N
      shoot to root translocation and no significant N transfer to rapeseed. In
      contrast, significant (15)N enrichment was found in lupine and clover and (15)N
      was transferred to the associated rapeseed plants (around 6 and 4 mg N plant(-1),
      respectively), which contributed 2 to 3% of the rapeseed total N. Additionally,
      the data revealed that N2 fixation dominated the N nutrition in lupine despite
      the high N level provided in the donor compartment, suggesting a greater niche
      segregation between companion plants. Based on the results of this study we
      suggest that intercropping can be a relevant contributor to rapeseed N nutrition.
      Among the three legumes tested, clover and lupine seemed to be the best
      intercropping candidates. 

PMID- 27656681
TI  - Lentiviral-mediated phenotypic correction of cystic fibrosis pigs.
AB  - Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in CF
      transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), resulting in defective anion
      transport. Regardless of the disease-causing mutation, gene therapy is a strategy
      to restore anion transport to airway epithelia. Indeed, viral vector-delivered
      CFTR can complement the anion channel defect. In this proof-of-principle study,
      functional in vivo CFTR channel activity was restored in the airways of CF pigs
      using a feline immunodeficiency virus-based (FIV-based) lentiviral vector
      pseudotyped with the GP64 envelope. Three newborn CF pigs received aerosolized
      FIV-CFTR to the nose and lung. Two weeks after viral vector delivery, epithelial
      tissues were analyzed for functional correction. In freshly excised tracheal and
      bronchus tissues and cultured ethmoid sinus cells, we observed a significant
      increase in transepithelial cAMP-stimulated current, evidence of functional CFTR.
      In addition, we observed increases in tracheal airway surface liquid pH and
      bacterial killing in CFTR vector-treated animals. Together, these data provide
      the first evidence to our knowledge that lentiviral delivery of CFTR can
      partially correct the anion channel defect in a large-animal CF model and
      validate a translational strategy to treat or prevent CF lung disease.

PMID- 27656684
TI  - Purification of the subcellular compartment in which exogenous antigens undergo
      endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation from dendritic cells.
AB  - Dendritic cells (DCs) are capable of processing and presenting exogenous antigens
      using MHC class I molecules. This pathway is called antigen cross-presentation
      and plays an important role in the stimulation of naive CD8(+) T cells for
      infectious and tumor immunity. Our previous studies in DC2.4 cells and bone
      marrow-derived DCs revealed that exogenously added ovalbumin (OVA) is processed
      through endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated degradation (ERAD) for cross
      presentation. In this study, we aimed to further confirm these results by
      purification of the subcellular compartment in which exogenous antigens undergo
      ERAD from homogenates of DC2.4 cells pretreated with biotinylated OVA (bOVA).
      bOVA-containing vesicles were purified using streptavidin (SA)-magnetic beads
      from cell homogenates and were found to contain ER chaperones and ERAD components
      together with proteins for antigen presentation. In purified microsomes, bOVA was
      retained in membranous fractions and degraded by the ubiquitin proteasome system
      in presence reticulocyte lysates and ATP. These results strongly suggested that
      DCs processed and degraded exogenous antigens through ERAD for cross-presentation
      in this purified subcellular compartment. 

PMID- 27656685
TI  - Fluctuations in phenolic content, ascorbic acid and total carotenoids and
      antioxidant activity of fruit beverages during storage.
AB  - Stability of the total phenolic content, ascorbic acid, total carotenoids and
      antioxidant activity in eight fruit beverages was analyzed. The influence of
      storage temperature (4, 8 and 11  degrees C) during the product shelf-life (20
      days) was evaluated. Pomegranate Juice presented the highest values for
      antioxidant activity by DPPH* assay (552.93 +/- 6.00 GAE MUg mL(-1)), total
      carotenoids (3.18 +/- 0.11 betaCE MUg mL(-1)), and total phenolic content
      (3967.07 +/- 2.47 GAE MUg mL(-1)); while Splash Blend recorded the highest levels
      of ascorbic acid (607.39 +/- 2.13 AAE MUg mL(-1)). The antioxidant capacity was
      stable at 4 and 8  degrees C for the first 8 days of storage; while carotenoids
      and ascorbic acid were slightly degraded through the storage time, possibly due
      to oxidation and/or reactions with other compounds. The results suggest that the
      observed variation during testing could be related to storage conditions of the
      final product. 

PMID- 27656686
TI  - RON kinase isoforms demonstrate variable cell motility in normal cells.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Aberrant RON (Recepteur d'Origine Nantais) tyrosine kinase
      activation causes the epithelial cell to evade normal growth pathways, resulting
      in unregulated cell proliferation, increased cell motility and decreased
      apoptosis. Wildtype (wt) RON has been shown to play a role in metastasis of
      epithelial malignancies. It presents an important potential therapeutic target
      for colorectal, breast, gastric and pancreatic cancer. Little is known about
      functional differences amongst RON isoforms RON155, RON160 and RON165. The
      purpose of this study was to determine the effect of various RON kinase isoforms
      on cell motility. METHODS: Cell lines with stable expression of wtRON were
      generated by inserting the coding region of RON in pTagRFP (tagged red
      fluorescence protein plasmid). The expression constructs of RON variants (RON155,
      RON160 and RON165) were generated by creating a mutagenesis-based wtRON-pTag RFP
      plasmid and stably transfected into HEK 293 cells. The wound closure scratch
      assay was used to investigate the effect on cell migratory capacity of wild type
      RON and its variants. RESULTS: RON transfected cells demonstrated increased cell
      motility compared to HEK293 control cells. RON165 cell motility was significantly
      increased compared to RON160 (mean percentage of wound covered 37.37% vs. 32.40%;
      p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: RON tyrosine kinase isoforms have variable cell motility.
      This may reflect a difference in the behavior of malignant epithelial cells and
      their capacity for metastasis.

PMID- 27656687
TI  - Converting Light Energy to Chemical Energy: A New Catalytic Approach for
      Sustainable Environmental Remediation.
AB  - We report a synthetic approach to form cubic Cu2O/Pd composite structures and
      demonstrate their use as photocatalytic materials for tandem catalysis. Pd
      nanoparticles were deposited onto Cu2O cubes, and their tandem catalytic
      reactivity was studied via the reductive dehalogenation of polychlorinated
      biphenyls. The Pd content of the materials was gradually increased to examine its
      influence on particle morphology and catalytic performance. Materials were
      prepared at different Pd amounts and demonstrated a range of tandem catalytic
      reactivity. H2 was generated via photocatalytic proton reduction initiated by
      Cu2O, followed by Pd-catalyzed dehalogenation using in situ generated H2. The
      results indicate that material morphology and composition and substrate steric
      effects play important roles in controlling the overall reaction rate.
      Additionally, analysis of the postreacted materials revealed that a small number
      of the cubes had become hollow during the photodechlorination reaction. Such
      findings offer important insights regarding photocatalytic active sites and
      mechanisms, providing a pathway toward converting light-based energy to chemical
      energy for sustainable catalytic reactions not typically driven via light.

PMID- 27656688
TI  - Silver Ions Direct Twin-Plane Formation during the Overgrowth of Single-Crystal
      Gold Nanoparticles.
AB  - It is commonly agreed that the crystalline structure of seeds dictates the
      crystallinity of final nanoparticles in a seeded-growth process. Although the
      formation of monocrystalline particles does require the use of single-crystal
      seeds, twin planes may stem from either single- or polycrystalline seeds.
      However, experimental control over twin-plane formation remains difficult to
      achieve synthetically. Here, we show that a careful interplay between kinetics
      and selective surface passivation offers a unique handle over the emergence of
      twin planes (in decahedra and triangles) during the growth over single
      crystalline gold nanoparticles of quasi-spherical shape. Twinning can be
      suppressed under conditions of slow kinetics in the presence of silver ions,
      yielding single-crystalline particles with high-index facets.

PMID- 27656689
TI  - Gold Nanoantenna-Mediated Photothermal Drug Delivery from Thermosensitive
      Liposomes in Breast Cancer.
AB  - In this work, we demonstrate controlled drug delivery from low-temperature
      sensitive liposomes (LTSLs) mediated by photothermal heating from multibranched
      gold nanoantennas (MGNs) in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells in vitro.
      The unique geometry of MGNs enables the generation of mild hyperthermia (~42 
      degrees C) by converting near-infrared light to heat and effectively delivering
      doxorubicin (DOX) from the LTSLs in breast cancer cells. We confirmed the
      cellular uptake of MGNs by using both fluorescence confocal Z-stack imaging and
      transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging. We performed a cellular viability
      assay and live/dead cell fluorescence imaging of the combined therapeutic effects
      of MGNs with DOX-loaded LTSLs (DOX-LTSLs) and compared them with free DOX and DOX
      loaded non-temperature-sensitive liposomes (DOX-NTSLs). Imaging of fluorescent
      live/dead cell indicators and MTT assay outcomes both demonstrated significant
      decreases in cellular viability when cells were treated with the combination
      therapy. Because of the high phase-transition temperature of NTSLs, no drug
      delivery was observed from the DOX-NTSLs. Notably, even at a low DOX
      concentration of 0.5 MUg/mL, the combination treatment resulted in a higher (33%)
      cell death relative to free DOX (17% cell death). The results of our work
      demonstrate that the synergistic therapeutic effect of photothermal hyperthermia
      of MGNs with drug delivery from the LTSLs can successfully eradicate aggressive
      breast cancer cells with higher efficacy than free DOX by providing a controlled
      light-activated approach and minimizing off-target toxicity.

PMID- 27656691
TI  - Interfacial Activity of Gold Nanoparticles Coated with a Polymeric Patchy Shell
      and the Role of Spreading Agents.
AB  - Gold patchy nanoparticles (PPs) were prepared under surfactant-free conditions by
      functionalization with a binary ligand mixture of polystyrene and poly(ethylene
      glycol) (PEG) as hydrophobic and hydrophilic ligands, respectively. The
      interfacial activity of PPs was compared to that of homogeneous hydrophilic
      nanoparticles (HPs), fully functionalized with PEG, by means of pendant drop
      tensiometry at water/air and water/decane interfaces. We compared interfacial
      activities in three different spreading agents: water, water/chloroform, and pure
      chloroform. We found that the interfacial activity of PPs was close to zero (~2
      mN/m) when the spreading agent was water and increased to ~14 mN/m when the
      spreading agent was water/chloroform. When the nanoparticles were deposited with
      pure chloroform, the interfacial activity reached up to 60 mN/m by compression.
      In all cases, PPs exhibited higher interfacial activity than HPs, which were not
      interfacially active, regardless of the spreading agent. The interfacial activity
      at the water/decane interface was found to be significantly lower than that at
      the water/air interface because PPs aggregate in decane. Interfacial dilatational
      rheology showed that PPs form a stronger elastic shell at the pendant drop
      interface, compared to HPs. The significantly high interfacial activity obtained
      with PPs in this study highlights the importance of the polymeric patchy shell
      and the spreading agent.

PMID- 27656690
TI  - Physicochemical and Antibacterial Characterization of a Novel Fluorapatite
      Coating.
AB  - Peri-implantitis remains the major impediment to the long-term use of dental
      implants. With increasing concern over the growth in antibiotic resistance, there
      is considerable interest in the preparation of antimicrobial dental implant
      coatings that also induce osseointegration. One such potential coating material
      is fluorapatite (FA). The aim of this study was to relate the antibacterial
      effectiveness of FA coatings against pathogens implicated in peri-implantitis to
      the physicochemical properties of the coating. Ordered and disordered FA coatings
      were produced on the under and upper surfaces of stainless steel (SS) discs,
      respectively, using a hydrothermal method. Surface charge, surface roughness,
      wettability, and fluoride release were measured for each coating. Surface
      chemistry was assessed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and FA
      crystallinity using X-ray diffraction. Antibacterial activity against
      periodontopathogens was assessed in vitro using viable counts, confocal
      microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM showed that the
      hydrothermal method produced FA coatings that were predominately aligned
      perpendicular to the SS substrate or disordered FA coatings consisting of
      randomly aligned rodlike crystals. Both FA coatings significantly reduced the
      growth of all examined bacterial strains in comparison to the control. The FA
      coatings, especially the disordered ones, presented significantly lower charge,
      greater roughness, and higher area when compared to the control, enhancing
      bacteria-material interactions and therefore bacterial deactivation by fluoride
      ions. The ordered FA layer reduced not only bacterial viability but adhesion too.
      The ordered FA crystals produced as a potential novel implant coating showed
      significant antibacterial activity against bacteria implicated in peri
      implantitis, which could be explained by a detailed understanding of their
      physicochemical properties.

PMID- 27656692
TI  - Alarm Odor Compounds of the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Exhibit Antibacterial
      Activity.
AB  - Some insects release scented compounds as a defense against predators that also
      exhibit antimicrobial activity. Trans-2-octenal and trans-2-decenal are the major
      alarm aldehydes responsible for the scent of Halyomorpha halys, the brown
      marmorated stink bug. Previous research has shown these aldehydes are antifungal
      and produce an antipredatory effect, but have never been tested for antibacterial
      activity. We hypothesized that these compounds functioned similarly to the
      analogous multifunctional action of earwig compounds, so we tested whether these
      aldehydes could inhibit the growth of bacteria. Disk diffusion assays indicated
      that these aldehydes significantly inhibited the growth of Methicillin-resistant
      Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, in vitro.
      Moreover, mealworm beetles (Tenebrio molitor) coated in stink bug aldehydes
      showed a substantial reduction in bacterial colonization compared to vehicle
      treated insects. These results suggest that brown marmorated stinkbug aldehydes
      are indeed antibacterial agents and serve a multifunctional role for this insect.
      Therefore, stinkbug aldehydes may have potential for use as chemical
      antimicrobials.

PMID- 27656707
TI  - Platelet granules - secretory and secretive.
AB  - The article reviews three recent publications addressing physiological and
      pathological aspects of platelet granules and release as well as limitations of
      recent screening tests for diagnosis of non-syndromic inherited delta-storage
      pool disease (1-3).

PMID- 27656709
TI  - Human recombinant alkaline phosphatase inhibits ex vivo platelet activation in
      humans.
AB  - Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with high morbidity and
      mortality. Excessive platelet activation contributes to AKI through the formation
      of microthrombi and amplification of systemic inflammation. Two phase II trials
      demonstrated that bovine-intestinal alkaline phosphatase (AP) improved renal
      function in critically ill patients with sepsis-associated AKI. In this study, we
      characterised the platelet-inhibiting effects of a human recombinant AP. Whole
      blood and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) of healthy volunteers (n=6) was pre-treated
      ex vivo with recAP, whereafter platelet reactivity to ADP, collagen-related
      peptide (CRP-XL) and Pam3CSK4 was determined by flow cytometry. RecAP (40 U/ml)
      reduced the platelet reactivity to ADP (inhibition with a median of 47 %,
      interquartile range 43-49 %; p<0.001) and tended to reduce platelet reactivity to
      CRP-XL (9 %, 2-25 %; p=0.08) in whole blood. The platelet-inhibiting effects of
      recAP were more pronounced in PRP both for ADP- (64 %, 54-68 %; p=0.002) and CRP
      XL-stimulated samples (60 %, 46-71 %; p=0.002). RecAP rapidly converted ADP into
      adenosine, whereas antagonism of the A2A adenosine receptor partially reversed
      the platelet inhibitory effects of recAP. Platelets of septic shock patients
      (n=5) showed a 31% (22-34%; p=0.03) more pronounced reactivity compared to
      healthy volunteers, and this was completely reversed by recAP treatment. In
      conclusion, we demonstrate that recAP inhibits ex vivo human platelet activation
      through dephosphorylation of ADP and formation of adenosine as its turnover
      product. RecAP is able to reverse the platelet hyperreactivity present in septic
      shock patients. These effects may contribute to the beneficial effects of recAP
      as a new therapeutic candidate for sepsis-associated AKI.

PMID- 27656708
TI  - Genome-wide association reveals that common genetic variation in the kallikrein
      kinin system is associated with serum L-arginine levels.
AB  - L-arginine is the essential precursor of nitric oxide, and is involved in
      multiple key physiological processes, including vascular and immune function. The
      genetic regulation of blood L-arginine levels is largely unknown. We performed a
      genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify genetic factors determining
      serum L-arginine levels, amongst 901 Europeans and 1,394 Indian Asians. We show
      that common genetic variations at the KLKB1 and F12 loci are strongly associated
      with serum L-arginine levels. The G allele of single nucleotide polymorphism
      (SNP) rs71640036 (T/G) in KLKB1 is associated with lower serum L-arginine
      concentrations (10 umol/l per allele copy, p=1*10-24), while allele T of
      rs2545801 (T/C) near the F12 gene is associated with lower serum L-arginine
      levels (7 umol/l per allele copy, p=7*10-12). Together these two loci explain 7 %
      of the total variance in serum L-arginine concentrations. The associations at
      both loci were replicated in independent cohorts with plasma L-arginine
      measurements (p<0.004). The two sentinel SNPs are in nearly complete LD with the
      nonsynonymous SNP rs3733402 at KLKB1 and the 5'-UTR SNP rs1801020 at F12,
      respectively. SNPs at both loci are associated with blood pressure. Our findings
      provide new insight into the genetic regulation of L-arginine and its potential
      relationship with cardiovascular risk.

PMID- 27656710
TI  - A stromal cell population in the large intestine identified by tissue factor
      expression that is lost during colorectal cancer progression.
AB  - Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, and the
      composition of the tumour stroma is a strong predictor of survival in this cancer
      type. Tissue factor (TF) functions as the trigger of haemostasis together with
      its ligand coagulation factor VII/VIIa, and TF expression has been found in
      tumour cells of colorectal tumours. However, TF expression in the CRC tumour
      stroma or its relationship to patient outcome has not yet been studied. To
      address this question we developed and validated a specific anti-TF antibody
      using standardised methods within the Human Protein Atlas project. We used this
      antibody to investigate TF expression in normal colorectal tissue and CRC using
      immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry in two patient cohorts. TF was
      strongly expressed in a cell population immediately adjacent to the colorectal
      epithelium. These TF-positive cells were ACTA2-negative but weakly vimentin
      positive, defining a specific population of pericryptal sheath cells. In
      colorectal tumours, TF-positive sheath cells were progressively lost after the
      adenoma-to-carcinoma transition, demonstrating downregulation of this source of
      TF in CRC. Furthermore, loss of sheath cell TF was significantly associated with
      poor overall and disease-specific survival in rectal but not colon cancers. In
      conclusion, we demonstrate that TF is a marker of a specific cell population in
      the large intestine, which is lost during CRC progression. Our results highlight
      the role of the tumour stroma in this cancer type and suggest TF to be a
      potential prognostic biomarker in rectal cancers through the identification of
      pericryptal sheath cells.

PMID- 27656711
TI  - Global Anticoagulant Registry in the Field - Venous Thromboembolism (GARFIELD
      VTE). Rationale and design.
AB  - Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common disorder associated with significant
      rates of morbidity and mortality. VTE management aims to reduce mortality, the
      risks of recurrence, and long-term complications. VTE treatment is evolving with
      the introduction of non-vitamin K antagonist anticoagulants (NOACs). The Global
      Anticoagulant Registry in the FIELD - Venous Thromboembolism (GARFIELD-VTE) is a
      prospective, multicentre, observational study that will enrol 10,000 patients
      treated for acute VTE from ~500 sites in 28 countries. Identified sites reflect
      the diversity of care settings, including hospital and outpatient settings.
      Patients will be managed according to local practices and followed for at least
      three years. The primary objective is to determine the extent to which VTE
      treatment varies in the real-world setting and to assess the impact of such
      variability on clinical and economic outcomes. Evolving patterns of care will be
      captured using two sequential cohorts. The GARFIELD-VTE registry will provide
      insights into the evolving global treatment patterns for VTE, both deep-vein
      thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. By enrolling patients from diverse care
      settings, the registry will provide information on adherence to national and
      international guidelines, identify good practice as well as treatment
      deficiencies, and relate patient outcomes to clinical management. The incidence
      of death, recurrent VTE, bleeding, post-thrombotic syndrome and chronic
      thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension will be documented. By capturing
      information during and after anticoagulation treatment, the registry will not
      only define aspects of the natural history of VTE, but also its economic and
      societal impact at a regional and global level.

PMID- 27656712
TI  - Clinical picture of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) and its
      differentiation from non-HIT thrombocytopenia.
AB  - HIT is an acquired antibody-mediated disorder strongly associated with
      thrombosis, including microthrombosis secondary to disseminated intravascular
      dissemination (DIC). The clinical features of HIT are reviewed from the
      perspective of the 4Ts scoring system for HIT, which emphasises its
      characteristic timing of onset of thrombocytopenia. HIT antibodies recognize
      multimolecular complexes of platelet factor 4 (PF4)/heparin. However, a subset of
      HIT sera recognise PF4 bound to platelet chondroitin sulfate; these antibodies
      activate platelets in vitro and in vivo even in the absence of heparin, thus
      explaining: delayed-onset HIT (where HIT begins or worsens after stopping
      heparin); persisting HIT (where HIT takes several weeks to recover); spontaneous
      HIT syndrome (a disorder clinically and serologically resembling HIT but without
      proximate heparin exposure); and fondaparinux-associated HIT (four distinct
      syndromes featuring thrombocytopenia that begins or worsens during treatment with
      fondaparinux), with a new patient case presented with ongoing thrombocytopenia
      (and fatal haemorrhage) during treatment of HIT with fondaparinux, with
      fondaparinux-dependent platelet activation induced by patient serum
      ("fondaparinux cross-reactivity"). Ironically, despite existence of fondaparinux
      associated HIT, this pentasaccharide anticoagulant is a frequent treatment for
      HIT (including one used by the author). HIT can be confused with other disorders,
      including those with a) timing similar to HIT (e. g. abciximab-associated
      thrombocytopenia of delayed-onset); b) combined thrombocytopenia/thrombosis (e.
      g. symmetrical peripheral gangrene secondary to acute DIC and shock liver); and
      c) both timing of onset and thrombosis (e. g. warfarin-associated venous limb
      gangrene complicating cancer-associated DIC). By understanding clinical and
      pathophysiological similarities and differences between HIT and non-HIT mimicking
      disorders, the clinician is better able to make the correct diagnosis.

PMID- 27656714
TI  - Miranda's story: molecules, populations and the mortal organism.
AB  - [[ageingbiologydeathGilles DeleuzeMichel FoucaultMartin Heidegger]]Biomedicine is
      today transforming the human condition, but how such transformation is to be
      understood is a matter of debate. I seek to contribute to the debate by focusing
      on recent developments within a relatively novel subfield of gerontology which is
      engaged in the bio-molecular and bio-demographic characterization of the
      processes associated with the development of the organism from birth to death. I
      argue that these developments aid understanding of the conceptual difficulties
      confronting neo-Darwinian biological thought and poststructuralist social theory
      as one decentres the organism and the other the subject.

PMID- 27656713
TI  - Effect of Metformin on Renal Function After Primary  Percutaneous Coronary
      Intervention in Patients  Without Diabetes Presenting with ST-elevation
      Myocardial  Infarction: Data from the GIPS-III Trial.
AB  - PURPOSE: The association between metformin use and renal function needs further
      to be elucidated since data are insufficient whether metformin affects renal
      function in higher risk populations such as after ST-elevation myocardial
      infarction (STEMI). METHODS: We studied 379 patients included in the GIPS-III
      trial in which patients without diabetes or renal dysfunction, who underwent
      primary percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) for STEMI, were randomized to
      metformin 500 mg or placebo twice daily for four months. At baseline and at seven
      scheduled visits up to four months after PCI, estimated glomerular filtration
      rate (eGFR) was determined (2582 values). Contrast-induced acute kidney injury
      (CI-AKI) was defined as an increase in serum creatinine of >=0.3 mg/dl or 25 %
      rise within 48 h after PCI. RESULTS: At all visits, the mean eGFR was similar in
      patients randomized to metformin or placebo. Over the four month period, mixed
      effect repeated-measures model analysis showed a least-squares mean +/- standard
      error change in eGFR of -5.9+/-0.8 ml/min/1.73 m2 in the metformin group and -7.1
      +/-0.8 ml/min/1.73 m2 in the control group (P=0.27 for overall interaction). The
      incidence of CI-AKI was 14.8 %; 29 (15.2 %) patients in the metformin group
      versus 27 (14.4 %) controls (P=0.89). After adjustment for covariates, metformin
      treatment was not associated with CI-AKI (odds ratio: 0.96, 95%CI 0.52-1.75,
      P=0.88). CONCLUSION: We conclude that initiation of metformin shortly after
      primary PCI has no adverse effect on renal function in patients without diabetes
      or prior renal impairment, further providing evidence of the safety of metformin
      use after myocardial infarction and subsequent contrast exposure.

PMID- 27656715
TI  - A systematic archival inquiry on Juan Huarte de San Juan (1529-88).
AB  - [[Examen de Ingenios historyJuan HuarteTrial of Men's Wits psychiatrypsychology
      ]] Juan Huarte de San Juan (1529-88) was a physician of the Spanish Renaissance.
      He wrote the Examen de Ingenios para las Ciencias, translated as The Trial of
      Men's Wits (1989[1575-94]), a book that has been acknowledged as a precursor of
      educational psychology, organizational psychology, behaviorism, neuropsychology
      and psychiatry. Huarte suggested that before beginning a course of study,
      students' intellectual capabilities (i.e. ingenio) should be matched up with the
      professional studies that best suit their aptitudes. His book had a great impact
      in Europe from the late 16th century to the mid-18th century. The influence of
      the Trial spread throughout many areas including philosophy, politics,
      linguistics and literature. Although there has been a growing interest in
      Huarte's work in recent years, biographical studies have been rare; as a result,
      the information about Huarte's life is currently incomplete, scattered and
      sometimes inaccurate. This study presents a systematic archival research on
      Spanish original sources. We present a reconstruction of Huarte's life-story
      based on 32 original documents (1549-c.1650), some of them first discovered
      during the present survey. Documents are described according to the General
      International Standard of Archival Description, ISAD(G). The documents uncovered
      allow for a reappraisal of Huarte's biography.

PMID- 27656716
TI  - 'Bildung' in German human sciences: the discursive transformation of a concept .
AB  - [[Bildung disciplinesdiscourse analysisfield analysisGeisteswissenschaften
      Germanyhumanitiessocial sciences and humanities studies ]] This article analyses
      the transformation of the notion of Bildung that is constructed in the German
      human sciences. From a perspective of field theory and discourse analysis, the
      article reveals how the notion evolves and stabilizes during a first stage (1810
      60), how it comes under pressure because of the contextual changes in a second
      stage (1860-1960) and how the tension increases before it is resolved by a
      fundamental change of the traditional notion of Bildung in a third stage (1960
      99).

PMID- 27656717
TI  - Between structure and agency: assassination, social forces, and the production of
      the criminal subject.
AB  - [[agencyassassinationLeon Czolgoszsocial forcesstructure ]] Assassins are often
      regarded as ahistorical figures of evil. In this article, I contest this view by
      analysing the assassination of President William McKinley by Leon Czolgosz in
      1901. There are two purposes to this article. The first is to situate McKinley's
      assassination within the history and development of the social sciences,
      principally sociology, rather than assume that the assassin is a trans-historical
      representation of willful irresponsibility. The second is to describe and
      critique the discourse that made Czolgosz into a rational agent once he entered
      history as an assassin.

PMID- 27656718
TI  - The interplay of courage and reason in moral action.
AB  - [[courageJurgen HabermasChristoph MenkemoralityPlatoreasonPeter Sloterdijk ]]
      This article argues that both courage and reason are necessary aspects of moral
      action. It begins by examining Plato's changing conceptions of these two virtues,
      and, in particular, the settled view he arrives at in The Statesman. Sloterdijk's
      recent attempt in his book advocating rage to appropriate this dialogue in order
      to criticize Habermas is then considered. I suggest, by interpreting various
      claims by these two authors, that neither understands that both reason and
      courage have essential roles in moral action. Additional support for this
      conclusion is found, not just in Plato's late work, but in a 'third generation'
      reworking of critical theory recently developed by Menke.

PMID- 27656719
TI  - In defence of language-interpretive social science: on the critiques of Peter
      Winch's conception of understanding.
AB  - [[critical theoryinterpretationsocial scienceunderstandingPeter Winch ]] In his
      highly influential book (The Idea of a Social Science and its Relation to
      Philosophy, first published in 1958), Peter Winch introduces an alternative
      concept of interpretive social science, in which the focus is shifted from the
      actors' subjective motives to the common elements found in every understandable
      action: language-games and rule-following. This Wittgensteinian, linguistic
      version of interpretive social science has had its vast array of critics
      throughout the years: according to some of them, it neglects the practical side
      of sociology; while others claim that it fails properly to answer the questions
      raised by the translation from one language-game to another, or that it renders
      critical social theory impossible. In my article, I try to reflect critically
      upon these critiques themselves, showing that the Winchian theory does not
      overlook the practice in understanding the different forms of life; that with
      slight modifications it is able to cope with the problem of translation, and that
      it does not aspire to be the critical theory that many of its critics would like
      it to be.

PMID- 27656720
TI  - Histories and freedom of the present: Foucault and Skinner.
AB  - [critiquefreedomlanguagemethod ]] This article compares the ways in which Michel
      Foucault's and Quentin Skinner's historical analyses seek to unsettle the limits
      on present forms of freedom. We do so by comparing their ways of analysing
      discourse, rationality and agency. The two authors differ significantly in the
      ways they deal with these three phenomena. The most significant difference lies
      in their ways of addressing agency and its relationship to power. Notwithstanding
      these differences, the historical analyses of both authors seek to problematize
      the ways in which past thoughts and practices limit contemporary forms of
      freedom. While Foucault seems to go furthest in this endeavour, a comparison may
      enrich both lines of historical analyses.

PMID- 27656721
TI  - Eurocentrism beyond the 'universalism vs. particularism' dilemma: Habermas and
      Derrida's joint plea for a new Europe.
AB  - [[cosmopolitanismexpansionismidealismparticularismUNuniversalism ]] Is it
      Eurocentric on the part of western philosophers (Habermas, Derrida) or of
      researchers in human sciences to set out from a specific locality (Europe) to
      formulate ethico-political ideals with universal aspirations? In this article, I
      critique the 'universalism vs. particularism' framework within which the charge
      of Eurocentrism is deployed and I redefine the notion of Eurocentrism outside the
      drastic choice between universalism and particularism and in light of an 'ec
      centric' reflection on the entanglement of the 'We' and the 'others'. I
      illustrate my position by discussing the Habermasian-Derridean plea for the
      determination of new European political responsibilities beyond any Eurocentrism.
      I grant that the two philosophers go indeed beyond Eurocentrism as the latter is
      usually understood, i.e. along the axis 'universal-particular'. Yet, without
      minimizing their political contribution, I detect subtler Eurocentrisms that
      pervade several assumptions of Habermas's and Derrida's collaborative efforts. I
      argue that a hasty enlisting of possibilities for a politically and morally
      pertinent European intervention in world affairs fails to account for other, more
      necessary steps in the direction of reforming the western consciousness and of
      going beyond less easily discernible Eurocentrisms such as those theorized within
      the proposed, reformulated notion.

PMID- 27656722
TI  - Liberty, necessity and the foundations of Hume's 'science of man'.
AB  - [[analysis-synthesisDavid Humeideology of modern sciencescience of mantheodicy ]]
      In this article I suggest that section VIII of Hume's Enquiry Concerning Human
      Understanding could be read as a contribution to the foundational issues of a
      characteristic 18th-century enterprise, namely the 'science of man'. More
      specifically, it can be read as a summary of his attempt to place this science on
      an experimental footing, with an awareness of the lessons he has drawn in the
      previous sections of the Enquiry. This interpretation fits with an overall
      reading of the work as responding to the epistemological problems that arise in
      the context of then-contemporary ways of knowledge production. As I argue, this
      section is relevant for the methodology of a science of human nature. The main
      problems it addresses are the following. What kind of knowledge can we hope for
      about human beings, and how should we pursue it? What are the meaningful
      questions that can be asked, and what is beyond the reach of this kind of
      inquiry? Answering these questions sets the scope and limits of this science.

PMID- 27656723
TI  - 'On what condition is the equation organism-society valid?' Cell theory and
      organicist sociology in the works of Alfred Espinas (1870s-80s).
AB  - [[cellular theorydivision of labourindividualorganicismorganismsocietywhole-parts
      relations ]] In 1877, the young Alfred Espinas defended a philosophical study,
      'doctorat es lettres', at the Sorbonne University, entitled Des Societes
      animales. This was to become one of the principal sources of French organicist
      sociology. The paradox, however, is that this work seems to be fundamentally a
      study of natural science. Espinas tried to justify his position theoretically
      through two types of reciprocally exclusive and uncomplementary arguments. The
      first one consists in showing that only certain kinds of animal groupings belong
      legitimately, if not academically, to sociology. The second one has a greater
      audacious and uncontrollable dimension. It consists in asserting that all
      pluricellular organisms are true societies. In this article we first focus on the
      role played by cellular theory in such a 'sociologization' of biology, concerning
      the extension of sociology. Second, we examine the importance of such confusion
      within the fields of extension, in aiming to explain the conceptual transfers
      between social sciences and life sciences, in the second half of the 19th
      century.

PMID- 27656724
TI  - Sociological theory and Jungian psychology.
AB  - [[disenchantmentCarl JungpsychoanalysissociologyMax Weber ] In this article I
      seek to relate the psychology of Carl Jung to sociological theory, specifically
      Weber. I first present an outline of Jungian psychology. I then seek to relate
      this as psychology to Weber's interpretivism. I point to basic methodological
      compatibilities within a Kantian frame, from which emerge central concerns with
      the factors limiting rationality. These generate the conceptual frameworks for
      parallel enquiries into the development and fate of rationality in cultural
      history. Religion is a major theme here: contrasts of eastern and western
      religion; the rise of prophetic religion and the disenchantment of modernity.
      Weber's categories 'ascetic' and 'mystic' seem applicable to his own and Jung's
      approaches and indeed temperaments, while a shared ironic view of rationality
      leads to similar visions of the disenchanted modern world. I conclude that Jung
      is sociologically coherent, but in an entirely different sense from Freud: rather
      than a constellation of family, socialization, ideology, social continuity, there
      is an analysis of cultural history against a background of adult normal
      psychology. I conclude that sociology should acknowledge Jung, but not in terms
      of over-arching theory. Rather Jungian insights might be used to orient new
      enquiries, and for reflexive analysis of sociology's methodological debates.

PMID- 27656725
TI  - 'A most interesting chapter in the history of science' intellectual responses to
      Alfred Kinsey's Sexual Behavior in the Human Male.
AB  - [[history of scienceintellectual historyinterdisciplinary researchAlfred
      Kinseysexuality ]] There were three broad categories of academic responses to
      Alfred Kinsey's Sexual Behavior in the Human Male (Kinsey, Pomeroy and Martin,
      1948): method; findings; and broader reflections on the book's place in American
      social life and democracy. This article focuses primarily on archival academic
      responses to Kinsey's work that appeared in the year following the book's
      publication. Many academics agreed that some aspects of Kinsey's method were
      flawed and that his interpretations sometimes overreached his raw data.
      Nonetheless, they also agreed that no one else had gathered such a diverse
      sampling of interviewees whose behaviors Kinsey could use to create new
      interpretive models of human sexuality. As Kinsey's research was deliberately
      interdisciplinary, his research and statistical methodologies began to catch on
      in the human sciences and to encourage academics and intellectuals to rethink
      their human science practices. As academics reflected on the volume's larger
      meaning in American life, several of them thought it exemplified the worst
      American values (emphases on money and size) while others saw the very existence
      of the Male volume as an excellent example of the ability of free citizens to
      pursue and to publish research on any topic. While members of the American
      intelligentsia championed the Male volume and its findings as democratic, the
      reception of Sexual Behavior in the Human Female (Kinsey, Pomeroy, Martin and
      Gebhard, 1953), published at an intense moment of the cold war, was viewed as a
      communist threat to American security for revealing the sexual secrets of the
      public.

PMID- 27656726
TI  - Children having children? Religion, psychology and the birth of the teenage
      pregnancy problem.
AB  - [[Britainchildren having childrenpsychologysubjectivityteenage pregnancyunwed
      mothers ]] This article presents a genealogical examination of the emergence of
      governmental concern with 'children having children', focusing on the work of the
      London County Council and local voluntary organizations in the 1950s and 1960s.
      The article explores the moral-Christian discourse shaping governmental work with
      'unwed mothers' and identifies the discursive shifts associated with the ascent
      of the problematization of 'teenage motherhood'. It is argued that within the
      moral-Christian discourse, a woman's subjectivity was delineated primarily
      according to her 'character' not her age or her 'maturity'. Furthermore, the
      prospect that a young unwed mother will raise her child was viewed positively as
      it was seen to contribute to the desired transformation of her character. The
      shift to a concern with 'children having children' was linked with a rise in the
      influence of psychological discourse on government work. Two psychological
      notions were particularly important: the proposition that teenagers are
      emotionally immature and the assertion that inadequate mothering has a lasting
      effect on the health of a child. The article concludes that unless contemporary
      scientific claims regarding young people's psychological and physiological
      maturity are challenged, the 'problem' of teenage parenthood will persist in the
      years to come.

PMID- 27656727
TI  - Error in Text. Published Erratum.

PMID- 27656755
TI  - Micro X-ray Fluorescence Imaging in a Tabletop Full Field-X-ray Fluorescence
      Instrument and in a Full Field-Particle Induced X-ray Emission End Station.
AB  - A full field-X-ray camera (FF-XRC) was developed for performing the simultaneous
      mapping of chemical elements with a high lateral resolution. The device is based
      on a conventional CCD detector coupled to a straight shaped polycapillary.
      Samples are illuminated at once with a broad primary beam that can consist of X
      rays or charged particles in two different analytical setups. The characteristic
      photons induced in the samples are guided by the polycapillary to the detector
      allowing the elemental imaging without the need for scanning. A single photon
      counting detection operated in a multiframe acquisition mode and a processing
      algorithm developed for event hitting reconstruction have enabled one to use the
      CCD as a high energy resolution X-ray detector. A novel software with a graphical
      user interface (GUI) programmed in Matlab allows full control of the device and
      the real-time imaging with a region-of-interest (ROI) method. At the end of the
      measurement, the software produces spectra for each of the pixels in the detector
      allowing the application of a least-squares fitting with external analytical
      tools. The FF-XRC is very compact and can be installed in different experimental
      setups. This work shows the potentialities of the instrument in both a full field
      micro X-ray fluorescence (FF-MXRF) tabletop device and in a full field-micro
      particle induced X-ray emission (FF-MPIXE) end-station operated with an external
      proton beam. Some examples of applications are given as well.

PMID- 27656756
TI  - Epitaxial Growth of Atomically Smooth Aluminum on Silicon and Its Intrinsic
      Optical Properties.
AB  - Aluminum (Al) provides an excellent material platform for plasmonic applications
      in the ultraviolet (UV) regime due to its low loss coefficient at UV wavelengths.
      To fully realize the potential of this material, it is imperative to create
      nanostructures with minimal defects in order to prevent light scattering and
      better support plasmonic resonances. In this work, we report the successful
      development of atomically smooth epitaxial Al films on silicon. These epitaxial
      Al thin films facilitate the creation of fine plasmonic nanostructures and
      demonstrate considerable loss reduction in the UV frequency range, in comparison
      to the polycrystalline Al films based on spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements.
      Remarkably, our measurements on the epitaxial Al film grown using the two-step
      method suggest that the intrinsic loss in Al is significantly lower, by up to a
      factor of 2 in the UV range, with respect to current widely quoted Palik's values
      extracted from polycrystalline films. These high-quality epitaxial Al films
      provide an ideal platform for UV plasmonics. In addition, the availability of
      intrinsic optical constants will enable more accurate theoretical predictions to
      guide the device design.

PMID- 27656757
TI  - Environmental Comparison of Biochar and Activated Carbon for Tertiary Wastewater
      Treatment.
AB  - Micropollutants in wastewater present environmental and human health challenges.
      Powdered activated carbon (PAC) can effectively remove organic micropollutants,
      but PAC production is energy intensive and expensive. Biochar adsorbents can cost
      less and sequester carbon; however, net benefits depend on biochar production
      conditions and treatment capabilities. Here, life cycle assessment was used to
      compare 10 environmental impacts from the production and use of wood biochar,
      biosolids biochar, and coal-derived PAC to remove sulfamethoxazole from
      wastewater. Moderate capacity wood biochar had environmental benefits in four
      categories (smog, global warming, respiratory effects, noncarcinogenics) linked
      to energy recovery and carbon sequestration, and environmental impacts worse than
      PAC in two categories (eutrophication, carcinogenics). Low capacity wood biochar
      had even larger benefits for global warming, respiratory effects, and
      noncarcinogenics, but exhibited worse impacts than PAC in five categories due to
      larger biochar dose requirements to reach the treatment objective. Biosolids
      biochar had the worst relative environmental performance due to energy use for
      biosolids drying and the need for supplemental adsorbent. Overall, moderate
      capacity wood biochar is an environmentally superior alternative to coal-based
      PAC for micropollutant removal from wastewater, and its use can offset a
      wastewater facility's carbon footprint.

PMID- 27656758
TI  - Polluting Black space.
AB  - Social psychologists have long demonstrated that people are stereotyped on the
      basis of race. Researchers have conducted extensive experimental studies on the
      negative stereotypes associated with Black Americans in particular. Across 4
      studies, we demonstrate that the physical spaces associated with Black Americans
      are also subject to negative racial stereotypes. Such spaces, for example, are
      perceived as impoverished, crime-ridden, and dirty (Study 1). Moreover, these
      space-focused stereotypes can powerfully influence how connected people feel to a
      space (Studies 2a, 2b, and 3), how they evaluate that space (Studies 2a and 2b),
      and how they protect that space from harm (Study 3). Indeed, processes related to
      space-focused stereotypes may contribute to social problems across a range of
      domains-from racial disparities in wealth to the overexposure of Blacks to
      environmental pollution. Together, the present studies broaden the scope of
      traditional stereotyping research and highlight promising new directions.
      (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27656759
TI  - Domino Assembly of Trifluoromethylated N,O-Heterocycles by the Reaction of
      Fluorinated alpha-Bromoenones with Amino Alcohols.
AB  - A highly efficient method for the selective synthesis of trifluoromethylated
      morpholines (4-oxa-1-azabicyclo[4.1.0]heptanes) and so far unknown 1,4-oxazepanes
      (2,8-dioxa-5-azabicyclo[5.1.0]octanes) based on a domino reaction of fluorinated
      alpha-bromoenones with beta-amino alcohols was elaborated. The assembly of both
      heterocyclic systems is initiated by an aza-Michael reaction followed by
      intramolecular cyclization. The conditions for total control of selectivity of
      the reaction were found.

PMID- 27656760
TI  - Heavy-Hole States in Germanium Hut Wires.
AB  - Hole spins have gained considerable interest in the past few years due to their
      potential for fast electrically controlled qubits. Here, we study holes confined
      in Ge hut wires, a so-far unexplored type of nanostructure. Low-temperature
      magnetotransport measurements reveal a large anisotropy between the in-plane and
      out-of-plane g-factors of up to 18. Numerical simulations verify that this large
      anisotropy originates from a confined wave function of heavy-hole character. A
      light-hole admixture of less than 1% is estimated for the states of lowest
      energy, leading to a surprisingly large reduction of the out-of-plane g-factors
      compared with those for pure heavy holes. Given this tiny light-hole
      contribution, the spin lifetimes are expected to be very long, even in
      isotopically nonpurified samples.

PMID- 27656761
TI  - Health Literacy in Adolescents and Young Adults: Perspectives from Australian
      Cancer Survivors.
AB  - PURPOSE: Health literacy is a critical determinant of health and an emerging
      public health concern. Little is known about the health literacy of adolescents
      and young adults (AYAs) or about the ability of young patients to communicate
      health needs and critically evaluate information. We used qualitative methods to
      investigate the three aspects of health literacy (functional, communicative, and
      critical) in Australian AYA cancer survivors. METHODS: Forty Australian AYA
      cancer survivors, aged 15-29 either at diagnosis or recruitment, participated in
      semistructured interviews. Participants were asked about sources of information
      and ability to understand information, communicate questions, and critically
      evaluate the validity, reliability, and relevancy of information to their
      situation. Self-reported adherence levels and advice for AYA-specific care was
      also obtained. Interviews were coded and analyzed for emergent themes using QSR
      NVivo 10. RESULTS: Almost all AYAs named their doctor as the primary source of
      information. Most AYAs reported no difficulties with understanding,
      communicating, or assessing relevancy of information. Conversely, few AYAs
      reported confidence in assessment of validity and reliability of information. The
      doctor-patient relationship appeared to be an influential factor in all aspects
      of health literacy. CONCLUSIONS: AYAs frequently reported having a good
      understanding and communication around health information; however, few AYAs
      described engaging in critical evaluations of this information. The potential
      impact of the doctor-patient relationship across several domains of health
      literacy suggests that more focus could be placed on promoting health literacy at
      physician, community, and societal levels, in addition to promoting individual
      skills.

PMID- 27656763
TI  - Total Synthesis of (+/-)-Kuwanol E.
AB  - The total synthesis of the Diels-Alder-type adducts (+/-)-kuwanol E and the
      heptamethyl ether derivative of (+/-)-kuwanon Y has been accomplished via a
      convergent strategy involving 2'-hydroxychalcone 6 or 9 and dehydroprenylstilbene
      7, in nine steps. The synthesis features, as a key step, a Lewis acid-mediated
      biomimetic intermolecular Diels-Alder [4+2] cycloaddition for the construction of
      the cyclohexene skeleton with three stereogenic centers. Notably, the endo/exo
      diastereoselectivity of the reaction proved to be temperature-controlled.

PMID- 27656762
TI  - Hypogonadism alters cecal and fecal microbiota in male mice.
AB  - Low testosterone levels increase the risk for cardiovascular disease in men and
      lead to shorter life spans. Our recent study showed that androgen deprivation via
      castration altered fecal microbiota and exacerbated risk factors for
      cardiovascular disease, including obesity, impaired fasting glucose, excess
      hepatic triglyceride accumulation, and thigh muscle weight loss only in high-fat
      diet (HFD)-fed male mice. However, when mice were administered antibiotics that
      disrupted the gut microbiota, castration did not increase cardiovascular risks or
      decrease the ratio of dried feces to food intake. Here, we show that changes in
      cecal microbiota (e.g., an increased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and number of
      Lactobacillus species) were consistent with changes in feces and that there was a
      decreased cecal content secondary to castration in HFD mice. Castration increased
      rectal body temperature and plasma adiponectin, irrespective of diet. Changes in
      the gut microbiome may provide novel insight into hypogonadism-induced
      cardiovascular diseases.

PMID- 27656764
TI  - A structure-based kinetic model of transcription.
AB  - During transcription, RNA polymerase moves downstream along the DNA template and
      maintains a transcription bubble. Several recent structural studies of
      transcription complexes with a complete transcription bubble provide new insights
      into how RNAP couples the nucleotide addition reaction to its directional
      movement.

PMID- 27656765
TI  - The Evolution of Pd0/PdII-Catalyzed Aromatic Fluorination.
AB  - Aromatic fluorides are prevalent in both agrochemical and pharmaceutical agents.
      However, methods for their rapid and general preparation from widely available
      starting materials are limited. Traditional approaches such as the Balz-Schiemann
      and Halex reactions require harsh conditions that limit functional group
      tolerance and substrate scope. The use of transition metals to affect C-F bond
      formation has provided some useful alternatives, but a broadly applicable method
      remains elusive. In contrast to the widespread use of Pd0/PdII catalysis for aryl
      Z bond formation (Z = C, N, O), the analogous C-F cross-coupling process was
      unknown until fairly recently. In large part, this is due to the challenging Ar-F
      reductive elimination from Pd(II) intermediates. We have discovered that certain
      biaryl monophosphine ligands are uniquely capable of promoting this
      transformation. In this Account, we describe the discovery and development of a
      Pd-catalyzed C-F cross-coupling process and the systematic developments that made
      this once hypothetical reaction possible. Key to these developments was the
      discovery of an unusual in situ ligand modification process in which a molecule
      of substrate is incorporated into the ligand scaffold and the identity of the
      modifying group is crucial to the outcome of the reaction. This prompted the
      synthesis of a variety of "premodified" ligands and the identification of one
      that led to an expanded substrate scope, including (hetero)aryl triflates and
      bromides. Contemporaneously, a new Pd(0) precatalyst was also discovered that
      avoids the need to reduce Pd(II) in situ, a process that was often inefficient
      and led to the formation of byproducts. The use of inexpensive but hygroscopic
      sources of fluoride necessitates a reaction setup inside of a N2-filled glovebox,
      limiting the practicality of the method. Thus, a preformed wax capsule was
      designed to isolate the catalyst and reagents from the atmosphere and permit
      benchtop storage and setup. This new technology thus removes the requirement to
      employ a glovebox for the aromatic fluorination process and other air-sensitive
      protocols. In every catalyst system that we have studied to date, we observed the
      formation of regioisomeric fluoride side products. Through deuterium labeling
      studies it was found that they likely arise from a deprotonation event resulting
      in the formation of HF and a Pd-benzyne intermediate. Through an investigation of
      the mechanism of this undesired pathway, a new ligand was designed that
      substantially reduces the formation of the aryl fluoride regioisomer and even
      allows room-temperature Ar-F reductive elimination from a Pd(II) intermediate.

PMID- 27656766
TI  - Effects of Changes in BI-RADS Density Assessment Guidelines (Fourth Versus Fifth
      Edition) on Breast Density Assessment: Intra- and Interreader Agreements and
      Density Distribution.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to determine intra- and interreader
      agreements for density assessment using the fifth edition of the BI-RADS
      guidelines and to compare with those for density assessment using the fourth
      edition of the BI-RADS guidelines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five radiologists
      assessed breast density four times in 104 mammographic examinations: twice using
      the fourth edition of the BI-RADS guidelines and twice using the fifth edition.
      The intra- and interreader agreements for density assessment based on each
      guideline were determined and compared. The density distribution pattern under
      each of the four BI-RADS density categories using each guideline was also noted
      and compared. RESULTS: The intrareader agreement for density assessment using the
      fifth-edition criteria was lower than that using the fourth-edition criteria (p =
      0.0179). The overall intrareader agreement (weighted kappa) using the old
      criteria was 0.84 (95% CI, 0.80-0.87), and the individual intrareader agreement
      values in five readers ranged from 0.78 (95% CI, 0.69-0.88) to 0.92 (95% CI, 0.87
      0.97). The overall intrareader agreement using the new BI-RADS criteria was 0.77
      (95% CI, 0.73-0.81), and the individual intrareader agreement values in five
      readers ranged from 0.74 (95% CI, 0.64-0.84) to 0.99 (95% CI, 0.98-1.00). The
      interreader agreement values obtained using the fifth-edition criteria were also
      lower than those obtained using the fourth-edition criteria (p = 0.006). The
      overall interreader agreement using the old BI-RADS criteria was 0.65 (95% CI,
      0.61-0.69), whereas the overall interreader agreement using the new BI-RADS
      criteria was 0.57 (95% CI, 0.53-0.61). Overall a higher number of dense
      assessments were given when the fifth-edition guidelines were used (p < 0.0001).
      CONCLUSION: Compared with the intra- and interreader agreements obtained using
      the fourth edition of the BI-RADS guidelines, the intra- and interreader
      agreements were lower using the fifth-edition guidelines. An increased number of
      dense assessments were given when the fifth-edition guidelines were used.

PMID- 27656767
TI  - Consequences of work group manpower and expertise understaffing: A multilevel
      approach.
AB  - Complaints of chronic understaffing in organizations have become common among
      workers as employers face increasing pressures to do more with less.
      Unfortunately, despite its prevalence, there is currently limited research in the
      literature regarding the nature of workplace understaffing and its consequences.
      Taking a multilevel approach, this study introduces a new multidimensional
      conceptualization of subjective work group understaffing, comprising of manpower
      and expertise understaffing, and examines both its performance and well-being
      consequences for individual workers (Study 1) and work groups (Study 2). Results
      show that the relationship between work group understaffing and individual and
      work group emotional exhaustion is mediated through quantitative workload and
      role ambiguity for both levels of analysis. Work group understaffing was also
      related to individual job performance, but not group performance, and this
      relationship was mediated by role ambiguity. Results were generally similar for
      the 2 dimensions of understaffing. Implications for theory and research and
      future research directions are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27656768
TI  - Ultrafast Dynamics of Photongenerated Holes at a CH3OH/TiO2 Rutile Interface.
AB  - Photogenerated charge carrier dynamics near molecule/TiO2 interfaces are
      important for the photocatalytic and photovoltaic processes. To understand this
      fundamental aspect, we performed a time-domain ab initio nonadiabatic molecular
      dynamics study of the photogenerated hole dynamics at the CH3OH/rutile TiO2(110)
      interface. We studied the forward and reverse hole transfer between TiO2 and
      CH3OH as well as the hole energy relaxation to the valence band maximum. First,
      we show that the hole-trapping ability of CH3OH depends strongly on the
      adsorption structure. Only when the CH3OH is deprotonated to form chemisorbed
      CH3O will ~15% of the hole be trapped by the molecule. Second, we find that
      strong fluctuations of the HOMO energies of the adsorbed molecules induced by
      electron-phonon coupling provide additional channels, which accelerate the hole
      energy relaxation. Third, we demonstrate that the charge transfer and energy
      relaxation processes depend significantly on temperature. When the temperature
      decreases from 100 to 30 K, the forward hole transfer and energy relaxation
      processes are strongly suppressed because of the reduction of phonon occupation.
      These results indicate that the molecule/TiO2 energy level alignment, thermal
      excitation of a phonon, and electron-phonon coupling are the key factors that
      determine the photogenerated hole dynamics. Our studies provide valuable insights
      into the photogenerated charge and energy transfer dynamics at
      molecule/semiconductor interfaces.

PMID- 27656769
TI  - Asthma control in adolescents 10 to 11 y after exposure to the World Trade Center
      disaster.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little is known about asthma control in adolescents who were exposed
      to the World Trade Center (WTC) attacks of 11 September 2001 and diagnosed with
      asthma after 9/11. This report examines asthma and asthma control 10-11 y after
      9/11 among exposed adolescents. METHODS: The WTC Health Registry adolescent Wave
      3 survey (2011-2012) collected data on asthma diagnosed by a physician after 11
      September 2001, extent of asthma control based on modified National Asthma
      Education and Prevention Program criteria, probable mental health conditions, and
      behavior problems. Parents reported healthcare needs and 9/11-exposures. Logistic
      regression was used to evaluate associations between asthma and level of asthma
      control and 9/11-exposure, mental health and behavioral problems, and unmet
      healthcare needs. RESULTS: Poorly/very poorly controlled asthma was significantly
      associated with a household income of <=$75,000 (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 3.0;
      95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1-8.8), having unmet healthcare needs (AOR: 6.2;
      95% CI: 1.4-27.1), and screening positive for at least one mental health
      condition (AOR: 5.0; 95% CI: 1.4-17.7), but not with behavioral problems. The
      impact of having at least one mental health condition on the level of asthma
      control was substantially greater in females than in males. CONCLUSIONS:
      Comprehensive care of post-9/11 asthma in adolescents should include management
      of mental health-related comorbidities.

PMID- 27656770
TI  - Maternal serum levels of perfluoroalkyl substances and organochlorines and
      indices of fetal growth: a Scandinavian case-cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The associations between prenatal exposure to endocrine disruptive
      chemicals (EDCs) and fetal growth are inconsistent, and few studies have
      considered small-for-gestational-age (SGA) birth as an outcome. Our current study
      of Scandinavian parous women aimed to address these inconsistencies and gaps in
      the literature. METHODS: This case-cohort study included 424 mother-child pairs
      who participated in a prospective, multi-center study of parous women in Norway
      (Trondheim and Bergen) and Sweden (Uppsala). We used linear and logistic
      regression with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to analyze the associations
      between two perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and five organochlorines (OCs) from
      early second trimester and indices of fetal growth. RESULTS: Among Swedish women,
      prenatal exposure to perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)
      153 and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) were associated with higher odds for SGA birth.
      We found stronger associations among Swedish male offspring. In the Norwegian
      cohort, we found no significant associations between EDC exposure and indices of
      fetal growth. CONCLUSIONS: Some populations may be more vulnerable to EDCs,
      possibly due to differences in exposure levels, exposure sources and/or
      modifiable lifestyle factors. Male offspring may be more vulnerable to endocrine
      disruption.

PMID- 27656772
TI  - Effect of perinatal glucocorticoids on vascular health and disease.
AB  - The benefits of antenatal glucocorticoids are now firmly established in the
      perinatal management of threatened preterm birth. Postnatal glucocorticoid
      therapy, however, remains controversial in neonatal medicine, with the need to
      balance short-term physiological benefits against the potential for long-term
      adverse consequences. This review focuses on the vascular effects of prenatal and
      postnatal glucocorticoids, synthesizing data from both experimental animal models
      and human infants with the goal of better appreciation of the short and long-term
      effects of these commonly used drugs. Due to their widespread and varied use,
      improved understanding of the cellular and molecular impact of glucocorticoids is
      important in guiding current practice and future research.

PMID- 27656771
TI  - Trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced intestinal injury in neonatal mice
      activates transcriptional networks similar to those seen in human necrotizing
      enterocolitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We have shown previously that enteral administration of 2, 4, 6
      trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid in 10-d-old C57BL/6 pups produces an acute
      necrotizing enterocolitis with histopathological and inflammatory changes similar
      to human necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). To determine whether murine neonatal 2,
      4, 6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-mediated intestinal injury could be
      used as a NEC model, we compared gene expression profiles of TNBS-mediated
      intestinal injury and NEC. METHODS: Whole-genome microarray analysis was
      performed on proximal colon from control and TNBS-treated pups (n = 8/group). For
      comparison, we downloaded human microarray data of NEC (n = 5) and surgical
      control (n = 4) from a public database. Data were analyzed using the software
      programs Partek Genomics Suite and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. RESULTS: We
      detected extensive changes in gene expression in murine TNBS-mediated intestinal
      injury and human NEC. Using fold-change cut-offs of +/-1.5, we identified 4,440
      differentially-expressed genes (DEGs) in murine TNBS-mediated injury and 1,377 in
      NEC. Murine TNBS-mediated injury and NEC produced similar changes in expression
      of orthologous genes (r = 0.611, P < 0.001), and also activated nearly-identical
      biological processes and pathways. Lipopolysaccharide was top predicted upstream
      regulator in both the murine and human datasets. CONCLUSION: Murine neonatal TNBS
      mediated enterocolitis and human NEC activate nearly-identical biological
      processes, signaling pathways, and transcriptional networks.

PMID- 27656773
TI  - Cystinosin-LKG rescues cystine accumulation and decreases apoptosis rate in
      cystinotic proximal tubular epithelial cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nephropathic cystinosis is a lysosomal storage disease that is caused
      by mutations in the CTNS gene encoding a cystine/proton symporter cystinosin and
      an isoform cystinosin-LKG which is generated by an alternative splicing of exon
      12. We have investigated the physiological role of the cystinosin-LKG that is
      widely expressed in epithelial tissues. METHODS: We have analyzed the
      intracellular localization and the function of the cystinosin-LKG conjugated with
      DsRed (cystinosin-LKG-RFP) in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells (MDCK II) and in
      proximal tubular epithelial cells carrying a deletion of the CTNS gene
      (cystinotic PTEC), respectively. RESULTS: Cystinosin-LKG-RFP colocalized with
      markers of lysosomes, late endosomes and was also expressed on the apical surface
      of polarized MDCK II cells. Moreover, immune-electron microscopy images of MDCK
      II cells overexpressing cystinosin-LKG-RFP showed stacked lamellar membranes
      inside perinuclear lysosomal structures. To study the role of LKG-isoform, we
      have investigated cystine accumulation and apoptosis that have been described in
      cystinotic cells. Cystinosin-LKG decreased cystine levels by approximately 10
      fold similarly to cystinosin-RFP. The levels of TNFalpha- and actinomycin D
      inducted apoptosis dropped in cystinotic cells expressing LKG-isoform. This
      effect was also similar to the main isoform. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that
      cystinosin-LKG and cystinosin move similar functional activities in cells.

PMID- 27656774
TI  - Antifungal activity of 1'-homo-N-1,2,3-triazol-bicyclic carbonucleosides: A novel
      type of compound afforded by azide-enolate (3+2) cycloaddition.
AB  - The first report of 1'-homo-N-1,2,3-triazol-bicyclic carbonucleosides (7a and 7b)
      is described herein. Azide-enolate (3+2) cycloaddition afforded the synthesis of
      this novel type of compound. Antifungal activity was evaluated in vitro against
      four filamentous fungi (Aspergillus fumigatus, Trichosporon cutaneum, Rhizopus
      oryzae and Mucor hiemalis) as well as nine species of Candida spp. as yeast
      specimens. These pre-clinical studies suggest that compounds 7a and 7b are
      promising candidates for complementary biological studies due to their good
      activity against Candida spp.

PMID- 27656775
TI  - Synthesis and biological evaluation of imidazopyridinyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole
      conjugates as apoptosis inducers and topoisomerase IIalpha inhibitors.
AB  - A series of imidazopyridinyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole conjugates were synthesized and
      investigated for their cytotoxic activity and some compounds showed promising
      cytotoxic activity. Compound 8q (NSC: 763639) exhibited notable growth inhibition
      that satisfies threshold criteria at single dose (10MUM) on all human cancer cell
      lines. This compound was further evaluated at five dose levels (0.01, 0.1, 1, 10
      and 100MUM) to obtain GI50 values ranging from 1.30 to 5.64MUM. Flow cytometric
      analysis revealed that compound 8q arrests the A549 cells in sub G1 phase
      followed by induction of apoptosis which was further confirmed by Annexin-V-FITC,
      Hoechst nuclear staining, caspase 3 activation, measurement of mitochondrial
      membrane potential and ROS generation. Topo II mediated DNA relaxation assay
      results showed that conjugate 8q could significantly inhibit the activity of topo
      II. Moreover, molecular docking studies also indicated binding to the
      topoisomerase enzyme (PDBID 1ZXN).

PMID- 27656776
TI  - Aromatic C-F Hydroxylation by Nonheme Iron(IV)-Oxo Complexes: Structural,
      Spectroscopic, and Mechanistic Investigations.
AB  - The synthesis and reactivity of a series of mononuclear nonheme iron complexes
      that carry out intramolecular aromatic C-F hydroxylation reactions is reported.
      The key intermediate prior to C-F hydroxylation, [FeIV(O)(N4Py2Ar1)](BF4)2 (1-O,
      Ar1 = -2,6-difluorophenyl), was characterized by single-crystal X-ray
      diffraction. The crystal structure revealed a nonbonding C-H...O?Fe interaction
      with a CH3CN molecule. Variable-field Mossbauer spectroscopy of 1-O indicates an
      intermediate-spin (S = 1) ground state. The Mossbauer parameters for 1-O include
      an unusually small quadrupole splitting for a triplet FeIV(O) and are reproduced
      well by density functional theory calculations. With the aim of investigating the
      initial step for C-F hydroxylation, two new ligands were synthesized, N4Py2Ar2
      (L2, Ar2 = -2,6-difluoro-4-methoxyphenyl) and N4Py2Ar3 (L3, Ar3 = -2,6-difluoro-3
      methoxyphenyl), with -OMe substituents in the meta or ortho/para positions with
      respect to the C-F bonds. FeII complexes [Fe(N4Py2Ar2)(CH3CN)](ClO4)2 (2) and
      [Fe(N4Py2Ar3)(CH3CN)](ClO4)2 (3) reacted with isopropyl 2-iodoxybenzoate to give
      the C-F hydroxylated FeIII-OAr products. The FeIV(O) intermediates 2-O and 3-O
      were trapped at low temperature and characterized. Complex 2-O displayed a C-F
      hydroxylation rate similar to that of 1-O. In contrast, the kinetics (via stopped
      flow UV-vis) for complex 3-O displayed a significant rate enhancement for C-F
      hydroxylation. Eyring analysis revealed the activation barriers for the C-F
      hydroxylation reaction for the three complexes, consistent with the observed
      difference in reactivity. A terminal FeII(OH) complex (4) was prepared
      independently to investigate the possibility of a nucleophilic aromatic
      substitution pathway, but the stability of 4 rules out this mechanism. Taken
      together the data fully support an electrophilic C-F hydroxylation mechanism.

PMID- 27656777
TI  - Optimization and in Vivo Validation of Peptide Vectors Targeting the LDL
      Receptor.
AB  - Active targeting and delivery to pathophysiological organs of interest is of
      paramount importance to increase specific accumulation of therapeutic drugs or
      imaging agents while avoiding systemic side effects. We recently developed a
      family of new peptide ligands of the human and rodent LDL receptor (LDLR), an
      attractive cell-surface receptor with high uptake activity and local enrichment
      in several normal or pathological tissues (Malcor et al., J. Med. Chem. 2012, 55
      (5), 2227). Initial chemical optimization of the 15-mer, all natural amino acid
      compound 1/VH411 (DSGL[CMPRLRGC]cDPR) and structure-activity relationship (SAR)
      investigation led to the cyclic 8 amino acid analogue compound 22/VH445
      ([cMPRLRGC]c) which specifically binds hLDLR with a KD of 76 nM and has an in
      vitro blood half-life of ~3 h. Further introduction of non-natural amino acids
      led to the identification of compound 60/VH4106 ([(d)-"Pen"M"Thz"RLRGC]c), which
      showed the highest KD value of 9 nM. However, this latter analogue displayed the
      lowest in vitro blood half-life (~1.9 h). In the present study, we designed a new
      set of peptide analogues, namely, VH4127 to VH4131, with further improved
      biological properties. Detailed analysis of the hLDLR-binding kinetics of
      previous and new analogues showed that the latter all displayed very high on
      rates, in the 106 s-1.M-1 range, and off-rates varying from the low 10-2 s-1 to
      the 10-1 s-1 range. Furthermore, all these new analogues showed increased blood
      half-lives in vitro, reaching ~7 and 10 h for VH4129 and VH4131, respectively.
      Interestingly, we demonstrate in cell-based assays using both VH445 and the most
      balanced optimized analogue VH4127 ([cM"Thz"RLRG"Pen"]c), showing a KD of 18 nM
      and a blood half-life of ~4.3 h, that its higher on-rate correlated with a
      significant increase in both the extent of cell-surface binding to hLDLR and the
      endocytosis potential. Finally, intravenous injection of tritium-radiolabeled 3H
      VH4127 in wild-type or ldlr -/- mice confirmed their active LDLR targeting in
      vivo. Overall, this study extends our previous work toward a diversified
      portfolio of LDLR-targeted peptide vectors with validated LDLR-targeting
      potential in vivo.

PMID- 27656778
TI  - Quantitative weight-of-evidence analysis of the persistence, bioaccumulation,
      toxicity, and potential for long-range transport of the cyclic volatile methyl
      siloxanes.
AB  - Cyclic volatile methyl siloxanes (cVMSs) are highly volatile and have an unusual
      combination of physicochemical properties, which are unlike those of halocarbon
      based chemicals used to establish criteria for identification of persistent
      organic pollutants (POPs) that undergo long-range transport (LRT). A transparent
      quantitative weight of evidence (QWoE) evaluation was conducted to characterize
      their properties. Measurements of concentrations of cVMSs in the environment are
      challenging, but currently, concentrations measured in robust studies are all
      less than thresholds of toxicity. The cVMSs are moderately persistent in air with
      half-lives <=11 d (greater than the criterion of 2 d) but these compounds
      partition into the atmosphere, the final sink. The cVMSs are rapidly degraded in
      dry soils, partition from wet soils into the atmosphere, and are not classifiable
      as persistent in soils. Persistence in water and sediment is variable, but the
      greatest concentrations in the environment are observed in sediments. Based upon
      the measurements that have been made in the environment, cVMSs should not be
      classified as persistent. Studies in food webs support a conclusion that the
      cVMSs do not biomagnify, a conclusion that is consistent with results of
      toxicokinetic studies. Concentrations in air in remote locations are small and
      deposition has not been detected. Taken together, evidence indicates that
      traditional measures of persistence and biomagnification used for legacy POP are
      not suitable for cVMS. Refined approaches used here suggest that cVMSs are not
      classifiable as persistent, bioaccumulative, or toxic. Further, these chemicals
      do not undergo LRT in the sense of legacy POPs.

PMID- 27656779
TI  - Prion diseases: New considerations.
AB  - The transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, which include Creutzfeldt-Jakob
      disease, are fatal neurodegenerative disorders caused by the pathological
      accumulation of abnormal prion protein. The diagnosis of Creutzfeldt-Jakob
      disease is complex. The electroencephalogram, magnetic resonance imaging, lumbar
      puncture and genetic testing findings can help in the differential diagnosis of
      rapidly progressive dementia. There has recently been considerable debate as to
      whether proteins involved in the development of neurodegenerative diseases should
      be regarded as prions or only share prion-like mechanisms. Two recent reports
      described the detection of abnormal prion protein in the nasal mucosa and urine
      of patients with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. These findings raise major health
      concerns regarding the transmissibility of human prion diseases. We set out to
      address this neurological hot topic and to draw conclusions on the basis of what
      is known in the literature thus far.

PMID- 27656780
TI  - Intervention for A randomized trial of unruptured brain arteriovenous
      malformations (ARUBA) - Eligible patients: An evidence-based review.
AB  - While intervention for ruptured arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of the brain
      is typically warranted, the management of unruptured AVMs remains controversial.
      Despite numerous retrospective studies, only one randomized controlled trial has
      been conducted, comparing the role of medical management alone to medical
      management plus surgical and/or radiosurgical intervention in patients with
      unruptured AVMs: A Randomized Trial of Unruptured Brain Arteriovenous
      Malformations (ARUBA). To great controversy, ARUBA concluded that medical
      management alone was superior to intervention for unruptured AVMs, which was
      subsequently challenged by various single-institution and multi-center studies
      analyzing outcomes of ARUBA-eligible patients. This review summarizes studies
      returned from a PubMed database search querying, 'ARUBA,' 'ARUBA-eligible,'
      'surgery unruptured AVM,' and "radiosurgery unruptured AVM". The rates of the
      primary endpoint of symptomatic stroke or death were low among the analyzed
      studies (0-12.2%, mean 8.0%) and similar to the medically managed arm of ARUBA
      (10.1%). Likewise, the percentage of patients with impaired functional outcomes
      (modified Rankin score >=2) in the reviewed studies was low (5.9%-13.1%; mean:
      9.9%) and comparable to the 14.0% observed in the medically management arm of
      ARUBA. The key findings of ARUBA and subsequent work in its aftermath are
      overviewed and analyzed for the role of surgery and/or radiosurgery in patients
      with unruptured AVMs.

PMID- 27656781
TI  - Medicolegal-Malpractice and Ethical Issues in Radiology.

PMID- 27656782
TI  - Minimally Invasive Posterior Decompression Combined With Percutaneous Pedicle
      Screw Fixation for the Treatment of Thoracolumbar Fractures With Neurological
      Deficits: A Prospective Randomized Study Versus Traditional Open Posterior
      Surgery.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Prospective randomized cohort study. OBJECTIVE: To compare the
      surgical results of minimally invasive posterior decompression combined with
      percutaneous pedicle screws fixation (minimally invasive surgery [MIS]) and
      posterior open surgery (OS) for the treatment of thoracolumbar fracture with
      neurological deficits. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Thoracolumbar fracture with
      neurological deficits usually undergoes surgical intervention. OS can achieve
      satisfied results, but the main disadvantage is approach-related complications.
      No study, however, focused on the treatment of this disease by MIS through
      posterior approach. METHODS: Sixty consecutive cases of thoracolumbar fractures
      with neurological deficits were randomized into MIS group and OS group. Incision
      length, blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, hospitalization days, blood
      transfusion rate, analgesic use rate, and x-ray exposure time were used to
      evaluate the perioperative information and Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Japanese
      Orthopedics Association (JOA) score, and American Spinal Injury Association grade
      for patients' symptom. For radiological assessment, sagittal Cobb angle,
      percentage of vertebral height, and vertebral wedging angle were measured.
      RESULTS: Fifty-nine of sixty patients were followed-up for at least 12 months.
      MIS group was superior in perioperative information (P < 0.05), except in the
      operative time (P = 0.165) and x-ray time (P = 0.000). The operative time seemed
      longer in MIS group, but no significant difference was found. The x-ray time was
      significantly higher in MIS group. The mean Visual Analog Scale and Japanese
      Orthopedics Association scores of the final follow-up in MIS group were better
      than that in OS group (P < 0.05). Patients in both group achieved a similar
      neurological recovery according to American Spinal Injury Association grade (P =
      0.760). A broken screw was found in one patient in MIS group and a broken rod in
      one patient in OS group. CONCLUSION: MIS group has achieved the similar effect of
      OS group and it can minimize the approach-related complication. It also faced
      with some shortages, such as larger radiation dose and longer learning curve.
      LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2.

PMID- 27656783
TI  - Cervical Endoscopic Laminoplasty for Cervical Myelopathy.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical series. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was
      to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of a new minimally invasive
      laminoplasty technique for patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM).
      SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Posterior decompression is one of the most common
      surgical interventions for CSM. Conservative posterior approaches require
      extensive release and extensive retraction of paraspinal muscles and/or treatment
      of bone (lamina), which leads to postoperative axial neck pain and a decrease in
      lordosis and range of motion (ROM). METHODS: A total of 45 patients with CSM
      received cervical microendoscopic laminoplasty (CMEL). Surgery included endoscopy
      assisted bilateral laminoplasty with spinous process-ligament complex and deep
      extensor muscle retroposition. Bilateral titanium mini-screws and plates were
      used for fixation. Effects and axial symptoms were evaluated according to the
      Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores for neurological condition and
      visual analog scales (VAS) for axial neck pain, respectively. Cervical curvature
      index (CCI) and ROM were evaluated by X-ray. Computerized tomography and magnetic
      resonance imaging scans evaluated laminar healing and spinal cord decompression.
      RESULTS: Follow-up ranged from 18 to 48 months (average 28 months). The duration
      of surgery averaged 119 minutes (range 62-147 min). Average blood loss was 360 mL
      (range 250-700 mL). Mean JOA scores improved from 8.0 +/- 1.72 preoperatively to
      13.29 +/- 1.85 postoperatively. The effects were excellent in 13 cases, good in
      25 cases, and fair in 7 cases. Axial symptoms were excellent in 16 cases, good in
      18 cases, and fair in 11 cases. The VAS scores of axial pain significantly
      improved to 2.3 +/- 2.0 at the final follow-up compared with 4.3 +/- 2.1
      preoperatively (P < 0.05). The CMEL procedure provided stable reconstruction of
      expanded laminar arches with no postoperative collapse or door-close. Sagittal
      spinal canal diameter increased by 1 to 3 mm. There were no differences in the
      pre- and postoperative CCI and ROM. CONCLUSION: The new CMEL provides stable
      reconstruction of an expanded laminar arch and causes less damage to the spinous
      process-ligament complex and the deep extensor muscles than conventional surgical
      approaches. The CMEL procedure can be used efficiently and safely to treat CSM.
      LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A.

PMID- 27656784
TI  - Review of Percutaneous Kyphoplasty in China.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Review article. OBJECTIVE: The article mainly reviewed the
      development and current situation of percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) in China,
      aiming to introduce native efforts and progress for PKP procedure on the
      exploring road. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Since PKP was first reported in China
      in 2002, Chinese orthopedic researchers have performed lots of clinical
      applications and studies on the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression
      fracture, spinal metastatic tumor, hemangioma, myeloma, vertebral nonunion, and
      so on. METHODS: We reviewed the papers on PKP published by native researchers in
      English and Chinese via Pubmed, EMBASE, the Scopus database, and a series of
      Chinese databases including Wanfang Data, China National Knowledge Infrastructure
      (CNKI), and the China Science and Technology Journal Database. The large sample
      capacity researches, convictive systematic analysis, and overviews were mainly
      elected as convictive evidence to describe the overall situation of clinical
      outcomes, complications, and the various technical aspects used to improve
      conventional surgical management and clinical applications of PKP in China.
      RESULTS: Until October 2015, 211 articles in English and 2352 studies in Chinese
      about PKP were reported by 1443 Chinese institutions from 22 provinces around
      China. More than 50976 patients reported through published articles have received
      the treatment of PKP. With the technique gradually improved, including puncture,
      bone cement infusion, vertebral expander instruments, diagnosis, and treatment of
      special type of vertebral fractures, PKP is performed with the better efficacy
      and less complication. CONCLUSION: With the progression of minimally invasive
      spinal surgery around the world, PKP in China has been performed with a trend
      towards a rapid, safe, and effective treatment. Digital, real-time and artificial
      intelligence are the directions of future development of PKP. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
      4.

PMID- 27656785
TI  - The pupil is faster than the corneal reflection (CR): Are video based pupil-CR
      eye trackers suitable for studying detailed dynamics of eye movements?
AB  - Most modern video eye trackers use the p-CR (pupil minus CR) technique to deal
      with small relative movements between the eye tracker camera and the eye. We
      question whether the p-CR technique is appropriate to investigate saccade
      dynamics. In two experiments we investigated the dynamics of pupil, CR and gaze
      signals obtained from a standard SMI Hi-Speed eye tracker. We found many
      differences between the pupil and the CR signals. Differences concern timing of
      the saccade onset, saccade peak velocity and post-saccadic oscillation (PSO). We
      also obtained that pupil peak velocities were higher than CR peak velocities.
      Saccades in the eye trackers' gaze signal (that is constructed from p-CR) appear
      to be excessive versions of saccades in the pupil signal. We conclude that the
      pupil-CR technique is not suitable for studying detailed dynamics of eye
      movements.

PMID- 27656786
TI  - Giving meaning to illness: An investigation of self-defining memories in patients
      with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients.
AB  - Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients are often unable to adequately fulfill their
      established roles due to physical disabilities and cognitive changes, making this
      chronic illness particularly threatening to personal identity. Twenty-five MS
      patients and 25 healthy controls were asked to recall five self-defining memories
      (SDM). Overall characteristics of SDM did not differ between patients and
      controls; MS patients displayed preserved capacity to draw meaning upon past
      events. Moreover, almost two-thirds of MS patients mentioned at least one illness
      related SDM and about 25% of patients' SDM referred to MS. These memories were
      experienced as more negative and associated with more tension than other SDM but
      led toward more positive emotion and less negative emotion over time; they were
      also more central and more integrated to the personal identity. We concluded that
      self-challenging events due to MS may trigger both cognitive and emotional
      processes enabling the integration of illness in patients' self-representations.

PMID- 27656787
TI  - Artificial consciousness and the consciousness-attention dissociation.
AB  - Artificial Intelligence is at a turning point, with a substantial increase in
      projects aiming to implement sophisticated forms of human intelligence in
      machines. This research attempts to model specific forms of intelligence through
      brute-force search heuristics and also reproduce features of human perception and
      cognition, including emotions. Such goals have implications for artificial
      consciousness, with some arguing that it will be achievable once we overcome
      short-term engineering challenges. We believe, however, that phenomenal
      consciousness cannot be implemented in machines. This becomes clear when
      considering emotions and examining the dissociation between consciousness and
      attention in humans. While we may be able to program ethical behavior based on
      rules and machine learning, we will never be able to reproduce emotions or
      empathy by programming such control systems-these will be merely simulations.
      Arguments in favor of this claim include considerations about evolution, the
      neuropsychological aspects of emotions, and the dissociation between attention
      and consciousness found in humans. Ultimately, we are far from achieving
      artificial consciousness.

PMID- 27656790
TI  - ...for whom the poll tolls.
AB  - Two issues dominated last weekend: I the government's, and in particular John
      Major's, unpopularity and the threat of cuts to public spending.

PMID- 27656791
TI  - RCN threatens action over Allitt inquiry.
AB  - The RCN is threatening to take legal action it Health Secretary Virginia
      Bottomley fails to allow public access to the forthcoming Beverly Allitt inquiry.

PMID- 27656789
TI  - Effect of Al content on impact resistance behavior of Al-Ti-B4C composite
      fabricated under air atmosphere.
AB  - Reaction behavior, mechanical property and impact resistance of TiC-TiB2/Al
      composite reacted from Al-Ti-B4C system with various Al content via combination
      method of combustion synthesis and hot pressed sintering under air was
      investigated. Al content was the key point to the variation of mechanical
      property and impact resistance. Increasing Al content could increase the density,
      strength and toughness of the composite. Due to exorbitant ceramic content,
      10wt.% and 20wt.% Al-Ti-B4C composites exhibited poor molding ability and
      machinability. Flexural strength, fracture toughness, compressive strength and
      impact toughness of 30-50wt.% Al-Ti-B4C composite were higher than those of Al
      matrix. The intergranular fracture dispersed and defused impact load and
      restricted crack extension, enhancing the impact resistance of the composite. The
      composite with 50wt.% Al content owned highest mechanical properties and impact
      resistance. The results were useful for the application of TiC-TiB2/Al composite
      in impact resistance field of ceramic reinforced Al matrix composite.

PMID- 27656788
TI  - Continuation phase intravenous ketamine in adults with treatment-resistant
      depression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little is known about the antidepressive effects of repeated
      intravenous ketamine infusions beyond the acute phase of treatment in patients
      with refractory depression. METHODS: Twelve subjects with treatment-resistant non
      psychotic unipolar or bipolar major depression and suicidal ideation were given
      repeated (up to 6) thrice-weekly acute-phase intravenous infusions of ketamine
      (0.5mg/kg, administered over 100min). Those who remitted during acute-phase
      treatment received continuation-phase treatment that consisted of 4 weekly
      ketamine infusions, followed by 4 weeks of post-continuation phase follow-up
      (during which no further ketamine infusions were administered). Clinical measures
      were assessed at baseline, at 24h following each infusion, at the last acute
      phase observation, and during continuation and post-continuation follow-up (acute
      phase remitters only). RESULTS: Of the 12 enrollees, 5 (41.7%) remitted and 7
      (58.3%) responded to ketamine treatment during the acute-phase. All five subjects
      who remitted during the acute-phase experienced further depressive symptom
      improvement during continuation-phase treatment. Four subjects lost remission
      status during the post-continuation phase, but all were still classified as
      positive treatment responders at the end of the post-continuation phase. Adverse
      effects were generally mild and transient during acute- and continuation-phase
      treatment; however, one subject developed behavioral outbursts and suicide
      threats during follow-up while hospitalized, and one subject died by suicide
      several weeks after the end of follow-up. LIMITATIONS: This was an uncontrolled
      feasibility study with a small sample size. CONCLUSIONS: The continuation-phase
      administration of ketamine at weekly intervals to patients with treatment
      resistant depression who remitted during acute-phase ketamine treatment can
      extend the duration of depressive symptom remission. The antidepressive effect of
      ketamine persisted for several weeks after the end of continuation-phase
      treatment. Our results highlight the need for close monitoring of subjects who
      are at high baseline risk for suicide but do not respond clinically to ketamine.
      CLINICALTRIALS. GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT02094898.

PMID- 27656793
TI  - ?
AB  - Staff member Hugh Jenkins sizes up one of the hi-tech instruments from the 19th
      century as the Old Operating Theatre Museum in Southwark, London, prepares to
      reopen after having some cosmetic surgery of its own. New displays will aLso
      include pre-anaesthetic and antiseptic surgery.

PMID- 27656792
TI  - Chance to raise concerns on PREP.
AB  - Nursing organisations now have a chance to raise their concerns about the UKCC's
      proposals tor continuing education as the final stage of PREP is out for
      consultation.

PMID- 27656794
TI  - More work needed in child analgesia.
AB  - Children in intensive care endure scores of painful invasive procedures without
      any extra analgesia, a new study shows. The research, in the British /Medical
      Journal, found that of 181 invasive procedures carried out in the paediatric ITU
      at the Royal Brompton Hospital, almost a third were done without additional
      analgesia. The children cried and grimaced in many of the cases where extra pain
      control was not given. Hilary Herron. Chair of the Royal College of Nursing
      Paediatric Nursing Society, described the findings as 'disturbing and warned they
      show more work needs to be done on paediatric pain control.

PMID- 27656796
TI  - ?
AB  - Staff nurse Maria Lacey gets a lesson in self-defence from 73 year old martial
      arts expert Ron Anderson, a former patient at Killingbeck Hospital, Leeds, who
      ran the lessons to thank staff.

PMID- 27656795
TI  - Call for review of UK Central Council.
AB  - Nursing unions have backed calls for a review of the UKCC's professional conduct
      machinery. This follows the reinstatement of a nurse struck oil after lying about
      the circumstances surrounding a patient's death.

PMID- 27656797
TI  - EC laws could affect moonlighting.
AB  - Thousands of nurses who moonlight may be affected by new European rules designed
      to stop workers clocking up more than 48 hours a week.

PMID- 27656798
TI  - ENB to investigate regional advice to purchasers of nurse education.
AB  - The English National Board is to investigate how regions are providing nursing
      advice to purchasers of nurse education and training.

PMID- 27656799
TI  - Nurses warned against salary 'donations'.
AB  - Nurses at Ealing Hospital have been warned not to donate' their 1.5 per cent pay
      increase to help managers claw back a budget blowout of L3.2 million.

PMID- 27656800
TI  - ?
AB  - A new play using computer games imagery to help young people understand the
      impact of asthma Is being launched this week in secondary schools throughout the
      country. Sonic Roar!, developed by ZIP Theatre, Wolverhampton, in support of the
      British I.ung foundation, features arch villain Constrictorman (left) and The
      Pollens, along with Dixie, the central character who has asthma.

PMID- 27656802
TI  - ?
AB  - Budding friendship: American nurses Kathy Kaufman (left) and Sandra Prowant enjoy
      tile garden at the Buckinghamshire College of Higher Education, which they are
      visiting with colleagues front Kutztown University, Pennsylvania, as part of an
      exchange programme.

PMID- 27656801
TI  - Rent increases oust students.
AB  - Massive rent increases in Bath could force Project 2000 students to give up
      nursing, the Royal College of Nursing warned last week.

PMID- 27656803
TI  - Dual role in bid to streamline services?
AB  - By Simon Canning Senior nursing staff at a Surrey hospital will be forced to take
      on the dual role of unit manager and site night nurse manager in a bid to
      streamline services.

PMID- 27656804
TI  - Bottomley does a good reform job.
AB  - Health Secretary Virginia Bottomley did 'an extremely good job' in securing
      transitional funding for the Community Care reforms, the architect of the changes
      said last week.

PMID- 27656805
TI  - Elderly and child benefits are safe.
AB  - Universal benefits for children and the elderly are safe for the remainder of
      this Parliament. But they are likely to be targeted at the needy in the longer
      term.

PMID- 27656806
TI  - Seniority doesn't mean better.
AB  - Seniority and experience do not necessarily mean a nurse is better at triage, a
      recent A&E conference heard.

PMID- 27656807
TI  - Elderly on streets are in desperate need of care.
AB  - Over half of the elderly people living on the streets of London are suffering
      from a physical illness and are in desperate need of care, a recent study has
      revealed.

PMID- 27656808
TI  - Nominations for RCN Council.
AB  - The RCN is inviting nominations to its Council from these English divisions: East
      Anglia, North West Thames, South East Thames, North Western, Wessex, West
      Midlands and Yorkshire. Members at large for Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales
      are also being sought, as well as nominations for chair of the Association of
      Nursing Students and Student member of Council for 1993-95.

PMID- 27656809
TI  - ENB opposes Project 2000 proposal.
AB  - A DoH proposal to drop the learning disabilities branch of Project 2000 has
      sparked criticism from the English National Board, which warns this may 'hasten
      the demise of learning disabilities nursing'.

PMID- 27656811
TI  - ?
AB  - Parents with one child are more likely to complete immunisation programmes than
      those with bigger families.

PMID- 27656810
TI  - Holiday jab training is needed.
AB  - Few practice nurses have had proper vaccination training, although nearly nine
      out of ten are responsible for selecting the right vaccines for holidaymakers, a
      new survey shows.

PMID- 27656812
TI  - Children from big families miss out on jabs.
AB  - Health visitors and community nurses have been called upon to play a pivitol role
      to reverse a trend which shows children from large families are more likely to
      miss out on immunisation than children from smaller families.

PMID- 27656813
TI  - Volunteers better than health visitors?
AB  - Unqualified volunteers may be better than health visitors at delivering child
      development programmes to disadvantaged first time mothers, a new report says.

PMID- 27656814
TI  - New hope for psoriasis sufferers.
AB  - Psoriasis sufferers have been offered new hope following the successful
      completion of a two year trial at the Westminster Hospital in London.

PMID- 27656815
TI  - Thrombosis foot pump goes on trial.
AB  - A new foot pump which can cut the risk of deep vein thrombosis after surgery is
      now being tried out in Britain.

PMID- 27656816
TI  - Rediscovering caring and healing arts.
AB  - Most nurses probably feel they relish a challenge. But how many, I wonder, would
      rub their hands in glee at the thought of simultaneously trying to redefine
      nursing and transform the health care care system? Not many, but for Professor
      Jean Watson, Dean of the University of Colorado Health Sciences Centre, these
      goals have taken on missionary dimensions.

PMID- 27656817
TI  - Losing patients with smoking.
AB  - Barry Clifton's article on the freedom to smoke (Freedom up in smoke, Viewpoint,
      May 26) reminds me of how in 1982 I owned a nursing home which at first did
      accept smokers.

PMID- 27656819
TI  - Rescheduling the special interest group.
AB  - The committee members of the RCN Social Interest Group for Nurses Working Within
      Day Hospitals/Day Care for Older People would like to apologise to the large
      number of people who were interested in attending our conference, which
      unfortunately had to be postponed.

PMID- 27656818
TI  - Reconsider plans to scrap P2000 branch.
AB  - I agreed with Paul Smart when he urged the RCN to reconsider its positive
      reaction to Department of Health proposals to scrap the Project 2000 learning
      disabilities branch (Reconsider the response, Letters, May 5).

PMID- 27656820
TI  - Predictable success of Hib vaccine.
AB  - It is of course wonderful news that the introduction of the Hib immunisation
      programme has cut the number of Hib meningitis cases by 70 per cent and that
      almost three-quarters of parents have responded to the campaign promoting the
      vaccine (News, 12 May).

PMID- 27656821
TI  - More plain English females please.
AB  - I had time to read through your May 26 edition while eating a sandwich at my
      desk, and discovered that of the six writers on your letters page, four were
      clearly male, and while the gender of the other two was not discernible, they
      were replying to letters from other males.

PMID- 27656822
TI  - No more use for general anaesthesia.
AB  - It has been years since we have used general anaesthesia to test Brain Stem
      Auditory Evoked Potential, as described in your article Diagnosing hearing loss
      in children (Clinical, May 19).

PMID- 27656823
TI  - Information exchange.
AB  - * It would be most helpful to me if I were able to hear from any renal units who
      have produced a patient education video. I am at present undertaking an ENB renal
      nursing course.

PMID- 27656824
TI  - Sluice talk.

PMID- 27656825
TI  - Controversial management figure Roger Dyson shares his thoughts with Trevor Clay
      in the first of a new series of interviews.
AB  - 'Roger Dyson offers a tough, hard-hitting analysis of the profession and one that
      will be painful for a great many nurses. But this Honorary' Professor of Health
      Care Management at the Centre for Health Planning and Management at Keele
      University has been around in health care for many years and is well acquainted
      with nurses and nursing. He argues his case convincingly.

PMID- 27656826
TI  - Verity Pink argues against the disappearance of hospital chaplains.
AB  - In my first staff nurse post, I was privileged to participate in a retreat for
      mental health users. It was organised by the hospital chaplain and funded by the
      League of Friends.

PMID- 27656827
TI  - Library and Information Services To Support Project 2000 Library and Information
      Services To Support Project 2000 British Library R&D Report 6088 Capital Planning
      138pp L19.50 (incl postage) 0-906011-85-X.
AB  - Library and Information Services To Support Project 2000: NURLIS Phase 1 is a
      research report that looks at the provision made by nursing libraries to support
      Project 2000.

PMID- 27656828
TI  - The home surgery: child and baby first aid The home surgery: child and baby first
      aid H Jones Home Surgery 30mins L10.99+L1.51p&p [Formula: see text].
AB  - Dr Hilary Jones introduces the viewer to his family in this first of his 'Home
      Surgery' series. An excellent idea bringing basic first-aid techniques into the
      home for a very affordable price.

PMID- 27656829
TI  - A handbook of drugs in nursing practice, 4th edition A handbook of drugs in
      nursing practice, 4th edition Henney C Dow R MacConnachie A Churchill livingstone
      376pp L10.95 0-443-04378-7.
AB  - The fourth edition of this established reference work follows the format of
      previous editions.

PMID- 27656830
TI  - Listings.

PMID- 27656831
TI  - Induction of Multidrug Resistance of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells by Cocultured
      Stromal Cells via Upregulation of the PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway.
AB  - This study aimed to investigate the role of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in
      multidrug resistance of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells induced by cocultured
      stromal cells. Human AML cell lines HL-60 and U937 were adhesion cocultured with
      human bone marrow stromal cell line HS-5 cells. Such coculturing induced HL-60
      and U937 cells resistant to chemotherapeutic drugs including daunorubicin (DNR),
      homoharringtonine (HHT), and cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C). The coculturing
      induced resistance of AML cells to DNR, HHT, and Ara-C can be partially reversed
      by inhibition of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Clinically, AML patients with a
      low level of PTEN and a high level of CCND1 had high relapse rates within 1 year,
      and newly diagnosed AML patients with extramedullary infiltration had a low level
      of PTEN. This study confirms the involvement of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in
      multidrug resistance in AML cells induced by stroma and suggests that the
      expression of PTEN and CCND1 may be a prognostic indicator for AML. 

PMID- 27656832
TI  - IGF-I Induces Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition via the IGF-IR-Src-MicroRNA
      30a-E-Cadherin Pathway in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cells.
AB  - Recurrence and distant metastasis are the most common cause of therapeutic
      failure in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients. Insulin-like growth factor I
      (IGF-I) can induce epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in many epithelial
      tumors; however, whether IGF-I can enhance NPC metastasis by EMT and the
      mechanisms remain unclear. Herein, we have identified that IGF-I could induce EMT
      and enhance migration ability in NPC cell lines. Furthermore, both Src inhibitor
      and microRNA-30a (miR-30a) inhibitor reversed IGF-I-induced EMT, suggesting the
      involvement of an IGF-IR-Src-miR-30a-E-cadherin pathway in IGF-I-induced EMT in
      NPC cell lines. Overall, the results of the present study may provide more useful
      information regarding the mechanisms of the IGF-IR signaling pathway in the
      regulation of NPC metastasis. Both Src kinase and miR-30a can be potential
      biomarkers for selecting high risk of metastasis in NPC patients. 

PMID- 27656833
TI  - Overexpression of miR-509 Increases Apoptosis and Inhibits Invasion via
      Suppression of Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
      Hs578T Cells.
AB  - Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is associated with high recurrence rates of
      metastasis and death. miR-509 has been reported to be a tumor suppressor in many
      cancers, but its effect in TNBC has not yet been identified. In this article, we
      explored the effects of miR-509 on the malignant phenotype of TNBC cells,
      including proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion. We transiently
      transfected TNBC cells, Hs578T, with miR-509 mimic. Upon transfection, the
      expression of miR-509 was upregulated about 50-fold compared with cells
      transfected with scramble mimic. Overexpression of miR-509 inhibited cell
      proliferation, induced cell apoptosis, and suppressed cell invasion of Hs578T
      cells. Moreover, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) was involved in miR-509
      mediated suppressive effects of TNBC cells, as being treated with TNF-alpha could
      partially abolish the suppressive effects of miR-509. Collectively, these data
      suggest that miR-509 could reverse the malignant phenotype of TNBC cells,
      probably by suppressing TNF-alpha. 

PMID- 27656834
TI  - Knockdown of Histone Methyltransferase hSETD1A Inhibits Progression, Migration,
      and Invasion in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
AB  - Our aim was to study the expression of human SET domain containing protein 1A
      (hSETD1A) in hepatocellular carcinoma patients and its relationship with human
      hepatocellular carcinoma cell function. A total of 30 patients with
      hepatocellular carcinoma were enrolled in this study. The expression of hSETD1A
      was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blotting.
      The immortalized normal human liver cell line including SMMC-7721 was subjected
      to real-time PCR for hSETD1A mRNA. Furthermore, hSETD1A-small hairpin RNA (shRNA)
      was used to knock down hSETD1A expression in SMMC-7721 cells. Cell proliferation,
      cell apoptosis, and cell migration were determined by CCK8, flow cytometry, and
      Transwell assays. The positive expression rate level of hSETD1A mRNA and protein
      in liver carcinoma tissues was 73.33%. hSETD1A knockdown using a specific hSETD1A
      shRNA inhibited cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis in SMMC-7721
      cells. It was also found that downregulation of hSETD1A inhibited cell migration
      ability but did not affect cell invasion. In conclusion, the expression of
      hSETD1A occurs at a high rate in hepatocellular carcinoma patients. The
      expression state of hSETD1A may be a prognostic factor in hepatocellular
      carcinoma. 

PMID- 27656835
TI  - Novel BRCA2-Interacting Protein, LIMD1, Is Essential for the Centrosome
      Localization of BRCA2 in Esophageal Cancer Cell.
AB  - Mutation of breast cancer 2, early onset (BRCA2) has been identified as a vital
      risk factor for esophageal cancer (EC). To date, several proteins have been
      reported as BRCA2-interacting proteins and are associated with multiple
      biological processes. This study's aim was to identify a novel interactive
      protein of BRCA2 and to explore its functional roles in EC. A yeast two-hybrid
      screening was performed to identify a novel BRCA2-interacting protein.
      Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) pull-down analysis was performed to find out how
      the binding domain of BRCA2 interacts with LIM domains containing 1 (LIMD1). The
      interaction between LIMD1 and BRCA2 at the endogenous level was confirmed by
      using coimmunoprecipitation and immunobloting. Furthermore, two different
      sequences of short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) against LIMD1 were transfected into the
      human EC cell line ECA109. Afterward, the effects of LIMD1 suppression on the
      centrosome localization of BRCA2 and cell division were analyzed using an
      immunofluorescence microscope. Results showed that LIMD1 was a novel BRCA2
      interacting protein, and LIMD1 interacted with the conserved region of BRCA2
      (amino acids 2,750-3,094) in vitro. Importantly, after interfering with the
      protein expression of LIMD1 in ECA109 cells, the centrosome localization of BRCA2
      was significantly abolished and abnormal cell division was significantly
      increased. These results suggested that LIMD1 is a novel BRCA2-interacting
      protein and is involved in the centrosome localization of BRCA2 and suppression
      of LIMD1, causing abnormal cell division in EC cells. 

PMID- 27656836
TI  - TIPE2 Inhibits Hypoxia-Induced Wnt/beta-Catenin Pathway Activation and EMT in
      Glioma Cells.
AB  - Hypoxia-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) could facilitate tumor
      progression. TIPE2, the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)-induced protein 8
      like 2 (also known as TNFAIP8L2), is a member of the TNF-alpha-induced protein 8
      (TNFAIP8, TIPE) family and has been involved in the development and progression
      of several tumors. However, the effects of TIPE2 on the EMT process in glioma
      cells and the underlying mechanisms of these effects have not been previously
      reported. In our study, we assessed the roles of TIPE2 in the EMT process in
      glioma cells in response to hypoxia. Our results indicated that TIPE2 expression
      was significantly decreased in human glioma cell lines. TIPE2 overexpression
      significantly inhibited hypoxia-induced migration and invasion, as well as
      suppressed the EMT process in glioma cells. Furthermore, TIPE2 overexpression
      prevented hypoxia-induced expression of beta-catenin, cyclin D1, and c-myc in
      human glioma cells. In summary, these data suggest that TIPE2 overexpression
      inhibited hypoxia-induced Wnt/beta-catenin pathway activation and EMT in glioma
      cells. 

PMID- 27656837
TI  - Suppression of Ubiquitin-Specific Peptidase 17 (USP17) Inhibits Tumorigenesis and
      Invasion in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells.
AB  - Recently, deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) are emerging as new regulators in
      cancer progression. However, understanding of the involvement of DUBs in non
      small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is just beginning. In this study, we investigated
      the expression and biological function of ubiquitin-specific peptidase 17 (USP17)
      in NSCLC progression in vitro and in vivo. We found that the expression of USP17
      was higher than in a normal control. We further efficiently depleted USP17
      expression in two different NSCLC cells, A549 and H1299. The anchorage
      independent growth ability of these cells, estimated by soft agar colony
      formation assay, was significantly reduced after USP17 knockdown. Moreover,
      Matrigel-Transwell analysis showed that suppression of USP17 decreased cell
      migration and invasion capacity. Molecular mechanism studies found that USP17
      silencing downregulated the expression of matrix metalloproteases (MMP3 and MMP9)
      in NSCLC cells. Furthermore, animal model results showed that USP17 suppression
      inhibited NSCLC tumorigenesis and growth. Altogether, this study illustrates the
      important functions of USP17 in NSCLC and suggests that USP17 might be an
      attractive target for NSCLC therapy. 

PMID- 27656838
TI  - Knockdown of CUL4B Suppresses the Proliferation and Invasion in Non-Small Cell
      Lung Cancer Cells.
AB  - Cullin 4B (CUL4B), a scaffold protein that assembles CRL4B ubiquitin ligase
      complexes, was found to be overexpressed in many types of tumors. However, the
      expression pattern and role of CUL4B in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remain
      largely unknown. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the role of
      CUL4B in NSCLC, and the underlying mechanism was also explored. Our results
      showed that CUL4B was highly expressed in NSCLC cell lines. Silencing CUL4B
      obviously inhibited proliferation and migration/invasion of NSCLC cells, and it
      also suppressed the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) progress in NSCLC
      cells. Furthermore, knockdown of CUL4B significantly inhibited the expression of
      beta-catenin, cyclin D1, and c-Myc in NSCLC cells. Taken together, these results
      suggest that knockdown of CUL4B inhibited the proliferation and invasion through
      suppressing the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway in NSCLC cells. Therefore,
      CUL4B may represent a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of NSCLC. 

PMID- 27656839
TI  - Knockdown of PARP-1 Inhibits Proliferation and ERK Signals, Increasing Drug
      Sensitivity in Osteosarcoma U2OS Cells.
AB  - Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) is reported to be involved in DNA repair
      and is now recognized as a key regulator in carcinogenesis. However, the
      potential role and the molecular mechanism underlying the effect of PARP-1 on
      osteosarcoma (OS) cells have not been elucidated. In this study, the results
      showed that knockdown of PARP-1 resulted in decreased cell proliferation,
      increased cell apoptosis, and G0/G1 phase arrest in U2OS cells. In addition,
      increased expression of active caspase 3 and Bax, but reduced Bcl-2, cyclin D1,
      and phosphorylated extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 (pERK1/2) were
      observed in PARP-1 knockdown in U2OS cells. Moreover, knockdown of PARP-1
      correlated with elevated chemosensitivity of U2OS cells to cisplatin through
      inactivation of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway. In conclusion, our findings
      demonstrated that PARP-1 plays an important role in regulating OS growth,
      combining PARP-1 gene therapy with traditional chemotherapy, and may serve as a
      promising approach to OS therapy. 

PMID- 27656841
TI  - High-resolution, preparative purification of PEGylated protein using a laterally
      fed membrane chromatography device.
AB  - We discuss the use of a laterally-fed membrane chromatography (or LFMC) device
      for single-step purification of mono-PEGylated lysozyme. Recent studies have
      shown such LFMC devices to be suitable for high-resolution, multi-component
      separation of proteins in the bind-and-elute mode. The device used in this study
      contained a stack of rectangular cation-exchange membranes having 9.25mL bed
      volume. PEGylation of lysozyme was carried out in batch mode using 5kDa methoxy
      polyethyleneglycol propionaldehyde (or m-PEG propionaldehyde) in the presence of
      sodium cyanoborohydride as reducing agent. Membrane chromatographic separation
      was carried out at 1.62 membrane bed volumes per minute flow rate, in the bind
      and-elute mode. When a salt gradient was applied, the higher PEGylated forms of
      lysozyme (i.e. the byproducts) eluted earlier than mono-PEGylated lysozyme (the
      target product), while lysozyme eluted last. Under elution conditions optimized
      for resolution and speed, the separation could be carried out in less than 15
      membrane bed volumes. High purity and recovery of mono-PEGylated lysozyme was
      obtained. The resolution of separation of mono-PEGylated lysozyme obtained under
      the above condition was comparable to that reported in the literature for
      equivalent cation-exchange resin columns while the flow rate expressed in bed
      volumes/min was 21.7 times higher. Also, the number of theoretical plates per
      meter was significantly higher with the LFMC device. Therefore the LFMC based
      purification process discussed in this paper combined high-productivity with high
      resolution.

PMID- 27656842
TI  - QuickStats: Percentage* of Adults? Aged >=65 Years Meeting 2008 Federal
      Guidelines for Leisure-Time AerobicS and Muscle-Strengthening  Activities, by Age
      and Type of Activity - United States, 2000-2002 and 2013-2015.
AB  - From 2000-2002 to 2013-2015, the percentage of older adults who met the 2008
      federal guidelines for aerobic activity increased from 35.7% to 42.5% among
      persons aged 65-74 years, from 24.5% to 30.9% among persons aged 75-84 years, and
      from 11.9% to 19.4% among persons aged >=85 years. The percentage who met the
      guidelines for muscle strengthening activities increased from 11.7% to 19.3%
      among those aged 65-74 years, from 9.6% to 14.6% among those aged 75-84 years,
      and from 6.5% to 10.4% among those aged >=85 years. In both periods, within each
      age group participation declined with age and was lower for muscle strengthening
      activities compared with aerobic activities.

PMID- 27656840
TI  - Autophagy activation in COL6 myopathic patients by a low-protein-diet pilot
      trial.
AB  - A pilot clinical trial based on nutritional modulation was designed to assess the
      efficacy of a one-year low-protein diet in activating autophagy in skeletal
      muscle of patients affected by COL6/collagen VI-related myopathies. Ullrich
      congenital muscular dystrophy and Bethlem myopathy are rare inherited muscle
      disorders caused by mutations of COL6 genes and for which no cure is yet
      available. Studies in col6 null mice revealed that myofiber degeneration involves
      autophagy defects and that forced activation of autophagy results in the
      amelioration of muscle pathology. Seven adult patients affected by COL6
      myopathies underwent a controlled low-protein diet for 12 mo and we evaluated the
      presence of autophagosomes and the mRNA and protein levels for BECN1/Beclin 1 and
      MAP1LC3B/LC3B in muscle biopsies and blood leukocytes. Safety measures were
      assessed, including muscle strength, motor and respiratory function, and
      metabolic parameters. After one y of low-protein diet, autophagic markers were
      increased in skeletal muscle and blood leukocytes of patients. The treatment was
      safe as shown by preservation of lean:fat percentage of body composition, muscle
      strength and function. Moreover, the decreased incidence of myofiber apoptosis
      indicated benefits in muscle homeostasis, and the metabolic changes pointed at
      improved mitochondrial function. These data provide evidence that a low-protein
      diet is able to activate autophagy and is safe and tolerable in patients with
      COL6 myopathies, pointing at autophagy activation as a potential target for
      therapeutic applications. In addition, our findings indicate that blood
      leukocytes are a promising noninvasive tool for monitoring autophagy activation
      in patients.

PMID- 27656843
TI  - Neurological Manifestations in Familial Mediterranean Fever: Results of 22
      Children from a Reference Center in Kayseri, an Urban Area in Central Anatolia,
      Turkey.
AB  - Background Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an inherited inflammatory
      disorder characterized by attacks of fever with polyserositis. Objective The
      purpose of this study was to evaluate pediatric patients with FMF who had central
      nervous system (CNS) findings. Materials and Methods Our medical records database
      for 2003 to 2014 was screened retrospectively. In total, 104 patients with FMF
      were identified, 22 of whom had undergone neurological examination for CNS
      symptoms. Results Neurological findings included headache in 16 patients (72.7%),
      epilepsy in 6 patients (27.3%), pseudotumor cerebri in 2 patients (9.1%), tremor
      in 2 patients (9.1%), and multiple sclerosis in 1 patient (4.5%). The most common
      MEFV gene mutation was homozygous M694V (40.9%). Conclusions Patients with FMF
      can present with various CNS manifestations. Further studies that include large
      populations are needed to elucidate the neurological manifestations of FMF.

PMID- 27656845
TI  - Medicine and humanism.

PMID- 27656844
TI  - Association of Specific Traumatic Experiences With Alcohol Initiation and
      Transitions to Problem Use in European American and African American Women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aims of this study were to (i) characterize racial differences in
      alcohol involvement and (ii) examine the risk conferred by specific trauma
      exposures and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for different stages of
      alcohol involvement in European American (EA) and African American (AA) women.
      METHODS: Data are from the Missouri Adolescent Female Twins Study (N = 3,787,
      14.6% AA; mean age at most recent interview = 24.5 [SD 2.8]). Trauma exposures
      (e.g., sexual abuse [SA], physical abuse [PA], witnessing another person being
      killed or injured, experiencing an accident, and experiencing a disaster) were
      modeled as time-varying predictors of alcohol initiation, transition to first
      alcohol use disorder (AUD) symptom, and transition to AUD diagnosis using Cox
      proportional hazards regression while taking into account other substance
      involvement, parental characteristics, and commonly co-occurring psychiatric
      disorders. RESULTS: In EA women only, SA was associated with alcohol initiation
      prior to the age of 14, PA predicted transition from initiation to first AUD
      symptom, and PA, witnessing injury or death, and SA predicted transition to AUD
      diagnosis. No association was discovered between trauma exposures or PTSD for any
      stage of alcohol involvement in AA women. CONCLUSIONS: Results reveal trauma
      experiences as important contributors to all stages of alcohol involvement in EA
      women only, with different trauma types conferring risk for each stage of alcohol
      involvement. PTSD was not revealed as a significant predictor of AUD in EA or AA
      women, suggesting trauma, independent of PTSD, directly contributes to alcohol
      involvement. Findings highlight the importance of considering racial differences
      when developing etiologic models of the association of traumatic experiences with
      alcohol involvement.

PMID- 27656846
TI  - Treatment of brain metastases.

PMID- 27656847
TI  - Pulmonary Kaposi's sarcoma in a female patient: Case report.
AB  - Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a multicentric lymphoproliferative malignancy. Most of
      the time this tumor is confined to the skin and subcutaneous tissue, but it can
      present with widespread visceral involvement, such as in the lung. Pulmonary KS
      is the most frequent form in young adult males, in a ratio of 15:1. The disease
      usually affects individuals with low CD4 lymphocyte counts (<150-200 cells/mm3).
      We report a case of a female patient aged 35 years, with the presence of skin
      lesions, self-limiting episodes of diarrhea and weight loss of 15 kg for nearly 9
      months, progressing to persistent fever. AIDS was diagnosed and biopsy of the
      lesions revealed Kaposi's sarcoma. Computed tomography of the chest showed
      peribronchovascular thickening, areas of ground glass opacity, condensations with
      air bronchograms surrounded by ground glass opacity (halo sign) and bilateral
      pleural effusion. The diagnosis of pulmonary KS is still a challenge, especially
      due to the occurrence of other opportunistic diseases that may also occur
      concurrently. Therefore, suspecting this diagnosis based on clinical and
      laboratory manifestations, and even more with CT findings, is fundamental,
      especially in patients who already have the cutaneous form of the disease. 

PMID- 27656848
TI  - Histopathological features of post-mortem pituitaries: A retrospective analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: As a result of the use of neuroimaging techniques, silent pituitary
      lesions are diagnosed more and more frequently; however, there are few published
      post-mortem studies about this gland. Incidence data of pituitary lesions are
      rare and in Portugal they are outdated or even non-existent. The aim of this
      study is to determine the prevalence of normal patterns and incidental post
      mortem pituitary pathology at Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte, analyzing the
      associations with clinical data and assessing the clinical relevance of the
      findings. METHOD: We reviewed retrospectively and histologically 167 pituitaries
      of a consecutive series of autopsies from the Department of Pathology of this
      centre. They were done between 2012 and 2014, and in all cases medical records
      were reviewed. The morphological patterns observed, were classified into three
      major groups: 1) Normal histological patterns and variants; 2) Infectious
      inflammatory pathology, metabolic and vascular disorders; 3) Incidental primary
      proliferation and secondary to systemic diseases. RESULTS: The subjects included
      in this study were of all age groups (from 1 day to 91 years old), 71 were female
      and 96 male. Fifty-seven of these glands didn't show any alteration; 51 showed
      colloid cysts arising from Rathke cleft; 44 presented hyperplasia in
      adenohypophysis and we identified 20 adenomas in 19 glands
      (immunohistochemically, eight PRL-producing and five ACTH-producing tumors), ten
      of which associated with obesity, 11 to hypertension and six to diabetes
      mellitus. There were two cases with metastasis. CONCLUSION: Subclinical pathology
      in our country is similar to that seen in other parts of the world, but at older
      ages.

PMID- 27656849
TI  - Disease-free survival in patients with non-metastatic breast cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer is the second most common malignancy in the world and
      the one with highest incidence in the female population; it is also a major cause
      of death from cancer among women. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the disease-free survival
      (DFS) at 5 years and prognostic factors in women with non-metastatic invasive
      breast cancer treated at a referral center for cancer care located in a medium
      sized city in the Southeast of Brazil. METHOD: Patients diagnosed with the
      disease between 2003 and 2005 and identified through the institution's cancer
      hospital records were analyzed. The follow-up of cases was carried out through
      hospital records, and complemented by search in the database of the Mortality
      Information System (SIM) as well as telephone contact. The variables analyzed
      were distributed in the following blocks: socio-demographic data, tumor-related
      characteristics, and treatment-related characteristics. Survival functions were
      calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and the prognostic factors were analyzed
      based on Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS: The study showed a DFS at 5
      years of 72% (95CI 67.6-75.9). The main variables independently associated with
      DFS were lymph node involvement, use of hormone therapy, and education level.
      CONCLUSION: This study reinforces the importance of early diagnosis for DFS,
      pointing to the role of social aspects in this regard. The relevance of this
      research in the country is also highlighted, given the scarcity of studies on DFS
      in the Brazilian population.

PMID- 27656850
TI  - Growth curves in Down syndrome with congenital heart disease.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: To assess dietary habits, nutritional status and food frequency in
      children and adolescents with Down syndrome (DS) and congenital heart disease
      (CHD). Additionally, we attempted to compare body mass index (BMI)
      classifications according to the World Health Organization (WHO) curves and
      curves developed for individuals with DS. METHOD: Cross-sectional study including
      individuals with DS and CHD treated at a referral center for cardiology, aged 2
      to 18 years. Weight, height, BMI, total energy and food frequency were measured.
      Nutritional status was assessed using BMI for age and gender, using curves for
      evaluation of patients with DS and those set by the WHO. RESULTS: 68 subjects
      with DS and CHD were evaluated. Atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) was the
      most common heart disease (52.9%). There were differences in BMI classification
      between the curves proposed for patients with DS and those proposed by the WHO.
      There was an association between consumption of vitamin E and polyunsaturated
      fatty acids. CONCLUSION: Results showed that individuals with DS are mostly
      considered normal weight for age, when evaluated using specific curves for DS.
      Reviews on specific curves for DS would be the recommended practice for health
      professionals so as to avoid precipitated diagnosis of overweight and/or obesity
      in this population.

PMID- 27656852
TI  - Epidemiological profile and prognostic factors in patients with lung cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiological profile of patients with lung cancer
      treated at a public tertiary referral hospital specializing in oncology, and to
      explore variables that may be related to the overall survival (OS) of these
      patients. METHOD: Data from the medical records of all patients with invasive
      lung cancer consecutively seen at the Oncology Department of Hospital Estadual
      Mario Covas between August 2008 and December 2013 were extracted. The information
      obtained was submitted to statistical analysis. RESULTS: Of the total 210
      patients, 39 were excluded from analysis due to lack of information in the
      medical record. The most common histological type was adenocarcinoma,
      representing 39.41% of the sample, followed by squamous cell carcinoma with
      25.29% and small-cell carcinoma with 13.53%. Other histological types were
      responsible for the remaining 21.76%. There was a statistically significant
      association between Karnofsky performance status (KPS) <= 70%, palliative
      chemotherapy lines performed and stage at diagnosis, and OS. Additionally,
      administration of target therapy to patients with EGFR mutation was associated
      with significantly better overall survival. However, analysis of laboratory
      variables (hemoglobin, albumin and LDH) as possible prognostic factors for
      survival showed no statistically significant relationship. Among patients with
      stage III and IV, the median OS was 10.1 months. CONCLUSION: The risk factors for
      shorter OS were KPS score <= 70%, less than two lines of palliative chemotherapy,
      and stage III and IV at diagnosis. The implementation of CT screening for risk
      patients may allow earlier diagnosis of cases and improve these results.

PMID- 27656851
TI  - Ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast: Evaluation of main presentations on
      magnetic resonance imaging compared with findings on mammogram and histology.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the various morphologies and
      kinetic characteristics of the ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) on breast magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) exam, to establish which are the most prevalent and to
      determine the effectiveness of the method in the detection of DCIS. METHOD: A
      prospective observational study, starting in May 2014. We evaluated 25
      consecutive patients with suspicious or highly suspicious microcalcifications on
      mammography screening, BI-RADS categories 4 and 5, who underwent breast MRI and
      then surgery with proven diagnosis of pure DCIS. Surgery was considered the gold
      standard for correlation between histologic findings and radiological findings
      obtained on MRI. RESULTS: The most frequent morphological characteristic of DCIS
      on MRI was non-mass-like enhancement (NMLE), p<0.001, observed in 22/25 (88%)
      patients (95CI 72.5-100). Of these, segmental distribution was the most
      prevalent, represented by 9/22 (40.91%) cases (95CI 17.4-64.4), p=0.306, and a
      clumped internal enhancement pattern was most commonly characterized in DCIS,
      observed in 13/22 (50.09%) cases. CONCLUSION: DCIS has a wide variety of imaging
      features on MRI and being able to recognize these lesions is crucial. Its most
      common morphological presentation is non-mass-like enhancement, while segmental
      distribution and a clumped internal enhancement pattern are the most common
      presentations. Faced with the combined analysis of these findings, percutaneous
      core needle biopsy (core biopsy) or vacuum-assisted biopsy (VAB) should be
      encouraged.

PMID- 27656853
TI  - ANCA-positive vasculitis: Clinical implications of ANCA types and titers.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis
      is an autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organs, the kidney being one of
      the most affected. Apart from the diagnostics value of ANCA, they have also been
      advocated as biomarkers of the disease activity. Recently, the genetic changes
      found in polyangiitis associated with serine-protease proteinase 3 (PR3)-ANCA or
      myeloperoxidase (MPO)-ANCA raised the possibility of immune-pathogenic and
      therapeutic differences. OBJECTIVE: To identify differences in the number of
      relapses, inflammatory markers, outcomes and renal histology related to the types
      of ANCA. To analyze the implications of ANCA titers in prognosis. METHOD: A
      retrospective observational study in a Portuguese tertiary hospital. RESULTS:
      There were no differences in the progression of renal function, histological
      pattern and initial treatment with regard to ANCA subtypes. As for the evaluated
      parameters, there were no significant differences according to the types of ANCA,
      except for mean CRP values within the normal range, which was 6.3+/-1.3 mg/L for
      MPO-ANCA and 12.4+/-10.14 mg/L for PR3-ANCA (p=0.04). We found that 66.7% of the
      MPO-ANCA-positive showed no relapses versus 40% in the case of PR3-ANCA-positive.
      There was no correlation between the ANCA titers at presentation, during
      remission, and in the last evaluation, and the number of relapses. CONCLUSION:
      PR3-ANCA patients have a mean CRP value within the normal range significantly
      higher than that of MPO-ANCA patients (p=0.04), which seems to reveal greater
      inflammatory activity in the first.

PMID- 27656854
TI  - Prevalence and factors associated with urinary incontinence in climacteric.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence and identify associated factors to urinary
      incontinence (UI) in climacteric women. METHOD: In a cross-sectional study with a
      stratified random sample, 1,200 women aged between 35 and 72 years were studied,
      enrolled in the Family Health Strategy in the city of Pindamonhangaba, Sao Paulo.
      Urinary incontinence was investigated using the International Consultation of
      Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form, while associated factors were assessed
      based on a self-reported questionnaire with socio-demographic, obstetric and
      gynecological history, morbidities and drug use. The prevalence of urinary
      incontinence was estimated with a 95% confidence interval (95CI) and the
      associated factors were identified through multiple logistic regression model
      performed using Stata software, version 11.0. RESULTS: Women had a mean age of
      51.9 years, most were in menopause (59.4%), married (87.5%), Catholic (48.9%),
      and declared themselves black or brown (47.2%). The mean age of menopause of
      women with UI was 47.3 years. The prevalence of UI was 20.4% (95CI: 17.8-23.1%).
      The factors associated with UI were urinary loss during pregnancy (p=0.000) and
      after delivery (p=0.000), genital prolapse (p=0.000), stress (p=0.001),
      depression (p=0.002), and obesity (p=0.006). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of UI was
      lower but similar to that found in most similar studies. Factors associated with
      the genesis of UI were urinary loss during pregnancy and after delivery, genital
      prolapse and obesity.

PMID- 27656855
TI  - Impact of regulatory assessment on clinical studies in Brazil.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Despite the recent expansion of clinical studies allocated to
      Brazil, the delay of local regulatory deadlines directly impacts their
      completion. OBJECTIVE: This article examines the allocation process of clinical
      studies to Brazil in comparison with other countries, as well as the financial
      impact of studies not completed due to interruption caused by the delay in the
      regulatory process. METHOD: The allocation processes of studies were compared in
      nine countries with similar stages of economic development and countries in Latin
      America using the websites http://data.worldbank.org/data-catalog/GDP-rankings
      table and http://worldpopulationreview.com and clinicaltrials.gov, comprising 185
      countries. The 46 studies sponsored by the pharmaceutical industry underwent an
      analysis of the regulatory review process. RESULTS: 46 studies sponsored by the
      industry and submitted in the country between June 2007 and June 2013 were
      analyzed; 18 (39%) were discontinued due to the delay in obtaining the necessary
      approvals. For the approved studies, patient recruitment began an average of 11
      months after the other countries. It is estimated that 530 Brazilians patients
      did not have the opportunity to participate in these studies. Financial losses
      were to the order of 14.6 million dollars for the country, including patient,
      medication and supplies costs, and expenses. CONCLUSION: Brazil has enormous
      potential for the realization of clinical studies. Researchers, associations of
      disabled people and patients with chronic diseases, sponsors and the authorities
      must work together to develop an approval process that is efficient, predictable
      and, most of all, transparent. The current regulatory environment must and can be
      improved and optimized in order to result in tangible benefits for patients,
      society and the country's scientific development.

PMID- 27656856
TI  - Contraception and family planning at the extreme of reproductive life -
      climacteric.
AB  - Menopause is an endocrine phenomenon characterized by gradual estrogen decline.
      This is a stage in a woman's life in which contraception is extremely important
      as the risks associated with pregnancy and childbirth increase, both maternal
      issues associated with higher incidence of comorbidities and issues related to
      fetal abnormalities, mitochondrial abnormalities, or genetic syndromes. On the
      other hand, there is a growing number of women who have postponed motherhood and
      need effective contraception, but without prolonging the return to fertility.
      Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), low-dose oral hormonal
      contraceptives and non-oral contraceptives are preferred. The levonorgestrel
      releasing intrauterine system is a very good alternative that can maintain
      endometrial protection after menopause. Definitive methods such as tubal ligation
      and vasectomy are options for couples that already have their offspring. In this
      review, we present evidence for contraceptive indication and the effects of
      hormonal methods on climacteric including options for contraception, control of
      bleeding during perimenopause and of climacteric symptoms, as well as the
      transition from such methods to hormone therapy if indicated. 

PMID- 27656858
TI  - Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis: a review.
AB  - Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are uncommon,
      acute and potentially life-threatening adverse cutaneous drug reactions. These
      pathologies are considered a hypersensitivity reaction and can be triggered by
      drugs, infections and malignancies. The drugs most often involved are
      allopurinol, some antibiotics, including sulfonamides, anticonvulsants such as
      carbamazepine, and some non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Necrosis of
      keratinocytes is manifested clinically by epidermal detachment, leading to
      scalded skin appearance. The rash begins on the trunk with subsequent
      generalization, usually sparing the palmoplantar areas. Macular lesions become
      purplish, and epidermal detachment occurs, resulting in flaccid blisters that
      converge and break, resulting in extensive sloughing of necrotic skin. Nikolsky's
      sign is positive in perilesional skin. SJS and TEN are considered to be two ends
      of the spectrum of one disease, differing only by their extent of skin
      detachment. Management of patients with SJS or TEN requires three measures:
      removal of the offending drug, particularly drugs known to be high-risk;
      supportive measures and active interventions. Early diagnosis of the disease,
      recognition of the causal agent and the immediate withdrawal of the drug are the
      most important actions, as the course of the disease is often rapid and fatal. 

PMID- 27656857
TI  - Ebola virus - from neglected threat to global emergency state.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This review aims to update knowledge about Ebola virus disease (EVD)
      and recent advances in its diagnosis, treatment and prevention. METHOD: A
      literature review was performed using the following databases: ISI Web of
      Knowledge, PubMed, IRIS, Scopus and the websites of the CDC and the WHO.
      Additionally, we have included articles and reports referenced in the basic
      literature search, and news that were considered relevant. RESULTS: The Ebola
      virus, endemic in some parts of Africa, is responsible for a severe form of
      hemorrhagic fever in humans; bats are probably its natural reservoir. It is an
      extremely virulent virus and easily transmitted by bodily fluids. EVD's complex
      pathophysiology, characterized by immunosuppression as well as stimulation of an
      intense inflammatory response, results in a syndrome similar to septic shock. The
      diagnosis is difficult due to the initial symptoms that mimic other diseases.
      Despite the high mortality rates that can amount to 90%, a prophylaxis (chemical
      or vaccine) or effective treatment does not exist. Two vaccines and experimental
      therapies are being developed for the prevention and treatment of EVD.
      CONCLUSION: Although the virus is known for about 40 years, the lack of knowledge
      obtained and the disinterest of government authorities in the countries involved
      justify the state of emergency currently exists regarding this infectious agent.
      Only the coordination of multiple entities and the effective commitment of the
      international community will facilitate the control and effective prevention of
      EVD.

PMID- 27656859
TI  - A meta-analysis on uterine transplantation: Redefining the limits of reproductive
      surgery.
AB  - In September 2014, the first baby grown in a transplanted uterus was born, which
      represented an astonishing scientific progress that will mark the history of
      human reproduction. The recipient was a 32-year-old woman with Rokytanski
      syndrome who became pregnant after a successful embryo transfer and had an
      uneventful pregnancy, giving birth to a healthy newborn and marking the beginning
      of a new era. Patients who do not have a uterus or have a dysfunctional uterus
      now have the chance of dreaming with pregnancy and motherhood. Combining
      principles of solid organ transplantation and techniques of human reproduction,
      uterus transplantation is the first ephemeral transplant performed in order to
      promote reproductive potential of women and may be removed after successful
      pregnancy. Worldwide, 11 uterine transplantations were performed in patients. Of
      these, seven maintained their reproductive potential, with viable transplanted
      uteri and regular menstrual cycles. 

PMID- 27656861
TI  - Facile electrosynthesis of nano flower like metal-organic framework and its
      nanocomposite with conjugated polymer as a novel and hybrid electrode material
      for highly capacitive pseudocapacitors.
AB  - The [Cu(btec)0.5DMF] (H4btec=1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylate acid) was
      electrosynthesized on the graphite working electrode by applying catholic
      potential. The [Cu(btec)0.5DMF] grows on a graphite surface which results from
      the coordination of 1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylate anions with Cu2+ cations. The
      electrosynthesized [Cu(btec)0.5DMF] was characterized by X-ray diffraction,
      scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, POAP/Cu(btec)0.5DMF nanocomposite film
      electrosynthesized on the surface of the carbon paste electrode by cyclic
      voltammetry. Different electrochemical methods including galvanostatic charge
      discharge experiments, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance
      spectroscopy are carried out in order to investigate the performance of the
      system. This work introduces new nanocomposite materials for electrochemical
      redox capacitors with advantages including ease synthesis, high active surface
      area and stability in an aqueous electrolyte.

PMID- 27656860
TI  - To ~P or Not to ~P? Non-canonical activation by two-component response
      regulators.
AB  - Bacteria sense and respond to their environment through the use of two-component
      regulatory systems. The ability to adapt to a wide range of environmental
      stresses is directly related to the number of two-component systems an organism
      possesses. Recent advances in this area have identified numerous variations on
      the archetype systems that employ a sensor kinase and a response regulator. It is
      now evident that many orphan regulators that lack cognate kinases do not rely on
      phosphorylation for activation and new roles for unphosphorylated response
      regulators have been identified. The significance of recent findings and
      suggestions for further research are discussed.

PMID- 27656862
TI  - Prostate cancer screening: Do guidelines matter?

PMID- 27656863
TI  - Error in Financial Disclosure.

PMID- 27656865
TI  - Induced systemic resistance: a delicate balance.

PMID- 27656866
TI  - Surveillance of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Magnetic Resonance Imaging With Liver
      Specific Contrast.

PMID- 27656867
TI  - Black Gains in Life Expectancy.

PMID- 27656864
TI  - Budd-chiari syndrome causing acute liver failure: A multicenter case series.
AB  - Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is a rare disease resulting from obstruction of the
      hepatic venous outflow tract that typically presents with abdominal pain,
      jaundice, and ascites without frank liver failure. However, BCS may also evolve
      more rapidly to acute liver failure (ALF). In this study, we describe the
      clinical features, treatment, and outcomes of ALF due to BCS and compare our
      results with those in the published literature. Twenty of the 2344 patients
      enrolled in the Acute Liver Failure Study Group (ALFSG) registry since 1998
      presented with a clinical diagnosis of BCS. An additional 19 patients of ALF-BCS
      in the English language literature were reviewed and compared with the ALFSG
      cases. Most ALF-BCS patients were white (84%) and female (84%) in their fourth
      decade. A hypercoagulable state was noted in 63% of patients. BCS was diagnosed
      by Doppler ultrasonography or abdominal computed tomography in all patients.
      Liver biopsies (n = 6) all had evidence of severe pericentral necrosis.
      Treatments used included most commonly anticoagulation (71%), but also
      transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS; 37%) and orthotopic liver
      transplantation (37%). In-hospital mortality was approximately 60%. In
      conclusion, BCS is a rare cause of ALF and mandates prompt diagnosis and
      management for successful outcomes. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, prompt
      anticoagulation is recommended in conjunction with evaluation for malignancy or
      thrombophilic disorder. Mortality may have improved in recent years with use of
      TIPS and/or orthotopic liver transplantation compared with prior published
      reports. Liver Transplantation 23 135-142 2017 AASLD.

PMID- 27656868
TI  - Loss of expression of SMARCA4 (BRG1), SMARCA2 (BRM) and SMARCB1 (INI1) in
      undifferentiated carcinoma of the endometrium is not uncommon and is not always
      associated with rhabdoid morphology.
AB  - AIM: Abnormalities of SMARCB1 (INI1), which encodes a member of the SWI/SNF
      pathway, are found in neoplasms with rhabdoid morphology, such as malignant
      rhabdoid tumour of the kidney and atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumour of the
      central nervous system. SMARCA4 (BRG1), which encodes another member of the
      SWI/SNF pathway, and which is mutated in almost all small-cell carcinomas of the
      ovary, hypercalcaemic type, has been investigated in endometrial carcinomas, and
      mutations with resultant loss of immunohistochemical staining have been
      demonstrated in some endometrial undifferentiated carcinomas/dedifferentiated
      carcinomas. The aim of this study was to evaluate immunohistochemical expression
      of SMARCA4, SMARCB1 and SMARCA2 in a cohort of undifferentiated endometrial
      carcinomas, and to correlate expression of these markers with rhabdoid morphology
      and clinical outcome. METHODS AND RESULTS: Forty undifferentiated endometrial
      carcinomas (18 pure and 22 dedifferentiated carcinomas) were stained with SMARCA4
      (n = 40), SMARCB1 (n = 27), and SMARCA2 (n = 37). SMARCA4 expression was intact
      in 26 of 40 (65%) cases, lost in 13 of 40 (32.5%) cases, and unassessable in one
      case (2.5%). SMARCB1 expression was intact in 26 of 27 (96%) cases and lost in
      one of 27 (4%) cases. SMARCA2 expression was intact in 23 of 37 (62%) cases, lost
      in 10 of 37 (27%) cases, and unassessable in four cases. SMARCA2 expression
      showed corresponding loss in nine of the 13 (69%) SMARCA4-deficient cases.
      Rhabdoid morphology was present in three of 13 (23%) SMARCA4-deficient cases, in
      two of 10 (20%) SMARCA2-deficient cases, in four of 26 (15%) SMARCA4-intact
      cases, and in four of 23 (17%) SMARCA2-intact cases. There was no correlation
      between SMARCA4 or SMARCA2 expression and clinical outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      study demonstrated that almost one-third of endometrial undifferentiated
      carcinomas show loss of SMARCA4 and SMARCA2 expression, and that a subset show
      rhabdoid morphology. The majority of the SMARCA4-deficient cases show concomitant
      loss of SMARCA2 expression. There is no correlation between SMARCA4 or SMARCA2
      expression and outcome. Our results confirm that the SWI/SNF chromatin
      remodelling complex is involved in the pathogenesis of endometrial
      undifferentiated carcinomas.

PMID- 27656870
TI  - Attentional capture by deviant sounds: A noncontingent form of auditory
      distraction?
AB  - The occurrence of an unexpected, infrequent sound in an otherwise homogeneous
      auditory background tends to disrupt the ongoing cognitive task. This "deviation
      effect" is typically explained in terms of attentional capture whereby the
      deviant sound draws attention away from the focal activity, regardless of the
      nature of this activity. Yet, there is theoretical and empirical evidence
      suggesting that the attention-capture mechanism underlying this form of
      distraction could rather be triggered in a task-contingent fashion. The present
      study aimed at determining whether the auditory deviation effect reflects the
      action of either a stimulus-driven or a task-contingent orienting mechanism. To
      do so, we conducted a systematic investigation whereby the impact of verbal
      deviants-a letter embedded in the repetition of another letter-and spatial
      deviants-a sound presented contralaterally to the other sounds-on verbal and
      spatial short-term memory (STM) was assessed. This study established that both
      verbal and spatial deviants can hinder both verbal and spatial order
      reconstruction (Experiment 1) and missing-item tasks (Experiment 2). Such results
      demonstrate that the deviation effect reflects a general form of auditory
      distraction as interference took place both within and across domains and
      regardless of the processes engaged in the focal task. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27656869
TI  - Is conflict adaptation due to active regulation or passive carry-over? Evidence
      from eye movements.
AB  - Conflict-adaptation effects (i.e., reduced response-time costs on high-conflict
      trials following high-conflict trials) supposedly represent our cognitive
      system's ability to regulate itself according to current processing demands.
      However, currently it is not clear whether these effects reflect conflict
      triggered, active regulation, or passive carry-over of previous-trial control
      settings. We used eye movements to examine whether the degree of experienced
      conflict modulates conflict-adaptation effects, as the conflict-triggered
      regulation view predicts. Across 2 experiments in which participants had to
      identify a target stimulus based on an endogenous cue while-on conflict trials
      having to resist a sudden-onset distractor, we found a clear indication of
      conflict adaptation. This adaptation effect disappeared however, when
      participants inadvertently fixated the sudden-onset distractor on the previous
      trial-that is, when they experienced a high degree of conflict. This pattern of
      results suggests that conflict adaptation can be explained parsimoniously in
      terms of a broader memory process that retains recently adopted control settings
      across trials. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27656871
TI  - Not all order memory is equal: Test demands reveal dissociations in memory for
      sequence information.
AB  - Remembering the order of a sequence of events is a fundamental feature of
      episodic memory. Indeed, a number of formal models represent temporal context as
      part of the memory system, and memory for order has been researched extensively.
      Yet, the nature of the code(s) underlying sequence memory is still relatively
      unknown. Across 4 experiments that manipulated encoding task, we found evidence
      for 3 dissociable facets of order memory. Experiment 1 introduced a test
      requiring a judgment of which of 2 alternatives had immediately followed a word
      during encoding. This measure revealed better retention of interitem associations
      following relational encoding (silent reading) than relatively item-specific
      encoding (judging referent size), a pattern consistent with that observed in
      previous research using order reconstruction tests. In sharp contrast, Experiment
      2 demonstrated the reverse pattern: Memory for the studied order of 2
      sequentially presented items was actually better following item-specific encoding
      than following relational encoding. Experiment 3 reproduced this dissociation in
      a single experiment using both tests. Experiment 4 extended these findings by
      further dissociating the roles of relational encoding and item strength in the 2
      tests. Taken together, these results indicate that memory for event sequence is
      influenced by (a) interitem associations, (b) the emphasized directionality of an
      association, and (c) an item's strength independent of other items. Memory for
      order is more complicated than has been portrayed in theories of memory and its
      nuances should be carefully considered when designing tests and models of
      temporal and relational memory. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27656873
TI  - The magic of words reconsidered: Investigating the automaticity of reading color
      neutral words in the Stroop task.
AB  - In 2 variants of the color-word Stroop task, we compared 5 types of color-neutral
      distractors-real words (e.g., HAT), pseudowords (e.g., HIX), consonant strings
      (e.g., HDK), symbol strings (e.g., #$%), and a row of Xs (e.g., XXX)-as well as
      incongruent color words (e.g., GREEN displayed in red). When participants named
      the color, relative to a row of Xs, words and pseudowords interfered equally and
      more than the consonant strings, which in turn interfered more than the symbols.
      In contrast, when participants identified the color by manual key-press
      responses, all 5 types of neutral strings produced equal color response
      latencies. In both tasks, the incongruent color words produced robust
      interference relative to the color-neutral words. Reaction time (RT) distribution
      analyses showed that all interference effects (relative to the row of Xs)
      increased across the quantiles. We interpret these results in terms of an
      evidence accumulation process in which the interfering distractor reduces the
      effective rate of evidence accumulation for the color target. We take the results
      to argue that the task of reading, even when triggered unintentionally, is not an
      invariant process driven solely by the stimulus properties, and is instead guided
      by the task goal. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27656872
TI  - More is generally better: Higher working memory capacity does not impair
      perceptual category learning.
AB  - It is sometimes supposed that category learning involves competing explicit and
      procedural systems, with only the former reliant on working memory capacity
      (WMC). In 2 experiments participants were trained for 3 blocks on both filtering
      (often said to be learned explicitly) and condensation (often said to be learned
      procedurally) category structures. Both experiments (total N = 160) demonstrated
      that participants with higher WMC tended to be more accurate in condensation
      tasks, but not less accurate in filtering tasks. Furthermore, state-trace
      analysis did not find a differential influence of WMC on performance in these
      tasks. Finally, inspection of the mixture of response strategies at play across
      the 2 conditions and 3 blocks showed only a minor influence of WMC, and then only
      on later training blocks. The results provide no support for the existence of a
      "system" of category learning that is independent of working memory and are
      instead consistent with most single-system interpretations of category learning.
      (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27656874
TI  - Activation cascading in sign production.
AB  - In this study, we investigated how activation unfolds in sign production by
      examining whether signs that are not produced have their representations
      activated by semantics (cascading of activation). Deaf signers were tested with a
      picture-picture interference task. Participants were presented with pairs of
      overlapping pictures and named the green picture (target) while ignoring the red
      picture (distractor). In Experiment 1 we varied whether target and distractor
      pictures had similar signs. Signs were produced faster with sign-related picture
      pairs compared to unrelated picture pairs. The facilitation observed with sign
      related pairs replicates the 1 obtained in speaking with sound-related pairs
      (e.g., bed-bell), a finding cited in support of cascading of activation. In
      Experiments 2A and 2B we focused on sign iconicity, anticipating that cascading
      of activation would lead to a facilitatory effect of iconicity. Consistent with
      this prediction, picture distractors with iconic signs induced faster responses.
      Furthermore, in Experiment 3, facilitation was found for iconic signs in picture
      naming. Altogether, our results reveal that cascading of activation is a
      fundamental aspect of language processing that is at play not only in speaking,
      but also in signing. Our results also help to define which signs are activated in
      sign production. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27656875
TI  - Dasatinib-Induced T-Cell-Mediated Colitis: A Case Report and Review of the
      Literature.
AB  - Dasatinib is a potent inhibitor of the altered tyrosine kinase activity in
      disease states associated with BCR/ABL1. This agent has been shown to exhibit
      broad off-target kinase inhibition and immunomodulating properties. These effects
      may be responsible for dasatinib's unique side effects including a distinctive
      form of hemorrhagic colitis. We report a case of hemorrhagic colitis associated
      with dasatinib use in a patient with chronic myelogenous leukemia. Colon biopsies
      at the time of symptomatic colitis confirmed CD3+CD8+ T cell infiltration. The
      process rapidly resolved following drug discontinuation, but relapsed when
      rechallenged with a reduced dose of dasatinib. Colitis did not recur when the
      patient was treated with an alternative agent. A literature review of prior cases
      involving dasatinib-induced T-cell mediated colitis provides insight into
      commonalities that may facilitate the recognition and management of this entity.
      Most incidences occurred after a 3-month drug exposure and may be accompanied by
      large granular lymphocytes. The process uniformly resolves within a few days
      following drug discontinuation and will generally recur in a shorter period of
      time if the drug is reintroduced. Most patients will require an alternative
      agent, although select patients could be continued on dasatinib if other options
      are limited.

PMID- 27656876
TI  - Nationwide Survey of Knowledge and Health Beliefs regarding Human Papillomavirus
      among HPV-Vaccinated Female Students in Malaysia.
AB  - The National HPV Immunization Programme, which offers free human papillomavirus
      (HPV) vaccines to teenaged female students, was launched in Malaysia in 2010. HPV
      vaccination paired with adequate knowledge about HPV infection provides the best
      protection against cervical cancer. To identify the level of knowledge and the
      health beliefs towards HPV and the HPV vaccine among HPV-vaccinated female
      students in Malaysia. A nationwide cross-sectional survey among 14 years old
      female students who had received three doses of the HPV vaccine was conducted in
      32 randomly selected schools from 13 states and 3 federal territories in Malaysia
      between February 2013 and April 2013. Among 2482 respondents, knowledge about HPV
      infection and the HPV vaccine was extremely poor. The mean total knowledge score
      was only 3.56 (SD +/- 1.76), out of a possible score of 10. The majority of
      respondents were unaware that vaccinating boys with HPV can help protect girls
      against HPV infection (91.6%), HPV cannot be cured (81.6%) and that HPV is a
      sexually transmitted infection (70.3%). Most of the respondents had the
      misconception that only females get HPV (95.1%), and that the HPV vaccine
      eliminates the need for Pap smear tests (68.3%). Most respondents (91.6%)
      believed that they would not get an HPV infection. Almost half of the respondents
      (42.9%) held the misconception that HPV infection could not lead to serious
      illness. Findings revealed poor knowledge about both HPV and the HPV vaccine, low
      perceived susceptibility to HPV infection and misinformation about HPV infection
      among HPV-vaccinated girls. Therefore, it is essential to increase the knowledge
      and awareness of health risks regarding HPV infection among teenaged girls who
      have received the HPV vaccine.

PMID- 27656877
TI  - The Cerebral Surfactant System and Its Alteration in Hydrocephalic Conditions.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary Surfactant reduces surface tension in the terminal
      airways thus facilitating breathing and contributes to host's innate immunity.
      Surfactant Proteins (SP) A, B, C and D were recently identified as inherent
      proteins of the CNS. Aim of the study was to investigate cerebrospinal fluid
      (CSF) SP levels in hydrocephalus patients compared to normal subjects. PATIENTS
      AND METHODS: CSF SP A-D levels were quantified using commercially available ELISA
      kits in 126 patients (0-84 years, mean 39 years). 60 patients without CNS
      pathologies served as a control group. Hydrocephalus patients were separated in
      aqueductal stenosis (AQS, n = 24), acute hydrocephalus without aqueductal
      stenosis (acute HC w/o AQS, n = 16) and idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus
      (NPH, n = 20). Furthermore, six patients with pseudotumor cerebri were
      investigated. RESULTS: SP A-D are present under physiological conditions in human
      CSF. SP-A is elevated in diseases accompanied by ventricular enlargement (AQS,
      acute HC w/o AQS) in a significant manner (0.67, 1.21 vs 0.38 ng/ml in control,
      p<0.001). SP-C is also elevated in hydrocephalic conditions (AQS, acute HC w/o
      AQS; 0.87, 1.71 vs. 0.48 ng/ml in controls, p<0.001) and in Pseudotumor cerebri
      (1.26 vs. 0.48 ng/ml in controls, p<0.01). SP-B and SP-D did not show significant
      alterations. CONCLUSION: The present study confirms the presence of SPs in human
      CSF. There are significant changes of SP-A and SP-C levels in diseases affecting
      brain water circulation and elevation of intracranial pressure. Cause of the
      alterations, underlying regulatory mechanisms, as well as diagnostic and
      therapeutic consequences of cerebral SP's requires further thorough
      investigations.

PMID- 27656879
TI  - The German Version of the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire: Psychometric
      Properties, Measurement Invariance, and Population-Based Norms.
AB  - The Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire is an internationally widely used
      instrument assessing different eating styles that may contribute to weight gain
      and overweight: emotional eating, external eating, and restraint. This study
      aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the 30-item German version of
      the DEBQ including its measurement invariance across gender, age, and BMI-status
      in a representative German population sample. Furthermore, we examined the
      distribution of eating styles in the general population and provide population
      based norms for DEBQ scales. A representative sample of the German general
      population (N = 2513, age >= 14 years) was assessed with the German version of
      the DEBQ along with information on sociodemographic characteristics and body
      weight and height. The German version of the DEQB demonstrates good item
      characteristics and reliability (restraint: alpha = .92, emotional eating: alpha
      = .94, external eating: alpha = .89). The 3-factor structure of the DEBQ could be
      replicated in exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and results of multi
      group confirmatory factor analyses supported its metric and scalar measurement
      invariance across gender, age, and BMI-status. External eating was the most
      prevalent eating style in the German general population. Women scored higher on
      emotional and restrained eating scales than men, and overweight individuals
      scored higher in all three eating styles compared to normal weight individuals.
      Small differences across age were found for external eating. Norms were provided
      according to gender, age, and BMI-status. Our findings suggest that the German
      version of the DEBQ has good reliability and construct validity, and is suitable
      to reliably measure eating styles across age, gender, and BMI-status.
      Furthermore, the results demonstrate a considerable variation of eating styles
      across gender and BMI-status.

PMID- 27656878
TI  - Genome Analysis and Characterisation of the Exopolysaccharide Produced by
      Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum 35624TM.
AB  - The Bifibobacterium longum subsp. longum 35624TM strain (formerly named
      Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis) is a well described probiotic with
      clinical efficacy in Irritable Bowel Syndrome clinical trials and induces
      immunoregulatory effects in mice and in humans. This paper presents (a) the
      genome sequence of the organism allowing the assignment to its correct
      subspeciation longum; (b) a comparative genome assessment with other B. longum
      strains and (c) the molecular structure of the 35624 exopolysaccharide (EPS624).
      Comparative genome analysis of the 35624 strain with other B. longum strains
      determined that the sub-speciation of the strain is longum and revealed the
      presence of a 35624-specific gene cluster, predicted to encode the biosynthetic
      machinery for EPS624. Following isolation and acid treatment of the EPS, its
      chemical structure was determined using gas and liquid chromatography for sugar
      constituent and linkage analysis, electrospray and matrix assisted laser
      desorption ionization mass spectrometry for sequencing and NMR. The EPS consists
      of a branched hexasaccharide repeating unit containing two galactose and two
      glucose moieties, galacturonic acid and the unusual sugar 6-deoxy-L-talose. These
      data demonstrate that the B. longum 35624 strain has specific genetic features,
      one of which leads to the generation of a characteristic exopolysaccharide.

PMID- 27656881
TI  - Correction: Quantitative Expression and Co-Localization of Wnt Signalling Related
      Proteins in Feline Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0161103.].

PMID- 27656880
TI  - Selenotranscriptomic Analyses Identify Signature Selenoproteins in Brain Regions
      in a Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease.
AB  - Genes of selenoproteome have been increasingly implicated in various aspects of
      neurobiology and neurological disorders, but remain largely elusive in
      Parkinson's disease (PD). In this study, we investigated the selenotranscriptome
      (24 selenoproteins in total) in five brain regions (cerebellum, substantia nigra,
      cortex, pons and hippocampus) by real time qPCR in a two-phase manner using a
      mouse model of chronic PD. A wide range of changes in selenotranscriptome was
      observed in a manner depending on selenoproteins and brain regions. While Selv
      mRNA was not detectable and Dio1& 3 mRNA levels were not affected, 1, 11 and 9
      selenoproteins displayed patterns of increase only, decrease only, and mixed
      response, respectively, in these brain regions of PD mice. In particular, the
      mRNA expression of Gpx1-4 showed only a decreased trend in the PD mouse brains.
      In substantia nigra, levels of 17 selenoprotein mRNAs were significantly
      decreased whereas no selenoprotein was up-regulated in the PD mice. In contrast,
      the majority of selenotranscriptome did not change and a few selenoprotein mRNAs
      that respond displayed a mixed pattern of up- and down-regulation in cerebellum,
      cortex, hippocampus, and/or pons of the PD mice. Gpx4, Sep15, Selm, Sepw1, and
      Sepp1 mRNAs were most abundant across all these five brain regions. Our results
      showed differential responses of selenoproteins in various brain regions of the
      PD mouse model, providing critical selenotranscriptomic profiling for future
      functional investigation of individual selenoprotein in PD etiology.

PMID- 27656883
TI  - HIV-Infected or -Exposed Children Exhibit Lower Immunogenicity to Hepatitis B
      Vaccine in Yaounde, Cameroon: An Appeal for Revised Policies in Tropical
      Settings?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Since 2005, anti-hepatitis B virus (anti-HBV) vaccine is part of the
      Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) for infants born in Cameroon, with 99%
      anti-HBV coverage. In a context of generalized HIV epidemiology, we assessed
      paediatric anti-HBV vaccine response according to HIV status, feeding option and
      age in a tropical context. METHODOLOGY: Prospective, observational and cross
      sectional study conducted among 82 children (27 [IQR: 9-47] months, min-max: 6
      59), after complete anti-HBV vaccination (Zilbrix Hepta: 10MUg AgHBs) at the
      Essos Health Centre in Yaounde, Cameroon, classified as group-A: HIV unexposed
      (28), group-B: HIV-exposed/uninfected (29), group-C: HIV-infected (25).
      Quantitative anti-HBs ELISA was interpreted as "no", "low-" or "protective
      response" with <1, 1-10, or >=10 IU/L respectively; with p-value<0.05 considered
      significant. RESULTS: Children were all HBV-unexposed (AcHBc-negative) and
      uninfected (HBsAg-negative). Response to anti-HBV vaccine was 80.49% (66/82),
      with only 45.12% (37/82) developed a protective-response (>=10IU/L). According to
      HIV status, 60.71% (17/28) developed a protective-response in group-A, vs. 51.72%
      (15/29) and 20% (5/25) in group-B and group-C respectively, Odds Ratio (OR):
      2.627 [CI95% 0.933-7.500], p = 0.041. According to feeding option during first
      six months of life, 47.67% (21/45) developed a protective-response on exclusive
      breastfeeding vs. 43.24% (16/37) on mixed or formula feeding, OR: 1.148 [CI95%
      0.437-3.026], p = 0.757. According to age, protective-response decreased
      significantly as children grow older: 58.33% (28/48) <24 months vs. 26.47% (9/34)
      >=24 months, OR: 3.889 [CI95% 1.362-11.356], p = 0.004; and specifically 67.65%
      (23/34) <=6 months vs. 0%, (0/5) 33-41 months, p = 0.008. CONCLUSIONS: Anti-HBV
      vaccine provides low rate of protection (<50%) among children in general, and
      particularly if HIV-exposed, infected and/or older children. Implementing
      policies for early vaccination, specific immunization algorithm for HIV
      exposed/infected children, and monitoring vaccine response would ensure effective
      protection in tropical settings, pending extensive/confirmatory investigations.

PMID- 27656882
TI  - Electron Transport in a Dioxygenase-Ferredoxin Complex: Long Range Charge
      Coupling between the Rieske and Non-Heme Iron Center.
AB  - Dioxygenase (dOx) utilizes stereospecific oxidation on aromatic molecules;
      consequently, dOx has potential applications in bioremediation and stereospecific
      oxidation synthesis. The reactive components of dOx comprise a Rieske structure
      Cys2[2Fe-2S]His2 and a non-heme reactive oxygen center (ROC). Between the Rieske
      structure and the ROC, a universally conserved Asp residue appears to bridge the
      two structures forming a Rieske-Asp-ROC triad, where the Asp is known to be
      essential for electron transfer processes. The Rieske and ROC share hydrogen
      bonds with Asp through their His ligands; suggesting an ideal network for
      electron transfer via the carboxyl side chain of Asp. Associated with the dOx is
      an itinerant charge carrying protein Ferredoxin (Fdx). Depending on the specific
      cognate, Fdx may also possess either the Rieske structure or a related structure
      known as 4-Cys-[2Fe-2S] (4-Cys). In this study, we extensively explore, at
      different levels of theory, the behavior of the individual components (Rieske and
      ROC) and their interaction together via the Asp using a variety of density
      function methods, basis sets, and a method known as Generalized Ionic Fragment
      Approach (GIFA) that permits setting up spin configurations manually. We also
      report results on the 4-Cys structure for comparison. The individual optimized
      structures are compared with observed spectroscopic data from the Rieske, 4-Cys
      and ROC structures (where information is available). The separate pieces are then
      combined together into a large Rieske-Asp-ROC (donor/bridge/acceptor) complex to
      estimate the overall coupling between individual components, based on changes to
      the partial charges. The results suggest that the partial charges are
      significantly altered when Asp bridges the Rieske and the ROC; hence, long range
      coupling through hydrogen bonding effects via the intercalated Asp bridge can
      drastically affect the partial charge distributions compared to the individual
      isolated structures. The results are consistent with a proton coupled electron
      transfer mechanism.

PMID- 27656884
TI  - Toward an Objective Diagnostic Test for Bacterial Cellulitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prior studies repeatedly showed that cultures of skin lesions
      diagnosed as "cellulitis" are usually negative. However, lack of a gold standard
      for diagnosis (against which culture might be judged) and failure to assess the
      human immune response are important limitations of prior work. In this pilot
      study, we aimed to develop a criterion standard for research on bacterial
      cellulitis, to evaluate the sensitivity of procalcitonin for bacterial
      cellulitis, and to use gene expression analysis to find other candidate
      diagnostic markers. METHODS: We classified lesions via biopsies, 16s rRNA gene
      detection, culture, and histopathology. We quantified procalcitonin expression in
      blood. We also used Nanostring technology to quantify transcription of
      immunomodulators that may distinguish cases from inflamed controls. RESULTS: Of
      28 participants, 15 had a clinical diagnosis of cellulitis, six had a diagnosis
      of non-infectious dermatitis, and seven were normal volunteers. Of the
      "cellulitis" patients, three (20%) had pathogens isolated, and were designated
      confirmed cases. Procalcitonin was undetectable in all three. HLA-DQA1 was
      expressed 34-fold more in confirmed cases vs. controls (fold change of geometric
      mean). Heat maps depicting multiplex gene expression analysis revealed a distinct
      profile of gene expression in confirmed cases relative to comparators.
      CONCLUSIONS: Most "cellulitis" patients had microbiologically-negative biopsies.
      Procalcitonin was undetectable, and HLA-DQA1 elevated, in confirmed bacterial
      cases. Multivariable transcriptomic profiling results supported our algorithm's
      ability to identify patients with true bacterial cellulitis. A larger sample may
      allow discovery of an immunological signature capable of distinguishing bacterial
      cellulitis from its mimics in clinical practice.

PMID- 27656885
TI  - Phylogeographic History of Atraphaxis Plants in Arid Northern China and the
      Origin of A. bracteata in the Loess Plateau.
AB  - In China, species of Atraphaxis (Polygonaceae) primarily inhabit arid zones
      across temperate steppe and desert regions. The complex geologic history (e.g.,
      expansion of deserts) and extreme climate shifts of the region appear to have
      played an important role in shaping the phylogeography of Atraphaxis. The present
      study focuses on species-level phylogeographic patterns of Atraphaxis in China,
      with the goal of determining the impact of past environmental changes, in
      northern China, on the evolutionary history of the genus. Five hundred and sixty
      four individuals distributed among 71 populations of 11 species of Atraphaxis
      from across the geographic range of the genus were studied using sequence data
      from two plastid spacers, psbK-psbI and psbB-psbH. The results demonstrate that
      most chloroplast haplotypes are species-specific, except for some present among
      widespread species. The phylogeny of Atraphaxis was well structured, and
      molecular dating analyses suggest that the main divergence events occurred during
      the late Pliocene and Pleistocene (5.73-0.03 million years ago). The statistical
      dispersal-vicariance analysis (S-DIVA) results provide evidence that
      phylogeographic patterns for the genus were characterized by both vicariance
      events and regional dispersal. The presented data suggest that the rapid
      expansion of deserts and climatic changes in northern China during the late
      Pliocene and Pleistocene have driven the diversification and spread of Atraphaxis
      in the region. The expansion of the Tengger Desert provided appropriate
      conditions for the origin of A. bracteata. Additionally, a contact zone in the
      north of the Hexi Corridor was identified as having played a significant role as
      a migratory route for species in adjacent areas.

PMID- 27656886
TI  - Fungal Endophytes as a Metabolic Fine-Tuning Regulator for Wine Grape.
AB  - Endophytes proved to exert multiple effects on host plants, including growth
      promotion, stress resistance. However, whether endophytes have a role in
      metabolites shaping of grape has not been fully understood. Eight endophytic
      fungal strains which originally isolated from grapevines were re-inoculated to
      field-grown grapevines in this study, and their effects on both leaves and
      berries of grapevines at maturity stage were assessed, with special focused on
      secondary metabolites and antioxidant activities. High-density inoculation of all
      these endophytic fungal strains modified the physio-chemical status of grapevine
      to different degrees. Fungal inoculations promoted the content of reducing sugar
      (RS), total flavonoids (TF), total phenols (TPh), trans-resveratrol (Res) and
      activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), in both leaves and berries of
      grapevine. Inoculation of endophytic fungal strains, CXB-11 (Nigrospora sp.) and
      CXC-13 (Fusarium sp.) conferred greater promotion effects in grape metabolic re
      shaping, compared to other used fungal strains. Additionally, inoculation of
      different strains of fungal endophytes led to establish different metabolites
      patterns of wine grape. The work implies the possibility of using endophytic
      fungi as fine-tuning regulator to shape the quality and character of wine grape.

PMID- 27656887
TI  - The Circadian Rhythm Gene Arntl2 Is a Metastasis Susceptibility Gene for Estrogen
      Receptor-Negative Breast Cancer.
AB  - Breast cancer mortality is primarily due to metastasis rather than primary
      tumors, yet relatively little is understood regarding the etiology of metastatic
      breast cancer. Previously, using a mouse genetics approach, we demonstrated that
      inherited germline polymorphisms contribute to metastatic disease, and that these
      single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) could be used to predict outcome in breast
      cancer patients. In this study, a backcross between a highly metastatic (FVB/NJ)
      and low metastatic (MOLF/EiJ) mouse strain identified Arntl2, a gene encoding a
      circadian rhythm transcription factor, as a metastasis susceptibility gene
      associated with progression, specifically in estrogen receptor-negative breast
      cancer patients. Integrated whole genome sequence analysis with DNase
      hypersensitivity sites reveals SNPs in the predicted promoter of Arntl2. Using
      CRISPR/Cas9-mediated substitution of the MOLF promoter, we demonstrate that the
      SNPs regulate Arntl2 transcription and affect metastatic burden. Finally,
      analysis of SNPs associated with ARNTL2 expression in human breast cancer
      patients revealed reproducible associations of ARNTL2 expression quantitative
      trait loci (eQTL) SNPs with disease-free survival, consistent with the mouse
      studies.

PMID- 27656888
TI  - Fetal Myelomeningocele Repair through a Mini-Hysterotomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To present the feasibility of fetal myelomeningocele (MMC) repair
      through a mini-hysterotomy and to describe the perinatal results from our initial
      experience. METHODS: A descriptive study of cases of fetal MMC correction via
      mini-hysterotomy performed between 2014 and 2016. RESULTS: Forty-five women
      underwent fetal surgery and 87% (39/45) delivered. A complete multilayer
      correction of the MMC was possible in all cases. There were no maternal, fetal or
      neonatal deaths. No maternal or fetal complications occurred from fetal MMC
      correction until maternal hospital discharge. The average gestational age (GA) at
      surgery was 24.5 weeks (standard deviation, SD: 1.7; range: 20.7-26.9). The
      median hysterotomy length was 3.05 cm (SD: 0.39; range: 2.50-3.50). One patient
      (1/39; 2.6%) experienced chorioamniotic separation. Nine patients (9/39; 23.1%)
      had premature preterm rupture of membranes at a median GA of 34.1 weeks (range:
      31.1-36.0). The average GA at delivery was 35.3 weeks (SD: 2.2; range: 27.9
      39.1). Ninety-five percent (37/39) of our patients had an intact hysterotomy site
      at delivery. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement was necessary for 7.7% (3/39)
      of the neonates. CONCLUSION: Fetal MMC repair is feasible through a mini
      hysterotomy. This approach appears to be associated with reduced risks of very
      preterm delivery and maternal, fetal and neonatal complications.

PMID- 27656890
TI  - The Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Metabolome Signature in Arabidopsis thaliana
      Reveals Dynamic Reprogramming of Phytoalexin and Phytoanticipin Pathways.
AB  - Lipopolysaccharides (LPSs), as MAMP molecules, trigger the activation of signal
      transduction pathways involved in defence. Currently, plant metabolomics is
      providing new dimensions into understanding the intracellular adaptive responses
      to external stimuli. The effect of LPS on the metabolomes of Arabidopsis thaliana
      cells and leaf tissue was investigated over a 24 h period. Cellular metabolites
      and those secreted into the medium were extracted with methanol and liquid
      chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry was used for quantitative and
      qualitative analyses. Multivariate statistical data analyses were used to extract
      interpretable information from the generated multidimensional LC-MS data. The
      results show that LPS perception triggered differential changes in the
      metabolomes of cells and leaves, leading to variation in the biosynthesis of
      specialised secondary metabolites. Time-dependent changes in metabolite profiles
      were observed and biomarkers associated with the LPS-induced response were
      tentatively identified. These include the phytohormones salicylic acid and
      jasmonic acid, and also the associated methyl esters and sugar conjugates. The
      induced defensive state resulted in increases in indole-and other glucosinolates,
      indole derivatives, camalexin as well as cinnamic acid derivatives and other
      phenylpropanoids. These annotated metabolites indicate dynamic reprogramming of
      metabolic pathways that are functionally related towards creating an enhanced
      defensive capacity. The results reveal new insights into the mode of action of
      LPS as an activator of plant innate immunity, broadens knowledge about the
      defence metabolite pathways involved in Arabidopsis responses to LPS, and
      identifies specialised metabolites of functional importance that can be employed
      to enhance immunity against pathogen infection.

PMID- 27656889
TI  - A Genome-Wide Association Study of Attention Function in a Population-Based
      Sample of Children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Attention function filters and selects behaviorally relevant
      information. This capacity is impaired in some psychiatric disorders and has been
      proposed as an endophenotype for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder;
      however, its genetic basis remains largely unknown. This study aimed to identify
      single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) associated with attention function.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: The discovery sample included 1655 children (7-12 years)
      and the replication sample included 546 children (5-8 years). Five attention
      outcomes were assessed using the computerized Attentional Network Test (ANT):
      alerting, orienting, executive attention, Hit Reaction time (HRT) and the
      standard error of HRT (HRTSE). A Genome-wide Association Study was conducted for
      each outcome. Gene set enrichment analyses were performed to detect biological
      pathways associated with attention outcomes. Additional neuroimaging analyses
      were conducted to test neural effects of detected SNPs of interest. RESULTS:
      Thirteen loci showed suggestive evidence of association with attention function
      (P<10-5) in the discovery sample. One of them, the rs4321351 located in the PID1
      gene, was nominally significant in the replication sample although it did not
      survive multiple testing correction. Neuroimaging analysis revealed a significant
      association between this SNP and brain structure and function involving the
      frontal-basal ganglia circuits. The mTOR signaling and Alzheimer disease-amyloid
      secretase pathways were significantly enriched for alerting, orienting and HRT
      respectively (FDR<5%). CONCLUSION: These results suggest for the first time the
      involvement of the PID1 gene, mTOR signaling and Alzheimer disease-amyloid
      secretase pathways, in attention function during childhood. These genes and
      pathways have been proposed to play a role in neuronal plasticity, memory and
      neurodegenerative disease.

PMID- 27656892
TI  - Transcriptome Profiling of the Pineapple under Low Temperature to Facilitate Its
      Breeding for Cold Tolerance.
AB  - The pineapple (Ananas comosus) is cold sensitive. Most cultivars are injured
      during winter periods, especially in sub-tropical regions. There is a lack of
      molecular information on the pineapple's response to cold stress. In this study,
      high-throughput transcriptome sequencing and gene expression analysis were
      performed on plantlets of a cold-tolerant genotype of the pineapple cultivar
      'Shenwan' before and after cold treatment. A total of 1,186 candidate cold
      responsive genes were identified, and their credibility was confirmed by RT-qPCR.
      Gene set functional enrichment analysis indicated that genes related to cell wall
      properties, stomatal closure and ABA and ROS signal transduction play important
      roles in pineapple cold tolerance. In addition, a protein association network of
      CORs (cold responsive genes) was predicted, which could serve as an entry point
      to dissect the complex cold response network. Our study found a series of
      candidate genes and their association network, which will be helpful to cold
      stress response studies and pineapple breeding for cold tolerance.

PMID- 27656893
TI  - Breeding Value of Primary Synthetic Wheat Genotypes for Grain Yield.
AB  - To introduce new genetic diversity into the bread wheat gene pool from its
      progenitor, Aegilops tauschii (Coss.) Schmalh, 33 primary synthetic hexaploid
      wheat genotypes (SYN) were crossed to 20 spring bread wheat (BW) cultivars at the
      International Wheat and Maize Improvement Center. Modified single seed descent
      was used to develop 97 populations with 50 individuals per population using first
      back-cross, biparental, and three-way crosses. Individuals from each cross were
      selected for short stature, early heading, flowering and maturity, minimal
      lodging, and free threshing. Yield trials were conducted under irrigated,
      drought, and heat-stress conditions from 2011 to 2014 in Ciudad Obregon, Mexico.
      Genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs) of parents and synthetic derived lines
      (SDLs) were estimated using a genomic best linear unbiased prediction (GBLUP)
      model with markers in each trial. In each environment, there were SDLs that had
      higher GEBVs than their recurrent BW parent for yield. The GEBVs of BW parents
      for yield ranged from -0.32 in heat to 1.40 in irrigated trials. The range of the
      SYN parent GEBVs for yield was from -2.69 in the irrigated to 0.26 in the heat
      trials and were mostly negative across environments. The contribution of the SYN
      parents to improved grain yield of the SDLs was highest under heat stress, with
      an average GEBV for the top 10% of the SDLs of 0.55 while the weighted average
      GEBV of their corresponding recurrent BW parents was 0.26. Using the pedigree
      based model, the accuracy of genomic prediction for yield was 0.42, 0.43, and
      0.49 in the drought, heat and irrigated trials, respectively, while for the
      marker-based model these values were 0.43, 0.44, and 0.55. The SYN parents
      introduced novel diversity into the wheat gene pool. Higher GEBVs of progenies
      were due to introgression and retention of some positive alleles from SYN
      parents.

PMID- 27656891
TI  - Degradation Rate of 5-Fluorouracil in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A New
      Predictive Outcome Biomarker?
AB  - BACKGROUND: 5-FU based chemotherapy is the most common first line regimen used
      for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Identification of predictive markers of
      response to chemotherapy is a challenging approach for drug selection. The
      present study analyzes the predictive role of 5-FU degradation rate (5-FUDR) and
      genetic polymorphisms (MTHFR, TSER, DPYD) on survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Genetic polymorphisms of MTHFR, TSER and DPYD, and the 5-FUDR of homogenous
      patients with mCRC were retrospectively studied. Genetic markers and the 5-FUDR
      were correlated with clinical outcome. RESULTS: 133 patients affected by mCRC,
      treated with fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy from 2009 to 2014, were
      evaluated. Patients were classified into three metabolic classes, according to
      normal distribution of 5-FUDR in more than 1000 patients, as previously
      published: poor-metabolizer (PM) with 5-FU-DR <= 0,85 ng/ml/106 cells/min (8
      pts); normal metabolizer with 0,85 < 5-FU-DR < 2,2 ng/ml/106 cells/min (119 pts);
      ultra-rapid metabolizer (UM) with 5-FU-DR >= 2,2 ng/ml/106 cells/min (6 pts). PM
      and UM groups showed a longer PFS respect to normal metabolizer group (14.5 and
      11 months respectively vs 8 months; p = 0.029). A higher G3-4 toxicity rate was
      observed in PM and UM, respect to normal metabolizer (50% in both PM and UM vs
      18%; p = 0.019). No significant associations between genes polymorphisms and
      outcomes or toxicities were observed. CONCLUSION: 5-FUDR seems to be
      significantly involved in predicting survival of patients who underwent 5-FU
      based CHT for mCRC. Although our findings require confirmation in large
      prospective studies, they reinforce the concept that individual genetic variation
      may allow personalized selection of chemotherapy to optimize clinical outcomes.

PMID- 27656894
TI  - MiRNA-Embedded ShRNAs for Radiation-Inducible LGMN Knockdown and the Antitumor
      Effects on Breast Cancer.
AB  - Legumain (LGMN) is highly expressed in breast cancer (BC) and other solid tumors
      and is a potential anticancer target. Here we investigate the anti-tumor effects
      of short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) targeting LGMN embedded in a microRNA-155 (miR
      155) architecture, which is driven by a radiation-inducible chimeric RNA
      polymerase II (Pol II) promoter. Lentiviral vectors were generated with the
      chimeric promoter which controlled the expression of downstream shRNA-miR-155
      cassette. Fluorescence was observed by using confocal microscopy. Real-time
      quantitative PCR and Western blotting were used to determine the expression level
      of LGMN, MMP2, and MMP9. Furthermore, the proliferation and invasive ability of
      BC cells was analyzed via plate colony formation and invasion assays. Here we
      demonstrated that the chimeric promoter could be effectively induced by radiation
      treatment. Furthermore, the shRNA-miR-155 cassette targeting LGMN could be
      effectively activated by the chimeric promoter. Radiation plus knockdown of LGMN
      impairs colony formation and dampens cell migration and invasion in BC cells.
      Inhibition of LGMN downregulates MMP2 and MMP9 expression in BC cells. Pol II
      driven shRNA-miR-155 could effectively suppress the growth and invasiveness of BC
      cells, and that the interference effects could be regulated by radiation doses.
      Moreover, knockdown of LGMN alleviates the aggressive phenotype of BC cells
      through modulating MMPs expression.

PMID- 27656895
TI  - N-Terminal Lipid Modification Is Required for the Stable Accumulation of CyanoQ
      in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803.
AB  - The CyanoQ protein has been demonstrated to be a component of cyanobacterial
      Photosystem II (PS II), but there exist a number of outstanding questions
      concerning its physical association with the complex. CyanoQ is a lipoprotein;
      upon cleavage of its transit peptide by Signal Peptidase II, which targets
      delivery of the mature protein to the thylakoid lumenal space, the N-terminal
      cysteinyl residue is lipid-modified. This modification appears to tether this
      otherwise soluble component to the thylakoid membrane. To probe the functional
      significance of the lipid anchor, mutants of the CyanoQ protein have been
      generated in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 to eliminate the N-terminal cysteinyl
      residue, preventing lipid modification. Substitution of the N-terminal cysteinyl
      residue with serine (Q-C22S) resulted in a decrease in the amount of detectable
      CyanoQ protein to 17% that of the wild-type protein. Moreover, the physical
      properties of the accumulated Q-C22S protein were consistent with altered
      processing of the CyanoQ precursor. The Q-C22S protein was shifted to a higher
      apparent molecular mass and partitioned in the hydrophobic phase in TX-114 phase
      partitioning experiments. These results suggest that the hydrophobic N-terminal
      22 amino acids were not properly cleaved by a signal peptidase. Substitution of
      the entire CyanoQ transit peptide with the transit peptide of the soluble lumenal
      protein PsbO yielded the Q-SS mutant and resulted in no detectable accumulation
      of the modified CyanoQ protein. Finally, the CyanoQ protein was present at normal
      amounts in the PS II mutant strains DeltapsbB and DeltapsbO, indicating that an
      association with PS II was not a prerequisite for stable CyanoQ accumulation.
      Together these results indicate that CyanoQ accumulation in Synechocystis sp. PCC
      6803 depends on the presence of the N-terminal lipid anchor, but not on the
      association of CyanoQ with the PS II complex.

PMID- 27656897
TI  - Correction: Assessing Progress, Impact, and Next Steps in Rolling Out Voluntary
      Medical Male Circumcision for HIV Prevention in 14 Priority Countries in Eastern
      and Southern Africa through 2014.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0158767.].

PMID- 27656896
TI  - Complement C3 Is the Strongest Predictor of Whole-Body Insulin Sensitivity in
      Psoriatic Arthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the correlation between inflammatory measures and whole
      body insulin sensitivity in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients. METHODS: For the
      present study, 40 nondiabetic PsA patients were recruited. A standard oral
      glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed. The insulin sensitivity index (ISI),
      insulinogenic index (IGI) and oral disposition index (ODI) were calculated from
      dynamic values of glucose and insulin obtained during OGTT. RESULTS: In our study
      population, mean ISI was 3.5 +/- 2.5, median IGI was 1.2 (0.7-1.8), mean ODI 4.5
      +/- 4.5. In univariate correlation analysis, ISI correlated inversely with
      systolic blood pressure (sBP) (R = -0.52, p = 0.001), diastolic blood pressure
      (dBP) (R = -0.45, p = 0.004) and complement C3 (R = -0.43, p = 0.006) and ODI
      correlated inversely with sBP (R = -0.38, p = 0.02), dBP (R = -0.35, p = 0.03)
      and complement C3 (R = -0.37, p = 0.02). No significant correlations were found
      between analyzed variables and IGI. In a stepwise multiple regression, only
      complement C3 entered in the regression equation and accounted for approximately
      50% of the variance of ISI. Using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve
      we identified the best cut-off for complement C3 of 1.32 g/L that yielded a
      sensitivity of 56% and a specificity of 96% for classification of insulin
      resistant patients. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, our data suggest that serum
      complement C3 could represent a useful marker of whole-body insulin sensitivity
      in PsA patients.

PMID- 27656898
TI  - The Dynamics of Platelet Activation during the Progression of Streptococcal
      Sepsis.
AB  - Platelets contribute to inflammation however, the role of platelet activation
      during the pathophysiological response to invasive bacterial infection and sepsis
      is not clear. Herein, we have investigated platelet activation in a mouse model
      of invasive Streptococcus pyogenes infection at 5, 12, and 18 hours post
      infection and correlated this to parameters of infection. The platelet population
      in ex-vivo blood samples showed no increased integrin activation or surface
      presentation of CD62P, however platelet-neutrophil complex formation and plasma
      levels of CD62P were increased during bacterial dissemination and the progression
      of sepsis, indicating that platelet activation had occurred in vivo. Platelet
      neutrophil complex formation was the most discriminatory marker of platelet
      activation. Platelet-neutrophil complexes were increased above baseline levels
      during early sepsis but decreased to significantly lower levels than baseline
      during late sepsis. The removal of these complexes from the circulation coincided
      with a significant increase in organ damage and the accumulation of platelets in
      the liver sinusoids, suggesting that platelet activation in the circulation
      precedes accumulation of platelets in damaged organs. The results demonstrate
      that monitoring platelet activation using complementary methods may provide
      prognostic information during the pathogenesis of invasive S. pyogenes infection.

PMID- 27656900
TI  - Turning Skyscrapers into Town Houses: Insights into Barrett's Esophagus.
AB  - Barrett's esophagus (BE) is defined as metaplasia of the esophageal squamous
      epithelium with multiple cell layers into a single layer of intestinal columnar
      epithelial cells - or, in other words, skyscrapers are turned into town houses.
      The underlying pathomechanism(s) and the cell of origin of BE lesions have not
      been defined yet. However, four potential hypotheses for BE development have been
      suggested. The morphological changes during BE development are associated with
      rather well-described aberrant gene/protein expression patterns. However, the
      potential key regulators of this conversion process are still unclear. The
      process of metaplastic conversion is difficult to monitor in a spatiotemporal
      manner in vitro, and robust models are lacking. There is therefore a need for
      novel experimental systems. This review focuses on potential key regulators,
      microenvironmental influences, epigenetic alterations and experimental research
      systems related to BE.

PMID- 27656899
TI  - Microbiome Composition and Function Drives Wound-Healing Impairment in the Female
      Genital Tract.
AB  - The mechanism(s) by which bacterial communities impact susceptibility to
      infectious diseases, such as HIV, and maintain female genital tract (FGT) health
      are poorly understood. Evaluation of FGT bacteria has predominantly been limited
      to studies of species abundance, but not bacterial function. We therefore sought
      to examine the relationship of bacterial community composition and function with
      mucosal epithelial barrier health in the context of bacterial vaginosis (BV)
      using metaproteomic, metagenomic, and in vitro approaches. We found highly
      diverse bacterial communities dominated by Gardnerella vaginalis associated with
      host epithelial barrier disruption and enhanced immune activation, and low
      diversity communities dominated by Lactobacillus species that associated with
      lower Nugent scores, reduced pH, and expression of host mucosal proteins
      important for maintaining epithelial integrity. Importantly, proteomic signatures
      of disrupted epithelial integrity associated with G. vaginalis-dominated
      communities in the absence of clinical BV diagnosis. Because traditional clinical
      assessments did not capture this, it likely represents a larger underrepresented
      phenomenon in populations with high prevalence of G. vaginalis. We finally
      demonstrated that soluble products derived from G. vaginalis inhibited wound
      healing, while those derived from L. iners did not, providing insight into
      functional mechanisms by which FGT bacterial communities affect epithelial
      barrier integrity.

PMID- 27656901
TI  - Simulating Ideal Assistive Devices to Reduce the Metabolic Cost of Running.
AB  - Tools have been used for millions of years to augment the capabilities of the
      human body, allowing us to accomplish tasks that would otherwise be difficult or
      impossible. Powered exoskeletons and other assistive devices are sophisticated
      modern tools that have restored bipedal locomotion in individuals with paraplegia
      and have endowed unimpaired individuals with superhuman strength. Despite these
      successes, designing assistive devices that reduce energy consumption during
      running remains a substantial challenge, in part because these devices disrupt
      the dynamics of a complex, finely tuned biological system. Furthermore, designers
      have hitherto relied primarily on experiments, which cannot report muscle-level
      energy consumption and are fraught with practical challenges. In this study, we
      use OpenSim to generate muscle-driven simulations of 10 human subjects running at
      2 and 5 m/s. We then add ideal, massless assistive devices to our simulations and
      examine the predicted changes in muscle recruitment patterns and metabolic power
      consumption. Our simulations suggest that an assistive device should not
      necessarily apply the net joint moment generated by muscles during unassisted
      running, and an assistive device can reduce the activity of muscles that do not
      cross the assisted joint. Our results corroborate and suggest biomechanical
      explanations for similar effects observed by experimentalists, and can be used to
      form hypotheses for future experimental studies. The models, simulations, and
      software used in this study are freely available at simtk.org and can provide
      insight into assistive device design that complements experimental approaches.

PMID- 27656902
TI  - Sensing emotion in voices: Negativity bias and gender differences in a validation
      study of the Oxford Vocal ('OxVoc') sounds database.
AB  - Emotional expressions are an essential element of human interactions. Recent work
      has increasingly recognized that emotional vocalizations can color and shape
      interactions between individuals. Here we present data on the psychometric
      properties of a recently developed database of authentic nonlinguistic emotional
      vocalizations from human adults and infants (the Oxford Vocal 'OxVoc' Sounds
      Database; Parsons, Young, Craske, Stein, & Kringelbach, 2014). In a large sample
      (n = 562), we demonstrate that adults can reliably categorize these sounds (as
      'positive,' 'negative,' or 'sounds with no emotion'), and rate valence in these
      sounds consistently over time. In an extended sample (n = 945, including the
      initial n = 562), we also investigated a number of individual difference factors
      in relation to valence ratings of these vocalizations. Results demonstrated small
      but significant effects of (a) symptoms of depression and anxiety with more
      negative ratings of adult neutral vocalizations (R2 = .011 and R2 = .008,
      respectively) and (b) gender differences in perceived valence such that female
      listeners rated adult neutral vocalizations more positively and infant cry
      vocalizations more negatively than male listeners (R2 = .021, R2 = .010,
      respectively). Of note, we did not find evidence of negativity bias among other
      affective vocalizations or gender differences in perceived valence of adult
      laughter, adult cries, infant laughter, or infant neutral vocalizations.
      Together, these findings largely converge with factors previously shown to impact
      processing of emotional facial expressions, suggesting a modality-independent
      impact of depression, anxiety, and listener gender, particularly among
      vocalizations with more ambiguous valence. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27656903
TI  - Nucleophile sensitivity of Drosophila TRPA1 underlies light-induced feeding
      deterrence.
AB  - Solar irradiation including ultraviolet (UV) light causes tissue damage by
      generating reactive free radicals that can be electrophilic or nucleophilic due
      to unpaired electrons. Little is known about how free radicals induced by natural
      sunlight are rapidly detected and avoided by animals. We discover that Drosophila
      Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin 1 (TRPA1), previously known only as an
      electrophile receptor, sensitively detects photochemically active sunlight
      through nucleophile sensitivity. Rapid light-dependent feeding deterrence in
      Drosophila was mediated only by the TRPA1(A) isoform, despite the TRPA1(A) and
      TRPA1(B) isoforms having similar electrophile sensitivities. Such isoform
      dependence re-emerges in the detection of structurally varied nucleophilic
      compounds and nucleophilicity-accompanying hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Furthermore,
      these isoform-dependent mechanisms require a common set of TRPA1(A)-specific
      residues dispensable for electrophile detection. Collectively, TRPA1(A) rapidly
      responds to natural sunlight intensities through its nucleophile sensitivity as a
      receptor of photochemically generated radicals, leading to an acute light-induced
      behavioral shift in Drosophila.

PMID- 27656906
TI  - The Parent Li(OH)FeSe Phase of Lithium Iron Hydroxide Selenide Superconductors.
AB  - Lithiation of hydrothermally synthesized Li1-xFex(OH)Fe1-ySe turns on high
      temperature superconductivity when iron ions are displaced from the hydroxide
      layers by reductive lithiation to fill the vacancies in the iron selenide layers.
      Further lithiation results in reductive iron extrusion from the hydroxide layers,
      which turns off superconductivity again as the stoichiometric composition
      Li(OH)FeSe is approached. The results demonstrate the twin requirements of
      stoichiometric FeSe layers and reduction of Fe below the +2 oxidation state as
      found in several iron selenide superconductors.

PMID- 27656907
TI  - Exploring the Scope of Asymmetric Synthesis of beta-Hydroxy-gamma-lactams via
      Noyori-type Reductions.
AB  - Enantio- and diastereoselective hydrogenation of beta-keto-gamma-lactams with a
      ruthenium-BINAP catalyst, involving dynamic kinetic resolution, has been employed
      to provide a general, asymmetric approach to beta-hydroxy-gamma-lactams, a
      structural motif common to several bioactive compounds. Full conversion to the
      desired beta-hydroxy-gamma-lactams was achieved with high diastereoselectivity
      (up to >98% de) by addition of catalytic HCl and LiCl, while beta-branching of
      the ketone substituent demonstrated a pronounced effect on the modest to
      excellent enantioselectivity (up to 97% ee) obtained.

PMID- 27656904
TI  - Distinct combinations of variant ionotropic glutamate receptors mediate
      thermosensation and hygrosensation in Drosophila.
AB  - Ionotropic Receptors (IRs) are a large subfamily of variant ionotropic glutamate
      receptors present across Protostomia. While these receptors are most extensively
      studied for their roles in chemosensory detection, recent work has implicated two
      family members, IR21a and IR25a, in thermosensation in Drosophila. Here we
      characterize one of the most evolutionarily deeply conserved receptors, IR93a,
      and show that it is co-expressed and functions with IR21a and IR25a to mediate
      physiological and behavioral responses to cool temperatures. IR93a is also co
      expressed with IR25a and a distinct receptor, IR40a, in a discrete population of
      sensory neurons in the sacculus, a multi-chambered pocket within the antenna. We
      demonstrate that this combination of receptors is required for neuronal responses
      to dry air and behavioral discrimination of humidity differences. Our results
      identify IR93a as a common component of molecularly and cellularly distinct IR
      pathways important for thermosensation and hygrosensation in insects.

PMID- 27656908
TI  - Comparison of Solvation Effects on CO2 Capture with Aqueous Amine Solutions and
      Amine-Functionalized Ionic Liquids.
AB  - Amines are the most widely utilized chemicals for postcombustion CO2 capture,
      because the reversible reactions between amines and CO2 through their moderate
      interaction allow effective "catch and release". Usually, CO2 is dissolved in the
      form of an anion such as carbamate or bicarbonate. Therefore, the reaction energy
      diagram is potentially governed to a large extent by the polarity of the
      surrounding solvent. Herein, we compared aqueous amine solutions and amine
      functionalized ionic liquids by investigating their dielectric constants and
      performing an intrinsic reaction coordinate analysis of the CO2 absorption
      process. Quantum mechanical calculations at the CCSD(T)/6-311++G(d,p)//B3LYP/6
      311++G(d,p) level within the continuum solvation model (SMD/IEF-PCM) revealed
      contrasting dependencies of C-N bond formation on the dielectric constant in
      those solutions. Amines react with CO2 on an energy surface that is significantly
      affected by the dielectric constant in conventional aqueous amine solutions,
      whereas amine-functionalized anions and CO2 form stable C-N bonds with a
      comparatively lower activation energy regardless of the dielectric constant.

PMID- 27656905
TI  - The ubiquitin-proteasome system regulates focal adhesions at the leading edge of
      migrating cells.
AB  - Cell migration requires the cyclical assembly and disassembly of focal adhesions.
      Adhesion induces phosphorylation of focal adhesion proteins, including Cas (Crk
      associated substrate/p130Cas/BCAR1). However, Cas phosphorylation stimulates
      adhesion turnover. This raises the question of how adhesion assembly occurs
      against opposition from phospho-Cas. Here we show that suppressor of cytokine
      signaling 6 (SOCS6) and Cullin 5, two components of the CRL5SOCS6 ubiquitin
      ligase, inhibit Cas-dependent focal adhesion turnover at the front but not rear
      of migrating epithelial cells. The front focal adhesions contain phospho-Cas
      which recruits SOCS6. If SOCS6 cannot access focal adhesions, or if cullins or
      the proteasome are inhibited, adhesion disassembly is stimulated. This suggests
      that the localized targeting of phospho-Cas within adhesions by CRL5SOCS6 and
      concurrent cullin and proteasome activity provide a negative feedback loop,
      ensuring that adhesion assembly predominates over disassembly at the leading
      edge. By this mechanism, ubiquitination provides a new level of spatio-temporal
      control over cell migration.

PMID- 27656909
TI  - Combining Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and Kinase-Inhibiting Supramolecular
      Therapeutics for Enhanced Anticancer Efficacy.
AB  - A major limitation of immune checkpoint inhibitors is that only a small subset of
      patients achieve durable clinical responses. This necessitates the development of
      combinatorial regimens with immunotherapy. However, some combinations, such as
      MEK- or PI3K-inhibitors with a PD1-PDL1 checkpoint inhibitor, are
      pharmacologically challenging to implement. We rationalized that such
      combinations can be enabled using nanoscale supramolecular targeted therapeutics,
      which spatially home into tumors and exert temporally sustained inhibition of the
      target. Here we describe two case studies where nanoscale MEK- and PI3K-targeting
      supramolecular therapeutics were engineered using a quantum mechanical all
      atomistic simulation-based approach. The combinations of nanoscale MEK- and PI3K
      targeting supramolecular therapeutics with checkpoint PDL1 and PD1 inhibitors
      exert enhanced antitumor outcome in melanoma and breast cancers in vivo,
      respectively. Additionally, the temporal sequence of administration impacts the
      outcome. The combination of supramolecular therapeutics and immunotherapy could
      emerge as a paradigm shift in the treatment of cancer.

PMID- 27656910
TI  - Sequential Thiol-Ene and Tetrazine Click Reactions for the Polymerization and
      Functionalization of Hydrogel Microparticles.
AB  - Click chemistry is a versatile tool for the synthesis and functionalization of
      polymeric biomaterials. Here, we describe a versatile new strategy for producing
      bioactive, protein-functionalized poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogel
      microparticles that is based on sequential thiol-ene and tetrazine click
      reactions. Briefly, tetra-functional PEG-norbornene macromer and dithiothreitol
      (SH) cross-linker were combined at a 0.75:1 [SH]:[norbornene] ratio, emulsified
      in a continuous Dextran phase, and then photopolymerized to form PEG hydrogel
      microparticles that varied from 8 to 30 MUm in diameter, depending on the PEG
      concentration used. Subsequently, tetrazine-functionalized protein was conjugated
      to unreacted norbornene groups in the PEG microparticles. Tetrazine-mediated
      protein tethering to the microparticles was first demonstrated using fluorescein
      labeled ovalbumin as a model protein. Subsequently, bioactive protein tethering
      was demonstrated using alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and glucose oxidase (GOx).
      Enzyme activity assays demonstrated that both ALP and GOx maintained their
      bioactivity and imparted tunable bioactivity to the microparticles that depended
      on the amount of enzyme added. ALP-functionalized microparticles were also
      observed to initiate calcium phosphate mineralization in vitro when incubated
      with calcium glycerophosphate. Collectively, these results show that protein
      functionalized hydrogel microparticles with tunable bioactive properties can be
      easily synthesized using sequential click chemistry reactions. This approach has
      potential for future applications in tissue engineering, drug delivery, and
      biosensing.

PMID- 27656912
TI  - Geometric Complementarity in Assembly and Guest Recognition of a Bent
      Heteroleptic cis-[Pd2LA2LB2] Coordination Cage.
AB  - Due to the inherent difficulties in achieving a defined and exclusive formation
      of multicomponent assemblies against entropic predisposition, we present the
      rational assembly of a heteroleptic [Pd2LA2LB2]4+ coordination cage achieved
      through the geometric complementarity of two carefully designed ligands, LA and
      LB. With Pd(II) cations as rigid nodes, the pure distinctly angular components
      readily form homoleptic cages, a [Pd2LA4]4+ strained helical assembly and a
      [Pd4LB8]8+ box-like structure, both of which were characterized by X-ray
      analysis. Combined, however, the two ligands could be used to cleanly assemble a
      cis-[Pd2LA2LB2]4+ cage with a bent architecture. The same self-sorted product was
      also obtained by a quantitative cage-to-cage transformation upon mixing of the
      two homoleptic cages revealing the [Pd2LA2LB2]4+ assembly as the thermodynamic
      minimum. The structure of the heteroleptic cage was examined by ESI-MS, COSY,
      DOSY, and NOESY methods, the latter of which pointed toward a cis-conformation of
      ligands in the assembly. Indeed, DFT calculations revealed that the angular
      ligands and strict Pd(II) geometry strongly favor the cis-[Pd2LA2LB2]4+ species.
      The robust nature of the cis-[Pd2LA2LB2]4+ cage allowed us to probe the
      accessibility of its cavity, which could be utilized for shape recognition toward
      stereoisomeric guests. The ability to directly combine two different backbones in
      a controlled manner provides a powerful strategy for increasing complexity in the
      family of [Pd2L4] cages and opens up possibilities of introducing multiple
      functionalities into a single self-assembled architecture.

PMID- 27656911
TI  - Palonosetron-5-HT3 Receptor Interactions As Shown by a Binding Protein Cocrystal
      Structure.
AB  - Palonosetron is a potent 5-HT3 receptor antagonist and an effective therapeutic
      agent against emesis. Here we identify the molecular determinants of compound
      recognition in the receptor binding site by obtaining a high resolution structure
      of palonosetron bound to an engineered acetylcholine binding protein that mimics
      the 5-HT3 receptor binding site, termed 5-HTBP, and by examining the potency of
      palonosetron in a range of 5-HT3 receptors with mutated binding site residues.
      The structural data indicate that palonosetron forms a tight and effective wedge
      in the binding pocket, made possible by its rigid tricyclic ring structure and
      its interactions with binding site residues; it adopts a binding pose that is
      distinct from the related antiemetics granisetron and tropisetron. The functional
      data show many residues previously shown to interact with agonists and
      antagonists in the binding site are important for palonosetron binding, and
      indicate those of particular importance are W183 (a cation-pi interaction and a
      hydrogen bond) and Y153 (a hydrogen bond). This information, and the availability
      of the structure of palonosetron bound to 5-HTBP, should aid the development of
      novel and more efficacious drugs that act via 5-HT3 receptors.

PMID- 27656913
TI  - Formal Total Synthesis of Amphidinolide Q.
AB  - With the preparation of macrolactone 33a we describe a formal total synthesis of
      amphidinolide Q. The corresponding seco acid 32 originated from an aldol reaction
      between methyl ketone 6 and methyl (E)-3-methyl-4-oxobut-2-enoate (5). The
      synthesis of ketone 6 (C5-C16 fragment) started with desymmetrized meso-diol 9.
      Chain extension reactions involving cyanide, lithium trimethylsilylacetylide, and
      a Wittig reaction led to aldehyde 22. The two additional stereocenters at C11 and
      C13 were set by a Noyori transfer hydrogenation on alkynone 14 and a Feringa
      Minnaard methyl cuprate addition on enoate 21. The but-1-ene-2-yl subunit on the
      side chain terminus was created from an unsaturated aldehyde by a substitution
      reaction on a derived allylic tosylate.

PMID- 27656914
TI  - Falls and Fall Injuries Among Adults Aged >=65 Years - United States, 2014.
AB  - Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among adults aged >=65
      years (older adults). During 2014, approximately 27,000 older adults died because
      of falls; 2.8 million were treated in emergency departments for fall-related
      injuries, and approximately 800,000 of these patients were subsequently
      hospitalized.* To estimate the numbers, percentages, and rates of falls and fall
      injuries among older adults by selected characteristics and state, CDC analyzed
      data from the 2014 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey. In
      2014, 28.7% of older adults reported falling; the estimated 29.0 million falls
      resulted in 7.0 million injuries. Known effective strategies for reducing the
      number of older adult falls include a multifactorial clinical approach (e.g.,
      gait and balance assessment, strength and balance exercises, and medication
      review). Health care providers can play an important role in fall prevention by
      screening older adults for fall risk, reviewing and managing medications linked
      to falls, and recommending vitamin D supplements to improve bone, muscle, and
      nerve health and reduce the risk for falls.

PMID- 27656915
TI  - Effect of Adjunctive Aripiprazole on Sexual Dysfunction in Schizophrenia: A
      Preliminary Open-Label Study.
AB  - Introduction: Although adjunctive aripiprazole improves hyperprolactinemia,
      sufficient evidence for its effects on sexual dysfunction has not been obtained.
      We assessed the usefulness of adjunctive aripiprazole for schizophrenia with
      sexual dysfunction. Methods: 22 Japanese schizophrenia patients with
      antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia and sexual dysfunction were enrolled,
      and 19 of them completed the study. Aripiprazole was administrated in a flexible
      titration schedule to participants according to the judgment of each doctor, and
      patients were followed for 24 weeks. Serum prolactin, Clinical Global Impression
      Scales-Severity (CGI-S), and Nagoya Sexual Function Questionnaire (NSFQ) were
      measured at baseline and at 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks. Results: Prolactin at week 4
      and later was significantly lower than that at baseline. Compared to baseline, we
      observed a significant improvement in total sexual dysfunction as measured by
      NSFQ at week 8 and later. In males, erectile dysfunction was significantly
      reduced at week 24. In females, menstrual irregularity and galactorrhea were
      significantly reduced at week 24. CGI-S did not significantly change. Discussion:
      Although the small sample size is a limitation in this study, adjunctive
      aripiprazole may be useful treatment for sexual dysfunction including
      hyperprolactinemia in schizophrenia.

PMID- 27656916
TI  - [Health and quality of life in the elderly].

PMID- 27656917
TI  - [The need to share and disseminate health-related scientific publications
      regarding the general population].

PMID- 27656918
TI  - [Institutional differences in the ineffective access to prescription medication
      in health care centers in Peru: analysis of the National Survey on User
      Satisfaction of Health Services (ENSUSALUD 2014)].
AB  - Objectives To estimate the prevalence of ineffective access to drugs (IAD) and
      associated factors in patients receiving a prescription in an outpatient clinic
      in Peru. Materials and Methods We performed a secondary data-analysis of the
      National Survey on User Satisfaction of Health Services (ENSUSALUD 2014), a two
      stage population-based study carried out in health care centers of the Ministry
      of Health and Regional Governments (MOHRG), Social Security (EsSalud), Armed
      Forces and Police (AFP) and the private sector across all 25 regions of Peru. IAD
      was defined as incomplete or no dispensing of any prescribed medication in the
      health care center pharmacy. Generalized linear models with Poisson distribution
      for complex survey sampling were fit to estimate prevalence ratios (PR) and 95%
      confidence intervals (CI). Results Out of 13,360 participants, 80.9 % (95% CI:
      79.9-81.8) had an active prescription, and of those, 90.8 % (95% CI: 90.1-91.6)
      sought their medications in a health care center pharmacy, where 30.6 % (95% CI
      28.8-32.4) had IAD. In the multiple regression model, receiving medical attention
      in the MOHRG (PR 4.8; 95%CI: 3.5-6.54) or AFP (PR: 3.2; 95%CI: 2.3-4.5), being
      over 60 years old (PR: 1.17; 95%CI: 1.04-1.34) and being in the poorest income
      quintile (PR: 1.05; 95%CI: 1.05-1.41) increased IAD. Furthermore, in contrast to
      seeking care for pregnancy or other routine control, IAD was also more common for
      medical consultation for diseases diagnosed in the last 15 days (PR: 1.37; 95%
      CI: 1.05-1.79) or more than 15 days prior (PR: 1.51; 95% CI: 1.16-1.97).
      Conclusions In Peru, IAD is associated with the provider institution, older age,
      poverty and the reason for medical consultation. We suggest strategies to promote
      access to medicines, especially in the most disadvantaged segments of the
      Peruvian population. 

PMID- 27656919
TI  - [Prevalence of purchase of antibiotics without prescription and antibiotic
      recommendation practices for children under five years of age in private
      pharmacies in peri-urban areas of Lima, Peru].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of purchase of antibiotics without
      prescription and antibiotic recommendation for its use in children <5 years of
      age in private pharmacies in peri-urban areas of Lima. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An
      anonymous population survey was conducted among adults who bought an antibiotic
      for a child <5 years of age from a private pharmacy. Fictitious cases were
      applied in a subgroup of pharmacies to evaluate antibiotic recommendation
      practices. RESULTS: The prevalence of purchase of antibiotics without a
      prescription was 13%, including 1.7% that were chosen by consumers and 11.3% that
      were recommended by pharmacists. A total of 66.7% of the medications purchased to
      treat colds were antibiotics, 56.9% of which were prescribed. 64.4% of
      medications purchased to treat bronchospasm, 96.4% of the medications to treat
      watery diarrhea and 90.9% of the medications to treat pharyngitis were
      antibiotics. Amoxicillin (51.5%) and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (20.6%) were
      the most commonly purchased antibiotics. A pharmacist suggested an antibiotic in
      60% of the fictitious common cold cases, 76% of the bronchospasm cases, 44% of
      the watery diarrhea cases, and 76% of the dysentery cases. CONCLUSIONS: The
      purchase of antibiotics for children <5 years of age in private pharmacies
      primarily occurs with a medical prescription. The pharmacist commonly recommended
      an antibiotic in cases lacking a prescription. Measures are needed to reduce the
      inappropriate use of antibiotics at medical facilities and in pharmacies.

PMID- 27656920
TI  - [Factors associated with fulfillment of growth and development monitoring for
      children <1 year of age in health centers in Amazonas, Loreto and Pasco].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To identify the factors associated with growth and development
      monitoring (CRED) fulfillment for children <1 year in Ministry of Health (MINSA)
      health centers in Amazonas, Loreto, and Pasco, Peru between January and December
      2012. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A paired case-control study was performed. A case
      was the child who did not complete 11 of the CRED checks until the age of 11
      months and, as a control, that child with 11 CRED checks with the same age. The
      correlation among factors with CRED fulfillment was determined using the McNemar
      test (p < 0.05) and odds ratio (OR) was used to determine the strength of the
      associations for paired samples (95% confidence interval [CI]). RESULTS: After
      the control of various variables, seven factors had significant association with
      CRED monitoring fulfillment. The common factor in the three regions studied was
      that the child were not attended some time, which was associated, three to five
      times, with the chance of not fulfilling the CRED checks in Loreto and Pasco; in
      Amazonas, the opposite effect was observed (OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.41-0.81).
      CONCLUSIONS: The factors related to CRED fulfillment in children <1 year of age
      varied among regions. One of the main identified obstacles is the multiple
      functions that must be performed by professionals working in CRED, owing to
      which, child care opportunities are lost. Hence, adequate staffing must be
      ensured while instilling ever-present proper patient treatment.

PMID- 27656921
TI  - [Estimation of economic costs for the care of patients with nosocomial pneumonia
      in a regional peruvian hospital, 2009-2011].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To estimate and compare the economic costs for the care of patients
      with and without nosocomial pneumonia at Hospital II Huanuco EsSalud during 2009
      2011, in Peru. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a partial economic evaluation of
      paired cases and controls. A collection sheet was used. DEPENDENT VARIABLE:
      nosocomial pneumonia. INDEPENDENT VARIABLES: direct health costs, direct non
      health costs, indirect costs, occupation, age, comorbidities, sex, origin, and
      education level. A bivariate analysis was performed. RESULTS: Forty pairs of
      cases and controls were identified. These patients were hospitalized for >2 weeks
      and prescribed more than two antibiotics. The associated direct health costs
      included those for hospitalization, antibiotics, auxiliary examinations,
      specialized assessments, and other medications. The direct non-health costs and
      associated indirect costs included those for transportation, food, housing,
      foregone payroll revenue, foregone professional fee revenue, extra-institutional
      expenses, and payment to caregivers during hospitalization and by telephone.
      CONCLUSIONS: The direct health costs for nosocomial pneumonia patients were more
      than three times and the indirect costs were more than two times higher than
      those for the controls. Variables with the greatest impact on costs were
      identified.

PMID- 27656922
TI  - [Prevalence of burnout syndrome in peruvian physicians and nurses, ENSUSALUD
      2014].
AB  - Objectives To estimate the prevalence of burnout syndrome (BOS) in Peruvian
      physicians and nurses in 2014 according to different cutoff points established in
      the literature. Materials and methods This was a cross-sectional and descriptive
      study based on the National Survey on User Satisfaction of Health Services for
      2014 (ENSUSALUD-2014), which features two-stage probability sampling. BOS was
      identified by the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) using
      different cutoff points to establish prevalence, including default values,
      terciles, and quartiles. Results Of the 5062 health professionals, 62.3% were
      women, 44.0% were physicians, 46.0% belonged to the MINSA, and 23.1% worked in
      Lima. The overall BOS prevalence was 2.8% (95% CI, 2.4-3.2), when default values
      were used; the prevalence was 7.9% (95% CI, 7.3-8.6) when quartiles were used as
      cutoff points and 12.5% (95% CI, 11.4-13.6) when terciles were used as cutoff
      points. The prevalence was higher in doctors than in nurses, regardless of the
      cutoff point used (3.7% vs. 2.1% using default values, 10.2 vs. 6.1% using
      quartiles, and 16.2 vs. 9.5% using terciles). Conclusions The prevalence of BOS
      in health workers differs within the same population when different cutoff points
      are used. The use of default values is recommended by the instrument author until
      specific cut-points for our country are obtained. 

PMID- 27656923
TI  - [Risk factors for arterial hypertension in the adult population of an urban
      region of Ecuador].
AB  - Objectives . To determine the risk factors for arterial hypertension (HTN) in the
      adult resident population of the city of Cuenca, Ecuador Materials and methods A
      cross-sectional analytical study of adults selected via multistage random
      sampling who underwent clinical, anthropometric, and laboratory evaluations. The
      diagnosis of HTN was defined according to the JNC-7 criteria. A multiple logistic
      regression model was performed Results A total of 318 persons were included. The
      prevalence of HTN was 25.8% (males: 27.2% vs. females: 24.7%; p = 0.617). In the
      multiple logistic regression model, the risk factors for HTN were age > 60 years
      (OR, 8.68; 95% CI, 3.56-21.14; p < 0.001), obesity according to body mass index
      (OR, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.04-5.70; p = 0.042), high caloric intake (OR, 2.06; 95% CI,
      1.01- 4.53; p = 0.044), and family history of HTN (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.02-2.90; p
      = 0.040) Conclusions The presence of HTN in this population is associated with
      both intrinsic and environmental factors, which should be considered in routine
      evaluations to ensure its early identification and control. 

PMID- 27656924
TI  - [Comparative genomic analysis of peruvian strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To comparatively analyze three genomic sequences of Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis(MTB), including sensitive (INS-SEN), multi-drug-resistant (INS-MDR),
      and extremely drug-resistant (INS-XDR) strains, collected in Lima, Peru.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were
      identified in the INS SEN, INS-MDR, and INS-XDR strains according to the
      inclusion/exclusion criteria. The three MTB genomes were compared and a molecular
      phylogeny was constructed with 27 MTB strains from other studies available from
      the Genbank database. RESULTS: The specific SNPs in each genome were organized in
      clusters of orthologous groups (COGs). The genomic analysis allowed for the
      identification of a set of SNPs associated mainly with virulence determinants
      (family of mce proteins, polyketides, phiRv1, transposase, and
      methyltransferases, and other related to vitamin synthesis). A close correlation
      between the INS-MDR and INS-XDR strains was observed, with only a 6.1% difference
      in SNPs; however, the INS-SEN strain had 50.2% and 50.3% different SNPs from the
      MDR and XDR strains, respectively. The molecular phylogeny grouped the Peruvian
      strains within the LAM lineage and closely to the F11 and KZN strains from South
      Africa. CONCLUSIONS: High similarity (99.9%) was noted between the INS-SEN strain
      and the F11 South African strain with broadglobal scope, while the analysis of
      the INS-MDR and INS-XDR strains showed a likely expansion of the KZN family, a
      South African strain with high virulence and pathogenicity.

PMID- 27656925
TI  - [Fewer hours of sleep associated with increased body weight in chilean university
      nutrition students].
AB  - The aim of the study was to determine the association between fewer hours of
      sleep and excess weight/obesity in first- to fourth-year nutrition students at
      Universidad de San Sebastian in Chile. A total of 635 students were evaluated, of
      whom 86.4% were women. The Pittsburg sleep survey was administered to each
      student along with an anthropometric evaluation, and the body mass index of each
      was calculated. A raw and adjusted analysis of logistic regression was performed.
      A total of 57.1% of students slept less than the recommended amount. Sleeping
      less was associated with excess weight or obesity in the model adjusted for age
      and daytime sleepiness (adjusted OR [aOR], 1.84; 95% CI, 1.26-2.68), and adjusted
      for age, smoking, dairy, fruit, and legume consumption; and daytime sleepiness
      (aOR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.29-2.76). There is an association between fewer hours of
      sleep and higher body mass in this population; this should be considered in
      excess weight prevention. 

PMID- 27656926
TI  - [Cloning alphavirus and flavivirus sequences for use as positive controls in
      molecular diagnostics].
AB  - The purpose of the study was to obtain a positive control to validate molecular
      techniques (reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR]) used in
      the diagnosis and research of viral infections. From strains of Chikungunya virus
      (CHIKV), Zika virus, and Dengue virus (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV- 3, and DENV-4) viral
      RNAs were extracted to obtain complementary DNA using RT-PCR from the nsP4
      (CHIKV), NS5 (Zika virus), C/prM-M, and 5'UTR-C (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, DENV-4)
      sequences, which were cloned into pGEM(r)-T Easy. Cloning was confirmed through
      colony PCR, from which plasmid DNA was extracted for fragment cloning
      verification. Cloning of cDNA corresponding to nsP4, NS5, C/prM-M, and 5'UTR-C of
      the different viral agents was achieved. In conclusion, recombinant plasmids were
      obtained with each of the sequences specified for further assessment as positive
      controls in molecular techniques in an effort to avoid the use of cell cultures,
      which can be costly, time-consuming, and potentially dangerous. 

PMID- 27656927
TI  - [Carbon footprint in five third-level health care centers in Peru, 2013].
AB  - This study was performed to calculate the carbon footprint generated by third
      level health care centers located in Lima, Peru, in 2013. Reports were obtained
      on the consumption of energy resources and water as well as on waste generation
      from the five centers, which contributed to climate change with an emission of
      14,462 teq of CO2. A total of 46% of these emissions were associated with fuel
      consumption by the powerhouse, power generators, and transport vehicles; 44% was
      related to energy consumption; and the remaining 10% was related to the use of
      water and generation of solid hospital waste. CO2, N2O, and CH4 are the
      greenhouse gases included in the estimated carbon footprint. Our results show
      that hospitals have a negative environmental impact, mainly due to fossil fuel
      consumption. 

PMID- 27656928
TI  - [Use of lumbar puncture in the evaluation of late-onset sepsis in low birth
      weight neonates].
AB  - The objective of this study was to analyze the use of lumbar punctures (LP) in
      the evaluation of late-onset neonatal sepsis. It is recommended to perform an LP
      as part of the evaluation of late-onset sepsis. We used a cohort of 414 newborns
      with a birth weight <2000g in three hospitals in Lima. A LP was performed in
      45/214 (21.0%) of sepsis evaluations and in 13/48 (27.1%) of culture-proven
      sepsis. Meningitis was diagnosed in 8/214 (3.7%) of the episodes and 8/45 (17.5%)
      of the evaluations that included an LP. The duration of treatment of the sepsis
      episodes without a LP and the episodes with a negative LP was similar, and
      shorter than the episodes with a positive LP. The use of LP in the evaluation of
      late-onset sepsis is low and can result in undiagnosed and undertreated
      meningitis. The use of LP in the evaluation of neonatal sepsis must be encouraged
      in the neonatal units. 

PMID- 27656929
TI  - [Behaviors in response to the tuberculin skin test conversion in medical students
      from a university in Lima, Peru].
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine the behaviors in response to tuberculin
      skin test (PPD) conversion and the reasons for starting or not starting treatment
      for latent tuberculosis infection (TILT) among medical students at a university
      in Lima, Peru. A total of 548 participants completed a questionnaire; of them,
      6.7% tested positive on university admission and 11.1% were recent converters. A
      total of 55.7% did not start TILT and had no explanation. Of the recent
      converters, most students who did start TILT were >22 years old (p = 0.01) and
      correctly answered general knowledge questions (p = 0.04). It is important to
      note that the PPD conversion rate was higher than that reported in the literature
      and that most students did not follow the treatment prophylaxis because of a lack
      of information. 

PMID- 27656930
TI  - [The 1, 2, 3 of laboratory animal experimentation].
AB  - The slow scientific development in Latin America in recent decades has delayed
      the incorporation of laboratory animal experimentation; however, this situation
      has started to change. Today, extraordinary scientific progress is evident, which
      has promoted the introduction and increased use of laboratory animals as an
      important tool for the advancement of biomedical sciences. In the aftermath of
      this boom, the need to provide the scientific community with training and
      guidance in all aspects related to animal experimentation has arisen. It is the
      responsibility of each country to regulate this practice, for both bioethical and
      legal reasons, to ensure consideration of the animals' rights and welfare. The
      following manuscript is the result of papers presented at the International
      Workshop on Laboratory Animal Testing held at the Technical University of Ambato,
      Ecuador; it contains information regarding the current state of affairs in
      laboratory animal testing and emphasizes critical aspects such as main species
      used, ethical and legal principles, and experimental and alternative designs for
      animal use. These works aim to ensure good practices that should define
      scientific work. This document will be relevant to both researchers who aim to
      newly incorporate animal testing into their research and those who seek to update
      their knowledge. 

PMID- 27656931
TI  - [El nino phenomenon and natural disasters: public health interventions for
      disaster preparedness and response].
AB  - This article reviews public health interventions for preparedness and response to
      natural disasters within the context of El Nino phenomenon using systematic
      reviews and a review of revisions with emphasis on vector-borne diseases, water
      borne diseases, malnutrition, heat stress, drought, flood-associated diseases,
      mental health problems, vulnerability of the physical health-system
      infrastructure, as well as long-term policies aimed at protecting the populations
      of these cases. Environmental interventions were identified, including vector
      control, chemoprophylaxis, immunization, and intradomiciliary water treatment.
      While these finds are based primarily on systematic reviews, it is necessary to
      evaluate the benefit of these interventions within the population, according to
      the context of each region. 

PMID- 27656932
TI  - [Health promotion and disease prevention for active aging that preserves quality
      of life].
AB  - Older adults represent a growing population whose health status depends on many
      factors, including physical, cognitive, and social factors, as well as family.
      They also have features including heterogeneity, a high disease burden, and
      comorbidities that affect the family and social spheres. It is important to offer
      the older adult population methods to exercise better control over their health
      and, thus, improve it. The goal is to achieve successful aging, that is, aging
      without disabilities, with the fewest possible or adequately controlled ailments
      while helping them maintain their autonomy and quality of life and always
      respecting their values and preferences. On the other hand, preventive activities
      in older adults consider the risk of disease; functional alteration causing the
      disease; and conditions common to the elderly that can damage their health,
      including frailty, falls, and iatrogenic complications. Preventive activities for
      the elderly should consider all of these factors. Here we present some guidelines
      that may be important for promoting active aging as well as preventive activities
      that can be used according to each person's individual situation. 

PMID- 27656933
TI  - [Usefulness of the comprehensive geriatric assessment for evaluating the health
      of older adults].
AB  - Older adults comprise a heterogeneous population group that usually has a high
      disease burden, comorbidities, and, in many cases, subclinical conditions that
      compromise their health and quality of life. In addition to the physical
      component, the health conditions of elderly individuals are significantly
      influenced by cognitive and affective components, social and family factors such
      as abandonment, and functional factors including the ability to perform everyday
      activities. In response to this complex scenario, the comprehensive geriatric
      evaluation constitutes a multidimensional and interdisciplinary diagnostic tool
      that assesses the health of older adults in all of its complexity by considering
      the physical, mental, social/family, and functional needs to obtain full
      knowledge of older person's health status and creating a plan that consists of
      appropriate and individualized interventions that considers the preferences and
      values of older individuals and their families. 

PMID- 27656934
TI  - [Frailty in older adults: detection, community-based intervention, and decision
      making in the management of chronic illnesses].
AB  - Physical fragility is defined as "a medical syndrome with multiple causes and
      factors that contribute to its development and that is characterized by decreased
      strength and resistance as well as reduced physiological functioning, which
      increase an individual's vulnerability to functional dependence or death."
      Different multi-systemic pathophysiological processes are involved in the
      pathogenesis of frailty syndrome, one of the most important being the loss of
      muscle mass associated with aging or sarcopenia. Several studies have
      demonstrated that physical frailty increases with age. Physical exercise is the
      best form of intervention for preventing and treating frailty. In older adults
      with chronic illnesses, identifying frailty is very important for decision
      making, individualizing management, and considering their values and care
      preferences. 

PMID- 27656935
TI  - [Strategies to optimize pharmacological management in older adults].
AB  - Population aging increases the prevalence of chronic and multiple morbid
      illnesses and increases the consumption of multiple medications and related
      problems accordingly. It is reported that >50% of dispensed medications are
      consumed by older adults; in fact, >80% of older adults take at least one
      medication daily and 75% do not inform their doctor that they are using
      unconventional treatments. Appropriate medication prescription to older adults is
      challenging and it requires the consideration of risks and benefits of the
      indicated medications, for which clear evidence of their efficacy is often
      lacking due to the limited inclusion of elderly populations in randomized
      clinical trials on which clinical guides are based for chronic disease
      management. However, general guidelines and recommendations must be
      comprehensively implemented and supported by a multidisciplinary team whenever
      pharmacological management is provided for older adults. Here we focus on
      promoting proper prescriptions according to evidence-based recommendations to
      reduce inappropriate prescriptions, polypharmacy, and self-medication. 

PMID- 27656936
TI  - [Mental health in older adults: major neurocognitive, affective, and sleep
      disorders].
AB  - Numerous biological, psychological, and social factors influence the mental
      health of elderly individuals to varying degrees. Apart from components related
      to the normal aging process and the co-occurrence of various medical conditions,
      events such as the death of a loved one, retirement, or disability significantly
      contribute to a variety of mental and emotional problems in this stage of the
      life cycle. The most frequent problems affect the neurocognitive, emotional, and
      oneiric spheres. Major neurocognitive disorders reduce one's overall performance
      and, thus, increase their need for close care. Affective disorders may be
      exacerbated by the lack of family support and decreased social interactions,
      which may lead to significant isolation result in suicidal behavior. The
      increased frequency of sleep disorders such as insomnia and daytime sleepiness
      and specific disorders such as obstructive apnea significantly alter the quality
      of life of this population. 

PMID- 27656937
TI  - [Social health care for older adults in Peru].
AB  - Demographic and epidemiological changes have led to restructuring of the local
      and global health systems, changes that focus on broader coverage in which
      importance is given to an individual's physical well-being as well as social
      welfare in an effort to ensure healthy aging. In this review, the current social
      health care approach is analyzed from the different institutions that care for
      older populations and the changes that have resulted from boarding and caring for
      older adults. 

PMID- 27656938
TI  - [New rules for medical residency qualification in Peru: problems and
      perspectives].
AB  - On May 11, 2015, amendment RS 017-2015-SA to the Regulation of the National
      System of Medical Residency (RS 002-2006-SA) was published in the Peruvian
      official newspaper "El Peruano". This amendment establishes that the submission
      of a thesis or scholarly work is not necessary to obtain the title of medical
      specialist (article 28), but when a "work project" is performed in a specialty
      area, it must be presented at the conclusion of the second year of medical
      residency (article 27). This news has been welcomed by one sector of medical
      residents, while others believe that the measure conflicts with their training as
      specialists. This article aims to analyze the new rules for medical residency
      qualification in Peru and its implications for research developed during this
      formative stage for specialist physicians. 

PMID- 27656939
TI  - [Citizen security observatories: tools for decision making and governability].
AB  - The need for good governability to promote countries development has been
      becoming the focus of governments. Latin America has political systems in crisis
      of governability caused by the inability of strategic actors to solve conflicts
      based on rules and procedures. The present review aims to describe how the
      creation of violence surveillance systems (observatories) contributes to
      strengthening governability and the creation of effective public policies. It was
      developed an analysis of the required components for the existence of
      governability and its relationship with the role of observatories in cities to
      provide reliable, timely and representative information that allows the
      formulation of strategies and policies. Governability is enriched with the
      legitimacy granted by the public from the results obtained by the governments in
      the formulation, implementation, evaluation of public policies and the evidence
      based decisions in public health. 

PMID- 27656940
TI  - [Maternal death from severe malaria due to Plasmodium vivax].
AB  - Here we describe the case of a 19-year-old woman, in her 29th week of gestation,
      who was from Llumpe (Ancash, Peru) and had a history of traveling to Chanchamayo
      (Junin, Peru) and Rinconada (Ancash, Peru). The patient presented at Chacas
      Hospital (Chacas, Ancash, Peru) with general malaise, dehydration, respiratory
      distress, jaundice, the sensation of thermal rise, and abdominal pain. Analysis
      of blood smears revealed 60% hemoparasites. She was transferred to Ramos Guardia
      Hospital (Huaraz, Peru) where she presented increasing respiratory distress,
      choluria, hematuria, and decreased urine output, moreover she was positive for
      Plasmodium. From there she was transferred to Cayetano Heredia Hospital (Lima,
      Peru), where she was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with multiple
      organ failure, stillbirth, and leading to death. She underwent mechanical
      ventilation, was administered clindamycin, and was prescribed quinine, which she
      did not received due a lack by availability. The evolution of the illness was
      torpid, and she ultimately developed multiple organ failure and died. Plasmodium
      vivax infection was confirmed. Accordingly, we emphasize the importance of
      improving our diagnostic capabilities and management techniques to enable
      clinicians to provide adequate and timely treatment. 

PMID- 27656941
TI  - [Oral health of the elderly: access, challenges and opportunities for peruvian
      public health].

PMID- 27656942
TI  - [Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase- producing enterobacteriaceae in fecal samples
      of humans and pets. Chiclayo, Peru].

PMID- 27656943
TI  - [Are the MINSA clinical practice guidelines for hypertension and type 2 diabetes
      mellitus reliable?].

PMID- 27656944
TI  - [Law of universal coverage of high-cost diseases].

PMID- 27656945
TI  - [Detection of Oropouche viral circulation in Madre de Dios region, Peru (december
      2015 to january 2016)].

PMID- 27656946
TI  - [Exposure to arsenic as associated factor of the high mortality attributed to
      renal failure in Puno].

PMID- 27656947
TI  - [Perception of violence during medical internship in a peruvian university].

PMID- 27656948
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27656949
TI  - The Pil3 pilus of Streptococcus gallolyticus binds to intestinal mucins and to
      fibrinogen.
AB  - Streptococcus gallolyticus is a commensal bacterium responsible for infectious
      endocarditis in the elderly, which has frequently been associated with colonic
      carcinoma. Whether this species is a cause or a consequence of colorectal cancer
      remains unknown. We recently demonstrated that S. gallolyticus Pil3 pilus is
      required for adhesion to colonic mucus and for colonization of mouse distal
      colon. We show here that Pil3 pilus binds equally well to human colonic mucins
      derived from HT29-MTX cells and to human stomach mucins from healthy donors. In
      addition, we have found that Pil3 also binds to human fibrinogen, which expands
      the repertoire of Pil3 host ligands.

PMID- 27656950
TI  - Safety and Efficacy of Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2b Monotherapy in Hepatitis C
      Virus-Infected Children with End-Stage Renal Disease on Hemodialysis.
AB  - Treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients
      is an important issue before kidney transplantation (KT). The aim of the study is
      to assess the efficacy and tolerability of HCV treatment with pegylated
      interferon (PEG IFN)-alpha 2b in children with ESRD. The study included 17
      children, aged 3-18 years with ESRD on hemodialysis (HD), with chronic HCV. They
      received 40 MUg/m2 of PEG IFN-alpha 2b once-weekly subcutaneous injections for 48
      weeks. Early virological response (EVR) was achieved in 76.5%. At week 24, 8
      patients had negative HCV RNA. Six patients received KT during therapy. Treatment
      was discontinued in 2 patients: one for anemia and another for retinopathy. Two
      patients completed 48 weeks of therapy and both achieved end-of-treatment
      response and sustained virological response (SVR). Constitutional symptoms were
      the most frequently reported side effects. Neutropenia occurred in 10 patients
      (58.8%), drop in hemoglobin in 10, and thrombocytopenia in 9. HCV-infected
      children with ESRD on HD have high EVR (76.5%) on IFN monotherapy. SVR could not
      be assessed due to the high dropout rate related mainly to early transplantation.
      Constitutional symptoms and hematological side effects were the most frequently
      reported side effects.

PMID- 27656951
TI  - Psychometric properties of the French Canadian version of the Geriatric Anxiety
      Inventory.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (GAI) and a short form of this
      instrument (GAI-SF) were developed to assess the severity of anxiety symptoms in
      older adults in order to compensate for the lack of validated screening tools
      adapted to the elderly population. This study examined the psychometric
      properties of the French Canadian version of the GAI, in its complete (GAI-FC)
      and short form (GAI-FC-SF). METHOD: A total of 331 community-dwelling seniors
      between 65 and 92 years old participated in this study. RESULTS: Both the GAI-FC
      and the GAI-FC-SF have sound psychometric properties with, respectively, a high
      internal consistency (alpha = .94 and .83), an adequate convergent validity (r =
      .50 to .86 with instruments known to evaluate constructs similar to the GAI or
      related to anxiety), a good test-retest reliability (r = .89 and .85), in
      addition to a single-factor structure. CONCLUSIONS: The results support the use
      of both the GAI-FC and the GAI-FC-SF. The GAI-FC-SF seems to be an interesting
      alternative to the GAI-FC as a screening tool when time available for assessment
      is limited.

PMID- 27656952
TI  - Effects of AMPK activation on lipolysis in primary rat adipocytes: studies at
      different glucose concentrations.
AB  - Adipose tissue plays a key role in energy homeostasis. Adenosine monophosphate
      (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an important intracellular energy
      sensor. Effects of activation of AMPK by aminomidazole-4-carboxamide
      ribonucleotide (AICAR) on lipolysis in the rat adipocytes were determined in the
      presence of 3 or 12 mM glucose. Response to epinephrine or dibutyryl-cAMP was
      higher in the presence of 12 mM glucose. AICAR decreased lipolysis, also when
      glucose was replaced by alanine or succinate and without decrease in cAMP levels.
      AICAR attenuated epinephrine-induced decrease in adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
      levels, reduced glucose uptake and lactate release. These results indicate that
      short-term activation of AMPK by AICAR in the rat adipocytes inhibits lipolysis,
      due to changes in the final, followed by protein kinase A (PKA), steps of the
      lipolytic cascade and improves intracellular energy status. Similar effects of
      AICAR were observed in the presence of 3 and 12 mM glucose, which indicates that
      the AMPK system is operative at high glucose concentrations.

PMID- 27656953
TI  - Whole-Body Vibration Exercise Therapy Improves Cardiac Autonomic Function and
      Blood Pressure in Obese Pre- and Stage 1 Hypertensive Postmenopausal Women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Whole-body vibration (WBV) is an unconventional exercise therapy that
      appears to provide the same benefits of resistance training in postmenopausal
      women while being more safe and gentle on the joints. This study evaluated the
      effect of an 8-week WBV exercise regimen on heart rate variability (HRV) and
      blood pressure (BP) in obese postmenopausal women. DESIGN: Randomized controlled
      study with two parallel groups. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-five (age 50-65 years) obese
      (body-mass index >30 and <40 kg/m2) postmenopausal women. INTERVENTION:
      Participants were randomly assigned to a WBV training group or nonexercising
      control group. Participants in the WBV group completed the supervised training 3
      times a week. WBV training consisted of four static and four dynamic leg
      exercises (normal, high, and wide-stance squats and calf-raises) with vertical
      vibration (25-40 Hz and low-high amplitude) progressed throughout the 8 weeks.
      OUTCOME MEASURES: Brachial systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) and HRV:
      sympathovagal balance (natural logarithm of low frequency [LnLF]/natural
      logarithm of high frequency [LnHF]; normalized low frequency [nLF]/normalized
      high frequency [nHF]), parasympathetic tone (LnHF, nHF, natural logarithm of root
      mean square of successive differences [LnRMSSD]), sympathetic tone (LnLF, nLF),
      natural logarithm of total power, and heart rate (HR). RESULTS: There were
      significant group * time interactions (p < 0.05) for brachial SBP, DBP,
      LnLF/LnHF, and nLF/nHF that significantly decreased (p < 0.01) after WBV,
      compared with no changes after control. There was a significant (p < 0.05)
      increase in nHF and decrease in nLF in the WBV group compared with baseline, yet
      the changes were not different than those in the control group. No significant
      changes were observed in LnTP, LnLF, LnHF, LnRMSSD, or HR after 8 weeks in either
      group. CONCLUSIONS: WBV training for 8 weeks is an adequate unconventional
      exercise intervention for improving sympathovagal balance and BP in previously
      sedentary obese postmenopausal women.

PMID- 27656954
TI  - Pulmonary Artery Pseudoaneurysms: Clinical Features and CT Findings.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical and CT features
      of pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysms (PAPs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A database
      search of chest CT examinations performed from January 1, 2000 to December 31,
      2014 identified 24 patients with findings consistent with PAPs. A CT finding
      consistent with a PAP was defined as a focal saccular outpouching of a pulmonary
      artery. Medical records were reviewed to determine clinical presentations,
      treatments, and outcomes. CT scans were reviewed by two board-certified
      fellowship-trained chest radiologists. RESULTS: A total of 35 PAPs were
      identified in 24 patients. Hemoptysis and shortness of breath were the most
      common presenting symptoms. The most commonly identified causes of PAPs were
      infection (33%), neoplasms (13%), and trauma (17%). Of the 35 PAPs, 29 (83%) were
      located in segmental or subsegmental pulmonary arteries. A solitary PAP was
      identified in 20 (83%) patients, and multiple PAPs were identified in three
      patients with endocarditis and one patient with pulmonary metastases. Only three
      of 35 (9%) PAPs were associated with a ground-glass halo. Endovascular treatment
      was successfully performed in 12 patients, and only one patient had immediate
      recurrent hemoptysis after treatment. PAP was clinically suspected by the
      referring clinicians in only three patients. Sixteen of the 35 (46%) PAPs were
      not reported on the initial CT studies. CONCLUSION: PAPs showed a strong
      predilection for the peripheral pulmonary arteries. Multiplicity of PAPs can be
      seen in the settings of endocarditis and pulmonary metastatic disease. Most PAPs
      were not associated with a ground-glass halo. PAPs can be lethal but were often
      not suspected clinically and were underreported by radiologists.

PMID- 27656955
TI  - Surveying Academic Radiology Department Chairs Regarding New and Effective
      Strategies for Medical Student Recruitment.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The number of 4th-year medical student applications to the field of
      diagnostic radiology has decreased from 2009 to 2015. The purpose of this study
      was to learn how radiology departments are recruiting medical students. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: An anonymous online survey hyperlink was distributed to the members
      of the Society of Chairs of Academic Radiology Departments regarding both
      innovative and proven recruitment strategies. The results were synthesized with a
      recently published survey of medical students about factors influencing them to
      go into radiology. RESULTS: Forty of 126 radiology departments completed the
      survey. Most felt that radiology exposure and curricula require alteration given
      recent downward trends in medical student applications. A majority (79%) had
      changed their outreach to medical students in response to these trends. The
      responding department chairs felt that interactive learning while on rotation was
      the most important strategy for recruitment. The presence of a diversity program,
      dedicated medical school educator, or rotating daily assignment for students did
      not affect the likelihood of filling residency spots in the main match.
      CONCLUSION: Many radiology departments are changing their outreach to medical
      students to improve recruitment. Effective strategies to focus on include early
      active outreach by involving students in the radiology department, thereby
      framing radiologists as clinicians.

PMID- 27656956
TI  - Possible Differences in the Effects of Trypanosoma cruzi on Blood Cells and Serum
      Protein of Two Wildlife Reservoirs.
AB  - A key step in the dynamics of vector-borne diseases is the role of seasonality.
      Trypanosoma cruzi is a protozoan that causes Chagas disease. Some wild mammals
      are considered natural hosts, yet not all mammals show the same response to
      infection. We explored the effect of T. cruzi on blood parameters in two mammal
      carnivores, coati (Nasua narica) and raccoon (Procyon lotor), that were naturally
      infected in summer and winter seasons. The study was carried out in the
      Zoological Park "Parque Museo de la Venta," in Southeastern Mexico. Blood samples
      were collected in summer and winter from 2010 to 2013. Parasite infection was
      assessed by PCR from whole blood, and a complete hemogram was determined by
      traditional manual methods. We found that both species had the same T. cruzi I
      lineage. For coatis, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and
      monocytes were dependent of season, while eosinophils and plasma proteins were
      significantly different, but with no season effect. For raccoon, erythrocytes,
      mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and monocytes were
      dependent of season. These results and a previous study that indicated
      interspecific differences in parasitemia in both species suggest that raccoon is
      a better reservoir than coati. Such a different interspecific response implies
      that animals do not contribute equally to maintain T. cruzi parasites in the
      ecosystem. Such inequality differs according to season.

PMID- 27656957
TI  - How can we improve the quality of transplantable lungs?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Optimization of lungs for organ donation is becoming increasingly
      important as donation rates stagnate despite growing waiting lists. Improving
      procurement and utilization of donated lungs has the ability to reduce mortality
      and time on the lung transplantation (LTx) waiting list. Additionally, assessment
      and optimization of donor lungs can reduce both early and late post-LTx morbidity
      and mortality, as well as reduce overall costs and resource utility. Areas
      covered: Strategies that we will discuss in detail include intensive care
      management practices, such as targeted ventilation protocols and therapeutic
      bronchoscopy, as well as the ever expanding possibilities within the arena of ex
      vivo lung perfusion (EVLP). Expert commentary: Donor lung quality is currently
      optimized both in vivo prior to organ procurement, and also via EVLP circuits.
      Despite good evidence demonstrating the utility of both approaches, data remain
      elusive as to whether EVLP is beneficial for all donor lungs prior to
      implantation, or instead as a tool by which we can evaluate and recondition sub
      optimal donor lungs.

PMID- 27656959
TI  - Mid staffs inquiry calls RCN to give evidence.
AB  - The RCN has been called to give evidence about staffing levels and patient safety
      to MPs next week in an investigation into the failures at Mid Staffordshire NHS
      Foundation Trust.

PMID- 27656960
TI  - Pressure mounts on staff levels as trusts chase foundation status.
AB  - Nursing posts and healthcare services are coming under increasing threat as NHS
      bodies chase foundation trust status ahead of next year's deadline, according to
      the RCN.

PMID- 27656961
TI  - Staff with learning difficulties need greater support.
AB  - Nurses have demanded that staff who have dyslexia and similar learning
      difficulties should be given support and guidance from employers to prevent
      discrimination and help them to deliver high quality care.

PMID- 27656958
TI  - Mining bifidobacteria from the neonatal gastrointestinal tract for conjugated
      linolenic acid production.
AB  - Conjugated linolenic acid (CLNA) is a family of isomers of linolenic acid with a
      number of health-associated benefits, which has been attracting great interest.
      Microbial CLNA producers are potentially an alternative source of CLNA for human
      nutrition. In present study, 16 neonate feces were collected and used for
      Bifidobacteria isolation, from which 25 bifidobacteria isolates were obtained.
      The bifidobacteria isolates were identified using 16s rDNA sequencing as
      Bifidobacterium adolescentis, B. breve, B. longum and B. pseudocatenulatum. These
      isolates were further investigated for their ability to produce CLNA using
      linolenic acid as substrate via GC-MS. The results showed most of the isolates
      could convert free linolenic acid into c9,t11,c15-CLNA and t9,t11,c15-CLNA at
      different levels. B. pseudocatenulatum was the most effective CLNA producer,
      which converted 86.91% of linolenic acid to c9,t11,c15-CLNA and 3.59% of to
      t9,t11,c15-CLNA isomer and the isolate exhibited to accumulate CLNA during 72 h
      culturing in which most CLNA isomers were in the supernatant fluid. The results
      indicated that utilization of this isolate for CLNA production will eliminate the
      purification process.

PMID- 27656964
TI  - Appeal for information on D-Day casualty.
AB  - A second world war nurse is appealing for help to find a seriously injured German
      soldier she treated, ahead of the 65th anniversary of D-Day next month.

PMID- 27656963
TI  - Gordon Brown orders honours committee to prioritise nurses.
AB  - The committees that oversee the honours system have been ordered to give a higher
      priority to nurses who have been nominated, Nursing Standard has learned.

PMID- 27656965
TI  - Alcohol services benefit from nurse intervention.
AB  - The RCN has released clear evidence of a demand for specialist alcohol nursing
      services and interventions across the UK.

PMID- 27656966
TI  - Student loans could be part of new financial support package.
AB  - The non-means tested bursary for nursing students looks set to be scrapped as
      part of an overhaul of the way students are supported during their courses.

PMID- 27656967
TI  - Poor work atmosphere can lead to depression and medication use.
AB  - Depression, anxiety and alcohol use disorders are common mental health problems
      in the working population. But the 'team climate' - conditions and atmosphere -
      at work related to these disorders has not previously been studied using
      standardised interviews.

PMID- 27656969
TI  - Readers panel.
AB  - Our experts consider a hot topic of the day.

PMID- 27656968
TI  - Diagnoses of eczema and treatment for it greatly increased.
AB  - The incidence and lifetime prevalence of eczema in England continues to increase.
      Similar increases have been observed in the estimated number of prescriptions
      issued for eczema.

PMID- 27656970
TI  - I was hounded out for reporting poor standards.
AB  - The controversy about Margaret Haywood, who was struck off the Nursing and
      Midwifery Council register for secretly filming patients to expose poor patient
      care, shows nothing has changed.

PMID- 27656971
TI  - Starting out - using relatives as translators creates a barrier to good care.
AB  - On a recent surgical placement I was asked to observe a staff nurse while she
      discharged a patient who had undergone heart surgery. The patient was a 48-year
      old man from a minority ethnic group, who could only speak a small amount of
      English.

PMID- 27656972
TI  - The best of the week's health-related TV and radio.
AB  - Our roundup of what's on.

PMID- 27656973
TI  - Winningham and preusser's critical thinking cases in nursing Barbara A Preusser
      Winningham and preusser's critical thinking cases in nursing Fourth Elsevier
      720pp L24.99 978 0 323 05359 4 0323053599 [Formula: see text].
AB  - At 720pages, this is a weighty book, offering 148 case studies in a range of
      clinical specialties. And at L24.99, it may appear excellent value for money,
      especially for impoverished students.

PMID- 27656974
TI  - A welcome return to old values, but it is what is under the bonnet that counts.
AB  - I am pleased that nurses at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford, Essex are to
      return to wearing hats (news May 13). Welcoming the white bonnets that are being
      piloted, the hospital's deputy director of nursing, Catherine Morgan, says: 'We
      value the professionalism that a smart uniform portrays.'

PMID- 27656975
TI  - Professional education must remain rigorous and thorough.
AB  - I was dismayed by David Cameron's speech at the RCN congress in Harrogate (news
      May 13), even more so when he received a standing ovation.

PMID- 27656976
TI  - Supermarket training is the last thing nurses need.
AB  - Judging by Petra Kendall-Raynor's news story, 'Supermarkets used as a model for
      community nursing productivity' (May 13), it appears that a considerable amount
      of time, money and energy will be spent 'educating' healthcare professionals on a
      basic stock control exercise.

PMID- 27656977
TI  - Like the commons' speaker, the nmc missed the real issue.
AB  - Last week the speaker of the House of Commons, Michael Martin, expressed concern
      that details of MPs' expenses had been leaked to the media. The public is much
      more disturbed by the expenses scandal itself and Mr Martin has been forced out.

PMID- 27656978
TI  - While unison is at it, why not outlaw the tories as well?
AB  - I read with interest your piece about Unison's campaign to outlaw nurse's rights
      to belong to the BNP (news April 29) I suggest they go one step further and
      implement a ban on Conservative party members.

PMID- 27656980
TI  - Notice board.
AB  - Courses, events, grants, and awards to progress your career.

PMID- 27656979
TI  - Repayment scheme could stop some bursary system abuses.
AB  - As a mature student, I would not have been able to afford to join a pre
      registration nursing course without receiving a bursary.

PMID- 27656981
TI  - Keeping it local.
AB  - As primary care trusts (PCTs) divide up their commissioning and provider
      functions, community health services are embroiled in another major
      reorganisation. Despite apprehension, some community nurses are anticipating
      exciting opportunities.

PMID- 27656983
TI  - LIG report causing confusion.
AB  - The London Implementation Group's widely-leaked report on specialty services in
      the capital is due to be published this week, causing further confusion and
      uncertainty for nurses who believed their hospitals were safe from the threat of
      closure under Tomlinson.

PMID- 27656982
TI  - Rhetoric versus reality.
AB  - There are few winners in the London rationalisation exercise, other than the
      hordes of management consultants invading almost every hospital in the Capital.
      With the result of the six specialty reviews due to be announced this week,
      nurses at the Royal Marsden, Harefield and Bart's will certainly not count
      themselves on the winning side.

PMID- 27656984
TI  - Review of complaints procedures.
AB  - The Health Secretary has announced an independent review of NHS complaints
      procedures, in a move welcomed by the RCN and the UKCC.

PMID- 27656985
TI  - Policies and prizes as ICN Congress kicks off in Madrid.
AB  - Nurses from more than 80 countries gathered in Madrid this week for the 20th
      Quadrennial Congress of the International Council of Nurses.

PMID- 27656986
TI  - DNs in sight of success in grade cut campaign.
AB  - District nurses in Liverpool looked close to victory last week in their seven
      month campaign against plans to halve the number of G grade sisters.

PMID- 27656987
TI  - Trades union outrage over 'sweeteners'.
AB  - Nursing unions have condemned an 'outrageous' amendment to the government's trade
      union legislation that will allow employers to offer 'sweeteners' to staff who
      give up union membership.

PMID- 27656988
TI  - ?
AB  - Bop Nurse: Chief Nursing Officer Yvonne Moores joined health visitors and
      children in a stretch workout at the Piazza, Covent Garden, to launch Community
      Healthcare Week, organised by the Health Visitors Association and the Scottish
      HVA.

PMID- 27656989
TI  - Plan threatens CPN links with patients.
AB  - MPs have been warned that compulsory medication of psychiatric patients in the
      community will be disastrous for community psychiatric nursing.

PMID- 27656990
TI  - Strike call rejected over pay limits.
AB  - COHSE members have rejected a call for strike action over the government's 1.5
      percent pay limits.

PMID- 27656991
TI  - Whistleblowers should go straight to their MPs.
AB  - Nurses should sidestep the government's new 'gagger's charter' by going straight
      to their MPs with concerns about poor conditions, delegates heard. In an
      emergency statement to the COHSE conference, the new whistleblowers' guidelines,
      launched two weeks ago, were dubbed by the statement as a 'cynical PR exercise'.

PMID- 27656992
TI  - End speculation on RNMH future role.
AB  - Tlie final conference of COHSE has called for the 'never ending speculation' on
      the future of mental handicap nursing to be brought to a halt.

PMID- 27656994
TI  - Confusion over conflicting advice on vitamin K.
AB  - The RCN has backed the use of oral vitamin K for newborn babies after research
      showed a possible link between intramuscular preparations of the drug and
      childhood cancer.

PMID- 27656996
TI  - ?
AB  - Mother Teresa of Calcutta addressed the Nursing Faculty at the Royal College of
      Surgeons in Ireland recently after receiving an Honorary Fellowship from the
      college. Pictured with her (above) is Jean Bartley. Dean of the Faculty.

PMID- 27656997
TI  - Ireland.
AB  - Condom vending machines are slowly being introduced across the Republic of
      Ireland after new legislation was introduced to allow' them to be installed in
      pubs, hotels and shops.

PMID- 27656998
TI  - New Zealand.
AB  - The New Zealand government has abandoned plans to charge patients up to L20 for
      overnight stays in hospital. The decision comes at a sensitive time for the
      government, in the run up to the November general election.

PMID- 27656999
TI  - United States.
AB  - Nurses are being made redundant and replaced by unqualified staff as health care
      reforms leave hospitals facing an uncertain financial future, the American
      Nurses' Association claimed recently.

PMID- 27657002
TI  - DNR confusion blamed on poor communication.
AB  - Poor documentation and inadequate communication between doctors and nurses could
      explain why nurses are frequently not aware of 'Do Not Resuscitate' (DNR) orders
      in patient records, a study has found.

PMID- 27657000
TI  - Terminally ill patients should be allowed to the with dignity.

PMID- 27657003
TI  - Resources used on those most likely to benefit.
AB  - Computer-based outcome predictions can alter patient management in neurosurgical
      units and help staff to concentrate resources on those patients most likely to
      benefit.

PMID- 27657004
TI  - Twins more likely to be born with cerebral palsy.
AB  - Cerebral palsy is more likely among twins and children of low birthweight,
      according to a new survey by Action Research.

PMID- 27657005
TI  - Agents for change.
AB  - Agency nursing is not always perceived as part of the mainstream of the
      profession. But even if nurses have not worked 'on the agency' themselves, they
      will certainly work alongside agency nurses at some point.

PMID- 27657006
TI  - A glittering prize.
AB  - Dame Sheila Quinn, former President of the RCN, has become the first UK recipient
      of the Christiane Reimann Prize, often dubbed the 'Nobel Prize for Nursing'.

PMID- 27657007
TI  - The need to unite.
AB  - Why is there still no national neonatal screening programme? Why has the
      government failed to issue specific guidelines concerning the management of
      sickle cell? Why do sicklers still have to pay prescription charges? Why are
      counsellors living on shoestring funding, unable to plan for the medium and long
      term?

PMID- 27657008
TI  - ?
AB  - * The author of Victim of false accusations (Viewpoint, June 9) set out the
      distress caused to her by ill-founded or false accusations of professional
      misconduct.

PMID- 27657009
TI  - Gagged by false misconduct claims.
AB  - Joe Winters (Speak up, Viewpoint, June 9) answers his own question when he asks
      why nurses are so reluctant to speak up for themselves. Fear of retribution, from
      employers and through misuse of the UKCC Code of Conduct complaints procedure, is
      the problem.

PMID- 27657010
TI  - Time to get away from generalisations.
AB  - The research quoted in your news item (AIDS: P2000 tailing students, June 2),
      should be challenged on the grounds of over-generalisation and possible
      inaccuracy.

PMID- 27657011
TI  - Short shrift for abbreviations.
AB  - Could you please spell out the abbreviations in Nursing Standard's articles?

PMID- 27657013
TI  - Information exchange.
AB  - * My sister, who is a care nurse at a local nursing home, has told me of the
      apparent lack of tailored computer software for this particular type of nursing.

PMID- 27657012
TI  - ?
AB  - * Phillip Woodrow recently saw fit to compare the Project 2000 course to learning
      to drive by sitting in the back seat of a car and watching others do the work
      (Letters, May 26).

PMID- 27657014
TI  - Peter Kavanagh.
AB  - It is with deep sadness that I report news of the death of Peter Kavanagh,
      registrar at the Norfolk College of Nursing and Midwifery, Norwich.

PMID- 27657016
TI  - Bereavement and Adaptation M P Cleiren Bereavement and Adaptation Hemisphere
      296pp L20 1-56032-279-9.
AB  - There is a growing awareness among those involved in health-related research that
      Europeans must overcome language barriers in order to share knowledge and ideas.

PMID- 27657017
TI  - Counselling P Burnard Counselling Buttcrworth/Heinemann 212pp L11.95 0-7506-0643
      6.
AB  - Counselling: A Guide to Practice in Nursing, Philip Burnard says it is 'for any
      nurse who works with patients', with the view that patients, like ourselves, have
      a variety of problems and nurses often feel they cannot talk to them.

PMID- 27657015
TI  - With thanks for all your support.
AB  - May I thank the many friends and colleagues who have written to me during recent
      weeks. I am gradually replying to everybody individually.

PMID- 27657018
TI  - The Art of Counselling R May The Art of Counselling Souvenir 192pp L7.99 0-285
      65099-8.
AB  - Rollo May's The Art of Counselling is an established textbook in the US which has
      recently been distributed in a British edition. The text is rooted firmly in
      May's considerable experiences as a counsellor and teacher, and is organised in
      three parts.

PMID- 27657019
TI  - Listings.
AB  - Nursing Standard regrets that it is no longer able to take listings over the
      telephone because of unprecedented demand. Readers are reminded that the listings
      section is for the use of charitable and professional organisations, unions and
      health authorities to publicise forthcoming events. Listings should contain all
      relevant details and be posted or faxed to Susan Bloodivorth, Nursing Standard,
      Viking House, 17-19 Peterborough Road, Harrow, Middlesex HA1 2AX. Pax: 081-423
      3867.

PMID- 27657020
TI  - Molecular Modeling Studies of 11beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1
      Inhibitors through Receptor-Based 3D-QSAR and Molecular Dynamics Simulations.
AB  - 11beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11beta-HSD1) is a potential target
      for the treatment of numerous human disorders, such as diabetes, obesity, and
      metabolic syndrome. In this work, molecular modeling studies combining molecular
      docking, 3D-QSAR, MESP, MD simulations and free energy calculations were
      performed on pyridine amides and 1,2,4-triazolopyridines as 11beta-HSD1
      inhibitors to explore structure-activity relationships and structural requirement
      for the inhibitory activity. 3D-QSAR models, including CoMFA and CoMSIA, were
      developed from the conformations obtained by docking strategy. The derived
      pharmacophoric features were further supported by MESP and Mulliken charge
      analyses using density functional theory. In addition, MD simulations and free
      energy calculations were employed to determine the detailed binding process and
      to compare the binding modes of inhibitors with different bioactivities. The
      binding free energies calculated by MM/PBSA showed a good correlation with the
      experimental biological activities. Free energy analyses and per-residue energy
      decomposition indicated the van der Waals interaction would be the major driving
      force for the interactions between an inhibitor and 11beta-HSD1. These unified
      results may provide that hydrogen bond interactions with Ser170 and Tyr183 are
      favorable for enhancing activity. Thr124, Ser170, Tyr177, Tyr183, Val227, and
      Val231 are the key amino acid residues in the binding pocket. The obtained
      results are expected to be valuable for the rational design of novel potent
      11beta-HSD1 inhibitors.

PMID- 27657021
TI  - Two New Clerodane Diterpenes from Tinospora sagittata.
AB  - Two new clerodane-type diterpenes, tinosporins C (1) and tinosporins D (2) were
      isolated from the stems of Tinospora sagittata (Oliv.), together with three known
      ones, columbin (3), tinophylloloside (4), and tinospinoside D (5). The structures
      of these compounds were determined on the basis of spectroscopic data
      interpretation, with that of the absolute configuration of compound 1 was
      assigned by experimental and calculated ECD spectra. The cytotoxicity and alpha
      glucosidase inhibitory activities of isolated compounds were evaluated in vitro.

PMID- 27657022
TI  - Comparison of the Antioxidant Effects of Quercitrin and Isoquercitrin:
      Understanding the Role of the 6"-OH Group.
AB  - The role of the 6"-OH (omega-OH) group in the antioxidant activity of flavonoid
      glycosides has been largely overlooked. Herein, we selected quercitrin (quercetin
      3-O-rhamnoside) and isoquercitrin (quercetin-3-O-glucoside) as model compounds to
      investigate the role of the 6"-OH group in several antioxidant pathways,
      including Fe2+-binding, hydrogen-donating (H-donating), and electron-transfer
      (ET). The results revealed that quercitrin and isoquercitrin both exhibited dose
      dependent antioxidant activities. However, isoquercitrin showed higher levels of
      activity than quercitrin in the Fe2+-binding, ET-based ferric ion reducing
      antioxidant power, and multi-pathways-based superoxide anion-scavenging assays.
      In contrast, quercitrin exhibited greater activity than isoquercitrin in an H
      donating-based 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging assay. Finally,
      in a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl assay based on an oxidatively
      damaged mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) model, isoquercitrin performed more
      effectively as a cytoprotector than quercitrin. Based on these results, we
      concluded that (1) quercitrin and isoquercitrin can both indirectly (i.e., Fe2+
      chelating or Fe2+-binding) and directly participate in the scavenging of reactive
      oxygen species (ROS) to protect MSCs against ROS-induced oxidative damage; (2)
      the 6"-OH group in isoquercitrin enhanced its ET and Fe2+-chelating abilities and
      lowered its H-donating abilities via steric hindrance or H-bonding compared with
      quercitrin; and (3) isoquercitrin exhibited higher ROS scavenging activity than
      quercitrin, allowing it to improve protect MSCs against ROS-induced oxidative
      damage.

PMID- 27657023
TI  - On the Effect of Microwave Energy on Lipase-Catalyzed Polycondensation Reactions.
AB  - Microwave energy (MWe) is, nowadays, widely used as a clean synthesis tool to
      improve several chemical reactions, such as drug molecule synthesis, carbohydrate
      conversion and biomass pyrolysis. On the other hand, its exploitation in
      enzymatic reactions has only been fleetingly investigated and, hence, further
      study of MWe is required to reach a precise understanding of its potential in
      this field. Starting from the authors' experience in clean synthesis and
      biocatalyzed reactions, this study sheds light on the possibility of using MWe
      for enhancing enzyme-catalyzed polycondensation reactions and pre-polymer
      formation. Several systems and set ups were investigated involving bulk and
      organic media (solution phase) reactions, different enzymatic preparations and
      various starting bio-based monomers. Results show that MWe enables the
      biocatalyzed synthesis of polyesters and pre-polymers in a similar way to that
      reported using conventional heating with an oil bath, but in a few cases, notably
      bulk phase polycondensations under intense microwave irradiation, MWe leads to a
      rapid enzyme deactivation.

PMID- 27657024
TI  - Asiatic Acid Attenuates Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury via Akt/GSK
      3beta/HIF-1alpha Signaling in Rat H9c2 Cardiomyocytes.
AB  - Myocardial ischemic/reperfusion injury results from severe impairment of coronary
      blood supply and leads to irreversible cell death, with limited therapeutic
      possibilities. Asiatic acid is a pentacyclic triterpenoid derived from the
      tropical medicinal plant Centella asiatica and serves a variety of bioactivities.
      In this study, we determined the effect of asiatic acid on myocardial
      ischemia/reperfusion injury and investigated the underlying mechanisms, using an
      in vitro rat H9c2 cardiomyocytes model of oxygen-glucose
      deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) injury. Results showed that pre-treatment with
      asiatic acid significantly augmented cell viability and prevented lactate
      dehydrogenase (LDH) release in a concentration-dependent manner after OGD/R
      exposure. Asiatic acid at 10 MUM effectively inhibited apoptotic cell death,
      suppressed the activities of caspase-3 and caspase-9, and reversed Bax/Bcl-2
      ratio in hypoxic H9c2 cells. In addition, asiatic acid improved mitochondrial
      function, as evidenced by reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation,
      enhanced mitochondrial membrane potential and decreased intracellular calcium
      concentration. Using Western blot assay, we found that asiatic acid promoted the
      phosphorylation of Akt and subsequent inactivation of glycogen synthase kinase
      3beta (GSK-3beta), and induced the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha
      (HIF-1alpha) after OGD/R. The cardioprotective effects of asiatic acid were
      attenuated by the Akt or HIF-1alpha inhibitor. Taken together, these data
      suggested that asiatic acid exerted protective effects against OGD/R-induced
      apoptosis in cardiomyocytes, at least partly via the Akt/GSK-3beta/HIF-1alpha
      pathway.

PMID- 27657025
TI  - The Use of Mass Spectrometric Techniques to Differentiate Isobaric and Isomeric
      Flavonoid Conjugates from Axyris amaranthoides.
AB  - Flavonoids are a group of compounds that are commonly found in various plants,
      where they play important roles in many processes, including free radical
      scavenging and UV protection. These compounds can also act as chemical
      messengers, physiological regulators or protectants against pathogens in the
      defense reactions of plants. Flavonoid activity is regulated by the addition of
      various substituents, usually mono- or oligosaccharides of common sugars, such as
      glucose, rhamnose or galactose. In some plants, glucuronic acid is attached, and
      this sugar is often acylated by phenylpropanoic acids. Identification of these
      compounds and their derivatives is of great importance to understanding their
      role in plant metabolism and defense mechanisms; this research is important
      because flavonoids are frequently a significant constituent of the human diet. In
      this study, we identify the flavonoid conjugates present in Axyris amaranthoides
      L. extracts and demonstrate the usefulness of high-resolution mass spectrometry
      (HRMS) analyzers for the differentiation of isobaric compounds and the utility of
      fragmentation spectra for the differentiation of isomeric structures. According
      to our knowledge, some of the structures, especially dehydrodiferulated
      conjugates of tricin, whose structures are proposed here have been found for the
      first time in plant material.

PMID- 27657026
TI  - Therapeutic Effects of Phytochemicals and Medicinal Herbs on Chemotherapy-Induced
      Peripheral Neuropathy.
AB  - Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a frequent adverse effect of
      neurotoxic anticancer medicines. It leads to autonomic and somatic system
      dysfunction and decreases the patient's quality of life. This side effect
      eventually causes chemotherapy non-compliance. Patients are prompted to seek
      alternative treatment options since there is no conventional remedy for CIPN. A
      range of medicinal herbs have multifarious effects, and they have shown some
      evidence of efficacy in various neurological and immunological diseases. While
      CIPN has multiple mechanisms of neurotoxicity, these phytomedicines might offer
      neuronal protection or regeneration with the multiple targets in CIPN. Thus far,
      researchers have investigated the therapeutic benefits of several herbs, herbal
      formulas, and phytochemicals in preventing the onset and progress of CIPN in
      animals and humans. Here, we summarize current knowledge regarding the role of
      phytochemicals, herb extracts, and herbal formulas in alleviating CIPN.

PMID- 27657027
TI  - Digital Gene Expression Profiling to Explore Differentially Expressed Genes
      Associated with Terpenoid Biosynthesis during Fruit Development in Litsea cubeba.
AB  - Mountain pepper (Litseacubeba (Lour.) Pers.) (Lauraceae) is an important
      industrial crop as an ingredient in cosmetics, pesticides, food additives and
      potential biofuels. These properties are attributed to monoterpenes and
      sesquiterpenes. However, there is still no integrated model describing
      differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in terpenoid biosynthesis during
      the fruit development of L. cubeba. Here, we performed digital gene expression
      (DGE) using the Illumina NGS platform to evaluated changes in gene expression
      during fruit development in L. cubeba. DGE generated expression data for
      approximately 19354 genes. Fruit at 60 days after flowering (DAF) served as the
      control, and a total of 415, 1255, 449 and 811 up-regulated genes and 505, 1351,
      1823 and 1850 down-regulated genes were identified at 75, 90, 105 and 135 DAF,
      respectively. Pathway analysis revealed 26 genes involved in terpenoid
      biosynthesis pathways. Three DEGs had continued increasing or declining trends
      during the fruit development. The quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) results of
      five differentially expressed genes were consistent with those obtained from
      Illumina sequencing. These results provide a comprehensive molecular biology
      background for research on fruit development, and information that should aid in
      metabolic engineering to increase the yields of L. cubeba essential oil.

PMID- 27657028
TI  - Delivery of RNAi Therapeutics to the Airways-From Bench to Bedside.
AB  - RNA interference (RNAi) is a potent and specific post-transcriptional gene
      silencing process. Since its discovery, tremendous efforts have been made to
      translate RNAi technology into therapeutic applications for the treatment of
      different human diseases including respiratory diseases, by manipulating the
      expression of disease-associated gene(s). Similar to other nucleic acid-based
      therapeutics, the major hurdle of RNAi therapy is delivery. Pulmonary delivery is
      a promising approach of delivering RNAi therapeutics directly to the airways for
      treating local conditions and minimizing systemic side effects. It is a non
      invasive route of administration that is generally well accepted by patients.
      However, pulmonary drug delivery is a challenge as the lungs pose a series of
      anatomical, physiological and immunological barriers to drug delivery.
      Understanding these barriers is essential for the development an effective RNA
      delivery system. In this review, the different barriers to pulmonary drug
      delivery are introduced. The potential of RNAi molecules as new class of
      therapeutics, and the latest preclinical and clinical studies of using RNAi
      therapeutics in different respiratory conditions are discussed in details. We
      hope this review can provide some useful insights for moving inhaled RNAi
      therapeutics from bench to bedside.

PMID- 27657030
TI  - The Suppressive Effects of Cinnamomi Cortex and Its Phytocompound Coumarin on
      Oxaliplatin-Induced Neuropathic Cold Allodynia in Rats.
AB  - Oxaliplatin, a chemotherapy drug, induces acute peripheral neuropathy
      characterized by cold allodynia, spinal glial activation and increased levels of
      pro-inflammatory cytokines. Herein, we determined whether Cinnamomi Cortex (C.
      Cortex), a widely used medicinal herb in East Asia for cold-related diseases,
      could attenuate oxaliplatin-induced cold allodynia in rats and the mechanisms
      involved. A single oxaliplatin injection (6 mg/kg, i.p.) induced significant cold
      allodynia signs based on tail immersion tests using cold water (4  degrees C).
      Daily oral administration of water extract of C. Cortex (WECC) (100, 200, and 400
      mg/kg) for five consecutive days following an oxaliplatin injection dose
      dependently alleviated cold allodynia with only a slight difference in efficacies
      between the middle dose at 200 mg/kg and the highest dose at 400 mg/kg. WECC at
      200 mg/kg significantly suppressed the activation of astrocytes and microglia and
      decreased the expression levels of IL-1beta and TNF in the spinal cord after
      injection with oxaliplatin. Furthermore, oral administration of coumarin (10
      mg/kg), a major phytocompound of C. Cortex, markedly reduced cold allodynia.
      These results indicate that C. Cortex has a potent anti-allodynic effect in
      oxaliplatin-injected rats through inhibiting spinal glial cells and pro
      inflammatory cytokines. We also suggest that coumarin might play a role in the
      anti-allodynic effect of C. Cortex.

PMID- 27657029
TI  - Effect of Phyllanthus amarus Extract on 5-Fluorouracil-Induced Perturbations in
      Ribonucleotide and Deoxyribonucleotide Pools in HepG2 Cell Line.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the antitumor activities of Phyllanthus
      amarus (PHA) and its potential of herb-drug interactions with 5-Fluorouracil (5
      FU). Cell viability, ribonucleotides (RNs) and deoxyribonucleotides (dRNs)
      levels, cell cycle distribution, and expression of thymidylate synthase (TS) and
      ribonucleotide reductase (RR) proteins were measured with 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol
      2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, high performance liquid
      chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS/MS) method, flow cytometry and
      Western blot analysis, respectively. Our standardized PHA extract showed toxicity
      to HepG2 cells at high concentrations after 72 h exposure and induced G2/M cell
      cycle arrest. Combined use of 5-FU with PHA resulted in significant decreases in
      ATP, CTP, GTP, UTP and dTTP levels, while AMP, CMP, GMP and dUMP levels increased
      significantly compared with use of 5-FU alone. Further, PHA could increase the
      role of cell cycle arrest at S phase induced by 5-FU. Although PHA alone had no
      direct impact on TS and RR, PHA could change the levels of RNs and dRNs when
      combined with 5-FU. This may be due to cell cycle arrest or regulation of key
      enzyme steps in intracellular RNs and dRNs metabolism.

PMID- 27657031
TI  - Silver Nanocomposite Biosynthesis: Antibacterial Activity against Multidrug
      Resistant Strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii.
AB  - Bacterial resistance is an emerging public health issue that is disseminated
      worldwide. Silver nanocomposite can be an alternative strategy to avoid Gram
      positive and Gram-negative bacteria growth, including multidrug-resistant
      strains. In the present study a silver nanocomposite was synthesized, using a new
      green chemistry process, by the addition of silver nitrate (1.10-3 mol.L-1) into
      a fermentative medium of Xanthomonas spp. to produce a xanthan gum polymer.
      Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to evaluate the shape and size of
      the silver nanoparticles obtained. The silver ions in the nanocomposite were
      quantified by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The antibacterial
      activity of the nanomaterial against Escherichia coli (ATCC 22652), Enterococcus
      faecalis (ATCC 29282), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) and Staphylococcus
      aureus (ATCC 25923) was carried out using 500 mg of silver nanocomposite.
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii multidrug-resistant strains,
      isolated from hospitalized patients were also included in the study. The
      biosynthesized silver nanocomposite showed spherical nanoparticles with sizes
      smaller than 10 nm; 1 g of nanocomposite contained 49.24 ug of silver. Multidrug
      resistant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii, and the
      other Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria tested, were sensitive to the
      silver nanocomposite (10-12.9 mm of inhibition zone). The biosynthesized silver
      nanocomposite seems to be a promising antibacterial agent for different
      applications, namely biomedical devices or topical wound coatings.

PMID- 27657033
TI  - Effects of Dihydrophaseic Acid 3'-O-beta-d-Glucopyranoside Isolated from Lycii
      radicis Cortex on Osteoblast Differentiation.
AB  - Our previous study showed that ethanol extract of Lyciiradicis cortex (LRC)
      prevented the loss of bone mineral density in ovariectomized mice by promoting
      the differentiation of osteoblast linage cells. Here, we performed fractionation
      and isolation of the bioactive compound(s) responsible for the bone formation
      enhancing effect of LRC extract. A known sesquiterpene glucoside,
      (1'R,3'S,5'R,8'S,2Z,4E)-dihydrophaseic acid 3'-O-beta-d-glucopyranoside
      (abbreviated as DPA3G), was isolated from LRC extract and identified as a
      candidate constituent. We investigated the effects of DPA3G on osteoblast and
      osteoclast differentiation, which play fundamental roles in bone formation and
      bone resorption, respectively, during bone remodeling. The DPA3G fraction
      treatment in mesenchymal stem cell line C3H10T1/2 and preosteoblast cell line
      MC3T3-E1 significantly enhanced cell proliferation and alkaline phosphatase
      activity in both cell lines compared to the untreated control cells. Furthermore,
      DPA3G significantly increased mineralized nodule formation and the mRNA
      expression of osteoblastogenesis markers, Alpl, Runx2, and Bglap, in MC3T3-E1
      cells. The DPA3G treatment, however, did not influence osteoclast differentiation
      in primary-cultured monocytes of mouse bone marrow. Because osteoblastic and
      osteoclastic precursor cells coexist in vivo, we tested the DPA3G effects under
      the co-culture condition of MC3T3-E1 cells and monocytes. Remarkably, DPA3G
      enhanced not only osteoblast differentiation of MC3T3-El cells but also
      osteoclast differentiation of monocytes, indicating that DPA3G plays a role in
      the maintenance of the normal bone remodeling balance. Our results suggest that
      DPA3G may be a good candidate for the treatment of osteoporosis.

PMID- 27657032
TI  - Virtual Screening for Potential Allosteric Inhibitors of Cyclin-Dependent Kinase
      2 from Traditional Chinese Medicine.
AB  - Cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), a member of Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs),
      plays an important role in cell division and DNA replication. It is regarded as a
      desired target to treat cancer and tumor by interrupting aberrant cell
      proliferation. Compared to lower subtype selectivity of CDK2 ATP-competitive
      inhibitors, CDK2 allosteric inhibitor with higher subtype selectivity has been
      used to treat CDK2-related diseases. Recently, the first crystal structure of
      CDK2 with allosteric inhibitor has been reported, which provides new
      opportunities to design pure allosteric inhibitors of CDK2. The binding site of
      the ATP-competition inhibitors and the allosteric inhibitors are partially
      overlapped in space position, so the same compound might interact with the two
      binding sites. Thus a novel screening strategy was essential for the discovery of
      pure CDK2 allosteric inhibitors. In this study, pharmacophore and molecular
      docking were used to screen potential CDK2 allosteric inhibitors and ATP
      competition inhibitors from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In the docking
      result of the allosteric site, the compounds which can act with the CDK2 ATP site
      were discarded, and the remaining compounds were regarded as the potential pure
      allosteric inhibitors. Among the results, prostaglandin E1 and
      nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) were available and their growth inhibitory
      effect on human HepG2 cell lines was determined by MTT assay. The two compounds
      could substantially inhibit the growth of HepG2 cell lines with an estimated IC50
      of 41.223 MUmol/L and 45.646 MUmol/L. This study provides virtual screening
      strategy of allosteric compounds and a reliable method to discover potential pure
      CDK2 allosteric inhibitors from TCM. Prostaglandin E1 and NDGA could be regarded
      as promising candidates for CDK2 allosteric inhibitors.

PMID- 27657034
TI  - Optimized Conditions for Passerini-Smiles Reactions and Applications to
      Benzoxazinone Syntheses.
AB  - Initial conditions disclosed for the Passerini-Smiles reaction are associated
      with a lack of efficiency that has prevented chemists from using it since its
      discovery. We wish to report herein our thorough study in the development of new
      experimental conditions for this coupling between electron-poor phenols,
      isocyanides, and carbonyl derivatives. These new conditions have been applied to
      several synthetic strategies towards benzoxazinones.

PMID- 27657035
TI  - Promiscuous Effects of Some Phenolic Natural Products on Inflammation at Least in
      Part Arise from Their Ability to Modulate the Expression of Global Regulators,
      Namely microRNAs.
AB  - Recent years have seen the exploration of a puzzling number of compounds found in
      human diet that could be of interest for prevention or treatment of various
      pathologies. Although many of these natural products (NPs) have long been used as
      remedies, their molecular effects still remain elusive. With the advent of
      biotechnology revolution, NP studies turned from chemistry and biochemistry
      toward global analysis of gene expression. Hope is to use genetics to identify
      groups of patient for whom certain NPs or their derivatives may offer new
      preventive or therapeutic treatments. Recently, microRNAs have gained the statute
      of global regulators controlling cell homeostasis by regulating gene expression
      through genetic and epigenetic regulatory loops. Realization that certain plant
      polyphenols can modify microRNA expression and thus impact gene expression
      globally, initiated new, mainly in vitro studies, in particular to determine
      phytochemicals effects on inflammatory response, whose exacerbation has been
      linked to several disorders including cancer, auto-immune, metabolic,
      cardiovascular and neuro-inflammatory diseases. However, very few mechanistic
      insights have been provided, given the complexity of genetic regulatory networks
      implicated. In this review, we will concentrate on data showing the potential
      interest of some plant polyphenols in manipulating the expression of pro- and
      anti-inflammatory microRNAs in pathological conditions.

PMID- 27657036
TI  - Antiangiogenic Effects of VH02, a Novel Urea Derivative: In Vitro and in Vivo
      Studies.
AB  - Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) is a vital target for
      therapeutic intervention in cancer. We have recently described a computer-based
      drug design for a small molecule VEGFR2 inhibitor named VH02 (1-((1-(1H-indazol-6
      yl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)-3-(3-chloromethylphenyl)urea). This study aimed
      to further explore the anti-angiogenic activity of VH02 both in vitro and in
      vivo. The in vitro assays include cell viability, capillary-like tube formation,
      MMP activity, and western blot analyses of signaling through VEGFR2 while the in
      vivo anti-angiogenic response were performed to evaluate the effect on
      vascularization in Matrigel plug applied in C57BL/6L mice. VH02 reduced
      angiogenesis behavior of EA.hy926 including cell viability, migration, adhesion,
      capillary-like tube formation, and MMP-2 activity induced by VEGF. Furthermore,
      VH02 regulated angiogenesis by directly inhibiting VEGFR2 on Tyr1175 signaling
      pathway leading to the inhibition of Akt-mediated cell survival and migration.
      Disruption of phosphorylation at VEGFR2-Tyr1175 by VH02 abolished FAK-Tyr397
      signaling but not phosphorylation of p38 MAPK. This suggests that blockade of FAK
      by VH02 apparently associated with reduction of endothelial cell motility. Actin
      cytoskeleton rearrangement was diminished by VH02 in human endothelial cells. The
      anti-angiogenic effect of VH02 was confirmed in the in vivo model, revealing the
      reduction of vascular density in Matrigel plug after VH02 treatment.
      Additionally, the pericyte-like cells surrounding blood vessels in the plugs were
      significantly reduced as well as vascular density and p-Akt intensity. Our
      findings indicate that VH02 successfully inhibits VEGF-induced angiogenesis both
      in vitro and in vivo models. The compound could be further developed as an
      antiangiogenesis agent for cancer therapy.

PMID- 27657037
TI  - The Anticonvulsant Activity of a Flavonoid-Rich Extract from Orange Juice
      Involves both NMDA and GABA-Benzodiazepine Receptor Complexes.
AB  - The usage of dietary supplements and other natural products to treat neurological
      diseases has been growing over time, and accumulating evidence suggests that
      flavonoids possess anticonvulsant properties. The aim of this study was to
      examine the effects of a flavonoid-rich extract from orange juice (OJe) in some
      rodent models of epilepsy and to explore its possible mechanism of action. The
      genetically audiogenic seizures (AGS)-susceptible DBA/2 mouse, the
      pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures in ICR-CD1 mice and the WAG/Rij rat as
      a genetic model of absence epilepsy with comorbidity of depression were used. Our
      results demonstrate that OJe was able to exert anticonvulsant effects on AGS
      sensible DBA/2 mice and to inhibit PTZ-induced tonic seizures, increasing their
      latency. Conversely, it did not have anti-absence effects on WAG/Rij rats. Our
      experimental findings suggest that the anti-convulsant effects of OJe are likely
      mediated by both an inhibition of NMDA receptors at the glycine-binding site and
      an agonistic activity on benzodiazepine-binding site at GABAA receptors. This
      study provides evidences for the antiepileptic activity of OJe, and its results
      could be used as scientific basis for further researches aimed to develop novel
      complementary therapy for the treatment of epilepsy in a context of a multitarget
      pharmacological strategy.

PMID- 27657038
TI  - New Oral Formulation and in Vitro Evaluation of Docetaxel-Loaded Nanomicelles.
AB  - Intravenous administration of Taxotere(r) (a commercial form of docetaxel, DTX)
      leads to many problems such as hypersensitivity, hemolysis, cutaneous allergy,
      and patient refusal due to its prolonged injection. The oral absorption of DTX is
      very low due to its hydrophobic nature. The purpose of this study was to prepare
      and carry out an in vitro evaluation of DTX-loaded nanomicelles for oral
      administration in order to increase the oral delivery of DTX. Studied
      formulations were prepared with the two surfactants Tween 20 and Tween 80 and
      were characterized for their particle size, zeta potential, stability,
      encapsulation efficiency, stability studies in gastric fluid and intestinal
      fluid, toxicity studies in C26 colon carcinoma cell line, and cellular uptake.
      The prepared nanomicelles with particle size of around 14 nm and encapsulation
      efficiency of 99% were stable in gastric fluid and intestinal fluid for at least
      6 h and IC50 decreased significantly after 72 h exposure compared to that of
      Taxotere(r). Nanomicelles increased the water solubility of DTX more than 1500
      times (10 mg/mL in nanomicelles compared to 6 ug/mL in water). Results of this
      study reveal that the new formulation of DTX could be used for the oral delivery
      of DTX and merits further investigation.

PMID- 27657039
TI  - Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside: Physical-Chemistry, Foodomics and Health Effects.
AB  - Anthocyanins (ACNs) are plant secondary metabolites from the flavonoid family.
      Red to blue fruits are major dietary sources of ACNs (up to 1 g/100 g FW), being
      cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (Cy3G) one of the most widely distributed. Cy3G confers a
      red hue to fruits, but its content in raspberries and strawberries is low. It has
      a good radical scavenging capacity (RSC) against superoxide but not hydroxyl
      radicals, and its oxidative potential is pH-dependent (58 mV/pH unit). After
      intake, Cy3G can be metabolized (phases I, II) by oral epithelial cells, absorbed
      by the gastric epithelium (1%-10%) and it is gut-transformed (phase II &
      microbial metabolism), reaching the bloodstream (<1%) and urine (about 0.02%) in
      low amounts. In humans and Caco-2 cells, Cy3G's major metabolites are
      protocatechuic acid and phloroglucinaldehyde which are also subjected to entero
      hepatic recycling, although caffeic acid and peonidin-3-glucoside seem to be
      strictly produced in the large bowel and renal tissues. Solid evidence supports
      Cy3G's bioactivity as DNA-RSC, gastro protective, anti-inflammatory, anti
      thrombotic chemo-preventive and as an epigenetic factor, exerting protection
      against Helicobacter pylori infection, age-related diseases, type 2 diabetes,
      cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome and oral cancer. Most relevant
      mechanisms include RSC, epigenetic action, competitive protein-binding and enzyme
      inhibition. These and other novel aspects on Cy3G's physical-chemistry,
      foodomics, and health effects are discussed.

PMID- 27657040
TI  - Correction: G. Bradley Schaefer. Clinical Genetic Aspects of ASD Spectrum
      Disorders. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2016, 17, 180.
AB  - The author wishes to make a change to the published paper [1].[...].

PMID- 27657041
TI  - DNA Interaction Studies of Selected Polyamine Conjugates.
AB  - The interaction of polyamine conjugates with DNA double helix has been studied.
      Binding properties were examined by ethidium bromide (EtBr) displacement and DNA
      unwinding/topoisomerase I/II (Topo I/II) activity assays, as well as dsDNA
      thermal stability studies and circular dichroism spectroscopy. Genotoxicity of
      the compounds was estimated by a comet assay. It has been shown that only
      compound 2a can interact with dsDNA via an intercalative binding mode as it
      displaced EtBr from the dsDNA-dye complex, with Kapp = 4.26 * 106 M-1; caused an
      increase in melting temperature; changed the circular dichroism spectrum of
      dsDNA; converted relaxed plasmid DNA into a supercoiled molecule in the presence
      of Topo I and reduced the amount of short oligonucleotide fragments in the comet
      tail. Furthermore, preliminary theoretical study has shown that interaction of
      the discussed compounds with dsDNA depends on molecule linker length and charge
      distribution over terminal aromatic chromophores.

PMID- 27657042
TI  - Effect of Thyrotropin on Osteopontin, Integrin alphavbeta3, and VCAM-1 in the
      Endothelium via Activation of Akt.
AB  - Numerous epidemiological studies have shown that subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH)
      can impair endothelial function and cause dyslipidemia. Studies have evaluated
      the effects of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) on endothelial cells, but the
      mechanism underlying the proatherosclerotic effect of increased TSH levels
      remains unclear. In the present study, SCH rat models were established in
      thyroidectomized Wistar rats that were given L-T4 daily. The results showed that
      in vivo, the expression of osteopontin (OPN) vascular cell adhesion molecule
      (VCAM-1), and levels of integrin alphavbeta3 in the aortic tissue in SCH and
      Hypothyroidism (CH) groups was higher than in the control group. However, the
      effect in the SCH group was higher than in the CH group. In vitro, results showed
      that different concentration and time gradients of TSH stimulation could increase
      the expression of OPN, VCAM-1, and integrin alphavbeta3, and this was accompanied
      by extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 (Erk1/2) and Akt activation in human
      umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). TSH induced elevation of these
      proatherosclerotic factors was partially suppressed by a specific Akt inhibitor
      but not by a specific Erk inhibitor. Findings suggested that the endothelial
      dysfunction caused by SCH was related to increased proatherosclerotic factors
      induced by TSH via Akt activation.

PMID- 27657043
TI  - Recent Advances in Antimicrobial Polymers: A Mini-Review.
AB  - Human safety and well-being is threatened by microbes causing numerous infectious
      diseases resulting in a large number of deaths every year. Despite substantial
      progress in antimicrobial drugs, many infectious diseases remain difficult to
      treat. Antimicrobial polymers offer a promising antimicrobial strategy for
      fighting pathogens and have received considerable attention in both academic and
      industrial research. This mini-review presents the advances made in antimicrobial
      polymers since 2013. Antimicrobial mechanisms exhibiting either passive or active
      action and polymer material types containing bound or leaching antimicrobials are
      introduced. This article also addresses the applications of these antimicrobial
      polymers in the medical, food, and textile industries.

PMID- 27657045
TI  - Salinity-Induced Variation in Biochemical Markers Provides Insight into the
      Mechanisms of Salt Tolerance in Common (Phaseolus vulgaris) and Runner (P.
      coccineus) Beans.
AB  - The evaluation of biochemical markers is important for the understanding of the
      mechanisms of tolerance to salinity of Phaseolus beans. We have evaluated several
      growth parameters in young plants of three Phaseolus vulgaris cultivars subjected
      to four salinity levels (0, 50, 100, and 150 mM NaCl); one cultivar of P.
      coccineus, a closely related species reported as more salt tolerant than common
      bean, was included as external reference. Biochemical parameters evaluated in
      leaves of young plants included the concentrations of ions (Na+, K+, and Cl-),
      osmolytes (proline, glycine betaine, and total soluble sugars), and individual
      soluble carbohydrates. Considerable differences were found among cultivars,
      salinity levels, and in their interaction for most traits. In general, the linear
      component of the salinity factor for the growth parameters and biochemical
      markers was the most important. Large differences in the salinity response were
      found, with P. vulgaris cultivars "The Prince" and "Maxidor" being, respectively,
      the most susceptible and tolerant ones. Our results support that salt stress
      tolerance in beans is mostly based on restriction of Na+ (and, to a lesser
      extent, also of Cl-) transport to shoots, and on the accumulation of myo-inositol
      for osmotic adjustment. These responses to stress during vegetative growth appear
      to be more efficient in the tolerant P. vulgaris cultivar "Maxidor". Proline
      accumulation is a reliable marker of the level of salt stress affecting Phaseolus
      plants, but does not seem to be directly related to stress tolerance mechanisms.
      These results provide useful information on the responses to salinity of
      Phaseolus.

PMID- 27657044
TI  - Clinical Application of Circulating Tumour Cells in Prostate Cancer: From Bench
      to Bedside and Back.
AB  - Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men worldwide. To improve future
      drug development and patient management, surrogate biomarkers associated with
      relevant outcomes are required. Circulating tumour cells (CTCs) are tumour cells
      that can enter the circulatory system, and are principally responsible for the
      development of metastasis at distant sites. In recent years, interest in
      detecting CTCs as a surrogate biomarker has ghiiukjrown. Clinical studies have
      revealed that high levels of CTCs in the blood correlate with disease progression
      in patients with prostate cancer; however, their predictive value for monitoring
      therapeutic response is less clear. Despite the important progress in CTC
      clinical development, there are critical requirements for the implementation of
      their analysis as a routine oncology tool. The goal of the present review is to
      provide an update on the advances in the clinical validation of CTCs as a
      surrogate biomarker and to discuss the principal obstacles and main challenges to
      their inclusion in clinical practice.

PMID- 27657047
TI  - Alliin Attenuated RANKL-Induced Osteoclastogenesis by Scavenging Reactive Oxygen
      Species through Inhibiting Nox1.
AB  - The healthy skeleton requires a perfect coordination of the formation and
      degradation of bone. Metabolic bone disease like osteoporosis is resulted from
      the imbalance of bone formation and/or bone resorption. Osteoporosis also
      reflects lower level of bone matrix, which is contributed by up-regulated
      osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. It is reported that monocytes/macrophage
      progenitor cells or either hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) gave rise to
      multinucleated osteoclasts. Thus, inhibition of osteoclastic bone resorption
      generally seems to be a predominant therapy for treating osteoporosis. Recently,
      more and more natural compounds have been discovered, which have the ability of
      inhibiting osteoclast differentiation and fusion. Alliin (S-allyl-l-cysteine
      sulfoxides, SACSO) is the major component of aged garlic extract (AGE), bearing
      broad-spectrum natural antioxidant properties. However, its effects on bone
      health have not yet been explored. Hence, we designed the current study to
      explore its effects and role in receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB
      ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast fusion and differentiation. It was revealed
      that alliin had an inhibitory effect in osteoclasteogenesis with a dose-dependent
      manner via blocking the c-Fos-NFATc1 signaling pathway. In addition, alliin
      decreased the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and down-regulated the
      expression of NADPH oxidase 1 (Nox1). The overall results revealed that alliin
      could be a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of osteoporosis.

PMID- 27657048
TI  - Metabolomics Analysis of the Larval Head of the Silkworm, Bombyx mori.
AB  - The head, which performs many biological functions, is the most complicated
      structure of an insect. Development, locomotor behavior, food intake,
      environmental sensing, and signal transduction are all controlled by the insect's
      head. As a well-studied insect in Lepidoptera, the silkworm head has an
      additional function of spinning silk fibers. To understand which molecules are
      involved in these physiological activities, we performed a metabolomics analysis
      of silkworm heads. By integrating GC-MS and LC-MS/MS, 90 metabolites were
      identified in the larval heads of silkworms. These were classified into 13
      categories, including amino acids, sugars, organic acids, nucleotides, alcohols,
      and fatty acids. Informatics analysis revealed that these metabolites are
      involved in cellular processes, environmental information processing, genetic
      information processing, human diseases, metabolism, organismal systems, and other
      pathways. The identified metabolites and pathways are involved in biological
      processes such as signal transduction, carbohydrate metabolism, endocrine
      activities, and sensory activities; reflecting the functions of various organs in
      silkworm heads. Thus, our findings provide references which elucidate the
      potential functions of the silkworm head and will be of great value for the
      metabolomics research of silkworms and other insects.

PMID- 27657046
TI  - Neuroprotection, Growth Factors and BDNF-TrkB Signalling in Retinal Degeneration.
AB  - Neurotrophic factors play key roles in the development and survival of neurons.
      The potent neuroprotective effects of neurotrophic factors, including brain
      derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), glial
      cell-line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF),
      suggest that they are good therapeutic candidates for neurodegenerative diseases.
      Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease of the eye that causes irreversible
      blindness. It is characterized by damage to the optic nerve, usually due to high
      intraocular pressure (IOP), and progressive degeneration of retinal neurons
      called retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Current therapy for glaucoma focuses on
      reduction of IOP, but neuroprotection may also be beneficial. BDNF is a powerful
      neuroprotective agent especially for RGCs. Exogenous application of BDNF to the
      retina and increased BDNF expression in retinal neurons using viral vector
      systems are both effective in protecting RGCs from damage. Furthermore, induction
      of BDNF expression by agents such as valproic acid has also been beneficial in
      promoting RGC survival. In this review, we discuss the therapeutic potential of
      neurotrophic factors in retinal diseases and focus on the differential roles of
      glial and neuronal TrkB in neuroprotection. We also discuss the role of
      neurotrophic factors in neuroregeneration.

PMID- 27657050
TI  - Pre-Analytical Considerations for Successful Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS):
      Challenges and Opportunities for Formalin-Fixed and Paraffin-Embedded Tumor
      Tissue (FFPE) Samples.
AB  - In cancer drug discovery, it is important to investigate the genetic determinants
      of response or resistance to cancer therapy as well as factors that contribute to
      adverse events in the course of clinical trials. Despite the emergence of new
      technologies and the ability to measure more diverse analytes (e.g., circulating
      tumor cell (CTC), circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), etc.), tumor tissue is still the
      most common and reliable source for biomarker investigation. Because of its
      worldwide use and ability to preserve samples for many decades at ambient
      temperature, formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor tissue (FFPE) is likely to
      be the preferred choice for tissue preservation in clinical practice for the
      foreseeable future. Multiple analyses are routinely performed on the same FFPE
      samples (such as Immunohistochemistry (IHC), in situ hybridization, RNAseq,
      DNAseq, TILseq, Methyl-Seq, etc.). Thus, specimen prioritization and optimization
      of the isolation of analytes is critical to ensure successful completion of each
      assay. FFPE is notorious for producing suboptimal DNA quality and low DNA yield.
      However, commercial vendors tend to request higher DNA sample mass than what is
      actually required for downstream assays, which restricts the breadth of biomarker
      work that can be performed. We evaluated multiple genomics service laboratories
      to assess the current state of NGS pre-analytical processing of FFPE. Significant
      differences in pre-analytical capabilities were observed. Key aspects are
      highlighted and recommendations are made to improve the current practice in
      translational research.

PMID- 27657049
TI  - Reactivities of Quinone Methides versus o-Quinones in Catecholamine Metabolism
      and Eumelanin Biosynthesis.
AB  - Melanin is an important biopolymeric pigment produced in a vast majority of
      organisms. Tyrosine and its hydroxylated product, dopa, form the starting
      material for melanin biosynthesis. Earlier studies by Raper and Mason resulted in
      the identification of dopachrome and dihydroxyindoles as important intermediates
      and paved way for the establishment of well-known Raper-Mason pathway for the
      biogenesis of brown to black eumelanins. Tyrosinase catalyzes the oxidation of
      tyrosine as well as dopa to dopaquinone. Dopaquinone thus formed, undergoes
      intramolecular cyclization to form leucochrome, which is further oxidized to
      dopachrome. Dopachrome is either converted into 5,6-dihydroxyindole by
      decarboxylative aromatization or isomerized into 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic
      acid. Oxidative polymerization of these two dihydroxyindoles eventually produces
      eumelanin pigments via melanochrome. While the role of quinones in the
      biosynthetic pathway is very well acknowledged, that of isomeric quinone
      methides, however, remained marginalized. This review article summarizes the key
      role of quinone methides during the oxidative transformation of a vast array of
      catecholamine derivatives and brings out the importance of these transient
      reactive species during the melanogenic process. In addition, possible reactions
      of quinone methides at various stages of melanogenesis are discussed.

PMID- 27657052
TI  - Alterations in Serum Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Eicosanoids in Patients with
      Mild to Moderate Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
AB  - Smoking is a major risk factor for several diseases including chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease (COPD). To better understand the systemic effects of cigarette
      smoke exposure and mild to moderate COPD-and to support future biomarker
      development-we profiled the serum lipidomes of healthy smokers, smokers with mild
      to moderate COPD (GOLD stages 1 and 2), former smokers, and never-smokers (n = 40
      per group) (ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT01780298). Serum lipidome
      profiling was conducted with untargeted and targeted mass spectrometry-based
      lipidomics. Guided by weighted lipid co-expression network analysis, we
      identified three main trends comparing smokers, especially those with COPD, with
      non-smokers: a general increase in glycero(phospho)lipids, including
      triglycerols; changes in fatty acid desaturation (decrease in omega-3
      polyunsaturated fatty acids, and an increase in monounsaturated fatty acids); and
      an imbalance in eicosanoids (increase in 11,12- and 14,15-DHETs
      (dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids), and a decrease in 9- and 13-HODEs
      (hydroxyoctadecadienoic acids)). The lipidome profiles supported classification
      of study subjects as smokers or non-smokers, but were not sufficient to
      distinguish between smokers with and without COPD. Overall, our study yielded
      further insights into the complex interplay between smoke exposure, lung disease,
      and systemic alterations in serum lipid profiles.

PMID- 27657053
TI  - Protein Kinases and Parkinson's Disease.
AB  - Currently, the lack of new drug candidates for the treatment of major
      neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease has intensified the search for
      drugs that can be repurposed or repositioned for such treatment. Typically, the
      search focuses on drugs that have been approved and are used clinically for other
      indications. Kinase inhibitors represent a family of popular molecules for the
      treatment and prevention of various cancers, and have emerged as strong
      candidates for such repurposing because numerous serine/threonine and tyrosine
      kinases have been implicated in the pathobiology of Parkinson's disease. This
      review focuses on various kinase-dependent pathways associated with the
      expression of Parkinson's disease pathology, and evaluates how inhibitors of
      these pathways might play a major role as effective therapeutic molecules.

PMID- 27657054
TI  - Candida antarctica Lipase B Immobilized onto Chitin Conjugated with POSS(r)
      Compounds: Useful Tool for Rapeseed Oil Conversion.
AB  - A new method is proposed for the production of a novel chitin-polyhedral
      oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) enzyme support. Analysis by such techniques as
      X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the
      effective functionalization of the chitin surface. The resulting hybrid carriers
      were used in the process of immobilization of the lipase type b from Candida
      antarctica (CALB). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the
      effective immobilization of the enzyme. The tests of the catalytic activity
      showed that the resulting support-biocatalyst systems remain hydrolytically
      active (retention of the hydrolytic activity up to 87% for the chitin + Methacryl
      POSS(r) cage mixture (MPOSS) + CALB after 24 h of the immobilization), as well as
      represents good thermal and operational stability, and retain over 80% of its
      activity in a wide range of temperatures (30-60  degrees C) and pH (6-9). Chitin
      POSS-lipase systems were used in the transesterification processes of rapeseed
      oil at various reaction conditions. Produced systems allowed the total conversion
      of the oil to fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) and glycerol after 24 h of the
      process at pH 10 and a temperature 40  degrees C, while the Methacryl POSS(r)
      cage mixture (MPOSS) was used as a chitin-modifying agent.

PMID- 27657056
TI  - Differential Impact of Hyperglycemia in Critically Ill Patients: Significance in
      Acute Myocardial Infarction but Not in Sepsis?
AB  - Hyperglycemia is a common condition in critically ill patients admitted to an
      intensive care unit (ICU). These patients represent an inhomogeneous collective
      and hyperglycemia might need different evaluation depending on the underlying
      disorder. To elucidate this, we investigated and compared associations of severe
      hyperglycemia (>200 mg/dL) and mortality in patients admitted to an ICU for acute
      myocardial infarction (AMI) or sepsis as the two most frequent admission
      diagnoses. From 2006 to 2009, 2551 patients 69 (58-77) years; 1544 male; 337
      patients suffering from type 2 diabetes (T2DM)) who were admitted because of
      either AMI or sepsis to an ICU in a tertiary care hospital were investigated
      retrospectively. Follow-up of patients was performed between May 2013 and
      November 2013. In a Cox regression analysis, maximum glucose concentration at the
      day of admission was associated with mortality in the overall cohort (HR = 1.006,
      95% CI: 1.004-1.009; p < 0.001) and in patients suffering from myocardial
      infarction (HR = 1.101, 95% CI: 1.075-1.127; p < 0.001) but only in trend in
      patients admitted to an ICU for sepsis (HR = 1.030, 95% CI: 0.998-1.062; p =
      0.07). Severe hyperglycemia was associated with adverse intra-ICU mortality in
      the overall cohort (23% vs. 13%; p < 0.001) and patients admitted for AMI (15%
      vs. 5%; p < 0.001) but not for septic patients (39% vs. 40%; p = 0.48). A medical
      history of type 2 diabetes (n = 337; 13%) was not associated with increased intra
      ICU mortality (15% vs. 15%; p = 0.93) but in patients with severe hyperglycemia
      and/or a known medical history of type 2 diabetes considered in combination, an
      increased mortality in AMI patients (intra-ICU 5% vs. 13%; p < 0.001) but not in
      septic patients (intra-ICU 38% vs. 41%; p = 0.53) could be evidenced. The
      presence of hyperglycemia in critically ill patients has differential impact
      within the different etiological groups. Hyperglycemia in AMI patients might
      identify a sicker patient collective suffering from pre-diabetes or undiagnosed
      diabetes with its' known adverse consequences, especially in the long-term.
      Hyperglycemia in sepsis might be considered as adaptive survival mechanism to
      hypo-perfusion and consecutive lack of glucose in peripheral cells. AMI patients
      with hyperglycemic derailment during an ICU-stay should be closely followed-up
      and extensively screened for diabetes to improve patients' outcome.

PMID- 27657051
TI  - Molecular Pathogenesis of NASH.
AB  - Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the main cause of chronic liver disease in
      the Western world and a major health problem, owing to its close association with
      obesity, diabetes, and the metabolic syndrome. NASH progression results from
      numerous events originating within the liver, as well as from signals derived
      from the adipose tissue and the gastrointestinal tract. In a fraction of NASH
      patients, disease may progress, eventually leading to advanced fibrosis,
      cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Understanding the mechanisms leading to
      NASH and its evolution to cirrhosis is critical to identifying effective
      approaches for the treatment of this condition. In this review, we focus on some
      of the most recent data reported on the pathogenesis of NASH and its fibrogenic
      progression, highlighting potential targets for treatment or identification of
      biomarkers of disease progression.

PMID- 27657057
TI  - New Phase of Growth for Xenogeneic-Based Bioartificial Organs.
AB  - In this article, we examine the advanced clinical development of bioartificial
      organs and describe the challenges to implementing such systems into patient
      care. The case for bioartificial organs is evident: they are meant to reduce
      patient morbidity and mortality caused by the persistent shortage of organs
      available for allotransplantation. The widespread introduction and adoption of
      bioengineered organs, incorporating cells and tissues derived from either human
      or animal sources, would help address this shortage. Despite the decades of
      development, the variety of organs studied and bioengineered, and continuous
      progress in the field, only two bioengineered systems are currently commercially
      available: Apligraf(r) and Dermagraft(r) are both approved by the FDA to treat
      diabetic foot ulcers, and Apligraf(r) is approved to treat venous leg ulcers.
      Currently, no products based on xenotransplantation have been approved by the
      FDA. Risk factors include immunological barriers and the potential infectivity of
      porcine endogenous retrovirus (PERV), which is unique to xenotransplantation.
      Recent breakthroughs in gene editing may, however, mitigate risks related to
      PERV. Because of its primary role in interrupting progress in
      xenotransplantation, we present a risk assessment for PERV infection, and
      conclude that the formerly high risk has been reduced to a moderate level.
      Advances in gene editing, and more broadly in the field, may make it more likely
      than ever before that bioartificial organs will alleviate the suffering of
      patients with organ failure.

PMID- 27657055
TI  - Structure-Based Reverse Vaccinology Failed in the Case of HIV Because it
      Disregarded Accepted Immunological Theory.
AB  - Two types of reverse vaccinology (RV) should be distinguished: genome-based RV
      for bacterial vaccines and structure-based RV for viral vaccines. Structure-based
      RV consists in trying to generate a vaccine by first determining the
      crystallographic structure of a complex between a viral epitope and a
      neutralizing monoclonal antibody (nMab) and then reconstructing the epitope by
      reverse molecular engineering outside the context of the native viral protein. It
      is based on the unwarranted assumption that the epitope designed to fit the nMab
      will have acquired the immunogenic capacity to elicit a polyclonal antibody
      response with the same protective capacity as the nMab. After more than a decade
      of intensive research using this type of RV, this approach has failed to deliver
      an effective, preventive HIV-1 vaccine. The structure and dynamics of different
      types of HIV-1 epitopes and of paratopes are described. The rational design of an
      anti-HIV-1 vaccine is shown to be a misnomer since investigators who claim that
      they design a vaccine are actually only improving the antigenic binding capacity
      of one epitope with respect to only one paratope and not the immunogenic capacity
      of an epitope to elicit neutralizing antibodies. Because of the degeneracy of the
      immune system and the polyspecificity of antibodies, each epitope studied by the
      structure-based RV procedure is only one of the many epitopes that the particular
      nMab is able to recognize and there is no reason to assume that this nMab must
      have been elicited by this one epitope of known structure. Recent evidence is
      presented that the trimeric Env spikes of the virus possess such an enormous
      plasticity and intrinsic structural flexibility that it is it extremely difficult
      to determine which Env regions are the best candidate vaccine immunogens most
      likely to elicit protective antibodies.

PMID- 27657058
TI  - Cancer Cell Fusion: Mechanisms Slowly Unravel.
AB  - Although molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways driving invasion and
      metastasis have been studied for many years, the origin of the population of
      metastatic cells within the primary tumor is still not well understood. About a
      century ago, Aichel proposed that cancer cell fusion was a mechanism of cancer
      metastasis. This hypothesis gained some support over the years, and recently
      became the focus of many studies that revealed increasing evidence pointing to
      the possibility that cancer cell fusion probably gives rise to the metastatic
      phenotype by generating widespread genetic and epigenetic diversity, leading to
      the emergence of critical populations needed to evolve resistance to the
      treatment and development of metastasis. In this review, we will discuss the
      clinical relevance of cancer cell fusion, describe emerging mechanisms of cancer
      cell fusion, address why inhibiting cancer cell fusion could represent a critical
      line of attack to limit drug resistance and to prevent metastasis, and suggest
      one new modality for doing so.

PMID- 27657060
TI  - McDonald Criteria 2010 and 2005 Compared: Persistence of High Oligoclonal Band
      Prevalence Despite Almost Doubled Diagnostic Sensitivity.
AB  - The 2010 McDonald criteria were developed to allow a more rapid diagnosis of
      relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) by only one MRI of the brain.
      Although cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is not a mandatory part of the latest
      criteria, the evidence of an intrathecal humoral immunoreaction in the form of
      oligoclonal bands (OCB) is crucial in the diagnostic workup. To date, the impact
      of the 2010 McDonald criteria on the prevalence of OCB has not been investigated.
      We retrospectively evaluated data of 325 patients with a clinical relapse
      suggestive of demyelination that were treated in a German university hospital
      between 2010 and 2015. One hundred thirty-six patients (42%) were diagnosed with
      MS and 189 patients with CIS when the criteria of 2010 were applied. The criteria
      of 2005 allowed only 70 patients (22%) to be designated as MS. In contrast, the
      prevalence of OCB was marginal affected in MS patients with 96% for the criteria
      of 2010 and 98.5% for the criteria of 2005. In conclusion, OCB are prevalent in
      most MS patients and reflect the chronic inflammatory nature of the disease. We
      recommend CSF examination to exclude alternative diagnoses and reevaluation of
      the diagnosis MS in patients with negative OCB.

PMID- 27657063
TI  - A Sparsity-Promoted Decomposition for Compressed Fault Diagnosis of Roller
      Bearings.
AB  - The traditional approaches for condition monitoring of roller bearings are almost
      always achieved under Shannon sampling theorem conditions, leading to a big-data
      problem. The compressed sensing (CS) theory provides a new solution to the big
      data problem. However, the vibration signals are insufficiently sparse and it is
      difficult to achieve sparsity using the conventional techniques, which impedes
      the application of CS theory. Therefore, it is of great significance to promote
      the sparsity when applying the CS theory to fault diagnosis of roller bearings.
      To increase the sparsity of vibration signals, a sparsity-promoted method called
      the tunable Q-factor wavelet transform based on decomposing the analyzed signals
      into transient impact components and high oscillation components is utilized in
      this work. The former become sparser than the raw signals with noise eliminated,
      whereas the latter include noise. Thus, the decomposed transient impact
      components replace the original signals for analysis. The CS theory is applied to
      extract the fault features without complete reconstruction, which means that the
      reconstruction can be completed when the components with interested frequencies
      are detected and the fault diagnosis can be achieved during the reconstruction
      procedure. The application cases prove that the CS theory assisted by the tunable
      Q-factor wavelet transform can successfully extract the fault features from the
      compressed samples.

PMID- 27657059
TI  - Multiplex Gene Expression Profiling of 16 Target Genes in Neoplastic and Non
      Neoplastic Canine Mammary Tissues Using Branched-DNA Assay.
AB  - Mammary gland tumors are one of the most common neoplasms in female dogs, and
      certain breeds are prone to develop the disease. The use of biomarkers in canines
      is still restricted to research purposes. Therefore, the necessity to analyze
      gene profiles in different mammary entities in large sample sets is evident in
      order to evaluate the strength of potential markers serving as future prognostic
      factors. The aim of the present study was to analyze the gene expression of 16
      target genes (BRCA1, BRCA2, FOXO3, GATA4, HER2, HMGA1, HMGA2, HMGB1, MAPK1,
      MAPK3, MCL1, MYC, PFDN5, PIK3CA, PTEN, and TP53) known to be involved in human
      and canine mammary neoplasm development. Expression was analyzed in 111 fresh
      frozen (FF) and in 170 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens of
      neoplastic and non-neoplastic canine mammary tissues using a multiplexed branched
      DNA (b-DNA) assay. TP53, FOXO3, PTEN, and PFDN5 expression revealed consistent
      results with significant low expression in malignant tumors. The possibility of
      utilizing them as predictive factors as well as for assisting in the choice of an
      adequate gene therapy may help in the development of new and improved approaches
      in canine mammary tumors.

PMID- 27657062
TI  - Anthocyanin Attenuates Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiomyotoxicity via Estrogen
      Receptor-alpha/beta and Stabilizes HSF1 to Inhibit the IGF-IIR Apoptotic Pathway.
AB  - Doxorubicin (Dox) is extensively used for chemotherapy in different types of
      cancer, but its use is limited to because of its cardiotoxicity. Our previous
      studies found that doxorubicin-induced insulin-like growth factor II receptor
      (IGF-IIR) accumulation causes cardiomyocytes apoptosis via down-regulation of
      HSF1 pathway. In these studies, we demonstrated a new mechanism through which
      anthocyanin protects cardiomyoblast cells against doxorubicin-induced injury. We
      found that anthocyanin decreased IGF-IIR expression via estrogen receptors and
      stabilized heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) to inhibit caspase 3 activation and
      apoptosis of cardiomyocytes. Therefore, the phytoestrogen from plants has been
      considered as another potential treatment for heart failure. It has been reported
      that the natural compound anthocyanin (ACN) has the ability to reduce the risk of
      cardiovascular disease (CVD). Here, we demonstrated that anthocyanin acts as a
      cardioprotective drug against doxorubicin-induced heart failure by attenuating
      cardiac apoptosis via estrogen receptors to stabilize HSF1 expression and down
      regulated IGF-IIR-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis.

PMID- 27657061
TI  - Involvement of Ca2+ Signaling in the Synergistic Effects between Muscarinic
      Receptor Antagonists and beta2-Adrenoceptor Agonists in Airway Smooth Muscle.
AB  - Long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs) and short-acting beta2-adrenoceptor
      agonists (SABAs) play important roles in remedy for COPD. To propel a
      translational research for development of bronchodilator therapy, synergistic
      effects between SABAs with LAMAs were examined focused on Ca2+ signaling using
      simultaneous records of isometric tension and F340/F380 in fura-2-loaded tracheal
      smooth muscle. Glycopyrronium (3 nM), a LAMA, modestly reduced methacholine (1
      MUM)-induced contraction. When procaterol, salbutamol and SABAs were applied in
      the presence of glycopyrronium, relaxant effects of these SABAs are markedly
      enhanced, and percent inhibition of tension was much greater than the sum of
      those for each agent and those expected from the BI theory. In contrast, percent
      inhibition of F340/F380 was not greater than those values. Bisindolylmaleimide,
      an inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC), significantly increased the relaxant
      effect of LAMA without reducing F340/F380. Iberiotoxin, an inhibitor of large
      conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (KCa) channels, significantly suppressed the
      effects of these combined agents with reducing F340/F380. In conclusion,
      combination of SABAs with LAMAs synergistically enhances inhibition of muscarinic
      contraction via decreasing both Ca2+ sensitization mediated by PKC and Ca2+
      dynamics mediated by KCa channels. PKC and KCa channels may be molecular targets
      for cross talk between beta2-adrenoceptors and muscarinic receptors.

PMID- 27657064
TI  - Potential Seasonal Terrestrial Water Storage Monitoring from GPS Vertical
      Displacements: A Case Study in the Lower Three-Rivers Headwater Region, China.
AB  - This study uses the observed vertical displacements of Global Positioning System
      (GPS) time series obtained from the Crustal Movement Observation Network of China
      (CMONOC) with careful pre- and post-processing to estimate the seasonal crustal
      deformation in response to the hydrological loading in lower three-rivers
      headwater region of southwest China, followed by inferring the annual EWH changes
      through geodetic inversion methods. The Helmert Variance Component Estimation
      (HVCE) and the Minimum Mean Square Error (MMSE) criterion were successfully
      employed. The GPS inferred EWH changes agree well qualitatively with the Gravity
      Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE)-inferred and the Global Land Data
      Assimilation System (GLDAS)-inferred EWH changes, with a discrepancy of 3.2-3.9
      cm and 4.8-5.2 cm, respectively. In the research areas, the EWH changes in the
      Lancang basin is larger than in the other regions, with a maximum of 21.8-24.7 cm
      and a minimum of 3.1-6.9 cm.

PMID- 27657065
TI  - Spatial Ecology of Estuarine Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) Nesting in a
      Fragmented Landscape.
AB  - The role that oil palm plays in the Lower Kinabatangan region of Eastern Sabah is
      of considerable scientific and conservation interest, providing a model habitat
      for many tropical regions as they become increasingly fragmented. Crocodilians,
      as apex predators, widely distributed throughout the tropics, are ideal indicator
      species for ecosystem health. Drones (or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)) were
      used to identify crocodile nests in a fragmented landscape. Flights were targeted
      through the use of fuzzy overlay models and nests located primarily in areas
      indicated as suitable habitat. Nests displayed a number of similarities in terms
      of habitat characteristics allowing for refined modelling of survey locations. As
      well as being more cost-effective compared to traditional methods of nesting
      survey, the use of drones also enabled a larger survey area to be completed
      albeit with a limited number of flights. The study provides a methodology for
      targeted nest surveying, as well as a low-cost repeatable flight methodology.
      This approach has potential for widespread applicability across a range of
      species and for a variety of study designs.

PMID- 27657066
TI  - FGG-NUFFT-Based Method for Near-Field 3-D Imaging Using Millimeter Waves.
AB  - In this paper, to deal with the concealed target detection problem, an accurate
      and efficient algorithm for near-field millimeter wave three-dimensional (3-D)
      imaging is proposed that uses a two-dimensional (2-D) plane antenna array. First,
      a two-dimensional fast Fourier transform (FFT) is performed on the scattered data
      along the antenna array plane. Then, a phase shift is performed to compensate for
      the spherical wave effect. Finally, fast Gaussian gridding based nonuniform FFT
      (FGG-NUFFT) combined with 2-D inverse FFT (IFFT) is performed on the nonuniform 3
      D spatial spectrum in the frequency wavenumber domain to achieve 3-D imaging. The
      conventional method for near-field 3-D imaging uses Stolt interpolation to obtain
      uniform spatial spectrum samples and performs 3-D IFFT to reconstruct a 3-D
      image. Compared with the conventional method, our FGG-NUFFT based method is
      comparable in both efficiency and accuracy in the full sampled case and can
      obtain more accurate images with less clutter and fewer noisy artifacts in the
      down-sampled case, which are good properties for practical applications. Both
      simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the FGG-NUFFT-based near
      field 3-D imaging algorithm can have better imaging performance than the
      conventional method for down-sampled measurements.

PMID- 27657067
TI  - Modeling and Implementation of Multi-Position Non-Continuous Rotation Gyroscope
      North Finder.
AB  - Even when the Global Positioning System (GPS) signal is blocked, a rate gyroscope
      (gyro) north finder is capable of providing the required azimuth reference
      information to a certain extent. In order to measure the azimuth between the
      observer and the north direction very accurately, we propose a multi-position non
      continuous rotation gyro north finding scheme. Our new generalized mathematical
      model analyzes the elements that affect the azimuth measurement precision and can
      thus provide high precision azimuth reference information. Based on the gyro's
      principle of detecting a projection of the earth rotation rate on its sensitive
      axis and the proposed north finding scheme, we are able to deduct an accurate
      mathematical model of the gyro outputs against azimuth with the gyro and shaft
      misalignments. Combining the gyro outputs model and the theory of propagation of
      uncertainty, some approaches to optimize north finding are provided, including
      reducing the gyro bias error, constraining the gyro random error, increasing the
      number of rotation points, improving rotation angle measurement precision,
      decreasing the gyro and the shaft misalignment angles. According them, a north
      finder setup is built and the azimuth uncertainty of 18" is obtained. This paper
      provides systematic theory for analyzing the details of the gyro north finder
      scheme from simulation to implementation. The proposed theory can guide both
      applied researchers in academia and advanced practitioners in industry for
      designing high precision robust north finder based on different types of rate
      gyroscopes.

PMID- 27657068
TI  - Research on the Lift-off Effect of Receiving Longitudinal Mode Guided Waves in
      Pipes Based on the Villari Effect.
AB  - The magnetostrictive guided wave technology as a non-contact measurement can
      generate and receive guided waves with a large lift-off distance up to tens of
      millimeters. However, the lift-off distance of the receiving coil would affect
      the coupling efficiency from the elastic energy to the electromagnetic energy. In
      the existing magnetomechanical models, the change of the magnetic field in the
      air gap was ignored since the permeability of the rod is much greater than that
      of air. The lift-off distance of the receiving coil will not affect the receiving
      signals based on these models. However, the experimental phenomenon is in
      contradiction with these models. To solve the contradiction, the lift-off effect
      of receiving the longitudinal mode guided waves in pipes is investigated based on
      the Villari effect. A finite element model of receiving longitudinal guided waves
      in pipes is obtained based on the Villari effect, which takes into account the
      magnetic field in the pipe wall and the air zone at the same time. The relation
      between the amplitude of the induced signals and the radius (lift-off distance)
      of the receiving coil is obtained, which is verified by experiment. The coupling
      efficiency of the receiver is a monotonic decline with the lift-off distance
      increasing. The decay rate of the low frequency wave is slower than the high
      frequency wave. Additionally, the results show that the rate of change of the
      magnetic flux in the air zone and in the pipe wall is the same order of
      magnitude, but opposite. However, the experimental results show that the error of
      the model in the large lift-off distance is obvious due to the diffusion of the
      magnetic field in the air, especially for the high frequency guided waves.

PMID- 27657069
TI  - Maximum Correntropy Unscented Kalman Filter for Spacecraft Relative State
      Estimation.
AB  - A new algorithm called maximum correntropy unscented Kalman filter (MCUKF) is
      proposed and applied to relative state estimation in space communication
      networks. As is well known, the unscented Kalman filter (UKF) provides an
      efficient tool to solve the non-linear state estimate problem. However, the UKF
      usually plays well in Gaussian noises. Its performance may deteriorate
      substantially in the presence of non-Gaussian noises, especially when the
      measurements are disturbed by some heavy-tailed impulsive noises. By making use
      of the maximum correntropy criterion (MCC), the proposed algorithm can enhance
      the robustness of UKF against impulsive noises. In the MCUKF, the unscented
      transformation (UT) is applied to obtain a predicted state estimation and
      covariance matrix, and a nonlinear regression method with the MCC cost is then
      used to reformulate the measurement information. Finally, the UT is adopted to
      the measurement equation to obtain the filter state and covariance matrix.
      Illustrative examples demonstrate the superior performance of the new algorithm.

PMID- 27657070
TI  - A Novel Passive Wireless Sensor for Concrete Humidity Monitoring.
AB  - This paper presents a passive wireless humidity sensor for concrete monitoring.
      After discussing the transmission of electromagnetic wave in concrete, a novel
      architecture of wireless humidity sensor, based on Ultra-High Frequency (UHF)
      Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, is proposed for low-power
      application. The humidity sensor utilizes the top metal layer to form the
      interdigitated electrodes, which were then filled with polyimide as the humidity
      sensing layer. The sensor interface converts the humidity capacitance into a
      digital signal in the frequency domain. A two-stage rectifier adopts a dynamic
      bias-voltage generator to boost the effective gate-source voltage of the switches
      in differential-drive architecture. The clock generator employs a novel structure
      to reduce the internal voltage swing. The measurement results show that our
      proposed wireless humidity can achieve a high linearity with a normalized
      sensitivity of 0.55% %RH at 20  degrees C. Despite the high losses of concrete,
      the proposed wireless humidity sensor achieves reliable communication
      performances in passive mode. The maximum operating distance is 0.52 m when the
      proposed wireless sensor is embedded into the concrete at the depth of 8 cm. The
      measured results are highly consistent with the results measured by traditional
      methods.

PMID- 27657071
TI  - Combating QR-Code-Based Compromised Accounts in Mobile Social Networks.
AB  - Cyber Physical Social Sensing makes mobile social networks (MSNs) popular with
      users. However, such attacks are rampant as malicious URLs are spread covertly
      through quick response (QR) codes to control compromised accounts in MSNs to
      propagate malicious messages. Currently, there are generally two types of methods
      to identify compromised accounts in MSNs: one type is to analyze the potential
      threats on wireless access points and the potential threats on handheld devices'
      operation systems so as to stop compromised accounts from spreading malicious
      messages; the other type is to apply the method of detecting compromised accounts
      in online social networks to MSNs. The above types of methods above focus neither
      on the problems of MSNs themselves nor on the interaction of sensors' messages,
      which leads to the restrictiveness of platforms and the simplification of
      methods. In order to stop the spreading of compromised accounts in MSNs
      effectively, the attacks have to be traced to their sources first. Through
      sensors, users exchange information in MSNs and acquire information by scanning
      QR codes. Therefore, analyzing the traces of sensor-related information helps to
      identify the compromised accounts in MSNs. This paper analyzes the diversity of
      information sending modes of compromised accounts and normal accounts, analyzes
      the regularity of GPS (Global Positioning System)-based location information, and
      introduces the concepts of entropy and conditional entropy so as to construct an
      entropy-based model based on machine learning strategies. To achieve the goal,
      about 500,000 accounts of Sina Weibo and about 100 million corresponding messages
      are collected. Through the validation, the accuracy rate of the model is proved
      to be as high as 87.6%, and the false positive rate is only 3.7%. Meanwhile, the
      comparative experiments of the feature sets prove that sensor-based location
      information can be applied to detect the compromised accounts in MSNs.

PMID- 27657072
TI  - Fabrication of Micro-Needle Electrodes for Bio-Signal Recording by a
      Magnetization-Induced Self-Assembly Method.
AB  - Micro-needle electrodes (MEs) have attracted more and more attention for
      monitoring physiological electrical signals, including electrode-skin interface
      impedance (EII), electromyography (EMG) and electrocardiography (ECG) recording.
      A magnetization-induced self-assembling method (MSM) was developed to fabricate a
      microneedle array (MA). A MA coated with Ti/Au film was assembled as a ME. The
      fracture and insertion properties of ME were tested by experiments. The bio
      signal recording performance of the ME was measured and compared with a typical
      commercial wet electrode (Ag/AgCl electrode). The results show that the MA self
      assembled from the magnetic droplet array under the sum of gravitational surface
      tension and magnetic potential energies. The ME had good toughness and could
      easily pierce rabbit skin without being broken or buckling. When the compression
      force applied on the ME was larger than 2 N, ME could stably record EII, which
      was a lower value than that measured by Ag/AgCl electrodes. EMG signals collected
      by ME varied along with the contraction of biceps brachii muscle. ME could record
      static ECG signals with a larger amplitude and dynamic ECG signals with more
      distinguishable features in comparison with a Ag/AgCl electrode, therefore, ME is
      an alternative electrode for bio-signal monitoring in some specific situations.

PMID- 27657073
TI  - A Security Mechanism for Cluster-Based WSN against Selective Forwarding.
AB  - A wireless sensor network (WSN) faces a number of outsider and insider attacks,
      and it is difficult to detect and defend against insider attacks. In particular,
      an insider selective-forwarding attack, in which the attackers select some of the
      received packets to drop, most threatens a WSN. Compared to a distributed WSN, a
      cluster-based WSN will suffer more losses, even the whole network's destruction,
      if the cluster head is attacked. In this paper, a scheme solving the above issues
      is proposed with three types of nodes, the Cluster Head (CH), the Inspector Node
      (IN) and Member Nodes (MNs). The IN monitors the CH's transmission to protect the
      cluster against a selective-forwarding attack; the CH forwards packets from MNs
      and other CHs, and randomly checks the IN to ascertain if it works properly; and
      the MNs send the gathered data packets to the CH and evaluate the behaviors of
      the CH and IN based on their own reputation mechanism. The novelty of our scheme
      is that in order to take both the safety and the lifespan of a network into
      consideration, the composite reputation value (CRV) including forwarding rate,
      detecting malicious nodes, and surplus energy of the node is utilized to select
      CH and IN under the new suggested network arrangement, and the use of a node's
      surplus energy can balance the energy consumption of a node, thereby prolonging
      the network lifespan. Theoretical analysis and simulation results indicate that
      the proposed scheme can detect the malicious node accurately and efficiently, so
      the false alarm rate is lowered by 25.7% compared with Watchdog and the network
      lifespan is prolonged by 54.84% compared with LEACH (Low Energy Adaptive
      Clustering Hierarchy).

PMID- 27657074
TI  - A Laser Line Auto-Scanning System for Underwater 3D Reconstruction.
AB  - In this study, a laser line auto-scanning system was designed to perform
      underwater close-range 3D reconstructions with high accuracy and resolution. The
      system changes the laser plane direction with a galvanometer to perform automatic
      scanning and obtain continuous laser strips for underwater 3D reconstruction. The
      system parameters were calibrated with the homography constraints between the
      target plane and image plane. A cost function was defined to optimize the
      galvanometer's rotating axis equation. Compensation was carried out for the
      refraction of the incident and emitted light at the interface. The accuracy and
      the spatial measurement capability of the system were tested and analyzed with
      standard balls under laboratory underwater conditions, and the 3D surface
      reconstruction for a sealing cover of an underwater instrument was proved to be
      satisfactory.

PMID- 27657075
TI  - Increasing the Lifetime of Mobile WSNs via Dynamic Optimization of Sensor Node
      Communication Activity.
AB  - In this paper, a simple and flexible method for increasing the lifetime of fixed
      or mobile wireless sensor networks is proposed. Based on past residual energy
      information reported by the sensor nodes, the sink node or another central node
      dynamically optimizes the communication activity levels of the sensor nodes to
      save energy without sacrificing the data throughput. The activity levels are
      defined to represent portions of time or time-frequency slots in a frame, during
      which the sensor nodes are scheduled to communicate with the sink node to report
      sensory measurements. Besides node mobility, it is considered that sensors'
      batteries may be recharged via a wireless power transmission or equivalent energy
      harvesting scheme, bringing to the optimization problem an even more dynamic
      character. We report large increased lifetimes over the non-optimized network and
      comparable or even larger lifetime improvements with respect to an idealized
      greedy algorithm that uses both the real-time channel state and the residual
      energy information.

PMID- 27657076
TI  - Design of Highly Selective Gas Sensors via Physicochemical Modification of Oxide
      Nanowires: Overview.
AB  - Strategies for the enhancement of gas sensing properties, and specifically the
      improvement of gas selectivity of metal oxide semiconductor nanowire (NW)
      networks grown by chemical vapor deposition and thermal evaporation, are
      reviewed. Highly crystalline NWs grown by vapor-phase routes have various
      advantages, and thus have been applied in the field of gas sensors over the
      years. In particular, n-type NWs such as SnO2, ZnO, and In2O3 are widely studied
      because of their simple synthetic preparation and high gas response. However, due
      to their usually high responses to C2H5OH and NO2, the selective detection of
      other harmful and toxic gases using oxide NWs remains a challenging issue.
      Various strategies-such as doping/loading of noble metals, decorating/doping of
      catalytic metal oxides, and the formation of core-shell structures-have been
      explored to enhance gas selectivity and sensitivity, and are discussed herein.
      Additional methods such as the transformation of n-type into p-type NWs and the
      formation of catalyst-doped hierarchical structures by branch growth have also
      proven to be promising for the enhancement of gas selectivity. Accordingly, the
      physicochemical modification of oxide NWs via various methods provides new
      strategies to achieve the selective detection of a specific gas, and after
      further investigations, this approach could pave a new way in the field of NW
      based semiconductor-type gas sensors.

PMID- 27657077
TI  - Features of a Self-Mixing Laser Diode Operating Near Relaxation Oscillation.
AB  - When a fraction of the light reflected by an external cavity re-enters the laser
      cavity, both the amplitude and the frequency of the lasing field can be
      modulated. This phenomenon is called the self-mixing effect (SME). A self-mixing
      laser diode (SM-LD) is a sensor using the SME. Usually, such LDs operate below
      the stability boundary where no relaxation oscillation happens. The boundary is
      determined by the operation condition including the injection current, optical
      feedback strength and external cavity length. This paper discovers the features
      of an SM-LD where the LD operates beyond the stability boundary, that is, near
      the relaxation oscillation (RO) status. We call the signals from such a SM-LD as
      RO-SM signals to differentiate them from the conventional SM signals reported in
      the literature. Firstly, simulations are made based on the well-known Lang and
      Kobayashi (L-K) equations. Then the experiments are conducted on different LDs to
      verify the simulation results. It shows that a RO-SM signal exhibits high
      frequency oscillation with its amplitude modulated by a slow time varying envelop
      which corresponds to the movement of the external target. The envelope has same
      fringe structure (half-wavelength displacement resolution) with the conventional
      SM signals. However, the amplitudes of the RO-SM signals are much higher compared
      to conventional SM signals. The results presented reveal that an SM-LD operating
      near the RO has potential for achieving sensing with improved sensitivity.

PMID- 27657079
TI  - A Portable Laser Photoacoustic Methane Sensor Based on FPGA.
AB  - A portable laser photoacoustic sensor for methane (CH4) detection based on a
      field-programmable gate array (FPGA) is reported. A tunable distributed feedback
      (DFB) diode laser in the 1654 nm wavelength range is used as an excitation
      source. The photoacoustic signal processing was implemented by a FPGA device. A
      small resonant photoacoustic cell is designed. The minimum detection limit
      (1sigma) of 10 ppm for methane is demonstrated.

PMID- 27657080
TI  - Underdetermined DOA Estimation Using MVDR-Weighted LASSO.
AB  - The direction of arrival (DOA) estimation problem is formulated in a compressive
      sensing (CS) framework, and an extended array aperture is presented to increase
      the number of degrees of freedom of the array. The ordinary least square
      adaptable least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (OLS A-LASSO) is
      applied for the first time for DOA estimation. Furthermore, a new LASSO
      algorithm, the minimum variance distortionless response (MVDR) A-LASSO, which
      solves the DOA problem in the CS framework, is presented. The proposed algorithm
      does not depend on the singular value decomposition nor on the orthogonality of
      the signal and the noise subspaces. Hence, the DOA estimation can be done without
      a priori knowledge of the number of sources. The proposed algorithm can estimate
      up to ( ( M 2 - 2 ) / 2 + M - 1 ) / 2 sources using M sensors without any
      constraints or assumptions about the nature of the signal sources. Furthermore,
      the proposed algorithm exhibits performance that is superior compared to that of
      the classical DOA estimation methods, especially for low signal to noise ratios
      (SNR), spatially-closed sources and coherent scenarios.

PMID- 27657078
TI  - Zwitterionic Surfactant Modified Acetylene Black Paste Electrode for Highly
      Facile and Sensitive Determination of Tetrabromobisphenol A.
AB  - A electrochemical sensor for the highly sensitive detection of
      tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) was fabricated based on acetylene black paste
      electrode (ABPE) modified with 3-(N,N-Dimethylpalmitylammonio) propanesulfonate
      (SB3-16) in this study. The peak current of TBBPA was significantly enhanced at
      SB3-16/ABPE compared with unmodified electrodes. To further improve the
      electrochemical performance of the modified electrode, corresponding experimental
      parameters such as the length of hydrophobic chains of zwitterionic surfactant,
      the concentration of SB3-16, pH value, and accumulation time were examined. The
      peak currents of TBBPA were found to be linearly correlated with its
      concentrations in the range of 1 nM to 1 uM, with a detection limit of 0.4 nM.
      Besides, a possible mechanism was also discussed, and the hydrophobic interaction
      between TBBPA and the surfactants was suggested to take a leading role in
      enhancing the responses. Finally, this sensor was successfully employed to detect
      TBBPA in water samples.

PMID- 27657081
TI  - Collection and Processing of Data from Wrist Wearable Devices in Heterogeneous
      and Multiple-User Scenarios.
AB  - Over recent years, we have witnessed the development of mobile and wearable
      technologies to collect data from human vital signs and activities. Nowadays,
      wrist wearables including sensors (e.g., heart rate, accelerometer, pedometer)
      that provide valuable data are common in market. We are working on the analytic
      exploitation of this kind of data towards the support of learners and teachers in
      educational contexts. More precisely, sleep and stress indicators are defined to
      assist teachers and learners on the regulation of their activities. During this
      development, we have identified interoperability challenges related to the
      collection and processing of data from wearable devices. Different vendors adopt
      specific approaches about the way data can be collected from wearables into third
      party systems. This hinders such developments as the one that we are carrying
      out. This paper contributes to identifying key interoperability issues in this
      kind of scenario and proposes guidelines to solve them. Taking into account these
      topics, this work is situated in the context of the standardization activities
      being carried out in the Internet of Things and Machine to Machine domains.

PMID- 27657083
TI  - Optimization of Stripping Voltammetric Sensor by a Back Propagation Artificial
      Neural Network for the Accurate Determination of Pb(II) in the Presence of
      Cd(II).
AB  - An easy, but effective, method has been proposed to detect and quantify the
      Pb(II) in the presence of Cd(II) based on a Bi/glassy carbon electrode (Bi/GCE)
      with the combination of a back propagation artificial neural network (BP-ANN) and
      square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV) without further electrode
      modification. The effects of Cd(II) in different concentrations on stripping
      responses of Pb(II) was studied. The results indicate that the presence of Cd(II)
      will reduce the prediction precision of a direct calibration model. Therefore, a
      two-input and one-output BP-ANN was built for the optimization of a stripping
      voltammetric sensor, which considering the combined effects of Cd(II) and Pb(II)
      on the SWASV detection of Pb(II) and establishing the nonlinear relationship
      between the stripping peak currents of Pb(II) and Cd(II) and the concentration of
      Pb(II). The key parameters of the BP-ANN and the factors affecting the SWASV
      detection of Pb(II) were optimized. The prediction performance of direct
      calibration model and BP-ANN model were tested with regard to the mean absolute
      error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE), average relative error (ARE), and
      correlation coefficient. The results proved that the BP-ANN model exhibited
      higher prediction accuracy than the direct calibration model. Finally, a real
      samples analysis was performed to determine trace Pb(II) in some soil specimens
      with satisfactory results.

PMID- 27657082
TI  - Intensity-Stabilized Fast-Scanned Direct Absorption Spectroscopy Instrumentation
      Based on a Distributed Feedback Laser with Detection Sensitivity down to 4 * 10
      6.
AB  - A novel, intensity-stabilized, fast-scanned, direct absorption spectroscopy (IS
      FS-DAS) instrumentation, based on a distributed feedback (DFB) diode laser, is
      developed. A fiber-coupled polarization rotator and a fiber-coupled polarizer are
      used to stabilize the intensity of the laser, which significantly reduces its
      relative intensity noise (RIN). The influence of white noise is reduced by fast
      scanning over the spectral feature (at 1 kHz), followed by averaging. By
      combining these two noise-reducing techniques, it is demonstrated that direct
      absorption spectroscopy (DAS) can be swiftly performed down to a limit of
      detection (LOD) (1sigma) of 4 * 10-6, which opens up a number of new
      applications.

PMID- 27657084
TI  - Markov Task Network: A Framework for Service Composition under Uncertainty in
      Cyber-Physical Systems.
AB  - In novel collaborative systems, cooperative entities collaborate services to
      achieve local and global objectives. With the growing pervasiveness of cyber
      physical systems, however, such collaboration is hampered by differences in the
      operations of the cyber and physical objects, and the need for the dynamic
      formation of collaborative functionality given high-level system goals has become
      practical. In this paper, we propose a cross-layer automation and management
      model for cyber-physical systems. This models the dynamic formation of
      collaborative services pursuing laid-down system goals as an ontology-oriented
      hierarchical task network. Ontological intelligence provides the semantic
      technology of this model, and through semantic reasoning, primitive tasks can be
      dynamically composed from high-level system goals. In dealing with uncertainty,
      we further propose a novel bridge between hierarchical task networks and Markov
      logic networks, called the Markov task network. This leverages the efficient
      inference algorithms of Markov logic networks to reduce both computational and
      inferential loads in task decomposition. From the results of our experiments,
      high-precision service composition under uncertainty can be achieved using this
      approach.

PMID- 27657085
TI  - Efficient Data Gathering Methods in Wireless Sensor Networks Using GBTR Matrix
      Completion.
AB  - To obtain efficient data gathering methods for wireless sensor networks (WSNs), a
      novel graph based transform regularized (GBTR) matrix completion algorithm is
      proposed. The graph based transform sparsity of the sensed data is explored,
      which is also considered as a penalty term in the matrix completion problem. The
      proposed GBTR-ADMM algorithm utilizes the alternating direction method of
      multipliers (ADMM) in an iterative procedure to solve the constrained
      optimization problem. Since the performance of the ADMM method is sensitive to
      the number of constraints, the GBTR-A2DM2 algorithm obtained to accelerate the
      convergence of GBTR-ADMM. GBTR-A2DM2 benefits from merging two constraint
      conditions into one as well as using a restart rule. The theoretical analysis
      shows the proposed algorithms obtain satisfactory time complexity. Extensive
      simulation results verify that our proposed algorithms outperform the state of
      the art algorithms for data collection problems in WSNs in respect to recovery
      accuracy, convergence rate, and energy consumption.

PMID- 27657086
TI  - Electronic Nose Testing Procedure for the Definition of Minimum Performance
      Requirements for Environmental Odor Monitoring.
AB  - Despite initial enthusiasm towards electronic noses and their possible
      application in different fields, and quite a lot of promising results, several
      criticalities emerge from most published research studies, and, as a matter of
      fact, the diffusion of electronic noses in real-life applications is still very
      limited. In general, a first step towards large-scale-diffusion of an analysis
      method, is standardization. The aim of this paper is describing the experimental
      procedure adopted in order to evaluate electronic nose performances, with the
      final purpose of establishing minimum performance requirements, which is
      considered to be a first crucial step towards standardization of the specific
      case of electronic nose application for environmental odor monitoring at
      receptors. Based on the experimental results of the performance testing of a
      commercialized electronic nose type with respect to three criteria (i.e.,
      response invariability to variable atmospheric conditions, instrumental detection
      limit, and odor classification accuracy), it was possible to hypothesize a logic
      that could be adopted for the definition of minimum performance requirements,
      according to the idea that these are technologically achievable.

PMID- 27657087
TI  - Digital Platform for Wafer-Level MEMS Testing and Characterization Using
      Electrical Response.
AB  - The uniqueness of microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices, with their
      multiphysics characteristics, presents some limitations to the borrowed test
      methods from traditional integrated circuits (IC) manufacturing. Although some
      improvements have been performed, this specific area still lags behind when
      compared to the design and manufacturing competencies developed over the last
      decades by the IC industry. A complete digital solution for fast testing and
      characterization of inertial sensors with built-in actuation mechanisms is
      presented in this paper, with a fast, full-wafer test as a leading ambition. The
      full electrical approach and flexibility of modern hardware design technologies
      allow a fast adaptation for other physical domains with minimum effort. The
      digital system encloses a processor and the tailored signal acquisition,
      processing, control, and actuation hardware control modules, capable of the
      structure position and response analysis when subjected to controlled actuation
      signals in real time. The hardware performance, together with the simplicity of
      the sequential programming on a processor, results in a flexible and powerful
      tool to evaluate the newest and fastest control algorithms. The system enables
      measurement of resonant frequency (Fr), quality factor (Q), and pull-in voltage
      (Vpi) within 1.5 s with repeatability better than 5 ppt (parts per thousand). A
      full-wafer with 420 devices under test (DUTs) has been evaluated detecting the
      faulty devices and providing important design specification feedback to the
      designers.

PMID- 27657088
TI  - Design and Implementation of Sound Searching Robots in Wireless Sensor Networks.
AB  - A sound target-searching robot system which includes a 4-channel microphone array
      for sound collection, magneto-resistive sensor for declination measurement, and a
      wireless sensor networks (WSN) for exchanging information is described. It has an
      embedded sound signal enhancement, recognition and location method, and a sound
      searching strategy based on a digital signal processor (DSP). As the wireless
      network nodes, three robots comprise the WSN a personal computer (PC) in order to
      search the three different sound targets in task-oriented collaboration. The
      improved spectral subtraction method is used for noise reduction. As the feature
      of audio signal, Mel-frequency cepstral coefficient (MFCC) is extracted. Based on
      the K-nearest neighbor classification method, we match the trained feature
      template to recognize sound signal type. This paper utilizes the improved
      generalized cross correlation method to estimate time delay of arrival (TDOA),
      and then employs spherical-interpolation for sound location according to the TDOA
      and the geometrical position of the microphone array. A new mapping has been
      proposed to direct the motor to search sound targets flexibly. As the sink node,
      the PC receives and displays the result processed in the WSN, and it also has the
      ultimate power to make decision on the received results in order to improve their
      accuracy. The experiment results show that the designed three-robot system
      implements sound target searching function without collisions and performs well.

PMID- 27657089
TI  - A Small Range Six-Axis Accelerometer Designed with High Sensitivity DCB Elastic
      Element.
AB  - This paper describes a small range six-axis accelerometer (the measurement range
      of the sensor is +/-g) with high sensitivity DCB (Double Cantilever Beam) elastic
      element. This sensor is developed based on a parallel mechanism because of the
      reliability. The accuracy of sensors is affected by its sensitivity
      characteristics. To improve the sensitivity, a DCB structure is applied as the
      elastic element. Through dynamic analysis, the dynamic model of the accelerometer
      is established using the Lagrange equation, and the mass matrix and stiffness
      matrix are obtained by a partial derivative calculation and a conservative
      congruence transformation, respectively. By simplifying the structure of the
      accelerometer, a model of the free vibration is achieved, and the parameters of
      the sensor are designed based on the model. Through stiffness analysis of the DCB
      structure, the deflection curve of the beam is calculated. Compared with the
      result obtained using a finite element analysis simulation in ANSYS Workbench,
      the coincidence rate of the maximum deflection is 89.0% along the x-axis, 88.3%
      along the y-axis and 87.5% along the z-axis. Through strain analysis of the DCB
      elastic element, the sensitivity of the beam is obtained. According to the
      experimental result, the accuracy of the theoretical analysis is found to be
      90.4% along the x-axis, 74.9% along the y-axis and 78.9% along the z-axis. The
      measurement errors of linear accelerations ax, ay and az in the experiments are
      2.6%, 0.6% and 1.31%, respectively. The experiments prove that accelerometer with
      DCB elastic element performs great sensitive and precision characteristics.

PMID- 27657090
TI  - Biomimetic Precapillary Flow Patterns for Enhancing Blood Plasma Separation: A
      Preliminary Study.
AB  - In this study, a biomimetic microfluidic plasma separation device is discussed.
      The design of the device drew inspiration from in vivo observations of enhanced
      cell-free layer (CFL) formation downstream of vascular bifurcations. The working
      principle for the plasma separation was based on the plasma skimming effect in an
      arteriolar bifurcation, which is modulated by CFL formation. The enhancement of
      the CFL width was achieved by a local hematocrit reduction near the collection
      channel by creating an uneven hematocrit distribution at the bifurcation of the
      channel. The device demonstrated a high purity of separation (~99.9%) at
      physiological levels of hematocrit (~40%).

PMID- 27657091
TI  - Small Moving Vehicle Detection in a Satellite Video of an Urban Area.
AB  - Vehicle surveillance of a wide area allows us to learn much about the daily
      activities and traffic information. With the rapid development of remote sensing,
      satellite video has become an important data source for vehicle detection, which
      provides a broader field of surveillance. The achieved work generally focuses on
      aerial video with moderately-sized objects based on feature extraction. However,
      the moving vehicles in satellite video imagery range from just a few pixels to
      dozens of pixels and exhibit low contrast with respect to the background, which
      makes it hard to get available appearance or shape information. In this paper, we
      look into the problem of moving vehicle detection in satellite imagery. To the
      best of our knowledge, it is the first time to deal with moving vehicle detection
      from satellite videos. Our approach consists of two stages: first, through
      foreground motion segmentation and trajectory accumulation, the scene motion heat
      map is dynamically built. Following this, a novel saliency based background model
      which intensifies moving objects is presented to segment the vehicles in the hot
      regions. Qualitative and quantitative experiments on sequence from a recent
      Skybox satellite video dataset demonstrates that our approach achieves a high
      detection rate and low false alarm simultaneously.

PMID- 27657094
TI  - Depolymerization of Fucosylated Chondroitin Sulfate with a Modified Fenton-System
      and Anticoagulant Activity of the Resulting Fragments.
AB  - Fucosylated chondroitin sulfate (fCS) from sea cucumber Isostichopus badionotus
      (fCS-Ib) with a chondroitin sulfate type E (CSE) backbone and 2,4-O-sulfo fucose
      branches has shown excellent anticoagulant activity although has also show severe
      adverse effects. Depolymerization represents an effective method to diminish this
      polysaccharide's side effects. The present study reports a modified controlled
      Fenton system for degradation of fCS-Ib and the anticoagulant activity of the
      resulting fragments. Monosaccharides and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)
      analysis of the resulting fragments indicate that no significant chemical changes
      in the backbone of fCS-Ib and no loss of sulfate groups take place during
      depolymerization. A reduction in the molecular weight of fCS-Ib should result in
      a dramatic decrease in prolonging activated partial thromboplastin time and
      thrombin time. A decrease in the inhibition of thrombin (FIIa) by antithromin III
      (AT III) and heparin cofactor II (HCII), and the slight decrease of the
      inhibition of factor X activity, results in a significant increase of anti-factor
      Xa (FXa)/anti-FIIa activity ratio. The modified free-radical depolymerization
      method enables preparation of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) oligosaccharides suitable
      for investigation of clinical anticoagulant application.

PMID- 27657093
TI  - Molecular Weight-Dependent Immunostimulative Activity of Low Molecular Weight
      Chitosan via Regulating NF-kappaB and AP-1 Signaling Pathways in RAW264.7
      Macrophages.
AB  - Chitosan and its derivatives such as low molecular weight chitosans (LMWCs) have
      been found to possess many important biological properties, such as antioxidant
      and antitumor effects. In our previous study, LMWCs were found to elicit a strong
      immunomodulatory response in macrophages dependent on molecular weight. Herein we
      further investigated the molecular weight-dependent immunostimulative activity of
      LMWCs and elucidated its mechanism of action on RAW264.7 macrophages. LMWCs (3
      kDa and 50 kDa of molecular weight) could significantly enhance the mRNA
      expression levels of COX-2, IL-10 and MCP-1 in a molecular weight and
      concentration-dependent manner. The results suggested that LMWCs elicited a
      significant immunomodulatory response, which was dependent on the dose and the
      molecular weight. Regarding the possible molecular mechanism of action, LMWCs
      promoted the expression of the genes of key molecules in NF-kappaB and AP-1
      pathways, including IKKbeta, TRAF6 and JNK1, and induced the phosphorylation of
      protein IKBalpha in RAW264.7 macrophage. Moreover, LMWCs increased nuclear
      translocation of p65 and activation of activator protein-1 (AP-1, C-Jun and C
      Fos) in a molecular weight-dependent manner. Taken together, our findings
      suggested that LMWCs exert immunostimulative activity via activation of NF-kappaB
      and AP-1 pathways in RAW264.7 macrophages in a molecular weight-dependent manner
      and that 3 kDa LMWC shows great potential as a novel agent for the treatment of
      immune suppression diseases and in future vaccines.

PMID- 27657095
TI  - Acute Toxicity and Ecological Risk Assessment of Benzophenone and N,N-Diethyl-3
      Methylbenzamide in Personal Care Products.
AB  - Benzophenone (BP) and N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET) are two chemicals
      often used in personal care products (PCPs). There is a lack of systematic
      ecotoxicological evaluations about the two chemicals to aquatic organisms. In the
      present study, the acute toxic effects on Chlorella vulgaris, Daphnia Magana, and
      Brachydanio rerio were tested and the ecotoxicological risks were evaluated. For
      BP, the 96-h half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) on C. vulgaris was 6.86
      mg/L; the 24-h median lethal concentration (LC50) on D. magana was 7.63 mg/L; the
      96-h LC50 on B. rerio was 14.73 mg/L. For DEET, those were 270.72 mg/L, 40.74
      mg/L, and 109.67 mg/L, respectively. The mixture toxicity of BP and DEET, on C.
      vulgaris, D. magana, and B. rerio all showed an additive effect. The induced
      predicted no-effect concentrations (PNECs) for BP and DEET by assessment factor
      (AF) method are 0.003 mg/L and 0.407 mg/L, respectively. Both are lower than the
      concentrations detected from environment at present, verifying that BP and DEET
      are low-risk chemicals to the environment.

PMID- 27657092
TI  - Antimicrobial Peptides Targeting Gram-Positive Bacteria.
AB  - Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have remarkably different structures as well as
      biological activity profiles, whereupon most of these peptides are supposed to
      kill bacteria via membrane damage. In order to understand their molecular
      mechanism and target cell specificity for Gram-positive bacteria, it is essential
      to consider the architecture of their cell envelopes. Before AMPs can interact
      with the cytoplasmic membrane of Gram-positive bacteria, they have to traverse
      the cell wall composed of wall- and lipoteichoic acids and peptidoglycan. While
      interaction of AMPs with peptidoglycan might rather facilitate penetration,
      interaction with anionic teichoic acids may act as either a trap for AMPs or a
      ladder for a route to the cytoplasmic membrane. Interaction with the cytoplasmic
      membrane frequently leads to lipid segregation affecting membrane domain
      organization, which affects membrane permeability, inhibits cell division
      processes or leads to delocalization of essential peripheral membrane proteins.
      Further, precursors of cell wall components, especially the highly conserved
      lipid II, are directly targeted by AMPs. Thereby, the peptides do not inhibit
      peptidoglycan synthesis via binding to proteins like common antibiotics, but form
      a complex with the precursor molecule, which in addition can promote pore
      formation and membrane disruption. Thus, the multifaceted mode of actions will
      make AMPs superior to antibiotics that act only on one specific target. 

PMID- 27657096
TI  - Return Migrants' Experience of Access to Care in Corrupt Healthcare Systems: The
      Bosnian Example.
AB  - Equal and universal access to healthcare services is a core priority for a just
      health system. A key societal determinant seen to create inequality in access to
      healthcare is corruption in the healthcare system. How return migrants' access to
      healthcare is affected by corruption is largely unstudied, even though return
      migrants may be particularly vulnerable to problems related to corruption due to
      their period of absence from their country of origin. This article investigates
      how corruption in the healthcare sector affects access to healthcare for refugees
      who repatriated to Bosnia, a country with a high level of corruption, from
      Denmark, a country with a low level of corruption. The study is based on 18 semi
      structured interviews with 33 refugees who returned after long-term residence in
      Denmark. We found that the returned refugees faced greater problems with
      corruption than was the case for those who had not left the country, as doctors
      considered them to be better endowed financially and therefore demanded larger
      bribes from them than they did from those who had remained in Bosnia. Moreover,
      during their stay abroad the returnees had lost the connections that could have
      helped them sidestep the corruption. Returned refugees are thus particularly
      vulnerable to the effects of corruption.

PMID- 27657097
TI  - A Group Decision Framework with Intuitionistic Preference Relations and Its
      Application to Low Carbon Supplier Selection.
AB  - This article develops a group decision framework with intuitionistic preference
      relations. An approach is first devised to rectify an inconsistent intuitionistic
      preference relation to derive an additive consistent one. A new aggregation
      operator, the so-called induced intuitionistic ordered weighted averaging (IIOWA)
      operator, is proposed to aggregate individual intuitionistic fuzzy judgments. By
      using the mean absolute deviation between the original and rectified
      intuitionistic preference relations as an order inducing variable, the rectified
      consistent intuitionistic preference relations are aggregated into a collective
      preference relation. This treatment is presumably able to assign different
      weights to different decision-makers' judgments based on the quality of their
      inputs (in terms of consistency of their original judgments). A solution
      procedure is then developed for tackling group decision problems with
      intuitionistic preference relations. A low carbon supplier selection case study
      is developed to illustrate how to apply the proposed decision model in practice.

PMID- 27657098
TI  - The Role of Health Co-Benefits in the Development of Australian Climate Change
      Mitigation Policies.
AB  - Reducing domestic carbon dioxide and other associated emissions can lead to short
      term, localized health benefits. Quantifying and incorporating these health co
      benefits into the development of national climate change mitigation policies may
      facilitate the adoption of stronger policies. There is, however, a dearth of
      research exploring the role of health co-benefits on the development of such
      policies. To address this knowledge gap, research was conducted in Australia
      involving the analysis of several data sources, including interviews carried out
      with Australian federal government employees directly involved in the development
      of mitigation policies. The resulting case study determined that, in Australia,
      health co-benefits play a minimal role in the development of climate change
      mitigation policies. Several factors influence the extent to which health co
      benefits inform the development of mitigation policies. Understanding these
      factors may help to increase the political utility of future health co-benefits
      studies.

PMID- 27657099
TI  - Effects of Rational-Emotive Hospice Care Therapy on Problematic Assumptions,
      Death Anxiety, and Psychological Distress in a Sample of Cancer Patients and
      Their Family Caregivers in Nigeria.
AB  - This study was a preliminary investigation that aimed to examine the effects of
      rational emotive hospice care therapy (REHCT) on problematic assumptions, death
      anxiety, and psychological distress in a sample of cancer patients and their
      family caregivers in Nigeria. The study adopted a pre-posttest randomized control
      group design. Participants were community-dwelling cancer patients (n = 32) and
      their family caregivers (n = 52). The treatment process consisted of 10 weeks of
      full intervention and 4 weeks of follow-up meetings that marked the end of
      intervention. The study used repeated-measures analysis of variance for data
      analysis. The findings revealed significant effects of a REHCT intervention
      program on problematic assumptions, death anxiety, and psychological distress
      reduction among the cancer patients and their family caregivers at the end of the
      intervention. The improvements were also maintained at follow-up meetings in the
      treatment group compared with the control group who received the usual care and
      conventional counseling. The researchers have been able to show that REHCT
      intervention is more effective than a control therapy for cancer patients' care,
      education, and counseling in the Nigerian context.

PMID- 27657100
TI  - Identifying the Uncertainty in Physician Practice Location through Spatial
      Analytics and Text Mining.
AB  - In response to the widespread concern about the adequacy, distribution, and
      disparity of access to a health care workforce, the correct identification of
      physicians' practice locations is critical to access public health services. In
      prior literature, little effort has been made to detect and resolve the
      uncertainty about whether the address provided by a physician in the survey is a
      practice address or a home address. This paper introduces how to identify the
      uncertainty in a physician's practice location through spatial analytics, text
      mining, and visual examination. While land use and zoning code, embedded within
      the parcel datasets, help to differentiate resident areas from other types,
      spatial analytics may have certain limitations in matching and comparing
      physician and parcel datasets with different uncertainty issues, which may lead
      to unforeseen results. Handling and matching the string components between
      physicians' addresses and the addresses of the parcels could identify the spatial
      uncertainty and instability to derive a more reasonable relationship between
      different datasets. Visual analytics and examination further help to clarify the
      undetectable patterns. This research will have a broader impact over federal and
      state initiatives and policies to address both insufficiency and maldistribution
      of a health care workforce to improve the accessibility to public health
      services.

PMID- 27657101
TI  - Empowering Energy Justice.
AB  - The U.S. is experiencing unprecedented movement away from coal and, to a lesser
      degree, oil. Burdened low-income communities and people of color could experience
      health benefits from reductions in air and water pollution, yet these same groups
      could suffer harm if transitions lack broad public input or if policies
      prioritize elite or corporate interests. This paper highlights how U.S. energy
      transitions build from, and contribute to, environmental injustices. Energy
      justice requires not only ending disproportionate harm, it also entails
      involvement in the design of solutions and fair distribution of benefits, such as
      green jobs and clean air. To what extent does the confluence of state, civic, and
      market processes assure "just" transitions to clean, low-carbon energy production
      involving equitable distribution of costs, benefits, and decision-making power?
      To explore this question we assess trends with (1) fossil fuel divestment; (2)
      carbon taxes and social cost of carbon measurements; (3) cap-and-trade; (4)
      renewable energy; and (5) energy efficiency. Current research demonstrates
      opportunities and pitfalls in each area with mixed or partial energy justice
      consequences, leading to our call for greater attention to the specifics of
      distributive justice, procedural justice, and recognition justice in research,
      policy, and action. Illustrative energy transition case studies suggest the
      feasibility and benefit of empowering approaches, but also indicate there can be
      conflict between "green" and "just", as evident though stark inequities in clean
      energy initiatives. To identify positive pathways forward, we compile priorities
      for an energy justice research agenda based on interactive and participatory
      practices aligning advocacy, activism, and academics.

PMID- 27657102
TI  - Psychometric Properties and Clinical Usefulness of the Youth Self-Report DSM
      Oriented Scales: A Field Study among Detained Male Adolescents.
AB  - It is unknown if the DSM-oriented (DSM) scales of the Youth Self-Report (YSR) are
      useful to determine what kind of narrowly-focused psychiatric assessment is
      needed, and how well these scales serve as a triage tool in real-world forensic
      settings. To address this knowledge gap, the YSR and diagnostic interviews were
      administered to 405 detained boys as part of a clinical protocol. Continuous DSM
      scale scores (e.g., Conduct Problems) were moderately to highly accurate in
      predicting their corresponding disorder (e.g., conduct disorder), whereas
      dichotomized DSM scale scores were not. To test the DSM scales' usefulness for
      triage purposes, the sensitivity and specificity of being in the borderline range
      of one or more DSM scales were calculated. Almost all boys who did not have a
      disorder were in the normal range of at least one DSM scale (high specificity).
      However, many boys with a disorder would have been missed if such a decision rule
      was used for triage purposes (low sensitivity). In conclusion, their relations
      with the corresponding disorders support the construct validity of the DSM scales
      in an applied forensic setting. Nevertheless, the findings also warrant against
      the use of these scales for planning further narrowly-focused assessment or for
      triage purposes.

PMID- 27657103
TI  - Impact of Heat Wave Definitions on the Added Effect of Heat Waves on
      Cardiovascular Mortality in Beijing, China.
AB  - Heat waves are associated with increased mortality, however, few studies have
      examined the added effect of heat waves. Moreover, there is limited evidence for
      the influence of different heat wave definitions (HWs) on cardiovascular
      mortality in Beijing, the capital of China. The aim of this study was to find the
      best HW definitions for cardiovascular mortality, and we examined the effect
      modification by an individual characteristic on cardiovascular mortality in
      Beijing, a typical northern city in China. We applied a Poisson generalized
      additive approach to estimate the differences in cardiovascular mortality during
      heat waves (using 12 HWs) compared with non-heat-wave days in Beijing from 2006
      to 2009. We also validated the model fit by checking the residuals to ensure that
      the autocorrelation was successfully removed. In addition, the effect
      modifications by individual characteristics were explored in different HWs. Our
      results showed that the associations between heat waves and cardiovascular
      mortality differed from different HWs. HWs using the 93th percentile of the daily
      average temperature (27.7  degrees C) and a duration >=5 days had the greatest
      risk, with an increase of 18% (95% confidence interval (CI): 6%, 31%) in the
      overall population, 24% (95% CI: 10%, 39%) in an older group (ages >=65 years),
      and 22% (95% CI: 3%, 44%) in a female group. The added effect of heat waves was
      apparent after 5 consecutive heat wave days for the overall population and the
      older group. Females and the elderly were at higher risk than males and younger
      subjects (ages <65 years). Our findings suggest that heat wave definitions play a
      significant role in the relationship between heat wave and cardiovascular
      mortality. Using a suitable definition may have implications for designing local
      heat early warning systems and protecting the susceptible populations during heat
      waves.

PMID- 27657104
TI  - Dust and Cobalt Levels in the Austrian Tungsten Industry: Workplace and Human
      Biomonitoring Data.
AB  - In general, routine industrial hygiene (IH) data are collected not to serve for
      scientific research but to check for compliance with occupational limit values.
      In the preparation of an occupational retrospective cohort study it is vital to
      test the validity of the exposure assessment based on incomplete (temporal
      coverage, departments) IH data. Existing IH data from a large hard metal plant
      was collected. Individual workers' exposure per year and department was estimated
      based on linear regression of log-transformed exposure data for dust, tungsten,
      and cobalt. Estimated data were back-transformed, and for cobalt the validity of
      the estimates was confirmed by comparison with individual cobalt concentrations
      in urine. Air monitoring data were available from 1985 to 2012 and urine tests
      from the years 2008 to 2014. A declining trend and significant differences among
      departments was evident for all three air pollutants. The estimated time trend
      fitted the time trend in urine values well. At 1 mg/m3, cobalt in the air leads
      to an excretion of approximately 200 ug/L cobalt in urine. Cobalt levels in urine
      were significantly higher in smokers with an interaction effect between smoking
      and air concentrations. Exposure estimates of individual workers are generally
      feasible in the examined plant, although some departments are not documented
      sufficiently enough. Additional information (expert knowledge) is needed to fill
      these gaps.

PMID- 27657105
TI  - Acoustic, Visual and Spatial Indicators for the Description of the Soundscape of
      Waterfront Areas with and without Road Traffic Flow.
AB  - High flows of road traffic noise in urban agglomerations can negatively affect
      the livability of squares and parks located at the neighborhood, district and
      city levels, therefore pushing anyone who wants to enjoy calmer, quieter areas to
      move to non-urban parks. Due to the distances between these areas, it is not
      possible to go as regularly as would be necessary to satisfy any needs. Even if
      cities are densely populated, the presence of a sea or riverfront offers the
      possibility of large restorative places, or at least with potential features for
      being the natural core of an urban nucleus after a renewal intervention. This
      study evaluates the soundscape of the Naples waterfront, presenting an overview
      of the most significant visual, acoustic and spatial factors related to the
      pedestrian areas, as well as areas open to road traffic and others where the road
      traffic is limited. The factors were chosen with feature selection methods and
      artificial neural networks. The results show how certain factors, such as the
      perimeter between the water and promenade, the visibility of the sea or the
      density of green areas, can affect the perception of the soundscape quality in
      the areas with road traffic. In the pedestrian areas, acoustic factors, such as
      loudness or the A-weighted sound level exceeded for 10% of the measurement
      duration (LA10), influence the perceived quality of the soundscape.

PMID- 27657107
TI  - Functional Equivalence of Retroviral MA Domains in Facilitating Psi RNA Binding
      Specificity by Gag.
AB  - Retroviruses specifically package full-length, dimeric genomic RNA (gRNA) even in
      the presence of a vast excess of cellular RNA. The "psi" (Psi) element within the
      5'-untranslated region (5'UTR) of gRNA is critical for packaging through
      interaction with the nucleocapsid (NC) domain of Gag. However, in vitro Gag
      binding affinity for Psi versus non-Psi RNAs is not significantly different.
      Previous salt-titration binding assays revealed that human immunodeficiency virus
      type 1 (HIV-1) Gag bound to Psi RNA with high specificity and relatively few
      charge interactions, whereas binding to non-Psi RNA was less specific and
      involved more electrostatic interactions. The NC domain was critical for specific
      Psi binding, but surprisingly, a Gag mutant lacking the matrix (MA) domain was
      less effective at discriminating Psi from non-Psi RNA. We now find that Rous
      sarcoma virus (RSV) Gag also effectively discriminates RSV Psi from non-Psi RNA
      in a MA-dependent manner. Interestingly, Gag chimeras, wherein the HIV-1 and RSV
      MA domains were swapped, maintained high binding specificity to cognate Psi RNAs.
      Using Psi RNA mutant constructs, determinants responsible for promoting high Gag
      binding specificity were identified in both systems. Taken together, these
      studies reveal the functional equivalence of HIV-1 and RSV MA domains in
      facilitating Psi RNA selectivity by Gag, as well as Psi elements that promote
      this selectivity.

PMID- 27657106
TI  - Arms Race between Enveloped Viruses and the Host ERAD Machinery.
AB  - Enveloped viruses represent a significant category of pathogens that cause
      serious diseases in animals. These viruses express envelope glycoproteins that
      are singularly important during the infection of host cells by mediating fusion
      between the viral envelope and host cell membranes. Despite low homology at
      protein levels, three classes of viral fusion proteins have, as of yet, been
      identified based on structural similarities. Their incorporation into viral
      particles is dependent upon their proper sub-cellular localization after being
      expressed and folded properly in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). However, viral
      protein expression can cause stress in the ER, and host cells respond to
      alleviate the ER stress in the form of the unfolded protein response (UPR); the
      effects of which have been observed to potentiate or inhibit viral infection. One
      important arm of UPR is to elevate the capacity of the ER-associated protein
      degradation (ERAD) pathway, which is comprised of host quality control machinery
      that ensures proper protein folding. In this review, we provide relevant details
      regarding viral envelope glycoproteins, UPR, ERAD, and their interactions in host
      cells.

PMID- 27657108
TI  - Markers for Ongoing or Previous Hepatitis E Virus Infection Are as Common in Wild
      Ungulates as in Humans in Sweden.
AB  - Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a human pathogen with zoonotic spread, infecting both
      domestic and wild animals. About 17% of the Swedish population is immune to HEV,
      but few cases are reported annually, indicating that most infections are
      subclinical. However, clinical hepatitis E may also be overlooked. For identified
      cases, the source of infection is mostly unknown. In order to identify whether
      HEV may be spread from wild game, the prevalence of markers for past and/or
      ongoing infection was investigated in sera and stool samples collected from 260
      hunted Swedish wild ungulates. HEV markers were found in 43 (17%) of the animals.
      The most commonly infected animal was moose (Alces alces) with 19 out of 69
      animals (28%) showing HEV markers, followed by wild boar (Sus scrofa) with 21 out
      of 139 animals (15%), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) with 2 out of 30 animals,
      red deer (Cervus elaphus) with 1 out of 15 animals, and fallow deer (Dama dama) 0
      out of 7 animals. Partial open reading frame 1 (ORF1) of the viral genomes from
      the animals were sequenced and compared with those from 14 endemic human cases.
      Phylogenetic analysis revealed that three humans were infected with HEV strains
      similar to those from wild boar. These results indicate that wild animals may be
      a source of transmission to humans and could be an unrecognized public health
      concern.

PMID- 27657111
TI  - Cell Culture Models for the Investigation of Hepatitis B and D Virus Infection.
AB  - Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis D virus (HDV) infections are major
      causes of liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide. Despite the
      presence of an efficient preventive vaccine, more than 250 million patients are
      chronically infected with HBV. Current antivirals effectively control but only
      rarely cure chronic infection. While the molecular biology of the two viruses has
      been characterized in great detail, the absence of robust cell culture models for
      HBV and/or HDV infection has limited the investigation of virus-host
      interactions. Native hepatoma cell lines do not allow viral infection, and the
      culture of primary hepatocytes, the natural host cell for the viruses, implies a
      series of constraints restricting the possibilities of analyzing virus-host
      interactions. Recently, the discovery of the sodium taurocholate co-transporting
      polypeptide (NTCP) as a key HBV/HDV cell entry factor has opened the door to a
      new era of investigation, as NTCP-overexpressing hepatoma cells acquire
      susceptibility to HBV and HDV infections. In this review, we summarize the major
      cell culture models for HBV and HDV infection, discuss their advantages and
      limitations and highlight perspectives for future developments.

PMID- 27657109
TI  - The Host Cell Receptors for Measles Virus and Their Interaction with the Viral
      Hemagglutinin (H) Protein.
AB  - The hemagglutinin (H) protein of measles virus (MeV) interacts with a cellular
      receptor which constitutes the initial stage of infection. Binding of H to this
      host cell receptor subsequently triggers the F protein to activate fusion between
      virus and host plasma membranes. The search for MeV receptors began with
      vaccine/laboratory virus strains and evolved to more relevant receptors used by
      wild-type MeV. Vaccine or laboratory strains of measles virus have been adapted
      to grow in common cell lines such as Vero and HeLa cells, and were found to use
      membrane cofactor protein (CD46) as a receptor. CD46 is a regulator that normally
      prevents cells from complement-mediated self-destruction, and is found on the
      surface of all human cells, with the exception of erythrocytes. Mutations in the
      H protein, which occur during adaptation and allow the virus to use CD46 as a
      receptor, have been identified. Wild-type isolates of measles virus cannot use
      the CD46 receptor. However, both vaccine/laboratory and wild-type strains can use
      an immune cell receptor called signaling lymphocyte activation molecule family
      member 1 (SLAMF1; also called CD150) and a recently discovered epithelial
      receptor known as Nectin-4. SLAMF1 is found on activated B, T, dendritic, and
      monocyte cells, and is the initial target for infections by measles virus. Nectin
      4 is an adherens junction protein found at the basal surfaces of many polarized
      epithelial cells, including those of the airways. It is also over-expressed on
      the apical and basal surfaces of many adenocarcinomas, and is a cancer marker for
      metastasis and tumor survival. Nectin-4 is a secondary exit receptor which allows
      measles virus to replicate and amplify in the airways, where the virus is
      expelled from the body in aerosol droplets. The amino acid residues of H protein
      that are involved in binding to each of the receptors have been identified
      through X-ray crystallography and site-specific mutagenesis. Recombinant measles
      "blind" to each of these receptors have been constructed, allowing the virus to
      selectively infect receptor specific cell lines. Finally, the observations that
      SLAMF1 is found on lymphomas and that Nectin-4 is expressed on the cell surfaces
      of many adenocarcinomas highlight the potential of measles virus for oncolytic
      therapy. Although CD46 is also upregulated on many tumors, it is less useful as a
      target for cancer therapy, since normal human cells express this protein on their
      surfaces.

PMID- 27657113
TI  - Zebra Alphaherpesviruses (EHV-1 and EHV-9): Genetic Diversity, Latency and Co
      Infections.
AB  - Alphaherpesviruses are highly prevalent in equine populations and co-infections
      with more than one of these viruses' strains frequently diagnosed. Lytic
      replication and latency with subsequent reactivation, along with new episodes of
      disease, can be influenced by genetic diversity generated by spontaneous mutation
      and recombination. Latency enhances virus survival by providing an
      epidemiological strategy for long-term maintenance of divergent strains in animal
      populations. The alphaherpesviruses equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) and 9 (EHV-9)
      have recently been shown to cross species barriers, including a recombinant EHV-1
      observed in fatal infections of a polar bear and Asian rhinoceros. Little is
      known about the latency and genetic diversity of EHV-1 and EHV-9, especially
      among zoo and wild equids. Here, we report evidence of limited genetic diversity
      in EHV-9 in zebras, whereas there is substantial genetic variability in EHV-1. We
      demonstrate that zebras can be lytically and latently infected with both viruses
      concurrently. Such a co-occurrence of infection in zebras suggests that even
      relatively slow-evolving viruses such as equine herpesviruses have the potential
      to diversify rapidly by recombination. This has potential consequences for the
      diagnosis of these viruses and their management in wild and captive equid
      populations.

PMID- 27657110
TI  - Orchestrating the Selection and Packaging of Genomic RNA by Retroviruses: An
      Ensemble of Viral and Host Factors.
AB  - Infectious retrovirus particles contain two copies of unspliced viral RNA that
      serve as the viral genome. Unspliced retroviral RNA is transcribed in the nucleus
      by the host RNA polymerase II and has three potential fates: (1) it can be
      spliced into subgenomic messenger RNAs (mRNAs) for the translation of viral
      proteins; or it can remain unspliced to serve as either (2) the mRNA for the
      translation of Gag and Gag-Pol; or (3) the genomic RNA (gRNA) that is packaged
      into virions. The Gag structural protein recognizes and binds the unspliced viral
      RNA to select it as a genome, which is selected in preference to spliced viral
      RNAs and cellular RNAs. In this review, we summarize the current state of
      understanding about how retroviral packaging is orchestrated within the cell and
      explore potential new mechanisms based on recent discoveries in the field. We
      discuss the cis-acting elements in the unspliced viral RNA and the properties of
      the Gag protein that are required for their interaction. In addition, we discuss
      the role of host factors in influencing the fate of the newly transcribed viral
      RNA, current models for how retroviruses distinguish unspliced viral mRNA from
      viral genomic RNA, and the possible subcellular sites of genomic RNA dimerization
      and selection by Gag. Although this review centers primarily on the wealth of
      data available for the alpharetrovirus Rous sarcoma virus, in which a discrete
      RNA packaging sequence has been identified, we have also summarized the cis- and
      trans-acting factors as well as the mechanisms governing gRNA packaging of other
      retroviruses for comparison.

PMID- 27657112
TI  - Transmission of Hepatitis E Virus in Developing Countries.
AB  - Hepatitis E virus (HEV), an RNA virus of the Hepeviridae family, has marked
      heterogeneity. While all five HEV genotypes can cause human infections, genotypes
      HEV-1 and -2 infect humans alone, genotypes HEV-3 and -4 primarily infect pigs,
      boars and deer, and genotype HEV-7 primarily infects dromedaries. The global
      distribution of HEV has distinct epidemiological patterns based on ecology and
      socioeconomic factors. In resource-poor countries, disease presents as large
      scale waterborne epidemics, and few epidemics have spread through person-to
      person contact; however, endemic diseases within these countries can potentially
      spread through person-to-person contact or fecally contaminated water and foods.
      Vertical transmission of HEV from infected mother to fetus causes high fetal and
      perinatal mortality. Other means of transmission, such as zoonotic transmission,
      can fluctuate depending upon the region and strain of the virus. For instance,
      zoonotic transmission can sometimes play an insignificant role in human
      infections, such as in India, where human and pig HEV infections are unrelated.
      However, recently China and Southeast Asia have experienced a zoonotic spread of
      HEV-4 from pigs to humans and this has become the dominant mode of transmission
      of hepatitis E in eastern China. Zoonotic HEV infections in humans occur by
      eating undercooked pig flesh, raw liver, and sausages; through vocational
      contact; or via pig slurry, which leads to environmental contamination of
      agricultural products and seafood. Lastly, blood transfusion-associated HEV
      infections occur in many countries and screening of donors for HEV RNA is
      currently under serious consideration. To summarize, HEV genotypes 1 and 2 cause
      epidemic and endemic diseases in resource poor countries, primarily spreading
      through contaminated drinking water. HEV genotypes 3 and 4 on the other hand,
      cause autochthonous infections in developed, and many developing countries, by
      means of a unique zoonotic food-borne transmission.

PMID- 27657115
TI  - Nutrient Intake Is Associated with Longevity Characterization by Metabolites and
      Element Profiles of Healthy Centenarians.
AB  - The relationships between diet and metabolites as well as element profiles in
      healthy centenarians are important but remain inconclusive. Therefore, to test
      the interesting hypothesis that there would be distinctive features of
      metabolites and element profiles in healthy centenarians, and that these would be
      associated with nutrient intake; the short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), total bile
      acids and ammonia in feces, phenol, p-cresol, uric acid, urea, creatinine and
      ammonia in urine, and element profiles in fingernails were determined in 90
      healthy elderly people, including centenarians from Bama county (China)-a famous
      longevous region-and elderly people aged 80-99 from the longevous region and a
      non-longevous region. The partial least squares-discriminant analysis was used
      for pattern recognition. As a result, the centenarians showed a distinct
      metabolic pattern. Seven characteristic components closely related to the
      centenarians were identified, including acetic acid, total SCFA, Mn, Co,
      propionic acid, butyric acid and valeric acid. Their concentrations were
      significantly higher in the centenarians group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the
      dietary fiber intake was positively associated with butyric acid contents in
      feces (r = 0.896, p < 0.01), and negatively associated with phenol in urine (r = 
      0.326, p < 0.01). The results suggest that the specific metabolic pattern of
      centenarians may have an important and positive influence on the formation of the
      longevity phenomenon. Elevated dietary fiber intake should be a path toward
      health and longevity.

PMID- 27657116
TI  - Maternal Dietary Patterns and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in a Multi-Ethnic
      Asian Cohort: The GUSTO Study.
AB  - Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is associated with an increased risk of
      perinatal morbidity and long term health issues for both the mother and
      offspring. Previous research has demonstrated associations between maternal diet
      and GDM development, but evidence in Asian populations is limited. The objective
      of our study was to examine the cross-sectional relationship between maternal
      dietary patterns during pregnancy and the risk of GDM in a multi-ethnic Asian
      cohort. Maternal diet was ascertained using 24-h dietary recalls from
      participants in the Growing up in Singapore towards healthy outcomes (GUSTO)
      study-a prospective mother-offspring cohort, and GDM was diagnosed according to
      1999 World Health Organisation guidelines. Dietary patterns were identified using
      factor analysis, and multivariate regression analyses performed to assess the
      association with GDM. Of 909 participants, 17.6% were diagnosed with GDM. Three
      dietary patterns were identified: a vegetable-fruit-rice-based-diet, a seafood
      noodle-based-diet and a pasta-cheese-processed-meat-diet. After adjusting for
      confounding variables, the seafood-noodle-based-diet was associated with a lower
      likelihood of GDM (Odds Ratio (95% Confidence Interval)) = 0.74 (0.59, 0.93). The
      dietary pattern found to be associated with GDM in our study was substantially
      different to those reported previously in Western populations.

PMID- 27657114
TI  - Capsid-Targeted Viral Inactivation: A Novel Tactic for Inhibiting Replication in
      Viral Infections.
AB  - Capsid-targeted viral inactivation (CTVI), a conceptually powerful new antiviral
      strategy, is attracting increasing attention from researchers. Specifically, this
      strategy is based on fusion between the capsid protein of a virus and a crucial
      effector molecule, such as a nuclease (e.g., staphylococcal nuclease, Barrase,
      RNase HI), lipase, protease, or single-chain antibody (scAb). In general, capsid
      proteins have a major role in viral integration and assembly, and the effector
      molecule used in CTVI functions to degrade viral DNA/RNA or interfere with proper
      folding of viral key proteins, thereby affecting the infectivity of progeny
      viruses. Interestingly, such a capsid-enzyme fusion protein is incorporated into
      virions during packaging. CTVI is more efficient compared to other antiviral
      methods, and this approach is promising for antiviral prophylaxis and therapy.
      This review summarizes the mechanism and utility of CTVI and provides some
      successful applications of this strategy, with the ultimate goal of widely
      implementing CTVI in antiviral research.

PMID- 27657117
TI  - Carbohydrate Mouth Rinsing Enhances High Intensity Time Trial Performance
      Following Prolonged Cycling.
AB  - There is good evidence that mouth rinsing with carbohydrate (CHO) solutions can
      enhance endurance performance (>=30 min). The impact of a CHO mouth rinse on
      sprint performance has been less consistent, suggesting that CHO may confer
      benefits in conditions of 'metabolic strain'. To test this hypothesis, the
      current study examined the impact of late-exercise mouth rinsing on sprint
      performance. Secondly, we investigated the effects of a protein mouth rinse (PRO)
      on performance. Eight trained male cyclists participated in three trials
      consisting of 120 min of constant-load cycling (55% Wmax) followed by a 30 km
      computer-simulated time trial, during which only water was provided. Following 15
      min of muscle function assessment, 10 min of constant-load cycling (3 min at 35%
      Wmax, 7 min at 55% Wmax) was performed. This was immediately followed by a 2 km
      time trial. Subjects rinsed with 25 mL of CHO, PRO, or placebo (PLA) at min 5:00
      and 14:30 of the 15 min muscle function phase, and min 8:00 of the 10-min
      constant-load cycling. Magnitude-based inferential statistics were used to
      analyze the effects of the mouth rinse on 2-km time trial performance and the
      following physiological parameters: Maximum Voluntary Contract (MVC), Rating of
      Perceived Exertion (RPE), Heart Rate (HR), and blood glucose levels. The primary
      finding was that CHO 'likely' enhanced performance vs. PLA (3.8%), whereas
      differences between PRO and PLA were unclear (0.4%). These data demonstrate that
      late-race performance is enhanced by a CHO rinse, but not PRO, under challenging
      metabolic conditions. More data should be acquired before this strategy is
      recommended for the later stages of cycling competition under more practical
      conditions, such as when carbohydrates are supplemented throughout the preceding
      minutes/hours of exercise.

PMID- 27657118
TI  - The mTORC1-Signaling Pathway and Hepatic Polyribosome Profile Are Enhanced after
      the Recovery of a Protein Restricted Diet by a Combination of Soy or Black Bean
      with Corn Protein.
AB  - Between 6% and 11% of the world's population suffers from malnutrition or
      undernutrition associated with poverty, aging or long-term hospitalization. The
      present work examined the effect of different types of proteins on the
      mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTORC1)-signaling pathway in: (1) healthy; and
      (2) protein restricted rats. (1) In total, 200 rats were divided into eight
      groups and fed one of the following diets: 20% casein (C), soy (S), black bean
      (B), B + Corn (BCr), Pea (P), spirulina (Sp), sesame (Se) or Corn (Cr). Rats fed
      C or BCr had the highest body weight gain; rats fed BCr had the highest
      pS6K1/S6K1 ratio; rats fed B, BCr or P had the highest eIF4G expression; (2) In
      total, 84 rats were fed 0.5% C for 21 day and protein rehabilitated with
      different proteins. The S, soy + Corn (SCr) and BCr groups had the highest body
      weight gain. Rats fed SCr and BCr had the highest eIF4G expression and liver
      polysome formation. These findings suggest that the quality of the dietary
      proteins modulate the mTORC1-signaling pathway. In conclusion, the combination of
      BCr or SCr are the best proteins for dietary protein rehabilitation due to the
      significant increase in body weight, activation of the mTORC1-signaling pathway
      in liver and muscle, and liver polysome formation.

PMID- 27657119
TI  - The Mediterranean Diet and Cognitive Function among Healthy Older Adults in a 6
      Month Randomised Controlled Trial: The MedLey Study.
AB  - Evidence from a limited number of randomised controlled intervention trials
      (RCTs) have shown that a Mediterranean dietary pattern may reduce the risk of
      cognitive decline and enhance cognitive function among healthy older adults.
      However, there are currently no data in non-Mediterranean older adult
      populations. The present study aimed to address this gap by examining the effect
      of a Mediterranean dietary pattern (MedDiet) for six months on aspects of
      cognitive function in a randomised controlled intervention trial (the MedLey
      study) that extended for a duration of 18 months. In the final analysed cohort, a
      total of 137 men and women (mean age of 72.1 +/- 5.0 years) randomly assigned to
      either a MedDiet or control diet (HabDiet) (i.e., habitual dietary intake), were
      assessed on a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery, including 11
      individual tests. In multivariable-adjusted models, the MedDiet group did not
      perform significantly better than the HabDiet control group for executive
      functioning (adjusted mean differences: +2.53, 95% CI -2.59 to 7.65, p = 0.33);
      speed of processing (adjusted mean differences: +3.24, 95% CI -1.21 to 7.70, p =
      0.15); memory (adjusted mean differences: +2.00, 95% CI -3.88 to 7.88, p = 0.50);
      visual-spatial ability (adjusted mean differences: +0.21, 95% CI -0.38 to 0.81,
      0.48); and overall age-related cognitive performance (adjusted mean differences:
      +7.99, 95% CI -4.00 to 19.9, p = 0.19). In conclusion, this study did not find
      evidence of a beneficial effect of a MedDiet intervention on cognitive function
      among healthy older adults.

PMID- 27657120
TI  - Fructose Beverage Consumption Induces a Metabolic Syndrome Phenotype in the Rat:
      A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
AB  - A high intake of refined carbohydrates, particularly the monosaccharide fructose,
      has been attributed to the growing epidemics of obesity and type-2 diabetes.
      Animal studies have helped elucidate the metabolic effects of dietary fructose,
      however, variations in study design make it difficult to draw conclusions. The
      aim of this study was to review the effects of fructose beverage consumption on
      body weight, systolic blood pressure and blood glucose, insulin and triglyceride
      concentrations in validated rat models. We searched Ovid Embase Classic +
      EmbaseMedline and Ovid Medline databases and included studies that used
      adolescent/adult male rats, with fructose beverage consumption for >3 weeks. Data
      from 26 studies were pooled by an inverse variance weighting method using random
      effects models, expressed as standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95%
      confidence intervals (CI). Overall, 10%-21% w/v fructose beverage consumption was
      associated with increased rodent body weight (SMD, 0.62 (95% CI: 0.18, 1.06)),
      systolic blood pressure (SMD, 2.94 (95% CI: 2.10, 3.77)) and blood glucose (SMD,
      0.77 (95% CI: 0.36, 1.19)), insulin (SMD, 2.32 (95% CI: 1.57, 3.07)) and
      triglyceride (SMD, 1.87 (95% CI: 1.39, 2.34)) concentrations. Therefore, the
      consumption of a low concentration fructose beverage is sufficient to cause early
      signs of the metabolic syndrome in adult rats.

PMID- 27657121
TI  - The Use of Fish Oil with Warfarin Does Not Significantly Affect either the
      International Normalised Ratio or Incidence of Adverse Events in Patients with
      Atrial Fibrillation and Deep Vein Thrombosis: A Retrospective Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Warfarin is a leading anticoagulant in the management of atrial
      fibrillation (AF) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Drug interactions influence the
      safety of warfarin use and while extensive literature exists regarding the effect
      on warfarin control and bleeding incidence with many medicines, there is little
      evidence on the influence of complementary medicines. The aim of this study was
      to assess the influence of fish and krill oil supplementation on warfarin control
      and bleeding incidence in AF and DVT patients. METHODS: A retrospective analysis
      was conducted utilising patient information from a large private pathology
      clinic. AF and DVT patients receiving long-term warfarin therapy (>30 days) at
      the clinic and taking fish and krill oil supplements were eligible for study
      inclusion. RESULTS: Of the 2081 patients assessed, a total of 573 warfarin users
      met the inclusion criteria with 145 patients in the fish and krill oil group
      (supplement group) and 428 patients in the control group. Overall, it was found
      that fish and krill oils did not significantly alter warfarin time in therapeutic
      range (TTR) or bleeding incidence, even when compared by gender. CONCLUSION:
      Omega-3 supplementation with fish and krill oil does not significantly affect
      long-term warfarin control and bleeding and thromboembolic events when consumed
      concurrently in patients managed at an anticoagulation clinic.

PMID- 27657122
TI  - Impact of the Content of Fatty Acids of Oral Fat Tolerance Tests on Postprandial
      Triglyceridemia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
AB  - : Whether the content of saturated (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA), and
      polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) could differently influence postprandial
      triglycerides (TG) is unknown. We examined possible differences in the
      postprandial TG response to fat tolerance tests (FTTs), in which SFA or
      unsaturated fatty acids were used. Crossover clinical trials investigating the
      effects of FTTs containing SFA and unsaturated fats on postprandial
      triglyceridemia in databases from 1994 until 2016 were searched. Of 356 studies,
      338 were excluded and 18 were considered. TG net incremental areas under the
      curve were calculated using time-points or changes from baseline. Pooled effects
      of standardized mean differences and I2 test were used. RESULTS: In 12 studies,
      responses to SFA versus PUFA meals, and in 16 studies versus MUFA meals were
      compared. Over 4 hours, no differences between SFA and unsaturated fats were
      observed. Over 8 hours a lower response to PUFA (SMD -2.28; 95%CI -4.16, -0.41)
      and a trend to lower response to MUFA (SMD -0.89, 95%CI -1.82, 0.04) were
      detected. FTTs shorter than 8 hours may not be sufficient to differentiate
      postprandial TG after challenges with distinct fatty acids. Clinical significance
      of different postprandial TG responses on cardiovascular risk in the long-term
      deserves investigation.

PMID- 27657123
TI  - The Extract of Aster Koraiensis Prevents Retinal Pericyte Apoptosis in Diabetic
      Rats and Its Active Compound, Chlorogenic Acid Inhibits AGE Formation and
      AGE/RAGE Interaction.
AB  - Retinal capillary cell loss is a hallmark of early diabetic retinal changes.
      Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are believed to contribute to retinal
      microvascular cell loss in diabetic retinopathy. In this study, the protective
      effects of Aster koraiensis extract (AKE) against damage to retinal vascular
      cells were investigated in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. To examine
      this issue further, AGE accumulation, nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and
      inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were investigated using retinal trypsin
      digests from streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. In the diabetic rats, TUNEL
      (Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP Nick End Labeling)-positive
      retinal microvascular cells were markedly increased. Immunohistochemical studies
      revealed that AGEs were accumulated within the retinal microvascular cells, and
      this accumulation paralleled the activation of NF-kappaB and the expression of
      iNOS in the diabetic rats. However, AKE prevented retinal microvascular cell
      apoptosis through the inhibition of AGE accumulation and NF-kappaB activation.
      Moreover, to determine the active compounds of AKE, two major compounds,
      chlorogenic acid and 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid, were tested in an in vitro
      assay. Among these compounds, chlorogenic acid significantly reduced AGE
      formation as well as AGE/RAGE (receptor for AGEs) binding activity. These results
      suggest that AKE, particularly chlorogenic acid, is useful in inhibiting AGE
      accumulation in retinal vessels and exerts a preventive effect against the
      injuries of diabetic retinal vascular cells.

PMID- 27657124
TI  - The Effects of Early Post-Operative Soluble Dietary Fiber Enteral Nutrition for
      Colon Cancer.
AB  - We examined colon cancer patients who received soluble dietary fiber enteral
      nutrition (SDFEN) to evaluate the feasibility and potential benefit of early
      SDFEN compared to EN. Sixty patients who were confirmed as having colon cancer
      with histologically and accepted radical resection of colon cancer were
      randomized into an SDFEN group and an EN group. The postoperative complications,
      length of hospital stay (LOH), days for first fecal passage, and the difference
      in nutritional status, immune function and inflammatory reaction between pre
      operation and post-operation were all recorded. The statistical analyses were
      performed using the t-test and the chi square test. Statistical significance was
      defined as p < 0.05. After the nutrition support, differences in the levels of
      albumin, prealbumin and transferrin in each group were not statistically
      significant (p > 0.05); the levels of CD4+, IgA and IgM in the SDFEN group were
      higher than that of the EN group at seven days (p < 0.05); the levels of TNF
      alpha and IL-6 in the SDFEN group were lower than that of the EN group at seven
      days (p < 0.05); and patients in the SDFEN group had a significantly shorter
      first flatus time than the EN group (p < 0.05). Early post-operative SDFEN used
      in colon cancer patients was feasible and beneficial in immune function and
      reducing inflammatory reaction, gastrointestinal function and speeding up the
      recovery.

PMID- 27657125
TI  - Total and Free Sugar Content of Canadian Prepackaged Foods and Beverages.
AB  - A number of recommendations for policy and program interventions to limit excess
      free sugar consumption have emerged, however there are a lack of data describing
      the amounts and types of sugar in foods. This study presents an assessment of
      sugar in Canadian prepackaged foods including: (a) the first systematic
      calculation of free sugar contents; (b) a comprehensive assessment of total sugar
      and free sugar levels; and (c) sweetener and free sugar ingredient use, using the
      University of Toronto's Food Label Information Program (FLIP) database 2013 (n =
      15,342). Food groups with the highest proportion of foods containing free sugar
      ingredients also had the highest median total sugar and free sugar contents (per
      100 g/mL): desserts (94%, 15 g, and 12 g), sugars and sweets (91%, 50 g, and 50
      g), and bakery products (83%, 16 g, and 14 g, proportion with free sugar
      ingredients, median total sugar and free sugar content in Canadian foods,
      respectively). Free sugar accounted for 64% of total sugar content. Eight of 17
      food groups had >=75% of the total sugar derived from free sugar. Free sugar
      contributed 20% of calories overall in prepackaged foods and beverages, with the
      highest at 70% in beverages. These data can be used to inform interventions aimed
      at limiting free sugar consumption.

PMID- 27657127
TI  - Exercise, Appetite and Weight Control: Are There Differences between Men and
      Women?
AB  - Recent years have witnessed significant research interest surrounding the
      interaction among exercise, appetite and energy balance, which has important
      implications for health. The majority of exercise and appetite regulation studies
      have been conducted in males. Consequently, opportunities to examine sex-based
      differences have been limited, but represent an interesting avenue of inquiry
      considering postulations that men experience greater weight loss after exercise
      interventions than women. This article reviews the scientific literature relating
      to the acute and chronic effects of exercise on appetite control in men and
      women. The consensus of evidence demonstrates that appetite, appetite-regulatory
      hormone and energy intake responses to acute exercise do not differ between the
      sexes, and there is little evidence indicating compensatory changes occur after
      acute exercise in either sex. Limited evidence suggests women respond to the
      initiation of exercise training with more robust compensatory alterations in
      appetite-regulatory hormones than men, but whether this translates to long-term
      differences is unknown. Current exercise training investigations do not support
      sex-based differences in appetite or objectively assessed energy intake, and
      increasing exercise energy expenditure elicits at most a partial energy intake
      compensation in both sexes. Future well-controlled acute and chronic exercise
      studies directly comparing men and women are required to expand this evidence
      base.

PMID- 27657128
TI  - Healthy Dietary Patterns and Oxidative Stress as Measured by Fluorescent
      Oxidation Products in Nurses' Health Study.
AB  - Healthy diets may lower oxidative stress and risk of chronic diseases. However,
      no previous studies examined associations between diet and fluorescent oxidation
      products (FlOP), a global marker of oxidative stress. We evaluated associations
      between healthy eating patterns (Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI), Dietary
      Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH), and Alternate Mediterranean Diet (aMED))
      and FlOP, measured at three excitation/emission wavelengths (FlOP_360, FlOP_320,
      FlOP_400) from 2021 blood samples collected from 1688 women within the Nurses'
      Health Study. AHEI, DASH, and aMED scores were significantly positively
      associated with FlOP_360 and FlOP_320 concentrations (p-trend <= 0.04), but not
      associated with FlOP_400. Among specific food groups that contribute to these
      diet scores, significantly positive associations were observed with legumes and
      vegetables for FlOP_360, vegetables and fruits for FlOP_320, and legumes and
      alcohol for FlOP_400. Inverse associations were observed with nuts, sweets or
      desserts, and olive oil for FlOP_360, nuts for FlOP_320 and sweets or desserts
      for FlOP_400 (all p-trend <= 0.05). However, FlOP variation due to diet was small
      compared to overall FlOP variation. In conclusion, AHEI, DASH, and aMED scores
      were unexpectedly positively, but weakly, associated with FlOP_360 and FlOP_320.
      However, these findings should be interpreted cautiously as the determinants of
      FlOP concentrations are not fully understood.

PMID- 27657130
TI  - Erratum: Lazar-Karsten, P., et al. Generation and Characterization of Vascular
      Smooth Muscle Cell Lines Derived from a Patient with a Bicuspid Aortic Valve.
      Cells 2016, 5, 19.
AB  - The authors wish to make the following erratum to this paper [1].[...].

PMID- 27657129
TI  - Technical Considerations for the Generation of Adoptively Transferred T Cells in
      Cancer Immunotherapy.
AB  - A significant function of the immune system is the surveillance and elimination
      of aberrant cells that give rise to cancer. Even when tumors are well established
      and metastatic, immune-mediated spontaneous regressions have been documented.
      While there are have been various forms of immunotherapy, one of the most widely
      studied for almost 40 years is adoptive cellular immunotherapy, but its success
      has yet to be fully realized. Adoptive cell transfer (ACT) is a therapeutic
      modality that has intrigued physicians and researchers for its many theoretical
      benefits. Preclinical investigations and human trials have utilized natural
      killer (NK) cells, dendritic cells (DC), macrophages, T-cells or B-cells for ACT
      with the most intense research focused on T-cell ACT. T-cells are exquisitely
      specific to the target of its T-cell receptor (TCR), thus potentially reducing
      the amount of collateral damage and off-target effects from treatment. T-cells
      also possess a memory subset that may reduce the risk of recurrence of a cancer
      after the successful treatment of the primary disease. There are several options
      for the source of T-cells used in the generation of cells for ACT. Perhaps the
      most widely known source is T-cells generated from tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes
      (TILs). However, studies have also employed peripheral blood mononuclear cells
      (PBMCs), lymph nodes, and even induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSCs) as a source
      of T-cells. Several important technical considerations exist regarding benefits
      and limitations of each source of T-cells. Unique aspects of T-cells factor into
      their ability to be efficacious in ACT including the total number of cells
      available for ACT, the anti-tumor efficacy on a per cell basis, the repertoire of
      TCRs specific to tumor cells, and their ability to traffic to various organs that
      harbor tumor. Current research is attempting to unlock the full potential of
      these cells to effectively and safely treat cancer. 

PMID- 27657131
TI  - Eight Mutations of Three Genes (EDA, EDAR, and WNT10A) Identified in Seven
      Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia Patients.
AB  - Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) is characterized by abnormal development
      of the teeth, hair, and sweat glands. Ectodysplasin A (EDA), Ectodysplasin A
      receptor (EDAR), and EDAR-associated death domain (EDARADD) are candidate genes
      for HED, but the relationship between WNT10A and HED has not yet been validated.
      In this study, we included patients who presented at least two of the three
      ectodermal dysplasia features. The four genes were analyzed in seven HED patients
      by PCR and Sanger sequencing. Five EDA and one EDAR heterozygous mutations were
      identified in families 1-6. Two WNT10A heterozygous mutations were identified in
      family 7 as a compound heterozygote. c.662G>A (p.Gly221Asp) in EDA and c.354T>G
      (p.Tyr118*) in WNT10A are novel mutations. Bioinformatics analyses results
      confirmed the pathogenicity of the two novel mutations. In family 7, we also
      identified two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that were predicted to
      affect the splicing of EDAR. Analysis of the patient's total RNA revealed normal
      splicing of EDAR. This ascertained that the compound heterozygous WNT10A
      mutations are the genetic defects that led to the onset of HED. Our data revealed
      the genetic basis of seven HED patients and expended the mutational spectrum.
      Interestingly, we confirmed WNT10A as a candidate gene of HED and we propose
      WNT10A to be tested in EDA-negative HED patients. 

PMID- 27657133
TI  - Molecular Inconsistencies in a Fragile X Male with Early Onset Ataxia.
AB  - Mosaicism for FMR1 premutation (PM: 55-199 CGG)/full mutation (FM: >200 CGG)
      alleles or the presence of unmethylated FM (UFM) have been associated with a less
      severe fragile X syndrome (FXS) phenotype and fragile X associated tremor/ataxia
      syndrome (FXTAS)-a late onset neurodegenerative disorder. We describe a 38 year
      old male carrying a 100% methylated FM detected with Southern blot (SB), which is
      consistent with complete silencing of FMR1 and a diagnosis of fragile X syndrome.
      However, his formal cognitive scores were not at the most severe end of the FXS
      phenotype and he displayed tremor and ataxic gait. With the association of UFM
      with FXTAS, we speculated that his ataxia might be related to an undetected
      proportion of UFM alleles. Such UFM alleles were confirmed by more sensitive PCR
      based methylation testing showing FM methylation between 60% and 70% in blood,
      buccal, and saliva samples and real-time PCR analysis showing incomplete
      silencing of FMR1. While he did not meet diagnostic criteria for FXTAS based on
      MRI findings, the underlying cause of his ataxia may be related to UFM alleles
      not detected by SB, and follow-up clinical and molecular assessment are justified
      if his symptoms worsen. 

PMID- 27657134
TI  - DNA Polymerase theta: A Unique Multifunctional End-Joining Machine.
AB  - The gene encoding DNA polymerase theta (Poltheta) was discovered over ten years
      ago as having a role in suppressing genome instability in mammalian cells.
      Studies have now clearly documented an essential function for this unique A
      family polymerase in the double-strand break (DSB) repair pathway alternative end
      joining (alt-EJ), also known as microhomology-mediated end-joining (MMEJ), in
      metazoans. Biochemical and cellular studies show that Poltheta exhibits a unique
      ability to perform alt-EJ and during this process the polymerase generates
      insertion mutations due to its robust terminal transferase activity which
      involves template-dependent and independent modes of DNA synthesis. Intriguingly,
      the POLQ gene also encodes for a conserved superfamily 2 Hel308-type ATP
      dependent helicase domain which likely assists in alt-EJ and was reported to
      suppress homologous recombination (HR) via its anti-recombinase activity. Here,
      we review our current knowledge of Poltheta-mediated end-joining, the specific
      activities of the polymerase and helicase domains, and put into perspective how
      this multifunctional enzyme promotes alt-EJ repair of DSBs formed during S and G2
      cell cycle phases. 

PMID- 27657135
TI  - Ups and Downs: Mechanisms of Repeat Instability in the Fragile X-Related
      Disorders.
AB  - The Fragile X-related disorders (FXDs) are a group of clinical conditions
      resulting from the expansion of a CGG/CCG-repeat tract in exon 1 of the Fragile X
      mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene. While expansions of the repeat tract
      predominate, contractions are also seen with the net result being that
      individuals can show extensive repeat length heterogeneity in different tissues.
      The mechanisms responsible for expansion and contraction are still not well
      understood. This review will discuss what is known about these processes and
      current evidence that supports a model in which expansion arises from the
      interaction of components of the base excision repair, mismatch repair and
      transcription coupled repair pathways. 

PMID- 27657137
TI  - Implementing Personalized Medicine in the Academic Health Center.
AB  - Recently we at Partners Health Care had a series of articles in the Journal of
      Personalized Medicine describing how we are going about implementing Personalized
      Medicine in an academic health care system [1-10].[...]. 

PMID- 27657132
TI  - The Role of ATRX in the Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT) Phenotype.
AB  - Telomeres are responsible for protecting chromosome ends in order to prevent the
      loss of coding DNA. Their maintenance is required for achieving immortality by
      neoplastic cells and can occur by upregulation of the telomerase enzyme or
      through a homologous recombination-associated process, the alternative
      lengthening of telomeres (ALT). The precise mechanisms that govern the activation
      of ALT or telomerase in tumor cells are not fully understood, although cellular
      origin may favor one of the other mechanisms that have been found thus far in
      mutual exclusivity. Specific mutational events influence ALT activation and
      maintenance: a unifying frequent feature of tumors that acquire this phenotype
      are the recurrent mutations of the Alpha Thalassemia/Mental Retardation Syndrome
      X-Linked (ATRX) or Death-Domain Associated Protein (DAXX) genes. This review
      summarizes the established criteria about this phenotype: its prevalence,
      theoretical molecular mechanisms and relation with ATRX, DAXX and other proteins
      (directly or indirectly interacting and resulting in the ALT phenotype). 

PMID- 27657126
TI  - The Anti-Cancer Effect of Polyphenols against Breast Cancer and Cancer Stem
      Cells: Molecular Mechanisms.
AB  - The high incidence of breast cancer in developed and developing countries, and
      its correlation to cancer-related deaths, has prompted concerned scientists to
      discover novel alternatives to deal with this challenge. In this review, we will
      provide a brief overview of polyphenol structures and classifications, as well as
      on the carcinogenic process. The biology of breast cancer cells will also be
      discussed. The molecular mechanisms involved in the anti-cancer activities of
      numerous polyphenols, against a wide range of breast cancer cells, in vitro and
      in vivo, will be explained in detail. The interplay between autophagy and
      apoptosis in the anti-cancer activity of polyphenols will also be highlighted. In
      addition, the potential of polyphenols to target cancer stem cells (CSCs) via
      various mechanisms will be explained. Recently, the use of natural products as
      chemotherapeutics and chemopreventive drugs to overcome the side effects and
      resistance that arise from using chemical-based agents has garnered the attention
      of the scientific community. Polyphenol research is considered a promising field
      in the treatment and prevention of breast cancer.

PMID- 27657136
TI  - Regulation of BLM Nucleolar Localization.
AB  - Defects in coordinated ribosomal RNA (rRNA) transcription in the nucleolus cause
      cellular and organismal growth deficiencies. Bloom's syndrome, an autosomal
      recessive human disorder caused by mutated recQ-like helicase BLM, presents with
      growth defects suggestive of underlying defects in rRNA transcription. Our
      previous studies showed that BLM facilitates rRNA transcription and interacts
      with RNA polymerase I and topoisomerase I (TOP1) in the nucleolus. The mechanisms
      regulating localization of BLM to the nucleolus are unknown. In this study, we
      identify the TOP1-interaction region of BLM by co-immunoprecipitation of in vitro
      transcribed and translated BLM segments and show that this region includes the
      highly conserved nuclear localization sequence (NLS) of BLM. Biochemical and
      nucleolar co-localization studies using site-specific mutants show that two
      serines within the NLS (S1342 and S1345) are critical for nucleolar localization
      of BLM but do not affect the functional interaction of BLM with TOP1. Mutagenesis
      of both serines to aspartic acid (phospho-mimetic), but not alanine (phospho
      dead), results in approximately 80% reduction in nucleolar localization of BLM
      while retaining the biochemical functions and nuclear localization of BLM. Our
      studies suggest a role for this region in regulating nucleolar localization of
      BLM via modification of the two serines within the NLS. 

PMID- 27657138
TI  - Gene Disruption Technologies Have the Potential to Transform Stored Product
      Insect Pest Control.
AB  - Stored product insects feed on grains and processed commodities manufactured from
      grain post-harvest, reducing the nutritional value and contaminating food.
      Currently, the main defense against stored product insect pests is the pesticide
      fumigant phosphine. Phosphine is highly toxic to all animals, but is the most
      effective and economical control method, and thus is used extensively worldwide.
      However, many insect populations have become resistant to phosphine, in some
      cases to very high levels. New, environmentally benign and more effective control
      strategies are needed for stored product pests. RNA interference (RNAi) may
      overcome pesticide resistance by targeting the expression of genes that
      contribute to resistance in insects. Most data on RNAi in stored product insects
      is from the coleopteran genetic model, Tribolium castaneum, since it has a strong
      RNAi response via injection of double stranded RNA (dsRNA) in any life stage.
      Additionally, Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)
      technology has been suggested as a potential resource for new pest control
      strategies. In this review we discuss background information on both gene
      disruption technologies and summarize the advances made in terms of molecular
      pest management in stored product insects, mainly T. castaneum, as well as
      complications and future needs. 

PMID- 27657139
TI  - Vegetarian versus Meat-Based Diets for Companion Animals.
AB  - Companion animal owners are increasingly concerned about the links between
      degenerative health conditions, farm animal welfare problems, environmental
      degradation, fertilizers and herbicides, climate change, and causative factors;
      such as animal farming and the consumption of animal products. Accordingly, many
      owners are increasingly interested in vegetarian diets for themselves and their
      companion animals. However, are vegetarian canine and feline diets nutritious and
      safe? Four studies assessing the nutritional soundness of these diets were
      reviewed, and manufacturer responses to the most recent studies are provided.
      Additional reviewed studies examined the nutritional soundness of commercial meat
      based diets and the health status of cats and dogs maintained on vegetarian and
      meat-based diets. Problems with all of these dietary choices have been
      documented, including nutritional inadequacies and health problems. However, a
      significant and growing body of population studies and case reports have
      indicated that cats and dogs maintained on vegetarian diets may be healthy
      including those exercising at the highest levels-and, indeed, may experience a
      range of health benefits. Such diets must be nutritionally complete and
      reasonably balanced, however, and owners should regularly monitor urinary acidity
      and should correct urinary alkalinisation through appropriate dietary additives,
      if necessary. 

PMID- 27657140
TI  - Changes in the Welfare of an Injured Working Farm Dog Assessed Using the Five
      Domains Model.
AB  - The present structured, systematic and comprehensive welfare evaluation of an
      injured working farm dog using the Five Domains Model is of interest in its own
      right. It is also an example for others wanting to apply the Model to welfare
      evaluations in different species and contexts. Six stages of a fictitious
      scenario involving the dog are considered: (1) its on-farm circumstances before
      one hind leg is injured; (2) its entanglement in barbed wire, cutting it free and
      transporting it to a veterinary clinic; (3) the initial veterinary examination
      and overnight stay; (4) amputation of the limb and immediate post-operative
      recovery; (5) its first four weeks after rehoming to a lifestyle block; and (6)
      its subsequent life as an amputee and pet. Not all features of the scenario
      represent average-to-good practice; indeed, some have been selected to indicate
      poor practice. It is shown how the Model can draw attention to areas of animal
      welfare concern and, importantly, to how welfare enhancement may be impeded or
      facilitated. Also illustrated is how the welfare implications of a sequence of
      events can be traced and evaluated, and, in relation to specific situations, how
      the degrees of welfare compromise and enhancement may be graded. In addition, the
      choice of a companion animal, contrasting its welfare status as a working dog and
      pet, and considering its treatment in a veterinary clinical setting, help to
      highlight various welfare impacts of some practices. By focussing attention on
      welfare problems, the Model can guide the implementation of remedies, including
      ways of promoting positive welfare states. Finally, wider applications of the
      Five Domains Model are noted: by enabling both negative and positive welfare
      relevant experiences to be graded, the Model can be applied to quality of life
      assessments and end-of-life decisions and, with particular regard to negative
      experiences, the Model can also help to strengthen expert witness testimony
      during prosecutions for serious ill treatment of animals. 

PMID- 27657141
TI  - Microarray Data Processing Techniques for Genome-Scale Network Inference from
      Large Public Repositories.
AB  - Pre-processing of microarray data is a well-studied problem. Furthermore, all
      popular platforms come with their own recommended best practices for differential
      analysis of genes. However, for genome-scale network inference using microarray
      data collected from large public repositories, these methods filter out a
      considerable number of genes. This is primarily due to the effects of aggregating
      a diverse array of experiments with different technical and biological scenarios.
      Here we introduce a pre-processing pipeline suitable for inferring genome-scale
      gene networks from large microarray datasets. We show that partitioning of the
      available microarray datasets according to biological relevance into tissue- and
      process-specific categories significantly extends the limits of downstream
      network construction. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our pre-processing
      pipeline by inferring genome-scale networks for the model plant Arabidopsis
      thaliana using two different construction methods and a collection of 11,760
      Affymetrix ATH1 microarray chips. Our pre-processing pipeline and the datasets
      used in this paper are made available at http://alurulab.cc.gatech.edu/microarray
      pp. 

PMID- 27657142
TI  - A Review of Antioxidant Peptides Derived from Meat Muscle and By-Products.
AB  - Antioxidant peptides are gradually being accepted as food ingredients,
      supplemented in functional food and nutraceuticals, to positively regulate
      oxidative stress in the human body against lipid and protein oxidation. Meat
      muscle and meat by-products are rich sources of proteins and can be regarded as
      good materials for the production of bioactive peptides by use of enzymatic
      hydrolysis or direct solvent extraction. In recent years, there has been a
      growing number of studies conducted to characterize antioxidant peptides or
      hydrolysates derived from meat muscle and by-products as well as processed meat
      products, including dry-cured hams. Antioxidant peptides obtained from animal
      sources could exert not only nutritional value but also bioavailability to
      benefit human health. This paper reviews the antioxidant peptides or protein
      hydrolysates identified in muscle protein and by-products. We focus on the
      procedure for the generation of peptides with antioxidant capacity including the
      acquisition of crude peptides, the assessment of antioxidant activity, and the
      purification and identification of the active fraction. It remains critical to
      perform validation experiments with a cell model, animal model or clinical trial
      to eliminate safety concerns before final application in the food system. In
      addition, some of the common characteristics on structure-activity relationship
      are also reviewed based on the identified antioxidant peptides. 

PMID- 27657143
TI  - Integration of Methane Steam Reforming and Water Gas Shift Reaction in a Pd/Au/Pd
      Based Catalytic Membrane Reactor for Process Intensification.
AB  - Palladium-based catalytic membrane reactors (CMRs) effectively remove H2 to
      induce higher conversions in methane steam reforming (MSR) and water-gas-shift
      reactions (WGS). Within such a context, this work evaluates the technical
      performance of a novel CMR, which utilizes two catalysts in series, rather than
      one. In the process system under consideration, the first catalyst, confined
      within the shell side of the reactor, reforms methane with water yielding H2, CO
      and CO2. After reforming is completed, a second catalyst, positioned in series,
      reacts with CO and water through the WGS reaction yielding pure H2O, CO2 and H2.
      A tubular composite asymmetric Pd/Au/Pd membrane is situated throughout the
      reactor to continuously remove the produced H2 and induce higher methane and CO
      conversions while yielding ultrapure H2 and compressed CO2 ready for dehydration.
      Experimental results involving (i) a conventional packed bed reactor packed (PBR)
      for MSR, (ii) a PBR with five layers of two catalysts in series and (iii) a CMR
      with two layers of two catalysts in series are comparatively assessed and
      thoroughly characterized. Furthermore, a comprehensive 2D computational fluid
      dynamics (CFD) model was developed to explore further the features of the
      proposed configuration. The reaction was studied at different process
      intensification-relevant conditions, such as space velocities, temperatures,
      pressures and initial feed gas composition. Finally, it is demonstrated that the
      above CMR module, which was operated for 600 h, displays quite high H2 permeance
      and purity, high CH4 conversion levels and reduced CO yields. 

PMID- 27657146
TI  - Potential of Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) in Therapeutic Drug
      Monitoring (TDM). A Critical Review.
AB  - Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) is a label-free technique that enables
      quick monitoring of substances at low concentrations in biological matrices.
      These advantages make it an attractive tool for the development of point-of-care
      tests suitable for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) of drugs with a narrow
      therapeutic window, such as chemotherapeutic drugs, immunosuppressants, and
      various anticonvulsants. In this article, the current applications of SERS in the
      field of TDM for cancer therapy are discussed in detail and illustrated according
      to the different strategies and substrates. In particular, future perspectives
      are provided and special concerns regarding the standardization of self-assembly
      methods and nanofabrication procedures, quality assurance, and technology
      readiness are critically evaluated.

PMID- 27657147
TI  - Lactate Sensors on Flexible Substrates.
AB  - Lactate detection by an in situ sensor is of great need in clinical medicine,
      food processing, and athletic performance monitoring. In this paper, a flexible,
      easy to fabricate, and low-cost biosensor base on lactate oxidase is presented.
      The fabrication processes, including metal deposition, sol-gel IrOx deposition,
      and drop-dry enzyme loading method, are described in detail. The loaded enzyme
      was examined by scanning electron microscopy. Cyclic voltammetry was used to
      characterize the sensors. Durability, sensibility, and selectivity of the
      biosensors were examined. The comparison for different electrode sizes and
      different sensing film materials was conducted. The sensor could last for four
      weeks with an average surface area normalized sensitivity of 950 nA/(cm2 mM) and
      9250 nA/(cm2 mM) for Au-based electrodes, and IrOx-modified electrodes
      respectively, both with an electrode size of 100 * 50 MUm. The self-referencing
      method to record noises simultaneously with the working electrode greatly
      improved sensor sensitivity and selectivity. The sensor showed little response to
      interference chemicals, such as glutamate and dopamine.

PMID- 27657144
TI  - Advanced Therapeutic Strategies for Chronic Lung Disease Using Nanoparticle-Based
      Drug Delivery.
AB  - Chronic lung diseases include a variety of obstinate and fatal diseases,
      including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis
      (CF), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and lung cancers. Pharmacotherapy is
      important for the treatment of chronic lung diseases, and current progress in
      nanoparticles offers great potential as an advanced strategy for drug delivery.
      Based on their biophysical properties, nanoparticles have shown improved
      pharmacokinetics of therapeutics and controlled drug delivery, gaining great
      attention. Herein, we will review the nanoparticle-based drug delivery system for
      the treatment of chronic lung diseases. Various types of nanoparticles will be
      introduced, and recent innovative efforts to utilize the nanoparticles as novel
      drug carriers for the effective treatment of chronic lung diseases will also be
      discussed. 

PMID- 27657148
TI  - Untargeted NMR Spectroscopic Analysis of the Metabolic Variety of New Apple
      Cultivars.
AB  - Metabolome analyses by NMR spectroscopy can be used in quality control by
      generating unique fingerprints of different species. Hundreds of components and
      their variation between different samples can be analyzed in a few minutes/hours
      with high accuracy and low cost of sample preparation. Here, apple peel and pulp
      extracts of a variety of apple cultivars were studied to assess their suitability
      to discriminate between the different varieties. The cultivars comprised mainly
      newly bred varieties or ones that were brought onto the market in recent years.
      Multivariate analyses of peel and pulp extracts were able to unambiguously
      identify all cultivars, with peel extracts showing a higher discriminative power.
      The latter was increased if the highly concentrated sugar metabolites were
      omitted from the analysis. Whereas sugar concentrations lay within a narrow
      range, polyphenols, discussed as potential health promoting substances, and acids
      varied remarkably between the cultivars. 

PMID- 27657145
TI  - Advances in the Microbiome: Applications to Clostridium difficile Infection.
AB  - Clostridium difficile is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide,
      causing over 400,000 infections and approximately 29,000 deaths in the United
      States alone each year. C. difficile is the most common cause of nosocomial
      diarrhoea in the developed world, and, in recent years, the emergence of hyper
      virulent (mainly ribotypes 027 and 078, sometimes characterised by increased
      toxin production), epidemic strains and an increase in the number of community
      acquired infections has caused further concern. Antibiotic therapy with
      metronidazole, vancomycin or fidaxomicin is the primary treatment for C.
      difficile infection (CDI). However, CDI is unique, in that, antibiotic use is
      also a major risk factor for acquiring CDI or recurrent CDI due to disruption of
      the normal gut microbiota. Therefore, there is an urgent need for alternative,
      non-antibiotic therapeutics to treat or prevent CDI. Here, we review a number of
      such potential treatments which have emerged from advances in the field of
      microbiome research. 

PMID- 27657149
TI  - Associations between Trunk Extension Endurance and Isolated Lumbar Extension
      Strength in Both Asymptomatic Participants and Those with Chronic Low Back Pain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Strength and endurance tests are important for both clinical practice
      and research due to the key role they play in musculoskeletal function. In
      particular, deconditioning of the lumbar extensor musculature has been associated
      with low back pain (LBP). Due to the relationship between strength and absolute
      endurance, it is possible that trunk extension (TEX) endurance tests could
      provide a proxy measure of isolated lumbar extension (ILEX) strength and thus
      represent a simple, practical alternative to ILEX measurements. Though, the
      comparability of TEX endurance and ILEX strength is presently unclear and so the
      aim of the present study was to examine this relationship. METHODS: Thirty eight
      healthy participants and nineteen participants with non-specific chronic LBP and
      no previous lumbar surgery participated in this cross-sectional study design. TEX
      endurance was measured using the Biering-Sorensen test. A maximal ILEX strength
      test was performed on the MedX lumbar-extension machine. RESULTS: A Pearson's
      correlation revealed no relationship between TEX endurance and ILEX strength in
      the combined group (r = 0.035, p = 0.793), the chronic LBP group (r = 0.120, p =
      0.623) or the asymptomatic group (r = -0.060, p = 0.720). CONCLUSIONS: The
      results suggest that TEX is not a good indicator of ILEX and cannot be used to
      infer results regarding ILEX strength. However, a combination of TEX and ILEX
      interpreted together likely offers the greatest and most comprehensive
      information regarding lumbo-pelvic function during extension.

PMID- 27657151
TI  - Parental Protectiveness Mediates the Association between Parent-Perceived Child
      Self-Efficacy and Health Outcomes in Pediatric Functional Abdominal Pain
      Disorder.
AB  - Previous studies have shown that parental protectiveness is associated with
      increased pain and disability in Functional Abdominal Pain Disorder (FAPD) but
      the role that perceived child self-efficacy may play remains unclear. One reason
      why parents may react protectively towards their child's pain is that they
      perceive their child to be unable to cope or function normally while in pain
      (perceived low self-efficacy). This study sought to examine (a) the association
      between parent-perceived child pain self-efficacy and child health outcomes
      (symptom severity and disability); and (b) the role of parental protectiveness as
      a mediator of this association. Participants were 316 parents of children aged 7
      12 years with FAPD. Parents completed measures of perceived child self-efficacy
      when in pain, their own protective responses to their child's pain, child
      gastrointestinal (GI) symptom severity, and child functional disability. Parent
      perceived child self-efficacy was inversely associated with parent-reported child
      GI symptom severity and disability, and parental protectiveness mediated these
      associations. These results suggest that parents who perceive their child to have
      low self-efficacy to cope with pain respond more protectively when they believe
      he/she is in pain, and this, in turn, is associated with higher levels of GI
      symptoms and disability in their child. This finding suggests that directly
      addressing parent beliefs about their child's ability to manage pain should be
      included as a component of FAPD, and potentially other child treatment
      interventions. 

PMID- 27657150
TI  - Comparison of Very Low Energy Diet Products Available in Australia and How to
      Tailor Them to Optimise Protein Content for Younger and Older Adult Men and
      Women.
AB  - Very low energy diets (VLED) are efficacious in inducing rapid weight loss but
      may not contain adequate macronutrients or micronutrients for individuals with
      varying nutritional requirements. Adequate protein intake during weight loss
      appears particularly important to help preserve fat free mass and control
      appetite, and low energy and carbohydrate content also contributes to appetite
      control. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the nutritional
      content (with a focus on protein), nutritional adequacy and cost of all
      commercially-available VLED brands in Australia. Nutritional content and cost
      were extracted and compared between brands and to the Recommended Dietary Intake
      (RDI) or adequate intake (AI) of macronutrients and micronutrients for men and
      women aged 19-70 years or >70 years. There was wide variability in the
      nutritional content, nutritional adequacy and cost of VLED brands. Most notably,
      even brands with the highest daily protein content, based on consuming three
      products/day (KicStartTM and Optislim((r)), ~60 g/day), only met estimated
      protein requirements of the smallest and youngest women for whom a VLED would be
      indicated. Considering multiple options to optimise protein content, we propose
      that adding pure powdered protein is the most suitable option because it
      minimizes additional energy, carbohydrate and cost of VLEDs. 

PMID- 27657153
TI  - Access to joint replacement: have we got it right?

PMID- 27657152
TI  - Rewiring of Developing Spinal Nociceptive Circuits by Neonatal Injury and Its
      Implications for Pediatric Chronic Pain.
AB  - Significant evidence now suggests that neonatal tissue damage can evoke long
      lasting changes in pain sensitivity, but the underlying cellular and molecular
      mechanisms remain unclear. This review highlights recent advances in our
      understanding of how injuries during a critical period of early life modulate the
      functional organization of synaptic networks in the superficial dorsal horn (SDH)
      of the spinal cord in a manner that favors the excessive amplification of
      ascending nociceptive signaling to the brain, which likely contributes to the
      generation and/or maintenance of pediatric chronic pain. These persistent
      alterations in synaptic function within the SDH may also contribute to the well
      documented "priming" of developing pain pathways by neonatal tissue injury. 

PMID- 27657155
TI  - Access to orthopaedic spinal specialists in the Canterbury public health system:
      quantifying the unmet need.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this project was to determine the unmet need within the public
      health system for patients referred for elective Orthopaedic Specialist Spinal
      assessment and treatment in the Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) region.
      METHODS: Between January 2014 and January 2015 data was collected from all
      elective referrals to the CDHB Orthopaedic Spinal Service. During this period,
      the number of available outpatient appointments was set by the CDHB. Within this
      clinical capacity, patients were triaged by the four consultant surgeons into
      those of most need based on the referral letter and available radiological
      imaging. Those unable to be provided with a clinical appointment were discharged
      back to their GP for ongoing conservative care. Of those patients that received
      specialist assessment and were considered in need of elective surgical
      intervention, a proportion were denied treatment if the surgery was unable to be
      performed within the government determined four-month waiting time threshold.
      RESULTS: During the study period, 707 patients were referred to the CDHB
      orthopaedic spinal team for elective specialist assessment. Of these, 522 (74%)
      were declined an outpatient appointment due to a lack of available clinical time.
      Of the 185 patients given a specialist assessment, 158 (85%) were recommended for
      elective surgery. Ninety-one (58%) were denied surgery and referred back for
      ongoing GP care due to unavailable operating capacity within the four-month
      waiting list threshold. Within this group of 91 patients, 16 patients were
      declined on multiple occasions (14 patients twice and two patients on three
      occasions). CONCLUSIONS: This study quantifies the unmet need for both Spinal
      Orthopaedic Specialist assessment and, if warranted, surgical management of
      elective spine conditions within the Canterbury public health system. It
      highlights the degree of rationing within the public health system and its
      failure to adequately provide for the Canterbury Public.

PMID- 27657154
TI  - Equity of publicly-funded hip and knee joint replacement surgery in New Zealand:
      results from a national observational study.
AB  - AIM: This study examines equity in the provision of publicly-funded hip and knee
      total joint replacement (TJR) surgery in New Zealand between 2006 and 2013 to: 1)
      investigate national rates by demographic characteristics; 2) describe changes in
      national rates over time; and 3) compare rates of provision between District
      Health Boards (DHBs). METHODS: Hospital discharge data for people aged 20 years
      or over who had at least one hip or knee TJR between 2006 and 2013 was obtained
      from the Ministry of Health's National Minimum Dataset. RESULTS: Higher TJR rates
      were observed among those aged 75-84 years, females, those of Maori ethnicity,
      those not living in rural or main urban areas and those in the most deprived
      socio-economic groups. TJRs increased from 7,053 in 2006 to 8,429 in 2013,
      however the rate was highest in 2007. In 2012-13, age-ethnicity-standardised
      rates varied between DHBs from 196 to 419/100,000 person years, with larger DHBs
      having lower rates than smaller DHBs. CONCLUSION: There was evidence of
      geographic inequity in TJR provision across New Zealand. Despite increased
      numbers of procedures, rates of publicly-funded TJR surgery are barely keeping up
      with population increases. Reasons behind differences in provision should be
      examined.

PMID- 27657156
TI  - Rebalancing health service use for older people: simulating policy-relevant
      scenarios under demographic ageing.
AB  - AIMS: The demographic ageing of New Zealand society has greatly increased the
      proportion of older people (aged 65 years and over), with major policy
      implications. We tested the effects on health service use of alterations to
      morbidity profile and the balance of care. METHODS: We developed a
      microsimulation model using data from an official national health survey series
      to generate a synthetic replicate for scenario testing. RESULTS: Projections on
      current settings from 2001 to 2021 showed increases in morbidity-long-term
      illness (2%)-and in health service use-doctor visits (21%), public hospital
      admissions (16%). Scenarios with decreasing morbidity levels showed moderate
      reductions in health service use. By contrast, rebalancing towards the use of
      practice nurses showed a large decrease in public hospital admissions for people
      aged 85 years and over. CONCLUSION: Demographic ageing may not have a major
      negative effect on system resources in New Zealand and other developed countries.
      Rebalancing between modalities of care may soften the impact of increasing health
      service use required by a larger older population.

PMID- 27657157
TI  - Epidemiology of intussusception in New Zealand pre-rotavirus vaccination.
AB  - AIMS: To describe the epidemiology of intussusception in New Zealand children
      aged 0-36 months prior to the introduction of routine rotavirus vaccination.
      METHODS: ICD-10 coding data from the New Zealand National Minimum Data Set (NMDS)
      was used to identify all cases of intussusception in children aged 0-36 months
      between January 1998 and December 2013. These data were linked with birth data
      from the New Zealand census. Population incidence rates of intussusception were
      calculated, and demographic characteristics described. RESULTS: Over the 16-year
      study period, there were 794 cases of intussusception. The majority (56%)
      occurred in the first year of life (age adjusted incidence rate 56.1/100,000
      child-years, 95% confidence interval (CI) 41.7-71.2). Intussusception occurred
      more frequently in males (36.4/100,000 (95% CI 24.6-48.2) versus 19.5/100,000
      (95% CI 10.8-28.1, p<0.001)). There was no difference in intussusception
      incidence between ethnic groups, although cases occurred at a younger age in
      Maori and Pacific infants compared to Asian and other ethnicities (Pacific median
      7.5 months (interquartile range 5.9-11.6), Maori 7.8 months (IQR 5.5-12.3),
      European 9.2 months (IQR 5.8-15.8), Other Ethnicity 10.2 months (IQR 8.2-12.3),
      Asian 10.5 months (IQR 7.0-17.1 )). There was a weak seasonal trend with
      incidence troughs in January and July, and corresponding peaks in March and
      September. There was wide variation in presentation rates across District Health
      Board (DHB) regions, with a national average of 18.0/100,000 child-years (95% CI
      9.7-26.3). Most patients were admitted on a single occasion to a single hospital
      for treatment (81%). CONCLUSIONS: This study updates background incidence rates
      of intussusception prior to the introduction of a national rotavirus vaccination
      programme in July 2014. It identifies a trend of earlier intussusception in Maori
      and Pacific infants; the relationship between earlier intussusception and the
      risk of vaccine-associated events is unknown.

PMID- 27657158
TI  - Publication rates and characteristics of undergraduate medical theses in New
      Zealand.
AB  - AIM: Publication in peer-reviewed journals is widely regarded as the preferred
      vehicle for research dissemination. In New Zealand, the fate and publication
      rates of theses produced by medical students is unknown. The aim of this study
      was to examine the frequency and characteristics of publications derived from
      research conducted by Bachelor of Medical Sciences (BMedSc(Hons)) students at the
      three campuses of the University of Otago Medical School, New Zealand. METHODS: A
      total of 153 BMedSc(Hons) theses accepted at the Otago Medical School during the
      period of January 1995 to December 2014 were analysed. Using standardised search
      criteria, PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched in October 2015 to
      examine the number and characteristics of publications. RESULTS: Overall, 50
      (32.7%) out of 153 included theses resulted in 81 scientific publications. Ten
      (12.3%) publications featured in Australasian journals. The majority of
      publications were original articles (84%), with pathology and molecular biology
      (19%) being the most common research area. Although they did not reach
      statistical significance, publications in higher impact factor journals trended
      towards having a senior first author as opposed to a student first author
      (p=0.06). CONCLUSION: Although higher than reported figures from previous
      studies, publication rates of BMedSc(Hons) theses remain lower than expected. To
      improve our understanding of medical student publishing in New Zealand, formal
      examination of the factors hindering medical students from publishing their
      theses is imperative.

PMID- 27657159
TI  - How effective is our current Orthopaedic Prioritisation Tool for scoring patients
      for arthroplasty surgery?
AB  - AIM: To compare those patients who are being accepted onto the waiting list for
      total hip and knee arthroplasty surgery with those patients who are being
      declined surgery, using a validated functional questionnaire. METHOD: The clinic
      records from all patients seen for consideration of total hip or knee
      arthroplasty at Hawkes Bay Hospital during the preceding four months were
      reviewed. We sent the Oxford Hip and Knee Score questionnaire to all patients who
      had been put forward for consideration of surgery. RESULTS: Of the 150 patients
      we surveyed, 81 had been accepted onto the waiting list and received a date for
      surgery within the next four months and 69 had been declined surgery. Of the 81
      patients who had been accepted onto the waiting list for surgery, 61 returned the
      Oxford questionnaire with an average score of 10.9. Of the 69 patients who had
      been declined surgery, 59 returned the Oxford questionnaire with an average score
      of 10.8. Thus the mean Oxford score was not statistically different between those
      patients being accepted onto the waiting list for surgery and those being
      declined surgery (p=0.925). CONCLUSION: No difference was found between those
      patients being accepted onto the waiting list for total hip or knee arthroplasty
      and those being declined surgery in Hawkes Bay after using the Oxford Hip and
      Knee Score as a measure of functional impairment. The average Oxford score
      indicates that patients being seen in Hawkes Bay Hospital for consideration of
      total hip or knee arthroplasty are severely functionally impaired as a result of
      their condition.

PMID- 27657160
TI  - Parental smoking during pregnancy: findings from the Growing Up in New Zealand
      cohort.
AB  - AIMS: To investigate patterns of exposure to tobacco smoke in pregnancy among a
      representative sample of New Zealand women. METHODS: Analyses of smoking-related
      data from the first wave of the Growing Up in New Zealand cohort study, ie from
      the first data-collection point during the antenatal period in 2009-10. RESULTS:
      Twenty percent of mothers reporting smoking before pregnancy and 9.9% of mothers
      continued during pregnancy. These figures were higher in younger women (p<.0001),
      women with lower educational achievement (p<.001) and Maori women (p<.001).
      Similarly, being Maori (p<.0001) and having a lower education achievement
      (p<.0029) were associated with smoking during an unplanned compared to a planned
      pregnancy. Multiparous mothers were more likely to be smokers than primaparous
      mothers (11%: 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 10.0-12.1 vs 8.3%: 95% CI 7.2-9.4).
      Second-hand smoke exposure was more common for younger women (Odds Ratio [OR]
      3.2: 95% CI 1.6-6.4), Maori women (OR 1.9: 95% CI 1.4-2.5), and women with
      unplanned pregnancies (OR 3.4 95% CI 12.0-14.8). CONCLUSIONS: There are
      differences in a range of contextual and behavioural factors related to smoking
      before and during pregnancy. Low educational achievement, being young, Maori and
      multiparous were all associated with smoking during pregnancy. A better
      understanding of why these differences exist is needed in order to find
      appropriate interventions to support women in becoming smoke-free.

PMID- 27657161
TI  - Low FODMAP diet efficacy in IBS patients-what is the evidence and what else do we
      need to know?
AB  - Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common and significant health problem which
      may be treatable with dietary interventions. Here we aim to explain the
      principles of the low Fermentable Oligo-, Di-, Monosaccharides and Polyol diet,
      and discuss both the limitations and opportunities of the diet in those with IBS,
      a common cause of presentation to primary and secondary care in New Zealand. 

PMID- 27657162
TI  - Gingival lipoma.

PMID- 27657163
TI  - Rare coexistence of dermatomyositis and smooth muscle antibodies, with abnormal
      liver function tests.

PMID- 27657164
TI  - Exercise-induced rhabdomyolysis.
AB  - We report the case of a 34 year-old man who developed exercise-induced
      rhabdomyolysis after unaccustomed high-intensity exercise. Subclinical
      rhabdomyolysis is common after heavy exercise, yet it is uncommon for patients to
      seek medical advice. The presentation is variable and despite potentially life
      threatening complications the diagnosis may be easily missed by patients and
      healthcare professionals. A high-index of suspicion is critical to avoid missing
      the diagnosis. We summarise the current knowledge, clinical course, complications
      and management of exercise-induced rhabdomyolysis. 

PMID- 27657165
TI  - Homeopathy-when self-regulation fails.

PMID- 27657166
TI  - Borderline personality pathology and physical health: The role of employment.
AB  - Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is associated with negative physical health
      outcomes. Clinical case studies suggest that employment status may buffer against
      the negative effects of BPD on physical health. The goal of the current study was
      to examine the interaction between BPD features and employment status in
      predicting subjective perceptions of physical health. We hypothesized that
      employment status would moderate the relationship between BPD features and
      physical health, such that individuals who are employed would exhibit a weaker
      negative relationship between BPD features and self- and informant ratings of
      physical health. We investigated this question using data from a community sample
      of 1,630 middle-aged to older adults participating in the St. Louis Personality
      and Aging Network, an ongoing study of personality, health, and aging. Results
      indicated that employment status and BPD features were significant predictors of
      both self- and informant ratings of physical health. Confirming our hypothesis,
      the interaction term contributed to a significant increase in the proportion of
      explained variance, suggesting that employment is associated with a weaker
      negative relationship between BPD features and physical health. These findings
      highlight the importance of examining occupational functioning in the long-term
      course of BPD and offer avenues for further research into moderators of the
      relationship between BPD features and physical health. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27657169
TI  - Tetherin is an exosomal tether.
AB  - Exosomes are extracellular vesicles that are released when endosomes fuse with
      the plasma membrane. They have been implicated in various functions in both
      health and disease, including intercellular communication, antigen presentation,
      prion transmission, and tumour cell metastasis. Here we show that inactivating
      the vacuolar ATPase in HeLa cells causes a dramatic increase in the production of
      exosomes, which display endocytosed tracers, cholesterol, and CD63. The exosomes
      remain clustered on the cell surface, similar to retroviruses, which are attached
      to the plasma membrane by tetherin. To determine whether tetherin also attaches
      exosomes, we knocked it out and found a 4-fold reduction in plasma membrane
      associated exosomes, with a concomitant increase in exosomes discharged into the
      medium. This phenotype could be rescued by wild-type tetherin but not tetherin
      lacking its GPI anchor. We propose that tetherin may play a key role in exosome
      fate, determining whether they participate in long-range or short-range
      interactions.

PMID- 27657170
TI  - Antimicrobial Properties of Tris(homoleptic) Ruthenium(II) 2-Pyridyl-1,2,3
      triazole "Click" Complexes against Pathogenic Bacteria, Including Methicillin
      Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
AB  - A series of tris(homoleptic) ruthenium(II) complexes of 2-(1-R-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4
      yl)pyridine "click" ligands (R-pytri) with various aliphatic (R = butyl, hexyl,
      octyl, dodecyl, and hexdecyl) and aromatic (R = phenyl and benzyl) substituents
      was synthesized in good yields (52%-66%). The [Ru(R-pytri)3]2+(X-)2 complexes
      (where X- = PF6- or Cl-) were characterized by elemental analysis, high
      resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS), 1H and 13C
      nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and infrared (IR) spectroscopies, and the
      molecular structures of six of the compounds confirmed by X-ray crystallography.
      1H NMR analysis showed that the as-synthesized materials were a statistical
      mixture of the mer- and fac-[Ru(R-pytri)3]2+ complexes. These diastereomers were
      separated using column chromatography. The electronic structures of the mer- and
      fac-[Ru(R-pytri)3]2+ complexes were examined using ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis)
      spectroscopy and cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry. The family of R-pytri
      ligands and the corresponding mer- and fac-[Ru(R-pytri)3]2+ complexes were tested
      for antimicrobial activity in vitro against both Staphylococcus aureus and
      Escherichia coli bacteria. Agar-based disk diffusion assays indicated that two of
      the [Ru(R-pytri)3](X)2 complexes (where X = PF6- and R = hexyl or octyl)
      displayed good antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive S. aureus and no
      activity against Gram-negative E. coli at the concentrations tested. The most
      active [Ru(R-pytri)3]2+ complexes ([Ru(hexpytri)3]2+ and Ru(octpytri)3]2+) were
      converted to the water-soluble chloride salts and screened for their activity
      against a wider range of pathogenic bacteria. As with the preliminary screen, the
      complexes showed good activity against a variety of Gram-positive strains
      (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) = 1-8 MUg/mL) but were less effective
      against Gram-negative bacteria (MIC = 16-128 MUg/mL). Most interestingly, in some
      cases, the ruthenium(II) "click" complexes proved more active (MIC = 4-8 MUg/mL)
      than the gentamicin control (MIC = 16 MUg/mL) against two strains of methicillin
      resistant S. aureus (MRSA) (MR 4393 and MR 4549). Transmission electron
      microscopy (TEM) experiments and propidium iodide assays suggested that the main
      mode of action for the ruthenium(II) R-pytri complexes was cell wall/cytoplasmic
      membrane disruption. Cytotoxicity experiments on human dermal keratinocyte and
      Vero (African green monkey kidney epithelial) cell lines suggested that the
      complexes were only modestly cytotoxic at concentrations well above the MIC
      values.

PMID- 27657167
TI  - Loss of ZBTB20 impairs circadian output and leads to unimodal behavioral rhythms.
AB  - Many animals display morning and evening bimodal activities in the day/night
      cycle. However, little is known regarding the potential components involved in
      the regulation of bimodal behavioral rhythms in mammals. Here, we identified that
      the zinc finger protein gene Zbtb20 plays a crucial role in the regulation of
      bimodal activities in mice. Depletion of Zbtb20 in nerve system resulted in the
      loss of early evening activity, but the increase of morning activity. We found
      that Zbtb20-deficient mice exhibited a pronounced decrease in the expression of
      Prokr2 and resembled phenotypes of Prok2 and Prokr2-knockout mice. Injection of
      adeno-associated virus-double-floxed Prokr2 in suprachiasmatic nucleus could
      partly restore evening activity in Nestin-Cre; Zbtb20fl/fl (NS-ZB20KO) mice.
      Furthermore, loss of Zbtb20 in Foxg1 loci, but intact in the suprachiasmatic
      nucleus, was not responsible for the unimodal activity of NS-ZB20KO mice. Our
      study provides evidence that ZBTB20-mediated PROKR2 signaling is critical for the
      evening behavioral rhythms.

PMID- 27657171
TI  - Catalytically Generated Allyl Cu(I) Intermediate via Cyclopropene Ring-Opening
      Coupling en Route to Allylphosphonates.
AB  - An efficient generation of functionalized allyl copper(I) species via
      cyclopropene ring-opening coupling reaction is reported, which enables
      stereoselective access to allylphosphonates. Mechanistic studies uncovered
      stereochemistry to be controlled by both ligand and substrate electronics, with
      the latter likely arising from pronounced arene-Cu(I) interaction in electron
      deficient substrates. The study unravels a novel approach to access
      functionalized nucleophilic allylcopper species upon which three-component
      coupling reactions might be developed.

PMID- 27657168
TI  - CD301b+ dendritic cells suppress T follicular helper cells and antibody responses
      to protein antigens.
AB  - Strong antibody response is considered a hallmark of a successful vaccine. While
      dendritic cells (DCs) are important for T follicular helper (Tfh) cell priming,
      how this process is regulated in vivo is unclear. We show here that the depletion
      of CD301b+ DCs specifically enhanced the development of Tfh cells, germinal
      center B cells and antibody responses against protein antigens. Exaggerated
      antibody responses in mice depleted of CD301b+ DCs occurred in the absence of any
      adjuvants, and resulting antibodies had broader specificity and higher affinity
      to the immunogen. CD301b+ DCs express high levels of PD-1 ligands, PD-L1 and PD
      L2. Blocking PD-1 or PD-L1 during priming in wild-type mice partially mimicked
      the phenotype of CD301b+ DC-depleted animals, suggesting their role in Tfh
      suppression. Transient depletion of CD301b+ DC results in the generation of
      autoreactive IgG responses. These results revealed a novel regulatory mechanism
      and a key role of CD301b+ DCs in blocking autoantibody generation.

PMID- 27657172
TI  - The Lower Terpenoids of Isocoma wrightii.

PMID- 27657173
TI  - How Negatively Charged Proteins Adsorb to Negatively Charged Surfaces: A
      Molecular Dynamics Study of BSA Adsorption on Silica.
AB  - How proteins adsorb to inorganic material surfaces is critically important for
      the development of new biotechnologies, since the orientation and structure of
      the adsorbed proteins impacts their functionality. While it is known that many
      negatively charged proteins readily adsorb to negatively charged oxide surfaces,
      a detailed understanding of how this process occurs is lacking. In this work we
      study the adsorption of BSA, an important transport protein that is negatively
      charged at physiological conditions, to a model silica surface that is also
      negatively charged. We use fully atomistic molecular dynamics to provide detailed
      understanding of the noncovalent interactions that bind the BSA to the silica
      surface. Our results provide new insight into the competing roles of long-range
      electrostatics and short-range forces, and the consequences this has for the
      orientation and structure of the adsorbed proteins.

PMID- 27657174
TI  - Room Temperature CO Oxidation over Pt/MgFe2O4: A Stable Inverse Spinel Oxide
      Support for Preparing Highly Efficient Pt Catalyst.
AB  - MgFe2O4 with inverse spinel structure is demonstrated to be an efficient support
      for constructing practical potential Pt catalyst (Pt/MgFe2O4). The resultant
      Pt/MgFe2O4 exhibits excellent catalytic behavior in CO oxidation under normal
      temperature and humidity. TOF calculated based on the content of Pt is 0.131 s-1.
      The excellent performance of Pt/MgFe2O4 attributes to the presence of surface
      undercoordinated lattice oxygens on MgFe2O4 support. These oxygens could
      participate in the initial CO oxidation and then be recovered under O2
      conditions. Over this Pt/MgFe2O4 catalyst, CO catalytic oxidation should mainly
      follow a redox mechanism.

PMID- 27657175
TI  - Atomically Sharp Crack Tips in Monolayer MoS2 and Their Enhanced Toughness by
      Vacancy Defects.
AB  - We combine in situ transmission electron microscopy and large-scale molecular
      dynamics simulations to investigate brittle fracture in 2D monolayer MoS2,
      revealing that cracks propagate with a tip of atomic sharpness through the
      preferential direction with least energy release. We find that sparse vacancy
      defects cause crack deflections, while increasing defect density shifts the
      fracture mechanism from brittle to ductile by the migration of vacancies in the
      strain fields into networks. The fracture toughness of defective MoS2 is found to
      exceed that of graphene due to interactions between the atomically sharp crack
      tips and vacancy clusters during propagation. These results show that monolayer
      2D materials are ideal for revealing fundamental aspects of fracture mechanics
      not previously possible with thicker materials, similar to studies of dislocation
      behavior in 2D materials.

PMID- 27657176
TI  - Atomic Migration Induced Crystal Structure Transformation and Core-Centered Phase
      Transition in Single Crystal Ge2Sb2Te5 Nanowires.
AB  - A phase change nanowire holds a promise for nonvolatile memory applications, but
      its transition mechanism has remained unclear due to the analytical difficulties
      at atomic resolution. Here we obtain a deeper understanding on the phase
      transition of a single crystalline Ge2Sb2Te5 nanowire (GST NW) using atomic scale
      imaging, diffraction, and chemical analysis. Our cross-sectional analysis has
      shown that the as-grown hexagonal close-packed structure of the single crystal
      GST NW transforms to a metastable face-centered cubic structure due to the atomic
      migration to the pre-existing vacancy layers in the hcp structure going through
      iterative electrical switching. We call this crystal structure transformation
      "metastabilization", which is also confirmed by the increase of set-resistance
      during the switching operation. For the set to reset transition between
      crystalline and amorphous phases, high-resolution imaging indicates that the
      longitudinal center of the nanowire mainly undergoes phase transition. According
      to the atomic scale analysis of the GST NW after repeated electrical switching,
      partial crystallites are distributed around the core-centered amorphous region of
      the nanowire where atomic migration is mainly induced, thus potentially leading
      to low power electrical switching. These results provide a novel understanding of
      phase change nanowires, and can be applied to enhance the design of nanowire
      phase change memory devices for improved electrical performance.

PMID- 27657177
TI  - New Generation Cadmium-Free Quantum Dots for Biophotonics and Nanomedicine.
AB  - This review summarizes recent progress in the design and applications of cadmium
      free quantum dots (Cd-free QDs), with an emphasis on their role in biophotonics
      and nanomedicine. We first present the features of Cd-free QDs and describe the
      physics and emergent optical properties of various types of Cd-free QDs whose
      applications are discussed in subsequent sections. Selected specific QD systems
      are introduced, followed by the preparation of these Cd-free QDs in a form useful
      for biological applications, including recent advances in achieving high
      photoluminescence quantum yield (PL QY) and tunability of emission color. Next,
      we summarize biophotonic applications of Cd-free QDs in optical imaging,
      photoacoustic imaging, sensing, optical tracking, and photothermal therapy.
      Research advances in the use of Cd-free QDs for nanomedicine applications are
      discussed, including drug/gene delivery, protein/peptide delivery, image-guided
      surgery, diagnostics, and medical devices. The review then considers the
      pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of Cd-free QDs and summarizes current
      studies on the in vitro and in vivo toxicity of Cd-free QDs. Finally, we provide
      perspectives on the overall current status, challenges, and future directions in
      this field.

PMID- 27657179
TI  - HIV Testing Experience Before HIV Diagnosis Among Men Who Have Sex with Men - 21
      Jurisdictions, United States, 2007-2013.
AB  - Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) continue to be the
      population most affected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the United
      States. In 2014, 81% of diagnoses of HIV infection were among adult and
      adolescent males, and among these, 83% of infections were attributable to male-to
      male sexual contact (1). Since 2006, CDC has recommended HIV testing at least
      annually for sexually active MSM to foster early detection of HIV infection and
      prevent HIV transmission (2,3). Several initiatives and strategies during the
      past decade have aimed to expand HIV testing among MSM to increase early
      diagnosis and treatment and reduce transmission. To better understand HIV testing
      patterns among MSM with diagnosed HIV infection, CDC analyzed data for 2007-2013
      from jurisdictions conducting HIV incidence surveillance as part of CDC's
      National HIV Surveillance System (NHSS). Findings from this analysis suggest that
      increasing percentages of MSM have had a negative HIV test during the 12 months
      before diagnosis (48% in 2007, 56% in 2013, among those with a known date of
      previous negative HIV test), indicating a trend toward increased HIV testing and
      earlier HIV diagnosis among persons most at risk for HIV.

PMID- 27657178
TI  - Discovery of Potent Antivirals against Amantadine-Resistant Influenza A Viruses
      by Targeting the M2-S31N Proton Channel.
AB  - Despite the existence of flu vaccines and small-molecule antiviral drugs,
      influenza virus infection remains a public health concern that warrants immediate
      attention. As resistance to the only orally bioavailable drug, oseltamivir, has
      been continuously reported, there is a clear need to develop the next-generation
      of anti-influenza drugs. We chose the influenza A virus M2-S31N mutant proton
      channel as the drug target to address this need as it is one of the most
      conserved viral proteins and persist in >95% of currently circulating influenza A
      viruses. In this study, we report the development of a late-stage diversification
      strategy for the expeditious synthesis of M2-S31N inhibitors. The channel
      blockage and antiviral activity of the synthesized compounds were tested in two
      electrode voltage clamp assays and antiviral assays, respectively. Several M2
      S31N inhibitors were identified to have potent M2-S31N channel blockage and
      micromolar antiviral efficacy against several M2-S31N-containing influenza A
      viruses.

PMID- 27657181
TI  - Water-Promoted Regiospecific Azidolysis and Copper-Catalyzed Azide-Alkyne
      Cycloaddition: One-Pot Synthesis of 3-Hydroxy-1-alkyl-3-[(4-aryl/alkyl-1H-1,2,3
      triazol-1-yl)methyl]indolin-2-ones.
AB  - An efficient, eco-friendly, base free, one-pot, sequential protocol was developed
      for epoxide azidolysis and copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition using
      water as the solvent for the synthesis of 3-hydroxy-1-alkyl-3-[(4-aryl/alkyl-1H
      1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)methyl]indolin-2-ones. The optimized reaction conditions have
      been generalized in the case of aromatic as well as aliphatic alkyne partners to
      afford good yields and high regioselectivity.

PMID- 27657182
TI  - Gaps in health research in the Dominican Republic.
AB  - Objective To provide a basic profile of health research in the Dominican Republic
      by identifying health problems or diseases that have been addressed by studies
      implemented during the period 2009-2013 and to determine how well that research
      correlates with the burden of disease in the Dominican population. Methods This
      was a descriptive study that searched for primary and secondary data sources to
      identify health research implemented in the Dominican Republic in the years 2009
      to 2013. Data about these projects were collected from the registries of
      clinicaltrials.gov and the Consejo Nacional de Bioetica en Salud, as well as from
      a questionnaire directed to researchers and managers. Disability-adjusted life
      years (DALYs) were derived from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013 for males
      and females of all ages in the Dominican Republic and then compared with the
      number of research studies conducted on each specific health condition. Results
      This study identified 313 health research projects conducted in the Dominican
      Republic during the years 2009-2013. HIV/AIDS and lower respiratory infections
      were the two main topics researched; however, they accounted for a relatively
      small percentage of total DALYs in males and females of all ages in the Dominican
      Republic in 2013. Conclusions Limited research is directed toward addressing the
      health needs of Dominicans. The ongoing process of setting priorities for health
      research in the Dominican Republic should direct its efforts toward fixing this
      imbalance. 

PMID- 27657183
TI  - Prevalence of chronic kidney disease of non-traditional causes in patients on
      hemodialysis in southwest Guatemala.
AB  - Objective To document the prevalence of patients on hemodialysis in southwestern
      Guatemala who have chronic kidney disease (CKD) of non-traditional causes
      (CKDnt). Methods This cross-sectional descriptive study interviewed patients on
      hemodialysis at the Instituto Guatemalteco de Seguridad Social on their health
      and occupational history. Laboratory serum, urine and vital sign data at the
      initiation of hemodialysis were obtained from chart reviews. Patients were
      classified according to whether they had hypertension or obesity or neither. The
      proportion of patients with and without these traditional CKD risk factors was
      recorded and the association between demographic and occupational factors and a
      lack of traditional CKD risk factors analyzed using multivariate logistic
      regression. Results Of 242 total patients (including 171 non-diabetics) enrolled
      in hemodialysis in southwestern Guatemala, 45 (18.6% of total patients and 26.3%
      of non-diabetics) lacked traditional CKD risk factors. While agricultural work
      history was common, only travel time greater than 30 minutes and age less than 50
      years old were significantly associated with CKD in the absence of traditional
      risk factors. Individuals without such risk factors lived throughout southwestern
      Guatemala's five departments. Conclusions The prevalence of CKDnT appears to be
      much lower in this sample of patients receiving hemodialysis in Southwestern
      Guatemala than in hospitalized patients in El Salvador. It has yet to be
      determined whether the prevalence is higher in the general population and in
      patients on peritoneal dialysis. 

PMID- 27657184
TI  - Prevalence of cervical cancer and associated mortality in Grenada, 2000-2010.
AB  - Objective To assess cervical cancer prevalence and associated mortality in
      Grenada, West Indies during 2000-2010. Methods Records of visits to hospital and
      clinical facilities were obtained from the histopathology laboratory of the
      Grenada General Hospital. Records were de-identified and electronically compiled.
      Cervical cancer prevalence was assessed via cross-sectional analysis of this
      secondary data. Of a total 12 012 records, 2 527 were selected for analysis using
      sampling without replacement. Cases were matched to corresponding patient data
      from death registries, where possible, and used to calculate associated mortality
      rates. Results The observed prevalence of cervical cancer was 52.4 per 100 000
      women (ages 15 and above). The highest rates of cervical cancer occurred in the
      35-44 age group, with the second highest among 45-64-year-olds. A total of 65
      deaths were attributable to cervical cancer during 2000-2010, more than 50% of
      which were among women > 65 years old. The observed mortality rate was 16.7 per
      100 000, almost twice the rate estimated by WHO for the region. Conclusions This
      study demonstrates the need for a comprehensive cervical cancer-screening program
      in Grenada. Results should contribute to informing future studies on how to
      appropriately generate and execute public health policy for education, screening,
      prevention, and control of cervical cancer in Grenada. 

PMID- 27657185
TI  - Energy interventions that facilitate sustainable development and impact health:
      an overview of systematic reviews.
AB  - Objective To inform policy by providing an overview of systematic reviews on
      interventions that facilitate sustainable energy use and have a positive impact
      on health. Methods Systematic review methods were used to synthesize evidence
      from multiple systematic reviews and economic evaluations through a comprehensive
      search of 13 databases and nine websites based on a pre-defined protocol,
      including clear inclusion criteria. Both grey and peer-reviewed literature
      published in English, Spanish, and Portuguese during the 17 years from January
      1997 - January 2014 was included. To classify as "sustainable," interventions
      needed to aim to positively impact at least two dimensions of the integrated
      framework for sustainable development and include measures of health impact.
      Results Five systematic reviews and one economic evaluation met the inclusion
      criteria. The most promising interventions that impacted health were electricity
      for lighting and other uses (developing countries); improved stoves for cooking
      and health and/or cleaner fuels for cooking (developing countries); and household
      energy efficiency measures (developed countries). These interventions also had
      potential environmental and economic impacts. Their cost-effectiveness is not
      known, nor is their impact on health inequalities. Conclusions What is needed now
      is careful implementation of interventions where the impacts are likely to be
      positive but their implementation needs to be rigorously evaluated, including
      possible adverse impacts. Care needs to be taken not to exacerbate health
      inequalities and to consider context, human behavior and cultural factors so that
      the potential health benefits are realized in real-life implementation. Possible
      impact on health inequalities needs to be considered and measured in future
      primary studies and systematic reviews. 

PMID- 27657186
TI  - [Development of an electronic device to organize medications and promote
      treatment adherence].
AB  - This article describes the development of an electronic prototype to organize
      medications - the Electronic System for Personal and Controlled Use of
      Medications (Sistema Eletronico de Uso Personalizado e Controlado de
      Medicamentos, SUPERMED). The prototype includes a drawer containing 1 month's
      supply of medicines, sound and visual medication timers, and a memory card for
      recording the times when the box was opened/closed (scheduled and unscheduled).
      This information is later transferred to a computer. Evolutionary prototyping was
      used to develop SUPERMED with the Arduino platform and C programming. To read
      alarm and box opening/closing data, software was developed in Java. Once the
      alarms are programmed (ideally by a health care professional), no additional
      adjustments are required by the patient. The prototype was tested during 31 days
      by the developers, with satisfactory functioning. The system seems adequate to
      organize medications and facilitate adherence to treatment. New studies will be
      carried out to validate and improve the prototype. 

PMID- 27657188
TI  - Exploring the Value of a Podiatric Consult in Palliative Wound Care.

PMID- 27657187
TI  - The synthesis of OspD3 (ShET2) in Shigella flexneri is independent of OspC1.
AB  - Shigella flexneri is a Gram-negative pathogen that invades the colonic epithelium
      and causes millions of cases of watery diarrhea or bacillary dysentery
      predominately in children under the age of 5 years in developing countries. The
      effector Shigella enterotoxin 2 (ShET2), or OspD3, is encoded by the sen or ospD3
      gene on the virulence plasmid. Previous literature has suggested that ospD3 is in
      an operon downstream of the ospC1 gene, and expression of both genes is
      controlled by a promoter upstream of ospC1. Since the intergenic region is 328
      bases in length and contains several putative promoter regions, we hypothesized
      the genes are independently expressed. Here we provide data that ospD3 and ospC1
      are not co-transcribed and that OspC1 is not required for OspD3/ShET2 function.
      Most importantly, we identified strong promoter activity in the intergenic region
      and demonstrate that OspD3/ShET2 can be expressed and secreted independently of
      OspC1. This work increases our understanding of the synthesis of a unique
      virulence factor and provides further insights into Shigella pathogenesis.

PMID- 27657189
TI  - Hedgehog Signaling Activation in Hepatic Stellate Cells Promotes Angiogenesis and
      Vascular Mimicry in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
AB  - Previous studies have established that hedgehog (Hh) signaling mediates tumor
      stroma interaction and promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression. Here, we
      demonstrated that activation of Hh signaling in hepatic stellate cell (HSC) line
      LX-2 by Huh-7-derived sonic Hh led to increased secretion of angiogenic factors
      and promoted angiogenesis in vitro. The activated LX-2 also enhanced vascular
      mimicry of hepatoma cells. Furthermore, co-injection of Huh-7 and LX-2
      significantly accelerated tumor growth with enhanced angiogenesis compared with
      Huh-7 alone, which could be partly abrogated by Hh signaling inhibitor.
      Collectively, our data showed that paracrine Hh signaling mediated pro-angiogenic
      function of HSC and enhanced hepatoma growth.

PMID- 27657190
TI  - Internet use and well-being in later life: a functional approach.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed at exploring the Internet's role in supporting
      subjective well-being in later life by applying a functional approach, namely,
      simultaneously but separately examining each of the principal online functions
      common among older adults (interpersonal communication, information, task
      performance and leisure). METHODS: Data were collected online from 306 Internet
      users aged 50 years and over. Subjective well-being was measured according to
      indicators of depression and life satisfaction. RESULTS: Interpersonal
      communication and information seeking were the most commonly used Internet
      functions, followed by task performance; use for leisure and recreation was
      significantly less prevalent. All four online functions were positively
      correlated with life satisfaction, and task performance and leisure were
      negatively correlated with depression. After controlling for sociodemographic
      variables, only leisure associated significantly with the well-being measures.
      DISCUSSION: These findings revealed a paradoxical situation in which the most
      beneficial use of the Internet is the least popular.

PMID- 27657191
TI  - Imaging Appearance of Lymphatic Malformations.

PMID- 27657192
TI  - Pleasure in using adaptive cruise control: A questionnaire study in The
      Netherlands.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Adaptive cruise control (ACC), a technology that allows for automated
      car following, is becoming increasingly prevalent. Previous surveys have shown
      that drivers generally regard ACC as pleasant but that they have to intervene
      when the ACC reaches its operational limits. The former research has been mostly
      concerned with specific car brands and does not fully reflect the diversity of
      ACC types in traffic today. The objective of the present research was to
      establish the determinants of pleasure in using ACC. METHODS: A 55-item online
      questionnaire was completed by Dutch users of diverse ACC systems. RESULTS:
      Respondents (N = 182) rated their ACC highly, with a mean score of 8.0 on a scale
      from 1 (extraordinarily negative) to 10 (extraordinarily positive) and were most
      pleased with ACC on high-speed roads and in low-density traffic. Moreover, the
      findings point to specific operational limits such as associated with cut-in
      situations. Pleasure was greater for the types of ACC that are able to decelerate
      to a full stop, according to 48% of our sample. An analysis of the free-response
      items indicated that respondents who were displeased with ACC mentioned its
      occasional clumsiness and the dangerous situations it may evoke, whereas those
      who were pleased with ACC valued the complementarity of human and machine and
      emphasized the roles of responsibility and experience in using ACC. CONCLUSION:
      Pleasure in using ACC is a function of both technological advances and human
      factors.

PMID- 27657193
TI  - Does Abstinence From Ejaculation Before Prostate MRI Improve Evaluation of the
      Seminal Vesicles?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study is to determine whether abstinence
      from ejaculation before undergoing multiparametric prostate MRI increases seminal
      vesicle (SV) volume and therefore improves diagnostic interpretation of the SVs.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 238 patients who
      underwent 3-T MRI of the prostate over a 4-month period. Patients were requested
      to complete a questionnaire that asked how long it had been since their last
      ejaculation (i.e., < 3 days vs >= 3 days). Forty-two patients (mean patient age,
      62.0 years) indicated that it had been less than 3 days since their last
      ejaculation and were designated as group 1, whereas the remainder indicated an
      interval of 3 days or more since their last ejaculation. A group of 42 age
      matched subjects (mean patient age, 62.1 years) were randomly selected from the
      remaining 196 patients and were designated as group 2. SV volumes were measured
      manually. Two radiologists who were blinded to group assignment and patient
      characteristics scored the right and left SVs separately to determine diagnostic
      interpretability, which was scored on a 3-point scale as follows: a score of 1
      denoted that the SVs were not dilated and the score was nondiagnostic, a score of
      2 indicated that the SVs were not dilated but the score was diagnostic, and a
      score of 3 denoted that the SVs were dilated and the score was diagnostic. Volume
      differences and interpretability scores were analyzed using a t test.
      Interobserver agreement was analyzed using the Cohen kappa statistic. A separate
      analysis was performed to evaluate differences in diagnostic interpretability for
      patients 60 years and younger versus patients older than 60 years, by use of the
      chi-square test and relative risk ratio analysis. RESULTS: The right, left, and
      total SV volumes for group 1 were 3.1 mL, 2.9 mL, and 6.0 mL, respectively,
      whereas those for group 2 were 4.7 mL, 4.1 mL, and 8.8 mL, respectively (p =
      0.011). The mean interpretability scores for group 1 and group 2 were 2.0 and
      2.5, respectively. For group 1, reader 1 and reader 2 assigned a nondiagnostic
      score for 10 and 13 patients, respectively, whereas for group 2, they assigned a
      nondiagnostic score for two and five patients, respectively (p = 0.01, for reader
      1; and p = 0.03, for reader 2). For men in group 1 who were older than 60 years,
      reader 1 and reader 2 gave a nondiagnostic score for nine and 11 patients,
      respectively; whereas for men in group 2 who were older than 60 years, the
      readers gave a nondiagnostic score for two and five patients, respectively (p =
      0.01, for reader 1; and p = 0.05, for reader 2). CONCLUSION: For men older than
      60 years, abstinence from ejaculation for 3 or more days before undergoing MRI
      examination resulted in larger SV volumes and lower rates of nondiagnostic
      evaluation and therefore might improve evaluation of SV invasion on multi
      parametric MRI. The difference is less striking in men 60 years and younger.

PMID- 27657196
TI  - New practice boundaries.
AB  - Nurse practitioners are still considered a slight oddity - not quite mainstream
      nursing, more the subject of a few pilots.

PMID- 27657197
TI  - Wound care: A problem solving approach.
AB  - The aim of this Learning Unit is to enable you to develop your knowledge,
      observational and problem-solving skills in relation to wound management so that
      you can deliver more effective, holistic care to patients and clients.

PMID- 27657195
TI  - Phenogenotypic Characterization of Escherichia coli O157:H7 Strains Isolated from
      Cattle at Slaughter.
AB  - Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157:H7 was isolated from 30 (4%)
      of 744 cattle hide swab samples collected at Estonian slaughterhouses within a 3
      year monitoring program of zoonotic pathogens. The isolates were characterized by
      determining the presence of STEC main virulence factors, the antimicrobial
      resistance profiles, and the genetic relatedness by pulsed-field gel
      electrophoresis (PFGE). Thirteen strains carried the stx2 gene alone and 17 both
      the stx1 and stx2 genes. The most frequently detected stx subtype was stx2c,
      occurring alone (n = 12) or in combination with subtype stx1a (n = 13). All
      isolates harbored the intimin-coding eae gene and produced enterohemolysin.
      Twelve isolates (40%) showed resistance to at least one of the 14 antimicrobials
      and the isolates were predominantly resistant to streptomycin, sulfamethoxazole,
      and ampicillin. No extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing isolates were
      detected. PFGE characterization of the isolates showed an overall similarity
      higher than 75%, and four clusters based on 100% similarity were revealed.

PMID- 27657194
TI  - Genetic predisposition to elevated levels of C-reactive protein is associated
      with a decreased risk for preeclampsia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between genetic predisposition to elevated
      C-reactive protein (CRP)and risk for preeclampsia using validated genetic loci
      for C-reactive protein. METHODS: Preeclampsia cases (n = 177) and normotensive
      controls (n = 116) were selected from live birth certificates to nulliparous Iowa
      women during the period August 2002-May 2005. Disease status was verified by the
      medical chart review. Genetic predisposition to CRP was estimated by a genetic
      risk score on the basis of established loci for CRP levels. Logistic regression
      analyses were used to evaluate the relationships between the genotype score and
      preeclampsia. Replication analyses were performed in an independent, US
      population of preeclampsia cases (n = 516) and controls (n = 1,097) of European
      ancestry. RESULTS: The genetic risk score (GRS) related to higher levels of CRP
      demonstrated a significantly decreased risk of preeclampsia (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.82
      0.96). When the GRS was analyzed by quartile, an inverse linear trend was
      observed (p = 0.0006). The results were similar after adjustments for the body
      mass index (BMI), smoking, and leisure-time physical activity. In the independent
      replication population, the association with the CRP GRS was also marginally
      significant (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.92, 1.02). Meta-analysis of the two studies was
      statistically significant (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.90, 0.99). CONCLUSION: Our data
      suggest an inverse, counterintuitive association between the genetic
      predisposition to elevated levels of CRP and a decreased risk of preeclampsia.
      This suggests that the blood CRP level is a marker of preeclampsia, but it does
      not appear to be a factor on the causal pathway.

PMID- 27657198
TI  - President's anger at devalued skills.
AB  - RCN President June Clark has spoken of her 'burning anger' at the 'continued
      devaluation' of nursing skills in the health service.

PMID- 27657199
TI  - ?
AB  - In the box seat: Giselle Ritchie, centre, attending an 'extra access performance'
      at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. Ms Ritchie is shown with Institute of
      Health Services Management Director Ray Rowden, who devised the scheme to improve
      wheelchair access to the theatre, and Health Secretary Virginia Bottomley.

PMID- 27657200
TI  - RGM job descriptions raise nursing optimism.
AB  - Optimism grew last week that nursing will continue to play a key role in the
      intermediate tier of the NHS, with the circulation of job descriptions for the
      new regional general managers' posts which make clear reference to 'continued
      support for the development of nursing practice'.

PMID- 27657201
TI  - Pay rise will be up to 3 per cent.
AB  - A government decision on nurses' pay is expected within days, with the Prime
      Minister expected to approve a rise of tip to 3 per cent, but linked to
      efficiency savings.

PMID- 27657202
TI  - DoH launches 'front-line' nurse projects.
AB  - The Royal College of Nursing has welcomed government funding for ten new nurse
      practitioner projects, but called for the initiatives to be more than one-offs'.

PMID- 27657203
TI  - Allitt report may blame staff.
AB  - The findings of the Clothier Enquiry into the murder of four children by nurse
      Beverly Allitt were handed to the Health Secretary last week amid claims' that
      Both nurses and doctors on Ward Four at Grantham General Hospital had been
      criticised. Mrs Bottomley could release the report today, but may delay release
      until next month. Unison spokesperson Bob Quick said: I think our major concerns
      are that the two doctors and two nurses being mentioned in the report really
      can't be expected to take the blame for all that went wrong on Ward Four in
      Grantham Hospital. Important issues relating to staffing levels, recruitment
      procedures and communications between the ward and senior levels also need
      highlighting. ' 'The Royal College of Nursing said: 'We will actively oppose
      scapegoating of any individual. We are also keen to see if all issues raised in
      our own evidence are fully addressed.'

PMID- 27657204
TI  - L80m health promotion scheme is 'making little difference'.
AB  - Claims that practice nurses in an L80 million health promotion scheme are making
      little difference to overall health figures have been disputed by the RCN and the
      Health Visitors' Association.

PMID- 27657205
TI  - Call for strategy.
AB  - A coordinated nurse training strategy to tackle the current short-term' approach
      to student numbers is needed, RCN General Secretary Christine Hancock has said.

PMID- 27657206
TI  - ?
AB  - Here's one I made earlier: Marie Bray and Graham Bickers of Health Promotion
      Services with papier mache models devised for use in training health
      professionals in developing countries and displayed at an exhibition on
      Developing World Health. Ms Bray recently returned from Nigeria where the models
      were used to train health workers in the basics of obstetrics. Details on making
      'Obsteteach' models from Ms Bray on 0a83 332121.

PMID- 27657208
TI  - 'Significant improvement' in damages claims.
AB  - The RCN's legal department has won almost L7million in damages for members over
      the last five years, Council heard.

PMID- 27657207
TI  - High Court action threat forces climbdown.
AB  - The threat of High Court action by the RCN to block a hospital skill mix review
      has forced managers at Frimley Park Hospital Trust in Surrey to back down from
      their refusal to negotiate with unions.

PMID- 27657209
TI  - RCN changes rules on subs increases.
AB  - Royal College of Nursing members will no longer be balloted on proposed rises in
      annual subscriptions, RCN Council agreed last week.

PMID- 27657211
TI  - Wide-ranging agenda for congress.
AB  - Calls for the age of consent for homosexual men to be reduced to 16 will be
      discussed at this year's RCN Congress as part of a wide-ranging agenda revealed
      at last week's Council meeting.

PMID- 27657210
TI  - Pilot sabbatical posts planned.
AB  - The first student sabbatical posts in the NHS are to be set up by the RCN,
      Council agreed last week.

PMID- 27657212
TI  - ?
AB  - The Royal College of Nursing Dialysis and Transplant Nurses Forum celebrated its
      21st anniversary with the cutting of a special celebratory cake at its meeting
      and study day in Manchester last week. Several former honorary officers were
      present, including the College's current Director of Policy and Practice, Liz
      Winder, a past Chair of the forum.

PMID- 27657215
TI  - NHS managers urged to help staff cope with stress at work.
AB  - Managers must help stressed health care staff to cope with their work if the NHS
      is to be seen as a healthy employer, chief executives at a 'Working Well in the
      NHS' conference were told last week.

PMID- 27657214
TI  - ?
AB  - Bulimia sufferer Joanna Goodfellow is staging an exhibition of photographs
      portraying the distorted perceptions she has of her body and the self-hatred she
      sometimes feels. Joanna has suffered from an eating disorder for the past five
      years and wants people to understand the 'frustration and anger' she feels when
      she looks at her bod)'. The exhibition, at the Barbican Theatre in Plymouth, runs
      until February 12.

PMID- 27657216
TI  - Hearings spark scapegoating fear.
AB  - Unions warned last week that nurses at Broadmoor Hospital could become victims of
      management 'scapegoating' after revelations that six staff members face
      disciplinary action.

PMID- 27657217
TI  - Number of day cases doubled.
AB  - The number of day cases dealt with in NHS hospitals has topped two million, more
      then doubling the rate ten years ago.

PMID- 27657218
TI  - Government accepts report on enhanced role for midwives.
AB  - Midwifery unions have given their overwhelming backing to the government's
      decision to implement in full the recommendations of the Changing Childbirth
      report.

PMID- 27657219
TI  - ENB launches midwifery fact file.
AB  - ENB Chief Executive Tony Smith used the conference to launch the Board's
      Midwifery Fact File, which aims to inform midwives on the ENB's work in midwifery
      education, supervision and practice.

PMID- 27657220
TI  - Placements 'good for students'.
AB  - Student midwives should undergo a series of placements in non-midwifery areas
      such as gynaecology, surgery and mental health to broaden their experience and
      improve their communication skills, the conference was told.

PMID- 27657222
TI  - ?
AB  - Former Chief Nurse Dame Kathleen Raven at the ceremony to mark her admission to
      the Court of Patrons of the Royal College of Surgeons. The honour was bestowed
      upon her in recognition of her contribution to the education of surgeons. Dame
      Kathleen's brother Ronald, a distinguished surgeon, was a member of RCS Council
      and she established an educational trust in his memory after his death.

PMID- 27657223
TI  - Fund will aid community teams.
AB  - Scottish community nurses will benefit from a new Primary Care Development Fund
      announced by Scottish Office Health Minister Lord Fraser.

PMID- 27657224
TI  - Survey to look at all aspects of nursing staff careers.
AB  - An important survey on nurses' careers in the NHS begins this week. It will be
      undertaken by the Policy Studies Institute, an independent think tank.

PMID- 27657225
TI  - A&E waits are 'due to nurse sickness'.
AB  - A Welsh consultant has blamed long waiting times in A&E departments on high rates
      of sickness among nurses.

PMID- 27657226
TI  - World news.
AB  - Ireland Irish psychiatric nurses have won a significant victory in their fight to
      secure full pay for nurses who are injured while on escort duties.

PMID- 27657227
TI  - Elderly people more likely to hide alcohol use.
AB  - Elderly people are more likely to conceal alcohol use, more vulnerable to its
      adverse effects and less likely to be diagnosed as misusing alcohol than younger
      people, according to a new study.

PMID- 27657228
TI  - Family life ruined by eczema, says report.
AB  - Four out of five adults with severe, chronic eczema say their family life is
      ruined by the condition, a new survey has revealed.

PMID- 27657229
TI  - Midwives must do more to stop pregnant smokers.
AB  - Midwives are not doing enough to discourage pregnant women from smoking,
      according to a report by the Royal College of Midwives and the Health Education
      Authority.

PMID- 27657231
TI  - Blood group, Hpylori and gastric ulcer linked.
AB  - Researchers believe they have unravelled one of the mysteries about why people
      with group O blood are more prone to gastric ulceration.

PMID- 27657232
TI  - Laparoscope better for patients, but dearer.
AB  - Laparoscopic cholecystectomy results in less postoperative dysfunction, shorter
      hospital stay and quicker return to normal activities, compared to mini-
      laparotomy. But it is more expensive.

PMID- 27657233
TI  - Brewer's yeast good for C difficile diarrhoea?
AB  - Brewer's yeast tablets may be a useful therapy for Clostridium difficilediarrhoea
      in patients who do not respond to conventional treatment.

PMID- 27657234
TI  - Predicting the risk of postoperative delirium.
AB  - Using data available preoperatively, it is possible to predict which patients are
      at risk of the development of delirium.

PMID- 27657235
TI  - Antibiotics, gastric acid and salmonella infection.
AB  - The risk of infection with salmonella is increased in people taking H,
      antagonists, Nottingham researchers suggest.

PMID- 27657236
TI  - After the ceremony.
AB  - Following a short period of disbelief, I was very pleased to be chosen as one of
      the winners of the Clinical Practice and Management Awards. I had found the ten
      part series on management issues both interesting and easily applicable to my
      practice, but as for winning the award, I did not feel I stood a very good
      chance.

PMID- 27657237
TI  - Charter aids clients nursing grudge.
AB  - I fully support Christopher Goodall's call for a Nurse's Charter to protect
      nurses against aggressive patients (What about our rights? Viewpoint, December
      8).

PMID- 27657239
TI  - ?
AB  - " I wouldn't complain about being in a Mixed ward If I were you I'm in a mixed
      corridor?"

PMID- 27657238
TI  - Sentenced to blush for having dyslexia.
AB  - I was most interested to read your student article on dyslexia (Dyslexia spells
      trouble, No Limits supplement, January' 5) as I, too, have suffered similar
      problems at the hands of the ; nursing profession, When I was studying for my A
      levels, I was referred by my further education college to a clinical
      psychologist, to be tested for dyslexia.

PMID- 27657240
TI  - RCN students are local heroes.
AB  - I have to respond to the student who left the RCN and joined Unison, claiming
      that the RCN lacked forward thinking and local representation for students (Power
      play, January 19).

PMID- 27657241
TI  - Bravo for return of the pink panzer.
AB  - I write to express my considerable anger after reading Graham Pink's account of
      being a United Kingdom Central Council committee member (Behind dosed doors,
      January 12).

PMID- 27657243
TI  - Information exchange.
AB  - I cannot get support for getting onto a conversion course. I am currently an
      enrolled nurse working on an NHS hospital's nurse bank.

PMID- 27657242
TI  - Feet on ground and skirts a foot higher.
AB  - As a very old member of the nursing profession, may I add to the great uniform
      debate?

PMID- 27657244
TI  - Vents for spleen and ease of lifting.
AB  - Why does health minister Brian Mawhinney think he needs us to ditch our
      'outmoded' and 'sexist' uniforms, as reported in the Sunday Times late last year?

PMID- 27657246
TI  - Lights, camera, traction!
AB  - Hi there, health care workers. Remember I told you that the BBC was coming to
      film my unit, giving my New Nursing Model the nationwide media coverage it
      deserves?

PMID- 27657245
TI  - A leader with a common touch.
AB  - One of nursing's leading lights of the Sixties and Seventies, self-styled
      'ancient Brit' Beatrice Brysson Whyte OBE. FRCN, died on November 27 last year
      aged 72. Brysson Whyte, as she will be remembered by her friends and former
      students, spent the years after her retirement in 1981 working with and for the
      elderly.

PMID- 27657247
TI  - Nice vital statistics SPSS/PC + and SPSS for Windows: A Beginner's Guide to Data
      Analysis, 2nd edition. Foster JJ et al 1993 Price: Supplier: Computer Manuals ,
      Birmingham. L14.95 021-706-6000.
AB  - Any nurse who needs to deal with quantitative data soon needs a computer program
      to handle it. The SPSS program has been around for a long time in various
      versions, from mainframe to Windows.

PMID- 27657248
TI  - Hardship and health in women's lives Hardship and health in women's lives H
      Graham Harvester Wheatsheaf 222pp L10.95 0-7450-1264-7.
AB  - Hardship and hlealth in Women's Lives should be compulsory reading for
      politicians, sociologists and all in the caring professions. It is not for casual
      reading.

PMID- 27657250
TI  - Falls in the elderly Falls in the elderly JH Downton Edward Arnold 158pp L16.95 0
      340-54848-7 [Formula: see text].
AB  - With the increasing need to promote health and care in the community, Falls in
      the Elderly should be a useful text. Joanna Downton, a consultant geriatrician,
      provides 10 individually referenced chapters, beginning with the epidemiology of
      falls, ranging through consequences, management, nursing aspects and the
      prevention of falls, and ending with suggestions for the future and an index.

PMID- 27657249
TI  - Readings in Family Nursing G D Wegner Readings in Family Nursing R J Alexander J
      B Lippincott 420pp L24.95 0-397-55033-2.
AB  - Readings in Family Nursing is divided into four parts and contains selected
      papers and articles from nursing journals (1989-1991). The formats vary: some are
      case studies, some research and some are issues of theory development. Part One
      concentrates extensively on theory development in family health nursing from the
      child to the elderly person, regarding the health needs within the family. Among
      the various models discussed are the Roy Adaptation model, Orem's, Parse's theory
      and Newman's systems model. Family nursing is practised at three levels:
      individual, interpersonal and system.

PMID- 27657251
TI  - Listings.
AB  - International March 23-25 The theme of the third annual conference of the Quality
      of Nursing Worklife Research Unit at the University of Toronto and McMaster
      University will be 'Global transitions in the worklife/workplace of nurses'. It
      will be held at the Sheraton Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. For payments postmarked
      before February 7 the fee is $250. Details from Dyanne Semogas, Research Co
      ordinator, Quality of Nursing Worklife Research Unit, School of Nursing, McMaster
      University, HSC-2J12A, 1200 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8N 3Z5.
      Ontario, Canada L8n 3Z5 Tel (905) 525-9140, ext 22581.

PMID- 27657252
TI  - Nicely conceived, but poorly- timed.
AB  - The term 'mandatory periodic refreshment' has been bandied around in nursing for
      some years now. It has been widely misinterpreted by nurses and created a climate
      of fear that professional updating will be rigidly enforced from the top. A cloud
      of uncertainty about when and how mandatory refreshment would be implemented has
      added to feelings of uneasiness. While many recognise that the issue needs to be
      addressed, few have found comfort in the idea that they might be 'mandated' to do
      so.

PMID- 27657253
TI  - Bribery allegations under investigation.
AB  - Four Broadmoor nurses were suspended on full pay last week as police investigated
      bribery allegations at the secure psychiatric hospital.

PMID- 27657254
TI  - Royal Colleges draw up NHS safeguards.
AB  - The Nursing and Medical Royal Colleges have secretly been drawing up a Lords'
      amendment to the NHS Bill which could present Health Secretary Kenneth Clarke
      with the first real legislative challenge to his reforms.

PMID- 27657255
TI  - ?
AB  - Jersey nurse Kathy Harvey has launched a campaign on the island to collect warm
      clothing for children in Romania. She started the project after seeing television
      reports about conditions at a mental handicap hospital in the north of the
      country. See News item on page 7.

PMID- 27657256
TI  - PREPP proposes third level of registration.
AB  - Far-reaching proposals which could dramatically change the way nurses maintain
      their competence after qualifying were launched for debate this week.

PMID- 27657257
TI  - Serious delay forecast before ICN readmission.
AB  - Despite sweeping political changes in South Africa, it could be years before the
      country's nurses can rejoin the International Council of Nurses, the ICN said
      last week.

PMID- 27657258
TI  - Hancock warns of threat to skills.
AB  - Community nursing skills are in danger of becoming lost under the Government's
      community care proposals, the Royal College of Nursing warned a Parliamentary
      committee last week.

PMID- 27657259
TI  - Role of Review Body in danger.
AB  - The Review Body for senior nurses' salaries will have less power in future if
      management proposals announced last week go ahead.

PMID- 27657260
TI  - Appeal for funds to set training programme.
AB  - A group of mental handicap nurses are appealing for help in funding their planned
      trips to Romania where they will use their clinical expertise to help set up a
      new training development programme for nurses.

PMID- 27657261
TI  - Food poisoning linked to morale.
AB  - An outbreak of food poisoning in hospital as been blamed on poor food handling by
      staff suffering low morale caused by low pay, overwork and bad management -- a
      catering problem engendered by competitive tendering policies.

PMID- 27657262
TI  - ACE campaigns to ensure elderly needs are not neglected by P2000.
AB  - The Royal College of Nursing Association for Care of the Elderly (ACE) is to
      launch a 1990 campaign to see that Project 2000 courses do not neglect elderly
      health needs.

PMID- 27657263
TI  - Early successes in RCN appeals campaign.
AB  - Success in two clinical grading appeals at regional level has persuaded the Royal
      College of Nursing that the process can bring results.

PMID- 27657265
TI  - Squeeze predicted on community funding.
AB  - There is a real risk that community care spending may be squeezed out of local
      authority spending, Toby Harris, leader of Haringey Council, has warned.

PMID- 27657264
TI  - ?
AB  - London commuters got a special Valentine's day message when district nurses from
      Mid-Surrey Health Authority had a heart-to-heart' about unhealthy lifestyles. A
      quarter of all deaths in the district are caused by heart disease.

PMID- 27657267
TI  - Nurses could act as entrepreneurs.
AB  - Nurses could become business entrepreneurs and 'sub-contract' nursing services
      out to local authorities under the Government's NHS reforms, nurse managers have
      been told.

PMID- 27657268
TI  - Major survey aims to monitor change.
AB  - The largest ever survey of mental handicap nurses was launched last week in a bid
      to discover how the speciality is evolving for the future.

PMID- 27657269
TI  - ENB to continue its fight for control.
AB  - The English National Board (ENB) has made its bid to control the future funding
      of nurse education in its submission to the Government on both the Peat Marwick
      McLintock (PMM) report and Working Paper 10.

PMID- 27657270
TI  - Staff must be involved.
AB  - Nursing staff must be allowed to define quality in internal market contracts, a
      unit general manager declared last week.

PMID- 27657273
TI  - World news.
AB  - Hong Kong Vietnamese women in Hong Kong's refugee camps are being intimidated
      into using contraceptive injections of Depo Provera even after they have suffered
      severe bleeding, a Danish relief worker has claimed.

PMID- 27657274
TI  - ?
AB  - Romania Britain is sending L1 million worth of syringes to Romania following
      diclosures of a major AIDS epidemic among its babies and children.

PMID- 27657275
TI  - Parliament.
AB  - International protests are flooding in to Britain over threats to close the world
      famous Cassel Hospital in Richmond, London, a Conservative MP has claimed (see
      Nursing Standard, February 14-20, pp20-21).

PMID- 27657277
TI  - Coping with sleeping difficulties.
AB  - Patient information leaflets and surgery posters on how to cope with sleeping
      difficulties are now available from Rhone-Poulenc Pharmaceuticals - who recently
      launched the non-benzodiazepine sleeping tablet, Zimovane.

PMID- 27657278
TI  - Breakthrough in leg ulcer treatment.
AB  - A leg ulcer clinic at Riverside District Health Authority has found that using a
      series of four bandages can heal the majority of leg ulcers within 12 weeks.

PMID- 27657279
TI  - Testicular cancer fear over vasectomy.
AB  - Vasectomy may accelerate the development of testicular cancer, a new Scottish
      hospital study has suggested.

PMID- 27657280
TI  - Dressing cavity wounds.
AB  - Cavity wounds should be dressed with specially developed pastes and gels rather
      then the traditional ribbon gauze dressing, a clinical nurse specialist has
      claimed.

PMID- 27657281
TI  - Stress management awareness.
AB  - Medical and nursing professions must be adequately prepared to deal with raised
      public awareness of stress management in prevention of coronary heart disease, a
      nurse specialist has warned.

PMID- 27657282
TI  - Colour coding needed for eye solutions.
AB  - Solutions for use in the eyes should be packaged in bottles with a distinctive
      shape and coloured cap, doctors from London say.

PMID- 27657283
TI  - Risks from endometrial resection.
AB  - Fluid balance must be closely monitored during endometrial resection, ideally
      using a continuous flow instrument.

PMID- 27657284
TI  - Treatment of cyclical mastalgia.
AB  - Bromocriptine can significantly improve the symptoms of cyclical mastalgia,
      researchers from Manchester and Turin say.

PMID- 27657285
TI  - Giving up smoking is good for women too.
AB  - Stopping smoking reduces the risk of myocardial infarction in women, regardless
      of how heavily or for how long they previously smoked.

PMID- 27657286
TI  - Risk of ulceration from foscarnet.
AB  - Foscarnet is increasingly being used in the treatment of cytomegalovirus (CMV)
      and herpes simplex virus (HSV) in people with AIDS but two recent reports suggest
      the drug may cause genital ulcers.

PMID- 27657287
TI  - Opening race.
AB  - Back in the mid 1970s, South Africa's nursing profession became isolated from the
      rest of the world. Officially, the South African Nursing Association (SANA)
      withdrew its membership from the International Council of Nurses (ICN). But the
      threat of expulsion no doubt hastened their departure.

PMID- 27657288
TI  - Unkind cuts.
AB  - The Government's failure to fund fully the nurses' pay award again this year
      comes at a time when many health authorities, particularly in London, are
      seriously overspent on this year's budgets.

PMID- 27657289
TI  - Guidance on use of logos.
AB  - I am writing to express my concern regarding the community nurses who are driving
      around with company logos on their cars. In my opinion this amounts to breaching
      the United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting's
      Code of Professional Conduct.

PMID- 27657290
TI  - Using logos for recruitment.
AB  - I read with much interest your news article 'Company logo sparks sponsorship
      move' (Nursing StandardJanuary 31 - February 6).

PMID- 27657291
TI  - The end justifying the means.
AB  - In response to the news item in Nursing Standard (January 31-February 6) entitled
      'Company logo sparks sponsorship move', I find nothing wrong with nurses driving
      around with company logos on their cars.

PMID- 27657292
TI  - The trouble with teenagers.
AB  - I am writing in response to the article, 'Teenage troubles' (Nursing Standard
      January 31 - February 6). I feel angered and concerned that as usual the plight
      of the community attracting qualified staff is not being addressed as part of
      this or previous campaigns.

PMID- 27657293
TI  - A case for misconduct.
AB  - In response to Jean Gray's article regarding misconduct, 'A long wait for
      justice' (Nursing Standard January 31-February 6) in which Reg Pyne comments
      about the 'profession needing to be better informed about the nature of
      misconduct', concern may be created about what actually constitutes misconduct.

PMID- 27657294
TI  - The disgraceful hearing delays.
AB  - I am writing in response to your feature on professional misconduct which
      highlights the disarray in which the profession finds itself. How disgraceful
      chat nurses facing charges are having to wait for lengthy periods before their
      complaints are dealt with.

PMID- 27657295
TI  - Nursing memories.

PMID- 27657296
TI  - Comic strip hoot.
AB  - I read with interest the article 'Teenage troubles'. Obviously the profession is
      becoming increasingly aware of the shortfall in nurse recruitment and the
      problems this is going to cause.

PMID- 27657297
TI  - Fiction file.

PMID- 27657298
TI  - Teenage troubles.
AB  - I am writing with reference to the feature in Nursing Standard (January 31 -
      February 6) which states that the Government has spent approximately 'L644 per
      potential recruit'.

PMID- 27657299
TI  - Clearing the air.
AB  - I was distressed to read your article in World News (Nursing Standard January 31
      to February 6) that one fifth of the World's people breath polluted air that
      fails to meet the World Health Organization's standards. The staggering number of
      deaths (50,000 per year) is amazing as is the fact that breathing air in Bombay
      is equivalent to the smoking of I ten cigarettes a day.

PMID- 27657300
TI  - Preparing for the future.
AB  - Nursing is undergoing radical and fundamental changes. The impact of Project 2000
      and the recruitment and retention of professional staff have profound
      implications for the delivery of patient care. All this is taking place in a
      service under threat from the demographic 'black hole' - the dearth of young
      people who will work in the health service due to the low birth rate in the early
      1970s. We believe the first level registered nurse (RN) has to assume a positive
      role if the profession is to play its full part in facing the challenges health
      care will bring in the future.

PMID- 27657301
TI  - The A-Z of Stoma Care.
AB  - Modular Teaching Package: 4 Videos (approximately 63 mins total running time);
      Workbooks; Flip chart Available free only from: Convatec Ltd Squibb House, 141
      149 Staines Road, Hounslow, Middx TW3 3JA.

PMID- 27657302
TI  - Becoming and being old B Bytheway et al Becoming and being old SAGE Publications
      184pp L19.95 0-8039-8170-8.
AB  - Becoming and Being Old is a collection of papers from a variety of eminent
      sociologists on a range of issues affecting people in midlife and onwards.

PMID- 27657303
TI  - Change in the 1990s.
AB  - The last weeks of the 1980s were marked by rapid and radical changes in Eastern
      Europe with the acknowledgement of the rights of individuals within the
      responsibilities of democratic government. At the same time, the rights of
      children were being acknowledged at both national and international levels. The
      signing of the United Nations 'Convention of the Rights of the Child', and the
      1989 Children Act provide the legislative framework that could mark a watershed
      in the recognition of children as individuals with rights and needs.

PMID- 27657304
TI  - Fatima Mayet with another in the microbiological series.

PMID- 27657305
TI  - Don't sleep on it: Less sleep reduces risk for depressive symptoms in cognitively
      vulnerable undergraduates.
AB  - The current research tested a new theory of depression that integrates work on
      sleep and cognition. In general, good sleep is essential for physical and mental
      health. However, we theorize that sleep can actually increase risk for depressive
      symptoms in cognitively vulnerable individuals. This is because the negative
      cognitions generated by these individuals are strengthened and consolidated each
      night during sleep. Three studies were conducted to test this theory. Studies 1
      (n = 134) and 2 (n = 47) used prospective designs and showed that undergraduates
      with high, but not low, levels of cognitive vulnerability were most likely to
      exhibit increases in depressive symptoms when sleeping well as operationalized by
      self-reported quality and objectively measured duration (via actigraphy). Study 3
      (n = 40) used an experimental design and provides the first causal evidence that
      it may be possible to prevent future depressive symptoms in cognitively at-risk
      undergraduates by restricting their sleep during times of high perceived stress.
      (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27657306
TI  - The broadcast of shared attention and its impact on political persuasion.
AB  - In democracies where multitudes yield political influence, so does broadcast
      media that reaches those multitudes. However, broadcast media may not be powerful
      simply because it reaches a certain audience, but because each of the recipients
      is aware of that fact. That is, watching broadcast media can evoke a state of
      shared attention, or the perception of simultaneous coattention with others.
      Whereas past research has investigated the effects of shared attention with a few
      socially close others (i.e., friends, acquaintances, minimal ingroup members), we
      examine the impact of shared attention with a multitude of unfamiliar others in
      the context of televised broadcasting. In this paper, we explore whether shared
      attention increases the psychological impact of televised political speeches, and
      whether fewer numbers of coattending others diminishes this effect. Five studies
      investigate whether the perception of simultaneous coattention, or shared
      attention, on a mass broadcasted political speech leads to more extreme
      judgments. The results indicate that the perception of synchronous coattention
      (as compared with coattending asynchronously and attending alone) renders
      persuasive speeches more persuasive, and unpersuasive speeches more unpersuasive.
      We also find that recall memory for the content of the speech mediates the effect
      of shared attention on political persuasion. The results are consistent with the
      notion that shared attention on mass broadcasted information results in deeper
      processing of the content, rendering judgments more extreme. In all, our findings
      imply that shared attention is a cognitive capacity that supports large-scale
      social coordination, where multitudes of people can cognitively prioritize
      simultaneously coattended information. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27657307
TI  - Intraoperative Perfusion Computed Tomography in Carotid Endarterectomy: Initial
      Experience in 16 Cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND This study aimed to evaluate the changes in perfusion computed
      tomography (PCT) parameters in carotid endarterectomy (CEA), and to discuss the
      use of intraoperative PCT in CEA. MATERIAL AND METHODS Sixteen patients with
      carotid stenosis who also underwent CEA with intraoperative CT were recruited in
      this study. We calculated quantitative data on cerebral blood flow (CBF),
      cerebral blood volume (CBV), time to peak (TTP), and the relative parameter
      values, including relative CBF (rCBF), relative CBV (rCBV), and relative TTP
      (rTTP). The role of PCT was assessed and compared to conventional monitoring
      methods. RESULTS There were no significant differences in any of the parameters
      in the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) territory (P>0.05). In the middle cerebral
      artery (MCA) territory, the CBF and CBV increased and TTP decreased in the
      operated side during CEA; the rCBF and rCBV increased and the rTTP decreased
      significantly (P<0.05). In 16 patients, CT parameters were improved, SSEP was
      normal, and MDU was abnormal. In 3 patients, CBF increased by more than 70%
      during CEA. Relative PCT parameters are sensitive indicators for detecting early
      cerebral hemodynamic changes during CEA. Cerebral hemodynamics changed
      significantly in the MCA territory during CEA. CONCLUSIONS Intraoperative PCT
      could be an important adjuvant monitoring method in CEA.

PMID- 27657310
TI  - Sexual experience modulates partner preference and mPOA nitric oxide synthase in
      female rats.
AB  - Sexually experienced female rats return to the male more quickly after
      intromissions, exhibit shorter interintromission intervals, and spend more time
      with the male rat during a test of paced mating behavior in comparison to naive
      rats. The present study tested whether these changes reflect heightened sexual
      motivation independent of receipt of vaginocervical stimulation and/or
      neurochemical changes in the medial preoptic area (mPOA). Ovariectomized, female
      rats were given estradiol benzoate and progesterone, and then received either 6
      paced mating encounters (experienced) or 6 control exposures to an empty paced
      mating arena (naive). Experienced and naive rats received a no-contact partner
      preference test under oil vehicle and then under hormone on a different day.
      Hormonal status and sexual experience led to significantly higher preference for
      the male. Brains were collected 1 hr after both experienced and naive rats
      received paced mating to compare mPOA levels of Fos, a marker of neural activity,
      in response to copulation and nitric oxide synthase (NOS), the enzyme responsible
      for production of nitric oxide (NO). Expression of NOS was higher in experienced
      relative to naive rats, whereas Fos was comparable between the groups. The data
      are consistent with the idea that both sexual motivation and changes to the mPOA
      contribute to the shift in paced mating behavior induced by sexual experience.
      (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27657309
TI  - The role of DeltafosB in the medial preoptic area: Differential effects of mating
      and cocaine history.
AB  - The transcription factor deltaFosB (DeltaFosB) is induced in the nucleus
      accumbens (NAc) by repeated exposure to drugs of abuse and natural rewards. Less
      is known about its role in other brain areas. Here, we compared the effects of
      mating versus cocaine history on induction of DeltaFosB in the medial preoptic
      area (MPOA), an integral site for reproductive behavior, and in the NAc.
      DeltaFosB immunoreactivity (ir) was increased in the MPOA of previously naive and
      experienced male rats that mated the day before euthanasia, compared to unmated
      controls and experienced males with recent mating abstinence. Western immunoblots
      confirmed that the 35-37-kDa isoform of DeltaFosB was increased more in recently
      mated males. Conversely, previous plus recent cocaine did not increase DeltaFosB
      ir in the MPOA, despite an increase in the NAc. Next, a viral vector expressing
      DeltaFosB, its dominant negative antagonist DeltaJunD, or green fluorescent
      protein (GFP) control, were microinjected bilaterally into the MPOA. DeltaFosB
      overexpression impaired copulation and promoted female-directed aggression,
      compared to DeltaJunD and control males. These data suggest that DeltaFosB in the
      mPOA is expressed in an experience-dependent manner and affects systems that
      coordinate mating and aggression. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27657311
TI  - A Kinetico-Mechanistic Study on CuII Deactivators Employed in Atom Transfer
      Radical Polymerization.
AB  - Copper complexes of tertiary amine ligands have emerged as the catalysts of
      choice in the extensively employed atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP)
      protocol. The halide ligand substitution reactions of five-coordinate copper(II)
      complexes of tris[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]amine (Me6tren), one of the most active
      ATRP catalysts, has been studied in a range of organic solvents using stopped
      flow techniques. The kinetic and activation parameters indicate that substitution
      reactions on [CuII(Me6tren)X]+ (X- = Cl- and Br-) and [CuII(Me6tren)(Solv)]2+
      (Solv = MeCN, DMF, DMSO, MeOH, EtOH) are dissociatively activated; this behavior
      is independent of the solvent used. Adjusting the effective concentration of the
      solvent by addition of an olefinic monomer to the solution does not affect the
      kinetics of the halide binding (kon) but can alter the outer-sphere association
      equilibrium constant (KOS) between reactants prior to the formal ligand
      substitution. Halide (X-/Y-) exchange reactions (X = Br and Y = Cl) involving the
      complex [Cu(Me6tren)X]+ and Y- reveal that the substitution is thermodynamically
      favored. The influence of solvent on the substitution reactions of
      [Cu(Me6tren)X]+ is complex; the more polar DMF confers a greater entropic driving
      force but larger enthalpic demands than MeCN. These substitution reactions are
      compared with those for copper(II) complexes bearing the tris[2
      (diethylamino)ethyl]amine (Et6tren) and tris[2-(pyridyl)methyl]amine (tpa)
      ligands, which have also been used as catalysts for ATRP. Changing the ligand has
      a significant impact on the kinetics of X-/Y- exchange. These correlations are
      discussed in relation to the ability of five-coordinate [CuLX]+ complexes to
      deactivate radicals in ATRP.

PMID- 27657308
TI  - Serotonin, estrus, and social context influence c-Fos immunoreactivity in the
      inferior colliculus.
AB  - A fundamental task of sensory systems is to extract relevant social information
      from a range of environmental stimuli in the face of changing behavioral contexts
      and reproductive states. Neuromodulatory pathways that interact with such
      contextual variables are 1 mechanism for achieving this. In the mouse inferior
      colliculus (IC), a midbrain auditory region, the neuromodulator serotonin
      increases in females interacting with courting males, but events downstream of
      serotonin release have not been investigated. Here, we manipulated serotonin
      levels in female mice with the serotonin releaser fenfluramine or the serotonin
      depleter para-chlorophenylalaninemethyl ester (pCPA). Females were then exposed
      to an empty cage, a male partner, or a playback of courtship vocalizations, and
      the numbers of neurons in the IC with positive immunoreactivity for the immediate
      early gene product c-Fos were measured. The effects of drug treatments depended
      on social context and estrous state. Fenfluramine had greater effects in the
      nonsocial than in the partner social treatments. Females in proestrus or estrus
      and given fenfluramine had higher densities of c-Fos immunoreactive neurons,
      while females in diestrus had fewer immunoreactive neurons. The drug pCPA had the
      expected opposite effect of fenfluramine, causing a decreased response in
      pro/estrus females and an increased response in diestrus females. These findings
      show that the effects of serotonin on c-Fos activity in the IC of females is
      dependent on both external context and reproductive state, and suggest that these
      effects occur downstream of serotonin release. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27657312
TI  - Do ENT outpatient computed tomography facilities perceive accreditation as
      valuable?

PMID- 27657313
TI  - An unusual cause of tinnitus.

PMID- 27657314
TI  - Hailey-Hailey disease.

PMID- 27657315
TI  - Reverse omega technique for single-stage ear lobule reconstruction.

PMID- 27657316
TI  - Decision making in patients with natural myringostapediopexy: A study of the
      contralateral ear.
AB  - Naturally occurring myringostapediopexy frequently results in minimal hearing
      loss and is asymptomatic. Management decisions in such ears, however, often hinge
      on an appraisal of evolution toward cholesteatoma. The study of the contralateral
      ear has been used by our research team to infer the progression of chronic otitis
      media. This cross-sectional, comparative study describes the clinical findings of
      the contralateral ear in a series of patients with myringostapediopexy. This
      study included a historical and current sample of 46 patients divided into a
      pediatric (<=18 years) and an adult group. Patient distribution according to sex
      was similar (52.2% male), and 56.5% were adults. Mean conductive hearing loss
      ranged from 14.1 to 21.2 dB in ears with myringostapediopexy and from 16.0 to
      26.6 dB in the contralateral ears according to the frequency assessed. The
      contralateral ear was normal in only 19.6% of the cases of myringostapediopexy.
      Central tympanic membrane perforation was found in 6.5% of the cases; perforation
      retraction, in 17.4%; moderate or severe retraction, in 28.3%; and cholesteatoma,
      in 28.3%. The prevalence of cholesteatoma in the contralateral ear in the
      pediatric and adult groups was not significantly different (p = 0.5; chi(2)
      test). The presence of significant abnormalities, particularly cholesteatoma, in
      the contralateral ears suggests a probable unfavorable progression in cases of
      myringostapediopexy and may influence management decisions. 

PMID- 27657317
TI  - Neoplastic causes of nonacute facial paralysis: A review of 221 cases.
AB  - We conducted a retrospective review to assess the clinical presentation of
      patients with tumor-related nonacute complete peripheral facial weakness or an
      incomplete partial facial paresis and to provide an algorithm for the evaluation
      and management of these patients. Our study population was made up of 221
      patients-131 females and 90 males, aged 14 to 79 years (mean: 49.7)-who had been
      referred to the Facial Nerve Disorders Clinic at our tertiary care academic
      medical center over a 23-year period with a documented neoplastic cause of facial
      paralysis. In addition to demographic data, we compiled information on clinical
      signs and symptoms, radiologic and pathologic findings, and surgical approaches.
      All patients exhibited gradual-onset facial weakness or facial twitching. Imaging
      identified an extratemporal tumor in 128 patients (58%), an intratemporal lesion
      in 55 patients (25%), and an intradural mass in 38 (17%). Almost all of the
      extratemporal tumors (99%) were malignant, while 91% of the intratemporal and
      intradural tumors were benign. A transtemporal surgical approach was used in the
      93 intratemporal and intradural tumor resections, while the 128 extratemporal
      lesions required a parotidectomy with partial temporal bone dissection. The vast
      majority of patients (97%) underwent facial reanimation. We conclude that gradual
      onset facial paralysis or twitching may occur as a result of a neoplastic
      invasion of the facial nerve along its course from the cerebellopontine angle to
      the parotid gland. We caution readers to beware of a diagnosis of "atypical
      Bell's palsy." 

PMID- 27657318
TI  - Parotid gland metastasis in Merkel cell carcinoma of the head and neck: A series
      of 14 cases.
AB  - Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare cutaneous cancer of neuroendocrine cell
      origin that occurs frequently on the head and neck. With a high incidence of
      local recurrence and regional and distant metastasis, it carries a poor
      prognosis. We performed a retrospective study to determine the prognostic
      implications of parotid gland metastasis in MCC of the head and neck. Our study
      population was made up of 14 patients-13 men and 1 woman, aged 62 to 87 years
      (mean: 75.9)-who underwent a parotidectomy for the diagnosis of MCC over a period
      of 10 years and 9 months. Ten patients had a primary skin lesion of the head and
      neck and 4 presented with a parotid mass and an unknown primary. In all, 13 of
      the 14 patients were found to have parotid involvement-either a direct extension
      of MCC into the gland or a positive intraparotid lymph node; some patients had
      both. All patients underwent tumor excision, and 10 underwent neck dissection.
      Eleven patients received adjuvant radiotherapy; none received adjuvant
      chemotherapy. Of the 10 patients who underwent a neck dissection, 6 were found to
      have a cervical lymph node metastasis on pathologic examination. Follow-up ranged
      from 1.3 to 39.2 months (mean: 12.4). Three patients were lost to follow-up
      shortly after surgery, although some information was available on 2 of them. At
      the final follow-up, mortality data were available on 12 patients; of these, 11
      had died. The lone survivor was the patient without a parotid metastasis. Among
      those known to have died, survival ranged from 1.6 to 49.2 months (mean: 16.0).
      We conclude that parotid metastasis in patients with MCC of the head and neck is
      associated with a dismal survival rate that is even worse than the poor survival
      associated with cervical node involvement. 

PMID- 27657319
TI  - Myeloid sarcomas of the head and neck in pediatric patients with myeloid
      leukemia.
AB  - Myeloid sarcoma is a rare extramedullary tumor composed of malignant myeloid
      cells that occur in the presence of myeloid leukemia. We report a case series of
      pediatric head and neck myeloid sarcomas representative of the epidemiology,
      symptomatology, laboratorial correlations, prognoses, and treatment of
      extramedullary leukemia. Presented are 3 cases involving patients ranging from 17
      months to 11 years of age. Two patients were successfully treated with
      chemotherapy, and in the third patient, a large lytic lesion was treated
      palliatively with proton beam therapy. Knowledge and recognition of myeloid
      sarcomas is important as they can be locally invasive, and they may also be used
      as a diagnostic tool or a prognostic indicator for leukemia. 

PMID- 27657320
TI  - Chronic invasive fungal sinusitis causing a pathologic Le Fort I fracture in an
      immunocompetent patient.
AB  - We describe the case of a 77-year-old immunocompetent woman with a history of
      chronic rhinosinusitis who presented with a pathologic Le Fort I fracture after a
      forceful sneeze. Imaging revealed diffuse sinus opacification and a Le Fort type
      I complex fracture involving the maxilla, pterygoid plates, clivus, and right
      nasal bridge. The patient underwent endoscopic debridement of her sinuses, which
      revealed mucosal dehiscence and otherwise normal healthy bleeding tissue.
      Anatomic pathology identified necrotic bone with invasive fungal hyphae. Cultures
      demonstrated Burkholderia cepacia, diphtheroid organisms, and Enterococcus and
      Serratia spp. The patient was administered an intravenous antibiotic and
      antifungal for several months, but interval imaging found no significant
      improvement in bone healing although the stability of her palate had improved on
      clinical examination. Chronic rhinosinusitis has been found to be a complication
      of soft-tissue, orbital, and intracranial infections but, to the best of our
      knowledge, a pathologic facial fracture secondary to chronic invasive fungal and
      bacterial rhinosinusitis has not been previously reported in the literature. 

PMID- 27657321
TI  - Primary salivary duct carcinoma arising from the Stensen duct.
AB  - This report describes a salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) arising from the
      extraglandular portion of the Stensen duct. The patient was a 56-year-old man who
      presented with a palpable, elastic, hard mass without tenderness in the right
      cheek. Computed tomography revealed a tumor of the extraglandular portion of the
      Stensen duct. Supraomohyoid right neck dissection and total right parotidectomy
      were performed, and the histologic diagnosis was SDC of the Stensen duct.
      Postoperatively, the patient received no additional treatment. Neither recurrence
      nor metastasis was observed during 4 years of follow-up examination. SDC of the
      Stensen duct is extremely rare. To our knowledge, there is no report that
      describes primary SDC arising from that location. We also believe this is the
      first report that describes the clinical course of primary SDC arising from a
      Stensen duct. 

PMID- 27657322
TI  - Sensorineural hearing loss after otitis media with effusion and subacute
      mastoiditis after viral infections of the upper respiratory tract: A comparative
      study of conservative and surgical treatment.
AB  - Involvement of the middle ear after viral infections of the upper airways may
      lead to serous otitis media with effusion in the absence of bacterial infection.
      This can be accompanied by a concomitant shading of the mastoid air cells, which
      could manifest as a reduced opacity on computed tomography (CT) in the absence of
      a history of chronic mastoiditis or acute inflammatory signs. This can lead to a
      subsequent impairment of inner ear function. CT scans reveal an extended
      pneumatization of the temporal bones in affected patients. Inner ear hearing
      impairment can probably be attributed to a concomitant labyrinthine reaction-the
      so-called toxic inner ear lesion. If no remission occurs within 5 days after
      initial conservative treatment (paracentesis or hemorrheologic infusions),
      surgical treatment with a mastoidectomy can accelerate hearing restoration. We
      conducted a retrospective, nonrandomized study of short- and long-term hearing
      outcomes in patients with a toxic inner ear lesion who had been treated with
      conservative measures alone (CONS group) or with surgery (SURG group) in a
      tertiary care referral center. Our study group was made up of 52 consecutively
      presenting patients (57 ears) who had been seen over a 10-year period; there were
      20 patients (21 ears) in the CONS group and 32 patients (36 ears) in the SURG
      group. Initially, 15 CONS patients (75%) and 18 SURG patients (56%) complained of
      dizziness or a balance disorder. The initial averaged sensorineural hearing loss
      (over 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 kHz) was 32.4 +/- 15.6 dB in the CONS group and 35.4
      +/- 12.0 dB in the SURG group. At follow-up (mean: 31.7 mo), the SURG group
      experienced a significantly greater improvement in hearing (p = 0.025). We
      conclude that patients with viral otitis media and concomitant noninflammatory
      mastoiditis with impairment of inner ear function (sensorineural hearing loss)
      experience a better hearing outcome when a mastoidectomy is performed during
      primary treatment. 

PMID- 27657323
TI  - Isolated epiglottic lymphatic malformation in a 2-year-old: Diagnosis and
      treatment.
AB  - Airway obstruction in children has a wide differential diagnosis that includes
      laryngomalacia, infectious processes, paralysis, extrinsic compression, and other
      rare anatomic anomalies. Isolated laryngeal lymphatic malformations are rare
      developments that can manifest with clinically significant airway obstruction. To
      the best of our knowledge, there have been fewer than 20 reported cases. These
      laryngeal mucosal lesions are best managed with radiofrequency ablation or laser
      ablation. We present a case of a 2-year-old child who presented with airway
      obstruction, initially diagnosed with laryngomalacia, who was subsequently
      diagnosed and treated for an isolated epiglottic lymphatic malformation. 

PMID- 27657324
TI  - Hemorrhagic polyp with large occult sulcus vocalis in a singer.

PMID- 27657325
TI  - Endoscopic view of a polyp in a concha bullosa.

PMID- 27657326
TI  - Onodi cell mucocele: Case report and review of the literature.
AB  - Onodi cell mucoceles are rare entities that can cause devastating ocular
      complications if not treated promptly. Delays in the diagnosis are possible
      because of the wide range of differential diagnoses of unilateral retrobulbar
      optic neuropathy. We describe a new case of Onodi cell mucocele in a 39-year-old
      woman, and we present a comprehensive review of the literature on this entity. To
      the best of our knowledge, no review of Onodi cell mucoceles has been previously
      published. Our review found that 69% of patients with an Onodi cell mucocele
      experienced an improvement in vision after surgical decompression. The vast
      majority of these patients underwent endoscopic decompression; the timing of
      surgical decompression did not appear to affect outcomes in terms of vision.
      Onodi cell mucocele requires a high degree of clinical suspicion for diagnosis
      and a multidisciplinary approach to management that involves primary care
      physicians, ophthalmologists, and otolaryngologists. Early surgical treatment via
      an endoscopic approach is recommended for most patients, regardless of the
      duration of their ophthalmologic signs and symptoms. 

PMID- 27657327
TI  - Impact of nasal septal perforations of varying sizes and locations on the warming
      function of the nasal cavity: A computational fluid-dynamics analysis of 5 cases.
AB  - Patients with a nasal septal perforation often exhibit symptoms associated with
      disturbed airflow, which can have an adverse effect on the warming function of
      the nasal cavity. The impact of this effect is not fully understood. The warming
      function is an important factor in the maintenance of nasal physiology. We
      conducted a study to investigate the impact of septal perforations of various
      sizes and locations on the warming function during inspiration in 5 patients-3
      men and 2 women, aged 25 to 47 years. Three-dimensional computed tomography and
      computational fluid dynamics were used to model the flux of communication and
      temperature, and differences among patients were compared. All 5 patients
      exhibited an impairment of their nasal warming function. As the size of the
      perforation increased, the flux of communication increased and the warming
      function decreased. Perforations located in an anterior position were associated
      with greater damage to the warming function than those in a posterior position.
      In patients with a large or anteriorly located perforation, airflow temperature
      in the nasopharynx was decreased. Our findings suggest that septal perforations
      not only induce airflow disturbance, but they also impair the nasal warming
      function. Further analysis of warming function is necessary to better explore
      flow mechanisms in patients with structural abnormalities. 

PMID- 27657328
TI  - Analysis of the Distribution of Energy Barriers in Amorphous Diazepam on the
      Basis of Computationally Supported NMR Relaxation Data.
AB  - Crystalline and amorphous diazepam, a psychoactive drug, were investigated by
      employing spin-lattice relaxation 1H NMR along with atom-atom calculations of the
      landscape of energy barriers. The activation barriers for reorientation of the
      methyl group in amorphous diazepam were found to be in the range of 1.9-12.7
      kJ/mol. Atom-atom calculations permitted determination of the distribution of
      energy barriers for reorientations of methyl groups, which was in a good
      agreement with that obtained on the basis of experimental data. The NMR
      relaxation combined with calculations provided a quantitative description of the
      distribution of energy barriers including intra- and inter-molecular
      interactions.

PMID- 27657330
TI  - Cu Nanowires with Clean Surfaces: Synthesis and Enhanced Electrocatalytic
      Activity.
AB  - Low activity and high cost of electrocatalysts are the major challenge for the
      commercialization of the direct fuel cells (DFCs) and biofuel cells. In this
      work, we demonstrate the desirable "clean surfaces" effect of Cu nanocrystals in
      electrocatalysis. By a new reaction route of Cu2O nanospheres (Cu2O NSs), Cu
      nanowires (Cu NWs) with high purity and "clean surfaces" are first obtained under
      mild conditions. Benefiting from the path directing effects and abundant (100)
      facets, the as-prepared Cu NWs exhibit a lower overpotential to achieve the
      methanol electro-oxidation reaction (MOR) than that of analogous Cu nanoparticles
      (Cu NPs). Moreover, the "clean surfaces" provide more available active sites for
      the efficient transfer of electrons, enabling the Cu NWs to show their enhanced
      electrocatalytic activity. In the MOR, forward peak current density for the
      surface-cleaned Cu NWs is 2839 MUA cm-2, which is ca. 6.45-fold higher than that
      of the Cu NWs with residual capping molecules on their surface. The "clean
      surfaces" effect can also be extended to the glucose electro-oxidation reaction
      (GOR), and the enhancement in specific surface area activity for the Cu NWs is
      11.3-fold. This work enhances the electrocatalytic performance of Cu nanocrystals
      without the need for additional noble metals, which opens up new avenues for
      utilizing non-noble metals in the DFC or biofuel cell applications.

PMID- 27657331
TI  - Photodetection and Photoswitch Based On Polarized Optical Response of
      Macroscopically Aligned Carbon Nanotubes.
AB  - Light polarization is extensively applied in optical detection, industry
      processing and telecommunication. Although aligned carbon nanotube naturally
      suppresses the transmittance of light polarized parallel to its axial direction,
      there is little application regarding the photodetection of carbon nanotube based
      on this anisotropic interaction with linearly polarized light. Here, we report a
      photodetection device realized by aligned carbon nanotube. Because of the
      different absorption behavior of polarized light with respect to polarization
      angles, such device delivers an explicit response to specific light wavelength
      regardless of its intensity. Furthermore, combining both experimental and
      mathematical analysis, we found that the light absorption of different wavelength
      causes characteristic thermoelectric voltage generation, which makes aligned
      carbon nanotube promising in optical detection. This work can also be utilized
      directly in developing new types of photoswitch that features a broad spectrum
      application from near-ultraviolet to intermediate infrared with easy integration
      into practical electric devices, for instance, a "wavelength lock".

PMID- 27657329
TI  - Phosphorylation of Def Regulates Nucleolar p53 Turnover and Cell Cycle
      Progression through Def Recruitment of Calpain3.
AB  - Digestive organ expansion factor (Def) is a nucleolar protein that plays dual
      functions: it serves as a component of the ribosomal small subunit processome for
      the biogenesis of ribosomes and also mediates p53 degradation through the
      cysteine proteinase calpain-3 (CAPN3). However, nothing is known about the exact
      relationship between Def and CAPN3 or the regulation of the Def function. In this
      report, we show that CAPN3 degrades p53 and its mutant proteins p53A138V,
      p53M237I, p53R248W, and p53R273P but not the p53R175H mutant protein.
      Importantly, we show that Def directly interacts with CAPN3 in the nucleoli and
      determines the nucleolar localisation of CAPN3, which is a prerequisite for the
      degradation of p53 in the nucleolus. Furthermore, we find that Def is modified by
      phosphorylation at five serine residues: S50, S58, S62, S87, and S92. We further
      show that simultaneous phosphorylations at S87 and S92 facilitate the nucleolar
      localisation of Capn3 that is not only essential for the degradation of p53 but
      is also important for regulating cell cycle progression. Hence, we propose that
      the Def-CAPN3 pathway serves as a nucleolar checkpoint for cell proliferation by
      selective inactivation of cell cycle-related substrates during organogenesis.

PMID- 27657332
TI  - Carbaporphyrinoid Systems.
AB  - Following immediately after the serendipitous discovery of N-confused porphyrins,
      remarkably diverse carbaporphyrinoid systems have been synthesized and
      investigated. By replacing a pyrrolic unit within the porphyrin framework with
      cyclopentadiene, indene, azulene, cycloheptatriene, or benzene, new families of
      porphyrin-like macrocycles were produced. True carbaporphyrins are fully aromatic
      structures, while benziporphyrins are essentially devoid of macrocyclic aromatic
      character, and azuliporphyrins fall midway between the two extremes.
      Monocarbaporphyrinoids are superior organometallic ligands and form stable
      complexes with copper(III), silver(III), gold(III), nickel(II), palladium(II),
      platinum(II), rhodium(III), iridium(III), and ruthenium(II). Unusual oxidation
      reactions have also been discovered, commonly leading to derivatization of the
      internal carbon atom. In addition, structural rearrangements have been uncovered
      that allow the conversion of azuliporphyrins into benzocarbaporphyrins, and
      benziporphyrins into carbaporphyrins. Although less well studied, many examples
      of dicarbaporphyrinoids have been reported, and these show equally intriguing
      characteristics. Furthermore, contracted and expanded carbaporphyrinoids have
      been investigated. Studies in this area provide fundamental insights into the
      aromatic properties, tautomerization, and reactivity of porphyrins and related
      macrocyclic systems.

PMID- 27657333
TI  - Early Insight Into Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

PMID- 27657334
TI  - Effect of Axial Stretch on Lumen Collapse of Arteries.
AB  - The stability of the arteries under in vivo pressure and axial tension loads is
      essential to normal arterial function, and lumen collapse due to buckling can
      hinder the blood flow. The objective of this study was to develop the lumen
      buckling equation for nonlinear anisotropic thick-walled arteries to determine
      the effect of axial tension. The theoretical equation was developed using
      exponential Fung strain function, and the effects of axial tension and residual
      stress on the critical buckling pressure were illustrated for porcine coronary
      arteries. The buckling behavior was also simulated using finite-element analysis.
      Our results demonstrated that lumen collapse of arteries could occur when the
      transmural pressure is negative and exceeded a critical value. This value depends
      upon the axial stretch ratio and material properties of the arterial wall. Axial
      tensions show a biphasic effect on the critical buckling pressure. The lumen
      aspect ratio of arteries increases nonlinearly with increasing external pressure
      beyond the critical value as the lumen collapses. These results enhance our
      understanding of artery lumen collapse behavior.

PMID- 27657335
TI  - Dengue Protease Substrate Recognition: Binding of the Prime Side.
AB  - Dengue virus (DENV), transmitted predominantly in tropical and subtropical
      regions by the mosquito Aedes aegypti, infects millions of people and leads to
      dengue fever and thousands of deaths each year. There are no direct-acting
      antivirals to combat DENV, and molecular and structural knowledge is required to
      develop such compounds. The dengue NS2B/NS3 protease is a promising target for
      direct-acting antivirals, as viral polyprotein cleavage during replication is
      required for the maturation of the viral particle. The NS2B/NS3 protease
      processes 8 of the 13 viral polyprotein cleavage sites to allow viral maturation.
      Although these sites share little sequence homology beyond the P1 and P2
      positions, most are well conserved among the serotypes. How the other substrate
      residues, especially at the P' side, affect substrate recognition remains
      unclear. We exploited the tight-binding general serine protease inhibitor
      aprotinin to investigate protease-substrate interactions at the molecular level.
      We engineered aprotinin's binding loop with sequences mimicking the P' side of
      DENV substrates. P' residues significantly modulate substrate affinity to
      protease, with inhibition constants varying from nanomolar to sub-millimolar.
      Structural and dynamic analysis revealed the molecular basis of this modulation
      and allowed identifying optimal residues for each of the P' positions. In
      addition, isothermal titration calorimetry showed binding to be solely entropy
      driven for all constructs. Potential flaviviral P' side inhibitors could benefit
      from mimicking the optimal residues at P' positions and incorporate
      hydrophobicity and rigidity to maintain entropic advantage for potency.

PMID- 27657336
TI  - Renewed interest in the progesterone receptor in breast cancer.

PMID- 27657337
TI  - Stable transfection of protein kinase C alpha cDNA in hormone-dependent breast
      cancer cell lines.

PMID- 27657338
TI  - Impaired T-bet-pSTAT1alpha and perforin-mediated immune responses in the tumoral
      region of lung adenocarcinoma.

PMID- 27657340
TI  - Overexpression of connexin 43 reduces melanoma proliferative and metastatic
      capacity.

PMID- 27657339
TI  - Identification of a novel serum biomarker for pancreatic cancer, C4b-binding
      protein alpha-chain (C4BPA) by quantitative proteomic analysis using tandem mass
      tags.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a devastating disease
      due to the lack of specific early diagnostic markers. To improve the outcomes,
      proteomic approaches are being developed for the discovery of novel biomarkers of
      PDAC. METHODS: Using tandem mass tag labelling and LC-MS/MS, we performed
      comparative analyses of pre- and postoperative sera from PDAC patients to
      identify specific serum biomarkers for PDAC. In validation studies, we evaluated
      the discriminatory power of candidate proteins. RESULTS: Among the 302 proteins
      analysed, 20 were identified as potential biomarkers, with C4b-binding protein
      alpha-chain (C4BPA) and polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (PIGR) being selected
      for further analysis. The sera levels of C4BPA and PIGR were significantly higher
      in the preoperative PDAC patients than in the postoperative ones (P<0.008,
      P<0.036, respectively). In addition, serum C4BPA levels, but not PIGR, in
      patients with PDAC were significantly higher than those in healthy controls as
      well as in patients with pancreatitis and other malignancies including biliary
      tract cancers (BTC) (P<0.001). The respective area under the receiver operator
      characteristics (ROC) curve (AUC) was 0.860 for C4BPA, 0.846 for CA19-9 and 0.930
      for the combination of C4BPA and CA19-9 in PDAC vs non-cancer individuals. The
      respective AUC was 0.912 for C4BPA, 0.737 for CA19-9 in Stages I and II of PDAC,
      0.854 for C4BPA and 0.264 for CA19-9 in PDAC vs BTC. CONCLUSIONS: We have
      demonstrated that C4BPA is a novel serum biomarker for detecting early stage
      PDAC, as well as for distinguishing PDAC from other gastroenterological cancers.
      Further analysis in large cohort studies will warrant C4BPA as a promising
      biomarker of PDAC in clinical use.

PMID- 27657342
TI  - Second-line therapy after nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine or after gemcitabine
      for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer.

PMID- 27657343
TI  - Error-Safe, Portable, and Efficient Evolutionary Algorithms Implementation with
      High Scalability.
AB  - We present an efficient massively parallel implementation of genetic algorithms
      for chemical and materials science problems, solely based on Java virtual machine
      (JVM) technologies and standard networking protocols. The lack of complicated
      dependencies allows for a highly portable solution exploiting strongly
      heterogeneous components within a single computational context. At runtime, our
      implementation is almost completely immune to hardware failure, and additional
      computational resources can be added or subtracted dynamically, if needed. With
      extensive testing, we show that despite all these benefits, parallel scalability
      is excellent.

PMID- 27657341
TI  - The combined endocrine receptor in breast cancer, a novel approach to traditional
      hormone receptor interpretation and a better discriminator of outcome than ER and
      PR alone.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The functional role of progesterone receptor (PR) signalling was
      previously unclear and PR testing in breast cancer is controversial. Recent
      defining work has highlighted the functional crosstalk that exists between the
      oestrogen receptor (ER) and PR. The purpose of this retrospective cohort study
      was to compare the prognostic value of the combined ER and PR score with either
      ER or PR alone. METHODS: Tumour Allred ER and PR scores were reclassified as
      negative, low and high. The combined endocrine receptor (CER) was calculated as
      the average of the reclassified ER and PR scores, resulting in three groups: CER
      negative, impaired and high. Cox proportional hazards models were used to
      estimate disease-free survival (DFS) and breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS).
      RESULTS: The CER was a more powerful predictor of 5-year DFS and BCSS than either
      ER or PR alone. In multivariate analysis that included ER, PR and CER, only CER
      remained an independent prognostic variable for 5-year DFS (hazard ratio (HR)
      0.393; CI: 0.283-0.548, P=0.00001) and BCSS (HR 0.553; CI: 0.423-0.722; P=2.506 *
      10-8). In ER-positive (ER+) patients impaired CER was an independent marker of
      poor outcome for 5-year DFS (HR 2.469; CI: 1.049-5.810; P=0.038) and BCSS (HR
      1.946; CI: 1.054-3.596; P=0.033) in multivariate analysis that included grade,
      lymph node, tumour size, HER2 status and PR status. The results were validated in
      a separate cohort of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Combined endocrine receptor is a more
      powerful discriminator of patient outcome than either ER or PR alone. Economical
      and simple, it can identify risk in ER+ early breast cancer and potentially be
      used for adjuvant cytotoxic chemotherapy decision-making.

PMID- 27657344
TI  - Preserving Neurocognition in Patients With Brain Metastases.

PMID- 27657345
TI  - Subinternship in Radiology - A Practical Start to the Specialization?
AB  - Purpose: To identify factors influencing medical students to choose radiology in
      the four-month clinical elective in the final year of medical school following
      radiology subinternships. Materials and Methods: A subsample of medical students
      in a nationwide German online survey evaluated a subinternship in radiology (19
      items). They were divided into four groups: Students who could imagine doing a
      clinical elective in radiology in the practical year based on their experiences
      during the subinternship ("yes, based on subinternship"), students who could not
      ("no, based on subinternship") and students who had made this decision prior to
      the subinternship ("yes, prior to subinternship" and "no, prior to
      subinternship"). Results: 94 medical students evaluated a radiology subinternship
      (54.4 % females). Based on their experiences during the subinternship, 54
      students (57.4 %) intended to do a final year clinical elective in radiology, 39
      of them (41.5 %) being encouraged by the subinternship. 40 (42.6 %) reported
      having a negative attitude towards a clinical elective in radiology, 16 of them
      (17.0 %) having made this decision based on their subinternship experience.
      Groups did not differ regarding gender (p = 0.396) and age (p = 0.853). Students
      motivated to do a final year clinical elective in radiology experienced excellent
      academic teaching (p = 0.001) and practical involvement (p = 0.003), achieved
      their learning goals more often (p = 0.001), were better integrated into the team
      (p = 0.001), and acquired more practical skills (p = 0.003). Overall satisfaction
      was higher in these groups (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Satisfaction with a radiology
      subinternship is crucial for motivating medical students to do a final year
      clinical elective in radiology. A structured subinternship and continuous
      mentoring should be targeted to keep students connected to radiology. Key Points:
      * Radiology subinternships influence further interest in the specialization.* The
      quality and structure of teaching critically influence student satisfaction.*
      Team integration and practical involvement positively affect the attitude towards
      a specialization. Citation Format: * Kasch R, Wirkner J, Hosten N et al.
      Subinternship in Radiology - A Practical Start to the Specialization? Fortschr
      Rontgenstr 2016; 188: 1024 - 1030.

PMID- 27657347
TI  - Asymmetric Synthesis of (+)-anti- and (-)-syn-Mefloquine Hydrochloride.
AB  - The asymmetric (er > 99:1) total synthesis of (+)-anti- and (-)-syn-mefloquine
      hydrochloride from a common intermediate is described. The Sharpless asymmetric
      dihydroxylation is the key asymmetric transformation used in the synthesis of
      this intermediate. It is carried out on an olefin that is accessed in three steps
      from commercially available materials, making the overall synthetic sequence very
      concise. The common diol intermediate derived from the Sharpless asymmetric
      dihydroxylation is converted into either a trans- or cis-epoxide, and these are
      subsequently converted to (+)-anti- and (-)-syn-mefloquine, respectively. X-ray
      crystallographic analysis of derivatives of (+)-anti- and (-)-syn-mefloquine is
      used to lay to rest a 40 year argument regarding the absolute stereochemistry of
      the mefloquines. A formal asymmetric (er > 99:1) synthesis of (+)-anti-mefloquine
      hydrochloride is also presented that uses a Sharpless asymmetric epoxidation as a
      key step.

PMID- 27657349
TI  - Predictors for Development of Pressure Ulcer in End-of-Life Care: A National
      Quality Register Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The scientific knowledge about pressure ulcers (PUs) is growing, but
      there is a shortage of studies of PUs at end of life. The recommendations
      regarding PU prevention in palliative care (PC) are based on consensus documents.
      AIM: To use data from a national register to identify predictors for development
      of PUs at the end of life. DESIGN: A retrospective, descriptive, and comparative
      study design was used. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: All deceased patients over 17 years
      old (n = 60,319) and registered in the Swedish Register of Palliative Care (SRPC)
      during 2014 were included. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Logistic regression. RESULTS: In
      the full model, all health units except general palliative home care had a
      significantly higher incidence of PUs than did the nursing homes. The well-known
      predictors of PUs in general, diabetes, postfracture state, infections, and
      multiple sicknesses, are predictors even in dying patients. Dementia was
      significantly associated with lower likelihood of PUs, while pain was associated
      with more PUs. Intravenous drip or enteral feeding was associated with a
      significantly decreased likelihood of developing PUs. CONCLUSIONS: The SRPC could
      be a unique resource for quality improvement and research. The present study
      cannot prove causation, but it can report correlations between background
      variables and PU prevalence. More studies, with different designs, are warranted
      to establish the roles of risk factors for PU in end-of-life care.

PMID- 27657348
TI  - Serologic response to porcine circovirus type 1 (PCV1) in infants vaccinated with
      the human rotavirus vaccine, RotarixTM: A retrospective laboratory analysis.
AB  - In 2010, porcine circovirus type 1 (PCV1) material was unexpectedly detected in
      the oral live-attenuated human rotavirus (RV) vaccine, RotarixTM (GSK Vaccines,
      Belgium). An initial study (NCT01511133) found no immunologic response against
      PCV1 in 40 vaccinated infants. As a follow-up, the current study (NCT02153333),
      searched for evidence of post-vaccination serologic response to PCV1 in a larger
      number of archived serum samples. Unlike the previous study, serum anti-PCV1
      antibodies were assessed with an adapted Immuno Peroxidase Monolayer Assay (IPMA)
      using a Vero-adapted PCV1 strain. Samples from 596 infants who participated in
      clinical trials of the human RV vaccine were randomly selected and analyzed. The
      observed anti-PCV1 antibody seropositivity rate 1-2 months post-dose 2 was
      approximately 1% [90% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.3-2.6] (3/299 samples) in
      infants who received the human RV vaccine and 0.3% [90% CI: 0.0-1.6] (1/297
      samples) in those who received placebo; the difference between the groups was 
      0.66 [90% CI: -2.16-0.60]. One subject in the vaccinated group was also
      seropositive before vaccination. Notably, the seropositivity rate observed in
      vaccinated subjects was below that observed during assay qualification in samples
      from unvaccinated subjects outside of this study (2.5%; 5/200 samples). No
      serious adverse events had been reported in any of the 4 subjects providing anti
      PCV1 positive samples during the 31-day post-vaccination follow-up period in the
      original studies. In conclusion, the presence of PCV1 in the human RV vaccine is
      considered to be a manufacturing quality issue and does not appear to pose a
      safety risk to vaccinated infants.

PMID- 27657350
TI  - Magnetic field therapy in patients with cytostatics-induced polyneuropathy: A
      prospective randomized placebo-controlled phase-III study.
AB  - No causal treatment for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is
      known. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a therapy for CIPN. Only
      scarce clinical data are available concerning magnetic field therapy (MFT) in
      this context. We conducted a unicentric, randomized, double-blind, placebo
      controlled phase-III trial of an MFT device versus placebo. In this study, we
      randomized 44 patients with CIPN to two treatment groups, where 21 patients were
      treated with MFT (Group 1) and 23 patients received placebo (Group 2). We
      evaluated the efficacy of MFT at baseline (T1 ), after 3 weeks of study treatment
      (T2 ), and after 3 months of study treatment (T3 ). The primary endpoint was
      nerve conduction velocity (NCV), while secondary endpoints were the Common
      Toxicity Criteria (CTCAE) score and the Pain Detect End Score at T3 . Seventeen
      of the patients in Group 1 and 14 patients in Group 2 completed the respective
      study treatment. The primary endpoint, significant improvement of NCV at T3 , was
      achieved by MFT (P = 0.015), particularly for sensory neurotoxicity of the
      peroneal nerve. Also, in respect to the secondary endpoints, significant
      improvement (P = 0.04) was achieved in terms of the patients' subjectively
      perceived neurotoxicity (CTCAE score), but not of neuropathic pain (P = 0.11).
      From data in the randomized study presented here, a positive effect on the
      reduction of neurotoxicity can be assumed for the MFT device. Patients with
      sensory neurotoxicity in the lower limbs, especially, should therefore be offered
      this therapy. Bioelectromagnetics. 38:85-94, 2017. (c) 2016 The Authors.
      Bioelectromagnetics published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27657351
TI  - Effect of a social intervention of choice vs. control on depressive symptoms,
      melancholy, feeling of loneliness, and perceived togetherness in older Finnish
      people: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study examined effects of a social intervention on depressive
      symptoms, melancholy, loneliness, and perceived togetherness in community
      dwelling Finnish older people. METHOD: Promotion of mental well-being in older
      people (GoodMood; ISRCTN78426775) was a single-blinded randomized control trial
      lasting 1.5 years. Two hundred and twenty-three persons aged 75-79 years
      reporting symptoms of loneliness or melancholy were randomized into intervention
      and control groups. The intervention group was allowed to choose among supervised
      exercise, social activity, or personal counseling. Follow-up measurements were
      conducted at the end of 6-month intervention, and at 3, 6, and 12 months post
      intervention. RESULTS: Number of depressive symptoms remained unchanged, while
      loneliness and melancholy decreased in both the intervention and control groups
      during the study (p < 0.001). Social integration increased in the intervention
      group but not in controls (p = 0.041). Attachment and guidance increased in both
      groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The intervention did not alleviate depressed
      mood. Positive changes over time were observed in loneliness, feelings of
      melancholy, attachment, and guidance but these occurred independently of the
      intervention. Our secondary analysis suggests that the intervention increased
      perceived social integration. In sum, the effects of the intervention were
      moderate only and did not expedite further overcoming depressive mood or
      loneliness.

PMID- 27657352
TI  - Long-term progressive motor skill training enhances corticospinal excitability
      for the ipsilateral hemisphere and motor performance of the untrained hand.
AB  - It is well established that unilateral motor practice can lead to increased
      performance in the opposite non-trained hand. Here, we test the hypothesis that
      progressively increasing task difficulty during long-term skill training with the
      dominant right hand increase performance and corticomotor excitability of the
      left non-trained hand. Subjects practiced a visuomotor tracking task engaging
      right digit V for 6 weeks with either progressively increasing task difficulty
      (PT) or no progression (NPT). Corticospinal excitability (CSE) was evaluated from
      the resting motor threshold (rMT) and recruitment curve parameters following
      application of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to the ipsilateral primary
      motor cortex (iM1) hotspot of the left abductor digiti minimi muscle (ADM). PT
      led to significant improvements in left-hand motor performance immediately after
      6 weeks of training (63 +/- 18%, P < 0.001) and 8 days later (76 +/- 14%, P <
      0.001). In addition, PT led to better task performance compared to NPT (19 +/-
      15%, P = 0.024 and 27 +/- 15%, P = 0.016). Following the initial training
      session, CSE increased across all subjects. After 6 weeks of training and 8 days
      later, only PT was accompanied by increased CSE demonstrated by a left and
      upwards shift in the recruitment curves, e.g. indicated by increased MEPmax (P =
      0.012). Eight days after training similar effects were observed, but 14 months
      later motor performance and CSE were similar between groups. We suggest that
      progressively adjusting demands for timing and accuracy to individual proficiency
      promotes motor skill learning and drives the iM1-CSE resulting in enhanced
      performance of the non-trained hand. The results underline the importance of
      increasing task difficulty progressively and individually in skill learning and
      rehabilitation training.

PMID- 27657354
TI  - Use of internal jugular vein grafts in reconstructing multiple venous orifices of
      right hepatic grafts without the middle hepatic vein trunk.

PMID- 27657353
TI  - Association between access to accelerated partial breast irradiation and use of
      adjuvant radiotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The current study was performed to determine whether access to
      facilities performing accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) is associated
      with differences in the use of adjuvant radiotherapy (RT). METHODS: Using the
      National Cancer Data Base, the authors performed a retrospective study of women
      aged >=50 years who were diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer between 2004
      and 2013 and treated with breast-conserving surgery (BCS). Facilities performing
      APBI in >=10% of their eligible patients within a given year were defined as APBI
      facilities whereas those not performing APBI were defined as non-APBI facilities.
      All other facilities were excluded. The authors identified independent factors
      associated with RT use using multivariable logistic regression with clustering in
      the overall sample as well as in subsets of patients with standard-risk invasive
      cancer, low-risk invasive cancer, and ductal carcinoma in situ. RESULTS: Among
      222,544 patients, 76.6% underwent BCS plus RT and 23.4% underwent BCS alone. The
      likelihood of RT receipt in the overall sample did not appear to differ
      significantly between APBI and non-APBI facilities (adjusted odds ratio [AOR],
      1.02; P = .61). Subgroup multivariable analysis demonstrated that among patients
      with standard-risk invasive cancer, there was no association between evaluation
      at an APBI facility and receipt of RT (AOR, 0.98; P = .69). However, patients
      with low-risk invasive cancer were found to be significantly more likely to
      receive RT (54.4% vs 59.5%; AOR, 1.22 [P<.001]), whereas patients with ductal
      carcinoma in situ were less likely to receive RT (56.9% vs 55.3%; AOR, 0.89 [P =
      .04]) at APBI facilities. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who were eligible for observation
      were more likely to receive RT in APBI facilities but no difference was observed
      among patients with standard-risk invasive cancer who would most benefit from RT.
      Cancer 2017;123:502-511. (c) 2016 American Cancer Society.

PMID- 27657356
TI  - Differences in Perceptions Among Radiologists, Referring Physicians, and Patients
      Regarding Language for Incidental Findings Reporting.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to compare radiologists', referring
      physicians', and patients' interpretations of expressions within radiology
      reports to describe findings of likely low clinical significance. SUBJECTS AND
      METHODS: Surveys were completed by abdominal radiologists (n = 13), physicians
      referring patients for abdominal CT (n = 59), and outpatients awaiting imaging (n
      = 51) at a large urban academic medical center. Surveys presented 10 expressions
      for describing an incidental 5-mm liver lesion and asked respondents to select
      from a list of choices their perceived likelihood that the lesion represented
      malignancy. Radiologists and referrers were asked supplemental questions.
      RESULTS: Compared with radiologists' concern, referrers' and patients' concerns
      were higher for four and seven of the 10 expressions. Only the expression "benign
      cyst" was associated with no concern in all groups; "most likely a cyst" and "too
      small to characterize" were associated with median levels of concern of 0% for
      radiologists, > 0% to 1% for referrers, and > 2% to 5% for patients. Expressions
      containing the phrase "not excluded" had the highest concern in all groups.
      Referrers' likelihood of ordering follow-up imaging varied widely for the
      expressions (e.g., "benign cyst," 2%; "cyst," 22%; "most likely a cyst," 46%;
      "most likely a cyst, although tumor not excluded," 75%). Overall, the preferred
      phrase for a 5-mm liver lesion with benign features in normal-risk patients was
      "cyst" among radiologists and "benign cyst" among referrers. Seventy-six percent
      of referring physicians thought that radiology reports should indicate whether
      follow-up imaging is recommended for such lesions. CONCLUSION: Ambiguity in
      radiologists' language for incidental low-risk findings may contribute to
      increased patient anxiety and follow-up testing, warranting greater radiologist
      attention and potentially new practice or reporting strategies.

PMID- 27657357
TI  - Identification of growing bacteria during litter decomposition in freshwater
      through H218O quantitative stable isotope probing.
AB  - Identification of microorganisms that facilitate the cycling of nutrients in
      freshwater is paramount to understanding how these ecosystems function. Here, we
      identify growing aquatic bacteria using H218O quantitative stable isotope
      probing. During 8 day incubations in 97 atom % H218O, 54% of the taxa grew. The
      most abundant phyla among growing taxa were Proteobacteria (45%), Bacteroidetes
      (30%) and Firmicutes (10%). Taxa differed in isotopic enrichment, reflecting
      variation in DNA replication of bacterial populations. At the class level, the
      highest atom fraction excess was observed for OPB41 and delta-Proteobacteria.
      There was no linear relationship between 18 O incorporation and abundance of
      taxa. delta-Proteobacteria and OPB41 were not abundant, yet the DNA of both taxa
      was highly enriched in 18 O. Bacteriodetes, in contrast, were abundant but not
      highly enriched. Our study shows that a large proportion of the bacterial taxa
      found on decomposing leaf litter grew slowly, and several low abundance taxa were
      highly enriched. These findings indicating that rare organisms may be important
      for the decomposition of leaf litter in streams, and that quantitative stable
      isotope probing with H218O can be used to advance our understanding of
      microorganisms in freshwater by identifying species that are growing in complex
      communities.

PMID- 27657358
TI  - Circulating lymphoma cells in intravascular large B-cell lymphoma.

PMID- 27657355
TI  - The vaginal mycobiome: A contemporary perspective on fungi in women's health and
      diseases.
AB  - Most of what is known about fungi in the human vagina has come from culture-based
      studies and phenotypic characterization of single organisms. Though valuable,
      these approaches have masked the complexity of fungal communities within the
      vagina. The vaginal mycobiome has become an emerging field of study as genomics
      tools are increasingly employed and we begin to appreciate the role these fungal
      communities play in human health and disease. Though vastly outnumbered by its
      bacterial counterparts, fungi are important constituents of the vaginal ecosystem
      in many healthy women. Candida albicans, an opportunistic fungal pathogen,
      colonizes 20% of women without causing any overt symptoms, yet it is one of the
      leading causes of infectious vaginitis. Understanding its mechanisms of
      commensalism and patho-genesis are both essential to developing more effective
      therapies. Describing the interactions between Candida, bacteria (such as
      Lactobacillus spp.) and other fungi in the vagina is funda-mental to our
      characterization of the vaginal mycobiome.

PMID- 27657359
TI  - A Nano-Biosensor for the Detection of 185delAG Mutation in BRCA1 Gene, Leading to
      Breast Cancer.
AB  - A method was developed for the detection of 185delAG mutation in BRCA1 gene,
      which is responsible for 85% and 63% lifetime risks of hereditary breast and
      ovarian cancer in women, respectively. The protocol is based on the quenching and
      recovering fluorescence emission of fluorescein-based dye (FAM)-labeled DNA in
      the presence of graphene oxide (GO), followed by addition of cDNA or mDNA. In
      addition, ligase reaction between a DNA probe attached to GO and a DNA possessing
      FAM on 5' terminal in the presence of cDNA or mDNA was applied.

PMID- 27657360
TI  - Why routine prophylactic use of vancomycin should be recommended against:
      response.

PMID- 27657361
TI  - The Role of Report Comparison, Analysis, and Discrepancy Categorization in
      Resident Education.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to show the value of automated radiology
      report comparison and analysis in resident education by providing qualitative and
      quantitative feedback on the discrepancies between preliminary and finalized
      reports. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Anonymous surveys on dictation practices and the
      process of reviewing reports were completed by consenting radiology residents and
      faculty. All 277 reports obtained across all modalities during the 4-week study
      were retrieved from the dictation server in both their preliminary and finalized
      states, for a total of 544 reports. Disparities between these reports were
      automatically compared side by side and were categorized according to clinical
      relevance, report quality, or report structure. The frequency of report
      corrections was compared between junior (postgraduate years [PGYs] 2 and 3) and
      senior (PGYs 4 and 5) residents. Residents were surveyed regarding the usefulness
      of the feedback. RESULTS: Eighty-six reports (31%) were verified as unchanged,
      with no statistically significant difference noted between junior and senior
      residents (33.2% and 25.9%, respectively; p = 0.03). Of the 370 discrepancies
      noted in the 191 edited reports, 81 (21.9%) were discrepancies in clinically
      relevant findings; 106 (28.6%) were discrepancies in report quality; and 183
      (49.5%) were discrepancies in report structure, syntax, or both. Although senior
      residents had a lower rate of discrepancies in the clinical relevance category
      than did junior residents (12.8% and 26.5%; p = 0.004), they had a higher rate of
      discrepancies in the report quality category (58.4% and 44.9%; p = 0.02). Surveys
      of both residents and faculty showed strong support for the project. CONCLUSION:
      Categorization of corrections was deemed useful by residents and can be helpful
      in assessing elements of reporting accuracy for individual feedback. Quantitative
      report comparison and analysis show promise in tailoring resident education at
      the programmatic level as cumulative data are gathered and trends are analyzed.

PMID- 27657362
TI  - Expression of EGF, EGFR, and proliferation in placentas from pregnancies
      complicated with preeclampsia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate proliferation, EGF and EGFR expression of villous
      trophoblast (VTB), decidual cells (DC), and extravillous trophoblast (EVTB) in
      the placentas from pregnancies complicated with preeclampsia (PE) and to compare
      them with placentas from normal pregnancies. METHODS: Twenty-nine PE placentas
      and 19 control placentas were studied for EGF and EGFR immunohistochemical
      expression (noted as week, moderate or strong). Proliferation was expressed as
      the proliferation index. The CK7 antibody was used to distinguish DC from EVTB.
      RESULTS: DC and EVTB proliferation was significantly higher in PE placentas. EGFR
      and EGF expression showed no significant difference. CONCLUSION: Higher DC and
      EVTB proliferation in PE could contribute to PE development.

PMID- 27657363
TI  - Analyzing pedestrian crash injury severity under different weather conditions.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users due to the lack of
      mass, speed, and protection compared to other types of road users. Adverse
      weather conditions may reduce road friction and visibility and thus increase
      crash risk. There is limited evidence and considerable discrepancy with regard to
      impacts of weather conditions on injury severity in the literature. This article
      investigated factors affecting pedestrian injury severity level under different
      weather conditions based on a publicly available accident database in Great
      Britain. METHOD: Accident data from Great Britain that are publicly available
      through the STATS19 database were analyzed. Factors associated with pedestrian,
      driver, and environment were investigated using a novel approach that combines a
      classification and regression tree with random forest approach. RESULTS:
      Significant severity predictors under fine weather conditions from the models
      included speed limits, pedestrian age, light conditions, and vehicle maneuver.
      Under adverse weather conditions, the significant predictors were pedestrian age,
      vehicle maneuver, and speed limit. CONCLUSIONS: Elderly pedestrians are
      associated with higher pedestrian injury severities. Higher speed limits increase
      pedestrian injury severity. Based on the research findings, recommendations are
      provided to improve pedestrian safety.

PMID- 27657364
TI  - Clinical, Morphologic, and Pathologic Features Associated With Increased FDG
      Uptake in Schwannoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical,
      morphologic, and pathologic features associated with increased 18F-FDG uptake in
      benign schwannomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-two schwannomas in 22 patients
      (age range, 25-81 years) who had FDG PET or PET/CT scans and subsequently
      underwent surgical re-section were retrospectively analyzed. The maximum
      standardized uptake value (SUVmax) was compared with patient age, sex, tumor
      location (gastrointestinal vs nongastrointestinal origin), tumor size, gross
      appearance, intratumoral cellularity, intratumoral infiltration of inflammatory
      cells, presence of peritumoral lymphoid cuffs, and expression status of glucose
      transporters 1 and 3 on tumor cells. RESULTS: The SUVmax of schwannomas ranged
      from 1.5 to 17.3 (median, 3.7). Significantly higher SUVmax was observed in
      gastrointestinal schwannomas (n = 4) compared with nongastrointestinal
      schwannomas (n = 18, p = 0.007) and in schwannomas with peritumoral lymphoid
      cuffs (n = 5) compared with those without peritumoral lymphoid cuffs (n = 17, p =
      0.001). A significant correlation was seen between tumor location and the
      presence of peritumoral lymphoid cuffs (p < 0.001). Age, sex, tumor size, gross
      appearance, intratumoral cellularity, intratumoral inflammatory cell
      infiltration, and expression status of glucose transporters 1 and 3 on tumor
      cells had no significant correlation with SUVmax. CONCLUSION: Gastrointestinal
      schwannomas and schwannomas with peritumoral lymphoid cuffs may be associated
      with elevated FDG uptake. Knowledge of the features of schwannomas associated
      with increased uptake may be helpful to avoid misinterpretation of benign
      schwannomas as malignancy.

PMID- 27657365
TI  - Developing Collections With Get It Now: A Pilot Project for a Hybrid Collection.
AB  - As health sciences libraries transition from print to online journal collections
      that require significant institutional funding, librarians are investigating the
      use of on demand services in order to meet customer need and contain costs. In
      2014 a three-year pilot project to determine if unmediated access to the
      Copyright Clearance Center's Get It Now service would expand access to needed
      content and provide usage data to inform collections decision making. The service
      provides rapid, automated delivery of unsubscribed, high-quality journal articles
      directly to the customer. The three-year pilot project aims to compare the cost
      of Get It Now to the traditional subscription model to learn if the service is a
      cost-effective and sustainable alternative that improves customer satisfaction
      and that can transform collection development with a hybrid model for journal
      acquisitions. 

PMID- 27657366
TI  - Low-Tech Scavenger Hunt Model for Student Orientation.
AB  - Scavenger hunts are an effective, fun way of orienting new students to the
      library. The low-tech nature and small scale of the scavenger hunt program
      described here might be more suitable for health sciences libraries than other
      models, particularly for libraries with small staffs. This model also includes a
      unique optional element useful for library marketing. This article describes the
      methods used, shares reactions of program participants, and provides suggestions
      for those considering orienting students in this way. 

PMID- 27657367
TI  - An Embedded Librarian Program: Eight Years On.
AB  - This article examines an embedded librarian program eight years after
      implementation in a large academic health center. Librarians were physically
      moved into the colleges of pharmacy, public health, and nursing. Statistics are
      reported as well as comments from the participating librarians and faculty
      members. Strong relationships have been built between librarians, faculty
      members, and students. Locating the librarians among faculty and students led to
      a better understanding of client needs and an increased awareness of librarian
      competencies and services resulting in partnerships and greater utilization of
      library services. 

PMID- 27657368
TI  - AAHSL Twitter Use From 2007 to 2014: An Exploratory Analysis.
AB  - Twitter is a popular social media platform used by organizations for
      communication and marketing purposes. Many libraries, including members of the
      Association of Academic Health Sciences Libraries (AAHSL), have Twitter accounts,
      but how do these libraries use Twitter to communicate with their constituents and
      are they using it effectively? This study is a large-scale observational study of
      Twitter use within AAHSL libraries and reflects on the usage patterns present in
      the context of social media best practices. This study also aims to expand upon
      best practices for implementing and maintaining a Twitter account in a health
      sciences library setting. 

PMID- 27657369
TI  - Emerging Roles for Librarians in the Medical School Curriculum and the Impact on
      Professional Identity.
AB  - This article discusses the impact on professional identity for health sciences
      librarians participating in the curriculum revision and development process. A
      qualitative survey, designed to examine the current roles, values, and self
      identification of health sciences librarians involved in curricular revision, was
      conducted. The respondents discussed how they had participated in the planning,
      implementation, and rollout phases of revised curricula. They identified skills
      and values essential to successful participation and described the impact of
      expanded professional relationships on new identities as educators, change
      agents, and problem solvers. The study may add to the knowledge base of skills
      and attitudes needed for successful practice in these newly emerging roles. 

PMID- 27657370
TI  - AMED: The Allied and Complementary Medicine Database.
AB  - AMED: The Allied and Complementary Medicine Database is a resource from the
      Health Care Information Service of the British Library. AMED offers access to
      complementary and alternative medicine topics, such as acupuncture, chiropractic,
      herbalism, homeopathy, hospice care, hypnosis, palliative care, physiotherapy,
      podiatry, and rehabilitation. This column features a sample search to demonstrate
      the type of information available within AMED. AMED is available through the
      EBSCOhost and OVID platforms. 

PMID- 27657371
TI  - Online Professional Profiles: Health Care and Library Researchers Show Off Their
      Work.
AB  - In an increasingly digital world, online profiles can help health care and
      library professionals showcase their research and scholarly work. By sharing
      information about their investigations, studies, and projects, health care and
      library researchers can elevate their personal brand and connect with like-minded
      individuals. This column explores different types of online professional profiles
      and addresses some of the concerns that come with using them. A list of online
      professional profile and platform examples is also provided. 

PMID- 27657372
TI  - Meeting Nontraditional Medical Information Needs for the Unique Populations and
      Geographically Remote Locations of Alaska.
AB  - The types of information required by hospital and clinical staff can be greatly
      influenced by the geography and culture of the area in which they operate. In
      some situations, information must be acquired from sources that fall outside the
      traditional provisions of a medical or reference library. This article provides
      examples of the unique information needs of clinical staff serving a primarily
      Native Alaskan and Native American clientele in Alaska. It also presents sources
      and personnel utilized to meet those information needs outside of traditional
      reference sources. 

PMID- 27657373
TI  - Tips for the First-Year Health Sciences Librarian.
AB  - A new librarian offers advice and insights about what she has learned from
      working at a library within a health science center. The librarian earned her
      MLIS in spring 2015, and while she had previous teaching experience, she realized
      there was much more learning needed to properly teach medical, graduate and
      allied health students, faculty, and residents. In this "one-year on the job"
      column, the librarian describes the different teaching experiences today's
      librarians encounter, and reflects on what she has learned from them and how they
      shape her view of the profession. 

PMID- 27657375
TI  - Understanding Mental Disorders: Your Guide to DSM-5, by the American Psychiatric
      Association.

PMID- 27657376
TI  - Repositioning Reference: New Methods and New Services for a New Age, by Laura
      Saunders, Lillian Rozaklis, and Eileen G. Abels.

PMID- 27657377
TI  - Linked Data for Libraries, Archives and Museums: How to Clean, Link and Publish
      Your Metadata, by Seth Van Hooland and Ruben Verbough.

PMID- 27657378
TI  - Consumer Health Information Services and Programs: Best Practices, edited by M.
      Sandra Wood.

PMID- 27657381
TI  - Tokenism costs nothing.
AB  - It is not often that I find myself agreeing with the NHS Chief Executive but at
      last week's 'Strategy for nursing' conference his criticisms of health service
      management were well placed. According to Duncan Nichol, managers continue to pay
      lip service to recruitment and retention issues. He claimed there was no real
      commitment to initiatives such as flexible working hours and creche facilities
      and he accused employers of tokenism.

PMID- 27657382
TI  - Wound cleansing - which solution?
AB  - It is an instinctive reaction in both humans and animals to lick a wound. This is
      the most natural method of wound cleansing and is comforting, providing some
      temporary pain relief, perhaps by triggering the release of endorphins. A review
      of written records of wound care dating back 4,000 years suggests that humans
      have used many other methods ( 1 ).

PMID- 27657383
TI  - Nursing's need for a voice in post-reform NHS.
AB  - National Health Service management chief Duncan Nichol last week pledged to help
      nurses have a top-level say in running post-reform NHS units.

PMID- 27657380
TI  - The histone deacetylase inhibitor romidepsin synergizes with lenalidomide and
      enhances tumor cell death in T-cell lymphoma cell lines.
AB  - We investigated the cytotoxic interactions of romidepsin, a histone deacetylase
      inhibitor, and lenalidomide, an immunomodulatory agent, in a T-cell lymphoma
      preclinical model. Hut-78 and Karpas-299 cells were treated with romidepsin and
      lenalidomide alone and in combination. The interaction between romidepsin and
      lenalidomide was evaluated by the Chou-Talalay method, and cell viability and
      clonogenicity were also evaluated. Apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS)
      levels, and cell cycle distribution were determined by flow cytometry. ER stress,
      caspase activation, and the AKT, MAPK/ERK, and STAT-3 pathways were analyzed by
      Western blot. Combination treatment with romidepsin and lenalidomide had a
      synergistic effect in Hut-78 cells and an additive effect in Karpas-299 cells at
      24 hours and did not decrease the viability of normal peripheral blood
      mononuclear cells. This drug combination induced apoptosis, increased ROS
      production, and activated caspase-8, -9, -3 and PARP. Apoptosis was associated
      with increased hallmarks of ER stress and activation of UPR sensors and was
      mediated by dephosphorylation of the AKT, MAPK/ERK, and STAT3 pathways.The
      combination of romidepsin and lenalidomide shows promise as a possible treatment
      for T-cell lymphoma. This work provides a basis for further studies.

PMID- 27657385
TI  - NVQ leads to rows over future pay structure.
AB  - Angry controversy over Whitley-busting pay and underfunding greeted the launch of
      the new support workers' qualification in London last week.

PMID- 27657384
TI  - ?
AB  - Fighting Spirit. World War II nurse and author Brenda McBryde pictured at last
      week's Royal College of Nursing History of Nursing Society conference on the
      Battle of Britain, which highlighted the role of nurses.

PMID- 27657386
TI  - ?
AB  - Jennette Golding, the Royal College of Nursing's Special Advisor to the General
      Secretary , is to join Nursing Standard's editorial advisory board.

PMID- 27657387
TI  - UKCC must get tough over conduct.
AB  - The United Kingdom Central Council is too nice to people who are are guilty of
      misconduct but not struck off the professional register, the English National
      Board's investigation committee believes.

PMID- 27657388
TI  - Demand for extra nurses outstrips availability.
AB  - An increase in numbers of nurses employed by the health service is not , keeping
      pace with growth in demand, a health authorities report highlighting an L806
      million National Health Service funding shortfall warns.

PMID- 27657390
TI  - ?
AB  - First World War veterans Donald Hodge and Andy Andrews met for the first time
      since 1916 at a Royal College of Nursing reception in London last week.

PMID- 27657389
TI  - Flexibility for course recognition.
AB  - Schools of nursing offering ENB approved courses will be able to be more flexible
      in the way they recognise previous study undertaken by nurses following the
      recommendations in a new ENB report.

PMID- 27657391
TI  - Midwife 'couldn't afford to work on bank'.
AB  - A midwife who was asked to work ten shifts without pay before being allowed onto
      the bank at Carlisle Hospital turned it down because she couldn't afford to pay
      for her fares or child care, it was revealed last week.

PMID- 27657393
TI  - Managers urged to care more for their staff.
AB  - National Health Service staffing problems will never be solved unless management
      philosophy radically changes co enable nurses to cherish their work, RCN Policy
      and Research Director Derek Dean warned.

PMID- 27657392
TI  - Project 2000 faces underfunding.
AB  - The English National Board has warned that some aspects of Project 2000 have been
      underfunded despite assurances of full-funding from the Department of Health.

PMID- 27657394
TI  - ?
AB  - Keynote speaker Duncan Nichol.

PMID- 27657396
TI  - Education must end its isolationism.
AB  - Nursing education must drop its isolationism and start mixing with other academic
      disciplines, Justus Akinsanya, Dean of Health and Social Work, warned last week.

PMID- 27657395
TI  - Gronuflex adhesive compression bandage.
AB  - Adequate compression bandaging to reduce lower leg venous hypertension by
      improving the function of the calf muscle pump is the most important aspect of
      treating ambulatory patients with venous ulceration. Conventional methods of
      providing compression, such as paste bandages with other outer forms of support,
      have been used for many years, but are associated with a number of problems.
      These include the need for more than one bandage as well as being messy in
      application and removal, which increases nursing time. Patient discomfort
      frequently leads to a lack of compliance. In addition to the time spent on
      bandaging, lack of improvement of skin condition necessitates additional time and
      cost with the need to apply emollient or other medicaments as part of the
      therapeutic regimen of patients with venous ulcers.

PMID- 27657397
TI  - New nursing course a major success.
AB  - Only four nursing students have left the original intake of 100, after the first
      year of Oxford Polytechnic's radical new nursing course, according to lecturer
      Kathy Murphy.

PMID- 27657399
TI  - A chance for key management role.
AB  - The 'Strategy for nursing' offers a crucial opportunity to win strong nursing
      management in the post-reform National Health Service, Royal College of Nursing
      General Secretary Christine Hancock declared last week.

PMID- 27657398
TI  - Welcome enthusiasm for Strategy.
AB  - Nurses' enthusiasm is now working to ensure that 'A strategy for nursing' does
      not become another lost document on the NHS shelves, Baroness MacFarlane declared
      last week.

PMID- 27657400
TI  - Quality can help in light for resources.
AB  - Nurses must develop proper quality research to fight for resources under the new
      NHS, Pam Hibbs, City and Hackney District's Chief Nursing Officer told the
      conference.

PMID- 27657401
TI  - Keeping tabs on your career.
AB  - Nurses in Wales are being offered a personal pocket-sized file to enable them to
      keep an up-to-date 'profile' of their career and qualifications.

PMID- 27657402
TI  - When is a hot meal an essential service?
AB  - Nurses may not be involved in determining what is an essential service for
      patients, and what is a hotel service, according to Stephen Dorrell,
      Parliamentary Secretary for Health.

PMID- 27657403
TI  - Nurses facing court appearances.
AB  - Nurses who live in the nurses' home at a Hertfordshire hospital for the mentally
      handicapped are to face summonses in court next week for non-payment of the poll
      tax.

PMID- 27657406
TI  - Czechoslovakia.
AB  - Czechoslovakia is to screen explicit commercials advocating the use of condoms,
      in a bid to combat the spread of HIV. According to official statistics there are
      only eight people with AIDS in the country but the true number is believed to be
      as high as 1,000.

PMID- 27657404
TI  - Pressure sore prophylaxis and care in patients with multiple sclerosis.
AB  - Sclerosehospitalet at Haslev, Denmark, is a non-profit making institution
      admitting multiple sclerosis patients. The patients come from all over Denmark,
      with a majority being from Zealand. Hospitalisation varies between four and eight
      weeks, depending on individual patient needs.

PMID- 27657407
TI  - United States.
AB  - United States Determined lobbying by American nurses has helped secure more funds
      for AIDS treatment and prevention in the United States.

PMID- 27657408
TI  - Caring for romania appeal.
AB  - A well deserved rest at the end of the recent 13 mile sponsored walk by members
      of the Westmorland Branch RCN. The event was organised by Maureen Higginson,
      Secretary and Steward, and took place along the canal banks from Stainton to
      Carnforth. Eight hundred.

PMID- 27657410
TI  - ?
AB  - A new video on weaning has been launched for health professionals to use in
      parentcraft and post natal classes.

PMID- 27657412
TI  - Unnecessay X-rays should be cut.
AB  - One fifth of all X-rays carried out in Britain are unnecessary, according to a
      report from the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) and the National Radiological
      Protection Board (NRPB).

PMID- 27657411
TI  - Abortion pill could save NHS L13.5m.
AB  - If the abortion pill RU486 is found to be suitable for all first trimester
      terminations, it could save the NHS L13.5 million a year, it has been claimed.

PMID- 27657413
TI  - New breathing test may help reduce cot deaths.
AB  - Babies at risk from cot death could be identified by a test carried out within
      hours of birth, initial trials suggest.

PMID- 27657414
TI  - Simple treatment for ruptured hepatoma.
AB  - Rupture of a hepatoma is a dramatic surgical emergency where bleeding is
      difficult to control and mortality high. But researchers think they have found a
      successful treatment.

PMID- 27657415
TI  - Growth factors and chemotherapy.
AB  - The neutropenia associated with some chemotherapeutic regimens might be reduced
      by the use of growth factors.

PMID- 27657416
TI  - Caution urged in fluconazole treatment.
AB  - Fluconazole should be used with caution when a long course of therapy might be
      required or there is pre-existing liver disease.

PMID- 27657417
TI  - Gastric ulcers and rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - Reduced production of epidermal growth factor in saliva might contribute to a
      susceptibility to gastric ulceration in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
      and patients with the sicca syndrome might be a particularly at risk sub-group.

PMID- 27657418
TI  - Special beds 'can conceal haemorrhage'.
AB  - Patients being nursed on air fluidised ' beds might be at high risk from
      concealed haemorrhage, researchers say.

PMID- 27657419
TI  - Burying the review body?
AB  - Shots are being fired from all sides at nursing unions as they start this
      year'spay round with the knowledge that the NHS Director of Personnel wants to
      see the end of national pay bargaining for nurses.

PMID- 27657420
TI  - A nurse for the ninetiesA nurse whose inventive work has helped improve treatment
      for people with leg ulcers has won the Nursing Standard /BUPA nursing nurse 90
      award. She received her award this week from health secretary Kenneth Clarke.
AB  - This week Secretary of State Kenneth Clarke presented a cheque for L3,000 and a
      commemorative certificate to a nurse whose work revolutionised nursing care.

PMID- 27657421
TI  - Full steam ahead.
AB  - Imagine a tropical paradise - swaying palms, the sun beating down on the white
      sand, the gentle lapping of the waves. A little way out to sea a liner rolls
      gently in the swell... the stuff of glossy holiday brochures. But behind the
      glittering facade is often the spectre of poverty, illness and need.

PMID- 27657422
TI  - Obstructive sleep Apnoea.
AB  - Despite being an uncommon condition, sleep apnoea is attracting increasing
      interest among professionals and the lay public. Deborah Casey discusses the
      causes, symptoms, diagnosis and management of this distressing and on occasion,
      life-threatening disorder.

PMID- 27657423
TI  - The link between poverty and health.
AB  - Events and trends in health and welfare policy have dramatically changed the
      climate in which families and individuals look after their own health, and health
      visitors care for their clients. Cuts in public expenditure and extensive
      restructuring of the health and welfare fields have reduced the role the state
      plays in health and welfare, placing responsibility for health back with
      individuals and families. But high levels of unemployment, low pay, taxation
      policies, and changes to the social security system have reduced the ability of
      many individuals and families to meet their needs. Moreover, the same social
      policies have often made it increasingly difficult for health visitors to
      intervene with other agencies on behalf of families, or to promote individual and
      family health on a daily basis.

PMID- 27657424
TI  - The liaison between care and computers.
AB  - Susan Davis describes the evolvement of her role as liaison nurse in the Royal
      Marsden's computer department. There is an overview of how this role has helped
      with the implementation of information technology at grass roots/ward level. The
      advantages of information technology (IT) for nursing staff are explored and
      examples are given of how innovations have been helpful in patient care, with
      rapid availability of blood results for patients on chemotherapy. The importance
      of support and training for all staff working with IT is also addressed.

PMID- 27657425
TI  - The criteria for conversion.
AB  - It's hardly surprising that enrolled nurses arc frustrated, disillusioned and
      generally fed up with the whole process of trying to convert to first level
      nurse.

PMID- 27657426
TI  - Another kind of distance learning?
AB  - With reference to the news item Library cash crisis to hit P2000 courses'
      (Nursing Standard September 5), I am sure that all librarians who are now
      concerned with the implementation of the new courses will be extremely disturbed.

PMID- 27657427
TI  - Feet of Clay over frilly caps issue.
AB  - I am delighted to see Trevor Clay back in harness (Nursing Standard September 12
      1990). I found the column interesting and challenging. I hope there will be much
      discussion in the future about autonomy and teamwork.

PMID- 27657428
TI  - ME: working on a right approach.
AB  - With reference to your feature on Myalgic Encephalitis (Nursing StandardAugust
      29). I am, sorry to read how badly John Brodrick feels he was dealt with by his
      colleagues, especially those working in the Occupational Health Department.

PMID- 27657429
TI  - Crossword clues.

PMID- 27657430
TI  - Changing roles for students.
AB  - Currently I am doing a BEd course and recently carried out a mini-research
      assignment using a participant observer approach.

PMID- 27657431
TI  - Information Exchange.
AB  - I am a student nurse at Hill End Hospital and am presently working with elderly
      people in hospital on a project designed to promote reminiscence and
      socialisation.

PMID- 27657432
TI  - A forecast of needs.
AB  - The only demographic changes seen in the last century, comparable to those we arc
      currently experiencing, were during the two world wars, when the absence of men
      led to a shortage of workers.

PMID- 27657434
TI  - Blazing a trail.
AB  - Coronary heart disease remains the biggest killer in the United Kingdom, despite
      the trend towards healthier living and much greater public awareness of risk
      factors. Nearly a quarter of a million people will the this year from the
      epidemic of heart disease.

PMID- 27657433
TI  - Multiple Sclerosis.
AB  - The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Great Britain and Northern Ireland has an
      impressive publication programme which includes booklets, sheets, periodicals,
      and audio and video cassettes. The Society provides general information for
      adults and children whose lives arc affected directly or indirectly by MS;
      lecture notes and resource packs for the health-care professional; and details of
      financial assistance.

PMID- 27657435
TI  - Prevention in practice.
AB  - The United Kingdom has a high mortality from coronary heart disease in comparison
      to most other Western countries ( Figure 1 ). Recent figures suggest that there
      has been a slight reduction in mortality ( 1 ).

PMID- 27657436
TI  - Coronary regression.
AB  - Evidence that medical intervention may lead to a reduction in the size of
      coronary artery stenoses (coronary regression) has gradually accumulated over the
      last 60 years.

PMID- 27657437
TI  - Pacemakers.
AB  - A pacemaker is a battery powered device which generates electrical discharges
      when the natural mechanism of the heart : fails. It may be fixed rate or demand
      and is QRS inhibited. The system may be for : temporary or permanent use. The
      first permanent pacemaker was implanted in Switzerland in 1958 in a patient, Arne
      Larsson, who had suffered from increasingly irregular cardiac rhythm for some
      years.

PMID- 27657438
TI  - Thrombolytic therapy.
AB  - A myocardial infarction is the end stage of a disease process that begins early
      in life. A diet rich in saturated fat, smoking and high blood pressure conspire
      to produce changes in arterial walls. These changes, called atheroma, consist of
      fibrous fatty deposits in the innermost lining of the blood vessel. The
      atheromatous deposit or plaque encroaches into the arterial lumen and when it
      reaches a certain size begins to reduce the rate at which blood flows along the
      vessel. In the ( case of the coronary circulation this reduction in blood flow
      deprives the heart muscle of important nutrients and the patient experiences a
      characteristic discomfort called angina.

PMID- 27657439
TI  - Thinking outside the box when reading aloud: Between (localist) module connection
      strength as a source of word frequency effects.
AB  - The frequency with which words appear in print is a powerful predictor of the
      time to read monosyllabic words aloud, and consequently all models of reading
      aloud provide an explanation for this effect. The entire class of localist
      accounts assumes that the effect of word frequency arises because the mental
      lexicon is organized around frequency of occurrence (the action is inside the
      lexical boxes). We propose instead that the frequency of occurrence effect is
      better understood in terms of the hypothesis that the strength of between module
      connections varies as a function of word frequency. Findings from 3 different
      lines of investigation (experimental and computational) are difficult to
      understand in terms of the "within lexicon" account, but are consistent with the
      strength of between-module connections account. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27657440
TI  - The promise of educational neuroscience: Comment on Bowers (2016).
AB  - Bowers (2016) argues that there are practical and principled problems with how
      educational neuroscience may contribute to education, including lack of direct
      influences on teaching in the classroom. Some of the arguments made are
      convincing, including the critique of unsubstantiated claims about the impact of
      educational neuroscience and the reminder that the primary outcomes of education
      are behavioral, such as skill in reading or mathematics. Bowers' analysis falls
      short in 3 major respects. First, educational neuroscience is a basic science
      that has made unique contributions to basic education research; it is not part of
      applied classroom instruction. Second, educational neuroscience contributes to
      ideas about education practices and policies beyond classroom curriculum that are
      important for helping vulnerable students. Third, educational neuroscience
      studies using neuroimaging have not only revealed for the first time the brain
      basis of neurodevelopmental differences that have profound influences on
      educational outcomes, but have also identified individual brain differences that
      predict which students learn more or learn less from various curricula. In
      several cases, the brain measures significantly improved or vastly outperformed
      conventional behavioral measures in predicting what works for individual
      children. These findings indicate that educational neuroscience, at a minimum,
      has provided novel insights into the possibilities of individualized education
      for students, rather than the current practice of learning through failure that a
      curriculum did not support a student. In the best approach to improving
      education, educational neuroscience ought to contribute to basic research
      addressing the needs of students and teachers. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27657441
TI  - The principles and practices of educational neuroscience: Comment on Bowers
      (2016).
AB  - In his recent critique of Educational Neuroscience, Bowers argues that
      neuroscience has no role to play in informing education, which he equates with
      classroom teaching. Neuroscience, he suggests, adds nothing to what we can learn
      from psychology. In this commentary, we argue that Bowers' assertions
      misrepresent the nature and aims of the work in this new field. We suggest that,
      by contrast, psychological and neural levels of explanation complement rather
      than compete with each other. Bowers' analysis also fails to include a role for
      educational expertise-a guiding principle of our new field. On this basis, we
      conclude that his critique is potentially misleading. We set out the well
      documented goals of research in Educational Neuroscience, and show how, in
      collaboration with educators, significant progress has already been achieved,
      with the prospect of even greater progress in the future. (PsycINFO Database
      Record

PMID- 27657442
TI  - Psychology, not educational neuroscience, is the way forward for improving
      educational outcomes for all children: Reply to Gabrieli (2016) and Howard-Jones
      et al. (2016).
AB  - In Bowers (2016), I argued that there are (a) practical problems with educational
      neuroscience (EN) that explain why there are no examples of EN improving teaching
      and (b) principled problems with the logic motivating EN that explain why it is
      likely that there never will be. In the following article, I consider the main
      responses raised by both Gabrieli (2016) and Howard-Jones et al. (2016) and find
      them all unconvincing. Following this exchange, there are still no examples of EN
      providing new insights to teaching in the classroom, there are still no examples
      of EN providing new insights to remedial instructions for individuals, and, as I
      detail in this article, there is no evidence that EN is useful for the diagnosis
      of learning difficulties. The authors have also failed to address the reasons why
      EN is unlikely to benefit educational outcomes in the future. Psychology, by
      contrast, can (and has) made important discoveries that can (and should) be used
      to improve teaching and diagnostic tests for learning difficulties. This is not a
      debate about whether science is relevant to education, rather it is about what
      sort of science is relevant. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27657443
TI  - Approach for Half-Life Extension of Small Antibody Fragments That Does Not Affect
      Tissue Uptake.
AB  - The utility of antigen-binding antibody fragments is often limited by their short
      half-lives. Half-life extension of such fragments is usually accomplished by
      attachment or binding to high-molecular-weight carriers that reduce the renal
      elimination rate. However, the higher hydrodynamic radius results in greater
      confinement in the vascular compartment and, thus, lower tissue distribution. We
      have developed a chemically controlled drug delivery system in which the drug is
      covalently attached to hydrogel microspheres by a self-cleaving beta-eliminative
      linker; upon subcutaneous injection, the t1/2,beta of the released drug acquires
      the t1/2 of linker cleavage. In the present work, we compared the
      pharmacokinetics of an anti-TNFalpha scFv, the same scFv attached to 40 kDa PEG
      by a stable linker, and the scFv attached to hydrogel microspheres by a self
      cleaving linker. We also developed a general approach for the selective
      attachment of beta-eliminative linkers to the N-termini of proteins. In rats, the
      scFv had a t1/2,beta of 4 h and a high volume of distribution at steady state
      (Vd,SS), suggesting extensive tissue distribution. The PEG-scFv conjugate had an
      increased t1/2,beta of about 2 days but showed a reduced Vd,SS that was similar
      to the plasma volume. In contrast, the tissue-penetrable scFv released from the
      hydrogel system had a t1/2,beta of about 2 weeks. Thus, the cleavable microsphere
      scFv conjugate releases its protein cargo with a prolonged half-life comparable
      to that of most full-length mAbs and in a form that has the high tissue
      distribution characteristic of smaller mAb fragments. Other antigen-binding
      antibody fragments should be amenable to the half-life extension approach
      described here.

PMID- 27657444
TI  - Not Your Father's, or Mother's, Rodent: Moving Beyond B6.
AB  - In this issue of Neuron, Sittig et al. (2016) present research that calls into
      question the way laboratory mice are used to address questions in basic science
      and experimental medicine. This research demonstrates strong interactions between
      mutant alleles and genetic background. 

PMID- 27657446
TI  - Re-engineering the Hippocampus.
AB  - As adult-generated neurons integrate into hippocampal circuits, they compete with
      mature neurons for inputs from the entorhinal cortex. By reducing spines on
      mature granule cells, McAvoy et al. (2016) find that new neurons integrate more
      efficiently, and this facilitates learning. 

PMID- 27657445
TI  - Deeper Insights into the Allosteric Modulation of Ionotropic Glutamate Receptors.
AB  - Two articles in this issue of Neuron (Yelshanskaya et al., 2016; Yi et al., 2016)
      explore the structural basis of allosteric inhibition in ionotropic glutamate
      receptors, providing key insights into how iGluRs function in the brain as well
      as how they might be pharmacologically modulated in neurological disorders and
      disease. 

PMID- 27657447
TI  - Dopamine Neurons, Input Integration, and Reward Prediction Errors: E Pluribus
      Unum.
AB  - Dopamine neurons encode errors in reward prediction, yet understanding how they
      integrate information from different subcortical inputs to generate these signals
      has remained elusive. In this issue of Neuron, Tian et al. (2016) shed new light
      onto these underlying mechanisms. 

PMID- 27657449
TI  - Transformation of the Radial Glia Scaffold Demarcates Two Stages of Human
      Cerebral Cortex Development.
AB  - The classic view of cortical development, embodied in the radial unit hypothesis,
      highlights the ventricular radial glia (vRG) scaffold as a key architectonic
      feature of the developing neocortex. The scaffold includes continuous fibers
      spanning the thickness of the developing cortex during neurogenesis across
      mammals. However, we find that in humans, the scaffold transforms into a
      physically discontinuous structure during the transition from infragranular to
      supragranular neuron production. As a consequence of this transformation,
      supragranular layer neurons arrive at their terminal positions in the cortical
      plate along outer radial glia (oRG) cell fibers. In parallel, the radial glia
      that contact the ventricle develop distinct gene expression profile and
      "truncated" morphology. We propose a supragranular layer expansion hypothesis
      that posits a deterministic role of oRG cells in the radial and tangential
      expansion of supragranular layers in primates, with implications for patterns of
      neuronal migration, area patterning, and cortical folding. 

PMID- 27657450
TI  - Transcriptional Networks Controlled by NKX2-1 in the Development of Forebrain
      GABAergic Neurons.
AB  - The embryonic basal ganglia generates multiple projection neurons and interneuron
      subtypes from distinct progenitor domains. Combinatorial interactions of
      transcription factors and chromatin are thought to regulate gene expression. In
      the medial ganglionic eminence, the NKX2-1 transcription factor controls regional
      identity and, with LHX6, is necessary to specify pallidal projection neurons and
      forebrain interneurons. Here, we dissected the molecular functions of NKX2-1 by
      defining its chromosomal binding, regulation of gene expression, and epigenetic
      state. NKX2-1 binding at distal regulatory elements led to a repressed epigenetic
      state and transcriptional repression in the ventricular zone. Conversely, NKX2-1
      is required to establish a permissive chromatin state and transcriptional
      activation in the sub-ventricular and mantle zones. Moreover, combinatorial
      binding of NKX2-1 and LHX6 promotes transcriptionally permissive chromatin and
      activates genes expressed in cortical migrating interneurons. Our integrated
      approach provides a foundation for elucidating transcriptional networks guiding
      the development of the MGE and its descendants. 

PMID- 27657448
TI  - Basal Forebrain Cholinergic Circuits and Signaling in Cognition and Cognitive
      Decline.
AB  - Recent work continues to place cholinergic circuits at center stage for normal
      executive and mnemonic functioning and provides compelling evidence that the loss
      of cholinergic signaling and cognitive decline are inextricably linked. This
      Review focuses on the last few years of studies on the mechanisms by which
      cholinergic signaling contributes to circuit activity related to cognition. We
      attempt to identify areas of controversy, as well as consensus, on what is and is
      not yet known about how cholinergic signaling in the CNS contributes to normal
      cognitive processes. In addition, we delineate the findings from recent work on
      the extent to which dysfunction of cholinergic circuits contributes to cognitive
      decline associated with neurodegenerative disorders. 

PMID- 27657453
TI  - Identification of Early RET+ Deep Dorsal Spinal Cord Interneurons in Gating Pain.

PMID- 27657452
TI  - Human Orbitofrontal Cortex Represents a Cognitive Map of State Space.
AB  - Although the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) has been studied intensely for decades,
      its precise functions have remained elusive. We recently hypothesized that the
      OFC contains a "cognitive map" of task space in which the current state of the
      task is represented, and this representation is especially critical for behavior
      when states are unobservable from sensory input. To test this idea, we apply
      pattern-classification techniques to neuroimaging data from humans performing a
      decision-making task with 16 states. We show that unobservable task states can be
      decoded from activity in OFC, and decoding accuracy is related to task
      performance and the occurrence of individual behavioral errors. Moreover,
      similarity between the neural representations of consecutive states correlates
      with behavioral accuracy in corresponding state transitions. These results
      support the idea that OFC represents a cognitive map of task space and establish
      the feasibility of decoding state representations in humans using non-invasive
      neuroimaging. 

PMID- 27657451
TI  - Structural Basis for Regulation of GPR56/ADGRG1 by Its Alternatively Spliced
      Extracellular Domains.
AB  - Adhesion G protein-coupled receptors (aGPCRs) play critical roles in diverse
      neurobiological processes including brain development, synaptogenesis, and
      myelination. aGPCRs have large alternatively spliced extracellular regions (ECRs)
      that likely mediate intercellular signaling; however, the precise roles of ECRs
      remain unclear. The aGPCR GPR56/ADGRG1 regulates both oligodendrocyte and
      cortical development. Accordingly, human GPR56 mutations cause myelination
      defects and brain malformations. Here, we determined the crystal structure of the
      GPR56 ECR, the first structure of any complete aGPCR ECR, in complex with an
      inverse-agonist monobody, revealing a GPCR-Autoproteolysis-Inducing domain and a
      previously unidentified domain that we term Pentraxin/Laminin/neurexin/sex
      hormone-binding-globulin-Like (PLL). Strikingly, PLL domain deletion caused
      increased signaling and characterizes a GPR56 splice variant. Finally, we show
      that an evolutionarily conserved residue in the PLL domain is critical for
      oligodendrocyte development in vivo. Thus, our results suggest that the GPR56 ECR
      has unique and multifaceted regulatory functions, providing novel insights into
      aGPCR roles in neurobiology. 

PMID- 27657454
TI  - Correction.

PMID- 27657455
TI  - Correction.

PMID- 27657456
TI  - Correction.

PMID- 27657457
TI  - The association between leptin receptor gene polymorphisms and type 2 diabetes
      mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several case-control studies have demonstrated a relationship between
      leptin receptor (LEPR) gene polymorphism and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)
      risk, though the results have not always been consistent among diverse
      populations. This meta-analysis was designed to assess a more accurate
      association between LEPR polymorphism and T2DM. METHODS: Eight electronic
      databases were consulted and researchers searched for Chinese and English peer
      reviewed articles, published between 2000 and 2015, that referred to the
      association between LEPR polymorphism and T2DM. Pooled odds ratios (OR) with a
      95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated in allele contrast, recessive,
      dominant and additive genetic models to assess this association. RESULTS: Four
      repeatedly reviewed polymorphisms, taken from 22 studies on Arg109Lys, Asn656Lys,
      Gln223Arg and Pro1019Pro with 31,260 controls and 25,560 cases, were included in
      the meta-analysis model. The meta-result demonstrated that only the Pro1019Pro
      polymorphism was substantially associated with T2DM risk-G vs. A: OR with 95% CI
      0.58 (0.43-0.79), Z=3.51, p=0.0005; GG vs. AG+AA: 0.57 (0.42-0.77), Z=3.66,
      p=0.0002; GG+AG vs. AA: 0.55 (0.37-0.81), Z=3.01, p=0.003; GG vs. AA: 0.51 (0.37
      0.69), Z=4.24, p<0.001. CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis suggested a significant
      association between the LEPR Pro1019Pro polymorphism and T2DM risk. Thus,
      targeted healthcare should be strengthened with regard to this gene carrier in
      order to prevent T2DM.

PMID- 27657458
TI  - A novel compound heterozygous mutation in an adolescent with insulin-dependent
      diabetes: The challenge of characterizing Wolfram syndrome.
AB  - WS diagnosis is often delayed since misdiagnosed as autoimmune diabetes. The
      rarity of the condition and the absence of other diseases at diabetes diagnosis
      might make extremely challenging the recognition of WS. However the novel
      compound heterozygosity for the here reported mutations, seems to confer a mild
      phenotype among the spectrum of WS manifestations.

PMID- 27657459
TI  - Comparative statistical analysis of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects of
      uranium in groundwater samples from different regions of Punjab, India.
AB  - LED flourimeter has been used for microanalysis of uranium concentration in
      groundwater samples collected from six districts of South West (SW), West (W) and
      North East (NE) Punjab, India. Average value of uranium content in water samples
      of SW Punjab is observed to be higher than WHO, USEPA recommended safe limit of
      30ugl-1 as well as AERB proposed limit of 60ugl-1. Whereas, for W and NE region
      of Punjab, average level of uranium concentration was within AERB recommended
      limit of 60ugl-1. Average value observed in SW Punjab is around 3-4 times the
      value observed in W Punjab, whereas its value is more than 17 times the average
      value observed in NE region of Punjab. Statistical analysis of carcinogenic as
      well as non carcinogenic risks due to uranium have been evaluated for each
      studied district.

PMID- 27657460
TI  - Calibration of a low background gas-flow proportional counter to estimate 234Th
      activity in coastal waters.
AB  - This paper relates the calibration of a low background gas-flow proportional
      counter. This calibration has been used to determine low activity of 234Th in
      coastal water samples. Two methods were used to prepare calibration samples:
      Evaporation and Electrodeposition. First method was rejected due to the lack of
      reproducibility because the different geometry adopted by the drops of tracer
      once dried on the disk. On the contrary, through the second method, similar
      efficiencies were obtained in all detectors with an average of 0.401+/-0.004. In
      this paper, the whole procedure to obtain 234Th activity in dissolution as well
      as in particulate matter has been detailed, and all the algorithms needed to
      calculate activities and efficiencies are shown. Finally, two experiments have
      been designed in order to validate the calibration of the beta counter and the
      method to determine 234Th in coastal waters with high concentration of
      particulate matter.

PMID- 27657461
TI  - Phosphate Ester Bond Hydrolysis Promoted by Lanthanide-Substituted Keggin-type
      Polyoxometalates Studied by a Combined Experimental and Density Functional Theory
      Approach.
AB  - Hydrolytic cleavage of 4-nitrophenyl phosphate (NPP), a commonly used DNA model
      substrate, was examined in the presence of series of lanthanide-substituted
      Keggin-type polyoxometalates (POMs) [Me2NH2]11[CeIII(PW11O39)2],
      [Me2NH2]10[CeIV(PW11O39)2] (abbreviated as (CeIV(PW11)2), and K4[EuPW11O39] by
      means of NMR and luminescence spectroscopies and density functional theory (DFT)
      calculations. Among the examined complexes, the Ce(IV)-substituted Keggin POM
      (CeIV(PW11)2) showed the highest reactivity, and its aqueous speciation was fully
      determined under different conditions of pD, temperature, concentration, and
      ionic strength by means of 31P and 31P diffusion-ordered NMR spectroscopy. The
      cleavage of the phosphoester bond of NPP in the presence of (CeIV(PW11)2)
      proceeded with an observed rate constant kobs = (5.31 +/- 0.06) * 10-6 s-1 at pD
      6.4 and 50  degrees C. The pD dependence of NPP hydrolysis exhibits a bell-shaped
      profile, with the fastest rate observed at pD 6.4. The formation constant (Kf =
      127 M-1) and catalytic rate constant (kc = 19.41 * 10-5 s-1) for the NPP-Ce(IV)
      Keggin POM complex were calculated, and binding between CeIV(PW11)2 and the
      phosphate group of NPP was also evidenced by the change of the chemical shift of
      the 31P nucleus in NPP upon addition of the POM complex. DFT calculations
      revealed that binding of NPP to the parent catalyst CeIV(PW11)2 is
      thermodynamically unlikely. On the contrary, formation of complexes with the
      monomeric 1:1 species, CeIVPW11, is considered to be more favorable, and the most
      stable complex, [CeIVPW11(H2O)2(NPP-kappaO)2]7-, was found to involve two NPP
      ligands coordinated to the CeIVcenter of CeIVPW11 in the monodentate fashion. The
      formation of such species is considered to be responsible for the hydrolytic
      activity of CeIV(PW11)2 toward phosphomonoesters. On the basis of these findings
      a principle mechanism for the hydrolysis of NPP by the POM is proposed.

PMID- 27657462
TI  - Phosphorylated Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Expression Is Associated With
      Clinicopathologic Parameters and Patient Survival in Mobile Tongue Squamous Cell
      Carcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: Phosphorylated epidermal growth factor receptor (pEGFR) activates
      several signaling pathways, resulting in tumor-promoting cellular activities, and
      has been implicated in malignant transformation and disease progression. The
      present study evaluated the clinical significance of pEGFR protein expression in
      mobile tongue squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present
      cohort study included 48 patients with mobile tongue SCC. We evaluated whether
      pEGFR immunohistochemical protein expression is associated with clinical
      variables and patient outcome. RESULTS: Of the 48 patients included in the
      present cohort study, 25 were men and 23 were women. The median patient age was
      60 years (interquartile range 53 to 72). pEGFR protein expression was
      significantly increased in well-differentiated tumors compared with poorly
      differentiated tumors (P = .001). Elevated pEGFR protein expression was
      significantly more frequently observed in mobile tongue SCC cases with a well
      defined tumor shape and an earlier disease stage (P = .010 and P = .019,
      respectively). Patients with mobile tongue SCC presenting with elevated pEGFR
      expression had longer overall and disease-free survival times compared with those
      with low pEGFR expression (P = .015 and P = .006, respectively; log-rank test).
      On multivariate analysis, pEGFR expression proved to be an independent prognostic
      factor of both overall and disease-free survival (P = .008 and P = .044,
      respectively; Cox regression analysis). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present
      study support evidence that the pEGFR signaling pathway might be implicated in
      the malignant transformation of mobile tongue SCC. Additional studies are
      recommended to validate whether pEGFR could be used as a potential biomarker and
      therapeutic target in mobile tongue SCC.

PMID- 27657463
TI  - Effect of ivabradine on central aortic blood pressure in patients with stable
      coronary artery disease: What do we know?
AB  - Treatment of hypertensive patients with beta-blockers decreases central blood
      pressure (CBP) less than other antihypertensive drugs, which is believed to
      account for their lesser cardiovascular protection in this setting. Some authors
      have suggested that decreasing heart rate (HR) with beta-blockers would increase
      CBP. In contrast to beta-blockers, the anti-anginal agent ivabradine reduces HR
      without other hemodynamic effects, and represents an attractive tool for
      exploring the direct relationship between HR and CBP. Here, we review the
      available clinical data assessing the effect of selective HR reduction with
      ivabradine on CBP in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). We
      collected data from five studies which report either increase, decrease, or
      neutral effects of ivabradine on CBP. Further studies are needed to clarify the
      exact role of ivabradine on CBP. However, as supported by its pharmacodynamic
      effect in patients with stable CAD, available evidence to date suggests that
      ivabradine does not negatively impact CBP when associated with beta-blocker. HR
      reduction with both beta-blockers and ivabradine remains well-established
      treatments for the symptomatic treatment of angina patients.

PMID- 27657464
TI  - Creating bidirectional conduction block in the cavotricuspid isthmus by
      cryothermal ablation with a short freeze time: Insight from the results with a 2
      minute freeze cycle.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Optimal freeze doses are unknown during cryothermal cavo-tricuspid
      isthmus (CTI) ablation. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of 2-minute
      freeze doses for CTI ablation. METHODS: Forty-eight consecutive patients
      undergoing cryothermal CTI ablation following pulmonary vein isolation were
      enrolled. CTI ablation was performed with 2-minute freeze cycles and 8-mm tip
      cryocatheters. RESULTS: Bidirectional CTI block was successfully achieved in
      45(93.8%) patients with a median of 5.0[4.0-6.0] cryocatheter applications. The
      total procedure and fluoroscopic times were a median of 16.5[13.0-20.0] and
      4.0[2.0-5.0]min, respectively. A crossover to radiofrequency was performed in 3
      patients including 1 due to coronary spasms during the cryoapplication. The tip
      temperature when block was achieved was a median of -81.0[-73.3 - -84.0] degrees
      C. Application times from the start of the last application to achieving block
      were significantly longer in patients with acute conduction resumption than in
      those without (46.8+/-4.0 vs. 20.2+/-8.8s, p<0.0001), and the optimal cutoff
      point for predicting no acute resumption was 38.5s (sensitivity 100%, specificity
      99.5%). Vasospastic angina occurred in 2 patients, during the procedure in 1 and
      after in another. Durability could be evaluated a median of 6.0[3.0-8.0] months
      after the procedure in 14 patients, and conduction resumption was observed in
      8(57.1%). The majority of gaps were located at the inferior vena cava edge.
      CONCLUSIONS: Acute CTI block was obtained by 2-minute freeze cycles with short
      procedure and fluoroscopic times. Care should be taken to avoid coronary spasms
      during the peri-procedural period. Additional cryoapplications might be required
      to improve conduction block durability.

PMID- 27657465
TI  - Serum potassium on mortality risk among a national sample of cardiovascular
      disease patients: Considerations by physical activity.

PMID- 27657466
TI  - Lactobacillus paracasei endocarditis in a consumer of probiotics with advanced
      and severe bicuspid aortic valve stenosis complicated with diffuse left
      ventricular mid-layer fibrosis.

PMID- 27657467
TI  - Accuracy of administrative data for identification of patients with infective
      endocarditis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Infective endocarditis is associated with high morbidity and
      mortality rates that have plateaued over recent decades. Research to improve
      outcomes for these patients is limited by the rarity of this condition.
      Therefore, we sought to validate administrative database codes for the diagnosis
      of infective endocarditis. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective validation study
      of International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10-CM) codes for infective
      endocarditis against clinical Duke criteria (definite and probable) at a large
      acute care hospital between October 1, 2013 and June 30, 2015. To identify
      potential cases missed by ICD-10-CM codes, we also screened the hospital's
      valvular heart surgery database and the microbiology laboratory database (the
      latter for patients with bacteremia due to organisms commonly causing
      endocarditis). RESULTS: Using definite Duke criteria or probable criteria with
      clinical suspicion as the reference standard, the ICD-10-CM codes had a
      sensitivity (SN) of 0.90 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.81-0.95), specificity
      (SP) of 1 (95% CI, 1-1), positive predictive value (PPV) of 0.78 (95% CI, 0.68
      0.85) and negative predictive value (NPV) of 1 (95% CI, 1-1). Restricting the
      case definition to definite Duke criteria resulted in an increase in SN to 0.95
      (95% CI, 0.86-0.99) and a decrease in PPV to 0.6 (95% CI, 0.49-0.69), with no
      change in specificity. CONCLUSION: ICD-10-CM codes can accurately identify
      patients with infective endocarditis, and so administrative databases offer a
      potential means to study this infection over large jurisdictions, and thereby
      improve the prediction, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of this rare but
      serious infection.

PMID- 27657469
TI  - Depression in heart failure: Intricate relationship, pathophysiology and most
      updated evidence of interventions from recent clinical studies.
AB  - Heart failure (HF) is a burgeoning chronic health condition affecting more than
      20million people worldwide. Patients with HF have a significant (17.1%) 30-day
      readmission rate, which invites substantial penalty in payment to hospitals from
      Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, as per the newly introduced Hospital
      Readmissions Reduction Program. Depression is one of the important risk factors
      for readmission in HF patients. It has a significant prevalence in patients with
      HF and contributes to the overall poor quality of life in them. Several
      behavioral (smoking, obesity, lack of exercise and medication noncompliance) and
      pathophysiological factors (hypercortisolism, elevated inflammatory biomarkers,
      fibrinogen, and atherosclerosis) have been found responsible for the adverse
      outcome in patients with HF and concomitant depression. Hippocampal volume loss
      noted in patients with acute HF exacerbations may contribute to the development
      of depressive symptoms in them. Screening for depression in HF patients continues
      to be challenging due to a considerable overlap in symptoms. Published trials on
      the use of antidepressants and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) have shown
      variable outcomes. Newer modalities like internet-based CBT have been tried in
      small studies, with promising results. A recent meta-analysis observed the
      beneficial role of aerobic exercise training in patients with HFrEF. Future long
      term prospective studies may contribute to the formulation of a detailed
      screening and management guideline for patients with HF and depression. Our
      review is aimed to summarize the intricate relationship between depression and
      heart failure, with respect to their epidemiology, pathophysiological aspects,
      and optimal management approach.

PMID- 27657468
TI  - Comparison of echocardiographic parameters between pre-clinical and clinical
      advanced diastolic dysfunction patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction
      requires evidence of grade 2 or 3 (advanced) diastolic dysfunction (ADD), but
      many patients with ADD do not have clinical HF manifestations, hence termed pre
      clinical diastolic dysfunction (PDD). The prevalence and characteristics of PDD
      in comparison to overt HF disease (clinical-ADD) are still debated. METHODS: We
      retrospectively analyzed 373 patients with LVEF>=45% and ADD in our echo-lab
      database. Exclusion criteria were acute coronary syndromes, >=moderate valvular
      disease, cardiomyopathies or pericardial disease. Patients were divided into 2
      groups according to the presence/absence of HF symptoms, namely PDD (n=249) and
      clinical-ADD (n=124). Demographic, clinical and echocardiographic parameters were
      compared between the groups. RESULTS: Age, gender and comorbidities were similar
      between groups, with only a higher body mass index and renal failure
      significantly more prevalent in the clinical-ADD patients. Neither LV mass nor
      the ADD severity was related to the presence of symptoms; lateral mitral E/E' and
      pulmonary artery systolic pressure were significantly higher in clinical-ADD
      patients (14+/-5 vs. 12+/-4, p<0.05 and 40+/-13 vs. 36+/-11mmHg, p<0.05,
      respectively) and were the only parameters to correlate with the presence of
      symptoms of clinical-ADD in multivariable logistic regression (odds ratio=1.07
      (CI 1.02-1.1, p=0.008) and 1.03 (CI 1.01-1.05, p=0.01), respectively).
      CONCLUSIONS: In patients referred for an echocardiogram at a community cardiology
      center, PDD was twice as common as clinical-ADD. Hemodynamic parameters
      reflecting elevated filling and pulmonary pressures, rather than traditional
      comorbidities and/or classical structural abnormalities, were the only parameters
      related to the presence of HF symptoms.

PMID- 27657470
TI  - High-rise buildings and neurologically favorable outcome after out-of-hospital
      cardiac arrest.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The number of people living in high-rise buildings has recently been
      increasing in Japan, and delayed transport time by emergency-medical-service
      (EMS) personnel from higher floors could lead to lower survival after out-of
      hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). However, there are no clinical studies assessing
      the association between the floor where patients reside and neurologically
      favorable outcome after OHCA. METHODS: This was a prospective, population-based
      study conducted in Osaka City, Japan that enrolled adults aged >=18years
      suffering an OHCA of cardiac origin before EMS arrival between 2013 and 2014. The
      primary outcome measure was one-month survival with neurologically favorable
      outcome. We divided OHCA patients into the following groups: those residing on
      >=3 floors (the high floor group) and <3 floors (the low floor group). Multiple
      logistic regression analysis was used to assess factors associated with
      neurologically favorable outcome. RESULTS: A total of 2979 patients were eligible
      for analysis. Of them, 1885 (62.3%) occurred below the third floor and 1094
      (37.4%) occurred at or above the third floor. The proportion of neurologically
      favorable outcome after OHCA was significantly lower in the high floor group than
      in the low floor group (2.7% [30/1094] versus 4.8% [91/1885], P=0.005). In a
      multivariate analysis, neurologically favorable outcome after OHCA was
      significantly lower in the high floor group than in the low floor group (adjusted
      odds ratio, 0.59 [95% confidence interval, 0.37-0.96]). CONCLUSIONS: In this
      population, one-month survival with neurologically favorable outcome from OHCA
      was lower in the high floor group than in the low floor group.

PMID- 27657471
TI  - Oral nicorandil reduces ischemic attacks in patients with stable angina: A
      prospective, multicenter, open-label, randomized, controlled study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral nicorandil in coronary
      heart disease (CHD) patients with stable angina. METHOD: Eligible patients were
      randomized 1:1 to the nicorandil or control group. Current standard antianginal
      treatment was continued in both groups, while the patients in the nicorandil
      group received an additional 12-week treatment of nicorandil (5mg thrice daily).
      Primary endpoint was the number of myocardial ischemia measured by 24h Holter
      after 12-week treatment. Secondary endpoints included various 24h Holter
      indicators, angina occurrence, 6-min walking test (6MWT), ECG QT dispersion
      (QTd), safety and compliance. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01396395. RESULTS:
      A total of 402 adult patients with stable angina were enrolled. Two hundred
      patients were randomized to standard therapy plus nicorandil and 202 patients to
      standard therapy only. The baseline characteristics of the two groups were
      comparable. The number of myocardial ischemia attacks after treatment was
      significantly lower in the nicorandil group (LSMEANS 0.896) than the control
      group (LSMEANS 1.782), with an adjusted ratio of 0.503 (95% CI: 0.301, 0.840;
      P=0.0086). No significant differences in total myocardial ischemic burden,
      maximum ST-depression, longest duration of ST-depression, 6MWT, or heart rate
      variability were noted between the two groups. Twenty three (11.7%) of nicorandil
      group and 13 (6.3%) patients of control group reported at least one treatment
      emergent adverse event, respectively. CONCLUSION: Nicorandil significantly
      reduced the number of ischemic attacks when added to standard antianginal
      treatment in CHD patients with stable angina. It was well tolerated with no new
      safety signal identified.

PMID- 27657472
TI  - Height and prognosis following percutaneous coronary intervention.

PMID- 27657473
TI  - Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of cardiovascular drugs in chronic heart
      failure.
AB  - Pharmacotherapy in chronic heart failure (HF) is challenging, due to the diverse
      neuroendocrine, inflammatory, metabolic and immunological mechanisms involved in
      its pathogenesis, the presence of co-morbidities and use of multiple therapies.
      Further, physiological parameters influencing drug pharmacokinetics (PKs) and
      pharmacodynamics (PDs) may be altered in patients with HF. There is growing
      evidence that the disease-induced physiological changes may influence the PKs and
      PDs of all drugs used in patients with HF. Therapeutic approaches should consider
      all factors that might influence the response to treatment and dosage should be
      tailored to individual patients. Hence, further studies are required to
      understand the PK and PD differences between chronic HF patients and healthy
      subjects. Because PK is difficult to be assessed in the individual patient with
      HF, PD effects should be used to tailor therapy in patients with HF.

PMID- 27657474
TI  - New electrocardiographic criteria for predicting successful ablation of premature
      ventricular contractions from the right coronary cusp.
AB  - BACKGROUND: ECG features for predicting successful ablation sites of outflow
      tract (OT) premature ventricular complex (PVCs) have been previously presented,
      but effective predictors of right coronary cusp (RCC) remain elusive. METHODS:
      106 patients (59 males, 56+/-14years) who underwent successful PVC ablation were
      studied. Various ECG patterns and measurements were analyzed to identify the
      unique features of RCC PVC origins. The R-wave duration index (RWDI) was
      calculated as a percentage by dividing the QRS complex duration by the longest R
      wave duration in lead V1 or V2. RESULTS: Successful ablation sites were the RCC
      in 18 patients, the left coronary cusp (LCC) in 20, the RCC/LCC junction (RLJ) in
      22, the AIV/GCV in 11 and the right ventricular outflow tract in 35. Forty-seven
      patients had dominantly positive forces in lead I. Among these 47 patients, 19
      were ablated from the RCC (18/18, 100%), eighteen from the RVOT (18/35, 51%),
      five from the LCC (5/20, 25%), and five from the RLJ (6/22, 27%). The S-wave
      amplitude in lead aVL was significantly smaller in RCC than LCC or RLJ PVCs
      (0.1+/-0.3mV vs. 1.1+/-0.5mV, p<0.001). The V1-2 RWDI was significantly greater
      in RCC than RVOT PVCs (51.8+/-20.5% vs. 30.8+/-13.9%, p<0.001). The optimal cut
      off values of <0.95mV for S-wave (area under the curve, AUC: 0.76, p<0.01) and
      >43.6% for R-wave duration index in V1 or V2 (AUC: 0.83, p<0.001) were determined
      by ROC analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of a dominant positive lead I, RWDI
      >43.6% and S-wave amplitude in aVL <0.95mV predicted RCC PVCs with a sensitivity
      of 83% and specificity of 94%.

PMID- 27657476
TI  - Different diuretic dose and response in acute decompensated heart failure:
      Clinical characteristics and prognostic significance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The question regarding the correct balance between optimal loop
      diuretic dose administration and best modality is under debate as well as the
      exact relation existing between congestion and renal dysfunction. We sought to
      evaluate the effects of different diuretic modalities (low [LD] versus high dose
      [HD]) and dose administration on decongestion, Worsening renal function (WRF) and
      outcome. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data of DIUR-HF study matching for
      LD vs HD (cut off 125mg/day), and diuretic efficiency (DE) (weight loss/40mg
      daily of furosemide). We also evaluated WRF rate (creatinine increase during
      hospitalization >=0.3mg/dl or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)
      reduction >=25%) together with decongestion. RESULTS: HD patients (n.55) were
      older, more frequently affected by diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD) and
      demonstrated higher rate of inhospital WRF (65% vs 29% p=0.001) and 180-days
      adverse events (70% vs 23% p<0.001) respect to LD patients (n.41). Patients with
      low DE showed a higher 180days adverse events rate than higher DE patients
      (p=0.02). Univariate and multivariable analysis suggests a significant
      relationship between adverse events and low DE (patients with DE under median
      value) (U-HR=2.59 [1.44-4.64]; p=0.001. M-HR=3.16 [1.55-6.46]; p=0.002);
      continuous administration (HR=3.12 [1.65-5.91]; p<0.001) and WRF (HR=5.30 [2.79
      10.09]; p<0.001) were also related with adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: HD and poor
      DE are two conditions associated with adverse outcome. Both situations are the
      consequence of previous detrimental clinical status and they appear strictly
      related to WRF occurrence.

PMID- 27657475
TI  - CXCL12 prolongs naive CD4+ T lymphocytes survival via activation of PKA, CREB and
      Bcl2 and BclXl up-regulation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Naive T lymphocytes recirculate through the body, traveling from
      secondary lymphoid organs through tissues and via lymphatic vessels and
      peripheral blood into other secondary lymphoid organs and into the bone marrow.
      In these tissues, lymphocytes are exposed to the chemokine CXCL12 which is
      abundantly produced in bone marrow and in lymph nodes by stromal cells. CXCL12 is
      known to drive lymphocytes chemotaxis and, in cells types such as stem cells, an
      antiapopototic effect has been described. METHODS: Here we analyzed the effect of
      CXCL12 exposure on naive CD4+ T lymphocytes purified from peripheral blood by
      immunomagnetic negative isolation and cultured in a nutrient poor medium. We also
      studied, mainly by western blot analysis, the signaling pathways involved in
      CXCL12 action on naive CD4+ T lymphocytes. RESULTS: We found that CXCL12-exposed
      cells survived longer than untreated ones and this prolonged lifespan was
      specific for resting naive lymphocytes, while in vitro activated lymphoblasts
      died rapidly despite CXCL12 treatment. We demonstrated that the increased
      percentage of living cells observed upon CXCL12 administration was not due to
      induction of proliferation but to a prosurvival effect of this chemokine.
      Moreover, our data suggest that this prosurvival effect on naive CD4+ T
      lymphocytes might likely be mediated by PKA-dependent CREB activation and
      consequent increased expression of the antiapoptotic factors Bcl2 and BclXl.
      CONCLUSIONS: This newly reported activity of CXCL12 might contribute to the
      maintenance of the naive T lymphocytes pool in vivo, which is needed to ensure a
      proper immune response to new antigens.

PMID- 27657477
TI  - A low plasma 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D/PTH (1-84) ratio predicts worsening of renal
      function in patients with chronic heart failure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dysregulation of the vitamin D system promotes renal dysfunction and
      has direct detrimental effects on the heart. Progressive deterioration of renal
      function is common in patients with chronic heart failure (HF) and is invariably
      associated with unfavorable outcomes which can be improved by early
      identification and timely interventions. We examined the relation between two
      plasma markers of vitamin D metabolism and worsening of renal function (WRF) in a
      large cohort of patients with chronic HF. METHODS: Plasma levels of 1,25
      dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) and parathyroid hormone PTH (1-84) were measured
      in 1237 patients with clinical evidence of chronic and stable HF enrolled in the
      multicentre GISSI-HF trial and followed for 3.9years. We examined the relation of
      1,25(OH)2D, PTH(1-84), and their ratio with WRF, defined as first increase in
      serum creatinine concentration >=0.3mg/dL and >=25% at two consecutive
      measurements at any time during the study. RESULTS: Lower 1,25(OH)2D/PTH(1-84)
      ratio was associated with a higher baseline serum concentration of creatinine,
      winter season, female sex and older age; 335 patients (29.6%) experienced an
      episode of WRF. After adjustment, a lower 1,25(OH)2D/PTH(1-84) ratio remained
      significantly associated with a higher risk of WRF (HR=0.75 [0.62-0.90], p=0.002)
      and correctly reclassified events. This ratio also independently predicted
      mortality and admission to hospital for cardiovascular reasons. CONCLUSIONS: The
      plasma 1,25(OH)2D/PTH(1-84) ratio is a promising indicator of future risk of
      deterioration of renal function in patients with chronic HF and mild renal
      impairment, that may serve to optimize therapies and improve outcomes.

PMID- 27657478
TI  - Fourier Transform Ultrasound Spectroscopy for the determination of wave
      propagation parameters.
AB  - The reported results for ultrasonic wave attenuation constant (alpha) in pure
      water show noticeable inconsistency in magnitude. A "Propagating-Wave" model
      analysis of the most popular pulse-echo technique indicates that this is a
      consequence of the inherent wave propagation characteristics in a bounded medium.
      In the present work Fourier Transform Ultrasound Spectroscopy (FTUS) is adopted
      to determine ultrasonic wave propagation parameters, the wave number (k) and
      attenuation constant (alpha) at 1MHz frequency in tri-distilled water at room
      temperature (25 degrees C). Pulse-echo signals obtained under same experimental
      conditions regarding the exciting input signal and reflecting boundary wall of
      the water container for various lengths of water columns are captured. The Fast
      Fourier Transform (FFT) components of the echo signals are taken to compute k,
      alpha and r, the reflection constant at the boundary, using Oak Ridge and Oxford
      method. The results are compared with existing literature values.

PMID- 27657479
TI  - Deconvolution of acoustically detected bubble-collapse shock waves.
AB  - The shock wave emitted by the collapse of a laser-induced bubble is detected at
      propagation distances of 30, 40and50mm, using a PVdF needle hydrophone, with a
      non-flat end-of-cable frequency response, calibrated for magnitude and phase,
      from 125kHz to 20MHz. High-speed shadowgraphic imaging at 5*106 frames per
      second, 10nstemporal resolution and 256 frames per sequence, records the bubble
      deflation from maximum to minimum radius, the collapse and shock wave generation,
      and the subsequent rebound in unprecedented detail, for a single sequence of an
      individual bubble. The Gilmore equation for bubble oscillation is solved
      according to the resolved bubble collapse, and simulated shock wave profiles
      deduced from the acoustic emissions, for comparison to the hydrophone recordings.
      The effects of single-frequency calibration, magnitude-only and full waveform
      deconvolution of the experimental data are presented, in both time and frequency
      domains. Magnitude-only deconvolution increases the peak pressure amplitude of
      the measured shock wave by approximately 9%, from single-frequency calibration,
      with full waveform deconvolution increasing it by a further 3%. Full waveform
      deconvolution generates a shock wave profile that is in agreement with the
      simulated profile, filtered according to the calibration bandwidth. Implications
      for the detection and monitoring of acoustic cavitation, where the role of
      periodic bubble collapse shock waves has recently been realised, are discussed.

PMID- 27657480
TI  - Sonodynamic action of hypocrellin B triggers cell apoptoisis of breast cancer
      cells involving caspase pathway.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of
      sonodynamic action of hypocrellin B on human breast cancer cells and further
      explore its underlying mechanisms. METHODS: The cell viability of breast cancer
      MDA-MB-231 cells was examined by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl
      tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Alterations on cell apoptosis, intracellular
      reactive oxygen species generation (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential, and
      DNA fragmentation was analyzed by flow cytometer. The subcellular localization of
      hypocrellin B was assessed by a confocal laser scanning microscope. Mitochondria
      damage and nuclear morphological changes were observed under a fluorescence
      microscope. To further explore whether caspase pathway was involved in cell
      apoptotic induction of sonodynamic action of hypocrellin B, the pan-caspase
      inhibitor Z-Val-Ala-DL-Asp (ome)-Fluoromethylketone (z-VAD-fmk) was added to the
      cells one hour prior to loading the sonosensitizer, and then cell viability and
      apoptosis were analyzed after hypocrellin B treatment. RESULTS: Sonodynamic
      treatment of hypocrellin B HB significantly suppressed cell viability of MDA-MB
      231 cells. Sonodynamic action of hypocrellin B caused excessive ROS accumulation,
      mitochondrial dysfunction, cell apoptosis, DNA fragmentation and nuclear
      morphological damage. Moreover, the cytotoxicity and cell apoptosis induced by
      sonodynamic action of hypocrellin B were remarkably rescued by the caspase
      spectrum inhibitor z-VAD-fmk. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrated that
      hypocrellin B had significant sonodynamic killing and apoptotic induction effect
      on breast cancer cells. And cell apoptosis induced by sonodynamic action of
      hypocrellin B was partly dependent on caspase pathway.

PMID- 27657481
TI  - Rayleigh-type waves in nonlocal micropolar solid half-space.
AB  - Propagation of Rayleigh type surface waves in nonlocal micropolar elastic solid
      half-space has been investigated. Two modes of Rayleigh-type waves are found to
      propagate under certain approximations. Frequency equations of these Rayleigh
      type modes and their conditions of existence have been derived. These frequency
      equations are found to be dispersive in character due to the presence of
      micropolarity and nonlocality parameters in the medium. One of the frequency
      equations is a counterpart of the classical Rayleigh waves and the other is new
      and has appeared due to micropolarity of the medium. Phase speeds of these waves
      are computed numerically for Magnesium crystal and their variation against
      wavenumber are presented graphically. Comparisons have been made between the
      phase speeds of Rayleigh type waves through nonlocal micropolar, local micropolar
      and elastic solid half-spaces.

PMID- 27657482
TI  - Protective effect of isoquercitrin against acute dextran sulfate sodium-induced
      rat colitis depends on the severity of tissue damage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Isoquercitrin (quercetin-3-O-beta-d-glucopyranoside) is a flavonoid
      that exhibited antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in a number of in
      vitro and in vivo studies. Experimental evidence from rodent models of
      inflammatory bowel disease is, however, lacking. This study was designed to
      examine whether isoquercitrin effectively and dose-dependently attenuates acute
      dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced rat colitis. METHODS: Wistar rats were
      divided into negative control group (exposed to vehicle only), positive control
      group (DSS-induced colitis plus vehicle), low isoquercitrin group (DSS pretreated
      with isoquercitrin 1mg/kg/day) and high isoquercitrin group (DSS with
      isoquercitrin 10mg/kg/day). Isoquercitrin was administered daily for 14days, and
      during the last 7days rats drank DSS solution. The effect of isoquercitrin on DSS
      induced colitis was assessed clinically (e.g. disease activity index),
      biochemically (tissue myeloperoxidase activity, local cyclooxygenase-2
      expression), using histology (standard hematoxylin-eosin-based histomorphometry,
      immunohistochemical detection of inducible nitric oxide synthase) and hematology
      (blood count). RESULTS: Isoquercitrin dose-dependently ameliorated whole colon
      shortening and mitigated DSS-induced expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible
      nitric oxide synthase in the descending segment of the organ. However, when
      different parts of colon were assessed histomorphometrically, the results did not
      globally support the protective role of this flavonoid. Tissue healing trends
      observable in the descending colon were not apparent in the rectum, where
      histological damage was most severe. CONCLUSIONS: We surmise that isoquercitrin
      may be effective in the prevention of acute colitis. Besides being dose
      dependent, the potency of orally administered isoquercitrin may depend on the
      severity of tissue damage and/or on the site of its action.

PMID- 27657483
TI  - The impact of 1MeTIQ on the dopaminergic system function in the 6-OHDA model of
      Parkinson's disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder
      which is caused by degeneration of dopaminergic neurons of the nigrostriatal
      pathway. As a model of PD we used 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) which exerts toxic
      effects on catecholaminergic neurons and 1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline
      (1MeTIQ) as neuroprotective compound. The aim of the present study, was to
      investigate the potential neuroprotective properties of 1MeTIQ against 6-OHDA
      induced neurotoxic effects in the rat. METHODS: In the behavioral study, we
      measured locomotor activity and catalepsy. In the biochemical studies using HPLC
      methodology, we analyzed the concentration of dopamine and its metabolites in rat
      brain. RESULTS: Behavioral tests showed that 6-OHDA decreased rat locomotor
      activity and produced an increase of catalepsy. These effects did not blocked by
      1MeTIQ injections. Biochemical studies indicated that 6-OHDA lesion significantly
      reduced the concentration of dopamine and its metabolites in the nigro-striatal
      pathway in the lesioned (ipsilateral) side. Moreover, 6-OHDA induced an increase
      in the rate of dopamine oxidation. Both acute and chronic administration of
      1MeTIQ did not reverse the effects of 6-OHDA lesion on the ipsilateral side,
      however, it produced a significant elevation of the dopamine concentration in the
      contralateral side. It is evident that multiple treatments with 1MeTIQ stimulate
      undamaged neurons to increased activity. CONCLUSION: 1MeTIQ was shown to possess
      neuroprotective potential to the dopaminergic neurons damaged by 6-OHDA lesion.
      This compound has a protective effect but does not have neurorestorative
      capacity. It does not reverse damage already caused but will maintain the
      function and activity of undamaged dopamine neurons at physiological level.

PMID- 27657484
TI  - Possible involvement of ATP-sensitive potassium channels in the antidepressant
      like effect of baclofen in mouse forced swimming test.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous study confirmed that the acute treatment with baclofen by
      inhibition of the l-arginine-nitric oxide (NO) pathway diminished the immobility
      behavior in the forced swimming test (FST) of mice. Considering the involvement
      of NO in adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive potassium channels (KATP), in the
      present study we investigated the involvement of KATP channels in antidepressant
      like effect of baclofen in the forced swimming test (FST). METHODS: After
      assessment of locomotor behavior in the open-field test (OFT), FST was applied
      for evaluation of the antidepressant-like activity of baclofen in mice. Baclofen
      at different doses (0.1, 0.3, and 1mg/kg) and fluoxetine (20mg/kg) were
      administrated by intraperitoneal (ip) route, 30min before the FST or OFT. To
      clarify the probable involvement of KATP channels, after determination of sub
      effective doses of glibenclamide as a KATP channel blocker and cromakalim, as an
      opener of these channels, they were co-administrated with the sub-effective and
      effective doses of baclofen, respectively. RESULTS: Baclofen at dose 1mg/kg
      significantly decreased the immobility behavior of mice similar to fluoxetine
      (20mg/kg). Co-administration of gelibenclamide sub-effective dose (1mg/kg) with
      baclofen (0.1mg/kg) showed a synergistic antidepressant-like effect in the FST.
      Also, sub-effective dose of cromakalim (0.1mg/kg) inhibited the antidepressant
      like effect of baclofen (1mg/kg) in the FST. All aforementioned treatments had
      not any impact on the locomotor movement of mice in OFT. CONCLUSIONS: Our study
      for the first time revealed that antidepressant-like effect of baclofen on mice
      is KATP-dependent, and baclofen seems that exert this effect by blocking the KATP
      channels.

PMID- 27657485
TI  - Low protein feeding and energy transduction in rats.

PMID- 27657486
TI  - Extending the Power-Law Hemolysis Model to Complex Flows.
AB  - Hemolysis (damage to red blood cells) is a long-standing problem in blood
      contacting devices, and its prediction has been the goal of considerable
      research. The most popular model relating hemolysis to fluid stresses is the
      power-law model, which was developed from experiments in pure shear only. In the
      absence of better data, this model has been extended to more complex flows by
      replacing the shear stress in the power-law equation with a von Mises-like scalar
      stress. While the validity of the scalar stress also remains to be confirmed,
      inconsistencies exist in its application, in particular, two forms that vary by a
      factor of 2 have been used. This article will clarify the proper extension of the
      power law to complex flows in a way that maintains correct results in the limit
      of pure shear.

PMID- 27657487
TI  - Cerenkov Radiation Induced Photodynamic Therapy Using Chlorin e6-Loaded Hollow
      Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles.
AB  - Traditional photodynamic therapy (PDT) requires external light to activate
      photosensitizers for therapeutic purposes. However, the limited tissue
      penetration of light is still a major challenge for this method. To overcome this
      limitation, we report an optimized system that uses Cerenkov radiation for PDT by
      using radionuclides to activate a well-known photosensitizer (chlorin e6, Ce6).
      By taking advantage of hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (HMSNs) that can
      intrinsically radiolabel an oxophilic zirconium-89 (89Zr, t1/2 = 78.4 h)
      radionuclide, as well as possess great drug loading capacity, Ce6 can be
      activated by Cerenkov radiation from 89Zr in the same nanoconstruct. In vitro
      cell viability experiments demonstrated dose-dependent cell deconstruction as a
      function of the concentration of Ce6 and 89Zr. In vivo studies show inhibition of
      tumor growth when mice were subcutaneously injected with [89Zr]HMSN-Ce6, and
      histological analysis of the tumor section showed damage to tumor tissues,
      implying that reactive oxygen species mediated the destruction. This study offers
      a way to use an internal radiation source to achieve deep-seated tumor therapy
      without using any external light source for future applications.

PMID- 27657488
TI  - Polar Second-Harmonic Imaging to Resolve Pure and Mixed Crystal Phases along GaAs
      Nanowires.
AB  - In this work, we report an optical method for characterizing crystal phases along
      single-semiconductor III-V nanowires based on the measurement of polarization
      dependent second-harmonic generation. This powerful imaging method is based on a
      per-pixel analysis of the second-harmonic-generated signal on the incoming
      excitation polarization. The dependence of the second-harmonic generation
      responses on the nonlinear second-order susceptibility tensor allows the
      distinguishing of areas of pure wurtzite, zinc blende, and mixed and rotational
      twins crystal structures in individual nanowires. With a far-field nonlinear
      optical microscope, we recorded the second-harmonic generation in GaAs nanowires
      and precisely determined their various crystal structures by analyzing the polar
      response for each pixel of the images. The predicted crystal phases in GaAs
      nanowire are confirmed with scanning transmission electron and high-resolution
      transmission electron measurements. The developed method of analyzing the
      nonlinear polar response of each pixel can be used for an investigation of
      nanowire crystal structure that is quick, sensitive to structural transitions,
      nondestructive, and on-the-spot. It can be applied for the crystal phase
      characterization of nanowires built into optoelectronic devices in which electron
      microscopy cannot be performed (for example, in lab-on-a-chip devices). Moreover,
      this method is not limited to GaAs nanowires but can be used for other nonlinear
      optical nanostructures.

PMID- 27657489
TI  - Unmet Needs for Ancillary Services Among Men Who Have Sex with Men and Who Are
      Receiving HIV Medical Care - United States, 2013-2014.
AB  - Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately
      affected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the United States (1).
      Ancillary services, defined as services that support retention in HIV medical
      care and assist with day-to-day living, can improve the health of HIV-infected
      MSM and help them achieve viral suppression (2). To assess the unmet needs for
      ancillary services among MSM receiving outpatient HIV medical care during 2013
      2014, CDC used data from the Medical Monitoring Project (MMP), a surveillance
      system designed to assess clinical and behavioral characteristics of adults
      receiving HIV care, to obtain nationally representative estimates of, and
      identify reasons for, unmet needs (3). Based on self-reported needs of persons
      responding to the MMP survey, the most prevalent unmet needs were for non-HIV
      medical care services: approximately 23% had an unmet need for dental care, and
      19% had an unmet need for eye or vision care. Unmet needs were most prevalent
      among young, non-Hispanic black, and Hispanic/Latino MSM. State and local health
      departments, community-based organizations, and health care providers might
      improve the health of MSM living with HIV by promoting access to ancillary
      services using strategies that increase patient awareness of how to obtain these
      services, especially among young, non-Hispanic black, and Hispanic/Latino MSM.

PMID- 27657490
TI  - Detection of Carbofuran-Protein Adducts in Serum of Occupationally Exposed
      Pesticide Factory Workers in Pakistan.
AB  - This study was conducted to investigate the protein adducts with pesticides in a
      cohort of 172 factory workers that were exposed to a mixture of pesticides. The
      35 samples showing considerable variation in biochemical parameters, i.e.,
      butyrylcholinestrase (BChE), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), serum
      glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), serum
      glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP/ALKP), lactate
      dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine phosphokinase (CPK) enzymes, and controls were
      analyzed by reversed-phase nanoscale liquid chromatography tandem mass
      spectrometry (nLC-MS/MS) on an Orbitrap mass spectrometer employing a shotgun
      proteomics approach. Only protein adducts with carbofuran were found on serum
      proteins of these workers. These adducts were of carbofuran labeled lysine (Lys
      142, Lys-183, Lys-287, and Lys-467), arginine (Arg-210, Arg-242, and Arg-256)
      from serum albumin, and serine (Ser-07, Ser-54, and Ser-150) from immunoglobulin
      proteins. The arginine residues (Arg-210, Arg-242, Arg-246, and Arg-434) from
      albumin were also found to be glycated in serum of workers showing a high level
      of glucose who also had glycated arginine (Arg-1120) modified with carbofuran in
      their tankyrase-1-binding protein. The number of tandem mass spectra of modified
      peptides increased with increasing time of exposure. This is the first report to
      demonstrate the presence of carbofuran-labeled albumin, immunoglobulin, and
      glycated arginine, which shows that lysine and arginine of human albumin and
      serine of immunoglobulin are covalently modified in the serum of workers that
      were occupationally exposed to carbofuran, and the modification is detectable by
      tandem mass spectrometry. These peptides modified with carbofuran can potentially
      be used as a biomarker of carbofuran exposure.

PMID- 27657491
TI  - Telemedicine for Retinopathy of Prematurity: An Evolving Paradigm.

PMID- 27657492
TI  - Beyond Risk Compensation: Clusters of Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) Users in
      Sexual Networks Can Modify the Impact of ART on HIV Incidence.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Concerns about risk compensation-increased risk behaviours in
      response to a perception of reduced HIV transmission risk-after the initiation of
      ART have largely been dispelled in empirical studies, but other changes in sexual
      networking patterns may still modify the effects of ART on HIV incidence.
      METHODS: We developed an exploratory mathematical model of HIV transmission that
      incorporates the possibility of ART clusters, i.e. subsets of the sexual network
      in which the density of ART patients is much higher than in the rest of the
      network. Such clusters may emerge as a result of ART homophily-a tendency for ART
      patients to preferentially form and maintain relationships with other ART
      patients. We assessed whether ART clusters may affect the impact of ART on HIV
      incidence, and how the influence of this effect-modifying variable depends on
      contextual variables such as HIV prevalence, HIV serosorting, coverage of HIV
      testing and ART, and adherence to ART. RESULTS: ART homophily can modify the
      impact of ART on HIV incidence in both directions. In concentrated epidemics and
      generalized epidemics with moderate HIV prevalence (~ 10%), ART clusters can
      enhance the impact of ART on HIV incidence, especially when adherence to ART is
      poor. In hyperendemic settings (~ 35% HIV prevalence), ART clusters can reduce
      the impact of ART on HIV incidence when adherence to ART is high but few people
      living with HIV (PLWH) have been diagnosed. In all contexts, the effects of ART
      clusters on HIV epidemic dynamics are distinct from those of HIV serosorting.
      CONCLUSIONS: Depending on the programmatic and epidemiological context, ART
      clusters may enhance or reduce the impact of ART on HIV incidence, in contrast to
      serosorting, which always leads to a lower impact of ART on HIV incidence. ART
      homophily and the emergence of ART clusters should be measured empirically and
      incorporated into more refined models used to plan and evaluate ART programmes.

PMID- 27657493
TI  - MRI With Liver-Specific Contrast for Surveillance of Patients With Cirrhosis at
      High Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
AB  - Importance: Current recommendations for patients with cirrhosis are to undergo
      surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with ultrasonography (US) every 6
      months. However, the sensitivity of US screening to detect early-stage HCC is
      suboptimal. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with liver-specific contrast may
      detect additional HCCs missed by US in high-risk patients with cirrhosis.
      Objective: To compare the HCC detection rate of US and MRI in patients with
      cirrhosis who are at high risk for HCC. Design, Setting, and Participants: A
      prospective surveillance study of 407 patients with cirrhosis and an estimated
      annual risk of HCC greater than 5% who underwent 1 to 3 biannual screening
      examinations with paired US and liver-specific contrast-enhanced MRI at a
      tertiary care hospital between November 2011 and August 2014. All patients were
      followed-up with dynamic computed tomography (CT) at 6 months after the study.
      The confirmation of HCC was based on the results of histologic examination and/or
      typical CT images of HCC. Main Outcomes and Measures: HCC detection rates and
      false-positive findings of US vs MRI. Results: A total of 407 eligible patients
      received 1100 screenings with paired US and MRI. Hepatocellular carcinomas were
      diagnosed in 43 patients: 1 detected by US only, 26 by MRI only, 11 by both, and
      5 were missed by both. The HCC detection rate of MRI was 86.0% (37/43),
      significantly higher than the 27.9% (12/43) of US (P < .001). Magnetic resonance
      imaging showed a significantly lower rate of false-positive findings than US
      (3.0% vs 5.6%; P = .004). Of the 43 patients with HCC, 32 (74.4%) had very early
      stage HCC (a single nodule <2 cm), and 29 (67.4%) received curative treatments.
      The 3-year survival rate of the patients with HCC (86.0%) was not inferior to
      those without HCC (94.2%; hazard ratio, 2.26; 95% CI, 0.92-5.56; P = .08).
      Conclusions and Relevance: In patients with cirrhosis at high-risk of HCC,
      screening that used MRI with liver-specific contrast resulted in a higher HCC
      detection rate and lower false-positive findings compared with US. With MRI
      screening, most of the cancers detected were at very early stage, which was
      associated with a high chance of curative treatments and favorable survival of
      patients. Whether surveillance with MRI would reduce mortality from HCC in high
      risk patients requires further investigation. Trial Registration:
      clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01446666.

PMID- 27657494
TI  - Diagnosis and Management of Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism in
      Pregnancy.
AB  - Pregnancy-associated venous thromboembolism (PAVTE) consists of deep vein
      thrombosis and pulmonary embolism (PE) occurring during pregnancy or in the
      postpartum period. This condition is common and is a major source of morbidity in
      a population which is young and otherwise relatively healthy. Timely diagnosis
      and treatment are crucial in ensuring satisfactory patient outcomes. Diagnostic
      strategies for pregnancy-associated PE in particular require careful
      consideration of maternal and fetal risks. Low-molecular-weight heparins
      currently form the mainstay of treatment; however, there are uncertainties around
      optimal dosing of these agents in certain settings (e.g., obesity). This review
      discusses the diagnosis and suggested treatment of PAVTE.

PMID- 27657495
TI  - Hepatitis C Treatment and Barriers to Eradication.
AB  - Current treatment for chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is highly efficacious, well
      tolerated, and of short duration for the majority of patients. Despite the
      dramatic advances in therapy, there remain several barriers to disease
      eradication. These include deficiencies in screening, diagnosis, and access to
      care, and high cost of the direct-acting antiviral medications. In addition,
      incident cases and reinfection associated with injection drug use contribute to
      the persistent worldwide disease burden. This article will review the current CHC
      treatments, and outline the remaining gaps in therapy and barriers to disease
      eradication. 

PMID- 27657496
TI  - Dispersal Ecology Informs Design of Large-Scale Wildlife Corridors.
AB  - Landscape connectivity describes how the movement of animals relates to landscape
      structure. The way in which movement among populations is affected by
      environmental conditions is important for predicting the effects of habitat
      fragmentation, and for defining conservation corridors. One approach has been to
      map resistance surfaces to characterize how environmental variables affect animal
      movement, and to use these surfaces to model connectivity. However, current
      connectivity modelling typically uses information on species location or habitat
      preference rather than movement, which unfortunately may not capture dispersal
      limitations. Here we emphasize the importance of implementing dispersal ecology
      into landscape connectivity, i.e., observing patterns of habitat selection by
      dispersers during different phases of new areas' colonization to infer habitat
      connectivity. Disperser animals undertake a complex sequence of movements
      concatenated over time and strictly dependent on species ecology. Using satellite
      telemetry, we investigated the movement ecology of 54 young male elk Cervus
      elaphus, which commonly disperse, to design a corridor network across the
      Northern Rocky Mountains. Winter residency period is often followed by a spring
      summer movement phase, when young elk migrate with mothers' groups to summering
      areas, and by a further dispersal bout performed alone to a novel summer area.
      After another summer residency phase, dispersers usually undertake a final
      autumnal movement to reach novel wintering areas. We used resource selection
      functions to identify winter and summer habitats selected by elk during residency
      phases. We then extracted movements undertaken during spring to move from winter
      to summer areas, and during autumn to move from summer to winter areas, and
      modelled them using step selection functions. We built friction surfaces, merged
      the different movement phases, and eventually mapped least-cost corridors. We
      showed an application of this tool by creating a scenario with movement predicted
      as there were no roads, and mapping highways' segments impeding elk connectivity.

PMID- 27657498
TI  - NDST1 Preferred Promoter Confirmation and Identification of Corresponding
      Transcriptional Inhibitors as Substrate Reduction Agents for Multiple
      Mucopolysaccharidosis Disorders.
AB  - The stepwise degradation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) is accomplished by twelve
      lysosomal enzymes. Deficiency in any of these enzymes will result in the
      accumulation of the intermediate substrates on the pathway to the complete
      turnover of GAGs. The accumulation of these undegraded substrates in almost any
      tissue is a hallmark of all Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS). Present therapeutics
      based on enzyme replacement therapy and bone marrow transplantation have low
      effectiveness for the treatment of MPS with neurological complications since
      enzymes used in these therapies are unable to cross the blood brain barrier.
      Small molecule-based approaches are more promising in addressing neurological
      manifestations. In this report we identify a target for developing a substrate
      reduction therapy (SRT) for six MPS resulting from the abnormal degradation of
      heparan sulfate (HS). Using the minimal promoter of NDST1, one of the first
      modifying enzymes of HS precursors, we established a luciferase based reporter
      gene assay capable of identifying small molecules that could potentially reduce
      HS maturation and therefore lessen HS accumulation in certain MPS. From the
      screen of 1,200 compounds comprising the Prestwick Chemical library we identified
      SAHA, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, as the drug that produced the highest
      inhibitory effects in the reporter assay. More importantly SAHA treated
      fibroblasts expressed lower levels of endogenous NDST1 and accumulated less 35S
      GAGs in patient cells. Thus, by using our simple reporter gene assay we have
      demonstrated that by inhibiting the transcription of NDST1 with small molecules,
      identified by high throughput screening, we can also reduce the level of sulfated
      HS substrate in MPS patient cells, potentially leading to SRT.

PMID- 27657497
TI  - Vimentin, a Novel NF-kappaB Regulator, Is Required for Meningitic Escherichia
      coli K1-Induced Pathogen Invasion and PMN Transmigration across the Blood-Brain
      Barrier.
AB  - BACKGROUND: NF-kappaB activation, pathogen invasion, polymorphonuclear leukocytes
      (PMN) transmigration (PMNT) across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) are the
      pathogenic triad hallmark features of bacterial meningitis, but the mechanisms
      underlying these events remain largely unknown. Vimentin, which is a novel NF
      kappaB regulator, is the primary receptor for the major Escherichia coli K1
      virulence factor IbeA that contributes to the pathogenesis of neonatal bacterial
      sepsis and meningitis (NSM). We have previously shown that IbeA-induced NF-kappaB
      signaling through its primary receptor vimentin as well as its co-receptor PTB
      associated splicing factor (PSF) is required for pathogen penetration and
      leukocyte transmigration across the BBB. This is the first in vivo study to
      demonstrate how vimentin and related factors contributed to the pathogenic triad
      of bacterial meningitis. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The role of vimentin in
      IbeA+ E. coli K1-induced NF-kappaB activation, pathogen invasion, leukocyte
      transmigration across the BBB has now been demonstrated by using vimentin
      knockout (KO) mice. In the in vivo studies presented here, IbeA-induced NF-kappaB
      activation, E. coli K1 invasion and polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN)
      transmigration across the BBB were significantly reduced in Vim-/- mice.
      Decreased neuronal injury in the hippocampal dentate gyrus was observed in Vim-/-
      mice with meningitis. The major inflammatory regulator alpha7 nAChR and several
      signaling molecules contributing to NF-kappaB activation (p65 and p-CamKII) were
      significantly reduced in the brain tissues of the Vim-/- mice with E. coli
      meningitis. Furthermore, Vim KO resulted in significant reduction in neuronal
      injury and in alpha7 nAChR-mediated calcium signaling. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE:
      Vimentin, a novel NF-kappaB regulator, plays a detrimental role in the host
      defense against meningitic infection by modulating the NF-kappaB signaling
      pathway to increase pathogen invasion, PMN recruitment, BBB permeability and
      neuronal inflammation. Our findings provide the first evidence for Vim-dependent
      mechanisms underlying the pathogenic triad of bacterial meningitis.

PMID- 27657499
TI  - Righting Reflex Predicts Long-Term Histological and Behavioral Outcomes in a
      Closed Head Model of Traumatic Brain Injury.
AB  - Blunt impact produces a heterogeneous brain injury in people and in animal models
      of traumatic brain injury. We report that a single closed head impact to adult
      C57/BL6 mice produced two injury syndromes (CHI-1 and CHI-2). CHI-1 mice
      spontaneously reinitiated breathing after injury while CHI-2 mice had prolonged
      apnea and regained breathing only after cardiopulmonary resuscitation and
      supplementation of 100% O2. The CHI-1 group significantly regained righting
      reflex more rapidly than the CHI-2 group. At 7 days post-injury, CHI-1, but not
      CHI-2 mice, acquired but had no long-term retention of an active place avoidance
      task. The behavioral deficits of CHI-1 and CHI-2 mice were retained one-month
      after the injury. CHI-1 mice had loss of hippocampal neurons and localized white
      matter injury at one month after injury. CHI-2 had a larger loss of hippocampal
      neurons and more widespread loss of myelin and axons. High-speed videos made
      during the injury were followed by assessment of breathing and righting reflex.
      These videos show that CHI-2 mice experienced a larger vertical g-force than CHI
      1 mice. Time to regain righting reflex in CHI-2 mice significantly correlated
      with vertical g-force. Thus, physiological responses occurring immediately after
      injury can be valuable surrogate markers of subsequent behavioral and
      histological deficits.

PMID- 27657500
TI  - Multistep Intersystem Crossing Pathways in Cinnamate-Based UV-B Sunscreens.
AB  - The nonradiative decay pathways of jet-cooled para-methoxy methylcinnamate (p
      MMC) and para-methoxy ethylcinnamate (p-MEC) have been investigated by picosecond
      pump-probe and nanosecond UV-Deep UV pump-probe spectroscopy. The possible
      relaxation pathways were calculated by the (time-dependent) density functional
      theory. We found that p-MMC and p-MEC at low excess energy undergo multistep
      intersystem crossing (ISC) from the bright S1 (1pipi*) state to the lowest
      triplet T1 (3pipi*) state via two competing pathways through the T2 state in the
      time scale of 100 ps: (a) stepwise ISC followed after the internal conversion
      (IC) from S1 to the dark 1npi* state; (b) direct ISC from the S1 to T2 states.
      These picosecond multistep ISCs result in the torsion of C?C double bond by ~95
      degrees  in the T1 state, whose measured adiabatic energy and lifetime are 16577
      cm-1 and ~20 ns, respectively, for p-MMC. These results suggest that the ISC
      processes play an indispensable role in the photoprotecting sunscreens in natural
      plants.

PMID- 27657501
TI  - Correction: HIF-2alpha Expression Regulates Sprout Formation into 3D Fibrin
      Matrices in Prolonged Hypoxia in Human Microvascular Endothelial Cells.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0160700.].

PMID- 27657502
TI  - Validity and Reliability of Ventilatory and Blood Lactate Thresholds in Well
      Trained Cyclists.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine, i) the reliability of blood
      lactate and ventilatory-based thresholds, ii) the lactate threshold that
      corresponds with each ventilatory threshold (VT1 and VT2) and with maximal
      lactate steady state test (MLSS) as a proxy of cycling performance. METHODS:
      Fourteen aerobically-trained male cyclists ([Formula: see text] 62.1+/-4.6 ml.kg
      1.min-1) performed two graded exercise tests (50 W warm-up followed by 25 W.min
      1) to exhaustion. Blood lactate, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] data
      were collected at every stage. Workloads at VT1 (rise in [Formula: see text];)
      and VT2 (rise in [Formula: see text]) were compared with workloads at lactate
      thresholds. Several continuous tests were needed to detect the MLSS workload.
      Agreement and differences among tests were assessed with ANOVA, ICC and Bland
      Altman. Reliability of each test was evaluated using ICC, CV and Bland-Altman
      plots. RESULTS: Workloads at lactate threshold (LT) and LT+2.0 mMol.L-1 matched
      the ones for VT1 and VT2, respectively (p = 0.147 and 0.539; r = 0.72 and 0.80;
      Bias = -13.6 and 2.8, respectively). Furthermore, workload at LT+0.5 mMol.L-1
      coincided with MLSS workload (p = 0.449; r = 0.78; Bias = -4.5). Lactate
      threshold tests had high reliability (CV = 3.4-3.7%; r = 0.85-0.89; Bias = -2.1
      3.0) except for DMAX method (CV = 10.3%; r = 0.57; Bias = 15.4). Ventilatory
      thresholds show high reliability (CV = 1.6%-3.5%; r = 0.90-0.96; Bias = -1.8-2.9)
      except for RER = 1 and V-Slope (CV = 5.0-6.4%; r = 0.79; Bias = -5.6-12.4).
      CONCLUSIONS: Lactate threshold tests can be a valid and reliable alternative to
      ventilatory thresholds to identify the workloads at the transition from aerobic
      to anaerobic metabolism.

PMID- 27657503
TI  - The Impact of Endurance Training on Human Skeletal Muscle Memory, Global Isoform
      Expression and Novel Transcripts.
AB  - Regularly performed endurance training has many beneficial effects on health and
      skeletal muscle function, and can be used to prevent and treat common diseases
      e.g. cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes and obesity. The molecular
      adaptation mechanisms regulating these effects are incompletely understood. To
      date, global transcriptome changes in skeletal muscles have been studied at the
      gene level only. Therefore, global isoform expression changes following exercise
      training in humans are unknown. Also, the effects of repeated interventions on
      transcriptional memory or training response have not been studied before. In this
      study, 23 individuals trained one leg for three months. Nine months later, 12 of
      the same subjects trained both legs in a second training period. Skeletal muscle
      biopsies were obtained from both legs before and after both training periods. RNA
      sequencing analysis of all 119 skeletal muscle biopsies showed that training
      altered the expression of 3,404 gene isoforms, mainly associated with oxidative
      ATP production. Fifty-four genes had isoforms that changed in opposite
      directions. Training altered expression of 34 novel transcripts, all with protein
      coding potential. After nine months of detraining, no training-induced
      transcriptome differences were detected between the previously trained and
      untrained legs. Although there were several differences in the physiological and
      transcriptional responses to repeated training, no coherent evidence of an
      endurance training induced transcriptional skeletal muscle memory was found. This
      human lifestyle intervention induced differential expression of thousands of
      isoforms and several transcripts from unannotated regions of the genome. It is
      likely that the observed isoform expression changes reflect adaptational
      mechanisms and processes that provide the functional and health benefits of
      regular physical activity.

PMID- 27657504
TI  - Polypharmacy and Health-Related Quality of Life Among US Adults With Arthritis,
      Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, 2010-2012.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Our objective was to determine the relationship between
      polypharmacy (treatment with prescription drugs from 6 or more drug classes
      concurrently) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among US adults with
      arthritis. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study that used 2-year
      longitudinal data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey to analyze a cohort
      of 6,132 adults aged over 21 years with arthritis. Measures of HRQoL were the
      summary scores from the mental component summary (MCS) and physical component
      summary (PCS) of the 12-item short-form health survey. Unadjusted and adjusted
      regression models were used to evaluate the association between polypharmacy and
      HRQoL measures. We used SAS, version 9.4, (SAS Institute Inc) to conduct all
      analyses. RESULTS: In unadjusted analyses, adults with arthritis taking
      prescription drugs from 6 or more drug classes concurrently had significantly
      lower MCS and PCS scores (beta, -3.11, P < .001 and beta, -10.26, P < .001,
      respectively) than adults taking prescription drugs from fewer than 6. After
      controlling for the demographic characteristics, number of mental and physical
      chronic conditions, and baseline MCS and PCS scores, adults taking prescription
      drugs from 6 or more drug classes concurrently had significantly lower PCS scores
      (beta, -1.68, P < .001), than those taking prescription drugs from fewer than 6.
      However, no significant difference in MCS scores was found between adults taking
      prescription drugs from 6 or more drug classes concurrently and those taking
      prescription drugs from fewer than 6 (beta, -0.27, P = .46). CONCLUSION:
      Polypharmacy is significantly associated with lower PCS scores among adults with
      arthritis. Because polypharmacy can lead to drug-drug and drug-disease
      interactions, health care providers need to consider the risk and adopt a
      cautious approach in prescribing multiple drugs to manage chronic conditions and
      in choosing therapies to improve HRQoL among adults with arthritis.

PMID- 27657505
TI  - A Tool for Assessing a Community's Capacity for Substance Abuse Care.
AB  - Evidence-based programs for prevention and intervention in substance abuse are
      increasing. Community needs assessments and health rankings provide descriptions
      of local behavioral health needs but do not provide public health practitioners
      and policy makers with guidelines on the number of programs, health care
      practitioners, or interventions needed in the local substance abuse care system.
      This article presents a new framework for measuring and assessing the substance
      abuse care system in a community. The assessment can inform resource allocation
      across the continuum of care to more equitably and efficiently distribute
      interventions and care. We conducted 2 literature reviews and synthesized our
      findings to create a community assessment methodology and needs calculator, CAST
      (calculating for an adequate system tool). We reviewed 212 articles to produce an
      inventory of community and social correlates of behavioral health, components of
      a substance abuse care system, and numerical values for guidelines for estimating
      community needs. CAST produces community-specific assessments of the capacity of
      the components of a community substance abuse care system. CAST generates
      recommendations by the application of social and community determinants of health
      as risk coefficients to each estimate of component need. CAST can assist public
      health practitioners in evaluation and improvement of the capacity of community
      based, substance abuse care systems. By using recommendations for component needs
      across the continuum of care, community leaders can use CAST to prioritize
      resource allocation more effectively and efficiently.

PMID- 27657507
TI  - Walking to Work: Trends in the United States, 2005-2014.
AB  - I examined trends from 2005 through 2014 in walking to work compared with other
      modes of travel. For each year, I calculated the percentage of travel to work by
      private vehicle, public transportation, and walking and used distance decay
      functions to analyze the distribution of walking by distance. I found that the
      percentage of travel to work by walking remained stable, with a slight increase
      over time, and that people tended to walk longer to get to work. The trend is
      positive and encouraging, although more evidence is needed to confirm my
      findings.

PMID- 27657506
TI  - Ever-Use and Curiosity About Cigarettes, Cigars, Smokeless Tobacco, and
      Electronic Cigarettes Among US Middle and High School Students, 2012-2014.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Among young people, curiosity about tobacco products is a primary
      reason for tobacco experimentation and is a risk factor for future use. We
      examined whether curiosity about and ever-use of tobacco products among US middle
      and high school students changed from 2012 to 2014. METHODS: Data came from the
      2012 and 2014 National Youth Tobacco Surveys, nationally representative surveys
      of US students in grades 6 through 12. For cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco,
      and e-cigarettes (2014 only), students were classified as ever-users or never
      users of each product. Among never-users, curiosity about using each product was
      assessed by asking participants if they had "definitely," "probably," "probably
      not," or "definitely not" been curious about using the product. RESULTS: From
      2012 to 2014, there were declines in ever-use of cigarettes (26% to 22%; P =
      .005) and cigars (21% to 18%; P = .003) overall and among students who were
      Hispanic (cigarettes, P = .001; cigars, P = .001) or black (cigarettes, P = .004;
      cigars, P = .01). The proportion of never-users reporting they were "definitely
      not" curious increased for cigarettes (51% to 54%; P = .01) and cigars (60% to
      63%; P = .03). Ever-use and curiosity about smokeless tobacco did not change
      significantly from 2012 to 2014. In 2014, the proportion of young people who were
      "definitely" or "probably" curious never-users of each product was as follows:
      cigarettes, 11.4%; e-cigarettes, 10.8%; cigars, 10.3%; and smokeless tobacco,
      4.4%. CONCLUSION: The proportion of US students who are never users and are not
      curious about cigarettes and cigars increased. However, many young people remain
      curious about tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. Understanding factors
      driving curiosity can inform tobacco use prevention for youth.

PMID- 27657509
TI  - Frailty syndrome in an independent urban population in Brazil (FIBRA study): a
      cross-sectional populational study.
AB  - CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE:: Frailty is a multifactorial syndrome. The aim of this
      study was to determine the prevalence and characteristics of frailty syndrome in
      an elderly urban population. DESIGN AND SETTING:: Cross-sectional study carried
      out at the homes of a randomized sample representing the independent elderly
      individuals of Ribeirao Preto, Brazil. METHODS:: Sociodemographic
      characteristics, clinical data and criteria of the frailty phenotype were
      obtained at the subjects' homes; 385 individuals were evaluated. Frailty was
      defined based on detection of weight loss, exhaustion, weakness, slowness and low
      physical activity level. Individuals with three or more of these characteristics
      were classified as frail and those with one or two as pre-frail. Specific cutoff
      points for weakness, slowness and low physical activity level were calculated.
      RESULTS:: The participants' mean age was 73.9 +/- 6.5 years, and 64.7% were
      women. 12.5% had lost weight over the last year; 20.5% showed exhaustion, 17.1%
      slowness, 24.4% low physical activity level and 20.5% weakness. 9.1% were
      considered frail and 49.6% pre-frail. Frail subjects were older, attended more
      medical visits, had a higher chance of hospitalization within the last 12 months
      and had more cerebrovascular events, diabetes, neoplasms, osteoporosis and
      urinary and fecal incontinence. CONCLUSION:: In this independent elderly
      population, there were numerous frail and pre-frail individuals. Frailty syndrome
      was associated with high morbidity. Cutoff points for weakness, slowness and low
      physical activity level should be adjusted for the population under study. It is
      essential to identify frail and pre-frail older individuals for appropriate
      interventions.

PMID- 27657508
TI  - Intrinsic Disorder of the C-Terminal Domain of Drosophila Methoprene-Tolerant
      Protein.
AB  - Methoprene tolerant protein (Met) has recently been confirmed as the long-sought
      juvenile hormone (JH) receptor. This protein plays a significant role in the
      cross-talk of the 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) and JH signalling pathways, which are
      important for control of insect development and maturation. Met belongs to the
      basic helix-loop-helix/Per-Arnt-Sim (bHLH-PAS) family of transcription factors.
      In these proteins, bHLH domains are typically responsible for DNA binding and
      dimerization, whereas the PAS domains are crucial for the choice of dimerization
      partner and the specificity of target gene activation. The C-terminal region is
      usually responsible for the regulation of protein complex activity. The sequence
      of the Met C-terminal region (MetC) is not homologous to any sequence deposited
      in the Protein Data Bank (PDB) and has not been structurally characterized to
      date. In this study, we show that the MetC exhibits properties typical for an
      intrinsically disordered protein (IDP). The final averaged structure obtained
      with small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) experiments indicates that intrinsically
      disordered MetC exists in an extended conformation. This extended shape and the
      long unfolded regions characterise proteins with high flexibility and dynamics.
      Therefore, we suggest that the multiplicity of conformations adopted by the
      disordered MetC is crucial for its activity as a biological switch modulating the
      cross-talk of different signalling pathways in insects.

PMID- 27657510
TI  - Gamma-glutamyl transferase and pulmonary embolism.

PMID- 27657511
TI  - A rare association of intussusception and celiac disease in a child.
AB  - CONTEXT:: Intussusception is a common cause of acute intestinal obstruction in
      the pediatric population and it is normally idiopathic. Rare cases of chronic
      intussusception require investigation with greater attention. CASE REPORT:: We
      present a clinical case of a three-year-old boy with aqueous diarrhea, abdominal
      distension, vomiting and weight loss over a two-month period. During the
      investigation, abdominal ultrasound showed imaging of intussusception. The
      intraoperative findings showed the intussusception had resolved spontaneously. In
      further investigation, it was found that the diarrhea was malabsorptive and,
      after the patient underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, a diagnosis of
      celiac disease was made. After a gluten-free diet was introduced, the patient
      showed complete remission of symptoms and regained weight, and normal growth was
      reestablished. CONCLUSION:: If the clinical presentation of intussusception is
      unusual, etiological investigation should be undertaken. In this case report,
      celiac disease was the underlying cause.

PMID- 27657512
TI  - Organocatalytic Enantioselective Allylic Etherification of Morita-Baylis-Hillman
      Carbonates and Silanols.
AB  - The organocatalytic asymmetric allylic etherification reaction of Morita-Baylis
      Hillman carbonates and silanols was reported for the first time. With modified
      cinchona alkaloid (DHQD)2PYR as the catalyst, a series of aromatic, heterocyclic,
      or aliphatic Morita-Baylis-Hillman carbonates (25 examples) worked well with
      triphenylsilanol, affording the corresponding products in moderate to good yields
      (up to 98%), high regioselectivities (>20:1), and good enantioselectivities (up
      to 92%). When dimethylphenylsilanol was used as the nucleophile, the product was
      obtained in 60% yield and 87% ee.

PMID- 27657513
TI  - Three-Dimensional Analysis of Cell Division Orientation in Epidermal Basal Layer
      Using Intravital Two-Photon Microscopy.
AB  - Epidermal structures are different among body sites, and proliferative
      keratinocytes in the epidermis play an important role in the maintenance of the
      epidermal structures. In recent years, intravital skin imaging has been used in
      mammalian skin research for the investigation of cell behaviors, but most of
      these experiments were performed with rodent ears. Here, we established a non
      invasive intravital imaging approach for dorsal, ear, hind paw, or tail skin
      using R26H2BEGFP hairless mice. Using four-dimensional (x, y, z, and time)
      imaging, we successfully visualized mitotic cell division in epidermal basal
      cells. A comparison of cell division orientation relative to the basement
      membrane in each body site revealed that most divisions in dorsal and ear
      epidermis occurred in parallel, whereas the cell divisions in hind paw and tail
      epidermis occurred both in parallel and oblique orientations. Based on the
      quantitative analysis of the four-dimensional images, we showed that the
      epidermal thickness correlated with the basal cell density and the rate of the
      oblique divisions.

PMID- 27657514
TI  - Effect of montelukast on markers of airway remodeling in children with asthma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Asthma is a pathology characterized by chronic inflammation and
      remodeling of the airways. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of montelukast
      treatment on markers of airway inflammation and remodeling in children with mild
      asthma and to evaluate if the administration of montelukast to children with mild
      asthma could inhibit the release of matrix metallopeptidase 9, matrix
      metallopeptidase 12, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1, transforming growth
      factor beta 1, C-peptide terminal procollagen type (PICP), and eosinophils count,
      which are markers of inflammation and remodeling in induced sputum. METHODS:
      Thirty children with mild asthma were recruited. They were randomized into two
      groups: group A received montelukast and as needed beta-2-agonist for 8 weeks (T0
      T1), whereas group B received placebo and as needed beta-2-agonist for 8 weeks.
      After 2 weeks of washout (T1-T2), they were reallocated for treatment according a
      crossover design (T2-T3). Tests for lung function, oral exhaled nitric oxide, and
      hypertonic saline solution-induced sputum level were performed at T0-T1-T2-T3.
      RESULTS: In the placebo group, the PICP mean (standard deviation [SD]) value at
      baseline was 2279.42 +/- 2530.77 pg/mL and 1916.00 +/- 2178.75 pg/mL after
      treatment. Patients treated with montelukast, in contrast, showed a baseline mean
      (SD) value of 2439.29 +/- 2834.51 pg/mL and 1406.72 +/- 1508.65 pg/mL after
      treatment. The difference between the mean pre- and posttreatment decrease of
      PICP in the two groups was statistically significant (delta -690.21 pg/mL [95%
      confidence interval, -1220.83 to -159.5844 pg/mL]; p = 0.011). The mean (SD)
      percentage of the eosinophil count in the placebo group was 3.11 +/- 4.03% at
      baseline and 4.86 +/- 5.83% after treatment. Patients treated with montelukast,
      in contrast, showed a percentage mean (SD) value at baseline of 4.51 +/- 5.48%
      and, after treatment, of 3.06 +/- 3.29%. The difference between the mean pre- and
      posttreatment decrease of the percentage eosinophil count in the two groups was
      statistically significant (delta -2.76% [95% confidence interval, -4.65 to 
      0.87%]; p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: This study investigated in vivo effects of
      montelukast on remodeling markers. The reduction of PICP levels and eosinophil
      count supported the hypothesis that montelukast can modulate collagen deposition
      in airways and reduce eosinophilic airway inflammation. Clinical Trials database
      clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00875082).

PMID- 27657515
TI  - Serum tryptase level and inflammatory markers in exhaled breath condensate of
      children with exercise-induced symptoms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is
      poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the biomarkers concentration in exhaled
      breath condensate (EBC) in schoolchildren with postexercise symptoms. We also
      evaluated changes in fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) value and the serum
      tryptase level after exercise. METHODS: One hundred children with postexercise
      symptoms were included. Methacholine challenge testing (MCT) was performed at
      visit 2, and exercise challenge testing (ECT) was performed at visit 3. Before
      and after ECT serum tryptase levels and FeNO values were measured. EBC was
      collected after ECT from 10 randomly selected children from each group. The
      children were assigned to the following groups: ECT(+) MCT(+), ECT(+) MCT(-),
      ECT(-) MCT(+), ECT(-) MC(-). We measured the following molecules: eotaxin,
      interleukin (IL) 8, IL-1ra, IL-1 beta, IL-6, IL-1 alpha, IL-12(p40), IL-5,
      granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, IL-7, IL-15, IL-4, IL-2, IL-10,
      tumor necrosis factor alpha, interferon gamma, IL-13, tumor necrosis factor beta,
      monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, IL-17A, macrophage inflammatory proteins-1
      alpha, macrophage inflammatory proteins-1 beta, IL-12(p70), and regulated on
      activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted by using a multiplex
      immunoassay. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), leukotriene B4, and cysteinyl leukotriene
      were analyzed by using separate enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. RESULTS:
      In the MCT(+) group, a detectable level of IL4 in EBC and detectible levels of
      eicosanoids were seen in the ECT(+) group. We observed the opposite direction of
      ECT-induced changes in FeNO and serum tryptase concentrations in patients with
      detectable compared with patients without detectable levels of cytokines in EBC.
      We showed ECT-induced reduction in the tryptase level in patients with a
      nondetectable PGE2 level in EBC and an increase in tryptase levels in patients
      who had detectable levels of PGE2 in EBC. CONCLUSIONS: EBC was a useful method to
      estimate inflammation but only in children with symptoms and with EIB shown by a
      positive ECT. Children with a positive ECT had detectable levels of eicosanoids
      in EBC; the opposite direction of ECT-induced changes in FeNO and serum tryptase
      concentrations was observed. The results of above study confirm the role of mast
      cells and eicosanoids in the pathogenesis of EIB in children.

PMID- 27657516
TI  - Comparison of pain during skin-prick testing, immunizations, and phlebotomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Allergy skin prick testing is a medical procedure that is very useful
      for assessing a patient's sensitization to specific allergens. Some patients are
      worried about pain associated with prick skin testing. OBJECTIVE: To compare pain
      among different age groups, to look at pain during skin prick testing in younger
      children, and to compare the pain during skin prick testing to procedures
      including routine immunizations and phlebotomy. METHODS: A survey was provided to
      patients undergoing allergy skin testing, immunizations or phlebotomy at the
      Wilford Hall Medical Center. RESULTS: There were 197 patients and 26 parents of
      patients aged 3-8 years who completed surveys during allergy skin testing. The
      average anticipated (pre procedure) pain score was 4.3 for the patients aged 3-8
      years, 4.6 for the patients aged 9-17 years and 3.2 for the patients older than
      17 years. The average actual pain score of the patients during skin testing was
      3.1 for the patients aged 3-8 years, 2.2 for the patients aged 9-17 years and 1.4
      for the patients older than 17 years. For the parents of patients aged 3-8 years,
      the average anticipated average pain score was 3.0 and the average actual pain
      score was 1.7. CONCLUSIONS: The actual pain experienced from skin prick testing
      is perceived to be much less than the anticipated pain. Patients and referring
      physicians should not have a fear of pain from allergy skin prick testing.

PMID- 27657517
TI  - Health care resource use and associated costs among patients with seasonal versus
      perennial allergic rhinitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Health care resource use (HRU) and costs among patients with seasonal
      allergic rhinitis (SAR) and perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) have not been
      widely studied. OBJECTIVE: To develop an algorithm to classify patients with SAR
      and patients with PAR, and to evaluate treatment patterns, HRU, and costs among
      these patients. METHODS: Patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) were identified
      retrospectively by using electronic medical records and administrative claims
      data, with an index date as the earlier of the date of AR diagnosis or allergy
      medication use. Patients with AR were followed-up from 12 months before the index
      date through 12 months after the index date (follow-up) and were classified as
      SAR or PAR based on medication patterns during follow-up. AR-related HRU, allergy
      immunotherapy administration, and costs per patient per year during follow-up
      were compared between patients with SAR and those with PAR, with analyses
      stratified by asthma diagnosis before the index date and by physician specialty
      (primary care physician versus specialist). RESULTS: Approximately 23% of
      patients with AR were classified as having PAR and 77% as having SAR. During
      follow-up, the patients with PAR had more allergy medication prescriptions versus
      the patients with SAR (8.0 versus 2.4 prescriptions), higher prescription
      medication costs ($1551 versus $313), higher allergy immunotherapy cost ($180
      versus. $118), and higher total AR-related costs ($1944 versus $643); all with p
      < 0.001. Patients with asthma had higher costs than those without asthma.
      Patients seen by a specialist has higher costs than those treated by a primary
      care physician. CONCLUSION: Patients with PAR experienced more AR-related
      prescription drug use and higher health care costs than patients with SAR, with
      prescription drug costs being the main cost driver. Treatments that reduce the
      need for ongoing prescription medication use have the potential to be cost
      saving.

PMID- 27657518
TI  - American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology membership experience with
      allergen immunotherapy safety in patients with specific medical conditions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little data in the literature exist concerning patients with certain
      underlying medical conditions who receive allergen subcutaneous immunotherapy
      (SCIT). OBJECTIVE: To survey allergists' experience with SCIT in patients with
      medical conditions considered to impose an elevated risk for untoward outcomes.
      METHODS: A Web-based survey was conducted among members of the American Academy
      of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology to query about their experience with SCIT in
      patients with certain medical conditions. RESULTS: There were 1085 replies (21%
      response), of whom, 86% were U.S. based, 51% were suburban, 31% were academic,
      42% were medium-sized practices, and 54% had >15 years' experience. In
      responders' opinion, SCIT was "contraindicated" in patients with the following:
      acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) (48%), cancer (and still receiving
      active treatment) (33%), severe asthma (32%), and a history of transplantation
      (30%). Even so, survey responders collectively gave SCIT to >2400 patients for
      each of these conditions: severe asthma, coronary artery disease, cancer in
      remission, and autoimmune disorders; and to >=5400 patients with hypertension and
      >=4100 women who became pregnant. The experience of colleagues with these
      patients rarely resulted in major problems (i.e., activation of underlying
      disease, systemic reactions to SCIT, or SCIT discontinuation), with the exception
      of severe asthma (12.5%), initiation of SCIT during pregnancy (5.4%), and AIDS
      (4.2%). For most other conditions, it was <=1.5% (e.g., continue during
      pregnancy, cancer in remission, history of transplantation, positive human
      immunodeficiency virus and no AIDS). CONCLUSION: According to the experience of a
      large group of practicing allergists, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma &
      Immunology members, few medical conditions seemed to pose an elevated risk for
      untoward outcomes from SCIT. Because these are survey results, prospective
      research might yield even more solid data.

PMID- 27657519
TI  - Relievers, controllers, and inhaler technique: A physician-patient challenge.

PMID- 27657520
TI  - Albuterol multidose dry powder inhaler and albuterol hydrofluoroalkane versus
      placebo in children with persistent asthma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many children struggle with albuterol hydrofluoroalkane (HFA)
      inhalers. Albuterol multidose dry powder inhaler (MDPI) may simplify rescue
      bronchodilator use in children. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the comparability of
      albuterol MDPI and albuterol HFA in children with asthma. METHODS: This phase II,
      multicenter, double-blind, double-dummy, single-dose, five-period, crossover
      study randomized patients (ages 4-11 years) with persistent asthma and prestudy
      forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) of 60-90% of predicted to 1 of 10
      treatment sequences that contained albuterol MDPI (90 and 180 MUg), albuterol HFA
      (90 and 180 MUg), and placebo MDPI and placebo HFA. Efficacy was evaluated by
      measuring the area under the baseline-adjusted percent-predicted FEV1-time curve
      over 6 hours (PPFEV1 AUC0-6) after dosing. Safety was evaluated by adverse
      events. RESULTS: The full analysis set included 61 patients. Albuterol MDPI and
      albuterol HFA significantly improved PPFEV1 AUC0-6 versus placebo (p <= 0.0107).
      Mean improvement (+/- standard error [SE]) in PPFEV1 AUC0-6 versus placebo with
      albuterol MDPI at 90 and 180 MUg was similar (21.2 +/- 4.87 [95% confidence
      interval {CI}, 11.60-30.81], and 22.6 +/- 4.87 [95% CI, 13.00-32.20], %.hour,
      respectively). Mean improvement (+/- SE) with albuterol HFA 180 MUg was
      significantly (p = 0.0226) greater versus albuterol HFA 90 MUg (23.7 +/- 4.85
      [95% CI, 14.13-33.23], and 12.5 +/- 4.85 [95% CI, 2.93-22.05], %.hour,
      respectively). All doses of albuterol were well tolerated. CONCLUSION: Albuterol
      MDPI 90 and 180 MUg and albuterol HFA 180 MUg provided similar and significant
      FEV1 improvements versus placebo; albuterol HFA 90 MUg was significant versus
      placebo but seemed less effective based on absolute improvements in FEV1.
      ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01899144.

PMID- 27657521
TI  - MP-AzeFlu provides rapid and effective allergic rhinitis control in real life: A
      pan-European study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The European Union has prioritized allergic rhinitis (AR) control.
      Contre les Maladies Chronique pour un Vieillissement Actif Allergic Rhinitis and
      its Impact on Asthma has endorsed the visual analog scale (VAS) as the AR control
      language and incorporated it into a new AR treatment algorithm. Concurrently, the
      Respiratory Effectiveness Group and the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical
      Immunology are striving to improve the quality of published real-life AR
      research. Our aim was to assess the effectiveness of MP-AzeFlu by using a VAS in
      a well-designed, real-life, pan-European study. METHODS: A total of 2988 patients
      (aged >= 12 years) with Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma defined
      moderate-to-severe AR from Germany, Sweden, Romania, United Kingdom, Denmark, and
      Norway were included. Patients (except from the United Kingdom) assessed symptom
      severity by using a VAS from 0 mm (not at all bothersome) to 100 mm (very
      bothersome) on days 0, 1, 3, 7, and the last visit (~day 14) in the morning
      before MP-AzeFlu use. Patients' perceived level of disease control was assessed
      on day 3. A VAS score cutoff on day 3 for "well controlled" was determined, and
      the proportion of patients who achieved this response was calculated. RESULTS: MP
      AzeFlu was associated with a mean VAS score reduction from 73.7 mm at baseline to
      23.4 mm by the last visit. This reduction was significant (p < 0.001) compared
      with baseline from day 1 and sustained until the last day of the study. By day 3,
      50.3% of patients considered their symptoms well controlled; 18.2, 40.0, 66.6,
      and 75.9% of the patients achieved the <=38 mm well-controlled VAS score cutoff
      on days 1, 3, 7 and the last day, respectively. The results were consistent
      across countries, age, phenotype, and severity. CONCLUSION: MP-AzeFlu provided
      effective and rapid symptom control in a real-life pan-European setting and
      aligned with the European Union, Contre les Maladies Chronique pour un
      Vieillissement Actif Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma, the Respiratory
      Effectiveness Group, and the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
      objectives, supporting MP-AzeFlu as the drug of choice for the treatment of
      moderate-to-severe AR.

PMID- 27657523
TI  - The clinical and laboratory characteristics of acute spontaneous urticaria and
      its progression to chronic spontaneous urticaria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The natural history of the progression from acute spontaneous
      urticaria (ASU) to chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), CSU remains poorly
      understood. OBJECTIVE: To identify clinical and laboratory patient attributes
      that may be predictive of ASU progression to CSU. METHODS: We prospectively
      studied consecutive adult patients (age >= 18 years) with a diagnosis of
      urticaria of <6 weeks' duration. Healthy age- and sex-matched subjects served as
      controls. At study entry, autologous serum skin test (ASST), complete blood cell
      count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, thyroid function tests, antinuclear
      antibodies, antithyroglobulin and antiperoxidase antibodies, and immunoglobulin E
      level were assessed in all the subjects. ASST and urticaria activity score
      assessment were performed in all the patients at baseline and then at weeks 7,
      12, 24, and 48. RESULTS: Of 114 patients with acute urticaria and without
      identifiable causes, 73 patients (64%) were included in the ASU group, 41
      patients in the CSU group (36%), and 44 healthy subjects in the control group. At
      baseline, 26 patients in the CSU group (63.4%) had a positive ASST result,
      whereas only 17 patients with a positive ASST result (23.3%) were revealed in the
      ASU group (p < 0.001). Patients with baseline ASST positive results were
      characterized by more profound basopenia (mean [standard deviation], 0.05 +/-
      0.08 cell/mm(3)) and more anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (18 [41.8%]) than
      those with the negative baseline ASST result (mean [standard deviation], 0.13 +/-
      0.09 cell/mm(3), p < 0.001 more profound basopenia; and 13 (18.1%), p = 0.009
      more thyroid peroxidase antibodies). We observed the disappearance of ASST
      positive result in some patients with CSU with baseline positive ASST results,
      whereas, in some subjects with CSU, baseline negative ASST results came to be
      positive results throughout the study period. A baseline positive ASST result of
      patients with ASU was a significant determinant (odds ratio 5.91 [95% confidence
      interval, 2.57-13.62]; p < 0.001) for a CSU diagnosis at week 7. CONCLUSION: The
      patients with ASU who progressed toward CSU were characterized by a positive ASST
      result, thyroid autoimmunity, and profound basopenia at baseline.

PMID- 27657522
TI  - Assessment of anti-inflammatory effect from addition of a long-acting beta-2
      agonist to inhaled corticosteroid.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and long-acting beta-2 agonists (LABA)
      are thought to enhance the pharmacologic action of one another by a synergistic
      effect. OBJECTIVE: We compared a group of patients who used ICS monotherapy with
      a group treated with ICS/LABA combination and evaluated the LABAs with regard to
      the synergistic effect on the anti-inflammatory action of the ICS. METHODS: This
      study was conducted with 107 adult patients with mild-to-moderate bronchial
      asthma. The patients were randomly assigned to either ICS monotherapy (n = 55) or
      an ICS/LABA combination (n = 52). Both groups were assessed for respiratory
      function, fractional exhaled nitric oxide, induced sputum, and airway
      hyperresponsiveness before and after 6 months of treatment. RESULTS: The ICS/LABA
      combination group showed significantly greater improvement than the ICS
      monotherapy group in the forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital
      capacity (p < 0.01), forced expiratory volume in 1 second % predicted (p < 0.05),
      % predicted maximal expiratory flow at 50% (p < 0.01), % predicted maximal
      expiratory flow at 25% (p < 0.05), and airway hyperresponsiveness (p < 0.01).
      However, the two groups did not show significant differences in changes in the
      fractional exhaled nitric oxide (p = 0.47) or the percentage of eosinophils in
      the central (p = 0.85) or peripheral sputum (p = 0.98). CONCLUSION: The
      significant improvement in respiratory function in the ICS/LABA combination
      treatment group compared with the ICS monotherapy group indicated an additive
      bronchodilator effect of the LABA. However, the two groups did not differ in
      airway inflammation, which indicated that a synergistic effect of the LABA on
      enhancing the anti-inflammatory action of the ICS was not clinically apparent.

PMID- 27657524
TI  - Safety profile of oral immunotherapy with cow's milk and hen egg: A 10-year
      experience in controlled trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oral immunotherapy (OIT) for food allergy is gaining interest due to
      the favorable clinical results reported with cow's milk, hen egg and peanut. The
      safety of the procedure remains a critical aspect that can limit the introduction
      of OIT in clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: We described herein, in detail, the
      occurrence and characteristics of adverse events (AE) with OIT in children who
      participated in controlled trials at our unit. METHODS: The clinical records of
      68 children who received active treatment (40 for cow's milk and 28 for hen egg)
      were carefully reviewed. The inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the grading of
      AEs were the same across the trials. Of the 68 children involved, 6 (9%) had to
      discontinue the OIT procedure due to severe AEs. Fifty percent of the children
      underwent the buildup and maintenance phases without AEs. Mild-to-moderate AEs
      were documented in 28 patients, who could complete the desensitization. The
      majority of reactions were mild or moderate, occurred during an acute
      intercurrent illness and required only symptomatic treatment. CONCLUSION: A
      careful review of the patients who received food OIT in controlled trials
      confirmed that AEs were not rare but that ~90% of children could achieve an
      effective desensitization. The procedure remains investigational and should be
      performed only by trained physicians, especially in the pediatric setting.

PMID- 27657525
TI  - Effect of educational and electronic medical record interventions on food allergy
      management.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The growing prevalence of food allergies indicates a responsibility
      among primary care providers to ensure that their patients receive accurate
      diagnosis and management. OBJECTIVE: To improve physician knowledge and
      management of food allergies by implementing educational and electronic medical
      record interventions. METHODS: Pre- and posttest scores of pediatric residents
      and faculty were analyzed to assess the effectiveness of an educational session
      designed to improve knowledge of food allergy management. One year later, a best
      practice advisory was implemented in the electronic medical record to alert
      providers to consider allergy referral whenever a diagnosis code for food allergy
      or epinephrine autoinjector prescription was entered. A review of charts 6 months
      before and 6 months after each intervention was completed to determine the impact
      of both interventions. Outcome measurements included referrals to an allergy
      clinic, prescription of self-injectable epinephrine, and documentation that
      written emergency action plans were provided. RESULTS: There was a significant
      increase in test scores immediately after the educational intervention (mean,
      56.2 versus 84.3%; p < 0.001). Posttest scores remained significantly higher than
      preintervention scores 6 months later (mean score, 68.0 versus 56.2%; p = 0.006).
      Although knowledge improved, there was no significant difference in the
      percentage of patients who were provided allergy referral, were prescribed an
      epinephrine autoinjector, or were given an emergency action plan before and after
      both interventions. CONCLUSION: Neither intervention resulted in improvements in
      the management of children with food allergies at our pediatrics clinic. Further
      studies are needed to identify effective strategies to improve management of food
      allergies by primary care physicians.

PMID- 27657526
TI  - Anxiety and depression in adults with primary immunodeficiency: How much do these
      patients experience and how much do they attribute to their primary
      immunodeficiency?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Primary immunodeficiency (PID) is a rare group of disorders that
      manifest similarly with infection, neoplasms, allergic, and autoimmune diseases,
      and are treated with injectable medications. Often the burden of disease and cost
      of management is excessive, and premature death is not uncommon. In light of
      these features of PID, it was our objective to survey our cohort to assess for
      factors that can influence depression and anxiety. METHODS: We used an
      investigator-developed survey, in addition to the Hamilton Depression Rating
      Scale (HAM-D) and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, after institutional review
      board approval of our pilot study, to determine the extent of anxiety and
      depression that our patients with PID experienced and variables that may have
      affected the difference of expression. The differences among groups were tested
      by using Wilcoxon rank sum tests, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and chi-square tests.
      RESULTS: The patients with PID had similar depression compared with the U.S.
      population, as assessed by the HAM-D scale. Risk factors associated with elevated
      HAM-D scores included the following: not driving, intravenous immunoglobulin
      therapy (versus subcutaneous), nurse-administered therapy (versus self
      administered), having unpleasant adverse effects from therapy, previously
      attempted suicide, and family members with reported anxiety and/or depression.
      Anxiety was not significantly increased in our cohort. Risk factors for
      significantly elevated Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale scores included the
      following: having poor health, an unhealthy diet, lack of refreshing sleep, and
      family members with reported anxiety and/or depression. CONCLUSION: Many factors
      influence depression and anxiety, and may add to the morbidity of PID. Patients
      should be assessed for our identified factors for depression and anxiety.
      Treatment or referrals should be initiated as it is hoped to improve our
      patients' quality of life and outcomes.

PMID- 27657527
TI  - For the Patient.

PMID- 27657528
TI  - The Water Load Test As a Measure of Gastric Interoception: Development of a Two
      Stage Protocol and Application to a Healthy Female Population.
AB  - The sensitivity for one's own internal body signals (i.e., interoception) has
      been demonstrated to play an important role in the pathogenesis of eating and
      weight disorders. Most previous measures assessing interoceptive processing have
      not, or only partly, captured perception of hunger and satiety cues, which is a
      core aspect of interoceptive deficits in eating disorders. In addition, methods
      used to measure sensitivity to gastric signals are heterogeneous and findings
      inconsistent. The primary aim of the present study was to establish a
      standardised test to measure gastric interoception, and to provide normative data
      using a non-clinical adult sample. The two-step Water Load Test (WLT-II) involves
      ingestion of non-caloric water until perceived satiation (step 1) and until
      maximum fullness (step 2). The WLT-II consists of several variables: Besides
      volumes of water ingested until satiation and maximum fullness expressed in ml,
      percentage of satiation to maximum fullness is calculated as an individual index
      of gastric interoception that is not confounded with stomach capacity. Ninety
      nine healthy women participated in the study. Measures included the WLT-II, the
      heartbeat tracking test, a self-report questionnaire assessing subjective
      sensations, and the Eating Disorder Inventory-2. Twenty-eight participants
      underwent test-retest of the WLT-II. Results suggest that the WLT-II is a valid
      and reliable measure of gastric interoception. Importantly, satiation volume and
      percentage of satiation to maximum fullness were strongly positively related to
      self-reported bulimic symptoms, indicating that the WLT-II could emerge as a
      useful clinical tool to measure interoceptive processing in the field of eating
      disorders.

PMID- 27657529
TI  - Rapid On-Site Evaluation Does Not Improve Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine
      Needle Aspiration Adequacy in Pancreatic Masses: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic
      Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) during endoscopic
      ultrasonography-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) of pancreatic masses has
      been reported to be associated with improved adequacy and diagnostic yield.
      However, recent observational data on the impact of ROSE have reported
      conflicting results. A meta-analysis and systematic review was therefore
      conducted to evaluate the contribution of ROSE during EUS-FNA of pancreatic
      masses. METHOD: A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE/Pubmed and EMBASE
      databases for studies comparing the efficacy of ROSE between patients in two
      cohorts. Outcomes considered included diagnostic adequate rate, diagnostic yield,
      number of needle passes, pooled sensitivity and specificity. Findings from a
      random-effects model were expressed as pooled risk difference (RD) with 95%
      confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: A total of 7 studies (1299 patients) was
      finally included and further analyzed in the current meta-analysis. EUS-FNA with
      ROSE could not improve diagnostic adequacy (RD = 0.05, 95% CI: -0.01-0.11) and
      diagnostic yield (RD = 0.04 95%CI: -0.05, 0.13). The number of needle passes
      showed no statistically significant difference with and without ROSE (RD = -0.68
      95%CI: -2.35, 0.98). The pooled sensitivity and specificity of ROSE group were
      0.91 (95%CI: 0.87, 0.94) and 1 (95%CI: 0.94, 1.00). The pooled sensitivity and
      specificity of non-ROSE group were 0.85 (95%CI: 0.80, 0.89) and 1 (95%CI: 0.95,
      1.00). ROSE group and non-ROSE group showed comparable sensitivity and
      specificity. CONCLUSION: Compared to historical reports of its clinical efficacy
      in patients with pancreatic lesions, ROSE may be not associated with an
      improvement of diagnostic yield, adequate rate, pooled sensitivity and
      specificity.

PMID- 27657530
TI  - Serogroup-Specific Characteristics of Localized Meningococcal Meningitis
      Epidemics in Niger 2002-2012 and 2015: Analysis of Health Center Level
      Surveillance Data.
AB  - To compare dynamics of localized meningitis epidemics (LE) by meningococcal (Nm)
      serogroup, we analyzed a surveillance database of suspected and laboratory
      confirmed Nm cases from 373 health areas (HA) of three regions in Niger during
      2002-2012 and one region concerned by NmC epidemics during 2015. We defined LE as
      HA weekly incidence rates of >=20 suspected cases per 100,000 during >=2 weeks
      and assigned the predominant serogroup based on polymerase chain reaction testing
      of cerebrospinal fluid. Among the 175 LE, median peak weekly incidence rate in LE
      due to NmA, W, X and C were 54, 39, 109 and 46 per 100,000, respectively. These
      differences impacted ability of the epidemic to be detected at the district
      level. While this analysis is limited by the small number of LE due to NmX (N =
      4) and NmW (N = 5), further research should explore whether strategies for
      prevention and response to meningitis epidemics need to be adapted according to
      predominant meningococcal serogroups.

PMID- 27657531
TI  - Co-occurrence of Pain Symptoms and Somatosensory Sensitivity in Burning Mouth
      Syndrome: A Systematic Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic and spontaneous oral pain
      with burning quality in the tongue or other oral mucosa without any identifiable
      oral lesion or laboratory finding. Pathogenesis and etiology of BMS are still
      unknown. However, BMS has been associated with other chronic pain syndromes
      including other idiopathic orofacial pain, the dynias group and the family of
      central sensitivity syndromes. This would imply that BMS shares common mechanisms
      with other cephalic and/or extracephalic chronic pains. The primary aim of this
      systematic review was to determine whether BMS is actually associated with other
      pain syndromes, and to analyze cephalic and extracephalic somatosensory
      sensitivity in these patients. METHODS: This report followed the PRISMA
      Statement. An electronic search was performed until January 2015 in PubMed,
      Cochrane library, Wiley and ScienceDirect. Searched terms included "burning mouth
      syndrome OR stomatodynia OR glossodynia OR burning tongue OR oral burning".
      Studies were selected according to predefined inclusion criteria (report of an
      association between BMS and other pain(s) symptoms or of cutaneous cephalic
      and/or extracephalic quantitative sensory testing in BMS patients), and a
      descriptive analysis conducted. RESULTS: The search retrieved 1512 reports. Out
      of these, twelve articles met criteria for co-occurring pain symptoms and nine
      studies for quantitative sensory testing (QST) in BMS patients. The analysis
      reveals that in BMS patients co-occurring pain symptoms are rare, assessed by
      only 0.8% (12 of 1512) of the retrieved studies. BMS was associated with
      headaches, TMD, atypical facial pain, trigeminal neuralgia, post-herpetic facial
      pain, back pain, fibromyalgia, joint pain, abdominal pain, rectal pain or
      vulvodynia. However, the prevalence of pain symptoms in BMS patients is not
      different from that in the age-matched general population. QST studies reveal no
      or inconsistent evidence of abnormal cutaneous cephalic and extracephalic
      somatosensory sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: There is no evidence for a high rate of
      other pain symptoms or somatosensory impairments co-occurring with BMS. These
      results thus suggest that BMS rather depends on specific mechanisms, likely at
      the trigeminal level. Nevertheless, more thoroughly conducted research is
      required to draw definitive conclusion.

PMID- 27657532
TI  - Disease Phenotypes in a Mouse Model of RNA Toxicity Are Independent of Protein
      Kinase Calpha and Protein Kinase Cbeta.
AB  - Myotonic dystrophy type 1(DM1) is the prototype for diseases caused by RNA
      toxicity. RNAs from the mutant allele contain an expanded (CUG)n tract within the
      3' untranslated region of the dystrophia myotonica protein kinase (DMPK) gene.
      The toxic RNAs affect the function of RNA binding proteins leading to
      sequestration of muscleblind-like (MBNL) proteins and increased levels of CELF1
      (CUGBP, Elav-like family member 1). The mechanism for increased CELF1 is not very
      clear. One favored proposition is hyper-phosphorylation of CELF1 by Protein
      Kinase C alpha (PKCalpha) leading to increased CELF1 stability. However, most of
      the evidence supporting a role for PKC-alpha relies on pharmacological inhibition
      of PKC. To further investigate the role of PKCs in the pathogenesis of RNA
      toxicity, we generated transgenic mice with RNA toxicity that lacked both the
      PKCalpha and PKCbeta isoforms. We find that these mice show similar disease
      progression as mice wildtype for the PKC isoforms. Additionally, the expression
      of CELF1 is also not affected by deficiency of PKCalpha and PKCbeta in these RNA
      toxicity mice. These data suggest that disease phenotypes of these RNA toxicity
      mice are independent of PKCalpha and PKCbeta.

PMID- 27657533
TI  - Crystal Structure of the Escherichia coli Fic Toxin-Like Protein in Complex with
      Its Cognate Antitoxin.
AB  - FIC domain proteins mediate post-translational modifications of target proteins,
      which typically results in their inactivation. Depending on the conservation of
      crucial active site residues, the FIC fold serves as structural scaffold for
      various enzymatic activities, mostly target adenylylation. The founding member of
      the vast Fic protein family, EcFicT, was identified in Escherichia coli some time
      ago. The G55R point mutant of EcFicT displays the "filamentation induced by cAMP"
      (Fic) phenotype at high 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)
      concentrations and elevated temperature, but the underlying molecular mechanism
      and any putative biochemical activity of EcFicT have remained unknown. EcFicT
      belongs to class I Fic toxin proteins that are encoded together with a small
      inhibitory protein (antitoxin), named EcFicA in E. coli. Here, we report the
      crystal structures of two mutant EcFicT/EcFicA complexes (EcFicTG55RA and
      EcFicTAE28G) both showing close resemblance with the structure of the AMP
      transferase VbhT from Bartonella schoenbuchensis in complex with its cognate
      antitoxin VbhA. However, crucial differences in the active site of EcFicT
      compared to VbhT and other AMP-transferases rationalize the lack of evidence for
      adenylylation activity. Comprehensive bioinformatic analysis suggests that EcFicT
      has evolved from canonical AMP-transferases and has acquired a conserved binding
      site for a yet to be discovered novel substrate. The G55R mutation has no effect
      on structure or thermal stability of EcFicT, such that the molecular basis for
      its associated Fic phenotype remains elusive. We anticipate that this structure
      will inspire further bioinformatic and experimental analyses in order to
      characterize the enzymatic activity of EcFicT and help revealing its
      physiological role.

PMID- 27657536
TI  - Development of the PHASE-Proxy scale for rating drug-related signs and symptoms
      in severe cognitive impairment.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The need for assessment of possible drug-related signs and symptoms
      in older people with severe cognitive impairment has increased. In 2009, the
      PHASE-20 rating scale for identifying symptoms possibly related to medication was
      the first such scale to be found valid and reliable for use with elderly people.
      In this project, the aim was to develop and examine the psychometric properties
      and clinical utility of PHASE-Proxy, a similar scale for proxy use in assessing
      elderly people with cognitive impairment. METHODS: Three expert groups revised
      PHASE-20 into a preliminary proxy version, which was then tested for inter-rater
      reliability, internal consistency, and content validity. Its clinical usefulness
      was investigated by pharmacist-led medication reviews. Group interviews and a
      study-specific questionnaire with nursing home staff were used to investigate the
      feasibility of use. RESULTS: The PHASE-Proxy scale had satisfactory levels of
      inter-rater reliability (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient; rs = 0.8), and
      acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha coefficient; alpha = 0.73). The
      factor analysis resulted in a logical solution with seven factors, grouped into
      two dimensions: signs of emotional distress and signs of physical discomfort. The
      medication reviews, interviews, and questionnaires also found the proxy scale to
      be clinically useful, and feasible to use. CONCLUSION: The PHASE-Proxy scale
      appears to be a valid instrument that enables proxies to reliably assess nursing
      home residents who cannot participate in the assessment, to identify possible
      drug-related signs and symptoms. It also appears to be clinically useful and
      feasible for use in this population.

PMID- 27657535
TI  - Normal Development and Function of T Cells in Proline Rich 7 (Prr7) Deficient
      Mice.
AB  - Transmembrane adaptor proteins (TRAPs) are important organisers for the
      transduction of immunoreceptor-mediated signals. Prr7 is a TRAP that regulates T
      cell receptor (TCR) signalling and potently induces cell death when overexpressed
      in human Jurkat T cells. Whether endogenous Prr7 has a similar functional role is
      currently unknown. To address this issue, we analysed the development and
      function of the immune system in Prr7 knockout mice. We found that loss of Prr7
      partially impairs development of single positive CD4+ T cells in the thymus but
      has no effect on the development of other T cell subpopulations, B cells, NK
      cells, or NKT cells. Moreover, Prr7 does not affect the TCR signalling pathway as
      T cells derived from Prr7 knockout and wild-type animals and stimulated in vitro
      express the same levels of the activation marker CD69, and retain their ability
      to proliferate and activate induced cell death programs. Importantly, Prr7
      knockout mice retained the capacity to mount a protective immune response when
      challenged with Listeria monocytogenes infection in vivo. In addition, T cell
      effector functions (activation, migration, and reactivation) were normal
      following induction of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in Prr7
      knockout mice. Collectively, our work shows that loss of Prr7 does not result in
      a major immune system phenotype and suggests that Prr7 has a dispensable function
      for TCR signalling.

PMID- 27657534
TI  - Recombinant Atrial Natriuretic Peptide Prevents Aberrant Ca2+ Leakage through the
      Ryanodine Receptor by Suppressing Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species
      Production Induced by Isoproterenol in Failing Cardiomyocytes.
AB  - Catecholamines induce intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), thus enhancing
      diastolic Ca2+ leakage through the ryanodine receptor during heart failure (HF).
      However, little is known regarding the effect of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)
      on ROS generation and Ca2+ handling in failing cardiomyocytes. The aim of the
      present study was to clarify the mechanism by which an exogenous ANP exerts
      cardioprotective effects during HF. Cardiomyocytes were isolated from the left
      ventricles of a canine tachycardia-induced HF model and sham-operated vehicle
      controls. The degree of mitochondrial oxidized DNA was evaluated by double
      immunohistochemical (IHC) staining using an anti-VDAC antibody for the
      mitochondria and an anti-8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine antibody for oxidized DNA.
      The effect of ANP on ROS was investigated using 2,7-dichlorofluorescin diacetate,
      diastolic Ca2+ sparks assessed by confocal microscopy using Fluo 4-AM, and the
      survival rate of myocytes after 48 h. The double IHC study revealed that
      isoproterenol (ISO) markedly increased oxidized DNA in the mitochondria in HF and
      that the ISO-induced DNA damage was markedly inhibited by the co-presence of ANP.
      ROS production and Ca2+ spark frequency (CaSF) were increased in HF compared to
      normal controls, and were further increased in the presence of ISO. Notably, ANP
      significantly suppressed both ISO-induced ROS and CaSF without changing
      sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ content in HF (p<0.01, respectively). The survival
      rate after 48 h in HF was significantly decreased in the presence of ISO compared
      with baseline (p<0.01), whereas it was significantly improved by the co-presence
      of ANP (p<0.01). Together, our results suggest that ANP strongly suppresses ISO
      induced mitochondrial ROS generation, which might correct aberrant diastolic Ca2+
      sparks, eventually contributing to the improvement of cardiomyocyte survival in
      HF.

PMID- 27657538
TI  - Correction: Evaluating the Operational Features of an Unconventional Dual-Bay U
      Turn Design for Intersections.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0158914.].

PMID- 27657537
TI  - The Influence of a Sudden Increase in Playing Time on Playing-Related
      Musculoskeletal Complaints in High-Level Amateur Musicians in a Longitudinal
      Cohort Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several studies in the domain of professional musicians describe the
      relation between playing time and the occurrence of musculoskeletal complaints in
      professional musicians. To date, no longitudinal cohort study into this
      relationship has been performed and no amateur musicians were studied. Therefore,
      the aim of this study is to examine the causal relationship between a sudden
      increase in playing time among amateur musicians on the occurrence of
      musculoskeletal complaints in a prospective cohort study. METHODS: All members of
      two national Dutch Students Orchestras were asked to participate in the study.
      These project-based orchestras, consisting of high-level amateurs, followed a
      nine-hour rehearsing schedule for ten consecutive days. On the first day (t0) and
      after one week (t1) the subjects were asked to complete a paper-based
      questionnaire including sociodemographic characteristics, music-related
      questions, questions regarding playing-related musculoskeletal complaints and the
      music module of the disabilities of arm, shoulder and hand questionnaire.
      RESULTS: The NSO consisted of 85 and the NESKO of 41 members during the study
      period. 59 subjects completed the questionnaire at both timepoints (response rate
      47%). 9 subjects were excluded for being a music academy student, leaving 50
      subjects (mean age 22.1, 72% female) suitable for analysis. During the rehearsal
      week, the prevalence of at least one playing-related musculoskeletal complaint
      increased from 28% to 80%. The most frequently affected areas were the neck,
      upper and lower back, hand/and or wrists and shoulders. The DASH music module
      score increased from 14 at t0 to 23 at t1. CONCLUSION: A point prevalence of 28%
      at the start of the study that increased remarkably to 80% within a one-week
      period. Future research should evaluate other risk factors for musculoskeletal
      complaints in amateur musicians. These risk factors should be the base for the
      development of preventive measures.

PMID- 27657539
TI  - Dielectric properties of dog brain tissue measured in vitro across the 0.3-3 GHz
      band.
AB  - Dielectric properties of dead Greyhound female dogs' brain tissues at different
      ages were measured at room temperature across the frequency range of 0.3-3 GHz.
      Measurements were made on excised tissues, in vitro in the laboratory, to carry
      out dielectric tests on sample tissues. Each dataset for a brain tissue was
      parametrized using the Cole-Cole expression, and the relevant Cole-Cole
      parameters for four tissue types are provided. A comparison was made with the
      database available in literature for other animals and human brain tissue.
      Results of two types of tissues (white matter and skull) showed systematic
      variation in dielectric properties as a function of animal age, whereas no
      significant change related to age was noticed for other tissues. Results provide
      critical information regarding dielectric properties of animal tissues for a
      realistic animal head model that can be used to verify the validity and
      reliability of a microwave head scanner for animals prior to testing on live
      animals. Bioelectromagnetics. 37:549-556, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27657540
TI  - Antipsychotic Medications and Risk of Acute Coronary Syndrome in Schizophrenia: A
      Nested Case-Control Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study assessed the risk of developing acute coronary syndrome
      requiring hospitalization in association with the use of certain antipsychotic
      medications in schizophrenia patients. METHODS: A nationwide cohort of 31,177
      inpatients with schizophrenia between the ages of 18 and 65 years whose records
      were enrolled in the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan from
      2000 to 2008 and were studied after encrypting the identifications. Cases (n =
      147) were patients with subsequent acute coronary syndrome requiring
      hospitalization after their first psychiatric admission. Based on a nested case
      control design, each case was matched with 20 controls for age, sex and the year
      of first psychiatric admission using risk-set sampling. The effects of
      antipsychotic agents on the development of acute coronary syndrome were assessed
      using multiple conditional logistic regression and sensitivity analyses to
      confirm any association. RESULTS: We found that current use of aripiprazole
      (adjusted risk ratio [RR] = 3.68, 95% CI: 1.27-10.64, p<0.05) and chlorpromazine
      (adjusted RR = 2.96, 95% CI: 1.40-6.24, p<0.001) were associated with a dose
      dependent increase in the risk of developing acute coronary syndrome. Although
      haloperidol was associated with an increased risk (adjusted RR = 2.03, 95% CI:
      1.20-3.44, p<0.01), there was no clear dose-dependent relationship. These three
      antipsychotic agents were also associated with an increased risk in the first 30
      days of use, and the risk decreased as the duration of therapy increased.
      Sensitivity analyses using propensity score-adjusted modeling showed that the
      results were similar to those of multiple regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS:
      Patients with schizophrenia who received aripiprazole, chlorpromazine, or
      haloperidol could have a potentially elevated risk of developing acute coronary
      syndrome, particularly at the start of therapy.

PMID- 27657542
TI  - The Natural History of Epilepsy in 163 Untreated Patients: Looking for
      "Oligoepilepsy".
AB  - : The clinical evolution of untreated epilepsy has been rarely studied in
      developed countries, and the existence of a distinct syndrome characterized by
      rarely repeated seizures (oligoepilepsy) is debated. The aim of this study is to
      assess the natural history of 163 untreated patients with epilepsy in order to
      evaluate whether oligoepilepsy retains specific features. We retrospectively
      evaluated 7344 patients with >=2 unprovoked seizures. INCLUSION CRITERIA:
      sufficient anamnestic/EEG data, disease duration >=10 years, follow-up >=3 years.
      EXCLUSION CRITERIA: psychogenic seizures, natural history of disease <5 years.
      The 163 included subjects were divided into 2 groups according to seizure
      frequency: oligoepilepsy (<=1/year; 47 subjects) and controls (>1/year; 116
      subjects). We also evaluated seizure frequency during the natural history. There
      were no differences between groups regarding duration of natural history, family
      history of epilepsy/febrile seizures, interictal EEG. Subjects with oligoepilepsy
      differed from controls in terms of sex (females 38% vs. 58%, p = 0.03) and drug
      resistance (6% vs 28%; p = 0.003). Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy was more frequent
      in controls (9.5% vs 0%, p = 0.04). Patients with oligoepilepsy, differently from
      controls, had stable seizure frequency. Oligoepilepsy represents a favourable
      evolution of different epileptic syndromes and keeps a stable seizure frequency
      over time.

PMID- 27657541
TI  - Optogenetic activation of melanin-concentrating hormone neurons increases non
      rapid eye movement and rapid eye movement sleep during the night in rats.
AB  - Neurons containing melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) are located in the
      hypothalamus. In mice, optogenetic activation of the MCH neurons induces both non
      rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep at night, the normal
      wake-active period for nocturnal rodents [R. R. Konadhode et al. (2013) J.
      Neurosci., 33, 10257-10263]. Here we selectively activate these neurons in rats
      to test the validity of the sleep network hypothesis in another species.
      Channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) driven by the MCH promoter was selectively expressed by
      MCH neurons after injection of rAAV-MCHp-ChR2-EYFP into the hypothalamus of Long
      Evans rats. An in vitro study confirmed that the optogenetic activation of MCH
      neurons faithfully triggered action potentials. In the second study, in Long
      Evans rats, rAAV-MCH-ChR2, or the control vector, rAAV-MCH-EYFP, were delivered
      into the hypothalamus. Three weeks later, baseline sleep was recorded for 48 h
      without optogenetic stimulation (0 Hz). Subsequently, at the start of the lights
      off cycle, the MCH neurons were stimulated at 5, 10, or 30 Hz (1 mW at tip; 1 min
      on - 4 min off) for 24 h. Sleep was recorded during the 24-h stimulation period.
      Optogenetic activation of MCH neurons increased both REM and NREM sleep at night,
      whereas during the day cycle, only REM sleep was increased. Delta power, an
      indicator of sleep intensity, was also increased. In control rats without ChR2,
      optogenetic stimulation did not increase sleep or delta power. These results lend
      further support to the view that sleep-active MCH neurons contribute to drive
      sleep in mammals.

PMID- 27657543
TI  - Persistence of minimal residual disease assessed by multiparameter flow cytometry
      is highly prognostic in younger patients with acute myeloid leukemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Predicting outcomes for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) on
      the basis of pretreatment predictors has been the cornerstone of management.
      Posttreatment prognostic factors are increasingly being evaluated. METHODS: Among
      280 younger patients who were treated with intermediate-dose cytarabine (total >=
      5 g/m2 ) and idarubicin-based induction chemotherapy and achieved remission, 186
      were assessed for minimal residual disease (MRD) with an 8-color multiparameter
      flow cytometry panel performed on bone marrow specimens with a sensitivity of
      0.1% or higher. RESULTS: One hundred sixty-six patients had samples available 1
      to 2 months after induction at the time of complete remission (CR), and 79%
      became negative for MRD, with an MRD-negative status associated with an
      improvement in relapse-free survival (RFS; P = .0002) and overall survival (OS; P
      = .0002). One hundred sixteen were evaluated for their MRD status during
      consolidation, and 86% were negative, with an MRD-negative status associated with
      a significant improvement in RFS (P < .0001) and OS (P < .0001). Sixty-nine
      patients were evaluated for their MRD status after completion of all therapy, and
      84% were negative, with an MRD-negative status associated with an improvement in
      RFS (P < .0001) and OS (P < .0001). In a multivariate analysis including age,
      cytogenetics, response (CR vs CR with incomplete platelet recovery/incomplete
      blood count recovery), and MRD, achieving an MRD-negative status was the most
      important independent predictor of RFS and OS at response (P = .008 and P =
      .0008, respectively), during consolidation (P < .0001 for both), and at the
      completion of therapy (P < .0001 and P = .002, respectively). CONCLUSIONS:
      Achieving an MRD-negative status according to multiparameter flow cytometry is
      associated with a highly significant improvement in the outcomes of younger
      patients with AML receiving cytosine arabinoside plus idarubicin-based induction
      and consolidation regimens. Cancer 2017;123:426-435. (c) 2016 American Cancer
      Society.

PMID- 27657544
TI  - Reduced Risk of Importing Ebola Virus Disease because of Travel Restrictions in
      2014: A Retrospective Epidemiological Modeling Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An epidemic of Ebola virus disease (EVD) from 2013-16 posed a serious
      risk of global spread during its early growth phase. A post-epidemic evaluation
      of the effectiveness of travel restrictions has yet to be conducted. The present
      study aimed to estimate the effectiveness of travel restrictions in reducing the
      risk of importation from mid-August to September, 2014, using a simple hazard
      based statistical model. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The hazard rate was
      modeled as an inverse function of the effective distance, an excellent predictor
      of disease spread, which was calculated from the airline transportation network.
      By analyzing datasets of the date of EVD case importation from the 15th of July
      to the 15th of September 2014, and assuming that the network structure changed
      from the 8th of August 2014 because of travel restrictions, parameters that
      characterized the hazard rate were estimated. The absolute risk reduction and
      relative risk reductions due to travel restrictions were estimated to be less
      than 1% and about 20%, respectively, for all models tested. Effectiveness
      estimates among African countries were greater than those for other countries
      outside Africa. CONCLUSIONS: The travel restrictions were not effective enough to
      expect the prevention of global spread of Ebola virus disease. It is more
      efficient to control the spread of disease locally during an early phase of an
      epidemic than to attempt to control the epidemic at international borders.
      Capacity building for local containment and coordinated and expedited
      international cooperation are essential to reduce the risk of global
      transmission.

PMID- 27657545
TI  - Separating Timing, Movement Conditions and Individual Differences in the Analysis
      of Human Movement.
AB  - A central task in the analysis of human movement behavior is to determine
      systematic patterns and differences across experimental conditions, participants
      and repetitions. This is possible because human movement is highly regular, being
      constrained by invariance principles. Movement timing and movement path, in
      particular, are linked through scaling laws. Separating variations of movement
      timing from the spatial variations of movements is a well-known challenge that is
      addressed in current approaches only through forms of preprocessing that bias
      analysis. Here we propose a novel nonlinear mixed-effects model for analyzing
      temporally continuous signals that contain systematic effects in both timing and
      path. Identifiability issues of path relative to timing are overcome by using
      maximum likelihood estimation in which the most likely separation of space and
      time is chosen given the variation found in data. The model is applied to analyze
      experimental data of human arm movements in which participants move a hand-held
      object to a target location while avoiding an obstacle. The model is used to
      classify movement data according to participant. Comparison to alternative
      approaches establishes nonlinear mixed-effects models as viable alternatives to
      conventional analysis frameworks. The model is then combined with a novel factor
      analysis model that estimates the low-dimensional subspace within which movements
      vary when the task demands vary. Our framework enables us to visualize different
      dimensions of movement variation and to test hypotheses about the effect of
      obstacle placement and height on the movement path. We demonstrate that the
      approach can be used to uncover new properties of human movement.

PMID- 27657546
TI  - Preoperative Pulmonary Nodule Localization: A Comparison of Methylene Blue and
      Hookwire Techniques.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Small pulmonary nodules are often difficult to identify during
      thoracoscopic resection, and preoperative CT-guided localization performed using
      either hookwire placement or methylene blue injection can be helpful. The purpose
      of this study is to compare the localization success and complication rates of
      these two techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred two consecutive patients
      who underwent a total of 109 localization procedures performed with CT
      fluoroscopic guidance were analyzed. The procedures included 52 hookwire
      insertions and 57 methylene blue injections. The localization success and
      complication rates associated with the two groups were compared. RESULTS: All
      nodules in both groups were identified intraoperatively, except for those in two
      patients in the hookwire group who did not proceed to undergo same-day surgery,
      including one with a massive systemic air embolus that resulted in death.
      Hookwires were dislodged in seven of 52 cases (13%), but the surgeons were still
      able to locate the nodules through visualization of the parenchymal puncture
      sites. The total number of complications was higher in the hookwire insertion
      group than in the methylene blue injection group, but this trend was not
      statistically significant, with all types of complications occurring in 28 cases
      (54%) versus 26 cases (46%) (p = 0.45), major complications noted in four cases
      (8%) versus one case (2%) (p = 0.19), pneumothorax observed in 20 cases (38%)
      versus 14 cases (25%) (p = 0.15), and perilesional hemorrhage occurring in six
      cases (12%) versus two cases (4%) (p = 0.15), respectively. CONCLUSION: The
      present study suggests that methylene blue injection and hookwire insertion are
      statistically equivalent for preoperative pulmonary nodule localization; however,
      seven of 52 hookwires dislodged, and trends toward more frequent and severe
      complications were noted in the hookwire insertion group.

PMID- 27657547
TI  - OMIPs start school.

PMID- 27657548
TI  - Clinical Utility of the Difficulty Scoring System for Predicting Surgical Time of
      Laparoscopic Liver Resection.

PMID- 27657549
TI  - Ketosis-prone atypical diabetes in Cameroonian people with hyperglycaemic crisis:
      frequency, clinical and metabolic phenotypes.
AB  - AIM: It is unclear whether ketosis-prone diabetes is a specific type or a subtype
      of Type 2 diabetes. We aimed to describe the clinical and metabolic features of
      ketosis-prone diabetes in a sub-Saharan population. METHODS: We consecutively
      enrolled and characterized 173 people with non-autoimmune diabetes admitted for
      hyperglycaemic crisis at the Yaounde Central Hospital, Cameroon. Blood samples
      were collected for fasting glucose, HbA1c , lipid profile and C-peptide assays
      with insulin resistance and secretion estimation by homeostasis model assessment.
      People were classified as having Type 2 diabetes (n = 124) or ketosis-prone
      diabetes (n = 49). Ketosis-prone diabetes was sub-classified as new-onset ketotic
      phase (n = 34) or non-ketotic phase (n = 15). RESULTS: Ketosis-prone diabetes was
      found in 28.3% of the hyperglycaemic crises. Age at diabetes diagnosis was
      comparable in Type 2 and ketosis-prone diabetes [48 +/- 14 vs 47 +/- 11 years; P
      = 0.13] with a similar sex distribution. Overall BMI was 27.7 +/- 13.4 kg/m2 and
      was >= 25 kg/m2 in 55.8% of those taking part, however, 73.5% of those with
      ketosis-prone diabetes reported weight loss of > 5% at diagnosis. Blood pressure
      and lipid profile were comparable in both types. Ketosis-prone diabetes in the
      ketotic phase was characterized by lower insulin secretion and higher serum
      triglycerides compared with non-ketotic ketosis prone and Type 2 diabetes. Type 2
      and ketosis prone diabetes in the non-ketotic phase were comparable in terms of
      lipid profile, blood pressure, waist-to-hip ratio, BMI and fat mass, insulin
      secretion and insulin resistance indices. CONCLUSIONS: Ketosis-prone diabetes is
      likely to be a subtype of Type 2 diabetes with the potential to develop acute
      insulinopenic episodes.

PMID- 27657551
TI  - The salt-regulated element in the promoter of lycopene beta-cyclase gene confers
      a salt regulatory pattern in carotenogenesis of Dunaliella bardawil.
AB  - In the carotenoid biosynthesis, lycopene beta-cyclase (LCYb) is a key regulatory
      enzyme involved in the conversion of lycopene into beta-carotene. Under stress
      conditions, such as high salinity, high light and nutrient deprivation, large
      amounts of beta-carotene can be accumulated in Dunaliella bardawil. To study on
      the molecular responses of salt stress in D. bardawil is of great significance to
      reveal the mechanisms of salt tolerance and engineer crop plants to be salt
      tolerant. In this study, the full-length coding sequence of lcyb from D. bardawil
      (Dblcyb, GenBank: KX218392) was isolated by transcriptome sequencing. Then, the
      genomic sequence, promoter and terminator regions of Dblcyb were isolated by
      genome walking. The Dblcyb promoter (GenBank: KX218393) contained several typical
      transcription boxes, multiple light response elements and a salt-regulated
      element (SRE, GT1GMSCAM4). Dbpsy and Dblcyb responsible for beta-carotene
      biosynthesis in D. bardawil was shown to be up-regulated under salt stress and
      their promoters contained the common SRE. By element deletion analysis and using
      Ble-EGFP as the reporter, the salt-inducible SRE was confirmed to confer salt
      induced expression of Dblcyb promoter. It was indicated that the salt-regulated
      expression of Dblcyb may be attributed to the salt-responsive element
      (GT1GMSCAM4) and the GT-rich region in its genomic sequence.

PMID- 27657550
TI  - Removal of dentin non-collagenous structures results in the unraveling of
      microfibril bundles in collagen type I.
AB  - AIMS: The structural organization of collagen from mineralized tissues, such as
      dentin and bone, has been a topic of debate in the recent literature. Recent
      reports have presented novel interpretations of the complexity of collagen type I
      at different hierarchical levels and in different tissues. Here, we investigate
      the nanostructural organization of demineralized dentin collagen following the
      digestion of non-collagenous components with a trypsin enzyme. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Dentin specimens were obtained from healthy third-molars, cut into small
      cubes, and polished down to 1 um roughness. Samples were then demineralized with
      10% citric acid for 2 min. Selected specimens were further treated with a
      solution containing 1 mg/ml trypsin for 48 hours at 37  degrees C (pH 7.9-9.0).
      Both untreated and trypsin digested samples were analyzed using SDS-PAGE, Field
      Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), and nanoindentation, where
      surface hardness and creep properties were compared before and after treatments.
      RESULTS: FE-SEM images of demineralized dentin showed the banded morphology of D
      periodical collagen type I, which upon enzymatic digestion with trypsin appeared
      to dissociate longitudinally, consistently unraveling ~20 nm structures
      (microfibril bundles). Such nanoscale structures, to the best of our knowledge,
      have not been characterized in dentin previously. Mechanical characterization via
      nanoindentation showed that the unraveling of such microfibril bundles affected
      the creep displacement and creep rate of demineralized dentin. CONCLUSION: In
      summary, our results provide novel evidence of the organization of collagen type
      I from dentin, which may have important implications for the interaction of
      dental materials with the organic dentin matrix and the mechanical properties of
      mineralized tissues.

PMID- 27657552
TI  - Sarcoidosis in the Head and Neck: An Illustrative Review of Clinical
      Presentations and Imaging Findings.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Sarcoidosis is referred to as a great imitator because of its
      propensity to radiologically mimic a variety of pathologic entities. Symptomatic
      neurosarcoidosis is present in approximately 5% of patients with sarcoidosis, and
      it is found histopathologically in approximately 25% of asymptomatic patients.
      CONCLUSION: An understanding of the multifaceted imaging manifestations of head
      and neck sarcoidosis will aid early recognition of the diagnosis, with a goal for
      earlier initiation of therapy and prevention of irreversible sequelae of the
      disease.

PMID- 27657553
TI  - The Cross-Link between Adipokines, Insulin Resistance and Obesity in Offspring of
      Diabetic Pregnancies.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Intrauterine exposure to hyperglycemia might impact the risk for
      future metabolic deteriorations. The aim was to characterize the association
      between different adipokines and neuropeptides and insulin resistance and BMI-SDS
      in children affected by diabetes during pregnancy. METHODS: 76 children (mean
      age: 6 years, male:female = 36:40) born to mothers with gestational or
      pregestational diabetes and nondiabetic women were consecutively included for
      clinical assessments comprising anthropometrics and metabolic characterization [2
      hour glucose tolerance test, leptin, peptide YY (PYY), neuropeptide Y (NPY),
      ghrelin, growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), and adiponectin]. RESULTS:
      The level of insulin resistance was associated with BMI-SDS (p < 0.001), leptin
      (p < 0.001), ghrelin (p = 0.002), age (p < 0.002) and negatively with GDF-15 (p =
      0.005). BMI-SDS, leptin and GDF-15 were shown to have independent effects on
      insulin resistance by using a multiple regression model (additionally including
      age, and maternal diabetes status), whereas ghrelin lost significance (p =
      0.345). No differences were present in adipokines and insulin resistance when
      children were evaluated by maternal glucometabolic status. However, we observed
      more strengthened associations between insulin resistance and covariates BMI-SDS
      and leptin in offspring of diabetic pregnancies. CONCLUSIONS: Young children with
      elevated BMI or leptin are affected by higher indices of insulin resistance,
      particularly those who were born to mothers with diabetes during pregnancy. The
      impact of this special risk constellation should be considered in future studies.

PMID- 27657554
TI  - Prescription of asthma medications before and during pregnancy in France: An
      observational drug study using the EFEMERIS database.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Asthma affects between 3% to 8% of pregnant women. Previous studies
      have suggested that women's prescriptions for asthma medications change during
      pregnancy. The aim was to describe the prescription of asthma medications before
      and during pregnancy in France. METHODS: Women from the EFEMERIS, a French
      database assessing the drugs prescribed, dispensed and reimbursed during
      pregnancy, delivering between July 2004 and December 2012, were included. Women,
      who were dispensed asthma medications on at least two dates from 3 months prior
      to pregnancy through delivery, were considered. RESULTS: 2,977 women out of
      69,205 (4%) were selected. They were prescribed 2.4 +/- 1.2 different anti
      asthmatic drugs with 3.5 +/- 2.7 different dispensing dates. Almost 62% of the
      women were dispensed at least one prescription for short-acting beta2-agonist
      (SABA), 63% at least one inhaled corticosteroid (IC), 42% a fixed-combination of
      an IC and a long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) and 8% a LABA. An increase in SABA
      and IC prescriptions and a decrease in fixed-combination prescriptions were
      observed during pregnancy compared to pre-pregnancy period. A rapid drop in
      prescriptions for montelukast was observed. Among the 1,507 women who were
      prescribed asthma medication before pregnancy, one third had a drop in dispensed
      asthma medications from the beginning of pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence
      of dispensed asthma medications varies during pregnancy. There is a decrease in
      the prescriptions of fixed-combinations during pregnancy and an increase in the
      prescriptions of ICs. It appears important to study the potential impact of such
      changes on fetuses and newborns.

PMID- 27657555
TI  - Medical Neighborhood Model for the Care of Chronic Kidney Disease Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The patient-centered medical home is a popular model of care, but the
      patient-centered medical neighborhood (PCMN) is rarely described. We developed a
      PCMN in an academic practice to improve care for patients with chronic kidney
      disease (CKD). The purpose of this study is to identify the prevalence of CKD in
      this practice and describe baseline characteristics, develop an interdisciplinary
      team-based approach to care and determine cost associated with CKD patients.
      METHODS: Patients with CKD stage 3a with comorbidities through stage 5 were
      identified. Data collected include demographics, comorbidities and whether
      patients had a nephrologist. Using a screening tool based on the 2012 Kidney
      Disease Improving Global Outcomes guidelines, a nurse care manager (NCM) made
      recommendations about management including indications for referral. A pharmacist
      reviewed patients' charts and made medication-related recommendations. Blue Cross
      Blue Shield (BCBS) insurance provided cost data for a subset of patients.
      RESULTS: A total of 1,255 patients were identified. Half did not have a formal
      diagnosis of CKD and three-quarters had never seen a nephrologist. Based on the
      results of the screening tool, the NCM recommended nephrology E-consult or full
      consult for 85 patients. The subset of BCBS patients had a mean healthcare cost
      of $1,528.69 per member per month. CONCLUSIONS: We implemented a PCMN that
      allowed for easy identification of a high-risk, high-cost population of CKD
      patients and optimized their care to reflect guideline-based standards.

PMID- 27657556
TI  - Olive oil authentication: A comparative analysis of regulatory frameworks with
      especial emphasis on quality and authenticity indices, and recent analytical
      techniques developed for their assessment. A review.
AB  - Over the last decades, olive oil quality and authenticity control has become an
      issue of great importance to consumers, suppliers, retailers, and regulators in
      both traditional and emerging olive oil producing countries, mainly due to the
      increasing worldwide popularity and the trade globalization of this product.
      Thus, in order to ensure olive oil authentication, various national and
      international laws and regulations have been adopted, although some of them are
      actually causing an enormous debate about the risk that they can represent for
      the harmonization of international olive oil trade standards. Within this
      context, this review was designed to provide a critical overview and comparative
      analysis of selected regulatory frameworks for olive oil authentication, with
      special emphasis on the quality and purity criteria considered by these
      regulation systems, their thresholds and the analytical methods employed for
      monitoring them. To complete the general overview, recent analytical advances to
      overcome drawbacks and limitations of the official methods to evaluate olive oil
      quality and to determine possible adulterations were reviewed. Furthermore, the
      latest trends on analytical approaches to assess the olive oil geographical and
      varietal origin traceability were also examined.

PMID- 27657557
TI  - Dynein: Let's not get stuck!

PMID- 27657559
TI  - Colonic Adenocarcinoma Presenting as Sigmoidorectal Intussusception: A
      Consideration for Intussusception Reduction.

PMID- 27657558
TI  - A Rare Case of Plasmablastic Lymphoma Mimicking Adenocarcinoma of the Sigmoid
      Colon.

PMID- 27657560
TI  - A Trauma Patient Advocate Is a Valuable Addition to the Multidisciplinary Trauma
      Team: A Process Improvement Project.

PMID- 27657561
TI  - Gastric Adenocarcinoma Presenting after Revisional Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.

PMID- 27657562
TI  - Variation in Follow-up of Asymptomatic Breast Cancer Patients: Can We Choose More
      Wisely?

PMID- 27657563
TI  - Pediatric Falls in a Nonpediatric Trauma Center-When Is Trauma Team Activation
      Needed?

PMID- 27657564
TI  - Overwhelming Recurrent Clostridium difficile Infection after Reversal of
      Diverting Loop Ileostomy Created for Prior Fulminant C. difficile Colitis.

PMID- 27657565
TI  - Spontaneous Renal Calyceal Rupture: A Rare Cause of an Acute Abdomen in
      Pregnancy.

PMID- 27657566
TI  - Modern Management of Medieval Injury: Cardiac Trauma Sustained by Crossbow.

PMID- 27657567
TI  - Management of Mangled Extremity from Shotgun Blast Injury.

PMID- 27657568
TI  - Two Separate Colorectal Granular Cell Tumors.

PMID- 27657569
TI  - Splenectomy for Primary and Secondary Splenic Neoplasm.

PMID- 27657571
TI  - Appendix Neoplasms in a Rural County: A Review of an Unexpected Number of Cases.

PMID- 27657570
TI  - Malignant Large Bowel Obstruction: A Rare Presentation of Metastatic Pancreatic
      Cancer.

PMID- 27657572
TI  - Nonoperative Management of a Penetrating Injury to the Retrohepatic Inferior Vena
      Cava.

PMID- 27657573
TI  - Symptomatic Late Saphenous Vein Graft Aneurysm in an Upper Extremity Bypass.

PMID- 27657574
TI  - Ileal Volvulus with Chronic Obstruction.

PMID- 27657575
TI  - Novel Treatment of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome after Chlorine Gas
      Inhalation Injury.

PMID- 27657576
TI  - Recanalized Umbilical Vein as a Source of Hemorrhagic Shock.

PMID- 27657577
TI  - Delayed Splenic Rupture with Normal Admission CT Scan after Blunt Trauma.

PMID- 27657578
TI  - Survival of Left Chest and Mediastinal Impalement with a Fence Post.

PMID- 27657579
TI  - Quantification of the Effect of Diabetes Mellitus on Ventral Hernia Repair:
      Results from Two National Registries.
AB  - Two national databases were analyzed to determine the effect of varying severity
      of diabetes mellitus (DM) on ventral hernia repair (VHR) outcomes. The National
      Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) and the National Inpatient Sample
      (NIS) were queried for patients with and without DM who underwent elective VHR
      between 2005 to 2012 and 1998 to 2011, respectively. In addition, patients with
      insulin dependent versus noninsulin-dependent DM were compared in NSQIP;
      complicated and uncomplicated diabetics were compared in NIS. Univariate and
      multivariate analyses were used. In NSQIP, 25,819 of 219,625 patients undergoing
      VHR were diabetic. In open VHR (OVHR), DM patients had an increased complication
      rate (P < 0.0001); DM patients requiring insulin had increased odds of wound,
      minor, and major complications (P < 0.0001). For laparoscopic VHR (LVHR), insulin
      dependence did not affect complication rates (P > 0.05). In NIS, 45,248 of
      238,627 patients undergoing VHR were diabetic. In OVHR, patients with complicated
      diabetes had higher rates of minor complications (17.3% vs 12.7%, P < 0.0001) and
      had 58 per cent greater odds of major complications than patients with
      uncomplicated diabetes. LVHR had no difference in complications for complicated
      versus uncomplicated DM (P > 0.05). After multivariate analysis, insulin
      dependent or complicated DM undergoing OVHR had significantly worse outcomes
      compared with noninsulin-dependent and uncomplicated diabetics. Preoperative
      optimization and LVHR should be considered in diabetic patients. 

PMID- 27657580
TI  - Unnecessary Transfers for Acute Surgical Care: Who and Why?
AB  - Interhospital transfers for acute surgical care occur commonly, but without clear
      guidelines or protocols. Transfers may subject patients and delivery systems to
      significant burdens without clear clinical benefit. The incidence and factors
      associated with unnecessary transfers are not well described. We conducted a
      retrospective cohort study of patient transfers within a regional referral
      network to a tertiary center for nontrauma acute surgical care from 2009 to 2013.
      Clinically unnecessary transfers were defined as transfers that resulted in no
      intervention (operation, endoscopy, or interventional radiology procedure) and
      discharge to home within 72 hours. We performed bivariate and multivariate
      logistic regression analyses. The study population included 2177 patient
      transfers, 19 per cent of which were determined to be clinically unnecessary.
      After adjustment, clinically unnecessary transfers were more commonly performed
      for patient request (odds ratio = 2.52, 95% confidence interval = 1.60-3.99),
      continuity of care (1.87, 1.44-2.42), and care by urologic (1.50, 1.06-2.13) and
      vascular services (1.44, 1.03-2.01). Patients with higher comorbidity and
      severity of illness scores were less likely to have unnecessary transfers. The
      burden of unnecessary transfers could be mitigated by identifying appropriate
      transfer candidates through mutually developed guidelines, interfacility
      collaboration, and increased use of remote care to provide surgical subspecialty
      consultation and maintain continuity. 

PMID- 27657581
TI  - Alternatives to Indwelling Catheters Cause Unintended Complications.
AB  - To reduce the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI),
      limiting use of indwelling catheters is encouraged with alternative collection
      methods and early removal. Adverse effects associated with such practices have
      not been described. We also determined if CAUTI preventative measures increase
      the risk of catheter-related complications. We hypothesized that there are
      complications associated with early removal of indwelling catheters. We described
      complications associated with indwelling catheterization and intermittent
      catheterization, and compared complication rates before and after policy updates
      changed catheterization practices. We performed retrospective cohort analysis of
      trauma patients admitted between August 1, 2009, and December 31, 2013 who
      required indwelling catheter. Associations between catheter days and adverse
      outcomes such as infection, bladder overdistention injury, recatheterization,
      urinary retention, and patients discharged with indwelling catheter were
      evaluated. The incidence of CAUTI and the total number of catheter days pre and
      post policy change were similar. The incidence rate of urinary retention and
      associated complications has increased since the policy changed. Practices
      intended to reduce the CAUTI rate are associated with unintended complications,
      such as urinary retention. Patient safety and quality improvement programs should
      monitor all complications associated with urinary catheterization practices, not
      just those that represent financial penalties. 

PMID- 27657582
TI  - Evolution of Laparoscopic Surgery for Colorectal Cancer: The Impact of the
      Clinical Outcomes of Surgical Therapy Group Trial.
AB  - The Clinical Outcomes of Surgical Therapy Group (COST) Trial established
      laparoscopic procedures offer short-term benefits while preserving the same
      oncologic outcomes in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients compared with open
      procedures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the trend of laparoscopic
      resection for CRC before and after the publication of the COST Trial.
      Retrospective study of surgically treated CRC patients was conducted from January
      2000 to December 2009. Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program and
      Medicare. Between 2000 and 2009, 147,388 patients underwent resection for CRC,
      9,901 resections were performed laparoscopically. In 2000, 1.0 per cent of
      colorectal resections were performed laparoscopically. There was a dramatic
      increase in laparoscopic resections in 2009 to 30.4 per cent. During this time
      period, rates of laparoscopic resections increased for all tumor stages. Right
      colectomies and early stage tumors had the most significant rise from 3.1 per
      cent (2004) to 38.7 per cent (2009) and 4.41 per cent (2004) to 39.17 per cent
      (2009), respectively; whereas, rectal and later stage tumors resection rates were
      more modest from 2.1 per cent (2004) to 13.2 per cent (2009) and 1.41 per cent
      (2004) to 17.10 per cent (2009), respectively. This study demonstrates the COST
      Trial had a significant impact on utilization of laparoscopic colorectal
      resection for CRC. Although laparoscopic colorectal resections have been accepted
      for all types of CRCs, more difficult procedures are being adopted at slower
      rates. 

PMID- 27657583
TI  - Sonographic Appearance Is Useful in Predicting the Extent of Initial Operative
      Therapy for Thyroid Nodules Classified as "Suspicious for Malignancy".
AB  - The "suspicious for malignancy" (SFM) category of the Bethesda system for
      reporting thyroid cytopathology predicts an incidence of malignancy from 60 to 75
      per cent. Recommended treatment is via either lobectomy or total/near total
      thyroidectomy. Identification of predictors of malignancy in this category would
      be useful in selecting the extent of operative therapy in these patients.
      Published literature has suggested that suspicious ultrasound (US) findings are
      useful in predicting malignancy in both the "benign," "atypia of uncertain
      significance/follicular lesion of uncertain significance," and "suspicious for
      follicular neoplasm" categories. We hypothesized that US would be similarly
      useful in patients with nodules classified as SFM. We performed a retrospective
      analysis of patients with fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) classified as SFM
      who underwent thyroidectomy from October 2007 to October 2012. Data collected
      included symptoms, suspicious imaging findings, FNAB results, and histopathology
      results-all obtained via chart review. Findings were compared between patients
      with/without a diagnosis of thyroid malignancy. Significance was set at P < 0.05.
      Of 3839 FNAB, 53 were classified as SFM. Of these, 36 were available for review.
      Twenty-four (66.7%) carcinomas were identified-19 papillary, 3 follicular variant
      of papillary, 1 follicular, and 1 medullary. No symptoms/signs reached
      significance as a predictor of malignancy. A suspicious US appearance, however,
      was significantly associated with an underlying carcinoma (P = 0.002). Patients
      with a Bethesda system for reporting thyroid cytopathology report of SFM and
      suspicious US findings are statistically more likely to harbor an underlying
      malignancy. This information is useful in selecting which patients are most
      likely to benefit from total/near total thyroidectomy as opposed to lobectomy as
      the initial operative strategy. 

PMID- 27657584
TI  - Discharge with Pancreatic Fistula after Pancreaticoduodenectomy Independently
      Predicts Hospital Readmission.
AB  - Readmission rates after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) are among the highest of any
      surgical procedure. The purpose of this study was to identify those factors
      present at discharge that may predict readmission after PD. All patients
      undergoing PD between 2010 and 2015 at a very high (>35 PD/year) volume center
      were entered into a prospective database. Twenty factors present at discharge
      from index admission identified on univariate analysis were subjected to
      multivariate analysis to identify those independently predictive of 30-day
      hospital readmission. A total of 220 patients underwent PD during the study
      period, 88 per cent of which had cancer. Mean age was 64.4 +/- 11.7 years with
      slight male preponderance (54.5%) and significant African American representation
      (33.2%). Surgical complications occurred in 67.3 per cent of patients the most
      common of which included infectious/leak (30%), gastrointestinal (29%),
      cardiorespiratory (13%), other (13%), minor complications (7%), multi system
      failure (5%), and new onset diabetes (3%). The 30-day readmission rate was 27.3
      per cent and was due to infection (89%), failure to thrive (32%), nausea/vomiting
      (15%), or other (15%). On multivariate analysis, presence of pancreatic
      leak/fistula at discharge was the only significant predictor of readmission,
      present in 62.5 per cent of all readmitted patients (P = 0.001). Comorbidities,
      length of stay, insurance status, obesity, smoking, and discharge to a care venue
      other than home did not predict readmission. Patients manifesting pancreatic
      fistula after PD are at high risk for hospital readmission. Enhanced scrutiny
      regarding suitability for discharge should be exercised in these patients and
      measures taken to minimize readmission whenever possible. 

PMID- 27657585
TI  - Excessive Postoperative Fluid Administration in Infants with Gastroschisis.
AB  - Careful fluid management is a cornerstone of neonatology because the
      cardiovascular, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems in the newborn are
      sensitive to overhydration. Fluid management in gastroschisis is complicated by
      insensible fluid loss and postoperative third-space fluid shifts. Study of
      perioperative fluid management in gastroschisis is limited and has not undergone
      careful scrutiny. We reviewed perioperative fluid administration and urine output
      in all infants with gastroschisis over a 5-year period. Data included whether the
      patient underwent primary closure or staged repair, weight, and events during
      hospitalization (length of hospitalization and duration of gastric decompression,
      parenteral nutrition, and ventilator support). Paired t test gave statistical
      comparisons with significance at P < 0.05. From 2010 to 2014, 24 patients
      underwent abdominal closure, 17 had primary and 7 had staged closures. Fluid
      administration exceeded 100 mL/kg/d after primary closure, and was significantly
      higher (>150 mL/kg/d; P < 0.05) after staged closure on postoperative days 0 to
      5. Postoperative urinary output exceeded 75 mL/kg/d for all patients, with higher
      volumes reaching 100 mL/kg/d after staged closure on postoperative days 4 to 6 (P
      < 0.05). Two patients died of sepsis. All survivors were discharged with
      intestinal continuity and gaining weight on oral feeding. Patients with
      gastroschisis received large volumes of fluid after operation despite similarly
      high urine output and positive daily fluid balances. The amounts of fluid
      administered after both primary and staged closure may be excessive and
      potentially deleterious. 

PMID- 27657586
TI  - Can Abdominal Wall Reconstruction Be Safely Performed Without Drains?
AB  - The use of closed suction drains in the abdominal wall is a common practice in
      abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) operations. Drains can be a conduit for
      bacteria and can cause pain and discomfort for patients after surgery. A single
      hernia program has implemented the principles of clinical quality improvement in
      an attempt to improve outcomes for hernia patients. An attempt at a process
      improvement was implemented to eliminate the use of drains in AWR by adapting the
      technique. A total of 102 patients undergoing AWR were included between 8/11 and
      9/15 (49 months). Compared with the group before the attempt at eliminating the
      use of abdominal wall drains (8/11-9/13), the group of patients after the
      implementation of the attempted process improvement (9/13-9/15) had less wound
      and pulmonary complications, a shorter hospital stay, less time in the
      postanesthesia care unit, and less opioid use in the postanesthesia care unit as
      well as for the entire hospital stay. In this group of AWR patients, an attempt
      at process improvement that eliminated the use of drains led to improved
      outcomes. Abdominal wall drains may be able to be safely eliminated with
      appropriate technique adaptation for AWR. 

PMID- 27657587
TI  - The Impact of Chemotherapy on Complications Associated with Mastectomy and
      Immediate Autologous Tissue Reconstruction.
AB  - We performed this study to evaluate the impact of chemotherapy on the outcomes
      associated with immediate autologous tissue reconstruction (IATR) in the
      treatment of breast cancer. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1
      received chemotherapy before surgery and Group 2 did not receive chemotherapy.
      Records were reviewed to identify demographics, comorbidities, histology, and
      wound healing complications. Groups were compared using Kruskal-Wallis and Fisher
      exact tests as appropriate. A total of 128 patients were identified: 29 received
      chemotherapy before surgery (Group 1) and 99 did not receive chemotherapy (Group
      2). Group 1 patients were more likely to have diabetes 27 per cent versus 6 per
      cent (P = 0.005) despite both groups having a mean body mass index of 30. Group 2
      patients had less advanced stage disease as expected because they did not receive
      chemotherapy; 37 per cent of Group 2 patients had stage 0 breast cancer (P <
      0.001). The incidence of wound complications was 17 per cent in Group 1 and 12
      per cent in Group 2 (P = NS). Preoperative chemotherapy for breast cancer
      followed by IATR was associated with no increased risk of healing complications.
      IATR can be offered to patients who require preoperative chemotherapy, and their
      healing will not be impaired as a result of the chemotherapy. 

PMID- 27657589
TI  - Robotic Transhiatal Esophagectomy in a Community Hospital: Evolution of
      Technique.
AB  - Esophageal cancer is an uncommon but highly lethal disease. Surgical resection is
      the gold standard of treatment for early-stage disease. Traditional surgical
      approach entailed significant convalescence, hospital stay, and morbidity and
      mortality. Transhiatal esophagectomy (THE) involves blind dissection of the
      esophagus with minimal mediastinal lymphadenectomy. Integration of robotic
      surgery is an alternate platform for minimally invasive approach while
      maintaining safety and following oncologic principles. We review our technique
      for minimally invasive THE using robotic technology, demonstrating the safety and
      efficacy of robotic technology surgery. We present a retrospective review of a
      single surgeon's data of patients treated with robotic-assisted THE, with a chart
      review to evaluate pathology, adequacy of surgical resection, nodal harvest, and
      perioperative course. Robotic THE (rTHE) shows promise as a valid option for
      esophageal resection, including premalignant and advanced stages of cancer.
      Adequate transhiatal mediastinal nodal resection can be performed with the robot.

PMID- 27657588
TI  - Perioperative Statin Treatment: Can It Decrease Postsurgical Cardiac Event Risk
      in Noncardiac Surgery?
AB  - Cardiac events are an important cause of postsurgical morbidity and mortality.
      Statin drugs have been studied as potentially risk-modifying agents in
      perioperative medicine. They have been shown to confer a protective benefit in
      cardiac surgery, but the evidence available in noncardiac surgery patient
      populations remains less conclusive. We hypothesized that perioperative statin
      treatment would be associated with lower incidence of postsurgical cardiac events
      (PSCEs) after major noncardiac surgery. A retrospective cohort study included
      21,637 major noncardiac surgeries. Statin treatment was the exposure of interest
      and PSCE was the primary outcome measure. Data collection included patient age,
      body mass index, smoking status, diabetic status, cardiac event history, statin
      treatment history, and PSCE diagnoses. Perioperative statin treatment occurred in
      4176 cases (19.3%). PSCEs occurred in 50 cases (0.23%), 29 in the untreated
      control group (0.17%) and 21 in the statin treatment group (0.50%). Relative risk
      in the untreated group was 0.3303 (95% confidence interval = 0.1886, 0.5786).
      This implied that statin-treated patients had higher risk than the untreated
      group. However, a logistic regression model that accounted for observed cardiac
      disease risk factors showed statin treatment not to be a significant predictor of
      PSCE in this sample. Analysis repeated in high-risk subsets of the cohort yielded
      similar results. A propensity score matching method that minimized differences
      between study groups also failed to demonstrate a significant association between
      statin treatment and PSCE risk. Our study did not demonstrate a significant
      association between perioperative statin treatment and PSCEs after major
      noncardiac surgery. 

PMID- 27657590
TI  - Diabetic Foot Ulcers: The Importance of Patient Comorbidity Recognition and Total
      Contact Casting in Successful Wound Care.
AB  - Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a major burden on the health-care system. The
      purpose of this study is to investigate factors affecting the healing rate of DFU
      in a university wound care center. Records of DFU patients treated between July
      2013 and February 2015 were reviewed. Demographics, comorbidities, wound
      characteristics, and treatment modalities including offloading, hyperbaric oxygen
      treatment, total contact casting, and bioengineered skin were investigated. All
      patients underwent weekly debridement regardless of treatment modality. A total
      of 114 patients ages 18 to 98 comprised the study population. Total contact
      casting was the only treatment associated with increased healing (P = 0.02).
      Smoking (P = 0.004) and deep vein thrombosis history (P = 0.001) significantly
      decreased the likelihood of wound healing. Patients with past vascular event
      trended toward longer healing times (P = 0.07). Total contact casting in
      combination with weekly wound debridement showed benefit in DFU wound healing,
      whereas patients with a history of deep vein thrombosis and smoking were less
      likely to heal. 

PMID- 27657592
TI  - Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Hiatal Hernia Repair Outcomes.
AB  - Large hiatal hernias are notorious for their high recurrence rates after
      conventional repair. Recurrence rates have been described to be higher in obese
      patients due to increased intra-abdominal pressure. We hypothesized that patients
      who undergo hiatal hernia repair (HHR) with bariatric surgery (BAR) will have a
      lower hernia recurrence rate when compared to patients who undergo HHR with
      fundoplication (FP) due to the decrease in intra-abdominal pressure observed with
      weight loss. This was an Institutional Review Board approved retrospective
      review. The outcomes of patients who underwent HHR+BAR as well as patients who
      had HHR+FP only from 2007 to 2014 were reviewed. Patients who had small hiatal
      hernias (<2 cm), underwent an anterior repair, or had gastropexy only were
      excluded. The primary outcome was hernia recurrence and reflux resolution. The
      outcomes of 58 patients who had HHR+BAR were compared with 30 patients with
      HHR+FP. Hernia recurrence rate for HHR+BAR was 12 per cent, whereas hernia
      recurrence rate for HHR+FP was 38 per cent (P < 0.01). Reflux resolution for
      HHR+FP was 78 per cent, whereas reflux improvement rate for HHR+BAR was 84 per
      cent (P = n.s.). Combining HHR with BAR leads to a lower hernia recurrence rate
      when compared to patients who undergo HHR with FP. 

PMID- 27657591
TI  - Indications for Surgical Resection in Low-Grade Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors.
AB  - The role of surgical resection in low-grade pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (P
      NET) is unclear. The patients diagnosed with low-grade P-NET from 1988 to 2012
      were identified in SEER. Five hundred and sixty-one patients met the inclusion
      criteria. A majority were white (82.9%), and node negative (69.9%). Univariate
      analysis revealed that tumor size (<2 cm 8.3%, 2-4 cm 38.5%, and >4 cm 40.3%; P <
      0.0001) and surgery (30.9% vs 25.3%; P = 0.0014) were associated with the risk of
      lymph node metastases (LNM). In contrast, age (P = 0.8360), gender (P = 0.4903),
      and race (P = 0.4235) were not. Five-year disease-free survival was associated
      with size (<2 cm 89.4%, 2-4 cm 80.0%, and >4 cm 74.5%; P = 0.0089), LNM (72.4% vs
      82.9%; P = 0.0025), and surgery (84.3% vs 47.5%; P < 0.0001). Cox regression
      model showed that the association with LNM (P = 0.0025) and surgery (P < 0.0001)
      was significant. Surgery was associated with an improved disease-free survival
      for tumors >2 cm (2-4 cm, 84.4% vs 26.0% at five years; P = 0.0003, and >4 cm,
      80.5% vs 49.5% at five years; P < 0.0001) but not for those with tumor size <2 cm
      (P = 0.4525). In conclusions, low-grade P-NETs in patients with tumor size >2 cm
      showed an increased risk of LNM and improved survival with resection. 

PMID- 27657595
TI  - Verve, vision and vitality.
AB  - A new report from the Kings Fund raises questions over the ability of nurses to
      take on leadership positions. Nursing, it says, needs people who can 'inspire,
      move, energise and enthuse others'. They're wonderful words, enough in themselves
      to exorcise the lethargy and apathy that has taken hold of nurse managers. It's a
      sort of 'get up and go' report, full of glorious adjectives that one could only
      wish applied to NHS leaders - not just nurses.

PMID- 27657593
TI  - Factors Associated with Persistently Positive Margin Status after Breast
      Conserving Surgery in Women with Breast Cancer: An Analysis of the National
      Cancer Database.
AB  - Margin status after definitive breast-conserving surgery (BCS) is a key predictor
      of local tumor recurrence. This study utilized the National Cancer Database,
      which captures 70 per cent of all cancer cases nationally, to determine factors
      associated with persistently positive margins status post-BCS. From 1998 to 2010,
      there were 1,170,284 patients with stage 0 to 3 breast cancer who underwent BCS.
      After final definitive surgery, 7.3 per cent of patients had positive margins. On
      bivariate analysis, persistently positive margin status post-BCS was correlated
      with patient age, race, ethnicity, comorbidities, facility type and location,
      tumor size, grade, presence of invasive disease, lymph node positivity, as well
      as receipt of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and adjuvant radiation therapy (P <
      0.001). On multivariate analysis, patients who were black, with multiple
      comorbidities, living in a Pacific state, who had larger, high-grade, node
      positive invasive tumors, who did not receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and who
      did not receive adjuvant radiation therapy were more likely to have persistently
      positive margins (P < 0.05). Although the goal of BCS is the attainment of
      negative margins, 7.3 per cent of patients have persistently positive margins
      after definitive surgery. These patients tend to have more aggressive disease and
      greater comorbidities, and are less likely to receive adjuvant radiation therapy.

PMID- 27657594
TI  - Appendicitis in Diabetics: Predictors of Complications and Their Incidence.
AB  - Appendicitis is the most common surgical emergency encountered by the general
      surgeon. Literature has demonstrated that diabetics may manifest atypical signs
      of infection, often clouding the diagnostic picture. We conducted a 3-year
      retrospective analysis of adults with appendicitis to determine differences in
      presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes for diabetic versus nondiabetic
      patients. Demographics, symptoms, imaging, procedure(s), complications, and
      length of stay (LOS) were obtained via chart review. Factors were compared
      between patients with and without diabetes using chi-squared test, t test, or
      Mann-Whitney U test (significance at P <= 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis
      identified variables predicting longer LOS or perforation at diagnosis. Overall,
      339 patients met inclusion criteria [303 were nondiabetic (ND), 36 were diabetic
      (D)]. On univariate analysis, diabetics were more likely to have other comorbid
      illnesses: obesity (P < 0.001), chronic kidney disease (P = 0.003), hypertension
      (P < 0.001), coronary artery disease (P < 0.001), peripheral vascular disease
      (PVD, P = 0.31), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P = 0.002). Diabetics
      presented with lower white blood cell counts (mean 14.2 ND, 11.9 D, P = 0.02),
      and were more likely to present with perforation (18.5% ND, 38.9% D, P = 0.008).
      LOS was longer in diabetics (1.0 day for ND, 3.0 day for D, P < 0.001).
      Complications were more frequent in diabetics (19.4% D vs 8.6% ND), which trended
      toward but failed to reach significance (P = 0.066). On multivariate analysis,
      however, old age was the only characteristic associated with perforation [odds
      ratio: 1.05 (1.02-1.06), P < 0.001], whereas diabetes, chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease, and older age predicted longer LOS (P <= 0.001). Diabetics
      present a more complicated clinical picture having significantly more
      comorbidities and a trend toward postoperative complications necessitating a
      higher index of suspicion to detection complications. Further study is needed to
      evaluate the optimal diagnostic and management approach in this challenging
      population. 

PMID- 27657596
TI  - Prescribing is 'not priority' this year.
AB  - The government's decision to shelve nurse prescribing has caused confusion in the
      profession, it emerged last week amid growing concern that Health Secretary
      Virginia Bottomley has still not set a new date for the start of the scheme.

PMID- 27657598
TI  - Call for ban on tobacco adverts.
AB  - The UK Central Council has called on the government to ban tobacco advertising.

PMID- 27657597
TI  - Policymakers leave nurses 'struggling for identity'.
AB  - A shortage of leaders with vision and authority in British nursing has left
      nurses struggling to establish a role and identity for themselves in a changing
      NHS, says a report from the King's Fund Centre.

PMID- 27657599
TI  - Regions under pressure to answer student job crisis.
AB  - The NHS Management Executive is pressing regions for answers to the crisis of
      student nurses qualifying without jobs.

PMID- 27657600
TI  - Rise in number of prison nurses.
AB  - The Nursing Service for Prisoners (NSP) is to increase the number of qualified
      nurses working in jails and will use specialist NHS staff to help meet prisoners'
      health care needs.

PMID- 27657602
TI  - MSF may take in practice nurses.
AB  - The Health Visitors' Association parent union, MSF, is considering setting up a
      new professional section for practice nurses.

PMID- 27657603
TI  - Midwife-led units win government support.
AB  - Midwives have welcomed a government report that backs the continued development
      of midwife-led maternity units.

PMID- 27657605
TI  - Whitley pay rising above private rates.
AB  - NHS nurses' Whitley pay has now overtaken average independent hospital salaries,
      a leaked pay Review Body report has revealed.

PMID- 27657604
TI  - Child care registration rules relaxed.
AB  - Nurses unions have condemned new health department guidelines relaxing child care
      registration regulations.

PMID- 27657606
TI  - Primary health staff squeeze.
AB  - Community nursing services may face greater workloads after community care
      reforms come into force in April, the nurse member of the government's Community
      Care Support Force has warned.

PMID- 27657607
TI  - New directory lists 2,000 sources of support.
AB  - A comprehensive directory containing more than 2,000 sources of help and
      information on health-related problems was launched in London last week.

PMID- 27657609
TI  - Warning of future catastrophe in NHS.
AB  - Pressure on hospital beds in North East Thames has forced districts to accept
      urgent admissions only, prompting warnings of a future catastrophe in the
      capital's health services.

PMID- 27657610
TI  - CPNs up by 250 per cent.
AB  - The number of community psychiatric nurses in England has increased by almost 250
      per cent over the past ten years.

PMID- 27657612
TI  - Government to back legal changes in drugs licensing.
AB  - The government has promised to back changes in the law which would give nurses
      and doctors far more information about medicines.

PMID- 27657611
TI  - Mental Health Act review is inadequate, says Labour.
AB  - Community supervision orders for mentally ill people will be at the core of the
      health department's review of the Mental Health Act.

PMID- 27657615
TI  - ?
AB  - A series of quality road shows was launched last week by Department of Health
      Chief Nursing Officer Yvonne Moores. The 13 regional events aim to spread ideas
      about improving the quality of care. Speaking in Liverpool, Mrs Moores said the
      NHS reforms 'will be judged not only by their ability to treat more patients but
      by the quality of care patients receive.' A book and training pack on quality are
      available from Elaine Taylor- Whilde, Room 4N.34B, Doll, Quarry House, Quarry
      Hill, Leeds LS2 7UE.

PMID- 27657613
TI  - 170,000 health professionals suffer from mental illness.
AB  - Up to 170,000 nurses, doctors and other health service staff suffer from mental
      illness each year, Health Secretary Virginia Bottomley said last week.

PMID- 27657616
TI  - Special commemorative service for pioneer in nursing research.
AB  - A special memorial service was held last week to commemorate the life of leading
      nurse researcher, Pam Hawthorn who died earlier this month from multiple
      sclerosis. One of the first nurses to earn a PhD, Ms Hawthorn was noted for her
      research in the areas of strokes, pressure sores and education. She is credited
      as being among the leading campaigners to put nursing research on the map in the
      1970s and was active in the Royal College of Nursing's research society. She
      retired from her post as Director of Nursing Studies at the University of
      Nottingham in the mid-Eighties when she was diagnosed as having multiple
      sclerosis. Tom Keighley, former RCN research adviser, now Regional Nursing
      Officer for Yorkshire, described her as a pathfinder'.

PMID- 27657617
TI  - ?
AB  - Winners of the 1992 Health Visitors' Association/Crookes Healthcare National
      Health Visiting Week awards received their prizes of L250 at a ceremony in London
      last week. Left to right are: Mair Jones with Gwynedd winner Catrin Evans; Alan
      Rosome, Head of Marketing at Crookes Healthcare; Gail Ewing and Cambridge winner
      Rona Thorogood; and Belfast winner Phelim Quinn.

PMID- 27657618
TI  - Health needs homelessness.
AB  - Nurses should be trained to deal with the specific problems of homeless people,
      says a recent report by Yorkshire Region.

PMID- 27657619
TI  - Canada: Alcohol warning issue dodged.
AB  - The Canadian federal government has dodged a Commons Committee recommendation
      that alcohol bottles should carry warnings about the dangers of drinking during
      pregnancy.

PMID- 27657621
TI  - US: Nurse takes seat in Congress.
AB  - Nursing history was made when Texan Democrat Eddie Bernice Johnson took her seat
      in the US Congress.

PMID- 27657620
TI  - Germany: hospital food is 'unhealthy'.
AB  - Food in some German hospitals is bad for patients' health, the President of the
      German Nutrition Association, Professor Peter Schauder, has claimed.

PMID- 27657622
TI  - Student quotas are still not established.
AB  - With just three months to go before they take responsibility for funding nurse
      training, only one health region has been able to provide details of how many new
      students will be needed next year, the English National Board heard last week.

PMID- 27657623
TI  - DNs may be failing in assessing patient needs.
AB  - District nurses may be failing to assess the needs of severely physically
      disabled adults living in the community, according to a study in the British
      Medical Journal.

PMID- 27657625
TI  - Monitoring unnecessary caesarean births.
AB  - A monitoring system which measures oxygen levels in babies' blood during
      labourmay cut the number of Ceasarean sections performed each year, and could
      help explain how and why some babies become brain-damaged.

PMID- 27657624
TI  - ?
AB  - High levels of natural light are a feature of the new L30 million Salisbury
      District Hospital, designed after consultation with patients and staff. It
      includes a rehabilitation department with hydrotherapy pool and an elderly care
      unit.

PMID- 27657626
TI  - Emergency services for coronary care.
AB  - Accident and Emergency departments should be equipped to administer thrombolysis,
      a study by researchers at Newcastle's Freeman Hospital has recommended.

PMID- 27657627
TI  - Hypertension and birth weight linked to fetal life.
AB  - The relation between high blood pressure and low birth weight is initiated in
      fetal life, research suggests.

PMID- 27657628
TI  - Substance abuse part of trauma screening.
AB  - Assessment and intervention for substance abuse should be a routine component of
      trauma admission screening, nursing researchers suggest.

PMID- 27657629
TI  - Beneficial effects of 'overprotection'.
AB  - 'Overprotection' by family and friends might prove beneficial to the psychosocial
      adjustment of patients following myocardial infarction.

PMID- 27657630
TI  - Inheritance may be a factor in bowel disease.
AB  - A major dominant gene has a role in ulcerative colitis and a major recessive gene
      in Crohn's disease, new research suggests.

PMID- 27657631
TI  - Genetic defect found in heart condition.
AB  - Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the condition which led to the death of football
      manager Terry Yorath's son, is genetically determined and can be identified by a
      blood test.

PMID- 27657632
TI  - Could do better?
AB  - Only three out of 29 university departments have carried out nursing research of
      national excellence, according to a recent assessment exercise. Daniel Allen
      reports on the findings.

PMID- 27657633
TI  - No room for beginners.
AB  - When disaster strikes, be it natural or man made, one of the first agencies on
      the scene is Medecins sans Frontieres (MSF). Demand for its help has never been
      greater, and the organisation is now recruiting from the UK.

PMID- 27657634
TI  - Stopping them from starting.
AB  - Despite the Health of the Nation's target to reduce smoking, the government
      continues to resist a cigarette advertising ban on the grounds of 'commercial
      freedom of speech'. Graham Scott reports.

PMID- 27657635
TI  - Correcting the wrong impression.
AB  - I would like to correct an impression that may have been given by Linda Sbaih in
      her article, Mental Health Act: detention in A&E (Clinical, January 6).

PMID- 27657636
TI  - Tired of Sister Susie's jibes at NVQs.
AB  - While I appreciate that the Sister Susie column is written tongue in cheek, it
      seems to me sad that she makes constant jibes at staff who have obtained NVQ
      certificates.

PMID- 27657637
TI  - Directives could stop back injuries.
AB  - New EC directives on the manual handling of loads could stop district nurses
      being the professional discipline most prone to back injury - if they stand up
      for their rights.

PMID- 27657638
TI  - Dynamic situations in private nursing.
AB  - What a pity it was that the author of 'A private home with no brick walls
      '(Letters, January 6) saw fit to withhold her name and address.

PMID- 27657639
TI  - Exercising caution on public endorsing.
AB  - I come from a conventional pro- fluoridation background, and am the daughter and
      wife of dental surgeons.

PMID- 27657640
TI  - Information exchange.
AB  - * I am interested in the development of nurse education and would like to hear
      from student nurses and tutors participating in Project 2000.

PMID- 27657641
TI  - Developments in community nursing.
AB  - While your November 11 news item detailed a Royal College of Nursing survey
      showing 'broad cuts in the school nurse service', I would like to tell you of the
      developments in our service.

PMID- 27657644
TI  - Nurses, Computers and Information Technology P MProcter Nurses, Computers and
      Information Technology Chapman & Hall 106pp L10.95 0-412-334-50-X [Formula: see
      text].
AB  - 'Present-day society' - to quote the author of Nurses, Computers and Information
      Technology - is moving faster technologically than any other previous age.

PMID- 27657642
TI  - Child Studies: The First Year.
AB  - Child Studies I: The First Year is the first in a series of child development
      studies which range from birth to five years. Sections include: From birth; From
      1 month; From 3 months; and From 9 months. The studies show several children in
      each age group progressing in their home environment. The families are of varied
      race and culture.

PMID- 27657645
TI  - End note.
AB  - The royal family has borne the brunt of much criticism over the past year and one
      must have a degree of sympathy for them. They are held up as such great pillars
      of virtue, - although they have played their part in creating this image.

PMID- 27657646
TI  - Listings.

PMID- 27657647
TI  - Diamagnetic Imaging Agents with a Modular Chemical Design for Quantitative
      Detection of beta-Galactosidase and beta-Glucuronidase Activities with CatalyCEST
      MRI.
AB  - Imaging agents for the noninvasive in vivo detection of enzyme activity in
      preclinical and clinical settings could have fundamental implications in the
      field of drug discovery. Furthermore, a new class of targeted prodrug treatments
      takes advantage of high enzyme activity to tailor therapy and improve treatment
      outcomes. Herein, we report the design and synthesis of new magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI) agents that quantitatively detect beta-galactosidase and beta
      glucuronidase activities by measuring changes in chemical exchange saturation
      transfer (CEST). Based on a modular approach, we incorporated the enzymes'
      respective substrates to a salicylate moiety with a chromogenic spacer via a
      carbamate linkage. This furnished highly selective diamagnetic CEST agents that
      detected and quantified enzyme activities of glycoside hydrolase enzymes.
      Michaelis-Menten enzyme kinetics studies were performed by monitoring catalyCEST
      MRI signals, which were validated with UV-vis assays.

PMID- 27657648
TI  - Tilt series STEM simulation of a 25*25*25nm semiconductor with characteristic X
      ray emission.
AB  - The detection and quantification of fabrication defects is vital to the ongoing
      miniaturization of integrated circuits. The atomic resolution of HAADF-STEM
      combined with the chemical sensitivity of EDS could provide the means by which
      this is achieved for the next generation of semiconductor devices. To realize
      this, however, a streamlined acquisition and analysis procedure must first be
      developed. Here, we report the simulation of a HAADF-STEM and EDS tilt-series
      dataset of a PMOS finFET device which will be used as a testbed for such a
      development. The methods used to calculate the data and the details of the
      specimen model are fully described here. The dataset consists of 179 projections
      in 2 degrees  increments with HAADF images and characteristic X-ray maps for each
      projection. This unusually large calculation has been made possible through the
      use of a national supercomputer and will be made available for the development
      and assessment of reconstruction and analysis procedures for this highly
      significant industrial application.

PMID- 27657649
TI  - StatSTEM: An efficient approach for accurate and precise model-based
      quantification of atomic resolution electron microscopy images.
AB  - An efficient model-based estimation algorithm is introduced to quantify the
      atomic column positions and intensities from atomic resolution (scanning)
      transmission electron microscopy ((S)TEM) images. This algorithm uses the least
      squares estimator on image segments containing individual columns fully
      accounting for overlap between neighbouring columns, enabling the analysis of a
      large field of view. For this algorithm, the accuracy and precision with which
      measurements for the atomic column positions and scattering cross-sections from
      annular dark field (ADF) STEM images can be estimated, has been investigated. The
      highest attainable precision is reached even for low dose images. Furthermore,
      the advantages of the model-based approach taking into account overlap between
      neighbouring columns are highlighted. This is done for the estimation of the
      distance between two neighbouring columns as a function of their distance and for
      the estimation of the scattering cross-section which is compared to the
      integrated intensity from a Voronoi cell. To provide end-users this well
      established quantification method, a user friendly program, StatSTEM, is
      developed which is freely available under a GNU public license.

PMID- 27657650
TI  - Experience facilitates the emergence of sharing behavior among 7.5-month-old
      infants.
AB  - Given the centrality of prosociality in everyday social functioning,
      understanding the factors and mechanisms underlying the origins of prosocial
      development is of critical importance. This experiment investigated whether
      experience with reciprocal object exchanges can drive the developmental onset of
      sharing behavior. Seven-month-old infants took part in 2 laboratory visits to
      assess their sharing behavior and ability to release objects. During the
      intervening 7- to 14-day period parents led infants in an intervention in which
      they were either encouraged to release objects into a container (bucket
      condition, n = 20), or share objects with the parent in the context of reciprocal
      object exchanges (sharing condition, n = 20). Results showed that infants in the
      sharing condition shared significantly more than infants in the bucket condition
      following the intervention, and infants in the sharing condition significantly
      increased their sharing behavior across the 2 visits. Parental empathy moderated
      the effect of this sharing intervention, but frequency of practice did not. These
      results suggest that reciprocal turn-taking in dyadic object-exchange
      interactions may facilitate the early emergence of sharing behavior, and this
      effect is mediated by parental empathy. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27657651
TI  - Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) associated with chronic lymphocytic leukemia
      in the current era of targeted therapy.
AB  - In the past decade the introduction of targeted therapies has dramatically
      transformed the landscape of treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
      Whether this new therapeutic scenario will modify the current prevalence
      statistics and natural history of autoimmune cytopenias complicating CLL is still
      a matter of debate. Here we present a comprehensive review of the literature on
      this topic, with special emphasis on the incidence of autoimmune hemolytic anemia
      (AIHA). The potential to induce autoimmune cytopenia has been studied mostly with
      ibrutinib, a first- in-class bruton kinase (BTK) inhibitor, licensed for the
      treatment of relapsed/refractory high-risk CLL. Recent observations suggest that
      emergent AIHA occurring during therapy with ibrutinib is more an expression of
      CLL activity than an ibrutinib-mediated process. Since available information on
      AIHA occurring during and after therapy with small-molecule kinase inhibitors
      relies mainly on data collected from clinical trials, a close post- marketing
      surveillance is mandatory in order to improve our understanding of this topic.

PMID- 27657653
TI  - Supportive behaviors in adolescent romantic relationships moderate adrenocortical
      attunement.
AB  - This study investigated dyadic adrenocortical attunement within adolescent
      romantic relationships. An ethnically diverse sample (42% Latino) of adolescent
      heterosexual dating couples (N=91 dyads, Mage=16.5 years, SD=0.99) donated eight
      saliva samples (later assayed for cortisol) over the course of a 3-h laboratory
      session. Supportive behaviors were coded during a conflict and jealousy
      interaction task from video recordings, and participants completed pre-and-post
      task questionnaires. Parallel process latent growth models revealed a strong
      positive association between the couples' cortisol intercept, indicating that
      couples show attunement in initial levels of cortisol. Further, observed
      supportive behavior moderated the strength of the association between dyadic
      cortisol slopes. The results imply that low levels of supportive behavior
      predicted stronger adrenocortical attunement in the change in cortisol levels
      over time between adolescent romantic partners. These findings indicate that even
      early romantic relationships exhibit coordination of physiological activity.
      Findings raise the possibility that adrenocortical attunement may be a dyadic
      pathway through which the proximal social context of early romantic relationships
      is translated into risk or resilience in health and behavior.

PMID- 27657652
TI  - Cost-effectiveness of obinutuzumab for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia in The
      Netherlands.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obinutuzumab combined with chlorambucil (GClb) has shown to be
      superior to rituximab combined with chlorambucil (RClb) and chlorambucil (Clb) in
      newly diagnosed patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). This study
      evaluates the cost-effectiveness per life-year and quality-adjusted life-year
      (QALY) of GClb compared to RClb, Clb, and ofatumumab plus chlorambucil (OClb) in
      The Netherlands. METHODS: A Markov model was developed to assess the cost
      effectiveness of GClb, RClb, Clb and other treatments in the United Kingdom. A
      country adaptation was made to estimate the cost-effectiveness of these therapies
      in The Netherlands using Dutch unit costs and Dutch data sources for background
      mortality and post-progression survival. RESULTS: An incremental gain of 1.06 and
      0.64 QALYs was estimated for GClb compared to Clb and RClb respectively, at
      additional costs of ?23,208 and ?7254 per patient. Corresponding incremental cost
      effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were ?21,823 and ?11,344 per QALY. Indirect
      treatment comparisons showed an incremental gain varying from 0.44 to 0.77 QALYs
      for GClb compared to OClb and additional costs varying from ?7041 to ?5028 per
      patient. The ICER varied from ?6556 to ?16,180 per QALY. Sensitivity analyses
      showed the robustness of the results. CONCLUSION: GClb appeared to be a cost
      effective treatment strategy compared to RClb, OClb and Clb.

PMID- 27657655
TI  - Patulitrin and Acetyl Patulitrin, Flavonol Glycosides From Lagascea mollis.

PMID- 27657654
TI  - Fluorescence Immunoassay System via Enzyme-Enabled in Situ Synthesis of
      Fluorescent Silicon Nanoparticles.
AB  - The emergence of fluorescent nanomaterials with excellent performances has
      triggered the development of fluorescence analysis technique, which possesses
      several advantages in the research and clinical applications. However, current
      strategies for fluorescence immunoassay usually involve the routine fluorophore
      labeled antibody and/or awkward signal generation procedure that may not be
      available in conventional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) systems.
      Herein, we circumvent this problem by imparting an exquisite signal generation
      mechanism to commercially available alkaline phosphatase (ALP)-based ELISA
      platform and putting forward a conceptual fluorescent ELISA system based on an
      original ALP-enabled in situ synthesis of fluorescent nanomaterials. After adding
      target antigen, the presence of ALP labeled on antibody catalyzes the
      transformation of the substrate ascorbic acid 2-phosphate into ascorbic acid.
      Then the resultant ascorbic acid (i.e., ascorbate) interacts with amine
      containing silane molecules (no fluorescence) to produce intense cyan fluorescent
      silicon nanoparticles. For the proof-of-concept, alpha-fetoprotein and human
      immunoglobulin G are chosen as the model antigen targets, and our proposed
      immunoassay (designated as the nanoparticles generation-based fluorescent ELISA)
      enables the detection with either fluorescence spectroscopy or naked-eye readout
      under the ultraviolet lamp. The convincing recognition mechanism and assay
      performance ensure fluorescent ELISA to quantitatively evaluate the alpha
      fetoprotein level in serologic test and potentially apply in the clinic diagnosis
      of hepatocellular carcinoma.

PMID- 27657656
TI  - The heat resistance and spoilage potential of aerobic mesophilic and thermophilic
      spore forming bacteria isolated from Chinese milk powders.
AB  - The propensity for aerobic bacilli and allied genera to produce highly heat
      resistant spores and thermally stable spoilage enzymes are major bacteriological
      issues faced by the dairy industry. Most of the enzymes are able to survive any
      heat treatment applied during the manufacture of milk powders and have the
      potential to remain active in milk powders and other dairy products during
      storage, and may explain some of the sensory and functionality defects reported
      in dairy products. Despite many reports on the occurrence of spore-forming
      bacteria in dairy products, knowledge about food quality related properties of
      many aerobic sporeformers is still scarce. Therefore, the aim of this study was
      to determine thermal resistance and spoilage potential of a large pool of
      mesophilic and thermophilic sporeformers, representing 738 isolates and 31
      different RAPD groups, recently isolated from Chinese milk powders. Spore formers
      producing highly heat resistant spores (surviving 125 degrees C for 30min)
      included 2 thermophiles (Geobacillus thermoleovorans group and Geobacillus
      stearothermophilus) and one mesophilic species (Brevibacillus brevis).
      Paenibacillus macerans showed the highest proteolytic activity followed by
      members of the Bacillus cereus group, Br. brevis, Bacillus subtilis, G.
      thermoleovorans group and Virgibacillus proomii. The highest lipase producing
      strains belonged to Bacillus licheniformis. Phospholipase activity was only shown
      by members of the B. cereus group and Brevibacillus parabrevis. Ten strains
      showed positive beta-galactosidase activity, while, 4 strains showed positive
      haemolytic activity. B. licheniformis strains, despite belonging to one RAPD
      group or sub-group showed markedly different phenotypic characters which support
      the previous findings of heterogeneity in RAPD-based B. licheniformis groups. The
      results of this study will broaden the knowledge about the spoilage potential and
      thermal resistance of many strains of dairy origin.

PMID- 27657657
TI  - The potential of hybrid forward osmosis membrane bioreactor (FOMBR) processes in
      achieving high throughput treatment of municipal wastewater with enhanced
      phosphorus recovery.
AB  - Extensive research in recent years has explored numerous new features in the
      forward osmosis membrane bioreactor (FOMBR) process. However, there is an aspect,
      which is revolutionary but not yet been investigated. In FOMBR, FO membrane shows
      high rejection for a wide range of soluble contaminants. As a result, hydraulic
      retention time (HRT) does not correctly reflect the nominal retention of these
      dissolved contaminants in the bioreactor. This decoupling of contaminants
      retention time (CRT, i.e. the nominal retention of the dissolved contaminants)
      from HRT endows FOMBR a potential in significantly reducing the HRT for
      wastewater treatment. In this work, we report our results in this unexplored
      treatment potential. Using real municipal wastewater as feed, both a hybrid
      microfiltration-forward osmosis membrane bioreactor (MF-FOMBR) and a newly
      developed hybrid biofilm-forward osmosis membrane bioreactor (BF-FOMBR) achieved
      high removal of organic matter and nitrogen under HRT of down to 2.0 h, with
      significantly enhanced phosphorus recovery capacities. In the BF-FOMBR, the used
      of fixed bed biofilm not only obviated the need of additional solid/liquid
      separation (e.g. MF) to extract the side-stream for salt accumulation control and
      phosphorus recovery, but effectively quarantined the biomass from the FO
      membrane. The absence of MF in the side-stream further allowed suspended growth
      to be continuously removed from the system, which produced a selection pressure
      for the predominance of attached growth. As a result, a significant reduction in
      FO membrane fouling (by 24.7-54.5%) was achieved in the BF-FOMBR due to
      substantially reduced bacteria deposition and colonization.

PMID- 27657658
TI  - Assessing the phototransformation of diclofenac, clofibric acid and naproxen in
      surface waters: Model predictions and comparison with field data.
AB  - Phototransformation is important for the fate in surface waters of the
      pharmaceuticals diclofenac (DIC) and naproxen (NAP) and for clofibric acid (CLO),
      a metabolite of the drug clofibrate. The goal of this paper is to provide an
      overview of the prevailing photochemical processes, which these compounds undergo
      in the different conditions found in freshwater environments. The modelled
      photochemical half-life times of NAP and DIC range from a few days to some
      months, depending on water conditions (chemistry and depth) and on the season.
      The model indicates that direct photolysis is the dominant degradation pathway of
      DIC and NAP in sunlit surface waters, and potentially toxic cyclic amides were
      detected as intermediates of DIC direct phototransformation. With modelled half
      life times in the month-year range, CLO is predicted to be more photostable than
      DIC or NAP and to be degraded mainly by reaction with the *OH radical and with
      the triplet states of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (3CDOM*). The CLO
      intermediates arising from these processes and detected in this study
      (hydroquinone and 4-chlorophenol) are, respectively, a chronic toxicant to
      aquatic organisms and a possible carcinogen for humans. Hydroquinone is formed
      with only ~5% yield upon CLO triplet-sensitised transformation, but it is highly
      toxic for algae and crustaceans. In contrast, the formation yield of 4
      chlorophenol reaches ~50% upon triplet sensitisation and ~10% by .OH reaction.
      The comparison of model predictions with field data from a previous study yielded
      a very good agreement in the case of DIC and, when using 4-carboxybenzophenone as
      proxy for triplet sensitisation by CDOM, a good agreement was found for CLO as
      well. In the case of NAP, the comparison with field data suggests that its direct
      photolysis quantum yield approaches or even falls below the lower range of
      literature values.

PMID- 27657660
TI  - Discovery of novel targets for antivirals: learning from flies.
AB  - Developing antiviral drugs is challenging due to the small number of targets in
      viruses, and the rapid evolution of viral genes. Animals have evolved a number of
      efficient antiviral defence mechanisms, which can serve as a source of
      inspiration for novel therapies. The genetically tractable insect Drosophila
      belongs to the most diverse group of animals. Genetic and transcriptomic analyses
      have recently identified Drosophila genes encoding viral restriction factors.
      Some of them represent evolutionary novelties and their characterization may
      provide hints for the design of directly acting antivirals. In addition,
      functional screens revealed conserved host factors required for efficient viral
      translation, such as the ribosomal protein RACK1 and the release factor Pelo.
      These proteins are promising candidates for host-targeted antivirals.

PMID- 27657661
TI  - Choosing an Important Project: Take Two.

PMID- 27657659
TI  - Viral evasion and challenges of hepatitis C virus vaccine development.
AB  - Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major global disease burden, often leading to
      chronic liver diseases, cirrhosis, cancer, and death in those infected. Despite
      the recent approval of antiviral therapeutics, a preventative vaccine is
      recognized as the most effective means to control HCV globally, particularly in
      at-risk and developing country populations. Here we describe the efforts and
      challenges related to the development of an HCV vaccine, which after decades of
      research have not been successful. Viral sequence variability poses a major
      challenge, yet recent research has provided unprecedented views of the atomic
      structure of HCV epitopes and immune recognition by antibodies and T cell
      receptors. This, coupled with insights from deep sequencing, robust
      neutralization assays, and other technological advances, is spurring research
      toward rationally HCV designed vaccines that preferentially elicit responses
      toward conserved epitopes of interest that are associated with viral
      neutralization and clearance.

PMID- 27657662
TI  - The experience of family caregivers caring for a terminal patient at home: A
      research review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: One of the key aspects of the care of terminal patients is care
      delivered in their own home. Increasingly, the process of dying is moving from
      hospitals to homes. Although this process is directly related to the support of
      the social health environment, the involvement of family caregivers is essential.
      Given the impact that caring for a terminally ill family member has on people's
      lives, it is necessary to comprehend their personal experience in a holistic way.
      OBJECTIVE: To reveal the experience of family caregivers who are caring for a
      terminal patient in their home. DESIGN: A qualitative systematic review of
      articles published from 2000 to 2015 was conducted between March and September of
      2015. The following databases were consulted: CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO, Cochrane
      Library, SciELO and Dialnet. After applying the selection criteria, 12 relevant
      studies were identified. Subsequently, two of the reviewers jointly performed a
      qualitative content analysis of them. RESULTS: The analysis permitted the
      caregivers' experiences to be grouped into five themes: 1) Learning the
      diagnosis: uncertainty about the future and the prospects of death; 2) Feeling
      the physical and emotional burden of care; 3) Experiencing a limited life; 4)
      Redefining the relationship with the person being cared for; and 5) Valuing the
      importance of the support of the environment. CONCLUSIONS: This review shows that
      caring for a family member with advanced illness in the home has a great impact
      on the personal realm of the caregiver and in the relationship he or she
      maintains with the ill family member. Being involved in the process of dying
      translates into a prodigious physical and psychological effort, together with a
      substantial limitation on the normal development of their own life. Additionally,
      the caregiver must face and establish a new relationship with the family member,
      in accordance with the new ethos, without the help of a formal structure
      providing the necessary support. These results may help to focus attention on
      family caregiver needs and to develop the knowledge necessary to meet the current
      demands of end-of-life health care in the home.

PMID- 27657663
TI  - Structured scoring of supporting nursing tasks to enhance early discharge in
      geriatric rehabilitation: The BACK-HOME quasi-experimental study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In geriatric rehabilitation it is important to have timely
      discharge of patients, especially if they have low nursing support needs.
      However, no instruments are available to identify early discharge potential.
      OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if weekly scoring of a nursing support scorecard in the
      evenings/nights and discussing the results in the multidisciplinary team meeting,
      leads to potential differences in discharge of geriatric rehabilitation patients.
      DESIGN: Quasi-experimental study with a reference cohort (n=200) and a Back-Home
      implementation cohort (n=283). SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: Patients in geriatric
      rehabilitation in the four participating skilled nursing facilities in the
      Netherlands. METHODS: Implementation of the nursing support scorecard during one
      year consisted of (1) weekly scoring of the scorecard to identify the supporting
      nursing tasks during the evenings/nights by trained nurses, and (2) discussion of
      the results in a multidisciplinary team meeting to establish if discharge home
      planning was feasible. Data on patients' characteristics and setting before
      admission were collected at admission; at discharge, the length of stay,
      discharge destination and barriers for discharge were collected by the nursing
      staff. RESULTS: Both cohorts were comparable with regard to median age, gender
      [reference cohort: 81 (IQR 75-88) years; 66% females vs. Back-Home cohort 82 (IQR
      76-87) years; 71% females] and reasons for admission: stroke (23% vs. 23%), joint
      replacement (12% vs. 13%), traumatic injuries (31% vs. 34%), and other (35% vs.
      30%). Overall, the median length of stay for the participants discharged home in
      the reference cohort was 56 (IQR 29-81) days compared to 46 (IQR 30-96) days in
      the Back-Home cohort (p=0.08). When no home adjustments were needed, participants
      were discharged home after 50 (IQR 29.5-97) days in the reference cohort, and
      after 42.5 (IQR 26-64.8) days in the Back-Home cohort (p=0.03). Reasons for
      discharge delay were environmental factors (36.7%) and patient-related factors,
      such as mental (21.5%) and physical capacity (33.9%). CONCLUSION: Structured
      scoring of supporting nursing tasks for geriatric rehabilitation patients may
      lead to earlier discharge from a skilled nursing facility to home, if no home
      adjustments are needed.

PMID- 27657664
TI  - Effects of smoking status and MADRS retardation factor on response to low
      frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for depression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite growing evidence supporting the clinical interest of
      repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in treatment-resistant
      depression (TRD), little is known regarding the effects of clinical and
      sociodemographic factors on the clinical outcome in patients. METHODS: We
      retrospectively investigated the effects of clinical (using the 3-factor model of
      the Montgomery-Asberg depression rating scale [MADRS] encompassing dysphoria,
      retardation and vegetative symptoms) and sociodemographic characteristics of
      participants on clinical outcome in a sample of 54 TRD patients receiving low
      frequency rTMS (1Hz, 360 pulses) applied over the right dorsolateral prefrontal
      cortex combined with sham venlafaxine. RESULTS: Responders (n=29) displayed lower
      retardation baseline scores (13.6+/-2.9) than non-responders (15.6+/-2.9; n=25;
      P=0.02). We also observed a significant difference between the numbers of ex
      smokers in responders and non-responders groups; all ex-smokers (n=8) were
      responders to rTMS (P=0.005). CONCLUSION: Low MADRS retardation factor and ex
      smoker status is highly prevalent in responders to low frequency rTMS. Further
      studies are needed to investigate the predictive value of these factors.

PMID- 27657665
TI  - Early-adult outcome of child and adolescent mental disorders as evidenced by a
      national-based case register survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mental disorders show varying degrees of continuity from childhood to
      adulthood. This study addresses the relationship of child and adolescent mental
      disorders to early adult psychiatric morbidity. METHODS: From a population at
      risk of 830,819 children and adolescents aged 6-16 years, we selected all those
      (n=6043) who were enrolled for the first time in the Danish Psychiatric Register
      with an ICD-10 F00-99 diagnosis in 1995-1997, and identified any mental disorder
      for which they received treatment up to 2009. RESULTS: Neurodevelopmental and
      conduct disorders were the principal diagnostic groups at 6-16 years and
      exhibited a characteristic male preponderance; while affective, eating, neurotic,
      stress-related and adjustment disorders were more common in girls. Over a mean
      follow-up period of 10.1 years, 1666 (27.6%) cases, mean age 23.4 years, were
      referred for treatment to mental health services, and they had a markedly higher
      risk than the general population (RR 5.1; 95% CI 4.9-5.4). Affective, eating,
      neurodevelopmental, obsessive-compulsive and psychotic disorders had the
      strongest continuity. Heterotypic transitions were observed for affective,
      eating, neurodevelopmental, personality and substance use disorders. CONCLUSIONS:
      These findings suggest that individuals with psychiatric antecedents in childhood
      and adolescence had a high risk of being referred for treatment in early
      adulthood, and many mental disorders for which they required treatment revealed
      both homotypic and heterotypic continuity.

PMID- 27657666
TI  - Hierarchical group testing for multiple infections.
AB  - Group testing, where individuals are tested initially in pools, is widely used to
      screen a large number of individuals for rare diseases. Triggered by the recent
      development of assays that detect multiple infections at once, screening programs
      now involve testing individuals in pools for multiple infections simultaneously.
      Tebbs, McMahan, and Bilder (2013, Biometrics) recently evaluated the performance
      of a two-stage hierarchical algorithm used to screen for chlamydia and gonorrhea
      as part of the Infertility Prevention Project in the United States. In this
      article, we generalize this work to accommodate a larger number of stages. To
      derive the operating characteristics of higher-stage hierarchical algorithms with
      more than one infection, we view the pool decoding process as a time
      inhomogeneous, finite-state Markov chain. Taking this conceptualization enables
      us to derive closed-form expressions for the expected number of tests and
      classification accuracy rates in terms of transition probability matrices. When
      applied to chlamydia and gonorrhea testing data from four states (Region X of the
      United States Department of Health and Human Services), higher-stage hierarchical
      algorithms provide, on average, an estimated 11% reduction in the number of tests
      when compared to two-stage algorithms. For applications with rarer infections, we
      show theoretically that this percentage reduction can be much larger.

PMID- 27657667
TI  - Rebuttal from Dr. Mino-Kenudson.

PMID- 27657668
TI  - Mental Tasking and Caloric-Induced Vestibular Nystagmus Utilizing
      Videonystagmography.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to quantify the effects of mental tasking
      on measures of the caloric vestibulo-ocular reflex utilizing videonystagmography
      as the measurement technique. METHOD: A within-subjects repeated-measures design
      was utilized. Sixteen healthy adults were evaluated (13 women, 3 men; ages 19-31
      years). Each participant underwent bithermal caloric irrigation at 2 separate
      counterbalanced visits. At 1 visit mental tasking was utilized, whereas the other
      visit did not utilize mental tasking. The following outcomes were measured for
      each visit: peak slow-phase velocity (SPV), response duration, peak SPV latency,
      and eye blink artifact. RESULTS: No significant difference was seen for tasking
      versus no tasking with peak SPV, peak latency, or response duration. A
      significant difference was seen for the amount of eye blink artifact, with
      significantly more eye blinks present for the tasking condition. CONCLUSIONS:
      Results could indicate mental tasking does not affect the important measure of
      SPV. Moreover, increased eye blink artifact with tasking could obscure the
      clinician's ability to read the nystagmograph. However, this investigation is
      limited to the healthy young adult population, and more studies should be
      performed to corroborate the presented evidence.

PMID- 27657669
TI  - Solvatochromic Coatings with Self-Cleaning Property from
      Palygorskite@Polysiloxane/Crystal Violet Lactone.
AB  - Organic allochroic materials have wide potential applications in various fields
      but have so far been limited because of their low stability and low and slow
      switching reversibility. Because of the extraordinarily high durability of Maya
      Blue and the superhydrophobic lotus leaves, the new solvatochromic and self
      cleaning coatings with intense blue color are fabricated by the combination of
      polysiloxane-modified palygorskite (PAL@POS) and crystal violet lactone (CVL) via
      solid-state grinding. The coatings are characterized using scanning electron
      microscopy, diffusive reflection UV-vis spectra, and other analytical techniques.
      The hydrogen bonding of the hydroxyl groups of PAL@POS with the carboxylate
      groups of CVL+ is the origin of the intense blue color. The interruption of the
      hydrogen bonding by the vapor of solvents results in rapid discoloration of the
      coating. On the other hand, the evaporation of the solvents from the coating
      results in complete recovery of the original color by restoring the hydrogen
      bonding between PAL@POS and CVL+. The polarity, hydrogen bonding ability, and
      volatility of the solvents determine the solvatochromic properties of the
      coating. The PAL@POS/CVL coatings feature high reversibility and rapid switching
      between the colored and colorless states induced by the vapor of various
      solvents. Also, the coatings are superhydrophobic with fine self-cleaning
      properties and high durability in different environments. Moreover, the CVL
      content in the coating is controllable and can be as high as 4.8 wt %.

PMID- 27657670
TI  - Spatiotemporal Imaging of the Acoustic Field Emitted by a Single Copper Nanowire.
AB  - The monochromatic and geometrically anisotropic acoustic field generated by 400
      and 120 nm diameter copper nanowires simply dropped on a 10 MUm silicon membrane
      is investigated in transmission using three-dimensional time-resolved femtosecond
      pump-probe experiments. Two pump-probe time-resolved experiments are carried out
      at the same time on both sides of the silicon substrate. In reflection, the first
      radial breathing mode of the nanowire is excited and detected. In transmission,
      the longitudinal and shear waves are observed. The longitudinal signal is
      followed by a monochromatic component associated with the relaxation of the
      nanowire's first radial breathing mode. Finite difference time domain (FDTD)
      simulations are performed and accurately reproduce the diffracted field. A shape
      anisotropy resulting from the large aspect ratio of the nanowire is detected in
      the acoustic field. The orientation of the underlying nanowires is thus
      acoustically deduced.

PMID- 27657671
TI  - Update: Influenza Activity - United States and Worldwide, May 22-September 10,
      2016.
AB  - During May 22-September 10, 2016,* the United States experienced typical low
      levels of seasonal influenza activity overall; beginning in late August, clinical
      laboratories reported a slight increase in influenza positive test results and
      CDC received reports of a small number of localized influenza outbreaks caused by
      influenza A (H3N2) viruses. Influenza A (H1N1)pdm09, influenza A (H3N2), and
      influenza B viruses were detected during May-September in the United States and
      worldwide. The majority of the influenza viruses collected from the United States
      and other countries during that time have been characterized antigenically or
      genetically or both as being similar to the reference viruses representing
      vaccine components recommended for the 2016-17 Northern Hemisphere vaccine.
      During May 22-September 10, 2016, 20 influenza variant virus? infections were
      reported; two were influenza A (H1N2) variant (H1N2v) viruses (Minnesota and
      Wisconsin) and 18 were influenza A (H3N2) variant (H3N2v) viruses (12 from
      Michigan and six from Ohio).

PMID- 27657672
TI  - Diagnostic Microdosing Approach to Study Gemcitabine Resistance.
AB  - Gemcitabine metabolites cause the termination of DNA replication and induction of
      apoptosis. We determined whether subtherapeutic "microdoses" of gemcitabine are
      incorporated into DNA at levels that correlate to drug cytotoxicity. A pair of
      nearly isogenic bladder cancer cell lines differing in resistance to several
      chemotherapy drugs were treated with various concentrations of 14C-labeled
      gemcitabine for 4-24 h. Drug incorporation into DNA was determined by accelerator
      mass spectrometry. A mechanistic analysis determined that RRM2, a DNA synthesis
      protein and a known resistance factor, substantially mediated gemcitabine
      toxicity. These results support gemcitabine levels in DNA as a potential
      biomarker of drug cytotoxicity.

PMID- 27657674
TI  - Ramucirumab as Second-Line Treatment in Patients With Advanced Hepatocellular
      Carcinoma: Analysis of REACH Trial Results by Child-Pugh Score.
AB  - Importance: REACH is the first phase 3 trial to provide information on
      hepatocellular cancer (HCC) in the second-line (postsorafenib) setting
      categorized by Child-Pugh score, a scoring system used to measure the severity of
      chronic liver disease. This exploratory analysis demonstrates the relationship
      between a potential ramucirumab survival benefit, severity of liver disease, and
      baseline alpha-fetoprotein (alphaFP). Objective: To assess treatment effects and
      tolerability of ramucirumab by Child-Pugh score in patients with HCC enrolled in
      the REACH trial. Design, Settings, and Participants: Randomized, double-blind,
      phase 3 trial of ramucirumab and best supportive care vs placebo and best
      supportive care as second-line treatment in patients with HCC enrolled between
      November 4, 2010 and April 18, 2013, from 154 global sites. Overall, 643 patients
      were randomized and included in this analysis; 565 patients considered Child-Pugh
      class A (Child-Pugh scores 5 and 6) and 78 patients considered class B (Child
      Pugh scores 7 and 8). Interventions: Ramucirumab (8 mg/kg) or placebo
      intravenously plus best supportive care every 2 weeks. Main Outcomes and
      Measures: Overall survival (OS), defined as time from randomization to death from
      any cause. Results: In the randomized population of 643 patients (mean [SD] age,
      62.8 [11.1] years) in this analysis, a potential ramucirumab OS benefit was
      observed for patients with a Child-Pugh score of 5 (hazard ratio [HR], 0.80; 95%
      CI, 0.63-1.02; P = .06) but no apparent benefit for patients with Child-Pugh
      scores of 6 or 7 and 8. In patients with baseline alphaFP levels of 400 ng/mL (to
      convert ng/mL to MUg/L, multiply by 1.0) or more, a ramucirumab OS benefit was
      significant for a score of Child-Pugh 5 (HR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.43-0.87; P = .01)
      and Child-Pugh 6 (HR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.42-0.98; P = .04), but was not significant
      for Child-Pugh 7 and 8. The overall safety profile of ramucirumab, regardless of
      Child-Pugh score, was considered manageable. Regardless of treatment arm,
      patients with Child-Pugh scores of 7 and 8 experienced a higher incidence of
      grade 3 or higher treatment-emergent adverse events, including ascites and
      asthenia, and special-interest events, including liver injury and/or failure and
      bleeding, compared with patients with Child-Pugh scores of 5 or 6. Conclusions
      and Relevance: In unselected patients, a trend for ramucirumab survival benefit
      was observed only for patients with a Child-Pugh score of 5. In patients with
      baseline alphaFP levels of 400 ng/mL or more, a ramucirumab survival benefit was
      observed for Child-Pugh scores of 5 and 6. Ramucirumab had a manageable toxic
      effect profile. These results support the ongoing REACH-2 study of ramucirumab in
      patients with advanced HCC with underlying Child-Pugh A cirrhosis and baseline
      alphaFP levels of 400 ng/mL or more. Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov
      Identifier: NCT01140347.

PMID- 27657675
TI  - [Survey of Training in Laparoscopic Skills in Germany].
AB  - Background: Training in laparoscopic skills on simulators such as box-, POP- or
      VR-trainers improves intraoperative performance. Although this training is not
      mandatory in Germany at the moment, certified centres for minimally invasive
      surgery need to account for training opportunities. According to previous
      surveys, laparoscopic simulators are desired, yet not sufficiently available. The
      aim of the current project was a structured analysis of laparoscopic simulation
      sites in Germany. Materials and Methods: An online survey was performed among
      members of the "Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Allgemein- und Viszeralchirurgie". This
      consisted of 16 questions on the availability, type, use and financing of a
      laparoscopic simulator. If more than one person in an institution completed the
      questionnaire, answers were pooled and an analysis of clinics as well as single
      persons was performed. Results: Of 4605 persons, 422 participants (9.2 %) from
      265 different departments completed the survey. In 140 Institutions (52.8 %) a
      simulator for laparoscopic training was present. No training possibility was
      available in 37.8 % (n = 99) of the hospitals. A curriculum for laparoscopic
      training was obtained in 43.3 % (n = 103) of the participants with laparoscopic
      training facilities. The use of available simulators by surgical residents
      increased when they were embedded in a mandatory training curriculum (at least
      monthly use: 33.3 vs. 57.1 %). Conclusion: Compared to previous surveys, the
      proportion of hospitals with simulators is increasing. Their use is currently
      very heterogenous. A mandatory basic curriculum may encourage acquisition of more
      simulators. A DGAV database is supposed to encourage cooperation between training
      centres and clinics without simulators.

PMID- 27657673
TI  - Analysis of Discrepancy Between Diagnostic Clinical Examination Findings and
      Corresponding Evaluation of Digital Images in the Telemedicine Approaches to
      Evaluating Acute-Phase Retinopathy of Prematurity Study.
AB  - Importance: As effective treatments for potentially blinding retinopathy of
      prematurity (ROP) have been introduced, the importance of consistency in findings
      has increased, especially with the shift toward retinal imaging in infants at
      risk of ROP. Objective: To characterize discrepancies in findings of ROP between
      digital retinal image grading and examination results from the Telemedicine
      Approaches to Evaluating Acute-Phase Retinopathy of Prematurity study, conducted
      from May 2011 to October 2013. Design, Setting, and Participants: A poststudy
      consensus review of images was conducted by 4 experts, who examined discrepancies
      in findings between image grades by trained nonphysician readers and physician
      examination results in infants with referral-warranted ROP (RW-ROP). Images were
      obtained from 13 North American neonatal intensive care units from eyes of
      infants with birth weights less than 1251 g. For discrepancy categories with more
      than 100 cases, 40 were randomly selected; in total, 188 image sets were
      reviewed. Main Outcomes and Measures: Consensus evaluation of discrepant image
      and examination findings for RW-ROP components. Results: Among 5350 image set
      pairs, there were 161 instances in which image grading did not detect RW-ROP
      noted on clinical examination (G-/E+) and 854 instances in which grading noted RW
      ROP when the examination did not (G+/E-). Among the sample of G-/E+ cases, 18 of
      32 reviews (56.3%) agreed with clinical examination findings that ROP was present
      in zone I and 18 of 40 (45.0%) agreed stage 3 ROP was present, but only 1 of 20
      (5.0%) agreed plus disease was present. Among the sample of G+/E- cases, 36 of 40
      reviews (90.0%) agreed with readers that zone I ROP was present, 23 of 40 (57.5%)
      agreed with readers that stage 3 ROP was present, and 4 of 16 (25.0%) agreed that
      plus disease was present. Based on the consensus review results of the sampled
      cases, we estimated that review would agree with clinical examination findings in
      46.5% of the 161 G-/E+ cases (95% CI, 41.6-51.6) and agree with trained reader
      grading in 70.0% of the 854 G+/E- cases (95% CI, 67.3-72.8) for the presence of
      RW-ROP. Conclusions and Relevance: This report highlights limitations and
      strengths of both the remote evaluation of fundus images and bedside clinical
      examination of infants at risk for ROP. These findings highlight the need for
      standardized approaches as ROP telemedicine becomes more widespread.

PMID- 27657676
TI  - Mastering genomic terminology.

PMID- 27657677
TI  - Ethical considerations for genetic testing in the context of mandated cardiac
      screening before athletic participation.

PMID- 27657678
TI  - All your data (effectively) belong to us: data practices among direct-to-consumer
      genetic testing firms.
AB  - PURPOSE: Direct-to-consumer genetic testing (DTC-GT) has become a convenient
      method to help people to understand their genetic makeup. Owing in part to
      concerns regarding confidentiality, privacy, and secondary use of data,
      professional and government bodies created guidelines to promote transparency
      among these companies. Using a comprehensive and systematic approach, this study
      assessed DTC-GT company compliance with international transparency guidelines.
      METHODS: A framework analysis was performed on 30 DTC-GT health and/or ancestry
      websites identified using a US-based online search strategy during the summer of
      2015. A codebook was developed from a synthesis of relevant guidelines from seven
      DTC-GT guideline documents and applied to each website. RESULTS: Although most
      companies met guidelines related to transparency regarding security protocols,
      storage procedures, and third-party disclosures, few met guidelines regarding
      sharing risks from data disclosures. Additionally, few companies disclosed how
      long data would be kept for services or research. Use of data for research was
      frequently mentioned only in privacy policies and terms of service documents, and
      only two-thirds of companies required an additional consent to use consumer data
      for health-related research. CONCLUSION: Our analysis shows that DTC-GT companies
      do not consistently meet international transparency guidelines related to
      confidentiality, privacy, and secondary use of data.Genet Med advance online
      publication 22 September 2016.

PMID- 27657679
TI  - Response to van Rijt et al.

PMID- 27657680
TI  - A dominant variant in DMXL2 is linked to nonsyndromic hearing loss.
AB  - PURPOSE: To explore the genetic etiology of deafness in a dominant family with
      late-onset, progressive, nonsyndromic hearing loss. METHODS: Genome-wide linkage
      analysis was performed for 21 family members. Candidate pathogenic variants were
      identified by whole-exome sequencing of selected family members and confirmed by
      Sanger sequencing of all family members. Cochlear expression of Dmxl2 was
      investigated by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and
      immunostaining of the organ of Corti from mice. RESULTS: The causative gene was
      mapped to a 9.68-Mb candidate region on chromosome 15q21.2 (maximum logarithm of
      the odds score = 4.03) that contained no previously described deafness genes.
      Whole-exome sequencing identified heterozygous c.7250G>A (p.Arg2417His) in DMXL2
      as the only candidate pathogenic variant segregating the hearing loss. In mouse
      cochlea, expression of DMXL2 was restricted to the hair cells and the spiral
      ganglion neurons. CONCLUSION: Our data indicated that the p.Arg2417His variant in
      DMXL2 is associated with dominant, nonsyndromic hearing loss and suggested an
      important role of DMXL2 in inner ear function.Genet Med advance online
      publication 22 September 2016.

PMID- 27657682
TI  - Payer decision making for next-generation sequencing-based genetic tests:
      insights from cell-free DNA prenatal screening.
AB  - PURPOSE: Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) prenatal screening tests have been rapidly adopted
      into clinical practice, due in part to positive insurance coverage. We evaluated
      the framework payers used in making coverage decisions to describe a process that
      should be informative for other sequencing tests. METHODS: We analyzed coverage
      policies from the 19 largest US private payers with publicly available policies
      through February 2016, building from the University of California San Francisco
      TRANSPERS Payer Coverage Policy Registry. RESULTS: All payers studied cover cfDNA
      screening for detection of trisomies 21, 18, and 13 in high-risk, singleton
      pregnancies, based on robust clinical validity (CV) studies and modeled evidence
      of clinical utility (CU). Payers typically evaluated the evidence for each
      chromosomal abnormality separately, although results are offered as part of a
      panel. Starting in August 2015, 8 of the 19 payers also began covering cfDNA
      screening in average-risk pregnancies, citing recent CV studies and updated
      professional guidelines. Most payers attempted, but were unable, to independently
      assess analytic validity (AV). CONCLUSION: Payers utilized the standard
      evidentiary framework (AV/CV/CU) when evaluating cfDNA screening but varied in
      their interpretation of the sufficiency of the evidence. Professional guidelines,
      large CV studies, and decision analytic models regarding health outcomes appeared
      highly influential in coverage decisions.Genet Med advance online publication 22
      September 2016.

PMID- 27657684
TI  - Successful outcomes of older adolescents and adults with profound biotinidase
      deficiency identified by newborn screening.
AB  - PURPOSE: We began screening newborns for biotinidase deficiency disorder in 1984,
      and now all states in the United States and many countries perform this
      screening. The purpose of this study was to determine the outcomes of older
      adolescent and adult individuals with the disorder identified by newborn
      screening. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We located and surveyed, by questionnaire and
      telephone interviews, 44 individuals with profound biotinidase deficiency
      identified by newborn screening with a mean age of 23.1 years. RESULTS: All
      individuals had successfully completed high school, and many were attending or
      had completed college or graduate school. Compliance in using biotin has been
      excellent. Several individuals developed a variety of symptoms when they
      discontinued biotin for days or weeks. These features readily resolved when
      biotin was resumed. In addition, five treated women had nine uneventful
      pregnancies and deliveries. CONCLUSIONS: Newborn screening for profound
      biotinidase deficiency and early treatment with biotin result in excellent
      outcomes for older adolescents and adults with the disorder. In addition, mothers
      with profound biotinidase deficiency who were treated with biotin had pregnancies
      with good outcomes. These outcome results indicate that newborn screening for
      biotinidase deficiency is one of the most successful newborn screening
      programs.Genet Med 19 4, 396-402.

PMID- 27657681
TI  - The validation of pharmacogenetics for the identification of Fabry patients to be
      treated with migalastat.
AB  - PURPOSE: Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by
      mutations in the alpha-galactosidase A gene. Migalastat, a pharmacological
      chaperone, binds to specific mutant forms of alpha-galactosidase A to restore
      lysosomal activity. METHODS: A pharmacogenetic assay was used to identify the
      alpha-galactosidase A mutant forms amenable to migalastat. Six hundred Fabry
      disease-causing mutations were expressed in HEK-293 (HEK) cells; increases in
      alpha-galactosidase A activity were measured by a good laboratory practice (GLP)
      validated assay (GLP HEK/Migalastat Amenability Assay). The predictive value of
      the assay was assessed based on pharmacodynamic responses to migalastat in phase
      II and III clinical studies. RESULTS: Comparison of the GLP HEK assay results in
      in vivo white blood cell alpha-galactosidase A responses to migalastat in male
      patients showed high sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative
      predictive values (>=0.875). GLP HEK assay results were also predictive of
      decreases in kidney globotriaosylceramide in males and plasma
      globotriaosylsphingosine in males and females. The clinical study subset of
      amenable mutations (n = 51) was representative of all 268 amenable mutations
      identified by the GLP HEK assay. CONCLUSION: The GLP HEK assay is a clinically
      validated method of identifying male and female Fabry patients for treatment with
      migalastat.Genet Med 19 4, 430-438.

PMID- 27657683
TI  - Prescription medication changes following direct-to-consumer personal genomic
      testing: findings from the Impact of Personal Genomics (PGen) Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To measure the frequency of prescription medication changes following
      direct-to-consumer personal genomic testing (DTC-PGT) and their association with
      the pharmacogenomic results received. METHODS: New DTC-PGT customers were
      enrolled in 2012 and completed surveys prior to the return of results and 6
      months after results; DTC-PGT results were linked to survey data. "Atypical
      response" pharmacogenomic results were defined as those indicating an increase or
      decrease in risk of an adverse drug event or likelihood of therapeutic benefit.
      At follow-up, participants reported prescription medication changes and health
      care provider consultation. RESULTS: Follow-up data were available from 961
      participants, of whom 54 (5.6%) reported changing a medication they were taking
      or starting a new medication due to their DTC-PGT results. Of these, 45 (83.3%)
      reported consulting with a health-care provider regarding the change.
      Pharmacogenomic results were available for 961 participants, of which 875 (91.2%)
      received one or more atypical response results. For each such result received,
      the odds of reporting a prescription medication change increased 1.57 times (95%
      confidence interval = 1.17, 2.11). CONCLUSION: Receipt of pharmacogenomic results
      indicating an atypical drug response is common with DTC-PGT and is associated
      with prescription medication changes; however, fewer than 1% of consumers report
      unsupervised changes at 6 months after testing.Genet Med advance online
      publication 22 September 2016.

PMID- 27657685
TI  - Multidisciplinary model to implement pharmacogenomics at the point of care.
AB  - PURPOSE: Despite potential clinical benefits, implementation of pharmacogenomics
      (PGx) faces many technical and clinical challenges. These challenges can be
      overcome with a comprehensive and systematic implementation model. METHODS: The
      development and implementation of PGx were organized into eight interdependent
      components addressing resources, governance, clinical practice, education,
      testing, knowledge translation, clinical decision support (CDS), and maintenance.
      Several aspects of implementation were assessed, including adherence to the
      model, production of PGx-CDS interventions, and access to educational resources.
      RESULTS: Between August 2012 and June 2015, 21 specific drug-gene interactions
      were reviewed and 18 of them were implemented in the electronic medical record as
      PGx-CDS interventions. There was complete adherence to the model with variable
      production time (98-392 days) and delay time (0-148 days). The implementation
      impacted approximately 1,247 unique providers and 3,788 unique patients. A total
      of 11 educational resources complementary to the drug-gene interactions and 5
      modules specific for pharmacists were developed and implemented. CONCLUSION: A
      comprehensive operational model can support PGx implementation in routine
      prescribing. Institutions can use this model as a roadmap to support similar
      efforts. However, we also identified challenges that will require major
      multidisciplinary and multi-institutional efforts to make PGx a universal
      reality.Genet Med 19 4, 421-429.

PMID- 27657686
TI  - The collective impact of rare diseases in Western Australia: an estimate using a
      population-based cohort.
AB  - PURPOSE: It has been argued that rare diseases should be recognized as a public
      health priority. However, there is a shortage of epidemiological data describing
      the true burden of rare diseases. This study investigated hospital service use to
      provide a better understanding of the collective health and economic impacts of
      rare diseases. METHODS: Novel methodology was developed using a carefully
      constructed set of diagnostic codes, a selection of rare disease cohorts from
      hospital administrative data, and advanced data-linkage technologies. Outcomes
      included health-service use and hospital admission costs. RESULTS: In 2010,
      cohort members who were alive represented approximately 2.0% of the Western
      Australian population. The cohort accounted for 4.6% of people discharged from
      hospital and 9.9% of hospital discharges, and it had a greater average length of
      stay than the general population. The total cost of hospital discharges for the
      cohort represented 10.5% of 2010 state inpatient hospital costs. CONCLUSIONS:
      This population-based cohort study provides strong new evidence of a marked
      disparity between the proportion of the population with rare diseases and their
      combined health-system costs. The methodology will inform future rare-disease
      studies, and the evidence will guide government strategies for managing the
      service needs of people living with rare diseases.Genet Med advance online
      publication 22 September 2016.

PMID- 27657688
TI  - Using large sequencing data sets to refine intragenic disease regions and
      prioritize clinical variant interpretation.
AB  - PURPOSE: Classification of novel variants is a major challenge facing the
      widespread adoption of comprehensive clinical genomic sequencing and the field of
      personalized medicine in general. This is largely because most novel variants do
      not have functional, genetic, or population data to support their clinical
      classification. METHODS: To improve variant interpretation, we leveraged the
      Exome Aggregation Consortium (ExAC) data set (N = ~60,000) as well as 7,000
      clinically curated variants in 132 genes identified in more than 11,000 probands
      clinically tested for cardiomyopathies, rasopathies, hearing loss, or connective
      tissue disorders to perform a systematic evaluation of domain level disease
      associations. RESULTS: We statistically identify regions that are most sensitive
      to functional variation in the general population and also most commonly impacted
      in symptomatic individuals. Our data show that a significant number of exons and
      domains in genes strongly associated with disease can be defined as disease
      sensitive or disease-tolerant, leading to potential reclassification of at least
      26% (450 out of 1,742) of variants of uncertain clinical significance in the 132
      genes. CONCLUSION: This approach leverages domain functional annotation and
      associated disease in each gene to prioritize candidate disease variants,
      increasing the sensitivity and specificity of novel variant assessment within
      these genes.Genet Med advance online publication 22 September 2016.

PMID- 27657689
TI  - Neonates at risk of medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency: a perinatal
      protocol for use before population neonatal screening test results become
      available.

PMID- 27657687
TI  - Whole-exome sequencing in the molecular diagnosis of individuals with congenital
      anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract and identification of a new causative
      gene.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the utility of whole-exome sequencing (WES) to define a
      molecular diagnosis for patients clinically diagnosed with congenital anomalies
      of kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT). METHODS: WES was performed in 62 families
      with CAKUT. WES data were analyzed for single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) in 35
      known CAKUT genes, putatively deleterious sequence changes in new candidate
      genes, and potentially disease-associated copy-number variants (CNVs). RESULTS:
      In approximately 5% of families, pathogenic SNVs were identified in PAX2, HNF1B,
      and EYA1. Observed phenotypes in these families expand the current understanding
      about the role of these genes in CAKUT. Four pathogenic CNVs were also identified
      using two CNV detection tools. In addition, we found one deleterious de novo SNV
      in FOXP1 among the 62 families with CAKUT. The clinical database of the Baylor
      Miraca Genetics laboratory was queried and seven additional unrelated individuals
      with novel de novo SNVs in FOXP1 were identified. Six of these eight individuals
      with FOXP1 SNVs have syndromic urinary tract defects, implicating this gene in
      urinary tract development. CONCLUSION: We conclude that WES can be used to
      identify molecular etiology (SNVs, CNVs) in a subset of individuals with CAKUT.
      WES can also help identify novel CAKUT genes.Genet Med 19 4, 412-420.

PMID- 27657690
TI  - Prognostic Values of Vimentin Expression and Its Clinicopathological Significance
      in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies with 4118
      Cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vimentin is a member of the intermediate filament proteins and a
      canonical marker of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is pivotal
      in tumorigenesis, metastasis and invasion in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
      The current meta-analysis aimed to investigate the associations between vimentin
      and prognosis and progression in NSCLC. METHODS: Databases with literature
      published in English, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Science Direct,
      Wiley Online Library, Ovid, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials,
      LILACS and Google Scholar, and the CNKI, VIP, CBM and WanFang databases in
      Chinese were used for the literature search. The key terms included (1)
      'vimentin' OR 'vim' OR 'vmt' OR 'vm' OR 'hel113' OR 'ctrct30' and (2) 'pulmon*'
      OR 'lung' OR 'alveolar' and (3) 'cancer' OR 'carcinoma' OR 'tumor' OR
      'adenocarcinoma' OR 'squamous' OR 'neoplas*' OR 'malignan*'. The data were
      combined by random effect model and the H value and I2 were used to assess the
      heterogeneity. All the meta-analysis was conducted using Stata 12.0. RESULTS:
      Thirty-two qualified studies (4118 cases) were included in the current meta
      analysis. Twelve studies with 1750 patients were included to assess the
      significance of vimentin in the overall survival (OS) of NSCLC; the pooled hazard
      ratio (HR) was 1.831 (confidence interval (CI): 1.315-2.550, P<0.001) in the
      univariate analysis and 1.266 (CI: 0.906-1.768, P = 0.167) in the multivariate
      analysis. Four studies with 988 cases were applicable to determine the
      significance of vimentin in the disease-free survival (DFS) of NSCLC; the pooled
      HR of the DFS was 1.224 (CI: 0.921-1.628, P = 0.164) in the univariate analysis
      and 1.254 (CI: 0.985-1.956, P = 0.067) in the multivariate analysis. Regarding
      the relationships between vimentin and clinicopathological factors, the pooled
      odds ratio (OR) with 3406 NSCLCs indicated that up-regulated vimentin was
      associated with smoking (OR = 1.359, CI: 1.098-1.683, P = 0.004), poor
      differentiation (OR = 2.133, CI: 1.664-2.735, P<0.001), an advanced TNM stage (OR
      = 3.275, CI: 1.987-5.397, P<0.001), vascular invasion (OR = 3.492, CI: 1.063
      11.472, P = 0.039), lymph node metastasis (OR = 2.628, CI: 1.857-3.718, P<0.001),
      recurrence (OR = 1.631, CI: 1.052-2.528, P = 0.029) and pleural invasion (OR =
      2.346, CI: 1.397-3.941, P = 0.001). There was no significant correlation between
      vimentin and age, gender, diameter, T stage, distant metastasis, or marginal
      invasion (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: An overexpression of vimentin may predict the
      progression and an unfavorable survival of NSCLC. Vimentin may represent a
      helpful biomarker and a potential target for the treatment strategies of NSCLC.
      Additional, prospective studies with large samples are necessary to confirm the
      significance of vimentin in NSCLC.

PMID- 27657692
TI  - Right care, right place, right time: improving the timeliness of health care in
      New South Wales through a public-private hospital partnership.
AB  - Objective The overall aim of the study was to investigate and assess the
      feasibility of improving the timeliness of public hospital care through a New
      South Wales (NSW)-wide public-private hospital partnership. Methods The study
      reviewed the academic and professional grey literature, and undertook exploratory
      analyses of secondary data acquired from two national health data repositories
      informing in-patient access and utilisation across NSW public and private
      hospitals. Results In 2014-15, the NSW public hospital system was unable to
      deliver care within the medically recommended time frame for over 27400 people
      who were awaiting elective surgery. Available information indicates that the
      annual commissioning of 15% of public in-patient rehabilitation bed days to the
      private hospital system would potentially free up enough capacity in the NSW
      public hospital system to enable elective surgery for all public patients within
      recommended time frames. Conclusions The findings of the study justify a
      strategic whole-of-health system approach to reducing public patient wait times
      in NSW and highlight the need for research efforts aimed at securing a better
      understanding of available hospital capacity across the public and private
      hospital systems, and identifying and testing workable models that improve the
      timeliness of public hospital care. What is known about the topic? There are very
      few studies available to inform public-private hospital service partnerships and
      the opportunities available to improve timely health care access through such
      partnerships. What does this paper add? This paper has the potential to open and
      prompt timely discussion and debate, and generate further fundamental
      investigation, on public-private hospital service partnerships in Australia where
      opportunity is available to address elective surgery wait times in a reliable and
      effective manner. What are the implications for practitioners? The NSW Ministry
      of Health and its Local Health Districts have the potential to realise a key
      objective, namely to deliver the 'right care, in the right place, at the right
      time', through the core value of collaboration, using available infrastructure.

PMID- 27657691
TI  - A Global Analysis of the Polygalacturonase Gene Family in Soybean (Glycine max).
AB  - Polygalacturonase is one of the pectin hydrolytic enzymes involved in various
      developmental and physiological processes such as seed germination, organ
      abscission, pod and anther dehiscence, and xylem cell formation. To date, no
      systematic analysis of polygalacturonase incorporating genome organization, gene
      structure, and expression profiling has been conducted in soybean (Glycine max
      var. Williams 82). In this study, we identified 112 GmPG genes from the soybean
      Wm82.a2v1 genome. These genes were classified into three groups, group I (105
      genes), group II (5 genes), and group III (2 genes). Fifty-four pairs of
      duplicate paralogous genes were preferentially identified from duplicated regions
      of the soybean genome, which implied that long segmental duplications
      significantly contributed to the expansion of the GmPG gene family. Moreover,
      GmPG transcripts were analyzed in various tissues using RNA-seq data. The results
      showed the differential expression of 64 GmPGs in the tissue and partially
      redundant expression of some duplicate genes, while others showed functional
      diversity. These findings suggested that the GmPGs were retained by substantial
      subfunctionalization during the soybean evolutionary processes. Finally,
      evolutionary analysis based on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in wild and
      cultivated soybeans revealed that 107 GmPGs had selected site(s), which indicated
      that these genes may have undergone strong selection during soybean
      domestication. Among them, one non-synonymous SNP of GmPG031 affected floral
      development during selection, which was consistent with the results of RNA-seq
      and evolutionary analyses. Thus, our results contribute to the functional
      characterization of GmPG genes in soybean.

PMID- 27657693
TI  - Prevalent and Incident Vertebral Deformities in Midlife Women: Results from the
      Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vertebral fractures are the most common type of osteoporotic fracture
      among women, but estimates of their prevalence and incidence during middle-age
      are limited. The development of vertebral morphometry (VM) using dual energy X
      ray absorptiometry (DXA) makes it more feasible to measure VM in large,
      longitudinal, observational studies. We conducted this study to: 1) contribute to
      the scant knowledge of the prevalence, incidence and risk factors for vertebral
      deformities in middle-aged women; and 2) to evaluate the performance of DXA-based
      VM measurement in a large, community based sample. METHODS: The sample is derived
      from the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN), a multi-site,
      community-based, longitudinal cohort study of the MT. Using Hologic QDR 4500A
      instruments, we acquired initial VM measurements in 1446 women during calendar
      years 2004-2007; in 2012-2013, a follow-up VM was obtained in 1108. Annually,
      lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN) bone mineral density (BMD) were measured
      and participant characteristics were assessed with standardized instruments.
      Multivariable logistic regression models examined the relations between prevalent
      deformity and relevant characteristics. Analyses of characteristics associated
      with prevalent deformity were restricted to 824 women who had not taken bone
      active medications since SWAN baseline. We calculated incident deformity per
      person year (PY) of observation, standardized to 1000 person-years. RESULTS: The
      cranial portion of the VM image yielded the lowest proportions of readable
      vertebrae: from T4 through T6, between 43% and 63% of vertebral bodies were
      evaluable. Greater BMI was associated with fewer readable levels (B = -0.088,
      p<0.0001). In the baseline sample of 1446 women, the prevalence of vertebral
      deformity was 3.2% (95% CI: 2.3, 4.1). The relative odds of deformity increased
      by 61% per SD decrement in baseline LS BMD (p = 0.02) and were 67% greater per SD
      decrement in baseline FN BMD (p = 0.04). Odds of prevalent deformity increased by
      21% per year increment in age (p = 0.02). On average, 1108 women were followed
      for 6.8 years (SD 0.5 years, range 5.1-8.3 years) and we observed an incidence of
      1.98 vertebral deformities per 1000 PY. In the longitudinal sample, 628
      participants had never used bone active medications; their vertebral deformity
      incidence was 2.8 per 1000 PY. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of vertebral deformity in
      SWAN participants aged 50-60 years was low and lower bone density at the LS and
      FN was strongly related to greater risk of prevalent deformity. Only about half
      of the vertebral levels between T4-T6 could be adequately imaged by DXA. Greater
      BMI is associated with fewer readable vertebral levels.

PMID- 27657694
TI  - Novel Strategy for Phenotypic Characterization of Human B Lymphocytes from
      Precursors to Effector Cells by Flow Cytometry.
AB  - A precise identification and phenotypic characterization of human B-cell subsets
      is of crucial importance in both basic research and medicine. In the literature,
      flow cytometry studies for the phenotypic characterization of B-lymphocytes are
      mainly focused on the description of a particular cell stage, or of specific cell
      stages observed in a single type of sample. In the present work, we propose a
      backbone of 6 antibodies (CD38, CD27, CD10, CD19, CD5 and CD45) and an efficient
      gating strategy to identify, in a single analysis tube, a large number of B-cell
      subsets covering the whole B-cell differentiation from precursors to memory and
      plasma cells. Furthermore, by adding two antibodies in an 8-color combination,
      our approach allows the analysis of the modulation of any cell surface marker of
      interest along B-cell differentiation. We thus developed a panel of seven 8
      colour antibody combinations to phenotypically characterize B-cell subpopulations
      in bone marrow, peripheral blood, lymph node and cord blood samples. Beyond
      qualitative information provided by biparametric representations, we also
      quantified antigen expression on each of the identified B-cell subsets and we
      proposed a series of informative curves showing the modulation of seventeen cell
      surface markers along B-cell differentiation. Our approach by flow cytometry
      provides an efficient tool to obtain quantitative data on B-cell surface markers
      expression with a relative easy-to-handle technique that can be applied in
      routine explorations.

PMID- 27657696
TI  - Energetics, Thermodynamics, and Hydrogen Bonding Diversity in Ammonium Halide
      Clusters.
AB  - Contributions from different intermolecular and interionic forces, as well as
      variations in bond energies, produce size-dependent variations in the structures
      of acid-base molecular clusters. In this work the structures and interaction
      energetics of cluster particles with the nominal formulas (NH4X)n, X = (F, Cl,
      Br) are predicted using either "mag-walking" sawtooth simulated annealing Monte
      Carlo calculations or model building, followed by M06-2X or RI-MP2 geometry
      optimization and single-point energy calculations. Whereas the n = 1 clusters all
      exhibit a single hydrogen bond, small (NH4F)n particles (n = 2-5) exhibit three
      distinct types of hydrogen bonds as a function of size (traditional, ion-pair and
      proton-shared). However, (NH4Br)n and (NH4Cl)n particles (n = 2-13) all solely
      exhibit ion-pair hydrogen bonding, with even values of n exhibiting pronounced
      relative stability. The computed differential interaction energy of the bromide
      and chloride systems is generally near the bulk limit of the difference in their
      accepted lattice energies, despite the fact that their structures do not resemble
      the bulk crystal structures. Nanoparticle growth reactions are predicted to be
      thermodynamically spontaneous under standard conditions, with significant size
      and system dependencies. This work is designed to further our understanding of
      the nature of hydrogen bonding and other intermolecular forces, particularly
      within ionic nanocrystallites, as well as the thermodynamics of cluster
      formation.

PMID- 27657695
TI  - Using the Portuguese version of the Bicultural Scale in Brazil.
AB  - Introduction:: Brazil has received influxes of people, mainly from Africa, Europe
      and Japan, forming one of the most heterogeneous populations in the world. Some
      groups, particularly in Southern Brazil, have retained their original cultural
      traditions, whilst acquiring elements of the typical local Brazilian cultural
      identity. This is the first study designed to formally evaluate biculturality in
      Brazil. Objective:: To psychometrically assess and validate the Portuguese
      version of the Bicultural Scale (BS) in Brazil. Methods:: The BS was adapted and
      translated to Portuguese and tested for the first time in Brazil in a sample of
      descendants (n = 160) from four immigrant groups and respective locations in
      Southern Brazil. A series of psychometric tests were conducted in order to
      examine the validity of the Portuguese version of the BS. Analyses of variance
      across scores for all subgroups were also conducted. Results:: Factor analysis
      revealed two main factors contributing to most of the variance in scores. The 10
      items measuring affiliation with minority cultural characteristics and the
      typical Brazilian culture yielded Cronbach's alpha coefficients of 0.69 and 0.78
      respectively, whereas the overall Cronbach's alpha for all 20 items of the BS was
      0.67. There was a significant correlation between items related to the typical
      Brazilian culture and the generation since immigration of research participants
      (r = 0.23, p = 0.004). The mean time taken to complete the questionnaire was 7.4
      minutes. Conclusion:: The results indicate that the Portuguese version of the BS
      is a valid, reliable and easy-to-use instrument to assess biculturality
      experienced by descendants of immigrants in southern Brazil.

PMID- 27657699
TI  - Correction: Shikonin Suppresses NLRP3 and AIM2 Inflammasomes by Direct Inhibition
      of Caspase-1.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0159826.].

PMID- 27657697
TI  - COMT Val158Met Polymorphism Modulates Huntington's Disease Progression.
AB  - Little is known about the genetic factors modulating the progression of
      Huntington's disease (HD). Dopamine levels are affected in HD and modulate
      executive functions, the main cognitive disorder of HD. We investigated whether
      the Val158Met polymorphism of the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene, which
      influences dopamine (DA) degradation, affects clinical progression in HD. We
      carried out a prospective longitudinal multicenter study from 1994 to 2011, on
      438 HD gene carriers at different stages of the disease (34 pre-manifest; 172
      stage 1; 130 stage 2; 80 stage 3; 17 stage 4; and 5 stage 5), according to Total
      Functional Capacity (TFC) score. We used the Unified Huntington's Disease Rating
      Scale to evaluate motor, cognitive, behavioral and functional decline. We
      genotyped participants for COMT polymorphism (107 Met-homozygous, 114 Val
      homozygous and 217 heterozygous). 367 controls of similar ancestry were also
      genotyped. We compared clinical progression, on each domain, between groups of
      COMT polymorphisms, using latent-class mixed models accounting for disease
      duration and number of CAG (cytosine adenine guanine) repeats. We show that HD
      gene carriers with fewer CAG repeats and with the Val allele in COMT polymorphism
      displayed slower cognitive decline. The rate of cognitive decline was greater for
      Met/Met homozygotes, which displayed a better maintenance of cognitive capacity
      in earlier stages of the disease, but had a worse performance than Val allele
      carriers later on. COMT polymorphism did not significantly impact functional and
      behavioral performance. Since COMT polymorphism influences progression in HD, it
      could be used for stratification in future clinical trials. Moreover, DA
      treatments based on the specific COMT polymorphism and adapted according to
      disease duration could potentially slow HD progression.

PMID- 27657698
TI  - Parabrachial complex links pain transmission to descending pain modulation.
AB  - The rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) has a well-documented role in pain
      modulation and exerts antinociceptive and pronociceptive influences mediated by 2
      distinct classes of neurons, OFF-cells and ON-cells. OFF-cells are defined by a
      sudden pause in firing in response to nociceptive inputs, whereas ON-cells are
      characterized by a "burst" of activity. Although these reflex-related changes in
      ON- and OFF-cell firing are critical to their pain-modulating function, the
      pathways mediating these responses have not been identified. The present
      experiments were designed to test the hypothesis that nociceptive input to the
      RVM is relayed through the parabrachial complex (PB). In electrophysiological
      studies, ON- and OFF-cells were recorded in the RVM of lightly anesthetized male
      rats before and after an infusion of lidocaine or muscimol into PB. The ON-cell
      burst and OFF-cell pause evoked by noxious heat or mechanical probing were
      substantially attenuated by inactivation of the lateral, but not medial,
      parabrachial area. Retrograde tracing studies showed that neurons projecting to
      the RVM were scattered throughout PB. Few of these neurons expressed calcitonin
      gene-related peptide, suggesting that the RVM projection from PB is distinct from
      that to the amygdala. These data show that a substantial component of "bottom-up"
      nociceptive drive to RVM pain-modulating neurons is relayed through the PB. While
      the PB is well known as an important relay for ascending nociceptive information,
      its functional connection with the RVM allows the spinoparabrachial pathway to
      access descending control systems as part of a recurrent circuit.

PMID- 27657700
TI  - Correlates of Sexually Transmitted Infections among Adolescents Attending Public
      High Schools, Panama, 2015.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common in adolescents
      worldwide. Vulnerability to STIs increases with risky sexual practices. This
      study described the sexual practices, estimated the prevalence of STIs, and
      identified correlates associated with STIs among participants, enrolled in public
      high schools, in the District of Panama, Panama. METHODS: A cross sectional
      study, using multistage cluster sampling, was conducted among participants, aged
      14-18 years, enrolled in public high schools, in the District of Panama, Panama
      City, Panama, from August to November, 2015. Participants completed a self
      administered questionnaire and provided biological samples. The samples of those
      reporting sexual activity (oral, vaginal, and/or anal intercourse) were tested
      for STIs. Odds ratios were used to identify correlates of STIs in this
      population. RESULTS: A total of 592 participants were included, of whom, 60.8%
      reported a history of sexual activity, and 24.4% tested positive for least one
      STI. STIs were more common in female participants, (33.5%). Compared to those
      without STIs, higher proportions of those with at least one STI reported >=3
      sexual partners in their lifetime (60.0%) and current sexual activity (76.3%). In
      the multivariable model, correlates of STI included female participants (Adjusted
      Odds Ratio (AOR) = 5.8, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 2.3-14.6) and those who
      engaged in sexual intercourse with casual partners (AOR = 3.0, 95% CI: 1.2-7.5).
      CONCLUSIONS: We report a high STI prevalence among adolescents attending public
      high schools, in the District of Panama. Reported risky sexual practices were
      common and correlated with STIs. Female participants and those reporting sexual
      intercourse with casual partners were more likely test positive for at least one
      STI. Our study identified a need for effective interventions to curb future
      infections in this population.

PMID- 27657702
TI  - The Clock Is Ticking: Countdown to Metastases.

PMID- 27657701
TI  - Filling GAPs in our knowledge: ARHGAP11A and RACGAP1 act as oncogenes in basal
      like breast cancers.
AB  - Like RAS proteins, the aberrant function of RHO family small GTPases has been
      implicated in driving cancer development and growth. However, unlike the RAS
      family, where gain-of-function missense mutations are found in ~25% of all human
      cancers, missense mutations are relatively rare in RHO proteins. Instead, altered
      RHO activity in cancer more commonly arises through the aberrant functions of RHO
      GTPase regulators. In many cancer types, altered expression and/or mutation of
      RHO-selective guanine nucleotide exchange factors (RHOGEFs) or GTPase-activating
      proteins (RHOGAPs), which activate or inactivate RHO GTPases, respectively, is
      observed. For example, deletion or loss of expression of the RHOA GAP DLC1 is
      well-established to drive cancer growth. Recently, we identified high expression
      of 2 RHOGAPs, ARHGAP11A and RACGAP1, in the basal-like breast cancer subtype.
      Unexpectedly, both of these RHOA GAPs exhibited properties of oncoproteins rather
      than tumor suppressors, in contrast to DLC1. In this commentary, we summarize our
      findings and speculate that different RHOA GAPs can play distinct roles in cancer
      depending on their spatial regulation and cancer type context. We also evaluate
      our results in light of recently-described cancer genome sequencing studies that
      have identified loss-of-function mutations of RHOA in specific cancer types.

PMID- 27657703
TI  - Hematologic and Biochemical Biologic Variation in Laboratory Cats.
AB  - The biologic variation associated with a clinical pathology result is important
      to consider before reference intervals (RI) are used. Most available RI are
      population-based RI, in which the analytical variability, interindividual
      variability, and intraindividual variability are confounded. In addition, when
      the intraindividual variability is considerably less than the interindividual
      variability, a population-based RI is insufficiently sensitive to detect changes
      in a subject over time. Here we determined the biologic variation and reference
      change value (RCV) of hematologic and biochemical variables in laboratory cats.
      Blood specimens from 14 (7 females and 7 males) overnight-fasted laboratory cats
      sampled 7 times (days 1, 2, 7, 14, 31, 42, and 100) were analyzed regarding
      hematology and biochemistry variables. For each variable, analytical,
      intraindividual, and interindividual coefficients of variation were estimated
      prior to calculation of the index of individuality and the RCV. RBC variables
      (count, Hgb, Hct, MCV, MCH, MCHC, and RBC distribution width) and 5 biochemical
      analytes (cholesterol, creatinine, triglycerides, ALP, and calcium) exhibited
      marked individuality, therefore indicating that subject-based reference intervals
      or RCV would be preferable when monitoring these variables in laboratory cats.
      Population-based RI were shown to be adequate for glucose and sodium, and both
      types of population and individual RI were similarly efficient for albumin, total
      protein, urea, ALT, AST, creatine kinase, chloride, carbon dioxide, iron,
      magnesium, inorganic phosphate, and potassium and reticulocyte, WBC, neutrophil,
      lymphocyte, monocyte, eosinophil, and platelet counts. The RCV determined in the
      present study provide a valuable tool for monitoring hematologic and biochemical
      variables in healthy laboratory cats.

PMID- 27657704
TI  - Effects of Embryo Transfer on Emotional Behaviors in C57BL/6 Mice.
AB  - Microbiologic standardization plays a key role in the management of animal
      facilities because contamination of stock could affect the health status and
      wellbeing of animals and thereby induce artifacts in biomedical research. One
      common method to avoid the dissemination of pathogens is embryo transfer (ET).
      Although disturbances in the perinatal environment may cause long-lasting effects
      on the behavior and physiology of mouse offspring, the influences of ET during
      this sensitive phase have not yet been addressed. Our study investigated the
      effects of various components of ET (anesthesia, surgery, recipient strain) on
      the behavior of dams (exploration, nest-building) and offspring (nest-building,
      exploration, anxiety, and social and depressive-like behaviors). For ET, the
      donor strain C57BL/6N and a standard protocol were used. Whereas treatment with
      anesthesia-analgesia did not affect maternal behavior, female offspring
      demonstrated overall effects on weight gain and corticosterone levels. Compared
      with naturally delivered female offspring, dams obtained through ET demonstrated
      decreased exploration and nest-building. In addition, female ET-derived offspring
      had enhanced levels of anxiety and increased social interest. Furthermore, ET
      derived dams obtained by using NMRI as the recipient strain showed increased
      exploratory behavior compared with that of dams obtained by using C57 mice as
      recipients. Compared with using C57 as recipients, both sexes of offspring
      transferred into NMRI recipients weighed more, and female mice showed a
      depressive-like phenotype. Our findings suggest that ET, now considered to be a
      routine procedure in animal husbandry, bears the risk of introducing artifacts.

PMID- 27657705
TI  - Cryotolerance of Sperm from Transgenic Rhesus Macaques (Macaca mulatta).
AB  - Cryopreservation is an important tool routinely used in preserving sperm for
      assisted reproductive technologies and for genetic preservation of unique animal
      models. Here we investigated the viability of fresh and frozen sperm from rhesus
      macaques on the basis of motility, membrane integrity, and acrosome integrity.
      Sperm motility was determined by visual evaluation; membrane and acrosome
      integrity were assessed simultaneously through triple staining with Hoechst
      33342, propidium iodide, and fluorescein isothiocyanate-peanut agglutinin. We
      compared thawed semen that had been cryopreserved by using 2 different media with
      fresh semen from wildtype (WT) macaques; fresh semen from a model of Huntington
      disease (HD) with fresh WT semen; and fresh HD with cryopreserved-thawed HD
      semen. Our new freezing media (TEST EQ) preserved the acrosome better, with less
      net damage, than did traditional TEST (egg yolk extender containing TES and Tris)
      media. In addition, the percentage of membrane-damaged cells was similar in fresh
      HD semen (38.6%+/-2.9%) and WT semen (35.5%+/-1.9%). Membrane and acrosomal
      damage were not different between HD and WT sperm after cryopreservation and
      subsequent thawing. Furthermore, cryopreservation had similar negative effects on
      the motility of HD and WT sperm. These data illustrate that semen from a rhesus
      macaque model of HD is similarly cryotoleratant to that from WT animals.

PMID- 27657706
TI  - Effect of Ventilated Caging on Water Intake and Loss in 4 Strains of Laboratory
      Mice.
AB  - Food availability, temperature, humidity, strain, and caging type all affect
      water consumption by mice. Measurement of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) is a
      new technique for the quantification of water turnover in mice. To understand
      water turnover in common strains of adult mice, male and female SCID, SKH,
      C57BL/6, and FVB mice were housed in same-sex groups of 5 animals in static cages
      or IVC. Body weight, TEWL, urine osmolality, and water consumption of mice and
      intracage temperature and humidity were measured every 48 h for comparison.
      Static cages were monitored for 7 d and IVC for 14 d before cage change. Female
      SCID, FVB, and C57 mice drank less water than did their male counterparts. Male
      and female SCID, SKH, and FVB mice in IVC drank less water and had higher urine
      osmolality than did those in static cages. In SCID and SKH mice, TEWL paralleled
      water consumption. C57 mice in static cages drank less water, had lower urine
      osmolality, and had less TEWL than did those in IVC. Temperature and humidity
      within the cage was higher than the macroenvironmental levels for all housing
      conditions, mouse strains, and sexes. Temperatures within IVC ranged from 76.6 to
      81.4  degrees F compared with 69+/-0.4  degrees F in the room. Humidity within
      IVC ranged from 68% to 79% compared with 27.o%+/-2.7% within the room. These data
      demonstrate that mouse strain and housing conditions significantly influence
      water balance and indicate that macroenvironmental measurements do not always
      reflect the intracage environment.

PMID- 27657707
TI  - Effects of Transportation on Antioxidant Status in Cynomolgus Macaques (Macaca
      fascicularis).
AB  - To evaluate the effects of transportation on oxidative stress in cynomolgus
      monkeys, we measured serum levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde,
      and protein carbonyl (PC) and the activities of total antioxidant capacity
      (TAOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase
      in cynomolgus macaques before transportation (day 0), on the day of arrival (day
      1), and on days 7, 14, and 21 after transportation. Compared with that on day 0,
      TAOC and catalase activities on days 1, 7, and 14 after transportation were
      significantly decreased, reached their nadirs on day 7, and increased thereafter
      to reach their pretransportation levels by day 21 after transportation. Compared
      with day 0 levels, mean SOD activity and GSH concentration were decreased
      significantly on day 1; they thereafter increased to reach their
      pretransportation measures by day 7 after transportation. In contrast, PC and
      malondialdehyde concentrations in serum and the activity of GSH-Px were increased
      on day 1 compared with day 0 and thereafter decreased to reach their
      pretransportation levels by day 14 after transportation. In summary, GSH, TAOC,
      catalase, and SOD levels decreased and malondialdehyde, PC, and GSH-Px
      concentrations increased in cynomolgus macaques after transportation. These
      results suggest that transportation might imbalance oxidant and antioxidant
      levels to create excess oxidative stress in cynomolgus macaques. Therefore,
      cynomolgus macaques should have at least 21 d to recover after transportation and
      regain their healthy status.

PMID- 27657708
TI  - Guidance Regarding Sample Collection and Refinement of Fecal Flotation Exam for
      the Isolation of Aspiculuris tetraptera.
AB  - Aspiculuris tetraptera continues to be a problem in rodent vivaria, in part due
      to difficulties in parasite detection. Although PCR testing is highly sensitive,
      it is expensive and does not always provide immediate results. Consequently, many
      institutions rely on passive fecal flotation as a quick inhouse exam for
      diagnosing A. tetraptera infections. To increase the sensitivity of this test, we
      examined multiple parameters to determine the optimal test protocol. A 30-min
      soaking period prior to fecal flotation for 15 min allowed fecal pellets to
      soften and facilitated efficient egg isolation. We also evaluated the effect of
      time of day, sample size, age, sex, and housing status on egg isolation. No
      evidence of cyclical egg shedding was found, and although larger fecal sample
      sizes did not result in more eggs isolated, their use reduced the incidence of
      false-negative exams. The most eggs were isolated from 8- and 12-wk-old mice, and
      as mice aged, the number of eggs isolated declined. Overall, neither sex nor
      housing status influenced the number of eggs isolated. Finally, examination of
      multiple diagnostic tests (fecal flotation exam, direct examination of cecal and
      colonic contents, and fecal PCR) revealed that no single test was definitive,
      thus indicating that multiple tests might be required to successfully screen mice
      with low pinworm burdens. These findings provide guidance regarding sample
      selection, collection, and processing to efficiently detect A. tetraptera.

PMID- 27657709
TI  - Intraperitoneal Continuous-Rate Infusion for the Maintenance of Anesthesia in
      Laboratory Mice (Mus musculus).
AB  - Intraperitoneal injectable anesthetics are often used to achieve surgical
      anesthesia in laboratory mice. Because bolus redosing of injectable anesthetics
      can cause unacceptably high mortality, we evaluated intraperitoneal continuous
      rate infusion (CRI) of ketamine with or without xylazine for maintaining surgical
      anesthesia for an extended period of time. Anesthesia was induced in male
      C57BL/6J mice by using ketamine (80 mg/kg) and xylazine (8 mg/kg) without or with
      acepromazine at 0.1 mg/kg or 0.5 mg/kg. At 10 min after induction, CRI for 90 min
      was initiated and comprised 25%, 50%, or 100% of the initial ketamine dose per
      hour or 50% of the initial doses of both ketamine and xylazine. Anesthetic
      regimens were compared on the basis of animal immobility, continuous surgical
      depth of anesthesia as determined by the absence of a pedal withdrawal reflex,
      and mortality. Consistent with previous studies, the response to anesthetics was
      highly variable. Regimens that provided the longest continuous surgical plane of
      anesthesia with minimal mortality were ketamine-xylazine-acepromazine (0.1 mg/kg)
      with CRI of 100% of the initial ketamine dose and ketamine-xylazine-acepromazine
      (0.5 mg/kg) with CRI of 50% of the initial ketamine and xylazine doses. In
      addition, heart rate and respiratory rate did not increase consistently in
      response to a noxious stimulus during CRI anesthesia, even when mice exhibited a
      positive pedal withdrawal reflex, suggesting that these parameters are unreliable
      indicators of anesthetic depth during ketamine-xylazine anesthesia in mice. We
      conclude that intraperitoneal CRI anesthesia in mice prolongs injectable
      anesthesia more consistently and with lower mortality than does bolus redosing.

PMID- 27657710
TI  - Effects of Ketamine on Metabolomics of Serum and Urine in Cynomolgus Macaques
      (Macaca fascicularis).
AB  - In this study, a metabolomics approach based on nuclear magnetic resonance
      spectroscopy and pertinent multivariate data analyses was used to evaluate the
      effect of ketamine on metabolic markers in cynomolgus macaques. Principal
      component analysis and orthogonal projection to latent structure with
      discriminant analysis showed that ketamine (10 mg/kg) induced metabolic
      perturbations. Compared with the control group, ketamine-treated macaques had
      lower serum levels of alpha-glucose, myoinositol, lactate and succinate and lower
      urine levels of pyruvate and lactate. In contrast, the levels of leucine in serum
      and arginine in urine were significantly higher in the ketamine group. Our
      results also demonstrated that a single injection of ketamine influenced the
      major energy and amino acid metabolic pathways in cynomolgus macaques. Our study
      suggests that these influences should be considered in the design of experiments
      and the interpretation related blood and urine data from ketamine-sedated
      cynomolgus macaques.

PMID- 27657711
TI  - Effects of Using Tricaine Methanesulfonate and Metomidate before Euthanasia on
      the Contractile Properties of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Myocardium.
AB  - Because many anesthetics work through depressing cell excitability,
      unanesthetized euthanasia has become common for research involving excitable
      tissues (for example muscle and nerve) to avoid these depressive effects.
      However, anesthetic use during euthanasia may be indicated for studies involving
      isolated tissues if the potential depressive effects of brief anesthetic exposure
      dissipate after subsequent tissue isolation, washout, and saline perfusion. We
      explore this here by measuring whether, when applied prior to euthanasia,
      standard immersion doses of 2 fish anesthetics, tricaine methanesulfonate (TMS;
      100 mg/L, n = 6) and methyl 1-(1-phenylethyl)-1H-imidazole-5-carboxylate
      (metomidate, 10 mg/L, n = 6), have residual effects on the contractile properties
      (force and work output) of isolated and saline-perfused ventricular compact
      myocardium from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Results suggest that direct
      exposure of muscle to immersion doses of TMS-but not metomidate-impairs muscle
      contractile performance. However, brief exposure (2 to 3 min) to either
      anesthetic during euthanasia only-providing that the agent is washed out prior to
      tissue experimentation-does not have an effect on the contractile properties of
      the myocardium. Therefore, the use of TMS, metomidate, and perhaps other
      anesthetics that depress cell excitability during euthanasia may be indicated
      when conducting research on isolated and rinsed tissues.

PMID- 27657712
TI  - Comparison of Submental Blood Collection with the Retroorbital and Submandibular
      Methods in Mice (Mus musculus).
AB  - Nonterminal blood sample collection of sufficient volume and quality for research
      is complicated in mice due to their small size and anatomy. Large (>100 MUL)
      nonterminal volumes of unhemolyzed or unclotted blood currently are typically
      collected from the retroorbital sinus or submandibular plexus. We developed a
      third method-submental blood collection-which is similar in execution to the
      submandibular method but with minor changes in animal restraint and collection
      location. Compared with other techniques, submental collection is easier to
      perform due to the direct visibility of the target vessels, which are located in
      a sparsely furred region. Compared with the submandibular method, the submental
      method did not differ regarding weight change and clotting score but
      significantly decreased hemolysis and increased the overall number of high
      quality samples. The submental method was performed with smaller lancets for the
      majority of the bleeds, yet resulted in fewer repeat collection attempts, fewer
      insufficient samples, and less extraneous blood loss and was qualitatively less
      traumatic. Compared with the retroorbital technique, the submental method was
      similar regarding weight change but decreased hemolysis, clotting, and the number
      of overall high-quality samples; however the retroorbital method resulted in
      significantly fewer incidents of insufficient sample collection. Extraneous blood
      loss was roughly equivalent between the submental and retroorbital methods. We
      conclude that the submental method is an acceptable venipuncture technique for
      obtaining large, nonterminal volumes of blood from mice.

PMID- 27657713
TI  - Evaluation of Euthanasia Techniques for an Invertebrate Species, Land Snails
      (Succinea putris).
AB  - The euthanasia of invertebrates used in scientific investigations poses
      unanswered questions regarding the rapid induction of unconsciousness with
      minimal distress and pain. Relative to vertebrates, invertebrates' sensory
      experience of pain, nociception, and physiologic response to aversive stimuli are
      poorly characterized. The scientific communities in the European Union, Canada,
      United States, Australia, and New Zealand join in consensus regarding the need to
      address alleviation of pain and distress in cephalopods (octopus, squid, and so
      forth), which have the best-characterized nervous system among invertebrates. In
      the current study, we evaluated various euthanasia techniques in a terrestrial
      gastropod species, with priority on animal wellbeing, scientific variability,
      feasibility in both field and laboratory settings, and acceptability by
      personnel. In addition, we demonstrated that the 2-step method of euthanasia
      described in the AVMA Guidelines as acceptable for aquatic invertebrates is
      effective for terrestrial snails and meets all welfare and scientific
      requirements. This 2-step method first induces anesthesia by immersion in 5%
      ethanol (laboratory-grade ethanol or beer) followed by immersion in a euthanizing
      and tissue-preserving solution of 70% to 95% ethanol or 10% neutral buffered
      formalin. Furthermore, alternative methods of euthanasia for terrestrial snails
      commonly used in field research, such as live immersion in concentrated ethanol
      or formalin, were shown to be unacceptable.

PMID- 27657714
TI  - Evaluation of Fecal Microbiota Transfer as Treatment for Postweaning Diarrhea in
      Research-Colony Puppies.
AB  - Frequently just prior to or at weaning (approximate age, 6 to 8 wk), puppies in
      research settings often develop diarrheal disease, which may be due, in part, to
      an immature and unstable intestinal microbiota that is permissive to
      opportunistic pathogens. The overall objective of this study was to assess
      whether fecal microbiota transfer (FMT) increased the transmission of a stable
      maternal microbiota to pups and decreased the incidence of postweaning diarrhea.
      Puppies were designated by litter as treated (FMT) or sham-treated. The FMT group
      received fecal inoculum orally for 5 consecutive days during weaning (at 6 to 8
      wk of age). Diarrhea was evaluated according to a published scoring system for 11
      d during the weaning period. Fresh feces were collected from dams and puppies at
      3 d before weaning and 3, 10, and 24 d after weaning for analysis of the fecal
      microbiota by using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. The composition of fecal
      inoculum refrigerated at 3 to 5  degrees C was stable for at least 5 d. No
      diarrhea was reported in either group during the study period, making comparison
      of treated and control groups problematic. However, 16S rRNA gene analysis
      revealed microbial variability across time in both groups. Therefore, although
      the fecal microbiota of neither group of puppies mirrored the dam at any of the
      designated time points, the data provided fundamental and novel information
      regarding the dynamic maturation process of the fecal microbiota of puppies after
      weaning.

PMID- 27657715
TI  - Comparison of Microchip Transponder and Noncontact Infrared Thermometry with
      Rectal Thermometry in Domestic Swine (Sus scrofa domestica).
AB  - During disease outbreaks, core temperature is a useful health metric in swine,
      due to the presence of pyrexia especially during the acute phase of infection.
      Despite technologic advances in other facets of swine production and health
      management, rectal thermometry continues to be the 'gold standard' for measuring
      core body temperature. However, for various reasons, collecting rectal
      temperatures can be difficult and unsafe depending on the housing modality. In
      addition, the delay between insertion of the rectal thermometer and obtaining a
      reading can affect measurement accuracy, especially when the pig requires
      physical restraint. Clearly safer, faster, and more accurate and precise
      temperature acquisition methods that necessitate minimal or no handling of swine
      are needed. We therefore compared rectal thermometers, subcutaneous microchips,
      and an inexpensive handheld infrared thermometer by measuring the core body
      temperature of 24 male castrated piglets at random intervals over a 5-wk period.
      The core body temperature (mean +/- 1 SD) was 39.3+/-0.5  degrees C by rectal
      thermometry, 39.0+/-0.7  degrees C by microchip transponder, and 34.3+/-1.0 
      degrees C by infrared thermometry; these 3 values differed significantly.
      Although the readings obtain by using infrared thermometry were numerically lower
      than those from the other methods, it is arguably the safest method for assessing
      the core temperature of swine and showed strong relative correlation with rectal
      temperature.

PMID- 27657716
TI  - The Effect of Anesthesia on Blood Pressure Measured Noninvasively by Using the
      Tail-Cuff Method in Marmosets (Callithrix jacchus).
AB  - In this study, we evaluated the validity of measuring blood pressure (BP)
      noninvasively in marmosets by using the tail-cuff method. The number of
      measurements needed for a valid reading was calculated by plotting the average SD
      of 5 consecutive readings in 10 naive marmosets; the SD for both systolic and
      diastolic BP readings plateaued after 4 readings. To evaluate how anesthesia
      (alphaxalone, 15 mg/kg IM) affected BP in marmosets, we measured 4 animals every
      minute for 60 min after injection. The average length of anesthesia was 47.3 +/-
      13.2 min. The variability in the systolic and diastolic BP was the smallest at 10
      to 30 min after injection (systolic SD, 6.29 mm Hg; diastolic SD, 5.27 mm Hg) and
      almost doubled at 30 to 60 min after injection (systolic SD, 13.5 mm Hg;
      diastolic SD, 12.3 mm Hg). The within- and between-session repeatability and
      reproducibility were calculated by measuring 12 marmosets twice at the same time
      of day (+/-1 h) 1 wk apart. The coefficients of repeatability and reproducibility
      were 1.98% and 14.5% for systolic BP and 3.37% and 16.2% for diastolic BP,
      respectively. Our results indicate that using the volumetric tail-cuff method to
      measure BP noninvasively in anesthetized marmosets is safe and feasible. The
      measures are least variable within 10 to 30 min after the injection of
      anesthetic, and variability increases slightly between sessions.

PMID- 27657717
TI  - Cross-Training Laboratory Animal Care Personnel in Physically Separate Animal
      Facilities at a Land-Grant Institution.
AB  - The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign maintains physically separated
      animal care facilities under centralized management by the Division of Animal
      Resources. As part of a land-grant institution, the animal care and use program
      operates several animal units in key locations for specific disciplines within
      the campus, all of which have the core mission to teach, conduct research, and
      engage in public service. Populations of research animals vary with the levels of
      research funding, the number of research investigators on staff, research
      direction, and animal availability. Accordingly, the requirement for animal care
      staffing in each unit may vary widely also. To best use the existing animal care
      staff and remain fiscally responsible, cross-training of staff was implemented to
      allow staff to travel from units with small animal populations to units with
      larger populations or short-term staffing shortages. Here we detail and describe
      the system we used to assess the needs for cross-training, identify the staff to
      train, and implement the training plan. We believe this information will assist
      other programs, particularly those with large or complex organization (for
      example, land-grant institutions) that experience similar fluctuations in animal
      use.

PMID- 27657718
TI  - Identification of Specific Effect of Chloride on the Spectral Properties and
      Structural Stability of Multiple Extracellular Glutamic Acid Mutants of
      Bacteriorhodopsin.
AB  - In the present work we combine spectroscopic, DSC and computational approaches to
      examine the multiple extracellular Glu mutants E204Q/E194Q, E204Q/E194Q/E9Q and
      E204Q/E194Q/E9Q/E74Q of bacteriorhodopsin by varying solvent ionic strength and
      composition. Absorption spectroscopy data reveal that the absorption maxima of
      multiple EC Glu mutants can be tuned by the chloride concentration in the
      solution. Visible Circular dichroism spectra imply that the specific binding of
      Cl- can modulate weakened exciton chromophore coupling and reestablish wild type
      like bilobe spectral features of the mutants. The DSC data display reappearance
      of the reversible thermal transition, higher Tm of denaturation and an increase
      in the enthalpy of unfolding of the mutants in 1 M KCl solutions. Molecular
      dynamics simulations indicate high affinity binding of Cl- to Arg82 and to Gln204
      and Gln194 residues in the mutants. Analysis of the experimental data suggests
      that simultaneous elimination of the negatively charged side chain of Glu194 and
      Glu204 is the major cause for mutants' alterations. Specific Cl- binding
      efficiently coordinates distorted hydrogen bonding interactions of the EC region
      and reconstitutes the conformation and structure stability of mutated bR in WT
      like fashion.

PMID- 27657719
TI  - High-Resolution NMR Studies of Human Tissue Factor.
AB  - In normal hemostasis, the blood clotting cascade is initiated when factor VIIa
      (fVIIa, other clotting factors are named similarly) binds to the integral
      membrane protein, human tissue factor (TF). The TF/fVIIa complex in turn
      activates fX and fIX, eventually concluding with clot formation. Several X-ray
      crystal structures of the soluble extracellular domain of TF (sTF) exist;
      however, these structures are missing electron density in functionally relevant
      regions of the protein. In this context, NMR can provide complementary structural
      information as well as dynamic insights into enzyme activity. The resolution and
      sensitivity for NMR studies are greatly enhanced by the ability to prepare
      multiple milligrams of protein with various isotopic labeling patterns. Here, we
      demonstrate high-yield production of several isotopically labeled forms of
      recombinant sTF, allowing for high-resolution NMR studies both in the solid and
      solution state. We also report solution NMR spectra at sub-mM concentrations of
      sTF, ensuring the presence of dispersed monomer, as well as the first solid-state
      NMR spectra of sTF. Our improved sample preparation and precipitation conditions
      have enabled the acquisition of multidimensional NMR data sets for TF chemical
      shift assignment and provide a benchmark for TF structure elucidation.

PMID- 27657720
TI  - To Be Connected or Not To Be Connected? Mobile Messenger Overload, Fatigue, and
      Mobile Shunning.
AB  - With the increased adoption of mobile devices, mobile communication is all around
      us and we are connected anywhere, anytime. Mobile communication in general and
      mobile messenger service in particular make interpersonal communication in Korea
      so frequent and convenient. However, being connected too much anywhere and
      anytime via mobile messenger service appears to lead an increasing number of
      people to feel fatigue and to decrease mobile communication under some
      conditions. Based on a sample of 334 respondents, this study empirically
      investigated the relationships among commercial, noncommercial mobile messenger
      overload, mobile messenger fatigue, relational self-concept, and mobile shunning
      behavior. The findings show that (a) the effect of noncommercial mobile messenger
      overload is stronger than that of commercial mobile messenger overload in
      increasing mobile messenger fatigue although both positively affect mobile
      messenger fatigue, (b) relational self-concept has moderating effects on the
      relationship between mobile messenger overload and mobile messenger fatigue, and
      that (c) mobile messenger fatigue triggers mobile communicators' shunning
      behavior through which the communicators increase their intention to avoid mobile
      communication, to change their mobile phone numbers, and to subscribe to dual
      number service on one mobile device. When confronted with mobile messenger
      fatigue caused by mobile messenger overload, mobile messaging service users are
      likely to shun their mobile communication. Being constantly and conveniently
      connected appears to be a blessing in disguise.

PMID- 27657721
TI  - Assessment of the Risk of Suicide-Related Events Induced by Concomitant Use of
      Antidepressants in Cases of Smoking Cessation Treatment with Varenicline and
      Assessment of Latent Risk by the Use of Varenicline.
AB  - Smoking Cessation Treatment (SCT) is a policy that has to be promoted for health
      economics, and expectations for the success of treatments with varenicline (VAR)
      are large. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have issued a warning
      on VAR-induced depression and suicide. In the present study, utilizing the FDA
      Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), we searched for antidepressants (ADs)
      used during SCT that cause fewer suicide-related events (SRE) (Study 1). We also
      investigated whether VAR concomitantly administered with ADs increases the risk
      of SRE (Study 2). In addition, we investigated whether the use of VAR alone is a
      latent risk factor of SRE. The backgrounds of cases with and without SRE were
      matched using the Propensity Score. In Study 1, the highest integrated Reporting
      Odds Ratio (iROR) was noted in concomitantly administered mirtazapine (iROR 6.98;
      95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.57-30.99), while the lowest ratio was noted in
      concomitantly administered amitriptyline (iROR 0.59; iROR95%CI 0.23-1.50). Study
      2 clarified that SCT increases the risk of SRE in AD-treated cases (iROR 8.02;
      iROR95%CI 5.47-11.76; not significance). Of ADs concomitantly used during SCT
      with VAR, amitriptyline and mirtazapine showed the lowest and highest risks,
      respectively (Study 1). It was clarified that concomitant use of VAR in the
      treatment of depression with ADs increased the risk of SRE (Study 2). The results
      of Studies 1 and 2 suggested that the use of VAR alone is a latent risk factor
      inducing suicide.

PMID- 27657723
TI  - Model Based Predictive Control of Multivariable Hammerstein Processes with Fuzzy
      Logic Hypercube Interpolated Models.
AB  - This paper introduces the Fuzzy Logic Hypercube Interpolator (FLHI) and
      demonstrates applications in control of multiple-input single-output (MISO) and
      multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) processes with Hammerstein nonlinearities.
      FLHI consists of a Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy inference system where membership
      functions act as kernel functions of an interpolator. Conjunction of membership
      functions in an unitary hypercube space enables multivariable interpolation of N
      dimensions. Membership functions act as interpolation kernels, such that choice
      of membership functions determines interpolation characteristics, allowing FLHI
      to behave as a nearest-neighbor, linear, cubic, spline or Lanczos interpolator,
      to name a few. The proposed interpolator is presented as a solution to the
      modeling problem of static nonlinearities since it is capable of modeling both a
      function and its inverse function. Three study cases from literature are
      presented, a single-input single-output (SISO) system, a MISO and a MIMO system.
      Good results are obtained regarding performance metrics such as set-point
      tracking, control variation and robustness. Results demonstrate applicability of
      the proposed method in modeling Hammerstein nonlinearities and their inverse
      functions for implementation of an output compensator with Model Based Predictive
      Control (MBPC), in particular Dynamic Matrix Control (DMC).

PMID- 27657722
TI  - HCV Diversity among Chinese and Burmese IDUs in Dehong, Yunnan, China.
AB  - HCV transmission is closely associated with drug-trafficking routes in China.
      Dehong, a prefecture of Yunnan, is the important trade transfer station linking
      Southeast Asia and China, as well as the drug-trafficking channel linking "Golden
      triangle" and other regions of China and surrounding countries. In this study, we
      investigated the HCV genotype diversity among IDUs in Dehong based on 259 HCV
      positive samples from 118 Chinese and 141 Burmese IDUs. HCV genotypes were
      determined based on the phylogenies of C/E2 and NS5B genomic sequences. Six HCV
      subtypes, including 1a, 1b, 3a, 3b, 6n and 6u, were detected. Interestingly, 4
      HCV sequences from Burmese IDUs did not cluster with any known HCV subtypes, but
      formed a well-supported independent clade in the phylogenetic trees of both C/E2
      and NS5B, suggesting a potential new HCV subtype circulating in Dehong. Subtype
      3b was the predominant subtype, followed by subtypes 6n and 6u. Comparison showed
      that Dehong had a unique pattern of HCV subtype distribution, obviously different
      from other regions of China. In particular, HCV subtypes 6u and the potential new
      HCV subtype had a relatively high prevalence in Dehong, but were rarely detected
      in other regions of China. There was no significant difference in HCV subtype
      distribution between Burmese and Chinese IDUs. Few HCV sequences from Burmese and
      Chinese IDUs clustered together to form transmission clusters. Furthermore, about
      half of HCV sequences from Burmese IDUs formed small transmission clusters,
      significantly higher than that from Chinese IDUs (p<0.01). These suggest that the
      Chinese and Burmese IDUs were relatively isolated from each other in injection
      drug use behavior and the Burmese IDUs might prefer to inject drugs themselves
      together. The unique genotype distribution and complex diversity of genotype 6
      among IDUs may be associated with the special geographical position of Dehong.

PMID- 27657724
TI  - Vitamin D3 Supplementation and Antibiotic Consumption - Results from a
      Prospective, Observational Study at an Immune-Deficiency Unit in Sweden.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vitamin D supplementation has been proposed to improve clinical
      symptoms during respiratory tract infections (RTIs), but results from randomized,
      placebo-controlled trials (RCT) are inconclusive. Previously, we performed an RCT
      in patients with various immune-disorders and observed that supplementation with
      4000 IU vitamin D/day during 12 months significantly reduced antibiotic
      consumption and RTIs. This formed the basis for new guidelines at our unit; i.e.
      patients with insufficient levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (<=75 nmol/L) are now
      offered vitamin D supplementation. The aim of this prospective follow-up study
      was to evaluate the outcome of these new recommendations with regard to
      antibiotic consumption in our unit. METHOD: 277 patients with insufficiency were
      supplemented with vitamin D3, 1500-1600 IU/day for 12 months. Each patient was
      its own control and data on antibiotic consumption was monitored 12 months before
      and 12 months after initiation of vitamin D3 supplementation. RESULTS: Vitamin D3
      supplementation resulted in a significantly reduced antibiotic consumption, from
      20 to 15 days/patient (p<0.05). The number of antibiotic-free patients increased
      from 52 to 81 after vitamin D3 supplementation; OR 1.79; 95% CI 1.20-2.66
      (p<0.01). The number of antibiotic-prescriptions decreased significantly, a
      finding that mainly was attributed to a reduction of respiratory tract
      antibiotics (p<0.05). Subgroup analysis showed that only patients without
      immunoglobulin substitution (n = 135) had a significant effect of vitamin D
      supplementation. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D3 supplementation of 1600 IE /day is safe
      to use in immunodeficient patients with 25-OHD levels less than 75 nmol/L and
      significantly reduced the antibiotic consumption in patients without
      immunoglobulin substitution.

PMID- 27657725
TI  - Proposed homology of the dorsomedial subdivision and V-shaped layer of the avian
      hippocampus to Ammon's horn and dentate gyrus, respectively.
AB  - The avian hippocampal formation differs considerably from that of mammals both in
      terms of position and cytoarchitecture. On the basis of fiber connections in
      pigeons, however, we previously proposed that the dorsomedial subdivision (DM)
      and the V-shaped layer of the hippocampal formation correspond to Ammon's horn
      and the dentate gyrus of mammals, respectively. In the present study, we provide
      evidence in support of this hypothesis by double staining hippocampal neurons
      using tract-tracing and gene expression. After cholera toxin subunit B (CTB) was
      injected into the lateral septal nucleus (SL), and vesicular glutamate
      transporter 2 (vGluT2) mRNA, a gene marker for glutamatergic neurons, was
      visualized in the same retrogradely labeled neurons with in situ hybridization,
      most CTB+/vGluT2+ neurons were concentrated in DM, but were rare in the V-shaped
      layer. The distribution pattern of CTB+/vGluT2+ neurons in the hippocampal
      formation did not change when CTB injection sites were shifted in a rostrocaudal
      direction in SL. SL expresses a variety of mRNAs for ionotropic glutamate
      receptor subunits (GluA1, GluA2, GluK2, GluK4, and GluN1). The findings indicate
      that DM neurons provide descending glutamatergic axons to SL. Additionally, the
      present study showed that Prox1 mRNA, a gene marker for the dentate gyrus in
      mammals, was intensely expressed in the V-shaped layer in the pigeon hippocampus.
      Together these results strengthen our original hypothesis that DM and the V
      shaped layer in the pigeon hippocampus are homologous to Ammon's Horn and the
      dentate gyrus, respectively. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27657726
TI  - Obligatory Role of EP1 Receptors in the Increase in Cerebral Blood Flow Produced
      by Hypercapnia in the Mice.
AB  - Hypercapnia induces potent vasodilation in the cerebral circulation. Although it
      has long been known that prostanoids participate in the cerebrovascular effects
      of hypercapnia, the role of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and PGE2 receptors have not
      been fully investigated. In this study, we sought to determine whether
      cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1)-derived PGE2 and EP1 receptors are involved in the
      cerebrovascular response induced by hypercapnia. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) was
      recorded by laser-Doppler flowmetry in the somatosenasory cortex of anesthetized
      male EP1-/- mice and wild type (WT) littermates. In WT mice, neocortical
      application of the EP1 receptor antagonist SC-51089 attenuated the increase in
      CBF elicited by systemic hypercapnia (pCO2 = 50-60 mmHg). SC-51089 also
      attenuated the increase in CBF produced by neocortical treatment of arachidonic
      acid or PGE2. These CBF responses were also attenuated in EP1-/- mice. In WT
      mice, the COX-1 inhibitor SC-560, but not the COX-2 inhibitor NS-398, attenuated
      the hypercapnic CBF increase. Neocortical application of exogenous PGE2 restored
      the attenuation in resting CBF and the hypercapnic response induced by SC-560. In
      contrast, exogenous PGE2 failed to rescue the attenuation both in WT mice induced
      by SC-51089 and EP1-/- mice, attesting to the obligatory role of EP1 receptors in
      the response. These findings indicate that the hypercapnic vasodilatation depends
      on COX-1-derived PGE2 acting on EP1 receptors and highlight the critical role
      that COX-1-derived PGE2 and EP1 receptors play in the hypercapnic regulation of
      the cerebral circulation.

PMID- 27657727
TI  - Correction: Castanea sativa (European Chestnut) Leaf Extracts Rich in Ursene and
      Oleanene Derivatives Block Staphylococcus aureus Virulence and Pathogenesis
      without Detectable Resistance.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0136486.].

PMID- 27657728
TI  - Differences in Cytokine Expression and STAT3 Activation between Healthy Controls
      and Patients of Unexplained Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion (URSA) during Early
      Pregnancy.
AB  - Unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA) is a common complication of
      pregnancy. Although tolerance of the maternal immune system is considered to be
      essential for a normal pregnancy, the precise mechanism underlying the
      pathogenesis of URSA remains to be fully elucidated, albeit it is known to
      involve inflammation. Here, we examine the relationship between the expression of
      inflammatory cytokines and the activation of downstream signaling pathways in
      URSA patients. Decidual and peripheral blood samples were collected from 30 URSA
      patients and from 30 women with normal early pregnancies. Western blot analysis
      was used to measure the expression levels of signal transducers and activators of
      transcription 3(STAT3), phosphorylated STAT3(p-STAT3), and interleukin-17
      receptor(IL-17R) in the decidual samples. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was
      used to assess the levels of IL-17, IL-10, IL-6, and IL-23 in the peripheral
      blood and decidual samples. In the URSA patients, the IL-10 expression levels
      were lower than those in the control subjects (P<0.05), whereas IL-6, IL-17, and
      IL-23 were all expressed at higher levels(P<0.05). Furthermore, the expression
      levels of IL-17R and p-STAT3 were higher in the URSA patients, exhibiting a trend
      similar to that of IL-23. Our finding of increased IL-23 expression in the
      deciduae and peripheral blood of patients with URSA suggest that this maybe a
      contributing factor to the pathogenesis of this disease. Likewise, STAT3
      activation through its phosphorylation, which was associated with the IL-23
      increase, may also be involved in URSA pathogenesis. However, the precise
      pathogenic mechanism requires further study.

PMID- 27657729
TI  - Standardized Reporting of Prostate MRI: Comparison of the Prostate Imaging
      Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) Version 1 and Version 2.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Objective of our study was to determine the agreement between
      version 1 (v1) and v2 of the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS)
      for evaluation of multiparametric prostate MRI (mpMRI) and to compare their
      diagnostic accuracy, their inter-observer agreement and practicability. MATERIAL
      AND METHODS: mpMRI including T2-weighted imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging
      (DWI) and dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging (DCE) of 54 consecutive patients, who
      subsequently underwent MRI-guided in-bore biopsy were re-analyzed according to PI
      RADS v1 and v2 by two independent readers. Diagnostic accuracy for detection of
      prostate cancer (PCa) was assessed using ROC-curve analysis. Agreement between PI
      RADS versions and observers was calculated and the time needed for scoring was
      determined. RESULTS: MRI-guided biopsy revealed PCa in 31 patients. Diagnostic
      accuracy for detection of PCa was equivalent with both PI-RADS versions for
      reader 1 with sensitivities and specificities of 84%/91% (AUC = 0.91 95%CI[0.8
      1]) for PI-RADS v1 and 100%/74% (AUC = 0.92 95% CI[0.8-1]) for PI-RADS v2. Reader
      2 achieved similar diagnostic accuracy with sensitivity and specificity of
      74%/91% (AUC = 0.88 95%CI[0.8-1]) for PI-RADS v1 and 81%/91% (AUC = 0.91
      95%CI[0.8-1]) for PI-RADS v2. Agreement between scores determined with different
      PI-RADS versions was good (reader 1: kappa = 0.62, reader 2: kappa = 0.64). Inter
      observer agreement was moderate with PI-RADS v2 (kappa = 0.56) and fair with v1
      (kappa = 0.39). The time required for building the PI-RADS score was
      significantly lower with PI-RADS v2 compared to v1 (24.7+/-2.3 s vs. 41.9+/-2.6
      s, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Agreement between PI-RADS versions was high and both
      versions revealed high diagnostic accuracy for detection of PCa. Due to better
      inter-observer agreement for malignant lesions and less time demand, the new PI
      RADS version could be more practicable for clinical routine.

PMID- 27657731
TI  - Correction: EEG Beta Power but Not Background Music Predicts the Recall Scores in
      a Foreign-Vocabulary Learning Task.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0161387.].

PMID- 27657730
TI  - Cerebrospinal Fluid Inflammatory Biomarkers Reflect Clinical Severity in
      Huntington's Disease.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Immune system activation is involved in Huntington's disease (HD)
      pathogenesis and biomarkers for this process could be relevant to study the
      disease and characterise the therapeutic response to specific interventions. We
      aimed to study inflammatory cytokines and microglial markers in the CSF of HD
      patients. METHODS: CSF TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, YKL-40, chitotriosidase,
      total tau and neurofilament light chain (NFL) from 23 mutation carriers and 14
      healthy controls were assayed. RESULTS: CSF TNF-alpha and IL-1beta were below the
      limit of detection. Mutation carriers had higher YKL-40 (p = 0.003),
      chitotriosidase (p = 0.015) and IL-6 (p = 0.041) than controls. YKL-40
      significantly correlated with disease stage (p = 0.007), UHDRS total functional
      capacity score (r = -0.46, p = 0.016), and UHDRS total motor score (r = 0.59, p =
      4.5*10-4) after adjustment for age. CONCLUSION: YKL-40 levels in CSF may, after
      further study, come to have a role as biomarkers for some aspects of HD. Further
      investigation is needed to support our exploratory findings.

PMID- 27657732
TI  - Moving Away From Spoon-Feeding as a Teaching Style in Radiology.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Medical education has been an important topic in the literature, with
      many new attempts to revitalize and improve efforts to teach physicians and
      students. As a unique subspecialty that incorporates visual learning, knowledge
      of clinical management and presentation, basic science topics such as physics and
      mechanics, and procedural skills, radiology affords itself to new and more
      effective methods of teaching. CONCLUSION: Much of radiology education has
      currently focused on the concept of spoon-feeding information from the teacher to
      the learners. This article outlines the dangers of this approach in radiology and
      offers solutions for educators to improve their teaching skills and use the
      potential afforded by the diversity of the field.

PMID- 27657734
TI  - Disclosure of Sexual Orientation by Gay and Bisexual Men in Government
      Administered Probability Surveys.
AB  - PURPOSE: Researchers are increasingly using national population surveys (NPS) to
      understand the health of gay and bisexual men (GBM). However, valid inference
      from these surveys depends on accurate identification of GBM. METHODS: We asked
      8126 GBM in an anonymous, online, community-recruited survey about their
      willingness to reveal their sexual orientation in NPS. RESULTS: Overall, 30%
      indicated that they would not reveal their sexual orientation; however, there
      were differences in frequencies according to sexual orientation, relationship
      status, age, HIV status, living environment, education, income, and ethnicity.
      CONCLUSION: NPS might not be fully representative of GBM due to misclassification
      errors stemming from unwillingness to disclose.

PMID- 27657736
TI  - Physical characterization using diffusion NMR spectroscopy.
AB  - NMR diffusion measurements (or dNMR) provide a powerful tool for analysis of
      solution organization and microgeometry of the environment by probing random
      molecular motion. Being a very versatile method, dNMR can be applied to a large
      variety of samples and systems. Here, a brief introduction into dNMR and a
      summary of recent advances in the field are presented. The research topics
      include restricted diffusion, anisotropic diffusion, polymer dynamics, solution
      structuring and dNMR method development. The dNMR studied systems include plants,
      cells (cell models), liquid crystals, polymer solutions, ionic liquids,
      supercooled solutions, untreated water, amino acid solutions and more. It is
      demonstrated how a variety of dNMR methods can be applied to a system to extract
      the data on particular structures present among, formed by or surrounding the
      diffusing particles. It is also demonstrated how dNMR methods can be developed to
      allow probing larger geometries, low sample concentrations and faster processes.
      Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27657735
TI  - Aberrant Methylation of MGMT Promoter in HNSCC: A Meta-Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: O6-methylguanine-DNA methyl-transferase (MGMT) gene, a DNA repair
      gene, plays a critical role in the repair of alkylated DNA adducts that form
      following exposure to genotoxic agents. MGMT is generally expressed in various
      tumors, and its function is frequently lost because of hypermethylation in the
      promoter. The promoter methylation of MGMT has been extensively investigated in
      head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, the association between
      the promoter methylation of MGMT and HNSCC risk remains inconclusive and
      inconsistent. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to better clarify the
      association between the promoter methylation of MGMT and HNSCC risk. METHODS: A
      systematical search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Ovid for
      studies on the association between MGMT promoter methylation and HNSCC. Odds
      ratio (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to estimate
      association between MGMT promoter methylation and risk of HNSCC. The meta
      regression and subgroup analysis were undertaken to explore the potential sources
      of heterogeneity. RESULTS: Twenty studies with 1,030 cases and 775 controls were
      finally included in this study. The frequency of MGMT promoter methylation was
      46.70% in HNSCC group and 23.23% in the control group. The frequency of MGMT
      promoter methylation in HNSCC group was significantly higher than the control
      group (OR = 2.83, 95%CI = 2.25-3.56). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis indicates
      that aberrant methylation of MGMT promoter was significantly associated with the
      risk of HNSCC, and it may be a potential molecular marker for monitoring the
      disease and may provide new insights to the treatment of HNSCC.

PMID- 27657733
TI  - Reprogramming of mPFC transcriptome and function in alcohol dependence.
AB  - Despite its limited immediate reinforcement value, alcohol has a potent ability
      to induce neuroadaptations that promote its incentive salience, escalation of
      voluntary alcohol intake and aversion-resistant alcohol seeking. A constellation
      of these traits, collectively called 'post-dependent', emerges following brain
      exposure to repeated cycles of intoxication and withdrawal. The medial prefrontal
      cortex (mPFC) and its subdivisions exert top-down regulation of approach and
      avoidance behaviors, including those that lead to alcohol intake. Here, we review
      an emerging literature which indicates that a reprogramming of mPFC function
      occurs with prolonged exposure of the brain to cycles of alcohol intoxication and
      withdrawal. This reprogramming results in molecular dysregulations that
      contribute to the post-dependent syndrome. Convergent evidence has identified
      neuroadaptations resulting in altered glutamatergic and BDNF-mediated signaling,
      and for these pathways, direct evidence for a mechanistic role has been obtained.
      Additional evidence points to a dysregulation of pathways involving calcium
      homeostasis and neurotransmitter release. Recent findings indicate that global
      DNA hypermethylation is a key factor in reprogramming the mPFC genome after a
      history of dependence. As one of the results of this epigenetic remodeling,
      several histone modifying epigenetic enzymes are repressed. Among these, PR
      domain zinc-finger protein 2, a methyltransferase that selectively mono
      methylates histone H3 at lysine 9 has been functionally validated to drive
      several of the molecular and behavioral long-term consequences of alcohol
      dependence. Information processing within the mPFC involves formation of dynamic
      neuronal networks, or functional ensembles that are shaped by transcriptional
      responses. The epigenetic dysregulations identified by our molecular studies are
      likely to alter this dynamic processing in multiple ways. In summary, epigenetic
      molecular switches in the mPFC appear to be turned on as alcoholism develops.
      Strategies to reverse these processes may offer targets for disease-modifying
      treatments.

PMID- 27657737
TI  - Autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation in multiple sclerosis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Autologous haematopoietic cell transplantation (AHCT) is an
      evolving treatment avenue in multiple sclerosis (MS), which may be highly
      effective in controlling disease activity and improving disability. However, AHCT
      is associated with intrinsic toxicities and risks compared with conventional
      therapies. With growing experience in patient selection and treatment delivery,
      AHCT is increasingly considered an option in patients with aggressive disease
      that's responding poorly to disease modifying therapy. Areas covered: This
      article provides an introduction to AHCT and looks at its development as a
      treatment for MS over the last 20 years. It also highlights potential mechanisms
      of action, patient selection, and future trends for this treatment approach.
      Expert opinion: Currently published data suggest that AHCT's use is associated
      with significant reduction in MS disease activity and marked improvement in
      disability when used in patients with highly active relapsing remitting disease.
      Its long term safety and efficacy have not been fully evaluated but as increasing
      clinical trial data are published, its use is likely to grow. Further randomised
      controlled studies are needed to compare AHCT with standard disease modifying
      therapies and to optimise transplant regimens. Mechanistic studies may provide
      potential markers for response and a better understanding of disease
      pathogenesis.

PMID- 27657738
TI  - Demand and Congestion in Multiplex Transportation Networks.
AB  - Urban transportation systems are multimodal, sociotechnical systems; however,
      while their multimodal aspect has received extensive attention in recent
      literature on multiplex networks, their sociotechnical aspect has been largely
      neglected. We present the first study of an urban transportation system using
      multiplex network analysis and validated Origin-Destination travel demand, with
      Riyadh's planned metro as a case study. We develop methods for analyzing the
      impact of additional transportation layers on existing dynamics, and show that
      demand structure plays key quantitative and qualitative roles. There exist
      fundamental geometrical limits to the metro's impact on traffic dynamics, and the
      bulk of environmental accrue at metro speeds only slightly faster than those
      planned. We develop a simple model for informing the use of additional, "feeder"
      layers to maximize reductions in global congestion. Our techniques are
      computationally practical, easily extensible to arbitrary transportation layers
      with complex transfer logic, and implementable in open-source software.

PMID- 27657739
TI  - Can three-dimensional high-resolution anorectal manometry detect anal sphincter
      defects in patients with faecal incontinence?
AB  - AIM: Endoanal ultrasound (EAUS) is the gold standard for detecting anal sphincter
      defects in patients with faecal incontinence (FI), while anorectal manometry
      evaluates sphincter function. Three-dimensional high-resolution anorectal
      manometry (3D HRAM) is a newer modality with the potential to assess both
      sphincter function and anatomy. The purpose of the present study was to compare
      3D HRAM with 3D EAUS for the detection of anal sphincter defects in patients with
      FI. METHOD: A linkage analysis was performed between the 3D HRAM and 3D EAUS
      databases of a tertiary referral centre to identify patients with FI who
      underwent both 3D EAUS and 3D HRAM. With 3D HRAM, a defect was defined as any
      pressure measurement below 25 mmHg at rest with at least 18 degrees  of
      continuous expansion. The 3D HRAM findings were compared with those of 3D EAUS.
      RESULTS: The study cohort included 39 patients with a mean age of 64.7 +/- 15.2
      years (SD); and 31 (79%) were female. Eight (21%) patients had an anal sphincter
      defect on EAUS with a median size of 93 degrees  (range 40 degrees -136 degrees
      ). Fourteen (36%) had a defect shown by 3D HRAM with a median size of 144 degrees
      (36 degrees -180 degrees ). The sensitivity, specificity and positive and
      negative predictive values of 3D HRAM in detecting a sphincter defect were 75%,
      74%, 43% and 92%, respectively. CONCLUSION: With a negative predictive value of
      92%, 3D HRAM may be a useful screening method for ruling out a sphincter defect
      in patients with FI, thereby avoiding both EAUS and manometry in selected
      patients.

PMID- 27657741
TI  - Techniques and Approaches for Safe, High-Yield CT-Guided Suprahyoid Head and Neck
      Biopsies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to present imaging approaches and key
      technical, safety, and patient care best practices critical for safe, successful
      image-guided biopsy of head and neck masses. CONCLUSION: Image-guided sampling is
      an important adjunct to the diagnosis and management of head and neck masses and
      may be particularly useful when lesions are not accessible via an endoscope or by
      palpation-guided sampling. Appropriate workup is mandatory before the patient is
      scheduled for such a procedure. Once the procedure has been initiated, needle
      selection and technique are critical for increasing the diagnostic yield.
      Knowledge of the various head and neck biopsy approaches and their associated
      complications is important for optimal tissue sampling and minimization of
      morbidity.

PMID- 27657740
TI  - Renal Perfusion and Function during Pneumoperitoneum: A Systematic Review and
      Meta-Analysis of Animal Studies.
AB  - Both preclinical and clinical studies indicate that raised intra-abdominal
      pressure (IAP) associated with pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopic surgical
      procedures can cause renal damage, the severity of which may be influenced by
      variables such as pressure level and duration. Several of these variables have
      been investigated in animal studies, but synthesis of all preclinical data has
      not been performed. This systematic review summarizes all available pre-clinical
      evidence on this topic, including an assessment of its quality and risk of bias.
      We performed meta-analysis to assess which aspects of the pneumoperitoneum
      determine the severity of its adverse effects. A systematic search in two
      databases identified 55 studies on the effect of pneumoperitoneum on renal
      function which met our inclusion criteria. There was high heterogeneity between
      the studies regarding study design, species, sex, pressure and duration of
      pneumoperitoneum, and type of gas used. Measures to reduce bias were poorly
      reported, leading to an unclear risk of bias in the majority of studies. Details
      on randomisation, blinding and a sample size calculation were not reported in
      >=80% of the studies. Meta-analysis showed an overall increase in serum
      creatinine during pneumoperitoneum, and a decrease in urine output and renal
      blood flow. Subgroup analysis indicated that for serum creatinine, this effect
      differed between species. Subgroup analysis of pressure level indicated that
      urine output decreased as IAP level increased. No differences between types of
      gas were observed. Data were insufficient to reliably assess whether sex or IAP
      duration modulate the effect of pneumoperitoneum. Four studies assessing long
      term effects indicated that serum creatinine normalized >=24 hours after
      desufflation of pneumoperitoneum at 15mmHg. We conclude that harmful effects on
      renal function and perfusion during pneumoperitoneum appear to be robust, but
      evidence on long-term effects is very limited. The reliability and clinical
      relevance of these findings for healthy patients and patients at high risk of
      renal impairment remain uncertain. We emphasize the need for rigorous reporting
      of preclinical research methodology, which is of vital importance for clinical
      translation of preclinical data.

PMID- 27657743
TI  - Screening for psychological distress in very long-term adult survivors of
      childhood cancer.
AB  - This study evaluated the prevalence of psychological distress (PD) in a cohort of
      348 adult childhood cancer survivors with a very long-term follow-up and assessed
      the characteristics associated with this distress (cancer type, treatment, sex,
      age at diagnosis, self-reported late effects, social support, type of
      remembrance, time since the diagnosis, age at evaluation), assuming that with
      time since the diagnosis, the PD of survivors will approximate that of the
      general population. Before attending a long-term follow-up consultation,
      survivors were sent 3 questionnaires: the Brief Symptom Inventory-18, the Impact
      of Event Scale, and the Illness Worry Scale (IWS). During the visit, they were
      administered the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) by a
      psychologist. The mean age of the survivors was 38.5 years (18.1-65.8) at
      consultation, 7 years (0.0-18.0) at cancer diagnosis, and mean time since
      diagnosis was 31.5 years (8.8-56.1). Multiple regression analyses of the data
      collected from self-administered questionnaires confirmed that being female,
      living alone, and self-reported late effects were associated with the high scores
      for all scales. Negative remembrances and being accompanied to the clinic were
      associated with higher IWS scores. Unlike the initial hypothesis, the MINI showed
      that, compared with controls, survivors experienced a higher prevalence of
      anxiety and mood disorders even after a very long time since the diagnosis. These
      findings show that a substantial subset of survivors experiment a high prevalence
      of PD, higher than the general population, and should be screened for PD whatever
      the time since the diagnosis.

PMID- 27657742
TI  - In Silico Oncology: Quantification of the In Vivo Antitumor Efficacy of Cisplatin
      Based Doublet Therapy in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) through a Multiscale
      Mechanistic Model.
AB  - The 5-year survival of non-small cell lung cancer patients can be as low as 1% in
      advanced stages. For patients with resectable disease, the successful choice of
      preoperative chemotherapy is critical to eliminate micrometastasis and improve
      operability. In silico experimentations can suggest the optimal treatment
      protocol for each patient based on their own multiscale data. A determinant for
      reliable predictions is the a priori estimation of the drugs' cytotoxic efficacy
      on cancer cells for a given treatment. In the present work a mechanistic model of
      cancer response to treatment is applied for the estimation of a plausible value
      range of the cell killing efficacy of various cisplatin-based doublet regimens.
      Among others, the model incorporates the cancer related mechanism of uncontrolled
      proliferation, population heterogeneity, hypoxia and treatment resistance. The
      methodology is based on the provision of tumor volumetric data at two time
      points, before and after or during treatment. It takes into account the effect of
      tumor microenvironment and cell repopulation on treatment outcome. A thorough
      sensitivity analysis based on one-factor-at-a-time and latin hypercube
      sampling/partial rank correlation coefficient approaches has established the
      volume growth rate and the growth fraction at diagnosis as key features for more
      accurate estimates. The methodology is applied on the retrospective data of
      thirteen patients with non-small cell lung cancer who received cisplatin in
      combination with gemcitabine, vinorelbine or docetaxel in the neoadjuvant
      context. The selection of model input values has been guided by a comprehensive
      literature survey on cancer-specific proliferation kinetics. The latin hypercube
      sampling has been recruited to compensate for patient-specific uncertainties.
      Concluding, the present work provides a quantitative framework for the estimation
      of the in-vivo cell-killing ability of various chemotherapies. Correlation
      studies of such estimates with the molecular profile of patients could serve as a
      basis for reliable personalized predictions.

PMID- 27657744
TI  - The "Food Polymer Science" approach to the practice of industrial R&D, leading to
      patent estates based on fundamental starch science and technology.
AB  - This article reviews the application of the "Food Polymer Science" approach to
      the practice of industrial R&D, leading to patent estates based on fundamental
      starch science and technology. The areas of patents and patented technologies
      reviewed here include: (a) soft-from-the-freezer ice creams and freezer-storage
      stable frozen bread dough products, based on "cryostabilization technology" of
      frozen foods, utilizing commercial starch hydrolysis products (SHPs); (b) glassy
      matrix encapsulation technology for flavors and other volatiles, based on
      structure-function relationships for commercial SHPs;

PMID- 27657747
TI  - Opening ethical doors.
AB  - In March 1988 an 88 year old woman was admitted to a hospital suffering from
      bronchopneumonia. During the evening of her first day of admission a 'do not
      resuscitate' (DNR) decision was taken and entered into her clinical notes. The
      case was investigated by the Health Service Commissioner following a complaint by
      the patient's son who purely by chance saw the words 'not for the 222s' (a DNR
      order) on his mother's case notes.

PMID- 27657745
TI  - Cyclin A2 regulates erythrocyte morphology and numbers.
AB  - Cyclin A2 is an essential gene for development and in haematopoietic stem cells
      and therefore its functions in definitive erythropoiesis have not been
      investigated. We have ablated cyclin A2 in committed erythroid progenitors in
      vivo using erythropoietin receptor promoter-driven Cre, which revealed its
      critical role in regulating erythrocyte morphology and numbers. Erythroid
      specific cyclin A2 knockout mice are viable but displayed increased mean
      erythrocyte volume and reduced erythrocyte counts, as well as increased frequency
      of erythrocytes containing Howell-Jolly bodies. Erythroblasts lacking cyclin A2
      displayed defective enucleation, resulting in reduced production of enucleated
      erythrocytes and increased frequencies of erythrocytes containing nuclear
      remnants. Deletion of the Cdk inhibitor p27Kip1 but not Cdk2, ameliorated the
      erythroid defects resulting from deficiency of cyclin A2, confirming the critical
      role of cyclin A2/Cdk activity in erythroid development. Loss of cyclin A2 in
      bone marrow cells in semisolid culture prevented the formation of BFU-E but not
      CFU-E colonies, uncovering its essential role in BFU-E function. Our data unveils
      the critical functions of cyclin A2 in regulating mammalian erythropoiesis.

PMID- 27657748
TI  - 'They told me was a fusspot'.
AB  - Pain management for adults has progressed rapidly during the past few years.
      Regrettably, the same cannot be said for pain management in children. Despite
      research, the whole area is beset by myths and misconceptions. Sweeping
      generalisations? Children quoted in a recent issue of Cascade, the magazine of
      Action for Sick Children beg to differ.

PMID- 27657746
TI  - Adult-Derived Human Liver Stem/Progenitor Cells Infused 3 Days Postsurgery
      Improve Liver Regeneration in a Mouse Model of Extended Hepatectomy.
AB  - There is growing evidence that cell therapy constitutes a promising strategy for
      liver regenerative medicine. In the setting of hepatic cancer treatments, cell
      therapy could prove a useful therapeutic approach for managing the acute liver
      failure that occurs following extended hepatectomy. In this study, we examined
      the influence of delivering adult-derived human liver stem/progenitor cells
      (ADHLSCs) at two different early time points in an immunodeficient mouse model
      (Rag2-/-IL2Rgamma-/-) that had undergone a 70% hepatectomy procedure. The hepatic
      mesenchymal cells were intrasplenically infused either immediately after surgery
      (n = 26) or following a critical 3-day period (n = 26). We evaluated the cells'
      capacity to engraft at day 1 and day 7 following transplantation by means of
      human Alu qPCR quantification, along with histological assessment of human
      albumin and alpha-smooth muscle actin. In addition, cell proliferation (anti
      mouse and human Ki-67 staining) and murine liver weight were measured in order to
      evaluate liver regeneration. At day 1 posttransplantation, the ratio of human to
      mouse cells was similar in both groups, whereas 1 week posttransplantation this
      ratio was significantly improved (p < 0.016) in mice receiving ADHLSC injection
      at day 3 posthepatectomy (1.7%), compared to those injected at the time of
      surgery (1%). On the basis of liver weight, mouse liver regeneration was more
      extensive 1 week posttransplantation in mice transplanted with ADHLSCs (+65.3%)
      compared to that of mice from the sham vehicle group (+42.7%). In conclusion,
      infusing ADHLSCs 3 days after extensive hepatectomy improves the cell engraftment
      and murine hepatic tissue regeneration, thereby confirming that ADHLSCs could be
      a promising cell source for liver cell therapy and hepatic tissue repair.

PMID- 27657749
TI  - Unions say 'job interview' for allitt witnesses is insensitive.
AB  - Health unions have accused managers at Grantham and Kesteven General Hospital of
      insensitivity in asking nurses giving evidence at the trial of Beverley Allitt to
      attend job interviews.

PMID- 27657750
TI  - 'Do not resuscitate' guidance clarified.
AB  - The first ever national guidelines on patient resuscitation, published last week
      by the Royal College of Nursing and the British Medical Association, call for
      appropriate consultation before doctors make 'Do not resuscitate' (DNR)
      decisions.

PMID- 27657751
TI  - Trust crisis jeopardises nurse jobs.
AB  - Nurse sickness levels at a Hertfordshire NHS Trust have rocketed, it was revealed
      last week as details of the hospital's financial crisis emerged.

PMID- 27657752
TI  - Chief nurse post awaits decision.
AB  - A decision on who will be appointed Director of Nursing for the proposed joint
      Guy's and St Thomas's Trust is expected within a fortnight, after the shock
      announcement that Guy's leader Peter Griffiths had been passed over for the Chief
      Executive post.

PMID- 27657753
TI  - Health secretary warns against delays in the closure of london hospitals.
AB  - Health Secretary Virginia Bottomley has warned of a 'spiral of decline' if delays
      occur in the planned closure of London hospitals as outlined in the government's
      response to the Tomlinson report.

PMID- 27657755
TI  - HVA/MSF race discrimination case is given the go-ahead.
AB  - A race discrimination case against the Health Visitors' Association/MSF can go
      ahead, an Industrial Tribunal has ruled. MSF claimed a tribunal application by
      three staff, who were all placed on the lowest secretarial grade when HVA/MSF
      staff scales were integrated, was out of time, but a preliminary hearing decided
      the case could proceed.

PMID- 27657754
TI  - L178,850 award for work injury.
AB  - A nurse who sustained serious arm and shoulder injuries in 1988 has been awarded
      L178,850 in compensation. The award, which is the highest ever paid to a nurse
      who has sustained a non-back injury, came three years after Wirral HA admitted
      responsibility, but gave the nurse just L2,500.

PMID- 27657757
TI  - Subscription news.
AB  - Nursing Standard annual subscription rates from April 7 will be L47 for RCN
      members. L55 for non-RCN members and L65 for libraries and institutions. Royal
      College of Nursing members can claim the full cost of their subscription against
      tax, reducing the cost further to L35.25.

PMID- 27657759
TI  - ?
AB  - A mass meeting of nearly 150 nurses and other health staff protesting about
      redundancies at lister Hospital, Hertfordshire, last week were addressed by local
      union officers, lip to 37 I) D to H grade nursing posts are to be axed as North
      Hertfordshire NHS Trust attempts to make up a cash shortfall of L1.7 million.

PMID- 27657758
TI  - Imminent trust axes jobs in advance.
AB  - At least 70 nurses last week received redundancy notices from a Trust which has
      not yet even come into being.

PMID- 27657760
TI  - New nurses only get half a chance.
AB  - Scotland's newly qualified nurses have only just over a 50 per cent chance of
      getting a job in the National Health Service, it emerged last week.

PMID- 27657762
TI  - The vicious circle of health staff cuts.
AB  - Nurses are being put on the dole at a time when more people need nursing care as
      the recession takes its toll, RCN General Secretary Christine Hancock has told a
      conference.

PMID- 27657761
TI  - Army nurse posts under fire.
AB  - Nursing posts are under threat at the Queen Elizabeth Military Hospital in
      Woolwich following a Ministry of Defence review of secondary care for the Armed
      Forces.

PMID- 27657764
TI  - BNA pledges no redundancies after BUPA agency takeover.
AB  - The British Nursing Association has taken over BUPA's nursing agency business, it
      was announced last week.

PMID- 27657763
TI  - RCN support for members who cared for Tony Bland.
AB  - The Royal College of Nursing has offered support to members who were caring for
      Tony Bland, the football fan who died last week nearly four years after being
      crushed in the Hillsborough Stadium disaster.

PMID- 27657766
TI  - ?
AB  - Cot death is the main concern of new parents and pregnant women, research carried
      out for the Health Education Authority's New Pregnancy Book shows. The book.
      which will be distributed free to first- time parents, has an expanded section on
      cot death, with guidance on laying babies down to sleep, including photographs of
      the safest positions. Pregnant women also worry about diet, the complications
      they might have during pregnancy and want more information about tests in
      pregnancy. Royal College of Midwives Officer Joy Moores said the book would be
      useful for midwives, enabling them to explore with women what choices are open to
      them and what support the maternity sen-ices can give'.

PMID- 27657767
TI  - Debate on student training.
AB  - Community nurses experience stress when accompanied by students, even though they
      enjoy taking them on their rounds, Professor Jean Orr, director of nursing at
      Queen's University, Belfast, told delegates at the conference.

PMID- 27657769
TI  - ENB government appointments announced.
AB  - The government appointees to the English National Board have been announced by
      Junior Health Minister Baroness Cumberlege. Maureen Theobald, Principal of the
      Nightingale and Guy's College of Nursing and Midwifery, has been named ENB Chair.
      One vacancy has yet to be filled.

PMID- 27657770
TI  - Skill mix challenge.
AB  - Skill mix is inevitable and should be seen as an opportunity for nurses, the
      first joint conference of the Health Visitors' and District Nurses Associations
      heard last week.

PMID- 27657771
TI  - Services fail ethnic minority families.
AB  - Nurse training should emphasise the needs of ethnic minorities, a nurse
      educationalist said last week, as new research showed that health care services
      are failing ethnic minority families.

PMID- 27657773
TI  - Parliament.
AB  - An increase in suicides, with a high proportion among Britain's unemployed, has
      alarmed the government.

PMID- 27657774
TI  - Bacterial LRTI is more common than thought.
AB  - Lower respiratory tract infections are far more likely to be bacterial than is
      generally assumed, according to new research which criticises existing strategies
      for managing the illness. Almost 500 adults consulting GPs at a Nottingham
      surgery were included in the study, which identified the pathogens involved in 91
      cases.

PMID- 27657772
TI  - World news.
AB  - United States Mothers delivered by certified nurse midwives (CNMs) rather than
      doctors suffer less physical trauma, have shorter stays in hospital, and are less
      likely to be delivered prematurely, an American Nurses' Association (ANA) survey
      reveals. CNMs were also found to use more natural and less invasive labour and
      delivery procedures than doctors, and less foetal monitoring, epi-siotimies,
      forceps deliveries and amniotomies. They also administered less intravenous
      fluid.

PMID- 27657775
TI  - Antirheumatic drug side-effects alert.
AB  - Potentially fatal side-effects of slow acting antirheumatic drugs (SAARDs) mean
      comparative drug trials are needed to answer 'fundamental' questions about their
      longterm efficacy, says a report in Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin.

PMID- 27657776
TI  - Guidelines ignored in asthma treatment.
AB  - People having asthma attacks who seek help from their GPs are not being treated
      according to recommended guidelines, the results of a major national audit show.

PMID- 27657778
TI  - Start your own support group.
AB  - I noted Katie Wood's comments on the need tor a support group for unemployed
      nurses, (Finished after finals? Campaign, February 17) and wondered whether she
      had considered starting her own.

PMID- 27657777
TI  - A visionary among nurses.
AB  - Robert Tiffany went to The Royal Marsden in December 1967 to undertake an
      oncology nursing course, 27 years later he had transformed the hospital and the
      specialism of cancer nursing beyond recognition. His great commitment to cancer
      care spawned from the belief that nurses could dramatically change the care given
      to patients. It was a vision which drove him relentlessly forward throughout his
      lifetime. When he was still a junior nurse, he had an ambition to transform
      despair to hope tor people who had cancer. During the '70s, the mere mention of
      cancer instilled fear into patients, it was an immediate sentence of death.
      Robert began a lifelong campaign to overturn those misconceptions. He proved
      skilled nurses had a crucial role in preventing cancer, in early detection and
      improving the quality of life for people with cancer.

PMID- 27657779
TI  - Stub out cigarette promotions.
AB  - The government's 'Health of the Nation' targets call for a 30 per cent reduction
      in the number of adult smokers by the year 2000. But when will their policies
      reflect their stated aims?

PMID- 27657780
TI  - Practically essential.
AB  - Steve Flatt is not alone in having concerns about practical nursing care
      (Practically useless, Tradimus, February 17).

PMID- 27657781
TI  - Information exchange.
AB  - Nominations are invited for membership of the new' RCN Research Committee
      recently established by RCN Council.

PMID- 27657782
TI  - Childcare nursing is growing up.
AB  - Theresa Atherton warned that Project 2000-trained childcare branch nurses could
      find themselves unsuited to many NHS managers' requirements (Childcare nursing:
      the faltering first steps, Viewpoint February 10).

PMID- 27657783
TI  - ?
AB  - * I am researching the service school nurses offer in boarding secondary schools
      and would be most grateful if any such staff could contact me to answer a few
      questions about their status and duties.

PMID- 27657784
TI  - ?
AB  - * I am a staff nurse in a busy A&K department which is considering the exclusive
      use of documentation for nurses, in addition to the usual patient record cards.

PMID- 27657785
TI  - ?
AB  - * As nurses on a stroke rehabilitation unit, we are seeking to improve the care
      of patients who experience post- CVA epileptic seizures.

PMID- 27657786
TI  - ?
AB  - * I am doing a research proposal on whether student nurses under stress 'comfort
      eat'. I am having difficulty finding information and would be grateful for help.

PMID- 27657787
TI  - ?
AB  - * I am undertaking a study into the use of nursing models in endoscopy units and
      would be grateful for information from nurses in other units using a nursing
      model to enhance their patient care.

PMID- 27657788
TI  - ?
AB  - * We are staff nurses on a large district teaching hospital's long-stay
      psychogeriatric unit who have begun part-time posts - working three days on the
      ward and two days liaising with residential care homes offering advice, education
      and support to employees.

PMID- 27657789
TI  - Points of view.
AB  - The words carried in the United Kingdom Central Council's recent information to
      prospective candidates for its elections have a fine ring to them: 'The Council's
      functions are concerned with serving the public interest and protecting the
      vulnerable public - not that of serving the interests of the profession it
      regulates.'

PMID- 27657790
TI  - Network Factfile.

PMID- 27657791
TI  - Stop smoking Stop smoking Kingsley P Macdonald Optima 202pp L3.99 0-356-20125-2.
AB  - Stop Smoking: Understanding and Overcoming Your Addiction is an unusual book. Dr
      Patrick Kingsley states in the introduction 'Most importantly: Do not stop
      smoking yet.' He also recommends a technique which involves not smoking for five
      days and then chain smoking the next day. Dr Kingsley also stresses the link
      between diet and smoking.

PMID- 27657792
TI  - Women's madness J Ussher Women's madness Harvester Wheatsheaf 342pp L13.50 0-7450
      0832-1.
AB  - Women's Madness: Misogyny or Mental Illness? is an extremely interesting book
      that examines the experiences of women with depression and the way that society
      deals with women's mental distress. It looks at two opposing viewpoints.

PMID- 27657793
TI  - How to survive in spite of your parents M Reinbold Cedar 242pp L5.99 0-7493-1041
      3 [Formula: see text].
AB  - Damaged children become damaged grownups, subconsciously re-enacting the traumas
      of childhood physical, sexual or emotional abuse in their adult relationships.
      Psychotherapy, the least understood and most feared of all medical disciplines,
      helps people experiencing relationship difficulties to understand themselves and
      their reactions to stress and external stimuli and to obtain freedom from the
      perpetuating legacies of guilt, morality and conscience.

PMID- 27657794
TI  - The rehabilitation of people with AIDS.
AB  - I believe that there are two very good reasons which make me a suitable person to
      present this paper. The first is that for the past four years I have been
      director of the Marie Curie Rehabilitation Centre at The Royal Marsden Hospital
      in London, which is an integrated unit and the first of its kind in Europe, and
      possibly the world. The second reason is because I am a person living with AIDS.

PMID- 27657796
TI  - The Hidden Cost of AIDS The Hidden Cost of AIDS Dossier Panos Panos 168pp L9-95 1
      870670-29-9 [Formula: see text].
AB  - In some parts of the world, AIDS is known rather aptly as the 'family disease'.
      Although definitions of 'the family' vary according to culture, all societies
      have some form of kinship network that HIV, if introduced, can wreak
      socioeconomic havoc with at local and national level.

PMID- 27657795
TI  - AIDS and HIV word search.

PMID- 27657797
TI  - CAREER listings.
AB  - Nursing Standard regrets that it is no longer able to take listings over the
      telephone because of unprecedented demand. Readers are reminded that the listings
      section is for the use of charitable and professional organisations, unions and
      health authorities to publicise forthcoming events. Listings should contain all
      relevant details and be posted or faxed to Susan Bloodworth, Nursing Standard,
      Viking House, 17-19 Peterborough Road, Hatrow, Middlesex HA 1 2AX. Pax: 081-423
      3867.

PMID- 27657798
TI  - Effectiveness of PTSD telehealth treatment in a VA clinical sample.
AB  - Over the past decade, the Veterans Health Administration has supported multiple
      national rollouts of evidence-based treatments for mental health disorders.
      Recent studies have shown, however, that the majority of veterans with mental
      health diagnoses are not utilizing psychotherapy services. In this article, we
      attempt to address one of the more commonly known barriers to treatment, distance
      to care. We do this by comparing the effectiveness of outpatient and telehealth
      cognitive processing therapy (CPT) and prolonged exposure (PE) Therapy for
      posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a Veteran clinical sample. Multilevel
      modeling analyses revealed statistically significant differences between the
      outpatient and telehealth treatments once baseline demographic and symptom
      severity differences were taken into account. Given that a number of randomized
      control studies have not found similar outcome differences, future research would
      benefit from examining whether the outcomes differences in the present study are
      because of treatment delivery method or sample differences. Veterans completing
      treatment via outpatient and telehealth delivery methods achieved clinically
      significant change in PTSD from pre- to posttreatment. These results suggest that
      delivering evidence-based treatment for PTSD via telehealth may be a viable
      treatment option for veterans who cannot easily access care because of geographic
      distance. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27657799
TI  - eEduHeart I: A Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Trial Investigating the
      Effectiveness of a Cardiac Web-Based eLearning Platform - Rationale and Study
      Design.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Cardiac telerehabilitation includes, in its most comprehensive
      format, telemonitoring, telecoaching, social interaction, and eLearning. The
      specific role of eLearning, however, was seldom assessed. The aim of eEduHeart I
      is to investigate the medium-term effectiveness of the addition of a cardiac web
      based eLearing platform to conventional cardiac care. METHODS: In this
      prospective, multicenter randomized, controlled trial, 1,000 patients with
      coronary artery disease will be randomized 1:1 to an intervention group
      (receiving 1-month unrestricted access to the cardiac eLearning platform in
      addition to conventional cardiac care) or to conventional cardiac care alone. The
      primary endpoint is health-related quality of life, assessed by the HeartQoL
      questionnaire at the 1- and 3-month follow-ups. Secondary endpoints include
      pathology-specific knowledge and self-reported eLearning platform user
      experience. Data on the eLearning platform usage will be gathered through web
      logging during the study period. RESULTS: eEduHeart I will be one of the first
      studies to report on the added value of eLearning. CONCLUSIONS: If the
      intervention is proven effective, current cardiac telerehabilitation programs can
      be augmented by including eLearning, too. The platform can then be used as a
      model for other chronic diseases in which patient education plays a key role.

PMID- 27657800
TI  - "You don't know until you get there": The positive and negative "lived"
      experience of parenting an adult child with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS), a complex genetic syndrome
      associated with more than 180 features, presents complex challenges for parents
      including gaining a diagnosis. This phenomenological study sought the "lived"
      interpretations of parents supporting an adult child with 22q11DS, a poorly
      researched area. METHOD: Interpretative phenomenological analysis informed a
      detailed and open exploration of parenting a child through to adult life with
      22q11DS. Using in-depth semistructured interviews, 8 parents (2 male, 6 female)
      of adult children with 22q11DS were individually interviewed; providing the data
      set for transcription and thematic analysis. RESULTS: Losing "I" Finding "self,"
      overarched 6 subordinate themes that emerged from participants' articulated
      descriptions of psychological distress and psychological growth. Distress in
      parenting a child with 22q11DS was experienced through stigma, loss, grief, and
      guilt. Progressively, stigma undermined independence, friendships, and
      instinctual judgement. Ill-informed hierarchical structures experienced as layers
      of obstruction and lack of awareness of the syndrome triggered angry advocacy for
      their child. Diagnosis brought opposing relief and grief. In time, they came to
      value their unique "accomplishments," collected on their journey with 22q11DS,
      and in turn, consciously valued authentic "self" expressed through empathy,
      humility, gratitude, and pride. CONCLUSION: Parental distress through societal,
      educational, and health care invalidation persisted for decades for all
      participants. Conversely, distress facilitated psychological growth for
      redefining "self" and role as parents over time. Building on this
      phenomenological cameo, future research can educate against the plight of 22q11DS
      families. It can enlighten health care professionals in buffering against
      associated stigma, blame, and self-doubt, and in fostering psychological well
      being. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27657801
TI  - A systematic review of factors that contribute to nocebo effects.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Medication side effects are common, often leading to reduced quality
      of life, nonadherence, and financial costs for health services. Many side effects
      are the result of a psychologically mediated "nocebo effect." This review
      identifies the risk factors involved in the development of nocebo effects.
      METHOD: Web of Science, Scopus, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Journals@Ovid full text, and
      Global Health were searched using the terms "nocebo" and "placebo effect." To be
      included, studies must have exposed people to an inert substance and have
      assessed 1 or more baseline or experimental factor(s) on its ability to predict
      symptom development in response to the inert exposure. RESULTS: Eighty-nine
      studies were included; 70 used an experimental design and 19 used a prospective
      design, identifying 14 different categories of risk factor. The strongest
      predictors of nocebo effects were a higher perceived dose of exposure, explicit
      suggestions that the exposure triggers arousal or symptoms, observing people
      experiencing symptoms from the exposure, and higher expectations of symptoms.
      CONCLUSIONS: To reduce nocebo induced symptoms associated with medication or
      other interventions clinicians could reduce expectations of symptoms, limit
      suggestions of symptoms, correct unrealistic dose perceptions, and reduce
      exposure to people experiencing side effects. There is some evidence that we
      should do this especially for persons with at-risk personality types, though
      exactly which personality types these are requires further research. These
      suggestions have a downside in terms of consent and paternalism, but there is
      scope to develop innovative ways to reduce nocebo effects without withholding
      information. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27657802
TI  - Occurrence and co-occurrence of nonsuicidal self-injury and disordered eating in
      a daily diary study: Which behavior, when?
AB  - Although research has explored between-person traits that may account for the co
      occurrence of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and disordered eating (DE), little
      is known about within-person processes that predict when each behavior occurs.
      This study describes the socioemotional contexts of NSSI and DE behaviors during
      a two-week daily diary period. Young adults (aged 18-35) who reported >=1 episode
      of NSSI and >=1 episode of DE (binge eating, purging, or fasting) during the
      diary period were included (N=25). NSSI and DE co-occurred approximately one
      third of the time. Participants were more likely to act on NSSI thoughts
      following arguments and feelings of rejection. They were more likely to act on
      binge eating/purging thoughts after eating or watching television, and when they
      felt self-hatred. They were more likely to act on fasting thoughts after
      discussing upsetting memories, and when they were in a public setting. NSSI days
      were marked by more intense negative mood in the evenings relative to fasting
      days, and greater fatigue in the morning relative to binge eating/purging days.
      This study underscores the utility of using experience-sampling methods to
      develop and test within-person models to advance our understanding of co
      occurring behaviors.

PMID- 27657803
TI  - Expression of positive emotions differs in illness and recovery in anorexia
      nervosa.
AB  - People with Anorexia Nervosa (AN) display reduced facial expression of emotions.
      This study investigated the expression of positive affect in response to a film,
      examining Duchenne and non-Duchenne smiles in 20 women who have recovered from AN
      (REC), 20 with acute AN and 20 healthy controls (HC). The results indicated that
      the REC group exhibited Duchenne and non-Duchenne smiles with higher duration and
      intensity than the AN group, comparable to the HC group. The findings warrant
      longitudinal studies to confirm that reduced expressivity is linked to acute AN,
      ameliorating after recovery.

PMID- 27657804
TI  - Familial covariation of facial emotion recognition and IQ in schizophrenia.
AB  - Alterations in general intellectual ability and social cognition in schizophrenia
      are core features of the disorder, evident at the illness' onset and persistent
      throughout its course. However, previous studies examining cognitive alterations
      in siblings discordant for schizophrenia yielded inconsistent results. Present
      study aimed to investigate the nature of the association between facial emotion
      recognition and general IQ by applying genetically sensitive cross-trait cross
      sibling design. Participants (total n=158; patients, unaffected siblings,
      controls) were assessed using the Benton Facial Recognition Test, the Degraded
      Facial Affect Recognition Task (DFAR) and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale
      III. Patients had lower IQ and altered facial emotion recognition in comparison
      to other groups. Healthy siblings and controls did not significantly differ in IQ
      and DFAR performance, but siblings exhibited intermediate angry facial expression
      recognition. Cross-trait within-subject analyses showed significant associations
      between overall DFAR performance and IQ in all participants. Within-trait cross
      sibling analyses found significant associations between patients' and siblings'
      IQ and overall DFAR performance, suggesting their familial clustering. Finally,
      cross-trait cross-sibling analyses revealed familial covariation of facial
      emotion recognition and IQ in siblings discordant for schizophrenia, further
      indicating their familial etiology. Both traits are important phenotypes for
      genetic studies and potential early clinical markers of schizophrenia-spectrum
      disorders.

PMID- 27657805
TI  - Science for life - Recent advances in biochemical and biophysical methods.

PMID- 27657807
TI  - New potent biaryl sulfate-based hepatitis C virus inhibitors.
AB  - The discovery of a new series of potent hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS5A inhibitors
      containing biaryl sulfone or sulfate cores is reported. Structure-activity
      relationship (SAR) studies on inhibitors containing various substitution patterns
      of the sulfate or sulfone core structure established that m-,m'- substituted
      biaryl sulfate core-based inhibitors containing an amide moiety (compound 20) or
      an imidazole moiety (compound 24) showed extremely high potency. Compound 20
      demonstrated double-digit pM potencies against both genotype 1b (GT-1b) and 2a
      (GT-2a). Compound 24 also exhibited double-digit pM potencies against GT-1b and
      sub nM potencies against GT-2a. Furthermore, compounds 20 and 24 exhibited no
      cardiotoxicity in an hERG ligand binding assay and showed acceptable plasma
      stability and no mutagenic potential in the Ames test. In addition, these
      compounds showed distinctive additive effects in combination treatment with the
      NS5B targeting drug sofosbuvir (Sovaldi(r)). The results of this study showed
      that the compounds 20 and 24 could be effective HCV inhibitors.

PMID- 27657808
TI  - Synthesis, characterization and molecular docking studies of substituted 4
      coumarinylpyrano[2,3-c]pyrazole derivatives as potent antibacterial and anti
      inflammatory agents.
AB  - A green, eco-friendly and efficient protocol has been developed and synthesized a
      series of coumarin based pyrano[2,3-c]pyrazole derivatives (3) by multi-component
      reaction (MCR). Unexpected 3-coumarinyl-3-pyrazolylpropanoic acids (4) have been
      isolated by the reaction of compound (3) in acidic conditions. Further,
      intramolecular cyclization of compounds (4) leads to C4C4 chromons (9) and these
      compounds were screened for their biological activities using array of
      techniques. Most of the compounds exhibited promising antibacterial activity, in
      particular Gram-positive bacteria. The anti-inflammatory assay was evaluated
      against protein denaturation as well as HRBC membrane stabilization methods and
      compounds exhibit excellent anti-inflammatory activity in both methods. Molecular
      docking study has been performed for all the synthesized compounds with S. aureus
      dihydropteroate synthetase (DHPS) and results obtained are quite promising.

PMID- 27657809
TI  - Targeting telomerase with radiolabeled inhibitors.
AB  - The expression of telomerase in approximately 85% of cancers and its absence in
      the majority of normal cells makes it an attractive target for cancer therapy.
      However the lag period between initiation of telomerase inhibition and growth
      arrest makes direct inhibition alone an insufficient method of treatment.
      However, telomerase inhibition has been shown to enhance cancer cell
      radiosensitivity. To investigate the strategy of simultaneously inhibiting
      telomerase while delivering targeted radionuclide therapy to cancer cells, 123I
      radiolabeled inhibitors of telomerase were synthesized and their effects on
      cancer cell survival studied. An 123I-labeled analogue of the telomerase
      inhibitor MST-312 inhibited telomerase with an IC50 of 1.58 MUM (MST-312 IC50:
      0.23 MUM). Clonogenic assays showed a dose dependant effect of 123I-MST-312 on
      cell survival in a telomerase positive cell line, MDA-MB-435.

PMID- 27657810
TI  - Tetracyclic indolines as a novel class of beta-lactam-selective resistance
      modifying agent for MRSA.
AB  - Antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections have seen a marked increase in recent
      years, while antibiotic discovery has waned. Resistance-modifying agents (RMA)
      offer an intriguing alternative strategy to fight against resistant bacteria.
      Here we report the discovery, antibiotic profiling, and structure-activity
      relationships of a novel class of RMAs, tetracyclic indolines. These selectively
      potentiate beta-lactam antibiotics in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
      (MRSA) without antibacterial or beta-lactamase inhibitory activity on their own.
      The most potent analogue, 6a, showed strong potentiation of
      amoxicillin/clavulanic acid in a variety of hospital-acquired and community
      acquired MRSA strains with low mammalian toxicity. These compounds may be further
      developed to extend the clinic life span of beta-lactam antibiotics.

PMID- 27657811
TI  - Synthesis and evaluation of new benzodioxole-based dithiocarbamate derivatives as
      potential anticancer agents and hCA-I and hCA-II inhibitors.
AB  - In the current work, new benzodioxole-based dithiocarbamate derivatives were
      synthesized via the reaction of N-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-ylmethyl)-2-chloroacetamide
      with appropriate sodium salts of N,N-disubstituted dithiocarbamic acids. These
      derivatives were evaluated for their cytotoxic effects on A549 human lung
      adenocarcinoma and C6 rat glioma cell lines. N-(1,3-Benzodioxol-5-ylmethyl)-2-[4
      (4-nitrophenyl)-1-piperazinylthiocarbamoylthio]acetamide (10) can be identified
      as the most promising anticancer agent against C6 cell line due to its notable
      inhibitory effect on C6 cells with an IC50 value of 23.33 +/- 7.63 MUg/mL when
      compared with cisplatin (IC50 = 19.00 +/- 5.29 MUg/mL). On the other hand,
      compound 10 did not show any significant cytotoxic activity against A549 cell
      line. The compounds were also tested for their in vitro inhibitory effects on hCA
      I and hCA-II. Generally, the tested compounds were more effective on CAs than
      acetazolamide, the reference agent. Among these compounds, N-(1,3-benzodioxol-5
      ylmethyl)-2-[(morpholinyl)thiocarbamoylthio]acetamide (3) and N-(1,3-benzodioxol
      5-ylmethyl)-2-[(thiomorpholinyl)thiocarbamoylthio]acetamide (4) were found to be
      the most effective compounds on hCA-I with IC50 values of 0.346 nM and 0.288 nM,
      and hCA-II with IC50 values of 0.287 nM and 0.338 nM, respectively.

PMID- 27657812
TI  - Synthesis of novel 15-membered 8a-azahomoerythromycin A acylides: Consequences of
      structural modification at the C-3 and C-6 position on antibacterial activity.
AB  - A novel series of 6-O-substituted 8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A 3-O-acylides has
      been discovered with potent activity against key respiratory pathogens, including
      those inducibly and constitutively resistant to erythromycin. The best compounds
      in this series 15na and 15nd showed activity comparable to telithromycin,
      especially against Haemophilus influenzae and constitutively MLSB-resistant
      strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes. Furthermore, 15na
      exhibited a number of drug-like attributes including favorable pharmacokinetic
      properties and in vivo efficacy. For instance, 15na exhibited good oral
      bioavailability (average F = 42%) and demonstrated in vivo efficacy superior to
      telithromycin (1) against erythromycin-susceptible S. pneumoniae. As such, 15na
      has a significant potential for further development of this novel macrolide
      antibiotics class.

PMID- 27657813
TI  - Preparation and characterization of electrospun alginate/PLA nanofibers as tissue
      engineering material by emulsion eletrospinning.
AB  - Scaffolds made by biomaterials offer favorite environment for cell grow and show
      a wide potential application in tissue engineering. Novel biocompatibility
      materials polylatic acid (PLA) nanofiber membranes with favorable
      biocompatibility and good mechanical strength could serve as an innovative tissue
      engineering scaffold. Sodium alginate (SA) could be used in biomedical areas
      because of its anti-bacterial property, hydrophilicity and biocompatibility. In
      this article, we chose PLA as continuous phase and SA as dispersion phase to
      prepare a W/O emulsion and then electrospun it to get a SA/PLA composite
      nanofiber membranes. The CLSM images illustrated that the existence of SA was
      located on the surface of composite fibers and the FTIR results confirmed the
      result. A calcium ion replacement step was used as an after-treatment for SA/PLA
      nanofiber membranes in order to anchor the alginic ion in a form of gelated
      calcium alginate (CA). The single fiber tensile test shows a good mechanical
      property of CA/PLA nanofiber membranes, and the nanofiber membranes are
      beneficial for cell proliferation and differentiation owing to MTT array as well
      as Alizarin red S (ARS) staining test.

PMID- 27657814
TI  - Screening of 1300 organic micro-pollutants in groundwater from Beijing and
      Tianjin, North China.
AB  - Groundwater contamination in China has become a growing public concern because of
      the country's rapid economic development and dramatically increasing fresh water
      demand. However, there is little information available on groundwater quality,
      particularly with respect to trace organic micro-pollutants contamination. This
      study was undertaken to investigate the occurrence of 1300 pollutants at 27
      groundwater sites in Beijing and Tianjin, North China. Seventy-eight chemicals
      (6% of the targeted compounds) were detected in at least one sampling point;
      observed chemicals included polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), pesticides,
      plasticizers, antioxidants, pharmaceuticals and other emerging compounds.
      Chemicals with a frequency of detection over 70% were 2-ethyl-1-hexanol (median
      concentration 152 ng L-1), benzyl alcohol (582 ng L-1), 2-phenoxy-ethanol (129 ng
      L-1), acetophenone (74 ng L-1), pentamethylbenzene (51 ng L-1), nitrobenzene (40
      ng L-1) and dimethyl phthalate (64 ng L-1). Pesticides with concentrations
      exceeding the EU maximum residual limits (MRL) of 0.1 MUg L-1 were 1,4
      dichlorobenzene, oxadixyl, diflubenzuron, carbendazim, diuron, and the E and Z
      isomers of dimethomorph. Naphthalene and its 7 alkylated derivatives were widely
      observed at maximum concentration up to 30 MUg L-1, which, although high, is
      still below the Australian drinking water guidelines of 70 MUg L-1. The risk
      assessment indicated there is no human health risk through the oral consumption
      from most wells, although there were four wells in which total seven compounds
      were found at the concentrations with a potential adverse health effects. This
      work provides a wide reconnaissance on broad spectrum of organic micro
      contaminants in groundwater in North China.

PMID- 27657815
TI  - Highly stable and magnetically separable alginate/Fe3O4 composite for the removal
      of strontium (Sr) from seawater.
AB  - In this study, a highly stable alginate/Fe3O4 composite was synthesized, and
      systematically investigated for the practical application of strontium (Sr)
      removal in complex media, such as seawater and radioactive wastewater. To
      overcome the drawbacks of the use of alginate microspheres, high contents of
      alginic acid and Fe3O4 were used to provide a more rigid structure with little
      swelling and facile separation, respectively. The synthesized composite was
      optimized for particle sizes of <400 MUm and 1% content of Fe3O4. The
      alginate/Fe3O4 composite showed excellent Sr uptake (~400.0 mg/g) and exhibited
      outstanding selectivity for Sr among various cations (Na, Mg, Ca and K). However,
      in diluted Sr condition (50 mg/L), Ca significantly affected Sr adsorption,
      resulting in a decrease of Kd value from 3.7 to 2.4 at the 0.01 M Ca. The
      alginate/Fe3O4 composite could be completely regenerated using 0.1 M HCl and
      CaCl2. In real seawater spiked with 50 mg/L of Sr, the alginate/Fe3O4 composite
      showed 12.5 mg/g of Sr uptake, despite the highly concentrated ions in seawater.
      The adsorption experiment for radio-active 90Sr revealed a removal efficiency of
      67% in real seawater, demonstrating the reliability of the alginate/Fe3O4
      composite.

PMID- 27657816
TI  - Positive and negative electrospray ionization analyses of the organic fractions
      in raw and oxidized oil sands process-affected water.
AB  - This work investigated the oxidative transformation of the organic species in oil
      sands process-affected water (OSPW) using Fourier transform ion cyclotron
      resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR-MS) and ultra-performance liquid
      chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-TOF-MS) in both negative
      and positive electrospray ionization (ESI) modes. This is the first time to apply
      FTICR-MS to investigate species transformation in OSPW treatments by ferrate
      (VI), UV/H2O2, and molecular ozone, and also this is the first preliminary study
      to use positive ESI to investigate organic species in addition to naphthenic
      acids (NAs) in these treatment processes. The oxidation processes with potassium
      ferrate (VI), UV/H2O2, and ozone transformed the distribution profiles of Ox,
      OxSy, and OxNy organic fractions (i.e., species containing oxygen, sulfur, and
      nitrogen, with x, y specifying the oxygen number and sulfur/nitrogen number,
      respectively), with OxSy distribution profiles showing the most sensitive
      responses to the oxidation extent and can be used as a signature fraction to
      evaluate the oxidation effectiveness. Negative mode UPLC-TOF-MS confirmed the
      transformation pattern of Ox species observed with FTICR-MS, but positive mode
      UPLC-TOF-MS results showed severe discrepancies with FTICR-MS results and should
      be subjected for future further investigation, regarding the relatively low mass
      resolution of UPLC-TOF-MS. The investigation of the transformation patterns of
      different organic species using two ionization modes was a preliminary study to
      enhance the understanding of the efficiency, selectivity, and mechanism of
      different oxidation processes in OSPW remediation for both NAs and non-NA
      species.

PMID- 27657818
TI  - Toxicity and physiological effect of quercetin on generalist herbivore,
      Spodoptera litura Fab. and a non-target earthworm Eisenia fetida Savigny.
AB  - A novel flavonoid, quercetin, was isolated from the medicinal plant Euphorbia
      hirta L. through chromatography techniques including: TLC, Column chromatography,
      NMR and then screened for toxicity to larvae of Spodoptera litura Fab. Bioassays
      were used to analyze pupal weight, survival rate, fecundity, egg hatchability,
      population growth index, Nutritional index and histopathology of treated larvae
      at a range of E. hirta extract concentrations. Results of toxicity assays
      demonstrated that, 6 ppm of quercetin caused 94.6% mortality of second, 91.8% of
      third, 88% of fourth, and 85.2% of fifth instars respectively. The lethal
      concentrations (LC50 and LC90) was calculated as 10.88 and 69.91 ppm for fourth
      instar larvae. The changes in consumption ratio and approximate digestibility
      produced a reduction in growth rates. Histopathology examinations revealed that
      the cell organelles were severely infected. Analyses of earthworm toxicity
      effects resulted in significantly lower rates compared to synthetic insecticides
      (chloropyrifos and cypermethrin). These results suggests that the botanical
      compound (quercetin), could have a part as a new biorational product which
      provides an ecofriendly alternative. Validation of the potential of quercetin,
      still needs to be demonstrated under field conditions, where formulation will be
      important in maintaining the activity.

PMID- 27657817
TI  - NO2 inhalation causes tauopathy by disturbing the insulin signaling pathway.
AB  - Air pollution has been evidenced as a risk factor for neurodegenerative
      tauopathies. NO2, a primary component of air pollution, is negatively linked to
      neurodegenerative disorders, but its independent and direct association with tau
      lesion remains to be elucidated. Considering the fact that the insulin signaling
      pathway can be targeted by air pollutants and regulate tau function, this study
      focused on the role of insulin signaling in this NO2-induced tauopathy. Using a
      dynamic inhalation treatment, we demonstrated that exposure to NO2 induced a
      disruption of insulin signaling in skeletal muscle, liver, and brain, with
      associated p38 MAPK and/or JNK activation. We also found that in parallel with
      these kinase signaling cascades, the compensatory hyperinsulinemia triggered by
      whole-body insulin resistance (IR) further attenuated the IRS-1/AKT/GSK-3beta
      signaling pathway in the central nervous system, which consequently increased the
      phosphorylation of tau and reduced the expression of synaptic proteins that
      contributed to the development of the tau pathology. These findings provide new
      insight into the possible mechanisms involved in the etiopathogenesis of NO2
      induced tauopathy, suggesting that the targeting of insulin signaling may be a
      promising therapeutic strategy to prevent this disease.

PMID- 27657819
TI  - Tetrabromobisphenol A photoelectrocatalytic degradation using reduced graphene
      oxide and cerium dioxide comodified TiO2 nanotube arrays as electrode under
      visible light.
AB  - Tetrabromobisphenol A, one of the most important brominated retardants, is an
      typical persistent organic pollutant and it is of great value to develop rapid
      and effective degradation method. Present study established a
      photoelectrodegradation method with CeO2 and reduced graphene oxide co-modified
      TiO2 nanotube arrays (RGO-CeO2-TiO2 NAs), which were successfully synthesized and
      characterized with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X Ray
      Spectrometry (EDX). The SEM Images revealed that the nanotubes had a diameter of
      about 100 nm and an obvious layer of CeO2 and RGO on the surface of TiO2 nanotube
      arrays. The EDX data exhibited the presence of Ce element. The results
      demonstrated that TBBPA was degraded at a high degradation rate constant of
      0.0191 min-1, and photogenerated holes played a major role in the degradation
      reaction. Significant decrease of degradation efficiency was achieved with the
      presence of EDTA-2Na(hole scavenger), yet while the existence of t-BuOH(OH
      scavenger) resulted in less inhibition on the degradation. Besides, RGO-CeO2-TiO2
      NAs exhibited good stability with rarely decline of degradation efficiency for
      ten reused runs. All these indicated that RGO-CeO2-TiO2 NAs were a good catalyst
      with extraordinary catalytic activity and stability for PEC degradation, and
      would have great potential in the control and removal of pollutants.

PMID- 27657820
TI  - DGGE diversity of manganese mine samples and isolation of a Lysinibacillus sp.
      efficient in removal of high Mn (II) concentrations.
AB  - Manganese contamination has become a serious environmental problem in the world
      and bacterial removal plays an important role in global cycling of manganese. In
      this study, microorganism distribution within samples from a manganese mine was
      analyzed with PCR-DGGE technology. The results suggested that Manganese oxidizing
      bacteria (such as Bacillus, Hyphomicrobiaceae and Erythrobacter) were dominant in
      the soil. In addition, a Lysinibacillus sp. Isolate, strain MK-1, revealed robust
      growth at high Mn(II) concentrations up to 1 mM. At that concentration, 55.94% of
      added Mn(II) was oxidized and 36.23% of the Mn(II) was adsorbed by MK-1(total
      manganese removal reached 94.67%) after 7 days of culturing. By measuring its
      metabolic process, the great role of biological adsorption was found.
      Additionally, the spectroscopic result demonstrated that Mn(III) was an
      intermediate during the biological oxidation process. These findings increase the
      knowledge of biological manganese removal mechanisms and show some potentials to
      the operation of manganese treatment.

PMID- 27657821
TI  - Considering ionic state in modeling sorption of pharmaceuticals to sewage sludge.
AB  - Information on the partitioning of chemicals between particulate matter and water
      in sewage treatment plants (STPs) can be used to predict their subsequent
      environmental fate. However, this information can be challenging to acquire,
      especially for pharmaceuticals that are frequently present in ionized forms. This
      study investigated the relationship between the ionization state of active
      pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and their partitioning between water and sludge
      in STPs. We also investigated the underlying mechanisms of sludge sorption by
      using chemical descriptors based on ionized structures, and evaluated the
      usefulness of these descriptors in quantitative structure-property relationship
      (QSPR) modeling. KD values were collected for 110 APIs, which were classified as
      neutral, positive, or negative at pH 7. The models with the highest performance
      had the R2Y and Q2 values of above 0.75 and 0.65, respectively. We found that the
      dominant intermolecular forces governing the interactions of neutral and
      positively charged APIs with sludge are hydrophobic, pi-pi, and dipole-dipole
      interactions, whereas the interactions of negatively charged APIs with sludge
      were mainly governed by covalent bonding as well as ion-ion, ion-dipole, and
      dipole-dipole interactions; hydrophobicity-driven interactions were rather
      unimportant. Including charge-related descriptors improved the models'
      performance by 5-10%, underlining the importance of electrostatic interactions.
      The use of descriptors calculated for ionized structures did not improve the
      model statistics for positive and negative APIs, but slightly increased model
      performance for neutral APIs. We attribute this to a better description of
      neutral zwitterions.

PMID- 27657822
TI  - Abdominal tuberculosis that masked under the early postoperative septic
      complications.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: At the same time even laparoscopic adrenalectomy can become the
      source or the causing factor of a number of complications. In the following
      report we present the clinic case of diagnostic complications during postsurgical
      period of "rapid" development and signs of tuberculosis after laparoscopic
      adrenalectomy. PRESENTATION OF CASE: The patient underwent ultrasonography and CT
      was found out: the tumor of right adrenal gland. Operational treatment: right
      laparoscopy adrenalectomy. Pathologistological conclusion: clear cell adenoma. On
      the fourth day there was a high temperature rise noted 38-39 degrees C. On the
      10th day the CT, where there were no signs of free liquid abscess formation.
      Relaparoscopic: small amount of serous-hemorrhagic liquid in small pelvis,
      hyperemated peritoneum, in both - left and right liver lobes tight knots of white
      color. After, the patient still had hyperthermia 38 degrees C. Phthisiatrician
      consulted the patient and diagnosed abdominal tuberculosis. After six-month
      treatment the patient in satisfactory condition was discharged home. DISCUSSION:
      But in case of our patient's case such visual diagnostic methods, such as CT and
      ultrasonography of abdominal cavity appeared to be non-informative in lymph
      system diagnostics due to the number of reasons.The described clinical case and
      literature data prove the fact, that crucial in abdominal tuberculosis form
      management treatment is a diagnostic laparoscopy with tissue biopsy. CONCLUSION:
      Labors, as well as adrenalectomy are possible factors which decrease the immunity
      and can cause the activation of tuberculosis process. Diagnostic laparoscopy and
      intraoperative histological tissue study of abdominal cavity are the main points
      in prescribing diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis form.

PMID- 27657823
TI  - Stomaplasty with pannicuectomy in an obese patient with stomal retraction: A case
      report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Stomal retraction is a common complication following stoma
      formation. A repeat surgical procedure for stomal revision is an invasive
      treatment that is often required as a result. CASE PRESENTATION: An 81-year-old
      woman with obstructive rectal carcinoma and perforative peritonitis underwent an
      emergent anterior resection and colostomy (Hartmann's operation). After the
      operation, the patient changed the stoma pouch every day because of stomal
      retraction and leakage. Thirty-eight days after the operation, we performed a
      stomaplasty with pannicuectomy. Following this procedure, the patient changed the
      stoma pouch twice weekly. DISCUSSION: Stomal retraction is caused by the thick
      subcutaneous fat and abnormal skin folds in obese patients, as well as the excess
      tension that is the result of inadequate mobilization. Treatment of stomal
      retraction typically requires an intraperitoneal stoma revision. Our method of
      panniculectomy with skin excision but without stomal revision does not involve an
      incision around the stoma and there is no risk of fecal contamination.
      CONCLUSION: We report a case of an obese patient who underwent stomaplasty with
      pannicuectomy for stomal retraction. We believe that stomaplasty with
      pannicuectomy is a feasible option in obese patients with stomal retraction.

PMID- 27657824
TI  - Upregulation of miR-124 by physcion 8-O-beta-glucopyranoside inhibits
      proliferation and invasion of malignant melanoma cells via repressing RLIP76.
AB  - Melanoma is the most malignant type of skin cancer. In recent years, mounting
      studies have evidenced the involvement of miRNAs in melanoma. One of these
      miRNAs, miR-124 has been found aberrantly downregulated in a variety of human
      malignancies. In this study, our results showed that the expression of miR-124
      was significantly lower in malignant melanoma tissues and cell lines and miR-124
      functioned as a tumor suppressor in melanoma. Moreover, our findings showed that
      miR-124 exerted anti-tumor effect by directly targeting RLIP76, a stress
      inducible non-ABC transporter that plays a crucial role in the development of
      melanoma. Furthermore, our study also showed that physcion 8-O-beta
      glucopyranoside, a natural compound from medicinal plant, could inhibit the
      proliferation and invasion of melanoma cells by targeting miR-124/RLIP76
      signaling.

PMID- 27657825
TI  - Curcumin induces G0/G1 arrest and apoptosis in hormone independent prostate
      cancer DU-145 cells by down regulating Notch signaling.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Curcumin as an effective anticancer bioactive extract has been proved
      to induce apoptosis in many cancer cells. Notch signaling regulates prostate
      cancer apoptosis, but it is still unknown whether curcumin induces apoptosis in
      DU-145 cells by regulating Notch pathway. The aim of this study was to
      investigate the effect of curcumin on regulating Notch signaling and provide
      basic data for using curcumin in prostate cancer therapy. METHODS: Notch pathway
      signal related proteins Notch 1, Jagged-1 and NICD were detected using Western
      blotting and RT-PCR. The proliferation and apoptosis were determined by MTT
      method and Elisa kits after curcumin treatment, respectively. Dual-Luciferase
      Reporter Assay was carried out to confirm that curcumin could target Notching
      signaling. In order to study whether Notch 1 expression could be downregulated by
      curcumin, Notch 1 siRNA and Notch 1 plasmid were used in Notch 1 down-regulation
      and over-expression. The effects of curcumin on cell cycle distribution and
      apoptosis related proteins expression were analyzed by flow cytometry and western
      blotting, separately. RESULTS: We found that Notch 1 signaling was down regulated
      in Notch 1 siRNA or Notch 1 plasmid transfected 145 cells after curcumin
      treatment. Curcumin induced G0/G1 arrest in DU-145 cells, and G0/G1 phase related
      regulatory factors Cyclin D1 and CDK2 expressions were inhibited. Meanwhile, p21
      and p27 were up regulated. The apoptosis related protein p53 expression was
      increased, and apoptosis suppressor Bcl-2 was inhibited in DU-145 after curcumin
      treatment. Additionally, Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 were activated by curcumin.
      CONCLUSION: Curcumin induced apoptosis and G0/G1 arrest in DU-145 cells by down
      regulating Notch signaling.

PMID- 27657826
TI  - Anti-inflammatory activities of fenoterol through beta-arrestin-2 and inhibition
      of AMPK and NF-kappaB activation in AICAR-induced THP-1 cells.
AB  - The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway has been shown to be able to
      regulate inflammation in several cell lines. We reported that fenoterol, a beta2
      adrenergic receptor (beta2-AR) agonist, inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)
      induced AMPK activation and inflammatory cytokine production in THP-1 cells, a
      monocytic cell line in previous studies. 5-amino-1-beta-d-ribofuranosyl-imidazole
      4-carboxamide (AICAR) is an agonist of AMPK. Whether AICAR induced AMPK
      activation and inflammatory cytokine production in THP-1 cells can be inhibited
      by fenoterol is unknown. In this study, we explored the mechanism of beta2-AR
      stimulation with fenoterol in AICAR-induced inflammatory cytokine secretion in
      THP-1 cells. We studied AMPK activation using p-AMPK and AMPK antibodies, nuclear
      factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) activation and inflammatory cytokine secretion in THP
      1 cells stimulated by beta2-AR in the presence or absence of AICAR and small
      interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown of beta-arrestin-2 or AMPKalpha1
      subunit. AICAR-induced AMPK activation, NF-kappaB activation and tumor necrosis
      factor (TNF)-alpha release were reduced by fenoterol. In addition, siRNA-mediated
      knockdown of beta-arrestin-2 abolished fenoterol's inhibition of AICAR-induced
      AMPK activation and TNF-alpha release, thus beta-arrestin-2 mediated the anti
      inflammatory effects of fenoterol in AICAR-treated THP-1 cells. Furthermore,
      siRNA-mediated knockdown of AMPKalpha1 significantly attenuated AICAR-induced NF
      kappaB activation and TNF-alpha release, so AMPKalpha1 was a key signaling
      molecule involved in AICAR-induced inflammatory cytokine production. These data
      suggested that fenoterol inhibited AICAR-induced AMPK activation and TNF-alpha
      release through beta-arrestin-2 in THP-1 cells. Management especially inhibition
      of AMPK signaling may provide new approaches and strategies for the treatments of
      immune diseases including inflammatory diseases and other critical illness.

PMID- 27657827
TI  - BACH1 silencing by siRNA inhibits migration of HT-29 colon cancer cells through
      reduction of metastasis-related genes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Metastasis to distant organs is a hallmark of many tumor cells. BACH1
      (BTB and CNC homology 1) is a transcriptional factor which promotes the migration
      and invasion of breast cancer cells. BACH1 expression and its target genes are
      intimately associated with the metastasis possibility of clinical samples, and
      BACH1 reduction leads to meaningful depletion in metastasis. The evaluation of
      BACH1 role in colon cancer remains elusive. This study seeks to further
      investigate the role of BACH1 in colon cancer cells. METHODS: Quantitative RT-PCR
      (qRT-PCR) was used to detect BACH1 expression and other related metastatic genes
      following siRNA knockdown in colon cancer HT-29 cells. And the protein level
      assessed by Western blot. MTT assay was to measure the changed cell viability
      after BACH1 siRNA transfection. Scratch-wound motility assays measured capacity
      of tumor cell migration of HT-29 cells after BACH1 silencing. RESULTS: The
      inhibitory effect of BACH1 was performed by siRNA knockdown using highly
      metastatic HT-29 colon cell lines. Quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot analysis
      revealed that the expression levels of BACH1 mRNA and protein in HT29 cells were
      significantly suppressed after transfection. Conversely, the BACH1 expression
      increased migration. Also the CXCR4 and MMP1 expression levels decreased
      following BACH1 knockdown in HT-29 cells. CONCLUSION: Our results indicated that
      BACH1 down-regulation in HT29 CRC cells had no effect on cell growth but did
      inhibit cell migration by decreasing metastasis-related genes expression.
      Collectively, these results suggest that BACH1 may function as an oncogenic
      driver in colon cancer and may represent as a potential target of gene therapy
      for CRC treatment.

PMID- 27657829
TI  - Chlorogenic acid a dietary polyphenol attenuates isoproterenol induced myocardial
      oxidative stress in rat myocardium: An in vivo study.
AB  - Intent of the present study has been made to appraise the cardioprotective effect
      of chlorogenic acid (CGA) on isoproterenol (ISO) induced myocardial infarction
      (MI) in male albino Wistar rats. ISO-induced myocardial damage was indicated by
      the elevated levels of marker enzymes such as creatine kinase (CK), creatine
      kinase-MB (CK-MB), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase
      (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and troponin T and I (cTnT, cTnI) in the
      serum. In addition, the levels of lipid peroxidation products such as
      thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), conjugated dienes (CD) and lipid
      hydroperoxides (LHPs) were significantly increased in the plasma and heart
      tissue. Activities of enzymic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD),
      catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and
      the non enzymic antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E and reduced glutathione
      (GSH) were decreased in the erythrocytes, plasma and heart tissue of the ISO
      induced rats and myocardium infarct size as observed by staining with
      triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC). Histopathological observation corroborated
      with the bioochemical parameters. Oral administration of CGA at different doses
      (10, 20, 40mg/kg BW) for 19days prevented the above changes. The 40mg/kg BW of
      CGA was more pronounced than other two doses and brought back all the above
      parameters to near normalcy.

PMID- 27657828
TI  - Identification of novel VP35 inhibitors: Virtual screening driven new scaffolds.
AB  - Ebola virus is a single-stranded, negative-sense RNA virus that causes acute and
      serious life-threatening illness. In recent years the Ebola virus has spread
      through several countries in Africa, highlighting the need to develop new
      treatments for this disease and boosting a new research effort on this subject.
      However, so far there is no valid treatment for disease created by this pathogen.
      The Ebola virus Viral Protein 35 (VP35) is a multifunctional protein which is
      critical for virus replication and infection, and it is considered as a future
      target for drug development. In this study, we collected 144 VP35 inhibitors
      which shared the same core scaffold, and a common feature pharmacophore model
      HypoA was built based on inhibitor-receptor complexes. All 141 compounds were
      aligned based on the common feature pharmacophore model HypoA (three compounds
      could not map onto HypoA). The pharmacophore model HypoA was further optimized
      according to the actual interactions between inhibitors and VP35 protein,
      resulting in a new pharmacophore model HypoB which was applied for virtual
      screening. A 3D QSAR model was established by applying the 141 aligned compounds.
      For the training set, the 3D QSAR model gave a correlation coefficient r2 of
      0.897, for the test set, the correlation coefficient r2 was 0.757. Then a virtual
      screening was carried out, which comprehensively employing the common feature
      pharmacophore model, 3D QSAR model and docking study, their combination in a
      hybrid protocol could help to mutually compensate for their limitations and
      capitalized on their mutual strengths. After the above three virtual screening
      methods orderly filtering, seven potential inhibitors with novel scaffolds were
      identified as new VP35 inhibitors. The mapping results of hit compounds onto
      pharmacophore model and 3D QSAR model, and the molecular interactions of the
      potential inhibitors with the active site residues have been discussed in detail.

PMID- 27657830
TI  - Preventive effect of Caralluma fimbriata vs. Metformin against high-fat diet
      induced alterations in lipid metabolism in Wistar rats.
AB  - The objective of the present study was to investigate the preventive effects of
      hydro-alcoholic extract of Caralluma fimbriata (CFE) and Metformin (Met) against
      high-fat diet (HF-diet) induced alterations in lipid metabolism in Wistar rats.
      The experimental animals were divided into five groups, two of which were fed
      with chow diet and the other three with HF- (60%) diet. CFE (200mg/kg body
      weight/day) was administered through oral route to each group of chow-fed rats,
      HF-fed rats and Met (20mg/kg body weight/day) to one of the HF-diet fed groups.
      At the end of 90days of experimental period, hypercholestermia,
      hypertriglycerdemia, with decreased HDL-cholesterol and increased LDL, VLDL
      cholesterol and atherogenic index and elevated levels of serum and hepatic
      transaminases and hepatic lipids (p<0.05) and alterations in the activities of
      enzymes of lipid metabolism, and the liver showed mild to severe distortion of
      the normal architecture as well as prominence and widening of the liver sinusoids
      as observed in HF-fed rats, were prevented by CFE/Met treatment. The results
      showed that CFE/Met supplementation ameliorated significantly the disturbance in
      serum and hepatic transaminases, plasma and hepatic lipid profile and lipid
      metabolism under HF-fed conditions. It can be concluded from these results that
      CFE might be valuable in reducing the alterations related to lipid metabolism
      under high calorie diet consumption.

PMID- 27657831
TI  - Delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase activity and oxidative stress markers in
      preeclampsia.
AB  - Preeclampsia is an important pregnancy-specific multisystem disorder
      characterized by the onset of hypertension and proteinuria. It is of unknown
      etiology and involves serious risks for the pregnant women and fetus. One of the
      main factors involved in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia is oxidative stress,
      where excess free radicals produce harmful effects, including damage to
      macromolecules such as lipids, proteins and DNA. In addition, the sulfhydryl
      delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase enzyme (delta-ALA-D) that is part of the heme
      biosynthetic pathway in pro-oxidant conditions can be inhibited, which may result
      in the accumulation of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), associated with the
      overproduction of free radicals, suggesting it to be an indirect marker of
      oxidative stress. As hypertensive pregnancy complications are a major cause of
      morbidity and mortality maternal and fetal where oxidative stress appears to be
      an important factor involved in preeclampsia, the aim of this study was to
      evaluate the activity of delta-ALA-D and classic oxidative stress markers in the
      blood of pregnant women with mild and severe preeclampsia. The analysis and
      quantification of the following oxidative stress markers were performed:
      thiobarbituric acid-reactive species (TBARS); presence of protein and non-protein
      thiol group; quantification of vitamin C; Catalase and delta-ALA--D activities in
      samples of blood of pregnant women with mild preeclampsia (n=25), with severe
      preeclampsia (n=30) and in a control group of healthy pregnant women (n=30).
      TBARS was significantly higher in women with preeclampsia, while the presence of
      thiol groups, levels of vitamin C, catalase and delta-ALA-D activity were
      significantly lower in groups of pregnant women with preeclampsia compared with
      healthy women. In addition, the results showed no significant difference between
      groups of pregnant women with mild and severe preeclampsia. The data suggest a
      state of increased oxidative stress in pregnant women with preeclampsia compared
      to healthy pregnant women, which may be related to the complications of this
      disease.

PMID- 27657832
TI  - Prevalence, determinants and genetic diversity of hepatitis C virus in the multi
      ethnic population living in Suriname.
AB  - Little is known about the epidemiology of HCV in Suriname, a former Dutch colony
      in South America. To study the prevalence, determinants and genetic diversity of
      HCV, a one-month survey was conducted at the only Emergency Department in the
      capital Paramaribo. Participants (>=18 years) completed an interviewer-led
      standardized HCV risk-factor questionnaire, were tested for HCV-antibodies, and
      if positive also for HCV RNA. The overall HCV prevalence was 1.0% (22/2128
      participants; 95%CI 0.7-1.5). Male sex (OR=4.11; 95%CI 1.30-13.01), older age
      (OR=1.06 per year increase; 95%CI 1.04-1.09), Javanese ethnicity (OR=7.84; 95%CI
      3.25-18.89) and cosmetic tattooing (OR=31.7; 95%CI 3.25-323.87) were
      independently associated with HCV-infection. Phylogenetic analysis revealed six
      distinct HCV subtypes, all HCV-genotype 2 (HCV-2): subtype 2f (also circulating
      in Indonesia) plus five yet unassigned HCV-2 subtypes exclusively linked to
      Suriname.

PMID- 27657833
TI  - Mood stabilizers inhibit cytomegalovirus infection.
AB  - Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection can generate debilitating disease in
      immunocompromised individuals and neonates. It is also the most common infectious
      cause of congenital birth defects in infected fetuses. Available anti-CMV drugs
      are partially effective but are limited by some toxicity, potential viral
      resistance, and are not recommended for fetal exposure. Valproate, valpromide,
      and valnoctamide have been used for many years to treat epilepsy and mood
      disorders. We report for the first time that, in contrast to the virus-enhancing
      actions of valproate, structurally related valpromide and valnoctamide evoke a
      substantial and specific inhibition of mouse and human CMV in vitro. In vivo,
      both drugs safely attenuate mouse CMV, improving survival, body weight, and
      developmental maturation of infected newborns. The compounds appear to act by a
      novel mechanism that interferes with CMV attachment to the cell. Our work
      provides a novel potential direction for CMV therapeutics through repositioning
      of agents already approved for use in psychiatric disorders.

PMID- 27657835
TI  - Establishment of different plasmid only-based reverse genetics systems for the
      recovery of African horse sickness virus.
AB  - In an effort to simplify and expand the utility of African horse sickness virus
      (AHSV) reverse genetics, different plasmid-based reverse genetics systems were
      developed. Plasmids containing cDNAs corresponding to each of the full-length
      double-stranded RNA genome segments of AHSV-4 under control of a T7 RNA
      polymerase promoter were co-transfected in cells expressing T7 RNA polymerase,
      and infectious AHSV-4 was recovered. This reverse genetics system was improved by
      reducing the required plasmids from 10 to five and resulted in enhanced virus
      recovery. Subsequently, a T7 RNA polymerase expression cassette was incorporated
      into one of the AHSV-4 rescue plasmids. This modified 5-plasmid set enabled virus
      recovery in BSR or L929 cells, thus offering the possibility to generate AHSV-4
      in any cell line. Moreover, mutant and cross-serotype reassortant viruses were
      recovered. These plasmid DNA-based reverse genetics systems thus offer new
      possibilities for investigating AHSV biology and development of designer AHSV
      vaccine strains.

PMID- 27657836
TI  - Novel antifouling nano-enhanced thin-film composite membrane containing cross
      linkable acrylate-alumoxane nanoparticles for water softening.
AB  - A novel thin-film composite (TFC) nanofiltration membrane was prepared using
      polymerization of pyrrole monomers on the PES ultrafiltration membrane. To
      improve the characteristics of hydrophobic polypyrrole (PPy) thin-film layer,
      cross-linkable acrylate-functionalized alumoxane nanoparticles with different
      concentrations were embedded into the thin-film during polymerization process,
      and thin-film nanocomposite (TFNC) membranes were prepared. The characteristics
      and performance of TFC and TFNC membranes were assessed through the morphological
      analyses (SEM, AFM), measurement of hydrophilicity and solid-liquid interfacial
      free energy, water permeability and Mg2+ removal tests. Addition of proper amount
      of nanoparticles into the polymerization mixture led to the preparation of
      membranes with more hydrophilic, thinner and smoother active layer as well as
      higher water permeability compared to TFC control membrane. TFNC membrane
      prepared with 0.025g of nanoparticles was the most efficient membrane since it
      exhibited the highest rejection of MgCl2 and MgSO4 salts. Antifouling capability
      of membranes, in terms of flux recovery and fouling parameters, demonstrated the
      high tolerance of TFNC against fouling.

PMID- 27657834
TI  - Endogenous retroviruses mobilized during friend murine leukemia virus infection.
AB  - We have demonstrated in a mouse model that infection with a retrovirus can lead
      not only to the generation of recombinants between exogenous and endogenous
      gammaretrovirus, but also to the mobilization of endogenous proviruses by
      pseudotyping entire polytropic proviral transcripts and facilitating their
      infectious spread to new cells. However, the frequency of this occurrence, the
      kinetics, and the identity of mobilized endogenous proviruses was unclear. Here
      we find that these mobilized transcripts are detected after only one day of
      infection. They predominate over recombinant polytropic viruses early in
      infection, persist throughout the course of disease and are comprised of multiple
      different polytropic proviruses. Other endogenous retroviral elements such as
      intracisternal A particles (IAPs) were not detected. The integration of the
      endogenous transcripts into new cells could result in loss of transcriptional
      control and elevated expression which may facilitate pathogenesis, perhaps by
      contributing to the generation of polytropic recombinant viruses.

PMID- 27657837
TI  - A cost-effective method to prepare curcumin nanosuspensions with enhanced oral
      bioavailability.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nanosuspension is one of the most promising strategies to improve the
      oral bioavailability of insoluble drugs. The existing techniques applied to
      produce nanosuspensions are classified as "bottom-up" or "top-down" methods, or a
      combination of both. Curcumin (CUR), a Biopharmaceutics Classification System
      (BCS) class IV substance, is a promising drug candidate in view of its good
      bioactivity, but its use is limited due to its poor solubility and permeability.
      In the present study, CUR nanosuspensions were developed to enhance CUR oral
      bioavailability using a cost-effective method different from conventional
      techniques. RESULTS: The physicochemical properties of CUR nanosuspensions were
      characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron
      microscopy (TEM). The crystalline state of CUR in different nanosuspensions
      analyzed using differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and X-ray diffraction
      analysis (PXRD) confirmed its amorphous state. In vitro dissolution degree of the
      prepared CUR nanosuspensions using TPGS or Brij78 as stabilizer was greatly
      increased. Pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated that the oral bioavailability of
      CUR was increased 3.18 and 3.7 times after administration of CUR/TPGS
      nanosuspensions or CUR/Brij78 nanosuspensions, when compared with the
      administration of CUR suspension. CONCLUSIONS: CUR nanosuspensions produced by
      our cost-effective method could improve its oral bioavailability. In addition,
      the low-cost and time-saving method reported here is highly suitable for a fast
      and inexpensive preparation.

PMID- 27657838
TI  - Cervical cancer screening: How do we make sense of it all and what is the right
      balance?

PMID- 27657839
TI  - Exonuclease III-assisted cascade signal amplification strategy for label-free and
      ultrasensitive electrochemical detection of nucleic acids.
AB  - In this work, a simple, signal-on and label-free electrochemical biosensor for
      ultrasensitive DNA detection is reported on the basis of an autocatalytic and
      exonuclease III (Exo III)-assisted cascade signal amplification strategy. In the
      presence of target DNA (T-DNA), the hybridization between the 3'-protruding DNA
      fragment of hairpin DNA probe (HP1) and T-DNA triggered the Exo III cleavage
      process, accompanied by the releasing of T-DNA and autonomous generation of new
      DNA fragment which was used for the successive hybridization with the another
      hairpin DNA (HP2) on the electrode. After the Exo III cleavage process, numerous
      quadruplex-forming oligomers which caged in HP2 were liberated on the electrode
      surface and folded into G-quadruplex-hemin complexes with the help of K+ and
      hemin to give a remarkable electrochemical response. As a result, a low detection
      limit of 4.83fM with an excellent selectivity toward T-DNA was achieved. The
      developed electrochemical biosensor should be further extended for the detection
      of a wide spectrum of analytes and has great potential for the development of
      ultrasensitive biosensing platform for early diagnosis in gene-related diseases.

PMID- 27657840
TI  - An electrochemical lipopolysaccharide sensor based on an immobilized Toll-Like
      Receptor-4.
AB  - Infections affect millions of people each year and yet methods to ascertain their
      cause can take more than 24h to be effective. This delay between the presentation
      with symptoms and the ability to make an informed decision about treatment can
      have adverse consequences, including death in severe cases. Additionally,
      pathogen identification is a concern for public safety amid the growing threat of
      bioterrorism. Developing a detection system based on the immune system offers the
      advantage of broad specificity, while still remaining pertinent to human health.
      In this work, human Toll-Like Receptor-4 (TLR-4), a protein responsible for
      detecting lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Gram-negative bacteria, was immobilized on
      both a large area and micro gold electrode via the tethering interaction of a
      modified Self-Assembled Monolayer (mSAM). In response to varying concentrations
      of its target, the protein-electrode combination showed a logarithmically
      proportional increased resistance to charge transfer from a solution-based redox
      probe, due to the formation of TLR-4 protein dimers. It also demonstrated
      excellent sensitivity to trace levels of Gram-negative bacteria, while remaining
      insensitive to both Gram-positive and viral challenges. Further characterization
      of our mSAM revealed that maintaining the appropriate receptor orientation on the
      electrode surface, mimicking TLR-4's role in a cellular context, was essential in
      producing a responsive sensor.

PMID- 27657841
TI  - An ultrasensitive electrochemiluminescence biosensor for the detection of
      concanavalin A based on Au nanoparticles-thiosemicarbazide functionalized PtNi
      nanocubes as signal enhancer.
AB  - A sandwich-configuration electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensor was constructed
      for detecting concanavalin A (ConA) based on peroxydisulfate/oxygen (S2O82-/O2)
      system. In this work, the gold nanoflower modified Zn-doped SnO2 was used as a
      substrate to adsorb recognition element horseradish peroxidase (HRP) for binding
      ConA. Then, Au nanoparticles-thiosemicarbazide functionalized PtNi nanocubes
      (AuNPs-TSC-PtNi NCs), as a novel ECL signal tracer, were incubated onto the
      electrode through a specific carbohydrate-ConA interaction, thus achieving a
      sandwiched structure. The integration of amplifying effect of both TSC and PtNi
      NCs on the ECL of S2O82-/O2 system endowed the biosensor a high sensitivity. The
      linear range for ConA detection was from 0.0010ng/mL to 10ng/mL with a detection
      limit of 0.0002ng/mL (S/N=3).

PMID- 27657842
TI  - Whole cell based microcontact imprinted capacitive biosensor for the detection of
      Escherichia coli.
AB  - In this study, a label-free, selective and sensitive microcontact imprinted
      capacitive biosensor was developed for the detection of Escherichia coli. The
      recognition of E. coli was successfully performed by this sensor prepared with
      the combination of microcontact imprinting method and capacitive biosensor
      technology. After preparation of bacterial stamps, microcontact-E. coli imprinted
      gold electrodes were generated using an amino acid based recognition element, N
      methacryloyl-L-histidine methylester (MAH), 2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) as
      monomers and ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as crosslinker under UV
      polymerization. Real-time E. coli detection experiments were carried out within
      the range of 1.0*102-1.0*107CFU/mL. The unique combination of these two
      techniques provides selective detection with a detection limit of 70CFU/mL. The
      designed capacitive sensor has high selectivity and was able to distinguish E.
      coli when present together with competing bacterial strains which are known to
      have similar shape. In addition, the prepared sensor has the ability to detect E.
      coli with a recovery of 81-97% in e.g. river water.

PMID- 27657843
TI  - Rapid and ultrasensitive detection of active thrombin based on the Vmh2
      hydrophobin fused to a Green Fluorescent Protein.
AB  - A fusion protein designed in order to combine the fluorescence emission of the
      Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) with the adhesion ability of the class I
      hydrophobin Vmh2 was heterologously produced in the yeast Pichia pastoris. The
      Vmh2-GFP fusion protein has proven to be a smart and effective tool for the study
      of Vmh2 self-assembling. Since the two proteins were linked by the specific
      cutting site of the thrombin, the fusion protein was used as the active
      biological element in the realization of a thrombin biosensor. When the thrombin
      present in the target solution specifically hydrolyzed its cleavage sequence, a
      consequent decrease in the fluorescence intensity of the sample could be
      observed. The Vmh2-GFP based assay allowed quantification of thrombin in solution
      with a detection limit of 2.27aM. The specificity of the assay with respect to
      other proteases and proteins granted the measurement of thrombin added to healthy
      human plasma with same high sensitivity and a limit of detection of 2.3aM.
      Further advantages of the developed biosensor are the simplicity of its design
      and preparation, and the low requirements in terms of samples, reagents and time.

PMID- 27657844
TI  - A point-of-use microfluidic device with integrated photodetector array for
      immunoassay multiplexing: Detection of a panel of mycotoxins in multiple samples.
AB  - For a point-of-use analytical device to be successful in real-world applications,
      it needs to be rapid, simple to operate and, ideally, able to multiplex the
      detection of several analytes and samples. Mycotoxin detection in food and
      feedstock in particular has become increasingly relevant as these toxins, such as
      ochratoxin A (OTA), aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and deoxynivalenol (DON), are subject to
      strict regulations and recommendations in the European Union. A novel, simple,
      negative pressure-driven device with manually operated magnetic valves was
      developed and the simultaneous immunodetection of these three mycotoxins was
      demonstrated via the laminar flow patterning of probes in an area of ~0.12mm2 and
      subsequent chemiluminescence generation via HRP-labeled antibodies. The three
      mycotoxins were detected in less than 20min at concentrations of 100ng/mL for OTA
      and DON and 3ng/mL for AFB1, spiked in a sample under analysis and simultaneously
      compared to a toxin-free reference and a standard contaminated with critical
      target concentrations. The on-chip optical detection was performed in a single
      acquisition step by integrating a microfabricated array of 25*25um2 hydrogenated
      amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) photosensors below the microfluidic chip. The device
      presented in this work is simple and effective for point-of-use multiplexing of
      immunoassays and was applied in this work to the screening of mycotoxins.

PMID- 27657846
TI  - Direct quantitative screening of influenza A virus without DNA amplification by
      single-particle dual-mode total internal reflection scattering.
AB  - Quantitative screening of influenza A (H7N9) virus without DNA amplification was
      performed based on single-particle dual-mode total internal reflection scattering
      (SD-TIRS) with a transmission grating (TG). A gold nanopad was utilized as a
      substrate for the hybridization of probe DNA molecules with the TIRS nanotag
      (silver-nanoparticle). The TG effectively isolated the scattering signals in
      first-order spectral images (n=+1) of the nanotag from that of the substrate,
      providing excellent enhancement of signal-to-noise and selectivity. By using
      single-DNA molecule/TIRS nanotag hybridization, target DNA molecules of H7N9 were
      detected down to 74 zM, which is at least 100,000 times lower than the current
      detection limit of 9.4fM. By simply modifying the design of the probe DNA
      molecules, this technique can be used to directly screen other viral DNAs in
      various human biological samples at the single-molecule level without target
      amplification.

PMID- 27657845
TI  - Fabrication of mediator-free hybrid nano-interfaced electrochemical biosensor for
      monitoring cancer cell proliferation.
AB  - Glucose, a chief energy source in cellular metabolism, has a significant role in
      cell proliferation. Cancer cells utilize more glucose than normal cells to meet
      the energy demand arising due to their uncontrolled proliferation. The present
      work reports the development of a nano-interfaced amperometric biosensor for
      rapid and accurate monitoring of glucose utilization by cancer cells. A hybrid
      nano-interface comprising a blend of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene (GR)
      was employed to enhance the surface area of the working electrode and favour
      direct electron transfer. Glucose oxidase (GOx) immobilized on the interface
      serves as the sensing element due to its high selectivity and sensitivity towards
      glucose. Utilization of glucose was monitored at pre-determined time intervals in
      MiaPaCa-2 cancer cells. The results obtained from the amperometric technique were
      compared with the values obtained from a commercial glucometer. Alamar blue assay
      was performed to check the proliferation rate of the cells. A good correlation
      was obtained between the proliferation rate and glucose utilization. The designed
      biosensor was found to be unaffected by the presence of potential interferents
      and hence may serve as a novel in vitro tool to rapidly quantify the
      proliferation rates of cancer cells in response to different treatment
      strategies.

PMID- 27657847
TI  - Thiamine biosensor based on oxidative trapping of enzyme-substrate intermediate.
AB  - In the present work, we describe a new thiamine amperometric biosensor based on
      thiamine pyrophosphate (ThDP)-dependent transketolase (TK)-catalyzed reaction,
      followed by the oxidative trapping of TK intermediate alpha,beta
      dihydroxyethylthiamine diphosphate (DHEThDP) within the enzymatic active site.
      For the biosensor design purpose, TK from Escherichia coli (TKec) was immobilized
      in Mg2Al-NO3 Layered Double Hydroxides (LDH) and the electrochemical detection
      was achieved with the TKec/LDH modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The
      transduction process was based on the ability of Fe(CN)63- to oxidize DHEThDP to
      glycolic acid along with ThDP regeneration. The released Fe(CN)64- was re
      oxidized at +0.5V vs Ag-AgCl and the reaction was followed by chronoamperometry.
      The TKec/LDH/GCE biosensor was optimized using the best TK donor substrates,
      namely l-erythrulose and d-fructose-6-phosphate. ThDP was assayed with great
      sensitivity (3831mAM-1cm-2) over 20-400nM linear range.

PMID- 27657848
TI  - Synthesis of adenosine-imprinted microspheres for the recognition of ADP
      ribosylated proteins.
AB  - Core-shell structural adenosine-imprinted microspheres were prepared via a two
      step procedure. Polystyrene core particles (CP) were firstly prepared via a
      reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization leaving
      the iniferter on the surface of the cores, then a molecularly imprinted polymer
      (MIP) shell was synthesized on the surface of the cores by using acrylamide (AAm)
      as the functional monomer and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as the cross
      linker. The formation and growth of the MIP layer were seen dependent on the
      initiator (AIBN), AAm and the polymerization time used within the polymerization.
      SEM/TEM images showed that the dimensions of the cores and shells were 2MUM and
      44nm, respectively. The MIP microspheres exhibited a fast rebinding rate within
      2h and a maximum adsorption capacity of 177MUg per gram for adenosine. The
      adsorption fitted a Langmuir-Freundlich (LF) isotherm model with a KLF value of
      41mL/MUg and a qm value of 177MUg/g for the MIP microspheres. The values were
      larger than those for a non-molecularly imprinted polymer (NIP) particles
      (5mL/MUg and 88MUg/g) indicating a better adsorption ability towards adenosine.
      The MIP microspheres showed a good selectivity for adenosine with a higher
      adsorption (683nmol/g) for adenosine than that (91nmol/g, 24nmol/g and 54nmol/g)
      for guanosine, cytidine and uridine respectively. Further experiment proved that
      the adenosine-imprinted polymer microspheres also had a good selectivity for ADP
      ribosylated proteins that the MIP could extract the ADP-ribosylated proteins from
      the cell extract samples.

PMID- 27657849
TI  - Multiplexed instrument-free meningitis diagnosis on a polymer/paper hybrid
      microfluidic biochip.
AB  - Neisseria meningitidis (N. meningitidis), Streptococcus pneumoniae (S.
      pneumoniae), and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) are three most common
      pathogens accounting for most bacterial meningitis, a serious global infectious
      disease with high fatality, especially in developing nations. Because the
      treatment and antibiotics differ among each type, the identification of the exact
      bacteria causing the disease is vital. Herein, we report a polymer/paper hybrid
      microfluidic biochip integrated with loop-mediated isothermal amplification
      (LAMP) for multiplexed instrument-free diagnosis of these three major types of
      bacterial meningitis, with high sensitivity and specificity. Results can be
      visually observed by the naked eye or imaged by a smartphone camera under a
      portable UV light source. Without using any specialized laboratory instrument,
      the limits of detection of a few DNA copies per LAMP zone for N. meningitidis, S.
      pneumoniae and Hib were achieved within 1h. In addition, these three types of
      microorganisms spiked in artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF) were directly
      detected simultaneously, avoiding cumbersome sample preparation procedures in
      conventional methods. Compared with the paper-free non-hybrid microfluidic
      biochip over a period of three months, the hybrid microfluidic biochip was found
      to have a much longer shelf life. Hence, this rapid, instrument-free and highly
      sensitive microfluidic approach has great potential for point-of-care (POC)
      diagnosis of multiple infectious diseases simultaneously, especially in resource
      limited settings.

PMID- 27657850
TI  - Automated Proposition Density Analysis for Discourse in Aphasia.
AB  - Purpose: This study evaluates how proposition density can differentiate between
      persons with aphasia (PWA) and individuals in a control group, as well as among
      subtypes of aphasia, on the basis of procedural discourse and personal narratives
      collected from large samples of participants. Method: Participants were 195 PWA
      and 168 individuals in a control group from the AphasiaBank database. PWA
      represented 6 aphasia types on the basis of the Western Aphasia Battery-Revised
      (Kertesz, 2006). Narrative samples were stroke stories for PWA and illness or
      injury stories for individuals in the control group. Procedural samples were from
      the peanut-butter-and-jelly-sandwich task. Language samples were transcribed
      using Codes for the Human Analysis of Transcripts (MacWhinney, 2000) and analyzed
      using Computerized Language Analysis (MacWhinney, 2000), which automatically
      computes proposition density (PD) using rules developed for automatic PD
      measurement by the Computerized Propositional Idea Density Rater program (Brown,
      Snodgrass, & Covington, 2007; Covington, 2007). Results: Participants in the
      control group scored significantly higher than PWA on both tasks. PD scores were
      significantly different among the aphasia types for both tasks. Pairwise
      comparisons for both discourse tasks revealed that PD scores for the Broca's
      group were significantly lower than those for all groups except Transcortical
      Motor. No significant quadratic or linear association between PD and severity was
      found. Conclusion: Proposition density is differentially sensitive to aphasia
      type and most clearly differentiates individuals with Broca's aphasia from the
      other groups.

PMID- 27657851
TI  - Application of Freeze-Dried Powders of Genetically Engineered Microbial Strains
      as Adsorbents for Rare Earth Metal Ions.
AB  - The adsorption behaviors of the rare earth metal ions onto freeze-dried powders
      of genetically engineered microbial strains were compared. Cell powders obtained
      from four kinds of strains, Bacillus subtilis 168 wild type (WT), lipoteichoic
      acid-defective (DeltaLTA), wall teichoic acid-defective (DeltaWTA), and cell wall
      hydrolases-defective (EFKYOJLp) strains, were used as an adsorbent of the rare
      earth metal ions at pH 3. The adsorption ability of the rare earth metal ions was
      in the order of EFKYOJLp > WT > DeltaLTA > DeltaWTA. The order was the same as
      the order of the phosphorus quantity of the strains. This result indicates that
      the main adsorption sites for the ions are the phosphate groups and the teichoic
      acids, LTA and WTA, that contribute to the adsorption of the rare earth metal
      ions onto the cell walls. The contribution of WTA was clearly greater than that
      of LTA. Each microbial powder was added to a solution containing 16 kinds of rare
      earth metal ions, and the removals (%) of each rare earth metal ion were
      obtained. The scandium ion showed the highest removal (%), while that of the
      lanthanum ion was the lowest for all the microbial powders. Differences in the
      distribution coefficients between the kinds of lanthanide ions by the EFKYOJLp
      and DeltaWTA powders were greater than those of the other strains. Therefore, the
      EFKYOJLp and DeltaWTA powders could be applicable for the selective extraction of
      the lanthanide ions. The DeltaLTA powder coagulated by mixing with a rare earth
      metal ion, although no sedimentation of the WT or DeltaWTA powder with a rare
      earth metal ion was observed under the same conditions. The EFKYOJLp powder was
      also coagulated, but its flocculating activity was lower than that of DeltaLTA.
      The DeltaLTA and EFKYOJLp powders have a long shape compared to those of the WT
      or DeltaWTA strain. The shapes of the cells will play an important role in the
      sedimentation of the microbial powders with rare earth metal ions. As the
      results, three kinds of the genetically engineered microbial powders revealed
      unique adsorption behaviors of the rare earth metal ions.

PMID- 27657852
TI  - Substrate-Induced Nanoscale Undulations of Borophene on Silver.
AB  - Two-dimensional (2D) materials tend to be mechanically flexible yet planar,
      especially when adhered on metal substrates. Here, we show by first-principles
      calculations that periodic nanoscale one-dimensional undulations can be preferred
      in borophenes on concertedly reconstructed Ag(111). This "wavy" configuration is
      more stable than its planar form on flat Ag(111) due to anisotropic high bending
      flexibility of borophene that is also well described by a continuum model. Atomic
      scale ultrahigh vacuum scanning tunneling microscopy characterization of
      borophene grown on Ag(111) reveals such undulations, which agree with theory in
      terms of topography, wavelength, Moire pattern, and prevalence of vacancy
      defects. Although the lattice is coherent within a borophene island, the
      undulations nucleated from different sides of the island form a distinctive
      domain boundary when they are laterally misaligned. This structural model
      suggests that the transfer of undulated borophene onto an elastomeric substrate
      would allow for high levels of stretchability and compressibility with potential
      applications to emerging stretchable and foldable devices.

PMID- 27657853
TI  - Notes from the Field: Furanyl-Fentanyl Overdose Events Caused by Smoking
      Contaminated Crack Cocaine - British Columbia, Canada, July 15-18, 2016.
AB  - On July 15 2016, Surrey Memorial Hospital's emergency department notified the
      medical health officer on call of a sharp increase in opioid overdose events in
      Surrey, Fraser Health Authority, in British Columbia, Canada. During July 15-18,
      the number of persons with suspected opioid overdose evaluated in Surrey Memorial
      Hospital's emergency department increased approximately 170%, from an average of
      four suspected cases per day during the period January-June 2016 to 43 (nearly 11
      per day) during the 4-day period (Figure). Most patients (22 [51%]) became
      unconscious after smoking what they believed to be crack cocaine. The majority of
      overdose events occurred within a small geographic area in Surrey that has a high
      population of homeless persons and persons who use illicit drugs, including
      opioids and crack cocaine. Most cases occurred in males (36 cases [84%]); the
      average age of the patients was 42 years (range = 18-63 years). Forty (93%)
      patients were brought to the emergency department by ambulance. A total of 37
      (86%) patients received injectable naloxone before arriving in the emergency
      department, including 12 who received it only from community members, 16 who
      received it only from paramedics, five who received it from both community
      members and paramedics, one who received it from the fire department and
      paramedics, and one who received it from the fire department, community, and
      paramedics; for two patients, the source of naloxone was not known. Reports from
      first responders, the community, and emergency department staff members indicated
      that patients required high doses of injectable naloxone, in some cases up to 3.0
      mg (usual dose = 0.4 mg). Thirty-five (81%) patients were treated and discharged
      within a few hours, two patients left without being seen by a health care
      provider, and six patients were admitted to the hospital; among these, three were
      transferred to the intensive care unit, one of whom died.

PMID- 27657854
TI  - Digenite Nanosheets Synthesized by Thermolysis of Layered Copper-Alkanethiolate
      Frameworks.
AB  - Copper sulfide nanocrystals support localized surface plasmon resonances in the
      near-infrared wavelengths and have significant potential as active plasmonic
      nanomaterials due to the tunability of this optical response. While numerous
      strategies exist for synthesizing copper sulfide nanocrystals, few methods result
      in nanocrystals with both controlled morphological shapes and crystallinity.
      Here, we synthesize and characterize ultrathin (<5 nm) Cu9S5 nanosheets that are
      formed by solventless thermolysis, utilizing Cu alkanethiolates as single-source
      precursors. Layered Cu alkanethiolate precursors adopt a highly ordered structure
      which can be further stabilized in the presence of Cl- and also serve to template
      the formation of nanosheets. We show that, in the absence of Cl-, only isotropic
      and disk-like Cu2-xS nanocrystals form. These findings offer further insight into
      the use of layered metal-organic single-source precursors as templates for
      anisotropic nanocrystal growth.

PMID- 27657856
TI  - When "Actionable" Genomic Sequencing Results Cannot Be Acted Upon.

PMID- 27657857
TI  - Effects of Koumine on Adjuvant- and Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Rats.
AB  - To examine the effect of koumine, a Gelsemium alkaloid, on two experimental
      models of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA)
      and collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) were administered koumine (0.6, 3, or 15
      mg/kg/day) or vehicle through gastric gavage (i.g.). Clinical evaluation was
      performed via measurements of hind paw volume, arthritis index (AI) score,
      mechanical withdrawal threshold, organ weight, and by radiographic and
      histological examinations. Levels of interleukin (IL)-1beta, tumor necrosis
      factor (TNF)-alpha, and antitype II collagen (CII) antibody were also examined.
      In rats with AIA, koumine reduced the AI score and mechanical allodynia of the
      injected hind paw in a dose-dependent manner and significantly inhibited increase
      in thymus and liver weights. In rats with CIA, koumine inhibited increase in hind
      paw volume, AI score, and mechanical allodynia in a dose-dependent manner and
      reduced joint space narrowing. Furthermore, koumine also attenuated the increase
      in the expression of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha, as well as the robust increase of
      serum anti-CII antibodies in response to immunization. These results suggested
      that koumine effectively attenuated arthritis progression in two rat models of RA
      and that this therapeutic effect may be associated with its immunoregulatory
      action.

PMID- 27657855
TI  - Histopathological Insights Into Choroidal Vascular Loss in Clinically Documented
      Cases of Age-Related Macular Degeneration.
AB  - Importance: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a multifactorial disease
      with genetic and environmental factors contributing to risk. Histopathologic
      changes underlying AMD are not fully understood, particularly the relationship
      between choriocapillaris (CC) dysfunction and phenotypic variability of this
      disease. Objective: To examine histopathologic changes in the CC of eyes with
      clinically documented AMD. Design, Setting, and Participants: The study was
      designed in 2011. Tissues were collected post mortem (2012-2016), and
      histopathological images were obtained from participants enrolled in AMD studies
      since 1988. Clinical records and images were collected from participants as
      standard protocol. Eyes without AMD (n = 4) and eyes with early (n = 9),
      intermediate (n = 5), and advanced stages of AMD (geographic atrophy, n = 5;
      neovascular disease, n = 13) were evaluated. Choroidal vasculature was labeled
      using Ulex europaeus agglutinin lectin and examined using confocal microscopy.
      Main Outcomes and Measures: A standardized classification system was applied to
      determine AMD stage. Ocular records and images were reviewed and histopathologic
      analyses performed. Viability of the choroidal vasculature was analyzed for each
      AMD stage. Results: All participants were white. Fourteen were male, and 16 were
      female. The mean age was 90.5 years among AMD patients and 88.5 years among
      control participants. Submacular CC dropout without retinal pigment eipthelial
      (RPE) loss was observed in all cases with early stages of AMD. Higher vascular
      area loss for each AMD stage was observed compared with control participants:
      20.5% in early AMD (95% CI, 11.2%-40.2%; P < .001), 12.5% in intermediate AMD
      (95% CI, 2.9%-21.4%; P = .01), 39.0% loss in GA (95% CI, 32.1%-45.4%; P < .001),
      and 38.2% loss in neovascular disease where RPE remained intact (95% CI, 27.7%
      47.9%; P < .001). Hypercellular, apparent neovascular buds were adjacent to areas
      of CC loss in 22.2% of eyes with early AMD and 40% of eyes with intermediate AMD.
      Conclusions and Relevance: Retinal pigment epithelial atrophy preceded CC loss in
      geographic atrophy, but CC loss occurred in the absence of RPE atrophy in 2 of 9
      eyes with early-stage AMD. Given the cross-sectional nature of this study and the
      small number of eyes evaluated, definitive conclusions regarding this progression
      cannot be determined with certainty. We speculate that neovascular buds may be a
      precursor to neovascular disease. Hypoxic RPE resulting from reduced blood supply
      might upregulate production of vascular endothelial growth factor, providing the
      stimulus for neovascular disease.

PMID- 27657859
TI  - A brief history of water.

PMID- 27657858
TI  - Characterization and Risk Factor Analysis for Recurrence Following
      Microendoscopic Diskectomy for Lumbar Disk Herniation.
AB  - Background and Study Aims Microendoscopic diskectomy (MED) has become an
      established minimally invasive procedure in surgical treatment for lumbar disk
      herniation (LDH). LDH recurrence following surgery is also an important problem
      in MED because the risk of LDH recurrence may surpass the advantages of MED. The
      purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of recurrence
      following MED for LDH and identify the risk factors for a recurrence. Materials
      and Methods A total of 163 patients who underwent MED for LDH and could be
      followed for a minimum of 1 year after surgery were enrolled in this study
      (follow-up [FU] rate: 79.9%). We investigated the characteristics of LDH
      recurrence and conducted a comparative study between the patient groups with and
      without recurrence to identify the risk factors for the recurrence. Results The
      recurrence of LDH was observed in 19 patients (11.7%) during a mean of 38 months
      FU. Although the mean length of time from MED to recurrence was 19.2 months,
      36.8% of the LDH recurrence occurred in the first 3 months following MED. Eleven
      patients were treated successfully by conservative treatments, and the remaining
      eight patients had to undergo revision surgery (MED in five patients,
      microdiskectomy in one, and instrumented fusion in two). In the analysis of risk
      factors for the recurrence, the presence of diabetes mellitus (DM) was
      significantly correlated with the recurrence (p = 0.0027). Conclusions The
      recurrence rate following MED for LDH was equivalent to those of previous reports
      of conventional and microscopic diskectomy. However, a third of the LDH
      recurrences occurred in the first 3 months after MED. We should pay attention to
      LDH recurrence at an early phase following MED and recognize the presence of DM
      as a risk factor for LDH recurrence.

PMID- 27657860
TI  - Synthesis: Click chemistry gets reversible.

PMID- 27657862
TI  - Heterogeneous catalysis: More than skimming the surface.

PMID- 27657861
TI  - Organic chemistry: A light touch breaks a strong ring.

PMID- 27657863
TI  - Organometallic chemistry: Taking ferrocenium up a notch.

PMID- 27657864
TI  - Homogeneous catalysis: Eight irons hit the right spin.

PMID- 27657865
TI  - Creating complex molecular topologies by configuring DNA four-way junctions.
AB  - The realization of complex topologies at the molecular level represents a grand
      challenge in chemistry. This necessitates the manipulation of molecular
      interactions with high precision. Here we show that single-stranded DNA (ssDNA)
      knots and links can be created by utilizing the inherent topological properties
      that pertain to the DNA four-way junction, at which the two helical strands form
      a node and can be configured conveniently and connected for complex topological
      construction. Using this strategy, we produced series of ssDNA topoisomers with
      the same sequences. By finely designing the curvature and torsion, double
      stranded DNA knots were accessed by hybridizing and ligating the complementary
      strands with the knotted ssDNA templates. Furthermore, we demonstrate the use of
      a constructed ssDNA knot both to probe the topological conversion catalysed by
      DNA topoisomerase and to study the DNA replication under topological constraint.

PMID- 27657866
TI  - Oligoarginine peptides slow strand annealing and assist non-enzymatic RNA
      replication.
AB  - The non-enzymatic replication of RNA is thought to have been a critical process
      required for the origin of life. One unsolved difficulty with non-enzymatic RNA
      replication is that template-directed copying of RNA results in a double-stranded
      product. After strand separation, rapid strand reannealing outcompetes slow non
      enzymatic template copying, which renders multiple rounds of RNA replication
      impossible. Here we show that oligoarginine peptides slow the annealing of
      complementary oligoribonucleotides by up to several thousand-fold; however, short
      primers and activated monomers can still bind to template strands, and template
      directed primer extension can still occur, all within a phase-separated condensed
      state, or coacervate. Furthermore, we show that within this phase, partial
      template copying occurs even in the presence of full-length complementary
      strands. This method to enable further rounds of replication suggests one
      mechanism by which short non-coded peptides could have enhanced early cellular
      fitness, and potentially explains how longer coded peptides, that is, proteins,
      came to prominence in modern biology.

PMID- 27657868
TI  - In situ observation of self-assembled hydrocarbon Fischer-Tropsch products on a
      cobalt catalyst.
AB  - Fischer-Tropsch synthesis is a heterogeneous catalytic reaction that creates
      approximately 2% of the world's fuel. It involves the synthesis of linear
      hydrocarbon molecules from a gaseous mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen at
      high pressures (from a few to tens of bars) and high temperatures (200-350 
      degrees C). To gain further insight into the fundamental mechanisms of this
      industrial process, we have used a purpose-built scanning tunnelling microscope
      to monitor a cobalt model catalyst under reaction conditions. We show that, after
      30 minutes of reaction, the terraces of the cobalt catalyst are covered by
      parallel arrays of stripes. We propose that the stripes are formed by the self
      assembly of linear hydrocarbon product molecules. Surprisingly, the width of the
      stripes corresponds to molecules that are 14 or 15 carbon atoms long. We
      introduce a simple model that explains the accumulation of such long molecules by
      describing their monomer-by-monomer synthesis and explicitly accounting for their
      thermal desorption.

PMID- 27657867
TI  - Dearomative dihydroxylation with arenophiles.
AB  - Aromatic hydrocarbons are some of the most elementary feedstock chemicals,
      produced annually on a million metric ton scale, and are used in the production
      of polymers, paints, agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals. Dearomatization reactions
      convert simple, readily available arenes into more complex molecules with broader
      potential utility, however, despite substantial progress and achievements in this
      field, there are relatively few methods for the dearomatization of simple arenes
      that also selectively introduce functionality. Here we describe a new
      dearomatization process that involves visible-light activation of small
      heteroatom-containing organic molecules-arenophiles-that results in their para
      cycloaddition with a variety of aromatic compounds. The approach uses N-N
      arenophiles to enable dearomative dihydroxylation and diaminodihydroxylation of
      simple arenes. This strategy provides direct and selective access to highly
      functionalized cyclohexenes and cyclohexadienes and is orthogonal to existing
      chemical and biological dearomatization processes. Finally, we demonstrate the
      synthetic utility of this strategy with the concise synthesis of several
      biologically active compounds and natural products.

PMID- 27657869
TI  - Force-induced tautomerization in a single molecule.
AB  - Heat transfer, electrical potential and light energy are common ways to activate
      chemical reactions. Applied force is another way, but dedicated studies for such
      a mechanical activation are limited, and this activation is poorly understood at
      the single-molecule level. Here, we report force-induced tautomerization in a
      single porphycene molecule on a Cu(110) surface at 5 K, which is studied by
      scanning probe microscopy and density functional theory calculations. Force
      spectroscopy quantifies the force needed to trigger tautomerization with
      submolecular spatial resolution. The calculations show how the reaction pathway
      and barrier of tautomerization are modified in the presence of a copper tip and
      reveal the atomistic origin of the process. Moreover, we demonstrate that a
      chemically inert tip whose apex is terminated by a xenon atom cannot induce the
      reaction because of a weak interaction with porphycene and a strong relaxation of
      xenon on the tip as contact to the molecule is formed.

PMID- 27657871
TI  - Directionally tunable and mechanically deformable ferroelectric crystals from
      rotating polar globular ionic molecules.
AB  - Ferroelectrics are used in a wide range of applications, including memory
      elements, capacitors and sensors. Recently, molecular ferroelectric crystals have
      attracted interest as viable alternatives to conventional ceramic ferroelectrics
      because of their solution processability and lack of toxicity. Here we show that
      a class of molecular compounds-known as plastic crystals-can exhibit
      ferroelectricity if the constituents are judiciously chosen from polar ionic
      molecules. The intrinsic features of plastic crystals, for example, the
      rotational motion of molecules and phase transitions with lattice-symmetry
      changes, provide the crystals with unique ferroelectric properties relative to
      those of conventional molecular crystals. This allows a flexible alteration of
      the polarization axis direction in a grown crystal by applying an electric field.
      Owing to the tunable nature of the crystal orientation, together with mechanical
      deformability, this type of molecular crystal represents an attractive functional
      material that could find use in a diverse range of applications.

PMID- 27657870
TI  - Engineering nanometre-scale coherence in soft matter.
AB  - Electronic delocalization in redox-active polymers may be disrupted by the
      heterogeneity of the environment that surrounds each monomer. When the
      differences in monomer redox-potential induced by the environment are small (as
      compared with the monomer-monomer electronic interactions), delocalization
      persists. Here we show that guanine (G) runs in double-stranded DNA support
      delocalization over 4-5 guanine bases. The weak interaction between delocalized G
      blocks on opposite DNA strands is known to support partially coherent long-range
      charge transport. The molecular-resolution model developed here finds that the
      coherence among these G blocks follows an even-odd orbital-symmetry rule and
      predicts that weakening the interaction between G blocks exaggerates the
      resistance oscillations. These findings indicate how sequence can be exploited to
      change the balance between coherent and incoherent transport. The predictions are
      tested and confirmed using break-junction experiments. Thus, tailored orbital
      symmetry and structural fluctuations may be used to produce coherent transport
      with a length scale of multiple nanometres in soft-matter assemblies, a length
      scale comparable to that of small proteins.

PMID- 27657872
TI  - The dipolar endofullerene HF@C60.
AB  - The cavity inside fullerenes provides a unique environment for the study of
      isolated atoms and molecules. We report the encapsulation of hydrogen fluoride
      inside C60 using molecular surgery to give the endohedral fullerene HF@C60. The
      key synthetic step is the closure of the open fullerene cage with the escape of
      HF minimized. The encapsulated HF molecule moves freely inside the cage and
      exhibits quantization of its translational and rotational degrees of freedom, as
      revealed by inelastic neutron scattering and infrared spectroscopy. The
      rotational and vibrational constants of the encapsulated HF molecules were found
      to be redshifted relative to free HF. The NMR spectra display a large (1)H-(19)F
      J coupling typical of an isolated species. The dipole moment of HF@C60 was
      estimated from the temperature dependence of the dielectric constant at cryogenic
      temperatures and showed that the cage shields around 75% of the HF dipole.

PMID- 27657875
TI  - Corrigendum: Self-assembled molecular p/n junctions for applications in dye
      sensitized solar energy conversion.

PMID- 27657873
TI  - Allosteric activation of membrane-bound glutamate receptors using coordination
      chemistry within living cells.
AB  - The controlled activation of proteins in living cells is an important goal in
      protein-design research, but to introduce an artificial activation switch into
      membrane proteins through rational design is a significant challenge because of
      the structural and functional complexity of such proteins. Here we report the
      allosteric activation of two types of membrane-bound neurotransmitter receptors,
      the ion-channel type and the G-protein-coupled glutamate receptors, using
      coordination chemistry in living cells. The high programmability of coordination
      chemistry enabled two His mutations, which act as an artificial allosteric site,
      to be semirationally incorporated in the vicinity of the ligand-binding pockets.
      Binding of Pd(2,2'-bipyridine) at the allosteric site enabled the active
      conformations of the glutamate receptors to be stabilized. Using this approach,
      we were able to activate selectively a mutant glutamate receptor in live neurons,
      which initiated a subsequent signal-transduction pathway.

PMID- 27657876
TI  - Brief encounters with dubnium.

PMID- 27657877
TI  - Thiol-Ene Modified Amorphous Carbon Substrates: Surface Patterning and Chemically
      Modified Electrode Preparation.
AB  - Amorphous carbon (aC) films are chemically stable under ambient conditions or
      when interfaced with aqueous solutions, making them a promising material for
      preparing biosensors and chemically modified electrodes. There are a number of
      wet chemical methods capable of tailoring the reactivity and wettability of aC
      films, but few of these chemistries are compatible with photopatterning. Here, we
      introduce a method to install thiol groups directly onto the surface of aC films.
      These terminal thiols are compatible with thiol-ene click reactions, which
      allowed us to rapidly functionalize and pattern the surface of the aC films. We
      thoroughly characterized the aC films and confirmed the installation of surface
      bound thiols does not significantly oxidize the surface or change its topography.
      We also determined the conditions needed to selectively attach alkene-containing
      molecules to these films and show the reaction is proceeding through a thiol
      mediated reaction. Lastly, we demonstrate the utility of our approach by
      photopatterning the aC films and preparing ferrocene-modified aC electrodes. The
      chemistry described here provides a rapid means of fabricating sensors and
      preparing photoaddressable arrays of (bio)molecules on stable carbon interfaces.

PMID- 27657874
TI  - Switchable photooxygenation catalysts that sense higher-order amyloid structures.
AB  - Proteins can misfold into amyloid structures that are associated with diseases;
      however, the same proteins often have important biological roles. To degrade
      selectively the amyloid form without affecting the fraction of functional protein
      is, therefore, an attractive goal. Here we report target-state-dependent
      photooxygenation catalysts that are active only when bound to the cross-beta
      sheet structure that is characteristic of pathogenic aggregated amyloid proteins.
      We show these catalysts can selectively oxygenate the amyloid form of amyloid
      beta-protein (Abeta) 1-42 in the presence of non-amyloid off-target substrates.
      Furthermore, photooxygenation with a catalyst that bears an Abeta-binding peptide
      attenuated the Abeta pathogenicity in the presence of cells. We also show that
      selective photooxygenation is generally applicable to other amyloidogenic
      proteins (amylin, insulin, beta2-microglobulin, transthyretin and alpha
      synuclein) and does not affect the physiologically functional non-aggregate
      states of these proteins. This is the first report of an artificial catalyst that
      can be selectively and reversibly turned on and off depending on the structure
      and aggregation state of the substrate protein.

PMID- 27657878
TI  - How do consumer leaders co-create value in mental health organisations?
AB  - Objectives Contemporary mental health policies call for consumers to be involved
      in decision-making processes within mental health organisations. Some
      organisations have embraced leadership roles for consumers, but research suggests
      consumers remain disempowered within mental health services. Drawing on a service
      dominant logic, which emphasises the co-creation of value of services, the
      present study provides an overview of consumer leadership within mental health
      organisations in the Australian Capital Territory. Methods Mental health
      organisations subscribing to the local peak body mailing list were invited to
      complete a survey about consumer leadership. Survey data were summarised using
      descriptive statistics and interpreted through the lens of service-dominant
      logic. Results Ways in which organisations may create opportunities for consumers
      to co-create value within their mental health services included soliciting
      feedback, involving consumer leaders in service design, having consumer leaders
      involved in hiring decisions and employing consumer leaders as staff or on
      boards. Strategies that organisations used to develop consumer leaders included
      induction, workshops and training in a variety of organisational processes and
      skills. Conclusions The findings of the present study extend the application of a
      service-dominant logic framework to consumer leadership within mental health
      organisations through consideration of the diverse opportunities that
      organisations can provide for consumer co-creation of service offerings. What is
      known about the topic? Policy calls for consumer involvement in all levels of
      mental health service planning, implementation and delivery. The extent to which
      service organisations have included consumer leaders varies, but research
      suggests that this inclusion can be tokenistic or that organisations choose to
      work with consumers who are less likely to challenge the status quo. Service
      literature has explored the way consumers can co-create value of their own health
      care, but is yet to explore consumers' co-creation of value at a systemic level.
      What does the paper add? This paper outlines ways in which mental health
      organisations report involving consumers in leadership positions, including
      having consumers on boards, having consumers on recruitment panels and providing
      leadership training for consumers. These initiatives are considered in terms of
      the potential value co-created within mental health services by consumers in
      leadership, suggesting that consumer leaders are a resource to mental health
      organisations in terms of the value brought to service offerings. What are the
      implications for practitioners? Research suggests that medical professionals have
      been resistant to increased consumer leadership within mental health services.
      The findings of the present study emphasise the value that can be brought to
      service organisations by consumer leaders, suggesting that mental health
      practitioners may reconsider their approach and attitudes towards consumer
      leadership in the sector.

PMID- 27657879
TI  - Dermatography (Medical Tattooing) for Scars and Skin Grafts in Head and Neck
      Patients to Improve Appearance and Quality of Life.
AB  - Importance: Dermatography (medical tattooing) is often overlooked as an adjuvant
      procedure to improve color mismatch in the head and neck area, and its effect on
      patient satisfaction and quality of life has not been evaluated, to our
      knowledge. Objective: To analyze the effect of dermatography on the subjective
      perception of the appearance of scars and skin grafts and the quality of life in
      head and neck patients. Design, Setting, and Participants: Case series of
      patients undergoing dermatography at the Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van
      Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, between July 1, 2007, and April 1, 2015.
      Participants were invited to respond to 2 questionnaires measuring their scar or
      graft appearance and their quality of life before and after dermatography as an
      adjuvant treatment for benign or malignant head and neck tumors. Intervention:
      Use of dermatography. Main Outcomes and Measures: Two questionnaires evaluating a
      visual analog scale score (range, 0-10) and multiple questions on a 5-point scale
      focusing on satisfaction with the appearance and the quality of life. Results:
      Among 76 patients, 56 (74%) were included in the study. The mean (SD) age of the
      study cohort was 56.5 (16.0) years, and 42 (75%) were female. The mean
      improvement in scar or skin graft perception on the visual analog scale of the
      modified Utrecht Questionnaire for Outcome Assessment in Aesthetic Rhinoplasty
      before and after dermatography was 4 points. On the modified Patient Scar
      Assessment Questionnaire, uniform improvement of approximately 1 point across 9
      questions was observed. The answers to all patient satisfaction and quality-of
      life questions on both questionnaires improved significantly after dermatography.
      Conclusions and Relevance: Dermatography is an effectual adjuvant procedure to
      improve the subjective perception of scar and skin graft appearance and the
      quality of life in head and neck patients. Level of Evidence: 4.

PMID- 27657880
TI  - Flow-Tube Investigations of Hypergolic Reactions of a Dicyanamide Ionic Liquid
      Via Tunable Vacuum Ultraviolet Aerosol Mass Spectrometry.
AB  - The unusually high heats of vaporization of room-temperature ionic liquids
      (RTILs) complicate the utilization of thermal evaporation to study ionic liquid
      reactivity. Although effusion of RTILs into a reaction flow-tube or mass
      spectrometer is possible, competition between vaporization and thermal
      decomposition of the RTIL can greatly increase the complexity of the observed
      reaction products. In order to investigate the reaction kinetics of a hypergolic
      RTIL, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium dicyanamide (BMIM+DCA-) was aerosolized and
      reacted with gaseous nitric acid, and the products were monitored via tunable
      vacuum ultraviolet photoionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry at the
      Chemical Dynamics Beamline 9.0.2 at the Advanced Light Source. Reaction product
      formation at m/z 42, 43, 44, 67, 85, 126, and higher masses was observed as a
      function of HNO3 exposure. The identities of the product species were assigned to
      the masses on the basis of their ionization energies. The observed exposure
      profile of the m/z 67 signal suggests that the excess gaseous HNO3 initiates
      rapid reactions near the surface of the RTIL aerosol. Nonreactive molecular
      dynamics simulations support this observation, suggesting that diffusion within
      the particle may be a limiting step. The mechanism is consistent with previous
      reports that nitric acid forms protonated dicyanamide species in the first step
      of the reaction.

PMID- 27657881
TI  - Dynamic Computational Model of Symptomatic Bacteremia to Inform Bacterial
      Separation Treatment Requirements.
AB  - The rise of multi-drug resistance has decreased the effectiveness of antibiotics,
      which has led to increased mortality rates associated with symptomatic
      bacteremia, or bacterial sepsis. To combat decreasing antibiotic effectiveness,
      extracorporeal bacterial separation approaches have been proposed to capture and
      separate bacteria from blood. However, bacteremia is dynamic and involves host
      pathogen interactions across various anatomical sites. We developed a
      mathematical model that quantitatively describes the kinetics of pathogenesis and
      progression of symptomatic bacteremia under various conditions, including
      bacterial separation therapy, to better understand disease mechanisms and
      quantitatively assess the biological impact of bacterial separation therapy.
      Model validity was tested against experimental data from published studies. This
      is the first multi-compartment model of symptomatic bacteremia in mammals that
      includes extracorporeal bacterial separation and antibiotic treatment, separately
      and in combination. The addition of an extracorporeal bacterial separation
      circuit reduced the predicted time of total bacteria clearance from the blood of
      an immunocompromised rodent by 49%, compared to antibiotic treatment alone.
      Implementation of bacterial separation therapy resulted in predicted multi-drug
      resistant bacterial clearance from the blood of a human in 97% less time than
      antibiotic treatment alone. The model also proposes a quantitative correlation
      between time-dependent bacterial load among tissues and bacteremia severity,
      analogous to the well-known 'area under the curve' for characterization of drug
      efficacy. The engineering-based mathematical model developed may be useful for
      informing the design of extracorporeal bacterial separation devices. This work
      enables the quantitative identification of the characteristics required of an
      extracorporeal bacteria separation device to provide biological benefit. These
      devices will potentially decrease the bacterial load in blood. Additionally, the
      devices may achieve bacterial separation rates that allow consequent acceleration
      of bacterial clearance in other tissues, inhibiting the progression of
      symptomatic bacteremia, including multi-drug resistant variations.

PMID- 27657882
TI  - Disease Status and Pubertal Stage Predict Improved Growth in Antitumor Necrosis
      Factor Therapy for Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Growth failure is well-recognized in pediatric inflammatory bowel
      disease (PIBD; <18 years). We aimed to examine whether antitumor necrosis factor
      (TNF) therapy improves growth in a PIBD population-based cohort. METHODS: A
      retrospective review of all Scottish children receiving anti-TNF (infliximab
      [IFX] and adalimumab [ADA]) from 2000 to 2012 was performed; height was collected
      at 12 months before anti-TNF (T-12), start (T0), and 12 (T+12) months after anti
      TNF. RESULTS: Ninety-three of 201 treated with IFX and 28 of 49 with ADA had
      satisfactory growth data; 66 had full pubertal data. Univariate analysis
      demonstrated early pubertal stages (Tanner 1-3 n = 44 vs T4-5 n = 22), disease
      remission, disease duration >=2 years, and duration of IFX >=12 months were
      associated with improved linear growth for IFX; for ADA only improvement was seen
      in Tanner 1-3. For IFX, Tanner 1-3 median Delta standard deviation scores for
      height (Ht SDS) -0.3 (-0.7, 0.2) at T0 changed to 0.04 (-0.5, 0.7) at T+12 (P <
      0.001) versus -0.01 (-0.5, 0.9) at T0 in T4-5 changed to -0.01 (-0.4, 0.2) at
      T+12 (P > 0.05). For IFX disease duration >=2 year, median Delta Ht SDS was -0.13
      (-0.6, 0.3) at T0 then 0.07 (-0.3, 0.6) at T+12 (P < 0.001). Remission improved
      Delta Ht SDS (median Delta Ht SDS -0.14 [-0.6, 0.3] at T0 to 0.17 [-0.2, 0.7] at
      T+12 [P < 0.001]). Multiple regression analysis demonstrated corticosteroid usage
      at T0 predicted improved Delta Ht SDS at T+12 for IFX and ADA. CONCLUSIONS: Anti
      TNF therapy is more likely to be associated with growth improvement when used at
      earlier stages of puberty with remission a key growth-promoting strategy in
      pediatric Crohn disease.

PMID- 27657885
TI  - Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Metabolomic Profiling of Mouse Kidney, Urine and Serum
      Following Renal Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) is the most common cause of acute kidney
      injury (AKI). Its pathophysiology remains unclear. Metabolomics is dedicated to
      identify metabolites involved in (patho)physiological changes of integrated
      living systems. Here, we performed 1H-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance metabolomics
      using urine, serum and kidney samples from a mouse model of renal I/R. METHODS:
      Renal 30-min ischemia was induced in 12-week-old C57BL/6J male mice by
      bilaterally clamping vascular pedicles, and was followed by 6, 24 or 48-hour
      reperfusion (n = 12/group). Sham-operated mice were used as controls. Statistical
      discriminant analyses, i.e. principal component analysis and orthogonal
      projections to latent structures (OPLS-DA), were performed on urine, serum and
      kidney lysates at each time-point. Multivariate receiver operating characteristic
      (ROC) curves were drawn, and sensitivity and specificity were calculated from ROC
      confusion matrix (with averaged class probabilities across 100 cross
      validations). RESULTS: Urine OPLS-DA analysis showed a net separation between I/R
      and sham groups, with significant variations in levels of taurine, di- and tri
      methylamine, creatine and lactate. Such changes were observed as early as 6 hours
      post reperfusion. Major metabolome modifications occurred at 24h post
      reperfusion. At this time-point, correlation coefficients between urine spectra
      and conventional AKI biomarkers, i.e. serum creatinine and urea levels, reached
      0.94 and 0.95, respectively. The area under ROC curve at 6h, 24h and 48h post
      surgery were 0.73, 0.98 and 0.97, respectively. Similar discriminations were
      found in kidney samples, with changes in levels of lactate, fatty acids, choline
      and taurine. By contrast, serum OPLS-DA analysis could not discriminate sham
      operated from I/R-exposed animals. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that renal
      I/R in mouse causes early and sustained metabolomic changes in urine and kidney
      composition. The most implicated pathways at 6h and 24h post reperfusion include
      gluconeogenesis, taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, whereas protein
      biosynthesis, glycolysis, and galactose and arginine metabolism are key at 48h
      post reperfusion.

PMID- 27657886
TI  - Regulation of Rho GTPases from the lateral sides of migrating cells.
AB  - Migratory polarity and epithelial polarity share many common regulatory
      mechanisms. Rho GTPases play a key role in modulating cell polarity, which in
      migrating cells has been conventionally studied along the solitary front-rear
      axis. In recent work, we discovered that Prickle1 (Pk1), a core com-ponent of
      planar cell polarity (PCP) signaling, mediates a novel lateral signaling pathway
      that coordinates multi-axial protrusive activities from the lateral cortex of
      migrating cancer cells. We identified that Arhgap21 and 23 are essential
      effectors of Pk1, and that lateral signaling regulates RhoA, actomyosin and focal
      adhesion dynamics. Interestingly, we showed that lateral signaling coordinates
      shape dynamics that are critical during cell migration and function orthogonally
      to front-rear directional polarity.

PMID- 27657887
TI  - The Stigma of Suicide Survivorship and Related Consequences-A Systematic Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: considerable proportion of the population experiences major life
      disruptions after losing a loved one to suicide. Social stigma attached to
      suicide survivors adds to complications occurring in the course of suicide
      bereavement. Despite its known risks, stigma related to suicide survivors has
      been sparsely investigated. METHODS: We conducted a systematic literature search
      in PubMed, Web of Science, PsycInfo and PsyArticles, of studies indexed up
      through August 2015. Articles were eligible for inclusion if they addressed
      experiences of stigma in suicide survivors, compared them to other bereavement
      populations, or investigated stigmatizing attitudes within the public. The search
      was restricted to English-language studies. RESULTS: 25 records matched inclusion
      criteria. Study designs were heterogeneous, making comparisons difficult. Results
      demonstrated that suicide survivors experience stigma in the form of shame,
      blame, and avoidance. Suicide survivors showed higher levels of stigma than
      natural death survivors. Stigma was linked to concealment of the death, social
      withdrawal, reduced psychological and somatic functioning, and grief
      difficulties. Only one study investigated stigmatizing attitudes towards suicide
      survivors among the general population. LIMITATIONS: Internal and external
      validity of the studies was restricted by a lack of valid measures and selection
      bias. CONCLUSIONS: More methodologically sound research is needed to understand
      the impact of stigma on suicide survivors' grief trajectories and to separate it
      from other grief aspects. Clinicians and grief-counselors as well as the public
      should be educated about the persistent stigma experienced by suicide survivors.

PMID- 27657888
TI  - Drivers' Visual Characteristics when Merging onto or Exiting an Urban Expressway.
AB  - The aim of this study is to examine drivers' visual and driving behavior while
      merging onto or exiting an urban expressway with low and high traffic densities.
      The analysis was conducted according to three periods (approaching, merging or
      exiting, and accelerating or decelerating). A total of 10 subjects (8 males and 2
      females) with ages ranging from 25 to 52 years old (M = 30.0 years old)
      participated in the study. The research was conducted in a natural driving
      situation, and the drivers' eye movements were monitored and recorded using an
      eye tracking system. The results show that the influence of traffic density on
      the glance duration and scan duration is more significant when merging than when
      exiting. The results also demonstrate that the number of glances and the mean
      glance duration are mainly related to the driving task (e.g., the merging
      period). Therefore, drivers' visual search strategies mainly depend on the
      current driving task. With regard to driving behavior, the variation tendencies
      of the duration and the velocity of each period are similar. These results
      support building an automated driving assistant system that can automatically
      identify gaps and accelerate or decelerate the car accordingly or provide
      suggestions to the driver to do so.

PMID- 27657890
TI  - Enhancing the Flexibility of TCP in Heterogeneous Network.
AB  - Due to a set of constant initial values, the performance of conventional TCP
      drops significantly encountering heterogeneous network, showing low throughput
      and unfairness. This paper firstly demonstrates the chaotic character of TCP
      congestion control in heterogeneous network, especially the sensitivity to
      initial value. Inspired by merit of nature-inspired algorithm, a novel structure
      of TCP congestion control (IPPM, Internet Prey-Predator Model) is proposed.
      Parameters such as available link capacity(C), congestion window (W) and queue
      length (Q) are collected by IPPM, which calculates the max value of C according
      to the interacting relationship existing in C, W and Q, and IPPM initiates the
      TCP ssthresh with the calculated value. Plenty of simulation results show that
      the modified TCP can effectively avoid network congestion and packet loss.
      Besides, it holds high resource utilization, convergence speeds, fairness and
      stability.

PMID- 27657889
TI  - Ivermectin induces PAK1-mediated cytostatic autophagy in breast cancer.
AB  - Ivermectin is a broad-spectrum antiparasitic drug that has recently been
      demonstrated to exhibit potent anticancer activity against colon cancer, ovarian
      cancer, melanoma and leukemia. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this
      anticancer effect remains poorly understood. We recently found that ivermectin
      markedly inhibits the growth of breast cancer cells by stimulating cytostatic
      macroautophagy/autophagy in vitro and in vivo. Ivermectin inhibits the AKT-MTOR
      signaling pathway by promoting ubiquitination-mediated degradation of PAK1 (p21
      [RAC1] activated kinase 1), leading to increased autophagic flux. Together, our
      work unravels the molecular mechanism underpinning ivermectin-induced cytostatic
      autophagy in breast cancer, and characterizes ivermectin as a potential
      therapeutic option for breast cancer treatment.

PMID- 27657891
TI  - Impact of breathing patterns on the quality of life of 9- to 10-year-old
      schoolchildren.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mouth breathing can cause a set of changes in craniofacial growth and
      development, with esthetic, functional, and psychological repercussions.
      OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of mouth breathing on the quality of life of
      schoolchildren. METHODS: A school-based, cross-sectional study was conducted with
      1911 children ages 9 and 10 years in the city of Recife, Brazil. The children
      answered the Mouth Breather Quality of Life questionnaire and a questionnaire
      that addressed sociodemographic data and health-related aspects. Clinical
      examinations were performed by an examiner who had undergone a training and
      calibration process for the diagnosis of mouth breathing (kappa = 0.90).
      Descriptive statistics were conducted to characterize the sample. Statistical
      analysis involved the Student's t-test and the F test (analysis of variance)
      (alpha = 5%). RESULTS: The prevalence of mouth breathing was 54.81%. Children
      with oral breathing demonstrated a poorer quality of life in comparison with
      children with nasal breathing (p < 0.001). The following variables were
      significantly associated with a poorer quality of life among the children with
      mouth breathing: a younger age (p < 0.001) and the use of medication (p = 0.002).
      CONCLUSION: Based on the present findings, children with the mouth-breathing
      pattern experience a greater negative impact on quality of life in comparison
      with those with the nose-breathing pattern. Thus, the early diagnosis and
      treatment of this clinical condition are fundamental to minimizing the
      consequences of mouth breathing on the quality of life of schoolchildren with
      respiration disorders.

PMID- 27657892
TI  - Sinonasal polyposis in the elderly.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: The main end point of this investigation was to review our
      experience gained from 2009 to 2015 of treating chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal
      polyps (CRSwNP) in elderly patients (>=65 years old) with functional endoscopic
      sinus surgery. Secondary aims were to analyze the prognostic variables for CRSwNP
      in elderly patients and to compare the demographic, clinical, laboratory,
      histologic, and prognostic characteristics of CRSwNP in elderly versus young
      adult patients (20-40 years old). METHODS: Forty-three consecutive elderly
      patients and 71 consecutive young adult patients with CRSwNP were enrolled.
      RESULTS: Significant associations were found in the elderly group between CRSwNP
      recurrence and allergy (p = 0.037), CRSwNP recurrence and asthma (p = 0.017), and
      CRSwNP recurrence and acetyl salicylic acid (ASA) intolerance (p = 0.032) but not
      between recurrence and eosinophilic/noneosinophilic CRSwNP histology. Significant
      associations emerged in the young adult group between CRSwNP recurrence and
      asthma (p = 0.009), and ASA intolerance (p = 0.016), and serum eosinophil count
      (p = 0.02). The recurrence rate was also significantly higher for young adult
      patients with eosinophilic-type CRSwNP (p = 0.001). CRSwNP recurred less often in
      the elderly than in the young adult patients (p = 0.05). CONCLUSION: The present
      preliminary investigation found a lower recurrence rate after functional
      endoscopic sinus surgery for CRSwNP in elderly patients than in young adult
      patients. Further investigations on larger, prospective series are mandatory to
      support the hypothesis that, although eosinophilic-type CRSwNP is generally
      considered a variant at high risk of recurrence and that probably warrants
      stricter postoperative follow-up and adjuvant postoperative medical treatment,
      these considerations could not be applied to elderly patients.

PMID- 27657893
TI  - Mucocele formation after surgical treatment of inverted papilloma of the frontal
      sinus drainage pathway.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inverted papillomas (IP) inserted in the frontal sinus and/or recess
      may be treated by using an endoscopic endonasal or an external approach. There
      are still few data available on this uncommon localization of IPs. OBJECTIVE: To
      report our experience in the management of IP of the frontal drainage pathway, to
      describe a previously unreported specific complication of this surgery, and to
      discuss the optimal surgical strategy. METHODS: A retrospective study of the
      patients at a tertiary care center between 2004 and 2014 who were operated on for
      an IP with an insertion in the frontal recess and/or the frontal sinus. Clinical
      charts were reviewed for demographics, clinical presentation, imaging findings,
      surgical treatment, and outcome. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients were included.
      Patients were operated on by using a purely endoscopic approach (Draf procedure;
      n = 14 [51.9%]) when the IP was inserted in the frontal recess and/or the frontal
      sinus infundibulum (with a nasoseptal-septoturbinal flap placed on the exposed
      bone in four patients), or by using a combined endoscopic and open approach
      (osteoplastic flap procedure; n = 13 [48.1%]) when the IP invaded the frontal
      sinus beyond the infundibulum. There were two recurrences (7.4%), with a mean
      follow-up of 40 months (range, 9-123 months). During follow-up, single or
      multiple iatrogenic frontal mucoceles were observed in 10 patients (37%), with a
      mean delay of 60 months (range, 27-89 months). These mucoceles occurred both
      after using endoscopic (n = 3) or combined (n = 7) approaches, and required a
      surgical treatment in eight patients. No postoperative mucocele was observed in
      the four patients who had had a septal flap. CONCLUSION: In our experience, an
      approach based on the localization of the IP insertion provided acceptable
      results in terms of the local control rate (92.6%). However, the significant rate
      of postoperative mucoceles indicated that specific strategies (such as local
      flaps) still need to be developed to avoid this iatrogenic complication.

PMID- 27657894
TI  - Impact of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy on sinonasal quality of life.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is the criterion standard of surgical
      treatment for complete nasolacrimal obstruction and dacryocystitis. There has
      been an expansion in the indication of the endonasal DCR (eDCR), but the impact
      of surgical manipulating an otherwise healthy nasal mucosa on postoperative
      sinonasal quality of life remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to
      determine whether patients who underwent eDCR experienced any decrement in
      sinonasal quality of life. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 44 patients
      who underwent eDCR between June 2012 and May 2015. The primary outcome was the
      total and nasal-specific domain 1 scores of the disease specific validated Sino
      Nasal Outcomes Test 22. Preoperative scores were compared with the postoperative
      scores on days 0-30, 30-90, and 90-180 visits. A subgroup analysis of patients
      without nasal symptoms who underwent concomitant nasal surgical procedures was
      also performed. RESULTS: A statistically significant increase was observed
      between the preoperative score and the first postoperative score (days 0-30) in
      both total (7.5 [0-44] to 24 [0-51], median [interquartile range]) and domain 1
      (2.5 [0-11] to 9 [0-18]) scores (p = 0.0066 and p = 0.0001, respectively). In
      contrast, there was no statistically significant difference between the pre- and
      postoperative scores on days 30-90 or 90-180. Similar results were observed in
      the subgroup analysis. CONCLUSION: Analysis of our findings indicated that, in
      general, eDCR was well tolerated by patients and nasal symptom scores returned to
      baseline values within 30-90 days of surgery. The concomitant performance of
      septoplasty in the setting of asymptomatic septal deviation did not confer any
      long-term improvement in symptoms of nasal obstruction.

PMID- 27657895
TI  - Reality bites: The establishment of accountable care organizations in
      otolaryngology.

PMID- 27657897
TI  - Validation of the Nasal Mucus Index, a novel measurement of acute respiratory
      infection severity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To assess the concurrent and predictive validity of the Nasal Mucus
      Index (NMI), a novel measurement of acute respiratory infection (ARI) severity.
      OBJECTIVE: ARI, including the common cold and influenza, imposes a great burden
      on individuals and society. Previous research has attempted to assess the
      severity of ARI with self-reported and laboratory-based measurements. Self
      reported measurements may introduce bias. Laboratory-based metrics are often
      expensive. Therefore, there is a need for non-self-reported, affordable, and
      validated ARI severity tests. METHODS: Participants (N = 719) with an ARI episode
      underwent nasal lavage on days 1 and 3. The samples were visually assessed for
      the amount of mucus present in the sample and were given a subsequent NMI score.
      Collected samples were further assessed for interleukin (IL) 8 values (in pg/mL)
      and polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) per high-power field. The participants
      rated episode severity and nasal symptoms daily by using the validated Wisconsin
      Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey-21 (WURSS-21). A subset of nasal symptoms was
      used as an additional comparator. NMI scores were compared with same-day IL-8
      level, PMN count, and WURSS-21 scores for concurrent validation purposes by using
      the Spearman rho as the index of correlation. NMI scores were correlated with
      overall episode severity measurements to assess predictive validity. Overall
      episode severity was measured as the WURSS-21 area under the curve, nasal
      symptoms area under the curve, and episode duration. RESULTS: The NMI score
      correlated significantly with the same-day IL-8 level (rho = 0.443, p < 0.001),
      PMN count (rho = 0.498, p < 0.001), WURSS-21 score (rho = 0.098, p = 0.004), and
      nasal symptom score (rho = 0.162, p < 0.001). No significant predictive
      correlations were found. CONCLUSION: Associations with inflammatory biomarkers
      and self-reported severity measurements provided evidence of concurrent validity
      for the novel NMI score. The NMI can be used in future research as a simple,
      inexpensive, non-self-reported indicator of ARI severity.

PMID- 27657898
TI  - Local allergic rhinitis in children: Novel diagnostic features and potential
      biomarkers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Local allergic rhinitis (LAR) is a phenotype of rhinitis that has
      been poorly studied in children. It is characterized by the same symptoms of
      allergic rhinitis but with the absence of markers of systemic atopy. OBJECTIVE:
      To identify children affected by LAR and to analyze the pathogenesis of this
      disease. We chose to focus our attention on interleukin (IL) and thymic stromal
      lymphopoietin (TSLP). METHODS: We enrolled 20 children affected by nonallergic
      rhinitis (negative skin-prick test results and serum specific immunoglobulin E
      [sIgE] values). Each patient underwent a nasal allergen provocation test (NAPT)
      with dust mite and grass pollen. Before and after NAPT, nasal lavage was
      performed to detect sIgE, IL-5, and TSLP; anterior active rhinomanometry was used
      to evaluate changes in nasal obstruction. RESULTS: Two patients were positive to
      a nonspecific NAPT and, thus, were excluded from the study. Of the remaining 18
      children, 12 (66.7%) had positive results to at least one NAPT. Among these 12
      patients, nasal sIgE levels for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides
      farinae, and Lolium perenne increased significantly after NAPT (D. pteronyssinus,
      p < 0.005; D. farinae, p < 0.05; L. perenne, p < 0.05). Nasal IL-5 levels showed
      a significant increase after NAPT (p <= 0.006), and this increase was
      significantly higher in children who had positive NAPT results than in those
      patients with negative NAPT results (p <= 0.03). Among the 12 children who had a
      positive NAPT result, nasal TSLP was detected in 4 patients (33.3%) and its
      levels showed a relevant increase after NAPT, even though the difference did not
      reach statistical significance (p <= 0.061). CONCLUSION: Observed results raise
      the importance of better refining the diagnostic protocol for LAR in children.
      Nasal TSLP and IL-5 levels offer new insights concerning localized allergic
      inflammation, although the role of nasal sIgE has still to be clarified.

PMID- 27657899
TI  - Lymphoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses: A case series.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lymphomas of the sinonasal tract are a rare and heterogeneous subset
      of solid sinonasal neoplasms. OBJECTIVE: To characterize, in this case series,
      presenting symptoms, treatment modalities, and outcomes for patients with
      sinonasal lymphoma within a single institution. METHODS: Retrospective patient
      data were collected from an academic, oncologic center and entered into a
      repository designed to capture outcomes for sinonasal malignancies. Patient
      demographics, presenting symptoms, imaging findings, treatment modalities, and
      health status were retrospectively extrapolated and evaluated by using Kaplan
      Meier estimations for survival probability. RESULTS: Patients with sinonasal
      lymphoma with a mean follow-up of 50 months were identified (n = 18). Histologic
      diagnosis included the following: diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (n = 9), natural
      killer/T-cell lymphoma (n = 5), follicular lymphoma (n = 1), T-cell lymphoma (n =
      1), and lymphoma-not otherwise specified (n = 2). The most frequent presenting
      symptoms were nasal obstruction (78%), facial pain (72%), facial swelling (50%),
      and nasal discharge (44%). Treatment before lymphoma diagnosis included
      antibiotics (83%), oral steroids (22%), decongestants (22%), and topical steroids
      (11%). Treatment regimens after diagnosis included both chemotherapy (94%) and
      chemoradiotherapy (56%). Survival rates by lymphoma subtype were 56% for B-cell
      lymphoma and 40% for natural killer/T-cell lymphoma. Overall, 2- and 5-year
      survival rates were 67% and 50%, respectively. The combination of chemotherapy
      and radiation resulted in significantly higher survival rates (p <= 0.001) than
      chemotherapy alone. CONCLUSION: Sinonasal lymphomas are characterized by meager
      survival rates, which differ by histopathologic subtype. The diagnosis of
      sinonasal lymphoma is challenging because symptoms frequently parallel those of
      chronic rhinosinusitis. Increased awareness of these rare malignancies may
      improve detection and more timely treatment. Clinical trial registration
      NCT01332136.

PMID- 27657900
TI  - The Triple Aim and its implications on the management of chronic rhinosinusitis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Accountable care organizations (ACO) and alternative payment models
      are a sign of the change in reimbursement from fee-for-service to value-based
      reimbursement. The focus of health care under ACOs is represented by the Triple
      Aim: to improve the experience of health care, improve the health of populations,
      and reduce the per capita costs. Individuals with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS)
      are heavy consumers of health care services. Results of recent studies have
      indicated that there is the potential for improved outcomes and cost savings from
      early surgical intervention. Adhering to the principles of the Triple Aim may
      signal a paradigm shift in regard to timing of intervention for CRS in certain
      patients. METHODS: A scoping review was performed to analyze the current
      literature related to management of CRS and the impact on cost, population health
      outcomes, and the patient's experience of health care. RESULTS: A growing body of
      literature indicates that, in appropriately selected patients, when compared with
      medical management, endoscopic sinus surgery has the potential to improve patient
      outcomes and reduce the long-term cost burden of CRS. CONCLUSION: With the advent
      of ACOs, a paradigm shift in the treatment of CRS is inevitable to better conform
      to the goals of the Triple Aim. Future treatment algorithms will need to account
      for the heterogeneity within CRS and seek to identify appropriate timing and
      interventions for patients on an individual basis if the value of health care is
      to be improved.

PMID- 27657896
TI  - New insights into upper airway innate immunity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Protecting the upper airway from microbial infection is an important
      function of the immune system. Proper detection of these pathogens is paramount
      for sinonasal epithelial cells to be able to prepare a defensive response. Toll
      like receptors and, more recently, bitter taste receptors and sweet taste
      receptors have been implicated as sensors able to detect the presence of these
      pathogens and certain compounds that they secrete. Activation of these receptors
      also triggers innate immune responses to prevent or counteract infection,
      including mucociliary clearance and the production and secretion of antimicrobial
      compounds (e.g., defensins). OBJECTIVE: To provide an overview of the current
      knowledge of the role of innate immunity in the upper airway, the mechanisms by
      which it is carried out, and its clinical relevance. METHODS: A literature review
      of the existing knowledge of the role of innate immunity in the human sinonasal
      cavity was performed. RESULTS: Clinical and basic science studies have shown that
      the physical epithelial cell barrier, mucociliary clearance, and antimicrobial
      compound secretion play pivotal innate immune roles in defending the sinonasal
      cavity from infection. Clinical findings have also linked dysfunction of these
      defense mechanisms with diseases, such as chronic rhinosinusitis and cystic
      fibrosis. Recent discoveries have elucidated the significance of bitter and sweet
      taste receptors in modulating immune responses in the upper airway. CONCLUSION:
      Numerous innate immune mechanisms seem to work in a concerted fashion to keep the
      sinonasal cavity free of infection. Understanding sinonasal innate immune
      function and dysfunction in health and disease has important implications for
      patients with respiratory ailments, such as chronic rhinosinusitis and cystic
      fibrosis.

PMID- 27657901
TI  - Development of a novel T-tube frontal sinus irrigation catheter.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The problem of postoperative management after frontal sinus surgery
      remains a challenge. The bilateral opening created in the Draf III procedure does
      not fit any currently available stent, and patients find rinsing the frontal
      sinus difficult, which thus decreases compliance. The objective of this study was
      to demonstrate the successful use of a novel frontal sinus catheter fashioned
      from a biliary T tube by addressing these issues in patients with complicated
      sinus disease. METHODS: This was a review of 30 patients who underwent a Draf III
      procedure between January and October 2014, and who had a T-tube stent inserted
      at the end of the procedure. Patient charts were analyzed for complications such
      as bleeding, infection, and restenosis as well as indications of ease of rinsing
      ability after surgery. RESULTS: From the chart data, there was only one
      intraoperative bleed and only one postoperative bleed that required packing. Four
      patients had infections that required antibiotics after surgery. At the time of
      data collection, only one patient had signs of restenosis as judged by the
      operating surgeon. Patients reported an ease of rinsing ability with the T-tube
      stent. CONCLUSIONS: The novel biliary T-tube stent use presented in this article
      is a promising future direction for postoperative care after extended frontal
      sinus surgery.

PMID- 27657902
TI  - Open versus endoscopic medial orbital decompression: Utilization, cost, and
      operating room time.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The advent of endoscopic sinus surgery has created an exciting
      interface between rhinology and ophthalmology in the area of orbital and optic
      nerve decompression Objectives: (1) To study the utilization of open versus
      endoscopic medial orbital decompression based on geography and indication, (2) to
      describe the demographics of the patient populations who underwent these
      different techniques, and (3) to compare outcomes, including mean charges and
      operating room (OR) times Methods: Cases identified by Current Procedural and
      Terminology codes were extracted from the California, Florida, Maryland, and New
      York State Ambulatory Surgery Databases from 2009 to 2011. Patient demographics,
      diagnoses, mean charge, and OR time were compared. RESULTS: A total of 1009
      patients underwent orbital decompression; 93.0% of cases involved the medial wall
      only; 22.9% of medial decompressions were performed endoscopically, 74.5% were
      open, and 2.6% were via combined approach. Eighty percent of patients had thyroid
      eye disease. Analyses adjusted for sex, age, race, state, and diagnosis found
      that surgeries for infection (N = 47) were more likely to be performed
      endoscopically compared with procedures for other diagnoses (N = 962) (odds ratio
      5.27 [2.67-10.40], p < 0.001). Patients in Florida were more likely to undergo
      endoscopic decompression compared with patients in California (odds ratio 2.35
      [1.42-3.62]). The difference in median charge for endoscopic ($13,119) versus
      open ($11,291; p = 0.085) procedures was not significant on bivariate analysis
      but was significant on multivariate analysis (p = 0.04). The median OR time for
      open procedures was, on average, 33 minutes shorter (endoscopic, 132 minutes;
      open, 98 minutes; p <= 0.001) on bivariate analysis but was not significantly
      different when controlling for covariables (p = 0.08). CONCLUSION: In the study
      sample, endoscopic orbital decompression was performed in 22.9% of patients, with
      significant variation in surgical technique based on geography and indication.
      Procedures that used endoscopic compared with open decompression techniques had
      no significant difference in charge on bivariate analysis. The OR time for open
      procedures was shorter on bivariate but not on multivariate analysis. Further
      research is required regarding the relative effectiveness of open versus
      endoscopic surgical techniques for various indications.

PMID- 27657903
TI  - Layered sellar reconstruction with avascular free grafts: Acceptable alternative
      to the nasoseptal flap for repair of low-volume intraoperative cerebrospinal
      fluid leak.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although the nasoseptal flap has become the method of choice for
      reconstruction of intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak in endoscopic
      minimally invasive surgery of the skull base, layered avascular graft techniques,
      including allografts and middle turbinate mucosal autografts, may provide
      comparable reconstructive success with decreased nasal morbidity. OBJECTIVE: To
      describe a method of reconstruction of intraoperative CSF leak in endoscopic
      surgery of the sella turcica and analyze its postoperative success rate and
      associated comorbidities. METHODS: A retrospective review of expanded endonasal
      sellar tumor resections from 2008-2014 was performed, and cases of layered
      intraoperative skull base reconstruction with avascular free grafts were
      identified. Demographic factors and comorbidities that predisposed to
      reconstruction failure (obstructive sleep apnea, obesity) were determined.
      Reconstruction-related nasal complications were also identified. Postoperative
      CSF leak rate was determined, and statistical analysis was performed to identify
      predictive factors for reconstructive failure. RESULTS: Seventy-three cases were
      identified. Layered closure with avascular free grafts was performed. There were
      five cases of postoperative CSF leak (6.85%). The mean follow-up was 19 months
      (range, 1-76 months). Intraoperative high-flow CSF leak was a significant
      predictor of reconstruction failure on univariate (odds ratio 22 [95% confidence
      interval, 2.26-214]; p = 0.008) and multivariate analysis (odds ratio 33.6 [95%
      confidence interval, 2.30-492]; p = 0.010). There were no significant differences
      in postoperative leak rates among bony overlay graft types. There were five
      patients (7.9%) who experienced persistent crusting after surgery. There were no
      significant differences in crusting rates between allografts and mucosal grafts.
      There were no postoperative mucoceles. CONCLUSION: In cases of low-volume
      intraoperative CSF leak, layered skull base repair with avascular free grafts was
      an acceptable alternative to the nasoseptal flap, which may reduce prolonged
      sinonasal healing and donor-site morbidities.

PMID- 27657904
TI  - Otolaryngology.

PMID- 27657905
TI  - Sifting and Winnowing through Human Cytomegalovirus Lytic Replication and
      Latency.

PMID- 27657906
TI  - miRNA29 Promotes Viral Replication During Early Stage of PRRSV Infection In
      Vitro.
AB  - miRNAs are involved in various biological processes, such as host-virus
      interactions and antiviral immunity. In this study, we investigated the role of
      miR-29 on porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) replication
      and its target genes. At first, miR-29a/b-1/c expression was detected when
      porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs) were infected with PRRSV at different
      infective doses by real time-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).
      The result showed that miR-29a/b-1 expression significantly increased after 6 h
      (p < 0.01), with the peak around 24 h, miR-29c expression in each period of PRRSV
      infection was very low. Then, pre-miR-29a/b-1 lentiviral vectors were
      constructed. Absolute RT-qPCR analysis showed that PAMs transfected with pre-miR
      29a/b-1 lentiviral vectors significantly promoted PRRSV replication in PAM within
      24 h (p < 0.01). The expression of the target genes (AKT3, TP53INP1, and RPS6KB1)
      of miR-29a significantly reduced (p < 0.01). Western blot analysis showed that
      AKT3 and TP53INP1 are reduced at miR-29a overexpression. To further validate the
      interaction between miR-29a and its target gene sites, the luciferase assay
      results demonstrated that miR-29a interacted with AKT3 3'UTR 1676 and 1261 sites,
      leading the inhibition of luciferase expression. Our findings support that miR
      29a could promote PRRSV replication during early stage of virus infection in
      vitro and AKT3 could be the target gene of miR-29a.

PMID- 27657907
TI  - Bromodomain and Extra Terminal (BET) Inhibitor Suppresses Macrophage-Driven
      Steroid-Resistant Exacerbations of Airway Hyper-Responsiveness and Inflammation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Exacerbations of asthma are linked to significant decline in lung
      function and are often poorly controlled by corticosteroid treatment. Clinical
      investigations indicate that viral and bacterial infections play crucial roles in
      the onset of steroid-resistant inflammation and airways hyperresponsiveness (AHR)
      that are hallmark features of exacerbations. We have previously shown that
      interferon gamma (IFNgamma) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) cooperatively activate
      pulmonary macrophages and induce steroid-resistant airway inflammation and AHR in
      mouse models. Furthermore, we have established a mouse model of respiratory
      syncytial virus (RSV)-induced exacerbation of asthma, which exhibits macrophage
      dependent, steroid-resistant lung disease. Emerging evidence has demonstrated a
      key role for bromo- and extra-terminal (BET) proteins in the regulation of
      inflammatory gene expression in macrophages. We hypothesised that BET proteins
      may be involved in the regulation of AHR and airway inflammation in our steroid
      resistant exacerbation models. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We investigated
      the effects of a BET inhibitor (I-BET-762) on the development of steroid
      resistant AHR and airway inflammation in two mouse models. I-BET-762
      administration decreased macrophage and neutrophil infiltration into the airways,
      and suppressed key inflammatory cytokines in both models. I-BET treatment also
      suppressed key inflammatory cytokines linked to the development of steroid
      resistant inflammation such as monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1),
      keratinocyte-derived protein chemokine (KC), IFNgamma, and interleukin 27 (IL
      27). Attenuation of inflammation was associated with suppression of AHR.
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our results suggest that BET proteins play an important
      role in the regulation of steroid-resistant exacerbations of airway inflammation
      and AHR. BET proteins may be potential targets for the development of future
      therapies to treat steroid-resistant inflammatory components of asthma.

PMID- 27657908
TI  - Rebuttal from Dr. Hofman and Dr. Ilie.

PMID- 27657909
TI  - Molecular Surveillance Identifies Multiple Transmissions of Typhoid in West
      Africa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The burden of typhoid in sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries has been
      difficult to estimate, in part, due to suboptimal laboratory diagnostics.
      However, surveillance blood cultures at two sites in Nigeria have identified
      typhoid associated with Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. Typhi) as an
      important cause of bacteremia in children. METHODS: A total of 128 S. Typhi
      isolates from these studies in Nigeria were whole-genome sequenced, and the
      resulting data was used to place these Nigerian isolates into a worldwide context
      based on their phylogeny and carriage of molecular determinants of antibiotic
      resistance. RESULTS: Several distinct S. Typhi genotypes were identified in
      Nigeria that were related to other clusters of S. Typhi isolates from north, west
      and central regions of Africa. The rapidly expanding S. Typhi clade 4.3.1 (H58)
      previously associated with multiple antimicrobial resistances in Asia and in
      east, central and southern Africa, was not detected in this study. However,
      antimicrobial resistance was common amongst the Nigerian isolates and was
      associated with several plasmids, including the IncHI1 plasmid commonly
      associated with S. Typhi. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that typhoid in
      Nigeria was established through multiple independent introductions into the
      country, with evidence of regional spread. MDR typhoid appears to be evolving
      independently of the haplotype H58 found in other typhoid endemic countries. This
      study highlights an urgent need for routine surveillance to monitor the
      epidemiology of typhoid and evolution of antimicrobial resistance within the
      bacterial population as a means to facilitate public health interventions to
      reduce the substantial morbidity and mortality of typhoid.

PMID- 27657910
TI  - Genetic characterization and antimicrobial resistance of Staphylococcus aureus
      isolated from bovine milk in Tunisia.
AB  - : Staphylococcus aureus is a major agent of bovine mastitis in dairy herds,
      causing economic losses in dairy industry worldwide. In addition, milk and milk
      products contaminated by Staph. aureus can cause harmful human diseases. The aim
      of this study was to characterize Staph. aureus strains isolated from dairy farms
      in Tunisia. Bulk tank milk (n = 32) and individual cow milk (n = 130) samples
      were collected during the period of 2013-2014. Forty-three Staph. aureus isolates
      were recovered and typed by spa typing, 16S-23S rRNA intergenic spacer (RS-PCR)
      and multiplex PCRs for 22 virulence genes. Antimicrobial resistance was also
      investigated with a disc diffusion test. A selected subsample of 22 strains was
      additionally genotyped by multilocus sequence typing. Seventeen spa types were
      recovered, and t2421 (n = 10), t521 (n = 6) and t2112 (n = 5) were the most
      common. Fourteen different RS-PCR genotypes grouped into 11 clusters were
      detected in our study, with predominance of the RVI genotype (n = 24). Eight
      sequence types were identified and Clonal Complex 97, corresponding to RS-PCR
      cluster R, was the most common (n = 10), followed by CC1 (n = 4), CC15 (n = 3)
      and other four accounting for one or two strains. Different combinations of
      virulence genes were reported, and enterotoxin genes were present in few strains
      (seh, n = 4; sea, n = 2; sea and seh, n = 2; sec and sel, n = 2). The majority of
      strains were resistant only to penicillin; only one strain was found to be
      multiresistant and no methicillin-resistant Staph. aureus was demonstrated. Our
      study reported the isolation of CC97 from bovine milk in Tunisia for the first
      time and confirmed the relevance of this lineage in intramammary infection in
      cows. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This paper describes the
      characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from bulk tank and individual
      cow milk in Tunisia. All strains were genotyped by spa typing and RS-PCR, a
      method based on the amplification of the 16S-23S rRNA intergenic spacer region,
      and multiplex PCRs for 22 virulence genes. A selected subsample of strains was
      also genotyped by multilocus sequence typing. All strains were tested for
      antimicrobial resistance. Our study evidences a predominance of strains belonging
      to Clonal Complex 97. Methicillin-resistant strains were not detected, and
      overall low level of antimicrobial resistance was reported.

PMID- 27657912
TI  - Difference in Leukocyte Composition between Women before and after Menopausal
      Age, and Distinct Sexual Dimorphism.
AB  - There are sex differences in many inflammatory and immune diseases, and the
      differences tend to diminish after menopause. The underlying reasons are unclear,
      but sex hormone levels are likely to be an important factor. Blood leukocyte
      count and composition provide an indicator of the inflammatory and immune status
      of an individual. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of blood leukocyte data
      from 46,879 individuals (26,212 men and 20,667 women, aged 18 to 93 years) who
      underwent a routine health checkup. In women aged around 50 years, neutrophil
      percentage (NE%) dropped whilst lymphocyte percentage (LY%) rose. Accordingly,
      women before age 50 had significantly higher NE%, lower LY%, and higher
      neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) than women of 51-70 years of age (p =
      1.35*10-82, p = 5.32*10-100, and p = 1.25*10-26, respectively). In age groups of
      <50 years, women had higher NE%, lower LY% and higher NLR than men (p = 1.82*10
      206, p = 1.46*10-69, and p = 2.30*10-118, respectively), whereas in age groups of
      >51 years, it was the reverse (p = 1.92*10-15, p = 1.43*10-84, and p = 1.51*10
      48, respectively). These results show that blood leukocyte composition differs
      between women before and after menopausal age, with distinct sexual dimorphism.

PMID- 27657911
TI  - MRI uncovers disrupted hippocampal microstructure that underlies memory
      impairments after early-life adversity.
AB  - Memory and related cognitive functions are progressively impaired in a subgroup
      of individuals experiencing childhood adversity and stress. However, it is not
      possible to identify vulnerable individuals early, a crucial step for
      intervention. In this study, high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and
      intra-hippocampal diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) were employed to examine for
      structural signatures of cognitive adolescent vulnerabilities in a rodent model
      of early-life adversity. These methods were complemented by neuroanatomical and
      functional assessments of hippocampal network integrity during adolescence,
      adulthood and middle-age. The high-resolution MRI identified selective loss of
      dorsal hippocampal volume, and intra-hippocampal DTI uncovered disruption of
      dendritic structure, consistent with disrupted local connectivity, already during
      late adolescence in adversity-experiencing rats. Memory deteriorated over time,
      and stunting of hippocampal dendritic trees was apparent on neuroanatomical
      analyses. Thus, disrupted hippocampal neuronal structure and connectivity,
      associated with cognitive impairments, are detectable via non-invasive imaging
      modalities in rats experiencing early-life adversity. These high-resolution
      imaging approaches may constitute promising tools for prediction and assessment
      of at-risk individuals in the clinic. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27657914
TI  - Alternative splicing of the receptor-like kinase Nt-Sd-RLK in tobacco cells
      responding to lipopolysaccharides: suggestive of a role in pathogen surveillance
      and perception?
AB  - Nt-Sd-RLK encodes an S-domain lectin receptor-like kinase that is induced in
      response to microbe-associated molecular pattern molecules (MAMPs) such as
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In this study, we investigated the alternative splicing
      of Nt-Sd-RLK in response to LPS stimulation. Our data indicate that in
      nonstimulated cells, a shorter transcript of Nt-Sd-RLK is generated and that in
      response to LPS, alternative splicing produces the full-length transcript. We
      propose that the extracellular domain of Nt-Sd-RLK encoded by the shorter
      transcript functions in pathogen surveillance. Once this domain binds LPS,
      alternative splicing generates the kinase domain-containing Nt-Sd-RLK that
      activates downstream signalling leading to a defence response. Thus, our findings
      suggest that plant defence signalling may be regulated through the alternative
      splicing of receptor-like kinases involved in pathogen recognition.

PMID- 27657913
TI  - Production Conditions Affect the In Vitro Anti-Tumoral Effects of a High
      Concentration Multi-Strain Probiotic Preparation.
AB  - A careful selection of the probiotic agent, standardization of the dose and
      detailed characterization of the beneficial effects are essential when
      considering use of a probiotic for the dietary management of serious diseases.
      However, changes in the manufacturing processes, equipment or facilities can
      result in differences in the product itself due to the live nature of probiotics.
      The need to reconfirm safety and/or efficacy for any probiotic product made at a
      different factory is therefore mandatory. Recently, under the brand VSL#3(r), a
      formulation produced by a manufacturer different from the previous one, has been
      commercialized in some European countries (the UK and Holland). VSL#3 is a high
      concentration multi-strain preparation which has been recognized by the main
      Gastroenterology Associations for the dietary management of pouchitis as well as
      ulcerative colitis. We have compared the "original" VSL#3 produced in USA with
      the "newfound" VSL#3 produced in Italy. According to our results, the "newfound"
      VSL#3 has 130-150% more "dead bacteria" compared to the "original" product,
      raising concerns for the well-known association between dead microbes with
      adverse effects. The abilities of bacterial lysates from the two formulations to
      influence in vitro viability and proliferation of different tumor cell lines also
      resulted different. The repair of previously scratched monolayers of various
      adherent tumor cell lines (i.e. HT1080, and Caco-2 cells) was inhibited more
      significantly by the "original" VSL#3 when compared to the "newfound" VSL#3.
      Tumor cell cycle profile, in particular cell cycle arrest and apoptotic death of
      the cancer cells, further confirms that the "original" VSL#3 has a better
      functional profile than the "newfound" VSL#3, at least in in vitro. Our data
      stress the importance of the production conditions for the "newfound" VSL#3
      considering that this product is intended to be used for the dietary management
      of patients with very serious diseases, such as chronic inflammatory bowel
      diseases.

PMID- 27657915
TI  - DNA Barcoding Reveals High Cryptic Diversity of the Freshwater Halfbeak Genus
      Hemirhamphodon from Sundaland.
AB  - DNA barcoding of the cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene was utilized to
      assess the species diversity of the freshwater halfbeak genus Hemirhamphodon. A
      total of 201 individuals from 46 locations in Peninsular Malaysia, north Borneo
      (Sarawak) and Sumatra were successfully amplified for 616 base pairs of the COI
      gene revealing 231 variable and 213 parsimony informative sites. COI gene trees
      showed that most recognized species form monophyletic clades with high bootstrap
      support. Pairwise within species comparisons exhibited a wide range of
      intraspecific diversity from 0.0% to 14.8%, suggesting presence of cryptic
      diversity. This finding was further supported by barcode gap analysis, ABGD and
      the constructed COI gene trees. In particular, H. pogonognathus from Kelantan
      (northeast Peninsular Malaysia) diverged from the other H. pogonognathus groups
      with distances ranging from 7.8 to 11.8%, exceeding the nearest neighbor taxon.
      High intraspecific diversity was also observed in H. byssus and H. kuekanthali,
      but of a lower magnitude. This study also provides insights into endemism and
      phylogeographic structuring, and limited support for the Paleo-drainage
      divergence hypothesis as a driver of speciation in the genus Hemirhamphodon.

PMID- 27657916
TI  - Caffeine Positively Modulates Ferritin Heavy Chain Expression in H460 Cells:
      Effects on Cell Proliferation.
AB  - Both the methylxanthine caffeine and the heavy subunit of ferritin molecule (FHC)
      are able to control the proliferation rate of several cancer cell lines. While
      caffeine acts exclusively as a negative modulator of cell proliferation, FHC
      might reduce or enhance cell viability depending upon the different cell type. In
      this work we have demonstrated that physiological concentrations of caffeine
      reduce the proliferation rate of H460 cells: along with the modulation of p53,
      pAKT and Cyclin D1, caffeine also determines a significant FHC up-regulation
      through the activation of its transcriptional efficiency. FHC plays a central
      role in the molecular pathways modulated by caffeine, ending in a reduced cell
      growth, since its specific silencing by siRNA almost completely abolishes
      caffeine effects on H460 cell proliferation. These results allow the inclusion of
      ferritin heavy subunits among the multiple molecular targets of caffeine and open
      the way for studying the relationship between caffeine and intracellular iron
      metabolism.

PMID- 27657917
TI  - Increased Pain Communication following Multiple Group Memberships Salience Leads
      to a Relative Reduction in Pain-Related Brain Activity.
AB  - Pain is a fundamental human experience that triggers a range of social and
      psychological responses. In this study, we present behavioral and fMRI data to
      examine the effect of multiple group memberships salience on reported and neural
      indices of pain. We found that participants expressed higher levels of pain when
      more social group memberships were salient. This is consistent with the notion
      that pain itself motivates people to communicate their pain, and more so when
      multiple psychological resources are salient. In addition, fMRI results reveal an
      interesting twist: when participants increased their pain reporting as group
      memberships increased (from one group to four), there was a corresponding
      relative reduction in dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and anterior insula
      activation. These results provide evidence for an adaptive response to pain: the
      more people make use of the social resources at their disposal when experiencing
      pain, the less pain areas are activated.

PMID- 27657918
TI  - VfoldCPX Server: Predicting RNA-RNA Complex Structure and Stability.
AB  - RNA-RNA interactions are essential for genomic RNA dimerization, mRNA splicing,
      and many RNA-related gene expression and regulation processes. The prediction of
      the structure and folding stability of RNA-RNA complexes is a problem of
      significant biological importance and receives substantial interest in the
      biological community. The VfoldCPX server provides a new web interface to predict
      the two-dimensional (2D) structures of RNA-RNA complexes from the nucleotide
      sequences. The VfoldCPX server has several novel advantages including the ability
      to treat RNAs with tertiary contacts (crossing base pairs) such as loop-loop
      kissing interactions and the use of physical loop entropy parameters. Based on a
      partition function-based algorithm, the server enables prediction for structure
      with and without tertiary contacts. Furthermore, the server outputs a set of
      energetically stable structures, ranked by their stabilities. The results allow
      users to gain extensive physical insights into RNA-RNA interactions and their
      roles in RNA function. The web server is freely accessible at
      "http://rna.physics.missouri.edu/vfoldCPX".

PMID- 27657919
TI  - Findings of Esophagography for 25 Patients After Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy for
      Achalasia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to better characterize the findings of
      esophagography after peroral endoscopic myotomy for achalasia. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: We evaluated 25 patients who underwent peroral endoscopic myotomy for
      achalasia. The findings noted on pre- and postprocedural esophagrams were
      reviewed retrospectively and were correlated with clinical outcomes. RESULTS:
      None of the patients had esophageal perforation noted on esophagrams obtained
      after myotomy, and all but two patients had a hospital stay that lasted 1 day
      only. Esophagrams obtained on postoperative day 1 revealed endoscopic clips in 25
      patients (100%), pneumoperitoneum in 18 (72%), retroperitoneal gas in 10 (40%),
      gastric pneumatosis in nine (36%), intramural dissections in seven (28%), and
      pneumomediastinum in four (16%). Repeat esophagrams obtained 3 weeks later for 22
      of the patients revealed endoscopic clips in 16 patients (73%) and intramural
      dissections in five patients (23%), but the remaining findings had resolved.
      Eighteen patients (72%) had a successful myotomy and seven (28%) had suboptimal
      results on the basis of clinical outcomes. Observation of a distal esophageal
      width of 5 mm or less on postprocedural esophagrams was often associated with
      suboptimal results. CONCLUSION: Peroral endoscopic myotomy is a novel procedure
      that is less invasive than is laparoscopic Heller myotomy for the treatment of
      achalasia, with fewer complications and shorter recovery times. Radiologists
      should be aware of the findings expected on esophagography (including
      pneumoperitoneum, retroperitoneal gas, gastric pneumatosis, intramural
      dissections, and pneumomediastinum) and should also know that fluoroscopic
      studies may be helpful for predicting patient outcomes on the basis of the width
      of the distal esophagus after myotomy.

PMID- 27657920
TI  - A Novel Model of P-Glycoprotein Inhibitor Screening Using Human Small Intestinal
      Organoids.
AB  - P-glycoprotein (P-gp), an important efflux transporter in intestine, regulates
      the bioavailability of orally taken drugs. To develop an in vitro model that
      preferably mimics the physiological microenvironment of human intestine, we
      employed the three-dimensionally (3D) cultured organoids from human normal small
      intestinal epithelium. It was observed that the intestinal crypts could
      efficiently form cystic organoid structure with the extension of culture time.
      Furthermore, the physiological expression of ABCB1 was detected at both mRNA and
      protein levels in cultured organoids. Rhodamine 123 (Rh123), a typical substrate
      of P-gp, was actively transported across 3D organoids and accumulated in the
      luminal space. This transport process was also inhibited by verapamil and
      mitotane. In summary, the above-mentioned model based on human small intestinal
      3D organoids is suitable to imitate the small intestinal epithelium and could be
      used as a novel in vitro model especially for P-gp inhibitor screening.

PMID- 27657921
TI  - Dissociating Attention Effects from Categorical Perception with ERP Functional
      Microstates.
AB  - When faces appear in our visual environment we naturally attend to them, possibly
      to the detriment of other visual information. Evidence from behavioural studies
      suggests that faces capture attention because they are more salient than other
      types of visual stimuli, reflecting a category-dependent modulation of attention.
      By contrast, neuroimaging data has led to a domain-specific account of face
      perception that rules out the direct contribution of attention, suggesting a
      dedicated neural network for face perception. Here we sought to dissociate
      effects of attention from categorical perception using Event Related Potentials.
      Participants viewed physically matched face and butterfly images, with each
      category acting as a target stimulus during different blocks in an oddball
      paradigm. Using a data-driven approach based on functional microstates, we show
      that the locus of endogenous attention effects with ERPs occurs in the N1 time
      range. Earlier categorical effects were also found around the level of the P1,
      reflecting either an exogenous increase in attention towards face stimuli, or a
      putative face-selective measure. Both category and attention effects were
      dissociable from one another hinting at the role that faces may play in early
      capturing of attention before top-down control of attention is observed. Our data
      support the conclusion that certain object categories, in this experiment, faces,
      may capture attention before top-down voluntary control of attention is
      initiated.

PMID- 27657922
TI  - Lon Protease Is Involved in RhpRS-Mediated Regulation of Type III Secretion in
      Pseudomonas syringae.
AB  - Pseudomonas syringae depends on the type III secretion system (T3SS) to directly
      translocate effectors into host cells. Previously, we reported a nonpathogenic
      rhpS mutant, suggesting that the two-component transduction system rhpRS is an
      important regulator of T3SS in P. syringae. rhpRS regulates itself and a variety
      of downstream genes under an inverted repeat element promoter in a
      phosphorylation-dependent manner. Here, we identify lon as a suppressor of the
      rhpS mutant through transposon screening. A lon/rhpS double mutant restored the
      phenotypes of the rhpS mutant. The expression level of lon was higher in rhpS and
      other T3SS-deficient mutants than the wild-type strain, suggesting a negative
      feedback mechanism between lon and T3SS genes. lon was also induced by a novel
      T3SS inhibitor, acetate, which substantially compromises the activation of T3SS
      genes in minimal medium and bacterial growth in host plants.

PMID- 27657923
TI  - Redescription and Phylogenetic Placement of ?Hemicalypterus weiri Schaeffer, 1967
      (Actinopterygii, Neopterygii) from the Triassic Chinle Formation, Southwestern
      United States: New Insights into Morphology, Ecological Niche, and Phylogeny.
AB  - The actinopterygian fish ?Hemicalypterus weiri Schaeffer, 1967 is herein
      redescribed and rediagnosed based on new information collected from reexamination
      of museum specimens as well as examination of recently collected specimens from
      the Upper Triassic Chinle Formation of San Juan County, Utah, United States.
      ?Hemicalypterus is distinguishable by its deep, disc-shaped compressed body;
      ganoid-scaled anterior half and scaleless posterior half; spinose, prominent
      dorsal and ventral ridge scales anterior to dorsal and anal fins; hem-like dorsal
      and anal fins with rounded distal margins; small mouth gape; and specialized,
      multicuspid dentition. This type of dentition, when observed in extant fishes, is
      often associated with herbivory, and ?Hemicalypterus represents the oldest known
      ray-finned fish to have possibly exploited an herbivorous trophic feeding niche.
      A phylogenetic analysis infers a placement of ?Hemicalypterus within
      ?Dapediiformes, with ?Dapediiformes being recovered as sister to Ginglymodi
      within holostean actinopterygians.

PMID- 27657925
TI  - Domestic diagnosis of newborn bilirubin levels?

PMID- 27657924
TI  - An MSC2 Promoter-lacZ Fusion Gene Reveals Zinc-Responsive Changes in Sites of
      Transcription Initiation That Occur across the Yeast Genome.
AB  - The Msc2 and Zrg17 proteins of Saccharomyces cerevisiae form a complex to
      transport zinc into the endoplasmic reticulum. ZRG17 is transcriptionally induced
      in zinc-limited cells by the Zap1 transcription factor. In this report, we show
      that MSC2 mRNA also increases (~1.5 fold) in zinc-limited cells. The MSC2 gene
      has two in-frame ATG codons at its 5' end, ATG1 and ATG2; ATG2 is the predicted
      initiation codon. When the MSC2 promoter was fused at ATG2 to the lacZ gene, we
      found that unlike the chromosomal gene this reporter showed a 4-fold decrease in
      lacZ mRNA in zinc-limited cells. Surprisingly, beta-galactosidase activity
      generated by this fusion gene increased ~7 fold during zinc deficiency suggesting
      the influence of post-transcriptional factors. Transcription of MSC2ATG2-lacZ was
      found to start upstream of ATG1 in zinc-replete cells. In zinc-limited cells,
      transcription initiation shifted to sites just upstream of ATG2. From the results
      of mutational and polysome profile analyses, we propose the following explanation
      for these effects. In zinc-replete cells, MSC2ATG2-lacZ mRNA with long 5' UTRs
      fold into secondary structures that inhibit translation. In zinc-limited cells,
      transcripts with shorter unstructured 5' UTRs are generated that are more
      efficiently translated. Surprisingly, chromosomal MSC2 did not show start site
      shifts in response to zinc status and only shorter 5' UTRs were observed.
      However, the shifts that occur in the MSC2ATG2-lacZ construct led us to identify
      significant transcription start site changes affecting the expression of ~3% of
      all genes. Therefore, zinc status can profoundly alter transcription initiation
      across the yeast genome.

PMID- 27657926
TI  - Group Dynamics in Automatic Imitation.
AB  - Imitation-matching the configural body movements of another individual-plays a
      crucial part in social interaction. We investigated whether automatic imitation
      is not only influenced by who we imitate (ingroup vs. outgroup member) but also
      by the nature of an expected interaction situation (competitive vs. cooperative).
      In line with assumptions from Social Identity Theory), we predicted that both
      social group membership and the expected situation impact on the level of
      automatic imitation. We adopted a 2 (group membership target: ingroup, outgroup)
      x 2 (situation: cooperative, competitive) design. The dependent variable was the
      degree to which participants imitated the target in a reaction time automatic
      imitation task. 99 female students from two British Universities participated. We
      found a significant two-way interaction on the imitation effect. When interacting
      in expectation of cooperation, imitation was stronger for an ingroup target
      compared to an outgroup target. However, this was not the case in the competitive
      condition where imitation did not differ between ingroup and outgroup target.
      This demonstrates that the goal structure of an expected interaction will
      determine the extent to which intergroup relations influence imitation,
      supporting a social identity approach.

PMID- 27657928
TI  - Correction: Improving Fishing Pattern Detection from Satellite AIS Using Data
      Mining and Machine Learning.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0158248.].

PMID- 27657927
TI  - Perspectives on Sleep, Sleep Problems, and Their Treatment, in People with
      Serious Mental Illnesses: A Systematic Review.
AB  - Sleep problems are common in people with serious mental illness, and impact
      negatively on functioning and wellbeing. To understand the development of sleep
      problems, their maintenance, and their treatment, an in depth understanding of
      patient perspectives is crucial. A systematic literature review was conducted
      using Medline, AMED, PsychInfo, Embase and CINAHL. Qualitative and quantitative
      studies were included if they explored or measured patient perspectives on sleep,
      sleep problems or sleep treatments in people with serious mental illness. Of the
      2,067 hits, only 22 met review inclusion criteria, and high quality evidence was
      sparse. The limited findings suggested sleep was seen as highly interlinked with
      mental health. Evaluations of treatments varied, however perceived efficacy and
      personalisation of treatments were valued. Some evidence suggested patient
      priorities and conceptualisations regarding sleep may diverge from those of
      validated screening tools developed in general population and sleep medicine
      samples. More rigorous research is needed to support adaptation and development
      of interventions and outcome measures for use in specialist mental health
      settings. Qualitative studies exploring the experience of sleep disturbance in
      particular diagnostic groups and contexts are urgently required, as are patient
      perspectives on sleep interventions.

PMID- 27657929
TI  - JOURNAL CLUB: Longitudinal Qualitative Characterization of MRI Features After
      Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy in Drug-Resistant Epilepsy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT), a method for ablating brain
      tissue under real-time MR thermometry, has been used more frequently in recent
      years to treat nonmalignant lesions. The purpose of this study is to
      longitudinally characterize MRI features after LITT in patients with drug
      resistant epilepsy, primarily in the setting of mesial temporal sclerosis.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: MR images from 23 consecutive patients who underwent LITT
      were retrospectively reviewed. All patients had images obtained immediately after
      the ablation. Multiple patients had follow-up imaging at various time points
      after treatment, from postoperative days 7 through 1539. A total of 54 MRI
      studies were reviewed. RESULTS: Immediately after LITT, MR images showed a ring
      enhancing lesion at the ablation site with minimal surrounding edema. Seven
      images showed increased enhancement of the ipsilateral choroid plexus. Images in
      the subacute phase showed a mild increase in edema with similar enhancement.
      Images in the transitional phase showed a decrease in edema with variable
      enhancement. Images in the chronic phase showed minimal gliosis with or without
      cavity formation or cavity formation alone, with either decreased or no
      enhancement. CONCLUSION: This report describes the time course of the imaging
      findings after LITT for drug-resistant epilepsy. The typical stages include rim
      enhancing lesion with minimal edema, followed by an increase in edema, to
      eventual gliosis and nonenhancing cavity formation. Radiologists need to be
      familiar with the postablation findings to minimize misdiagnosis and prevent
      unnecessary workup.

PMID- 27657930
TI  - Safety and efficacy of IIb/IIIa inhibitors in combination with highly active oral
      antiplatelet regimens in acute coronary syndromes: A meta-analysis of pivotal
      trials.
AB  - The risk and benefit of GP-IIb/IIIa Inhibition (GPI) in combination with recent
      antiplatelet regimens in acute coronary syndromes (ACS) remain unassessed. The
      advent of fast-acting highly active oral P2Y12 inhibitors questions the
      additional value and risk of their association with GPI. We studied the effect of
      GPI in combination with prasugrel and ticagrelor, compared to clopidogrel on
      major bleeding in pivotal randomized controlled trials in the setting of ACS,
      using a meta-analytic approach. A similar analysis, further including the
      comparison of a double versus standard dose clopidogrel regimen, was performed
      for the risk of the primary efficacy endpoint. The combination of GPI and recent
      P2Y12 inhibitors was associated with a similar risk of bleeding as compared with
      GPI and the standard clopidogrel regimen (RR 0.92 [0.74; 1.13]). The benefit of
      recent regimens, including double dose clopidogrel, in reducing the primary
      ischemic endpoint (RR 0.86 [0.78; 0.94]) persisted in those treated with GPI.
      Although GPI use was associated with a consistent increase in the risk of
      bleeding in both recent (RR 1.27 [1.05-1.55]) and standard regimens (RR 2.01
      [1.64-2.47]), the relative magnitude of such an increase was lower in association
      with prasugrel or ticagrelor as compared with clopidogrel. The risk of bleeding
      using a combination of GPI and oral antiplatelet regimens is mainly related to
      the use of GPI and not the oral antiplatelet regimen. Considering the absence of
      increased risk of bleeding and the persistence of the benefit of recent P2Y12
      regimens in combination with GPI as compared with the standard clopidogrel
      regimen, the use of such a combination within the guidelines is supported by our
      findings.

PMID- 27657932
TI  - A new direction for spreading depolarization: Investigation in the fly brain.

PMID- 27657931
TI  - Comparison of Integrated Responses to Nonlethal and Lethal Hypothermal Stress in
      Milkfish (Chanos chanos): A Proteomics Study.
AB  - Milkfish is an important aquaculture species in Taiwan, and its high mortality
      during cold snaps in winter usually causes huge economic losses. To understand
      the effect of hypothermal stress and the corresponding compensatory stress
      response in milkfish, this study aimed to compare liver and gill protein levels
      between milkfish exposed to nonlethal (18 degrees C), lethal (16 degrees C), and
      control (28 degrees C) temperatures. Using a proteomics approach based on two
      dimensional electrophoresis and nano-LC-MS/MS analysis, this study identified
      thirty unique protein spots from milkfish livers and gills for which protein
      abundance was significantly different between nonlethal, lethal, and control
      temperature groups. Proteins identified in the liver were classified into three
      different categories according to their cellular function: (1) anti-oxidative
      stress, (2) apoptotic pathway, and (3) cytoskeleton. Similarly, proteins
      identified in the gill were sorted in five different functional categories: (1)
      cytoskeleton, (2) immune response, (3) protein quality control, (4) energy
      production, and (5) intracellular homeostasis. Based on functional information
      derived from the identified proteins, we assumed that different levels of
      hypothermal stress had a different effect and induced a different cellular
      response. Upon nonlethal hypothermal stress, the identified proteins were
      involved in anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammation pathways, suggesting that
      milkfish had high levels of oxidative stress in the liver and exhibited
      inflammation response in the gill. Upon lethal hypothermal stress, however,
      identified proteins were associated with apoptosis in the liver and regulation of
      intracellular homeostasis in the gill. The present study provided evidence to
      illustrate different multi-physiological responses to nonlethal and lethal
      hypothermal stress in milkfish livers and gills.

PMID- 27657934
TI  - The impact of assistive technology services in post-secondary education for
      students with disabilities: Intervention outcomes, use-profiles, and user
      experiences.
AB  - The outcomes of assistive technology (AT) support services for post-secondary
      education students with disabilities are under-reported, and little is known
      about use-profiles and user experiences when AT interventions are applied to this
      rapidly growing population. We examined AT service outcomes related to
      performance and satisfaction of common academic tasks (using the Canadian
      Occupational Performance Measure [COPM]), as well as how students with
      disabilities use and experience AT and AT services (employing an AT-use survey).
      Three-hundred fifty-three students with disabilities completed the AT-use survey,
      with a subset of these (n = 216) also participating with pre-post AT intervention
      COPM assessment. COPM performance and satisfaction ratings significantly
      increased from pre- to post-AT intervention in all academic task categories
      (reading, writing, note-taking, test-taking, and studying; p < 0.001). The AT-use
      survey most notably revealed these students preferred face-to-face training, used
      their AT at least 3 days per week, used AT in a variety of environments, felt AT
      positively impacted their academic success, and believed they would continue
      using AT post-graduation. The study findings contribute to evidence-base for AT
      services with a hope we may improve AT services to best meet the changing needs
      of the growing number of college students with disabilities.

PMID- 27657933
TI  - Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Insertion/Deletion Polymorphism and Susceptibility
      to Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Case-Control Study and Meta-Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies of angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion/deletion (ACE I/D)
      polymorphisms and the risks of knee osteoarthritis (OA) have yielded conflicting
      results. OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between ACE I/D and knee OA, we
      conducted a combined case-control study and meta-analysis. METHODS: For the case
      control study, 447 knee OA cases and 423 healthy controls were recruited between
      March 2010 and July 2011. Knee OA cases were defined using the Kellgren-Lawrence
      grading system, and the ACE I/D genotype was determined using a standard
      polymerase chain reaction. The association between ACE I/D and knee OA was
      detected using allele, genotype, dominant, and recessive models. For the meta
      analysis, PubMed and Embase databases were systematically searched for
      prospective observational studies published up until August 2015. Studies of ACE
      I/D and knee OA with sufficient data were selected. Pooled results were expressed
      as odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the D
      versus I allele with regard to knee OA risk. RESULTS: We found no significant
      association between the D allele and knee OA [OR: 1.09 (95% CI: 0.76-1.89)] in
      the present case-control study, and the results of other genetic models were also
      nonsignificant. Five current studies were included, and there were a total of six
      study populations after including our case-control study (1165 cases and 1029
      controls). In the meta-analysis, the allele model also yielded nonsignificant
      results [OR: 1.37 (95% CI: 0.95-1.99)] and a high heterogeneity (I2: 87.2%).
      CONCLUSIONS: The association between ACE I/D and knee OA tended to yield negative
      results. High heterogeneity suggests a complex, multifactorial mechanism, and an
      epistasis analysis of ACE I/D and knee OA should therefore be conducted.

PMID- 27657938
TI  - Ready to do battle.
AB  - Last week, the Northern Regional Health Authority announced 180 redundant posts
      including the entire regional nursing staff. The move was part of the
      government's edict last month to slim down regions.

PMID- 27657935
TI  - Association between the HFE C282Y, H63D Polymorphisms and the Risks of Non
      Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Liver Cirrhosis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma: An
      Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 5,758 Cases and 14,741 Controls.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Conflicting results have been obtained for the association between
      two common polymorphisms (C282Y, H63D) of human HFE (hereditary hemochromatosis)
      gene and the risks of the liver diseases, including non-alcoholic fatty liver
      disease (NAFLD), liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: An
      updated systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the
      potential role of HFE polymorphisms in the susceptibility to NAFLD, liver
      cirrhosis and HCC. After retrieving articles from online databases, eligible
      studies were enrolled according to the selection criteria. Stata/SE 12.0 software
      was utilized to perform the statistical analysis. RESULTS: In total, 43 articles
      with 5,758 cases and 14,741 controls were selected. Compared with the control
      group, a significantly increased risk of NAFLD was observed for the C282Y
      polymorphism in the Caucasian population under all genetic models and for the
      H63D polymorphism under the allele, heterozygote and dominant models (all OR>1,
      Passociation<0.05). However, no significant difference between liver cirrhosis
      cases and the control group was observed for HFE C282Y and H63D (all
      Passociation>0.05). In addition, we found that HFE C282Y was statistically
      associated with increased HCC susceptibility in the overall population, while
      H63D increased the odds of developing non-cirrhotic HCC in the African population
      (all OR>1, Passociation<0.05). Moreover, a positive association between compound
      heterozygosity for C282Y/H63D and the risk of NAFLD and HCC, but not liver
      cirrhosis, was observed. CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis provides evidence that the
      HFE C282Y and H63D polymorphisms confer increased genetic susceptibility to NAFLD
      and HCC but not liver cirrhosis. Additional well-powered studies are required to
      confirm our conclusion.

PMID- 27657940
TI  - Mass redundancies at Northern Region.
AB  - The Northern Regional Health Authority provoked outrage last week when it
      announced 180 redundant posts including the entire nursing division.

PMID- 27657936
TI  - A Nerve Conduit Containing a Vascular Bundle and Implanted With Bone Marrow
      Stromal Cells and Decellularized Allogenic Nerve Matrix.
AB  - Cells, scaffolds, growth factors, and vascularity are essential for nerve
      regeneration. Previously, we reported that the insertion of a vascular bundle and
      the implantation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) into a
      nerve conduit promoted peripheral nerve regeneration. In this study, the efficacy
      of nerve conduits containing a vascular bundle, BM-MSCs, and thermally
      decellularized allogenic nerve matrix (DANM) was investigated using a rat sciatic
      nerve model with a 20-mm defect. Lewis rats were used as the sciatic nerve model
      and for the preparation of BM-MSCs, and Dark Agouti rats were used for the
      preparation of the DANM. The revascularization and the immunogenicity of the DANM
      were investigated histologically. The regeneration of nerves through nerve
      conduits containing vessels, BM-MSCs, and DANM (VBD group) was evaluated based on
      electrophysiological, morphometric, and reinnervated muscle weight measurements
      and compared with that of vessel-containing conduits that were implanted with BM
      MSCs (VB group). The DANM that was implanted into vessel-containing tubes (VCTs)
      was revascularized by neovascular vessels that originated from the inserted
      vascular bundle 5-7 days after surgery. The number of CD8+ cells found in the
      DANM in the VCT was significantly smaller than that detected in the untreated
      allogenic nerve segment. The regenerated nerve in the VBD group was significantly
      superior to that in the VB group with regard to the amplitude of the compound
      muscle action potential detected in the pedal adductor muscle; the number,
      diameter, and myelin thickness of the myelinated axons; and the tibialis anterior
      muscle weight at 12 and 24 weeks. The additional implantation of the DANM into
      the BM-MSC-implanted VCT optimized the axonal regeneration through the conduit.
      Nerve conduits constructed with vascularity, cells, and scaffolds could be an
      effective strategy for the treatment of peripheral nerve injuries with
      significant segmental defects.

PMID- 27657939
TI  - Staff 'duped' into accepting rationing.
AB  - Nurses and doctors 'seduced' into seeing rationing in the NHS as inevitable are
      accepting inadequate funding for health care, RCN General Secretary Christine
      Hancock said at a British Medical Association debate last week.

PMID- 27657942
TI  - Review of MH nurses' education needed.
AB  - Purchasing trends in the NHS mean a radical review is required of the way mental
      handicap nurses are prepared for practice, a DoH conference on the future of the
      specialty heard last week.

PMID- 27657937
TI  - Forecasting Human African Trypanosomiasis Prevalences from Population Screening
      Data Using Continuous Time Models.
AB  - To eliminate and eradicate gambiense human African trypanosomiasis (HAT),
      maximizing the effectiveness of active case finding is of key importance. The
      progression of the epidemic is largely influenced by the planning of these
      operations. This paper introduces and analyzes five models for predicting HAT
      prevalence in a given village based on past observed prevalence levels and past
      screening activities in that village. Based on the quality of prevalence level
      predictions in 143 villages in Kwamouth (DRC), and based on the theoretical
      foundation underlying the models, we consider variants of the Logistic Model-a
      model inspired by the SIS epidemic model-to be most suitable for predicting HAT
      prevalence levels. Furthermore, we demonstrate the applicability of this model to
      predict the effects of planning policies for screening operations. Our analysis
      yields an analytical expression for the screening frequency required to reach
      eradication (zero prevalence) and a simple approach for determining the frequency
      required to reach elimination within a given time frame (one case per 10000).
      Furthermore, the model predictions suggest that annual screening is only expected
      to lead to eradication if at least half of the cases are detected during the
      screening rounds. This paper extends knowledge on control strategies for HAT and
      serves as a basis for further modeling and optimization studies.

PMID- 27657943
TI  - ?
AB  - Travel sick: Hundreds of travellers lobbied Parliament last week to fight
      proposals to change the 1968 Caravan Sites Act. The pressure group Maternity
      Alliance has warned that the plan could endanger the health of traveller mothers
      and babies.

PMID- 27657944
TI  - Jobs to go as London Trust relocates services.
AB  - More than 80 nurses and midwives are to lose their jobs as a London Trust
      hospital relocates its services, the RCN claimed last week.

PMID- 27657945
TI  - GP practice expelled after overspending.
AB  - The expulsion of a Sheffield practice from the GP fundholding scheme for failing
      to manage its budget could be the first of many, a nursing union has warned.

PMID- 27657948
TI  - Educators to help audit performance.
AB  - The English National Board is to ask educational institutions to help evaluate
      its performance in validating courses.

PMID- 27657946
TI  - Unions threaten legal action to speed up grading appeals.
AB  - Nurses unions are considering legal action to speed up the clinical grading
      appeals process after talks with the management side failed in reaching an
      agreement.

PMID- 27657949
TI  - Jobs threatened by plans to contract out.
AB  - Plans by Eastbourne Health Authority to award an elderly care contract to a
      private company could lead to job losses and may be detrimental to patients, the
      RCN has warned.

PMID- 27657951
TI  - ?
AB  - End product: A document celebrating the English National Board's tenth
      anniversary was launched last week at a dinner to mark the end of its term of
      office. From left are English National Board Chief Executive Tony Smith, ENB
      Chair Jean Hooper. United Kingdom Central Council Chair Dame Audrey Emerton and
      Chief Nursing Officer Yvonne Moores.

PMID- 27657950
TI  - ENB condemns new draft of Strategy as too political.
AB  - A Department of Health redrafting of the 1989 'Strategy for Nursing' has been
      condemned by the ENB for focusing on political issues, with too little reference
      to the contribution of the nursing professions.

PMID- 27657952
TI  - Helping relatives of people in nursing homes.
AB  - People with elderly parents in nursing homes should not feel guilty if their
      relatives are unhappy, a report by The Relatives Association says. Instead they
      should get 'on the inside' of homes and work with owners to improve the
      situation'.

PMID- 27657953
TI  - Mothers need more choice.
AB  - Midwives have no right to impose their views on mothers even if the mother's
      choice may put herself and her baby at greater risk, a King's Fund Centre report
      says.

PMID- 27657954
TI  - Dramatic number of cuts in school nurse posts revealed.
AB  - The number of school nurses has been slashed by a fifth since the government came
      to power, it emerged last week.

PMID- 27657955
TI  - Mental disorder committee gets one nurse.
AB  - The appointment of only one nurse to a 28-strong government advisory committee on
      mentally disordered offenders was labelled 'most disappointing' last week by the
      Royal College of Nursing.

PMID- 27657956
TI  - ?
AB  - Nurses from Dublin's St James Hospital at the funeral of Valerie Place, the Irish
      nurse murdered in Somalia last month. Ms Place was working for the humanitarian
      organisation Concern.

PMID- 27657958
TI  - Parliament.
AB  - Health Secretary Virginia Bottomley is being urged to consider emergency funding
      to help cash-strapped hospitals continue to treat patients.

PMID- 27657959
TI  - Link between leukaemia and nuclear industry.
AB  - Children of men who work in the nuclear industry may be at increased risk of
      leukaemia even if their fathers worked in areas where monitored radiation levels
      were low, evidence from the Imperial Cancer Research Fund suggests.

PMID- 27657960
TI  - Increased risk of coronary disease.
AB  - People who switch to margarine and other foods containing partially hydrogenated
      vegetable oils may run an increased risk of heart disease, new research suggests.

PMID- 27657961
TI  - ?
AB  - White blood cells from a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, a condition
      which may be linked to parental occupation, according to new research.

PMID- 27657962
TI  - Recommendation for licensed nicotine patches.
AB  - Practice nurses should recommend only licensed nicotine patches available in
      pharmacies, doctors at the National Addiction Centre warned last week.

PMID- 27657963
TI  - Fight against skin treatment cutbacks.
AB  - Dermatology nurses are fighting government plans to cut back on the range of skin
      treatments available on prescription from family doctors.

PMID- 27657964
TI  - Changing nurses' pay.
AB  - Several key elements in the government's NHS reforms are making an impact on
      nurses' pay. In particular, the creation of the internal market, in which the
      roles of purchasers and providers of health services are separated and are
      governed by the contracting process, gives providers an incentive to minimise the
      costs of their activities. With the nursing paybill accounting for roughly a
      third of the running costs of units, it is inevitable that tighter control of the
      wage bill directly through pay levels or indirectly through re-profiling will be
      seen as one way of gaining 'competitive' advantage.

PMID- 27657965
TI  - Family versus education dilemma.
AB  - As a mother of four, I was attracted to Project 2000 by brochures implying that I
      would be more than two years into the course before I had to start working
      shifts, and that I would receive seven weeks' holiday a year.

PMID- 27657966
TI  - No work after education?
AB  - I empathise with Katie Wood and appreciate her difficulties (Finished after
      finals? Nurses work campaign, February 17). Since qualifying as an RGN in Bristol
      in November 1991, I moved to Gloucestershire as no vacancies existed at Frenchay
      Hospital where I was a student.

PMID- 27657967
TI  - Nursing advisory group.
AB  - While Hugh Chadderton et al listed ways in which nurses can contribute to the
      purchasing cycle (Role of nurses in health purchasing, Clinical February 24), I
      would like to highlight another method we have developed in Camden and Islington 
      the commissioning nursing advisory group.

PMID- 27657968
TI  - No radioactivity in dye.
AB  - I enjoyed Patricia Johnson's article on laporoscopic cholecystectomy (Clinical,
      February 17), but I feel I must make clear chat the 'radioactive opaque dye' used
      to demonstrate the biliary tree on X-ray is not in fact radioactive.

PMID- 27657969
TI  - Wrong time, wrong name.
AB  - Having just read Alan Glasper's Viewpoint, Write off sisters, (February 24), I
      feel compelled to say that he has missed the point.

PMID- 27657970
TI  - Congratulations on conference success.
AB  - On behalf of the RCN Ethics Forum, I would like to congratulate the Isle of Man
      Branch on the success of its recent three-day conference on the value of nursing.

PMID- 27657971
TI  - Poor standards do exist.
AB  - I feel I must respond to the comments made by angry care home owners and staff
      regarding my article, A poor substitute for care (News features January 20).

PMID- 27657972
TI  - All carers together after all.
AB  - It was good to read Josephine Greenan's over-the-top opinions on NHS nurses being
      pampered (Levels of skill in nursing homes, Letters, March 3). A little dispute,
      criticism and debate can be most helpful and stimulating.

PMID- 27657973
TI  - Your tributes.
AB  - * Dr Mo-Im Kim, President of the International Council of Nurses, has asked me to
      convey her deepest sympathy and that of the ICN Board of Directors and staff on
      the death of Robert Tiffany.

PMID- 27657974
TI  - Multiskilling and other hot air.
AB  - Hi there, Health Care Workers. How did you get on introducing multiskilling to
      your New Nursing Units?

PMID- 27657975
TI  - Let Me Decide Let Me Decide W Molloy V Mepham Penguin 48pp L3-99 0-14-017896-1.
AB  - Given recent events which have further fuelled debate about the status of
      advanced directives in health care, the publication of Let Me Decideis most
      timely. It offers simple yet erudite guidelines for preparing a document to
      indicate your wishes in the event of incapacity or crisis. Formerly, this
      approach was called a 'living will', but William Molloy and Virginia Mepham
      prefer to call it a 'let me decide' directive.

PMID- 27657977
TI  - Working towards Independence Working towards Independence J Carr S Collins
      Jessica Kingsley 266pp L14.95 1-8530-2140-7 [Formula: see text].
AB  - If there were a bestseller list for practical books relating to behavioural
      methods of teaching people with learning disabilities, then the works of Janet
      Carr would justifiably occupy the top places.

PMID- 27657976
TI  - Shattering the glass ceiling - the woman manager M J Davidson Shattering the
      Glass Ceiling - the Woman Manager C L Cooper Paul Chapman Publ 184pp L12.95 1
      85396-132-9.
AB  - Shattering the Glass Ceiling - the Woman managercould not have been published at
      a more opportune time. Mrs Bottomley, Secretary of State, has just announced a
      new bursary for nurses to provide them with the opportunity to undertake Masters
      in Business Administration degrees and, therefore, equip themselves with the
      academic knowledge and qualifications to compete for senior management posts in
      the NHS.

PMID- 27657978
TI  - Career listings.
AB  - Nursing Standard regrets that it is no longer able to take listings over the
      telephone because of unprecedented demand. Readers are reminded that the listings
      section is for the use of charitable and professional organisations, unions and
      health authorities to publicise forthcoming events. Listings should contain all
      relevant details and be posted or faxed to Susan Bloodworth, Nursing Standard,
      Viking House, 17-19 Peterborough Road, Harrow, Middlesex HA1 2AX. Fax: 081-423
      3867.

PMID- 27657979
TI  - Web-based trauma intervention for veterans has physical health payoff in
      randomized trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: PTSD and depression are related to perceived physical health
      impairment in veterans, but little is known about the effects of psychological
      treatment on impairment. We examined the impact of an interactive online
      treatment for veterans with trauma-related distress, including (a) whether
      treatment effects include reduced perceived physical impairment, and (b) how
      these treatment effects are related to symptoms of PTSD and depression. METHOD: A
      randomized controlled trial assessed the impact on perceived physical health
      impairment of interactive online treatment for veterans with symptoms of PTSD and
      depression. Veterans were randomized to either the Vets Prevail program (n =
      209), or a no-treatment control (n = 94) completing measures of depression and
      PTSD symptomology as well as perceived physical health impairment at 6 and 12
      weeks following baseline assessment We conducted a series of multiple and single
      mediation analyses to examine how the effects of Vets Prevail on these outcomes
      are related. RESULTS: Compared with control, Vets Prevail was (a) associated with
      significant reductions in perceived physical health impairment, and (b) this
      relationship was mediated by reductions in symptoms of PTSD, but not depression.
      Further analysis showed that perceived physical health impairment also mediated
      the relationships between intervention and PTSD and depression symptoms.
      CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicate that Vets Prevail reduces perceptions of physical
      health impairment by reducing PTSD symptomology. It is also possible that
      treatment initiated more complex, bidirectional relationships such that
      improvements in psychological distress and in perceived physical health
      impairment reinforced each other over time. Findings demonstrate that Vets
      Prevail may help veterans overcome traditional barriers to care and achieve
      improvements in multiple areas of functioning. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27657980
TI  - Urea Mimics Nucleobases by Preserving the Helical Integrity of B-DNA Duplexes via
      Hydrogen Bonding and Stacking Interactions.
AB  - Urea lesions are formed in DNA because of free radical damage of the thymine
      base, and their occurrence in DNA blocks DNA polymerases, which has deleterious
      consequences. Recently, it has been shown that urea is capable of forming
      hydrogen bonding and stacking interactions with nucleobases, which are
      responsible for the unfolding of RNA in aqueous urea. Base pairing and stacking
      are inherent properties of nucleobases; because urea is able to form both, this
      study attempts to investigate if urea can mimic nucleobases in the context of
      nucleic acid structures by examining the effect of introducing urea lesions
      complementary to the four different nucleobases on the overall helical integrity
      of B-DNA duplexes and their thermodynamic stabilities using molecular dynamics
      (MD) simulations. The MD simulations resulted in stable duplexes without
      significant changes in the global B-DNA conformation. The urea lesions occupy
      intrahelical positions by forming hydrogen bonds with nitrogenous nucleobases, in
      agreement with experimental results. Furthermore, these urea lesions form
      hydrogen bonding and stacking interactions with other nucleobases of the same and
      partner strands, analogous to nucleobases in typical B-DNA duplexes. Direct
      hydrogen bond interactions are observed for the urea-purine pairs within DNA
      duplexes, whereas two different modes of pairing, namely, direct hydrogen bonds
      and water-mediated hydrogen bonds, are observed for the urea-pyrimidine pairs.
      The latter explains the complexities involved in interpreting the experimental
      nuclear magnetic resonance data reported previously. Binding free energy
      calculations were further performed to confirm the thermodynamic stability of the
      urea-incorporated DNA duplexes with respect to pure duplexes. This study suggests
      that urea mimics nucleobases by pairing opposite all four nucleobases and
      maintains the overall structure of the B-DNA duplexes.

PMID- 27657982
TI  - Molecules empowering animals to sense and respond to temperature in changing
      environments.
AB  - Adapting behavior to thermal cues is essential for animal growth and survival.
      Indeed, each and every biological and biochemical process is profoundly affected
      by temperature and its extremes can cause irreversible damage. Hence, animals
      have developed thermotransduction mechanisms to detect and encode thermal
      information in the nervous system and acclimation mechanisms to finely tune their
      response over different timescales. While temperature-gated TRP channels are the
      best described class of temperature sensors, recent studies highlight many new
      candidates, including ionotropic and metabotropic receptors. Here, we review
      recent findings in vertebrate and invertebrate models, which highlight and
      substantiate the role of new candidate molecular thermometers and reveal
      intracellular signaling mechanisms implicated in thermal acclimation at the
      behavioral and cellular levels.

PMID- 27657981
TI  - Adapting a couple-based intimacy enhancement intervention to breast cancer: A
      developmental study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Sexual concerns continue to be poorly addressed for women treated for
      breast cancer and evidence-based interventions that adequately address these
      concerns are scarce. The objective of this study was to adapt a telephone-based
      intimacy enhancement intervention, previously tested in couples facing colorectal
      cancer, to the needs of women with breast cancer through qualitative focus
      groups, cognitive interviews, and expert review. METHOD: Three semistructured
      qualitative focus groups in partnered posttreatment breast cancer survivors (n =
      15) reporting sexual concerns were conducted to investigate experiences of breast
      cancer-related sexual concerns and intervention preferences. Focus group data
      were coded using the framework approach to qualitative analysis; 8 key themes
      were identified and used to develop the content and format of the intervention.
      Feedback from cognitive interviews with study-naive breast cancer survivors (n =
      4) and expert review of materials were also incorporated in finalizing the
      intervention materials. RESULTS: Qualitative findings centered on the impact of
      breast cancer and its treatment on women's sexuality and on the intimate
      relationship, experiences of helpful and unhelpful coping methods, and explicit
      intervention preferences. Focus group data were particularly helpful in
      identifying the scope of educational topics and in determining how to structure
      intervention skills practice (e.g., intimacy-related communication) to be
      optimally relevant and helpful for both women and their partners. Cognitive
      interview feedback helped refine intervention materials. CONCLUSION: An intimacy
      enhancement intervention was adapted for women with breast cancer and their
      partners. This intervention offers a promising, potentially disseminable approach
      to addressing breast cancer-related sexual concerns. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27657983
TI  - Metabolomic analysis of NAD kinase-deficient mutants of the cyanobacterium
      Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803.
AB  - NAD kinase (NADK) phosphorylates NAD(H) to NADP(H). The enzyme has a crucial role
      in the regulation of the NADP(H)/NAD(H) ratio in various organisms. The
      unicellular cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 possesses two NADK-encoding
      genes, sll1415 and slr0400. To elucidate the metabolic change in NADK-deficient
      mutants growing under photoautotrophic conditions, we conducted metabolomic
      analysis using capillary electrophoresis mass spectrometry (CE-MS). The growth
      curves of the wild-type parent (WT) and NADK-deficient mutants (Delta1415 and
      Delta0400) did not show any differences under photoautotrophic conditions. The
      NAD(P)(H) balance showed abnormality in both mutants. However, only the
      metabolite pattern of Delta0400 showed differences compared to WT. These results
      indicated that the two NADK isoforms have distinct functions in cyanobacterial
      metabolism.

PMID- 27657984
TI  - TRPV1: A Potential Therapeutic Target for Myocardial Infarction?

PMID- 27657985
TI  - Comparative pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic evaluation between a new
      biosimilar and reference recombinant human growth hormone.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To extend available dosing options in the treatment of growth hormone
      deficiency, a comparative pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic phase-1 clinical
      study involving subcutaneous administration of growth hormone was conducted.
      DESIGN: The test formulation (biosimilar recombinant human growth hormone; r-hGH;
      Somatotropin) and reference formulation (Genotropin(r)) were tested in 38 adult
      healthy subjects after their subcutaneous administration of 12.8IU in an open
      label, single dose, randomized, two period cross over study separated with a
      washout period of 11days. Endogenous growth hormone release was suppressed by a
      continuous Octreotide infusion up to 24h after r-hGH administration. All the
      subjects were evaluated for local tolerance using Wong-Baker Faces pain rating
      scale and an injection site reaction (ISR) score. Detection of serum levels of r
      hGH, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and insulin-like growth factor binding
      protein-3 (IGFBP-3) was done by suitable validated bio-analytical methods.
      Assessment of bioequivalence for pharmacokinetic parameters was done using log
      transformed area under the curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax) for r
      hGH. The pharmacodynamic assessment was done by comparing the area under the
      effect-time curve (AUEClast) and maximum measured effect concentration (Emax) of
      IGF-1 and IGFBP-3. RESULTS: The biosimilar formulation of recombinant human
      growth hormone fulfilled the predefined bioequivalence criteria for
      pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters. CONCLUSION: The new biosimilar
      recombinant human growth hormone bears the potential to become an alternative
      option for the treatment of growth hormone deficiency.

PMID- 27657987
TI  - Broad-Spectrum Noncompetitive Immunocomplex Immunoassay for Cyanobacterial
      Peptide Hepatotoxins (Microcystins and Nodularins).
AB  - A broad-spectrum noncompetitive immunoassay allowing sensitive and simple
      detection of a group of similar compounds would be an ideal tool for screening
      low-molecular weight analytes (<2000 Da) having many variants. However, the
      development of an essential antibody pair capable of sandwich-type recognition of
      the analytes' small generic core structure is a demanding task due to limited
      space available for simultaneous binding of two different antibodies. We report
      here a generic noncompetitive assay for cyanobacterial microcystins (MCs) and
      nodularins (Nod), a group of structurally related small cyclic peptides (~1000
      Da) with more than 100 naturally occurring analogs. The assay is based on the
      unique combination of a generic anti-immunocomplex (anti-IC) single-chain
      fragment of antibody variable domain (scFv) and a monoclonal antibody capable of
      binding to an Adda-group (3-amino-9-methoxy-2,6,8-trimethyl-10-phenyldeca
      4(E),6(E)-dienoic acid) present in all MCs/Nod. The anti-IC scFv was isolated
      from a large synthetic antibody library with phage display and used to develop a
      single-step sandwich-type noncompetitive immunocomplex assay. The sensitive time
      resolved immunofluorometry-based assay is capable of detecting all the 11 tested
      commonly occurring hepatotoxins (MC-LR, -dmlR, -RR, -dmRR, -LA, -LY, -LF, -LW, 
      YR, -WR, and Nod-R) at concentration below 0.1 MUg/L in a 1 h assay. Using MC-LR,
      the most studied toxic and widely distributed of the toxins, the calculated
      detection limits (based on blank + 3SD response) are ~0.026 MUg/L in 1 h and ~0.1
      MUg/L in 10 min assay time. This is by far the fastest reported immunoassay for
      MCs and Nod with a detection limit far below the World Health Organization's
      guideline limit (1 MUg/L of MC-LR equivalent in drinking water). The assay was
      validated with spiked tap and lake water as well as with environmental surface
      water samples. The developed assay provides a simple, rapid, and highly sensitive
      tool for the quantitative detection of MCs/Nod with the additional benefit of
      automation and high-throughput possibilities for large scale screening of
      drinking and environmental surface water samples. Furthermore, the study
      describes the first demonstration of the assay intended for the detection of an
      analyte group comprising similar low-molecular weight compounds exhibiting the
      benefits of a reagent excess type assay.

PMID- 27657988
TI  - Forest soils in France are sequestering substantial amounts of carbon.
AB  - The aim of this study was to assess whether French forest soils are sources or
      sinks of carbon and to quantify changes in soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks over
      time by resampling soil in long-term forest monitoring plots. Within each plot,
      and for each survey, soils were sampled at five points selected in five subplots
      and divided into layers. Composite samples were produced for each layer and
      subplot, then analysed for mass, bulk density and SOC. Linear mixed models were
      used to estimate SOC changes over 15years between two soil surveys carried out in
      102 plots in France. A factor analysis and a budget approach were also used to
      identify which factors and processes were primarily responsible for SOC dynamics.
      Forest soils throughout France substantially accumulated SOC (+0.35MgCha-1yr-1)
      between 1993 and 2012. The SOC sequestration rate declined with stand age and was
      affected by stand structure. Uneven-aged stands sequestered more SOC than did
      even-aged stands (p<0.001). For the forest floor, the SOC sequestration rate
      estimated by the budget approach was in agreement with that based on stock
      comparison. This increasing SOC stock in the forest floor can be explained by
      recent changes in certain factors affecting litter decomposition (climate and
      litter quality). For the mineral soil, the budget approach was unable to
      replicate the observed SOC sequestration rate, probably because SOC stocks were
      not yet at equilibrium with litter inputs at the beginning of the monitoring
      period (contrary to our steady-state assumption). This explanation is also
      supported by the fact that the SOC sequestration rate decreased with stand age.
      As the SOC sequestration rate declines with stand age and is higher in uneven
      aged stands, forest management has the potential to influence this carbon sink.

PMID- 27657986
TI  - Genetics of gigantism and acromegaly.
AB  - Gigantism and acromegaly are rare disorders that are caused by excessive GH
      secretion and/or high levels of its mediator, IGF-1. Gigantism occurs when excess
      GH or IGF-1 lead to increased linear growth, before the end of puberty and
      epiphyseal closure. The majority of cases arise from a benign GH-secreting
      pituitary adenoma, with an incidence of pituitary gigantism and acromegaly of
      approximately 8 and 11 per million person-years, respectively. Over the past two
      decades, our increasing understanding of the molecular and genetic etiologies of
      pituitary gigantism and acromegaly yielded several genetic causes, including
      multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 and 4, McCune-Albright syndrome, Carney
      complex, familial isolated pituitary adenoma, pituitary adenoma association due
      to defects in familial succinate dehydrogenase genes, and the recently identified
      X-linked acrogigantism. The early diagnosis of these conditions helps guide early
      intervention, screening, and genetic counseling of patients and their family
      members. In this review, we provide a concise and up-to-date discussion on the
      genetics of gigantism and acromegaly.

PMID- 27657989
TI  - Multi-faceted monitoring of estuarine turbidity and particulate matter
      provenance: Case study from Salem Harbor, USA.
AB  - Turbidity is a water quality parameter that is known to adversely affect aquatic
      systems, however the causes of turbid water are often elusive. We present results
      of a study designed to constrain the source of particulate matter in a coastal
      embayment that has suffered from increased turbidity over past decades. Our
      approach utilized monitoring buoys to quantify turbidity at high temporal
      resolution complemented by geochemical isotope analysis of suspended sediment
      samples and meteorological data. Results reveal a complex system in which
      multiple sources are associated with particulate matter. Weight of evidence
      demonstrates that phytoplankton productivity in the water column, however, is the
      dominant source of particulate matter associated with elevated turbidity in Salem
      Harbor, Massachusetts. Allochthonous matter from the watershed was observed to
      mix into the pool of suspended particulate matter near river mouths, especially
      in spring and summer. Resuspension of harbor surface sediments likely provides
      additional particulates in the regions of boat moorings, especially during summer
      when recreational boats are attached to moorings. Our approach allows us to
      constrain the causes of turbidity events in this embayment, is helping with
      conservation efforts of environmental quality in the region, and can be used as a
      template for other locations.

PMID- 27657990
TI  - Hydropeaking mitigation project on a multi-purpose hydro-scheme on Valsura River
      in South Tyrol/Italy.
AB  - A hydropeaking mitigation project on Valsura River in the Italians Alps is
      described. The project is of particular interest due to several aspects. First of
      all, the Valsura torrent has unique morphological braiding characteristics, which
      are unique in the reach of Adige valley between Merano and Bolzano, and has a
      good reproduction potential for fish, especially in the terminal stretch along a
      biotope before its confluence with Adige River. Moreover, the Valsura hydropower
      cascade, which overall consists of six high-head hydropower plants, has an
      exceptional economic importance for the local hydropower industry. Lastly, the
      last HPP on the cascade is a multipurpose plant, so that interesting interactions
      between hydropeaking mitigation, irrigation supply and peak energy production are
      considered. The project started from a hydrological and a limnological measuring
      campaign and from an energetic, hydraulic and legislative framework analysis. The
      ecological findings are combined into a deficit analysis, founding the basis for
      the definition of a hydrological target state, which points to achieve a good
      natural reproduction for brown trout in the hydropeaked stretch, fulfilling at
      the same time the human safety conditions. Finally, mitigation Measures are
      described that at the same time comply with the following manifold aspects: a.
      maintenance of the requested target limits for fish reproduction; b. maintenance
      of the water release for the agricultural irrigation; c. enhancement of the
      flexibility of the hydropower plant's operation; d. reduction of the risk for
      local population. The paper compares operational and constructive mitigation
      measures and shows that constructive hydropeaking mitigation measures, for the
      present case study, can combine the positive effects of ecological improvement
      with higher safety standards and more flexible energy production.

PMID- 27657991
TI  - Community-weighted mean of leaf traits and divergence of wood traits predict
      aboveground biomass in secondary subtropical forests.
AB  - Subtropical forests are globally important in providing ecological goods and
      services, but it is not clear whether functional diversity and composition can
      predict aboveground biomass in such forests. We hypothesized that high
      aboveground biomass is associated with high functional divergence (FDvar, i.e.,
      niche complementarity) and community-weighted mean (CWM, i.e., mass ratio;
      communities dominated by a single plant strategy) of trait values. Structural
      equation modeling was employed to determine the direct and indirect effects of
      stand age and the residual effects of CWM and FDvar on aboveground biomass across
      31 plots in secondary forests in subtropical China. The CWM model accounted for
      78, 20, 6 and 2% of the variation in aboveground biomass, nitrogen concentration
      in young leaf, plant height and specific leaf area of young leaf, respectively.
      The FDvar model explained 74, 13, 7 and 0% of the variation in aboveground
      biomass, plant height, twig wood density and nitrogen concentration in young
      leaf, respectively. The variation in aboveground biomass, CWM of leaf nitrogen
      concentration and specific leaf area, and FDvar of plant height, twig wood
      density and nitrogen concentration in young leaf explained by the joint model was
      86, 20, 13, 7, 2 and 0%, respectively. Stand age had a strong positive direct
      effect but low indirect positive effects on aboveground biomass. Aboveground
      biomass was negatively related to CWM of nitrogen concentration in young leaf,
      but positively related to CWM of specific leaf area of young leaf and plant
      height, and FDvar of plant height, twig wood density and nitrogen concentration
      in young leaf. Leaf and wood economics spectra are decoupled in regulating the
      functionality of forests, communities with diverse species but high nitrogen
      conservative and light acquisitive strategies result in high aboveground biomass,
      and hence, supporting both the mass ratio and niche complementarity hypotheses in
      secondary subtropical forests.

PMID- 27657994
TI  - Antioxidant Enzyme Activity and Cognition in Obese Individuals with or without
      Metabolic Risk Factors.
AB  - Background: The metabolic syndrome may be associated with cognitive impairment
      and increased oxidative stress. Aim: To document the association between
      metabolic syndrome, cognitive impairment and oxidative stress activity in
      metabolically healthy obese and in metabolically unhealthy obese individuals.
      Methods: 60 obese individuals aged (49+/-10 years, 52% male) were enrolled.
      Obesity was defined as BMI>30. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to ATP
      III guidelines. Obese individuals were divided into 2 groups: Group 1,
      metabolically healthy obese (<=2 components of metabolic syndrome), and Group 2,
      metabolically unhealthy obese (>2 components of metabolic syndrome). Cognitive
      dysfunction was determined by Montreal cognitive assessment score. Liver Fibro
      scan (Elastography), Inflammation (CRP), pro oxidants (MDA), antioxidant activity
      (SOD, PON, GSH, GPx) and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were measured. Results: Of
      the 30 metabolically unhealthy obese individuals, 13% developed dementia, 51% had
      mild cognitive impairment, and 36% had a normal cognitive score. In the
      metabolically healthy obese group, 3% developed dementia, 7% had mild cognitive
      impairment, and 90% had a normal cognitive score. There was a significant
      difference in liver stiffness (7+/-3 vs. 5.2+/-2.7 kpa, p<0.001), liver fat
      measurement (337+/-51 vs. 280+/-20 db/m, p<0.001), MDA (4.7+/-0.9 vs. 5.47+/-1.12
      mM, P<0.003), Glutathione GSH (27.2+/-2.4 vs. 28.4+/-2.3, P<0.03), CRP (9+/-6 vs.
      7+/-6 P<0.001) and insulin resistance (2.5+/-1 vs. 6+/-5.5 p<0.02) between the 2
      groups. Correlations were significant between GPx activity and liver stiffness
      (r=0.37), GPx activity and abdominal girth (r=-0.22) and glucose concentration
      and SOD activity (r=0.4). Multivariate analysis showed that HOMA-IR, MDA and GSH
      were the most powerful predictors of metabolically unhealthy obesity. Conclusion:
      There is a significant mild cognitive impairment and increased oxidative stress
      activity in the metabolically unhealthy obese. Whether treatment with anti
      oxidants improves cognitive dysfunction remains to be determined.

PMID- 27657992
TI  - The population impact of human papillomavirus/cytology cervical cotesting at 3
      year intervals: Reduced cervical cancer risk and decreased yield of precancer per
      screen.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objective of cervical screening is to detect and treat precancer
      to prevent cervical cancer mortality and morbidity while minimizing overtreatment
      of benign human papillomavirus (HPV) infections and related minor abnormalities.
      HPV/cytology cotesting at extended 5-year intervals currently is a recommended
      screening strategy in the United States, but the interval extension is
      controversial. In the current study, the authors examined the impact of a decade
      of an alternative, 3-year cotesting, on rates of precancer and cancer at Kaiser
      Permanente Northern California. The effect on screening efficiency, defined as
      numbers of cotests/colposcopy visits needed to detect a precancer, also was
      considered. METHODS: Two cohorts were defined. The "open cohort" included all
      women screened at least once during the study period; > 1 million cotests were
      performed. In a fixed "long-term screening cohort," the authors considered the
      cumulative impact of repeated screening at 3-year intervals by restricting the
      cohort to women first cotested in 2003 through 2004 (ie, no women entering
      screening later were added to this group). RESULTS: Detection of cervical
      intraepithelial neoplasia 3/adenocarcinoma in situ (CIN3/AIS) increased in the
      open cohort (2004-2006: 82.0/100,000 women screened; 2007-2009: 140.6/100,000
      women screened; and 2010-2012: 126.0/100,000 women screened); cancer diagnoses
      were unchanged. In the long-term screening cohort, the detection of CIN3/AIS
      increased and then decreased to the original level (2004-2006: 80.5/100,000 women
      screened; 2007-2009: 118.6/100,000 women screened; and 2010-2012: 84.9./100,000
      women screened). The number of cancer diagnoses was found to decrease. When
      viewed in terms of screening efficiency, the number of colposcopies performed to
      detect a single case of CIN3/AIS increased in the cohort with repeat screening.
      CONCLUSIONS: Repeated cotesting at a 3-year interval eventually lowers population
      rates of precancer and cancer. However, a greater number of colposcopies are
      required to detect a single precancer. Cancer 2016;122:3682-6. (c) 2016 American
      Cancer Society.

PMID- 27657995
TI  - Effects of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes on Proliferation and Differentiation
      Abilities of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Subcutaneous and Visceral
      Adipose Tissues.
AB  - Introduction: Accumulated evidence indicates that there are intrinsic differences
      between adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs) obtained from different body fat
      depots. Here, we compared the proliferation and multipotency of subcutaneous ASCs
      (SC-ASCs) and epididymal ASCs (ED-ASCs) before and after induction of diabetes by
      streptozotocin. Methods: The adipogenic and osteogenic abilities of rat SC-ASCs
      and ED-ASCs were evaluated using Oil Red O and Alizarin Red staining,
      respectively. The expression of adipocyte (PPAR-gamma, LPL) and osteoblast (ALP,
      SPP1) specific mRNAs was evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR. MTT test was
      used for determination of cell proliferation capacity. Results: The proliferation
      of SC-ASCs was higher than ED-ASCs, both before and after diabetes induction
      (P<0.05). Diabetes increased the proliferative capability of SC-ASCs (P<0.05) but
      not ED-ASCs. Before diabetes, both adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation of
      SC-ASCs were higher than ED-ASCs (P<0.05). After diabetes, both SC-ASCs and ED
      ASCs were able to differentiate into adipocyte and osteoblast, but the levels of
      differentiation were higher in SC-ASCs than in ED-ASCs (P<0.05). Diabetes
      decreased the expression of PPAR-gamma and LPL, but increased the SPP1 and ALP
      expression in both SC-ASCs and ED-ASCs. Conclusion: Our data suggested that
      diabetes increases the proliferation of ASCs but decreases their adipogenic
      differentiation. Also, SC-ASCs have higher proliferation and differentiation
      abilities than ED-ASCs in normal and diabetic conditions so can be more
      preferable for cell therapy.

PMID- 27657996
TI  - The Effect of Ezetimibe/Statin Combination and High-Dose Statin Therapy on
      Thyroid Autoimmunity in Women with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and Cardiovascular
      Disease: A Pilot Study.
AB  - Background: Intensive statin therapy was found to reduce thyroid autoimmunity in
      women with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. No similar data are available for other
      hypolipidemic agents. Methods: The participants of the study were 16 women with
      Hashimoto's thyroiditis and coronary artery disease. On the basis of statin
      tolerance, they were divided into 2 groups. 8 patients who did not tolerate high
      dose statin therapy were treated with a statin, the dose of which was reduced by
      half, together with ezetimibe. The remaining 8 patients tolerating the treatment
      continued high-dose statin therapy. Plasma lipids, serum levels of thyrotropin,
      free thyroxine and free triiodothyronine, as well as titers of thyroid peroxidase
      and thyroglobulin antibodies were measured at the beginning of the study and 6
      months later. Results: Replacing high-dose statin therapy with ezetimibe/statin
      combination therapy increased serum titers of thyroid peroxidase as well as led
      to an insignificant increase in serum titers of thyroglobulin antibodies. At the
      end of the study, thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibody titers were
      higher in patients receiving the combination therapy than in those treated only
      with high-dose statin. Conclusions: Our study shows that high-dose statin therapy
      produces a stronger effect on thyroid autoimmunity than ezetimibe/statin
      combination therapy.

PMID- 27657997
TI  - The Effect of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Circulating Levels of Novel
      Adipokine Adipolin/CTRP12 in Overweight and Obese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.
AB  - Background: Adipolin, the novel adipokine that is proposed to be reduced in
      diabetes, obesity and inflammation, may improve glycemic control. It is known
      that coenzyme Q10 could improve insulin sensitivity. The aim of the current study
      was to investigate the effect of Q10 supplementation on adipolin concentration
      and glucose metabolism in overweight and obese diabetic patients. Material &
      Methods: Sixty four patients with type 2 diabetes and 25<BMI<35 kg/m2 were
      randomly divided to receive 200 mg Q10 or placebo daily for 12 weeks. Fasting
      serum levels of adipolin, glucose, insulin, HbA1c and HOMA-IR were measured
      before and after supplementation. Results: Following supplementation, adipolin
      levels decreased significantly in Q10 group (38.19+/-32.02 to 29.03+/-34.23
      ng/ml;P=0.001). HbA1c decreased dramatically following supplementation only in
      Q10 group (8.6+/-2.2% to 7.9+/-2.1%, P<0.001). It was also marginally lower in
      Q10 compared to placebo group at the end of study (P=0.056). Moreover, weight
      (P=0.003), BMI (P=0.003) and waist circumference (P=0.016) decreased
      significantly in Q10 group. No significant alterations were observed in FBS,
      fasting insulin and HOMA-IR within or between Q10 and placebo groups.
      Conclusions: Coenzyme Q10 reduced HbA1c considerably in overweight and obese
      patients with diabetes, although interestingly adipolin levels declined
      simultaneously. In this study, Q10 modulated glucose homeostasis, which was
      expected to be mediated by increasing adipolin. The similar mechanisms of action
      of Q10 and adipolin may justify lowering effect of Q10 on adipolin. In addition,
      the possible anti-adipogenic effect of Q10 might explain the significant
      reduction in weight and waist circumference and hence the adipolin decrease.
      Further studies are required to evaluate the precise role of adipolin in glucose
      metabolism as well as the probable effects of coenzyme Q10 on adipose tissue and
      adipokines.

PMID- 27657998
TI  - Retinal Sensitivity in Patients with Type I Diabetes without Retinopathy or with
      Minor Retinal Changes.
AB  - Objective: To evaluate the ability of short-wavelength automated perimetry (SWAP)
      for the detection of visual impairment in patients with type I diabetes without
      retinopathy or with minor retinal vascular changes. Design: Comparative cross
      sectional study. Participants: 30 eyes of 30 healthy subjects and 73 eyes of 73
      patients with type I diabetes mellitus were studied. Methods: Ophthalmic
      examination of diabetic patients showed no retinopathy or minimal changes (less
      than 5 microaneurisms in each eye) with no previous laser treatment. All patients
      were examined by means of the SWAP 24-2 strategy. Mean Deviation (MD) and Pattern
      Standard Deviation (PSD) were compared between both groups. Results: There were
      differences in the clusters of altered points between both groups (p=0.004). SWAP
      MD was lower in the diabetic group than in the controls (-2.89 dB vs. -0.20 dB,
      p<0.001). SWAP PSD also differed between both groups (2.50 dB in control group,
      3.12 dB in the diabetic group, p=0.003). In the diabetic group, mean period from
      the onset of diabetes was 12.6+/-6.7 years and minimal vascular changes were
      observed in the retina of 18 eyes (24.7%), while 55 had no lesions (75.3%). No
      differences in SWAP changes were found between patients without and with minimal
      diabetic retinopathy. Conclusions: Retinal sensitivity assessed by SWAP is
      depressed in patients with type I diabetes regardless of the presence of retinal
      vascular changes.

PMID- 27657999
TI  - High Intensity Interval Training Reduces the Levels of Serum Inflammatory
      Cytokine on Women with Metabolic Syndrome.
AB  - Objectives: This study investigate the effects of a high intensity interval
      training (HIIT) and 2 weeks of detraining in functional and body composition
      parameters, lipoproteins, glucose metabolismand inflammation markers in
      postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome (MS). Design: 17 untrained women
      with MS underwent a HIIT program for 12 weeks. Methods: The training was
      performed in treadmills, 3 days per week, with intensity ranging from 70-90% of
      the maximum heart rate (HRmax) and 2 weeks untrained (inactive). Functional and
      body composition parameters were evaluated before and after the training, while
      maximal oxygen uptake, lipoprotein and inflammation markers were analyzed before,
      after training and also in detraining. Results: The HITT program resulted in
      changesparameters as glucose, HbA1cand NOx after training. In addition, a
      reduction in pro-inflammatory interleukins and an increase in IL-10 after the
      HIIT program were found. However, an increase in plasma levels of lipoprotein was
      found and body composition parameters remain unaltered.Besides, only 2 weeks of
      detraining are able to revert the effects on inflammatory parameters afforded by
      the HIIT program. Conclusions: The HIIT program used here positively affected
      inflammatory profile and other parameters, as glucose, HbA1cand NOx, on
      postmenopausal women with MS. Moreover, 2 weeks of detraining can reverse the
      beneficial effects of HIIT program. Our results point out the necessity to aply
      acontinuous HITT program, in order maintain the benefits detected, to post
      menopausal women with MS.

PMID- 27658000
TI  - Acute Reduction of Incretin Effect and Glucose Intolerance in Rats by Single
      Intragastric Administration of 3-deoxyglucosone.
AB  - Secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 has been suggested to be impaired in T2DM
      and in conditions associated with hyperglycemia. 3-Deoxyglucosone, a dietary
      composition, has been suggested as an independent factor for the development of
      prediabetes. A-pathophysiological very high condition of 3DG concentrations
      administered i. v. induced acute glucose intolerance in rats. In this study, to
      examine the acute effects of single intragastric administration of 3DG at dose of
      potentially single-meal intake on plasma glucose, insulin, glucagon, total GLP-1
      and total GIP levels in response to a glucose load, OGTT was performed
      immediately in normal Kunming mice or Sprague-Dawleys rats after 3DG
      administration. GLP-1 secretion, intracellular cAMP levels and 2-NBDG uptake were
      examined in STC-1 cells exposured to 3DG. In rats, 20 mg/kg 3DG i.g. (3DG-20
      i.g.) impaired glucose tolerance (P<0.05) with increased AUC (1 070+/-105.2 vs.
      918.0+/-91.20, P<0.05). The mice treated with 3DG-20 i.g. exhibited a similar
      effect, independent of the effect of plasma 3DG concentration. 3DG-20 i.g.
      treatment reduced plasma insulin concentrations with decreased AUC (3 552+/-300.2
      vs. 4 715+/-420.5, P<0.05) in rats whereas plasma glucagon levels were not
      significantly different. These changes occurred in conjunction with decreased
      plasma GLP-1 and GIP levels (P<0.05). Furthermore, non-cytotoxic 3DG
      concentrations directly reduced GLP-1 secretion in STC-1, at least in part, by
      decreasing intracellular cAMP level and glucose uptake. We demonstrated for the
      first time that single intragastric administration of 3DG resulted in acute
      reduction of incretin effect and glucose intolerance, which was associated with a
      decrease in the biological function of GLP-1 by decreasing GLP-1 secretion.

PMID- 27658002
TI  - Direct Intertube Cross-Linking of Carbon Nanotubes at Room Temperature.
AB  - Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have long been regarded as an efficient free radical
      scavenger because of the large-conjugation system in their electronic structures.
      Hence, despite abundant reports on CNT reacting with incoming free radical
      species, current research has not seen CNT itself displaying the chemical
      reactivity of free radicals. Here we show that reactive free radicals can in fact
      be generated on carbon nanotubes via reductive defluorination of highly
      fluorinated single-walled carbon nanotubes (FSWNTs). This finding not only
      enriches the current understanding of carbon nanotube chemical reactivity but
      also opens up new opportunities in CNT-based material design. For example, spacer
      free direct intertube cross-linking of carbon nanotubes was previously achieved
      only under extremely high temperature and pressure or electron/ion beam
      irradiation. With the free radicals on defluorinated FSWNTs, the nanotubes
      containing multiple radicals on the sidewall can directly cross-link with each
      other under ambient temperature through intertube radical recombination. It is
      demonstrated that carbon nanotube fibers reinforced via direct cross-linking
      displays much improved mechanical properties.

PMID- 27658003
TI  - Notes from the Field: Pediatric Death from Meningococcal Disease in a Family of
      Romani Travelers - Sarasota, Florida, 2015.
AB  - On January 31, 2015, the Sarasota County Office of the Medical Examiner notified
      the on-call epidemiologist at the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of
      Epidemiology of a possible death from meningococcal disease in a male child aged
      17 months. The child was part of a large non-English-speaking Romani family
      (whose members self-identified as Gypsies), who arrived in Florida after
      traveling in Texas and Europe during the previous 2 months. The child had no
      history of prior meningococcal immunization. The family reported that the child
      had been sick for at least 7 days with an ear infection; however, this diagnosis
      was not confirmed by a physician. Because of increasing fever and onset of
      vomiting, emergency medical service (EMS) staff members were contacted and the
      child was transported to a local emergency department on January 29, 2015.
      Although he was reportedly interactive and alert during registration, he
      developed a rash while in the emergency department, his condition rapidly
      deteriorated, and he died within four hours. An autopsy was performed on January
      30, and on January 31, the medical examiner reported Gram-negative diplococci in
      the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The on-call epidemiologist notified the Sarasota
      County epidemiologist to initiate investigation of the case and identify contacts
      at risk and needing chemoprophylaxis.

PMID- 27658004
TI  - Synthesis, Structure, and Chiroptical Properties of a Double [7]Heterohelicene.
AB  - The synthesis of 11a,25a-dibora-11,12,25,26-tetraoxatetranaphtho[1,2-a:2',1'
      f:1",2"-j:2''',1'''-o]perylene, a double [7]heterohelicene containing OBO units,
      has been achieved via tandem demethylation-borylation, representing the highest
      double helicene reported thus far with all six-membered rings. Single-crystal X
      ray analysis clearly demonstrated a significantly twisted structure with the
      terminal aromatic rings overlapping at both ends, giving the first example of a
      double helicene with intramolecular pi-layers. Such structural features resulted
      in a high theoretical isomerization barrier of 45.1 kcal/mol, which is the
      highest value for all the double helicenes ever reported, rendering the achieved
      molecule with high chiral stability. The (P,P)- and (M,M)-isomers were separated
      by chiral HPLC and the chiroptical properties were investigated, revealing
      opposite circular dichroism responses.

PMID- 27658001
TI  - Designed Small-Molecule Inhibitors of the Anthranilyl-CoA Synthetase PqsA Block
      Quinolone Biosynthesis in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
AB  - The Gram-negative bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa uses three
      interconnected intercellular signaling systems regulated by the transcription
      factors LasR, RhlR, and MvfR (PqsR), which mediate bacterial cell-cell
      communication via small-molecule natural products and control the production of a
      variety of virulence factors. The MvfR system is activated by and controls the
      biosynthesis of the quinolone quorum sensing factors HHQ and PQS. A key step in
      the biosynthesis of these quinolones is catalyzed by the anthranilyl-CoA
      synthetase PqsA. To develop inhibitors of PqsA as novel potential antivirulence
      antibiotics, we report herein the design and synthesis of sulfonyladeonsine-based
      mimics of the anthranilyl-AMP reaction intermediate that is bound tightly by
      PqsA. Biochemical, microbiological, and pharmacological studies identified two
      potent PqsA inhibitors, anthranilyl-AMS (1) and anthranilyl-AMSN (2), that
      decreased HHQ and PQS production in P. aeruginosa strain PA14. However, these
      compounds did not inhibit production of the virulence factor pyocyanin. Moreover,
      they exhibited limited bacterial penetration in compound accumulation studies.
      This work provides the most potent PqsA inhibitors reported to date and sets the
      stage for future efforts to develop analogues with improved cellular activity to
      investigate further the complex relationships between quinolone biosynthesis and
      virulence factor production in P. aeruginosa and the therapeutic potential of
      targeting PqsA.

PMID- 27658005
TI  - Office-Based vs Traditional Operating Room Management of Recurrent Respiratory
      Papillomatosis: Impact of Patient Characteristics and Disease Severity.
AB  - Importance: Management of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) in adults
      has evolved to include office-based laser techniques. Objective: To determine
      whether demographic or disease characteristics differ between patients undergoing
      office-based (office group) vs traditional operating room (OR group) surgical
      approaches for RRP. Design, Setting, and Participants: This study was a medical
      record review of adult patients with RRP treated between January 2011 and
      September 2013 at a tertiary care center. Patients were divided into 2 groups
      according to the setting in which the patient had the most procedures during the
      past 2 years. Main Outcomes and Measures: Demographic and disease characteristics
      were compared between patients receiving predominantly office-based vs
      predominantly OR management. Results: Of 57 patients (47 male and 10 female, with
      a mean [SD] age of 53.5 [16.4] years) treated during the 2-year period, 34
      patients underwent predominantly office-based management and 23 patients
      underwent predominantly OR management. Sex, age, and weight were not
      statistically significantly different between the 2 groups. Patients in the OR
      group had a younger age at RRP diagnosis (mean [SD], 28.7 [22.0] years in the OR
      group and 45.5 [20.5] years in the office group), with a mean difference of 16.8
      years (95% CI, -28.3 to -5.4 years). Patients in the OR group also had a
      significantly higher Derkay score (mean [SD], 15.1 [5.7] in the OR group and 10.7
      [5.0] in the office group), with a mean difference of 4.4 (95% CI, 1.6-7.3). No
      statistically significant differences in comorbidities were observed between the
      2 groups except for type 1 or 2 diabetes, which was more common in the OR group.
      There were 5 patients (22%) with diabetes in the OR group and 1 patient (3%) with
      diabetes in the office group, with a mean difference of 19% (95% CI, 2.7%-35%).
      In a subanalysis that excluded patients with juvenile-onset RRP, Derkay score
      (mean [SD], 13.9 [4.5] in the OR group and 10.8 [5.1] in the office group), with
      a mean difference of 3.1 (95% CI, 0.5-6.1), and the incidence of diabetes (25% [4
      of 16] in the OR group and 3% [1 of 31] in the office group), with a mean
      difference of 22% (95% CI, 3%-40%), remained significantly higher in the OR
      group, while age at diagnosis of RRP was no longer statistically significant
      (mean [SD], 40.2 [15.6] years in the OR group and 49.6 [16.4] years in the office
      group), with a mean difference of 9.4 years (95% CI, -19.4 to -0.7 years).
      Conclusions and Relevance: There were no sex or age differences between patients
      with RRP treated in the office compared with those treated in the OR. Patients
      with earlier age at diagnosis of RRP and greater disease severity were more
      likely to be managed in the OR.

PMID- 27658006
TI  - Trustworthiness of Patient-Reported Outcomes in Unblinded Cancer Clinical Trials.

PMID- 27658008
TI  - Use of Prolactin Inhibition in the Treatment of Peripartum Cardiomyopathy.

PMID- 27658009
TI  - Sequencing and cloning of antigen-specific antibodies from mouse memory B cells.
AB  - Methods to identify genes encoding immunoglobulin heavy and light chains from
      single B lymphocytes vary in efficiency, error rate and practicability. Here we
      describe a protocol to sequence and clone the variable antibody region of single
      antigen-specific mouse memory B cells for antibody production. After
      purification, antigen-specific mouse memory B cells are first single-cell-sorted
      by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), and V(D)J transcripts are
      amplified by RT-PCR. Fragments are then combined with linearized expression
      vectors, assembled in vitro as part of a sequence- and ligation-independent
      cloning (SLIC) reaction and then transformed into Escherichia coli. Purified
      vectors can then be used to produce monoclonal antibodies in HEK293E suspension
      cells. This protocol improves the amplification efficiency of antibody variable
      genes and accelerates the cloning workflow. Antibody sequences will be available
      in 3-4 d, and microgram to milligram amounts of antibodies are produced within 14
      d. The new protocol should be useful for addressing fundamental questions about
      antigen-specific memory B cell responses, as well as for characterizing antigen
      specific antibodies.

PMID- 27658011
TI  - Photo-induced iodination of aryl halides under very mild conditions.
AB  - Aryl iodides are important precursors in synthetic chemistry that form carbon
      carbon and carbon-heteroatom bonds. Most methods use transition-metal catalysts,
      which need to be scrupulously removed before the compounds can be used in the
      pharmaceutical and electronics industries, where only parts-per-million levels of
      transition metals are allowed. The aromatic Finkelstein iodination reaction is a
      powerful method of preparing valuable aryl iodides from cheap but less reactive
      aryl bromides and chlorides. This protocol describes a transition metal-free
      method for a photo-induced aromatic Finkelstein iodination reaction that is
      performed at room temperature (20  degrees C). With common aromatic bromides and
      sodium iodide (NaI) as the starting materials, as well as a catalytic amount of
      I2 as an additive, the corresponding aromatic iodides can be synthesized in
      yields ranging from 56 to 93% under UV light irradiation in the absence of any
      metal catalysts. Various functional groups such as nitrile, ester and amino can
      be tolerated, which will facilitate the further functionalization of the aromatic
      iodides. The procedure normally requires 38-40 h to complete.

PMID- 27658010
TI  - Synthesis of complex head-to-side-chain cyclodepsipeptides.
AB  - Cyclodepsipeptides are cyclic peptides in which at least one amide link on the
      backbone is replaced with an ester link. These natural products present a high
      structural diversity that corresponds to a broad range of biological activities.
      Therefore, they are very promising pharmaceutical candidates. Most of the
      cyclodepsipeptides have been isolated from marine organisms, but they can also
      originate from terrestrial sources. Within the family of cyclodepsipeptides,
      'head-to-side-chain' cyclodepsipeptides have, in addition to the macrocyclic core
      closed by the ester bond, an arm terminated with a polyketide moiety or a
      branched amino acid, which makes their synthesis a challenge. This protocol
      provides guidelines for the synthesis of 'head-to-side-chain cyclodepsipeptides'
      and includes-as an example-a detailed procedure for preparing pipecolidepsin A.
      Pipecolidepsin was chosen because it is a very complex 'head-to-side-chain
      cyclodepsipeptide' of marine origin that shows cytotoxicity in several human
      cancer cell lines. The procedure begins with the synthesis of the noncommercial
      protected amino acids (2R,3R,4R)-2-{[(9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy]carbonylamino}-3
      hydroxy-4,5-dimethylhexanoic acid (Fmoc-AHDMHA-OH), Alloc-pipecolic-OH, (4R,5R)-5
      ((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonylamino)-4-oxo-4-(tritylamino)butyl)-2,2
      dimethyl-1,3-dioxolane-4-carboxylic acid (Fmoc-DADHOHA(acetonide, Trt))-OH and
      the pseudodipeptide (2R,3R,4R)-3-hydroxy-2,4,6-trimethylheptanoic acid ((HTMHA)-D
      Asp(OtBu)-OH). It details the assembly of the depsipeptidic skeleton using a
      fully solid-phase approach (typically on an amino polystyrene resin coupled to 3
      (4-hydroxymethylphenoxy)propionic acid (AB linker)), including the key ester
      formation step. It concludes by describing the macrocyclization step performed on
      solid phase, and the global deprotection and cleavage of the cyclodepsipeptide
      from the resin using a trifluoroacetic acid-H2O-triisopropylsilane (TFA-H2O-TIS;
      95:2.5:2.5) cocktail, as well as the final purification by semipreparative HPLC.
      The entire procedure takes ~2 months to complete.

PMID- 27658012
TI  - Reprogramming of mouse retinal neurons and standardized quantification of their
      differentiation in 3D retinal cultures.
AB  - Postmitotic differentiated neurons are among the most difficult cells to
      reprogram into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) because they have poor
      viability when cultured as dissociated cells. To overcome this, other protocols
      have required the inactivation of the p53 tumor suppressor to reprogram
      postmitotic neurons, which can result in tumorigenesis of the cells. We describe
      a method that does not require p53 inactivation but induces reprogramming in
      retinal cells from reprogrammable mice grown in aggregates with wild-type mouse
      retinal cells. After the first 10 d of reprogramming, the aggregates are then
      dispersed and plated on irradiated feeder cells to propagate and isolate
      individual iPSC clones. The reprogramming efficiency of different neuronal
      populations at any stage of development can be quantified using this protocol.
      Reprogramming retinal neurons using this protocol will take 56 d, and these
      retina-derived iPSCs can undergo retinal differentiation to produce retinae in 34
      d. In addition, we describe a quantitative assessment of retinal differentiation
      from these neuron-derived iPSCs called STEM-RET. The procedure quantifies eye
      field specification, optic cup formation and retinal differentiation in 3D
      cultures using molecular, cellular and morphological criteria. An advanced level
      of cell culture experience is required to carry out this protocol.

PMID- 27658013
TI  - Butelase-mediated cyclization and ligation of peptides and proteins.
AB  - Enzymes that catalyze efficient macrocyclization or site-specific ligation of
      peptides and proteins can enable tools for drug design and protein engineering.
      Here we describe a protocol to use butelase 1, a recently discovered peptide
      ligase, for high-efficiency cyclization and ligation of peptides and proteins
      ranging in size from 10 to >200 residues. Butelase 1 is the fastest known ligase
      and is found in pods of the common medicinal plant Clitoria ternatea (also known
      as butterfly pea). It has a very simple C-terminal-specific recognition motif
      that requires Asn/Asp (Asx) at the P1 position and a dipeptide His-Val at the P1'
      and P2' positions. Substrates for butelase-mediated ligation can be prepared by
      standard Fmoc (9-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl) chemistry or recombinant expression
      with the minimal addition of this tripeptide Asn-His-Val motif at the C terminus.
      Butelase 1 achieves cyclizations that are 20,000 times faster than those of
      sortase A, a commonly used enzyme for backbone cyclization. Unlike sortase A,
      butelase is traceless, and it can be used for the total synthesis of naturally
      occurring peptides and proteins. Furthermore, butelase 1 is also useful for
      intermolecular ligations and synthesis of peptide or protein thioesters, which
      are versatile activated intermediates necessary for and compatible with many
      chemical ligation methods. The protocol describes steps for isolation and
      purification of butelase 1 from plant extract using a four-step chromatography
      procedure, which takes ~3 d. We then describe steps for intramolecular
      cyclization, intermolecular ligation and butelase-mediated synthesis of protein
      thioesters. Butelase reactions are generally completed within minutes and often
      achieve excellent yields.

PMID- 27658014
TI  - A composite critical-size rabbit mandibular defect for evaluation of craniofacial
      tissue regeneration.
AB  - Translational biomaterials targeted toward the regeneration of large bone defects
      in the mandible require a preclinical model that accurately recapitulates the
      regenerative challenges present in humans. Computational modeling and in vitro
      assays do not fully replicate the in vivo environment. Consequently, in vivo
      models can have specific applications such as those of the mandibular angle
      defect, which is used to investigate bone regeneration in a nonload-bearing area,
      and the inferior border mandibular defect, which is a model for composite bone
      and nerve regeneration, with both models avoiding involvement of soft tissue or
      teeth. In this protocol, we describe a reproducible load-bearing critical-size
      composite tissue defect comprising loss of soft tissue, bone and tooth in the
      mandible of a rabbit. We have previously used this procedure to investigate bone
      regeneration, vascularization and infection prevention in response to new
      biomaterial formulations for craniofacial tissue engineering applications. This
      surgical approach can be adapted to investigate models such as that of
      regeneration in the context of osteoporosis or irradiation. The procedure can be
      performed by researchers with basic surgical skills such as dissection and
      suturing. The procedure takes 1.5-2 h, with ~2 h of immediate postoperative care,
      and animals should be monitored daily for the remainder of the study. For bone
      tissue engineering applications, tissue collection typically occurs 12 weeks
      after surgery. In this protocol, we will present the necessary steps to ensure
      reproducibility; tips to minimize complications during and after surgery; and
      analytical techniques for assessing soft tissue, bone and vessel regeneration by
      gross evaluation, microcomputed tomography (microCT) and histology.

PMID- 27658015
TI  - Efficient genome engineering approaches for the short-lived African turquoise
      killifish.
AB  - A central challenge in experimental aging research is the lack of short-lived
      vertebrate models for genetic studies. Here we present a comprehensive protocol
      for efficient genome engineering in the African turquoise killifish
      (Nothobranchius furzeri), which is the shortest-lived vertebrate in captivity
      with a median life span of 4-6 months. By taking advantage of the clustered
      regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein-9
      nuclease (CRISPR/Cas9) system and the turquoise killifish genome, this platform
      enables the generation of knockout alleles via nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ)
      and knock-in alleles via homology-directed repair (HDR). We include guidelines
      for guide RNA (gRNA) target design, embryo injection and hatching, germ-line
      transmission and for minimizing off-target effects. We also provide strategies
      for Tol2-based transgenesis and large-scale husbandry conditions that are
      critical for success. Because of the fast life cycle of the turquoise killifish,
      stable lines can be generated as rapidly as 2-3 months, which is much faster than
      other fish models. This protocol provides powerful genetic tools for studying
      vertebrate aging and aging-related diseases.

PMID- 27658016
TI  - Synthesis, lipid membrane incorporation, and ion permeability testing of carbon
      nanotube porins.
AB  - Carbon nanotube porins (CNTPs) are 10- to 20-nm-long segments of lipid-stabilized
      single-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) that can be inserted into phospholipid
      membranes to form nanometer-scale-diameter pores that approximate the geometry
      and many key transport characteristics of biological membrane channels. We
      describe protocols for CNTP synthesis by ultrasound-assisted cutting of long CNTs
      in the presence of lipid amphiphiles, and for validation of CNTP incorporation
      into a lipid membrane using a proton permeability assay. In addition, we describe
      protocols for measuring conductance of individual CNTPs in planar lipid bilayers
      and plasma membranes of live cells. The protocol for the preparation and testing
      of the CNTPs in vesicle systems takes 3 d, and single CNTP conductance
      measurements take 2-5 h. The CNTPs produced by this cutting protocol remain
      stable and active for at least 10-12 weeks.

PMID- 27658017
TI  - Saccharide Recognition Based on Self-Assembly of Amphiphilic Phenylboronic Acid
      Azoprobes.
AB  - We designed amphiphilic phenylboronic acid azoprobes (B-Azo-Cn) and evaluated
      their saccharide recognition function in relation to the micelle formation
      changes of the self-assembled B-Azo-Cn. First, we evaluated B-Azo-C8 in a 1%
      methanol-99% water solution under basic conditions. The wavelength of maximum
      absorption in the ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectra of B-Azo-C8 was shifted,
      and the solution showed a color change with the addition of saccharides. The
      morphology of B-Azo-C8 was evaluated using dynamic light scattering (DLS)
      measurements and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations. B-Azo-C8
      formed aggregates in the absence of saccharides and in the presence of glucose.
      In the presence of fructose, micelle-formed B-Azo-C8 was dispersed, indicating
      that B-Azo-C8 changed its dispersion state by recognizing fructose. The effect of
      alkyl chain length on the saccharide recognition ability was examined as well. B
      Azo-C4 and B-Azo-C12 did not recognize saccharides in a 1% methanol-99% water
      solution under basic conditions, indicating that an appropriate alkyl chain
      length was required for recognizing saccharides. The control of the hydrophilic
      lipophilic balance (HLB) was a key factor for saccharide recognition.

PMID- 27658019
TI  - Thermal Decomposition of 2-Pentanol: A Shock Tube Study and RRKM Calculations.
AB  - A single pulse shock tube was used to study the thermal decomposition of 2
      pentanol in the temperatures between 1110 and 1325 K. Three major decomposition
      products are methane, ethylene, and propylene. The minor products detected in
      lower concentration are ethane, acetylene, acetaldehyde, 1-pentene, and 2
      pentene. The rate coefficient for the overall decomposition of 2-pentanol was
      found to be ktotalexp(1110-1325 K) = (4.01 +/- 0.51) * 109 exp(-(36.2 +/-
      4.7)/RT) s-1, where the activation energies are given in kcal mol-1. To simulate
      reactant and product distribution over the experimentally studied temperatures
      between 1110 and 1325 K, a reaction scheme was constructed with 34 species and 39
      reactions. In addition to this, the temperature and pressure dependent rate
      coefficients were computed for various unimolecular dissociation pathways using
      RRKM theory. The high pressure limit rate coefficient for overall decomposition
      of 2-pentanol was obtained to be ktotaltheory(500-2500 K) = (9.67 +/- 1.11) *
      1014 exp(-(67.7 +/- 2.9)/RT) s-1. The calculated high pressure rate coefficients
      and experimentally measured rate constants are in good agreement with each other.
      The reaction is primarily governed by the unimolecular elimination of water.

PMID- 27658018
TI  - HIV-related stigma and discrimination in the New Zealand healthcare setting: a
      mixed-methods study.
AB  - : Background People living with HIV (PLHIV) assume that healthcare workers have
      an adequate knowledge of HIV and expect that they will be treated with respect
      and compassion in the healthcare setting. Despite the remarkable advances in HIV
      treatment in the past two decades, PLHIV have continued to experience HIV-related
      stigma and discrimination by healthcare workers worldwide. The aim of this study
      was to explore the prevalence and nature of stigma and discrimination experienced
      by PLHIV in the healthcare setting in New Zealand. METHODS: This study involved a
      mixed-methods approach, using a questionnaire to collect quantitative and
      qualitative data from PLHIV recruited from the HIV Clinic at Auckland City
      Hospital and from two national HIV peer-support organisations between August 2012
      and February 2013. RESULTS: Two hundred and thirteen PLHIV participated in the
      study. One hundred PLHIV (47%) reported that they had ever experienced HIV
      related discrimination by a healthcare worker. The types of discrimination
      included confidentiality problems (19%), additional infection control measures
      (19%) and rudeness (18%). Healthcare settings where most of the discrimination
      had been experienced were other (non-infectious diseases) hospital wards, dental
      clinics, other (non-HIV) outpatient clinics and general practice clinics.
      CONCLUSION: Almost half of the PLHIV in New Zealand have experienced stigma and
      discrimination in a healthcare setting. The findings of this study show that
      there is a need to continue to normalise the care of HIV and increase HIV
      education for healthcare workers.

PMID- 27658020
TI  - Effect of Weakening of Ipsilateral Depressor Anguli Oris on Smile Symmetry in
      Postparalysis Facial Palsy.
AB  - Importance: Aberrant depressor anguli oris (DAO) activity may arise after
      recovery from acute facial paralysis and restrict movement of the oral
      commissure. Objective: To quantify the degree to which DAO inhibition affects
      smile dynamics and perceived emotional state. Design, Setting, and Participants:
      In this prospective, pretest-posttest study performed at an academic tertiary
      referral hospital, patients with unilateral postparalysis facial palsy were
      studied from January 16 through April 30, 2016. Interventions: Local anesthetic
      injection into the ipsilateral DAO. Main Outcomes and Measures: Healthy- and
      paretic-side commissure displacements from the midline lower vermillion border
      referenced to the horizontal plane were calculated from random-ordered
      photographs of full-effort smile before and after injection, and random-ordered
      hemifacial photographs of the paretic side were assessed as expressing positive,
      negative, or indiscernible emotion. Results: Twenty patients were identified as
      having unilateral postparalysis facial palsy with marked synkinesis of the
      ipsilateral DAO. Patient mean age was 46 years (range, 24-67 years), with a male
      to female ratio of 1:3. Mean paretic-side commissure displacement increased from
      27.45 mm at 21.65 degrees  above the horizontal plane to 29.35 mm at 23.58
      degrees  after DAO weakening (mean difference, 1.90 mm; 95% CI, 1.26-2.54 mm; and
      1.93 degrees ; 95% CI, 0.34 degrees -3.51 degrees ; P < .001 and P = .20,
      respectively). Symmetry of excursion between sides improved by 2.00 mm (95% CI,
      1.16-2.83 mm; P < .001) and 2.71 degrees  (95% CI, 1.38 degrees -4.03 degrees ; P
      < .001). At baseline, observers assessed 7 of 20 paretic hemifaces (35%) as
      expressing positive emotion; this proportion increased to 13 of 20 (65%) after
      DAO weakening (P = .03). Conclusions and Relevance: Ipsilateral DAO weakening
      results in significant improvements in smile dynamics and perceived expression of
      positive emotion on the paretic hemiface in postparalysis facial palsy. A trial
      of DAO weakening should be offered to patients with this disfiguring complication
      of Bell palsy and similar facial nerve insults. Level of Evidence: 3.

PMID- 27658021
TI  - Invasive Fungal Disease in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Allogeneic Hematopoietic
      Stem Cell Transplant.
AB  - Invasive fungal disease (IFD) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in
      pediatric patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). We
      analyzed the outcome of 152 consecutive pediatric patients who underwent
      allogeneic HSCT from 2005 to 2012: 126 of these without a history of IFD and 26
      with IFD before HSCT. Antifungal prophylaxis agent was determined by the primary
      transplant attending. The rate of IFD after HSCT among patients with or without
      prior IFD was similar (7.7% with and 7.1% without a history of fungal disease
      before transplant). Mortality in these 2 populations did not differ (35% vs. 28%,
      P=0.48, chi). Patients deemed at higher risk for IFD were generally placed on
      voriconazole prophylaxis; however, this did not affect rates of posttransplant
      IFD. All-cause mortality in patients with posttransplant IFD was significantly
      higher than those without posttransplant IFD (67% vs. 21%, P<0.0001,chi).
      Identifying risk factors for posttransplant IFD remains a high priority to
      improve outcome of HSCT.

PMID- 27658022
TI  - Eukaryotic transcription initiation machinery visualized at molecular level.
AB  - The structures of RNA Polymerase (Pol) II pre-initiation complexes (PIC) have
      recently been determined at near-atomic resolution, elucidating unprecedented
      mechanistic details of promoter opening during transcription initiation. The key
      structural features of promoter opening are summarized here. Structural knowledge
      of Pol I and III PIC is also briefly discussed.

PMID- 27658024
TI  - Mechanism of action of allergen immunotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) leads to the production of antiallergen
      immunoglobulin (IgG) or "blocking antibody" in the serum and an increase in
      antiallergen IgG and IgA in nasal secretions. There is also a decrease in the
      usual rise in antiallergen IgE that occurs after the pollen season. METHODS: In
      this paper, mechanisms of action of allergen immunotherapy is reviewed. RESULTS:
      Regulatory T (Treg) cells and their cytokines, primarily interleukin (IL) 10 and
      transforming growth factor beta, suppress T-helper type 2 immune responses and
      control allergic diseases in many ways. AIT induces a shift in the proportion of
      IL-4-secreting T-helper type 2 cells in favor of IL-10-secreting inducible Treg
      cells specific for the same allergenic epitope that increases in number and
      function. Different types of inducible Treg control several facets of allergic
      inflammation. There are two main types of immunotherapy: subcutaneous
      immunotherapy and sublingual immunotherapy. Subcutaneous immunotherapy is
      efficacious and is indicated for the reduction of seasonal symptoms. Sublingual
      immunotherapy involves the regular self-administration and retention of allergen
      extract under the tongue for 1-2 minutes before the extract is swallowed. The
      allergens cross the mucosa in 15-30 minutes and are then captured by tolerogenic
      dendritic cells and processed as small peptides. Next, via the lymphatic system,
      a systemic immune response is created to produce an early decrease in mast cell
      and basophil degranulation. CONCLUSION: AIT is indicated for the treatment of
      moderate-to-severe intermittent or persistent symptoms of allergic rhinitis. AIT
      can be administered to those >5 years of age and has been shown to be safe in
      children as young as 3 years of age. In this article, AIT and other types of
      immunotherapies were discussed as well as the indications for immunotherapy.

PMID- 27658025
TI  - Clinical efficacy of immunotherapy in allergic rhinitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aeroallergen immunotherapy (AIT) should be considered for patients
      who exhibit symptoms of allergic rhinitis (AR), rhinoconjunctivitis, and/or
      asthma after natural exposure to allergens and who also demonstrate specific
      immunoglobulin E antibodies against relevant allergens. METHODS: In this paper,
      clinical efficacy of immunotherapy in allergic rhinitis is reviewed. RESULT:
      Subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy (SCIT) is effective for seasonal and
      perennial AR. Sustained effectiveness requires several years of treatment. SCIT
      may prevent the development of allergic asthma in children with AR. Sublingual
      allergen immunotherapy (SLIT) is currently considered an alternative treatment to
      the subcutaneous route. The use of SLIT has been included in international
      guidelines for the treatment of AR with or without conjunctivitis. CONCLUSION:
      Patients treated with SCIT are at risk of both local and systemic adverse
      reactions; however, in most cases, symptoms are readily reversible if they are
      recognized early and treated promptly. The safety profile of SLIT is good;
      therefore, SLIT can be self-administered by patients in their homes. In this
      article, we reviewed the efficacy and safety of allergen immunotherapy.

PMID- 27658023
TI  - Activation of MTOR in pulmonary epithelium promotes LPS-induced acute lung
      injury.
AB  - MTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin [serine/threonine kinase]) plays a crucial
      role in many major cellular processes including metabolism, proliferation and
      macroautophagy/autophagy induction, and is also implicated in a growing number of
      proliferative and metabolic diseases. Both MTOR and autophagy have been suggested
      to be involved in lung disorders, however, little is known about the role of MTOR
      and autophagy in pulmonary epithelium in the context of acute lung injury (ALI).
      In the present study, we observed that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation
      induced MTOR phosphorylation and decreased the expression of MAP1LC3B/LC3B
      (microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta)-II, a hallmark of
      autophagy, in mouse lung epithelium and in human bronchial epithelial (HBE)
      cells. The activation of MTOR in HBE cells was mediated by TLR4 (toll-like
      receptor 4) signaling. Genetic knockdown of MTOR or overexpression of autophagy
      related proteins significantly attenuated, whereas inhibition of autophagy
      further augmented, LPS-induced expression of IL6 (interleukin 6) and IL8, through
      NFKB signaling in HBE cells. Mice with specific knockdown of Mtor in bronchial or
      alveolar epithelial cells exhibited significantly attenuated airway inflammation,
      barrier disruption, and lung edema, and displayed prolonged survival in response
      to LPS exposure. Taken together, our results demonstrate that activation of MTOR
      in the epithelium promotes LPS-induced ALI, likely through downregulation of
      autophagy and the subsequent activation of NFKB. Thus, inhibition of MTOR in
      pulmonary epithelial cells may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for
      preventing ALI induced by certain bacteria.

PMID- 27658026
TI  - Alternative products to treat allergic rhinitis and alternative routes for
      allergy immunotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Some alternative products instead of immunotherapy are used in
      patients with allergic rhinitis (AR). METHODS: In this paper, alternative
      products to treat allergic rhinitis and alternative routes for allergy
      immunotherapy are reviewed. RESULTS: Alternative products and methods used
      instead of immunotherapy are tea therapy, acupuncture, Nigella sativa, cinnamon
      bark, Spanish needle, acerola, capsaicin (Capsicum annum), allergen-absorbing
      ointment, and cellulose powder. N. sativa has been used in AR treatment due to
      its anti-inflammatory effects. N. sativa oil also inhibits the cyclooxygenase and
      5-lipoxygenase pathways of arachidonic acid metabolism. The beneficial effects of
      N. sativa seed supplementation on the symptoms of AR may be due to its
      antihistaminic properties. To improve the efficacy of immunotherapy, some
      measures are taken regarding known immunotherapy applications and alternative
      routes of intralymphatic immunotherapy and epicutaneous immunotherapy are used.
      CONCLUSION: There are alternative routes and products to improve the efficacy of
      immunotherapy.

PMID- 27658027
TI  - The High-Risk Human Papillomavirus E6 Oncogene Exacerbates the Negative Effect of
      Tryptophan Starvation on the Development of Chlamydia trachomatis.
AB  - Chlamydia trachomatis is an obligate intracellular pathogen that requires
      specific essential nutrients from the host cell, one of which is the amino acid
      tryptophan. In this context interferon gamma (IFNgamma) is the major host
      protective cytokine against chlamydial infections because it induces the
      expression of the host enzyme, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1, that degrades
      tryptophan, thereby restricting bacterial replication. The mechanism by which
      IFNgamma acts has been dissected in vitro using epithelial cell-lines such as
      HeLa, HEp-2, or the primary-like endocervical cell-line A2EN. All these cell
      lines express the high-risk human papillomavirus oncogenes E6 & E7. While
      screening cell-lines to identify those suitable for C. trachomatis co-infections
      with other genital pathogens, we unexpectedly found that tryptophan starvation
      did not completely block chlamydial development in cell-lines that were HR-HPV
      negative, such as C33A and 293. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that HR-HPV
      oncogenes modulate the effect of tryptophan starvation on chlamydial development
      by comparing chlamydial development in HeLa and C33A cell-lines that were both
      derived from cervical carcinomas. Our results indicate that during tryptophan
      depletion, unlike HeLa, C33A cells generate sufficient intracellular tryptophan
      via proteasomal activity to permit C. trachomatis replication. By generating
      stable derivatives of C33A that expressed HPV16 E6, E7 or E6 & E7, we found that
      E6 expression alone was sufficient to convert C33A cells to behave like HeLa
      during tryptophan starvation. The reduced tryptophan levels in HeLa cells have a
      biological consequence; akin to the previously described effect of IFNgamma,
      tryptophan starvation protects C. trachomatis from clearance by doxycycline in
      HeLa but not C33A cells. Curiously, when compared to the known Homo sapiens
      proteome, the representation of tryptophan in the HR-HPV E6 & E6AP degradome is
      substantially lower, possibly providing a mechanism that underlies the lowered
      intracellular free tryptophan levels in E6-expressing cells during starvation.

PMID- 27658028
TI  - Phosphate Binding with Sevelamer Preserves Mechanical Competence of Bone Despite
      Acidosis in Advanced Experimental Renal Insufficiency.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Phosphate binding with sevelamer can ameliorate detrimental
      histomorphometric changes of bone in chronic renal insufficiency (CRI). Here we
      explored the effects of sevelamer-HCl treatment on bone strength and structure in
      experimental CRI. METHODS: Forty-eight 8-week-old rats were assigned to surgical
      5/6 nephrectomy (CRI) or renal decapsulation (Sham). After 14 weeks of disease
      progression, the rats were allocated to untreated and sevelamer-treated (3% in
      chow) groups for 9 weeks. Then the animals were sacrificed, plasma samples
      collected, and femora excised for structural analysis (biomechanical testing,
      quantitative computed tomography). RESULTS: Sevelamer-HCl significantly reduced
      blood pH, and final creatinine clearance in the CRI groups ranged 30%-50% of that
      in the Sham group. Final plasma phosphate increased 2.4- to 2.9-fold, and
      parathyroid hormone 13- to 21-fold in CRI rats, with no difference between
      sevelamer-treated and untreated animals. In the femoral midshaft, CRI reduced
      cortical bone mineral density (-3%) and breaking load (-15%) (p<0.05 for all
      versus Sham), while sevelamer increased bone mineral density (+2%) and prevented
      the deleterious changes in bone. In the femoral neck, CRI reduced bone mineral
      density (-11%) and breaking load (-10%), while sevelamer prevented the decrease
      in bone mineral density (+6%) so that breaking load did not differ from controls.
      CONCLUSIONS: In this model of stage 3-4 CRI, sevelamer-HCl treatment ameliorated
      the decreases in femoral midshaft and neck mineral density, and restored bone
      strength despite prevailing acidosis. Therefore, treatment with sevelamer can
      efficiently preserve mechanical competence of bone in CRI.

PMID- 27658029
TI  - Zhongdanyaozhi No. 1 and Zhongdanyaozhi No. 2 Are Hybrid Cultivars of Salvia
      miltiorrhiza with High Yield and Active Compounds Content.
AB  - Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge is an important medicinal plant used for the treatment
      of cardiovascular disease. Intraspecific hybridization between a male sterile
      line and inbred lines was followed by 39 F1 crossings. Cultivars "Zhongdanyaozhi
      No. 1" (ZD1) and "Zhongdanyaozhi No. 2" (ZD2) were obtained. In 2012 and 2013
      tests in Beijing, the two cultivars were compared with three widely accepted
      types, SDCK, SXCK and HNCK from Shandong, Shanxi and Henan provinces. The yield
      of ZD1 and ZD2 exceeded the three CKs by more than 48.2% and 39.2%, respectively;
      the composition of the two hybrid cultivars was similar to the control, although
      the content of some compounds varied to some extent. The content of salvianolic
      acid B and tanshinone II A of both ZD1 and ZD2 could measure up the requirement
      of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The former showed no obvious advantage than the three
      CKs, while the later's tanshinone II A was 29.6% higher than the three CKs. Taken
      together, ZD1 is a high yielding and thick-root-type cultivar which is suitable
      for decoction pieces; while ZD2 is suitable for component especially lipophilic
      component extraction. ZD1 and ZD2 reported here are the first cultivars obtained
      by the hybridization of S. miltiorrhiza.

PMID- 27658030
TI  - SpyTag/SpyCatcher Cyclization Enhances the Thermostability of Firefly Luciferase.
AB  - SpyTag can spontaneously form a covalent isopeptide bond with its protein partner
      SpyCatcher. Firefly luciferase from Photinus pyralis was cyclized in vivo by
      fusing SpyCatcher at the N terminus and SpyTag at the C terminus. Circular LUC
      was more thermostable and alkali-tolerant than the wild type, without
      compromising the specific activity. Structural analysis indicated that the
      cyclized LUC increased the thermodynamic stability of the structure and remained
      more properly folded at high temperatures when compared with the wild type. We
      also prepared an N-terminally and C-terminally shortened form of the SpyCatcher
      protein and cyclization using this truncated form led to even more
      thermostability than the original form. Our findings suggest that cyclization
      with SpyTag and SpyCatcher is a promising and effective strategy to enhance
      thermostability of enzymes.

PMID- 27658031
TI  - Evaluation of copeptin and commonly used laboratory parameters for the
      differential diagnosis of profound hyponatraemia in hospitalized patients: 'The
      Co-MED Study'.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Hyponatraemia is common and its differential diagnosis is challenging.
      Commonly used diagnostic algorithms have limited diagnostic accuracy. Copeptin,
      the c-terminal portion of the precursor peptide of arginine vasopressin might
      help in the differential diagnosis of hyponatraemia. DESIGN: Prospective
      multicentre observational study. PATIENTS/METHODS: A total of 298 patients
      admitted with profound hypoosmolar hyponatraemia (Na < 125 mmol/l) were
      evaluated. Three experts uninvolved in the patients' care determined the
      aetiology of hyponatraemia after standardized diagnostic evaluation. RESULTS:
      Hyponatraemia differential diagnoses were as follows: syndrome of inappropriate
      antidiuresis (SIAD), 106 patients (35.6%); 'diuretic-induced', 72 (24.2%);
      'hypovolaemic', 59 (19.8%); 'hypervolaemic', 33 (11.1%); primary polydipsia (PP),
      24 (8.1%); and cortisol deficiency, 4 (1.3%). Copeptin levels <3.9 pmol/l
      identified patients with PP with high specificity (91%). Further, copeptin levels
      >84 pmol/l were highly predictive for hypovolaemic hyponatraemia (specificity:
      90%). Urinary sodium levels and copeptin/urinary sodium ratio in patients with
      SIAD were higher and lower as compared to other hyponatraemia aetiologies (P <
      0.0001). However, the specificity to identify SIAD was moderate for both
      parameters (31% and 61%). Fractional uric acid excretion (FEUA ) and fractional
      urea excretion (FEurea ) were higher in patients with SIAD compared to other
      hyponatraemia aetiologies (both P < 0.0001). FEurea values >55% and FEUA values
      >12% had a specificity of 96% and 77% to detect patients with SIAD. These results
      remained similar after excluding patients taking diuretics. CONCLUSIONS: Overall,
      there is only limited diagnostic utility of copeptin in the differential
      diagnosis of profound hyponatraemia. Very low copeptin levels are seen in
      patients with PP and highest copeptin levels in hypovolaemic hyponatraemia. To
      discriminate between SIAD and other hyponatraemia aetiologies, FEurea and FEUA
      levels are valuable irrespective of diuretics use.

PMID- 27658032
TI  - Transverse patterning, aging, and neuropsychological correlates in humans.
AB  - Transverse patterning is a learning and memory adaptation of the
      'rock/paper/scissors' problem that has been though to depend on the hippocampus,
      is sensitive to aging, and requires pattern separation to solve. Previous
      investigators dichotomized cognitively normal older adults who passed a cognitive
      screening into impaired and unimpaired subsets, and found that impaired older
      adults were disproportionately deficient in pattern separation abilities.
      However, this variability in pattern separation ability has not been examined
      using a transverse patterning task. Our aims, then, were two-fold: First, to
      determine if impaired older adults were inferior on transverse patterning
      compared to unimpaired older adults and young adults; second, to identify the
      neuropsychological correlates of transverse patterning. Our findings revealed
      that impaired older adults required more trials to criterion on the transverse
      patterning task than both young adults and unimpaired older adults. Unimpaired
      older adults also required more trials to criterion than young adults. A detailed
      analysis of the transverse patterning task confirmed that the aforementioned
      group differences were only observed in high interference conditions when pattern
      separation demands were at their peak. Finally, regression analyses showed that
      both memory and executive functioning neuropsychological composite scores were
      related to different indices of transverse patterning performance. Consistent
      with the pattern separation literature, and despite passing a cognitive
      screening, we found disproportionate transverse patterning deficits in impaired
      older adults. Forthcoming work should determine if transverse patterning
      performance is similar between impaired older adults and patients with Mild
      Cognitive Impairment. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27658033
TI  - Comparison of Physiological Parameters and Anaesthesia Specific Observations
      during Isoflurane, Ketamine-Xylazine or Medetomidine-Midazolam-Fentanyl
      Anaesthesia in Male Guinea Pigs.
AB  - Guinea pigs (GPs) are difficult to anaesthetize successfully, the choices for
      anaesthesia are limited and physiological parameters are likely to be influenced
      substantially under anaesthesia. We implanted blood pressure radio-telemetry
      devices into 16 male GPs and subjected them to anaesthesia with ketamine-xylazine
      (KX), medetomidine-midazolam-fentanyl (MMF) or isoflurane (Iso, plus atropine
      premedication) in a randomized order with a 7 day interval between anaesthesias.
      Each anaesthesia lasted 40min, after which Iso was discontinued, MMF was fully
      antagonized with atipamezole-flumazenil-naloxone and KX was partially antagonized
      with atipamezole. Hemodynamics were recorded continuously for at least 240min
      after induction and the GPs were monitored for respiratory rate, reflex responses
      and specific observations until regaining of their righting reflex (RR). Blood
      for glucose testing was taken from the ear at 7.5, 20 and 40min during
      anaesthesia. Recovery time was short with MMF and Iso but long for KX. MMF
      induced only a transient blood pressure drop after antagonization, whereas Iso
      caused a marked hypotension during maintenance and KX led to moderate hypotension
      after antagonization. MMF and Iso produced tolerable heart rate changes, but KX
      led to long term post-anaesthetic bradycardia. Hypothermia occurred with all
      anaesthesias, but the GPs returned to normothermia the fastest under MMF,
      followed shortly by Iso. KX, however, caused a profound and prolonged
      hypothermia. The respiration was depressed with all anaesthesias, substantially
      with MMF (-41%) and KX (-52%) and severe during Iso maintenance (-71%). Blood
      glucose with MMF and KX increased throughout the anaesthesia, but the values
      remained within reference values with all anaesthetics. The reflex responses
      character and strength varied between the anaesthetics. In conclusion, MMF is the
      anaesthetic of choice and Iso may be used for short, non-painful procedures. We
      advise against the use of KX in GPs.

PMID- 27658039
TI  - Heptose Sounds the Alarm: Innate Sensing of a Bacterial Sugar Stimulates
      Immunity.

PMID- 27658040
TI  - Vimentin filament controls integrin alpha5beta1-mediated cell adhesion by binding
      to integrin through its Ser38 residue.
AB  - Regulation of integrin affinity for its ligand is essential for cell adhesion and
      migration. Here, we found that direct interaction of vimentin with integrin beta1
      can enhance binding of integrin alpha5beta1 to its ligand, fibronectin.
      Conversely, blocking the interaction reduced fibronectin binding, cell migration
      on a fibronectin-coated surface, and neural tube closure during Xenopus
      embryogenesis. We also found that withaferin A (WFA), a natural compound known to
      inhibit vimentin function, can suppress the vimentin-integrin interaction and
      abolish fibronectin binding. Finally, we identified Ser38 of vimentin as a
      critical residue for integrin binding. Our results suggest that phosphorylation
      of vimentin at Ser38 may regulate the integrin-ligand interaction, thus providing
      a molecular basis for antivimentin therapeutic strategies.

PMID- 27658041
TI  - Self-Reported Sitting Time, Physical Activity and Fibrinolytic and Other Novel
      Cardio-Metabolic Biomarkers in Active Swedish Seniors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Too much sitting is linked with an increased risk of cardiovascular
      disease and mortality. The mediating mechanisms for these associations are
      largely unknown, however dysregulated fibrinolysis have emerged as a possible
      contributor. OBJECTIVE: We examined the associations of self-reported overall
      sitting time and physical activity with fibrinolytic and other novel cardio
      metabolic biomarkers in older adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data was analysed
      for 364 participants (74+/-7 yrs) of the Active Seniors group (retired, living
      independently in their own homes). Linear regression analyses examined
      associations of categories of categories of sitting time (<=3, 3-6, >6 hrs/day)
      and overall physical activity (Low, Moderate and High) with biomarkers in serum
      or plasma, adjusting for age, gender and smoking (with further adjustment for
      either overall physical activity or sitting time and BMI in secondary analyses).
      RESULTS: Compared to sitting <= 3 hrs/day, sitting >6 hrs/day was associated with
      higher tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and tissue plasminogen
      activator/plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 complex (tPA-PAI-1 complex). These
      associations were not independent of overall physical activity or BMI. Compared
      to those in the high physical activity, low physical activity was associated with
      a higher BMI, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and tPA-PAI-1 complex
      levels. Only the associations of BMI and hs-CRP were independent of sitting time.
      CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide preliminary cross-sectional evidence for the
      relationships of sitting time with fibrinolytic markers in older adults. They
      also reinforce the importance of regular physical activity for cardio-metabolic
      health.

PMID- 27658042
TI  - Identifying Leprosy and Those at Risk of Developing Leprosy by Detection of
      Antibodies against LID-1 and LID-NDO.
AB  - Leprosy is caused by Mycobacterium leprae infection and remains a major public
      health problem in many areas of the world. Challenges to its timely diagnosis
      result in delay in treatment, which is usually associated with severe disability.
      Although phenolic glycolipid (PGL)-I has been reported as auxiliary diagnostic
      tool, currently there is no serological assay routinely used in leprosy
      diagnosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of two related
      reagents, LID-1 and LID-NDO, for the detection of M. leprae infection. Sera from
      98 leprosy patients, 365 household contacts (HHC) and 98 endemic controls from
      Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, were evaluated. A subgroup of the HHC living in a
      hyperendemic area was followed for 7-10 years. Antigen-specific antibody
      responses were highest in multibacillary (MB) at the lepromatous pole (LL/BL) and
      lowest in paucibacillary (PB) at the tuberculoid pole (TT/BT). A positive
      correlation for both anti-LID-1 and anti-LID-NDO antibodies was found with
      bacterial burden (LID-1, r = 0.84, p<0.001; LID-NDO, r = 0.82, p<0.001), with
      higher sensitivity than bacilloscopy. According to Receiver Operating Curve, LID
      1 and LID-NDO performed similarly. The sensitivity for MB cases was 89% for LID-1
      and 95% for LID-NDO; the specificity was 96% for LID-1 and 88% for LID-NDO. Of
      the 332 HHC that were followed, 12 (3.6%) were diagnosed with leprosy in a median
      time of 31 (3-79) months after recruitment. A linear generalized model using LID
      1 or LID-NDO as a predictor estimated that 8.3% and 10.4% of the HHC would become
      a leprosy case, respectively. Together, our findings support a role for the LID-1
      and LID-NDO antigens in diagnosing MB leprosy and identifying people at greater
      risk of developing clinical disease. These assays have the potential to improve
      the diagnostic capacity at local health centers and aid development of strategies
      for the eventual control and elimination of leprosy from endemic areas.

PMID- 27658043
TI  - Insulin-Like Growth Factor I (IGF-I) Expressed from an AAV1 Vector Leads to a
      Complete Reversion of Liver Cirrhosis in Rats.
AB  - IGF-I modulates liver tissue homeostasis. It is produced by hepatocytes and
      signals within the liver through IGF-I receptor expressed on hepatic stellate
      cells (HSCs). Liver cirrhosis is characterized by marked IGF-I deficiency. Here
      we compared the effect of two different gene therapy vectors encoding IGF-I as a
      potential treatment for cirrhotic patients. Rats with carbon tetrachloride
      induced liver cirrhosis were treated with controls or with adeno-associated virus
      1 (AAV) or simian virus 40 (SV40) vectors expressing IGF-I (AAVIGF-I or SVIGF-I)
      and molecular and histological studies were performed at 4 days, 8 weeks and 16
      weeks. Increased levels of IGF-I were observed in the liver as soon as 4 days
      after vector administration. Control cirrhotic rats showed increased hepatic
      expression of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrogenic factors including transforming
      growth factor beta (TGFbeta), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha), connective
      tissue growth factor (CTGF), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)
      together with upregulation of alpha-smooth muscle actin (alphaSMA), a marker of
      HSC activation. In IGF-I-treated rats the levels of all these molecules were
      similar to those of healthy controls by week 8 post-therapy. Of note, the decline
      of TGFbeta, CTGF, VEGF and alphaSMA expression was more rapid in AAVIGF-I treated
      animals reaching statistical significance by day 4 post-therapy. IGF-I-treated
      rats showed similar improvement of liver function tests in parallel with
      upregulation of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4alpha (HNF4alpha), a factor that
      promotes hepatocellular differentiation. A significant decrease of liver
      fibrosis, accompanied by upregulation of the hepatoprotective and anti-fibrogenic
      hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), occurred in all IGF-I-treated rats but complete
      reversal of liver cirrhosis took place only in AAVIGF-I group. Therefore, AAVIGF
      I reverts liver cirrhosis in rats, a capability which deserves clinical testing.

PMID- 27658044
TI  - The First Complete Plastid Genome from Joinvilleaceae (J. ascendens; Poales)
      Shows Unique and Unpredicted Rearrangements.
AB  - Joinvilleaceae is a family of tropical grass-like monocots that comprises only
      the genus Joinvillea. Previous studies have placed Joinvilleaceae in close
      phylogenetic proximity to the well-studied grass family. A full plastome sequence
      was determined and characterized for J. ascendens. The plastome was sequenced
      with next generation methods, fully assembled de novo and annotated. The assembly
      revealed two novel inversions specific to the Joinvilleaceae lineage and at least
      one novel plastid inversion in the Joinvilleaceae-Poaceae lineage. Two previously
      documented inversions in the Joinvilleaceae-Poaceae lineage and one previously
      documented inversion in the Poaceae lineage were also verified. Inversion events
      were identified visually and verified computationally by simulation mutations.
      Additionally, the loss and subsequent degradation of the accD gene in order
      Poales was explored extensively in Poaceae and J. ascendens. The two novel
      inversions along with changes in gene composition between families better
      delimited lineages in the Poales. The presence of large inversions and subsequent
      reversals in this small family suggested a high potential for large-scale
      rearrangements to occur in plastid genomes.

PMID- 27658045
TI  - Antisense Oligonucleotides Modulating Activation of a Nonsense-Mediated RNA Decay
      Switch Exon in the ATM Gene.
AB  - ATM (ataxia-telangiectasia, mutated) is an important cancer susceptibility gene
      that encodes a key apical kinase in the DNA damage response pathway. ATM
      mutations in the germ line result in ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T), a rare genetic
      syndrome associated with hypersensitivity to double-strand DNA breaks and
      predisposition to lymphoid malignancies. ATM expression is limited by a tightly
      regulated nonsense-mediated RNA decay (NMD) switch exon (termed NSE) located in
      intron 28. In this study, we identify antisense oligonucleotides that modulate
      NSE inclusion in mature transcripts by systematically targeting the entire 3.1-kb
      long intron. Their identification was assisted by a segmental deletion analysis
      of transposed elements, revealing NSE repression upon removal of a distant
      antisense Alu and NSE activation upon elimination of a long terminal repeat
      transposon MER51A. Efficient NSE repression was achieved by delivering optimized
      splice-switching oligonucleotides to embryonic and lymphoblastoid cells using
      chitosan-based nanoparticles. Together, these results provide a basis for
      possible sequence-specific radiosensitization of cancer cells, highlight the
      power of intronic antisense oligonucleotides to modify gene expression, and
      demonstrate transposon-mediated regulation of NSEs.

PMID- 27658046
TI  - CD4+ Recent Thymic Emigrants Are Recruited into Granulomas during Leishmania
      donovani Infection but Have Limited Capacity for Cytokine Production.
AB  - Recent thymic emigrants (RTEs) represent a source of antigen-naive T cells that
      enter the periphery throughout life. However, whether RTEs contribute to the
      control of chronic parasitic infection and how their potential might be harnessed
      by therapeutic intervention is currently unclear. Here, we show that CD4+ recent
      thymic emigrants emerging into the periphery of mice with ongoing Leishmania
      donovani infection undergo partial activation and are recruited to sites of
      granulomatous inflammation. However, CD4+ RTEs displayed severely restricted
      differentiation either into IFNgamma+ or IFNgamma+TNFalpha+ effectors, or into IL
      10-producing regulatory T cells. Effector cell differentiation in the chronically
      infected host was not promoted by adoptive transfer of activated dendritic cells
      or by allowing extended periods of post-thymic differentiation in the periphery.
      Nevertheless, CD4+ RTEs from infected mice retained the capacity to transfer
      protection into lymphopenic RAG2-/- mice. Taken together, our data indicate that
      RTEs emerging into a chronically inflamed environment are not recruited into the
      effector pool, but retain the capacity for subsequent differentiation into host
      protective T cells when placed in a disease-free environment.

PMID- 27658047
TI  - A Rationally Designed TNF-alpha Epitope-Scaffold Immunogen Induces Sustained
      Antibody Response and Alleviates Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Mice.
AB  - The TNF-alpha biological inhibitors have significantly improved the clinical
      outcomes of many autoimmune diseases, in particular rheumatoid arthritis.
      However, the practical uses are limited due to high costs and the risk of anti
      drug antibody responses. Attempts to develop anti-TNF-alpha vaccines have
      generated encouraging data in animal models, however, data from clinical trials
      have not met expectations. In present study, we designed a TNF-alpha epitope
      scaffold immunogen DTNF7 using the transmembrane domain of diphtheria toxin,
      named DTT as a scaffold. Molecular dynamics simulation shows that the grafted TNF
      alpha epitope is entirely surface-exposed and presented in a native-like
      conformation while the rigid helical structure of DTT is minimally perturbed,
      thereby rendering the immunogen highly stable. Immunization of mice with alum
      formulated DTNF7 induced humoral responses against native TNF-alpha, and the
      antibody titer was sustained for more than 6 months, which supports a role of the
      universal CD4 T cell epitopes of DTT in breaking self-immune tolerance. In a
      mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis, DTNF7-alum vaccination markedly delayed the
      onset of collagen-induced arthritis, and reduced incidence as well as clinical
      score. DTT is presumed safe as an epitope carrier because a catalytic inactive
      mutant of diphtheria toxin, CRM197 has good clinical safety records as an active
      vaccine component. Taken all together, we show that DTT-based epitope vaccine is
      a promising strategy for prevention and treatment of autoimmune diseases.

PMID- 27658048
TI  - IL-1beta maintains the redox balance by regulating glutaredoxin 1 expression
      during oral carcinogenesis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta) is a pleiotropic cancer-inflammation
      linked cytokine which has been reported upregulated in many cancers. In our
      previous study, IL-1beta was found to be one of the key node genes during oral
      malignant transformation, and glutaredoxin 1 (Grx1) was identified as one of the
      downstream genes of IL-1beta in tumor microenvironment. Grx1 is ubiquitous
      oxidoreductase which is necessary for scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS)
      and the intracellular redox balance maintenance. METHODS: Tissues from different
      stages of mucosal malignant transformation were obtained from 4NQO-induced rat
      oral carcinogenesis model and human mucosa for Grx1 expression detection by
      immunohistochemical staining. The intracellular ROS levels and Grx1 mRNA level of
      oral squamous carcinoma cell CAL27 were detected after IL-1beta treatment with or
      without pretreatment of IL-1Ra or NAC, respectively. The ROS levels were detected
      in Leti-si-IL-1beta and Leti-si-NC CAL27 cells after IL-1beta stimulation. The
      invasion and migration abilities of CAL27 cells were tested by transwell assay
      after IL-1beta stimulation with or without pretreatment of IL-1Ra. RESULTS: Grx1
      expression was associated with the malignant transformation process in vivo.
      Exogenous IL-1beta upregulated the intracellular ROS level and the expression of
      Grx1 in CAL27 cells, which could be counteracted by IL-1Ra. The intracellular ROS
      accumulation induced by exogenous IL-1beta was responsible for the Grx1
      upregulation. Endogenous IL-1beta acted as a switch in regulating the ROS level
      by modulating Grx1 expression, which was involved in the invasion and migration
      of OSCC cells. CONCLUSIONS: IL-1beta finely orchestrated the redox balance during
      carcinogenesis by modulating Grx1 expression.

PMID- 27658050
TI  - Price comparison of high-cost originator medicines in European countries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In recent years, high-cost medicines have increasingly been
      challenging the public health budget in all countries including high-income
      economies. In this context, this study aims to survey, analyze and compare prices
      of medicines that likely contribute to high expenditure for the public payers in
      high-income countries. METHODS: We chose the following 16 European countries:
      Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland,
      Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden, Slovakia, Spain and United Kingdom. The
      ex-factory price data of 30 medicines in these countries were collected in
      national databases accessible through the Pharmaceutical Price Information (PPI)
      service of Gesundheit Osterreich GmbH (Austrian Public Health Institute).
      RESULTS: The ex-factory prices (median) per unit (e.g. per tablet, vial) ranged
      from 10.67 cent (levodopa + decarboxylase inhibitor) to 17,000 euro (ipilimumab).
      A total of 53% of the medicines surveyed had a unit ex-factory price (median)
      above 200 Euro. For two thirds of the medicines, price differences between the
      highest-priced country and lowest-priced country ranged between 25 and 100%; the
      remaining medicines, mainly low-priced medicines, had higher price differential,
      up to 251%. Medicines with unit prices of a few euros or less were medicines for
      the treatment of diseases in the nervous system (anti-depressants, medicines to
      treat Parkinson and for the management of neuropathic pain), of obstructive
      airway diseases and cardio-vascular medicines (lipid modifying agents). High
      priced medicines were particularly cancer medicines. CONCLUSION: Medicine prices
      of Greece, Hungary, Slovakia and UK were frequently at the lower end, German and
      Swedish, as well as Danish and Irish prices at the upper end. For high-priced
      medicines, actual paid prices are likely to be lower due to confidential
      discounts and similar funding arrangements between industry and public payers.
      Pricing authorities refer to the higher undiscounted prices when they use price
      data from other countries for their pricing decisions.

PMID- 27658049
TI  - Molecular Genetic Characterization of Individual Cancer Cells Isolated via Single
      Cell Printing.
AB  - Intratumoral genetic heterogeneity may impact disease outcome. Gold standard for
      dissecting clonal heterogeneity are single-cell analyses. Here, we present an
      efficient workflow based on an advanced Single-Cell Printer (SCP) device for the
      study of gene variants in single cancer cells. To allow for precise cell
      deposition into microwells the SCP was equipped with an automatic dispenser
      offset compensation, and the 384-microwell plates were electrostatically
      neutralized. The ejection efficiency was 99.7% for fluorescent beads (n = 2304)
      and 98.7% for human cells (U-2 OS or Kasumi-1 cancer cell line, acute myeloid
      leukemia [AML] patient; n = 150). Per fluorescence microscopy, 98.8% of beads
      were correctly delivered into the wells. A subset of single cells (n = 81) was
      subjected to whole genome amplification (WGA), which was successful in all cells.
      On empty droplets, a PCR on LINE1 retrotransposons yielded no product after WGA,
      verifying the absence of free-floating DNA in SCP-generated droplets.
      Representative gene variants identified in bulk specimens were sequenced in
      single-cell WGA DNA. In U-2 OS, 22 of 25 cells yielded results for both an
      SLC34A2 and TET2 mutation site, including cells harboring the SLC34A2 but not the
      TET2 mutation. In one cell, the TET2 mutation analysis was inconclusive due to
      allelic dropout, as assessed via polymorphisms located close to the mutation. Of
      Kasumi-1, 23 of 33 cells with data on both the KIT and TP53 mutation site
      harbored both mutations. In the AML patient, 21 of 23 cells were informative for
      a TP53 polymorphism; the identified alleles matched the loss of chromosome arm
      17p. The advanced SCP allows efficient, precise and gentle isolation of
      individual cells for subsequent WGA and routine PCR/sequencing-based analyses of
      gene variants. This makes single-cell information readily accessible to a wide
      range of applications and can provide insights into clonal heterogeneity that
      were indeterminable solely by analyses of bulk specimens.

PMID- 27658052
TI  - Differing Alterations of Two Esca Associated Fungi, Phaeoacremonium aleophilum
      and Phaeomoniella chlamydospora on Transcriptomic Level, to Co-Cultured Vitis
      vinifera L. calli.
AB  - The filamentous fungi Phaeoacremonium aleophilum (P.al, Teleomorph: Togninia
      minima) and Phaeomoniella chlamydospora (P.ch) are believed to be causal agents
      of wood symptoms associated with the Esca associated young vine decline. The
      occurrence of these diseases is dramatically increasing in vineyards all over the
      world whereas efficient therapeutic strategies are lacking. Both fungi occupy the
      same ecological niche within the grapevine trunk. We found them predominantly
      within the xylem vessels and surrounding cell walls which raises the question
      whether the transcriptional response towards plant cell secreted metabolites is
      comparable. In order to address this question we co-inoculated grapevine callus
      culture cells with the respective fungi and analyzed their transcriptomes by RNA
      sequencing. This experimental setup appears suitable since we aimed to
      investigate the effects caused by the plant thereby excluding all effects caused
      by other microorganisms omnipresent in planta and nutrient depletion.
      Bioinformatics analysis of the sequencing data revealed that 837 homologous genes
      were found to have comparable expression pattern whereas none of which was found
      to be differentially expressed in both strains upon exposure to the plant cells.
      Despite the fact that both fungi induced the transcription of oxido- reductases,
      likely to cope with reactive oxygen species produced by plant cells, the
      transcriptomics response of both fungi compared to each other is rather different
      in other domains. Within the transcriptome of P.ch beside increased transcript
      levels for oxido- reductases, plant cell wall degrading enzymes and detoxifying
      enzymes were found. On the other hand in P.al the transcription of some oxido-
      reductases was increased whereas others appeared to be repressed. In this fungus
      the confrontation to plant cells results in higher transcript levels of heat
      shock and chaperon-like proteins as well as genes encoding proteins involved in
      primary metabolism.

PMID- 27658051
TI  - CD11c/CD18 Dominates Adhesion of Human Monocytes, Macrophages and Dendritic Cells
      over CD11b/CD18.
AB  - Complement receptors CR3 (CD11b/CD18) and CR4 (CD11c/CD18) belong to the family
      of beta2 integrins and are expressed mainly by myeloid cell types in humans.
      Previously, we proved that CR3 rather than CR4 plays a key role in phagocytosis.
      Here we analysed how CD11b and CD11c participate in cell adhesion to fibrinogen,
      a common ligand of CR3 and CR4, employing human monocytes, monocyte-derived
      macrophages (MDMs) and monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDCs) highly expressing
      CD11b as well as CD11c. We determined the exact numbers of CD11b and CD11c on
      these cell types by a bead-based technique, and found that the ratio of
      CD11b/CD11c is 1.2 for MDDCs, 1.7 for MDMs and 7.1 for monocytes, suggesting that
      the function of CD11c is preponderant in MDDCs and less pronounced in monocytes.
      Applying state-of-the-art biophysical techniques, we proved that cellular
      adherence to fibrinogen is dominated by CD11c. Furthermore, we found that
      blocking CD11b significantly enhances the attachment of MDDCs and MDMs to
      fibrinogen, demonstrating a competition between CD11b and CD11c for this ligand.
      On the basis of the cell surface receptor numbers and the measured adhesion
      strength we set up a model, which explains the different behavior of the three
      cell types.

PMID- 27658054
TI  - Correction: Comparison of Transversus Abdominis Plane Infiltration with Liposomal
      Bupivacaine versus Continuous Epidural Analgesia versus Intravenous Opioid
      Analgesia.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0153675.].

PMID- 27658053
TI  - Genomic regions, cellular components and gene regulatory basis underlying pod
      length variations in cowpea (V. unguiculata L. Walp).
AB  - Cowpea (V. unguiculata L. Walp) is a climate resilient legume crop important for
      food security. Cultivated cowpea (V. unguiculata L) generally comprises the
      bushy, short-podded grain cowpea dominant in Africa and the climbing, long-podded
      vegetable cowpea popular in Asia. How selection has contributed to the
      diversification of the two types of cowpea remains largely unknown. In the
      current study, a novel genotyping assay for over 50 000 SNPs was employed to
      delineate genomic regions governing pod length. Major, minor and epistatic QTLs
      were identified through QTL mapping. Seventy-two SNPs associated with pod length
      were detected by genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Population
      stratification analysis revealed subdivision among a cowpea germplasm collection
      consisting of 299 accessions, which is consistent with pod length groups. Genomic
      scan for selective signals suggested that domestication of vegetable cowpea was
      accompanied by selection of multiple traits including pod length, while the
      further improvement process was featured by selection of pod length primarily.
      Pod growth kinetics assay demonstrated that more durable cell proliferation
      rather than cell elongation or enlargement was the main reason for longer pods.
      Transcriptomic analysis suggested the involvement of sugar, gibberellin and
      nutritional signalling in regulation of pod length. This study establishes the
      basis for map-based cloning of pod length genes in cowpea and for marker-assisted
      selection of this trait in breeding programmes.

PMID- 27658055
TI  - Evidence-Based Medicine and Key Reporting Guidelines: Should AJR Adopt These
      Approaches?

PMID- 27658056
TI  - The impact of autologous platelet concentrates on endodontic healing: a
      systematic review.
AB  - The current literature was reviewed to determine the impact of autologous
      platelet concentrates (APCs) on endodontic healing. All types of clinical study
      designs concerning any kind of endodontic treatment involving the application of
      APCs were included. Two independent reviewers searched three databases (PubMed,
      Embase, and Cochrane Library) for studies, complemented by hand search, until
      16/1/2016. From the 423 identified records, 48 articles met the inclusion
      criteria. Selected randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) underwent
      Cochrane Collaboration's risk-of-bias assessment and data extraction. Only two
      RCTs showed low risk of bias. There was considerable heterogeneity between the
      RCTs with regard to the type of therapy, type of APCs, assessment method, and
      study quality, and therefore the data could not be analyzed quantitatively. The
      included case reports/series and non-randomized comparative studies underwent
      qualitative analysis with the revised Methodological Index for Non-Randomized
      Studies (MINORS) and data extraction. The two comparative non-randomized studies
      scored qualitatively high, though the MINORS-scores of the case series and
      reports were dispersed. APCs were involved in five endodontic treatment
      modalities, namely apexification, regenerative endodontic procedures, pulpotomy,
      apical surgery, and treatment of endo-perio/perio-endo lesions. APCs seem to
      accelerate postoperative bone healing, augment the patients' postoperative
      quality of life, aid further root development, and support maintenance/regaining
      of pulp vitality. No adverse events were reported. APCs in endodontic treatments
      seem to contribute to the healing of soft and hard tissues, though there is a
      lack of long-term high quality clinical trials and standardized treatment
      protocols.

PMID- 27658057
TI  - An Experimental Model of Vasovagal Syncope Induces Cerebral Hypoperfusion and
      Fainting-Like Behavior in Awake Rats.
AB  - Vasovagal syncope, a contributing factor to elderly falls, is the transient loss
      of consciousness caused by decreased cerebral perfusion. Vasovagal syncope is
      characterized by hypotension, bradycardia, and reduced cerebral blood flow,
      resulting in fatigue, altered coordination, and fainting. The purpose of this
      study is to develop an animal model which is similar to human vasovagal syncope
      and establish an awake animal model of vasovagal syncope. Male Sprague-Dawley
      rats were subjected to sinusoidal galvanic vestibular stimulation (sGVS). Blood
      pressure, heart rate, and cerebral blood flow were monitored before, during, and
      post-stimulation. sGVS resulted in hypotension, bradycardia, and decreased
      cerebral blood flow. One cohort of animals was subjected to sGVS while freely
      moving. sGVS in awake animals produced vasovagal syncope-like symptoms, including
      fatigue and uncoordinated movements; two animals experienced spontaneous falling.
      Another cohort of animals was preconditioned with isoflurane for several days
      before being subjected to sGVS. Isoflurane preconditioning before sGVS did not
      prevent sGVS-induced hypotension or bradycardia, yet isoflurane preconditioning
      attenuated sGVS-induced cerebral blood flow reduction. The sGVS rat model mimics
      elements of human vasovagal syncope pathophysiology (hypotension, bradycardia,
      and decreased cerebral perfusion), including behavioral symptoms such as fatigue
      and altered balance. This study indicates that the sGVS rat model is similar to
      human vasovagal syncope and that therapies directed at preventing cerebral
      hypoperfusion may decrease syncopal episodes and reduce injuries from syncopal
      falls.

PMID- 27658058
TI  - A perspective on single cell behavior during infection.
AB  - The interface between immune cells and intracellular bacterial pathogens produces
      complex, diverse interactions. During individual encounters, highly adaptable and
      dynamic host cells and bacteria vary in their responses, thereby contributing to
      well-documented heterogeneous outcomes of infection. The challenge now is to
      break down the multidimensionality of these interactions into informative
      readouts of population physiology and predictors of responses to infection. We
      recently reported one approach to this challenge that couples single cell RNA-seq
      analysis with fluorescent markers to characterize infection phenotype. 1 We
      detected bacterial subpopulations that elicit profoundly different host responses
      to infection in the specific host cells that they infect. Here we describe how
      heterogeneity might be maintained in populations of host and pathogens and
      discuss the advantages that heterogeneity confers to bacteria during infection
      and to host cells for eradicating a pathogen. We propose that single cell studies
      will allow the unraveling of host-pathogen biology and lead to an understanding
      of how the sum of individual encounters leads to the infection outcome of a whole
      organism.

PMID- 27658059
TI  - Accuracy of the Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting Assay for the Aquaporin-4
      Antibody (AQP4-Ab): Comparison with the Commercial AQP4-Ab Assay Kit.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aquaporin-4 antibody (AQP4-Ab) is a disease-specific autoantibody
      to neuromyelitis optica (NMO). We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of the FACS
      assay in detecting the AQP4-Ab compared with the commercial cell-based assay (C
      CBA) kit. METHODS: Human embryonic kidney-293 cells were transfected with human
      aquaporin-4 (M23) cDNA. The optimal cut off values of FACS assay was tested using
      1123 serum samples from patients with clinically definite NMO, those at high risk
      for NMO, patients with multiple sclerosis, patients with other idiopathic
      inflammatory demyelinating diseases, and negative controls. The accuracy of FACS
      assay and C-CBA were compared in consecutive 225 samples that were collected
      between January 2014 and June 2014. RESULTS: With a cut-off value of MFIi of 3.5
      and MFIr of 2.0, the receiver operating characteristic curve for the FACS assay
      showed an area under the curve of 0.876. Among 225 consecutive sera, the FACS
      assay and C-CBA had a sensitivity of 77.3% and 69.7%, respectively, in
      differentiating the sera of definite NMO patients from sera of controls without
      IDD or of MS. Both assay had a good specificity of 100% in it. The overall
      positivity of the C-CBA among FACS-positive sera was 81.5%; moreover, its
      positivity was low as 50% among FACS-positive sera with relatively low MFIis.
      CONCLUSIONS: Both the FACS assay and C-CBA are sensitive and highly specific
      assays in detecting AQP4-Ab. However, in some sera with relatively low antibody
      titer, FACS-assay can be a more sensitive assay option. In real practice,
      complementary use of FACS assay and C-CBA will benefit the diagnosis of NMO
      patients, because the former can be more sensitive among low titer sera and the
      latter are easier to use therefore can be widely used.

PMID- 27658061
TI  - Tele-rehabilitation using in-house wearable ankle rehabilitation robot.
AB  - This article explores wide-ranging potential of the wearable ankle robot for in
      house rehabilitation. The presented robot has been conceptualized following a
      brief analysis of the existing technologies, systems, and solutions for in-house
      physical ankle rehabilitation. Configuration design analysis and component
      selection for ankle robot have been discussed as part of the conceptual design.
      The complexities of human robot interaction are closely encountered while
      maneuvering a rehabilitation robot. We present a fuzzy logic-based controller to
      perform the required robot-assisted ankle rehabilitation treatment. Designs of
      visual haptic interfaces have also been discussed, which will make the treatment
      interesting, and the subject will be motivated to exert more and regain lost
      functions rapidly. The complex nature of web-based communication between user and
      remotely sitting physiotherapy staff has also been discussed. A high-level
      software architecture appended with robot ensures user-friendly operations. This
      software is made up of three important components: patient-related database,
      graphical user interface (GUI), and a library of exercises creating virtual
      reality-specifically developed for ankle rehabilitation.

PMID- 27658060
TI  - Associations of Various Health-Ratings with Geriatric Giants, Mortality and Life
      Satisfaction in Older People.
AB  - Self-rated health is routinely used in research and practise among general
      populations. Older people, however, seem to change their health perceptions. To
      accurately understand these changed perceptions we therefore need to study the
      correlates of older people's self-ratings. We examined self-rated, nurse-rated
      and physician-rated health's association with common disabilities in older people
      (the geriatric giants), mortality hazard and life satisfaction. For this, we used
      an age-representative population of 501 participant aged 85 from a middle-sized
      city in the Netherlands: the Leiden 85-plus Study. Participants with severe
      cognitive dysfunction were excluded. Participants themselves provided health
      ratings, as well as a visiting physician and a research nurse. Visual acuity,
      hearing loss, mobility, stability, urinal and faecal incontinence, cognitive
      function and mood (depressive symptoms) were included as geriatric giants.
      Participants provided a score for life satisfaction and were followed up for
      vital status. Concordance of self-rated health with physician-rated (k = .3 [.0])
      and nurse-rated health (k = .2 [.0]) was low. All three ratings were associated
      with the geriatric giants except for hearing loss (all p < 0.001). Associations
      were equal in strength, except for depressive symptoms, which showed a stronger
      association with self-rated health (.8 [.1] versus .4 [.1]). Self-rated health
      predicted mortality less well than the other ratings. Self-rated health related
      stronger to life satisfaction than physician's and nurse's ratings. We conclude
      that professionals' health ratings are more reflective of physical health whereas
      self-rated health reflects more the older person's mental health, but all three
      health ratings are useful in research.

PMID- 27658063
TI  - Changes worth the fight.
AB  - April 1 saw many changes to the NHS: more Trusts, the community care reforms and
      a 1.5 per cent pay increase for nurses. But it was also the day North East Thames
      RHA announced the early retirement of Mary Spinks (nee Donn), a move that has
      justifiably fuelled rumours that regional nursing officers are rapidly becoming
      an extinct breed.

PMID- 27658062
TI  - Correction: The Oncogene PDRG1 Is an Interaction Target of Methionine
      Adenosyltransferases.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0161672.].

PMID- 27658064
TI  - ?
AB  - Shopping list: Nina Sakjarvi-Stenham (left) and Coco Leuong join Parkside Health
      Visitor Angie Glew (centre) outside a North London branch of Tesco to highlight
      the first ever Child Safety Week. Health Visitors and firemen demonstrated to
      shoppers how parents can make sure their children avoid bums and scalds, while
      health visitors and road safety officers visited branches of Mothercare last week
      to give travel safety advice. The Child Accident Prevention Trust says three
      children the every day as a result of accidents, which is the major cause of
      death in the under-14s. More than 10,000 children are permanently disabled by
      accidents every year.

PMID- 27658065
TI  - Fear for RNO posts as regions follow decree to 'slimdown'.
AB  - Fears are growing about the future of regional nursing officer posts following
      Health Secretary Virginia Bottomley's decree that regions slim down.

PMID- 27658066
TI  - Fundholders warned not to cut back.
AB  - Fundholding GPs will regret cutting back on community nurses if they use their
      new purchasing powers to insist on skill mix changes, the RCN warned last week.

PMID- 27658067
TI  - ?
AB  - District nurses from Liverpool delivered a petition to their MPs last week
      protesting about plans to restructure the service. MPs Eddie Loydon (holding the
      petition) and Peter Kilfoyle (second left front row) are shown with the nurses
      and Royal College of Nursing Regional Officer Maureen Woods (right).

PMID- 27658068
TI  - Less staff caring for more deliveries.
AB  - Six senior midwifery posts are being axed by Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Trust in an
      attempt to save cash. The Royal College of Midwives claimed a postnatal ward
      would now be left with only one qualified midwife to care for 18 mothers and
      babies. RCM Senior Industrial Relations Officer Barbara Shepherd said there would
      note be less qualified staff caring for more deliveries. 'The moves will make the
      situation intolerable, ' she added. A Trust spokesperson confirmed seven posts
      were to be cut - six in senior grades - as part of a rationalisation plan adopted
      by Guy's managers before the recent merger with St Thomas'.

PMID- 27658069
TI  - New trust hospital will have to 'take out' up to 70 posts.
AB  - A Surrey hospital which assumed Trust status last week is overspending by L10,000
      a day and must make cuts that total L3.6 million, unions at the hospital have
      claimed.

PMID- 27658070
TI  - P2000 mental handicap branch may go.
AB  - Department of Health proposals to get rid of the mental handicap branch of
      Project 2000 and replace it with a new post-registration course have received a
      mixed response from the nursing profession.

PMID- 27658071
TI  - 'Nurses could be NHS accountants'.
AB  - Hospital finance managers should encourage nurses to take up a career in NHS
      accountancy, the head of health service finance says.

PMID- 27658072
TI  - A&E shuffle results in patient overload.
AB  - Changes to the delivery of care in Birmingham have left the city's Dudley Road
      Hospital 'bursting at the seams' with casualty patients, the RCN claimed last
      week.

PMID- 27658073
TI  - Drop in cot deaths not fully explained.
AB  - Nurses and midwives have welcomed the dramatic reduction in cot deaths announced
      last week but have said that factors other than the government's L2 million
      campaign could have contributed to the drop.

PMID- 27658074
TI  - Heavy job losses predicted.
AB  - More than 750 health workers lost their jobs last month, with nurses accounting
      for at least half of the casualties, according to Unison's Jobwatch Bulletin.

PMID- 27658075
TI  - NHS now spending more on complementary therapies.
AB  - The National Health Service is now spending L1 million a year on complementary
      therapies, a new survey shows.

PMID- 27658076
TI  - ?
AB  - Kids Stuff: Participants at the recent Northern Ireland RCN Paediatric Nursing
      Society Conference (from left, front) Alan (Rasper. Professor of Nursing.
      Southampton University: Elizabeth McElkerney. Clinical Services Manager, Ulster
      Hospital; Hilary Herron, Royal College of Nursing Paediatric Nursing Society
      Chair; Lynn Peyton, Assistant Director Social Services, Southern Health and
      Social Services Board; (Back) Rosemary Rogers, Editor, Paediatric Nursing, Frank
      Rice. Director of Nursing. Southern Area College of Nursing; Norah Casey, Editor,
      Nursing Standard: John Templeton, UGM, Craigavon Area Hospital; Anna Sidey,
      Paediatric Community Nurse Specialist; and Basil McNamee, Director of Acute
      Services, South Tyrone Hospital.

PMID- 27658078
TI  - No cash for courses on work violence.
AB  - Lack of funding is preventing the development of courses on coping with violence
      at work, a new report claims.

PMID- 27658077
TI  - Formal procedures block complaints.
AB  - Many dissatisfied NHS patients are deterred from complaining by a 'bewildering'
      array of formal procedures, according to Which?, the Consumers' Association
      magazine.

PMID- 27658079
TI  - World news.
AB  - United States An influential American human rights organisation has highlighted
      the problems of whistleblowing' British nurses who speak out over shortcomings in
      care.

PMID- 27658081
TI  - Understanding race and culture.
AB  - Race and cultural awareness should be built into basic nurse education,
      integrated with all aspects of the curriculum, Royal College of Nursing General
      Secretary Christine Hancock told the conference.

PMID- 27658080
TI  - Black professionals for equality of care.
AB  - More black and ethnic minority nurses are needed to ensure equality of care, an
      RCN conference on Race and Health heard recently.

PMID- 27658082
TI  - Parliament.
AB  - Coal miners have won an important victory with the government's acceptance of
      chronic bronchitis and emphysema as industrial injuries.

PMID- 27658083
TI  - Looking at the benefits of mixed wards.
AB  - Hospitals should only have mixed sex wards if patients benefit, even if single
      sex wards are more expensive, RCN General Secretary Christine Hancock told a
      conference in Dublin.

PMID- 27658084
TI  - Hepatitis B fears for healthcare workers.
AB  - Occupationally-acquired hepatitis B may kill a European healthcare worker almost
      every day of the year, new figures show.

PMID- 27658086
TI  - ?
AB  - Fool proof: Project worker Russell Goodwin pictured on April Fool's Day at the
      start of a 3,000 mile sponsored bike ride to raise money for a permanent site for
      Oxford's Luther Street Centre. This provides health care for homeless people, but
      is currently housed in a portacabin.

PMID- 27658087
TI  - Less choice of pill could mean more pregnancies.
AB  - More women will have unwanted pregnancies if the range of contraceptive pills
      available free on prescription is reduced, family planning nurses have warned.

PMID- 27658088
TI  - Growing dependency levels in the elderly.
AB  - Dependency levels among elderly people in residential care homes rose sharply
      during the Eighties, especially in the private sector, according to research.

PMID- 27658089
TI  - ?

PMID- 27658090
TI  - Ignorance of healing is preventing cures.
AB  - Most wounds in elderly patients' are maintained instead of cured because health
      professionals lack understanding of the basic processes that promote healing, a
      doctor has warned.

PMID- 27658091
TI  - Exposure to carcinogens increasing cancer risk?
AB  - The risk of developing cancer is increasing, probably because of greater exposure
      to carcinogens, according to Swedish research.

PMID- 27658092
TI  - Reducing neutropenia in cancer therapy.
AB  - The morbidity associated with chemotherapy induced neutropenia may be reduced by
      giving recombinant granulocyte colony stimulating factor.

PMID- 27658093
TI  - Vaccine against malaria shows promise.
AB  - Clinical trials of a synthesised vaccine against Plasmodium falciparum malaria
      show that it is safe, immunogenic and protective in semi-immune populations
      subject to natural challenge.

PMID- 27658094
TI  - Adolescents fear lack of confidentiality.
AB  - Adolescents may not use health services because of fears about confidentiality,
      American researchers report.

PMID- 27658095
TI  - Meningitis may mimic substance abuse.
AB  - Bacterial meningitis may present with acute behavioural disturbance that can
      closely mimic substance abuse.

PMID- 27658096
TI  - Care getting out of the car could help hips.
AB  - Disabling hip pain may be prevented or cured by taking care getting out of cars.

PMID- 27658097
TI  - A major milestone.
AB  - Several things combined to ensure that the implications of the UK Central
      Council's recent statement on PREP were almost lost in a barrage of supplementary
      questions. There was the issue of funding, for example. Would the government pay
      for the five statutory study days?

PMID- 27658098
TI  - Caring in a divided community.
AB  - The Order of St John's links with Jerusalem span 900 years. Returning to its
      roots in 1882, the St John Ophthalmic Hospital was opened in Jerusalem, the first
      of its kind in the Middle East. But the hospital has not been immune to the
      area's political troubles - during fighting which followed the end of the British
      mandate in 1948, it was so badly damaged that a new start was needed.

PMID- 27658099
TI  - Help yourself.
AB  - Considering the changes currently taking place in the NHS, it would be remarkable
      if staff were not under stress.

PMID- 27658100
TI  - You don't have to face bullying alone.
AB  - The more I read the article 'Bullying, I fought back' (Viewpoint, March 17), the
      angrier I became.

PMID- 27658101
TI  - And it happens in the private sector as well.
AB  - I felt great empathy for the author of'Bullying, I fought back' (Viewpoint, March
      17), as I have been in a similar position - but when working in a nursing home,
      where I had neither a complaints procedure nor an RCN representative to turn to.

PMID- 27658103
TI  - Letters.
AB  - My health suffered, and eventually I left, in the same manner as others before
      me, with my confidence in tatters. A friend helped me back into the workplace,
      and now I am settled and happy working in the NHS.

PMID- 27658102
TI  - The plunge into disappointment.
AB  - I am a Project 2000 student, due to complete my education in mid-September.

PMID- 27658104
TI  - Putting students in their placement.
AB  - I am a Project 2000 student studying in Leicester, and wish to express my views
      about the appalling way in which some of my colleagues and I are treated by
      qualified staff members when we are on placement.

PMID- 27658105
TI  - That's no 'client', that's my relative.
AB  - Very recently, an in-law of mine, a frail man in his 70s, has been a patient in
      one of the local hospitals. The nursing care he received has made me angry and
      frustrated, and I have found myself unable to defend the actions of my
      'profession' to the rest of my family.

PMID- 27658106
TI  - Information exchange.
AB  - * I am health visitor dealing with a family affected by neurofibromatosis. I
      would be interested to hear of any patient support group for this condition, or
      from health visitors with similar families who would like to build a parents'
      support group.

PMID- 27658107
TI  - Asthma at your fingertips Asthma at your fingertips AL Levy , S Hilton and G
      Barnes Class Publishing 240pp L11.95 1-872362-06-0.
AB  - Asthma at Your Fingertips, a new publication on asthma, is undoubtedly excellent
      value for money, particularly for those who suffer from asthma and for parents of
      children who are affected.

PMID- 27658108
TI  - A textbook of science for the health professions, 2nd edition A textbook of
      science for the health professions, 2nd edition B Hinwood Chapman & Hall 490pp
      L17.95 0-412-46730-5.
AB  - A Textbook of Science for the Health Professions is in 11 main sections
      containing 40 chapters. Each chapter has stated objectives for the reader with an
      excellent 18-page glossary and useful appendices for quick reference.

PMID- 27658109
TI  - Death, Dying and Bereavement D Dickenson Death, Dying and Bereavement and M
      Johnson , editors SAGE 320pp L12.95 0-8039-8797-8 [Formula: see text].
AB  - Death, Dying and Bereavement is the course reader for the Open University course
      'Death and Dying', which is offered as part of the Open University Diploma in
      Health and Social Welfare.

PMID- 27658110
TI  - Computing reviews Ziff-Davis B Howard press Distributed by computer Manuals 50
      James road, Tyseley, Birmingham B11 2BA Tel: 021 706 6000 L27.95 1-56276-005-X.
AB  - If you use a computer, you are likely to be interested in laptops and notebooks.
      Both offer the power of a desktop computer with the convenience of the jumbo A4
      pad of feint and margin.

PMID- 27658111
TI  - Listings.
AB  - Nursing Standard regrets that it is no longer able to take listings over the
      telephone because of unprecedented demand. Readers are reminded that the listings
      section is for the use of charitable and professional organisations, unions and
      health authorities to publicise forthcoming events. Listings should contain all
      relevant details and be posted or faxed to Susan Bloodworth, Nursing Standard,
      Viking House. 17-19 Peterborough Road, Harrow, Middlesex HA1 2AX. Fax: 081-423
      3867.

PMID- 27658112
TI  - The Transcriptional Repressive Activity of KRAB Zinc Finger Proteins Does Not
      Correlate with Their Ability to Recruit TRIM28.
AB  - KRAB domain Zinc finger proteins are one of the most abundant families of
      transcriptional regulators in higher vertebrates. The prevailing view is that
      KRAB domain proteins function as potent transcriptional repressors by recruiting
      TRIM28 and promoting heterochromatin spreading. However, the extent to which all
      KRAB domain proteins are TRIM28-dependent transcriptional repressors is currently
      unclear. Our studies on mouse ZFP568 revealed that TRIM28 recruitment by KRAB
      domain proteins is not sufficient to warrant transcriptional repressive activity.
      By using luciferase reporter assays and yeast two-hybrid experiments, we tested
      the ability of ZFP568 and other mouse KRAB domain proteins to repress
      transcription and bind TRIM28. We found that some mouse KRAB domain proteins are
      poor transcriptional repressors despite their ability to recruit TRIM28, while
      others showed strong KRAB-dependent transcriptional repression, but no TRIM28
      binding. Together, our results show that the transcriptional repressive activity
      of KRAB-ZNF proteins does not correlate with their ability to recruit TRIM28, and
      provide evidence that KRAB domains can regulate transcription in a TRIM28
      independent fashion. Our findings challenge the current understanding of the
      molecular mechanisms used by KRAB domain proteins to control gene expression and
      highlight that a high percentage of KRAB domain proteins in the mouse genome
      differ from the consensus KRAB sequence at amino acid residues that are critical
      for TRIM28 binding and/or repressive activity.

PMID- 27658113
TI  - Cr(VI) Adsorption on Red Mud Modified by Lanthanum: Performance, Kinetics and
      Mechanisms.
AB  - Water pollution caused by the highly toxic metal hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI))
      creates significant human health and ecological risks. In this study, a novel
      adsorbent was used to treat Cr(VI)-containing wastewater; the adsorbent was
      prepared using red mud (RM) generated from the alumina production industry and
      the rare earth element lanthanum. This study explored adsorption performance,
      kinetics, and mechanisms. Results showed that the adsorption kinetics of the RM
      modified by lanthanum (La-RM), followed the pseudo-second-order model, with a
      rapid adsorption rate. Cr(VI) adsorption was positively associated with the
      absorbent dose, pH, temperature, and initial Cr(VI) concentration; coexisting
      anions had little impact. The maximum Cr(VI) adsorption capacity was 17.35 mg/g.
      Cr(VI) adsorption on La-RM was a mono-layer adsorption pattern, following the
      Langmuir isotherm model. Thermodynamic parameters showed the adsorption was
      spontaneous and endothermic. The adsorption of Cr(VI) on La-RM occurred as a
      result of LaOCl formation on the RM surface, which in turn further reacted with
      Cr(VI) in the wastewater. This study highlighted a method for converting
      industrial waste into a valuable material for wastewater treatment. The novel
      absorbent could be used as a potential adsorbent for treating Cr(VI)
      contaminating wastewater, due to its cost-effectiveness and high adsorption
      capability.

PMID- 27658114
TI  - Therapeutic targets in fibrotic pathways.
AB  - The pathogenetic heterogeneity of pulmonary fibrosis yields both challenges and
      opportunities for therapy. Its complexity implicates a variety of cellular
      processes, signaling pathways, and genetics as drivers of disease. TGF-beta
      stimulation is one avenue, and is central to pro-fibrotic protein expression,
      leading to decreased pulmonary function. Here we report our recent findings,
      introducing the E3 ligase Fibrosis Inducing E3 Ligase 1 (FIEL1) as an important
      regulator of TGF-beta signaling through the selective degradation of PIAS4. FIEL1
      exacerbates bleomycin-induced murine pulmonary fibrosis, while its silencing
      attenuates the fibrotic phenotype. Further, we developed a small molecule
      inhibitor of FIEL1 (BC-1485) that inhibits the degradation of PIAS4, and
      ameliorates fibrosis in murine models. New understanding of this pathway
      illustrates the many targeting opportunities among the complexity of pulmonary
      fibrosis in the continuing search for therapy.

PMID- 27658115
TI  - Optimal Cut-Offs of Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR)
      to Identify Dysglycemia and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A 15-Year Prospective Study
      in Chinese.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The optimal reference range of homeostasis model assessment of
      insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in normal Chinese population has not been clearly
      defined. Here we address this issue using the Hong Kong Cardiovascular Risk
      Factor Prevalence Study (CRISPS), a prospective population-based cohort study
      with long-term follow-up. MATERIAL & METHODS: In this study, normal glucose
      tolerance (NGT), impaired fasting glucose (IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT)
      and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were defined according to the 1998 World
      Health Organization criteria. Dysglycemia referred to IFG, IGT or T2DM. This
      study comprised two parts. Part one was a cross-sectional study involving 2,649
      Hong Kong Chinese subjects, aged 25-74 years, at baseline CRISPS-1 (1995-1996).
      The optimal HOMA-IR cut-offs for dysglycemia and T2DM were determined by the
      receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Part two was a prospective study
      involving 872 subjects who had persistent NGT at CRISPS-4 (2010-2012) after 15
      years of follow-up. RESULTS: At baseline, the optimal HOMA-IR cut-offs to
      identify dysglyceia and T2DM were 1.37 (AUC = 0.735; 95% confidence interval [CI]
      = 0.713-0.758; Sensitivity [Se] = 65.6%, Specificity [Sp] = 71.3%] and 1.97 (AUC
      = 0.807; 95% CI = 0.777-0.886; Se = 65.5%, Sp = 82.9%) respectively. These cut
      offs, derived from the cross-sectional study at baseline, corresponded closely to
      the 75th (1.44) and 90th (2.03) percentiles, respectively, of the HOMA-IR
      reference range derived from the prospective study of subjects with persistent
      NGT. CONCLUSIONS: HOMA-IR cut-offs, of 1.4 and 2.0, which discriminated
      dysglycemia and T2DM respectively from NGT in Southern Chinese, can be usefully
      employed as references in clinical research involving the assessment of insulin
      resistance.

PMID- 27658117
TI  - Contrasting preschoolers' verbal reasoning in an object-individuation task with
      young infants' preverbal feats.
AB  - Young infants infer a second object if shown an object apparently moving on a
      discontinuous path (Aguiar & Baillargeon, 2002; Spelke, Kestenbaum, Simons, &
      Wein, 1995). In three experiments, we examined whether children aged 3-6 years
      and adults would do the same in their verbal explanations of an apparent
      continuity violation. Presenting participants with video clips (Exp. 1 and 3) as
      well as live events (Exp. 2) of a toy locomotive apparently passing through a
      tunnel without appearing in a large opening in the middle, we found virtually no
      evidence for generations of two-object explanations of the critical test event in
      preschoolers. Some of the younger children even denied a continuity violation at
      first. When participants were familiarized to two identical objects instead of
      just one, they were more likely to realize that a second object was involved in
      the test events but, unlike adults (Exp. 3), most children nonetheless adhered to
      a one-object interpretation. Analyzing 3- and 5-year-old children's and adults'
      eye movements (Exp. 3), we found that children's difficulties to infer a second
      object from an apparent continuity violation were not caused by inappropriate
      looking strategies. We conclude that preschoolers' physical reasoning about the
      numerical identity of objects is not continuous with the preverbal reasoning of
      infants. Rather than being exclusively constrained by the output of basic object
      individuation processes, as in infants, it is also strongly influenced, in a top
      down manner, by prior beliefs.

PMID- 27658116
TI  - Immersed Boundary Models for Quantifying Flow-Induced Mechanical Stimuli on Stem
      Cells Seeded on 3D Scaffolds in Perfusion Bioreactors.
AB  - Perfusion bioreactors regulate flow conditions in order to provide cells with
      oxygen, nutrients and flow-associated mechanical stimuli. Locally, these flow
      conditions can vary depending on the scaffold geometry, cellular confluency and
      amount of extra cellular matrix deposition. In this study, a novel application of
      the immersed boundary method was introduced in order to represent a detailed
      deformable cell attached to a 3D scaffold inside a perfusion bioreactor and
      exposed to microscopic flow. The immersed boundary model permits the prediction
      of mechanical effects of the local flow conditions on the cell. Incorporating
      stiffness values measured with atomic force microscopy and micro-flow boundary
      conditions obtained from computational fluid dynamics simulations on the entire
      scaffold, we compared cell deformation, cortical tension, normal and shear
      pressure between different cell shapes and locations. We observed a large effect
      of the precise cell location on the local shear stress and we predicted flow
      induced cortical tensions in the order of 5 pN/MUm, at the lower end of the range
      reported in literature. The proposed method provides an interesting tool to study
      perfusion bioreactors processes down to the level of the individual cell's micro
      environment, which can further aid in the achievement of robust bioprocess
      control for regenerative medicine applications.

PMID- 27658119
TI  - Ethnoracial inequality and insurance coverage among Latino young adults.
AB  - Previous research has demonstrated that Latino young adults are uninsured at
      higher rates relative to other ethnoracial groups. Recent implementation of the
      2010 Affordable Care Act (ACA) has increased access to health insurance for young
      adults, in part by maintaining health coverage through their parents until age
      26. This paper examines patterns of Latino young adults' insurance coverage
      during early ACA implementation by addressing three questions: 1) To what extent
      do Latino young adults remain uninsured relative to their peers of other
      ethnoracial groups? 2) How do young adults' family socioeconomic background,
      immigrant characteristics, college enrollment, and employment status mediate
      their coverage? And, 3) do patterns of insurance coverage differ for employer
      provided coverage versus other sources of coverage (including parents' health
      insurance)? Using a 2011 representative sample of U.S.-born and 1.5-generation
      immigrant young adults in California, we find that Latinos are more likely than
      other ethnoracial groups to remain uninsured. While they are as likely as similar
      peers to obtain employer-provided health insurance, they are less likely to
      possess insurance through other sources (including their parents). This study
      contributes to our understanding of the limits of the ACA in reducing disparities
      in insurance coverage for Latinos by highlighting the importance of family
      socioeconomic background, immigrant characteristics, college enrollment, and
      employment in shaping coverage among this age group.

PMID- 27658118
TI  - Seeing conflict and engaging control: Experience with contrastive language
      benefits executive function in preschoolers.
AB  - Engaging executive function often requires overriding a prepotent response in
      favor of a conflicting but adaptive one. Language may play a key role in this
      ability by supporting integrated representations of conflicting rules. We tested
      whether experience with contrastive language that could support such
      representations benefits executive function in 3-year-old children. Children who
      received brief experience with language highlighting contrast between objects,
      attributes, and actions showed greater executive function on two of three
      'conflict' executive function tasks than children who received experience with
      contrasting stimuli only and children who read storybooks with the experimenter,
      controlling for baseline executive function. Experience with contrasting stimuli
      did not benefit executive function relative to reading books with the
      experimenter, indicating experience with contrastive language, rather than
      experience with contrast generally, was key. Experience with contrastive language
      also boosted spontaneous attention to contrast, consistent with improvements in
      representing contrast. These findings indicate a role for language in executive
      function that is consistent with the Cognitive Complexity and Control theory's
      key claim that coordinating conflicting rules is critical to overcoming
      perseveration, and suggest new ideas for testing theories of executive function.

PMID- 27658120
TI  - No one sees the fathers: Israeli fathers' experience of feticide.
AB  - RATIONALE: Feticide, a relatively recent development in medical technology, is
      the practice of late-stage pregnancy termination. The practice of feticide and
      the individuals who are closely exposed to it - particularly the fathers- have
      been under-researched. OBJECTIVE: The current research aims to fill this lacuna,
      examining the experience of Israeli fathers whose fetuses underwent feticide.
      Israeli policy concerning late-stage termination of pregnancy is unique but
      corresponds with Israeli social norms that emphasize health in general and
      healthy children in particular. METHODS: Seventeen interviews with men who
      experienced the feticide of their fetuses were carried out. Interviews were
      analyzed using the principles of hermeneutic phenomenology as outlined by
      Ricoeur. RESULTS: The results indicate that men's experiences in this arena are
      socially constructed and limited by gender roles and expectations. The revealed
      themes address: (a) the lack of a socially constructed terminology; (b) the
      unclear definition of the feticide experience; (c) men's sense of obligation to
      protect themselves and others from the procedure and its ramifications, and (d)
      the policies and regulations used to exclude men from the feticide experience,
      and the strategies they use to exclude themselves. The results further revealed
      that while narrating their experiences, men re-examined their behaviors, raising
      retrospectively counterfactual thoughts about what should have been done
      differently. CONCLUSION: The findings highlight the interface between a personal
      experience and a social phenomenon. In conceptualizing the men's two opposing
      positions - one that embraces social expectations, as evident in the revealed
      themes; the other that questions fathers' conformity, as evident through their
      counterfactual thoughts -Dialogical Self Theory was useful.

PMID- 27658121
TI  - Towards a validation of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) for use in
      forensic science: repeatability and reproducibility experiments.
AB  - In order for a new analytical technique such as surface-enhanced Raman scattering
      (SERS) to be used in a routine manner, data and studies on the validation of the
      method are required. In that context, we performed a systematic study of the
      variability observed at different levels of the analytical procedure (i.e.
      respectively measurement, sampling, colloids aliquots, colloids batches,
      laboratories). Our goal is to provide data towards a qualitative validation of
      the technique for identification purposes. Three molecules of forensic interest
      were used as probes, respectively crystal violet, methamphetamine and 2,4,6
      trinitrotoluene (TNT). We demonstrate that the method is repeatable with RSD and
      multivariate techniques (PCA). The % RSD at the different analytical stages vary
      between the molecules and the peaks considered. The repeatability is on the order
      of 2-6% for crystal violet, and 5-16% for TNT. Methamphetamine binds very weakly
      to the silver colloids giving much greater variability in the measurements (5
      29%). We show that spectra measured in the same conditions (e.g. same laboratory
      and instrument), even a few days apart, are comparable and stable. The largest
      source of variation has been identified to be the measurement conditions and the
      associated random fluctuations in intensity (i.e. Brownian motion of the
      particles, solvent evaporation and concentration). The influence of the substrate
      is confirmed to be negligible. However, the reproducibility between different
      laboratories and different instruments introduced the largest source of
      variability (~ 10-70%). Despite these factors, we demonstrate that qualitative
      identification of the species under analysis by measurement and comparison of
      peaks position is always successful even though quantitative analysis is, at
      present, difficult. Regardless of the amount of variability determined, the
      molecules could always be successfully identified, even on different instruments
      from different laboratories by utilizing the criterion proposed in the literature
      (i.e. 3:1 signal-to-noise ratio).

PMID- 27658122
TI  - Expression of Dopamine Receptor 1A and Cannabinoid Receptor 1 Genes in the
      Cochlea and Brain after Salicylate-Induced Tinnitus.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate the mRNA expression of the dopamine
      receptor 1A (DR1A) and cannabinoid receptor 1 (CR1) genes in mice with tinnitus.
      Sixteen 3-month-old male SAMP8 mice were randomly and equally divided into two
      groups (8 mice in each group): a control (saline-treated) group and a tinnitus
      (salicylate-treated) group. The mRNA expression of the DR1A and CR1 genes in the
      cochleae and brains of the mice was evaluated after tinnitus had been induced by
      intraperitoneal injection of sodium salicylate (300 mg/kg body weight). The
      results showed that 4-day salicylate treatment (unlike 4-day saline treatment)
      caused a significant increase in the tinnitus score and in mRNA expression of the
      DR1A gene in the cochlea, the brainstem and inferior colliculus, the hippocampus
      and parahippocampus, and the temporal lobe, but not the frontal lobe. Conversely,
      4-day salicylate treatment caused significantly lower mRNA expression of the CR1
      gene in the cochlea and all the brain areas tested. In summary, salicylate
      induced tinnitus may be associated with increased mRNA expression of the DR1A
      gene - but with decreased mRNA expression of the CR1 gene - in the cochlea and in
      many tinnitus-related brain areas.

PMID- 27658123
TI  - Occlusal Caries: Biological Approach for Its Diagnosis and Management.
AB  - The management of occlusal caries still remains a major challenge for researchers
      as well as for general practitioners. The present paper reviews and discusses the
      most up-to-date knowledge and evidence of the biological principles guiding
      diagnosis, risk assessment, and management of the caries process on occlusal
      surfaces. In addition, it considers the whole spectrum of the caries process on
      occlusal surfaces, ranging from the molecular ecology of occlusal biofilms to the
      management of deep occlusal caries lesions. Studies using molecular methods with
      focus on biofilms in relation to occlusal caries should explore the relationship
      between the function and the structural composition of these biofilms to
      understand the role of occlusal biofilms in caries development. State-of-the-art
      measures to evaluate risk for occlusal caries lesion activity, caries incidence,
      and progression should include the assessment of the occlusal biofilm and the
      stage of tooth eruption. Careful clinical examination of non-cavitated lesions,
      including assessment of the lesion activity status, remains the major tool to
      determine the immediate treatment need and to follow on the non-operative
      treatment outcome. Even medium occlusal caries lesions in the permanent dentition
      may be treated by non-invasive fissure sealing. By extending the criteria for non
      invasive treatments, traditional restoration of occlusal surfaces can be
      postponed or even avoided, and the dental health in children and adolescents can
      be improved. Selective removal (incomplete) to soft dentin in deep carious
      lesions has greater success rates than stepwise excavation. Selective (complete)
      removal to firm dentin has a lower success rate due to increased pulp exposure.

PMID- 27658124
TI  - Prostaglandin synthesis by the porcine corpus luteum: effect of tumor necrosis
      factor-alpha.
AB  - The porcine corpus luteum (CL) displays delayed sensitivity to PGF-2alpha
      (luteolytic sensitivity, [LS]) until days 12 to 13 of cycle. The control of LS is
      unknown, but it is temporally associated with macrophage (which secrete tumor
      necrosis factor-alpha; TNF-alpha) infiltration into the CL. Other studies showed
      that TNF-alpha induces LS in vitro and that prostaglandins (PGs) may be involved
      in this mechanism. In experiment 1, PGF-2alpha and PGE secretion by luteal cells
      (LCs) was measured on days 4 to 14 of the estrous cycle, and the expression of
      PTGFS/AKR1B1 and PTGES/mPGES-1, determined by Western blot, before (day 7) vs
      after (day 13) the onset of LS. Results showed that the PGF-2alpha:PGE ratio
      increased significantly (P < 0.05) from day 4 to 13-14, and PTGFS/AKR1B1 and
      PTGES/mPGES-1 were significantly increased (P < 0.05) on day 13 (vs day 7). In
      experiment 2, LCs were collected from porcine CL at early (~days 4-6) or mid
      (~days 7-12) stages of the estrous cycle and cultured with 0, 0.1, 1, or 10 ng/mL
      TNF-alpha. Results showed that TNF-alpha significantly increased (P < 0.05)
      messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and mPGES-1 but not
      AKR1B1. TNF-alpha had no significant effects on AKR1B1 or mPGES protein
      abundance. TNF-alpha significantly increased (P < 0.05) PGE-2 but had no effect
      on PGF-2alpha secretion or on the PGF-2alpha:PGE2 ratio. In conclusion, although
      TNF-alpha increased COX2 and mPGES-1 mRNA, and PGE-2 secretion in vitro, it did
      not increase the PGF-2alpha:PGE2 ratio. Studies are currently directed toward
      exploring other pathways (eg, FP receptor signaling) by which TNF-alpha induces
      LS in the porcine CL.

PMID- 27658126
TI  - Brief report: Factor structure of parenting behaviour in early adolescence.
AB  - Researchers have traditionally relied on a tripartite model of parenting
      behaviour, consisting of the dimensions parental support, psychological control,
      and behavioural control. However, some scholars have argued to distinguish two
      dimensions of behavioural control, namely reactive control and proactive control.
      In line with earlier work, the current study found empirical evidence for these
      distinct behavioural control dimensions. In addition, the study showed that the
      four parenting dimensions of parental support, psychological control, reactive
      control, and proactive control were differentially related to peer-related
      loneliness as well as parent-related loneliness. Thereby, the current study does
      not only provide empirical evidence for the distinction between various parenting
      dimensions, but also shows the utility of this differentiation.

PMID- 27658127
TI  - Hybrid textile heart valve prosthesis: preliminary in vitro evaluation.
AB  - Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is nowadays a popular alternative
      technique to surgical valve replacement for critical patients. Biological valve
      tissue has been used in these devices for over a decade now with over 100,000
      implantations. However, material degradations due to crimping for catheter
      insertion purpose have been reported, and with only 6-year follow-up, no
      information is available about the long-term durability of biological tissue.
      Moreover, expensive biological tissue harvesting and chemical treatment
      procedures tend to promote the development of synthetic valve leaflet materials.
      Textile polyester (PET) material is characterized by outstanding folding and
      strength properties combined with proven biocompatibility and could therefore be
      considered as a candidate to replace biological valve leaflets in TAVI devices.
      Nevertheless, the material should be preferentially partly elastic in order to
      limit water hammer effects at valve closing time and prevent exaggerated stress
      from occurring into the stent and the valve. The purpose of the present work is
      to study in vitro the mechanical as well as the hydrodynamic behavior of a hybrid
      elastic textile valve device combining non-deformable PET yarn and elastic
      polyurethane (PU) yarn. The hybrid valve properties are compared with those of a
      non-elastic textile valve. Testing results show improved hydrodynamic properties
      with the elastic construction. However, under fatigue conditions, the interaction
      between PU and PET yarns tends to limit the valve durability.

PMID- 27658125
TI  - Cell migration, viability and tissue reaction of calcium hypochlorite based
      solutions irrigants: An in vitro and in vivo study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze in vitro cytotoxicity to cultured 3T3
      fibroblasts and in vivo inflammatory reaction in rats by calcium hypochlorite
      (Ca(OCl)2) solutions compared with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) solutions. DESIGN:
      Cultured 3T3 fibroblasts were exposed to different concentrations of (Ca(OCl)2)
      and NaOCl solutions, and a scratch assay was performed. The viability rate was
      analyzed with trypan blue assay. Both solutions of 1% and 2.5% concentrations
      were injected into the subcutaneous tissue of 18 male Wistar rats aged 18 weeks.
      The inflammatory tissue reaction was evaluated at 2h, 24h, and 14days after the
      injections. The samples were qualitatively analyzed using a light microscope.
      Statistical analysis was performed with ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests for in
      vitro assays and Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn post hoc tests for in vivo assays
      (alpha=0.05). RESULTS: In the scratch assay, Ca(OCl)2 showed no significant
      difference compared with the control group (culture medium) at 24h (p<0.05).
      Solutions of 0.0075% and 0.005% NaOCl and Ca(OCl)2 concentrations presented
      similar results compared with those in the positive control group (hydrogen
      peroxide) (p>0.05) in the trypan blue assay. In the in vivo assay, 1% Ca(OCl)2
      group showed a significant decrease in neutrophils at 2h and 24h (p=0.041) and 2h
      and 14days (p=0.017). There was no statistically significant difference for
      lymphocyte/plasmocyte and macrophage counts among the different concentration
      groups. CONCLUSIONS: Ca(OCl)2 showed favorable results of viability and induced a
      low-level inflammatory response. Ca(OCl)2 presented acceptable cytotoxicity and
      biocompatibility as an irrigant solution.

PMID- 27658128
TI  - An unusually long electric wire in a urethra and bladder.
AB  - Foreign bodies in the urethra and bladder are mostly due to self-insertion,
      iatrogenic insertion, migration from surrounding organs or through penetrating
      injuries. Self-insertion of a foreign body through the urethra is mostly related
      to sexual gratification, psychiatric conditions or to get relief from the
      intractable voiding symptoms. We present a case of a 17-year-old male who self
      introduced an extremely long 120 cm electrical wire into his bladder for sexual
      gratification. The wire was removed by supra-pubic cystotomy to avoid urethral
      injuries.

PMID- 27658129
TI  - Prevalence of physical inactivity and its association on oral conditions in
      adolescents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Brazilian population presents an ever-increasing number of
      sedentary people with poor oral health issues, including children and
      adolescents. Both physical inactivity and poor oral health have shown
      associations with various systemic diseases. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was
      to verify the association between physical inactivity and oral health conditions.
      SUBJECTS: Three hundred and fifty-three adolescents (mean age 13 and 17 years).
      METHODS: An epidemiological cross-sectional study. Assessment of the presence of
      caries was made by using the decayed, missing, filled (DMF) index. Gingival
      bleeding and quality of oral hygiene were also examined to evaluate the oral
      conditions. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (PAQ-C) was used to
      assess physical activity. The confidence parameter was set at p=0.05. RESULTS:
      The results of this study showed that 74.3% were sedentary adolescents, the great
      majority of whom were girls (86.4%, p=0.001). There was a positive association
      between sedentary lifestyle and tooth decay (p=0.001), dental plaque (p=0.009),
      and time spent watching television (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: This study concluded
      that there was a positive association between physical inactivity and poor oral
      health.

PMID- 27658130
TI  - One month of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation improves lipid profiles, glucose
      levels and blood pressure in overweight schoolchildren with metabolic syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study sought to investigate the effects of omega (omega)-3
      polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation on the lipid profiles and
      glucose (GLU) levels of overweight (OW) schoolchildren with metabolic syndrome
      (MS). METHODS: Thirty-nine OW schoolchildren with MS, including 19 girls and 20
      boys, received 1-month of dietary supplementation with gel capsules containing
      omega-3 fatty acids. Fasting lipid profiles and GLU levels were measured before
      and after supplementation. RESULTS: Both sexes of OW schoolchildren with MS who
      received daily supplementation with 2.4 g of omega-3 fatty acids for 1 month
      displayed improved lipid profiles, reduced fasting GLU levels and reduced blood
      pressure (BP). CONCLUSIONS: These findings support the addition of omega-3 fatty
      acid supplementation to programs aiming to improve the metabolic status of OW
      children with MS, although additional research on the longer-term safety and
      efficacy of this treatment in this population is required.

PMID- 27658131
TI  - Fertility and sexual function: a gap in training in pediatric endocrinology.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Infertility and sexual dysfunction result from many different
      pediatric conditions and treatments and can profoundly impact quality of life.
      The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recommended consulting "fertility
      specialists" for counseling, but it remains unclear who these specialists are.
      Our objective was to assess whether pediatric subspecialists who manage
      hypogonadism and/or genitourinary conditions feel adequately trained to provide
      fertility and sexual function counseling. METHODS: An online survey was
      distributed to members of Pediatric Endocrine Society (PES), Society for
      Pediatric Urology (SPU), and North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent
      Gynecology (NASPAG). Providers' comfort in counseling various age groups about
      fertility and sexual function was assessed via a five-point Likert scale.
      Providers reported whether they felt adequately trained in these areas. RESULTS:
      Two hundred and eighty-four surveys were completed by endocrinologists, 124
      surveys by urologists, and 41 surveys by gynecologists. Respondents (44% male,
      86% Caucasian) represented 39 states and Canada. Seventy-nine percent were at
      academic centers. Thirty-four percent of providers had been practicing for >20
      years. Comfort level was variable and lowest in young males. Ninety-one percent
      of pediatric endocrinologists reported routinely seeing patients at risk for
      infertility, but only 36% felt adequately trained in fertility, and 25% felt
      adequately trained in sexual function. CONCLUSIONS: Infertility and sexual
      dysfunction are often overlooked in pediatric care. Our results suggest that
      pediatric endocrinologists, who frequently manage male and female hypogonadism,
      should also receive formal training in these areas. Optimizing counseling would
      help prevent missed opportunities for fertility preservation and alleviate
      distress among patients and families.

PMID- 27658132
TI  - Relationship between 25(OH)D levels and circulating lipids in African American
      adolescents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency is commonly seen among African American
      adolescents. Lipid levels during childhood are excellent predictors of adult
      dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis. There is a paucity of data on the relationship
      between 25 hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and lipids among African American
      adolescents. The objective of this study was to determine if there is an
      association between 25(OH)D levels and circulating lipids in African American
      adolescents residing in midwestern United States. METHODS: African American
      adolescents residing in Rochester, MN (latitude 44 degrees N), USA, underwent
      measurements of 25(OH)D and lipids following overnight fast. Pearson's
      correlation test, linear regression model and scatter plots were used to explore
      the association between 25(OH)D levels and lipids. RESULTS: 25(OH)D levels <30
      ng/mL were seen in 21/24 (87%) of the subjects. 25(OH)D levels were inversely
      correlated with total cholesterol (r=-0.42; p=0.040) and with non-high-density
      lipoprotein (non-HDL) cholesterol (r=-0.42; p=0.040 ). These associations
      remained statistically significant after adjustment for age, gender and
      adiposity. In the multivariate linear regression model, and after adjusting for
      BMI Z-score, each 1 ng/mL increase in 25(OH)D was associated with a decrease in
      total cholesterol of 1.38 mg/dL (95% CI: -2.63, -0.14, p=0.030) and with a
      decrease in non-HDL cholesterol of 1.14 mg/dL (95% CI: -2.09, -0.18, p=0.020).
      CONCLUSIONS: 25(OH)D levels were inversely correlated with total cholesterol and
      non-HDL cholesterol levels in African American adolescents residing in midwestern
      United States. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to determine
      if low vitamin D status in African American adolescents is a potential modifiable
      risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

PMID- 27658134
TI  - Systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between mumps during
      childhood and risk of type 1 diabetes mellitus.
AB  - We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between
      mumps and risk of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Literature searches were
      conducted using Medline, EMBASE and Web of Science including studies published
      before February 2014. Crude and, where available, adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and
      95% confidence intervals (CIs) were extracted from the published reports of each
      included study. Combined OR estimates and tests of heterogeneity were obtained
      using meta-analysis techniques. The analysis was repeated in subgroups of studies
      on the basis of quality defined by the score on the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS).
      In total, 18 articles met the eligibility criteria, and overall there was some
      evidence of a weak association between clinically diagnosed mumps and T1DM
      (OR=1.23, 95% CI 1.00-1.51; p=0.05) but marked heterogeneity between studies
      (I2=49%; p for heterogeneity=0.01). Restricting analyses to 13 high quality
      studies, there was little evidence of association between clinically diagnosed
      mumps and T1DM (OR=1.11, 95% CI 0.91-1.35; p=0.29) and there was much less
      heterogeneity (I2=26%; p for heterogeneity=0.18). Overall there was little
      evidence of any strong association between mumps infection and T1DM.

PMID- 27658133
TI  - Glycemic variability predicts inflammation in adolescents with type 1 diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) have increased risk of
      cardiovascular disease as well as elevations in biomarkers of systemic
      inflammation, plasma protein oxidation and vascular endothelial injury. It is
      unclear whether hyperglycemia itself, or variations in blood glucose are
      predictors of these abnormalities. METHODS: This study was designed to determine
      the relationship of inflammatory (C-reactive protein, CRP), oxidative (total anti
      oxidative capacity, TAOC) and endothelial injury (soluble intracellular adhesion
      molecule 1, sICAM1) markers to glycemic control measures from 3 days of
      continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and to hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and
      HbA1c*duration area under the curve (A1cDur). RESULTS: Seventeen adolescents (8
      F/9M; age, 13.1+/-1.6 years (mean+/-SD); duration, 4.8+/-3.8 years, BMI, 20.3+/
      3.1 kg/m2; A1c, 8.3+/-1.2%) were studied. Log CRP but was not related to age,
      duration, body mass index (BMI), HbA1c, or A1cDUR. TAOC increased as logA1cDUR
      increased (n=13, r=0.61, p=0.028). CRP and sICAM were not related to CGM average
      glucose but log CRP increased as 3 day glucose standard deviation increased
      (r=0.66, p=0.006). TAOC increased as glucose standard deviation increased
      (r=0.63, p=0.028). CONCLUSIONS: Increased glucose variability is associated with
      increased inflammation in adolescents withT1D. Increased TAOC with increasing
      variability may be an effort to compensate for the ongoing oxidative stress.

PMID- 27658135
TI  - Ethnicity and incidence of congenital hypothyroidism in the capital of Macedonia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is a common and preventable cause of
      intellectual disability for which early diagnosis is difficult without newborn
      screening. Genetic and environmental factors, race, ethnicity, sex, and pregnancy
      outcomes were noted as risk factors. In the study we aimed to determine the
      incidence of CH among different ethnic groups in the capital of Macedoina - a
      multiethnic city. METHODS: A 14-year retrospective cohort analysis was performed
      on 121,507 newborns in the capital of Macedonia, Skopje, screened for whole-blood
      thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), in dry blood spots collected 48-72 h after
      birth, during the period 2002-2015. A TSH value of 15 mIU/L was used as cutoff
      point until 2010 and 10 mIU/L thereafter. RESULTS: Primary CH was detected in 46
      newborns (female to male ratio 1.3) with overall incidence of 3.8/10,000
      (1/2641). The incidence of primary CH was significantly increased after lowering
      the TSH cutoff value (p=0.038), primarily due to detected neonates with transient
      CH for this period. Ethnic differences in the incidence of primary CH were
      detected. CH incidence among Roma neonates (6.7/10,000) was significantly higher
      (p<0.05) than the incidence detected in Macedonians (3.9/10,000) or Albanians
      (3.7/10,000). CONCLUSIONS: Increased incidence of CH in Roma newborns was
      detected as compared to other ethnicities in the capital of Macedonia. Further
      analysis of factors in direct interrelationship with the increased CH incidence
      in Roma newborns, as well as elucidation of impact of the CH incidence in this
      ethnicity on the overall incidence in Skopje, is warranted.

PMID- 27658136
TI  - Prevalence and risk factors for diabetic retinopathy in a hospital-based
      population of Australian children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of, and
      traditional and emerging risk factors associated with, retinopathy in a hospital
      based population of Australian children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes.
      METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 483 children and adolescents with
      type 1 diabetes. Medical files were audited to collect all relevant clinical
      data. Diabetic retinopathy was assessed from colour retinal images by an
      ophthalmologist. RESULTS: Diabetic retinopathy was observed in 11 (2.3%)
      participants. Logistic regression revealed that the principal components analysis
      derived risk profile of: higher serum creatinine, older age, higher systolic
      blood pressures, higher body mass index, abnormal estimated glomerular filtration
      rate (eGFR) (<59 mL/min), lower high density lipoproteins (HDL) cholesterol,
      higher serum sodium, longer duration of diabetes and narrower retinal arteriolar
      calibre was associated with diabetic retinopathy (ExpB=2.60, 95% CI 1.36/4.96,
      p=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: These results support the concept that the pathogenesis of
      diabetic retinopathy is likely due to the combined influence of various risk
      factors, many already identified.

PMID- 27658137
TI  - Seroprotection status of hepatitis B and measles vaccines in children with type 1
      diabetes mellitus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is speculated to have an impaired
      immunological response to vaccines. This paper aimed to investigate the presence
      of specific antibodies against hepatitis B virus (HBV) and measles in diabetic
      children who had been immunized according to the standard national calendar of
      immunization. METHODS: Two hundred and one diabetic children and 140 healthy
      controls were prospectively evaluated. Antibodies against hepatitis B (anti-HBs)
      and measles were detected in all individuals who completed the vaccination
      schedule. We noted onset of T1DM, duration of the disease, diabetes-related
      autoantibodies and mean HbA1c levels. RESULTS: Some 72.6% of diabetics and 82.1%
      of controls had anti-HBs (+) (p=0.04). We found a reduced efficacy of measles
      vaccination in anti-HBs (-) diabetic children (p=0.009), even though there was no
      significant difference between the study and control groups. Onset of the disease
      was earlier in anti-HBs (-) diabetics than in controls (p=0.038). No difference
      with respect to other parameters was found. CONCLUSIONS: Our data showed a
      reduced seroprotection rate for HBV vaccination in diabetic children and for
      measles with anti-HBs (-) diabetics. Larger studies should be encouraged to
      confirm the vaccine efficacy in diabetic children and to elucidate possible
      pathogenic mechanisms.

PMID- 27658138
TI  - Antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities of leaf extract and
      fractions of Albizia adianthifolia (Schumach) W.F. Wright.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to determine the antioxidant and
      acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities of the leaf extract and different
      fractions of Albizia adianthifolia (Schumach.) W. Wright, and also to identify
      and quantify some phenolic compounds in the extract. METHODS: The antioxidant and
      acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities of the methanol extract (CME), ethyl
      acetate (EAF), chloroform (CHF), and n-hexane (NHF) fractions of A. adianthifolia
      leaves were subjected to in vitro chemical analyses. RESULTS: Phytochemical
      screening revealed important classes of secondary metabolites. All extracts
      showed good antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities. The EAF
      and CHF gave the highest total phenolic contents of 18.02+/-0.14 and 18.43+/-0.95
      mg gallic acid equivalent per gram of extract, respectively. The polar extracts
      gave the highest activity in both assays with lower IC50 values. In the 2,2
      diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free-radical scavenging activity assay, the IC50 values
      of CME, EAF, CHF, and NHF were 77.74+/-0.84, 55.76+/-2.30, 58.47+/-0.72, and
      232.24+/-2.70 ug/mL, respectively, while in the acetylcholinesterase inhibitory
      assay, the IC50 values of CME, EAF, CHF, and NHF were 11.80+/-0.88, 10.04+/-1.67,
      17.44+/-1.74, and 124.38+/-1.51 ug/mL, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results of
      this study suggest that the leaf of A. adianthifolia could serve as a potential
      candidate for future search of antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
      for the management of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.

PMID- 27658139
TI  - alpha-Lipoic acid attenuates transplacental nicotine-induced germ cell and
      oxidative DNA damage in adult mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Smoking during pregnancy is associated with numerous fetal and
      developmental complications and reproductive dysfunctions in the offspring.
      Nicotine is one of the key chemicals of tobacco responsible for addiction. The
      present study was aimed to investigate the protective role of alpha-lipoic acid
      (ALA) during the transplacental nicotine-induced germ cell and DNA damage in the
      offspring of Swiss mice. METHODS: Pregnant mice were treated with nicotine (20
      mg/kg/day) in drinking water from 10 to 20 days of gestation period, and ALA (120
      mg/kg/day) was administered orally for the same period. Endpoint of evaluation
      includes general observations at delivery and throughout the study, litter weight
      and size, sperm count and sperm head morphology, while structural damages and
      protein expression were assessed by histology and immunohistochemistry,
      respectively. RESULTS: Maternal nicotine exposure led to decreased growth rate,
      litter and testicular weight, testosterone level, 3beta-HSD expression and sperm
      count as well as increased sperm head abnormalities, micronucleus frequency and 8
      oxo-dG positive cells, and the effects have been restored by ALA supplementation.
      CONCLUSIONS: The present study clearly demonstrated that ALA ameliorates nicotine
      associated oxidative stress, DNA damage and testicular toxicity in the offspring
      by improving steroidogenesis, spermatogenesis and sperm count.

PMID- 27658140
TI  - Ashanti pepper (Piper guineense Schumach et Thonn) attenuates carbohydrate
      hydrolyzing, blood pressure regulating and cholinergic enzymes in experimental
      type 2 diabetes rat model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ashanti pepper (Piper guineense Schumach et Thonn) seed is well known
      in folkloric medicine in the management of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) with little or
      no scientific documentation for its action. This study investigated the effect of
      Ashanti pepper seed on some enzymes relevant to carbohydrate hydrolysis, blood
      regulation and the cholinergic system, as well as the blood glucose level, lipid
      profile, antioxidant parameters, and hepatic and renal function markers in T2DM
      rats. METHODS: T2DM was induced by feeding rats with high-fat diet (HFD) for 14
      days followed by a single intraperitoneal dose of 35 mg/kg body weight of
      streptozotocin (STZ). Three days after STZ induction, diabetic rats were placed
      on a dietary regimen containing 2%-4% Ashanti pepper. RESULTS: Reduced blood
      glucose level with decreased alpha-amylase, alpha-glucosidase and angiotensin I
      converting enzyme (ACE) activities were observed in Ashanti pepper seed and
      acarbose-treated rat groups when compared to that of the diabetic control rat
      group. Furthermore, the results revealed that inclusion of 2%-4% Ashanti pepper
      seed in diabetic rat fed group diets may ameliorate the lipid profile,
      antioxidant status, and hepatic and renal function in T2DM rats as much as in the
      acarbose-treated groups. In addition, a chromatographic profile of the seed
      revealed the presence of quercitrin (116.51 mg/g), capsaicin (113.94 mg/g),
      dihydrocapsaicin (88.29 mg/g) and isoquercitrin (74.89 mg/g). CONCLUSIONS: The
      results from this study clearly suggest that Ashanti pepper could serve as a
      promising source of phenolic compounds with great alternative therapeutic
      potentials in the management of T2DM.

PMID- 27658141
TI  - Comparative studies on the effects of clinically used anticonvulsants on the
      oxidative stress biomarkers in pentylenetetrazole-induced kindling model of
      epileptogenesis in mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress plays a key role in the pathogenesis of epilepsy and
      contributes in underlying epileptogenesis process. Anticonvulsant drugs targeting
      the oxidative stress domain of epileptogenesis may provide better control of
      seizure. The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of
      clinically used anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) on the course of pentylenetetrazole
      (PTZ)-induced kindling and oxidative stress markers in mice. METHODS: Six
      mechanistically heterogeneous anticonvulsants: phenobarbital, phenytoin,
      levetiracetam, pregabalin, topiramate, and felbamate were selected and their
      redox profiles were determined. Diazepam was used as a drug control for
      comparison. Kindling was induced by repeated injections of a sub-convulsive dose
      of PTZ (50 mg/kg, s.c.) on alternate days until seizure score 5 was evoked in the
      control kindled group. Anticonvulsants were administered daily. Following PTZ
      kindling, oxidative stress biomarkers were assessed in homogenized whole brain
      samples and estimated for the levels of nitric oxide, peroxide, malondialdehyde,
      protein carbonyl, reduced glutathione, and activities of nitric oxide synthase
      and superoxide dismutase. RESULTS: Biochemical analysis revealed a significant
      increase in the levels of reactive oxygen species with a parallel decrease in
      endogenous anti-oxidants in PTZ-kindled control animals. Daily treatment with
      levetiracetam and felbamate significantly decreased the PTZ-induced seizure score
      as well as the levels of nitric oxide (p<0.001), nitric oxide synthase activity
      (p<0.05), peroxide levels (p<0.05), and malondialdehyde (p<0.05). Levetiracetam
      and felbamate significantly decreased lipid and protein peroxidation whereas
      topiramate was found to reduce lipid peroxidation only. CONCLUSIONS: An AED that
      produces anticonvulsant effect by the diversified mechanism of action such as
      levetiracetam, felbamate, and topiramate exhibited superior anti-oxidative stress
      activity in addition to their anticonvulsant activity.

PMID- 27658142
TI  - Blepharospasm: an uncommon adverse effect caused by long-term administration of
      olanzapine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Blepharospasm is one of the components of drug-induced Meige's
      syndrome which is reported to be caused by typical antipsychotics. Reports of
      blepharospasm or Meige's syndrome caused by atypical antipsychotics are rare.
      CASE: A 30-year-old female patient presented to psychiatry out patient department
      (OPD) with chief complaints of inability to keep her eyes open for long and
      excessive blinking for 2 months, irritation of eyes, watery discharge from eyes
      and photophobia for last 1 month. The patient had been taking olanzapine 10 mg,
      sertraline 100 mg and divalproex sodium 500 mg per orally on once a day basis for
      the management of major depressive disorder with psychotic features for last 6
      months. Routine blood analysis, thyroid function, EEG, MRI, lipid profile did not
      reveal any abnormality. Ocular examination was also within normal limits.
      Olanzapine was suspected as a culprit for the above symptoms of patient, so it
      was replaced with quetiapine 25 mg/day. Patient showed partial recovery of
      symptoms within 1 week and complete recovery within 2 months of stopping
      olanzapine. Causality of olanzapine-induced blepharospasm as per WHO-UMC scale
      was probable. CONCLUSIONS: Olanzapine (atypical antipsychotics) should also be
      kept in the list of suspected drugs causing blepharospasm in psychotic patients
      on treatment although further similar evidences from observational studies and/or
      reports are needed to establish the causal relationship.

PMID- 27658143
TI  - The effect of aqueous leaf extract of Telfairia occidentalis (Cucurbitaceae) on
      gentamycin-induced renal damage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the acclaimed beneficial effects of Telfaria occidentalis
      (TO), it is yet to be established that its aqueous extract is safe in the
      condition of renal impairment. Thus, the study investigated the effects of TO
      aqueous leaves extract on gentamycin-induced renal damage. METHODS: The animals
      were distributed into five groups. Group A (control) was placed on standard rat
      feed. Groups B and C received 500 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg of TO and gentamicin for 21
      days, respectively. Group D received 500 mg/kg of TO 14 days before 7 days
      administration of 80 mg/kg of gentamycin. Group E received 80 mg/kg of gentamicin
      for 14 days before 7 days administration of 500 mg/kg TO. Group F received 500
      mg/kg of TO and 80mg/kg of gentamycin concurrently for 21 days. Biochemical and
      histological examinations were analysed by standard methods. RESULTS: The
      administration of TO for 7 days after 14 days of gentamycin injection and its
      concomitant administration with gentamicin for 21 days caused significant
      reduction (p<0.05) on the relative kidney weight, creatinine and uric acid levels
      compared to groups C and D. There was a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the mean
      serum potassium level in group C compared to groups A, B, D, and F. The
      histological reports showed that the combination of the extract and gentamycin
      (group F) seems to ameliorate the deleterious effect observed when gentamycin was
      administered alone. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of the extract together with
      and after the administration of gentamycin reverses renal damage caused by
      gentamycin.

PMID- 27658144
TI  - Seasonal variation of gastroprotective terpenoids in Maytenus robusta
      (Celastraceae) quantified by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC
      FID).
AB  - The triterpenes friedelin (1), beta-friedelinol (2) and 3,15-dioxo-21alpha
      hydroxyfriedelane (3) in the aerial parts of Maytenus robusta, a Brazilian
      medicinal plant with antiulcer potential, were seasonally quantified by gas
      chromatography flame-ionization detection (GC-FID) using an external standard.
      The method was found to be linear, precise and sensitive. Compounds 1 and 2 were
      found in M. robusta leaves and branches, with highest concentrations in the
      leaves collected in autumn, i.e. 3.21 +/- 0.16 and 12.60 +/- 1.49 mg g-1 dry
      weight of 1 and 2, respectively. On the other hand, compound 3 was found only in
      the branches, with the highest concentrations in winter and autumn (0.21 +/- 0.01
      and 0.20 +/- 0.02 mg g-1). The results allow to define the optimal season and
      plant parts for the collection of M. robusta as a phytotherapeutic drug.

PMID- 27658145
TI  - Aspernolides L and M, new butyrolactones from the endophytic fungus Aspergillus
      versicolor.
AB  - During the systematic search of active compounds from endophytic fungi, two new
      butyrolactones, namely aspernolides L (2) and M (4), together with four known
      compounds: 1-O-acetylglycerol (1), butyrolactone I (3), butyrolactone VI (5), and
      (+) alantrypinone (6) were characterized from the EtOAc extract of the endophytic
      fungus Aspergillus versicolor isolated from the roots of Pulicaria crispa
      (Asteraceae). Extensive spectroscopic analysis, including 1D, 2D NMR, and
      HRESIMS, was used to elucidate their structures. Compounds 1, 5, and 6 are
      reported for the first time from this fungus.

PMID- 27658146
TI  - Evaluation of the hypochromic erythrocyte and reticulocyte hemoglobin content
      provided by the Sysmex XE-5000 analyzer in diagnosis of iron deficiency
      erythropoiesis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency represents the most frequent cause of anemia. To
      diagnose iron deficiency some biochemical tests such as serum ferritin and the
      transferring saturation percent (TSAT%) are usually used. Recently, some
      hematological parameters such as mean reticulocyte hemoglobin content (CHr or Ret
      He) and percentage of hypochromic RBCs (Hypo% or %Hypo-He) were proposed as
      alternative to biochemical tests. In this study, the analytic performance and the
      diagnostic efficiency of these two parameters provided by Sysmex XE5000 analyzer
      on iron deficiency patients with or without anemia (IDA and ID, respectively)
      were evaluated. METHODS: One hundred and sixty-four healthy adults, 58 with IDA,
      21 with iron depleted stores (ID), 23 with beta-thalassemia trait, and 24 with
      non iron deficiency anemia were selected. The gold standard used to define iron
      deficiency was the coexistence of serum ferritin below 15 MUg/L (12 in women) and
      TSAT <16%. RESULTS: For %Hypo-He, the best cut-off value for both IDA and ID is
      0.9% while for Ret-He is 30.6 pg. For both parameters the performance was better
      to diagnose IDA (AUC, 0.96 and 0.98) than ID (AUC, 0.93 and 0.95). The Ret-He
      behavior was always slightly better than that of %Hypo-He. CONCLUSIONS: The use
      of these two parameters is useful to detect iron deficiency conditions if the
      hemoglobin synthesis has already been compromised.

PMID- 27658147
TI  - Peer groups splitting in Croatian EQA scheme: a trade-off between homogeneity and
      sample size number.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Laboratory evaluation through external quality assessment (EQA)
      schemes is often performed as 'peer group' comparison under the assumption that
      matrix effects influence the comparisons between results of different methods,
      for analytes where no commutable materials with reference value assignment are
      available. With EQA schemes that are not large but have many available
      instruments and reagent options for same analyte, homogenous peer groups must be
      created with adequate number of results to enable satisfactory statistical
      evaluation. We proposed a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA)-based test
      to evaluate heterogeneity of peer groups within the Croatian EQA biochemistry
      scheme and identify groups where further splitting might improve laboratory
      evaluation. METHODS: EQA biochemistry results were divided according to
      instruments used per analyte and the MANOVA test was used to verify statistically
      significant differences between subgroups. The number of samples was determined
      by sample size calculation ensuring a power of 90% and allowing the false
      flagging rate to increase not more than 5%. When statistically significant
      differences between subgroups were found, clear improvement of laboratory
      evaluation was assessed before splitting groups. RESULTS: After evaluating 29
      peer groups, we found strong evidence for further splitting of six groups.
      Overall improvement of 6% reported results were observed, with the percentage
      being as high as 27.4% for one particular method. CONCLUSIONS: Defining maximal
      allowable differences between subgroups based on flagging rate change, followed
      by sample size planning and MANOVA, identifies heterogeneous peer groups where
      further splitting improves laboratory evaluation and enables continuous
      monitoring for peer group heterogeneity within EQA schemes.

PMID- 27658148
TI  - Performance of point-of-care HbA1c test devices: implications for use in clinical
      practice - a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Point-of-care (POC) devices could be used to measure hemoglobin A1c
      (HbA1c) in the doctors' office, allowing immediate feedback of results to
      patients. Reports have raised concerns about the analytical performance of some
      of these devices. We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis using a
      novel approach to compare the accuracy and precision of POC HbA1c devices.
      METHODS: Medline, Embase and Web of Science databases were searched in June 2015
      for published reports comparing POC HbA1c devices with laboratory methods. Two
      reviewers screened articles and extracted data on bias, precision and diagnostic
      accuracy. Mean bias and variability between the POC and laboratory test were
      combined in a meta-analysis. Study quality was assessed using the QUADAS2 tool.
      RESULTS: Two researchers independently reviewed 1739 records for eligibility.
      Sixty-one studies were included in the meta-analysis of mean bias. Devices
      evaluated were A1cgear, A1cNow, Afinion, B-analyst, Clover, Cobas b101, DCA
      2000/Vantage, HemoCue, Innovastar, Nycocard, Quo-Lab, Quo-Test and SDA1cCare.
      Nine devices had a negative mean bias which was significant for three devices.
      There was substantial variability in bias within devices. There was no difference
      in bias between clinical or laboratory operators in two devices. CONCLUSIONS:
      This is the first meta-analysis to directly compare performance of POC HbA1c
      devices. Use of a device with a mean negative bias compared to a laboratory
      method may lead to higher levels of glycemia and a lower risk of hypoglycaemia.
      The implications of this on clinical decision-making and patient outcomes now
      need to be tested in a randomized trial.

PMID- 27658149
TI  - P35 and P22 Toxoplasma gondii antigens abbreviate regions to diagnose acquired
      toxoplasmosis during pregnancy: toward single-sample assays.
AB  - BACKGROUND: P35 and P22 Toxoplasma gondii proteins are recognized by specific IgG
      at the early infection stage, making them ideal for acute toxoplasmosis pregnancy
      control. Both proteins have been studied to discriminate between acute and
      chronic toxoplasmosis. However, results were hardly comparable because different
      protein obtainment procedures led to different antigens, the reference panels
      used were not optimally typified, and avidity tests were either not performed or
      narrowly examined. METHODS: We bioinformatically predicted P35 and P22 regions
      with the highest density of epitopes, and expressed them in pET32/BL21DE3
      alternative expression system, obtaining the soluble proteins rP35a and rP22a. We
      assessed their diagnostic performance using pregnant woman serum samples typified
      as: not infected, NI (IgG-, IgM-), typical-chronic, TC (IgM-, IgG+), presumably
      acute, A (IgG+, IgM+, low-avidity IgG), and recently chronic, RC (IgG+, IgM+,
      high-avidity IgG). RESULTS: rP35a performed better than rP22a to differentiate A
      from RC, the areas under the curve (AUC) being 0.911 and 0.818, respectively.
      They, however, performed similarly to differentiate A from TC+RC (AUC: 0.915 and
      0.907, respectively). rP35a and rP22a evaluation by avidity ELISA to discriminate
      A from RC rendered AUC values of 0.974 and 0.921, respectively. The indirect
      ELISA and avidity ELISA results analyzed in tandem were consistent with those
      obtained using commercial kits. CONCLUSIONS: rP35a and rP22a features suggest
      that, with complementary use, they could replace parasite lysate for
      toxoplasmosis infection screening and for acute toxoplasmosis diagnosis. Our
      proposal should be validated by a longitudinal study and may lead to a reliable
      toxoplasmosis pregnancy control, performing tests in only one serum sample.

PMID- 27658150
TI  - Economic evaluation of procalcitonin-guided antibiotic therapy in acute
      respiratory infections: a Chinese hospital system perspective.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cost-impact models have indicated that in the USA, the use of
      antibiotic stewardship protocols based on procalcitonin (PCT) levels for patients
      with suspected acute respiratory tract infection results in cost savings. Our
      objective was to assess the cost impact of adopting PCT testing among patients
      with acute respiratory infections (ARI) from the perspective of a typical
      hospital system in urban China. METHODS: To conduct an economic evaluation of PCT
      testing versus usual care we built a cost-impact model based on a previously
      published patient-level meta-analysis data of randomized trials including Chinese
      sites. The data were adapted to the China setting by applying the results to mean
      lengths of stay, costs, and practice patterns typically found in China. We
      estimated the annual ARI visit rate for the typical hospital system (assumed to
      be 1650 beds) and ARI diagnosis. RESULTS: In the inpatient setting, the costs of
      PCT-guided care compared to usual care for a cohort of 16,405 confirmed ARI
      patients was almost 1.1 million Chinese yuan (CNY), compared to almost 1.8
      million CNY for usual care, resulting in net savings of 721,563 CNY to a typical
      urban Chinese hospital system for 2015. In the ICU and outpatient settings,
      savings were 250,699 CNY and 2.4 million CNY, respectively. The overall annual
      net savings of PCT-guided care was nearly 3.4 million CNY. CONCLUSIONS:
      Substantial savings are associated with PCT protocols of ARI across common China
      hospital treatment settings mainly by direct reduction in unnecessary antibiotic
      utilization.

PMID- 27658151
TI  - Spanish Preanalytical Quality Monitoring Program (SEQC), an overview of 12 years'
      experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Preanalytical variables, such as sample collection, handling and
      transport, may affect patient results. Preanalytical phase quality monitoring
      should be established in order to minimize laboratory errors and improve patient
      safety. METHODS: A retrospective study (2001-2013) of the results obtained
      through the Spanish Society of Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Pathology
      (SEQC) External quality assessment (preanalytical phase) was performed to
      summarize data regarding the main factors affecting preanalytical phase quality.
      Our aim was to compare data from 2006 to 2013 with a previously published
      manuscript assessing the 2001-2005 period. RESULTS: A significant decrease in
      rejection rates was observed both for blood and urine samples. For serum samples,
      the most frequent rejection causes in the first period were non-received samples
      (37.5%), hemolysis (29.3%) and clotted samples (14.4%). Conversely, in the second
      period, hemolysis was the main rejection cause (36.2%), followed by non-received
      samples (34.5%) and clotted samples (11.1%). For urine samples, the main
      rejection cause overall was a non-received sample (up to 86.1% of cases in the
      second period, and 81.6% in the first). For blood samples with anticoagulant, the
      number of rejections also decreased. While plasma-citrate-ESR still showed the
      highest percentages of rejections (0.980% vs. 1.473%, p<0.001), the lowest
      corresponded to whole-blood EDTA (0.296% vs. 0.381%, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: For
      the majority of sample types, a decrease in preanalytical errors was confirmed.
      Improvements in organization, implementation of standardized procedures in the
      preanalytical phase, and participation in a Spanish external quality assessment
      scheme may have notably contributed to error reduction in this phase.

PMID- 27658152
TI  - A real-world evidence-based approach to laboratory reorganization using e-Valuate
      benchmarking data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pressure to cut health-care costs has involved clinical laboratories
      underpinning the need to reduce cost per test through programs designed to
      consolidate activities and increase volumes. Currently, however, there is little
      evidence of the effectiveness of these measures. The aim of the present study was
      to verify whether a rational, evidence-based decision-making process might be
      achieved based on an activity-based cost analysis performed by collecting the
      data of all variables affecting cost per test. METHODS: An activity-based costing
      analysis was performed using a program that provides collected data on
      performance indicators, benchmark between different laboratories based on
      performance indicators, and information on reorganization initiatives. RESULTS:
      The data provided were used in two different settings to (1) verify the results
      of the internal re-organization of specific protein assay and (2) simulate some
      scenarios for the reorganization of autoimmune testing in the network of clinical
      laboratories in a large territory. CONCLUSIONS: The data produced by the e
      Valuate project enabled the quantification of variation in costs, the utilization
      of human and technological resources and efficiency, both as final result of a
      reorganization project (proteins) and as a simulation of a possible future
      organization (autoimmune tests).

PMID- 27658153
TI  - Retrospective validation of a beta-trace protein interpretation algorithm for the
      diagnosis of cerebrospinal fluid leakage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage is a rare condition that can
      potentially lead to the development of serious complications. In the last decade,
      beta-trace protein (beta-TP) has been shown to be a valuable immunological
      biomarker that allows prompt and non-invasive identification of CSF leakage. At
      our institution, the measurement of beta-TP has been included in the diagnostic
      work-up of CSF leakage for more than 10 years. According to our diagnostic
      algorithm, the presence of CSF in secretion is excluded when beta-TP values are
      <0.7 mg/L, whereas beta-TP values >=1.3 mg/L indicate the presence of CSF in
      secretion. beta-TP values between 0.7 and 1.29 mg/L indicate the presence of CSF
      if the beta-TP ratio (beta-TP secretion/beta-TP serum) is >=2. This study aimed
      to validate this diagnostic algorithm using clinically defined nasal/ear
      secretions. METHODS: We performed a retrospective statistical analysis of three
      beta-TP interpretation strategies using data of 236 samples originating from 121
      patients with suspect CSF leakage received at our laboratory between 2004 and
      2012. RESULTS: The highest odds ratio was obtained when the proposed algorithm
      has been used for the interpretation of beta-TP results, showing a sensitivity of
      98.3% and a specificity of 96%. Positive and negative predictive values were
      89.2% and 99.4%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that the proposed
      beta-TP interpretation algorithm is a valuable tool for the diagnosis of CSF
      leakage in the clinical practice.

PMID- 27658154
TI  - Interference of laboratory disinfection with trichloro-isocyanuric acid on
      cardiac troponin I measurement using the Vitros immunoassay system.

PMID- 27658155
TI  - Deciphering a macro-troponin I complex; a case report.

PMID- 27658156
TI  - Fecal calprotectin in inflammatory bowel diseases: update and perspectives.
AB  - Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are chronic diseases that result from the
      inflammation of the intestinal wall, suspected in any patient presenting with
      intestinal symptoms. Until recently, the diagnosis was mainly based on both
      clinical and endoscopic arguments. The use of an easy, fast, reliable, non
      invasive, and inexpensive biological assay is mandatory not only in diagnosis but
      also in evolutionary and therapeutic monitoring. To date, the fecal calprotectin
      is the most documented in this perspective. This marker allows the discrimination
      between functional and organic bowel processes with good performance. The
      determination of the fecal calprotectin level contributes to the evaluation of
      the degree of disease activity and to monitoring of therapeutic response.

PMID- 27658157
TI  - Clinical autoantibody detection by microarray.
AB  - BACKGROUND: AMiDot is a microdot array-based immunoassay that allows simultaneous
      detection of multiple autoantibodies on a single patient. We evaluated the AMiDot
      "Systemic Autoimmune Disease" (SAD) panel, which detects antibodies to 17
      different antigens. METHODS: AMiDot was performed on 184 samples from blood
      donors and on 280 randomly selected clinical samples containing antibodies to
      extractable nuclear antigens or to dsDNA. The results obtained by AMiDot on the
      clinical samples were compared to results obtained by EliA (Thermo Fisher) for
      anti-Ro60, anti-La, anti-RNP, anti-Scl-70, anti-CENPB, anti-Sm, and anti-Jo-1 and
      by Farr assay for anti-dsDNA. Discordant results were further analyzed by
      immunodot (D-tek). RESULTS: Concordance between AMiDot and EliA was >=87% and
      kappa agreement >=0.44. When compared to EliA and immunodot (in case of
      discordance between AMiDot and EliA), concordance improved to >=91% and kappa
      agreement to >=0.77. The sensitivity of AMiDot (compared to EliA and immunodot,
      in case of discordance between AMiDot and EliA) was >=93%, except for anti-Ro60
      (84%). The concordance and kappa agreement of AMiDot with the Farr assay (for
      dsDNA antibodies) was, respectively, 84% and 0.33. The sensitivity of AMiDot for
      dsDNA (compared to Farr assay) was 25%. The specificity was >=97% (in blood
      donors as well as in clinical samples). The within-run imprecision was 9%-27% and
      the between-run imprecision 29%-39%. CONCLUSIONS: AMiDot offers an alternative to
      line immunodot assay. Individual antibody assays might suffer from low
      sensitivity.

PMID- 27658158
TI  - Improving Gram stain proficiency in hospital and satellite laboratories that do
      not have microbiology.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Consolidation of laboratories has left many hospitals and satellite
      laboratories with minimal microbiologic testing. In many hospitals and satellite
      laboratories, Gram stains on primary specimens are still performed despite
      difficultly in maintaining proficiency. METHODS: To maintain Gram stain
      proficiency at a community 450-bed hospital with an active emergency room we
      designed bimonthly challenges that require reporting Gram staining and morphology
      of different organisms. The challenges consist of five specimens prepared by the
      reference microbiology laboratory from cultures and primary specimens. Twenty to
      23 medical laboratory scientists participate reading the challenges. Results from
      the challenges are discussed with each medical laboratory scientists. In
      addition, printed images from the challenges are presented at huddle to add
      microbiology knowledge. RESULTS: On the first three challenges, Gram staining was
      read correctly in 71%-77% of the time while morphology 53%-66%. In the last six
      challenges correct answers for Gram stain were 77%-99% while morphology 73%-96%.
      CONCLUSIONS: We observed statistically significant improvement when reading Gram
      stains by providing frequent challenges to medical laboratory scientists. The
      clinical importance of Gram stain results is emphasized during huddle
      presentations increasing knowledge and motivation to perform the test for
      patients.

PMID- 27658160
TI  - In defense of aldosterone measurement by immunoassay: a broader perspective.

PMID- 27658159
TI  - Evaluation of the accuracy of the Greiner Bio-One FC Mix Glucose tube.

PMID- 27658161
TI  - Hepatorenal Syndrome: Diagnosis and Treatment - newsreel.
AB  - Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is defined as renal failure that occurs in the
      presence of severe acute or chronic liver disease in the absence of underlying
      renal pathology. Due to the functional nature of the disease and the absence of
      specific diagnostic markers, HRS diagnosis is determined based on positive
      criteria associated with excluding other causes of renal failure in patients with
      liver cirrhosis and ascites. Differentiation from other types of acute or chronic
      renal disease is extremely difficult and therapeutic options are limited,
      prophylactic behavior is most appropriate in patients with severe hepatic disease
      and risk factors for the installation of hepatorenal syndrome. Highlighting all
      precipitating factors of acute renal insufficiency and therapeutic modalities in
      order to minimize adverse events is an important step in improving the follow-up
      of the patients with liver cirrhosis. The prognosis is reserved especially for
      type 1 HRS. Liver transplantation is the best option for patients without
      contraindications. The therapies introduced in recent years, such as
      vasoconstrictor drugs or transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt are
      effective methods in the renal function improvement.

PMID- 27658162
TI  - Helicobacter pylori Infection, Gastric Cancer and Gastropanel.
AB  - Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most widespread types of cancer worldwide.
      Helicobacter pylori infection has been clearly correlated with gastric
      carcinogenesis. At present and in the near future, the most important challenge
      is and will be the significant reduction of mortality due to GC. That goal can be
      achieved through the identification of higher-risk patients, such as those with
      atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia. In this review we intend
      to discuss the importance of diagnosing H. pylori infection and chronic atrophic
      gastritis in preventing gastric cancer, using a new non-invasive test called
      GastroPanel. This test is a classification algorithm including four biochemical
      parameters pepsinogen I and II (PGI and PGII), gastrin-17 (G17), and anti
      Helicobacter pylori antibodies (Ig G anti-Hp) measured in fasting sera, which
      allows to classify patients as having atrophic or non-atrophic gastritis and to
      find whether gastritis is associated or not with H. pylori infection. GastroPanel
      is not a "cancer test", but it can and should be used in the screening and
      diagnosis of subjects with a high cancer risk; still, a careful diagnostic made
      by superior digestive endoscopy is compulsory to find possible precancerous or
      cancerous lesions at an early and curable stage.

PMID- 27658163
TI  - Proceedings from the 1st Insights in Hematology Symposium, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
      March 11-12, 2016.
AB  - In the March 2016 issue of the Lancet Haematology, the editorial office published
      a paper stating the roadmap for European research in hematology, based on the
      European Hematology Association (EHA) consensus document that outlines the
      directions in hematology for the following years across the continent. The
      meeting entitled "Insights in hematology" is organized a support for the
      initiative of a roadmap for European hematologists regarding research, may it be
      basic research or clinical research, but this consensus should not be focused
      mainly on European institutions, but rather form the backbone of global research
      between Europe and the United States, Japan or any other country. This will allow
      Europeans to learn as well as to share their experience with the rest of the
      scientific and medical community. And the Cluj-Napoca meeting should be followed
      by other such meetings all across the EU.

PMID- 27658164
TI  - Cardiac Changes in Overweight and Obese Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND:  Obesity and overweight are two pathologies that are more and more
      frequent in the XXIst century diagnosis and are causing high morbidity and
      mortality rates in the general population, especially through cardiovascular
      complications. AIMS:  Identification and early diagnosis of cardiac changes in
      overweight and obese patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD:  We carried out a sectional,
      analytical and observational study on 111 subjects: 27 normal weight subjects and
      84 overweight and obese patients, which were submitted to a clinical exam,
      biochemical exams and 2D ultrasound. RESULTS:  The presence of diastolic
      dysfunction is twice more frequent in overweight patients in comparison to normal
      weight ones (30% vs 15%) and 5 times more frequent in obese patients than normal
      weight ones (75% vs 15%). The size increase of the interventricular septum is
      correlated with the body mass index, there being statistically significant
      differences between normal weight vs overweight vs obese patients, as well as
      between overweight and obese ones. Within the whole group and within the groups,
      both the left ventricle mass (g) as well as the left ventricle mass to body
      surface ratio (g/m2) are statistically significantly higher in patients with
      present diastolic dysfunction (E/A < 1). This indicates a relation between the
      presence of diastolic dysfunction, increased left ventricle mass and body mass
      index (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:  Overweight and obese patients, unlike normal
      weight ones, present early cardiac changes, such as: a decrease of left ventricle
      ejection fraction, diastolic dysfunction, thickening of the interventricular
      septum, increase of the left ventricle mass both per se as well as in ratio to
      body surface.

PMID- 27658166
TI  - Cytology of Pericardial Effusion due to Malignancy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Malignant pericardial effusion occurs in one tenth of all cancers. It
      is a very serious disorder that is mainly a secondary process due to metastasis
      because primary neoplasms of the pericardium such as mesotheliomas, sarcomas
      being exceedingly rare [corrected].  Pericardial effusion specimens are uncommon
      and to the best of our knowledge the current study is the largest systematic
      evaluation of pericardial fluid cytology performed to date. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      Pericardial effusion specimens from 145 patients collected over a  25 
      [corrected] year period were studied by cytology  [corrected]. The minimum
      pericardial fluid volume used for adequate cytologic diagnosis in these patients
      was more than 60 mL. RESULTS: Cytological diagnosis revealed malignant
      pericardial exudates in 100% of the studied patients [corrected]. CONCLUSIONS:
      Cytology provides an immediate and accurate means of diagnosis. Immunocytology 
      is very importantin the diagnostic evaluation.

PMID- 27658165
TI  - The Etiology of Syncope in an Emergency Hospital.
AB  - BACKGROUND:  Syncope is a commonly encountered problem in an emergency hospital.
      Global cerebral hypoperfusion is the final pathway common to all presentations of
      syncope, but this symptom presentation has a broad differential diagnosis. It is
      important to identify patients for whom syncope is a symptom of a potentially
      life-threatening condition. MATERIAL AND METHODS:  We identified adult patients
      presenting with syncope to the Emergency Department of our hospital from January
      2012 to June 2014. Of 590 patients found in the hospital database we further
      selected 217 patients who met our criteria, namely having a positive diagnosis of
      syncope (being clearly distinguished from other TLOCs) and an etiology of the
      disease. Thus, definite diagnosis was established retrospectively by reviewing
      medical records. RESULTS:  The demographics of our group shows a slightly
      different distribution between men and women (49% men and 51% women) and a
      majority of the urban population (67%). As for the age range, most of our
      patients were in the age group of 70-80 years (30%), 29% were > 80 years old, and
      the percentage decreases significantly in the 60-70 years range (17%). The most
      frequent causes of syncope were cardiac (32%), vasovagal (23%) and due to
      orthostatic hypotension (12%), but we have also found various cases of mixt or
      iatrogenic causes. CONCLUSIONS:  The incidence of syncope increases sharply after
      70 years of age and poses special consideration in light of multiple comorbid
      conditions, age-related changes, atypical presentation, and concomitant
      medication use. The most common causes of syncope in this population are cardiac
      causes, orthostatic hypotension and carotid sinus hypersensitivity. Often, root
      cause of syncope remains undiagnosed, despite exhaustive diagnostic testing.

PMID- 27658167
TI  - Cinacalcet versus Parathyroidectomy in the Treatment of Secondary
      Hyperparathyroidism Post Renal Transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND:  Persistent hyperparathyroidism (HPT) with hypercalcemia is prevalent
      after transplant and is considered a risk factor for progressive bone loss and
      fractures and vascular calcification, as well as the development of
      tubulointerstitial calcifications of renal allografts and graft dysfunction. The
      subtotal parathyroidectomy is the standard treatment, although currently it has
      been replaced by the calcimimetic cinacalcet. AIM:  The hypothesis of this study
      is that subtotal parathyroidectomy is superior to cinacalcet for treatment of
      persistent secondary parathyroidectomy post renal transplant, with minimal
      morbidity and significantly it reduces the cost of treatment after
      transplantation. METHODS:  We report our long-term clinical experience with
      either cinacalcet or parathyroidectomy in 59 kidney transplant recipients with
      hyperparathyroidism. Group one included medical treatment with cinacalcet and had
      45 patients while parathyroidectomy patients (group 2) were 16 patients with two
      of them excluded because of surgical failure. RESULTS:  No difference was found
      between groups for any parameter. A greater short-term change of calcium and
      phosphorus homeostasis obtained by surgery than by cinacalcet, and in long term
      change, no significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The main
      findings of this study are that correction of severe hyperparathyroidism was
      similar in both surgical and cinacalcet groups with the absence of a difference
      of long-term serum iPTH 1-84 levels between the two groups.

PMID- 27658168
TI  - Primary Hyperfibrinolysis as a Presentation of Extended Prostate Carcinoma.
AB  - Primary hyperfibrinolysis States are rare entities associated with different
      clinical scenarios and can be sometimes their first presentation. PHS outcome
      relies on the underlying cause. We introduce the case of a man presenting with a
      complex clotting abnormality malignancy related. Not having an accurate diagnosis
      hindered us to give an easy solution and compromised the prognosis overall.
      Misdiagnosing a severe entity often leads to fatal outcomes. We want to highlight
      the rarity of our case, the challenging differential diagnosis and the importance
      of being aware of PHS. Because our patient appeared to have an extended
      carcinoma, definitive treatment was not an option on our case.When an uncommon
      and challenging disease is presented, having all the clues is mandatory to
      succeed.

PMID- 27658169
TI  - First Successful Haploidentical Stem Cell Transplantation in Romania.
AB  - Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is an established treatment for many
      malignant and non-malignant haematological disorders. In the current case report,
      we describe the first haploidentical stem cell transplantation, used for the
      first time in Romania, the case of a 33 year-old young woman diagnosed with
      Hodgkin's lymphoma that has underwent a haploSCT after she relapsed from several
      chemotherapy regimens, as well as after an autologous stem cell transplantation.
      This success represents a premiere in Romanian clinical hematology, being the
      first case of a haploSCT in Romania, as well as in South-Eastern Europe.

PMID- 27658170
TI  - Corrigendum to: Porojan M., Costin S., Poanta L., Cerghizan A., Pop D.,
      Dumitrascu D.L., Autonomic Neuropathy and Plasma Catecholamine in patients with
      Diabetes Mellitus.

PMID- 27658171
TI  - Effect of limonene on the heterotrophic growth and polyhydroxybutyrate production
      by Cupriavidus necator H16.
AB  - The inhibitory effect of limonene on polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) production in
      Cupriavidus necator H16 was studied. Firstly, results demonstrate the feasibility
      of using orange juicing waste (OJW) as a substrate for PHB production. An
      intracellular PHB content of 81.4% (w/w) was attained for a total dry matter
      concentration of 9.58gL-1, when the OJW medium was used. Later, a mineral medium
      designed to mimic the nutrient levels found in the complex medium derived from
      OJW was used to study the effect of limonene on the production of PHB. Results
      showed a drop in specific growth rate (MU) of more than 50% when the initial
      limonene concentration was 2% (v/v) compared to the limonene free medium. This
      work highlights the importance of a limonene recovery stage prior to
      fermentation, to maintain levels below 1% (v/v) in the medium, adding value to
      the OJW and enhancing the fermentation process productivity.

PMID- 27658172
TI  - Biodiesel production from wet microalgae by using graphene oxide as solid acid
      catalyst.
AB  - In order to produce biodiesel from lipids in wet microalgae with graphene oxide
      (GO) as solid acid catalyst, the effects on lipids conversion efficiencies of
      catalyst dosage, transesterification temperature, reaction time, methanol dosage
      and chloroform dosage were investigated. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,
      X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and elemental analysis revealed that GO
      contained 0.997mmol SO3H groups per gram and high amounts of OH groups. Scanning
      electron microscopy showed that wet microalgae cells were adsorbed on hydrophilic
      GO surfaces covered with many OH groups. Lipids extracted by chloroform from
      microalgal cells were transformed into fatty acids methyl esters (FAMEs) through
      transesterification catalyzed by the acid centers (SO3H groups) in GO catalysts.
      The lipids conversion efficiency into FAMEs was 95.1% in microwave-assisted
      transesterification reactions of 5wt.% GO catalyst at 90 degrees C for 40min.

PMID- 27658173
TI  - Nitrate removal and bioenergy production in constructed wetland coupled with
      microbial fuel cell: Establishment of electrochemically active bacteria community
      on anode.
AB  - The constructed wetland coupled with microbial fuel cell (CW-MFC) systems
      operated at different substrate concentration and pH influents were evaluated for
      bioelectricity generation, contaminant removal and microbial community structure.
      Performance of CW-MFC was evaluated at organic loading rate of 75.3gCODm-3d-1 and
      pH gradients of (5.18+/-0.14, 7.31+/-0.13, and 8.75+/-0.12) using carbon fiber
      felt as electrodes. Peak power density was observed at slightly neutral influent
      condition. Compared with the open circuit CW-MFC, average COD and NO3-N removal
      efficiency in CW-MFC increased by 8.3% and 40.2% respectively under slightly
      neutral pH of influents. However, the removal efficiency and bioenergy production
      have been inhibited with acidic influents. The relative abundance of beta
      Proteobacteria, nitrobacteria and denitrifying bacteria was significantly
      promoted in closed-circuit CW-MFC. Using of CW-MFC as a biochemical method for
      nitrate removal and bioelectricity generation under slightly neutral and alkaline
      influent conditions was a promising technology.

PMID- 27658174
TI  - An auto-inducible Escherichia coli strain obtained by adaptive laboratory
      evolution for fatty acid synthesis from ionic liquid-treated bamboo hydrolysate.
AB  - Adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) is a useful metabolic engineering strategy,
      which allows the selection of the microorganisms with beneficial phenotype
      through accumulative beneficial mutations among genetic variations occurrencely.
      Following ALE strategy, a rational constructed Escherichia coli strain DQ101 for
      fatty acids synthesis was adaptively evolved for 90days with increasing [C4mim]Cl
      concentration from 1% to 7% (w/v). The evolved strain DQ102 reached a final OD600
      of 4.93 at the end of the 24h culture with 7% (w/v) ionic liquid. DQ102/pDQTES
      with a thioesterase 'TesA overexpression could produce 1.12g/L fatty acid with a
      productivity of 0.023g/L-h from ionic liquid-treated bamboo hydrolysate. With
      another beta-hydroxyacyl-ACP dehydratases (fabZ) overexpression, DQ102/pDQTESZ
      could reach a higher concentration of 2.29g/L with a productivity of 0.048g/L-h.
      These results indicated that ALE could be implemented as a useful tool for
      metabolic engineering and production of bio-fuels, as well as commodity and
      specialty chemicals.

PMID- 27658176
TI  - Die Macht des Wortes.

PMID- 27658177
TI  - Erratum: Vol. 65, No. 35.
AB  - In the report, "Community Needs Assessment After Microcystin Toxin Contamination
      of a Municipal Water Supply - Lucas County, Ohio, September 2014," the first
      footnote on page 928 should be, "*
      https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-06/documents/microcystins-report
      2015.pdf."

PMID- 27658175
TI  - Testing and referral patterns in the years surrounding the US Preventive Services
      Task Force recommendation against prostate-specific antigen screening.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Since the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommended
      against prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening, there have been conflicting
      reports regarding the impact on the behavior of providers. This study analyzed
      real-world data on PSA ordering and referral practices in the years surrounding
      the recommendation. METHODS: A whole-institution sample of entered PSA orders and
      urology referrals was obtained from the electronic medical record. The study was
      performed at a tertiary referral center with a catchment in the southern United
      States. PSA examinations were defined as screening when they were ordered by
      providers with appointments in internal medicine, family medicine, or general
      internal medicine. Linear and quadratic regression analyses were performed, and
      joinpoint regression was used to assess for trend inflection points. RESULTS:
      Between January 2010 and July 2015, there were 275,784 unique ambulatory visits
      for men. There were 63,722 raw PSA orders, and 54,684 were evaluable. Primary
      care providers ordered 17,315 PSA tests and 858 urology referrals. The number of
      PSA tests per ambulatory visit, the number of referrals per ambulatory visit, the
      age at the time of the urology referral, and the proportion of PSA tests
      performed outside the recommended age range did not significantly change. The PSA
      value at the time of referral increased significantly (P = .022). Joinpoint
      analysis revealed no joinpoints in the analysis of total PSA orders, screening
      PSA tests, or examinations per 100 visits. CONCLUSIONS: In the years surrounding
      the USPSTF recommendation, PSA behavior did not change significantly. Patients
      were referred at progressively higher average PSA levels. The implications for
      prostate cancer outcomes from these trends warrant further research into provider
      variables associated with actual PSA utilization. Cancer 2016;122:3785-3793. (c)
      2016 American Cancer Society.

PMID- 27658178
TI  - Delays in Sound Recognition and Imitation in Underinsured Children Receiving
      Cochlear Implantation.
AB  - Importance: Barriers to early pediatric cochlear implantation in underinsured
      populations have been previously reported. However, to our knowledge, the effect
      of this delay on the development of auditory and speech-language objectives has
      not been evaluated. Objective: To determine if health care insurance status
      affects the achievement of proficiency in basic sound access and imitation tasks
      in children with cochlear implants. Design, Setting, and Participants: A
      retrospective review of 123 children aged 1 to 12 years receiving cochlear
      implants at the single tertiary referral academic free-standing Children's
      National Health System in Washington, DC, between January 1, 2008, and December
      31, 2015. Main Outcomes and Measures: Auditory function after cochlear
      implantation, time to proficiency in Ling-6 scores, and number of speech therapy
      and audiological appointments, as well as current educational setting, were
      compared with patient age at diagnosis of hearing loss, age at cochlear
      implantation, cochlear implantation insertion technique, and health care
      insurance status for recipients of cochlear implants. Results: A total of 123
      children aged 1 to 12 years (mean [SD] age, 64.0 [57.4] years) with cochlear
      implants were included in the study. Of 37 patients with complete and accurate
      Ling-6 test scores, 23 (62.1%) were able to have proficiency a mean of 5.1 months
      at follow-up. Despite equal auditory performance on pure-tone audiometry after
      cochlear implantation, publicly insured recipients had Ling-6 proficiency a mean
      of 6.0 months (95% CI, 5.5-6.5 months) later than privately insured recipients
      (11.0 vs 5.0 months). When controlling for patient age, time to cochlear
      implantation, number of therapy sessions, and cochlear implantation insertion
      technique, multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed health care
      insurance status to be the independent variable associated with inadequate Ling-6
      discrimination scores (odds ratio, 46.2; 95% CI, 2.9-729.4). Conclusions and
      Relevance: Despite equal speech detection scores, publicly insured recipients of
      cochlear implantation had a significant and critical delay in attaining
      proficiency in a fundamental measure of sound recognition and imitation.

PMID- 27658179
TI  - Highlights in Central Nervous System Tumors.

PMID- 27658180
TI  - Human papillomavirus vaccination in men who have sex with men - what will be
      required by 2020 for the same dramatic changes seen in heterosexuals.
AB  - This paper addresses the issue of whether men who have sex with men (MSM) will
      share the spectacular reductions in human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and its
      associated neoplasia that we are currently witnessing in heterosexuals. The
      reproductive rate for HPV infection in heterosexuals is not well established, but
      70% vaccination coverage in women has resulted in a fall of more than 90% in
      genital warts and HPV types 16/18 in young women and 80% fall in young men
      indicating that the critical vaccination threshold has been exceeded for this
      group. Published data on the three elements of the reproductive rate for HPV
      infection (i.e. transmission probability per sexual partnership, rate of partner
      change and duration of infectiousness) suggest they are higher in MSM than
      heterosexuals. This indicates that the reproductive rate for HPV will be higher
      in MSM and hence the critical vaccination threshold will also be higher. But
      while vaccinating 70% of girls protect 70% of sexual partnerships in
      heterosexuals, vaccinating 70% of boys protect more than 70% of partnerships in
      MSM. Only 9% (30% by 30%) of sexual partnerships in MSM are not protected with
      70% coverage. Therefore vaccinating 70% of boys will protect 91% of sexual
      partnerships in MSM. However the efficacy of the HPV vaccine is much lower when
      sexually active MSM are vaccinated rather than boys. We argue that if MSM are to
      have the same benefit from the HPV vaccine that heterosexuals had, boys and not
      adult MSM will need to be vaccinated.

PMID- 27658181
TI  - Hemiepiphysiodesis for Idiopathic Genu Valgum: Percutaneous Transphyseal Screw
      Versus Tension-band Plate.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of angular
      deformity correction by percutaneous hemiepiphysiodesis using transphyseal screw
      (PETS) or tension-band plating (TBP) in growing children with idiopathic genu
      valgum with emphasis on the rate of deformity correction. METHODS: We
      retrospectively reviewed cases of hemiepiphysiodesis for angular deformity in
      lower extremities between 2009 and 2014. A total of 90 limbs in 33 patients
      received PETS and 60 limbs in 24 patients received TBP. Angular measurements were
      compared preoperatively and at the time of hardware removal. The amount and rate
      of angular deformity correction were compared between the 2 groups. Potential
      factors affecting correction velocity were investigated using multivariate
      analysis. RESULTS: Angular correction was achieved in all patients. The mean rate
      of correction was more rapid with PETS than with TBP at both the distal femur
      (0.92 vs. 0.64 deg./mo, respectively; P<0.001) and proximal tibia (0.72 vs. 0.55
      deg./mo, respectively; P=0.019). Multivariate analysis showed that the used
      implant significantly affected the rate of correction: PETS demonstrated faster
      correction velocity than TBP (-0.26, 95% confidence interval, -0.35 to -0.17,
      P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Both PETS and TBP techniques result in satisfactory
      correction of coronal angular deformity in patients with idiopathic genu valgum.
      However, the observed rate of correction was faster with PETS than TBP.
      Correction with PETS, rather than TBP, may better serve patients near skeletal
      maturity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-retrospective comparative series.

PMID- 27658182
TI  - Are respiratory viruses involved in preseasonal symptoms or severity in Japanese
      cedar pollinosis?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Respiratory virus infections are involved in asthma exacerbations.
      However, there are no reports of the relationship between respiratory virus
      infections and Japanese cedar pollinosis. OBJECTIVE: We studied the relationship
      between respiratory viral infection and the appearance of preseasonal symptoms
      and the severity of seasonal symptoms in Japanese cedar pollinosis. METHODS: In
      36 patients with asthma and with no symptoms (PreAsyP) and 54 patients with
      asthma and with symptoms (PreSyP) before the cedar pollen shedding commenced
      (preseason), and 37 patients with mild-to-moderate severity (InMild/Mod) and 45
      patients with severe to extreme severity (InSev/Ext) after cedar shedding
      commenced (in season), the occurrence of respiratory viruses and nasal smear
      cytology were examined. RESULTS: In total, seven infections with respiratory
      viruses were detected among the subjects. Human rhinovirus (HRV) C infection was
      detected in one subject in each of the PreAsyP and PreSyP groups, and one HRVA
      infection occurred in the InMild/Mod group. In the InSev/Ext group, one HRVA, one
      HRVC, one respiratory syncytial virus, and one human metapneumovirus were
      detected. There was no significant difference in the rate of detection of viral
      infections between the PreAsyP and the PreSyP groups (p = 0.077), and between the
      InMild/Mod group and the InSev/Ext group (p = 0.24, Wilcoxon rank sum test). When
      cells types in nasal smears were identified and their abundance examined, the
      rate of neutrophilia in the subjects in the PreSyP group was 54%, which was
      statistically higher (p < 0.01) than the subjects in the PreAsyP group (25%).
      Interestingly, in the subjects in the InSev/Ext group, the proportion of
      eosinophils (40%) was larger (p < 0.05) than in the subjects in the InMild/Mod
      group (19%). CONCLUSION: These results provided no evidence that respiratory
      virus infections contributed to preseasonal symptoms and severity in season of
      Japanese cedar pollinosis. Nasal neutrophilia was related to preseasonal
      symptoms, whereas nasal eosinophilia was related to severity of symptoms during
      the pollen season.

PMID- 27658184
TI  - Congenital bilateral adult choanal atresia undiagnosed until the second decade:
      How we did it.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bilateral congenital choanal atresia that presents in adulthood is
      rare. There are only eight reported cases in the literature. METHOD: We present a
      ninth case of adult bilateral choanal atresia diagnosed at the age of 20 years.
      Can a bilateral choanal atresia present so late in life when such a condition is
      considered incompatible with life? RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Clinical details,
      diagnosis, and surgical steps with a clear depiction of photographs and
      comparison with all other previously reported cases, which can help novel
      otolaryngologists in their clinical practice are discussed.

PMID- 27658183
TI  - Role of antioxidants on the clinical outcome of patients with perennial allergic
      rhinitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Antioxidants have a preventive or therapeutic role in oxygen free
      radical-mediated cell and tissue damage. The study aimed to investigate the
      therapeutic effects of antioxidants and intranasal steroid fluticasone furoate
      (FF) on the clinical outcome of patients with perennial allergic rhinitis.
      METHODS: Subjects with perennial allergic rhinitis (n = 61) were randomly divided
      into two groups, group A (n = 30) received FF and group B (n = 31) received FF
      with antioxidants for 6 weeks. Nasal and ocular symptoms were evaluated weekly by
      using a four-point categoric scale. The efficacy of the study drug was assessed
      based on the mean change from baseline of the total daytime nasal symptom scores,
      total nighttime nasal symptom scores, and the composite symptom scores. RESULTS:
      The combined therapy (FF with antioxidants) resulted in marked improvements (p <=
      0.05) in the mean total daytime nasal symptom scores, total nighttime nasal
      symptom scores, and composite symptom scores of subjects compared with ones
      treated with intranasal steroid (FF) alone, which highlighted the therapeutic
      effect of antioxidants in allergic rhinitis. CONCLUSION: Significant improvement
      in clinical outcome was observed in subjects who received antioxidants along with
      FF. However, because this was an open-label study, the results must be
      interpreted with caution, and further double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose
      ranging trials supplemented with different antioxidants together with intranasal
      steroids are suggested.

PMID- 27658185
TI  - Immunoglobulin G4-related sclerosing disease of the paranasal sinuses: A case
      report and literature review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) related sclerosing disease (RSD) of the
      paranasal sinuses is a rare lesion of dense lymphoplasmacytic tissue, with a high
      proportion of IgG4+ plasma cells. We presented a rare case of IgG4-RSD with
      isolated involvement of the paranasal sinuses in the absence of multiorgan
      involvement. METHODS: A case report and comprehensive literature review. RESULTS:
      To our knowledge, only 11 cases of IgG4-RSD with paranasal sinus involvement have
      been reported. Patients with IgG4-RSD commonly present with epistaxis and
      symptoms that mimic chronic rhinosinusitis, e.g., rhinorrhea, nasal obstruction,
      and facial pressure. On imaging, an expansive and erosive process is described.
      Surgery provides tissue for immunohistologic evaluation; however, there is a
      paucity of evidence about the direct extent of surgical resection or medical
      therapies. Postoperative steroids were typically started, although the regimen
      was not standardized. CONCLUSION: Few cases of paranasal sinus IgG4-RSD have been
      reported in the literature. Evidence-based recommendations regarding treatment
      and surveillance of paranasal sinus IgG4-RSD are lacking; however, most reports
      describe systemic steroids as the mainstay of treatment. This single subject
      analysis, with a review of previously reported cases adds to the expanding body
      of data related to this rare disorder.

PMID- 27658186
TI  - A novel insight into the immunologic basis of chronic granulomatous invasive
      fungal rhinosinusitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic granulomatous invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (CGIFRS) is a
      rare disease. The underlying immune responses that drive the development of
      CGIFRS, as opposed to successful pathogen clearance and controlled inflammation,
      are not currently known. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the immune responses
      associated with CGIFRS. METHODS: In addition to a battery of basic
      investigations, more in-depth immunologic testing involves ex vivo whole-blood
      stimulation with the polyclonal T-cell mitogen phytohemagglutinin and fungal
      antigens with interleukin (IL) 12, was undertaken to investigate cell-mediated
      immune responses associated with CGIFRS. RESULTS: Ex vivo whole-blood stimulation
      with the polyclonal T-cell mitogen phytohemagglutinin and fungal antigens with IL
      12 identified reduced interferon gamma and increased IL-17A levels within the
      supernatant, which indicated increased in vivo T-helper (Th)17 responses and
      impaired Th1 responses compared with healthy controls. CONCLUSION: These findings
      suggest that the development of CGIFRS may be associated with an abnormally
      exaggerated host Th17 response, which caused failure to clear the fungal pathogen
      with refractory fungal infection of mucosal membranes, resulting in chronic
      tissue inflammation.

PMID- 27658187
TI  - c-Met inhibition enhances chemosensitivity of human ovarian cancer cells.
AB  - In clinical practice, human ovarian cancer shows considerable resistance to
      chemotherapy. This study aimed to investigate the role of c-Met in the
      chemoresistance of ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer cell line SKOV3 and OVCAR-3
      were pretreated with c-Met inhibitor INCB28060, and then treated with paclitaxel.
      Cell survival, cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by MTT assay, flow
      cytometry analysis and TUNEL assay, respectively. The activation of c-Met
      signalling was detected by western blot analysis. INCB28060 inhibited the
      survival of SKOV3 and OVCAR-3 cells and enhanced the chemosensitivity of SKOV3
      and OVCAR-3 cells to paclitaxel. INCB28060 inhibited c-Met signalling, caused
      mitochondrial membrane depolarization and DNA repair, and induced the apoptosis
      of SKOV3 and OVCAR-3 cells. c-Met plays an important role in mediating the
      chemoresistance of ovarian cancer. The combination of c-Met inhibitor and
      chemotherapy is a promising strategy to human ovarian cancer.

PMID- 27658188
TI  - The International Haemovigilance Network Database for the Surveillance of Adverse
      Reactions and Events in Donors and Recipients of Blood Components: technical
      issues and results.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The International Haemovigilance Network's ISTARE is
      an online database for surveillance of all adverse reactions (ARs) and adverse
      events (AEs) associated with donation of blood and transfusion of blood
      components, irrespective of severity or the harm caused. ISTARE aims to unify the
      collection and sharing of information with a view to harmonizing best practices
      for haemovigilance systems around the world. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adverse
      reactionss and adverse events are recorded by blood component, type of reaction,
      severity and imputability to transfusion, using internationally agreed standard
      definitions. RESULTS: From 2006 to 2012, 125 national sets of annual aggregated
      data were received from 25 countries, covering 132.8 million blood components
      issued. The incidence of all ARs was 77.5 per 100 000 components issued, of which
      25% were severe (19.1 per 100 000). Of 349 deaths (0.26 per 100 000), 58% were
      due to the three ARs related to the respiratory system: transfusion-associated
      circulatory overload (TACO, 27%), transfusion-associated acute lung injury
      (TRALI, 19%) and transfusion-associated dyspnoea (TAD, 12%). Cumulatively, 594
      477 donor complications were reported (rate 660 per 100 000), of which 2.9% were
      severe. CONCLUSIONS: ISTARE is a well-established surveillance tool offering
      important contributions to international efforts to maximize transfusion safety.

PMID- 27658189
TI  - Spelling across Tasks and Levels of Language in a Transparent Orthography.
AB  - The paper reports the results of two studies on the spelling performance of 1st
      graders in a transparent writing system. The spelling performance of Italian
      children was assessed to determine the cross-task relationship between spelling
      to dictation and spontaneous spelling at the single word level (Study 1) and at
      the text level (Study 2), respectively. In study 1, 132 Italian children's
      spelling performance was assessed in 1st grade through two standardized tasks,
      i.e., word dictation, and spontaneous word spelling. In study 2, spelling
      performance of 81 Italian children was assessed in 1st grade through two tasks,
      i.e., text dictation, and spontaneous text spelling. In Study 1, spelling words
      and pseudo-words to dictation was found to be more difficult than spontaneous
      spelling of words. This effect was verified for all children (including low
      achievers and spelling impaired). The moderate correlation found between spelling
      to dictation and spontaneous spelling indicated that the two tasks are supported
      by partially different spelling processes and confirmed suggestions for including
      both types of spelling assessments in the school. In Study 2, children's spelling
      performances were not dependent across the two tasks (i.e., spelling a text under
      dictation or spontaneously). The two tasks shared the level of difficulty but
      performance in one task was not predictive of performance in the second task.
      Strong individual differences between children were found at the text level as a
      function of task. Similar to Study 1, the moderate correlation between spelling
      text to dictation and spontaneous spelling confirmed the usefulness of adopting
      both spelling assessments at school.

PMID- 27658190
TI  - Association of Chorioamnionitis with Aberrant Neonatal Gut Colonization and
      Adverse Clinical Outcomes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Chorioamnionitis (inflammation of the placenta and fetal membranes)
      and abnormal gastrointestinal colonization have been associated with an increased
      risk of sepsis and death in preterm infants, but whether chorioamnionitis causes
      abnormal pioneering gastrointestinal colonization in infants is not known. We
      determined the relationship between chorioamnionitis, altered infant fecal
      microbiome indicating abnormal gastrointestinal colonization, and adverse
      outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Preterm infants <= 28 weeks at birth were enrolled from 3
      level III NICUs in Cincinnati, Ohio and Birmingham, Alabama. Sequencing for 16S
      microbial gene was performed on stool samples in the first 3 weeks of life.
      Chorioamnionitis was diagnosed by placental histology. Late onset sepsis and
      death outcomes were analyzed in relation to fecal microbiota and chorioamnionitis
      with or without funisitis (inflammation of the umbilical cord). RESULTS: Of the
      106 enrolled infants, 48 infants had no chorioamnionitis, 32 infants had
      chorioamnionitis but no funisitis (AC), and 26 infants had chorioamnionitis with
      funisitis (ACF). The fecal samples from ACF infants collected by day of life 7
      had higher relative abundance of family Mycoplasmataceae (phylum Tenericutes),
      genus Prevotella (phylum Bacteroidetes) and genus Sneathia (phylum Fusobacteria).
      Further, AC and ACF infants had higher incidence of late-onset sepsis/death as a
      combined outcome. Presence of specific clades in fecal samples, specifically,
      order Fusobacteria, genus Sneathia or family Mycoplasmataceae, were significantly
      associated with higher risk of sepsis or death. CONCLUSION: The results support
      the hypothesis that specific alterations in the pioneering infant
      gastrointestinal microbiota induced by chorioamnionitis predispose to neonatal
      sepsis or death.

PMID- 27658191
TI  - No Evidence for a Saccadic Range Effect for Visually Guided and Memory-Guided
      Saccades in Simple Saccade-Targeting Tasks.
AB  - Saccades to single targets in peripheral vision are typically characterized by an
      undershoot bias. Putting this bias to a test, Kapoula [1] used a paradigm in
      which observers were presented with two different sets of target eccentricities
      that partially overlapped each other. Her data were suggestive of a saccadic
      range effect (SRE): There was a tendency for saccades to overshoot close targets
      and undershoot far targets in a block, suggesting that there was a response bias
      towards the center of eccentricities in a given block. Our Experiment 1 was a
      close replication of the original study by Kapoula [1]. In addition, we tested
      whether the SRE is sensitive to top-down requirements associated with the task,
      and we also varied the target presentation duration. In Experiments 1 and 2, we
      expected to replicate the SRE for a visual discrimination task. The simple visual
      saccade-targeting task in Experiment 3, entailing minimal top-down influence, was
      expected to elicit a weaker SRE. Voluntary saccades to remembered target
      locations in Experiment 3 were expected to elicit the strongest SRE. Contrary to
      these predictions, we did not observe a SRE in any of the tasks. Our findings
      complement the results reported by Gillen et al. [2] who failed to find the
      effect in a saccade-targeting task with a very brief target presentation.
      Together, these results suggest that unlike arm movements, saccadic eye movements
      are not biased towards making saccades of a constant, optimal amplitude for the
      task.

PMID- 27658192
TI  - Emotion regulation strategies in individuals with cocaine use disorder maintained
      on methadone.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cognitive reappraisal (CR) and emotional suppression
      (ES), two emotion regulation strategies, are disrupted in other substance use
      disorders but have not been studied in cocaine dependence. METHODS: Methadone
      maintained individuals with cocaine dependence (N = 72) completed assessment of
      CR, ES, cocaine use, and psychiatric symptoms. RESULTS: CR scores were associated
      with lower depression scores (r = -.29, p = .01), but not with cocaine abstinence
      during 8 weeks of treatment (r = .12, p = .29). CONCLUSIONS AND SCIENTIFIC
      SIGNIFICANCE: CR appeared relevant to cocaine-dependent individuals' depression,
      but was not associated with abstinence or treatment outcome. (Am J Addict
      2016;25:529-532).

PMID- 27658193
TI  - Sensitive Detection and Simultaneous Discrimination of Influenza A and B Viruses
      in Nasopharyngeal Swabs in a Single Assay Using Next-Generation Sequencing-Based
      Diagnostics.
AB  - Reassortment of 2009 (H1N1) pandemic influenza virus (pdH1N1) with other strains
      may produce more virulent and pathogenic forms, detection and their rapid
      characterization is critical. In this study, we reported a "one-size-fits-all"
      approach using a next-generation sequencing (NGS) detection platform to
      extensively identify influenza viral genomes for diagnosis and determination of
      novel virulence and drug resistance markers. A de novo module and other
      bioinformatics tools were used to generate contiguous sequence and identify
      influenza types/subtypes. Of 162 archived influenza-positive patient specimens,
      161(99.4%) were positive for either influenza A or B viruses determined using the
      NGS assay. Among these, 135(83.3%) were A(H3N2), 14(8.6%) were A(pdH1N1), 2(1.2%)
      were A(H3N2) and A(pdH1N1) virus co-infections and 10(6.2%) were influenza B
      viruses. Of the influenza A viruses, 66.7% of A(H3N2) viruses tested had a E627K
      mutation in the PB2 protein, and 87.8% of the influenza A viruses contained the
      S31N mutation in the M2 protein. Further studies demonstrated that the NGS assay
      could achieve a high level of sensitivity and reveal adequate genetic information
      for final laboratory confirmation. The current diagnostic platform allows for
      simultaneous identification of a broad range of influenza viruses, monitoring
      emerging influenza strains with pandemic potential that facilitating diagnostics
      and antiviral treatment in the clinical setting and protection of the public
      health.

PMID- 27658194
TI  - Distance-Based and Low Energy Adaptive Clustering Protocol for Wireless Sensor
      Networks.
AB  - A wireless sensor network (WSN) comprises small sensor nodes with limited energy
      capabilities. The power constraints of WSNs necessitate efficient energy
      utilization to extend the overall network lifetime of these networks. We propose
      a distance-based and low-energy adaptive clustering (DISCPLN) protocol to
      streamline the green issue of efficient energy utilization in WSNs. We also
      enhance our proposed protocol into the multi-hop-DISCPLN protocol to increase the
      lifetime of the network in terms of high throughput with minimum delay time and
      packet loss. We also propose the mobile-DISCPLN protocol to maintain the
      stability of the network. The modelling and comparison of these protocols with
      their corresponding benchmarks exhibit promising results.

PMID- 27658196
TI  - Treatment of sporadic port-wine stains: a retrospective review of 17 cases
      consecutively treated by pulsed sequential dual wavelength 595 and 1064 nm laser.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Port-wine stains (PWS) are relatively common and often cause cosmetic
      and psychological concerns. The pulsed dye laser is currently the treatment of
      choice for PWS. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of the pulsed sequential
      dual wavelength 595 and 1064 nm laser as first-line treatment for PWS and to
      identify prognostic factors for treatment outcome in a retrospective series of 17
      consecutive previously untreated patients. METHODS: The response to treatment was
      evaluated 2 months after treatment utilizing comparative photographs and a
      standard physician global assessment (PGA) grading system. Furthermore,
      measurement of the normalized erythema index (NEI) reduction (DeltaNEI%) was
      carried out using an image analysis system. The subjective improvement was
      assessed using a patient's satisfaction questionnaire. Multiple linear regression
      models were finally used to identify factors associated with DeltaNEI% and
      patients' satisfaction. RESULTS: Seventeen patients, with PWS, including 12
      children were included. The average PGA assessment was 2.5 +/- 1.3 corresponding
      to an amelioration of 50% with a high intraclass correlation coefficient among
      the experts. The before-after NEI showed a statistically significant mean
      reduction of 3.5 +/- 2.6 units, corresponding to a relative reduction of 31%.
      Questionnaires showed that the satisfaction was very good with an average score
      of 6.1 points on a scale ranging from -10 to 10 points. Multiple regression
      analysis revealed that location in the frontotemporal area was associated with a
      significant reduction in DeltaNEI% (38.4%; 95% CI 4.3, 72.6). Presence of PWS on
      the neck was associated with a lower patient satisfaction (-3.7 points; 95% CI 
      6.5, -0.9). There were no significant side-effects, except for transient
      discomfort and purpura. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results obtained in the largest
      reported series so far, the pulsed sequential dual wavelength 595 and 1064 nm
      laser represents an effective and safe first-line therapeutic option for the
      treatment of PWS.

PMID- 27658197
TI  - Coronary Computed Tomographic Angiography at 80 kVp and Knowledge-Based Iterative
      Model Reconstruction Is Non-Inferior to that at 100 kVp with Iterative
      Reconstruction.
AB  - The aims of this study were to compare the image noise and quality of coronary
      computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) at 80 kVp with knowledge-based iterative
      model reconstruction (IMR) to those of CCTA at 100 kVp with hybrid iterative
      reconstruction (IR), and to evaluate the feasibility of a low-dose radiation
      protocol with IMR. Thirty subjects who underwent prospective electrocardiogram
      gating CCTA at 80 kVp, 150 mAs, and IMR (Group A), and 30 subjects with 100 kVp,
      150 mAs, and hybrid IR (Group B) were retrospectively enrolled after sample-size
      calculation. A BMI of less than 25 kg/m2 was required for inclusion. The
      attenuation value and image noise of CCTA were measured and the signal-to-noise
      ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were calculated at the proximal
      right coronary artery and left main coronary artery. The image noise was analyzed
      using a non-inferiority test. The CCTA images were qualitatively evaluated using
      a four-point scale. The radiation dose was significantly lower in Group A than
      Group B (0.69 +/- 0.08 mSv vs. 1.39 +/- 0.15 mSv, p < 0.001). The attenuation
      values were higher in Group A than Group B (p < 0.001). The SNR and CNR in Group
      A were higher than those of Group B. The image noise of Group A was non-inferior
      to that of Group B. Qualitative image quality of Group A was better than that of
      Group B (3.6 vs. 3.4, p = 0.017). CCTA at 80 kVp with IMR could reduce the
      radiation dose by about 50%, with non-inferior image noise and image quality than
      those of CCTA at 100 kVp with hybrid IR.

PMID- 27658195
TI  - Leishmaniavirus-Dependent Metastatic Leishmaniasis Is Prevented by Blocking IL
      17A.
AB  - Cutaneous leishmaniasis has various outcomes, ranging from self-healing reddened
      papules to extensive open ulcerations that metastasise to secondary sites and are
      often resistant to standard therapies. In the case of L. guyanensis (L.g), about
      5-10% of all infections result in metastatic complications. We recently showed
      that a cytoplasmic virus within L.g parasites (LRV1) is able to act as a potent
      innate immunogen, worsening disease outcome in a murine model. In this study, we
      investigated the immunophenotype of human patients infected by L.g and found a
      significant association between the inflammatory cytokine IL-17A, the presence of
      LRV1 and disease chronicity. Further, IL-17A was inversely correlated to the
      protective cytokine IFN-gamma. These findings were experimentally corroborated in
      our murine model, where IL-17A produced in LRV1+ L.g infection contributed to
      parasite virulence and dissemination in the absence of IFN-gamma. Additionally,
      IL-17A inhibition in mice using digoxin or SR1001, showed therapeutic promise in
      limiting parasite virulence. Thus, this murine model of LRV1-dependent infectious
      metastasis validated markers of disease chronicity in humans and elucidated the
      immunologic mechanism for the dissemination of Leishmania parasites to secondary
      sites. Moreover, it confirms the prognostic value of LRV1 and IL-17A detection to
      prevent metastatic leishmaniasis in human patients.

PMID- 27658198
TI  - Expanding Praziquantel (PZQ) Access beyond Mass Drug Administration Programs:
      Paving a Way Forward for a Pediatric PZQ Formulation for Schistosomiasis.

PMID- 27658199
TI  - Dietary Flavones as Dual Inhibitors of DNA Methyltransferases and Histone
      Methyltransferases.
AB  - Methylation of DNA and histone proteins are mutually involved in the epigenetic
      regulation of gene expression mediated by DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and
      histone methyltransferases (HMTs). DNMTs methylate cytosine residues within gene
      promoters, whereas HMTs catalyze the transfer of methyl groups to lysine and
      arginine residues of histone proteins, thus causing chromatin condensation and
      transcriptional repression, which play an important role in the pathogenesis of
      cancer. The potential reversibility of epigenetic alterations has encouraged the
      development of dual pharmacologic inhibitors of DNA and histone methylation as
      anticancer therapeutics. Dietary flavones can affect epigenetic modifications
      that accumulate over time and have shown anticancer properties, which are
      undefined. Through DNA binding and in silico protein-ligand docking studies with
      plant flavones viz. Apigenin, Chrysin and Luteolin, the effect of flavones on DNA
      and histone methylation was assessed. Spectroscopic analysis of flavones with
      calf-thymus DNA revealed intercalation as the dominant binding mode, with
      specific binding to a GC-rich sequence in the DNA duplex. A virtual screening
      approach using a model of the catalytic site of DNMT and EZH2 demonstrated that
      plant flavones are tethered at both ends inside the catalytic pocket of DNMT and
      EZH2 by means of hydrogen bonding. Epigenetic studies performed with flavones
      exhibited a decrease in DNMT enzyme activity and a reversal of the
      hypermethylation of cytosine bases in the DNA and prevented cytosine methylation
      in the GC-rich promoter sequence incubated with the M.SssI enzyme. Furthermore, a
      marked decrease in HMT activity and a decrease in EZH2 protein expression and
      trimethylation of H3K27 were noted in histones isolated from cancer cells treated
      with plant flavones. Our results suggest that dietary flavones can alter DNMT and
      HMT activities and the methylation of DNA and histone proteins that regulate
      epigenetic modifications, thus providing a significant anticancer effect by
      altering epigenetic processes involved in the development of cancer.

PMID- 27658200
TI  - Liver transplantation after share 35: Impact on pretransplant and posttransplant
      costs and mortality.
AB  - Share 35 was implemented in 2013 to direct livers to the most urgent candidates
      by prioritizing Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) >= 35 patients. We aim
      to evaluate this policy's impact on costs and mortality. Our study includes 834
      wait-listed patients and 338 patients who received deceased donor, solitary liver
      transplants at Mayo Clinic between January 2010 and December 2014. Of these
      patients, 101 (30%) underwent transplantation after Share 35. After Share 35, 29
      (28.7%) MELD >= 35 patients received transplants, as opposed to 46 (19.4%) in the
      pre-Share 35 era (P = 0.06). No significant difference in 90-day wait-list
      mortality (P = 0.29) nor 365-day posttransplant mortality (P = 0.68) was found
      between patients transplanted before or after Share 35. Mean costs were $3,049 (P
      = 0.30), $5226 (P = 0.18), and $10,826 (P = 0.03) lower post-Share 35 for the 30
      , 90-, and 365-day pretransplant periods, and mean costs were $5010 (P = 0.41)
      and $5859 (P = 0.57) higher, and $9145 (P = 0.54) lower post-Share 35 for the 30
      , 90-, and 365-day posttransplant periods. In conclusion, the added cost of
      transplanting more MELD >= 35 patients may be offset by pretransplant care cost
      reduction. Despite shifting organs to critically ill patients, Share 35 has not
      impacted mortality significantly. Liver Transplantation 23:11-18 2017 AASLD.

PMID- 27658201
TI  - Molecular Evolution of MDM1, a "Duplication-Resistant" Gene in Vertebrates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The mouse double minute 1 (Mdm1) gene was first reported and cloned
      in mouse tumor cell lines as an oncogene candidate. Later, it was found that
      mutation of Mdm1 might cause age-related retinal degeneration 2 in mice by
      genetic linkage analysis. Additionally, the MDM1 protein was found to be
      expressed in the centrosomes, cilia, and the nucleus of multiciliated tracheal
      epithelial cells in mice. These observations suggest that MDM1 may have some
      basal functions in cell physiology. However, the evolutionary history of this
      gene and its expression during embryonic development remain largely unexplored.
      RESULTS: Using molecular phylogenetic analysis, we found that the MDM1 gene
      encoded an evolutionarily conserved protein across all metazoans. We also found
      that the MDM1 gene was in a conserved synteny in vertebrates. In almost all the
      species that were analyzed, there was only one MDM1 gene based on current genome
      annotations. Since vertebrate genomes underwent two to three rounds of whole
      genome duplications around the origin of the vertebrates, it is interesting that
      only one MDM1 ohnolog was retained. This observation implies that other MDM1
      ohnologs were lost after the whole-genome duplications. Furthermore, using whole
      mount in situ hybridization, we found that mdm1 was expressed in the forebrain,
      nephric ducts, and tail buds during zebrafish early embryonic development.
      CONCLUSION: MDM1 is an evolutionary conserved gene, and its homologous genes can
      be traced back to basal metazoan lineages. In vertebrates, the MDM1 gene is in a
      conserved synteny and there is only one MDM1 ohnolog suggesting it is a
      "duplication-resistant" gene. Its expression patterns in early zebrafish embryos
      indicate that mdm1 may play important roles in the development of the central
      nervous system, kidneys, and hematopoietic system.

PMID- 27658202
TI  - Grb7 Protein Stability Modulated by Pin1 in Association with Cell Cycle
      Progression.
AB  - Growth factor receptor bound protein-7 (Grb7) is a multi-domain adaptor protein
      that is co-opted by numerous tyrosine kinases involved in various cellular
      signaling and functions. The molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of
      Grb7 remain unclear. Here, we revealed a novel negative post-translational
      regulation of Grb7 by the peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase, Pin1. Our data
      show that phosphorylation of Grb7 protein on the Ser194-Pro motif by c-Jun N
      terminal kinase facilitates its binding with the WW domain of Pin1. Subsequently,
      Grb7 is degraded by the ubiquitin- and proteasome-dependent proteolytic pathway.
      Indeed, we found that Pin1 exerts its peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase
      activity in the modulation of Grb7 protein stability in regulation of cell cycle
      progression at the G2-M phase. This study illustrates a novel regulatory
      mechanism in modulating Grb7-mediated signaling, which may take part in
      pathophysiological consequences.

PMID- 27658203
TI  - Effects of Grazing Management and Cattle on Aquatic Habitat Use by the Anuran
      Pseudopaludicola mystacalis in Agro-Savannah Landscapes.
AB  - Because of their strong dependence on the environment, the spatial distribution
      of pond-breeding amphibians can be greatly influenced by anthropogenic habitat
      alteration. In some agricultural landscapes in Brazil, the anuran
      Pseudopaludicola mystacalis appears to be highly influenced by land use. Because
      adult males and tadpoles of this species are usually found in marshy areas with
      cattle hoof prints, we hypothesized that P. mystacalis preferentially occupies
      aquatic habitats with marshy areas that are trampled by cattle. To test our
      hypothesis, we assessed whether the occurrence of P. mystacalis is associated
      with the presence of cattle and trampled marshy areas, and which environmental
      features best explain the spatial distribution and abundance of P. mystacalis. To
      do so, we sampled 38 aquatic habitats in an area intensely used for livestock in
      southeastern Brazil. We found that the presence of cattle and trampled marshy
      areas in aquatic habitats are positively associated to P. mystacalis occurrence.
      Additionally, the abundance of calling males is better predicted by variables of
      landscape and local habitat structure. Specifically, the size of trampled marshy
      areas and the proportion of herbaceous vegetation within the aquatic habitat are
      positively associated with abundance, while distance to nearest aquatic habitat
      are negatively associated with abundance of calling males. All three of these
      variables can be directly or indirectly linked to the presence of cattle or
      grazing management. Therefore, this work shows evidence that Pseudopaludicola
      mystacalis is positively influenced by grazing management with cattle, and draws
      attention to other unknown potential consequences of different land use to fresh
      water diversity.

PMID- 27658204
TI  - Early Duplication of a Single MHC IIB Locus Prior to the Passerine Radiations.
AB  - A key characteristic of MHC genes is the persistence of allelic lineages over
      macroevolutionary periods, often through multiple speciation events. This
      phenomenon, known as trans-species polymorphism (TSP), is well documented in
      several major taxonomic groups, but has less frequently been observed in birds.
      The order Passeriformes is arguably the most successful terrestrial vertebrate
      order in terms of diversity of species and ecological range, but the reasons for
      this success remain unclear. Passerines exhibit the most highly duplicated MHC
      genes of any major vertebrate taxonomic group, which may generate increased
      immune response relative to other avian orders with fewer MHC loci. Here, we
      describe phylogenetic patterns of the MHC IIB in the passerine family Corvidae.
      Our results indicate wide-spread TSP within this family, with at least four
      supported MHC IIB allelic lineages that predate speciation by many millions of
      years. Markov chain Monte Carlo simulations indicate that divergence of these
      lineages occurred near the time of the divergence of the Passeriformes and other
      avian orders. We suggest that the current MHC diversity observed in passerines is
      due in part to the multiple duplication of a single MHC locus, DAB1, early in
      passerine evolution and that subsequent duplications of these paralogues have
      contributed to the enormous success of this order by increasing their ability to
      recognize and mount immune responses to novel pathogens.

PMID- 27658205
TI  - Total Bee Dependence on One Flower Species Despite Available Congeners of Similar
      Floral Shape.
AB  - Extreme specialization is a common phenomenon in antagonistic biotic interactions
      but it is quite rare in mutualistic ones. Indeed, bee specialization on a single
      flower species (monolecty) is a questioned fact. Here, we provide multiple lines
      of evidence on true monolecty in a solitary bee (Flavipanurgus venustus,
      Andrenidae), which is consistent across space (18 sites in SW Iberian Peninsula)
      and time (three years) despite the presence of closely related congeneric plant
      species whose flowers are morphologically similar. The host flower (Cistus
      crispus, Cistaceae) is in turn a supergeneralist, visited by at least 85 insect
      species. We uncover ultraviolet light reflectance as a distinctive visual cue of
      the host flower, which can be a key mechanism because bee specialization has an
      innate basis to recognize specific signals. Moreover, we hypothesized that a
      total dependence on an ephemeral resource (i.e. one flower species) must lead to
      spatiotemporal matching with it. Accordingly, we prove that the bee's flight
      phenology is synchronized with the blooming period of the host flower, and that
      the densities of bee populations mirror the local densities of the host flower.
      This case supports the 'predictable plethora' hypothesis, that is, that host
      specialization in bees is fostered by plant species providing predictably
      abundant floral resources. Our findings, along with available phylogenetic
      information on the genus Cistus, suggest the importance of historical processes
      and cognitive constraints as drivers of specialization in bee-plant interactions.

PMID- 27658207
TI  - Correction: Bilateral tDCS on Primary Motor Cortex: Effects on Fast Arm Reaching
      Tasks.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0160063.].

PMID- 27658206
TI  - Polyglutamine Tract Expansion Increases S-Nitrosylation of Huntingtin and Ataxin
      1.
AB  - Expansion of the polyglutamine (polyQ) tract in the huntingtin (Htt) protein
      causes Huntington's disease (HD), a fatal inherited movement disorder linked to
      neurodegeneration in the striatum and cortex. S-nitrosylation and S-acylation of
      cysteine residues regulate many functions of cytosolic proteins. We therefore
      used a resin-assisted capture approach to identify these modifications in Htt. In
      contrast to many proteins that have only a single S-nitrosylation or S-acylation
      site, we identified sites along much of the length of Htt. Moreover, analysis of
      cells expressing full-length Htt or a large N-terminal fragment of Htt shows that
      polyQ expansion strongly increases Htt S-nitrosylation. This effect appears to be
      general since it is also observed in Ataxin-1, which causes spinocerebellar
      ataxia type 1 (SCA1) when its polyQ tract is expanded. Overexpression of nitric
      oxide synthase increases the S-nitrosylation of normal Htt and the frequency of
      conspicuous juxtanuclear inclusions of Htt N-terminal fragments in transfected
      cells. Taken together with the evidence that S-nitrosylation of Htt is widespread
      and parallels polyQ expansion, these subcellular changes show that S
      nitrosylation affects the biology of this protein in vivo.

PMID- 27658208
TI  - A Novel Inflammation- and Nutrition-Based Prognostic System for Patients with
      Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Combination of Red Blood Cell Distribution
      Width and Body Mass Index (COR-BMI).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is a head and neck cancer
      type. In this study, we introduced a novel inflammation- and nutrition-based
      prognostic system, referred to as COR-BMI (Combination of red blood cell
      distribution width and body mass index), for LSCC patients. METHODS: A total of
      807 LSCC patients (784 male and 23 female, 22-87 y of age) who underwent surgery
      were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. The patients were stratified by
      COR-BMI into three groups: COR-BMI (0) (RDW <= 13.1 and BMI >= 25); COR-BMI (1)
      (RDW <= 13.1 and BMI < 18.5 or 18.5 <= BMI < 25; RDW > 13.1 and 18.5 <= BMI < 25
      or BMI >= 25); or COR-BMI (2) (RDW > 13.1 and BMI < 18.5). Cox regression models
      were used to investigate the association between COR-BMI and cancer-specific
      survival (CSS) rate among LSCC patients. RESULTS: The 5-y, 10-y, and 15-y CSS
      rates were 71.6%, 60.1%, and 55.4%, respectively. There were significant
      differences among the COR-BMI groups in age (< 60 versus >= 60 y; P = 0.005) and
      T stage (T1, T2, T3, or T4; P = 0.013). Based on the results, COR-BMI (1 versus
      0: HR = 1.76; 95% CI = 0.98-3.15; 2 versus 0: HR = 2.91; 95% CI = 1.53-5.54, P =
      0.001) was a significant independent predictor of CSS. CONCLUSION: COR-BMI is a
      novel inflammation- and nutrition-based prognostic system, which could predict
      long-term survival in LSCC patients who underwent surgery.

PMID- 27658210
TI  - Vesicle Size Distribution as a Novel Nuclear Forensics Tool.
AB  - The first nuclear bomb detonation on Earth involved a plutonium implosion-type
      device exploded at the Trinity test site (33 degrees 40'38.28"N, 106 degrees
      28'31.44"W), White Sands Proving Grounds, near Alamogordo, New Mexico. Melting
      and subsequent quenching of the local arkosic sand produced glassy material,
      designated "Trinitite". In cross section, Trinitite comprises a thin (1-2 mm),
      primarily glassy surface above a lower zone (1-2 cm) of mixed melt and mineral
      fragments from the precursor sand. Multiple hypotheses have been put forward to
      explain these well-documented but heterogeneous textures. This study reports the
      first quantitative textural analysis of vesicles in Trinitite to constrain their
      physical and thermal history. Vesicle morphology and size distributions confirm
      the upper, glassy surface records a distinct processing history from the lower
      region, that is useful in determining the original sample surface orientation.
      Specifically, the glassy layer has lower vesicle density, with larger sizes and
      more rounded population in cross-section. This vertical stratigraphy is
      attributed to a two-stage evolution of Trinitite glass from quench cooling of the
      upper layer followed by prolonged heating of the subsurface. Defining the
      physical regime of post-melting processes constrains the potential for surface
      mixing and vesicle formation in a post-detonation environment.

PMID- 27658211
TI  - Correction: Energy Expenditure and Substrate Oxidation in Response to Side
      Alternating Whole Body Vibration across Three Commonly-Used Vibration
      Frequencies.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151552.].

PMID- 27658209
TI  - Metabolic Effects Associated with ICS in Patients with COPD and Comorbid Type 2
      Diabetes: A Historical Matched Cohort Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Management guidelines for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
      (COPD) recommend that inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are prescribed to patients
      with the most severe symptoms. However, these guidelines have not been widely
      implemented by physicians, leading to widespread use of ICS in patients with mild
      to-moderate COPD. Of particular concern is the potential risk of worsening
      diabetic control associated with ICS use. Here we investigate whether ICS therapy
      in patients with COPD and comorbid type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has a negative
      impact on diabetic control, and whether these negative effects are dose
      dependent. METHODS AND FINDINGS: This was a historical matched cohort study
      utilising primary care medical record data from two large UK databases. We
      selected patients aged >=40 years with COPD and T2DM, prescribed ICS (n = 1360)
      or non-ICS therapy (n = 2642) between 2008 and 2012. The primary endpoint was
      change in HbA1c between the baseline and outcome periods. After 1:1 matching,
      each cohort consisted of 682 patients. Over the 12-18-month outcome period,
      patients prescribed ICS had significantly greater increases in HbA1c values
      compared with those prescribed non-ICS therapies; adjusted difference 0.16% (95%
      confidence interval [CI]: 0.05-0.27%) in all COPD patients, and 0.25% (95% CI:
      0.10-0.40%) in mild-to-moderate COPD patients. Patients in the ICS cohort also
      had significantly more diabetes-related general practice visits per year and
      received more frequent glucose strip prescriptions, compared with those
      prescribed non-ICS therapies. Patients prescribed higher cumulative doses of ICS
      (>250 mg) had greater odds of increased HbA1c and/or receiving additional
      antidiabetic medication, and increased odds of being above the Quality and
      Outcomes Framework (QOF) target for HbA1c levels, compared with those prescribed
      lower cumulative doses (<=125 mg). CONCLUSION: For patients with COPD and
      comorbid T2DM, ICS therapy may have a negative impact on diabetes control.
      Patients prescribed higher cumulative doses of ICS may be at greater risk of
      diabetes progression. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ENCePP ENCEPP/SDPP/6804.

PMID- 27658212
TI  - One-year follow-up study of first suicide attempts in first episode psychosis:
      Personality traits and temporal pattern.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The highest suicide rates occur after psychiatric hospitalization or
      soon after discharge. In addition to other factors, personality traits have been
      suggested as predictors of suicide attempts (SA) after first episode psychosis
      (FEP). In this study we examined their temporal pattern and the influence of
      personality traits on first suicide attempts (fSA) during one year after FEP.
      METHOD: One-year follow-up of 65 FEP patients. Bivariate and multivariable
      analyses were performed to explore the relationship between personality traits
      and fSA. This analysis was also adjusted for a set of sociodemographic, clinical
      and psychopathological variables. RESULTS: fSAs in the six months following FEP
      were predicted by higher scores in passive-dependent personality traits (OR =
      2.42, 95% CI = 1.15-5.09) and severity of symptoms at onset (OR = 2.00, 95% CI =
      1.07-3.76). Severity of symptoms at onset (OR = 2.71, CI = 1.15-6.39) was the
      most significant predictor of fSA from six to twelve months after FEP. Seventy
      percent of fSA occurred during the first six months after FEP, decreasing
      considerably afterwards. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that personality traits
      play a role in fSA after FEP. Specifically, passive-dependent personality traits
      emerged as a predictor of fSA in the six months following FEP. Severity of
      symptoms at onset predicted early and late first suicide attempts. We also found
      that risk of fSA is highest during the six months following FEP. These results
      can contribute to the implementation of prevention program.

PMID- 27658213
TI  - The aging brain: Movement speed and spatial control.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: With aging, people commonly develop motor slowing
      (bradykinesia). Although this slowness with aging may be entirely related to
      degradation of the cerebral networks important in motor programing, it is
      possible that, at least in part, it may be a learned procedure for enhancing the
      accuracy and/or precision of movements. The goal of this study is to test these
      contradictory hypotheses. METHODS: Twenty-four healthy adults, 12 younger than
      age 26 and 12 older than age 65 were asked to make alternative marks with a pen
      between a card centered in front of them and a series of circles distributed
      across a page. Performance was timed, and participants were instructed to
      complete the task as quickly as possible while not sacrificing accuracy for
      speed. The circle sizes and hand used varied by trial. RESULTS: The older adults
      performed the task more slowly for all target circle diameters. As the circles
      decreased in size, the younger adults performed the task more rapidly than did
      the older participants, but the younger participants also had a greater decline
      in accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: During this aiming task, healthy older adults were less
      likely than younger adults to sacrifice accuracy for speed. Thus, at least in
      part, their slowing may be a learned adaptive strategy.

PMID- 27658214
TI  - Separating Predicted and Perceived Sensory Consequences of Motor Learning.
AB  - During motor adaptation the discrepancy between predicted and actually perceived
      sensory feedback is thought to be minimized, but it can be difficult to measure
      predictions of the sensory consequences of actions. Studies attempting to do so
      have found that self-directed, unseen hand position is mislocalized in the
      direction of altered visual feedback. However, our lab has shown that motor
      adaptation also leads to changes in perceptual estimates of hand position, even
      when the target hand is passively displaced. We attribute these changes to a
      recalibration of hand proprioception, since in the absence of a volitional
      movement, efferent or predictive signals are likely not involved. The goal here
      is to quantify the extent to which changes in hand localization reflect a change
      in the predicted sensory (visual) consequences or a change in the perceived
      (proprioceptive) consequences. We did this by comparing changes in localization
      produced when the hand movement was self-generated ('active localization') versus
      robot-generated ('passive localization') to the same locations following
      visuomotor adaptation to a rotated cursor. In this passive version, there should
      be no predicted consequences of these robot-generated hand movements. We found
      that although changes in localization were somewhat larger in active
      localization, the passive localization task also elicited substantial changes.
      Our results suggest that the change in hand localization following visuomotor
      adaptation may not be based entirely on updating predicted sensory consequences,
      but may largely reflect changes in our proprioceptive state estimate.

PMID- 27658215
TI  - Effectiveness of Onsite Nurse Mentoring in Improving Quality of Institutional
      Births in the Primary Health Centres of High Priority Districts of Karnataka,
      South India: A Cluster Randomized Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In India, although the proportion of institutional births is
      increasing, there are concerns regarding quality of care. We assessed the
      effectiveness of a nurse-led onsite mentoring program in improving quality of
      care of institutional births in 24/7 primary health centres (PHCs that are open
      24 hours a day, 7 days a week) of two high priority districts in Karnataka state,
      South India. Primary outcomes were improved facility readiness and provider
      preparedness in managing institutional births and associated complications during
      child birth. METHODS: All functional 24/7 PHCs in the two districts were included
      in the study. We used a parallel, cluster randomized trial design in which 54 of
      108 facilities received six onsite mentoring visits, along with an initial
      training update and specially designed case sheets for providers; the control arm
      received just the initial training update and the case sheets. Pre- and post
      intervention surveys were administered in April-2012 and August-2013 using
      facility audits, provider interviews and case sheet audits. The provider
      interviews were administered to all staff nurses available at the PHCs and audits
      were done of all the filled case sheets during the month prior to data
      collection. In addition, a cost analysis of the intervention was undertaken.
      RESULTS: Between the surveys, we achieved coverage of 100% of facilities and
      91.2% of staff nurse interviews. Since the case sheets were newly designed, case
      sheet audit data were available only from the end line survey for about 80.2% of
      all women in the intervention facilities and 57.3% in the control facilities. A
      higher number of facilities in the intervention arm had all appropriate drugs,
      equipment and supplies to deal with gestational hypertension (19 vs.3, OR (odds
      ratio) 9.2, 95% C.I 2.5 to33.6), postpartum haemorrhage (29 vs. 12, OR 3.7, 95%
      C.I 1.6 to8.3); and obstructed labour (25 vs.9, OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.6 to8.3). The
      providers in the intervention arm had better knowledge of active management of
      the third stage of labour (82.4% vs.35.8%, AOR (adjusted odds ratio) 10, 95% C.I
      5.5 to 18.2); management of maternal sepsis (73.5% vs. 10.9%, AOR 36.1, 95% C.I
      13.6 to 95.9); neonatal resuscitation (48.5% vs.11.7%, AOR 10.7, 95% C.I 4.6 to
      25.0) and low birth weight newborn care (58.1% vs. 40.9%, AOR 2.4, 95% C.I 1.2 to
      4.7). The case sheet audits revealed that providers in the intervention arm
      showed greater compliance with the protocols during labour monitoring (77.3% vs.
      32.1%, AOR 25.8, 95% C.I 9.6 to 69.4); delivery and immediate post-partum care
      for mothers (78.6% vs. 31.8%, AOR 22.1, 95% C.I 8.0 to 61.4) and for newborns
      (73.9% vs. 32.8%, AOR 24.1, 95% C.I 8.1 to 72.0). The cost analysis showed that
      the intervention cost an additional $5.60 overall per delivery. CONCLUSIONS: The
      mentoring program successfully improved provider preparedness and facility
      readiness to deal with institutional births and associated complications. It is
      feasible to improve the quality of institutional births at a large operational
      scale, without substantial incremental costs. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02004912.

PMID- 27658216
TI  - Effects of Mental Load and Fatigue on Steady-State Evoked Potential Based Brain
      Computer Interface Tasks: A Comparison of Periodic Flickering and Motion-Reversal
      Based Visual Attention.
AB  - Steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEP) based paradigm is a conventional
      BCI method with the advantages of high information transfer rate, high tolerance
      to artifacts and the robust performance across users. But the occurrence of
      mental load and fatigue when users stare at flickering stimuli is a critical
      problem in implementation of SSVEP-based BCIs. Based on electroencephalography
      (EEG) power indices alpha, theta, theta + alpha, ratio index theta/alpha and
      response properties of amplitude and SNR, this study quantitatively evaluated the
      mental load and fatigue in both of conventional flickering and the novel motion
      reversal visual attention tasks. Results over nine subjects revealed significant
      mental load alleviation in motion-reversal task rather than flickering task. The
      interaction between factors of "stimulation type" and "fatigue level" also
      illustrated the motion-reversal stimulation as a superior anti-fatigue solution
      for long-term BCI operation. Taken together, our work provided an objective
      method favorable for the design of more practically applicable steady-state
      evoked potential based BCIs.

PMID- 27658217
TI  - Sex-Specific Selection and Sex-Biased Gene Expression in Humans and Flies.
AB  - Sexual dimorphism results from sex-biased gene expression, which evolves when
      selection acts differently on males and females. While there is an intimate
      connection between sex-biased gene expression and sex-specific selection, few
      empirical studies have studied this relationship directly. Here we compare the
      two on a genome-wide scale in humans and flies. We find a distinctive "Twin
      Peaks" pattern in humans that relates the strength of sex-specific selection,
      quantified by genetic divergence between male and female adults at autosomal
      loci, to the degree of sex-biased expression. Genes with intermediate degrees of
      sex-biased expression show evidence of ongoing sex-specific selection, while
      genes with either little or completely sex-biased expression do not. This pattern
      apparently results from differential viability selection in males and females
      acting in the current generation. The Twin Peaks pattern is also found in
      Drosophila using a different measure of sex-specific selection acting on
      fertility. We develop a simple model that successfully recapitulates the Twin
      Peaks. Our results suggest that many genes with intermediate sex-biased
      expression experience ongoing sex-specific selection in humans and flies.

PMID- 27658219
TI  - [Molekulargenetische Diagnostik - Was wissen die Maschinen? Was wollen wir
      wissen?]

PMID- 27658218
TI  - Cognitive-behavior therapy singly and combined with medication for persistent
      insomnia: Impact on psychological and daytime functioning.
AB  - : While impairment of daytime functioning due to poor sleep is often the main
      determinant for seeking treatment, few studies have examined the clinical impact
      of insomnia therapies on daytime outcomes. The main objective of this study was
      to evaluate the impact of cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT), alone and combined
      with medication, on various indices of daytime and psychological functioning.
      Participants were 160 individuals with chronic insomnia who received CBT alone or
      CBT plus medication (zolpidem) for an initial six-week therapy, followed by an
      extended six-month therapy. Participants treated with CBT initially received
      maintenance CBT or no additional treatment and those treated with combined
      therapy initially continued with CBT plus intermittent medication (prn) or CBT
      without medication (taper). Measures of anxiety and depressive symptoms, fatigue,
      quality of life, and perceived impact of sleep difficulties on various indices of
      daytime functioning were completed at baseline, after each treatment stage, and
      at six-month follow-up. Following acute treatment, significant improvements of
      fatigue, quality of life (mental component), anxiety, and depression were
      obtained in the CBT alone condition but not in the combined CBT plus medication
      condition. Following extended treatment, further improvements were noted for the
      subgroup receiving extended CBT relative to that with no additional treatment,
      and for the subgroup receiving CBT and intermittent medication relative to that
      with CBT but no medication. Improvements were well maintained at the 6-month
      follow-up. These findings indicate that insomnia-specific therapy is effective at
      improving daytime and psychological functioning in the short term, and that
      maintenance therapy produces an added value to optimize long-term outcomes. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: www.clinicaltrials.gov (#NCT 00042146).

PMID- 27658220
TI  - [Management of large litters in piglet production].
AB  - In recent years, the number of live-born piglets per litter has increased
      tremendously. Litters of 15 or even up to 20 piglets are no longer uncommon. Due
      to this increased fertility, the demands placed on the sows rise as they are
      expected to rear a large number of healthy and vital piglets until weaning. On
      the other hand, there is also a higher demand for good management of the sows and
      litters during the lactation period. To reduce piglet losses, to achieve a high
      growth performance of piglets in large litters and to maintain the lactating sows
      in good health and body condition, sows and piglets need to be supported by
      different management activities during the entire lactation period, which are
      presented in this article.

PMID- 27658221
TI  - Serum SPan-1 Is a Significant Risk Factor for Early Recurrence of Pancreatic
      Cancer after Curative Resection.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Curative resection is still the only treatment for patients with
      pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, early postoperative recurrence
      occurs frequently. The aim of this study was to investigate the predictors of
      early recurrence of PDAC. METHODS: Clinical data of 172 consecutive patients with
      PDAC who underwent curative resection (R0) between 2000 and 2015 at Tokyo Medical
      University Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The median follow-up
      period was 18.2 months. Recurrence occurred in 96 of 172 (55.8%) patients, 27 in
      whom recurrence occurred within 6 months (early recurrence). Median survival time
      of the early recurrence group was 10.7 months. The optimal cutoff concentrations
      for the prediction of early recurrence were 111.3 U/ml, 3.0 ng/ml, 41 U/ml and
      670 U/ml for CA19-9, carcinoembryonic antigen, SPan-1 and DUPAN-2, respectively.
      Multivariate analysis demonstrated that a SPan-1 concentration of >41 U/ml,
      having received neoadjuvant therapy and having never received adjuvant
      chemotherapy were significant and independent predictors of early recurrence.
      CONCLUSION: A preoperative SPan-1 concentration of >41 U/ml is a significant and
      independent predictor of the early recurrence of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

PMID- 27658222
TI  - Zinc oxide nanoparticles induce oxidative DNA damage and ROS-triggered
      mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in zebrafish embryos.
AB  - Zinc oxide nanoparticles (nano-ZnO) are one of the most important nanoparticles
      in the industry. The objectives of this study were (1) to investigate the effects
      of nano-ZnO on oxidative damage to DNA and on apoptosis in zebrafish (Danio
      rerio) embryos, and (2) to identify the underlying molecular mechanism affecting
      theapoptotic process. In addition to nano-ZnO, we also investigated the toxic
      effects of the Zn2+ ion. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to 10, 30, 60, 90, or
      120mg/L nano-ZnO for 96h postfertilization. Nano-ZnO (at concentrations between
      10 and 120mg/L) significantly reduced the rate of embryo hatching. Embryos/larvae
      exposed to 120mg/L nano-ZnO had significantly higher heart rates. Increased heart
      rates could be a physiological mechanism compensating for body hypoxia.
      Embryos/larvae exposed to nano-ZnO exhibited oxidative stress, due to an
      excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Oxidative stress was
      evidenced by increased levels of superoxide dismutase, by increased lipid
      peroxidation, and by increased expression of genes related to the antioxidant
      defense system (sod1, cat, gpx1a, and pparalpha), which were altered at different
      degrees. Upon exposure to nano-ZnO, the percentage of apoptotic cells increased
      in a dose-dependent manner (0.41% to 4.21%). In addition, altered transcriptional
      regulation of pro-apoptotic genes (bax, puma, and apaf-1) and anti-apoptotic
      genes (bcl-2) provided further evidence of the activation of apoptosis. In this
      study, exposure of zebrafish embryos to nano-ZnO triggered an excessive
      production of ROS, which was followed by several phenomena: the up-regulation of
      p53, a reduction in the bcl-2/bax ratio,a reduction in the mitochondrial membrane
      potential (psim), the release of cytochrome c into the cytosolic fraction, and
      the activation of caspases 9 and 3. Collectively, our data imply that nano-ZnO
      induce an excessive production of ROS which then activate the apoptosis pathway
      mediated by mitochondria and caspases.

PMID- 27658223
TI  - Home alone-The effects of isolation on uptake of a pharmaceutical contaminant in
      a social fish.
AB  - A wide range of biologically active pharmaceutical residues is present in aquatic
      systems worldwide. As uptake potential and the risk of effects in aquatic
      wildlife are directly coupled, the aim of this study was to investigate the
      relationships between stress by isolation, uptake and effects of the psychiatric
      pharmaceutical oxazepam in fish. To do this, we measured cortisol levels,
      behavioral stress responses, and oxazepam uptake under different stress and
      social conditions, in juvenile perch (Perca fluviatilis) that were either exposed
      (1.03MUgl-1) or not exposed to oxazepam. We found single exposed individuals to
      take up more oxazepam than individuals exposed in groups, likely as a result of
      stress caused by isolation. Furthermore, the bioconcentration factor (BCF) was
      significantly negatively correlated with fish weight in both social treatments.
      We found no effect of oxazepam exposure on body cortisol concentration or
      behavioral stress response. Most laboratory experiments, including standardized
      bioconcentration assays, are designed to minimize stress for the test organisms,
      however wild animals experience stress naturally. Hence, differences in stress
      levels between laboratory and natural environments can be one of the reasons why
      predictions from artificial laboratory experiments largely underestimate uptake
      of oxazepam, and other pharmaceuticals, in the wild.

PMID- 27658224
TI  - Dehydroabietic acid cytotoxicity in goldfish radial glial cells in vitro.
AB  - Dehydroabietic acid (DHAA) is a resin acid present in aquatic environments shown
      to induce cellular and molecular damage in aquatic animals. In this study, the
      cytotoxicity of DHAA on primary cultured goldfish radial glial cells (RGCs), an
      important component of the central nervous system, was evaluated. Here, it is
      reported that a concentration of 20mg/L DHAA affected cellular morphology and
      expression of genes involved in RGC steroidogenesis and metabolism. Higher
      concentration exposures of DHAA (40mg/L) lead to RGC death based on a lactate
      dehydrogenase leakage assay. Together, these data have implications in
      understanding the effects of DHAA on an integral central nervous system cell type
      important for neurogenesis, steroidogenesis and structural support. Due to the
      continuous presence of DHAA into water systems, results from this study provide
      indications as to the potential impacts of DHAA and demonstrate the importance of
      this class of chemicals on aquatic organisms.

PMID- 27658225
TI  - Road safety performance measures and AADT uncertainty from short-term counts.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this paper is to enable better risk analysis of road
      safety performance measures by creating the first knowledge base on uncertainty
      surrounding annual average daily traffic (AADT) estimates when the estimates are
      derived by expanding short-term counts with the individual permanent counter
      method. BACKGROUND: Many road safety performance measures and performance models
      use AADT as an input. While there is an awareness that the input suffers from
      uncertainty, the uncertainty is not well known or accounted for. METHOD: The
      paper samples data from a set of 69 permanent automatic traffic recorders in
      Manitoba, Canada, to simulate almost 2 million short-term counts over a five year
      period. These short-term counts are expanded to AADT estimates by transferring
      temporal information from a directly linked nearby permanent count control
      station, and the resulting AADT values are compared to a known reference AADT to
      compute errors. The impacts of five factors on AADT error are considered: length
      of short-term count, number of short-term counts, use of weekday versus weekend
      counts, distance from a count to its expansion control station, and the AADT at
      the count site. RESULTS: The mean absolute transfer error for expanded AADT
      estimates is 6.7%, and this value varied by traffic pattern group from 5% to
      10.5%. Reference percentiles of the error distribution show that almost all
      errors are between -20% and +30%. Error decreases substantially by using a 48-h
      count instead of a 24-h count, and only slightly by using two counts instead of
      one. Weekday counts are superior to weekend counts, especially if the count is
      only 24h. Mean absolute transfer error increases with distance to control station
      (elasticity 0.121, p=0.001), and increases with AADT (elasticity 0.857, p<0.001).
      IMPLICATIONS: These results can support evidence-based risk analysis of road
      safety performance measures that use AADT as inputs. Analytical frameworks for
      such analysis exist but are infrequently used in road safety because the evidence
      base on AADT uncertainty is not well developed.

PMID- 27658226
TI  - Does the probability of DWI arrest fall following participation in DWI and hybrid
      drug treatment court programs?
AB  - Using North Carolina administrative data, this study examined recidivism
      following participation in specialty hybrid drug and driving while intoxicated
      (DWI) court programs. Three court program participation levels were considered
      being referred to, enrolling in, and completing a specialty court program.
      Measures of DWI recidivism were: arrest and total number of arrests for DWI, and
      being convicted of DWI during follow-up periods of two and, alternatively, four
      years. Propensity score matching was used to obtain comparable control groups.
      Using a four-year follow-up, persons convicted of a DWI who completed a specialty
      court program were associated with a greater reduction in DWI re-arrests and re
      convictions than did matched individuals who were never referred to a specialty
      court program. DWI courts were more effective in reducing re-arrests than hybrid
      drug courts were. Although promising from the vantage point of participants, few
      persons convicted of a DWI were referred to either court type, thus limiting this
      strategy's potential effectiveness in reducing DWI.

PMID- 27658227
TI  - Drivers anticipate lead-vehicle conflicts during automated longitudinal control:
      Sensory cues capture driver attention and promote appropriate and timely
      responses.
AB  - Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) has been shown to reduce the exposure to critical
      situations by maintaining a safe speed and headway. It has also been shown that
      drivers adapt their visual behavior in response to the driving task demand with
      ACC, anticipating an impending lead vehicle conflict by directing their eyes to
      the forward path before a situation becomes critical. The purpose of this paper
      is to identify the causes related to this anticipatory mechanism, by
      investigating drivers' visual behavior while driving with ACC when a potential
      critical situation is encountered, identified as a forward collision warning
      (FCW) onset (including false positive warnings). This paper discusses how sensory
      cues capture attention to the forward path in anticipation of the FCW onset. The
      analysis used the naturalistic database EuroFOT to examine visual behavior with
      respect to two manually-coded metrics, glance location and glance eccentricity,
      and then related the findings to vehicle data (such as speed, acceleration, and
      radar information). Three sensory cues (longitudinal deceleration, looming, and
      brake lights) were found to be relevant for capturing driver attention and
      increase glances to the forward path in anticipation of the threat; the
      deceleration cue seems to be dominant. The results also show that the FCW acts as
      an effective attention-orienting mechanism when no threat anticipation is
      present. These findings, relevant to the study of automation, provide additional
      information about drivers' response to potential lead-vehicle conflicts when
      longitudinal control is automated. Moreover, these results suggest that sensory
      cues are important for alerting drivers to an impending critical situation,
      allowing for a prompt reaction.

PMID- 27658228
TI  - [Correction: The Limits of Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty in Glaucoma Therapy].

PMID- 27658229
TI  - Transposed Data in Abstract.

PMID- 27658231
TI  - Abnormal Optic Nerves in a Healthy Young Woman.

PMID- 27658232
TI  - Acute Resistance Exercise Performance Is Negatively Impacted by Prior Aerobic
      Endurance Exercise.
AB  - Ratamess, NA, Kang, J, Porfido, TM, Ismaili, CP, Selamie, SN, Williams, BD,
      Kuper, JD, Bush, JA, and Faigenbaum, AD. Acute resistance exercise performance is
      negatively impacted by prior aerobic endurance exercise. J Strength Cond Res
      30(10): 2667-2681, 2016-The purpose of the present study was to examine acute
      resistance exercise (RE) performance after 4 different aerobic endurance (AE)
      protocols. Eleven healthy, resistance-trained men (21.0 +/- 1.2 years) performed
      a control RE protocol and 4 RE protocols 10 minutes after different AE protocols
      in random sequence. The RE protocol consisted of 5 exercises (high pull, squat,
      bench press, deadlift, and push press) performed for 3 sets of 6-10 repetitions
      with 70-80% of one repetition-maximum (1RM) with 3-minute rest intervals in
      between sets. The AE protocols consisted of treadmill running at velocities
      corresponding to: (a) 60% of their V[Combining Dot Above]O2 reserve (V[Combining
      Dot Above]O2R) for 45 minutes (P1); (b) 75% of their V[Combining Dot Above]O2R
      for 20 minutes (P2); (c) 90-100% of V[Combining Dot Above]O2R in 3-minute
      intervals (1:1 ratio) for 5 sets (P3); and (d) 75% of V[Combining Dot Above]O2R
      (4.5 mph) uphill (6-9% grade) for 20 minutes (P4). Completed repetitions, average
      power and velocity, heart rate (HR), and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were
      assessed each set. Protocols P1-P4 resulted in 9.1-18.6% fewer total repetitions
      performed compared with the control RE protocol with the squat experiencing the
      greatest reduction. Average power and velocity were significantly reduced for the
      high pull, squat, and bench press after most AE protocols. Ratings of perceived
      exertion values for the high pull and squat were significantly higher in P1-P4
      compared with control. Heart rate was significantly higher during RE after P1-P4
      compared with control by 4.3-5.5%. These results indicate acute RE performance is
      significantly compromised in healthy men after AE exercise of different type,
      intensity, and duration with largest reductions observed after high-intensity
      interval exercise.

PMID- 27658233
TI  - Time Course of Changes in Neuromuscular Parameters During Sustained Isometric
      Muscle Actions.
AB  - Smith, CM, Housh, TJ, Herda, TJ, Zuniga, JM, Camic, CL, Bergstrom, HC, Smith, DB,
      Weir, JP, Hill, EC, Cochrane, KC, Jenkins, NDM, Schmidt, RJ, and Johnson, GO.
      Time course of changes in neuromuscular parameters during sustained isometric
      muscle actions. J Strength Cond Res 30(10): 2697-2702, 2016-The objective of the
      present study was to identify the time course of changes in electromyographic
      (EMG) and mechanomyographic (MMG) time and frequency domain parameters during a
      sustained isometric muscle action of the leg extensors at 50% maximal voluntary
      isometric contraction. The EMG and MMG signals were measured from the vastus
      lateralis of 11 subjects to identify when motor unit activation strategies
      changed throughout the sustained isometric muscle action. The EMG amplitude
      (muscle activation) had a positive linear relationship (p = 0.018, r = 0.77) that
      began to increase at the initiation of the muscle action and continued until task
      failure. Electromyographic frequency (motor unit action potential conduction
      velocity) and MMG frequency (global motor unit firing rate) had negative
      quadratic relationships (p = 0.002, R = 0.99; p = 0.015, R = 0.94) that began to
      decrease at 30% of the time to exhaustion. The MMG amplitude (motor unit
      activation) had a cubic relationship (p = 0.001, R = 0.94) that increased from 10
      to 30% of the time to exhaustion, then decreased from 40 to 70% of the time to
      exhaustion, and then markedly increased from 70% to task failure. The time course
      of changes in the neuromuscular parameters suggested that motor unit activation
      strategies changed at approximately 30 and 70% of the time to exhaustion during
      the sustained isometric muscle action. These findings indicate that the time
      course of changes in neuromuscular responses provide insight into the strategies
      used to delay the effects of fatigue and are valuable tools for quantifying
      changes in the fatiguing process during training programs or supplementation
      research.

PMID- 27658230
TI  - Age-associated repression of type 1 inositol 1, 4, 5-triphosphate receptor
      impairs muscle regeneration.
AB  - Skeletal muscle mass and power decrease with age, leading to impairment of
      mobility and metabolism in the elderly. Ca2+ signaling is crucial for myoblast
      differentiation as well as muscle contraction through activation of transcription
      factors and Ca2+-dependent kinases and phosphatases. Ca2+ channels, such as
      dihydropyridine receptor (DHPR), two-pore channel (TPC) and inositol 1,4,5
      triphosphate receptor (ITPR), function to maintain Ca2+ homeostasis in myoblasts.
      Here, we observed a significant decrease in expression of type 1 IP3 receptor
      (ITPR1), but not types 2 and 3, in aged mice skeletal muscle and isolated
      myoblasts, compared with those of young mice. ITPR1 knockdown using shRNA
      expressing viruses in C2C12 myoblasts and tibialis anterior muscle of mice
      inhibited myotube formation and muscle regeneration after injury, respectively, a
      typical phenotype of aged muscle. This aging phenotype was associated with
      repression of muscle-specific genes and activation of the epidermal growth factor
      receptor (EGFR)-Ras-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway. ERK
      inhibition by U0126 not only induced recovery of myotube formation in old
      myoblasts but also facilitated muscle regeneration after injury in aged muscle.
      The conserved decline in ITPR1 expression in aged human skeletal muscle suggests
      utility as a potential therapeutic target for sarcopenia, which can be treated
      using ERK inhibition strategies.

PMID- 27658234
TI  - Implementation of an Ability-Based Training Program in Police Force Recruits.
AB  - Orr, RM, Ford, K, and Stierli, M. Implementation of an ability-based training
      program in police force recruits. J Strength Cond Res 30(10): 2781-2787, 2016
      Currently, police recruit physical training programs generally use group-based
      runs of a "1 size fit all" approach. The aim of this study was to assess the
      impact of an ability-based training (ABT) program, as derived from the 30-15
      Intermittent Fitness Assessment, on the metabolic fitness and injury rates of
      police recruits undergoing basic training. Police recruits completing two
      different stages of training (session 1: n = 54 and session 2: n = 233) were
      randomly assigned to either a control group (CG) (standard group running) or an
      intervention group (IG) (ABT program). Physical training was completed once a
      week over a 10-week period. Aerobic fitness was measured through 20-m progressive
      shuttle run test performance. Injury data were captured through formal accident
      and incident forms. Results found that aerobic fitness was maintained but not
      significantly improved in both groups for session 1, with no significant
      differences between the groups after training. In session 2, both groups
      significantly improved their aerobic fitness (p < 0.001), whereas the IG to a
      greater degree, with no significant differences between the groups after
      training. There were no significant differences in injury rates between groups
      (session 1: chi(1) = 1.533, p = 0.216; session 2: chi(1) = 1.252, p = 0.263).
      However, the IGs had a significantly lower relative risk (RR) of injury when
      compared with the CGs (group 1: RR = 0.31, p = 0.28; group 2: RR = 0.59, p =
      0.24). The results suggest that coaches may benefit from implementing ABT
      programs in tactical populations and achieve the same or better fitness gains
      with a lower risk of injuring recruits.

PMID- 27658237
TI  - High-resolution melt analysis without DNA extraction affords rapid genotype
      resolution and species identification.
AB  - Extracting and sequencing DNA from specimens can impose major time and monetary
      costs to studies requiring genotyping, or identification to species, of large
      numbers of individuals. As such, so-called direct PCR methods have been developed
      enabling significant savings at the DNA extraction step. Similarly, real-time
      quantitative PCR techniques (qPCR) offer very cost-effective alternatives to
      sequencing. High-resolution melt analysis (HRM) is a qPCR method that
      incorporates an intercalating dye into a double-stranded PCR amplicon. The dye
      fluoresces brightly, but only when it is bound. Thus, after PCR, raising the
      temperature of the amplicon while measuring the fluorescence of the reaction
      results in the generation of a sequence-specific melt curve, allowing
      discrimination of genotypes. Methods combining HRM (or other qPCR methods) and
      direct PCR have not previously been reported, most likely due to concerns that
      any tissue in the reaction tube would interfere with detection of the fluorescent
      signal. Here, we couple direct PCR with HRM and, by way of three examples,
      demonstrate a very quick and cost-effective method for genotyping large numbers
      of specimens, using Rotor-Gene HRM instruments (QIAGEN). In contrast to the
      heated-block design of most qPCR/HRM instruments, the Rotor-Gene's centrifugal
      rotor and air-based temperature-regulation system facilitate our method by
      depositing tissues away from the pathway of the machine's fluorescence detection
      optics.

PMID- 27658236
TI  - The sequential pathway between trauma-related symptom severity and cognitive
      based smoking processes through perceived stress and negative affect reduction
      expectancies among trauma exposed smokers.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Smoking rates are markedly higher among trauma-exposed
      individuals relative to non-trauma-exposed individuals. Extant work suggests that
      both perceived stress and negative affect reduction smoking expectancies are
      independent mechanisms that link trauma-related symptoms and smoking. Yet, no
      work has examined perceived stress and negative affect reduction smoking
      expectancies as potential explanatory variables for the relation between trauma
      related symptom severity and smoking in a sequential pathway model. Methods The
      present study utilized a sample of treatment-seeking, trauma-exposed smokers (n =
      363; 49.0% female) to examine perceived stress and negative affect reduction
      expectancies for smoking as potential sequential explanatory variables linking
      trauma-related symptom severity and nicotine dependence, perceived barriers to
      smoking cessation, and severity of withdrawal-related problems and symptoms
      during past quit attempts. RESULTS: As hypothesized, perceived stress and
      negative affect reduction expectancies had a significant sequential indirect
      effect on trauma-related symptom severity and criterion variables. CONCLUSIONS
      AND SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE: Findings further elucidate the complex pathways
      through which trauma-related symptoms contribute to smoking behavior and
      cognitions, and highlight the importance of addressing perceived stress and
      negative affect reduction expectancies in smoking cessation programs among trauma
      exposed individuals. (Am J Addict 2016;25:565-572).

PMID- 27658235
TI  - Current Heavy Alcohol Consumption is Associated with Greater Cognitive Impairment
      in Older Adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The acute consumption of excessive quantities of alcohol causes well
      recognized neurophysiological and cognitive alterations. As people reach advanced
      age, they are more prone to cognitive decline. To date, the interaction of
      current heavy alcohol (ethanol [EtOH]) consumption and aging remains unclear.
      This study tested the hypothesis that negative consequences of current heavy
      alcohol consumption on neurocognitive function are worse with advanced age.
      Further, we evaluated the relations between lifetime history of alcohol
      dependence and neurocognitive function METHODS: Sixty-six participants underwent
      a comprehensive neurocognitive battery. Current heavy EtOH drinkers were
      classified using National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism criteria
      (EtOH heavy, n = 21) based on the Timeline follow-back and a structured clinical
      interview and compared to nondrinkers, and moderate drinkers (EtOH low, n = 45).
      Of the total population, 53.3% had a lifetime history of alcohol dependence.
      Neurocognitive data were grouped and analyzed relative to global and domain
      scores assessing: global cognitive function, attention/executive function,
      learning, memory, motor function, verbal function, and speed of processing.
      RESULTS: Heavy current EtOH consumption in older adults was associated with
      poorer global cognitive function, learning, memory, and motor function (ps <
      0.05). Furthermore, lifetime history of alcohol dependence was associated with
      poorer function in the same neurocognitive domains, in addition to the
      attention/executive domain, irrespective of age (ps < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These
      data suggest that while heavy current alcohol consumption is associated with
      significant impairment in a number of neurocognitive domains, history of alcohol
      dependence, even in the absence of heavy current alcohol use, is associated with
      lasting negative consequences for neurocognitive function.

PMID- 27658239
TI  - Pyoderma gangrenosum with extensive pulmonary involvement.

PMID- 27658238
TI  - The Effect of Exercise Training on Resting Concentrations of Peripheral Brain
      Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF): A Meta-Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The mechanisms through which physical activity supports healthy brain
      function remain to be elucidated. One hypothesis suggests that increased brain
      derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mediates some cognitive and mood benefits.
      This meta-analysis sought to determine the effect of exercise training on resting
      concentrations of BDNF in peripheral blood. METHODS: MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO,
      SPORTDiscus, Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Source, and CINAHL databases were
      searched for original, peer-reviewed reports of peripheral blood BDNF
      concentrations before and after exercise interventions >= 2 weeks. Risk of bias
      was assessed using standardized criteria. Standardized mean differences (SMDs)
      were generated from random effects models. Risk of publication bias was assessed
      using funnel plots and Egger's test. Potential sources of heterogeneity were
      explored in subgroup analyses. RESULTS: In 29 studies that met inclusion
      criteria, resting concentrations of peripheral blood BDNF were higher after
      intervention (SMD = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.17-0.60, p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses
      suggested a significant effect in aerobic (SMD = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.33-0.99, p <
      0.001) but not resistance training (SMD = 0.07, 95% CI: -0.15-0.30, p = 0.52)
      interventions. No significant difference in effect was observed between males and
      females, nor in serum vs plasma. CONCLUSION: Aerobic but not resistance training
      interventions increased resting BDNF concentrations in peripheral blood.

PMID- 27658240
TI  - Autophagy as a Survival Mechanism for Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells in
      Endonuclease G-Mediated Apoptosis.
AB  - Safingol, L- threo-dihydrosphingosine, induces cell death in human oral squamous
      cell carcinoma (SCC) cells through an endonuclease G (endoG) -mediated pathway.
      We herein determined whether safingol induced apoptosis and autophagy in oral SCC
      cells. Safingol induced apoptotic cell death in oral SCC cells in a dose
      dependent manner. In safingol-treated cells, microtubule-associated protein 1
      light chain 3 (LC3)-I was changed to LC3-II and the cytoplasmic expression of
      LC3, amount of acidic vesicular organelles (AVOs) stained by acridine orange and
      autophagic vacuoles were increased, indicating the occurrence of autophagy. An
      inhibitor of autophagy, 3-methyladenine (3-MA), enhanced the suppressive effects
      of safingol on cell viability, and this was accompanied by an increase in the
      number of apoptotic cells and extent of nuclear fragmentation. The nuclear
      translocation of endoG was minimal at a low concentration of safingol, but
      markedly increased when combined with 3-MA. The suppressive effects of safingol
      and 3-MA on cell viability were reduced in endoG siRNA- transfected cells. The
      scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS) prevented cell death induced by the
      combinational treatment, whereas a pretreatment with a pan-caspase inhibitor z
      VAD-fmk did not. These results indicated that safingol induced apoptosis and
      autophagy in SCC cells and that the suppression of autophagy by 3-MA enhanced
      apoptosis. Autophagy supports cell survival, but not cell death in the SCC cell
      system in which apoptosis occurs in an endoG-mediated manner.

PMID- 27658242
TI  - Living donor robotic right hepatectomy is the future: Or is it?

PMID- 27658241
TI  - Genome-Wide Comparison of Magnaporthe Species Reveals a Host-Specific Pattern of
      Secretory Proteins and Transposable Elements.
AB  - Blast disease caused by the Magnaporthe species is a major factor affecting the
      productivity of rice, wheat and millets. This study was aimed at generating
      genomic information for rice and non-rice Magnaporthe isolates to understand the
      extent of genetic variation. We have sequenced the whole genome of the
      Magnaporthe isolates, infecting rice (leaf and neck), finger millet (leaf and
      neck), foxtail millet (leaf) and buffel grass (leaf). Rice and finger millet
      isolates infecting both leaf and neck tissues were sequenced, since the damage
      and yield loss caused due to neck blast is much higher as compared to leaf blast.
      The genome-wide comparison was carried out to study the variability in gene
      content, candidate effectors, repeat element distribution, genes involved in
      carbohydrate metabolism and SNPs. The analysis of repeat element footprints
      revealed some genes such as naringenin, 2-oxoglutarate 3-dioxygenase being
      targeted by Pot2 and Occan, in isolates from different host species. Some repeat
      insertions were host-specific while other insertions were randomly shared between
      isolates. The distributions of repeat elements, secretory proteins, CAZymes and
      SNPs showed significant variation across host-specific lineages of Magnaporthe
      indicating an independent genome evolution orchestrated by multiple genomic
      factors.

PMID- 27658243
TI  - Differential Lipid Profiles of Normal Human Brain Matter and Gliomas by Positive
      and Negative Mode Desorption Electrospray Ionization - Mass Spectrometry Imaging.
AB  - Desorption electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (DESI-MS) imaging was used
      to analyze unmodified human brain tissue sections from 39 subjects sequentially
      in the positive and negative ionization modes. Acquisition of both MS polarities
      allowed more complete analysis of the human brain tumor lipidome as some
      phospholipids ionize preferentially in the positive and others in the negative
      ion mode. Normal brain parenchyma, comprised of grey matter and white matter, was
      differentiated from glioma using positive and negative ion mode DESI-MS lipid
      profiles with the aid of principal component analysis along with linear
      discriminant analysis. Principal component-linear discriminant analyses of the
      positive mode lipid profiles was able to distinguish grey matter, white matter,
      and glioma with an average sensitivity of 93.2% and specificity of 96.6%, while
      the negative mode lipid profiles had an average sensitivity of 94.1% and
      specificity of 97.4%. The positive and negative mode lipid profiles provided
      complementary information. Principal component-linear discriminant analysis of
      the combined positive and negative mode lipid profiles, via data fusion, resulted
      in approximately the same average sensitivity (94.7%) and specificity (97.6%) of
      the positive and negative modes when used individually. However, they
      complemented each other by improving the sensitivity and specificity of all
      classes (grey matter, white matter, and glioma) beyond 90% when used in
      combination. Further principal component analysis using the fused data resulted
      in the subgrouping of glioma into two groups associated with grey and white
      matter, respectively, a separation not apparent in the principal component
      analysis scores plots of the separate positive and negative mode data. The
      interrelationship of tumor cell percentage and the lipid profiles is discussed,
      and how such a measure could be used to measure residual tumor at surgical
      margins.

PMID- 27658244
TI  - Decreased Brain Neurokinin-1 Receptor Availability in Chronic Tennis Elbow.
AB  - Substance P is released in painful and inflammatory conditions, affecting both
      peripheral processes and the central nervous system neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptor.
      There is a paucity of data on human brain alterations in NK1 expression, how this
      system may be affected by treatment, and interactions between central and
      peripheral tissue alterations. Ten subjects with chronic tennis elbow (lateral
      epicondylosis) were selected out of a larger (n = 120) randomized controlled
      trial evaluating graded exercise as a treatment for chronic tennis elbow (lateral
      epicondylosis). These ten subjects were examined by positron emission tomography
      (PET) with the NK1-specific radioligand 11C-GR205171 before, and eight patients
      were followed up after treatment with graded exercise. Brain binding in the ten
      patients before treatment, reflecting NK1-receptor availability (NK1-RA), was
      compared to that of 18 healthy subjects and, longitudinally, to the eight of the
      original ten patients that agreed to a second PET examination after treatment.
      Before treatment, patients had significantly lower NK1-RA in the insula, vmPFC,
      postcentral gyrus, anterior cingulate, caudate, putamen, amygdala and the
      midbrain but not the thalamus and cerebellum, with the largest difference in the
      insula contralateral to the injured elbow. No significant correlations between
      brain NK1-RA and pain, functional severity, or peripheral NK1-RA in the affected
      limb were observed. In the eight patients examined after treatment, pain ratings
      decreased in everyone, but there were no significant changes in NK1-RA. These
      findings indicate a role for the substance P (SP) / NK1 receptor system in
      musculoskeletal pain and tissue healing. As neither clinical parameters nor
      successful treatment response was reflected in brain NK1-RA after treatment, this
      may reflect the diverse function of the SP/NK1 system in CNS and peripheral
      tissue, or a change too small or slow to capture over the three-month treatment.

PMID- 27658245
TI  - Impact of Microbiota on Resistance to Ocular Pseudomonas aeruginosa-Induced
      Keratitis.
AB  - The existence of the ocular microbiota has been reported but functional analyses
      to evaluate its significance in regulating ocular immunity are currently lacking.
      We compared the relative contribution of eye and gut commensals in regulating the
      ocular susceptibility to Pseudomonas aeruginosa-induced keratitis. We find that
      in health, the presence of microbiota strengthened the ocular innate immune
      barrier by significantly increasing the concentrations of immune effectors in the
      tear film, including secretory IgA and complement proteins. Consistent with this
      view, Swiss Webster (SW) mice that are typically resistant to P. aeruginosa
      induced keratitis become susceptible due to the lack of microbiota. This was
      exemplified by increased corneal bacterial burden and elevated pathology of the
      germ free (GF) mice when compared to the conventionally maintained SW mice. The
      protective immunity was found to be dependent on both eye and gut microbiota with
      the eye microbiota having a moderate, but significant impact on the resistance to
      infection. These events were IL-1beta-dependent as corneal IL-1beta levels were
      decreased in the infected GF and antibiotic-treated mice when compared to the SPF
      controls, and neutralization of IL-1beta increased the ocular bacterial burden in
      the SPF mice. Monocolonizing GF mice with Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus sp.
      isolated from the conjunctival swabs was sufficient to restore resistance to
      infection. Cumulatively, these data underline a previously unappreciated role for
      microbiota in regulating susceptibility to ocular keratitis. We predict that
      these results will have significant implications for contact lens wearers, where
      alterations in the ocular commensal communities may render the ocular surface
      vulnerable to infections.

PMID- 27658246
TI  - An Experimental Evolution Test of the Relationship between Melanism and
      Desiccation Survival in Insects.
AB  - We used experimental evolution to test the 'melanism-desiccation' hypothesis,
      which proposes that dark cuticle in several Drosophila species is an adaptation
      for increased desiccation tolerance. We selected for dark and light body
      pigmentation in replicated populations of D. melanogaster and assayed several
      traits related to water balance. We also scored pigmentation and desiccation
      tolerance in populations selected for desiccation survival. Populations in both
      selection regimes showed large differences in the traits directly under
      selection. However, after over 40 generations of pigmentation selection, dark
      selected populations were not more desiccation-tolerant than light-selected and
      control populations, nor did we find significant changes in mass or carbohydrate
      amounts that could affect desiccation resistance. Body pigmentation of
      desiccation-selected populations did not differ from control populations after
      over 140 generations of selection, although selected populations lost water less
      rapidly. Our results do not support an important role for melanization in
      Drosophila water balance.

PMID- 27658247
TI  - Constructing an Invasion Machine: The Rapid Evolution of a Dispersal-Enhancing
      Phenotype During the Cane Toad Invasion of Australia.
AB  - Biological invasions can induce rapid evolutionary change. As cane toads
      (Rhinella marina) have spread across tropical Australia over an 80-year period,
      their rate of invasion has increased from around 15 to 60 km per annum. Toads at
      the invasion front disperse much faster and further than conspecifics from range
      core areas, and their offspring inherit that rapid dispersal rate. We
      investigated morphological changes that have accompanied this dramatic
      acceleration, by conducting three-dimensional morphometric analyses of toads from
      both range-core and invasion-front populations. Morphology of heads, limbs,
      pectoral girdles and pelvic girdles differed significantly between toads from the
      two areas, ranging from 0.5% to 16.5% difference in mean bone dimensions between
      populations, with invasion-front toads exhibiting wider forelimbs, narrower
      hindlimbs and more compact skulls. Those changes plausibly reflect an increased
      reliance on bounding (multiple short hops in quick succession) rather than
      separate large leaps. Within an 80-year period, invasive cane toads have
      converted the basic anuran body plan - which evolved for occasional large leaps
      to evade predators - into a morphotype better-suited to sustained long-distance
      travel.

PMID- 27658248
TI  - A Comparative Study of Three Interneuron Types in the Rat Spinal Cord.
AB  - Interneurons are involved in the physiological function and the pathomechanism of
      the spinal cord. Present study aimed to examine and compare the characteristics
      of Cr+, Calb+ and Parv+ interneurons in morphology and distribution by using
      immunhistochemical and Western blot techniques. Results showed that 1) Cr-Calb
      presented a higher co-existence rate than that of Cr-Parv, and both of them were
      higher in the ventral horn than in the dosal horn; 2) Cr+, Calb+ and Parv+
      neurons distributing zonally in the superficial dosal horn were small-sized.
      Parv+ neuronswere the largest, and Cr+ and Calb+ neurons were higher density
      among them. In the deep dorsal horn, Parv+ neurons were mainly located in nucleus
      thoracicus and the remaining scatteredly distributed. Cr+ neuronal size was the
      largest, and Calb+ neurons were the least among three interneuron types; 3) Cr+,
      Calb+ and Parv+ neurons of ventral horns displayed polygonal, round and fusiform,
      and Cr+ and Parv+ neurons were mainly distributed in the deep layer, but Calb+
      neurons mainly in the superficial layer. Cr+ neurons were the largest, and
      distributed more in ventral horns than in dorsal horns; 4) in the dorsal horn of
      lumbar cords, Calb protein levels was the highest, but Parv protein level in
      ventral horns was the highest among the three protein types. Present results
      suggested that the morphological characteristics of three interneuron types imply
      their physiological function and pathomechanism relevance.

PMID- 27658249
TI  - Identification of Non-Coding RNAs in the Candida parapsilosis Species Group.
AB  - The Candida CTG clade is a monophyletic group of fungal species that translates
      CTG as serine, and includes the pathogens Candida albicans and Candida
      parapsilosis. Research has typically focused on identifying protein-coding genes
      in these species. Here, we use bioinformatic and experimental approaches to
      annotate known classes of non-coding RNAs in three CTG-clade species, Candida
      parapsilosis, Candida orthopsilosis and Lodderomyces elongisporus. We also update
      the annotation of ncRNAs in the C. albicans genome. The majority of ncRNAs
      identified were snoRNAs. Approximately 50% of snoRNAs (including most of the C/D
      box class) are encoded in introns. Most are within mono- and polycistronic
      transcripts with no protein coding potential. Five polycistronic clusters of
      snoRNAs are highly conserved in fungi. In polycistronic regions, splicing occurs
      via the classical pathway, as well as by nested and recursive splicing. We
      identified spliceosomal small nuclear RNAs, the telomerase RNA component, signal
      recognition particle, RNase P RNA component and the related RNase MRP RNA
      component in all three genomes. Stem loop IV of the U2 spliceosomal RNA and the
      associated binding proteins were lost from the ancestor of C. parapsilosis and C.
      orthopsilosis, following the divergence from L. elongisporus. The RNA component
      of the MRP is longer in C. parapsilosis, C. orthopsilosis and L. elongisporus
      than in S. cerevisiae, but is substantially shorter than in C. albicans.

PMID- 27658250
TI  - A Total Pleural Covering for Lymphangioleiomyomatosis Prevents Pneumothorax
      Recurrence.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Spontaneous pneumothorax is a major and frequently recurrent
      complication of lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). Despite the customary use of
      pleurodesis to manage pnenumothorax, the recurrence rate remains high, and
      accompanying pleural adhesions cause serious bleeding during subsequent lung
      transplantation. Therefore, we have developed a technique of total pleural
      covering (TPC) for LAM to wrap the entire visceral pleura with sheets of oxidized
      regenerated cellulose (ORC) mesh, thereby reinforcing the affected visceral
      pleura and preventing recurrence. METHODS: Since January 2003, TPC has been
      applied during video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for the treatment of LAM. The
      medical records of LAM patients who had TPC since that time and until August 2014
      are reviewed. RESULTS: TPC was performed in 43 LAM patients (54 hemithoraces), 11
      of whom required TPC bilaterally. Pneumothorax recurred in 14 hemithoraces
      (25.9%) from 11 patients (25.6%) after TPC. Kaplan-Meier estimates of recurrence
      free hemithorax were 80.8% at 2.5 years, 71.7% at 5 years, 71.7% at 7.5 years,
      and 61.4% at 9 years. The recurrence-free probability was significantly better
      when 10 or more sheets of ORC mesh were utilized for TPC (P = 0.0018). TPC
      significantly reduced the frequency of pneumothorax: 0.544 +/- 0.606
      episode/month (mean +/- SD) before TPC vs. 0.008 +/- 0.019 after TPC (P<0.0001).
      Grade IIIa postoperative complications were found in 13 TPC surgeries (24.1%).
      CONCLUSIONS: TPC successfully prevented the recurrence of pneumothorax in LAM,
      was minimally invasive and rarely caused restrictive ventilatory impairment.

PMID- 27658251
TI  - Taxonomic Identity Resolution of Highly Phylogenetically Related Strains and
      Selection of Phylogenetic Markers by Using Genome-Scale Methods: The Bacillus
      pumilus Group Case.
AB  - Bacillus pumilus group strains have been studied due their agronomic,
      biotechnological or pharmaceutical potential. Classifying strains of this
      taxonomic group at species level is a challenging procedure since it is composed
      of seven species that share among them over 99.5% of 16S rRNA gene identity. In
      this study, first, a whole-genome in silico approach was used to accurately
      demarcate B. pumilus group strains, as a case of highly phylogenetically related
      taxa, at the species level. In order to achieve that and consequently to validate
      or correct taxonomic identities of genomes in public databases, an average
      nucleotide identity correlation, a core-based phylogenomic and a gene function
      repertory analyses were performed. Eventually, more than 50% such genomes were
      found to be misclassified. Hierarchical clustering of gene functional repertoires
      was also used to infer ecotypes among B. pumilus group species. Furthermore, for
      the first time the machine-learning algorithm Random Forest was used to rank
      genes in order of their importance for species classification. We found that
      ybbP, a gene involved in the synthesis of cyclic di-AMP, was the most important
      gene for accurately predicting species identity among B. pumilus group strains.
      Finally, principal component analysis was used to classify strains based on the
      distances between their ybbP genes. The methodologies described could be utilized
      more broadly to identify other highly phylogenetically related species in
      metagenomic or epidemiological assessments.

PMID- 27658252
TI  - Chronic Periprosthetic Hip Joint Infection. A Retrospective, Observational Study
      on the Treatment Strategy and Prognosis in 130 Non-Selected Patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Limited information is available regarding the treatment strategy
      and prognosis of non-selected patients treated for chronic periprosthetic hip
      joint infection. Such information is important as no head-to-head studies on
      treatment strategies are available. The purpose of this study is to report on the
      treatment strategy and prognosis of a non-selected, consecutive patient
      population. METHODS: We identified 130 patients in the National Patient Registry,
      consecutively treated for a chronic periprosthetic hip joint infection between
      2003-2008 at 11 departments of orthopaedic surgery. We extracted information
      regarding patient demographics, treatment and outcome. 82 patients were re
      implanted in a two-stage revision (national standard), the remaining 48 were not
      re-implanted in a two-stage revision. We were able to collect up-to-date
      information on all patients to date of death or medical chart review with a
      minimum of 5 years follow-up by the nationwide electronic patient record system.
      RESULTS: After primary revision surgery, 53 patients (41%) had a spacer in situ,
      64 (50%) had a resection arthroplasty and 13 (9%) did not have the infected
      implant removed. 63% were re-implanted in a two-stage revision. Re-implantation
      was performed after an interim period of 14 weeks (IQR 10-18). Patients re
      implanted were younger (p-value 0.0006), had a lower CCS score (p-value 0.005), a
      lower ASA score (p-value 0.0001) and a 68% lower mortality risk in the follow-up
      period (p-value <0.00001). After adjusting for selected confounders, the
      mortality risk was no longer significantly different. The 5-year re-infection
      rate after re-implantation was 14.6% (95%CI 8.0-23.1). Re-infections occurred
      mainly within 3 years of follow-up. The overall 1-year survival rate was 92%
      (95%CI 86-96) and the overall 5-year survival rate was 68% (95%CI 59-75). The 5
      year survival rate after a two-stage revision was 82% (95%CI 71-89) and in those
      not re-implanted 45% (95%CI 30-58). CONCLUSION: We found that patients who
      receive a two-stage revision after a chronic periprosthetic hip joint infection
      are younger and healthier when compared to those who do not receive a two-stage
      revision in a non-selected patient population, indicating a clear selection of
      patients into this treatment strategy. Re-infection rates following two-stage
      revision were comparable to international results. We found a high mortality rate
      in our study population, but the causality of death and chronic periprosthetic
      hip joint infection cannot be established in this study and this needs further
      attention.

PMID- 27658253
TI  - Electrode Mass Balancing as an Inexpensive and Simple Method to Increase the
      Capacitance of Electric Double-Layer Capacitors.
AB  - Symmetric electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) have equal masses of the same
      active material in both electrodes. However, having equal electrode masses may
      prevent the EDLC to have the largest possible specific capacitance if the sizes
      of the hydrated anions and cations in the electrolyte differ because the
      electrodes and the electrolyte may not be completely utilized. Here we
      demonstrate how this issue can be resolved by mass balancing. If the electrode
      masses are adjusted according to the size of the ions, one can easily increase an
      EDLC's specific capacitance. To that end, we performed galvanostatic cycling to
      measure the capacitances of symmetric EDLCs with different electrode mass ratios
      using four aqueous electrolytes- Na2SO4, H2SO4, NaOH, and KOH (all with a
      concentration of 1 M)-and compared these to the theoretical optimal electrode
      mass ratio that we calculated using the sizes of the hydrated ions. Both the
      theoretical and experimental values revealed lower-than-1 optimal electrode
      ratios for all electrolytes except KOH. The largest increase in capacitance was
      obtained for EDLCs with NaOH as electrolyte. Specifically, we demonstrate an
      increase of the specific capacitance by 8.6% by adjusting the electrode mass
      ratio from 1 to 0.86. Our findings demonstrate that electrode mass balancing is a
      simple and inexpensive method to increase the capacitance of EDLCs. Furthermore,
      our results imply that one can reduce the amount of unused material in EDLCs and
      thus decrease their weight, volume and cost.

PMID- 27658254
TI  - The Panitumumab EGFR Complex Reveals a Binding Mechanism That Overcomes Cetuximab
      Induced Resistance.
AB  - Panitumumab and cetuximab target the epidermal growth factor receptor for the
      treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. These therapies provide a significant
      survival benefit to patients with metastatic colorectal cancer with wild-type
      RAS. A single point mutation in the ectodomain of EGFR (S468R) confers acquired
      or secondary resistance in cetuximab treated patients, which is not observed in
      panitumumab-treated patients. Structural and biophysical studies presented here
      show this mutation directly blocks cetuximab binding to EGFR domain III and
      describes a unique mechanism by which panitumumab uses a central cavity to
      accommodate this mutation.

PMID- 27658255
TI  - Serum Soluble Corin Deficiency Predicts Major Disability within 3 Months after
      Acute Stroke.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Serum soluble corin has been associated with stroke. However, whether
      it is associated with stroke prognosis has not yet been studied. Therefore, we
      aimed to study the association of serum soluble corin with risk of poor outcomes
      within 3 months after stroke. METHODS: We followed 522 stroke patients for 3
      months to identify major disability, death and vascular events. Serum soluble
      corin was measured at baseline for all participants. Logistic regression was used
      to examine the associations of baseline serum soluble corin with outcomes of
      stroke, adjusting for age, sex, baseline NIHSS score, hours from onset to
      hospitalization, smoking, drinking, hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart
      disease, atrial fibrillation, family history of stroke, and stroke subtype.
      RESULTS: Patients with high corin had a significantly lower crude risk for the
      composite outcome of major disability or death (OR = 0.64, 95%CI: 0.43-0.96) than
      patients with low corin (the lowest tertile). After adjustment for age and
      baseline NIHSS score, patients with high corin still had a significantly lower
      risk for the composite outcome of major disability or death (OR = 0.60, 95%CI:
      0.36-0.99). This association became bottom line significant after additionally
      adjusting for other conventional factors (OR = 0.61, P = 0.058). No association
      was found between serum soluble corin and other composite outcomes. CONCLUSION:
      Serum soluble corin deficiency predicted risk for major disability within 3
      months after stroke, independent of baseline neurological deficient. Our results
      may indicate a probable role of corin in stroke prognosis.

PMID- 27658256
TI  - Distribution and Diversity of Bacteria and Fungi Colonization in Stone Monuments
      Analyzed by High-Throughput Sequencing.
AB  - The historical and cultural heritage of Qingxing palace and Lingyin and Kaihua
      temple, located in Hangzhou of China, include a large number of exquisite
      Buddhist statues and ancient stone sculptures which date back to the Northern
      Song (960-1219 A.D.) and Qing dynasties (1636-1912 A.D.) and are considered to be
      some of the best examples of ancient stone sculpting techniques. They were added
      to the World Heritage List in 2011 because of their unique craftsmanship and
      importance to the study of ancient Chinese Buddhist culture. However,
      biodeterioration of the surface of the ancient Buddhist statues and white marble
      pillars not only severely impairs their aesthetic value but also alters their
      material structure and thermo-hygric properties. In this study, high-throughput
      sequencing was utilized to identify the microbial communities colonizing the
      stone monuments. The diversity and distribution of the microbial communities in
      six samples collected from three different environmental conditions with signs of
      deterioration were analyzed by means of bioinformatics software and diversity
      indices. In addition, the impact of environmental factors, including temperature,
      light intensity, air humidity, and the concentration of NO2 and SO2, on the
      microbial communities' diversity and distribution was evaluated. The results
      indicate that the presence of predominantly phototrophic microorganisms was
      correlated with light and humidity, while nitrifying bacteria and Thiobacillus
      were associated with NO2 and SO2 from air pollution.

PMID- 27658257
TI  - Ethyl Pyruvate: An Anti-Microbial Agent that Selectively Targets Pathobionts and
      Biofilms.
AB  - The microbiota has a strong influence on health and disease in humans. A
      causative shift favoring pathobionts is strongly linked to diseases. Therefore,
      anti-microbial agents selectively targeting potential pathogens as well as their
      biofilms are urgently demanded. Here we demonstrate the impact of ethyl pyruvate,
      so far known as ROS scavenger and anti-inflammatory agent, on planktonic microbes
      and biofilms. Ethyl pyruvate combats preferably the growth of pathobionts
      belonging to bacteria and fungi independent of the genera and prevailing drug
      resistance. Surprisingly, this anti-microbial agent preserves symbionts like
      Lactobacillus species. Moreover, ethyl pyruvate prevents the formation of
      biofilms and promotes matured biofilms dissolution. This potentially new anti
      microbial and anti-biofilm agent could have a tremendous positive impact on
      human, veterinary medicine and technical industry as well.

PMID- 27658259
TI  - Correction: Microneutralization Assay Titres Correlate with Protection against
      Seasonal Influenza H1N1 and H3N2 in Children.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0131531.].

PMID- 27658258
TI  - Colony Level Prevalence and Intensity of Nosema ceranae in Honey Bees (Apis
      mellifera L.).
AB  - Nosema ceranae is a widely prevalent microsporidian parasite in the western honey
      bee. There is considerable uncertainty regarding infection dynamics of this
      important pathogen in honey bee colonies. Understanding the infection dynamics at
      the colony level may aid in development of a reliable sampling protocol for N.
      ceranae diagnosis, and provide insights into efficient treatment strategies. The
      primary objective of this study was to characterize the prevalence (proportion of
      the sampled bees found infected) and intensity (number of spores per bee) of N.
      ceranae infection in bees from various age cohorts in a colony. We examined N.
      ceranae infection in both overwintered colonies that were naturally infected with
      N. ceranae and in quadruple cohort nucleus colonies that were established and
      artificially inoculated with N. ceranae. We also examined and quantified effects
      of N. ceranae infection on hypopharyngeal gland protein content and gut pH. There
      was no correlation between the prevalence and intensity of N. ceranae infection
      in composite samples (pooled bee samples used for analysis). Our results
      indicated that the prevalence and intensity of N. ceranae infection is
      significantly influenced by honey bee age. The N. ceranae infection prevalence
      values from composite samples of background bees (unmarked bees collected from
      four different locations in a colony) were not significantly different from those
      pertaining to marked-bee age cohorts specific to each sampling date. The foraging
      aged bees had a higher prevalence of N. ceranae infection when compared to nurse
      aged bees. N. ceranae did not have a significant effect on hypopharyngeal gland
      protein content. Further, there was no significant difference in mean gut pH of
      N. ceranae infected bees and non-infected bees. This study provides comprehensive
      insights into N. ceranae infection dynamics at the colony level, and also
      demonstrates the effects of N. ceranae infection on hypopharyngeal gland protein
      content and midgut pH.

PMID- 27658260
TI  - DRPPP: A machine learning based tool for prediction of disease resistance
      proteins in plants.
AB  - Plant disease outbreak is increasing rapidly around the globe and is a major
      cause for crop loss worldwide. Plants, in turn, have developed diverse defense
      mechanisms to identify and evade different pathogenic microorganisms. Early
      identification of plant disease resistance genes (R genes) can be exploited for
      crop improvement programs. The present prediction methods are either based on
      sequence similarity/domain-based methods or electronically annotated sequences,
      which might miss existing unrecognized proteins or low similarity proteins.
      Therefore, there is an urgent need to devise a novel machine learning technique
      to address this problem. In the current study, a SVM-based tool was developed for
      prediction of disease resistance proteins in plants. All known disease resistance
      (R) proteins (112) were taken as a positive set, whereas manually curated
      negative dataset consisted of 119 non-R proteins. Feature extraction generated
      10,270 features using 16 different methods. The ten-fold cross validation was
      performed to optimize SVM parameters using radial basis function. The model was
      derived using libSVM and achieved an overall accuracy of 91.11% on the test
      dataset. The tool was found to be robust and can be used for high-throughput
      datasets. The current study provides instant identification of R proteins using
      machine learning approach, in addition to the similarity or domain prediction
      methods.

PMID- 27658261
TI  - Influence of gray level and space discretization on brain tumor heterogeneity
      measures obtained from magnetic resonance images.
AB  - PURPOSE: Tumor heterogeneity in medical imaging is a current research trend due
      to its potential relationship with tumor malignancy. The aim of this study is to
      analyze the effect of dynamic range and matrix size changes on the results of
      different heterogeneity measures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four patients harboring
      three glioblastomas and one metastasis were considered. Sixteen textural
      heterogeneity measures were computed for each patient, with a configuration
      including co-occurrence matrices (CM) features (local heterogeneity) and run
      length matrices (RLM) features (regional heterogeneity). The coefficient of
      variation measured agreement between the textural measures in two types of
      experiments: (i) fixing the matrix size and changing the dynamic range and (ii)
      fixing the dynamic range and changing the matrix size. RESULTS: None of the
      measures considered were robust under dynamic range changes. The CM Entropy and
      the RLM high gray-level run emphasis (HGRE) were the outstanding textural
      features due to their robustness under matrix size changes. Also, the RLM low
      gray-level run emphasis (LGRE) provided robust results when the dynamic range
      considered was sufficiently high (more than 8 levels). All of the remaining
      textural features were not robust. CONCLUSION: Tumor texture studies based on
      images with different characteristics (e.g. multi-center studies) should first
      fix the dynamic range to be considered. For studies involving images of different
      resolutions either (i) only robust measures should be used (in our study CM
      entropy, RLM HGRE and/or RLM LGRE) or (ii) images should be resampled to match
      those of the lowest resolution before computing the textural features.

PMID- 27658262
TI  - Observer performance in characterization of carotid plaque texture and surface
      characteristics with 3D versus 2D ultrasound.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the reproducibility of three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound
      (US) over two-dimensional (2D) US in characterizing atherosclerotic carotid
      plaques using inter- and intra-observer agreement metrics. METHODS: A Total of 51
      patients with 105 carotid artery plaques were screened using 3D and 2D US probes
      attached to the same US scanner. Two independent observers characterized the
      plaques based on the morphological features namely echotexture, echogenicity and
      surface characteristics. The scores assigned to each morphological feature were
      used to determine intra- and inter-observer performance. The level of agreement
      was measured using Kappa coefficient. RESULTS: The first observer with 2D US
      showed fair (k=0.4-0.59) and very strong (k>0.8) with 3D US intra-observer
      agreements using three morphological features. The second observer indicated
      moderate strong (k=0.6-0.79) with 2D US and very strong with 3D US (k>0.8) intra
      observer performances. Moderate strong (k=0.6-0.79) and very strong (k>0.8) inter
      observer agreements were reported with 2D US and 3D US respectively. The results
      with 2D and 3D US were correlated 62% using only echotexture and 56% using
      surface morphology coupled with echogenicity. 3D US gave a lower score than 2D
      71% of the time (p=0.005) in disagreement cases. CONCLUSION: High reproducibility
      in carotid plaque characterization was obtained using 3D US rather than 2D US.
      Hence, it can be a preferred imaging modality in routine or follow up plaque
      screening of patients with carotid artery disease.

PMID- 27658263
TI  - Evaluation of Effects of Topical Estradiol Benzoate Application on Cutaneous
      Wound Healing in Ovariectomized Female Mice.
AB  - Estrogen promotes cutaneous wound healing in ovariectomized (OVX) female mice.
      However, the effects of topical estrogen application on wounds remain unclear.
      Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of topical estrogen
      application on wounds with standard treatment methods. Eight-week-old C57BL/6J
      female mice underwent OVX and received two full-thickness wounds four weeks
      later. Mice were divided into three groups: topical estradiol benzoate (EB) (0.75
      MUg/g/day) wound treatment, subcutaneous estradiol (E2) pellets (0.05 mg, 21
      days), and topical E2 (0.01 g/day) skin application. Wound healing was observed
      until day 14. Wound area ratios were significantly smaller in the topical EB
      wound treatment group than in the subcutaneous E2 pellet group on days 1-14 (p <
      0.05) and topical E2 skin application group on days 1-9 (p < 0.05). Neutrophil
      and macrophage numbers were significantly smaller in the topical EB wound
      treatment group than in the subcutaneous E2 pellet and topical E2 skin
      application groups on day 7 (p < 0.05). Moreover, the number of new blood vessels
      and ratio of myofibroblasts were significantly larger in the topical EB wound
      treatment group than in the subcutaneous E2 pellet and topical E2 application
      skin groups on day 7 (p < 0.05). These results demonstrate that the application
      of estrogen to wounds reduced inflammatory responses and promoted angiogenesis
      and wound contraction more than the two other standard treatment methods.

PMID- 27658264
TI  - Children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) can adapt to perceptible
      and subliminal rhythm changes but are more variable.
AB  - Children with DCD demonstrate impairments in bimanual finger tapping during self
      paced tapping and tapping in synchrony to different frequencies. In this study,
      we investigated the ability of children with DCD to adapt motorically to
      perceptible or subliminal changes of the auditory stimuli without a change in
      frequency, and compared their performance to typically developing controls (TDC).
      Nineteen children with DCD between ages 6-11years (mean age+/-SD=114+/-21months)
      and 17 TDC (mean age+/-SD=113+/-21months) participated in this study. Auditory
      perceptual threshold was established. Children initially tapped bimanually to an
      antiphase beat and then to either a perceptible change in rhythm or to gradual
      subliminal changes in rhythm. Children with DCD were able to perceive changes in
      rhythm similar to TDC. They were also able to adapt to both perceptible and
      subliminal changes in rhythms similar to their age- and gender- matched TDC.
      However, these children were significantly more variable compared with TDC in all
      phasing conditions. The results suggest that the performance impairments in
      bilateral tapping are not a result of poor conscious or sub-conscious perception
      of the auditory cue. The increased motor variability may be associated with
      cerebellar dysfunction but further behavioral and neurophysiological studies are
      needed.

PMID- 27658266
TI  - Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Lifestyle-Related Behaviors in
      Children.
AB  - Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been associated with obesity
      in children. Lifestyle-related behaviors (external eating, screen time and
      physical inactivity) are well known to be associated with increased risk of
      obesity, but their associations with ADHD are unclear. The objectives of this
      study were to clarify the associations between ADHD symptoms in children and
      their associated lifestyle. A cross sectional study was carried out with a total
      of 785 primary students aged 9 to 13 years old and their parents were recruited
      by stratified random sampling from primary schools of China. The Cochran-Mantel
      Haenszel (CMH) test was used to examine the relationships between ADHD symptoms
      and health related behaviors. We found that children with ADHD symptoms were
      likely to spend more time using a computer during school days; they were also
      more likely to eat while using a computer. These children were also more likely
      to eat while seated in a car, using a smart phone, using a computer at bedtime,
      and snacking before going to sleep than children without ADHD symptoms. An
      increased risk of obesity in children with ADHD symptoms was associated with the
      overuse of electronic devices, eating while using electronic devices, and
      delaying bedtimes to snack and use electronic devices.

PMID- 27658265
TI  - Localization, Shedding, Regulation and Function of Aminopeptidase N/CD13 on
      Fibroblast like Synoviocytes.
AB  - Aminopeptidase N/CD13 is highly expressed by fibroblast like synoviocytes (FLS)
      and may play a role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). CD13 was previously detected in
      human synovial fluid where it was significantly increased in RA compared to
      osteoarthritis. In this study we found that CD13 in biological fluids (plasma,
      synovial fluid, FLS culture supernatant) is present as both a soluble molecule
      and on extracellular vesicles, including exosomes, as assessed by differential
      ultracentrifugation and density gradient separation. Having determined CD13 could
      be released as a soluble molecule from FLS, we examined potential mechanisms by
      which CD13 might be shed from the FLS membrane. The use of protease inhibitors
      revealed that CD13 is cleaved from the FLS surface by metalloproteinases. siRNA
      treatment of FLS revealed one of those proteases to be MMP14. We determined that
      pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNFalpha, IFNgamma, IL-17) upregulated CD13 mRNA in
      FLS, which may contribute to the increased CD13 in RA synovium and synovial
      fluid. Inhibition of CD13 function by either inhibitors of enzymatic activity or
      anti-CD13 antibodies resulted in decreased growth and diminished migration of
      FLS. This suggests that CD13 may be involved in the pathogenic hyperplasia of RA
      FLS. This data expands potential roles for CD13 in the pathogenesis of RA.

PMID- 27658268
TI  - [Diagnostic imaging of changes of the canine intervertebral disc].
AB  - Intervertebral disc degeneration can cause intervertebral disc herniation.
      Diagnostic imaging, including radiography, computed tomography and magnetic
      resonance imaging, is the most important tool in diagnosis. Firstly, an overview
      of macroscopic and biochemical physiology and pathology of the intervertebral
      disc will be given. Subsequently, the physics of diagnostic imaging and the
      appearance of intervertebral disc degeneration and displacement in several
      imaging methods are described.

PMID- 27658267
TI  - Engineered transmembrane pores.
AB  - Today, hundreds of researchers are working on nanopores, making an impact in both
      basic science and biotechnology. Proteins remain the most versatile sources of
      nanopores, based on our ability to engineer them with sub-nanometer precision.
      Recent work aimed at the construction and discovery of novel pores has included
      unnatural amino acid mutagenesis and the application of selection techniques. The
      diversity of structures has now been increased through the development of helix
      based pores as well as the better-known beta barrels. New developments also
      include truncated pores, which pierce bilayers through lipid rearrangement, and
      hybrid pores, which do away with bilayers altogether. Pore dimers, which span two
      lipid bilayers, have been constructed and pores based on DNA nanostructures are
      gaining in importance. While nanopore DNA sequencing has received enthusiastic
      attention, protein pores have a wider range of potential applications, requiring
      specifications that will require engineering efforts to continue for years to
      come.

PMID- 27658270
TI  - Prof. Thomas Buchner (22 September 1934-5 August 2016). A career devoted to
      research in acute myeloid leukaemia.

PMID- 27658271
TI  - 'Failure to Maintain': A theoretical proposition for a new quality indicator of
      nurse care rationing for complex older people in hospital.
AB  - Complex older patients represent about half of all acute public hospital
      admissions in Australia. People with dementia are a classic example of complex
      older patients, and have been identified to have higher rates of hospital
      acquired complications. Complications contribute to poorer patient outcomes, and
      increase length of stay and cost to hospitals. The care for older people with
      dementia is complex, and this has been attributed to: their cognitive response to
      being hospitalised; their limited ability to self-care; and lack of nursing
      engagement with the family caregiver. Registered nurses can offer simultaneous
      assessment and intervention to prevent or mitigate hospital-acquired
      complications. However, it is known that when demand for nursing care exceeds
      supply, care is prioritised according to acute medical need. Consequently some
      basic but essential nursing care activities such as patient mobility,
      communication, skin care, hydration and nutrition are implicitly rationed. This
      paper offers a theoretical proposition of 'Failure to Maintain' as a conceptual
      framework to indicate implicit care rationing by nurses. Care rationing
      contributes to functional and cognitive decline of complex older patients, which
      then contributes to higher rates of hospital acquired complications. Four key
      hospital acquired complications: pressure injuries, pneumonia, urinary tract
      infections and delirium are proposed as measurable indicators of 'Failure to
      Maintain'. Hospital focus on throughput constrains nurses to privilege
      predictable, solvable and medically-related procedures and processes that will
      lead to efficient discharge over patient mobility, communication, skin care,
      hydration and nutrition. This privileging, also known as implicit rationing, is
      theoretically and physiologically associated with a rise in the incidence of
      complications such as pressure injuries, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, and
      delirium. Complex older patients, including those with dementia, are at higher
      risk of the complications, therefore should have higher delivery of prophylactic
      intervention (ie have higher care needs). 'Failure to Maintain' offers a
      conceptual framework that is inclusive of, and sensitive to, this vulnerable
      population. Implicit rationing is occurring and it likely contributes to
      functional and cognitive decline in complex older patients and hospital-acquired
      complications. However, the lack of patient functional ability data at admission
      and discharge for hospitalised patients, and lack of usable ward and hospital
      level nurse staffing and workload data makes it difficult to monitor, understand
      and improve quality of care. Current research in the fields of acute geriatrics
      and nursing work environments show promise through enabling multidisciplinary
      team communication, and facilitating clinical autonomy to provide patient
      focussed care, and avoid 'Failing to Maintain'. The research field of acute
      geriatrics can understand and act on the risk modification role of nurses,
      including controlling for nurse staffing and work environment variables in
      intervention studies. The research field of nurse sensitive outcomes should
      incorporate the different profile of complex older patients, by including age
      brackets and functional ability as variables in their studies. Clinically,
      nursing work environments can be designed to recognise the different profile of
      complex older patients by adapting practices to privilege mobility, hydration,
      nutrition, skin care and communication in the midst of acute care interventions.

PMID- 27658272
TI  - [Es war die richtige Entscheidung, den Gentest machen zu lassen -
      Erfahrungsbericht einer Patientin].

PMID- 27658269
TI  - Resistance to imatinib in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia and the
      splice variant BCR-ABL1(35INS).
AB  - PURPOSE: In patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), point mutations in
      the BCR-ABL1 kinase domain are the most common cause of treatment failure with a
      tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). It is not clear whether the splice variant BCR
      ABL1(35INS) is also associated with treatment failure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We
      reviewed all CML patients who had BCR-ABL1 kinase mutation analysis performed
      between August 1, 2007, and January 15, 2014. Patients who had BCR-ABL1(35INS)
      detected had their medical records reviewed to determine response to TKI therapy.
      RESULTS: Two hundred and eighty four patients had kinase mutation testing
      performed; of these, 64 patients (23%) had BCR-ABL1(35INS) detected. Forty-five
      patients were in chronic phase (70%), 10 were in accelerated phase (16%), 6 were
      in blastic phase (9%), and 3 were in other settings (5%). Of the 34 chronic phase
      patients who began therapy with imatinib, 23 patients (68%) failed therapy: 8
      patients (24%) had primary refractory disease, 11 patients (32%) progressed, and
      4 patients (12%) had disease progression after dose interruption. In contrast to
      the patients with disease progression or lack of response, none of 23 patients
      who were responding to imatinib had BCR-ABL1(35INS) detected. DNA sequencing of
      commonly mutated spliceosomal genes SF3B1, U2AF1, SRSF2, ZRSR2, SFA31, PRPF408,
      U2A565, and SF1 did not reveal mutations in seven BCR-ABL1(35INS) -positive
      patients tested. CONCLUSIONS: The splice variant BCR-ABL1(35INS) is frequently
      found in patients who are resistant to imatinib. Mutations in the commonly
      mutated spliceosomal proteins do not contribute to this association.

PMID- 27658273
TI  - Sydenham on Hysteria.
AB  - This historical essay outlines early ideas and clinical accounts of hysteria. It
      reproduces verbatim parts of a remarkable text of Thomas Sydenham. This provides
      the most detailed description of hysterical symptoms, contemporary treatment and
      particularly Sydenham's opinions about the nature of the disorder. His portrayal
      is compared to later and modern concepts and classification.

PMID- 27658274
TI  - Harmful Emotional Responses that Patients and Physicians May Have When their
      Values Conflict.
AB  - One of the most difficult decisions a clinician may face is when, if ever, to
      decline what a patient wants, based on the clinician's own moral conscience.
      Regardless of what the clinician decides, the outcome may be deeply emotionally
      painful for both parties, and the pain may last. I will discuss this pain, how it
      occurs, and what we can do to try to reduce it before, during, and after a
      conflict arises. Approaches include explaining how we are like the patient or
      doctor, that no one is perfect, and that what we do is not who we are.

PMID- 27658275
TI  - Moral Agency, Moral Imagination, and Moral Community: Antidotes to Moral
      Distress.
AB  - Moral distress has been covered extensively in the nursing literature and
      increasingly in the literature of other health professions. Cases that cause
      nurses' moral distress that are mentioned most frequently are those concerned
      with prolonging the dying process. Given the standard of aggressive treatment
      that is typical in intensive care units (ICUs), much of the existing moral
      distress research focuses on the experiences of critical care nurses. However,
      moral distress does not automatically occur in all end-of-life circumstances, nor
      does every critical care nurse suffer its damaging effects. What are the
      practices of these nurses? What specifically do they do to navigate around or
      through the distressing situations? The nursing literature is lacking an answer
      to these questions. This article reports a study that used narrative analysis to
      explore the reported practices of experienced critical care nurses who are
      skilled at and comfortable working with families and physicians regarding the
      withdrawal of aggressive treatment. A major finding was that these nurses did not
      report experiencing the damaging effects of moral distress as described in the
      nursing literature. The verbal communication and stated practices relevant to
      this finding are organized under three major themes: (1) moral agency, (2) moral
      imagination, and (3) moral community. Further, a total of eight subthemes are
      identified. The practices that constitute these themes and subthemes are further
      detailed and discussed in this article. Understanding these practices can help
      mitigate critical care nurses' moral distress.

PMID- 27658276
TI  - Towards a New Narrative of Moral Distress: Realizing the Potential of Resilience.
AB  - Terri Traudt, Joan Liaschenko, and Cynthia Peden-McAlpine's study contributes to
      a much-needed reorientation in thinking about and working with the challenges of
      moral distress. In providing a vital example of nurses able to navigate morally
      distressing situations in positive and constructive ways, and offering an
      analysis of the component elements of these nurses' success, the study helps
      identify promising directions we might take in addressing the epidemic of moral
      distress. It also invites important questions, concerning the challenges faced by
      clinicians who do not who work in healthy "moral communities," who lack the
      ethical competencies, and who don't have the presumptive authority and
      recognition enjoyed by the seasoned clinicians studied here. We explore some of
      these questions, and suggest ways we might build on the insights of Traudt and
      colleagues' study.

PMID- 27658277
TI  - Report by the American Medical Association's Council on Ethical and Judicial
      Affairs on Physicians' Exercise of Conscience.
AB  - As practicing clinicians, physicians are expected to uphold the ethical norms of
      their profession, including fidelity to patients and respect for patients' self
      determination. At the same time, as individuals, physicians are moral agents in
      their own right and, like their patients, are informed by and committed to
      diverse cultural, religious, and philosophical traditions and beliefs. In some
      circumstances, the expectation that physicians will put patients' needs and
      preferences first may be in tension with the need to sustain the sense of moral
      integrity and continuity that grounds a physician's personal and professional
      life. This article examines the implications for patients, physicians, and the
      medical profession when tensions arise between a physician's professional
      commitments and his or her deeply held personal moral beliefs. It offers guidance
      on when a physician's professional commitments should outweigh personal beliefs
      as well as when physicians should have freedom to act according to the dictates
      of conscience while still protecting patients' interests.

PMID- 27658278
TI  - Accommodating Conscientious Objection in Medicine-Private Ideological Convictions
      Must Not Trump Professional Obligations.
AB  - The opinion of the American Medical Association (AMA) Council on Ethical and
      Judicial Affairs (CEJA) on the accommodation of conscientious objectors among
      medical doctors aims to balance fairly patients' rights of access to care and
      accommodating doctors' deeply held personal beliefs. Like similar documents, it
      fails. Patients will not find it persuasive, and neither should they. The lines
      drawn aim at a reasonable compromise between positions that are not amenable to
      compromise. They are also largely arbitrary. This article explains why that is
      the case. The view that conscientious objection accommodation has no place in
      modern medicine is defended.

PMID- 27658279
TI  - Professional Ethics, Personal Conscience, and Public Expectations.
AB  - Examining to what extent physicians are, or ought to be, defined by the
      profession when giving advice to patients, this commentary seeks to offer a
      better understanding of the potential conflicts that the American Medical
      Association's (AMA's) "Opinion 1.1.7, Physician Exercise of Conscience,"
      addresses. This commentary conceptualizes the professions as knowledge
      communities, and situates the physician-patient relationship within this larger
      conceptual framework. So doing, it sheds light on how and when specialized
      knowledge is operationalized in professional advice-giving. Physicians
      communicate the knowledge community's insights to the patient. Thus, departures
      from professional knowledge as a matter of the professional's personal conscience
      are appropriately circumscribed by the knowledge community.

PMID- 27658280
TI  - Who Judges Harm?
AB  - The American Medical Association's (AMA's) "Opinion 1.1.7, Physician Exercise of
      Conscience" attempts to help physicians strike a reasonable balance between their
      own conscientious beliefs and their patients' medical interests in an effort to
      minimize harms to both. However, some ambiguity still remains as to whether the
      severity of harms experienced by physicians and patients is to be assessed
      externally (by policy makers or by a professional body like the AMA), or
      internally by the subjects of those harms. Conflicts between conscientious
      physicians' self-assessments of the moral harm associated with various actions
      and the AMA's external assessments of such harms are likely to lead to challenges
      in the implementation of some provisions of its opinion. This commentary argues,
      however, that provisions (b) and (e) of the opinion, which describe the
      information physicians should provide about their own scope of practice and about
      the existence of controversial procedures, are less likely to conflict with
      physicians' subjective assessments of moral harm, and therefore will face fewer
      challenges in implementation.

PMID- 27658281
TI  - Action Steps and Solutions for Physicians' Exercise of Conscience.
AB  - Conscience can influence physicians' interactions with patients in myriad ways
      and, by extension, can influence the interactions and internal dynamics of a
      health care team. The AMA's opinion around physicians' exercise of conscience
      appropriately balance the obligations physicians have to their patients and
      profession, and the rights of physicians as moral agents to exercise their
      conscience. While the opinion is an effective starting point, further guidance is
      necessary to clarify the process by which physicians should identify, manage,
      and, if necessary, report their conscientious refusals to patients, supervisors,
      or colleagues. In addition to laying out a proposed process for identifying and
      managing issues of conscience, this article will use relevant and timely examples
      to help clarify how a physician could apply this process in an instance of
      conscientious refusal.

PMID- 27658282
TI  - Conscientious Objection: Widening the Temporal and Organizational Horizons.
AB  - Conscience can influence physicians' interactions with patients in myriad ways
      and, by extension, can influence the interactions and internal dynamics of a
      health care team. The AMA's opinion around physicians' exercise of conscience
      appropriately balance the obligations physicians have to their patients and
      profession, and the rights of physicians as moral agents to exercise their
      conscience. While the opinion is an effective starting point, further guidance is
      necessary to clarify the process by which physicians should identify, manage,
      and, if necessary, report their conscientious refusals to patients, supervisors,
      or colleagues. In addition to laying out a proposed process for identifying and
      managing issues of conscience, this article will use relevant and timely examples
      to help clarify how a physician could apply this process in an instance of
      conscientious refusal.

PMID- 27658283
TI  - Thinking about Conscience.
AB  - The path to consensus about physicians' exercise of conscience was not linear. It
      looped back on itself as new insights illuminated earlier deliberations and in
      turn led to further insights. In particular, coming to agreement about
      physicians' responsibility in regard to referral charted a route through many
      course corrections.

PMID- 27658284
TI  - Legal Briefing: Stopping Nonbeneficial Life-Sustaining Treatment without Consent.
AB  - In the United States, authoritative legal guidance remains sparse on whether or
      when clinicians may stop life-sustaining treatment without consent. Fortunately,
      several significant legislative and judicial developments over the past two years
      offer some clarity. We group these legal developments into the following seven
      categories: 1. Lawsuits for Damages 2. Amendments to the Texas Advance Directives
      Act 3. Constitutional Attack on TADA 4. Legislation Prohibiting Clinicians 5.
      Legislation Authorizing Clinicians 6. Cases from Canada 7. Cases from the United
      Kingdom.

PMID- 27658285
TI  - Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges.

PMID- 27658286
TI  - CHOROIDAL AND RETINAL ATROPHY OF BIETTI CRYSTALLINE DYSTROPHY PATIENTS WITH
      CYP4V2 MUTATIONS COMPARED TO RETINITIS PIGMENTOSA PATIENTS WITH EYS MUTATIONS.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare atrophy of the choroid and retina between Bietti crystalline
      dystrophy (BCD) patients and EYS-related retinitis pigmentosa (RP) patients with
      a similar degree of central visual field defects, age, and axial length (AL).
      METHODS: Nine eyes of nine BCD patients with CYP4V2 mutations (BCD group) were
      examined. Moreover, we selected 10 eyes of 10 RP patients with EYS mutations
      matched for age, axial length, and mean deviation (measured with the 10-2 SITA
      standard program; EYS-RP group), and 10 eyes of 10 normal volunteers matched for
      age and axial length (control group). Macular thicknesses of the choroid and
      retina were measured via swept-source optical coherence tomography. RESULTS: The
      macular choroid was significantly thinner in the BCD group than in the EYS-RP and
      control groups, although the thickness did not significantly differ between the
      EYS-RP and control groups. The macular retina was significantly thinner in the
      BCD and EYS-RP groups than in the control group, although the thickness did not
      significantly differ between the BCD and EYS-RP groups at most sites. CONCLUSION:
      Bietti crystalline dystrophy patients with CYP4V2 mutations showed more severe
      macular choroid atrophy as compared to EYS-related RP patients. These different
      damage patterns suggest differences in choroidal expression between CYP4V2 and
      EYS.

PMID- 27658288
TI  - A Comparison of the Effectiveness of Sodium Stibogluconate Monotherapy to Sodium
      Stibogluconate and Paromomycin Combination for the Treatment of Severe Post Kala
      Azar Dermal Leishmaniasis in South Sudan - A Retrospective Cohort Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) is a common dermatological
      complication following successful treatment of Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) caused
      by Leishmania donovani. PKDL presents as macular, papular, nodular or mixed skin
      rash on sun-exposed body parts. Patients are not ill unless there are
      complications due to mucosal involvement or ulceration. As PKDL in East Africa is
      typically self-healing, and treatment is long and with significant adverse
      events, only severe and complicated cases are treated. Studies to determine
      optimal treatment of PKDL are rare and based on small cohorts. Since 1989,
      Medecins Sans Frontieres is treating severe PKDL within VL treatment programmes
      in South Sudan. Treatment was initially with sodium stibogluconate (SSG)
      monotherapy and since 2002 with a combination of SSG and paromomycin (PM). SSG
      monotherapy (20 mg/kg/day for a minimum of 30 days) was provided in primary
      health units, and the combination of PM (15 mg sulphate/kg/day for 17 days) plus
      SSG (30 mg/kg/day for a minimum of 17 days) was provided in secondary health
      facilities. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: By retrospective analysis of
      routinely collected programme data we compared the effectiveness (outcome and
      treatment duration) of both regimens. Between 2002 and 2008, 422 patients with
      severe PKDL were treated; 343 received SSG and 79 SSG/PM combination. The cure
      rate was significantly better with combination treatment when compared to
      monotherapy (97% vs. 90%; odds ratio [OR], 7.6; p = 0.02), treatment duration was
      shorter (mean 34 days vs. 42 days; p = 0.005), and defaulter rate was lower (3%
      vs. 9%; OR, 0.3; p = 0.03). There was no significant difference in death rate (0%
      vs. 1%; p = 0.5). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: We found that SSG/PM combination
      therapy resulted in more favourable outcomes than SSG monotherapy. An additional
      advantage is the lower cost of the combination therapy, due to the shorter
      treatment duration. A combination of SSG and PM is therefore a suitable option
      for the treatment of PKDL in East Africa.

PMID- 27658289
TI  - The Phospholipase D2 Knock Out Mouse Has Ectopic Purkinje Cells and Suffers from
      Early Adult-Onset Anosmia.
AB  - Phospholipase D2 (PLD2) is an enzyme that produces phosphatidic acid (PA), a
      lipid messenger molecule involved in a number of cellular events including,
      through its membrane curvature properties, endocytosis. The PLD2 knock out
      (PLD2KO) mouse has been previously reported to be protected from insult in a
      model of Alzheimer's disease. We have further analysed a PLD2KO mouse using mass
      spectrophotometry of its lipids and found significant differences in PA species
      throughout its brain. We have examined the expression pattern of PLD2 which
      allowed us to define which region of the brain to analyse for defect, notably
      PLD2 was not detected in glial-rich regions. The expression pattern lead us to
      specifically examine the mitral cells of olfactory bulbs, the Cornus Amonis (CA)
      regions of the hippocampus and the Purkinje cells of the cerebellum. We find that
      the change to longer PA species correlates with subtle architectural defect in
      the cerebellum, exemplified by ectopic Purkinje cells and an adult-onset deficit
      of olfaction. These observations draw parallels to defects in the reelin
      heterozygote as well as the effect of high fat diet on olfaction.

PMID- 27658290
TI  - Postpartum Vascular Dysfunction in the Reduced Uteroplacental Perfusion Model of
      Preeclampsia.
AB  - Preeclampsia is a disorder affecting 2-8% of all pregnancies, characterized by
      gestational hypertension (>= 140/90 mmHg) and proteinuria (>=300 mg over 24
      hours) diagnosed following the 20th week of pregnancy, and for which there is
      currently no available treatment. While the precise cause of preeclampsia is
      unknown, placental ischemia/hypoxia resulting from abnormal trophoblast invasion
      and maternal endothelial dysfunction are central characteristics. Preeclampsia is
      a major cause of both maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality in the perinatal
      period. In addition, women who have experienced preeclampsia are more likely to
      suffer cardiovascular disease later in life. The cause of this elevation in
      cardiovascular risk postpartum, however, is unknown. We hypothesize that there
      may be lasting vascular dysfunction following exposure to reduced uteroplacental
      perfusion during pregnancy that may contribute to increased cardiovascular risk
      postpartum. Using the rat reduced utero-placental perfusion pressure (RUPP) model
      of preeclampsia, blood pressure was assessed in dams at gestational day 20, one
      and three months postpartum. Mesenteric artery and aortic function were assessed
      using wire myography. We demonstrated hypertension and increased mesenteric
      artery responses to phenylephrine at gestational day 20, with the latter due to a
      decreased contribution of nitric oxide without any change in methylcholine
      induced relaxation. At one month postpartum, we demonstrated a small but
      significant vasoconstrictive phenotype that was due to an underlying loss of
      basal nitric oxide contribution. At three months postpartum, endothelium
      dependent relaxation of the aorta demonstrated sensitivity to oxLDL and
      mesenteric arteries demonstrated decreased nitric oxide bioavailability with
      impaired methylcholine-induced relaxation; indicative of an early development of
      endothelial dysfunction. In summary, we have demonstrated impaired vascular
      function following exposure to a RUPP pregnancy that continued into the
      postpartum period; suggesting that a pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia may
      predispose women to later life cardiovascular disease via ongoing vascular
      dysfunction.

PMID- 27658291
TI  - Evaluation of Psoriasis Genetic Risk Based on Five Susceptibility Markers in a
      Population from Northern Poland.
AB  - Psoriasis genetic background depends on polygenic and multifactorial mode of
      inheritance. As in other complex disorders, the estimation of the disease risk
      based on individual genetic variants is impossible. For this reason, recent
      investigations have been focused on combinations of known psoriasis
      susceptibility markers in order to improve the disease risk evaluation. Our aim
      was to compare psoriasis genetic risk score (GRS) for five susceptibility loci
      involved in the immunological response (HLA-C, ERAP1, ZAP70) and in the skin
      barrier function (LCE3, CSTA) between patients with chronic plaque psoriasis (n =
      148) and the control group (n = 146). A significantly higher number of
      predisposing alleles was observed in patients with psoriasis in comparison to
      healthy individuals (6.1 vs. 5.2, respectively; P = 8.8*10-7). The statistical
      significance was even more profound when GRS weighted by logarithm odds ratios
      was evaluated (P = 9.9*10-14). Our results demonstrate the developed panel of
      five susceptibility loci to be more efficient in predicting psoriasis risk in the
      Polish population and to possess higher sensitivity and specificity for the
      disease than any of the markers analyzed separately, including the most
      informative HLA-C*06 allele.

PMID- 27658292
TI  - Cerebral Cortical Thickness in Chronic Pain Due to Knee Osteoarthritis: The
      Effect of Pain Duration and Pain Sensitization.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study investigates associations between cortical thickness and
      pain duration, and central sensitization as markers of pain progression in
      painful knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: Whole brain cortical thickness and pressure
      pain thresholds were assessed in 70 participants; 40 patients with chronic
      painful knee osteoarthritis (age = 66.1+/- 8.5 years, 21 females, mean duration
      of pain = 8.5 years), and 30 healthy controls (age = 62.7+/- 7.4, 17 females).
      RESULTS: Cortical thickness negatively correlated with pain duration mainly in
      fronto-temporal areas outside of classical pain processing areas (p<0.05, age
      controlled, FDR corrected). Pain sensitivity was unrelated to cortical thickness.
      Patients showed lower cortical thickness in the right anterior insula (p<0.001,
      uncorrected) with no changes surviving multiple test correction. CONCLUSION: With
      increasing number of years of suffering from chronic arthritis pain we found
      increasing cortical thinning in extended cerebral cortical regions beyond
      recognised pain-processing areas. While the mechanisms of cortical thinning
      remain to be elucidated, we show that pain progression indexed by central
      sensitization does not play a major role.

PMID- 27658295
TI  - Correction: Clinical Impact of MALDI-TOF MS Identification and Rapid
      Susceptibility Testing on Adequate Antimicrobial Treatment in Sepsis with
      Positive Blood Cultures.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0156299.].

PMID- 27658294
TI  - Alternative Splicing of Toll-Like Receptor 9 Transcript in Teleost Fish Grouper
      Is Regulated by NF-kappaB Signaling via Phosphorylation of the C-Terminal Domain
      of the RPB1 Subunit of RNA Polymerase II.
AB  - Similar to its mammalian counterparts, teleost Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9)
      recognizes unmethylated CpG DNA presented in the genome of bacteria or DNA
      viruses and initiates signaling pathway(s) for immune responses. We have
      previously shown that the TLR9 pathway in grouper, an economically important
      teleost, can be debilitated by an inhibitory gTLR9B isoform, whose production is
      mediated by RNA alternative splicing. However, how does grouper TLR9 (gTLR9)
      signaling impinge on the RNA splicing machinery to produce gTlr9B is unknown.
      Here we show that the gTlr9 alternative splicing is regulated through ligand
      induced phosphorylation of the C-terminal domain (CTD) of the largest subunit of
      RNA polymerase II (Pol II). We first observed that ligand-activated NF- kappaB
      pathway biased the production of the gTlr9B isoform. Because NF- kappaB is known
      to recruit p-TEFb kinase, which phosphorylates the Pol II CTD at Ser2 residues,
      we examined p-TEFb's role in alternative splicing. We found that promoting p-TEFb
      kinase activity significantly favored the production of the gTlr9B isoform,
      whereas inhibiting p-TEFb yielded an opposite result. We further showed that p
      TEFb-mediated production of the gTlr9B isoform down-regulates its own immune
      responses, suggesting a self-limiting mechanism. Taken together, our data
      indicate a feedback mechanism of the gTLR9 signaling pathway to regulate the
      alternative splicing machinery, which in turn produces an inhibitor to the
      pathway.

PMID- 27658293
TI  - Increases in Endogenous or Exogenous Progestins Promote Virus-Target Cell
      Interactions within the Non-human Primate Female Reproductive Tract.
AB  - Currently, there are mounting data suggesting that HIV-1 acquisition in women can
      be affected by the use of certain hormonal contraceptives. However, in non-human
      primate models, endogenous or exogenous progestin-dominant states are shown to
      increase acquisition. To gain mechanistic insights into this increased
      acquisition, we studied how mucosal barrier function and CD4+ T-cell and CD68+
      macrophage density and localization changed in the presence of natural progestins
      or after injection with high-dose DMPA. The presence of natural or injected
      progestins increased virus penetration of the columnar epithelium and the
      infiltration of susceptible cells into a thinned squamous epithelium of the
      vaginal vault, increasing the likelihood of potential virus interactions with
      target cells. These data suggest that increasing either endogenous or exogenous
      progestin can alter female reproductive tract barrier properties and provide
      plausible mechanisms for increased HIV-1 acquisition risk in the presence of
      increased progestin levels.

PMID- 27658296
TI  - Beyond Zipf's Law: The Lavalette Rank Function and Its Properties.
AB  - Although Zipf's law is widespread in natural and social data, one often
      encounters situations where one or both ends of the ranked data deviate from the
      power-law function. Previously we proposed the Beta rank function to improve the
      fitting of data which does not follow a perfect Zipf's law. Here we show that
      when the two parameters in the Beta rank function have the same value, the
      Lavalette rank function, the probability density function can be derived
      analytically. We also show both computationally and analytically that Lavalette
      distribution is approximately equal, though not identical, to the lognormal
      distribution. We illustrate the utility of Lavalette rank function in several
      datasets. We also address three analysis issues on the statistical testing of
      Lavalette fitting function, comparison between Zipf's law and lognormal
      distribution through Lavalette function, and comparison between lognormal
      distribution and Lavalette distribution.

PMID- 27658298
TI  - Correction: Brucella melitensis Methionyl-tRNA-Synthetase (MetRS), a Potential
      Drug Target for Brucellosis.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0160350.].

PMID- 27658297
TI  - Fully-Automated MUMRI Morphometric Phenotyping of the Tc1 Mouse Model of Down
      Syndrome.
AB  - We describe a fully automated pipeline for the morphometric phenotyping of mouse
      brains from MUMRI data, and show its application to the Tc1 mouse model of Down
      syndrome, to identify new morphological phenotypes in the brain of this first
      transchromosomic animal carrying human chromosome 21. We incorporate an
      accessible approach for simultaneously scanning multiple ex vivo brains,
      requiring only a 3D-printed brain holder, and novel image processing steps for
      their separation and orientation. We employ clinically established multi-atlas
      techniques-superior to single-atlas methods-together with publicly-available
      atlas databases for automatic skull-stripping and tissue segmentation, providing
      high-quality, subject-specific tissue maps. We follow these steps with group-wise
      registration, structural parcellation and both Voxel- and Tensor-Based
      Morphometry-advantageous for their ability to highlight morphological differences
      without the laborious delineation of regions of interest. We show the application
      of freely available open-source software developed for clinical MRI analysis to
      mouse brain data: NiftySeg for segmentation and NiftyReg for registration, and
      discuss atlases and parameters suitable for the preclinical paradigm. We used
      this pipeline to compare 29 Tc1 brains with 26 wild-type littermate controls,
      imaged ex vivo at 9.4T. We show an unexpected increase in Tc1 total intracranial
      volume and, controlling for this, local volume and grey matter density reductions
      in the Tc1 brain compared to the wild-types, most prominently in the cerebellum,
      in agreement with human DS and previous histological findings.

PMID- 27658300
TI  - MiR-375 Is Epigenetically Downregulated by HPV-16 E6 Mediated DNMT1 Upregulation
      and Modulates EMT of Cervical Cancer Cells by Suppressing lncRNA MALAT1.
AB  - Epigenetic modulation is an important mechanism of miRNA dysregulation in
      cervical cancer. In this study, we firstly studied how this mechanism contributes
      to miR-375 downregulation in cervical cancer cells. Then, we further studied the
      association between miR-375 and MALAT1 (metastasis associated lung adenocarcinoma
      transcript 1) in epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) of the cancer cells. HPV
      16 positive SiHa and CaSki cells were used as in vitro model. Our data showed
      that HPV-16 E6 positively modulated DNMT1 expression in both SiHa and CaSki
      cells. Knockdown of DNMT1 partly restored miR-375 levels in the cells. The
      following methylation-specific PCR (MSP) assay and qRT-PCR analysis showed that
      methylation was common in the promoter region of miR-375 in both SiHa and CaSki
      cells and demethylation partly restored miR-375 levels in the cells. Therefore,
      we infer that miR-375 is downregulated partly due to promoter hypermethylation
      mediated by DNMT1 in HPV-16 positive cervical cancer cells. Our bioinformatics
      analysis showed that MALAT1 has three putative binding sites with miR-375 and the
      following dual luciferase assay confirmed two of them. QRT-PCR analysis showed
      that miR-375 overexpression significantly reduced MALAT1 expression, while MALAT1
      overexpression reversely suppressed miR-375 levels. Therefore, we infer that
      there is a reciprocal regulation between miR-375 and MALAT1 in the cells. In SiHa
      cells, miR-375 overexpression or MALAT1 siRNA partly restored E-cadherin
      expression, significantly reduced N-cadherin and also reduced invasion capacity
      of SiHa cells. Therefore, these results suggest that miR-375 and MALAT1 form a
      functional axis modulating EMT in cervical cancer.

PMID- 27658299
TI  - Influence of Proximal, Distal, and Vestibular Frames of Reference in Object-Place
      Paired Associate Learning in the Rat.
AB  - Object-place paired associate learning has been used to test hypotheses regarding
      the neurobiological basis of memory in rodents. Much of this work has focused on
      the role of limbic and hippocampal-parahippocampal regions, as well as the use of
      spatial information derived from allothetic visual stimuli to determine location
      in an environment. It has been suggested that idiothetic self-motion (vestibular)
      signals and internal representations of directional orientation might play an
      important role in disambiguating between spatial locations when forming object
      place associations, but this hypothesis has not been explicitly tested. In the
      present study, we investigated the relationship between allothetic (i.e., distal
      and proximal cues) and vestibular stimuli on performance of an object-place
      paired-associate task. The paired-associate task was composed of learning to
      discriminate between an identical pair of objects presented in 180 degrees 
      opposite arms of a radial arm maze. Thus, animals were required to select a
      particular object on the basis of spatial location (i.e., maze arm). After the
      animals acquired the object-place rule, a series of probe tests determined that
      rats utilize self-generated vestibular cues to discriminate between the two maze
      arms. Further, when available, animals showed a strong preference for local
      proximal cues associated with the maze. Together, the work presented here
      supports the establishment of an object-place task that requires both idiothetic
      and allothetic stimulus sources to guide choice behavior, and which can be used
      to further investigate the dynamic interactions between neural systems involved
      in pairing sensory information with spatial locations.

PMID- 27658302
TI  - Differential Communications between Fungi and Host Plants Revealed by Secretome
      Analysis of Phylogenetically Related Endophytic and Pathogenic Fungi.
AB  - During infection, both phytopathogenic and endophytic fungi form intimate contact
      with living plant cells, and need to resist or disable host defences and modify
      host metabolism to adapt to their host. Fungi can achieve these changes by
      secreting proteins and enzymes. A comprehensive comparison of the secretomes of
      both endophytic and pathogenic fungi can improve our understanding of the
      interactions between plants and fungi. Although Magnaporthe oryzae,
      Gaeumannomyces graminis, and M. poae are economically important fungal pathogens,
      and the related species Harpophora oryzae is an endophyte, they evolved from a
      common pathogenic ancestor. We used a pipeline analysis to predict the H. oryzae,
      M. oryzae, G. graminis, and M. poae secretomes and identified 1142, 1370, 1001,
      and 974 proteins, respectively. Orthologue gene analyses demonstrated that the M.
      oryzae secretome evolved more rapidly than those of the other three related
      species, resulting in many species-specific secreted protein-encoding genes, such
      as avirulence genes. Functional analyses highlighted the abundance of proteins
      involved in the breakdown of host plant cell walls and oxidation-reduction
      processes. We identified three novel motifs in the H. and M. oryzae secretomes,
      which may play key roles in the interaction between rice and H. oryzae.
      Furthermore, we found that expression of the H. oryzae secretome involved in
      plant cell wall degradation was downregulated, but the M. oryzae secretome was
      upregulated with many more upregulated genes involved in oxidation-reduction
      processes. The divergent in planta expression patterns of the H. and M. oryzae
      secretomes reveal differences that are associated with mutualistic and pathogenic
      interactions, respectively.

PMID- 27658301
TI  - The Feedback-Related Negativity and the P300 Brain Potential Are Sensitive to
      Price Expectation Violations in a Virtual Shopping Task.
AB  - A large body of evidence shows that buying behaviour is strongly determined by
      consumers' price expectations and the extent to which real prices violate these
      expectations. Despite the importance of this phenomenon, little is known
      regarding its neural mechanisms. Here we show that two patterns of electrical
      brain activity known to index prediction errors-the Feedback-Related Negativity
      (FRN) and the feedback-related P300 -were sensitive to price offers that were
      cheaper than participants' expectations. In addition, we also found that FRN
      amplitude time-locked to price offers predicted whether a product would be
      subsequently purchased or not, and further analyses suggest that this result was
      driven by the sensitivity of the FRN to positive price expectation violations.
      This finding strongly suggests that ensembles of neurons coding positive
      prediction errors play a critical role in real-life consumer behaviour. Further,
      these findings indicate that theoretical models based on the notion of prediction
      error, such as the Reinforcement Learning Theory, can provide a neurobiologically
      grounded account of consumer behavior.

PMID- 27658303
TI  - G Protein-Coupled Receptor 43 Modulates Neutrophil Recruitment during Acute
      Inflammation.
AB  - Fermentation of dietary fibre in the gut yields large amounts of short chain
      fatty acids (SCFAs). SCFAs can impart biological responses in cells through their
      engagement of 'metabolite-sensing' G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). One of
      the main SCFA receptors, GPR43, is highly expressed by neutrophils, which
      suggests that the actions of GPR43 and dietary fibre intake may affect neutrophil
      recruitment during inflammatory responses in vivo. Using intravital imaging of
      the small intestine, we found greater intravascular neutrophil rolling and
      adhesion in Gpr43-/-mice in response to LPS at 1 h. After 4 h of LPS challenge,
      the intravascular rolling velocity of GPR43-deficient neutrophils was reduced
      significantly and increased numbers of neutrophils were found in the lamina
      propria of Gpr43-/-mice. Additionally, GPR43-deficient leukocytes demonstrated
      exacerbated migration into the peritoneal cavity following fMLP challenge. The
      fMLP-induced neutrophil migration was significantly suppressed in wildtype mice
      that were treated with acetate, but not in Gpr43-/-mice, strongly suggesting a
      role for SCFAs in modulating neutrophil migration via GPR43. Indeed, neutrophils
      of no fibre-fed wildtype mice exhibited elevated migratory behaviour compared to
      normal chow-fed wildtype mice. Interestingly, this elevated migration could also
      be reproduced through simple transfer of a no fibre microbiota into germ-free
      mice, suggesting that the composition and function of microbiota stemming from a
      no fibre diet mediated the changes in neutrophil migration. Therefore, GPR43 and
      a microbiota composition that allows for SCFA production function to modulate
      neutrophil recruitment during inflammatory responses.

PMID- 27658304
TI  - Time Course Analysis of Skeletal Muscle Pathology of GDE5 Transgenic Mouse.
AB  - Glycerophosphodiesterase 5 (GDE5) selectively hydrolyses glycerophosphocholine to
      choline and is highly expressed in type II fiber-rich skeletal muscles. We have
      previously generated that a truncated mutant of GDE5 (GDE5dC471) that lacks
      phosphodiesterase activity and shown that transgenic mice overexpressing
      GDE5dC471 in skeletal muscles show less skeletal muscle mass than control mice.
      However, the molecular mechanism and pathophysiological features underlying
      decreased skeletal muscle mass in GDE5dC471 mice remain unclear. In this study,
      we characterized the skeletal muscle disorder throughout development and
      investigated the primary cause of muscle atrophy. While type I fiber-rich soleus
      muscle mass was not altered in GDE5dC471 mice, type II fiber-rich muscle mass was
      reduced in 8-week-old GDE5dC471 mice. Type II fiber-rich muscle mass continued to
      decrease irreversibly in 1-year-old transgenic mice with an increase in apoptotic
      cell. Adipose tissue weight and blood triglyceride levels in 8-week-old and 1
      year-old transgenic mice were higher than those in control mice. This study also
      demonstrated compensatory mRNA expression of neuromuscular junction (NMJ)
      components, including nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (alpha1, gamma, and
      epsilon subunits) and acetylcholinesterase in type II fiber-rich quadriceps
      muscles in GDE5dC471 mice. However, we did not observe morphological changes in
      NMJs associated with skeletal muscle atrophy in GDE5dC471 mice. We also found
      that HSP70 protein levels are significantly increased in the skeletal muscles of
      2-week-old GDE5dC471 mice and in mouse myoblastic C2C12 cells overexpressing
      GDE5dC471. These findings suggest that GDE5dC471 mouse is a novel model of early
      onset irreversible type II fiber-rich myopathy associated with cellular stress.

PMID- 27658305
TI  - The Effectiveness of Natural Diarylheptanoids against Trypanosoma cruzi:
      Cytotoxicity, Ultrastructural Alterations and Molecular Modeling Studies.
AB  - Curcumin (CUR) is the major constituent of the rhizomes of Curcuma longa and has
      been widely investigated for its chemotherapeutic properties. The well-known
      activity of CUR against Leishmania sp., Trypanosoma brucei and Plasmodium
      falciparum led us to investigate its activity against Trypanosoma cruzi. In this
      work, we tested the cytotoxic effects of CUR and other natural curcuminoids on
      different forms of T. cruzi, as well as the ultrastructural changes induced in
      epimastigote form of the parasite. CUR was verified as the curcuminoid with more
      significant trypanocidal properties (IC50 10.13 MUM on epimastigotes).
      Demethoxycurcumin (DMC) was equipotent to CUR (IC50 11.07 MUM), but
      bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) was less active (IC50 45.33 MUM) and cyclocurcumin
      (CC) was inactive. In the experiment with infected murine peritoneal macrophages
      all diarylheptanoids were more active than the control in the inhibition of the
      trypomastigotes release. The electron microscopy images showed ultrastructural
      changes associated with the cytoskeleton of the parasite, indicating tubulin as
      possible target of CUR in T. cruzi. The results obtained by flow cytometry
      analysis of DNA content of the parasites treated with natural curcuminoids
      suggested a mechanism of action on microtubules related to the paclitaxel's mode
      of action. To better understand the mechanism of action highlighted by electron
      microscopy and flow cytometry experiments we performed the molecular docking of
      natural curcuminoids on tubulin of T. cruzi in a homology model and the results
      obtained showed that the observed interactions are in accordance with the IC50
      values found, since there CUR and DMC perform similar interactions at the binding
      site on tubulin while BDMC do not realize a hydrogen bond with Lys163 residue due
      to the absence of methoxyl groups. These results indicate that trypanocidal
      properties of CUR may be related to the cytoskeletal alterations.

PMID- 27658307
TI  - Correction: Association of Empirically Derived Dietary Patterns with
      Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Comparison of PCA and RRR Methods.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0161298.].

PMID- 27658306
TI  - Elevated Platelet to Lymphocyte Ratio Is Associated with Poor Survival Outcomes
      in Patients with Colorectal Cancer.
AB  - Platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) is a parameter reflecting inflammatory
      responses in patients with cancer. Several studies have investigated the
      prognostic value of PLR in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC); however, the
      results are controversial. Thus, we carried out a meta-analysis to evaluate the
      association between PLR and CRC prognostication. Relevant articles were retrieved
      through PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science, and pooled hazard ratio (HR) and 95%
      confidence interval (CI) were computed by using STATA V.12.0. Both the random
      effects model and fixed-effects model were utilized. A total of 13 studies (14
      cohorts) with 8,601 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled HRs and
      95% CIs demonstrated that increased PLR predicted poor overall survival (OS) (HR
      = 1.81, 95%CI:1.42-2.31, p<0.001; I2 = 65%, Ph = 0.002), disease-free survival
      (DFS) (HR = 1.84, 95%CI:1.22-2.76, p = 0.003; I2 = 78.3%, Ph<0.001) and
      recurrence-free survival (RFS) (HR = 1.84, 95%CI:1.41-2.41, p<0.001; I2 = 0, Ph =
      0.686), although this was not the case for cancer-specific survival (CSS) (HR =
      1.75, 95%CI:0.59-5.17, p = 0.309; I2 = 66.2%, Ph = 0.085) or time to recurrence
      (TTR) (HR = 1.21 95%CI:0.62-2.36, p = 0.573;I2 = 58.4%, Ph = 0.121). Subgroup
      analysis showed that PLR enhanced the prognostic value for OS in Caucasian
      patients, in small sample studies and for metastatic disease; however, this was
      not the case with rectal cancer. Furthermore, elevated PLR predicted reduced DFS
      in Caucasians and not in Asians. In conclusion, our meta-analysis showed that
      high PLR was a significant biomarker for poor OS, DFS, and RFS in patients with
      CRC; however, it had no association with CSS or TTR.

PMID- 27658308
TI  - Growth in Total Height and Its Components and Cardiometabolic Health in
      Childhood.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Short stature or short legs is associated with cardiometabolic
      disease. Few studies have addressed this issue in children, incorporated repeated
      measures, or studied modern cohorts. METHODS: We examined if change in total
      height, leg length and trunk length between two time points from early (median:
      3.2 years) to mid-childhood (median: 7.7 years), with and without adjustment for
      concurrent change in adiposity (subscapular plus triceps skinfold thickness), was
      associated with mid-childhood cardiometabolic risk in 315 boys and 295 girls from
      Project Viva. The main outcome was a cardiometabolic risk score based on sex
      specific internal z-scores for systolic blood pressure, waist circumference,
      homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, triglycerides and high
      density lipoprotein-cholesterol. RESULTS: Mean (SD) total height was 97.9 (4.5)
      cm in boys and 97.1 (4.7) cm in girls in early childhood and 129.1 (7.2) cm in
      boys and 128.3 (7.9) cm in girls in mid-childhood. Trunk length constituted about
      half of total height. In linear regression models adjusted for parental
      anthropometry and socio-demographics, faster growth in total height, leg length
      and particularly trunk length, were associated with higher cardiometabolic risk
      in mid-childhood. Per 1 cm annual increase in trunk length, the cardiometabolic
      risk score was 0.23 z-score (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.08, 0.39) higher
      among boys and 0.47 z-score (95% CI 0.33, 0.60) higher among girls. Estimates
      were attenuated after adjusting for adiposity (boys: 0.03 z-score, 95% CI -0.11,
      0.18; girls: 0.32 z-score, 95% CI 0.19, 0.45). CONCLUSION: Rapid linear growth,
      particularly in trunk length, was associated with higher cardiometabolic risk in
      childhood, which was explained by relationships of linear growth with adiposity
      in boys, but only partly in girls.

PMID- 27658310
TI  - Effects of Leading Edge Defect on the Aerodynamic and Flow Characteristics of an
      S809 Airfoil.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Unexpected performance degradation occurs in wind turbine blades due
      to leading edge defect when suffering from continuous impacts with rain drops,
      hails, insects, or solid particles during its operation life. To assess this
      issue, this paper numerically investigates the steady and dynamic stall
      characteristics of an S809 airfoil with various leading edge defects. More
      leading edge defect sizes and much closer to practical parameters are
      investigated in the paper. METHODOLOGY: Numerical computation is conducted using
      the SST k-omega turbulence model, and the method has been validated by comparison
      with existed published data. In order to ensure the calculation convergence, the
      residuals for the continuity equation are set to be less than 10-7 and 10-6 in
      steady state and dynamic stall cases. The simulations are conducted with the
      software ANSYS Fluent 13.0. RESULTS: It is found that the characteristics of
      aerodynamic coefficients and flow fields are sensitive to leading edge defect
      both in steady and dynamic conditions. For airfoils with the defect thickness of
      6%tc, leading edge defect has a relative small influence on the aerodynamics of
      S809 airfoil. For other investigated defect thicknesses, leading edge defect has
      much greater influence on the flow field structures, pressure coefficients and
      aerodynamic characteristics of airfoil at relative small defect lengths. For
      example, the lift coefficients decrease and drag coefficients increase sharply
      after the appearance of leading edge defect. However, the aerodynamic
      characteristics could reach a constant value when the defect length is large
      enough. The flow field, pressure coefficient distribution and aerodynamic
      coefficients do not change a lot when the defect lengths reach to 0.5%c,1%c, 2%c
      and 3%c with defect thicknesses of 6%tc, 12%tc,18%tc and 25%tc, respectively. In
      addition, the results also show that the critical defect length/thickness ratio
      is 0.5, beyond which the aerodynamic characteristics nearly remain unchanged. In
      dynamic stall, leading edge defect imposes a greater influence on the aerodynamic
      characteristics of airfoil than steady conditions. By increasing in defect
      length, it is found that the separated area becomes more intense and moves
      forward along the suction surface. CONCLUSIONS: Leading edge defect has
      significant influence on the aerodynamic and flow characteristics of the airfoil,
      which will reach a stable status with enough large defect size. The leading edge
      separation bubble, circulation in the defect cavity and intense tailing edge
      vortex are the main features of flow around defective airfoils.

PMID- 27658311
TI  - [Vorwort].

PMID- 27658309
TI  - Heterogeneous Aging Effects on Functional Connectivity in Different Cortical
      Regions: A Resting-State Functional MRI Study Using Functional Data Analysis.
AB  - Brain aging is a complex and heterogeneous process characterized by the selective
      loss and preservation of brain functions. This study examines the normal aging
      effects on the cerebral cortex by characterizing changes in functional
      connectivity using resting-state fMRI data. Previous resting-state fMRI studies
      on normal aging have examined specific networks of the brain, whereas few studies
      have examined cortical-cortical connectivities across the entire brain. To
      characterize the effects of normal aging on the cerebral cortex, we proposed the
      Pearson functional product-moment correlation coefficient for measuring
      functional connectivity, which has advantages over the traditional correlation
      coefficient. The distinct patterns of changes in functional connectivity within
      and among the four cerebral lobes clarified the effects of normal aging on
      cortical function. Besides, the advantages of the proposed approach over other
      methods considered were demonstrated through simulation comparisons. The results
      showed heterogeneous changes in functional connectivity in normal aging.
      Specifically, the elderly group exhibited enhanced inter-lobe connectivity
      between the frontal lobe and the other lobes. Inter-lobe connectivity decreased
      between the temporal and parietal lobes. The results support the frontal aging
      hypothesis proposed in behavioral and structural MRI studies. In conclusion,
      functional correlation analysis enables differentiation of changes in functional
      connectivities and characterizes the heterogeneous aging effects in different
      cortical regions.

PMID- 27658312
TI  - Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy for Surface Measurement of Liver Pathology.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Liver parenchymal injuries such as steatosis, steatohepatitis,
      fibrosis, and sinusoidal obstruction syndrome can lead to increased morbidity and
      liver failure after liver resection. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) is an
      optical measuring method that is fast, convenient, and established. DRS has
      previously been used on the liver with an invasive technique consisting of a
      needle that is inserted into the parenchyma. We developed a DRS system with a
      hand-held probe that is applied to the liver surface. In this study, we
      investigated the impact of the liver capsule on DRS measurements and whether
      liver surface measurements are representative of the whole liver. We also wanted
      to confirm that we could discriminate between tumor and liver parenchyma by DRS.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: The instrumentation setup consisted of a light source, a
      fiber-optic contact probe, and two spectrometers connected to a computer.
      Patients scheduled for liver resection due to hepatic malignancy were included,
      and DRS measurements were performed on the excised liver part with and without
      the liver capsule and alongside a newly cut surface. To estimate the scattering
      parameters and tissue chromophore volume fractions, including blood, bile, and
      fat, the measured diffuse reflectance spectra were applied to an analytical
      model. RESULTS: In total, 960 DRS spectra from the excised liver tissue of 18
      patients were analyzed. All factors analyzed regarding tumor versus liver tissue
      were significantly different. When measuring through the capsule, the blood
      volume fraction was found to be 8.4 +/- 3.5%, the lipid volume fraction was 9.9
      +/- 4.7%, and the bile volume fraction was 8.2 +/- 4.6%. No differences could be
      found between surface measurements and cross-sectional measurements. In
      measurements with/without the liver capsule, the differences in volume fraction
      were 1.63% (0.75-2.77), -0.54% (-2.97 to 0.32), and -0.15% (-1.06 to 1.24) for
      blood, lipid, and bile, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study shows that it is
      possible to manage DRS measurements through the liver capsule and that surface
      DRS measurements are representative of the whole liver. The results are
      consistent with data published earlier on the combination of liver chromophores.
      The results encourage us to proceed with in vivo measurements for further
      quantification of the liver's composition and assessment of parenchymal damage
      such as steatosis and fibrosis grade.

PMID- 27658313
TI  - Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Emergency Preparedness Requirements for Medicare
      and Medicaid Participating Providers and Suppliers. Final rule.
AB  - This final rule establishes national emergency preparedness requirements for
      Medicare- and Medicaid-participating providers and suppliers to plan adequately
      for both natural and man-made disasters, and coordinate with federal, state,
      tribal, regional, and local emergency preparedness systems. It will also assist
      providers and suppliers to adequately prepare to meet the needs of patients,
      residents, clients, and participants during disasters and emergency situations.
      Despite some variations, our regulations will provide consistent emergency
      preparedness requirements, enhance patient safety during emergencies for persons
      served by Medicare- and Medicaid-participating facilities, and establish a more
      coordinated and defined response to natural and man-made disasters.

PMID- 27658314
TI  - Medical Devices; General and Plastic Surgery Devices;   Classification of the
      Magnetic Surgical Instrument System. Final order.
AB  - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is classifying the Magnetic Surgical
      Instrument System into class II (special controls). The special controls that
      will apply to the device are identified in this order and will be part of the
      codified language for the magnetic surgical instrument system's classification.
      The Agency is classifying the device into class II (special controls) in order to
      provide a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness of the device.

PMID- 27658315
TI  - Clinical Trials Registration and Results Information Submission. Final rule.
AB  - This final rule details the requirements for submitting registration and summary
      results information, including adverse event information, for specified clinical
      trials of drug products (including biological products) and device products and
      for pediatric postmarket surveillances of a device product to ClinicalTrials.gov,
      the clinical trial registry and results data bank operated by the National
      Library of Medicine (NLM) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This rule
      provides for the expanded registry and results data bank specified in Title VIII
      of the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007 (FDAAA) to help
      patients find trials for which they might be eligible, enhance the design of
      clinical trials and prevent duplication of unsuccessful or unsafe trials, improve
      the evidence base that informs clinical care, increase the efficiency of drug and
      device development processes, improve clinical research practice, and build
      public trust in clinical research. The requirements apply to the responsible
      party (meaning the sponsor or designated principal investigator) for certain
      clinical trials of drug products (including biological products) and device
      products that are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and for
      pediatric postmarket surveillances of a device product that are ordered by FDA.

PMID- 27658316
TI  - Medical Devices; Ophthalmic Devices; Classification of Strabismus   Detection
      Device. Final order.
AB  - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is classifying the strabismus detection
      device into class II (special controls). The special controls that will apply to
      the device are identified in this order and will be part of the codified language
      for the strabismus detection device's classification. The Agency is classifying
      the device into class II (special controls) in order to provide a reasonable
      assurance of safety and effectiveness of the device.

PMID- 27658318
TI  - Rab11 and phosphoinositides: A synergy of signal transducers in the control of
      vesicular trafficking.
AB  - Rab11 and phosphoinositides are signal transducers able to direct the delivery of
      membrane components to the cell surface. Rab11 is a small GTPase that, by cycling
      from an active to an inactive state, controls key events of vesicular transport,
      while phosphoinositides are major determinants of membrane identity, modulating
      compartmentalized small GTPase function. By sharing common effectors, these two
      signal transducers synergistically direct vesicular traffic to specific
      intracellular membranes. This review focuses on the latest advances regarding the
      mechanisms that ensure the compartmentalized regulation of Rab11 function through
      its interaction with phosphoinositides.

PMID- 27658320
TI  - Development of a novel physico-chemically and microbiologically stable oral
      solution of flecainide for pediatrics.
AB  - There is as yet no commercialized preparation for oral administration of
      flecainide acetate (FA) to children. In such cases, manipulation of commercial
      tablets is the usual practice in pharmacy services of hospitals and compounding
      pharmacies, to provide a suitable dosage form for this vulnerable pediatric
      population group. In this study, we have formulated FA as an oral solution, as an
      alternative to the suspension elaborated from commercial tablets. Due to this
      sensitivity of young patients, we have used the pure active pharmaceutical
      ingredient (API) and the lowest permitted levels of pediatric excipients. Despite
      being a highly soluble API, only one of the formulations appears as a transparent
      solution due to complete FA solubilization. The proposed formulation is physico
      chemically and microbiologically stable and the mass and dose uniformity is
      appropriate for 30 days' storage at 25  degrees C.

PMID- 27658319
TI  - Nitric oxide synthase in plants: Where do we stand?
AB  - Over the past twenty years, nitric oxide (NO) has emerged as an important player
      in various plant physiological processes. Although many advances in the
      understanding of NO functions have been made, the question of how NO is produced
      in plants is still challenging. It is now generally accepted that the endogenous
      production of NO is mainly accomplished through the reduction of nitrite via both
      enzymatic and non-enzymatic mechanisms which remain to be fully characterized.
      Furthermore, experimental arguments in favour of the existence of plant nitric
      oxide synthase (NOS)-like enzymes have been reported. However, recent
      investigations revealed that land plants do not possess animal NOS-like enzymes
      while few algal species do. Phylogenetic and structural analyses reveals
      interesting features specific to algal NOS-like proteins.

PMID- 27658321
TI  - The new era of postgraduate certified general practice training in Japan.
AB  - This paper describes the background to, and the recent evolution of general
      practice as a recognised medical specialism in Japan (2015), and the evolution of
      a system of training to support this development. We, the general practitioners
      (GPs) in Japan have not been recognised as one body of medical specialists and
      have been training in our own way. A new certified training system will commence
      in 2018, authorised by a new third organisation, the Japanese Medical Specialty
      Board. An effective educational system has been developed for medical graduates
      that have a career intention in general practice that is distinct from other
      basic medical fields, but collaborates with them. A challenge exists to provide
      clarity to the Japanese population about what the specialty of general practice
      is, and what professionals in general practice can do for them. Japan currently
      has approximately 500 certified GPs and it is unclear at present what numbers
      will eventually be required. This paper reviews some of the challenges facing the
      development of general practice from the perspective of the Japan Primary Care
      Association.

PMID- 27658323
TI  - RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, 2-ethyl-1-butanol, CAS Registry
      Number 97-95-0.
AB  - The use of this material under current conditions is supported by existing
      information. This material was evaluated for genotoxicity, repeated dose
      toxicity, developmental and reproductive toxicity, local respiratory toxicity,
      phototoxicity/photoallergenicity, skin sensitization, as well as environmental
      safety. Data from the suitable read across analog 2-ethylhexanol (CAS # 104-76-7)
      show that this material is not genotoxic. Data from the suitable read across
      analog isopropyl alcohol (CAS # 67-63-0) show that this material does not have
      skin sensitization potential. The local respiratory toxicity endpoint was
      completed using the TTC (Threshold of Toxicological Concern) for a Cramer Class I
      material (1.4 mg/day). The repeated dose toxicity endpoint was completed using 2
      ethylhexanol (CAS # 104-76-7) and 1-heptanol, 2-propyl (CAS # 10042-59-8) as
      suitable read across analogs, which provided a MOE > 100. The developmental and
      reproductive toxicity endpoint was completed using 2-ethyl-hexanol (CAS # 104-76
      7) and isobutyl alcohol (CAS # 78-83-1) as suitable read across analogs, which
      provided a MOE > 100. The phototoxicity/photoallergenicity endpoint was completed
      based on suitable UV spectra. The environmental endpoint was completed as
      described in the RIFM Framework.

PMID- 27658324
TI  - Oxidative stress in rat brain but not in liver following oral administration of a
      low dose of nanoparticulate silver.
AB  - While it is known that silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) can enter the brain, our
      knowledge of AgNP-induced neurotoxicity remains incomplete. We investigated the
      ability of 10 nm citrate-stabilized AgNPs to generate oxidative stress in brain
      and liver of adult male Wistar rats after repeated oral exposure for 14 days,
      using a low dose of 0.2 mg/kg b.w. as compared with the same dose of ionic silver
      (silver citrate). In AgNP-exposed animals, the level of reactive oxygen species
      (ROS), lipid peroxidation (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity were
      found to be significantly higher in brain relative to the control group receiving
      saline. Administration of ionic silver (silver citrate) increased ROS and MDA
      levels in both tissues. Activities of GPx in brain so as superoxide dismutase
      (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in liver of exposed animals were also elevated. Besides,
      AgNPs and silver ions were both found to cause statistically significant decrease
      in the reduced-to-oxidized glutathione ratio (GSH/GSSG) in brain. The results
      show that exposure to a very low dose of particulate silver generates mild
      oxidative stress in the brain but not in the liver of rats, indicating a role of
      oxidative stress in AgNP-induced neurotoxicity.

PMID- 27658322
TI  - The risk of chronic kidney disease and mortality are increased after community
      acquired acute kidney injury.
AB  - We investigated whether community-acquired acute kidney injury encountered in a
      tertiary hospital emergency department setting increases the risk of chronic
      kidney disease (CKD) and mortality, and whether plasma biomarkers could improve
      the prediction of those adverse outcomes. In a prospective cohort study, we
      enrolled 616 patients at admission to the emergency department and followed them
      for a median of 62.1 months. Within this cohort, 130 patients were adjudicated as
      having acute kidney injury, 159 transient azotemia, 15 stable CKD, and 312 normal
      renal function. Serum cystatin C and plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated
      lipocalin (NGAL) were measured at index admission. After adjusting for clinical
      variables, the risk of developing CKD stage 3, as well as the risk of death, were
      increased in the acute kidney injury group (hazard ratio [HR], 5.7 [95%
      confidence interval, 3.8-8.7] and HR, 1.9 [95% confidence interval, 1.3-2.8],
      respectively). The addition of serum cystatin C increased the ability to predict
      the risk of developing CKD stage 3, and death (HR, 1.5 [1.1-2.0] and 1.6 [1.1
      2.3], respectively). The addition of plasma NGAL resulted in no improvement in
      predicting CKD stage 3 or mortality (HR, 1.0 [0.7-1.5] and 1.2 [0.8-1.8],
      respectively). The risk of developing CKD stage 3 was also significantly
      increased in the transient azotemia group (HR, 2.4 [1.5-3.6]). Thus, an episode
      of community acquired acute kidney injury markedly increases the risk of CKD, and
      moderately increases the risk of death. Our findings highlight the importance of
      follow-up of patients with community acquired acute kidney injury, for potential
      early initiation of renal protective strategies.

PMID- 27658325
TI  - Cyto-genotoxicity and oxidative stress induced by zinc oxide nanoparticle in
      human lymphocyte cells in vitro and Swiss albino male mice in vivo.
AB  - ZnO-np has immense potential and application in cosmetic and health care sectors.
      Hence it was imperative to assess the toxicity/safety of these nanoparticles. In
      this study, we have evaluated the effects of ZnO-np in human peripheral blood
      mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in vitro and in Swiss albino male mice in vivo for cyto
      genotoxicity and oxidative damage. In vitro results showed that ZnO-nps were
      weakly genotoxic, induced significant decrease in mitochondrial membrane
      potential and was capable of ROS generation, leading to apoptosis. In bone marrow
      cells in vivo, reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), increased
      oxidative stress and G0/G1 cell cycle arrest was observed along with chromosome
      aberrations and micronuclei formation. In liver cells DNA damage and induction of
      oxidative stress with concurrent decrease in inhibition of antioxidant enzymes
      were noted. These in vitro and in vivo results demonstrated that ZnO-np induced
      genotoxic response and ROS production leading to apoptotic cell death and
      established a good co-relation between the two biological systems. More
      importantly, the results stress on the need of multiple endpoint assay
      approaches, with an in vitro-in vivo study design to assess nanoparticle
      toxicology.

PMID- 27658326
TI  - Acute vanishing bile duct syndrome after the use of ibuprofen.
AB  - We present a case report of a 7-year-old patient who developed toxic epidermal
      necrolysis (TEN) and vanishing bile duct syndrome (VBDS) after oral ibuprofen
      intake. Acute VBDS is a rare disease with unknown aetiology, often presenting
      with progressive loss of the intrahepatic biliary tract. TEN is an immune complex
      mediated hypersensitivity reaction involving the skin and mucosa, which is
      induced by drugs or infectious diseases, sometimes leading to systemic symptoms.
      The patient in this case report was treated with supportive care, a steroid and
      ursodeoxycholic acid, with complete recovery observed by the end of the 8th
      month. This case report suggests that ibuprofen can cause acute vanishing duct
      syndrome.

PMID- 27658327
TI  - Liver research in the International Space Station.

PMID- 27658328
TI  - A case of hepatic portal venous gas after colonoscopy.
AB  - Hepatic portal venous gas (HPVG) is a rare radiologic finding that is usually
      precipitated by intestinal ischaemia, intra-abdominal abscesses, necrotising
      enterocolitis, abdominal trauma, infectious enteritis, and inflammatory bowel
      disease. In this study, we present a case of HPVG in a 66-year-old female patient
      who underwent colonoscopy for evaluation of haematochezia and a review of the
      literature focused on HPVG following colonoscopy.

PMID- 27658329
TI  - What Do Patients Tweet About Their Mammography Experience?
AB  - RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate themes related
      to patients' experience in undergoing mammography, as expressed on Twitter.
      METHODS: A total of 464 tweets from July to December 2015 containing the hashtag
      #mammogram and relating to a patient's experience in undergoing mammography were
      reviewed. RESULTS: Of the tweets, 45.5% occurred before the mammogram compared to
      49.6% that occurred afterward (remainder of tweets indeterminate). However, in
      patients undergoing their first mammogram, 32.8% occurred before the examination,
      whereas in those undergoing follow-up mammogram, 53.0% occurred before the
      examination. Identified themes included breast compression (24.4%), advising
      other patients to undergo screening (23.9%), recognition of the health importance
      of the examination (18.8%), the act of waiting (10.1%), relief regarding results
      (9.7%), reflection that the examination was not that bad (9.1%), generalized
      apprehension regarding the examination (8.2%), interactions with staff (8.0%),
      the gown (5.0%), examination costs or access (3.4%), offering or reaching out for
      online support from other patients (3.2%), perception of screening as a sign of
      aging (2.4%), and the waiting room or waiting room amenities (1.3%). Of the
      tweets, 31.9% contained humor, of which 56.1% related to compression. Themes that
      were more common in patients undergoing their first, rather than follow-up,
      mammogram included breast compression (16.4% vs 9.1%, respectively) and that the
      test was not that bad (26.2% vs 7.6%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Online social
      media provides a platform for women to share their experiences and reactions in
      undergoing mammography, including humor, positive reflections, and encouragement
      of others to undergo the examination. Social media thus warrants further
      evaluation as a potential tool to help foster greater adherence to screening
      guidelines.

PMID- 27658331
TI  - Terminal QRS distortion is present in anterior myocardial infarction but absent
      in early repolarization.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early repolarization (ER) and acute left anterior descending artery
      occlusion (LADO) may be difficult to distinguish. Terminal QRS distortion
      (TQRSD), defined by the absence of both an S wave and J wave in either of leads
      V2 or V3, is often present in anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial
      infarction. We hypothesized that this finding would always be absent in ER.
      METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of electrocardiograms (ECGs) of
      consecutive patients who presented to the emergency department with ischemic
      symptoms and had a cardiologist interpretation of "benign ER" on the initial
      emergency department ECG. All ECGs were scrutinized for the presence of an S wave
      and a J wave in leads V2 and V3. Differences in S-wave amplitudes between
      complexes with and without J waves were analyzed using nonparametric Mann-Whitney
      testing and confidence intervals around a proportion. RESULTS: One hundred
      seventy-one patients were identified with benign ER. Zero of 171 had TQRSD
      (specificity for LADO, 100%; 95% confidence interval, 97.8-100). In lead V2, S
      waves were absent in only 1 of 171 ECGs; however, in that ECG, a J wave measuring
      0.5 mm was present. In lead V3, S waves were absent in 16 ECGs, but all of these
      ECGs had J waves. When J waves were absent in leads V2 or V3, the corresponding S
      waves were deeper than S waves in QRS complexes with J waves. CONCLUSION:
      Terminal QRS distortion was never observed in benign ER. Based on previous
      studies indicating the presence of TQRSD in LADO, it was, thus, 100% specific to
      LADO when the differential diagnosis was acute myocardial infarction vs ER.

PMID- 27658330
TI  - SYNTAX Score Derived From Coronary CT Angiography for Prediction of Complex
      Percutaneous Coronary Interventions.
AB  - RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: SYNTAX score is a useful metric determined at the time
      of invasive coronary angiography (ICA) to assess the complexity of coronary
      artery disease, and improves prediction of complications at the time of
      percutaneous complex intervention (PCI). We aimed to determine whether SYNTAX
      score can be reliably determined from coronary computed tomography angiography
      (CCTA) and whether a CCTA-derived SYNTAX score can predict complex PCI. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: SYNTAX scores were calculated on per-patient, per-vessel, and per
      segment basis in 154 consecutive patients who underwent CCTA and ICA. PCI
      complexity in 113 patients who underwent intervention was defined by total
      fluoroscopy time and contrast volume. RESULTS: Compared to ICA, CCTA detected 285
      of 302 (94%) obstructive lesions in 230 vessels, for which PCI was performed for
      154 lesions in 131 vessels. Overall, on a per-patient basis, ICA-derived SYNTAX
      score was lower in comparison to CCTA-derived score (10.2 +/- 8.0 vs 10.9 +/-
      8.3, P = 0.001). As compared to lesions in the lowest CCTA-derived segmental
      SYNTAX tertile, lesions in the highest tertile required longer fluoroscopy time
      (17.5 +/- 12 min vs 11.5 +/- 7.9 min, P = 0.01) and greater contrast volume
      (215.4 +/- 125.5 mL vs 144.3 +/- 49 mL, P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: SYNTAX scores
      derived from CCTA are concordant with those derived from ICA and correspond with
      complex PCI.

PMID- 27658332
TI  - Prehospital therapeutic hypothermia after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a
      systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The effectiveness and safety of the infusion of ice-cold fluids for
      prehospital hypothermia in cardiac arrest victims are unclear. This study
      assessed its effects in adult victims of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. METHODS:
      An online search of PubMed and Cochrane Library databases was performed. Cooling
      methods were limited to ice-cold fluid perfusion. Randomized controlled trials
      were included in this review. The main outcomes were body temperature at hospital
      arrival, survival to hospital discharge, neurological recovery, incidence of
      pulmonary edema, and the rate of rearrest. RESULTS: Among 1155 citations, 5
      studies were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled analysis of these studies
      revealed no differences in survival to hospital discharge, favorable neurological
      outcomes, and incidence of pulmonary edema between the treatment group and
      control group. There were significant differences in body temperature at hospital
      arrival (I2 = 0.0%, chi2 = 2.58, MD = -0.760, 95% confidence interval = -0.938 to
      -0.581, P < .001) and the rate of rearrest (I2 = 0.0%, chi2 = 0.69, 95%
      confidence interval = 1.109 to 1.479, P = .031). CONCLUSIONS: Prehospital
      therapeutic hypothermia induced by intravenous infusion of ice-cold fluids in
      patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest decreased body temperature at
      hospital arrival but did not improve survival to hospital discharge and favorable
      neurological outcomes. Ice-cold fluid infusion did not increase the incidence of
      pulmonary edema but increased the incidence of rearrests.

PMID- 27658333
TI  - STEMI in a young female? Consider spontaneous peripartum coronary artery
      dissection.

PMID- 27658334
TI  - Sexual enhancer-induced vision loss.

PMID- 27658335
TI  - In search of the optimal Valsalva maneuver position for the treatment of
      supraventricular tachycardia.

PMID- 27658336
TI  - A Review of Singing Voice Subsystem Interactions-Toward an Extended Physiological
      Model of "Support".
AB  - During phonation, the respiratory, the phonatory, and the resonatory parts of the
      voice organ can interact, where physiological action in one subsystem elicits a
      direct effect in another. Here, three major subsystems of these synergies are
      reviewed, creating a model of voice subsystem interactions: (1) Vocal tract
      adjustments can influence the behavior of the voice source via nonlinear source
      tract interactions; (2) The type and degree of vocal fold adduction controls the
      expiratory airflow rate; and (3) The tracheal pull caused by the respiratory
      system affects the vertical larynx position and thus the vocal tract resonances.
      The relevance of the presented model is discussed, suggesting, among others, that
      functional voice building work concerned with a particular voice subsystem may
      evoke side effects or benefits on other subsystems, even when having a clearly
      defined and isolated physiological target. Finally, four seemingly incongruous
      historic definitions of the concept of singing voice "support" are evaluated,
      showing how each of these pertain to different voice subsystems at various levels
      of detail. It is argued that presumed discrepancies between these definitions can
      be resolved by putting them into the wider context of the subsystem interaction
      model presented here, thus offering a framework for reviewing and potentially
      refining some current and historical pedagogical approaches.

PMID- 27658337
TI  - Effect of Performance Time of the Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract Exercises in
      Dysphonic Children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to verify the effects of execution time on auditory
      perceptual and acoustic responses in children with dysphonia completing straw
      phonation exercises. STUDY DESIGN: A randomized, prospective, comparative intra
      subject study design was used. METHODS: Twenty-seven children, ranging from 5 to
      10 years of age, diagnosed with vocal cord nodules or cysts, were enrolled in the
      study. All subjects included in the Experimental Group were also included in the
      Control Group which involved complete voice rest. Sustained vowels
      (/a/e/epsilon/e/) counting from 1 to 10 were recorded before the exercises (m0)
      and then again after the first (m1), third (m3), fifth (m5), and seventh (m7)
      minutes of straw phonation exercises. The recordings were randomized and
      presented to five speech therapists, who evaluated vocal quality based on the
      Grade Roughness Breathiness Asthenia/Strain Instability scale. For acoustic
      analysis, fundamental frequency, jitter, shimmer, glottal to noise excitation
      ratio, and noise parameters were analyzed. RESULTS: Reduced roughness,
      breathiness, and noise measurements as well as increased glottal to noise
      excitation ratio were observed in the Experimental Group after 3 minutes of
      exercise. Reduced grade of dysphonia and breathiness were noted after 5 minutes.
      CONCLUSION: The ideal duration of straw phonation in children with dysphonia is
      from 3 to 5 minutes.

PMID- 27658338
TI  - Assessment of Grade of Dysphonia and Correlation With Quality of Life Protocol.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study is to check the correlation between
      vocal self-assessment and results of the Voice-Related Quality of Life (V-RQOL)
      protocol, and whether there is a correlation between perceptual vocal assessment
      made by voice therapists and the results from the V-RQOL protocol. STUDY DESIGN:
      The study included 245 subjects with vocal complaints. This was a prospective
      analytical clinical study. METHODS: Vocal perceptual assessment of each subject
      with dysphonia was made by three voice therapists, followed by self-assessment
      made by the subjects themselves, and the application of the V-RQOL protocol.
      RESULTS: The results have shown poor level of agreement between vocal assessment
      made by the voice therapists and self-assessment made by the subjects. The
      statistical analysis indicated that the results of V-RQOL protocol showed
      significant correlation with the vocal assessment made by the voice therapists
      and the self-assessment by the subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The agreement between the
      assessments was low and variable; age, gender, professional voice use, and
      clinical laryngoscopic diagnosis did not influence the agreement level. Protocol
      V-RQOL is sensitive to vocal assessment made by the voice therapists and self
      assessment made by the patient.

PMID- 27658339
TI  - Data Collection of Infant Cries for Research and Analysis.
AB  - Analysis of infants cries may help in identifying the needs of infants such as
      hunger, pain, sickness, etc and thereby develop a tool or possible mobile
      application that can help the parents in monitoring the needs of their infant.
      Analysis of cries of infants who are suffering from neurologic disorders and
      severe diseases, which can later on result in motor and mental handicap, may
      prove helpful in early diagnosis of pathologies and protect infants from such
      disorders. The development of an infant cry corpus is necessary for the analysis
      of infant cries and for the development of infant cry tools. Infant cry database
      is not available commercially for research, which limits the scope of research in
      this area. Because the cry characteristics changes with many factors such as
      reason for crying, infant's health and weight, age, etc, care is required while
      designing a corpus for a particular research application of infant cry analysis
      and classification. In this paper, the ideal characteristics of the corpus are
      proposed along with factors influencing infant cry characteristics, and
      experiences during data collection are shared. This study may help other
      researchers to build an infant cry corpus for their specific problem of study.
      Justification of the proposed characteristics is also given along with suitable
      examples.

PMID- 27658340
TI  - Very late relapse in a patient with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) rescued
      with a chemotherapy-free protocol.

PMID- 27658341
TI  - Hypoadiponectinemia, elevated iron and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels
      and their relation with prostate size in benign prostatic hyperplasia.
AB  - Elevated iron, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) and hypoadiponectinemia
      are known to initiate tumour development. There is paucity of data regarding the
      above-mentioned parameters and their relation with prostate size in benign
      prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The present study was designed to assess the levels
      of iron, hs-CRP and adiponectin levels and their association with prostate size
      in BPH patients. A total of 37 BPH cases and 36 controls were enrolled in the
      study. Iron, hs-CRP and adiponectin were estimated in both the groups. Iron and
      hs-CRP were significantly increased and adiponectin was significantly reduced in
      BPH cases when compared with controls. Iron (r = .397, p = .015), hs-CRP (r =
      .341, p = .039) and adiponectin (r = -.464, p = .004) were significantly
      associated with prostate size in BPH cases. Multivariate linear regression
      analysis showed that iron acts as predictor of prostate size in BPH (R2  = 0.395,
      beta = 0.526, p = .001). We conclude that iron and hs-CRP are elevated and
      adiponectin is reduced in BPH cases and associated with prostate size.

PMID- 27658342
TI  - Growth, productivity, and relative extinction risk of a data-sparse devil ray.
AB  - Devil rays (Mobula spp.) face intensifying fishing pressure to meet the ongoing
      international demand for gill plates. The paucity of information on growth,
      mortality, and fishing effort for devil rays make quantifying population growth
      rates and extinction risk challenging. Furthermore, unlike manta rays (Manta
      spp.), devil rays have not been listed on CITES. Here, we use a published size-at
      age dataset for the Spinetail Devil Ray (Mobula japanica), to estimate somatic
      growth rates, age at maturity, maximum age, and natural and fishing mortality. We
      then estimate a plausible distribution of the maximum intrinsic population growth
      rate (rmax) and compare it to 95 other chondrichthyans. We find evidence that
      larger devil ray species have low somatic growth rate, low annual reproductive
      output, and low maximum population growth rates, suggesting they have low
      productivity. Fishing rates of a small-scale artisanal Mexican fishery were
      comparable to our estimate of rmax, and therefore probably unsustainable. Devil
      ray rmax is very similar to that of manta rays, indicating devil rays can
      potentially be driven to local extinction at low levels of fishing mortality and
      that a similar degree of protection for both groups is warranted.

PMID- 27658343
TI  - No detectable resistance to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in HBeAg+ and HBeAg-
      patients with chronic hepatitis B after 8 years of treatment.
AB  - A major hurdle in the long-term treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients
      is to maintain viral suppression in the absence of drug resistance. To date, no
      evidence of resistance to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) has been observed.
      A cumulative evaluation of CHB patients who qualified for resistance surveillance
      over 8 years of TDF treatment was conducted. Patients in studies GS-US-174-0102
      (HBeAg-) and GS-US-174-0103 (HBeAg+) were randomized 2:1 to receive TDF or
      adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) for 48 weeks followed by open-label TDF through year 8.
      Population sequencing of HBV pol/RT was attempted for all TDF-treated patients at
      baseline and, annually if viremic, at discontinuation, or with addition of
      emtricitabine. Overall, 88/641 (13.7%) patients qualified for sequence analysis
      at one or more time points. The percentage of patients qualifying for sequence
      analysis declined over time, from 9 to 11% in years 1-2 to <4% over years 3-8.
      Forty-one episodes of virologic breakthrough (VB) occurred throughout the study,
      with most (n=29, 70%) associated with nonadherence to study medication. Fifty
      nine per cent of VB patients with an opportunity to resuppress HBV achieved HBV
      DNA resuppression. A minority of patients who qualified for sequencing had
      polymorphic (41/165, 24.8%) or conserved (17/165, 10.3%) site changes in pol/RT,
      with six patients developing lamivudine and/or ADV resistance-associated
      mutations. No accumulation of conserved site changes was detected. The long-term
      treatment of CHB with TDF monotherapy maintains effective suppression of HBV DNA
      through 8 years, with no evidence of TDF resistance or accumulation of conserved
      site changes.

PMID- 27658344
TI  - Transfusion medicine in the Formosa Fun Coast water park explosion: The role of
      combined tissue and blood banking.
AB  - The Formosa Fun Coast explosion, occurring in a recreational water park located
      in the Northern Taiwan on 27 June 2015, made 499 people burn-injured. For those
      who had severe burn trauma, surgical intervention and fluid resuscitation were
      necessary, and potential blood transfusion therapy could be initiated, especially
      during and after broad escharotomy. Here, we reviewed the literature regarding
      transfusion medicine and skin grafting as well as described the practicing
      experience of combined tissue and blood bank in the burn disaster in Taiwan. It
      was reported that patients who were severely burn-injured could receive multiple
      blood transfusions during hospitalization. Since the use of skin graft became a
      mainstay alternative for wound coverage after the early debridement of burn
      wounds at the beginning of the 20th century, the development of tissue banking
      program was initiated. In Taiwan, the tissue banking program was started in 2006.
      And the first combined tissue and blood bank was established in Far Eastern
      Memorial Hospital in 2010, equipped with the non-sterile, clean and sterile zones
      distinctly segregated with a unidirectional movement in the sterile area. The
      sterile zone was a class 10000 clean room equipped with high efficiency
      particulate air filter (HEPAF) and positive air pressure ventilation. The
      combined tissue and blood bank has been able to provide the assigned blood
      products and tissue graft timely and accurately, with the concepts of centralized
      management. In the future, the training of tissue and blood bank technicians
      would be continued and fortified, particularly on the regulation and quality
      control for further bio- and hemovigilance.

PMID- 27658345
TI  - Biography of Professor Hitoshi Ohto, the Invited Editor for this Theme, Disasters
      and Blood Transfusion.

PMID- 27658346
TI  - Pharmacological characterization of a series of aryl-sulfonamide derivatives that
      potently and selectively inhibit monoacylglycerol acyltransferase 2.
AB  - Monoacylglycerol acyltransferase (MGAT) 2 is an endoplasmic reticulum membrane
      enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of diacylglycerol (DAG) from fatty acyl-CoA
      and monoacylglycerol as substrates. It is important for the resynthesis of
      triacylglycerol in the intestine. We have identified a series of aryl-sulfonamide
      MGAT2 inhibitors and demonstrated pharmacological inhibition of MGAT2 improved
      hyperlipidemia, obesity, and diabetes in animal models. However, its mechanism of
      action has not been elucidated in molecular and cellular levels. In the present
      study, we have characterized a series of aryl-sulfonamide derivatives that
      potently and selectively inhibit human MGAT2 and determined their pharmacological
      profiles. Analyses on the molecular mechanism of a representative aryl
      sulfonamide MGAT2 inhibitor revealed a reversible inhibitory activity and a
      binding activity to MGAT2. The aryl-sulfonamide derivatives exhibited potent
      inhibitory activities against both human and mouse intestinal MGAT activities,
      which were correlated to those determined using recombinant human and mouse MGAT
      enzymes. We have developed a cellular assay using Liquid Chromatography-Mass
      Spectrometry and confirmed that the aryl-sulfonamide derivatives suppressed DAG
      synthesis in the cellular context. We have thus elucidated their pharmacological
      profiles and provided the fundamental clues for understanding the molecular and
      cellular actions of the aryl-sulfonamide MGAT2 inhibitors.

PMID- 27658347
TI  - Effect of D609 on the expression of GADD45beta protein: Potential inhibitory role
      in the growth of glioblastoma cancer stem like cells.
AB  - GADD45beta (Growth Arrest and DNA Damage inducible protein) is a stress activated
      protein which plays an important role in regulating apoptosis, proliferation, DNA
      repair and potentially may have a role in cancer. In this study we examined the
      role of anti-oxidative stress on the expression of GADD45beta in glioma stem-like
      cells (GSC). We show that patient derived GSCs have high survival in the absence
      of exogenous growth factors. Addition of D609 (Tricyclodecan-9-yl-xanthogenate),
      a known anti-oxidative compound, to GSCs reduced the cellular ATP content with
      significant effects observed when GSCs were cultured in growth factor free
      medium. D609 exposure also resulted in a decrease in the protein and an increase
      in mRNA of GADD45beta with a concomitant decline in the survival of cells.
      However, under similar conditions the phosphorylation of p38 MAP kinase (stress
      activated MAP kinase), a downstream target of GADD45beta, was significantly
      enhanced in response to D609. Therefore it appears that GADD45beta might play a
      role in glioma stem cell survival and that p38 MAP kinase may not be directly
      activated by GADD45beta. Together these observations suggest that anti-oxidative
      compounds like D609 can target GADD45beta which may be one strategy to curtail
      the growth of glioma stem like cells.

PMID- 27658348
TI  - Mediation of self-regulation and mood in the relationship of changes in high
      emotional eating and nutritional behaviors: Moderating effects of physical
      activity.
AB  - High emotional eating (EE) is prevalent in women with obesity. A previous study's
      subsample of obese women classified as high emotional eaters participated in
      either a physical activity-focused experimental (n = 29) or an educationally
      focused comparison (n = 22) behavioral treatment and was assessed over phases of
      expected weight loss (baseline-month 6) and short- and long-term regain (months 6
      12 and 6-24, respectively). The study's aim was to assess theory-based
      psychological and behavioral mediation and moderation of changes in nutritional
      behaviors via emotional eating change in order to inform behavioral weight-loss
      treatments. During the weight-loss phase, significant improvements in eating self
      regulation and mood significantly mediated the relationship of reduced EE and
      intake of both fruits and vegetables (FV) and sweets. Self-regulation was a
      significant independent mediator. Physical activity significantly moderated the
      relationship between EE and self-regulation changes. All variables demonstrated
      large positive effects and significant time * group interactions favoring the
      experimental group. During the short and long-term phases of expected weight
      regain, there were no significant changes in FV intake, although consumption of
      sweets significantly increased during months 6-24. Change in FV and sweets
      significantly predicted weight change, which was significantly greater in the
      experimental vs. comparison group over both the initial 6 months (-6.1% vs. 
      2.6%) and full 24 months of the study (-7.6% vs. -1.3%). Findings suggest that
      behavioral treatments should address EE through improvements in self-regulation
      and mood, and supported physical activity will aid in that process. The need for
      an improved understanding of weight-loss maintenance remains.

PMID- 27658349
TI  - A quantum approach to homomorphic encryption.
AB  - Encryption schemes often derive their power from the properties of the underlying
      algebra on the symbols used. Inspired by group theoretic tools, we use the
      centralizer of a subgroup of operations to present a private-key quantum
      homomorphic encryption scheme that enables a broad class of quantum computation
      on encrypted data. The quantum data is encoded on bosons of distinct species in
      distinct spatial modes, and the quantum computations are manipulations of these
      bosons in a manner independent of their species. A particular instance of our
      encoding hides up to a constant fraction of the information encrypted. This
      fraction can be made arbitrarily close to unity with overhead scaling only
      polynomially in the message length. This highlights the potential of our protocol
      to hide a non-trivial amount of information, and is suggestive of a large class
      of encodings that might yield better security.

PMID- 27658350
TI  - Nail involvement as a negative prognostic factor in biological therapy for
      psoriasis: a retrospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Psoriasis (Pso) has a strong impact on quality of life and a positive
      association has been reported between nail psoriasis (NP) and more severe
      disease, together with a longer duration of skin lesions. The treatment of NP
      represents a challenge and biological therapy can be recommended for severe
      disease. OBJECTIVE: The first end point of this retrospective study was to
      evaluate the time to achieve Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) 75 in patients
      with and without NP treated with biological therapy. The second end point was to
      evaluate the efficacy of biological therapy to improve NP. METHODS: A total of
      127 patients (88 men and 39 women) with moderate to severe Pso referring to our
      Service between 2007 and 2014 were included. Inclusion criteria were age >=18
      years and a 24 week treatment. The outcome variable was achievement of PASI 75 at
      24 weeks with and without NP. All patients were treated with topical therapy and
      one of four different biological treatments: adalimumab (44.09%), etanercept
      (18.11%), infliximab (13.39%) and ustekinumab (24.41%). Physical examinations
      were performed every 4 weeks, and at each visit, the clinician assessed the PASI
      and Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI). RESULTS: At multivariate Cox
      regression analysis, a smaller proportion of patients with NP achieved PASI 75 at
      24 weeks than patients without NP when adjusted for the epidemiological, clinical
      features and biological treatment received. With all biological drugs, the NAPSI
      score began to improve already after 8 weeks (from 18.53 at week 0-2.83 at week
      24). CONCLUSION: Patients with NP reach PASI 75 more slowly than patients without
      NP. Clinicians should therefore consider that treatment with a biological agent
      may require a longer period before reaching a satisfying therapeutical goal.
      Nevertheless, adalimumab, infliximab, ustekinumab and etanercept demonstrated
      their equal effectiveness in reducing the NAPSI score.

PMID- 27658352
TI  - Contemporary evidence-based practice in Canadian emergency medical services: a
      vision for integrating evidence into clinical and policy decision-making.
AB  - Nationally, emphasis on the importance of evidence-based practice (EBP) in
      emergency medicine and emergency medical services (EMS) has continuously
      increased. However, meaningful incorporation of effective and sustainable EBP
      into clinical and administrative decision-making remains a challenge. We propose
      a vision for EBP in EMS: Canadian EMS clinicians and leaders will understand and
      use the best available evidence for clinical and administrative decision-making,
      to improve patient health outcomes, the capability and quality of EMS systems of
      care, and safety of patients and EMS professionals. This vision can be
      implemented with the use of a structure, process, system, and outcome taxonomy to
      identify current barriers to true EBP, to recognize the opportunities that exist,
      and propose corresponding recommended strategies for local EMS agencies and at
      the national level. Framing local and national discussions with this approach
      will be useful for developing a cohesive and collaborative Canadian EBP strategy.

PMID- 27658351
TI  - The brain, obesity and addiction: an EEG neuroimaging study.
AB  - Obesity is among the greatest challenges facing healthcare systems with 20% of
      the world's population afflicted. Great controversy exists whether obesity can be
      regarded as an addictive disorder or not. Recently the Yale Food Addiction Scale
      questionnaire has been developed as a tool to identify individuals with traits of
      addiction towards food. Using clinical and source localized EEG data we
      dichotomize obesity. Brain activity in food-addicted and non-food-addicted obese
      people is compared to alcohol-addicted and non-addicted lean controls. We show
      that food addiction shares common neural brain activity with alcohol addiction.
      This 'addiction neural brain activity' consists of the dorsal and pregenual
      anterior cingulate cortex, parahippocampal area and precuneus. Furthermore,
      common neural obesity neural brain activity exists as well. The 'obesity neural
      brain activity' consists of dorsal and pregenual anterior cingulate cortex,
      posterior cingulate extending into the precuneus/cuneus as well as the
      parahippocampal and inferior parietal area. However food-addicted differ from non
      food-addicted obese people by opposite activity in the anterior cingulate gyrus.
      This food addiction and non-food-addiction obesity dichotomy demonstrates there
      is at least 2 different kinds of obesity with overlapping network activity, but
      different in anterior cingulate cortex activity.

PMID- 27658353
TI  - Mangiferin: A review of sources and interventions for biological activities.
AB  - Xanthones are naturally synthesized in various biological systems such as plants,
      lichens, and fungi and are stored as by-products. In addition to taxonomic
      significance they are also important in the treatment/management of a number of
      human disorders. Mangiferin and its derived lead molecule have never qualified
      for use in a clinical trial despite a number of pharmacological studies that have
      proven its effectiveness as an antioxidant, analgesic, antidiabetic,
      antiproliferative, chemopreventive, radioprotective, cardiotonic,
      immunomodulatory, and diuretic. For centuries in the traditional practice of
      medicine in India and China the use of plants containing mangiferin has been a
      major component for disease management and health benefits. While it resembles
      biflavones, the C-glucosyl xanthone (mangiferin) has great nutritional and
      medicinal significance due to its unique structural characteristics. The C
      glycoside link of mangiferin, mimicked to nucleophilic phloroglucinol
      substitution, facilitates its bioavailability and also is responsible for its
      antioxidant properties. Researchers have also utilized its xanthonic framework
      for both pharmacophoric backbone and for its use as a substitution group for
      synthesis and prospects. To date more than 500 derivatives using about 80
      reactions have been generated. These reactions include: lipid peroxidation,
      phosphorylation, glycosylation, methylation, fermentation, deglycosylation,
      hydrolysis, polymerization, sulfation, acylation, etherification, peroxidation
      among others. Multiple studies on efficacy and safety have increased the global
      demand of mangiferin-based food supplements. This review highlights the
      distribution of mangiferin in plants, its isolation, and assay methods applicable
      to different sample matrices. In addition we include updates on various
      strategies and derived products intended for designated pharmacological actions.
      (c) 2016 BioFactors, 42(5):504-514, 2016.

PMID- 27658355
TI  - Internuclear Bridging of Erythroid Precursors in the Peripheral Blood Smear of a
      Patient with Primary Myelofibrosis.

PMID- 27658354
TI  - Genetic characterization of two fully sequenced multi-drug resistant plasmids
      pP10164-2 and pP10164-3 from Leclercia adecarboxylata.
AB  - We previously reported the complete sequence of the resistance plasmid pP10164
      NDM, harboring blaNDM (conferring carbapenem resistance) and bleMBL (conferring
      bleomycin resistance), which is recovered from a clinical Leclercia
      adecarboxylata isolate P10164 from China. This follow-up work disclosed that
      there were still two multidrug-resistant (MDR) plasmids pP10164-2 and pP10164-3
      coexisting in this strain. pP10164-2 and pP10164-3 were completely sequenced and
      shown to carry a wealth of resistance genes, which encoded the resistance to at
      least 10 classes of antibiotics (beta-lactams. macrolides, quinolones,
      aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, amphenicols, quaternary ammonium compounds,
      sulphonamides, trimethoprim, and rifampicin) and 7 kinds of heavy mental
      (mercury, silver, copper, nickel, chromate, arsenic, and tellurium). All of these
      antibiotic resistance genes are associated with mobile elements such as
      transposons, integrons, and insertion sequence-based transposable units,
      constituting a total of three novel MDR regions, two in pP10164-2 and the other
      one in pP10164-3. Coexistence of three resistance plasmids pP10164-NDM, pP10164-2
      and pP10164-3 makes L. adecarboxylata P10164 tend to become extensively drug
      resistant.

PMID- 27658356
TI  - Pharmacological LRRK2 kinase inhibition induces LRRK2 protein destabilization and
      proteasomal degradation.
AB  - Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) kinase activity is increased in several
      pathogenic mutations, including the most common mutation, G2019S, and is known to
      play a role in Parkinson's disease (PD) pathobiology. This has stimulated the
      development of potent, selective LRRK2 kinase inhibitors as one of the most
      prevailing disease-modifying therapeutic PD strategies. Although several lines of
      evidence support beneficial effects of LRRK2 kinase inhibitors, many questions
      need to be answered before clinical applications can be envisaged. Using six
      different LRRK2 kinase inhibitors, we show that LRRK2 kinase inhibition induces
      LRRK2 dephosphorylation and can reduce LRRK2 protein levels of overexpressed wild
      type and G2019S, but not A2016T or K1906M, LRRK2 as well as endogenous LRRK2 in
      mouse brain, lung and kidney. The inhibitor-induced reduction in LRRK2 levels
      could be reversed by proteasomal inhibition, but not by lysosomal inhibition,
      while mRNA levels remained unaffected. In addition, using LRRK2 S910A and S935A
      phosphorylation mutants, we show that dephosphorylation of these sites is not
      required for LRRK2 degradation. Increasing our insight in the molecular and
      cellular consequences of LRRK2 kinase inhibition will be crucial in the further
      development of LRRK2-based PD therapies.

PMID- 27658357
TI  - New steroids from Anemarrhena asphodeloides rhizome and their alpha-glucosidase
      inhibitory activity.
AB  - Two new steroids were isolated from acid hydrolysis residue of the rhizomes of
      Anemarrhena asphodeloides. Their structures were identified on the basis of
      several spectroscopic analysis approaches including 1D, 2D-NMR techniques, and MS
      data, and by the comparison of spectral data of the known compounds. The
      biological activities of these two isolated compounds were explored on alpha
      glucosidase. Compound 1 displayed 4.7 folds inhibitory activity against alpha
      glucosidase compared with the positive control acarbose.

PMID- 27658358
TI  - Falling and fall risk in adult patients with severe haemophilia.
AB  - : The objective of this study was to define fall rates and to identify possible
      fall risk factors in adult patients with severe haemophilia. PATIENTS, MATERIAL,
      METHODS: 147 patients with severe haemophilia A and B were evaluated using a
      standardized test battery consisting of demographic, medical and clinical
      variables and fall evaluation. RESULTS: 41 (27.9 %) patients reported a fall in
      the past 12 months, 22 (53.7 %) of them more than once. Young age, subjective
      gait insecurity and a higher number of artificial joints seem to be risk factors
      for falling. CONCLUSION: Falls seem to be a common phenomenon in patients with
      severe haemophilia. Fall risk screening and fall prevention should be implemented
      into daily practice.

PMID- 27658359
TI  - [An assessment of the management of spasticity in Spain: the 5E Study].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Although spasticity is a disabling complication of high incidence,
      there is a lack of either regional or national epidemiological studies in Spain
      evaluating its management. AIM: To evaluate the management of spasticity in
      Spain. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An epidemiological, observational, multicenter, and
      retrospective study involving 49 rehabilitation services of public and private
      hospitals was designed. RESULTS: Two hundred and thirty-five patients from 49
      centers, with evidence of upper (UL) or lower limb (LL) spasticity with one valid
      baseline visit and at least one follow-up visit, were included. Among the
      patients included in the study 148 (62.9%) have post stroke spasticity; 79
      (33.6%) have LL spasticity, 38 (16.1%) UL, and 118 (50.3%) in both. At baseline,
      Modified Ashworth Scale, goniometry, Visual Analog Scale for pain and Tardieu
      Scale had been performed in 164 (69.8%), 99 (42.1%), 85 (36.2%), and 26 (11.1%)
      patients, respectively. A 93.8% (IC 95%: 81.4-97.6%) of the centers accurately
      defined the treatment goals and 52% of the objectives were agreed with the
      patient. Botulinum A toxin was administered in 186 (79.1%) of patients; 49
      (20.9%) patients were treated with oral antispastic medications and 93 (39.6%)
      were under physiotherapy treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the patients have post
      stroke spasticity. Moreover, botulinum A toxin was the most commonly treatment
      applied to patients with spasticity. The results demonstrate that the management
      of spasticity varies significantly across the different centers participating in
      the study.

PMID- 27658360
TI  - [Prognostic implications of folliculo-stellate cells in pituitary adenomas:
      relationship with tumoral behavior].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Despite progress in understanding its pathogenesis, there has not
      yet been found any independent predictive marker of aggressive behavior of
      pituitary adenomas, to facilitate the treatment and monitoring of patients. AIM:
      To analyze the expression of folliculo-stellate cells by immunostaining with S
      100 protein, in a series of patients with pituitary adenomas followed for at
      least seven years. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of 51 patients
      diagnosed with a pituitary adenoma between 2006 and 2008 was performed, according
      to current criteria established by the World Health Organization. The S-100
      expression in folliculo-stellate cells was immunohistochemically evaluated,
      correlating it with clinico-radiological and histopathological tumor parameters
      and post-operative progression/recurrence. RESULTS: Of 51 tumors, 40 were
      classified as typical and 11 as atypical pituitary adenomas. Most typical
      pituitary adenomas showed positive folliculo-stellate cells for S-100 (mean:
      3.93%); atypical had little/no cell S-100 positive (mean: 0.83%). There were no
      significant differences in the expression of S-100 with respect to age or sex of
      the patient, size, invasiveness or post-operative tumor recurrence. CONCLUSIONS:
      In our study group, with the exception of non-functioning adenomas immunopositive
      for prolactin, with the lowest and highest average of all subtypes in both groups
      (typical 0.25% vs atypical 9.24%; p = 0.0028), the predictive factor of tumor
      aggressiveness for pituitary adenomas, is not represented by a low value of S-100
      in folliculo-stellate cells, not allowing select patients for intensive post
      operative treatment.

PMID- 27658361
TI  - [Description of a series of hospital patients with a spinal fistula].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Although spinal fistulas account for 70% of all spinal
      arteriovenous malformations, they are an underdiagnosed condition. The
      arteriovenous shunt produces vascular congestion that gives rise to a progressive
      myelopathy, sometimes irreversible if it is not treated in the early stages. AIM:
      To describe the clinicoradiological characteristics of a series of patients with
      spinal fistulas. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective search was conducted for
      patients diagnosed with a spinal fistula who were hospitalised in the
      neuroscience area of a tertiary care hospital. RESULTS: A total of 19 patients (7
      females and 12 males) were identified, with a mean age of 56 years. The spinal
      fistula was type I in 79% of patients, and a dorsal location was the most
      frequent. Most of the cases (90%) presented a progressive course. Magnetic
      resonance imaging was used in the diagnosis in 74% of the patients. In four cases
      angiography was required to reach a diagnosis, and in one of them it was
      necessary to perform an intraoperative biopsy. Three lumbar punctures were
      performed, two of which revealed lymphocytic pleocytosis and high protein levels
      in cerebrospinal fluid. The average diagnostic delay was nine months. Seventy
      nine per cent of the patients were treated and only 10% of them improved.
      CONCLUSIONS: When faced with a clinical picture suggestive of a spinal fistula, a
      diagnostic spinal angiography must be carried out, although the patient under
      study may present atypical cerebrospinal fluid characteristics and normal results
      in magnetic resonance imaging of the spinal cord.

PMID- 27658362
TI  - [Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome due to mutation of the IFIH1 gene with pontine
      involvement. A case report].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome is a rare progressive subacute
      encephalopathy of early onset - generally in the first year of life -
      characterised by psychomotor retardation, microcephaly, alterations in the white
      matter of the brain, intracranial calcifications, pleocytosis and elevated levels
      of interferon alpha in the cerebrospinal fluid. It is associated to an increase
      in the expression of genes stimulated by interferon in peripheral blood, a fact
      known as the interferon signature. The levels of genes stimulated by interferon
      has been postulated as a good biomarker, as they remain high in peripheral blood
      over time and are more sensitive, in comparison to determinations of interferon
      alpha and neopterins in cerebrospinal fluid, which descend as of one year of
      life. To date, mutations have been reported in seven genes that overstimulate the
      interferon alpha pathway, and the last to be discovered is IFIH1 (interferon
      induced with helicase C domain 1), with a pattern of dominant autosomal
      inheritance. CASE REPORT: We present the first case reported in the Hispanic
      literature caused by a de novo mutation in the IFIH1 gene. The clinical features,
      studies conducted and review of the clinical, neuroradiological and genetic
      aspects are described. CONCLUSIONS: The inheritance of the mutations reported for
      Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome was classically considered as being recessive
      autosomal, but these findings show that dominant autosomal mutations in the IFIH1
      gene can cause the disease. As a previously unreported neuroimaging finding, it
      presents a lesion consisting in cystic encephalomalacia in the pons.

PMID- 27658363
TI  - [Migraine and evolutionary theory: paths for a clinical approach].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Migraine is a very common disorder with a raising incidence. The
      theory of evolution allow us to explain the emergence of the disorder, due to the
      advantages that the overreactivity to stimulus provided to ancestral groups of
      Homo sapiens, and a greater presence of the disorder in modern societies, based
      in the interactions with external factors. Herein we analyze these points.
      DEVELOPMENT: Design of organisms and their responses to environmental factors
      emerge to improve survival. Thus pain and headache can be contemplated as
      homeostatic and adaptative responses. Below 10% of the population has no
      experience with headache and the migrainous phenotype is quite frequent in
      secondary headaches and in syndromic forms of migraine. These features can be
      understood under the next undergrounds: specific neurophysiological data (lack of
      habituation, sensibilization and low preactivation), genetic features (polygenic
      disorder with the implication of many gens with a low penetrance, that interact
      with the environment and are shared with comorbid disorders such as depression
      and anxiety); and environmental interactions in modern societies (increase in the
      number of estrogenic cycles and particularly overexposition to stress).
      CONCLUSIONS: A feature that was an evolutionary advantage has been transformed in
      a highly prevalent and disabling disorder in modern societies. It is the result
      of the interaction with internal (estrogenic cycles) and external (stress)
      stimuli. As a consequence, it becomes a mismatch disorder. The effects appear in
      childhood through epigenetics. Therefore, therapeutic interventions would yield
      greater benefits if whole populations were included in educative interventions
      incorporating these aspects.

PMID- 27658364
TI  - [XXX Reunion da Sociedade Galega de Neuroloxia. Communications].

PMID- 27658365
TI  - [Abdominal pain: an infrequent manifestation of temporal epilepsy].

PMID- 27658366
TI  - Rethinking Autonomy: Relationships as a Source of Resilience in a Changing
      Healthcare System.

PMID- 27658367
TI  - Two-dimensional flow nanometry of biological nanoparticles for accurate
      determination of their size and emission intensity.
AB  - Biological nanoparticles (BNPs) are of high interest due to their key role in
      various biological processes and use as biomarkers. BNP size and composition are
      decisive for their functions, but simultaneous determination of both properties
      with high accuracy remains challenging. Optical microscopy allows precise
      determination of fluorescence/scattering intensity, but not the size of
      individual BNPs. The latter is better determined by tracking their random motion
      in bulk, but the limited illumination volume for tracking this motion impedes
      reliable intensity determination. Here, we show that by attaching BNPs to a
      supported lipid bilayer, subjecting them to hydrodynamic flows and tracking their
      motion via surface-sensitive optical imaging enable determination of their
      diffusion coefficients and flow-induced drifts, from which accurate
      quantification of both BNP size and emission intensity can be made. For vesicles,
      the accuracy of this approach is demonstrated by resolving the expected radius
      squared dependence of their fluorescence intensity for radii down to 15 nm.

PMID- 27658368
TI  - Design and synthesis of selective, dual fatty acid binding protein 4 and 5
      inhibitors.
AB  - Dual inhibition of fatty acid binding proteins 4 and 5 (FABP4 and FABP5) is
      expected to provide beneficial effects on a number of metabolic parameters such
      as insulin sensitivity and blood glucose levels and should protect against
      atherosclerosis. Starting from a FABP4 selective focused screening hit,
      biostructure information was used to modulate the selectivity profile in the
      desired way and to design potent dual FABP4/5 inhibitors with good selectivity
      against FABP3. With very good pharmacokinetic properties and no major safety
      alerts, compound 12 was identified as a suitable tool compound for further in
      vivo investigations.

PMID- 27658369
TI  - Fluoro analogs of bioactive oxy-sterols: Synthesis of an EBI2 agonist with
      enhanced metabolic stability.
AB  - Synthesis of several 7-hydroxy oxysterols and their potential roles as signaling
      molecules in the innate and adaptive immune responses is discussed. Discovery of
      a new, fluorinated, synthetic analog of the 7alpha,25-dihydroxycholesterol-the
      endogenous ligand of GPR 183 (EBI2), a G-protein coupled receptor highly
      expressed upon Epstein-Barr virus infection is described. Fluoro oxysterol 12
      showed good metabolic stability while maintaining excellent EBI2 agonist
      activity.

PMID- 27658370
TI  - One-inflation and unobserved heterogeneity in population size estimation.
AB  - We present the one-inflated zero-truncated negative binomial (OIZTNB) model, and
      propose its use as the truncated count distribution in Horvitz-Thompson
      estimation of an unknown population size. In the presence of unobserved
      heterogeneity, the zero-truncated negative binomial (ZTNB) model is a natural
      choice over the positive Poisson (PP) model; however, when one-inflation is
      present the ZTNB model either suffers from a boundary problem, or provides
      extremely biased population size estimates. Monte Carlo evidence suggests that in
      the presence of one-inflation, the Horvitz-Thompson estimator under the ZTNB
      model can converge in probability to infinity. The OIZTNB model gives markedly
      different population size estimates compared to some existing truncated count
      distributions, when applied to several capture-recapture data that exhibit both
      one-inflation and unobserved heterogeneity.

PMID- 27658371
TI  - Narrative exposure therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder associated with
      repeated interpersonal trauma in patients with severe mental illness: a mixed
      methods design.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the Netherlands, most patients with severe mental illness (SMI)
      receive flexible assertive community treatment (FACT) provided by
      multidisciplinary community mental health teams. SMI patients with comorbid
      posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are sometimes offered evidence-based trauma
      focused treatment like eye movement desensitization reprocessing or prolonged
      exposure. There is a large amount of evidence for the effectiveness of narrative
      exposure therapy (NET) within various vulnerable patient groups with repeated
      interpersonal trauma. Some FACT-teams provide NET for patients with comorbid
      PTSD, which is promising, but has not been specifically studied in SMI patients.
      OBJECTIVES: The primary aim is to evaluate NET in SMI patients with comorbid PTSD
      associated with repeated interpersonal trauma to get insight into whether (1)
      PTSD and dissociative symptoms changes and (2) changes occur in the present SMI
      symptoms, care needs, quality of life, global functioning, and care consumption.
      The second aim is to gain insight into patients' experiences with NET and to
      identify influencing factors on treatment results. METHODS: This study will have
      a mixed methods convergent design consisting of quantitative repeated measures
      and qualitative semi-structured in-depth interviews based on Grounded Theory. The
      study population will include adult SMI outpatients (n=25) with comorbid PTSD and
      receiving NET. The quantitative study parameters will be existence and severity
      of PTSD, dissociative, and SMI symptoms; care needs; quality of life; global
      functioning; and care consumption. In a longitudinal analysis, outcomes will be
      analyzed using mixed models to estimate the difference in means between baseline
      and repeated measurements. The qualitative study parameters will be experiences
      with NET and perceived factors for success or failure. Integration of
      quantitative and qualitative results will be focused on interpreting how
      qualitative results enhance the understanding of quantitative outcomes.
      DISCUSSION: The results of this study will provide more insight into influencing
      factors for clinical changes in this population.

PMID- 27658373
TI  - QRB Discovery: introducing original research to QRB.

PMID- 27658372
TI  - Transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation of human primary visual cortex.
AB  - Transcranial focused ultrasound (FUS) is making progress as a new non-invasive
      mode of regional brain stimulation. Current evidence of FUS-mediated
      neurostimulation for humans has been limited to the observation of subjective
      sensory manifestations and electrophysiological responses, thus warranting the
      identification of stimulated brain regions. Here, we report FUS sonication of the
      primary visual cortex (V1) in humans, resulting in elicited activation not only
      from the sonicated brain area, but also from the network of regions involved in
      visual and higher-order cognitive processes (as revealed by simultaneous
      acquisition of blood-oxygenation-level-dependent functional magnetic resonance
      imaging). Accompanying phosphene perception was also reported. The
      electroencephalo graphic (EEG) responses showed distinct peaks associated with
      the stimulation. None of the participants showed any adverse effects from the
      sonication based on neuroimaging and neurological examinations. Retrospective
      numerical simulation of the acoustic profile showed the presence of individual
      variability in terms of the location and intensity of the acoustic focus. With
      exquisite spatial selectivity and capability for depth penetration, FUS may
      confer a unique utility in providing non-invasive stimulation of region-specific
      brain circuits for neuroscientific and therapeutic applications.

PMID- 27658375
TI  - The effect of silver nanoparticles/graphene-coupled TiO2 beads photocatalyst on
      the photoconversion efficiency of photoelectrochemical hydrogen production.
AB  - In this work, a novel configuration of the photoelectrochemical hydrogen
      production device is demonstrated. It is based on TiO2 beads as the primary
      photoanode material with the addition of a heterostructure of silver
      nanoparticles/graphene. The heterostructure not only caters to a great
      improvement in light harvesting efficiency (LHE) but also enhances the charge
      collection efficiency. For LHE, the optimized cell based on TiO2
      beads/Ag/graphene shows a 47% gain as compared to the cell having a photoanode of
      commercial P25 TiO2 powders. For the charge collection efficiency, there is a
      pronounced improvement of an impressive value of 856%. The reason for the
      improvement in light absorption is attributed to either the light scattering of
      TiO2 beads or the surface plasmonic resonance on the Ag nanoparticles/graphene.
      The photoconversion efficiency (PCE) of the resulting cells is also presented and
      discussed. The PCE of the TiO2 beads/Ag/graphene cell is approximately 2.5 times
      than that of pure P25 cell. 

PMID- 27658374
TI  - Cadm3 (Necl-1) interferes with the activation of the PI3 kinase/Akt signaling
      cascade and inhibits Schwann cell myelination in vitro.
AB  - Axo-glial interactions are critical for myelination and the domain organization
      of myelinated fibers. Cell adhesion molecules belonging to the Cadm family, and
      in particular Cadm3 (axonal) and its heterophilic binding partner Cadm4 (Schwann
      cell), mediate these interactions along the internode. Using targeted shRNA
      mediated knockdown, we show that the removal of axonal Cadm3 promotes Schwann
      cell myelination in the in vitro DRG neuron/Schwann cell myelinating system.
      Conversely, over-expressing Cadm3 on the surface of DRG neuron axons results in
      an almost complete inability by Schwann cells to form myelin segments. Axons of
      superior cervical ganglion (SCG) neurons, which do not normally support the
      formation of myelin segments by Schwann cells, express higher levels of Cadm3
      compared to DRG neurons. Knocking down Cadm3 in SCG neurons promotes myelination.
      Finally, the extracellular domain of Cadm3 interferes in a dose-dependent manner
      with the activation of ErbB3 and of the pro-myelinating PI3K/Akt pathway, but
      does not interfere with the activation of the Mek/Erk1/2 pathway. While not in
      direct contradiction, these in vitro results shed lights on the apparent lack of
      phenotype that was reported from in vivo studies of Cadm3-/- mice. Our results
      suggest that Cadm3 may act as a negative regulator of PNS myelination,
      potentially through the selective regulation of the signaling cascades activated
      in Schwann cells by axonal contact, and in particular by type III Nrg-1. Further
      analyses of peripheral nerves in the Cadm-/- mice will be needed to determine the
      exact role of axonal Cadm3 in PNS myelination. GLIA 2016;64:2247-2262.

PMID- 27658376
TI  - Recovery of ergosterol from the medicinal mushroom, Ganoderma tsugae var.
      Janniae, with a molecularly imprinted polymer derived from a cleavable monomer
      template composite.
AB  - A semi-covalent imprinting strategy has been developed for the synthesis of
      molecularly-imprinted polymers specific for the fungal sterol, ergosterol, a
      biological precursor of vitamin D2. This imprinting approach involved a novel
      post-synthesis cleavable monomer-template composite, namely ergosteryl
      methacrylate, and resulted in the formation of an imprinted polymer that
      selectively and efficiently recognized ergosterol through non-covalent
      interactions. The derived molecularly-imprinted polymer and the corresponding non
      imprinted polymer were systematically evaluated for their selectivity towards
      ergosterol via static and dynamic binding studies using various ergosteryl esters
      (e.g. ergosteryl-cinnamate, -ferulate, -coumarate, -ferulate acetate and 
      acetate, respectively) as competitors. Moreover, the binding capacity of the
      molecularly imprinted polymer for ergosterol was enhanced when the sample loading
      conditions involved the use of partially aqueous solvent mixtures, such as
      acetonitrile/water (9:1 (v/v) or 8:2 (v/v)). These attributes were exploited in a
      solid-phase extraction format, whereby ergosterol was obtained with excellent
      recoveries from an extract of the fruiting body powder of the medicinal fungus
      Ganoderma tsugae var. Janniae.

PMID- 27658377
TI  - Maximizing performance in supercritical fluid chromatography using low-density
      mobile phases.
AB  - The performance of a 3.0mm*150mm column packed with 1.8MUm fully porous HSS-SB
      C18 particles was investigated in supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) with
      low-density, highly expansible carbon dioxide. These conditions are selected for
      the analysis of semi-volatile compounds. Elevated temperatures (>100 degrees C)
      were then combined with low column back pressures (<100bar). In this work, the
      inlet temperature of pure carbon dioxide was set at 107 degrees C, the active
      back pressure regulator (ABPR) pressure was fixed at 100bar, and the flow rate
      was set at 2.1mL/min at 12 degrees C (liquefied carbon dioxide) and at an inlet
      column pressure close to 300bar. Nine n-alkylbenzenes (from benzene to
      octadecylbenzene) were injected under linear (no sample overload) conditions. The
      severe steepness of the temperature gradients across the column diameter were
      predicted from a simplified heat transfer model. Such conditions dramatically
      lower the column performance by affecting the symmetry of the peak shape. In
      order to cope with this problem, three different approaches were experimentally
      tested. They include (1) the decoupling and the proper selection of the inlet
      eluent temperature with respect to the oven temperature, (2) the partial thermal
      insulation of the column using polyethylene aerogel, and (3) the application of a
      high vacuum (10-5Torr provided by a turbo-molecular pump) in a housing chamber
      surrounding the whole column body. The results reveal that (1) the column
      efficiency can be maximized by properly selecting the difference between the
      eluent and the oven temperatures, (2) the mere wrapping of the column with an
      excellent insulating material is insufficient to fully eliminate heat exchanges
      by conduction and the undesirable radial density gradients across the column
      i.d., and (3) the complete thermal insulation of the SFC column under high vacuum
      allows to maximize the column efficiency by maintaining the integrity of the peak
      shape.

PMID- 27658378
TI  - Selective pressurized liquid extraction for the analysis of polychlorinated
      biphenyls, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans in soil.
AB  - During this study a high throughout selective pressurized liquid extraction
      (SPLE) method was developed and validated for the simultaneous extraction of
      polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans (PCDD/PCDFs) and polychlorinated
      biphenyls (PCBs) from soil. To that end, extraction rates of PCBs from soil
      utilizing different extraction solvents and different extraction temperatures
      were investigated whereas extraction rates were comparable for toluene, n-hexane
      and dichloromethane (extraction conditions for all utilized solvents: 33mL PLE
      extraction cell, extraction temperature: 110 degrees C, static extraction time:
      5min, flush volume: 60%, purge 90s). Ratios of native PCBs and PCDD/PCDFs
      congener concentrations after Soxhlet and selective pressurized liquid extraction
      (SPLE) showed that SPLE is an alternative sample preparation step for the
      simultaneous determination of PCDD/PCDFs and PCBs in soil. Additional clean-up
      steps for the separation of PCBs and PCDD/PCDFs utilizing alumina were performed
      in order to avoid interferences between the component classes.

PMID- 27658379
TI  - Downstream valorization and comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography
      based chemical characterization of bioactives from black chokeberries (Aronia
      melanocarpa) pomace.
AB  - In this work, a new alternative for the downstream processing and valorization of
      black chokeberry pomace (Aronia melanocarpa) which could be potentially coupled
      to a biorefinery process is proposed. This alternative is based on the
      application of pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) to the residue obtained after
      the supercritical fluid extraction of the berry pomace. An experimental design is
      employed to study and optimize the most relevant extraction conditions in order
      to attain extracts with high extraction yields, total phenols content and
      antioxidant activity. Moreover, the PLE extracts were characterized by using a
      new method based on the application of comprehensive two-dimensional liquid
      chromatography in order to correlate their activity with their chemical
      composition. Thanks to the use of this powerful analytical tool, 61 compounds
      could be separated being possible the tentative identification of different
      anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, flavonoids and phenolic acids. By using the
      optimized PLE approach (using pressurized 46% ethanol in water at 165 degrees C
      containing 1.8% formic acid), extracts with high total phenols content (236.6mg
      GAE g-1 extract) and high antioxidant activities (4.35mmol TE g-1 extract and
      EC50 5.92MUgmL-1) could be obtained with high yields (72.5%).

PMID- 27658380
TI  - Carbon nanotube composite microspheres as a highly efficient solid-phase
      microextraction coating for sensitive determination of phthalate acid esters in
      water samples.
AB  - Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on polystyrene (PS) microspheres have been
      designed and prepared by layer-by-layer assembly via electrostatic interaction.
      MWCNTs@PS was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and
      thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The new materials were employed as a novel
      solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coating to enrich trace level of phthalate
      acid esters (PAEs) in water samples. Five PAEs, di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP),
      benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), di-2-ethylhexyl adipate (DEHA), di-2-ethylhexyl
      phthalate (DEHP) and di-n-octyl phthalate (DOP), were studied in this work. The
      Box-Behnken design was applied to calculate optimum extraction factors affecting
      the extraction efficiency using a response surface. In the optimized conditions,
      the developed technique achieved high enrichment factors (738-2347), low limits
      of detection (0.0012-0.018MUgL-1) and wide linearity (0.001-5MUgL-1) for
      detecting PAEs. The method was successfully applied to analyze PAEs in real
      environmental water samples with recovery ranging from 73.4% to 103.8%. The
      results demonstrated that MWCNTs@PS are a promising coating material in the SPME
      of PAEs at trace levels from environmental samples.

PMID- 27658381
TI  - The chromatography of poly(phenylene ether) on a porous graphitic carbon sorbent.
AB  - A Porous Graphitic Carbon (PGC) column was evaluated for the analysis of
      poly(phenylene ether) (PPE). This column appears particularly well-suited for the
      separation of this polymer. Conditions for the elution of PPE either in
      adsorption mode with chloroform or size exclusion with 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene
      (TCB) as eluent were established. Elution of homologous species is obtained in
      chloroform that follows Martin's rule. A separation based on a gradient
      consisting of a sequence of non-solvent (acetonitrile), solvent/adsorli
      (chloroform) provided the highest peak capacity. In TCB, it is possible to obtain
      rapid size-based separation: with a flow rate of 0.7ml/min, the run time is less
      than two minutes for a series of polystyrene standards. The PGC column performs
      remarkably well in this mode and may be a viable solution when a short analysis
      time is critical such as in a combinatorial laboratory or in a two-dimensional
      chromatograph. In addition to its value as a sorbent for polymer separation, this
      column also deserves the attention of the materials engineer. Indeed, the PGC
      sorbent can be used as a model to probe the interaction between polymers and
      graphitic fillers such as carbon nanotubes or graphite nanosheets.

PMID- 27658382
TI  - Development and performance evaluation of a recombinase polymerase amplification
      assay for the rapid detection of group B streptococcus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the implementation of prevention guidelines, group B
      Streptococcal (GBS) infection remains a leading cause of sepsis, pneumonia, and
      meningitis, resulting in significant neonatal morbidity and mortality. Preventive
      approaches that identify women at risk of transmitting GBS have reduced the
      incidence of neonatal GBS disease, and dramatically decreased the associated
      mortality rates. However, there is an on-going requirement for a near-patient
      diagnostic test for GBS that can be carried out at the time of delivery, ideally
      in the labour ward setting, particularly for women of unknown GBS colonisation
      status at the time of delivery. METHODS: In this study, a Recombinase Polymerase
      Amplification (RPA) assay was developed and performance evaluated for the
      detection of group B Streptococcus in vaginal swabs. The assay uses the cAMP
      factor (cfb) gene of GBS as the target gene. The analytical performance of the
      assay was evaluated by testing a panel of GBS reference strains and clinical
      isolates, and non-GBS organisms. The limit of detection was determined and the
      clinical performance was evaluated by testing 124 vaginal swabs from women with
      both GBS positive and negative status. RESULTS: Based on specificity testing
      carried out the assay was shown to be specific for the target of interest. The
      limit of detection of the assay was shown to be between six and 12 genome copies
      and was comparable to that of a real-time PCR assay, both achieving a limit of
      detection below 12.5 genome copies. The performance of both assays when applied
      to clinical samples was identical. CONCLUSION: A specific, sensitive RPA assay
      for GBS was developed. The performance of the assay for testing of clinical
      samples is within the acceptable range.

PMID- 27658383
TI  - Molecular evolution and population genetics of a Gram-negative binding protein
      gene in the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae (sensu lato).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clarifying the role of the innate immune system of the malaria vector
      Anopheles gambiae is a potential way to block the development of the Plasmodium
      parasites. Pathogen recognition is the first step of innate immune response,
      where pattern recognition proteins like GNBPs play a central role. RESULTS: We
      analysed 70 sequences of the protein coding gene GNBPB2 from two species,
      Anopheles gambiae (s.s.) and An. coluzzii, collected in six African countries. We
      detected 135 segregating sites defining 63 distinct haplotypes and 30 proteins.
      Mean nucleotide diversity (pi) was 0.014 for both species. We found no
      significant genetic differentiation between species, but a significant positive
      correlation between genetic differentiation and geographical distance among
      populations. CONCLUSIONS: Species status seems to contribute less for the
      molecular differentiation in GNBPB2 than geographical region in the African
      continent (West and East). Purifying selection was found to be the most common
      form of selection, as in many other immunity-related genes. Diversifying
      selection may be also operating in the GNBPB2 gene.

PMID- 27658385
TI  - MRI utility in the detection of disease activity in clinically stable patients
      with multiple sclerosis: a retrospective analysis of a community based cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Since the application of MRI scanning to the diagnosis and treatment
      of multiple sclerosis, it has been recognized that only a small fraction of
      lesions seen on MRI scans produce recognizable symptoms or neurological findings.
      Because new lesions may occur without clinical detection, the recommendation has
      been made that MRI scanning be performed on a routine scheduled basis, usually
      yearly, even in patients who are clinically stable. METHODS: A retrospective
      chart review study was conducted on MS patients who had MRI scans of the central
      nervous system between 2009 and 2012 at Providence Multiple Sclerosis Center.
      Inclusion criteria were patients with relapsing MS who had been treated with
      interferon beta or glatiramer acetate for 6 months or longer. Information on
      type, indication, and result of MRI and whether a change in disease modifying
      therapy occurred as a result of the scan was collected. RESULTS: Of the 436
      clinically stable patients who had routine MRI, 16.7 % of subjects had scans
      revealing new, enlarged or active lesions, yet in only 4.4 % patients was there a
      change in therapy based upon MRI results. Subjects who had MRI changes were found
      to be younger (50.15 vs 53.43, p = 0.02) but there was no significant difference
      in other demographic or clinical characteristics when compared with the subjects
      who did not have MRI changes. Thirty-six percent of patients with MRI changes did
      not change DMT due to patient request. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides data on
      the likelihood of detecting MRI-documented disease activity, in patients
      demonstrating longer term sustained clinical stability while receiving DMTs.
      These results may materially assist in the decision whether or not to perform
      yearly MRI scanning of such patients. The potential clinical impact of the
      results of routine MRI scanning must be weighed against the consideration of
      considerable expense of frequent MRI scanning, and the yet unknown adverse impact
      of retained gadolinium in patients repeatedly receiving this contrast agent. The
      long-term clinical impact of not changing DMTs in patients in whom MRI changes
      were observed will be addressed in future studies of this cohort.

PMID- 27658384
TI  - The association between dog walking, physical activity and owner's perceptions of
      safety: cross-sectional evidence from the US and Australia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We examined the relationship between dog walking and physical
      activity within and between four US cities and Australia and investigated if dog
      walking is associated with higher perceived safety in US and Australian cities.
      METHODS: Dog owners (n = 1113) in the Pet Connections Study completed a cross
      sectional survey. Data were collected across four study sites; three in the US
      (San Diego, Nashville, Portland) and a fourth in Australia (Perth). Physical
      activity, local walking, dog walking, and individual and community perceptions of
      safety were analysed for dog walkers and non-dog walkers for each study site.
      Between-city comparisons were examined for dog walkers. RESULTS: Across all study
      sites, dog walkers walked with their dog 5-6 times/week for a total of 93-109
      min/week and achieved >=30mins of physical activity on more days/week and walked
      in their neighbourhood more often/week, compared with non-dog walkers (all p <=
      0.01). Compared with Perth, significantly fewer dog walkers walked in their local
      park in the three US study sites. San Diego dog walkers walked more often in
      their neighborhood/week compared with Perth dog walkers (all p <= 0.05). In
      Portland, dog walkers perceived significantly more neighborhood problems and in
      Nashville dog walkers perceived a significantly higher level of neighborhood
      natural surveillance (i.e., 'eyes on the street'), compared with non-dog walkers
      (both p <= 0.05). Among dog walkers, females were more likely than males to feel
      safer walking with their dog in their neighborhood (OR = 2.49; 95 % CI = 1.76,
      3.53). Compared with dog walkers in Perth, dog walkers from each of the US study
      sites felt safer in their neighborhood and perceived there was more neighborhood
      surveillance (all p <= 0.001). CONCLUSION: This multi-site international study
      provides further support for the potential for dog walking to increase levels of
      daily physical activity. Walking with a dog may be a mechanism for increasing
      perceptions of neighborhood safety and getting to know the neighborhood, however
      significant between-country differences exist. Further international research is
      required to understand the drivers for these between-country differences.
      Community based programs and policies aimed at improving safety and social
      connectedness should consider the wider community benefits of dog walking and
      include strategies for supporting more dog walking.

PMID- 27658386
TI  - Mifepristone combined with ethacridine lactate for the second-trimester pregnancy
      termination in women with placenta previa and/or prior cesarean deliveries.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study was aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the second
      trimester medical abortions using mifepristone and ethacridine lactate in women
      with placenta previa and/or prior cesarean deliveries. METHODS: The patients who
      underwent a second-trimester pregnancy termination from January 2009 to December
      2015 were retrospectively analyzed. The eligible patients were assigned to four
      groups based on placentation and cesarean history. The abortion interval (AI),
      blood loss, hospital stays, incidence of curettage, and transfusion were
      reviewed. RESULTS: Two women underwent cesarean sections for placenta increta.
      Finally, 443 patients were enrolled in this study, including 92 with placenta
      previa, 153 with prior cesarean deliveries, 36 with the both factors, and 236
      with normal placentation and no cesarean delivery history. All the included cases
      had a successful vaginal delivery. There was no significant difference in AI,
      hospital stay, rate of hemorrhage, and transfusion among the four groups.
      Patients with prior cesarean section had higher blood loss than the normal group
      (P = 0.0017), as well as patients with both placenta previa and prior cesarean (P
      = 0.0018). However, there was no obvious blood loss in patients with placenta
      previa when compared with normal placetal patients (P = 0.23). No uterine rupture
      occurred in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Mifepristone combined with ethacridine
      lactate is safe and effective for patients with low placentation or/and prior
      cesarean in the second-trimester pregnancy termination.

PMID- 27658387
TI  - Is the distribution of care quality provided under pay-for-performance equitable?
      Evidence from the Advancing Quality programme in England.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The limited number of existing previous studies of the distribution
      of quality under NHS Pay-for-performance (P4P) by income deprivation have not
      analysed the relationship at the individual level and have been restricted to
      assessing P4P in the primary care setting. In this study, we set out to examine
      how achievement of P4P 'quality measures' for which NHS hospitals were paid was
      distributed by income deprivation. METHODS: Design: Retrospective analysis of
      performance data reported by hospitals, examining how the probability of
      receiving 23 indicators varied by patients' area deprivation using logistic
      regression controlling for age and gender. SAMPLE: We use anonymised
      observational data on 73,002 patients admitted to hospitals in the North West of
      England between October 2008 and March 2010 for the following five reasons: acute
      myocardial infarction; coronary artery bypass grafting; heart failure; hip and
      knee replacement; and pneumonia. RESULTS: The relationship between quality and
      deprivation varies depending on the point of delivery in the treatment pathway,
      and on whether delivered for conditions in scheduled or unscheduled care. For
      diagnostic tests on arrival, receipt of quality was: pro-rich in scheduled care
      and pro-poor in unscheduled care. Receipt of quality was pro-poor for pre-surgery
      measures in scheduled care. Receipt of quality at discharge was pro-rich.
      CONCLUSION: Unlike in primary care, in secondary care quality is not systemically
      distributed by income deprivation under P4P. Whilst improvements in health
      inequalities are important system objectives; they may not necessarily be
      achieved by the adoption of P4P schemes in hospitals.

PMID- 27658389
TI  - Survey of Medical Oncology Status in Korea (SOMOS-K): A National Survey of
      Medical Oncologists in the Korean Association for Clinical Oncology (KACO).
AB  - PURPOSE: This study was conducted to investigate the current role of medical
      oncologists in cancer care with a focus on increasing the recognition of medical
      oncology as an independent specialty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Questionnaires
      modified from the Medical Oncology Status in Europe Survey dealing with oncology
      structure, resources, research, and patterns of care given by medical oncologists
      were selected. Several modifications were made to the questionnaire after
      feedback from the insurance and policy committee of the Korean Association for
      Clinical Oncology (KACO). The online survey was then sent to KACO members.
      RESULTS: A total of 214 medical oncologists (45.8% of the total inquiries),
      including 71 directors of medical oncology institutions, took the survey. Most
      institutions had various resources, including a medical oncology department
      (94.1%) and a department of radiation oncology (82.4%). There was an average of
      four medical oncologists at each institution. Medical oncologists were involved
      in various treatments from diagnosis to end-of-life care. They were also
      chemotherapy providers from a wide range of institutions that treated many types
      of solid cancers. In addition, 86.2% of the institutions conducted research.
      CONCLUSION: This is the first national survey in Korea to show that medical
      oncologists are involved in a wide range of cancer treatments and care. This
      survey emphasizes the contributions and proper roles of medical oncologists in
      the evolving health care environment in Korea.

PMID- 27658388
TI  - Current Trends in the Incidence and Survival Rate of Urological Cancers in Korea.
AB  - PURPOSE: This descriptive study assessed the current trends in the incidence of
      urological cancers and patient survival in Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this
      nationwide retrospective observational study based on the data from the Korea
      National Cancer Incidence Database (KNCIDB), this study analyzed the age
      standardized incidence rates (ASRs) and annual percentage changes (APCs) of
      kidney, bladder, prostate, testicular, and penile cancers as well as cancer of
      the renal pelvis and ureter between 1999 and 2012. The relative survival rates
      (RSRs) were calculated for urological cancer patients diagnosed between 1993 and
      2012 from the KNCIDB data. RESULTS: Prostate cancer was diagnosed in 66,812
      individuals followed by bladder (41,549) and kidney (36,836) cancers. The overall
      ASR (18.26 per 100,000) increased with age because of the higher ASRs of bladder
      and prostate cancers in the elderly. The ASR for kidney cancer was highest in the
      40-59-year-old group, whereas testicular cancer occurred most frequently before
      the age of 40. The incidence of most urological cancers increased (overall APC,
      6.39%; p < 0.001), except for penile (APC, -2.01%; p=0.05) and bladder (APC, 
      0.40%; p=0.25) cancers. The overall survival increased steadily (5-year RSR,
      66.4% in 1993-1995 vs. 84.2% in 2008-2012; p < 0.001), particularly for prostate
      (by 34.10%) and kidney (by 16.30%) cancers, but not for renal pelvis and ureter
      cancers (-7.20%). CONCLUSION: The most common urological cancer in Korea was
      prostate cancer followed by bladder and kidney cancers. The incidence of most
      urological cancers, except for penile and bladder cancers, increased. Survival
      also increased, particularly for prostate and kidney cancers.

PMID- 27658390
TI  - Clinically Significant Unclassified Variants in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes among
      Korean Breast Cancer Patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: Unclassified variants (UVs) of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are not defined as
      pathogenic for breast cancer, and their clinical significance currently remains
      undefined. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify potentially pathogenic
      UVs by comparing their prevalence between breast cancer patients and controls.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 328 breast cancer patients underwent BRCA1/2
      genetic screening at the National Cancer Center of Korea. Genetic variants of
      BRCA genes that were categorized as unclassified according to the Breast Cancer
      Information Core database were selected based on allelic frequency, after which
      candidate variants were genotyped in 421 healthy controls. We also examined
      family members of the study participants. Finally, the effects of amino acid
      substitutions on protein structure and function were predicted in silico.
      RESULTS: Genetic tests revealed 33 UVs in BRCA1 and 47 in BRCA2. Among 15
      candidates genotyped in healthy controls, c.5339T>C in BRCA1 and c.6029T>G,
      c.7522G>A in BRCA2 were not detected. Moreover, the c.5339T>C variant in the
      BRCA1 gene was detected in four patients with a family history of breast cancer.
      This nonsynonymous variant (Leu1780Pro) in the BRCA1 C-terminal domain was
      predicted to have an effect on BRCA1 protein structure/function. CONCLUSION: This
      study showed that comparison of genotype frequency between cases and controls
      could help identify UVs of BRCA genes that are potentially pathogenic. Moreover,
      ourfindings suggest that c.5339T>C in BRCA1 might be a pathogenic variant for
      patients and their families.

PMID- 27658391
TI  - Silencing of GATA3 defines a novel stem cell-like subgroup of ETP-ALL.
AB  - BACKGROUND: GATA3 is pivotal for the development of T lymphocytes. While its
      effects in later stages of T cell differentiation are well recognized, the role
      of GATA3 in the generation of early T cell precursors (ETP) has only recently
      been explored. As aberrant GATA3 mRNA expression has been linked to
      cancerogenesis, we investigated the role of GATA3 in early T cell precursor acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia (ETP-ALL). METHODS: We analyzed GATA3 mRNA expression by
      RT-PCR (n = 182) in adult patients with T-ALL. Of these, we identified 70 of 182
      patients with ETP-ALL by immunophenotyping. DNA methylation was assessed genome
      wide (Illumina Infinium(r) HumanMethylation450 BeadChip platform) in 12 patients
      and GATA3-specifically by pyrosequencing in 70 patients with ETP-ALL. The
      mutational landscape of ETP-ALL with respect to GATA3 expression was investigated
      in 18 patients and validated by Sanger sequencing in 65 patients with ETP-ALL.
      Gene expression profiles (Affymetrix Human genome U133 Plus 2.0) of an
      independent cohort of adult T-ALL (n = 83) were used to identify ETP-ALL and
      investigate GATA3low and GATA3high expressing T-ALL patients. In addition, the
      ETP-ALL cell line PER-117 was investigated for cytotoxicity, apoptosis, GATA3
      mRNA expression, DNA methylation, and global gene expression before and after
      treatment with decitabine. RESULTS: In our cohort of 70 ETP-ALL patients, 33 %
      (23/70) lacked GATA3 expression and were thus defined as GATA3low. DNA
      methylation analysis revealed a high degree of GATA3 CpG island methylation in
      GATA3low compared with GATA3high ETP-ALL patients (mean 46 vs. 21 %, p < 0.0001).
      Genome-wide expression profiling of GATA3low ETP-ALL exhibited enrichment of
      myeloid/lymphoid progenitor (MLP) and granulocyte/monocyte progenitor (GMP)
      genes, while T cell-specific signatures were downregulated compared to GATA3high
      ETP-ALL. Among others, FLT3 expression was upregulated and mutational analyses
      demonstrated a high rate (79 %) of FLT3 mutations. Hypomethylating agents induced
      reversal of GATA3 silencing, and gene expression profiling revealed
      downregulation of hematopoietic stem cell genes and upregulation of T cell
      differentiation. CONCLUSIONS: We propose GATA3low ETP-ALL as a novel stem cell
      like leukemia with implications for the use of myeloid-derived therapies.

PMID- 27658392
TI  - Ubiquitin Ligase COP1 Controls Hepatic Fat Metabolism by Targeting ATGL for
      Degradation.
AB  - Optimal control of hepatic lipid metabolism is critical for organismal metabolic
      fitness. In liver, adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) serves as a major
      triacylglycerol (TAG) lipase and controls the bulk of intracellular lipid
      turnover. However, regulation of ATGL expression and its functional implications
      in hepatic lipid metabolism, particularly in the context of fatty liver disease,
      is unclear. We show that E3 ubiquitin ligase COP1 (also known as RFWD2) binds to
      the consensus VP motif of ATGL and targets it for proteasomal degradation by K-48
      linked polyubiquitination, predominantly at the lysine 100 residue. COP1 thus
      serves as a critical regulator of hepatocyte TAG content, fatty acid
      mobilization, and oxidation. Moreover, COP1-mediated regulation of hepatic lipid
      metabolism requires optimum ATGL expression for its metabolic outcome. In vivo,
      adenovirus-mediated depletion of COP1 ameliorates high-fat diet-induced steatosis
      in mouse liver and improves liver function. Our study thus provides new insights
      into the regulation of hepatic lipid metabolism by the ubiquitin-proteasome
      system and suggests COP1 as a potential therapeutic target for nonalcoholic fatty
      liver disease.

PMID- 27658395
TI  - Ca2+ Ultrastructural Distribution in Root Apical Cells of Wheat Under Aluminum
      Stress.

PMID- 27658393
TI  - [Emotion regulation and pain : Behavioral and neuronal correlates: a
      transdiagnostic approach].
AB  - Emotions and emotion regulation are of special importance in the perception and
      modulation of pain but the mechanisms underlying this reciprocal relationship
      remain unclear. The transdiagnostic model provides an approach to explain the
      link between pain and emotion regarding cognitive and neuronal mechanisms and
      aims to identify mutual processes, which are relevant for both. Structural and
      functional imaging studies of pain indicate the involvement of specific cortical
      and subcortical structures, which also play an important role in emotion
      regulation. While numerous studies have investigated emotion regulation and their
      correlates in the central nervous system in pathological states, the research on
      emotion regulation in pain is still young. The purpose of this review is to
      provide an overview of experimental and clinical studies of neuronal and
      behavioral correlates of pain-related emotion regulation. The current
      transdiagnostic approach may be able to enhance pain relief in the future.

PMID- 27658394
TI  - Functionally aberrant dendritic cell subsets and expression of DC-SIGN
      differentiate acute from chronic HBV infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dendritic cells (DCs) promote pathogen recognition, uptake and
      presentation of antigen through DC-specific intercellular adhesion molecule 3
      grabbing non-integrin (DC-SIGN) and toll-like receptors (TLRs). AIMS AND
      OBJECTIVES: We aimed to study temporal changes in DCs, TLRs and DC-SIGN during
      acute viral hepatitis B (AVHB) infection and compare them to chronic (CHB) and to
      investigate the earliest time point of activated pathogen recognition receptors
      in hepatitis B viral infection. METHODS: We measured the frequencies of
      circulating myeloid (mDC) and plasmacytoid (pDC) dendritic cells and IFN-alpha
      production along with the expression of DC-SIGN and Toll Like Receptors (TLR's)
      in HBV patients at different time points. Also investigated in healthy
      volunteers, the dynamic changes in TLRs expression after receiving hepatitis B
      vaccine. RESULTS: On follow-up of AVHB patients, we found the mDC population was
      significantly higher at week 4 and 6 (p < 0.02, 0.01), whereas the pDC population
      was unchanged at week 6 compared with week 0. Whereas frequencies of mDCs and
      pDCs were found to be elevated in AVHB and CHB patients than HC (p < 0.00 and
      0.01, respectively) but was comparable among AVHB vs CHB. The DCs in CHB patients
      were functionally impaired with significantly low IFN-alpha production and low
      DCSIGN expression (p < 0.04 and 0.00, respectively). Even after stimulation by
      TLR agonists, no change was found in IFN-alpha production in CHB patients. MyD88
      and IL-6, IFN-alpha mRNA levels were also found down-regulated. Interestingly, on
      follow-up after HBV vaccine, TLRs expression was found high at day 3 after
      vaccination. DISCUSSION: The initial events of immune activation might be
      responsible for modulating immune response. These novel observations would pave
      the way for the development of antiviral strategies for chronic HBV infection.

PMID- 27658396
TI  - Effects of slice orientation on reproducibility of sequential assessment of right
      ventricular volumes and ejection fraction: short-axis vs transverse SSFP cine
      cardiovascular magnetic resonance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Test-retest reproducibility is of utmost importance in follow-up of
      right ventricular (RV) volumes and function; optimal slice orientation though is
      not yet known. We compared test-retest reproducibility and intra-/inter-observer
      variability of right ventricular (RV) volumes and function assessed with short
      axis and transverse cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). METHODS: Eighteen
      volunteers underwent cine CMR for RV assessment obtaining ventricular coverage in
      short-axis and transverse slice orientation. Additional 2D phase contrast flow
      imaging of the main pulmonary artery (MPA) was performed. After complete
      repositioning repeat acquisitions were performed. Data sets were contoured by two
      blinded observers. Statistical analysis included Student's t-test, Bland-Altman
      plots, intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and 2-way ANOVA, SEM and minimal
      detectable difference calculations. RESULTS: Heart rates (65.0 +/- 7.4 vs. 67.6
      +/- 9.9 bpm; P = 0.1) and MPA flow (89.8 +/- 16.6 vs. 87.2 +/- 14.9 mL; P = 0.1)
      did not differ between imaging sessions. EDV and ESV demonstrated an inter-study
      bias of 0.4 %[-9.5 %,10.3 %] and 2.1 %[-12.3 %,16.4 %] for short-axis and 1.1 %[
      7.3 %,9.4 %] and 0.8 %[-16.0 %,17.6 %] for transverse orientation, respectively.
      There was no significant interaction between imaging orientation and interstudy
      reproducibility (p = 0.395-0.824), intra-observer variability (p = 0.726-0.862)
      or inter-observer variability (p = 0.447-0.706) by 2-way ANOVA. Inter-observer
      agreement by ICC was greater for short axis versus transverse orientation for all
      parameters (0.769-0.986 vs. 0.625-0.983, respectively). Minimal detectable
      differences for short axis and transverse orientations were 10.1 mL/11.5 mL for
      EDV, 8.3 mL/8.4 mL for ESV and 4.1 % vs. 4.7 % for EF, respectively. CONCLUSION:
      Short-axis and transverse orientation both provide reliable and reproducible
      measures for follow-up of RV volumes and global function. Therefore, additional
      transverse SSFP cine CMR may not necessarily be required if performed for the
      sole purpose of quantitative volumetric RV assessment.

PMID- 27658397
TI  - Internalization of a novel, huge lectin from Ibacus novemdentatus (slipper
      lobster) induces apoptosis of mammalian cancer cells.
AB  - An N-acetyl sugar-binding lectin (termed iNoL) displaying cytotoxic activity
      against human cancer cells was isolated from the slipper lobster Ibacus
      novemdentatus (family Scyllaridae). iNoL recognized monosaccharides containing N
      acetyl group, and glycoproteins (e.g., BSM) containing oligosaccharides with N
      acetyl sugar. iNoL was composed of five subunits (330, 260, 200, 140, and 30
      kDa), which in turn consisted of 70-, 40-, and 30-kDa polypeptides held together
      by disulfide bonds. Electron microscopic observations and gel permeation
      chromatography indicated that iNoL was a huge (500-kDa) molecule and had a
      polygonal structure under physiological conditions. iNoL displayed cytotoxic
      (apoptotic) effects against human cancer cell lines MCF7 and T47D (breast), HeLa
      (ovarian), and Caco2 (colonic), through incorporation (internalization) into
      cells. The lectin was transported into lysosomes via endosomes. Its cytotoxic
      effect and incorporation into cells were inhibited by the co-presence of N-acetyl
      D-mannosamine (ManNAc). Treatment of HeLa cells with iNoL resulted in DNA
      fragmentation and chromatin condensation, through activation of caspase-9 and -3.
      In summary, the novel crustacean lectin iNoL is incorporated into mammalian
      cancer cells through glycoconjugate interaction, and has cytotoxic (apoptotic)
      effects.

PMID- 27658399
TI  - Cu and Zr surface sites in the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanoparticles.
AB  - The rate of methylene blue and terephthalic acid degradation assisted with double
      metal-modified catalyst (0.1 mol% Cu and 1.0 mol% Zr) was enhanced as compared
      with single metal-modified catalysts (0.1, 0.5 mol% Cu and 1.0 mol% Zr). The wet
      impregnation method was used for copper and zirconium modification of the surface
      of Aeroxide P25 TiO2 particles. Simultaneous loading of both metals on the
      surface of P25 leads to an increased specific surface area of the obtained
      material despite negative Cu influence. The tendency of stabilization and
      agglomerate size rising with the time for Cu and Zr-modified catalysts were
      traced by dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements. The observed optical
      characteristics suggest that Cu compensated the broadening of band gap caused by
      Zr loading. Crystal structure of obtained photocatalysts was explored by XRD;
      morphological data and particle size were obtained by SEM. EDX was used for Zr
      and Cu content determination. Cu K-edge extended X-ray absorption fine structure
      (EXAFS) and X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) analytical techniques
      were used to investigate the local Cu neighbourhood in the samples and to
      identify copper coordination and valence state of copper species in the
      synthesized nanocomposites.

PMID- 27658398
TI  - Stereoselective toxicity of etoxazole to MCF-7 cells and its dissipation behavior
      in citrus and soil.
AB  - The stereoselective cytotoxicity of new chiral acaricide etoxazole and its
      dissipation in citrus and soil were investigated for the first time.
      Enantioselective toxicity and oxidative stress of etoxazole toward MCF-7 cells
      was conducted. The phenomenon of dose- and form-dependent cytotoxicity was
      demonstrated by MTT and LDH assays, ROS generation, and SOD and CAT activity
      alternation. Cytotoxicity ranks were found to be consistent with oxidative damage
      as (R)- > Rac- > (S)-etoxazole. Moreover, the results of enantioselective
      degradation showed that (S)-etoxazole degraded faster than its antipode (R)
      etoxazole. The gradual raise of EF values indicated the achievement of
      enantioselective degradation in citrus and soil, leaving the enrichment of (R)
      etoxazole isomer. Significant differences of environmental behavior and
      cytotoxicity of etoxazole enantiomers were found in this study which provided
      valuable insight into the mechanism of potential toxicity and warranted more
      careful assessment of this pesticide before its agricultural application.

PMID- 27658400
TI  - Emissions of microplastic fibers from microfiber fleece during domestic washing.
AB  - Microplastics are found in marine and freshwater environments; however, their
      specific sources are not yet well understood. Understanding sources will be of
      key importance in efforts to reduce emissions into the environment. We examined
      the emissions of microfibers from domestic washing of a new microfiber polyester
      fleece textile. Analyzing released fibers collected with a 200 MUm filter during
      10 mild, successive washing cycles showed that emission initially decreased and
      then stabilized at approx. 0.0012 wt%. This value is our estimation for the long
      term release of fibers during each washing. Use of detergent and softener did not
      significantly influence emission. Release of fibers during tumble drying was
      approx. 3.5 times higher than during washing.

PMID- 27658401
TI  - Evaluation of a spatialized agronomic model in predicting yield and N leaching at
      the scale of the Seine-Normandie Basin.
AB  - The EU directive has addressed ambitious targets concerning the quality of water
      bodies. Predicting water quality as affected by land use and management requires
      using dynamic agro-hydrogeological models. In this study, an agronomic model
      (STICS) and a hydrogeological model (MODCOU) have been associated in order to
      simulate nitrogen fluxes in the Seine-Normandie Basin, which is affected by
      nitrate pollution of groundwater due to intensive farming systems. This modeling
      platform was used to predict and understand the spatial and temporal evolution of
      water quality over the 1971-2013 period. A quality assurance protocol (Refsgaard
      et al. Environ Model Softw 20: 1201-1215, 2005) was used to qualify the
      reliability of STICS outputs. Four iterative runs of the model were carried out
      with improved parameterization of soils and crop management without any change in
      the model. Improving model inputs changed much more the spatial distribution of
      simulated N losses than their mean values. STICS slightly underestimated the crop
      yields compared to the observed values at the administrative district scale. The
      platform also slightly underestimated the nitrate concentration at the outlet
      level with a mean difference ranging from -1.4 to -9.2 mg NO3 L-1 according to
      the aquifer during the last decade. This outcome should help the stakeholders in
      decision-making to prevent nitrate pollution and provide new specifications for
      STICS development.

PMID- 27658402
TI  - EDTA and hydrochloric acid effects on mercury accumulation by Lupinus albus.
AB  - The efficiency of white lupine (Lupinus albus) to uptake and accumulate mercury
      from a soil polluted by mining activities was assessed in a pot experiment with
      chemically assisted phytoextraction. The mobilizing agents tested were
      ethylenediaminetetracetic acid (EDTA) and hydrochloric acid (HCl). Two doses of
      each amendment were used (0.5 and 1.0 g of amendment per kg of soil), and
      unamended pots were used as a control. Addition of HCl to the soil did not
      negatively affect plant biomass, while the use of EDTA led to a significant
      decrease in plant growth when compared to that found for non-treated pots, with
      plants visually showing symptoms of toxicity. The addition of hydrochloric acid
      increased root, shoot and total plant Hg uptake of white lupine by 3.7 times, 3.1
      times and 3.5 times, respectively, in relation to non-amended plants. The
      greatest efficiency was obtained for the highest HCl dose. EDTA led to higher
      concentrations of total plant Hg than that found with the control, but, due to
      the aforementioned decrease in plant biomass, the Hg phytoextraction yield was
      not significantly increased. These results were attributed to the capability of
      both amendments to form stable Hg complexes. The concentration of Hg in the water
      of the soil pores after the phytoextraction experiment was very low for all
      treatments, showing that risks derived from metal leaching could be partially
      avoided by using doses and chemicals suitable to the concentration of metal in
      the soil and plant performance.

PMID- 27658403
TI  - N-fixing trees in wetland restoration plantings: effects on nitrogensupply and
      soil microbial communities.
AB  - To investigate the impact of an exotic Frankia nodulated tree (Alnus trabeculosa)
      on soil nitrogen content, soil microbial composition, and the abundance of N
      turnover-related functional microorganism community, we compared the community
      structure and abundance of key functional genes (nifH, bacterial/archaeal amoA,
      and nosZ) in the rhizosphere and nonrhizosphere of monoculture of Phragmites
      australis and A.trabeculosa-P.australis mixed communities by MiSeq Illumina
      sequencing and real-time PCR, respectively. The introduction of Frankia nodulated
      tree to recover degraded wetland was effective in the accumulation of soil
      organic carbon and nitrogen, which was the key factor to impact on the bacterial
      community composition revealed by canonical correspondence analysis.
      Acidobacteria and Proteobacteria were the dominant bacterial phylums while seven
      rare phyla appeared the most phylogenetically different among the investigated
      soil of two vegetations, including Chlorobi, Cyanobacteria, OD1, OP11, TM6, TM7,
      and GN02. The gene copy numbers of nifH were ranged from 2.28 * 108 to 2.96 * 109
      copies g-1 dry soil in the wetland, and which were significantly higher in soil
      samples from P. australis than that from A.trabeculosa. While the abundance of
      nosZ in both rhizosphere and nonrhizosphere soils of A.trabeculosa-P.australis
      mixed communities was significantly lower compared with P.australis monoculture.
      The potential nitrification (PNA) (0.15-0.41 mg NOx-N kg-1 dry soil d-1) in the
      rhizosphere of A. trabeculosa was significantly higher than that of P. australis,
      and the soil denitrification enzyme activity (DEA) (0.42-0.90 nmol N2O-N g-1 dry
      soil h-1) was lower in the mixed community compared with monoculture of P.
      australis. The introduced planting of Frankia nodulated tree effectively
      accumulated soil organic carbon and nitrogen and reduce the relative abundance
      and activity of nitrogen-fixing bacteria and denitrification bacteria.

PMID- 27658404
TI  - Carbon emissions, logistics volume and GDP in China: empirical analysis based on
      panel data model.
AB  - This paper studies the relationship among carbon emissions, GDP, and logistics by
      using a panel data model and a combination of statistics and econometrics theory.
      The model is based on the historical data of 10 typical provinces and cities in
      China during 2005-2014. The model in this paper adds the variability of logistics
      on the basis of previous studies, and this variable is replaced by the freight
      turnover of the provinces. Carbon emissions are calculated by using the annual
      consumption of coal, oil, and natural gas. GDP is the gross domestic product. The
      results showed that the amount of logistics and GDP have a contribution to carbon
      emissions and the long-term relationships are different between different cities
      in China, mainly influenced by the difference among development mode, economic
      structure, and level of logistic development. After the testing of panel model
      setting, this paper established a variable coefficient model of the panel. The
      influence of GDP and logistics on carbon emissions is obtained according to the
      influence factors among the variables. The paper concludes with main findings and
      provides recommendations toward rational planning of urban sustainable
      development and environmental protection for China.

PMID- 27658405
TI  - Heavy metals in the riverbed surface sediment of the Yellow River, China.
AB  - One hundred and eleven riverbed surface sediment (RSS) samples were collected to
      determine the heavy metal concentration throughout the Inner Mongolia reach of
      the Yellow River (IMYR), which has been subjected to rapid economic and
      industrial development over the past several decades. Comprehensive analysis of
      heavy metal contamination, including the enrichment factor, geo-accumulation
      index, contamination factor, pollution load index, risk index, principal
      component analysis (PCA), hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), and Pearson
      correlation analysis, was performed. The results demonstrated that a low
      ecological risk with a moderate level of heavy metal contamination was present in
      the IMYR due to the risk index (RI) being less than 150 and the pollution load
      index (PLI) being above 1, and the averaged concentrations of Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni,
      Ti, V, and Zn in the RSS, with standard deviations, were 144 +/- 69, 77.91 +/-
      39.28, 22.95 +/- 7.67, 596 +/- 151, 28.50 +/- 8.01, 3793 +/- 487, 69.11 +/-
      18.44, and 50.19 +/- 19.26 mg kg-1, respectively. PCA, HCA, and Pearson
      correlation analysis revealed that most of the RSS was heavily contaminated with
      Zn, Ni, and Cu, due to the influence of anthropogenic activities; moderately
      contaminated with Ti, Mn, V and Cr because of the dual influence of anthropogenic
      activities and nature; and slightly to not contaminated with Co because it occurs
      mainly in the bordering desert areas. Graphic abstract ?.

PMID- 27658407
TI  - Future of lignite resources: a life cycle analysis.
AB  - Lignite is a low-quality energy source which accounts for 13 % of China's coal
      reserves. It is imperative to improve the quality of lignite for large-scale
      utilization. To further explore and analyze the influence of various key
      processes on the environment and economic costs, a lignite drying and compression
      technology is evaluated using an integrated approach of life cycle assessment and
      life cycle costs. Results showed that lignite mining, direct air emissions, and
      electricity consumption have most significant impacts on the environment. An
      integrated evaluation of life cycle assessment and life cycle costs showed that
      the most significant contributor to the environmental impacts and economic costs
      was the lignite mining process. The impact of transportation and wastewater
      treatment process on the environment and economic costs was small enough to be
      ignored. Critical factors were identified for reducing the environmental and
      economic impacts of lignite drying and compression technology. These findings
      provide useful inputs for both industrial practice and policy making for
      exploitation, processing, and utilization of lignite resources.

PMID- 27658406
TI  - Effects of nitrogen application rates on net annual global warming potential and
      greenhouse gas intensity in double-rice cropping systems of the Southern China.
AB  - The net global warming potential (NGWP) and net greenhouse gas intensity (NGHGI)
      of double-rice cropping systems are not well documented. We measured the NGWP and
      NGHGI including soil organic carbon (SOC) change and indirect emissions (IE) from
      double-crop rice fields with fertilizing systems in Southern China. These
      experiments with three different nitrogen (N) application rates since 2012 are as
      follows: 165 kgN ha-1 for early rice and 225 kgN ha-1 for late rice (N1), which
      was the local N application rates as the control; 135 kgN ha-1 for early rice and
      180 kgN ha-1 for late rice (N2, 20 % reduction); and 105 kgN ha-1 for early rice
      and 135 kgN ha-1 for late rice (N3, 40 % reduction). Results showed that yields
      increased with the increase of N application rate, but without significant
      difference between N1 and N2 plots. Annual SOC sequestration rate under N1 was
      estimated to be 1.15 MgC ha-1 year-1, which was higher than those under other
      fertilizing systems. Higher N application tended to increase CH4 emissions during
      the flooded rice season and significantly increased N2O emissions from drained
      soils during the nonrice season, ranking as N1 > N2 > N3 with significant
      difference (P < 0.05). Two-year average IE has a huge contribution to GHG
      emissions mainly coming from the higher N inputs in the double-rice cropping
      system. Reducing N fertilizer usage can effectively decrease the NGWP and NGHGI
      in the double-rice cropping system, with the lowest NGHGI obtained in the N2 plot
      (0.99 kg CO2-eq kg-1 yield year-1). The results suggested that agricultural
      economic viability and GHG mitigation can be simultaneously achieved by properly
      reducing N fertilizer application in double-rice cropping systems.

PMID- 27658408
TI  - Distribution and risk assessment of metals and arsenic contamination in man-made
      ditch sediments with different land use types.
AB  - Ditches are subjected to a large input of nutrients, trace metals, and arsenic
      and the enhancement of sedimentation due to human activities. However, the
      influence of different types of land uses on the distribution and associated
      environmental risk of metals and arsenic in the Red purple Sichuan Basin remains
      largely unclear, which is needed for water management. This study was carried out
      to characterize metal/metalloid status in ditch sediments from different land
      uses. A total of 68 surface sediment samples (0-5 cm) were collected from open
      ditches distributed in different land use types, i.e., cultivated ditches (CD),
      barren land ditches (BLD), roadside ditches (RSD), and residential ditches (RD),
      within the Sichuan Basin. Mean concentrations of Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, and Mn
      in both RD and RSD were above the soil background values of Sichuan Basin, but Cd
      in ditch sediments of the basin posed considerable ecological risk to the
      environment. Overall, metals/metalloid (except Pb) decreased in the following
      order of RD > RSD > BLD > CD. Of the different land use types in the hilly
      region, residential and roadside land uses were likely to adverse effects on
      aquatic life. Multivariate statistical analysis showed that Mn, As, Cu, Ni, Zn,
      Fe, and Al were mainly influenced by natural weathering (erosion), while Pb might
      come from heavy vehicular traffic. The degree of contamination (Md), enrichment
      factor (EF), and the geo-accumulation index (Igeo) showed that Cd causes strong
      sediment pollution in the basin. Sediment quality guidelines SQG-Q values
      displayed that metals and arsenic created medium-low potential of adverse
      biological effects. These results provide baseline information on the metals and
      arsenic pollution in the Sichuan Basin. Awareness of land use type contributions
      to metals and arsenic requires that these man-made ditches be considered for
      their mitigation of pollutants in this region.

PMID- 27658409
TI  - Organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in surface water around
      Beijing.
AB  - Contaminant concentrations, sources, seasonal variation, and eco-toxicological
      risk of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in
      surface water around Beijing from summer to winter in 2015 and 2016 were
      investigated. The concentrations of ?OCPs and ?PCBs ranged from 9.81 to 32.1 ng L
      1 (average 15.1 +/- 7.78 ng L-1) and from 7.41 to 54.5 ng L-1 (average 21.3 +/-
      1.87 ng L-1), respectively. Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCHs) were the dominated
      contamination both in aqueous and particulate phase. For PCBs, lower chlorinated
      PCBs were the major contaminants. Compositions of HCHs,
      dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDTs), and PCBs indicated that the sources of
      OCPs and PCBs in water were due to historical usage in the study areas. For OCPs,
      there was an obvious variation among three seasons, while insignificant change
      was shown for PCBs. Water quality standards for China's surface water were not
      exceeded in this study. Concentrations at Miyun Reservoir, the primary source of
      drinking water to Beijing, when compared to the USEPA's criterion for cancer risk
      was below the level of risk.

PMID- 27658410
TI  - Seasonal and storm-driven changes in chemical composition of dissolved organic
      matter: a case study of a reservoir and its forested tributaries.
AB  - Many drinking water supplies are located in forested watersheds, which operate as
      an important source of dissolved organic matter (DOM). In this study, monthly
      sampling campaigns were conducted from a reservoir (Daecheong Reservoir, South
      Korea) and its forested tributaries for five consecutive months (June to October)
      to examine the variations of DOM composition. Excitation-emission matrix
      fluorescence spectroscopy combined with parallel factor analysis (EEM-PARAFAC)
      was applied to track the variations of different fluorescent components within
      bulk DOM. Selected samples were further separated into hydrophobic (Ho) and
      hydrophilic (Hi) fractions. Water quality and DOM composition varied greatly with
      the sampling locations including the upstream and the downstream tributary sites,
      and the reservoir. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) provided the
      information on the DOM sources and the potential processes leading to the
      observed DOM changes. Four of the five fluorescent components, identified by EEM
      PARAFAC, were well correlated with the flow rates of the tributaries, suggesting
      hydrological control on DOM composition. The greatest effects were found on two
      terrestrial humic-like components (C1 and C2). The Ho fraction of DOM was more
      abundant for the post-storm samples versus the non-storm samples, supporting the
      important roles of hydrology on the changes in chemical composition of DOM. The
      amounts of the DOM resin fractions, either Ho or Hi, showed strong relationships
      with C1 and C2, suggesting that DOM fluorescence could be successfully applied to
      estimate different DOM chemical constituents in forested watersheds.

PMID- 27658411
TI  - Schwartz Centre Rounds: a new initiative in the undergraduate curriculum-what do
      medical students think?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Training to be a doctor and caring for patients are recognized as
      being stressful and demanding. The wellbeing of healthcare professionals impacts
      upon the wellbeing and care of patients. Schwartz Centre Rounds (SCRs),
      multidisciplinary meetings led by a trained facilitator and designed for hospital
      staff, were introduced to enhance communication and compassion, and have since
      been widely adopted as a way of fostering compassion. The continuum of education
      suggests that medical students need to develop these attributes in conjunction
      with resilience and maintaining empathy. The benefits of SCRs in fostering this
      development in medical students is unexplored. The objective of this study was to
      examine the potential of SCRs within the undergraduate curriculum. METHODS: Two
      student-focused SCRs were piloted at a major medical school. The sessions were
      based on the current format implemented across the US and UK: a presentation of
      cases by a multidisciplinary panel followed by an open discussion with the
      audience. Participants were asked to complete an evaluative questionnaire
      immediately following the sessions. Seven students took part in a focus group to
      explore their views on the SCR. Data sets were examined using descriptive
      statistics and thematic analysis. RESULTS: Feedback was obtained from 77 %
      (258/334) Year 5 and 37 % (126/343) Year 6 students. Mean student ratings of the
      session on a five-point scale, where 1 = poor and 5 = exceptional, were 3.5 (Year
      5) and 3.3 (Year 6). Over 80 % of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed
      that the presentation of cases was helpful and gave them insight into how others
      feel/think about caring for patients. Eighty percent said they would attend a
      future SCR and 64 % believed SCRs should be integrated into the curriculum. Focus
      group participants felt SCRs promoted reflection and processing of emotion.
      Students identified smaller group sizes and timing in the curriculum as ways of
      improving SCRs. CONCLUSION: Students were positive about SCRs, preferring them to
      their current reflective practice assignments. Whether this results in sustained
      benefits to trainee doctors is yet to be explored. Consideration is given to
      overcoming the challenges that were encountered, such as optimal timing and
      participation. Staff training and costs are potential obstacles to adoption.

PMID- 27658413
TI  - Nathaniel Gist Gee's contribution to biology in modern China.

PMID- 27658412
TI  - Recurrence of giant cell tumour of bone: role of p53, cyclin D1, beta-catenin and
      Ki67.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine various clinical, radiographic, and pathological parameters
      which may indicate an increased risk of Giant cell tumour of bone (GCTB)
      recurrence after surgical therapy. METHODS: The study included a total of 164
      GCTB samples; 118 (72 %) primary tumours, and 46 (28 %) recurrences; which were
      analyzed on immunohistochemistry for expression of Ki67, p53, cyclin D1, and beta
      catenin. RESULTS: Among 13 analyzed clinical, radiological, and histological
      variables, which presented possible predictive factors for the incidence of GCTB
      relapse, univariate logistic regression (ULR) extract three highly statistically
      significant parameters: 1) lesion localization, 2) nuclear p53 expression in
      mononuclear cells, and 3) nuclear cyclin D1 expression in giant multinuclear
      cells. The multivariate logistic regression (MLR), revealing that p53 expression
      in mononuclear cells was the most significant predictive factor (HR = 6,181 p <
      0,001), the positivity of which indicated six times higher probability for
      recurrence in GCTB. The expression of cyclin D1 in giant cells, containing less
      than 15 nuclei, was also statistically significant (HR = 8,398, p = 0,038) for
      predicting the recurrence, and demonstrated eight times more frequent recurrence
      in positive tumours. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed independent predicting
      factors for GCTB reccurence: p53 expression in mononuclear tumour cells and
      cyclin D1 expression in giant multinuclear cells. Results are new addition to
      generally known parameters, such as: localization of lesion, number of surgical
      interventions, clear destruction of cortex with the presence of
      extracompartmental lesion, and histological criteria for malignancy and can help
      in further research and treatment of GCTB.

PMID- 27658414
TI  - Arthroscopic Surgical Technique for an Acute Talar Dome Osteochondral Lesion in a
      Professional Rugby League Player.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Talar osteochondral lesions represent challenging clinical entities,
      particularly in high-demand athletes. Surgical treatment of large lesions often
      requires a 2-step procedure, or the use of osteotomy in the case of autologous
      osteochondral transfer, which can delay return to sport. METHODS: A professional
      rugby league player underwent surgery for a complex injury to the ankle. A talar
      osteochondral lesion with a maximal diameter of 15 mm was treated in an
      arthroscopic fashion using the cartilage taken from the completely displaced
      osteochondral fragment. Cartilage was cut into chips and combined with bone graft
      product containing platelet-derived growth factor and a porous collagen scaffold.
      Autologous cartilage was then reimplanted arthroscopically. The patient was
      allowed full ankle motion from 2 weeks postoperatively, and weightbearing was
      commenced at 6 weeks. Follow-up imaging and functional outcomes, including return
      to sport, were assessed at regular intervals. RESULTS: The patient was able to
      return to professional rugby league by 23 weeks postoperatively. Magnetic
      resonance imaging at 16 months postoperatively showed restoration of the
      subchondral plate and osseous infill. At final follow-up, the patient remained
      pain free and was playing at preinjury level. CONCLUSION: This report describes
      good outcomes using a novel, 1-step cartilage repair technique to treat a large
      talar osteochondral lesion in a professional athlete. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level
      V: Expert opinion.

PMID- 27658416
TI  - Letter to the Editor: "Risk of venous thromboembolism among patients with
      vasculitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis".

PMID- 27658415
TI  - Assessment of serum CX3CL1/fractalkine level in Han Chinese girls with anorexia
      nervosa and its correlation with nutritional status: a preliminary cross
      sectional study.
AB  - The chemokine (C-X3-C motif) ligand 1 (CX3CL1), also named fractalkine (FKN), has
      been implicated in psychiatric disorders and functions as a novel adipocytokine.
      However, no attention has been paid to the role of FKN in anorexia nervosa (AN).
      The current study was performed to explore FKN levels in AN to determine its role
      in the involvement of AN. A total of 96 girls aged 11-18 years with AN (n=34),
      healthy controls (HC; n=32) and simple obesity (OB, n=30) were enrolled in the
      cross-sectional study. Blood samples were collected during the fasting state.
      Serum FKN concentrations were determined using ELISA. The skinfold thickness
      (TSF) of the biceps and triceps as well as mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC)
      were used to determine the nutritional status. Our results showed that serum FKN
      levels were significantly lower in the AN group than in the control and OB
      groups. After adjusting for body mass index (BMI), FKN concentrations in the AN
      group were statistically higher than in the HC and OB groups. Significant
      correlations between serum FKN and body weight, BMI, Cole index and serum insulin
      were observed. In addition, serum FKN levels were positively related to TSF and
      MAMC in all subjects. Serum FKN concentrations are attenuated in girls with AN
      compared with healthy adolescents and are positively related to nutritional
      status. The lower FKN levels may be regulated by nutrition status and response to
      starvation. After adjusting for BMI, higher FKN levels may reflect that
      persistent inflammation is present in patients with AN.

PMID- 27658417
TI  - Optimizing therapy in inflammatory arthritis: prediction of relapse after
      tapering or stopping treatment for rheumatoid arthritis patients achieving
      clinical and radiological remission.
AB  - This study aims to assess clinical, lab/immunological or imaging (joint
      ultrasonography) markers able to predict disease relapse in RA patients in
      sustained remission when tapering or stopping their treatment. One hundred fifty
      seven RA patients in clinical remission (DAS-28 <2.6 for >6 months), receiving
      treatment with sDMARDs and bDMARD therapy, were randomly allocated into any of
      five groups: Group 1: continue full dose DMARDs and taper biologic therapy by 50
      % (31 patients); Group 2: taper both DMARDs and biologic therapy dose by 50 % (32
      patients); Group 3: taper DMARDs by 50 % and stop biologic therapy (31 patients);
      Group 4: stop both DMARDs and biologic therapy (31 patients); Group 5: continue
      medications without change (31 patients). Forty joints were assessed
      ultrasonographically (DAS-28 joints + ankles + metatarsophalangeal joints) and
      prospectively monitored for 12 months. The primary endpoint was sustained
      remission for 12 months. Patients were considered as having a relapse when the
      DAS-28 score was >3.2 and anti-rheumatic treatment was escalated. The frequency
      of relapse was 41.9 % in Group 1, 59.3 % in Group 2, 67.7 % in Group 3, 77.4 % in
      Group 4 and 6.5 % in Group 5. Relapse rates were significantly higher in patients
      whose ultrasound scores raised within 3 months of stopping their medications (P <
      0.001 for both GS and PD scores). Cox regression identified ACPA positivity (at
      baseline) and progression of functional disability (at 2 months) as predictors
      for relapse. Tapering therapy is feasible in RA patients. Tailored dynamic
      approach is advised. Joint ultrasonographic assessment, ACPA positivity and
      worsening functional disability predicted relapse within a short term after
      discontinuation of the treatment. RA patients whose DAS-28 score was <2 were more
      likely to remain in remission.

PMID- 27658418
TI  - Risk of acute gout among active smokers: data from nationwide inpatient sample.
AB  - Smoking has been found to be negatively correlated with serum uric acid levels by
      virtue of reduced production and increased consumption of endogenous antioxidant
      uric acid among smokers and has been reported to decrease incidence of gout. To
      shed further light on the question of association between active smoking and
      acute gout by examining this association using a large inpatient US database,
      using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample data from 2009 to 2011, we identified
      current smokers based on the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth
      Revision (ICD-9) code 305.1 and were assumed to have ceased smoking during
      hospital stay. Patients who developed acute gout inhospital were identified based
      on ICD-9 code 274.01 at secondary diagnosis position. Univariate and multivariate
      logistic regressions were used to derive odds ratio for measures of association.
      Statistical analysis was done using STATA version 13.0 (College Station, TX). A
      total of 17,847,045 discharge records were used which included 13,932 (0.08 %)
      inhospital acute gouty arthritis and 2,615,944 (14.66 %) active smokers. Both
      univariate (OR 0.59, CI 0.54-0.63, p < 0.0001) and multivariate (OR 0.64, CI 0.59
      0.68, p < 0.0001) regressions showed statistically significant reduction of acute
      gout among hospitalized patients who were current smokers but were assumed to
      have ceased smoking during hospital stay. Active tobacco use was associated with
      a lower risk of acute inpatient gouty arthritis, even when controlling for
      conventional risk factors. More study is needed to correlate this finding with
      uric acid levels, and a better understanding of the mechanisms that explain this
      finding are necessary.

PMID- 27658420
TI  - Like prions: the propagation of aggregated tau and alpha-synuclein in
      neurodegeneration.
AB  - The abnormal aggregation of a small number of known proteins underlies the most
      common human neurodegenerative diseases. In tauopathies and synucleinopathies,
      the normally soluble intracellular proteins tau and alpha-synuclein become
      insoluble and filamentous. In recent years, non-cell autonomous mechanisms of
      aggregate formation have come to the fore, suggesting that nucleation-dependent
      aggregation may occur in a localized fashion in human tauopathies and
      synucleinopathies, followed by seed-dependent propagation. There is a long
      prodromal phase between the formation of protein aggregates and the appearance of
      the first clinical symptoms, which manifest only after extensive propagation,
      opening novel therapeutic avenues.

PMID- 27658419
TI  - A novel approach to identifying patterns of human invasion-inhibitory antibodies
      guides the design of malaria vaccines incorporating polymorphic antigens.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The polymorphic nature of many malaria vaccine candidates presents
      major challenges to achieving highly efficacious vaccines. Presently, there is
      very little knowledge on the prevalence and patterns of functional immune
      responses to polymorphic vaccine candidates in populations to guide vaccine
      design. A leading polymorphic vaccine candidate against blood-stage Plasmodium
      falciparum is apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1), which is essential for
      erythrocyte invasion. The importance of AMA1 as a target of acquired human
      inhibitory antibodies, their allele specificity and prevalence in populations is
      unknown, but crucial for vaccine design. METHODS: P. falciparum lines expressing
      different AMA1 alleles were genetically engineered and used to quantify
      functional antibodies from two malaria-exposed populations of adults and
      children. The acquisition of AMA1 antibodies was also detected using enzyme
      linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and competition ELISA (using different AMA1
      alleles) from the same populations. RESULTS: We found that AMA1 was a major
      target of naturally acquired invasion-inhibitory antibodies that were highly
      prevalent in malaria-endemic populations and showed a high degree of allele
      specificity. Significantly, the prevalence of inhibitory antibodies to different
      alleles varied substantially within populations and between geographic locations.
      Inhibitory antibodies to three specific alleles were highly prevalent (FVO and
      W2mef in Papua New Guinea; FVO and XIE in Kenya), identifying them for potential
      vaccine inclusion. Measurement of antibodies by standard or competition ELISA was
      not strongly predictive of allele-specific inhibitory antibodies. The patterns of
      allele-specific functional antibody responses detected with our novel assays may
      indicate that acquired immunity is elicited towards serotypes that are prevalent
      in each geographic location. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide new insights
      into the nature and acquisition of functional immunity to a polymorphic vaccine
      candidate and strategies to quantify functional immunity in populations to guide
      rational vaccine design.

PMID- 27658421
TI  - Progressive gait ataxia following deep brain stimulation for essential tremor:
      adverse effect or lack of efficacy?
AB  - Thalamic deep brain stimulation is a mainstay treatment for severe and drug
      refractory essential tremor, but postoperative management may be complicated in
      some patients by a progressive cerebellar syndrome including gait ataxia,
      dysmetria, worsening of intention tremor and dysarthria. Typically, this syndrome
      manifests several months after an initially effective therapy and necessitates
      frequent adjustments in stimulation parameters. There is an ongoing debate as to
      whether progressive ataxia reflects a delayed therapeutic failure due to disease
      progression or an adverse effect related to repeated increases of stimulation
      intensity. In this study we used a multimodal approach comparing clinical
      stimulation responses, modelling of volume of tissue activated and metabolic
      brain maps in essential tremor patients with and without progressive ataxia to
      disentangle a disease-related from a stimulation-induced aetiology. Ten subjects
      with stable and effective bilateral thalamic stimulation were stratified
      according to the presence (five subjects) of severe chronic-progressive gait
      ataxia. We quantified stimulated brain areas and identified the stimulation
      induced brain metabolic changes by multiple 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron
      emission tomography performed with and without active neurostimulation. Three
      days after deactivating thalamic stimulation and following an initial rebound of
      symptom severity, gait ataxia had dramatically improved in all affected patients,
      while tremor had worsened to the presurgical severity, thus indicating a
      stimulation rather than disease-related phenomenon. Models of the volume of
      tissue activated revealed a more ventrocaudal stimulation in the (sub)thalamic
      area of patients with progressive gait ataxia. Metabolic maps of both patient
      groups differed by an increased glucose uptake in the cerebellar nodule of
      patients with gait ataxia. Our data suggest that chronic progressive gait ataxia
      in essential tremor is a reversible cerebellar syndrome caused by a maladaptive
      response to neurostimulation of the (sub)thalamic area. The metabolic signature
      of progressive gait ataxia is an activation of the cerebellar nodule, which may
      be caused by inadvertent current spread and antidromic stimulation of a
      cerebellar outflow pathway originating in the vermis. An anatomical candidate
      could be the ascending limb of the uncinate tract in the subthalamic area.
      Adjustments in programming and precise placement of the electrode may prevent
      this adverse effect and help fine-tuning deep brain stimulation to ameliorate
      tremor without negative cerebellar signs.

PMID- 27658422
TI  - Increased Expression of System xc- in Glioblastoma Confers an Altered Metabolic
      State and Temozolomide Resistance.
AB  - : Glioblastoma multiforme is the most aggressive malignant primary brain tumor in
      adults. Several studies have shown that glioma cells upregulate the expression of
      xCT (SLC7A11), the catalytic subunit of system xc-, a transporter involved in
      cystine import, that modulates glutathione production and glioma growth. However,
      the role of system xc- in regulating the sensitivity of glioma cells to
      chemotherapy is currently debated. Inhibiting system xc- with sulfasalazine
      decreased glioma growth and survival via redox modulation, and use of the
      chemotherapeutic agent temozolomide together with sulfasalazine had a synergistic
      effect on cell killing. To better understand the functional consequences of
      system xc- in glioma, stable SLC7A11-knockdown and -overexpressing U251 glioma
      cells were generated. Modulation of SLC7A11 did not alter cellar proliferation
      but overexpression did increase anchorage-independent cell growth. Knockdown of
      SLC7A11 increased basal reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreased glutathione
      generation resulting in increased cell death under oxidative and genotoxic
      stress. Overexpression of SLC7A11 resulted in increased resistance to oxidative
      stress and decreased chemosensitivity to temozolomide. In addition, SLC7A11
      overexpression was associated with altered cellular metabolism including
      increased mitochondrial biogenesis, oxidative phosphorylation, and ATP
      generation. These results suggest that expression of SLC7A11 in the context of
      glioma contributes to tumorigenesis, tumor progression, and resistance to
      standard chemotherapy. IMPLICATIONS: SLC7A11, in addition to redox modulation,
      appears to be associated with increased cellular metabolism and is a mediator of
      temozolomide resistance in human glioma, thus making system xC- a potential
      therapeutic target in glioblastoma multiforme. Mol Cancer Res; 14(12); 1229-42.
      (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27658424
TI  - Klebsiella pneumoniae necrotizing fasciitis.

PMID- 27658425
TI  - Oxford in the springtime.

PMID- 27658423
TI  - MUC1-C Represses the Crumbs Complex Polarity Factor CRB3 and Downregulates the
      Hippo Pathway.
AB  - : Apical-basal polarity and epithelial integrity are maintained in part by the
      Crumbs (CRB) complex. The C--terminal subunit of MUC1 (MUC1-C) is a transmembrane
      protein that is expressed at the apical border of normal epithelial cells and
      aberrantly at high levels over the entire surface of their transformed
      counterparts. However, it is not known whether MUC1-C contributes to this loss of
      polarity that is characteristic of carcinoma cells. Here it is demonstrated that
      MUC1-C downregulates expression of the Crumbs complex CRB3 protein in triple
      negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. MUC1-C associates with ZEB1 on the CRB3
      promoter and represses CRB3 transcription. Notably, CRB3 activates the core
      kinase cassette of the Hippo pathway, which includes LATS1 and LATS2. In this
      context, targeting MUC1-C was associated with increased phosphorylation of LATS1,
      consistent with activation of the Hippo pathway, which is critical for regulating
      cell contact, tissue repair, proliferation, and apoptosis. Also shown is that
      MUC1-C--mediated suppression of CRB3 and the Hippo pathway is associated with
      dephosphorylation and activation of the oncogenic YAP protein. In turn, MUC1-C
      interacts with YAP, promotes formation of YAP/beta-catenin complexes, and induces
      the WNT target gene MYC. These data support a previously unrecognized pathway in
      which targeting MUC1-C in TNBC cells (i) induces CRB3 expression, (ii) activates
      the CRB3-driven Hippo pathway, (iii) inactivates YAP, and thereby (iv) suppresses
      YAP/beta-catenin-mediated induction of MYC expression. IMPLICATIONS: These
      findings demonstrate a previously unrecognized role for the MUC1-C oncoprotein in
      the regulation of polarity and the Hippo pathway in breast cancer. Mol Cancer
      Res; 14(12); 1266-76. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27658426
TI  - Biomechanical effects of angular stable locking in intramedullary nails for the
      fixation of distal tibia fractures.
AB  - Treatment of distal tibia shaft fractures using intramedullary nailing requires
      stable fixation of the distal fragment to prevent malunion. Angular stable
      locking for intramedullary nails pledge to provide increased mechanical
      stability. This study tested the hypothesis that intramedullary nails with
      angular stable interlocking screws would have increased construct stiffness,
      reduced fracture gap movement and enhanced fatigue failure compared to nails with
      conventional locking having the same diameter. Biomechanical experiments were
      performed on 24 human cadaveric tibiae which obtained a distal fracture and were
      fixed by three different techniques: conventional locking with 8- and 10-mm
      diameter nails and angular stable locking with 8-mm nails. Stiffness of the
      implant-bone construct and movement of the fragments were tested under axial
      loading and torsion. The constructs were tested to failure under cyclic fatigue
      loading. Analysis of variance and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were used for
      statistical assessment. Axial stiffness of the 10-mm nail was about 50% larger
      compared to both 8-mm nail constructs independent of the type of locking mode (p
      < 0.01). No differences were found in axial performance between angular stable
      and conventional locking neither under static nor under cyclic testing conditions
      (p > 0.5). Angular stability significantly decreased the clearance under
      torsional load by more than 50% compared to both conventionally locked constructs
      (p = 0.03). However, due to the larger nail diameter, the total interfragmentary
      motion was still smallest for the 10-mm nail construct (p < 0.01). Although the
      10-mm nail constructs survived slightly longer, differences between groups were
      minor and not statistically significant (p = 0.4). Our hypothesis that angular
      stable interlocking of intramedullary nails would improve mechanical performance
      of distal tibia fracture fixation was not confirmed in a physiologically
      realistic loading scenario. Whether minor mechanical advantages provided by
      angular stability of the locking screws would improve biological tissue response
      cannot be concluded from this biomechanical study.

PMID- 27658427
TI  - Applications of 3D printing in the management of severe spinal conditions.
AB  - The latest and fastest-growing innovation in the medical field has been the
      advent of three-dimensional printing technologies, which have recently seen
      applications in the production of low-cost, patient-specific medical implants.
      While a wide range of three-dimensional printing systems has been explored in
      manufacturing anatomical models and devices for the medical setting, their
      applications are cutting-edge in the field of spinal surgery. This review aims to
      provide a comprehensive overview and classification of the current applications
      of three-dimensional printing technologies in spine care. Although three
      dimensional printing technology has been widely used for the construction of
      patient-specific anatomical models of the spine and intraoperative guide
      templates to provide personalized surgical planning and increase pedicle screw
      placement accuracy, only few studies have been focused on the manufacturing of
      spinal implants. Therefore, three-dimensional printed custom-designed
      intervertebral fusion devices, artificial vertebral bodies and disc substitutes
      for total disc replacement, along with tissue engineering strategies focused on
      scaffold constructs for bone and cartilage regeneration, represent a set of
      promising applications towards the trend of individualized patient care.

PMID- 27658428
TI  - A Study on the Validity of a Computer-Based Game to Assess Cognitive Processes,
      Reward Mechanisms, and Time Perception in Children Aged 4-8 Years.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A computer-based game, named Timo's Adventure, was developed to
      assess specific cognitive functions (eg, attention, planning, and working
      memory), time perception, and reward mechanisms in young school-aged children.
      The game consists of 6 mini-games embedded in a story line and includes fantasy
      elements to enhance motivation. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to
      investigate the validity of Timo's Adventure in normally developing children and
      in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). METHODS: A
      total of 96 normally developing children aged 4-8 years and 40 children with ADHD
      were assessed using the game. Clinical validity was investigated by examining the
      effects of age on performances within the normally developing children, as well
      as performance differences between the healthy controls and the ADHD group.
      RESULTS: Our analyses in the normally developing children showed developmental
      effects; that is, older children made fewer inhibition mistakes (r=-.33, P=.001),
      had faster (and therefore better) reaction times (r=-.49, P<.001), and were able
      to produce time intervals more accurately than younger children (rho=.35,
      P<.001). Discriminant analysis showed that Timo's Adventure was accurate in most
      classifications whether a child belonged to the ADHD group or the normally
      developing group: 78% (76/97) of the children were correctly classified as having
      ADHD or as being in the normally developing group. The classification results
      showed that 72% (41/57) children in the control group were correctly classified,
      and 88% (35/40) of the children in the ADHD group were correctly classified as
      having ADHD. Sensitivity (0.89) and specificity (0.69) of Timo's Adventure were
      satisfying. CONCLUSIONS: Computer-based games seem to be a valid tool to assess
      specific strengths and weaknesses in young children with ADHD.

PMID- 27658429
TI  - Biophysical tools to assess the interaction of PF4 with polyanions.
AB  - The antigen in heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is expressed on platelet
      factor 4 (PF4) when PF4 complexes with polyanions. In recent years, biophysical
      tools (e. g. circular dichroism spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, isothermal
      titration calorimetry, x-ray crystallography, electron microscopy) have gained an
      important role to complement immunological and functional assays for better
      understanding the interaction of heparin with PF4. This allowed identification of
      those features that make PF4 immunogenic (e. g. a certain conformational change
      induced by the polyanion, a threshold energy of the complexes, the existence of
      multimeric complexes, a certain number of bonds formed by PF4 with the polyanion)
      and to characterize the morphology and thermal stability of complexes formed by
      the protein with polyanions. These findings and methods can now be applied to
      test new drugs for their potential to induce the HIT-like adverse drug effect by
      preclinical in vitro testing. The methods and techniques applied to characterize
      the antigen in HIT may also be helpful to better understand the mechanisms
      underlying other antibody-mediated disorders in thrombosis and hemostasis (e. g.
      acquired hemophilia, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura). Furthermore,
      understanding the mechanisms making the endogenous protein PF4 immunogenic may
      help to understand the mechanisms underlying other autoimmune disorders.

PMID- 27658430
TI  - [Fingolimod in Spain: usual clinical practice].

PMID- 27658431
TI  - [Fingolimod: effectiveness and safety in routine clinical practice. An
      observational, retrospective, multi-centre study in Galicia].
AB  - INTRODUCTION:  The effectiveness and safety of fingolimod in patients with
      relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) have been proven in clinical
      trials. Yet, due to their limitations, it is important to know how it behaves
      under everyday clinical practice conditions. Hence, the aim of this study is to
      evaluate the effectiveness and safety of fingolimod after 12 months' usage in
      clinical practice in Galicia. PATIENTS AND METHODS:  We conducted a
      retrospective, multi-centre study (n = 8) of patients with RRMS who were treated
      with one or more doses of fingolimod, 0.5 mg/day. Effectiveness was assessed 
      annualised relapse rate (ARR), changes in the score on the Expanded Disability
      Status Scale (EDSS), percentage of patients free from relapses, free from
      progression of disability and free from activity in resonance- for the total
      number of patients and according to previous treatment. Safety was assessed based
      on the percentage of patients who withdrew and presented adverse side effects.
      RESULTS:  After 12 months' use, fingolimod reduced the ARR by 87% (1.7 to 0.23; p
      < 0.0001) and, consequently, 81% of patients were free from relapses. The score
      was reduced by 9%. In all, 91% of patients were free from progression of
      disability and 72% were free from resonance activity. No signs of disease
      activity were found in 43% of the patients. Most of the benefits of fingolimod
      differed depending on previous treatment. About a third of the patients reported
      adverse side effects, but only 2% of them withdrew for this reason. CONCLUSIONS: 
      In clinical practice, most of the results on the effectiveness of the clinical
      trials conducted with fingolimod were observed during the first 12 months of
      treatment. A better safety profile was observed than that reported in the
      clinical trials.

PMID- 27658432
TI  - [Fingolimod: effectiveness and safety in routine clinical practice. An
      observational, retrospective, multi-centre study in Asturias and Cantabria].
AB  - AIM:  To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of fingolimod in routine clinical
      practice in the region of Asturias and Cantabria (Spain). PATIENTS AND METHODS: 
      We conducted a retrospective multicentre study of patients with relapsing
      remitting multiple sclerosis treated with fingolimod, in accordance with the
      product data sheet. Effectiveness was evaluated in patients with at least one
      year's treatment. The following were calculated: annualised relapse rate (ARR),
      the percentage of patients free from relapses and free from gadolinium-enhancing
      lesions, and those who improved/maintained their score on the Expanded Disability
      Status Scale (EDSS). Both total population and according to previous treatment:
      immunomodulator (interferon beta-1 or glatiramer acetate) or natalizumab, were
      analysed. RESULTS:  A total of 138 patients started treatment with fingolimod;
      60% previously received an immunomodulator; 28% were given natalizumab; and 9%
      had no treatment. Ninety-nine patients were treated with fingolimod for at least
      one year. After one year of treatment, fingolimod decreased the ARR by 67% (1.26
      to 0.42; p < 0.0001), increased the percentage of patients free from relapses
      from 24% to 69% (p < 0.0001) and the percentage of patients free from gadolinium
      enhancing lesions from 70% to 85% (p < 0.0106). Altogether, 77% of the patients
      improved/maintained their score on the EDSS. Similar results were observed in
      patients previously treated with an immunomodulator. The effectiveness of the
      patients previously treated with natalizumab remained the same following
      treatment with fingolimod. CONCLUSIONS:  Routine clinical practice in the regions
      of Asturias and Cantabria shows that fingolimod yields similar results to those
      observed in clinical trials, on comparing the clinicoradiological variables used
      in them.

PMID- 27658433
TI  - [Fingolimod: effectiveness and safety in routine clinical practice. An
      observational, retrospective, multi-centre study in the province of Alicante].
AB  - INTRODUCTION:  Post-authorisation studies are important to confirm whether the
      outcomes of clinical trials are reproduced in usual clinical practice. AIMS:  To
      evaluate the effectiveness and safety of fingolimod in clinical practice in the
      province of Alicante. PATIENTS AND METHODS:  A retrospective multi-centre study
      was conducted with remitting multiple sclerosis patients treated with fingolimod.
      Demographic, clinical and pharmacological data were collected. We report on the
      effectiveness of the drug -annualised relapse rate (ARR) and percentage of
      patients free from attacks- at one and at two years after treatment in relation
      to the previous year, and data concerning side effects are also provided.
      RESULTS:  The sample consisted of 89 patients. Previous treatment was with
      immunomodulators (interferon beta or glatiramer acetate) in 54 patients and
      natalizumab in 32. Fifty patients changed due to failure with the immunomodulator
      and 31 owing to positive serology for JC virus (JCV+). Overall ARR decreased by
      67.3% the first year (p < 0.0001) and by 84.1% the second (p = 0.0078). It
      diminished in patients with immunomodulator failure (85.6% the first year, p <
      0.0001; 88.9% the second year, p = 0.0039) and increased in a non-significant
      manner in JCV+ patients in the first year. The percentage of patients free from
      relapses in the overall population increased from 32.6% to 68.1% in the first
      year (p < 0.0019) and to 82.6% in the second (p = 0.0215). This increase was not
      observed in JCV+ patients. Side effects were reported by 13 patients, which led
      to the drug being withdrawn in two of them. CONCLUSION:  In clinical practice in
      the province of Alicante, levels of effectiveness and safety of fingolimod proved
      to be slightly higher than those found in clinical trials.

PMID- 27658434
TI  - [Fingolimod: effectiveness and safety in routine clinical practice. An
      observational, retrospective, multi-centre study in Navarra, Gipuzkoa and La
      Rioja].
AB  - AIM:  To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of fingolimod in clinical practice
      in Navarra, Gipuzkoa and La Rioja regions. PATIENTS AND METHODS:  We conducted a
      retrospective multi-centre study with recurrent multiple sclerosis patients
      treated with fingolimod, following the product data sheet. The following data
      were evaluated: annualised relapse rate (ARR), percentage of patients free from
      relapses, disability using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and the
      percentage of patients without gadolinium-enhancing lesions. RESULTS:  A total of
      113 patients were treated with fingolimod: 6% were naive, and 58% and 35% were
      patients previously treated with an immunomodulator and natalizumab,
      respectively. Fingolimod lowered the ARR after the first (67%; 1 to 0.3; p <
      0.0001) and second (89%; 1 to 0.1; p < 0.0001) years of treatment, and thus the
      number of patients free from relapses during the treatment increased. The
      baseline EDSS was 3 and after treatment with fingolimod was 2.5 in both years.
      The percentage of patients without gadolinium-enhancing lesions after the first
      year of treatment was 77%. Similar results were observed in naive patients and in
      those previously treated with an immunomodulator. In patients previously treated
      with natalizumab no changes were observed following the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: 
      The use of fingolimod in clinical practice showed an effectiveness similar to
      that observed in clinical trials. There were no changes in the ARR after changing
      from natalizumab, and only one patient presented a 'relapse' after withdrawal of
      natalizumab. Fingolimod acts like a safe drug, with scarce side effects and a low
      percentage of drop-outs.

PMID- 27658435
TI  - Due to interleukin-6 type cytokine redundancy only glycoprotein 130 receptor
      blockade efficiently inhibits myeloma growth.
AB  - Interleukin-6 has an important role in the pathophysiology of multiple myeloma
      where it supports the growth and survival of the malignant plasma cells in the
      bone marrow. It belongs to a family of cytokines which use the glycoprotein 130
      chain for signal transduction, such as oncostatin M or leukemia inhibitory
      factor. Targeting interleukin-6 in plasma cell diseases is currently evaluated in
      clinical trials with monoclonal antibodies. Here, efforts were made to elucidate
      the contribution of interleukin-6 and glycoprotein 130 signaling in malignant
      plasma cell growth in vivo In the xenograft severe combined immune deficiency
      model employing our interleukin-6-dependent plasma cell line INA-6, the lack of
      human interleukin-6 induced autocrine interleukin-6 production and a
      proliferative response to other cytokines of the glycoprotein 130 family. Herein,
      mice were treated with monoclonal antibodies against human interleukin-6
      (elsilimomab/B-E8), the interleukin-6 receptor (B-R6), and with an antibody
      blocking glycoprotein 130 (B-R3). While treatment of mice with interleukin-6 and
      interleukin-6 receptor antibodies resulted in a modest delay in tumor growth, the
      development of plasmacytomas was completely prevented with the anti-glycoprotein
      130 antibody. Importantly, complete inhibition was also achieved using F(ab')2
      fragments of monoclonal antibody B-R3. Tumors harbor activated signal transducer
      and activator of transcription 3, and in vitro, the antibody inhibited leukemia
      inhibitory factor stimulated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3
      phosphorylation and cell growth, while being less effective against interleukin
      6. In conclusion, the growth of INA-6 plasmacytomas in vivo under interleukin-6
      withdrawal remains strictly dependent on glycoprotein 130, and other glycoprotein
      130 cytokines may substitute for interleukin-6. Antibodies against glycoprotein
      130 are able to overcome this redundancy and should be explored for a possible
      therapeutic window.

PMID- 27658436
TI  - APOL1, alpha-thalassemia, and BCL11A variants as a genetic risk profile for
      progression of chronic kidney disease in sickle cell anemia.

PMID- 27658437
TI  - A plasma microRNA signature as a biomarker for acquired aplastic anemia.
AB  - Aplastic anemia is an acquired bone marrow failure characterized by marrow
      hypoplasia, a paucity of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, and
      pancytopenia of the peripheral blood, due to immune attack on the bone marrow. In
      aplastic anemia, a major challenge is to develop immune biomarkers to monitor the
      disease. We measured circulating microRNAs in plasma samples of aplastic anemia
      patients in order to identify disease-specific microRNAs. A total of 179
      microRNAs were analyzed in 35 plasma samples from 13 aplastic anemia patients, 11
      myelodysplastic syndrome patients, and 11 healthy controls using the Serum/Plasma
      Focus microRNA Polymerase Chain Reaction Panel. Subsequently, 19 microRNAs from
      the discovery set were investigated in the 108 plasma samples from 41 aplastic
      anemia patients, 24 myelodysplastic syndrome patients, and 43 healthy controls
      for validation, confirming that 3 microRNAs could be validated as dysregulated
      (>1.5-fold change) in aplastic anemia, compared to healthy controls. MiR-150-5p
      (induction of T-cell differentiation) and miR-146b-5p (involvement in the
      feedback regulation of innate immune response) were elevated in aplastic anemia
      plasma, whereas miR-1 was decreased in aplastic anemia. By receiver operating
      characteristic curve analysis, we developed a logistic model with these 3
      microRNAs that enabled us to predict the probability of a diagnosis of aplastic
      anemia with an area under the curve of 0.86. Dysregulated expression levels of
      the microRNAs became normal after immunosuppressive therapy at 6 months.
      Specifically, miR-150-5p expression was significantly reduced after successful
      immunosuppressive therapy, but did not change in non-responders. We propose 3
      novel plasma biomarkers in aplastic anemia, in which miR-150-5p, miR-146b-5p, and
      miR-1 can serve for diagnosis and miR-150-5p for disease monitoring.
      Clinicaltrials.gov identifiers:00260689, 00217594, 00961064.

PMID- 27658438
TI  - Implementation of erythroid lineage analysis by flow cytometry in diagnostic
      models for myelodysplastic syndromes.
AB  - Flow cytometric analysis is a recommended tool in the diagnosis of
      myelodysplastic syndromes. Current flow cytometric approaches evaluate the
      (im)mature myelo-/monocytic lineage with a median sensitivity and specificity of
      ~71% and ~93%, respectively. We hypothesized that the addition of erythroid
      lineage analysis could increase the sensitivity of flow cytometry. Hereto, we
      validated the analysis of erythroid lineage parameters recommended by the
      International/European LeukemiaNet Working Group for Flow Cytometry in
      Myelodysplastic Syndromes, and incorporated this evaluation in currently applied
      flow cytometric models. One hundred and sixty-seven bone marrow aspirates were
      analyzed; 106 patients with myelodysplastic syndromes, and 61 cytopenic controls.
      There was a strong correlation between presence of erythroid aberrancies assessed
      by flow cytometry and the diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndromes when validating
      the previously described erythroid evaluation. Furthermore, addition of erythroid
      aberrancies to two different flow cytometric models led to an increased
      sensitivity in detecting myelodysplastic syndromes: from 74% to 86% for the
      addition to the diagnostic score designed by Ogata and colleagues, and from 69%
      to 80% for the addition to the integrated flow cytometric score for
      myelodysplastic syndromes, designed by our group. In both models the specificity
      was unaffected. The high sensitivity and specificity of flow cytometry in the
      detection of myelodysplastic syndromes illustrates the important value of flow
      cytometry in a standardized diagnostic approach. The trial is registered at
      www.trialregister.nl as NTR1825; EudraCT n.: 2008-002195-10.

PMID- 27658440
TI  - A randomized safety and pharmacokinetic trial of daily tenofovir 1% gel in term
      and near-term pregnancy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Vaginal tenofovir (TFV) 1% gel may reduce incident HIV-1 and herpes
      simplex virus 2 infection. Pregnancy may increase risk of HIV acquisition, and
      incident HIV in pregnancy potentiates perinatal HIV transmission. Our objective
      was to investigate the safety and pharmacokinetics of seven days of TFV 1%
      vaginal gel in term and near-term pregnancy. METHODS: Ninety-eight healthy
      pregnant women, stratified to a term cohort followed by a near-term cohort, were
      enrolled into a 2:1 randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Women
      received TFV or placebo gel for seven consecutive days with pharmacokinetic
      sampling on days 0 and 6. Maternal and cord blood were collected at delivery.
      Primary end points included laboratory and genital adverse events, adverse
      pregnancy and neonatal outcomes, and maternal TFV levels. RESULTS: Most adverse
      events were grade 1 and none of the grade 3 or 4 adverse events were related to
      study product. There was no significant difference in safety end points between
      the two pregnancy cohorts (p=0.18); therefore, their data were combined. Primary
      safety end point rates were similar for mothers randomized to the TFV gel vs
      placebo arm (72.7 and 68.8%, p=0.81). The same was true for newborns in the TFV
      gel vs placebo arms (4.5% vs 6.3%, p=0.66). All women randomized to TFV had
      quantifiable serum levels within eight hours of dosing, with low overall median
      (interquartile range) day 0 and day 6 peak values (3.8 (2.0 to 7.0) and 5.8 (2.6
      to 9.4) ng/mL, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Daily TFV 1% vaginal gel use in term
      and near-term pregnancy appears to be safe and produces low serum drug levels.

PMID- 27658439
TI  - Erythroferrone contributes to hepcidin repression in a mouse model of malarial
      anemia.
AB  - Malaria, a major global health challenge worldwide, is accompanied by a severe
      anemia secondary to hemolysis and increased erythrophagocytosis. Iron is an
      essential functional component of erythrocyte hemoglobin and its availability is
      controlled by the liver-derived hormone hepcidin. We examined the regulation of
      hepcidin during malarial infection in mice using the rodent parasite Plasmodium
      berghei K173. Mice infected with Plasmodium berghei K173 develop a severe anemia
      and die after 18 to 22 days without cerebral malaria. During the early phase of
      blood-stage infection (days 1 to 5), a strong inflammatory signature was
      associated with an increased production of hepcidin. Between days 7 and 18, while
      infection progressed, red blood cell count, hemoglobin and hematocrit
      dramatically decreased. In the late phase of malarial infection, hepcidin
      production was reduced concomitantly to an increase in the messenger RNA
      expression of the hepcidin suppressor erythroferrone in the bone marrow and the
      spleen. Compared with wild-type mice, Erfe-/- mice failed to adequately suppress
      hepcidin expression after infection with Plasmodium berghei K173. Importantly,
      the sustained production of hepcidin allowed by erythroferrone ablation was
      associated with decreased parasitemia, providing further evidence that transient
      iron restriction could be beneficial in the treatment of malaria.

PMID- 27658441
TI  - Flyglow: Single-fly observations of simultaneous molecular and behavioural
      circadian oscillations in controls and an Alzheimer's model.
AB  - Circadian rhythms are essential for health and are frequently disturbed in
      disease. A full understanding of the causal relationships between behavioural and
      molecular circadian rhythms requires simultaneous longitudinal observations over
      time in individual organisms. Current experimental paradigms require the
      measurement of each rhythm separately across distinct populations of experimental
      organisms, rendering the comparability of the resulting datasets uncertain. We
      therefore developed FLYGLOW, an assay using clock gene controlled luciferase
      expression detected by exquisitely sensitive EM-CCD imaging, to enable
      simultaneous quantification of parameters including locomotor, sleep
      consolidation and molecular rhythms in single flies over days/weeks. FLYGLOW
      combines all the strengths of existing techniques, and also allows powerful
      multiparametric paired statistics. We found the age-related transition from
      rhythmicity to arrhythmicity for each parameter occurs unpredictably, with some
      flies showing loss of one or more rhythms during middle-age. Using single-fly
      correlation analysis of rhythm robustness and period we demonstrated the
      independence of the peripheral clock from circadian behaviours in wild type flies
      as well as in an Alzheimer's model. FLYGLOW is a useful tool for investigating
      the deterioration of behavioural and molecular rhythms in ageing and
      neurodegeneration. This approach may be applied more broadly within behavioural
      neurogenetics research.

PMID- 27658442
TI  - The MADS-Box transcription factor Bcmads1 is required for growth, sclerotia
      production and pathogenicity of Botrytis cinerea.
AB  - MADS-box transcription factors are highly conserved in eukaryotic species and
      involved in a variety of biological processes. Little is known, however,
      regarding the function of MADS-box genes in Botrytis cinerea, a fungal pathogen
      with a wide host range. Here, the functional role of the B. cinerea MADS-box
      gene, Bcmads1, was characterized in relation to the development, pathogenicity
      and production of sclerotia. The latter are formed upon incubation in darkness
      and serve as survival structures during winter and as the female parent in sexual
      reproduction. Bcmads1 is indispensable for sclerotia production. RT-qPCR analysis
      suggested that Bcmads1 modulated sclerotia formation by regulating the expression
      of light-responsive genes. Bcmads1 is required for the full virulence potential
      of B. cinerea on apple fruit. A comparative proteomic analysis identified 63
      proteins, representing 55 individual genes that are potential targets of Bcmads1.
      Among them, Bcsec14 and Bcsec31 are associated with vesicle transport. Deletion
      of Bcsec14 and Bcsec31 resulted in a reduction in the virulence and protein
      secretion of B. cinerea. These results suggest that Bcmads1 may influence
      sclerotia formation by modulating light responsive gene expression and regulate
      pathogenicity by its effect on the protein secretion process.

PMID- 27658444
TI  - The conservative behavior of dissolved organic carbon in surface waters of the
      southern Chukchi Sea, Arctic Ocean, during early summer.
AB  - The spatial distribution of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations and the
      optical properties of dissolved organic matter (DOM) determined by ultraviolet
      visible absorbance and fluorescence spectroscopy were measured in surface waters
      of the southern Chukchi Sea, western Arctic Ocean, during the early summer of
      2013. Neither the DOC concentration nor the optical parameters of the DOM
      correlated with salinity. Principal component analysis using the DOM optical
      parameters clearly separated the DOM sources. A significant linear relationship
      was evident between the DOC and the principal component score for specific water
      masses, indicating that a high DOC level was related to a terrigenous source,
      whereas a low DOC level was related to a marine source. Relationships between the
      DOC and the principal component scores of the surface waters of the southern
      Chukchi Sea implied that the major factor controlling the distribution of DOC
      concentrations was the mixing of plural water masses rather than local production
      and degradation.

PMID- 27658443
TI  - Multipath Effects in Millimetre-Wave Wireless Communication using Orbital Angular
      Momentum Multiplexing.
AB  - Electromagnetic waves carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) have been used for
      mode division multiplexing in free-space communication systems to increase both
      the capacity and the spectral efficiency. In the case of conventional wireless
      communication links using non-OAM beams, multipath effects caused by beam
      spreading and reflection from the surrounding objects affect the system
      performance. This paper presents the results of analysis, simulations, and
      measurements of multipath effects in a millimetre-wave communication link using
      OAM multiplexing at 28 GHz. Multipath-induced intra- and inter-channel crosstalk,
      which are caused by specular reflection from a plane parallel to the propagation
      path, are analysed and measured. Both the simulation and the experimental results
      show that an OAM channel with a high OAM number l tends to suffer from both
      strong intra-channel crosstalk and strong inter-channel crosstalk with other OAM
      channels. Results of the analysis show that this observation can be explained on
      the basis of both the properties of OAM beam divergence and the filtering effect
      at the receiver, which is associated with the spiral wavefront of OAM beams.

PMID- 27658445
TI  - Flavonoids are determinants of freezing tolerance and cold acclimation in
      Arabidopsis thaliana.
AB  - In plants from temperate climates such as Arabidopsis thaliana low, non-freezing
      temperatures lead to increased freezing tolerance in a process termed cold
      acclimation. This process is accompanied by massive changes in gene expression
      and in the content of primary metabolites and lipids. In addition, most flavonols
      and anthocyanins accumulate upon cold exposure, along with most transcripts
      encoding transcription factors and enzymes of the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway.
      However, no evidence for a functional role of flavonoids in plant freezing
      tolerance has been shown. Here, we present a comprehensive analysis using qRT-PCR
      for transcript, LC-MS for flavonoid and GC-MS for primary metabolite
      measurements, and an electrolyte leakage assay to determine freezing tolerance of
      20 mutant lines in two Arabidopsis accessions that are affected in different
      steps of the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway. This analysis provides evidence for
      a functional role of flavonoids in plant cold acclimation. The accumulation of
      flavonoids in the activation tagging mutant line pap1-D improved, while reduced
      flavonoid content in different knock-out mutants impaired leaf freezing
      tolerance. Analysis of the different knock-out mutants suggests redundancy of
      flavonoid structures, as the lack of flavonols or anthocyanins could be
      compensated by other compound classes.

PMID- 27658446
TI  - Full-Color Biomimetic Photonic Materials with Iridescent and Non-Iridescent
      Structural Colors.
AB  - The beautiful structural colors in bird feathers are some of the brightest colors
      in nature, and some of these colors are created by arrays of melanin granules
      that act as both structural colors and scattering absorbers. Inspired by the
      color of bird feathers, high-visibility structural colors have been created by
      altering four variables: size, blackness, refractive index, and arrangement of
      the nano-elements. To control these four variables, we developed a facile method
      for the preparation of biomimetic core-shell particles with melanin-like
      polydopamine (PDA) shell layers. The size of the core-shell particles was
      controlled by adjusting the core polystyrene (PSt) particles' diameter and the
      PDA shell thicknesses. The blackness and refractive index of the colloidal
      particles could be adjusted by controlling the thickness of the PDA shell. The
      arrangement of the particles was controlled by adjusting the surface roughness of
      the core-shell particles. This method enabled the production of both iridescent
      and non-iridescent structural colors from only one component. This simple and
      novel process of using core-shell particles containing PDA shell layers can be
      used in basic research on structural colors in nature and their practical
      applications.

PMID- 27658447
TI  - Shiny condensates.

PMID- 27658448
TI  - Physics and applications of exciton-polariton lasers.

PMID- 27658449
TI  - Organic light-emitting diodes: High-throughput virtual screening.

PMID- 27658450
TI  - Active colloids: Controlled collective motions.

PMID- 27658451
TI  - Karl A. Gschneidner Jr (1930-2016).

PMID- 27658452
TI  - Material witness: Close to the edge.

PMID- 27658453
TI  - Transcriptome responses of an ungrafted Phytophthora root rot tolerant avocado
      (Persea americana) rootstock to flooding and Phytophthora cinnamomi.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) is a commercially important fruit
      crop worldwide. A major limitation to production is the oomycete Phytophthora
      cinnamomi, which causes root rot leading to branch-dieback and tree death. The
      decline of orchards infected with P. cinnamomi occurs much faster when exposed to
      flooding, even if flooding is only transient. Flooding is a multifactorial stress
      compromised of several individual stresses, making breeding and selection for
      tolerant varieties challenging. With more plantations occurring in marginal
      areas, with imperfect irrigation and drainage, understanding the response of
      avocado to these stresses will be important for the industry. RESULTS:
      Maintenance of energy production was found to be central in the response to
      flooding, as seen by up-regulation of transcripts related to glycolysis and
      induction of transcripts related to ethanolic fermentation. Energy-intensive
      processes were generally down-regulated, as evidenced by repression of
      transcripts related to processes such as secondary cell-wall biosynthesis as well
      as defence-related transcripts. Aquaporins were found to be down-regulated in
      avocado roots exposed to flooding, indicating reduced water-uptake under these
      conditions. CONCLUSIONS: The transcriptomic response of avocado to flooding and
      P. cinnamomi was investigated utilizing microarray analysis. Differences in the
      transcriptome caused by the presence of the pathogen were minor compared to
      transcriptomic perturbations caused by flooding. The transcriptomic response of
      avocado to flooding reveals a response to flooding that is conserved in several
      species. This data could provide key information that could be used to improve
      selection of stress tolerant rootstocks in the avocado industry.

PMID- 27658454
TI  - Resilience of a FIT screening programme against screening fatigue: a modelling
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Repeated participation is important in faecal immunochemical testing
      (FIT) screening for colorectal cancer (CRC). However, a large number of screening
      invitations over time may lead to screening fatigue and consequently, decreased
      participation rates. We evaluated the impact of screening fatigue on overall
      screening programme effectiveness. METHODS: Using the ASCCA model, we simulated
      the Dutch CRC screening programme consisting of biennial FIT screening in
      individuals aged 55-75. We studied the resilience of the programme against
      heterogeneity in screening attendance and decrease in participation rate due to
      screening fatigue. Outcomes were reductions in CRC incidence and mortality
      compared to no screening. RESULTS: Assuming a homogenous 63 % participation,
      i.e., each round each individual was equally likely to attend screening, 30 years
      of screening reduced CRC incidence and mortality by 39 and 53 %, respectively,
      compared to no screening. When assuming clustered participation, i.e., three
      subgroups of individuals with a high (95 %), moderate (65 %) and low (5 %)
      participation rate, screening was less effective; reductions were 33 % for CRC
      incidence and 43 % for CRC mortality. Screening fatigue considerably reduced
      screening effectiveness; if individuals refrained from screening after three
      negative screens, model-predicted incidence reductions decreased to 25 and 18 %
      under homogenous and clustered participation, respectively. Figures were 34 and
      25 % for mortality reduction. CONCLUSIONS: Screening will substantially decrease
      CRC incidence and mortality. However, screening effectiveness can be seriously
      compromised if screening fatigue occurs. This warrants careful monitoring of
      individual screening behaviour and consideration of targeted invitation systems
      in individuals who have (repeatedly) missed screening rounds.

PMID- 27658456
TI  - Bacterial vaginosis and adverse outcomes among full-term infants: a cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) during pregnancy is a well-established risk
      factor for preterm birth and other preterm pregnancy complications. Little is
      known about adverse neonatal outcomes associated with BV exposure in full-term
      births, nor its influence on adverse outcomes independent of its effect on
      gestational age. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship
      between BV during pregnancy and adverse neonatal outcomes among full-term and
      preterm infants. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of Washington
      State mother/infant pairs from 2003-2013, stratified by full-term (primary
      outcomes) and preterm births (secondary outcomes). BV-exposed and unexposed women
      were frequency-matched based on year of delivery. BV exposure and adverse
      outcomes [assisted ventilation/respiratory distress, neonatal intensive care unit
      (NICU) admission, neonatal sepsis, fetal mortality, and infant mortality] were
      identified using birth certificates, ICD-9 codes from linked hospital records,
      and death certificates. Associations between BV exposure and outcomes were
      assessed using multivariable Poisson regression, adjusted for maternal
      demographics, gestational age, and other pregnancy complications, including
      infections. RESULTS: A total of 12,340 mother/infant pairs were included: 2,468
      BV-exposed (2198 term, 267 preterm) and 9,872 BV unexposed (9156 term, 708
      preterm). Among full-term infants, BV-exposed mothers were younger, more likely
      to be Black or Hispanic, more likely to have had a sexually transmitted
      infection, and less likely to have a college degree than unexposed mothers. Term
      BV exposed infants were more likely to have meconium at delivery. Following
      adjustment, BV was associated with an increased risk of assisted
      ventilation/respiratory distress at birth (aRR = 1.28, 95 % CI 1.02-1.61), NICU
      admission (aRR = 1.42, 95 % CI 1.11-1.82), and neonatal sepsis (aRR = 1.60, 95 %
      CI 1.13-2.27) among full-term infants. These associations were independent of the
      presence of chorioamnionitis or meconium. Among preterm infants, BV-exposure was
      associated with an increased risk for NICU admissions only (aRR = 1.24, 95 % CI
      1.04-1.46). CONCLUSIONS: BV exposure during pregnancy is associated with adverse
      neonatal outcomes even among infants born full-term. These findings amongst full
      term infants are novel, and highlight neonatal implications of BV in pregnancy
      independent of BV's effect on preterm birth.

PMID- 27658455
TI  - Enhancement of the BG-sentinel trap with varying number of mice for field
      sampling of male and female Aedes albopictus mosquitoes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Trapping male mosquitoes in the field is essential for the
      development of area-wide vector control programs with a sterile insect technique
      (SIT) component. To determine the optimal temporal and spatial release strategy,
      an estimation of the wild population density and its temporal dynamics is
      essential. Among the traps available for such data collection, the BG-Sentinel
      trap developed by the Biogents company uses a combination of visual cues,
      convection currents and olfactory signals. Although in numerous cases, this trap
      has shown high efficiency in sampling Aedes albopictus, in some cases low capture
      rates of Ae. albopictus males were recorded for the BG-sentinel mosquito trap
      baited with synthetic attractants. METHODS: The effects of modifying the BG
      sentinel trap (by adding one mouse, two or three live mice to the trap) on the
      efficiency of trapping Ae. albopictus males and females was tested. The
      experiment was carried out in three distinct areas on La Reunion that have been
      selected for pilot field testing of the release of sterile male Ae. albopictus
      mosquitoes. The effect of four types of attractant (including the generic BG
      Lure, one mouse or two to three mice) in baited BGS traps was tested with a Latin
      square design in order to control for the variability of different sampling
      positions and dates. RESULTS: At the three studied sites, the number of Ae.
      albopictus adults caught and the proportion of males per trap consistently
      increased with the number of mice present in the trap. CONCLUSION: The results
      from this study suggest that some new attractants derived from, or similar to,
      mouse odors could be developed and tested in combination with other existing
      attractive components, such as CO2 and heat, in order to provide a reliable
      estimation method for Ae. albopictus adult male abundance in the wild.

PMID- 27658458
TI  - Chronic fibrosing pulmonary aspergillosis: a cause of 'destroyed lung' syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) has substantial impact on
      quality of life. A subset of patients develops significant pulmonary fibrosis,
      identified either on biopsy or radiologically. The term chronic fibrosing
      pulmonary aspergillosis (CFPA) has been suggested. METHODS: We describe 11
      patients with CFPA referred to our centre. RESULTS: Mean age was 58.5 years and
      five were male. In nine, fibrosis was already evident on presentation, while in
      two it developed 3 and 6 years later. The predominant radiological feature was
      extensive or complete involvement of the entire lung, with minimal contralateral
      involvement. All patients received prolonged antifungal treatment. Two patients
      had surgical treatment; both developed post-operative complications. The
      contralateral lung remained free of significant disease in all but three
      patients. CONCLUSIONS: CFPA is a rare complication of CPA that is usually evident
      on presentation, but may develop after years in patients not on antifungals.
      Fibrosis resembles the 'destroyed lung' syndrome described after treated
      tuberculosis.

PMID- 27658459
TI  - Resistin as an inflammatory marker in patients with schizophrenia treated with
      clozapine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Schizophrenia is associated with excess cardiovascular comorbidity
      and mortality related to lifestyle factors, such as lack of physical activity,
      poor diet, and smoking. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome is increased among
      patients with schizophrenia, with the highest rates among patients on clozapine
      treatment. Smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, airway inflammation and
      obstruction, and adipose tissue and inflammatory marker activation are related in
      systemic inflammation. Low-grade inflammation is also associated with
      schizophrenia. Adipokine resistin is a biomarker involving several acute and
      chronic inflammatory states. However, the inflammatory role of resistin is so far
      inconclusive and studies in schizophrenia are scanty. AIMS: The aim of the
      present study was to explore the role of serum resistin as an inflammatory marker
      in patients with schizophrenia on clozapine treatment. METHODS: Associations
      between serum levels of resistin and some other selected cytokines/adipokines
      (adiponectin, leptin, adipsin, IL-6, IL-1Ra, TNF-alpha, hs-CRP) and metabolic
      markers in 190 patients with schizophrenia on clozapine treatment were studied
      using a cross-sectional study design. RESULTS: Among male patients especially,
      smokers had higher levels of resistin than non-smokers, and among smokers
      resistin levels were associated with IL-1Ra and hs-CRP levels. In the whole
      patient group levels of resistin associated with levels of IL-1Ra, and among male
      patients with low HDL-cholesterol. CONCLUSIONS: Resistin is a biomarker of
      systemic inflammation associated with smoking among patients with schizophrenia
      on clozapine treatment. Resistin might have a role as a marker of cardiovascular
      comorbidity.

PMID- 27658457
TI  - The association between maternal and partner experienced racial discrimination
      and prenatal perceived stress, prenatal and postnatal depression: findings from
      the growing up in New Zealand cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A growing number of studies document the association between maternal
      experiences of racial discrimination and adverse children's outcomes, but our
      understanding of how experiences of racial discrimination are associated with pre
      and post-natal maternal mental health, is limited. In addition, existent
      literature rarely takes into consideration racial discrimination experienced by
      the partner. METHODS: We analysed data from the Growing Up in New Zealand study
      to examine the burden of lifetime and past year experiences of racial
      discrimination on prenatal and postnatal mental health among Maori, Pacific, and
      Asian women in New Zealand (NZ), and to study the individual and joint
      contribution of mother's and partner's experiences of lifetime and past year
      racial discrimination to women's prenatal and postnatal mental health. RESULTS:
      Our findings show strong associations between lifetime and past year experiences
      of ethnically-motivated interpersonal attacks and unfair treatment on mother's
      mental health. Maori, Pacific, and Asian women who had experienced unfair
      treatment by a health professional in their lifetime were 66 % more likely to
      suffer from postnatal depression, compared to women who did not report these
      experiences. We found a cumulative effect of lifetime experiences of ethnically
      motivated personal attacks on poor maternal mental health if both the mother and
      the partner had experienced a racist attack. CONCLUSIONS: Experiences of racial
      discrimination have severe direct consequences for the mother's mental health.
      Given the importance of mother's mental health for the basic human needs of a
      healthy child, racism and racial discrimination should be addressed.

PMID- 27658460
TI  - Whole-Virus Screening to Develop Synbodies for the Influenza Virus.
AB  - There is an ongoing need for affinity agents for emerging viruses and new strains
      of current human viruses. We therefore developed a robust and modular system for
      engineering high-affinity synbody ligands for the influenza A/Puerto Rico/8/1934
      H1N1 virus as a model system. Whole-virus screening against a peptide microarray
      was used to identify binding peptides. Candidate peptides were linked to bis
      maleimide peptide scaffolds to produce a library of candidate influenza-binding
      synbodies. From this library, a candidate synbody, ASU1060, was selected and
      affinity-improved via positional substitution using d-amino acids to produce a
      new synbody, ASU1061, that bound H1N1 in an ELISA assay with a KD of <1 nM,
      comparable to that of a monoclonal antibody for neuraminidase (NA). We prepared a
      modified version of ASU1061 that contained an additional C-terminal peptide to
      simulate conjugation of the synbody to a carrier protein, called ASU1063, and
      found that H1N1 binding was unchanged. Subsequent work identified the synbody
      target as nucleoprotein (NP), a highly conserved protein in influenza, with a KD
      of <1 nM for ASU1063. This suggests that virus-binding synbodies can be
      conjugated to carrier proteins or other moieties that could improve the
      therapeutic profile of the resulting synbody. This method is a rapid process that
      offers a means of developing new affinity ligands to influenza and other viruses.

PMID- 27658461
TI  - Primary pulmonary lymphoma: four different and unusual radiologic and clinical
      manifestations.

PMID- 27658462
TI  - Alantolactone selectively ablates acute myeloid leukemia stem and progenitor
      cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The poor outcomes for patients diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia
      (AML) are largely attributed to leukemia stem cells (LSCs) which are difficult to
      eliminate with conventional therapy and responsible for relapse. Thus, new
      therapeutic strategies which could selectively target LSCs in clinical leukemia
      treatment and avoid drug resistance are urgently needed. However, only a few
      small molecules have been reported to show anti-LSCs activity. METHODS: The aim
      of the present study was to identify alantolactone as novel agent that can ablate
      acute myeloid leukemia stem and progenitor cells from AML patient specimens and
      evaluate the anticancer activity of alantolactone in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS:
      The present study is the first to demonstrate that alantolactone, a prominent
      eudesmane-type sesquiterpene lactone, could specifically ablate LSCs from AML
      patient specimens. Furthermore, in comparison to the conventional chemotherapy
      drug, cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C), alantolactone showed superior effects of
      leukemia cytotoxicity while sparing normal hematopoietic cells. Alantolactone
      induced apoptosis with a dose-dependent manner by suppression of NF-kB and its
      downstream target proteins. DMA-alantolactone, a water-soluble prodrug of
      alantolactone, could suppress tumor growth in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these
      results, we propose that alantolactone may represent a novel LSCs-targeted
      therapy and eudesmane-type sesquiterpene lactones offer a new scaffold for drug
      discovery towards anti-LSCs agents.

PMID- 27658464
TI  - Psychometric properties of the newly developed Physician Teaching Self-Efficacy
      Questionnaire (PTSQ).
AB  - BACKGROUND: High teaching quality and students' corresponding learning progress
      are the most important indicators of teachers' work performance. Theory and
      numerous empirical studies indicate that self-efficacy, a person's belief in her
      or his ability to accomplish a task, is an important predictor of work
      performance. Accordingly, it can be assumed that teaching self-efficacy also
      influences teaching performance and students' learning progress with regard to
      physicians who teach in undergraduate medical education. Therefore, the aim of
      this study was to develop and validate an instrument measuring clinical teaching
      self-efficacy in physicians. METHODS: We developed 16 items reflecting
      physicians' beliefs to provide high quality clinical teaching when facing
      regularly occurring critical teaching situations. These constitute the Physician
      Teaching Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PTSQ). For its validation, we used data
      from a sample of 247 physicians from internal medicine and surgery at six German
      medical faculties. Regarding factorial validity, we performed exploratory
      structural equation modelling (ESEM) as well as confirmatory factor analysis
      (CFA). Regarding criterion validity, correlations with the scales of the
      Physician Teaching Motivation Questionnaire (PTMQ), teaching experience and
      perceived teaching involvement were calculated. Additionally, we conducted the
      same analyses with a short 6-item version. RESULTS: ESEM delivered evidence for a
      three-factor structure with a superordinate general factor, which was confirmed
      by local and global fit indicators in CFA (RMSEA = .055, TLI = .939, SRMR = .048,
      CFI = .948). We identified the following three subfactors: teaching self-efficacy
      with respect to self-regulation, dyadic regulation involving students, and
      triadic regulation involving students and patients. Internal consistencies
      indicated acceptable to excellent reliability for all scales (Cronbach's alpha =
      .77-.90). Theory-consistent correlations with the PTMQ scales, teaching
      experience, and teaching involvement confirmed criterion validity. Besides
      excellent global fit, the short version of the PTSQ also fulfilled all other
      validity criteria. CONCLUSIONS: The PTSQ is a valid instrument to assess
      physicians' clinical teaching self-efficacy. It could be used in faculty
      development programmes and for educational research. The short version could be
      used in situations that are time-critical for physicians in order to ensure high
      response rates.

PMID- 27658465
TI  - Arterial dissection in childhood Takayasu Arteritis: not as rare as thought.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Arterial vessel wall dissection is a rare, life-threatening and
      rarely described complication in childhood Takayasu Arteritis (cTA). Prevalence
      and risk factors for arterial dissection in cTA are unknown. We sought to study
      the prevalence and analyse risk factors for arterial dissection in cTA. FINDINGS:
      A single center retrospective review of all children with cTA was performed.
      Patients with arterial dissection at cTA diagnosis were reported in detail and
      compared to the remaining single center retrospective cohort of children without
      dissection. Disease activity was assessed by the Pediatric Vasculitis Disease
      Activity Score (PVAS). A total of 27 cTA patients (74 % girls) were included.
      Three children (11 %) presented with dissection at diagnosis of cTA. They had
      higher PVAS (median 21 versus 10, p = 0.26), increased neutrophils (p < 0.0001)
      and lower albumin levels (p = 0.05). Arterial hypertension was common in both
      groups: in 67 % of children with dissection and 54 % of those without.
      CONCLUSIONS: Arterial dissection was more frequent in our cTA cohort than
      previously reported. Careful vascular imaging assessment is crucial to document
      this complication. High disease activity and markers of inflammation especially
      in combination with arterial hypertension, may be associated with the risk for
      vessel wall dissection in children with cTA.

PMID- 27658467
TI  - Calcitriol Reduces Hepatic Triglyceride Accumulation and Glucose Output Through
      Ca2+/CaMKK&#946;/AMPK Activation Under Insulin-Resistant Conditions in Type 2
      Diabetes Mellitus.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The present study was designed to investigate the effects of
      calcitriol (the active hormonal metabolite of vitamin D) on hepatic metabolic
      abnormalities in type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Type 2 diabetic db/db mice were used
      to investigate the effects of calcitriol on hepatic and systemic metabolic
      disorders. HepG2 cells cultured in insulin-resistant conditions were used to
      examine the potential mechanisms for calcitriol-induced changes in hepatic lipid
      and glucose metabolism. RESULTS: 8-week calcitriol treatment ameliorated abnormal
      hepatic lipid and glucose production in db/db mice. In HepG2 cells under insulin
      resistant condition, calcitriol increased cytosolic calcium concentration and
      induced 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase/acetyl-CoAcarboxylase (AMPK/ACC)
      phosphorylation via the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase &#946;
      (CaMKK&#946;) pathway, contributing to the reductions in hepatic triglyceride
      accumulation and glucose output. Calcitriol also induced AMPK/ACC phosphorylation
      in liver of db/db mice. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that calcitriol, at above
      physiological serum concentrations, reduces hepatic triglyceride accumulation and
      glucose output, at least in part through activation of Ca2+/CaMKKbeta/AMPK under
      insulin-resistant condition.

PMID- 27658466
TI  - European multicenter study on antimicrobial resistance in bacteria isolated from
      companion animal urinary tract infections.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a growing concern regarding the increase of antimicrobial
      resistant bacteria in companion animals. Yet, there are no studies comparing the
      resistance levels of these organisms in European countries. The aim of this study
      was to investigate geographical and temporal trends of antimicrobial resistant
      bacteria causing urinary tract infection (UTI) in companion animals in Europe.
      The antimicrobial susceptibility of 22 256 bacteria isolated from dogs and cats
      with UTI was determined. Samples were collected between 2008 and 2013 from 16
      laboratories of 14 European countries. The prevalence of antimicrobial resistance
      of the most common bacteria was determined for each country individually in the
      years 2012-2013 and temporal trends of bacteria resistance were established by
      logistic regression. RESULTS: The aetiology of uropathogenic bacteria differed
      between dogs and cats. For all bacterial species, Southern countries generally
      presented higher levels of antimicrobial resistance compared to Northern
      countries. Multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli were found to be more prevalent
      in Southern countries. During the study period, the level of fluoroquinolone
      resistant E. coli isolated in Belgium, Denmark, France and the Netherlands
      decreased significantly. A temporal increase in resistance to amoxicillin
      clavulanate and gentamicin was observed among E. coli isolates from the
      Netherlands and Switzerland, respectively. Other country-specific temporal
      increases were observed for fluoroquinolone-resistant Proteus spp. isolated from
      companion animals from Belgium. CONCLUSIONS: This work brings new insights into
      the current status of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria isolated from
      companion animals with UTI in Europe and reinforces the need for strategies
      aiming to reduce resistance.

PMID- 27658468
TI  - Multiobjective guided priors improve the accuracy of near-infrared spectral
      tomography for breast imaging.
AB  - An image reconstruction regularization approach for magnetic resonance imaging
      guided near-infrared spectral tomography has been developed to improve
      quantification of total hemoglobin (HbT) and water. By combining prior
      information from dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) and diffusion weighted (DW) MR
      images, the absolute bias errors of HbT and water in the tumor were reduced by
      22% and 18%, 21% and 6%, and 10% and 11%, compared to that in the no-prior, DCE-
      or DW-guided reconstructed images in three-dimensional simulations, respectively.
      In addition, the apparent contrast values of HbT and water were increased in
      patient image reconstruction from 1.4 and 1.4 (DCE) or 1.8 and 1.4 (DW) to 4.6
      and 1.6.

PMID- 27658469
TI  - Impact of Game-Inspired Infographics on User Engagement and Information
      Processing in an eHealth Program.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Online interventions providing individual health behavior assessment
      should deliver feedback in a way that is both understandable and engaging. This
      study focused on the potential for infographics inspired by the aesthetics of
      game design to contribute to these goals. OBJECTIVE: We conducted formative
      research to test game-inspired infographics against more traditional displays
      (eg, text-only, column chart) for conveying a behavioral goal and an individual's
      behavior relative to the goal. We explored the extent to which the display type
      would influence levels of engagement and information processing. METHODS: Between
      participants experiments compared game-inspired infographics with traditional
      formats in terms of outcomes related to information processing (eg,
      comprehension, cognitive load) and engagement (eg, attitudes toward the
      information, emotional tone). We randomly assigned participants (N=1162) to an
      experiment in 1 of 6 modules (tobacco use, alcohol use, vegetable consumption,
      fruit consumption, physical activity, and weight management). RESULTS: In the
      tobacco module, a game-inspired format (scorecard) was compared with text-only;
      there were no differences in attitudes and emotional tone, but the scorecard
      outperformed text-only on comprehension (P=.004) and decreased cognitive load
      (P=.006). For the other behaviors, we tested 2 game-inspired formats (scorecard,
      progress bar) and a traditional column chart; there were no differences in
      comprehension, but the progress bar outperformed the other formats on attitudes
      and emotional tone (P<.001 for all contrasts). CONCLUSIONS: Across modules, a
      game-inspired infographic showed potential to outperform a traditional format for
      some study outcomes while not underperforming on other outcomes. Overall,
      findings support the use of game-inspired infographics in behavioral assessment
      feedback to enhance comprehension and engagement, which may lead to greater
      behavior change.

PMID- 27658470
TI  - Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Emergency Trauma Admissions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Direct (non-vitamin-K-dependent) oral anticoagulants (DOAC) are given
      as an alternative to vitamin K antagonists (VKA) to prevent stroke and embolic
      disease in patients with atrial fibrillation that is not due to pathology of the
      heart valves. Fatal hemorrhage is rarer when DOACs are given (nonvalvular atrial
      fibrillation: odds ratio [OR] 0.68; 95% confidence interval [95% CI: 0.48; 0.96],
      and venous thromboembolism: OR 0.54; [0.22; 1.32]). 48% of emergency trauma
      patients need an emergency operation or early surgery. Clotting disturbances
      elevate the mortality of such patients to 43%, compared to 17% in patients
      without a clotting disturbance. This underscores the impor tance of the proper,
      targeted treatment of trauma patients who are aking DOAC. METHODS: This review is
      based on articles retrieved by a selective search in PubMed and on a summary of
      expert opinion and the recommendations of the relevant medical specialty
      societies. RESULTS: Peak DOAC levels are reached 2-4 hours after the drug is
      taken. In patients with normal renal and hepatic function, no drug accumulation,
      and no drug interactions, the plasma level of DOAC 24 hours after administration
      is generally too low to cause any clinically relevant risk of bleeding. The risk
      of drug accumulation is higher in patients with renal dysfunction (creatinine
      clearance [CrCl] of 30 mL/min or less). Dabigatran levels can be estimated from
      the thrombin time, ecarin clotting time, and diluted thrombin time, while levels
      of factor Xa inhibitors can be estimated by means of calibrated chromogenic anti
      factor Xa activity tests. Routine clotting studies do not reliably reflect the
      anticoagulant activity of DOAC. Surgery should be postponed, if possible, until
      at least 24-48 hours after the last dose of DOAC. For patients with mild, non
      life threatening hemorrhage, it suffices to discontinue DOAC; for patients with
      severe hemorrhage, there are special treatment algorithms that should be
      followed. CONCLUSION: DOACs in the setting of hemorrhage are a clinical challenge
      in the traumatological emergency room because of the inadequate validity of the
      relevant laboratory tests. An emergency antidote is now available only for
      dabigatran.

PMID- 27658471
TI  - Fecal Microbiota Transplant in Patients With Recurrent Clostridium Difficile
      Infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The clinical effectiveness of fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) for
      the treatment of recurrent Clostridium difficile infections (rCDI) has been
      demonstrated in randomized controlled trials. To assess the current status of FMT
      in Germany with respect to active centers, local standards, clinical
      effectiveness and safety, the MicroTrans Registry (NCT02681068) was established.
      METHODS: In a long-term retrospective multicenter observational study by the
      German Clinical Microbiome Study Group (GCMSG), primary and secondary cure on day
      30 and 90, as well as occurrence of treatment-related adverse events were
      assessed. In addition to patient demographic data, we provide an overview of the
      FMT procedures and techniques used at different centers. RESULTS: Overall, 133
      eligible patients from 33 centers were included, of which 64.7% were female (n =
      86). The mean age was 75 years (interquartile range: 59.5-81.5). Administration
      via the duodenal route (n = 59; 44.4%) was the most frequently applied option,
      followed by colonic (n = 55; 41.1%), capsule (n = 13; 9.8%), and gastric
      administration (n = 4; 3.0%). Primary cure on day 30 and 90 was achieved in 84.2%
      (n = 101/120) and 78.3% (n = 72/92) of patients, respectively. Including re
      treatment, secondary response was achieved in 87.5% (d 30; n = 105/120) and 85.9%
      (d 90; n = 79/92), respectively. Treatment- elated adverse events were documented
      in 16 patients (12.0%). CONCLUSION: FMT is a safe and effective treatment option
      for rCDI. However, FMT is currently available only in few centers in Germany, and
      treatment options vary from one center to another.

PMID- 27658472
TI  - The Diagnosis, Treatment, and Follow-up of Renal Cell Carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In 2014, 15 500 persons in Germany were given the diagnosis of renal
      cell carcinoma. This disease is the third most common cancer of the urogenital
      system. The mean age at diagnosis is 68 years in men and 71 in men. METHODS:
      Pertinent publications up to 2014 were retrieved by a systematic literature
      search and reviewed in a moderated, formalized consensus process. Key questions
      were generated and answered by the adaptation of existing international
      guidelines, on the basis of an independent literature review, and by expert
      consensus. Representatives of 30 medical specialty societies, patient self-help
      groups, and other organizations participated in the process. RESULTS: The search
      for guidelines yielded 80 hits, 23 of which were judged by DELBI to be
      potentially relevant; 7 were chosen for adaptation. Smoking, obesity, and
      hypertension increase the risk of renal cell carcinoma. Its 5-year survival rate
      is 75% for men and 77% for women. Renal cell carcinoma accounts for 2.6% of all
      deaths from cancer in men and 2.1% in women. Nephrectomy and partial nephrectomy
      are the standard treatments. Locally confined tumors in clinical stage T1 should
      be treated with kidney-preserving surgery. Minimally invasive surgery is often
      possible as long as the surgeon has the requisite experience. For patients with
      metastases, overall and progression-free survival can be prolonged with VEGF and
      mTOR inhibitors. The resection or irradiation of metastases can be a useful
      palliative treatment for patients with brain metastases or osseous metastases
      that are painful or increase the risk of fracture. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive
      surgery and new systemic drugs have expanded the therapeutic options for patients
      with renal cell carcinoma. The search for new predictive and prognostic markers
      is now in progress.

PMID- 27658473
TI  - Propensity Score: an Alternative Method of Analyzing Treatment Effects.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In intervention trials, only randomization guarantees equal
      distributions of all known and unknown patient characteristics between an
      intervention group and a control group and enables causal statements on treatment
      effects. However, randomized controlled trials have been criticized for
      insufficient external validity; non-randomized trials are an alternative here,
      but come with the danger of intervention and control groups differing with
      respect to known and/or unknown patient characteristics. Non-randomized trials
      are generally analyzed with multiple regression models, but the so-called
      propensity score method is now being increasingly used. METHODS: The authors
      present, explain, and illustrate the propensity score method, using a study on
      coronary artery bypass surgery as an illustrative example. This article is based
      on publications retrieved by a selective literature earch and on the authors'
      scientific experience. RESULTS: The propensity score (PS) is defined as the
      probability that a patient will receive the treatment under investigation. In a
      first step, the PS is estimated from the available data, e.g. in a logistic
      regression model. In a second step, the actual treatment effect is estimated with
      the aid of the PS. Four methods are available for this task: PS matching, inverse
      probability of treatment weighting (IPTW), stratification by PS, and regression
      adjustment for the PS. CONCLUSION: The propensity score method is a good
      alternative method for the analysis of non-randomized intervention trials, with
      epistemological advantages over conventional regression modelling. Nonetheless,
      the propensity score method can only adjust for known confounding factors that
      have actually been measured. Equal distributions of unknown confounding factors
      can be achieved only in randomized controlled trials.

PMID- 27658474
TI  - Blood Pressure and Lifestyle.

PMID- 27658475
TI  - In Reply.

PMID- 27658476
TI  - Helical unwinding and side-chain unlocking unravel the outward open conformation
      of the melibiose transporter.
AB  - Molecular dynamics simulations have been used to study the alternate access
      mechanism of the melibiose transporter from Escherichia coli. Starting from the
      outward-facing partially occluded form, 2 out of 12 simulations produced an
      outward full open form and one partially open, whereas the rest yielded fully or
      partially occluded forms. The shape of the outward-open form resembles other
      outward-open conformations of secondary transporters. During the transporter
      opening, conformational changes in some loops are followed by changes in the
      periplasm region of transmembrane helix 7. Helical curvature relaxation and
      unlocking of hydrophobic and ionic locks promote the outward opening of the
      transporter making accessible the substrate binding site. In particular, FRET
      studies on mutants of conserved aromatic residues of extracellular loop 4 showed
      lack of substrate binding, emphasizing the importance of this loop for making
      crucial interactions that control the opening of the periplasmic side. This study
      indicates that the alternate access mechanism for the melibiose transporter fits
      better into a flexible gating mechanism rather than the archetypical helical
      rigid-body rocker-switch mechanism.

PMID- 27658477
TI  - Exposure to HT-2 toxin causes oxidative stress induced apoptosis/autophagy in
      porcine oocytes.
AB  - T-2 toxin is a main type A trichothecene mycotoxin which is the most toxic
      trichothecence. T-2 toxin has posed various toxic effects on human and animals in
      vigorous cell proliferation tissues like lymphoid, hematopoietic and
      gastrointestinal tissues, while HT-2 toxin is the major metabolite which is
      deacetylated by T-2 toxin. In this study, we focused on the toxic effects of HT-2
      on porcine oocyte maturation. We treated the porcine oocyte with HT-2 toxin in
      vitro, and we first found that HT-2 treatment inhibited porcine oocyte polar body
      extrusion and cumulus cell expansion. We observed the disrupted meiotic spindle
      morphology after treatment, which might be due to the reduced p-MAPK protein
      level. Actin distribution was also disturbed, indicating that HT-2 affects
      cytoskeleton of porcine oocytes. We next explored the causes for the failure of
      oocyte maturation after HT-2 treatment. We found that HT-2 treated oocytes showed
      the increased ROS level, which indicated that oxidative stress had occurred. We
      also detected autophagy as well as early apoptosis in the treatment oocytes. Due
      to the fact that oxidative stress could induced apoptosis, our results indicated
      that HT-2 toxin caused oxidative stress induced apoptosis and autophagy, which
      further affected porcine oocyte maturation.

PMID- 27658478
TI  - Cytologic anaplasia is a prognostic factor in osteosarcoma biopsies, but mitotic
      rate or extent of spontaneous tumor necrosis are not: a critique of the College
      of American Pathologists Bone Biopsy template.
AB  - The current College of American Pathologists cancer template for reporting
      biopsies of bone tumors recommends including information that is of unproven
      prognostic significance for osteosarcoma, such as the presence of spontaneous
      tumor necrosis and mitotic rate. Conversely, the degree of cytologic anaplasia
      (degree of differentiation) is not reported in this template. This retrospective
      cohort study of 125 patients with high-grade osteosarcoma was performed to
      evaluate the prognostic impact of these factors in diagnostic biopsy specimens in
      predicting the clinical outcome and response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
      Multivariate Cox regression was performed to adjust survival analyses for well
      established prognostic factors. Multivariate logistic regression was used to
      determine odds ratios for good chemotherapy response (>=90% tumor necrosis).
      Osteosarcomas with severe anaplasia were independently associated with increased
      overall and disease-free survival, but mitotic rate and spontaneous necrosis had
      no prognostic impact after controlling for other confounding factors. Mitotic
      rate showed a trend towards increased odds of a good histologic response, but
      this effect was diminished after controlling for other predictive factors.
      Neither spontaneous necrosis nor the degree of cytologic anaplasia observed in
      biopsy specimens was predictive of a good response to chemotherapy. Mitotic rate
      and spontaneous tumor necrosis observed in pretreatment biopsy specimens of high
      grade osteosarcoma are not strong independent prognostic factors for clinical
      outcome or predictors of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Therefore,
      reporting these parameters for osteosarcoma, as recommended in the College of
      American Pathologists Bone Biopsy template, does not appear to have clinical
      utility. In contrast, histologic grading schemes for osteosarcoma based on the
      degree of cytologic anaplasia may have independent prognostic value and should
      continue to be evaluated.

PMID- 27658480
TI  - Transmembrane Helices Tilt, Bend, Slide, Torque, and Unwind between Functional
      States of Rhodopsin.
AB  - The seven-helical bundle of rhodopsin and other G-protein coupled receptors
      undergoes structural rearrangements as the transmembrane receptor protein is
      activated. These structural changes are known to involve tilting and bending of
      various transmembrane helices. However, the cause and effect relationship among
      structural events leading to a cytoplasmic crevasse for G-protein binding is less
      well defined. Here we present a mathematical model of the protein helix and a
      simple procedure to determine multiple parameters that offer precise depiction of
      a helical conformation. A comprehensive survey of bovine rhodopsin structures
      shows that the helical rearrangements during the activation of rhodopsin involve
      a variety of angular and linear motions such as torsion, unwinding, and sliding
      in addition to the previously reported tilting and bending. These hitherto
      undefined motion components unify the results obtained from different
      experimental approaches, and demonstrate conformational similarity between the
      active opsin structure and the photoactivated structures in crystallo near the
      retinal anchor despite their marked differences.

PMID- 27658479
TI  - Degradable Organically-Derivatized Polyoxometalate with Enhanced Activity against
      Glioblastoma Cell Line.
AB  - High efficacy and low toxicity are critical for cancer treatment.
      Polyoxometalates (POMs) have been reported as potential candidates for cancer
      therapy. On accounts of the slow clearance of POMs, leading to long-term
      toxicity, the clinical application of POMs in cancer treatment is restricted. To
      address this problem, a degradable organoimido derivative of hexamolybdate is
      developed by modifying it with a cleavable organic group, leading to its
      degradation. Of note, this derivative exhibits favourable pharmacodynamics
      towards human malignant glioma cell (U251), the ability to penetrate across blood
      brain barrier and low toxicity towards rat pheochromocytoma cell (PC12). This
      line of research develops an effective POM-based agent for glioblastoma
      inhibition and will pave a new way to construct degradable anticancer agents for
      clinical cancer therapy.

PMID- 27658481
TI  - Systematical Evaluation of Mechanically Strong 3D Printed Diluted magnesium
      Doping Wollastonite Scaffolds on Osteogenic Capacity in Rabbit Calvarial Defects.
AB  - Wollastonite (CaSiO3; CSi) ceramic is a promising bioactive material for bone
      defect repair due to slightly fast degradation of its porous constructs in vivo.
      In our previous strategy some key features of CSi ceramic have been significantly
      improved by dilute magnesium doping for regulating mechanical properties and
      biodegradation. Here we demonstrate that 6 ~ 14% of Ca substituted by Mg in CSi
      (CSi-Mgx, x = 6, 10, 14) can enhance the mechanical strength (>40 MPa) but not
      compromise biological performances of the 3D printed porous scaffolds with open
      porosity of 60-63%. The in vitro cell culture tests in vitro indicated that the
      dilute Mg doping into CSi was beneficial for ALP activity and high expression of
      osteogenic marker genes of MC3T3-E1 cells in the scaffolds. A good bone tissue
      regeneration response and elastoplastic response in mechanical strength in vivo
      were determined after implantation in rabbit calvarial defects for 6-12 weeks.
      Particularly, the CSi-Mg10 and CSi-Mg14 scaffolds could enhance new bone
      regeneration with a significant increase of newly formed bone tissue (18 ~ 22%)
      compared to the pure CSi (~14%) at 12 weeks post-implantation. It is reasonable
      to consider that, therefore, such CSi-Mgx scaffolds possessing excellent strength
      and reasonable degradability are promising for bone reconstruction in thin-wall
      bone defects.

PMID- 27658482
TI  - Zephycandidine A, the First Naturally Occurring Imidazo[1,2-f]phenanthridine
      Alkaloid from Zephyranthes candida, Exhibits Significant Anti-tumor and Anti
      acetylcholinesterase Activities.
AB  - Zephycandidine A (1), the first naturally occurring imidazo[1,2-f]phenanthridine
      alkaloid, was isolated from Zephyranthes candida (Amaryllidaceae). The structure
      of 1 was elucidated by spectroscopic analyses and NMR calculation, and a
      plausible biogenetic pathway for zephycandidine A (1) was proposed.
      Zephycandidine A (1) exhibited significant cytotoxicity against five cancer cell
      lines with IC50 values ranging from 1.98 to 7.03 MUM with selectivity indices as
      high as 10 when compared to the normal Beas-2B cell. Further studies suggested
      that zephycandidine A (1) induces apoptosis in leukemia cells by the activation
      of caspase-3, upregulation of Bax, downregulation of Bcl-2, and degradation of
      PARP expression. In addition, zephycandidine A (1) showed acetylcholinesterase
      (AChE) inhibitory activity, and the docking studies of zephycandidine A (1) and
      galanthamine (2) with AChE revealed that interactions with W286 and Y337 are
      necessary.

PMID- 27658483
TI  - A Phase 2, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Randomized Trial Assessing the
      Efficacy of ABT-436, a Novel V1b Receptor Antagonist, for Alcohol Dependence.
AB  - Alcohol use disorder has been linked to dysregulation of the brain stress
      systems, producing a negative emotional state leading to chronic relapsing
      behavior. Vasopressin receptors appear to have a regulatory role in stress,
      anxiety, and alcohol. This study evaluated the novel compound, ABT-436, a V1b
      receptor antagonist, in alcohol-dependent participants in a 12-week clinical
      trial. Men and women (n=150) who met criteria for DSM-IV alcohol dependence were
      recruited across four sites. Participants received double-blind ABT-436 or
      placebo, and a computerized behavioral intervention. ABT-436 was titrated to 800
      mg/day during weeks 2-12. Although the primary outcome, percentage of heavy
      drinking days, was lower in participants receiving ABT-436 compared with placebo,
      this difference was not statistically significant (31.3 vs 37.6, respectively;
      p=0.172; d=0.20). However, participants receiving ABT-436 had significantly
      greater percentage of days abstinent than those receiving placebo (51.2 vs 41.6,
      respectively; p=0.037; d=0.31). No significant differences were found between
      treatment groups on any other measures of drinking, alcohol craving, or alcohol
      related consequences. Smokers receiving ABT-436 smoked significantly fewer
      cigarettes per week than those receiving placebo (p=0.046). ABT-436 was well
      tolerated, with diarrhea (mild-to-moderate severity) being the most common side
      effect. In subgroup analyses, participants with relatively higher baseline levels
      of stress responded better to ABT-436 than placebo on select drinking outcomes,
      suggesting there may be value in testing medications targeting the vasopressin
      receptor in high stress, alcohol-dependent patients.

PMID- 27658484
TI  - Pharmacokinetic Profiles and Pharmacodynamic Effects for Methylone and Its
      Metabolites in Rats.
AB  - 3,4-Methylenedioxy-N-methylcathinone (methylone) is a new psychoactive substance
      and the beta-keto analog of 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine (MDMA). It is
      well established that MDMA metabolism produces bioactive metabolites. Here we
      tested the hypothesis that methylone metabolism in rats can form bioactive
      metabolites. First, we examined the pharmacokinetics (PKs) of methylone and its
      metabolites after subcutaneous (sc) methylone administration (3, 6, 12 mg/kg) to
      male rats fitted with intravenous (iv) catheters for repeated blood sampling.
      Plasma specimens were assayed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
      to quantify methylone and its phase I metabolites: 3,4-methylenedioxycathinone
      (MDC), 3,4-dihydroxy-N-methylcathinone (HHMC), and 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-N
      methylcathinone (HMMC). The biological activity of methylone and its metabolites
      was then compared using in vitro transporter assays and in vivo microdialysis in
      rat nucleus accumbens. For the PK study, we found that methylone and MDC peaked
      early (Tmax=15-45 min) and were short lived (t1/2=60-90 min), while HHMC and HMMC
      peaked later (Tmax=60-120 min) and persisted (t1/2=120-180 min). Area-under-the
      curve values for methylone and MDC were greater than dose-proportional,
      suggesting non-linear accumulation. Methylone produced significant locomotor
      activation, which was correlated with plasma methylone, MDC, and HHMC
      concentrations. Methylone, MDC, and HHMC were substrate-type releasers at
      monoamine transporters as determined in vitro, but only methylone and MDC (1, 3
      mg/kg, iv) produced significant elevations in brain extracellular dopamine and 5
      HT in vivo. Our findings demonstrate that methylone is extensively metabolized in
      rats, but MDC is the only centrally active metabolite that could contribute to
      overall effects of the drug in vivo.

PMID- 27658485
TI  - Sex as a Biological Variable: Who, What, When, Why, and How.
AB  - The inclusion of sex as a biological variable in research is absolutely essential
      for improving our understanding of disease mechanisms contributing to risk and
      resilience. Studies focusing on examining sex differences have demonstrated
      across many levels of analyses and stages of brain development and maturation
      that males and females can differ significantly. This review will discuss
      examples of animal models and clinical studies to provide guidance and reference
      for the inclusion of sex as an important biological variable relevant to a
      Neuropsychopharmacology audience.

PMID- 27658486
TI  - Trace Amine-Associated Receptor 1 Regulates Wakefulness and EEG Spectral
      Composition.
AB  - Trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) agonists have been shown to have
      procognitive, antipsychotic-like, anxiolytic, weight-reducing, glucose-lowering,
      and wake-promoting activities. We used Taar1 knockout (KO) and overexpressing
      (OE) mice and TAAR1 agonists to elucidate the role of TAAR1 in sleep/wake. EEG,
      EMG, body temperature (Tb), and locomotor activity (LMA) were recorded in Taar1
      KO, OE, and WT mice. Following a 24 h recording to characterize basal sleep/wake
      parameters, mice were sleep deprived (SD) for 6 h. In another experiment, mice
      were given three doses of the TAAR1 partial agonist RO5263397, caffeine, or
      vehicle p.o. Baseline wakefulness was modestly increased in OE compared with WT
      mice. Baseline theta (4.5-9 Hz) and low gamma (30-60 Hz) activity was elevated in
      KO compared with OE mice in NREM and REM sleep. Following SD, both KO and OE mice
      exhibited a homeostatic sleep rebound. In WT mice, RO5263397 increased waking and
      reduced NREM and REM sleep, decreased gamma power during wake and NREM, and
      decreased Tb without affecting LMA; these effects were absent in KO mice and
      potentiated in OE mice. In contrast, caffeine increased wake time, NREM gamma
      power, and LMA in all strains compared with vehicle; this effect was attenuated
      in KO and potentiated in OE mice. TAAR1 overexpression modestly increases
      wakefulness, whereas TAAR1 partial agonism increases wakefulness and also reduces
      NREM and also REM sleep. These results indicate a modulatory role for TAAR1 in
      sleep/wake and cortical activity and suggest TAAR1 as a novel target for wake
      promoting therapeutics.

PMID- 27658488
TI  - In the linear quadratic model, the Poisson approximation and the Zaider-Minerbo
      formula agree on the ranking of tumor control probabilities, up to a critical
      cell birth rate.
AB  - PURPOSE: To provide a rule for the agreement or disagreement of the Poisson
      approximation (PA) and the Zaider-Minerbo formula (ZM) on the ranking of
      treatment alternatives in terms of tumor control probability (TCP) in the linear
      quadratic model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A general criterion involving a critical
      cell birth rate was formally derived. For demonstration, the criterion was
      applied to a distinct radiobiological model of fast growing head and neck tumors
      and a respective range of 22 conventional and nonconventional head and neck
      schedules. RESULTS: There is a critical cell birth rate bcrit below which PA and
      ZM agree on which one out of two alternative treatment schemes with single-cell
      survival curves S'(t) and S''(t) offers better TCP: [Formula: see text] For cell
      birth rates b above this critical cell birth rate, PA and ZM disagree if and only
      if b >bcrit > 0. In case of the exemplary head and neck schedules, out of 231
      possible combinations, only 16 or 7% were found where PA and ZM disagreed. In all
      231 cases the prediction of the criterion was numerically confirmed, and cell
      birth rates at crossovers between schedules matched the calculated critical cell
      birth rates. CONCLUSIONS: TCP estimated by PA and ZM almost never numerically
      coincide. Still, in many cases both formulas at least agree about which one out
      of two alternative fractionation schemes offers better TCP. In case of fast
      growing tumors featuring a high cell birth rate, however, ZM may suggest a re
      evaluation of treatment options.

PMID- 27658489
TI  - "I feel like I am surviving the health care system": understanding LGBTQ health
      in Nova Scotia, Canada.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Currently, there is a dearth of baseline data on the health of
      lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) populations in the
      province of Nova Scotia, Canada. Historically, LGBTQ health research has tended
      to focus on individual-level health risks associated with poor health outcomes
      among these populations, which has served to obscure the ways in which they
      maintain their own health and wellness across the life course. As such, there is
      an urgent need to shift the focus of LGBTQ health research towards strengths
      based perspectives that explore the complex and resilient ways in which LGBTQ
      populations promote their health. METHODS: This paper discusses the findings of
      our recent scoping review as well as the qualitative data to emerge from
      community consultations aimed at developing strengths-based approaches to
      understanding and advancing LGBTQ pathways to health across Nova Scotia. RESULTS:
      Our scoping review findings demonstrated the lack of strengths-based research on
      LGBTQ health in Nova Scotia. Specifically, the studies examined in our scoping
      review identified a number of health-promoting factors and a wide variety of
      measurement tools, some of which may prove useful for future strengths-based
      health research with LGBTQ populations. In addition, our community consultations
      revealed that many participants had negative experiences with health care systems
      and services in Nova Scotia. However, participants also shared a number of
      factors that contribute to LGBTQ health and suggestions for how LGBTQ pathways to
      health in Nova Scotia can be improved. CONCLUSIONS: There is an urgent need to
      conduct research on the health needs, lived experiences, and outcomes of LGBTQ
      populations in Nova Scotia to address gaps in our knowledge of their unique
      health needs. In moving forward, it is important that future health research take
      an intersectional, strengths-based perspective in an effort to highlight the
      factors that promote LGBTQ health and wellness across the life course, while
      taking into account the social determinants of health.

PMID- 27658490
TI  - Electrohydrodynamic printing for scalable MoS2 flake coating: application to gas
      sensing device.
AB  - Scalable sub-micrometer molybdenum disulfide ([Formula: see text]) flake films
      with highly uniform coverage were created using a systematic approach. An
      electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing process realized a remarkably uniform
      distribution of exfoliated [Formula: see text] flakes on desired substrates. In
      combination with a fast evaporating dispersion medium and an optimal choice of
      operating parameters, the EHD printing can produce a film rapidly on a substrate
      without excessive agglomeration or cluster formation, which can be problems in
      previously reported liquid-based continuous film methods. The printing of
      exfoliated [Formula: see text] flakes enabled the fabrication of a gas sensor
      with high performance and reproducibility for [Formula: see text] and [Formula:
      see text]. 

PMID- 27658487
TI  - Cellular senescence in aging and osteoarthritis.
AB  - - It is well accepted that age is an important contributing factor to poor
      cartilage repair following injury, and to the development of osteoarthritis.
      Cellular senescence, the loss of the ability of cells to divide, has been noted
      as the major factor contributing to age-related changes in cartilage homeostasis,
      function, and response to injury. The underlying mechanisms of cellular
      senescence, while not fully understood, have been associated with telomere
      erosion, DNA damage, oxidative stress, and inflammation. In this review, we
      discuss the causes and consequences of cellular senescence, and the associated
      biological challenges in cartilage repair. In addition, we present novel
      strategies for modulation of cellular senescence that may help to improve
      cartilage regeneration in an aging population.

PMID- 27658493
TI  - Screening ABL1 kinase domain mutations in patients with de novo Philadelphia
      chromosome-positive (Ph+) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

PMID- 27658491
TI  - Tocilizumab as monotherapy or combination therapy for treating active rheumatoid
      arthritis: a meta-analysis of efficacy and safety reported in randomized
      controlled trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have
      shown that switching to tocilizumab (TCZ) monotherapy (TCZMONO) or combination
      therapy (TCZCOMBI) with conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic
      drugs (csDMARDs) is efficacious in reducing disease activity in patients with
      inadequate response to csDMARDs. However, hitherto there is no consensus on
      whether TCZMONO is as effective as TCZCOMBI. The objective of this study was
      therefore to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TCZMONO versus add-on TCZCOMBI
      and both TCZ therapies versus continuing the current csDMARD therapy, by
      performing a systematic review and meta-analyses. METHOD: The MEDLINE, EMBASE and
      CENTRAL databases were searched until February 2016 for relevant randomized
      controlled trials (RCTs). We performed meta-analyses of Disease Activity Score in
      28 joints (DAS28 < 2.6), American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 20/50/70
      responses, adverse events (AEs) and serious AEs (SAEs) to compare the three
      different strategies, whereas a random-effect model was used for pooling relative
      risks (RR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI). In addition, sensitivity analyses
      were performed for evaluating differences in study duration. RESULTS: In total,
      13 RCTs were included in the meta-analysis, involving 6679 patients. When
      comparing both TCZ strategies, a marginally greater proportion of patients
      achieving DAS28 < 2.6 (RR 1.21; 95 % CI 1.09, 1.36) and ACR50 response (RR 1.14;
      95 % CI 1.03, 1.26) was found in favor of the TCZCOMBI strategy. However, the
      risk of SAEs was also significantly higher using this strategy (RR 1.40; 95 % CI
      1.03, 1.92, p = 0.03). Pooled effect estimates showed statistical superiority of
      switching to either TCZ strategy compared to continuing csDMARD therapy.
      CONCLUSIONS: In the management of active RA, almost similar efficacy can be
      expected in patients unable to tolerate csDMARDs, who switch to TCZMONO compared
      to inadequate responders switching to add-on TCZCOMBI. Although TCZCOMBI is
      marginally superior to TCZMONO in achieving DAS28 < 2.6 and ACR50 response, this
      is at the cost of an increased risk of SAEs.

PMID- 27658494
TI  - Extraction of total nucleic acids from bacterial isolates using the bioMerieux
      NucliSENS easyMAG total nucleic acid extractor.
AB  - The BioMerieux NucliSENS easyMAG total nucleic acid extractor was evaluated for
      use on bacterial isolates in the clinical microbiology laboratory. Forty eight
      isolates were extracted, yielding quantifiable amounts of DNA for all isolates.
      The easyMAG is appropriate for DNA extraction from bacterial isolates and will be
      incorporated in the clinical laboratory.

PMID- 27658492
TI  - Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) characterization of circulating tumor cells
      (CTCs) in muscle invasive and metastatic bladder cancer patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While programmed death 1 (PD-1) and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1)
      checkpoint inhibitors have activity in a proportion of patients with advanced
      bladder cancer, strongly predictive and prognostic biomarkers are still lacking.
      In this study, we evaluated PD-L1 protein expression on circulating tumor cells
      (CTCs) isolated from patients with muscle invasive (MIBC) and metastatic (mBCa)
      bladder cancer and explore the prognostic value of CTC PD-L1 expression on
      clinical outcomes. METHODS: Blood samples from 25 patients with MIBC or mBCa were
      collected at UCSF and shipped to Epic Sciences. All nucleated cells were
      subjected to immunofluorescent (IF) staining and CTC identification by
      fluorescent scanners using algorithmic analysis. Cytokeratin expressing (CK)+ and
      (CK)-CTCs (CD45-, intact nuclei, morphologically distinct from WBCs) were
      enumerated. A subset of patient samples underwent genetic characterization by
      fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and copy number variation (CNV)
      analysis. RESULTS: CTCs were detected in 20/25 (80 %) patients, inclusive of CK+
      CTCs (13/25, 52 %), CK-CTCs (14/25, 56 %), CK+ CTC Clusters (6/25, 24 %), and
      apoptotic CTCs (13/25, 52 %). Seven of 25 (28 %) patients had PD-L1+ CTCs; 4 of
      these patients had exclusively CK-/CD45-/PD-L1+ CTCs. A subset of CTCs were
      secondarily confirmed as bladder cancer via FISH and CNV analysis, which revealed
      marked genomic instability. Although this study was not powered to evaluate
      survival, exploratory analyses demonstrated that patients with high PD-L1+/CD45
      CTC burden and low burden of apoptotic CTCs had worse overall survival.
      CONCLUSIONS: CTCs are detectable in both MIBC and mBCa patients. PD-L1 expression
      is demonstrated in both CK+ and CK-CTCs in patients with mBCa, and genomic
      analysis of these cells supports their tumor origin. Here we demonstrate the
      ability to identify CTCs in patients with advanced bladder cancer through a
      minimally invasive process. This may have the potential to guide checkpoint
      inhibitor immune therapies that have been established to have activity, often
      with durable responses, in a proportion of these patients.

PMID- 27658495
TI  - The use of XFEM to assess the influence of intra-cortical porosity on crack
      propagation.
AB  - This study aimed at using eXtended finite element method (XFEM) to characterize
      crack growth through bone's intra-cortical pores. Two techniques were compared
      using Abaqus: (1) void material properties were assigned to pores; (2) multiple
      enrichment regions with independent crack-growth possibilities were employed.
      Both were applied to 2D models of transverse images of mouse bone with differing
      porous structures. Results revealed that assigning multiple enrichment regions
      allows for multiple cracks to be initiated progressively, which cannot be
      captured when the voids are filled. Therefore, filling pores with one enrichment
      region in the model will not create realistic fracture patterns in Abaqus-XFEM.

PMID- 27658496
TI  - Heat shock protein 70-2 (HSP70-2) overexpression in breast cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is one of the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in
      women worldwide and increasing rapidly in developing countries. In the present
      study, we investigated the potential role and association of HSP70-2 with breast
      cancer. METHODS: HSP70-2 expression was examined in 154 tumor and 103 adjacent
      non-cancerous tissue (ANCT) specimens and breast cancer cell lines (MCF7, BT-474,
      SK-BR-3 and MDA-MB-231) by RT-PCR, quantitative-PCR, immunohistochemistry,
      Western blotting, flow cytometry and indirect immunofluorescence. Plasmid driven
      short hairpin RNA approach was employed to validate the role of HSP70-2 in
      cellular proliferation, senescence, migration, invasion and tumor growth.
      Further, we studied the effect of HSP70-2 protein ablation on signaling cascades
      involved in apoptosis, cell cycle and Epithelial-Mesenchymal-Transition both in
      culture as well as in-vivo human breast xenograft mouse model. RESULTS: HSP70-2
      expression was detected in majority of breast cancer patients (83 %) irrespective
      of various histotypes, stages and grades. HSP70-2 expression was also observed in
      all breast cancer cells (BT-474, MCF7, MDA-MB-231 and SK-BR-3) used in this
      study. Depletion of HSP70-2 in MDA-MB-231 and MCF7 cells resulted in a
      significant reduction in cellular growth, motility, onset of apoptosis,
      senescence, cell cycle arrest as well as reduction of tumor growth in the
      xenograft model. At molecular level, down-regulation of HSP70-2 resulted in
      reduced expression of cyclins, cyclin dependent kinases, anti-apoptotic molecules
      and mesenchymal markers and enhanced expression of CDK inhibitors, caspases, pro
      apoptotic molecules and epithelial markers. CONCLUSIONS: HSP70-2 is over
      expressed in breast cancer patients and was involved in malignant properties of
      breast cancer. This suggests HSP70-2 may be potential candidate molecule for
      development of better breast cancer treatment.

PMID- 27658497
TI  - An innovative masticatory efficiency test using odour intensity in the mouth as a
      target marker: a feasibility study.
AB  - A large number of studies have reported the findings for masticatory efficiency
      tests; however, some objective masticatory efficiency tests have a drawback, in
      that subjects are required to spit out the test material. This study examined the
      possibility of a masticatory efficiency test that evaluates the intensity of
      odours released when chewing an odour compound-containing material. A total of 20
      volunteers were used in this study. The odour intensity in the breath after
      chewing a gum was measured by portable odour sensor device. The odour intensity
      after chewing the gum was measured over four chewing durations and at four
      intervals between spitting out and measurement of the odour intensity. The volume
      of stimulated saliva was measured by calculating the difference in the weight of
      the gauze before and after chewing to examine the effect of saliva flow. With an
      increase in chewing duration, odour intensity reduced. The odour intensity was
      the highest immediately after chewing. There was a positive correlation between
      odour intensity and gummy jelly-related masticatory efficiency test value (G
      METV), which was significant for 10-s chewing. The regression equation was
      calculated from three objective variables of odour intensity and G-METV as
      dependent variable. Pearson's correlation coefficient between G-METV and the
      odour intensity-related masticatory efficiency value (O-METV) was 0.68. The
      coefficient of variation of O-METV was significantly lower than that of G-METV.
      These results suggest that the masticatory performance can be estimated by
      measuring the odour intensity immediately after chewing food containing odour
      compounds for 10 s.

PMID- 27658498
TI  - Linked Patient-Reported Outcomes Data From Patients With Multiple Sclerosis
      Recruited on an Open Internet Platform to Health Care Claims Databases Identifies
      a Representative Population for Real-Life Data Analysis in Multiple Sclerosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An enormous amount of information relevant to public health is being
      generated directly by online communities. OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility
      of creating a dataset that links patient-reported outcomes data, from a Web-based
      survey of US patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) recruited on open Internet
      platforms, to health care utilization information from health care claims
      databases. The dataset was generated by linkage analysis to a broader MS
      population in the United States using both pharmacy and medical claims data
      sources. METHODS: US Facebook users with an interest in MS were alerted to a
      patient-reported survey by targeted advertisements. Eligibility criteria were
      diagnosis of MS by a specialist (primary progressive, relapsing-remitting, or
      secondary progressive), >=12-month history of disease, age 18-65 years, and
      commercial health insurance. Participants completed a questionnaire including
      data on demographic and disease characteristics, current and earlier therapies,
      relapses, disability, health-related quality of life, and employment status and
      productivity. A unique anonymous profile was generated for each survey
      respondent. Each anonymous profile was linked to a number of medical and pharmacy
      claims datasets in the United States. Linkage rates were assessed and survey
      respondents' representativeness was evaluated based on differences in the
      distribution of characteristics between the linked survey population and the
      general MS population in the claims databases. RESULTS: The advertisement was
      placed on 1,063,973 Facebook users' pages generating 68,674 clicks, 3719 survey
      attempts, and 651 successfully completed surveys, of which 440 could be linked to
      any of the claims databases for 2014 or 2015 (67.6% linkage rate). Overall, no
      significant differences were found between patients who were linked and not
      linked for educational status, ethnicity, current or prior disease-modifying
      therapy (DMT) treatment, or presence of a relapse in the last 12 months. The
      frequencies of the most common MS symptoms did not differ significantly between
      linked patients and the general MS population in the databases. Linked patients
      were slightly younger and less likely to be men than those who were not linkable.
      CONCLUSIONS: Linking patient-reported outcomes data, from a Web-based survey of
      US patients with MS recruited on open Internet platforms, to health care
      utilization information from claims databases may enable rapid generation of a
      large population of representative patients with MS suitable for outcomes
      analysis.

PMID- 27658499
TI  - Hemoglobin glutamer-250 (bovine) in South Africa: consensus usage guidelines from
      clinician experts who have treated patients.
AB  - Hemopure (hemoglobin glutamer-250 [bovine]; HBOC-201) is a hemoglobin (Hb)-based
      oxygen carrier registered with the Medicines Control Council of South Africa. It
      is indicated for the treatment of adult patients who are acutely anemic, for the
      purpose of maintaining tissue oxygen delivery thus eliminating, delaying, or
      reducing the need for allogeneic red blood cells (RBCs). Hemopure is a volume
      expander, and circulatory volume must be carefully monitored for signs of fluid
      overload. Hemopure is not as effective as RBCs for restoring Hb content and
      concentration, but in cases of severe anemia where allogeneic blood is not an
      option or is unavailable, it may offer an immediate alternative for improving
      oxygen transport. This document provides clinical recommendations on the safe and
      effective use of Hemopure based on the postmarketing experience in South Africa
      as well as a better understanding of Hemopure properties reflected in recent
      publications.

PMID- 27658500
TI  - Prevalence of systemic anticancer therapy for patients within the last 30 days of
      life: experience in a private hospital oncology group.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number
      of cancer treatments that have become available. However, it has remained
      difficult to choose the most appropriate time to cease active therapy in
      individual patients. AIMS: To determine the proportion of patients being treated
      with palliative intent who received systemic anticancer treatment in the last 30
      days of life. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study conducted within the
      Melbourne Oncology Group at Cabrini Hospital. Patients managed with palliative
      intent who died between 1 January 2014 and 30 June 2014 were included. Outcomes
      measured were the percentage of patients who received systemic anticancer
      treatment in the last 30 days of life, palliative care referral status, Emergency
      Department presentations, hospital admissions and place of death. RESULTS: A
      total of 80 patients was included in the study. Of these patients, 21 (26%)
      received systemic anticancer treatment in the last 30 days of life. There was no
      statistically significant difference between patients who received treatment in
      the last month of life and those who did not in terms of the number of patients
      who were referred to palliative care, presented to an Emergency Department, were
      admitted to hospital or died in an acute ward. CONCLUSION: Although over a
      quarter of patients dying from advanced cancer received anticancer treatment in
      the last month of life, these patients did not present acutely to hospital more
      often and had the same extent of palliative care team involvement.

PMID- 27658501
TI  - A first report of East Asian students' perception of progress testing: a focus
      group study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Progress testing (PT) is used in Western countries to evaluate
      students' level of functional knowledge, and to enhance meaning-oriented and self
      directed learning. However, the use of PT has not been investigated in East Asia,
      where reproduction-oriented and teacher-centered learning styles prevail. Here,
      we explored the applicability of PT by focusing on student perceptions. METHODS:
      Twenty-four students from Years 2, 3, and 5 at Jichi Medical University in Japan
      attended a pilot PT session preceded by a brief introduction of its concept and
      procedures. Variations in obtained test scores were analyzed by year, and student
      perceptions of PT were explored using focus groups. RESULTS: Formula scores (mean
      +/- standard deviation) in Years 2, 3, and 5 were 12.63 +/- 3.53, 35.88 +/-
      14.53, and 71.00 +/- 18.31, respectively. Qualitative descriptive analysis of
      focus group data showed that students disfavored testing of medical knowledge
      without tangible goals, but instead favored repetitive assessment of knowledge
      that had been learned and was tested on a unit basis in the past in order to
      achieve deep learning. Further, students of all school years considered that post
      test explanatory lectures by teachers were necessary. CONCLUSIONS: East Asian
      students' perceptions indicated that, in addition to their intensive memorization
      within narrow test domains compartmentalized by end-of-unit tests, the concept of
      PT was suitable for repetitive memorization, as it helped them to integrate their
      knowledge and to increase their understanding. Post-test explanatory lectures
      might lessen their dislike of the intangible goals of PT, but at the expense of
      delaying the development of self-directed learning. Key issues for the
      optimization of PT in East Asia may include administration of PT after completed
      end-of-unit tests and a gradual change in feedback methodology over school years
      from test-oriented post-test lectures to the provision of literature references
      only, as a means of enhancing test self-review and self-directed learning.

PMID- 27658502
TI  - Use of molecular markers to improve relationship information in the genetic
      evaluation of beef cattle tick resistance under pedigree-based models.
AB  - The selection of genetically superior individuals is conditional upon accurate
      breeding value predictions which, in turn, are highly depend on how precisely
      relationship is represented by pedigree. For that purpose, the numerator
      relationship matrix is essential as a priori information in mixed model
      equations. The presence of pedigree errors and/or the lack of relationship
      information affect the genetic gain because it reduces the correlation between
      the true and estimated breeding values. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the
      effects of correcting the pedigree relationships using single-nucleotide
      polymorphism (SNP) markers on genetic evaluation accuracies for resistance of
      beef cattle to ticks. Tick count data from Hereford and Braford cattle breeds
      were used as phenotype. Genotyping was carried out using a high-density panel
      (BovineHD - Illumina(r) bead chip with 777 962 SNPs) for sires and the Illumina
      BovineSNP50 panel (54 609 SNPs) for their progenies. The relationship between the
      parents and progenies of genotyped animals was evaluated, and mismatches were
      based on the Mendelian conflicts counts. Variance components and genetic
      parameters estimates were obtained using a Bayesian approach via Gibbs sampling,
      and the breeding values were predicted assuming a repeatability model. A total of
      460 corrections in relationship definitions were made (Table 1) corresponding to
      1018 (9.5%) tick count records. Among these changes, 97.17% (447) were related to
      the sire's information, and 2.8% (13) were related to the dam's information. We
      observed 27.2% (236/868) of Mendelian conflicts for sire-progeny genotyped pairs
      and 14.3% (13/91) for dam-progeny genotyped pairs. We performed 2174 new
      definitions of half-siblings according to the correlation coefficient between the
      coancestry and molecular coancestry matrices. It was observed that higher-quality
      genetic relationships did not result in significant differences of variance
      components estimates; however, they resulted in more accurate breeding values
      predictions. Using SNPs to assess conflicts between parents and progenies
      increases certainty in relationships and consequently the accuracy of breeding
      value predictions of candidate animals for selection. Thus, higher genetic gains
      are expected when compared to the traditional non-corrected relationship matrix.

PMID- 27658503
TI  - Large venous malformation of right colonic flexure.

PMID- 27658504
TI  - Massive thyroid goiter: an unusual cause of aspiration pneumonia.

PMID- 27658505
TI  - Implementation of pattern-mixture models in randomized clinical trials.
AB  - Modern analysis of incomplete longitudinal outcomes involves formulating
      assumptions about the missingness mechanisms and then using a statistical method
      that produces valid inferences under this assumption. In this manuscript, we
      define missingness strategies for analyzing randomized clinical trials (RCTs)
      based on plausible clinical scenarios. Penalties for dropout are also introduced
      in an attempt to balance benefits against risks. Some missingness mechanisms are
      assumed to be non-future dependent, which is a subclass of missing not at random.
      Non-future dependent stipulates that missingness depends on the past and the
      present information but not on the future. Missingness strategies are implemented
      in the pattern-mixture modeling framework using multiple imputation (MI), and it
      is shown how to estimate the marginal treatment effect. Next, we outline how MI
      can be used to investigate the impact of dropout strategies in subgroups of
      interest. Finally, we provide the reader with some points to consider when
      implementing pattern-mixture modeling-MI analyses in confirmatory RCTs. The data
      set that motivated our investigation comes from a placebo-controlled RCT design
      to assess the effect on pain of a new compound. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley &
      Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27658507
TI  - Dyspnea in a case of shoulder dislocation - to beware of this rare life
      threatening symptom.
AB  - Shoulder dislocation is a common injury in orthopedic practice. In an acute
      presentation, closed reduction of the shoulder joint leads to an uneventful
      recovery. However, in the developing world neglected shoulder dislocation and
      treatments from quacks are not uncommon. Improper treatment and neglect can
      rarely become life threatening. We present one such case, emphasizing the need to
      investigate the symptom of dyspnea in a patient with history of shoulder
      dislocation. 

PMID- 27658506
TI  - Comparison of spoiled gradient echo and steady-state free-precession imaging for
      native myocardial T1 mapping using the slice-interleaved T1 mapping (STONE)
      sequence.
AB  - Cardiac T1 mapping allows non-invasive imaging of interstitial diffuse fibrosis.
      Myocardial T1 is commonly calculated by voxel-wise fitting of the images acquired
      using balanced steady-state free precession (SSFP) after an inversion pulse.
      However, SSFP imaging is sensitive to B1 and B0 imperfection, which may result in
      additional artifacts. A gradient echo (GRE) imaging sequence has been used for
      myocardial T1 mapping; however, its use has been limited to higher magnetic field
      to compensate for the lower signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of GRE versus SSFP
      imaging. A slice-interleaved T1 mapping (STONE) sequence with SSFP readout (STONE
      SSFP) has been recently proposed for native myocardial T1 mapping, which allows
      longer recovery of magnetization (>8 R-R) after each inversion pulse. In this
      study, we hypothesize that a longer recovery allows higher SNR and enables native
      myocardial T1 mapping using STONE with GRE imaging readout (STONE-GRE) at 1.5T.
      Numerical simulations and phantom and in vivo imaging were performed to compare
      the performance of STONE-GRE and STONE-SSFP for native myocardial T1 mapping at
      1.5T. In numerical simulations, STONE-SSFP shows sensitivity to both T2 and off
      resonance. Despite the insensitivity of GRE imaging to T2 , STONE-GRE remains
      sensitive to T2 due to the dependence of the inversion pulse performance on T2 .
      In the phantom study, STONE-GRE had inferior accuracy and precision and similar
      repeatability as compared with STONE-SSFP. In in vivo studies, STONE-GRE and
      STONE-SSFP had similar myocardial native T1 times, precisions, repeatabilities
      and subjective T1 map qualities. Despite the lower SNR of the GRE imaging readout
      compared with SSFP, STONE-GRE provides similar native myocardial T1 measurements,
      precision, repeatability, and subjective image quality when compared with STONE
      SSFP at 1.5T.

PMID- 27658508
TI  - Entanglement and nonclassicality in four-mode Gaussian states generated via
      parametric down-conversion and frequency up-conversion.
AB  - Multipartite entanglement and nonclassicality of four-mode Gaussian states
      generated in two simultaneous nonlinear processes involving parametric down
      conversion and frequency up-conversion are analyzed assuming the vacuum as the
      initial state. Suitable conditions for the generation of highly entangled states
      are found. Transfer of the entanglement from the down-converted modes into the up
      converted ones is also suggested. The analysis of the whole set of states reveals
      that sub-shot-noise intensity correlations between the equally-populated down
      converted modes, as well as the equally-populated up-converted modes, uniquely
      identify entangled states. They represent a powerful entanglement identifier also
      in other cases with arbitrarily populated modes.

PMID- 27658510
TI  - Purinergic Signalling and Neurological Diseases: An Update.
AB  - Purinergic signalling, i.e. ATP as an extracellular signalling molecule and
      cotransmitter in both peripheral and central neurons, is involved in the
      physiology of neurotransmission and neuromodulation. Receptors for purines have
      been cloned and characterised, including 4 subtypes of the P1(adenosine) receptor
      family, 7 subtypes of the P2X ion channel nucleotide receptor family and 8
      subtypes of the P2Y G protein-coupled nucleotide receptor family. The roles of
      purinergic signalling in diseases of the central nervous system and the potential
      use of purinergic compounds for their treatment are attracting increasing
      attention. In this review, the focus is on the findings reported in recent papers
      and reviews to update knowledge in this field about the involvement of purinergic
      signalling in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases, multiple
      sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, degeneration and regeneration after
      brain injury, stroke, ischaemia, inflammation, migraine, epilepsy, psychiatric
      disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, autism, addiction, sleep disorders
      and brain tumours. The use in particular of P2X7 receptor antagonists for the
      treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, depression, stroke and
      ischaemia, A2A receptor antagonists for Parkinson's disease and agonists for
      brain injury and depression and P2X3 receptor antagonists for migraine and
      seizures has been recommended. P2Y receptors have also been claimed to be
      involved in some central nervous disorders.

PMID- 27658511
TI  - An Overview on the Role of alpha -Synuclein in Experimental Models of Parkinson's
      Disease from Pathogenesis to Therapeutics.
AB  - Parkinson's disease (PD) is a devastating and progressive movement disorder
      characterized by symptoms of muscles rigidity, tremor, postural instability and
      slow physical movements. Biochemically, PD is characterized by lack of dopamine
      production and its action due to loss of dopaminergic neurons and
      neuropathologically by the presence of intracytoplasmic inclusions known as Lewy
      bodies, which mainly consist of presynaptic neuronal protein, alpha-synuclein
      (alpha-syn). It is believed that alteration in alpha-syn homeostasis leads to
      increased accumulation and aggregation of alpha-syn in Lewy body. Based on the
      important role of alpha-syn from pathogenesis to therapeutics, the recent
      researches are mainly focused on deciphering the critical role of alpha-syn at
      advanced level. Being a major protein in Lewy body that has a key role in
      pathogenesis of PD, several model systems including immortalized cell lines (SH
      SY5Y), primary neuronal cultures, yeast (saccharomyces cerevisiae), drosophila
      (fruit flies), nematodes (Caenorhabditis elegans) and rodents are being employed
      to understand the PD pathogenesis and treatment. In order to study the
      etiopathogensis and develop novel therapeutic target for alpha -syn aggregation,
      majority of investigators rely on toxin (rotenone, 1-Methyl-4-Phenyl-1,2,3,6
      Tetrahydropyridine, 6-hydroxydopamine, paraquat)-induced animal models of PD as a
      tool for basic research. Whereas, cell and tissue based models are mostly
      utilized to elucidate the mechanistic and molecular pathways underlying the alpha
      -syn induced toxicity and therapeutic approaches in PD. Gene modified mouse
      models based on alpha-syn expression are fascinating for modeling familial PD and
      toxin induced models provide a suitable approach for sporadic PD. The purpose of
      this review is to provide a summary and a critical review of the involvement of
      alpha-syn in various in vitro and in vivo models of PD based on use of
      neurotoxins as well as genetic modifications.

PMID- 27658512
TI  - Involvement of the Blood-Brain Barrier in Metabolic Regulation.
AB  - Pertinent to pandemic obesity, the discovery of endogenous peptides that affect
      the ingestion of food has led to the question of how these ingestive peptides
      exert their actions in the brain. Whereas peripheral sources provide a ready
      reserve, the availability of ingestive peptides to their central nervous system
      targets can be regulated by the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Some of the
      peptides/polypeptides are transported by saturable mechanisms from blood to
      brain. Examples include leptin, insulin, mahogany, and pancreatic polypeptide.
      Some enter the brain by passive diffusion, such as neuropeptide Y, orexin A,
      cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript, cyclo His-Pro, and amylin. Some
      others may have essentially no penetration of the BBB; this class includes agouti
      related protein, melanin-concentrating hormone, and urocortin. The regulatory
      function of the BBB can be seen in various physiological states. Hyperglycemia
      may upregulate transport systems for leptin, urocortin, and galanin-like peptide,
      whereas fasting can down-regulate those for leptin and galanin-like peptide.
      Thus, the BBB plays a dynamic role in modulating the passage of ingestive
      peptides from blood to brain.

PMID- 27658509
TI  - Clinical evaluation of a nutraceutical diet as an adjuvant to pharmacological
      treatment in dogs affected by Keratoconjunctivitis sicca.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Canine keratoconjunctivitis sicca (cKCS) is an inflammatory eye
      condition related to a deficiency in the tear aqueous fraction. Etiopathogenesis
      of such disease is substantially multifactorial, combining the individual genetic
      background with environmental factors that contribute to the process of
      immunological tolerance disruption and, as a consequence, to the emergence of
      autoimmunity disease. In this occurrence, it is of relevance the role of the
      physiological immune-dysregulation that results in immune-mediated processes at
      the basis of cKCS. Current therapies for this ocular disease rely on
      immunosuppressive treatments. Clinical response to treatment frequently varies
      from poor to good, depending on the clinical-pathological status of eyes at
      diagnosis and on individual response to therapy. In the light of the variability
      of clinical response to therapies, we evaluated the use of an anti
      inflammatory/antioxidant nutraceutical diet with potential immune-modulating
      activity as a therapeutical adjuvant in cKCS pharmacological treatment. Such
      combination was administered to a cohort of dogs affected by cKCS in which the
      only immunosuppressive treatment resulted poorly responsive or ineffective in
      controlling the ocular symptoms. RESULTS: Fifty dogs of different breeds affected
      by immune-mediated cKCS were equally distributed and randomly assigned to receive
      either a standard diet (control, n = 25) or the nutraceutical diet (treatment
      group, n = 25) both combined with standard immunosuppressive therapy over a 60
      days period. An overall significant improvement of all clinical parameters (tear
      production, conjunctival inflammation, corneal keratinization, corneal pigment
      density and mucus discharge) and the lack of food-related adverse reactions were
      observed in the treatment group (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed
      that the association of traditional immune-suppressive therapy with the
      antioxidant/anti-inflammatory properties of the nutraceutical diet resulted in a
      significant amelioration of clinical signs and symptoms in cKCS. The beneficial
      effects, likely due to the presence of supplemented nutraceuticals in the diet,
      appeared to specifically reduce the immune-mediated ocular symptoms in those cKCS
      affected dogs that were poorly responsive or unresponsive to classical
      immunosuppressive drugs. These data suggest that metabolic changes could affect
      the immune response orchestration in a model of immune-mediated ocular disease,
      as represented by cKCS.

PMID- 27658513
TI  - Spinal Cord Injury Changes Cytokine Transport.
AB  - Here we summarize three aspects of our understanding of the interactions of
      cytokines and neurotrophic peptides/proteins with the blood-brain and bloodspinal
      cord barriers (BBB): (a) pharmacokinetic analysis that has been reported for
      native cytokines and neurotrophic peptides/proteins; (b) landmark work on
      conjugated proteins to enhance their delivery across the normal BBB; and (c)
      regulatory changes under pathophysiological conditions in rodents, particularly
      after spinal cord injury (SCI). First, though the BBB restricts the permeation of
      large proteins, some cytokines and neurotrophic peptides/proteins in the
      periphery can reach the central nervous system (CNS) by specific transport
      systems. Moreover, SCI and some other disease processes may regulate these
      transport systems. The significance of studies of the transport systems is
      obvious because of the biological impact of these molecules on the CNS in health
      and disease. We have characterized the pharmacokinetic characteristics of some
      stable cytokines and neurotrophic peptides/proteins in mice after intravenous
      administration and also in the setting of in situ brain perfusion. In the
      particular case of SCI, there are time- and regionspecific changes of BBB
      permeability and transport systems. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha, a cytokine with
      dual actions in regeneration of the spinal cord, has a slow basal influx into the
      brain and spinal cord. After SCI, the increase in the entry of tumor necrosis
      factor-alpha to the CNS differs from leakage after BBB disruption and is related
      to upregulation of the transport system in a unique temporal and regional
      pattern. Overall, the permeation of cytokines across the BBB can be mediated by
      specific transport systems. The regulation of transport in pathophysiological
      conditions affects the extent of neuroinflammation and is implicated in
      neuroregeneration.

PMID- 27658514
TI  - 'Non-Criteria' Neurologic Manifestations of Antiphospholipid Syndrome: A Hidden
      Kingdom to be Discovered.
AB  - Neurological manifestations or disorders associated with the central nervous
      system are among the most common and important clinical characteristics of
      antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Although in the most recently updated (2006) APS
      classification criteria, the neurological manifestations encompass only transient
      ischemic attack and stroke, diverse 'non-criteria' neurological disorders or
      manifestations (i.e., headache, migraine, bipolar disorder, transverse myelitis,
      dementia, chorea, epileptic seizures, multiple sclerosis, psychosis, cognitive
      impairment, Tourette's syndrome, parkinsonism, dystonia, transient global
      amnesia, obsessive compulsive disorder and leukoencephalopathy) have been
      observed in APS patients. To date, the underlying mechanisms responsible for
      these abnormal neurological manifestations in APS remain unclear. In vivo
      experiments and human observational studies indicate the involvement of
      thrombotic events and/or high titers of antiphospholipid antibodies in the neuro
      pathogenic cascade of APS. Although different types of neurologic manifestations
      in APS patients have successfully been treated with therapies involving anti
      thrombotic regimens (i.e., anticoagulants and/or platelet antiaggregants),
      antineuralgic drugs (i.e., antidepressants, antipsychotics and antiepileptics)
      and immunosuppressive drugs alone or in combination, evidence-based guidelines
      for the management of the neurologic manifestations of APS remain unavailable.
      Therefore, further experimental, clinical and retrospective studies with larger
      patient cohorts are warranted to elucidate the pathogenic linkage between APS and
      the central nervous system in addition to randomized controlled trials to
      facilitate the discovery of appropriate medications for the 'non-criteria'
      neurologic manifestations of APS.

PMID- 27658515
TI  - Effect of Environmental Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields Exposure
      on Inflammatory Mediators and Serotonin Metabolism in a Human Neuroblastoma Cell
      Line.
AB  - Exposure to environmental extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF
      EMF) in everyday life is increasing and it is a matter of great debate whether
      exposure to ELF-EMF can be harmful to human health. The neuropathology and
      symptoms of neurodegenerative disease depends on factors other than genetic
      predispositions, such as environmental exposure to disease-related risk factors.
      Research focusing on a possible contribution of ELF-EMF to cell injury and to the
      development of neurodegenerative disorders is characterized by conflicting data
      from epidemiological and animal studies. Due to lack of a direct link between
      neurodegenerative processes and ELF-EMF exposure, our goal was to investigate if
      ELF-EMF exposure may represent a possible risk factor. In the present study,
      using neuronal-like SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, we show that the balance between
      generation and elimination of reactive oxygen species, as well as the balance
      between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines linked to oxidative stress, was
      maintained ensuring that cells respond properly to ELF-EMF (50Hz /1mT). In SH
      SY5Y-exposed cells we observed increased intracellular 5-hydroxyindoleacetic
      acid/5-hydroxytryptamine ratio reflecting the rate of transmitter synthesis,
      catabolism and release, while matrix metalloproteinases that play critical roles
      in neuronal cell death were not significantly altered. The results presented here
      indicate that changes caused by short (1h-3h) and sub-chronic (48 h) exposure to
      50Hz/1mT ELF-EMF in SH-SY5Y cells are minor in comparison to the neuronal cell
      damage expected to underlie neurodegeneration or cognitive impairment. Thus,
      these results are in accord with epidemiological studies that have provided
      little support for a link between ELF-EMFs and neurodegeneration.

PMID- 27658517
TI  - Endophytes and Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Hope in Desperation.
AB  - Neurodegeneration is progressive loss of functional and structural integrity of
      the central nervous system. Neurodegenerative disorders are yet without any
      reliable therapy because the neurons of the central nervous system have limited
      ability to regenerate. Current therapeutic approaches rely mainly on abrogation
      of symptoms and leave the dying neurons to their fate. Protective and/or rescuing
      treatments need to be explored fully to suppress neuronal death that will
      automatically alleviate the symptoms. Adequate precedent exists in literature
      regarding the neuroprotective activity of endophytes. Endophytes are a class of
      microorganisms which colonize healthy plant tissues without causing any apparent
      harm to the host. Chemical moieties from known endophytes have been used against
      many disease models including neurodegenerative diseases. There is great hope
      that novel bioactive molecules from newer endophytes can impede pathogenic
      mechanisms and progression of many diseases. In this review, we will discuss
      promising pharmacological or clinical relevance of endophytes against various
      neurodegenerative diseases.

PMID- 27658516
TI  - Breakdown of Blood-Brain and Blood-Spinal Cord Barriers During Acute
      Methamphetamine Intoxication: Role of Brain Temperature.
AB  - Methamphetamine (METH) is a powerful and often-abused stimulant with potent
      addictive and neurotoxic properties. While it is generally believed that
      structural brain damage induced by METH results from oxidative stress, in this
      work we present data suggesting robust disruption of blood-brain and blood-spinal
      cord barriers during acute METH intoxication in rats. We demonstrate the
      relationships between METH-induced brain hyperthermia and widespread but
      structure-specific barrier leakage, acute glial cell activation, changes in brain
      water and ionic homeostasis, and structural damage of different types of cells in
      the brain and spinal cord. Therefore, METH-induced leakage of the blood-brain and
      blood-spinal cord barriers is a significant contributor to different types of
      functional and structural brain abnormalities that determine acute toxicity of
      this drug and possibly neurotoxicity during its chronic use.

PMID- 27658518
TI  - Correction: Safety and efficacy of sofosbuvir plus ledipasvir with and without
      ribavirin for chronic HCV genotype-1 infection: a systematic review and meta
      analysis.

PMID- 27658519
TI  - In vitro evaluation of physiologically relevant concentrations of teriflunomide
      on activation and proliferation of primary rodent microglia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Teriflunomide, an inhibitor of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, is
      thought to ameliorate multiple sclerosis by reducing activation-induced
      proliferation of lymphocytes, which is highly dependent on de novo pyrimidine
      synthesis. Nevertheless, its immunomodulatory effects on resident glial cells in
      the central nervous system are only poorly understood. METHODS: In this study, we
      employed physiologically relevant concentrations of teriflunomide and
      investigated its effects on survival, proliferation, activation, and function of
      primary rat microglia in vitro. RESULTS: We demonstrate that teriflunomide had no
      cytotoxic effect on microglia and had only a minor impact on microglial
      activation. In a concentration- and time-dependent manner, teriflunomide
      significantly downregulated surface expression of the co-stimulatory molecule
      CD86. Furthermore, in the highest concentration applied (5 MUM), it slightly
      increased the expression of interleukin-10 in microglia in response to
      lipopolysaccharide. Treatment with low concentrations of teriflunomide (0.25-1
      MUM) did not have any impact on the activation or proliferation of microglia. At
      5 MUM concentration of teriflunomide, we observed a reduction of approximately 30
      % in proliferation of microglia in mixed glial cell cultures. CONCLUSIONS: Taken
      together, our in vitro findings suggest that at higher concentrations,
      teriflunomide potentially exerts its effects by reducing microglial proliferation
      and not by modulating the M1-/M2-like cell differentiation of primary rat
      microglia. Thus, teriflunomide has no major impact on the plasticity of
      microglia; however, the anti-proliferative and minimal anti-inflammatory effects
      might be clinically relevant for immune modulation in the treatment of
      neuroinflammatory CNS diseases such as multiple sclerosis.

PMID- 27658520
TI  - Activation of hypothalamic astrocytes suppresses feeding without altering
      emotional states.
AB  - Emerging evidence shows that hypothalamic astrocytes react to and counteract
      energy surfeit produced by high-fat diet (HFD) feeding. However, the functional
      role of astrocytes in the control of energy states and the underlying molecular
      mechanism(s) during physiological conditions remain largely underexplored. In the
      present study, by taking advantage of spatiotemporally precise optogenetic
      approaches, real-time measurements of extracellular adenosine, and behavioral
      assays, we find that optogenetic stimulation of astrocytes localized in the
      medial basal hypothalamus (MBH) suppresses food intake in a frequency dependent
      manner with high frequency, but not low frequency, stimulation of astrocytes
      reducing food intake. Furthermore, stimulation of MBH astrocytes diminishes
      orexigenic ghrelin or fasting-induced hyperphagia without effecting anxiety
      related behavior. Consistent with a frequency dependent role for MBH astrocytes
      in feeding behavior, optogenetic stimulation of MBH astrocytes increases
      extracellular levels of adenosine in a frequency dependent manner. Collectively,
      our results provide new insights into the role of astrocytes in physiological
      functions during naturally occurring behaviors, such as feeding. GLIA
      2016;64:2263-2273.

PMID- 27658521
TI  - A novel testate amoebae trait-based approach to infer environmental disturbance
      in Sphagnum peatlands.
AB  - Species' functional traits are closely related to ecosystem processes through
      evolutionary adaptation, and are thus directly connected to environmental
      changes. Species' traits are not commonly used in palaeoecology, even though they
      offer powerful advantages in understanding the impact of environmental
      disturbances in a mechanistic way over time. Here we show that functional traits
      of testate amoebae (TA), a common group of palaeoecological indicators, can serve
      as an early warning signal of ecosystem disturbance and help determine thresholds
      of ecosystem resilience to disturbances in peatlands. We analysed TA traits from
      two Sphagnum-dominated mires, which had experienced different kinds of
      disturbances in the past 2000 years - fire and peat extraction, respectively. We
      tested the effect of disturbances on the linkages between TA community structure,
      functional trait composition and functional diversity using structural equation
      modelling. We found that traits such as mixotrophy and small hidden apertures
      (plagiostomic apertures) are strongly connected with disturbance, suggesting that
      these two traits can be used as palaeoecological proxies of peatland disturbance.
      We show that TA functional traits may serve as a good proxy of past environmental
      changes, and further analysis of trait-ecosystem relationships could make them
      valuable indicators of the contemporary ecosystem state.

PMID- 27658522
TI  - Physician attitudes and experiences with Maryland's prescription drug monitoring
      program (PDMP).
AB  - AIMS: Physicians' use of prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) varies by
      state. Among Maryland physicians, we sought to (1) estimate the PDMP impact on
      changes in opioid prescribing, (2) approximate the scope of PDMP utility and (3)
      determine the barriers to PDMP use after its 2013 implementation. DESIGN: Cross
      sectional postal survey linking responses to state records of PDMP registration
      and use, randomly sampling physicians within specialty and registration strata.
      SETTING: Maryland, USA. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1000 surveyed primary care, pain
      and emergency medicine physicians stratified into three subpopulations: PDMP non
      registrants, PDMP registrants who were non-users and PDMP users; 405 respondents
      (44%) of 916 eligible physicians were analysed. MEASUREMENTS: Primary outcome
      measure was PDMP use. Key predictors were clinic characteristics, including type
      of practice and number of patients prescribed opioids. FINDINGS: No response-wave
      bias was identified. Seventy per cent of physicians believed PDMP access
      decreased their amount and increased their comfort level in prescribing opioids.
      Three-fourths (74%) of PDMP users reported the data very useful for informing
      opioid prescribing, although one-fifth (20%) reported difficulty accessing the
      data. Commonly reported barriers to PDMP use were lack of knowledge regarding its
      existence and registration process. In multivariable analysis after adjusting for
      key clinic characteristics, practicing at a managed care organization was
      associated with lower PDMP use [incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 0.19, 95% confidence
      interval (CI) = 0.05-0.73]. Conversely, physicians who prescribed opioids for
      more than 50 patients accessed the PDMP three times as often as those prescribing
      opioids for fewer than 10 patients monthly (IRR = 3.00, 95 % CI = 1.07-8.43).
      CONCLUSIONS: In this survey of Maryland, USA physicians, most participants
      reported that prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) improved their opioid
      prescribing by decreasing prescription amounts and increasing comfort with
      prescribing opioids. Common barriers to PDMP use included not knowing about the
      program, registration difficulties and data access difficulties.

PMID- 27658523
TI  - Increased need for interventions predicts mortality in the critically ill.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to determine the association of early
      treatment intensity with hospital mortality of intensive care unit (ICU)
      patients. METHODS: We performed an observational study based on a national ICU
      registry. We included adult patients treated in Finnish ICUs between 2003 and
      2013 with the length of ICU stay of more than 3 days. We measured treatment
      intensity with the Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System (TISS-76). We assessed
      mean and daily TISS scores. To define the change in treatment intensity during
      the first days in the ICU, we calculated the difference between the TISS score on
      day 3 and the score on day 1 (DeltaTISS). We used multivariate logistic
      regression to adjust for baseline differences and continuous net reclassification
      improvement (NRI) to determine the impact of adding TISS data to the baseline
      prediction model on its prognostic performance. RESULTS: We identified 42,493
      patients eligible for the study. For 71% of the patients, DeltaTISS was <= 0 and
      crude hospital mortality was 18%. DeltaTISS > 0 was observed for 29% of the
      patients, with a hospital mortality of 23%. When compared to the group DeltaTISS
      <= 0, the category DeltaTISS > 0 was independently associated with substantially
      increased mortality. Adding TISS data to the prediction model resulted in the
      improvement of prognostic performance particularly in the patients with the
      lowest initial baseline risk. CONCLUSIONS: Early increase in TISS scores was
      associated with increased risk of death, especially in patients with a lower
      initial severity of illness.

PMID- 27658525
TI  - Time to lowest postoperative carcinoembryonic antigen level is predictive on
      survival outcome in rectal cancer.
AB  - This study was to investigate whether the time to the lowest postoperative CEA
      can predict cancer survival. We enrolled 155 rectal cancer patients in this
      retrospective and longitudinal cohort study. Deepness of response (DpR) of CEA
      refers to the relative change of the lowest postoperative CEA level from
      baseline, and time to DpR (TTDpR) refers to the time from surgery to the lowest
      postoperative CEA level. The median of TTDpR and DpR was 4.5 (range, 3.0-18.0)
      weeks and -67% (range, -99% to 114%) respectively. Patients with TTDpR </ = 4.5
      weeks had better 3-year DFS (81.4% vs. 76.2%; P = 0.059) and OS (95.8% vs. 87.9%;
      P = 0.047) rate than patients with TTDpR >4.5 weeks. Using TTDpR as a continuous
      variable, the HR of DFS and OS was 1.13 (95% CI 1.06-1.22, P = 0.001) and 1.17
      (95% CI 1.07-1.29, P = 0.001) respectively. On multivariate analysis, the
      predictive value of prolonged TTDpR remained [adjusted HRs: 1.12 (95% CI 1.03
      1.21, P = 0.006) and 1.17 (95% CI 1.06-1.28, P = 0.001)]. These findings remained
      significant in patients with normal preoperative CEA. Our results showed
      prolonged TTDpR of CEA independently predicted unfavorable survival outcomes,
      regardless of whether preoperative CEA was elevated or not.

PMID- 27658526
TI  - Impact of a high Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale score on obstetric and
      perinatal outcomes.
AB  - The aim of this retrospective study was to characterise intrapartum and neonatal
      outcomes in women with an antenatally recorded Edinburgh Postnatal Depression
      Score (EPDS) <= 9 compared with women with a score of >=12 at a major Australian
      tertiary maternity hospital. Women with scores >=12 are at particularly high risk
      of major depressive symptomatology. There were 20512 (78.6%) women with a score
      <= 9 and 2708 (10.4%) had a score >= 12. Category 1 caesarean sections where
      there was immediate threat to life (maternal or fetal) were more common in women
      with EPDS scores >=12 (5.2% vs. 4.3%, OR 1.24 95% CI 1.03-1.49, p = 0.024). Pre
      term birth (<37 weeks) was also more common (11.7% vs. 8.6%, OR 1.38 95% CI 1.21
      1.57, p < 0.001). Women with high scores had higher rates of babies with birth
      weights <5th centile (6.2% vs. 4.4%, p < 0.001). Apgar score < 7 at 5 minutes
      were more frequent in the high EPDS group (3.1% vs. 2%, OR 1.52 95% CI 1.18-1.93,
      p < 0.001). Resuscitation at birth (34.4% vs. 30.6%, p < 0.001) and neonatal
      death (0.48% vs. 0.13%, OR 2.52 95% CI 1.2-5.0, p < 0.001) were higher in babies
      of these women. These results suggest poorer intrapartum and neonatal outcomes
      for women with high EPDS scores.

PMID- 27658524
TI  - Low-dose Gene Therapy Reduces the Frequency of Enzyme Replacement Therapy in a
      Mouse Model of Lysosomal Storage Disease.
AB  - Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) is the standard of care for several lysosomal
      storage diseases (LSDs). ERT, however, requires multiple and costly
      administrations and has limited efficacy. We recently showed that a single high
      dose administration of adeno-associated viral vector serotype 8 (AAV2/8) is at
      least as effective as weekly ERT in a mouse model of mucopolysaccharidosis type
      VI (MPS VI). However, systemic administration of high doses of AAV might result
      in both cell-mediated immune responses and insertional mutagenesis. Here we
      evaluated whether the combination of low doses of AAV2/8 with a less frequent
      (monthly) than canonical (weekly) ERT schedule may be as effective as the single
      treatments at high doses or frequent regimen. A greater reduction of both urinary
      glycosaminoglycans, considered a sensitive biomarker of therapeutic efficacy, and
      storage in the myocardium and heart valves was observed in mice receiving the
      combined than the single therapies. Importantly, these levels of correction were
      similar to those we obtained in a previous study following either high doses of
      AAV2/8 or weekly ERT. Our data show that low-dose gene therapy can be used as a
      means to rarify ERT administration, thus reducing both the risks and costs
      associated with either therapies.

PMID- 27658527
TI  - PXL01 in sodium hyaluronate results in increased PRG4 expression: a potential
      mechanism for anti-adhesion.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the anti-adhesive mechanisms of PXL01 in sodium
      hyaluronate (HA) by using the rabbit lactoferrin peptide, rabPXL01 in HA, in a
      rabbit model of healing tendons and tendon sheaths. The mechanism of action for
      PXL01 in HA is interesting since a recent clinical study of the human lactoferrin
      peptide PXL01 in HA administered around repaired tendons in the hand showed
      improved digit mobility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: On days 1, 3, and 6 after tendon
      injury and surgical repair, reverse transcriptase-quantitative polymerase chain
      reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to assess mRNA expression levels for genes encoding
      the mucinous glycoprotein PRG4 (also called lubricin) and a subset of matrix
      proteins, cytokines, and growth factors involved in flexor tendon repair.
      RabPXL01 in HA was administered locally around the repaired tendons, and mRNA
      expression was compared with untreated repaired tendons and tendon sheaths.
      RESULTS: We observed, at all time points, increased expression of PRG4 mRNA in
      tendons treated with rabPXL01 in HA, but not in tendon sheaths. In addition,
      treatment with rabPXL01 in HA led to repression of the mRNA levels for the pro
      inflammatory mediators interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, and IL-8 in tendon sheaths.
      CONCLUSIONS: RabPXL01 in HA increased lubricin mRNA production while diminishing
      mRNA levels of inflammatory mediators, which in turn reduced the gliding
      resistance and inhibited the adhesion formation after flexor tendon repair.

PMID- 27658528
TI  - Maintaining cell identity: PRC2-mediated regulation of transcription and cancer.
AB  - Enhancer of zeste homologue 2 (EZH2), the catalytic subunit of Polycomb
      repressive complex 2 (PRC2), has attracted broad research attention in the past
      few years because of its involvement in the development and maintenance of many
      types of cancer and the use of specific EZH2 inhibitors in clinical trials.
      Several observations show that PRC2 can have both oncogenic and tumour
      suppressive functions. We propose that these apparently opposing roles of PRC2 in
      cancer are a consequence of the molecular function of the complex in maintaining,
      rather than specifying, the transcriptional repression state of its several
      thousand target genes.

PMID- 27658531
TI  - Tooth wear as a means to quantify intra-specific variations in diet and chewing
      movements.
AB  - In mammals, tooth function, and its efficiency, depends both on the mechanical
      properties of the food and on chewing dynamics. These aspects have rarely been
      studied in combination and/or at the intra-specific level. Here we applied 3D
      dental surface texture analysis to a sample of field voles (Microtus agrestis)
      trapped from Finnish Lapland at different seasons and localities to test for
      inter-population variations. We also explored intra-individual variation in
      chewing dynamics by analysing two facets on the second upper molars. Our results
      confirm that the two localities have similar environments and that the voles feed
      on the same items there. On the other hand, the texture data suggest that diets
      are seasonally variable, probably due to varying concentrations of abrasives.
      Lastly, the textures on the buccal facets are more isotropic and their direction
      deviates more from the mesial chewing direction than the lingual facets. We
      interpret these results as reflecting food, rather than chewing, movements, where
      food particles are more guided on the lingual side of the molars. This has
      implications for the application of dental microwear analysis to fossils: only
      homologous facets can be compared, even when the molar row seems to constitute a
      functional unit.

PMID- 27658529
TI  - The multifaceted roles of fatty acid synthesis in cancer.
AB  - Lipid metabolism, in particular the synthesis of fatty acids (FAs), is an
      essential cellular process that converts nutrients into metabolic intermediates
      for membrane biosynthesis, energy storage and the generation of signalling
      molecules. This Review explores how different aspects of FA synthesis promote
      tumorigenesis and tumour progression. FA synthesis has received substantial
      attention as a potential target for cancer therapy, but strategies to target this
      process have not yet translated into clinical practice. Furthermore, efforts to
      target this pathway must consider the influence of the tumour microenvironment.

PMID- 27658532
TI  - Postoperative start compared to preoperative start of low-molecular-weight
      heparin increases mortality in patients with femoral neck fractures.
AB  - Background and purpose - Controversies exist regarding thromboprophylaxis in
      orthopedic surgery. Using data in the nationwide Norwegian Hip Fracture Register
      (NHFR) with postoperative death and reoperation in the first 6 months after
      surgery as endpoints in the analyses, we determined whether the
      thromboprophylaxis in patients who undergo hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck
      fracture should start preoperatively or postoperatively. Patients and methods -
      After each operation for hip fracture in Norway, the surgeon reports information
      on the patient, the fracture, and the operation to the NHFR. Cox regression
      analyses were performed with adjustments for age, ASA score, gender, type of
      implant, length of surgery, and year of surgery. Results - During the period 2005
      2014, 25,019 hemiarthroplasties as treatment for femoral neck fractures were
      reported to the registry. Antithrombotic medication was given to 99% of the
      patients. Low-molecular-weight heparin predominated with dalteparin in 57% of the
      operations and enoxaparin in 41%. Only operations with these 2 drugs and with
      known information on preoperative or postoperative start of the prophylaxis were
      included in the analyses (n = 20,241). Compared to preoperative start of
      thromboprophylaxis, postoperative start of thromboprophylaxis gave a higher risk
      of death (risk ratio (RR) = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.06-1.21; p < 0.001) and a higher risk
      of reoperation for any reason (RR =1.19, 95% CI: 1.01-1.40; p = 0.04), whereas we
      found no effect on reported intraoperative bleeding complication or on the risk
      of postoperative reoperation due to hematoma. The results did not depend on
      whether the initial dose of prophylaxis was the full dosage or half of the
      standard dosage. Interpretation - Postoperative start of thromboprophylaxis
      increased the mortality and risk of reoperation compared to preoperative start in
      femoral neck fracture patients operated with hemiprosthesis. The risks of
      bleeding and of reoperation due to hematoma were similar in patients who received
      low-molecular-weight heparin preoperatively and in those who received it
      postoperatively.

PMID- 27658534
TI  - Quantum efficiency of colloidal suspensions containing quantum dot/silica hybrid
      particles.
AB  - We have investigated the fluorescence properties of colloidal suspensions
      conntaining quantum dot (QD)/silica hybrid particles. First, we synthesized
      QD/silica hybrid particles with silica-QD-silica (SQS) core-shell-shell geometry,
      and monitored the quantum efficiencies of their suspensions at various particle
      concentrations. We found that the quantum efficiency (QE) of SQS particles in
      deionized (DI) water was much lower than that of the QDs even at low particle
      concentration, mainly due to the light scattering of emitted photons at the
      silica/water interface, followed by reabsorption by QDs. As the concentration of
      SQS particles was increased, both light scattering and reabsorption by QDs became
      more important, which further reduced the QE. Refractive index-matched solvent,
      however, reduced light scattering, yielding greater QE than DI water. Next, we
      induced aggregation of SQS particles, and found that QE increased as particles
      aggregated in DI water because of reduced light scattering and reabsorption,
      whereas it remained almost constant in the refractive index-matched solvent.
      Finally, we studied aggregation of highly concentrated silica particle
      suspensions containing a low concentration of SQS particles, and found that QE
      increased with aggregation because light scattering and reabsorption were
      reduced. 

PMID- 27658533
TI  - Mitigation of indomethacin-induced gastrointestinal damages in fat-1 transgenic
      mice via gate-keeper action of omega-3-polyunsaturated fatty acids.
AB  - Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) damage the gastrointestinal (GI)
      epithelial cell membranes by inducing several signals through lipid raft
      organization after membrane incorporation, whereas omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty
      acids (PUFAs) relieve inflammation, reduce oxidative stress, and provide
      cytoprotection, consequent to lipid raft disorganization. Therefore, we
      hypothesized that omega-3 PUFAs can protect the GI from NSAID-induced damages by
      initiating the gatekeeper action of cell membranes, subsequent to anti
      inflammatory and anti-oxidative actions. Administration of indomethacin (IND)
      leads to the formation of lipid rafts and activation of caveolin-1; however, no
      such observations were made upon co-administration of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
      and IND. In addition, the EPA-induced lipid raft disorganization, caveolin-1
      inactivation, and cellular cytotoxicity were inhibited when target cells were
      knocked-out using G-protein coupled receptor 120 (GPR 120). EPA significantly
      attenuated IND-induced oxidative damage and apoptosis. IND administration induced
      significant ulceration, bleeding, and oedema in the stomach or small intestine of
      wild-type (WT) mice; however, such severe damages to the GI significantly
      decreased in fat-1 transgenic (TG) mice (P < 0.001), which exhibited decreased
      cyclooxygenase-2 expression and apoptosis, decreased interleukin-1beta and FAS
      concentrations, and increased heme oxygenase-1 concentration. Our study indicates
      that the gatekeeper function of omega-3 PUFAs improves GI safety when
      administered with NSAID.

PMID- 27658530
TI  - Altered metabolite levels in cancer: implications for tumour biology and cancer
      therapy.
AB  - Altered cell metabolism is a characteristic feature of many cancers. Aside from
      well-described changes in nutrient consumption and waste excretion, altered
      cancer cell metabolism also results in changes to intracellular metabolite
      concentrations. Increased levels of metabolites that result directly from genetic
      mutations and cancer-associated modifications in protein expression can promote
      cancer initiation and progression. Changes in the levels of specific metabolites,
      such as 2-hydroxyglutarate, fumarate, succinate, aspartate and reactive oxygen
      species, can result in altered cell signalling, enzyme activity and/or metabolic
      flux. In this Review, we discuss the mechanisms that lead to changes in
      metabolite concentrations in cancer cells, the consequences of these changes for
      the cells and how they might be exploited to improve cancer therapy.

PMID- 27658536
TI  - Phase I/II study of low-dose azacytidine in patients with chronic myeloid
      leukemia who have minimal residual disease while receiving therapy with tyrosine
      kinase inhibitors.

PMID- 27658535
TI  - Economic Evidence for US Asthma Self-Management Education and Home-Based
      Interventions.
AB  - The health and economic burden of asthma in the United States is substantial.
      Asthma self-management education (AS-ME) and home-based interventions for asthma
      can improve asthma control and prevent asthma exacerbations, and interest in
      health care-public health collaboration regarding asthma is increasing. However,
      outpatient AS-ME and home-based asthma intervention programs are not widely
      available; economic sustainability is a common concern. Thus, we conducted a
      narrative review of existing literature regarding economic outcomes of outpatient
      AS-ME and home-based intervention programs for asthma in the United States. We
      identified 9 outpatient AS-ME programs and 17 home-based intervention programs
      with return on investment (ROI) data. Most programs were associated with a
      positive ROI; a few programs observed positive ROIs only among selected
      populations (eg, higher health care utilization). Interpretation of existing data
      is limited by heterogeneous ROI calculations. Nevertheless, the literature
      suggests promise for sustainable opportunities to expand access to outpatient AS
      ME and home-based asthma intervention programs in the United States. More
      definitive knowledge about how to maximize program benefit and sustainability
      could be gained through more controlled studies of specific populations and
      increased uniformity in economic assessments.

PMID- 27658537
TI  - Direct nematicidal effects of methyl jasmonate and acibenzolar-S-methyl against
      Meloidogyne incognita.
AB  - The aim of this study was to examine the nematicidal properties of two defence
      inducers against the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita. A direct-contact
      bioassay was applied to evaluate the nematicidal effects of acibenzolar-S-methyl
      (ASM) and methyl jasmonate (MEJA) on second-stage juveniles (J2). Nematodes were
      incubated in different concentrations of these compounds, and the numbers of
      immobile nematodes were counted after 24 and 48 h post incubation. Tap water was
      then added to verify whether the nematodes recovered or remained dead at 72 h.
      The percentage of dead nematodes was used as indicator for the toxicity of the
      different solutions. Our results show that ASM, in the formulation of Bion(r),
      and MEJA have nematicidal properties.

PMID- 27658538
TI  - Obsessive-compulsive skin disorders: a novel classification based on degree of
      insight.
AB  - Individuals with obsessive-compulsive features frequently visit dermatologists
      for complaints of the skin, hair or nails, and often progress towards a chronic
      relapsing course due to the challenge associated with accurate diagnosis and
      management of their psychiatric symptoms. The current DSM-5 formally recognizes
      body dysmorphic disorder, trichotillomania, neurotic excoriation and body focused
      repetitive behavior disorder as psychodermatological disorders belonging to the
      category of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders. However there is evidence
      that other relevant skin diseases such as delusions of parasitosis, dermatitis
      artefacta, contamination dermatitis, AIDS phobia, trichotemnomania and even
      lichen simplex chronicus possess prominent obsessive-compulsive characteristics
      that do not necessarily fit the full diagnostic criteria of the DSM-5. Therefore,
      to increase dermatologists' awareness of this unique group of skin disorders with
      OCD features, we propose a novel classification system called Obsessive
      Compulsive Insight Continuum. Under this new classification system, obsessive
      compulsive skin manifestations are categorized along a continuum based on degree
      of insight, from minimal insight with delusional obsessions to good insight with
      minimal obsessions. Understanding the level of insight is thus an important first
      step for clinicians who routinely interact with these patients.

PMID- 27658539
TI  - The genetics of nonsyndromic bilateral Duane retraction syndrome.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the importance of monogenic mutations and chromosomal copy
      number variants (CNVs) in the occurrence of nonsyndromic bilateral Duane
      retraction syndrome (bilateral nsDRS). METHODS: The medical records of 12
      patients with bilateral nsDRS were reviewed. Genes associated with DRS and
      associated congenital cranial dysinnervation disorders (SALL4, CHN1, HOXA1,
      TUBB3, and KIF21A) were sequenced in the standard fashion in each patient. Array
      comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) was performed using Affymetrix
      Cytogenetics Whole-Genome 2.7M array, and the results were analyzed using
      Affymetrix Chromosome Analysis Suite v1.2. CNVs were assessed as unlikely to be
      pathologic if they were also present in the Database of Genomic Variants (DGV) or
      our local database of array CGH results in 150 normal individuals of Middle
      Eastern ethnicity. RESULTS: No patient had a sequence mutation in SALL4, CHN1,
      HOXA1, TUBB3, or KIF21A. These 12 patients each had 36-42 chromosomal deletions
      and/or duplications (mean with standard deviation, 26.25 +/- 6.77), but all of
      these CNVs were present either in the DGV or in our local database of normal
      individuals of similar ethnicity and, therefore, are considered nonpathogenic.
      CONCLUSIONS: The results reported here suggest that bilateral nsDRS is not
      usually associated with mutations in these genes or with chromosomal CNVs.
      Current evidence suggests other factors such as epigenetic and/or teratogenic
      abnormalities may be a potential cause of bilateral nsDRS.

PMID- 27658540
TI  - Anterior nasal transposition of the inferior oblique muscle can cause
      antielevation syndrome.
AB  - We present a case of acquired severe excyclotropia that occurred following
      multiple orbital wall fracture and traumatic superior oblique palsy in an 18-year
      old man. The patient suffered from severe torsional diplopia in the right eye;
      double Maddox rod testing showed excylotorsion of 25 degrees . After anterior
      nasal transposition of the right inferior oblique muscle, His subjective
      torsional diplopia improved; however, severe antielevation syndrome was noted
      after surgery.

PMID- 27658541
TI  - Non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) in a random sampling community population
      and the association of NCCLs with occlusive wear.
AB  - This study investigated the prevalence, risk factors and association of occlusive
      wear with non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) in the general Chinese population.
      A total of 1320 subjects were recruited, and multistage and random sampling
      methods of survey spots were performed. All age groups comprised similar numbers
      of participants and equal numbers of males and females. Each subject completed a
      structured interview, and all teeth of each subject were examined by a
      practitioner to determine NCCLs and occlusive wear. Binary logistic regression
      was conducted by analysing the association of risk factors with the occurrence of
      NCCLs. Bivariate correlation analysis was performed by determining the
      association of NCCLs dimension or depth with the range of occlusive wear facets.
      Clinical assessment showed that the overall prevalence of subjects diagnosed with
      NCCLs was 63%. The proportion of subjects or teeth with NCCLs significantly
      increased with age. Pre-molars were the most commonly affected teeth. Single
      variables and interactive effects of variables associated with the occurrence of
      NCCLs include the following: age group, intensity of toothbrushing, frequency of
      fresh fruit consumption and interactive effect between intensity of toothbrushing
      and frequency of fresh fruit consumption. A weak positive correlation of the
      grading index was found between NCCLs dimension, size or depth and range of
      occlusive wear facets. This study reported the higher prevalence of NCCLs in the
      general Chinese population. Implementation of a combined strategy to reduce risk
      factors of NCCLs could be more effective than individual techniques; meanwhile,
      the occurrence of NCCL could be related to the wear degree of occlusive defects
      in the population studied.

PMID- 27658542
TI  - Body mass and cognitive decline are indirectly associated via inflammation among
      aging adults.
AB  - Inflammatory models of neurodegeneration suggest that higher circulating levels
      of inflammation can lead to cognitive decline. Despite established independent
      associations between greater body mass, increased inflammation, and cognitive
      decline, no prior research has explored whether markers of systemic inflammation
      might mediate the association between body mass and changes in cognitive
      functioning. To test such a model, we used two longitudinal subsamples (ns=9066;
      12,561) of aging adults from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA)
      study, which included two cognitive measures components of memory and executive
      functioning, as well as measurements of body mass and systemic inflammation,
      assessed via C-reactive protein (CRP). Greater body mass was indirectly
      associated with declines in memory and executive functioning over 6years via
      relatively higher levels of CRP. Our results suggest that systemic inflammation
      is one biologically plausible mechanism through which differences in body mass
      might influence changes in cognitive functioning among aging adults.

PMID- 27658543
TI  - Platelet CD40L induces activation of astrocytes and microglia in hypertension.
AB  - Studies have demonstrated separately that hypertension is associated with
      platelet activation in the periphery (resulting in accumulation and localized
      inflammatory response) and glial activation in the brain. We investigated the
      contribution of platelets in brain inflammation, particularly glial activation in
      vitro and in a rat model of hypertension. We found that HTN increased the
      expression of adhesion molecules like JAM-1, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 on brain
      endothelium and resulted in the deposition of platelets in the brain. Platelet
      deposition in hypertensive rats was associated with augmented CD40 and CD40L and
      activation of astrocytes (GFAP expression) and microglia (Iba-1 expression) in
      the brain. Platelets isolated from hypertensive rats had significantly higher
      sCD40L levels and induced more prominent glial activation than platelets from
      normotensive rats. Activation of platelets with ADP induced sCD40L release and
      activation of astrocytes and microglia. Moreover, CD40L induced glial (astrocytes
      and microglia) activation, NFkB and MAPK inflammatory signaling, culminating in
      neuroinflammation and neuronal injury (increased apoptotic cells). Importantly,
      injection of ADP-activated platelets into normotensive rats strongly induced
      activation of astrocytes and microglia and increased plasma sCD40L levels
      compared with control platelets. On the contrary, inhibition of platelet
      activation by Clopidogrel or disruption of CD40 signaling prevented astrocyte and
      microglial activation and provided neuroprotection in both in vivo and in vitro
      conditions. Thus, we have identified platelet CD40L as a key inflammatory
      molecule for the induction of astrocyte and microglia activation, the major
      contributors to inflammation-mediated injury in the brain.

PMID- 27658545
TI  - [Clinical and pathological features of breast cancer in a population of Mexico].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common among women in our country, and its
      treatment is based on prognostic factors to categorize patients into different
      risk groups. In this study, the clinical and pathological features that play a
      role as a prognostic factor in a representative population with breast cancer in
      Mexico are described. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive analysis of the
      clinical and pathological features of women diagnosed with breast cancer, in a
      period from June 2005 to May 2014; registered in a database and calculated by
      simple frequencies. RESULTS: A total of 4,411 patients were included, the average
      age at diagnosis was 53 years, 19.7% were diagnosed by mammography screening
      program and 80.3% derived from any signs or symptoms. Regarding the stages at
      diagnosis, 6.8% were carcinoma in situ, 36% at early stages (I and IIA), 45%
      locally advanced (IIB to IIIC), 7.7% metastatic and 3.9% unclassifiable. A 79%
      were ductal histology, lobular 7.8% and the rest, other types. Of ductal
      carcinomas, 9.1% were grade I, 54.1% grade II, and 34.6% grade III. Regarding the
      biological subtypes, 65.7% were luminal, 10.9% luminal Her positive, 8.7% pure
      Her 2 positive and 14.6% triple negative. CONCLUSION: In the present study, we
      described the clinical and pathologic features of a group of Mexican women with
      breast cancer that might reflect a national landscape, and represent the
      prognostic factors to determine groups of risk and treatment decisions.

PMID- 27658544
TI  - Activated GL7+ B cells are maintained within the inflamed CNS in the absence of
      follicle formation during viral encephalomyelitis.
AB  - Central nervous system (CNS) inflammation associated with viral infection and
      autoimmune disease results in the accumulation of B cells in various
      differentiation stages. However, the contribution between peripheral and CNS
      activation remains unclear. During gliatropic coronavirus induced
      encephalomyelitis, accumulation of protective antibody secreting cells is
      preceded by infiltration of B cells with a naive and early differentiation
      phenotype (Phares et al., 2014). Investigation of the temporal dynamics of B cell
      activation in draining cervical lymph nodes (CLN) and the CNS revealed that peak
      CNS infiltration of early activated, unswitched IgD+ and IgM+ B cells coincided
      with polyclonal activation in CLN. By contrast, isotype-switched IgG+ B cells did
      not accumulate until peripheral germinal center formation. In the CNS, unswitched
      B cells were confined to the perivascular space and meninges, with only rare B
      cell clusters, while isotype-switched B cells localized to parenchymal areas.
      Although ectopic follicle formation was not observed, more differentiated B cell
      subsets within the CNS expressed the germinal center marker GL7, albeit at lower
      levels than CLN counterparts. During chronic infection, CNS IgDint and IgD- B
      cell subsets further displayed sustained markers of proliferation and CD4 T cell
      help, which were only transiently expressed in the CLN. A contribution of local
      CD4 T cell help to sustain B cell activation was supported by occasional B cells
      adjacent to T cells. The results suggest that accumulation of differentiated B
      cell subsets within the CNS is largely dictated by peripheral activation, but
      that local events contribute to their sustained activation independent of ectopic
      follicle formation.

PMID- 27658546
TI  - Flavonoid compounds from the red marine alga Alsidium corallinum protect against
      potassium bromate-induced nephrotoxicity in adult mice.
AB  - Potassium bromate (KBrO3 ), an environmental pollutant, is a well-known human
      carcinogen and a potent nephrotoxic agent. Currently, natural products have built
      a well-recognized role in the management of many diseases induced by pollutants.
      As potent natural sources of bioactive compounds, marine algae have been
      demonstrated to be rich in novel secondary metabolites with a broad range of
      biological functions. In this study, adults male mice were orally treated for 15
      days with KBrO3 (0.5 g/L) associated or not with extract of Alsidium corallinum,
      a red Mediterranean alga. In vitro study demonstrated that algal extract has
      antioxidant efficacy attributable to the presence of flavonoids and polyphenols.
      Among these, Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis showed A.
      corallinum is rich in kaempferol, apigenin, catechin, and quercetin flavonoids.
      In vivo study showed that supplementation with the alga significantly prevented
      KBrO3 -induced nephrotoxicity as indicated by plasma biomarkers (urea, uric acid,
      and creatinin levels) and oxidative stress related parameters (malondialdehyde,
      superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, reduced glutathione,
      vitamin C, hydrogen peroxide, protein oxidation products) in kidney tissue. The
      corrective effect of A. corallinum on KBrO3 -induced kidney injury was also
      supported by molecular and histopathological observations. In conclusion, it was
      established that the red alga, thanks to its bioactive compounds, effectively
      counteracts toxic effects of KBrO3 and could be a useful coadjuvant agent for
      treatment of this pollutant poisonings. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ
      Toxicol 32: 1475-1486, 2017.

PMID- 27658548
TI  - PTPN2-deficiency exacerbates T follicular helper cell and B cell responses and
      promotes the development of autoimmunity.
AB  - Non-coding single nucleotide polymorphisms that repress PTPN2 expression have
      been linked with the development of type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and
      Crohn's disease. PTPN2 attenuates CD8+ T cell responses to self and prevents
      overt autoreactivity in the context of T cell homeostasis and antigen cross
      presentation. The role of PTPN2 in other immune subsets in the development of
      autoimmunity remains unclear. Here we show that the inducible deletion of PTPN2
      in hematopoietic compartment of adult non-autoimmune prone mice results in
      systemic inflammation and autoimmunity. PTPN2-deficient mice had increased
      inflammatory monocytes, B cells and effector T cells in lymphoid and non-lymphoid
      tissues and exhibited symptoms of dermatitis, glomerulonephritis, pancreatitis
      and overt liver disease. Autoimmunity was characterised by the formation of
      germinal centers in the spleen and associated with markedly increased germinal
      center B cells and T follicular helper (Tfh) cells and circulating anti-nuclear
      antibodies, inflammatory cytokines and immunoglobulins. CD8+ T cell proliferative
      responses were enhanced, and interleukin-21-induced STAT-3 signalling in Tfh
      cells and B cells was increased and accompanied by enhanced B cell proliferation
      ex vivo. These results indicate that deficiencies in PTPN2 across multiple immune
      lineages, including naive T cells, Tfh cells and B cells, contribute to the
      development of autoimmunity.

PMID- 27658549
TI  - An Unusual Cause of Persistent Crying in a Toddler.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Excessive or persistent crying is a common presentation to the
      pediatric emergency department, and often poses a diagnostic dilemma to emergency
      physicians. There are several reasons for excessive or persistent crying in
      children, ranging from benign causes like hunger, to life-threatening causes such
      as intussusception. CASE REPORT: We report an interesting case of a toddler whose
      cause of excess crying, with no detectable clinical clues, was eventually
      attributed to a foreign body in the esophagus. A brief review of diagnostic
      approach to excess crying and management of ingested foreign bodies is presented.
      WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Ingested foreign body is a
      potential cause of persistent crying, and early recognition can result in
      definitive treatment and prevention of potential mortality and morbidity.

PMID- 27658547
TI  - Cadmium-induced heme-oxygenase-1 expression plays dual roles in autophagy and
      apoptosis and is regulated by both PKC-delta and PKB/Akt activation in NRK52E
      kidney cells.
AB  - Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) protects cells against cadmium (Cd)-induced oxidative
      stress. However, the mechanism underlying this protection is not well understood.
      In this study, we elucidated the role of HO-1 in Cd-induced cytotoxicity.
      Exposure of NRK52E cells to Cd induced protein kinase B (PKB)/Akt, protein kinase
      C (PKC)-delta, and glycogen synthase kinase (GSK) 3alphab phosphorylation, and
      eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 2alpha dephosphorylation. Pharmacological
      inhibition of Akt resulted in HO-1 suppression and eIF2alpha activation, which
      partially suppressed CHOP and PARP-1 cleavage, but promoted autophagy and
      decreased cell viability. Pharmacological inactivation of PKC-delta markedly
      suppressed Cd-induced phospho-serine (p-Ser) GSK3alphabeta, and HO-1, and
      partially inhibited PARP-1 cleavage, but massively induced autophagy and
      decreased cell viability. Pharmacological upregulation of p-Ser GSK3alphabeta
      enhanced Cd-induced HO-1, CHOP, and PARP-1 cleavage, but decreased autophagy.
      Genetic deficiency of GSK3beta suppressed HO-1 and PARP-1 cleavage and increased
      autophagy. Genetic suppression of HO-1 reduced Cd-induced PARP-1 cleavage, but
      increased LC3-II. Cd exposure led to accumulation of p-PKC-delta, p-Ser
      GSK3alphabeta, and HO-1 in the nucleus and particulate fractions, suggesting that
      they have dual functions in response to Cd. N-acetylcysteine treatment suppressed
      Cd-induced activation of PKC-delta and Akt. These results indicate that HO-1
      induced by Cd exposure is regulated by PKC-delta, p-Ser GSK3alphabeta, and
      PKB/Akt, which restrain autophagic cell death, but mildly induce apoptosis in
      NRK52E cells. Together, the results suggest that HO-1 expression in response to
      Cd maintains cellular homeostasis during oxidative stress.

PMID- 27658550
TI  - Calcaneus Fractures: A Possible Musculoskeletal Emergency.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Calcaneal fractures are commonly seen and treated in the emergency
      department. There are subsets of calcaneal fractures that pose a high risk to the
      adjacent soft tissue of the heel and can result in full-thickness tissue
      necrosis. OBJECTIVE: To identify which calcaneal fractures need to be managed
      within hours and triaged to the orthopedic team and which can be temporized in a
      neutral or plantarflexed ankle splint and seen in an outpatient setting.
      DISCUSSION: Tongue-type calcaneal fractures and tuberosity fractures must be
      triaged appropriately within the first few hours of presentation to prevent skin
      compromise. This requires the emergency physician to understand the radiographic
      morphology of the fracture as well as the clinical signs of skin compromise.
      Communication with the orthopedic surgery service is essential and splinting in a
      specific manner is important to stabilize the soft tissue envelope. CONCLUSION:
      Recognizing the calcaneal injury pattern and implementing the correct treatment
      strategy is paramount to having successful patient outcomes. A delay or error in
      treatment can turn a closed fracture into an open fracture.

PMID- 27658551
TI  - Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Presenting as Focal Neurologic Findings and
      Deteriorating Mental Status.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is a rare but particularly
      malignant form of acute leukemia that is characterized by a rapid progression to
      fatal hemorrhage. Survival rates of patients with APL have increased with the
      introduction of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), but early deaths caused by
      hemorrhage still persist. CASE REPORT: A man with undiagnosed APL presenting with
      focal neurologic findings and deteriorating altered mental status caused by an
      intracranial hemorrhage is discussed. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE
      OF THIS?: It is important to consider APL when diagnosing etiologies for
      intracranial hemorrhage. In addition to standard care, early administration of
      ATRA is recommended upon clinical suspicion of the disease.

PMID- 27658552
TI  - Appendicitis Presenting As Cellulitis of the Right Leg.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several infectious processes of intra-abdominal origin may atypically
      present as skin or soft tissue infections or abscess in the thigh. CASE REPORT:
      We describe the case of a 73-year-old woman who presented to the emergency
      department with the clinical picture of a skin infection of the right leg. The
      patient's condition deteriorated during medical treatment with intravenous
      antibiotics. Subsequent radiologic imaging revealed that the complaints were
      caused by a bulging retroperitoneal appendicular abscess along the iliopsoas
      muscle, although the patient experienced no abdominal symptoms. The patient
      recovered completely after surgical intervention. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY
      PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Timely performance of anatomic imaging in patients
      with unexplained skin or soft tissue infections and thigh abscesses is important
      because these findings may be manifestations of an abdominal pathology. A correct
      diagnosis in the emergency department prohibits delays in treatment.

PMID- 27658553
TI  - Sudden Weakness in A Young Healthy Man.

PMID- 27658554
TI  - Chestnut Sign: Metronidazole-Induced Encephalopathy.

PMID- 27658555
TI  - A Physician's Moral Dilemma in the Emergency Department: Going Against a
      Patient's Perceived Wishes.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We describe a case where a patient at the end of life with an
      advanced medical directive in place presents to the ED in distress. CASE REPORT:
      Our case is of a middle aged male with advanced cancer who presents in the ED
      with his family in respiratory distress requiring intubation. Even though his
      advanced medical directive states not for prolonged life sustaining support his
      wife and daughters plead with the physicians to save his life in order to end his
      suffering as well as prepare them for a more peaceful death. CONCLUSION: We
      discuss the ethical and moral distress faced by ED physicians in such acute
      scenarios where a patient's perceived wishes are not in line with their families'
      pleas.

PMID- 27658556
TI  - Comments on Spinal Intramedullary Cysticercosis.

PMID- 27658557
TI  - Allergic Contact Dermatitis from Topical Acyclovir: Case Series.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the widespread use of oral or topical acyclovir, allergic
      contact dermatitis caused by it has been rarely reported, with fewer than 20 case
      studies published in the English literature to date. CASE REPORTS: A diagnosis of
      allergic contact dermatitis from acyclovir cream was established in a 62-year-old
      female patient who had been continuously using acyclovir cream for 3 weeks after
      systemic therapy for herpes zoster with acyclovir, and in a 35-year-old female
      patient, who had undergone liver transplantation in 2008 and subsequently
      developed a severe form of herpes zoster treated orally with 4 g/day acyclovir
      and prolonged topical administration of acyclovir cream. In both cases, patch
      tests were performed with extended European Baseline Series, with the excipients
      of acyclovir cream (propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfate, cetostearyl alcohol,
      dimethyl sulfoxide) and commercial cream containing acyclovir 2%. Positive
      reactions were obtained only with the commercial cream with acyclovir 2%. WHY
      SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Allergic contact dermatitis
      caused by acyclovir is rarely reported and frequently misdiagnosed, despite the
      wide use of oral or topical acyclovir. Allergic contact dermatitis due to
      acyclovir applied topically is a clinical problem with which health care
      providers should be familiar, and which prompts patch testing in suspected
      patients. Knowledge and education focused on allergens are important to
      clinicians in daily practice.

PMID- 27658559
TI  - A Novel Esophageal Heat Transfer Device for Temperature Management in an Adult
      Patient with Severe Meningitis.

PMID- 27658558
TI  - Safety and Efficacy of the "Easy Internal Jugular (IJ)": An Approach to Difficult
      Intravenous Access.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The easy internal jugular (Easy IJ) technique involves placement of a
      single-lumen catheter in the internal jugular vein using ultrasound guidance.
      This technique is used in patients who do not have suitable peripheral or
      external jugular venous access. The efficacy and safety of this procedure are
      unknown. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to estimate efficacy and safety parameters for the
      Easy IJ when used in emergency department (ED) settings. METHODS: We conducted a
      prospective study of the Easy IJ in stable ED patients with severe intravenous
      access difficulty. The study was conducted simultaneously at two academic EDs and
      a community university-affiliated ED. Patients were selected for failure of
      alternative access, hemodynamic stability, and ability to increase the IJ
      diameter with the Valsalva maneuver. Emergency physicians prepped the skin and
      inserted an 18-gauge, 4.8-cm catheter using a limited sterile technique. We
      collected the following data: patient body mass index, age, procedure time, pain
      score, initial success, loss of patency, occurrence of pneumothorax, infection,
      or arterial puncture. RESULTS: We recorded 83 attempts in 74 patients, with a
      median age of 44 years and a median body mass index of 27 kg/m2. The initial
      success rate was 88%, with a mean procedure time of 4.4 min (95% confidence
      interval 3.8-4.9). The average pain score was 3.9 out of 10 (95% confidence
      interval 3.4-4.5). Ten of 73 successful lines (14%) lost patency. There were no
      cases of pneumothorax, arterial puncture, or line infection. CONCLUSION: The Easy
      IJ was inserted successfully in 88% of cases, with a mean time of 4.4 min. Loss
      of patency, the only complication, occurred in 14% of cases.

PMID- 27658560
TI  - Extended immunologic and genetic lineage of mammary analogue secretory carcinoma
      of salivary glands.
AB  - Mammary analogue secretory carcinoma (MASC) of salivary glands is a newly
      recognized tumor entity. To explore a more practical and convenient
      immunohistochemical approach to distinguish MASC from other tumors arising from
      salivary glands as well as to expand the immunologic and genetic lineage of MASC,
      we examined 17 MASCs using clinicopathologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular
      analyses. Eighteen cases of acinic cell carcinoma, 18 cases of adenoid cystic
      carcinoma, 22 cases of mucoepidermoid carcinoma, and 14 cases of basal cell
      adenocarcinoma were brought in for comparison. Seventeen MASCs shared similar
      architectures with not only intraluminal or intracellular secretion but also low
      grade vesicular nuclei. In addition, they were all immunoreactive for S-100 and
      SOX-10, whereas only 3 of 17 demonstrated reactivity for GATA-3 and P63, and 4 of
      17 were focally positive for CD117. ETV6 translocation was detected in 10 cases
      by fluorescence in situ hybridization, whereas intact ETV6 was noted in 2 cases.
      Our data proposed a combined immunohistochemical panel to distinguish MASC from
      other tumors arising from salivary glands and expanded the immunologic and
      genetic lineage of MASC.

PMID- 27658561
TI  - Sutures and surgical site infections: children versus adults and single centre
      versus multicentre trials.

PMID- 27658562
TI  - Triclosan-containing sutures versus ordinary sutures for reducing surgical site
      infections in children: a double-blind, randomised controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a pervasive problem in surgery.
      Sutures coated or impregnated with triclosan might reduce the occurrence of SSIs,
      but evidence of their efficacy is limited, especially in children. METHODS: We
      designed a randomised, double-blind, controlled trial in patients who underwent
      elective or daytime emergency surgery at Oulu University Hospital (Oulu,
      Finland). We included children younger than 18 years staying in the paediatric
      surgery and orthopaedics ward for any elective or emergency surgery during the
      daytime and with anticipated use of absorbing sutures. Children were randomly
      allocated (1:1) to receive either triclosan-containing sutures or ordinary
      absorbing sutures. The primary outcome was the occurrence of superficial or deep
      surgical site infections according to the Centers for Disease Control and
      Prevention criteria within 30 days after surgery. The primary analysis was with
      modified intention to treat. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov,
      number NCT01220700. FINDINGS: Between September, 2010, and December, 2014, 1633
      children were recruited. In the modified intention-to-treat group, SSIs occurred
      in 20 (3%) of 778 patients allocated to receive triclosan-containing sutures and
      in 42 (5%) of 779 patients allocated to receive control sutures (risk ratio 0.48,
      95% CI 0.28-0.80). To prevent one SSI, triclosan-containing sutures had to be
      used in 36 children (95% CI 21-111). One patient died from suspected
      mitochondrial disease; no other expected or unexpected adverse events were
      reported in either of the groups. INTERPRETATION: Use of triclosan-containing
      sutures effectively reduced the occurrence of all SSIs compared with normal
      sutures. The results accord with the results of meta-analyses of previous studies
      in adults. Use of triclosan-containing sutures is a simple way to reduce SSIs in
      children. FUNDING: The Alma and K A Snellman Foundation.

PMID- 27658563
TI  - Microfluidic enrichment of circulating tumor cells in patients with clinically
      localized prostate cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Circulating tumor cells (CTC) have become an important tool in the
      monitoring of patients with advanced prostate cancer (PC). The role of CTC in
      localized disease has been addressed by only few studies. However, results of CTC
      analyses are strongly dependent on the platform used for CTC enrichment and
      detection. In the present study, a microfluidic platform allowing for antigen
      independent enrichment of CTC was investigated for its ability to detect CTC in
      patients with clinically localized PC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Blood (2ml) was
      collected preoperatively from 50 consecutive patients undergoing radical
      prostatectomy for clinically localized PC. CTC were enriched using a microfluidic
      ratchet mechanism allowing separation of CTC from white blood cells based on
      differences in size and deformability. Enriched cells were stained for
      immunofluorescence with antibodies targeting pancytokeratin, epithelial cell
      adhesion molecule, and CD45. In 21 patients, we performed staining for the
      androgen receptor. CTC counts were correlated with clinical and pathological
      parameters using the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test for continuous parameters and Chi
      square test for categorical parameters. RESULTS: CTC were detected in 25 (50%)
      patients. The median number of CTC in CTC-positive patients was 9 CTC/2ml (range:
      1-417). Pancytokeratin positive CTC showed expression of androgen the receptor.
      We observed no correlation between CTC counts and prostate-specific antigen
      concentration, tumor stage, lymph node stage, or Gleason grade. CONCLUSION: In a
      representative cohort of patients with clinically localized PC, CTC can be
      detected in a considerable proportion of patients when using a new microfluidic
      ratchet mechanism. This encourages further studies assessing the prognostic
      effect of antigen-independent enriched CTC in patients with PC.

PMID- 27658564
TI  - Follow-up after surgery for hemorrhagic AMD.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The long-term functional results of macular hematoma (MH) surgery
      in exudative AMD are often limited. The goal of this study was to compare visual
      outcomes of monthly versus bimestrial follow-up in these patients. METHODS:
      Retrospective, interventional case series. Population : 21 eyes of 21 patients
      with SMH associated with exudative AMD. INCLUSION CRITERIA: first SMH associated
      with exudative AMD, with 1-year postoperative follow-up. EXCLUSION CRITERIA:
      blood located exclusively underneath the retinal pigment epithelium on OCT
      imaging, SMH due to different etiology, lost to follow-up, <=5 postoperative
      visits and a different surgical protocol as described. Patients were divided into
      two groups according to the number of postoperative visits (number of
      intravitreal injections [IVT] combined with the number of consultations, only one
      visit was recorded when IVT and consultation occurred on the same day) during the
      1-year postoperative follow-up: group 1 had >=11 visits (n=8); group 2 had 6 to
      10 visits (n=13). All eyes underwent vitrectomy with subretinal injection of
      recombinant tissue plasminogen activator, fluid-gas exchange and anti-VEGF
      intravitreal injection. The main outcome was change in best-corrected visual
      acuity (BCVA). RESULTS: Considering visual acuity (VA) change between 1-month and
      1-year postoperative follow-up examinations, group 1 had statistically
      significant greater VA changes (logMAR -0.29+/-0.44 vs logMAR 0.42+/-0.73;
      P=0.016; P=0.016). In patients that had exudative recurrences (ER), group 1
      received more anti-VEGF IVT than group 2 (P=0.045). CONCLUSION: Our results
      showed that monthly follow-up, between the IVT series, is highly recommended to
      preserve postoperative VA in patients undergoing surgery for SMH associated with
      AMD.

PMID- 27658565
TI  - [Purtscher retinopathy: Role of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in diagnosis,
      monitoring and prognostic evaluation].

PMID- 27658566
TI  - Resting cardiac vagal tone predicts intraindividual reaction time variability
      during an attention task in a sample of young and healthy adults.
AB  - Intraindividual reaction time variability (IIV), defined as the variability in
      trial-to-trial response times, is thought to serve as an index of central nervous
      system function. As such, greater IIV reflects both poorer executive brain
      function and cognitive control, in addition to lapses in attention. Resting-state
      vagally mediated heart rate variability (vmHRV), a psychophysiological index of
      self-regulatory abilities, has been linked with executive brain function and
      cognitive control such that those with greater resting-state vmHRV often perform
      better on cognitive tasks. However, research has yet to investigate the direct
      relationship between resting vmHRV and task IIV. The present study sought to
      examine this relationship in a sample of 104 young and healthy participants who
      first completed a 5-min resting-baseline period during which resting-state vmHRV
      was assessed. Participants then completed an attentional (target detection) task,
      where reaction time, accuracy, and trial-to-trial IIV were obtained. Results
      showed resting vmHRV to be significantly related to IIV, such that lower resting
      vmHRV predicted higher IIV on the task, even when controlling for several
      covariates (including mean reaction time and accuracy). Overall, our results
      provide further evidence for the link between resting vmHRV and cognitive
      control, and extend these notions to the domain of lapses in attention, as
      indexed by IIV. Implications and recommendations for future research on resting
      vmHRV and cognition are discussed.

PMID- 27658567
TI  - Cytoprotective effect of autophagy on phagocytosis of apoptotic cells by
      macrophages.
AB  - Clearance of the apoptotic cells by phagocytes plays pivotal roles in maintenance
      of tissue homeostasis, promotion of immunological tolerance and anti-inflammatory
      response. Recent studies show that autophagy is involved in phagocytosis of the
      apoptotic cells. However, contribution of autophagy to phagocytosis of the
      apoptotic cells by macrophages is not clearly defined. Here, we assessed
      cytoprotective effect of autophagy on clearance of the apoptotic cells. Apoptosis
      of murine splenic lymphocytes and human T-cell leukemia cells was induced with
      cyclophosphamide. After engulfment of the apoptotic cells, expression of Belin-1
      and LC3 in macrophages was upregulated, the number of MDC-positive vesicles, LC3
      positive autophagosomes and autophagic ultrastructures increased significantly.
      Autophagosome was fused with phagosome containing fragments of the nuclei or
      other debris of the apoptotic cells to form amphisome. Some cells in macrophages
      phagocytosing the apoptotic cells became apoptotic. After autophagy of
      macrophages was inhibited with 3-MA, viability and survival of macrophages
      reduced, phagocytosis of the apoptotic cells by macrophages deceased
      significantly. These results demonstrate that autophagy plays an important role
      in promoting clearance of the apoptotic cells by protecting macrophages from
      apoptosis during phagocytosis as well as degrading the contents of phagosomes via
      amphisome formation.

PMID- 27658569
TI  - Comparative study of adipose-derived stem cells and bone marrow-derived stem
      cells in similar microenvironmental conditions.
AB  - Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which were first isolated from the bone marrow,
      are now being extracted from various other tissues in the body, including the
      adipose tissue. The current study presents systematic evidence of how the adipose
      tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs) and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells
      (Bm-MSCs) behave when cultured in specific pro-adipogenic microenvironments. The
      cells were first characterized and identified as MSCs in terms of their
      morphology, phenotypic expression, self-renewal capabilities and multi-lineage
      potential. Subsequently, the proliferation and gene expression profiles of the
      cell populations cultured on two-dimensional (2D) adipose tissue extracellular
      matrix (ECM)-coated tissue culture plastic (TCP) and in three-dimensional (3D)
      AlgiMatrix(r) microenvironments were analyzed. Overall, it was found that
      adipogenesis was triggered in both cell populations due to the presence of
      adipose tissue ECM. However, in 3D microenvironments, ASCs and Bm-MSCs were
      predisposed to the adipogenic and osteogenic lineages respectively. Overall,
      findings from this study will contribute to ongoing efforts in adipose tissue
      engineering as well as provide new insights into the role of the ECM and cues
      provided by the immediate microenvironment for stem cell differentiation.

PMID- 27658568
TI  - Overexpression of microRNA-1288 in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aims to examine the expression profiles miR-1288 in
      oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The cellular implications and target
      interactions of ESCC cells following miR-1288 overexpression was also examined.
      METHODS: In total, 120 oesophageal tissues (90 primary ESCCs and 30 non
      neoplastic tissues) were recruited for miR-1288 expression analysis using qRT
      PCR. An exogenous miR-1288 mimic and its inhibitor were used to explore the in
      vitro effects of miR-1288 on ESCC cells by performing cell proliferation, colony
      formation, cell invasion and migration assays. Localisation and modulatory
      changes of various miR-1288 regulated proteins such as FOXO1, p53, TAB3, BCL2 and
      kRAS was examined using immunofluorescence and western blot. RESULTS:
      Overexpression of miR-1288 was more often noted in ESCC tissues when compared to
      non-neoplastic oesophageal tissues. High expression was often noted in high grade
      carcinomas and with metastases. Patients with high levels of miR-1288 expression
      showed a slightly better survival compared to patients with low miR-1288 levels.
      Furthermore, overexpression of miR-1288 showed increased cell proliferation and
      colony formation, improved cell migration and enhanced cell invasion properties
      in ESCC cells. In addition, miR-1288 overexpression in ESCC cells showed
      repression of cytoplasmic tumour suppressor FOXO1 protein expression. Inversely,
      inhibition of miR-1288 expression exhibited remarkable upregulation of FOXO1
      protein, while expressions of other tested proteins remain unchanged.
      CONCLUSIONS: Up regulation of miR-1288 expression in ESCC tissues and miR-1288
      induced oncogenic features of ESCC cells in-vitro indicates the oncogenic roles
      of miR-1288 in ESCCs. Overexpression of miR-1288 play a key role in the
      pathogenesis of ESCCs and its modulation may have potential therapeutic value in
      patients with ESCC.

PMID- 27658570
TI  - Distinct hydrophobic "patches" in the N- and C-tails of beta-catenin contribute
      to nuclear transport.
AB  - beta-catenin is a key mediator of Wnt signaling and its deregulated nuclear
      accumulation can drive cancer progression. While the central armadillo (Arm)
      repeats of beta-catenin stimulate nuclear entry, the N- and C-terminal "tail"
      sequences are thought to regulate turnover and transactivation. We show here that
      the N- and C-tails are also potent transport sequences. The unstructured tails of
      beta-catenin, when individually fused to a GFP-reporter, could enter and exit the
      nucleus rapidly in live cells. Proximity ligation assays and pull-down assays
      identified a weak interaction between the tail sequences and the FG-repeats of
      nucleoporins, consistent with a possible direct translocation of beta-catenin
      through the nuclear pore complex. Extensive alanine mutagenesis of the tail
      sequences revealed that nuclear translocation of beta-catenin was dependent on
      specific uniformly distributed patches of hydrophobic residues, whereas the
      mutagenesis of acidic amino acids had no effect. Moreover, the mutation of
      hydrophobic patches within the N-tail and C-tail of full length beta-catenin
      reduced nuclear transport rate and diminished its ability to activate
      transcription. We propose that the tail sequences can contribute to beta-catenin
      transport and suggest a possible similar role for hydrophobic unstructured
      regions in other proteins.

PMID- 27658571
TI  - Characterizing the (Perceived) Newsworthiness of Health Science Articles: A Data
      Driven Approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Health science findings are primarily disseminated through manuscript
      publications. Information subsidies are used to communicate newsworthy findings
      to journalists in an effort to earn mass media coverage and further disseminate
      health science research to mass audiences. Journal editors and news journalists
      then select which news stories receive coverage and thus public attention.
      OBJECTIVE: This study aims to identify attributes of published health science
      articles that correlate with (1) journal editor issuance of press releases and
      (2) mainstream media coverage. METHODS: We constructed four novel datasets to
      identify factors that correlate with press release issuance and media coverage.
      These corpora include thousands of published articles, subsets of which received
      press release or mainstream media coverage. We used statistical machine learning
      methods to identify correlations between words in the science abstracts and press
      release issuance and media coverage. Further, we used a topic modeling-based
      machine learning approach to uncover latent topics predictive of the perceived
      newsworthiness of science articles. RESULTS: Both press release issuance for, and
      media coverage of, health science articles are predictable from corresponding
      journal article content. For the former task, we achieved average areas under the
      curve (AUCs) of 0.666 (SD 0.019) and 0.882 (SD 0.018) on two separate datasets,
      comprising 3024 and 10,760 articles, respectively. For the latter task, models
      realized mean AUCs of 0.591 (SD 0.044) and 0.783 (SD 0.022) on two datasets-in
      this case containing 422 and 28,910 pairs, respectively. We reported most
      predictive words and topics for press release or news coverage. CONCLUSIONS: We
      have presented a novel data-driven characterization of content that renders
      health science "newsworthy." The analysis provides new insights into the news
      coverage selection process. For example, it appears epidemiological papers
      concerning common behaviors (eg, alcohol consumption) tend to receive media
      attention.

PMID- 27658572
TI  - Retraction notice to "A new femoral nail with single distal locking screw for
      maximum interfragment rotational stability" Acta Orthop Traumatol Turc
      2016;50(1):89-96.

PMID- 27658573
TI  - Risk factors for fatigue in patients with epilepsy.
AB  - Fatigue is highly prevalent in patients with epilepsy and has a major impact on
      quality of life, but little data is available on its effects and management in
      epilepsy. To identify the incidence and risk factors of fatigue in patients with
      epilepsy, 105 epilepsy patients (45 women and 60 men) were enrolled in our study.
      Demographic and clinical data were collected and psychological variables
      including fatigue, sleep quality, excess daytime sleepiness, anxiety, and
      depression were measured by Fatigue Severity Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality
      Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale,
      respectively. Of 105 patients, 29.5% exhibited fatigue (FSS score ?4). We found
      no correlation between the occurrence of fatigue and any of our demographic or
      clinical variables. Fatigue is correlated with low sleep quality, anxiety, and
      depression, but not with excess daytime sleepiness. Thus, we concluded that
      fatigue is highly prevalent in patients with epilepsy, and that low sleep
      quality, anxiety, and depression are significantly correlated with fatigue in
      epileptics, while excess daytime sleepiness not.

PMID- 27658574
TI  - Balloon-in-stent assisted coiling for treatment of intracranial overwide and
      undertall aneurysms.
AB  - This study reports our experience of balloon-in-stent assisted coiling for the
      treatment of morphologically unfavorable aneurysms located in the internal
      carotid artery (ICA). From July 2007 to April 2014, twelve patients with twelve
      aneurysms located in the ICA were coil embolized by simultaneously using balloon
      and stent assistance. Five aneurysms were ruptured and seven were unruptured. All
      the aneurysms were overwide (dome-to-neck ratio ?1.2) and undertall (aspect ratio
      ?1.2) anatomically. The procedure-related adverse events, clinical and
      angiographic results were retrospectively analyzed. Intraprocedural aneurysmal
      bleeding occurred for one unruptured aneurysm but was stopped immediately after
      the balloon was inflated. Periprocedural thromboembolism occurred for two
      ruptured aneurysms, leading to death in one patient and severe neurological
      deficit for the other one. Procedure-related permanent morbidity and mortality
      rates were 8.3% (1/12) and 8.3% (1/12). Satisfactory (total and subtotal)
      occlusion was obtained immediately in 11 (91.7%) cases. Nine aneurysms received
      digital subtraction angiography follow-up (mean 25.1months, range 6-55), and all
      of them except one were totally obliterated. No aneurysmal bleeding occurred
      during a mean period of 59.1months, clinical follow-up for eleven patients.
      Balloon-in-stent assisted coiling might be a therapeutic alternative to prevent
      growth or rupture of overwide and undertall aneurysms. Nevertheless, it should be
      used prudently for ruptured ICA aneurysms, for its disadvantage of technical
      complexity and relatively high rate of adverse events.

PMID- 27658575
TI  - Differential DNA methylation of the meiosis-specific gene FKBP6 in testes of yak
      and cattle-yak hybrids.
AB  - FK506-binding protein 6 (FKBP6) is essential for meiosis during mammalian
      spermatogenesis. However, the molecular regulation of FKBP6 during
      spermatogenesis remains unclear. In the present study, we performed molecular
      characterization of the meiosis-specific gene FKBP6 in yak testes. Yak FKBP6
      encodes a polypeptide of 295 amino acid residues with an FK506-binding domain
      (FKBP_C) and three tetratricopeptide repeat domains. The methylation level of the
      FKBP6 promoter in testes was significantly higher in cattle-yak with male
      sterility than in yak, and the FKBP6 promoter was methylated in liver tissues in
      which FKBP6 is not expressed. FKBP6 promoter activity was significantly decreased
      after treatment with the M.SssI methyltransferase in vitro. Furthermore, the
      FKBP6 gene was remarkably activated in bovine mammary epithelial cells treated
      with the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine. Taken together,
      our results demonstrate for the first time that the FKBP6 promoter is
      differentially methylated in testes; together with the functional promoter
      analysis, this suggests that methylation of this promoter may contribute to
      cattle-yak male infertility.

PMID- 27658576
TI  - Autosomal dominant auditory neuropathy and variant DIAPH3 (c.-173C>T).

PMID- 27658577
TI  - Syringocystadenoma papilliferum of the external auditory canal. Case report and
      literature review.

PMID- 27658578
TI  - Laryngeal Chondritis in Sheep in Iceland.
AB  - Laryngeal chondritis is a chronic disease in sheep with low morbidity, high
      mortality and unresolved pathogenesis. The disease has been recognized recently
      in Iceland and affects both ewes and rams. Animals of different ages are
      affected, but lambs and yearlings predominate. The disease is seen in housed
      animals and most cases occur during the late winter months. We report the gross
      and microscopical findings in 45 cases of laryngeal chondritis in Icelandic
      sheep.

PMID- 27658579
TI  - Totally implantable venous access port via the femoral vein in a femoral port
      position with CT-venography.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We aimed to determine the success rate and any
      complications using a percutaneous approach to the femoral vein (FV) for
      placement of a totally implantable access port (TIVAP), with a preoperative
      assessment of the femoral and iliac veins using computed tomography-venography
      (CT-V). METHODS: A prospective study of 72 patients was conducted where placement
      of a TIVAP was attempted via the right FV, with the port placed in the anterior
      thigh, when subclavian vein or jugular vein access was contraindicated.
      Preoperative assessment of the femoral venous plexus was performed with CT-V in
      72 patients. RESULTS: CT-V success was achieved in 72 of 72 patients (100%). The
      average distance between the inguinal ligament and the saphenofeomral (FV-GSV)
      junction was 42.8 +/- 12.9 mm. The FV approach had a 97% successful cannulation
      rate. Two patients had a thrombosis in either the femoral vein or the great
      saphenous vein. One procedural complication (1.4%) and one initial complication
      (1.4%) occurred. Late complications occurred in four patients (5.7%).
      CONCLUSIONS: The percutaneous FV approach with CT-V guidance is an option for
      patients with multiple central venous cannulations, as well as those with
      bilateral breast cancer, or those undergoing hemodialysis. J. Surg. Oncol.
      2016;114:1024-1028. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27658581
TI  - Postoperative analgesic effect, of preoperatively administered dexamethasone,
      after operative fixation of fractured neck of femur: randomised, double blinded
      controlled study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fractured neck of femur is a common cause of hospital admission in
      the elderly and usually requires operative fixation. In a variety of clinical
      settings, preoperative glucocorticoid administration has improved analgesia and
      decreased opioid consumption. Our objective was to define the postoperative
      analgesic efficacy of single dose of dexamethasone administered preoperatively in
      patients undergoing operative fixation of fractured neck of femur. METHODS:
      Institutional ethical approval was granted and written informed consent was
      obtained from each patient. Patients awaiting for surgery at Cork University
      Hospital were recruited between July 2009 and August 2012. Participating
      patients, scheduled for surgery were randomly allocated to one of two groups
      (Dexamethasone or Placebo). Patients in the dexamethasone group received a single
      dose of intravenous dexamethasone 0.1 mg kg -1 immediately preoperatively.
      Patients in the placebo group received the same volume of normal saline. Patients
      underwent operative fixation of fractured neck of femur using standardised spinal
      anaesthesia and surgical techniques. The primary outcome was pain scores at rest
      6 h after the surgery. RESULTS: Thirty seven patients were recruited and data
      from thirty patients were analysed. The groups were similar in terms of patient
      characteristics. Pain scores at rest 6 h after the surgery (the principal
      outcome) were lesser in the dexamethasone group compared with the placebo group
      [0.8(1.3) vs. 3.9(2.9), mean(SD) p = 0.0004]. Cumulative morphine consumption 24
      h after the surgery was also lesser in the dexamethasone group [7.7(8.3) vs.
      15.1(9.4), mean(SD) mg, p = 0.04]. CONCLUSIONS: A single dose of intravenous
      dexamethasone 0.1 mg kg -1 administered before operative fixation of fractured
      neck of femur improve significantly the early postoperative analgesia. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01550146 , date of registration:
      07/03/2012.

PMID- 27658580
TI  - Measurement of physical activity in urban and rural South African adults: a
      comparison of two self-report methods.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Due to the large mortality from inactivity-related non-communicable
      diseases in low- and middle- income countries, accurate assessment of physical
      activity is important for surveillance, monitoring and understanding of physical
      (in)activity epidemiology in many of these countries. Research on relative
      performance of self-report physical activity instruments commonly used for
      epidemiological research in Africa have rarely been reported. The present study
      compared estimates of physical activity measured with the International Physical
      Activity Questionnaire - Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and the Baecke Physical Activity
      Questionnaire (BPAQ) among urban and rural black South African adults. METHODS:
      Self-reported physical activity data using the IPAQ-SF and BPAQ were collected
      from a representative sample of 910 urban and rural black South African adults
      (age = 59.2 +/- 9.5 years, 69.7 % women) participating in the 2015 wave of the
      Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiological (PURE) study in the North West
      Province of South Africa. Between-method relationships (pearson correlations [r]
      and intraclass correlation coefficients [ICCs]) and agreements (Bland-Altman mean
      difference with 95 % limits of agreement and Kappa coefficient [k]) of IPAQ-SF
      and BPAQ variables were estimated. Sensitivity and specificity of the BPAQ
      relative to the IPAQ-SF to classify individuals according to the international
      guidelines for sufficient physical activity were calculated using chi-square
      statistics. RESULTS: Correlations between IPAQ-SF scores and BPAQ indices were
      small (r = 0.08-0.18; ICCs = 0.09-0.18) for BPAQ leisure and sport indices,
      moderate-to-large for work index (r = 0.42-0.59; ICCs = 0.40-0.62) and total
      physical activity index (r = 0.52-0.60; ICCs = 0.36-0.51). Between methods mean
      difference for total physical activity was large (1.85 unit), and agreement in
      physical activity classifications was poor to moderate (k = 0.16-0.44). The
      sensitivity of the BPAQ to identify sufficiently active people from the IPAQ-SF
      was very good (98 %), but its specificity to correctly classify insufficiently
      active people was weak (23 %). CONCLUSION: Notable disparities in physical
      activity estimates between methods suggest that utilization of IPAQ-SF and BPAQ
      for surveillance and epidemiology studies in Africa should depend on research
      questions and population to be studied. Future studies with objective measures
      are needed to confirm the relative validity between the two instruments.

PMID- 27658582
TI  - Toxoplasma gondii pseudocyst in a transbronchial biopsy: a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We herein present a case in which a Toxoplasma cyst was found in a
      transbronchial biopsy specimen from an immunocompetent patient with negative
      serology for the parasite. CASE PRESENTATION: An 18-year-old Brazilian man
      presented with a 1-week history of dyspnea and fever and was diagnosed with right
      lower lobe pneumonia. He began inpatient treatment with intravenous antibiotics.
      During treatment, a bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage and transbronchial
      biopsy was performed. Anatomopathological examination of the transbronchial
      biopsy showed a small fragment of lung parenchyma with discrete septal thickening
      and a rounded structure, suggestive of a pseudocyst containing Toxoplasma gondii
      bradyzoites. However, serological tests were negative for immunoglobulin G and
      immunoglobulin M. CONCLUSIONS: Bronchoscopy is a minimally invasive, effective
      diagnostic and therapeutic method. Despite the fact that the Toxoplasma
      pseudocyst in the present case was not the cause of the patient's comorbidities,
      bronchoscopy with transbronchial biopsy allowed for an incidental diagnosis of a
      Toxoplasma pseudocyst with minimal invasiveness.

PMID- 27658583
TI  - Hypoxia promotes chemoresistance in acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell lines by
      modulating death signaling pathways.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several studies show that bone marrow (BM) microenvironment and
      hypoxia condition can promote the survival of leukemic cells and induce
      resistance to anti-leukemic drugs. However, the molecular mechanism for
      chemoresistance by hypoxia is not fully understood. METHODS: In the present
      study, we investigated the effect of hypoxia on resistance to two therapies,
      methotrexate (MTX) and prednisolone (PRD), in two cell models for acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). To look for an implication of hypoxia in
      chemoresistance, cell viability, total cell density and cell proliferation were
      analyzed. Survival and death signaling pathways were also screened by "reverse
      phase protein array" (RPPA) and western blotting experiments conducted on
      selected proteins to confirm the results. RESULTS: We found that hypoxia promotes
      chemoresistance in both ALL cell lines. The induction of drug-resistance by
      hypoxia was not associated with an increase in total cell density nor an increase
      in cell proliferation. Using RPPA, we show that chemoresistance induced by
      hypoxia was mediated through an alteration of cell death signaling pathways. This
      protective effect of hypoxia seems to occur via a decrease in pro-apoptotic
      proteins and an increase in anti-apoptotic proteins. The results were confirmed
      by immunoblotting. Indeed, hypoxia is able to modulate the expression of anti
      apoptotic proteins independently of chemotherapy while a pro-apoptotic signal
      induced by a chemotherapy is not modulated by hypoxia. CONCLUSIONS: Hypoxia is a
      factor in leukemia cell resistance and for two conventional chemotherapies
      modulates cell death signaling pathways without affecting total cell density or
      cell proliferation.

PMID- 27658584
TI  - Stimulating effect of normal-dosing of fibrates on cell proliferation: word of
      warning.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fibrates are widely used hypolipidemic drugs, which serve as ligand
      of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha). Recently, they
      have also been considered as potential anticancer agents. We studied effect of
      fibrates treatment on cell proliferation, expression of CYP2J2 and concomitant
      changes in expression of cell cycle regulatory proteins in three different human
      cell lines: HEK293, HepG2, and HT-29. METHODS: We used WST-1 viability test,
      western blot and immunocytochemistry for detection of proteins of interests and
      analysis of cell cycle. RESULTS: Our results showed that at lower concentrations
      of all tested fibrates, viability of all tested cell lines is increased, whereas
      at higher concentrations, repression is apparent. Unfortunately, the viability of
      tested cells is predominantly increased in a range of concentration which is
      reached in patient plasma. This phenomenon is accompanyed by elevation of CYP2J2,
      increased number of cyclin E-positive cells and decreased number of Cdc25A
      positive cells in all tested cell lines, and elevated cyclin A expression in
      HepG2 and HT-29. These changes are concentration-dependent. We suppose that
      increased level of CYP2J2 could explain enhanced cell proliferation in lower
      concentration of fibrates. CONCLUSION: Based on our results, we suggested there
      is no anti-cancer effect of fibrates in tested carcinoma cell lines.

PMID- 27658585
TI  - Using an Artificial Neural Bypass to Restore Cortical Control of Rhythmic
      Movements in a Human with Quadriplegia.
AB  - Neuroprosthetic technology has been used to restore cortical control of discrete
      (non-rhythmic) hand movements in a paralyzed person. However, cortical control of
      rhythmic movements which originate in the brain but are coordinated by Central
      Pattern Generator (CPG) neural networks in the spinal cord has not been
      demonstrated previously. Here we show a demonstration of an artificial neural
      bypass technology that decodes cortical activity and emulates spinal cord CPG
      function allowing volitional rhythmic hand movement. The technology uses a
      combination of signals recorded from the brain, machine-learning algorithms to
      decode the signals, a numerical model of CPG network, and a neuromuscular
      electrical stimulation system to evoke rhythmic movements. Using the neural
      bypass, a quadriplegic participant was able to initiate, sustain, and switch
      between rhythmic and discrete finger movements, using his thoughts alone. These
      results have implications in advancing neuroprosthetic technology to restore
      complex movements in people living with paralysis.

PMID- 27658587
TI  - Development and psychometric testing of Holistic Clinical Assessment Tool (HCAT)
      for undergraduate nursing students.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A major focus in nursing education is on the judgement of clinical
      performance, and it is a complex process due to the diverse nature of nursing
      practice. A holistic approach in assessment of competency is advocated.
      Difficulties in the development of valid and reliable assessment measures in
      nursing competency have resulted in the development of assessment instruments
      with an increase in face and content validity, but few studies have tested these
      instruments psychometrically. It is essential to develop a holistic assessment
      tool to meet the needs of the clinical education. The study aims to develop a
      Holistic Clinical Assessment Tool (HCAT) and test its psychometric properties.
      METHODS: The HCAT was developed based on the systematic literature review and the
      findings of qualitative studies. An expert panel was invited to evaluate the
      content validity of the tool. A total of 130 final-year nursing undergraduate
      students were recruited to evaluate the psychometric properties (i.e. factor
      structure, internal consistency and test-retest reliability) of the tool.
      RESULTS: The HCAT has good content validity with content validity index of .979.
      The exploratory factor analysis reveals a four-factor structure of the tool. The
      internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the HCAT are satisfactory
      with Cronbach alpha ranging from .789 to .965 and Intraclass Correlation
      Coefficient ranging from .881 to .979 for the four subscales and total scale.
      CONCLUSIONS: HCAT has the potential to be used as a valid measure to evaluate
      clinical competence in nursing students, and provide specific and ongoing
      feedback to enhance the holistic clinical learning experience. In addition, HCAT
      functions as a tool for self-reflection, peer-assessment and guides preceptors in
      clinical teaching and assessment.

PMID- 27658586
TI  - Non-benzoquinone geldanamycin analogs trigger various forms of death in human
      breast cancer cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hsp90 proteins are important therapeutic targets for many anti-cancer
      drugs in clinical trials. Geldanamycin (GA) was identified as the first natural
      inhibitor of Hsp90, increasing evidence suggests that GA was not a good choice
      for clinical trials. In this study, we investigated two new non-benzoquinone
      geldanamycin analogs of Hsp90 inhibitors, DHQ3 and 17-demethoxy-reblastatin (17
      DR), to explore the molecular mechanisms of their anti-cancer activity in vivo
      and vitro. METHODS: MTT and colony formation assays were used to measure cell
      viability. Flow cytometry, DAPI staining, ATP assay, electron microscopy, western
      blots, siRNAs transfection and immunofluorescence were used to determine the
      molecular mechanism of DHQ3- or 17-DR-induced different forms of death in human
      breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells. Malachite green reagent was used to measure
      ATPase activity of the analogs. RESULTS: DHQ3 and 17-DR presented efficiently
      inhibitory effect in MDA-MB-231 cell lines, and DHQ3 induced necroptosis by
      activation of the RIP1-RIP3-MLKL necroptosis cascade. And DHQ3-induced cell death
      was inhibited by a necroptosis inhibitor, necrostatin-1 (Nec-1), but not by a
      caspase inhibitor z-VAD-fmk. On the other hand, 17-DR induced apoptosis in MDA-MB
      231 cells, indicating a caspase-dependent killing mechanism. We further
      demonstrated that down-regulation of RIP1 and RIP3 by siRNA protected against
      DHQ3 but not 17-DR induced cell death. These results were confirmed by electron
      microscopy. DHQ3 and 17-DR induced the degradation of Hsp90 client proteins, and
      they showed strong antitumor effects in MDA-MB-231 cell-xenografted nude mice.
      CONCLUSIONS: These findings supported that DHQ3 and 17-DR induce different forms
      of death in some cancer cell line via activation of different pathways. All of
      the results provided evidence for its anti-tumorigentic action with low
      hepatotoxicity in vivo, making them promising anti-breast cancer agents.

PMID- 27658588
TI  - Characterization of Pv92, a Novel Merozoite Surface Protein of Plasmodium vivax.
AB  - The discovery and understanding of antigenic proteins are essential for
      development of a vaccine against malaria. In Plasmodium falciparum, Pf92 have
      been characterized as a merozoite surface protein, and this protein is expressed
      at the late schizont stage, but no study of Pv92, the orthologue of Pf92 in P.
      vivax, has been reported. Thus, the protein structure of Pv92 was analyzed, and
      the gene sequence was aligned with that of other Plasmodium spp. using
      bioinformatics tools. The recombinant Pv92 protein was expressed and purified
      using bacterial expression system and used for immunization of mice to gain the
      polyclonal antibody and for evaluation of antigenicity by protein array. Also,
      the antibody against Pv92 was used for subcellular analysis by immunofluorescence
      assay. The Pv92 protein has a signal peptide and a sexual stage s48/45 domain,
      and the cysteine residues at the N-terminal of Pv92 were completely conserved.
      The N-terminal of Pv92 was successfully expressed as soluble form using a
      bacterial expression system. The antibody raised against Pv92 recognized the
      parasites and completely merged with PvMSP1-19, indicating that Pv92 was
      localized on the merozoite surface. Evaluation of the human humoral immune
      response to Pv92 indicated moderate antigenicity, with 65% sensitivity and 95%
      specificity by protein array. Taken together, the merozoite surface localization
      and antigenicity of Pv92 implicate that it might be involved in attachment and
      invasion of a merozoite to a new host cell or immune evasion during invasion
      process. 

PMID- 27658589
TI  - Hemozoin Pigment: An Important Tool for Low Parasitemic Malarial Diagnosis.
AB  - Low parasitemic condition in malaria remains a diagnostic challenge; as the
      available diagnostic methods failed to detect. Currently, hemozoin (Hz) pigment
      is gaining attention in the diagnosis of malaria. The major drawback is ease of
      detection of Hz in routine practice. A pilot study was conducted to evaluate the
      role of Hz pigment and to compare the performance of quantitative buffy coat
      assay (QBC) and PCR in such conditions. Clinically suspected cases of malaria
      were examined by both Giemsa stain and immunochromatographic test (ICT). Samples
      positive by ICT and negative by Giemsa stain were further examined by nested PCR
      targeting 18S rRNA and QBC for the presence of malaria parasites and pigments.
      Thirty blood samples fulfilled the inclusion criteria out of which 23 were
      Plasmodium vivax (Pv), 4 Plasmodium falciparum (Pf), and 3 mixed (Pv and Pf) by
      immunochromatographic test. Twenty-one out of 30 (70%) were positive by nested
      PCR in comparison to 25/30 (83%) by QBC. Samples containing both malaria
      parasites and Hz pigment by QBC completely showed concordance with the PCR
      result. However, 61% of total samples containing only Hz pigment were observed
      positive by PCR. Hz pigment remains an important tool for malaria diagnosis.
      Identification of leukocytes containing pigments by QBC not only indicates recent
      malarial infections but also puts light on severity of the disease. QBC assay is
      a rapid, highly sensitive, and cost-effective method to detect malaria parasites
      and Hz pigment especially in low parasitemic conditions. 

PMID- 27658590
TI  - Impact of Irrigation Extension on Malaria Transmission in Simret, Tigray,
      Ethiopia.
AB  - Poor subsistence farmers who live in a semi-arid area of northern Ethiopia build
      irrigation systems to overcome water shortages. However, there is a high risk of
      malaria transmission when increased standing water provides more favorable
      habitats for mosquito breeding. This is a serious problem because there are many
      barriers to malaria control measures and health care systems in the area. Using a
      causal loop diagram and computer simulations, the author attempted to visually
      illustrate positive and negative feedbacks between mosquito and human populations
      in the context of Simret, which is a small village located in northern Ethiopia
      and is generally considered a malaria-free area. The simulation results show that
      the number of infectious mosquitos increases to 17,215 at its peak, accounting
      for 3.5% of potentially dangerous mosquitos. At the same time, the number of sick
      people increases to 574 at its peak, accounting for 15% of local population. The
      malaria outbreak is controlled largely because of a fixed number of vulnerable
      people or local population that acts as an intermediate host. 

PMID- 27658591
TI  - Characteristics of Imported Malaria and Species of Plasmodium Involved in
      Shandong Province, China (2012-2014).
AB  - Malaria remains a serious public health problem in Shandong Province, China;
      therefore, it is important to explore the characteristics of the current malaria
      prevalence situation in the province. In this study, data of malaria cases
      reported in Shandong during 2012-2014 were analyzed, and Plasmodium species were
      confirmed by smear microscopy and nested-PCR. A total of 374 malaria cases were
      reported, 80.8% of which were reported from 6 prefectures. Of all cases, P.
      falciparum was dominant (81.3%), followed by P. vivax (11.8%); P. ovale and P.
      malariae together accounted for 6.4% of cases. Notably, for the first time since
      2012, no indigenous case had been reported in Shandong Province, a situation that
      continued through 2014. Total 95.2% of cases were imported from Africa. The ratio
      of male/female was 92.5:1, and 96.8% of cases occurred in people 20-54 years of
      age. Farmers or laborers represented 77.5% of cases. No significant trends of
      monthly pattern were found in the reported cases. All patients were in good
      condition after treatment, except for 3 who died. These results indicate that
      imported malaria has increased significantly since 2012 in Shandong Province,
      especially for P. falciparum, and there is an emergence of species diversity. 

PMID- 27658592
TI  - Antiplasmodial and Cytotoxic Activities of Toad Venoms from Southern Amazon,
      Brazil.
AB  - The drug-resistance of malaria parasites is the main problem in the disease
      control. The huge Brazilian biodiversity promotes the search for new compounds,
      where the animal kingdom is proving to be a promising source of bioactive
      compounds. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the antiplasmodial
      and cytotoxic activity of the compounds obtained from the toad venoms of
      Brazilian Amazon. Toad venoms were collected from the secretion of Rhinella
      marina and Rhaebo guttatus in Mato Grosso State, Brazil. The powder was extracted
      at room temperature, yielding 2 extracts (RG and RM) and a substance ('1')
      identified as a bufadienolide, named telocinobufagin. Growth inhibition,
      intraerythrocytic development, and parasite morphology were evaluated in culture
      by microscopic observations of Giemsa-stained thin blood films. Cytotoxicity was
      determined against HepG2 and BGM cells by MTT and neutral red assays. The 2
      extracts and the pure substance ('1') tested were active against chloroquine
      resistant Plasmodium falciparum strain, demonstrating lower IC50 values. In
      cytotoxic tests, the 2 extracts and substance '1' showed pronounced lethal
      effects on chloroquine-resistant P. faciparum strain and low cytotoxic effect,
      highlighting toad parotoid gland secretions as a promising source of novel lead
      antiplasmodial compounds. 

PMID- 27658594
TI  - Identifying Novel B Cell Epitopes within Toxoplasma gondii GRA6.
AB  - The study of antigenic epitopes from Toxoplasma gondii has not only enhanced our
      understanding of the structure and function of antigens, the reactions between
      antigens and antibodies, and many other aspects of immunology, but it also plays
      a significant role in the development of new diagnostic reagents and vaccines. In
      the present study, T. gondii GRA6 epitopes were identified using bioinformatics
      tools and a synthetic peptide technique. The potential B cell epitopes of GRA6
      predicted by bioinformatics tools concentrated upon 3 regions of GRA6, 1-20 aa,
      44-103 aa, and 172-221 aa. Ten shorter peptides from the 3 regions were
      synthesized and assessed by ELISA using pig sera from different time points after
      infection. Three of the 10 peptides (amino acids 44-63, 172-191, and 192-211)
      tested were recognized by all sera and determined to be immunodominant B-cell
      epitopes of GRA6. The results indicated that we precisely and accurately located
      the T. gondii GRA6 epitopes using pig sera collected at different time points
      after infection. The identified epitopes may be very useful for further studies
      of epitope-based vaccines and diagnostic reagents. 

PMID- 27658593
TI  - Molecular Identification of Cryptosporidium Species from Pet Snakes in Thailand.
AB  - Cryptosporidium is an important pathogen causing gastrointestinal disease in
      snakes and is distributed worldwide. The main objectives of this study were to
      detect and identify Cryptosporidium species in captive snakes from exotic pet
      shops and snake farms in Thailand. In total, 165 fecal samples were examined from
      8 snake species, boa constrictor (Boa constrictor constrictor), corn snake
      (Elaphe guttata), ball python (Python regius), milk snake (Lampropeltis
      triangulum), king snake (Lampropeltis getula), rock python (Python sebae),
      rainbow boa (Epicrates cenchria), and carpet python (Morelia spilota).
      Cryptosporidium oocysts were examined using the dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)
      modified acid-fast staining and a molecular method based on nested-PCR, PCR-RFLP
      analysis, and sequencing amplification of the SSU rRNA gene. DMSO-modified acid
      fast staining revealed the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in 12 out of 165
      (7.3%) samples, whereas PCR produced positive results in 40 (24.2%) samples.
      Molecular characterization indicated the presence of Cryptosporidium parvum
      (mouse genotype) as the most common species in 24 samples (60%) from 5 species of
      snake followed by Cryptosporidium serpentis in 9 samples (22.5%) from 2 species
      of snake and Cryptosporidium muris in 3 samples (7.5%) from P. regius. 

PMID- 27658595
TI  - Seroprevalence and Spatial Distribution of Toxoplasmosis in Sheep and Goats in
      North-Eastern Region of Pakistan.
AB  - Toxoplasmosis is a protozoan disease that is caused by Toxoplasma gondii in
      livestock and humans. Due to its medical and veterinary importance, it is
      essential to study the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection among humans and
      animals in various parts of the world. The major objective of this study was to
      determine the seroprevalence and spatial distribution of toxoplasmosis in small
      ruminants (sheep and goats) of north-eastern region, Pakistan. A total of 1,000
      animals comprising of sheep (n=470) and goats (n=530) were examined for T. gondii
      infection by using ELISA. An epidemiological data was collected in the form of
      questionnaire. A surface has been generated by using method of interpolation in
      Arc GIS with the help of IDW (inverse distance weight). The results showed higher
      seroprevalence of T. gondii in goats (42.8%) as compared to sheep (26.2%). The
      seroprevalence was higher in females as compared to males in all examined
      ruminants. Similarly, there is a wide variation in the seroprevalence of T.
      gondii in different breeds of sheep and goats showing higher seroprevalence in
      Teddy (52.8%) and Damani breed (34.5%) of goat and sheep's, respectively. The
      geographical and spatial distribution of T. gondii shows that it is widely
      distributed in different parts of the north-eastern region of Pakistan. Our
      results suggest widespread environmental contamination with T. gondii oocysts. It
      suggests us that small ruminants could be a potentially important source of T.
      gondii infection if their infected meat is consumed undercooked. 

PMID- 27658596
TI  - Isolation and Genotyping of Acanthamoeba spp. as Neglected Parasites in North of
      Iran.
AB  - Acanthamoeba, a free-living amoeba, is widely distributed in the environment,
      water sources, soil, dust, and air. It can cause keratitis in contact lens
      wearers with poor hygiene and also fatal granulomatous amebic encephalitis (GAE)
      in immunocompromised hosts. The aim of this study was to gain some insights into
      the distribution and genotypes of the potentially pathogenic species of
      Acanthamoeba present in water sources in north of Iran. Total 43 Acanthamoeba
      species were isolated from 77 water samples taken from different water sources
      within the Mazandaran province in Northern Iran (Sari city and suburbs). Isolates
      were identified based on cyst and trophozoite morphological characteristics as
      well genetics. PCR fragments corresponding to the small-subunit 18S rRNA gene
      were sequenced for 20 of 43 positive isolates. The results revealed that 83.3% of
      sequenced isolates belonged to the T4 genotype and the rest belonged to the T2
      genotype. Our results indicated that Acanthamoeba is widely distributed in Sari
      city. As the incidence in Iran of amoebic keratitis has increased in recent
      years, the exact estimation of the prevalence of this amoeba and its predominant
      genotype may play a crucial role in prevention of the disease. Sari city has
      several rivers, seashores, and natural recreational amenities, which attract
      visitors during the year. This is the first report of Acanthamoeba genotypes from
      water sources in Sari city, Mazandaran province of Iran, and the results suggest
      that more attention is needed to protect the visiting population and
      immunocompromised individuals. 

PMID- 27658597
TI  - Subtype Distribution of Blastocystis in Communities along the Chao Phraya River,
      Thailand.
AB  - Blastocystis is a common zoonotic enteric protozoan that has been classified into
      17 distinct subtypes (STs). A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine
      the prevalence and subtype distributions of Blastocystis in villagers living
      along the Chao Phraya River, Ayutthaya Province, Thailand, and to assess the risk
      of zoonotic infection. In total, 220 stool samples were collected, and DNA was
      extracted. PCR and sequencing were performed with primers targeting the small
      subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) genes. Blastocystis was present in 5.9% (13/220)
      of samples, and ST3 (5.0%; 11/220) was the predominant subtype, followed by ST2
      (0.45%; 1/220) and ST6 (0.45%; 1/220). Phylogenetic trees were constructed with
      the maximum-likelihood method based on the Hasegawa-Kishino-Yano + G + I model,
      neighbor-joining, and maximum parsimony methods. The percentage of bootstrapped
      trees in which the associated taxa clustered together was relatively high. All
      the sequences of the Blastocystis-positive samples (KU051524-KU051536) were
      closely related to those from animals (pig, cattle, and chicken), indicating a
      zoonotic risk. Therefore, the villagers require proper health education,
      especially regarding the prevention of parasitic infection, to improve their
      personal hygiene and community health. Further studies are required to
      investigate the Blastocystis STs in the animals living in these villages. 

PMID- 27658598
TI  - Identification of a Novel Microtubule-Binding Protein in Giardia lamblia.
AB  - Giardia lamblia is a protozoan that causes diarrheal diseases in humans.
      Cytoskeletal structures of Giardia trophozoites must be finely reorganized during
      cell division. To identify Giardia proteins which interact with microtubules
      (MTs), Giardia lysates were incubated with in vitro-polymerized MTs and then
      precipitated by ultracentifugation. A hypothetical protein (GL50803_8405) was
      identified in the precipitated fraction with polymerized MTs and was named GlMBP1
      (G. lamblia microtubule-binding protein 1). Interaction of GlMBP1 with MTs was
      confirmed by MT binding assays using recombinant GlMBP1 (rGlMBP1). In vivo
      expression of GlMBP1 was shown by a real-time PCR and western blot analysis using
      anti-rGlMBP1 antibodies. Transgenic G. lamblia trophozoites were constructed by
      integrating a chimeric gene encoding hemagglutinin (HA)-tagged GlMBP1 into a
      Giardia chromosome. Immunofluorescence assays of this transgenic G. lamblia,
      using anti-HA antibodies, revealed that GlMBP1 mainly localized at the basal
      bodies, axonemes, and median bodies of G. lamblia trophozoites. This result
      indicates that GlMBP1 is a component of the G. lamblia cytoskeleton. 

PMID- 27658599
TI  - Prevalence of Soil-Transmitted Helminths and Molecular Clarification of Hookworm
      Species in Ethnic Ede Primary Schoolchildren in Dak Lak Province, Southern
      Vietnam.
AB  - To know the infection status of helminths in primary schoolchildren of southern
      parts of Vietnam, we performed an epidemiological study in Krong Pac district,
      Dak Lak Province, Vietnam. A total of 1,206 stool specimens were collected from
      ethnic Ede schoolchildren in 4 primary schools in 2015 and examined by the Kato
      Katz technique. In addition, stool cultures were done by the Harada-Mori method
      to obtain hookworm larvae and then to clarify the species of hookworms infected.
      The results showed that the helminth infection rate was 25.0%, including 2.0%
      Ascaris lumbricoides, 0.33% Trichuris trichiura, and 22.8% hookworm infections.
      The average intensity of infection was 102.0 eggs per gram of feces (EPG) for
      Ascaris, 36.0 EPG for Trichuris, and 218.0 EPG for hookworms. ITS1 gene sequences
      of the hookworm larvae were identical with those of Necator americanus (100%
      homology) reported in GenBank. It has been confirmed in this study that the
      hookworm, N. americanus, is a dominant helminth species infected in primary
      schoolchildren of a southern part of Vietnam. Public health attention is needed
      for control of hookworm infections among schoolchildren in surveyed areas of
      Vietnam. 

PMID- 27658600
TI  - In Vitro Schistosomicidal Activity of Phytol and Tegumental Alterations Induced
      in Juvenile and Adult Stages of Schistosoma haematobium.
AB  - There is renewed interest in natural products as a starting point for discovery
      of drugs for schistosomiasis. Recent studies have shown that phytol reveals
      interesting in vivo and in vitro antischistosomal properties against Schistosoma
      mansoni adult worms. Here, we report the in vitro antischistosomal activity of
      phytol against Schistosoma haematobium juvenile and adult worms and alterations
      on the tegumental surface of the worms by means of scanning electron microscopy.
      The assay, which was carried out with 6 concentrations (25, 50, 75, 100, 125, and
      150 MUg/ml) of phytol, has shown a promising activity in a dose and time
      dependent manner. There was a significant decline in the motility of the worms
      and a mortality rate of 100% was found at 48 hr after they had been exposed to
      phytol in the concentration of 150 MUg/ml. Male worms were more susceptible. On
      the ultrastructural level, phytol also induced tegumental peeling, disintegration
      of tubercles and spines in addition to morphological disfiguring of the oral and
      ventral suckers. This report provides the first evidence that phytol is able to
      kill S. haematobium of different ages, and emphasizes that it is a promising
      natural product that could be used for development of a new schistosomicidal
      agent. 

PMID- 27658601
TI  - Two Echinostome Species, Pegosomum bubulcum and Nephrostomum ramosum (Digenea:
      Echinostomatidae), from an Eastern Cattle Egret, Bubulcus ibis coromandus, in
      Republic of Korea.
AB  - We describe 2 echinostome species recovered from an Eastern cattle egret,
      Bubulcus ibis coromandus, from Cheongju-si (city), Chungcheongbuk-do (province),
      Korea. Total 72 Pegosomum bubulcum specimens were recovered from the bile duct.
      They were 7,566*2,938 MUm in average size and had 27 collar spines with vitelline
      extension from anterior 1/3 level of the esophagus to mid-level of the posterior
      testis as characteristic features. Total 9 specimens of Nephrostomum ramosum were
      recovered in the small intestines of the bird. They were ribbon-shaped,
      11,378*2,124 MUm in average size, and morphologically variable in some organs,
      i.e., the number of collar spines (47-50), the shape of ovary and testes, and the
      extension of vitelline follicles. These morphological variations observed in a
      single host indicated that these features are not critical for the classification
      of Nephrostomum species and thus were reconsidered taxonomically as synonym of N.
      ramosum. This study is the first report documenting and describing both flukes
      and their associated genera in Korea. 

PMID- 27658602
TI  - Pygidiopsis summa (Digenea: Heterophyidae): Status of Metacercarial Infection in
      Mullets from Coastal Areas in the Republic of Korea.
AB  - To know the infection status of zoonotic trematode metacercariae in brackish
      water fish, we surveyed mullets collected from 18 coastal areas in the Republic
      of Korea. The metacercariae of Pygidiopsis summa were detected in 236 (68.2%) out
      of 346 mullets examined. They were found in mullets from 15 areas except for
      those from Boseong-gun (Jeollanam-do), Pohang-si, and Uljin-gun (Gyeongsangbuk
      do). Especially in mullets from Taean-gun (Chungcheongnam-do) and Geoje-si
      (Gyeongsangnam-do), their prevalences were 100% and 95.5%, and the average
      metacercarial density was more than 1,000 per fish. They were also detected in
      mullets from 3 coastal lakes, Gyeongpoho, Songjiho, and Hwajinpoho, in Gangwon
      do, and their average densities were 419, 147, and 672 per infected fish,
      respectively. The metacercariae of 5 other heterophyid species, including
      Heterophyes nocens, Heterophyopsis continua, Metagonimus sp., Stictodora fuscata,
      and Stictodora lari, were found in the mullets examined. The metacercariae of H.
      nocens were detected in 66.7, 100, 28.6, 81.6, 3.9, 61.5, and 27.3% of mullets
      from Muan-gun, Shinan-gun, Haenam-gun, Gangjin-gun, and Boseong-gun (Jeollanam
      do), Hadong-gun, and Geoje-si (Gyeongsangnam-do), and their metacercarial
      intensities were 64, 84, 119, 99, 1, 24, and 24 per fish infected, respectively.
      From the above results, it has been confirmed that P. summa metacercariae are
      heavily infected in mullets from coastal areas of Korea. It is suggested that
      residents who frequently consume raw mullet dish can be easily infected with
      heterophyid flukes. 

PMID- 27658603
TI  - Molecular Detection of Spirometra decipiens in the United States.
AB  - The genus Spirometra belongs to the family Diphyllobothriidae and order
      Pseudophyllidea, and includes intestinal parasites of cats and dogs. In this
      study, a plerocercoid labeled as Spirometra mansonoides from the USA was examined
      for species identification and phylogenetic analysis using 2 complete
      mitochondrial genes, cytochrome c oxidase I (cox1) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit
      3 (nad3). The cox1 sequences (1,566 bp) of the plerocercoid specimen (USA) showed
      99.2% similarity to the reference sequences of the plerocercoid of Korean
      Spirometra decipiens (GenBank no. KJ599679), and 99.1% similarity in regard to
      nad3 (346 bp). Phylogenetic tree topologies generated using 4 analytical methods
      were identical and showed high confidence levels with bootstrap values of 1.00,
      100%, 100%, and 100% for Bayesian inference (BI), maximum-likelihood (ML),
      neighbor-joining (NJ), and maximum parsimony (MP) methods, respectively.
      Representatives of Diphyllobothrium and Spirometra species formed a monophyletic
      group, and the sister-genera status between these species was well supported.
      Trapezoic proglottids in the posterior 1/5 region of an adult worm obtained from
      an experimentally infected cat were morphologically examined. The outer uterine
      loop of the uterus coiling characteristically consisted of 2 complete turns. The
      results clearly indicated that the examined Spirometra specimen from the USA
      matched to S. decipiens very well, and indicated possible presence of the life
      cycle of this species in this region. 

PMID- 27658604
TI  - Catenotaenia dendritica (Cestoda: Catenotaeniidae) and Three Ectoparasite Species
      in the Red Squirrel, Sciurus vulgaris, from Cheongju, Korea.
AB  - Parasites are recorded from the red squirrel, Sciurus vulgaris, from Cheongju,
      the Republic of Korea. A total of 5 road-killed squirrels were thoroughly
      examined for internal and external parasites from November 2011 to May 2014.
      Total 4 parasite species, including 1 tapeworm and 3 ectoparasite species were
      recovered. They were morphologically identified as Catenotaenia dendritica
      (Cestoda: Catenotaeniidae), Hirstionyssus sciurinus, Leptotrombidium pallidum,
      and Ceratophyllus (Monopsyllus) indages. Among them, C. dendritica and H.
      sciurinus are recorded for the first time in the Korean parasite fauna. In
      addition, the possibility that the red squirrel could act as a reservoir host for
      a zoonotic disease like tsutsugamushi disease with L. pallidum as its vector has
      been raised. 

PMID- 27658605
TI  - Increased Expression of TGF-beta1 in Correlation with Liver Fibrosis during
      Echinococcus granulosus Infection in Mice.
AB  - To investigate the potential role of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 in
      liver fibrosis during Echinococcus granulosus infection, 96 BALB/c mice were
      randomly divided into 2 groups, experimental group infected by intraperitoneal
      injection with a metacestode suspension and control group given sterile
      physiological saline. The liver and blood samples were collected at days 2, 8,
      30, 90, 180, and 270 post infection (PI), and the expression of TGF-beta1 mRNA
      and protein was determined by real-time quantitative RT-PCR and ELISA,
      respectively. We also evaluated the pathological changes in the liver during the
      infection using hematoxylin and eosin (H-E) and Masson staining of the liver
      sections. Pathological analysis of H-E stained infected liver sections revealed
      liver cell edema, bile duct proliferation, and structural damages of the liver as
      evidenced by not clearly visible lobular architecture of the infected liver,
      degeneration of liver cell vacuoles, and infiltration of lymphocytes at late
      stages of infection. The liver tissue sections from control mice remained normal.
      Masson staining showed worsening of liver fibrosis at the end stages of the
      infection. The levels of TGF-beta1 did not show significant changes at the early
      stages of infection, but there were significant increases in the levels of TGF
      beta1 at the middle and late stages of infection (P<0.05). RT-PCR results showed
      that, when compared with the control group, TGF-beta1 mRNA was low and comparable
      with that in control mice at the early stages of infection, and that it was
      significantly increased at day 30 PI and remained at high levels until day 270 PI
      (P<0.05). The results of this study suggested that increased expression of TGF
      beta1 during E. granulosus infection may play a significant role in liver
      fibrosis associated with E. granulosus infection. 

PMID- 27658606
TI  - Electron Microscopic Alterations in Pediculus humanus capitis Exposed to Some
      Pediculicidal Plant Extracts.
AB  - Head lice, Pediculus humanus capitis, infestation is an important public health
      problem in Egypt. Inadequate application of topical pediculicides and the
      increasing resistance to the commonly used pediculicides made the urgent need for
      the development of new agents able to induce irreversible changes in the exposed
      lice leading to their mortality. The aim of the present work is to evaluate
      pediculicidal efficacy of some natural products such as olive oil, tea tree oil,
      lemon juice, and ivermectin separately in comparison with tetramethrin-piperonyl
      butoxide (licid), as a standard pediculicide commonly used in Egypt. The effects
      of these products were evaluated by direct observation using dissecting and
      scanning electron microscopes (SEM). Results showed that after 1 hr exposure time
      in vitro, absolute (100%) mortalities were recorded after exposure to 1%
      ivermectin and fresh concentrate lemon juice. The mortalities were decreased to
      96.7% after exposure to tea tree oil. Very low percentage of mortality (23.3%)
      was recorded after 1 hr of exposure to extra virgin olive oil. On the other hand,
      the reference pediculicide (licid) revealed only mortality rate of 93.3%. On the
      contrary, no mortalities were recorded in the control group exposed to distilled
      water. By SEM examination, control lice preserved outer smooth architecture,
      eyes, antenna, respiratory spiracles, sensory hairs, and legs with hook-like
      claws. In contrast, dead lice which had been exposed to pediculicidal products
      showed damage of outer smooth architecture, sensory hairs, respiratory spiracles
      and/or clinching claws according to pediculicidal products used. 

PMID- 27658607
TI  - A Case of Ancylostoma ceylanicum Infection Occurring in an Australian Soldier
      Returned from Solomon Islands.
AB  - A 26-year-old male member of the Australian Defense Force presented with a
      history of central abdominal pain of 4 weeks duration and peripheral eosinophilia
      consistent with eosinophilic enteritis. Acute hookworm disease was diagnosed as
      the cause. Adult worms recovered from feces after therapy with albendazole were
      morphologically consistent with Ancylostoma ceylanicum. As the patient had been
      deployed with the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands for 6 months
      prior to this presentation, it is very likely that the A. ceylanicum was acquired
      in Solomon Islands. Until now, it has been assumed that any Ancylostoma spp.
      recovered from humans in Solomon Islands is A. duodenale. However, this case
      demonstrates that human hookworm infection acquired in the Solomon Islands could
      be caused by A. ceylanicum. 

PMID- 27658608
TI  - Stellantchasmus falcatus (Digenea: Heterophyidae) in Cambodia: Discovery of
      Metacercariae in Mullets and Recovery of Adult Flukes in an Experimental Hamster.
AB  - Stellantchasmus falcatus (Digenea: Heterophyidae) is first reported from Cambodia
      through recovery of the metacercariae from mullet fish and adult flukes from an
      experimentally infected hamster. We purchased 7 mullets, Chelon macrolepis, in a
      local market of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and each of them was examined by the
      artificial digestion method on May 2010. The metacercariae of S. falcatus were
      detected in all mullets (100%) examined, and their average density was 177 per
      fish. They were elliptical, 220*168 MUm in average size. They were orally
      infected to an hamster to obtain adult flukes. Adults recovered at day 10 post
      infection were observed with a light microscope and a scanning electron
      microscope (SEM). They were small, 450*237 MUm in average size, had a small oral
      sucker (41*50 MUm), subglobular pharynx (29*21 MUm), slender esophagus (57 MUm),
      long and thick-walled expulsor (119*32 MUm), spherical ovary (58*69 MUm), and 2
      ovoid testes (right: 117*74 MUm; left: 114*63 MUm). Eggs were small, yellow, and
      23*12 MUm in average size. In SEM observations, tegumental spines were densely
      distributed on the whole tegument, and single small type I sensory papillae were
      distributed around the lip of oral sucker. The small ventral sucker was dextrally
      located and had 8 type I sensory papillae on the left margin. It has been first
      confirmed in the present study that the mullet, C. macrolepis, is playing the
      role of a second intermediate host of S. falcatus in Cambodia. 

PMID- 27658609
TI  - First Record of Paramphistomes Fischoederius cobboldi and Paramphistomum
      epiclitum Detected in Bovine Rumen from a Local Market of Savannakhet Province,
      Lao PDR.
AB  - In the present study, we report on the occurrence of paramphistomes,
      Fischoederius cobboldi and Paramphistomum epiclitum, in Lao PDR with the basis of
      molecular data. Parasite materials were collected from bovines bred in Ban
      Lahanam area, Savannakhet Province, Lao PDR at Lahanam public market.
      Morphological observations indicated 2 different species of paramphistomes. The
      mitochondrial gene cox1 of the specimens was successfully amplified by PCR and
      DNA sequencing was carried out for diagnosis of 11 specimens. Pairwise alignment
      of cox1 sequences were performed and confirmed F. cobboldi and P. epiclitum
      infecting bovines in Laos. Although there were many limiting points, as the small
      number of worm samples, and the restricted access of the animal host materials,
      we confirmed for the first time that 2 species of paramphistomes, F. cobboldi and
      P. epiclitum, are distributed in Lao PDR. More studies are needed to confirm the
      paramphistome species present in Savannakhet and its hosts to clear the natural
      history of these parasites of ruminants in the region and measure the impact of
      this parasite infection in the life and health of the local people. 

PMID- 27658611
TI  - Improving psychotropic medication use among persons with dementia.
AB  - The use of psychotropic medication among persons with dementia (PWD) both in
      nursing home (Wetzels et al., 2011) and community settings (Maust et al., 2016)
      far exceeds what might be expected based on their limited evidence for benefit
      (Kales et al., 2015). This relatively high use persists despite years of evidence
      about the potential harms associated with their use in older adults generally and
      PWD in particular (e.g. Wang et al., 2001; Schneider et al., 2005). However, the
      solution to relatively high psychotropic use is not to end all psychotropic use,
      as there are individual patients for whom use of such medication is appropriate.
      For example, a policy that defines all antipsychotic use as inappropriate may
      simply lead to increased use of alternatives with even less evidence of benefit,
      as suggested by the response to antipsychotics' black box warning in the United
      States (Kales et al., 2011).

PMID- 27658610
TI  - Detecting Suicide Risk Among College Students: A Test of the Predictive Validity
      of the Modified Emotional Stroop Task.
AB  - Detecting suicide risk among nonclinical populations is challenging due to low
      base rates and the help-negation tendency of at-risk individuals. The current
      longitudinal study investigated the predictive validity of the modified emotional
      Stroop task (EST) by conducting a follow-up study of 197 students who
      participated in a study by Chung and Jeglic (2016). The EST latencies for suicide
      related cues and past suicidal behaviors were the only significant predictors of
      suicide risk. The findings of this study provide preliminary support for the use
      of the EST as part of a suicide risk screening battery that could add to the
      detection of suicide risk.

PMID- 27658612
TI  - Bioink properties before, during and after 3D bioprinting.
AB  - Bioprinting is a process based on additive manufacturing from materials
      containing living cells. These materials, often referred to as bioink, are based
      on cytocompatible hydrogel precursor formulations, which gel in a manner
      compatible with different bioprinting approaches. The bioink properties before,
      during and after gelation are essential for its printability, comprising such
      features as achievable structural resolution, shape fidelity and cell survival.
      However, it is the final properties of the matured bioprinted tissue construct
      that are crucial for the end application. During tissue formation these
      properties are influenced by the amount of cells present in the construct, their
      proliferation, migration and interaction with the material. A calibrated
      computational framework is able to predict the tissue development and maturation
      and to optimize the bioprinting input parameters such as the starting material,
      the initial cell loading and the construct geometry. In this contribution
      relevant bioink properties are reviewed and discussed on the example of most
      popular bioprinting approaches. The effect of cells on hydrogel processing and
      vice versa is highlighted. Furthermore, numerical approaches were reviewed and
      implemented for depicting the cellular mechanics within the hydrogel as well as
      for prediction of mechanical properties to achieve the desired hydrogel construct
      considering cell density, distribution and material-cell interaction.

PMID- 27658613
TI  - Thermal protein unfolding by differential scanning calorimetry and circular
      dichroism spectroscopy Two-state model versus sequential unfolding.
AB  - Thermally-induced protein unfolding is commonly described with the two-state
      model. This model assumes only two types of protein molecules in solution, the
      native (N) and the denatured, unfolded (U) protein. In reality, protein unfolding
      is a multistep process, even if intermediate states are only sparsely populated.
      As an alternative approach we explore the Zimm-Bragg theory, originally developed
      for the alpha-helix-to-random coil transition of synthetic polypeptides. The
      theory includes intermediate structures with concentrations determined by the
      cooperativity of the unfolding reaction. We illustrate the differences between
      the two-state model and the Zimm-Bragg theory with measurements of apolipoprotein
      A-1 and lysozyme by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and CD spectroscopy.
      Nine further protein examples are taken from the literature. The Zimm-Bragg
      theory provides a perfect fit of the calorimetric unfolding transitions for all
      proteins investigated. In contrast, the transition curves and enthalpies
      predicted by the two-state model differ considerably from the experimental
      results. Apolipoprotein A-1 is ~50% alpha-helical at ambient temperature and its
      unfolding follows the classical alpha-helix-to-random coil equilibrium. The
      unfolding of proteins with little alpha-helix content, such as lysozyme, can also
      be analyzed with the Zimm-Bragg theory by introducing the concept of 'folded' and
      'unfolded' peptide units assuming an average unfolding enthalpy per peptide unit.
      DSC is the method of choice to measure the unfolding enthalpy, , but CD
      spectroscopy in combination with the two-state model is often used to deduce the
      unfolding enthalpy. This can lead to erroneous result. Not only are different
      enthalpies required to describe the CD and DSC transition curves but these values
      deviate distinctly from the experimental result. In contrast, the Zimm-Bragg
      theory predicts the DSC and CD unfolding transitions with the same set of
      parameters.

PMID- 27658615
TI  - Sumoylation of IkB attenuates NF-kB-induced nitrosative stress at rostral
      ventrolateral medulla and cardiovascular depression in experimental brain death.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) is a group of proteins that
      participates in post-translational modifications. One known SUMO target is the
      transcription factor nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB) that plays a pivotal role in many
      disease processes; sumoylation inactivates NF-kB by conjugation with inhibitors
      of NF-kB (IkB). Our laboratory demonstrated previously that transcriptional
      upregulation of nitric oxide synthase II (NOS II) by NF-kB, leading to
      nitrosative stress by the formation of peroxynitrite in the rostral ventrolateral
      medulla (RVLM), underpins the defunct brain stem cardiovascular regulation that
      precedes brain death. Based on an experimental endotoxemia model, this study
      evaluated the hypothesis that sumoylation plays a pro-life role in brain death by
      interacting with the NF-kB/NOS II/peroxynitrite signaling pathway in the RVLM.
      RESULTS: In Sprague-Dawley rats, intravenous administration of Escherichia coli
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 10 mg kg-1) elicited an augmentation of SUMO-1 and
      ubiquitin-conjugase 9 (Ubc9) mRNA or protein levels, alongside SUMO-1-conjugated
      proteins in the RVLM. Immunoneutralization of SUMO-1 or Ubc9 in the RVLM
      significantly potentiated the already diminished sumoylation of IkBalpha and
      intensified NF-kB activation and NOS II/peroxynitrite expression in this brain
      stem substrate, together with exacerbated fatality, cardiovascular depression and
      reduction of an experimental index of a life-and-death signal detected from
      arterial pressure that disappears in comatose patients signifying failure of
      brain stem cardiovascular regulation before brain death. CONCLUSION: We conclude
      that sumoylation of IkB in the RVLM ameliorates the defunct brain stem
      cardiovascular regulation that underpins brain death in our experimental
      endotoxemia modal by reducing nitrosative stress via inhibition of IkB
      degradation that diminishes the induction of the NF-kB/NOS II/peroxynitrite
      signaling cascade.

PMID- 27658614
TI  - Wnt proteins can direct planar cell polarity in vertebrate ectoderm.
AB  - The coordinated orientation of cells across the tissue plane, known as planar
      cell polarity (PCP), is manifested by the segregation of core PCP proteins to
      different sides of the cell. Secreted Wnt ligands are involved in many PCP
      dependent processes, yet whether they act as polarity cues has been
      controversial. We show that in Xenopus early ectoderm, the Prickle3/Vangl2
      complex was polarized to anterior cell edges and this polarity was disrupted by
      several Wnt antagonists. In midgastrula embryos, Wnt5a, Wnt11, and Wnt11b, but
      not Wnt3a, acted across many cell diameters to orient Prickle3/Vangl2 complexes
      away from their sources regardless of their positions relative to the body axis.
      The planar polarity of endogenous Vangl2 in the neuroectoderm was similarly
      redirected by an ectopic Wnt source and disrupted after depletion of Wnt11b in
      the presumptive posterior region of the embryo. These observations provide
      evidence for the instructive role of Wnt ligands in vertebrate PCP.

PMID- 27658616
TI  - Calcineurin inhibitor- and corticosteroid-free immunosuppression in pediatric
      heart transplant patients.
AB  - Pediatric heart transplant patients at our institution are immunosuppressed with
      a CNI and another immune-modulating agent without utilizing corticosteroids.
      Patients whose renal function worsened and who did not respond to CNI
      minimization had their CNI discontinued. The clinical history of 35 pediatric
      heart transplant patients with significant renal insufficiency whose CNI was
      discontinued was retrospectively analyzed. Data including serum creatinine and
      weight were collected before, at time of, and every 3-6 months after CNI
      discontinuation. This was used to calculate an eGFR. Cardiac allograft rejection
      and mortality data were also collected. CNI discontinuation occurred 39 times in
      35 patients. The median eGFR significantly increased by 14 mL/min 3 months after
      CNI discontinuation and the increase continued to be significant (P<=.05) at 5
      years. Freedom from rejection analysis showed no difference between graft
      rejection 2 years before versus after CNI discontinuation (P=.437). No mortality
      was associated with CNI discontinuation. Immunosuppression free of CNIs and
      corticosteroids appears to be a safe alternative in pediatric heart transplant
      patients with significant renal insufficiency. Furthermore, this strategy can
      significantly reverse renal insufficiency, even late after transplantation.

PMID- 27658618
TI  - Astaxanthin; a Promising Protector Against Gentamicin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in
      Rats.
AB  - Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic widely used against infections caused
      by Gram-negative microorganisms. Nephrotoxicity is the main limitation to its
      therapeutic use. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential
      protective effect of astaxanthin on the renal damage generated by gentamicin in
      rats, in an attempt to understand its mechanism of action, which may pave the way
      for possible therapeutic applications. The daily oral administration of the
      astaxanthin at a concentration of 50 mg/kg for 15 days to gentamicin (80
      mg/kg.b.w) treated rats showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in plasma
      creatinine, urea, TNF-alpha as well as plasma and renal MDA and HP. The treatment
      also resulted in a significant increase in hemoglobin, plasma sodium, potassium
      and TAS as well as renal total protein, GSH, Pr-SHs, G6PD, SOD, GPx, CAT and GR
      levels. The histological examinations of renal tissues in this study revealed
      damage and glomerular infiltration in gentamicin treated rats. The presented data
      suggest that astaxanthin has a significant prophylactic action against gentamicin
      induced nephrotoxicity in rats. The effect was more pronounced in case of
      astaxanthin pre-treatment compared with administration of astaxanthin post
      treatment. Taken together, astaxanthin has a potential as a protective and
      therapeutic agent for nephrotoxicity and deserves clinical trial in the near
      future as an adjuvant therapy in patients treated with gentamicin.

PMID- 27658617
TI  - Microglia contributes to plaque growth by cell death due to uptake of amyloid
      beta in the brain of Alzheimer's disease mouse model.
AB  - Pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD) include extracellularly
      accumulated amyloid beta (Abeta) plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary
      tangles in the brain. Activated microglia, brain-resident macrophages, are also
      found surrounding Abeta plaques. The study of the brain of AD mouse models
      revealed that Abeta plaque formation is completed by the consolidation of newly
      generated plaque clusters in vicinity of existed plaques. However, the dynamics
      of Abeta plaque formation, growth and the mechanisms by which microglia
      contribute to Abeta plaque formation are unknown. In the present study, we
      confirmed how microglia are involved in Abeta plaque formation and their growth
      in the brain of 5XFAD mice, the Abeta-overexpressing AD transgenic mouse model,
      and performed serial intravital two-photon microscopy (TPM) imaging of the brains
      of 5XFAD mice crossed with macrophage/microglia-specific GFP-expressing
      CX3CR1GFP/GFP mice. We found that activated microglia surrounding Abeta plaques
      take up Abeta, which are clusters developed inside activated microglia in vivo
      and this was followed by microglial cell death. These dying microglia release the
      accumulated Abeta into the extracellular space, which contributes to Abeta plaque
      growth. This process was confirmed by live TPM in vivo imaging and flow
      cytometry. These results suggest that activated microglia can contribute to
      formation and growth of Abeta plaques by causing microglial cell death in the
      brain. GLIA 2016;64:2274-2290.

PMID- 27658619
TI  - Novel and Neuroprotective Tetranortriterpenoids from Chinese Mangrove Xylocarpus
      granatum Koenig.
AB  - Eight new tetranortriterpenoids (1-8) were isolated from the twigs and leaves of
      the Chinese mangrove plant Xylocarpus granatum, together with four related known
      ones (9-12). The structures of new compounds were elucidated by detailed
      spectroscopic analysis. The absolute configuration of 9-epixylogranatin A (1) was
      determined by time-dependent density functional theory-electronic circular
      dichroism (TDDFT-ECD) calculations of the solution conformers. Xylogranatumin A
      (2) represents the first example of the 9, 10-seco limonoid with an unprecedented
      oxygen-bridged B ring (2,7-dioxabicyclo[2.2.1]-heptane). All the isolates were
      evaluated for the in vitro neuroprotective activity, both compounds 11 and 12
      displayed moderate effects against H2O2-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells at
      the concentration of 10 MUM, with an increase in cell viability of 12.0% and
      11.6%, respectively.

PMID- 27658620
TI  - The effect of liquor licensing restrictions on assault: a quasi-experimental
      study in Sydney, Australia.
AB  - AIMS: To determine whether restrictions on the availability of alcohol in two
      inner-city entertainment areas in Sydney, Australia (1) reduced the incidence of
      assault in those areas, (2) increased the incidence of assault in nearby areas
      (where the restrictions did not apply), (3) resulted in a net reduction in
      overall levels of assault (4) and/or whether the reductions in assault were most
      pronounced during the daily time-periods when liquor trading restrictions were in
      operation. DESIGN: Structural time-series modelling was used to estimate and
      compare trends in assault in areas/times affected by the new restrictions on
      alcohol availability with trends in assault in areas unaffected by the new
      restrictions. SETTING: Sydney, Australia. PARTICIPANTS/MEASUREMENTS: The primary
      outcome measure was the police-recorded monthly incidence of non-domestic assault
      in the 78 months between January 2009 and June 2015. FINDINGS: Following the
      reforms, we found reductions in assaults of 45% [beta = -0.599, 95% confidence
      interval (CI) = -1.107, -0.091] and 22% (beta =0.260, 95% CI = -0.397, -0.123),
      respectively, in the Kings Cross and Sydney CBD Entertainment Precincts. In the
      Kings Cross Entertainment Precinct, reductions in assault were observed in all
      three daily time-periods. In the Sydney CBD Entertainment Precinct reductions in
      assault were observed only in the second and third daily time-periods. Assaults
      did not increase in entertainment areas adjacent to or within easy reach of the
      target areas. CONCLUSION: Restrictions on the availability of alcohol appear to
      reduce the incidence of assault.

PMID- 27658621
TI  - Genome sequencing and genetic characterization of Culex Flavirirus (CxFV)
      provides new information about its genotypes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Culex Flavivirus (CxFV) is an insect-specific virus that is widely
      distributed and primarily infects mosquito species from the genus Culex. Its
      hosts include Culex tritaeniorhynchus, Culex quinquefasciatus, and Anopheles
      sinensis mosquitoes. Since its original identification, CxFV has been reported in
      several countries. Despite the increasing number of reports on CxFV, little is
      known about its genomic characteristics. It is unclear whether the phylogenetic
      relationships between the strains are influenced by host species and geographic
      location. RESULTS: We characterized the Brazilian CxFV strain and performed a
      comprehensive genetic and phylogenetic characterization of CxFV based on all ORF
      sequences described so far. Our results revealed that the Brazilian strain is in
      a monophyletic clade with the Mexican strain. Overall, selective pressure
      indicates that the ORF is undergoing purifying selection. CONCLUSIONS: The
      phylogenetic analysis revealed a strong association between climate and CxFV
      ancestry. Also, based on phylogeny and the genetic distance between the main
      branches of the tree, we propose the classification of the available sequences
      into two different genotypes. We also suggest the existence of two different
      subtypes within Genotype 1.

PMID- 27658622
TI  - Transport of a kinesin-cargo pair along microtubules into dendritic spines
      undergoing synaptic plasticity.
AB  - Synaptic plasticity often involves changes in the structure and composition of
      dendritic spines. Vesicular cargos and organelles enter spines either by
      exocytosing in the dendrite shaft and diffusing into spines or through a kinesin
      to myosin hand-off at the base of spines. Here we present evidence for
      microtubule (MT)-based targeting of a specific motor/cargo pair directly into
      hippocampal dendritic spines. During transient MT polymerization into spines, the
      kinesin KIF1A and an associated cargo, synaptotagmin-IV (syt-IV), are trafficked
      in unison along MTs into spines. This trafficking into selected spines is
      activity-dependent and results in exocytosis of syt-IV-containing vesicles in the
      spine head. Surprisingly, knockdown of KIF1A causes frequent fusion of syt-IV
      containing vesicles throughout the dendritic shaft and diffusion into spines.
      Taken together, these findings suggest a mechanism for targeting dendritic cargo
      directly into spines during synaptic plasticity and indicate that MT-bound
      kinesins prevent unregulated fusion by sequestering vesicular cargo to MTs.

PMID- 27658624
TI  - Oligomannan Prebiotic Attenuates Immunological, Clinical and Behavioral Symptoms
      in Mouse Model of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
AB  - Inflammatory bowel disease shows increasing prevalence, however its
      pathomechanism and treatment is not fully resolved. Prebiotics are non-digestible
      carbohydrates which might provide an alternative to treat inflammatory conditions
      in the gut due to their positive effects either on the microbiome or through
      their direct effect on macrophages and mucosa. To test the protective effects of
      an oligomannan prebiotic, yeast cell wall mannooligosaccharide (MOS) was
      administered in dextran-sulphate-sodium (DSS)-induced mouse model of acute
      colitis. MOS reduced DSS-induced clinical- (weight loss, diarrhea) and
      histological scores (mucosal damage) as well as sickness-related anxiety. DSS
      treatment resulted in changes in colon microbiome with selective increase of
      Coliform bacteria. MOS administration attenuated colitis-related increase of
      Coliforms, normalized colonic muc2 expression and attenuated local expression of
      proinflammatory cytokines IL-1a, IL1b, IL6, KC, G-CSF and MCP1 as well as toll
      like receptor TLR4 and NLRP3 inflammasome. Some of the protective effects of MOS
      were likely be mediated directly through local macrophages because MOS dose
      dependently inhibited IL-1b and G-CSF induction following in vitro DSS challenge
      and IL1a, IL1b, G-SCF-, and IL6 increases after LPS treatment in mouse macrophage
      cell line RAW264.7. These results highlight oligomannan prebiotics as therapeutic
      functional food for testing in clinical trials.

PMID- 27658625
TI  - [Specific Learning Disabilities: Current challenges and opportunities].

PMID- 27658623
TI  - Toll-Like Receptor 9 Activation Rescues Impaired Antibody Response in Needle-free
      Intradermal DNA Vaccination.
AB  - The delivery of plasmid DNA to the skin can target distinct subsets of dermal
      dendritic cells to confer a superior immune response. The needle-free
      immunization technology offers a reliable, safe and efficient means to administer
      intradermal (ID) injections. We report here that the ID injection of DNA vectors
      using an NF device (NF-ID) elicits a superior cell-mediated immune response, at
      much lesser DNA dosage, comparable in magnitude to the traditional intramuscular
      immunization. However, the humoral response is significantly impaired, possibly
      at the stage of B cell isotype switching. We found that the NF-ID administration
      deposits the DNA primarily on the epidermis resulting in a rapid loss of the DNA
      as well as the synthesized antigen due to the faster regeneration rate of the
      skin layers. Therefore, despite the immune-rich nature of the skin, the NF-ID
      immunization of DNA vectors may be limited by the impaired humoral response.
      Additional booster injections are required to augment the antibody response. As
      an alternative and a viable solution, we rescued the IgG response by
      coadministration of a Toll-like receptor 9 agonist, among other adjuvants
      examined. Our work has important implication for the optimization of the emerging
      needle-free technology for ID immunization.

PMID- 27658626
TI  - ?

PMID- 27658627
TI  - Response to "Trust, but verify" by Banaschewski et al.

PMID- 27658628
TI  - Check and Double Check - the Cochrane review by Storebo et al. (2015) is indeed
      flawed.

PMID- 27658629
TI  - ?

PMID- 27658630
TI  - ?

PMID- 27658631
TI  - ?

PMID- 27658632
TI  - Tumour metabolism: Metabolic flexibility.

PMID- 27658633
TI  - Genetics: Transcribing for the enemy.

PMID- 27658634
TI  - Tumour evolution: Evolving resistance in Tasmanian devils.

PMID- 27658635
TI  - Tumour metabolism: Functions of fumarate.

PMID- 27658637
TI  - Key clinical beam parameters for nanoparticle-mediated radiation dose
      amplification.
AB  - As nanoparticle solutions move towards human clinical trials in radiation
      therapy, the influence of key clinical beam parameters on therapeutic efficacy
      must be considered. In this study, we have investigated the clinical radiation
      therapy delivery variables that may significantly affect nanoparticle-mediated
      radiation dose amplification. We found a benefit for situations which increased
      the proportion of low energy photons in the incident beam. Most notably,
      "unflattened" photon beams from a clinical linear accelerator results in improved
      outcomes relative to conventional "flat" beams. This is measured by significant
      DNA damage, tumor growth suppression, and overall improvement in survival in a
      pancreatic tumor model. These results, obtained in a clinical setting, clearly
      demonstrate the influence and importance of radiation therapy parameters that
      will impact clinical radiation dose amplification with nanoparticles.

PMID- 27658638
TI  - The Healthy Infant Nasal Transcriptome: A Benchmark Study.
AB  - Responses by resident cells are likely to play a key role in determining the
      severity of respiratory disease. However, sampling of the airways poses a
      significant challenge, particularly in infants and children. Here, we report a
      reliable method for obtaining nasal epithelial cell RNA from infants for genome
      wide transcriptomic analysis, and describe baseline expression characteristics in
      an asymptomatic cohort. Nasal epithelial cells were collected by brushing of the
      inferior turbinates, and gene expression was interrogated by RNA-seq analysis.
      Reliable recovery of RNA occurred in the absence of adverse events. We observed
      high expression of epithelial cell markers and similarity to the transcriptome
      for intrapulmonary airway epithelial cells. We identified genes displaying low
      and high expression variability, both inherently, and in response to
      environmental exposures. The greatest gene expression differences in this
      asymptomatic cohort were associated with the presence of known pathogenic viruses
      and/or bacteria. Robust bacteria-associated gene expression patterns were
      significantly associated with the presence of Moraxella. In summary, we have
      developed a reliable method for interrogating the infant airway transcriptome by
      sampling the nasal epithelium. Our data demonstrates both the fidelity and
      feasibility of our methodology, and describes normal gene expression and
      variation within a healthy infant cohort.

PMID- 27658639
TI  - 3D-Printed Zeolite Monoliths for CO2 Removal from Enclosed Environments.
AB  - Structured adsorbents, especially in the form of monolithic contactors, offer an
      excellent gas-solid contacting strategy for the development of practical and
      scalable CO2 capture technologies. In this study, the fabrication of three
      dimensional (3D)-printed 13X and 5A zeolite monoliths with novel structures and
      their use in CO2 removal from air are reported. The physical and structural
      properties of these printed monoliths are evaluated and compared with their
      powder counterparts. Our results indicate that 3D-printed monoliths with zeolite
      loadings as high as 90 wt % exhibit adsorption uptake that is comparable to that
      of powder sorbents. The adsorption capacities of 5A and 13X monoliths were found
      to be 1.59 and 1.60 mmol/g, respectively, using 5000 ppm (0.5%) CO2 in nitrogen
      at room temperature. The dynamic CO2/N2 breakthrough experiments show relatively
      fast dynamics for monolithic structures. In addition, the printed zeolite
      monoliths show reasonably good mechanical stability that can eventually prevent
      attrition and dusting issues commonly encountered in traditional pellets and
      beads packing systems. The 3D printing technique offers an alternative, cost
      effective, and facile approach to fabricate structured adsorbents with tunable
      structural, chemical, and mechanical properties for use in gas separation
      processes.

PMID- 27658636
TI  - Oxygen availability and metabolic adaptations.
AB  - Oxygen availability, along with the abundance of nutrients (such as glucose,
      glutamine, lipids and albumin), fluctuates significantly during tumour evolution
      and the recruitment of blood vessels, leukocytes and reactive fibroblasts to
      complex tumour microenvironments. As such, hypoxia and concomitant nutrient
      scarcity affect large gene expression programmes, signalling pathways, diverse
      metabolic reactions and various stress responses. This Review summarizes our
      current understanding of how these adaptations are integrated in hypoxic tumour
      cells and their role in disease progression.

PMID- 27658641
TI  - On second harmonic generation and multiphoton-absorption induced luminescence
      from laser-reshaped silver nanoparticles embedded in glass.
AB  - Spherical silver nanoparticles (NPs) of 30 nm diameter embedded in soda-lime
      glass were uniformly reshaped (elongated) after irradiation by a linearly
      polarised 250 fs pulsed laser operating within the NPs' surface plasmon resonance
      band. We observed second harmonic generation (SHG) and multiphoton-absorption
      induced luminescence (MAIL) in the embedded laser-reshaped NPs upon picosecond
      (10 ps) pulsed laser excitation at 1064 nm. A complementary study of SHG and MAIL
      was conducted in soda-lime glass containing embedded, mechanically-reshaped
      silver NPs of a similar elongation ratio (aspect ratio) to the laser-reshaped
      NPs. This supports the notion that the observed difference in SHG and MAIL in the
      studied nanocomposite systems is due to the shape modification mechanism. The
      discrete dipole approximation method was used to assess the absorption and
      scattering cross-sections of the reshaped NPs with different elongation ratios. 

PMID- 27658640
TI  - 24 hours stay after hip replacement.
AB  - Background and purpose - The length of stay after total hip arthroplasty has been
      reduced to 2-4 days after implementing fast-track surgery. We investigated
      whether a new time-based patient-centered primary direct anterior approach (DAA)
      total hip arthroplasty (THA) treatment protocol in a specialized clinic, with a
      planned length of stay of about 24 hours, could be achieved in all patients or
      only in a selected group of patients. Patients and methods - We analyzed
      prospectively collected data in a cohort of 378 consecutive patients who
      underwent a primary direct anterior THA as a patient-centered time-based
      procedure between March 1, 2012 and December 31, 2015. Patients with complicated
      medical comorbidity and those over the age of 85 were excluded from the study.
      The average length of stay was recorded and all complications, re-admissions, and
      reoperations were registered and analyzed. The primary outcome measures were
      length of stay and complication rate, at discharge and 90 days postoperatively.
      Results - The average length of stay for all patients was 26 hours. All patients
      were discharged from the clinic on the day after the operation and were able to
      continue their recovery at home or in a rehabilitation facility. The overall
      complication rate within 3 months of surgery was 6%. The 3-month re-admission
      rate and the 3-month reoperation rate were both 2%. Interpretation - Performing a
      time-based, patient-centered fast-track program for DAA total hip arthroplasty
      can result in a standardized length of stay of about 24 hours and a high level of
      patient satisfaction with few complications, re-admissions, and reoperations.

PMID- 27658642
TI  - PI-103 attenuates PI3K-AKT signaling and induces apoptosis in murineT-cell
      lymphoma.
AB  - Aberrant activation of PI3K-AKT signaling in many pathological conditions
      including cancer has attracted much of interest for drug targeting. Various
      isoforms are known from three classes of PI3K. Targeting selective isoform is
      advantageous to overcome the global deleterious effects of drug. PI-103 is a
      specific inhibitor of p110alpha of class I PI3K. The present study is aimed to
      analyze anti-carcinogenic activity of PI-103 in Dalton's lymphoma ascite (DLA)
      cells. Result shows regression in cell proliferation and increased apoptosis in
      terms of increased Annexin V binding, nuclear fragmentation and active caspase 3
      level. It is correlated with attenuation of PI3K-AKT signaling by PI-103 via
      downregulation of the level of p110alpha, phospho-p85alpha, phospho- AKT, and
      PKCalpha in DLA cells as well as in H2O2 induced DLA cells. Additionally, ROS
      accumulation is declined in H2O2 induced DLA cells. Overall result suggests that
      PI-103 attenuates PI3K-AKT signaling via induction of apoptosis in murine T-cell
      lymphoma.

PMID- 27658643
TI  - The analgesic action of desmopressin in renal colic.
AB  - Urolithiasis is a frequent problem causing a significant clinical, psychological
      and socio-economic burden. Analgesia remains the most important element in the
      medical treatment of renal colic. Nonetheless, both NSAIDs and opiates have a
      side effect profile which can cause further complications. As such, the use of
      desmopressin for renal colic has received increased attention in the last two
      decades. This paper provides an overview of current evidence on the use of
      desmopressin as an analgesic strategy in renal colic.

PMID- 27658644
TI  - Direct identification of microorganisms from positive blood cultures by MALDI-TOF
      MS using an in-house saponin method.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass
      spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is a fast and reliable method for the identification
      of bacteria. A MALDI Sepsityper kit is generally used to prepare samples obtained
      directly from culture bottles. However, the relatively high cost of this kit is a
      major obstacle to introducing this method into routine clinical use. In this
      study, the accuracies of three different preparation methods for rapid direct
      identification of bacteria from positive blood culture bottles by MALDI-TOF MS
      analysis were compared. METHODS: In total, 195 positive bottles were included in
      this study. RESULTS: Overall, 78.5%, 68.7%, and 76.4% of bacteria were correctly
      identified to the genus level (score >=1.7) directly from positive blood cultures
      using the Sepsityper, centrifugation, and saponin methods, respectively. The
      identification rates using the Sepsityper and saponin methods were significantly
      higher than that using the centrifugation method (Sepsityper vs. centrifugation,
      p<0.001; saponin vs. centrifugation, p=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest
      that the saponin method is superior to the centrifugation method and comparable
      to the Sepsityper method in the accuracy of rapid bacterial identification
      directly from blood culture bottles, and could be a less expensive alternative to
      the Sepsityper method.

PMID- 27658646
TI  - A new patchoulane-type sesquiterpenoid glycoside from the roots of Croton
      crassifolius.
AB  - A new patchoulane-type sesquiterpenoid glycoside (1), together with five known
      sesquiterpenoids (2-6), was isolated from the roots of Croton crassifolius. Their
      structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic methods. This is the
      first report about the sesquiterpenoid glycoside from C. crassifolius. All the
      isolated compounds 1-6 were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against
      human tumour cell lines HL-60 and A549, but none showed significant activity.

PMID- 27658645
TI  - Salivirus in children with diarrhoea, western India.

PMID- 27658647
TI  - Calcitonin-Negative Neuroendocrine Tumor of the Thyroid.
AB  - Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of the thyroid are rare; the most common type is
      medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). They are derived from parafollicular cells (C
      cells) that usually express calcitonin, chromogranin, and carcinoembryonic
      antigen. Calcitonin-negative NETs of the thyroid are extremely rare, and the
      origin of these tumors is unclear. Whereas some believe that these tumors are
      from follicular cells, recent reports have shown expression of calcitonin gene
      related peptide in these tumors, indicating parafollicular C-cell origin. Here,
      we report a case of calcitonin-negative NET of the thyroid in a 74-year-old
      woman, with review of the literature.

PMID- 27658649
TI  - Ethiopia's health extension workers use of work time on duty: time and motion
      study.
AB  - Ethiopia implemented an innovative community-based health program, called the
      health extension program, to enhance access to basic health promotion, disease
      prevention and selected curative services by establishing health posts in every
      village, also called kebeles, with average of 5000 people, staffed with two
      health extension workers (HEWs). This time and motion study was done to estimate
      the amount of time that HEWs spend on various work duties and to explore
      differences in urban compared with rural settings and among regions. A total of
      44 HEWs were observed for 21 consecutive days, and time and motion data were
      collected using tablet computers. On average, HEWs were on duty for 15.5 days out
      of the 21 days of observation period, and on average, they stayed on duty for
      about 6 hours per day. Out of the total observed work time, the percentages of
      total time spent on various activities were as follows: providing health
      education or services (12.8%); participating in meetings and giving trainings
      (9.3%); conducting community mapping and mobilization (0.8%); recordkeeping,
      reporting, managing family folders (13.2%); managing commodities and supplies
      (1.3%); receiving supervision (3.2%); receiving training (1.6%); travel between
      work activities (15.5%); waiting for clients in the health post (or health centre
      in urban settings) (24.9%); building relationships in the community (13.3%); and
      other activities that could not be meaningfully categorized (4%). The proportion
      of time spent on different activities and the total time worked varied
      significantly between rural and urban areas and among the regions (at P < 0.05).
      Findings of this study indicate that only a minority of HEW time is spent on
      providing health education and services, and substantial time is spent waiting
      for clients. The efficiency of the HEW model may be improved by creating more
      demand for services or by redesigning service delivery modalities.

PMID- 27658650
TI  - Recreational physical activity in natural environments and implications for
      health: A population based cross-sectional study in England.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Building on evidence that natural environments (e.g. parks,
      woodlands, beaches) are key locations for physical activity, we estimated the
      total annual amount of adult recreational physical activity in England's natural
      environments, and assessed implications for population health. METHODS: A cross
      sectional analysis of six waves (2009/10-2014/5) of the nationally
      representative, Monitor of Engagement with the Natural Environment survey
      (n=280,790). The survey uses a weekly quota sample, and population weights, to
      estimate nature visit frequency across England, and provides details on a single,
      randomly selected visit (n=112,422), including: a) duration; b) activity; and c)
      environment type. RESULTS: Approximately 8.23 million (95% CIs: 7.93, 8.54)
      adults (19.5% of the population) made at least one 'active visit' (i.e. >=30min,
      >=3 METs) to natural environments in the previous week, resulting in 1.23 billion
      (1.14, 1.32) 'active visits' annually. An estimated 3.20 million (3.05, 3.35) of
      these also reported meeting recommended physical activity guidelines (i.e.
      >=5*30min a week) fully, or in part, through such visits. Active visits by this
      group were associated with an estimated 109,164 (101,736, 116,592) Quality
      Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) annually. Assuming the social value of a QALY to be
      L20,000, the annual value of these visits was approximately L2.18 billion (L2.03,
      L2.33). Results for walking were replicated using WHO's Health Economic
      Assessment Tool. CONCLUSIONS: Natural environments provide the context for a
      large proportion of England's recreational physical activity and highlight the
      need to protect and manage such environments for health purposes.

PMID- 27658648
TI  - High butter-fat diet and bisphenol A additively impair male rat spermatogenesis.
AB  - Exposure to xenoestrogens is a probable cause of male infertility in humans.
      Consumption of high-fat diets and exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) is pervasive in
      America. Here, we test the hypothesis that gestational exposure to high dietary
      fats and/or BPA disrupt spermatogenesis in adulthood. Sprague-Dawley rats were
      fed diets containing 10kcal% butter fat (AIN), 39kcal% butter fat (HFB), or
      39kcal% olive oil (HFO), with or without BPA (25MUg/kg body weight/day) during
      pregnancy. One group of male offspring received testosterone (T)- and estradiol
      17beta (E2)-filled implants or sham-implants from postnatal day (PND)70-210.
      Another group was naturally aged to 18 months. We found that adult males with
      gestational exposure to BPA, HFB, or HFB+BPA, in both the aged group and the T+E2
      implanted group, exhibited impairment of spermatogenesis. In contrast,
      gestational exposure to HFO or HFO+BPA did not affect spermatogenesis. Sham
      implanted, gestational exposed groups also had normal spermatogenesis. Loss of
      ERalpha expression in round spermatids and premature expression of protamine-1 in
      diplotene spermatocytes were features associated with impaired spermatogenesis.
      Compared with the single-treatment groups, the HFB+BPA group experienced more
      severe effects, including atrophy.

PMID- 27658651
TI  - A novel protocol for dispatcher assisted CPR improves CPR quality and motivation
      among rescuers-A randomized controlled simulation study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Emergency dispatchers use protocols to instruct bystanders in
      cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Studies changing one element in the
      dispatcher's protocol report improved CPR quality. Whether several changes
      interact is unknown and the effect of combining multiple changes previously
      reported to improve CPR quality into one protocol remains to be investigated. We
      hypothesize that a novel dispatch protocol, combining multiple beneficial
      elements improves CPR quality compared with a standard protocol. METHODS: A novel
      dispatch protocol was designed including wording on chest compressions, using a
      metronome, regular encouragements and a 10-s rest each minute. In a simulated
      cardiac arrest scenario, laypersons were randomized to perform single-rescuer CPR
      guided with the novel or the standard protocol. PRIMARY OUTCOME: a composite
      endpoint of time to first compression, hand position, compression depth and rate
      and hands-off time (maximum score: 22 points). Afterwards participants answered a
      questionnaire evaluating the dispatcher assistance. RESULTS: The novel protocol
      (n=61) improved CPR quality score compared with the standard protocol (n=64)
      (mean (SD): 18.6 (1.4)) points vs. 17.5 (1.7) points, p<0.001. The novel protocol
      resulted in deeper chest compressions (mean (SD): 58 (12)mm vs. 52 (13)mm,
      p=0.02) and improved rate of correct hand position (61% vs. 36%, p=0.01) compared
      with the standard protocol. In both protocols hands-off time was short. The novel
      protocol improved motivation among rescuers compared with the standard protocol
      (p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Participants guided with a standard dispatch protocol
      performed high quality CPR. A novel bundle of care protocol improved CPR quality
      score and motivation among rescuers.

PMID- 27658652
TI  - Recognition of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest by medical dispatchers in emergency
      medical dispatch centres in two countries.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) remains low.
      Early recognition by emergency medical dispatchers is essential for an effective
      chain of actions, leading to early cardiopulmonary resuscitation, use of an
      automated external defibrillator and rapid dispatching of the emergency medical
      services. AIM: To analyse and compare the accuracy of OHCA recognition by medical
      dispatchers in two countries. METHOD: An observational register-based study
      collecting data from national cardiac arrest registers in Denmark and Sweden
      during a six-month period in 2013. Data were analysed in two steps; registry data
      were merged with electronically registered emergency call data from the emergency
      medical dispatch centres in the two regions. Cases with missing or non-OHCA
      dispatch codes were analysed further by auditing emergency call recordings using
      a uniform data collection template. RESULTS: The sensitivity for recognition of
      OHCA was 40.9% (95% CI: 37.1-44.7%) in the Capital Region of Denmark and 78.4%
      (95% CI: 73.2-83.0%) in the Skane Region in Sweden (p<0.001). With additional
      data from the emergency call recordings, the sensitivity was 80.7% (95% CI: 77.7
      84.3%) and 86.0% (95% CI: 81.3-89.8%) for the two regions (p=0.06). The majority
      of the non-recognised OHCA were dispatched with the highest priority. CONCLUSION:
      The accuracy of OHCA recognition was high and comparable. We identified large
      differences in data registration practices despite the use of similar dispatch
      tools. This raises a discussion of definitions and transparency in general in
      scientific reporting of OHCA recognition, which is essential if used as quality
      indicator in emergency medical services.

PMID- 27658653
TI  - Dynamic prediction of patient outcomes during ongoing cardiopulmonary
      resuscitation.
AB  - PURPOSE: The probability of the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and
      subsequent favourable outcomes changes dynamically during advanced cardiac life
      support (ACLS). We sought to model these changes using time-to-event analysis in
      out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients. METHODS: Adult (>=18 years old),
      non-traumatic OHCA patients without prehospital ROSC were included. Utstein
      variables and initial arterial blood gas measurements were used as predictors.
      The incidence rate of ROSC during the first 30min of ACLS in the emergency
      department (ED) was modelled using spline-based parametric survival analysis.
      Conditional probabilities of subsequent outcomes after ROSC (1-week and 1-month
      survival and 6-month neurologic recovery) were modelled using multivariable
      logistic regression. The ROSC and conditional probability models were then
      combined to estimate the likelihood of achieving ROSC and subsequent outcomes by
      providing k additional minutes of effort. RESULTS: A total of 727 patients were
      analyzed. The incidence rate of ROSC increased rapidly until the 10th minute of
      ED ACLS, and it subsequently decreased. The conditional probabilities of
      subsequent outcomes after ROSC were also dependent on the duration of
      resuscitation with odds ratios for 1-week and 1-month survival and neurologic
      recovery of 0.93 (95% CI: 0.90-0.96, p<0.001), 0.93 (0.88-0.97, p=0.001) and 0.93
      (0.87-0.99, p=0.031) per 1-min increase, respectively. Calibration testing of the
      combined models showed good correlation between mean predicted probability and
      actual prevalence. CONCLUSIONS: The probability of ROSC and favourable subsequent
      outcomes changed according to a multiphasic pattern over the first 30min of ACLS,
      and modelling of the dynamic changes was feasible.

PMID- 27658654
TI  - The impact of hospital experience with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients on
      post cardiac arrest care.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Patient volume as a surrogate for institutional experience has been
      associated with quality of care indicators for a variety of illnesses. We
      evaluated the association between hospital experience with comatose out-of
      hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients and important care processes. METHODS:
      This was a population-based, retrospective cohort study using data from 37
      hospitals in Southern Ontario from 2007 to 2013. We included adults with
      atraumatic OHCA who were comatose on emergency department arrival and survived at
      least 6h. We excluded patients with a Do-Not-Resuscitate order or severe bleeding
      within 6h of hospital arrival. Multi-level logistic regression models estimated
      the association between average annual hospital volume of OHCA patients and
      outcomes. The primary outcome was successful targeted temperature management
      (TTM) and secondary outcomes included TTM initiation, premature withdrawal of
      life-sustaining therapy, and survival with good neurologic function. RESULTS: Our
      analysis included 2723 patients. For every increase of 10 in the average annual
      volume of eligible patients, the adjusted odds increased by 30% for successful
      TTM (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.03-1.62) and by 38% for initiating TTM (OR 1.38, 95% CI
      1.11-1.72). No significant association between patient volume and other secondary
      outcomes was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Patients arriving at hospitals with more
      experience treating comatose post cardiac arrest patients are more likely to have
      TTM initiated and to successfully reach target temperature. Our findings have
      implications for regional systems of care and knowledge translation efforts
      aiming to improve quality of care for this patient population.

PMID- 27658655
TI  - Co-location of passive gear fisheries in offshore wind farms in the German EEZ of
      the North Sea: A first socio-economic scoping.
AB  - Worldwide the renewable energy sector is expanding at sea to address increasing
      demands. Recently the race for space in heavily used areas such as the North Sea
      triggered the proposal of co-locating other activities such as aquaculture or
      fisheries with passive gears in offshore wind farms (OWFs). Our interdisciplinary
      approach combined a quantification of spatial overlap of activities by using
      Vessel Monitoring System and logbook data with a stakeholder consultation to
      conclude and verify on the actual feasibility of co-location. In the German
      Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the North Sea up to 90% of Danish and 40% of
      German annual gillnet fleet landings of plaice overlapped with areas where OWFs
      are developed. Our results indicated further that the international gillnet
      fishery could lose up to 50% in landings within the North Sea German EEZ when OWF
      areas are closed entirely for fisheries. No spatial overlap was found for UK
      potters targeting brown crab in the German EEZ. We further identified a number of
      key issues and obstacles that to date hinder an actual implementation of co
      location as a measure in the marine spatial planning process: defining the legal
      base; implementation of safety regulations; delineation of minimum requirements
      for fishing vessels such as capacities, quotas, technical equipment;
      implementation of a licensing process; and scoping for financial subsidies to set
      up business. The stakeholder consultation verified the scientific findings and
      highlighted that all those points need to be addressed in a planning process. In
      the German EEZ we have shown that the socio-economic importance of spatial
      overlap varies within planning boundaries. Therefore we recommend an
      interdisciplinary bottom-up approach when scoping for suitable areas of co
      location. Hence, an informed marine spatial planning process requires
      comprehensive and spatial explicit socio-economic viability studies factoring in
      also ecological effects of OWFs on target species.

PMID- 27658656
TI  - An environmental analysis of options for utilising wasted food and food residue.
AB  - The potential environmental impact of wasted food minimisation versus its
      utilisation in a circular bioeconomy is investigated based on a case study of
      Ireland. The amount of wasted food and food residue (WFFR) produced in 2010 was
      used for business-as-usual, (a) and four management options were assessed, (b)
      minimisation, (c) composting, (d) anaerobic digestion and (e) incineration. The
      environmental impacts Global Warming Potential (GWP), Acidification Potential
      (AP) and Eutrophication Potential (EP) were considered. A carbon return on
      investment (CRoI) was calculated for the three processing technologies (c-e). The
      results showed that a minimisation strategy for wasted food would result in the
      greatest reduction of all three impacts, -4.5 Mt CO2-e (GWP), -11.4 kt PO43-e
      (EP) and -43.9 kt SO2-e (AP) compared to business as usual. For WFFR utilisation
      in the circular bioeconomy, anaerobic digestion resulted in the lowest
      environmental impact and best CRoI of -0.84 kg CO2-e per Euro. From an economic
      perspective, for minimisation to be beneficial, 0.15 kg of wasted food would need
      to be reduced per Euro spent.

PMID- 27658657
TI  - Irrigated greywater in an urban sub-division as a potential source of metals to
      soil, groundwater and surface water.
AB  - Increased water demands in dry countries such as Australia, have led to increased
      adoption of various water reuse practices. Irrigation of greywater (all water
      discharged from the bathrooms, laundry and kitchen apart from toilet waste) is
      seen as a potential means of easing water demands; however, there is limited
      knowledge of how greywater irrigation impacts terrestrial and aquatic
      environments. This study compared four greywater irrigated residential lots to
      adjacent non-irrigated lots that acted as controls. Accumulation and potential
      impacts of metals in soil, groundwater and surface water, as a result of
      greywater irrigation, were assessed by comparing measured concentrations to
      national and international guidelines. Greywater increased concentrations of some
      metals in irrigated soil and resulted in As, B, Cr and Cu exceeding guidelines
      after only four years of irrigation. Movement of metals from the irrigation areas
      resulted in metal concentrations in groundwater (Al, As, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and
      Zn) and surface water (Cu, Fe and Zn) exceeding environmental quality guidelines
      again within four years. These results are unlikely to be universally applicable
      but indicate the need to consider metals in greywater in order to minimize
      potential adverse environmental effects from greywater irrigation.

PMID- 27658658
TI  - Modelling and experimental checking of the influence of substrate concentration
      on the first order kinetic constant in photo-processes.
AB  - Most photoprocesses follow a pseudo first order kinetic law and, commonly, the
      kinetic parameter depends on the initial concentration of the substrate. In this
      work, a kinetic model, which explains this dependence on the substrate
      concentration and on the other operational variables, has been developed. In the
      model, mass transfer of substrate from the bulk solution to the wall of the
      photoreactor was assumed as the step determining the rate of the process. To
      check the model, methylene blue (MB) has been used as model substrate and
      photodegradation experiments have been carried out in an exciplex KrCl flow
      through photoreactor, It was observed that the methylene blue conversion improved
      with a decrease in its initial concentration, in good agreement with the model.
      Also, by fitting the experimental data to the model, high correlation
      coefficients and a high degree of agreement between experimental and calculated
      conversion was obtained, which validates the model.

PMID- 27658659
TI  - Natural antioxidant ice cream acutely reduces oxidative stress and improves
      vascular function and physical performance in healthy individuals.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) contributes to the
      pathogenesis and progression of several diseases. Polyphenols have been shown to
      be beneficial against ROS. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a
      natural antioxidant ice cream on oxidative stress, vascular function, and
      physical performance. METHODS: In this controlled, single-blind, crossover study,
      14 healthy individuals were randomized to consume 100 g of either antioxidant ice
      cream containing dark cocoa powder and hazelnut and green tea extracts or milk
      chocolate ice cream (control ice cream). Participants were studied at baseline
      and 2 h after ingesting ice cream. Serum polyphenols, antioxidant status (ferric
      reducing ability of plasma [FRAP]), nitric oxide (NOx) bioavailability, markers
      of oxidative stress (determination of reactive oxygen metabolites [d-ROMs] and
      hydrogen peroxide [H2O2]), endothelium function (flow-mediated dilation [FMD] and
      reactive hyperemia index [RHI]), and exercise tolerance (stress test) were
      assessed, and the double product was measured. RESULTS: Serum polyphenols (P <
      0.001), NOx (P < 0.001), FRAP (P < 0.005), FMD (P < 0.001), and RHI (P < 0.05)
      increased significantly, oxidative stress decreased (d-Roms, P < 0.001; H2O2, P <
      0.001), and the double product (P < 0.001) was improved only after antioxidant
      ice cream ingestion. No changes were found after control ice cream ingestion.
      CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate that a
      natural ice cream rich in polyphenols acutely improved vascular function and
      physical performance in healthy individuals through a reduction in oxidative
      stress.

PMID- 27658660
TI  - eHealth literacy in chronic disease patients: An item response theory analysis of
      the eHealth literacy scale (eHEALS).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic disease patients are affected by low computer and health
      literacy, which negatively affects their ability to benefit from access to online
      health information. OBJECTIVE: To estimate reliability and confirm model
      specifications for eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS) scores among chronic disease
      patients using Classical Test (CTT) and Item Response Theory techniques. METHODS:
      A stratified sample of Black/African American (N=341) and Caucasian (N=343)
      adults with chronic disease completed an online survey including the eHEALS. Item
      discrimination was explored using bi-variate correlations and Cronbach's alpha
      for internal consistency. A categorical confirmatory factor analysis tested a one
      factor structure of eHEALS scores. Item characteristic curves, in-fit/outfit
      statistics, omega coefficient, and item reliability and separation estimates were
      computed. RESULTS: A 1-factor structure of eHEALS was confirmed by statistically
      significant standardized item loadings, acceptable model fit indices
      (CFI/TLI>0.90), and 70% variance explained by the model. Item response categories
      increased with higher theta levels, and there was evidence of acceptable
      reliability (omega=0.94; item reliability=89; item separation=8.54). CONCLUSION:
      eHEALS scores are a valid and reliable measure of self-reported eHealth literacy
      among Internet-using chronic disease patients. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Providers
      can use eHEALS to help identify patients' eHealth literacy skills.

PMID- 27658662
TI  - A Nationwide Assessment of the Emergency Department Management of Acute Urinary
      Retention Due to Urethral Stricture.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the nationwide practice patterns of the management of
      acute urinary retention (AUR) secondary to urethral stricture (US) in an
      emergency department (ED) setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used the 2006-2010
      Nationwide Emergency Department Sample to identify men with US who received
      treatment for AUR. We excluded patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia,
      vesicourethral anastomotic stenosis, neurogenic bladder, and bladder cancer.
      Primary outcome was urethral dilation or suprapubic tube (SPT) placement as
      initial AUR management. Patient demographics and hospital factors were also
      examined. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to examine factors
      associated with initial AUR management. RESULTS: We identified 4794 weighted ED
      encounters of men with US who underwent urethral dilation or SPT placement for
      AUR. Mean age was 58.6 +/- 0.8 years. A total of 4084 (85%) men received urethral
      dilation, whereas 710 had SPT (15%) placement. In bivariate analysis, patients
      who received SPT were likely to be younger (P <.001), treated in recent years (P
      = .002), and in hospitals in the West region (P = .003). In multivariate
      analysis, SPT placement was significantly associated with younger age (P = .004),
      public insurance (P = .03), recent treatment years (P = .02), and hospitals in
      the West region (P = .02). Income and hospital teaching status did not have
      significant association with initial treatment choice. CONCLUSION: Urethral
      dilation remains the most common urologic intervention in the ED for AUR due to
      US; however, there is an increasing trend toward SPT placement. Patients who are
      younger, publicly insured, or who receive care in the West region are more likely
      to receive a SPT for initial treatment of AUR due to US.

PMID- 27658661
TI  - Preoperative Belladonna and Opium Suppository for Ureteral Stent Pain: A
      Randomized, Double-blinded, Placebo-controlled Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the use of a belladonna and opium (B&O) rectal
      suppository administered immediately before ureteroscopy (URS) and stent
      placement could reduce stent-related discomfort. METHODS: A randomized, double
      blinded, placebo-controlled study was performed from August 2013 to December
      2014. Seventy-one subjects were enrolled and randomized to receive a B&O (15
      mg/30 mg) or a placebo suppository after induction of general anesthesia
      immediately before URS and stent placement. Baseline urinary symptoms were
      assessed using the American Urological Association Symptom Score (AUASS). The
      Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire and AUASS were completed on postoperative
      days (POD) 1, 3, and after stent removal. Analgesic use intraoperatively, in the
      recovery unit, and at home was recorded. RESULTS: Of the 71 subjects, 65 had
      treatment for ureteral (41%) and renal (61%) calculi, 4 for renal urothelial
      carcinoma, and 2 were excluded for no stent placed. By POD3, the B&O group
      reported a higher mean global quality of life (QOL) score (P = .04), a better
      mean quality of work score (P = .05), and less pain with urination (P = .03). The
      B&O group reported an improved AUASS QOL when comparing POD1 with post-stent
      removal (P = .04). There was no difference in analgesic use among groups (P =
      .67). There were no episodes of urinary retention. Age was associated with
      unplanned emergency visits (P <.00) and "high-pain" measure (P = .02) CONCLUSION:
      B&O suppository administered preoperatively improved QOL measures and reduced
      urinary-related pain after URS with stent. Younger age was associated with severe
      stent pain and unplanned hospital visits.

PMID- 27658664
TI  - Role of compression therapy in pathophysiology of the venous system in lower
      limbs.
AB  - The management of varicose veins and their sequelae are estimated to cost the NHS
      approximately L400-600 m annually. Along with interventional procedures, the
      National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) also recommends the use
      of compression therapy. With the vast array of different compression therapies
      available, prescribing the correct method can be challenging, with patients
      receiving incorrect compression being a matter of concern. This review summarises
      the key principles underpinning the management of these patients with particular
      emphasis on the pathophysiology and different classes of compression.

PMID- 27658663
TI  - Management of Duodenal Involvement During Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection
      for Germ Cell Tumors.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe patient characteristics and outcomes after duodenal repair
      during postchemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (PC-RPLND) and to
      identify treatment and management patterns. METHODS: The Indiana University
      Testis Cancer database was used to identify all patients who underwent
      simultaneous partial duodenectomy and PC-RPLND from 1983 to 2013. Patient records
      were reviewed to describe patient and tumor characteristics, type of duodenal
      restoration, postoperative management, and complications. RESULTS: Of the 2223 PC
      RPLND performed during the study period, we identified 39 patients who underwent
      simultaneous duodenectomy, with 1 patient requiring 2 duodenal procedures for a
      total of 40 duodenal procedures. The postchemotherapy median tumor mass size was
      8.95 (2.5-17) cm. Fifty percent of cases were standard PC-RPLND; the remainders
      were redo, desperation, or late relapse cases. Preoperative gastrointestinal
      symptoms were present in 21% of patients and included bowel obstruction (8%) or
      gastrointestinal bleeding (13%). Retroperitoneal pathology consisted of teratoma
      (48%), cancer (33%), and necrosis (20%). Duodenal involvement was managed with
      primary duodenorrhaphy (68%), duodenojejunostomy (18%), duodenoduodenostomy
      (13%), or pancreaticoduodenectomy (3%). Starting in the year 2000, duodenostomy
      and gastrostomy tubes were no longer used. The most common postoperative
      complication was ileus (45%) with a 3% duodenal fistula rate. CONCLUSION:
      Duodenal tumor involvement during PC-RPLND is most commonly managed with primary
      duodenorrhaphy after partial duodenectomy with an acceptable duodenal fistula
      rate. The routine use of duodenostomy or gastrostomy tubes is not recommended.

PMID- 27658665
TI  - Cognitive training: How can it be adapted for surgical education?
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a need for new approaches to surgical training in order to
      cope with the increasing time pressures, ethical constraints, and legal
      limitations being placed on trainees. One of the most interesting of these new
      approaches is "cognitive training" or the use of psychological processes to
      enhance performance of skilled behaviour. Its ability to effectively improve
      motor skills in sport has raised the question as to whether it could also be used
      to improve surgical performance. The aim of this review is to provide an overview
      of the current evidence on the use of cognitive training within surgery, and
      evaluate the potential role it can play in surgical education. METHODS:
      Scientific database searches were conducted to identify studies that investigated
      the use of cognitive training in surgery. The key studies were selected and
      grouped according to the type of cognitive training they examined. RESULTS:
      Available research demonstrated that cognitive training interventions resulted in
      greater performance benefits when compared to control training. In particular,
      cognitive training was found to improve surgical motor skills, as well as a
      number of non-technical outcomes. Unfortunately, key limitations restricting the
      generalizability of these findings include small sample size and conceptual
      issues arising from differing definitions of the term 'cognitive training'.
      CONCLUSIONS: When used appropriately, cognitive training can be a highly
      effective supplementary training tool in the development of technical skills in
      surgery. Although further studies are needed to refine our understanding,
      cognitive training should certainly play an important role in future surgical
      education.

PMID- 27658667
TI  - There are too many medical physics journals!

PMID- 27658666
TI  - Point-of-care universal screening for meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus:
      a cluster-randomized cross-over trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is frequently
      endemic in healthcare settings and may be transmitted by person-to-person spread.
      Asymptomatic MRSA carriers are potential, unsuspected sources for transmission
      and some of them may be identified by admission screening. AIM: To assess whether
      rapid point-of-care screening (POCS) for MRSA at hospital admission may be
      associated with a reduction in MRSA acquisition rates when compared with slower
      laboratory-based methods. METHODS: A cluster-randomized cross-over trial was
      conducted in four admission wards of an acute London tertiary care hospital.
      Polymerase chain reaction-based POCS screening was compared with conventional
      culture screening. Patients were screened on ward admission and discharge, and
      the MRSA acquisition rate on the admission wards was calculated as the primary
      outcome measure. RESULTS: In all, 10,017 patients were included; 4978 in the
      control arm, 5039 in the POCS arm. The MRSA carriage rate on admission was 1.7%.
      POCS reduced the median reporting time from 40.4 to 3.7 h (P < 0.001). MRSA was
      acquired on the admission wards by 23 (0.46%) patients in the control arm and by
      24 (0.48%) in the intervention arm, acquisition rates of 5.39 and 4.60 per 1000
      days respectively. After taking account of predefined confounding factors, the
      adjusted incidence rate ratio (IRR) for change in trend for MRSA acquisition was
      0.961 (95% confidence interval: 0.766-1.206). The adjusted IRR for step change
      for MRSA acquisition was 0.98 (0.304-3.162). CONCLUSION: POCS produces a
      significantly faster result but has no effect on MRSA acquisition on admission
      wards compared with culture screening. Where compliance with infection prevention
      and control is high and MRSA carriage is low, POCS has no additional impact on
      MRSA acquisition rates over the first one to four days of admission compared with
      conventional culture screening.

PMID- 27658668
TI  - The ups and downs of low dose ionising radiobiology research.

PMID- 27658670
TI  - National Survey of State Children's Mental Health Directors: Current Status and
      Future Directions.
AB  - State agencies play a critical role in addressing the mental health needs of
      children and youth. Significant changes underway throughout the nation at the
      federal and state levels have led to questions about the role of state children's
      mental health (CMH) agencies and the effects of these changes on children's
      services. The purpose of this study was to examine the current status of state
      offices for CMH with regard to structure and responsibilities and to identify
      what state CMH directors express as opportunities and challenges for CMH at the
      state level. CMH directors or their representatives from 46 states, 1 US
      territory, and D.C. completed an online survey developed to address the specific
      aims of this study. Findings highlight the importance of a strong state structure
      to support CMH and opportunities for reform and system change, particularly
      related to the Affordable Care Act and expansion of Systems of Care.

PMID- 27658669
TI  - Differences in the association between childhood trauma history and borderline
      personality disorder or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder diagnoses in
      adulthood.
AB  - Common environmental etiological factors between borderline personality disorder
      (BPD) and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have not been fully
      studied. The main aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between
      childhood trauma histories, assessed by the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short
      Form (CTQ-SF), with adult BPD, ADHD or BPD-ADHD diagnoses. Comorbid BPD-ADHD
      patients exhibited significantly higher clinical severity and higher scores in
      the Total Neglect Scale, compared to BPD and ADHD patients, and only a marginal
      difference was observed for Sexual Abuse when BPD and ADHD patients were
      compared. Physical Trauma Scales were associated with ADHD diagnosis, whereas
      Emotional Abuse and Sexual Abuse Scales were associated with BPD or BPD-ADHD
      diagnoses. The study findings support the association between experiencing
      traumatic events in childhood and a higher clinical severity of BPD in adulthood.
      Furthermore, physical trauma history in childhood could be associated with the
      persistence of ADHD in adulthood and emotional or sexual abuse with later
      development of BPD or comorbid BPD-ADHD. Whereas experiencing childhood traumas
      is associated with later development of more general psychopathology, our study
      supports that a specific type of traumatic event could increase the risk for the
      consolidation of a concrete psychiatric disorder in the trajectory from childhood
      to adulthood of vulnerable subjects.

PMID- 27658671
TI  - Residential Moves Among Housing First Participants.

PMID- 27658672
TI  - The prevalence of heat-related cardiorespiratory symptoms: the vulnerable groups
      identified from the National FINRISK 2007 Study.
AB  - The prevalence of heat-related cardiorespiratory symptoms among vulnerable groups
      is not well known. We therefore estimated the prevalence of heat-related
      cardiorespiratory symptoms among the Finnish population and their associations
      with social and individual vulnerability factors. The data came from the National
      FINRISK 2007 Study, in which 4007 men and women aged 25-74 answered questions on
      heat-related cardiorespiratory symptoms in the Oulu Cold and Heat Questionnaire
      2007. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs), their 95 %
      confidence intervals (CIs), and model-predicted prevalence figures. The
      prevalence of heat-related cardiorespiratory symptoms was 12 %. It increased with
      age, from 3 % at the age of 25 years to 28 % at the age of 75 years. The symptoms
      were associated with pre-existing lung (OR 3.93; CI 3.01-5.13) and cardiovascular
      diseases (OR 2.27; 1.78-2.89); being a pensioner (OR 2.91; 1.65-5.28), unemployed
      (OR 2.82; 1.47-5.48), or working in agriculture (OR 2.27; 1.14-4.46) compared
      with working in industry; having only basic vs academic education (OR 1.98; 1.31
      3.05); being female (OR 1.94; 1.51-2.50); being heavy vs light alcohol consumer
      (OR 1.89; 1.02-3.32); undertaking hard vs light physical work (OR 1.48;1.06
      2.07); and being inactive vs active in leisure time (OR 1.97; 1.39-2.81). The
      adjusted prevalence of symptoms showed a wide range of variation, from 3 to 61 %
      depending on sex, age, professional field, education, and pre-existing lung and
      cardiovascular diseases. In conclusion, heat-related cardiorespiratory symptoms
      are commonly perceived among people with pre-existing lung or cardiovascular
      disease, agricultural workers, unemployed, pensioners, and people having only
      basic education. This information is needed for any planning and targeting
      measures to reduce the burden of summer heat.

PMID- 27658673
TI  - Engaging Patient Advocates and Other Stakeholders to Design Measures of Patient
      Centered Communication in Cancer Care.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patient-centered communication (PCC) is an essential component of
      patient-centered care and contributes to patient satisfaction, health-related
      quality of life, and other important patient outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this
      study was to develop and test survey questions to assess patients' experiences
      with PCC in cancer care. METHODS: We used a conceptual model developed by the
      National Cancer Institute as our framework. The survey questions align with the
      six core functions of PCC defined in the model: Exchanging Information, Managing
      Uncertainty, Enabling Patient Self-Management, Fostering Healing Relationships,
      Making Decisions, and Responding to Emotions. The study focused on colorectal
      cancer patients. We conducted two rounds of cognitive interviewing to evaluate
      patients' ability to understand and provide valid answers to the PCC questions.
      Interviews were conducted in Maryland and North Carolina in 2014. We involved a
      patient advocacy group, Fight Colorectal Cancer, and a multidisciplinary panel of
      stakeholders throughout the measurement development process to ensure that the
      survey questions capture aspects of PCC that are important to patients and meet
      the needs of potential end users, including researchers, healthcare
      organizations, and health professionals. RESULTS: Patient and other stakeholder
      input informed revisions of draft survey questions, including changes to survey
      instructions, frame of reference for questions, response scales, and language.
      CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the feasibility and value of engaging
      patients and other stakeholders in a measurement development study. The Patient
      Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) conceptual model of patient-centered
      outcomes research provides a useful guide for patient engagement in research.
      Research funders should call for meaningful roles for patients and other
      stakeholders in health research, including in the development of patient-centered
      outcomes.

PMID- 27658675
TI  - Generalizing prosodic patterns by a non-vocal learning mammal.
AB  - Prosody, a salient aspect of speech that includes rhythm and intonation, has been
      shown to help infants acquire some aspects of syntax. Recent studies have shown
      that birds of two vocal learning species are able to categorize human speech
      stimuli based on prosody. In the current study, we found that the non-vocal
      learning rat could also discriminate human speech stimuli based on prosody. Not
      only that, but rats were able to generalize to novel stimuli they had not been
      trained with, which suggests that they had not simply memorized the properties of
      individual stimuli, but learned a prosodic rule. When tested with stimuli with
      either one or three out of the four prosodic cues removed, the rats did poorly,
      suggesting that all cues were necessary for the rats to solve the task. This
      result is in contrast to results with humans and budgerigars, both of which had
      previously been studied using the same paradigm. Humans and budgerigars both
      learned the task and generalized to novel items, but were also able to solve the
      task with some of the cues removed. In conclusion, rats appear to have some of
      the perceptual abilities necessary to generalize prosodic patterns, in a similar
      though not identical way to the vocal learning species that have been studied.

PMID- 27658676
TI  - Experimental setting affects the performance of guppies in a numerical
      discrimination task.
AB  - A recent study found that guppies (Poecilia reticulata) can be trained to
      discriminate 4 versus 5 objects, a numerical discrimination typically achieved
      only by some mammals and birds. In that study, guppies were required to
      discriminate between two patches of small objects on the bottom of the tank that
      they could remove to find a food reward. It is not clear whether this species
      possesses exceptional numerical accuracy compared with the other ectothermic
      vertebrates or whether its remarkable performance was due to a specific
      predisposition to discriminate between differences in the quality of patches
      while foraging. To disentangle these possibilities, we trained guppies to the
      same numerical discriminations with a more conventional two-choice discrimination
      task. Stimuli were sets of dots presented on a computer screen, and the subjects
      received a food reward upon approaching the set with the larger numerosity.
      Though the cognitive problem was identical in the two experiments, the change in
      the experimental setting led to a much poorer performance as most fish failed
      even the 2 versus 3 discrimination. In four additional experiments, we varied the
      duration of the decision time, the type of stimuli, the length of training, and
      whether correction was allowed in order to identify the factors responsible for
      the difference. None of these parameters succeeded in increasing the performance
      to the level of the previous study, although the group trained with three
      dimensional stimuli learned the easiest numerical task. We suggest that the
      different results with the two experimental settings might be due to constraints
      on learning and that guppies might be prepared to accurately estimate patch
      quality during foraging but not to learn an abstract stimulus-reward association.

PMID- 27658674
TI  - Striatal cholinergic interneurons and D2 receptor-expressing GABAergic medium
      spiny neurons regulate tardive dyskinesia.
AB  - Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a drug-induced movement disorder that arises with
      antipsychotics. These drugs are the mainstay of treatment for schizophrenia and
      bipolar disorder, and are also prescribed for major depression, autism, attention
      deficit hyperactivity, obsessive compulsive and post-traumatic stress disorder.
      There is thus a need for therapies to reduce TD. The present studies and our
      previous work show that nicotine administration decreases haloperidol-induced
      vacuous chewing movements (VCMs) in rodent TD models, suggesting a role for the
      nicotinic cholinergic system. Extensive studies also show that D2 dopamine
      receptors are critical to TD. However, the precise involvement of striatal
      cholinergic interneurons and D2 medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in TD is uncertain.
      To elucidate their role, we used optogenetics with a focus on the striatum
      because of its close links to TD. Optical stimulation of striatal cholinergic
      interneurons using cholineacetyltransferase (ChAT)-Cre mice expressing
      channelrhodopsin2-eYFP decreased haloperidol-induced VCMs (~50%), with no effect
      in control-eYFP mice. Activation of striatal D2 MSNs using Adora2a-Cre mice
      expressing channelrhodopsin2-eYFP also diminished antipsychotic-induced VCMs,
      with no change in control-eYFP mice. In both ChAT-Cre and Adora2a-Cre mice,
      stimulation or mecamylamine alone similarly decreased VCMs with no further
      decline with combined treatment, suggesting nAChRs are involved. Striatal D2 MSN
      activation in haloperidol-treated Adora2a-Cre mice increased c-Fos+ D2 MSNs and
      decreased c-Fos+ non-D2 MSNs, suggesting a role for c-Fos. These studies provide
      the first evidence that optogenetic stimulation of striatal cholinergic
      interneurons and GABAergic MSNs modulates VCMs, and thus possibly TD. Moreover,
      they suggest nicotinic receptor drugs may reduce antipsychotic-induced TD.

PMID- 27658677
TI  - An mHealth Intervention Using a Smartphone App to Increase Walking Behavior in
      Young Adults: A Pilot Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Physical inactivity is a growing concern for society and is a risk
      factor for cardiovascular disease, obesity, and other chronic diseases.
      OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the efficacy of the Accupedo-Pro
      Pedometer mobile phone app intervention, with the goal of increasing daily step
      counts in young adults. METHODS: Mobile phone users (n=58) between 17-26 years of
      age were randomized to one of two conditions (experimental and control). Both
      groups downloaded an app that recorded their daily step counts. Baseline data
      were recorded and followed-up at 5 weeks. Both groups were given a daily walking
      goal of 30 minutes, but the experimental group participants were told the
      equivalent goal in steps taken, via feedback from the app. The primary outcome
      was daily step count between baseline and follow-up. RESULTS: A significant time
      x group interaction effect was observed for daily step counts (P=.04). Both the
      experimental (P<.001) and control group (P=.03) demonstrated a significant
      increase in daily step counts, with the experimental group walking an additional
      2000 steps per day. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrate that a
      mobile phone app can significantly increase physical activity in a young adult
      sample by setting specific goals, using self-monitoring, and feedback.

PMID- 27658679
TI  - What is rheumatoid arthritis? Considering consequences of changed classification
      criteria.

PMID- 27658678
TI  - Treat-to-target (T2T) recommendations for gout.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The treat-to-target (T2T) concept has been applied successfully in
      several inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Gout is a chronic disease with a high
      burden of pain and inflammation. Because the pathogenesis of gout is strongly
      related to serum urate levels, gout may be an ideal disease in which to apply a
      T2T approach. Our aim was to develop international T2T recommendations for
      patients with gout. METHODS: A committee of experts with experience in gout
      agreed upon potential targets and outcomes, which was the basis for the
      systematic literature search. Eleven rheumatologists, one cardiologist, one
      nephrologist, one general practitioner and one patient met in October 2015 to
      develop T2T recommendations based on the available scientific evidence. Levels of
      evidence, strength of recommendations and levels of agreement were derived.
      RESULTS: Although no randomised trial was identified in which a comparison with
      standard treatment or an evaluation of a T2T approach had been performed in
      patients with gout, indirect evidence was provided to focus on targets such as
      normalisation of serum urate levels. The expert group developed four overarching
      principles and nine T2T recommendations. They considered dissolution of crystals
      and prevention of flares to be fundamental; patient education, ensuring adherence
      to medications and monitoring of serum urate levels were also considered to be of
      major importance. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first application of the T2T approach
      developed for gout. Since no publication reports a trial comparing treatment
      strategies for gout, highly credible overarching principles and level D expert
      recommendations were created and agreed upon.

PMID- 27658680
TI  - Erratum to: Lactate-guided resuscitation saves lives: no.

PMID- 27658681
TI  - Clinical characterization of posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy in patients
      of Indian ethnicity.
AB  - PURPOSE: To characterize the clinical presentation of posterior polymorphous
      corneal dystrophy (PPCD) in eyes of Indian ethnicity. DESIGN: Retrospective
      cohort study from January 1995 to December 2015. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with the
      diagnosis of posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy. METHODS: Medical records
      of the patients were reviewed for clinical presentation. Histology of corneal
      specimens of those that underwent keratoplasty was assessed. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: Descriptive analysis of clinical condition. RESULTS: Mean age at first
      evaluation was 32.5 years (range 1-73 years), male:female = 35:18. Majority
      (44/53; 83 %) of the patients had bilateral involvement. 5/9 (44 %) patients with
      unilateral presentation were amblyopic in the affected eye. The clinical features
      documented were vesicles in 94 eyes, band-like pattern in 32 eyes, edema of
      varying degree in 23 eyes (12 patients, 1 patient was one eyed), and anterior
      segment changes in 1 eye. 8/45 (17 %) eyes had a regular astigmatism with steep
      axis >47 D (range 47.2-56.2 D). 16 eyes of 12 patients who had clinically evident
      corneal edema underwent keratoplasty. Mean age at keratoplasty was 58 years
      (range 1-73 years). 8 patients had penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and 8 had
      Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK). Mean follow-up after
      keratoplasty was 4.2 years (1 month to 13 years). Except one, all grafts remained
      clear till the last follow-up. In all specimens, the Descemet membrane was
      grossly thickened. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, 12/53 (22.6 %) patients required
      keratoplasty for visually significant corneal edema. Except one, all were older
      adults. The patients who needed keratoplasty were bilaterally afflicted and had
      visually significant cornea edema in both eyes. With a mean follow-up duration of
      4.2 years after keratoplasty, no recurrences were noted.

PMID- 27658682
TI  - Climate Change Perceptions of NY State Farmers: The Role of Risk Perceptions and
      Adaptive Capacity.
AB  - Climate change is expected to severely impact agricultural practices in many
      important food-producing regions, including the Northeast United States. Changing
      climate conditions, such as increases in the amount of rainfall, will require
      farmers to adapt. Yet, little is known with regard to farmers' perceptions and
      understandings about climate change, especially in the industrialized country
      context. This paper aims at overcoming this research limitation, as well as
      determining the existing contextual, cognitive, and psychological barriers that
      can prevent adoption of sustainable practices of farmers in New York State. The
      study is framed within the adaptive capacity and risk perception literature, and
      is based on a qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews with farmers in 21
      farms in two counties in Central New York. The results reveal diverging views
      about the long-term consequences of climate change. Results also reveal that past
      experience remains as the most important source of information that influences
      beliefs and perceptions about climate change, confirming previous research.

PMID- 27658683
TI  - Taking the next step-Advancing bladder cancer management.

PMID- 27658685
TI  - Tuning Proton Conductivity by Interstitial Guest Change in Size-Adjustable
      Nanopores of a CuI -MOF: A Potential Platform for Versatile Proton Carriers.
AB  - By exploiting the breathing behavior of nanopores, we have studied for the first
      time the dependency of the guest-induced proton conductivity of an
      interpenetrated CuI metal-organic framework (CuI -MOF, [1]) on various guest
      molecules. Proton conductivities of over 10-3  S cm-1 under humid conditions were
      induced by a series of guest molecules, namely N,N-dimethylformamide, dimethyl
      sulfoxide, diethylamine, 1,4-dinitrobenzene, nitrobenzene, pyridine, and 1H-1,2,4
      triazole. A detailed investigation of the guest-incorporated complexes revealed
      that low-energy proton conduction occurs under humid conditions through the
      Grotthuss mechanism in [1?NB] and through the vehicle mechanism in the rest of
      the complexes. Single-point energy computations revealed considerable
      stabilization upon guest encapsulation. To the best of our knowledge, [1]
      represents the first example in which considerably high protonic conductivity is
      triggered upon the facile incorporation of small molecules of such a variety. The
      investigation portrayed herein may be a stepping stone towards the rational
      design of proton-conducting materials for practical applications.

PMID- 27658684
TI  - ATPase and GTPase Tangos Drive Intracellular Protein Transport.
AB  - The GTPase superfamily of proteins provides molecular switches to regulate
      numerous cellular processes. The 'GTPase switch' paradigm, in which external
      regulatory factors control the switch of a GTPase between 'on' and 'off' states,
      has been used to interpret the regulatory mechanism of many GTPases. However,
      recent work unveiled a class of nucleotide hydrolases that do not adhere to this
      classical paradigm. Instead, they use nucleotide-dependent dimerization cycles to
      regulate key cellular processes. In this review article, recent studies of
      dimeric GTPases and ATPases involved in intracellular protein targeting are
      summarized. It is suggested that these proteins can use the conformational
      plasticity at their dimer interface to generate multiple points of regulation,
      thereby providing the driving force and spatiotemporal coordination of complex
      cellular pathways.

PMID- 27658687
TI  - What Lies Beneath: Acropachy Hiding Subungual Osteochondroma.

PMID- 27658686
TI  - Ectomycorrhizal fungal response to warming is linked to poor host performance at
      the boreal-temperate ecotone.
AB  - Rising temperatures associated with climate change have been shown to negatively
      affect the photosynthetic rates of boreal forest tree saplings at their southern
      range limits. To quantify the responses of ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungal
      communities associated with poorly performing hosts, we sampled the roots of
      Betula papyrifera and Abies balsamea saplings growing in the B4Warmed (Boreal
      Forest Warming at an Ecotone in Danger) experiment. EM fungi on the root systems
      of both hosts were compared from ambient and +3.4  degrees C air and soil warmed
      plots at two sites in northern Minnesota. EM fungal communities were assessed
      with high-throughput sequencing along with measures of plant photosynthesis, soil
      temperature, moisture, and nitrogen. Warming selectively altered EM fungal
      community composition at both the phylum and genus levels, but had no significant
      effect on EM fungal operational taxonomic unit (OTU) diversity. Notably, warming
      strongly favored EM Ascomycetes and EM fungi with short-contact hyphal
      exploration types. Declining host photosynthetic rates were also significantly
      inversely correlated with EM Ascomycete and EM short-contact exploration type
      abundance, which may reflect a shift to less carbon demanding fungi due to lower
      photosynthetic capacity. Given the variation in EM host responses to warming,
      both within and between ecosystems, better understanding the link between host
      performance and EM fungal community structure will to clarify how climate change
      effects cascade belowground.

PMID- 27658688
TI  - Precancerous Skin Lesions.
AB  - Certain clinically and histologically recognizable skin lesions with a degree of
      risk of progression to squamous cell carcinoma have been traditionally grouped as
      precancerous skin conditions but now tend to be classified as in situ carcinomas.
      This consensus statement discusses various aspects of these lesions: their
      evaluation by means of clinical and histopathologic features, the initial
      evaluation of the patient, the identification of risk factors for progression,
      and the diagnostic and treatment strategies available today.

PMID- 27658690
TI  - Digitizing paper electrocardiograms: Status and challenges.
AB  - The paper electrocardiogram (ECG) has been widely used for cardiac assessment for
      well over a century. ECGs can be obtained quickly and cheaply. For this reason,
      an ever-growing amount of paper ECG records continue to accumulate, some of which
      are stored into a paper-only format. Converting paper ECGs into digital form has
      been proposed as the most efficient means to store and analyze an otherwise
      cumbersome paper archive. In this article, a literature review was conducted for
      conversion algorithms, criticisms of said algorithms, applications, and
      standardization efforts. The algorithms were compared in tabulated form. Key
      functions that have advanced the conversion algorithms as well as remaining
      challenges are discussed.

PMID- 27658689
TI  - Management of Biologic Therapy in Moderate to Severe Psoriasis in Surgical
      Patients: Data From the Spanish Biobadaderm Registry.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: We now have considerable experience in the use of
      biologic agents to treat psoriasis, but doubts about management arise in certain
      clinical settings. Surgery is one of them. Although treatment guidelines advise
      that biologics be suspended before major surgery, data about actual clinical
      practices and associated complications are lacking. We aimed to analyze current
      practice in the clinical management of these cases. METHODS: Retrospective study
      of cases in the Biobadaderm database. We analyzed the management of biologic
      therapy in patients with psoriasis who underwent surgical procedures. RESULTS:
      Forty-eight of the 2113 patients registered in Biobadaderm underwent surgery. The
      largest percentage of procedures (31%) involved skin lesions. Biologic treatment
      was interrupted in 42% of the cases. No postsurgical complications were
      significantly related to treatment interruption. Likewise we detected no
      associations between treatment interruption and other variables, such as sex,
      age, or duration or severity of psoriasis. CONCLUSION: Continuity of biologic
      treatment and the risk of postsurgical complications were not associated in this
      study, although conclusions are limited by the small sample size.

PMID- 27658691
TI  - Phase 3 Trial of a Sabin Strain-Based Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine.
AB  - BACKGROUND:  The development of a Sabin strain-based inactivated poliovirus
      vaccine (Sabin-IPV) is imperative to protecting against vaccine-associated
      paralytic poliomyelitis in developing countries. METHODS:  In this double
      blinded, parallel-group, noninferiority trial, eligible infants aged 60-90 days
      were randomly assigned in a ratio of 1:1 to receive either 3 doses of Sabin-IPV
      or Salk strain-based IPV (Salk-IPV) at 30-day intervals and a booster at the age
      of 18 months. Immunogenicity and safety were assessed on the basis of a protocol.
      RESULTS:  Of 1438 infants, 1200 eligible infants were recruited and received
      either Sabin-IPV or Salk-IPV. From the Sabin-IPV and Salk-IPV groups, 570 and 564
      infants, respectively, completed the primary immunization and formed the per
      protocol population. The seroconversion rates of the participants who received
      Sabin-IPV were 100%, 94.9%, and 99.0% (types I, II, and III, respectively), and
      those of the participants who received Salk-IPV were 94.7%, 91.3%, and 97.9% 1
      month after the completion of primary immunization. An anamnestic response for
      poliovirus types I, II, and III was elicited by a booster in both groups. Except
      in the case of fever, other adverse events were similar between the 2 groups.
      CONCLUSIONS:  The immune response induced by Sabin-IPV was not inferior to that
      established with Salk-IPV.

PMID- 27658692
TI  - The Matrine Derivate MASM Prolongs Survival, Attenuates Inflammation, and Reduces
      Organ Injury in Murine Established Lethal Sepsis.
AB  - BACKGROUND:  MASM, a novel derivative of matrine, has inhibitory effects on
      activation of macrophages, dendritic cells, and hepatic stellate cells and binds
      to ribosomal protein S5 (RPS5). This study was designed to evaluate the effect of
      MASM on murine-established lethal sepsis and its mechanisms. METHODS:  Mouse
      peritoneal macrophages and RAW264.7 cells that were infected with recombinant
      lentiviruses encoding shRPS5 were incubated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the
      absence or presence of MASM in vitro. Endotoxemia induced by LPS injection and
      sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture was followed by MASM treatment.
      RESULTS:  MASM markedly attenuated LPS-induced release and messenger RNA
      expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 6, and NO/inducible NO
      synthase in murine peritoneal macrophages and RAW264.7 cells. Meanwhile, MASM
      inhibited LPS-induced activation of nuclear factor kappaB and MAPK pathways.
      Consistently, RPS5 suppressed LPS-induced inflammatory responses and at least in
      part mediated the antiinflammatory effect of MASM in vitro. Remarkably, delayed
      administration of MASM could significantly reduce mortality in mouse sepsis
      models, which was associated with the reduction in the inflammatory response, the
      attenuation in multiple organ injury, and the enhanced bacterial clearance.
      CONCLUSIONS:  MASM could be further explored for the treatments of sepsis,
      especially for administration later after the onset of sepsis.

PMID- 27658694
TI  - Thomas ED, Buckner CD, Rudolph RH, et al. Allogeneic marrow grafting for
      hematologic malignancy using HL-A matched donor-recipient sibling pairs. Blood.
      1971;38(3):267-287.

PMID- 27658693
TI  - Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Load Response to 2 Antiviral Regimens,
      Tenofovir/Lamivudine and Lamivudine, in HIV/ HBV-Coinfected Pregnant Women in
      Guangxi, China: The Tenofovir in Pregnancy (TiP) Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND:  There is limited information on antiviral therapy for hepatitis B
      virus (HBV) infection among pregnant women coinfected with human immunodeficiency
      virus (HIV) and HBV. METHODS:  A phase 2 randomized, controlled trial of a
      regimen containing tenofovir (TDF)/lamivudine (3TC) and a regimen containing 3TC
      in HIV/HBV-coinfected pregnant women in China. The HBV virological response was
      compared in study arms. RESULTS:  The median decline in the HBV DNA level was
      2.60 log10 copies/mL in the TDF/3TC arm and 2.24 log10 copies/mL in the 3TC arm
      (P = .41). All women achieved HBV DNA levels of <6 log10 copies/mL at delivery.
      CONCLUSIONS:  Initiation of either regimen led to achievement of HBV DNA levels
      below the threshold associated with perinatal HBV transmission. CLINICAL TRIALS
      REGISTRATION:  NCT01125696.

PMID- 27658695
TI  - Blind men and the refractory ITP elephant.

PMID- 27658696
TI  - Unchanneling cardiac iron in humans.

PMID- 27658697
TI  - BV for HL: can the responses last?

PMID- 27658698
TI  - Turning it down a Notch.

PMID- 27658699
TI  - EBV, an inhibited receptor kinase, and lymphoma.

PMID- 27658700
TI  - When is a thrombogenic matrix not thrombogenic?

PMID- 27658701
TI  - RBC storage lesions.

PMID- 27658703
TI  - Behavioural and neural modulation of win-stay but not lose-shift strategies as a
      function of outcome value in Rock, Paper, Scissors.
AB  - Competitive environments in which individuals compete for mutually-exclusive
      outcomes require rational decision making in order to maximize gains but often
      result in poor quality heuristics. Reasons for the greater reliance on lose-shift
      relative to win-stay behaviour shown in previous studies were explored using the
      game of Rock, Paper, Scissors and by manipulating the value of winning and
      losing. Decision-making following a loss was characterized as relatively fast and
      relatively inflexible both in terms of the failure to modulate the magnitude of
      lose-shift strategy and the lack of significant neural modulation. In contrast,
      decision-making following a win was characterized as relatively slow and
      relatively flexible both in terms of a behavioural increase in the magnitude of
      win-stay strategy and a neural modulation of feedback-related negativity (FRN)
      and stimulus-preceding negativity (SPN) following outcome value modulation. The
      win-stay/lose-shift heuristic appears not to be a unified mechanism, with the
      former relying on System 2 processes and the latter relying on System 1
      processes. Our ability to play rationally appears more likely when the outcome is
      positive and when the value of wins are low, highlighting how vulnerable we can
      be when trying to succeed during competition.

PMID- 27658702
TI  - Oxygen tension modulates the effects of TNFalpha in compressed chondrocytes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: Oxygen tension and biomechanical signals are factors that
      regulate inflammatory mechanisms in chondrocytes. We examined whether low oxygen
      tension influenced the cells response to TNFalpha and dynamic compression.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Chondrocyte/agarose constructs were treated with varying
      concentrations of TNFalpha (0.1-100 ng/ml) and cultured at 5 and 21 % oxygen
      tension for 48 h. In separate experiments, constructs were subjected to dynamic
      compression (15 %) and treated with TNFalpha (10 ng/ml) and/or L-NIO (1 mM) at 5
      and 21 % oxygen tension using an ex vivo bioreactor for 48 h. Markers for
      catabolic activity (NO, PGE2) and tissue remodelling (GAG, MMPs) were quantified
      by biochemical assay. ADAMTS-5 and MMP-13 expression were examined by real-time
      qPCR. 2-way ANOVA and a post hoc Bonferroni-corrected t test were used to analyse
      data. RESULTS: TNFalpha dose-dependently increased NO, PGE2 and MMP activity (all
      p < 0.001) and induced MMP-13 (p < 0.05) and ADAMTS-5 gene expression (pp < 0.01)
      with values greater at 5 % oxygen tension than 21 %. The induction of catabolic
      mediators by TNFalpha was reduced by dynamic compression and/or L-NIO (all p <
      0.001), with a greater inhibition observed at 5% than 21 %. The stimulation of
      GAG synthesis by dynamic compression was greater at 21 % than 5 % oxygen tension
      and this response was reduced with TNFalpha or reversed with L-NIO. CONCLUSIONS:
      The present findings revealed that TNFalpha increased production of NO, PGE2 and
      MMP activity at 5 % oxygen tension. The effects induced by TNFalpha were reduced
      by dynamic compression and/or the NOS inhibitor, linking both types of stimuli to
      reparative activities. Future therapeutics should develop oxygen-sensitive
      antagonists which are directed to interfering with the TNFalpha-induced pathways.

PMID- 27658705
TI  - Surface-Functionalized Electrospun Titania Nanofibers for the Scavenging and
      Recycling of Precious Metal Ions.
AB  - Precious metals are widely used as catalysts in industry. It is of critical
      importance to keep the precious metal ions leached from catalysts at a level
      below one part per million (ppm) in the final products and to recycle the
      expensive precious metals. Here we demonstrate a simple and effective method for
      scavenging precious metal ions from an aqueous solution and thereby reduce their
      concentrations down to the parts per billion (ppb) level. The key component is a
      filtration membrane comprised of titania (TiO2 ) nanofibers whose surface has
      been functionalized with a silane bearing amino or thiol group. When operated
      under continuous flow at a rate of 1 mL min-1 and at room temperature, up to
      99.95 % of the Pd2+ ions could be removed from a stock solution with an initial
      concentration of 100 ppm. This work offers a viable strategy not only for the
      removal of precious metal ions but also for recovering and further recycling them
      for use as catalysts. For example, the captured Pd2+ ions could be converted to
      nanoparticles and used as catalysts for organic reactions such as Suzuki coupling
      in a continuous flow reactor. This system can be potentially applied to
      pharmaceutical industry and waste stream treatment.

PMID- 27658704
TI  - Baicalin attenuates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis via adenosine A2a
      receptor related TGF-beta1-induced ERK1/2 signaling pathway.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Baicalin has been reported to have anti-fibrosis effect; however, its
      mechanism still remains to be elucidated. Adenosine A2a receptor (A2aR) is a
      novel inflammation regulator, and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1)
      induced extracellular signal regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling pathway plays
      an important role in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). This study was to
      explore the relationship of A2aR and TGF-beta1-induced ERK1/2 in bleomycin (BLM)
      induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice, and to investigate whether A2aR mediate the
      anti-fibrosis effect of Baicalin on BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis. METHODS: The
      A2aR-/- and A2aR+/+ mice were respectively divided into three groups: control
      group, model group, baicalin group. Pulmonary fibrosis was induced in mice of
      model groups by intratracheal instillation of bleomycin, and baicalin was
      administered in mice of baicalin groups daily for 28 days. Histopathological and
      ultrastructural changes of lung tissues were evaluated. Lung coefficient and the
      levels of hydroxyproline (HYP) in lung tissues were measured at the same time.
      The levels of serum TGF-beta1 were measured by ELISA. The expression of TGF
      beta1, ERK1/2, p-ERK1/2 and A2aR were detected by western blot and
      immunohistochemical staining techniques. RESULTS: Severe lung fibrosis was
      observed in the bleomycin-treated mice on day 28. The histopathological findings
      and collagen content of lung tissues were much severer/higher in A2aR-/- mice
      than in A2aR+/+ mice. We also showed that TGF-beta1 and p-ERK1/2 were upregulated
      in bleomycin-treated mice and expressed higher in A2aR-/- mice compared to
      A2aR+/+ mice. Besides, bleomycin-treated A2aR+/+ mice had increased A2aR level in
      lungs. However, long-term treatment with baicalin in A2aR-/- and A2aR+/+ mice
      significantly ameliorated the histopathological changes in lungs. Moreover,
      Increased TGF-beta1 and p-ERK1/2 expressions in bleomycin-treated A2aR-/- and
      A2aR+/+ mice were obviously diminished by baicalin. The baicalin-treated A2aR-/-
      mice had severer lung fibrosis and higher expressions of TGF-beta1 and p-ERK1/2
      than A2aR+/+ mice. Baicalin has also upregulated the expression of A2aR in
      A2aR+/+ mice. CONCLUSIONS: Genetic inactivation of A2aR exacerbated the
      pathological processes of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Together,
      baicalin could inhibit BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis by upregulating A2aR,
      suggesting A2aR as a therapeutic target of baicalin for the treatment of
      pulmonary fibrosis.

PMID- 27658707
TI  - Amyand's hernia with appendicitis masquerading as Fournier's gangrene: a case
      report and review of the literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The incarceration of an appendix within an inguinal hernia sac is
      known as Amyand's hernia. Appendicitis in Amyand's hernia accounts for 0.1 % of
      the cases. An aggressive necrotizing infection of the genitalia and perineum,
      called Fournier's gangrene, can rapidly progress to sepsis and death. We describe
      a rare case of Fournier's gangrene complicating Amyand's inguinal hernia which
      has rarely been reported in the literature. CASE PRESENTATION: This case report
      describes the presentation and management of a 47-year-old Chinese man who
      presented with pus discharge from his right inguinoscrotal region and lower
      abdominal pain with clinical signs of Fournier's gangrene. On surgical
      exploration, a complicated Amyand's hernia (Losanoff and Basson classification
      type 4) was found to be the cause of his Fournier's gangrene. CONCLUSIONS: A
      perforated appendix within an inguinal hernia causing Fournier's gangrene is
      rarely seen in clinical practice. The diagnosis of this condition is almost
      always made intraoperatively. Early recognition and awareness of perforated
      appendicitis within an inguinal hernia sac as one of the causes of Fournier's
      gangrene and good surgical technique in such cases are the keys to success when
      dealing with this surgical issue. In complicated presentations of Amyand's
      hernia, an appendicectomy with anatomical repair is the best treatment. It is
      better to avoid meshplasty.

PMID- 27658706
TI  - Primary triage nurses do not divert patients away from the emergency department
      at times of high in-hospital bed occupancy - a retrospective cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Emergency department (ED) overcrowding is frequently described in
      terms of input- throughput and output. In order to reduce ED input, a concept
      called primary triage has been introduced in several Swedish EDs. In short,
      primary triage means that a nurse separately evaluates patients who present in
      the Emergency Department (ED) and either refers them to primary care or
      discharges them home, if their complaints are perceived as being of low acuity.
      The aim of the present study is to elucidate whether high levels of in-hospital
      bed occupancy are associated with decreased permeability in primary triage. The
      appropriateness of discharges from primary triage is assessed by 72-h revisits to
      the ED. METHODS: The study is a retrospective cohort study on administrative data
      from the ED at a 420-bed hospital in southern Sweden from 2011-2012. In addition
      to crude comparisons of proportions experiencing each outcome across strata of in
      hospital bed occupancy, multivariate models are constructed in order to adjust
      for age, sex and other factors. RESULTS: A total of 37,129 visits to primary
      triage were included in the study. 53.4 % of these were admitted to the ED. Among
      the cases referred to another level of care, 8.8 % made an unplanned revisit to
      the ED within 72 h. The permeability of primary triage was not decreased at
      higher levels of in-hospital bed occupancy. Rather, the permeability was slightly
      higher at occupancy of 100-105 % compared to <95 % (OR 1.09 95 % CI 1.02-1.16).
      No significant association between in-hospital bed occupancy and the probability
      of 72-h revisits was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The absence of a decreased
      permeability of primary triage at times of high in-hospital bed occupancy is
      reassuring, as the opposite would have implied that patients might be denied
      entry not only to the hospital, but also to the ED, when in-hospital beds are
      scarce.

PMID- 27658708
TI  - Depletion of gamma-glutamylcyclotransferase inhibits breast cancer cell growth
      via cellular senescence induction mediated by CDK inhibitor upregulation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chromosome 7 open reading frame 24 (C7orf24) was originally
      identified as a highly expressed protein in various types of cancer, and later
      shown to be a gamma-glutamylcyclotransferase (GGCT). GGCT depletion in cancer
      cells has anti-proliferative effects in vitro and in vivo, and it is therefore
      considered a promising candidate as a therapeutic target. However, the cellular
      events induced by GGCT depletion remain unclear. METHODS: GGCT was depleted by
      siRNA in MCF7, MDA-MB-231, PC3, A172, Hela, and LNCaP cells. Induction of
      cellular senescence was evaluated with senescence-associated beta-galactosidase
      (SA-beta-Gal) staining. Expression levels of p21WAF1/CIP1 and p16INK4A were
      assessed by qRT-PCR and Western blotting. Effects of simultaneous double
      knockdown of p21WAF1/CIP1 and p16INK4A together with GGCT on cell cycle
      regulation and cell growth was measured by flow cytometry, and trypan blue dye
      exclusion test. RESULTS: We found that GGCT knockdown induces significant
      cellular senescence in various cancer cells. Cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor
      p21WAF1/CIP1 and/or p16INK4A were upregulated in all cell lines tested.
      Simultaneous knockdown of p21WAF1/CIP1 recovered the cell cycle arrest,
      attenuated cellular senescence induction, and rescued the subsequent growth
      inhibition in GGCT-silenced MCF7 breast cancer cells. In contrast, in GGCT
      silenced MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, GGCT depletion upregulated p16INK4A,
      which played a regulatory role in senescence induction, instead of p21WAF1/CIP1.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that induction of cellular senescence
      mediated by the upregulation of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors is a major
      event underlying the anti-proliferative effect of GGCT depletion in breast cancer
      cells, highlighting the potential of GGCT blockade as a therapeutic strategy to
      induce cellular senescence.

PMID- 27658709
TI  - Comparing fluorescence-based cell-free assays for the assessment of antioxidative
      capacity of high-density lipoproteins.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Population studies have shown an inverse association between high
      density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels and risk of coronary heart disease
      (CHD). HDL has different functions, including the ability to protect biological
      molecules from oxidation. Our aim was to evaluate the performance of two
      fluorescence-based assays in assessing the antioxidative capacity of HDL.
      METHODS: We compared the antioxidative capacity of HDL with the phospholipid
      2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein (DCF) assay and the dihydrorhodamine 123 (DHR)
      assay in controls and in subjects at increased risk of CHD, including subjects
      with established CHD, and subjects with elevated plasma triglycerides (TG), serum
      amyloid A (SAA), or myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels. RESULTS: The antioxidative
      capacity of HDL, as measured by the DCF assay, was significantly lower in both
      CHD and high-TG patients than in controls (p < 0.001 and p = 0.004,
      respectively). Interestingly, the mean antioxidative capacity of HDL in high-SAA
      subjects was significantly higher (p < 0.03), while in high-MPO subjects was
      similar to controls. When the DHR assay was used we did not find differences in
      HDL's antioxidative capacity between CHD patients and controls but we found
      higher antioxidative capacity in high-SAA subjects compared to controls.
      CONCLUSIONS: Only the DCF assay could detect significant differences in the
      antioxidative capacity of HDL between controls and CHD subjects. Practical use of
      both assays for the assessment of antioxidative capacity of HDL is limited by the
      large overlap in values among groups. The antioxidative activity of HDL in
      patients who have elevated SAA levels needs to be reassessed.

PMID- 27658712
TI  - The molecular choreography of protein synthesis: translational control,
      regulation, and pathways.
AB  - Translation of proteins by the ribosome regulates gene expression, with recent
      results underscoring the importance of translational control. Misregulation of
      translation underlies many diseases, including cancer and many genetic diseases.
      Decades of biochemical and structural studies have delineated many of the
      mechanistic details in prokaryotic translation, and sketched the outlines of
      eukaryotic translation. However, translation may not proceed linearly through a
      single mechanistic pathway, but likely involves multiple pathways and
      branchpoints. The stochastic nature of biological processes would allow different
      pathways to occur during translation that are biased by the interaction of the
      ribosome with other translation factors, with many of the steps kinetically
      controlled. These multiple pathways and branchpoints are potential regulatory
      nexus, allowing gene expression to be tuned at the translational level. As
      research focus shifts toward eukaryotic translation, certain themes will be
      echoed from studies on prokaryotic translation. This review provides a general
      overview of the dynamic data related to prokaryotic and eukaryotic translation,
      in particular recent findings with single-molecule methods, complemented by
      biochemical, kinetic, and structural findings. We will underscore the importance
      of viewing the process through the viewpoints of regulation, translational
      control, and heterogeneous pathways.

PMID- 27658710
TI  - Antigen processing and immune regulation in the response to tumours.
AB  - The MHC class I and II antigen processing and presentation pathways display
      peptides to circulating CD8+ cytotoxic and CD4+ helper T cells respectively to
      enable pathogens and transformed cells to be identified. Once detected, T cells
      become activated and either directly kill the infected / transformed cells (CD8+
      cytotoxic T lymphocytes) or orchestrate the activation of the adaptive immune
      response (CD4+ T cells). The immune surveillance of transformed/tumour cells
      drives alteration of the antigen processing and presentation pathways to evade
      detection and hence the immune response. Evasion of the immune response is a
      significant event tumour development and considered one of the hallmarks of
      cancer. To avoid immune recognition, tumours employ a multitude of strategies
      with most resulting in a down-regulation of the MHC class I expression at the
      cell surface, significantly impairing the ability of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes
      to recognize the tumour. Alteration of the expression of key players in antigen
      processing not only affects MHC class I expression but also significantly alters
      the repertoire of peptides being presented. These modified peptide repertoires
      may serve to further reduce the presentation of tumour-specific/associated
      antigenic epitopes to aid immune evasion and tumour progression. Here we review
      the modifications to the antigen processing and presentation pathway in tumours
      and how it affects the anti-tumour immune response, considering the role of
      tumour-infiltrating cell populations and highlighting possible future therapeutic
      targets.

PMID- 27658711
TI  - Epidemiology, prehospital care and outcomes of patients arriving by ambulance
      with dyspnoea: an observational study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine epidemiology and outcome for patients
      presenting to emergency departments (ED) with shortness of breath who were
      transported by ambulance. METHODS: This was a planned sub-study of a prospective,
      interrupted time series cohort study conducted at three time points in 2014 and
      which included consecutive adult patients presenting to the ED with dyspnoea as a
      main symptom. For this sub-study, additional inclusion criteria were presentation
      to an ED in Australia or New Zealand and transport by ambulance. The primary
      outcomes of interest are the epidemiology and outcome of these patients. Analysis
      was by descriptive statistics and comparisons of proportions. RESULTS: One
      thousand seven patients met inclusion criteria. Median age was 74 years (IQR 61
      68) and 46.1 % were male. There was a high rate of co-morbidity and chronic
      medication use. The most common ED diagnoses were lower respiratory tract
      infection (including pneumonia, 22.7 %), cardiac failure (20.5%) and exacerbation
      of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (19.7 %). ED disposition was hospital
      admission (including ICU) for 76.4 %, ICU admission for 5.6 % and death in ED in
      0.9 %. Overall in-hospital mortality among admitted patients was 6.5 %.
      DISCUSSION: Patients transported by ambulance with shortness of breath make up a
      significant proportion of ambulance caseload and have high comorbidity and high
      hospital admission rate. In this study, >60 % were accounted for by patients with
      heart failure, lower respiratory tract infection or COPD, but there were a wide
      range of diagnoses. This has implications for service planning, models of care
      and paramedic training. CONCLUSION: This study shows that patients transported to
      hospital by ambulance with shortness of breath are a complex and seriously ill
      group with a broad range of diagnoses. Understanding the characteristics of these
      patients, the range of diagnoses and their outcome can help inform training and
      planning of services.

PMID- 27658713
TI  - Silencing of Dok-7 in Adult Rat Muscle Increases Susceptibility to Passive
      Transfer Myasthenia Gravis.
AB  - Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease mediated by autoantibodies that
      target proteins at the neuromuscular junction, primarily the acetylcholine
      receptor (AChR) and the muscle-specific kinase. Because downstream of kinase 7
      (Dok-7) is essential for the full activation of muscle-specific kinase and
      consequently for dense clustering of AChRs, we hypothesized that reduced levels
      of Dok-7 increase the susceptibility to passive transfer MG. To test this
      hypothesis, Dok-7 expression was reduced by transfecting shRNA-coding plasmids
      into the tibialis anterior muscle of adult rats by in vivo electroporation.
      Subclinical MG was subsequently induced with a low dose of anti-AChR monoclonal
      antibody 35. Neuromuscular transmission was significantly impaired in Dok-7-siRNA
      electroporated legs compared with the contralateral control legs, which
      correlated with a reduction of AChR protein levels at the neuromuscular junction
      (approximately 25%) in Dok-7-siRNA-electroporated muscles, compared with
      contralateral control muscles. These results suggest that a reduced expression of
      Dok-7 may play a role in the susceptibility to passive transfer MG, by rendering
      AChR clusters less resistant to the autoantibody attack.

PMID- 27658715
TI  - Note of Concern.
AB  - This Note of Concern relates to Al-Gayyar et al Am J Pathol 177:1187-1197 and
      Correction 185:1795-1796.

PMID- 27658714
TI  - Braf Mutations Initiate the Development of Rat Gliomas Induced by Postnatal
      Exposure to N-Ethyl-N-Nitrosourea.
AB  - A single dose of N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) during late prenatal or early
      postnatal development induces a high incidence of malignant schwannomas and
      gliomas in rats. Although T->A mutations in the transmembrane domain of the Neu
      (c-ErbB-2) gene are the driver mutations in ENU-induced malignant schwannomas,
      the molecular basis of ENU-induced gliomas remains enigmatic. We performed whole
      genome sequencing of gliomas that developed in three BDIV and two BDIX rats
      exposed to a single dose of 80 mg ENU/kg body weight on postnatal day one. T:A
      >A:T and T:A->C:G mutations, which are typical for ENU-induced mutagenesis, were
      predominant (41% to 55% of all somatic single nucleotide mutations). T->A
      mutations were identified in all five rat gliomas at Braf codon 545 (V545E),
      which corresponds to the human BRAF V600E. Additional screening revealed that 33
      gliomas in BDIV rats and 12 gliomas in BDIX rats all carried a Braf V545E
      mutation, whereas peritumoral brain tissue of either strain had the wild-type
      sequence. The gliomas were immunoreactive to BRAF V600E antibody. These results
      indicate that Braf mutation is a frequent early event in the development of rat
      gliomas caused by a single dose of ENU.

PMID- 27658716
TI  - Epigenetic Profiling of CUP.
AB  - DNA methylation profiling may have potential in unmasking the origin of tumors
      classified as cancer of unknown primary. A diagnostic assay developed by the
      researchers, EPICUP, predicted the primary tumor site in 87% of 216 cases, and
      these predictions were subsequently verified through various tests, including
      immunohistochemistry.

PMID- 27658717
TI  - Pinpointing a Factor in Myeloma Bone Disease.
AB  - A recent study implicates thymidine phosphorylase in myeloma-induced bone disease
      and suggests that inhibiting the enzyme may be a viable therapeutic option.
      Thymidine phosphorylase provokes osteolytic lesions by disrupting the balance
      between bone resorption and formation, shifting it toward a net loss of bone
      tissue.

PMID- 27658718
TI  - Flipper strokes can predict energy expenditure and locomotion costs in free
      ranging northern and Antarctic fur seals.
AB  - Flipper strokes have been proposed as proxies to estimate the energy expended by
      marine vertebrates while foraging at sea, but this has never been validated on
      free-ranging otariids (fur seals and sea lions). Our goal was to investigate how
      well flipper strokes correlate with energy expenditure in 33 foraging northern
      and Antarctic fur seals equipped with accelerometers, GPS, and time-depth
      recorders. We concomitantly measured field metabolic rates with the doubly
      labelled water method and derived activity-specific energy expenditures using
      fine-scale time-activity budgets for each seal. Flipper strokes were detected
      while diving or surface transiting using dynamic acceleration. Despite some inter
      species differences in flipper stroke dynamics or frequencies, both species of
      fur seals spent 3.79 +/- 0.39 J/kg per stroke and had a cost of transport of ~1.6
      1.9 J/kg/m while diving. Also, flipper stroke counts were good predictors of
      energy spent while diving (R2 = 0.76) and to a lesser extent while transiting (R2
      = 0.63). However, flipper stroke count was a poor predictor overall of total
      energy spent during a full foraging trip (R2 = 0.50). Amplitude of flipper
      strokes (i.e., acceleration amplitude * number of strokes) predicted total energy
      expenditure (R2 = 0.63) better than flipper stroke counts, but was not as
      accurate as other acceleration-based proxies, i.e. Overall Dynamic Body
      Acceleration.

PMID- 27658720
TI  - Improvement in verbal memory performance in depressed in-patients after treatment
      with electroconvulsive therapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a highly effective and well
      tolerated therapy for severe and treatment-resistant depression. Cognitive side
      effects are still feared by some patients and clinicians. Importantly, cognitive
      impairments are among the most disabling symptoms of depression itself. METHODS:
      Patients suffering from a severe episode of depression were treated with either
      ECT or treatment as usual (TAU) in an in-patient setting. Matched healthy
      participants served as controls (HC). Verbal memory was tested with the
      California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT) before the specific treatment started (ECT
      = 15, TAU = 16, HC = 31) and 2 months after the last ECT session or 2 months
      after discharge respectively. RESULTS: Before the specific treatment started,
      depressed patients performed substantially worse compared with HC in total, short
      and long-delay recall in the CVLT, while the ECT group showed the worst
      performance. More severely depressed patients showed worse performances in these
      measures. Intriguingly, verbal memory showed a significant improvement in ECT
      treated patients, but not in the other groups. No differences between the groups
      were found at follow-up. CONCLUSION: Contrary to the widely feared assumption
      that ECT has long-term impact on memory functions, we found evidence that ECT is
      superior to TAU in improving verbal memory in depressed patients.

PMID- 27658721
TI  - Subnatural-linewidth biphotons from a Doppler-broadened hot atomic vapour cell.
AB  - Entangled photon pairs, termed as biphotons, have been the benchmark tool for
      experimental quantum optics. The quantum-network protocols based on photon-atom
      interfaces have stimulated a great demand for single photons with bandwidth
      comparable to or narrower than the atomic natural linewidth. In the past decade,
      laser-cooled atoms have often been used for producing such biphotons, but the
      apparatus is too large and complicated for engineering. Here we report the
      generation of subnatural-linewidth (<6 MHz) biphotons from a Doppler-broadened
      (530 MHz) hot atomic vapour cell. We use on-resonance spontaneous four-wave
      mixing in a hot paraffin-coated 87Rb vapour cell at 63  degrees C to produce
      biphotons with controllable bandwidth (1.9-3.2 MHz) and coherence time (47-94
      ns). Our backward phase-matching scheme with spatially separated optical pumping
      is the key to suppress uncorrelated photons from resonance fluorescence. The
      result may lead towards miniature narrowband biphoton sources.

PMID- 27658719
TI  - In vivo T-cell activation by a monoclonal alphaCD3epsilon antibody induces
      preterm labor and birth.
AB  - PROBLEM: Activated/effector T cells seem to play a role in the pathological
      inflammation associated with preterm labor. The aim of this study was to
      determine whether in vivo T-cell activation by a monoclonal alphaCD3epsilon
      antibody induces preterm labor and birth. METHOD OF STUDY: Pregnant B6 mice were
      intraperitoneally injected with a monoclonal alphaCD3epsilon antibody or its
      isotype control. The gestational age, the rates of preterm birth and pup
      mortality at birth as well as the fetal heart rate and umbilical artery
      pulsatility index were determined. RESULTS: Injection of a monoclonal
      alphaCD3epsilon antibody led to preterm labor/birth (alphaCD3epsilon 83 +/-
      16.97% [10/12] vs isotype 0% [0/8]) and increased the rate of pup mortality at
      birth (alphaCD3epsilon 87.30 +/- 8.95% [77/85] vs isotype 4.91 +/- 4.34% [3/59]).
      In addition, injection of a monoclonal alphaCD3epsilon antibody decreased the
      fetal heart rate and increased the umbilical artery pulsatility index when
      compared to the isotype control. CONCLUSION: In vivo T-cell activation by a
      monoclonal alphaCD3epsilon antibody in late gestation induces preterm labor and
      birth.

PMID- 27658723
TI  - The UPR inducer DPP23 inhibits the metastatic potential of MDA-MB-231 human
      breast cancer cells by targeting the Akt-IKK-NF-kappaB-MMP-9 axis.
AB  - (E)-3-(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-(2-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one (DPP23) is a
      synthetic polyphenol derivative that selectively induces apoptosis in cancer
      cells through the unfolded protein response pathway. In the present study, we
      evaluated the effect of DPP23 on tumour invasion and metastasis. Here, we show
      that DPP23 inhibited tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha)-induced motility, F
      actin formation, and the invasive capability of MDA-MB-231 cells. DPP23 inhibited
      NF-kappaB-dependent MMP-9 expression at the transcriptional level. Akt is
      involved in the activation of IKK, an upstream regulator of NF-kappaB. DPP23
      inhibited IKK and Akt, and knockdown of Akt2 significantly inhibited TNFalpha
      induced IKK phosphorylation. We found that DPP23 bound to the catalytic domain of
      Akt2, as revealed by an in silico molecular docking analysis. These results
      suggest that DPP23 prevents TNFalpha-induced invasion of highly metastatic MDA-MB
      231 breast cancer cells by inhibiting Akt-IKK-NF-kappaB axis-mediated MMP-9 gene
      expression. In addition, DPP23 attenuated experimental liver metastasis in a
      syngenic intrasplenic transplantation model using 4T1 mouse mammary carcinoma
      cells. Collectively, these results suggest that DPP23 could be used as a
      potential platform for the prevention of invasion and metastasis of early-stage
      breast cancer or as an adjuvant for chemo/radiotherapy.

PMID- 27658722
TI  - Gut microbiota Modulated by Probiotics and Garcinia cambogia Extract Correlate
      with Weight Gain and Adipocyte Sizes in High Fat-Fed Mice.
AB  - Results of recent studies on gut microbiota have suggested that obesogenic
      bacteria exacerbate obesity and metabolic dysfunction in the host when fed a high
      fat diet (HFD). In order to explore obesity-associated bacterial candidates and
      their response to diet, the composition of faecal bacterial communities was
      investigated by analyzing 16S rRNA gene sequences in mice. Dietary intervention
      with probiotics and Garcinia cambogia extract attenuated weight gain and
      adipocyte size in HFD-fed mice. To identify obesity-causative microbiota, two
      statistical analyses were performed. Forty-eight bacterial species were found to
      overlap between the two analyses, indicating the commonly identified species as
      diet-driven and obesity-associated, which would make them strong candidates for
      host-microbiome interaction on obesity. Finally, correlation based network
      analysis between diet, microbe, and host revealed that Clostridium aminophilum, a
      hyper-ammonia-producing bacterium, was highly correlated with obesity phenotypes
      and other associated bacteria, and shown to be suppressed by the combination of
      probiotics and Garcinia cambogia extract. Results of the present study suggest
      that probiotics and Garcinia cambogia extract alleviate weight gain and
      adiposity, in part via differentially modulating the composition of gut
      microbiota in HFD fed mice.

PMID- 27658724
TI  - Discordance in cathepsin B and cystatin C expressions in bronchoalveolar fluids
      between murine bleomycin-induced fibrosis and human idiopathic fibrosis.
AB  - The activity of cysteine cathepsin B increased markedly in lung homogenates and
      in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALF) of the mouse model of bleomycin-induced
      lung fibrosis after 14 days of challenge. In contrast the level of the cysteine
      cathepsin inhibitor cystatin C was unaffected in BALF of wild-type and cathepsin
      B-deficient mice. Therefore, murine cystatin C is not a reliable marker of
      fibrosis during bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis. Current data are in sharp
      contrast to previous analysis carried on human BALF from patients with idiopathic
      pulmonary fibrosis, for which the level of cathepsin B remained unchanged while
      cystatin C was significantly increased.

PMID- 27658725
TI  - Myeloid cells as orchestrators of the tumor microenvironment: novel targets for
      nanoparticular cancer therapy.
AB  - Macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells and tolerogenic dendritic cells are
      central players of a heterogeneous myeloid cell population, with the ability to
      suppress innate and adaptive immune responses and thus to promote tumor growth.
      Their influx and local proliferation are mainly induced by the cancers
      themselves, and their numbers in the tumor microenvironment and the peripheral
      blood correlate with decreased survival. Therapeutic targeting these innate
      immune cells, either aiming at their elimination or polarization toward tumor
      suppressive cells is an attractive novel approach to control tumor progression
      and block metastasis. We review the current understanding of cancer immunology
      including immune surveillance and immune editing in the context of these
      prominent innate suppressor cells, and their targetability by nanoparticular
      immunotherapy with small molecules or siRNA.

PMID- 27658726
TI  - Neuroendocrinology: New hormone treatment for obesity caused by POMC-deficiency.

PMID- 27658727
TI  - Mechanisms of diabetes mellitus-induced bone fragility.
AB  - The risk of fragility fractures is increased in patients with either type 1
      diabetes mellitus (T1DM) or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Although BMD is
      decreased in T1DM, BMD in T2DM is often normal or even slightly elevated compared
      with an age-matched control population. However, in both T1DM and T2DM, bone
      turnover is decreased and the bone material properties and microstructure of bone
      are altered; the latter particularly so when microvascular complications are
      present. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying bone fragility in diabetes
      mellitus are complex, and include hyperglycaemia, oxidative stress and the
      accumulation of advanced glycation endproducts that compromise collagen
      properties, increase marrow adiposity, release inflammatory factors and
      adipokines from visceral fat, and potentially alter the function of osteocytes.
      Additional factors including treatment-induced hypoglycaemia, certain
      antidiabetic medications with a direct effect on bone and mineral metabolism
      (such as thiazolidinediones), as well as an increased propensity for falls, all
      contribute to the increased fracture risk in patients with diabetes mellitus.

PMID- 27658728
TI  - Bone Tissue Regeneration - Application of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Cellular and
      Molecular Mechanisms.
AB  - BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: The regeneration of damaged bone tissues to a pre-disease
      state has been a major goal for both clinicians and researchers worldwide.
      However, critical-sized bone defects which are unable to heal completely are a
      major clinical concern because effective, evidencebased regenerative therapy is
      still missing. Bone tissue engineering, aiming at providing novel and effective
      materials to promote bone regeneration, has been considered as a promising
      alternative to the traditional use of autografts, allografts and xenografts based
      on the fact that engineered bone tissue has limitless supply and has no disease
      transmission. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be derived from various adult
      tissues such as adipose tissues, dental follicles of wisdom teeth, bone marrow,
      dental pulp, gingiva, etc., which do not raise any ethical concerns. Furthermore,
      the application of MSCs in bone tissue engineering has moved to the preclinical
      stage, and an ex vivo cell manufacturing procedure for obtaining high quality,
      bioactive MSCs from human bone marrow has been approved by the US Food and Drug
      Administration (FDA). SUMMARY: In this review, we summarized the cell sources and
      biological characteristics of MSCs, discussed the in vivo functions of MSCs
      during bone regeneration, and briefly introduced the strategies for the
      application of MSCs in bone tissue engineering. Further research efforts are
      still needed to facilitate the application of MSCs in enhancing bone
      regeneration.

PMID- 27658729
TI  - Sexually dimorphic gene expressions in eels: useful markers for early sex
      assessment in a conservation context.
AB  - Environmental sex determination (ESD) has been detected in a range of vertebrate
      reptile and fish species. Eels are characterized by an ESD that occurs relatively
      late, since sex cannot be histologically determined before individuals reach 28
      cm. Because several eel species are at risk of extinction, assessing sex at the
      earliest stage is a crucial management issue. Based on preliminary results of RNA
      sequencing, we targeted genes susceptible to be differentially expressed between
      ovaries and testis at different stages of development. Using qPCR, we detected
      testis-specific expressions of dmrt1, amh, gsdf and pre-miR202 and ovary-specific
      expressions were obtained for zar1, zp3 and foxn5. We showed that gene
      expressions in the gonad of intersexual eels were quite similar to those of
      males, supporting the idea that intersexual eels represent a transitional stage
      towards testicular differentiation. To assess whether these genes would be
      effective early molecular markers, we sampled juvenile eels in two locations with
      highly skewed sex ratios. The combined expression of six of these genes allowed
      the discrimination of groups according to their potential future sex and thus
      this appears to be a useful tool to estimate sex ratios of undifferentiated
      juvenile eels.

PMID- 27658730
TI  - Region-specific growth restriction of brain following preterm birth.
AB  - Regional brain sizes of very-preterm infants at term-equivalent age differ from
      those of term-born peers, which have been linked with later cognitive
      impairments. However, dependence of regional brain volume loss on gestational age
      has not been studied in detail. To investigate the spatial pattern of brain
      growth in neonates without destructive brain lesions, head MRI of 189 neonates
      with a wide range of gestational age (24-42 weeks gestation) was assessed using
      simple metrics measurements. Dependence of MRI findings on gestational age at
      birth (Agebirth) and the corrected age at MRI scan (AgeMRI) were assessed. The
      head circumference was positively correlated with AgeMRI, but not Agebirth. The
      bi-parietal width, deep grey matter area and the trans-cerebellar diameter were
      positively correlated with both Agebirth and AgeMRI. The callosal thickness
      (positive), atrial width of lateral ventricle (negative) and the inter
      hemispheric distance (negative) were exclusively correlated with Agebirth. The
      callosal thickness and cerebral/cerebellar transverse diameters showed
      predominant dependence on Agebirth over AgeMRI, suggesting that brain growth
      after preterm-birth was considerably restricted or even became negligible
      compared with that in utero. Such growth restriction after preterm birth may
      extensively affect relatively more matured infants, considering the linear
      relationships observed between brain sizes and Agebirth.

PMID- 27658731
TI  - Substantial Band-Gap Tuning and a Strain-Controlled Semiconductor to Gapless/Band
      Inverted Semimetal Transition in Rutile Lead/Stannic Dioxide.
AB  - By first-principle calculations, we have systematically studied the effect of
      strain/pressure on the electronic structure of rutile lead/stannic dioxide
      (PbO2/SnO2). We find that pressure/strain has a significant impact on the
      electronic structure of PbO2/SnO2. Not only can the band gap be substantially
      tuned by pressure/strain, but also a transition between a semiconductor and a
      gapless/band-inverted semimetal can be manipulated. Furthermore, the semimetallic
      state is robust under strain, indicating a bright perspective for electronics
      applications. In addition, a practical approach to realizing strain in SnO2 is
      then proposed by substituting tin (Sn) with lead (Pb), which also can trigger the
      transition from a large-band-gap to a moderate-gap semiconductor with enhanced
      electron mobility. This work is expected to provide guidance for full utilization
      of the flexible electronic properties in PbO2 and SnO2.

PMID- 27658733
TI  - Nationwide review of mixed and non-mixed components from different manufacturers
      in total hip arthroplasty.

PMID- 27658732
TI  - A comparison between the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis and normal
      pressure hydrocephalus: is pulse wave encephalopathy a component of MS?
AB  - BACKGROUND: It has been suggested there is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder,
      underlying the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis (MS), which is distinct from
      the more obvious immune-mediated attack on the white matter. Limited data exists
      indicating there is an alteration in pulse wave propagation within the
      craniospinal cavity in MS, similar to the findings in normal pressure
      hydrocephalus (NPH). It is hypothesized MS may harbor pulse wave encephalopathy.
      The purpose of this study is to compare blood flow and pulse wave measurements in
      MS patients with a cohort of NPH patients and control subjects, to test this
      hypothesis. METHODS: Twenty patients with MS underwent magnetic resonance (MR)
      flow quantification techniques. Mean blood flow and stroke volume were measured
      in the arterial inflow and venous out flow from the sagittal (SSS) and straight
      sinus (ST). The arteriovenous delay (AVD) was defined. The results were compared
      with both age-matched controls and NPH patients. RESULTS: In MS there was a 35 %
      reduction in arteriovenous delay and a 5 % reduction in the percentage of the
      arterial inflow returning via the sagittal sinus compared to age matched
      controls. There was an alteration in pulse wave propagation, with a 26 % increase
      in arterial stroke volume but 30 % reduction in SSS and ST stroke volume. The AVD
      and blood flow changes were in the same direction to those of NPH patients.
      CONCLUSIONS: There are blood flow and pulsation propagation changes in MS
      patients which are similar to those of NPH patients. The findings would be
      consistent with an underlying pulse wave encephalopathy component in MS.

PMID- 27658734
TI  - Direct correlation of structural and electrical properties of electron-doped
      individual VO2 nanowires on devised TEM grids.
AB  - Nano-scale VO2 wires with controlled parameters such as electron-doping have
      attracted intense interest due to their capability of suppressing the temperature
      of the metal-insulator transition (MIT). However, because their diameters are
      smaller than the spatial resolutions of the conventional measuring equipment, the
      ability to perform a thorough examination of the wires has been hindered. Here,
      we report the fabrication of a transmission electron microscopy (TEM) grid with
      an optimum design of Si3N4 windows on which the photolithography for individual
      electron-doped VO2 nanowire devices can be safely accomplished, allowing the
      cross-examination of the structural and electrical properties. TEM dark-field
      imaging was used to quantitatively investigate the fractions of rutile and M1
      phases, and their lattice alignments were observed using high-resolution TEM
      (HRTEM) with small area diffraction. Moreover, electron energy loss spectroscopy
      (EELS) revealed that the rutile domain would be created by the strain induced by
      oxygen vacancies. Importantly, we successfully tuned the transition temperature
      by changing the rutile fraction while maintaining a high level of resistivity
      change. The resistivity at room temperature linearly decreased with the rutile
      fraction, following a simple model. Furthermore, the T dependence of the
      threshold voltage can be attributed to the Joule heating, exhibiting an identical
      thermal dependence, irrespective of the rutile fraction.

PMID- 27658735
TI  - Minimal residual disease evaluation in autologous stem cell transplantation
      recipients with multiple myeloma.

PMID- 27658736
TI  - Bacterial Abscess Formation Is Controlled by the Stringent Stress Response and
      Can Be Targeted Therapeutically.
AB  - Cutaneous abscess infections are difficult to treat with current therapies and
      alternatives to conventional antibiotics are needed. Understanding the regulatory
      mechanisms that govern abscess pathology should reveal therapeutic interventions
      for these recalcitrant infections. Here we demonstrated that the stringent stress
      response employed by bacteria to cope and adapt to environmental stressors was
      essential for the formation of lesions, but not bacterial growth, in a
      methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) cutaneous abscess mouse model.
      To pharmacologically confirm the role of the stringent response in abscess
      formation, a cationic peptide that causes rapid degradation of the stringent
      response mediator, guanosine tetraphosphate (ppGpp), was employed. The
      therapeutic application of this peptide strongly inhibited lesion formation in
      mice infected with Gram-positive MRSA and Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
      Overall, we provide insights into the mechanisms governing abscess formation and
      a paradigm for treating multidrug resistant cutaneous abscesses.

PMID- 27658737
TI  - Zika Virus Replicons for Drug Discovery.
AB  - The current epidemic of Zika virus (ZIKV) has underscored the urgency to
      establish experimental systems for studying viral replication and pathogenesis,
      and countermeasure development. Here we report two ZIKV replicon systems: a
      luciferase replicon that can differentiate between viral translation and RNA
      synthesis; and a stable luciferase replicon carrying cell line that can be used
      to screen and characterize inhibitors of viral replication. The transient
      replicon was used to evaluate the effect of an NS5 polymerase mutation on viral
      RNA synthesis and to analyze a known ZIKV inhibitor. The replicon cell line was
      developed into a 96-well format for antiviral testing. Compare with virus
      infection-based assay, the replicon cell line allows antiviral screening without
      using infectious virus. Collectively, the replicon systems have provided critical
      tools for both basic and translational research.

PMID- 27658738
TI  - The State of Vaccine Confidence 2016: Global Insights Through a 67-Country
      Survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Public trust in immunization is an increasingly important global
      health issue. Losses in confidence in vaccines and immunization programmes can
      lead to vaccine reluctance and refusal, risking disease outbreaks and challenging
      immunization goals in high- and low-income settings. National and international
      immunization stakeholders have called for better monitoring of vaccine confidence
      to identify emerging concerns before they evolve into vaccine confidence crises.
      METHODS: We perform a large-scale, data-driven study on worldwide attitudes to
      immunizations. This survey - which we believe represents the largest survey on
      confidence in immunization to date - examines perceptions of vaccine importance,
      safety, effectiveness, and religious compatibility among 65,819 individuals
      across 67 countries. Hierarchical models are employed to probe relationships
      between individual- and country-level socio-economic factors and vaccine
      attitudes obtained through the four-question, Likert-scale survey. FINDINGS:
      Overall sentiment towards vaccinations is positive across all 67 countries,
      however there is wide variability between countries and across world regions.
      Vaccine-safety related sentiment is particularly negative in the European region,
      which has seven of the ten least confident countries, with 41% of respondents in
      France and 36% of respondents in Bosnia & Herzegovina reporting that they
      disagree that vaccines are safe (compared to a global average of 13%). The oldest
      age group (65+) and Roman Catholics (amongst all faiths surveyed) are associated
      with positive views on vaccine sentiment, while the Western Pacific region
      reported the highest level of religious incompatibility with vaccines. Countries
      with high levels of schooling and good access to health services are associated
      with lower rates of positive sentiment, pointing to an emerging inverse
      relationship between vaccine sentiments and socio-economic status. CONCLUSIONS:
      Regular monitoring of vaccine attitudes - coupled with monitoring of local
      immunization rates - at the national and sub-national levels can identify
      populations with declining confidence and acceptance. These populations should be
      prioritized to further investigate the drivers of negative sentiment and to
      inform appropriate interventions to prevent adverse public health outcomes.

PMID- 27658739
TI  - Genetic Association Studies Identify Unanticipated Gene Pathways Influencing
      Sepsis Outcome.

PMID- 27658741
TI  - Human tolerogenic dendritic cells generated with protein kinase C inhibitor are
      optimal for functional regulatory T cell induction - A comparative study.
AB  - Tolerogenic dendritic cells (tDCs) are a promising therapeutic tool for specific
      induction of immunological tolerance. Human tDCs can be generated ex vivo using
      various compounds. However, the compound(s) most suitable for clinical
      application remain undefined. We compared the tolerogenic properties of tDCs
      treated with protein kinase C inhibitor (PKCI), dexamethasone, vitamin D3 (Vit
      D3), rapamycin (Rapa), interleukin (IL)-10, transforming growth factor (TGF)
      beta, and a combination of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma
      agonist and retinoic acid. All tDCs had a semi-mature DC phenotype. PKCI-, TGF
      beta-, and Rapa-tDCs showed CCR7 expression and migration to CCL19, but other
      tDCs showed little or none. PKCI- and IL-10-tDCs induced functional regulatory T
      cells more strongly than other tDCs. The tolerogenic properties of all tDCs were
      stable against proinflammatory stimuli. Furthermore, PKCI-tDCs were generated
      from patients with rheumatoid arthritis and primary Sjogren's syndrome.
      Therefore, PKCI-tDCs showed the characteristics best suited for tolerance
      inducing therapy.

PMID- 27658742
TI  - QSPR studies for predicting polarity parameter of organic compounds in methanol
      using support vector machine and enhanced replacement method.
AB  - In the present work, enhanced replacement method (ERM) and support vector machine
      (SVM) were used for quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR) studies
      of polarity parameter (p) of various organic compounds in methanol in reversed
      phase liquid chromatography based on molecular descriptors calculated from the
      optimized structures. Diverse kinds of molecular descriptors were calculated to
      encode the molecular structures of compounds, such as geometric, thermodynamic,
      electrostatic and quantum mechanical descriptors. The variable selection method
      of ERM was employed to select an optimum subset of descriptors. The five
      descriptors selected using ERM were used as inputs of SVM to predict the polarity
      parameter of organic compounds in methanol. The coefficient of determination, r2,
      between experimental and predicted polarity parameters for the prediction set by
      ERM and SVM were 0.952 and 0.982, respectively. Acceptable results specified that
      the ERM approach is a very effective method for variable selection and the
      predictive aptitude of the SVM model is superior to those obtained by ERM. The
      obtained results demonstrate that SVM can be used as a substitute influential
      modeling tool for QSPR studies.

PMID- 27658740
TI  - Telmisartan increases vascular reparative capacity in older HIV-infected adults:
      a pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are bone marrow-derived cells
      that contribute to vascular repair. EPCs may be reduced in HIV-infected (HIV+)
      persons, contributing to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Telmisartan is an
      angiotensin receptor blocker that increases EPCs in HIV-uninfected adults.
      OBJECTIVE: To assess telmisartan's effects on EPC number and immunophenotype in
      older HIV + adults at risk for CVD. METHODS: HIV + persons >=50 years old with
      HIV-1 RNA < 50 copies/mL on suppressive antiretroviral therapy and >=1 CVD risk
      factor participated in a prospective, open-label, pilot study of oral telmisartan
      80 mg daily for 12 weeks. Using CD34 and CD133 as markers of early maturity and
      KDR as a marker of endothelial lineage commitment, EPCs were quantified via flow
      cytometry and defined as viable CD3-/CD33-/CD19-/glycophorin- cells of four
      immunophenotypes: CD133+/KDR+, CD34+/KDR+, CD34+/CD133+, or CD34+/KDR+/CD133+.
      The primary endpoint was a 12-week change in EPC subsets (NCT01578772). RESULTS:
      Seventeen participants (88% men, median age 60 years and peripheral CD4+ T
      lymphocyte count 625 cells/mm3) enrolled and completed the study. After 6 and 12
      weeks of telmisartan, frequencies of all EPC immunophenotypes were higher than
      baseline (all p < 0.10 except week 12 CD133+/KDR+ EPC, p = 0.13). Participants
      with lower baseline EPC levels had the largest gains. Additionally, the
      percentage of CD34+ cells with endothelial commitment (KDR+) increased.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that telmisartan use is associated with an increase
      in circulating EPCs in older HIV + individuals with CVD risk factors. Further
      controlled studies are needed to assess whether EPC increases translate to a
      reduction in CVD risk in this population.

PMID- 27658743
TI  - Thioredoxin-mimetic peptides (TXM) inhibit inflammatory pathways associated with
      high-glucose and oxidative stress.
AB  - Impaired insulin signaling and the associated insulin-resistance in liver,
      adipose tissue, and skeletal muscle, represents a hallmark of the pathogenesis of
      type 2-diabetes-mellitus. Here we show that in the liver of db/db mice, a murine
      model of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and dyslipidemia, the elevated activities of
      mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK; ERK1/2 and p38MAPK), and Akt/PKB are
      abolished by rosiglitazone-treatment, which normalizes blood glucose in db/db
      mice. This is unequivocal evidence of a functional link between the activation of
      the MAPK specific inflammatory-pathway and high-blood sugar. A similar reduction
      in ERK1/2, p38MAPK, and Akt activities but without affecting blood-glucose was
      observed in the liver of db/db mice treated with a molecule that mimics the
      action of thioredoxin, called thioredoxin-mimetic peptide (TXM). N-Acetyl-Cys-Pro
      Cys-amide (TXM-CB3) is a free radical scavenger, a reducing and denitrosylating
      reagent that protects the cells from early death induced by inflammatory
      pathways. TXM-CB3 also lowered MAPK signaling activated by the disruption of the
      thioredoxin-reductase-thioredoxin (Trx-TrxR) redox-system and restored Akt
      activity in rat hepatoma FAO cells. Similarly, two other TXM-peptides, N-Acetyl
      Cys-Met-Lys-Cys-amide (TXM-CB13; DY70), and N-Acetyl-Cys-gammaGlu-Cys-Cys-amide
      (TXM-CB16; DY71), lowered insulin- and oxidative stress-induced ERK1/2
      activation, and rescued HepG2 cells from cell death. The potential impact of TXM
      peptides on inhibiting inflammatory pathways associated with high-glucose could
      be effective in reversing low-grade inflammation. TXM-peptides might also have
      the potential to improve insulin resistance by protecting from posttranslational
      modifications like nitrosylation.

PMID- 27658744
TI  - Parturition induction in ewes by a progesterone receptor blocker, aglepristone,
      and subsequent neonatal survival: Preliminary results.
AB  - The clinical effects of aglepristone treatment to induce parturition in ewes and
      their newborns were reported. Three experimental groups were defined: group AG5
      (n = 5), group AG10 (n = 5), and group CG (n = 5) in which ewes were injected
      twice with 5, 10 mg/kg of aglepristone, and saline solution of ewes,
      respectively. Different parameters associated with parturition in ewes and their
      newborns were investigated. Serum progesterone, oxytocin, and free and conjugated
      total estrogens were measured after treatments until parturition. No statistical
      difference was found from first aglepristone administration to onset of lambing
      between AG5 and AG10 (23.90 +/- 6.20, 40.00 +/- 6.71 hours). Parturition
      induction in two groups shortened the gestational length significantly compared
      with the control group (P = 0.003). Dystocia was observed in two ewes in group
      AG10. The placental weight showed statistically significant difference only
      between the AG10 and CG (P = 0.039), but no difference was observed in the
      placental expulsion period between the groups. Decrease in food consumption 24 to
      36 hours after parturition in all ewes and skin necrosis in an ewe in group AG5
      were observed. Progesterone concentration was significantly lower in AG5 than
      that in ewes in group AG10 and CG (P < 0.05). No difference was observed in
      concentrations of free total estrogens and oxytocin between groups. The body
      temperature of lambs was significantly different between AG10 and CG groups both
      right after (P = 0.011) and 12 hours after parturition (P = 0.014). The lambs in
      CG had the highest mean birth weight (4.29 +/- 0.28 kg), which was significantly
      different from the induced groups. No significant difference of blood pH and
      blood gases values between groups was identified both at birth and 12 hours after
      parturition for lambs. Significant differences could clearly be observed in total
      protein and blood urea nitrogen and total protein findings 12 hours after
      parturition (P < 0.05), whereas no difference was found in blood glucose,
      albumin, inorganic phosphor, triglyceride, or total cholesterol parameters. The
      results of this study show that the administration of aglepristone to induce
      parturition can precisely control lambing time without any side effects in either
      mothers or lambs.

PMID- 27658745
TI  - Semen evaluation and fertility assessment in a purebred dog breeding facility.
AB  - Semen quality in dogs has not been assessed in a longitudinal study that includes
      endpoints of female fertility and pregnancy. Although use of artificial
      insemination with chilled semen is increasingly used in canine reproduction, the
      resultant level of predictability and odds of fertile matings for dogs is still
      not fully understood. This research provides, for the first time, comprehensive
      semen evaluation in a large population of dogs in which fertility has been
      tracked. Duplicate ejaculates were obtained from 39 Labrador retriever males of
      the Guide Dogs for the Blind (San Rafael, CA, USA) breeding program. Sperm
      endpoints were determined in fresh semen and extended chilled semen at 48 hour
      after collection. Evaluation included total and progressive motility, average
      path velocity, morphology, membrane lipid peroxidation, presence of sperm
      reactive oxygen species, sperm chromatin structure, and mitochondrial DNA copy
      number. Male age ranged from 1 to 10 years and were grouped as young (Y; 1-3
      years, n = 21), middle aged (M; 4-6 years, n = 13), and senior (S; 7 years or
      greater, n = 5) for analysis. The effects of age and sperm state (fresh vs.
      chilled) on the above sperm endpoints were determined using a linear mixed
      effects model. Semen endpoint values for all parameters were established for this
      group of fertile males. Progressive motility was only lower in the senior male
      chilled samples compared to all other groups, fresh and chilled (P < 0.05).
      Velocity decreased with increasing age and was lower overall in chilled samples
      (P < 0.05). Percent morphologically normal sperm was lower in senior dogs
      compared with the other age groups (P < 0.05). The presence of reactive oxygen
      species was lower in chilled samples compared with fresh (P < 0.05). For sperm
      chromatin structure, the senior-aged group had a higher %COMPalphat than the
      middle-aged group (P < 0.05). Bayesian analysis determined that no differences
      were seen in total motility, membrane lipid peroxidation, and mitochondrial DNA
      copy number, with regard to conception rate or average litter size between age
      groups or between fresh and chilled samples. We observed no effects from semen
      quality on fertility or fecundity regardless of age, despite the differences
      found in semen quality. The use of advanced laboratory tests to evaluate sperm
      parameters beyond the standard motility, morphology, and concentration will open
      investigation to more specific and sensitive fertility tests in canine
      reproduction.

PMID- 27658746
TI  - Site of PGF2alpha injection does not alter effectiveness of the Select Synch +
      controlled internal drug release and timed artificial insemination protocol.
AB  - Beef Quality Assurance programs have contributed to significant improvements in
      the wholesomeness of beef available for consumption. Injection site blemishes in
      the round have declined since the promotion of administering intramuscular
      injections in the neck. Unfortunately, many producers continue to administer
      estrus synchronization (ES) drugs in the rump. The objective of this study was to
      compare the effectiveness of injection site of PGF2alpha, in ES protocols, on
      steroid hormone concentrations and pregnancy rates. A Select Synch + 7-day
      controlled internal drug release ES protocol was conducted with the site of
      PGF2alpha injection alternated between neck and rump in beef cattle (n = 312) at
      the Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute and North Carolina
      State University. Blood samples (n = 75) were collected at controlled internal
      drug release insertion and at the time of artificial insemination (AI) to
      determine if progesterone (P4) and estrogen (E2) concentrations varied due to
      PGF2alpha injection site. All cattle were confirmed pregnant by ultrasonography
      at approximately 30 and 90 days after insemination in North Carolina and
      approximately 70 days after insemination in Ohio. Data were analyzed as
      randomized complete block designs in PROC GLIMMIX with animal as the experimental
      unit. Differences were declared significant at P < 0.05. Site of PGF2alpha
      injection, in either the neck or rump, did not affect (P > 0.05) overall
      conception rates in response to AI (58.4% and 55.6%, respectively). Altering
      PGF2alpha injection site did not impact P4, E2 concentrations, or the P4:E2 ratio
      at AI (P > 0.05). However, cattle inseminated after displaying estrus had greater
      (P < 0.05) pregnancy rates than timed AI (67.8 vs. 47.5%, respectively). First
      service conception rates and pregnancy rates were consistent with previous
      reports. Overall, altering the location of the PGF2alpha injection during ES did
      not change circulating hormone concentrations at AI or pregnancy rates;
      therefore, cattle producers should follow Beef Quality Assurance guidelines when
      administering ES protocols.

PMID- 27658747
TI  - Avoiding hemodynamic collapse during high-risk percutaneous coronary
      intervention: Advanced hemodynamics of impella support.
AB  - The rate of performing primary percutaneous coronary intervention in patients
      with complex coronary artery disease is increasing. The use of percutaneous
      mechanical circulatory support devices provides critical periprocedural
      hemodynamic support. Mechanical support has increased the safety and efficacy of
      interventional procedures in this high-risk patient population. Predicting
      patient response to the selected intervention can be clinically challenging. Here
      we demonstrate a case where complete hemodynamic collapse during PCI was avoided
      by mechanical support provided by the Impella device. Further, we employ a
      comprehensive cardiovascular model to predict ventricular function and patient
      hemodynamics in response to the procedure. New computational tools may help
      interventionists visualize, understand, and predict the multifaceted hemodynamic
      aspects of these high risk procedures in individual patients. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27658748
TI  - Fluid Reasoning Mediates the Association of Birth Weight With ADHD Symptoms in
      Youth From Multiplex Families With ADHD.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We tested mediation of birth weight and ADHD symptoms by multiple
      biologically plausible neurocognitive functions and evaluated familiality of
      observed indirect effects. METHOD: 647 youth from 284 multiplex families with
      ADHD completed the Arithmetic, Digit Span, Vocabulary, and Block Design subtests
      of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC). Multiple mediation tested
      WISC subtests as mediators of birth weight and multi-informant ADHD symptoms.
      Familiality of indirect effects was estimated via moderated mediation comparing
      conditional indirect effects across siblings concordant and discordant for ADHD.
      RESULTS: Controlling for IQ and demographic factors, Arithmetic uniquely mediated
      birth weight and ADHD symptoms. Conditional indirect effects through Arithmetic
      did not differ across ADHD concordant and discordant siblings. CONCLUSION: These
      cross-sectional findings support previous prospective longitudinal research
      implicating Arithmetic (i.e., fluid reasoning) as a preliminary causal mediator
      of birth weight and ADHD symptoms, and suggest that this pathway is independent
      of genetic influences on ADHD.

PMID- 27658749
TI  - Are people who have a better smell sense, more affected from satiation?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The olfactory system is affected by the nutritional balance and
      chemical state of the body, serving as an internal sensor. All bodily functions
      are affected by energy loss, including olfaction; hunger can alter odour
      perception. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we investigated the effect of fasting on
      olfactory perception in humans, and also assessed perceptual changes during
      satiation. METHODS: The "Sniffin' Sticks" olfactory test was applied after 16h of
      fasting, and again at least 1h after Ramadan supper during periods of satiation.
      All participants were informed about the study procedure and provided informed
      consent. The study protocol was approved by the local Ethics Committee of
      Gaziosmanpasa Taksim Education and Research Hospital (09/07/2014 no: 60). The
      study was conducted in accordance with the basic principles of the Declaration of
      Helsinki. RESULTS: This prospective study included 48 subjects (20 males, 28
      females) with a mean age of 33.6+/-9.7 (range 20-72) years; their mean height was
      169.1+/-7.6 (range 150.0-185.0)cm, mean weight was 71.2+/-17.6 (range 50.0
      85.0)kg, and average BMI was 24.8+/-5.3 (range 19.5-55.9). Scores were higher on
      all items pertaining to olfactory identification, thresholds and discrimination
      during fasting vs. satiation (p<0.05). Identification (I) results: Identification
      scores were significantly higher during the fasting (median=14.0) vs. satiation
      period (median=13.0). Threshold (T) results: Threshold scores were significantly
      higher during the fasting (median=7.3) vs. satiation period (median=6.2).
      Discrimination (D) results: Discrimination scores were significantly higher
      during the fasting (median=14.0) vs. satiation period (median=13.0). The total
      TDI scores were 35.2 (fasting) vs. 32.6 (satiation). When we compared fasting
      threshold value of >9 and <=9, the gap between the fasting and satiety thresholds
      was significantly greater in >9 (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Olfactory function improved
      during fasting and declined during satiation. The olfactory system is more
      sensitive, and more reactive to odours, under starvation conditions, and is
      characterised by reduced activity during satiation. This situation was more
      pronounced in patients with a better sense of smell. Olfaction-related
      neurotransmitters should be the target of further study.

PMID- 27658750
TI  - Exenatide substantially improves proinsulin conversion and cell survival that
      augment Ins2+/Akita beta cell function.
AB  - Proinsulin folding imperfections cause extensive beta-cell defects known in
      diabetes. Here, we investigated whether exenatide can alleviate such defects in
      proinsulin conversion, beta-cell survival, and insulin secretion, in the
      Ins2+/Akita beta-cells that have a spontaneous mutation (Cys 96 Tyr) in the
      insulin 2 gene caused dominant negative misfolding problem. 15 or 120 min
      exenatide administration substantially improves glucose-stimulated insulin
      secretion, marked in the secreted insulin levels and proinsulin/insulin ratio.
      This improvement is mainly due to enhanced conversion of proinsulin to insulin,
      having nothing to do with the prohormone convertase PC1/3 and PC2 levels. The 15
      min improvement is calcium-independent. The 120 min improvement is linked to
      calcium and/or cAMP dependent mechanisms. This efficacy is validated during
      longer treatment and in Akita islets. Exenatide improves Ins2+/Akita beta-cell
      survival and Akita mouse's glucose tolerance. The results suggest a potential of
      incretin mimetics in alleviating defective proinsulin conversion and other
      proinsulin misfolding consequences.

PMID- 27658751
TI  - Does Exposure to Diagnostic Ultrasound Modulate Human Nerve Responses to Magnetic
      Stimulation?
AB  - Ultrasound (US) at diagnostic frequency and power is known to alter nerve
      potentials; however, the precise mechanism of action is unknown. We investigated
      whether US alters resting nerve potential to lower the threshold for magnetic
      nerve stimulation. Seventeen healthy subjects were recruited. For each subject, a
      1.5 MHz US imaging probe was placed onto the elbow with the beam directed at the
      ulnar nerve. The probe was coupled to the skin using standard acoustic coupling
      gel as would be done for a routine clinical US scan. Ulnar nerve stimulation was
      performed simultaneously with magnetic stimulation (MS). Successful magnetic
      stimulation of the ulnar nerve was confirmed with nerve potentials measured by
      electromyography. There was no significant change in electromyography signal when
      MS was performed during US exposure. US at the diagnostic frequency and power
      tested does not alter nerve thresholds with MS. Testing at other frequencies is
      required, however, before US is negated as a technique to modify MS thresholds.

PMID- 27658753
TI  - Effect of Background Parenchymal Enhancement on Pre-Operative Breast Magnetic
      Resonance Imaging: How It Affects Interpretation and the Role of Second-Look
      Ultrasound in Patient Management.
AB  - Background parenchymal enhancement (BPE) on breast magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI) may either obscure or mimic malignancy. We evaluated the impact of BPE on
      the diagnostic performance of pre-operative MRI in breast cancer patients, and
      how second-look ultrasound (US) can help in guiding patient management. Two
      hundred fifty-three breast cancer patients with pre-operative MRI were included.
      In moderate or marked BPE, abnormal interpretation rate (38.9% vs. 12.2%) and
      biopsy rate (27.8% vs. 8.3%) were higher, and specificity (64.7% vs. 89.8%) was
      lower, compared with minimal or mild BPE (all p < 0.001). Visibility of MRI
      detected additional suspicious lesions on second-look US did not differ between
      the two groups (86.7% in minimal or mild BPE vs. 77.1% in moderate or marked BPE,
      p = 0.296). Increased BPE was related to increased abnormal interpretation rate,
      additional biopsy rate and decreased specificity. Second-look US was useful in
      visualization of MRI-detected additional suspicious lesions, regardless of BPE.

PMID- 27658752
TI  - Comparison of Ultrasound, Pathologic and Prognostic Characteristics of the
      Follicular Variant of Papillary Thyroid Cancer According to Fine-Needle
      Aspiration Cytology.
AB  - The aim of the study described here was to compare ultrasound features,
      pathologic characteristics and prognoses of the follicular variant of papillary
      thyroid carcinoma (FVPTC) according to cytology results. Eighty-seven FVPTCs were
      classified according to the first cytology results as the surgery group (n = 66,
      follicular neoplasm/Hurthle cell neoplasm, suspicious for malignancy and
      malignancy) and the indeterminate group (n = 21, non-diagnostic and benign), for
      whom the management was follow-up. The indeterminate group had a longer mean
      interval to surgery (p = 0.020) and larger tumor size (p = 0.018). More tumors
      were assessed as probably benign in the indeterminate group than in the surgery
      group (p < 0.001). Extrathyroidal extension and lymph node metastasis did not
      significantly differ between the two groups, and no patient had a recurrence
      (mean follow-up interval: 54.9 +/- 16.9 mo). The indeterminate group exhibited
      more probably benign features and larger size on ultrasound, with surgery being
      performed at a later date. However, aggressive pathologic characteristics and
      tumor recurrence did not significantly differ between the two groups.

PMID- 27658754
TI  - Increased levels of HMGB1 in trophoblastic debris may contribute to preeclampsia.
AB  - Preeclampsia is triggered by an as yet unknown toxin from the placenta.
      Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), a strong risk factor for preeclampsia, have
      been shown to induce the production of toxic trophoblastic debris from the
      placenta. High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a proinflammatory danger signal,
      and the expression of it has been reported to be increased in preeclampsia. This
      study examined whether aPL or preeclamptic sera increase the expression of HMGB1
      in the syncytiotrophoblast or trophoblastic debris. Trophoblastic debris from
      normal placental explants that had been cultured with aPL or preeclamptic sera
      was exposed to endothelial cells. Endothelial cell activation was quantified by
      cell-surface ICAM-1 expression and U937 monocyte adhesion. The expression of
      HMGB1 in placental explants and trophoblastic debris that had been treated with
      aPL or preeclamptic sera was measured by immunohistochemistry and western
      blotting. The expression of the receptor for advanced glycation end products
      (RAGE) in endothelial cells was quantified by western blotting. Compared with
      controls, the expression of HMGB1 in the cytoplasm of the syncytiotrophoblast and
      trophoblastic debris was increased by treating placental explants with aPL or
      preeclamptic sera. The increased levels of HMGB1 contributed to endothelial cell
      activation, mediated in part by the RAGE. Preeclamptic sera and aPL both induced
      an increase in the cytoplasmic levels of the danger signal HMGB1 in trophoblastic
      debris. This increased HMGB1 in trophoblastic debris may be one of the toxic
      factors released from the placenta in preeclampsia.

PMID- 27658755
TI  - A comparative study of different surgical methods in the treatment of traumatic
      temporomandibular joint ankylosis.
AB  - Two different surgical methods for the treatment of unilateral traumatic
      temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis with a medially displaced residual
      condyle are described. Eighteen patients with unilateral traumatic TMJ ankylosis
      and a medially displaced residual condyle, treated between 2008 and 2013, were
      included in this study. Group A patients (n=10) were treated with an autogenous
      coronoid process graft (ACPG) for reconstruction of the mandibular condyle, while
      group B patients (n=8) were treated by lateral arthroplasty (LAP); a temporalis
      myofascial flap (TMF) was used as interpositional material in both groups. The
      long-term results of the two treatments were compared through postoperative
      computed tomography and clinical follow-up examinations. The two groups were
      compared in terms of the recurrence rate, facial pattern change, and improvement
      in maximum inter-incisal opening (MIO) using SPSS 18.0 software. All patients
      were followed up for 12-24 months. Two patients in group A (20%) had reankylosis;
      no reankylosis was observed in group B patients. Compared with the ACPG, LAP
      improved the facial pattern and MIO significantly (P<0.05). LAP is a feasible and
      effective surgical method for the treatment of unilateral traumatic TMJ ankylosis
      when the displaced residual condyle is bigger than one third of the condylar
      head.

PMID- 27658756
TI  - Treating Smokers in Substance Treatment With Contingent Vouchers, Nicotine
      Replacement and Brief Advice Adapted for Sobriety Settings.
AB  - : Treatment for substance use disorders (SUD) provides an opportunity to use
      voucher-based treatment for smoking. Nicotine replacement (NRT) could improve
      outcomes previously observed with vouchers without NRT. METHODS: A randomized
      controlled trial compared contingent vouchers (CV) for smoking abstinence to
      noncontingent vouchers (NV), when all received counseling and NRT. Smokers who
      had not sought smoking treatment (n=340) in residential SUD treatment were
      provided 14days of vouchers for complete smoking abstinence per exhaled carbon
      monoxide (CO) after a 5-day smoking reduction period, or vouchers only for breath
      samples, plus brief advice (four sessions) and 8weeks of NRT. RESULTS: Within
      treatment, 20% had complete abstinence with CV, 5% with NV (p<.001), and
      participants showed 50% of days abstinent in CV compared to 22% in NV (p<.001).
      Across 1, 3, 6 and 12months after randomization, CV resulted in significantly
      fewer cigarettes per day (p<.01) and fewer days smoking (p<.01), but with small
      effects. Point-prevalence abstinence differences across follow-up (e.g., 4% CV,
      2% in NV at 6 and 12months) were not significant. No differences in substance use
      were seen. CONCLUSIONS: Within-treatment effects on abstinence are stronger than
      in a prior study of the same CV with BA but without NRT, but NRT does not improve
      abstinence after vouchers end. Implications for voucher-based treatment include
      investigating effects when combined with stronger smoking medications and using
      motivational interviewing. Smoking treatment does not harm SUD recovery.

PMID- 27658757
TI  - Blood urea nitrogen-to-creatinine ratio in the general population and in patients
      with acute heart failure.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The blood urea nitrogen-to-creatinine (BUN/creatinine) ratio has been
      proposed as a useful parameter in acute heart failure (AHF), but data on the
      normal range and the added value of the ratio compared with its separate
      components in patients with AHF are lacking. The aim of this study is to define
      the normal range of BUN/creatinine ratio and to investigate its clinical
      significance in patients with AHF. METHODS: In 4484 subjects from the general
      population without cardiovascular comorbidities, we calculated age-specific and
      sex-specific normal values of the BUN/creatinine ratio, deriving a higher and
      lower than normal range of BUN/creatinine ratio (exceeding the 95% prediction
      intervals). Association of abnormal range to prognosis was tested in 2033
      patients with AHF for the outcome of all-cause death through 180 days, death or
      cardiovascular or renal rehospitalisation through 60 days and heart failure (HF)
      rehospitalisation within 60 days. RESULTS: In a cohort of patients with AHF, 482
      (24.6%) and 28 (1.4%) patients with HF were classified into higher and lower than
      normal range groups, respectively. In Cox regression analysis, higher than normal
      range of BUN/creatinine ratio group was an independent predictor for all-cause
      death (HR: 1.86, 95% CI 1.29 to 2.66) and death or cardiovascular or renal
      rehospitalisation (HR: 1.37, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.82), but not for HF
      rehospitalisation (HR: 1.23, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.86) after adjustment for other
      prognostic factors including both creatinine and BUN. CONCLUSIONS: In patients
      with AHF, BUN/creatinine higher than age-specific and sex-specific normal range
      is associated with worse prognosis independently from both creatinine and BUN.
      CLINICAL TRIALS: gov identifier NCT00328692 and NCT00354458.

PMID- 27658759
TI  - Childhood obesity and asthma: To BMI or not to BMI?

PMID- 27658760
TI  - High-resolution metabolomics to identify urine biomarkers in corticosteroid
      resistant asthmatic children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Corticosteroid (CS) treatment has been established as the first anti
      inflammatory treatment for adults and children with asthma. However, a subset of
      patients fails to respond to combined systemic and inhaled CS treatment.
      OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed at further understanding CS resistance among
      children with severe asthma. METHODS: High-resolution metabolomics was performed
      on urine samples from CS-respondent (n = 15) and CS-nonrespondent (n = 15)
      children to determine possible urine biomarkers related to CS resistance. The
      metabolic phenotypes of CS responders and CS nonresponders were analyzed using
      bioinformatics including Manhattan plot with false- discovery rate, hierarchical
      cluster analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia Genes and Genomes, and Mummichog pathway
      analysis. RESULTS: The 2-way hierarchical cluster analysis study determined 30
      metabolites showing significantly different levels between CS responders and CS
      nonresponders. The important metabolites annotated were 3,6-dihydronicotinic acid
      (126.05 m/z, RT: 106, [M+H]+), 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl(ethylene)glycol (185.05
      m/z, RT: 155, [M+H]+), 3,4-dihydroxy-phenylalanine (198.07 m/z, RT: 446, [M+H]+),
      gamma-glutamylcysteine (236.06 m/z, RT: 528, [M+S(34)+H]+), Cys-Gly, (253.06 m/z,
      RT: 528, [M-NH3+H]+), and reduced Flavin mononucleotide (517.0794 m/z, RT: 533,
      [M+NaCl]+). Tyrosine metabolism, degradation of aromatic compounds, and
      glutathione metabolism are suggested to be significant pathways relating to CS
      resistance. CONCLUSIONS: High-resolution metabolomics is a promising approach in
      asthma research. Five candidate markers were identified to be related to CS
      resistant children with severe asthma. These compounds, upon validation, may
      contribute further in the understanding of CS resistance among children with
      severe asthma through the use of urine.

PMID- 27658758
TI  - Antibodies and superantibodies in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal
      polyps.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps is associated with local
      immunoglobulin hyperproduction and the presence of IgE antibodies against
      Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins (SAEs). Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory
      disease is a severe form of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps in which
      nearly all patients express anti-SAEs. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to understand
      antibodies reactive to SAEs and determine whether they recognize SAEs through
      their complementarity-determining regions (CDRs) or framework regions. METHODS:
      Labeled staphylococcal enterotoxin (SE) A, SED, and SEE were used to isolate
      single SAE-specific B cells from the nasal polyps of 3 patients with aspirin
      exacerbated respiratory disease by using fluorescence-activated cell sorting.
      Recombinant antibodies with "matched" heavy and light chains were cloned as IgG1,
      and those of high affinity for specific SAEs, assayed by means of ELISA and
      surface plasmon resonance, were recloned as IgE and antigen-binding fragments.
      IgE activities were tested in basophil degranulation assays. RESULTS: Thirty
      seven SAE-specific, IgG- or IgA-expressing B cells were isolated and yielded 6
      anti-SAE clones, 2 each for SEA, SED, and SEE. Competition binding assays
      revealed that the anti-SEE antibodies recognize nonoverlapping epitopes in SEE.
      Unexpectedly, each anti-SEE mediated SEE-induced basophil degranulation, and IgG1
      or antigen-binding fragments of each anti-SEE enhanced degranulation by the other
      anti-SEE. CONCLUSIONS: SEEs can activate basophils by simultaneously binding as
      antigens in the conventional manner to CDRs and as superantigens to framework
      regions of anti-SEE IgE in anti-SEE IgE-FcepsilonRI complexes. Anti-SEE IgG1s can
      enhance the activity of anti-SEE IgEs as conventional antibodies through CDRs or
      simultaneously as conventional antibodies and as "superantibodies" through CDRs
      and framework regions to SEEs in SEE-anti-SEE IgE-FcepsilonRI complexes.

PMID- 27658761
TI  - A prospective study on the natural history of patients with profound combined
      immunodeficiency: An interim analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Absent T-cell immunity resulting in life-threatening infections
      provides a clear rationale for hematopoetic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in
      patients with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). Combined
      immunodeficiencies (CIDs) and "atypical" SCID show reduced, not absent T-cell
      immunity. If associated with infections or autoimmunity, they represent profound
      combined immunodeficiency (P-CID), for which outcome data are insufficient for
      unambiguous early transplant decisions. OBJECTIVES: We sought to compare natural
      histories of severity-matched patients with/without subsequent transplantation
      and to determine whether immunologic and/or clinical parameters may be predictive
      for outcome. METHODS: In this prospective and retrospective observational study,
      we recruited nontransplanted patients with P-CID aged 1 to 16 years to compare
      natural histories of severity-matched patients with/without subsequent
      transplantation and to determine whether immunologic and/or clinical parameters
      may be predictive for outcome. RESULTS: A total of 51 patients were recruited
      (median age, 9.6 years). Thirteen of 51 had a genetic diagnosis of "atypical"
      SCID and 14 of 51 of CID. About half of the patients had less than 10% naive T
      cells, reduced/absent T-cell proliferation, and at least 1 significant clinical
      event/year, demonstrating their profound immunodeficiency. Nineteen patients
      (37%) underwent transplantation within 1 year of enrolment, and 5 of 51 patients
      died. Analysis of the HSCT decisions revealed the anticipated heterogeneity,
      favoring an ongoing prospective matched-pair analysis of patients with similar
      disease severity with or without transplantation. Importantly, so far neither the
      genetic diagnosis nor basic measurements of T-cell immunity were good predictors
      of disease evolution. CONCLUSIONS: The P-CID study for the first time
      characterizes a group of patients with nontypical SCID T-cell deficiencies from a
      therapeutic perspective. Because genetic and basic T-cell parameters provide
      limited guidance, prospective data from this study will be a helpful resource for
      guiding the difficult HSCT decisions in patients with P-CID.

PMID- 27658762
TI  - Efficacy and safety of canakinumab in Schnitzler syndrome: A multicenter
      randomized placebo-controlled study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Schnitzler syndrome is an adult-onset autoinflammatory disease
      characterized by urticarial exanthema and monoclonal gammopathy accompanied by
      systemic symptoms such as fever, bone, and muscle pain. Up to now, approved
      treatment options are not available. OBJECTIVE: We assessed effects of the anti
      IL-1beta mAb canakinumab on the clinical signs and symptoms of Schnitzler
      syndrome. METHODS: In this phase II, randomized placebo-controlled multicenter
      study, 20 patients with active disease enrolled in 4 German study centers.
      Patients were randomly assigned to receive single subcutaneous canakinumab 150 mg
      or placebo injections for 7 days, followed by a 16-week open-label phase with
      canakinumab injections on confirmed relapse of symptoms. The primary end point
      was the proportion of patients with complete clinical response evaluated by
      physician global assessment at day 7. Key secondary end points included changes
      in patient-reported disease activity (Schnitzler activity score), inflammation
      markers (C-reactive protein and serum amyloid A), and quality-of-life assessments
      (Dermatology Life Quality Index and 36-item short form health survey). RESULTS:
      The proportion of patients with complete clinical response at day 7 was
      significantly higher (P = .001) in the canakinumab-treated group (n = 5 of 7)
      than in the placebo group (n = 0 of 13). Levels of inflammation markers C
      reactive protein and serum amyloid A and quality-of-life scores were
      significantly reduced in canakinumab-treated but not in placebo-treated
      individuals. Positive effects continued up to 16 weeks. Adverse events were
      manageable and included respiratory tract infections, gastrointestinal symptoms,
      and hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: In this first placebo-controlled study,
      canakinumab was effective in patients with Schnitzler syndrome, and thus
      canakinumab may be further evaluated as a therapeutic option for this rare
      disease.

PMID- 27658763
TI  - Preservation of epithelial cell barrier function and muted inflammation in
      resistance to allergic rhinoconjunctivitis from house dust mite challenge.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An emerging paradigm holds that resistance to the development of
      allergic diseases, including allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, relates to an intact
      epithelial/epidermal barrier during early childhood. Conceivably, the immunologic
      and genomic footprint of this resistance is preserved in nonatopic, nonallergic
      adults and is unmasked during exposure to an aeroallergen. OBJECTIVE: The aim of
      this study was to obtain direct support of the epithelial/epidermal barrier model
      for allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. METHODS: Twenty-three adults allergic to house
      dust mites (HDMs) (M+) and 15 nonsensitive, nonallergic (M-) participants
      completed 3-hour exposures to aerosolized HDM (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus)
      powder on 4 consecutive days in an allergen challenge chamber. We analyzed: (1)
      peripheral blood leukocyte levels and immune responses; and (2) RNA sequencing
      derived expression profiles of nasal cells, before and after HDM exposure.
      RESULTS: On HDM challenge: (1) only M+ persons developed allergic
      rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms; and (2) peripheral blood leukocyte levels/responses
      and gene expression patterns in nasal cells were largely concordant between M+
      and M- participants; gross differences in these parameters were not observed at
      baseline (pre-exposure). Two key differences were observed. First, peripheral
      blood CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell activation levels initially decreased in M-
      participants versus increased in M+ participants. Second, in M- compared with M+
      participants, genes that promoted epidermal/epithelial barrier function (eg,
      filament-aggregating protein [filaggrin]) versus inflammation (eg, chemokines)
      and innate immunity (interferon) were upregulated versus muted, respectively.
      CONCLUSION: An imprint of resistance to HDM challenge in nonatopic, nonallergic
      adults was muted T-cell activation in the peripheral blood and inflammatory
      response in the nasal compartment, coupled with upregulation of genes that
      promote epidermal/epithelial cell barrier function.

PMID- 27658764
TI  - Self-Reported Physical Activity Using the International Physical Activity
      Questionnaire (IPAQ) in Australian Adults with Type 2 Diabetes, with and Without
      Peripheral Neuropathy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to survey the level of self-reported
      physical activity in people with type 2 diabetes, with and without peripheral
      neuropathy. METHODS: A sample of South Australian adults (n=481) 33 to 88 years
      of age who had type 2 diabetes, including 55 people with peripheral neuropathy,
      completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Levels of
      self-reported physical activity were compared between those with and without
      peripheral neuropathy. RESULTS: People with type 2 diabetes and peripheral
      neuropathy (median [Mdn]=1433; interquartile range [IQR]=495 to 3390 metabolic
      equivalent minutes per week [MET-min/wk]) were less physically active than those
      without peripheral neuropathy (Mdn=2106; IQR=876 to 4380 MET-min/wk) (p=0.04). A
      total of 49% of people with type 2 diabetes and peripheral neuropathy met
      physical activity recommendations of 150 minutes of at least moderate activity
      per week, compared to 57% of people with type 2 diabetes alone. CONCLUSIONS:
      These findings demonstrate that people with type 2 diabetes and peripheral
      neuropathy reported being significantly less active than people with type 2
      diabetes alone. People with type 2 diabetes and peripheral neuropathy need to be
      encouraged to perform higher levels of physical activity for biologic, physical
      and psychological benefits. Further studies using objective measures of physical
      activity are required to support these results.

PMID- 27658765
TI  - The Effect of Nurse Practitioner-Led Intervention in Diabetes Care for Patients
      Admitted to Cardiology Services.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the benefits of diabetes nurse practitioner (DNP)
      intervention on glycemic control, quality of life and diabetes treatment
      satisfaction in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) admitted to cardiology
      inpatient services at a tertiary centre. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients admitted
      to the cardiology service with T2DM who had suboptimal control (HbA1c >6.5%) were
      approached for the study. Diabetes care was optimized by the DNP through
      medication review, patient education and discharge care planning. Glycemic
      control was evaluated with 3-month post-intervention HbA1c. Secondary outcomes of
      lipid profiles, quality of life and treatment satisfaction were evaluated at
      baseline and at 3 months with fasting lipids, Audit of Diabetes-Dependent Quality
      of Life questionnaires (ADDQoL) and Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction
      Questionnaires (DTSQ) respectively. RESULTS: With almost 49% of patients admitted
      to the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute having HbA1c <6.5%, only 23 patients
      completed the study over a 12-month period. We found a significant decrease in
      HbA1c values at 3 months post-intervention from 8.0% (SD=1. 2) to 6.9% (SD=0.7),
      p=0.002. LDL showed a significant decrease at 3 months from 1.7 mmol/L (SD=0.7)
      to 1.1 mmol /L (SD=0.6), p=0.011. Overall median ADDQoL impact scores improved at
      follow up, from -1.4 to -0.4, p = 0.0003. Overall no significant changes in DTSQ
      scores were seen. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term DNP intervention in T2DM patients
      admitted to the inpatient cardiology service was associated with benefits in
      areas of glycemic control and various domains of QoL. Our study provides support
      for the involvement of DNP in the care of cardiology inpatients at tertiary
      centres.

PMID- 27658766
TI  - Diabetes in Emerging Adulthood: Transitions Lost in Translation.

PMID- 27658767
TI  - Characterization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates from
      fitness centers in the Memphis metropolitan area, Tennessee.
AB  - Indoor skin-contact surfaces of public fitness centers may serve as reservoirs of
      potential human transmission of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
      (MRSA). We found a high prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) MRSA of clonal
      complex 59 lineage harboring a variety of extracellular toxin genes from surface
      swab samples collected from inanimate surfaces of fitness centers in the Memphis
      metropolitan area, Tennessee. Our findings underscore the role of inanimate
      surfaces as potential sources of transmission of MDR MRSA strains with
      considerable genetic diversity.

PMID- 27658768
TI  - A novel type of hand hygiene technique.

PMID- 27658769
TI  - Impact of a hand hygiene campaign in a tertiary hospital in South Korea on the
      rate of hospital-onset methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia and
      economic evaluation of the campaign.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hand hygiene (HH) is the most important factor affecting health care
      associated infections. METHODS: We introduced a World Health Organization HH
      campaign in October 2010. The monthly procurement of hand sanitizers per 1,000
      patient days was calculated, and the monthly incidence of methicillin-resistant
      Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (MRSAB), classified into community- and hospital
      onset (HO), was measured from a microbiologic laboratory database. Trends of
      MRSAB incidence were assessed using Bayesian structural time series models. A
      cost-benefit analysis was also performed based on the economic burden of HO MRSAB
      in Korea. RESULTS: Procurement of hand sanitizers increased 134% after the
      intervention (95% confidence interval [CI], 120%-149%), compared with the
      preintervention period (January 2008-September 2010). In the same manner, HH
      compliance improved from 33.2% in September 2010 to 92.2% after the intervention.
      The incidence of HO MRSAB per 100,000 patient days decreased 33% (95% CI, -57% to
      -7.8%) after the intervention. Because there was a calculated reduction of 65 HO
      MRSAB cases during the intervention period, the benefit outweighed the cost
      (total benefit [$851,565]/total cost [$167,495] = 5.08). CONCLUSIONS:
      Implementation of the HH campaign led to increased compliance and significantly
      reduced HO MRSAB incidence; it was also cost saving.

PMID- 27658770
TI  - What parents think and feel about deep brain stimulation in paediatric secondary
      dystonia including cerebral palsy: A qualitative study of parental decision
      making.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dystonia is characterised by involuntary movements and postures. Deep
      Brain Stimulation (DBS) is effective in reducing dystonic symptoms in primary
      dystonia in childhood and to lesser extent in secondary dystonia. How families
      and children decide to choose DBS surgery has never been explored. AIMS: To
      explore parental decision-making for DBS in paediatric secondary dystonia.
      METHODS: Data was gathered using semi-structured interviews with eight parents of
      children with secondary dystonia who had undergone DBS. Interviews were analysed
      using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. RESULTS: For all parents the
      decision was viewed as significant, with life altering consequences for the
      child. These results suggested that parents were motivated by a hope for a better
      life and parental duty. This was weighed against consideration of risks, what the
      child had to lose, and uncertainty of DBS outcome. Decisions were also influenced
      by the perspectives of their child and professionals. CONCLUSIONS: The decision
      to undergo DBS was an ongoing process for parents, who ultimately were struggling
      in the face of uncertainty whilst trying to do their best as parents for their
      children. These findings have important clinical implications given the growing
      referrals for consideration of DBS childhood dystonia, and highlights the
      importance of further quantitative research to fully establish the efficacy of
      DBS in secondary dystonia to enhance informed decision-making.

PMID- 27658771
TI  - Current experience of spinal neuromodulation in chronic pain: Is there a role in
      children and young people?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Chronic pain in children has been an under-recognized problem
      compared to adult pain. The aim of management is to help children and their
      families cope with the symptoms rather than a cure. Current medical treatments to
      reduce pain intensity are often short lived, poorly tolerated or ineffective.
      RESULTS: The use of electrical stimulation to treat pain is the current basis of
      modern Neuromodulation at the spinal cord and has been well established as spinal
      cord stimulation in adult practice. This involves placement of an epidural
      electrode connected to a subcutaneous implanted pulse generator. The electrode
      generates an electrical field at the dorsal columns of the spinal cord that
      inhibits pain pathways. Randomised controlled trials have demonstrated efficacy
      in neuropathic pain states such as the failed back surgery syndrome and complex
      regional pain syndrome. CONCLUSION: Despite its initial expense, Spinal cord
      stimulation is a cost effective therapy in the long term and has the advantages
      of being a minimally invasive therapy and reversible.

PMID- 27658772
TI  - Estrogen Signals Through Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-gamma
      Coactivator 1alpha to Reduce Oxidative Damage Associated With Diet-Induced Fatty
      Liver Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Inefficient fatty acid oxidation in mitochondria and increased
      oxidative damage are features of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In
      rodent models and patients with NAFLD, hepatic expression of peroxisome
      proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARG) coactivator 1alpha (PPARGC1A or
      PGC1A) is inversely correlated with liver fat and disease severity. A common
      polymorphism in this gene (rs8192678, encoding Gly482Ser) has been associated
      with NAFLD. We investigated whether reduced expression of PGC1A contributes to
      development of NAFLD using mouse models, primary hepatocytes, and human cell
      lines. METHODS: HepG2 cells were transfected with variants of PPARGC1A and
      protein and messenger RNA levels were measured. Mice with liver-specific
      hemizygous or homozygous disruption of Ppargc1a (Ppargc1af/+Alb-cre+/0 and
      Ppargc1af/f Alb-cre+/0 mice, respectively) were fed regular chow (control) or a
      high-fat diet supplemented with 30% d-fructose in drinking water (obesogenic
      diet) for 25-33 weeks. Liver tissues were analyzed by histology and by
      immunoblotting. Primary hepatocytes were analyzed for insulin signaling, reactive
      oxygen species, and estrogen response. Luciferase reporter expression was
      measured in transfected H2.35 cells expressing an estrogen receptor reporter
      gene, estrogen receptor 1, and/or PGC1A/B. RESULTS: The serine 482 variant of the
      human PGC1A protein had a shorter half-life than the glycine 482 variant when
      expressed in HepG2 cells. Liver tissues from mice with liver-specific hemizygous
      disruption of Ppargc1a placed on an obesogenic diet expressed increased markers
      of inflammation and fibrosis and decreased levels of antioxidant enzymes compared
      with the Ppargc1a+/+ on the same diet. Oxidative damage was observed in livers
      from Ppargc1af/+Alb-cre+/0 mice of each sex, in a cell-autonomous manner, but was
      greater in livers from the female mice. Expression of PGC1A in H2.35 cells
      coactivated estrogen receptor 1 and was required for estrogen-dependent
      expression of genes that encode antioxidant proteins. These findings could
      account for the increased liver damage observed in female Ppargc1af/+Alb-cre+/0
      mice; while, compensatory increases in PPARG coactivator 1beta could prevent
      oxidative damage associated with complete loss of PGC1A expression in
      Ppargc1af/fAlb-cre+/0 female mice. CONCLUSIONS: In mice, loss of estrogen
      signaling contributes to oxidative damage caused by low levels of PGC1A in liver,
      exacerbating steatohepatitis associated with diets high in fructose and fat.

PMID- 27658773
TI  - Profiling of downregulated blood-circulating miR-150-5p as a novel tumor marker
      for cholangiocarcinoma.
AB  - Altered microRNA (miRNA) expression plays a role in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA)
      development; thus, detection of blood-circulating miRNAs could be useful as CCA
      markers. This study profiled serum miRNA levels in patients with primary
      sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and CCA and then assessed the role of miR-150-5p in
      CCA progression in vitro. Three samples were randomly selected from each of 50
      sera of healthy controls, 30 PSC sera, and 28 CCA sera with matched bile samples
      for miRNA microarray profiling. The dysregulated miRNAs were confirmed using qRT
      PCR, and miR-150-5p was selected for further in vitro and ex vivo studies. The
      miRNA microarray identified three dysregulated miRNAs in both CCA and PSC
      samples, while miR-150-5p level was consistently lower in CCA sera, bile, and
      tissues than in normal control and PSC sera (P < 0.05). Furthermore, levels of
      miR-150-5p were associated with serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) levels
      and CCA pathological grade. Bioinformatic Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes
      (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) analyses showed that miR-150-5p could regulate hand
      full gene pathways, including cancer pathway (P < 0.01). However, overexpression
      of miR-150-5p inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion capability of CCA
      cells (P < 0.05). Luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-150-5p bound to an
      oncogene Ets including gene-1 (ELK1), and Western blot data confirmed that miR
      150-5p suppressed ELK1 expression in CCA cell lines. These results suggest that
      reduced miR-150-5p expression could contribute to CCA development and progression
      due to uncontrolled ELK1 expression. Thus, further study could evaluate miR-150
      5p as a novel target and predictor for CCA prevention and treatment.

PMID- 27658774
TI  - Long non-coding RNA TUG1 contributes to tumorigenesis of human osteosarcoma by
      sponging miR-9-5p and regulating POU2F1 expression.
AB  - Recent studies have shown that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have critical roles
      in tumorigenesis, including osteosarcoma. The lncRNA taurine-upregulated gene 1
      (TUG1) was reported to be involved in the progression of osteosarcoma. Here, we
      investigated the role of TUG1 in osteosarcoma cells and the underlying mechanism.
      TUG1 expression was measured in osteosarcoma cell lines and human normal
      osteoblast cells by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The effects of TUG1 on
      osteosarcoma cells were studied by RNA interference in vitro and in vivo. The
      mechanism of competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) was determined using bioinformatic
      analysis and luciferase assays. Our data showed that TUG1 knockdown inhibited
      cell proliferation and colony formation, and induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and
      apoptosis in vitro, and suppressed tumor growth in vivo. Besides, we found that
      TUG1 acted as an endogenous sponge to directly bind to miR-9-5p and downregulated
      miR-9-5p expression. Moreover, TUG1 overturned the effect of miR-9-5p on the
      proliferation, colony formation, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis in osteosarcoma
      cells, which involved the derepression of POU class 2 homeobox 1 (POU2F1)
      expression. In conclusion, our study elucidated a novel TUG1/miR-9-5p/POU2F1
      pathway, in which TUG1 acted as a ceRNA by sponging miR-9-5p, leading to
      downregulation of POU2F1 and facilitating the tumorigenesis of osteosarcoma.
      These findings may contribute to the lncRNA-targeted therapy for human
      osteosarcoma.

PMID- 27658775
TI  - Overexpression of IGFBP3 is associated with poor prognosis and tumor metastasis
      in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
AB  - Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 (IGFBP3) is an N-linked
      glycosylated, phosphorylated protein, which has been reported to regulate cancer
      progression and metastasis. However, the role of IGFBP3 in tumor metastasis
      remains under debate. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a highly metastatic head
      and neck cancer. And it fails to achieve the desired therapeutic efficacy in
      patients with metastasis, while the role of IGFBP3 in NPC is still unclear. In
      this study, we first used immunohistochemistry to explore the expression of
      IGFBP3 in NPC tissues. We found that IGFBP3 was significantly elevated in NPC and
      its expression level was correlated with N classification, distant metastasis,
      and TNM clinical stage (all P < 0.05). Patients with high expression of IGFBP3
      had poorer survival rate (P < 0.05). In addition, we found that downregulation of
      IGFBP3 inhibited cell migration and adhesion by Transwell migration assay,
      wounding healing assay, and cell adhesion assays in vitro. Besides, NPC cells
      stimulated with recombinant IGFBP3 accelerated migration and adhesion. These data
      suggest overexpression of IGFBP3 promotes tumor metastasis in NPC, which makes it
      a potential therapeutic target.

PMID- 27658776
TI  - The mitochondrion interfering compound NPC-26 exerts potent anti-pancreatic
      cancer cell activity in vitro and in vivo.
AB  - The development of novel anti-pancreatic cancer agents is extremely important.
      Here, we investigated the anti-pancreatic cancer activity by NPC-26, a novel
      mitochondrion interfering compound. We showed that NPC-26 was anti-proliferative
      and cytotoxic to human pancreatic cancer cells, possibly via inducing caspase-9
      dependent cell apoptosis. Pharmacological inhibition or shRNA-mediated silence of
      caspase-9 attenuated NPC-26-induced pancreatic cancer cell death and apoptosis.
      Further, NPC-26 treatment led to mitochondrial permeability transition pore
      (mPTP) opening in the cancer cells, which was evidenced by mitochondrial
      depolarization, ANT-1(adenine nucleotide translocator-1)-Cyp-D (cyclophilin-D)
      association and oxidative phosphorylation disturbance. mPTP blockers (cyclosporin
      and sanglifehrin A) or shRNA-mediated knockdown of key mPTP components (Cyp-D and
      ANT-1) dramatically attenuated NPC-26-induced pancreatic cancer cell apoptosis.
      Importantly, we showed that NPC-26, at a low concentration, potentiated
      gemcitabine-induced mPTP opening and subsequent pancreatic cancer cell apoptosis.
      In vivo, NPC-26 intraperitoneal injection significantly suppressed the growth of
      PANC-1 xenograft tumors in nude mice. Meanwhile, NPC-26 sensitized gemcitabine
      mediated anti-pancreatic cancer activity in vivo. In summary, the results of this
      study suggest that NPC-26, alone or together with gemcitabine, potently inhibits
      pancreatic cancer cells possibly via disrupting mitochondrion.

PMID- 27658777
TI  - Lentivirus-mediated silencing of HSDL2 suppresses cell proliferation in human
      gliomas.
AB  - Gliomas are the most common type of malignant brain tumors, and the related
      prognosis is poor. Though many genes have been identified as factors in the
      development and progression of gliomas, underlying mechanisms remained unclear.
      It was clear that abnormal lipid metabolism was one of the major hallmarks of
      cancers. However, few factors associated with lipid metabolism have been reported
      to be involved in cancer pathogenesis. Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-like 2
      (HSDL2) is a protein containing sterol carrier protein 2 (SCP2) domain localized
      in peroxisomes, which indicated that HSDL2 might be a fatty acid regulatory
      factor. Here, we revealed that HSDL2 was significantly upregulated in gliomas and
      its expression was positively correlated with glioma grades. Furthermore,
      lentiviral-mediated HSDL2 knockdown showed that HSDL2 downregulation inhibited
      the proliferation in two human glioblastoma cell lines U-251 cells and U87 MG
      cells, induced cell cycle arrest, and promoted cell apoptosis. Our study provided
      multiple lines of evidence for the causal relationship between HSDL2
      overexpression and glioma progression and provided possible mechanisms underlying
      HSDL2-mediated glioma growth. Taken together, these results indicated that HSDL2
      might serve as a potential target for glioma treatment in the future.

PMID- 27658778
TI  - The role of ADAM17 in tumorigenesis and progression of breast cancer.
AB  - A disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM) family members are known to process
      the target membrane-bound molecules through the quick induction of their protease
      activities under interaction with other molecules, which have diverse roles in
      tissue morphogenesis and pathophysiological remodeling. Among these, ADAM17 is a
      membrane-bound protease that sheds the extracellular domain of various receptors
      or its ligands from the cell membrane and subsequently activates downstream
      signaling transduction pathways. Importantly, breast cancer remains a mainspring
      of cancer-induced death in women, and numerous regulatory pathways have been
      implicated in the formation of breast cancer. Substantial evidence has
      demonstrated that an obvious increased in ADAM17 cell surface expression has been
      discovered in breast cancer and was shown to be associated with mammary
      tumorigenesis, invasiveness, and drug resistance. Over the last decades, it has
      received more than its share of attention that ADAM17 plays a potential role in
      breast cancer, including cell proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, apoptosis,
      and trastuzumab resistance. In our review, we discuss the mechanisms through
      which ADAM17 acts on breast cancer tumorigenesis and progression. Thus, this will
      provide further impetus for exploiting ADAM17 as a new target for breast cancer
      treatment.

PMID- 27658779
TI  - Low expression of DCXR protein indicates a poor prognosis for hepatocellular
      carcinoma patients.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of dicarbonyl/L
      xylulose reductase (DCXR) in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
      Immunohistochemistry and tissue microarrays were used to evaluate DCXR protein
      expression levels. Image-Pro Plus was used to calculate the integral optic
      density (IOD) in each tissue sample, which represented the expression level of
      DCXR. DCXR proteins were found to be significantly lower in HCC tumor tissues (P
      < 0.0001) according to immunohistochemical analysis of DCXR protein levels in 74
      paired HCC tissue and peritumoral non-cancer tissues. The prognostic value of
      DCXR in HCC was assessed in 290 cases of the training cohort and 74 cases of the
      validation cohort. Shorter overall survival (OS) time and shorter time to
      recurrence (TTR) in both the training and validation set were found to be
      associated with lower expression levels of DCXR. In the training set, the
      expression level of DCXR in HCC was an independent prognostic factor for OS
      according to univariate and multivariate analyses. In conclusion, DCXR expression
      is an independent prognostic factor for OS and TTR of post-operative HCC
      patients, and low expression levels of DCXR in HCC may indicate poor outcome of
      HCC patients after surgical resection.

PMID- 27658780
TI  - HOX genes: potential candidates for the progression of laryngeal squamous cell
      carcinoma.
AB  - Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is a very aggressive cancer, considered
      to be a subtype of the head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Despite
      significant advances in the understanding and treatment of cancer, prognosis of
      patients with LSCC has not improved recently. In the present study, we sought to
      understand better the genetic mechanisms underlying LSCC development. Thirty-two
      tumor samples were collected from patients undergoing surgical resection of LSCC.
      The samples were submitted to whole-genome cDNA microarray analysis aiming to
      identify genetic targets in LSCC. We also employed bioinformatic approaches to
      expand our findings using the TCGA database and further performed functional
      assays, using human HNSCC cell lines, to evaluate viability, cell proliferation,
      and cell migration after silencing of selected genes. Eight members of the
      homeobox gene family (HOX) were identified to be overexpressed in LSCC samples
      when compared to normal larynx tissue. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis validated the
      overexpression of HOX gene family members in LSCC. Receiver operating
      characteristic (ROC) statistical method curve showed that the expression level of
      seven members of HOX gene family can distinguish tumor from nontumor tissue.
      Correlation analysis of clinical and gene expression data revealed that HOXC8 and
      HOXD11 genes were associated with the differentiation degree of tumors and
      regional lymph node metastases, respectively. Additionally, siRNA assays
      confirmed that HOXC8, HOXD10, and HOXD11 genes might be critical for cell colony
      proliferation and cell migration. According to our findings, several members of
      the HOX genes were overexpressed in LSCC samples and seem to be required in
      biological processes involved in tumor development. This suggests that HOX genes
      might play a critical role in the physiopathology of LSCC tumors.

PMID- 27658781
TI  - Hepatitis B virus X protein in liver tumor microenvironment.
AB  - Encoded by the hepatitis B virus, hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) is a
      multifunctional, potentially oncogenic protein that acts primarily during the
      progression from chronic hepatitis B to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma
      (HCC). In recent decades, it has been established that chronic inflammation
      generates a tumor-supporting microenvironment. HCC is a typical chronic
      inflammation-related cancer, and inflammation is the main risk factor for HCC
      progression. The viral transactivator HBx plays a pivotal role in the initiation
      and maintenance of hepatic inflammatory processes through interactions with
      components of the tumor microenvironment including tumor cells and the
      surrounding peritumoral stroma. The complex interactions between HBx and this
      microenvironment are thought to regulate tumor growth, progression, invasion,
      metastasis, and angiogenesis. In this review, we have summarized the current
      evidence evaluating the function of HBx and its contribution to the inflammatory
      liver tumor microenvironment.

PMID- 27658783
TI  - Strigolactones redefine plant hormones.

PMID- 27658782
TI  - Systematic procedure for identifying the five main ossification stages of the
      medial clavicular epiphysis using computed tomography: a practical proposal for
      forensic age diagnostics.
AB  - In forensic age estimations of living individuals, computed tomography of the
      clavicle is widely used for determining the age of majority. To this end, the
      degree of ossification of the medial clavicular epiphysis can be determined by
      means of two classification systems complementing each other: a 5-stage system
      and an additional 6-stage system that further sub-classifies the stages 2 and 3.
      In recent years, practical experience and new data revealed that difficulties and
      even wrong stage determinations may occur especially when following the short
      descriptions of the fundamental 5-stage system only. Based on current literature,
      this article provides a systematic procedure for identifying the five main
      ossification stages by listing important preconditions and presenting an
      algorithm that is comprised of four specific questions. Each question is
      accompanied by comprehensive and detailed descriptions which specify the criteria
      used for differentiation. The information is subdivided into "single-slice view"
      and "multi-slice view." In addition, illustrative case examples and schematic
      drawings facilitate application of the procedure in forensic practice. The
      pitfalls associated with the criteria of stage determination will be discussed in
      detail. Eventually, two general rules will be inferred to assign correct
      ossification stages of the medial clavicular epiphysis by means of computed
      tomography.

PMID- 27658785
TI  - Mitochondrial dynamics during cell cycling.
AB  - Mitochondria are the cell's power plant that must be in a proper functional state
      in order to produce the energy necessary for basic cellular functions, such as
      proliferation. Mitochondria are 'dynamic' in that they are constantly undergoing
      fission and fusion to remain in a functional state throughout the cell cycle, as
      well as during other vital processes such as energy supply, cellular respiration
      and programmed cell death. The mitochondrial fission/fusion machinery is involved
      in generating young mitochondria, while eliminating old, damaged and non
      repairable ones. As a result, the organelles change in shape, size and number
      throughout the cell cycle. Such precise and accurate balance is maintained by the
      cytoskeletal transporting system via microtubules, which deliver the
      mitochondrion from one location to another. During the gap phases G1 and G2,
      mitochondria form an interconnected network, whereas in mitosis and S-phase
      fragmentation of the mitochondrial network will take place. However, such balance
      is lost during neoplastic transformation and autoimmune disorders. Several
      proteins, such as Drp1, Fis1, Kif-family proteins, Opa1, Bax and mitofusins
      change in activity and might link the mitochondrial fission/fusion events with
      processes such as alteration of mitochondrial membrane potential, apoptosis,
      necrosis, cell cycle arrest, and malignant growth. All this indicates how vital
      proper functioning of mitochondria is in maintaining cell integrity and
      preventing carcinogenesis.

PMID- 27658784
TI  - The ROS derived mitochondrial respirstion not from NADPH oxidase plays key role
      in Celastrol against angiotensin II-mediated HepG2 cell proliferation.
AB  - Angiotensin II (AngII) is an important factor that promotes the proliferation of
      cancer cells, whereas celastrol exhibits a significant antitumor activity in
      various cancer models. Whether celastrol can effectively suppress AngII mediated
      cell proliferation remains unknown. In this study, we studied the effect of
      celastrol on AngII-induced HepG2 cell proliferation and evaluated its underlying
      mechanism. The results revealed that AngII was able to significantly promote
      HepG2 cell proliferation via up-regulating AngII type 1 (AT1) receptor
      expression, improving mitochondrial respiratory function, enhancing nicotinamide
      adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activity, increasing the levels of
      reactive oxygen species (ROS) and pro-inflammatory cytokines. The excess ROS from
      mitochondrial dysfunction is able to cause the apoptosis of tumor cells via
      activating caspase3 signal pathway. In addition, the reaction between NO and ROS
      results in the formation of peroxynitrite (ONOO-), and then promoting cell
      damage. celastrol dramatically enhanced ROS generation, thereby causing cell
      apoptosis through inhibiting mitochodrial respiratory function and boosting the
      expression levels of AngII type 2 (AT2) receptor without influencing NADPH
      oxidase activity. PD123319 as a special inhibitor of AT2R was able to effectively
      decreased the levels of inflammatory cytokines and endothelial nitric oxide
      synthase (eNOS) activity, but only partially attenuate the effect of celastrol on
      AnII mediated HepG2 cell proliferation. Thus, celastrol has the potential for use
      in liver cancer therapy. ROS derived from mitochondrial is an important factor
      for celastrol to suppress HepG2 cell proliferation.

PMID- 27658787
TI  - Tumor like reversible seizure-induced brain MRI abnormalities in a patient
      previously treated for Nocardia brain abscess. An avoided clinical pitfall.

PMID- 27658788
TI  - Linking cognitive abilities with the propensity for risk-taking: the balloon
      analogue risk task.
AB  - There is great interest about the individual differences that influence the
      ability of dealing with risky decisions. In this light, an intriguing question is
      whether decision-making during risk is related to other cognitive abilities,
      especially executive functions. To investigate, in healthy subjects, the
      existence of a possible correlation between risk-taking and cognitive abilities,
      the balloon analogue risk task (BART) has been exploited to assess risk-taking
      propensity and the random number generation (RNG), to investigate cognitive
      functions. The risk-taking propensity is significantly correlated with the
      Cycling factor, a feature of RNG performance specifically related to the ability
      of updating and monitoring information. In particular, an excessive activity of
      monitoring (expressed by lower values of Cycling factor) is related to a more
      risk-averse behavior. An overlapping between the circuits involved in both RNG
      and BART, centered on the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, could be the possible
      neurophysiological substrate for this correlation. This study suggests a relevant
      contribution of executive functions in risk-taking behavior. This could have
      relevant implications in neuroeconomics and neuropsychiatry of addiction and
      pathological gambling.

PMID- 27658786
TI  - An Eye on Age-Related Macular Degeneration: The Role of MicroRNAs in Disease
      Pathology.
AB  - Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the primary cause of blindness in
      developed countries, and is the third leading cause worldwide. Emerging evidence
      suggests that beside environmental and genetic factors, epigenetic mechanisms,
      such as microRNA (miRNA) regulation of gene expression, are relevant to AMD
      providing an exciting new avenue for research and therapy. MiRNAs are short, non
      coding RNAs thought to be imperative for coping with cellular stress. Numerous
      studies have analyzed miRNA dysregulation in AMD patients, although with varying
      outcomes. Four studies which profiled dysregulated circulating miRNAs in AMD
      yielded unique sets, and there is only minimal overlap in ocular miRNA profiling
      of AMD. Mouse models of AMD, including oxygen-induced retinopathy and laser
      induced choroidal neovascularization, showed similarities to some extent with
      miRNA patterns in AMD. For example, miR-146a is an extensively researched miRNA
      thought to modulate inflammation, and was found to be upregulated in AMD mice and
      cellular systems, but also in human AMD retinae and vitreous humor. Similarly,
      mir-17, miR-125b and miR-155 were dysregulated in multiple AMD mouse models as
      well as in human AMD plasma or retinae. These miRNAs are thought to regulate
      angiogenesis, apoptosis, phagocytosis, and inflammation. A promising avenue of
      research is the modulation of such miRNAs, as the phenotype of AMD mice could be
      ameliorated with antagomirs or miRNA-mimic treatment. However, before meaningful
      strides can be made to develop miRNAs as a diagnostic or therapeutic tool,
      reproducible miRNA profiles need to be established for the various clinical
      outcomes of AMD.

PMID- 27658789
TI  - Genomic Profiling of Biliary Tract Cancers and Implications for Clinical
      Practice.
AB  - OPINION STATEMENT: Biliary tract cancers are relatively uncommon, have an
      aggressive disease course and a dismal clinical outcome. Until recently, there
      have been very few clinical advances in the management of these patients and
      gemcitabine-based chemotherapy has been the only widely accepted systemic
      therapy. The advent of next generation sequencing technologies can potentially
      change the treatment paradigm of this disease. Targeted therapy directed against
      actionable mutations and identification of molecular subsets with distinct
      prognostic significance is now feasible in clinical practice. Mutation profiling
      has highlighted the genomic differences between the intra, extrahepatic
      cholangiocarcinoma, and gallbladder cancer. The mutational spectrum of
      intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma differs according to geographic location and
      ethnicity. There is a higher incidence of chromatin modulating gene mutations in
      Western patients as compared with Asian patients with liver fluke-associated
      cholangiocarcinoma. KRAS and p53 mutations are associated with an aggressive
      disease prognosis while FGFR mutations may signify a relatively indolent disease
      course of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. FGFR and IDH mutations have promising
      agents in clinical trials at this time. An estimated 15 % of gallbladder cancers
      have Her2/neu amplification and can be targeted by trastuzumab. On the other
      hand, an estimated 10-15 % of cholangiocarcinomas have DNA repair mutations and
      may be candidates for immune therapies with checkpoint inhibitors. The promise of
      targeted therapies for biliary tract cancers can be fulfilled with well-designed,
      prospective, and multi-center clinical trials.

PMID- 27658790
TI  - Design, synthesis, and biological characterization of novel PEG-linked dimeric
      modulators for CXCR4.
AB  - CXCR4 dimerization has been widely demonstrated both biologically and
      structurally. This paper mainly focused on the development of structure-based
      dimeric ligands that target CXCL12-CXCR4 interaction and signaling. This study
      presents the design and synthesis of a series of [PEG]n linked dimeric ligands of
      CXCR4 based on the knowledge of the homodimeric crystal structure of CXCR4 and
      our well established platform of chemistry and bioassays for CXCR4. These new
      ligands include [PEG]n linked homodimeric or heterodimeric peptides consisting of
      either two DV3-derived moieties (where DV3 is an all-d-amino acid analog of N
      terminal modules of 1-10 (V3) residues of vMIP-II) or hybrids of DV3 moieties and
      CXCL121-8. Among a total of 24 peptide ligands, four antagonists and three
      agonists showed good CXCR4 binding affinity, with IC50 values of <50nM and
      <800nM, respectively. Chemotaxis and calcium mobilization assays with SUP-T1
      cells further identified two promising lead modulators of CXCR4: ligand 4, a
      [PEG3]2 linked homodimeric DV3, was an effective CXCR4 antagonist (IC50=22nM);
      and ligand 21, a [PEG3]2 linked heterodimeric DV3-CXCL121-8, was an effective
      CXCR4 agonist (IC50=407nM). These dimeric CXCR4 modulators represent new
      molecular probes and therapeutics that effectively modulate CXCL12-CXCR4
      interaction and function.

PMID- 27658791
TI  - Synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of (E)-methyl 2-((2-oxonaphthalen
      1(2H)-ylidene)methylamino)acetate as a biological agent and an anion sensor.
AB  - An amino acid based and bidentate Schiff base, (E)-methyl 2-((2-oxonaphthalen
      1(2H)-ylidene)methylamino)acetate (ligand), was synthesized from the reaction of
      glycine-methyl ester hydrochloride with 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde.
      Characterization of the ligand was carried out using theoretical quantum
      mechanical calculations and experimental spectroscopic methods. The molecular
      structure of the compound was confirmed using X-ray single-crystal data, NMR,
      FTIR and UV-Visible spectroscopy, which were in good agreement with the structure
      predicted by the theoretical calculations using density functional theory (DFT).
      Antimicrobial activity of the ligand was investigated for its minimum inhibitory
      concentration (MIC) to several bacteria and yeast cultures. UV-Visible
      spectroscopy studies also shown that the ligand can bind calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA)
      electrostatic binding. In addition, DNA cleavage study showed that the ligand
      cleaved DNA without the need for external agents. Energetically most favorable
      docked structures were obtained from the rigid molecular docking of the compound
      with DNA. The compound binds at the active site of the DNA proteins by weak non
      covalent interactions. The colorimetric response of the ligand in DMSO to the
      addition of equivalent amount of anions (F-, Br-, I-, CN-, SCN-, ClO4-, HSO4-,
      AcO-, H2PO4-, N3- and OH-) was investigated and the ligand was shown to be
      sensitive to CN- anion.

PMID- 27658792
TI  - Arylsulfonamide derivatives of (aryloxy)ethyl pyrrolidines and piperidines as
      alpha1-adrenergic receptor antagonist with uro-selective activity.
AB  - A series of arylsulfonamide derivatives of (aryloxy)ethyl pyrrolidines and
      piperidines was synthesized to develop new alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonists with
      uroselective profile. Biological evaluation for alpha1- and alpha2-adrenorecepor
      showed that tested compounds 13-37 displayed high-to-moderate affinity for the
      alpha1-adrenoceptor (Ki=34-348nM) and moderate selectivity over alpha2-receptor
      subtype. Compounds with highest affinity and selectivity for alpha1-adrenoceptor
      were evaluated in vitro for their intrinsic activity toward alpha1A- and alpha1B
      adrenoceptor subtypes. All compounds behaved as antagonists at both alpha1
      adrenoceptor subtypes, displaying 2- to 6-fold functional preference to alpha1A
      subtype. Among them, N-{1-[2-(2-methoxyphenoxy)ethyl]piperidin-4-yl}isoquinoline
      4-sulfonamide (25) and 3-chloro-2-fluoro-N-{[1-(2-(2
      isopropoxyphenoxy)ethyl)piperidin-4-yl]methyl}benzene sulfonamide (34) displayed
      the highest preference to alpha1A-adrenoceptor. Finally, compounds 25 and 34 (2
      5mg/kg, iv), in contrast to tamsulosin (1-2mg/kg, iv), did not significantly
      decrease systolic and diastolic blood pressure in normotensive anesthetized rats
      to determine their influence on blood pressure.

PMID- 27658793
TI  - New inhibitors of tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase I (Tdp 1) combining 7
      hydroxycoumarin and monoterpenoid moieties.
AB  - A number of derivatives of 7-hydroxycoumarins containing aromatic or monoterpene
      substituents at hydroxy-group were synthesized based on a hit compound from a
      virtual screen. The ability of these compounds to inhibit tyrosyl-DNA
      phosphodiesterase I (Tdp 1), important target for anti-cancer therapy, was
      studied for the first time. It was found that the 7-hydroxycoumarin derivatives
      with monoterpene pinene moiety are effective inhibitors of Tdp 1 with the most
      active derivative (+)-25c with IC50 value of 0.675MUM. This compound has low
      cytotoxicity (CC50>100MUM) when tested against human cancer cells which is
      crucial for presupposed application in combination with clinically established
      anticancer drugs. The ability of the new compounds to enhance the cytotoxicity of
      camptothecin, an established topoisomerase 1 poison, was demonstrated.

PMID- 27658794
TI  - Synthesis of phenylpiperazine derivatives of 1,4-benzodioxan as selective COX-2
      inhibitors and anti-inflammatory agents.
AB  - 1-((2,3-Dihydrobenzo[b][1,4]dioxin-6-yl)methyl)-4-substituted-phenylpiperazine
      moiety was prepared and has been found to be a new and selective ligand for the
      enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). The biological activity of compound 3k as anti
      inflammatory agent was further investigated both in vitro and in vivo. Notably,
      compound 3k exhibited the best anti-inflammatory activity among the eleven
      designed compounds with no toxicity, as determined by the ulcerogenic activity.
      Computational docking studies also showed that compound 3k has interaction with
      COX-2 key residues in the active site. Compound 3k maybe a new anti-inflammatory
      lead-candidate as powerful and novel non-ulcerogenic.

PMID- 27658795
TI  - New antibiotics from Nature's chemical inventory.
AB  - The doom and gloom of antibiotic resistance dominates public perception of this
      drug class. Many believe the world has entered the post-antibiotic era. Classic
      and modern approaches to antibacterial drug discovery have delivered a plethora
      of lead molecules with a great majority being natural products of ancient
      microbial origin. The failure of antibiotics in the resistance era comes from an
      inability to develop new leads into clinical candidates, which is a costly and
      risky endeavor for any therapeutic area, especially when resistance is at play.
      The world needs new antibiotic molecules to replace the exhausted pipeline and
      the second 'golden era' is certain to come from Nature's chemical inventory once
      again.

PMID- 27658796
TI  - Advances in rationally designed dual inhibitors of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase
      and integrase.
AB  - Reverse transcriptase (RT) and integrase (IN) are two indispensable enzymes in
      human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) replication. RT is responsible for
      the transformation of the single-stranded RNA viral genome into double-stranded
      DNA, and IN catalyzes the integration of viral DNA into the host DNA. Although
      highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) combining nucleoside/nucleotide
      reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs/NtRTIs) with nonnucleoside reverse
      transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) or protease inhibitors (PIs) could suppress
      successfully HIV viral load and reduce evidently the mortality of HIV infected
      people, it involves the difficulty of perfect adherence, and other drawbacks such
      as viral rebound, toxicities and multi-drug resistances. Recently, rational drug
      design has become a dominant technique for the development of multi-target drugs.
      And the rationally designed dual inhibitors of HIV-1 RT and IN have become a hot
      topic of anti-HIV research. In this review, the advances in rationally designed
      dual inhibitors of HIV-1 RT and IN were summarized, including structurally
      diverse inhibitors, their structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies as well
      as binding mode analysis.

PMID- 27658797
TI  - Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of conformationally constrained glutamic
      acid higher homologues.
AB  - Homologation of glutamic acid chain together with conformational constraint is a
      commonly used strategy to achieve selectivity towards different types of
      glutamate receptors. In the present work, starting from two potent and selective
      unnatural amino acids previously developed by us, we investigated the effects on
      the activity/selectivity profile produced by a further increase in the distance
      between the amino acidic moiety and the distal carboxylate group. Interestingly,
      the insertion of an aromatic ring as a spacer produced a low micromolar affinity
      NMDA ligand that might represent a lead for the development of a new class of
      NMDA antagonists.

PMID- 27658798
TI  - 8-Substituted 1,3-dimethyltetrahydropyrazino[2,1-f]purinediones: Water-soluble
      adenosine receptor antagonists and monoamine oxidase B inhibitors.
AB  - Multitarget approaches, i.e., addressing two or more targets simultaneously with
      a therapeutic agent, are hypothesized to offer additive therapeutic benefit for
      the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Validated targets for the treatment
      of Parkinson's disease are, among others, the A2A adenosine receptor (AR) and the
      enzyme monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B). Additional blockade of brain A1 ARs may also
      be beneficial. We recently described 8-benzyl-substituted tetrahydropyrazino[2,1
      f]purinediones as a new lead structure for the development of such multi-target
      drugs. We have now designed a new series of tetrahydropyrazino[2,1-f]purinediones
      to extensively explore their structure-activity-relationships. Several compounds
      blocked human and rat A1 and A2AARs at similar concentrations representing dual
      A1/A2A antagonists with high selectivity versus the other AR subtypes. Among the
      best dual A1/A2AAR antagonists were 8-(3-(4-chlorophenyl)propyl)-1,3-dimethyl
      6,7,8,9-tetrahydropyrazino[2,1-f]purine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione (41, Ki human A1:
      65.5nM, A2A: 230nM; Ki rat A1: 352nM, A2A: 316nM) and 1,3-dimethyl-8-((2
      (thiophen-2-yl)thiazol-4-yl)methyl)-6,7,8,9-tetrahydropyrazino[2,1-f]purine
      2,4(1H,3H)-dione (57, Ki human A1: 642nM, A2A: 203nM; Ki rat A1: 166nM, A2A:
      121nM). Compound 57 was found to be well water-soluble (0.7mg/mL) at a
      physiological pH value of 7.4. One of the new compounds showed triple-target
      inhibition: (R)-1,3-dimethyl-8-(2,1,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)-6,7,8,9
      tetrahydropyrazino[2,1-f]purine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione (49) was about equipotent at A1
      and A2AARs and at MAO-B (Ki human A1: 393nM, human A2A: 595nM, IC50 human MAO-B:
      210nM) thus allowing future in vivo explorations of the intended multi-target
      approach.

PMID- 27658799
TI  - Factors affecting whether or not cancer patients consider using acupuncture.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the factors associated with utilisation of an acupuncture
      service in a tertiary oncology setting in an Australian public hospital. METHOD:
      Cancer patients attending oncology clinics at a university teaching hospital were
      invited to participate in the evaluation of acupuncture services from June 2014
      to May 2015. Patients had a prior diagnosis of cancer (albeit at different
      stages) and were planning to receive, or were already receiving, systemic and/or
      radiation cancer treatment. RESULTS: The majority (81%) of participants indicated
      that they would consider the use of acupuncture during their cancer treatment.
      The most common reasons given for not considering acupuncture included adequate
      control of symptoms already with medical treatment, inconvenient clinic timing,
      and needle phobia. The main reasons given for considering acupuncture use
      included its perceived capability of reducing fatigue, boosting energy levels,
      improving immune function, and reducing pain and anxiety. Patients considering
      acupuncture use also demonstrated significantly higher levels of stress
      (p<0.001), anxiety and depression (p<0.001), fatigue (p<0.001), and lower global
      quality of life (p<0.01) compared to those who were not considering acupuncture.
      CONCLUSIONS: The findings show that demand for acupuncture by cancer patients is
      high. A substantial proportion of cancer patients intend to use acupuncture to
      manage cancer and/or cancer treatment-related symptoms. Discussion with patients
      about acupuncture and other complementary therapies during the consultation may
      improve cancer care.

PMID- 27658800
TI  - Protic N-Heterocyclic Carbene Versus Pyrazole: Rigorous Comparison of Proton- and
      Electron-Donating Abilities in a Pincer-Type Framework.
AB  - Evaluation of the acidity of proton-responsive ligands such as protic N
      heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) bearing an NH-wingtip provides a key to
      understanding the metal-ligand cooperation in enzymatic and artificial catalysis.
      Here, we design a CNN pincer-type ruthenium complex 2 bearing protic NHC and
      isoelectronic pyrazole units in a symmetrical skeleton, to compare their
      acidities and electron-donating abilities. The synthesis is achieved by direct C
      H metalation of 2-(imidazol-1-yl)-6-(pyrazol-3-yl)pyridine with [RuCl2 (PPh3 )3
      ]. 15 N-Labeling experiments confirm that deprotonation of 2 occurs first at the
      pyrazole side, indicating clearly that the protic pyrazole is more acidic than
      the NHC group. The electrochemical measurements as well as derivatization to
      carbonyl complexes demonstrate that the protic NHC is more electron-donating than
      pyrazole in both protonated and deprotonated forms.

PMID- 27658801
TI  - Development of mouse models of malignant phyllodes tumors by transplantation of
      syngeneic mammary gland cells expressing mutant H-Ras.
AB  - Phyllodes tumors (PTs) are rare fibroepithelial tumors of the breast with
      epithelial and stromal components, and surgical resection is the standard and
      only available treatment for malignant PTs. To provide a better understanding of
      these tumors, we developed mouse models that recapitulate the pathological and
      clinical properties of human malignant PTs. Mouse undifferentiated mammary gland
      cells were infected with a retrovirus encoding the human oncoprotein H-RasG12V ,
      and the infected cells were transplanted orthotopically into the mammary fat pads
      of syngeneic mice. The transplanted cells showed a high tumorigenic activity,
      with the resulting tumors manifesting pathological characteristics including
      stromal overgrowth similar to those of human malignant PTs. The tumors also
      showed high rates of both local recurrence and lung metastasis. Our models may
      prove useful for studies of the pathophysiology of malignant PTs as well as
      facilitate the development of new treatments.

PMID- 27658803
TI  - The boss is always right: Preschoolers endorse the testimony of a dominant over
      that of a subordinate.
AB  - Recent research has shown that young children rely on social cues to evaluate
      testimony. For instance, they prefer to endorse testimony provided by a
      consensual group than by a single dissenter. Given that dominance is pervasive in
      children's social environment, it can be hypothesized that children also use
      dominance relations in their selection of testimony. To test this hypothesis, a
      dominance asymmetry was induced between two characters either by having one
      repeatedly win in physical contests (physical power; Experiment 1) or by having
      one repeatedly impose her goals on the other (decisional power; Experiment 2). In
      two subsequent testimony tasks, 3- to 5-year-old children significantly tended to
      endorse the testimony of the dominant over that of the subordinate. These results
      suggest that preschoolers take dominance into account when evaluating testimony.
      In conclusion, we discuss two potential explanations for these findings.

PMID- 27658802
TI  - Overview of the SAMPL5 host-guest challenge: Are we doing better?
AB  - The ability to computationally predict protein-small molecule binding affinities
      with high accuracy would accelerate drug discovery and reduce its cost by
      eliminating rounds of trial-and-error synthesis and experimental evaluation of
      candidate ligands. As academic and industrial groups work toward this capability,
      there is an ongoing need for datasets that can be used to rigorously test new
      computational methods. Although protein-ligand data are clearly important for
      this purpose, their size and complexity make it difficult to obtain well
      converged results and to troubleshoot computational methods. Host-guest systems
      offer a valuable alternative class of test cases, as they exemplify noncovalent
      molecular recognition but are far smaller and simpler. As a consequence, host
      guest systems have been part of the prior two rounds of SAMPL prediction
      exercises, and they also figure in the present SAMPL5 round. In addition to being
      blinded, and thus avoiding biases that may arise in retrospective studies, the
      SAMPL challenges have the merit of focusing multiple researchers on a common set
      of molecular systems, so that methods may be compared and ideas exchanged. The
      present paper provides an overview of the host-guest component of SAMPL5, which
      centers on three different hosts, two octa-acids and a glycoluril-based molecular
      clip, and two different sets of guest molecules, in aqueous solution. A range of
      methods were applied, including electronic structure calculations with implicit
      solvent models; methods that combine empirical force fields with implicit solvent
      models; and explicit solvent free energy simulations. The most reliable methods
      tend to fall in the latter class, consistent with results in prior SAMPL rounds,
      but the level of accuracy is still below that sought for reliable computer-aided
      drug design. Advances in force field accuracy, modeling of protonation
      equilibria, electronic structure methods, and solvent models, hold promise for
      future improvements.

PMID- 27658804
TI  - Comparison of Functional Recovery is Crucial for Implementing ERAS: Reply.

PMID- 27658805
TI  - The Quality and Utility of Surgical and Anesthetic Data at a Ugandan Regional
      Referral Hospital.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are little primary data available on the delivery or quality of
      surgical treatment in rural sub-Saharan African hospitals. To initiate a quality
      improvement system, we characterized the existing data capture at a Ugandan
      Regional Referral Hospital. METHODS: We examined the surgical ward admission
      (January 2008-December/2011) and operating theater logbooks (January 2010-July
      2011) at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital. RESULTS: There were 6346 admissions
      recorded over three years. The mean patient age was 31.4 +/- 22.3 years; 29.8 %
      (n = 1888) of admissions were children. Leading causes of admission were general
      surgical problems (n = 3050, 48.1 %), trauma (n = 2041, 32.2 %), oncology (n =
      718, 11.3 %) and congenital condition (n = 193, 3.0 %). Laparotomy (n = 468, 35.3
      %), incision and drainage (n = 188, 14.2 %) and hernia repair (n = 90, 6.8 %)
      were the most common surgical procedures. Of 1325 operative patients, 994 (75 %)
      had an ASA I-II score. Of patients undergoing 810 procedures booked as non
      elective, 583 (72 %) had an ASA "E" rating. Records of 41.3 % (n-403/975) of
      patients age 5 years or older undergoing non-obstetric operations were missing
      from the ward logbook. Missing patients were younger (25 [13,40] versus 30
      [18,46] years, p = 0.002) and had higher ASA scores (ASA III-V 29.0 % versus 18.9
      %, p < 0.001) than patients recorded in the logbbook; there was no diffence in
      gender (male 62.8 % versus 67.0 %, p = 0.20). CONCLUSIONS: The hospital records
      system measures surgical care, but improved data capture is needed to determine
      outcomes with sufficient accuracy to guide and record expansion of surgical
      capacity.

PMID- 27658807
TI  - Prediction of prostate cancer recurrence using quantitative phase imaging:
      Validation on a general population.
AB  - Prediction of biochemical recurrence risk of prostate cancer following radical
      prostatectomy is critical for determining whether the patient would benefit from
      adjuvant treatments. Various nomograms exist today for identifying individuals at
      higher risk for recurrence; however, an optimistic under-estimation of recurrence
      risk is a common problem associated with these methods. We previously showed that
      anisotropy of light scattering measured using quantitative phase imaging, in the
      stromal layer adjacent to cancerous glands, is predictive of recurrence. That
      nested-case controlled study consisted of specimens specifically chosen such that
      the current prognostic methods fail. Here we report on validating the utility of
      optical anisotropy for prediction of prostate cancer recurrence in a general
      population of 192 patients, with 17% probability of recurrence. Our results show
      that our method can identify recurrent cases with 73% sensitivity and 72%
      specificity, which is comparable to that of CAPRA-S, a current state of the art
      method, in the same population. However, our results show that optical anisotropy
      outperforms CAPRA-S for patients with Gleason grades 7-10. In essence, we
      demonstrate that anisotropy is a better biomarker for identifying high-risk
      cases, while Gleason grade is better suited for selecting non-recurrence.
      Therefore, we propose that anisotropy and current techniques be used together to
      maximize prediction accuracy.

PMID- 27658806
TI  - Cutaneous manifestations of graft-versus-host disease: role of the dermatologist.
AB  - Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is the major complication of hematopoietic stem
      cell transplantation and is associated with high mortality in severe cases. The
      skin is one of the major organs affected in both acute and chronic GVHD. This
      review aims to elucidate the basic characteristics of GVHD, and the role and
      contribution of dermatologists in the care of patients with this condition.

PMID- 27658808
TI  - Comparative Risk Analysis of Two Culicoides-Borne Diseases in Horses: Equine
      Encephalosis More Likely to Enter France than African Horse Sickness.
AB  - African horse sickness (AHS) and equine encephalosis (EE) are Culicoides-borne
      viral diseases that could have the potential to spread across Europe if
      introduced, thus being potential threats for the European equine industry. Both
      share similar epidemiology, transmission patterns and geographical distribution.
      Using stochastic spatiotemporal models of virus entry, we assessed and compared
      the probabilities of both viruses entering France via two pathways: importation
      of live-infected animals or importation of infected vectors. Analyses were
      performed for three consecutive years (2010-2012). Seasonal and regional
      differences in virus entry probabilities were the same for both diseases.
      However, the probability of EE entry was much higher than the probability of AHS
      entry. Interestingly, the most likely entry route differed between AHS and EE:
      AHS has a higher probability to enter through an infected vector and EE has a
      higher probability to enter through an infectious host. Consequently, different
      effective protective measures were identified by 'what-if' scenarios for the two
      diseases. The implementation of vector protection on all animals (equine and
      bovine) coming from low-risk regions before their importation was the most
      effective in reducing the probability of AHS entry. On the other hand, the most
      significant reduction in the probability of EE entry was obtained by the
      implementation of quarantine before import for horses coming from both EU and non
      EU countries. The developed models can be useful to implement risk-based
      surveillance.

PMID- 27658809
TI  - Population Fluctuation and Altitudinal Distribution of Tetraleurodes perseae
      (Nakahara) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in Avocado (Lauraceae) in Morelos, Mexico.
AB  - Although whiteflies Tetraleurodes perseae (Nakahara) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) are
      considered a secondary pest of avocado crops, their presence and the damages that
      they cause can decrease crop vigor and affect production. The objective of the
      present work was to determine the population fluctuation and altitudinal
      distribution of the T. perseae Nakahara whitefly in avocado trees, as well as to
      determine the number of possible generations in one year. The study was done in
      three orchards in Morelos state, located at different altitudes, from February
      2014 to April 2015. Samplings were done every 21 days from 10 randomly chosen
      trees in each orchard. The samples were taken randomly from the middle stratus
      (1.6 m in height) of each tree; in buds or young leaves for the number of adults
      and leaves only for nymphs. Additionally, two yellow traps (7 * 14 cm) with glue
      were placed in each tree for adult samplings. Data were collected regarding
      vegetative budding, rainfall, relative humidity, and temperature. T. perseae was
      present in all three sampled orchards, with a greater presence in the lowest
      orchard, during the whole study period. In the orchard with the lowest
      altitudinal gradient (1,736 masl), 11 whitefly generations developed; 10
      generations developed in the medium gradient orchard (1,934 masl); and 8
      generations developed in the highest orchard (2,230 masl). The adults showed a
      positive relationship with regard to vegetative buds, while the nymphs had a
      negative relationship with regard to relative humidity. The rest of the
      parameters showed diverse effects on the species depending on the altitude of the
      orchard.

PMID- 27658810
TI  - Soluble VEGFR1 reverses BMP2 inhibition of intramembranous ossification during
      healing of cortical bone defects.
AB  - BMP2 is widely used for promotion of bone repair and regeneration. However, bone
      formation induced by BMP2 is quite variable. Bone forming progenitor cells in
      different locations appear to respond to BMP2 in different ways, and repair
      outcomes can vary as a consequence of modulating effects by other factors. In
      this study, we have examined the effects of VEGF on BMP2-induced repair of a
      cortical bone defect, a 1 mm diameter drill hole, in the proximal tibia of mice.
      Treatment of the defect with either a bolus of PBS or soluble VEGFR1 (sVEGFR1), a
      decoy receptor for VEGF, had the same effects on bone formation via
      intramembranous ossification in the defect and cartilage formation and injured
      periosteum, during the healing process. In contrast, treatment with BMP2
      inhibited intramembranous bone formation in the defect while it promoted
      cartilage and endochondral bone formation in the injured periosteum compared with
      mice treated with PBS or sVEGFR1. The inhibitory effect of BMP2 on bone formation
      was unlikely due to increased osteoclast activity and decreased invasion of blood
      vessels in the defect. Most importantly, co-delivery of BMP2 and sVEGFR1 reversed
      the inhibition of intramembranous bone formation by BMP2. Furthermore, the
      decreased accumulation of collagen and production of bone matrix proteins in the
      defect of groups with BMP2 treatment could also be prevented by co-delivery of
      BMP2 and sVEGFR1. Our data indicate that introducing a VEGF-binding protein, such
      as sVEGFR1, to reduce levels of extracellular VEGF, may enhance the effects of
      BMP2 on intramembranous bone formation. (c) 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society.
      Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:1461-1469, 2017.

PMID- 27658811
TI  - Self-harm in adolescence: protective health assets in the family, school and
      community.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this paper was to examine if the multiple environments of
      the adolescent including family, peers, school and neighbourhood might function
      as protective health assets against self-harming behaviour during adolescence.
      METHODS: The present study utilised data collected from 1608 respondents aged 15
      years as part of the England WHO Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC)
      Study. Multilevel modelling was undertaken using the package MLwiN (version 2.33)
      to investigate the potential domains and dimensions of family life, school
      culture and environment, and neighbourhood factors that may operate as protective
      health assets. RESULTS: The results indicated that while peer support did not
      appear to operate as a protective health asset in the context of self-harm, key
      dimensions of adolescent/parent interaction and adolescent experience of the
      school culture and their neighbourhood were associated with reduced likelihood of
      self-harming behaviours during adolescence. CONCLUSIONS: The Findings highlight
      the significance of belonging and connectedness as important constituent elements
      of protective health assets for young people. Interventions that address the
      multiple environments of the young person, may offer an effective means to reduce
      the levels of self-harm.

PMID- 27658812
TI  - Sociocultural determinants of anticipated acceptance of pandemic influenza
      vaccine in Pune, India: a community survey using mixed-methods.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate community priority and determinants of pandemic
      influenza vaccine acceptance in Pune, India. Community willingness to accept
      vaccines is often neglected in pandemic preparedness. Despite an acknowledged
      need, few such studies have been done in lower income countries. METHODS: A cross
      sectional, mixed-methods study used semi-structured explanatory model interviews
      to assess anticipated acceptance of nasal and injectable vaccines at different
      prices among 436 urban and rural residents. Logistic regression models identified
      sociocultural determinants of vaccine acceptance. RESULTS: Over 93 % anticipated
      acceptance at no-cost; 87.8 % for INR 150 nasal vaccine; 74.1 % for INR 500 and
      61.7 % for INR 1000 injectable vaccines. Some respondents preferred low-cost over
      free vaccines. Illness-related concerns about social isolation, contaminants
      identified as perceived causes, private-hospital or traditional-healer help
      seeking, and income were positively associated with anticipated acceptance.
      Humoral imbalances as perceived cause, home remedies for help-seeking and age
      were negatively associated. CONCLUSIONS: High acceptability of pandemic influenza
      vaccines indicates good prospects for mass vaccination. It appeared that
      confidence was higher in the vaccines than in the health systems delivering them.
      Vaccination programmes should consider sociocultural determinants influencing
      vaccine acceptance.

PMID- 27658814
TI  - Infliximab biosimilars are safe, effective, and cheap, UK audit shows.

PMID- 27658813
TI  - (Non-)utilization of pre-hospital emergency care by migrants and non-migrants in
      Germany.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to explore the utilization and non
      utilization of pre-hospital emergency care by migrants and non-migrants, and the
      factors that influence this behaviour. METHODS: A cross-sectional representative
      German survey was conducted in a sample of 2.175 people, 295 of whom had a
      migration background. An additional sample of 50 people with Turkish migration
      background was conducted, partially in the Turkish language. Apart from socio
      demographics, the utilization of emergency services and the reasons for non
      utilization were assessed. RESULTS: Migrants had a higher utilization rate of pre
      hospital emergency care (RR = 1.492) than non-migrants. Furthermore, migrants who
      were not born in Germany had a lower utilization rate (RR = 0.793) than migrants
      who were born in Germany. Regarding non-utilization, the most frequently stated
      reasons belonged to the categories initial misjudgment of the emergency situation
      and acting on one's own behalf, with the latter stated more frequently by
      migrants than by non-migrants. CONCLUSIONS: To prevent over-, under-, and lack of
      supply, it is necessary to transfer knowledge about the functioning of the
      medical emergency services, including first aid knowledge.

PMID- 27658816
TI  - Characterizing the drivers of seedling leaf gas exchange responses to warming and
      altered precipitation: indirect and direct effects.
AB  - Anthropogenic forces are projected to lead to warmer temperatures and altered
      precipitation patterns globally. The impact of these climatic changes on the
      uptake of carbon by the land surface will, in part, determine the rate and
      magnitude of these changes. However, there is a great deal of uncertainty in how
      terrestrial ecosystems will respond to climate in the future. Here, we used a
      fully factorial warming (four levels) by precipitation (three levels)
      manipulation experiment in an old-field ecosystem in the northeastern USA to
      examine the impact of climatic changes on leaf carbon exchange in five species of
      deciduous tree seedlings. We found that photosynthesis generally increased in
      response to increasing precipitation and decreased in response to warming.
      Respiration was less sensitive to the treatments. The net result was greater leaf
      carbon uptake in wetter and cooler conditions across all species. Structural
      equation modelling revealed the primary pathway through which climate impacted
      leaf carbon exchange. Net photosynthesis increased with increasing stomatal
      conductance and photosynthetic enzyme capacity (Vcmax), and decreased with
      increasing respiration of leaves. Soil moisture and leaf temperature at the time
      of measurement most heavily influenced these primary drivers of net
      photosynthesis. Leaf respiration increased with increasing soil moisture, leaf
      temperature, and photosynthetic supply of substrates. Counter to the soil
      moisture response, respiration decreased with increasing precipitation amount,
      indicating that the response to short- (i.e. soil moisture) versus long-term
      (i.e. precipitation amount) water stress differed, possibly as a result of
      changes in the relative amounts of growth and maintenance demand for respiration
      over time. These data (>500 paired measurements of light and dark leaf gas
      exchange), now publicly available, detail the pathways by which climate can
      impact leaf gas exchange and could be useful for testing assumptions in land
      surface models.

PMID- 27658815
TI  - Surgical outcomes after instrumented lumbar surgery in patients of eighty years
      of age and older.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Taiwan, the life expectancy of an 80-year-old man is 88.4 years
      and the life expectancy of an 80-year-old woman is 89.8 years. Some of these
      people will develop symptomatic degenerative lumbar diseases that interfere with
      an active lifestyle. These older surgical candidates usually ask the surgeon
      whether it would be safe to undergo surgery. However, there is no literature
      assessing the outcomes of laminectomy, fusion and posterior fixation for
      degenerative lumbar diseases in patients older than 80 years. The purpose of this
      study was to report the surgical outcomes of patients 80 years of age and older
      who underwent spinal decompression and instrumented lumbar arthrodesis for
      degeneration lumbar diseases. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients with
      degenerative lumbar diseases and spinal stenosis who underwent surgery between
      January 2010 and December 2012. Inclusion criteria were age greater than or equal
      to 80 years, decompression with instrumented lumbar arthrodesis, and at least 2
      years of follow-up. Totally 89 patients were studies. Clinical outcomes were
      evaluated according to the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and visual analogue
      scale (VAS) of leg and back pain. Plain radiographs (lateral, anteroposterior,
      and flexion-extension) were used to assess the status of fusion and implant
      related complications. Every complication during admission and any implant
      related or failed-back syndrome requiring a second surgery was documented. T test
      and Fisher's exact test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Five
      patients were lost to follow-up, and another 12 died during the follow-up period.
      One patient died due to cerebral stroke just 2 days after surgery, and the other
      11 patients passed away 3 months to 4 years postoperatively. In all, 72 patients
      had an adequate follow-up: 44 were female and 28 were male. The average age at
      surgery was 82.5 +/- 2.6 years (80 to 93); 63 patients underwent their first
      lumbar surgery, and nine patients received a second surgery. Patients underwent
      arthrodesis surgeries were from a single-level to a 7-level. Four patients
      developed complications (5.6 %, 4/72). At the final follow-up, the average ODI
      score was lower than the preoperative score (30.0 vs. 61.8) (p < 0.001). The
      average VAS score also showed improvement (leg: p < 0.001; back: p < 0.001).
      Forty-three patients were classified as "satisfied", and 29 were "dissatisfied".
      Longer operation time (p = 0.014) and development of complications (p = 0.049)
      were related to poor clinical results. Radiographic follow-up showed that 53
      patients had solid union, ten had a probable union, and nine had pseudarthrosis.
      More surgical segments led to a greater chance of pseudarthrosis (2.0 +/- 0.9 vs
      3.0 +/- 1.8, p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Longer instrumented segments and development
      of complications contributed to worse clinical and radiographic outcomes. With
      proper patient selection, posterior decompression with instrumented fusion can be
      safe and effective for patients 80 years of age and older with degenerative
      lumbar conditions.

PMID- 27658818
TI  - High male fertility in males of a subdioecious shrub in hand-pollinated crosses.
AB  - Female reproductive success in females versus hermaphrodites has been well
      documented. However, documenting a potential advantage in male fertility of male
      versus hermaphrodite individuals in subdioecious species is also essential for
      understanding the evolutionary pathway toward dioecy from hermaphroditism via
      gynodioecy. Siring success in terms of fruit set, fruit mass, number of seeds and
      mean seed mass was compared by hand-pollinated crosses in the subdioecious shrub
      Eurya japonica The pollen was from male and hermaphrodite individuals, and the
      pollen recipients were females and hermaphrodites. Seed quality was also
      evaluated in terms of seed germination rate, seed germination day and seedling
      survival. Overall, pollen from males sired more fruits of larger size and more
      seeds than did pollen from hermaphrodites. The male advantage was observed when
      pollen recipients were females, whereas no effect was found in hermaphrodite
      recipients. Pollen from males also produced better quality seeds with higher
      germination rate and sooner germination day. Although these results could also be
      explained by a higher pollen load for crosses with male pollen donors, we took
      care to saturate the stigma regardless of the pollen donor. Therefore, these
      results suggest that male individuals of E. japonica have advantages in male
      fertility in terms of both quantity and quality. Our previous studies indicated
      that females exhibit higher female reproductive success compared with
      hermaphrodites. Thus, both the female and male functions of hermaphrodites are
      outperformed by females and males, respectively, raising the possibility that the
      subdioecious E. japonica at this study site is entering the transitional phase to
      dioecy along the gynodioecy-dioecy pathway.

PMID- 27658819
TI  - A unique patterned diamond stamp for a periodically hierarchical nanoarray
      structure.
AB  - A diamond stamp with a hierarchical pattern was designed for the direct
      preparation of a periodic nanoarray structure, which was prepared by the reactive
      ion etching technique with a hierarchical ultrathin alumina membrane (HUTAM) as a
      mask. The optimal etching conditions for fabricating the diamond stamp were
      discussed in order to realize a vertical nanopore structure, avoiding structural
      damage from lateral etching. By using this diamond stamp, a polymer film with the
      desired hierarchical nanorod array structure can be obtained easily via the
      simple stamping process, which greatly simplifies the processing procedure. More
      importantly, the stamp is reusable because of its super-hardness, which ensures
      the reproducibility of the nanorod array pattern. Another merit is that the
      smooth surface of the etched diamond can avoid the use of a release agent. Our
      results prove that this hard stamp can be used for quick preparation of an
      elaborate periodic nanoarray structure. This study is significant in that it
      solves the problems of high cost and easy damage of stamps in nanoimprint
      lithography, and it might inspire more sophisticated applications of such an
      ordered structure in nanoplasmonics, biochemical sensing and nanophotonic
      devices.

PMID- 27658817
TI  - Host specificity in parasitic plants-perspectives from mistletoes.
AB  - Host specificity has been investigated for centuries in mistletoes, viruses,
      insects, parasitoids, lice and flukes, yet it is poorly understood. Reviewing the
      numerous studies on mistletoe host specificity may contribute to our
      understanding of these plants and put into context the dynamics at work in root
      parasitic plants and animal parasites. The mechanisms that determine host
      specificity in mistletoes are not as well documented and understood as those in
      other groups of parasites. To rectify this, we synthesized the available
      literature and analyzed data compiled from herbaria, published monographs and our
      own field studies in South Africa. As for other groups of parasites, multiple
      factors influence mistletoe host specificity. Initially, pollination affects gene
      flow. Subsequently, seed dispersal vectors (birds and marsupials), host abundance
      and compatibility (genetic, morphological, physiological and chemical), history
      and environmental conditions affect the interaction of mistletoes and their hosts
      and determine host specificity. Mistletoe-host network analyses and a geographic
      mosaic approach combined with long-term monitoring of reciprocal transplant
      experiments, genetic analyses of confined mistletoe populations and comparative
      phylogenetic studies could provide further insights to our understanding of host
      specificity. Some of these approaches have been used to study animal-plant
      interactions and could be adopted to test and evaluate host specificity in
      mistletoes at local and larger geographic scales.

PMID- 27658821
TI  - Single particle electron cryomicroscopy: trends, issues and future perspective.
AB  - There has been enormous progress during the last few years in the determination
      of three-dimensional biological structures by single particle electron
      cryomicroscopy (cryoEM), allowing maps to be obtained with higher resolution and
      from fewer images than required previously. This is due principally to the
      introduction of a new type of direct electron detector that has 2- to 3-fold
      higher detective quantum efficiency than available previously, and to the
      improvement of the computational algorithms for image processing. In spite of the
      great strides that have been made, quantitative analysis shows that there are
      still significant gains to be made provided that the problems associated with
      image degradation can be solved, possibly by minimising beam-induced specimen
      movement and charge build up during imaging. If this can be achieved, it should
      be possible to obtain near atomic resolution structures of smaller single
      particles, using fewer images and resolving more conformational states than at
      present, thus realising the full potential of the method. The recent popularity
      of cryoEM for molecular structure determination also highlights the need for
      lower cost microscopes, so we encourage development of an inexpensive, 100 keV
      electron cryomicroscope with a high-brightness field emission gun to make the
      method accessible to individual groups or institutions that cannot afford the
      investment and running costs of a state-of-the-art 300 keV installation. A key
      requisite for successful high-resolution structure determination by cryoEM
      includes interpretation of images and optimising the biochemistry and grid
      preparation to obtain nicely distributed macromolecules of interest. We thus
      include in this review a gallery of cryoEM micrographs that shows illustrative
      examples of single particle images of large and small macromolecular complexes.

PMID- 27658820
TI  - Feasibility and validity of a statistical adjustment to reduce self-report bias
      of height and weight in wave 1 of the Add Health study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bias in adolescent self-reported height and weight is well
      documented. Given the importance and widespread use of the National Longitudinal
      Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health) data for obesity research, we
      developed and tested the feasibility and validity of an empirically derived
      statistical correction for self-report bias in wave 1 (W1) of Add Health, a large
      panel study in the United States. METHODS: Participants in grades 7-12 with
      complete height and weight data at W1 were included (n = 20,175). We used
      measured and self-reported (SR) height and weight and relevant biopsychosocial
      factors from wave 2 (W2) of Add Health (n = 14,190) to identify sources of bias
      and derive the most efficient sex-specific estimates of corrected height and
      weight. Measured, SR, and corrected W2 BMI values were calculated and compared,
      including sensitivity and specificity. Final correction equations were applied to
      W1. RESULTS: After correction, weight status misclassification rates among those
      who underestimated their weight status were reduced from 6.6 to 5.7 % for males
      and from 8.0 to 5.6 % for females compared to self-report; and the correlation
      between SR and measured BMI in W2 increased slightly from 0.92 to 0.93. Among
      females, correction procedures resulted in a 3.4 % increase in sensitivity to
      detect overweight/obesity (BMI >= 25) and 5.9 % increase in sensitivity for
      obesity (BMI >= 30). CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that application of the
      proposed statistical corrections can reduce bias of self-report height and weight
      in W1 of the Add Health data and may be useful in some analyses. In particular,
      the corrected BMI values improve sensitivity --the ability to detect a true
      positive-for overweight/obesity among females, which addresses a major concern
      about self-report bias in obesity research. However, the correction does not
      improve sensitivity to identify underweight or healthy weight adolescents and so
      should be applied selectively based on research questions.

PMID- 27658822
TI  - Fibrous shape underlies the mutagenic and carcinogenic potential of nanosilver
      while surface chemistry affects the biosafety of iron oxide nanoparticles.
AB  - Nowadays engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) are increasingly used in a wide range of
      commercial products and biomedical applications. Despite this, the knowledge of
      human potential health risk as well as comprehensive biological and toxicological
      information is still limited. We have investigated the capacity of two frequently
      used metallic ENMs, nanosilver and magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs), to induce
      thymidine kinase (Tk +/-) mutations in L5178Y mouse lymphoma cells and
      transformed foci in Bhas 42 cells. Two types of nanosilver, spherical
      nanoparticles (AgNM300) and fibrous (AgNM302) nanorods/wires, and MNPs differing
      in surface modifications [MNPs coated with sodium oleate (SO-MNPs), MNPs coated
      with SO + polyethylene glycol (SO-PEG-MNPs) and MNPs coated with SO + PEG +
      poly(lactide-co-glycolic acid) SO-PEG-PLGA-MNPs] were included in this study.
      Spherical AgNM300 showed neither mutagenic nor carcinogenic potential. In
      contrast, silver nanorods/wires (AgNM302) increased significantly the number of
      both gene mutations and transformed foci compared with the control (untreated)
      cells. Under the same treatment conditions, neither SO-MNPs nor SO-PEG-PLGA-MNPs
      increased the mutant frequency compared with control cells though an equivocal
      mutagenic effect was estimated for SO-PEG-MNPs. Although SO-MNPs and SO-PEG-MNPs
      did not show any carcinogenic potential, SO-PEG-PLGA-MNPs increased concentration
      dependently the number of transformed foci in Bhas 42 cells compared with the
      control cells. Our results revealed that fibrous shape underlies the mutagenic
      and carcinogenic potential of nanosilver while surface chemistry affects the
      biosafety of MNPs. Considering that both nanosilver and MNPs are prospective ENMs
      for biomedical applications, further toxicological evaluations are warranted to
      assess comprehensively the biosafety of these nanomaterials.

PMID- 27658824
TI  - Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis responding to withdrawal of gluten: a case
      report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This is the first documented case of a patient with hemophagocytic
      lymphohistiocytosis in association with coeliac disease. There was complete
      clinical and biochemical remission of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
      following the introduction of a gluten-free diet. CASE PRESENTATION: A 7-year-old
      white girl presented with fevers and maculopapular rash with a recent history of
      tonsillitis. Blood tests revealed thrombocytopenia (64*109/L), anemia (80 g/L),
      hypofibrinogenemia (1 g/L), and hyperferritinemia (71,378 MUg/L). A bone marrow
      revealed evidence of hemophagocytosis, but the results of tests for the genetic
      or familial-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis syndromes were
      negative. The results of screening tests for known secondary causes were
      negative. She was diagnosed as having hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and
      following treatment with the hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis-2004 protocol
      these symptoms, in addition to the biochemical and hematological markers,
      completely resolved. She presented again 10 months later with fever, rash, and
      biochemical abnormalities suggestive of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Her
      tissue transglutaminase was markedly raised and the results of blood tests
      revealed a genetic susceptibly to coeliac disease in the form of HLA-DQ2
      positivity. She commenced a gluten-free diet and there was complete symptomatic
      and biochemical response without any further chemotherapy. She had further
      episodic rashes, each associated with the accidental intake of gluten.
      CONCLUSIONS: This is to the best of our knowledge the first documented case of
      hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in association with coeliac disease. No other
      secondary cause found; she initially responded to chemoimmunotherapy specific for
      hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis but relapsed within a few months of cessation
      of treatment and then achieved complete remission on gluten withdrawal alone.

PMID- 27658823
TI  - Surface modification does not influence the genotoxic and inflammatory effects of
      TiO2 nanoparticles after pulmonary exposure by instillation in mice.
AB  - The influence of surface charge of nanomaterials on toxicological effects is not
      yet fully understood. We investigated the inflammatory response, the acute phase
      response and the genotoxic effect of two different titanium dioxide nanoparticles
      (TiO2 NPs) following a single intratracheal instillation. NRCWE-001 was
      unmodified rutile TiO2 with endogenous negative surface charge, whereas NRCWE-002
      was surface modified to be positively charged. C57BL/6J BomTac mice received 18,
      54 and 162 ug/mouse and were humanely killed 1, 3 and 28 days post-exposure.
      Vehicle controls were tested alongside for comparison. The cellular composition
      and protein concentration were determined in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid
      as markers for an inflammatory response. Pulmonary and systemic genotoxicity was
      analysed by the alkaline comet assay as DNA strand breaks in BAL cells, lung and
      liver tissue. The pulmonary and hepatic acute phase response was analysed by Saa3
      mRNA levels in lung tissue or Saa1 mRNA levels in liver tissue by real-time
      quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Instillation of NRCWE-001 and -002 both
      induced a dose-dependent neutrophil influx into the lung lining fluid and Saa3
      mRNA levels in lung tissue at all assessed time points. There was no
      statistically significant difference between NRCWE-001 and NRCWE-002. Exposure to
      both TiO2 NPs induced increased levels of DNA strand breaks in lung tissue at all
      doses 1 and 28 days post-exposure and NRCWE-002 at the low and middle dose 3 days
      post-exposure. The DNA strand break levels were statistically significantly
      different for NRCWE-001 and -002 for liver and for BAL cells, but no consistent
      pattern was observed. In conclusion, functionalisation of reactive negatively
      charged rutile TiO2 to positively charged did not consistently influence
      pulmonary toxicity of the studied TiO2 NPs.

PMID- 27658825
TI  - A prospective comparison of ER, PR, Ki67 and gene expression in paired sequential
      core biopsies of primary, untreated breast cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sequential biopsy of breast cancer is used to assess biomarker
      effects and drug efficacy. The preoperative "window of opportunity" setting is
      advantageous to test biomarker changes in response to therapeutic agents in
      previously untreated primary cancers. This study tested the consistency over time
      of paired, sequential biomarker measurements on primary, operable breast cancer
      in the absence of drug therapy. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry was performed for
      ER, PR and Ki67 on paired preoperative/operative tumor samples taken from
      untreated patients within 2 weeks of each other. Microarray analysis on mRNA
      extracted from formalin fixed paraffin embedded cores was performed using
      Affymetrix based arrays on paired core biopsies analysed using Ingenuity Pathway
      Analysis (IPA) and Gene Set Analysis (GSA). RESULTS: In 41 core/resection pairs,
      the recognised trend to lower ER, PR and Ki67 score on resected material was
      confirmed. Concordance for ER, PR and Ki67 without changing biomarker status
      (e.g. ER+ to ER-) was 90, 74 and 80 % respectively. However, in 23 paired core
      samples (diagnostic core v on table core), Ki67 using a cut off of 13.25 % was
      concordant in 22/23 (96 %) and differences in ER and PR immunohistochemistry by
      Allred or Quickscore between the pairs did not impact hormone receptor status.
      IPA and GSA demonstrated substantial gene expression changes between paired cores
      at the mRNA level, including reduced expression of ER pathway analysis on the
      second core, despite the absence of drug intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Sequential
      core biopsies of primary breast cancer (but not core versus resection) was
      consistent and is appropriate to assess the effects of drug therapy in vivo on
      ER, PR and Ki67 using immunohistochemistry. Conversely, studies utilising mRNA
      expression may require non-treatment controls to distinguish therapeutic from
      biopsy differences.

PMID- 27658826
TI  - Correlation between serum levels of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9
      (PCSK9) and atherogenic lipoproteins in patients with coronary artery disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a key
      regulator of serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. Recently,
      PCSK9 has additionally been related to metabolic risk factors such as the levels
      of triglycerides, apolipoprotein B (apoB), insulin, and glucose, as well as body
      mass index. The purpose of this study was to investigate correlations between
      serum levels of PCSK9 and apoB-containing atherogenic lipoproteins in patients
      with coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: Serum levels of PCSK9 and
      lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]; small, dense LDL; and oxidized LDL were measured in 101
      patients with CAD who were not receiving lipid-lowering therapy. RESULTS: Serum
      hetero-dimer PCSK9 levels were positively correlated with serum levels of Lp(a)
      (r = 0.195, p = 0.05); small, dense LDL (r = 0.336, p = 0.0006); and oxidized LDL
      (r = 0.268, p = 0.008). Multivariate regression analyses showed that serum hetero
      dimer PCSK9 was a significant predictor of serum levels of Lp(a) (beta = 0.235, p
      = 0.01); small, dense LDL (beta = 0.143, p = 0.03); and oxidized LDL (beta =
      0.268, p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Serum PCSK9 levels were positively correlated
      with serum levels of Lp(a); small, dense LDL; and oxidized LDL in patients with
      CAD. This suggests that the interaction between serum PCSK9 and apoB-containing
      lipoproteins plays a role in establishing the atherosclerotic status of patients.
      TRIAL REGISTRATION: UMIN Clinical Trials Registry, UMIN ID: C000000311 .

PMID- 27658827
TI  - The transition from intra to extra-uterine life in late preterm infant: a single
      center study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Infants born at 34 to 36 weeks of gestation (late preterm) are at
      greater risk for adverse outcomes than those born at 37 weeks of gestation or
      later. Aim of this paper is to examine risk factors for late preterm births and
      to investigate the complications of the transition period in late preterm infants
      (LPIs). METHODS: All consecutive late preterm deliveries, excluded stillbirths,
      were included. Maternal and neonatal data, need for delivery room resuscitative
      procedures, temperature at birth (T1) and two hours after the admission (T2) were
      analyzed in all LPIs stratified by Gestational Age (GA) and divided into three
      groups (34, 35 and 36 weeks). RESULTS: Two hundred seventy-six LPIs were
      analyzed. Pregnancy complications were present in 72 mothers (26.1 %), more
      frequently at 34 weeks of gestation respect to 35 and 36 weeks (p = 0.008, p =
      0.006 respectively). Forty seven LPIs (17.1 %) needed for any resuscitation and
      37 (13.4 %) were ventilated at birth. LPIs at 34 weeks were significantly more
      likely to receive ventilation respect to those at 35 and 36. At T1 the mean
      temperature resulted lower at 34 weeks respect to 36 weeks (p = 0.03). At T2
      respect to T1, the rate of normothermic neonates increased at 35 and 36 weeks (p
      = 0.003, p = 0.005, respectively). Hypoglicemia rate was similar among the
      groups; 66.7 % of hypoglicemic neonates were hypothermic at T1. The rate of
      respiratory diseases and NICU admission decreased with increasing GA. Higher
      number of neonates ventilated at birth developed respiratory disorders respect to
      those unventilated (40.5 % vs 8.4 %; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Transition period
      in LPIs may become critical, as resuscitation strategies can be required and heat
      loss can occur. LPIs, especially at 34 gestational weeks, are higher-risk group
      needing adequate and targeted management at birth.

PMID- 27658828
TI  - Pitfalls in anorexia nervosa research: The risk of artifacts linked to denial of
      illness and methods of preventing them.
AB  - One of the most serious problems faced by researchers studying eating disorders
      is denial of illness in individuals with anorexia nervosa. Importantly, the term
      "denial" not only has different meanings, but in the case of anorexia nervosa its
      very nature still remains obscure. It is not even known whether it is deliberate
      or unintentional. Denial of illness in anorexic patients has serious consequences
      for evaluation of the reliability of information obtained from those individuals.
      Indeed, the most frequently used screening questionnaires, such as the Eating
      Attitudes Test (EAT) (Garner & Garfinkel 1979) and the Eating Disorder Inventory
      (EDI) (Garner et al. 1983), may not reflect the psychological state of the
      subjects due to distorted responses. The objective of this review article is to
      elucidate, at least in part, the nature of denial of illness in anorexic
      individuals and, importantly, to present methods for direct or indirect
      measurement of this variable. The authors emphasize the detrimental effect of
      denial of illness on the quality of information obtained from the patients and
      the notorious unreliability of self-report data. The final part of the paper
      contains suggestions as to methods of bypassing the pitfalls associated with the
      influence of denial of illness on the results of studies involving anorexic
      individuals; for instance, it is recommended that one should build an honest and
      trustful relationship with the patient. Last but not least, the focus is placed
      on the potential of experimental psychology, which offers tools producing robust
      data, resistant to deliberate distortion by patients.

PMID- 27658829
TI  - Long-term Effects of Maternal Deprivation on the Volume, Number and Size of
      Neurons in the Amygdala and Nucleus Accumbens of Rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Maternal deprivation (MD) in rodents is an important
      neurodevelopmental model for studying a variety of behavioral changes which
      closely resemble the symptoms of schizophrenia in humans. SUBJECTS AND METHODS:
      To determine whether early-life stress leads to changes in the limbic system
      structures: the amygdala and the nucleus accumbens, 9-day-old Wistar rats were
      exposed to 24 hour MD. On P60 the rats were sacrificed for morphometric analysis
      and their brains were compared to the control group. RESULTS: Results show that
      MD affected important limbic system structures: the amygdala and the nucleus
      accumbens, whose volume was decreased (17% of the control value for the amygdala
      and 9% of the control value for the nucleus accumbens ), as well as the number of
      neurons (41% of the control value for the amygdala and 43% of the control value
      for the nucleus accumbens ) and the size of their cells soma (12% of the control
      value for the amygdala and 33% of the control value for the nucleus accumbens ).
      CONCLUSION: This study indicates that early stress in life leads to changes in
      the morphology of the limbic areas of the brain, most probably due to the loss of
      neurons during postnatal development, and it further contributes to our
      understanding of the effects of maternal deprivation on brain development.

PMID- 27658830
TI  - The association of pineal gland volume and body mass in obese and normal weight
      individuals: a pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In obese individuals impaired sleep and neuroendocrine alterations
      such as melatonin deficits are associated with circadian rhythm disruption,
      altered circadian clock gene expression, and bright light at night. While the
      relation of pineal gland volume (PGV) and melatonin levels has recently been
      documented in humans, surprisingly little is known about the possible
      interference of the PGV and the pathophysiology of obesity in humans. SUBJECTS
      AND METHODS: We therefore compared the PGV of obese with non-obese individuals;
      both groups were matched by age and gender. Volumetric analyses were performed on
      the basis of 3 Tesla high resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). RESULTS:
      We found, that the PGV was significantly smaller in obese individuals than in
      lean controls (P=0.036). Moreover, PGV and waist-hip ratio showed a significant
      negative association in controls (P=0.018, rs=-0.602) whereas no association of
      both variables was found in obese individuals (P=0.856, rs=-0.051). CONCLUSIONS:
      Thus, the current pilot investigation suggests that pineal gland function,
      reflected by PGV might be involved in the energy homeostasis and
      pathophysiological mechanisms that contribute to the development and the
      maintenance of obesity in humans. Moreover, our data supports the notion that the
      replacement of melatonin deficits might be a novel strategy in the treatment of
      obesity.

PMID- 27658831
TI  - Sensory gating deficits and impaired quality of life in patients with
      schizophrenia: A preliminary study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: New determinants of quality of life in schizophrenia need to be
      identified. As sensory gating deficit is core impairment in schizophrenia, the
      present study hypothesized that sensory gating deficit is a determinant of
      impaired quality of life in schizophrenia. This study therefore investigated the
      relationship between sensory gating deficit and quality of life in patients with
      schizophrenia after adjusting for key confounding factors. SUBJECTS AND METHODS:
      Sensory gating was assessed with the auditory event-related potential method by
      measuring P50 amplitude changes in a double-click conditioning-testing procedure,
      perceptual impairments related to sensory gating deficit was assessed with the
      SGI questionnaire and quality of life was assessed with the SQoL 18 questionnaire
      in 39 patients with schizophrenia. RESULTS: Patients with sensory gating deficit
      (n=14) had a lower subjective quality of life on the psychological well-being
      dimension evaluated with SQoL 18 questionnaire (p=0.008) compared to those
      without it (n=25). This result remained significant (B=-0.45, Wald=4.84, p=0.02)
      after taking into account 7 potential confounding factors (gender, age, level of
      education, duration of disorder, positive symptoms, depressive symptoms and
      anxiety symptoms). Poorer psychological well-being was related to a higher score
      on the SGI (rho=-0.40, p=0.01), in particular on the Distractibility dimension
      (rho=-0.47, p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that sensory gating
      deficit may be a determinant of impaired quality of life in schizophrenia.
      Further studies are needed to address the causal relationship between sensory
      gating deficit, perceptual impairments, attentional deficit and impaired quality
      of life in schizophrenia in order to act more efficiently on the quality of life
      of patients with this disorder.

PMID- 27658832
TI  - Treatment patterns of schizophrenia based on the data from seven Central and
      Eastern European Countries.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim is to analyze how schizophrenia is pharmacologically treated
      in seven CEE countries: Croatia, Estonia, Hungary, Poland, Serbia, Slovakia and
      Slovenia. METHODS: Psychiatrists from selected centers in each of participating
      countries were asked to complete a pre-defined questionnaire on their current
      clinical practice. Information on protocols and resource utilization in
      schizophrenia treatment was included and derived from randomly selected patient
      medical records. Expert opinions on country-wide treatment patterns were
      additionally sought. This sub-analysis focuses on pharmacological treatment
      patterns in the last six months and over the course of the disease. RESULTS: 961
      patients' data show that during last six months the most commonly prescribed
      medications were oral atypical antipsychotics: olanzapine (n=268), clozapine
      (n=234) and risperidone (n=160). The most frequently prescribed atypical
      antipsychotics over course of disease were: risperidone (54.5%), olanzapine
      (52.4%) and clozapine (35.1%), along with haloperidol (39.3%). Experts reported
      risperidone (four countries) and olanzapine (three countries) as first-line
      treatment, with the same two medications prescribed as second-line treatment.
      Clozapine was the most reported medication for refractory patients. Approximately
      22% of patients received polypharmacy with antipsychotics in at least one period
      over the disease course. Mean time since diagnosis was 13.1 years and on average
      4.8 treatment courses received during that period. Anxiolytics (70%),
      antidepressants (42%), mood-stabilizers (27%) were also prescribed, with diazepam
      (35.4%), sertraline (10.5%), valproic acid (17.5%) the most commonly reported,
      respectively, in each group. The most frequently reported treatment change was
      switch from one oral atypical antipsychotic to another (51%). CONCLUSION: Oral
      atypical antipsychotics, mostly older drugs (risperidone, olanzapine, clozapine),
      were most commonly prescribed for schizophrenia treatment in participating
      countries. Given that results are from the first large-scale analysis of RWD, we
      believe these findings can be a benchmark for future real-world studies, which
      could contribute to the optimization of treatment for this debilitating disease.

PMID- 27658834
TI  - The Effect of Antipsychotics on Bone Mineral Density and Sex Hormones in Male
      Patients with Schizophrenia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the bone mineral density (BMD)
      of male schizophrenia patients with those of healthy controls in order to
      determine the relationship between BMD and hormonal changes. SUBJECTS AND
      METHODS: The study sample included male outpatients between 18 and 55 years old,
      diagnosed with schizophrenia who had used prolactin-raising antipsychotics (n=23)
      and prolactin-sparing antipsychotics (n=19) for at least twelve months, along
      with an age - matched healthy control group. A socio-demographic form was
      administered, BMD and T-score measurements were performed with a DEXA test, and
      hormone levels were measured with commercial test kits. RESULTS: The prolactin
      levels of the prolactin-raising group (PRG) were significantly higher than those
      of the healthy control group (CG) and the prolactin-sparing group (PSG). While
      prolactin levels were normal in the CG, hyperprolactinemia was found in 15.8%
      (n=3) of patients in the PSG and 65.2% (n=15) of subjects in the PRG. Estradiol
      levels for the PRG and PSG were similar but significantly lower than those of the
      CG. There was a statistically significant difference between the PRG, PSG and CG
      in terms of their L1-4 total actual bone density and T-scores. BMD and T-scores
      were lower for the PRG in comparison with the PSG and CG, and were consistent
      with osteopenia. Although not observed for every tested region, a negative
      correlation was found between age, duration of therapy, duration of illness, and
      T-scores. A positive correlation was found between subjects BMI and T-scores. A
      consistent negative correlation was found between total testosterone and L1-4
      total T-scores when corrected according to prolactin and estradiol. A linear
      regression analysis found significant relationships between age, BMI, duration of
      therapy, duration of illness, chlorpromazine equivalent dose, estradiol and
      testosterone affected T-scores for some regions. CONCLUSIONS: The long-term use
      of prolactin - raising antipsychotic medications as well as hyperprolactinemia
      and hypoestrogenism accelerate bone degradation.

PMID- 27658833
TI  - Antipsychotic treatment, prolactin, and breast tumorigenesis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Over the last decades prolactin (PRL) has gained attention for its
      possible role in breast tumorigenesis. As all antipsychotics (although
      differences with respect to PRL elevation are large) have the propensity to
      induce hyperprolactinemia (HPRL), questions have arisen concerning the influence
      of PRL-elevating antipsychotic medications on breast cancer risk. SUBJECTS AND
      METHODS: A literature search (until January 2016), using the MEDLINE database,
      was conducted for English-language published clinical studies to identify and
      synthesize data of the current state of knowledge concerning the relationship
      between HPRL, breast cancer risk (factors) and antipsychotic medication. RESULTS:
      Results of human prospective studies evaluating the relationship between pre
      diagnostic circulating PRL levels and breast cancer risk are limited, equivocal
      and only correlational. Associations between higher circulating PRL levels and
      other breast cancer risk factors than nulliparity and hormone therapies mostly
      have been negative for both pre-and postmenopausal women. Until today, no causal
      link between (chronic) administration of antipsychotics and breast tumorigenesis
      in humans has been demonstrated. Finally, several reports describe mechanisms of
      cancer protection with the PRL hormone as well as with antipsychotic medication.
      CONCLUSION: The role of PRL in breast carcinogenesis therefore remains unclear,
      unconfirmed, yet controversial. Antipsychotics should not be withhold for breast
      cancer prevention reasons to patients in need of this sometimes life-saving
      medication, even if classical breast cancer risk factors are present.

PMID- 27658835
TI  - Remission and employment status in schizophrenia and other psychoses: One-year
      prospective study in Croatian patients treated with risperidone long acting
      injection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While numerous studies have confirmed the efficacy of risperidone
      long-acting injectable (RLAI) on many clinical outcomes in patients with
      schizophrenia, there is no data regarding its influence on employment status.
      SUBJECT AND METHODS: This was a 12-month observational study with flexible doses
      of RLAI on a Croatian population of patients with schizophrenia and other
      psychoses. Visits were at baseline and after 1, 3, 6 and 12 months of treatment.
      Treatment response was evaluated using Clinical Global Impression of Illness
      Severity (CGI-S) and Improvement (CGI-I) scales, while remission was defined by 8
      items of Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Employment status was
      determined at baseline and at study endpoint. RESULTS: A total of 362 patients
      were included, with a median age of 37 (interquartile range 29-47) years, 63.5 %
      were males and 67.4% were hospitalised at baseline. Overall 258 (71.3%) patients
      completed the study. Improvements in CGI-S scores from baseline were significant
      (p<0.001) at all visits. Remission criteria were met in 9 (2.5%) patients at
      baseline, and in 199 (54.9%) at endpoint, while 144 patients (52.7%) achieved
      symptomatic remission. Female patients were five times more likely to achieve
      symptomatic remission (OR=5.2; 95%CI=2.64-10.19). At baseline, 74/362 (20.4%)
      patients were employed, compared to 77/257 (30.0%) at endpoint (p<0.001). Adverse
      events were spontaneously reported in 55 (15.2%) patients. Three patients died
      (judged not to be related to RLAI) and one patient committed homicide.
      CONCLUSIONS: Patients treated with RLAI had significant improvements in CGI-S
      scale scores, hospitalization status, rates of remission and employment status,
      indicating the benefits of continuous treatment over time. Further studies on the
      comparative impact of different treatment strategies on functional recovery are
      needed.

PMID- 27658836
TI  - Attitudes of Croatian psychiatrists towards long-acting injectable
      antipsychotics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite many advantages of long-acting injectable antipsychotics
      (LAIA), this type of therapy is still underused in routine practice. Since
      psychiatrists' attitudes play an important role in prescription rate of LAIA, we
      found it valuable to examine their attitudes because, according to our knowledge,
      there hasn't been similar research in Croatia so far. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In
      this research, we included the total of 48 psychiatrists. For research purposes,
      we created a questionnaire modeled on standardized questionnaire. Results are
      described with descriptive statistics and Likert scale was used to measure
      respondents' attitudes to statements. RESULTS: The number of years of their
      experience in practice is expressed with median of 13.50 years with minimal value
      of 1.00 and maximum value of 36.00 years. Most of psychiatrists find that LAIA
      play an important role in treatment of schizophrenia (n=44, 93.62%) and that they
      tend to prescribe that type of therapy (n=39, 81.25%). Almost all of
      psychiatrists (n=45, 93.75%) agree or strongly agree that it is easier to control
      patients' disease if they are treated with LAIA rather than with oral therapy and
      32 of them (68.08%) think that doctor-patient relationship is more successful
      when patients are treated with LAIA than with oral antipsychotics. According to
      their experience (n=32, 68.08%) patients prefer to be treated with oral
      antipsychotics instead of LAIA. We expressed approximate percentage of their
      patients treated with LAIA with median of 20%, with minimum value of 0.00% and
      maximum value of 70.00%. CONCLUSION: According to the results of our research,
      attitudes of psychiatrists towards LAIA are mostly positive, but considering the
      fact that there is a small number of their patients who are treated with them, we
      emphasize that psychiatrists still prescribe oral antipsychotics much more often
      than LAIA. Despite positive attitudes of patients towards LAIA, majority of
      psychiatrists think that patients would rather choose oral therapy.

PMID- 27658837
TI  - Attitudes of Croatian patients with severe mental illness towards long-acting
      injectable antipsychotics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It has been shown that patients' attitudes towards long-acting
      injectable antipsychotics (LAIA) have the influence on the acceptance and use of
      this type of therapy. The aim of our study was to explore attitudes of patients
      because, according to our knowledge, there has been no similar research in
      Croatia thus far. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Two questionnaires were given to the
      total of 100 patients, the first one to patients treated with LAIA (group 1) and
      the second one to patients treated with oral antipsychotics (group 2). RESULTS:
      Significantly more patients treated with LAIA find that good aspects of their
      medication outweigh the bad (p=0.014). Almost one third of patients treated with
      oral antipsychotics (n=16, 32%) quit taking medication when they feel better and
      6 patients (12%) very often or often forget to take medication. Larger number of
      patients treated with LAIA feels much better since they have been taking their
      medication (group 1=82%, group 2=68%). Almost all patients treated with LAIA
      would recommend their therapy to other patients (92%), which is not the case with
      patients treated with oral antipsychotics (58%). 90% of patients decided to take
      LAIA because of suggestion given by their psychiatrists and 10% were persuaded by
      their psychiatrists. When given potential advantages of LAIA, 84% of patients
      said they found very positive the fact that they didn't have to think about
      taking their medication every day, 82% were fond of LAIA's simplicity, 68%
      considered positive that their psychiatrists had better control over their
      treatment and 66% were very content with their recovery. CONCLUSION: The larger
      number of patients treated with LAIA is content with their therapy than patients
      treated with oral antipsychotics. Patients' attitudes have changed in a way that
      they don't find LAIA coercive anymore and most of them agreed to that type of
      therapy on a suggestion given by their psychiatrists.

PMID- 27658838
TI  - Somatic comorbidities are independently associated with the poor health-related
      quality of life in psychiatric patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the increased risk, the quality of somatic healthcare is
      lower for patients with mental illnesses. Currently dominant approach separates
      physical and mental, primary and secondary healthcare. Objective of our study was
      to explore whether somatic comorbidities are associated with a poor HRQoL
      independently of some sociodemographic and clinical factors. Majority of studies
      have explored particular somatic and psychiatric illnesses. Therefore we decided
      to access the problem from the general perspective of the universe of somatic and
      mental illnesses in the large psychiatric institution. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This
      nested cross-sectional study was done during May 2016 at Psychiatric hospital
      Sveti Ivan, Zagreb, Croatia on the sample of 506 patients diagnosed with
      psychiatric illnesses (ICD-10: F00-F99). Key outcome was the lowest 25% results
      on the SF-36 General health sub-scale, indicating the worst HRQoL. Predictors
      were all detected somatic illnesses. By multivariate logistic regression we
      controlled different sociodemographic, vital and clinical factors. RESULTS: After
      adjustment for different sociodemographic and clinical factors, three somatic
      comorbidities remained independently associated with the worst HRQoL: endocrine,
      nutritional and metabolic diseases (E00-E90), diseases of respiratory system (J00
      J99) and diseases of musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99)
      CONCLUSIONS: Somatic comorbidities in psychiatric patients are associated with
      the poor HRQoL independently of different sociodemographic, vital and clinical
      factors and they should be treated seriously and integrally with mental aspects
      of HRQoL. Early comorbidities detection and adequate pharmacological and
      psychotherapeutic treatment, as well as the prevention of risk factors, may
      improve the quality of life and reduce morbidity and mortality of psychiatric
      patients.

PMID- 27658840
TI  - Olanzapine induced stuttering: a case report.

PMID- 27658842
TI  - [The beta draft of the ICD-11 chapter on mental and behavioural disorders].

PMID- 27658841
TI  - Acute psychosis - anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis phase.

PMID- 27658839
TI  - Serum concentrations of TNF-alpha and its soluble receptors during psychotherapy
      in German soldiers suffering from combat-related PTSD.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Changes in serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF
      alpha) and its soluble receptors (sTNF-R) p55 and p75 have been shown to be
      associated with various psychiatric treatments. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Before and
      after treatment, serum levels of TNF-alpha, sTNF-R p55 and sTNF-R p75 were
      measured in 38 German soldiers who had been deployed abroad and suffered from
      combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Patients were randomized
      either to inpatient psychotherapy (N=21) including eye movement desensitization
      and reprocessing (EMDR) or to outpatient clinical management (N=17). Symptoms of
      PTSD were measured using the Post-traumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale (PDS).
      RESULTS: The PDS score significantly decreased across time in both groups. Serum
      concentrations of TNF-alpha increased, while sTNF-R p55 and sTNF-R p75 levels
      decreased significantly. After the treatment period, we could not detect any
      significant difference regarding TNF-alpha, sTNF-R p55 or sTNF-R p75 levels
      between the inpatient psychotherapy group and the outpatient clinical management
      control group. CONCLUSIONS: This relatively small clinical study suggests that
      specific inpatient psychotherapy but also non-specific supportive outpatient
      treatment for PTSD are associated with changes in the TNF-alpha system. This may
      represent an immunological effects or side effects of psychotherapy.

PMID- 27658843
TI  - Narcissistic personality disorder and suicide.

PMID- 27658844
TI  - Device Strategies for Patients in INTERMACS Profiles 1 and 2 Cardiogenic Shock:
      Double Bridge With Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation and Initial Implant of
      More Durable Devices.
AB  - For Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support profiles 1
      and 2 cardiogenic shock patients initially placed on extracorporeal membrane
      oxygenation (ECMO), whether crossover to more durable devices is associated with
      increased survival, and its optimal timing, are not established. Profiles 1 and 2
      patients placed on mechanical support were prospectively registered. Survival and
      successful hospital discharge were compared between patients placed on ECMO only,
      ECMO with early crossover, and ECMO with delayed crossover. Survival of patients
      directly implanted with non-ECMO devices was also reported. One-hundred and sixty
      two patients were included. Mean age was 52.2 +/- 13.8 years. Seventy-three of
      162 (45.1%) were initiated on ECMO. Of these, 43 were supported with ECMO only,
      11 were crossed-over early <4 days, and 19 were crossed-over in a delayed
      fashion. Survival was different across groups (Log-rank P < 0.002). In
      multivariate analysis, early crossover was associated with decreased mortality as
      compared with no crossover (hazard ratio [HR] 0.201, 95% confidence interval
      [95%CI] 0.058-0.697, P = 0.011) or with delayed crossover (HR 0.255, 95%CI 0.073
      0.894, P = 0.033). Mortality was not different between delayed crossover and no
      crossover (P = 0.473). In patients with early crossover there were no deaths at
      30 days, and 60-day survival was 90.0 +/- 9.5%. Survival to hospital discharge
      was 72.8%. For patients directly implanted with non-ECMO devices, 30-day and 60
      day survival was 90.9 +/- 3.1% and 87.3 +/- 3.8%, respectively, and survival to
      hospital discharge was 78.7%. Both initial implant of durable devices and double
      bridge strategy was associated with improved outcomes. If the double bridge
      strategy is chosen, early crossover is associated with improved survival and
      successful hospital discharge.

PMID- 27658845
TI  - Diversity distribution patterns of Chinese endemic seed plant species and their
      implications for conservation planning.
AB  - Endemism is an important concept in biogeography and biodiversity conservation.
      China is one of the richest countries in biodiversity, with very high levels of
      plant endemism. In this study, we analysed the distribution patterns of
      diversity, the degree of differentiation, and the endemicity of Chinese endemic
      seed plants using the floristic unit as a basic spatial analysis unit and 11
      indices. The analysis was based on distribution data of 24,951 native seed plant
      species (excluding subspecies and varieties) and 12,980 Chinese endemic seed
      plant species, which were sourced from both specimen records and published
      references. The distribution patterns of Chinese endemic flora were generally
      consistent but disproportionate across China for diversity, degree of
      differentiation and endemicity. The South Hengduan Mountains Subregion had the
      highest values for all indices. At the regional level, both the Hengduan
      Mountains and the Central China regions were highest in diversity and degrees of
      differentiation. However, both the rate of local endemic to native species and
      the rate of local to Chinese endemic species were highest in the Taiwan Region
      and the South Taiwan Region. The Hengduan Mountains Region and the Central China
      Region are two key conservation priority areas for Chinese endemic seed plants.

PMID- 27658847
TI  - Synthesis, peptoids and yellow pseudo peptides.

PMID- 27658846
TI  - The replicability of cannabis use prevalence estimates in the United States.
AB  - Recent changes in cannabis policy in the United States have prompted increased
      interest in cannabis use estimates, and replicability of these estimates. Here,
      we compare prevalence estimates from two concurrent approaches: (1) standard
      social survey with audio computer-assisted self-interviews at respondent's home
      (ACASI-H), derived from the National Surveys on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), and
      (2) standard health survey with ACASI assessment in a mobile health examination
      vehicle (ACASI-M), derived from National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys
      (NHANES), 2005-2012, with essentially the same standardized items in cannabis
      modules. NHANES ACASI-M prevalence proportions for recently-active-cannabis-use
      are an estimated 130-140% larger than corresponding NSDUH ACASI-H estimates (p <
      0.05). In exploratory stratified analyses, we sought to understand these NHANES
      NSDUH differences, and found no differences in lifetime-history-of-cannabis-use.
      However, for participants living with others in the same residence, moving
      cannabis assessment out of the dwelling unit might promote larger recently-active
      cannabis-use estimates; no NHANES-NSDUH differences were found for participants
      living alone. The observed discrepancies might be non-ignorable in a policy or
      program evaluation context. A methods research program will be needed to account
      for between-survey differences of the type observed here, perhaps with a focus on
      within-residence versus non-residence assessment as a source of variation.

PMID- 27658848
TI  - Hazardous thunderstorm intensification over Lake Victoria.
AB  - Weather extremes have harmful impacts on communities around Lake Victoria, where
      thousands of fishermen die every year because of intense night-time
      thunderstorms. Yet how these thunderstorms will evolve in a future warmer climate
      is still unknown. Here we show that Lake Victoria is projected to be a hotspot of
      future extreme precipitation intensification by using new satellite-based
      observations, a high-resolution climate projection for the African Great Lakes
      and coarser-scale ensemble projections. Land precipitation on the previous day
      exerts a control on night-time occurrence of extremes on the lake by enhancing
      atmospheric convergence (74%) and moisture availability (26%). The future
      increase in extremes over Lake Victoria is about twice as large relative to
      surrounding land under a high-emission scenario, as only over-lake moisture
      advection is high enough to sustain Clausius-Clapeyron scaling. Our results
      highlight a major hazard associated with climate change over East Africa and
      underline the need for high-resolution projections to assess local climate
      change.

PMID- 27658849
TI  - Predator-prey interactions in the plankton: larval fish feeding on evasive
      copepods.
AB  - Capture success and prey selectivity were investigated in clownfish Amphiprion
      ocellaris larvae using videography. Three prey types were tested using
      developmental stages (nauplii, copepodites and adults) of the copepod
      Parvocalanus crassirostris. Predatory abilities improved rapidly between days 1
      and 14 post-hatch. Initially, capture success was limited to nauplii with few
      attacks on larger stages. Captures of copepodites were first observed at 3 dph,
      and of adults at 8 dph. Consistent strikes at the larger prey were observed on
      the day prior to successful captures (2 dph for copepodites, 7 dph for adults).
      Difference in capture success between nauplii and adults at 8 dph was an order of
      magnitude. Differences in capture success among prey types persisted but
      decreased to three-fold by 14 dph. Younger A. ocellaris attacked nauplii
      preferentially and avoided adult prey. Strike selectivity declined with age, and
      no selectivity was observed after 10 dph. However, numerically 50% of the
      ingested prey were still nauplii at 14 dph under the experimental conditions.

PMID- 27658850
TI  - Enhanced superconductivity in aluminum-based hyperbolic metamaterials.
AB  - One of the most important goals of condensed matter physics is materials by
      design, i.e. the ability to reliably predict and design materials with a set of
      desired properties. A striking example is the deterministic enhancement of the
      superconducting properties of materials. Recent experiments have demonstrated
      that the metamaterial approach is capable of achieving this goal, such as
      tripling the critical temperature TC in Al-Al2O3 epsilon near zero (ENZ) core
      shell metamaterial superconductors. Here, we demonstrate that an Al/Al2O3
      hyperbolic metamaterial geometry is capable of a similar TC enhancement, while
      having superior transport and magnetic properties compared to the core-shell
      metamaterial superconductors.

PMID- 27658851
TI  - Identification of disease states associated with coagulopathy in trauma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Trauma is the leading cause of death between the ages of 1 to 44 in
      the United States. Blood loss is the primary cause of these deaths. The
      discrimination of states through which patients transition would be helpful in
      understanding the disease process, and in identification of critical states and
      appropriate interventions. Even though these states are strongly associated with
      patients' blood composition data, there has not been a way to directly identify
      them. Statistical tools such as hidden Markov models can be used to infer the
      discrete latent states from the blood composition data. METHODS: We applied a
      hidden Markov model to time-series multivariate patient measurements from the
      UCSF/ San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center. Ten blood factor related
      measurements were used to identify the model: factors II, V, VII, VIII, IX, X,
      antithrombin III, protein C, prothrombin time and partial thromboplastin time.
      Missing data in the time-series dataset was considered in the hidden Markov
      model. The number of states was determined by minimizing the Bayesian information
      criterion across different numbers of states. RESULTS: After preprocessing, 1090
      patients with a total number of 2176 time point measurements were included in the
      analysis. The hidden Markov model identified 6 disease states and 3 stages. We
      analyzed their relationships to the blood composition data and the coagulation
      cascade. The states are very indicative of the disease progression status of
      patients. CONCLUSIONS: Six disease states and 3 stages associated with
      Coagulopathy in trauma were identified in our study. The hidden Markov model can
      be useful in identifying latent states by using patients' time-series
      multivariate data. The information obtained from the states and stages can be
      useful in the clinical setting.

PMID- 27658855
TI  - UiO-66-Type Metal-Organic Framework with Free Carboxylic Acid: Versatile
      Adsorbents via H-bond for Both Aqueous and Nonaqueous Phases.
AB  - The metal-organic framework (MOF) UiO-66 was synthesized in one step from
      zirconium chloride and isophthalic acid (IPA), together with the usual link
      material, terephthalic acid (TPA). UiO-66 with free -COOH can be obtained in a
      facile way by replacing up to 30% of the TPA with IPA. However, the chemical and
      thermal stability of the synthesized MOFs decreased with increasing IPA content
      used in the syntheses, suggesting an increase in the population of imperfect
      bonds in the MOFs because of the asymmetrical structure of IPA. The obtained MOFs
      with free -COOH were applied in liquid-phase adsorptions from both water and
      model fuel to not only estimate the potential applications but also confirm the
      presence of -COOH in the MOFs. The adsorbed amounts of several organics
      (triclosan and oxybenzone from water and indole and pyrrole from fuel) increased
      monotonously with increasing IPA content applied in MOF synthesis (or -COOH in
      the MOFs). The favorable contribution of free -COOH to adsorption can be
      explained by H-bonding, and the direction of H-bonds (adsorbates: H donor; MOFs:
      H acceptor) was confirmed by the adsorption of oxybenzone in a wide pH range. The
      versatile applications of the MOFs with -COOH in adsorptions from both polar and
      nonpolar phases are remarkable considering that hydrophobic and hydrophilic
      adsorbents are generally required for water and fuel purification, respectively.
      Finally, the presence of free -COOH in the MOFs was confirmed by liquid-phase
      adsorptions together with general Fourier transform infrared analyses and
      decreased chemical and thermal stability.

PMID- 27658854
TI  - Elemental characterisation of melanin in feathers via synchrotron X-ray imaging
      and absorption spectroscopy.
AB  - Melanin is a critical component of biological systems, but the exact chemistry of
      melanin is still imprecisely known. This is partly due to melanin's complex
      heterogeneous nature and partly because many studies use synthetic analogues
      and/or pigments extracted from their natural biological setting, which may
      display important differences from endogenous pigments. Here we demonstrate how
      synchrotron X-ray analyses can non-destructively characterise the elements
      associated with melanin pigment in situ within extant feathers. Elemental imaging
      shows that the distributions of Ca, Cu and Zn are almost exclusively controlled
      by melanin pigment distribution. X-ray absorption spectroscopy demonstrates that
      the atomic coordination of zinc and sulfur is different within eumelanised
      regions compared to pheomelanised regions. This not only impacts our fundamental
      understanding of pigmentation in extant organisms but also provides a significant
      contribution to the evidence-based colour palette available for reconstructing
      the appearance of fossil organisms.

PMID- 27658852
TI  - Pathophysiological and diagnostic implications of cortical dysfunction in ALS.
AB  - Cortical dysfunction - specifically, the development of hyperexcitability - seems
      to be an early and intrinsic feature of sporadic and familial amyotrophic lateral
      sclerosis (ALS) phenotypes, preceding the onset of lower motor neuron dysfunction
      and correlating with ensuing lower motor neuron dysfunction and degeneration. In
      fact, cortical dysfunction could provide a pathogenic basis for ALS, with
      corticomotor neuronal hyperexcitability mediating motor neuron degeneration via a
      trans-synaptic, glutamate-mediated, excitotoxic mechanism. The recent
      identification of C9orf72 repeat expansion as an important genetic risk factor
      for both ALS and frontotemporal dementia has underscored the importance of
      cortical function in ALS pathogenesis, and has helped to confirm that the disease
      forms part of a spectrum of central neurodegenerative processes. Changes in
      cortical function that develop in ALS could prove useful as diagnostic
      biomarkers, potentially enhancing the diagnosis of ALS at an early stage of the
      disease process. Pathophysiological and diagnostic biomarkers of cortical
      function might also provide insights to guide the development of future
      therapeutic approaches, including stem cell and genetic interventions, thereby
      providing potential for more-effective management of patients with ALS.

PMID- 27658853
TI  - Sweeter and stronger: enhancing sweetness and stability of the single chain
      monellin MNEI through molecular design.
AB  - Sweet proteins are a family of proteins with no structure or sequence homology,
      able to elicit a sweet sensation in humans through their interaction with the
      dimeric T1R2-T1R3 sweet receptor. In particular, monellin and its single chain
      derivative (MNEI) are among the sweetest proteins known to men. Starting from a
      careful analysis of the surface electrostatic potentials, we have designed new
      mutants of MNEI with enhanced sweetness. Then, we have included in the most
      promising variant the stabilising mutation E23Q, obtaining a construct with
      enhanced performances, which combines extreme sweetness to high, pH-independent,
      thermal stability. The resulting mutant, with a sweetness threshold of only 0.28
      mg/L (25 nM) is the strongest sweetener known to date. All the new proteins have
      been produced and purified and the structures of the most powerful mutants have
      been solved by X-ray crystallography. Docking studies have then confirmed the
      rationale of their interaction with the human sweet receptor, hinting at a
      previously unpredicted role of plasticity in said interaction.

PMID- 27658856
TI  - Eradication of infection, survival, and radiological results of uncemented
      revision stems in infected total hip arthroplasties.
AB  - Background and purpose - The use of uncemented revision stems is an established
      option in 2-stage procedures in patients with periprosthetic joint infection
      (PJI) after total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, in 1-stage procedures, they
      are still rarely used. There are still no detailed data on radiological outcome
      after uncemented 1-stage revisions. We assessed (1) the clinical outcome,
      including reoperation due to persistent infection and any other reoperation, and
      (2) the radiological outcome after 1- and 2-stage revision, using an uncemented
      stem. Patients and methods - Between January 1993 and December 2012, an
      uncemented revision stem was used in 81 THAs revised for PJI. Patients were
      treated with 1- or 2-stage procedures according to a well-defined algorithm (1
      stage: n = 28; 2-stage: n = 53). All hips had a clinical and radiological follow
      up. Outcome parameters were eradication of infection, re-revision of the stem,
      and radiological changes. Survival was calculated using Kaplan-Meier analysis.
      Radiographs were analyzed for bone restoration and signs of loosening. The mean
      clinical follow-up time was 7 (2-15) years. Results - The 7-year infection-free
      survival was 96% (95% CI: 92-100), 100% for 1-stage revision and 94% for 2-stage
      revision (95% CI: 87-100) (p = 0.2). The 7-year survival for aseptic loosening of
      the stem was 97% (95% CI: 93-100), 97% for 1-stage revision (95% CI: 90-100) and
      97% for 2-stage revision (95% CI: 92-100) (p = 0.3). No further infection or
      aseptic loosening occurred later than 7 years postoperatively. The radiographic
      results were similar for 1- and 2-stage procedures. Interpretation - Surgical
      management of PJI with stratification to 1- or 2-stage exchange according to a
      well-defined algorithm combined with antibiotic treatment allows the safe use of
      uncemented revision stems. Eradication of infection can be achieved in most
      cases, and medium- and long-term results appear to be comparable to those for
      revisions for aseptic loosening.

PMID- 27658858
TI  - Magnetic interactions in compositionally modulated nanowire arrays.
AB  - Series of high hexagonally ordered compositionally modulated nanowire arrays,
      with different Cu layer and FeCoCu segment thicknesses and a constant diameter of
      35 nm, were fabricated by electroplating from a single electrolytic bath into
      anodic aluminum oxide membranes. The objective of the study was to determine the
      influence of ferromagnetic (FM) segment and non-ferromagnetic (NFM) layer
      thickness on the magnetic properties, particularly coercivity and magnetic
      interactions. First-order reversal curve (FORC) measurements and simulations were
      performed to quantify the effect of the inter-/intra-nanowire magnetostatic
      interactions on the coercivity and interaction field distributions. The FORC
      coercivity increases for a thick NFM layer and long FM segments due to decoupling
      of the the FM segments and the increased shape anisotropy, respectively. On the
      other hand, the interaction field presents a parallel strong reduction for a
      thick NFM layer and thin FM segments, which is ascribed to a similar NFM/FM
      thickness ratio and degree of FM segment decoupling along the nanowire.

PMID- 27658859
TI  - Stereospecific Synthesis of Tetrahydronaphtho[2,3-b]furans Enabled by a Nickel
      Promoted Tandem Reductive Cyclization.
AB  - A Ni-mediated cascade to a stereoselective synthesis of trans
      tetrahydronaphtho[2,3-b]furans is efficiently achieved for the first time. The
      mild reductive system can be easily generated from inexpensive and air-stable
      materials and shows a broad positional tolerance of substituents that were
      previously difficult or impossible to access by other methods. Facile syntheses
      toward new analogues of therapeutic agents (iso)deoxypodophyllotoxin are also
      reported. In addition, the inherent substrate control is disclosed for the
      observed unique stereoselectivities during cyclizations.

PMID- 27658860
TI  - Citrobacter braakii Bacteremia: Case Report and Review of the Literature.
AB  - Bacteremia is frequently caused by gram-positive organisms such as Staphylococcus
      aureus or beta hemolytic streptococci. While there is adequate information for
      the diagnosis and management of these common bacteria, less information is
      available to address bacteremia that is caused by uncommon bacteria such as
      Citrobacter. Citrobacter species are gram-negative bacilli that have been noted
      to cause infections in immune compromised patients. The re-speciation of
      Citrobacter by its varied genetic composition has produced 11 distinct species.
      While C. braakii is part of the genome species 6 of the previous Citrobacter
      freundii complex, there is a lack of definitive research on the subject of
      Citrobacter bacteremia caused by lesser- known species. We report an unusual case
      of Citrobacter braakii bacteremia in a patient with multiple comorbidities that
      presented to the hospital with cellulitis and pleural effusion. Blood cultures
      grew Citrobacter braakii. Despite good response to antibiotic treatment, the
      patient's infection proved to be persistent and he succumbed to the cirrhosis of
      the liver and subsequent renal failure. Multiple and fatal underlying disease
      processes seem to worsen the likelihood of recovery from unusual infections. We
      believe our case report can add to the limited data available for C. braakii.

PMID- 27658857
TI  - The genetic and epigenetic landscapes of the epithelium in asthma.
AB  - Asthma is a global health problem with increasing prevalence. The airway
      epithelium is the initial barrier against inhaled noxious agents or
      aeroallergens. In asthma, the airway epithelium suffers from structural and
      functional abnormalities and as such, is more susceptible to normally innocuous
      environmental stimuli. The epithelial structural and functional impairments are
      now recognised as a significant contributing factor to asthma pathogenesis. Both
      genetic and environmental risk factors play important roles in the development of
      asthma with an increasing number of genes associated with asthma susceptibility
      being expressed in airway epithelium. Epigenetic factors that regulate airway
      epithelial structure and function are also an attractive area for assessment of
      susceptibility to asthma. In this review we provide a comprehensive discussion on
      genetic factors; from using linkage designs and candidate gene association
      studies to genome-wide association studies and whole genome sequencing, and
      epigenetic factors; DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs
      (especially microRNAs), in airway epithelial cells that are functionally
      associated with asthma pathogenesis. Our aims were to introduce potential
      predictors or therapeutic targets for asthma in airway epithelium. Overall, we
      found very small overlap in asthma susceptibility genes identified with different
      technologies. Some potential biomarkers are IRAKM, PCDH1, ORMDL3/GSDMB, IL-33,
      CDHR3 and CST1 in airway epithelial cells. Recent studies on epigenetic
      regulatory factors have further provided novel insights to the field,
      particularly their effect on regulation of some of the asthma susceptibility
      genes (e.g. methylation of ADAM33). Among the epigenetic regulatory mechanisms,
      microRNA networks have been shown to regulate a major portion of post
      transcriptional gene regulation. Particularly, miR-19a may have some therapeutic
      potential.

PMID- 27658861
TI  - Successful treatment of extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma-associated
      hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis with MEDA chemotherapy.

PMID- 27658862
TI  - CBT for depression and drug adherence in HIV care.

PMID- 27658863
TI  - Combined effect of Vacc-4x, recombinant human granulocyte macrophage colony
      stimulating factor vaccination, and romidepsin on the HIV-1 reservoir (REDUC): a
      single-arm, phase 1B/2A trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Immune priming before reversal of latency might be a component of a
      functional HIV cure. To assess this concept, we assessed if therapeutic HIV
      immunisation followed by latency reversal would affect measures of viral
      transcription, plasma viraemia, and reservoir size in patients with HIV on
      suppressive antiretroviral therapy. METHODS: In this single-arm, phase 1B/2A
      trial, we recruited adults treated at the Department of Infectious Diseases,
      Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark (aged >=18 years) with successfully
      treated HIV-1 with plasma RNA loads of less than 50 copies per mL for the
      previous year and CD4 counts of at least 500 cells per MUL. Exclusion criteria
      included CD4 counts of less than 200 cells per MUL within the past 2 years,
      active hepatitis B or C infections, and clinically significant cardiac disease,
      including QTc prolongation. Participants received six therapeutic intradermal HIV
      1 immunisations with 12 mg/mL Vacc-4x and 0.6 mg/mL rhuGM-CSF over 12 weeks (at 0
      weeks, 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 11 weeks, and 12 weeks) before receiving 5
      mg/m(2) intravenous romidepsin once a week for 3 weeks. This procedure was
      followed by analytical treatment interruption. Coprimary outcomes were changes in
      copies of HIV-1 DNA (total and integrated) per million CD4 T cells and infectious
      units per million (IUPM) resting memory CD4 T cells established by viral
      outgrowth, assessed in all patients receiving at least one dose of active
      treatment with assessable data. We assessed total HIV-1 DNA at screening, before
      romidepsin treatment, and 6 weeks after romidepsin treatment. We assessed
      integrated viral DNA at baseline, before romidepsin treatment, and 8 weeks after
      romidepsin treatment. We assessed IUPM at screening, 2 weeks before romidepsin
      treatment, and 6 weeks after romidepsin treatment. This trial is registered at
      ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02092116. FINDINGS: Between May 19, 2014, and Oct
      8, 2014, we enrolled 20 individuals, of whom 17 completed all Vacc-4x and rhuGM
      CSF administrations and romidepsin infusions. 16 of 17 had assessable total HIV-1
      DNA, 15 of 17 had assessable integrated HIV-1 DNA, and six of 17 had assessable
      IUPM at baseline and at one or more timepoints after study treatment. Total HIV-1
      DNA declined from screening to 6 weeks after romidepsin treatment (mean reduction
      39.7%, 95% CI -59.7 to -11.5; p=0.012). The decrease in integrated HIV-1 DNA from
      baseline to 8 weeks after romidepsin treatment was not significant (19.2%, -38.6
      to 6.3; p=0.123). Among the six assessable participants, the mean reduction in
      IUPM from screening to 6 weeks after romidepsin treatment was 38.0% (95% CI -67.0
      to -8.0; p=0.019). Of 141 adverse events, 134 (95%) were grade 1 and seven (5%)
      were grade 2-3. INTERPRETATION: This in-vivo combinatorial approach provides the
      first evidence for the feasibility of a combined shock and kill strategy, but
      also emphasises that further optimisation of this strategy is needed to achieve a
      sizeable effect on the latent reservoir that will translate into clinically
      measurable benefits for people living with HIV-1. FUNDING: Bionor Pharma, the
      Research Council of Norway, and SkatteFUNN.

PMID- 27658865
TI  - When is a PrEP candidate ready for phase 3?

PMID- 27658864
TI  - Long-acting rilpivirine as potential pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV-1
      prevention (the MWRI-01 study): an open-label, phase 1, compartmental,
      pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic assessment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Long-acting injectable antiretroviral agents are being developed for
      HIV-1 prevention. The MWRI-01 study was done to characterise the safety,
      acceptability, and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile of long-acting
      rilpivirine. METHODS: We did a phase 1 open-label study at the University of
      Pittsburgh. We enrolled healthy individuals (aged 18-45 years) who were
      seronegative for HIV-1. Participants were assigned alternately one intramuscular
      dose of either 1200 mg or 600 mg long-acting rilpivirine, beginning with the 1200
      mg dose. We obtained plasma specimens, genital and rectal fluids, and tissue
      samples (rectal, cervical, and vaginal) before and after exposure to long-acting
      rilpivirine for assessment of pharmacokinetics and ex-vivo biopsy challenge with
      HIV-1. Our primary objective was to characterise product safety, and the analysis
      included all enrolled participants. This trial is registered with
      ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01656018. FINDINGS: 36 participants were enrolled
      into the study, of whom 24 were women and 12 men. 12 women and six men received
      each dose. 204 adverse events were reported among the 36 participants, of which
      200 (98%) were grade 1-2. The most common adverse event was injection site
      reaction. All grade 3 and 4 adverse events were deemed not related to
      rilpivirine. Geometric mean (90% CI) concentrations in plasma of rilpivirine at
      day 28 post dose were 53 ng/mL (38-67) in women and 43 ng/mL (23-63) in men for
      the 1200 mg dose and 28 ng/mL (19-37) in women and 17 ng/mL (9-24) in men for the
      600 mg dose. The tissue-to-plasma ratio for rilpivirine in rectal tissue was
      about two-fold higher than in vaginal and cervical tissue (1.10-1.53 vs 0.61-0.72
      and 0.50-0.71, respectively). Exposure to long-acting rilpivirine suppressed
      viral replication significantly in rectal tissue (p<0.0001), and this suppression
      persisted for up to 4 months. By contrast, no viral suppression was seen in
      cervical or vaginal tissue. INTERPRETATION: Ongoing research will characterise
      longer term safety and acceptability of multiple injections and help ascertain
      whether long-acting rilpivirine should advance to assessment of efficacy in
      preventing HIV-1 infection. FUNDING: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

PMID- 27658866
TI  - Next-generation sequencing and HIV drug resistance surveillance.

PMID- 27658868
TI  - First-line integrase inhibitors for HIV-prices versus benefits.

PMID- 27658867
TI  - Pretreatment HIV-drug resistance in Mexico and its impact on the effectiveness of
      first-line antiretroviral therapy: a nationally representative 2015 WHO survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: WHO has developed a global HIV-drug resistance surveillance strategy,
      including assessment of pretreatment HIV-drug resistance. We aimed to do a
      nationally representative survey of pretreatment HIV-drug resistance in Mexico
      using WHO-recommended methods. METHODS: Among 161 Ministry of Health
      antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinics in Mexico, the largest, including 90% of ART
      initiators within the Ministry of Health (66 in total), were eligible for the
      survey. We used a probability-proportional-to-size design method to sample 25
      clinics throughout the country. Consecutive ART-naive patients with HIV about to
      initiate treatment were invited to participate in the survey; individuals with
      previous exposure to ART were excluded. We assessed pretreatment HIV-drug
      resistance by Sanger sequencing and next-generation sequencing of viruses from
      plasma specimens from eligible participants with Stanford University HIV Drug
      Resistance Database methods. We obtained follow-up data for a median of 9.4
      months (range 6-12) after enrolment. We investigated possible relations between
      demographic variables and pretreatment drug resistance with univariate and
      multivariate logistic regression. FINDINGS: Between Feb 3 and July 30, 2015, we
      screened 288 patients in 25 clinics, from whom 264 provided successfully
      sequenced viruses with no evidence of current exposure to antiretroviral drugs.
      With the Sanger method, of these 264 participants, 41 (15.5%, 95% CI 11.4-20.5)
      had pretreatment resistance to any antiretroviral drug and 28 (10.6%, 7.2-15.0)
      had pretreatment resistance to non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors
      (NNRTIs). At least low-level pretreatment resistance (Stanford penalty score
      >=15) was noted in 13 (4 . 9%) of participants to efavirenz and in 23 (8.7%) to
      the combination tenofovir plus emtricitabine plus efavirenz. With next-generation
      sequencing, of 264 participants, 38 (14.4%, 95% CI 10.4-19.2) had pretreatment
      resistance to any antiretroviral drug and 26 (9.8%, 6.5-14.1) had pretreatment
      resistance to NNRTIs. After median follow-up of 8 months (IQR 6.5-9.4, range 5
      11) after ART initiation, 97 (72%) of 135 NNRTI initiators achieved viral
      suppression (<50 copies per mL) compared with ten (40%) of 25 individuals who
      started with protease inhibitor-based regimens (p=0.0045). After multivariate
      regression considering pretreatment resistance and initial ART regimen as
      composite variables, people starting NNRTIs with pretreatment drug resistance
      achieved significantly lower viral suppression (odds ratio 0.24, 95% CI 0.07
      0.74; p=0.014) than patients without NNRTI resistance. INTERPRETATION: High
      levels of pretreatment drug resistance were noted in Mexico, and NNRTI
      pretreatment drug resistance significantly reduced the effectiveness of first
      line ART regimens based on these drugs. Baseline HIV-drug resistance testing for
      initial ART follow-up and decision making should be considered. FUNDING: The
      Mexican Government and Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia.

PMID- 27658869
TI  - Comparative efficacy and safety of first-line antiretroviral therapy for the
      treatment of HIV infection: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: New antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens for HIV could improve
      clinical outcomes for patients. To inform global guidelines, we aimed to assess
      the comparative effectiveness of recommended ART regimens for HIV in ART-naive
      patients. METHODS: For this systematic review and network meta-analysis, we
      searched for randomised clinical trials published up to July 5, 2015, comparing
      recommended antiretroviral regimens in treatment-naive adults and adolescents
      (aged 12 years or older) with HIV. We extracted data on trial and patient
      characteristics, and the following primary outcomes: viral suppression,
      mortality, AIDS defining illnesses, discontinuations, discontinuations due to
      adverse events, and serious adverse events. We synthesised data using network
      meta-analyses in a Bayesian framework and included older treatments, such as
      indinavir, to serve as connecting nodes. We defined network nodes in terms of
      specific antivirals rather than specific ART regimens. We categorised backbone
      regimens and adjusted for them through group-specific meta-regression. We used
      the GRADE framework to interpret the strength of inference. FINDINGS: We
      identified 5865 citations through database searches and other sources, of which,
      126 articles related to 71 unique trials were included in the network analysis,
      including 34 032 patients randomly assigned to 161 treatment groups. For viral
      suppression at 48 weeks, compared with efavirenz, the odds ratio (OR) for viral
      suppression was 1.87 (95% credible interval [CrI] 1.34-2.64) with dolutegravir
      and 1.40 (1.02-1.96) with raltegravir; with respect to viral suppression, low
      dose efavirenz was similar to all other treatments. Both low-dose efavirenz and
      integrase strand transfer inhibitors tended to be protective of discontinuations
      due to adverse events relative to normal-dose efavirenz. The most protective
      effect relative to efavirenz in network meta-analyses was that of dolutegravir
      (OR 0.26, 95% CrI 0.14-0.47), followed by low-dose efavirenz (0.39, 0.16-0.92).
      Owing to insufficient data, we could make no conclusions about serious adverse
      events. Low event rates also limited the quality of evidence with regard to
      mortality and AIDS defining illnesses. INTERPRETATION: The efficacy and safety of
      ART has substantially improved with the introduction of newer drug classes of
      antiretrovirals that are now available to patients and HIV care providers. Their
      improved tolerance could be part of a larger solution to improve retention, which
      is a challenge, particularly in low-income and middle-income country settings.
      FUNDING: The World Health Organization.

PMID- 27658871
TI  - The benefits and risks of PrEP and kidney function.

PMID- 27658870
TI  - Association of age, baseline kidney function, and medication exposure with
      declines in creatinine clearance on pre-exposure prophylaxis: an observational
      cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate
      and emtricitabine for the prevention of HIV infection is rolled out
      internationally, strategies to maintain effectiveness and to minimise adverse
      effects merit consideration. In this study, we aimed to assess reductions in
      renal function and predictors of renal toxicity in a large open-label study of
      PrEP. METHODS: As part of the iPrEx open-label extension (OLE) study, men who
      have sex with men or transgender women aged 18-70 years who were HIV negative and
      had participated in three previous PrEP trials from Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, South
      Africa, Thailand, and the USA were enrolled into an open-label PrEP study. There
      were no restrictions on current renal function for enrolment into iPrEx OLE, in
      which participants were given combination tablets of tenofovir disoproxil
      fumarate (300 mg) and emtricitabine (200 mg) and advised to take one tablet per
      day. At follow-up sessions every 12 weeks, participants' creatinine clearance on
      PrEP was estimated and in a subset of participants, hair samples were collected
      to measure tenofovir and emtricitabine concentrations (a measure of adherence and
      exposure) via liquid-chromatography-tandem-mass-spectrometry. Reductions in
      creatinine clearance from baseline were calculated and predictors of decline were
      identified by use of multivariate models. iPrEx is registered with
      ClinicalTrials.com, number NCT00458393. FINDINGS: Baseline characteristics were
      similar between all participants in iPrEx-OLE (1224 participants with 7475 person
      visits) and those participating in the hair substudy (220 participants with 1114
      person-visits). During a median of 72 weeks, the mean decline in creatinine
      clearance was -2.9% (95% CI -2.4 to -3.4; ptrend<0.0001), but declines were
      greater for those who started PrEP at older ages: participants aged 40-50 years
      at baseline had declines of -4.2% (95% CI -2.8 to -5.5) and participants older
      than 50 years at baseline had declines of -4.9% (-3.1 to -6.8). In multivariate
      models, age and baseline creatinine clearance less than 90 mL/min predicted
      declines in renal function. We identified a monotonic association between
      percentage decrease in creatinine clearance and the number of doses of tenofovir
      disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine taken per week, as estimated by hair
      concentrations of tenofovir and emtricitabine (ptrend=0.008). INTERPRETATION: Our
      data suggest that the frequency of safety monitoring for PrEP might need to be
      different between age groups and that pharmacological measures can monitor for
      toxic effects as well as adherence. FUNDING: National Institutes of Health.

PMID- 27658872
TI  - Accelerating initiation of antiretroviral therapy.

PMID- 27658874
TI  - Heightened epidemic in men who have sex with men in Brazil.

PMID- 27658873
TI  - Effects of a multicomponent intervention to streamline initiation of
      antiretroviral therapy in Africa: a stepped-wedge cluster-randomised trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Africa, up to 30% of HIV-infected patients who are clinically
      eligible for antiretroviral therapy (ART) do not start timely treatment. We
      assessed the effects of an intervention targeting prevalent health systems
      barriers to ART initiation on timing and completeness of treatment initiation.
      METHODS: In this stepped-wedge, non-blinded, cluster-randomised controlled trial,
      20 clinics in southwestern Uganda were randomly assigned in groups of five
      clinics every 6 months to the intervention by a computerised random number
      generator. This procedure continued until all clinics had crossed over from
      control (standard of care) to the intervention, which consisted of opinion-leader
      led training and coaching of front-line health workers, a point-of-care CD4 cell
      count testing platform, a revised counselling approach without mandatory multiple
      pre-initiation sessions, and feedback to the facilities on their ART initiation
      rates and how they compared with other facilities. Treatment-naive, HIV-infected
      adults (aged >=18 years) who were clinically eligible for ART during the study
      period were included in the study population. The primary outcome was ART
      initiation 14 days after first clinical eligibility for ART. This study is
      registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01810289. FINDINGS: Between April
      11, 2013, and Feb 2, 2015, 12 024 eligible patients visited one of the 20
      participating clinics. Median CD4 count was 310 cells per MUL (IQR 179-424). 3753
      of 4747 patients (weighted proportion 80%) in the intervention group had started
      ART by 2 weeks after eligibility compared with 2585 of 7066 patients (38%) in the
      control group (risk difference 41.9%, 95% CI 40.1-43.8). Vital status was
      ascertained in a random sample of 208 patients in the intervention group and 199
      patients in the control group. Four deaths (2%) occurred in the intervention
      group and five (3%) occurred in the control group. INTERPRETATION: A
      multicomponent intervention targeting health-care worker behaviour increased the
      probability of ART initiation 14 days after eligibility. This intervention
      consists of widely accessible components and has been tested in a real-world
      setting, and is therefore well positioned for use at scale. FUNDING: National
      Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and the President's
      Emergency Fund for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

PMID- 27658876
TI  - Paediatric HIV testing beyond the context of prevention of mother-to-child
      transmission: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many HIV-positive children in low-income and middle-income countries
      remain undiagnosed. Although HIV testing in children at health facilities is
      recommended by WHO, it is not well implemented. This systematic review and meta
      analysis examines the case-finding benefit of HIV screening in children aged 0-5
      years in low-income and middle-income countries. METHODS: We did this systematic
      review and meta-analysis in accordance with an a-priori protocol. We searched
      PubMed, MEDLINE, WHO Global Index Medicus, Web of Science, Medecins Sans
      Frontieres, Cochrane, Embase, CABS Abstracts, and LILACS databases for articles
      published between Jan 1, 2004, and April 30, 2016, that reported the quantitative
      prevalence of HIV detected through screening in four key contexts (paediatric
      inpatient settings, paediatric outpatient settings, nutrition centres, and
      expanded programme on immunisation centres) in paediatric populations in low
      income and middle-income countries. Articles were identified and data were
      extracted in duplicate. The primary outcome was HIV prevalence, for which we used
      a DerSimonian-Laird random-effects meta-analysis to pool prevalence data and 95%
      CIs. We did stratified analyses according to geographical context and testing
      strategy. This study is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42014014372.
      FINDINGS: Our search found 2996 studies, of which 26 met the inclusion criteria.
      Paediatric HIV prevalence across all settings was 15.6% (95% CI 11.8-19.5). HIV
      prevalence by setting was highest in paediatric inpatient settings (21.1%, 95% CI
      14.9-27.3), followed by nutrition centres (13.1%, 95% CI 3.4-22.7), expanded
      programme on immunisation centres (3.3%, 95% CI 0-6.9), and paediatric outpatient
      settings (2.7%, 95% CI 0.3-5.2). Universal testing and testing triggered by
      symptoms had similar diagnostic yield in the inpatient setting (21.3%, 95% CI
      11.6-31.0 in triggered testing vs 20.9%, 95% CI 13.5-28.3 in universal testing).
      INTERPRETATION: HIV testing in paediatric populations in low-income and middle
      income countries outside the context of prevention of mother-to-child
      transmission programmes provides an important opportunity to identify HIV
      positive children. For countries wishing to prioritise interventions, the highest
      diagnostic yields were obtained from inpatient wards and nutrition centres.
      Universal testing might be the preferred approach since it did not have a
      substantially lower diagnostic yield than triggered testing FUNDING: None.

PMID- 27658875
TI  - Mortality in HIV-infected women, heterosexual men, and men who have sex with men
      in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: an observational cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mortality in HIV-infected individuals might differ by sex and mode of
      HIV acquisition. We aimed to study mortality in HIV-infected women, heterosexual
      men, and men who have sex with men (MSM) in a cohort from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
      METHODS: In this observational cohort study, we included HIV-infected women,
      heterosexual men, and MSM (aged >=18 years) from the Instituto Nacional de
      Infectologia Evandro Chagas database who were enrolled between Jan 1, 2000, and
      Oct 30, 2011, and who had at least 60 days of follow-up. Causes of deaths,
      defined with the Coding of Death in HIV protocol, were documented. Cox
      proportional hazards models accounting for competing risks were used to explore
      risk factors for AIDS-related and non-AIDS-related deaths. FINDINGS: We had 10
      142 person-years of follow-up from 2224 individuals: 817 (37%) women, 554 (25%)
      heterosexual men, and 853 (38%) MSM. Of 103 deaths occurred, 64 were AIDS
      related, 31 were non-AIDS related, and eight were of unknown causes. In
      unadjusted analyses, compared with women, the hazard of AIDS-related deaths was
      higher for heterosexual men (hazard ratio [HR] 3.52, 95% CI 1.30-9.08; p=0.009)
      and for MSM (2.30, 0.89-5.94; p=0.084). After adjustment for age, CD4 cell
      counts, last HIV viral load, antiretroviral therapy use, and AIDS-defining
      infection, AIDS-defining malignant disease, and hospital admission during follow
      up, the excess risk of AIDS-related death decreased for heterosexual men
      (adjusted HR 1.99, 0.75-5.25; p=0.163) but was unchanged for MSM (2.24, 0.82
      6.11; p=0.114). Non-AIDS-related mortality did not differ by group.
      INTERPRETATION: Compared with women, increased risk of AIDS-related death in
      heterosexual men was partly mitigated by risk factors for AIDS mortality, whereas
      the excess risk in MSM was unchanged. Further study of reasons for disparity in
      AIDS-related mortality by mode of transmission is needed. FUNDING: US National
      Institutes of Health, Brazilian National Council of Technological and Scientific
      Development (CNPq), and Research Funding Agency of the State of Rio de Janeiro
      (FAPERJ).

PMID- 27658877
TI  - Expanding coverage of paediatric HIV testing.

PMID- 27658878
TI  - Curbing HIV incidence in people who inject drugs.

PMID- 27658879
TI  - HIV incidence among people who inject drugs (PWIDs) in Ukraine: results from a
      clustered randomised trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: HIV prevalence among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Ukraine is
      among the highest in the world. In this study, we aimed to assess whether a
      social network intervention was superior to HIV testing and counselling in
      affecting HIV incidence among PWID. Although this was not the primary aim of the
      study, it is associated with reducing drug and sex risk behaviours, which were
      primary aims. METHODS: In this clustered randomised trial, PWID who were 16 years
      of age or older, had used self-reported drug injection in the past 30 days, were
      willing to be interviewed for about 1 hour and tested for HIV, were not too
      impaired to comprehend and provide informed consent, and, for this paper, who
      tested HIV negative at baseline were recruited from the streets by project
      outreach workers in three cities in southern and eastern Ukraine: Odessa,
      Donetsk, and Nikolayev. Index or peer leaders, along with two of their network
      members, were randomly assigned (1:1) by the study statistician to the testing
      and counselling block (control group) or the testing and counselling plus a
      social network intervention block (intervention group). No stratification or
      minimisation was done. Participants in the network intervention received five
      sessions to train their network members in risk reduction. Those participants
      assigned to the control group received no further intervention after counselling.
      The main outcome of this study was HIV seroconversion in the intent-to-treat
      population as estimated with Cox regression and incorporating a gamma frailty
      term to account for clustering. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrial.gov,
      number NCT01159704. FINDINGS: Between July 12, 2010, and Nov 23, 2012, 2304 PWIDs
      were recruited, 1200 of whom were HIV negative and are included in the present
      study. 589 index or peer leaders were randomly assigned to the control group and
      611 were assigned to the intervention group. Of the 1200 HIV-negative
      participants, 1085 (90%) were retained at 12 months. In 553.0 person-years in the
      intervention group, 102 participants had seroconversion (incidence density 18.45
      per 100 person-years; 95% CI 14.87-22.03); in 497.1 person-years in the control
      group 158 participants seroconverted (31.78 per 100 person-years; 26.83-36.74).
      This corresponded to a reduced hazard in the intervention group (hazard ratio
      0.53, 95% CI 0.38-0.76, p=0.0003). No study-related adverse events were reported.
      INTERPRETATION: These data provide strong support for integrating peer education
      into comprehensive HIV prevention programmes for PWID and suggest the value in
      developing and testing peer-led interventions to improve access and adherence to
      pre-exposure prophylaxis and antiretroviral therapy. FUNDING: The National
      Institute on Drug Abuse.

PMID- 27658880
TI  - The doctor's dilemma and vaccine therapy for HIV.

PMID- 27658882
TI  - Peripheral and bone marrow CD34+ cell levels on chronic myeloproliferative
      disease.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between
      peripheral CD34+ and bone marrow CD34+ levels and the clinicopathologic
      characteristics and laboratory parameters of myeloproliferative disease (MPD)
      patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 103 MPD patients were enrolled in this
      study. We examined the relationship between bone marrow CD34+ and peripheral
      CD34+ levels and the patients' clinicopathologic and laboratory parameters.
      RESULTS: There were no significant correlations between the peripheral CD34+
      levels and the JAK-2 V617F mutation, thrombosis, white blood cells (WBC), lactate
      dehydrogenase (LDH), transferrin saturation (TS), ferritin, or bone marrow
      cellularity. In addition, there were no significant correlations between bone
      marrow CD34+ levels and the JAK-2 V617F mutation, thrombosis, WBC, LDH, TS,
      ferritin, or bone marrow cellularity (P > 0.05). We did not identify any
      significant relationship between peripheral CD34+ and bone marrow CD34+ levels (P
      > 0.05). However, there were significant correlations between peripheral CD34+
      levels and bone marrow fibrosis (P < 0.001), between bone marrow CD34+ levels and
      constitutional symptoms (P < 0.05), and between bone marrow CD34+ levels and bone
      marrow fibrosis (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: We did not find any significant
      relationship between the clinicopathologic and laboratory characteristics and
      peripheral and bone marrow CD34+ cells from bone marrow fibrosis patients. There
      was also no significant relationship between bone marrow CD34+ cells and
      peripheral CD34+ cells. Some peripheral CD34+ cells may originate from the spleen
      rather than the bone marrow, which may given us different result of some
      parameters.

PMID- 27658883
TI  - Commentary: expectations for global health program prioritization from a
      selection of international students studying at a European university.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Some university curricula struggle to present evidence-based
      promotion of global health principles and global health diplomacy within an
      undergraduate setting. The de facto global health paradigm has experienced
      significant stress and pressure from epidemics, war and violence, climate change
      and resource challenges. These stressors may lead to increased morbidity and
      mortality, in turn requiring medical professionals to play a larger role in
      global health action across borders. METHODS: In the academic year 2014-2015, an
      English-speaking international medical school promoted a global health forum with
      pre-course readings and a pre-attendance quiz. All students from the university
      were invited to attend and the event was not mandatory. RESULTS: The one-day
      event culminated in expert speakers, discussions and a post-event questionnaire
      to gauge students' reactions and expectations as future physicians regarding the
      most pressing global health topics. Emphasis was also placed on what future
      doctors foresee as pressing issues in forthcoming global health policy and
      programming. This paper is a brief commentary of the Global Health Forum in
      Prague 2014, and presents novel results from a post-event student questionnaire,
      with conclusions provided by students on innovative global health policy.

PMID- 27658881
TI  - Cognitive behavioural therapy for adherence and depression in patients with HIV:
      a three-arm randomised controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Depression is highly prevalent in people with HIV and has
      consistently been associated with poor antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence.
      Integrating cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for depression with adherence
      counselling using the Life-Steps approach (CBT-AD) has an emerging evidence base.
      The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of CBT-AD. METHODS: In this three
      arm randomised controlled trial in HIV-positive adults with depression, we
      compared CBT-AD with information and supportive psychotherapy plus adherence
      counselling using the Life-Steps approach (ISP-AD), and with enhanced treatment
      as usual (ETAU) including Life-Steps adherence counselling only. Participants
      were recruited from three sites in New England, USA (two hospital settings and
      one community health centre). Patients were randomly assigned (2:2:1) to receive
      CBT-AD (one Life-Steps session plus 11 weekly integrated sessions lasting up to 1
      h each), ISP-AD (one Life-Steps session plus 11 weekly integrated sessions
      lasting up to 1 h each), or ETAU (one Life-Steps session and five assessment
      visits roughly every 2 weeks), randomisation was done with allocation software,
      in pairs, and stratified by three variables: study site, whether or not
      participants had been prescribed antidepressant medication, and whether or not
      participants had a history of injection drug use. The primary outcome was ART
      adherence at the end of treatment (4 month assessment) assessed via electronic
      pill caps (Medication Event Monitoring System [MEMS]) with correction for
      pocketed doses, analysed by intention to treat. FINDINGS: Patients were recruited
      from Feb 26, 2009, to June 21, 2012. Patients who were assigned to CBT-AD (94
      randomly assigned, 83 completed assessment) had greater improvements in adherence
      (estimated difference 1.00 percentage point per visit, 95% CI 0.34 to 1.66,
      p=0.003) and depression (Center for Epidemiological Studies depression [CESD]
      score estimated difference -0.41, -0.66 to -0.16, p=0.001; Montgomery-Asberg
      depression rating scale [MADRS] score -4.69, -8.09 to -1.28, p=0.007; clinical
      global impression [CGI] score -0.66, -1.11 to -0.21, p=0.005) than did patients
      who had ETAU (49 assigned, 46 completed assessment) after treatment (4 months).
      No significant differences in adherence were noted between CBT-AD and ISP-AD (97
      assigned, 87 completed assessment). No study-related adverse events were
      reported. INTERPRETATION: Integrating evidenced-based treatment for depression
      with evidenced-based adherence counselling is helpful for individuals living with
      HIV/AIDS and depression. Future efforts should examine how to best disseminate
      effective psychosocial depression treatments such as CBT-AD to people living with
      HIV/AIDS and examine the cost-effectiveness of such approaches. FUNDING: National
      Institute of Mental Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious
      Diseases.

PMID- 27658884
TI  - An analysis on the roles of angiogenesis-related factors including serum vitamin
      D, soluble endoglin (sEng), soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt1), and
      vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the diagnosis and severity of late
      onset preeclampsia.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the roles of proangiogenic factors
      including serum vitamin D and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and anti
      angiogenic factors including soluble endoglin (sEng) and soluble fms-like
      tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt1) in the diagnosis and severity of late-onset
      preeclampsia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted at Yuzuncu Yil
      University Research and Education Hospital Department of Gynecology and
      Obstetrics. The study included a patient group of 40 women with late-onset
      preeclampsia who were pregnant at >=32 weeks of gestation according to the last
      menstrual period (LMP) or ultrasonographic fetal biometric measurement and a
      control group of 40 healthy pregnant women who presented to our clinic for
      routine pregnancy examination and were at the same age and gestational period
      with those in the patient group. The two groups were compared in terms of
      maternal age, gravida, parity, week of gestation, systolic/diastolic blood
      pressure, total protein in spot urine sample, 24-h urine protein, white blood
      cell (WBC), hemoglobin (Hgb), platelet count, urea, creatinine, liver function
      tests (AST, ALT, LDH), vitamin D3, 25(OH) vitamin D3, 1,25(OH) vitamin D3, sEng,
      sFlt1, and VEGF levels, mode of delivery, the infant APGAR score at 1 and 5 min
      after delivery, and infant weight at delivery. RESULTS: The groups were similar
      in terms of age, gravida, parity, week of gestation, serum vitamin D3, 25(OH)
      vitamin D3, 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 and VEGF levels, and infant weight at delivery
      (p > 0.05). Systolic/diastolic blood pressure, total protein in spot urine
      sample, 24-h urine protein, WBC, Hgb, serum urea, creatine, AST, ALT, and LDH
      were significantly higher in the preeclamptic group compared to the healthy group
      (p < 0.05). However, thrombocyte level and the APGAR score at 1 and 5 min after
      delivery were significantly lower in the preeclamptic group compared to the
      healthy group (p < 0.05). No significant correlation was found between serum
      sEng, sFlt1, VEGF, vitamin D3, 25(OH) vitamin D3, and 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3
      levels. The sEng level was higher in the women with severe preeclampsia compared
      to the women with mild preeclampsia (p < 0.05) and no significant difference was
      observed in serum sFlt1, VEGF, vitamin D3, 25(OH) vitamin D3, and 1,25(OH)2
      vitamin D3 levels between the subgroups of preeclampsia (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION:
      Both sEng and sFlt1 levels are remarkably high in patients with late-onset
      preeclampsia; however, only sEng may be a useful tool in the determination of the
      severity of preeclampsia.

PMID- 27658886
TI  - How can machine-learning methods assist in virtual screening for hyperuricemia? A
      healthcare machine-learning approach.
AB  - OBJECT: Our purpose was to develop a new machine-learning approach (a virtual
      health check-up) toward identification of those at high risk of hyperuricemia.
      Applying the system to general health check-ups is expected to reduce medical
      costs compared with administering an additional test. METHODS: Data were
      collected during annual health check-ups performed in Japan between 2011 and 2013
      (inclusive). We prepared training and test datasets from the health check-up data
      to build prediction models; these were composed of 43,524 and 17,789 persons,
      respectively. Gradient-boosting decision tree (GBDT), random forest (RF), and
      logistic regression (LR) approaches were trained using the training dataset and
      were then used to predict hyperuricemia in the test dataset. Undersampling was
      applied to build the prediction models to deal with the imbalanced class dataset.
      RESULTS: The results showed that the RF and GBDT approaches afforded the best
      performances in terms of sensitivity and specificity, respectively. The area
      under the curve (AUC) values of the models, which reflected the total
      discriminative ability of the classification, were 0.796 [95% confidence interval
      (CI): 0.766-0.825] for the GBDT, 0.784 [95% CI: 0.752-0.815] for the RF, and
      0.785 [95% CI: 0.752-0.819] for the LR approaches. No significant differences
      were observed between pairs of each approach. Small changes occurred in the AUCs
      after applying undersampling to build the models. CONCLUSIONS: We developed a
      virtual health check-up that predicted the development of hyperuricemia using
      machine-learning methods. The GBDT, RF, and LR methods had similar predictive
      capability. Undersampling did not remarkably improve predictive power.

PMID- 27658885
TI  - Development and validation of an electronic medical record-based alert score for
      detection of inpatient deterioration outside the ICU.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients in general medical-surgical wards who experience unplanned
      transfer to the intensive care unit (ICU) show evidence of physiologic
      derangement 6-24h prior to their deterioration. With increasing availability of
      electronic medical records (EMRs), automated early warning scores (EWSs) are
      becoming feasible. OBJECTIVE: To describe the development and performance of an
      automated EWS based on EMR data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used a discrete-time
      logistic regression model to obtain an hourly risk score to predict unplanned
      transfer to the ICU within the next 12h. The model was based on hospitalization
      episodes from all adult patients (18years) admitted to 21 Kaiser Permanente
      Northern California (KPNC) hospitals from 1/1/2010 to 12/31/2013. Eligible
      patients met these entry criteria: initial hospitalization occurred at a KPNC
      hospital; the hospitalization was not for childbirth; and the EMR had been
      operational at the hospital for at least 3months. We evaluated the performance of
      this risk score, called Advanced Alert Monitor (AAM) and compared it against two
      other EWSs (eCART and NEWS) in terms of their sensitivity, specificity, negative
      predictive value, positive predictive value, and area under the receiver operator
      characteristic curve (c statistic). RESULTS: A total of 649,418 hospitalization
      episodes involving 374,838 patients met inclusion criteria, with 19,153 of the
      episodes experiencing at least one outcome. The analysis data set had 48,723,248
      hourly observations. Predictors included physiologic data (laboratory tests and
      vital signs); neurological status; severity of illness and longitudinal
      comorbidity indices; care directives; and health services indicators (e.g.
      elapsed length of stay). AAM showed better performance compared to NEWS and eCART
      in all the metrics and prediction intervals. The AAM AUC was 0.82 compared to
      0.79 and 0.76 for eCART and NEWS, respectively. Using a threshold that generated
      1 alert per day in a unit with a patient census of 35, the sensitivity of AAM was
      49% (95% CI: 47.6-50.3%) compared to the sensitivities of eCART and NEWS scores
      of 44% (42.3-45.1) and 40% (38.2-40.9), respectively. For all three scores, about
      half of alerts occurred within 12h of the event, and almost two thirds within 24h
      of the event. CONCLUSION: The AAM score is an example of a score that takes
      advantage of multiple data streams now available in modern EMRs. It highlights
      the ability to harness complex algorithms to maximize signal extraction. The main
      challenge in the future is to develop detection approaches for patients in whom
      data are sparser because their baseline risk is lower.

PMID- 27658887
TI  - Heritability of serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate levels and pubertal
      development in 6~18-year-old girls: a twin study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), the most plentiful
      circulating adrenal hormone, may be considered as a marker of the onset of
      adrenarche and is involved in pubertal development and metabolic disorders. AIM:
      The objective of this study is to determine the genetic and environmental
      influences on the variation of basal DHEAS levels and pubertal development in
      pubertal girls. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Three hundred and sixty twin girls aged 6
      18-years were enrolled, consisting of 132 monozygotic pairs and 48 dizygotic
      pairs. Anthropometric and sexual characteristics were examined. Serum DHEAS was
      measured by RIA. Estimates of genetic and environmental components of variance
      were based on the theory of normal maximum likelihood in Mx package. RESULTS:
      Serum DHEAS concentrations of PH-II and PH-III were significantly higher than
      Tanner stage PH-I (p < .05) and maintained higher levels in PH-IV ~ V.
      Heritability of serum DHEAS estimated by model-fitting on data from 180-pairs of
      twins is 0.61 (0.52-0.70), the rest of the variance in DHEAS levels could be
      explained by unique environmental influences and age. The heritabilities of DHEAS
      in two pubertal sub-groups (PH-I and PH-II-V) are 0.82 (0.71-0.90) and 0.63 (0.52
      0.74), respectively. The heritability index of menarche, breast development and
      pube development are 0.71, 0.35 and 0.45, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Serum DHEAS
      concentrations of pubertal girls are mainly influenced by genetic factors,
      especially during the period of adrenarche. The results stress the importance of
      research into the genetic regulation of the endocrine regulators involved in
      adrenarche and related metabolic disorders in girls.

PMID- 27658888
TI  - Derivatives of the pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine acetamide DPA-713 as translocator
      protein (TSPO) ligands and pro-apoptotic agents in human glioblastoma.
AB  - The 18kDa translocator protein (TSPO) is a target for novel glioblastoma
      therapies due to its upregulation in this cancer and relatively low levels of
      expression in the healthy cortex. The pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine acetamides,
      exemplified by DPA-713 and DPA-714, are a class of high affinity TSPO ligands
      with selectivity over the central benzodiazepine receptor. In this study we have
      explored the potential anti-glioblastoma activity of a library of DPA-713 and DPA
      714 analogues, and investigated the effect of amending the alkyl ether chain on
      TSPO affinity and functional potential. All ligands demonstrated nanomolar
      affinity for TSPO, but showed diverse functional activity, for example DPA-713
      and DPA-714 did not affect the proliferation or viability of human T98G
      glioblastoma cells, while the hexyl ether and benzyl ether derivatives decreased
      proliferation of T98G cells without affecting proliferation in human fetal glial
      SVGp12 cells. These ligands also induced apoptosis and dissipated T98G
      mitochondrial membrane potential. This suggests that the nature of the alkyl
      ether chain of pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine acetamides has little influence on TSPO
      affinity but is important for functional activity of this class of TSPO ligands.

PMID- 27658889
TI  - Grape Seed Procyanidin Extract Mediates Antineoplastic Effects against Lung
      Cancer via Modulations of Prostacyclin and 15-HETE Eicosanoid Pathways.
AB  - Grape seed procyanidin extract (GSE) has been reported to exert antineoplastic
      properties via the inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)/prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)
      eicosanoid pathways. In addition, ample data link carcinogenesis to inflammatory
      events involving other major eicosanoid metabolic pathways, including
      prostacyclin (PGI2) and 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE). We therefore
      evaluated the effects of GSE on prostacyclin synthase (PTGIS)/PGI2 and 15
      lipoxigenase-2 (15-LOX-2)/15-HETE productions by human lung premalignant and
      malignant cells and correlated the findings with antiproliferative or
      proapoptotic effects of GSE. The effects of GSE on PGI2 and 15-HETE productions
      by human bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells ex vivo were also determined. We
      further evaluated the bioactivity of oral administration of leucoselect phytosome
      (a standardized GSE) in the lungs of subjects participating in a lung cancer
      chemoprevention trial, by comparing the antiproliferative effects of coculturing
      matched pre- versus posttreatment BAL fluids with lung premalignant and malignant
      cells. GSE significantly increased PGI2 (as measured by 6-keto PGF1alpha) and 15
      HETE productions by these cells. Transfections of PTGIS or 15-LOX-2-specific
      siRNA partially abrogated the antiproliferative or proapoptotic effects of GSE in
      lung premalignant and malignant cells, respectively. GSE also increased PTGIS and
      inhibition of caspase-3, and transfection of 15-LOX-2 siRNA abrogated the GSE
      induced apoptosis in A549 cells. In addition, culture supernatants from ex vivo
      GSE-treated baseline BAL cells, as well as BAL fluids from subjects treated with
      leucoselect phytosome, significantly decreased proliferations of lung
      premalignant and malignant cells. Our findings support the continued
      investigation of GSE as an anti-neoplastic and chemopreventive agent against lung
      cancer. Cancer Prev Res; 9(12); 925-32. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27658890
TI  - A Randomized Phase IIb Trial of myo-Inositol in Smokers with Bronchial Dysplasia.
AB  - Previous preclinical studies and a phase I clinical trial suggested that myo
      inositol may be a safe and effective lung cancer chemopreventive agent. We
      conducted a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled phase IIb study to
      determine the chemopreventive effects of myo-inositol in smokers with bronchial
      dysplasia. Smokers with >=1 site of dysplasia identified by autofluorescence
      bronchoscopy-directed biopsy were randomly assigned to receive oral placebo or
      myo-inositol, 9 g once a day for 2 weeks, and then twice a day for 6 months. The
      primary endpoint was change in dysplasia rate after 6 months of intervention on a
      per-participant basis. Other trial endpoints reported herein include Ki-67
      labeling index, blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL) levels of
      proinflammatory, oxidant/antioxidant biomarkers, and an airway epithelial gene
      expression signature for PI3K activity. Seventy-four (n = 38 myo-inositol and n =
      36 placebo) participants with a baseline and 6-month bronchoscopy were included
      in all efficacy analyses. The complete response and the progressive disease rates
      were 26.3% versus 13.9% and 47.4% versus 33.3%, respectively, in the myo-inositol
      and placebo arms (P = 0.76). Compared with placebo, myo-inositol intervention
      significantly reduced IL6 levels in BAL over 6 months (P = 0.03). Among those
      with a complete response in the myo-inositol arm, there was a significant
      decrease in a gene expression signature reflective of PI3K activation within the
      cytologically normal bronchial airway epithelium (P = 0.002). The heterogeneous
      response to myo-inositol suggests a targeted therapy approach based on molecular
      alterations is needed in future clinical trials to determine the efficacy of myo
      inositol as a chemopreventive agent. Cancer Prev Res; 9(12); 906-14. (c)2016
      AACR.

PMID- 27658892
TI  - Transcatheter aortic valve replacement in unicuspid aortic valve stenosis.
AB  - Unicuspid aortic valve (UAV) offers unique challenges to transcatheter aortic
      valve replacement (TAVR), due to asymmetric expansion and apposition of the
      prosthesis during implantation. Although TAVR in bicuspid is now a well described
      experience, TAVR in unicuspid valve has not yet been described. A challenging
      case is described with TAVR in UAV using a Edwards Sapiens prosthesis via
      transapical approach. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27658891
TI  - MicroRNA Signatures of Colonic Polyps on Screening and Histology.
AB  - Colorectal cancer and adenoma adjacent to cancer exhibit distinct microRNA
      (miRNA) alterations in an apparent mucosa-to-adenocarcinoma sequence. The pattern
      of microRNAs in screen-detected polyps in relation to histologic features and
      cancer risk has not been investigated. miRNA expression analysis was performed on
      normal mucosa (NM), hyperplastic polyps (HP), tubular adenomas (TA),
      tubulovillous adenomas or high-grade dysplasia (TVHG), and serrated polyps
      [sessile serrated adenoma/polyps (SSA/P) and traditional serrated adenomas (TSA)]
      in biopsy specimens from 109 patients undergoing screening/surveillance
      colonoscopy. Generalized linear models were used to identify differentially
      expressed miRNAs by histologic type and logistic regression to identify miRNA
      predictors of histopathology. False discovery rate (FDR) was used to control for
      multiple comparisons. We identified 99 miRNAs differing in at least one of five
      histopathologic groups (FDR <=0.05). In a comparison of HPNM versus TVHG, the top
      most upregulated and downregulated miRNAs in HPNM included miR-145, -143, -107, 
      194, and -26a (upregulated), and miR-663, -1268, -320b, -1275, and -320b
      (downregulated; FDR P < 0.05). miR-145 and -619 showed high accuracy to
      discriminate low- from high-risk polyps without serrated histology (TVHG vs. HPNM
      + TA; CI, 95.6%), whereas miR-124, -143, and -30a showed high accuracy of
      separating high-risk polyps (TVHG + TSA) from low-risk polyps (HPNM + TA + SSA/P;
      CI, 96.0%). For TSAs, miR-125b and -199a were uniquely downregulated relative to
      HPNMs, and miR-335, -222, and -214 discriminated between non-serrated and
      serrated histology. Our data support the presence of colorectal cancer-associated
      miRNA alterations in screen-detected adenomas that may be useful for risk
      stratification for surveillance interval planning. Cancer Prev Res; 9(12); 942-9.
      (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27658893
TI  - The six obesity indices, which one is more compatible with metabolic syndrome? A
      population based study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The present study was conducted to determine the best discriminators
      in the diagnosis of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) among six obesity indexes.
      Furthermore the optimal cutoff points for all obesity indexes were determined.
      METHODS: The baseline data of 5910 subjects of Haraz cohort study which was
      conducted in northern Iran were analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC)
      analyses were separately performed to determine discriminatory power of six
      obesity indexes, including, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC),
      waist to hip ratio (WHR), waist to height ratio (WHtR), abdominal volume index
      (AVI) and conicity index (CI) for diagnosis of at least two other components of
      MetS. Youden index was used to determine the optimal cutoff points. RESULTS:
      While the optimal cutoff points in men were 26.0kg/m2 for BMI, 90cm for WC, 0.90
      for WHR, 0.53 for WHtR, 16.6 (cm2) for AVI and 1.24(m32/kg12) for CI, the optimal
      values in women were 29.0kg/m2 for BMI, 91cm for WC, 0.86 for WHR, 0.58 for WHtR,
      17.0(cm2) for AVI and 1.23 (m32/kg12) for CI. The prevalence of overweight or
      obesity was 46.1% to 54.1% in women and 49.5% to 53.6% in men based on various
      obesity indexes. The area under the ROC curves (AUCs) varied from 0.671(0.651
      0.690) for CI to 0.718(0.700-0.736) for WC in men and from 0.668 (0.646-0.690)
      for BMI to 0.755(0.735-0.774) for WHR and CI in women. CONCLUSION: Except for CI
      in men and BMI in women, other obesity indexes were good discriminator in the
      diagnosis of the MetS.

PMID- 27658894
TI  - A unified Hyperglycemia and Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) insulin infusion protocol
      based on an Excel algorithm and implemented via Electronic Medical Record (EMR)
      in Intensive Care Units.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To assess the efficacy of a unified hyperglycemia and diabetic
      ketoacidosis (DKA) insulin infusion protocol (IIP), based on an Excel algorithm
      and implemented as an electronic order set, in achieving glycemic targets and
      minimizing hypoglycemia. METHODS: An IIP was instituted in medical and surgical
      intensive care units for post-cardiac surgery (PCS) and other stress
      hyperglycemia (SH), diabetes hyperglycemia (DH), and DKA. The IIP initiated
      therapeutic insulin rates at elevated blood glucose (BG), and decreased insulin
      when target range was achieved. A convenience sample (n=62) was studied; 20 PCS,
      15 with DH, 9 with SH, 8 with diabetes on vasopressors, 7 with diabetes on
      glucocorticoids and 3 with DKA were assessed. RESULTS: The protocol maintained BG
      at 144+/-24.7mg/dL for PCS and 167+/-36mg/dL for patients with diabetes mellitus.
      It maintained acceptable target range (ATR) (100mg/dL-180mg/dL) 89% of the time
      for PCS and 67% of the time for patients with diabetes mellitus. There were no
      measurements of BG<70mg/dL. The protocol lowered the BG at a similar rate and
      time period in those with diabetes, DKA and those with or without vasopressors or
      glucocorticoids. To determine long-term efficacy, a retrospective review of Point
      of Care (POC) RALS (Remote Automated Data System) BG data 2 years post
      implementation demonstrated fewer episodes of hypoglycemia<70mg/dL and
      hyperglycemia>240mg/dL and more BG values within ATR. CONCLUSIONS: This IIP
      maintained ATR without hypoglycemia for patients in the ICU setting without
      requiring complex nursing calculations.

PMID- 27658895
TI  - Reevaluation of anti-obesity action of mazindol and elucidation of its effect on
      the reward system.
AB  - In this study, we evaluated the preventive effect of mazindol on the development
      of obesity and sought to elucidate the drug's effects on the reward system. In
      mice, body weight gain and hyperphagia induced by high-fat diet (HFD) were
      decreased by 38.6% and 13.9%, respectively, by subcutaneous infusion of mazindol
      (1.5mg/kg/day) for 28days. A single intraperitoneal administration of mazindol
      (1.5mg/kg) significantly reduced lipid preference, as assessed using the two
      bottle preference paradigm (vehicle, 89.98+/-1.66%; mazindol, 75.65+/-5.47%;
      p<0.05). In addition, the conditioned place preference (CPP) test demonstrated
      that mazindol (1.5mg/kg) significantly decreased CPP score for HFD as compared
      with vehicle (vehicle, 330.44+/-58.61s; mazindol, 144.72+/-43.02s; p<0.05).
      Moreover, at the dose required for these effects, mazindol did not elicit abuse
      potential or induce psychostimulant-like behavior. These results confirm that
      mazindol prevents diet-induced obesity without addictive behavior and demonstrate
      that its action is mediated at least in part via the reward system, advancing our
      understanding of mazindol in clinical practice.

PMID- 27658896
TI  - Author's reply.

PMID- 27658897
TI  - Systematic identification and management of barriers to vascular surgery patient
      discharge time of day.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Length of stay fails to completely capture the clinical and economic
      effects of patient progression through the phases of inpatient care, such as
      admission, room placement, procedures, and discharge. Delayed hospital throughput
      has been linked to increased time spent in the emergency department and
      postanesthesia care unit, delayed time to treatment, increased in-hospital
      mortality, decreased patient satisfaction, and lost hospital revenue. We
      identified barriers to vascular surgery inpatient care progression and instituted
      defined measures to positively impact standardized metrics. METHODS: The study
      was divided into three periods: preintervention, "wash-in," and postintervention.
      During the preintervention phase, barriers to patient flow were quantified by an
      interdisciplinary team. Suboptimal provider communication emerged as the key
      barrier. An enhanced communication intervention consisting of face-to-face and
      mobile application-based education on key patient flow metrics, explicit
      discussion of individual patient barriers to progression at rounds and
      interdisciplinary huddles, and communication of projected discharge and potential
      barriers via e-mail was developed with input from all stakeholders. Following a 4
      week wash-in implementation phase, data collection was repeated. RESULTS: The pre
      and postintervention patient cohorts accounted for 244.3 and 238.1 inpatient
      days, respectively. Both groups had similar baseline demographic, clinical
      characteristics, and procedures performed during hospitalization. The
      postintervention group was discharged 78 minutes earlier (14:00:32 vs 15:18:37; P
      = .03) with a trend toward increased discharge by noon (94% vs 88%; P = .09).
      Readmission rates did not differ (P = .44). CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a
      focused, interdisciplinary, frontline provider-driven, enhanced communication
      program can be feasibly incorporated into existing specialty surgical workflow.
      The program resulted in improved timeliness of discharge and projected cost
      savings, without increasing readmission rates.

PMID- 27658898
TI  - Places where children are active: A longitudinal examination of children's
      physical activity.
AB  - Using two-year longitudinal data, we examined locations where children spent time
      and were active, whether location patterns were stable, and relationships between
      spending time in their home neighborhood and moderate to vigorous physical
      activity (MVPA). At two time points (2007-2009 and 2009-2011), children living in
      the metropolitans areas of either San Diego, CA or Seattle, WA wore an
      accelerometer, and parents recorded their child's locations for seven days.
      Across two years, global average proportion of time spent in each location was
      stable, but total time and proportion of time in each location spent in MVPA
      decreased significantly across all locations. Children spent the largest
      proportion of time in MVPA in their home neighborhood at both time points,
      although they spent little time in their home neighborhood.

PMID- 27658899
TI  - Shared use agreements between municipalities and public schools in the United
      States, 2014.
AB  - Shared use agreements allow public use of school facilities during non-school
      hours. Such agreements can cover outdoor facilities alone or may be more
      comprehensive by also including indoor facilities. Our aim was to: 1) estimate
      the prevalence of shared use agreements and facility types covered among U.S.
      municipalities and 2) identify differences in prevalence by municipality
      characteristics. The 2014 National Survey of Community-based Policy and
      Environmental Supports for Healthy Eating and Active Living is a representative
      survey of US municipalities (n=2029). Data were analyzed using survey weights to
      create national estimates. Logistic and multinomial regression models determined
      odds ratios adjusting for municipality characteristics. Among 1930 municipalities
      with a school, 41.6% had a shared use agreement as reported by a local official,
      45.6% did not, and 12.8% did not know. Significant differences in prevalence
      existed by population size, rural/urban status, poverty prevalence, median
      education level, and census region; however, after adjustment for other
      municipality characteristics significant differences remained only by population
      size, median education level, and census region. Among municipalities with a
      shared use agreement, 59.6% covered both outdoor and indoor facilities, 5.5%
      covered indoor facilities only, and 34.9% covered outdoor facilities only.
      Opportunities exist to expand the use of shared use agreements particularly in
      municipalities with small populations, lower education levels, and in the South,
      and to promote more comprehensive shared use agreements that include both indoor
      and outdoor facilities.

PMID- 27658900
TI  - Changes in Female Drosophila Sleep following Mating Are Mediated by SPSN-SAG
      Neurons.
AB  - Female Drosophila melanogaster, like many other organisms, exhibit different
      behavioral repertoires after mating with a male. These postmating responses
      (PMRs) include increased egg production and laying, increased rejection behavior
      (avoiding further male advances), decreased longevity, altered gustation and
      decreased sleep. Sex Peptide (SP), a protein transferred from the male during
      copulation, is largely responsible for many of these behavioral responses, and
      acts through a specific circuit to induce rejection behavior and alter dietary
      preference. However, less is known about the mechanisms and neurons that
      influence sleep in mated females. In this study, we investigated postmating
      changes in female sleep across strains and ages and on different media, and
      report that these changes are robust and relatively consistent under a variety of
      conditions. We find that female sleep is reduced by male-derived SP acting
      through the canonical sex peptide receptor (SPR) within the same neurons
      responsible for altering other PMRs. This circuit includes the SPSN-SAG neurons,
      whose silencing by DREADD induces postmating behaviors including sleep. Our data
      are consistent with the idea that mating status is communicated to the central
      brain through a common circuit that diverges in higher brain centers to modify a
      collection of postmating sensorimotor processes.

PMID- 27658902
TI  - A Tale of Two Types of Perspective Taking: Sex Differences in Spatial Ability.
AB  - Sex differences in favor of males have been documented in measures of spatial
      perspective taking. In this research, we examined whether social factors (i.e.,
      stereotype threat and the inclusion of human figures in tasks) account for these
      differences. In Experiment 1, we evaluated performance when perspective-taking
      tests were framed as measuring either spatial or social (empathetic) perspective
      taking abilities. In the spatial condition, tasks were framed as measures of
      spatial ability on which males have an advantage. In the social condition,
      modified tasks contained human figures and were framed as measures of empathy on
      which females have an advantage. Results showed a sex difference in favor of
      males in the spatial condition but not the social condition. Experiments 2 and 3
      indicated that both stereotype threat and including human figures contributed to
      these effects. Results suggest that females may underperform on spatial tests in
      part because of negative performance expectations and the character of the
      spatial tests rather than because of actual lack of abilities.

PMID- 27658903
TI  - From Caregivers to Peers: Puberty Shapes Human Face Perception.
AB  - Puberty prepares mammals to sexually reproduce during adolescence. It is also
      hypothesized to invoke a social metamorphosis that prepares adolescents to take
      on adult social roles. We provide the first evidence to support this hypothesis
      in humans and show that pubertal development retunes the face-processing system
      from a caregiver bias to a peer bias. Prior to puberty, children exhibit enhanced
      recognition for adult female faces. With puberty, superior recognition emerges
      for peer faces that match one's pubertal status. As puberty progresses, so does
      the peer recognition bias. Adolescents become better at recognizing faces with a
      pubertal status similar to their own. These findings reconceptualize the
      adolescent "dip" in face recognition by showing that it is a recalibration of the
      face-processing system away from caregivers toward peers. Thus, in addition to
      preparing the physical body for sexual reproduction, puberty shapes the
      perceptual system for processing the social world in new ways.

PMID- 27658901
TI  - TYROBP genetic variants in early-onset Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - We aimed to identify new candidate genes potentially involved in early-onset
      Alzheimer's disease (EOAD). Exome sequencing was conducted on 45 EOAD patients
      with either a family history of Alzheimer's disease (AD, <65 years) or an
      extremely early age at the onset (<=55 years) followed by multiple variant
      filtering according to different modes of inheritance. We identified 29 candidate
      genes potentially involved in EOAD, of which the gene TYROBP, previously
      implicated in AD, was selected for genetic and functional follow-up. Using 3
      patient cohorts, we observed rare coding TYROBP variants in 9 out of 1110 EOAD
      patients, whereas no such variants were detected in 1826 controls (p = 0.0001),
      suggesting that at least some rare TYROBP variants might contribute to EOAD risk.
      Overexpression of the p.D50_L51ins14 TYROBP mutant led to a profound reduction of
      TREM2 expression, a well-established risk factor for AD. This is the first study
      supporting a role for genetic variation in TYROBP in EOAD, with in vitro support
      for a functional effect of the p.D50_L51ins14 TYROBP mutation on TREM2
      expression.

PMID- 27658904
TI  - Outcome and surgical strategy in critical sites in cases of psuedomyxoma
      peritonei.
AB  - BACKGROUND: For a long time peritoneal neoplasms were considered beyond surgical
      intervention and beyond cure, till the concept of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and
      adjuvant hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) was introduced.
      However this surgical intervention is technically demanding and associated with
      considerable postoperative morbidity. OBJECTIVE: To describe the surgical
      strategy in resection of critical sites loaded by heavy tumor deposits and to
      evaluate short and long term results of CRS and HIPEC, in a cohort of Egyptian
      patients with pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) from appendiceal origin. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: 21 patients with PMP, age ranged from 40 to 63years, 12 males and 9
      females. All were recruited from the department of surgery at the National Cancer
      Institute (NCI), Cairo University over the period from February 2011 to February
      2016. They were subjected to CRS and HIPEC with mitomycin-C. RESULTS: The median
      peritoneal carcinoma index (PCI) was 22 (range: 10-39). Optimal cytoreduction
      (CCR-0/1) was achieved in 19 patients (90.4%) of whom 17 patients (80.9%) had a
      complete cytoreduction (CCR-0). The median follow up period was 51.5months
      (range: 0.07-82.3months). The cumulative overall survival was 85.7% while the
      cumulative disease free survival was 76.9%. CONCLUSION: To the best of our
      knowledge, this is the first study reporting five years postoperative outcome of
      CRS and HIPEC in Egyptian patients with PMP from appendiceal origin. Our results
      support that although technically demanding this treatment modality is safe and
      associated with favorable outcome.

PMID- 27658905
TI  - Efficacy of intra-articular corticosteroid injection in erosive hand
      osteoarthritis: infrared thermal imaging.

PMID- 27658906
TI  - Identification of volumetric laser endomicroscopy features predictive for early
      neoplasia in Barrett's esophagus using high-quality histological correlation.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Volumetric laser endomicroscopy (VLE) provides a
      circumferential scan that enables visualization of the subsurface layers of the
      esophageal wall at 7 MUm resolution. The aims of this study were to identify VLE
      features of Barrett's esophagus (BE) neoplasia and to develop a VLE prediction
      score. METHODS: A database of VLE images from endoscopic resection specimens,
      precisely correlated with histology, from patients with BE with and without
      neoplasia was used. Features potentially predictive for early BE neoplasia were
      identified by unblinded evaluation of 25 VLE-histology images. In a learning
      phase, 20 VLE images with or without BE neoplasia were scored by 2 VLE experts,
      blinded to histology. A prediction score was created by using multivariable
      logistic regression analyses and validated by scoring 40 VLE images (50%
      neoplastic) by using area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve
      (AUC) analysis. RESULTS: Three VLE features independently predictive for BE
      neoplasia were identified: (1) lack of layering; (2) higher surface than
      subsurface signal; (3) presence of irregular, dilated glands/ducts. A VLE
      neoplasia prediction score was developed with the following: (1) 6 points; (2) 6
      or 8 points for equal or higher surface signal; and (3) 5 points. The ROC curve
      of this prediction score showed an AUC of 0.81 (95% confidence interval, 0.71
      0.90). A cut-off value of >=8 was associated with sensitivity and specificity of
      83% and 71%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: When high-quality ex vivo VLE-histology
      correlation was used, the VLE features of layering, surface signal, and irregular
      glands/ducts were independently and significantly associated with BE neoplasia. A
      VLE prediction score for BE neoplasia was developed and validated, with promising
      accuracy. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT01862666.).

PMID- 27658907
TI  - Comparing diagnostic yield of a novel pan-enteric video capsule endoscope with
      ileocolonoscopy in patients with active Crohn's disease: a feasibility study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Crohn's disease (CD) is typically diagnosed with
      ileocolonoscopy (IC); however, when inflammation is localized solely in the small
      bowel, visualization of the entire small-bowel mucosa can be challenging. The aim
      of this study was to compare the diagnostic yield of a pan-enteric video capsule
      endoscope (small-bowel colon [SBC] capsule) versus IC in patients with active CD.
      METHODS: This was a prospective, multicenter study. Patients with known active CD
      and proven bowel luminal patency underwent a standardized colon cleansing
      protocol followed by ingestion of the capsule. After passage of the capsule, IC
      was performed and recorded. Lesions indicative of active CD were assessed.
      RESULTS: One hundred fourteen subjects were screened; 66 subjects completed both
      endoscopic procedures. The per-subject diagnostic yield rate for active CD
      lesions was 83.3% for SBC and 69.7% for IC (yield difference, 13.6%; 95%
      confidence interval [CI], 2.6%-24.7%); 65% of subjects had active CD lesions
      identified by both modalities. Of the 12 subjects who were positive for active CD
      by SBC only, 5 subjects were found to have active CD lesions in the terminal
      ileum. Three subjects were positive for active CD by IC only. Three hundred fifty
      five classifying bowel segments were analyzed; the per-segment diagnostic yield
      rate was 40.6% for SBC and 32.7% for IC (yield difference 7.9%; 95% CI, 3.3%
      12.4%). CONCLUSION: This preliminary study shows that the diagnostic yields for
      SBC might be higher than IC; however, the magnitude of difference between the two
      is difficult to estimate. Further study is needed to confirm these findings.

PMID- 27658908
TI  - Colonoscopy.

PMID- 27658910
TI  - Mathematical model of tumor volume dynamics in mice treated with
      electrochemotherapy.
AB  - The effectiveness of electrochemotherapy, a local treatment using electric pulses
      to increase the uptake of chemotherapeutic drug, includes several antitumor
      mechanisms. In addition to the cytotoxic action of chemotherapeutic drug,
      treatment outcome also depends on antitumor immune response. In order to assess
      the contribution of different antitumor mechanisms to the observed treatment
      outcome, we designed a model of tumor volume dynamics, which is able to quantify
      early and late treatment effects. Model integrates characteristics of both main
      posttreatment processes, namely removal of lethally damaged cells from tumor
      volume and tumor-immune interaction. Fitting to individual responses gives the
      insight into the dynamics of tumor cell elimination. Two more or less clearly
      separable peaks can be observed from these dynamics. Model was used to quantify
      responses obtained after chemotherapy and electrochemotherapy with bleomycin and
      cisplatin in immunocompetent and immunodeficient mice. As expected,
      electrochemotherapy resulted in higher number of lethally damaged cells as well
      as in stronger immune response compared to chemotherapy alone. Additionally,
      bleomycin-treated tumors proved to be more immunogenic than cisplatin-treated
      tumors in the given range of doses.

PMID- 27658911
TI  - Effect of Phyllostachys parvifolia leaf extract on ionizing radiation-induced
      genetic damage: A preliminary in vitro cytogenetic study.
AB  - The ionizing radiation is a known carcinogen as well as cancer therapeutic agent
      however, the side effect on normal tissue is a limiting factor and inadequate
      doses necessitates search for an ideal radioprotective agent. Bamboo species are
      rich source of antioxidants hence have therapeutic value in many free radical
      mediated diseases. This is the first report regarding in vitro protective effect
      of bamboo leaf extract against radiation induced genetic damage in human
      peripheral blood lymphocytes by cytokinesis blocked micronuclei (CBMN) assay.
      Fresh whole blood was exposed to 5Gy of cobalt-6o gamma radiation with or without
      30 min pre-treatment with 3 MUl and 5 MUl of hydro alcoholic leaf extract of
      Phyllostachys parvifolia. In addition to whole extract the effect of potential
      active compound orientin was also assessed. The frequency of radiation induced
      micronuclei decreased significantly in a dose dependent manner following
      treatment with whole extract as well as orientin. The extent of reduction in
      micronuclei frequency was higher with whole bamboo leaf extract as compared to
      orientin alone.

PMID- 27658912
TI  - Clinical trials in Ayurveda: Analysis of clinical trial registry of India.
AB  - Ayurveda is one of the complementary and alternative systems of medicine
      requiring generation of high quality evidence for rational practice. Evidence can
      be generated from study designs and the present study is an attempt to critically
      assess the registered studies in the field of Ayurveda from clinical trial
      registry of India. We found low number of trials conducted with more focus
      required on the quality of these studies to contribute to high quality evidence.

PMID- 27658913
TI  - Mindfulness Meditation for Chronic Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic pain patients increasingly seek treatment through mindfulness
      meditation. PURPOSE: This study aims to synthesize evidence on efficacy and
      safety of mindfulness meditation interventions for the treatment of chronic pain
      in adults. METHOD: We conducted a systematic review on randomized controlled
      trials (RCTs) with meta-analyses using the Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman method for
      random-effects models. Quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach.
      Outcomes included pain, depression, quality of life, and analgesic use. RESULTS:
      Thirty-eight RCTs met inclusion criteria; seven reported on safety. We found low
      quality evidence that mindfulness meditation is associated with a small decrease
      in pain compared with all types of controls in 30 RCTs. Statistically significant
      effects were also found for depression symptoms and quality of life. CONCLUSIONS:
      While mindfulness meditation improves pain and depression symptoms and quality of
      life, additional well-designed, rigorous, and large-scale RCTs are needed to
      decisively provide estimates of the efficacy of mindfulness meditation for
      chronic pain.

PMID- 27658914
TI  - Efficacy and Mediation of a Theory-Based Physical Activity Intervention for
      African American Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Few trials have tested physical-activity interventions among sexual
      minorities, including African American men who have sex with men (MSM). PURPOSE:
      We examined the efficacy and mediation of the Being Responsible for Ourselves
      (BRO) physical-activity intervention among African American MSM. METHOD: African
      American MSM were randomized to the physical-activity intervention consisting of
      three 90-min one-on-one sessions or an attention-matched control intervention and
      completed pre-intervention, immediately post-intervention, and 6- and 12-month
      post-intervention audio computer-based surveys. RESULTS: Of the 595 participants,
      503 completed the 12-month follow-up. Generalized estimating equation models
      revealed that the intervention increased self-reported physical activity compared
      with the control intervention, adjusted for pre-intervention physical activity.
      Mediation analyses suggested that the intervention increased reasoned action
      approach variables, subjective norm and self-efficacy, increasing intention
      immediately post-intervention, which increased physical activity during the
      follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions targeting reasoned action approach
      variables may contribute to efforts to increase African American MSM's physical
      activity. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered with the
      ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT02561286 .

PMID- 27658916
TI  - Erratum to: Moving Transgender Care Forward within Public Health Organizations:
      Inclusion of Facial Feminizing Surgery in the Swedish National Treatment
      Recommendations.

PMID- 27658918
TI  - DSM-5 and the Paraphilic Disorders: Conceptual Issues.

PMID- 27658915
TI  - Personality and Risk of Frailty: the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is evidence that the personality traits conscientiousness,
      extraversion and neuroticism are associated with health behaviours and with risk
      of various health outcomes. We hypothesised that people who are lower in
      conscientiousness or extraversion or higher in neuroticism may be at greater risk
      of frailty in later life. METHODS: We used general linear models to examine the
      prospective relation between personality, assessed using the Midlife Development
      Inventory, and change in frailty, modelled by a frailty index, in 5314 men and
      women aged 60 to over 90 years from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing.
      RESULTS: Men and women with higher levels of neuroticism or lower levels of
      extraversion or conscientiousness had an increased frailty index score at follow
      up. After adjustment for potential confounding or mediating variables, including
      frailty index score at baseline, the frailty index score at follow-up-which
      potentially ranges from 0 to 1-was higher by 0.035 (95 % confidence interval
      0.018, 0.052) for a standard deviation increase in neuroticism and lower by 0.061
      (0.031, 0.091) or 0.045 (0.020, 0.071) for a standard deviation increase in
      extraversion or conscientiousness, respectively. There was some evidence that the
      association between extraversion and frailty may be due to reverse causation
      whereby poorer health affected responses to items in the personality inventory.
      CONCLUSIONS: Higher levels of neuroticism or lower levels of conscientiousness or
      extraversion may be risk factors for the onset or progression of frailty. Future
      studies need to replicate these observations in other populations and explore the
      mechanisms underlying these associations.

PMID- 27658917
TI  - Gender Incongruence of Childhood Diagnosis and Its Impact on Brazilian Healthcare
      Access.

PMID- 27658919
TI  - Circularly Polarized Luminescence from Axially Chiral BODIPY DYEmers: An
      Experimental and Computational Study.
AB  - With our new home-built circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) instrument, we
      measured fluorescence and CPL spectra of the enantiomeric pairs of two quasi
      isomeric BODIPY DYEmers 1 and 2, endowed with axial chirality. The electronic
      circular dichroism (ECD) and CPL spectra of these atropisomeric dimers are
      dominated by the exciton coupling between the main pi-pi* transitions (550-560
      nm) of the two BODIPY rings. Compound 1 has strong ECD and CPL spectra (glum
      =4*10-3 ) well reproduced by TD-DFT and SCS-CC2 (spin-component scaled second
      order approximate coupled-cluster) calculations using DFT-optimized ground- and
      excited-state structures. Compound 2 has weaker ECD and CPL spectra (glum =4*10-4
      ), partly due to the mutual cancellation of electric-electric and electric
      magnetic exciton couplings, and partly to its conformational freedom. This
      compound is computationally very challenging. Starting from the optimized excited
      state geometries, we predicted the wrong sign for the CPL band of 2 using TD-DFT
      with the most recommended hybrid and range-separated functionals, whereas SCS-CC2
      or a DFT functional with full exact exchange provided the correct sign.

PMID- 27658920
TI  - DNA damage inhibits lateral root formation by up-regulating cytokinin
      biosynthesis genes in Arabidopsis thaliana.
AB  - Lateral roots (LRs) are an important organ for water and nutrient uptake from
      soil. Thus, control of LR formation is crucial in the adaptation of plant growth
      to environmental conditions. However, the underlying mechanism controlling LR
      formation in response to external factors has remained largely unknown. Here, we
      found that LR formation was inhibited by DNA damage. Treatment with zeocin, which
      causes DNA double-strand breaks, up-regulated several DNA repair genes in the LR
      primordium (LRP) through the signaling pathway mediated by the transcription
      factor SUPPRESSOR OF GAMMA RESPONSE 1 (SOG1). Cell division was severely
      inhibited in the LRP of zeocin-treated sog1-1 mutant, which in turn inhibited LR
      formation. This result suggests that SOG1-mediated maintenance of genome
      integrity is crucial for proper cell division during LRP development.
      Furthermore, zeocin induced several cytokinin biosynthesis genes in a SOG1
      dependent manner, thereby activating cytokinin signaling in the LRP. LR formation
      was less inhibited by zeocin in mutants defective in cytokinin biosynthesis or
      signaling, suggesting that elevated cytokinin signaling is crucial for the
      inhibition of LR formation in response to DNA damage. We conclude that SOG1
      regulates DNA repair and cytokinin signaling separately and plays a key role in
      controlling LR formation under genotoxic stress.

PMID- 27658921
TI  - Initiation and Intensification Strategies in Type 2 Diabetes Management: A
      Comparison of Basal Plus and Premix Regimens.
AB  - : The progressive nature of type 2 diabetes (T2D) often results in the need for
      initiation and subsequent intensification of insulin treatment to achieve
      glycemic control. The aim of this review is to examine published clinical
      evidence that has directly compared two recommended treatment approaches in
      patients with T2D: (1) a 'basal plus' regimen, whereby 1-2 injections of prandial
      insulin are added to basal insulin; or (2) the use of once- or twice-daily premix
      insulin analogs, which contain both basal and prandial insulin in a single
      injection. Broadly, the available evidence suggests that both basal plus and
      premix regimens are comparable in terms of efficacy and safety when used for
      insulin initiation in insulin-naive patients and intensification in patients who
      have failed on basal insulin; instances of greater glycemic control are observed
      with premix insulin; however, these are often accompanied by increases in
      hypoglycemia and/or weight relative to basal plus treatment, and results should
      be interpreted within the context of total insulin doses used. Relatively low
      numbers of patients achieved glycemic control when both regimens were used for
      insulin intensification following failure of basal insulin, suggesting that a
      full basal-bolus regimen and/or the use of different treatments is clinically
      indicated in certain patients. In summary, the current review argues that both
      basal plus and premix insulin regimens are relatively efficacious and safe
      options for patients with T2D during both insulin initiation in insulin-naive
      patients and intensification in patients who have failed on basal insulin. This
      emphasizes the important role of patient-centered factors in clinical decision
      making. FUNDING: Novo Nordisk.

PMID- 27658922
TI  - Usefulness of the Atrial Emptying Fraction to Predict Maintenance of Sinus Rhythm
      After Direct Current Cardioversion for Atrial Fibrillation.
AB  - Atrial volumes indexed to body surface area (AVI) are robust predictors of
      nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after direct current
      cardioversion (DCCV). The incremental value of atrial emptying fraction (EmF)
      compared with atrial volumes as a predictor for recurrent AF after DCCV has not
      been evaluated. We sought to compare the predictive ability of baseline left
      atrial (LA) EmF, right atrial (RA) EmF, LAVI, and RAVI for post-DCCV AF
      recurrence at 6 months. The first 95 patients enrolled in the AF Clinic Registry
      with adequate echocardiogram imaging constituted the study cohort. Each patient
      underwent echocardiogram within 6 months before cardioversion. Maximal LAVI and
      RAVI, LA EmF, and RA EmF were performed offline using 4-chamber single-plane
      Simpson's method, averaged over 5 cycles. The mean age of the study cohort was 64
      +/- 12 years, and 67% were men. Only 28 patients (29%) who underwent DCCV
      remained in sinus rhythm at 6 months of follow-up. The remaining, 67 (71%) had
      reverted to AF or underwent ablation during the 6 months of follow-up. The
      overall performance for prediction of AF recurrence was greatest for RA EmF, area
      under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC): RA EmF 0.92, LA EmF 0.89,
      RAVI 0.76, and LAVI 0.63. RA and LA EmF AUCs were significantly higher than for
      LAVI or RAVI (max p = 0.02). In conclusion, although RAVI and LAVI are strong
      predictors of AF recurrence after DCCV, RA and LA EmF outperformed in this
      cohort.

PMID- 27658923
TI  - Facial fracture repair and diabetes mellitus: An examination of postoperative
      complications.
AB  - OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Our objectives included using a nationally representative
      resource to evaluate charges, demographics, and complication rates among
      diabetics undergoing surgical repair of facial fractures. METHODS: We evaluated
      the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, a database encompassing nearly 8 million
      hospitalizations, for patients with a diagnosis of a facial fracture who
      underwent surgical intervention during their hospitalization. Patients were
      organized by whether they had a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus (DM). RESULTS: Of
      45,509 inpatients included, diabetics had greater costs, longer length of stays,
      and were significantly more likely to have a host of baseline comorbidities. On
      multivariate logistic regression corrected for age, race, gender, and preexisting
      cardiac disease, DM patients had significantly greater odds for cardiac
      complications (3.3; P < 0.001) and hepatic failure (15.0; P = 0.007). There were
      no significant differences associated with DM in the rates of enophthalmos,
      epiphora, and diplopia among patients with orbital fractures. Diabetics did have
      a significantly greater risk of postoperative infection after mandible repair.
      CONCLUSION: In addition to a significant association with greater length of stay
      and increased hospital charges, DM patients undergoing surgical repair of facial
      fractures had a significantly greater risk of postoperative complications,
      including cardiac complications. Diabetics undergoing mandible repair had a
      greater risk of postoperative infection, even upon controlling for demographic
      factors, suggesting the need for further study evaluating the role of
      postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis in this patient population. These findings
      reveal the potential value of developing and using standardized postoperative
      care algorithms aimed at minimizing complications in this susceptible population.
      LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2c. Laryngoscope, 127:809-814, 2017.

PMID- 27658924
TI  - Toward an Understanding of Divergent Compound Eye Development in Drones and
      Workers of the Honeybee (Apis mellifera L.): A Correlative Analysis of Morphology
      and Gene Expression.
AB  - Eye development in insects is best understood in Drosophila melanogaster, but
      little is known for other holometabolous insects. Combining a morphological with
      a gene expression analysis, we investigated eye development in the honeybee,
      putting emphasis on the sex-specific differences in eye size. Optic lobe
      development starts from an optic lobe anlage in the larval brain, which
      sequentially gives rise to the lobula, medulla, and lamina. The lamina
      differentiates in the last larval instar, when it receives optic nerve
      projections from the developing retina. The expression analysis focused on seven
      genes important for Drosophila eye development: eyes absent, sine oculis,
      embryonic lethal abnormal vision, minibrain, small optic lobes, epidermal growth
      factor receptor, and roughest. All except small optic lobes were more highly
      expressed in third-instar drone larvae, but then, in the fourth and fifth instar,
      their expression was sex-specifically modulated, showing shifts in temporal
      dynamics. The clearest differences were seen for small optic lobes, which is
      highly expressed in the developing eye of workers, and minibrain and roughest,
      which showed a strong expression peak coinciding with retina differentiation. A
      microarray analysis for optic lobe/retina complexes revealed the differential
      expression of several metabolism-related genes, as well as of two micro-RNAs.
      While we could not see major morphological differences in the developing eye
      structures before the pupal stage, the expression differences observed for the
      seven candidate genes and in the transcriptional microarray profiles indicate
      that molecular signatures underlying sex-specific optic lobe and retina
      development become established throughout the larval stages.

PMID- 27658926
TI  - Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy of pancreatic lesions.
      An 8-year analysis of single institution material focusing on efficacy and
      learning progress.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and the learning curve of the endoscopic
      ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy (EUS-FNAB) diagnostics of
      pancreatic lesions over 8 years (2007-2014). MATERIAL AND METHODS: EUS-FNAB using
      a Linear Echoendoscope Olympus was performed in 531 patients, mostly without
      rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE). Smears plus cytoblock sections were used
      routinely. Immunocytochemistry was utilised as indicated. RESULTS: The average,
      satisfactory sampling rate increased from the 61.2% in the first 3-year period to
      72.9% in the last 3-year period (P = 0.008). The availability of the material for
      cytoblocks increased from 36.4% in the first period to 75.3% in the last period
      (P = 0.017). The efficacy of cytoblocks increased from 39.6% to 46.2% (P =
      0.086). Comparing the first and last 3-year periods, the indication for
      immunocytochemistry did not rise substantially (5.2% and 8.5% respectively), but
      the predictive value of immunocytochemistry rose from 56.3% to 100.0% (P =
      0.001). The most frequent diagnostic result was malignancy confirmation - both
      primary (41.2%) and metastatic (2.1%). In cases with representative samples and
      follow-up information, the specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value
      and accuracy were high from the beginning. The negative predictive value
      decreased slightly in the last 3-year period. CONCLUSION: The pancreatic EUS-FNAB
      without ROSE represents a suboptimal arrangement conditioned with our
      staff/time/location reality. Nevertheless, within the last 3 years of our
      activity, nearly three-quarters of patients profit from the diagnostic
      contribution of this procedure.

PMID- 27658925
TI  - Long Term Home-Based Exercise is Effective to Reduce Blood Pressure in Low Income
      Brazilian Hypertensive Patients: A Controlled Trial.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Home-based exercise programs may increase adherence to physical
      activity among groups with poor access to exercise facilities. However, their
      effectiveness to lower blood pressure of hypertensive patients remains undefined.
      AIMS: This controlled clinical trial investigated the influence of a home-based
      exercise program upon blood pressure, blood metabolic profile, and physical
      fitness in a Brazilian cohort of low income patients diagnosed with hypertension.
      METHODS: Twenty-nine patients (22 women, age: 53 +/- 11 years) underwent 16
      months of home-based exercise, including 30 min of moderate intensity walking and
      stretching exercises. Fourteen patients (9 women, age: 48 +/- 5 years) composed a
      non-exercise control group. Primary outcomes were assessed each two months.
      RESULTS: Body mass (3.6 +/- 0.2 kg; P = 0.03) and sum of skinfolds (3.0 +/- 1.2
      cm; P = 0.04) increased in controls vs. baseline. Mean compliance to home-based
      exercise was 83 +/- 7 %, which induced significant improvements from baseline vs.
      controls in body mass (-5.4 +/- 2.0 kg; P = 0.04), body fat (-4.7 +/- 0.3 %; P =
      0.03), waist circumference (-6.1 +/- 1.2 cm; P = 0.03), sum of skinfolds (-14.8
      +/- 3.7; P = 0.02); aerobic efficiency reflected by slopes of relationships
      between heart rate and workload (-0.05 +/- 0.01; P = 0.05), trunk flexibility
      (7.8 +/- 1.7 cm; P = 0.02), HDL (1.8 +/- 0.9 mg/dL; P = 0.04), triglycerides (
      12.3 +/- 1.0 mg/dL; P = 0.03), and glucose (-6.9 +/- 2.9 mg/dL; P = 0.05).
      Systolic and diastolic BP decreased until the sixth month of intervention vs.
      baseline and controls, remaining stable at lower levels thereafter (systolic
      blood pressure: -4.5 +/- 0.3 mmHg; P = 0.03; diastolic blood pressure: -2.5 +/-
      0.6 mmHg; P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Low income hypertensive patients complied with
      a long-term home-based exercise program, which was effective for improving their
      functional capacity, blood metabolic profile, and blood pressure.

PMID- 27658927
TI  - Altered functional brain connectivity in children and young people with
      opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome.
AB  - AIM: Opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome (OMS) is a rare, poorly understood condition
      that can result in long-term cognitive, behavioural, and motor sequelae. Several
      studies have investigated structural brain changes associated with this
      condition, but little is known about changes in function. This study aimed to
      investigate changes in brain functional connectivity in patients with OMS.
      METHOD: Seven patients with OMS and 10 age-matched comparison participants
      underwent 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to acquire resting-state functional
      MRI data (whole-brain echo-planar images; 2mm isotropic voxels; multiband factor
      *2) for a cross-sectional study. A seed-based analysis identified brain regions
      in which signal changes over time correlated with the cerebellum. Model-free
      analysis was used to determine brain networks showing altered connectivity.
      RESULTS: In patients with OMS, the motor cortex showed significantly reduced
      connectivity, and the occipito-parietal region significantly increased
      connectivity with the cerebellum relative to the comparison group. A model-free
      analysis also showed extensive connectivity within a visual network, including
      the cerebellum and basal ganglia, not present in the comparison group. No other
      networks showed any differences between groups. INTERPRETATION: Patients with OMS
      showed reduced connectivity between the cerebellum and motor cortex, but
      increased connectivity with occipito-parietal regions. This pattern of change
      supports widespread brain involvement in OMS.

PMID- 27658928
TI  - Investigation of the atrial conduction time measured by tissue Doppler imaging at
      the left atrial appendage and the actual electrical conduction time:
      consideration of left atrial remodeling in atrial fibrillation patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: The atrial conduction time measured by echocardiography using tissue
      Doppler imaging (TDI) has been reported as a predictive factor of left atrial
      (LA) remodeling. We investigated the P wave to LA appendage (LAA) conduction time
      defined by transthoracic echocardiography using TDI (P-LAA TDI), and directly
      compared the actual LA electrical conduction time determined by the
      electrophysiological data. Additionally, we confirmed the clinical utility of the
      P-LAA TDI by examining the relationship to the electroanatomical LA remodeling
      data. METHODS: Sixty-three AF patients (22 paroxysmal AF, 41 persistent AF)
      underwent ablation and electroanatomical LA mapping. The P-LAA TDI was measured
      after the ablation and was compared with the electrophysiological data during
      sinus rhythm, including the actual electrical conduction time. RESULTS: A strong
      linear correlation (r = 0.776, p < 0.001, y = 1.28x + 49) was observed between
      the P-LAA TDI (161 +/- 24 ms) and electrophysiological P-LAA time (87 +/- 15 ms).
      The P-LAA TDI was also strongly correlated with the LA volume (173 +/- 52 ml, r =
      0.632, p < 0.001) and LA conduction velocity index (1.07 +/- 0.19 mm/ms, r = 
      0.735, p < 0.001), but less to the focal anterior-LVA region surface area (2.2
      [0.4-5.0] cm2, r = 0.380, p = 0.002). Additionally, a stepwise multiple linear
      regression demonstrated that both the LA volume and LA conduction velocity index
      were strongly associated with the value of the P-LAA TDI (p < 0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: The P-LAA TDI was useful for estimating the actual
      electrophysiological conduction time and represented both electrical and
      anatomical LA remodeling.

PMID- 27658929
TI  - Ultrabroadband Design for Linear Polarization Conversion and Asymmetric
      Transmission Crossing X- and K- Band.
AB  - In this work, a high-efficiency and broadband reflective converter using
      ultrathin planar metamaterial (MM) composed of single-layered SRR is firstly
      realized. Numerical and experimental results demonstrate that the cross
      polarization conversion reflectance above 0.84 is achieved from 8.6 to 18.6 GHz
      for linearly polarized (LP) incident waves under normal incidence. Subsequently,
      a multi-layered MM based on SRR enables a dramatic improvement of the recently
      demonstrated asymmetric transmission (AT) effect. Theoretical and measured
      results present that strong one-way transmission of two orthogonally polarized
      waves crossing C- and K- band has been observed. These two separated AT pass
      bands have a function of selective polarization filter, which can be switched
      on/off by changing the polarization state of incident waves. The physical
      mechanisms are elucidated by taking advantage of electric fields and current
      distributions. Considering the broad bandwidth and the dual band, we believe that
      these two structures will be beneficial for designing polarization-controlled and
      selective transmission converter.

PMID- 27658930
TI  - Isolation and Characterization of a Moderately Virulent Classical Swine Fever
      Virus Emerging in China.
AB  - Classical swine fever (CSF) is a devastating infectious disease of pigs caused by
      classical swine fever virus (CSFV). In China, CSF has been under control owing to
      extensive vaccination with the lapinized attenuated vaccine (C-strain) since
      1950s, despite sporadic or endemic in many regions. However, recently, CSF
      outbreaks occurred in a large number of swine herds in China. Here, we isolated
      15 CSFV strains from diverse C-strain-vaccinated pig farms in China and
      characterized the genetic variations and antigenicity of the new isolates. The
      new strains showed unique variations in the E2 protein and were clustered to the
      subgenotype 2.1d of CSFV recently emerging in China in the phylogenetic tree.
      Cross-neutralization test showed that the neutralizing titres of porcine anti-C
      strain sera against the new isolates were substantially lower than those against
      both the highly virulent Shimen strain and the subgenotype 2.1b strains that were
      isolated in China in 2006 and 2009, respectively. In addition, experimental
      animal infection showed that the HLJZZ2014 strain-infected pigs displayed lower
      mortality and less severe clinical signs and pathological changes compared with
      the Shimen strain-infected pigs. The HLJZZ2014 strain was defined to be
      moderately virulent based on a previously established assessment system for CSFV
      virulence evaluation, and the virus shedding and the viral load in various
      tissues of the CSFV HLJZZ2014 strain-infected pigs were significantly lower than
      those of the Shimen strain-infected pigs. Taken together, the subgenotype 2.1d
      isolate of CSFV is a moderately virulent strain with molecular variations and
      antigenic alterations.

PMID- 27658931
TI  - Caring for People with Diabetes at the End of Life.
AB  - End-of-life care planning is assuming global significance. While general end-of
      life care guidelines apply to diabetes, there are some diabetes-specific issues
      that need to be considered. These include the usual long trajectory to end-of
      life care that enables clinicians and people with diabetes to proactively discuss
      when to change the focus of care from preventing diabetes complications (tight
      control) to a palliative approach. Palliative care aims to promote comfort and
      quality of life and reduce the unnecessary burden of care on individuals and
      their families. The aim of this paper is to discuss common disease trajectories
      and their relationship to diabetes care, outline strategies for proactively
      discussing these issues and suggest indications that palliative care is
      warranted.

PMID- 27658932
TI  - Urinary Proteomics for Diagnosis and Monitoring of Diabetic Nephropathy.
AB  - The last decade has seen a surge in publications describing novel biomarkers for
      early detection of diabetic nephropathy (DN), but as yet none have outperformed
      albuminuria in well-designed prospective studies. This is partially attributable
      to our incomplete understanding of the many complex interrelated mechanisms
      underlying DN development, a heterogeneous process unlikely to be captured by a
      single biomarker. Proteomics offers the advantage of simultaneously analysing the
      entire protein content of a biological sample, and the technique has gained
      attention as a potential tool for a more accurate diagnosis of disease at an
      earlier stage as well as a means by which to unravel the pathogenesis of complex
      diseases such as DN using an untargeted approach. This review will discuss the
      potential of proteomics as both a clinical and research tool, evaluating
      exploratory work in animal models as well as diagnostic potential in human
      subjects.

PMID- 27658934
TI  - Executive Summary of the Joint Position Paper on Renal Denervation of the
      Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe (CIRSE) and the
      European Society of Hypertension (ESH).

PMID- 27658933
TI  - Imaging Atherosclerosis in Diabetes: Current State.
AB  - Cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction and stroke, are the
      primary causes of mortality in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Affected patients
      frequently have asymptomatic coronary artery disease. Studies have shown
      heterogeneity in cardiovascular risk among patients with diabetes. Imaging can
      help categorize risk of future cardiovascular events by identifying those
      patients with atherosclerosis, rather than relying on risk prediction based on
      population-based studies. In this article, we will review the evidence regarding
      use of atherosclerosis imaging in patients with diabetes to predict risk of
      coronary heart disease and mortality.

PMID- 27658935
TI  - Risk factors for unplanned readmission following head and neck microvascular
      reconstruction: Results from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program,
      2011-2014.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Unplanned readmissions are associated with decreased healthcare
      quality and increased costs. This nationwide study examines causes for unplanned
      readmission among head and neck cancer patients undergoing immediate
      microsurgical reconstruction. METHODS: Patients undergoing head and neck tumor
      resection with microsurgical reconstruction were identified in the 2011-2014
      National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Clinical characteristics
      and complications were compared among patients who did and did not undergo
      unplanned readmission. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses
      were performed. RESULTS: Database search revealed 1,063 patients, 94 (8.8%) of
      whom had unplanned readmissions. Readmitted patients had significantly higher ASA
      scores (14.9% vs.7.3% ASA class 4 patients; P = 0.03) and significantly higher
      rates of disseminated cancer (14.9% vs.7.1%; P = 0.01), laryngopharyngectomy
      (17.0% vs.6.9%; P = 0.0005), deep wound infection (22.3% vs.2.4%; P < 0.0001),
      wound dehiscence (19.1% vs.3.3%; P < 0.0001), and blood transfusion within 72 h
      of surgery (44.7% vs.32.6%; P = 0.02). Multivariate logistic regression revealed
      deep wound infection (OR = 8.65, P < 0.0001) and wound dehiscence (OR = 3.69, P =
      0.0004) to be independent predictors of unplanned readmission. CONCLUSIONS: Deep
      wound infection and wound dehiscence were independent predictors of unplanned
      readmission among head and neck cancer patients undergoing immediate
      microsurgical reconstruction. Institutions should focus efforts on improving
      wound surveillance, outpatient strategies for wound care, and optimization of
      discharge planning for this complex patient population.

PMID- 27658937
TI  - What do we expect from a beauty? Facial attractiveness of the opposite sex gives
      rise to discrepancies in males' anticipation and demand.
AB  - Facial attractiveness plays a significant role in social interactions and the
      effect of beauty premium is frequently observed. Previous studies showed that
      observing attractive counterparts would alleviate one's sense of unfairness.
      However, the mechanism underlying this phenomenon remained to be clarified. In
      this study, male participants were engaged in a modified Dictator game as
      recipients and their electroencephalograms were recorded. They were convinced
      that anonymous females who vary in facial attractiveness played as dictators. An
      outcome anticipation stage was implemented before proposed offers were presented
      and we focused on the cognitive process of subjective anticipation. A less
      negative Stimulus-preceding negativity was observed in the attractive face
      condition, suggesting that subjects paid less anticipatory attention toward
      proposed offers, and subjective expectation toward fair ones was weakened when
      beauties played as dictators. Thus, this study provides additional neural
      evidences for the beauty premium effect and suggests a reasonable explanation for
      this commonly reported phenomenon.

PMID- 27658936
TI  - Mutation-adapted U1 snRNA corrects a splicing error of the dopa decarboxylase
      gene.
AB  - Aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency is an inborn error of
      monoamine neurotransmitter synthesis, which results in dopamine, serotonin,
      epinephrine and norepinephrine deficiencies. The DDC gene founder mutation IVS6 +
      4A > T is highly prevalent in Chinese patients with AADC deficiency. In this
      study, we designed several U1 snRNA vectors to adapt U1 snRNA binding sequences
      of the mutated DDC gene. We found that only the modified U1 snRNA (IVS-AAA) that
      completely matched both the intronic and exonic U1 binding sequences of the
      mutated DDC gene could correct splicing errors of either the mutated human DDC
      minigene or the mouse artificial splicing construct in vitro. We further injected
      an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector to express IVS-AAA in the brain of a knock
      in mouse model. This treatment was well tolerated and improved both the survival
      and brain dopamine and serotonin levels of mice with AADC deficiency. Therefore,
      mutation-adapted U1 snRNA gene therapy can be a promising method to treat genetic
      diseases caused by splicing errors, but the efficiency of such a treatment still
      needs improvements.

PMID- 27658938
TI  - Surface chemistry of black phosphorus under a controlled oxidative environment.
AB  - Black phosphorus (BP), the bulk counterpart of monolayer phosphorene, is a
      relatively stable phosphorus allotrope at room temperature. However, monolayer
      phosphorene and ultra-thin BP layers degrade in ambient atmosphere. In this
      paper, we report the investigation of BP oxidation and discuss the reaction
      mechanism based on the x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) data. The kinetics
      of BP oxidation was examined under various well-controlled conditions, namely in
      5% O2/Ar, 2.3% H2O/Ar, and 5% O2 and 2.3% H2O/Ar. At room temperature, the BP
      surface is demonstrated not to be oxidized at a high oxidation rate in 5% O2/Ar
      nor in 2.3% H2O/Ar, according to XPS, with the thickness of the oxidized
      phosphorus layer <5 A for 5 h. On the other hand, in the O2/H2O mixture, a 30 A
      thickness oxide layer was detected already after 2 h of the treatment. This
      result points to a synergetic effect of water and oxygen in the BP oxidation. The
      oxidation effect was also studied in applications to the electrical measurements
      of BP field-effect transistors (FETs) with or without passivation. The electrical
      performance of BP FETs with atomic layer deposition (ALD) dielectric passivation
      or h-BN passivation formed in a glove-box environment are also presented.

PMID- 27658940
TI  - Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation With or Without Preimplantation Balloon
      Aortic Valvuloplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PMID- 27658941
TI  - High-Sensitivity Troponin: A Clinical Blood Biomarker for Staging Cardiomyopathy
      in Fabry Disease.

PMID- 27658944
TI  - The impact of measurement of respiratory quotient by indirect calorimetry on the
      achievement of nitrogen balance in patients with severe traumatic brain injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the impact of IC on the optimization of
      nutritional support and the achievement of +NB in patients with TBI. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: 27 patients (GCS <= 8), treated with a 5-day multimodality
      monitoring and goal-directed therapy protocol, received enteral nutrition on day
      1 followed by IC on days 3 and 5 and assessment of NB on day 7. In the first
      cohort (n = 11), no adjustment in kcal was made. In the second cohort (n = 16),
      nutrition was targeted to an RQ of 0.83 by day 3. The first cohort was analyzed
      with respect to NB status; the second cohort was compared to patients with (-)
      and +NB of the first cohort. Data (mean +/- SD) were analyzed with unpaired t
      test, and Chi square and Fisher exact tests. RESULTS: 4/11(36 %) patients in the
      first cohort had +NB. The predicted mortality by TRISS, substrate utilization,
      and RQ was significantly lower compared to the second cohort. The mortality
      predicted by the CrasH model did not differ between the two cohorts. A RQ of 0.74
      was associated with the preferential use of fat and protein and -NB, whereas a RQ
      of 0.84 favored utilization of carbohydrates and +NB. All patients whose kcal
      intake was adjusted based on the RQ on day 3 reached a +NB by day 7. CONCLUSION:
      An increase in kcal >=25 % in patients with a RQ < 0.83 on day 3 improves
      substrate utilization, decreases protein utilization and optimizes the
      achievement of +NB by day 7.

PMID- 27658945
TI  - Swine flu vaccine is unlikely to raise risk of overall birth defects, study
      finds.

PMID- 27658939
TI  - Bridging the gap between in vitro and in vivo RNA folding.
AB  - Deciphering the folding pathways and predicting the structures of complex three
      dimensional biomolecules is central to elucidating biological function. RNA is
      single-stranded, which gives it the freedom to fold into complex secondary and
      tertiary structures. These structures endow RNA with the ability to perform
      complex chemistries and functions ranging from enzymatic activity to gene
      regulation. Given that RNA is involved in many essential cellular processes, it
      is critical to understand how it folds and functions in vivo. Within the last few
      years, methods have been developed to probe RNA structures in vivo and genome
      wide. These studies reveal that RNA often adopts very different structures in
      vivo and in vitro, and provide profound insights into RNA biology. Nonetheless,
      both in vitro and in vivo approaches have limitations: studies in the complex and
      uncontrolled cellular environment make it difficult to obtain insight into RNA
      folding pathways and thermodynamics, and studies in vitro often lack direct
      cellular relevance, leaving a gap in our knowledge of RNA folding in vivo. This
      gap is being bridged by biophysical and mechanistic studies of RNA structure and
      function under conditions that mimic the cellular environment. To date, most
      artificial cytoplasms have used various polymers as molecular crowding agents and
      a series of small molecules as cosolutes. Studies under such in vivo-like
      conditions are yielding fresh insights, such as cooperative folding of functional
      RNAs and increased activity of ribozymes. These observations are accounted for in
      part by molecular crowding effects and interactions with other molecules. In this
      review, we report milestones in RNA folding in vitro and in vivo and discuss
      ongoing experimental and computational efforts to bridge the gap between these
      two conditions in order to understand how RNA folds in the cell.

PMID- 27658943
TI  - The Gustilo-Anderson classification system as predictor of nonunion and infection
      in open tibia fractures.
AB  - PURPOSE: We sought to conduct the largest retrospective study to date of open
      tibia fractures and describe the incidence of complications and evaluate the
      potential predictive risk factors for complications. METHODS: Patients with open
      tibia fractures treated with reamed intramedullary nail (IMN) across a 10-year
      period were evaluated. Patient charts were reviewed for demographics, type of
      open fracture (T), comorbidities, and postoperative complications. A multivariate
      model was conducted to determine the risk factors for each type of complication.
      RESULTS: Of the 486 patients with open tibia fractures, 13 % (n = 64) had
      infections, 12 % (n = 56) had nonunions, and 1 % (n = 7) had amputations. TIII
      fractures had much higher rates of each complication than TI and TII fractures.
      Fracture type was the only significant risk factor for both nonunion and
      infection. CONCLUSION: Our study found that the Gustilo grade of open tibia
      fracture is by far the greatest predictor of nonunion and infection.

PMID- 27658942
TI  - Algorithm for activation of coagulation support treatment in multiple injured
      patients--cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early recognition and management of trauma related coagulopathy
      improves the outcome. Trauma facilities should implement an algorithm to identify
      the bleeding trauma patient with coagulopathy. OBJECTIVE: The scope of the paper
      is to identify the indicators of early coagulopathy and to optimize the
      indications for thromboelastometry and coagulation support. DESIGN: Cohort study
      based on data from trauma registry. SETTING: Data of 493 major trauma patients
      treated in GH Celje from 2006 to 2014 were included into The TraumaRegister
      DGU(r) (TR-DGU). PATIENTS: Patients were selected for inclusion into TR-DGU
      according to the following criteria: polytraumatized patients with Injury
      severity score (ISS) >= 18, patients with injuries to single region with AIS 5,
      patients with major injuries to a single region and abnormal vital signs. All
      patients that were dead on arrival to hospital, patients presented to hospital
      >24 h after the injury, and head injuries that occurred with a low energy
      mechanism in patients on anticoagulation drugs were excluded. MEASUREMENTS: Two
      groups were formed (with or without coagulopathy). Mortality, morbidity, length
      of mechanical ventilation, ICU and hospital stay were used as outcome and
      compared between the groups. A coagulopathy prediction model (CPM) was developed
      to identify the patients who were at high risk of coagulopathy. RESULTS:
      Coagulopathy was present in 51 % of patients. Severe injuries to the torso and
      limbs, infusion of >1000 ml of fluids in the prehospital settings, and
      hypotension were included into CPM. If all three criteria were present, the
      sensitivity of the model to predict coagulopathy was 93 %. By adding the blood
      gas analysis (BE <= -5), the specificity increased to 81.7 %. LIMITATIONS:
      Shortcomings of our analysis are mainly related to the quality of data in the
      registry that may not be comparable to a clinical trial where data are collected
      specifically to address a given issue. CONCLUSIONS: The Criteria for activation
      of coagulation support treatment remain centre dependent. In our settings the CPM
      is the tool to select patients for ROTEM(r) analysis. By adding data from blood
      gas analysis, treatment of coagulopathy is justifiable before complete test
      results are available.

PMID- 27658946
TI  - How consistent are lordosis, range of movement and lumbo-pelvic rhythm in people
      with and without back pain?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Comparing movements/postures in people with and without lower back
      pain (LBP) may assist identifying LBP-specific dysfunction and its relationship
      to pain or activity limitation. This study compared the consistency in lumbo
      pelvic posture and movement (range and pattern) in people with and without
      chronic LBP (>12 week's duration). METHODS: Wireless, wearable, inertial
      measurement units measured lumbar lordosis angle, range of movement (ROM) and
      lumbo-pelvic rhythm in adults (n = 63). Measurements were taken on three separate
      occasions: two tests on the same day with different raters and a third (intra
      rater) test one to two weeks later. Participants performed five repetitions of
      tested postures or movements. Test data were captured automatically. Minimal
      detectable change scores (MDC90) provided estimates of between-test consistency.
      RESULTS: There was no significant difference between participants with and
      without LBP for lordosis angle. There were significant differences for pelvic
      flexion ROM (LBP 60.8 degrees , NoLBP 54.8 degrees , F(1,63) = 4.31, p = 0.04),
      lumbar right lateral flexion ROM (LBP 22.2 degrees , NoLBP 24.6 degrees  F(1,63)
      = 4.48, p = .04), trunk right lateral flexion ROM (LBP 28.4 degrees , NoLBP 31.7
      degrees , F(1,63) = 5.9, p = .02) and lumbar contribution to lumbo-pelvic rhythm
      in the LBP group (LBP 45.8 %, F(1,63) = 4.20, NoLBP 51.3 % p = .044). MDC90
      estimates for intra and inter-rater comparisons were 10 degrees -15 degrees  for
      lumbar lordosis, and 5 degrees -15 degrees  for most ROM. For lumbo-pelvic
      rhythm, we found 8-15 % variation in lumbar contribution to flexion and lateral
      flexion and 36-56 % variation in extension. Good to excellent agreement
      (reliability) was seen between raters (mean r = .88, ICC (2,2)). CONCLUSION:
      Comparisons of ROM between people with and without LBP showed few differences
      between groups, with reduced relative lumbar contribution to trunk flexion. There
      was no difference between groups for lordosis. Wide, within-group differences
      were seen for both groups for ROM and lordosis. Due to variability between test
      occasions, changes would need to exceed 10 degrees -15 degrees  for lumbar
      lordosis, 5 degrees -15 degrees  for ROM components, and 8-15 % of lumbar
      contribution to lumbo-pelvic rhythm, to have 90 % confidence that movements had
      actually changed. Lordosis, range of movement and lumbo-pelvic rhythm typically
      demonstrate variability between same-day and different-day tests. This
      variability needs to be considered when interpreting posture and movement
      changes.

PMID- 27658947
TI  - Acute Pulmonary Edema in an Eclamptic Pregnant Patient: A Rare Case of Takotsubo
      Syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND Acute pulmonary edema in a pregnant patient is associated with
      significant morbidity and mortality. Takotsubo syndrome, or stress-induced
      cardiomyopathy, is a rare cause of acute pulmonary edema in a pregnant patient,
      especially prior to delivery of the fetus. CASE REPORT We describe a case of a
      pregnant patient who presented with acute pulmonary edema and eclampsia and was
      found to have Takotsubo syndrome. To the best of our knowledge, eclampsia as a
      precipitating factor for Takotsubo syndrome has not been described in literature.
      CONCLUSIONS Clinicians taking care of pregnant patients should be aware of the
      potential link between eclampsia and Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Prompt correction
      of the precipitating cause along with supportive management as described is the
      key to a successful outcome.

PMID- 27658948
TI  - Enhancing emergency care in low-income countries using mobile technology-based
      training tools.
AB  - In this paper, we discuss the role of mobile technology in developing training
      tools for health workers, with particular reference to low-income countries
      (LICs). The global and technological context is outlined, followed by a summary
      of approaches to using and evaluating mobile technology for learning in
      healthcare. Finally, recommendations are made for those developing and using such
      tools, based on current literature and the authors' involvement in the field.

PMID- 27658949
TI  - Magnetic Resonance Imaging Appearance and Mechanism of Action of Five Hemostatic
      Agents Used in Neurosurgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the magnetic resonance (MR) image appearance of 5
      hemostatic agents placed in the brain, and to review their clinical application.
      STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive ex vivo and in vivo study. ANIMALS: Canine cadavers
      (n=4), client-owned dogs (n=4). METHODS: Heads from 4 canine cadavers were used,
      each with 5 hemostatic agents placed in specific locations in the brain.
      Hemostatic agents were used in their native form in 2 cadaveric brains, and in 2
      others the materials were saturated with fresh whole blood prior to placement to
      mimic application in a field of active hemorrhage. The heads underwent MR imaging
      and the images were reviewed. Postoperative MRI images from 4 dogs undergoing
      brain tumor resection were retrospectively reviewed and compared to the images
      from the cadavers. All clinical cases and cadaveric specimens underwent surgical
      closure prior to MR imaging including placement of titanium mesh over the
      craniotomy defect with a dural graft of porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS)
      sealed with Tisseel (fibrin sealant). RESULTS: The SIS and Tisseel used in the
      dural graft were consistently indistinguishable from the surrounding tissues on
      MR images. The MR imaging appearance of the remaining 4 hemostatic agents
      (Gelfoam, Avitene, Surgicel, and Floseal) placed on the surface or in the
      parenchyma of canine brain, varied with MR sequence weighting and blood
      saturation. CONCLUSION: Accurate evaluation of the degree of brain tumor
      resection on postoperative MR images requires careful differentiation between
      hemorrhage, residual tumor, and hemostatic agents implanted.

PMID- 27658950
TI  - An explorative qualitative study on acceptability of physical activity assessment
      instruments among primary care professionals in southern Sydney.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are a substantial number of instruments for primary-care
      clinicians to assess physical-activity (PA). However, there are few studies that
      have explored the views of clinicians regarding comparative acceptability and
      ease of use. A better understanding of how clinicians perceive instruments could
      help overcome barriers, and inform future interventions. This study explored the
      acceptability of five PA-assessment instruments amongst a sample of Australian
      primary-care clinicians, including family-physicians (FP) and practice-nurses
      (PN). METHODS: A purposive sample of FPs (N = 9) and PNs (N = 10) from eight
      family-practices in southern Sydney consented to participate. Stage-1 involved
      semi-structured interviews with participants to select preferred instruments. An
      analysis of the two preferred instruments was conducted as Stage-2, to identify
      differences in instrument purpose and content. Stage-3 involved participants
      using the two instruments, selected from Stage-1, for 12-weeks. At the end of
      this period, semi-structured interviews were repeated to explore clinician
      experience. RESULTS: Clinicians indicated preferences for the GP-Physical
      Activity-Questionnaire and 3-Questionnaire Physical-Activity-Questionnaire. These
      instruments demonstrated distinct variations in content, theoretical orientation,
      and outcome measures. Reasons for preference included; variations in individual
      clinician PA levels, knowledge in PA-assessment and instrument features.
      CONCLUSION: Findings demonstrated two instruments as preferred. Reasons for
      preference related to internal characteristics of clinicians such as variations
      in the level of individual PA and external circumstances, such as instrument
      features.

PMID- 27658951
TI  - Papillon-Lefevre syndrome: a series of five cases among siblings.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Papillon-Lefevre syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder
      characterized by palmoplantar hyperkeratosis and aggressively progressing
      periodontitis leading to premature loss of deciduous and permanent dentition. The
      etiopathogenesis of the syndrome is relatively obscure, and immunologic, genetic,
      or possible bacterial etiologies have been proposed. CASE PRESENTATION: A series
      of five cases of Papillon-Lefevre syndrome among the siblings in a family is
      presented here: a 3-year-old Arab girl, a 4-year-old Arab boy, a 11-year-old Arab
      boy, a 12-year-old Arab boy, and a 14-year-old Arab boy. The patients presented
      with severe gingival inflammation and mobility of teeth. The clinical
      manifestations were typical of Papillon-Lefevre syndrome and the degree of
      involvement of the oral and skin conditions varied among them. CONCLUSIONS: This
      case series stresses the consanguinity in the family as an etiologic factor. All
      siblings in the family were affected with Papillon-Lefevre syndrome which makes
      this a rare case. A multidisciplinary approach with the active participation of a
      dental surgeon, dermatologist, and pediatrician is essential for the management
      of cases of Papillon-Lefevre syndrome.

PMID- 27658953
TI  - Contributions of pioneering women in indoor environment and health.

PMID- 27658952
TI  - Internal jugular vein versus subclavian vein as the percutaneous insertion site
      for totally implantable venous access devices: a meta-analysis of comparative
      studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A totally implantable venous access device (TIVAD) provides reliable,
      long-term vascular access and improves patients' quality of life. The wide use of
      TIVADs is associated with important complications. A meta-analysis was undertaken
      to compare the internal jugular vein (IJV) with the subclavian vein (SCV) as the
      percutaneous access site for TIVAD to determine whether IJV has any advantages.
      METHODS: All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies assessing the
      two access sites, IJV and SCV, were retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science,
      Embase, and OVID EMB Reviews from their inception to December 2015. Random
      effects models were used in all analyses. The endpoints evaluated included TIVAD
      related infections, catheter-related thrombotic complications, and major
      mechanical complications. RESULTS: Twelve studies including 3905 patients
      published between 2008 and 2015, were included. Our meta-analysis showed that
      incidences of TIVAD-related infections (odds ratio [OR] 0.71, 95 % confidence
      interval [CI] 0.48-1.04, P = 0.081) and catheter-related thrombotic complications
      (OR 0.76, 95 % CI 0.38-1.51, P = 0.433) were not significantly different between
      the two groups. However, compared with SCV, IJV was associated with reduced risks
      of total major mechanical complications (OR 0.38, 95 % CI 0.24-0.61, P < 0.001).
      More specifically, catheter dislocation (OR 0.43, 95 % CI 0.22-0.84, P = 0.013)
      and malfunction (OR 0.42, 95 % CI 0.28-0.62, P < 0.001) were more prevalent in
      the SCV than in the IJV group; however, the risk of catheter fracture (OR 0.47,
      95 % CI 0.21-1.05, P = 0.065) were not significantly different between the two
      groups. Sensitivity analyses using fixed-effects models showed a decreased risk
      of catheter fracture in the IJV group. CONCLUSION: The IJV seems to be a safer
      alternative to the SCV with lower risks of total major mechanical complications,
      catheter dislocation, and malfunction. However, a large-scale and well-designed
      RCT comparing the complications of each access site is warranted before the IJV
      site can be unequivocally recommended as a first choice for percutaneous
      implantation of a TIVAD.

PMID- 27658955
TI  - Erratum to: Metformin improved health-related quality of life in ethnic Chinese
      women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

PMID- 27658954
TI  - Decreased IL7Ralpha and TdT expression underlie the skewed immunoglobulin
      repertoire of human B-cell precursors from fetal origin.
AB  - Newborns are unable to mount antibody responses towards certain antigens. This
      has been related to the restricted repertoire of immunoglobulin (Ig) genes of
      their B cells. The mechanisms underlying the restricted fetal Ig gene repertoire
      are currently unresolved. We here addressed this with detailed molecular and
      cellular analysis of human precursor-B cells from fetal liver, fetal bone marrow
      (BM), and pediatric BM. In the absence of selection processes, fetal B-cell
      progenitors more frequently used proximal V, D and J genes in complete IGH gene
      rearrangements, despite normal Ig locus contraction. Fewer N-nucleotides were
      added in IGH gene rearrangements in the context of low TdT and XRCC4 expression.
      Moreover, fetal progenitor-B cells expressed lower levels of IL7Ralpha than their
      pediatric counterparts. Analysis of progenitor-B cells from IL7Ralpha-deficient
      patients revealed that TdT expression and N-nucleotides additions in Dh-Jh
      junctions were dependent on functional IL7Ralpha. Thus, IL7Ralpha affects TdT
      expression, and decreased expression of this receptor underlies at least in part
      the skewed Ig repertoire formation in fetal B-cell precursors. These new insights
      provide a better understanding of the formation of adaptive immunity in the
      developing fetus.

PMID- 27658956
TI  - Development of short-form and screening cutoff point of the Smartphone Addiction
      Inventory (SPAI-SF).
AB  - Smartphone addiction is considered a form of technological addiction that has
      attracted increasing attention. The present study developed and validated the
      short-form Smartphone Addiction Inventory (SPAI-SF) and established cutoff point
      for screening smartphone addiction based on diagnostic criteria established by
      psychiatric interview. A total of 268 participants completed an online survey
      that collected demographic data, smartphone use behaviours, and responses to the
      26-item SPAI. Each participant also completed a psychiatric interview.
      Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) revealed that the 10-item SPAI-SF replicated
      the structure of original 26-item SPAI accurately, yielding a four-factor model
      consisting of compulsive behaviour, functional impairment, withdrawal, and
      tolerance. For maximal diagnostic accuracy, a cutoff point of 24/25 best
      discriminated cases of smartphone addiction from diagnostic negatives. The
      present findings suggest that both the 26-item SPAI and SPAI-SF manifest the four
      constructs of behavioural addiction and the characteristics of smartphone
      addiction. The cutoff point determined by psychiatrists' diagnostic interview
      will be useful for clinical screening and epidemiologic research.

PMID- 27658957
TI  - Postzygotic mosaicism in basal cell naevus syndrome.
AB  - Basal cell naevus syndrome (BCNS) is an autosomal dominant disorder most commonly
      caused by a germline mutation in the Drosophila homologue of patched-1 gene
      (PTCH1). Here we describe a patient with clinical signs of BCNS, caused by
      postzygotic mosaicism of a PTCH1 mutation. We performed restriction fragment
      length polymorphism analysis and Droplet Digital polymerase chain reaction to
      determine the degree of mosaicism in different tissues of this patient. Our case
      shows that a relatively low-grade mosaicism can lead to clinical signs
      reminiscent of those caused by a germline mutation. This finding has important
      implications for genetic counselling and therefore is pivotal to recognize for
      dermatologists, as well as for clinical geneticists and clinical laboratory
      geneticists.

PMID- 27658958
TI  - ERK-dependent mTOR pathway is involved in berberine-induced autophagy in hepatic
      steatosis.
AB  - Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a burgeoning health problem and is
      considered as a hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome. Increasing evidence
      demonstrates that berberine (BBR), a natural plant alkaloid, is beneficial for
      obesity-associated NAFLD. However, the mechanisms about how BBR improves hepatic
      steatosis remain uncertain. Recently, some reports revealed that enhanced
      autophagy could decrease hepatic lipid accumulation. In this study, we first
      established a high-fed diet (HFD) mice model and oleate-palmitate-induced
      lipotoxicity hepatocytes to explore the association among BBR, autophagy and
      hepatic steatosis. Our data demonstrated that BBR had profound effects on
      improving hepatic lipid accumulation both in vivo and in vitro, and led to high
      autophagy flux. The molecular alterations proceeding these changes were
      characterized by inhibition of the ERK/mTOR pathway. These findings suggest an
      important mechanism for the positive effects of BBR on hepatic steatosis, and may
      provide new evidence for the clinical use of BBR in NAFLD.

PMID- 27658959
TI  - Prolactin receptor in breast cancer: marker for metastatic risk.
AB  - Prolactin and prolactin receptor signaling and function are complex in nature and
      intricate in function. Basic, pre-clinical and translational research has opened
      up our eyes to the understanding that prolactin and prolactin receptor signaling
      function differently within different cellular contexts and microenvironmental
      conditions. Its multiple roles in normal physiology are subverted in cancer
      initiation and progression, and gradually we are teasing out the intricacies of
      function and therapeutic value. Recently, we observed that prolactin has a role
      in accelerating the time to bone metastasis in breast cancer patients and
      identified the mechanism by which prolactin stimulated breast cancer cell
      mediated lytic osteoclast formation. The possibility that the prolactin receptor
      is a marker for metastasis, and specifically bone metastasis, is one that may
      have to be put into the context of the different variants of prolactin, different
      prolactin receptor isoforms and intricate signaling pathways that are regulated
      by the microenvironment. The more complete the picture, the better one can test
      biomarker identity and design clinical trials to test therapeutic intervention.
      This review will cover the recent advances and highlight the complexity of
      prolactin receptor biology.

PMID- 27658960
TI  - Molecular transport through large-diameter DNA nanopores.
AB  - DNA-based nanopores are synthetic biomolecular membrane pores, whose geometry and
      chemical functionality can be tuned using the tools of DNA nanotechnology, making
      them promising molecular devices for applications in single-molecule biosensing
      and synthetic biology. Here we introduce a large DNA membrane channel with an ~4
      nm diameter pore, which has stable electrical properties and spontaneously
      inserts into flat lipid bilayer membranes. Membrane incorporation is facilitated
      by a large number of hydrophobic functionalizations or, alternatively,
      streptavidin linkages between biotinylated channels and lipids. The channel
      displays an Ohmic conductance of ~3 nS, consistent with its size, and allows
      electrically driven translocation of single-stranded and double-stranded DNA
      analytes. Using confocal microscopy and a dye influx assay, we demonstrate the
      spontaneous formation of membrane pores in giant unilamellar vesicles. Pores can
      be created both in an outside-in and an inside-out configuration.

PMID- 27658961
TI  - Erratum: Detecting a hierarchical genetic population structure via Multi-InDel
      markers on the X chromosome.

PMID- 27658962
TI  - Interleukin-25 Induces Resistance Against Intestinal Trematodes.
AB  - Echinostoma caproni is an intestinal trematode that has been extensively used as
      an experimental model to investigate the factors determining the resistance to
      intestinal helminths or the development of chronic infections. ICR mice are
      permissive hosts for E. caproni in which chronic infections are developed,
      concomitantly with local Th1 responses, elevated levels of local IFN-gamma,
      inflammation and antibody responses. However, mice develop partial resistance to
      homologous challenge infections after cure of a primary infection, which converts
      this subject into an adequate model for the study of the mechanisms generating
      resistance against intestinal helminths. The purpose of the present study was to
      compare the immune response induced in primary and secondary infections to
      elucidate the factors determining the different outcome of the infection in each
      type of infection. The results obtained indicate that susceptibility is
      determined by the lack of IL-25 expression in response to primary infection. In
      contrast, infection in an environment with elevated levels of IL-25, as occurs in
      challenge infection, results in a Th2 phenotype impairing parasite survival. This
      was confirmed by treatment of naive mice with exogenous IL-25 and subsequent
      infection. Changes induced in goblet cell populations and mucin glycosylation
      could be implicated in resistance to infection.

PMID- 27658963
TI  - Selected plantar pressure characteristics associated with the skating performance
      of national in-line speed skaters.
AB  - In order to help coaches analyse the techniques of professional in-line speed
      skaters for making the required fine adjustments and corrections in their push
      off work, this study analysed the specific plantar pressure characteristics
      during a 300-m time-trial test. Fourteen elite in-line speed skaters from the
      national team were recruited in this study. The total completion time of the 300
      m time-trial test, duration of each skating phase, and plantar pressure
      distribution were measured. The correlation between plantar pressure distribution
      and skating performance was assessed using Pearson correlation analyses. The
      results showed that the contact time of the total foot and force-time integral
      (FTI) in the medial forefoot were significantly correlated with the duration of
      the start phase, and the FTIs in the medial forefoot of the gliding (left) leg
      and lateral forefoot of the pushing (right) leg were significantly correlated
      with the duration of the turning phase. The maximum force in the medial heel,
      medial forefoot, and median forefoot and the FTI in the medial heel and medial
      forefoot were significantly correlated with the duration of the linear
      acceleration phase. The results suggest that a correct plantar loading area and
      push-off strategy can enhance the skating performance.

PMID- 27658964
TI  - New insights into the Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome-related haematological disorder:
      hyper-activation of mTOR and STAT3 in leukocytes.
AB  - Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS) is an inherited disease caused by mutations of a
      gene encoding for SBDS protein. So far little is known about SBDS exact function.
      SDS patients present several hematological disorders, including neutropenia and
      myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), with increased risk of leukemic evolution. So
      far, the molecular mechanisms that underlie neutropenia, MDS and AML in SDS
      patients have been poorly investigated. STAT3 is a key regulator of several
      cellular processes including survival, differentiation and malignant
      transformation. Moreover, STAT3 has been reported to regulate neutrophil
      granulogenesis and to induce several kinds of leukemia and lymphoma. STAT3
      activation is known to be regulated by mTOR, which in turn plays an important
      role in cellular growth and tumorigenesis. Here we show for the first time, to
      the best of our knowledge, that both EBV-immortalized B cells and primary
      leukocytes obtained from SDS patients present a constitutive hyper-activation of
      mTOR and STAT3 pathways. Interestingly, loss of SBDS expression is associated
      with this process. Importantly, rapamycin, a well-known mTOR inhibitor, is able
      to reduce STAT3 phosphorylation to basal levels in our experimental model. A
      novel therapeutic hypothesis targeting mTOR/STAT3 should represent a significant
      step forward into the SDS clinical practice.

PMID- 27658965
TI  - Stereological analyses of the whole human pancreas.
AB  - The large size of human tissues requires a practical stereological approach to
      perform a comprehensive analysis of the whole organ. We have developed a method
      to quantitatively analyze the whole human pancreas, as one of the challenging
      organs to study, in which endocrine cells form various sizes of islets that are
      scattered unevenly throughout the exocrine pancreas. Furthermore, the human
      pancreas possesses intrinsic characteristics of intra-individual variability,
      i.e. regional differences in endocrine cell/islet distribution, and marked inter
      individual heterogeneity regardless of age, sex and disease conditions including
      obesity and diabetes. The method is built based on large-scale image capture,
      computer-assisted unbiased image analysis and quantification, and further
      mathematical analyses, using widely-used software such as Fiji/ImageJ and MATLAB.
      The present study includes detailed protocols of every procedure as well as all
      the custom-written computer scripts, which can be modified according to specific
      experimental plans and specimens of interest.

PMID- 27658968
TI  - N-doped graphene layers encapsulated NiFe alloy nanoparticles derived from MOFs
      with superior electrochemical performance for oxygen evolution reaction.
AB  - Water splitting, an efficient approach for hydrogen production, is often hindered
      by unfavorable kinetics of oxygen evolution reaction (OER). In order to reduce
      the overpotential, noble metal oxides-based electrocatalysts like RuO2 and IrO2
      are usually utilized. However, due to their scarcity, the development of cost
      effective non-precious OER electrocatalysts with high efficiency and good
      stability is urgently required. Herein, we report a facile one-step annealing of
      metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) strategy to synthesize N-doped graphene layers
      encapsulated NiFe alloy nanoparticles (NiFe@C). Through tuning the nanoparticle
      size and calcination temperature, NiFe@C with an average size of around 16 nm
      obtained at 700  degrees C exhibits superior OER performance with an
      overpotential of only 281 mV at 10 mA cm-2 and high durability. The facile
      synthesis method and excellent electrochemical performance show great potential
      of NiFe@C in replacing the precious metal-based electrocatalysts in the OER.

PMID- 27658967
TI  - Protein-DNA interfaces: a molecular dynamics analysis of time-dependent
      recognition processes for three transcription factors.
AB  - We have studied the dynamics of three transcription factor-DNA complexes using
      all-atom, microsecond-scale MD simulations. In each case, the salt bridges and
      hydrogen bond interactions formed at the protein-DNA interface are found to be
      dynamic, with lifetimes typically in the range of tens to hundreds of
      picoseconds, although some interactions, notably those involving specific binding
      to DNA bases, can be a hundred times longer lived. Depending on the complex
      studied, this dynamics may or may not lead to the existence of distinct
      conformational substates. Using a sequence threading technique, it has been
      possible to determine whether DNA sequence recognition is sensitive or not to
      such conformational changes, and, in one case, to show that recognition appears
      to be locally dependent on protein-mediated cation distributions.

PMID- 27658969
TI  - Enhancing the Spin-Orbit Coupling in Fe3O4 Epitaxial Thin Films by Interface
      Engineering.
AB  - By analyzing the in-plane angular dependence of ferromagnetic resonance
      linewidth, we show that the Gilbert damping constant in ultrathin Fe3O4 epitaxial
      films on GaAs substrate can be enhanced by thickness reduction and oxygen
      vacancies in the interface. At the same time, the uniaxial magnetic anisotropy
      due to the interface effect becomes significant. Using the element-specific
      technique of X-ray magnetic circular dichroism, we find that the orbital-to-spin
      moment ratio increases with decreasing film thickness, in full agreement with the
      increase in the Gilbert damping obtained for these ultrathin single-crystal
      films. Combined with the first-principle calculations, the results suggest that
      the bonding with Fe and Ga or As ions and the ionic distortion near the
      interface, as well as the FeO defects and oxygen vacancies, may increase the spin
      orbit coupling in ultrathin Fe3O4 epitaxial films and in turn provide an enhanced
      damping.

PMID- 27658966
TI  - ADAR1 restricts LINE-1 retrotransposition.
AB  - Adenosine deaminases acting on RNA (ADARs) are involved in RNA editing that
      converts adenosines to inosines in double-stranded RNAs. ADAR1 was demonstrated
      to be functional on different viruses exerting either antiviral or proviral
      effects. Concerning HIV-1, several studies showed that ADAR1 favors viral
      replication. The aim of this study was to investigate the composition of the
      ADAR1 ribonucleoprotein complex during HIV-1 expression. By using a dual-tag
      affinity purification procedure in cells expressing HIV-1 followed by mass
      spectrometry analysis, we identified 14 non-ribosomal ADAR1-interacting proteins,
      most of which are novel. A significant fraction of these proteins were previously
      demonstrated to be associated to the Long INterspersed Element 1 (LINE1 or L1)
      ribonucleoparticles and to regulate the life cycle of L1 retrotransposons that
      continuously re-enter host-genome.Hence, we investigated the function of ADAR1 in
      the regulation of L1 activity.By using different cell-culture based
      retrotransposition assays in HeLa cells, we demonstrated a novel function of
      ADAR1 as suppressor of L1 retrotransposition. Apparently, this inhibitory
      mechanism does not occur through ADAR1 editing activity. Furthermore, we showed
      that ADAR1 binds the basal L1 RNP complex. Overall, these data support the role
      of ADAR1 as regulator of L1 life cycle.

PMID- 27658971
TI  - [First Experience with Femtosecond Laser Presbyopia Correction Method INTRACOR].
AB  - : We report the first experience with presbyopia correcting femtosecond laser
      surgical procedure INTRACOR. This procedure is so far the only one that is made
      purely intrastromally without generating a wound connected to corneal surface or
      anterior chamber.Presbyopia - caused by physiological aging and decreasing
      elasticity of the lens, impairs patients accommodative ability. In the case of
      the method INTRACOR, presbyopia is corrected by steepening of corneal curvature
      in the central optical zone. Procedure is usually performed only in the non
      dominant eye. METHODS: Intracor procedure was performed in 10 eyes of 10 patients
      (3 women and 7 men, aged 47-58 years). All procedures were performed with the
      femtosecond laser VICTUS (Bausch - Lomb, USA) in the non-dominant eye by an
      experienced surgeon. RESULTS: One-year follow-up. Mean monocular uncorrected near
      visual acuity (UNVA) improved from 0.2 +/- 0.1 before surgery to 0.7 +/- 0.3
      after treatment (mean improvement of four lines). Mean near uncorrected binocular
      visual acuity (UNBVA) improved from a mean preoperative value of 0.23 +/- 0.08 to
      a mean postoperative value of 0.8 +/- 0.22 (mean improvement of about 5 lines).
      The mean monocular uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) was 0.9 +/- 0.1
      before surgery and 0.8 +/- 0.3 after treatment (average loss of 1 line). The mean
      binocular uncorrected distance visual acuity improved from 1.0 +/- 0,1 to 1,3 +/-
      0.3 after surgery. All patients had improvements in near vision. In 3 patient,
      monocular distance vision improved, in 6 patient improved binocular distance
      vision. We observed statistically significant decrease (mean loss of 1 line) of
      monocular best corrected distance visual acuity (BCDVA). Patients subjectively
      reported satisfaction with the quality of vision achieved for near and distance
      and high levels of spectacle independence under good lighting conditions.The
      results shows that INTRACOR method is well suitable for low hyperopic patients,
      who because of good distance visual acuity are not good candidates for refractive
      lens exchange with multifocal intraocular lens implantation. KEY WORDS:
      presbyopia, Intracor, intrastromal, femtosecond laser.

PMID- 27658970
TI  - Factors that can predict pain with walking, 12 months after total knee
      arthroplasty.
AB  - Background and purpose - Functional limitations after total knee arthroplasty
      (TKA) are common. In this longitudinal study, we wanted to identify subgroups of
      patients with distinct trajectories of pain-related interference with walking
      during the first year after TKA and to determine which demographic, clinical,
      symptom-related, and psychological characteristics were associated with being
      part of this subgroup. Patients and methods - Patients scheduled for primary TKA
      for osteoarthritis (n = 202) completed questionnaires that evaluated perception
      of pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and illness on the day before surgery.
      Clinical characteristics were obtained from the medical records. Interference of
      pain with walking was assessed preoperatively, on postoperative day 4, and at 6
      weeks, 3 months, and 12 months after TKA. Results - Using growth mixture
      modeling, 2 subgroups of patients were identified with distinct trajectories of
      pain-related interference with walking over time. Patients in the Continuous
      Improvement class (n = 157, 78%) had lower preoperative interference scores and
      reported a gradual decline in pain-related interference with walking over the
      first 12 months after TKA. Patients in the Recurrent Interference class (n = 45,
      22%) reported a high degree of preoperative pain-related interference with
      walking, initial improvement during the first 3 months after TKA, and then a
      gradual increase-returning to preoperative levels at 12 months. Patients in the
      Recurrent Interference class had higher preoperative pain, fatigue, and
      depression scores, and poorer perception of illness than the Continuous
      Improvement class. Interpretation - 1 in 5 patients did not improve in pain
      related interference with walking at 12 months after TKA. Future studies should
      test the efficacy of interventions designed to modify preoperative
      characteristics.

PMID- 27658972
TI  - [Outcomes of Trifocal Toric Lens Implantation in Cataract Patients].
AB  - AIM: The aim of our study was to evaluate the outcome of cataract surgeries with
      implantation of intraocular trifocal toric lens, and to study the accuracy of
      astigmatism correction, lens rotational stability, and safety of the procedures.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: Our study comprised 22 eyes of 16 patients who underwent
      unilateral or bilateral implantation of AT LISA tri toric 939MP, or its
      implantation in combination with AT LISA tri 839MP. Mean patient age was 58 +/-
      11 years (39 to 75 years). Mean follow-up was 5 months. Evaluated parameters were
      preoperative and postoperative decimal corrected (CDVA) and uncorrected (UDVA)
      distance visual acuity. Uncorrected near (UNVA) and intermediate (UIVA) visual
      acuity was obtained with Jaeger optotypes. Furthermore, we studied manifest
      refraction, amount of corneal astigmatism, implanted lens position, and potential
      complications. Using two types of questionnaires we surveyed patients on their
      subjective satisfaction with vision. RESULTS: Spherical equivalent changed from
      preoperative -1.32 +/- 4.05 D (-9.25 to 4.00 D) to postoperative -0.23 +/- 0.21 D
      (-0.75 to 0.00 D). Preoperative corneal astigmatism was -1.97 +/- 0.76 D (-4.02
      to -1.01 D), manifest astigmatism was -1.70 +/- 1.26 D. After the surgery,
      manifest astigmatism significantly improved to -0.34 +/- 0.37 D (p<0.001). Mean
      monocular UDVA increased from 0.26 +/- 0.18 (0.05 to 0.60) to postoperative 0.88
      +/- 0.13 (0.60 to 1.00) (p<0.001). CDVA also improved significantly, from 0.57 +/
      0.24 to a final value of 1.02 +/- 0.07 (p<0.001). Mean postoperative monocular
      UNVA was Jaeger 1-2, UIVA corresponded to Jaeger 3-4.No serious complications
      were recorded. Based on the outcome of questionnaires, all patients are satisfied
      with their vision and they are independent of spectacles. CONCLUSION: In the
      present study we have obtained very good functional outcomes of vision at far,
      near and intermediate in cataract patients after trifocal AT LISA tri toric lens
      implantation. Also, total astigmatism in studied eyes was substantially reduced.
      The treatment led to a high subjective satisfaction of patients and to their
      independence of spectacles. KEY WORDS: trifocal toric intraocular lens, cataract,
      astigmatism, refractive outcomes, patient subjective satisfaction.

PMID- 27658973
TI  - [Objective Assessment of Postoperative Results of Intraocular Lenses].
AB  - PURPOSE: To prospectively compare postoperative results of two premium
      intraocular lenses EnVISTA (Bausch and Lomb) and AcrySof IQ (Alcon), focussing on
      glistenings and posterior capsule opacification. The evaluation of glistenings
      was done using Image J software and posterior capsule opacifications were
      quantified with OSCA system. METHODS: Twenty patients (7 men and 13 women) with
      bilateral cataract were included. EnVista intraocular lens (IOL) was implanted in
      one eye and AcrySof IQ IOL in the second eye of each patient. Objective
      evaluation methods were used for assessment. Glistenings was quantified with
      ImageJ software and PCO using the Open-Access Systematic Capsule Assessment
      (OSCA) system (Devised by Aslam TM, Edinburgh, United Kingdom). Complete
      ophthtalmological evaluation including evaluation after pupil dilatation was done
      and digital images of intraocular lenses were obtained. The results of 2-, 4-, 6-
      and 12-month follow-up were compared. RESULTS: Twenty patients were analyzed 2
      months, 16 patients 4 months, 14 patients 6 months and 13 patients 12 months
      after cataract surgery. There was only minimal difference in best corrected
      visual acuity between EnVista and AcrySof group. The glistenings in the EnVista
      IOLs was objectively lower than in the AcrySof IOLs during whole follow-up
      period. In contrast to PCO, in eyes with AcrySof IOL was lower PCO score.
      CONCLUSION: Development of new materials and techniques of cataract surgery is
      the topic of ophthtalmologists worldwide. Reduction of glistenings and PCO is one
      of the main aims, objective measurements is important part of assessment of
      postoperative results after cataract surgery. KEY WORDS: glistenings, posterior
      capsule opacification, EnVista, AcrySof IQ, Image J software, OSCA system.

PMID- 27658974
TI  - [Local Rotating Flaps in Oculoplastic Surgery].
AB  - AIM: In the contemporary medicine, strong emphasis is put on early closing of
      body surface defects, which contributes to good and early healing, but, of
      course, closes the entrance gate for possible infection as well. The easiest
      closing of the defect is the direct suture of the emerged wound. But some defects
      are of such an extent, so their closure is necessary to handle other way than
      simple suture, e.g. by rotating flap plastic surgery. In the paper are evaluated
      results of flap surgery technique in 56 patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: It is a
      retrospective overview of 56 patients operated on by the author in the years 2011
      2012, in whom the rotating flap plastic surgery was used as surgery technique. In
      46 patients, the reason of flap plastic surgery technique was tumor of the
      eyelids. In 35 patients, it was due to the basalioma of the lower eyelid, in 8
      patients due to the basalioma of the upper eyelid, and in three patients due to
      the basalioma of the medial cantus region. In 10 patients, the reason of the
      surgery was ectropion of the lower eyelid, and in two of them bilaterally. The
      paper is supplemented by surgical procedures photographs, and by a table, with
      detailed analysis of the sizes of tumors and corresponding flaps as well.
      RESULTS: According to the experience with 56 rotating flap plastic surgeries,
      performed by author during the period of two years at the Department of
      Ophthalmology, Masaryk Hospital in Usti nad Labem, Czech Republic. E.U., the
      results of the use of rotating skin flaps in 46 eyelids basalioma, of correcting
      12 ectropions of the lower eyelid, and reliability of the tumors excision with 2
      mm surrounding healthy tissue rim were followed-up. Using the mentioned surgery
      technique, it was possible in all patients to secure the closing of the eyelid
      defect, or to return to normal and correct anatomical position of the eyelids in
      ectropions. In two patients with basalioma of the lower eyelid, the additional
      technique of lateral cantotomy was used to relieve the tension in the wound.
      Statistical results of recurrences number in tumors excisions with 2 mm safety
      margin in to the healthy tissue confirm the relative safety of such wide
      excision, and our results (4.34 %) differ only slightly from the results
      published in the literature (4.0 %). KEY WORDS: flap plastic surgery, basalioma,
      ectropion.

PMID- 27658975
TI  - [Possibility of 3D Printing in Ophthalmology - First Experiences by Stereotactic
      Radiosurgery Planning Scheme of Intraocular Tumor].
AB  - : Nowadays 3D printing allows us to create physical objects on the basis of
      digital data. Thanks to its rapid development the use enormously increased in
      medicine too. Its creations facilitate surgical planning processes, education and
      research in context of organ transplantation, individualization prostheses,
      breast forms, and others.Our article describes the wide range of applied 3D
      printing technology possibilities in ophthalmology. It is focusing on innovative
      implementation of eye tumors treatment planning in stereotactic radiosurgery
      irradiation.We analyze our first experience with 3D printing model of the eye in
      intraocular tumor planning stereotactic radiosurgery. KEY WORDS: 3D printing,
      model, Fused Deposition Modelling, stereotactic radiosurgery, prostheses,
      intraocular tumor.

PMID- 27658976
TI  - [Technical Options of Documentation of the Anterior Segment and the eye Fundus
      Findings within Mission].
AB  - : Documentation of the anterior segment and the eye fundus with instruments that
      enable quality precision diagnostics is a common and important part of screening
      in humanitarian ophthalmology projects. It is the essential element in diagnosis,
      monitoring and management of eye diseases. In sub saharan countries within the
      screening for ophthalmologist are not available the modern technologies such as
      biomicroscope (slit lamp) or fundus camera. We describe our experience with
      photographs of anterior segment of the eye by using digital camera and
      Smartphone. The documentation of the eye fundus was recorded through 20D Volk
      spherical lens to Smartphone. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Within the screening projects
      in collaboration with St. Elisabeth University of Health and Social Sciences for
      eye diseases in the year 2014 in Bigugu, Rwanda and in 2015 in Mapuordit, South
      Sudan, we examined patients who were unable to reach ophthalmologic care. We used
      a flashlight, a direct ophthalmoscope, tables to determine visual acuity on
      illiterate, Schiotz tonometer, Volk lens, Smartphone. Patients who underwent
      screening, and needed glasses, got from humanitarian collection already used
      dioptric eyeglasses or sunglasses. For documentation of the anterior segment we
      used a digital camera and for patients in whom it was necessary to document
      fundus findings detected by direct ophthalmoscopy we took the opportunity of
      Smartphone with 8 Mpix camera and the LED flash and Volk lens plus 20 Diopters.
      RESULTS: In 2014 within the project in Bigugu, Rwanda and in 2015 in Mapuordit,
      South Sudan, we examined patients in an improvised clinic without access to
      electricity.We examined in 2014 a total of 340 patients and in 2015 a total of
      290 patients. Patient age was due to the unavailability of designated
      identification records estimated with the help of an interpreter. In both groups,
      the mean age of the patients was about 30 years. The most common diseases leading
      to blindness were cataract, trachoma, post-traumatic conditions. Infectious
      diseases and consequences of untreated infectious diseases were the cause of 20%
      of the permanent changes on the surface of the eye or the adnexa. In the group of
      HIV positive patients we did not mention pathological findings on the eye fundus.
      CONCLUSION: Anterior segment findings documentation with digital camera or mobile
      phone and fundus examination using a Smartphone and Volks lens with a value of
      plus 20D is inexpensive and manageable technique which can capture high quality
      and reproducible images. These techniques are suitable for photo documentation of
      anterior segment and also eye fundus screening within humanitarian projects of
      eye diseases in developing countries. KEY WORDS: anterior segment examination,
      eye fundus examination, Smartphone, digital camera, humanitarian screening
      projects of eye diseases.

PMID- 27658977
TI  - [Orbital Exenteration in Patient with Metastatic Choroidal Melanoma - a Case
      Report].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Uveal melanoma is the most common primary intraocular tumour in
      adults in Caucasians and in 75% is arising from choroid. It threatens not only
      the patients loss of vision and eye, but also 50% of patients after 5-year
      interval after therapy die due to distant metastases. The treatment of small and
      medium-sized melanoma are methods preserving eye globe. Almost half of the total
      number of patients is still unavoidable enucleation. Considerably rarer is
      indicated exenteration of an orbit. These tumors metastasize only hematogenous,
      while the most frequent place of localization of distant metastases is the liver.
      Generalized disease prognosis is poor, and our current treatment options in this
      stage are ineffective. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Case report of 59 years old patient
      with choroidal melanoma stage T4 N1 M1 massively infiltrating the orbit. At the
      time of diagnosis of the primary tumor distant metastases were present. The
      patient underwent exenteration of the orbit and systemic chemotherapy.
      DISCUSSION: Although choroidal melanomas with extrascleral extension and
      infiltration into the orbit have no better prognosis after exenteration of the
      orbit, surgery is providing us local tumour control. Good cosmetic effect after
      this mutilating procedure is offered by individually made prosthesis (epithesis).
      All patients with uveal melanoma require lifelong dispensation, distant
      metastases may occur even after many years. In the treatment of generalized
      disease is available systemic chemotherapy and immunotherapy only palliative. The
      best effect on survival has complete surgical resection of single metastasis.
      Uveal melanoma has a different genetic profile as cutaneous melanoma. The
      biological nature of uveal melanoma seems to be the key to determining risk
      patients, as well as the development of targeted systemic therapy. CONCLUSION:
      Treatment of patients with generalized large uveal melanoma with extrascleral
      extension is difficult. A better understanding of biological interest may be the
      key to the detection of patients at higher risk of distant metastases formation,
      and to an effective systemic treatment. KEY WORDS: large uveal melanoma,
      extrascleral extension, orbital exenteration, the treatment of generalized
      disease.

PMID- 27658978
TI  - Modular aortic valve prosthesis for transcatheter aortic valve implantation: a
      novel concept with a new implantation method.
AB  - Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a relatively new medical
      intervention. Research on dedicated TAVI devices is an exciting and dynamic field
      to be explored by professionals involved in technological innovation. The authors
      describe in this article the first engineering concept and part of the US Patent
      of a new valve prosthesis. Divided into two pieces to be separately implanted
      using a single catheter by means of an innovative technique, this device aims at
      reducing prosthesis and delivery catheter profile. Miniaturization of the valve
      and delivery system is probably the best solution to reduce the morbidity and
      mortality that derive from vascular complications associated with TAVI.

PMID- 27658979
TI  - High-dose dexamethasone or oral prednisone for immune thrombocytopenia?

PMID- 27658981
TI  - Acute leukodystrophy: elevated risk for neurocognitive impairment and imaging
      abnormalities.

PMID- 27658982
TI  - High-dose dexamethasone compared with prednisone for previously untreated primary
      immune thrombocytopenia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Whether high-dose dexamethasone has long-term efficacy and safety in
      previously untreated patients with immune thrombocytopenia is unclear. We did a
      systematic review and a meta-analysis of randomised trials to establish the
      effect of high-dose dexamethasone compared with prednisone for long-term platelet
      count response. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cumulative Index of Nursing
      and Allied Health Literature, and the Cochrane Library Database for papers
      published from 1970 to July, 2016, and abstracts from American Society of
      Hematology annual meetings published from 2004 to 2015 for randomised trials
      comparing different corticosteroid regimens for patients with previously
      untreated immune thrombocytopenia who achieved a platelet count response. Trials
      that compared corticosteroids exclusively with other interventions were excluded.
      The primary endpoint was overall (platelets >30 * 109/L) and complete (platelets
      >100 * 109/L) platelet count response at 6 months with high-dose dexamethasone
      compared with standard-dose prednisone. Children and adults were analysed
      separately. Estimates of effect were pooled with a random-effects model.
      FINDINGS: Nine randomised trials (n=1138) were included. Of those, five (n=533)
      compared one to three cycles of dexamethasone (40 mg per day for 4 days) with
      prednisone (1 mg per kg) for 14-28 days followed by dose tapering in adults. We
      found no difference in overall platelet count response at 6 months (pooled
      proportions 54% vs 43%, relative risk [RR] 1.16, 95% CI 0.79-1.71; p=0.44). At 14
      days, overall platelet count response was higher with dexamethasone (79% vs 59%,
      RR 1.22, 95% CI 1.00-1.49; p=0.048). The dexamethasone group had fewer reported
      toxicities. Long-term response rates were similar when the data were analysed by
      cumulative corticosteroid dose over the course of treatment. No difference in
      initial platelet count response was observed with different high-dose
      corticosteroid regimens in children. INTERPRETATION: In adults with previously
      untreated immune thrombocytopenia, high-dose dexamethasone did not improve
      durable platelet count responses compared with standard-dose prednisone. High
      dose dexamethasone might be preferred over prednisone for patients with severe
      immune thrombocytopenia who require a rapid rise in platelet count. FUNDING:
      Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and Canadian Blood Services, and Health
      Canada.

PMID- 27658980
TI  - Leukoencephalopathy and long-term neurobehavioural, neurocognitive, and brain
      imaging outcomes in survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia treated
      with chemotherapy: a longitudinal analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Leukoencephalopathy is observed in some children undergoing
      chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, although its effects on long-term
      outcomes is unknown. This study examines the associations between acute
      leukoencephalopathy and neurobehavioural, neurocognitive, and brain white matter
      imaging outcomes in long-term survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic
      leukaemia treated with chemotherapy without cranial radiation. METHODS: In this
      longitudinal analysis, we used data of children with acute lymphoblastic
      leukaemia at St Jude Children's Research Hospital (Memphis, TN, USA) who had been
      treated between June 1, 2000, and Oct 31, 2010. Eligible patients were diagnosed
      with non-B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, aged at least 8 years, and
      survivors with at least 5 years since their initial diagnosis. Brain MRIs
      obtained during active therapy were systematically coded for leukoencephalopathy
      using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Event version 4. At least 5 years
      after their diagnosis, survivors completed neurocognitive testing, another brain
      MRI, and their parents completed neurobehavioural ratings of their child
      (Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function [BRIEF]). Follow-up MRI included
      diffusion tensor imaging to assess white matter integrity, with indices of
      fractional anisotropy, axial diffusivity, and radial diffusivity from frontal
      lobes, parietal lobes, and in the frontostriatal tract. The neuroradiologist, who
      assessed abnormal MRIs, was masked to both group assignment of survivors and the
      neurobehavioural and neurocognitive outcomes. The primary outcomes were
      neurobehavioural function, assessed from completed BRIEF, and neurocognitive
      performance, measured by direct neurocognitive tests (Delis-Kaplan Executive
      Function System, Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-IV/Wechsler Adult
      Intelligence Scale-III, Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test, and Lafayette Grooved
      Pegboard Test). This study had completed enrolment in October, 2014, and is
      registered as an observational study at ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01014195.
      FINDINGS: Between Feb 18, 2010, and Oct 22, 2014, 210 (70%) of 301 eligible
      survivors participated in our study of whom 190 were evaluable, 162 had an MRI.
      56 participants had quantitative brain imaging data and were included in
      evaluable population analyses. 51 (27%) of the 190 evaluable participants had
      acute leukoencephalopathy. Compared with population norms, survivors were
      reported to have more neurobehavioural problems with working memory,
      organisation, initiation, and planning (p<0.001 for all). Survivors had worse
      scores than the general population on direct measures of memory span, processing
      speed, and executive function (p<0.05 for all). Survivors with a history of acute
      leukoencephalopathy had more neurobehavioural problems than survivors with no
      history of leukoencephalopathy on organisation (adjusted T-score 56.2 [95% CI
      53.3-59.1] vs 52.2 [50.4-53.9], p=0.020) and initiation (55.5 [52.7-58.3] vs 52.1
      [50.4-53.8], p=0.045). Survivors with acute leukoencephalopathy also had reduced
      white matter integrity in the frontostriatal tract at follow-up: lower fractional
      anisotropy (p=0.069), higher axial diffusivity (p=0.020), and higher radial
      diffusivity (p=0.0077). A one-unit change in the radial diffusivity index
      corresponded with a 15.0 increase in raw score points on initiation, 30.3 on
      planning, and 28.0 on working memory (p<0.05 for all). INTERPRETATION: Acute
      leukoencephalopathy during chemotherapy treatment, without cranial radiation, for
      childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia predicted higher risk for long-term
      neurobehavioural problems and reduced white matter integrity in frontal brain
      regions. Survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia might benefit from
      preventive cognitive or behavioural interventions, particularly those who develop
      acute leukoencephalopathy. FUNDING: National Institute of Mental Health, National
      Cancer Institute, American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities.

PMID- 27658983
TI  - A HuR/TGF-beta1 feedback circuit regulates airway remodeling in airway smooth
      muscle cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Asthma is a worldwide health burden with an alarming prevalence. For
      years, asthma-associated airway injury remains elusive. Transforming growth
      factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) is a pleiotropic cytokine that has been shown to be
      involved in the synthesis of the matrix molecules associated with airway
      remodeling. Human antigen R (HuR), the member of the Hu RNA-binding protein
      family, can bind to a subset of short-lived mRNAs in their 3' untranslated
      regions (UTR). However, the functional roles and relevant signaling pathways of
      HuR in airway remodeling have not been well illustrated. Thus, we aim to explore
      the relationship between HuR and TGF-beta1 in platelet derived growth
      factor(PDGF)-induced airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells and asthmatic animal.
      METHODS: Cultured human ASM cells were stimulated by PDGF for 0, 6, 12 and 24 h.
      Western blotting, RT-PCR and immunofluoresence were used to detect the expression
      of HuR, TGF-beta1, alpha-smooth muscle actins (alpha-SMA) and collagen type I
      (Col-I). Then knockdown of HuR, flow cytomerty was used to detect the
      morphological change and western blotting for functionally change of ASM cells.
      Furthermore, the interference of TGF-beta1 and exogenous TGF-beta1 were
      implemented to testify the influence on HuR. A murine OVA-driven allergic model
      based on sensitization and challenge was developed. The inflammatory response was
      measured by bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), airway damage was analyzed by
      hematoxylin and eosin staining, airway remodeling was assessed by sirius red
      staining and periodic acid-schiff staining, the expression level of HuR, TGF
      beta1 and alpha-SMA were measured by RT-PCR, western blotting and
      immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Here, we found that PDGF elevated HuR expression
      both at mRNA and protein level in cultured ASM cells at a time-dependent manner,
      which was simultaneously accompanied by the enhanced expression of TGF-beta1,
      alpha-SMA and Col-I. Further study revealed that the knockdown of HuR
      significantly increased the apoptosis of ASM cells and dampened TGF-beta1, Col-I
      and alpha-SMA expression. However, interfering TGF-beta1 with siRNA or extra
      addition of TGF-beta1, HuR could restore its production as well as Col-I.
      Compared with normal mice stimulating with PBS, OVA-induced mice owned high
      amount of inflammatory cells, such as eosinophils, lymphocytes and neutrophils
      except macrophages. HE staining showed accumulation of inflammatory cells
      surrounding bronchiole and sirius red staining distinguished collagen type I and
      III deposition around the bronchiole. Higher abundance of HuR, TGF-beta1 and
      alpha-SMA were verified in OVA-induced mice than PBS-induced mice by RT-PCR,
      western blotting and immunohistochemistry. CONCLUSIONS: A HuR/TGF-beta1 feedback
      circuit was established to regulate airway remodeling in vivo and in vitro and
      targeting this feedback has considerable potential for the intervention of
      asthma.

PMID- 27658985
TI  - Routine radiographs one day after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion are
      neither necessary nor cost-effective.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a common operative
      treatment of compressive pathology of the cervical spinal cord, when caused by
      one or more degenerated intervertebral discs or related osteophytes. In addition
      to intra-operative radiographs to confirm spinal level before discectomy and
      implant position after insertion, traditional practice is to obtain post
      operative antero-posterior and lateral plain radiographs (XR) before hospital
      discharge, despite a paucity of evidence supporting their benefit to patient
      care. Minimising unnecessary radiation to radiosensitive neck structures is
      desirable, and furthermore, with increasing financial pressure on healthcare
      resources, routine investigations should be clinically justified and evidence
      based. We aim to compare the utility of routine post-operative cervical spine X
      rays following ACDF. METHODS: We compare two groups of consecutive patients
      undergoing ACDF in a single UK neurosurgical centre. The first group (n = 109)
      received routine post-operative XR imaging, and the second group (n = 113)
      received radiographs only when clinically indicated. RESULTS: There were no
      differences in post-operative complication rates (4.6% vs. 5.3%), or requirement
      for further imaging or of further operative intervention (1.8% vs. 0.9%). The
      group that did not have routine post-operative radiographs had a significantly
      shorter stay in hospital (median two days vs. three days). There were no patients
      in either group where post-operative XR changed clinical management and mandated
      revision surgery or further imaging. All cases requiring surgery or further
      imaging were identified by clinical deterioration. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that
      the practice of obtaining routine radiographs of the cervical spine following
      ACDF should be abandoned, unless there is a clear clinical indication.

PMID- 27658984
TI  - Role of CaMKII in Ang-II-dependent small artery remodeling.
AB  - Angiotensin-II (Ang-II) is a well-established mediator of vascular remodeling.
      The multifunctional calcium-calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) is activated
      by Ang-II and regulates Erk1/2 and Akt-dependent signaling in cultured smooth
      muscle cells in vitro. Its role in Ang-II-dependent vascular remodeling in vivo
      is far less defined. Using a model of transgenic CaMKII inhibition selectively in
      smooth muscle cells, we found that CaMKII inhibition exaggerated remodeling after
      chronic Ang-II treatment and agonist-dependent vasoconstriction in second-order
      mesenteric arteries. These findings were associated with increased mRNA and
      protein expression of smooth muscle structural proteins. As a potential
      mechanism, CaMKII reduced serum response factor-dependent transcriptional
      activity. In summary, our findings identify CaMKII as an important regulator of
      smooth muscle function in Ang-II hypertension in vivo.

PMID- 27658987
TI  - Physicochemical properties of direct compression tablets with spray dried and
      ball milled solid dispersions of tadalafil in PVP-VA.
AB  - The aim of this research was to develop immediate release tablets comprising
      solid dispersion (IRSDTs) of tadalafil (Td) in a vinylpyrrolidone and vinyl
      acetate block copolymer (PVP-VA), characterized by improved dissolution profiles.
      The solid dispersion of Td in PVP-VA (Td/PVP-VA) in a weight ratio of 1:1 (w/w)
      was prepared using two different processes i.e. spray drying and ball milling.
      While the former process has been well established in the formulation of IRSDTs
      the latter has not been exploited in these systems yet. Regardless of the
      preparation method, both Td/PVP-VA solid dispersions were amorphous as confirmed
      by PXRD, DSC and FTIR. However, different morphology of particles (SEM) resulted
      in differences in water apparent solubility and disk intrinsic dissolution rate
      (DIDR). Both solid dispersions and crystalline Td were successfully made into
      directly compressible tablets at three doses of Td, i.e. 2.5mg, 10mgand20mg,
      yielding nine different formulations (D1-D9). Each of the lots met the
      requirements set by Ph.Eur. and was evaluated with respect to appearance,
      diameter, thickness, mass, hardness, friability, disintegration time and content
      of Td. IRSDTs performed as supersaturable formulations and had significantly
      improved water dissolution profiles in comparison with equivalent tablets
      containing crystalline Td and the marketed formulations. Tablets with both spray
      dried and ball milled Td/PVP-VA revealed the greatest improvement in dissolution
      depending on the investigated doses, i.e. 2.5mgand20mg, respectively. Also,
      dissolution of Td from Td/PVP-VA delivered in different forms occurred in the
      following order: powders>tablets>capsules.

PMID- 27658988
TI  - [Homicide-suicide: Clinical review and psychological assumptions].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Suicide-homicide could be defined as a "suicidal" behaviour, which
      also includes the death of at least one other individual and sometimes up to
      hundreds. This literature review intends to highlight some characteristic
      features that might be found amongst the various types of suicide-homicide. It is
      a complex phenomenon which can occur in different situations, from a familial and
      somehow intimate setting (filicide, uxoricide, marital homicide...) to a public
      one (workplace shooting, school shooting), including a wide range of victims,
      from a single victim in marital cases of suicide-homicide to hundreds of victims
      in certain types, such as suicide by aircraft or warrior-like multi-homicids in
      terrorist acts. This literature review offers a combination of data emanating
      from scientific publications and case studies from our practices in an attempt to
      insulate some common factors. A thorough examination of the offenses unravels
      complex processes, ideations, M.O and peculiar cognitive impairments in which the
      familial suicide-homicide could be rooted. Mass murders might be caused also by a
      psychopathological alloy, made of Grandiose Self and sub-depressive and even
      paranoid ideations. Concerning the terrorism and multi-homicide-suicide, this is
      far more complex phenomenon and is defined by a group-process enrolment and
      ideological conviction. Beyond epidemiological studies, both descriptive and
      statistical, this paper's objective is to isolate a hypothesis about a
      psychopathological ground from which a criminological mechanism could emerge.
      Despite the lack of blatant psychosis, some traits might be identified in suicide
      homicide cases - such as paranoid, psychopathic, narcissistic, melancholic -
      which can intertwine, potentiate one with another forming a distorted view of the
      world. The offense dynamic is possibly composed of preparatory behaviours,
      triggers, the use of death as a narcissistic support, identity choices...
      METHODS: The data were collected from scientific publications, personal cases,
      and open source. RESULTS: Despite the variety of behaviours included in this
      typology, we were able to identify a few mechanisms that could be found in two
      types of suicide-homicide [Private suicide-homicide (within the family circle)
      vs. Public space suicide-homicide (suicide by aircraft, school shooting...)].
      DISCUSSION: Suicide-homicide phenomenon is the result of the interaction of
      societal, ideological, psychopathological and criminological elements which burst
      out in a lethal and paroxystic gesture. Psychiatrists and psychologists may have
      an important part to play in modelling a pattern to better understand it.

PMID- 27658989
TI  - [Therapeutic benefit of a registered psychoeducation program on treatment
      adherence, objective and subjective quality of life: French pilot study for
      schizophrenia].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In schizophrenic disorders, supportive psychosocial therapies have
      been used as adjuncts to pharmacotherapy to help alleviate residual symptoms and
      to improve social functioning and quality of life. Among these therapies,
      psychoeducational therapies showed a significant efficacy on improving drug
      adherence and on reducing relapses. However, according to the French Health
      Agency, fewer than 10% of psychiatric structures in France offer registered
      psychoeducation programs. Caregiver apprehension of patients' depressive
      reactions to the awareness of the disease could underlie the underuse of
      psychoeducation therapies. Indeed, the psychoeducation programs' impact on
      objective and subjective quality of life is discussed among the literature. In
      this context, we conducted a retrospective, monocentric, open-labelled and non
      controlled pilot study to measure the impact of a registered psychoeducation
      program on objective and subjective quality of life of patients suffering from
      schizophrenia. Secondary objectives included measures of the effects on drug
      observance and awareness of the disease. METHODS: We included stabilized patients
      over the age of eighteen suffering from schizophrenia. Referent psychiatrics were
      asked to inform the patient of the diagnosis and to prescribe psychoeducation
      therapy. From 2011 to 2014, we offered three ambulatory programs, each program
      including fifteen two-hour group sessions. The groups were opened for three to
      six patients and managed by two caregivers. Themes discussed during the sessions
      included: schizophrenic disease, treatments, relationships to family, diet,
      social issues, toxics, relaxation. Objective and subjective quality of life were
      evaluated one month before and one month after the program using respectively the
      global assessment functioning (GAF) and the subjective quality of life (SQoL)
      scales. The Medical Adherence Rating Scale (MARS) and the French IQ8 scale
      evaluated respectively drug adherence and awareness of the disease. All patients
      gave their written consent for the study. Based on medical records and scales, we
      compared data before and after the program using the Wilcoxon test, adapted for
      small samples. RESULTS: Fourteen patients, with a mean age of 37.6 years, were
      included. All patients had a chronic antipsychotic treatment and four benefitted
      from a bitherapy with a mood stabilizer. The mean length of disease was 15.3
      years, with a mean number of 3.4 hospitalizations before inclusion. The
      participation rate was nearly twelve sessions out of fifteen. Mean GAF score
      before the program was 48/100. After the program, mean GAF score was
      significantly increased to 54/100 (P=0.008). As to SQoL score, we found a
      significant difference of the sub item psychological well-being from 3.2/5 before
      the program to 3.8/5 after the program (P=0.03). Global SQoL score and other sub
      items (self-esteem, resilience, and physical well-being) showed a slight but not
      significant improvement. The sub items family relationships and sentimental life
      were diminished, non-significantly. Concerning the drug adherence, the mean MARS
      score was significantly increased from 6.1 to 6.4/8 (P=0.03). Comparison of the
      insight IQ8 scale showed a slight but non-significant increase. When asked to
      note the program, patients were globally very satisfied, with a mean rate of
      8.6/10. Of fourteen patients, one needed to be hospitalized three years after
      program. DISCUSSION: This retrospective study on a small sample of patients
      suffering from schizophrenic disorder pointed out a significant improvement on
      drug adherence, objective quality of life and psychological well-being, after an
      eight-month registered program of psychoeducational therapy. These results are in
      line with a recent report from the Cochrane group who reported a significant
      raise of GAF associated with psychoeducational therapies. The literature data for
      subjective quality of life are more contradictory. Despite the small sample and
      evaluation means that need to be corrected in further studies, we reproduced the
      results described in the literature regarding the improvement on drug adherence.
      However, the stability of these effects should be checked in the medium and long
      term. CONCLUSION: Adjunctive psychoeducation therapy has a positive impact on
      reducing relapses in schizophrenia. In this study, we showed a significant
      benefit on drug adherence, objective quality of life and psychological well-being
      on a small sample of patients and provide arguments for the development of
      psychoeducation programs which are currently underrepresented in France. Our
      results encourage conducting a further prospective multicenter controlled study
      on a larger sample to clarify the benefit of psychoeducational therapy on
      objective and subjective quality of life in schizophrenia.

PMID- 27658990
TI  - [Clozapine: Latest FDA recommendations and our practice].

PMID- 27658991
TI  - [Efficacy and tolerance of PDE-5 in the treatment of erectile dysfunction in
      schizophrenic patients: A literature review].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Sexual dysfunction is an important public health problem in men and
      is associated with reduced quality of life. It is more common in patients with
      schizophrenia. It is well-established that antipsychotic drugs cause sexual
      dysfunction with consequences on the quality of life of patients, adherence to
      treatment, and public health costs. Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5
      inhibitors) are indicated for the management of erectile dysfunction. However,
      there is little information on such treatment in schizophrenic patients. This
      literature review aimed to summarize the current data on the efficacy and
      tolerability of PDE-5 inhibitors in the erectile dysfunction in schizophrenic
      patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: PubMed, PsycInfo and Cochrane databases were
      searched for studies published until August 2014. RESULTS: Only 6 studies met the
      inclusion criteria. Three were randomized, double-blind, cross-over, placebo
      controlled trials and three were open studies. Various scales were used to
      measure erectile and orgasmic function, desire, satisfaction during intercourse,
      overall satisfaction, quality of life and intensity of schizophrenic symptoms. In
      the 3 randomized studies (one with sildenafil 25-50 mg, one with lodenafil
      carbonate 80 mg/j and the last one with tadalafil 10 mg), the rate of
      participants who completed the trial was high (around 95 %). All three included
      patients with schizophrenia or schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Patients
      reported significant improvement on sexual dysfunction. However, no statistical
      difference was reported between lodenafil and placebo, on different scales,
      suggesting a very important placebo effect in patients with schizophrenia. All
      three found a good tolerance of PDE-5 inhibitors. Side effects were rare and were
      mainly nasal congestion, headaches, nausea and dizziness. There were no major
      side effects or drug interactions. Considering the 3 open studies, 2 involved
      sildenafil and one tadalafil. All concluded in improved erectile and orgasmic
      function, desire, satisfaction during intercourse, overall satisfaction, and even
      the quality of life when it was studied. However, very few patients were
      included. DISCUSSION: Little data are available on the use of PDE5 inhibitors in
      schizophrenic patients. The 6 studies included few patients which reduces the
      power and the scope of their conclusions. There is also an important bias due to
      the use of self-questionnaires. The methodologies of the studies differ in many
      aspects which limits the comparability. Inclusion and exclusion criteria, drugs
      used and scales varied among the studies. However, the management of erectile
      disorder seems to be a consistent target in an integrative approach for the
      overall well-being of schizophrenic patients. PDE-5 inhibitors appear to be safe
      and could improve erectile function in schizophrenic patients. CONCLUSION: In
      total, the current data suggest efficiency and good tolerance of the use of PDE-5
      inhibitors in schizophrenic patients with erectile dysfunction. However, further
      studies focusing on PDE-5 inhibitors are needed to more deeply assess their
      efficacy and safety in patients with schizophrenia.

PMID- 27658992
TI  - CDC73 gene mutations in sporadic ossifying fibroma of the jaws.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The tumor suppressor gene CDC73 was found to be associated with
      hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumor syndrome (HPT-JT), which is characterized by
      parathyroid adenoma or carcinoma, ossifying fibroma (OF) of the jaws, and renal
      and uterine lesions. Mutations in CDC73 have also been frequently detected in
      sporadic parathyroid carcinomas and renal tumors. However, the prevalence and
      range of CDC73 mutations in sporadic OFs have not been established. METHODS: We
      directly sequenced coding and flanking splice junctional regions of CDC73 in 40
      cases of sporadic OF of the jaws. We also used immunohistochemistry to detect
      parafibromin, the protein product of CDC73, in those cases. RESULTS: Two novel
      CDC73 mutations were identified in 2 of the 40 cases (5 %). Both were somatic
      mutations located in exon 1 of the coding region. Strong parafibromin expression
      was detected in all 40 cases, irrespective of the presence of CDC73 mutations.
      CONCLUSIONS: Mutations inCDC73 were rare in sporadic OF of the jaws, but may
      affect the pathogenesis of a small subset of tumors of this type.

PMID- 27658993
TI  - Biological Evaluation of Implant Drill Made from Zirconium Dioxide.
AB  - PURPOSE: Zirconia is a good candidate material in the dental field. In this
      study, we evaluated biological responses against a zirconia drill using a bone
      cavity healing model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Zirconia drills, stainless steel
      drills, and the drilled bone surface were observed by scanning electron
      microscopy (SEM), before and after cavity preparation. For the bone cavity
      healing model, the upper first and second molars of Wistar rats were extracted.
      After 4 weeks, cavities were prepared with zirconia drills on the left side. As a
      control, a stainless steel drill was used on the right side. At 3, 7, and 14 days
      after surgery, micro-CT images were taken. Samples were prepared for histological
      staining. RESULTS: SEM images revealed that zirconia drills maintained sharpness
      even after 30 drilling procedures. The bone surface was smoother with the
      zirconia drill. Micro-CT images showed faster and earlier bone healing in the
      zirconia drill cavity. On H-E staining, at 7 days, the zirconia drill defect had
      a smaller blank lacunae area. At 14 days, the zirconia drill defect was filled
      with newly formed bone. CONCLUSIONS: The zirconia drill induces less damage
      during cavity preparation and is advantageous for bone healing. (197 words).

PMID- 27658994
TI  - A 3D-QSAR Study on Betulinic Acid Derivatives as Anti-Tumor Agents and the
      Synthesis of Novel Derivatives for Modeling Validation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Betulinic acid is a lupane-type triterpene firstly extracted from the
      bark of white birch. It has displayed anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-HIV
      and selective cytotoxicity. OBJECTIVE: To understand the structure- anti-tumor
      activity relationship of betulinic acid and betulin derivatives and to synthesize
      novel anti-tumor derivatives of betulinic acid and betulin. METHOD: The 3D-QSAR
      methods including CoMFA and CoMSIA methods were performed to study the
      structureanti- tumor activity relationship of betulinic acid (BA) and betulin
      (BE) derivatives. RESULTS: According to the models, near the C-3 site, non-bulky,
      negatively charged electron-donating, hydrophobic, non-hydrogen-bond-donating and
      hydrogen-bond-accepting groups are favored to the activity. Around the C-28 site,
      the bulky, positively charged electron-withdrawing and hydrophobic groups are
      favored, whereas hydrophilic groups may be introduced at the terminal of the side
      chain. Based on the models, BA and BE were esterified with substituted amino acid
      derivatives achieving novel derivatives for the modeling validation. CONCLUSION:
      The experimental results verified the modeling rules, and showed when different
      rules may apply to the new structures, the steric effects might be more
      important. The synthesized derivatives were showed promising cytotoxicity against
      tested cancer cell lines.

PMID- 27658995
TI  - The effects of mindfulness training on weight-loss and health-related behaviours
      in adults with overweight and obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - The aim of this study was to conduct a comprehensive quantitative synthesis of
      the effects of mindfulness training interventions on weight-loss and health
      behaviours in adults with overweight and obesity using meta-analytic techniques.
      Studies included in the analysis (k=12) were randomised controlled trials
      investigating the effects of any form of mindfulness training on weight loss,
      impulsive eating, binge eating, or physical activity participation in adults with
      overweight and obesity. Random effects meta-analysis revealed that mindfulness
      training had no significant effect on weight loss, but an overall negative effect
      on impulsive eating (d=-1.13) and binge eating (d=-.90), and a positive effect on
      physical activity levels (d=.42). Meta-regression analysis showed that
      methodological features of included studies accounted for 100% of statistical
      heterogeneity of the effects of mindfulness training on weight loss (R2=1,00).
      Among methodological features, the only significant predictor of weight loss was
      follow-up distance from post-intervention (beta=1.18; p<.05), suggesting that the
      longer follow-up distances were associated with greater weight loss. Results
      suggest that mindfulness training has short-term benefits on health-related
      behaviours. Future studies should explore the effectiveness of mindfulness
      training on long-term post-intervention weight loss in adults with overweight and
      obesity.

PMID- 27658996
TI  - Oxytocin, a main breastfeeding hormone, prevents hypertension acquired in utero:
      A therapeutics preview.
AB  - Hypertension is a major risk factor for ischemic heart disease and stroke,
      leading causes of morbidity and death worldwide. Intrauterine growth restriction
      (IUGR), caused by an excess of glucocorticoid exposure to the fetus, produces an
      imbalance in oxidative stress altering many biochemical and epigenetic gene
      transcription processes exposing the fetus and neonate to the 'thrifty' phenotype
      and pervasive polymorphisms appearance damaging health, cognitive, and behavioral
      processes in later life. OT is a major regulator of oxidative stress radicals
      that plays a major role in neonatal maturation of the central nervous system and
      many peripheral tissues expressing oxytocin/oxytocin-receptor (OT/OTR) system in
      the early postnatal period. OT and OTR are damaged by IUGR and early stress. This
      review highlights the fact that hypertension is likely to be a legacy of preterm
      birth due to IUGR and failure to meet nutritional needs in early infancy when fed
      formula instead of breastfeeding or human milk.

PMID- 27658997
TI  - Controlling intraoperative hemorrhage during burn surgery: A prospective,
      randomized trial comparing NuStat(r) hemostatic dressing to the historic standard
      of care.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: One of the primary intraoperative challenges during burn surgery is
      to adequately excise the burn while avoiding massive hemorrhage. This has become
      increasingly important, as we see more burn patients that are older and with more
      medical comorbidities. While adequate excision down to healthy tissues for deep
      burns is essential for skin graft to take, it also leads to active bleeding that
      can be a challenge to control. Good hemostasis is imperative as a hematoma is the
      most common cause of graft loss. Several new products have become available to
      help control intraoperative hemorrhage. A new hemostatic dressing, NuStat(r), is
      available and approved by FDA in United States. METHODS: A single institution
      prospective randomized control trial was completed at Regional Burn Center of the
      University of South Alabama comparing NuStat(r) with the institutional historic
      standard of care. Twenty such patients were included in our study. A cost
      analysis was also completed as part of the study retrospectively. RESULTS: For
      dressings used to treat the burn site, blood loss on the side treated with
      NuStat(r) was on average less (27g/100cm2) than the side treated with our
      historic standard of care (31g/100cm2), though it was not statistically
      significant (p=0.81). Similarly, on the donor site, blood loss on the side
      treated with NuStat(r) was on average less (14g/100cm2) than the side treated
      with our historic standard of care (15g/100cm2), but it was also not
      statistically significant (p=0.92). Average total blood loss from both excision
      and donor sites was also less with NuStat(r) (10g/100cm2) compared to the
      historic standard of care (12g/100cm2), but it was also not significant (p=0.77).
      There was no difference in the number of cycles required to achieve hemostasis
      for either the burn (1.15 NuStat(r) vs. 1.1 for historic standard of care,
      p=0.70) or the donor site (1 vs. 1, p=1.0). When comparing the cost of NuStat(r)
      versus the historic standard of care, the actual costs incurred for the wounds
      was less for the portion treated with NuStat(r) ($148.43) when compared to the
      historic standard of care ($186.45) (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Based on these
      findings, NuStat(r) hemostatic action should be comparable to the historic
      standard of care, and these newer hemostatic agents evaluated further in burn
      surgery and bleeding during other procedures such as trauma surgery.

PMID- 27658998
TI  - The impact of patient demographics and comorbidities upon burns admitted to
      Tygerberg Hospital Burns Unit, Western Cape, South Africa.
AB  - In South Africa, burns are a major public health problem responsible for
      significant morbidity and long-term physical disability. This is, in part, due to
      a significant proportion of the urban population living in poorly constructed,
      combustible accommodation. The presence of co-morbid diseases such as diabetes
      and malignancy in patients with burns has been associated with a poorer outcome.
      The impact of other diseases such as HIV has yet to be defined. A retrospective
      data collection study analysed the 221 patients admitted to Tygerberg Hospital
      Burns Unit in 2011 and the first six months of 2013. Using hospital records,
      patient demographic data was collected alongside burn agent, ICU admission,
      complications, and patient outcome in terms of length of stay and mortality. The
      most common burn agent was hot liquid (45.7%). A significant proportion of
      patients were subject to intentional attacks (34.3%). Shack fires and flame
      accounted cumulatively for 85% of total inhalational burns, the highest rates of
      admission to ICU (85.5%), the highest rate of complications, as well as 92.3% of
      all total fatalities. HIV+ patients had a higher mortality (13.3% vs 5%, p=0.22)
      and a higher complication rate (46.7% vs 30%, p=0.21). There was no difference in
      length of stay between the HIV+ and HIV- cohort (12days vs. 15.5 days, p=0.916).
      Burns are a significant yet preventable cause of mortality and morbidity. The
      rising number of shack fires, responsible for extensive burns and resultant
      mortality is concerning and indicates urgent attention and action. HIV
      complicates the recovery from burn and is responsible for an increased rate of in
      hospital mortality.

PMID- 27658999
TI  - Association between prefrontal N-acetylaspartate and insight in psychotic
      disorders.
AB  - Insight is impaired in most patients with psychosis and has been associated with
      poorer prognosis. The exact neural basis of impaired insight is still unknown,
      but it may involve disrupted prefrontal neural connectivity. Numerous studies
      have indeed found white matter (WM) abnormalities in psychosis. The association
      between prefrontal WM abnormalities and insight has not been studied yet by means
      of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS). 1H-MRS can be used to measure
      N-acetylaspartate (NAA), which is considered to be a marker of neuronal
      integrity. We measured insight with the Birchwood Insight Scale (BIS) as well as
      item G12 of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) in 88 patients with
      psychosis. Prefrontal WM concentrations of NAA and ratios of NAA to creatine (Cr)
      were assessed with 1H-MRS. Nonparametric partial correlational analyses were
      conducted between NAA concentrations and insight controlling for illness
      duration, standardized antipsychotic dose, symptom scores, voxel grey matter
      content and voxel cerebrospinal fluid content. We found a significant correlation
      between reduced NAA/Cr ratios and poorer insight as measured with the BIS, which
      remained significant after additional correction for full width at half maximum,
      signal/noise and age. This is the first study reporting a relationship between
      lower prefrontal concentrations of a marker of neuronal integrity and impaired
      insight, providing further evidence that prefrontal pathology may play an
      important role in impaired insight in psychosis. This may be explained by the
      involvement of the prefrontal cortex in several executive and metacognitive
      functions, such as cognitive flexibility and perspective taking.

PMID- 27659000
TI  - Results of a pooled analysis of IOERT containing multimodality treatment for
      locally recurrent rectal cancer: Results of 565 patients of two major treatment
      centres.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Aim of this study is analysing the pooled results of Intra-Operative
      Electron beam Radiotherapy (IOERT) containing multimodality treatment of locally
      recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC) of two major treatment centres. METHODS AND
      MATERIALS: Five hundred sixty five patients with LRRC who underwent multimodality
      treatment up to 2010 were studied. The preferred treatment was preoperative chemo
      radiotherapy, surgery and IOERT. In uni- and multivariate analyses risk factors
      for local re-recurrence, distant metastasis free survival, relapse free survival,
      cancer-specific survival and overall survival were studied. RESULTS: Two hundred
      fifty one patients (44%) underwent a radical (R0) resection. In patients who had
      no preoperative treatment the R0 resection rate was 26%, and this was 43% and 50%
      for patients who respectively received preoperative re-(chemo)-irradiation or
      full-course radiotherapy (p < 0.0001). After uni- and multivariate analysis it
      was found that all oncologic parameters were influenced by preoperative treatment
      and radicality of the resection. Patients who were re-irradiated had a similar
      outcome compared to patients, who were radiotherapy naive and could undergo full
      course treatment, except the chance of local re-recurrence was higher for re
      irradiated patients. Waiting-time between preoperative radiotherapy and IOERT was
      inversely correlated with the chance of local re-recurrence, and positively
      correlated with the chance of a R0 resection. CONCLUSIONS: R0 resection is the
      most important factor influencing oncologic parameters in treatment of LRRC.
      Preoperative (chemo)-radiotherapy increases the chance of achieving radical
      resections and improves oncologic outcomes. Short waiting-times between
      preoperative treatment and IOERT improves the effectiveness of IOERT to reduce
      the chance of a local re-recurrence.

PMID- 27659001
TI  - Comparison of immunoregulatory effects of polysaccharides from three natural
      herbs and cellular uptake in dendritic cells.
AB  - Polysaccharides from different types of natural herbs have not been compared with
      each other to determine their differential potencies on innate immune response,
      such as maturation of dendritic cells (DC). In addition, the role of endocytosis
      of polysaccharides in DC maturation has not been explored previously.
      Polysaccharides isolated from Astragalus membranaceus (APS), Ganoderma lucidum
      (GLP) and Radix ophiopogonis (OGP) were characterized and applied in bone marrow
      derived DC. Compared to immature DC, three polysaccharides with immunoactivities
      showed elongated dendrites, decreased phagocytic abilities, phenotypic changes
      (CD40/MHCII/CD80/CD86) and increased level of nitric oxide (NO) in a dose
      dependent manner. Interestingly, blockage of NO by iNOS inhibitor slightly
      decreased CD40 and MHCII but not CD80/CD86 expression induced by polysaccharides,
      indicating that NO was partially involved in DC maturation. In addition, GLP can
      enter cells in a dose and time dependent manner, shown as punctate distribution
      in the cytoplasm. Endocytic inhibitors sodium azide and brefeldinA that were
      demonstrated to inhibit cellular uptake of GLP can block phenotypic maturation of
      DC. Taken together, these results suggested that polysaccharides from natural
      herbs are effective immunostimulators with variable potencies ranking as
      GLP>APS>OGP, and the increase of NO level as well as the increase in
      polysaccharide endocytosis could be the novel strategies for improved innate
      response and immunotherapy.

PMID- 27659002
TI  - Insight into the phylogenetic relationship and structural features of vertebrate
      myoglobin family.
AB  - Myoglobin (Mb) is studied to clarify the structure-function relationships in
      protein science. In this work, we report the results of a comparative analysis of
      amino acid sequences from 298 vertebrate Mbs. Forty-one high conserved residues
      were identified and seven of them were invariants [E18, G25, F43, V68, L72, H93
      (proximal histidine) and H97]. E18 is the only invariant amino acid residue
      located out of the heme-pocket and Xe-cavities playing a role in interaction
      between the A and E-helices. A comparative analysis of several parameters related
      to amino acid composition shows an increase of average mass, accessible surface
      area and volume per residue from Actinopterygii to Mammalia and Aves. This may be
      due to an increased number of bulky residues reducing the non-specific cavities
      volume and thus improving the oxygen flow between the heme site and the outside
      of the protein. Finally, the phylogenetic analyses of Mb in vertebrates are
      consistent with an evolution that runs with the diversification of the species,
      but in which several episodes of gene duplication and lost have occurred, less
      frequently in the ancestors of great taxons, cartilaginous fishes and non-avian
      reptiles, most frequently in ray-finned fishes and mammals, and very frequently
      in birds.

PMID- 27659003
TI  - Ketoconazole encapsulated in chitosan-gellan gum nanocomplexes exhibits prolonged
      antifungal activity.
AB  - The objective of the present study was to prepare ketoconazole loaded chitosan
      gellan gum (CSGG) nanoparticles and to evaluate them for antifungal activity
      against Aspergillus niger. Ketoconazole loaded CSGG nanoparticles were prepared
      by electrostatic complexation technique using chitosan (CS) as cationic polymer
      and gellan gum (GG) as anionic polymer with ketoconazole as drug. It was observed
      that the effect of gellan gum on particle size was more pronounced in comparison
      to chitosan and increase in its concentration resulted in a significant increase
      in particle size but decrease in zeta potential. Whereas, increase in
      concentration of chitosan resulted in increase in zeta potential. The particle
      size and zeta potential of optimal formulation was 155.7+/-26.1nm and 32.1+/
      2.8mV which obtained at concentration of chitosan (0.02% w/v) and gellan gum
      (0.01% w/v). On comparative evaluation, ketoconazole loaded CSGG nanoparticles
      showed significantly higher antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger than
      dummy CSGG nanoparticles (without drug) and drug individually.

PMID- 27659004
TI  - Well-Being and Self-Assessment of Change: Secondary Analysis of an RCT That
      Demonstrated Benefit of Inhaled Lavender and Sleep Hygiene in College Students
      with Sleep Problems.
AB  - CONTEXT: Sleep issues are prevalent and affect health and well-being. The aspects
      of well-being that are impacted by sleep interventions have not been well
      studied. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the impact of lavender and sleep hygiene
      (LSH) compared to sleep hygiene (SH) alone on well-being as measured by the Self
      assessment of Change questionnaire (SAC) at post-intervention and two-week follow
      up, and secondarily to compare the SAC sleep item to results from standardized
      sleep surveys. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial (RCT)
      where one group received a lavender inhalation patch and practiced sleep hygiene
      (LSH) and the other group received a placebo inhalation patch and practiced sleep
      hygiene (SH) for five consecutive nights. SETTING: Usual sleep setting.
      PARTICIPANTS: Seventy-nine college students with self-reported sleep issues. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURES: The SAC was completed at post-intervention and follow-up.
      RESULTS: Exploratory analysis showed significantly improved well-being for the
      LSH group at post-intervention for well-being domains of sleep, energy, and
      vibrancy (P = .01, .03, and .05, respectively) and an overall trend of improved
      well-being in comparison to the SH group at post-intervention and follow-up. The
      SAC sleep item showed a similar pattern of change to the standardized sleep
      surveys with a statistically significant improvement in sleep for the LSH group
      at follow-up (P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: Findings demonstrate the positive impact of
      the lavender intervention on three domains of self-assessed well-being are
      energy, vibrancy, and sleep. SAC results extend and complement prior findings of
      improved sleep quality.

PMID- 27659005
TI  - Rescue of Moribund Chicken Embryos by Extremely Low-Frequency Electric Fields.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Modern living is awash with low-frequency electromagnetic radiation
      raising concern over health effects, birth defects, and infant cancers especially
      leukemias. Medical/scientific opinion is ambivalent, especially regarding
      possible mechanisms of action despite our bodies' many electric currents. AIMS:
      Are some cancers induced by morphogenetic changes rather than direct mutation? We
      wished to see if morphogenetic effects of weak, extremely low-frequency electric
      (ELF) fields in embryonated hen's eggs could induce cancers, knowing that such
      treatment is usually deleterious. We report a pilot study intended to reveal a
      promising cell source in which to search for cancer cells by established methods
      and then to check for DNA damage. METHODS: Stored (5 degrees C for 1-36 days)
      fresh, fertile hens' eggs were incubated (38 degrees C, total five or six days)
      in presence or absence of a weak ELF oscillating electric field (1-40V/cm, 1-50Hz
      and two to six days). Separated embryos were assessed for development stage.
      RESULTS: Storage of untreated eggs (>12 days, 5 degrees C) allows a steady loss
      of normal embryo formation at 38 degrees C (few viable by 25 days, half-life ~18
      days). Surprisingly, incubation in a weak ELF field during the period of
      declining viability significantly (P: 0.03-0.0001) improved viability and
      condition of the embryos (new half-life ~21 days), rather than the expected
      converse. Thus for a few days, the field could keep viable some embryos that
      would otherwise not have survived. CONCLUSIONS: The rescued embryos and their
      untreated controls seem the most promising place to seek any carcinogenic effects
      of ELF fields. The nature of the presumed critical component keeping them viable
      during 5 degrees C storage is at least of equal interest.

PMID- 27659006
TI  - Influence of voxel S factors on three-dimensional internal dosimetry
      calculations.
AB  - Internal dosimetry is a fundamental instrument for the personalization of nuclear
      medicine therapies, to maximize the therapeutic effect while minimizing the
      radiation burden to other organs. Three-dimensional (3D) dosimetry can quantify
      the impact of heterogeneous radiopharmaceutical distributions in organs, lesions
      and tissues. We analysed the influence of radionuclide voxel S factors in 3D
      dosimetry of 111In, 177Lu and 90Y, the most used radionuclides in Peptide
      Receptor Radionuclide Therapy (PRRT). Calculations were carried out for kidneys
      on a workstation equipped with a software for 3D dosimetry (Imalytics STRATOS,
      Philips AG), adopting a computational anthropomorphic phantom and,
      retrospectively, the SPECT-CT image series of a clinical case of PRRT. Two sets
      of voxel S factors were adopted: the pre-loaded Philips kernels, calculated by
      direct Monte Carlo simulation, and the ones calculated through a previously
      proposed analytical approach. Philips 111In kernel did not account for mono
      energetic Auger or Conversion electrons. Results indicate a difference of about 
      32% in voxel S factors for 111In in 4.42mm voxel size and around -35% in 4.80mm
      voxel size, particularly self-dose values; this lead to significant shift in dose
      histograms and average doses. For 177Lu and 90Y, differences are about 2% and 12%
      for 4.42mm voxels and about -8% and 9% for 4.80mm voxels, respectively,
      attributable to the different calculation methods of the voxel S factors; this
      does not lead to significant discrepancies between the two dose histograms.
      Consequently, voxel S factors must account accurately for all radiations emitted
      by the nuclide.

PMID- 27659007
TI  - Review of Geant4-DNA applications for micro and nanoscale simulations.
AB  - Emerging radiotherapy treatments including targeted particle therapy, hadron
      therapy or radiosensitisation of cells by high-Z nanoparticles demand the
      theoretical determination of radiation track structure at the nanoscale. This is
      essential in order to evaluate radiation damage at the cellular and DNA level.
      Since 2007, Geant4 offers physics models to describe particle interactions in
      liquid water at the nanometre level through the Geant4-DNA Package. This package
      currently provides a complete set of models describing the event-by-event
      electromagnetic interactions of particles with liquid water, as well as
      developments for the modelling of water radiolysis. Since its release, Geant4-DNA
      has been adopted as an investigational tool in kV and MV external beam
      radiotherapy, hadron therapies using protons and heavy ions, targeted therapies
      and radiobiology studies. It has been benchmarked with respect to other track
      structure Monte Carlo codes and, where available, against reference experimental
      measurements. While Geant4-DNA physics models and radiolysis modelling
      functionalities have already been described in detail in the literature, this
      review paper summarises and discusses a selection of representative papers with
      the aim of providing an overview of a) geometrical descriptions of biological
      targets down to the DNA size, and b) the full spectrum of current micro- and nano
      scale applications of Geant4-DNA.

PMID- 27659008
TI  - Clinical implementation of a Monte Carlo based treatment plan QA platform for
      validation of Cyberknife and Tomotherapy treatments.
AB  - PURPOSE: The main focus of the current paper is the clinical implementation of a
      Monte Carlo based platform for treatment plan validation for Tomotherapy and
      Cyberknife, without adding additional tasks to the dosimetry department. METHODS:
      The Monte Carlo platform consists of C++ classes for the actual functionality and
      a web based GUI that allows accessing the system using a web browser.
      Calculations are based on BEAMnrc/DOSXYZnrc and/or GATE and are performed
      automatically after exporting the dicom data from the treatment planning system.
      For Cyberknife treatments of moving targets, the log files saved during the
      treatment (position of robot, internal fiducials and external markers) can be
      used in combination with the 4D planning CT to reconstruct the actually delivered
      dose. The Monte Carlo platform is also used for calculation on MRI images, using
      pseudo-CT conversion. RESULTS: For Tomotherapy treatments we obtain an excellent
      agreement (within 2%) for almost all cases. However, we have been able to detect
      a problem regarding the CT Hounsfield units definition of the Toshiba Large Bore
      CT when using a large reconstruction diameter. For Cyberknife treatments we
      obtain an excellent agreement with the Monte Carlo algorithm of the treatment
      planning system. For some extreme cases, when treating small lung lesions in low
      density lung tissue, small differences are obtained due to the different cut-off
      energy of the secondary electrons. CONCLUSIONS: A Monte Carlo based treatment
      plan validation tool has successfully been implemented in clinical routine and is
      used to systematically validate all Cyberknife and Tomotherapy plans.

PMID- 27659009
TI  - Chromate and amine contact allergies in workers manufacturing precast concrete
      elements.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Five workers from a plant manufacturing concrete wall panels and
      beams were referred to our department because of suspected occupational
      dermatitis. When patch tested, 3 workers reacted to potassium dichromate. Four
      workers reacted to ethylenediamine dihydrochloride, without any obvious exposure.
      Owing to the high proportion of workers with recent-onset skin disease, an
      investigation of all workers at the plant was initiated. OBJECTIVES: To
      investigate the prevalence of occupational dermatitis and contact allergy in the
      workers at the plant. METHODS: All 24 workers at the plant underwent a clinical
      investigation and were patch tested. RESULTS: Four cases of allergic occupational
      contact dermatitis and 3 cases of irritant occupational contact dermatitis were
      diagnosed. Contact allergy to potassium dichromate was found in 4 workers. All 4
      also reacted to ethylenediamine dihydrochloride and/or amines that were present
      as additives in the cement. CONCLUSIONS: Chromate contact allergy can still be
      found in concrete workers, despite the legislation regulating the amount of
      hexavalent chromium (chromate) in cement. Occupational contact allergy to amines
      can be found in workers exposed to cement and concrete, so amines should be
      tested in these workers.

PMID- 27659011
TI  - PathCellNet: Cell-type specific pathogen-response network explorer.
AB  - Pathogen specific immune response is a complex interplay between several innate
      and adaptive immune cell-types. Innate immune cells play a critical role in
      pathogen recognition and initiating the antigen specific adaptive immune
      response. Despite specific functional roles of the innate immune cells, they
      share several anti-viral pathways. The question then becomes, what is the overlap
      in the transcriptional changes induced upon viral infections across different
      cell-types? Here we investigate the extent to which gene signatures are conserved
      across innate immune cell-types by performing a comparative analysis of
      transcriptomic data. Particularly, we integrate transcriptomic datasets measuring
      response of two innate immune cells (epithelial and dendritic cells) to influenza
      virus. The study reveals cell-type specific regulatory genes and a conserved
      network between the two cell-types. Additionally, novel functionally associated
      gene clusters are identified which are robustly defined across multiple
      independent studies. These gene clusters can be used in future investigation, and
      to facilitate their use we release PathCellNet (version 0), a cloud based tool to
      explore cell-type specific connectivity of user-defined genes. In the future,
      expansion of PathCellNet will allow exploration of cell-type specific responses
      across a variety of pathogens and cell-types.

PMID- 27659010
TI  - Detection of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) -specific cell-mediated immune
      responses in guinea pigs during latent HSV-2 genital infection.
AB  - Genital infections with herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) are a source of
      considerable morbidity and are a health concern for newborns exposed to virus
      during vaginal delivery. Additionally, HSV-2 infection diminishes the integrity
      of the vaginal epithelium resulting in increased susceptibility of individuals to
      infection with other sexually transmitted pathogens. Understanding immune
      protection against HSV-2 primary infection and immune modulation of virus
      shedding events following reactivation of the virus from latency is important for
      the development of effective prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines. Although the
      murine model of HSV-2 infection is useful for understanding immunity following
      immunization, it is limited by the lack of spontaneous reactivation of HSV-2 from
      latency. Genital infection of guinea pigs with HSV-2 accurately models the
      disease of humans including the spontaneous reactivation of HSV-2 from latency
      and provides a unique opportunity to examine virus-host interactions during
      latency. Although the guinea pig represents an accurate model of many human
      infections, relatively few reagents are available to study the immunological
      response to infection. To analyze the cell-mediated immune response of guinea
      pigs at extended periods of time after establishment of HSV-2 latency, we have
      modified flow-cytometry based proliferation assays and IFN-gamma ELISPOT assays
      to detect and quantify HSV-specific cell-mediated responses during latent
      infection of guinea pigs. Here we demonstrate that a combination of proliferation
      and ELISPOT assays can be used to quantify and characterize effecter function of
      virus-specific immune memory responses during HSV-latency.

PMID- 27659012
TI  - Induction of Activating Transcription Factor 3 Is Associated with Cisplatin
      Responsiveness in Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma Cells.
AB  - Non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is the most common cause of cancer deaths,
      with platin-based combination chemotherapy the most efficacious therapies. Gains
      in overall survival are modest, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic
      approaches including the development of next-generation platin combination
      regimens. The goal of this study was to identify novel regulators of platin
      induced cytotoxicity as potential therapeutic targets to further enhance platin
      cytotoxicity. Employing RNA-seq transcriptome analysis comparing two parental
      NSCLC cell lines Calu6 and H23 to their cisplatin-resistant sublines, Calu6cisR1
      and H23cisR1, activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) was robustly induced in
      cisplatin-treated parental sensitive cell lines but not their resistant sublines,
      and in three of six tumors evaluated, but not in their corresponding normal
      adjacent lung tissue (0/6). Cisplatin-induced JNK activation was a key regulator
      of this ATF3 induction. Interestingly, in both resistant sublines, this JNK
      induction was abrogated, and the expression of an activated JNK construct in
      these cells enhanced both cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity and ATF3 induction. An
      FDA-approved drug compound screen was employed to identify enhancers of cisplatin
      cytotoxicity that were dependent on ATF3 gene expression. Vorinostat, a histone
      deacetylase inhibitor, was identified in this screen and demonstrated synergistic
      cytotoxicity with cisplatin in both the parental Calu6 and H23 cell lines and
      importantly in their resistant sublines as well that was dependent on ATF3
      expression. Thus, we have identified ATF3 as an important regulator of cisplatin
      cytotoxicity and that ATF3 inducers in combination with platins are a potential
      novel therapeutic approach for NSCLC.

PMID- 27659013
TI  - Frontline Dasatinib Treatment in a "Real-Life" Cohort of Patients Older than 65
      Years with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia.
AB  - Dasatinib (DAS) has been licensed for the frontline treatment in chronic myeloid
      leukemia (CML). However, very few data are available regarding its efficacy and
      toxicity in elderly patients with CML outside clinical trials. To address this
      issue, we set out a "real-life" cohort of 65 chronic phase CML patients older
      than 65 years (median age 75.1 years) treated frontline with DAS in 26 Italian
      centers from June 2012 to June 2015, focusing our attention on toxicity and
      efficacy data. One third of patients (20/65: 30.7%) had 3 or more comorbidities
      and required concomitant therapies; according to Sokal classification, 3 patients
      (4.6%) were low risk, 39 (60.0%) intermediate risk, and 20 (30.8%) high risk,
      whereas 3 (4.6%) were not classifiable. DAS starting dose was 100 mg once a day
      in 54 patients (83.0%), whereas 11 patients (17.0%) received less than 100
      mg/day. Grade 3/4 hematologic and extrahematologic toxicities were reported in 8
      (12.3%) and 12 (18.5%) patients, respectively. Overall, 10 patients (15.4%)
      permanently discontinued DAS because of toxicities. Pleural effusions (all WHO
      grades) occurred in 12 patients (18.5%) and in 5 of them occurred during the
      first 3 months. DAS treatment induced in 60/65 patients (92.3%) a complete
      cytogenetic response and in 50/65 (76.9%) also a major molecular response. These
      findings show that DAS might play an important role in the frontline treatment of
      CML patients >65 years old, proving efficacy and having a favorable safety
      profile also in elderly subjects with comorbidities.

PMID- 27659015
TI  - DNMT1 Regulates Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Cancer Stem Cells, Which
      Promotes Prostate Cancer Metastasis.
AB  - Cancer metastasis is a multistep process associated with the induction of an
      epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer stem cells (CSCs). Although
      significant progress has been made in understanding the molecular mechanisms
      regulating EMT and the CSC phenotype, little is known of how these processes are
      regulated by epigenetics. Here we demonstrate that reduced expression of DNA
      methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) plays an important role in the induction of EMT and
      the CSC phenotype by prostate cancer (PCa) cells, with enhanced tumorigenesis and
      metastasis. First, we observed that reduction of DNMT1 by 5-azacitidine (5-Aza)
      promotes EMT induction as well as CSCs and sphere formation in vitro. Reduced
      expression of DNMT1 significantly increased PCa migratory potential. We showed
      that the increase of EMT and CSC activities by reduction of DNMT1 is associated
      with the increase of protein kinase C. Furthermore, we confirmed that silencing
      DNMT1 is correlated with enhancement of the induction of EMT and the CSC
      phenotype in PCa cells. Additionally, chromatin immunoprecipitation assay reveals
      that reduction of DNMT1 promotes the suppression of H3K9me3 and H3K27me3 on the
      Zeb2 and KLF4 promoter region in PCa cells. Critically, we found in an animal
      model that significant tumor growth and more disseminated tumor cells in most
      osseous tissues were observed following injection of 5-Aza pretreated-PCa cells
      compared with vehicle-pretreated PCa cells. Our results suggest that epigenetic
      alteration of histone demethylation regulated by reduction of DNMT1 may control
      induction of EMT and the CSC phenotype, which facilitates tumorigenesis in PCa
      cells and has important therapeutic implications in targeting epigenetic
      regulation.

PMID- 27659018
TI  - Hospitalization Among HIV-Infected U.S. Marshals Service Prisoners.
AB  - The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) prisoner population is diverse and includes
      immigration violators, fugitives that have evaded apprehension, perpetrators of
      Medicaid fraud, and parole and probation violators. Unlike state and local jails,
      the USMS has numerous housing options for its prisoners. Given the unique
      characteristics, federal prisoners' quality of care, and subsequent clinical
      outcomes, may differ from those of state and local inmates. However, little is
      known about hospitalization rates and length of stay for HIV-positive USMS
      prisoners. The purpose of this study is to examine hospitalizations among HIV
      infected prisoners in the custody of the USMS.

PMID- 27659017
TI  - Clinical Genotyping of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancers Using Targeted Next-Generation
      Sequencing: Utility of Identifying Rare and Co-mutations in Oncogenic Driver
      Genes.
AB  - Detection of somatic mutations in non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs),
      especially adenocarcinomas, is important for directing patient care when targeted
      therapy is available. Here, we present our experience with genotyping NSCLC using
      the Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine (PGM) and the AmpliSeq Cancer Hotspot
      Panel v2. We tested 453 NSCLC samples from 407 individual patients using the 50
      gene AmpliSeq Cancer Hotspot Panel v2 from May 2013 to July 2015. Using 10 ng of
      DNA, up to 11 samples were simultaneously sequenced on the Ion Torrent PGM (316
      and 318 chips). We identified variants with the Ion Torrent Variant Caller
      Plugin, and Golden Helix's SVS software was used for annotation and prediction of
      the significance of the variants. Three hundred ninety-eight samples were
      successfully sequenced (12.1% failure rate). In all, 633 variants in 41 genes
      were detected with a median of 2 (range of 0 to 7) variants per sample. Mutations
      detected in BRAF, EGFR, ERBB2, KRAS, NRAS, and PIK3CA were considered potentially
      actionable and were identified in 237 samples, most commonly in KRAS (37.9%),
      EGFR (11.1%), BRAF (4.8%), and PIK3CA (4.3%). In our patient population, all
      mutations in EGFR, KRAS, and BRAF were mutually exclusive. The Ion Torrent
      Ampliseq technology can be utilized on small biopsy and cytology specimens,
      requires very little input DNA, and can be applied in clinical laboratories for
      genotyping of NSCLC. This targeted next-generation sequencing approach allows for
      detection of common and also rare mutations that are clinically actionable in
      multiple patients simultaneously.

PMID- 27659014
TI  - Stromal ETS2 Regulates Chemokine Production and Immune Cell Recruitment during
      Acinar-to-Ductal Metaplasia.
AB  - Preclinical studies have suggested that the pancreatic tumor microenvironment
      both inhibits and promotes tumor development and growth. Here we establish the
      role of stromal fibroblasts during acinar-to-ductal metaplasia (ADM), an
      initiating event in pancreatic cancer formation. The transcription factor V-Ets
      avian erythroblastosis virus E26 oncogene homolog 2 (ETS2) was elevated in smooth
      muscle actin-positive fibroblasts in the stroma of pancreatic ductal
      adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patient tissue samples relative to normal pancreatic
      controls. LSL-Kras(G12D/+); LSL-Trp53(R172H/+); Pdx-1-Cre (KPC) mice showed that
      ETS2 expression initially increased in fibroblasts during ADM and remained
      elevated through progression to PDAC. Conditional ablation of Ets-2 in pancreatic
      fibroblasts in a Kras(G12D)-driven mouse ADM model decreased the amount of ADM
      events. ADMs from fibroblast Ets-2-deleted animals had reduced epithelial cell
      proliferation and increased apoptosis. Surprisingly, fibroblast Ets-2 deletion
      significantly altered immune cell infiltration into the stroma, with an increased
      CD8+ T-cell population, and decreased presence of regulatory T cells (Tregs),
      myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and mature macrophages. The mechanism involved
      ETS2-dependent chemokine ligand production in fibroblasts. ETS2 directly bound to
      regulatory sequences for Ccl3, Ccl4, Cxcl4, Cxcl5, and Cxcl10, a group of
      chemokines that act as potent mediators of immune cell recruitment. These results
      suggest an unappreciated role for ETS2 in fibroblasts in establishing an immune
      suppressive microenvironment in response to oncogenic Kras(G12D) signaling during
      the initial stages of tumor development.

PMID- 27659016
TI  - Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 2alpha Mutation-Related Paragangliomas Classify as
      Discrete Pseudohypoxic Subcluster.
AB  - Recently, activating mutations of the hypoxia-inducible factor 2alpha gene
      (HIF2A/EPAS1) have been recognized to predispose to multiple paragangliomas
      (PGLs) and duodenal somatostatinomas associated with polycythemia, and ocular
      abnormalities. Previously, mutations in the SDHA/B/C/D, SDHAF2, VHL, FH, PHD1,
      and PHD2 genes have been associated with HIF activation and the development of
      pseudohypoxic (cluster-1) PGLs. These tumors overlap in terms of tumor location,
      syndromic presentation, and noradrenergic phenotype to a certain extent. However,
      they also differ especially by clinical outcome and by presence of other tumors
      or abnormalities. In the present study, we aimed to establish additional
      molecular differences between HIF2A and non-HIF2A pseudohypoxic PGLs. RNA
      expression patterns of HIF2A PGLs (n=6) from 2 patients were compared with normal
      adrenal medullas (n=8) and other hereditary pseudohypoxic PGLs (VHL: n=13, SDHB:
      n=15, and SDHD: n=14). Unsupervised hierarchical clustering showed that HIF2A
      PGLs made up a separate cluster from other pseudohypoxic PGLs. Significance
      analysis of microarray yielded 875 differentially expressed genes between HIF2A
      and other pseudohypoxic PGLs after normalization to adrenal medulla (false
      discovery rate 0.01). Prediction analysis of microarray allowed correct
      classification of all HIF2A samples based on as little as three genes (TRHDE,
      LRRC63, IGSF10; error rate: 0.02). Genes with the highest expression difference
      between normal medulla and HIF2A PGLs were selected for confirmatory quantitative
      reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. In conclusion, HIF2A PGLs show a
      characteristic expression signature that separates them from non-HIF2A
      pseudohypoxic PGLs. Unexpectedly, the most significantly differentially expressed
      genes have not been previously described as HIF target genes.

PMID- 27659020
TI  - Influence of change in surgical practice for benign thyroid disease on
      postsurgical outcome-Single-center experience in 1400 patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the rate of surgical complications during the change from
      subtotal resection to hemithyroidectomy or thyroidectomy over a period of 17
      years. METHODS: All operations for benign goiter at our hospital were analyzed
      for the periods 1996-2002 (Group 1) and 2003-2012 (Group 2). The groups were
      compared for recurrent laryngeal nerve damage, hypocalcemia, and other surgical
      complications directly postoperatively. RESULTS: In total, 1462 patients were
      operated on for goiter between 1996 and 2012. There were 1219 patients who
      underwent a primary thyroid operation, whereas 50 patients had surgery for
      recurrence. Postoperative histology revealed thyroid cancer in 193 patients
      (13.2%). In Group 1, 42.7% of all operated lobes were performed as lobectomies
      and 57.3% as subtotal resections; in Group 2, 74.4% were performed as lobectomies
      and 25.6% as subtotal resections. No differences were found for reduced vocal
      cord function (2.4% vs. 1.9%, p = 0.746) and recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis
      in the postoperative laryngoscopy (2.9% vs. 1.8%, p = 0.675). Postoperative
      hypoparathyroidism was detected in 13.66% in Group 1 and in 19.80% in Group 2
      after bilateral resections (p = 0.037). There was no difference in the rate of
      reoperations for cancer between both groups (43.4% vs. 52.1%, p = 0.182).
      CONCLUSION: Surgical practice changed from subtotal to lobectomies for benign
      goiter over a period of 17 years without change in laryngeal nerve damage but
      with increasing rates of postoperative hypocalcemia.

PMID- 27659021
TI  - Abstracts of the 11th Scientific and Annual Meeting of the European Society of
      Coloproctology, 28-30 September 2016, Milan, Italy.

PMID- 27659019
TI  - What Touched Your Heart? Collaborative Story Analysis Emerging From an Apsaalooke
      Cultural Context.
AB  - Community-based participatory research and decolonizing research share some
      recommendations for best practices for conducting research. One commonality is
      partnering on all stages of research; co-developing methods of data analysis is
      one stage with a deficit of partnering examples. We present a novel community
      based and developed method for analyzing qualitative data within an Indigenous
      health study and explain incompatibilities of existing methods for our purposes
      and community needs. We describe how we explored available literature, received
      counsel from community Elders and experts in the field, and collaboratively
      developed a data analysis method consonant with community values. The method of
      analysis, in which interview/story remained intact, team members received story,
      made meaning through discussion, and generated a conceptual framework to inform
      intervention development, is detailed. We offer the development process and
      method as an example for researchers working with communities who want to keep
      stories intact during qualitative data analysis.

PMID- 27659024
TI  - Do Branch Lengths Help to Locate a Tree in a Phylogenetic Network?
AB  - Phylogenetic networks are increasingly used in evolutionary biology to represent
      the history of species that have undergone reticulate events such as horizontal
      gene transfer, hybrid speciation and recombination. One of the most fundamental
      questions that arise in this context is whether the evolution of a gene with one
      copy in all species can be explained by a given network. In mathematical terms,
      this is often translated in the following way: is a given phylogenetic tree
      contained in a given phylogenetic network? Recently this tree containment problem
      has been widely investigated from a computational perspective, but most studies
      have only focused on the topology of the phylogenies, ignoring a piece of
      information that, in the case of phylogenetic trees, is routinely inferred by
      evolutionary analyses: branch lengths. These measure the amount of change (e.g.,
      nucleotide substitutions) that has occurred along each branch of the phylogeny.
      Here, we study a number of versions of the tree containment problem that
      explicitly account for branch lengths. We show that, although length information
      has the potential to locate more precisely a tree within a network, the problem
      is computationally hard in its most general form. On a positive note, for a
      number of special cases of biological relevance, we provide algorithms that solve
      this problem efficiently. This includes the case of networks of limited
      complexity, for which it is possible to recover, among the trees contained by the
      network with the same topology as the input tree, the closest one in terms of
      branch lengths.

PMID- 27659022
TI  - Quality of life and need for care in patients with an ostomy: a survey of 2647
      patients of the Berlin OStomy-Study (BOSS).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although ostomies are sometimes necessary, it is unclear which type
      of ostomy is advantageous for quality of life (QoL). In an observational study of
      2647 patients, QoL after colostomy (CS) and small bowel stoma (SBS) formation was
      evaluated. METHODS: The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of
      Cancer (EORTC)-QLQ-C30 and CR-38 questionnaires were used. Patient
      characteristics, retrospective information about the ostomy and previous
      treatments, and current stoma-related complications were recorded. All
      questionnaires were distributed and collected by stoma therapists at the homecare
      company PubliCare(r). RESULTS: In all, 1790 patients had a CS, and 756 had an
      SBS. The mean Global Health Score (mGHS-a general QoL indicator) was 52.33 in CS
      and 49.40 in SBS patients (p = 0.004), but the effect size (Cohen's d) was 0.1.
      In SBS patients, all functional scores were lower and most of the symptom scores
      were higher. CONCLUSIONS: QoL differed significantly for CS and SBS patients, but
      the effect size was marginal. The care of certain patient groups, particularly
      (female) patients who receive emergency surgeries, must be improved. More
      professional education and guidance are necessary for a larger proportion of
      patients. This survey provided reference data for quality of life in patients
      with an ostomy.

PMID- 27659023
TI  - Highly multiplexed CRISPR-Cas9-nuclease and Cas9-nickase vectors for inactivation
      of hepatitis B virus.
AB  - CRISPR-Cas9-mediated genome-editing technology contributes not only to basic
      genomic studies but also to clinical studies such as genetic correction and virus
      inactivation. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major target for potential application
      of CRISPR-Cas9 in eliminating viral DNA from human cells. However, the high
      stability of covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) makes it difficult to
      completely clear HBV infection. Here, we report highly multiplexed CRISPR-Cas9
      nuclease and Cas9-nickase vector systems that simultaneously target three
      critical domains of the HBV genome. Co-transfection of an HBV-expressing plasmid
      and all-in-one CRISPR-Cas9 vectors resulted in significant reduction in viral
      replicative intermediates and extracellular hepatitis B surface and envelope
      antigens. In addition, successful fragmentation of the HBV genome was confirmed
      by DNA sequencing. Despite its high efficacy in suppressing HBV, no apparent off
      target mutations were detected by genomic cleavage detection assay and the small
      number of observed mutations was extremely rare and could only be detected by
      deep sequencing analysis. Thus, our all-in-one CRISPR-Cas9-nuclease and Cas9
      nickase vectors present a model for simultaneous targeting of multiple HBV
      domains, potentially contributing to a well-designed therapeutic approach for
      curing HBV patients.

PMID- 27659025
TI  - Formulation and Characterization of Polysaccharide Microparticles for Pulmonary
      Delivery of Sodium Cromoglycate.
AB  - Sodium cromoglycate (SC) is an antiasthmatic and antiallergenic drug commonly
      used for chronic inhalation therapy; however, many daily intakes are required due
      to the fast drug clearance from airways. For these reasons, SC polymeric
      particles for inhalatory administration with adequate aerosolization and
      mucoadhesive properties were designed to prolong the drug residence time in the
      site of action. Sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMCNa), sodium hyaluronate, and
      sodium alginate were selected to co-process SC by spray drying. The influence of
      these polysaccharides on the spray drying process and powder quality was
      evaluated (among others, morphology, size, moisture content, hygroscopicity,
      flowability, densities, liquid sorption, and stability). In vitro aerosolization,
      drug release, and mucoadhesion performance were also studied. Particularly, a
      novel method to comparatively evaluate the interaction between formulations and
      mucin solution (mucoadhesion test) was proposed as a rapid methodology to measure
      adhesion properties of inhalable particles, being the results as indicative of
      clearance probability. Among all the studied formulations, the powder based on SC
      and CMCNa exhibited the best mucoadhesion and aerosolization performance, the
      highest process yield and adequate moisture content, hygroscopicity, and
      stability. SC-CMCNa formulation arose as a promising inhalatory system to reduce
      the daily intakes and to increase the patient compliance.

PMID- 27659026
TI  - Hypothyroxinemia and Risk for Transient Tachypnea of Newborn.
AB  - Transient tachypnea of newborn is associated with hypothyroxinemia in animals via
      decreased stimulation of beta-adrenergic receptors and Na-K-ATPase activity. In
      26 549 term neonates, serum total thyroxine <14 ug/dL, male sex, and elective
      cesarean delivery were significantly associated with greater risk for transient
      tachypnea of newborn.

PMID- 27659027
TI  - Variability in Response to Intravenous Immunoglobulin in the Treatment of
      Kawasaki Disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To characterize the pattern of temperature response to intravenous
      immunoglobulin (IVIG) infusion in patients with Kawasaki disease (KD). STUDY
      DESIGN: Patients nonresponsive to IVIG (axillary temperature >=37.5 degrees C >24
      hours after end of IVIG) were identified. Each patient with IVIG-nonresponsive KD
      was matched to a control patient with IVIG-responsive KD of the same age, sex,
      and duration of fever before IVIG. Hourly temperature profiles were obtained from
      immediately before the start of IVIG infusion until complete defervescence.
      RESULTS: A total of 182 patients nonresponsive to IVIG were matched (total n =
      364). Nonresponders were further classified as partial nonresponders (68%)
      (axillary temperature decreased to <37.5 degrees C but fever recurred) and
      complete nonresponders (32%) (axillary temperature consistently >=37.5 degrees C
      throughout IVIG treatment). The temperature profile during IVIG infusion was
      similar between responders and partial nonresponders (EST: -0.061 [0.007] degrees
      C/h, P < .001 for responders vs EST: -0.027 (0.012) degrees C/h, P = .03 for
      partial nonresponders [responders vs partial nonresponders, P = .65]), where EST
      is the parameter estimate from the regression model, representing the change in
      degrees Celsius for each hour since start of IVIG. In complete nonresponders,
      IVIG was not associated with significant decreases in temperature (EST: -0.008
      [0.010] degrees C, P = .42). Factors associated with complete (vs partial)
      nonresponse included laboratory-confirmed infection, greater C-reactive protein,
      and IVIG brand. Defervescence in partial nonresponders was achieved with a second
      IVIG dose for 72% of patients compared with 58% of complete nonresponders (P =
      .001). Complete nonresponders were more likely to develop coronary artery
      aneurysms vs partial nonresponders (OR: 2.4 [1.1-5.4], P = .03) or responders
      (OR: 3.2 [1.5-6.9], P = .002). CONCLUSIONS: Nonresponse to initial IVIG can be
      further characterized by temperature profile, and complete nonresponders may
      require more aggressive second-line therapy.

PMID- 27659028
TI  - PHACE Syndrome: Consensus-Derived Diagnosis and Care Recommendations.

PMID- 27659029
TI  - Readmission following primary surgery for larynx and oropharynx cancer in the
      elderly.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine 30-day readmission rates and associations with risk
      factors, survival, length of hospitalization, and costs in elderly patients with
      laryngeal and oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer (SCC). STUDY DESIGN:
      Retrospective cross-sectional analysis of Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End
      Results-Medicare data. METHODS: We evaluated 1,518 patients diagnosed with
      laryngeal or oropharyngeal SCC from 2004 to 2007 who underwent primary surgery
      using cross-tabulations, multivariate regression modeling, and survival analysis.
      RESULTS: Thirty-day readmission occurred in 14.1% of hospitalizations.
      Readmission was more likely in patients with postoperative complications during
      initial hospitalization (24.8% vs. 4.5%, P < 0.001), and was associated with an
      increased 30-day mortality incidence rate (5.1% vs. 0.9%; P < 0.001). On
      multivariate analysis, 30-day readmission was significantly associated with
      advanced stage (odds ratio [OR] = 1.81 [1.13-2.90]), comorbidity (OR = 2.69 [1.65
      4.39]), divorced/separated marital status (OR = 2.00 [1.19-3.38]), preoperative
      tracheostomy (OR = 3.39 [1.55-7.44]), major surgical procedures (OR = 2.58 [1.68
      3.97]), greater length of initial hospitalization (OR = 1.72 [1.09-2.71]),
      pneumonia (OR = 2.86 [1.28-6.40]), postoperative dysphagia (OR = 5.97 [2.48
      15.83]), and cardiovascular events (OR = 5.84 [1.89-17.96]). Thirty-day
      readmission was significantly associated with 30-day mortality (OR = 5.89 [2.21
      15.70) and higher 1-year mortality (68.0% vs. 89.2%, P < 0.001). The mean
      incremental costs of surgical care were significantly greater for patients with
      unplanned readmission ($15,123 [$10,514-$19,732]), after controlling for all
      other variables. CONCLUSION: Unplanned readmissions are associated with increased
      short- and long-term mortality and costs. Elderly patients with advanced disease,
      advanced comorbidity, lack of spousal support, pretreatment organ dysfunction,
      more extensive surgery, postoperative pneumonia, postoperative dysphagia, and
      prolonged hospitalization are at increased risk of 30-day readmission. These
      findings suggest a need for targeted interventions before, during, and after
      hospitalization to reduce morbidity, mortality, and excess costs in this high
      risk population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2c. Laryngoscope, 127:631-641, 2017.

PMID- 27659030
TI  - 3D in vitro co-culture models based on normal cells and tumor spheroids formed by
      cyclic RGD-peptide induced cell self-assembly.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To design novel 3D in vitro co-culture models based on the RGD
      peptide-induced cell self-assembly technique. RESULTS: Multicellular spheroids
      from M-3 murine melanoma cells and L-929 murine fibroblasts were obtained
      directly from monolayer culture by addition of culture medium containing cyclic
      RGD-peptide. To reach reproducible architecture of co-culture spheroids, two
      novel 3D in vitro models with well pronounced core-shell structure from tumor
      spheroids and single mouse fibroblasts were developed based on this approach. The
      first was a combination of a RGD-peptide platform with the liquid overlay
      technique with further co-cultivation for 1-2 days. The second allowed co-culture
      spheroids to generate within polyelectrolyte microcapsules by cultivation for 2
      weeks. M-3 cells (a core) and L-929 fibroblasts (a shell) were easily
      distinguished by confocal microscopy due to cell staining with DiO and DiI dyes,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The 3D co-culture spheroids are proposed as a tool in
      tumor biology to study cell-cell interactions as well as for testing novel
      anticancer drugs and drug delivery vehicles.

PMID- 27659031
TI  - Technical difficulties and solutions of direct transesterification process of
      microbial oil for biodiesel synthesis.
AB  - Microbial oils are considered as alternative to vegetable oils or animal fats as
      biodiesel feedstock. Microalgae and oleaginous yeast are the main candidates of
      microbial oil producers' community. However, biodiesel synthesis from these
      sources is associated with high cost and process complexity. The traditional
      transesterification method includes several steps such as biomass drying, cell
      disruption, oil extraction and solvent recovery. Therefore, direct
      transesterification or in situ transesterification, which combines all the steps
      in a single reactor, has been suggested to make the process cost effective.
      Nevertheless, the process is not applicable for large-scale biodiesel production
      having some difficulties such as high water content of biomass that makes the
      reaction rate slower and hurdles of cell disruption makes the efficiency of oil
      extraction lower. Additionally, it requires high heating energy in the solvent
      extraction and recovery stage. To resolve these difficulties, this review
      suggests the application of antimicrobial peptides and high electric fields to
      foster the microbial cell wall disruption.

PMID- 27659032
TI  - Biodegradation of saline phenolic wastewater in a biological contact oxidation
      reactor with immobilized cells of Oceanimonas sp.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To develop a method to treat saline phenolic wastewater in a
      biological contact oxidation reactor (BCOR) with immobilized cells of a marine
      microorganism, Oceanimonas sp., isolated from seawater. RESULTS: Cells were
      immobilized on fibre carriers in the BCOR. Saline wastewater with phenol at 1.5
      g/l and NaCl at 6 % (w/v) was treated. In continuous assays, 99 % removal of
      phenol was achieved and a kinetic model for the phenol degradation is presented
      based on Monod's equation. CONCLUSION: The BOCR system using immobilized cells of
      Oceanimonas efficiently treats saline phenolic wastewaters without having
      decrease the salinity of the wastewater.

PMID- 27659033
TI  - Heterochrony and Morphological Variation of Epithalamic Asymmetry.
AB  - Heterochrony is one proposed mechanism to explain how morphological variation and
      novelty arise during evolution. To experimentally approach heterochrony in a
      comprehensive manner, we must consider all three aspects of developmental time
      (sequence, timing, duration). This task is only possible in developmental models
      that allow the acquisition of high-quality temporal data in the context of
      normalized developmental time. Here we propose that epithalamic asymmetry of
      teleosts is one such model. Comparative studies among related teleost species
      have revealed heterochronic shifts in the timing of ontogenic events leading to
      the development of epithalamic asymmetry. Such temporal changes involve neural
      structures critical for tissue-tissue interactions underlying the generation of
      asymmetry and are concurrent with the appearance of morphological differences in
      the pattern of asymmetry between species. Based on these findings, we hypothesize
      that interspecies variation of epithalamic asymmetry results from changes in the
      timing of tissue-tissue interactions critical for the establishment of asymmetry
      during ontogeny. Importantly, this hypothesis can be tested by systematic
      comparative approaches among teleosts species based on normalized developmental
      time, combined with experimental manipulation of epithalamic asymmetry
      development.

PMID- 27659034
TI  - Reducing the Matrix Effect in Organic Cluster SIMS Using Dynamic Reactive
      Ionization.
AB  - Dynamic reactive ionization (DRI) utilizes a reactive molecule, HCl, which is
      doped into an Ar cluster projectile and activated to produce protons at the
      bombardment site on the cold sample surface with the presence of water. The
      methodology has been shown to enhance the ionization of protonated molecular ions
      and to reduce salt suppression in complex biomatrices. In this study, we further
      examine the possibility of obtaining improved quantitation with DRI during depth
      profiling of thin films. Using a trehalose film as a model system, we are able to
      define optimal DRI conditions for depth profiling. Next, the strategy is applied
      to a multilayer system consisting of the polymer antioxidants Irganox 1098 and
      1010. These binary mixtures have demonstrated large matrix effects, making
      quantitative SIMS measurement not feasible. Systematic comparisons of depth
      profiling of this multilayer film between directly using GCIB, and under DRI
      conditions, show that the latter enhances protonated ions for both components by
      4- to ~15-fold, resulting in uniform depth profiling in positive ion mode and
      almost no matrix effect in negative ion mode. The methodology offers a new
      strategy to tackle the matrix effect and should lead to improved quantitative
      measurement using SIMS. Graphical Abstract ?.

PMID- 27659036
TI  - Sharks, ice cream, and neonatal seizures.

PMID- 27659035
TI  - Coeliac disease: immunogenicity studies of barley hordein and rye secalin-derived
      peptides.
AB  - Coeliac disease (CD) is an inflammatory disorder of the small intestine. It
      includes aberrant adaptive immunity with presentation of CD toxic gluten peptides
      by HLA-DQ2 or DQ8 molecules to gluten-sensitive T cells. A omega-gliadin/C
      hordein peptide (QPFPQPEQPFPW) and a rye-derived secalin peptide (QPFPQPQQPIPQ)
      were proposed to be toxic in CD, as they yielded positive responses when assessed
      with peripheral blood T-cell clones derived from individuals with CD. We sought
      to assess the immunogenicity of the candidate peptides using gluten-sensitive T
      cell lines obtained from CD small intestinal biopsies. We also sought to
      investigate the potential cross-reactivity of wheat gluten-sensitive T-cell lines
      with peptic-tryptic digested barley hordein (PTH) and rye secalin (PTS).
      Synthesised candidate peptides were deamidated with tissue transglutaminase
      (tTG). Gluten-sensitive T-cell lines were generated by culturing small intestinal
      biopsies from CD patients with peptic-tryptic gluten (PTG), PTH or PTS, along
      with autologous PBMCs for antigen presentation. The stimulation indices were
      determined by measuring the relative cellular proliferation via incorporation of
      3 H-thymidine. The majority of T-cell lines reacted to the peptides studied.
      There was also cross-reactivity between wheat gluten-sensitive T-cell lines and
      the hordein, gliadin and secalin peptides. PTH, PTS, barley hordein and rye
      secalin-derived CD antigen-sensitive T-cell lines showed positive stimulation
      with PTG. omega-gliadin/C-hordein peptide and rye-derived peptide are immunogenic
      to gluten-sensitive T-cell lines and potentially present in wheat, rye and
      barley. Additional CD toxic peptides may be shared.

PMID- 27659037
TI  - Role of laser irradiation in direct pulp capping procedures: a systematic review
      and meta-analysis.
AB  - A variety of materials are available to treat exposed dental pulp by direct pulp
      capping. The healing response of the pulp is crucial to form a dentin bridge and
      seal off the exposed pulp. Studies have used lasers to stimulate the exposed pulp
      to form tertiary dentin. The aim of the present systematic review and meta
      analysis was to evaluate the evidence on the effects of laser irradiation as an
      adjunctive therapy to stimulate healing after pulp exposure. A systematic
      literature search was conducted up to April 2016. A structured search using the
      keywords "Direct pulp capping," "Lasers," "Calcium hydroxide pulp capping," and
      "Resin pulp capping" was performed. Initially, 34 potentially relevant articles
      were identified. After removal of duplicates and screening by title, abstract,
      and full text when necessary, nine studies were included. Studies were assessed
      for bias and data were synthetized using a random-effects meta-analysis model.
      Six studies were clinical, and three were preclinical animal trials; the follow
      up period ranged from 2 weeks to 54 months. More than two thirds of the included
      studies showed that laser therapy used as an adjunct for direct pulp capping was
      more effective in maintaining pulp vitality than conventional therapy alone. Meta
      analysis showed that the success rate in the laser treatment group was
      significantly higher than the control group (log odds ratio = 1.737; 95 %
      confidence interval, 1.304-2.171). Lasers treatment of exposed pulps can improve
      the outcome of direct pulp capping procedures; a number of confounding factors
      may have influenced the outcomes of the included studies.

PMID- 27659039
TI  - 3D echocardiographic imaging of a septal myocardial cleft in hypertrophic
      cardiomyopathy.
AB  - Myocardial clefts are defined as narrow, deep blood-filled invaginations within
      the left ventricular myocardium. They occur in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
      patients with different frequency and represent a distinctive morphological
      expression of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Although two-dimensional transthoracic
      echocardiography is able to detect myocardial clefts in some cases,
      cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging with its high spatial resolution can
      detect myocardial clefts not visualized with echocardiography. In this report, we
      represent multimodality imaging of a septal myocardial cleft in a hypertrophic
      cardiomyopathy patient.

PMID- 27659038
TI  - Female Adult Aedes albopictus Suppression by Wolbachia-Infected Male Mosquitoes.
AB  - Dengue, chikungunya and zika viruses are pathogens with an increasing global
      impact. In the absence of an approved vaccine or therapy, their management relies
      on controlling the mosquito vectors. But traditional controls are inadequate, and
      the range of invasive species such as Aedes albopictus (Asian Tiger Mosquito) is
      expanding. Genetically modified mosquitoes are being tested, but their use has
      encountered regulatory barriers and public opposition in some countries.
      Wolbachia bacteria can cause a form of conditional sterility, which can provide
      an alternative to genetic modification or irradiation. It is unknown however,
      whether openly released, artificially infected male Ae. albopictus can
      competitively mate and sterilize females at a level adequate to suppress a field
      population. Also, the unintended establishment of Wolbachia at the introduction
      site could result from horizontal transmission or inadvertent female release. In
      2014, an Experimental Use Permit from the United States Environmental Protection
      Agency approved a pilot field trial in Lexington, Kentucky, USA. Here, we present
      data showing localized reduction of both egg hatch and adult female numbers. The
      artificial Wolbachia type was not observed to establish in the field. The results
      are discussed in relation to the applied use of Wolbachia-infected males as a
      biopesticide to suppress field populations of Ae. albopictus.

PMID- 27659041
TI  - Disaster nursing experiences of Chinese nurses responding to the Sichuan Ya'an
      earthquake.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the disaster experiences of nurses
      called to assist survivors one month after the 2013 Ya'an earthquake. BACKGROUND:
      China has experienced an increasing number of earthquake disasters in the past
      four decades. Although a health and disaster management system was initiated
      after the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, nurses' roles and experiences in a disaster
      have been overlooked. METHODS: The researchers used qualitative descriptive
      design that included 16 participants. Data were collected using semi-structured
      interviews and observation notes, after which a qualitative content analysis was
      conducted. FINDINGS: Three major themes emerged: the process of being dispatched
      from hospitals to the disaster zone, the effort involved in getting to and
      working in the affected site and reflecting on the challenges they encountered.
      DISCUSSION: About half of the participants had received disaster nursing training
      before deploying to the disaster site, but they consistently expressed a lack of
      physical and psychological preparedness regarding the process of being dispatched
      from their hospitals to the disaster zone. LIMITATIONS: This was a single
      incident experience. Caution should be taken when trying to extend the findings
      to other parts of China. CONCLUSION: These findings highlighted the need for
      disaster in-service training as well as for having disaster plans in place.
      IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY: Hospital and nursing leaders should
      provide disaster training opportunities that included topics such as compiling
      resource inventories, formulating disaster drills and simulations, managing
      emergencies, and using emergency communication methods. Health policy-makers
      should be required to prioritize capacity-building training for front-line nurses
      as well as to develop and implement disaster management plans to better prepare
      nurses for future disasters.

PMID- 27659042
TI  - Uncovering dispersion properties in semiconductor waveguides to study photon-pair
      generation.
AB  - We investigate the dispersion properties of ridge Bragg-reflection waveguides to
      deduce their phasematching characteristics. These are crucial for exploiting them
      as sources of parametric down-conversion (PDC). In order to estimate the
      phasematching bandwidth we first determine the group refractive indices of the
      interacting modes via Fabry-Perot experiments in two distant wavelength regions.
      Second, by measuring the spectra of the emitted PDC photons, we gain access to
      their group index dispersion. Our results offer a simple approach for determining
      the PDC process parameters in the spectral domain, and provide important feedback
      for designing such sources, especially in the broadband case.

PMID- 27659040
TI  - Characterizing the magnetic susceptibility tensor of lanthanide-containing
      polymethylated-DOTA complexes.
AB  - Lanthanide complexes based on the DOTA (1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10
      tetraacetic acid) cage are commonly used as phase contrast agents in magnetic
      resonance imaging, but can also be utilized in structural NMR applications due to
      their ability to induce either paramagnetic relaxation enhancement or a
      pseudocontact shift (PCS) depending on the choice of the lanthanide. The size and
      sign of the PCS for any given atom is determined by its coordinates relative to
      the metal center, and the characteristics of the lanthanide's magnetic
      susceptibility tensor. Using a polymethylated DOTA tag (Ln-M8-SPy) conjugated to
      ubiquitin, we calculated the position of the metal center and characterized the
      susceptibility tensor for a number of lanthanides (dysprosium, thulium, and
      ytterbium) under a range of pH and temperature conditions. We found that there
      was a difference in temperature sensitivity for each of the complexes studied,
      which depended on the size of the lanthanide ion as well as the isomeric state of
      the cage. Using 17O-NMR, we confirmed that the temperature sensitivity of the
      compounds was enhanced by the presence of an apically bound water molecule. Since
      amide-containing lanthanide complexes are known to be pH sensitive and can be
      used as probes of physiological pH, we also investigated the effect of pH on the
      Ln-M8-SPy susceptibility tensor, but we found that the changes in this pH range
      (5.0-7.4) were not significant.

PMID- 27659043
TI  - The evidence for open and closed exocytosis as the primary release mechanism.
AB  - Exocytosis is the fundamental process by which cells communicate with each other.
      The events that lead up to the fusion of a vesicle loaded with chemical messenger
      with the cell membrane were the subject of a Nobel Prize in 2013. However, the
      processes occurring after the initial formation of a fusion pore are very much
      still in debate. The release of chemical messenger has traditionally been thought
      to occur through full distention of the vesicle membrane, hence assuming
      exocytosis to be all or none. In contrast to the all or none hypothesis, here we
      discuss the evidence that during exocytosis the vesicle-membrane pore opens to
      release only a portion of the transmitter content during exocytosis and then
      close again. This open and closed exocytosis is distinct from kiss-and-run
      exocytosis, in that it appears to be the main content released during regular
      exocytosis. The evidence for this partial release via open and closed exocytosis
      is presented considering primarily the quantitative evidence obtained with
      amperometry.

PMID- 27659044
TI  - No difference in range of motion between ultracongruent and posterior stabilized
      design in total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - PURPOSE: The use of an ultracongruent (UC) insert with a standard femoral
      component for substitution of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is a bone
      preserving and therefore interesting alternative to the established box and cam
      mechanism of posterior stabilized (PS) total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study
      investigated range of motion (ROM), stability and patient-reported outcome (PRO)
      in UC and PS TKA. We hypothesized better knee flexion with the PS design but no
      difference in stability and PRO between UC and PS TKA. METHODS: A randomized
      controlled study was performed. One hundred and twenty-seven patients were
      included, 63 with an UC and 64 with a PS TKA (Columbus, Aesculap, Tuttlingen,
      Germany). Intraoperative stability and range of motion was measured with the use
      of a navigation system. Patients were assessed before surgery, 3 months and 1
      year postoperatively. RESULTS: There was no difference in ROM between both
      groups, neither intraoperatively nor at follow-up. There was 5 mm less sagittal
      translation at 90 degrees  of knee flexion (p < 0.001) and more posterior femoral
      rollback during knee flexion in the PS TKA. Axial rotation between extension and
      knee flexion was reduced by both designs. UC TKA was 7 min faster (p = 0.001). At
      the one-year follow-up, the Knee Society Score was similar in both groups, the
      Oxford Knee Score demonstrated better results in the UC TKA group (p = 0.048).
      CONCLUSION: Increased intraoperative sagittal translation and reduced posterior
      femoral rollback during knee flexion of UC TKA seem to have no negative influence
      on short-term clinical outcome. Therefore, UC TKA seems to be a practical
      alternative to the established PS TKA for substitution of the PCL. This might be
      especially interesting for surgeons who do not always substitute the PCL. LEVEL
      OF EVIDENCE: I.

PMID- 27659045
TI  - IGFBP2 Activates the NF-kappaB Pathway to Drive Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
      and Invasive Character in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma.
AB  - The molecular basis underlying the particularly aggressive nature of pancreatic
      ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) still remains unclear. Here we report evidence that
      the insulin-like growth factor-binding protein IGFBP2 acts as a potent oncogene
      to drive its extremely malignant character. We found that elevated IGFBP2
      expression in primary tumors was associated with lymph node metastasis and
      shorter survival in patients with PDAC. Enforced expression of IGFBP2 promoted
      invasion and metastasis of PDAC cells in vitro and in vivo by inducing NF-kappaB
      dependent epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Mechanistic investigations
      revealed that IGFBP2 induced the nuclear translocation and phosphorylation of the
      p65 NF-kappaB subunit through the PI3K/Akt/IKKbeta pathway. Conversely, enforced
      expression of PTEN blunted this signaling pathway and restored an epithelial
      phenotype to PDAC cells in the presence of overexpressed IGFBP2. Overall, our
      results identify IGFBP2 as a pivotal regulator of an EMT axis in PDAC, the
      activation of which is sufficient to confer the characteristically aggressive
      clinical features of this disease. Cancer Res; 76(22); 6543-54. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27659046
TI  - High-Order Drug Combinations Are Required to Effectively Kill Colorectal Cancer
      Cells.
AB  - Like classical chemotherapy regimens used to treat cancer, targeted therapies
      will also rely upon polypharmacology, but tools are still lacking to predict
      which combinations of molecularly targeted drugs may be most efficacious. In this
      study, we used image-based proliferation and apoptosis assays in colorectal
      cancer cell lines to systematically investigate the efficacy of combinations of
      two to six drugs that target critical oncogenic pathways. Drug pairs targeting
      key signaling pathways resulted in synergies across a broad spectrum of genetic
      backgrounds but often yielded only cytostatic responses. Enhanced cytotoxicity
      was observed when additional processes including apoptosis and cell cycle were
      targeted as part of the combination. In some cases, where cell lines were
      resistant to paired and tripled drugs, increased expression of antiapoptotic
      proteins was observed, requiring a fourth-order combination to induce
      cytotoxicity. Our results illustrate how high-order drug combinations are needed
      to kill drug-resistant cancer cells, and they also show how systematic drug
      combination screening together with a molecular understanding of drug responses
      may help define optimal cocktails to overcome aggressive cancers. Cancer Res;
      76(23); 6950-63. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27659047
TI  - UGT2B17 Expedites Progression of Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancers by
      Promoting Ligand-Independent AR Signaling.
AB  - Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is characterized by a shift in
      androgen receptor (AR) signaling from androgen-dependent to androgen (ligand)
      independent. UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 2B17 (UGT2B17) is a key enzyme that
      maintains androgen homeostasis by catabolizing AR agonists into inactive forms.
      Although enhanced UGT2B17 expression by antiandrogens has been reported in
      androgen-dependent prostate cancer, its roles in regulating AR signaling
      transformation and CRPC progression remain unknown. In this study, we show that
      higher UGT2B17 protein expression in prostate tumors is associated with higher
      Gleason score, metastasis, and CRPC progression. UGT2B17 expression and activity
      were higher in androgen-independent compared to androgen-dependent cell lines.
      UGT2B17 stimulated cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and xenograft progression
      to CRPC after prolonged androgen deprivation. Gene microarray analysis indicated
      that UGT2B17 suppressed androgen-dependent AR transcriptional activity and
      enhanced of ligand-independent transcriptional activity at genes associated with
      cell mitosis. These UGT2B17 actions were mainly mediated by activation of the c
      Src kinase. In CRPC tumors, UGT2B17 expression was associated positively with c
      Src activation. These results indicate that UGT2B17 expedites CRPC progression by
      enhancing ligand-independent AR signaling to activate cell mitosis in cancer
      cells. Cancer Res; 76(22); 6701-11. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27659049
TI  - Linezolid-associated reticulocytopenia.

PMID- 27659048
TI  - Cardiolipins Are Biomarkers of Mitochondria-Rich Thyroid Oncocytic Tumors.
AB  - Oncocytic tumors are characterized by an excessive eosinophilic, granular
      cytoplasm due to aberrant accumulation of mitochondria. Mutations in
      mitochondrial DNA occur in oncocytic thyroid tumors, but there is no information
      about their lipid composition, which might reveal candidate theranostic
      molecules. Here, we used desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
      (DESI-MS) to image and chemically characterize the lipid composition of oncocytic
      thyroid tumors, as compared with nononcocytic thyroid tumors and normal thyroid
      samples. We identified a novel molecular signature of oncocytic tumors
      characterized by an abnormally high abundance and chemical diversity of
      cardiolipins (CL), including many oxidized species. DESI-MS imaging and IHC
      experiments confirmed that the spatial distribution of CLs overlapped with
      regions of accumulation of mitochondria-rich oncocytic cells. Fluorescent imaging
      and mitochondrial isolation showed that both mitochondrial accumulation and
      alteration in CL composition of mitochondria occurred in oncocytic tumors cells,
      thus contributing the aberrant molecular signatures detected. A total of 219
      molecular ions, including CLs, other glycerophospholipids, fatty acids, and
      metabolites, were found at increased or decreased abundance in oncocytic,
      nononcocytic, or normal thyroid tissues. Our findings suggest new candidate
      targets for clinical and therapeutic use against oncocytic tumors. Cancer Res;
      76(22); 6588-97. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27659050
TI  - A proximity-dependent assay for specific RNA-protein interactions in intact
      cells.
AB  - The proximity ligation assay (PLA) is an immune staining method that detects
      protein-protein interactions in fixed cells. We describe here RNA-PLA, a simple
      adaptation of this technology that allows the detection of specific RNA-protein
      interactions in fixed cells by using a DNA oligonucleotide that hybridizes to a
      target RNA in combination with an antibody that recognizes the protein bound to
      the target RNA. Stable and transient RNA-protein interactions can be readily
      detected by generation of a fluorescent signal in discrete compartments in intact
      fixed cells with high specificity. We demonstrate that this approach requires the
      colocalization of the binding protein and its RNA target in the same cellular
      compartment, use of an oligonucleotide complementary to the target RNA, and the
      presence of a binding site for the protein in the target RNA.

PMID- 27659051
TI  - ARiBo pull-down for riboproteomic studies based on label-free quantitative mass
      spectrometry.
AB  - As part of their normal life cycle, most RNA molecules associate with several
      proteins that direct their fate and regulate their function. Here, we describe a
      novel method for identifying proteins that associate with a target RNA. The
      procedure is based on the ARiBo method for affinity purification of RNA, which
      was originally developed to quickly purify RNA with high yields and purity under
      native conditions. The ARiBo method was further optimized using in vitro
      transcribed RNA to capture RNA-associating proteins from cellular extracts with
      high yields and low background protein contamination. For these RNA pull-downs,
      stem-loops present in the immature forms of let-7 miRNAs (miRNA stem-loops) were
      used as the target RNAs. Label-free quantitative mass spectrometry analysis
      allowed for the reliable identification of proteins that are specific to the stem
      loops present in the immature forms of two miRNAs, let-7a-1 and let-7g. Several
      proteins known to bind immature forms of these let-7 miRNAs were identified, but
      with an improved coverage compared to previous studies. In addition, several
      novel proteins were identified that better define the protein interactome of the
      let-7 miRNA stem-loops and further link let-7 biogenesis to important biological
      processes such as development and tumorigenesis. Thus, combining the ARiBo pull
      down method with label-free quantitative mass spectrometry provides an effective
      proteomic approach for identification of proteins that associate with a target
      RNA.

PMID- 27659052
TI  - An intermolecular G-quadruplex as the basis for GTP recognition in the class V
      GTP aptamer.
AB  - Many naturally occurring or artificially created RNAs are capable of binding to
      guanine or guanine derivatives with high affinity and selectivity. They bind
      their ligands using very different recognition modes involving a diverse set of
      hydrogen bonding and stacking interactions. Apparently, the potential structural
      diversity for guanine, guanosine, and guanine nucleotide binding motifs is far
      from being fully explored. Szostak and coworkers have derived a large set of
      different GTP-binding aptamer families differing widely in sequence, secondary
      structure, and ligand specificity. The so-called class V-GTP aptamer from this
      set binds GTP with very high affinity and has a complex secondary structure. Here
      we use solution NMR spectroscopy to demonstrate that the class V aptamer binds
      GTP through the formation of an intermolecular two-layered G-quadruplex structure
      that directly incorporates the ligand and folds only upon ligand addition. Ligand
      binding and G-quadruplex formation depend strongly on the identity of monovalent
      cations present with a clear preference for potassium ions. GTP binding through
      direct insertion into an intermolecular G-quadruplex is a previously unobserved
      structural variation for ligand-binding RNA motifs and rationalizes the
      previously observed specificity pattern of the class V aptamer for GTP analogs.

PMID- 27659054
TI  - Virus-Like Particles Produced in Pichia Pastoris Induce Protective Immune
      Responses Against Coxsackievirus A16 in Mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND Coxsackievirus A16 (CA16) is one of the main causative agents of hand,
      foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), and the development of a safe and effective
      vaccine has been a top priority among CA16 researchers. MATERIAL AND METHODS In
      this study, we developed a Pichia pastoris yeast system for secretory expression
      of the virus-like particles (VLPs) for CA16 by co-expression of the P1 and 3CD
      proteins of CA16. SDS-PAGE, Western blot, and transmission electron microscopy
      (TEM) were performed to identify the formation of VLPs. Immunogenicity and
      vaccine efficacy of the CA16 VLPs were assessed in BABL/c mouse models. RESULTS
      Biochemical and biophysical analysis showed that the yeast-expressed CA16 VLPs
      were composed of VP0, VP1, and VP3 capsid subunit proteins, and present spherical
      particles with a diameter of 30 nm, similar to the parental infectious CA16
      virus. Furthermore, CA16 VLPs elicited potent humoral and cellular immune
      responses, and VLPs-immunized sera conferred efficient protection to neonatal
      mice against lethal CA16 challenge. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that VLPs
      produced in Pichia pastoris represent a safe and effective vaccine strategy for
      CA16.

PMID- 27659055
TI  - Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy for Removal of Unilateral Noninvasive
      Pheochromocytomas in 10 Dogs.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To report the surgical technique and outcome of dogs undergoing
      laparoscopic adrenalectomy for removal of unilateral noninvasive
      pheochromocytoma. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: Dogs with
      unilateral noninvasive adrenal tumors (n=10). METHODS: Medical records of dogs
      that underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy for histologically confirmed
      pheochromocytoma were reviewed. Dogs were positioned in lateral recumbency with
      the table tilted up to create a semi-sternal position. Three or 4 ports were used
      and dissection of the mass proceeded using a combination of laparoscopic
      instrumentation, bipolar vessel-sealing devices, and in some cases monopolar
      electrosurgical probes. Conversion rate, complications, surgical time,
      hospitalization time, and long-term follow-up were recorded. RESULTS: The
      procedure was completed without the need for conversion in 9 of 10 dogs. In 1
      dog, hemorrhage obscured the visual field and conversion to an open approach was
      elected. In 5 cases, a 3-port approach was used, and in 5 cases, a 4th port was
      placed. Median surgical time was 105 minutes (range, 65-250). Intraoperative
      complications included 1 splenic laceration. Postoperatively, 1 dog developed
      gastric dilatation-volvulus. All dogs were discharged from the hospital. Median
      follow-up time was 16.0 months (range, 6.9-38.0). CONCLUSION: With careful case
      selection, laparoscopic adrenalectomy for resection of pheochromocytoma was
      feasible and could be performed efficiently by experienced laparoscopic surgeons.

PMID- 27659053
TI  - Singlet glycine riboswitches bind ligand as well as tandem riboswitches.
AB  - The glycine riboswitch often occurs in a tandem architecture, with two ligand
      binding domains (aptamers) followed by a single expression platform. Based on
      previous observations, we hypothesized that "singlet" versions of the glycine
      riboswitch, which contain only one aptamer domain, are able to bind glycine if
      appropriate structural contacts are maintained. An initial alignment of 17
      putative singlet riboswitches indicated that the single consensus aptamer domain
      is flanked by a conserved peripheral stem-loop structure. These singlets were
      sorted into two subtypes based on whether the active aptamer domain precedes or
      follows the peripheral stem-loop, and an example of each subtype of singlet
      riboswitch was characterized biochemically. The singlets possess glycine-binding
      affinities comparable to those of previously published tandem examples, and the
      conserved peripheral domains form A-minor interactions with the single aptamer
      domain that are necessary for ligand-binding activity. Analysis of sequenced
      genomes identified a significant number of singlet glycine riboswitches. Based on
      these observations, we propose an expanded model for glycine riboswitch gene
      control that includes singlet and tandem architectures.

PMID- 27659056
TI  - Targeting astrocytes in brain injuries: A translational research approach.
AB  - In the brain, the astrocentric view has increasingly changed in the past few
      years. The classical and old view of astrocytes as "just supporting cells" has
      assigned these cells some functions to help neurons maintain their homeostasis.
      This neuronal supportive function of astrocytes includes maintenance of ion and
      extracellular pH equilibrium, neuroendocrine signaling, metabolic support,
      clearance of glutamate and other neurotransmitters, and antioxidant protection.
      However, recent findings have shed some light on the new roles, some
      controversial though, performed by astrocytes that might change our view about
      the central nervous system functioning. Since astrocytes are important for
      neuronal survival, it is a potential approach to favor astrocytic functions in
      order to improve the outcome. Such translational strategies may include the use
      of genetically targeted proteins, and/or pharmacological therapies by
      administering androgens and estrogens, which have shown promising results in
      vitro and in vivo models. It is noteworthy that successful strategies reviewed in
      here shall be extrapolated to human subjects, and this is probably the next step
      we should move on.

PMID- 27659057
TI  - Rheumatoid arthritis patients with fibromyalgic clinical features have
      significantly less synovitis as defined by power Doppler ultrasound.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) clinical measures of
      disease activity may not reliably discriminate between patients with active
      inflammatory disease and those with concomitant fibromyalgia (FM). Recent work
      has shown RA patients with a 28 tender joint count (TJC) minus swollen joint
      count (SJC) of 7 or more (joint count criteria) are more likely to meet
      classification criteria for FM. This study aimed to determine whether RA patients
      meeting clinical criteria for FM had lower levels of joint inflammation as
      determined by ultrasound (US). METHODS: RA patients with DAS28 > 2.6 were
      recruited. Patients underwent clinical assessment including ultrasound
      examination of the hands and wrists with quantification of grey scale (GS) and
      power Doppler (PD) synovitis. Patients completed questionnaires to assess pain,
      fatigue, disability and psychological comorbidity. RESULTS: Patients meeting
      either of the FM criteria had higher scores for disease activity, depression,
      disability and fatigue. Those meeting both the joint count and classification FM
      criteria had significantly lower levels of GS and PD inflammation on US.
      CONCLUSIONS: RA patients with concomitant FM, as determined by widespread soft
      tissue tenderness but fewer clinically inflamed joints, have higher disease
      activity scores but may have lower levels of synovial inflammation on US. This
      has implications for the identification and management of these patients who may
      not respond to conventional therapy and hence be more suitable for alternative
      approaches to treatment.

PMID- 27659058
TI  - Risk of erectile dysfunction associated with use of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors
      for benign prostatic hyperplasia or alopecia: population based studies using the
      Clinical Practice Research Datalink.
AB  - OBJECTIVE:  To estimate the risk of erectile dysfunction in men who used 5-alpha
      reductase inhibitors to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia or alopecia. DESIGN: 
      Cohort studies with nested case-control analyses. SETTING:  UK Clinical Practice
      Research Datalink. POPULATION:  Two populations of men free of risk factors for
      erectile dysfunction and other sexual dysfunction or its treatment: men aged 40
      or more with benign prostatic hyperplasia who received a prescription for a 5
      alpha reductase inhibitor (finasteride or dutasteride) or alpha blocker, or both,
      and men aged 18-59 with alopecia. EXPOSURES:  In the benign prostatic hyperplasia
      study, exposures were classified as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors only, 5-alpha
      reductase inhibitors+alpha blockers, or alpha blockers only. In the alopecia
      study, exposures were finasteride 1 mg or no treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: 
      Cases were men with a diagnosis of erectile dysfunction or treatment (procedure
      or prescription for a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor) during follow-up. We
      calculated incidence rates and adjusted incidence rate ratios with 95% confidence
      intervals. We also conducted nested case-control analyses to control for major
      confounders, and calculated adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals.
      RESULTS:  In the population with benign prostatic hyperplasia (n=71 849), the
      risk of erectile dysfunction was not increased with use of 5-alpha reductase
      inhibitors only (incidence rate ratio 0.92, 95% confidence interval 0.85 to 0.99;
      odds ratio 0.94, 95% confidence interval 0.85 to 1.03) or 5-alpha reductase
      inhibitors+alpha blocker (1.09, 0.99 to 1.21, 0.92; 0.80 to 1.06) compared with
      alpha blockers only, and remained null regardless of number of prescriptions or
      timing of use. The risk of erectile dysfunction increased with longer duration of
      benign prostatic hyperplasia, regardless of exposure. For the alopecia population
      (n=12 346), the risk of erectile dysfunction was not increased for users of
      finasteride 1 mg compared with unexposed men with alopecia (1.03, 0.73 to 1.44;
      0.95, 0.64 to 1.41). CONCLUSION:  5-alpha reductase inhibitors do not seem to
      significantly increase the risk of incident erectile dysfunction, regardless of
      indication for use. Risk of erectile dysfunction increased with longer duration
      of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

PMID- 27659059
TI  - VOC exposures in California early childhood education environments.
AB  - Little information exists about exposures to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in
      early childhood education (ECE) environments. We measured 38 VOCs in single-day
      air samples collected in 2010-2011 from 34 ECE facilities serving California
      children and evaluated potential health risks. We also examined unknown peaks in
      the GC/MS chromatographs for indoor samples and identified 119 of these compounds
      using mass spectral libraries. VOCs found in cleaning and personal care products
      had the highest indoor concentrations (d-limonene and
      decamethylcyclopentasiloxane [D5] medians: 33.1 and 51.4 MUg/m3, respectively).
      If reflective of long-term averages, child exposures to benzene, chloroform,
      ethylbenzene, and naphthalene exceeded age-adjusted "safe harbor levels" based on
      California's Proposition 65 guidelines (10-5 lifetime cancer risk) in 71%, 38%,
      56%, and 97% of facilities, respectively. For VOCs without health benchmarks, we
      used information from toxicological databases and quantitative structure-activity
      relationship models to assess potential health concerns and identified 12 VOCs
      that warrant additional evaluation, including a number of terpenes and fragrance
      compounds. While VOC levels in ECE facilities resemble those in school and home
      environments, mitigation strategies are warranted to reduce exposures. More
      research is needed to identify sources and health risks of many VOCs and to
      support outreach to improve air quality in ECE facilities.

PMID- 27659060
TI  - A novel affinity-based method for the isolation of highly purified extracellular
      vesicles.
AB  - Extracellular vesicles (EVs) such as exosomes and microvesicles serve as
      messengers of intercellular network, allowing exchange of cellular components
      between cells. EVs carry lipids, proteins, and RNAs derived from their producing
      cells, and have potential as biomarkers specific to cell types and even cellular
      states. However, conventional methods (such as ultracentrifugation or polymeric
      precipitation) for isolating EVs have disadvantages regarding purity and
      feasibility. Here, we have developed a novel method for EV purification by using
      Tim4 protein, which specifically binds the phosphatidylserine displayed on the
      surface of EVs. Because the binding is Ca2+-dependent, intact EVs can be easily
      released from Tim4 by adding Ca2+ chelators. Tim4 purification, which we have
      applied to cell conditioned media and biofluids, is capable of yielding EVs of a
      higher purity than those obtained using conventional methods. The lower
      contamination found in Tim4-purified EV preparations allows more EV-specific
      proteins to be detected by mass spectrometry, enabling better characterization
      and quantification of different EV populations' proteomes. Tim4 protein can also
      be used as a powerful tool for quantification of EVs in both ELISA and flow
      cytometry formats. Thus, the affinity of Tim4 for EVs will find abundant
      applications in EV studies.

PMID- 27659061
TI  - A cross-sectional study on the concordance between vaginal HPV DNA detection and
      type-specific antibodies in a multi-ethnic cohort of women from Amsterdam, the
      Netherlands - the HELIUS study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acquisition of genital human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is common
      among the young, sexually active population. Genital HPV infections do not always
      lead to seroconversion. We aimed to assess the association between cervico
      vaginal high risk (hr) HPV DNA and type-specific antibodies in an ethnically
      diverse cohort of young women. METHODS: Women of Dutch, South-Asian Surinamese,
      African Surinamese, Ghanaian, Moroccan and Turkish origin participating in a
      large-scale multi-ethnic population-based cohort (the HELIUS study) provided
      vaginal self-samples and blood samples, and completed a questionnaire regarding
      demographics, lifestyle and sexual health. Vaginal swabs were tested for HPV
      using the highly sensitive SPF10-PCR DEIA/LiPA25 system (version1). Serum samples
      were tested for type-specific L1 antibodies against 7 hrHPV types
      (16,18,31,33,45,52,58) with multiplex serology. We assessed the association
      between vaginal HPV DNA and type-specific seropositivity with logistic and linear
      regression, using generalized estimating equations (GEE). We determined whether
      this association varies by ethnicity by adding an interaction term. RESULTS: We
      selected 532 women who completed the questionnaire, provided a vaginal swab and a
      blood sample. Their median age was 27 years (interquartile range 24-31 years).
      Prevalence of DNA of any of the 7 hrHPV was 22 %; HPV-52 was most common.
      Prevalence of antibodies against one or more hrHPV types was 24 %; HPV-16
      seropositivity was most common. In multivariable logistic regression analysis
      using GEE, adjusting for other determinants, vaginal HPV DNA detection was
      associated with type-specific HPV seropositivity (OR 1.53, 95 % CI 1.06-2.20). In
      multivariable linear regression analysis using GEE, the geometric mean of type
      specific antibody reactivity was 1.15 (95 % CI 1.04-1.27) times higher in women
      positive for HPV DNA compared to HPV DNA-negative women. There was little
      evidence that ethnicity modified the association between HPV DNA, and type
      specific seropositivity, or with antibody reactivities (p = 0.47 and p = 0.57,
      respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In this multi-ethnic group of young women in
      Amsterdam, cervico-vaginal hrHPV DNA detection was an independent determinant of
      type-specific HPV seropositivity.

PMID- 27659063
TI  - An efficient method for generating a germ cell depleted animal model for studies
      related to spermatogonial stem cell transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) transplantation (SSCT) has become
      important for conservation of endangered species, transgenesis and for
      rejuvenating testes which have lost germ cells (Gc) due to gonadotoxic
      chemotherapy or radiotherapy during the prepubertal phase of life. Creating a
      germ cell-depleted animal model for transplantation of normal or gene-transfected
      SSC is a prerequisite for such experimental studies. Traditionally used
      intraperitoneal injections of busulfan to achieve this are associated with
      painful hematopoietic toxicity and affects the wellbeing of the animals. Use of
      testicular busulfan has been reported recently to avoid this but with a very low
      success rate of SSCT. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a more efficient
      method to achieve higher SSCT without any suffering or mortality of the animals.
      METHODS: A solution of busulfan, ranging from 25 MUg/20 MUl to 100 MUg/20 MUl in
      50 % DMSO was used for this study. Each testis received two diagonally opposite
      injections of 10 MUl each. Only DMSO was used as control. Germ cell depletion was
      checked every 15 days. GFP-expressing SSC from transgenic donor mice C57BL/6-Tg
      (UBC-GFP) 30Scha/J were transplanted into busulfan-treated testis. Two months
      after SSCT, mice were analyzed for presence of colonies of donor-derived SSC and
      their ability to generate offspring. RESULTS: A dose of 75 MUg of busulfan
      resulted in reduction of testis size and depletion of the majority of Gc of
      testis in all mice within 15 days post injection without causing mortality or a
      cytotoxic effect in other organs. Two months after SSCT, colonies of donor
      derived Gc-expressing GFP were observed in recipient testes. When cohabitated
      with females, donor-derived offspring were obtained. By our method, 71 % of
      transplanted males sired transgenic progeny as opposed to 5.5 % by previously
      described procedures. About 56 % of progeny born were transgenic by our method as
      opposed to 1.2 % by the previously reported methods. CONCLUSIONS: We have
      established an efficient method of generating a germ cell-depleted animal model
      by using a lower dose of busulfan, injected through two diagonally opposite sites
      in the testis, which allows efficient colonization of transplanted SSC resulting
      in a remarkably higher proportion of donor-derived offspring generation.

PMID- 27659062
TI  - Depth-dependence of visual signals in the human superior colliculus at 9.4 T.
AB  - The superior colliculus (SC) is a layered structure located in the midbrain. We
      exploited the improved spatial resolution and BOLD signal strength available at
      9.4 T to investigate the depth profile of visual BOLD responses in the human SC
      based on distortion-corrected EPI data with a 1 mm isotropic resolution. We used
      high resolution (350 um in-plane) anatomical images to determine regions-of
      interest of the SC and applied a semi-automated method to segment it into
      superficial, intermediate, and deep zones. A greater than linear increase in
      sensitivity of the functional signal at 9.4 T allowed us to detect a
      statistically significant depth pattern in a group analysis with a 20 min
      stimulation paradigm. Descriptive data showed consistent depth profiles also in
      single individuals. The highest signals were localized to the superficial layers
      of the right and left SC during contralateral stimulation, which was in good
      agreement with its functional architecture known from non-human primates. This
      study thus demonstrates the potential of 9.4 T MRI for functional neuroimaging
      even in deeply located, particularly challenging brain structures such as the SC.
      Hum Brain Mapp 38:574-587, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27659064
TI  - Low-oxygen waters limited habitable space for early animals.
AB  - The oceans at the start of the Neoproterozoic Era (1,000-541 million years ago,
      Ma) were dominantly anoxic, but may have become progressively oxygenated,
      coincident with the rise of animal life. However, the control that oxygen exerted
      on the development of early animal ecosystems remains unclear, as previous
      research has focussed on the identification of fully anoxic or oxic conditions,
      rather than intermediate redox levels. Here we report anomalous cerium
      enrichments preserved in carbonate rocks across bathymetric basin transects from
      nine localities of the Nama Group, Namibia (~550-541 Ma). In combination with Fe
      based redox proxies, these data suggest that low-oxygen conditions occurred in a
      narrow zone between well-oxygenated surface waters and fully anoxic deep waters.
      Although abundant in well-oxygenated environments, early skeletal animals did not
      occupy oxygen impoverished regions of the shelf, demonstrating that oxygen
      availability (probably >10 MUM) was a key requirement for the development of
      early animal-based ecosystems.

PMID- 27659065
TI  - Schizophyllum commune has an extensive and functional alternative splicing
      repertoire.
AB  - Recent genome-wide studies have demonstrated that fungi possess the machinery to
      alternatively splice pre-mRNA. However, there has not been a systematic
      categorization of the functional impact of alternative splicing in a fungus. We
      investigate alternative splicing and its functional consequences in the model
      mushroom forming fungus Schizophyllum commune. Alternative splicing was
      demonstrated for 2,285 out of 12,988 expressed genes, resulting in 20% additional
      transcripts. Intron retentions were the most common alternative splicing events,
      accounting for 33% of all splicing events, and 43% of the events in coding
      regions. On the other hand, exon skipping events were rare in coding regions (1%)
      but enriched in UTRs where they accounted for 57% of the events. Specific
      functional groups, including transcription factors, contained alternatively
      spliced genes. Alternatively spliced transcripts were regulated differently
      throughout development in 19% of the 2,285 alternatively spliced genes. Notably,
      69% of alternatively spliced genes have predicted alternative functionality by
      loss or gain of functional domains, or by acquiring alternative subcellular
      locations. S. commune exhibits more alternative splicing than any other studied
      fungus. Taken together, alternative splicing increases the complexity of the S.
      commune proteome considerably and provides it with a rich repertoire of
      alternative functionality that is exploited dynamically.

PMID- 27659066
TI  - A novel animal model for skin flap prelamination with biomaterials.
AB  - Several animal models of skin flap construction were reported using biomaterials
      in a way similar to prefabrication. However, there are few animal model using
      biomaterials similar to prelamination, another main way of clinical skin flap
      construction that has been proved to be reliable. Can biomaterials be added in
      skin flap prelamination to reduce the use of autogenous tissues? Beside
      individual clinical attempts, animal model is needed for randomized controlled
      trial to objectively evaluate the feasibility and further investigation.
      Combining human Acellular Dermal Matrix (hADM) and autologous skin graft, we
      prelaminated flaps based on inguinal fascia. One, two, three and four weeks
      later, hADM exhibited a sound revascularization and host cell infiltration.
      Prelaminated skin flaps were then raised and microsurgically transplanted back to
      groin region. Except for flaps after one week of prelamination, flaps from other
      subgroups successfully reconstructed defects. After six to sixteen weeks of
      transplantation, hADM was proved to being able to maintain its original
      structure, having a wealth of host tissue cells and achieving full
      revascularization.To our knowledge, this is the first animal model of
      prelaminating skin flap with biomaterials. Success of this animal model indicates
      that novel flap prelamination with biomaterials is feasible.

PMID- 27659067
TI  - Whether G-CSF administration has beneficial effect on the outcome after assisted
      reproductive technology? A systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies have explored the effect of granulocyte colony
      stimulating factor (G-CSF) administration on the outcome of assisted reproductive
      technology (ART), and came into controversial conclusions. The present meta
      analysis aims to assess whether G-CSF administration has beneficial effect on the
      outcome after ART. METHOD: The electronic databases Pubmed, Embase and Google
      Scholar were searched up to May 2016. Articles that studied the effect of G-CSF
      administration on the outcome after ART were included in the present meta
      analysis. Odds ratio (OR) with 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI) were calculated
      to assess the effect of G-CSF administration on the outcome after ART. The
      outcomes of interest were implantation rate (IR) and pregnancy rate (PR).
      RESULTS: Four cohort studies with 1101 embryos transplantation assessed the
      effect of G-CSF administration on IR and 6 studies with 621 cycles assessed the
      role of G-CSF administration in PR. Meta-analysis did not found an increased
      embryo IR in G-CSF administration cycles [OR 1.59 (95 % CI 0.74-3.41). whereas
      the PR with G-CSF administration was significantly higher compared with cases
      without G-CSF administration [OR 2.03 (95 % CI 1.19-3.46)]. Additionally, we
      found that G-CSF administrated subcutaneously resulted in significantly higher PR
      [OR 3.12 (95 % CI 1.67-5.81)] and IR [OR 2.82 (95 % CI 1.29-6.15)] compared with
      control group, whereas G-CSF administrated via local uterine infusion had no
      beneficial effect on the PR [OR 1.42 (95 % CI 0.91-2.24)] and IR [OR 1.10 (95 %
      CI 0.76-1.60)] after ART. CONCLUSIONS: G-CSF administration may have beneficial
      effect on clinical pregnancy outcome after ART. Subcutaneous injection may be an
      optimal route of G-CSF administration. Further cohort studies are required to
      explore the mechanisms undergone the effect and investigate the best route and
      dose of G-CSF administration.

PMID- 27659068
TI  - The volleyball athlete's shoulder: biomechanical adaptations and injury
      associations.
AB  - In volleyball, the dominant shoulder of the athlete undergoes biomechanical and
      morphological adaptations; however, definitive conclusions about their exact
      nature, aetiology, purpose and associations with shoulder injury have not been
      reached. We present a systematic review of the existing literature describing
      biomechanical adaptations in the dominant shoulders of volleyball players and
      factors that may predispose to shoulder pain/injury. A thorough literature search
      via Medline, EMBASE and SCOPUS was conducted for original studies of volleyball
      players and 15 eligible articles were identified. Assessment of study quality was
      performed using the STROBE statement. The reviewed literature supports the
      existence of a glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (GIRD) and a possible (and
      less pronounced) external rotation gain in the dominant vs. the non-dominant
      shoulder of volleyball athletes. Unlike other overhead sports, the GIRD in
      volleyball athletes appears to be anatomical as a response to the repetitive
      overhead movements and not to be associated with shoulder pain/injury.
      Additionally, the dominant shoulder exhibits muscular imbalance, which appears to
      be a significant risk factor for shoulder pain. Strengthening of the external
      rotators should be used alongside shoulder stretching and joint mobilisations,
      core strengthening and optimisation of spike technique as part of injury
      management and prevention programmes.

PMID- 27659069
TI  - Methylation of SFRP2 gene as a promising noninvasive biomarker using feces in
      colorectal cancer diagnosis: a systematic meta-analysis.
AB  - Methylation of secreted frizzled-related protein genes (SFRP) associated with the
      Wnt signaling pathway has previously been reported. However, the diagnostic role
      of SFRP methylation in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear. A systematic
      search was performed to identify eligible articles for analysis. The pooled OR
      showed that SFRP1, SFRP2, SFRP4 and SFRP5 methylation was significantly higher in
      CRC and benign mucosal lesions than in normal colonic mucosa. When CRC was
      compared to benign mucosal lesions, SFRP1 and SFRP2 methylation had a
      significantly higher OR, but methylated SFRP4 and SFRP5 had a similar OR.
      Moreover, the pooled sensitivity, specificity and AUC (area under the curve) of
      methylated SFRP2 in feces of patients with CRC vs. healthy subjects was 0.71,
      0.94 and 0.94, respectively. Therefore, methylation of SFRP1 and SFRP2 may be
      significantly correlated with CRC. However, in a study with small sample size,
      methylated SFRP4 and SFRP5 were not shown to be closely associated with CRC.
      Additionally, detection of SFRP2 methylation in feces presents a potential
      noninvasive biomarker for CRC diagnosis.

PMID- 27659070
TI  - Characterization and Comparative Genomic Analyses of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Phage
      PaoP5: New Members Assigned to PAK_P1-like Viruses.
AB  - As a potential alternative to antibiotics, phages can be used to treat multi-drug
      resistant bacteria. As such, the biological characteristics of phages should be
      investigated to utilize them as effective antimicrobial agents. In this study,
      phage PaoP5, a lytic virus that infects Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, was isolated
      and genomically characterized. PaoP5 comprises an icosahedral head with an apex
      diameter of 69 nm and a contractile tail with a length of 120 nm. The PaoP5
      genome is a linear dsDNA molecule containing 93,464 base pairs (bp) with 49.51% G
      + C content of 11 tRNA genes and a 1,200 bp terminal redundancy. A total of 176
      protein-coding genes were predicted in the PaoP5 genome. Nine PaoP5 structural
      proteins were identified. Three hypothetical proteins were determined as
      structural. Comparative genomic analyses revealed that seven new Pseudomonas
      phages, namely, PaoP5, K8, C11, vB_PaeM_C2-10_Ab02, vB_PaeM_C2-10_Ab08,
      vB_PaeM_C2-10_Ab10, and vB_PaeM_C2-10_Ab15, were similar to PAK_P1-like viruses.
      Phylogenetic and pan-genome analyses suggested that the new phages should be
      assigned to PAK_P1-like viruses, which possess approximately 100 core genes and
      150 accessory genes. This work presents a detailed and comparative analysis of
      PaoP5 to enhance our understanding of phage biology.

PMID- 27659072
TI  - The effects of ordered carbon vacancies on stability and thermo-mechanical
      properties of V8C7 compared with VC.
AB  - The ordered non-stoichiometric V8C7 can form in the VCy carbides by the disorder
      order phase transformation. The intrusion of ordered carbon vacancies can affect
      their stability, mechanical, thermal and electronic properties. The relatively
      thermodynamic stability and mechanical properties at high temperature for the
      ordered stoichiometric VC and non-stoichiometric V8C7 are investigated in this
      paper by first-principle calculations combined with the quasi-harmonic
      approximation. The difference between the properties of VC and V8C7 can be
      obtained. We find that the V8C7 is thermodynamic more stable than VC, but has
      weaker elastic heat resistance than VC. Moreover, the minimum thermal
      conductivity of VC is a little larger than V8C7 and a simple way is proposed to
      characterize the anisotropy of lattice thermal conductivity based on the Cahill's
      model.

PMID- 27659071
TI  - Nonvitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant activity: challenges in measurement
      and reversal.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Four nonvitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are approved
      for the prevention of stroke in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and
      for the treatment of venous thromboembolism. These include the direct thrombin
      inhibitor dabigatran and the direct factor Xa inhibitors rivaroxaban, apixaban,
      and edoxaban. Bleeding is a complication for all anticoagulants and concerns
      regarding bleeding risk and the suitability of effective reversal strategies may
      be a barrier to their prescription. Despite the reduced risk of bleeding compared
      with vitamin K antagonists, questions persist regarding the management of
      bleeding related to NOAC use. MAIN TEXT: To date, although a number of assays are
      responsive to NOACs, no single routine laboratory test has been identified to
      accurately measure the clinical anticoagulation state of patients on NOACs or
      established as a reliable predictor of bleeding risk. In addition, the
      establishment of a reliable human bleeding model to test novel inhibitors of the
      coagulation cascade has proved challenging. Although routine monitoring of
      anticoagulant levels is not necessary in patients taking NOACs, anticoagulant
      reversal and a means of measuring reversal may be required for patients who
      present with bleeding or require urgent surgery. Prothrombin complex concentrates
      are pooled plasma products containing varying amounts of inactive vitamin K
      dependent clotting factors in addition to vitamin K-dependent proteins and can
      replenish factors in the intrinsic and extrinsic coagulation cascade, reversing
      an anticoagulant effect. Only one agent, idarucizumab, has been approved for
      rapid reversal of dabigatran-induced anticoagulation and one more agent,
      andexanet alfa, has been submitted for approval to reverse the anticoagulatory
      effects of direct and indirect factor Xa inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS: This review
      discusses the laboratory tests available for assessing anticoagulation, human
      models of bleeding, and the use of current strategies-including prothrombin
      complex concentrates for reversal of anticoagulation by NOACs-to manage bleeding
      in patients.

PMID- 27659073
TI  - Cross-Linkable Hole-Transport Materials Improve the Device Performance of
      Perovskite Light-Emitting Diodes.
AB  - Hybrid organic/inorganic perovskites are promising candidate materials for use in
      photovoltaic applications. More recently, they have also become highly attractive
      as active materials for other optoelectronic devices, including lasers, light
      emitting diodes, and photodetectors. Nevertheless, difficulties in forming
      continuous and uniform films and the existence of a charge-injection barrier
      between the perovskite layer and the electrodes have hindered the development of
      high-performance perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs). In this study, a
      cross-linked hole-transport layer (HTL) is introduced to improve the hole
      injection efficiency of PeLEDs. Furthermore, this layer simultaneously
      facilitates the formation of smooth perovskite layers, presumably because of the
      different surface energies. More interestingly, the HTL also exhibits strong
      solvent effects on the device performance. When the processing solvent for
      fabricating the HTLs is changed from chlorobenzene to N,N-dimethylformamide
      (DMF), the perovskite layer becomes more uniform and continuous, leading to
      better surface coverage and higher device efficiency, presumably because DMF has
      strong affinity toward the perovskite precursors. The approach presented herein
      could become a general method for decreasing the hole-injection barrier of PeLEDs
      and, eventually, lead to higher device performance.

PMID- 27659074
TI  - Cancellous and cortical bone mineral density around an elastic press-fit socket
      in total hip arthroplasty.
AB  - Background and purpose - The acetabular component has remained the weakest link
      in hip arthroplasty for achievement of long-term survival. One of the possible
      explanatory factors for acetabular failure has been acetabular stress shielding.
      For this, we investigated the effects of a cementless elastic socket on
      acetabular bone mineral density (BMD). Patients and methods - During 2008-2009,
      we performed a single-center prospective cohort trial on 25 patients (mean age 64
      (SD 4), 18 females) in whom we implanted a cementless elastic press-fit socket.
      Using quantitative BMD measurements on CT, we determined the change in BMD
      surrounding the acetabular component over a 2-year follow-up period. Results - We
      found a statistically significant decrease in cancellous BMD (-14% to -35%) and a
      stable level of cortical BMD (5% to -5%) surrounding the elastic press-fit cup
      during the follow-up period. The main decrease was seen during the first 6 months
      after implantation. During the second year, cancellous BMD showed a further
      decrease in the medial and lower acetabular regions. Interpretation - We found no
      evidence that an elastic press-fit socket would prevent acetabular stress
      shielding during a 2-year follow-up.

PMID- 27659075
TI  - Effects of the Residues from the Endodontic Sealers on the Longevity of Esthetic
      Restorations.
AB  - The substances used in the root canal treatment, especially sodium hypochlorite
      solution and oxidant agents, can negatively interfere on the bond strength of the
      adhesive systems to dentin and on the dental crowns fracture resistance.(1,2). 

PMID- 27659076
TI  - Prevalence of Candida spp. in Healthy Oral Mucosa Surfaces with Higher Incidence
      of Chronic Hyperplastic Candidosis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Predisposing factors in chronic hyperplastic candidosis (CHC) have
      been poorly recognized. This study aimed at assessing the prevalence of Candida
      spp. in areas of the oral mucosa showing greater prevalent rate of CHC, such as
      the retrocomissural area, the lateral borders of the tongue, and the hard-palate
      mucosa in four groups of individuals presenting predisposing factors as follows:
      Smoking habits (group I); patients with low salivary flow rate (SFR)
      (hyposalivation - group II); patients with loss of vertical dimension of
      occlusion (LVDO -group III); and control subjects (group IV). MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A total of 44 individuals (age 4090 years, mean: 55.8 years) were
      divided into four groups: Group I (11 smokers); group II (10 hyposalivation
      patients); group III (10 LVDO patients); and group IV (control, 13 healthy
      subjects). All individuals were tested for Candida-pseudohyphae form by direct
      examination and for Candida spp. culture growth in samples obtained from the
      retrocomissural, tongue's lateral border, and hard-soft palatal mucosa. RESULTS:
      Direct examination showed a statistically significant prevalence rate for
      pseudohyphae (p < 0.05) on the retrocomissural and on tongue's lateral borders of
      individuals with LVDO. A statistically significant (p < 0.05) culture growth for
      Candida spp. was found on the retrocomissural areas of those with hyposalivation
      and with LVDO, and on the palate mucosa and on the tongue's lateral borders in
      the smokers and in the individuals with LVDO when compared with those of the
      control group. CONCLUSION: While direct examination is effective for detecting
      pseudohyphae, LVDO and tobacco smoking seem to be factors of relevance to the
      development of CHC. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Since CHC has been linked to a high
      rate of malignant transformation, this study analyzes some clinical (and
      exogenous) factors that may contribute to the development of CHC and addresses
      some preventive measures to reduce its incidence.

PMID- 27659078
TI  - Failure Rates of Orthodontic Fixed Lingual Retainers bonded with Two Flowable
      Light-cured Adhesives: A Comparative Prospective Clinical Trial.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This comparative prospective randomized clinical trial examined the
      in vivo failure rates of fixed mandibular and maxillary lingual retainers bonded
      with two light-cured flowable composites over 6 months. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Consecutive patients were divided into two groups on a 1:1 basis. Two hundred
      fixed lingual retainers were included, and their failures were followed for 6
      months. One group (n = 50) received retainers bonded with a nano-hybrid composite
      based on nano-optimized technology (Tetric-N-Flow, Ivoclar Vivadent). Another
      group (n = 50) received retainers bonded with a low viscosity (LV) composite
      (Transbond Supreme LV, 3M Unitek). RESULTS: There was no significant difference
      between the overall failure rates of mandibular retainers bonded with Transbond
      (8%) and those bonded with Tetric-N-Flow (18%). However, the odds ratio for
      failure using Tetric-N-flow was 2.52-fold greater than that of Transbond. The
      failure rate of maxillary retainers bonded with Transbond was higher (14%), but
      not significantly different, than that of maxillary retainers bonded with Tetric
      N-flow (10%). There was no significant difference in the estimated mean survival
      times of the maxillary and mandibular retainers bonded with the two composites.
      CONCLUSION: Both types of composites tested in the current study can be used to
      bond fixed maxillary and mandibular lingual retainers, with low failure rates.

PMID- 27659077
TI  - Cone Beam Computed Tomography-based Evaluation of the Anterior Teeth Position
      Changes obtained by Passive Self-ligating Brackets.
AB  - AIM: The objective of this study was to evaluate the anterior teeth position
      changes obtained by passive self-ligating brackets using cone beam computed
      tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with a mean age of 16.5
      years, class I malocclusion, constricted maxillary arch, and teeth crowding above
      5 mm were enrolled in this study, and treated by passive orthodontic self
      ligating brackets. A sequence of stainless steel thermoset wire was implemented
      with ending wire of 0.019" * 0.025". The CBCT and dental casts were obtained
      prior to the installation of orthodontic appliances (T1), and 30 days after
      rectangular steel wire 0.019" * 0.025" installation (T2). The measurements in
      CBCT were performed with the Anatomage software, and the dental casts were
      evaluated with a digital caliper rule with an accuracy of 0.01 mm. RESULTS: The
      CBCT data demonstrated mean buccal inclination of the upper and lower central
      incisors ranging from 6.55 degrees  to 7.24 degrees  respectively. The upper and
      lower lateral incisors ranged from 4.90 degrees  to 8.72 degrees  respectively.
      The lower canines showed an average increase of 3.88 degrees  in the buccal
      inclination and 1.96 mm in the transverse intercuspal distance. The upper canines
      showed a negative inclination with mean average of -0.36 degrees , and an average
      increase of 0.82 mm in the transverse distance, with negative correlation with
      the initial crowding. CONCLUSION: Treatment with passive self-ligating brackets
      without obtaining spaces increases buccal inclination of the upper and lower
      incisors with no correlation with the amount of initial teeth crowding. The
      intercanine distance tends to a small increase showing different inclinations
      between the arches. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: When taking into account the self
      ligating brackets, the amount of initial dental crowding is not a limitation
      factor that could increase the buccal inclination of the anterior teeth.

PMID- 27659079
TI  - Nano-hydroxyapatite could Compensate the Adverse Effect of soft carbonated Drinks
      on Enamel.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Since one of the most important disadvantages of soft drinks
      includes their adverse effect on mineral content of enamel because of their low
      pH, this study examined the microhardness of enamel before and after exposure to
      a soft drink containing different concentrations of nano-hydroxyapatite (nano-HA)
      as an additive. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty caries free human premolars were
      mounted in epoxy resin. After polishing, the baseline micro-hardness was recorded
      three times for each specimen using a Vickers indenter at 50 gm load.
      Subsequently, the samples were divided into six groups, which were treated for 5
      minutes at 9 degrees C by a cola-based drink contacting 0, 0.5, 1, 5, and 10 wt.%
      of nano-HA while the control group was immersed in artificial saliva. Ultimately,
      the final microhardness was assessed three times again for each specimen.
      RESULTS: Paired t-test showed that in groups containing 0 and 0.5 wt.% of nano
      HA, the microhardness was significantly reduced after treatment protocol (p =
      0.00 and 0.01 respectively). Whereas in the other groups the microhardness was
      not significantly changed after treatment (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Pure cola-based
      drink has a pronounced adverse effect on enamel microhardness, while admixing it
      with nano-HA could act as a protective factor. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Although
      soft beverages are hazardous to tooth structure, some additives could compensate
      their adverse effect.

PMID- 27659080
TI  - Work-related Musculoskeletal Pain among Different Dental Specialists in United
      Arab Emirates.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Dentists are at a very high risk of developing work-related
      musculoskeletal pain. The present study aimed at studying the prevalence of
      musculoskeletal pain among different dental specialists in the United Arab
      Emirates (UAE), and correlating the region of pain with the type of clinical work
      done by the specialists. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A sample of more than 100
      dentists was chosen randomly from different emirates in UAE. An interview
      questionnaire was administered regarding the number of years of experience and
      the presence, region, duration, and type of musculoskeletal pain they
      experienced. RESULTS: Musculoskeletal pain is experienced by 83.3% of
      periodontists, 80% of conservative dentists, 77.8% of endodon-tists, 72.7% of
      orthodontists, 70% of oral surgeons, 63.6% of prosthodontists, 63% of general
      dental practitioners, and 50% of pedodontists. The results have also indicated
      that the region of experienced musculoskeletal pain does vary according to the
      specialty. From those dentists who experience work-related musculoskeletal pain,
      80% of conservative dentists experience pain in neck and shoulders, 66.7% of
      periodontists, and 54.5% of orthodontists experience pain in the lower back
      region. More than 50% of endodontists experience pain in the neck and shoulders
      regions, and 39% of general dental practitioners who experience pain in the neck
      region. CONCLUSION: Preventive measures need to be taken to decrease the risk of
      dentists and dental specialists developing work-related musculoskeletal pain.
      CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The prevalence and distribution of musculoskeletal
      disorders (MSDs) among registered general dental practitioners and dental
      specialists in UAE was not clearly documented. The study results indicated that
      the region that experienced musculoskeletal pain does vary according to the
      specialty.

PMID- 27659081
TI  - Remineralizing Effect of Topical NovaMin and Nano-hydroxyapatite on caries-like
      Lesions in Primary teeth.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: NovaMin is a synthetic mineral compound composed of calcium,
      sodium, phosphorus, and silica. It releases crystalline hydroxyl-carbonate
      apatite (HCA), which structurally resembles the minerals naturally found in the
      teeth. Nano-hydroxyapatite (NHA) is a biocompatible compound with high affinity
      for tooth enamel. NHA particles morphologically resemble dental enamel apatite
      crystals. Considering the efficacy of remineralizing agents and the importance of
      conservative preventive measures, this study aimed to compare the remin-eralizing
      effects of NovaMin and NHA on caries-like lesions in primary teeth. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: This in vitro experimental study was conducted on 30 sound human primary
      anterior teeth with no cracks or fractures. The surface microhardness (SMH) of
      each tooth was measured at baseline using a Vickers microhard-ness tester. The
      teeth were then subjected to remineralization/ demineralization cycles, and
      artificial caries lesions were created in them. The SMH of each tooth was
      measured again and the teeth were then randomly treated with toothpastes
      containing NovaMin or 10% NHA powder for 2 minutes daily for a period of 5 days.
      The SMH of each was again measured afterward. Data were statistically analyzed
      using independent t-tests and Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: The mean SMH was
      found to be higher in the teeth treated with NovaMin toothpaste (422.67
      kgf/mm(2)) than in the teeth treated with NHA (384.2 kgf/mm(2)); However, this
      difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Both NHA and NovaMin
      were effective for reminer-alization of caries-like lesions of primary teeth and
      no significant difference was detected in their efficacy.

PMID- 27659082
TI  - Antibacterial Activity of Leaf Extract of Annona muricata and Simarouba glauca on
      Enterococcus faecalis.
AB  - AIM: To determine the antimicrobial effect of water extracts of leaves of Annona
      muricata and Simarouba glauca on Enterococcus faecalis using agar diffusion
      method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dried leaves of A. muricata and S. glauca were
      powdered and extracted in a soxhlet apparatus. Enterococcus faecalis was grown
      overnight in Trypticase soy agar plates. About 10 MUl of each extract was placed
      on agar plates and incubated overnight. The zone of inhibition was measured after
      24 hours. About 1% sodium hypochlorite and distilled water were used as positive
      and negative controls. RESULTS: The leaf extract of A. muricata showed similar
      effectiveness as that of sodium hypochlorite, whereas the leaf extract of S.
      glauca showed only a slight reduction in growth of E. faecalis. CONCLUSION: Leaf
      extract of A. muricata can be developed as an alternative to sodium hypochlorite
      for root canal irrigants. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Success of endodontic treatment
      depends on complete disinfection of the root canals. Root canal irrigants have a
      major role in complete disinfection of the root canals. Chemical root canal
      irrigants are more or less toxic to the oral environment. In this study,
      naturally derived leaf extracts of A. muricata and S. glauca are compared with
      sodium hypochlorite for its effectiveness against E. faecalis - the most common
      pathogen found in the root canals.

PMID- 27659083
TI  - Assessment of Correlation between Clinical Parameters and Pulp Canal Pathogens in
      Endodontic Pathologies: A Microbiological Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Success and failure of root canal therapy is largely dependent on
      the clinician and the patient. Once the tooth is restored into its functional and
      esthetic place, the root canal therapy is considered to be complete. It is a well
      known fact that root canal space acts as a rich reservoir for microorganisms.
      Past studies show that root canal harbors an array of different microorganisms.
      Streptococcus mitis and Enterococcus faecalis have been found to be the most
      prevalent microorganisms isolated from the infected pulp canal space. Hence, we
      evaluated the association of endodontic signs and symptoms with root canal
      pathogens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 120 patients were selected for the
      study and divided broadly into two groups: Group I containing patients with
      primary infection and group II containing patients in which retreatment was
      required. Both groups contained 60 patients each. Clinical parameters recorded
      for the study are pain, tenderness on percussion, swelling, periapical
      radiolucency on radiographic analysis, caries, sinus formation, and tooth
      mobility. After assessment, opening, and initial filing, sterile paper points
      were inserted into the root canal space for collection of microbiological sample,
      which was further send to laboratory for cultural analysis. All the results were
      analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software.
      Student's t-test and Fisher's exact test were used to evaluate the level of
      significance. RESULTS: While comparing the mean age of the patients in the two
      groups, no significant association was seen. Statistically significant results
      were obtained while comparing the association between pain and S. mitis. Positive
      correlation was seen on comparing the association between tenderness on
      percussion and E. faecalis. Also, a positive association was seen between
      periapical radiolucency and S. mitis. CONCLUSION: Strong positive correlation
      exists between S. mitis and E. faecalis and endodontic signs and symptoms.
      CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Sound knowledge regarding the association of microbes of
      root canal and specific endodontic signs and symptoms could help therapeutic
      management of root canal infections effectively.

PMID- 27659085
TI  - A Comparative Study of the Retentive Strengths of Commercial and Indigenously
      Developed Luting Cements using Both Lathe-cut and Clinically Simulated Specimens.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Superior adhesive strength in luting agents is of paramount
      significance in fixed partial denture success. In this in vitro study five
      cements were tested for retentive qualities, using both lathe-cut and hand
      prepared specimens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 104 freshly extracted tooth
      specimens were prepared. Seventy of them were lathe-cut and 30 specimens were
      hand-prepared to simulate clinical conditions. Five different cements were
      tested, which included a compomer, a composite, a zinc phosphate, and 2 glass
      ionomer luting cements. Of the 5, 2 trial cements were indigenously developed by
      Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST),
      Trivandrum, India - a glass-ionomer cement (Chitra GIC) and a chemical-cure
      composite (Chitra CCC). All cements were compared within each group and between
      groups (lathe-prepared and hand-prepared). RESULTS: GC Fuji 1 (GC America)
      exhibited superior retentive strengths in both lathe-cut and hand-prepared
      specimens, whereas the compomer cement displayed the lowest values when tested.
      In lathe-cut specimens, statistical analysis showed no significant difference
      between GC Fuji 1 and indigenously developed Chitra CCC. CONCLUSION: Both Chitra
      CCC and GC Fuji 1 have comparable strengths in lathe-cut samples, making Chitra
      CCC a potential luting agent. Statistical analysis reveals that all cements,
      except GC Fuji 1, exhibited a significant decrease in strength due to the change
      in design uniformity. The chemical bonding of GC Fuji 1 proves to be quite strong
      irrespective of shape and precision of the tooth crown. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:
      The indigenously developed Chitra GIC and Chitra CCC showed promising results to
      be used as a potential luting agent.

PMID- 27659084
TI  - Impact of Various Irrigating Agents on Root Fracture: An in vitro Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Irrigating solutions are used for cleaning and removing dentinal
      debris, and the other remains from pulpal space during biomechanical preparation.
      Therefore, we evaluated the impact of various irrigating agents on root fracture
      at 5-minute time exposure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We sectioned 60 permanent
      maxillary premolars with fully formed root structures transversely maintaining
      the root length of approximately 14 mm. Five study groups were made comprising
      ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), cetrimide, citric acid, and so on as
      various irrigating agents. A universal force test machine was used to calculate
      the force which was enough to fracture each root. Analysis of variance (ANOVA)
      test was used to access the level of significance. RESULTS: About 10% citric acid
      solution as an irrigating agent showed minimal fracture opposing results, whereas
      10% EDTA solution showed the maximum fracture resistance of root portion.
      CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Selection of suitable EDTA concentration that has minimal
      adverse effect on the mechanical properties of the tooth is very important for
      the successful management of tooth fracture. CONCLUSION: About 10% EDTA provided
      the highest fracture resistance, necessitating the use of irrigating solution in
      root canal therapy (RCT). Further research with higher and different study groups
      is required to search for more efficient irrigating solution to improve the
      outcome of RCT.

PMID- 27659086
TI  - Intricate Assessment and Evaluation of Effect of Bruxism on Long-term Survival
      and Failure of Dental Implants: A Comparative Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Dental implants are one of the common lines of treatment used for
      the treatment of missing tooth. Various risk factors are responsible for the
      failure of the dental implants and occurrence of postoperative complications.
      Bruxism is one such factor responsible for the failure of the dental implants.
      The actual relation between bruxism and dental implants is a subject of long-term
      controversy. Hence, we carried out this retrospective analysis to assess the
      complications occurring in dental implants in patients with and without bruxism.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study included 1100 patients which were
      treated for rehabilitation by dental implant procedure at 21 dental offices of
      Ghaziabad (India) from 2004 to 2014. Analyzing the clinical records of the
      patients along with assessing the photographs of the patients was done for
      confirming the diagnosis of bruxism. Clinical re-evaluation of the patients, who
      came back for follow-up, was done to confirm the diagnosis of bruxism. Systemic
      questionnaires as used by previous workers were used to evaluate the patients
      about the self-conscience of the condition. Estimation of the mechanical
      complications was done only in those cases which occurred on the surfaces of the
      restoration of the dental implants. All the results were analyzed by Statistical
      Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Student's t-test and Pearson's chi
      square test were used to evaluate the level of significance. RESULTS: In both
      bruxer and non-bruxers, maximum number of dental implants was placed in anterior
      maxillary region. Significant difference was obtained while comparing the two
      groups for dimensions of the dental implants used. On comparing the total implant
      failed cases between bruxers and non-bruxers group, statistically significant
      result was obtained. Statistically significant difference was obtained while
      comparing the two study groups based on the health parameters, namely
      hypertension, diabetes, and smoking habit. CONCLUSION: Success of dental implant
      is significantly affected by bruxism. Special attention is required in such
      patients while doing treatment planning. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: For the long-term
      clinical success and survival of dental implants in patients, special emphasis
      should be given on the patient's deleterious oral habits, such as bruxism as in
      long run, they influence the stability of dental implants.

PMID- 27659088
TI  - Improved Visualization and Assessment of Condylar Position in the Glenoid Fossa
      for Different Occlusions: A CBCT Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The position of the condyle in the glenoid fossa plays an important
      role in the stability of occlusion after orthodontic treatment. Cone beam
      computed tomography (CBCT) provides an optimal imaging of the osseous components
      of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and give a full size truly three-dimensional
      (3D) description in real anatomical size. The present study aimed to visualize
      and compare the position of condyle in the glenoid fossa for different occlusions
      by using CBCT Materials and methods: Cone beam computed tomographic images of 45
      subjects, aged 18 to 42 years, were evaluated. Subjects were equally divided into
      three groups according to the A point, nasion, B point (ANB) angle. RESULTS: In
      the sagittal plane, condyle is positioned nonconcen-trically; positioned
      anteriosuperiorly in class I and III occlusions and lies posteriosuperiorly in
      class II occlusion. In the frontal plane, condyle is positioned centrally
      (mediolaterally) in all the three types of occlusions. In the axial plane, the
      parameters showed significant difference between the different occlusions. No
      statistical significant distinction could be made in the position of the condyle
      when comparing the right and left joints. CONCLUSION: The position of condyle in
      glenoid fossa influences sagittal, transverse, and vertical relationships of the
      jaws which eventually contribute to development of various malocclusions.
      Nonconcentricity is the feature of the condyle in the sagittal plane in different
      malocclusions. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: An important consideration in orthodontic
      treatment is the recognition of the importance that the dentition should be in
      harmony with the related musculoskeletal structures. Therefore, the condylar
      position is an important concern in maintaining or restoring temporomandibular
      harmony with the dentition and the position of the condyle in the glenoid fossa
      plays an important role in the stability of occlusion after orthodontic
      treatment.

PMID- 27659087
TI  - Comparative Evaluation of Pediatric Patients with Mental Retardation undergoing
      Dental Treatment under General Anesthesia: A Retrospective Analysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Behavioral management of patients forms one of the foremost
      components of pediatric dental treatment. Some children readily cooperate with
      dental treatment, while others require general anesthesia as a part of treatment
      protocol for carrying out various dental procedures. Hence, we evaluated the
      pediatric patients with and without mental retardation, who underwent dental
      treatment under general anesthesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study
      analyzed the record of 480 pediatric patients reporting in the department of
      pedodontics from 2008 to 2014. Analysis of the records of the patients who
      underwent dental treatment under general anesthesia was done and all the patients
      were divided into two study groups depending upon their mental level. For the
      purpose of evaluation, the patients were also grouped according to their age; 4
      to 7 years, 8 to 12 years, and 13 to 18 years. Measurement of decayed, missing,
      and filled teeth and scores for both deciduous and permanent dentition was done
      before and after the commencement of the dental treatment. Chi-square test and
      independent t-test were used for evaluating the level of significance. RESULTS:
      While comparing the patients in the two groups, maximum number of patients is
      present in the age group of 13 to 18 years. While comparing the indices' score
      between the two study groups in various age intervals, no statistically
      significant results were obtained. Restorative treatment and dental extractions
      were the most common dental treatments that were seen at a higher frequency in
      the intellectual disability study group. CONCLUSION: In patients with mental
      retardation, a higher frequency of restorative treatment and extractions occurs
      as compared to healthy subjects of similar age group. Therefore, they require
      special attention regarding maintenance of their oral health. CLINICAL
      SIGNIFICANCE: Special attention should be given for maintaining the oral health
      of patients with special health care needs as compared to their physically and
      mentally normal counterparts.

PMID- 27659089
TI  - Retrospective Analysis of Different Bracket Systems used in the Treatment of
      Patients with Anterior Crowding: A Longitudinal Comparative Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: New design of brackets have been introduced in the field of
      orthodontics in the recent past, and one of such advancement is the self-ligating
      brackets. These brackets are said to have less friction, with a shorter period of
      treatment. Better patient acceptance and good treatment results are some of the
      other advantages offered by self-ligating brackets. Hence, we comparatively
      evaluated root resorption of anterior teeth by self-ligating and conventional
      preadjusted brackets in cases of severe anterior crowding in class I patients.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was carried out at the department of
      orthodontics in a dental institution and included 140 patients that presented
      with the chief complaint of Angle class I malocclusion with crowding of more than
      6 mm in the anterior tooth region. Two groups were formed with 70 patients in
      each group. In one group self-ligating brackets were used, while in other group
      conventional brackets were used. Malmgren's method was sued for evaluating the
      root resorption score ranging from 0 to 4. All the results were analyzed by the
      Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software. Chi-square test, nonpaired
      t-test, and paired t-test were used to evaluate the level of significance.
      RESULTS: The mean age of the patients in groups I and II was 13.92 and 13.81
      years respectively. While comparing age of the patients and time duration of the
      treatment, no significant results were obtained. While comparing the root
      resorptions at various time intervals in groups I and II patients, significant
      results were obtained. While comparing the root resorptions in between groups I
      and II patients, no statistically significant results were obtained (p-value >
      0.05). CONCLUSION: Statistically similar amount of resorption is seen in patients
      in both the groups either on self-ligating brackets or on conventional
      preadjusted brackets during treatment of Angle class I patients with severe
      anterior crowding. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: In treating anterior crowding patients
      with Angle class I patients, choice of brackets has no effect on the amount of
      root resorption.

PMID- 27659090
TI  - Evaluation of Potential Risk Factors that contribute to Malignant Transformation
      of Oral Lichen Planus: A Literature Review.
AB  - AIM: Many studies have suggested that a lesion originally diagnosed as oral
      lichen planus (OLP) has different possibilities of undergoing malignant
      transformation in time, although these findings remain a controversial issue; for
      example, some studies reported different values of potential malignancy of OLP.
      INTRODUCTION: World Health Organization (WHO) classifies OLP as a "potentially
      malignant disorder" with unspecified malignant transformation risk, and suggests
      that OLP patients should be closely monitored. Numerous studies have attempted to
      confirm the malignant transformation potential of OLP. REVIEW RESULTS: The
      Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, Medline and EMBASE databases, PubMed, Google
      Scholar, Ovid, Up To Date, BMJ Clinical Evidence, MD Consult, and Science Direct
      were searched for papers published between 1997 and 2015. The medical subject
      heading search terms were "lichen planus," "oral lichen planus," "erosive oral
      lichen planus," "dysplasia," "oral precancerous condition," "oral premalignant
      condition," oral cancer, oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), and atrophic lichen
      planus. A total of 120 English language abstracts were reviewed, and 50 relevant
      articles identified. Because of the extensive literature on the association
      between OLP and SCC, we have divided the data into genetic and non-genetic
      factors for more accurate assessment. CONCLUSION: In this evidence base,
      malignant transformation ranges from 0 to 37% with a mean of 4.59%. The highest
      rate of malignancy was noted in erythematosus and erosive lesions. In this way,
      follow-up of OLP patients could be carried out more efficiently and
      appropriately. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Oral lichen planus is a premalignant
      lesion. All types of OLP in any site of oral mucosa must be monitored regularly.

PMID- 27659091
TI  - Trauma due to Self-aggression in Patient with Waardenburg Syndrome associated
      with Congenital Anomalies.
AB  - Waardenburg syndrome (WS) is an inherited autosomal dominant genetic disorder
      presenting variable penetrance and expressivity, with an estimated prevalence of
      1:42,000. Clinical characteristics of WS include lateral displacement of the
      internal eye canthus, hyperplasia of the medial portion of the eyebrows,
      prominent and broad nasal base, congenital deafness, pigmentation of the iris and
      skin, and white forelock. A 24-year-old male patient, previously diagnosed with
      WS, was referred to the Special Needs Dental Clinic of Sacred Heart University,
      Bauru, Brazil. Parents reported that the patient was experiencing self
      mutilation, particularly in the oral region. He presented multiple congenital
      anomalies, including anophthalmia, mental retardation, low-set ears, and leg
      deformities. Clinical oral examination revealed hypodontia, abnormalities in
      dental morphology, extensive dental caries, periodontal disease, and fistulae.
      Extensive scars on the tongue, lips, and hands caused by self-mutilation were
      also observed. In accordance with his family and neurologist, full-mouth
      extraction under general anesthesia was performed, especially considering his
      severe self-aggressive behavior and the necessity to be fed with soft-food diet
      due to his inability to chew. After the surgical procedure, a significant
      reduction in the patient's irritability and gain of weight were reported in the
      follow-ups of 30, 60, and 180 days. 

PMID- 27659092
TI  - A Solitary Phlebolith in the Buccal Mucosa: Report of a Rare Entity and
      Clinicopathologic Correlation.
AB  - Pathological conditions can give rise to calcifications within oral mucosa
      representing either a local or systemic disturbance. Inflammation, trauma, debris
      acting as nidus and vascular lesions have been attributed as principal causes for
      occurrence of calcifications within the oral mucosa. Occurrence of multiple
      calcified thrombi (phleboliths) is considered pathognomonic for hemangiomas and
      vascular malformations in the oral and maxillofacial region. Isolated occurrence
      of phlebolith in oral mucosa though very rare, especially without any underlying
      vascular lesions, can be diagnostically challenging. Either a traumatic
      association at that site or a hemangioma of childhood that has regressed once the
      individual became an adult are the possible explanations suggested for the
      occurrence of these unique solitary phleboliths. Histologically, an "onion-ring"
      like concentric lamellar fibrosis around a central core with varying amounts of
      calcifications and presence of minute vascular channels within or around
      calcified lamellae is characteristic for phlebolith. There is a high propensity
      for misdiagnosing solitary phlebolith located in sites like the buccal mucosa
      where various other pathologic soft-tissue calcifications, such as sialoliths,
      calcified lymph nodes, traumatic myositis ossificans, etc. can occur and they too
      appear radiopaque in radiographs. Besides, the absence of any associated
      underlying vascular lesion adds to the mispercep-tion. In such cases,
      histopathological examination with routine hematoxylin and eosin staining alone
      may not be sufficient to determine the accurate diagnosis. Allied clinical
      history and immunohistochemistry can aid to arrive at the final diagnosis. We
      report such a case of nonvascular lesion-associated solitary phlebolith in the
      right buccal mucosa of a healthy 49-year-old male patient and discuss its
      differential diagnosis with emphasis on histological presentation. 

PMID- 27659093
TI  - Smelling Sulfur: Copper and Silver Regulate the Response of Human Odorant
      Receptor OR2T11 to Low-Molecular-Weight Thiols.
AB  - Mammalian survival depends on ultrasensitive olfactory detection of volatile
      sulfur compounds, since these compounds can signal the presence of rancid food,
      O2 depleted atmospheres, and predators (through carnivore excretions). Skunks
      exploit this sensitivity with their noxious spray. In commerce, natural and
      liquefied gases are odorized with t-BuSH and EtSH, respectively, as warnings. The
      100-million-fold difference in olfactory perception between structurally similar
      EtSH and EtOH has long puzzled those studying olfaction. Mammals detect thiols
      and other odorants using odorant receptors (ORs), members of the family of seven
      transmembrane G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Understanding the regulator
      cofactors and response of ORs is particularly challenging due to the lack of X
      ray structural models. Here, we combine computational modeling and site-directed
      mutagenesis with saturation transfer difference (STD) NMR spectroscopy and
      measurements of the receptor response profiles. We find that human thiol receptor
      OR2T11 responds specifically to gas odorants t-BuSH and EtSH requiring ionic
      copper for its robust activation and that this role of copper is mimicked by
      ionic and nanoparticulate silver. While copper is both an essential nutrient for
      life and, in excess, a hallmark of various pathologies and neurodegenerative
      diseases, its involvement in human olfaction has not been previously
      demonstrated. When screened against a series of alcohols, thiols, sulfides, and
      metal-coordinating ligands, OR2T11 responds with enhancement by copper to the
      mouse semiochemical CH3SCH2SH and derivatives, to four-membered cyclic sulfide
      thietane and to one- to four-carbon straight- and branched-chain and five-carbon
      branched-chain thiols but not to longer chain thiols, suggesting compact receptor
      dimensions. Alcohols are unreactive.

PMID- 27659094
TI  - Technical aspects of transurethral plasmakinetic enucleation and resection of the
      prostate for benign prostatic hyperplasia.
AB  - : TUERP, which is based on TURP, technically has been proven to be safe and
      effective with reduced complication rates. Due to the lack of systematic pre
      clinical training, the surgery is learnt only inside the operative theatre in the
      majority of the Chinese medical centers. It is also known to have a steep
      learning curve, and very few articles have addressed the technical aspects of
      TUERP. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The videos of 91 cases of bipolar transurethral
      enucleation and resection of the prostate, which were performed by one urological
      surgeon in our department from August 2013 to January 2016, were retrospectively
      analyzed. With an extensive review of the literature and based on the summary of
      our experience, detailed techniques and tips for TUERP are described. RESULTS:
      The procedure is initiated from the enucleation of mid-lobe and progressed in a
      retrograde mode with the guide of the capsular plane. Along with the experience
      accumulated, the capability of landmark identifying and the surgical skills were
      improved. CONCLUSION: A steep operative learning curve may be the main obstacle
      to the widespread use of TUERP. Accurate identification and orientation of the
      landmark with good understanding of the three-dimensional structure of the
      prostatic fossa and the detailed technical issues of enucleating along the right
      capsule plane will be helpful for beginners to overcome the learning curve and
      gain confidence with this procedure and for experienced surgeons to further
      improve their surgical technique.

PMID- 27659096
TI  - Behavioral patterns, parity rate and natural infection analysis in anopheline
      species involved in the transmission of malaria in the northeastern Brazilian
      Amazon region.
AB  - The characterization of behavioral patterns allows a better understanding of the
      transmission dynamics and the design of more effective malaria vector control
      strategies. This study analyzed the behavioral patterns of the Anopheles species
      of the Coracao district situated in the northeast of the Brazilian Amazon region.
      The behavioral patterns of the anopheline species were measured based on the 36
      collection sites of this district from December 2010 to November 2011.
      Collections of four hours for three consecutive nights each month and four 12-h
      collections, comprising two in the rainy season and two in the dry season, were
      performed. Furthermore, to infer the anthropophily and zoophily indexes, four
      additional four-hour collections were performed. The samples were also evaluated
      for parity rate and natural infectivity for Plasmodium spp. A total of 1689
      anophelines were captured, comprising of nine species and two subgenera
      (Nyssorhynchus - six species, and Anopheles - three species). Anopheles darlingi
      was the most abundant and widely distributed species in the area, followed by A.
      braziliensis and A.marajoara. Anopheles darlingi and A. marajoara were the only
      species present in the four collections of 12-h, but only A. darlingi showed
      activity throughout night. Anopheles darlingi was the most anthropophilic species
      (AI=0.40), but the zoophily index was higher (ZI=0.60), revealing an eclectic and
      opportunistic behavior. Of the six most frequent species, A. nuneztovari s.l. was
      the most zoophilic species (ZI=1.00). All captured species showed predominance
      towards biting in outdoor environments. Anopheles darlingi and A. braziliensis
      showed multimodal biting peaks, whereas A. marajoara revealed a stable pattern,
      with the biting peak after sunset. Using the PCR technique, no anopheline was
      found infected with the malaria parasite. Since A. darlingi and A. marajoara are
      recognized as important vectors in this region, the district of Coracao may be
      considered as a highly potent area for transmission of malaria, therefore, the
      prevention and surveillance measures should be taken constantly to prevent the
      same. The role of A. braziliensis as malaria vector needs to be urgently
      investigated.

PMID- 27659095
TI  - The influence of natural factors on the spatio-temporal distribution of
      Oncomelania hupensis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We analyzed the influence of natural factors, such as temperature,
      rainfall, vegetation and hydrology, on the spatio-temporal distribution of
      Oncomelania hupensis and explored the leading factors influencing these
      parameters. The results will provide reference methods and theoretical a basis
      for the schistosomiasis control. METHODS: GIS (Geographic Information System)
      spatial display and analysis were used to describe the spatio-temporal
      distribution of Oncomelania hupensis in the study area (Dongting Lake in Hunan
      Province) from 2004 to 2011. Correlation analysis was used to detect the natural
      factors associated with the spatio-temporal distribution of O. hupensis. Spatial
      regression analysis was used to quantitatively analyze the effects of related
      natural factors on the spatio-temporal distribution of snails and explore the
      dominant factors influencing this parameter. RESULTS: (1) Overall, the spatio
      temporal distribution of O. hupensis was governed by the comprehensive effects of
      natural factors. In the study area, the average density of living snails showed a
      downward trend, with the exception of a slight rebound in 2009. The density of
      living snails showed significant spatial clustering, and the degree of
      aggregation was initially weak but enhanced later. Regions with high snail
      density and towns with an HH distribution pattern were mostly distributed in the
      plain areas in the northwestern and inlet and outlet of the lake. (2) There were
      space-time differences in the influence of natural factors on the spatio-temporal
      distribution of O. hupensis. Temporally, the comprehensive influence of natural
      factors on snail distribution increased first and then decreased. Natural factors
      played an important role in snail distribution in 2005, 2006, 2010 and 2011.
      Spatially, it decreased from the northeast to the southwest. Snail distributions
      in more than 20 towns located along the Yuanshui River and on the west side of
      the Lishui River were less affected by natural factors, whereas relatively larger
      in areas around the outlet of the lake (Chenglingji) were more affected. (3) The
      effects of natural factors on the spatio-temporal distribution of O. hupensis
      were spatio-temporally heterogeneous. Rainfall, land surface temperature, NDVI,
      and distance from water sources all played an important role in the spatio
      temporal distribution of O. hupensis. In addition, due to the effects of the
      local geographical environment, the direction of the influences the average
      annual rainfall, land surface temperature, and NDVI had on the spatio-temporal
      distribution of O. hupensis were all spatio-temporally heterogeneous, and both
      the distance from water sources and the history of snail distribution always had
      positive effects on the distribution O. hupensis, but the direction of the
      influence was spatio-temporally heterogeneous. (4) Of all the natural factors,
      the leading factors influencing the spatio-temporal distribution of O. hupensis
      were rainfall and vegetation (NDVI), and the primary factor alternated between
      these two. The leading role of rainfall decreased year by year, while that of
      vegetation (NDVI) increased from 2004 to 2011. CONCLUSIONS: The spatio-temporal
      distribution of O. hupensis was significantly influenced by natural factors, and
      the influences were heterogeneous across space and time. Additionally, the
      variation in the spatial-temporal distribution of O. hupensis was mainly affected
      by rainfall and vegetation.

PMID- 27659098
TI  - Prevalence of Elevated Lp(a) Mass Levels and Patient Thresholds in 532 359
      Patients in the United States.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a causal, independent risk factor
      for cardiovascular disease and aortic stenosis. We aimed to define the prevalence
      and patient thresholds of elevated Lp(a) levels in the United States. APPROACH
      AND RESULTS: We analyzed Lp(a) levels in 532 359 subjects from 2 data sets: (1)
      in 531 144 subjects from a referral laboratory and (2) in 915 patients from a
      tertiary referral center. Lp(a) mass levels were measured by immunoturbidometric
      assays in both centers and expressed as mg/dL. At the referral laboratory, the
      median age (interquartile range) of the subjects was 57.0 (46-67) years, and
      51.9% were female. Lp(a) levels were skewed rightward as expected. The mean+/-SD
      levels were 34.0+/-40.0 mg/dL, and median (interquartile range) levels were 17 (7
      47) mg/dL, with range 0 to 907 mg/dL. Lp(a) levels at 75%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 99%,
      and 99.9% percentiles were >47, >60, >90, >116, >180, and >245 mg/dL,
      respectively. At the referral laboratory, Lp(a) levels >30 and >50 mg/dL were
      present in 35.0% and 24.0% of subjects, respectively, and at the tertiary
      referral center, 39.5% and 29.2%, respectively. Females had higher mean (SD)
      (37.0 [42.7] versus 30.7 [36.7]; P<0.0001) and median (interquartile range) (19
      [8-53] versus 15 [7-42]; P<0.0001) Lp(a) than males. CONCLUSIONS: This is the
      largest database to assess the distribution of Lp(a) and is derived from patients
      as opposed to general populations. Lp(a) levels >30 and >50 mg/dL were fairly
      common, particularly in a tertiary care setting. These data may inform consensus
      documents, guidelines, and therapeutic cutoffs for Lp(a)-mediated cardiovascular
      risk.

PMID- 27659099
TI  - Aortic Elastic Properties in Preschool Children Born Preterm.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Preterm birth predisposes children to the development of
      cardiovascular diseases in adulthood. The aim of this study was to characterize
      elastic properties of the aorta at preschool age and test the hypothesis that
      prematurity is associated with decreased aortic distensibility and increased
      stiffness, both of which are predictors of increased cardiovascular risk.
      APPROACH AND RESULTS: In an observational study of 76 five- to seven-year-old
      children born at a gestational age <32 weeks and 79 term-born controls, elastic
      parameters of the ascending and descending abdominal aorta were determined
      noninvasively by means of M mode echocardiographic tracings and calculated using
      computerized wall contour analysis. Compared with children born at term, the
      preterm group showed significantly reduced distensibility and increased stiffness
      of the descending abdominal aorta. These results remained significant under
      multivariable adjustment for birth weight z score, maternal smoking in pregnancy,
      maternal education, family history of cardiovascular disease, breastfeeding,
      childhood nutrition, and current body mass index z score (multivariable odds
      ratios and 95% confidence intervals 5.1, 1.7-15.9; P=0.005 and 2.8, 1.0-7.9;
      P=0.046, respectively). Further adjustment for intravenous lipid therapy
      attenuated the strength of association. Elastic properties of the ascending aorta
      did not differ between the 2 study groups. CONCLUSIONS: Children born preterm are
      characterized by decreased elastic properties of the descending abdominal aorta
      potentially attributable to impaired viscoelastic properties of and lipid damage
      to the aorta. Clinical follow-up of preterm infants with a focus on aortic
      elastic properties may be useful for tailoring early prevention programs and
      counteracting cardiovascular risk in adulthood.

PMID- 27659097
TI  - Pharmacological Targeting of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 Decreases Vascular
      Smooth Muscle Cell Migration and Neointima Formation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), a serine protease inhibitor
      that promotes and inhibits cell migration, plays a complex and important role in
      adverse vascular remodeling. Little is known about the effects of pharmacological
      PAI-1 inhibitors, an emerging drug class, on migration of vascular smooth muscle
      cells (SMCs) and endothelial cells (ECs), crucial mediators of vascular
      remodeling. We investigated the effects of PAI-039 (tiplaxtinin), a specific PAI
      1 inhibitor, on SMC and EC migration in vitro and vascular remodeling in vivo.
      APPROACH AND RESULTS: PAI-039 inhibited SMC migration through collagen gels,
      including those supplemented with vitronectin and other extracellular matrix
      proteins, but did not inhibit migration of PAI-1-deficient SMCs, suggesting that
      its antimigratory effects were PAI-1-specific and physiologically relevant.
      However, PAI-039 did not inhibit EC migration. PAI-039 inhibited phosphorylation
      and nuclear translocation of signal transducers and activators of transcription-1
      in SMCs, but had no discernable effect on signal transducer and activator of
      transcription-1 signaling in ECs. Expression of low-density lipoprotein receptor
      related protein 1, a motogenic PAI-1 receptor that activates Janus kinase/signal
      transducers and activators of transcription-1 signaling, was markedly lower in
      ECs than in SMCs. Notably, PAI-039 significantly inhibited intimal hyperplasia
      and inflammation in murine models of adverse vascular remodeling, but did not
      adversely affect re-endothelialization after endothelium-denuding mechanical
      vascular injury. CONCLUSIONS: PAI-039 inhibits SMC migration and intimal
      hyperplasia, while having no inhibitory effect on ECs, which seems to be because
      of differences in PAI-1-dependent low-density lipoprotein receptor-related
      protein 1/Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription-1
      signaling between SMCs and ECs. These findings suggest that PAI-1 may be an
      important therapeutic target in obstructive vascular diseases characterized by
      neointimal hyperplasia.

PMID- 27659100
TI  - Cesarean section: the pediatricians' views.
AB  - Cesarean sections (CS) have greatly increased and many reasons are often evoked.
      Safer anesthetics and surgical procedures have rendered CS a popular choice for
      both professionals and mothers alike. CS on maternal request, for nonmedical
      reasons, is the subject of scientific, legal and ethical dispute. We shall
      address the CS issues, primarily, from the pediatrician's point of view. The
      immediate neonatal problems of the more mature neonate are well recognized. For
      preterm birth, contradictory results on mid- and long-term outcomes do not
      confirm the earlier reports on neonatal advantages of CS over vaginal delivery;
      therefore, their mode of delivery should be based on individual circumstances.
      The intestinal flora of neonates delivered by CS is often deprived of the normal
      colonization by maternal vulvovaginal and rectal flora. Whether this adverse
      microbiome will play a role in the late development of multiple morbidities in
      children and adults is an interesting possibility open to consideration. The
      consequences of unnecessary CS demands a reflection for all the involved parties
      and the decision to perform a CS shall, then, be based on the net clinical
      benefit to all: the mother, the child and the future adult.

PMID- 27659101
TI  - Beta-blocker therapy for long QT syndrome and catecholaminergic polymorphic
      ventricular tachycardia: Are all beta-blockers equivalent?

PMID- 27659103
TI  - Serum uric acid levels and the risk of flares among gout patients in a US managed
      care setting.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Serum uric acid (sUA) levels are causally associated with the risk of
      gout flares. Our aim was to assess the magnitude of the association and time to
      first flare among patients in a managed care setting. RESEARCH DESIGN AND
      METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using administrative claims
      data from a large US health plan. Patients were required to have evidence of gout
      based on medical and pharmacy claims between January 2009 and April 2012. The 12
      months prior to the index gout claim were used to assess baseline sUA levels;
      risk of gout flares, stratified by baseline sUA levels, was examined for 2 years
      post-index. Risk of flare was modeled with Cox proportional hazards; time to
      first flare was assessed by Kaplan-Meier. RESULTS: We identified 18,008 patients
      with gout and available baseline SUA levels (mg/dL). The hazard ratios for the
      risk of gout flares compared with sUA <5.0 were: 1.17 for sUA 5.0 to <6.0; 1.69
      for sUA 6.0 to <7.0; 2.16 for sUA 7.0 to <8.0; 2.87 for sUA 8.0 to <9.0; and 3.85
      for sUA >=9.0 (all p < .001 except for sUA 5.0 to <6.0 cohort). The time to first
      flare was shorter for cohorts with higher baseline sUA levels. CONCLUSION: These
      findings confirm that higher sUA levels are associated with an increased risk of
      gout flares in a dose-response manner over 2 years. This data supports the need
      to treat to sUA target levels as recommended by recent gout care guidelines.
      Claims-based algorithms were used to identify gout flares; although this would
      not be expected to influence estimates of risk by sUA level, there may have been
      over- or under-estimation of the incidence of flares.

PMID- 27659104
TI  - Spontaneous rupture of a liver hemangioma. A case report.
AB  - Spontaneous rupture of a liver hemangioma is a very uncommon disease, but
      extremely seriousness because it is associated to a 75% of mortality caused by
      hipovolemic shock. A case of an spontaneous rupture of liver hemangioma, which
      was previously unknow, is presented. 

PMID- 27659102
TI  - Short time effect of a self-referral to inpatient treatment for patients with
      severe mental disorders: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Service user participation is a central principle in mental
      healthcare, and the opportunity to self-refer to inpatient treatment is used to
      increase service user involvement and activation. The aim of this study was to
      investigate the short-term effect of a self-referral system in an inpatient
      rehabilitation unit at a community mental health center on patient activation and
      recovery in individuals with severe mental disorders. METHODS: A randomized
      controlled study including 53 patients (41 % females, mean age 40 years). Twenty
      six patients in the intervention group were given a contract for self-referral to
      inpatient treatment, limited to maximum 5 days and a quarantine time of 14 days
      between each stay. The control group (27 participants) received treatment as
      usual, and was offered the intervention after 1 year. The Patient Activation
      Measure was the primary outcome and secondary outcome was the Recovery Assessment
      Scale. Mixed models were used to assess group differences. RESULTS: During the 4
      months period, 15 (58 %) of 26 participants in the intervention group used the
      contract of self-referral to inpatient treatment. The intervention group had more
      admissions than the control group but both groups had a similar total use of
      inpatient days and out-patient consultations. The self-referral to inpatient
      treatment counted for 11 % of all inpatient days for the intervention group.
      There were no significant differences in the outcome between the groups on
      patient activation (estimated mean difference 2.7, 95 % confidence interval = 
      5.5 to 10.8, p = 0.52) or recovery (estimated mean difference 0.01, 95 %
      confidence interval = -0.3 to 0.3, p = 0.92). CONCLUSIONS: Giving persons with
      severe mental disorders the possibility to self-refer to inpatient treatment did
      not change their level of patient activation and recovery after 4 months and did
      not lead to increased use of health services. The cost-effectiveness and long
      term effect of self-referral to inpatient treatment should be investigated
      further. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01133587 , clinicaltrials.gov.

PMID- 27659105
TI  - Small bowel mesenchymal tumors: description of two unusual cases.
AB  - We present two cases of intestinal ileal GIST who developed complications of
      nonspecific signs and required to be operated urgently, providing unusual images
      of tumors because of its characteristics. 

PMID- 27659106
TI  - A rare presentation of gallstones: Bouveret's syndrome, a case report.
AB  - CT images and endoscopic findings in a case of Bouveret's syndrome. 

PMID- 27659108
TI  - Inflammation at the blood-brain barrier: The role of liver X receptors.
AB  - The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is indispensable for the maintenance of brain
      homeostasis and proper neuronal functioning. Dysfunction of the BBB significantly
      contributes to the pathogenesis of neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative
      diseases like stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS), and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The
      neuroinflammatory environment that characterizes these disorders propagates
      chronic impaired function of the BBB, processes that will be discussed in this
      review. Limiting dysfunction of the BBB may be an attractive target for treatment
      of neurological disorders. To date, no current treatments are directly targeting
      the function of the BBB. In this review, we will specifically discuss the
      potential protective role of nuclear liver X receptors (LXRs) as a promising
      therapeutic target to reverse or prevent BBB impairment in neurological diseases.

PMID- 27659109
TI  - Impaired bidirectional NMDA receptor dependent synaptic plasticity in the dentate
      gyrus of adult female Fmr1 heterozygous knockout mice.
AB  - Fragile-X syndrome (FXS) is caused by the transcriptional repression of the Fmr1
      gene resulting in loss of the Fragile-X mental retardation protein (FMRP). This
      leads to cognitive impairment in both male and female patients, however few
      studies have focused on the impact of FXS in females. Significant cognitive
      impairment has been reported in approximately 35% of women who exhibit a
      heterozygous Fmr1 gene mutation, however to date there is a paucity of
      information regarding the mechanistic underpinnings of these deficits. We, and
      others, have recently reported that there is significant impairment in N-methyl-d
      aspartate receptor (NMDAR)-dependent long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term
      depression (LTD) in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) of male Fmr1 knock out
      mice. Here we examined if female mice displaying a heterozygous loss of the Fmr1
      gene (Fmr1+/-) would exhibit similar impairments in DG-dependent spatial memory
      processing and NMDAR hypofunction. We found that Female Fmr1+/- mice did not show
      impaired metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR)-LTD in the CA1 region, and could
      perform well on a temporal ordering task that is thought to involve this brain
      region. In contrast, female Fmr1+/- mice showed impairments in a pattern
      separation task thought to involve the DG, and also displayed a significant
      impairment in both NMDAR-dependent LTD and LTP in this region. The LTP impairment
      could be rescued by administering the NMDAR co-agonist, glycine. Our data
      suggests that NMDAR hypofunction in the DG may partly contribute to learning and
      memory impairment in female Fmr1+/- mice. Targeting NMDAR-dependent mechanisms
      may offer hope as a new therapeutic approach for treating female FXS patients
      with learning and memory impairments.

PMID- 27659107
TI  - Regulation of therapeutic hypothermia on inflammatory cytokines, microglia
      polarization, migration and functional recovery after ischemic stroke in mice.
AB  - Stroke is a leading threat to human life and health in the US and around the
      globe, while very few effective treatments are available for stroke patients.
      Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that therapeutic hypothermia (TH) is
      a potential treatment for stroke. Using novel neurotensin receptor 1 (NTR1)
      agonists, we have demonstrated pharmacologically induced hypothermia and
      protective effects against brain damages after ischemic stroke, hemorrhage
      stroke, and traumatic brain injury (TBI) in rodent models. To further
      characterize the mechanism of TH-induced brain protection, we examined the effect
      of TH (at +/-33 degrees C for 6h) induced by the NTR1 agonist HPI-201 or physical
      (ice/cold air) cooling on inflammatory responses after ischemic stroke in mice
      and oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) in cortical neuronal cultures. Seven days
      after focal cortical ischemia, microglia activation in the penumbra reached a
      peak level, which was significantly attenuated by TH treatments commenced 30min
      after stroke. The TH treatment decreased the expression of M1 type reactive
      factors including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1beta (IL
      1beta), IL-12, IL-23, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) measured by RT
      PCR and Western blot analyses. Meanwhile, TH treatments increased the expression
      of M2 type reactive factors including IL-10, Fizz1, Ym1, and arginase-1. In the
      ischemic brain and in cortical neuronal/BV2 microglia cultures subjected to OGD,
      TH attenuated the expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and
      macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha (MIP-1alpha), two key chemokines in the
      regulation of microglia activation and infiltration. Consistently, physical
      cooling during OGD significantly decreased microglia migration 16h after OGD.
      Finally, TH improved functional recovery at 1, 3, and 7days after stroke. This
      study reveals the first evidence for hypothermia mediated regulation on
      inflammatory factor expression, microglia polarization, migration and indicates
      that the anti-inflammatory effect is an important mechanism underlying the brain
      protective effects of a TH therapy.

PMID- 27659111
TI  - Selected GRIN2A mutations in melanoma cause oncogenic effects that can be
      modulated by extracellular glutamate.
AB  - GRIN2A mutations are frequent in melanoma tumours but their role in disease is
      not well understood. GRIN2A encodes a modulatory subunit of the N-methyl-d
      aspartate receptor (NMDAR). We hypothesized that certain GRIN2A mutations
      increase NMDAR function and support melanoma growth through oncogenic effects.
      This hypothesis was tested using 19 low-passage melanoma cell lines, four of
      which carried novel missense mutations in GRIN2A that we previously reported. We
      examined NMDAR expression, function of a calcium ion (Ca2+) channel and its
      contribution to cell growth using pharmacological modulators; findings were
      correlated with the presence or absence of GRIN2A mutations. We found that NMDAR
      expression was low in all melanoma cell lines, independent of GRIN2A mutations.
      In keeping with this, NMDAR-mediated Ca2+ influx and its contribution to cell
      proliferation were weak in most cell lines. However, certain GRIN2A mutations and
      culture media with lower glutamate levels enhanced NMDAR effects on cell growth
      and invasion. The main finding was that G762E was associated with higher
      glutamate-mediated Ca2+ influx and stronger NMDAR contribution to cell
      proliferation, compared with wild-type GRIN2A and other GRIN2A mutations. The pro
      invasive phenotype of mutated cell lines was increased in culture medium
      containing less glutamate, implying environmental modulation of mutation effects.
      In conclusion, NMDAR ion channel function is low in cultured melanoma cells but
      supports cell proliferation and invasion. Selected GRIN2A mutations, such as
      G762E, are associated with oncogenic consequences that can be modulated by
      extracellular glutamate. Primary cultures may be better suited to determine the
      role of the NMDAR in melanoma in vivo.

PMID- 27659112
TI  - Bibliometric assessment of scientific production of literature of West Nile
      Virus.

PMID- 27659113
TI  - Assessment of picture archiving and communication system (PACS) at three of
      ministry of health hospitals in Riyadh region - Content analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Picture archiving and communication system (PACS) are management
      information systems used for distributing, viewing and archiving digital images
      by integrating different types of modalities through communication networks. PACS
      have many advantages that can lead to improving health care quality. PACS has
      been widely used in hospitals in Saudi Arabia for the past 10 years. However, an
      extensive review of literature in the field of PACS, among physicians and
      radiologists in Saudi Arabia, showed lack of local studies of this costly and
      newly implemented technology. Therefore, this assessment is very important to
      provide an insightful study of PACS in Saudi Arabia to provide proper
      recommendations for the PACS projects implementation nationwide. OBJECTIVES: The
      objectives of this study are to, firstly, assess the perceived benefits of PACS
      among physicians and radiologists specifically in quality of care, secondly,
      assess the perceived challenges of PACS implementation and adoption inside and
      outside the radiology department, and thirdly, to compare between physicians' and
      radiologists' perceptions toward PACS. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive
      study at three of Ministry of Health (MOH) Hospitals in the Riyadh region, Saudi
      Arabia. The researchers used two separate surveys questionnaires, for
      administration to the physicians and radiologists at the three hospitals. Apart
      from the questionnaire, included is feedback as responses to open-ended
      questions. Content analysis was used to analyze the feedback under two themes:
      benefits or challenges. RESULTS: The response rate was 46% (84/183) physicians
      and 88% (15/17) radiologists have participated in this study. The result showed
      that 70% physicians' views affirms that PACS improved physicians' efficiency. On
      the other hand, all radiologists who responded affirmed that PACS improved
      efficiency. For questions on the ability to make decisions, 69% of views have
      affirmed that PACS improved physician's abilities to make decisions regarding
      patient care. Using PACS has led to a reduction in patients' length of stay in
      hospital (LOS) question, 79% of total views were positive. In contrast, only 18%
      of physicians talked about PACS positively in summary views and 82% talked about
      the challenges of PACS whereas 20% of radiologists talked about PACS positively.
      CONCLUSIONS: The results in the present study conclude that PACS was well
      perceived due to its numerous benefits among physicians and radiologists.
      However, radiologists showed more focus on the benefits of PACS than physicians.
      The main disadvantages are that PACS has resulted in difficulty in finding
      images, recurrent downtime and insufficient training.

PMID- 27659110
TI  - Acute hyperglycemia suppresses left ventricular diastolic function and inhibits
      autophagic flux in mice under prohypertrophic stimulation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Left ventricular (LV) dysfunction is closely associated with LV
      hypertrophy or diabetes, as well as insufficient autophagic flux. Acute or
      chronic hyperglycemia is a prognostic factor for patients with myocardial
      infarction. However, the effect of acute hyperglycemia on LV dysfunction of the
      hypertrophic heart and the mechanisms involved are still unclear. This study
      aimed to confirm our hypothesis that either acute or chronic hyperglycemia
      suppresses LV diastolic function and autophagic flux. METHODS: The transverse
      aortic constriction (TAC) model and streptozocin-induced type 1 diabetic mellitus
      mice were used. LV function was evaluated with a Millar catheter. Autophagic
      levels and autophagic flux in the whole heart and cultured neonatal rat
      cardiomyocytes in response to hyperglycemia were examined by using western
      blotting of LC3B-II and P62. We also examined the effect of an autophagic
      inhibitor on LC3B-II and P62 protein expression and LC3 puncta. RESULTS: In mice
      with TAC, we detected diastolic dysfunction as early as 30 min after TAC. This
      dysfunction was indicated by a greater LV end-diastolic pressure and the
      exponential time constant of LV relaxation, as well as a smaller maximum
      descending rate of LV pressure in comparison with sham group. Similar results
      were also obtained in mice with TAC for 2 weeks, in addition to increased insulin
      resistance. Acute hyperglycemic stress suppressed diastolic function in mice with
      myocardial hypertrophy, as evaluated by invasive LV hemodynamic monitoring. Mice
      with chronic hyperglycemia induced by streptozocin showed myocardial fibrosis and
      diastolic dysfunction. In high glucose-treated cardiomyocytes and streptozocin
      treated mice, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1alpha
      was downregulated, while P62 was upregulated. Autophagic flux was also
      significantly inhibited in response to high glucose exposure in angiotensin-II
      treated cardiomyocytes. CONCLUSIONS: Acute hyperglycemia suppresses diastolic
      function, damages mitochondrial energy signaling, and inhibits autophagic flux in
      prohypertrophic factor-stimulated cardiomyocytes.

PMID- 27659114
TI  - Vaccination adherence: Review and proposed model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prevalence of childhood vaccine-preventable diseases can be
      significantly reduced through adherence to confirmed vaccination schedules.
      However, many barriers to vaccination compliance exist, including a lack of
      awareness regarding the importance of vaccines, missing due dates, and fear of
      complications from vaccinations. The aim of this study is to review the existing
      tools and publications regarding vaccination adherence, and to propose a design
      for a vaccination adherence application (app) for smartphones. METHODS: Android
      and iOS apps designed for vaccination reminders have been reviewed to examine six
      elements: educational factor; customizing features; reminder tools; peer
      education facilitations; feedback, and the language of apps' interface and
      content. The literature from PubMed has been reviewed for studies addressing
      reminder systems or tools including apps. RESULTS: The study has revealed
      insufficient (n=6) technology-based interventions for increasing childhood
      vaccination rates by reminding parents in comparison to the fast growth in
      technology, out of which are two publications discussed mobile apps. Ten apps
      have been found in apps stores; only one out of them was designed for the Saudi
      vaccination schedule in Arabic language with some weaknesses. The study proposed
      a design for a vaccination reminder app that includes a number of features in
      order to overcome the limitations discussed in the studied reminders, apps, and
      systems. The design supports the Arabic language and the Saudi vaccination
      schedule; parental education including peer education; a variety of reminder
      methods, and the capability to track vaccinations and refer to the app as a
      personal health record. CONCLUSION: The study discussed a design for a
      vaccination reminder app that satisfies the specific requirements for better
      compliance to children's immunization schedules based on reviewing the existing
      apps and publications. The proposed design includes element to educate parents
      and answer their concerns about vaccines. It involves their peers and can
      encourage the exchange of experiences and overcome vaccine fears. In addition, it
      could form a convenient child personal health record.

PMID- 27659115
TI  - The influence of system quality characteristics on health care providers'
      performance: Empirical evidence from Malaysia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Ministry of Health Malaysia initiated the total hospital
      information system (THIS) as the first national electronic health record system
      for use in selected public hospitals across the country. Since its implementation
      15 years ago, there has been the critical requirement for a systematic evaluation
      to assess its effectiveness in coping with the current system, task complexity,
      and rapid technological changes. The study aims to assess system quality factors
      to predict the performance of electronic health in a single public hospital in
      Malaysia. METHODS: Non-probability sampling was employed for data collection
      among selected providers in a single hospital for two months. Data cleaning and
      bias checking were performed before final analysis in partial least squares
      structural equation modeling. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Convergent and
      discriminant validity assessments were satisfied the required criterions in the
      reflective measurement model. The structural model output revealed that the
      proposed adequate infrastructure, system interoperability, security control, and
      system compatibility were the significant predictors, where system compatibility
      became the most critical characteristic to influence an individual health care
      provider's performance. The previous DeLone and McLean information system success
      models should be extended to incorporate these technological factors in the
      medical system research domain to examine the effectiveness of modern electronic
      health record systems. In this study, care providers' performance was expected
      when the system usage fits with patients' needs that eventually increased their
      productivity.

PMID- 27659116
TI  - Neurofeedback Training Effects on Inhibitory Brain Activation in ADHD: A Matter
      of Learning?
AB  - Neurofeedback training (NF) is a promising non-pharmacological treatment for ADHD
      that has been associated with improvement of attention-deficit/hyperactivity
      disorder (ADHD)-related symptoms as well as changes in electrophysiological
      measures. However, the functional localization of neural changes following NF
      compared to an active control condition, and of successful learning during
      training (considered to be the critical mechanism for improvement), remains
      largely unstudied. Children with ADHD (N=16, mean age: 11.81, SD: 1.47) were
      randomly assigned to either slow cortical potential (SCP, n=8) based NF or
      biofeedback control training (electromyogram feedback, n=8) and performed a
      combined Flanker/NoGo task pre- and post-training. Effects of NF, compared to the
      active control, and of learning in transfer trials (approximating successful
      transfer to everyday life) were examined with respect to clinical outcome and
      functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) changes during inhibitory control.
      After 20 sessions of training, children in the NF group presented reduced ADHD
      symptoms and increased activation in areas associated with inhibitory control
      compared to baseline. Subjects who were successful learners (n=9) also showed
      increased activation in an extensive inhibitory network irrespective of the type
      of training. Activation increased in an extensive inhibitory network following NF
      training, and following successful learning through NF and control biofeedback.
      Although this study was only powered to detect large effects and clearly requires
      replication in larger samples, the results suggest a crucial role for learning
      effects in biofeedback trainings.

PMID- 27659117
TI  - Structural connectivity within neural ganglia: A default small-world network.
AB  - Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) provides a unique contrast based on the restricted
      directionality of water movement in an anisotropic environment. As such, DTI
      based tractography can be used to characterize and quantify the structural
      connectivity within neural tissue. Here, DTI-based connectivity within isolated
      abdominal ganglia of Aplysia californica (ABG) is analyzed using network theory.
      In addition to quantifying the regional physical proprieties of the fractional
      anisotropy and apparent diffusion coefficient, DTI tractography was used to probe
      inner-connections of local communities, yielding unweighted, undirected graphs
      that represent community structures. Local and global efficiency, characteristic
      path lengths and clustering analysis are performed on both experimental and
      simulated data. The relevant intensity by which these specific nodes communicate
      is probed through weighted clustering coefficient measurements. Both small
      worldness and novel small-world metrics were used as tools to verify the small
      world properties for the experimental results. The aim of this manuscript is to
      categorize the properties exhibited by structural networks in a model neural
      tissue to derive unique mean field information that quantitatively describe
      macroscopic connectivity. For ABG, findings demonstrate a default structural
      network with preferential specific small-world properties when compared to
      simulated lattice and random networks that are equivalent in order and degree.

PMID- 27659119
TI  - Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic and Anti-ulcerogenic Activities of Novel bis
      thiadiazoles, bis-thiazoles and bis-formazanes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Indane-1,3-dione, thiazole, bis-thiazole and thiadiazoles rings are
      very interested moieties in anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs. OBJECTIVE: The
      goal of this work is to synthesize new derivatives of bis-thiazoles and bis-1,3,4
      thiadiazoles for the investigation of their anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcerogenic
      and analgesic activities. METHODS: 1,1'-(1,2-phenylene)bis(3-phenylthiourea) (1)
      reacts with a number of N-aryl arenecarbohydrazonoyl chlorides 2 to give a series
      of new bis-1,3,4-thiadiazoles 4. Also, reaction of bisthiosemicarbazone of 1,3
      indanedione 6 with another type of hydrazonoyl halides namely, N-aryl-2-
      oxapropanehydrazonoyl chlorides 7 and ethyl-(N-arylhydrazono)chloroacetate 8 in
      dioxane under reflux in the presence of triethylamine give the respective bis
      thiazole derivatives 9 and 10, respectively. The products 9 and 10 can exist in
      five and seven tautomeric forms for each one. Their actual tautomeric forms were
      deduced based on electronic absorption data (UV / Vis spectra). Moreover, a
      series of novel bis-formazans 12 and 13 have been synthesized by reaction of 1,3
      dihydrazono-2,3- dihydro-1H-indene (11) with both hydrazonoyl chlorides 7 and 8.
      RESULTS: The structure of all the novel products was deduced by elemental
      analysis and spectral data. In addition, the biological activity of the newly
      synthesized compounds was evaluated and the results obtained indicate their
      potency as anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcerogenic and analgesic agents. CONCLUSION:
      In this context, we synthesize new derivatives of bis-thiazoles and bis-1,3,4
      thiadiazoles as anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcerogenic and analgesic agents.

PMID- 27659118
TI  - When the Brain Takes 'BOLD' Steps: Real-Time fMRI Neurofeedback Can Further
      Enhance the Ability to Gradually Self-regulate Regional Brain Activation.
AB  - Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) based on real-time functional magnetic resonance
      imaging (rtfMRI) are currently explored in the context of developing alternative
      (motor-independent) communication and control means for the severely disabled. In
      such BCI systems, the user encodes a particular intention (e.g., an answer to a
      question or an intended action) by evoking specific mental activity resulting in
      a distinct brain state that can be decoded from fMRI activation. One goal in this
      context is to increase the degrees of freedom in encoding different intentions,
      i.e., to allow the BCI user to choose from as many options as possible. Recently,
      the ability to voluntarily modulate spatial and/or temporal blood oxygenation
      level-dependent (BOLD)-signal features has been explored implementing different
      mental tasks and/or different encoding time intervals, respectively. Our two
      session fMRI feasibility study systematically investigated for the first time the
      possibility of using magnitudinal BOLD-signal features for intention encoding.
      Particularly, in our novel paradigm, participants (n=10) were asked to
      alternately self-regulate their regional brain-activation level to 30%, 60% or
      90% of their maximal capacity by applying a selected activation strategy (i.e.,
      performing a mental task, e.g., inner speech) and modulation strategies (e.g.,
      using different speech rates) suggested by the experimenters. In a second step,
      we tested the hypothesis that the additional availability of feedback information
      on the current BOLD-signal level within a region of interest improves the gradual
      self regulation performance. Therefore, participants were provided with
      neurofeedback in one of the two fMRI sessions. Our results show that the majority
      of the participants were able to gradually self-regulate regional brain
      activation to at least two different target levels even in the absence of
      neurofeedback. When provided with continuous feedback on their current BOLD
      signal level, most participants further enhanced their gradual self-regulation
      ability. Our findings were observed across a wide variety of mental tasks and
      across clinical MR field strengths (i.e., at 1.5T and 3T), indicating that these
      findings are robust and can be generalized across mental tasks and scanner types.
      The suggested novel parametric activation paradigm enriches the spectrum of
      current rtfMRI-neurofeedback and BCI methodology and has considerable potential
      for fundamental and clinical neuroscience applications.

PMID- 27659120
TI  - In vivo emergence of rifampicin resistance by rpoB mutation in Listeria
      monocytogenes during therapy of prosthetic joint infection.

PMID- 27659121
TI  - Institute of Medicine Measures of Social and Behavioral Determinants of Health: A
      Feasibility Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Social and behavioral factors are known to affect health but are
      not routinely assessed in medical practice. To date, no studies have assessed a
      parsimonious panel of measures of social and behavioral determinants of health
      (SBDs). This study evaluated the panel of SBD measures recommended by the
      Institute of Medicine and examined the effect of question order. METHODS: Adults,
      aged >=18 years, were recruited using ResearchMatch.org for this randomized,
      parallel design study conducted in 2015 (data analyzed in 2015-2016). Three
      versions of the SBD measures, sharing the same items but in different orders of
      presentation (Versions 1-3), were developed. Randomized to six groups,
      participants completed each version at least 1 week apart (Weeks 1-3). Version
      order was counterbalanced across each administration and randomization was
      stratified by gender, race, and age. Main outcomes were effect of question order,
      completion time, and non-response rates. RESULTS: Of 781 participants, 624 (80%)
      completed the Week 1 questionnaire; median completion time for answering all SBD
      questions was 5 minutes, 583/624 participants answered all items, and no
      statistically significant differences associated with question order were
      observed when comparing responses across all versions. No significant differences
      in responses within assignment groups over time were found, with the exception of
      the stress measure for Group 5 (p=0.036). CONCLUSION: Question order did not
      significantly impact participant responses. Time to complete the questionnaire
      was brief, and non-response rate was low. Findings support the feasibility of
      using the Institute of Medicine-recommended questionnaire to capture SBDs.

PMID- 27659122
TI  - Challenges in Assessing Mobile Health App Quality: A Systematic Review of
      Prevalent and Innovative Methods.
AB  - CONTEXT: Mobile apps are poised to become a major source of health guidance;
      however, concerns about their quality and safety remain. Governments, clinicians,
      and health researchers are struggling to determine how to adequately evaluate the
      content and function of mobile health apps to guide consumers toward apps that
      will effectively and safely support their health. Researchers are both adapting
      existing research methods, such as those for systematic reviews, and exploring
      novel methods toward this aim. The purpose of this systematic review was to
      describe prevalent and emerging methods for searching, data extraction, and
      analysis in the context of mobile health apps and commercial app stores. EVIDENCE
      ACQUISITION: A systematic search was conducted on April 6, 2016, according to
      Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines,
      for published studies that evaluated health-related apps targeted at consumers in
      a commercial app store, and a descriptive content analysis of their methods was
      performed. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Although the majority of studies self-identified
      as "reviews" or "systematic reviews," their claims to have performed an
      exhaustive, replicable, and systematic search and data extraction are
      unsupported, given the nature of commercial app stores' search engines and
      personalized app content. Currently, studies of health-related app content are
      largely descriptive, and most use surrogate and one-dimensional outcome measures
      for app content quality. CONCLUSIONS: This field is rapidly developing, and
      innovative methods for systematic searches, multidimensional quality assessment,
      and contextualizing content assessment are emerging. Areas for future
      methodologic development are highlighted, including expanding definitions of app
      "content" and assessing risk of bias.

PMID- 27659123
TI  - States' Influences on Medicaid Investments to Address Patients' Social Needs.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Relationships between socioeconomic adversity and poor health have
      been well documented. Given these associations, Medicaid MCOs (MMCOs) have shown
      increasing interest in addressing social determinants of health (SDH) to improve
      health and decrease healthcare costs. The authors sought to better understand how
      contractual relationships with State Medicaid Agencies influence MMCO investments
      in addressing members' SDH. METHODS: In 52 semi-structured key informant
      interviews, MMCO executives representing 17 geographically diverse MMCOs ranging
      in size, commercial status, and state participation in Medicaid expansion were
      asked to describe existing state and other influences on MMCO SDH-related
      activities. The authors followed an established iterative coding, thematic
      development, and interpretation process to analyze all interview transcripts. All
      data were collected and analyzed between November 2014 and November 2015.
      RESULTS: Informants highlighted both general and state-specific regulations that
      limit MMCOs from incorporating SDH-oriented solutions into care delivery,
      including regulations governing claimable expenses, rate determination, and
      enrollment eligibility. MMCO leaders also made recommendations to State Medicaid
      Agencies to help overcome perceived barriers. CONCLUSIONS: MMCO experiences
      should inform new strategies to sustainably implement SDH innovations. An initial
      promise of managed care was that an MMCO that improves member health through cost
      efficient innovations would benefit financially. The views expressed in these
      interviews challenge this framework's suitability for promoting SDH innovations,
      as many SDH-promoting services may instead translate into financial losses for
      MMCOs, even as they produce positive impacts on members' health.

PMID- 27659124
TI  - Talking to the neighbours: The molecular and physiological mechanisms of
      clustered synaptic plasticity.
AB  - Synaptic connectivity forms the basis for neuronal communication and the storage
      of information. Experiences and learning of new abilities can drive remodelling
      of this connectivity and promotes the formation of spine clusters; dendritic
      segments with a higher spine density. Spines located within these segments are
      frequently co-activated, undergo different dynamics than synapses located outside
      of this dendritic compartment and have, in general, a longer lifetime. Several
      lines of evidence have shown that chemical synapses located close to each other
      share or compete for intracellular signalling molecules and structural resources.
      This sharing and competition directly influences spine dynamics. Spines can grow,
      shrink, increase or decrease the surface expression of receptors, channels and
      adhesion molecules or remain stable and unchanged over extended periods of time.
      Here we summarize recent discoveries and provide a closer look at spine
      clustering, dendritic segment-specific signalling and potential molecular
      mechanisms underlying associative and heterosynaptic plasticity.

PMID- 27659125
TI  - The potential for animal models to provide insight into mild traumatic brain
      injury: Translational challenges and strategies.
AB  - Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a common health problem. There is
      tremendous variability and heterogeneity in human mTBI, including mechanisms of
      injury, biomechanical forces, injury severity, spatial and temporal
      pathophysiology, genetic factors, pre-injury vulnerability and resilience
      factors, and clinical outcomes. Animal models greatly reduce this variability and
      heterogeneity, and provide a means to study mTBI in a rigorous, controlled, and
      efficient manner. Rodent models, in particular, are time- and cost-efficient, and
      they allow researchers to measure morphological, cellular, molecular, and
      behavioral variables in a single study. However, inter-species differences in
      anatomy, morphology, metabolism, neurobiology, and lifespan create translational
      challenges. Although the term "mild" TBI is used often in the pre-clinical
      literature, clearly defined criteria for mild, moderate, and severe TBI in animal
      models have not been agreed upon. In this review, we introduce current issues
      facing the mTBI field, summarize the available research methodologies and
      previous studies in mTBI animal models, and discuss how a translational research
      approach may be useful in advancing our understanding and management of mTBI.

PMID- 27659127
TI  - Fibroblast growth factor 23 actions in inflammation: a key factor in CKD
      outcomes.
AB  - During chronic kidney disease (CKD), bone mineral metabolism is disturbed owing
      in part to the endogenous hormone fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). Elevated
      FGF23 levels are seen in CKD patients. Current research has demonstrated that
      FGF23 directly modulates the immune response and host defense to bacterial
      infections. FGF23 also impairs the activation and recruitment of neutrophils,
      which are the main immune effector cells required for host defense against
      bacterial infections. In addition, while FGF23 levels reduce leukocyte
      recruitment and functions, inflammatory conditions may also-in a reverse fashion
      contribute to elevated FGF23 levels in the circulation. In this context, altered
      hypoxia inducible factor 1alpha signaling and iron metabolism may contribute to
      intact FGF23 (iFGF23) production. This review examines evidence on the role of
      FGF23 in inflammation, immune cell function and recruitment as well as the
      regulation of FGF23 during inflammation and the clinical implications of this
      process for the immune system in individuals with CKD. Clinical observations and
      laboratory investigations indicate an important role of FGF23 in directly
      modulating leukocyte activation and recruitment behavior with consequences on
      host defense against bacterial infections. This novel observation may in part
      explain the increased infectious risk among patients with CKD. However, studies
      of FGF23 neutralization also revealed increased mortality after sustained
      administration over several weeks in rats. Thus, therapeutic interventions
      targeting FGF23 must be carefully evaluated.

PMID- 27659126
TI  - Effect of high-protein meals during hemodialysis combined with lanthanum
      carbonate in hypoalbuminemic dialysis patients: findings from the FrEDI
      randomized controlled trial.
AB  - Background: Inadequate protein intake and hypoalbuminemia, indicators of protein
      energy wasting, are among the strongest mortality predictors in hemodialysis
      patients. Hemodialysis patients are frequently counseled on dietary phosphorus
      restriction, which may inadvertently lead to decreased protein intake. We
      hypothesized that, in hypoalbuminemic hemodialysis patients, provision of high
      protein meals during hemodialysis combined with a potent phosphorus binder
      increases serum albumin without raising phosphorus levels. Methods: We conducted
      a randomized controlled trial in 110 adults undergoing thrice-weekly hemodialysis
      with serum albumin <4.0 g/dL recruited between July 2010 and October 2011 from
      eight Southern California dialysis units. Patients were randomly assigned to
      receive high-protein (50-55 g) meals during dialysis, providing 400-500 mg
      phosphorus, combined with lanthanum carbonate versus low-protein (<1 g) meals
      during dialysis, providing <20 mg phosphorus. Prescribed nonlanthanum phosphorus
      binders were continued over an 8-week period. The primary composite outcome was a
      rise in serum albumin of >=0.2 g/dL while maintaining phosphorus between 3.5-<5.5
      mg/dL. Secondary outcomes included achievement of the primary outcome's
      individual endpoints and changes in mineral and bone disease and inflammatory
      markers. Results: Among 106 participants who satisfied the trial entrance
      criteria, 27% ( n = 15) and 12% ( n = 6) of patients in the high-protein versus
      low-protein hemodialysis meal groups, respectively, achieved the primary outcome
      (intention-to-treat P-value = 0.045). A lower proportion of patients in the high
      protein versus low-protein intake groups experienced a meaningful rise in
      interleukin-6 levels: 9% versus 31%, respectively (P = 0.009). No serious adverse
      events were observed. Conclusion: In hypoalbuminemic hemodialysis patients, high
      protein meals during dialysis combined with lanthanum carbonate are safe and
      increase serum albumin while controlling phosphorus.

PMID- 27659128
TI  - CKD to ESRD transition: does assessment of kidney function matter?

PMID- 27659129
TI  - Rare subtype(s) and frequency of multi-viral subtype high-risk human papilloma
      virus infection in high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion and squamous cell
      carcinoma in a cervical carcinoma prevalent developing country: a multiplex real
      time polymerase chain reaction-based pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bangladesh, with a population of 160 million and nearly half being
      women, has the 4th highest rate of cervical carcinoma deaths in the world. It is
      projected that ~500,000 of these women would die of this entirely preventable
      cancer by 2030. HPV vaccination is not widely offered in Bangladesh. This pilot
      study is designed to find out the prevalence of rare and multi-viral high-risk
      HPV (hrHPV) subtype(s) infection which may help strategize a large scale
      vaccination program in tackling cervical carcinoma in the country. METHODS: Forty
      cases of cervical High-Grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) and Squamous
      cell carcinoma (SqCa) were collected. DNA was extracted from tissue representing
      HSIL and SqCa and multiplex PCR was run to identify all 15 hrHPV subtypes along
      with known positive controls. RESULTS: Of the total, 27 cases were biopsies/cones
      and 13 were hysterectomies including 5 HSIL and 35 SqCa. Infection caused by rare
      subtypes, hrHPV 45 and 52, were found in only two cases. Multi-subtype infection,
      detected in 28 % cases, was limited to HPV16/18 in all cases but one; one case
      showed hrHPV16/52 combination. CONCLUSION: A remarkable homogeneity of hrHPV 16
      infection is noted in women with HSIL & SqCa in this country in these limited
      samples. This finding is in sharp contrast to the reports from western countries
      of frequent multi-viral and rare subtype hrHPV infection. This pilot study
      suggests that a vaccination program may be highly effective in controlling
      cervical cancer there. A larger study, however, is required to ratify the
      findings.

PMID- 27659130
TI  - Systematic review of renal carcinoma prognostic factors.
AB  - CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVES: The natural history of renal cell carcinoma is
      heterogeneous. Some scenarios can be found in terms of clinical presentation,
      clinical evolution or type of recurrence (local/metastatic). The aim of this
      publication is to analyze the most important prognostic factors published in the
      literature. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A literature review ob published papers was
      performed using the Pubmed, from first Motzer's classification published in 1999
      to 2015, according to PRISMA declaration. Search was done using the following
      keywords: kidney neoplasm, kidney cancer, renal cell carcinoma, prognostic
      factors, mortality, survival and disease progression. Papers were classified
      according to level of evidence, the number of patients included and the type of
      study performed. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The evolution in the knowledge of molecular
      pathways related to renal oncogenesis and the new targeted therapies has left to
      remain obsolete the old prognostic models. It's necessary to perform a continuous
      review to actualize nomograms and to adapt them to the new scenarios.
      CONCLUSIONS: Is necessary to perform a proper external validation of existing
      prognostic factors using prospective and multicentric studies to add them into
      the daily urologist clinical practice.

PMID- 27659131
TI  - Heavy Metal Concentration in Periwinkle - Tympanotomus fuscatus in Iko River
      Estuary, Nigeria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Heavy metals are intrinsic, natural constituents of our environment
      and are generally present in small amounts in natural aquatic environments.
      Humans may be contaminated by organic and inorganic pollutants associated with
      aquatic systems by consumption of contaminated aquatic foods from the
      environment. Relevant patents relating to heavy metal concentration in aquatic
      molluscs were reviewed. Gastropods; a promising bio-indicator and bio-monitoring
      subject, abound in brackish ecosystems in the Niger Delta, and are easily
      available for collection. Iko River Estuary, in Niger Delta zone, is one of the
      popular coastal areas of Nigeria where massive oil exploitation, exploration,
      production and refining processes take place. METHODS: The concentration of five
      heavy metals; Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg) and Zinc (Zn) in
      the tissues of periwinkle; Typanotonus fuscatus, a gastropod bought from fishers
      fishing along the coast of Iko River Estuary was determined using UNICAM Solar
      Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer 969 model for five months. RESULTS: The
      results showed that Cd ranged from 68.83-130.5mg/kg with a mean value of 104.47+/
      23.85mg/kg, Cu ranged from 34.9-73.62mg/kg with a mean value of 57.70+/
      17.19mg/kg, Pb ranged between 54.27-102.54mg/kg with a mean value of 85.03+/
      18.52mg/kg, Mercury ranged from 0.01-1.84mg/kg with a mean value of 0.41+/
      0.80mg/kg and Zn ranged from 270.2-508.16mg/kg with a mean of 384.99+/
      103.99mg/kg. The sequence of heavy metal concentration in the tissue of
      periwinkle was; Zn ? Cd ? Pb ? Cu ? Hg while the sequence of non-essential metals
      was Cd ? Pb ? Hg. CONCLUSION: Except for Mercury, the mean concentration of the
      metals was above the maximum permissible limits recommended by relevant bodies
      and organizations. Hence, there is need for regular monitoring of heavy metal
      concentrations in this water body and the aquatic organism inhabitants because of
      the long term effects.

PMID- 27659132
TI  - Local Anaesthetic Effect of Methanolic Leaves Extract of Lannea schimperi
      (Hoschst. Ex Rich) Eng.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Local anaesthetics provide relief from pain when applied locally to
      nerve tissue by blocking conduction of sensory nerve impulse from the receptor to
      the brain cortex. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at evaluating local anaesthetic
      activity of the methanolic leaves extract of Lannea schimperi. METHODS: Six
      groups of five animals were used; groups I-IV were used for intracutaneous wheal
      test in guinea pigs for infiltration anaesthesia, while group V and VI were used
      for guinea pig corneal reflex method of surface anaesthesia. RESULTS: The result
      indicated a significant ( 0.05) dose dependent local anaesthetic activity of the
      methanolic leaves extract of Lannea schimperi with faster onset and longer
      duration of action at 24 mg/ml than at 12 mg/ml of the extract. Additions of 5
      MUg of adrenaline into the 24 mg/ml preparation also prolonged the duration of
      local anaesthetic activity of the extract. The extract at 24 mg/ml significantly
      (0.05) inhibited corneal reflex, lidocaine was used as a standard drug in
      positive control group, while normal saline was used as negative control in all
      the treated groups. CONCLUSION: The patent data therefore revealed that the
      methanolic leaves extract Lannea schimperi possess local anaesthetic principles
      that may require further scientific elucidation.

PMID- 27659133
TI  - [Adapting the diet due to health reasons: Nursing intervention in patients with
      renal lithiasis].
AB  - The urolithiasis, with a high incidence nowadays, including formations caused by
      gallstone of uric acid, has a high correlation to our lifestyles and dietary
      habits. Through a clinic case, it is intended to review the main nursing actions
      that may occur with this pathology. To achieve this, the data collected on
      physical examination and nursing assessment on the model of Virginia Henderson,
      while the full care plan is developed. The results show the need to establish a
      standardized healthy education intervention, related to a low-pruine healthy diet
      for people that suffer this disease. The amount of complications and problems
      associated with recidivism of hospital accommodation because of the ignorance of
      gallstone cases increase the risk of reducing the quality of life of the
      patients.

PMID- 27659134
TI  - High incidence and persistence of airborne allergen sensitization up to age 19
      years.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Longitudinal population-based studies about the natural history of
      allergic sensitization are rare. The aim was to study incidence and persistence
      of airborne allergen sensitization up to young adulthood and risk factors for
      early and late onset of sensitization. METHODS: All children aged 7-8 years in
      two municipalities in Northern Sweden were invited to a parental questionnaire
      and skin prick tests (SPTs) to ten airborne allergens, and 2148 (88%)
      participated. The protocol was repeated at age 11-12 and 19 years, and 1516
      participated in all three examinations. RESULTS: Prevalence of any positive SPT
      increased from 20.6% at age 7-8 years to 30.6% at 11-12 years, and 42.1% at 19
      years. Animals were the primary sensitizers at age 7-8 years, 16.3%, followed by
      pollen, 12.4%. Mite and mold sensitization was low. Mean annual incidence of any
      positive SPT varied between 2.8 and 3.4/100 per year, decreased by age for
      animal, and was stable for pollen. Sensitization before age 7-8 years was
      independently associated with family history of allergy, OR 2.1 (95% CI 1.6-2.8),
      urban living, OR 1.9 (95% CI 1.2-2.9), and male sex, OR 1.3 (95% CI 1.0-1.7), and
      negatively associated with birth order, OR 0.8 (95% CI 0.7-1.0), and furry
      animals at home, OR 0.7 (95% CI 0.7-0.9). Incidence after age 11-12 years was
      associated only with family history of allergy. Multisensitization at age 19
      years was significantly associated with early age at sensitization. Remission of
      sensitization was uncommon. CONCLUSION: The increasing prevalence of allergic
      sensitization by age was explained by high incidence and persistence. After age
      11-12 years, the factors urban living, number of siblings, and male sex lost
      their importance.

PMID- 27659135
TI  - Adult pollen diet essential for egg maturation by a solitary Osmia bee.
AB  - Reproduction is a nutritionally costly activity for many insects, as their eggs
      are rich in lipids and proteins. That cost seems especially acute for non-social
      bees, which for their size, lay enormous eggs. All adult female bees visit
      flowers, most of them to collect pollen and nectar, or sometimes oils, to feed
      their progeny. For adult bees, the need for pollen feeding has only been detailed
      for the honey bee, Apis mellifera. To experimentally test for the reproductive
      value of adult pollen feeding by a non-social bee, Osmia californica
      (Hymenoptera: Apiformes: Megachilidae), young female bees plus males were
      released into large glasshouse cages provided with either a male-fertile
      sunflower cultivar or a pollen-less one. Females regularly visited and drank
      nectar from flowers of both cultivars. Abundant orange pollen was seen regularly
      in guts of females confined with the male-fertile sunflowers, indicative of
      active pollen ingestion. All females' terminal oocytes (next egg to be laid) were
      small at emergence. Oocytes of females confined with the pollen-less sunflowers
      remained small, despite frequent nectaring and exposure to other floral stimuli.
      In contrast, the basal oocytes of female O. californica with access to pollen had
      swelled to full size within ten days following emergence, enabling them to lay
      eggs in provided nest tubes. Adult females of this solitary bee required dietary
      pollen to reproduce; nitrogen stores acquired as larvae were inadequate. Early
      and regular pollen feeding in part paces the onset and maximum tempo of solitary
      bees' lifetime reproductive output.

PMID- 27659136
TI  - Reliability of SRS-22 and ODI by phone: a step toward making PROs more
      accessible.

PMID- 27659137
TI  - Inaccurate information on facet joint injections in the Medicare population.

PMID- 27659138
TI  - Facet injection trends in the Medicare population, response.

PMID- 27659139
TI  - Letter concerning "Segmental pelvic correlation (SPeC): a novel approach to
      understanding sagittal plane spinal alignment" by Anwar et al.

PMID- 27659140
TI  - Reply to letter concerning "Segmental Pelvic Correlation (SPeC): a novel approach
      to understanding sagittal plane spinal alignment".

PMID- 27659141
TI  - Adjacent segment infection complicates long segment fusion in elderly patients.

PMID- 27659142
TI  - Reply to "Letter to the Editor: adjacent segment infection complicates long
      segment fusion in elderly patients".

PMID- 27659143
TI  - Immune and Pancreatic beta Cell Interactions in Type 1 Diabetes.
AB  - The autoimmune destruction of the pancreatic islet beta cells is due to a
      targeted lymphocyte attack. Different T cell subsets communicate with each other
      and with the insulin-producing beta cells in this process, with evidence not only
      of damage to the tissue cells but also of lymphocyte regulation. Here we explore
      the various components of the immune response as well as the cellular
      interactions that are involved in causing or reducing immune damage to the beta
      cells. We consider these in the light of the possibility that understanding them
      may help us identify therapeutic targets to reduce the damage and destruction
      leading to type 1 diabetes.

PMID- 27659144
TI  - Perilipin 2 and Age-Related Metabolic Diseases: A New Perspective.
AB  - Perilipin 2 (Plin2), a protein associated with the metabolism of intracellular
      lipid droplets (LDs), has long been considered only for its role in lipid
      storage. However, the manipulation of its expression affects the severity of a
      variety of metabolic and age-related diseases, such as fatty liver, insulin
      resistance and type 2 diabetes (T2D), cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis,
      sarcopenia, and cancer, suggesting that this protein may play a role in these
      pathological conditions. In particular, its downregulation in mice prevents or
      mitigates some of the above mentioned diseases. Conversely, in humans high levels
      of Plin2 are present in sarcopenia, hepatic steatosis, atherosclerosis, and some
      types of cancer. We propose that inhibition of Plin2 might be a strategy to
      counteract several metabolic and age-related diseases.

PMID- 27659145
TI  - Prognosis of small bowel adenocarcinoma in Crohn's disease compares favourably
      with de novo small bowel adenocarcinoma.
AB  - AIM: Limited data exist on Crohn's disease (CD)-associated small bowel
      adenocarcinoma (SBA). A large-scale retrospective cohort study was conducted
      comparing the clinical features and outcome of CD-associated SBA and de novo SBA.
      METHOD: Data for patients with small bowel adenocarcinoma were gathered from the
      1992-2010 United States Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results cancer
      registry-Medicare linked database. We identified 2123 patients, of whom 179 had
      CD-associated and 1944 de novo SBA. The main outcome measures were overall
      survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS). RESULTS: CD-associated SBA was
      most commonly located in the ileum (62% vs 31%, P < 0.0001). CD patients were
      diagnosed at an earlier stage (I/II), compared with de novo SBA (55% vs 32%, P <
      0.0001), and were more likely to undergo surgery (81% vs 72%, P = 0.0016).
      Chemotherapy use was similar (25% vs 21%, P = 0.1886). Patients with CD
      associated SBA had better 5-year OS (43% vs 34%, P = 0.0121) but a similar CSS
      (65% vs 64%, P = 0.77). There was no difference in the OS between the cohorts
      when stratified by stage. On multivariate analysis, CD was not significantly
      related to OS [hazard ratio (HR) 0.97, 95% CI: 0.79-1.20, P = 0.7889]. Surgery
      and the extent of lymphadenectomy improved OS for all SBA patients (HR 0.73, 95%
      CI: 0.60-0.88, P = 0.001), whereas chemotherapy did not (HR 1.13, 95% CI: 0.99
      1.28, P = 0.0665). CONCLUSION: Patients with CD-associated SBA present at an
      earlier stage than patients with de novo SBA, they receive more surgery but
      similar rates of chemotherapy, and have similar OS and CSS. The presence of CD
      does not worsen survival after treatment of SBA.

PMID- 27659146
TI  - Liquid-Crystalline Ionic Liquids as Ordered Reaction Media for the Diels-Alder
      Reaction.
AB  - Liquid-crystalline ionic liquids (LCILs) are ordered materials that have untapped
      potential to be used as reaction media for synthetic chemistry. This paper
      investigates the potential for the ordered structures of LCILs to influence the
      stereochemical outcome of the Diels-Alder reaction between cyclopentadiene and
      methyl acrylate. The ratio of endo- to exo-product from this reaction was
      monitored for a range of ionic liquids (ILs) and LCILs. Comparison of the
      endo:exo ratios in these reactions as a function of cation, anion and liquid
      crystallinity of the reaction media, allowed for the effects of liquid
      crystallinity to be distinguished from anion effects or cation alkyl chain length
      effects. These data strongly suggest that the proportion of exo-product increases
      as the reaction media is changed from an isotropic IL to a LCIL. A detailed
      molecular dynamics (MD) study suggests that this effect is related to different
      hydrogen bonding interactions between the reaction media and the exo- and endo
      transition states in solvents with layered, smectic ordering compared to those
      that are isotropic.

PMID- 27659147
TI  - Dendritic transport element of human arc mRNA confers RNA degradation activity in
      a translation-dependent manner.
AB  - Localization of mRNA in neuronal cells is a critical process for spatiotemporal
      regulation of gene expression. Cytoplasmic localization of mRNA is often
      conferred by transport elements in 3' untranslated region (UTR). Activity
      regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein (arc) mRNA is one of the localizing
      mRNAs in neuronal cells, and its localization is mediated by dendritic targeting
      element (DTE). As arc mRNA has introns in its 3' UTR, it was thought that arc
      mRNA is a natural target of nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD). Here, we show
      that DTE in human arc 3' UTR has destabilizing activity of RNA independent of NMD
      pathway. DTE alone was able to cause instability of the reporter mRNA and this
      degradation was dependent on translation. Our results indicate that DTE has dual
      activity in mRNA transport and degradation, which suggests the novel
      spatiotemporal regulation mechanism of activity-dependent degradation of the
      mRNA.

PMID- 27659148
TI  - CorMatrix valved conduit in a porcine model: long-term remodelling and
      biomechanical characterization.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Porcine small intestinal submucosa extracellular matrix (CorMatrix;
      CorMatrix Cardiovascular, Rosewell, GA) is a relatively novel tissue substitute
      used in cardiovascular applications. We investigated the biological reaction and
      remodelling of CorMatrix as a tri-leaflet valved conduit in a pig model. We
      hypothesized that CorMatrix maintains a durable architecture as a valved conduit
      and remodels to resemble surrounding tissues. METHODS: We fashioned the valved
      conduit using a 7 * 10 cm 4-ply CorMatrix sheet and placed it in the thoracic
      aorta of seven landrace pigs for 3, 4, 5 and 6 months. Biodegradation,
      replacement by native tissue, strength and durability were examined by histology,
      immunohistochemistry and mechanical testing. RESULTS: Four pigs, one per time
      frame, completed the study. The conduit lost its original architecture as a tri
      leaflet valve due to cusp immobility, subsequent attachment to the wall segment
      and consequent maintenance of a thick arterial wall-like structure. Scaffold
      resorption was incomplete, with disorganized inconsistent spatial and temporal
      degradation even at 6 months. Fibrosis, scarring and calcification started at 4
      months and chronic inflammation persisted. The partially remodelled scaffold did
      not resemble the aortic wall, suggesting impaired remodelling. Mechanical testing
      showed progressive weakening of the tissues over time, which were liable to
      breakage. CONCLUSIONS: CorMatrix is biodegradable; however, it failed to remodel
      in a structured and anatomical fashion in an arterial environment. Progressive
      mechanical and remodelling failure in this scenario might be explained by the
      complexity of the conduit design and the host's chronic inflammatory response,
      leading to early fibrosis and calcification.

PMID- 27659149
TI  - A novel procedure for reconstructing an extensive hypoplastic aortic arch in
      older children.
AB  - Aortic arch reconstruction is the key to successfully repairing an interrupted
      aortic arch (IAA) with tubular hypoplasia of the aortic arch (THAA), especially
      in older children. We report a novel reconstruction technique involving
      aortapulmonary fusion that was used to treat THAA in a 9 year-old patient with
      IAA. In this procedure, the underside of the aortic arch and the upside of the
      main pulmonary artery were fused to reconstruct the aortic arch. The short-term
      outcome of the procedure has been promising. This procedure may represent an
      alternative for repairing extensive THAA in older children.

PMID- 27659150
TI  - Meta-analysis of open surgical repair versus hybrid arch repair for aortic arch
      aneurysm.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To conduct a meta-analysis of available comparative studies evaluating
      hybrid arch repair versus open surgical repair of aortic arch aneurysm. METHODS:
      A literature search was performed using PubMed, Embase and Web of Science to
      identify any studies comparing the results of hybrid arch repair with open
      surgical repair of aortic arch aneurysm. Study quality was assessed with the
      Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Statistical heterogeneity was estimated using the chi
      square test. A random-effects model was used to illustrate heterogeneity.
      Publication bias was evaluated by funnel plots. RESULTS: Seven retrospective
      cohort studies from 2009 to 2016 comprising 727 patients were included. Among
      these patients, 269 were treated with hybrid arch repair and 458 with open
      surgical repair. There was no significant difference in operative mortality (OR
      0.75; 95% CI 0.41-1.39; P = 0.37), permanent neurological deficit (OR 1.24; 95%
      CI 0.73-2.13; P = 0.42), late mortality (2 years) (OR 3.41; 95% CI 0.83-14.03; P
      = 0.09) or renal failure (OR 0.80; 95% CI 0.40-1.61; P = 0.53). Interestingly,
      the meta-analysis indicated that the hybrid group needed more reinterventions (OR
      3.43; 95% CI 1.72-6.84; P = 0.0005). CONCLUSIONS: We found no strong evidence
      indicating that hybrid arch repair is superior to open surgical repair.
      Furthermore, the hybrid arch repair resulted in more reinterventions despite the
      fact that it was a less invasive procedure; it also required fewer days in the
      hospital. Further studies with large numbers of participants and long-term follow
      ups are necessary to confirm the effectiveness of hybrid arch repair.

PMID- 27659151
TI  - Trends in isolated coronary artery bypass grafting over the last decade.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the impact on hospital
      mortality and morbidity of extensive myocardial revascularization, using arterial
      grafts in patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
      METHODS: Our prospective perioperative database was used to define two groups of
      patients who underwent isolated CABG with cardiopulmonary bypass, based on the
      years in which the operation was performed: Group A (2000-2003; 898 patients) and
      Group B (2009-2012; 1249 patients). The baseline and operative characteristics
      and outcomes were compared. RESULTS: Several significant changes in perioperative
      variables were observed. Group B included higher percentages of patients aged
      over 80 years (+58.1%), with diabetes (+32.0%) and with a history of percutaneous
      coronary intervention (+24.9%). The mean EuroSCORE II was significantly increased
      from 2.5 +/- 4.4% in Group A to 3.2 +/- 5.7% in Group B (P= 0.001). The mean
      number of distal anastomoses was significantly increased over time (total: 2.6 +/
      0.8 vs 3.1 +/- 1.0, P< 0.0001 and with arterial grafts: 1.6 +/- 0.8 vs 2.6 +/-
      0.9, P< 0.0001). In-hospital mortality was low and did not significantly differ
      between Groups A and B (1.3 vs 2.4%; P= 0.08). Significant increases of new-onset
      atrial fibrillation (11.7 vs 21.9%, P= 0.017) and deep sternal infection (0.2 vs
      1.1%, P= 0.017) were observed in Group B, compared with Group A. In multivariate
      analysis, extensive use of arterial grafts was not a risk factor of hospital
      mortality or sternal morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the increasing risk profiles
      of patients undergoing CABG, extensive myocardial revascularization using
      arterial grafts is associated with good early results.

PMID- 27659152
TI  - Superficial femoral artery access for transcatheter aortic valve replacement.
AB  - Different vascular accesses have been described for the delivery of a
      transcatheter aortic bioprosthesis. We report the use of the superficial femoral
      artery (SFA) as the arterial site of puncture with surgical cut-down. It may be a
      reasonable access alternative to the other classical routes, especially in the
      setting of either obese patients with elevated body mass index or in the presence
      of high femoral artery bifurcation. This route seems to be feasible with a low
      profile risk.

PMID- 27659153
TI  - Characterization of serum matrix metalloproteinase 2/9 levels in patients with
      ascending aortic aneurysms.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to identify interrelations between
      matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2)/MMP9 levels and clinical variables in patients
      with aortic root/ascending aortic aneurysms and to describe comorbidities as
      possible biasing factors in the widely discussed correlation of serum MMP levels
      and aortic diameter. METHODS: Serum MMP9 and MMP2 levels were quantified in 32
      consecutive patients with ascending aortic and/or aortic root aneurysms (>45 mm)
      at the Heart Center University of Freiburg from May 2013 to January 2014. The
      influence of comorbidities and medication on serum MMP2 and MMP9 levels was
      studied. We took into account ascending aortic diameter (aAD), aortic valve
      configuration, hypertension, age and hyperlipidaemia as factors possibly altering
      serum MMP levels. The relation between serum MMP levels and aAD was examined by a
      correlation test based on ranks. RESULTS: Serum MMP2 levels and aAD correlated
      positively. Correlation was increased in patients without hyperlipidaemia
      (Spearman's rho = 0.62, P = 0.008 in patients without hyperlipidaemia; rho =
      0.409, P = 0.020 in all patients). Serum MMP9 levels did not correlate with aAD
      and showed greater variation. Serum MMP9 levels were significantly associated
      with hyperlipidaemia (P = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS: The distinct correlation patterns
      in patients with and without hyperlipidaemia have to be considered when defining
      the potential of MMP2 as a biomarker in future studies. The relation between MMP9
      and hyperlipidaemia has to be further investigated.

PMID- 27659154
TI  - Thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture secondary to lymphocytic lymphoma.
AB  - We present the case of a 60-year old woman with a ruptured thoraco-abdominal
      aortic aneurysm (TAAA). It was a Type IV TAAA in the Crawford Classification. A
      mycotic origin was suspected as she had a known history of lymphocytic lymphoma.
      She underwent thoraco-abdominal aortic replacement with a good surgical result.
      Histopathological examination revealed destruction of the aortic layers due to
      inflammatory lymphomatous aortic infiltration. The patient fully recovered.

PMID- 27659155
TI  - Puncturing Plaques.
AB  - PURPOSE: To test and validate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences for
      peripheral artery lesion characterization and relate the MRI characteristics to
      the amount of force required for a guidewire to puncture peripheral chronic total
      occlusions (CTOs) as a surrogate for immediate failure of endovascular therapy.
      METHODS: Diseased superficial femoral, popliteal, and tibial artery segments
      containing 55 atherosclerotic lesions were excised from the amputated limbs of 7
      patients with critical limb ischemia. The lesions were imaged at high resolution
      (75 MUm3 voxels) with T2-weighted (T2W) and ultrashort echo time (UTE) sequences
      on a 7-T MR scanner. The MR images (n=15) were validated with micro-computed
      tomography and histology. CTOs (n=40) were classified by their MR signal
      characteristics as "soft" (signals indicating fat, thrombus, microchannels, or
      loose fibrous tissue), "hard" (collagen and/or speckled calcium signals), or
      "calcified" (calcified nodule signals). A 2-kg load cell advanced the back end of
      a 0.035-inch stiff guidewire at a fixed displacement rate (0.05 mm/s) through the
      CTOs, and the forces required to cross each lesion were measured. RESULTS: T2W
      images showed fat as hyperintense and hardened tissue as hypointense. Calcium and
      thrombus appeared as a signal void in conventional MRI sequences but were easily
      identified in UTE images (thrombus was hyperintense and calcium hypointense). MRI
      accurately differentiated "hard," "soft," and "calcified" CTOs based on
      associated guidewire puncture force. The guidewire could not enter "calcified"
      CTOs (n=6) at all. "Hard" CTOs (n=9) required a significantly higher (p<0.001)
      puncture force of 1.71+/-0.51 N vs 0.43+/-0.36 N for "soft" CTOs (n=25).
      CONCLUSION: MRI characteristics of PAD lesions correlate with guidewire puncture
      forces, an important aspect of crossability. Future work will determine if
      clinical MR scanners can be used to predict success in peripheral vascular
      interventions.

PMID- 27659156
TI  - Ambulatory bilateral neck exploration for primary hyperparathyroidism: is it
      safe?
AB  - BACKGROUND: We sought to determine if bilateral neck exploration (BNE) for
      hyperparathyroidism could be performed safely in an ambulatory setting (same-day
      discharge) when compared with focused parathyroidectomy. METHODS: A retrospective
      review of 503 patients who underwent parathyroidectomy from 2010 to 2015 was
      performed. Focused parathyroidectomy was compared with BNE. Only patients with
      positive localization and no prior operations were included. RESULTS: Forty-nine
      percent of patients underwent focused parathyroidectomy and 51% had BNE. BNE
      patients were more likely to have 1 or more glands removed (35% vs 14%, P < .01)
      and longer operative times (median 50 vs 41 minutes, P < .01). There were no
      differences in the rate of same-day discharge, transient hypocalcemia, emergency
      department visits, and readmissions. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, BNE for
      hyperparathyroidism was associated with excision of more parathyroid glands and
      slightly longer operative times. However, BNE had equal rates of same-day
      discharges and safety profile.

PMID- 27659158
TI  - Prophylactic mesh placement for prevention of incisional hernia after open
      bariatric surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prophylactic mesh during laparotomy has been shown to be effective in
      preventing postoperative incisional hernia (IH) in high-risk patients. Since
      obesity is a risk factor for IH, we wished to determine whether mesh prevents IH
      in open and laparoscopic bariatric surgery patients. METHODS: We conducted a
      systematic review of the literature with meta-analysis. Seven studies met
      inclusion criteria. We abstracted data regarding postoperative IH development,
      surgical site infection, and seroma or wound leakage and performed meta-analysis.
      RESULTS: The prophylactic mesh group had significantly decreased odds of
      developing IH than the standard closure group (odds ratio, .30, 95% CI, .13 to
      .68, P = .004). No included studies evaluated outcomes after prophylactic mesh
      during laparoscopic bariatric surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic mesh during open
      bariatric surgery appears to be beneficial in reducing postoperative IH without
      significant increasing the odds of surgical site infection or seroma or wound
      leakage. Higher quality studies, including those in laparoscopic patients, and
      cost-utility analysis, are needed to support routine use of this intervention.

PMID- 27659157
TI  - Surgical immune interventions for solid malignancies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to systematically review clinically
      translatable immunotherapeutic agents that are delivered regionally for solid
      malignancies. DATA SOURCES: PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for
      published and registered clinical trials, respectively. The search yielded 334
      relevant publications, of which 116 articles were included for review after
      exclusion criteria were applied. CONCLUSIONS: There has been an increase in the
      regional administration of cell-based and viral vector-based clinical trials over
      the last 5 years. Surgical interventions have been developed for intrapleural,
      intracranial, intraperitoneal, and intratumoral routes of access to enhance the
      local delivery of these therapies. Multimodality therapies that combine regional
      immunotherapy with other local and systemic therapies are demonstrating continued
      growth as the field of immunotherapy continues to expand.

PMID- 27659159
TI  - Optimizing Clinical Drug Product Performance: Applying Biopharmaceutics Risk
      Assessment Roadmap (BioRAM) and the BioRAM Scoring Grid.
AB  - The aim of Biopharmaceutics Risk Assessment Roadmap (BioRAM) and the BioRAM
      Scoring Grid is to facilitate optimization of clinical performance of drug
      products. BioRAM strategy relies on therapy-driven drug delivery and follows an
      integrated systems approach for formulating and addressing critical questions and
      decision-making (J Pharm Sci. 2014,103(11): 3777-97). In BioRAM, risk is defined
      as not achieving the intended in vivo drug product performance, and success is
      assessed by time to decision-making and action. Emphasis on time to decision
      making and time to action highlights the value of well-formulated critical
      questions and well-designed and conducted integrated studies. This commentary
      describes and illustrates application of the BioRAM Scoring Grid, a companion to
      the BioRAM strategy, which guides implementation of such an integrated strategy
      encompassing 12 critical areas and 6 assessment stages. Application of the BioRAM
      Scoring Grid is illustrated using published literature. Organizational
      considerations for implementing BioRAM strategy, including the interactions,
      function, and skillsets of the BioRAM group members, are also reviewed. As a
      creative and innovative systems approach, we believe that BioRAM is going to have
      a broad-reaching impact, influencing drug development and leading to unique
      collaborations influencing how we learn, and leverage and share knowledge.

PMID- 27659160
TI  - Solid-Phase and Oscillating Solution Crystallization Behavior of (+)- and (-)-N
      Methylephedrine.
AB  - This work involves the study of the solid-phase and solution crystallization
      behavior of the N-methylephedrine enantiomers. A systematic investigation of the
      melt phase diagram of the enantiomeric N-methylephedrine system was performed
      considering polymorphism. Two monotropically related modifications of the
      enantiomer were found. Solubilities and the ternary solubility phase diagrams of
      N-methylephedrine enantiomers in 2 solvents [isopropanol:water, 1:3 (Vol) and
      (2R, 3R)-diethyl tartrate] were determined in the temperature ranges between 15
      degrees C and 25 degrees C, and 25 degrees C and 40 degrees C, respectively.
      Preferential nucleation and crystallization experiments at higher supersaturation
      leading to an unusual oscillatory crystallization behavior as well as a
      successful preferential crystallization experiment at lower supersaturation are
      presented and discussed.

PMID- 27659161
TI  - In vivo multiphoton imaging of immune cell dynamics.
AB  - Multiphoton imaging has been utilized to analyze in vivo immune cell dynamics
      over the last 15 years. Particularly, it has deepened the understanding of how
      immune responses are organized by immune cell migration and interactions. In this
      review, we first describe the following technical advances in recent imaging
      studies that contributed to the new findings on the regulation of immune
      responses and inflammation. Improved multicolor imaging of immune cell behavior
      has revealed that their interactions are spatiotemporally coordinated to achieve
      efficient and long-term immunity. The use of photoactivatable and
      photoconvertible fluorescent proteins has increased duration and volume of cell
      tracking, even enabling the analysis of inter-organ migration of immune cells. In
      addition, visualization of immune cell activation using biosensors for
      intracellular calcium concentration and signaling molecule activities has started
      to give further mechanistic insights. Then, we also introduce recent imaging
      analyses of interactions between immune cells and non-immune cells including
      endothelial, fibroblastic, epithelial, and nerve cells. It is argued that future
      imaging studies that apply updated technical advances to analyze interactions
      between immune cells and non-immune cells will be important for thorough
      physiological understanding of the immune system.

PMID- 27659163
TI  - Balloon dilation of sinus ostia in the Department of Defense: Diagnoses, actual
      indications, and outcomes.
AB  - OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To determine the primary diagnoses for which balloon
      catheter dilation (BCD) of sinus ostia is being employed in a profit-blind health
      care system, the Department of Defense. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review.
      METHODS: From January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2013, 319 consecutive patient
      charts were reviewed for International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Edition
      (ICD-9) diagnoses, presence of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) defined by the
      European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps (EPOS), preoperative
      Lund-Mackay scores, nasal endoscopy findings, sinuses dilated, postoperative
      outcomes, and complications. RESULTS: Of the 319 patients identified, 217 had
      sufficient documentation to be included. A CRS ICD-9 code was applied in 182 of
      217 (83.9%) and recurrent acute rhinosinusitis in 12 of 217 (5.6%). Only 50.5% of
      CRS patient charts met criteria using EPOS guidelines. In contrast, 39.6% met the
      ICD-9 criteria for atypical facial pain. Patients with Lund-Mackay scores <= 4
      were reviewed for number of sinuses dilated. Eighty-eight of 123 patients (71.5%)
      had sinuses dilated that were free from opacification/mucosal edema on
      preoperative imaging. CONCLUSIONS: Balloon dilation of sinus ostia has an
      expanding role in treating sinus disease. In the studied population, BCD is often
      utilized for alternate indications for which there is currently no evidence of
      efficacy. Future studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of this technology
      in treating these alternate indications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4. Laryngoscope,
      127:544-549, 2017.

PMID- 27659162
TI  - Cooperative roles of glucose and asparagine-linked glycosylation in T-type
      calcium channel expression.
AB  - T-type calcium channels are key contributors to neuronal physiology where they
      shape electrical activity of nerve cells and contribute to the release of
      neurotransmitters. Enhanced T-type channel expression has been causally linked to
      a number of pathological conditions including peripheral painful diabetic
      neuropathy. Recently, it was demonstrated that asparagine-linked glycosylation
      not only plays an essential role in regulating cell surface expression of Cav3.2
      channels, but may also support glucose-dependent potentiation of T-type currents.
      However, the underlying mechanisms by which N-glycosylation and glucose levels
      modulate the expression of T-type channels remain elusive. In the present study,
      we show that site-specific N-glycosylation of Cav3.2 is essential to stabilize
      expression of the channel at the plasma membrane. In contrast, elevated external
      glucose concentration appears to potentiate intracellular forward trafficking of
      the channel to the cell surface, resulting in an increased steady-state
      expression of the channel protein at the plasma membrane. Collectively, our study
      indicates that glucose and N-glycosylation act in concert to control the
      expression of Cav3.2 channels, and that alteration of these mechanisms may
      contribute to the altered expression of T-type channels in pathological
      conditions.

PMID- 27659164
TI  - Improved specific loss power on cancer cells by hyperthermia and MRI contrast of
      hydrophilic Fex Co1-x Fe2 O4 nanoensembles.
AB  - Ferrite-based ferri/superparamagnetic nanoparticles can be rapidly heated by an
      external alternating magnetic field (AMF) to induce tissue necrosis of the
      adjacent microenvironment, but in addition provide magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI) contrast utilizing enhanced water relaxivity. Here we characterized
      nanoensembles of Fe-Co mixed spinel ferrites (i.e. Fex Co1-x Fe2 O4 , where x
      ranges from 0.2 to 0.8) synthesized by chemical co-precipitation. With
      nanoensembles of increasing Co content the saturation magnetization improved,
      while lattice parameter remained relatively constant. MRI water (transverse)
      relaxivity at 11.7 T was also boosted with increasing Co content. Efficiency of
      AMF-induced heating was quite comparable for the nanoensembles with either
      chitosan or polyethylene glycol (PEG) coating except for PEG-coated Fe0.2 Co0.8
      Fe2 O4 , which was twice as less efficient as others. While toxicity of the
      nanoensembles with either coating examined on 9L tumor cell cultures showed no
      significant differences, upon AMF exposure (i.e. heat-induced necrosis) Fex Co1-x
      Fe2 O4 composition with different values of x showed quite dramatic effects on
      cell death of tumor cells with both coatings. This study lays the ground work for
      further characterization of other mixed spinel ferrites, and in addition we
      expect that chitosan and PEG coated Fex Co1-x Fe2 O4 of all the compositions will
      have good potential for preclinical applications in vivo. Copyright (c) 2016 John
      Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27659165
TI  - Remineralizing potential of a 60-s in vitro application of Tooth Mousse Plus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: No published studies exist on the remineralizing potential of Tooth
      Mousse Plus(r) (TMP) when applied for less than 3 min. AIM: To evaluate (i) the
      remineralizing potential of TMP on artificial carious lesions, when applied
      thrice daily for 60 s, and (ii) the benefit of using a fluoridated dentifrice
      prior to TMP application. DESIGN: Carious lesions, 120-200 MUm deep, were
      produced by placing molars in demineralizing solution for 96 h, and sections 100
      150 MUm thick were then randomly assigned to four groups. Specimens were treated
      thrice daily with a non-fluoridated (Group A), or 1000 ppm F dentifrice (Group
      B), or TMP (Group C), or a 1000 ppm F dentifrice followed by TMP application
      (Group D), and then subjected to a 10-day pH cycling model. Lesion evaluation
      involved polarizing light microscopy and microradiography. RESULTS: Post
      treatment maximum mineral content at the surface zone (Vmax ) was significantly
      increased and lesion depth (LD) significantly decreased in Group C, while only
      the Vmax increased in Group D. Increase in LD was observed in Group B; however,
      no significant differences were noted in percentage LD changes between groups B,
      C, and D (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: TMP applied for 60 s significantly
      remineralized the artificial carious lesions. No additional benefit was evident
      when TMP was preceded by treatment with 1000 ppm F dentifrice.

PMID- 27659166
TI  - Protective effects of resveratrol and its analogs on age-related macular
      degeneration in vitro.
AB  - Damage of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells by A2E may be critical for age
      related macular degeneration (AMD) management. Accumulation and photooxidation of
      A2E are known to be one of the critical causes in AMD. Here, we evaluated the
      protective effect of resveratrol (RES), piceatannol (PIC) and RES glycones on
      blue-light-induced RPE cell death caused by A2E photooxidation. A2E treatment
      followed by blue light exposure caused significant damages on human RPE cells
      (ARPE-19). But the damages were attenuated by post- and pre-treatment of RES and
      PIC in our in vitro models. The results of cell free system and FAB-MS analysis
      clearly showed that the reduction of A2E by blue light exposure was significantly
      rescued, and that oxidized forms of A2E were significantly reduced by RES or PIC
      treatment. Besides, RES or PIC inhibited the intracellular accumulation of A2E.
      Not only RES and PIC but RES glycones showed protection of ARPE-19 cells against
      A2E and blue-light-induced photo-damage. These findings demonstrate that RES and
      its analogs may have protective effects against A2E and blue-light-induced ARPE
      19 cell death through regulation of A2E accumulation as well as photooxidation of
      A2E. Thus RES and its analogs may be beneficial for AMD treatment.

PMID- 27659167
TI  - Identification of a novel human deoxynivalenol metabolite enhancing proliferation
      of intestinal and urinary bladder cells.
AB  - The mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) is an abundant contaminant of cereal based
      food and a severe issue for global food safety. We report the discovery of DON-3
      sulfate as a novel human metabolite and potential new biomarker of DON exposure.
      The conjugate was detectable in 70% of urine samples obtained from pregnant women
      in Croatia. For the measurement of urinary metabolites, a highly sensitive and
      selective LC-MS/MS method was developed and validated. The method was also used
      to investigate samples from a duplicate diet survey for studying the
      toxicokinetics of DON-3-sulfate. To get a preliminary insight into the biological
      relevance of the newly discovered DON-sulfates, in vitroexperiments were
      performed. In contrast to DON, sulfate conjugates lacked potency to suppress
      protein translation. However, surprisingly we found that DON-sulfates enhanced
      proliferation of human HT-29 colon carcinoma cells, primary human colon
      epithelial cells (HCEC-1CT) and, to some extent, also T24 bladder cancer cells. A
      proliferative stimulus, especially in tumorigenic cells raises concern on the
      potential impact of DON-sulfates on consumer health. Thus, a further
      characterization of their toxicological relevance should be of high priority.

PMID- 27659168
TI  - Comparison of statistical approaches dealing with time-dependent confounding in
      drug effectiveness studies.
AB  - In longitudinal studies, if the time-dependent covariates are affected by the
      past treatment, time-dependent confounding may be present. For a time-to-event
      response, marginal structural Cox models are frequently used to deal with such
      confounding. To avoid some of the problems of fitting marginal structural Cox
      model, the sequential Cox approach has been suggested as an alternative. Although
      the estimation mechanisms are different, both approaches claim to estimate the
      causal effect of treatment by appropriately adjusting for time-dependent
      confounding. We carry out simulation studies to assess the suitability of the
      sequential Cox approach for analyzing time-to-event data in the presence of a
      time-dependent covariate that may or may not be a time-dependent confounder.
      Results from these simulations revealed that the sequential Cox approach is not
      as effective as marginal structural Cox model in addressing the time-dependent
      confounding. The sequential Cox approach was also found to be inadequate in the
      presence of a time-dependent covariate. We propose a modified version of the
      sequential Cox approach that correctly estimates the treatment effect in both of
      the above scenarios. All approaches are applied to investigate the impact of beta
      interferon treatment in delaying disability progression in the British Columbia
      Multiple Sclerosis cohort (1995-2008).

PMID- 27659169
TI  - Feasibility of reusing time-matched controls in an overlapping cohort.
AB  - The methods developed for secondary analysis of nested case-control data have
      been illustrated only in simplified settings in a common cohort and have not
      found their way into biostatistical practice. This paper demonstrates the
      feasibility of reusing prior nested case-control data in a realistic setting
      where a new outcome is available in an overlapping cohort where no new controls
      were gathered and where all data have been anonymised. Using basic information
      about the background cohort and sampling criteria, the new cases and prior data
      are "aligned" to identify the common underlying study base. With this study base,
      a Kaplan-Meier table of the prior outcome extracts the risk sets required to
      calculate the weights to assign to the controls to remove the sampling bias. A
      weighted Cox regression, implemented in standard statistical software, provides
      unbiased hazard ratios. Using the method to compare cases of contralateral breast
      cancer to available controls from a prior study of metastases, we identified a
      multifocal tumor as a risk factor that has not been reported previously. We
      examine the sensitivity of the method to an imperfect weighting scheme and
      discuss its merits and pitfalls to provide guidance for its use in medical
      research studies.

PMID- 27659170
TI  - Minimally invasive surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis.

PMID- 27659171
TI  - Influence of sagittal plane malpositioning of the patella on anterior knee pain
      after tibia intramedullary nailing.
AB  - PURPOSE: Anterior knee pain (AKP) is one of the most common complications after
      tibia intramedullary surgery. We evaluated changes in patellar tendon length
      after tibia intramedullary nailing surgery using a transtendinous approach and
      assessed the importance of nail position in relation to the anterior tibial
      cortex and joint line. METHODS: Two surgeons blinded to patients' pain status
      measured both the knee Insall-Salvati and Caton-Deschamps indexes on 30 degrees 
      flexion lateral knee X-rays of 33 patients. Superior nail prominence (the
      distance from the proximal tip of the nail to the tibial plateau) and anterior
      nail prominence (the distance from the anterior tip of the nail to the anterior
      tibial cortex) were measured on the CT. RESULTS: Clinical assessment showed that
      10 patients (30 %) had AKP at the last follow-up. HSS and Lysholm scores and the
      incidence of AKP were similar between patients whose IM nails were removed and
      those who still had them. HSS score, Insall-Salvati, and Caton-Deschamps indexes
      were significantly lower in the operated extremity than in the healthy limb at
      last follow-up. No association was demonstrated between AKP and nail position in
      relation to the anterior tibial cortex or tibial plateau. CONCLUSIONS: According
      to our study, although the patellar tendon shortened significantly on the
      affected side compared with the contralateral side, these measurements did not
      correlate with the presence or absence of pain. AKP and functional knee scores
      after tibia IM nailing using a transtendinous approach were not associated with
      nail position in relation to the anterior tibial cortex or tibial plateau. LEVEL
      OF EVIDENCE: Level 3 (Case control study).

PMID- 27659173
TI  - Length separation of single-walled carbon nanotubes and its impact on structural
      and electrical properties of wafer-level fabricated carbon nanotube-field-effect
      transistors.
AB  - For an industrial realization of devices based on single-walled carbon nanotube
      (SWCNTs) such as field-effect transistors (FETs) it becomes increasingly
      important to consider technological aspects such as intrinsic device structure,
      integration process controllability as well as yield. From the perspective of a
      wafer-level integration technology, the influence of SWCNT length on the
      performance of short-channel CNT-FETs is demonstrated by means of a statistical
      and comparative study. Therefore, a methodological development of a length
      separation process based on size-exclusion chromatography was conducted in order
      to extract well-separated SWCNT dispersions with narrowed length distribution. It
      could be shown that short SWCNTs adversely affect integrability and
      reproducibility, underlined by a 25% decline of the integration yield with
      respect to long SWCNTs. Furthermore, it turns out that the significant changes in
      electrical performance are directly linked to a SWCNT chain formation in the
      transistor channel. In particular, CNT-FETs with long SWCNTs outperform reference
      and short SWCNTs with respect to hole mobility and subthreshold controllability
      by up to 300% and up to 140%, respectively. As a whole, this study provides a
      statistical and comparative analysis towards chain-less CNT-FETs fabricated with
      a wafer-level technology.

PMID- 27659172
TI  - The peri-esophageal connective tissue layers and related compartments:
      visualization by histology and magnetic resonance imaging.
AB  - An organized layer of connective tissue coursing from aorta to esophagus was
      recently discovered in the mediastinum. The relations with other peri-esophageal
      fascias have not been described and it is unclear whether this layer can be
      visualized by non-invasive imaging. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive
      description of the peri-esophageal fascias and determine whether the connective
      tissue layer between aorta and esophagus can be visualized by magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI). First, T2-weighted MRI scanning of the thoracic region of a human
      cadaver was performed, followed by histological examination of transverse
      sections of the peri-esophageal tissue between the thyroid gland and the
      diaphragm. Secondly, pretreatment motion-triggered MRI scans were prospectively
      obtained from 34 patients with esophageal cancer and independently assessed by
      two radiologists for the presence and location of the connective tissue layer
      coursing from aorta to esophagus. A layer of connective tissue coursing from the
      anterior aspect of the descending aorta to the left lateral aspect of the
      esophagus, with a thin extension coursing to the right pleural reflection, was
      visualized ex vivo in the cadaver on MR images, macroscopic tissue sections, and
      after histologic staining, as well as on in vivo MR images. The layer connecting
      esophagus and aorta was named 'aorto-esophageal ligament' and the layer
      connecting aorta to the right pleural reflection 'aorto-pleural ligament'. These
      connective tissue layers divides the posterior mediastinum in an anterior
      compartment containing the esophagus, (carinal) lymph nodes and vagus nerve, and
      a posterior compartment, containing the azygos vein, thoracic duct and
      occasionally lymph nodes. The anterior compartment was named 'peri-esophageal
      compartment' and the posterior compartment 'para-aortic compartment'. The
      connective tissue layers superior to the aortic arch and at the diaphragm
      corresponded with the currently available anatomic descriptions. This study
      confirms the existence of the previously described connective tissue layer
      coursing from aorta to esophagus, challenging the long-standing paradigm that no
      such structure exists. A comprehensive, detailed description of the peri
      esophageal fascias is provided and, furthermore, it is shown that the connective
      tissue layer coursing from aorta to esophagus can be visualized in vivo by MRI.

PMID- 27659174
TI  - 'Photosystem II: the water splitting enzyme of photosynthesis and the origin of
      oxygen in our atmosphere'.
AB  - About 3 billion years ago an enzyme emerged which would dramatically change the
      chemical composition of our planet and set in motion an unprecedented explosion
      in biological activity. This enzyme used solar energy to power the
      thermodynamically and chemically demanding reaction of water splitting. In so
      doing it provided biology with an unlimited supply of reducing equivalents needed
      to convert carbon dioxide into the organic molecules of life while at the same
      time produced oxygen to transform our planetary atmosphere from an anaerobic to
      an aerobic state. The enzyme which facilitates this reaction and therefore
      underpins virtually all life on our planet is known as Photosystem II (PSII). It
      is a pigment-binding, multisubunit protein complex embedded in the lipid
      environment of the thylakoid membranes of plants, algae and cyanobacteria. Today
      we have detailed understanding of the structure and functioning of this key and
      unique enzyme. The journey to this level of knowledge can be traced back to the
      discovery of oxygen itself in the 18th-century. Since then there has been a
      sequence of mile stone discoveries which makes a fascinating story, stretching
      over 200 years. But it is the last few years that have provided the level of
      detail necessary to reveal the chemistry of water oxidation and O-O bond
      formation. In particular, the crystal structure of the isolated PSII enzyme has
      been reported with ever increasing improvement in resolution. Thus the
      organisational and structural details of its many subunits and cofactors are now
      well understood. The water splitting site was revealed as a cluster of four Mn
      ions and a Ca ion surrounded by amino-acid side chains, of which seven provide
      direct ligands to the metals. The metal cluster is organised as a cubane
      structure composed of three Mn ions and a Ca2+ linked by oxo-bonds with the
      fourth Mn ion attached to the cubane. This structure has now been synthesised in
      a non-protein environment suggesting that it is a totally inorganic precursor for
      the evolution of the photosynthetic oxygen-evolving complex. In summary, the
      overall structure of the catalytic site has given a framework on which to build a
      mechanistic scheme for photosynthetic dioxygen generation and at the same time
      provide a blue-print and incentive to develop catalysts for artificial photo
      electrochemical systems to split water and generate renewable solar fuels.

PMID- 27659176
TI  - Psychology, Medicine and Collaborative Innovation: An Appreciative Reply to Kirch
      and Ast.

PMID- 27659177
TI  - Can a Tarlov cyst radiculopathy simulate meralgia paresthetica?

PMID- 27659175
TI  - Eating disorder severity and functional impairment: moderating effects of illness
      duration in a clinical sample.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim was to examine duration of illness and body mass index as
      possible moderators of the relationship between eating disorder severity and
      functional impairment, as well as psychological distress as a possible mediator
      of this relationship. METHODS: The study included 159 patients diagnosed with
      bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder or eating disorder not otherwise
      specified. Regression analysis was applied to assess the effect of the
      hypothesized moderators and mediators. Eating disorder severity was measured with
      the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, functional impairment was measured
      with the Sheehan Disability Scale, and psychological distress was measured with
      the Symptom Check List-90-R. Duration of illness and body mass index were
      assessed clinically. RESULTS: Duration of illness significantly moderated the
      relationship between eating disorder severity and functional impairment; the
      relationship was strongest for patients with a shorter duration of illness.
      Psychological distress partly mediated the relationship between eating disorder
      severity and functional impairment. Duration of illness significantly moderated
      the relationship between psychological distress and functional impairment; the
      strongest relationship was seen for patients with a shorter duration of illness.
      Body mass index was not a significant moderator of the relationship between ED
      severity and functional impairment. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, this study established
      a link between ED severity, psychological distress and functional impairment
      indicating that both eating disorder severity and psychological distress are more
      strongly related to impaired role functioning for patients with more recent onset
      of an eating disorder. More research in the complex relationship between ED
      severity and functional impairment is needed.

PMID- 27659179
TI  - Determination of Porto-Azygos Shunt Anatomy in Dogs by Computed Tomography
      Angiography.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the morphology of porto-azygos shunts in a large series of
      dogs using computed tomography (CT) angiography. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective
      study. ANIMALS: Dogs (n=36) with porto-azygos shunts. METHODS: CT angiography was
      performed in dogs subsequently proven to have a porto-azygos shunt. The origin
      and insertion of the shunts were assessed on native images. The diameter of the
      porto-azygos shunt and the portal vein, cranial and caudal to the shunt origin,
      were measured. The porto-azygos shunt anatomy was studied on three-dimensional
      images. RESULTS: All porto-azygos shunts originated either in the left gastric
      vein (33 left gastro-azygos shunts) or the right gastric vein (3 right gastro
      azygos shunts). Two left gastro-azygos shunts had concurrent caval-azygos
      continuation and 2 right gastro-azygos shunts had a caudal splenic loop. All
      shunts crossed the diaphragm through the esophageal hiatus. The majority of porto
      azygos shunts (32) followed a straight pathway after traversing the diaphragm,
      although 4 shunts followed a tortuous route. All shunts terminated in the
      thoracic part of the azygos vein, perpendicular to the aorta. The shunt diameter
      at insertion was only 3 mm on average. The insertion site was consistently the
      narrowest part of the shunt. CONCLUSION: CT angiography was well suited to
      provide anatomic details of porto-azygos shunts and comprehensively documented
      that all porto-azygos shunts had a thoracic terminus, after crossing the
      diaphragm through the esophageal hiatus. Different shunt types existed with minor
      variations.

PMID- 27659180
TI  - ABSTRACTS OF OSTEOPOROSIS CONFERENCE 2016.

PMID- 27659178
TI  - Twenty-Four-Hour Ambulatory Pulse Wave Analysis in Hypertension Management:
      Current Evidence and Perspectives.
AB  - The predictive value of vascular biomarkers such as pulse wave velocity (PWV),
      central arterial pressure (CAP), and augmentation index (AIx), obtained through
      pulse wave analysis (PWA) in resting conditions, has been documented in a variety
      of patient groups and populations. This allowed to make appropriate
      recommendations in clinical practice guidelines of several scientific societies.
      Due to advances in technologies, largely operator-independent methods are
      currently available for estimating vascular biomarkers also in ambulatory
      conditions, over the 24 h. According to the acceptable accuracy and
      reproducibility of 24-h ambulatory PWA, it appears to be a promising tool for
      evaluating vascular biomarkers in daily life conditions. This approach may
      provide an opportunity to further improve the early cardiovascular screening in
      subjects at risk. However, concerning the clinical use of PWA over the 24 h in
      ambulatory conditions at the moment, there is no sufficient evidence to support
      its routine clinical use. In particular, long-term outcome studies are needed to
      show the predictive value of 24-h PWV, CAP, and AIx values, provided by these
      devices, over and beyond peripheral blood pressure, and to answer the many
      technical and clinical questions still open. To this regard, the VASOTENS
      Registry, an international observational prospective study recently started, will
      help providing answers on a large sample of hypertensive patients recruited
      worldwide.

PMID- 27659181
TI  - The triterpenoid CDDO-imidazolide reduces immune cell infiltration and cytokine
      secretion in the KrasG12D;Pdx1-Cre (KC) mouse model of pancreatic cancer.
AB  - Because the 5-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer remains under 10%, new
      drugs are needed for the prevention and treatment of this devastating disease.
      Patients with chronic pancreatitis have a 12-fold higher risk of developing
      pancreatic cancer. LSL-KrasG12D/+;Pdx-1-Cre (KC) mice replicate the genetics,
      symptoms and histopathology found in human pancreatic cancer. Immune cells
      infiltrate into the pancreas of these mice and produce inflammatory cytokines
      that promote tumor growth. KC mice are particularly sensitive to the effects of
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS), as only 48% of KC mice survived an LPS challenge while
      100% of wildtype (WT) mice survived. LPS also increased the percentage of CD45+
      immune cells in the pancreas and immunosuppressive Gr1+ myeloid-derived
      suppressor cell in the spleen of these mice. The triterpenoid CDDO-imidazolide
      (CDDO-Im) not only reduced the lethal effects of LPS (71% survival) but also
      decreased the infiltration of CD45+ cells into the pancreas and the percentage of
      Gr1+ myeloid-derived suppressor cell in the spleen of KC mice 4-8 weeks after the
      initial LPS challenge. While the levels of inflammatory cytokine levels were
      markedly higher in KC mice versus WT mice challenged with LPS, CDDO-Im
      significantly decreased the production of IL-6, CCL-2, vascular endothelial
      growth factor and G-CSF in the KC mice. All of these cytokines are prognostic
      markers in pancreatic cancer or play important roles in the progression of this
      disease. Disrupting the inflammatory process with drugs such as CDDO-Im might be
      useful for preventing pancreatic cancer, especially in high-risk populations.

PMID- 27659183
TI  - Performance and safety of collagenated xenogeneic bone block for lateral alveolar
      ridge augmentation and staged implant placement. A monocenter, prospective single
      arm clinical study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess the clinical safety and performance of collagenated
      xenogeneic bone block (CXBB) for lateral alveolar ridge augmentation and two
      stage implant placement. MATERIAL & METHODS: In ten patients exhibiting a single
      tooth gap, the surgical procedure included the preparation of mucoperiosteal
      flaps, a rigid fixation of CXBB (Geistlich Bio-Graft(r) ) using an osteosynthesis
      screw, and contour augmentation. After 24 weeks of submerged healing, the primary
      endpoint was defined as the final ridge width sufficient to place an adequately
      dimensioned titanium implant at the respective sites. Secondary outcomes
      included, for example, the gain in ridge width (mm). Clinical parameters (e.g.,
      bleeding on probing - BOP, probing depth - PD, mucosal recession - MR) were
      assessed immediately after the cementation of the crown and at the final visit.
      RESULTS: At 24 weeks, implant placement could be achieved in 8 of 10 patients
      exhibiting a mean gain in ridge width (mean +/- SD) of 3.88 +/- 1.75 mm.
      Histological analysis has pointed to a homogeneous osseous organization of CXBB.
      The changes of mean BOP, PD, and MR values at the final visit amounted to 16.62
      +/- 32.02%, 0.04 +/- 0.21 mm, and -0.04 +/- 0.12 mm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS:
      CXBB may be successfully used to support lateral alveolar ridge augmentation and
      two-stage implant placement.

PMID- 27659182
TI  - Drug interactions may be important risk factors for methotrexate neurotoxicity,
      particularly in pediatric leukemia patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: Methotrexate administration is associated with frequent adverse
      neurological events during treatment for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
      Here, we present evidence to support the role of common drug interactions and low
      vitamin B12 levels in potentiating methotrexate neurotoxicity. METHODS: We review
      the published evidence and highlight key potential drug interactions as well as
      present clinical evidence of severe methotrexate neurotoxicity in conjunction
      with nitrous oxide anesthesia and measurements of vitamin B12 levels among
      pediatric leukemia patients during therapy. RESULTS: We describe a very plausible
      mechanism for methotrexate neurotoxicity in pediatric leukemia patients involving
      reduction in methionine and consequential disruption of myelin production. We
      provide evidence that a number of commonly prescribed drugs in pediatric leukemia
      management interact with the same folate biosynthetic pathways and/or reduce
      functional vitamin B12 levels and hence are likely to increase the toxicity of
      methotrexate in these patients. We also present a brief case study supporting out
      hypothesis that nitrous oxide contributes to methotrexate neurotoxicity and a
      nutritional study, showing that vitamin B12 deficiency is common in pediatric
      leukemia patients. CONCLUSIONS: Use of nitrous oxide in pediatric leukemia
      patients at the same time as methotrexate use should be avoided especially as
      many suitable alternative anesthetic agents exist. Clinicians should consider
      monitoring levels of vitamin B12 in patients suspected of having methotrexate
      induced neurotoxic effects.

PMID- 27659184
TI  - Direct synthesis of nanodiamonds by femtosecond laser irradiation of ethanol.
AB  - Carbon nanomaterials exhibit novel characteristics including enhanced thermal,
      electrical, mechanical, and biological properties. Nanodiamonds; first discovered
      in meteorites are found to be biocompatible, non-toxic and have distinct optical
      properties. Here we show that nanodiamonds with the size of <5 nm are formed
      directly from ethanol via 1025 nm femtosecond laser irradiation. The absorption
      of laser energy by ethanol increased non-linearly above 100 MUJ accompanied by a
      white light continuum arises from fs laser filamentation. At laser energy higher
      than 300 MUJ, emission spectra of C, O and H in the plasma were detected,
      indicating the dissociation of C2H5OH. Nucleation of the carbon species in the
      confined plasma within the laser filaments leads to the formation of
      nanodiamonds. The energy dependence and the roles of the nonlinear phenomenon to
      the formation of homogeneous nanodiamonds are discussed. This work brings new
      possibility for bottom-up nanomaterials synthesis based on nano and ultrafast
      laser physics.

PMID- 27659186
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27659185
TI  - Brain reward system's alterations in response to food and monetary stimuli in
      overweight and obese individuals.
AB  - The brain's reward system is crucial to understand obesity in modern society, as
      increased neural responsivity to reward can fuel the unhealthy food choices that
      are driving the growing obesity epidemic. Brain's reward system responsivity to
      food and monetary rewards in individuals with excessive weight (overweight and
      obese) versus normal weight controls, along with the relationship between this
      responsivity and body mass index (BMI) were tested. The sample comprised 21
      adults with obesity (BMI > 30), 21 with overweight (BMI between 25 and 30), and
      39 with normal weight (BMI < 25). Participants underwent a functional magnetic
      resonance imaging (fMRI) session while performing two tasks that involve the
      processing of food (Willing to Pay) and monetary rewards (Monetary Incentive
      Delay). Neural activations within the brain reward system were compared across
      the three groups. Curve fit analyses were conducted to establish the association
      between BMI and brain reward system's response. Individuals with obesity had
      greater food-evoked responsivity in the dorsal and ventral striatum compared with
      overweight and normal weight groups. There was an inverted U-shape association
      between BMI and monetary-evoked responsivity in the ventral striatum, medial
      frontal cortex, and amygdala; that is, individuals with BMIs between 27 and 32
      had greater responsivity to monetary stimuli. Obesity is associated with greater
      food-evoked responsivity in the ventral and dorsal striatum, and overweight is
      associated with greater monetary-evoked responsivity in the ventral striatum, the
      amygdala, and the medial frontal cortex. Findings suggest differential reactivity
      of the brain's reward system to food versus monetary rewards in obesity and
      overweight. Hum Brain Mapp 38:666-677, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27659187
TI  - A case report of simultaneous orthotopic liver transplantation and jejunectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Liver transplantation (LT) accompanied by jejunectomy to treat
      patients with acute or chronic hepatic cirrhosis with thrombosis in the portal
      system is extremely rare. CASE PRESENTATION: A 47-year-old man presented with
      hematemesis and melena, and a diagnosis of decompensated cirrhosis, chronic
      portal vein thrombosis (PVT) and secondary gastro-esophageal variceal hemorrhage
      was made. Coagulants were administered, but portal vein thrombi occurred rapidly,
      and gastrointestinal bleeding recurred shortly thereafter. The patient underwent
      LT, phlebothrombectomy and a partial jejunectomy. His recovery from a fistula was
      uneventful, and follow-up visits over 70 months were unremarkable. CONCLUSION:
      Liver transplantation and partial jejunectomy is a feasible and effective
      surgical option for select patients with end-stage liver disease accompanied by
      acute portal venous thrombosis.

PMID- 27659188
TI  - Disparate acidification and calcium carbonate desaturation of deep and shallow
      waters of the Arctic Ocean.
AB  - The Arctic Ocean is acidifying from absorption of man-made CO2. Current
      predictive models of that acidification focus on surface waters, and their
      results argue that deep waters will acidify by downward penetration from the
      surface. Here we show, with an alternative model, the rapid, near simultaneous,
      acidification of both surface and deep waters, a prediction supported by current,
      but limited, saturation data. Whereas Arctic surface water responds directly by
      atmospheric CO2 uptake, deeper waters will be influenced strongly by intrusion of
      mid-depth, pre-acidified, Atlantic Ocean water. With unabated CO2 emissions,
      surface waters will become undersaturated with respect to aragonite by 2105 AD
      and could remain so for ~600 years. In deep waters, the aragonite saturation
      horizon will rise, reaching the base of the surface mixed layer by 2140 AD and
      likely remaining there for over a millennium. The survival of aragonite-secreting
      organisms is consequently threatened on long timescales.

PMID- 27659189
TI  - Measuring Brain Tissue Integrity during 4 Years Using Diffusion Tensor Imaging.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: DTI is an MR imaging measure of brain tissue integrity.
      Little is known regarding the long-term longitudinal evolution of lesional and
      nonlesional tissue DTI parameters in multiple sclerosis and the present study
      examines DTI evolution over 4 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one patients
      with multiple sclerosis were imaged for up to 48 months after starting
      natalizumab therapy. Gadolinium-enhancing lesions at baseline, chronic T2
      lesions, and normal-appearing white matter were followed longitudinally. T2
      lesions were subclassified as black holes and non-black holes. Within each ROI,
      the average values of DTI metrics were derived by using Analysis of Functional
      Neuro Images software. The longitudinal trend in DTI metrics was estimated by
      using a mixed-model regression analysis. RESULTS: A significant increase was
      observed for axial diffusivity (P < .001) in gadolinium-enhancing lesions and
      chronic T2 lesions during 4 years. No significant change in radial diffusivity
      either in normal-appearing white matter or lesional tissue was observed. The
      evolution of axial diffusivity was different in gadolinium-enhancing lesions (P <
      .001) and chronic T2 lesions (P = .02) compared with normal-appearing white
      matter. CONCLUSIONS: An increase in axial diffusion in both gadolinium-enhancing
      lesions and T2 lesions may relate to the complex evolution of chronically
      demyelinated brain tissue. Pathologic changes in normal-appearing white matter
      are likely more subtle than in lesional tissue and may explain the stability of
      these measures with DTI.

PMID- 27659190
TI  - Influence of Small Vessel Disease and Microstructural Integrity on Neurocognitive
      Functioning in Older Individuals: The DANTE Study Leiden.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Small vessel disease is a major cause of neurocognitive
      dysfunction in the elderly. Small vessel disease may manifest as white matter
      hyperintensities, lacunar infarcts, cerebral microbleeds, and atrophy, all of
      which are visible on conventional MR imaging or as microstructural changes
      determined by diffusion tensor imaging. This study investigated whether
      microstructural integrity is associated with neurocognitive dysfunction in older
      individuals, irrespective of the conventional features of small vessel disease.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 195 participants (75 years of age or
      older) who underwent conventional 3T MR imaging with DTI to assess fractional
      anisotropy, mean diffusivity, axial diffusivity, and radial diffusivity.
      Cognitive tests were administered to assess cognitive domains, and the Geriatric
      Depression Scale-15 and Apathy Scale of Starkstein were used to assess symptoms
      of depression and apathy, respectively. The association between DTI measures and
      neurocognitive function was analyzed by using linear regression models. RESULTS:
      In gray matter, a lower fractional anisotropy and higher mean diffusivity, axial
      diffusivity, and radial diffusivity were associated with worse executive
      function, psychomotor speed, and overall cognition and, in white matter, also
      with memory. Findings were independent of white matter hyperintensities, lacunar
      infarcts, and cerebral microbleeds. However, after additional adjustment for
      normalized brain volume, only lower fractional anisotropy in white and gray
      matter and higher gray matter radial diffusivity remained associated with
      executive functioning. DTI measures were not associated with scores on the
      Geriatric Depression Scale-15 or the Apathy Scale of Starkstein. CONCLUSIONS:
      Microstructural integrity was associated with cognitive but not psychological
      dysfunction. Associations were independent of the conventional features of small
      vessel disease but attenuated after adjusting for brain volume.

PMID- 27659191
TI  - Prospective Validation of Two 4D-CT-Based Scoring Systems for Prediction of
      Multigland Disease in Primary Hyperparathyroidism.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Patients with multigland primary hyperparathyroidism are
      at higher risk for missed lesions on imaging and failed parathyroidectomy. The
      purpose of this study was to prospectively validate the ability of previously
      derived predictive score systems, the composite multigland disease score, and the
      multiphase multidetector contrast-enhanced CT (4D-CT) composite multigland
      disease score, to identify patients with a high likelihood of multigland disease.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective study of 71 patients with primary
      hyperparathyroidism who underwent 4D-CT and successful parathyroidectomy. The
      size and number of lesions identified on 4D-CT, serum calcium levels, and
      parathyroid hormone levels were collected. A composite multigland disease score
      was calculated from 4D-CT imaging findings and the Wisconsin Index (the product
      of the serum calcium and parathyroid hormone levels). A 4D-CT multigland disease
      score was obtained by using the CT data alone. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients
      with multigland disease were compared with 43 patients with single-gland disease.
      Patients with multigland disease had a significantly smaller lesion size (P <
      .01) and a higher likelihood of having either >=2 or 0 lesions identified on 4D
      CT (P < .01). Composite multigland disease scores of >=4, >=5, and 6 had
      specificities of 72%, 86%, and 100% for multigland disease, respectively. 4D-CT
      multigland disease scores of >=3 and 4 had specificities of 74% and 88%.
      CONCLUSIONS: Predictive scoring systems based on 4D-CT data, with or without
      laboratory data, were able to identify a subgroup of patients with a high
      likelihood of multigland disease in a prospectively accrued population of
      patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. These scoring systems can aid in
      surgical planning.

PMID- 27659192
TI  - Comparison of High-Resolution MR Imaging and Digital Subtraction Angiography for
      the Characterization and Diagnosis of Intracranial Artery Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: High-resolution MR imaging has recently been introduced
      as a promising diagnostic modality in intracranial artery disease. Our aim was to
      compare high-resolution MR imaging with digital subtraction angiography for the
      characterization and diagnosis of various intracranial artery diseases. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Thirty-seven patients who had undergone both high-resolution MR
      imaging and DSA for intracranial artery disease were enrolled in our study
      (August 2011 to April 2014). The time interval between the high-resolution MR
      imaging and DSA was within 1 month. The degree of stenosis and the minimal
      luminal diameter were independently measured by 2 observers in both DSA and high
      resolution MR imaging, and the results were compared. Two observers independently
      diagnosed intracranial artery diseases on DSA and high-resolution MR imaging. The
      time interval between the diagnoses on DSA and high-resolution MR imaging was 2
      weeks. Interobserver diagnostic agreement for each technique and intermodality
      diagnostic agreement for each observer were acquired. RESULTS: High-resolution MR
      imaging showed moderate-to-excellent agreement (interclass correlation
      coefficient = 0.892-0.949; kappa = 0.548-0.614) and significant correlations (R =
      0.766-892) with DSA on the degree of stenosis and minimal luminal diameter. The
      interobserver diagnostic agreement was good for DSA (kappa = 0.643) and excellent
      for high-resolution MR imaging (kappa = 0.818). The intermodality diagnostic
      agreement was good (kappa = 0.704) for observer 1 and moderate (kappa = 0.579)
      for observer 2, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: High-resolution MR imaging may be an
      imaging method comparable with DSA for the characterization and diagnosis of
      various intracranial artery diseases.

PMID- 27659193
TI  - Yield of Repeat 3D Angiography in Patients with Aneurysmal-Type Subarachnoid
      Hemorrhage.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Aneurysmal-type subarachnoid hemorrhage is a serious
      disease with high morbidity and mortality. When no aneurysm is found, the patient
      remains at risk for rebleeding. Negative findings for SAH on angiography range
      from 2% to 24%. Most previous studies were based on conventional 2D imaging. 3D
      rotational angiography depicts more aneurysms than 2D angiography. The purpose of
      this study was to evaluate the yield of repeat 3D rotational angiography in
      patients with aneurysmal-type SAH with negative initial 3D rotational angiography
      findings and to classify the initial occult aneurysms. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Between March 2013 and January 2016, 292 patients with SAH and an aneurysmal
      bleeding pattern were admitted. Of these 292 patients, 30 (10.3%; 95% CI, 7.3%
      14.3%) had initial negative 3D rotational angiography findings within 24 hours.
      These patients underwent a second 3D rotational angiography after 7-10 days.
      RESULTS: In 8 of 30 patients (26.7%; 95% CI, 14.0%-44.7%) with initial negative
      3D rotational angiography findings, a ruptured aneurysm was found on repeat 3D
      rotational angiography. Three of 8 initial occult aneurysms were very small (1-2
      mm), 2 were supraclinoid carotid artery dissecting aneurysms (2 and 8 mm), 2 were
      small (1 and 3 mm) basilar perforator aneurysms, and 1 was a 3-mm vertebral
      artery dissecting aneurysm. CONCLUSIONS: In 10% of patients with aneurysmal-type
      SAH, initial 3D rotational angiography findings were negative, and in 1 in 4,
      repeat 3D rotational angiography demonstrated a ruptured aneurysm. Initial occult
      aneurysms were dissecting aneurysms of perforators or main arteries or were very
      small (1-2 mm) or both. Our results indicate that repeat 3D rotational
      angiography is mandatory in patients with initial 3D rotational angiography
      findings negative for aneurysmal-type SAH.

PMID- 27659194
TI  - PQRS and the MACRA: Value-Based Payments Have Moved from Concept to Reality.

PMID- 27659195
TI  - Gynaecomastia.

PMID- 27659196
TI  - Titanium dioxide nanoparticles strongly impact soil microbial function by
      affecting archaeal nitrifiers.
AB  - Soils are facing new environmental stressors, such as titanium dioxide
      nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs). While these emerging pollutants are increasingly
      released into most ecosystems, including agricultural fields, their potential
      impacts on soil and its function remain to be investigated. Here we report the
      response of the microbial community of an agricultural soil exposed over 90 days
      to TiO2-NPs (1 and 500 mg kg-1 dry soil). To assess their impact on soil
      function, we focused on the nitrogen cycle and measured nitrification and
      denitrification enzymatic activities and by quantifying specific representative
      genes (amoA for ammonia-oxidizers, nirK and nirS for denitrifiers). Additionally,
      diversity shifts were examined in bacteria, archaea, and the ammonia-oxidizing
      clades of each domain. With strong negative impacts on nitrification enzyme
      activities and the abundances of ammonia-oxidizing microorganism, TiO2-NPs
      triggered cascading negative effects on denitrification enzyme activity and a
      deep modification of the bacterial community structure after just 90 days of
      exposure to even the lowest, realistic concentration of NPs. These results appeal
      further research to assess how these emerging pollutants modify the soil health
      and broader ecosystem function.

PMID- 27659197
TI  - CIBZ Regulates Mesodermal and Cardiac Differentiation of by Suppressing T and
      Mesp1 Expression in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells.
AB  - The molecular mechanisms underlying mesodermal and cardiac specification from
      embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are not fully understood. Here, we showed that the
      BTB domain-containing zinc finger protein CIBZ is expressed in mouse ESCs but is
      dramatically downregulated during ESC differentiation. CIBZ deletion in ESCs
      induced specification toward mesoderm phenotypes and their differentiation into
      cardiomyocytes, whereas overexpression of CIBZ delayed these processes. During
      ESC differentiation, CIBZ loss-and-gain-of-function data indicate that CIBZ
      negatively regulates the expressions of Brachyury (T) and Mesp1, the key
      transcriptional factors responsible for the specification of mammalian mesoderm
      and cardiac progenitors, respectively. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays
      showed that CIBZ binds to T and Mesp1 promoters in undifferentiated ESCs, and
      luciferase assays indicate that CIBZ suppresses T and Mesp1 promoters. These
      findings demonstrate that CIBZ is a novel regulator of mesodermal and cardiac
      differentiation of ESCs, and suggest that CIBZ-mediated cardiac differentiation
      depends on the regulation of these two genes.

PMID- 27659198
TI  - Human leukocyte antigen class 1 genotype distribution and analysis in persons
      with active tuberculosis and household contacts from Central Uganda.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To determine the distribution of Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class
      I genotypes in a Ugandan population of persons with tuberculosis (TB) and
      establish the relationship between class I HLA types and Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis (MTB) disease. METHODS: Blood samples were drawn from HIV negative
      individuals with active TB and HIV negative household controls. DNA was extracted
      from blood samples and HLA typed by the polymerase chain reaction-sequence
      specific primer method. The allelic frequencies were determined by direct count.
      RESULTS: HLA-A*02, B*15, C*07, C*03, B*58, C*04, A*01, A*74, C*02 and A*30 were
      the dominant genotypes in this Ugandan cohort. There were differences in the
      distribution of HLA types between the individuals with active TB and the
      household controls with only HLA-A*03 allele showing a statistically significant
      difference (p = 0.017 crude; OR = 6.29 and p = 0.016; OR = 11.67 after adjustment
      for age). However, after applying the Benjamini and Hochberg adjustment for
      multiple comparisons the difference was no longer statistically significant (p =
      0.374 and p = 0.176 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: We identified a number of HLA
      class I alleles in a population from Central Uganda which will enable us to carry
      out a functional characterization of CD8+ T-cell mediated immune responses to
      MTB. Our results do not show a positive association between the HLA class I
      alleles and TB in this Ugandan population however the study sample was too small
      to draw any firm conclusions about the role of HLA class I alleles and TB
      development in Uganda.

PMID- 27659199
TI  - Violent obsessions are associated with suicidality in an OCD analog sample of
      college students.
AB  - The picture of suicide in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is unclear because
      previous research did not uniformly control for depressive symptoms when
      examining the relationship between OCD and suicidality. Specific links between OC
      symptom dimensions and suicidality were also not adequately studied. As such, we
      investigated specific associations between OC symptom dimensions and suicidality,
      beyond the contribution of depressive symptoms, in an OCD analog sample of
      college students, a group traditionally at risk for suicide. One hundred and
      forty-six college students (103 females; 43 males) who exceeded the clinical cut
      off for OC symptoms on the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory, Revised (OCI-R) were
      recruited. Participants completed an online questionnaire containing measures
      that assessed suicidality and OC and depressive symptom severity. Total OC
      symptom severity, unacceptable thoughts, and especially violent obsessions
      exhibited significant positive zero-order correlations with suicidality. However,
      analyses of part correlations indicated that only violent obsessions had a
      significant unique association with suicidality after controlling for depressive
      symptoms. Our findings support the hypothesis that violent obsessions have a
      specific role in suicidality beyond the influence of depressive symptoms in an
      OCD analog sample of college students. A strong clinical focus on suicide risk
      assessment and safety planning in college students reporting violent obsessions
      is therefore warranted. Future related research should employ longitudinal or
      prospective designs and control for other possible comorbid symptoms in larger
      and more representative samples of participants formally diagnosed with OCD in
      order to verify the generalizability of our findings to these groups.

PMID- 27659200
TI  - Goat K222-PrPC polymorphic variant does not provide resistance to atypical
      scrapie in transgenic mice.
AB  - Host prion (PrPC) genotype is a major determinant for the susceptibility to prion
      diseases. The Q/K222-PrPC polymorphic variant provides goats and mice with high
      resistance against classical scrapie and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE);
      yet its effect against atypical scrapie is unknown. Here, transgenic mice
      expressing the goat wild-type (wt) or the K222-PrPC variant were intracerebrally
      inoculated with several natural cases of atypical scrapie from sheep and goat and
      their susceptibility to the prion disease was determined. Goat wt and K222-PrPC
      transgenic mice were 100% susceptible to all the atypical scrapie isolates,
      showing similar survival times and almost identical disease phenotypes. The
      capacity of the K222-PrPC variant to replicate specifically the atypical scrapie
      strain as efficiently as the goat wt PrPC, but not the classical scrapie or
      cattle-BSE as previously reported, further suggests the involvement of concrete
      areas of the host PrPC in the strain-dependent replication of prions.

PMID- 27659201
TI  - Elevated Adiponectin Levels Suppress Perivascular and Aortic Inflammation and
      Prevent AngII-induced Advanced Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.
AB  - Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a degenerative disease characterized by aortic
      dilation and rupture leading to sudden death. Currently, no non-surgical
      treatments are available and novel therapeutic targets are needed to prevent AAA.
      We investigated whether increasing plasma levels of adiponectin (APN), a
      pleiotropic adipokine, provides therapeutic benefit to prevent AngII-induced
      advanced AAA in a well-established preclinical model. In the AngII-infused
      hyperlipidemic low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient mouse (LDLR-/-) model,
      we induced plasma APN levels using a recombinant adenovirus expressing mouse APN
      (AdAPN) and as control, adenovirus expressing green florescent protein (AdGFP).
      APN expression produced sustained and significant elevation of total and high
      molecular weight APN levels and enhanced APN localization in the artery wall.
      AngII infusion for 8 weeks induced advanced AAA development in AdGFP mice.
      Remarkably, APN inhibited the AAA development in AdAPN mice by suppressing aortic
      inflammatory cell infiltration, medial degeneration and elastin fragmentation.
      APN inhibited the angiotensin type-1 receptor (AT1R), inflammatory cytokine and
      mast cell protease expression, and induced lysyl oxidase (LOX) in the aortic
      wall, improved systemic cytokine profile and attenuated adipose inflammation.
      These studies strongly support APN therapeutic actions through multiple
      mechanisms inhibiting AngII-induced AAA and increasing plasma APN levels as a
      strategy to prevent advanced AAA.

PMID- 27659202
TI  - Protein Kinase D2 Protects against Acute Colitis Induced by Dextran Sulfate
      Sodium in Mice.
AB  - Inflammatory bowel disease is characterized by dysregulation of the mucosal
      immune system resulting from impaired intestinal epithelial barrier function.
      Protein kinase D2 has been implicated in the regulation of immune responses. The
      present study was to define PKD2 might affect murine colitis. Colitis was induced
      in wild-type mice (PKD2WT/WT) and PKD2 catalytic activity deficient mice
      (PKD2SSAA/SSAA) with dextran sulfate sodium. PKD2SSAA-knockin mice displayed
      catalytic activity deficiency and increased susceptibility to DSS-induced colitis
      with enhanced weight loss, colonic inflammation compared with PKD2WT/WT mice.
      Furthermore, crucial inflammatory cytokines mRNA levels in PKD2SSAA-knockin mice
      were higher than controls accompanied with down-regulation of ZO-1, MUC2 and
      intestinal barrier dysfunction. However, there were no differences in the
      proliferation or apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells in PKD2SSAA-knockin
      mice compared with wild-type controls. In addition, PKD2 expression was repressed
      in patients with IBD compared with healthy controls. These studies suggested that
      activation of PKD2 in the colonic epithelium microenvironment may contribute to
      protect against DSS-induced colitis through regulation of intestinal mucosal
      immunity and barrier function.

PMID- 27659203
TI  - Single-pulse enhanced coherent diffraction imaging of bacteria with an X-ray free
      electron laser.
AB  - High-resolution imaging offers one of the most promising approaches for exploring
      and understanding the structure and function of biomaterials and biological
      systems. X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) combined with coherent diffraction
      imaging can theoretically provide high-resolution spatial information regarding
      biological materials using a single XFEL pulse. Currently, the application of
      this method suffers from the low scattering cross-section of biomaterials and X
      ray damage to the sample. However, XFELs can provide pulses of such short
      duration that the data can be collected using the "diffract and destroy" approach
      before the effects of radiation damage on the data become significant. These
      experiments combine the use of enhanced coherent diffraction imaging with single
      shot XFEL radiation to investigate the cellular architecture of Staphylococcus
      aureus with and without labeling by gold (Au) nanoclusters. The resolution of the
      images reconstructed from these diffraction patterns were twice as high or more
      for gold-labeled samples, demonstrating that this enhancement method provides a
      promising approach for the high-resolution imaging of biomaterials and biological
      systems.

PMID- 27659205
TI  - Dibenzothiophene Sulfone-Based Phosphine Oxide Electron Transporters with Unique
      Asymmetry for High-Efficiency Blue Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence
      Diodes.
AB  - Three asymmetrical electron transporters as dibenzothiophene sulfone (DBSO)
      diphenylphosphine oxide (DPPO) hybrids, collectively named mnDBSODPO, were
      designed and prepared. All of these materials achieve the high triplet energy of
      ~3.0 eV to restrain the exciton linkage from emissive layers. The dependence of
      inductive and steric effects for DPPO groups on the substitution position, the
      intermolecular interaction suppression, the encapsulations of high-polar DBSO
      cores, and the favorable electrical performance are successfully integrated on
      36DBSODPO, which can simultaneously suppress the exciton quenching by formation
      of an interfacial dipole and enhancing the charge flux balance. As a result,
      36DBSODPO endowed its tetralayer blue thermally activated delayed fluorescence
      (TADF) devices with impressive performance, including the maximum external
      quantum efficiency around 19%, and reduced efficiency roll-offs, which verifies
      the great potential of asymmetrical electron transporting materials for highly
      efficient TADF devices.

PMID- 27659204
TI  - Risk factors for community-acquired pneumonia in children under five years of age
      in the post-pneumococcal conjugate vaccine era in Brazil: a case control study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pneumonia plays an important role in children's morbidity and
      mortality. In Brazil, epidemiological and social changes occurred concomitantly
      with the universal introduction of the 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.
      This study identified risk factors for pneumonia following the implementation of
      a pneumococcal vaccination program. METHODS: A hospital-based, case-control study
      involving incident cases of pneumonia in children aged 1-59 months was conducted
      between October 2010 and September 2013 at a tertiary hospital in northeastern
      Brazil. The diagnosis of pneumonia was based on the World Health Organization
      (WHO) criteria. The control group consisted of children admitted to the day
      hospital ward for elective surgery. Children with comorbidities were excluded.
      The risk factors for pneumonia that were investigated were among those classified
      by the WHO as definite, likely and possible. A multivariate analysis was
      performed including variables that were significant at p <= 0.25 in the bivariate
      analysis. RESULTS: The study evaluated 407 children in the case group and 407
      children in the control group. Household crowding (OR = 2.15; 95 % CI, 1,46-3,18)
      and not having been vaccinated against the influenza virus (OR = 3.59; 95 % CI,
      2,62-4.91) were the only factors found to increase the likelihood of pneumonia.
      Male gender constituted a protective factor (OR = 0.53; 95 % CI, 0,39-0,72).
      CONCLUSION: Changes on risk factors for pneumonia were most likely associated
      with the expansion of the vaccination program and social improvements; however,
      these improvements were insufficient to overcome inequalities, given that
      household crowding remained a significant risk factor. The protection provided by
      the influenza vaccine must be evaluated new etiological studies. Furthermore,
      additional risk factors should be investigated.

PMID- 27659206
TI  - Patients with severe-to-profound hearing impairment and simultaneous severe
      vision impairment: a quality-of-life study.
AB  - CONCLUSIONS: Patients with severe vision impairment in combination with severe-to
      profound hearing loss seem to have a higher risk for effects on QoL, including:
      mobility, the ability to provide self-care and perform usual activities, and
      levels of anxiety and depression, compared with patients with only severe-to
      profound hearing loss. OBJECTIVES: To study the quality-of-life (QoL) and
      audiological rehabilitation of the severely vision-impaired patient population
      among adults with severe-to-profound hearing loss in Sweden. METHOD: A study of
      data collected from 543 patients with severe-to-profound hearing loss combined
      with severe vision impairment among the total of 2319 persons registered in the
      Swedish Quality Register of Otorhinolaryngology. QoL was measured with the
      following instruments: EQ5D, PIRS, and HADS. Audiological rehabilitation was
      described and evaluated. RESULTS: The patients with dual sensory loss were
      younger, were more likely to live alone, and had a lower level of education than
      the control group. The QoL of the study group was significantly negatively
      affected. In total, 89% of the study group had been rehabilitated with hearing
      aids, while 8% had received rehabilitation with cochlear implants. A total of 32%
      of the study group had received extended audiological rehabilitation.

PMID- 27659208
TI  - Ten polymorphic microsatellite markers characterized for Schizothorax
      pseudaksaiensis and applied for population genetic analysis.

PMID- 27659209
TI  - Development, characterization and transferability of 10 novel microsatellite
      markers in Cotoneaster orbicularis Schltdl. (Rosaceae).

PMID- 27659207
TI  - Neurogenin 3 is regulated by neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor type 2 (TRKB)
      signaling in the adult human exocrine pancreas.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reports of exocrine-to-endocrine reprogramming through expression or
      stabilization of the transcription factor neurogenin 3 (NGN3) have generated
      renewed interest in harnessing pancreatic plasticity for therapeutic
      applications. NGN3 is expressed by a population of endocrine progenitor cells
      that give rise exclusively to hormone-secreting cells within pancreatic islets
      and is necessary and sufficient for endocrine differentiation during development.
      In the adult human pancreas, NGN3 is expressed by dedifferentiating exocrine
      cells with a phenotype resembling endocrine progenitor cells and the capacity for
      endocrine differentiation in vitro. Neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor type 2
      (TRKB), which regulates neuronal cell survival, differentiation and plasticity,
      was identified as highly overexpressed in the NGN3 positive cell transcriptome
      compared to NGN3 negative exocrine cells. This study was designed to determine if
      NGN3 is regulated by TRKB signaling in the adult human exocrine pancreas.
      METHODS: Transcriptome analysis, quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase
      chain reaction (RTPCR) and immunochemistry were used to identify TRKB isoform
      expression in primary cultures of human islet-depleted exocrine tissue and human
      cadaveric pancreas biopsies. The effects of pharmacological modulation of TRKB
      signaling on the expression of NGN3 were assessed by Student's t-test and ANOVA.
      RESULTS: Approximately 30 % of cultured exocrine cells and 95 % of NGN3+ cells
      express TRKB on their cell surface. Transcriptome-based exon splicing analyses,
      isoform-specific quantitative RTPCR and immunochemical staining demonstrate that
      TRKB-T1, which lacks a tyrosine kinase domain, is the predominant isoform
      expressed in cultured exocrine tissue and is expressed in histologically normal
      cadaveric pancreas biopsies. Pharmacological inhibition of TRKB significantly
      decreased the percentage of NGN3+ cells, while a TRKB agonist significantly
      increased this percentage. Inhibition of protein kinase B (AKT) blocked the
      effect of the TRKB agonist, while inhibition of tyrosine kinase had no effect.
      Modulation of TRKB and AKT signaling did not significantly affect the level of
      NGN3 mRNA. CONCLUSIONS: In the adult human exocrine pancreas, TRKB-T1 positively
      regulates NGN3 independent of effects on NGN3 transcription. Targeting mechanisms
      controlling the NGN3+ cell population size and endocrine cell fate commitment
      represent a potential new approach to understand pancreas pathobiology and means
      whereby cell populations could be expanded for therapeutic purposes.

PMID- 27659210
TI  - Antigenic Peptide Recognition on the Human ABC Transporter TAP Resolved by DNP
      Enhanced Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy.
AB  - The human transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP) is a 150 kDa
      heterodimeric ABC transport complex that selects peptides for export into the
      endoplasmic reticulum and subsequent loading onto major histocompatibility
      complex class I molecules to trigger adaptive immune responses against virally or
      malignantly transformed cells. To date, no atomic-resolution information on
      peptide-TAP interactions has been obtained, hampering a mechanistic understanding
      of the early steps of substrate translocation catalyzed by TAP. Here, we
      developed a mild method to concentrate an unstable membrane protein complex and
      combined this effort with dynamic nuclear polarization enhanced magic angle
      spinning solid-state NMR to study this challenging membrane protein-substrate
      complex. We were able to determine the atomic-resolution backbone conformation of
      an antigenic peptide bound to human TAP. Our NMR data also provide unparalleled
      insights into the nature of the interactions between the side chains of the
      antigen peptide and TAP. By combining NMR data and molecular modeling, the
      location of the peptide binding cavity has been identified, revealing a complex
      scenario of peptide-TAP recognition. Our findings reveal a structural and
      chemical basis of substrate selection rules, which define the crucial function of
      this ABC transporter in human immunity and health. This work is the first NMR
      study of a eukaryotic transporter protein and presents the power of solid-state
      NMR in this growing field.

PMID- 27659212
TI  - Should we recommend universal aspirin for all pregnant women?
AB  - Low-dose aspirin has been demonstrated to reduce the incidence of preeclampsia
      and fetal growth restriction in at-risk populations. Its role in low-risk
      populations is as yet unknown. Novel preeclampsia screening tests are emerging
      that can predict the risk of the development of preeclampsia from as early as 11
      weeks of gestation. It may be more efficacious, acceptable, and cost-effective to
      prescribe low-dose aspirin to all pregnant women from the first trimester as
      opposed to performing a screening test in the first instance. There is variation
      in opinion: the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists suggests the
      use of aspirin only in women who are at risk of preeclampsia, based on patient
      history; the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, UK, and the
      US Preventative Services Task Force recommend the use of low-dose aspirin if
      there is 1 major or 2 moderate risk factors. This point-counterpoint discussion
      shall address (1) controversies regarding the real impact of low-dose aspirin;
      (2) controversies in the actual guidelines among the different national
      societies; (3) controversies regarding emerging preeclampsia screening tests in
      terms of cost-effectiveness and efficacy, and (4) points in favor of the
      provision of universal vs screened-positive women.

PMID- 27659213
TI  - Good eggs and bad eggs.

PMID- 27659214
TI  - Genetic diversity and phylogeography of highly zoonotic Echinococcus granulosus
      genotype G1 in the Americas (Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Mexico) based on 8279bp
      of mtDNA.
AB  - Echinococcus granulosus is a taeniid cestode and the etiological agent of an
      infectious zoonotic disease known as cystic echinococcosis (CE) or hydatid
      disease. CE is a serious public health concern in many parts of the world,
      including the Americas, where it is highly endemic in many regions. Echinococcus
      granulosus displays high intraspecific genetic variability and is divided into
      multiple genotypes (G1-G8, G10) with differences in their biology and etiology.
      Of these, genotype G1 is responsible for the majority of human and livestock
      infections and has the broadest host spectrum. However, despite the high
      significance to the public and livestock health, the data on genetic variability
      and regional genetic differences of genotype G1 in America are scarce. The aim of
      this study was to evaluate the genetic variability and phylogeography of G1 in
      several countries in America by sequencing a large portion of the mitochondrial
      genome. We analysed 8279bp of mtDNA for 52 E. granulosus G1 samples from sheep,
      cattle and pigs collected in Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Mexico, covering
      majority of countries in the Americas where G1 has been reported. The
      phylogenetic network revealed 29 haplotypes and a high haplotype diversity
      (Hd=0.903). The absence of phylogeographic segregation between different regions
      in America suggests the importance of animal transportation in shaping the
      genetic structure of E. granulosus G1. In addition, our study revealed many
      highly divergent haplotypes, indicating a long and complex evolutionary history
      of E. granulosus G1 in the Americas.

PMID- 27659219
TI  - Mental health academics in rural and remote Australia.
AB  - CONTEXT: The significant impact of mental ill health in rural and remote
      Australia has been well documented. Included among innovative approaches
      undertaken to address this issue has been the Mental Health Academic (MHA)
      project, established in 2007. Funded by the Australian Government (Department of
      Health), this project was established as a component of the University
      Departments of Rural Health (UDRH) program. All 11 UDRHs appointed an MHA.
      Although widely geographically dispersed, the MHAs have collaborated in various
      ways. The MHA project encompasses a range of activities addressing four key
      performance indicators. These activities, undertaken in rural and remote
      Australia, aimed to increase access to mental health services, promote awareness
      of mental health issues, support students undertaking mental health training and
      improve health professionals' capacity to recognise and address mental health
      issues. MHAs were strategically placed within the UDRHs across the country,
      ensuring an established academic base for the MHAs' work was available
      immediately. Close association with each local rural community was recognised as
      important. For most MHAs this was facilitated by having an established clinical
      role in their local community and actively engaging with the community in which
      they worked. In common with other rural health initiatives, some difficulties
      were experienced in the recruitment of suitable MHAs, especially in more remote
      locations. The genesis of this article was a national meeting of the MHAs in
      2014, to identify and map the different types of activities MHAs had undertaken
      in their regions. These activities were analysed and categorised by the MHAs.
      These categories have been used as a guiding framework for this article. ISSUES:
      The challenge to increase community access to mental health services was
      addressed by (i) initiatives to address specific access barriers, (ii) supporting
      recruitment and retention of rural mental health staff, (iii) developing the
      skills of the existing workforce and (iv) developing innovative approaches to
      student placements. Strategies to promote awareness of mental health issues
      included workshops in rural and remote communities, specific suicide prevention
      initiatives and targeted initiatives to support the mental health needs of
      Indigenous Australians. The need for collaboration between the widely dispersed
      MHAs was identified as important to bridge the rural divide, to promote project
      cohesiveness and ensure new ideas in an emerging setting are readily shared and
      to provide professional support for one another as mental health academics are
      often isolated from academic colleagues with similar mental health interests.
      LESSONS LEARNED: The MHA project suggests that an integrated approach can be
      taken to address the common difficulties of community awareness raising of mental
      health issues, increasing access to mental health services, workforce recruitment
      and retention (access), and skill development of existing health professionals
      (access and awareness). To address the specific needs and circumstances of their
      community, MHAs have customised their activities. As in other rural initiatives,
      one size was found not to fit all. The triad of flexibility, diversity and
      connectedness (both to local community and other MHAs) describes the response
      identified as appropriate by the MHAs. The breadth of the MHA role to provide
      university sponsored educational activities outside traditional student teaching
      meant that the broader health workforce benefited from access to mental health
      training that would not otherwise have occurred. Provision of these additional
      educational opportunities addressed not only the need for increased education
      regarding mental health but also reduced the barriers commonly faced by rural
      health professionals in accessing quality professional development.

PMID- 27659218
TI  - Comparative efficacy of bilastine, desloratadine and rupatadine in the
      suppression of wheal and flare response induced by intradermal histamine in
      healthy volunteers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the peripheral antihistaminic activity of bilastine,
      rupatadine and desloratadine in inhibiting the histamine-induced wheal and flare
      (W&F) response. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Twenty-four healthy volunteers aged
      18-40 years participated in this crossover, randomized, double-blind, placebo
      controlled clinical study. Subjects received single doses of bilastine 20 mg,
      desloratadine 5 mg, rupatadine 10 mg and placebo. W&F responses induced by
      intradermal injection of histamine 5 MUg were evaluated before treatment (basal
      value) and at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12 and 24 hours after treatment. Fifteen
      minutes after histamine injection, W&F surface areas (cm2) were quantified using
      the Visitrak System. Itching sensation was evaluated using a 100 mm visual analog
      scale. EudraCT number: 2015-000790-13. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome
      measure was the percentage reduction in W&F areas after each active treatment
      compared with corresponding basal values. RESULTS: Bilastine induced the greatest
      inhibition in wheal area and was significantly superior to desloratadine and
      rupatadine from 1 to 12 hours (both p < .001). Rupatadine and desloratadine were
      better than placebo without differences between them. Maximum wheal inhibition
      occurred at 6 hours (bilastine 83%, desloratadine 38%, rupatadine 37%). Onset of
      action was 1 hour for bilastine and 4 hours for desloratadine and rupatadine.
      Bilastine was significantly superior to desloratadine and rupatadine for flare
      inhibition from 1-24 hours (both p < .001) with an onset of action at 30 minutes.
      Bilastine was significantly better than desloratadine (2-12 hours; at least p <
      .05) and rupatadine (2-9 hours; at least p < .01) for reducing itching sensation.
      Neither desloratadine nor rupatadine significantly reduced itching compared to
      placebo. All active treatments were well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: Bilastine 20 mg
      induced significantly greater inhibition of the W&F response compared with
      desloratadine 5 mg and rupatadine 10 mg throughout the 24 hour study period, and
      had the fastest onset of action. Only bilastine significantly reduced itching
      sensation versus placebo.

PMID- 27659220
TI  - Pharmacological modulation in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy: Current status and
      future perspectives.
AB  - Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) is frequently associated with hippocampal
      sclerosis (Hs), possibly caused by a primary brain injury that occurs a long time
      before the appearance of neurological symptoms. MTLE-Hs is, however, a
      heterogeneous condition that evolves with time, involving both environmental and
      genetic components. Recent experimental studies emphasize that drugs or drug
      combinations that target modulation and circuitry reorganization of the
      epileptogenic networks favorably modify the complex molecular and cellular
      alterations underlying MTLE. In particular, the link between neuroinflammation,
      GABAAR and epilepsy has been extensively studied mainly because of the relevant
      therapeutic implications that the pharmacological modulation of these phenomena
      would have in the clinical practice. In this review, we briefly summarize the
      studies that could pave the road to develop new disease-modifying therapeutic
      strategies for pharmacoresistant MTLE patients. Both clinical observations in
      human MTLE and experimental findings will be discussed, highlighting the
      potential modulatory crosstalk between the deregulation of the inhibitory
      (GABAergic) transmission and the sustained activation of the innate immune
      response.

PMID- 27659221
TI  - Computational operon prediction in whole-genomes and metagenomes.
AB  - Microbial diversity in unique environmental settings enables abrupt responses
      catalysed by altering the gene regulation and formation of gene clusters called
      operons. Operons increases bacterial adaptability, which in turn increases their
      survival. This review article presents the emergence of computational operon
      prediction methods for whole microbial genomes and metagenomes, and discusses
      their strengths and limitations. Most of the whole-genome operon prediction
      methods struggle to generalize on unrelated genomes. The applicability of
      universal whole-genome operon prediction methods to metagenomic data is an
      interesting yet less investigated question. We have evaluated the potential of
      various operon prediction features for genomic and metagenomic data. Most of
      operon prediction methods with high accuracy have been compiled into databases.
      Despite of the high predictive performance, the data among many databases are not
      completely consistent for similar species. We performed a correlation analysis
      between the computationally predicted operon databases and experimentally
      validated data for Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis. Operon prediction for most of the less characterized microbes
      cannot be verified due to absence of experimentally validated operons. The
      generation of validated information for other microbes would test the
      authenticity of operon databases for other less annotated microbes as well.
      Advances in sequencing technologies and development of better analysis methods
      will help researchers to overcome the technological hurdles (such as long
      sequencing reads and improved contig size) and further improve operon predictions
      and better utilize operonic information.

PMID- 27659223
TI  - Eulogy for the Metabolic Clinical Investigator?

PMID- 27659224
TI  - The Next Step Forward Is to Take a Step Back.

PMID- 27659225
TI  - HDL Cholesterol Story Is Dead: Long Live HDL!

PMID- 27659211
TI  - The whole genome sequence of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata
      (Wiedemann), reveals insights into the biology and adaptive evolution of a highly
      invasive pest species.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata, is a major
      destructive insect pest due to its broad host range, which includes hundreds of
      fruits and vegetables. It exhibits a unique ability to invade and adapt to
      ecological niches throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world,
      though medfly infestations have been prevented and controlled by the sterile
      insect technique (SIT) as part of integrated pest management programs (IPMs). The
      genetic analysis and manipulation of medfly has been subject to intensive study
      in an effort to improve SIT efficacy and other aspects of IPM control. RESULTS:
      The 479 Mb medfly genome is sequenced from adult flies from lines inbred for 20
      generations. A high-quality assembly is achieved having a contig N50 of 45.7 kb
      and scaffold N50 of 4.06 Mb. In-depth curation of more than 1800 messenger RNAs
      shows specific gene expansions that can be related to invasiveness and host
      adaptation, including gene families for chemoreception, toxin and insecticide
      metabolism, cuticle proteins, opsins, and aquaporins. We identify genes relevant
      to IPM control, including those required to improve SIT. CONCLUSIONS: The medfly
      genome sequence provides critical insights into the biology of one of the most
      serious and widespread agricultural pests. This knowledge should significantly
      advance the means of controlling the size and invasive potential of medfly
      populations. Its close relationship to Drosophila, and other insect species
      important to agriculture and human health, will further comparative functional
      and structural studies of insect genomes that should broaden our understanding of
      gene family evolution.

PMID- 27659226
TI  - Exosomes in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy: The Next-Generation Therapeutic Targets?

PMID- 27659227
TI  - Hydrogen Sulfide Therapy in Diabetes-Accelerated Atherosclerosis: A Whiff of
      Success.

PMID- 27659229
TI  - Erratum. Adiponectin-Induced Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Activation and
      Nitric Oxide Production Are Mediated by APPL1 in Endothelial Cells. Diabetes
      2007;56:1387-1394.

PMID- 27659230
TI  - Erratum. Adiponectin Prevents Diabetic Premature Senescence of Endothelial
      Progenitor Cells and Promotes Endothelial Repair by Suppressing the p38 MAP
      Kinase/p16INK4A Signaling Pathway. Diabetes 2010;59:2949-2959.

PMID- 27659228
TI  - Soluble CD93 Is Involved in Metabolic Dysregulation but Does Not Influence
      Carotid Intima-Media Thickness.
AB  - Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease are complex disorders involving
      metabolic and inflammatory mechanisms. Here we investigated whether sCD93, a
      group XIV c-type lectin of the endosialin family, plays a role in metabolic
      dysregulation or carotid intima-media thickness (IMT). Although no association
      was observed between sCD93 and IMT, sCD93 levels were significantly lower in
      subjects with type 2 diabetes (n = 901, mean +/- SD 156.6 +/- 40.0 ng/mL)
      compared with subjects without diabetes (n = 2,470, 164.1 +/- 44.8 ng/mL, P <
      0.0001). Genetic variants associated with diabetes risk (DIAGRAM Consortium) did
      not influence sCD93 levels (individually or combined in a single nucleotide
      polymorphism score). In a prospective cohort, lower sCD93 levels preceded the
      development of diabetes. Consistent with this, a cd93-deficient mouse model (in
      addition to apoe deficiency) demonstrated no difference in atherosclerotic lesion
      development compared with apoe(-/-) cd93-sufficient littermates. However, cd93
      deficient mice showed impaired glucose clearance and insulin sensitivity
      (compared with littermate controls) after eating a high-fat diet. The expression
      of cd93 was observed in pancreatic islets, and leaky vessels were apparent in
      cd93-deficient pancreases. We further demonstrated that stress-induced release of
      sCD93 is impaired by hyperglycemia. Therefore, we propose CD93 as an important
      component in glucometabolic regulation.

PMID- 27659231
TI  - Erratum. APPL1 Counteracts Obesity-Induced Vascular Insulin Resistance and
      Endothelial Dysfunction by Modulating the Endothelial Production of Nitric Oxide
      and Endothelin-1 in Mice. Diabetes 2011;60:3044-3054.

PMID- 27659233
TI  - A systematic review of the quality of studies on dementia prevalence in Italy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dementia, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), is one of the most
      burdensome medical conditions. In order to better understand the epidemiology of
      dementia in Italy, we conducted a systematic search of studies published between
      1980 and April 2014 investigating the prevalence of dementia and AD in Italy and
      then evaluated the quality of the selected studies. METHODS: A systematic search
      was performed using PubMed/Medline and Embase to identify Italian population
      based studies on the prevalence of dementia among people aged >=60 years. The
      quality of the studies was scored according to Alzheimer's Disease International
      (ADI) criteria. RESULTS: Sixteen articles on the prevalence of dementia and AD in
      Italy were eligible and 75 % of them were published before the year 2000. Only
      one study was a national survey, whereas most of the studies were locally based
      (Northern Italy and Tuscany). Overall, the 16 studies were attributed a mean ADI
      quality score of 7.6 (median 7.75). CONCLUSIONS: Available studies on the
      prevalence of dementia and AD in Italy are generally old, of weak quality, and do
      not include all regions of Italy. The important limitations of the few eligible
      studies included in our analysis, mostly related to their heterogeneous design,
      make our systematic review difficult to interpret from an epidemiologic point of
      view. Full implementation of a Dementia National Plan is highly needed to better
      understand the epidemiology of the disease and monitor dementia patients.

PMID- 27659235
TI  - Blood Pressure Measurement in Pediatrics.

PMID- 27659234
TI  - A novel neuropeptide Y neuronal pathway linking energy state and reproductive
      behavior.
AB  - Animals consume energy for reproduction, as well as survival. Excess or
      insufficient energy investment into reproduction, respectively, threatens the
      survival of parents or leads to the failure of reproduction. Management of energy
      consumption in reproduction is important, not only for the success of the
      process, but also for the survival of the parents. Reproductive behaviors, such
      as mating and parental behavior, are indispensable for achieving each event of
      reproduction including gametogamy, parturition, and lactation. Therefore,
      reproductive behavior is one of the important factors in managing energy
      consumption for reproduction. Orexigenic and anorexigenic molecules in the
      hypothalamus have been implicated in the regulation of reproductive functions. An
      orexigenic neuropeptide, neuropeptide Y (NPY), has been also implicated in the
      regulation of both reproduction and energy state of animals. In this review, we
      will first summarize the neuronal mechanism for regulating reproductive functions
      by orexigenic and anorexigenic molecules in the hypothalamus. Second, we will
      focus on the NPY neuronal pathways regulating reproductive behavior in the intra-
      and extra-hypothalamic brain areas. We will highlight the NPY neuronal pathway
      from the arcuate nucleus to the dorsal raphe nucleus as a novel extra
      hypothalamic pathway for energy state-dependent regulation of reproductive
      behavior. Finally, we will propose a biological significance of the extra
      hypothalamic NPY neuronal pathway, which plays an important role in the
      associative control of feeding and reproductive behaviors.

PMID- 27659236
TI  - Synovial cyst of the knee: A rare case of acute sciatic neuropathy.

PMID- 27659237
TI  - Validation of a novel activity monitor in impaired, slow-walking, crutch
      supported patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A growing need in clinical practice of rehabilitation and orthopaedic
      medicine is for objective outcome tools to estimate physical activity. Current
      techniques show limited validity or are too demanding for routine clinical use.
      Accelerometer-based activity monitors (AMs) have shown promise for measuring
      physical activity in healthy people but lack validity in impaired patients.
      OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to validate an accelerometer-based AM in impaired,
      slow-walking, crutch-supported patients after total joint arthroplasty (TJA).
      METHODS: Shortly after TJA, patients who were safely mobilized with 2 crutches
      and 8 healthy participants completed a trial of different activities while
      wearing the AM on the lateral upper leg and being videotaped. Outcome variables
      (e.g., time walking, number of gait cycles, sit-stand-sit transfers) were
      compared to video recordings, and sensitivity, predictive value and mean
      percentage difference (MPD) values were calculated. RESULTS: We included 40
      patients (mean age: 65+/-9 years; mean BMI: 30+/-6kg/m2; male:female ratio:
      18:22) and 8 healthy participants (mean age: 49+/-20 years; mean BMI: 23+/
      0.7kg/m2; male:female ratio: 5:3). The AM showed excellent sensitivity (>95%) and
      predictive value (>95%) in identifying activities (e.g., walking, sitting,
      resting) and detecting the number of gait cycles and sit-stand-sit transfers
      (mean percentage difference: +/-2%). Detection of number of steps ascending and
      descending stairs and cadence was more difficult but still showed good results
      (mean percentage difference: +/-7%). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first validation
      study to assess physical activity with an AM in impaired, slow-walking, crutch
      supported patients. The AM was a valid tool for measuring physical activity in
      these patients. The tool may help in evaluating and optimizing rehabilitation
      programs for patients after TJA, those recovering from stroke or chronic impaired
      patients.

PMID- 27659238
TI  - Classifying amygdala kindling stages using quantitative assessments of
      extracellular recording of EEG in rats.
AB  - PURPOSE: Determining different seizure stage specific features in a kindling
      model is a crucial step in developing efficient objective techniques for early
      prediction and treatment of seizures. This study identified and categorized
      kindling stages based on their electrophysiological features through processing
      extracellular field potentials of Amygdala rapid kindling. METHODS: Thirteen
      Wistar rats (200+/-10g) were divided into 2 groups including kindle (n=7) and
      sham (n=6) and respectively underwent an amygdala rapid kindling and placebo
      stimulation. EEG signals in each stage were classified into 7 bands: delta (0
      4Hz), theta (4-8Hz), alpha (8-12Hz), low beta (12-16Hz), mid beta (16-20Hz), high
      beta (20-28Hz) and gamma (28-40Hz). Spectral power and power of sub bands of
      stage 3 (localized seizure stage (SS)) and stages 4 and 5 (generalized SSs) were
      compared between kindling and sham groups. RESULT: Spectral analyses showed
      larger spikes in delta and theta subbands in the stages of 3, 4, and 5 of
      kindling, compared with sham animals. Generalized SSs contained more spikes than
      the localized SS in the kindling. Kindling process was accompanied by reduction
      in high beta and gamma oscillations and increase in delta sub band power which
      were significant in the generalized SSs. The theta/alpha ratio in the localized
      SS was higher than the generalized SSs and sham group, but the difference with
      the sham group was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that
      reduced high beta and gamma and increased delta oscillations power are associated
      with behavioral seizure progression.

PMID- 27659239
TI  - Benign Metastasizing Leiomyoma.
AB  - Benign metastasizing leiomyoma is a rare diagnosis in women with history of
      uterine leiomyomata. Distant metastasis may occur anywhere but is most commonly
      seen to the lungs. The age of presentation is often young to mid age, with
      patients often having a history of hysterectomy or myomectomy for uterine
      leiomyomata. The clinical course of these patients is most often indolent.
      However, the size and number of nodules can result in pulmonary symptoms.
      Differentiating benign metastasizing leiomyoma from malignant metastatic disease,
      including from leiomyosarcoma, is important to avoid unnecessary procedures or
      delayed treatment. The treatment with hormonal suppression is often successful
      for decreasing the size of lesions and alleviating pulmonary symptoms.

PMID- 27659240
TI  - Bias in the reporting of harms in clinical trials of second-generation
      antidepressants for depression and anxiety: A meta-analysis.
AB  - Previous research has shown that reporting bias has inflated the apparent
      efficacy of antidepressants. We investigated whether apparent safety was also
      affected. We included 133 trials, involving 31,296 patients, of second-generation
      antidepressants for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) or anxiety
      disorders, obtained from Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reviews. We extracted
      data on overall discontinuation, discontinuation due to adverse events, and
      serious adverse events (SAEs). Meta-analysis was used to compare discontinuation
      rates between FDA reviews and matching journal articles, while SAEs were compared
      qualitatively. The odds ratio for overall discontinuation, comparing drug to
      placebo, was 1.0 for both sources, while that for discontinuation due to adverse
      events was 2.4 for both sources. Seventy-seven of 97 (79%) journal articles
      provided incomplete information on SAEs; sixty-one (63%) articles made no mention
      of SAEs at all. Of 21 articles which could be compared to the FDA, only 6 (29%)
      had full reporting without discrepancies. Nine (43%) articles reported a
      discrepant number of SAEs. Descriptions were absent or discrepant in 6 (29%)
      additional articles, even for important SAEs such as suicide attempts. In
      conclusion, reporting bias has not affected average discontinuation rates over
      trials. However, SAE reporting is not only very poor, with over half of articles
      failing to discuss SAEs altogether, but discrepancies between the FDA and
      articles were common and often led to a more favorable drug-placebo comparison.
      These findings suggest that journal articles are an unreliable source of data on
      SAEs in antidepressant trials.

PMID- 27659242
TI  - All-Arthroscopic Suprapectoral Versus Open Subpectoral Tenodesis of the Long Head
      of the Biceps Brachii Without the Use of Interference Screws.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare patient-reported outcomes and healing rates after open
      subpectoral and all-arthroscopic suprapectoral biceps tenodesis without the use
      of interference screws in patients with more than 2 years of follow-up. METHODS:
      Patients with at least 2 years of follow-up who underwent open subpectoral biceps
      tenodesis or all-arthroscopic suprapectoral biceps tenodesis without concomitant
      rotator cuff repair, labral repair, or Mumford procedure were considered for
      enrollment in the study. They were evaluated for visual analog scale (VAS),
      American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and satisfaction with function
      and biceps contour. Ultrasonography was performed to evaluate the integrity of
      the tenodesis site and measure biceps muscle diameters on each arm. RESULTS:
      Forty-nine patients were eligible for our study and of these, 38 were able to
      participate. Twenty-three patients had open subpectoral biceps tenodesis and 15
      received all-arthroscopic suprapectoral biceps tenodesis. The average follow-up
      time was 4.5 years (range 2-9.1 years). There were no significant differences in
      anterior shoulder pain VAS, ASES scores, or satisfaction rates. The average
      anterior shoulder VAS was 0.7 +/- 1.1 for the open group and 0.9 +/- 1.8 for the
      arthroscopic group (P = .74). The mean ASES score for the open group was 90.6 +/-
      11.4 and 91.4 +/- 13.9 for the arthroscopic group (P = .69). All patients had an
      intact tenodesis site on ultrasonography and the ratio of operative to
      nonoperative biceps diameters was 100.2% +/- 12.8% for the open group and 99.1%
      +/- 10.8% for the arthroscopic group (P = .66). There were no infections and no
      brachial plexus injuries in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Open subpectoral biceps
      tenodesis and all-arthroscopic suprapectoral biceps tenodesis are both successful
      surgeries with consistently positive outcomes. Tenodesis can be performed in
      either location without interference screw fixation with durable, reliable
      results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative trial.

PMID- 27659241
TI  - Cholesterol remnants and triglycerides are associated with decreased myocardial
      function in patients with type 2 diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recently, genetic studies have suggested a causal relationship
      between cholesterol remnants and ischemic heart disease. We aimed to determine
      whether cholesterol remnants and its marker, triglyceride levels, are associated
      with cardiac function as determined by sensitive echocardiographic measures in a
      population of patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Comprehensive
      echocardiography including 2D-speckle tracking echocardiography was performed on
      a representative sample of 924 patients with type 2 diabetes-730 of whom were
      treated with statins. These were recruited from two large secondary care centers.
      RESULTS: In multivariable analyses, triglycerides and cholesterol remnants were
      not associated with left ventricular ejection fraction, but with subtle measures
      of systolic function, including global longitudinal strain by speckle tracking
      and longitudinal displacement by tissue Doppler echocardiography: global
      longitudinal strain [0.33 % (0.14), p = 0.02 per doubling in cholesterol remnants
      and 0.28 % (0.13), p = 0.03 per doubling in triglyceride levels] and with
      longitudinal displacement [-0.25 mm (0.10), p = 0.01 per doubling in cholesterol
      remnants and -0.25 mm (0.09), p = 0.005 per doubling in triglyceride levels].
      Subgroup analyses of patients receiving statin therapy and patients without known
      heart disease revealed similar results, but the association was not present in
      patients with known heart disease. CONCLUSION: In patients with type 2 diabetes,
      subtle decrease in left ventricular function is present with increasing levels of
      cholesterol remnants and triglyceride levels indicating an effect of these on
      cardiac function that is not detectable by conventional echocardiography.

PMID- 27659243
TI  - Recombination-based generation of the agroinfectious clones of Peanut stunt
      virus.
AB  - Full-length cDNA clones of Peanut stunt virus strain P (PSV-P) were constructed
      and introduced into Nicotiana benthamiana plants via Agrobacterium tumefaciens.
      The cDNA fragments corresponding to three PSV genomic RNAs and satellite RNA were
      cloned into pGreen binary vector between Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S
      promoter and nopaline synthase (NOS) terminator employing seamless
      recombinational cloning system. The plasmids were delivered into A. tumefaciens,
      followed by infiltration of hosts plants. The typical symptoms on systemic leaves
      of infected plants similar to those of wild-type PSV-P were observed. The
      presence of the virus was confirmed by means of RT-PCR and Western blotting. Re
      inoculation to N. benthamiana, Phaseolus vulgaris, and Pisum sativum resulted in
      analogous results. Generation of infectious clones of PSV-P enables studies on
      virus-host interaction as well as revealing viral genes functions.

PMID- 27659244
TI  - Construction of stabilized and tagged foot-and-mouth disease virus.
AB  - Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious and economically devastating
      disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals worldwide. Construction and
      purification of stable antigen for vaccine are necessary but technically
      difficult and laborious. Here, we have tried to investigate an alternative method
      by inserting a hexa-histidine tag (6xHIS) in the VP1 C-terminal for easy
      purification and replacing two amino acids of VP1/VP2 to enhance the stability of
      the capsid of the FMD virus (FMDV) Asia1/MOG/05. In addition, infectious 6xHIS
      tagged stable (S/T) FMDVs were maintained under acidic conditions (pH 6.0) and
      were readily purified from small-scale cultures using a commercial metal-affinity
      column. The groups vaccinated with the S/T FMDV antigen showed complete
      protection comparing to low survival rate in the group vaccinated with non-S/T
      FMDV against lethal challenge with Asia1 Shamir in mice. Therefore, the present
      findings indicate that the stabilized and tagged antigen offers an alternative to
      using the current methods for antigen purification and enhancement of stability
      and has potential for the development of a new FMD vaccine.

PMID- 27659246
TI  - Platform for determining the inhibition profile of neuraminidase inhibitors in an
      influenza virus N1 background.
AB  - Efforts to develop novel neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs) for the treatment of
      influenza are ongoing. Novel NAIs should in particular be also effective against
      seasonal and/or pandemic N1 that carry a H274Y or N294S substitution (N2
      numbering), which are most commonly linked to oseltamivir resistance. Here we
      report a platform for profiling the efficacy of novel NAIs in the N1 genetic
      background of influenza A virus. Employing reverse genetics, a set of influenza
      virus variants containing an amino acid substitution associated with oseltamivir
      resistance in N1 isolates (H274Y, N294S, Y155H or Q136L) was generated. In
      parallel, so far unreported mutations of I427 (I427Q and I427M) were
      investigated. These possibly interfere with the side chain orientation of R371
      and alter the binding affinity of most relevant NAIs. The profiling platform was
      validated with both oseltamivir and zanamivir and exemplarily applied to three
      analogs with differing decorations at positions 4 and 5. Besides confirming the
      inhibition profile of zanamivir and oseltamivir, the distinct effect of I427Q/M
      on the activity of both NAIs was shown. For 5-amidino and 5-guanidino analogs of
      oseltamivir a significantly stronger inhibition of virus variants carrying a NA
      H274Y was confirmed, and additionally shown for NA-N294S and NA-Y155H
      substitutions as compared to the parent compound. Hence, the herein presented
      profiling platform is a valid tool for defining the inhibition profile of novel
      NAIs in the N1 background.

PMID- 27659245
TI  - Direct typing of Canine parvovirus (CPV) from infected dog faeces by rapid mini
      sequencing technique.
AB  - Canine parvovirus (CPV) is a non-enveloped single stranded DNA virus with an
      icosahedral capsid. Mini-sequencing based CPV typing was developed earlier to
      detect and differentiate all the CPV types and FPV in a single reaction. This
      technique was further evaluated in the present study by performing the mini
      sequencing directly from fecal samples which avoided tedious virus isolation
      steps by cell culture system. Fecal swab samples were collected from 84 dogs with
      enteritis symptoms, suggestive of parvoviral infection from different locations
      across India. Seventy six of these samples were positive by PCR; the subsequent
      mini-sequencing reaction typed 74 of them as type 2a virus, and 2 samples as type
      2b. Additionally, 25 of the positive samples were typed by cycle sequencing of
      PCR products. Direct CPV typing from fecal samples using mini-sequencing showed
      100% correlation with CPV typing by cycle sequencing. Moreover, CPV typing was
      achieved by mini-sequencing even with faintly positive PCR amplicons which was
      not possible by cycle sequencing. Therefore, the mini-sequencing technique is
      recommended for regular epidemiological follow up of CPV types, since the
      technique is rapid, highly sensitive and high capacity method for CPV typing.

PMID- 27659247
TI  - Care ethics. A new bioethical approach to humanize the ICU.

PMID- 27659248
TI  - Consensus statement on the management of dyslipidaemias in adults.

PMID- 27659249
TI  - In Situ Intestinal Perfusion in Rodents: Future Perspectives for Application on
      Absorption Studies and Classification of Drugs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In 1995, the Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) was
      proposed by Amidon and colleagues as a tool that considers two important
      parameters regarding drugs: solubility and permeability. Since then, several
      methods for solubility and permeability studies have been developed for drug
      delivery and absorption prediction. In recent years, permeability has gained a
      great highlight and the interaction between a molecule and a biological membrane
      is not enough to predict the in vivo behavior of a compound. METHOD: Thus,
      different methods for permeability assessment are currently used for mechanistic
      studies including involvement of carriers and several transport pathways.
      Furthermore, the investigation regarding metabolism has been a focus in recent
      researches. Based on this idea, Wu and Benet proposed a new tool called
      Biopharmaceutics Drug Disposition Classification System (BDDCS), where drugs are
      classified into four classes considering their solubility and metabolism.
      RESULTS: Among several methods for permeability studies, the in situ intestinal
      perfusion is considered the closest to in vivo conditions due advantages as
      intact blood supply and innervation. CONCLUSION: This review presents the in situ
      intestinal perfusion model and its application for permeability/ transport
      studies of drugs and intestinal metabolism. Also, this paper discusses about how
      the in situ perfusion studies can be used for classification of drugs and the
      future perspectives for in vivo absorption prediction.

PMID- 27659251
TI  - Searching for Novel Janus Kinase-2 Inhibitors Using a Combination of
      Pharmacophore Modeling, 3D-QSAR Studies and Virtual Screening.
AB  - The Janus kinases (JAKs) play a pivotal role in cytokine receptor signaling
      pathways via activation of downstream signal transducers and activators of
      transcription (STAT) pathway. Intracellular pathways that include JAKs are
      critical to immune cell activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine production.
      Selective inhibitors of JAKs are potentially disease-modifying anti-inflammatory
      drugs for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Each of the four members of
      the JAK family plays an individual role in the oncogenesis of the immune system,
      and therefore, the development of potent and specific inhibitors for each member
      is needed. Although there is a high sequence homology and structural identity of
      JAK1 and JAK2, such as a very similar binding mode of inhibitors at the
      ATPbinding site of enzymes, obvious differences surrounding the JAK1 and JAK2 ATP
      binding sites provide a platform for the rational design of JAK2- and JAK1
      specific inhibitors. In the present study, a dataset of 33 compounds
      characterized by a common scaffold of 2-amino-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-&#945;]pyridine
      with well-defined in vitro activity values was computationally explored. Most of
      the compounds included in the dataset had higher ligand efficiency against JAK2
      than JAK1. To improve further the selectivity of these triazolopyridines, Common
      Pharmacophore Hypotheses (CPHs) were generated and 3D-QSAR studies were carried
      out on them, in order to comprehend on the molecular features responsible for
      their selectivity. The proposed computational approach was applied in order to
      perform an in silico database virtual screening study with the aim to discover
      novel potent and selective JAK2 inhibitors.

PMID- 27659250
TI  - A Review of Three Commonly Used Herbs Which Enhance Memory and New Evidences
      Which Show Their Combination Could Improve Memory in Young Animals.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This review looks into the herbs Gingko biloba, Polygala tenuifolia,
      and Lycii fructus for their widely studied neuroprotective properties. In
      particular, we investigated memory enhancing effect of these herbs, and their
      potential synergetic effect on memory with new data. Sixmonth treated mice
      demonstrated shorter escape latency in water maze and shorter arrival time in a
      consolidated memory task. Immunochemistry showed evident increase in superoxide
      dismutase activities in the prefrontal cortex, implying protection against free
      radicals during aging. Discrete increase of catecholaminergic neurons was found
      in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, corpus striatum, and midbrain, suggesting
      better memory and better control on mood and behavior. Necrotic cells in the
      brain decreased as indicated by immunocytochemistry of lactic dehydrogenase.
      Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling showed no apoptotic
      cells in most brain areas in high dose group. Biochemistry revealed increase of
      dopaminergic cells in treatment groups at prefrontal cortex, and in the
      hippocampus and cerebellum of the high dose group. Most 6-month groups showed
      increase of serotonin in all three areas. For the high dose group, GABA increased
      in the hippocampus but not prefrontal cortex, which would help induce sleep at
      night. Protein kinase C increased in most groups at prefrontal cortex,
      hippocampus and cerebellum, signifying increase of possible signal transduction
      pathways for memory or other nervous activations. CONCLUSION: Our results
      intimate that the interaction of the three herbs exerts beneficial effects on
      memory, associated cognitive function, and necrosis. Future investigations based
      on the present data shall aid development of clinically relevant medication.

PMID- 27659252
TI  - Asthma is associated with reduced fibrinolytic activity, abnormal clot
      architecture, and decreased clot retraction rate.
AB  - The aim of this study was to assess whether steroid-naive asthma modulates
      hemostasis. We evaluated the clot retraction rate (CRR), fibrinolysis rate (FR),
      clot density (CD) (by confocal microscopy), plasma levels of plasminogen
      activator inhibitor (PAI-1), and factor XIII (FXIII), NO in exhaled breath (FENO
      ), spirometry (FEV1 ) and eosinophil count (EOS) in 36 patients with allergic,
      steroid-naive asthma and in 34 healthy controls. We observed significantly (P <
      0.001) reduced CRR, FR, and FEV1 and increased FENO , EOS, PAI-1, FXIII, and CD
      in patients with asthma compared with controls. In patients with asthma, FR
      negatively correlated with CD, FXIII, PAI-1, FENO , and EOS and positively with
      FEV1 . FXIII positively correlated with CD. Clot retraction rate negatively
      correlated with FENO and positively with FEV1 (all P < 0.001). These novel
      findings suggest that asthma itself is associated with decreased CRR and reduced
      fibrinolytic potential resulting from alterations in clot architecture and
      elevated levels of plasma FXIII and PAI-1.

PMID- 27659253
TI  - Topically Applied Hsp90 Blocker 17AAG Inhibits Autoantibody-Mediated Blister
      Inducing Cutaneous Inflammation.
AB  - Cell stress-inducible Hsp90 has been recognized as key player in mediating
      inflammatory responses. Although its systemic blockade was successfully used to
      treat autoimmune diseases in preclinical models, efficacy of a topical route of
      Hsp90 inhibitor administration has so far not been evaluated in chronic
      inflammatory and autoimmune-mediated dermatoses. Here, effects of the Hsp90
      blocker 17-allylamino-demethoxygeldanamycin (17AAG) applied topically to the skin
      were determined in experimental inflammatory epidermolysis bullosa acquisita
      (EBA), an anti-type VII collagen autoantibody-induced blistering skin disease.
      Topical 17AAG ameliorated clinical disease severity when given before or during
      the occurrence of skin lesions without causing cutaneous or systemic toxicity in
      mice with antibody transfer- and immunization-induced EBA. In both EBA models and
      in the setting of locally induced inflammation, topical 17AAG treatment was
      associated with (i) reduced neutrophilic infiltrates, (ii) decreased NF-kappaB
      activation, (iii) lowered expression of matrix metalloproteinases and Flii, and
      (iv) induction of anti-inflammatory Hsp70 in the skin. Our results suggest that
      topical delivery of Hsp90 antagonists, offering the benefit of a reduced risk of
      systemic adverse effects of Hsp90 inhibition, may be useful for the control of
      EBA and possibly other related inflammatory skin disorders.

PMID- 27659254
TI  - Recycling pacemakers and defibrillators: A humanitarian cause-Is it feasible?

PMID- 27659256
TI  - A 24-year-old man with an irregular pulse.

PMID- 27659255
TI  - "Wide-narrow-wide" QRS complex tachycardia: What is the mechanism?

PMID- 27659257
TI  - The Australian laparoscopic non robotic radical prostatectomy experience -
      analysis of 2943 cases (USANZ supplement).
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To analyse the Australian experience of high-volume Fellowship
      trained Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy (LRP) surgeons. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      2943 LRP cases were performed by nine Australian surgeons. The inclusion criteria
      were a prospectively collected database with a minimum of 100 consecutive LRP
      cases. The surgeons' LRP experience commenced at various times from July 2003 to
      September 2009. Data were analysed for demographic, peri-operative, oncological
      and functional outcomes. RESULTS: The mean age of patients were 61.5 years and
      mean preoperative PSA 7.4 ng/ml. Mean operating time was 168 minutes with
      conversion to open surgery in 0.5% and a blood transfusion rate of 1.1%. Overall
      mean length of stay was 2.5 days. 73.6% of pathological specimens were pT2 and
      86.3% had Gleason Score >7. Overall positive surgical margins (PSM) occurred in
      15.9% with pT2 PSM 9.8%, pT3a PSM 30.8% and pT3b PSM 39.2%. Mean urinary
      continence at 12 months was 91.4% (data available from five surgeons). Mean 12
      months potency after bilateral nerve spare was 47.2% (data available from four
      surgeons). Biochemical recurrence occurred in 10.6% (mean follow up 17 months).
      CONCLUSION: The Australian experience of Fellowship trained surgeons performing
      LRP demonstrates favourable peri-operative, oncological and functional outcomes
      in comparison to published data for open, laparoscopic and robotic assisted
      radical prostatectomy. In our Australian centres, LRP remains an acceptable
      minimally invasive surgical treatment for prostate cancer despite the increasing
      use of robotic assisted surgery.

PMID- 27659258
TI  - A comparative ethnobotany of Khevsureti, Samtskhe-Javakheti, Tusheti, Svaneti,
      and Racha-Lechkhumi, Republic of Georgia (Sakartvelo), Caucasus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Republic of Georgia (Sakartvelo in Georgian language) is part of
      the Caucasus biodiversity hotspot, and human agricultural plant use dates bat at
      least 6000 years. However, little ethnobiological research has been published
      from the region since the 1940s. Given the lack of recent research in the region,
      the present study we report on plant uses in Skartvelo (Republic of Georgia),
      Caucasus. We hypothesized that, (1) given the long tradition of plant use, and
      the isolation under Soviet rule, plant use both based on homegardens and wild
      harvesting would be more pronounced in Georgia than in the wiser region, (2) the
      Soviet occupation would have had broad influence on plant use, and (3) there
      would still be incidence of knowledge loss despite wide plant use. METHODS:
      Fieldwork was conducted in Khevsureti, Samtskhe-Javakheti, Tusheti, Svaneti, and
      Racha in July-August 2013, July-August 2014, and September-October 2015.
      Interviews using semi-structured questionnaires were conducted with 170
      participants (80 women and 90 men) after obtaining their oral prior informed
      consent. All interviews were carried out in the participants' homes and gardens
      by native speakers of Georgian and its local dialects (Svan, Tush, Khevsur,
      Psav), or, where participants spoke these as their native language, Armenian,
      Russian, or Greek. RESULTS: In the present study we encountered 480 plant species
      belonging to 249 genera of 95 families being used in the research region. The
      highest number of species and of unique species were reported from the remote
      Tusheti-Khevsureti region. Informant consensus and number of use reports were
      highest for each region in the food and medicinal use categories. Of the 480
      plants being used in the research region 282 species were exclusively wild
      harvested, 103 were grown in homegardens, and 84 were both grown in gardens and
      sourced in the wild. CONCLUSIONS: Plant species, and uses, found in our study,
      both for Georgia in general, as well as for its regions, showed clear relations
      to the wider Caucasus - Asia Minor - Balkans cultural complex. However, plant use
      in Georgia was much more diverse than reported in other studies from Eurasia.

PMID- 27659259
TI  - A Self-Assembled Sensor for Carbohydrates on the Surface of Cyclodextrin
      Vesicles.
AB  - A supramolecular carbohydrate sensor was prepared by self-assembly of unilamellar
      bilayer vesicles of amphiphilic beta-cyclodextrin with a boronic acid-adamantane
      conjugate (PBA-AD), which binds strongly to beta-cyclodextrin through host-guest
      interactions (Ka ~4*104  m-1 ), so the vesicle surface exhibits multiple boronic
      acid receptors for carbohydrates. The binding of diols to the functionalized
      vesicles was tested with alizarin red S (ARS) as a reporter dye by using
      fluorescence and UV/Vis spectroscopy. Analysis of the competitive binding of
      monosaccharides revealed pH-dependent (pH 7.4-10.1) binding constants in the
      range of 100-3000 m-1 for d-fructose and 5-400 m-1 for d-glucose. Interestingly,
      the self-assembled sensor showed fluorescence intensity enhanced by about
      fivefold and a binding affinity to the reporter dye increased by about eightfold
      in comparison to PBA-AD and ARS without vesicles. This is attributed to increased
      local concentration of ARS and PBA-AD on the surface of the vesicles. Detection
      of d-fructose and d-glucose was possible in the physiologically relevant range in
      dilute aqueous solution.

PMID- 27659261
TI  - Fullerenes as Anti-Aging Antioxidants.
AB  - Here we review fullerenes biological effects focusing on their antioxidant and
      anti-ageing action. A scope of various poisonous and healing properties reported
      in literature for fullerene and its derivatives is analyzed. The review begins
      with the history of fullerenes discovery and their main properties. Then we focus
      on the longevity and antioxidant action, including the confrontation of available
      experimental data and theoretical modeling of buckminsterfullerene C60. Special
      attention is given to our hypothesis concerning the possibility of fullerenes to
      act as mitochondria protonophore and various simulations of the transport of C60
      and its hydroxylated and other derivatives through lipid bilayer membranes, which
      can account for scavenging capacity of fullerenes for reactive oxygen species and
      their acting as mild mitochondrial respiration uncouplers. Extension of the
      theoretical modeling to the mitochondria membranes and implications on the real
      biological systems is analyzed. Finally, we focus on the toxicity evaluation and
      current therapeutic usage of fullerenes. The review contains a comprehensive
      discussion of both papers published by 2016 and our own research results.

PMID- 27659260
TI  - Maximizing potential impact of experimental research into cognitive processes in
      health psychology: A systematic approach to material development.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is an abundance of research into cognitive processing biases in
      clinical psychology including the potential for applying cognitive bias
      modification techniques to assess the causal role of biases in maintaining
      anxiety and depression. Within the health psychology field, there is burgeoning
      interest in applying these experimental methods to assess potential cognitive
      biases in relation to physical health conditions and health-related behaviours.
      Experimental research in these areas could inform theoretical development by
      enabling measurement of implicit cognitive processes that may underlie unhelpful
      illness beliefs and help drive health-related behaviours. However, to date, there
      has been no systematic approach to adapting existing experimental paradigms for
      use within physical health research. Many studies fail to report how materials
      were developed for the population of interest or have used untested materials
      developed ad hoc. The lack of protocol for developing stimuli specificity has
      contributed to large heterogeneity in methodologies and findings. PURPOSE: In
      this article, we emphasize the need for standardized methods for stimuli
      development and replication in experimental work, particularly as it extends
      beyond its original anxiety and depression scope to other physical conditions.
      METHOD: We briefly describe the paradigms commonly used to assess cognitive
      biases in attention and interpretation and then describe the steps involved in
      comprehensive/robust stimuli development for attention and interpretation
      paradigms using illustrative examples from two conditions: chronic fatigue
      syndrome and breast cancer. CONCLUSIONS: This article highlights the value of
      preforming rigorous stimuli development and provides tools to aid researchers
      engage in this process. We believe this work is worthwhile to establish a body of
      high-quality and replicable experimental research within the health psychology
      literature. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject?
      Cognitive biases (e.g., tendencies to attend to negative information and/or
      interpret ambiguous information in negative ways) have a causal role in
      maintaining anxiety and depression. There is mixed evidence of cognitive biases
      in physical health conditions and chronic illness; one reason for this may be the
      heterogeneous stimuli used to assess attention and interpretation biases in these
      conditions. What does this study add? Steps for comprehensive/robust stimuli
      development for attention and interpretation paradigms are presented.
      Illustrative examples are provided from two conditions: chronic fatigue syndrome
      and breast cancer. We provide tools to help researchers develop condition
      specific materials for experimental studies.

PMID- 27659262
TI  - Physiological and Biochemical Mechanisms of Lifespan Regulation in Rats Kept
      Under Various Light Conditions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The present study was aimed to identify how age-related changes in
      some physiological and biochemical systems are related to changes in the life
      span of rats with long-term pineal gland hypo- and hyperfunction induced by
      constant light and constant darkness, respectively. METHODS: At the age of 25
      days the rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: standard light/dark regimen
      (LD), constant light (LL) and constant darkness (DD). Age-related Antioxidant
      System (AOS) changes in liver tissues, alteration of immunoreactivity in blood
      smears were investigated, pubescence and lifespan of the animals were determined.
      RESULTS: Modification of the level of melatonin synthesis induced by constant
      light results in interrelated rearrangements in the functioning of the
      investigated physiological systems. Elevated activity of the antioxidant system
      extends the lifespan, while at the same time slowing down pubescence and altering
      the morpho-functional properties of leukocytes in blood. CONCLUSION: The absence
      of light/dark alternation (constant light and constant darkness) affects only
      those physiological indices that follow the organism's circadian rhythms
      (Activity of Antioxidant Enzymes (AOE), levels of individual immune system cell
      types), whereas changes in the parameters not governed by circadian fluctuations
      (vitamin concentrations, pubescence, and aging) depend on the level of melatonin
      produced by the pineal gland.

PMID- 27659264
TI  - Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Action of Mitochondria-Targeted
      Antioxidants.
AB  - Reactive oxygen species generated in mitochondria are an important factor
      contributing to mitochondrial and cellular dysfunction underlying many
      degenerative diseases, chronic pathologies and aging. The idea of delivering
      antioxidant molecules to mitochondria in vivo to treat these diseases and slow
      aging intensively developed in the last 20 years. Derivatives of quinones
      covalently conjugated to a lipophilic cation (e.g., MitoQ and SkQ) were the most
      extensively studied mitochondria-targeted antioxidants. These compounds have now
      been used in a wide range of in vitro and in vivo studies, as well as in clinical
      trials in humans. Here, we review recent progress in this field with a special
      attention on molecular mechanisms of rechargeable mitochondria-targeted
      antioxidants. A simple hypothesis that aging results from gradual accumulation of
      occasional damage inflicted by ROS to DNA, proteins and lipids is apparently
      insufficient. More and more pieces of evidence indicate that the damage in
      question is programmed. Moreover, the imbalance in ROS-dependent regulatory
      mechanisms and compromised ROS signaling are underlying many pathologies and
      aging. Chain reactions of cardiolipin peroxidation initiated by mitochondrial ROS
      seem to play a key role in these degenerative processes. Such reactions are
      specifically abolished by mitochondriatargeted antioxidants.

PMID- 27659263
TI  - Aging and Ambiguous ROS. System Genetics Analysis.
AB  - Famous Free Radical Theory (FRT) of aging, the 50th year anniversary of which is
      celebrated in 2015 postulates a crucial role of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in
      aging. Still it is the most robust theory of aging as mitochondria ROS production
      (mtROSp) correlates well with four principal ''rules" of aging being universal,
      endogenous, progressive, and deleterious. Vast number of experiments in different
      species prove mutagenic effect of ROS and their carcinogenic properties. So far,
      FRT stimulates the search of new pharmaceuticals with antioxidant activity.
      However, some recent experimental data and clinical findings render doubt to ROS
      as a principal senescence drivers and come in conflict with original version of
      FRT. Growth stimulating effects of ROS and their modest antitumor properties
      support these objections. One should remember that FRT is only one of the
      numerous theories of aging. Molecular mechanisms of senescence involve all living
      systems and numerous metabolic pathways which are also variable owing to the
      unique properties of individual genome and unique epigenetic modulations
      operating throughout the lifetime thus making aging a unique private matter.
      Universal theory of aging that incorporates and explains all known and suggested
      mechanisms of aging, is illusive. However, knowledge of unique peculiarities of
      individual genome, its feasible editing and efficient epigenetic regulation of
      metabolic pathways give a chance to postpone aging and extend period of active
      longevity.

PMID- 27659265
TI  - Chemical Modification of Ginsenoside on Cell Viability and Cytokine Secretion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rb1 is a ginsenoside steroid glycoside found exclusively in the plant
      Panax ginseng. In an earlier report, we showed that Rb1 increased cell
      proliferation and reduced VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) secretion by
      human retinal pigment epithelial (ARPE19) cells. OBJECTIVE: In the present study,
      we hypothesized that chemical modification of Rb1 changes the level of VEGF
      secretion by ARPE19 cells. METHOD: Three derivatives of Rb1 were chemically
      synthesized by hydrogenation (Rb1-H2), acetylation (Rb1-Acyl), and epoxidation
      (Rb1-Epoxy). Structural modifications were confirmed by 1H Nuclear Magnetic
      Resonance (NMR) spectra and Mass Spectrometry (MS). To test the biological
      activity, chemically modified compounds were added to cell culture media and
      incubated for 72 hours at a concentration of 250 nM at 37 degrees C. Conditioned
      media were collected and cells were harvested/ counted after treatment. Viable
      cell numbers were determined by the trypan blue dye exclusion method and VEGF
      levels by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISA). RESULTS: Consistent with
      the prior report, results of the present study show Rb1 increased cell
      proliferation and decreased VEGF secretion. Similar to Rb1's effect on cell
      proliferation, treatment with Rb1-H2, Rb1-Acyl and Rb1-Epoxy resulted in an
      increase in cell numbers. In contrast to Rb1- induced decrease in VEGF secretion,
      treatment with Rb1-H2, Rb-Acyl and Rb1-Epoxy resulted in increased VEGF levels.
      CONCLUSION: Chemical modifications of the ginsenoside Rb1 significantly affect
      the biological activity of VEGF secretion by ARPE19 cells. Additional SAR
      (Structure Activity Relationship) experiments will be conducted to study the
      detailed mechanisms by which how specific modifications of Rb1 functional groups
      alter biological activities.

PMID- 27659266
TI  - Thyroid hormone transport across the placenta.

PMID- 27659268
TI  - Mucinous carcinoma of the thyroid: A case report and review of the literature.
AB  - We report the case of a primary mucinous carcinoma of the thyroid in a man of 74
      who had a 4-cm nodule in the right lobe of the thyroid, with a solido-cystic
      appearance on ultrasound associated with lymph node metastases. On scintigraphy,
      the nodule was hot and not extinctive. The patient underwent total thyroidectomy
      with a ipsilateral right lymph node dissection. The immunohistochemical study
      showed the negativity of CK 7 and CK 20 and the positivity of thyroglobulin and
      TTF 1. Postoperatively the rate of blood thyroglobulin 3 months after surgery had
      collapsed to 0.17ng/ml. The evolution was marked by the appearance of pulmonary
      metastasis and the patient died 4 months after surgery. Histological study showed
      the presence of almas of neoplastic cells surrounded by large deposits of
      extracellular mucin. Primitive mucinous carcinoma of the thyroid is a rare tumor
      which differential diagnosis is established on the positive immunohistochemistry
      of thyroglobulin and TTF1 but negative for other markers.

PMID- 27659267
TI  - Current biomarkers of invasive sporadic pituitary adenomas.
AB  - Though pituitary adenomas (PA) are considered benign, some of them exhibit
      invasive behaviors such as recurrence and low rate of total surgical resection.
      Reliable prognostic biomarkers for invasive PA are highly desired; however they
      remain to be identified. In this review, we summarize the current controversial
      findings of biomarkers for invasive sporadic PA, and we discuss the possible
      reasons for the controversies.

PMID- 27659269
TI  - Identification of Pb sources using Pb isotopic compositions in the core sediments
      from Western Xiamen Bay, China.
AB  - Pb concentrations and Pb isotopic compositions (total and acid-extractable) in
      the core sediments collected from Western Xiamen Bay, China, were determined to
      investigate the Pb pollution history and trace the Pb sources. Pb concentration
      showed an increasing trend (from 40.3 to 64.2mgkg-1) with obvious fluctuation
      from 1967 to 2013, reflected by the core sediments. The enrichment factors of Pb
      were between 2 and 5, indicating a moderate enrichment. The relative
      contributions of Pb-Zn deposit and parent material to total Pb in the core
      sediments were 51%-62% and 38%-49%, respectively. Acid-extractable Pb isotopic
      signature was more sensitive than total Pb isotopic signature in identifying
      anthropogenic Pb sources due to the substantial variability of acid-extractable
      Pb isotopic ratios exhibited in the core sediments. Based on the acid-extractable
      Pb isotopic ratios, Pb-Zn deposit and industrial emission were regarded as the
      main anthropogenic Pb contributors.

PMID- 27659270
TI  - Improving optimization efficiency for the total pollutant load allocation in
      large two-dimensional water areas: Bohai Sea (China) case study.
AB  - The total pollutant load allocation (TPLA) can be transformed into an
      optimization problem with regards to water quality constraints. The optimization
      calculation may become very time consuming when the number of water quality
      constraint equations is great. A Trial and Error Method (TEM) to remove the
      redundant points was first introduced through iterative calculations under
      structure and non-structure model grids. The TEM was applied for the TPLA in the
      Bohai Sea in China. The calculation time was reduced to about 2min under the
      condition that 103,433 model grids met the water quality standards. In the best
      case, the optimization efficiency was improved by 98.9%. The allocation results
      showed that approximately 90% of total nitrogen (TN) load should be reduced in
      the 56 pollution sources around the Bohai Sea; of these values, roughly 85% of
      the reduction could come from 10 pollution sources.

PMID- 27659271
TI  - Trophic transfer of toxic elements in the estuarine invertebrate and fish food
      web of Daliao River, Liaodong Bay, China.
AB  - In order to study element accumulation and trophic transfer in the food web,
      sixteen benthic invertebrate species and nine fish species were collected from
      the Daliao River estuary for analysis of toxic elements and nitrogen stable
      isotope in the muscle tissue. The concentrations ranged between 1.44-17.98, 0.01
      9.30, 0.17-36.15, 0.7-145.4, 0.01-0.33, 0.14-14.88, 0.10-2.51, 0.02-0.14, and
      19.3-221.1mgkg-1 for As, Cd, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Sb, and Zn, respectively. As, Cd,
      Cu, and Zn were significantly higher in the benthic invertebrates than in fish,
      whereas Hg and Sb were significantly lower. In addition, the benthic
      invertebrates were characterized by the highest bioaccumulation factor (BAF) for
      Cd, whereas the fish were characterized by the highest BAF for Hg. A significant
      decrease in Cd, Cr, Cu, and Ni levels, and a significant increase in Hg and Sb
      levels were observed with increasing trophic levels.

PMID- 27659272
TI  - Biocompatible poly(vinyl alcohol) nanoparticle-based binary blends for oil spill
      control.
AB  - In the current study, biocompatible and biodegradable blends based on poly(vinyl
      alcohol) nanoparticles - PVAn mixed with either chitosan (Ch) or starch (St) -
      were prepared and investigated as nanoabsorbents for oil elimination from
      wastewater. The use of water/dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a mixed solvent is the
      key factor for preparing aggregated PVAn, which is further mixed with Ch or St.
      Nanoblends were applied as oil absorbents, and the results showed that PVAn/St
      possess high adsorption capacity than PVAn/Ch and PVAn. The maximum sorption
      capacities (qg/g) of the PVAn/Ch sorbents for hydraulic oil, kerosene, and
      toluene were 33.6, 73.96, and 93.1g/g, respectively. The absorbed oil could be
      rapidly recovered by simple mechanical squeezing and reused without any other
      modification. The blends showed excellent reusability and could be reused for at
      least 10 times with minimal losses. The current study demonstrates the
      application of these blends as an ideal alternative sorbent for oil spillage
      cleanup.

PMID- 27659273
TI  - Risk assessment for marine spills along European coastlines.
AB  - A marine-spill risk index is proposed to measure and compare the relative
      vulnerability of coastal regions to marine spills in European waters. It is
      applied to 301 spills in European waters between 1970 and 2014 for 429 Eurostat
      territorial units and 156 regions in Europe's coasts. The results show a high
      heterogeneity among European coastal regions with areas, predominantly on the
      Atlantic coast, with high marine-spill risks. In particular, UK coasts are
      markedly affected as there are only five non-British coastal territories within
      the first 25 territorial units most at risk from marine spills. Across countries,
      European Atlantic countries face highest risks versus coastal countries on other
      European waters that are relatively safer. The index also shows a tendency of sea
      currents to have positive dispersal effects leading to smaller risks rather than
      otherwise. The index may help to design protection policies and reduce the
      vulnerability of sensitive resources.

PMID- 27659274
TI  - Citizen science data reveal ecological, historical and evolutionary factors
      shaping interactions between woody hosts and wood-inhabiting fungi.
AB  - Woody plants host diverse communities of associated organisms, including wood
      inhabiting fungi. In this group, host effects on species richness and interaction
      network structure are not well understood, especially not at large geographical
      scales. We investigated ecological, historical and evolutionary determinants of
      fungal species richness and network modularity, that is, subcommunity structure,
      across woody hosts in Denmark, using a citizen science data set comprising > 80
      000 records of > 1000 fungal species on 91 genera of woody plants. Fungal species
      richness was positively related to host size, wood pH, and the number of species
      in the host genus, with limited influence of host frequency and host history,
      that is, time since host establishment in the area. Modularity patterns were
      unaffected by host history, but largely reflected host phylogeny. Notably, fungal
      communities differed substantially between angiosperm and gymnosperm hosts. Host
      traits and evolutionary history appear to be more important than host frequency
      and recent history in structuring interactions between hosts and wood-inhabiting
      fungi. High wood acidity appears to act as a stress factor reducing fungal
      species richness, while large host size, providing increased niche diversity,
      enhances it. In some fungal groups that are known to interact with live host
      cells in the establishment phase, host selectivity is common, causing a modular
      community structure.

PMID- 27659275
TI  - Risk Perceptions of Little Cigar and Cigarillo Smoking Among Adult Current
      Cigarette Smokers.
AB  - Introduction: Few studies have examined the perceptions of risk of little cigar
      and cigarillo (LCC) smoking among cigarette smokers, which is important for
      expanding regulatory policies and developing prevention programs. We examined
      current cigarette smokers' perceived harm of LCC smoking, and determined whether
      these perceptions were associated with susceptibility and intention to continue
      smoking LCCs. Methods: Data were from the 2014 Tobacco Products and Risk
      Perceptions Survey of a probability sample of 5717 US adults. Data were analyzed
      for a subsample of 1191 current cigarette smokers who were stratified into three
      groups: (1) dual current cigarette smokers who had ever used LCCs, (2) current
      smokers susceptible to LCC smoking, and (3) current smokers who were not
      susceptible to LCC smoking. Results: Overall, 47.2% of participants were dual
      smokers, 12.7% were susceptible to LCC smoking, and 40.1% were not susceptible.
      Perceptions of risk of LCCs varied across the groups. Dual smokers were more
      likely to perceive that daily LCC smoking is "very risky" (OR = 1.64, 95% CI =
      1.08, 2.41) while occasional LCC smoking is only "somewhat risky" (OR = 1.71, 95%
      CI = 1.02, 2.87). Of the dual smokers, 20.7% intended to continue smoking LCCs in
      the future. Perceptions of addiction and risk of daily LCC smoking significantly
      predicted intention to continue LCC smoking. Addiction perceptions also
      significantly predicted susceptibility to initiate LCC smoking. Conclusions:
      Perceptions about harms from and addiction to LCCs could predict future LCC
      smoking. Health communication campaigns need to address the harms of LCCs.
      Implications: Our data suggest that perceptions of risk about the addictiveness
      of LCCs and frequency of use are important determinants of the LCC smoking
      susceptibility among some cigarette smokers and intended continued use among
      cigarette smokers with a history of LCC use. Health communication campaigns
      should address misperceptions related to LCCs.

PMID- 27659276
TI  - Effect of 5% benzocaine gel on relieving pain caused by fixed orthodontic
      appliance activation. A double-blind randomized controlled trial.
AB  - AIM: To compare the effectiveness of 5% benzocaine gel and placebo gel on
      reducing pain caused by fixed orthodontic appliance activation. SETTING AND
      SAMPLE POPULATION: Thirty subjects (15-25 years) undergoing fixed orthodontics.
      METHODS AND MATERIALS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled and cross
      over clinical trial study was conducted. Subjects were asked to apply a placebo
      gel and 5% benzocaine gel, exchangeable in two consecutive appointments, twice a
      day for 3 days and mark their level of pain on a VAS scale. The pain severity was
      evaluated by means of Mann-Whitney U-test for comparing two gel groups, Kruskal
      Wallis nonparametric test for overall differences and post hoc test of Dunnett
      for paired multiple comparisons. p-value was assigned <0.05. RESULTS: The overall
      mean value of pain intensity for benzocaine and placebo gels was 0.89 and 1.15,
      respectively. The Mann-Whitney U-test indicated that there was no significant
      difference between overall pain in both groups (mean difference = 0.258 p ?
      0.21). For both groups, pain intensity was significantly lower at 2, 6 and 24 h
      compared with pain experienced at days 2, 3 and 7. CONCLUSION: Benzocaine gel
      caused a decrease in pain perception at 2 h compared with placebo gel. Peak pain
      intensity was at 2 h for placebo gel and at 6 h for benzocaine gel, followed by a
      decline in pain perception from that point to day 7 for both gels.

PMID- 27659277
TI  - Caring Through Web-Based Communication: A Qualitative Evaluation of a Nursing
      Intervention to Create Holistic Well-Being Among Patients With Hematological
      Disease.
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine how written communication between patients with hematological
      diseases and a nurse within a web-based communication service can be caring.
      DESIGN: The study is based on qualitative deductive content analysis of 109
      written messages between 10 patients and a responding nurse. The evaluated
      nursing intervention is a web-based communication service where patients could
      request support from a responding nurse during 2 months of use. A structured
      theoretical matrix based on Swanson's theory of caring including compassion,
      competence, and upholding trust is used for the analysis. FINDINGS: Nursing
      compassion emerges when patients share personal matters and the nurse has an
      opportunity to explicitly display genuine interest and understanding. Nursing
      competence is required when patients ask for or are in need of information,
      advice, and emotional support. The nurse can uphold trust when compassion and
      competence are exhibited and patients share their innermost feelings.
      CONCLUSIONS: Web-based communication has the potential to contribute to holistic
      well-being according to Swanson's theory of caring. The written word lasts, can
      be read repeatedly, and in connection with writing there is time for reflection.
      However, the lack of nonverbal cues makes it important that the nurse answers in
      a fully accurate and explicitly caring way.

PMID- 27659278
TI  - Optical coherence tomography angiography in age-related macular degeneration:
      persistence of vascular network in quiescent choroidal neovascularization.

PMID- 27659279
TI  - Antibacterial activity of a modified unfilled resin containing a novel
      polymerizable quaternary ammonium salt MAE-HB.
AB  - Resins with strong and long-lasting antibacterial properties are critical for the
      prevention of secondary dental caries. In this study, we evaluated the
      antibacterial effect and the underlying mechanism of action of an unfilled resin
      incorporating 2-methacryloxylethyl hexadecyl methyl ammonium bromide (MAE-HB)
      against Streptococcus mutans UA159 (S. mutans UA159). MAE-HB was added into
      unfilled resin at 10 mass%, and unfilled resin without MAE-HB served as the
      control. Bacterial growth was inhibited on 10%-MAE-HB unfilled resin compared
      with the control at 1 d, 7 d, 30 d, or 180 d (P < 0.05). The growth inhibitory
      effect was independent of the incubation time (P > 0.05). No significant
      differences in the antibacterial activities of eluents from control versus 10%
      MAE-HB unfilled resins were observed at any time point (P > 0.05). The number of
      bacteria attached to 10%-MAE-HB unfilled resin was considerably lower than that
      to control. Fe-SEM and CLSM showed that 10%-MAE-HB unfilled resin disturbed the
      integrity of bacterial cells. Expression of the bacterial glucosyltransferases,
      gtfB and gtfC, was lower on 10%-MAE-HB unfilled resin compared to that on control
      (P < 0.05). These data indicate that incorporation of MAE-HB confers unfilled
      resin with strong and long-lasting antibacterial effects against S. mutans.

PMID- 27659281
TI  - Molecular mechanisms of HLA class I-mediated immune evasion of human tumors and
      their role in resistance to immunotherapies.
AB  - Although the human immune system can recognize and eradicate tumor cells, tumors
      have also been shown to develop different strategies to escape immune
      surveillance, which has been described for the first time in different mouse
      models. The evasion of immune recognition was often associated with a poor
      prognosis and reduced survival of patients. During the last years the molecular
      mechanisms, which protect tumor cells from this immune attack, have been
      identified and appear to be more complex than initially expected. However, next
      to the composition of cellular, soluble and physical components of the tumor
      microenvironment, the tumor cells changes to limit immune responses. Of
      particular importance are classical and non-classical human leukocyte antigen
      (HLA) class I antigens, which often showed a deregulated expression in cancers of
      distinct origin. Furthermore, HLA class I abnormalities were linked to defects in
      the interferon signaling, which have both been shown to be essential for mounting
      immune responses and are involved in resistances to T cell-based immunotherapies.
      Therefore this review summarizes the expression, regulation, function and
      clinical relevance of HLA class I antigens in association with the interferon
      signal transduction pathway and its role in adaptive resistances to
      immunotherapies.

PMID- 27659282
TI  - Intraoperative navigation in complex head and neck resections: indications and
      limits.
AB  - PURPOSE: The surgical removal of head and neck tumors often represents a highly
      complex surgery. The three-dimensionality and the anatomy of the head and neck
      area make sometimes difficult a correct intraoperative orientation and the
      obtaining of an adequate oncological safety. In the present pilot study, the
      authors propose a protocol of application of intraoperative navigation in the
      resection of head and neck tumors. The purpose is to develop a methodology that
      can be helpful to ensure oncologic free margins of resection and to facilitate
      the orientation of the specimen by pathologists. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A sample
      of 16 patients with head and neck tumors was selected, and they were
      differentiated into two groups: a "study group" treated with CT computer-assisted
      surgery and a "control group" surgically treated without the use of technology.
      The following data were analyzed: operative and pre-surgical planning times,
      issues related to the use of the technologies, respect of the planned landmarks,
      description and orientation of the surgical specimen and distance of the tumor
      from the margins of resection. RESULTS: In the "study group" were noticed a
      reduced rate of errors in the specimen orientation and an increased distance of
      the tumor from the margins of resection. Similar operative times were observed in
      both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative navigation resulted to be a reliable
      method to improve oncological safety in a selected group of patients.

PMID- 27659283
TI  - Automated liver segmentation from a postmortem CT scan based on a statistical
      shape model.
AB  - PURPOSE: Automated liver segmentation from a postmortem computed tomography
      (PMCT) volume is a challenging problem owing to the large deformation and
      intensity changes caused by severe pathology and/or postmortem changes. This
      paper addresses this problem by a novel segmentation algorithm using a
      statistical shape model (SSM) for a postmortem liver. METHODS: The location and
      shape parameters of a liver are directly estimated from a given volume by the
      proposed SSM-guided expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm without any spatial
      standardization that might fail owing to the large deformation and intensity
      changes. The estimated location and shape parameters are then used as a
      constraint of the subsequent fine segmentation process based on graph cuts.
      Algorithms with eight different SSMs were trained using 144 in vivo and 32
      postmortem livers, and the segmentation algorithm was tested on 32 postmortem
      livers in a twofold cross validation manner. The segmentation performance is
      measured by the Jaccard index (JI) between the segmentation result and the true
      liver label. RESULTS: The average JI of the segmentation result with the best SSM
      was 0.8501, which was better compared with the results obtained using
      conventional SSMs and the results of the previous postmortem liver segmentation
      with statistically significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: We proposed an algorithm
      for automated liver segmentation from a PMCT volume, in which an SSM-guided EM
      algorithm estimated the location and shape parameters of a liver in a given
      volume accurately. We demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm
      using actual postmortem CT volumes.

PMID- 27659285
TI  - Room temperature direct band gap emission characteristics of surfactant mediated
      grown compressively strained Ge films.
AB  - Compressively strained Ge films have been grown on relaxed Si0.45Ge0.55 virtual
      substrates using molecular beam epitaxy in the presence of Sb as a surfactant.
      Structural characterization has shown that films grown in the presence of
      surfactant exhibit very smooth surfaces with a relatively higher strain value in
      comparison to those grown without any surfactant. The variation of strain with
      increasing Ge layer thickness was analyzed using Raman spectroscopy. The strain
      is found to be reduced with increasing film thickness due to the onset of island
      nucleation following Stranski-Krastanov growth mechanism. No phonon assisted
      direct band gap photoluminescence from compressively strained Ge films grown on
      relaxed Si0.45Ge0.55 has been achieved up to room temperature. Excitation power
      and temperature dependent photoluminescence have been studied in details to
      investigate the origin of different emission sub-bands.

PMID- 27659286
TI  - Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) applied to membrane-protein complexes.
AB  - Increasing evidence suggests that most proteins occur and function in complexes
      rather than as isolated entities when embedded in cellular membranes. Nuclear
      magnetic resonance (NMR) provides increasing possibilities to study structure,
      dynamics and assembly of such systems. In our review, we discuss recent
      methodological progress to study membrane-protein complexes (MPCs) by NMR,
      starting with expression, isotope-labeling and reconstitution protocols. We
      review approaches to deal with spectral complexity and limited spectral
      spectroscopic sensitivity that are usually encountered in NMR-based studies of
      MPCs. We highlight NMR applications in various classes of MPCs, including G
      protein-coupled receptors, ion channels and retinal proteins and extend our
      discussion to protein-protein complexes that span entire cellular compartments or
      orchestrate processes such as protein transport across or within membranes. These
      examples demonstrate the growing potential of NMR-based studies of MPCs to
      provide critical insight into the energetics of protein-ligand and protein
      protein interactions that underlie essential biological functions in cellular
      membranes.

PMID- 27659284
TI  - High-resolution QTL mapping for grain appearance traits and co-localization of
      chalkiness-associated differentially expressed candidate genes in rice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Grain appearance quality is a main determinant of market value in
      rice and one of the highly important traits requiring improvement in breeding
      programs. The genetic basis of grain shape and endosperm chalkiness have been
      given significant attention because of their importance in affecting grain
      quality. Meanwhile, the introduction of NGS (Next Generation Sequencing) has a
      significant part to play in the area of genomics, and offers the possibility for
      high-resolution genetic map construction, population genetics analysis and
      systematic expression profile study. RESULTS: A RIL population derived from an
      inter-subspecific cross between indica rice PYZX and japonica rice P02428 was
      generated, based on the significant variations for the grain morphology and
      cytological structure between these two parents. Using the Genotyping-By
      Sequencing (GBS) approach, 2711 recombination bin markers with an average
      physical length of 137.68 kb were obtained, and a high-density genetic map was
      constructed. Global genetic mapping of QTLs affecting grain shape and chalkiness
      traits was performed across four environments and the newly identified stable
      loci were obtained. Twelve important QTL clusters were detected, four of which
      were coincident with the genomic regions of cloned genes or fine mapped QTL
      reported. Eight novel QTL clusters (including six for grain shape, one for
      chalkiness, and one for both grain shape and chalkiness) were firstly obtained
      and highlighted the value and reliability of the QTL analysis. The important QTL
      cluster on chromosome 5 affects multiple traits including circularity (CS), grain
      width (GW), area size of grain (AS), percentage of grains with chalkiness (PGWC)
      and degree of endosperm chalkiness (DEC), indicating some potentially pleiotropic
      effects. The transcriptome analysis demonstrated an available gene expression
      profile responsible for the development of chalkiness, and several DEGs
      (differentially expressed genes) were co-located nearby the three chalkiness
      related QTL regions on chromosomes 5, 7, and 8. Candidate genes were
      extrapolated, which were suitable for functional validation and breeding
      utilization. CONCLUSION: QTLs affecting grain shape (grain width, grain length,
      length-width ratio, circularity, area size of grain, and perimeter length of
      grain) and chalkiness traits (percentage of grains with chalkiness and degree of
      endosperm chalkiness) were mapped with the high-density GBS-SNP based markers.
      The important differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were co-located in the QTL
      cluster regions on chromosomes 5, 7 and 8 affecting PGWC and DEC parameters. Our
      research provides a crucial insight into the genetic architecture of rice grain
      shape and chalkiness, and acquired potential candidate loci for molecular cloning
      and grain quality improvement.

PMID- 27659287
TI  - Emerging role of ivabradine for rate control in atrial fibrillation.
AB  - Control of ventricular rate is recommended for patients with paroxysmal,
      persistent, or permanent atrial fibrillation (AF). Existing rate-control options,
      including beta-blockers, nondihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, and
      digoxin, are limited by adverse hemodynamic effects and their ability to attain
      target heart rate (HR). Ivabradine, a novel HR-controlling agent, decreases HR
      through deceleration of conduction through If ('funny') channels, and is approved
      for HR reduction in heart failure patients with ejection fraction less than 35%
      and elevated HR, despite optimal pharmacological treatment. Because If channels
      were thought to be expressed solely in sinoatrial (SA) nodal tissue, ivabradine
      was not investigated in heart failure patients with concomitant AF. Subsequent
      identification of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated cation
      channel 4 (HCN4), the primary gene responsible for If current expression
      throughout the myocardium, stimulated interest in the potential role of
      ivabradine for ventricular rate control in AF. Preclinical studies of ivabradine
      in animal models with induced AF demonstrated a reduction in HR, with no
      significant worsening of QT interval or mean arterial pressure. Preliminary human
      data suggest that ivabradine provides HR reduction without associated hemodynamic
      complications in patients with AF. Questions remain regarding efficacy, safety,
      optimal dosing, and length of therapy in these patients. Prospective, randomized
      studies are needed to determine if ivabradine has a role as a rate-control
      treatment in patients with AF.

PMID- 27659288
TI  - The Time Course of Activity within the Dorsal and Rostral-Ventral Anterior
      Cingulate Cortex in the Emotional Stroop Task.
AB  - Growing evidence from neuroimaging studies suggest that emotional and cognitive
      processes are interrelated. Anatomical key structures in this context are the
      dorsal and rostral-ventral anterior cingulate cortex (dACC and rvACC). However,
      up to now, the time course of activations within these regions during emotion
      cognition interactions has not been disentangled. In the present study, we used
      event-related potentials (ERP) and standardized low-resolution electromagnetic
      tomography (sLORETA) region of interest (ROI) source localization analyses to
      explore the time course of neural activations within the dACC and rvACC using a
      modified emotional Stroop paradigm. ERP components related to Stroop conflict
      (N200, N450 and late negativity) were analyzed. The time course of brain
      activations in the dACC and rvACC was strikingly different with more pronounced
      initial responses in the rvACC followed by increased dACC activity mainly at the
      late negativity window. Moreover, emotional valence modulated the earlier N450
      stage within the rvACC region with higher neural activations in the positive
      compared to the negative and neutral conditions. Emotional arousal modulated the
      late negativity stage; firstly in the significant arousal * congruence ERP effect
      and then the significant higher current density in the low arousal condition
      within the dACC. Using sLORETA source localization, substantial differences in
      the activation time courses in the dACC and rvACC could be found during the
      emotional Stroop task. We suggest that during late negativity, within the dACC,
      emotional arousal modulated the processing of response conflict, reflected in the
      correlation between the ex-Gaussian u and the current density in the dACC.

PMID- 27659289
TI  - Thin-section computed tomography findings of lung adenocarcinoma with inherent
      metastatic potential.
AB  - PURPOSE: The solid component of lung ground-glass nodules on thin-section
      computed tomography (TSCT) reflects cancer cell progression and invasiveness. The
      purpose of this study was to clarify the cut-off value of preoperative TSCT
      findings in treating a lesion suspected of being adenocarcinoma and to recognize
      the timing of surgical resection for lung nodules. METHODS: We reevaluated the
      TSCT findings in 392 patients with clinical stage IA lung adenocarcinoma who
      underwent surgical resection between 2003 and 2007. We identified the clinical
      parameters that were most useful for predicting recurrence and identified a cut
      off level for each parameter. RESULTS: Recurrence was observed in 75 (19 %) of
      392 patients (median follow-up: 7 years). The size of internal consolidation of a
      lung nodule (SCL) and the ratio of the SCL to the maximum tumor diameter (C/T
      ratio) were extracted as independent factors that predicted recurrence. Only 1
      (0.3 %) patient each with a lung nodule C/T ratio <=0.5 and SCL <=10 mm recurred.
      These conditions were associated with a significantly better overall survival and
      recurrence-free survival. CONCLUSION: In patients with clinical stage I lung
      adenocarcinoma with a C/T ratio <=0.5 and/or SCL <=10 mm on TSCT, surgery is
      extremely likely to achieve a cure.

PMID- 27659291
TI  - What am I compressing with my supraglottic device?

PMID- 27659290
TI  - Clinical significance of mucinous components in rectal cancer after preoperative
      chemoradiotherapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: The clinical implications of mucinous components in rectal tumors,
      especially with regard to the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, remain
      unclear. METHODS: One hundred and thirty rectal cancer patients who received
      curative resection after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy were retrospectively
      reviewed. Patients were classified into 3 groups according to the proportion of
      extracellular mucin: low (<5 %), moderate (5-25 %), and high (>25 %). RESULTS:
      There were 82 (63.1 %), 26 (20.0 %), and 22 (16.9 %) patients in the low,
      moderate, and high mucin groups, respectively. Patients with a high mucinous
      tumor component were significantly more likely to have an advanced tumor stage (p
      = 0.010) and a shorter disease-free (p = 0.002) and distant recurrence-free
      survivals (p < 0.001), whereas the mucinous tumor component showed no correlation
      with local recurrence (p = 0.101). A high mucinous component was also an
      independent predictive factor for a shorter disease-free survival (p = 0.041,
      hazard ratio = 2.56) and distant recurrence-free survival (p = 0.001, hazard
      ratio = 5.74) according to a multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Because the
      mucinous components showed little correlation with local recurrence, mucinous
      cancer should not be a determining factor for chemoradiotherapy. However, the
      frequent occurrence of metachronous distant metastasis among patients with a high
      mucin component makes this a possible indicator for more robust postoperative
      adjuvant treatment and close surveillance of recurrence.

PMID- 27659292
TI  - Body-mass index is associated with fibrosis regression during long-term
      nucleoside analogue therapy in chronic hepatitis B.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Factors influencing changes in liver stiffness measurements during
      long-term nucleoside analogue therapy for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) have not been
      thoroughly investigated. AIM: To identify determinants of on-treatment fibrosis
      regression in CHB. METHODS: We performed follow-up liver stiffness and controlled
      attenuation parameter measurements on nucleoside analogue-treated CHB patients
      with severe liver fibrosis, according to EASL-ALEH criteria, diagnosed by
      transient elastography in 2006-2008. Anthropometric measurements and different
      metabolic parameters were recorded. RESULTS: Among 257 patients with severe liver
      fibrosis by initial transient elastography, 123 (47.9%) were recruited for
      reassessment. Median treatment duration was 87.5 (interquartile range 75.3-102.2)
      months; 97.5% had undetectable HBV DNA. There was a significant reduction in
      median liver stiffness from 14.6 to 8.3 kPa (P < 0.001). A total of 29.3% had
      fibrosis regression, with lower rates of 17.9%, 14.9% and 11.5% noted in patients
      with body-mass index (BMI) >=25 kg/m2 , metabolic syndrome and diabetes,
      respectively. Absence of BMI >=25 kg/m2 , diabetes and metabolic syndrome, when
      compared with presence of any one of these three factors, was associated with
      increased fibrosis regression (43.1% vs. 16.9%, P = 0.001). Multivariate analysis
      found a lower BMI to be the only factor independently associated with fibrosis
      regression (P = 0.034, odds ratio 0.68, 95% CI 0.48-0.97). No association was
      noted between controlled attenuation parameter measurements and fibrosis
      regression (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: An increased BMI hindered fibrosis regression
      in patients with chronic hepatitis B during nucleoside analogue treatment,
      suggesting that control of metabolic risk factors, in addition to virologic
      suppression via antiviral therapy, might be needed to halt the fibrogenic process
      in chronic hepatitis B.

PMID- 27659293
TI  - The promise of cyborg intelligence.
AB  - Yu et al. (2016) demonstrated that algorithms designed to find efficient routes
      in standard mazes can be integrated with the natural processes controlling rat
      navigation and spatial choices, and they pointed out the promise of such "cyborg
      intelligence" for biorobotic applications. Here, we briefly describe Yu et al.'s
      work, explore its relevance to the study of comparative cognition, and indicate
      how work involving cyborg intelligence would benefit from interdisciplinary
      collaboration between behavioral scientists and engineers.

PMID- 27659295
TI  - Iranian kidney market in limbo: a commentary on "The ambiguous lessons of the
      Iranian model of paid living kidney donation".
AB  - Sigrid Fry-Revere's The Kidney Sellers: A Journey of Discovery in Iran, an
      allegedly first-hand examination of the Iranian paid kidney donation model, has
      been criticized by Koplin in an essay formerly published in the Monash Bioethics
      Review. Koplin especially challenges Fry-Revere's claim that financially
      compensating kidney vendors might facilitate altruistic kidney donation. The
      current situation in Iran, according to Koplin, suggests that the market model
      has undermined altruistic donation. On this point, this commentary tries to show
      that healthcare policymakers in Iran no longer see the Iranian paid kidney
      donation model as a sustainable and ethically justifiable status quo. Briefly
      touching on the criticisms that have been made even by some positive commentators
      of the Iranian model, this commentary aims to call attention to the fact that the
      current dynamic within healthcare policymaking in Iran seeks primarily to
      decrease its reliance on the organ market instead of revising and modifying it.
      This complicates the plausibility of any kind of extrapolation, replication or
      extracting empirical support from the Iranian model to create organ markets in
      other countries, for example, as Fry-Revere suggests to conduct a trial of a
      financially incentivized kidney donation scheme in the US. The conclusion is that
      the Iranian healthcare system should tackle the organ shortage through increasing
      altruistic living and postmortem kidney donations. This might also provide,
      finally, a space for conducting extensive and long-term follow-up studies on well
      being, satisfaction and social integration of Iranian kidney vendors.

PMID- 27659294
TI  - Final overall survival in JO22903, a phase II, open-label study of first-line
      erlotinib for Japanese patients with EGFR mutation-positive non-small-cell lung
      cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Japan, the clinical efficacy of erlotinib monotherapy in epidermal
      growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation-positive non-small-cell lung cancer was
      demonstrated in the phase II JO22903 trial, which reported a median progression
      free survival of 11.8 months. Here we report final overall survival data from
      JO22903. METHODS: JO22903 (JapicCTI-101085) was a single-arm, multicenter, phase
      II, open-label, non-randomized study of first-line erlotinib monotherapy in EGFR
      mutation-positive non-small-cell lung cancer. Eligible patients (>=20 years) with
      stage IIIB/IV or recurrent non-small-cell lung cancer and confirmed activating
      mutations of EGFR (exon 19 deletion or L858R point mutation in exon 21) received
      oral erlotinib 150 mg/day until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The
      primary endpoints were progression-free survival and safety; overall survival was
      a secondary endpoint. RESULTS: At the final analysis, 102 patients were included
      in the modified intent-to-treat population and 103 in the safety population.
      Median follow-up was 32.3 months. Median overall survival was 36.3 months (95 %
      confidence interval 29.4-not reached). Subgroup analyses of overall survival
      suggested that the presence of brain metastases was a negative prognostic factor
      (median overall survival 22.7 months, 95 % confidence interval 19.6-29.4). The
      impact on overall survival of using versus not using EGFR tyrosine kinase
      inhibitors in any line of treatment following disease progression was unclear
      (median 32.8 versus 36.3 months, respectively). No new safety issues were
      observed. CONCLUSION: In this survival update, single-agent erlotinib achieved a
      median overall survival of more than 3 years in patients with EGFR mutation
      positive non-small-cell lung cancer.

PMID- 27659296
TI  - Randomized clinical study assessing two membranes for guided bone regeneration of
      peri-implant bone defects: clinical and histological outcomes at 6 months.
AB  - PURPOSE: To test whether or not one of two membranes is superior for peri-implant
      guided bone regeneration in terms of clinical and histologic outcomes. MATERIAL
      AND METHODS: In 27 patients, 27 two-piece dental implants were placed in single
      tooth gaps in the esthetic area. Buccal dehiscence and/or fenestration-type
      defects were regenerated using demineralized bovine bone mineral and randomly
      covered with either a resorbable membrane (RES) or a titanium-reinforced non
      resorbable membrane (N-RES). Clinical measurements included vertical defect
      resolution and the horizontal thickness of regenerated bone at implant placement
      and at 6 months. Statistics were performed by means of nonparametric testing.
      RESULTS: The remaining mean vertical defect measured 4 mm (+/-2.07) (RES) and
      2.36 mm (+/-2.09) (N-RES) (P = 0.044) at baseline and 0.77 mm (+/-0.85) (RES) and
      0.21 mm (+/-0.80) (N-RES) (P = 0.021) at re-entry. This translated into a defect
      resolution of 85% (RES) and 90.7% (N-RES) (P = 0.10). The horizontal thickness
      after augmentation measured 3.46 mm (+/-0.52) (RES) and 2.82 mm (+/-0.50) (N-RES)
      (P = 0.004). The mean loss in horizontal thickness from baseline to re-entry
      measured 2.23 mm (SD +/-1.21) (RES) and 0.14 mm (+/-0.79) (N-RES) (P = 0.017).
      The horizontal changes in thickness at the implant shoulder level were
      statistically significant between the groups (P = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Both
      treatment modalities were clinically effective in regenerating bone as
      demonstrated by a similar horizontal thickness and vertical defect fill at 6
      months. The N-RES group exhibited significantly less horizontal bone thickness
      reduction from baseline to follow-up.

PMID- 27659297
TI  - Medical Home Characteristics and Quality of Diabetes Care in Safety Net Clinics.
AB  - We examined associations between patient-centered medical home (PCMH)
      characteristics and quality of diabetes care in 15 safety net clinics in five
      states. Surveys among clinic directors assessed PCMH characteristics using the
      Safety Net Medical Home Scale. Chart audits among 864 patients assessed diabetes
      process and outcome measures. We modeled the odds of the patient receiving
      performance measures as a function of total PCMH score and of PCMH subscales and
      covariates. PCMH characteristics had mixed, inconsistent associations with the
      quality of diabetes care. The PCMH model may require refinement in design and
      implementation to improve diabetes care among vulnerable populations.

PMID- 27659298
TI  - Origin of multi-level switching and telegraphic noise in organic nanocomposite
      memory devices.
AB  - The origin of negative differential resistance (NDR) and its derivative
      intermediate resistive states (IRSs) of nanocomposite memory systems have not
      been clearly analyzed for the past decade. To address this issue, we investigate
      the current fluctuations of organic nanocomposite memory devices with NDR and the
      IRSs under various temperature conditions. The 1/f noise scaling behaviors at
      various temperature conditions in the IRSs and telegraphic noise in NDR indicate
      the localized current pathways in the organic nanocomposite layers for each IRS.
      The clearly observed telegraphic noise with a long characteristic time in NDR at
      low temperature indicates that the localized current pathways for the IRSs are
      attributed to trapping/de-trapping at the deep trap levels in NDR. This study
      will be useful for the development and tuning of multi-bit storable organic
      nanocomposite memory device systems.

PMID- 27659299
TI  - Increased functional connectivity between the default mode and salience networks
      in unmedicated adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder.
AB  - Deficits in attention have been implicated in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
      (OCD), yet their neurobiological bases are poorly understood. In unmedicated
      adults with OCD (n = 30) and healthy controls (n = 32), they used resting state
      functional connectivity MRI (rs-fcMRI) to examine functional connectivity between
      two neural networks associated with attentional processes: the default mode
      network (DMN) and the salience network (SN). They then used path analyses to
      examine putative relationships across three variables of interest: DMN-SN
      connectivity, attention, and OCD symptoms. In the OCD compared with healthy
      control participants, there was significantly reduced inverse connectivity
      between the anterior medial prefrontal cortex (amPFC) and the anterior insular
      cortex, regions within the DMN and SN, respectively. In OCD, reduced inverse DMN
      SN connectivity was associated with both increased OCD symptom severity and
      decreased sustained attention. Path analyses were consistent with a potential
      mechanistic explanation: OCD symptoms are associated with an imbalance in DMN-SN
      networks that subserve attentional processes and this effect of OCD on DMN-SN
      connectivity is associated with decreased sustained attention. This work builds
      upon a growing literature suggesting that reduced inverse DMN-SN connectivity may
      represent a trans-diagnostic marker of attentional processes and suggests a
      potential mechanistic account of the relationship between OCD and attention.
      Reduced inverse DMN-SN connectivity may be an important target for treatment
      development to improve attention in individuals with OCD. Hum Brain Mapp 38:678
      687, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27659302
TI  - A bead-based western for high-throughput cellular signal transduction analyses.
AB  - Dissecting cellular signalling requires the analysis of large number of proteins.
      The DigiWest approach we describe here transfers the western blot to a bead-based
      microarray platform. By combining gel-based protein separation with
      immobilization on microspheres, hundreds of replicas of the initial blot are
      created, thus enabling the comprehensive analysis of limited material, such as
      cells collected by laser capture microdissection, and extending traditional
      western blotting to reach proteomic scales. The combination of molecular weight
      resolution, sensitivity and signal linearity on an automated platform enables the
      rapid quantification of hundreds of specific proteins and protein modifications
      in complex samples. This high-throughput western blot approach allowed us to
      identify and characterize alterations in cellular signal transduction that occur
      during the development of resistance to the kinase inhibitor Lapatinib, revealing
      major changes in the activation state of Ephrin-mediated signalling and a central
      role for p53-controlled processes.

PMID- 27659300
TI  - Evidence-based selection of training compounds for use in the mechanism-based
      integrated prediction of drug-induced liver injury in man.
AB  - The current test systems employed by pharmaceutical industry are poorly
      predictive for drug-induced liver injury (DILI). The 'MIP-DILI' project addresses
      this situation by the development of innovative preclinical test systems which
      are both mechanism-based and of physiological, pharmacological and pathological
      relevance to DILI in humans. An iterative, tiered approach with respect to test
      compounds, test systems, bioanalysis and systems analysis is adopted to evaluate
      existing models and develop new models that can provide validated test systems
      with respect to the prediction of specific forms of DILI and further elucidation
      of mechanisms. An essential component of this effort is the choice of compound
      training set that will be used to inform refinement and/or development of new
      model systems that allow prediction based on knowledge of mechanisms, in a tiered
      fashion. In this review, we focus on the selection of MIP-DILI training compounds
      for mechanism-based evaluation of non-clinical prediction of DILI. The selected
      compounds address both hepatocellular and cholestatic DILI patterns in man,
      covering a broad range of pharmacologies and chemistries, and taking into account
      available data on potential DILI mechanisms (e.g. mitochondrial injury, reactive
      metabolites, biliary transport inhibition, and immune responses). Known
      mechanisms by which these compounds are believed to cause liver injury have been
      described, where many if not all drugs in this review appear to exhibit multiple
      toxicological mechanisms. Thus, the training compounds selection offered a
      valuable tool to profile DILI mechanisms and to interrogate existing and novel in
      vitro systems for the prediction of human DILI.

PMID- 27659303
TI  - Global properties of vector-host disease models with time delays.
AB  - Since there exist extrinsic and intrinsic incubation periods of pathogens in the
      feedback interactions between the vectors and hosts, it is necessary to consider
      the incubation delays in vector-host disease transmission dynamics. In this
      paper, we propose vector-host disease models with two time delays, one describing
      the incubation period in the vector population and another representing the
      incubation period in the host population. Both distributed and discrete delays
      are used. By constructing suitable Liapunov functions, we obtain sufficient
      conditions for the global stability of the endemic equilibria of these models.
      The analytic results reveal that the global dynamics of such vector-host disease
      models with time delays are completely determined by the basic reproduction
      number. Some specific cases with discrete delay are studied and the corresponding
      results are improved.

PMID- 27659305
TI  - A Single Talent Immunogenic Membrane Antigen and Novel Prognostic Predictor:
      voltage-dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1) in Pancreatic Cancer.
AB  - Immunogenic membrane antigens associated with multiple biological functions of
      human cancer cells, have significant value in molecule diagnosis and targeted
      therapy. Here we screened immunogenic membrane antigens in pancreatic cancer by
      immunobloting IgG purified from sera of 66 pancreatic cancer patients with
      membrane proteins separated from two-dimensional PAGE of human pancreatic cancer
      cell line SWl990, and identified voltage-dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1) as one
      of the potential immunogenic membrane antigens. Further studies focusing on VDAC1
      demonstrated that VDAC1 mRNA and protein were significantly expressed in the
      tested pancreatic cancer cell lines. VDAC1 silencing with RNAi significantly
      decreased cell growth, invasion and migration in the pancreatic cancer cell line
      Capan-1. Additionally, VDAC1 expression was upregulated in pancreatic cancer
      tissue compared with normal pancreas samples and patients with low VDAC1
      expression had a significantly greater median survival compared to those with
      high expression (27.0 months vs. 17.8 months, P = 0.039). In multivariable
      analysis, VDAC1 staining was an independent prognostic factor for survival
      [(Hazard-Ratio) HR = 1.544, 95% CI = 0.794-3.0, P = 0.021]. These results
      demonstrated that VDAC1 may be a candidate immunogenic membrane antigen for
      pancreatic cancer, a potential independent prognostic marker, and an ideal drug
      target.

PMID- 27659304
TI  - An impulsive modelling framework of fire occurrence in a size-structured model of
      tree-grass interactions for savanna ecosystems.
AB  - Fires and mean annual rainfall are major factors that regulate woody and grassy
      biomasses in savanna ecosystems. Within the savanna biome, conditions of long
      lasting coexistence of trees and grasses have been often studied using continuous
      time modelling of tree-grass competition. In these studies, fire is a time
      continuous forcing while the relationship between woody plant size and fire
      sensitivity is not systematically considered. In this paper, we propose a new
      mathematical framework to model tree-grass interactions that takes into account
      both the impulsive nature of fire occurrence and size-dependent fire sensitivity
      (via two classes of woody plants). We carry out a qualitative analysis that
      highlights ecological thresholds and bifurcation parameters that shape the
      dynamics of the savanna-like systems within the main ecological zones. Through a
      qualitative analysis, we show that the impulsive modelling of fire occurrences
      leads to more diverse behaviors including cases of grassland, savanna and forest
      tristability and a more realistic array of solutions than the analogous time
      continuous fire models. Numerical simulations are carried out with respect to the
      three main ecological contexts (moist, mesic, semi-arid) to illustrate the
      theoretical results and to support a discussion about the bifurcation parameters
      and the advantages of the model.

PMID- 27659306
TI  - Efficacy of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation compared to conventional
      cardiopulmonary resuscitation for adult cardiac arrest patients: a systematic
      review and meta-analysis.
AB  - We performed a meta-analysis to compare the impact of extracorporeal
      cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) to that of conventional cardiopulmonary
      resuscitation (CCPR) in adult patients who experience cardiac arrest of cardiac
      origin. A literature search was performed using criteria set forth in a
      predefined protocol. Report inclusion criteria were that ECPR was compared to
      CCPR in adult patients with cardiac arrest of cardiac origin, and that survival
      and neurological outcome data were available. Exclusion criteria were reports
      describing non-cardiac origin arrest, review articles, editorials, and nonhuman
      studies. The efficacies of ECPR and CCPR were compared in terms of survival and
      neurological outcome. A total of 38,160 patients from 7 studies were ultimately
      included. ECPR showed similar survival (odds ratio [OR] 2.26, 95% confidence
      interval [CI] 0.45-11.20) and neurologic outcomes (OR 3.14, 95% CI 0.66-14.85) to
      CCPR in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients. For in-hospital cardiac arrest
      (IHCA) patients, however, ECPR was associated with significantly better survival
      (OR 2.40, 95% CI 1.44-3.98) and neurologic outcomes (OR 2.63, 95% CI 1.38-5.02)
      than CCPR. Hence, ECPR may be more effective than CCPR as an adjuvant therapy for
      survival and neurologic outcome in cardiac-origin IHCA patients.

PMID- 27659301
TI  - Anti-ageing active ingredients from herbs and nutraceuticals used in traditional
      Chinese medicine: pharmacological mechanisms and implications for drug discovery.
AB  - : Ageing, an unanswered question in the medical field, is a multifactorial
      process that results in a progressive functional decline in cells, tissues and
      organisms. Although it is impossible to prevent ageing, slowing down the rate of
      ageing is entirely possible to achieve. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is
      characterized by the nourishing of life and its role in anti-ageing is getting
      more and more attention. This article summarizes the work done on the natural
      products from TCM that are reported to have anti-ageing effects, in the past two
      decades. The effective anti-ageing ingredients identified can be generally
      divided into flavonoids, saponins, polysaccharides, alkaloids and others.
      Astragaloside, Cistanche tubulosa acteoside, icariin, tetrahydrocurcumin,
      quercetin, butein, berberine, catechin, curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate,
      gastrodin, 6-Gingerol, glaucarubinone, ginsenoside Rg1, luteolin, icarisid II,
      naringenin, resveratrol, theaflavin, carnosic acid, catalpol, chrysophanol,
      cycloastragenol, emodin, galangin, echinacoside, ferulic acid, huperzine,
      honokiol, isoliensinine, phycocyanin, proanthocyanidins, rosmarinic acid,
      oxymatrine, piceid, puerarin and salvianolic acid B are specified in this review.
      Simultaneously, chemical structures of the monomers with anti-ageing activities
      are listed, and their source, model, efficacy and mechanism are also described.
      The TCMs with anti-ageing function are classified according to their action
      pathways, including the telomere and telomerase, the sirtuins, the mammalian
      target of rapamycin, AMP-activated kinase and insulin/insulin-like growth factor
      1 signalling pathway, free radicals scavenging and the resistance to DNA damage.
      Finally, Chinese compound prescription and extracts related to anti-ageing are
      introduced, which provides the basis and the direction for the further
      development of novel and potential drugs. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part
      of a themed section on Principles of Pharmacological Research of Nutraceuticals.
      To view the other articles in this section visit
      http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.11/issuetoc.

PMID- 27659307
TI  - Rim15 and Sch9 kinases are involved in induction of autophagic degradation of
      ribosomes in budding yeast.
AB  - Autophagic degradation of ribosomes is promoted by nutrient starvation and
      inactivation of target of rapamycin complex 1 (TORC1). Here we show that
      selective autophagic degradation of ribosomes (called ribophagy) after TORC1
      inactivation requires the specific autophagy receptor Atg11. Rim15 protein kinase
      upregulated ribophagy, while it downregulated non-selective degradation of
      ribosomes.

PMID- 27659308
TI  - [Percutaneous internal fixation of pelvic fractures. German version].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Percutaneous internal fixation of pelvic fractures is increasing in
      popularity with multiple new techniques reported. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this
      article is to outline the imaging, indication, planning, equipment, surgical
      technique and complications of these methods. METHODS: A review of the literature
      is provided and the techniques for anterior and posterior pelvic stabilization
      are discussed. RESULTS: High-quality preoperative CT scans are essential in
      planning for this technique. The anterior internal fixator ("InFix") is an
      effective method for stabilizing the anterior ring and should be usually used in
      conjunction with posterior fixation. Good technique avoids neurovascular injury,
      which can be a devastating complication. The retrograde anterior column screw
      (RACS) is a technique that can be used in most patients, although in smaller
      patients smaller screw diameters may be needed. The entry point for the screw is
      more lateral in women than men. Iliosacral screws (ISS) are an effective method
      of posterior stabilization and can be placed using 2D or 3D fluoroscopy, computer
      navigation or CT navigation. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous fixation of pelvic
      fractures requires high-quality imaging and can be aided by computer navigation.
      Safe techniques are reproducible; however, not all patients and fracture patterns
      can be treated using these techniques.

PMID- 27659309
TI  - Percutaneous internal fixation of pelvic fractures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Percutaneous internal fixation of pelvic fractures is increasing in
      popularity with multiple new techniques reported. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this
      article is to outline the imaging, indication, planning, equipment, surgical
      technique and complications of these methods. METHODS: A review of the literature
      is provided and the techniques for anterior and posterior pelvic stabilisation
      are discussed. RESULTS: High-quality preoperative CT scans are essential in
      planning for this technique. The anterior internal fixator ("InFix") is an
      effective method for stabilising the anterior ring and should be usually used in
      conjunction with posterior fixation. Good technique avoids neurovascular injury,
      which can be a devastating complication. The retrograde anterior column screw
      (RACS) is a technique that can be used in most patients, although in smaller
      patients smaller screw diameters may be needed. The entry point for the screw is
      more lateral in women than men. Iliosacral screws (ISS) are an effective method
      of posterior stabilisation and can be placed using 2D or 3D fluoroscopy, computer
      navigation or CT navigation. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous fixation of pelvic
      fractures requires high-quality imaging and can be aided by computer navigation.
      Safe techniques are reproducible; however, not all patients and fracture patterns
      can be treated using these techniques.

PMID- 27659311
TI  - The discovery of the hydrogen bond from p-Nitrothiophenol by Raman spectroscopy:
      Guideline for the thioalcohol molecule recognition tool.
AB  - Inter- and intra- molecular hydrogen bonding plays important role in determining
      molecular structure, physical and chemical properties, which may be easily
      ignored for molecules with a non-typical hydrogen bonding structure. We
      demonstrated in this paper that the hydrogen bonding is responsible for the
      different Raman spectra in solid and solution states of p-Nitrothiophenol (PNTP).
      The consistence of the theoretical calculation and experiment reveals that the
      intermolecular hydrogen bonding yields an octatomic ring structure (8) of PNTP in
      the solid state, confirmed by the characteristic S-H---O stretching vibration
      mode at 2550 cm-1; when it comes to the solution state, the breakage of hydrogen
      bond of S-H---O induced the S-H stretching vibration at 2590 cm-1. Our findings
      may provide a simple and fast method for identifying the intermolecular hydrogen
      bonding.

PMID- 27659310
TI  - Human cathelicidin LL-37 enhance the antibiofilm effect of EGCG on Streptococcus
      mutans.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Streptococcus mutans forms biofilms as a resistance mechanism against
      antimicrobial agents in the human oral cavity. We recently showed that human
      cathelicidin LL-37 exhibits inhibitory effects on biofilm formation of S. mutans
      through interaction with lipoteichoic acid (LTA), but without antibacterial or
      biofilm dispersal abilities. (-)-Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the most
      abundant constituent of tea catechins that has the greatest anti-infective
      potential to inhibit the growth of various microorganisms and biofilm formation.
      Therefore, in this study, we evaluated whether LL-37 interacts with EGCG to
      enhance the antibiofilm effect of EGCG on S. mutans biofilm formation. METHODS:
      Clinical S. mutans strains (n = 10) isolated from children's saliva were tested
      in a biofilm formation assay. The antibiofilm effect of EGCG with and without LL
      37 was analyzed by the minimum biofilm eradication concentration assay and
      confirmed using field emission-scanning electron microscopy. In addition, the
      interaction among EGCG, LL-37, and LTA of S. mutans was determined using quartz
      crystal microbalance analysis. RESULTS: EGCG killed 100 % of planktonic S. mutans
      within 5 h, inhibited biofilm formation within 24 h, and reduced bacteria cells
      in preformed biofilms within 3 h at a concentration of 0.2 mg/mL. However, EGCG
      did not appear to interact with LTA. LL-37 effectively enhanced the bactericidal
      activity of EGCG against biofilm formation and preformed biofilms as determined
      by quantitative crystal violet staining and field emission-scanning electron
      microscopy. In addition, quartz crystal microbalance analysis revealed that LL-37
      interacted with EGCG and promoted binding between EGCG and LTA of S. mutans.
      CONCLUSIONS: We show that LL-37 enhances the antibiofilm effect of EGCG on S.
      mutans. This finding provides new knowledge for dental treatment by using LL-37
      as a potential antibiofilm compound.

PMID- 27659314
TI  - GP who supplied abortion drug in "fake sheikh" sting is struck off.

PMID- 27659312
TI  - A 16-bit Coherent Ising Machine for One-Dimensional Ring and Cubic Graph
      Problems.
AB  - Many tasks in our modern life, such as planning an efficient travel, image
      processing and optimizing integrated circuit design, are modeled as complex
      combinatorial optimization problems with binary variables. Such problems can be
      mapped to finding a ground state of the Ising Hamiltonian, thus various physical
      systems have been studied to emulate and solve this Ising problem. Recently,
      networks of mutually injected optical oscillators, called coherent Ising
      machines, have been developed as promising solvers for the problem, benefiting
      from programmability, scalability and room temperature operation. Here, we report
      a 16-bit coherent Ising machine based on a network of time-division-multiplexed
      femtosecond degenerate optical parametric oscillators. The system experimentally
      gives more than 99.6% of success rates for one-dimensional Ising ring and
      nondeterministic polynomial-time (NP) hard instances. The experimental and
      numerical results indicate that gradual pumping of the network combined with
      multiple spectral and temporal modes of the femtosecond pulses can improve the
      computational performance of the Ising machine, offering a new path for tackling
      larger and more complex instances.

PMID- 27659313
TI  - High Fructose Diet inducing diabetes rapidly impacts olfactory epithelium and
      behavior in mice.
AB  - Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), a major public health issue reaching worldwide epidemic,
      has been correlated with lower olfactory abilities in humans. As olfaction
      represents a major component of feeding behavior, its alteration may have drastic
      consequences on feeding behaviors that may in turn aggravates T2D. In order to
      decipher the impact of T2D on the olfactory epithelium, we fed mice with a high
      fructose diet (HFruD) inducing early diabetic state in 4 to 8 weeks. After only 4
      weeks of this diet, mice exhibited a dramatic decrease in olfactory behavioral
      capacities. Consistently, this decline in olfactory behavior was correlated to
      decreased electrophysiological responses of olfactory neurons recorded as a
      population and individually. Our results demonstrate that, in rodents, olfaction
      is modified by HFruD-induced diabetes. Functional, anatomical and behavioral
      changes occurred in the olfactory system at a very early stage of the disease.

PMID- 27659315
TI  - Prevalence of Fusobacterium necrophorum in tonsils from patients with chronic
      tonsillitis.
AB  - CONCLUSION: There was a high prevalence of Fusobacterium necrophorum (FN) in
      patients with chronic tonsillitis in the age group 15-23 years. This indicates
      that FN might play an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic tonsillitis
      in this age group, which is also the age group in which chronic or recurrent
      tonsillitis is most common. OBJECTIVES: The role of FN in patients with acute and
      chronic tonsillitis is unclear. Thus, this study investigated the occurrence of
      FN in tonsils of patients with chronic tonsillitis. The aim of the study was to
      determine the prevalence of FN in patients that underwent tonsillectomy due to
      chronic tonsillitis. This study also investigated if FN was found at different
      areas in the tonsils. METHOD: One hundred and twenty-six consecutive patients
      undergoing tonsillectomy due to chronic tonsillitis were included from the ENT
      clinics at Sunderby Hospital and Gallivare Hospital, Sweden. Both children and
      adults were included to encompass various age groups (age =2-57 years). Culture
      swabs were taken from three different levels of the tonsils - the surface, the
      crypts, and the inner core of the tonsils. Selective agar plates for detecting FN
      were used for culture. Culture was also made for detecting beta-hemolytic
      streptococci, Haemophilus influenzae, and Arcanobacterium. RESULTS: FN was the
      most common pathogen (19%). The highest prevalence of FN was found in the age
      group 15-23 years (in 34% of the patients). FN was detected both at the surface
      and in the core of the tonsils. Furthermore, in the few patients where FN was not
      detected in all three areas, FN was always detected at the tonsillar surface, in
      spite of being an anaerobic bacterium. Streptococci group G and C also occurred
      most frequently (30%) in the same age group as FN (15-23 years), whereas
      Streptococci group A was more evenly spread among the age groups.

PMID- 27659316
TI  - Association of vitamin D deficiency with hepatitis B virus - related liver
      diseases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As an immune modulator, vitamin D is involved in various
      pathophysiological mechanisms in a plethora of diseases. This study aims to
      correlate the vitamin D deficiency status and clinical progression of liver
      diseases associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in patients in Vietnam
      and to compare it to healthy controls. METHODS: We quantified the levels of total
      vitamin D [25-(OH) D2 and D3] in serum samples from 400 HBV patients (chronic
      hepatitis B infection [CHB], n = 165; HBV-associated liver cirrhosis [LC], n =
      127; HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC], n = 108) and 122 unrelated
      healthy controls (HC). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed in
      order to determine the association between vitamin D levels and distinct clinical
      parameters. RESULTS: The prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy (<30 ng/mL) was high
      among healthy individuals (81.7 %) as well as in HBV patients (84.3 %). Vitamin D
      deficiency (<20 ng/ml) or severe deficiency (<10 ng/ml) was observed more
      frequently among HBV patients (52 %) and subgroups (CHB, 47.8 %; LC, 54.4 %; HCC,
      55.3 %) compared to the control group (32.5 %) (P < 0.001). Vitamin D levels and
      HBV-DNA load were strongly and inversely correlated (rho = -0.57, P < 0.0001).
      Multivariate regression analysis also revealed an independent association of HBV
      DNA loads with low vitamin D levels (P = 0.0004). In addition, reduced vitamin D
      levels were associated with significant clinical progression of LC (Child-Pugh C
      versus Child-Pugh A, P = 0.0018; Child-Pugh C versus Child-Pugh B, P = 0.016).
      CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D deficiency was observed in the majority of HBV-infected
      patients and associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Our findings suggest that
      substitution of vitamin D may be a supportive option in the treatment of chronic
      liver diseases, in particular of HBV-associated disorders.

PMID- 27659317
TI  - Acute and chronic infections with nonprimate hepacivirus in young horses.
AB  - The recently discovered nonprimate hepacivirus (NPHV) naturally infects horses
      and is the closest known homolog of hepatitis C virus to date. Within a follow-up
      study acute field infections were monitored in four young Thoroughbred horses
      until the ages of 12-13 months. Serum samples were analyzed for the presence of
      NPHV RNA and anti-NPHV NS3 antibodies and liver specific parameters were
      evaluated. The four young horses were not able to clear infection, but remained
      chronically infected for the entire monitored time period despite the presence of
      NPHV specific antibodies.

PMID- 27659318
TI  - Autism genes: the continuum that connects us all.

PMID- 27659319
TI  - Identification of novel SNP in caprine beta-lactoglobulin gene.
AB  - beta-lactoglobulin (beta-LG) gene is suggested as a functional candidate gene for
      milk yield and milk composition. beta-LG polymorphism has been reported to be
      associated with milk yield in cows, sheep and Indian goats. This study was
      performed to identify SNPs in exon 7 of beta-LG gene and their association with
      milk traits in Iranian local Mahabadi goats using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
      single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) and PCR-sequencing. Three SSCP
      patterns were observed with frequencies 0.678, 0.096 and 0.226, respectively.
      Subsequently, after sequencing each unique pattern nine novel mutations were
      identified. These mutations include: T InDel at nucleotide position 93 and
      substitutions T/C, T/G, T/C, G/T, T/G,T/C, G/A and A/T at nucleotide positions
      99, 124, 126, 134, 147, 156, 176 and 177, respectively. Of these, seven mutations
      were same among the genotypic patterns while differences were related to T
      deletion and insertion (-/T) at nucleotide position 93 with frequencies 0.22 and
      0.78 in the presence and absence of T allele, respectively; and substitution
      (A/T) at nucleotide position 177 with frequencies 0.16 and 0.84 for A and T
      alleles, respectively. Milk traits including milk production (gr), milk fat and
      protein (%) were also measured. These findings demonstrated that beta-LG gene had
      a significant effect on milk protein percentage (P < 0.05), but had no
      significant effect on milk production and milk fat percentage. 

PMID- 27659320
TI  - Evolution of increased larval competitive ability in Drosophila melanogaster
      without increased larval feeding rate.
AB  - Multiple experimental evolution studies on Drosophila melanogaster in the 1980s
      and 1990s indicated that enhanced competitive ability evolved primarily through
      increased larval tolerance to nitrogenous wastes and increased larval feeding and
      foraging rate, at the cost of efficiency of food conversion to biomass, and this
      became the widely accepted view of how adaptation to larval crowding evolves in
      fruitflies.We recently showed that populations of D. ananassae and D. n. nasuta
      subjected to extreme larval crowding evolved greater competitive ability without
      evolving higher feeding rates, primarily through a combination of reduced larval
      duration, faster attainment of minimum critical size for pupation, greater
      efficiency of food conversion to biomass, increased pupation height and, perhaps,
      greater urea/ammonia tolerance. This was a very different suite of traits than
      that seen to evolve under similar selection in D. melanogaster and was closer to
      the expectations from the theory of K-selection. At that time, we suggested two
      possible reasons for the differences in the phenotypic correlates of greater
      competitive ability seen in the studies with D. melanogaster and the other two
      species. First, that D. ananassae and D. n. nasuta had a very different genetic
      architecture of traits affecting competitive ability compared to the long-term
      laboratory populations of D. melanogaster used in the earlier studies, either
      because the populations of the former two species were relatively recently wild
      caught, or by virtue of being different species. Second, that the different
      evolutionary trajectories in D. ananassae and D. n. nasuta versus D. melanogaster
      were a reflection of differences in the manner in which larval crowding was
      imposed in the two sets of selection experiments. The D. melanogaster studies
      used a higher absolute density of eggs per unit volume of food, and a
      substantially larger total volume of food, than the studies on D. ananassae and
      D. n. nasuta. Here, we show that long-term laboratory populations of D.
      melanogaster, descended from some of the populations used in the earlier studies,
      evolve essentially the same set of traits as the D. ananassae and D. n. nasuta
      crowding-adapted populations when subjected to a similar larval density at low
      absolute volumes of food. As in the case of D. ananassae and D. n. nasuta, and in
      stark contrast to earlier studies with D. melanogaster, these crowding-adapted
      populations of D. melanogaster did not evolve greater larval feeding rates as a
      correlate of increased competitive ability. The present results clearly suggest
      that the suite of phenotypes through which the evolution of greater competitive
      ability is achieved in fruitflies depends critically not just on larval density
      per unit volume of food, but also on the total amount of food available in the
      culture vials. We discuss these results in the context of an hypothesis about how
      larval density and the height of the food column in culture vials might interact
      to alter the fitness costs and benefits of increased larval feeding rates, thus
      resulting in different routes to the evolution of greater competitive ability,
      depending on the details of exactly how the larval crowding was implemented. 

PMID- 27659321
TI  - Maternal MTHFR polymorphism (677 C-T) and risk of Down's syndrome child: meta
      analysis.
AB  - Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is the most important gene that
      participates in folate metabolism. Presence of valine instead of alanine at
      position 677 and elevated levels of homocystein causes DNA hypomethylation which
      in turn favours nondisjunction. In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis to
      establish link between maternal single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and birth of
      Down's syndrome (DS) child. A total of 37 case-control studies were selected for
      analysis including our own, in which we investigated 110 cases and 111 control
      mothers. Overall, the result of meta-analysis showed significant risk of DS
      affected by the presence of maternal SNP (MTHFR 677 C-T OR = 0.816, 95% CI =
      0.741-0.900, P <0.0001). Heterogeneity of high magnitude was observed among the
      studies. The chi-square value suggested a highly significant association between
      homozygous mutant TT genotype and birth of DS child (chi2 = 23.63, P = 0.000).
      Genetic models suggested that 'T' allele possesses high risk for DS whether
      present in dominant (OR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.13-1.34); codominant (OR = 1.17, 95%
      CI = 1.10-1.25) or recessive (OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.05-1.38) form. The analysis
      from all 37 studies combined together suggested that MTHFR 677 C-T is a major
      risk factor for DS birth. 

PMID- 27659322
TI  - Genomewide analysis of the lateral organ boundaries domain gene family in Vitis
      vinifera.
AB  - In plants, the transcription factor families have been implicated in many
      important biological processes. These processes include morphogenesis, signal
      transduction and environmental stress responses. Proteins containing the lateral
      organ boundaries domain (LBD), which encodes a zinc finger-like domain are only
      found in plants. This finding indicates that this unique gene family regulates
      only plant-specific biological processes. LBD genes play crucial roles in the
      growth and development of plants such as Arabidopsis, Oryza sativa, Zea mays,
      poplar, apple and tomato. However, relatively little is known about the LBD genes
      in grape (Vitis vinifera). In this study, we identified 40 LBD genes in the grape
      genome. A complete overview of the chromosomal locations, phylogenetic
      relationships, structures and expression profiles of this gene family during
      development in grape is presented here. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the LBD
      genes could be divided into classes I and II, together with LBDs from
      Arabidopsis. We mapped the 40 LBD genes on the grape chromosomes (chr1-chr19) and
      found that 37 of the predicted grape LBD genes were distributed in different
      densities across 12 chromosomes. Grape LBDs were found to share a similar
      intron/exon structure and gene length within the same class. The expression
      profiles of grape LBD genes at different developmental stages were analysed using
      microarray data. Results showed that 21 grape LBD genes may be involved in grape
      developmental processes, including preveraison, veraison and ripening. Finally,
      we analysed the expression patterns of six LBD genes through quantitative real
      time polymerase chain reation analysis. The six LBD genes showed differential
      expression patterns among the three representative grape tissues, and five of
      these genes were found to be involved in responses to mannitol, sodium chloride,
      heat stress and low temperature treatments. To our knowledge, this is the first
      study to analyse the LBD gene family in grape and provides valuable information
      for classification and functional investigation of this gene family. 

PMID- 27659323
TI  - A deep sequencing analysis of transcriptomes and the development of EST-SSR
      markers in mungbean (Vigna radiata).
AB  - Mungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) is one of the most important leguminous food
      crops in Asia. We employed Illumina paired-end sequencing to analyse
      transcriptomes of three different mungbean genotypes. A total of 38.3-39.8
      million pairedend reads with 73 bp lengths were generated. The pooled reads from
      the three libraries were assembled into 56,471 transcripts. Following a cluster
      analysis, 43,293 unigenes were obtained with an average length of 739 bp and N50
      length of 1176 bp. Of the unigenes, 34,903 (80.6%) had significant similarity to
      known proteins in the NCBI nonredundant protein database (Nr), while 21,450
      (58.4%) had BLAST hits in the Swiss-Prot database (E-value<10-5). Further, 1245
      differential expression genes were detected among three mungbean genotypes. In
      addition, we identified 3788 expressed sequence tag-simple sequence repeat (EST
      SSR) motifs that could be used as potential molecular markers. Among 320 tested
      loci, 310 (96.5%) yielded amplification products, and 151 (47.0%) exhibited
      polymorphisms among six mungbean accessions. These transcriptome data and
      mungbean EST-SSRs could serve as a valuable resource for novel gene discovery and
      the marker-assisted selective breeding of this species. 

PMID- 27659324
TI  - Comparative analysis of codon usage bias in Crenarchaea and Euryarchaea genome
      reveals differential preference of synonymous codons to encode highly expressed
      ribosomal and RNA polymerase proteins.
AB  - The present study was undertaken to investigate the pattern of optimal codon
      usage in Archaea. Comparative analysis was executed to understand the pattern of
      codon usage bias between the high expression genes (HEG) and the whole genomes in
      two Archaeal phyla, Crenarchaea and Euryarchaea. The G+C% of the HEG was found to
      be less in comparison to the genome G+C% in Crenarchaea, whereas reverse was the
      case in Euryarchaea. The preponderance of U/A ending codons that code for HEG in
      Crenarchaea was in sharp contrast to the C/G ended ones in Euryarchaea. The
      analysis revealed prevalence of Uending codons even within theWWY(nucleotide
      ambiguity code) families in Crenarchaea vis-a-vis Euryarchaea, bacteria and
      Eukarya. No plausible interpretation of the observed disparity could be made
      either in the context of tRNA gene composition or genome G+C%. The results in
      this study attested that the preferential biasness for codons in HEG of
      Crenarchaea might be different from Euryarchaea. The main highlights are (i)
      varied CUB in the HEG and in the whole genomes in Euryarchaea and Crenarchaea.
      (ii) Crenarchaea was found to have some unusual optimal codons (OCs) compared to
      other organisms. (iii) G+C% (and GC3) of the HEG were different from the genome
      G+C% in the two phyla. (iv) Genome G+C% and tRNA gene number failed to explain
      CUB in Crenarchaea. (v) Translational selection is possibly responsible for A+T
      rich OCs in Crenarchaea. 

PMID- 27659325
TI  - Frequent alterations of SLIT2-ROBO1-CDC42 signalling pathway in breast cancer:
      clinicopathological correlation.
AB  - The aim of the study was to understand the role of SLIT2-ROBO1/2-CDC42 signalling
      pathways in development of breast cancer (BC). Primary BC samples (n = 150),
      comprising of almost equal proportion of four subtypes were tested for molecular
      alterations of SLIT2, ROBO1, ROBO2 and CDC42, the key regulator genes of this
      pathway. Deletion and methylation frequencies of the candidate genes were seen in
      the following order: deletion, SLIT2 (38.6%) > ROBO1 (30%) > ROBO2 (7.3%);
      methylation, SLIT2 (63.3%) > ROBO1 (26.6%) >ROBO2 (9.3%). Majority (80%, 120/150)
      of the tumours showed alterations (deletion/methylation) in at least one of the
      candidate genes. Overall, alterations of the candidate genes were as follows:
      SLIT2, 75.3% (101/150); ROBO1, 45.3% (68/150); ROBO2, 15.3% (23/150).
      Significantly, higher alteration of SLIT2 locus was observed in triple negative
      breast cancer (TNBC) over HER2 subtype (P = 0.0014). Similar trend is also seen
      in overall alterations of SLIT2 and/or ROBO1, in TNBC than HER2 subtype (P =
      0.0012); of SLIT2 and/or ROBO2 in TNBC than luminal A (P = 0.014) and HER2
      subtype (P = 0.048). Immunohistochemical analysis of SLIT2, ROBO1/2 showed
      reduced expression, concordant with their molecular alterations. Also, high
      expression of total CDC42 (49/52; 94.2%) and reduced expression of phospho Serine
      71 CDC42 (41/52; 78.8%) was observed. Coalterations of SLIT2 and/or ROBO1, SLIT2
      and/or ROBO2 had significant association with reduced expression of phospho
      Serine-71 CDC42 (P = 0.0012-0.0038). Alterations of SLIT2 and/or ROBO1, reduced
      expression of phospho Serine-71 CDC42 predicted poor survival of BC patients.
      Results indicate the importance of SLIT2-ROBO1-CDC42 signalling pathway in
      predicting tumour progression. 

PMID- 27659327
TI  - Association of IL-6 and MMP-3 gene polymorphisms with susceptibility to
      adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a meta-analysis.
AB  - Recently, several institutions have investigated the associations of MMP-3-1171
      5A/6A and IL-6-174-G/C gene polymorphisms with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
      (AIS), while reports from different institutions are not consistent. Therefore,
      we, comprehensively and systematically performed this meta-analysis to detect
      whether the two gene polymorphisms are correlated with AIS. From January 1994 to
      October 2015, all case-control studies focussed on the relationship between the
      two aforementioned gene polymorphisms and the susceptibility to AIS were
      retrieved from bibliographic databases. A total of 16 articles were found, of
      which five consisted of 944 cases and 1177 controls, were finally included after
      being assessed by two reviewers. We calculated the pooled odds ratio (OR) with
      95% confidence interval (95% CI) to assess the associations. The pooled data
      analyses were based on allele contrast, homozygote, heterozygote, dominant and
      recessive models. Overall, there was no significant association of IL-6-174-G/C
      gene polymorphism with AIS risk. Significant association was observed in
      homozygote model of MMP-3-1171-5A/6A gene polymorphism (5A5A versus 6A6A: OR =
      1.69, 95% CI = 1.11-2.58, P = 0.02). When stratified into Caucasian and Asian
      populations, positive association was found in Caucasian population (5A versus
      6A: OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.11-1.84, P = 0.006; 5A5A versus 6A6A: OR = 1.90, 95% CI
      = 1.13-3.19, P = 0.015); however, there was no significant association in Asian
      population. The present study concluded that 5A5A genotype of MMP-3-1171 5A/6A
      gene polymorphism was associated with AIS, especially in Caucasian population.
      However, no significant association was detected between IL-6-174-G/C gene
      polymorphism and AIS. 

PMID- 27659328
TI  - Molecular cloning, characterization and expression of WAG-2 alternative splicing
      transcripts in developing spikes of Aegilops tauschii.
AB  - WAG-2 is a C-class MADS-box gene, which is orthologous to AGAMOUS (AG) in
      Arabidopsis. The AG group C-class MADS-box genes are involved in stamen and
      pistil identity. In this study, two WAG-2 transcripts, namely, WAG-2f and WAG-
      2g, were isolated and characterized from Aegilops tauschii. The open reading
      frames of WAG-2f and WAG-2g were 825 and 822 bp, respectively, encoding 275 and
      274 amino acid residues. BLAST searches of partial WAG-2 genomic sequence against
      the draft sequence of Ae. tauschii genome database revealed the complex structure
      of WAG-2 gene, which consisted of seven exons and six introns. The WAG-2f and WAG
      2g cDNAs were two alternative splicing transcripts. The alternative splicing
      events were produced by an alternative 5' splice site. The expression level of
      WAG-2f transcript, which was extremely weak in young spikes of floret primordium
      formation stage, increased as the spikes developed. The highest expression was
      observed in the spikes at the anther separation stage. Low expression levels of
      WAG-2f were also detected at the tetrad stage. The WAG- 2g transcript was
      expressed at all four stages of spike development but at a relatively low level.
      The expression pattern of the two transcripts was distinctly different during
      floral development, thereby suggesting a functional divergence. 

PMID- 27659326
TI  - Characterization and expression analyses of the H+-pyrophosphatase gene in rye.
AB  - The H+-pyrophosphatase (H+-PPase) gene plays an important role in maintaining
      intracellular proton gradients. Here, we characterized the full-length
      complementary DNA (cDNA) and DNA of the H+-PPase gene ScHP1 in rye (Secale
      cereale L. 'Qinling'). We determined the subcellular localization of this gene
      and predicted the corresponding protein structure. We analysed the evolutionary
      relationship between ScHP1 and H+-PPase genes in other species, and did real-time
      quantitative polymerase chain reaction to explore the expression patterns of
      ScHP1 in rye plants subjected to N, P and K deprivation and to cold, high-salt
      and drought stresses. ScHP1 cDNA included a 2289 bp open reading frame (ORF)
      encoding 762 amino acid residues with 14 transmembrane domains. The genomic ScHP1
      DNA was 4354 bp and contained eight exons and seven introns. ScHP1 was highly
      homologous with other members of the H+-PPase gene family. When the full-length
      ORF was inserted into the expression vector pA7-YFP, the fluorescent microscopy
      revealed that ScHP1-YFP fusion protein was located in the plasma membrane. Rye
      plants that were subjected to N deprivation, cold and high-salt stresses, ScHP1
      expression was higher in the leaves than roots. Conversely, plants subjected to P
      and K deprivation and drought stress, ScHP1 expression was higher in the roots
      than leaves. Under all the investigated stress conditions, expression of ScHP1
      was lower in the stem than in the leaves and roots. Our results imply that ScHP1
      functions under abiotic stress response. 

PMID- 27659329
TI  - Detecting cognizable trends of gene expression in a time series RNA-sequencing
      experiment: a bootstrap approach.
AB  - Study of temporal trajectory of gene expression is important. RNA sequencing is
      popular in genome-scale studies of transcription. Because of high expenses
      involved, many time-course RNA sequencing studies are challenged by inadequacy of
      sample sizes. This poses difficulties in conducting formal statistical tests of
      significance of null hypotheses. We propose a bootstrap algorithm to identify
      'cognizable' 'time-trends' of gene expression. Properties of the proposed
      algorithm are derived using a simulation study. The proposed algorithm captured
      known 'time-trends' in the simulated data with a high probability of success,
      even when sample sizes were small (n < 10). The proposed statistical method is
      efficient and robust to capture 'cognizable' 'time-trends' in RNA sequencing
      data. 

PMID- 27659331
TI  - Development and characterization of genic SSR markers from low depth genome
      sequence of Clarias batrachus (magur).
AB  - Indian magur (Clarias batrachus) is an important freshwater catfish, which is
      listed as endangered under A3cde+4acde ver. 3.1 categories by the IUCN (2015) due
      to decreasing population trend. Microsatellites or short sequence repeats (SSRs)
      tagged to genes have been utilized as gene marker. In the present study, 31,814
      SSRs of C. batrachus (magur) were identified using microsatellite identification
      tool programme from the next generation sequencing data generated on Roche 454
      and Ion Torrent platforms. A bioinformatics pipeline, with stringent criteria
      resulted in selection of 1672 microsatellite loci falling in the genic region.
      Initially, a total of 30 loci were selected for primer development; and of these
      14 were successfully amplified and five were found to be polymorphic in 30
      individuals of C. batrachus (magur). The observed as well as expected
      heterozygosity ranged from 0.038 to 0.526 and 0.434 to 0.784, respectively, and
      the number of observed alleles ranged from three to five. The study reported the
      application of next generation sequencing technologies for rapid development of
      microsatellite loci in Indian catfish species, C. batrachus (magur). 

PMID- 27659330
TI  - Association of a common rs9939609 variant in the fat mass and obesity-associated
      (FTO) gene with obesity and metabolic phenotypes in a Taiwanese population: a
      replication study.
AB  - It is a key challenge to conduct reproducibility in genetic research, especially
      association studies in obesity. While susceptibility of a single-nucleotide
      polymorphism (SNP), rs9939609, in the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene
      to obesity has been reported in various populations, data from Asians is less
      conclusive. This replication study was carried out to test whether the FTO
      rs9939609 SNP is a predictive factor for obesity and obesity-related metabolic
      traits in a Taiwanese population. A total of 1188 Taiwanese subjects were
      recruited for this study. The FTO rs9939609 SNP was genotyped by the Taqman
      assay. Obesity-related metabolic traits such as triglyceride, waist
      circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol,
      creatinine, alanine aminotransferase and fasting glucose were measured. Our data
      revealed that the FTO rs9939609 SNP exhibited a significant association with
      obesity (BMI >= 30 kg/m2) among the subjects (P = 0.026). However, the FTO
      rs9939609 SNP did not exhibit any significant association with obesity-related
      metabolic traits among the subjects. Our results indicated that the FTO rs9939609
      SNP may be linked with the risk of obesity in Taiwanese subjects. 

PMID- 27659332
TI  - Effect of matrix metalloproteinase promoter polymorphisms on endometriosis and
      adenomyosis risk: evidence from a meta-analysis.
AB  - Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) promoter polymorphisms are considered to play
      roles in the aetiology of endometriosis and adenomyosis, however, the evidence
      available are inconsistent. We aimed to systematically review the asscociation
      between MMP-1 -1607 1G/2G MMP-2 -735 C/T, MMP-3 -1171 5A/6A and MMP-9 -1562 C/T
      polymorphisms and the risk of endometriosis and adenomyosis. A systemic search
      was conducted in Ovid, PubMed, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure and
      ChineseWanfang Database.We used the pooled odds ratio (OR) and their
      corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) to calculate the statistical power.
      Besides, we evaluated the quality of individual studies based on Newcastle-Ottawa
      scale. A total of 13 papers with 18 studies conformed to our inclusion criteria.
      We observed a significant association between MMP-1 -1607 1G/2G polymorphism and
      the susceptibility of endometriosis and adenomyosis under recessive model (OR =
      1.25, 95%CI = 1.03-1.53, P = 0.03). While no significant association was found in
      MMP-2 -735 C/T, MMP-3 -1171 5A/6A and MMP-9 -1562 C/T polymorphisms. This
      systemic review and meta-analysis suggested that theMMP-1 -1607 1G/2G
      polymorphism might play an important role in the risk of endometriosis and
      adenomyosis. Further, more well-designed and large-scale studies regarding gene
      gene and gene-environment interactions are needed in the future. 

PMID- 27659333
TI  - Deletion of SNURF/SNRPN U1B and U1B* upstream exons in a child with developmental
      delay and excessive weight.
AB  - Prader-Willi syndrome is a rare syndrome characterized by hypotonia,
      developmental delay and excessive appetite. This syndrome is caused by the loss
      of function of paternally-expressed genes located in an imprinting centre in
      15q11-q13. Here, we report the case of a patient who was referred to us with
      Prader-Willi syndrome-like symptoms including obesity and developmental delay.
      Examination of this patient revealed that he was a carrier of a paternally
      inherited deletion that affected the U1B and U1B* upstream exons of the SNURF
      SNRNP gene within the 15q11-q13 imprinted region. Mutations localized within this
      genomic region have not been previously reported in Prader-Willi syndrome
      patients. It is possible that disruption of upstream exons of SNURF-SNRNP could
      contribute to Prader-Willi phenotype by disrupting brain-specific alternative
      transcripts, although, case reports from further patients with a comparable
      phenotype are required. 

PMID- 27659335
TI  - Genomewide association analysis for awn length linked to the seed shattering gene
      qSH1 in rice.
AB  - Awn is one of the most important domesticated traits in rice (Oryza sativa).
      Understanding the genetic basis of awn length is important for grain harvest and
      production, because long awn length is disadvantageous for both grain harvest and
      milling. We investigated the awn length of 529 rice cultivars and performed a
      Genomewide association studies (GWAS) in the indica and japonica subpopulations,
      and the whole population. In total, we found 17 loci associated with awn length.
      Of these loci, seven were linked to previously reported quantitative trait loci,
      and one was linked to the awn gene An-1. Nine novel loci were repeatedly
      identified in different environments. One of the nine associations was identified
      in both the whole and japonica populations. Special interest was the detection of
      the most significant association SNP, sf0136352825, which was less than 95 kb
      from the seed shattering gene qSH1. These results may provide potentially
      favourable haplotypes for molecular breeding in rice. 

PMID- 27659334
TI  - Computational identification and characterization of novel microRNA in the
      mammary gland of dairy goat (Capra hircus).
AB  - Many studies have indicated that microRNAs (miRNAs) influence the development of
      the mammary gland by posttranscriptionally affecting their target genes. The
      objective of this research was to identify novel miRNAs in the mammary gland of
      dairy goats with a bioinformatics approach that was based on expressed sequence
      tag (EST) and genome survey sequence (GSS) analyses. We applied all known major
      mammals, miRNAs to search against the goat EST and GSS databases for the first
      time to identify new miRNAs. We, then, validated these newly predicted miRNAs
      with stem-loop reverse transcription followed by a SYBR Green polymerase chain
      reaction assay. Finally, 29 mature miRNAs were identified and verified, and of
      these, 14 were grouped into 13 families based on seed sequence identity and 85
      potential target genes of newly verified miRNAs were subsequently predicted, most
      of which seemed to encode the proteins participating in regulation of metabolism,
      signal transduction, growth and development. The predicting accuracy of the new
      miRNAs was 70.37%, which confirmed that the methods used in this study were
      efficient and reliable. Detailed analyses of the sequence characteristics of the
      novel miRNAs of the goat mammary gland were performed. In conclusion, these
      results provide a reference for further identification of miRNAs in animals
      without a complete genome and thus improve the understanding of miRNAs in the
      caprine mammary gland. 

PMID- 27659337
TI  - A novel mutation in the AGXT gene causing primary hyperoxaluria type I: genotype
      phenotype correlation.
AB  - Primary hyperoxaluria type I (PH1) is an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder
      caused by inherited mutations in the AGXT gene encoding liver peroxisomal alanine
      : glyoxylate aminotransferase (AGT) which is deficient or mistargeted to
      mitochondria. PH1 shows considerable phenotypic and genotypic heterogeneity. The
      incidence and severity of PH1 varies in different geographic regions. DNA samples
      of the affected members from two unrelated Tunisian families were tested by
      amplifying and sequencing each of the AGXT exons and intron-exon junctions. We
      identified a novel frameshift mutation in the AGXT gene, the c.406_410dupACTGC
      resulting in a truncated protein (p.Gln137Hisfs*19). It is found in homozygous
      state in two nonconsanguineous unrelated families from Tunisia. These molecular
      findings provide genotype/phenotype correlations in the intrafamilial phenotypic
      and permit accurate carrier detection, and prenatal diagnosis. The novel
      p.Gln137Hisfs*19 mutation detected in our study extend the spectrum of known AGXT
      gene mutations in Tunisia. 

PMID- 27659336
TI  - Cloning and expression analysis of chalcone synthase gene from Coleus forskohlii.
AB  - Flavonoids are an important class of secondary metabolites that play various
      roles in plants such as mediating defense, floral pigmentation and plant-microbe
      interaction. Flavonoids are also known to possess antioxidant and antimicrobial
      activities. Coleus forskohlii (Willd.) Briq. (Lamiaceae) is an important
      medicinal herb with a diverse metabolic profile, including production of a
      flavonoid, genkwanin. However, components of the flavonoid pathway have not yet
      been studied in this plant. Chalcone synthase (CHS) catalyses the first committed
      step of flavonoid biosynthetic pathway. Full-length cDNA, showing homology with
      plant CHS gene was isolated from leaves of C. forskohlii and named CfCHS (GenBank
      accession no. KF643243). Theoretical translation of CfCHS nucleotide sequence
      shows that it encodes a protein of 391 amino acids with a molecular weight of
      42.75 kDa and pI 6.57. Expression analysis of CfCHS in different tissues and
      elicitor treatments showed that methyl jasmonate (MeJA) strongly induced its
      expression. Total flavonoids content and antioxidant activity of C. forskohlii
      also got enhanced in response to MeJA, which correlated with increased CfCHS
      expression. Induction of CfCHS by MeJA suggest its involvement in production of
      flavonoids, providing protection from microbes during herbivory or mechanical
      wounding. Further, our in silico predictions and experimental data suggested that
      CfCHS may be posttranscriptionally regulated by miR34. 

PMID- 27659338
TI  - Prevalence of common MEFV mutations and carrier frequencies in a large cohort of
      Iranian populations.
AB  - Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a hereditary autoinflammatory disorder
      caused by mutations in the MEFV gene. The disease is especially common among
      Armenian, Turkish, Jewish and Middle East Arab populations. To identify the
      frequency and the spectrum of common MEFV mutations in different Iranian
      populations, we investigated a cohort of 208 unselected asymptomatic individuals
      and 743 FMF patients. Nine hundred and fifty-one samples were analysed for the
      presence of 12 MEFV mutations by PCR and reverse-hybridization (FMF StripAssay,
      ViennaLab, Vienna, Austria). Confirmatory dideoxy sequencing of all MEFV gene
      exons was performed for 39 patients. Fifty-seven (27.4%) healthy individual
      carried mutant MEFV alleles. Three hundred and ninety-one (52.6%) FMF patients
      were found positive for either one (172/743; 23.1%), two or three MEFV mutations.
      Using dideoxy sequencing, three novel variants, A66P, R202W and H300Q, could be
      identified. Our analysis revealed an allele frequency and carrier rate of 15.6
      and 27.4%, respectively, among healthy Iranians. Still moderate compared to
      neighbouring Armenia, but higher than in Turkey or Iraq, these data suggest that
      FMF is remarkably common among Iranian populations. E148Q was most frequent in
      the group of healthy individuals, whereas M694V was the most common mutation
      among FMF patients, thereby corroborating previous studies on MEFV mutational
      spectra in the Middle East. Accordingly, MEFV mutations are frequent in healthy
      Iranian individuals across different ethnic groups. Based on this finding, the
      awareness for FMF and the implementation of augmented carrier screening
      programmes considering the multiethnic nature of the Iranian population should be
      promoted. 

PMID- 27659339
TI  - Genetic diversity of bitter taste receptor gene family in Sichuan domestic and
      Tibetan chicken populations.
AB  - The sense of bitter taste plays a critical role in animals as it can help them to
      avoid intake of toxic and harmful substances. Previous research had revealed that
      chicken has only three bitter taste receptor genes (Tas2r1, Tas2r2 and Tas2r7).
      To better understand the genetic polymorphisms and importance of bitter taste
      receptor genes (Tas2rs) in chicken, here, we sequenced Tas2rs of 30 Sichuan
      domestic chickens and 30 Tibetan chickens. Thirteen single-nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) including three nonsynonymous mutations (m.359G>C, m.503C>A
      and m.583A>G) were detected in Tas2r1 (m. is the abbreviation for mutation);
      three SNPs were detected in Tas2r2, but none of them were missense mutation;
      eight SNPs were detected in Tas2r7 including six nonsynonymous substitutions
      (m.178G>A, m.421A>C, m.787C>T, m.832G>T, m.907A>T and m.943G>A). Tajima's D
      neutral test indicates that there is no population expansion in both populations,
      and the size of the population is relatively stable. All the three networks
      indicate that red jungle fowls share haplotypes with domestic chickens. In
      addition, we found that haplotypes H1 and HE1 were positively associated with
      high-altitude adaptation, whereas haplotypes H4 and HE4 showed a negative
      correlation with high-altitude adaptation in Tas2rs. Although, chicken has only
      three Tas2rs, our results showed that both Sichuan domestic chickens and Tibetan
      chickens have abundant haplotypes in Tas2rs, especially in Tas2r7, which might
      help chickens to recognize a wide variety of bitter-tasting compounds. 

PMID- 27659340
TI  - Characterization and tissue distribution of Lhx9 and Lhx9alpha in Chinese giant
      salamander Andrias davidianus.
AB  - Lhx9 is an LIM (named for the first three proteins in which the domain was found,
      Lin-11, Isl1 and Mec-3) homeodomain protein involved in development and
      differentiation of the gonad. In this study, we isolated the full-length Lhx9 and
      Lhx9alpha from Andrias davidianus, detected the tissue distribution and analysed
      the methylation of the promoters. We identified Lhx9 of 1411 bp and Lhx9alpha of
      1153-bp length, differing in the 3'-flanking region, encoding 399 and 330 amino
      acids, respectively. The Lhx9 gene was detected primarily in liver, ovary and
      heart with moderate expression in brain, pituitary, intestine and spleen, and low
      expression in the remaining examined tissues, while Lhx9alpha expression was high
      in heart, pituitary and liver, and low in spleen and stomach. Significantly
      higher Lhx9 expression was observed in ovary than in testis, with no differences
      in Lhx9alpha expression between testis and ovary observed. Bisulphite sequencing
      revealed significantly higher methylation in testis compared to ovary. The
      methylation level of CpG sites -733, -673, -615 and -594 exhibited significantly
      higher levels in testis than in ovary, which was negatively correlated with Lhx9
      expression. The methylation and expression patterns suggested that promoter
      methylation suppressed expression of Lhx9 in A. davidianus. 

PMID- 27659342
TI  - Gene actions for yield and its attributes and their implications in the
      inheritance pattern over three generations in opium poppy (Papaver somniferum
      L.).
AB  - The gene actions for yield and its attributes and their inheritance pattern based
      on five parameter model have been explored in four single crosses (NBIHT-5 *
      NBIHT-6, NBIHT-5 * NBMHT-1, NBMHT-1 * NBIHT-6 and NBMHT-2 * NBMHT-1) obtained
      using thebaine rich pure lines of opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) for three
      consecutive generations. All the traits showed nonallelic mode of interaction,
      however, dominance effect (h) was more pronounced for all the traits except
      thebaine and papaverine. The dominance * dominance (l) effects were predominant
      over additive * additive (i) for all traits in all the four crosses except for
      papaverine. The seed and opium yield, and its contributing traits inherited
      quantitatively. The fixable gene effects (d) and (i) were lower in magnitude than
      nonfixable (h) and (l) gene effects. The estimates of heterosis were also higher
      in comparison to the respective parents which suggested preponderance of
      dominance gene action for controlling most of the traits. The phenotypic
      coefficient of variation was marginally higher than those of genotypic
      coefficient of variation for all the traits. The traits thebaine, narcotine,
      morphine and opium yield had high heritability coupled with high genetic advance.
      The leaf number, branches per plant and stem diameter showed positive correlation
      with opium and seed yields. The selection of plants having large number of
      leaves, branches and capsules with bigger size would be advantageous to enhance
      the yield potential. 

PMID- 27659341
TI  - Genomewide analysis of MATE-type gene family in maize reveals microsynteny and
      their expression patterns under aluminum treatment.
AB  - Multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) proteins are a group of secondary
      active transporters, which widely exist in all living organisms and play
      important role in the detoxication of endogenous secondary metabolites and
      exogenous agents. However, to date, no systematic and comprehensive study of this
      family is reported in maize. Here, a total of 49 MATE genes (ZmMATE) were
      identified and divided into seven groups by phylogenetic analysis. Conserved
      intro-exon structures and motif compositions were investigated in these genes.
      Results by gene locations indicated that these genes were unevenly distributed
      among all 10 chromosomes. Tandem and segmental duplications appeared to
      contribute to the expansion and evolution of this gene family. The Ka/Ks ratios
      suggested that the ZmMATE has undergone large-scale purifying selection on the
      maize genome. Interspecies microsynteny analysis revealed that there were
      independent gene duplication events of 10 ZmMATE. In addition, most maize MATE
      genes exhibited different expression profiles in diverse tissues and
      developmental stages. Sixteen MATE genes were chosen for further quantitative
      real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis showed differential expression
      patterns in response to aluminum treatment. These results provide a useful clue
      for future studies on the identification of MATE genes and functional analysis of
      MATE proteins in maize. 

PMID- 27659343
TI  - Enhancement of larval immune system traits as a correlated response to selection
      for rapid development in Drosophila melanogaster.

PMID- 27659344
TI  - Paternal social experience affects male reproductive behaviour in Drosophila
      melanogaster.

PMID- 27659345
TI  - Lack of association between rs10491334 in the CAMK4 gene and longevity in a
      Chinese population.

PMID- 27659346
TI  - Genetic diversity in barley landraces (Hordeum vulgare L. subsp.vulgare)
      originated from Crescent Fertile region as detected by seed storage proteins.

PMID- 27659348
TI  - Upregulation of the C/EBP beta LAP isoform could be due to decreased
      TNFAIP3/TNIP1 expression in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients
      with systemic lupus erythematosus.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We aimed to examine CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein beta (C/EBP beta),
      TNF-alpha-induced protein 3 (TNFAIP3), and TNFAIP3-interacting protein 1 (TNIP1)
      expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of systemic lupus
      erythematosus (SLE) patients to assess their relationship in SLE pathogenesis.
      METHODS: C/EBP beta, TNIP1, and TNFAIP3 expression was assessed in PBMCs from 20
      SLE patients and 20 controls by western blotting. The correlation between C/EBP
      beta/TNFAIP3/TNIP1 expression and SLE disease activity was determined by
      Spearman's rank. C/EBP beta, TNIP1, and TNFAIP3 levels in THP-1 cells, THP-1
      cells transfected with plasmids encoding TNFAIP3 shRNA, and THP-1 cells infected
      with lentiviral vectors encoding TNIP1 shRNA were assessed by western blotting.
      RESULTS: C/EBP beta LAP isoform expression was increased and LIP/TNFAIP3/TNIP1
      expression was decreased in SLE patients. LAP expression was positively
      correlated with SLE disease activity; TNFAIP3 and TNIP1 expression was negatively
      correlated with SLE disease activity. LAP expression was increased in SLE
      patients with proteinuria and elevated anti-dsDNA antibody, as well as in THP-1
      cells transfected with plasmids encoding TNFAIP3 shRNA and THP-1 cells infected
      with lentiviral vectors encoding TNIP1 shRNA. CONCLUSIONS: C/EBP
      beta/TNFAIP3/TNIP1 is associated with SLE activity. The upregulated expression of
      C/EBP beta LAP could be caused by reduced TNFAIP3/TNIP1 expression.

PMID- 27659349
TI  - Blood lead concentrations and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in Korean
      children: a hospital-based case control study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Because the developing brain of a child is vulnerable to
      environmental toxins, even very low concentration of neurotoxin can affect
      children's neurodevelopment. Lead is a neurotoxic heavy metal which has the
      harmful effect on the striatal-frontal circuit of brain. This area of the brain
      is known to be closely related to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
      pathophysiology. The primary objective of the present study was to investigate
      whether elevated blood lead concentration is a risk factor for ADHD. The
      secondary objective was to examine the association between blood lead
      concentration and symptom severity. METHODS: We conducted a frequency-matched,
      hospital-based case-control study with 114 medically diagnosed ADHD cases and 114
      controls. The participants were matched for age and sex. The diagnoses of ADHD
      were assessed with semi-structured diagnostic interviews. The participants
      completed the continuous performance test (CPT), and their parents completed the
      ADHD-rating scale (ADHD-RS). Blood lead concentrations were measured by using
      graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry featuring Zeeman background
      correction. RESULTS: Children with ADHD exhibited blood lead concentrations that
      were significantly higher than those of the controls ( 1.90 +/- 086 MUg/dl vs.
      1.59 +/- 0.68 MUg/dl, p = 0.003). The log transformed total blood lead
      concentration was associated with a higher risk of ADHD (OR: 1.60, 95 % CI: 1.04
      2.45, p < 0.05). The analysis also revealed that the children with blood lead
      concentrations above 2.30 MUg/dl were at a 2.5-fold (95 % CI: 1.09-5.87, p <
      0.05) greater risk of having ADHD. After adjusting for covariates, our
      multivariate regression models indicated that blood lead concentrations were not
      significantly associated with ADHD-RS or CPT profiles among the ADHD cases.
      CONCLUSION: Even low blood lead concentrations are a risk factor for ADHD in
      children. This study warrants primary prevention policies to reduce the
      environmental lead burden. Future studies may be required to ascertain the
      effects of lead on symptom severity in ADHD.

PMID- 27659347
TI  - Comparative analysis of gene expression profiles of OPN signaling pathway in four
      kinds of liver diseases.
AB  - To explore the relevance of OPN signalling pathway to the occurrence and
      development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), liver cirrhosis (LC),
      hepatic cancer (HC) and acute hepatic failure (AHF) at transcriptional level, Rat
      Genome 230 2.0 Array was used to detect expression profiles of OPN signalling
      pathway-related genes in four kinds of liver diseases. The results showed that
      23, 33, 59 and 74 genes were significantly changed in the above four kinds of
      liver diseases, respectively. H-clustering analysis showed that the expression
      profiles of OPN signalling-related genes were notably different in four kinds of
      liver diseases. Subsequently, a total of above-mentioned 147 genes were
      categorized into four clusters by k-means according to the similarity of gene
      expression, and expression analysis systematic explorer (EASE) functional
      enrichment analysis revealed that OPN signalling pathway-related genes were
      involved in cell adhesion and migration, cell proliferation, apoptosis, stress
      and inflammatory reaction, etc. Finally, ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA)
      software was used to predict the functions of OPN signalling-related genes, and
      the results indicated that the activities of ROS production, cell adhesion and
      migration, cell proliferation were remarkably increased, while that of apoptosis,
      stress and inflammatory reaction were reduced in four kinds of liver diseases. In
      summary, the above physiological activities changed more obviously in LC, HC and
      AHF than in NAFLD. 

PMID- 27659350
TI  - Comparison Over Time of Vault in Chinese Eyes Receiving Implantable Contact
      Lenses With or Without a Central Hole.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the longitudinal vault changes after implantation of a
      posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens (pIOL) (Visian implantable contact
      lens) with (ICL V4c) and without (ICL V4) a central artificial hole for moderate
      to high myopia in Chinese eyes. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: This
      study comprised 78 eyes implanted with the ICL V4c model and 82 eyes implanted
      with the ICL V4 model at our department by the same surgeon. The time course of
      the postoperative pIOL vault changes was quantitatively assessed using ultrasound
      biomicroscopy over 6 months. RESULTS: There was a trend toward a decrease in all
      measures of central vault, peripheral vault, and the endothelium-anterior pIOL
      distance for both central hole pIOL and conventional pIOL over time, although the
      variance was not statistically significant (all P > .05). There were no
      significant between-group differences in the amount of the pIOL central vault,
      peripheral vault, or the endothelium-anterior pIOL distance at any time point
      after surgery (all P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: The time course of the central hole
      pIOL vault changes is essentially equivalent to that of the conventional pIOL
      vault, suggesting that the presence of the central hole did not significantly
      affect the pIOL position.

PMID- 27659352
TI  - Automated signal quality assessment of mobile phone-recorded heart sound signals.
AB  - Mobile phones, due to their audio processing capabilities, have the potential to
      facilitate the diagnosis of heart disease through automated auscultation.
      However, such a platform is likely to be used by non-experts, and hence, it is
      essential that such a device is able to automatically differentiate poor quality
      from diagnostically useful recordings since non-experts are more likely to make
      poor-quality recordings. This paper investigates the automated signal quality
      assessment of heart sound recordings performed using both mobile phone-based and
      commercial medical-grade electronic stethoscopes. The recordings, each 60 s long,
      were taken from 151 random adult individuals with varying diagnoses referred to a
      cardiac clinic and were professionally annotated by five experts. A mean voting
      procedure was used to compute a final quality label for each recording. Nine
      signal quality indices were defined and calculated for each recording. A logistic
      regression model for classifying binary quality was then trained and tested. The
      inter-rater agreement level for the stethoscope and mobile phone recordings was
      measured using Conger's kappa for multiclass sets and found to be 0.24 and 0.54,
      respectively. One-third of all the mobile phone-recorded phonocardiogram (PCG)
      signals were found to be of sufficient quality for analysis. The classifier was
      able to distinguish good- and poor-quality mobile phone recordings with 82.2%
      accuracy, and those made with the electronic stethoscope with an accuracy of
      86.5%. We conclude that our classification approach provides a mechanism for
      substantially improving auscultation recordings by non-experts. This work is the
      first systematic evaluation of a PCG signal quality classification algorithm
      (using a separate test dataset) and assessment of the quality of PCG recordings
      captured by non-experts, using both a medical-grade digital stethoscope and a
      mobile phone.

PMID- 27659351
TI  - Reproducibility of NIRS assessment of muscle oxidative capacity in smokers with
      and without COPD.
AB  - Low muscle oxidative capacity contributes to exercise intolerance in chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) allows
      non-invasive determination of the muscle oxygen consumption (mVO2) recovery rate
      constant (k), which is proportional to oxidative capacity assuming two conditions
      are met: 1) exercise intensity is sufficient to fully-activate mitochondrial
      oxidative enzymes; 2) sufficient O2 availability. We aimed to determine
      reproducibility (coefficient of variation, CV; intraclass correlation
      coefficient, ICC) of NIRS k assessment in the gastrocnemius of 64 participants
      with (FEV1 64+/-23%predicted) or without COPD (FEV1 98+/-14%predicted). 10-15s
      dynamic contractions preceded 6min of intermittent arterial occlusions (5-10s
      each, ~250mmHg) for k measurement. k was lower (P<0.05) in COPD (1.43+/-0.4min-1;
      CV=9.8+/-5.9%, ICC=0.88) than controls (1.74+/-0.69min-1; CV=9.9+/-8.4%;
      ICC=0.93). Poor k reproducibility was more common when post-contraction mVO2 and
      deoxygenation were low, suggesting insufficient exercise intensity for
      mitochondrial activation and/or the NIRS signal contained little light reflected
      from active muscle. The NIRS assessment was well tolerated and reproducible for
      muscle dysfunction evaluation in COPD.

PMID- 27659353
TI  - Immunogenic FEAT protein circulates in the bloodstream of cancer patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: FEAT is an intracellular protein that potently drives tumorigenesis
      in vivo. It is only weakly expressed in normal human tissues, including the
      testis. In contrast, FEAT is aberrantly upregulated in most human cancers. The
      present study was designed to investigate whether FEAT is applicable to tumor
      immunotherapy and whether FEAT is discernible in the bloodstream as a molecular
      biomarker of human cancers. METHODS: Two mouse FEAT peptides with predicted
      affinities for major histocompatibility complex H-2Kb and H-2Db were injected
      subcutaneously into C57BL/6 mice before subcutaneous transplantation of isogenic
      B16-F10 melanoma cells. Intracellular localization of FEAT was determined by
      immunogold electron microscopy. Immunoprecipitation was performed to determine
      whether FEAT was present in blood from cancer patients. A sandwich enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay was used to measure FEAT concentrations in plasma from 30
      cancer patients and eight healthy volunteers. RESULTS: The vaccination
      experiments demonstrated that FEAT was immunogenic, and that immune responses
      against FEAT were induced without deleterious side effects in mice. Electron
      microscopy revealed localization of FEAT in the cytoplasm, mitochondria, and
      nucleus. Immunoprecipitation identified FEAT in the blood plasma from cancer
      patients, while FEAT was not detected in plasma exosomes. Plasma FEAT levels were
      significantly higher in the presence of cancers. CONCLUSIONS: These findings
      suggest that FEAT is a candidate for applications in early diagnosis and
      prevention of some cancers.

PMID- 27659354
TI  - The risk of cardiovascular side effects with anti-anginal drugs.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Angina pectoris is a common presenting symptom of underlying
      coronary artery disease or reduced coronary flow reserve. Patients with angina
      have impaired quality of life; and need to be treated optimally with antianginal
      drugs to control symptoms and improve exercise performance. A wide range of
      antianginal medications are approved for the treatment of angina, and often more
      than one class of antianginal drugs are used to adequately control the symptoms.
      This expert opinion highlights the likely cardiac adverse effects of available
      antianginal drugs, and how to minimize these in individual patients and
      especially during combination treatment. Areas covered: All approved antianginal
      drugs, including the older and newly approved medications with different
      mechanism of action to the older drugs as well as some of the unapproved herbal
      medications. The safety profiles and potential cardiac side effects of these
      medications when used as monotherapy or as combination therapy are discussed and
      highlighted. Expert opinion: Because of the different cardiac safety profiles and
      possible side effects, we recommend selection of initial drug or adjustment of
      therapy based on the resting heart rate; blood pressure, hemodynamic status; and
      resting left ventricular function, concomitant medications and any associated
      comorbidities.

PMID- 27659355
TI  - L-shaped nipple reconstruction.

PMID- 27659356
TI  - The association of level of practical experience in transrectal ultrasonography
      guided prostate biopsy with its diagnostic outcome.
AB  - INTRODUCTION The diagnostic yield of transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) guided
      prostate biopsy is influenced by many patient and procedure specific factors.
      However, the role of operator specific factors remains inadequately defined. This
      study investigated the association of diagnostic outcome of TRUS guided biopsy
      with operator skill level. METHODS This study looked at a consecutive cohort of
      690 men undergoing their first extended pattern TRUS guided prostate biopsy by 27
      operators over a 24-month period in a single institution. Logistic regression was
      used for statistical analysis. RESULTS Biopsies performed by consultants (odds
      ratio [OR]: 2.35, p=0.004) and senior trainees (OR: 2.37, p=0.002) in patients
      with prostate specific antigen levels of <10ng/ml were more likely to be positive
      than those performed by junior trainees (cancer detection rate 50.0%, 50.3% and
      29.9% respectively). Furthermore, biopsies performed by junior trainees yielded a
      significantly higher proportion of prostate cancers with a Gleason score of >=3+4
      than those performed by senior trainees (OR: 2.11, p=0.031) and consultants (OR:
      2.40, p=0.013) (81.4%, 67.5% and 64.6% respectively). No significant differences
      emerged between operator skill groups for complications, rebiopsy rates or the
      number of prostate cancers found during the follow-up period (median: 34 months)
      of patients with a negative biopsy. CONCLUSIONS Level of operator experience is
      associated with the diagnostic outcome of extended pattern TRUS guided biopsy.
      The findings of this study imply that case selection, self-audit and expert
      supervision for the duration of the learning curve should form the basis of
      biopsy training.

PMID- 27659358
TI  - Spontaneous haemorrhage from a left gastric artery aneurysm as a cause of acute
      abdominal pain.
AB  - Visceral artery aneurysms are rare, with a reported incidence of less than 2% in
      the general population. 1,2 Aneurysms of the left gastric artery are particularly
      uncommon, accounting for 4% of all visceral aneurysms. 3,4 Although the majority
      are discovered incidentally and can be managed conservatively, prompt treatment
      of those ruptured or at risk of rupture is crucial to reduce the associated
      morbidity. Increasing awareness of visceral artery aneurysms as a cause of
      spontaneous intraperitoneal haemorrhage will improve early recognition and impact
      on survival. We present a rare case of spontaneous rupture of a left gastric
      artery aneurysm.

PMID- 27659357
TI  - Usefulness of chemoradiotherapy for inoperable gastric cancer.
AB  - Introduction Radiotherapy is not commonly used for the treatment of gastric
      cancer in Japan, where surgery is the standard local treatment. We report the
      results of chemoradiotherapy in patients with advanced or recurrent gastric
      cancer which was deemed difficult to treat surgically. Methods Twenty-one
      patients with gastric cancer (including sixteen with advanced/recurrent gastric
      cancer and five with poor general condition) underwent chemo-radiotherapy, for
      whom the therapeutic efficacy, toxicity and survival period were analysed.
      Results The tumour response to chemoradiotherapy was categorised as complete,
      partial, stable or progressive in 5, 9, 3, and 4 patients, respectively, with an
      overall response rate of 67%. No serious complications such as gastrointestinal
      perforation or bleeding occurred, and no cardiac, hepatic or renal dysfunction
      developed during the follow-up period. The mean survival time was 19.8 months
      (range, 3-51 months). One patient died of another disease, 18 died of primary
      cancer and the cause of death was unknown in 2 patients. Conclusions
      Chemoradiotherapy appears to be an effective treatment for localised gastric
      cancer without distant metastases, but further studies are needed to determine
      the indications for chemoradiotherapy and late adverse effects, as well as the
      chemotherapy regimens to be used.

PMID- 27659360
TI  - A cadaveric study showing the anatomical variations in the branches of the
      dorsalis pedis artery at the level of the ankle joint and its clinical
      implication in ankle arthroscopy.
AB  - Introduction Pseudoaneurysm formation following ankle arthroscopy is a rare but
      potentially catastrophic complication. The placement of anterior ankle portals
      carries inherent risk to the superficial and deep peroneal nerves, as well as to
      the dorsalis pedis artery. Anatomical variations in the dorsalis pedis and the
      presence of branches at the joint line may increase the risk of vascular injury
      and pseudoaneurysm formation during arthroscopy. There is limited anatomical
      evidence available regarding the branches of the dorsalis pedis artery, which
      occur at the point at which they cross the ankle joint. Objectives The objective
      of the study was to describe the frequency and direction of branches of the
      dorsalis pedis crossing the ankle joint. Materials and Methods Nineteen cadaveric
      feet were carefully dissected to explore the course of the dorsalis pedis artery,
      noting in particular the branching pattern at the joint line. Results Eleven of
      the nineteen feet had a branch of the dorsalis pedis artery that crossed the
      level of the ankle joint. Out of these, six were lateral, four medial and one
      bilateral. Eight of the eleven specimens had one branch at, or just before, the
      level of the joint. Two specimens had two branches and one had three branches
      crossing the ankle, which were all in the same direction, crossing laterally to
      the main trunk of the dorsalis pedis. Conclusions Our study demonstrated high
      rates of branching of the dorsalis pedis artery at the level of the ankle joint.
      The role of these branches in pseudoaneurysm formation during anterior hindfoot
      surgery remains unclear.

PMID- 27659361
TI  - Intraoperative use of a tablet computer to aid rhinoplasty.
AB  - Open septorhinoplasty enables excellent exposure to the structural components of
      the nasal tip. Nevertheless, it runs the risk of weakening its support
      mechanisms, which can lead to notable changes to tip projection and rotation as
      well as to the nasolabial angle. It is therefore paramount that the surgeon
      reconstructs the nose to the desired endpoint at the end of the operation.
      Currently, the gold standard of care in rhinoplasty uses preoperative photographs
      with the patient sitting or standing. However, this is not a true representation
      of the face in the operative position as the patient is placed supine and so
      gravity affects the appearance of the nose in a different way. Other factors such
      as head drapes and traction on the endotracheal tube can also cause subtle
      changes. We therefore advocate additional intraoperative profile view photographs
      to improve the accuracy of nasal tip positioning. In our department, in addition
      to standard preoperative photographs, immediate preoperative profile photos are
      taken with the patient supine, intubated and draped. Images are captured using a
      tablet computer at a distance of 1 meter from the patient. We ensure that the
      Frankfort plane is perpendicular to the floor. The picture is enlarged so that
      the image is full scale and the tablet is subsequently placed immediately behind
      the patient for direct comparison. This is then used during the procedure to
      check tip projection and rotation as well as at the end of the procedure
      following closure of the columellar incision to ensure correct placement of the
      nasal tip.

PMID- 27659359
TI  - The management of colonic trauma in the damage control era.
AB  - INTRODUCTION The purpose of this study was to audit our current management of
      colonic trauma, and to review our experience of colonic trauma in patients who
      underwent initial damage control (DC) surgery. METHODS All patients treated for
      colonic trauma between January 2012 and December 2014 by the Pietermaritzburg
      Metropolitan Trauma Service were included in the study. Data reviewed included
      mechanism of injury, method of management (primary repair [PR], primary diversion
      [PD] or DC) and outcome (complications and mortality rate). Results A total of
      128 patients sustained a colonic injury during the study period. Ninety-seven per
      cent of the injuries were due to penetrating trauma. Of these cases, 56%
      comprised stab wounds (SWs) and 44% were gunshot wounds (GSWs). Management was by
      PR in 99, PD in 20 and DC surgery in 9 cases. Among the 69 SW victims, 57
      underwent PR, 9 had PD and 3 required a DC procedure. Of the 55 GSW cases, 40
      were managed with PR, 9 with PD and 6 with DC surgery. In the PR group, there
      were 16 colonic complications (5 cases of breakdown and 11 of wound sepsis).
      Overall, nine patients (7%) died. CONCLUSIONS PR of colonic trauma is safe and
      should be used for the majority of such injuries. Persistent acidosis, however,
      should be considered a contraindication. In unstable patients with complex
      injuries, the optimal approach is to perform DC surgery. In this situation,
      formal diversion is contraindicated, and the injury should be controlled and
      dropped back into the abdomen at the primary operation. At the repeat operation,
      if the physiological insult has been reversed, then formal repair of the colonic
      injury is acceptable.

PMID- 27659362
TI  - Patterns of metastasis in follicular thyroid carcinoma and the difference between
      early and delayed presentation.
AB  - Introduction Follicular thyroid cancer (FTC) has a good prognosis if treated
      early. The aim of this study was to look at the difference in outcomes in those
      who presented with metastasis early or late in their disease. Methods A
      retrospective cohort study was conducted of patients diagnosed with FTC (n=91)
      treated between 2000 and 2013. Demographic, laboratory, pathological and survival
      data were collected and analysed. Results Metastatic FTC was diagnosed in 20
      cases (22%). The median age at diagnosis was 65 years (range: 17-86 years) and
      65% of the patients were female. Twelve patients (60%) were diagnosed with
      metastatic disease at presentation, with the bones being the most common site
      (75%). In the remaining eight cases (40%), metastasis developed at a median of
      4.5 years (range: 2-8 years) after initial thyroid surgery, lungs being the most
      common site (50%). Eighteen patients (90%) underwent surgical intervention for
      the primary disease. Sixteen patients (80%) received adjuvant radioactive iodine
      and eight (40%) received external beam radiotherapy. Widely invasive follicular
      cancer was the predominant histological diagnosis (90%). No prognostic
      association was observed with any of the parameters studied. The overall disease
      specific mortality rate was 40%. There was no significant difference in mortality
      between those who presented with metastatic disease and those who developed
      metastasis during the follow-up period (33% vs 50%, p=0.61). Conclusions The
      clinical outcome and prognosis for cases with metastatic disease is generally
      poor. Despite this, almost half of the patients in our study were still alive at
      a median follow-up of 5.5 years, regardless of whether they were diagnosed with
      metastatic disease on initial presentation or whether they developed metastasis
      after initial thyroid surgery.

PMID- 27659363
TI  - Liberal perioperative fluid administration is an independent risk factor for
      morbidity and is associated with longer hospital stay after rectal cancer
      surgery.
AB  - INTRODUCTION Recent studies have advocated the use of perioperative fluid
      restriction in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery as part of an enhanced
      recovery protocol. Series reported to date include a heterogenous group of high-
      and low-risk procedures but few studies have focused on rectal cancer surgery
      alone. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of perioperative fluid
      volumes on outcomes in patients undergoing elective rectal cancer resection.
      METHODS A prospectively maintained database of patients with rectal cancer who
      underwent elective surgery over a 2-year period was reviewed. Total volume of
      fluid received intraoperatively was calculated, as well as blood products
      required in the perioperative period. The primary outcome was postoperative
      morbidity (Clavien-Dindo grade I-IV) and the secondary outcomes were length of
      stay and major morbidity (Clavien-Dindo grade III-IV). RESULTS Over a 2-year
      period (2012-2013), 120 patients underwent elective surgery with curative intent
      for rectal cancer. Median total intraoperative fluid volume received was 3680ml
      (range 1200-9670ml); 65/120 (54.1%) had any complications, with 20/120 (16.6%)
      classified as major (Clavien-Dindo grade III-IV). Intraoperative volume >3500ml
      was an independent risk factor for the development of postoperative all-cause
      morbidity (P=0.02) and was associated with major morbidity (P=0.09).
      Intraoperative fluid volumes also correlated with length of hospital stay
      (Pearson's correlation coefficient 0.33; P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Intraoperative
      fluid infusion volumes in excess of 3500ml are associated with increased
      morbidity and length of stay in patients undergoing elective surgery for rectal
      cancer.

PMID- 27659364
TI  - Hip fracture litigation: A 10-year review of NHS Litigation Authority data and
      the effect of national guidelines.
AB  - We present a review evaluating all litigation claims relating to hip fractures
      made in a 10-year period between 2005 and 2015. Data was obtained from the NHS
      Litigation Authority through a freedom of information request. All claims
      relating to hip fractures were reviewed. During the period analysed, 216 claims
      were made, of which 148 were successful (69%). The total cost of settling these
      claims was in excess of L5 million. The introduction of a best-practice tariff by
      the Department of Health in 2010 was designed to improve the quality of care for
      hip fracture patients. This was followed by guidance from the National Institute
      for Health and Clinical Excellence in 2011 and the British Orthopaedic
      Association in 2012. We analysed claims submitted before and after these
      guidelines were introduced and no significant difference in the number of claims
      was noted. The most common cause for litigation was a delay in diagnosis, which
      accounted for 86 claims in total (40%). Despite the presence of these guidelines
      and targets, there has not been a significant reduction in the number of claims
      or an improvement in diagnostic accuracy. This may be due to an increasing level
      of litigation in the UK but we must also question whether we are indeed providing
      best-practice care to our hip fracture patients and whether these guidelines need
      further review.

PMID- 27659366
TI  - Pseudohyperkalaemia: a rare complication of splenectomy.
AB  - Pseudohyperkalaemia is an uncommon and frequently unrecognised biochemical
      abnormality. It occurs as a consequence of aggregation and lysis of platelets in
      vitro. As a result, potassium is released, which causes an elevated serum
      concentration. We present the case of a 21-year-old man with a traumatic splenic
      injury necessitating laparotomy and splenectomy. Following surgery he developed
      hyperkalaemia. Further investigations diagnosed pseudohyperkalaemia, one of the
      causes of which is thrombocytosis secondary to splenectomy.

PMID- 27659365
TI  - Radiopathological features predictive of involved margins in ductal carcinoma in
      situ.
AB  - INTRODUCTION Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) usually manifests as
      microcalcification on mammography but may be uncalcified. Consequently, a quarter
      of patients undergoing excision of a presumed pure DCIS require further surgery
      to re-excise margins. Patients at highest risk of margin involvement may benefit
      from additional preoperative assessment. METHODS A retrospective review was
      carried out of patients treated for screen detected, biopsy proven DCIS in a
      single centre over a ten-year period (1999-2009). Logistic regression analysis
      identified factors predictive of need for further surgery to clear margins.
      RESULTS Overall, 248 patients underwent surgery for DCIS (low/intermediate grade:
      82, high grade: 155) and 49 (19.8%) required further surgery. High grade disease
      was associated with greater mammographic extent (mean: 32mm [range: 5-120mm] vs
      25mm [range: 2-100mm]), p=0.009) and higher incidence of mastectomy (38% vs 24%,
      p=0.034). Factors predictive of involvement of surgical margins necessitating
      further surgery included negative oestrogen receptor status (OR: 5.2, 95% CI: 2.1
      12.8, p<0.001) and mammographic extent (odds ratio [OR]: 1.6, 95% confidence
      interval [CI]: 1.2-2.1, p=0.004). Once size exceeded 30mm, more than 50% of
      patients required secondary breast surgery for margins. CONCLUSIONS Reoperation
      rates for DCIS increase with preoperative size on mammography and negative
      oestrogen receptor status on core biopsy. Patients with these risk features
      should be counselled accordingly and consideration should be given to the role of
      additional preoperative imaging.

PMID- 27659367
TI  - A bow-tie for hand trauma.

PMID- 27659368
TI  - Risk factors for intramedullary nail breakage in proximal femoral fractures: a 10
      year retrospective review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION Intramedullary nailing is a common treatment for proximal femoral
      fractures. Fracture of the nail is a rare but devastating complication that
      exposes often frail patients to complex revision surgery. We investigated which
      risk factors predict nail failure. METHODS We reviewed all cases of nail breakage
      seen over a 10-year period in a single busy trauma unit; 22 nail fractures were
      seen in 19 patients. Comparison was made with a group of 209 consecutive patients
      who underwent intramedullary fixation of a proximal femur fracture with no nail
      breakage over a 2-year period. RESULTS In the fractured nail group, mean age was
      70.4 years (range 55-88 years).The mean time to fracture was 10 months (range 2.5
      23 months). Logistical regression was used to show that low American Society of
      Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, subtrochanteric fracture and pathological fracture
      were independent risk factors for nail fracture. CONCLUSIONS Young patients with
      a low ASA score are at highest risk of nail breakage. We advise close follow-up
      of patients with these risk factors until bony union has been achieved. In
      addition, there may be merit in considering other treatment options, such as
      proximal femoral replacement, especially for those with pathological fracture
      with a good prognosis.

PMID- 27659369
TI  - The construction and implementation of a clinical decision-making algorithm
      reduces the cost of adult fracture clinic visits by up to L104,800 per year: a
      quality improvement study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION Inappropriate referrals to the new patient fracture clinic
      unnecessarily consume hospital resources and many hospitals lack clear guidelines
      as to what should be referred. Many of these injuries can be definitively managed
      by the emergency department. Our aim was to construct and disseminate a clinical
      decision-making algorithm to reduce the frequency of inappropriate referrals to
      fracture clinics at our institution, to improve the management of patients with
      minor injuries and save the hospital and the patient the cost of unnecessary
      visits. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data were prospectively collected for all new
      fracture clinic referrals over two separate 1-week cycles with cohorts of 94 and
      74 patients, respectively. After the first cycle, the referral algorithm was
      disseminated both electronically (intranet) and orally (presentations to
      emergency department staff). The results of this intervention were examined in
      the second cycle, which took place 6 months after the first cycle. RESULTS The
      introduction of this algorithm significantly reduced inappropriate referrals by
      almost 20% (P = 0.0445). DISCUSSION This simple intervention highlighted a
      potential annual cost saving of up to L104,000. We advocate the use of this
      concise algorithm in improving the efficiency of the referral system to fracture
      clinics.

PMID- 27659370
TI  - Anatomical siting of the splenic flexure using computed tomography.
AB  - INTRODUCTION Often, left-sided colorectal surgery requires splenic flexure
      mobilisation (SFM) to allow a tension-free anastomosis to be carried out. This
      step is difficult and not without risk. We investigated a system of anatomical
      siting of the splenic flexure using computed tomography (CT). METHODS The
      Shrewsbury Splenic Flexure Siting (SSFS) system involves siting of the splenic
      flexure using the vertebral level (VL) as a reference point. We asked three
      surgical registrars (SRs) to analyse 20 CT scans of patients undergoing colonic
      resection to ascertain the anatomical site of the splenic flexure using the SSFS
      system. The distance from the centre of the vertebral body to the lateral edge
      (CVBL) of the splenic flexure was measured, as was the distance from the centre
      of the vertebral body to the inner abdominal wall (CVBI) along the same line, on
      axial images. RESULTS VL assessment demonstrated substantial inter-observer
      agreement with a kappa (kappa) value of 0.742 (95% confidence interval (CI),
      0.463-0.890). CVBL and CVBI demonstrated very strong inter-observer agreement
      (CVBL: kappa = 0.905 (95% CI, 0.785-0.961); CVBI: 0.951 (0.890-0.979) (p<0.001).
      Overall, there was strong correlation between assessments by all three SRs across
      the three variables measured. CONCLUSIONS The SSFS system is an accurate method
      to site the splenic flexure anatomically using CT. We can use the SSFS system to
      develop a validated scoring system to help colorectal surgeons assess the
      difficulty of SFM.

PMID- 27659371
TI  - Data protection: in our patients' hands.

PMID- 27659372
TI  - A decade of major vascular trauma: Lessons learned from gang and civilian
      warfare.
AB  - INTRODUCTION Trinidad and Tobago is a trans-shipment point for the illegal trade
      of drugs, arms and ammunition and, as such, has a high incidence of gang-related
      warfare and drug-related crimes. This has led to a high incidence of gunshot and
      stab wounds, with associated major vascular injuries. We describe our management
      strategies learned from a decade of vascular trauma experience. METHODS A
      retrospective analysis of age, gender, type of trauma, vessel injured, procedure
      and outcome for all cases of vascular trauma between 2006 and 2015 at two
      surgical units in Trinidad and Tobago. RESULTS There were 198 vascular trauma
      cases (232 procedures), involving 159 (80%) males at a mean age of 33 years.
      Gunshots accounted for 103 (52%) cases, followed by stabs/chops (n=50; 25%) and
      lacerations (n=15; 8%). The most commonly injured vessels were the radial/ulnar
      arteries (n=39; 20%) and the superficial femoral artery (n=37; 19%). There were
      seven pseudoaneurysms and three traumatic arteriovenous fistulae. Repair
      techniques included primary (n=82; 35%), reversed vein (n=63; 27%),
      polytetrafluoroethylene (n=58; 25%), oversew (n=24; 10%) and endovascular (n=5;
      2%) techniques. There were eight (4%) secondary amputations and eight (4%)
      deaths. CONCLUSIONS Major vascular trauma causes significant morbidity and
      mortality in Trinidad and Tobago, with the majority of cases due to gunshot
      injuries secondary to gang-related warfare and civilian violence. We compare our
      experience with that in the literature on the epidemiology and management of
      vascular trauma.

PMID- 27659373
TI  - Complications of biliary-enteric anastomoses.
AB  - INTRODUCTION Biliary-enteric anastomoses are performed for a range of indications
      and may result in early and late complications. The aim of this study was to
      assess the risk factors and management of anastomotic leak and stricture
      following biliary-enteric anastomosis. METHODS A retrospective analysis of the
      medical records of patients who underwent biliary-enteric anastomoses in a
      tertiary referral centre between 2000 and 2010 was performed. RESULTS Four
      hundred and sixty-two biliary-enteric anastomoses were performed. Of these, 347
      (75%) were performed for malignant disease. Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy or
      choledocho-jejunostomy were performed in 440 (95%) patients. Perioperative 30-day
      mortality was 6.5% (n=30). Seventeen patients had early bile leaks (3.7%) and 17
      had late strictures (3.7%) at a median of 12 months. On univariable logistic
      regression analysis, younger age was a significant risk factor for biliary
      anastomotic leak. However, on multivariable analysis only biliary reconstruction
      following biliary injury (odds ratio [OR]=6.84; p=0.002) and anastomosis above
      the biliary confluence (OR=4.62; p=0.03) were significant. Younger age and
      biliary reconstruction following injury appeared to be significant risk factors
      for biliary strictures but multivariable analysis showed that only younger age
      was significant. CONCLUSIONS Biliary-enteric anastomoses have a low incidence of
      early and late complications. Biliary reconstruction following injury and a high
      anastomosis (above the confluence) are significant risk factors for anastomotic
      leak. Younger patients are significantly more likely to develop an anastomotic
      stricture over the longer term.

PMID- 27659374
TI  - Inpatient magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography: does it increase the
      efficiency in emergency hepatopancreaticobiliary surgery services?
AB  - INTRODUCTION Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is commonly used
      to evaluate the biliary tree, although indications for patients who require
      inpatient imaging are not fully defined. The aim of this study was to evaluate
      inpatient MRCP performed on surgical patients and to devise a treatment pathway
      for these patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS All adult inpatient MRCP examinations
      between January 2012 and December 2013 were reviewed. Demographic, clinical and
      radiological data were collated. RESULTS During the study period, 271 inpatient
      MRCP were requested, of which 234 examinations were included. The majority of
      patients were female (n=140) and the median age was 63 years (range 16-93 years).
      Surgical admissions accounted for 171 (73%) of cases. Indications for inpatient
      MRCP include gallstone-related complications (n=173; 74%), malignant process
      (n=17; 7%) and other indications (n=44; 19%). Overall, inpatient MRCP led to
      further inpatient interventions in 22% (gallstone group, n=32, 18%; patients with
      malignancy, n=8, 47%; other indications, n=12, 27%). The median duration of
      inpatient MRCP from request to examination was 2 days (range 0-15 days) and
      median reporting after examination was 1 day (range 0-14 days). DISCUSSION AND
      CONCLUSION Improved access and timely reporting of iMRCP may reduce length of
      hospital stay. Inpatient MRCP also led to further inpatient interventions, in
      particular, in patients with malignancy.

PMID- 27659375
TI  - ParietexTM Composite mesh versus DynaMesh(r)-IPOM for laparoscopic incisional and
      ventral hernia repair: a retrospective cohort study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION Laparoscopic incisional and ventral hernia repair (LIVHR) is widely
      accepted and safe but the type of mesh used is still debated. We retrospectively
      compared postoperative outcomes with two different meshes commonly used in LIVHR.
      METHODS This is a retrospective study of patients who underwent incisional hernia
      repair between January 2008 and December 2010. Two meshes were used: ParietexTM
      Composite (Covidien, New Haven, CT, USA) and the DynaMesh(r)-IPOM (FEG
      Textiltechnik mbH, Aachen, Germany). The two groups were compared with respect to
      recurrence rates, incidence of seroma and intestinal obstruction. RESULTS Among
      the 88 patients who underwent LIVHR, 75 patients (85.2%) presented with primary
      incisional hernia, 10 (11.4%) presented with a first recurrence and 3 (3.4%)
      presented with a second recurrence. Median follow-up was 53.6 months (range 40-61
      months). 12.9% of patients had recurrence in the ParietexTM Composite mesh group
      (n=62) in comparison to 3.8% in the DynaMesh(r)-IPOM mesh group (n=26; P=0.20).
      DynaMesh(r)-IPOM was associated with a significantly higher incidence of
      intestinal obstruction secondary to adhesions (11.5% vs. 0%, P=0.006) and lower
      incidence of seroma and haematoma formation compared to ParietexTM composite mesh
      group (0% vs. 6.4% of patients; P=0.185). CONCLUSIONS LIVHR is a safe and
      feasible technique. Dynamesh(r)-IPOM is associated with a significantly higher
      incidence of adhesion related bowel obstruction, albeit with a lower incidence of
      recurrence, seroma and haematoma formation compared with ParietexTM Composite
      mesh. However, there is a need for further well-designed, multicentre randomised
      controlled studies to investigate the use of these meshes.

PMID- 27659376
TI  - Encountering a high jugular bulb during ear surgery.
AB  - Encounters with jugular bulb abnormalities during ear surgery are a rare but
      recognised problem. A high riding jugular bulb is present in 10%-15% of patients
      and its variable position within the temporal bone can lead to problems as brisk
      venous haemorrhage can result if the bulb is inadvertently opened. The case of a
      52-year-old woman with a central tympanic membrane perforation who underwent
      elective endaural myringoplasty and experienced brisk bleeding on raising the
      tympanomeatal flap is presented.

PMID- 27659377
TI  - Paraneoplastic polymyositis presenting as a clinically occult breast cancer.
AB  - Paraneoplastic syndrome affects less than 1% of cancer patients. Diagnosis of
      paraneoplastic syndrome with neurological presentation requires screening for an
      underlying malignancy, including a complete history, physical examination and
      imaging studies. Treatment often results in symptom stability, rather than
      improvement. Paraneoplastic polymyositis can precede or instantaneously occur at
      diagnosis or treatment of a primary tumour, while neurological symptoms can
      persist even following cancer treatment. We report a rare case of metaplastic
      breast carcinoma with an unusual presentation of paraneoplastic polymyositis.

PMID- 27659379
TI  - A rare case of peripheral vascular graft infection by Aspergillus fumigatus and
      review of the literature.
AB  - We present an unusual case of a 74-year-old woman who presented with a
      pseudoaneurysm at the site of a previous prosthetic femoro-popliteal bypass graft
      and underwent an urgent repair with pseudoaneurysm excision and extra-anatomic
      placement of an autologous venous graft. Microbiology examination revealed
      Aspergillus fumigatus infection of the graft, which is a very rare condition.
      Long-term antifungal medication has been administrated with positive outcome.
      Only a few cases have been reported in literature, mainly involving aortic
      grafts. Most patients are immunocompetent and with late presentation. Successful
      outcome can only be achieved with long-term antifungal treatment and extra
      anatomic replacement of the graft.

PMID- 27659378
TI  - Spontaneous diaphragmatic rupture following robotic prostatectomy.
AB  - Robotic surgery is an established therapy for localised prostate cancer and is
      replacing conventional laparoscopic prostatectomy in developed countries. Port
      site hernia is a recognised, albeit small, risk following laparoscopic or robotic
      surgery. We report a case of spontaneous rupture of the right hemidiaphragm
      following robotic prostatectomy.

PMID- 27659380
TI  - A case of endobronchial paraganglioma.
AB  - Paragangliomas are rare lung tumours; endobronchial localisation is even more
      rare. This report describes the case of a 59-year-old patient with a symptomatic
      endobronchial paraganglioma successfully resected by means of pulmonary
      lobectomy. Recognition of this uncommon tumour can lead to a correct diagnosis
      and therapeutic strategy.

PMID- 27659381
TI  - A rare case of a direct ocular contact burn to the right eye.
AB  - Ocular thermal burns represent an oculoplastic emergency, with the potential for
      blindness owing to limbal ischaemia. We present a rare case of a 66-year-old man
      who sustained a direct thermal contact burn to the right eye.

PMID- 27659382
TI  - Delayed diagnosis of central skull-base osteomyelitis with abscess: case report
      and learning points.
AB  - Central skull-base osteomyelitis (CSBO) is a rare life-threatening infection,
      usually resulting from medial spread of necrotising otitis externa. Here, we
      describe a case with no identifiable source of infection, causing a delay in
      diagnosis. An 80-year-old man with Crohn's disease treated with mesalazine
      presented with collapse and tonic-clonic seizure. Computed tomography and
      magnetic resonance imaging showed a nasopharyngeal mass that was initially
      thought to be a neoplasm. Awaiting formal biopsy, he represented with collapse
      and repeat imaging showed features of abscess formation. Review of previous scans
      revealed skull-base erosion and the diagnosis was revised to skull-base
      osteomyelitis. This is the first reported case of CSBO associated with mesalazine
      use, an aminosalicylate used in Crohn's disease. It is only the second reported
      case with abscess formation. We discuss the learning points in making a timely
      diagnosis and examine the potential association of factors such as mesalazine use
      and abscess formation in this case.

PMID- 27659383
TI  - Unusual variant of inverted Y ureteral duplication with an ipsilateral seminal
      vesicle cyst and renal dysgenesis.
AB  - Inverted Y malformation is a rare variant of ureteral duplication with a marked
      female predominance. We describe a case of inverted Y ureteral duplication with
      concurrent ectopic ureteral insertion into a seminal vesicle cyst, a ureterocoele
      and renal dysgenesis, which occurred in a 29-year-old man with lower urinary
      tract symptoms, haematospermia and postcoital discomfort. To our knowledge, this
      is the first reported case with this constellation of urogenital abnormalities.

PMID- 27659384
TI  - Galactorrhoea of the neck following pectoralis major reconstruction of a
      pharyngeal defect.
AB  - We describe a case of postoperative galactorrhea following the use of a pedicled
      pectoralis major myocutaneous flap for reconstruction of a pharyngolaryngeal
      defect in a woman with squamous cell carcinoma. We believe this to be unique in
      the literature, and an important complication to be reported, due to the
      similarities in appearance of galactorrhoea and postoperative aerodigestive
      tract/cutaneous fistula.

PMID- 27659385
TI  - Structure of the second Single Stranded DNA Binding protein (SSBb) from
      Mycobacterium smegmatis.
AB  - All mycobacteria with sequenced genomes, except M. leprae, have a second Single
      Stranded DNA Binding protein (SSBb) in addition to the canonical one (SSBa). This
      paralogue from M. smegmatis (MsSSBb) has been cloned, expressed and purified. The
      protein, which is probably involved in stress response, has been crystallized and
      X-ray analyzed in the first structure elucidation of a mycobacterial SSBb. In
      spite of the low sequence identity between SSBas and SSBbs in mycobacteria, the
      tertiary and quaternary structure of the DNA binding domain of MsSSBb is similar
      to that observed in mycobacterial SSBas. In particular, the quaternary structure
      is 'clamped' using a C-terminal stretch of the N-domain, which endows the
      tetrameric molecule with additional stability and its characteristic shape.
      Comparison involving available, rather limited, structural data on SSBbs from
      other sources, appears to suggest that SSBbs could exhibit higher structural
      variability than SSBas do.

PMID- 27659387
TI  - [Nevus comedonicus: Somatic mutations in NEK9].

PMID- 27659386
TI  - [The role of reflectance confocal microscopy in the diagnosis of ocular-cutaneous
      erucism or dermatitis and keratitis induced by pine processionary caterpillar
      hairs].

PMID- 27659388
TI  - [CONDYDAV: A multicentre observational study of patients presenting external
      genital warts in France].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Since 2007 in France, human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination has
      been licensed for use as a vaccine against HPV 6, 11, 16 and 18. The impact on
      the epidemiology of external genital warts (EGWs) in a large population remains
      unclear. OBJECTIVES: To determine epidemiologic and clinical features of patients
      presenting EGWs in France in the era of HPV vaccination. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In
      this prospective, observational study, we analyzed clinical features and
      treatments between January 1st, 2012 and March 31, 2012 for patients consulting
      for EGWs at 15 STI clinics throughout France. RESULTS: A total of 372 men and 111
      women were included; mean age 31.2 years. The women were younger than the men
      (31.7 and 28.9 years respectively P<0.05). Among the patients, 416 (85.7%) were
      heterosexual, 13 bisexual and 54 (11.2%) homosexual, including one female. Males
      reported more sexual partners in the last 12 months (more than 3 partners in
      32.6% versus 11.9%, P<0.01). Among the men, 230 had involvement of the penis
      alone and 46 had involvement of the anus alone. Seventy-six patients had EGWs of
      the anus, and of these 26 were MSM. In females, 76 had an infection of the vulva
      alone and 22 co-infection of the vulva and anus. MSM and females were at higher
      risk than heterosexual males for anal involvement (P<0.0001 and P=0.004,
      respectively). Three women had been vaccinated: two with Gardasil(r) and one with
      Cervarix(r). Cryotherapy was the preferred treatment. CONCLUSION: With the advent
      of HPV vaccination, a global strategy for the prevention and treatment of EGW
      should be implemented.

PMID- 27659389
TI  - Effects of Treating Primary Aldosteronism on Renal Function.
AB  - Longstanding primary aldosteronism (PA) has deleterious effects on renal
      function, often masked until treatment (adrenalectomy or spironolactone) is
      initiated. It has been suggested that PA causes relative glomerular
      hyperfiltration, explaining the decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate
      (eGFR) after treatment. In this retrospective study, the authors retrieved the
      clinical characteristics and eGFR of 134 PA patients before and 6 months after
      treatment. Using multiple regression analysis, the predictors for eGFR decline
      and the predictors of ultimately attained renal function in 113 patients was
      assessed. eGFR declined by 15.3+/-14.2 (range 19-63) mL/min, independent
      predictors were pretreatment plasma aldosterone, eGFR, plasma renin, and plasma
      potassium. Independent predictors of ultimately attained eGFR after treatment
      were pretreatment plasma aldosterone, age, eGFR, and plasma potassium. Our
      findings lend support to the hypothesis that higher aldosterone levels cause
      relative glomerular hyperfiltration. The severity of pretreatment aldosterone
      excess is the most important risk factor for renal function decline.

PMID- 27659390
TI  - Chemical constituents from Cordia alliodora and C. colloccoca (Boraginaceae) and
      their biological activities.
AB  - Two new natural products, 5-O-[beta-D-apiofuranosyl-(1->6)-beta-d-glucopyranosyl]
      1-isoindolinone (1) as well as N-(2E)-3-[(2S,3R)-2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-3
      (hydroxymethyl)-7-methoxy-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-5-yl]acryloylglycine (2),
      along with four known compounds (3-6), were isolated from the methanolic extract
      of Cordia alliodora root bark. Furthermore, the methanolic extract of Cordia
      colloccoca leaves, afforded the known flavonoids afzelin (7) and quercitrin (8).
      The isolated secondary metabolites were assayed for their antimicrobial
      activities against a panel of 6g positive and negative bacteria and three human
      pathogenic fungi. Moreover, their antiproliferative effect was also evaluated in
      vitro against the human non-small-cell bronchopulmonary carcinoma line NSCLC-N6,
      the epidermoid lung cancer cell line A549 as well as the normal human skin
      fibroblast cell line (AG01523).

PMID- 27659391
TI  - Comparing healthcare utilization among health survey respondents with the total
      population - are respondents representative?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surveys are often used for analysis of health status and healthcare
      utilization in different socioeconomic groups. However, differential non-response
      rates may bias results. The aim of this study was to compare register data on
      outpatient healthcare utilization among respondents to a health survey to that of
      the total population and to investigate whether socioeconomic differences in
      outpatient healthcare utilization differ between survey respondents and the total
      population. METHOD: Data from the Stockholm Public Health Survey 2010 (n = 30,767
      aged 18 + years) were linked to register data on outpatient healthcare
      utilization in order to investigate differentials by socioeconomic groups,
      country of birth and residential areas among respondents, using logistic
      regression and negative binomial regression. These results were compared to
      analyses of register data on outpatient healthcare utilization for the total
      population (n = 1.6 million aged 18 + years) of Stockholm County. RESULTS:
      Outpatient healthcare utilization was generally higher among survey respondents
      than in the total population, especially among men. The proportion of individuals
      having made at least one visit was significantly higher among survey respondents
      than in the total population but the differences were smaller regarding the
      average number of visits. Socioeconomic differences in outpatient healthcare
      utilization between subgroups were largely similar among survey respondents and
      in the total population. However, individuals born outside Sweden responding to
      the survey had significantly higher outpatient healthcare utilisation than
      individuals born outside Sweden in the total population. CONCLUSION: Compared to
      the total population, a greater proportion of survey respondents had made at
      least one outpatient visit to the doctor. However, the mean number of registered
      visits did not differ significantly between survey respondents and the total
      population. Hence, depending on the outcome measure used survey-based estimates
      may result in slightly biased prevalence estimates, however, relative differences
      among survey respondents were to a large degree comparable to relative
      differences in the total population. In contrast, survey respondents born outside
      Sweden differed from persons born outside Sweden in the total population to a
      degree where they may not be representative and comparisons between this group
      and other subgroups, using survey data, may be biased.

PMID- 27659393
TI  - Optimal Cutoff Scores for Alzheimer's Disease Using the Chinese Version of Mini
      Mental State Examination Among Chinese Population Living in Rural Areas.
AB  - To explore the optimal cutoff score for initial detection of Alzheimer's Disease
      (AD) through the Chinese version of Mini-Mental State Examination (CMMSE) in
      rural areas in China, we conducted a cross-sectional study within the Linxian
      General Population Nutritional Follow-up study. 16,488 eligible cohort members
      participated in the survey and 881 completed the CMMSE. Among 881 participants,
      the median age (Interquartile range) was 69.00 (10.00), 634 (71.92%) were female,
      657 (74.57%) were illiterate, 35 (3.97%) had 6 years of education or higher, and
      295 (33.48%) were diagnosed with AD. By reducing the CMMSE criteria for
      illiterate to 16 points, primary school to 19 points, and middle school or higher
      to 23 points, the efficiency of Chinese version of Mini-Mental State Examination
      can be significantly improved for initial detection of AD in rural areas in
      China, especially in those nutrition deficient areas.

PMID- 27659392
TI  - An Education Intervention to Enhance Staff Self-Efficacy to Provide Dementia Care
      in an Acute Care Hospital in Canada: A Nonrandomized Controlled Study.
AB  - Education is needed for enhanced capacity of acute hospitals to provide dementia
      care. A nonrandomized controlled, repeated-measures design was used to evaluate a
      dementia education program delivered to an intervention group (IG, n = 468),
      compared to a wait-listed group (n = 277), representing separate sites of a
      multisite hospital. Participants completed self-efficacy for dementia and
      satisfaction measures and provided written descriptions of dementia care
      collected at baseline, postintervention (IG only), and at 8-week follow-up. Oral
      narratives were gathered from IG participants 8 weeks postintervention. The IG
      demonstrated significant improvement in self-efficacy scores from baseline to
      immediately postintervention (P < .001), sustained at 8 weeks. There were no
      changes from baseline to 8 weeks postintervention evident in the wait-listed
      group (P = .21). Intervention group participants described positive impacts
      including implementation of person-centered care approaches. Implementation of
      dementia care education programs throughout hospital settings is promising for
      the enhancement of dementia care.

PMID- 27659394
TI  - Efficacy of Hybrid Plasma Scalpel in Reducing Blood Loss and Transfusions in
      Direct Anterior Total Hip Arthroplasty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Allogeneic blood transfusions have inherent risk and direct cost in
      total hip arthroplasty. Anterior total hip arthroplasty has grown in popularity
      with increased utilization. This approach may offer an enhanced recovery but has
      been associated with increased blood loss. Several technologies have been
      developed including the Canady Hybrid Plasma Scalpel (CHPS) and Aquamantys
      Bipolar Sealer (BS) to decrease blood loss. METHODS: Two hundred forty-four
      consecutive patients undergoing anterior supine intermuscular total hip
      arthroplasty were separated by intraoperative cautery device (CHPS vs BS).
      Exclusion criteria included blood dyscrasias and contraindication to tranexamic
      acid. Demographic data, blood loss, transfusion requirements, and Harris Hip
      Scores were obtained. Differences between groups were evaluated using the Student
      t-test or Wilcoxon rank-sum test for continuous variables and chi-square test for
      categorical variables. RESULTS: There were no differences in demographic data
      between the groups. Patients in the CHPS group had a significantly smaller
      decrease in postoperative hemoglobin (-2.3 mg/dL vs -2.7 mg/dL, P < .05),
      estimated blood loss (240.3 mL vs 384.4 mL, P < .001), and calculated actual
      blood loss (1.11 L vs 2.47 L, P < .001). There were 12 transfusions in the BS
      group and none in CHPS group (P < .001). CONCLUSION: The use of the hybrid plasma
      scalpel resulted in significantly less blood loss and transfusions than the BS.
      Additionally, patients treated with the hybrid plasma scalpel had significantly
      shorter operative times and reduced hospital length of stay. The hybrid scalpel
      shows promise in reducing blood loss in anterior total hip arthroplasty and is a
      valuable tool in the multimodal approach to avoiding transfusions.

PMID- 27659395
TI  - Referral Bias in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: Retrospective Analysis of
      22,614 Surgeries in a Tertiary Referral Center.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients who travel a significant distance to obtain surgical
      treatment typically experience better outcomes. This is called the referral bias
      and can limit the generalizability of studies performed at large tertiary care
      centers. We explored the influence of referral bias by comparing the clinical
      characteristics and outcomes of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) at a large tertiary
      care hospital in the United States. METHODS: The study cohort included 22,614
      primary TKA procedures performed between 1985 and 2010. Patients were stratified
      into 5 groups using home address zip codes and according to travel distance from
      the hospital. Clinical characteristics and the risk of TKA complications and
      surgical outcomes (instability, surgical-site infections, and thrombovascular
      complications within the first year, reoperations, revisions, and mortality) were
      compared across the 5 groups. RESULTS: Compared with local patients, patients who
      traveled from other parts of the United States were significantly younger (mean
      age 67.8 vs 68.5 years; P < .05), were more likely to be male (47% vs 38%, P <
      .001), had lower body mass index (mean 30.4 vs 31.8 kg/m2; P < .001), were more
      likely to have inflammatory arthritis or neoplasms as surgical indications (P <
      .05), and were more likely to have a history of prior surgeries on the same knee
      (20% vs 14%; P < .001). Referral patients also had significantly higher American
      Society of Anesthesiologists scores and longer operative times (mean 173 vs 156
      minutes P < .001). Despite these differences, the risk of instability, surgical
      site infections, thrombovascular complications, reoperations, and revision
      surgeries were similar across the 5 groups. CONCLUSION: Although referral
      patients differ from local patients, the groups seem to experience largely
      similar complication and revision rates after TKA.

PMID- 27659396
TI  - The Direct Anterior Approach for Hip Revision: Accessing the Entire Femoral
      Diaphysis Without Endangering the Nerve Supply.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The direct anterior approach (DAA) to the hip has been criticized as
      an approach that is limited to primary arthroplasty only. Our study objective was
      to demonstrate, in a cadaveric setting, that an alternate extension of the DAA
      can be used to reach the femur at the posterior border of the lateral vastus
      muscle without endangering the nerve supply. METHODS: The iliotibial tract is
      split anteriorly and pulled laterally, thereby opening the interval to the
      lateral-posterior aspect of the vastus muscle. The muscle fascia is incised at
      the posterior border to access the femoral diaphysis. The vastus mobilization is
      started distally and laterally to the greater trochanter, leaving a muscular
      bridge between the vastus and the medial gluteal muscle intact. If it is
      necessary to open the femoral cavity for implant retrieval, we perform an
      anterior wall osteotomy instead of an extended trochanteric osteotomy. RESULTS:
      It was possible to split the iliotibial band and pull it laterally, thereby
      exposing the entire vastus lateralis muscle. The junction of the vastus lateralis
      and vastus intermedius was not encountered in all cases, nor was the nerve supply
      with all nerve fibers in that interval. CONCLUSION: The alternate technique
      described here for accessing the femoral diaphysis allows for easy access to the
      lateral aspect of the vastus lateralis and the femoral diaphysis. Using this
      technique, it should also be possible to access the femur and perform all
      necessary reconstructive procedures on it without damaging the surrounding nerve
      structures.

PMID- 27659397
TI  - An Assessment of Gender-Specific Risk of Implant Revision After Primary Total Hip
      Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) has been a successful reconstructive
      procedure to mitigate pain associated with diseases of the hip joint. However,
      some THA procedures require revision due to mechanical or biological failure. The
      purpose of this study was to synthesize and examine the evidence on the relative
      risk of revision in men and women after primary THA procedures. METHODS: We
      conducted a systematic literature review of cohort studies reporting THA revision
      risk estimate by gender. Study quality scoring and a random effects meta-analysis
      were performed to estimate the meta-relative risk (meta-RR) and corresponding 95%
      confidence interval (95% CI) of revision, comparing men to women. RESULTS: Males
      had a statistically significant increased risk of revision after primary THA
      (meta-RR = 1.33 [95% CI: 1.13-1.57]), when compared to females. When stratified
      by cause of revision, males had a statistically significant increased risk of
      revision due to any cause (meta-RR = 1.16 [95% CI: 1.01-1.33]), aseptic loosening
      (meta-RR = 1.54 [95% CI: 1.05-2.25]), and infection (meta-RR = 1.55 [95% CI: 1.11
      2.15]). For primary THA operations performed during the 2000s, males in Europe
      had a statistically significant increased risk of revision (meta-RR 1.42 [95% CI:
      1.25-1.61]) while males in the United States had a statistically significant
      decreased risk of revision (meta-RR 0.80 [95% CI: 0.72-0.89]). CONCLUSION: These
      results provide evidence for an increased risk of revision after THA among males,
      which may be impacted by geographic location and time period of operation.
      Findings suggest that a better understanding of the underlying drivers of gender
      specific risks would help reduce postsurgery complications.

PMID- 27659398
TI  - New insights into the interaction between pyrrolyl diketoacids and HIV-1
      integrase active site and comparison with RNase H.
AB  - HIV-1 integrase (IN) inhibitors are one of the most recent innovations in the
      treatment of HIV infection. The selection of drug resistance viral strains is
      however a still open issue requiring constant efforts to identify new anti-HIV-1
      drugs. Pyrrolyl diketo acid (DKA) derivatives inhibit HIV-1 replication by
      interacting with the Mg2+ cofactors within the HIV-1 IN active site or within the
      HIV-1 reverse-transcriptase associated ribonuclease H (RNase H) active site.
      While the interaction mode of pyrrolyl DKAs with the RNase H active site has been
      recently reported and substantiated by mutagenesis experiments, their interaction
      within the IN active site still lacks a detailed understanding. In this study, we
      investigated the binding mode of four pyrrolyl DKAs to the HIV-1 IN active site
      by molecular modeling coupled with site-directed mutagenesis studies showing that
      the DKA pyrrolyl scaffold primarily interacts with the IN amino residues P145,
      Q146 and Q148. Importantly, the tested DKAs demonstrated good effectiveness
      against HIV-1 Raltegravir resistant Y143A and N155H INs, thus showing an
      interaction pattern with relevant differences if compared with the first
      generation IN inhibitors. These data provide precious insights for the design of
      new HIV inhibitors active on clinically selected Raltegravir resistant variants.
      Furthermore, this study provides new structural information to modulate IN and
      RNase H inhibitory activities for development of dual-acting anti-HIV agents.

PMID- 27659399
TI  - Adrenergic signaling elements in the bladder wall of the adult rat.
AB  - A growing body of work is describing the absence of a significant sympathetic
      innervation of the detrusor implying little sympathetic regulation of bladder
      contractility. However, low doses of adrenergic agonists are capable of relaxing
      the bladder smooth muscle. If these effects underpin a physiological response
      then the cellular nature and operation of this system are currently unknown. The
      present immunohistochemistry study was done to explore the existence of
      alternative adrenergic signaling elements in the rat bladder wall. Using
      antibodies to tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and vesicular mono-amine transporter
      (vmat), few adrenergic nerves were found in the detrusor although TH
      immunoreactive (IR) nerves were apparent in the bladder neck. TH-IR and vmat-IR
      nerves were however abundant surrounding blood vessels. A population of vmat-IR
      cells was found within the network of interstitial cells that surround the
      detrusor muscle bundles. These vmat-IR cells were not or only weakly TH-IR. This
      suggests that these interstitial cells have the capacity to store and release
      catecholamines that may involve noradrenaline. Cells expressing the beta1
      adrenoceptor (beta1AR-IR) were also detected within the interstitial cell
      network. Double staining with antibodies to beta1AR and vmat suggests that the
      majority of vmat-IR interstitial cells show beta1AR-IR indicative of an autocrine
      signaling system. In conclusion, a population of interstitial cells has the
      machinery to store, release and respond to catecholamines. Thus, there might
      exist a non-neuronal beta-adrenergic system operating in the bladder wall
      possibly linked to one component of motor activity, micro-contractions, a system
      that may be involved in mechanisms underpinning bladder sensation.

PMID- 27659400
TI  - [Is there workplace violence in the Spanish nursing homes?]

PMID- 27659401
TI  - Hyperferritinemia increases the risk of hyperuricemia in HFE-hereditary
      hemochromatosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Hyperuricemia is becoming increasingly frequent in the population,
      and is known to be sometimes the cause of gout. The impact of uric acid is still
      not clearly understood, however. The iron metabolism may interact with the uric
      acid metabolism. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between
      the serum uric acid and serum ferritin levels in a cohort of hemochromatosis
      patients who were homozygous for the HFE p.Cys282Tyr mutation. METHODS: 738
      patients with the HFE gene mutation Cys282Tyr in the homozygous state were
      included in the study. The variables measured during the initial evaluation were
      compared in univariate analysis by Student's t test. In multivariate analysis,
      linear stepwise regression was used. RESULTS: In the group of hyperuricemic
      patients, ferritinemia was significantly higher than in the group of non
      hyperuricemic patients (1576.7+/-1387.4MUg/l vs. 1095.63+/-1319.24MUg/l,
      P<0.005). With multivariate analysis, only ferritin and BMI independently
      explained the uricemia (R2=0.258) after adjustment for age, glycemia and CRP. The
      correlation between uricemia and log(ferritin) with partial regression
      correlation coefficients was 0.307 (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The increase in
      uricemia is associated with the increase in ferritin in a population of patients
      who were homozygous for the HFE gene mutation p.Cys282Tyr and this independently
      of factors commonly associated with hyperuricemia. The increase in uric acid
      associated with hyperferritinemia, could be a response to the visceral toxicity
      of excess non-transferrin bound iron linked to oxidative stress via the
      antioxidant properties of uric acid.

PMID- 27659402
TI  - Serum procalcitonin measurement is not a useful biomarker in the detection of
      primary infectious spondylodiscitis.

PMID- 27659403
TI  - Alarmins firing arthritis: Helpful diagnostic tools and promising therapeutic
      targets.
AB  - Alarmins are endogenous molecules with homeostatic roles that have reached the
      focus of research in inflammatory arthritis in the last two decades, mostly due
      to their ability to indicate tissue related damage after active or passive
      release from injured cells. From HMGB1, S100A8/A9 and S100A12 proteins, over heat
      shock proteins (HSPs) and purine metabolites (e.g. uric acid, ATP) to altered
      matrix proteins and interleukin-33 (IL-33), a number of alarmins have been
      determined until now as having a role in rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic and
      juvenile idiopathic arthritis, as well as spondyloarthritis and gout. Although
      formerly being linked to initiation and chronification of inflammatory arthritis,
      driving auto- and paracrine inflammatory loops, more recent research has also
      unraveled the alarmins' role in the crosstalk between innate and adaptive
      immunity and in resolution of inflammation. Providing a state-of-the-art overview
      of known alarmins, this review lists the known modes of action and pathologic
      contribution of alarmins to inflammatory arthritis, as well as biomarker
      potential of alarmins in the clinical setting for tracking disease severity.
      Based upon research on animal experimental models (CIA, AIA) and clinical trials,
      a look is made into potentially viable strategies for modifying alarmin secretion
      and their target receptor (e.g. TLR, RAGE) interaction with the purpose of
      attenuating arthritic disease.

PMID- 27659404
TI  - Pulmonary embolism induced by methotrexate in a dermatomyositis patient.

PMID- 27659405
TI  - Cystic lung disease in Sjogren's syndrome: An observational study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To analyze the prevalence, characteristics and outcome of cystic lung
      disease associated with Sjogren's syndrome (SS). METHODS: From June 2010 to
      February 2015, 90 consecutive SS patients [60.1+/-14.8years; 88 (97.8%) female,
      75 (83.3%) primary SS] had a systematic chest CT-scan. The presence of thin
      walled cysts was analyzed by one experienced radiologist. Demographic data,
      clinical history, laboratory findings, and pulmonary function tests were
      extracted retrospectively from medical records. RESULTS: Twenty-one (23.3%)
      patients had cysts on CT scan performed 40.5+/-54.5months after SS diagnosis.
      Cysts number ranged from 1 to 25 were often bilateral (52.4%) and mostly located
      in the middle lung zone (76.2%). Cysts were isolated (n=6, 28.6%) or associated
      with other lesions, including bronchiectasis (n=5, 23.8%), micronodules (n=5,
      23.8%), ground-glass opacity (n=4, 19%) and/or air trapping (n=3, 14.3%). Most
      patients with cysts (57.1%) had no respiratory symptoms. When comparing SS
      patients with and without cysts, patients with cysts tended to be older (65.3+/
      15.3 versus 58.5+/-14.4years, P=0.06). Smoking habits were similar in both
      groups. Anti-SSB antibodies were more frequently detected in patients with cysts
      (57.1% vs. 26.1%, P=0.02). Pulmonary function tests were normal or displayed only
      mild small airways obstruction and reduced diffusion capacity to carbon monoxide.
      Four (19%) patients with cysts had a past history of associated pulmonary
      disease, including interstitial lung disease. During follow-up (25.1+/
      17.7months), no patient developed specific lung disease or lymphoproliferative
      disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Cystic lung disease is frequent, benign, associated with
      anti-SSB/La antibodies and has no impact on outcome in SS.

PMID- 27659406
TI  - Assessment of children's nutritional attitudes before oral food challenges to
      identify patients at risk of food reintroduction failure: a prospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inappropriate dietary eliminations may impair quality of life, affect
      children's growth and unnecessarily impact on healthcare costs. Previous
      retrospective studies reported that around 25% of children continue a food
      avoidance diet despite a negative oral food challenge (OFC). A definite pattern
      has not been found yet for patients not reintroducing the food. This study aimed
      to examine the role of child's nutritional attitudes and maternal anxiety in
      reintroducing food after a negative OFC. METHODS: A prospective study was
      conducted involving 81 mothers of children with IgE-mediated food allergy. They
      completed a survey on nutritional behaviour and attitudes and the State-Trait
      Anxiety Inventory on the day of OFC and 6 months later. RESULTS: In total, 11.1%
      of children never or rarely ate the food after a negative OFC. Consumption of the
      reintroduced food is positively correlated to child's interest in tasting new
      foods before and after OFC and to changes in child's nutritional habits after
      OFC. It is negatively correlated to monotony of the diet after OFC. No
      correlations were found with other participants' characteristics or maternal
      anxiety. State anxiety significantly decreased after the OFC. A correlation was
      found between trait and state anxiety and the degree of change in nutritional
      habits after OFC. CONCLUSIONS: Evaluating child's approach towards food before
      the OFC is a promising approach to identify patients at risk of food
      reintroduction failure. Furthermore, it underlined the importance of reassessing
      food consumption in all patients after a negative OFC and supporting patients in
      the reintroduction of food.

PMID- 27659407
TI  - Combined Analysis of Three Large Interventional Trials With Gliptins Indicates
      Increased Incidence of Acute Pancreatitis in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Data on the possible relationship of gliptin treatment with the
      incidence of acute pancreatitis have been controversial. The aim of the current
      study was to combine data on the incidence of acute pancreatitis from three large
      randomized controlled trials. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Three trials designed
      to test cardiovascular safety and efficacy of add-on treatment with a gliptin
      were included in the analysis, as follows: SAVOR-TIMI 53 (saxagliptin), EXAMINE
      (alogliptin), and TECOS (sitagliptin). The trials included 18,238 gliptin-treated
      patients and 18,157 placebo-treated patients. Data were combined using a random
      effects model meta-analysis. RESULTS: The incidence of acute pancreatitis was
      significantly increased in the gliptin-treated patients when compared with the
      control groups (odds ratio 1.79 [95% CI 1.13-2.82], P = 0.013). The difference in
      the absolute risk was small (0.13%). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with gliptins
      significantly increased the risk for acute pancreatitis in a combined analysis of
      three large controlled randomized trials.

PMID- 27659409
TI  - Sarcolemmal alpha2-adrenoceptors control protective cardiomyocyte-delimited
      sympathoadrenal response.
AB  - Sustained cardiac adrenergic stimulation has been implicated in the development
      of heart failure and ventricular dysrhythmia. Conventionally, alpha2
      adrenoceptors (alpha2-AR) have been assigned to a sympathetic short-loop feedback
      aimed at attenuating catecholamine release. We have recently revealed the
      expression of alpha2-AR in the sarcolemma of cardiomyocytes and identified the
      ability of alpha2-AR signaling to suppress spontaneous Ca2+ transients through
      nitric oxide (NO) dependent pathways. Herein, patch-clamp measurements and
      serine/threonine phosphatase assay revealed that, in isolated rat cardiomyocytes,
      activation of alpha2-AR suppressed L-type Ca2+ current (ICaL) via stimulation of
      NO synthesis and protein kinase G- (PKG) dependent activation of phosphatase
      reactions, counteracting isoproterenol-induced beta-adrenergic activation. Under
      stimulation with norepinephrine (NE), an agonist of beta- and alpha
      adrenoceptors, the alpha2-AR antagonist yohimbine substantially elevated ICaL at
      NE levels >10nM. Concomitantly, yohimbine potentiated triggered intracellular
      Ca2+ dynamics and contractility of cardiac papillary muscles. Therefore, in
      addition to the alpha2-AR-mediated feedback suppression of sympathetic and
      adrenal catecholamine release, alpha2-AR in cardiomyocytes can govern a
      previously unrecognized local cardiomyocyte-delimited stress-reactive signaling
      pathway. We suggest that such aberrant alpha2-AR signaling may contribute to the
      development of cardiomyopathy under sustained sympathetic drive. Indeed, in
      cardiomyocytes of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), an established model of
      cardiac hypertrophy, alpha2-AR signaling was dramatically reduced despite
      increased alpha2-AR mRNA levels compared to normal cardiomyocytes. Thus,
      targeting alpha2-AR signaling mechanisms in cardiomyocytes may find implications
      in medical strategies against maladaptive cardiac remodeling associated with
      chronic sympathoadrenal stimulation.

PMID- 27659408
TI  - Trends in Drug Utilization, Glycemic Control, and Rates of Severe Hypoglycemia,
      2006-2013.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine temporal trends in utilization of glucose-lowering
      medications, glycemic control, and rate of severe hypoglycemia among patients
      with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Using claims data from
      1.66 million privately insured and Medicare Advantage patients with T2DM from
      2006 to 2013, we estimated the annual 1) age- and sex-standardized proportion of
      patients who filled each class of agents; 2) age-, sex-, race-, and region
      standardized proportion with hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) <6%, 6 to <7%, 7 to <8%, 8 to
      <9%, >=9%; and 3) age- and sex-standardized rate of severe hypoglycemia among
      those using medications. Proportions were calculated overall and stratified by
      age-group (18-44, 45-64, 65-74, and >=75 years) and number of chronic
      comorbidities (zero, one, and two or more). RESULTS: From 2006 to 2013, use
      increased for metformin (from 47.6 to 53.5%), dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors
      (0.5 to 14.9%), and insulin (17.1 to 23.0%) but declined for sulfonylureas (38.8
      to 30.8%) and thiazolidinediones (28.5 to 5.6%; all P < 0.001). The proportion of
      patients with HbA1c <7% declined (from 56.4 to 54.2%; P < 0.001) and with HbA1c
      >=9% increased (9.9 to 12.2%; P < 0.001). Glycemic control varied by age and was
      poor among 23.3% of the youngest and 6.3% of the oldest patients in 2013. The
      overall rate of severe hypoglycemia remained the same (1.3 per 100 person-years;
      P = 0.72), declined modestly among the oldest patients (from 2.9 to 2.3; P <
      0.001), and remained high among those with two or more comorbidities (3.2 to 3.5;
      P = 0.36). CONCLUSIONS: During the recent 8-year period, the use of glucose
      lowering drugs has changed dramatically among patients with T2DM. Overall
      glycemic control has not improved and remains poor among nearly a quarter of the
      youngest patients. The overall rate of severe hypoglycemia remains largely
      unchanged.

PMID- 27659410
TI  - Enantioselective cascade biocatalysis for deracemization of 2-hydroxy acids using
      a three-enzyme system.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Enantiopure 2-hydroxy acids are key intermediates for the synthesis
      of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. We present an enantioselective cascade
      biocatalysis using recombinant microbial cells for deracemization of racemic 2
      hydroxy acids that allows for efficient production of enantiopure 2-hydroxy
      acids. RESULTS: The method was realized by a single recombinant Escherichia coli
      strain coexpressing three enzymes: (S)-2-hydroxy acid dehydrogenase, (R)-2-keto
      acid reductase and glucose dehydrogenase. One enantiomer [(S)-2-hydroxy acid] is
      firstly oxidized to the keto acid with (S)-2-hydroxy acid dehydrogenase, while
      the other enantiomer [(R)-2-hydroxy acid] remains unchanged. Then, the keto acid
      obtained reduced to the opposite enantiomer with (R)-2-keto acid reductase plus
      cofactor regeneration enzyme glucose dehydrogenase subsequently. The recombinant
      E. coli strain coexpressing the three enzymes was proven to be a promising
      biocatalyst for the cascade bioconversion of a structurally diverse range of
      racemic 2-hydroxy acids, giving the corresponding (R)-2-hydroxy acids in up to
      98.5 % conversion and >99 % enantiomeric excess. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, a
      cascade biocatalysis was successfully developed to prepare valuable (R)-2-hydroxy
      acids with an efficient three-enzyme system. The developed elegant cascade
      biocatalysis possesses high atom efficiency and represents a promising strategy
      for production of highly valued (R)-2-hydroxy acids.

PMID- 27659411
TI  - The use of 68  Ga-PSMA PET CT in men with biochemical recurrence after definitive
      treatment of acinar prostate cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Early localisation of disease recurrence after definitive treatment
      of prostate cancer is vital to determine suitability for salvage treatment. Our
      aim was to further investigate the relationship between prostate specific antigen
      (PSA) level and detection of suspected cancer recurrence using 68  Ga-PSMA PET/CT
      in patients with biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy (RP) or
      radiotherapy, particularly at low PSA levels. METHODS: This retrospective single
      tertiary referral institution cohort study of men reviewed the results of 68  Ga
      PSMA PET/CT scans for investigation of post RP and post radiotherapy PSA
      recurrence following primary treatment of prostate cancer. We included men with
      suspected recurrent prostate cancer based on an elevated post treatment PSA
      level. The data collected analyzed the relationship of the pre-scan PSA level to
      the probability of a positive scan finding for recurrent prostate cancer.
      RESULTS: Of the cohort of 532 men, 425 had a previous RP and 107 had prior
      radiotherapy. The median PSA of the RP group was 0.59 ng/mL and 5.8 ng/mL in the
      radiotherapy group. In the post RP cohort, the detection rate of 68  Ga-PSMA
      PET/CT was 11.3% for PSA 0.01 to <0.2 ng/mL, 26.6% for PSA 0.2 to <0.5 ng/mL,
      53.3% for PSA 0.5 to <1 ng/mL, 79.1% for PSA 1 to <2 ng/mL and 95.5% for PSA >=2.
      Lymph node metastasis post RP was identified in 68% of men with suspected disease
      recurrence. In the post radiotherapy cohort the detection rate was 33.3% for PSA
      0.01 to <0.5 ng/mL, 71.4% for PSA 0.5 to <1 ng/mL, 93.3% for PSA 1 to <2 ng/mL
      and 100% for PSA >=2. Local recurrence after radiotherapy was suspected in 71% of
      the cohort and 40% had suspected lymph node metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: To our
      knowledge, this is largest cohort study of detection rates of 68  Ga-PSMA PET/CT
      in patients with biochemical recurrence after definitive treatment of prostate
      cancer, including patients with PSA <0.5 and in a post radiotherapy cohort.
      Detection of suspected recurrent disease outside the pelvis at low PSA levels
      will influence the decision for salvage treatment options.

PMID- 27659412
TI  - solveME: fast and reliable solution of nonlinear ME models.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Genome-scale models of metabolism and macromolecular expression (ME)
      significantly expand the scope and predictive capabilities of constraint-based
      modeling. ME models present considerable computational challenges: they are much
      (>30 times) larger than corresponding metabolic reconstructions (M models), are
      multiscale, and growth maximization is a nonlinear programming (NLP) problem,
      mainly due to macromolecule dilution constraints. RESULTS: Here, we address these
      computational challenges. We develop a fast and numerically reliable solution
      method for growth maximization in ME models using a quad-precision NLP solver
      (Quad MINOS). Our method was up to 45 % faster than binary search for six
      significant digits in growth rate. We also develop a fast, quad-precision flux
      variability analysis that is accelerated (up to 60* speedup) via solver warm
      starts. Finally, we employ the tools developed to investigate growth-coupled
      succinate overproduction, accounting for proteome constraints. CONCLUSIONS: Just
      as genome-scale metabolic reconstructions have become an invaluable tool for
      computational and systems biologists, we anticipate that these fast and
      numerically reliable ME solution methods will accelerate the wide-spread adoption
      of ME models for researchers in these fields.

PMID- 27659413
TI  - Difficulties in auditory organization as a cause of reading backwardness? An
      auditory neuroscience perspective.
AB  - Over 30 years ago, it was suggested that difficulties in the 'auditory
      organization' of word forms in the mental lexicon might cause reading
      difficulties. It was proposed that children used parameters such as rhyme and
      alliteration to organize word forms in the mental lexicon by acoustic similarity,
      and that such organization was impaired in developmental dyslexia. This
      literature was based on an 'oddity' measure of children's sensitivity to rhyme
      (e.g. wood, book, good) and alliteration (e.g. sun, sock, rag). The 'oddity' task
      revealed that children with dyslexia were significantly poorer at identifying the
      'odd word out' than younger children without reading difficulties. Here we apply
      a novel modelling approach drawn from auditory neuroscience to study the possible
      sensory basis of the auditory organization of rhyming and non-rhyming words by
      children. We utilize a novel Spectral-Amplitude Modulation Phase Hierarchy (S
      AMPH) approach to analysing the spectro-temporal structure of rhyming and non
      rhyming words, aiming to illuminate the potential acoustic cues used by children
      as a basis for phonological organization. The S-AMPH model assumes that speech
      encoding depends on neuronal oscillatory entrainment to the amplitude modulation
      (AM) hierarchy in speech. Our results suggest that phonological similarity
      between rhyming words in the oddity task depends crucially on slow (delta band)
      modulations in the speech envelope. Contrary to linguistic assumptions,
      therefore, auditory organization by children may not depend on phonemic
      information for this task. Linguistically, it is assumed that 'book' does not
      rhyme with 'wood' and 'good' because the final phoneme differs. However, our
      auditory analysis suggests that the acoustic cues to this phonological
      dissimilarity depend primarily on the slower amplitude modulations in the speech
      envelope, thought to carry prosodic information. Therefore, the oddity task may
      help in detecting reading difficulties because phonological similarity judgements
      about rhyme reflect sensitivity to slow amplitude modulation patterns. Slower
      amplitude modulations are known to be detected less efficiently by children with
      dyslexia.

PMID- 27659414
TI  - One-month stability study of a biosimilar of infliximab (Remsima(r)) after
      dilution and storage at 4 degrees C and 25 degrees C.
AB  - There is currently only one monoclonal antibody for which there is a biosimilar:
      infliximab, which was released onto the French market in 2015. The SPC for the
      biosimilar (Remsima(r)) are superimposable on those of the original, including 24
      hour stability at both 4 and 25 degrees C. The aim of our study was to determine
      the stability of this biosimilar during one month at 4 and 25 degrees C. Three
      different batches at two concentrations (0.7mg/mL or 1.6mg/mL) were used.
      Physicochemical stability was evaluated by the following methods: turbidity, UV
      spectrometry, DLS, ion chromatography (CEX), gel exclusion chromatography (SEC),
      and light microscopy. The analyses were performed in triplicate. All methods used
      have been demonstrated to be valid for measuring antibody stability. There were
      no signs of physicochemical instability after seven days (on D7) of storage at 4
      or 25 degrees C. From D15, we observed slight changes by ion (percentage
      distribution of the different isoforms) and gel exclusion chromatography
      (percentage distribution of different polymers, i.e. dimers, oligomers). However,
      the areas under the curves were unchanged, and the proportions of polymers
      remained lower than 0.5%. Tertiary structure analysis also showed a change from
      D15. All observed changes are consistent with progressive oligomerization by
      hydrophobic interactions. In conclusion, the reconstituted biosimilar is stable
      for seven days at 4 and 25 degrees C. Gradual oligomerization is observed from
      D15 but appears to be less than 0.5%, suggesting instability, albeit very
      limited, in the longer term; the practical consequences of this remain to be
      evaluated.

PMID- 27659416
TI  - Liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry method for quantitative
      determination of pioglitazone and its metabolite 5-hydroxy pioglitazone in human
      plasma.
AB  - A liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) based method was
      developed for the simultaneous estimation of pioglitazone and its active
      metabolites in human plasma for applicability to pharmacokinetic studies. The
      chromatographic separation was carried on the reversed phase Peerless Basic C18,
      column (100*4.6mm, 5MUm) at column temperature of 40 degrees C using a binary
      mobile phase consisting of methanol: 5mM ammonium acetate in 0.1% formic acid
      (80:20, v/v). The mobile phase was run at a flow rate of 1mL/min and the sample
      injection was 10MUL. The method utilized pioglitazone D4 (IS1) and 5-hydroxyl
      pioglitazone M-IV D4 (IS2) as an internal standard. The linearity of the method
      was validated over the range of 6.04-1503.21ng/mL for pioglitazone and 6.01
      1496.28ng/mL for 5-hydroxyl pioglitazone. The mean extraction recovery of PIO &
      HPIO from the spiked plasma was found to be 94.92% for pioglitazone and 96.13%
      for 5-hydroxy pioglitazone. The developed method can be successfully employed in
      healthy human volunteers to monitor the pharmacokinetics profile of pioglitazone.

PMID- 27659415
TI  - [A pilot study of the professional ethical thinking of Quebec hospital
      pharmacists and pharmacy students].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The main objective was to assess the position of Quebec pharmaceutical
      community about pharmaceutical ethics statements. The second objective was to
      compare the level of agreement of pharmacy students and hospitals pharmacists.
      METHOD: Survey conducted one day given in 2012 and 2013 for students in 2013 and
      from 29/08/2014 to 02/09/2014 for pharmacists. A questionnaire of eight themes
      and 43 statements was developed: training and education (5 questions), clinical
      research (7) advertising and marketing (5) evaluation (5) dispensing medication
      (4), pharmaceutical care (9) economic aspect (6) and code of ethics (2). A Likert
      scale with four choices was used to measure the level of agreement. The primary
      outcome was the difference between the level of agreement of pharmacy students
      and hospital pharmacists. The Chi2 test was used. RESULTS: A total of 347
      students and 398 pharmacists responded to the survey. There was a statistically
      significant difference regarding the level of agreement with 28 statements on 43.
      The differences focused on eight themes of the questionnaire, or training and
      education (3/5 significantly different questions), clinical research (2/7),
      advertising and marketing (2/5), Evaluation (4/5) dispensing medication (4/4),
      pharmaceutical care (5/9), economic aspect (6/6) and ethics (2/2). CONCLUSION:
      This study shows that there is a difference between pharmacists and pharmacy
      students about pharmaceutical ethics statements.

PMID- 27659417
TI  - Dermoscopy of acute cutaneous leishmaniasis.

PMID- 27659418
TI  - Change in soil fungal community structure driven by a decline in ectomycorrhizal
      fungi following a mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) outbreak.
AB  - Western North American landscapes are rapidly being transformed by forest die-off
      caused by mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae), with implications for
      plant and soil communities. The mechanisms that drive changes in soil community
      structure, particularly for the highly prevalent ectomycorrhizal fungi in pine
      forests, are complex and intertwined. Critical to enhancing understanding will be
      disentangling the relative importance of host tree mortality from changes in soil
      chemistry following tree death. Here, we used a recent bark beetle outbreak in
      lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) forests of western Canada to test whether the
      effects of tree mortality altered the richness and composition of belowground
      fungal communities, including ectomycorrhizal and saprotrophic fungi. We also
      determined the effects of environmental factors (i.e. soil nutrients, moisture,
      and phenolics) and geographical distance, both of which can influence the
      richness and composition of soil fungi. The richness of both groups of soil fungi
      declined and the overall composition was altered by beetle-induced tree
      mortality. Soil nutrients, soil phenolics and geographical distance influenced
      the community structure of soil fungi; however, the relative importance of these
      factors differed between ectomycorrhizal and saprotrophic fungi. The independent
      effects of tree mortality, soil phenolics and geographical distance influenced
      the community composition of ectomycorrhizal fungi, while the community
      composition of saprotrophic fungi was weakly but significantly correlated with
      the geographical distance of plots. Taken together, our results indicate that
      both deterministic and stochastic processes structure soil fungal communities
      following landscape-scale insect outbreaks and reflect the independent roles tree
      mortality, soil chemistry and geographical distance play in regulating the
      community composition of soil fungi.

PMID- 27659419
TI  - Foxp3 promoter methylation impairs suppressive function of regulatory T cells in
      biliary atresia.
AB  - Biliary atresia (BA) is characterized by progressive inflammation of the biliary
      system leading to liver cirrhosis, necessitating liver transplantation in
      pediatric patients. Various cell types have been reported to participate in the
      proinflammatory response in rhesus rotavirus (RRV)-induced BA mouse models,
      including T helper (Th) 1, Th2, Th17, CD8+ T cells, and natural killer cells. The
      immune suppressive regulatory T (Treg) cells, on the contrary, were reported not
      to function properly. The underlying mechanism is largely unknown. Focusing on
      the impaired suppressive function of Treg, we found methylation status of CpG
      islands within the Foxp3 promoter region of Treg cells in BA patients and murine
      models were both increased. Moreover, by injecting 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (Aza)
      as DNA-methylation inhibitor to RRV-infected mice, BA phenotypes were alleviated.
      Furthermore, Treg cells isolated from "RRV+Aza"-injected mice had better
      suppressive function than Treg cells from mice injected with RRV only, both in
      vivo and ex vivo. Thus we concluded that aberrant increased methylation status of
      "Foxp3 promoter" in Treg cells leads to impaired Treg suppressive function,
      exacerbating inflammatory injury in BA.

PMID- 27659420
TI  - Hepatic aberrant glycosylation by N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase V accelerates
      HDL assembly.
AB  - Glycosylation is involved in various pathophysiological conditions. N
      Acetylglucosaminyltransferase V (GnT-V), catalyzing beta1-6 branching in
      asparagine-linked oligosaccharides, is one of the most important
      glycosyltransferases involved in cancer and the immune system. Recent findings
      indicate that aberrant N-glycan structure can modify lipid metabolism. In this
      study, we investigated the effects of aberrant glycosylation by GnT-V on high
      density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) assembly. We used GnT-V transgenic (Tg)
      mice and GnT-V Hep3B cell (human hepatoma cell line) transfectants. The study
      also included 96 patients who underwent medical health check-ups. Total serum
      cholesterol levels, particularly HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, were
      significantly increased in Tg vs. wild-type (WT) mice. Hepatic expression of
      apolipoprotein AI (ApoAI) and ATP-binding cassette subfamily A member 1 (ABCA1),
      two important factors in HDL assembly, were higher in Tg mice compared with WT
      mice. ApoAI and ABCA1 were also significantly elevated in GnT-V transfectants
      compared with mock-transfected cells. Moreover, ApoAI protein in the cultured
      media of GnT-V transfectants was significantly increased. Finally, we found a
      strong correlation between serum GnT-V activity and HDL-C concentration in human
      subjects. Multivariate logistic analyses demonstrated that GnT-V activity was an
      independent and significant determinant for serum HDL-C levels even adjusted with
      age and gender differences. Further analyses represented that serum GnT-V
      activity had strong correlation especially with the large-size HDL particle
      concentration. These findings indicate that enhanced hepatic GnT-V activity
      accelerated HDL assembly and could be a novel mechanism for HDL synthesis.

PMID- 27659421
TI  - Imaging activation of peptidergic spinal afferent varicosities within visceral
      organs using novel CGRPalpha-mCherry reporter mice.
AB  - In vertebrates, visceral pain from internal organs is detected by spinal
      afferents, whose cell bodies lie in dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Until now, all
      recordings from spinal afferents have been restricted to recording transmission
      of action potentials along axons, or from cell bodies lying outside their target
      organ, which is not where sensory transduction occurs. Our aim was to record
      directly from a major class of spinal afferent within visceral organs, where
      transduction of sensory stimuli into action potentials occurs. Using novel
      calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)alpha reporter mice, DRG neurons expressed
      mCherry, including nerve axons within viscera. In colon, a minority of total CGRP
      immunoreactivity was attributed CGRPalpha. In isolated unstretched colon, calcium
      imaging from CGRPalpha-expressing varicose axons did not detect resolvable
      calcium transients. However, noxious levels of maintained circumferential stretch
      to the colon induced repetitive calcium transients simultaneously in multiple
      neighboring varicosities along single mCherry-expressing axons. Discrete
      varicosities could generate unitary calcium transients independently of
      neighboring varicosities. However, axons expressing mCherry only generated
      coordinated calcium transients when accompanied by simultaneous activation of
      multiple varicosities along that axon. Simultaneous imaging from different
      classes of myenteric neurons at the same time as mCherry-expressing axons
      revealed coordinated calcium transients in multiple myenteric neurons,
      independent of activity in mCherry-expressing axons. CGRPalpha-expressing axon
      terminals preferentially responded to heat, capsaicin, and low pH. We show that
      direct recordings can be made from the major class of peptidergic spinal afferent
      that contributes to visceral nociception. This approach can provide powerful
      insights into transduction of stimuli in viscera.

PMID- 27659422
TI  - Functional physiology of the human terminal antrum defined by high-resolution
      electrical mapping and computational modeling.
AB  - High-resolution (HR) mapping has been used to study gastric slow-wave activation;
      however, the specific characteristics of antral electrophysiology remain poorly
      defined. This study applied HR mapping and computational modeling to define
      functional human antral physiology. HR mapping was performed in 10 subjects using
      flexible electrode arrays (128-192 electrodes; 16-24 cm2) arranged from the
      pylorus to mid-corpus. Anatomical registration was by photographs and anatomical
      landmarks. Slow-wave parameters were computed, and resultant data were
      incorporated into a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of gastric flow to
      calculate impact on gastric mixing. In all subjects, extracellular mapping
      demonstrated normal aboral slow-wave propagation and a region of increased
      amplitude and velocity in the prepyloric antrum. On average, the high-velocity
      region commenced 28 mm proximal to the pylorus, and activation ceased 6 mm from
      the pylorus. Within this region, velocity increased 0.2 mm/s per mm of tissue,
      from the mean 3.3 +/- 0.1 mm/s to 7.5 +/- 0.6 mm/s (P < 0.001), and extracellular
      amplitude increased from 1.5 +/- 0.1 mV to 2.5 +/- 0.1 mV (P < 0.001). CFD
      modeling using representative parameters quantified a marked increase in antral
      recirculation, resulting in an enhanced gastric mixing, due to the accelerating
      terminal antral contraction. The extent of gastric mixing increased almost
      linearly with the maximal velocity of the contraction. In conclusion, the human
      terminal antral contraction is controlled by a short region of rapid high
      amplitude slow-wave activity. Distal antral wave acceleration plays a major role
      in antral flow and mixing, increasing particle strain and trituration.

PMID- 27659424
TI  - Glycine prevents metabolic steatohepatitis in diabetic KK-Ay mice through
      modulation of hepatic innate immunity.
AB  - Strategies for prevention and treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis remain to
      be established. We evaluated the effect of glycine on metabolic steatohepatitis
      in genetically obese, diabetic KK-Ay mice. Male KK-Ay mice were fed a diet
      containing 5% glycine for 4 wk, and liver pathology was evaluated. Hepatic mRNA
      levels for lipid-regulating molecules, cytokines/chemokines, and macrophage M1/M2
      markers were determined by real-time RT-PCR. Hepatic expression of natural killer
      (NK) T cells was analyzed by flow cytometry. Body weight gain was significantly
      blunted and development of hepatic steatosis and inflammatory infiltration were
      remarkably prevented in mice fed the glycine-containing diet compared with
      controls. Indeed, hepatic induction levels of molecules related to lipogenesis
      were largely blunted in the glycine diet-fed mice. Elevations of hepatic mRNA
      levels for TNFalpha and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 were also remarkably
      blunted in the glycine diet-fed mice. Furthermore, suppression of hepatic NK T
      cells was reversed in glycine diet-fed KK-Ay mice, and basal hepatic expression
      levels of NK T cell-derived cytokines, such as IL-4 and IL-13, were increased.
      Moreover, hepatic mRNA levels of arginase-1, a marker of macrophage M2
      transformation, were significantly increased in glycine diet-fed mice. In
      addition, dietary glycine improved glucose tolerance and hyperinsulinemia in KK
      Ay mice. These observations clearly indicate that glycine prevents maturity-onset
      obesity and metabolic steatohepatitis in genetically diabetic KK-Ay mice. The
      underlying mechanisms most likely include normalization of hepatic innate immune
      responses involving NK T cells and M2 transformation of Kupffer cells. It is
      proposed that glycine is a promising immunonutrient for prevention and treatment
      of metabolic syndrome-related nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

PMID- 27659425
TI  - Separation of polyethylene glycols and maleimide-terminated polyethylene glycols
      by reversed-phase liquid chromatography under critical conditions.
AB  - The separation of polyethylene glycols and maleimide-substituted polyethylene
      glycol derivatives based on the number of maleimide end-groups under critical
      liquid chromatography conditions has been investigated on a reversed-phase
      column. The critical solvent compositions for nonfunctional polyethylene glycols
      and bifunctional maleimide-substituted polyethylene glycols were determined to be
      identical at about 40% acetonitrile in water on a reversed-phase octadecyl carbon
      chain-bonded silica column using mixtures of acetonitrile and water of varying
      composition as the mobile phase at 25 degrees C. The maleimide-functionalized
      polyethylene glycols were successfully separated according to maleimide
      functionality (with zero, one, two, or three maleimide end-groups, respectively)
      under the critical isocratic elution conditions without obvious effect of molar
      mass. The separation was mainly due to the hydrophobic interaction between the
      maleimide end-groups and the column packing. Off-line matrix-assisted laser
      desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry was used to identify the
      repeating units and, especially, the end-groups of the maleimide-substituted
      polyethylene glycols. Liquid chromatography analysis at critical conditions could
      provide useful information to optimize the synthesis of functional polyethylene
      glycols. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the baseline separation of
      maleimide-functionalized polyethylene glycols based on the functionality
      independent of the molar mass without derivatization by isocratic elution.

PMID- 27659423
TI  - A novel transgenic mouse model of lysosomal storage disorder.
AB  - Knockout technology has proven useful for delineating functional roles of
      specific genes. Here we describe and provide an explanation for striking
      pathology that occurs in a subset of genetically engineered mice expressing a rat
      CaVbeta2a transgene under control of the cardiac alpha-myosin heavy chain
      promoter. Lesions were limited to mice homozygous for transgene and independent
      of native Cacnb2 genomic copy number. Gross findings included an atrophied
      pancreas; decreased adipose tissue; thickened, orange intestines; and enlarged
      liver, spleen, and abdominal lymph nodes. Immune cell infiltration and cell
      engulfment by macrophages were associated with loss of pancreatic acinar cells.
      Foamy macrophages diffusely infiltrated the small intestine's lamina propria,
      while similar macrophage aggregates packed liver and splenic red pulp sinusoids.
      Periodic acid-Schiff-positive, diastase-resistant, iron-negative, Oil Red O
      positive, and autofluorescent cytoplasm was indicative of a lipid storage
      disorder. Electron microscopic analysis revealed liver sinusoids distended by
      clusters of macrophages containing intracellular myelin "swirls" and hepatocytes
      with enlarged lysosomes. Additionally, build up of cholesterol, cholesterol
      esters, and triglycerides, along with changes in liver metabolic enzyme levels,
      were consistent with a lipid processing defect. Because of this complex
      pathology, we examined the transgene insertion site. Multiple transgene copies
      inserted into chromosome 19; at this same site, an approximate 180,000 base pair
      deletion occurred, ablating cholesterol 25-hydroxylase and partially deleting
      lysosomal acid lipase and CD95 Loss of gene function can account for the altered
      lipid processing, along with hypertrophy of the immune system, which define this
      phenotype, and serendipitously provides a novel mouse model of lysosomal storage
      disorder.

PMID- 27659427
TI  - Neurodegeneration and RNA-binding proteins.
AB  - In the eukaryotic nucleus, RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) play a very important role
      in the life cycle of both coding and noncoding RNAs. As soon as they are
      transcribed, in fact, all RNA molecules within a cell are bound by distinct sets
      of RBPs that have the task of regulating its correct processing, transport,
      stability, and function/translation up to its final degradation. These tasks are
      particularly important in cells that have a complex RNA metabolism, such as
      neurons. Not surprisingly, therefore, recent findings have shown that the
      misregulation of genes involved in RNA metabolism or the autophagy/proteasome
      pathway plays an important role in the onset and progression of several
      neurodegenerative diseases. In this article, we aim to review the recent advances
      that link neurodegenerative processes and RBP proteins. WIREs RNA 2017, 8:e1394.
      doi: 10.1002/wrna.1394 For further resources related to this article, please
      visit the WIREs website.

PMID- 27659426
TI  - Health Information Technologies-Academic and Commercial Evaluation (HIT-ACE)
      methodology: description and application to clinical feedback systems.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Health information technologies (HIT) have become nearly ubiquitous
      in the contemporary healthcare landscape, but information about HIT development,
      functionality, and implementation readiness is frequently siloed. Theory-driven
      methods of compiling, evaluating, and integrating information from the academic
      and commercial sectors are necessary to guide stakeholder decision-making
      surrounding HIT adoption and to develop pragmatic HIT research agendas. This
      article presents the Health Information Technologies-Academic and Commercial
      Evaluation (HIT-ACE) methodology, a structured, theory-driven method for
      compiling and evaluating information from multiple sectors. As an example
      demonstration of the methodology, we apply HIT-ACE to mental and behavioral
      health measurement feedback systems (MFS). MFS are a specific class of HIT that
      support the implementation of routine outcome monitoring, an evidence-based
      practice. RESULTS: HIT-ACE is guided by theories and frameworks related to user
      centered design and implementation science. The methodology involves four phases:
      (1) coding academic and commercial materials, (2) developer/purveyor interviews,
      (3) linking putative implementation mechanisms to hit capabilities, and (4)
      experimental testing of capabilities and mechanisms. In the current
      demonstration, phase 1 included a systematic process to identify MFS in mental
      and behavioral health using academic literature and commercial websites. Using
      user-centered design, implementation science, and feedback frameworks, the HIT
      ACE coding system was developed, piloted, and used to review each identified
      system for the presence of 38 capabilities and 18 additional characteristics via
      a consensus coding process. Bibliometic data were also collected to examine the
      representation of the systems in the scientific literature. As an example,
      results are presented for the application of HIT-ACE phase 1 to MFS wherein 49
      separate MFS were identified, reflecting a diverse array of characteristics and
      capabilities. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary findings demonstrate the utility of HIT
      ACE to represent the scope and diversity of a given class of HIT beyond what can
      be identified in the academic literature. Phase 2 data collection is expected to
      confirm and expand the information presented and phases 3 and 4 will provide more
      nuanced information about the impact of specific HIT capabilities. In all, HIT
      ACE is expected to support adoption decisions and additional HIT development and
      implementation research.

PMID- 27659429
TI  - Stem Cell Transplantation in Multiple Myeloma.
AB  - High-dose therapy (HDT) followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT)
      remains the standard of care for patients younger than 65 years of age with
      multiple myeloma (MM). However, this therapeutic approach has undergone
      substantial advances in this last decade, mainly due to the introduction of new
      drugs such as thalidomide, lenalidomide and bortezomib. These new drugs, in
      different combinations, have shown to significantly increase response rates after
      induction therapy and ASCT. Moreover, the positive results obtained with these
      agents in consolidation and maintenance strategies after ASCT strongly support
      the concept of continuous therapy, whose ultimate goal is the long-term control
      of the disease and the improvement of outcome. Preliminary data from studies
      investigating next generation proteasome inhibitors, such as carfilzomib and
      ixazomib, used upfront as well as at subsequent therapeutic lines, demonstrate
      the possibility of achieving molecular remission in most of the patients. The
      deeper responses obtained with new drugcombinations questioned the role of ASCT,
      and large, ongoing, phase 3 trials will shed light on the role and the timing of
      ASCT.

PMID- 27659430
TI  - UDP-N-acetyl-D-galactosamine:polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase- 6 (pp
      GalNAc-T6): Role in Cancer and Prospects as a Drug Target.
AB  - UDP-N-acetyl-D-galactosamine: polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyl transferase-6
      (pp-GalNAc-T6) is a member of the N-acetyl-D-galactosamine transferase family. It
      catalyzes the addition of N-acetyl-D-galactosamine to proteins, often the first
      step in O-glycosylation of proteins. Glycosylated proteins play important roles
      in vivo in the cell membrane. These are often involved in cell-cell adhesion,
      cytoskeleton regulation and immune recognition. pp-GalNAc-T6 has been shown to be
      upregulated in a number of types of cancer. Abnormally glycosylated forms of
      mucin 1 (a substrate of the enzyme), are used clinically as a biomarker for
      breast cancer. There is potential for other products of the pp-GalNAc- T6
      catalyzed reaction to be used. It is also possible that pp-GalNAc-T6 itself could
      be used as a biomarker, since levels of this protein tend to be low in non
      malignant tissues. pp- GalNAc-T6 has been implicated in malignant transformation
      and metastasis of cancer cells. As such, it has considerable potential as a
      target for chemotherapy. To date, no selective inhibitors of the enzyme have been
      identified. However, general inhibitors of the enzyme family result in reduced
      cell surface O-linked glycosylation and induce apoptosis in cultured cells. Thus,
      a selective inhibitor of pp-GalNAc-T6 is likely to target cancer cells and could
      be developed into a novel anticancer therapy.

PMID- 27659428
TI  - Prevention of allograft rejection in heart transplantation through concurrent
      gene silencing of TLR and Kinase signaling pathways.
AB  - Toll-like receptors (TLRs) act as initiators and conductors responsible for both
      innate and adaptive immune responses in organ transplantation. The mammalian
      target of rapamycin (mTOR) is one of the most critical signaling kinases that
      affects broad aspects of cellular functions including metabolism, growth, and
      survival. Recipients (BALB/c) were treated with MyD88, TRIF and mTOR siRNA
      vectors, 3 and 7 days prior to heart transplantation and 7, 14 and 21 days after
      transplantation. After siRNA treatment, recipients received a fully MHC
      mismatched C57BL/6 heart. Treatment with mTOR siRNA significantly prolonged
      allograft survival in heart transplantation. Moreover, the combination of mTOR
      siRNA with MyD88 and TRIF siRNA further extended the allograft survival; Flow
      cytometric analysis showed an upregulation of FoxP3 expression in spleen
      lymphocytes and a concurrent downregulation of CD40, CD86 expression,
      upregulation of PD-L1 expression in splenic dendritic cells in MyD88, TRIF and
      mTOR treated mice. There is significantly upregulated T cell exhaustion in T
      cells isolated from tolerant recipients. This study is the first demonstration of
      preventing immune rejection of allogeneic heart grafts through concurrent gene
      silencing of TLR and kinase signaling pathways, highlighting the therapeutic
      potential of siRNA in clinical transplantation.

PMID- 27659432
TI  - Risk Factors for Urethral Condyloma among Heterosexual Young Male Patients with
      Condyloma Acuminatum of Penile Skin.
AB  - To our knowledge, this is the first study that focuses on risk factor of urethral
      condyloma (UC). The subjects of our study included genital warts patients who had
      been diagnosed as having condyloma acuminatum of penile skin (CAPS) with/without
      UC. Relationship with UC of number of life time female partners, co-infection
      with urethritis, circumcision status, number of CAPS and wart diameter were
      studied by use of multivariate analysis. Co-infection with urethritis,
      circumcision status were risk factors of UC in heterosexual young male patients
      with CAPS. This information will be helpful for providing more professional
      counseling to patients with genital warts.

PMID- 27659431
TI  - Increase in Antibiotic-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections in Febrile
      Neutropenic Children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The incidence of bacteremia caused by Gram-negative bacteria has
      increased recently in febrile neutropenic patients with the increase of
      antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections. This study aimed to
      identify the distribution of causative bacteria and the proportion of antibiotic
      resistant bacteria in bacteremia diagnosed in febrile neutropenic children.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of febrile neutropenic children
      diagnosed with bacteremia between 2010 and 2014 were retrospectively reviewed.
      The causative bacteria and proportion of antibiotic-resistant bacteria were
      investigated and compared yearly during the study period. The clinical impact of
      antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections was also determined. RESULTS: A total
      of 336 bacteremia episodes were identified. During the entire study period, 181
      (53.9%) and 155 (46.1%) episodes were caused by Gram-negative and Gram-positive
      bacteria, respectively. Viridans streptococci (25.9%), Klebsiella spp. (16.7%),
      and Escherichia coli (16.4%) were the most frequent causative bacteria. The
      overall distribution of causative bacteria was not significantly different
      annually. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria were identified in 85 (25.3%) episodes,
      and the proportion of antibiotic-resistant bacteria was not significantly
      different annually. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing E. coli and
      Klebsiella spp. were most common among antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative
      bacteria, and they accounted for 30.6% (n = 34) of the identified E. coli and K.
      pneumoniae. Methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci were most
      common among antibiotic-resistant Gram-positive bacteria, and it accounted for
      88.5% (n = 23) of the identified coagulase-negative staphylococci. Antibiotic
      resistant bacterial infections, especially antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative
      bacterial infections, caused significantly higher mortality due to bacteremia
      compared with non-antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections (P < 0.001).
      CONCLUSION: Recently, Gram-negative bacteria caused more bacteremia cases than
      Gram-positive bacteria in febrile neutropenic children, and antibiotic-resistant
      Gram-negative bacterial infections increased. Antibiotic-resistant bacterial
      infections caused poorer prognosis compared with non-antibiotic-resistant
      bacterial infections, and therefore, continuous surveillance for changing
      epidemiology of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections and their clinical
      impact is necessary.

PMID- 27659433
TI  - Olecranon Osteomyelitis due to Actinomyces meyeri: Report of a Culture-Proven
      Case.
AB  - Actinomyces meyeri is a Gram positive, strict anaerobic bacterium, which was
      first described by Meyer in 1911. Primary actinomycotic osteomyelitis is rare and
      primarily affects the cervicofacial region, including mandible. We present an
      unusual case of osteomyelitis of a long bone combined with myoabscess due to A.
      meyeri. A 70-year-old man was admitted for pain and pus discharge of the right
      elbow. Twenty-five days before admission, he had hit his elbow against a table.
      MRI of the elbow showed a partial tear of the distal triceps tendon and myositis.
      He underwent open debridement and partial bone resection for the osteomyelitis of
      the olecranon. Biopsy showed no sulfur granules, but acute and chronic
      osteomyelitis. The excised tissue grew A. meyeri and Peptoniphilus
      asaccharolyticus. Intravenous ceftriaxone was administered and switched to oral
      amoxicillin. Infection of the extremities of actinomycosis often poses diagnostic
      difficulties, but it should not be neglected even when the characteristic
      pathologic findings are not present.

PMID- 27659435
TI  - Population Pharmacokinetic Analysis of Piperacillin/Tazobactam in Korean Patients
      with Acute Infections.
AB  - BACKGROUND: For more effective and safer usage of antibiotics, the dosing
      strategy should be individualized based on the patients' characteristics,
      including race. The aim of this study was to investigate the population
      pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles of piperacillin and tazobactam in Korean patients
      with acute infections. MATERIALS AND METHODS: At least four consecutive 2/0.25 g
      or 4/0.5 g doses of piperacillin/tazobactam (TZP) were intravenously infused over
      1 h every 8 h for patients with creatinine clearance (CL(cr)) <=50 ml/min or
      CL(cr) >50 mL/min, respectively. Blood samples from 33 patients at a steady-state
      were taken pre-dose and at 0 min, 30 min, and 4-6 h after the fourth infusion.
      The population PK analysis was conducted using a non-linear mixed-effects method.
      A likelihood ratio test was used to select significant covariates, with
      significance levels of P < 0.05 for selection and P < 0.01 for elimination.
      RESULTS: Both piperacillin PK and tazobactam PK were well described by a two
      compartment model with first-order elimination. Creatinine clearance and body
      weight, as covariates on clearance (CL) and volume of central compartment (V1),
      were selected among the covariates possibly affecting PK parameters of both
      drugs. CL was defined as CL = 2.9 + 4.03 * CL(cr) /47 for piperacillin and CL =
      1.76 + 4.81 * CL(cr) /47 for tazobactam. V1 was defined as V1 = 19.5 * weight/60
      for piperacillin and V1 = 22.6 * weight/60 for tazobactam. CONCLUSION: The PK
      profiles of TZP at a steady-state in Korean patients with acute infections were
      well described by a two-compartment model with first-order elimination. Both
      piperacillin and tazobactam clearances were significantly influenced by
      creatinine clearance.

PMID- 27659434
TI  - Mortality Risk Factors for Patients with Septic Shock after Implementation of the
      Surviving Sepsis Campaign Bundles.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Septic shock remains a leading cause of death, despite advances in
      critical care management. The Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) has reduced
      morbidity and mortality. This study evaluated risk factors for mortality in
      patients with septic shock who received treatment following the SSC bundles.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included patients with
      septic shock who received treatments following SSC bundles in an urban emergency
      department between November 2007 and November 2011. Primary and secondary
      endpoints were all-cause 7- and 28-day mortality. RESULTS: Among 436 patients, 7-
      and 28-day mortality rates were 7.11% (31/436) and 14% (61/436), respectively. In
      multivariate analysis, high lactate level (odds ratio [OR], 1.286; 95% confidence
      interval [CI], 1.016-1.627; P=0.036) and low estimated glomerular filtration rate
      (OR, 0.953; 95% CI, 0.913-0.996; P=0.032) were independent risk factors for 7-day
      mortality. Risk factors for 28-day mortality were high lactate level (OR, 1.346;
      95% CI, 1.083-1.673; P=0.008) and high Acute Physiology and Chronic Health
      Evaluation II score (OR, 1.153; 95% CI, 1.029-1.293; P=0.014). CONCLUSION: The
      risk of mortality of septic shock patients remains high in patients with high
      lactate levels and acute kidney injury.

PMID- 27659436
TI  - Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae: Prevalence and Risk Factors in a Single
      Community-Based Hospital in Korea.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) are Gram-negative
      bacteria with increasing prevalence of infection worldwide. In Korea, 25 cases of
      CPE isolates were reported by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and
      Prevention in 2011. Most CPE cases were detected mainly at tertiary referral
      hospitals. We analyzed the prevalence and risk factors for carbapenem-resistant
      Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) in a mid-sized community-based hospital in Korea.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed all consecutive episodes of
      Enterobacteriaceae in a mid-sized community-based hospital from January 2013 to
      February 2014. CRE was defined as organisms of Enterobacteriaceae showing
      decreased susceptibility to carbapenems. Risk factors for CRE were evaluated by a
      case-double control design. Carbapenemase was confirmed for CRE using a combined
      disc test. RESULTS: During 229,710 patient-days, 2,510 Enterobacteriaceae
      isolates were obtained. A total of 41 (1.6%) CRE isolates were enrolled in the
      study period. Thirteen species (31.7%) were Enterobacter aerogenes, 8 (19.5%)
      Klebsiella pneumoniae, 5 (12.2%) Enterobacter cloacae, and 15 other species of
      Enterobacteriaceae, respectively. Among the 41 isolates, only one (2.4%) E.
      aerogenes isolate belonged to CPE. For evaluation of risk factors, a total of 111
      patients were enrolled and this included 37 patients in the CRE group, 37 in
      control group I (identical species), and 37 in control group II (different
      species). Based on multivariate analysis, regularly visiting the outpatient
      clinic was a risk factor for CRE acquisition in the control group I (P = 0.003),
      while vascular catheter and Charlson comorbidity index score >= 3 were risk
      factors in control group II (P = 0.010 and 0.011, each). Patients with CRE were
      more likely to experience a reduced level of consciousness, use a vasopressor, be
      under intensive care, and suffer from acute kidney injury. However, CRE was not
      an independent predictor of mortality compared with both control groups.
      CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the prevalence of CRE was higher than expected in a
      mid-sized community-based hospital in Korea. CRE should be considered when
      patients have a vascular catheter, high comorbidity score, and regular visits to
      the outpatient clinic. This study suggests the need for appropriate prevention
      efforts and constant attention to CRE infection control in a mid-sized community
      based hospital.

PMID- 27659437
TI  - A 5-year Surveillance Study on Antimicrobial Resistance of Acinetobacter
      baumannii Clinical Isolates from a Tertiary Greek Hospital.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acinetobacter baumannii has emerged as a major cause of nosocomial
      outbreaks. It is particularly associated with nosocomial pneumonia and
      bloodstream infections in immunocompromised and debilitated patients with serious
      underlying pathologies. Over the last two decades, a remarkable rise in the rates
      of multidrug resistance to most antimicrobial agents that are active against A.
      baumannii has been noted worldwide. We evaluated the rates of antimicrobial
      resistance and changes in resistance over a 5-year period (2010-2014) in A.
      baumannii strains isolated from hospitalized patients in a tertiary Greek
      hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Identification of A. baumannii was performed by
      standard biochemical methods and the Vitek 2 automated system, which was also
      used for susceptibility testing against 18 antibiotics: ampicillin/sulbactam,
      ticarcillin, ticarcillin/clavulanic acid, piperacillin, piperacillin/tazobactam,
      cefotaxime, ceftazidime, cefepime, imipenem, meropenem, gentamicin, amikacin,
      tobramycin, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, tigecycline,
      trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and colistin. Interpretation of susceptibility
      results was based on the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute criteria,
      except for tigecycline, for which the Food and Drug Administration breakpoints
      were applied. Multidrug resistance was defined as resistance to >=3 classes of
      antimicrobial agents. RESULTS: Overall 914 clinical isolates of A. baumannii were
      recovered from the intensive care unit (ICU) (n = 493), and medical (n = 252) and
      surgical (n = 169) wards. Only 4.9% of these isolates were fully susceptible to
      the antimicrobials tested, while 92.89% of them were multidrug resistant (MDR),
      i.e., resistant to >=3 classes of antibiotics. ICU isolates were the most
      resistant followed by isolates from surgical and medical wards. The most
      effective antimicrobial agents were, in descending order: colistin, amikacin,
      trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, tigecycline, and tobramycin. Nevertheless, with
      the exception of colistin, no antibiotic was associated with a susceptibility
      rate >40% for the entire study period. The most common phenotype showed
      resistance against ampicillin/sulbactam, cephalosporins, carbapenems,
      aminoglycosides, ciprofloxacin, and tigecycline. An extremely concerning increase
      in colistin-resistant isolates (7.9%) was noted in 2014, the most recent study
      year. CONCLUSION: The vast majority of A. baumannii clinical isolates in our
      hospital are MDR. The remaining therapeutic options for critically ill patients
      who suffer from MDR A. baumannii infections are severely limited, with A.
      baumannii beginning to develop resistance even against colistin. Scrupulous
      application of infection control practices should be implemented in every
      hospital unit. Lastly, given the lack of available therapeutic options for MDR A.
      baumannii infections, well-controlled clinical trials of combinations of existing
      antibiotics are clearly needed.

PMID- 27659438
TI  - A Case of Infective Endocarditis caused by Abiotrophia defectiva in Korea.
AB  - Abiotrophia defectiva, a nutritionally variant streptococci can cause bacteremia,
      brain abscess, septic arthritis and in rare cases, infective endocarditis, which
      accounts for 5-6% of all cases. A. defectiva is characteristically difficult to
      diagnose and the mortality, morbidity and complication rates are high. Here, we
      discuss a case of infective endocarditis caused by A. defectiva. A 62-year-old
      female had previously undergone prosthetic valve replacement 6 years prior to
      admission. She developed infective endocarditis after tooth extraction. Her
      endocarditis was successfully treated with antimicrobial therapy and mitral valve
      replacement surgery. This is the first case of infective endocarditis caused by
      A. defectiva reported in Korea. This case shows that A. defectiva could be
      considered as a causative organism of infective endocarditis in Korea.

PMID- 27659439
TI  - Native Valve Endocarditis due to Corynebacterium striatum confirmed by 16S
      Ribosomal RNA Sequencing: A Case Report and Literature Review.
AB  - Corynebacterium species are non-fermentous Gram-positive bacilli that are normal
      flora of human skin and mucous membranes and are commonly isolated in clinical
      specimens. Non-diphtheriae Corynebacterium are regarded as contaminants when
      found in blood culture. Currently, Corynebacterium striatum is considered one of
      the emerging nosocomial agents implicated in endocarditis and serious infections.
      We report a case of native-valve infective endocarditis caused by C. striatum,
      which was misidentified by automated identification system but identified
      accurately by 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing, in a 55-year-old male patient. The
      patient had two mobile vegetations on his mitral valve, both of which had high
      embolic risk. Through surgical valve replacement and an antibiotic regimen, the
      patient recovered completely. In unusual clinical scenarios, C. striatum should
      not be simply dismissed as a contaminant when isolated from clinical specimens.
      The possibility of C. striatum infection should be considered even in an
      immunocompetent patient, and we suggest a genotypic assay, such as 16S rRNA
      sequencing, to confirm species identity.

PMID- 27659440
TI  - Clinical and Economic Evaluation of Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii
      Colonization in the Intensive Care Unit.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The clinical and economic impact of multidrug-resistant (MDR)
      Acinetobacter baumannii colonization remains unclear. This study aimed to
      estimate and compare the mortality rates, length of stay (LOS), and
      hospitalization costs in the intensive care unit (ICU) for MDR A. baumannii
      colonized patients and a matched population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed
      a retrospective propensity score matched cohort study comparing the outcomes of
      patients with MDR A. baumannii colonization with those of uncolonized subjects
      matched at the time they were admitted to the ICU between January 2012 and
      December 2014. RESULTS: During the study period, 375 (7.5%) of the 4,779 patients
      were colonized with MDR A. baumannii. One hundred and twenty-two MDR A. baumannii
      colonized patients were compared with 122 uncolonized patients using propensity
      score matching. MDR A. baumannii colonized patients were likely to have a higher
      mortality rate compared to uncolonized patients (49.2% vs 32.0%; odds ratio [OR],
      3.64). A longer ICU LOS and total admission days were observed in the MDR A.
      baumannii colonized patient group (4.14 and 4.67 days increase, OR 1.41 and
      1.19). MDR A. baumannii colonization patients had an average extra ICU and total
      admission cost of $1,179 (?1,261,334) and $1,333 (?1,422,032) according to a
      multivariable regression model (OR, 1.27 and 1.17). Multivariable analysis
      identified the factors affecting ICU cost, which included, MDR A. baumannii
      colonization (OR = 1.33; P = 0.001), ICU LOS (OR = 1.97; P <0.001), valvular
      heart disease (OR = 1.12; P = 0.005), invasive devices (OR = 1.15; P = 0.018),
      and surgery (OR = 1.1; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: MDR A. baumannii colonization was
      associated with increased mortality, LOS, and costs in the ICU. A strict
      infection control program including preemptive isolation for high-risk groups
      would be helpful for reducing the burden of this infection.

PMID- 27659441
TI  - Cigarette Smoking Status and Receipt of an Opioid Prescription Among Veterans of
      Recent Wars.
AB  - Objective: Cigarette smokers seeking treatment for chronic pain have higher rates
      of opioid use than nonsmokers. This study aims to examine whether veterans of
      Operations Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom/New Dawn (OEF/OIF/OND) who smoke are
      more likely to receive an opioid prescription than nonsmokers, adjusting for
      current pain intensity. Design: Cross-sectional analysis of a cohort study of
      OEF/OIF/OND veterans who had at least one visit to a Veterans Health
      Administration primary care clinic between 2001 and 2012. Methods: Smoking status
      was defined as current, former, and never. Current pain intensity (+/- 30 days of
      smoking status), based on the 0-10 numeric rating scale, was categorized as no
      pain/mild (0-3) and moderate/severe (4-10). Opioid receipt was defined as at
      least one prescription filled +/- 30 days of smoking status. Results: We
      identified 406,954 OEF/OIF/OND veterans: The mean age was 30 years, 12.5% were
      women (n = 50,988), 66.3% reported no pain or mild pain intensity, 33.7% reported
      moderate or severe pain intensity, 37.2% were current smokers, and 16% were
      former smokers. Overall, 33,960 (8.3%) veterans received one or more opioid
      prescription. Current smoking (odds ratio [OR] = 1.56, 95% confidence interval
      [CI] = 1.52-1.61) and former smoking (OR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.22-1.32) were
      associated with a higher likelihood of receipt of an opioid prescription compared
      with never smoking, after controlling for other covariates. Conclusions: We found
      an association between smoking status and receipt of an opioid prescription. The
      effect was stronger for current smokers than former smokers, highlighting the
      need to determine whether smoking cessation is associated with a reduction in
      opioid use among veterans.

PMID- 27659442
TI  - Autophagy activation involved in hypoxic-ischemic brain injury induces cognitive
      and memory impairment in neonatal rats.
AB  - Hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (HIBI) in neonates can lead to lifelong cognitive
      and memory impairment, but protective strategies are lacking at present. It has
      been demonstrated that autophagy plays a critical role in HIBI, while the
      function of autophagy in cognitive and memory impairment induced by HIBI in
      neonates has not been tested. In this study, we tested the impact of autophagy on
      the impairment of cognitive function and memory in HIBI neonatal rats by using a
      Morris water maze and investigated its possible mechanisms, which were
      established as HIBI model by ligating the left common carotid artery in neonatal
      rats, followed by 2-h hypoxia. The expression of microtubule-associated protein 1
      light chain 3 (LC3)-II increased in HI group 24 h after HI in neonatal rats,
      while Sequestosome 1 (P62/SQSTM1), phosphorylated cAMP-response element-binding
      protein (p-CREB) decreased (compared with the sham group, p < 0.05), which were
      shown in the same left hippocampus CA3 region by immunofluorescence analysis.
      Brain injury of neonatal rats was aggravated significantly at 7 day after HI,
      coinciding with the results of Morris water maze. An autophagy inhibitor, 3
      methyladenine (3-MA) pretreatment significantly attenuated the increase of LC3II
      and the loss of P62/SQSTM1 and p-CREB, ameliorated neuronal death, and improved
      the results of Morris water maze. Our results demonstrate that HIBI in neonatal
      rats induced excessive autophagy flux, which aggravated brain injury and induced
      cognitive and memory impairment during adolescence. Inhibition of autophagy
      reversed the results partly and improved the function of spatial learning and
      memory by attenuating the reduction of p-CREB. The use of autophagy modulators in
      the immature brain would create new opportunities for protective strategies
      clinically in the future.

PMID- 27659443
TI  - Metacarpal lengthening in children: comparison of three different techniques in
      15 consecutive cases.
AB  - : Metacarpal lengthening is a useful procedure to address hand deficiencies in
      children. In this study, we aimed to compare the results of three different
      techniques from one consecutive clinical series of hand deficiencies. A total of
      15 metacarpal lengthenings have been performed in 12 children aged from 9 to 14
      years. The callotasis technique was used in seven cases, the two-stage
      distraction-graft technique in four cases and the single-stage lengthening in
      four cases. All the metacarpals healed with bone. The lengthening obtained was a
      mean of 13 mm (range 8-21 mm), a mean of 22 mm (range 13-32 mm) and a mean of 12
      mm (range 9-15 mm), respectively, in the three different techniques. The healing
      index was longer for callotasis (81 days/cm) compared with the other techniques
      (41 days/cm and 46 days/cm, respectively). We observed one case of fracture after
      callotasis and one after distraction-graft. One patient underwent tenolysis of
      the extensor mechanism after single-stage lengthening. In conclusion, distraction
      graft and single-stage lengthening may be valuable alternatives to callotasis.
      LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV; therapeutic study; multi-case series.

PMID- 27659444
TI  - Single nanowire green InGaN/GaN light emitting diodes.
AB  - Single nanowire (NW) green InGaN/GaN light-emitting diodes (LEDs) were fabricated
      by top-down etching technology. The electroluminescence (EL) peak wavelength
      remains approximately constant with an increasing injection current in contrast
      to a standard planar LED, which suggests that the quantum-confined Stark effect
      is significantly reduced in the single NW device. The strain relaxation mechanism
      is studied in the single NW LED using Raman scattering analysis. As compared to
      its planar counterpart, the EL peak of the NW LED shows a redshift, due to
      electric field redistribution as a result of changes in the cavity mode pattern
      after metallization. Our method has important implication for single NW
      optoelectronic device applications.

PMID- 27659445
TI  - Quantum entanglement: facts and fiction - how wrong was Einstein after all?
AB  - Einstein was wrong with his 1927 Solvay Conference claim that quantum mechanics
      is incomplete and incapable of describing diffraction of single particles.
      However, the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen paradox of entangled pairs of particles
      remains lurking with its 'spooky action at a distance'. In molecules quantum
      entanglement can be viewed as basis of both chemical bonding and excitonic
      states. The latter are important in many biophysical contexts and involve
      coupling between subsystems in which virtual excitations lead to eigenstates of
      the total Hamiltonian, but not for the separate subsystems. The author questions
      whether atomic or photonic systems may be probed to prove that particles or
      photons may stay entangled over large distances and display the immediate
      communication with each other that so concerned Einstein. A dissociating hydrogen
      molecule is taken as a model of a zero-spin entangled system whose angular
      momenta are in principle possible to probe for this purpose. In practice,
      however, spins randomize as a result of interactions with surrounding fields and
      matter. Similarly, no experiment seems yet to provide unambiguous evidence of
      remaining entanglement between single photons at large separations in absence of
      mutual interaction, or about immediate (superluminal) communication. This forces
      us to reflect again on what Einstein really had in mind with the paradox, viz. a
      probabilistic interpretation of a wave function for an ensemble of identically
      prepared states, rather than as a statement about single particles. Such a
      prepared state of many particles would lack properties of quantum entanglement
      that make it so special, including the uncertainty upon which safe quantum
      communication is assumed to rest. An example is Zewail's experiment showing
      visible resonance in the dissociation of a coherently vibrating ensemble of NaI
      molecules apparently violating the uncertainty principle. Einstein was wrong
      about diffracting single photons where space-like anti-bunching observations have
      proven recently their non-local character and how observation in one point can
      remotely affect the outcome in other points. By contrast, long range photon
      entanglement with immediate, superluminal response is still an elusive, possibly
      partly misunderstood issue. The author proposes that photons may entangle over
      large distances only if some interaction exists via fields that cannot propagate
      faster than the speed of light. An experiment to settle this 'interaction
      hypothesis' is suggested.

PMID- 27659447
TI  - Research on pediatric glomerular disease and normal kidney with shear wave based
      elastography point quantification.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the renal cortex stiffness in children with glomerular
      disease by shear wave based elastography point quantification (ElastPQ), and to
      investigate the association between shear wave velocity (SWV) in the renal cortex
      and age in normal children, and the inter-gender differences. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: One hundred and five children who were pathologically confirmed with
      glomerular diseases were selected as the disease group. Meanwhile, 120 healthy
      children were selected as the control group. Effective values were measured 5
      times at the same kidney sites on each side. RESULTS: Comparisons of SWV
      measurements between left and right kidneys in the disease and control groups all
      showed significant differences (left kidney t = 6.896, P = 0.004; right kidney t
      = 7.415, P = 0.001). In the control group, left and right kidney SWV measurements
      were all positively correlated with age (left kidney r = 0.792, P = 0.003; right
      kidney r = 0.794, P = 0.004). Moreover, inter-gender difference was present in
      the right kidney measurements. CONCLUSIONS: ElastPQ technology has certain
      advantages in predicting pediatric glomerular disease compared to conventional
      ultrasound. ElastPQ technology contributes to the early diagnosis of the disease.

PMID- 27659446
TI  - Organic cation transporter 3 (OCT3) is localized to intracellular and surface
      membranes in select glial and neuronal cells within the basolateral amygdaloid
      complex of both rats and mice.
AB  - Organic cation transporter 3 (OCT3) is a high-capacity, low-affinity transporter
      that mediates corticosterone-sensitive uptake of monoamines including
      norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine, histamine and serotonin. OCT3 is expressed
      widely throughout the amygdaloid complex and other brain regions where monoamines
      are key regulators of emotional behaviors affected by stress. However, assessing
      the contribution of OCT3 to the regulation of monoaminergic neurotransmission and
      monoamine-dependent regulation of behavior requires fundamental information about
      the subcellular distribution of OCT3 expression. We used immunofluorescence and
      immuno-electron microscopy to examine the cellular and subcellular distribution
      of the transporter in the basolateral amygdaloid complex of the rat and mouse
      brain. OCT3-immunoreactivity was observed in both glial and neuronal perikarya in
      both rat and mouse amygdala. Electron microscopic immunolabeling revealed plasma
      membrane-associated OCT3 immunoreactivity on axonal, dendritic, and astrocytic
      processes adjacent to a variety of synapses, as well as on neuronal somata. In
      addition to plasma membrane sites, OCT3 immunolabeling was also observed
      associated with neuronal and glial endomembranes, including Golgi, mitochondrial
      and nuclear membranes. Particularly prominent labeling of the outer nuclear
      membrane was observed in neuronal, astrocytic, microglial and endothelial
      perikarya. The localization of OCT3 to neuronal and glial plasma membranes
      adjacent to synaptic sites is consistent with an important role for this
      transporter in regulating the amplitude, duration, and physical spread of
      released monoamines, while its localization to mitochondrial and outer nuclear
      membranes suggests previously undescribed roles for the transporter in the
      intracellular disposition of monoamines.

PMID- 27659449
TI  - Acute kidney injury after cardiac arrest: an unappreciated complication.

PMID- 27659448
TI  - Hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (HFSRT) for who grade I anterior
      clinoid meningiomas (ACM).
AB  - PURPOSE: While microsurgical resection plays a central role in the management of
      ACMs, extensive surgery may be associated with substantial morbidity particularly
      for tumors in intimate association with critical structures. In this study, we
      evaluated the use of HFSRT in the management of ACM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A
      total of 22 patients with ACM were treated using HFSRT. Frameless image guided
      volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) was performed with a 6 MV linear
      accelerator (LINAC). The total dose was 25 Gy delivered in five fractions over
      five consecutive treatment days. Local control (LC) and progression free survival
      (PFS) rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Common Terminology
      Criteria for Adverse Events, version 4.0 was used in toxicity grading. RESULTS:
      Out of the total 22 patients, outcomes of 19 patients with at least 36 months of
      periodic follow-up were assessed. Median patient age was 40 years old (range 24
      77 years old). Median follow-up time was 53 months (range 36-63 months). LC and
      PFS rates were 100 and 89.4 % at 1 and 3 years, respectively. Only two patients
      (10.5 %) experienced clinical deterioration during the follow-up period.
      CONCLUSION: LINAC-based HFSRT offers high rates of LC and PFS for patients with
      ACMs.

PMID- 27659450
TI  - GeneEvolve: a fast and memory efficient forward-time simulator of realistic whole
      genome sequence and SNP data.
AB  - MOTIVATION: Computer simulations are excellent tools for understanding the
      evolutionary and genetic consequences of complex processes that cannot be
      analytically predicted and for creating realistic genetic data. There are many
      software packages that simulate genetic data, but they are typically not fast or
      memory efficient enough to simulate realistic, individual-level genome-wide
      SNP/sequence data. RESULTS: GeneEvolve is a user-friendly and efficient
      population genetics simulator that handles complex evolutionary and life history
      scenarios and generates individual-level phenotypes and realistic whole-genome
      sequence or SNP data. GeneEvolve runs forward-in-time, which allows it to provide
      a wide range of scenarios for mating systems, selection, population size and
      structure, migration, recombination and environmental effects. The software is
      designed to use as input data from real or previously simulated phased
      haplotypes, allowing it to mimic very closely the properties of real genomic
      data. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION: GeneEvolve is freely available at
      https://github.com/rtahmasbi/GeneEvolve CONTACT:
      Rasool.Tahmasbi@Colorado.eduSupplementary information: Supplementary data are
      available at Bioinformatics online.

PMID- 27659452
TI  - TwoPaCo: an efficient algorithm to build the compacted de Bruijn graph from many
      complete genomes.
AB  - Motivation: de Bruijn graphs have been proposed as a data structure to facilitate
      the analysis of related whole genome sequences, in both a population and
      comparative genomic settings. However, current approaches do not scale well to
      many genomes of large size (such as mammalian genomes). Results: In this article,
      we present TwoPaCo, a simple and scalable low memory algorithm for the direct
      construction of the compacted de Bruijn graph from a set of complete genomes. We
      demonstrate that it can construct the graph for 100 simulated human genomes in
      less than a day and eight real primates in < 2 h, on a typical shared-memory
      machine. We believe that this progress will enable novel biological analyses of
      hundreds of mammalian-sized genomes. Availability and Implementation: Our code
      and data is available for download from github.com/medvedevgroup/TwoPaCo.
      Contact: ium125@psu.edu. Supplementary information: Supplementary data are
      available at Bioinformatics online.

PMID- 27659451
TI  - PSSV: a novel pattern-based probabilistic approach for somatic structural
      variation identification.
AB  - MOTIVATION: Whole genome DNA-sequencing (WGS) of paired tumor and normal samples
      has enabled the identification of somatic DNA changes in an unprecedented detail.
      Large-scale identification of somatic structural variations (SVs) for a specific
      cancer type will deepen our understanding of driver mechanisms in cancer
      progression. However, the limited number of WGS samples, insufficient read
      coverage, and the impurity of tumor samples that contain normal and neoplastic
      cells, limit reliable and accurate detection of somatic SVs. RESULTS: We present
      a novel pattern-based probabilistic approach, PSSV, to identify somatic
      structural variations from WGS data. PSSV features a mixture model with hidden
      states representing different mutation patterns; PSSV can thus differentiate
      heterozygous and homozygous SVs in each sample, enabling the identification of
      those somatic SVs with heterozygous mutations in normal samples and homozygous
      mutations in tumor samples. Simulation studies demonstrate that PSSV outperforms
      existing tools. PSSV has been successfully applied to breast cancer data to
      identify somatic SVs of key factors associated with breast cancer development.
      AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION: An R package of PSSV is available at
      http://www.cbil.ece.vt.edu/software.htm CONTACT: xuan@vt.eduSupplementary
      information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

PMID- 27659453
TI  - Evolutionary conservation of Ebola virus proteins predicts important functions at
      residue level.
AB  - MOTIVATION: The recent outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) resulted in a large
      number of human deaths. Due to this devastation, the Ebola virus has attracted
      renewed interest as model for virus evolution. Recent literature on Ebola virus
      (EBOV) has contributed substantially to our understanding of the underlying
      genetics and its scope with reference to the 2014 outbreak. But no study yet, has
      focused on the conservation patterns of EBOV proteins. RESULTS: We analyzed the
      evolution of functional regions of EBOV and highlight the function of conserved
      residues in protein activities. We apply an array of computational tools to
      dissect the functions of EBOV proteins in detail: (i) protein sequence
      conservation, (ii) protein-protein interactome analysis, (iii) structural
      modeling and (iv) kinase prediction. Our results suggest the presence of novel
      post-translational modifications in EBOV proteins and their role in the
      modulation of protein functions and protein interactions. Moreover, on the basis
      of the presence of ATM recognition motifs in all EBOV proteins we postulate a
      role of DNA damage response pathways and ATM kinase in EVD. The ATM kinase is put
      forward, for further evaluation, as novel potential therapeutic target.
      AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION: http://www.biw.kuleuven.be/CSB/EBOV-PTMs
      CONTACT: vera.vannoort@biw.kuleuven.beSupplementary information: Supplementary
      data are available at Bioinformatics online.

PMID- 27659454
TI  - Cardiovascular PET/MR imaging: Quo Vadis?
AB  - With the recent advent of PET/MRI scanners, the combination of molecular imaging
      with a variety of known and novel PET radiotracers, the high spatial resolution
      of MRI, and its potential for multi-parametric imaging are anticipated to
      increase the diagnostic accuracy in cardiovascular disease detection, while
      providing novel mechanistic insights into the initiation and progression of the
      disease state. For the time being, cardiac PET/MRI emerges as potential clinical
      tool in the identification and characterization of infiltrative cardiac diseases,
      such as sarcoidosis, acute or chronic myocarditis, and cardiac tumors,
      respectively. The application of PET/MRI in conjunction with various radiotracer
      probes in the identification of the vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque also holds
      much promise but needs further translation and validation in clinical
      investigations. The combination of molecular imaging and creation of multi
      parametric imaging maps with PET/MRI, however, are likely to set new horizons to
      develop predictive parameters for myocardial recovery and treatment response in
      ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy patients. Molecular imaging and multi
      parametric imaging in cardiovascular disease with PET/MRI at current stage are at
      its infancy but bear a bright future.

PMID- 27659456
TI  - Prompt-gamma compensation in Rb-82 myocardial perfusion 3D PET/CT: Effect on
      clinical practice.

PMID- 27659455
TI  - PET/MR: Yet another Tesla?
AB  - After the successful introduction of PET/CT as a multimodality imaging technique,
      PET/MR has subsequently emerged as an attractive instrumentation for applications
      in neurology, oncology, and cardiology. Simultaneous data acquisition combining
      structural, functional, and molecular imaging provides a unique platform to link
      various aspects of cardiac performance for the non-invasive characterization of
      cardiovascular disease phenotypes. Specifically, tissue characterization by MR
      techniques with and without contrast agents allows for functional parameters such
      as LGE, myocardial perfusion, and T1 maps as well as an estimate of extracellular
      volume. PET tracers excel by their high sensitivity and specificity, thus
      supplementing the functional tissue characterization by MRI. Although the
      clinical applications are yet to be validated , the first experience with PET/MR
      suggests future applications in the area of vascular imaging (unstable plaque) as
      well as in the characterization of inflammatory processes involving the heart.
      Ischemic heart disease can be comprehensively assessed by integrating regional
      function, perfusion, and viability. Future technical improvements leading to less
      costly PET/MR instrumentation are necessary to support routine clinical
      application of this promising technique in cardiology.

PMID- 27659457
TI  - Prognostic significance of blood pressure response during vasodilator stress Rb
      82 positron emission tomography myocardial perfusion imaging.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A drop in blood pressure (BP) or blunted BP response is an
      established high-risk marker during exercise myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI);
      however, data are sparse regarding the prognostic value of BP response in
      patients undergoing vasodilator stress rubidium-82 (Rb-82) Positron Emission
      Tomography (PET) MPI. METHODS AND RESULTS: From the PET Prognosis Multicenter
      Registry, a cohort of 3413 patients underwent vasodilator stress Rb-82 PET MPI
      with dipyridamole or adenosine. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazard
      regression to analyze the association with mortality of four BP variables: stress
      minus rest systolic BP (?SBP), stress minus rest diastolic BP (?DBP), resting
      systolic BP (rSBP), and resting diastolic BP (rDBP). Covariates that had
      univariate P values <.10 were entered into the multivariable model. After median
      1.7 years follow-up, 270 patients died. In univariate analyses, ?SBP (P = .082),
      rSBP (P = .008), and rDBP (P < .001) were of potential prognostic value (P <
      .10), but ?DBP was not (P = .96). After adjustment for other clinical and MPI
      variables, ?SBP no longer independently predicted mortality (P = .082); only
      lower rSBP (P = .026) and lower rDBP (P = .045) remained independently
      prognostic. CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing vasodilator stress MPI, only
      lower resting BP is an independent predictor of mortality along with other
      clinical and MPI variables; BP response does not appear to add to risk
      stratification in these patients.

PMID- 27659459
TI  - Blood Pressure Variability: Insights From "Big Data".

PMID- 27659458
TI  - Association of Systolic Blood Pressure Variability With Mortality, Coronary Heart
      Disease, Stroke, and Renal Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intraindividual blood pressure (BP) fluctuates dynamically over time.
      Previous studies suggested an adverse link between greater visit-to-visit
      variability in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and various outcomes. However, these
      studies have significant limitations, such as a small size, inclusion of selected
      populations, and restricted outcomes. OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the
      association of increased visit-to-visit variability and all-cause mortality,
      cardiovascular events, and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in a large cohort of
      U.S. veterans. METHODS: From among 3,285,684 U.S. veterans with and without
      hypertension and normal estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) during 2005
      and 2006, we identified 2,865,157 patients who had 8 or more outpatient BP
      measurements. Systolic blood pressure variability (SBPV) was measured using the
      SD of all SBP values (normally distributed) in 1 individual. Associations of SD
      quartiles (<10.3, 10.3 to 12.7, 12.7 to 15.6, and >=15.6 mm Hg) with all-cause
      mortality, incident coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, and ESRD was examined
      using Cox models adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, baseline eGFR,
      comorbidities, body mass index, SBP, diastolic BP, and antihypertensive
      medication use. RESULTS: Several sociodemographic variables (older age, male sex,
      African-American race, divorced or widowed status) and clinical characteristics
      (lower baseline eGFR, higher SBP and diastolic BP), and comorbidities (presence
      of diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and lung disease) were all
      associated with higher intraindividual SBPV. The multivariable adjusted hazard
      ratios and 95% confidence intervals for SD quartiles 2 through 4 (compared with
      the first quartile) associated with all-cause mortality, CHD, stroke, and ESRD
      were incrementally higher. CONCLUSIONS: Higher SBPV in individuals with and
      without hypertension was associated with increased risks of all-cause mortality,
      CHD, stroke, and ESRD. Further studies are needed to determine interventions that
      can lower SBPV and their impact on adverse health outcomes.

PMID- 27659460
TI  - Thromboembolic, Bleeding, and Mortality Risks of Rivaroxaban and Dabigatran in
      Asians With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is unclear whether the non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant
      agents rivaroxaban and dabigatran are superior to warfarin for efficacy and
      safety outcomes in Asians with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF).
      OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the risk for thromboembolic
      events, bleeding, and mortality associated with rivaroxaban and dabigatran versus
      warfarin in Asians with NVAF. METHODS: A nationwide retrospective cohort study
      was conducted of consecutive patients with NVAF taking rivaroxaban (n = 3,916),
      dabigatran (n = 5,921), or warfarin (n = 5,251) using data collected from the
      Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database between February 1, 2013 and
      December 31, 2013. The propensity score weighting method was used to balance
      covariates across study groups. Patients were followed until the first occurrence
      of any study outcome or the study end date (December 31, 2013). RESULTS: A total
      of 3,425 (87%) and 5,301 (90%) patients were taking low-dose rivaroxaban (10 to
      15 mg once daily) and dabigatran (110 mg twice daily), respectively. Compared
      with warfarin, both rivaroxaban and dabigatran significantly decreased the risk
      for ischemic stroke or systemic embolism (p = 0.0004 and p = 0.0006,
      respectively), intracranial hemorrhage (p = 0.0007 and p = 0.0005, respectively),
      and all-cause mortality (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001, respectively) during the
      short follow-up period. In comparing the 2 non-vitamin K antagonist oral
      anticoagulant agents with each other, no differences were found regarding risk
      for ischemic stroke or systemic embolism, intracranial hemorrhage, myocardial
      infarction, or mortality. Rivaroxaban carried a significantly higher risk for
      hospitalization for gastrointestinal bleeding than dabigatran (p = 0.0416), but
      on-treatment analysis showed that the risk for hospitalized gastrointestinal
      bleeding was similar between the 2 drugs (p = 0.5783). CONCLUSIONS: In real-world
      practice among Asians with NVAF, both rivaroxaban and dabigatran were associated
      with reduced risk for ischemic stroke or systemic embolism, intracranial
      hemorrhage, and all-cause mortality without significantly increased risk for
      acute myocardial infarction or hospitalization for gastrointestinal bleeding
      compared with warfarin.

PMID- 27659461
TI  - The Reality of "Real-World" Data: More Questions Than Answers.

PMID- 27659462
TI  - Prognostic Implications of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Ischemic and Nonischemic
      Heart Failure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) is a common and serious complication in type 2
      diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The prognosis of ischemic HF and impact of
      revascularization in such patients have not been investigated fully in a patient
      population representing everyday practice. OBJECTIVES: This study examined the
      impact of ischemic versus nonischemic HF and previous revascularization on long
      term prognosis in an unselected population of patients with and without T2DM.
      METHODS: Patients stratified by diabetes status and ischemic or nonischemic HF
      and history of revascularization in the Swedish Heart Failure Registry (SwedeHF)
      from 2003 to 2011 were followed up for mortality predictors and longevity. A
      propensity score analysis was applied to evaluate the impact of previous
      revascularization. RESULTS: Among 35,163 HF patients, those with T2DM were
      younger, and 90% had 1 or more associated comorbidities. Ischemic heart disease
      (IHD) occurred in 62% of patients with T2DM and 47% of those without T2DM, of
      whom 53% and 48%, respectively, had previously undergone revascularization. T2DM
      predicted mortality regardless of the presence of IHD, with adjusted hazard
      ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of 1.40 (1.33 to 1.46) and 1.30
      (1.22 to 1.39) in those with and without IHD, respectively. Patients with both
      T2DM and IHD had the highest mortality, which was further accentuated by the
      absence of previous revascularization (adjusted HR: 0.82 in favor of such
      treatment; 95% CI: 0.75 to 0.91). Propensity score adjustment did not change
      these results (HR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.78 to 0.96). Revascularization did not abolish
      the impact of T2DM, which predicted mortality in those with (HR: 1.36; 95% CI:
      1.24 to 1.48) and without (HR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.33 to 1.56) a history of
      revascularization. CONCLUSIONS: Ninety percent of HF patients with T2DM have
      preventable comorbidities. IHD in patients with T2DM had an especially negative
      influence on mortality, an impact that was beneficially influenced by previous
      revascularization.

PMID- 27659463
TI  - Diabetes and Heart Failure: Sugared Words Prove Bitter.

PMID- 27659464
TI  - Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin for Acute Kidney Injury During Acute
      Heart Failure Hospitalizations: The AKINESIS Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Worsening renal function (WRF) often occurs during acute heart
      failure (AHF) and can portend adverse outcomes; therefore, early identification
      may help mitigate risk. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a
      novel renal biomarker that may predict WRF in certain disorders, but its value in
      AHF is unknown. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to determine whether NGAL is
      superior to creatinine for prediction and/or prognosis of WRF in hospitalized
      patients with AHF treated with intravenous diuretic agents. METHODS: This was a
      multicenter, prospective cohort study enrolling patients presenting with AHF
      requiring intravenous diuretic agents. The primary outcome was whether plasma
      NGAL could predict the development of WRF, defined as a sustained increase in
      plasma creatinine of 0.5 mg/dl or >=50% above first value or initiation of acute
      renal-replacement therapy, within the first 5 days of hospitalization. The main
      secondary outcome was in-hospital adverse events. RESULTS: We enrolled 927
      subjects (mean age, 68.5 years; 62% men). The primary outcome occurred in 72
      subjects (7.8%). Peak NGAL was more predictive than the first NGAL, but neither
      added significant diagnostic utility over the first creatinine (areas under the
      curve: 0.656, 0.647, and 0.652, respectively). There were 235 adverse events in
      144 subjects. The first NGAL was a better predictor than peak NGAL, but similar
      to the first creatinine (areas under the curve: 0.691, 0.653, and 0.686,
      respectively). In a post hoc analysis of subjects with an estimated glomerular
      filtration rate <60 ml/min/1.73 m(2), a first NGAL <150 ng/ml indicated a low
      likelihood of adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma NGAL was not superior to
      creatinine for the prediction of WRF or adverse in-hospital outcomes. The use of
      plasma NGAL to diagnose acute kidney injury in AHF cannot be recommended at this
      time. (Acute Kidney Injury Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin [N-GAL]
      Evaluation of Symptomatic Heart Failure Study [AKINESIS]; NCT01291836).

PMID- 27659465
TI  - Plasma NGAL: So, it Really Is Just Expensive Creatinine!

PMID- 27659467
TI  - Unraveling Myocardial Mass: Using Classical ECG With Contemporary GWAS.

PMID- 27659469
TI  - Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury.
AB  - Coronary angiography and percutaneous intervention rely on the use of iodinated
      intravascular contrast for vessel and chamber imaging. Despite advancements in
      imaging and interventional techniques, iodinated contrast continues to pose a
      risk of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) for a subgroup of patients
      at risk for this complication. There has been a consistent and graded signal of
      risk for associated outcomes including need for renal replacement therapy,
      rehospitalization, and death, according to the incidence and severity of CI-AKI.
      This paper reviews the epidemiology, pathophysiology, prognosis, and management
      of CI-AKI as it applies to the cardiac catheterization laboratory.

PMID- 27659470
TI  - Effect of New Cerebral Ischemic Lesions on the Delirium Occurrence After
      Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

PMID- 27659468
TI  - Atrial Fibrillation and Thromboembolism in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease.
AB  - A bidirectional relationship exists between atrial fibrillation (AF) and chronic
      renal disease. Patients with AF have a higher incidence of renal dysfunction, and
      the latter predisposes to incident AF. The coexistence of both conditions results
      in a higher risk for thromboembolic-related adverse events but a paradoxical
      increased hemorrhagic risk. Oral anticoagulants (both vitamin K antagonists
      [VKAs] and non-VKA oral anticoagulants [NOACs]) have been demonstrated to be
      effective in mild to moderate renal dysfunction. Patients with severe renal
      impairment were excluded from the non-VKA oral anticoagulant trials, so limited
      data are available. In end-stage renal failure, the net clinical benefit of VKAs
      in dialysis-dependent patients remains uncertain, although some evidence suggests
      that such patients may do well with high-quality anticoagulation control. Risk
      stratification and careful follow-up of such patients are necessary to ensure a
      net clinical benefit from thromboprophylaxis.

PMID- 27659471
TI  - Reduction of Ischemic Time for Transferred STEMI Patients Using a Smartphone
      Social Network System.

PMID- 27659472
TI  - Endovascular-First Treatment of Peripheral Arterial Disease Remains
      Controversial.

PMID- 27659473
TI  - Reply: Endovascular-First Treatment of Peripheral Arterial Disease Remains
      Controversial.

PMID- 27659474
TI  - "Catecholamine-Mediated Myocarditis" Versus "Takotsubo Syndrome": What's in a
      Name? The Lumpers and Splitters Divide.

PMID- 27659475
TI  - Correction.

PMID- 27659466
TI  - 52 Genetic Loci Influencing Myocardial Mass.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Myocardial mass is a key determinant of cardiac muscle function and
      hypertrophy. Myocardial depolarization leading to cardiac muscle contraction is
      reflected by the amplitude and duration of the QRS complex on the
      electrocardiogram (ECG). Abnormal QRS amplitude or duration reflect changes in
      myocardial mass and conduction, and are associated with increased risk of heart
      failure and death. OBJECTIVES: This meta-analysis sought to gain insights into
      the genetic determinants of myocardial mass. METHODS: We carried out a genome
      wide association meta-analysis of 4 QRS traits in up to 73,518 individuals of
      European ancestry, followed by extensive biological and functional assessment.
      RESULTS: We identified 52 genomic loci, of which 32 are novel, that are reliably
      associated with 1 or more QRS phenotypes at p < 1 * 10(-8). These loci are
      enriched in regions of open chromatin, histone modifications, and transcription
      factor binding, suggesting that they represent regions of the genome that are
      actively transcribed in the human heart. Pathway analyses provided evidence that
      these loci play a role in cardiac hypertrophy. We further highlighted 67
      candidate genes at the identified loci that are preferentially expressed in
      cardiac tissue and associated with cardiac abnormalities in Drosophila
      melanogaster and Mus musculus. We validated the regulatory function of a novel
      variant in the SCN5A/SCN10A locus in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: Taken
      together, our findings provide new insights into genes and biological pathways
      controlling myocardial mass and may help identify novel therapeutic targets.

PMID- 27659476
TI  - Expeditious and Divergent Total Syntheses of Aspidosperma Alkaloids Exploiting
      Iridium(I)-Catalyzed Generation of Reactive Enamine Intermediates.
AB  - A new approach for the divergent total syntheses of (+/-)-vincaminorine, (+/-)-N
      methylquebrachamine, (+/-)-quebrachamine, (+/-)-minovine and (+/-)
      vincadifformine, each in less than 10 linear steps starting from a single delta
      lactam building block, is reported. Key to our route design is the late-stage
      generation of reactive enamine functionality from stable indole-linked delta
      lactams via a highly chemoselective iridium(I)-catalyzed reduction. The
      efficiently formed secodine intermediates subsequently undergo either a formal
      Diels-Alder cycloaddition or a competitive Michael addition/reduction to access
      aspidosperma-type alkaloids in excellent diastereoselectivities. Product
      selectivity could be controlled by changing the indole N-protecting group in the
      reductive cyclization precursors. An asymmetric variant of this synthetic
      strategy for the synthesis of (+)-20-epi-ibophyllidine is also described.

PMID- 27659477
TI  - T1 mapping in children and young adults with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
AB  - To assess the global and segmental left ventricular (LV) native T1 and
      extracellular volume fraction (ECV) in children and young adults with
      hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) compared to a control cohort. The study
      population included 21 HCM patients (mean 14.1 +/- 4.6 years) and 21 controls
      (mean 15.7 +/- 1.5 years). Native modified Look-Locker inversion recovery
      sequence was performed before and after contrast injection in 3 short axis
      planes. Global and segmental LV native T1 and ECV were quantified and compared
      between HCM patients and controls. Mean native T1 in HCM patients and controls
      was 1020.4 +/- 41.2 and 965.6 +/- 30.2 ms respectively (p < 0.0001).
      Hypertrophied myocardium had significantly higher native global T1 and global ECV
      compared to non-hypertrophied myocardium in HCM (p < 0.0001, = 0.14 and 0.048, =
      0.01 respectively). In a subset of patients, ECV was higher in LV segments with
      LGE compared to no LGE (p < 0.0001). No significant correlation was identified
      between global native T1 and ECV and parameters of LV structure and function.
      Native T1 cut-off of 987 ms provided the highest sensitivity (95 %) and
      specificity (91 %) to separate HCM patients from controls. Global and segmental
      native T1 are elevated in HCM patients. LV segments with hypertrophy and/or LGE
      had higher ECV in a subset of HCM patients. LV native T1 and ECV do not correlate
      with parameters of LV structure and function. T1 in children and young adults may
      be used as a non-invasive tool to assess for HCM and related fibrosis.

PMID- 27659479
TI  - Effects of high-intensity interval cycling performed after resistance training on
      muscle strength and hypertrophy.
AB  - Aim of the study was to investigate whether high-intensity interval cycling
      performed immediately after resistance training would inhibit muscle strength
      increase and hypertrophy expected from resistance training per se. Twenty-two
      young men were assigned into either resistance training (RE; N = 11) or
      resistance training plus high-intensity interval cycling (REC; N = 11). Lower
      body muscle strength and rate of force development (RFD), quadriceps cross
      sectional area (CSA) and vastus lateralis muscle architecture, muscle fiber type
      composition and capillarization, and estimated aerobic capacity were evaluated
      before and after 8 weeks of training (2 times per week). Muscle strength and
      quadriceps CSA were significantly and similarly increased after both
      interventions. Fiber CSA increased significantly and similarly after both RE
      (type I: 13.6 +/- 3.7%, type IIA: 17.6 +/- 4.4%, type IIX: 23.2 +/- 5.7%, P <
      0.05) and REC (type I: 10.0 +/- 2.7%, type IIA: 14.8 +/- 4.3% type IIX: 20.8 +/-
      6.0%, P < 0.05). In contrast, RFD decreased and fascicle angle increased (P <
      0.05) only after REC. Capillary density and estimated aerobic capacity increased
      (P < 0.05) only after REC. These results suggest that high-intensity interval
      cycling performed after heavy-resistance exercise may not inhibit resistance
      exercise-induced muscle strength/hypertrophy after 2 months of training, while it
      prompts aerobic capacity and muscle capillarization. The addition of high
      intensity cycling after heavy-resistance exercise may decrease RFD partly due to
      muscle architectural changes.

PMID- 27659478
TI  - Left ventricular non-compaction and idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy: the
      significant diagnostic value of longitudinal strain.
AB  - Left ventricular non-compaction (LV NC) is characterized by abnormal
      trabeculations that are mainly at the LV apex. Distinction between LV NC and non
      specific dilated cardiomyopathies (DCMs) remains often challenging. We sought to
      find additive tools comparing the longitudinal strain characteristics of LVNC
      versus idiopathic DCM in a cohort of patients. 48 cases of LVNC (derivation
      cohort) were compared with 45 cases of DCM. Global and regional multi-layer (sub
      endocardial, mid-wall, and sub-epicardial) LV longitudinal strain analysis was
      performed. Results were compared to define the best tool for distinguishing LVNC
      from DCM. A validation cohort (41 LVNC patients) was then used to assess the
      performance of the proposed diagnostic tools. In the derivation cohort,
      longitudinal deformation (strain) was greater in LVNC than in DCM patients.
      Longitudinal shortening was greater in the non-compacted segments than in the
      compacted ones. A mid-wall strain base-apex gradient had 88.4 % sensitivity and
      66.7 % specificity in distinguishing LVNC from DCM (AUC = 0.83; cut-off of -23 or
      |0.23|%). In a multivariable model, the base-apex mid-wall gradient in an apical
      4-chamber view was the only independent echocardiographic criteria (OR = 0.76, CI
      95 % [0.66; 0.90], p = 0.0010) allowing the distinction between LVNC and DCM. In
      the validation cohort, the base-apex mid-wall gradient of strain had 88.4 %
      sensitivity, 85.7 % negative predictive values for the diagnosis of LVNC.
      Longitudinal strain, especially the base-apex longitudinal gradient of strain,
      appears as an additive valuable tool for distinguishing LVNC from DCM.

PMID- 27659480
TI  - Test-based age-of-acquisition norms for 44 thousand English word meanings.
AB  - Age of acquisition (AoA) is an important variable in word recognition research.
      Up to now, nearly all psychology researchers examining the AoA effect have used
      ratings obtained from adult participants. An alternative basis for determining
      AoA is directly testing children's knowledge of word meanings at various ages. In
      educational research, scholars and teachers have tried to establish the grade at
      which particular words should be taught by examining the ages at which children
      know various word meanings. Such a list is available from Dale and O'Rourke's
      (1981) Living Word Vocabulary for nearly 44 thousand meanings coming from over 31
      thousand unique word forms and multiword expressions. The present article relates
      these test-based AoA estimates to lexical decision times as well as to AoA adult
      ratings, and reports strong correlations between all of the measures. Therefore,
      test-based estimates of AoA can be used as an alternative measure.

PMID- 27659482
TI  - Age and gender effects on bone mass density variation: finite elements
      simulation.
AB  - Bone remodeling is a physiological process by which bone constantly adapts its
      structure to changes in long-term loading manifested by interactions between
      osteoclasts and osteoblasts. This process can be influenced by many local
      factors, via effects on bone cells differentiation and proliferation, which are
      produced by bone cells and act in a paracrine or autocrine way. The aim of the
      current work is to provide mechanobiological finite elements modeling coupling
      both cellular activities and mechanical behavior in order to investigate age and
      gender effects on bone remodeling evolution. A series of computational
      simulations have been performed on a 2D and 3D human proximal femur. An age- and
      gender-related impacts on bulk density alteration of trabecular bone have been
      noticed, and the major actors responsible of this phenomenon have been then
      discussed.

PMID- 27659481
TI  - Expression of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor contributes to the establishment of
      intestinal microbial community structure in mice.
AB  - Environmental and genetic factors represent key components in the
      establishment/maintenance of the intestinal microbiota. The aryl hydrocarbon
      receptor (AHR) is emerging as a pleiotropic factor, modulating pathways beyond
      its established role as a xenobiotic sensor. The AHR is known to regulate immune
      surveillance within the intestine through retention of intraepithelial
      lymphocytes, functional redistribution of Th17/Treg balance. Consequently,
      environmental/genetic manipulation of AHR activity likely influences host-microbe
      homeostasis. Utilizing C57BL6/J Ahr-/+ and Ahr-/- co-housed littermates followed
      by 18 days of genotypic segregation, we examined the influence of AHR expression
      upon intestinal microbe composition/functionality and host physiology. 16S
      sequencing/quantitative PCR (qPCR) revealed significant changes in phyla
      abundance, particularly Verrucomicrobia together with segmented filamentous
      bacteria, and an increase in species diversity in Ahr-/- mice following genotypic
      segregation. Metagenomics/metabolomics indicate microbial composition is
      associated with functional shifts in bacterial metabolism. Analysis identified
      Ahr-/--dependent increases in ileal gene expression, indicating increased
      inflammatory tone. Transfer of Ahr-/- microbiota to wild-type germ-free mice
      recapitulated the increase Verrucomicrobia and inflammatory tone, indicating Ahr
      /--microbial dependence. These data suggest a role for the AHR in influencing the
      community structure of the intestinal microbiota.

PMID- 27659484
TI  - Intercalated water layers promote thermal dissipation at bio-nano interfaces.
AB  - The increasing interest in developing nanodevices for biophysical and biomedical
      applications results in concerns about thermal management at interfaces between
      tissues and electronic devices. However, there is neither sufficient knowledge
      nor suitable tools for the characterization of thermal properties at interfaces
      between materials of contrasting mechanics, which are essential for design with
      reliability. Here we use computational simulations to quantify thermal transfer
      across the cell membrane-graphene interface. We find that the intercalated water
      displays a layered order below a critical value of ~1 nm nanoconfinement,
      mediating the interfacial thermal coupling, and efficiently enhancing the thermal
      dissipation. We thereafter develop an analytical model to evaluate the critical
      value for power generation in graphene before significant heat is accumulated to
      disturb living tissues. These findings may provide a basis for the rational
      design of wearable and implantable nanodevices in biosensing and thermotherapic
      treatments where thermal dissipation and transport processes are crucial.

PMID- 27659483
TI  - The corticospinal tract profile in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
AB  - This work evaluates the potential in diagnostic application of a new advanced
      neuroimaging method, which delineates the profile of tissue properties along the
      corticospinal tract (CST) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), by means of
      diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Twenty-four ALS patients and twenty-four
      demographically matched healthy subjects were enrolled in this study. The
      Automated Fiber Quantification (AFQ), a tool for the automatic reconstruction of
      white matter tract profiles, based on a deterministic tractography algorithm to
      automatically identify the CST and quantify its diffusion properties, was used.
      At a group level, the highest non-overlapping DTI-related differences were
      detected in the cerebral peduncle, posterior limb of the internal capsule, and
      primary motor cortex. Fractional anisotropy (FA) decrease and mean diffusivity
      (MD) and radial diffusivity (RD) increases were detected when comparing ALS
      patients to controls. The machine learning approach used to assess the clinical
      utility of this DTI tool revealed that, by combining all DTI metrics measured
      along tract between the cerebral peduncle and the corona radiata, a mean 5-fold
      cross validation accuracy of 80% was reached in discriminating ALS from controls.
      Our study provides a useful new neuroimaging tool to characterize ALS-related
      neurodegenerative processes by means of CST profile. We demonstrated that
      specific microstructural changes in the upper part of the brainstem might be
      considered as a valid biomarker. With further validations this method has the
      potential to be considered a promising step toward the diagnostic utility of DTI
      measures in ALS. Hum Brain Mapp 38:727-739, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals,
      Inc.

PMID- 27659485
TI  - Neighborhood Socioeconomic Disadvantage; Neighborhood Racial Composition; and
      Hypertension Stage, Awareness, and Treatment Among Hypertensive Black Men in New
      York City: Does Nativity Matter?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Neighborhood-level poverty and racial composition may contribute to
      racial disparities in hypertension outcomes. Little is known about how the
      effects of neighborhood social environments may differ by nativity status among
      diverse urban Black adults. We aimed to characterize the influence of
      neighborhood-level socio-demographic factors on hypertension outcomes among US-
      and foreign-born Black men with uncontrolled blood pressure. DESIGN: We conducted
      a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from two large community-based trials
      of hypertensive Black men aged 50 and over linked with census tract data from the
      2012 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. We defined census tracts with
      high racial segregation as those where 60 % or more self-identified as Black and
      high-poverty census tracts as those where 20 % or more lived below the poverty
      line. Multivariable general estimating equation models were used to measure
      associations between neighborhood characteristics and stage of hypertension,
      hypertension awareness, and treatment to yield adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR).
      Models were run separately for US- and foreign-born Black men. RESULTS: Over 64 %
      of the 1139 participants lived in a census tract with a high percentage of Black
      residents and over 71 % lived in high-poverty census tracts. Foreign-born Black
      men living in neighborhoods with a high concentration of Black residents were
      less likely to be treated for their high blood pressure (aPR 0.44, 95 % CI 0.22
      0.88), but this result did not hold for US-born Black men. There were no
      significant associations between neighborhood poverty and hypertension outcomes.
      CONCLUSIONS: Neighborhood context may impact treatment for hypertension, one of
      the most important factors in hypertension control and decreasing hypertension
      related mortality, particularly among foreign-born Black men.

PMID- 27659486
TI  - Modeling the Effects of Sensorineural Hearing Loss on Sound Localization in the
      Median Plane.
AB  - Listeners use monaural spectral cues to localize sound sources in sagittal planes
      (along the up-down and front-back directions). How sensorineural hearing loss
      affects the salience of monaural spectral cues is unclear. To simulate the
      effects of outer-hair-cell (OHC) dysfunction and the contribution of different
      auditory-nerve fiber types on localization performance, we incorporated a
      nonlinear model of the auditory periphery into a model of sagittal-plane sound
      localization for normal-hearing listeners. The localization model was first
      evaluated in its ability to predict the effects of spectral cue modifications for
      normal-hearing listeners. Then, we used it to simulate various degrees of OHC
      dysfunction applied to different types of auditory-nerve fibers. Predicted
      localization performance was hardly affected by mild OHC dysfunction but was
      strongly degraded in conditions involving severe and complete OHC dysfunction.
      These predictions resemble the usually observed degradation in localization
      performance induced by sensorineural hearing loss. Predicted localization
      performance was best when preserving fibers with medium spontaneous rates, which
      is particularly important in view of noise-induced hearing loss associated with
      degeneration of this fiber type. On average across listeners, predicted
      localization performance was strongly related to level discrimination sensitivity
      of auditory-nerve fibers, indicating an essential role of this coding property
      for localization accuracy in sagittal planes.

PMID- 27659487
TI  - Perception of Interaural Phase Differences With Envelope and Fine Structure
      Coding Strategies in Bilateral Cochlear Implant Users.
AB  - The ability to detect a target signal masked by noise is improved in normal
      hearing listeners when interaural phase differences (IPDs) between the ear
      signals exist either in the masker or in the signal. To improve binaural hearing
      in bilaterally implanted cochlear implant (BiCI) users, a coding strategy
      providing the best possible access to IPD is highly desirable. In this study, we
      compared two coding strategies in BiCI users provided with CI systems from MED-EL
      (Innsbruck, Austria). The CI systems were bilaterally programmed either with the
      fine structure processing strategy FS4 or with the constant rate strategy high
      definition continuous interleaved sampling (HDCIS). Familiarization periods
      between 6 and 12 weeks were considered. The effect of IPD was measured in two
      types of experiments: (a) IPD detection thresholds with tonal signals addressing
      mainly one apical interaural electrode pair and (b) with speech in noise in terms
      of binaural speech intelligibility level differences (BILD) addressing multiple
      electrodes bilaterally. The results in (a) showed improved IPD detection
      thresholds with FS4 compared with HDCIS in four out of the seven BiCI users. In
      contrast, 12 BiCI users in (b) showed similar BILD with FS4 (0.6 +/- 1.9 dB) and
      HDCIS (0.5 +/- 2.0 dB). However, no correlation between results in (a) and (b)
      both obtained with FS4 was found. In conclusion, the degree of IPD sensitivity
      determined on an apical interaural electrode pair was not an indicator for BILD
      based on bilateral multielectrode stimulation.

PMID- 27659488
TI  - Liprin-alpha1 and ERC1 control cell edge dynamics by promoting focal adhesion
      turnover.
AB  - Liprin-alpha1 and ERC1 are interacting scaffold proteins regulating the motility
      of normal and tumor cells. They act as part of plasma membrane-associated
      platforms at the edge of motile cells to promote protrusion by largely unknown
      mechanisms. Here we identify an amino-terminal region of the liprin-alpha1
      protein (liprin-N) that is sufficient and necessary for the interaction with
      other liprin-alpha1 molecules. Similar to liprin-alpha1 or ERC1 silencing,
      expression of the liprin-N negatively affects tumor cell motility and
      extracellular matrix invasion, acting as a dominant negative by interacting with
      endogenous liprin-alpha1 and causing the displacement of the endogenous ERC1
      protein from the cell edge. Interfering with the localization of ERC1 at the cell
      edge inhibits the disassembly of focal adhesions, impairing protrusion. Liprin
      alpha1 and ERC1 proteins colocalize with active integrin beta1 clusters distinct
      from those colocalizing with cytoplasmic focal adhesion proteins, and influence
      the localization of peripheral Rab7-positive endosomes. We propose that liprin
      alpha1 and ERC1 promote protrusion by displacing cytoplasmic adhesion components
      to favour active integrin internalization into Rab7-positive endosomes.

PMID- 27659489
TI  - Commentary on tumor heterogeneity.

PMID- 27659490
TI  - Intergenerational Trauma in Refugee Families: A Systematic Review.
AB  - Although a robust literature describes the intergenerational effects of traumatic
      experiences in various populations, evidence specific to refugee families is
      scattered and contains wide variations in approaches for examining
      intergenerational trauma. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic
      Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria, the purpose of this systematic
      review was to describe the methodologies and findings of peer-reviewed literature
      regarding intergenerational trauma in refugee families. In doing so we aimed to
      critically examine how existing literature characterizes refugee trauma, its long
      term effects on descendants, and psychosocial processes of transmission in order
      to provide recommendations for future research. The results highlight populations
      upon which current evidence is based, conceptualizations of refugee trauma,
      effects of parental trauma transmission on descendants' health and well-being,
      and mechanisms of transmission and underlying meanings attributed to parental
      trauma in refugee families. Greater methodological rigor and consistency in
      future evidence-based research is needed to inform supportive systems that
      promote the health and well-being of refugees and their descendants.

PMID- 27659491
TI  - Low accumulation of chlorogenic acids represses reddening during flesh browning
      in Japanese peach "Okayama PEH7".
AB  - In peaches, fruit flesh browns unattractively after peeling or cutting. A
      recently developed cultivar, Okayama PEH7, was distinct from other Japanese
      cultivars, including Okayama PEH8, with respect to its reduced browning
      potential. Homogenate prepared from Okayama PEH7 flesh had significantly less
      reddening during the browning reaction. Okayama PEH7 had less soluble phenolic
      compounds and higher polyphenol oxidase activity than Okayama PEH8. Reduced
      browning was observed even when phenols prepared from Okayama PEH7 were incubated
      with crude extract from Okayama PEH8, suggesting that phenols lower the browning
      potential of Okayama PEH7. In Okayama PEH7, contents of chlorogenic acid and its
      isomers were about one-tenth compared to Okayama PEH8. Exogenous addition of
      chlorogenic acid to Okayama PEH7 homogenate increased the browning potential and
      visibly enhanced reddening. These results indicate that the reduced browning of
      Okayama PEH7 flesh is due to a defect in chlorogenic acid accumulation.

PMID- 27659493
TI  - Identification of putative chemosensory receptor genes from yellow peach moth
      Conogethes punctiferalis (Guenee) antennae transcriptome.
AB  - The yellow peach moth, Conogethes punctiferalis, is an extremely important
      polyphagous insect in Asia. The chemosensory systems of moth play an important
      role in detecting food, oviposition sites and mate attraction. Several antennal
      chemosensory receptors are involved in odor detection. Our study aims to identify
      chemosensory receptor genes for potential applications in behavioral responses of
      yellow peach moth. By transcriptomic analysis of male and female antennae, 83
      candidate chemosensory receptors, including 62 odorant receptors, 11 ionotropic
      receptors and 10 gustatory receptors were identified. Through Blast and sequence
      alignment, the highly conserved co-receptor Orco was annotated, eight unigenes
      clustered into pheromone receptors, and two clustered as sugar receptor. Among
      the IRs, one unigenes was similar with co-receptors IR25a. Expression levels of
      50 odorant receptors were further evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR in
      antennae. All the ORs tested were detected in antennae and some of which were
      associated with sex-biased expression. The chemosensory receptors identified in
      C. punctiferalis provide a foundational resource for further analysis on
      olfaction for behavior. The expression profiles of ORs in antennae indicated
      variant functions in olfactory recognition, and our results provided the
      possibility for the potential application of semiochemical to control this pest
      moth.

PMID- 27659494
TI  - SENP1 Is a Crucial Regulator for Cell Senescence through DeSUMOylation of Bmi1.
AB  - Cell senescence can limit proliferative potential and prevent tumorigenesis. Bmi1
      is a key regulator in cell senescence by suppressing the Ink4a/Arf locus.
      However, how to regulate Bmi1 activity in cell senescence is largely unknown.
      Here, we show that SENP1 plays an important role in cell senescence by regulating
      Bmi1 SUMOylation. Senp1-/- primary MEF cells show resistance to cell senescence
      induced by passaging or other senescence inducing signals. SENP1 deficiency also
      reduces oncogene H-RasV12-induced senescence, and enhances H-RasV12-induced cell
      transformation. We further show that in Senp1-/- MEFs the expression of p19Arf,
      an important regulator in p53/p21-mediated cell senescence, is markedly reduced.
      Meanwhile, we demonstrate that SENP1 can specifically de-SUMOylate Bmi1 and
      thereby decreases the occupancy of Bmi1 on p19Arf promoter leading to decrease of
      H2AK119 mono-ubiquitination and up-expression of p19Arf. These data reveal a
      crucial role of SENP1 in regulation of cell senescence as well as cell
      transformation.

PMID- 27659492
TI  - CB1 receptor activation in the rat paraventricular nucleus induces bi-directional
      cardiovascular effects via modification of glutamatergic and GABAergic
      neurotransmission.
AB  - We have shown previously that the cannabinoid receptor agonist CP55940
      microinjected into the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) of
      urethane-anaesthetized rats induces depressor and pressor cardiovascular effects
      in the absence and presence of the CB1 antagonist AM251, respectively. The aim of
      our study was to examine whether the hypotension and/or hypertension induced by
      CP55940 given into the PVN results from its influence on glutamatergic and
      GABAergic neurotransmission. CP55940 was microinjected into the PVN of urethane
      anaesthetized rats twice (S1 and S2, 20 min apart). Antagonists of the following
      receptors, NMDA (MK801), beta2-adrenergic (ICI118551), thromboxane A2-TP
      (SQ29548), angiotensin II-AT1 (losartan) or GABAA (bicuculline), or the NO
      synthase inhibitor L-NAME were administered intravenously 5 min before S2 alone
      or together with AM251. The CP55940-induced hypotension was reversed into a
      pressor response by AM251, bicuculline and L-NAME, but not by the other
      antagonists. The CP55940-induced pressor effect examined in the presence of AM251
      was completely reversed by losartan, reduced by about 50-60 % by MK801, ICI118551
      and SQ29548, prevented by bilateral adrenalectomy but not modified by bicuculline
      and L-NAME. Parallel, but smaller, changes in heart rate accompanied the changes
      in blood pressure. The bi-directional CB1 receptor-mediated cardiovascular
      effects of cannabinoids microinjected into the PVN of anaesthetized rats depend
      on stimulatory glutamatergic and inhibitory GABAergic inputs to the sympathetic
      tone; the glutamatergic input is related to AT1, TP and beta2-adrenergic
      receptors and catecholamine release from the adrenal medulla whereas the
      GABAergic input is reinforced by NO.

PMID- 27659496
TI  - A 2D virtual reality system for visual goal-driven navigation in zebrafish
      larvae.
AB  - Animals continuously rely on sensory feedback to adjust motor commands. In order
      to study the role of visual feedback in goal-driven navigation, we developed a 2D
      visual virtual reality system for zebrafish larvae. The visual feedback can be
      set to be similar to what the animal experiences in natural conditions.
      Alternatively, modification of the visual feedback can be used to study how the
      brain adapts to perturbations. For this purpose, we first generated a library of
      free-swimming behaviors from which we learned the relationship between the
      trajectory of the larva and the shape of its tail. Then, we used this technique
      to infer the intended displacements of head-fixed larvae, and updated the visual
      environment accordingly. Under these conditions, larvae were capable of aligning
      and swimming in the direction of a whole-field moving stimulus and produced the
      fine changes in orientation and position required to capture virtual prey. We
      demonstrate the sensitivity of larvae to visual feedback by updating the visual
      world in real-time or only at the end of the discrete swimming episodes. This
      visual feedback perturbation caused impaired performance of prey-capture
      behavior, suggesting that larvae rely on continuous visual feedback during
      swimming.

PMID- 27659495
TI  - Interaction between Cucumber mosaic virus 2b protein and plant catalase induces a
      specific necrosis in association with proteasome activity.
AB  - KEY MESSAGE: Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) can induce a specific necrosis on
      Arabidopsis through the interaction between the CMV 2b protein and host catalase,
      in which the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway may be involved. We previously reported
      that the CMV 2b protein, the viral RNA silencing suppressor, interacted with the
      H2O2 scavenger catalase (CAT3), leading to necrosis on CMV-inoculated Arabidopsis
      leaves. We here confirmed that CMV could more abundantly accumulate in the CAT3
      knockout mutant (cat3), and that CAT3 makes host plants a little more tolerant to
      CMV. We also found that the necrosis severity is not simply explained by a high
      level of H2O2 given by the lack of CAT3, because the recombinant CMV, CMV-N,
      induced much milder necrosis in cat3 than in the wild type, suggesting some
      specific mechanism for the necrosis induction. To further characterize the 2b
      inducing necrosis in relation to its binding to CAT3, we conducted the
      agroinfiltration experiments to overexpress CAT3 and 2b in N. benthamiana leaves.
      The accumulation levels of CAT3 were higher when co-expressed with the CMV-N 2b
      (N2b) than with CMV-Y 2b (Y2b). We infer that N2b made a more stable complex with
      CAT3 than Y2b did, and the longevity of the 2b-CAT3 complex seemed to be
      important to induce necrosis. By immunoprecipitation (IP) with an anti-ubiquitin
      antibody followed by the detection with anti-CAT3 antibodies, we detected a
      higher molecular-weight smear and several breakdown products of CAT3 among the IP
      proteins. In addition, the proteasome inhibitor MG132 treatment could actually
      increase the accumulation levels of CAT3. This study suggests that the host
      proteasome pathway is, at least partially, responsible for the degradation of
      CAT3, which is manifested in CMV-infected tissues.

PMID- 27659497
TI  - 2D Hexagonal Boron Nitride (2D-hBN) Explored for the Electrochemical Sensing of
      Dopamine.
AB  - Crystalline 2D hexagonal boron nitride (2D-hBN) nanosheets are explored as a
      potential electrocatalyst toward the electroanalytical sensing of dopamine (DA).
      The 2D-hBN nanosheets are electrically wired via a drop-casting modification
      process onto a range of commercially available carbon supporting electrodes,
      including glassy carbon (GC), boron-doped diamond (BDD), and screen-printed
      graphitic electrodes (SPEs). 2D-hBN has not previously been explored toward the
      electrochemical detection/electrochemical sensing of DA. We critically evaluate
      the potential electrocatalytic performance of 2D-hBN modified electrodes, the
      effect of supporting carbon electrode platforms, and the effect of "mass
      coverage" (which is commonly neglected in the 2D material literature) toward the
      detection of DA. The response of 2D-hBN modified electrodes is found to be
      largely dependent upon the interaction between 2D-hBN and the underlying
      supporting electrode material. For example, in the case of SPEs, modification
      with 2D-hBN (324 ng) improves the electrochemical response, decreasing the
      electrochemical oxidation potential of DA by ~90 mV compared to an unmodified
      SPE. Conversely, modification of a GC electrode with 2D-hBN (324 ng) resulted in
      an increased oxidation potential of DA by ~80 mV when compared to the unmodified
      electrode. We explore the underlying mechanisms of the aforementioned examples
      and infer that electrode surface interactions and roughness factors are critical
      considerations. 2D-hBN is utilized toward the sensing of DA in the presence of
      the common interferents ascorbic acid (AA) and uric acid (UA). 2D-hBN is found to
      be an effective electrocatalyst in the simultaneous detection of DA and UA at
      both pH 5.0 and 7.4. The peak separations/resolution between DA and UA increases
      by ~70 and 50 mV (at pH 5.0 and 7.4, respectively, when utilizing 108 ng of 2D
      hBN) compared to unmodified SPEs, with a particularly favorable response evident
      in pH 5.0, giving rise to a significant increase in the peak current of DA. The
      limit of detection (3sigma) is found to correspond to 0.65 MUM for DA in the
      presence of UA. However, it is not possible to deconvolute the simultaneous
      detection of DA and AA. The observed electrocatalytic effect at 2D-hBN has not
      previously been reported in the literature when supported upon carbon or any
      other electrode. We provide valuable insights into the modifier-substrate
      interactions of this material, essential for those designing, fabricating, and
      consequently performing electrochemical experiments utilizing 2D-hBN and related
      2D materials.

PMID- 27659498
TI  - Sialendoscopy under local anaesthesia.
AB  - CONCLUSIONS: In most cases, both diagnostic and interventional sialendoscopy are
      well tolerated under local anaesthesia (LA) or under local anaesthesia with
      sedation (LAS), with reasonably low patient-reported discomfort. Sialendoscopy
      can be considered a patient-friendly and relatively painless, gland-preserving,
      minimally invasive procedure suitable for day surgery. OBJECTIVE: To investigate
      patient experience and compliance in sialendoscopy under LA/LAS. METHODS: This
      prospective study was conducted at an academic tertiary-care university hospital.
      During a period of 22 months, 89 patients between ages 16-81 years underwent
      diagnostic or interventional sialendoscopy under LA (20%) or LAS (80%). After the
      operation the patients filled in a questionnaire formulated by the authors
      concerning their procedure-related experiences. Patients' demographic data, ASA
      status score, pre- and intra-operative blood pressure and heart rate
      measurements, affected gland, operation time, intervention type, as well as pre-,
      peri-, and postoperative medication were gathered later from the medical records.
      RESULTS: The level of discomfort and pain experienced during the operation was
      assessed as 'mild' or 'none' by 85% and 89% of the patients, respectively. The
      level of pain experienced after the operation was 'major' in 4% of patients and
      'mild' or 'none' in the majority (87%) of patients. The patients' estimations
      showed no significant difference between the diagnostic and interventional
      procedures, although it seems that patients who underwent stone removal by
      transoral incision experienced the operation as a bit more uncomfortable and
      painful than other patients. Afterwards 97% of patients stated that they would
      agree to a new LA/LAS sialendoscopy in the future if needed.

PMID- 27659499
TI  - The effect of previous experience on trap construction and movement distance in a
      pit-building predator.
AB  - Wormlion larvae are sit-and-wait predators that construct cone-shaped pits in
      sandy patches to capture prey. Wormlions select microhabitats that feature
      favorable conditions for pit construction, in a similar way to other trap
      building predators, like spiders and antlions. We investigated whether wormlions
      exhibit an experience-based behavioral plasticity in their pit construction
      behavior. In a laboratory experiment, pit sizes and relocation distances were
      compared between larvae that experienced either a period of unfavorable
      conditions, i.e., surface obstacles, shallow or coarse sand, or a period of
      favorable conditions, i.e., clear, deep, and fine sand and were able to construct
      pits undisturbed. We expected that wormlions experiencing improving conditions
      would build larger pits than those experiencing deteriorating conditions. In
      addition, we expected that larvae experiencing unfavorable conditions would be
      less choosy in their new microhabitat and move over shorter distances. We
      observed a certain effect of recent experience on the trap-building behavior;
      however, it was not consistent among treatments. Additionally, we detected a
      correlation between larval body mass, relocation distance, and pit area. These
      findings might suggest that past experience does not influence wormlion foraging
      behavior in a simple manner but that different types of experience induce
      different behavioral responses.

PMID- 27659500
TI  - Cardiac t-tubules: where structural plasticity meets functional adaptation.

PMID- 27659502
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 27659501
TI  - Conflicting mechanisms of AT2 cardioprotection revealed.

PMID- 27659503
TI  - Effects of fixed and removable space maintainers on halitosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The current study evaluated the effects of fixed and removable space
      maintainers on halitosis and oral health of children. METHODS: Forty-three
      patients randomly selected between the ages 4-10 whom fixed or removable space
      maintainers were indicated in Gazi University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department
      of Pedodontics. The inclusing criteria were: caries-free (with/without
      restorations), with absence of periodontal diseases, without systematic disease,
      no mouth breathing and no use of antibiotics the 2-months period before the
      study. The patients were subdivided into two groups: the group treated with fixed
      space maintainers (group 1, n = 27), the group treated with removable space
      maintainers (group 2, n = 16). The the plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI),
      periodontal screening index (PSI), tongue coating index (TCI) records and the
      halitosis measurements were obtained at three time periods (T1: immediately after
      application, T2: 1 week after application, T3: 5 weeks after application). The
      measurement values of T1 served as control. RESULTS: No statistically significant
      difference was found in the PI, GI, PSI, TCI and halitosis measurements between
      T1-T2, T2-T3 and T1-T3 in both appliance groups and between the groups (p >
      0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The fixed and removable space maintainers did not affect oral
      health status and halitosis significantly.

PMID- 27659504
TI  - Impact of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on cardiovascular risk: Is it the
      same in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?
AB  - Although large-scale population studies have shown that non-steroidal anti
      inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) increase the risk of myocardial infarction, this is
      not confirmed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Herein, we review the
      litterature on the differential effects of NSAIDs on cardiovascular risk in
      osteoarthritis (OA) versus RA and discuss possible explanations for this
      discrepancy. To assess a potential additive effect of age in non-RA populations,
      we compared weighted mean age between RA patients and unselected NSAID users
      included in cohort and case-control studies that estimate the cardiovascular risk
      of NSAIDs, assuming that the main indication for NSAID usage in elderly
      populations is OA. Our hypothesis that advanced age in osteoarthtitis compared to
      RA patients confounds the effect of NSAIDs on cardiovasular risk was not
      confirmed. Several other hypotheses that can be proposed to explain this
      counterintuitive effect of NSAIDs on the cardiovascular risk of RA patients are
      discussed. We conclude that patients with RA have a lower cardiovascular disease
      risk associated with the use of NSAIDs, probably due to the nature of their
      disease per se, until further research indicates differently.

PMID- 27659505
TI  - Distance measurements in peridinin-chlorophyll a-protein by light-induced PELDOR
      spectroscopy. Analysis of triplet state localization.
AB  - Triplet-triplet energy transfer from chlorophylls to carotenoids is the mechanism
      underlying the photoprotective role played by carotenoids in many light
      harvesting complexes, during photosynthesis. The peridinin-chlorophyll-a protein
      (PCP) is a water-soluble light harvesting protein of the dinoflagellate
      Amphidinium carterae, employing peridinin as the main carotenoid to fulfil this
      function. The dipolar coupling of the triplet state of peridinin, populated under
      light excitation in isolated PCP, to the MTSSL nitroxide, introduced in the
      protein by site-directed mutagenesis followed by spin labeling, has been measured
      by Pulse ELectron-electron DOuble Resonance (PELDOR) spectroscopy. The triplet
      nitroxide distance derived by this kind of experiments, performed for the first
      time in a protein system, allowed the assignment of the triplet state to a
      specific peridinin molecule belonging to the pigment cluster. The analysis
      strongly suggests that this peridinin is the one in close contact with the water
      ligand to the chlorophyll a, thus supporting previous evidences based on ENDOR
      and time resolved-EPR.

PMID- 27659506
TI  - Photochemical characterization of actinorhodopsin and its functional existence in
      the natural host.
AB  - Actinorhodopsin (ActR) is a light-driven outward H+ pump. Although the genes of
      ActRs are widely spread among freshwater bacterioplankton, there are no prior
      data on their functional expression in native cell membranes. Here, we
      demonstrate ActR phototrophy in the native actinobacterium. Genome analysis
      showed that Candidatus Rhodoluna planktonica, a freshwater actinobacterium,
      encodes one microbial rhodopsin (RpActR) belonging to the ActR family. Reflecting
      the functional expression of RpActR, illumination induced the acidification of
      the actinobacterial cell suspension and then elevated the ATP content inside the
      cells. The photochemistry of RpActR was also examined using heterologously
      expressed RpActR in Escherichia coli membranes. The purified RpActR showed
      lambdamax at 534nm and underwent a photocycle characterized by the very fast
      formation of M intermediate. The subsequent intermediate, named P620, could be
      assigned to the O intermediate in other H+ pumps. In contrast to conventional O,
      the accumulation of P620 remains prominent, even at high pH. Flash-induced
      absorbance changes suggested that there exists only one kind of photocycle at any
      pH. However, above pH7, RpActR shows heterogeneity in the H+ transfer sequences:
      one first captures H+ and then releases it during the formation and decay of
      P620, while the other first releases H+ prior to H+ uptake during P620 formation.

PMID- 27659509
TI  - Testosterone supplementation for "low T" is not supported by evidence, review
      concludes.

PMID- 27659507
TI  - Rapid urine-based screening for tuberculosis to reduce AIDS-related mortality in
      hospitalized patients in Africa (the STAMP trial): study protocol for a
      randomised controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: HIV-associated tuberculosis (TB) co-infection remains an enormous
      burden to international public health. Post-mortem studies have highlighted the
      high proportion of HIV-positive adults admitted to hospital with TB. Determine TB
      LAM and Xpert MTB/RIF assays can substantially increase diagnostic yield of TB
      within one day of hospital admission. However, it remains unclear if this
      approach can impact clinical outcomes. The STAMP trial aims to test the
      hypothesis that the implementation a urine-based screening strategy for TB can
      reduce all cause-mortality among HIV-positive patients admitted to hospital when
      compared to current, sputum-based screening. METHODS: The trial is a pragmatic,
      individually randomised, multi-country (Malawi and South Africa) clinical trial
      with two study arms (1:1 recruitment). Unselected HIV-positive patients admitted
      to medical wards, irrespective of presentation, meeting the inclusion criteria
      and giving consent will be randomized to screening for TB using either: (i)
      'standard of care'- testing of sputum using the Xpert MTB/RIF assay (Xpert) or
      (ii) 'intervention'- testing of sputum using Xpert and testing of urine using (a)
      Determine TB-LAM lateral-flow assay and (b) Xpert following concentration of
      urine by centrifugation. Patients will be excluded if they have received TB
      treatment in the previous 12 months, if they have received isoniazid preventive
      therapy in the last 6 months, if they are aged <18 years or they live outside the
      pre-specified geographical area. Results will be provided to the responsible
      medical team as soon as available to inform decisions regarding TB treatment.
      Both the study and routine medical team will be masked to study arm allocation.
      1300 patients will be enrolled per arm (equal numbers at the two trial sites).
      The primary endpoint is all-cause mortality at 56 days. An economic analysis will
      be conducted to project long-term outcomes for shorter-term trial data, including
      cost-effectiveness. DISCUSSION: This pragmatic trial assesses an intervention to
      reduce the high mortality caused by HIV-associated TB, which could feasibly be
      scaled up in high-burden settings if shown to be efficacious and cost-effective.
      We discuss the challenges of designing a trial to assess the impact on mortality
      of laboratory-based TB screening interventions given frequent initiation of
      empirical treatment and a failure of several previous clinical trials to
      demonstrate an impact on clinical outcomes. We also elaborate on the practical
      and ethical issues of 'testing a test' in general. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN
      Registry ( ISRCTN71603869 ) prospectively registered 08 May 2015; the South
      African National Controlled Trials Registry (DOH-27-1015-5185) prospectively
      registered October 2015.

PMID- 27659508
TI  - Consultant outcomes publication and surgical training: Consensus recommendations
      by the association of surgeons in training.
AB  - Consultant Outcomes Publication (COP) has the longest history in cardiothoracic
      surgery, where it was introduced in 2005. Subsequently COP has been broadened to
      include all surgical specialties in NHS England in 2013-14. The Association of
      Surgeons in Training (ASiT) fully supports efforts to improve patient care and
      trust in the profession and is keen to overcome potential unintended adverse
      effects of COP. Identification of these adverse effects is the first step in this
      process: Firstly, there is a risk that COP may lead to reluctance by consultants
      to provide trainees with the necessary appropriate primary operator experience to
      become skilled consultant surgeons for the future. Secondly, COP may lead to
      inappropriately cautious case selection. This adjusted case mix affects both
      patients who are denied operations, and also limits the complexity of the case
      mix to which surgical trainees are exposed. Thirdly, COP undermines efforts to
      train surgical trainees in non-technical skills and human factors, simply
      obliterating the critical role of the multidisciplinary team and organisational
      processes in determining outcomes. This tunnel vision masks opportunities to
      improve patient care and outcomes at a unit level. It also misinforms the public
      as to the root causes of adverse events by failing to identify care process
      deficiencies. Finally, for safe surgical care, graduate retention and morale is
      important - COP may lead to high calibre trainees opting out of surgical careers,
      or opting to work abroad. The negative effects of COP on surgical training and
      trainees must be addressed as high quality surgical training and retention of
      high calibre graduates is essential for excellent patient care.

PMID- 27659510
TI  - Choline-magnesium trisalicylate modulates acute myelogenous leukemia gene
      expression during induction chemotherapy.

PMID- 27659512
TI  - mTOR inhibitors in pancreas transplant: adverse effects and drug-drug
      interactions.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Patient and pancreas allograft survival improved following
      reductions in surgical complications, tighter donor selection and optimization in
      immunosuppressive protocols. However, long-term survival of pancreas allografts
      is adversely affected by rejection and immunosuppressive regimen toxicity. Areas
      covered: This article reviews the existing literature and knowledge of mammalian
      target of rapamycin inhibitors (mTORi). Some clinically relevant drug-drug
      interactions are highlighted. We summarize the nephrotoxic and diabetogenic
      mechanisms of mTORi after pancreas transplant, the alternatives to minimize these
      effects, and report on other adverse events. Expert opinion: Calcineurin
      inhibitor (CNI)-based regimens remain the mainstay treatment after pancreas
      kidney transplant. However, long-term use of CNIs may be associated with
      nephrotoxicity. Switching from CNIs to mTORi (sirolimus/SRL and everolimus/EVR)
      may preserve kidney function, mainly EVR conversion. However, mTORi promote an
      imbalance of mTOR signaling during long-term follow-up and may ultimately
      contribute to proteinuria and hyperglycemia. These drugs disrupt autophagy,
      inhibit cell proliferation, and downregulate VEGF. Therefore, it is important to
      comprehend and interpret the experimental data. It is equally important to
      critically analyze clinical studies. Of importance, minimization of side effects,
      based on safe approaches, can prolong kidney allograft survival. Additional
      randomized-controlled studies are required to assess the impact of mTORi on
      pancreas allograft survival.

PMID- 27659511
TI  - Protocol for the systematic review of the prevention, treatment and public health
      management of impetigo, scabies and fungal skin infections in resource-limited
      settings.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Impetigo, scabies, and fungal skin infections disproportionately
      affect populations in resource-limited settings. Evidence for standard treatment
      of skin infections predominantly stem from hospital-based studies in high-income
      countries. The evidence for treatment in resource-limited settings is less clear,
      as studies in these populations may lack randomisation and control groups for
      cultural, ethical or economic reasons. Likewise, a synthesis of the evidence for
      public health control within endemic populations is also lacking. We propose a
      systematic review of the evidence for the prevention, treatment and public health
      management of skin infections in resource-limited settings, to inform the
      development of guidelines for the standardised and streamlined clinical and
      public health management of skin infections in endemic populations. METHODS: The
      protocol has been designed in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for
      Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols statement. All trial designs and
      analytical observational study designs will be eligible for inclusion. A
      systematic search of the peer-reviewed literature will include PubMed, Excertpa
      Medica and Global Health. Grey literature databases will also be systematically
      searched, and clinical trials registries scanned for future relevant studies. The
      primary outcome of interest will be the clinical cure or decrease in prevalence
      of impetigo, scabies, crusted scabies, tinea capitis, tinea corporis or tinea
      unguium. Two independent reviewers will perform eligibility assessment and data
      extraction using standardised electronic forms. Risk of bias assessment will be
      undertaken by two independent reviewers according to the Cochrane Risk of Bias
      tool. Data will be tabulated and narratively synthesised. We expect there will be
      insufficient data to conduct meta-analysis. The final body of evidence will be
      reported against the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and
      Evaluation grading system. DISCUSSION: The evidence derived from the systematic
      review will be used to inform the development of guidelines for the management of
      skin infections in resource-limited settings. The evidence derived will be
      intended for use by clinicians, public health practitioners and policy makers in
      the treatment of skin infections and the development of skin infection control
      programmes. The review will identify any gaps in the current evidence to provide
      direction for future research. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO
      CRD42015029453.

PMID- 27659513
TI  - Suicidal Behaviors Among Adolescents - The Role of School and Home Environment.
AB  - AIM: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of suicidal behaviors
      (ideation, planning, and attempts) among adolescents aged 13-16, and to identify
      psychosocial correlates of suicidal behaviors. METHOD: The 2010 Kuwait Global
      School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS) cross-sectional study employed a two
      stage cluster sample design targeting a representative sample of 2,672 students.
      A weighting factor was applied to make inferences to all students of the same
      age. Students' suicidal behaviors were the focus of this paper. RESULTS: The
      prevalence rates of suicide ideation, planning, and attempts were 20.0% (95% CI =
      18.5-21.6%), 14.0% (95% CI = 12.7-15.4%), and 18.1% (95% CI = 16.6-19.5%),
      respectively. About 26% of adolescents reported at least one suicidal behavior,
      while 8.5% experienced all three suicidal behaviors. Multivariate analysis
      revealed that girls, smoking, physical violence, feeling lonely, exposure to
      bullying at school, and having nonempathetic parents were significant correlates
      of the experience of suicidal behaviors among adolescents. Moreover, suicidal
      ideation stood out as a predictor of attempting suicide more than suicidal
      planning in both the total population and separately by gender. CONCLUSION: The
      prevalence of suicidal behaviors was alarmingly high among Kuwaiti adolescents.
      Adverse school and home environments strongly contributed to such behaviors.
      School-based mental health programs are necessary to reduce these life
      threatening behaviors in Kuwait.

PMID- 27659515
TI  - Factors Related to Suicide in LGBT Populations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is evidence of heightened vulnerability to nonfatal suicidal
      behaviors among LGBT populations yet a paucity of studies into fatal behaviors.
      AIM: The specific aim of this article was to identify factors related to suicide
      in LGBT individuals in Australia. METHOD: The psychological autopsy (PA) method
      with a matched case-control study design was used. PA interviews were conducted
      with 27 next-of-kin of an LGBT person that had died by suicide. Three living LGBT
      controls per suicide case, matched by age and gender, were also interviewed.
      RESULTS: The key factors relating to suicide in LGBT people were a lack of
      acceptance by family and self (reflected in higher internalized homophobia and
      shame), negative feelings about own sexuality/gender, and dissatisfaction with
      appearance. LGBT people who died by suicide also tended to go through coming out
      milestones 2 years earlier than controls. There was a higher prevalence of
      aggressive behaviors and a more predominant history of physical and sexual abuse.
      Additionally, there was greater incidence of depression and anxiety and alcohol
      and substance use disorders. CONCLUSION: Specific predictive factors for suicide
      in LGBT populations in Australia were identified, including significantly poorer
      mental health outcomes and more violence across an array of measures.

PMID- 27659516
TI  - Comprehensive Online Self-Monitoring to Support Clinicians Manage Risk of Suicide
      in Youth Depression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Routine monitoring of depression symptoms and suicide risk is
      essential for appropriate treatment planning and risk management, but not well
      implemented by clinicians. We developed a brief online monitoring tool to address
      this issue. AIMS: To investigate whether the online tool can feasibly improve
      monitoring; whether it is acceptable and useful for young people and their
      clinicians; and to determine whether a shorter tool could be implemented. METHOD:
      In a naturalistic longitudinal cohort study, 101 young people with depression
      completed the online tool on a tablet, prior to their consultation. Their results
      were immediately available to their clinician. Clients and clinicians answered
      questionnaires about acceptability and usefulness. RESULTS: The tool was feasible
      to implement. Young people and clinicians found the tool acceptable and useful
      for understanding symptoms and risk. A brief three-item suicidal ideation
      screening measure correlated well with a validated measure of suicidal ideation.
      CONCLUSION: The online tool facilitates the quick exchange of key information
      about suicide risk, allowing clinicians to immediately address this. This level
      of responsiveness is likely to improve treatment outcomes. The brief version
      allows full integration into clinical practice to support clinicians managing
      those at risk of suicide.

PMID- 27659517
TI  - Online Suicide Risk Assessment and Management Training.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many mental health professionals (MHPs) encounter youth at risk for
      suicide but lack knowledge and confidence to assist these individuals.
      Unfortunately, training for MHPs on suicide risk assessment and management is
      often not adequately accessible. AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate
      whether MHPs' knowledge, attitudes, perceived social norms, and perceived
      behavioral control in working with at-risk suicidal youth improve following an
      online training (QPRT: Question, Persuade, Refer, Treat). METHOD: QPRT was
      provided to 225 MHPs from three large urban areas in the United States. Suicide
      prevention literacy, attitudes, perceived social norms, and perceived behavioral
      control in assessing and managing suicide risk were assessed before and after
      training. Data were also collected on training engagement and completion.
      RESULTS: Suicide prevention literacy in most competency domains and perceived
      behavioral control increased significantly after participation in QPRT. Suicide
      prevention attitudes and some knowledge domains did not significantly improve.
      MHPs reported high satisfaction with the training. CONCLUSION: The current study
      provides initial support for offering MHPs online suicide risk assessment and
      management training. Online training programs may be an engaging and feasible
      means for providing advanced suicide prevention skills to MHPs who may have
      numerous barriers to accessing face-to-face training.

PMID- 27659518
TI  - Positive parenting for healthy living (Triple P) for parents of children with
      type 1 diabetes: protocol of a randomised controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Type 1 diabetes is a serious, life-long condition which causes major
      health, social and economic burden for children, their families and the
      community. Diabetes management involves strict adherence to a complex regimen,
      and poor management and non-adherence are a persistent problem among children.
      Parent-child interactions and parenting have been identified as crucial points of
      intervention to support children's health and emotional well-being, yet few
      parenting interventions have been developed or evaluated for parents of young
      children. This paper describes a randomised controlled trial of a brief, group
      based parenting intervention for parents of young children (2-10 years) with type
      1 diabetes compared against care as usual (CAU). METHODS/DESIGN: Families will be
      randomised to either Positive Parenting for Healthy Living Triple P or CAU.
      Positive Parenting for Healthy Living Triple P involves 2 * 2 h group sessions.
      Outcomes will be assessed via parent and child questionnaire, home observations
      and blood glucose monitoring at baseline, 1-month and 6-months post-intervention.
      Primary outcomes will be parent- and child-reported parenting behaviour, parent
      reported child behaviour and adjustment, and parent-reported child quality-of
      life. Secondary outcomes will include parental self-efficacy with diabetes
      management, illness-specific and general parenting stress, parent-reported child
      illness behaviour, family quality-of-life, observed parenting and child
      behaviour, and child's illness control. DISCUSSION: The theoretical background,
      study hypotheses, methods and planned analyses are discussed. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12613001281785 . Registered
      20 November, 2013.

PMID- 27659519
TI  - Profiles of miRNAs matched to biology in aromatase inhibitor resistant breast
      cancer.
AB  - Aromatase inhibitor (AI) resistance during breast cancer treatment is mimicked by
      MCF-7:5C (5C) and MCF-7:2A (2A) cell lines that grow spontaneously. Survival
      signaling is reconfigured but cells are vulnerable to estradiol (E2)-inducible
      apoptosis. These model systems have alterations of stress related pathways
      including the accumulation of endoplasmic reticulum, oxidative, and inflammatory
      stress that occur prior to E2-induced apoptosis. We investigated miRNA expression
      profiles of 5C and 2A to characterize their AI resistance phenotypes. Affymetrix
      GeneChip miRNA2.0 arrays identified 184 miRNAs differentially expressed in 2A and
      5C compared to E2-free wild-type MCF-7:WS8. In 5C, 34 miRNAs of the DLK1-DIO3
      locus and miR-31 were overexpressed, whereas miR-222 was low. TCGA data revealed
      poor and favorable overall survival for low miR-31 and miR-222 levels,
      respectively (HR=3.0, 95% CI:1.9-4.8; HR=0.3, 95% CI:0.1-0.6). Targets of
      deregulated miRNAs were identified using CLIP-confirmed TargetScan predictions.
      KEGG enrichment analyses for 5C- and 2A-specific target gene sets revealed
      pathways associated with cell proliferation including insulin, mTOR, and ErbB
      signaling as well as immune response and metabolism. Key genes overrepresented in
      5C- and 2A-specific pathway interaction networks including EGFR, IGF1R and PIK3R1
      had lower protein levels in 5C compared to 2A and were found to be differentially
      modulated by respective miRNA sets. Distinct up-regulated miRNAs from the DLK1
      DIO3 locus may cause these attenuative effects as they are predicted to interact
      with corresponding 3' untranslated regions. These new miRNA profiles become an
      important regulatory database to explore E2-induced apoptotic mechanisms of
      clinical relevance for the treatment of resistant breast cancer.

PMID- 27659520
TI  - Sirtuins in glucose and lipid metabolism.
AB  - Sirtuins are evolutionarily conserved protein, serving as nicotinamide adenine
      dinucleotide-dependent deacetylases or adenosine diphosphate-ribosyltransferases.
      The mammalian sirtuins family, including SIRT1~7, is involved in many biological
      processes such as cell survival, proliferation, senescence, stress response,
      genome stability and metabolism. Evidence accumulated over the past two decades
      has indicated that sirtuins not only serve as important energy status sensors but
      also protect cells against metabolic stresses. In this review, we summarize the
      background of glucose and lipid metabolism concerning sirtuins and discuss the
      functions of sirtuins in glucose and lipid metabolism. We also seek to highlight
      the biological roles of certain sirtuins members in cancer metabolism.

PMID- 27659522
TI  - Multi-cycle chemotherapy with the glycolipid-like polymeric micelles evade cancer
      stem cell enrichment in breast cancer therapy.
AB  - Multi-cycle chemotherapy is commonly used in the clinic, while the phenomena of
      enrichment of cancer stem cells (CSCs) and enhanced multi-drug resistance (MDR)
      are commonly involved. This research was designed for evaluating this successive
      administration. Chitosan oligosaccharide-g-stearic acid (CSOSA) polymer was used
      as the drug delivery system (DDS) to perform tri-cycle chemotherapy on a new
      tumor model induced by mammosphere cells. In vitro, on CSCs enriched mammospheres
      model, the doxorubicin-loaded CSOSA (CSOSA/DOX) displayed an improved growth
      inhibition effect measured by acid phosphatase assay (APH). While in vivo, the
      CSOSA/DOX micelles blocked tumor progression and led to a marked decrease of CSCs
      proportion as well as MDR capacity. What's more, the CSOSA/DOX helped decay the
      microenvironment and attenuate systemic side effects. We concluded that the CSOSA
      polymer could be a potential DDS for long-term multi-cycle chemotherapy in
      antitumor research.

PMID- 27659521
TI  - BRCA mutations and survival in breast cancer: an updated systematic review and
      meta-analysis.
AB  - BRCA mutations occur frequently in breast cancer (BC), but their prognostic
      impact on outcomes of BC has not been determined. We conducted an updated meta
      analysis on the association between BRCA mutations and survival in patients with
      BC. Electronic databases were searched. The primary outcome measure was overall
      survival (OS), and the secondary outcome measures included breast cancer-specific
      survival (BCSS) and event-free survival (EFS). Hazard ratios (HR) and 95%
      confidence interval (CI) were abstracted and pooled with random-effect modeling.
      Data from 297, 402 patients with BC were pooled from 34 studies. The median
      prevalence rates of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations were 14.5% and 8.3%, respectively.
      BRCA mutations were associated with worse OS (BRCA1: HR = 1.69, 95% CI, 1.35 to
      2.12, p < 0.001; BRCA2: HR = 1.50, 95% CI 1.03 to 2.19, p = 0.034). However, this
      did not translate into poor BCSS (BRCA1: HR = 1.14, 95% CI, 0.81 to 1.16, p =
      0.448; BRCA2: HR = 1.16; 95% CI 0.82 to 1.66, p = 0.401) or EFS (BRCA1: HR =
      1.10, 95% CI, 0.86 to 1.41, p = 0.438; BRCA2: HR= 1.09; 95% CI 0.81 to 1.47, p =
      0.558). Several studies analyzed BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations together and found no
      impact on OS (HR = 1.21; 95% CI, 0.73 to 2.00, p = 0.454) or EFS (HR = 0.94; 95%
      CI, 0.60 to 1.48, p = 0.787). BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations were associated with poor
      OS in patients with BC, but had no significant impact on BCSS or EFS. An improved
      survival was observed in BC patients who had BRCA1 mutation and treated with
      endocrinotherapy. The results may have therapeutic and prognostic implications
      important for BRCA mutation carriers with BC.

PMID- 27659523
TI  - Interferon-stimulated gene 15 induces cancer cell death by suppressing the NF
      kappaB signaling pathway.
AB  - Interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) is an important cytokine that has been
      reported in carcinogenesis. However, we found that ISG15 and de-ISGylase USP18
      were induced by several anti-cancer agents, which was confirmed by both RT-PCR
      and immunoblotting assays. Further studies demonstrated that ectopic ISG15 and
      USP18 inhibited proliferation of myeloma, leukemia and cervical cancer cells.
      More importantly, ISG15 and USP18 induced cancer cell apoptosis. This finding was
      confirmed in a cervical xenograft model in which cervical cancer growth was
      suppressed by lentiviral ISG15. In the mechanistic study, ISG15 was found to
      disrupt the NF-kappaB signaling pathway by downregulating the expression of
      IKKbeta and p65, phosphorylation of p65 and IkappaBalpha. Consistent with this
      finding, ISG15 suppressed the expression of NF-kappaB recognition element-driving
      luciferase and decreased the transcription of XIAP and Mcl-1, two typical genes
      regulated by NF-kappaB. Therefore, the present study demonstrated that ISG15
      induces cancer cell apoptosis by disrupting the NF-kappaB signaling pathway. This
      study highlighted a novel role of ISG15 in tumor suppression.

PMID- 27659524
TI  - Nodal signaling promotes vasculogenic mimicry formation in breast cancer via the
      Smad2/3 pathway.
AB  - Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a nonangiogenesis-dependent pathway that promotes
      tumor growth and disease progression. Nodal signaling has several vital roles in
      both embryo development and cancer progression. However, the effects of Nodal
      signaling on VM formation in breast cancer and its underlying mechanisms are ill
      defined. We analyzed the relationship between Nodal signaling and VM formation in
      one hundred human breast cancer cases and the results showed that the expression
      of Nodal was significantly correlated with VM formation, tumor metastasis,
      differentiation grade, TNM stage and poor prognosis. Furthermore, up-regulation
      of Nodal expression promoted VM formation of breast cancer cells in vitro and in
      vivo. Knockdown of Nodal expression restrained VM formation. In addition, Nodal
      induced EMT and up-regulated the expression of Slug, Snail and c-Myc. We found
      that blocking the Smad2/3 pathway by administering SB431542 inhibited VM
      formation in breast cancer cell lines and xenografts. Taken together, Nodal
      signaling through the Smad2/3 pathway up-regulated Slug, Snail and c-Myc to
      induce EMT, thereby promoting VM formation. Our study suggests that the Nodal
      signaling pathway may serve as a therapeutic target to inhibit VM formation and
      improve prognosis in breast cancer patients.

PMID- 27659525
TI  - A dose increased once-weekly bortezomib-based combination therapy for multiple
      myeloma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the efficacy and
      safety of a dose increased weekly Bortezomib (Bor) based combination therapy in
      multiple myeloma (MM) patients. RESULTS: The overall response rate (ORR) in the
      modified Bor group was 76.6%, composed of 40% complete response (CR), 3.3% very
      good partial response (VGPR) and 33.3% partial response (PR). The ORR was 82.3%,
      with 26.5% CR, 5.9% VGPR and 50% PR in control. A subgroup analysis showed both
      groups had equal efficacy in newly diagnosed MM patients ( P = 1.000). The median
      progression free survival was 16 (11.7-20.3) months for the modified Bor group
      and 12 (10.5-13.5) months for the control (P = 0.503), and the median overall
      survival was 36 (9.4-62.6) vs 28 (21.6-34.4) months (P = 0.759). The incidences
      of AEs were similar except grade 1-4 peripheral neuropathy (PN) rate was 10% in
      modified regime group and 32.4% in control (P = 0.038). MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      This was a monocentric, prospective, non-randomized, phase IV, non-inferiority
      trial. Thirty MM patients were treated with modified Bor-based combination
      therapy (Bor 1.6 mg/m2 on day 1, 8), with 34 MM patients on conventional Bor
      based combination therapy (1.3 mg/m2 on day 1, 4, 8, 11) as control. The
      responses and adverse events (AEs) were compared. CONCLUSIONS: The increased-dose
      weekly Bor-based combination therapies were not inferior to conventional ones in
      terms of response and survival benefit, but showed lower rate of peripheral
      neuropathy (PN).

PMID- 27659526
TI  - Acetylation of androgen receptor by ARD1 promotes dissociation from HSP90 complex
      and prostate tumorigenesis.
AB  - Prostate cancer is an androgen receptor (AR)-driven disease and post
      translational modification of AR is critical for AR activation. We previously
      reported that Arrest-defective protein 1 (ARD1) is an oncoprotein in prostate
      cancer. It acetylates and activates AR to promote prostate tumorigenesis.
      However, the ARD1-targeted residue within AR and the mechanisms of the
      acetylation event in prostate tumorigenesis remained unknown. In this study, we
      show that ARD1 acetylates AR at lysine 618 (K618) in vitro and in vivo. An AR
      construct with the charged lysine substitution by arginine (AR-618R) reduces RNA
      Pol II binding, AR transcriptional activity, prostate cancer cell growth, and
      xenograft tumor formation due to attenuation of AR nuclear translocation,
      whereas, construct mimicking neutral polar substitution acetylation at K618 by
      glutamine (AR-618Q) enhanced these effects beyond that of the wild-type AR.
      Mechanistically, ARD1 forms a ternary complex with AR and HSP90 in vitro and in
      vivo. Expression of ARD1 increases levels of AR acetylation and AR-HSP90
      dissociation in a dose dependent manner. Moreover, the AR acetylation defective
      K618R mutant is unable to dissociate from HSP90 while the HSP90-dissociated AR is
      acetylated following ligand exposure. This work identifies a new mechanism for
      ligand-induced AR-HSP90 dissociation and AR activation. Targeting ARD1-mediated
      AR acetylation may be a potent intervention for AR-dependent prostate cancer
      therapy.

PMID- 27659527
TI  - MMP-1 promoter polymorphism is associated with risk of radiation-induced lung
      injury in lung cancer patients treated with radiotherapy.
AB  - Matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) has been implicated in several inflammatory
      and fibrotic diseases. We hypothesized that genetic variations in the MMP1
      promoter region are associated with risk of radiation-induced lung injury (RILI).
      A cohort of 251 lung cancer patients was genotyped for five single nucleotide
      polymorphisms in the MMP1 promoter region. We found that rs1144393 AG/GG was
      strongly correlated with an increased occurrence of grade >= 2 RILI (p = 0.002).
      Additionally, patients with the rs1144393 AG/GG genotypes exhibited higher MMP-1
      expression than patients with the AA genotype in lung tissues (n = 28, p = 0.022)
      and plasma samples (n = 40, p = 0.018). Our results indicated that rs1144393 in
      the MMP1 promoter region can be a predictor of grade >= 2 RILI in lung cancer
      patients treated with thoracic radiation.

PMID- 27659528
TI  - Geridonin and paclitaxel act synergistically to inhibit the proliferation of
      gastric cancer cells through ROS-mediated regulation of the PTEN/PI3K/Akt
      pathway.
AB  - Paclitaxel, a taxane, is a cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agent that targets
      microtubules. It has become a front-line therapy for a broad range of
      malignancies, including lung, breast, gastric, esophageal, and bladder
      carcinomas. Although paclitaxel can inhibit tumor development and improve
      survival, poor solubility, myelotoxicity, allergic reactions, and drug resistance
      have restricted its clinical application. Paclitaxel is frequently combined with
      other chemotherapeutics to enhance the antitumor effects and reduce side effects.
      We synthesized geridonin, a derivative of oridonin, and demonstrate that
      geridonin and paclitaxel act synergistically to inhibit the growth of gastric
      cancer cells. Importantly, geridonin enhanced the antitumor effects of paclitaxel
      without increasing toxicity in vivo. Mechanistic analysis revealed that
      administration of geridonin in combination with paclitaxel up-regulated the tumor
      suppressor PTEN and inhibited phosphorylation of Akt and MDM2. This led to the
      accumulation of p53 and induced apoptosis though the mitochondrial pathway. Thus,
      geridonin in combination with paclitaxel is a new treatment strategy for gastric
      cancer.

PMID- 27659529
TI  - Induction of anti-EGFR immune response with mimotopes identified from a phage
      display peptide library by panitumumab.
AB  - The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is overexpressed in several
      epithelial tumors. Anti-EGFR humanized monoclonal antibodies, cetuximab and
      panitumumab, in combination with chemotherapy have improved the prognosis for
      patients with wild-type RAS tumors. To identify mimotopes of EGFR and develop
      mimotope-based EGFR vaccines, we screened a phage display peptide library with
      panitumumab. Two EGFR mimotopes P19 and P26, which could be recognized by
      panitumumab specifically, were isolated. To enhance the immune responses, we
      generated recombinant proteins of P19 or P26 fused to a heat-shock cognate
      protein 70 (Hsc70), and evaluated the efficacy of Hsc70-P19 and Hsc70-P26 as
      vaccines in vivo. Immunization with Hsc70-P19 or Hsc70-P26 fusion protein
      stimulated the immune system to produce specific antibodies against peptides as
      well as EGFR. Moreover, antibodies elicited against mimotopes could induce
      antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), complement-dependent
      cytotoxicity (CDC), and inhibit the proliferation of EGFR-overexpressing A431
      cells. Treatment with Hsc70-P19 and Hsc70-P26 significantly reduced tumor growth
      in BALB/c transplantable lung cancer models. Although there was no sequence
      homology between the phage-derived peptides and EGFR by alignments, both peptides
      mimic the conformational structure of EGFR binding to panitumumab. In conclusion,
      the mimotopes we identified from phage display peptide library could be promising
      candidate vaccines for active anti-EGFR immunotherapy against cancers.

PMID- 27659530
TI  - CD133+CD24lo defines a 5-Fluorouracil-resistant colon cancer stem cell-like
      phenotype.
AB  - The chemotherapeutic agent 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is the most commonly used drug
      for patients with advanced colon cancer. However, development of resistance to 5
      FU is inevitable in almost all patients. The mechanism by which colon cancer
      develops 5-FU resistance is still unclear. One recently proposed theory is that
      cancer stem-like cells underlie colon cancer 5-FU resistance, but the phenotypes
      of 5-FU-resistant colon cancer stem cells are still controversial. We report here
      that 5-FU treatment selectively enriches a subset of CD133+ colon cancer cells in
      vitro. 5-FU chemotherapy also increases CD133+ tumor cells in human colon cancer
      patients. However, sorted CD133+ colon cancer cells exhibit no increased
      resistance to 5-FU, and CD133 levels exhibit no correlation with colon cancer
      patient survival or cancer recurrence. Genome-wide analysis of gene expression
      between sorted CD133+ colon cancer cells and 5-FU-selected colon cancer cells
      identifies 207 differentially expressed genes. CD24 is one of the genes whose
      expression level is lower in the CD133+ and 5-FU-resistant colon cancer cells as
      compared to CD133+ and 5-FU-sensitive colon cancer cells. Consequently,
      CD133+CD24lo cells exhibit decreased sensitivity to 5-FU. Therefore, we determine
      that CD133+CD24lo phenotype defines 5-FU-resistant human colon cancer stem cell
      like cells.

PMID- 27659531
TI  - The tumor-associated antigen RHAMM (HMMR/CD168) is expressed by monocyte-derived
      dendritic cells and presented to T cells.
AB  - We formerly demonstrated that vaccination with Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1)-loaded
      autologous monocyte-derived dendritic cells (mo-DCs) can be a well-tolerated
      effective treatment in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. Here, we
      investigated whether we could introduce the receptor for hyaluronic acid-mediated
      motility (RHAMM/HMMR/CD168), another clinically relevant tumor-associated
      antigen, into these mo-DCs through mRNA electroporation and elicit RHAMM-specific
      immune responses. While RHAMM mRNA electroporation significantly increased RHAMM
      protein expression by mo-DCs, our data indicate that classical mo-DCs already
      express and present RHAMM at sufficient levels to activate RHAMM-specific T
      cells, regardless of electroporation. Moreover, we found that RHAMM-specific T
      cells are present at vaccination sites in AML patients. Our findings implicate
      that we and others who are using classical mo-DCs for cancer immunotherapy are
      already vaccinating against RHAMM.

PMID- 27659532
TI  - Promoter methylation of PCDH10 by HOTAIR regulates the progression of
      gastrointestinal stromal tumors.
AB  - HOTAIR, a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), plays a crucial role in tumor initiation
      and metastasis by interacting with the PRC2 complex and the modulation of its
      target genes. The role of HOTAIR in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) is
      remains unclear. Herein we investigate the mechanism of HOTAIR in the genesis and
      promotion of GISTs. The expression of HOTAIR was found to be higher in surgically
      resected high-risk GISTs than that in low- and intermediate-risk GISTs. Using
      GIST-T1 and GIST882 cells, we demonstrated that HOTAIR repressed apoptosis, was
      associated with cell cycle progression, and controlled the invasion and migration
      of GIST cells. Using a gene expression microarray and lists of HOTAIR-associated
      candidate genes, we suggested that protocadherin 10 (PCDH10) is a key molecule.
      PCDH10 expression was significantly decreased in GIST-T1 and GIST882 cells,
      possibly as a consequence of hypermethylation. We observed that HOTAIR induced
      PCDH10 methylation in a SUZ12-dependent manner. In this study, we found that the
      malignant character of GISTs was initiated and amplified by PCDH10 in a process
      regulated by HOTAIR. In summary, our findings imply that PCDH10 and HOTAIR may be
      useful markers of disease progression and therapeutic targets.

PMID- 27659533
TI  - Circulating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as predictive factor of
      progression-free survival in patients with advanced chordoma receiving sorafenib:
      an analysis from a phase II trial of the french sarcoma group (GSF/GETO).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with advanced chordoma are often treated with tyrosine
      kinase inhibitors without any predictive factor to guide decision. We report
      herein an ancillary analysis of the the Angionext phase II trial (NCT 00874874).
      RESULTS: From May 2011 to January 2014, 26 were sampled. The 9-month PFS rate was
      72.9% (95%-CI: 45.9-87.9). During sorafenib treatment, a significant increase in
      PlGF (18.4 vs 43.8 pg/mL, p<0.001) was noted along with a non-significant
      increase in VEGF (0.7 vs 1.0 ng/mL, p=0.07). VEGF at D1 >1.04 ng/mL (HR=12.5, 95%
      CI: 1.37-114, p=0.025) and VEGF at D7 >1.36 ng/mL (HR=10.7, 95%-CI: 1.16-98,
      p=0.037) were associated with shorter PFS. The 9-month PFS rate was 92.3% (95%
      CI: 56.6-98.9) when VEGF at D1 was <=1.04 ng/mL versus 23.3% (95%-CI: 1.0-63.2)
      when >1.04 ng/mL. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Chordoma patients were treated with
      sorafenib 800 mg/day for 9 months, unless earlier occurrence of progression or
      toxicities. Six biomarkers (sE-Selectin, VEGF, VEGF-C, placental growth factor
      (PlGF), Thrombospondin, Stem Cell Factor (SCF)) were measured at baseline (day 1:
      D1) and day 7 (D7). CONCLUSION: High levels of VEGF was associated with poor
      outcome.

PMID- 27659534
TI  - Tumor-specific gene therapy for pancreatic cancer using human neural stem cells
      encoding carboxylesterase.
AB  - Advanced pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal malignant human diseases
      lacking effective treatment. Its extremely low survival rate necessitates
      development of novel therapeutic approach. Human neural stem cells (NSCs) are
      known to have tumor-tropic effect. We genetically engineered them to express
      rabbit carboxyl esterase (F3.CE), which activates prodrug CPT-11(irinotecan) into
      potent metabolite SN-38. We found significant inhibition of the growth of BxPC3
      human pancreatic cancer cell line in vitro by F3.CE in presence of CPT-11.
      Apoptosis was also markedly increased in BxPC3 cells treated with F3.CE and CPT
      11. The ligand VEGF and receptor VEGF-1(Flt1) were identified to be the relevant
      tumor-tropic chemoattractant. We confirmed in vivo that in mice injected with
      BxPC3 on their skin, there was significant reduction of tumor size in those
      treated with both F3.CE and BxPC3 adjacent to the cancer mass. Administration of
      F3.CE in conjunction with CPT-11 could be a new possibility as an effective
      treatment regimen for patients suffering from advanced pancreatic cancer.

PMID- 27659535
TI  - Generation of affibody molecules specific for HPV16 E7 recognition.
AB  - Cervical cancer caused by infection with high-risk human papillomavirus remains
      to be the most deadly gynecologic malignancy worldwide. It is well documented
      that persistent expression of two oncogenes (E6/E7) plays the key roles in
      cervical cancer. Thus, in vivo detection of the oncoproteins is very important
      for the diagnosis of the cancer. Recently, affibody molecules have been
      demonstrated to be a powerful targeting probe for tumor-targeted imaging and
      diagnosis. In this study, four HPV16 E7-binding affibody molecules (Z HPV16
      E7127, Z HPV16E7301, Z HPV16E7384 and Z HPV16E7745) were screened from a phage
      displayed peptide library and used for molecular imaging in tumor-bearing mice.
      Biosensor binding analyses showed first that the four affibody molecules bound to
      HPV16 E7 with very high affinity and specificity. They co-localized with E7
      protein only in two HPV16-positive cancer cells (SiHa and CaSki). Furthermore,
      affibody ZHPV16E7384 was conjugated with Dylight755 and used for in vivo tumor
      imaging. Strongly high-contrast tumor retention of this affibody only occurred in
      HPV16-derived tumors of mice as early as 30 min post-injection, not in HPV
      negative and HPV18-derived tumors. The accumulation of Dylight755-conjugated
      ZHPV16E7384 in tumor was achieved over a longer time period (24 h). The data here
      provide strong evidence that E7-specific affibody molecules have great potential
      used for molecular imaging and diagnosis of HPV-induced cancers.

PMID- 27659537
TI  - Cystic brain metastasis is associated with poor prognosis in patients with
      advanced breast cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Brain metastasis (BM) with a cystic component from breast cancer is rare
      and largely uncharacterized. The purpose of this study was to identify the
      characteristics of cystic BM in a large cohort of breast cancer patients.
      RESULTS: A total of 35 eligible patients with cystic BM and 255 patients with
      solid BM were analyzed. Three factors were significantly associated with an
      increased probability of developing cystic lesions: age at diagnosis <= 40 years,
      age at BM <= 45 years, and poor histological grade (p < 0.05). Patients with
      cystic metastasis were also characterized by a larger metastasis volume, a
      shorter progression-free survival (PFS) following their first treatment for BM,
      and poor overall survival after BM (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis further
      demonstrated that local control of cystic BM was only potentially achieved for
      HER2-negative primary tumors (p = 0.084). METHODS: Breast cancer patients with
      parenchymal BM were reviewed from consecutive cases treated at our institution.
      Cystic BM was defined when the volume of a cystic lesion was greater than 50% of
      the aggregated volume of all lesions present. Clinicopathologic and radiographic
      variables were correlated with development of cystic lesions and with prognosis
      of cystic BM. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that cystic BM from breast cancer, a
      special morphological type of BM, had worse prognosis than the more commonly
      observed solid BM. Younger age and low tumor grade were associated with the
      development of cystic lesions. Further comprehensive research and management of
      cystic BM are warranted to improve its poor prognosis.

PMID- 27659536
TI  - MDM2 is a potential therapeutic target and prognostic factor for ovarian clear
      cell carcinomas with wild type TP53.
AB  - MDM2, a ubiquitin ligase, suppresses wild type TP53 via proteasome-mediated
      degradation. We evaluated the prognostic and therapeutic value of MDM2 in ovarian
      clear cell carcinoma. MDM2 expression in ovarian cancer tissues was analyzed by
      microarray and real-time PCR, and its relationship with prognosis was evaluated
      by Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. The anti-tumor activities of MDM2 siRNA
      and the MDM2 inhibitor RG7112 were assessed by cell viability assay, western
      blotting, and flow cytometry. The anti-tumor effects of RG7112 in vivo were
      examined in a mouse xenograft model. MDM2 expression was significantly higher in
      clear cell carcinoma than in ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma (P = 0.0092) and
      normal tissues (P = 0.035). High MDM2 expression determined by microarray was
      significantly associated with poor progression-free survival and poor overall
      survival (P = 0.0002, and P = 0.0008, respectively). Notably, RG7112
      significantly suppressed cell viability in clear cell carcinoma cell lines with
      wild type TP53. RG7112 also strongly induced apoptosis, increased TP53
      phosphorylation, and stimulated expression of the proapoptotic protein PUMA.
      Similarly, siRNA knockdown of MDM2 induced apoptosis. Finally, RG7112
      significantly reduced the tumor volume of xenografted RMG-I clear cell carcinoma
      cells (P = 0.033), and the density of microvessels (P = 0.011). Our results
      highlight the prognostic value of MDM2 expression in clear cell carcinoma. Thus,
      MDM2 inhibitors such as RG7112 may constitute a class of potential therapeutics.

PMID- 27659540
TI  - Craniometric examination of Longxian and Qi Li Cun archaeological sites to assess
      population continuity in ancient northern China.
AB  - In this paper, population continuity and discontinuity in northern China are
      explored using craniometric analyses from two archaeological sites, Longxian
      (Warring States) and Qi Li Cun (Han Dynasty). Neither population has been
      previously studied. Artefactual evidence shows the individuals from Qi Li Cun
      were Xianbei, descendants from Mongolia. Longxian is from further south in the
      central plains at an earlier time, thus, we expect to observe variability between
      these groups. In total, 24 cranial measurements were obtained on 66 crania from
      these sites. Howells's cranial measurements on Anyang (42 crania) and Hainan (83
      crania) Chinese samples were included for comparative purposes. Less variability
      is expected between Longxian and Howells's Chinese data due to geographic and
      temporal similarity. With closer geographic and temporal affinity with Anyang,
      the expectation is for Longxian and Anyang to be similar. Few statistical
      differences exist between Longxian and Qi Li Cun; this was supported by the
      similarity found through principal components analysis (PCA). Regardless of sex,
      canonical discriminant analysis shows clustering of Longxian and Qi Li Cun
      separate from those of Anyang and Hainan. Their similarity indicates the people
      from Longxian and Qi Li Cun likely share Mongolian ancestry. Our results,
      supported by other studies, suggest that despite temporal differences, Mongolians
      living in China during the Warring States and Han dynasty retained their cultural
      and genetic Mongolian identity. These data add valuable bioarchaeological
      information regarding the peopling of northern China during a crucial period of
      cultural and political change in the Early Bronze Age and Iron Age.

PMID- 27659538
TI  - The transcriptional signature of human ovarian carcinoma macrophages is
      associated with extracellular matrix reorganization.
AB  - Macrophages occur as resident cells of fetal origin or as infiltrating blood
      monocyte-derived cells. Despite the critical role of tumor-associated macrophages
      (TAMs) in tumor progression, the contribution of these developmentally and
      functionally distinct macrophage subsets and their alteration by the tumor
      microenvironment are poorly understood. We have addressed this question by
      comparing TAMs from human ovarian carcinoma ascites, resident peritoneal
      macrophages (pMPHs) and monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs). Our study revealed
      striking a similarity between TAMs and pMPHs, which was considerably greater that
      the resemblance of TAMs and MDMs, including their transcriptomes, their
      inflammation-related activation state, the presence of receptors mediating immune
      functions and the expression of tumor-promoting mediators. Consistent with these
      results, TAMs phagocytized bacteria, presented peptide antigens and activated
      cytotoxic T cells within their pathophysiological environment. These observations
      support the notion that tumor-promoting properties of TAMs may reflect, at least
      to some extent, normal features of resident macrophages rather than functions
      induced by the tumor microenvironment. In spite of these surprising similarities
      between TAMs and pMPHs, bioinformatic analyses identified a TAM-selective
      signature of 30 genes that are upregulated relative to both pMPHs and MDMs. The
      majority of these genes is linked to extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling,
      supporting a role for TAMs in cancer cell invasion and ovarian cancer
      progression.

PMID- 27659541
TI  - Sexual dimorphism in two mediaeval Muslim populations from Spain.
AB  - Sexual dimorphism in humans is mainly observed as a difference in the anatomy of
      genitals and breasts. There are also some differences in the stature and metric
      or morphological traits of the skeleton. Degree of sexual dimorphism varies among
      populations and depends on their genetic composition and various cultural and
      environmental factors. In this study, two Mediaeval Muslim populations from
      Granada, Spain, were compared, testing whether differences in living environment
      (urban vs. rural) would result in distinct degrees of sexual dimorphism of long
      bones. We studied skeletal material from urban (Sahl ben Malik, Granada, Spain)
      and rural (La Torrecilla, Arenas del Rey, Granada, Spain) cemeteries. Only adult
      individuals (66 from Sahl ben Malik and 72 from La Torrecilla) were selected for
      the study. Maximum length, minimum circumference of the shaft and maximum widths
      of the proximal and distal epiphyses were measured in each bone. The index of
      sexual dimorphism (ISD) was calculated for each variable and each population. The
      degree of sexual dimorphism was greater in La Torrecilla. These results indicate
      that Muslim women in large urban centres may have played a more active role in
      social and working life in comparison to their rural counterparts and may have
      enjoyed superior living conditions, which contributed to enhancing the body
      development of women and reducing sexual dimorphism. We conclude that living in
      an urban or a rural environment may influence the degree of sexual dimorphism.

PMID- 27659539
TI  - A virtual water maze revisited: Two-year changes in navigation performance and
      their neural correlates in healthy adults.
AB  - Age-related declines in spatial navigation are associated with deficits in
      procedural and episodic memory and deterioration of their neural substrates. For
      the lack of longitudinal evidence, the pace and magnitude of these declines and
      their neural mediators remain unclear. Here we examined virtual navigation in
      healthy adults (N=213, age 18-77 years) tested twice, two years apart, with
      complementary indices of navigation performance (path length and complexity)
      measured over six learning trials at each occasion. Slopes of skill acquisition
      curves and longitudinal change therein were estimated in structural equation
      modeling, together with change in regional brain volumes and iron content (R2*
      relaxometry). Although performance on the first trial did not differ between
      occasions separated by two years, the slope of path length improvement over
      trials was shallower and end-of-session performance worse at follow-up. Advanced
      age, higher pulse pressure, smaller cerebellar and caudate volumes, and greater
      caudate iron content were associated with longer search paths, i.e. poorer
      navigation performance. In contrast, path complexity diminished faster over
      trials at follow-up, albeit less so in older adults. Improvement in path
      complexity after two years was predicted by lower baseline hippocampal iron
      content and larger parahippocampal volume. Thus, navigation path length behaves
      as an index of perceptual-motor skill that is vulnerable to age-related decline,
      whereas path complexity may reflect cognitive mapping in episodic memory that
      improves with repeated testing, although not enough to overcome age-related
      deficits.

PMID- 27659542
TI  - Assessing size and strength of the clavicle for its usefulness for sex estimation
      in a British medieval sample.
AB  - The construction of the biological profile from human skeletal remains is the
      foundation of anthropological examination. However, remains may be fragmentary
      and the elements usually employed, such as the pelvis and skull, are not
      available. The clavicle has been successfully used for sex estimation in samples
      from Iran and Greece. In the present study, the aim was to test the suitability
      of the measurements used in those previous studies on a British Medieval
      population. In addition, the project tested whether discrimination between sexes
      was due to size or clavicular strength. The sample consisted of 23 females and 25
      males of pre-determined sex from two medieval collections: Poulton and
      Gloucester. Six measurements were taken using an osteometric board, sliding
      calipers and graduated tape. In addition, putty rings and bi-planar radiographs
      were made and robusticity measures calculated. The resulting variables were used
      in stepwise discriminant analyses. The linear measurements allowed correct sex
      classification in 89.6% of all individuals. This demonstrates the applicability
      of the clavicle for sex estimation in British populations. The most powerful
      discriminant factor was maximum clavicular length and the best combination of
      factors was maximum clavicular length and circumference. This result is similar
      to that obtained by other studies. To further investigate the extent of sexual
      dimorphism of the clavicle, the biomechanical properties of the polar second
      moment of area J and the ratio of maximum to minimum bending rigidity are
      included in the analysis. These were found to have little influence when entered
      into the discriminant function analysis.

PMID- 27659543
TI  - Non-invasive detection of 2-hydroxyglutarate in IDH-mutated gliomas using two
      dimensional localized correlation spectroscopy (2D L-COSY) at 7 Tesla.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mutations in the isocitrate dehydrogenase enzyme are present in a
      majority of lower-grade gliomas and secondary glioblastomas. This mis-sense
      mutation results in the neomorphic reduction of isocitrate dehydrogenase
      resulting in an accumulation of the "oncometabolite" 2-hydroxyglutarate (2HG).
      Detection of 2HG can thus serve as a surrogate biomarker for these mutations,
      with significant translational implications including improved prognostication.
      Two dimensional localized correlated spectroscopy (2D L-COSY) at 7T is a highly
      sensitive non-invasive technique for assessing brain metabolism. This study aims
      to assess tumor metabolism using 2D L-COSY at 7T for the detection of 2HG in IDH
      mutant gliomas. METHODS: Nine treatment-naive patients with suspected
      intracranial neoplasms were scanned at 7T MRI/MRS scanner using the 2D L-COSY
      technique. 2D-spectral processing and analyses were performed using a MATLAB
      based reconstruction algorithm. Cross and diagonal peak volumes were quantified
      in the 2D L-COSY spectra and normalized with respect to the creatine peak at 3.0
      ppm and quantified data were compared with previously-published data from six
      normal subjects. Detection of 2HG was validated using findings from
      immunohistochemical (IHC) staining in patients who subsequently underwent
      surgical resection. RESULTS: 2HG was detected in both of the IDH-mutated gliomas
      (grade III Anaplastic Astrocytoma and grade II Diffuse Astrocytoma) and was
      absent in IDH wild-type gliomas and in a patient with breast cancer metastases.
      2D L-COSY was also able to resolve complex and overlapping resonances including
      phosphocholine (PC) from glycerophosphocholine (GPC), lactate (Lac) from lipids
      and glutamate (Glu) from glutamine (Gln). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates
      the ability of 2D L-COSY to unambiguously detect 2HG in addition to other neuro
      metabolites. These findings may aid in establishing 2HG as a biomarker of
      malignant progression as well as for disease monitoring in IDH-mutated gliomas.

PMID- 27659544
TI  - A Randomized Multicenter Clinical Trial of Ultrathin Descemet Stripping Automated
      Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK) versus DSAEK.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare visual acuity, refraction, endothelial cell density (ECD),
      and complications after Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty
      (DSAEK) and ultrathin DSAEK (UT-DSAEK). DESIGN: A multicenter, prospective,
      double-masked, randomized, controlled clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS: From 66
      patients with irreversible corneal endothelial dysfunction dues to Fuchs'
      dystrophy who enrolled from 4 tertiary medical centers in the Netherlands, 66
      eyes were studied. METHODS: Participants were centrally randomized to undergo
      either UT-DSAEK or DSAEK, based on preoperative best spectacle-corrected visual
      acuity (BSCVA), recipient central corneal thickness, patient age, and recruitment
      center. Donor corneas were precut by a single cornea bank. PARTICIPANTS:
      Participants underwent ophthalmic examinations preoperatively and 3, 6, and 12
      months after the operation, including manifest refraction, BSCVA using an Early
      Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study chart, and endothelium imaging. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: BSCVA 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Preoperative BSCVA did not
      differ between patients undergoing DSAEK (0.35 logarithm of the minimum angle of
      resolution [logMAR] [95% confidence interval {CI} 0.27-0.43]; n = 32) and UT
      DSAEK (0.37 logMAR [95% CI 0.31-0.43]; n = 34; P = 0.8). BSCVA was significantly
      better after UT-DSAEK compared with that after DSAEK at 3 months (0.17 logMAR
      [95% CI 0.13-0.21], n = 31 vs. 0.28 logMAR [95% CI 0.23-0.33], n = 31; P =
      0.001), 6 months (0.14 logMAR [95% CI 0.10-0.18], n = 30 vs. 0.24 logMAR [95% CI
      0.20-0.28], n = 30; P = 0.002), and 12 months (0.13 logMAR [95% CI 0.09-0.17], n
      = 33 vs. 0.20 logMAR [95% CI 0.15-0.25], n = 29; P = 0.03). Refraction, ECD loss
      (40% at 3 months; P < 0.001), donor loss (DSAEK n = 2 vs. UT-DSAEK n = 3
      [relative risk {RR} 1.4 {95% CI 0.24-7.5}; P = 0.7]), and graft dislocation
      (DSAEK n = 5 vs. UT-DSAEK n = 5 [RR 1.0 {95% CI 0.34-3.33}; P = 0.9]) did not
      differ between UT-DSAEK and DSAEK. Donor thickness was significantly thinner for
      UT-DSAEK (101 MUm [95% CI 93-110 MUm]; range 50-145 MUm) than for DSAEK (209 MUm
      [95% CI 196-222 MUm]; range 147-289 MUm; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study
      indicates that compared with DSAEK, UT-DSAEK results in faster and better
      recovery of BSCVA with similar refractive outcomes, endothelial cell loss, and
      incidence of complications.

PMID- 27659545
TI  - Demographic, Systemic, and Ocular Factors Associated with Nonarteritic Anterior
      Ischemic Optic Neuropathy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is a
      devastating ocular condition causing permanent vision loss. Little is known about
      risk factors for developing this disease. We assessed demographic, systemic, and
      ocular factors associated with NAION. DESIGN: Retrospective longitudinal cohort
      study. PARTICIPANTS: Beneficiaries between 40 and 75 years old without NAION at
      baseline enrolled in a large U.S. managed care network. METHODS: Enrollees were
      monitored continuously for >=2 years between 2001 and 2014 to identify those
      newly diagnosed with NAION (International Classification of Diseases, 9th
      Revision, Clinical Modification [ICD-9-CM] code 377.41). All persons were under
      ophthalmic surveillance and all cases had >=1 confirmatory ICD-9-CM code for
      NAION during follow-up. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Multivariable Cox regression
      modeling was used to generate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals
      (CIs) to describe the statistical relationship between selected demographic
      characteristics, systemic and ocular conditions, and the hazard of developing
      NAION. RESULTS: Of 1 381 477 eligible enrollees, 977 (0.1%) developed NAION
      during a mean +/- standard deviation (SD) follow-up of 7.8+/-3.1 years. The mean
      +/- SD age for NAION cases at the index date was 64.0+/-9.2 years vs. 58.4+/-9.4
      years for the remainder of the beneficiaries. After adjustment for confounding
      factors, each additional year older was associated with a 2% increased hazard of
      NAION (HR = 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01-1.03). Female subjects had a 36% decreased hazard
      of developing NAION (HR = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.55-0.74) compared with male subjects.
      Compared with whites, Latinos had a 46% decreased hazard of developing NAION (HR
      = 0.54; 95% CI: 0.36-0.82), whereas African ancestry was not significantly
      associated with NAION (HR = 0.91; 95% CI: 0.72-1.15). Systemic diseases
      associated with NAION included hypertension (HR = 1.62; 95% CI: 1.26-2.07) and
      hypercoagulable states (HR = 2.46; 95% CI: 1.51-4.00). Although diabetes mellitus
      (DM) was not significantly associated with NAION compared with those without DM
      (P = 0.45), patients with end-organ involvement from DM had a 27% increased
      hazard of NAION relative to those with uncomplicated DM (HR = 1.27; 95% CI: 1.01
      1.59). Ocular diseases associated with NAION were age-related macular
      degeneration (HR = 1.29; 95% CI: 1.08-1.54) and retinal vein occlusion (HR =
      3.94; 95% CI: 3.11-4.99). CONCLUSIONS: Our study identified several modifiable
      risk factors that may be associated with NAION. Should future studies confirm
      these findings, they may offer opportunities to prevent or treat this
      debilitating condition.

PMID- 27659546
TI  - Pediatric Hypertension: Are Pediatricians Following Guidelines?
AB  - The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recommends that children older than
      3 years seen in the medical setting have their blood pressure (BP) measured. The
      authors aimed to determine whether BPs are measured at well-child visits and
      whether elevated readings are recognized. A retrospective chart review of 3- to
      18-year-old children seen for well-child visits was performed. Age, sex, weight,
      height, BP, extremity measured, and type of intervention were collected. BP was
      measured in 777 of 805 patients (97%). BP was elevated in 158 patients (20%). A
      total of 95 patients (60%) did not receive any intervention. Not recognizing
      elevated BP was associated with increased daily patient load (17.9+/-6.5 vs
      12.6+/-5.5, P=.001). Higher body mass index was associated with elevated BP
      (P=.0008) but was not associated with improved recognition. Findings show that BP
      is almost always measured at well-child visits but is not being measured
      appropriately, and general pediatric clinics are not consistently following BP
      management recommendations.

PMID- 27659547
TI  - The link between self-perceptions of aging, cancer view and physical and mental
      health of older people with cancer: A cross-sectional study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Older people may suffer from stigmas linked to cancer and aging.
      Although some studies suggested that a negative view of cancer may increase the
      level of depression, such an association has never been studied in the elderly
      population. Similarly, even though it is established that a negative self
      perception of aging has deleterious consequences on mental and physical health in
      normal aging, the influence in pathological contexts, such as oncology, has not
      been studied. The main aim of this study is thus to analyze the effect of these
      two stigmas on the health of elderly oncology patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      101 patients suffering from a cancer (breast, gynecological, lung or
      hematological) were seen as soon as possible after their diagnosis. Their self
      perception of age, cancer view and health (physical and mental) was assessed.
      RESULTS: Multiple regressions showed that patients with a more negative self
      perception of aging and/or more negative cancer view reported poorer global
      health. We also observed that negative self-perception of aging was associated
      with worse physical and mental health, whereas negative cancer views were only
      linked to worse mental health. No interaction was observed between these two
      stigmas, suggesting that their action is independent. CONCLUSION: Older patients
      with cancer face double stigmatization, due to negative self-perception of aging
      and cancer, and these stigmas have impacts on global and mental health. Self
      perception of aging is also linked to physical health. Longitudinal studies will
      be necessary to analyze the direction of the association between this double
      stigmatization and health.

PMID- 27659548
TI  - The impact of age on first-line systemic therapy in patients with metachronous
      metastases from colorectal cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The paucity of evidence for the optimal use of systemic therapy in
      elderly patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) poses significant
      challenges to cancer specialists. The present population-based study provides
      insight into the impact of age on palliative systemic therapy in patients with
      metachronous metastases from CRC, in order to optimize the decision-making
      process. METHODS: Data on the development and treatment of metachronous
      metastases were collected for patients with primary resected CRC diagnosed
      between 2003 and 2008 in the Eindhoven area of the Netherlands Cancer Registry.
      Patients undergoing surgery for metastases were excluded, resulting in a study
      population treated with palliative intent, with or without systemic therapy
      (n=746). RESULTS: 385 patients received palliative systemic therapy (52%).
      Patients aged >=75years were less likely to receive systemic therapy (31%
      >=75years vs 73% <60years) and more likely to receive single-agent chemotherapy
      than combination-chemotherapy. Elderly patients (>=75years) treated with
      capecitabine-oxaliplatin (CAPOX) received fewer cycles (51% <=3 oxaliplatin
      cycles, 43% <=3 capecitabine cycles) and lower cumulative dosages compared to
      patients aged <75years, although initial dosages were similar. If capecitabine
      monotherapy (CapMono) was administered, starting dosages were 2414mg/m2/d<75years
      and 1992mg/m2/d>=75years (p<0.05), but no differences in number of received
      cycles or cumulative dosages were observed. CONCLUSION: Age beginning at 75years
      significantly influenced palliative systemic therapy. Even in selected elderly
      patients, first-line treatment with CAPOX was associated with less cycles and
      lower cumulative dosages compared to younger patients. With single-agent
      fluoropyrimidine therapy, however, no such results were observed.

PMID- 27659549
TI  - Major discrepancies between what clinical trial registries record and paediatric
      randomised controlled trials publish.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Whether information from clinical trial registries (CTRs) and
      published randomised controlled trial (RCTs) differs remains unknown. Knowing
      more about discrepancies should alert those who rely on RCTs for medical decision
      making to possible dissemination or reporting bias. To provide help in critically
      appraising research relevant for clinical practice we sought possible
      discrepancies between what CTRs record and paediatric RCTs actually publish. For
      this purpose, after identifying six reporting domains including funding, design,
      and outcomes, we collected data from 20 consecutive RCTs published in a widely
      read peer-reviewed paediatric journal and cross-checked reported features with
      those in the corresponding CTRs. METHODS: We collected data for 20 unselected,
      consecutive paediatric RCTs published in a widely read peer-reviewed journal from
      July to November 2013. To assess discrepancies, two reviewers identified and
      scored six reporting domains: funding and conflict of interests; sample size,
      inclusion and exclusion criteria or crossover; primary and secondary outcomes,
      early study completion, and main outcome reporting. After applying the Critical
      Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist, five reviewer pairs cross-checked
      CTRs and matching RCTs, then mapped and coded the reporting domains and scored
      combined discrepancy as low, medium and high. RESULTS: The 20 RCTs were
      registered in five different CTRs. Even though the 20 RCTs fulfilled the CASP
      general criteria for assessing internal validity, 19 clinical trials had medium
      or high combined discrepancy scores for what the 20 RCTs reported and the matched
      five CTRs stated. All 20 RCTs selectively reported or failed to report main
      outcomes, 9 had discrepancies in declaring sponsorship, 8 discrepancies in the
      sample size, 9 failed to respect inclusion or exclusion criteria, 11 downgraded
      or modified primary outcome or upgraded secondary outcomes, and 13 completed
      early without justification. The CTRs for seven trials failed to index
      automatically the URL address or the RCT reference, and for 12 recorded RCT
      details, but the authors failed to report the results. CONCLUSIONS: Major
      discrepancies between what CTRs record and paediatric RCTs publish raise concern
      about what clinical trials conclude. Our findings should make clinicians, who
      rely on RCT results for medical decision-making, aware of dissemination or
      reporting bias. Trialists need to bring CTR data and reported protocols into line
      with published data.

PMID- 27659552
TI  - Transcatheter arterial embolization as first-line rescue in intractable primary
      postpartum hemorrhage: Assessment, outcome, and subsequent fertility.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: To assess the risk factors for intractable and controllable
      postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and outcome of
      transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE). METHODS: An emergency PPH rescue
      system including the 24-hour-available TAE was established in 2004. TAE with
      gelatine sponge particles placed on bilateral uterine or internal iliac arteries
      served as the first-line treatment for intractable PPH. Delivery methods, parity,
      causes of bleeding, clinical vital signs, coagulopathy, success rate, resumption
      of menstruation, and subsequent pregnancy outcome after TAE were recorded.
      RESULTS: From the years 2005 to 2013, 301 women experienced PPH, of whom 178 had
      controllable PPH and 123 intractable PPH. Tachycardia and disseminated
      intravascular coagulation were significant risk factors for intractable PPH. All
      of the women with intractable PPH underwent TAE, and 89 (72.3%) were transferred
      by ground transport to receive treatment in this system. The mean travel distance
      was 15 km +/- 12.5 km. The mean time of order to angiography room was 24.9
      minutes +/- 14.2 minutes. The mean blood loss before TAE was 2247 mL +/- 1482 mL
      (range, 900-11,110 mL). The first TAE successfully controlled bleeding in 118 of
      the 123 (95.9%) women with intractable PPH. Of the 70 women with complete follow
      up, 69 (98.6%) recovered menstruation. Twenty-three women tried to get pregnant
      and 19 (82.6%) of them succeeded, giving birth to 12 full-term live infants.
      CONCLUSION: TAE was safe and effective in treating intractable primary PPH with a
      high success rate and preservation of menstruation and fertility.

PMID- 27659550
TI  - RAB23, regulated by miR-92b, promotes the progression of esophageal squamous cell
      carcinoma.
AB  - RAB23, a member of Ras-related small GTPase family, has been reported to be up
      regulated in several cancer types. However, its biological functions and the
      underlying molecular mechanisms for its oncogenic roles in esophageal squamous
      cell carcinoma (ESCC) remain unknown. In this study, we have shown that the
      expression of RAB23 was elevated in ESCC tissues and ESCC cells. Overexpression
      of RAB23 promoted the growth and migration of the ESCC cells, while knocking down
      the expression RAB23 inhibited the growth, migration and metastasis of the ESCC
      cells. The molecular mechanism study showed that RAB23 activated beta-catenin/TCF
      signaling and regulated the expression of several target genes. In the further
      study, it was found that the expression of RAB23 was regulated by the miR-92b.
      Forced expression of MiR-92b decreased the mRNA and protein level of RAB23, and
      RAB23 rescued the biological functions of miR-92b. Taken together, this study
      revealed the oncogenic roles and the regulation of RAB23 in ESCC, suggesting
      RAB23 might be a therapeutic target.

PMID- 27659554
TI  - Dopamine D1 signaling involvement in the effects of the phosphodiesterase 10A
      inhibitor, PDM-042 on cognitive function and extrapyramidal side effect in rats.
AB  - Inhibition of phosphodiesterase 10A (PDE10A) results in activation of a dopamine
      D1 receptor-mediated direct pathway in addition to a dopamine D2 receptor
      mediated indirect pathway in the striatum. Therefore, PDE10A inhibitors could be
      novel therapeutics for schizophrenia, which differ from the currently available
      antipsychotics that directly block the dopamine D2 receptor. Previously, we found
      that a novel PDE10A inhibitor, PDM-042, had antipsychotic-like activity similar
      to currently available antipsychotics and minimal cataleptic effects in rats. The
      purpose of the present study was to examine the pharmacological effects of PDM
      042 on cognitive function and extrapyramidal side effect. In addition, we aimed
      to examine whether these effects were mediated by activation of dopamine D1
      signaling in rats. PDM-042 (1-3mg/kg) resulted in better discrimination of a
      novel object from a familiar one 48h after the acquisition trial, suggesting that
      PDM-042 increased object recognition memory. A dopamine D1 receptor antagonist,
      SCH23390 (0.1mg/kg), significantly blocked the enhancement of the object
      recognition memory induced by PDM-042 (3mg/kg) without affecting the recognition
      index by itself. We also found that the cataleptic effect of PDM-042 (1mg/kg) was
      significantly enhanced by SCH23390 (0.01-0.03mg/kg). These results indicate that
      PDM-042 has the potential to increase object recognition memory and that the
      cognitive enhancing and cataleptic effects of PDM-042 are mediated at least by
      activation of dopamine D1 signaling.

PMID- 27659553
TI  - Using a cultural and RDoC framework to conceptualize anxiety in Asian Americans.
AB  - Asian Americans are one of the fastest growing minority groups in the United
      States; however, mental health within this population segment, particularly
      anxiety disorders, remains significantly understudied. Both the heterogeneity
      within the Asian American population and the multidimensional nature of anxiety
      contribute to difficulties in understanding anxiety in this population. The
      present paper reviewed two sources of heterogeneity within anxiety in Asian
      Americans: (1) cultural variables and (2) mechanisms or components of anxiety.
      Specifically, we examined four cultural variables most commonly found in research
      related to anxiety in Asian Americans: acculturation, loss of face, affect
      valuation, and individualism-collectivism. We also discussed ways to parse
      anxiety through a Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) framework, specifically
      focusing on sensitivity to acute and potential threat, constructs within the
      Negative Valence System. Previously unpublished preliminary data were presented
      to illustrate one way of examining ethnic differences in anxiety using an RDoC
      framework. Finally, this paper offered recommendations for future work in this
      area.

PMID- 27659555
TI  - Detrimental effect of clomipramine on hippocampus-dependent learning in an animal
      model of obsessive-compulsive disorder induced by sensitization with d2/d3
      agonist quinpirole.
AB  - Quinpirole (QNP) sensitization is one of the commonly used animal models of
      obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). We have previously shown that QNP-sensitized
      animals display a robust cognitive flexibility deficit in an active place
      avoidance task with reversal in Carousel maze. This is in line with numerous
      human studies showing deficits in cognitive flexibility in OCD patients. Here we
      explored the effect of clomipramine, an effective OCD drug that attenuates
      compulsive checking in QNP, on sensitized rats in acquisition and reversal
      performances in an active place avoidance task. We found that the addition of
      clomipramine to QNP-sensitization impairs acquisition learning to a degree that
      reversal learning could not be tested. In a hippocampal-independent two-way
      active avoidance task clomipramine did not have an effect on acquisition learning
      in QNP-treated rats; suggesting that the detrimental effect of clomipramine is
      hippocampus based. We also tested the effect of risperidone in QNP-sensitized
      animals, which is not effective in OCD treatment. Risperidone also marginally
      impaired acquisition learning of QNP-sensitized animals, but not reversal.
      Moreover, we explored the effect of the augmentation of clomipramine treatment
      with risperidone in QNP-sensitized rats- a common step in treating SRI
      unresponsive OCD patients. Only under this treatment regime animals were
      unimpaired in both acquisition and reversal learning. Augmentation of SRI with
      neuroleptics therefore could be beneficial for improving cognitive flexibility,
      and possibly be considered a first line of treatment in patients with reduced
      cognitive flexibility.

PMID- 27659556
TI  - Brief isoflurane anaesthesia affects differential gene expression, gene ontology
      and gene networks in rat brain.
AB  - Much is still unknown about the mechanisms of effects of even brief anaesthesia
      on the brain and previous studies have simply compared differential expression
      profiles with and without anaesthesia. We hypothesised that network analysis, in
      addition to the traditional differential gene expression and ontology analysis,
      would enable identification of the effects of anaesthesia on interactions between
      genes. Rats (n=10 per group) were randomised to anaesthesia with isoflurane in
      oxygen or oxygen only for 15min, and 6h later brains were removed. Differential
      gene expression and gene ontology analysis of microarray data was performed.
      Standard clustering techniques and principal component analysis with Bayesian
      rules were used along with social network analysis methods, to quantitatively
      model and describe the gene networks. Anaesthesia had marked effects on genes in
      the brain with differential regulation of 416 probe sets by at least 2 fold. Gene
      ontology analysis showed 23 genes were functionally related to the anaesthesia
      and of these, 12 were involved with neurotransmitter release, transport and
      secretion. Gene network analysis revealed much greater connectivity in genes from
      brains from anaesthetised rats compared to controls. Other importance measures
      were also altered after anaesthesia; median [range] closeness centrality
      (shortest path) was lower in anaesthetized animals (0.07 [0-0.30]) than controls
      (0.39 [0.30-0.53], p<0.0001) and betweenness centrality was higher (53.85 [32.56
      70.00]% compared to 5.93 [0-30.65]%, p<0.0001). Simply studying the actions of
      individual components does not fully describe dynamic and complex systems.
      Network analysis allows insight into the interactions between genes after
      anaesthesia and suggests future targets for investigation.

PMID- 27659557
TI  - A simple automated system for appetitive conditioning of zebrafish in their home
      tanks.
AB  - We describe here an automated apparatus that permits rapid conditioning paradigms
      for zebrafish. Arduino microprocessors were used to control the delivery of
      auditory or visual stimuli to groups of adult or juvenile zebrafish in their home
      tanks in a conventional zebrafish facility. An automatic feeder dispensed precise
      amounts of food immediately after the conditioned stimuli, or at variable delays
      for controls. Responses were recorded using inexpensive cameras, with the video
      sequences analysed with ImageJ or Matlab. Fish showed significant conditioned
      responses in as few as 5 trials, learning that the conditioned stimulus was a
      predictor of food presentation at the water surface and at the end of the tank
      where the food was dispensed. Memories of these conditioned associations
      persisted for at least 2days after training when fish were tested either as
      groups or as individuals. Control fish, for which the auditory or visual stimuli
      were specifically unpaired with food, showed no comparable responses. This
      simple, low-cost, automated system permits scalable conditioning of zebrafish
      with minimal human intervention, greatly reducing both variability and labour
      intensiveness. It will be useful for studies of the neural basis of learning and
      memory, and for high-throughput screening of compounds modifying those processes.

PMID- 27659558
TI  - [Cutaneous melanocytic tumors. Pre-test].

PMID- 27659559
TI  - Measuring health literacy in community agencies: a Bayesian study of the factor
      structure and measurement invariance of the health literacy questionnaire (HLQ).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The development of the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ), reported
      in 2013, attracted widespread international interest. While the original study
      samples were drawn from clinical and home-based aged-care settings, the HLQ was
      designed for the full range of healthcare contexts including community-based
      health promotion and support services. We report a follow-up study of the
      psychometric properties of the HLQ with respondents from a diverse range of
      community-based organisations with the principal goal of contributing to the
      development of a soundly validated evidence base for its use in community health
      settings. METHODS: Data were provided by 813 clients of 8 community agencies in
      Victoria, Australia who were administered the HLQ during the needs assessment
      stage of the Ophelia project, a health literacy-based intervention. Most analyses
      were conducted using Bayesian structural equation modelling that enables rigorous
      analysis of data but with some relaxation of the restrictive requirements for
      zero cross-loadings and residual correlations of 'classical' confirmatory factor
      analysis. Scale homogeneity was investigated with one-factor models that allowed
      for the presence of small item residual correlations while discriminant validity
      was studied using the inter-factor correlations and factor loadings from a full 9
      factor model with similar allowance for small residual correlations and cross
      loadings. Measurement invariance was investigated scale-by-scale using a model
      that required strict invariance of item factor loadings, thresholds, residual
      variances and co-variances. RESULTS: All HLQ scales were found to be homogenous
      with composite reliability ranging from 0.80 to 0.89. The factor structure of the
      HLQ was replicated and 6 of the 9 scales were found to exhibit clear-cut
      discriminant validity. With a small number of exceptions involving non-invariance
      of factor loadings, strict measurement invariance was established across the
      participating organisations and the gender, language background, age and
      educational level of respondents. CONCLUSIONS: The HLQ is highly reliable, even
      with only 4 to 6 items per scale. It provides unbiased mean estimates of group
      differences across key demographic indicators. While measuring relatively narrow
      constructs, the 9 dimensions are clearly separate and therefore provide fine
      grained data on the multidimensional area of health literacy. These analyses
      provide researchers, program managers and policymakers with a range of robust
      evidence by which they can make judgements about the appropriate use of the HLQ
      for their community-based setting.

PMID- 27659560
TI  - HIV-1 Tat Inhibits Autotaxin Lysophospholipase D Activity and Modulates
      Oligodendrocyte Differentiation.
AB  - White matter injury has been frequently reported in HIV+ patients. Previous
      studies showed that HIV-1 Tat (transactivator of transcription), a viral protein
      that is produced and secreted by HIV-infected cells, is toxic to young, immature
      oligodendrocytes (OLGs). Adding Tat to the culture medium reduced the viability
      of immature OLGs, and the surviving OLGs exhibited reduced process networks. OLGs
      produce and secrete autotaxin (ATX), an ecto-enzyme containing a
      lysophospholipase D (lysoPLD) activity that converts lysophosphatidylcholine
      (LPC) to lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a lipid signaling molecule that stimulates
      OLG differentiation. We hypothesized that Tat affects OLG development by
      interfering with the ATX-LPA signaling pathway. Our data show that Tat treatment
      leads to changes in the expression of OLG differentiation genes and the area of
      OLG process networks, both of which can be rescued by LPA. Tat-treated OLGs
      showed no change in LPA receptor expression but significantly decreased
      extracellular ATX levels and lysoPLD activity. In Tat transgenic mice, expression
      of Tat in vivo leads to decreased OLG ATX secretion. Furthermore, co
      immunoprecipitation experiments revealed a potential physical interaction between
      Tat and ATX. Together, these data strongly suggest two functional implications of
      Tat blocking ATX's lysoPLD activity. On one hand, it attenuates OLG
      differentiation, and on the other hand it interferes with the protective effects
      of LPA on OLG process morphology.

PMID- 27659561
TI  - Surface proteins of Setaria cervi induce inflammation in macrophage through Toll
      like receptor 4 (TLR4)-mediated signalling pathway.
AB  - Lymphatic filariasis is a vectorborne parasitic disease that results in
      morbidities, disabilities and socio-economic loss each year globally.
      Inflammatory consequences associated with any form of filariasis have drawn
      special attention. However, the molecular insight behind the inflammation of host
      macrophage (MF) is considered as one of the shaded areas in filarial research.
      Herein, major emphasis was given to study the signalling pathway of MF
      inflammation induced by surface proteins (SPs) of filarial parasite through in
      vitro and in vivo approaches. Twenty-four hours of in vitro stimulation of Raw
      MFs with endotoxin-free SPs of Setaria cervi resulted in the secretion of pro
      inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha and IL-1beta) that revealed induction of
      inflammation, which was found to be elicited from classical NF-kB activation.
      Moreover, this NF-kB activation was found to be signalled from TLR4 and mediated
      by the downstream signalling intermediates, viz. MyD88, pTAK1 and NEMO. In vivo
      studies in adult Wistar rats, experimentally injected with SPs, clearly supported
      the outcomes of in vitro experiments by showing higher degree of inflammation
      rather classical activation of the peritoneal MFs. Therefore, SPs from S. cervi
      cuticle could be responsible for the induction of pro-inflammatory response in
      MF, which appears to be propagated through TLR4-NF-kB route.

PMID- 27659563
TI  - Contemporary Approach to Coronary Bifurcation Lesion Treatment.
AB  - Coronary bifurcations are frequent and account for approximately 20% of all
      percutaneous coronary interventions. Nonetheless, they remain one of the most
      challenging lesion subsets in interventional cardiology in terms of a lower
      procedural success rate and increased rates of long-term adverse cardiac events.
      Provisional side branch stenting should be the default approach in the majority
      of cases and we propose easily applicable and reproducible stepwise techniques
      associated with low risk of failure and complications.

PMID- 27659562
TI  - Computational Redesign of Thioredoxin Is Hypersensitive toward Minor
      Conformational Changes in the Backbone Template.
AB  - Despite the development of powerful computational tools, the full-sequence design
      of proteins still remains a challenging task. To investigate the limits and
      capabilities of computational tools, we conducted a study of the ability of the
      program Rosetta to predict sequences that recreate the authentic fold of
      thioredoxin. Focusing on the influence of conformational details in the template
      structures, we based our study on 8 experimentally determined template structures
      and generated 120 designs from each. For experimental evaluation, we chose six
      sequences from each of the eight templates by objective criteria. The 48 selected
      sequences were evaluated based on their progressive ability to (1) produce
      soluble protein in Escherichia coli and (2) yield stable monomeric protein, and
      (3) on the ability of the stable, soluble proteins to adopt the target fold. Of
      the 48 designs, we were able to synthesize 32, 20 of which resulted in soluble
      protein. Of these, only two were sufficiently stable to be purified. An X-ray
      crystal structure was solved for one of the designs, revealing a close
      resemblance to the target structure. We found a significant difference among the
      eight template structures to realize the above three criteria despite their high
      structural similarity. Thus, in order to improve the success rate of
      computational full-sequence design methods, we recommend that multiple template
      structures are used. Furthermore, this study shows that special care should be
      taken when optimizing the geometry of a structure prior to computational design
      when using a method that is based on rigid conformations.

PMID- 27659565
TI  - Women and Calcium: A Love-Hate Relationship at the Center of the Heart.

PMID- 27659564
TI  - Correlates and Impact of Coronary Artery Calcifications in Women Undergoing
      Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With Drug-Eluting Stents: From the Women in
      Innovation and Drug-Eluting Stents (WIN-DES) Collaboration.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical correlates and
      prognostic impact of coronary artery calcification (CAC) in women undergoing
      percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stents (DES). BACKGROUND:
      The clinical correlates and the prognostic significance of CAC in women
      undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention with DES remain unclear. METHODS:
      Patient-level data from female participants in 26 randomized trials of DES were
      pooled. Study population was categorized according to the presence of moderate or
      severe versus mild or no target lesion CAC, assessed through coronary
      angiography. Co-primary endpoints of interest were the composite of death,
      myocardial infarction (MI), or target lesion revascularization and death, MI, or
      stent thrombosis at 3-year follow-up. RESULTS: Among 11,557 women included in the
      pooled dataset, CAC status was available in 6,371 women. Of these, 1,622 (25.5%)
      had moderate or severe CAC. In fully adjusted models, independent correlates of
      CAC were age, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, smoking, previous coronary
      artery bypass graft surgery, and worse left ventricular and renal function. At 3
      years, women with CAC were at higher risk for death, MI, or target lesion
      revascularization (18.2% vs. 13.1%; adjusted hazard ratio: 1.56; 95% confidence
      interval: 1.33 to 1.84; p < 0.0001) and death, MI, or stent thrombosis (12.7% vs.
      8.6%; adjusted hazard ratio: 1.48; 95% confidence interval: 1.21 to 1.80; p =
      0.0001). The adverse effect of CAC on ischemic outcomes appeared to be consistent
      across clinical and angiographic subsets of women, including new-generation DES.
      CONCLUSIONS: Women undergoing PCI of calcified lesions tend to have worse
      clinical profile and remain at increased ischemic risk, irrespective of new
      generation DES.

PMID- 27659566
TI  - Efficacy and Safety of Cangrelor in Preventing Periprocedural Complications in
      Patients With Stable Angina and Acute Coronary Syndromes Undergoing Percutaneous
      Coronary Intervention: The CHAMPION PHOENIX Trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine the safety and efficacy of
      cangrelor in patients with stable angina (SA) or acute coronary syndrome (ACS).
      BACKGROUND: The CHAMPION PHOENIX (A Clinical Trial Comparing Cangrelor to
      Clopidogrel Standard Therapy in Subjects Who Require Percutaneous Coronary
      Intervention) trial demonstrated that cangrelor significantly reduced
      periprocedural ischemic events in all-comer percutaneous coronary intervention
      with a modest increase in mild and moderate bleeding. Whether this benefit is
      consistent across SA and ACS has not been explored fully. METHODS: The CHAMPION
      PHOENIX trial compared periprocedural administration of cangrelor or clopidogrel,
      with either a 300- or 600-mg loading dose for the prevention of periprocedural
      complications in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Among
      the 10,942 patients in the modified intention to treat population, 6,358 patients
      were classified as having SA, and 4,584 patients had ACS (including unstable
      angina, non ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and ST-segment elevation
      myocardial infarction) at randomization. The primary composite endpoint was
      death, myocardial infarction, ischemia-driven revascularization, or stent
      thrombosis at 48 h. A key secondary endpoint was stent thrombosis, and the
      primary safety endpoint was GUSTO (Global Utilization of Streptokinase and Tissue
      Plasminogen Activator for Occluded Coronary Arteries) severe bleeding. RESULTS:
      Cangrelor consistently reduced the primary endpoint in SA and ACS (odds ratio
      [OR]: 0.83 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.67 to 1.01] and OR: 0.71 [95% CI:
      0.52 to 0.96], respectively; interaction p = 0.41). Cangrelor also consistently
      reduced stent thrombosis in SA and ACS (OR: 0.55 [95% CI: 0.30 to 1.01] and OR:
      0.67 [95% CI: 0.42 to 1.06], respectively; interaction p = 0.62). The impact of
      cangrelor on GUSTO severe/moderate bleeding was also similar for SA and ACS (OR:
      1.49 [95% CI: 0.67 to 3.33] and OR: 1.79 [95% CI: 0.79 to 4.07], respectively;
      interaction p = 0.75). CONCLUSIONS: The benefits and risks of cangrelor were
      consistent in patients with SA and ACS. (A Clinical Trial Comparing Cangrelor to
      Clopidogrel Standard Therapy in Subjects Who Require Percutaneous Coronary
      Intervention [PCI] [CHAMPION PHOENIX] [CHAMPION]; NCT01156571).

PMID- 27659567
TI  - Cangrelor: Fixing Life or Just a Leak?

PMID- 27659569
TI  - Only the Slipperiest Can Escape From Jail Unscathed.

PMID- 27659568
TI  - Structural Damage of Jailed Guidewire During the Treatment of Coronary
      Bifurcation Lesions: A Microscopic Randomized Trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The study sought to compare the safety (resistance to damage) and
      efficacy (ability to cross the side branch) of polymer-coated and non-polymer
      coated guidewires in the jailed wire technique used during the percutaneous
      treatment of bifurcation lesions. BACKGROUND: The jailed wire technique is a
      useful strategy in the treatment of bifurcation lesions by provisional stenting.
      However, these wires can be damaged or even be broken during their removal.
      METHODS: We performed a randomized study in patients with bifurcation lesions
      treated by provisional stenting. The jailed wire technique was mandatory, and the
      types of guidewires, polymer-coated (n = 115) and non-polymer-coated (n = 120),
      were randomized. After the procedures, the wires were evaluated by stereoscopic
      microscopy. The induced damage in the wires was classified as follows: no damage,
      mild, moderate, or severe. RESULTS: The clinical characteristics were similar
      between patients treated with polymer-coated or non-polymer-coated wires. Polymer
      coated wires were significantly (p < 0.001) more resistant to retrieval damage
      (only 2 wires showed mild damage) than were non-polymer-coated wires. However, 63
      (55%) of the non-polymer-coated wires were damaged; 37 (32%), 24 (21%), and 2
      (2%) had mild, moderate, and severe damage, respectively. Additionally, the
      jailed length of the wire was a factor contributing to the degree of wire damage.
      The time of side branch wiring was shorter in the polymer-coated wire group (19
      +/- 40 s vs. 42 +/- 72 s; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Jailed wires during
      interventional procedures of bifurcation lesions commonly showed microscopic
      damage. Polymer-coated wires were more resistant to retrieval damage and were
      more efficient in crossing the side branch ostium than non-polymer-coated wires.
      (Jailed Wire Technique in the Treatment of Coronary Bifurcations Lesions With
      Stent: Stereoscopic Microscopy Study; NCT02516891).

PMID- 27659570
TI  - Percutaneous Intervention to Treat Platypnea-Orthodeoxia Syndrome: The Toronto
      Experience.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study reviewed a series of patients treated with transcatheter
      closure of septal defect to treat platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome, with specific
      attention to septal characteristics and device choice. BACKGROUND: Platypnea
      orthodeoxia syndrome is an uncommon condition characterized by positional dyspnea
      and hypoxemia due to intracardiac right-to-left shunting through a patent foramen
      ovale (PFO), an atrial septal defect, or pulmonary arteriovenous malformations.
      Percutaneous closure of such defects is the treatment of choice. METHODS: In this
      single-center series, 52 patients were treated with percutaneous closure of an
      interatrial communication after presentation between January 1997 and July 2015.
      Septal morphology, clinical, procedural, and outcomes data were analyzed.
      RESULTS: All patients had a PFO; however, nearly one-quarter required a non-PFO
      device (11 Amplatzer Septal Occluder and 1 post-infarct muscular VSD), as opposed
      to a dedicated PFO device to achieve shunt occlusion. These patients were
      characterized by an aneurysmal septum, shorter primum septum overlap with the
      secundum septum, and greater septal angulation from the midline. After closure,
      all demonstrated acute improvements in oxygen saturation (pre-procedure: 81 +/-
      8%; post-procedure: 95.1 +/- 0.5% on room air). Each patient was treated with a
      single device and no one required re-intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Patients
      presenting with platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome can be treated successfully with a
      percutaneous intervention often requiring a variety of devices. Those requiring a
      non-PFO-type device had a greater prevalence of an aneurysmal septum, shorter
      primum septal overlap with the secundum septum, and greater septal angulation
      with the midline.

PMID- 27659571
TI  - Platypnea-Orthodeoxia Syndrome: An Overlooked Cause of Hypoxemia.

PMID- 27659572
TI  - Acotec Drug-Coated Balloon Catheter: Randomized, Multicenter, Controlled Clinical
      Study in Femoropopliteal Arteries: Evidence From the AcoArt I Trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of a
      new paclitaxel-coated balloon catheter in the treatment of stenotic or occluded
      femoropopliteal arteries. BACKGROUND: The incidence of restenosis can be reduced
      by the use of drug-coated balloons. However, dose, coating composition, and
      technology are decisive for efficacy. METHODS: Two hundred Chinese patients with
      peripheral arterial occlusive disease were prospectively randomized to treatment
      with new paclitaxel-coated or standard uncoated balloon catheters. The primary
      endpoint was angiographic late lumen loss at 6 months, measured by a blinded core
      laboratory. Secondary angiographic endpoints (6 months) and specific clinical
      endpoints (1 year) were binary restenosis, ankle-brachial index, Rutherford
      stage, clinically driven target lesion revascularization, and amputation.
      RESULTS: Patients' mean age was 66 years, 74% were men, 31% were smokers, and 55%
      had diabetes. Patients were in Rutherford stages 2 through 5, with a mean lesion
      length of 150 mm; 25% had in-stent restenosis, 55% had occlusion or partial
      occlusion, and 20% underwent provisional stenting. Late lumen loss at 6 months
      was available for 89%, and clinical follow-up was available for >95% per group.
      Mean late lumen loss was 0.05 +/- 0.73 mm with coated balloons and 1.15 +/- 0.89
      mm with uncoated balloons (p < 0.001). Correspondingly, the rates of restenosis
      were 22.5% and 70.8% (p < 0.001). After 1 year, the rates of target lesion
      revascularization were 7.2% and 39.6% (p < 0.001), and Rutherford class and ankle
      brachial index improved more markedly in the coated group (p < 0.046 and p =
      0.023, respectively). One major amputation was recorded in the control group. No
      coating-related adverse events were observed for doses of up to 43 mg paclitaxel
      per patient. CONCLUSIONS: In this medium-sized trial with long superficial
      femoral artery lesions, the use of paclitaxel-coated balloon catheters markedly
      improved angiographic and clinical outcomes of interventions despite advanced
      disease in the majority of patients.

PMID- 27659573
TI  - Drug-Coated Balloon in Complex Clinical and Anatomical Scenario: Evidence or
      Hope?

PMID- 27659575
TI  - Predictors of Bioresorbable Everolimus-Eluting Scaffold Failure at Intravascular
      Ultrasound Examination: Asymmetry Versus Expansion.

PMID- 27659574
TI  - Elimination of Transcoarctation Pressure Gradients Has No Impact on Left
      Ventricular Function or Aortic Shear Stress After Intervention in Patients With
      Mild Coarctation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study sought to investigate the impact of transcatheter
      intervention on left ventricular function and aortic hemodynamics in patients
      with mild coarctation of the aorta (COA). BACKGROUND: The optimal method and
      timing of transcatheter intervention for COA remains unclear, especially when the
      severity of COA is mild (peak-to-peak transcoarctation pressure gradient <20 mm
      Hg). Debate rages regarding the risk/benefit ratio of intervention versus long
      term effects of persistent minimal gradient in this heterogeneous population with
      differing blood pressures, ventricular function, and peripheral perfusion.
      METHODS: We developed a unique computational fluid dynamics and lumped parameter
      modeling framework based on patient-specific hemodynamic input parameters and
      validated it against patient-specific clinical outcomes (before and after
      intervention). We used clinically measured hemodynamic metrics and imaging of the
      aorta and the left ventricle in 34 patients with mild COA to make these
      correlations. RESULTS: Despite dramatic reduction in the transcoarctation
      pressure gradient (catheter and Doppler echocardiography pressure gradients
      reduced by 75% and 47.3%, respectively), there was only modest effect on aortic
      flow and no significant impact on aortic shear stress (the maximum time-averaged
      wall shear stress in descending aorta was reduced 5.1%). In no patient did
      transcatheter intervention improve left ventricular function (e.g., stroke work
      and normalized stroke work were reduced by only 4.48% and 3.9%, respectively).
      CONCLUSIONS: Transcatheter intervention that successfully relieves mild COA
      pressure gradients does not translate to decreased myocardial strain. The effects
      of the intervention were determined to the greatest degree by ventricular
      vascular coupling hemodynamics and provide a novel valuable mechanism to evaluate
      patients with COA that may influence clinical practice.

PMID- 27659576
TI  - Reply: Predictors of Bioresorbable Everolimus-Eluting Scaffold Failure at
      Intravascular Ultrasound Examination: Asymmetry Versus Expansion.

PMID- 27659577
TI  - The Hidden Players.

PMID- 27659578
TI  - Optimal Medical Therapy in the Prognosis of Coronary Artery Disease.

PMID- 27659579
TI  - Reply: The Hidden Players.

PMID- 27659580
TI  - Reply: Optimal Medical Therapy in the Prognosis of Coronary Artery Disease.

PMID- 27659581
TI  - When to Choose the Road Less Traveled.

PMID- 27659582
TI  - Beyond The Anticipatory Corpse: Medicine, Power, and the Care of the Dying: A
      Theoretical and Methodological Intervention into the Sociology of Brain Implant
      Surgery.
AB  - Drawing on and extending the Foucaultian philosophical framework that Jeffrey
      Bishop develops in his masterful book, The Anticipatory Corpse: Medicine, Power,
      and the Care of the Dying, we undertake a sociological analysis of the
      neurological procedure-deep brain stimulation (DBS)-which implants electrodes in
      the brain, powered by a pacemaker-like device, for the treatment of movement
      disorders. Following Bishop's work, we carry out this analysis through a two-fold
      strategy. First, we examine how a multidisciplinary team evaluates candidates for
      this implant at a major medical center. We present excerpts from an ethnographic
      study of the "case conference" where disease entities are presented, contested,
      ratified, and made objects for intervention with this technology. The case
      conference becomes the key site in the transition from "person-with-illness" to
      "person-with-brain-implant" as a team of health professionals determines a plan
      of action by interpreting both statistical and "quality of life" data regarding
      their patients. Second, this article explores these decision-making processes
      through Bishop's conceptualization of evidence-based medicine, which relies on
      statistical approaches as the ultimate authority in knowledge production and
      medical decisions. We then reflect on Bishop's critique of the social sciences
      and the methodological, analytical, and substantive ramifications that The
      Anticipatory Corpse can offer future sociological work.

PMID- 27659583
TI  - Good Deaths, "Stupid Deaths": Humane Medicine and the Call of Invisible Bodies.
AB  - Jeffrey Bishop's The Anticipatory Corpse exposes a functional metaphysics at the
      root of contemporary medical practice that gives rise to inhumane medicine,
      especially at the end of life. His critique of medicine argues for alternative
      spaces and practices in which the communal significance of the body, its telos,
      can be restored and the meaning of a "good death" enriched. This essay develops
      an alternative epistemology of the body, drawing from Christian theological
      accounts of the communal or Eucharistic body and linking liturgical practices to
      the cultivation of solidarity. It argues for an epistemology of the body that
      makes visible the invisible bodies at medicine's margins and illumines the
      disparate worlds of health care globally.

PMID- 27659584
TI  - Prevalence and trends of leisure-time physical activity by occupation and
      industry in U.S. workers: the National Health Interview Survey 2004-2014.
AB  - PURPOSE: Studies describing prevalence and trends of physical activity among
      workers in the United States are scarce. We aimed to estimate prevalence and
      trends of "sufficient" leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) during the 2004-2014
      time period among U.S. workers. METHODS: Data were collected for U.S. workers in
      the National Health Interview Survey. LTPA was categorized as sufficiently active
      (moderate intensity, >=150 minutes per week), insufficiently active (10-149
      minutes per week), and inactive (<10 minutes per week). Prevalence of LTPA was
      adjusted for age using 2010 U.S. working population as a standardized age
      distribution. RESULTS: Prevalence trends of "sufficient" LTPA significantly
      increased from 2004 to 2014 (45.6% to 54.8%; P < .001). Among industry groups,
      the highest prevalence of "sufficient" LTPA was observed among workers in
      Professional/Scientific/Technical Services (62.1%). The largest increases were
      observed among workers in Public Administration (51.3%-63.4%). Among occupational
      groups, "sufficient" LTPA prevalence was lowest in farming/fishing/forestry
      (30.8%) and highest in life/physical/social science (66.4%). Prevalence of LTPA
      significantly increased from 2004 to 2014 in most occupational and industry
      groups. CONCLUSIONS: Among U.S. workers, trends of "sufficient" LTPA
      significantly increased between 2004 and 2014. Overall, a larger proportion of
      white-collar compared to blue-collar workers were engaged in "sufficient" LTPA.

PMID- 27659585
TI  - An argument for renewed focus on epidemiology for public health.
AB  - PURPOSE: Although epidemiology has an indispensable role in serving public
      health, the relative emphasis of applications of epidemiology often tend toward
      individual-level medicine over public health in terms of resources and impact.
      METHODS: We make distinctions between public health and medical applications of
      epidemiology to raise awareness among epidemiologists, many of whom came to the
      field with public health in mind. We discuss reasons for the overemphasis on
      medical epidemiology and suggest ways to counteract these incentives. RESULTS:
      Public health epidemiology informs interventions that are applied to populations
      or that confer benefits beyond the individual, whereas medical epidemiology
      informs interventions that improve the health of treated individuals. Available
      resources, new biomedical technologies, and existing epidemiologic methods favor
      medical applications of epidemiology. Focus on public health impact and methods
      suited to answer public health questions can create better balance and promote
      population-level improvements in public health. CONCLUSIONS: By deliberately
      reflecting on research motivations and long-term goals, we hope the distinctions
      presented here will facilitate critical discussion and a greater consciousness of
      our potential impact on both individual and population-level health. Renewed
      intentions towards public health can help epidemiologists navigate potential
      projects and ultimately contribute to an epidemiology of consequence.

PMID- 27659588
TI  - From CRNE to NCLEX-RN: musings on nursing and the idea of a national final
      examination.

PMID- 27659586
TI  - Disease-related mortality among 21,609 Norwegian male military peacekeepers
      deployed to Lebanon between 1978 and 1998.
AB  - PURPOSE: Our study assessed disease-related mortality among Norwegian male
      military peacekeepers deployed to Lebanon during 1978-1998. METHODS: A total of
      21,609 peacekeepers were followed from start of deployment through 2013.
      Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated based on national rates for
      the overall cohort, by length of time since first deployment to Lebanon, and for
      service during high- and low-conflict periods. Poisson regression was used to
      determine the effect of conflict exposure. RESULTS: In the overall cohort, a
      decreased risk was seen for all-cause mortality (1213 deaths, SMR = 0.85),
      mortality from neoplasms (SMR = 0.89), and from non-neoplastic diseases (SMR =
      0.68). Disease-related mortality was lower during the first 5 years of follow-up,
      while mortality from external causes was elevated. After 5 years, mortality from
      neoplasms and external causes were similar to national rates, but mortality from
      non-neoplastic diseases remained lower. The high-conflict exposure group had a
      two-fold increased risk of mortality from non-neoplastic diseases (rate ratio =
      2.33), including ischemic heart disease (rate ratio = 2.25) compared to the low
      conflict exposure group. CONCLUSIONS: We found a "healthy soldier effect" for all
      cause mortality and disease-related mortality, but for neoplasms, this effect
      disappeared after 5 years. Conflict exposure was positively correlated with
      increased risk of mortality from non-neoplastic diseases.

PMID- 27659587
TI  - Delineation of body mass index trajectory predicting lowest risk of mortality in
      U.S. men using generalized additive mixed model.
AB  - PURPOSE: Few studies have delineated body mass index (BMI) trajectories that
      associate with premature mortality, which is defined as death occurring before
      age 75 years. METHODS: We used generalized additive mixed model to identify BMI
      trajectories of individuals dying before or after age 75 years among 14,172 U.S.
      men. We used logistic regression to validate whether the BMI trajectory developed
      predicted mortality in an independent cohort of 7000 participants. RESULTS:
      Comparing to participants with age at death less than 75 years, the BMI among
      participants with age at death 75 years or more was lower throughout adulthood,
      and the mean BMI was 23.98, 24.63, 25.33, and 25.29 kg/m2 at age 40, 50, 60, and
      70 years. In the validation cohort, participants following the BMI trajectory
      with age at death less than 75 years had higher risks of total mortality (odds
      ratio: 1.35; 95% confidence interval: 1.01-1.78) and cardiovascular disease
      mortality (1.92; 1.10-3.35) compared to participants following the trajectory
      with age at death 75 years or more. Participants whose BMI trajectories diverged
      the most from the trajectory with age at death 75 years or more had highest risks
      of total mortality (1.72; 1.23-2.40) and cardiovascular disease mortality (3.06;
      1.49-6.30). CONCLUSIONS: Individual is suggested to maintain a normal BMI
      throughout adulthood to have greater longevity.

PMID- 27659589
TI  - Reconciling concepts of time and person-centred care of the older person with
      cognitive impairment in the acute care setting.
AB  - The aim of this analysis was to examine the concept of time to rejuvenate and
      extend existing narratives of time within the nursing literature. In particular,
      we hope to promote a new trajectory in nursing research and practice which
      focuses on time and person-centred care, specifically of older people with
      cognitive impairment hospitalized in the acute care setting. We consider the
      explanatory power of concepts such as clock time, process time, fast care, slow
      care and time debt for elucidating the relationship between 'good care' and 'time
      use'. We conclude by offering two additional concepts of time, plurotemporality
      and person-centred time (PCT) which we propose will help advance of nursing
      knowledge and practice. Nurse clinicians and researchers can use these
      alternative concepts of time to explore and describe different temporal
      structures that honour the patient's values and preferences using experiential,
      observation-based nursing research approaches. 

PMID- 27659591
TI  - Nonplanar Butterfly-Shaped pi-Expanded Pyrrolopyrroles.
AB  - Large aza-analogues of curved polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with a double
      helicene structure present unique features for molecular photonics. We present
      the preparation and characterization of three such structures. The synthesis of
      these heterocyclic nanographenes involves only a few high-yield steps that use
      readily available starting materials. X-ray analysis revealed that each of these
      new dyes has three conformational isomers: one diastereoisomer in a meso form and
      two enantiomers in twisted forms [(P,P)] and [(M,M)]. The low energy barriers
      between the conformers, however, prevent their separation by using chiral HPLC,
      and the NMR spectra show only one set of signals for each of these curved
      compounds. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations quantify the small energy
      difference and the small energy barriers between the chiral and meso forms, which
      fully supports the experimental results. Their optical absorption lacks any
      sensitivity to the solvent environment, whereas their fluorescence features
      exhibit pronounced solvatochromism. This rarely observed solvatofluorochromism of
      centrosymmetric molecules without either electron-withdrawing groups or -donating
      substituents was probed by using time-resolved spectroscopy. These studies
      suggest that, similar to 9,9'-bianthryl, the nonpolar locally excited state shows
      negligible solvatochromism, whereas the charge-transfer state is sensitive to
      solvent polarity.

PMID- 27659592
TI  - Exploring the evolutionary origins of overimitation: a comparison across
      domesticated and non-domesticated canids.
AB  - When learning from others, human children tend to faithfully copy - or
      'overimitate' - the actions of a demonstrator, even when these actions are
      irrelevant for solving the task at hand. We investigate whether domesticated dogs
      (Canis familiaris) and dingoes (Canis dingo) share this tendency to overimitate
      in three experiments. In Experiment 1, dogs and dingoes had the opportunity to
      solve a puzzle after watching an ostensive demonstrator who used both a relevant
      action and an irrelevant action. We find clear evidence against overimitation in
      both species. In contrast to human children (Horner & Whiten, 2005), dogs and
      dingoes used the irrelevant action less often across trials, suggesting that both
      species were filtering out the irrelevant action as they gained experience with
      the puzzle (like chimpanzees; Horner & Whiten, 2005). Experiments 2 and 3 provide
      further evidence against overimitation, demonstrating that both species' behavior
      is better characterized by individual exploration than overimitation. Given that
      both species, particularly dogs, show human-like social learning in other
      contexts, these findings provide additional evidence that overimitation may be a
      unique aspect of human social learning. A video abstract of this article can be
      viewed at: https://youtu.be/g2mRniJZ7aU.

PMID- 27659593
TI  - Biosynthesis of catechol melanin from glycerol employing metabolically engineered
      Escherichia coli.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Melanins comprise a chemically-diverse group of polymeric pigments
      whose function is related to protection against physical and chemical stress
      factors. These polymers have current and potential applications in the chemical,
      medical, electronics and materials industries. The biotechnological production of
      melanins offers the possibility of obtaining these pigments in pure form and
      relatively low cost. In this study, Escherichia coli strains were engineered to
      evaluate the production of melanin from supplemented catechol or from glycerol
      derived catechol produced by an Escherichia coli strain generated by metabolic
      engineering. RESULTS: It was determined that an improved mutant version of the
      tyrosinase from Rhizobium etli (MutmelA), could employ catechol as a substrate to
      generate melanin. Strain E. coli W3110 expressing MutmelA was grown in bioreactor
      batch cultures with catechol supplemented in the medium. Under these conditions,
      0.29 g/L of catechol melanin were produced. A strain with the capacity to
      synthesize catechol melanin from a simple carbon source was generated by
      integrating the gene MutmelA into the chromosome of E. coli W3110 trpD9923, that
      has been modified to produce catechol by the expression of genes encoding a
      feedback inhibition resistant version of 3-deoxy-D-arabino-heptulosonate 7
      phosphate synthase, transketolase and anthranilate 1,2-dioxygenase from
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1. In batch cultures with this strain employing complex
      medium with 40 g/L glycerol as a carbon source, 1.21 g/L of catechol melanin were
      produced. The melanin was analysed by employing Fourier transform infrared
      spectroscopy, revealing the expected characteristics for a catechol-derived
      polymer. CONCLUSIONS: This constitutes the first report of an engineered E. coli
      strain and a fermentation process for producing a catechol melanin from a simple
      carbon source (glycerol) at gram level, opening the possibility of generating a
      large quantity of this polymer for its detailed characterization and the
      development of novel applications.

PMID- 27659595
TI  - HOMEODOMAIN PROTEIN 1 is required for jasmonate-mediated glandular trichome
      initiation in Artemisia annua.
AB  - Glandular trichomes are generally considered biofactories that produce valuable
      chemicals. Increasing glandular trichome density is a very suitable way to
      improve the productivity of these valuable metabolites, but little is known about
      the regulation of glandular trichome formation. Phytohormone jasmonate (JA)
      promotes glandular trichome initiation in various plants, but its mechanism is
      also unknown. By searching transcription factors regulated by JA in Artemisia
      annua, we identified a novel homeodomain-leucine zipper transcription factor,
      HOMEODOMAIN PROTEIN 1 (AaHD1), which positively controls both glandular and
      nonglandular trichome initiations. Overexpression of AaHD1 in A. annua
      significantly increased glandular trichome density without harming plant growth.
      Consequently, the artemisinin content was improved. AaHD1 interacts with A. annua
      jasmonate ZIM-domain 8 (AaJAZ8), which is a repressor of JA, thereby resulting in
      decreased transcriptional activity. AaHD1 knockdown lines show decreased
      sensitivity to JA on glandular trichome initiation, which indicates that AaHD1
      plays an important role in JA-mediated glandular trichome initiation. We
      identified a new transcription factor that promotes A. annua glandular trichome
      initiation and revealed a novel molecular mechanism by which a homeodomain
      protein transduces JA signal to promote glandular trichome initiation. Our
      results also suggested a connection between glandular and nonglandular trichome
      formations.

PMID- 27659594
TI  - The natural plant stress elicitor cis-jasmone causes cultivar-dependent reduction
      in growth of the stink bug, Euschistus heros and associated changes in flavonoid
      concentrations in soybean, Glycine max.
AB  - To test the hypothesis that the plant stress related elicitor cis-jasmone (cJ)
      provides protection in soybean pods against the seed-sucking stink bug pest,
      Euschistus heros, the growth of E. heros on cJ-treated pods was investigated
      using three soybean cultivars differing in insect susceptibility, i.e. BRS 134
      (susceptible), IAC 100 (resistant) and Dowling (resistant). E. heros showed
      reduced weight gain when fed cJ-treated Dowling, whereas no effect on weight gain
      was observed when fed other treated cultivars. Using analysis of variance, a
      three factor (cultivar x treatment x time) interaction was observed with
      concentrations of the flavonoid glycosides daidzin and genistin, and their
      corresponding aglycones, daidzein and genistein. There were increases in
      genistein and genistin concentrations in cJ-treated Dowling at 144 and 120 h post
      treatment, respectively. Higher concentrations of malonyldaidzin and
      malonylgenistin in Dowling, compared to BRS 134 and IAC 100, were observed
      independently of time, the highest concentrations being observed in cJ-treated
      seeds. Levels of glycitin and malonylglycitin were higher in BRS 134 and IAC 100
      compared to Dowling. Canonical variate analysis indicated daidzein (in the first
      two canonical variates) and genistein (in the first only) as important
      discriminatory variables. These results suggest that cJ treatment leads to an
      increase in the levels of potentially defensive isoflavonoids in immature soybean
      seeds, but the negative effect upon E. heros performance is cultivar-dependent.

PMID- 27659596
TI  - Measuring Error Identification and Recovery Skills in Surgical Residents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although error identification and recovery skills are essential for
      the safe practice of surgery, they have not traditionally been taught or
      evaluated in residency training. This study validates a method for assessing
      error identification and recovery skills in surgical residents using a
      thoracoscopic lobectomy simulator. METHODS: We developed a 5-station, simulator
      based examination containing the most commonly encountered cognitive and
      technical errors occurring during division of the superior pulmonary vein for
      left upper lobectomy. Successful completion of each station requires
      identification and correction of these errors. Examinations were video recorded
      and scored in a blinded fashion using an examination-specific rating instrument
      evaluating task performance as well as error identification and recovery skills.
      Evidence of validity was collected in the categories of content, response
      process, internal structure, and relationship to other variables. RESULTS:
      Fifteen general surgical residents (9 interns and 6 third-year residents)
      completed the examination. Interrater reliability was high, with an intraclass
      correlation coefficient of 0.78 between 4 trained raters. Station scores ranged
      from 64% to 84% correct. All stations adequately discriminated between high- and
      low-performing residents, with discrimination ranging from 0.35 to 0.65. The
      overall examination score was significantly higher for intermediate residents
      than for interns (mean, 74 versus 64 of 90 possible; p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The
      described simulator-based examination with embedded errors and its accompanying
      assessment tool can be used to measure error identification and recovery skills
      in surgical residents. This examination provides a valid method for comparing
      teaching strategies designed to improve error recognition and recovery to enhance
      patient safety.

PMID- 27659597
TI  - Bilateral Internal Thoracic Artery Grafting Increases Mediastinitis: Myth or
      Fact?
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is controversy about the risk of mediastinitis associated with
      the use of both internal thoracic arteries (ITA). METHODS: We performed a case
      control study of patients operated on at a single institution from January 2003
      to December 2014. A total of 3,118 consecutive patients undergoing isolated
      coronary artery bypass graft surgery were included; 81.3% (n = 2,533) underwent
      bilateral ITA (BITA) grafts exclusively and constitute the BITA group, and 18.7%
      (n = 585) constitute the single ITA (SITA) group. Mediastinitis was defined as
      deep tissue mediastinal infection, with clinical or microbiologic evidence.
      Continuous variables were expressed as mean +/- SD, and categoric variables as
      percentage (range). Student's t test and Fisher's exact test were used, as
      appropriate. Propensity score matching analysis was performed according to the
      nearest neighbor estimation method (n = 1,040). RESULTS: The incidence of
      diabetes mellitus was similar in both groups (29%, p = 0.9). The BITA patients
      were more like to be younger (p < 0.001), men (p < 0.001), had a higher
      prevalence of hypertension (p < 0.01), higher body mass index (p < 0.001), lower
      prevalence of left ventricular dysfunction (p < 0.001) and of previous myocardial
      infarction (p < 0.01), and greater use of off-pump coronary artery bypass graft
      surgery (p < 0.01). The BITA patients had lower unadjusted hospital mortality
      (1.6%, versus 5.3% for SITA, p < 0.0001). The total incidence of mediastinitis
      was 1.8% (BITA 1.9% versus SITA 1.5%, p = 0.6). Diabetes (p < 0.01) and
      nonelective surgery (p = 0.004) were the only predictors of mediastinitis in the
      entire population. Propensity score matching showed no differences in
      mediastinitis: BITA 2.5% versus SITA 1.3% (p = 0.17). CONCLUSIONS: In this series
      of patients, BITA did not increase the risk of mediastinitis in the total
      population or in the propensity score matched subgroups.

PMID- 27659598
TI  - Body Mass Index and Total Psoas Area Affect Outcomes in Patients Undergoing
      Pneumonectomy for Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hypothesizing that morphometric measurements are reliable markers of
      fitness in patients with lung cancer requiring aggressive surgical intervention,
      the purpose of this study was to assess their impact on postoperative outcome and
      long-term survival in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) requiring
      pneumonectomy. METHODS: Height, weight, and body mass index (BMI), as well as
      usual clinical, laboratory (including C-reactive protein [CRP] concentrations),
      and pathologic data were retrospectively retrieved from files of 161 consecutive
      patients treated by pneumonectomy for NSCLC, whose preoperative computed
      tomographic (CT) scans were available in the Picture Archive and Communication
      System (PACS) of the hospital. Cross-sectional areas of right and left psoas
      areas (measured by CT scan at the L3 level), perirenal fat thickness, and
      anterior subcutaneous tissue thickness at the left renal vein level were also
      assessed. RESULTS: BMI and total psoas area were strongly and directly correlated
      (p = 0.0000001), whereas BMI was inversely related to CRP levels. Sarcopenia
      (total psoas area <=33rd percentile) was associated with high CRP levels (>20
      mg/L) (p = 0.010). Factors associated with 90-day mortality included older age (p
      = 0.000045), lower body weight (p = 0.032), and BMI less than or equal to 25
      kg/m2 (p = 0.013). At univariate analysis, long-term outcome was negatively
      affected by a nonsquamous cell histologic type (p = 0.011), pathologic stage IIIB
      IV (p =0.026), CRP levels greater than 20 mg/L (p = 0.017), BMI less than or
      equal to 25 kg/m2 (p = 0.010), and total psoas area less than or equal to the
      33rd percentile (p = 0.029). Multivariate analysis showed the independent
      prognostic value of both BMI and total psoas area. CONCLUSIONS: BMI less than or
      equal to 25 kg/m2 and total psoas cross-sectional area less than or equal to the
      33rd percentile are prognostic determinants in patients with NSCLC requiring
      pneumonectomy.

PMID- 27659599
TI  - Surgically Corrected Mitral Regurgitation During Left Ventricular Assist Device
      Implantation Is Associated With Low Recurrence Rate and Improved Midterm
      Survival.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Indications for concomitant intervention for mitral regurgitation
      (MR) during left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation remain
      controversial. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of the
      surgical correction of MR during LVAD implantation. METHODS: From July 2008 to
      December 2014, 164 patients with significant preoperative MR underwent LVAD
      (HeartMate II; Thoratec, Pleasanton, CA) implantation. The MR resolved after LVAD
      implantation in 110 of 164 patients (67.1%) with either surgical or spontaneous
      correction. The cohort (n = 110) without significant postoperative MR was divided
      into two groups: a spontaneous correction group (n = 54, MR spontaneously
      resolved after LVAD implantation); and a surgical correction group (n = 56, MR
      surgically corrected). Patients who received aortic valve procedures (n = 17)
      were excluded from this study. RESULTS: Patient demographics, perioperative
      outcomes including bleeding, prolonged intubation, and stroke, and inhospital
      mortality did not differ in the two groups except for significantly longer
      cardiopulmonary bypass time in the surgical correction group (spontaneous
      correction 123 minutes [interquartile range (IQR): 107 to 150] versus surgical
      correction 177 minutes [IQR: 132 to 198], p < 0.001). During follow-up, pulmonary
      wedge pressure (spontaneous correction 17 mm Hg [IQR: 12 to 23 mm Hg] versus
      surgical correction 12 mm Hg [IQR: 4 to 17 mm Hg], p = 0.015) and pulmonary
      vascular resistance (spontaneous correction 2.0 Wood units [IQR: 1.5 to 2.4]
      versus surgical correction 1.7 Wood units [IQR: 0.8 to 2.1], p = 0.047) were
      significantly improved in the surgical correction group compared with the
      spontaneous correction group. Overall survival rate and freedom from recurrent MR
      were significantly better in the surgical correction group compared with the
      spontaneous correction group (1-year survival, spontaneous correction 59.4% +/-
      6.9% versus surgical correction 69.6% +/- 6.4%, log rank p = 0.030; 1-year
      freedom from recurrent MR, spontaneous correction 76.2% +/- 7.5% versus surgical
      correction 95.0% +/- 3.5%, log rank p = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: The LVAD patients
      with surgically corrected MR had improved midterm hemodynamics and survival
      compared with spontaneously resolved MR, along with low recurrence of MR.
      Aggressive surgical mitral valve intervention during LVAD implantation may be
      recommended.

PMID- 27659600
TI  - Process Improvement in Thoracic Donor Organ Procurement: Implementation of a
      Donor Assessment Checklist.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Donor organs are often procured by junior staff in stressful,
      unfamiliar environments where a single adverse event can be catastrophic. A
      formalized checklist focused on preprocedural processes related to thoracic donor
      organ procurement could improve detection and prevention of near miss events.
      METHODS: A checklist was developed centered on patient identifiers, organ
      compatibility and quality, and team readiness. It went through five cycles of
      feedback and revision using a panel of expert procurement surgeons. Educational
      in-service sessions were held on the use of the checklist as well as best organ
      assessment practices. Near miss events before the survey were tallied by
      retrospective review of 20 procurements, and near misses after checklist
      implementation were prospectively recorded. We implemented the checklist for 40
      donor lung and heart procurements: 20 from Cleveland Clinic and 20 from the
      University of Minnesota. A final survey assessment was used to determine ease of
      use. RESULTS: Nine near miss events were reported in 20 procurements before use
      of the checklist. Thirty-one near miss events of 40 organ procurements were
      identified and potentially prevented by the checklist. Eighty-seven percent of
      fellows found the checklist to be unobtrusive to work flow, and 100% believed its
      use should be mandatory. Mortality was the same before and after implementation
      of the checklist despite increased patient volumes. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation
      of a simple checklist for use during thoracic organ procurement uncovered a
      substantial number of near miss events. A preprocedural checklist for all
      thoracic organ transplants in the United States and abroad is feasible and would
      likely reduce adverse events.

PMID- 27659601
TI  - Totally Endoscopic (VATS) First Rib Resection for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) causes neurologic symptoms in 95% of
      cases and vascular symptoms in 5% of cases. Surgical resection is curative.
      Endoscopic-assisted transaxillary first rib resection has been previously
      reported. In this study we report a totally endoscopic video-assisted
      thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) approach using tailored endoscopic instruments.
      METHODS: Ten patients (8 women; average age, 32.3 +/- 5.6 years) with TOS
      underwent VATS first rib resection following failure of symptom improvement with
      physiotherapy. Symptoms were: unilateral neurogenic (n = = 7), bilateral
      neurogenic (n = = 2), and bilateral arterial compression (n = = 1). Three
      standard VATS ports were utilized. The parietal pleura and periosteum overlying
      the first rib were stripped avoiding injury to the neurovascular bundle. The rib
      was transected with an endoscopic rib cutter and resected completely in a
      piecemeal fashion using endoscopic bone nibblers. All periosteal remnants were
      trimmed releasing the neurovascular bundle completely. RESULTS: Patients were
      discharged within 72 hours following surgery. One patient had the contralateral
      side treated 18 months later and another patient is awaiting the second surgery.
      At follow-up, 9 patients had complete resolution of their main symptoms. One
      patient with neurogenic TOS developed mild functional and sensational loss of the
      non-dominant hand that improved within 8 months with physiotherapy. CONCLUSIONS:
      VATS first rib resection for TOS provides, unlike the classic approaches, a
      superior, magnified, and well-illuminated view of the thoracic inlet. It allows
      good posterior trimming of the first rib, release of brachial plexus, and an
      aesthetically pleasing result, especially in female patients.

PMID- 27659603
TI  - Bioassay-guided isolation of an active compound with protein tyrosine phosphatase
      1B inhibitory activity from Sargassum fusiforme by high-speed counter-current
      chromatography.
AB  - A rapid and efficient method using high-speed counter-current chromatography was
      established for the bioassay-guided separation of an active compound with protein
      tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibitory activity from Sargassum fusiforme. Under the
      bioassay guidance, the ethyl acetate extract with the best IC50 value of 0.37 +/-
      0.07 MUg/mL exhibited a potential protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibitory
      activity, which was further separated by high-speed counter-current
      chromatography. The separation was performed with a two-phase solvent system
      composed of n-hexane/methanol/water (5:4:1, v/v). As a result, dibutyl phthalate
      (19.7 mg) with the purity of 95.3% was obtained from 200 mg of the ethyl acetate
      extract. Its IC50 was 14.05 +/- 0.06 MUM, which was further explained by
      molecular docking. The result of molecular docking showed that dibutyl phthalate
      enfolded in the catalytic site of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B. The main force
      between dibutyl phthalate and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B was the hydrogen
      bond interaction with Gln266. In addition, hydrogen bond, van der Waals force and
      hydrophobic interaction with the amino acids (Ala217, Ile219, and Gly220) were
      also responsible for the stable protein-ligand complex.

PMID- 27659602
TI  - The Aortic Root: Natural History After Root-Sparing Ascending Replacement in
      Nonsyndromic Aneurysmal Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Leaving native aortic tissue in situ in root-sparing ascending aortic
      replacement raises concern regarding potential later need for root reoperation or
      for the potential occurrence of localized dissections or rupture in the residual
      root. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the natural growth of the aortic
      root after root-sparing aortic replacement. METHODS: In all, 102 consecutive
      patients (mean age 61.8 +/- 12.5 years; 60% male) who had undergone root-sparing
      aortic replacement had sufficient retrievable information regarding their aortic
      root diameter at postoperative baseline and follow-up imaging by computed
      tomography or echocardiography. The annual growth rate was evaluated and also
      compared according to the influence of valve morphology and concomitant aortic
      valve replacement. Furthermore, the years of natural history that would require
      for root enlargement to meet a 50 mm threshold of the root diameter were
      calculated. RESULTS: The estimated growth rate of the aortic root after root
      sparing aortic replacement is between 0.27 and 0.51 mm per year (mean 0.41 mm,
      varying according to the underlying diameter) and therefore fivefold less than
      other aortic regions. Accordingly, a root aneurysm indicating reoperation would
      not be expected for 29.1 years on average. Only patients with a diameter of 45 mm
      or more are at risk for reoperation, and not until at least after 10.4 years have
      passed. Neither the valve morphology (p = 0.62) nor concomitant aortic valve
      replacement (p = 0.86) influenced rate of root dilation. CONCLUSIONS: In
      nonsyndromic patients, the aortic root is the slowest growing portion of the
      thoracic aorta. Leaving the native root, as in root-sparing ascending aortic
      replacement, is a safe approach regarding secondary root intervention for aortic
      root diameters of 45 mm or less.

PMID- 27659604
TI  - Automatic classification of registered clinical trials towards the Global Burden
      of Diseases taxonomy of diseases and injuries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clinical trial registries may allow for producing a global mapping of
      health research. However, health conditions are not described with standardized
      taxonomies in registries. Previous work analyzed clinical trial registries to
      improve the retrieval of relevant clinical trials for patients. However, no
      previous work has classified clinical trials across diseases using a standardized
      taxonomy allowing a comparison between global health research and global burden
      across diseases. We developed a knowledge-based classifier of health conditions
      studied in registered clinical trials towards categories of diseases and injuries
      from the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) 2010 study. The classifier relies on the
      UMLS(r) knowledge source (Unified Medical Language System(r)) and on heuristic
      algorithms for parsing data. It maps trial records to a 28-class grouping of the
      GBD categories by automatically extracting UMLS concepts from text fields and by
      projecting concepts between medical terminologies. The classifier allows deriving
      pathways between the clinical trial record and candidate GBD categories using
      natural language processing and links between knowledge sources, and selects the
      relevant GBD classification based on rules of prioritization across the pathways
      found. We compared automatic and manual classifications for an external test set
      of 2,763 trials. We automatically classified 109,603 interventional trials
      registered before February 2014 at WHO ICTRP. RESULTS: In the external test set,
      the classifier identified the exact GBD categories for 78 % of the trials. It had
      very good performance for most of the 28 categories, especially "Neoplasms"
      (sensitivity 97.4 %, specificity 97.5 %). The sensitivity was moderate for trials
      not relevant to any GBD category (53 %) and low for trials of injuries (16 %).
      For the 109,603 trials registered at WHO ICTRP, the classifier did not assign any
      GBD category to 20.5 % of trials while the most common GBD categories were
      "Neoplasms" (22.8 %) and "Diabetes" (8.9 %). CONCLUSIONS: We developed and
      validated a knowledge-based classifier allowing for automatically identifying the
      diseases studied in registered trials by using the taxonomy from the GBD 2010
      study. This tool is freely available to the research community and can be used
      for large-scale public health studies.

PMID- 27659606
TI  - Linking in domain-swapped protein dimers.
AB  - The presence of knots has been observed in a small fraction of single-domain
      proteins and related to their thermodynamic and kinetic properties. The
      exchanging of identical structural elements, typical of domain-swapped proteins,
      makes such dimers suitable candidates to validate the possibility that mutual
      entanglement between chains may play a similar role for protein complexes. We
      suggest that such entanglement is captured by the linking number. This
      represents, for two closed curves, the number of times that each curve winds
      around the other. We show that closing the curves is not necessary, as a novel
      parameter G', termed Gaussian entanglement, is strongly correlated with the
      linking number. Based on 110 non redundant domain-swapped dimers, our analysis
      evidences a high fraction of chains with a significant intertwining, that is with
      |G'| > 1. We report that Nature promotes configurations with negative mutual
      entanglement and surprisingly, it seems to suppress intertwining in long protein
      dimers. Supported by numerical simulations of dimer dissociation, our results
      provide a novel topology-based classification of protein-swapped dimers together
      with some preliminary evidence of its impact on their physical and biological
      properties.

PMID- 27659605
TI  - RNA-binding proteins implicated in neurodegenerative diseases.
AB  - Gene expression is regulated at many levels, including after generation of the
      primary RNA transcript from DNA but before translation into protein. Such post
      translational gene regulation occurs via the action of a multitude of RNA binding
      proteins and include varied actions from splicing to regulation of association
      with the translational machinery. Primary evidence that such processes might
      contribute to disease mechanisms in neurodegenerative disorders comes from the
      observation of mutations in RNA binding proteins, particularly in diseases in the
      amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-frontotemporal dementia spectrum and in some forms
      of ataxia and tremor. The bulk of evidence from recent surveys of the types of
      RNA species that are affected in these disorders suggests a global deregulation
      of control rather than a very small number of RNA species, although why some
      groups of neurons are sensitive to these changes is not well understood. Overall,
      these data suggest that neurodegeneration can be initiated by mutations in RNA
      binding proteins and, as a corollary, that neurons are particularly sensitive to
      loss of control of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Such
      observations have implications not only for understanding the nature of
      neurodegenerative disorders but also how we might intervene therapeutically in
      these diseases. WIREs RNA 2017, 8:e1397. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1397 For further
      resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.

PMID- 27659607
TI  - Hops (Humulus lupulus) Content in Beer Modulates Effects of Beer on the Liver
      After Acute Ingestion in Female Mice.
AB  - AIM: Using a binge-drinking mouse model, we aimed to determine whether hops
      (Humulus lupulus) in beer is involved in the less damaging effects of acute beer
      consumption on the liver in comparison with ethanol. METHODS: Female C57BL/6 J
      mice were either fed one iso-alcoholic and iso-caloric bolus dose of ethanol,
      beer, beer without hops (6 g ethanol/kg body weight) or an iso-caloric bolus of
      maltodextrin control solution. Markers of steatosis, intestinal barrier function,
      activation of toll-like receptor 4 signaling cascades, lipid peroxidation and
      lipogenesis were determined in liver, small intestine and plasma 2 h and 12 h
      after acute alcohol ingestion. RESULTS: Alcohol-induced hepatic fat accumulation
      was significantly attenuated in mice fed beer whereas in those fed beer without
      hops, hepatic fat accumulation was similar to that found in ethanol-fed mice.
      While markers of intestinal barrier function e.g. portal endotoxin levels and
      lipogenesis only differed slightly between groups, hepatic concentrations of
      myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88, inducible nitric oxide synthase
      (iNOS) and plasminogen-activator inhibitor 1 protein as well as of 4
      hydroxynonenal and 3-nitrotyrosine protein adducts were similarly elevated in
      livers of mice fed ethanol or beer without hops when compared with controls.
      Induction of these markers was markedly attenuated in mice fed hops-containing
      beer. CONCLUSION: Taken together, our data suggest that hops in beer markedly
      attenuated acute alcohol-induced liver steatosis in female mice through
      mechanisms involving a suppression of iNOS induction in the liver.

PMID- 27659609
TI  - Strain controlled ferromagnetic-ferrimagnetic transition and vacancy formation
      energy of defective graphene.
AB  - Single vacancy (SV)-induced magnetism in graphene has attracted much attention
      motivated by its potential in achieving new functionalities. However, a much
      higher vacancy formation energy limits its direct application in electronic
      devices and the dependency of spin interaction on the strain is unclear. Here,
      through first-principles density-functional theory calculations, we investigate
      the possibility of strain engineering towards lowering vacancy formation energy
      and inducing new magnetic states in defective graphene. It is found that the SV
      graphene undergoes a phase transition from an initial ferromagnetic state to a
      ferrimagnetic state under a biaxial tensile strain. At the same time, the biaxial
      tensile strain significantly lowers the vacancy formation energy. The charge
      density, density of states and band theory successfully identify the origin and
      underlying physics of the transition. The predicted magnetic phase transition is
      attributed to the strain driven spin flipping at the C-atoms nearest to the SV
      site. The magnetic semiconducting graphene induced by defect and strain
      engineering suggests an effective way to modulate both spin and electronic
      degrees of freedom in future spintronic devices.

PMID- 27659610
TI  - Photosystem II: the water splitting enzyme of photosynthesis and the origin of
      oxygen in our atmosphere - CORRIGENDUM.

PMID- 27659612
TI  - Strategic alliances.

PMID- 27659613
TI  - NHS dentistry: UDA disaster.

PMID- 27659611
TI  - An 8-Year Retrospective Study of Human Visceral Leishmaniasis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a zooanthroponosis affecting both
      rural and periurban areas, and can also spread into urban areas. VL has emerged
      in many countries in the world, presenting new cases in new countries of
      occurrence. Thus, studies concerning epidemiological aspects in different world
      regions are very meaningful. METHODS: With this purpose, this study analyzed 89
      cases of VL, treated between June 2006 and June 2014 at Eduardo de Menezes
      Hospital (HEM), a Reference Center of Infectious Diseases situated in Belo
      Horizonte, in Minas Gerais state, Brazil. RESULTS: According to the results, it
      was observed that males are mostly infected (84%/n=75) and the most affected age
      range was 20-49 years old (83%/n=74). The treatment liposomal amphotericin B
      (33%/n=29) was mostly used. Recurrences were more frequent in patients treated
      with Glucantime(r) (17%/n=9). No side effects were reported among the 29 patients
      treated with liposomal amphotericin B. On the other hand, there were 23 cases
      related to the occurrence of acute renal failure (ARF) and the use of
      conventional amphotericin B, both when it was administered alone or in
      combination with other drugs. Additionally, we observed a close relationship
      between the VL and HIV infection, observing a coinfection rate of 28.1% (n=25).
      CONCLUSION: From the survey data, it was possible to conclude that the majority
      of VL patient treated at HEM is male, classified as brown racial group,
      economically active, and may be drug addicts, chronic alcoholics and/or smokers.
      They may present some Non-communicable diseases (NCD), such as hypertension,
      diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia and/or obesity and, predominantly present a great
      chance of being a carrier of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, associated or not
      with tuberculosis. As symptoms, these patients possibly will present
      hepatosplenomegaly, fever and pronounced weight loss.

PMID- 27659608
TI  - The genetics and pathology of mitochondrial disease.
AB  - Mitochondria are double-membrane-bound organelles that are present in all
      nucleated eukaryotic cells and are responsible for the production of cellular
      energy in the form of ATP. Mitochondrial function is under dual genetic control -
      the 16.6-kb mitochondrial genome, with only 37 genes, and the nuclear genome,
      which encodes the remaining ~1300 proteins of the mitoproteome. Mitochondrial
      dysfunction can arise because of defects in either mitochondrial DNA or nuclear
      mitochondrial genes, and can present in childhood or adulthood in association
      with vast clinical heterogeneity, with symptoms affecting a single organ or
      tissue, or multisystem involvement. There is no cure for mitochondrial disease
      for the vast majority of mitochondrial disease patients, and a genetic diagnosis
      is therefore crucial for genetic counselling and recurrence risk calculation, and
      can impact on the clinical management of affected patients. Next-generation
      sequencing strategies are proving pivotal in the discovery of new disease genes
      and the diagnosis of clinically affected patients; mutations in >250 genes have
      now been shown to cause mitochondrial disease, and the biochemical,
      histochemical, immunocytochemical and neuropathological characterization of these
      patients has led to improved diagnostic testing strategies and novel diagnostic
      techniques. This review focuses on the current genetic landscape associated with
      mitochondrial disease, before focusing on advances in studying associated
      mitochondrial pathology in two, clinically relevant organs - skeletal muscle and
      brain. (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- 27659615
TI  - Regulation: Transforming the registers.

PMID- 27659614
TI  - Pharmaceuticals: MRONJ and prostheses.

PMID- 27659616
TI  - Mouth cancer: Extending the RULE.

PMID- 27659617
TI  - Oral health: Mouthwash abuse.

PMID- 27659621
TI  - Specialist NICE appointment for Professor Kay.

PMID- 27659619
TI  - Advanced dentistry conference this weekend!

PMID- 27659623
TI  - Potential quitters turn to e-cigarettes.

PMID- 27659626
TI  - Report: NHS charges are masking cuts and driving patients to GPs.

PMID- 27659627
TI  - UCLH staff get tough and muddy for charity.

PMID- 27659628
TI  - Global oral cancer incidence.

PMID- 27659629
TI  - Orthodontic allegations raised against registrants by the General Dental Council.
AB  - An allegation calling a dental professional's Fitness to Practise (FtP) into
      question is probably one of the most stressful events a General Dental Council
      (GDC) registrant could face during their career. The practise of dentistry is
      experiencing unprecedented levels of complaints against registrants with
      orthodontics traditionally being seen as a low risk area. However, as a recently
      appointed clinical advisor and expert witness to the GDC, I can testify this may
      no longer be the case. The last twelve months has seen me provide advice on seven
      cases associated with orthodontics. This review of frequently occurring
      allegations in cases being investigated by the GDC should stimulate greater
      levels of awareness for all members of the dental team and increase the standard
      of care being provided to our patients. 

PMID- 27659630
TI  - Distal caries of the second molar in the presence of a mandibular third molar - a
      prevention protocol.
AB  - Objectives The objectives of the prospective study were to establish the
      prevalence of distal caries (DC) in the mandibular second molar and to assess the
      outcomes of these diseased teeth in our population. Further aims were to identify
      associated risk factors and to design a protocol for prevention.Methods Clinical
      and radiographic data from 210 consecutive patients were ascertained over a three
      month period. The sample population included all patients who had been referred
      to a hospital oral surgery department for a lower wisdom tooth assessment.Results
      A total of 224 mandibular third molars were included and assessed. The prevalence
      of caries affecting the distal aspect of the second molar was 38% (n = 85) in
      this population. In 18% of patients there was evidence of early enamel caries.
      Fifty-eight percent of caries was managed with restorative treatment but 11% of
      patients required second molar extraction and 13% of patients required the
      removal of the second and third molars. The prevalence of distal caries was
      significantly higher in patients with partially erupted wisdom teeth positioned
      below the amelocemental junction (P <0.05) of the adjacent second molar and in
      patients who presented with mesioangular impactions (P <0.001). However there was
      no difference in dental health when comparing this group to the remaining study
      population (P = 0.354). The Pearson chi-square test and Pearson correlation
      coefficient were used to verify the association between the tested
      variables.Conclusion This study demonstrates that the eruption status, type of
      angulation and the nature of tooth contact between both molars are useful disease
      predictors which can be used to indicate the likelihood of a caries process
      occurring on the distal aspect of the second mandibular molar. If patients' third
      molar teeth are not removed then consideration needs to be given to prevention
      and regular monitoring. 

PMID- 27659632
TI  - Missing upper lateral incisor teeth: Space closing versus space opening for
      bilateral missing upper laterals - aesthetic judgments of laypeople: a web-based
      survey.
AB  - Space closure rated more attractive than space opening and prosthetic
      replacement. 

PMID- 27659633
TI  - Preferences of lay persons and dental professionals regarding the recurring
      esthetic dental proportion.
AB  - Dentistry - art or science? 

PMID- 27659634
TI  - Best interest - but for whom?: Clarifying the best interests standard: the
      elaborative and enumerative strategies in public policy-making.
AB  - '...decisions being made in murky waters'. 

PMID- 27659631
TI  - Orofacial manifestations of systemic sclerosis.
AB  - Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem disease of unknown aetiology
      characterised by microangiopathy, dysregulated immune function and tissue
      remodelling, which commonly involves the oral cavity. Orofacial manifestations of
      SSc contribute greatly to overall disease burden and yet are regularly overlooked
      and under-treated. This may reflect a pre-occupation amongst rheumatology
      clinicians on potentially life-threatening internal organ involvement, but is
      also a consequence of insufficient engagement between rheumatologists and dental
      professionals. A high proportion of SSc patients report difficulty accessing a
      dentist with knowledge of the disease and there is recognition amongst dentists
      that this could impact negatively on patient care. This review shall describe the
      clinical features and burden of orofacial manifestations of SSc and the
      management of such problems. The case is made for greater collaborative working
      between rheumatologists and dental professionals with an interest in SSc in both
      the research and clinical setting. 

PMID- 27659635
TI  - Caries experience, the caries burden and associated factors in children in
      England, Wales and Northern Ireland 2013.
AB  - Background The 2013 Children's Dental Health Survey is the fifth in a series of
      national surveys.Aims To describe caries prevalence and severity and factors
      affecting these, in children in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in
      2013.Methodology A representative sample of children (aged 5, 8, 12 and 15 years)
      in England, Wales and Northern Ireland were invited to participate in dental
      examinations. Caries was measured at both the dentine ('obvious caries') and
      dentine plus enamel ('clinical caries') levels and analysis included identifying
      those with indicators of significant burden of caries and identifying predictive
      factors.Results In 5-year-olds, 40% had obvious caries experience increasing to
      56% when enamel lesions were included. In 15-year-olds, the respective figures
      were 46% and 63%. Fourteen percent of 5-year-olds and 15% of 15-year-olds had a
      least one indicator of significant levels of caries and those from deprived
      backgrounds were more likely to fall into this group.Conclusions Overall, the
      prevalence of caries in children is continuing to decrease, but the rate is
      slowing. The level of disease for those with disease is much higher than the
      average values might suggest and there remain a sizeable minority with a
      significant burden of caries, associated with deprivation. This complex picture
      poses significant clinical and public health challenges. 

PMID- 27659636
TI  - An investigation of the clinical experiences of dentists within the national
      dental foundation training programme in the North West of England.
AB  - Objective To investigate the clinical experiences of foundation dentists (FDs) in
      the North West of England.Methods Three research methods were used: a
      questionnaire completed by FDs at the end of their training; an analysis of the
      clinical logs of experience recorded in the educational portfolios; and analysis
      of NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) activity data for the 12 month period
      of training of FDs.Results A response rate of 100% (N = 50) was achieved for the
      questionnaire and complete data for 49 of the 50 FDs was available from the
      NHSBSA and clinical logs in the educational portfolios.Discussion Trainees were
      satisfied with the clinical experience and believed their workload and patient
      mix provided a broad experience of clinical conditions, although 40% felt there
      were gaps in their clinical experience. There were wide ranges in the number of
      individual clinical procedures performed by FDs with some providing very few
      endodontic treatments, crowns, bridges, metal dentures and fissure sealants.
      There was a statistically significant difference (P <0.0005) in self- reporting
      of procedures recorded in the portfolio log when compared to the NHSBSA
      data.Conclusion The results from this study suggest that there is satisfaction
      amongst FDs with FT, but there is wide range in the level of clinical experience
      amongst FDs with some gaps which need to be addressed. In order to provide a
      consistent, cost effective approach to the delivery of FT changes are required to
      ensure minimum levels of clinical procedures are achieved during FT. The
      information collected in the training portfolio must be robust in order to make
      valid judgements on progress. 

PMID- 27659637
TI  - A survey of dental practitioners in Wales to evaluate the management of deep
      carious lesions with vital pulp therapy in permanent teeth.
AB  - Objective To evaluate the management of deep carious lesions with vital pulp
      therapy in permanent teeth by dental practitioners within Wales.Design Postal
      questionnaire.Setting General practitioners (GDS), community (CDS) and hospital
      based dentists (HDS) in Wales.Methods Community and hospital dental services with
      a remit for provision of restorative dentistry (CDS = 71; HDS = 46) and general
      dental practitioners (N = 510) were approached regarding their management of deep
      carious lesions with vital pulp therapy in permanent teeth. The postal
      questionnaire took the form of an anonymous survey. Questions covered usage
      parameters, training issues and reasons for material choice.Results The response
      rate was 29%. The majority of HDS (89%) used MTA or Biodentine for vital pulp
      therapy in contrast to GDS (41%) and CDS (32%). The main reasons cited for
      avoiding the use of MTA or Biodentine included cost, lack of training and
      difficulty in material handling.Conclusion Usage of MTA or Biodentine for vital
      pulp therapies is low in the general dental and community dental settings. Cost
      and lack of training are the main barriers for the uptake of these materials.
      Postgraduate training may be useful in addressing these barriers. Increasing
      their adoption would be advantageous as they have been shown to produce a more
      predictable outcome compared to traditional materials (for example, calcium
      hydroxide). 

PMID- 27659638
TI  - The development and piloting of the graduate assessment of preparedness for
      practice (GAPP) questionnaire.
AB  - Introduction Most new dental graduates in the UK begin their professional career
      following a year in dental foundation training (DFT). There has been little
      investigation of how prepared they feel for independent general dental practice
      across all four domains of the General Dental Council's curriculum 'Preparing for
      practice'. This paper describes the development of the Graduate Assessment of
      Preparedness for Practice (GAPP) questionnaire to address this.Methodology The
      GAPP questionnaire was developed and piloted using a cohort of educational
      supervisors (ESs) and foundation dentists (FDs). The questionnaire comprised
      three parts, the first of which collected respondent demographic data. The second
      was based on Preparing for practice and was used to develop 34 'competence areas'
      and required a tick-box response on a 7-category Likert Scale. The third
      comprised free text questions in order to further explore the subject's
      responses.Results Pilot feedback was positive, the statements were felt to be
      clear and unambiguous, allowing them sufficient scope to state their position.
      The pilot study informed small cosmetic changes to the GAPP questionnaire and
      inclusion of a 'comments' column for respondents to qualify their responses. The
      pilot results indicated that both FDs and their ESs felt that at ten months of
      DFT, the FDs were very well prepared for independent general dental
      practice.Discussion The paper describes the important considerations relating to
      the reliability and validity of the GAPP questionnaire.Conclusions GAPP appears
      to be a suitable questionnaire to measure preparedness of new graduates with a
      degree of reliability and validity. The instrument is designed to be simple to
      complete and provides a useful analytical instrument for both self-assessment of
      competence and for wider use within dental education. 

PMID- 27659639
TI  - The undergraduate preparation of dentists: Confidence levels of final year dental
      students at the School of Dentistry in Cardiff.
AB  - Objective To investigate the self-reported confidence and preparedness of final
      year undergraduate students in undertaking a range of clinical procedures.Methods
      A questionnaire was distributed to final year dental students at Cardiff
      University, six months prior to graduation. Respondents rated their confidence in
      undertaking 39 clinical procedures using a 5-point scale (1 = can undertake on
      own with confidence, 5 = unable to undertake). Students also responded yes/no to
      experiencing four difficulties and to three statements about general
      preparedness.Results 71% (N = 51) responded of which 55% (N = 28) were female.
      Over half reported being 'anxious that the supervisor was not helping enough'
      (57%) and 'relying heavily on supervisor for help' (53%). Eighty percent 'felt
      unprepared for the clinical work presented' and gender differences were most
      notable here (male: 65% N = 33; females: 93% N = 47). Mean confidence scores were
      calculated for each clinical procedure (1 = lowest; 5 = highest). Confidence was
      highest in performing 'simple scale' and 'fissure sealant' (mean-score = 5).
      Lowest scores were reported for 'surgical extractions involving a flap (mean
      score = 2.28)', 'simple surgical procedures' (mean-score = 2.58) and the
      'design/fit/adjustment of orthodontic appliances' (mean-score = 2.88).Conclusions
      As expected complex procedures that were least practised scored the lowest in
      overall mean confidence. Gender differences were noted in self-reported
      confidence for carrying out treatment unsupervised and feeling unprepared for
      clinical work. 

PMID- 27659640
TI  - Birmingham's new dental school and hospital - A real Peter Pan of dentistry.
AB  - A look at the history of Birmingham Dental Hospital which, since it was first
      founded in 1858 as Birmingham Dental Dispensary, has moved six times, the sixth
      move being to its new Pebble Mill site on 1 April 2016. 

PMID- 27659662
TI  - Is the incidence of type 1 diabetes in children and adolescents stabilising? The
      first 6 years of a National Register.
AB  - : The Irish Childhood Diabetes National Register (ICDNR) was established in 2008
      to define accurately the incidence and monitor the epidemiology of type 1
      diabetes (T1D) in the Irish population. Here, we report data from the first 6
      years of the National Register and compare with previous national data.
      Prospective national incident data regarding T1D in those under 15 years resident
      in Ireland were collected from 2008 to 2013 and national incidence rates (IRs)
      calculated. Ascertainment completeness was assessed using capture-recapture
      methodology. The period identified 1566 new cases of T1D, ascertainment reached
      96.8 % in 2013. The standardised incidence rate was 27.5 in 2008 stabilising at
      28.7 and 28.8 cases /100,000/year in 2012 and 2013. There was no evidence that
      the incidence changed significantly in the 6-year period either overall or for
      each age group and gender. There was evidence of a difference in the incidence of
      T1D across the age groups with the overall incidence highest in the 10-14 year
      age category. A strong seasonal association was demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: This
      study confirms Ireland as a high-incidence country for type 1 diabetes whilst
      demonstrating that the previous marked increase in IR from 16.3
      cases/100,000/year in 1997 has not continued. Ongoing monitoring through the
      robust mechanism of the ICDNR is required to clarify whether this is a
      fluctuation or if the incidence of T1D diabetes has stopped rising in our
      population. Alternatively, this apparent stabilisation may reflect a shift to a
      later age at diagnosis. "What is known :" * The incidence of Type 1 diabetes
      (T1D) is increasing in most populations worldwide although in certain high
      incidence populations, it may be stabilising * There was a marked increase in T1D
      in Ireland between 1997 and 2008 * T1D incidence increases with affluence "What
      is New:" * The high incidence of T1D in Ireland has been confirmed at 28.8
      cases/100,000/year in 2013 and has been effectively stable in the period 2008
      2013 * Incidence is highest in Irish 10-14 year olds * Changes in incidence
      possibly reflecting life style and economic climate * Marked seasonality of
      diagnosis confirmed.

PMID- 27659664
TI  - Harnessing the Dual Properties of Thiol-Grafted Cellulose Paper for Click
      Reactions: A Powerful Reducing Agent and Adsorbent for Cu.
AB  - A new approach exploiting the dual properties of thiol-grafted cellulose paper
      for promoting copper-catalyzed [3+2]-cycloadditions of organic azides with
      alkynes and adsorbing residual copper species in solution was developed. The
      thiol-grafted cellulose paper, used as a paper strip, effects the reduction of
      CuII to catalytically active CuI and acts as a powerful adsorbent for copper,
      thereby facilitating the work-up process and leaving the crude mixture almost
      free of copper residues after a single filtration.

PMID- 27659663
TI  - Direct cardiac involvement in childhood hemolytic-uremic syndrome: case report
      and review of the literature.
AB  - : Overhydration, hypertension, anemia, or dyselectrolytemias sometimes cause
      cardiovascular impairment in childhood hemolytic-uremic syndrome. Here, we report
      the case of a 4.5-year-old boy with hemolytic-uremic syndrome and sudden onset, 6
      h later, of hemodynamic compromise secondary to a cardiac thrombotic micro
      angiopathy. The child died. In the literature, we found 18 further cases with
      cardiac compromise <=25 days after diagnosis. The following causes were found:
      micro-angiopathy, pericardial blood causing tamponade, and myocarditis.
      CONCLUSION: We were able to document only 19 cases of childhood hemolytic-uremic
      syndrome complicated by a direct cardiac compromise. Nonetheless, we speculate
      that a direct cardiac compromise accounts for many cases of childhood hemolytic
      uremic syndrome complicated by sudden death during the initial hospitalization.
      Hence, we propose to always measure troponin in children with hemolytic-uremic
      syndrome to detect a latent myocardial damage. What is Known: * Overhydration,
      hypertension, anemia, or dyselectrolytemias sometimes cause cardiovascular
      impairment in childhood hemolytic-uremic syndrome. What is New: * This study
      documents 19 cases of childhood hemolytic-uremic syndrome complicated by a direct
      cardiac compromise <= 25 days after diagnosis. * The Following causes were found:
      micro-angiopathy, pericardial blood causing tamponade, and myocarditis.

PMID- 27659665
TI  - Xenotransplantation literature update, July-August 2016.

PMID- 27659666
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 27659668
TI  - Genome-wide mapping of nucleosome positions in Saccharomyces cerevisiae in
      response to different nitrogen conditions.
AB  - Well-organized chromatin is involved in a number of various transcriptional
      regulation and gene expression. We used genome-wide mapping of nucleosomes in
      response to different nitrogen conditions to determine both nucleosome profiles
      and gene expression events in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Nitrogen conditions
      influence general nucleosome profiles and the expression of nitrogen catabolite
      repression (NCR) sensitive genes. The nucleosome occupancy of TATA-containing
      genes was higher compared to TATA-less genes. TATA-less genes in high or low
      nucleosome occupancy, showed a significant change in gene coding regions when
      shifting cells from glutamine to proline as the sole nitrogen resource.
      Furthermore, a correlation between the expression of nucleosome occupancy induced
      NCR sensitive genes or TATA containing genes in NCR sensitive genes, and
      nucleosome prediction were found when cells were cultured in proline or shifting
      from glutamine to proline as the sole nitrogen source compared to glutamine.
      These results also showed that variation of nucleosome occupancy accompany with
      chromatin-dependent transcription factor could influence the expression of a
      series of genes involved in the specific regulation of nitrogen utilization.

PMID- 27659669
TI  - Cleavage of E-Cadherin Contributes to Defective Barrier Function in Neosquamous
      Epithelium.
AB  - BACKGROUND: After ablation of Barrett's esophagus (BE), the esophagus heals with
      neosquamous epithelium (NSE). Despite normal endoscopic appearance, NSE exhibits
      defective barrier function with similarities to defects noted in the distal
      esophageal epithelium in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
      AIM: To determine whether patients with NSE, unlike patients with healthy
      esophageal epithelium, have C-terminal fragments (CTFs) of e-cad detectable on
      tissue biopsy. Secondly, to determine whether patients with NSE have elevated
      levels of N-terminal fragments (NTFs) of e-cad in the serum. METHODS: Fifteen
      patients with ablated long-segment BE, who had healing with formation of NSE,
      were enrolled in this pilot study. Western blots for CTFs and NTFs were performed
      on biopsies of NSE. Venous blood was obtained to assess levels of NTFs.
      Endoscopic distal esophageal biopsies from patients without esophageal disease
      served as tissue controls. Control blood samples were obtained from healthy
      subjects. RESULTS: Blots of NSE were successful in 14/15 patients, and all 14
      (100 %) had a 35-kD CTF of e-cad, while CTFs were absent in healthy control
      tissues. Despite CTFs in NSE, serum NTFs of e-cad in NSE were similar to
      controls, p > 0.05. However, unlike healthy controls, blots of NSE also showed
      NTFs with molecular weights of 70-90 kD. CONCLUSIONS: Cleavage of e-cad, as
      evidenced by the presence of CTFs and NTFs on biopsy, contributes to defective
      barrier function in NSE. However, unlike findings reported in GERD patients,
      serum NTFs are not elevated in NSE patients. This difference may reflect poor
      absorption with tissue entrapment of NTFs in previously ablated areas with poorly
      perfused NSE.

PMID- 27659670
TI  - Response to Feuerstein J et al. "Systematic Analysis and Critical Appraisal of
      the Quality of the Scientific Evidence and Conflicts of Interest in Practice
      Guidelines (2005-2013) for Barrett's Esophagus". doi:10.1007/s10620-016-4222-2.

PMID- 27659671
TI  - Helicobacter pylori Eradication with Proton Pump Inhibitors or Potassium
      Competitive Acid Blockers: The Effect of Clarithromycin Resistance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vonoprazan is a novel potassium-competitive acid blocker (P-CAB)
      recently approved for Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy in Japan. AIMS: To
      compare PPI- and P-CAP-containing triple therapy and vonoprazan-based triple
      therapy. METHODS: Two hundred ninety-five initial subjects received a PPI
      containing triple therapy; the next 125 subjects received vonoprazan-containing
      triple therapy. Two sequential groups received 7-day eradication regimens
      consisting of amoxicillin 750 mg, clarithromycin 200 mg both twice a day with
      standard dose PPI or vonoprazan (20 mg) each twice daily. H. pylori eradication
      was confirmed by a 13C-UBT. Clarithromycin susceptibility was evaluated by 23S
      rRNA PCR. RESULTS: Population cure rates with clarithromycin susceptible strains
      were 89.6 versus 100 % for PPI and vonoprazan therapies, respectively. Cure rates
      with resistant strains were 40.2 % with PPI therapy versus 76.1 % with vonoprazan
      triple therapy. There was no difference in side effects. CONCLUSIONS: Although 7
      day P-CAB triple therapy was superior to 7-day PPI triple therapy, neither was
      highly effective, or can be recommended, in the presence of clarithromycin
      resistant infections.

PMID- 27659672
TI  - Age and Prevalence of Esophageal Reflux Disease in Japanese Patients with Type 2
      Diabetes Mellitus: The Dogo Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Only limited epidemiological evidence exists regarding the
      relationship between age and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) among
      Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. AIM: The purpose of the present
      study is to investigate this issue among Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes
      mellitus. METHODS: A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in 847
      Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Subjects were divided into
      quartiles according to age: (1) 19 <= age < 56, (2) 56 <= age < 64, (3) 64 <= age
      < 71, and (4) 71 <= age < 89. GERD was defined as present when a subject had a
      Carlsson-Dent self-administered questionnaire (QUEST) score >=4. RESULTS: The
      prevalence of GERD was 31.5 %. Younger age was independently associated with a
      higher prevalence of GERD: the adjusted odds ratios (95 % confidence intervals)
      for GERD in relation to age < 56, 56 <= age < 64, 64 <= age < 71, and >=71 were
      3.73 (2.16-6.53), 1.98 (1.21-3.27), 1.66 (1.05-2.68), and 1.00 (reference),
      respectively (P for trend = 0.001). Among 201 patients with PPI or histamine H2
      receptor antagonist (H2RA), less than 56 years of age was independently
      positively associated with GERD: the adjusted OR was 5.68 (95 % CI 1.55-22.18) (P
      for trend = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Younger age may be independently positively
      associated with GERD among Japanese type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, regardless
      of the use of PPI or H2RA.

PMID- 27659674
TI  - Incorporating Clinical Research into a Career in Gastroenterology and Hepatology.

PMID- 27659675
TI  - Some like it hot: citrus tristeza virus strains react differently to elevated
      temperature.
AB  - Viruses often infect plants as a mixed population. The dynamics of viral
      populations dictate the success of the infection, yet there is little
      understanding of the factors that influence them. It is known that temperature
      can affect individual viruses; could it also affect a virus population? In order
      to study this, we observed citrus tristeza virus (CTV) populations in different
      hosts under winter and summer conditions (25 versus 36  degrees C). We found that
      only some CTV strains were affected by a higher summer temperature, which lead to
      a change in CTV population structure, and that this effect was host dependent.

PMID- 27659673
TI  - Incidence, Clinical Presentation, and Associated Factors of Microscopic Colitis
      in Northern France: A Population-Based Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To date, there are no epidemiological data on microscopic colitis (MC)
      in France. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of MC in the
      Somme department in Northern France, to evaluate clinical characteristics, and to
      search for risk factors for both collagenous colitis (CC) and lymphocytic colitis
      (LC). DESIGN: Between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2007, four pathology
      units in the Somme department recorded all new cases of MC diagnosed in patients
      living in the area. Colonic biopsies were reviewed by 4 pathologists together.
      For each incident case, demographic, clinical, endoscopic, and biological data
      were collected according to methodology of the EPIMAD registry. RESULTS: One
      hundred and thirty cases of MC, including 87 CC and 43 LC, were recorded during
      the three-year study. The mean annual incidence for MC was 7.9/105 inhabitants,
      5.3/105 inhabitants for CC, and 2.6/105 inhabitants for LC. Annual standardized
      incidence of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis in the EPIMAD registry during
      the same period (2005-2007) were 7.4/105 and 4.9/105, respectively. Median age at
      diagnosis was 63 years for MC, 70 for CC, and 48 for LC. The female-to-male
      gender ratio was 3.5 for MC, 4.1 for CC, and 2.6 for LC. Median time to diagnosis
      was 8 weeks. Chronic diarrhea and abdominal pain were, respectively, present in
      93 and 47 % of the cases. An autoimmune disease was associated in 28 % of MC
      cases. At diagnosis, proton pump inhibitor treatment was more often reported in
      CC than in LC (46 vs 16 %; p = 0.003). Budesonide was effective on diarrhea in 77
      % of patients, and thirteen percent of patients became steroid dependent.
      CONCLUSION: This population-based study shows that the incidence of MC in France
      is high and similar to Crohn's disease incidence and confirms that this condition
      is associated with female gender, autoimmune diseases, and medications.

PMID- 27659676
TI  - HIV-1 sequences isolated from patients promote expression of shorter isoforms of
      the Gag polyprotein.
AB  - Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) unspliced mRNA drives the expression
      of both Gag and Gag-Pol polyproteins by using both cap- and internal ribosome
      entry site (IRES)-dependent translation initiation mechanisms. An IRES has been
      described in the matrix coding region that is involved in the production of
      shorter isoforms of Gag. However, up to now, this has only been shown with
      sequences derived from the HIV-1 laboratory strains (NL4.3 and HXB2) and never
      from clinical HIV-1 isolates. We have isolated ~70 sequences from HIV-1-positive
      patients that we have sequenced and cloned into an expression vector to monitor
      their ability to drive translation of Gag p55 and the shorter isoforms both in
      vitro and ex vivo. The results indicate that (1) the translational efficiency
      from the AUG-p55 varies significantly among the different isolates; (2)
      expression initiated at AUG-p40 codon is independent of translation initiation at
      the AUG-p55 triplet; and (3) all sequences promote expression of shorter Gag
      isoforms, in particular in Jurkat T cells, in which internal initiation occurs
      exclusively and directly at the AUG-p40 codon. The composition of the first ~800
      nucleotides of the HIV-1 unspliced mRNA modulates the expression initiated both
      at the AUG-p55 and AUG-p40 codons and may impact viral production and
      replication. Interestingly, the AUG-p40 codon and its surrounding nucleotide
      context are conserved amongst clinical isolates and are used as a translation
      initiation site to produce a shorter Gag isoform.

PMID- 27659677
TI  - The latency related gene of bovine herpesvirus types 1 and 5 and its modulation
      of cellular processes.
AB  - Bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BoHV-1) and bovine herpesvirus type 5 (BoHV-5) are
      important pathogens of cattle. The diseases they produce are quite different,
      with BoHV-5 being more neuropathogenic than BoHV-1 which mainly induces
      respiratory symptoms. The sequencing of the entire BoHV-5 genome has shown that
      most of the differences between these viruses are found in the immediate early
      and LR (latency related) genes. The LR gene is the only viral gene abundantly
      expressed in latently infected neurons, is essential for viral reactivation and
      seems to have an anti-apoptotic function which can be observed in vivo and in
      vitro. This gene spans two potential ORFs (1 and 2) which can also be found as a
      fused version, an ORF-E protein encoded within the promoter region and two miRNAs
      located within the 5' UTR segment. Most of the essential functions of the LR gene
      seem to be located within the ORF-2 which has been found to modulate components
      of cell signaling/cycle pathways. In this review we present a comparative
      sequence analysis of the LR gene of several BoHV-5 isolates, their differences
      with the BoHV-1 homologue and the potential impact this may have on its function.
      The LR gene was found to be highly conserved in all sequenced BoHV-5 strains. ORF
      1 shares 60 % homology compared to BoHV-1 whereas the BoHV-5 homologue of ORF-2
      is truncated at amino acid 51. Preliminary studies analyzing the emerging
      transcripts from the BoHV-5 LR gene in infected cells, as well as in stably
      transfected cells, indicates that their products are, in fact, missing crucial
      components of the anti-apoptotic function when compared to the BoHV-1 LR gene. In
      addition these transcripts maintain a region that, similar to what is found in
      BoHV-1, would produce a miRNA with the potential to recognize a region within the
      BoHV-5 immediate early gene. All together, these BoHV-5 characteristics suggest
      that this virus would not possess the same repertoire of latency maintaining
      functions as BoHV-1. Implications for BoHV-5 neuropathogenic potential are
      discussed.

PMID- 27659678
TI  - Infectious bursal disease virus as a replication-incompetent viral vector
      expressing green fluorescent protein.
AB  - Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) has been established as a replication
      competent viral vector capable of carrying an epitope at multiple loci in the
      genome. To enhance the safety and increase the insertion capacity of IBDV as a
      vector, a replication-incompetent IBDV vector was developed in the present study.
      The feasibility of replacing one of the viral gene loci, including pvp2, vp3,
      vp1, or the polyprotein vp243, with the sequence of green fluorescent protein
      (GFP) was explored. A method combining TCID50 and immunoperoxidase monolayer
      assay (IPMA) determined the most feasible locus for gene replacement to be pvp2.
      The genomic segment containing gfp at the pvp2 locus was able to be encapsidated
      into IBDV particles. Furthermore, the expression of GFP in GFP-IBDV infected
      cells was confirmed by Western blotting and GFP-IBDV particles showed similar
      morphology and size to that of wildtype IBDV by electron microscopy. By providing
      the deleted protein in trans in a packaging cell line (pVP2-DF1), replication
      incompetent GFP-IBDV particles were successfully plaque-quantified. The gfp
      sequence from the plaque-forming GFP-IBDV in pVP2-DF1 was confirmed by RT-PCR and
      sequencing. To our knowledge, GFP-IBDV developed in the present study is the
      first replication-incompetent IBDV vector which expresses a foreign protein in
      infected cells without the capability to produce viral progeny. Additionally,
      such replication-incompetent IBDV vectors could serve as bivalent vaccine vectors
      for conferring protection against infections with IBDV and other economically
      important, or zoonotic, avian pathogens.

PMID- 27659680
TI  - Cardiovascular Disease Outcomes Associated with Three Major Inflammatory
      Dermatologic Diseases: A Propensity-Matched Case Control Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Inflammation is an established component of cardiovascular disease
      (CVD) and an underlying factor of several dermatologic conditions including
      rosacea, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis. Identifying potential associations
      between these dermatologic and cardiovascular diseases can better inform holistic
      healthcare approaches. The objective of this study was to determine whether
      rosacea, psoriasis or atopic dermatitis are independent risk factors for CVD 1
      year following diagnosis. METHODS: Using a large commercial claims database of
      21,801,147 lives, we employed a propensity-matched logistic regression to
      evaluate the association between diagnoses of rosacea, psoriasis, or atopic
      dermatitis and a 1-year risk of being diagnosed with cardiovascular disease.
      Control patients were matched based on health-care utilization, age and overall
      health status as defined by a modified Deyo-Charlson comorbidity index. RESULTS:
      The analysis included 2105 rosacea, 622 atopic dermatitis, 1536 psoriasis, and
      4263 control patients. Compared to propensity-matched controls, the adjusted odds
      of cardiovascular disease were not higher in patients with rosacea (odds ratio:
      0.894, p = 0.2713), atopic dermatitis (OR 1.032, p = 0.8489), or psoriasis (OR
      1.087, p = 0.4210). In univariate analysis, the unadjusted odds of cardiovascular
      disease was higher in patients with psoriasis (OR 1.223, p = 0.0347).
      CONCLUSIONS: Limitations of this study include the short follow-up period and
      inclusion of only commercially insured patients limit the generalizability of
      these findings. In this large study of patients with rosacea, atopic dermatitis,
      and psoriasis, we did not detect an increased 1-year risk of cardiovascular
      disease after adjusting for confounders.

PMID- 27659679
TI  - An imbalance between specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators and pro
      inflammatory leukotrienes promotes instability of atherosclerotic plaques.
AB  - Chronic unresolved inflammation plays a causal role in the development of
      advanced atherosclerosis, but the mechanisms that prevent resolution in
      atherosclerosis remain unclear. Here, we use targeted mass spectrometry to
      identify specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPM) in histologically
      defined stable and vulnerable regions of human carotid atherosclerotic plaques.
      The levels of SPMs, particularly resolvin D1 (RvD1), and the ratio of SPMs to pro
      inflammatory leukotriene B4 (LTB4), are significantly decreased in the vulnerable
      regions. SPMs are also decreased in advanced plaques of fat-fed Ldlr-/- mice.
      Administration of RvD1 to these mice during plaque progression restores the
      RvD1:LTB4 ratio to that of less advanced lesions and promotes plaque stability,
      including decreased lesional oxidative stress and necrosis, improved lesional
      efferocytosis, and thicker fibrous caps. These findings provide molecular support
      for the concept that defective inflammation resolution contributes to the
      formation of clinically dangerous plaques and offer a mechanistic rationale for
      SPM therapy to promote plaque stability.

PMID- 27659681
TI  - Variation in the strength of reproductive interference from an alien congener to
      a native species in Taraxacum.
AB  - Reproductive interference (RI) may be a contributing factor to the displacement
      of native species by an alien congener, and RI strength has been shown
      theoretically to affect distributional relationships between species. Thus,
      variations in RI strength from alien to native species result in different
      consequences of invasions and efforts to conserve native species, but the
      variations have seldom been examined empirically. We therefore investigated RI
      strength variations from the alien species Taraxacum officinale and its hybrids
      to eight populations of native dandelions, four T. japonicum populations and two
      populations each of two subspecies of T. platycarpum. We examined the association
      between alien relative abundance and native seed set in field surveys, and we
      also performed hand-pollination experiments to investigate directly the
      sensitivity of native flowers to alien pollen. We found that the effect of alien
      relative abundance on native seed set of even the same native species could
      differ greatly in different regions, and that the sensitivity of native flowers
      to alien pollen was also dependent on region. Our results, together with those of
      previous studies, show that RI from the alien to the native species is strong in
      regions where the alien species outnumbers the native species and marginal where
      it does not; this result suggests that alien RI can critically affect
      distributional relationships between native and alien species. Our study
      highlights the importance of performing additional empirical investigations of RI
      strength variation and of giving due attention to alien RI in efforts to conserve
      regional native biodiversity.

PMID- 27659682
TI  - Transmission of survival signals through Delta-like 1 on activated CD4+ T cells.
AB  - Notch expressed on CD4+ T cells transduces signals that mediate their effector
      functions and survival. Although Notch signaling is known to be cis-inhibited by
      Notch ligands expressed on the same cells, the role of Notch ligands on T cells
      remains unclear. In this report we demonstrate that the CD4+ T cell Notch ligand
      Dll1 transduces signals required for their survival. Co-transfer of CD4+ T cells
      from Dll1-/- and control mice into recipient mice followed by immunization
      revealed a rapid decline of CD4+ T cells from Dll1-/- mice compared with control
      cells. Dll1-/- mice exhibited lower clinical scores of experimental autoimmune
      encephalitis than control mice. The expression of Notch target genes in CD4+ T
      cells from Dll1-/- mice was not affected, suggesting that Dll1 deficiency in T
      cells does not affect cis Notch signaling. Overexpression of the intracellular
      domain of Dll1 in Dll1-deficient CD4+ T cells partially rescued impaired
      survival. Our data demonstrate that Dll1 is an independent regulator of Notch
      signaling important for the survival of activated CD4+ T cells, and provide new
      insight into the physiological roles of Notch ligands as well as a regulatory
      mechanism important for maintaining adaptive immune responses.

PMID- 27659683
TI  - A Step Toward a Better Understanding of the Relationship Between Victimization
      and Emotional Distress: Indirect Effect of Adult Attachment and Interaction With
      Household Dysfunction.
AB  - A history of victimization has been linked to the latter development of emotional
      distress. However, not all victims develop emotional distress in response to
      victimization, emphasizing the need to identify mediators that can guide
      intervention, as well as moderators to more targeted preventive actions. Within a
      developmental psychology framework, we aimed to test two models: (a) the role of
      adult attachment as a mediator in the relationship between victimization and
      emotional distress, and (b) the role of household dysfunctions as moderators in
      the relationship between victimization and emotional distress, in psychiatric
      patients. Participants were 120 adult psychiatric patients, between ages 20 and
      79 years ( M = -47.22, SD = 13.102) that responded to questions assessing
      household dysfunction in the family of origin, victimization, and adult
      attachment. Results revealed that adult attachment was a significant mediator in
      the association between victimization and emotional distress. Parental mental
      disorder and total household adversity were significant moderators for that same
      association. These results provide important clues for intervention. The focus on
      promoting secure adult relationships may contribute not only to the psychosocial
      adjustment of psychiatric patients but also to a healthier family functioning.
      Reducing the household dysfunction may provide a protective environment for the
      development of children, promoting a positive psychosocial adjustment, also
      preventing the intergenerational transmission of violence, insecure attachment,
      and emotional distress.

PMID- 27659684
TI  - African American Perspectives and Experiences of Domestic Violence in a Rural
      Community.
AB  - Relatively few studies have explored domestic violence from a multiplicity of
      African American perspectives, experiences, and socio-demographic backgrounds
      within rural African American communities. Community-based participatory action
      research methods were used to explore domestic violence perceptions of African
      Americans with heterogeneous backgrounds and experiences of violence. Ten focus
      groups were held throughout the community with 52 diverse women ( n = 33) and men
      ( n = 19) living in the northwest region of Arkansas. Demographic data were
      collected from 47 women ( n = 28) and men ( n = 19) participating in focus groups
      regarding their perceptions and experiences of domestic violence, media messages,
      help-seeking behaviors, and services. Data were analyzed using grounded theory
      methods. Three major themes emerged, including (a) a heightened awareness of
      race, gender, and class differences; (b) imbalanced and mixed messages from
      media; and (c) multi-systemic dynamics influencing abusive behavior and
      relationships. Results indicate that study participants' perspectives and
      experiences with domestic violence reflect a complex interrelated gamut of
      societal, community, familial, and individual dynamics. Participant
      recommendations related to interpersonal dynamics, media messages, and societal
      influences are reported with implications for practice, policy, and future
      research.

PMID- 27659685
TI  - Predictors of Perceived Need for and Actual Action Taking Among Women in Violent
      Relationships.
AB  - Decision-making of women in violent relationships is poorly understood. The study
      seeks to identify predictors of need-for-action and actions taken by women in
      violent relationships. The participants were 143 women who experienced violence
      in previous month from 6 primary care clinics. The methods involved multiple
      times series using daily assessments of household environment, marital
      relationship, concerns, violence, and need-for-action collected via telephone
      interactive voice response for 8 weeks. Outcomes include daily need-for-action
      and reports of actions taken. Same-day correlates and prior-day associations
      using vector autoregressions were sought, combined across subjects using meta
      analytic techniques. Need for help depended on stalking, concern for child
      safety, forgiveness, and low perceived control; actually seeking help depended on
      sense of control with same-day stress and need for help. Need for legal action
      depended on concern for child safety and finances with desire to keep family
      together; actually taking legal action, correlated only with prior-day stalking
      and concerns about child safety but less about effects of violence on child. Need
      to leave depended on his violence, with concern about its effect on child, her
      forgiveness, and a low desire to keep family together, while actually leaving was
      primed by a day of his drinking, and triggered by same-day stress and need to
      leave, but lower levels of her drinking or his seeking forgiveness. Once gone,
      prior-day stalking and his alcohol use correlated with returning to the
      relationship. Taking action depends upon few prior- and same-day factors unique
      to each action.

PMID- 27659686
TI  - Decrypting ENCODEd epigenetic marks of human tRN-A-RS genes in normal, stem and
      cancer cell lines.
AB  - Screening large-scale ENCODE data of 625 cytoplasmic transfer RNA (tRNAs) and 37
      aminoacyl tRNA synthetase (AARSs) human genes, we deconstruct the array of
      relations between 10 histone marks affecting 15 chromatin states; their tissue
      specificity and variations and interchange amongst normal, cancerous and stem
      cells. The histone marks of RNA Pol II transcribed AARS genes share, but also
      contrast with that on RNA Pol III transcribed tRNA genes. tRNAs with
      identical/similar sequences may be in significantly varying states even within
      the same cell line; the chromatin scaffold, where the tRNA gene resides, is the
      key determinant. Hepatocellular carcinoma cell line has dominant H3K27me3, and
      singular clustering of other marks. Leukaemic cell line has hyperactive genes.
      The quiescence of the stem cells is encoded in the markers. Leaving aside the
      important exceptions in stem cells and elsewhere, tRNAs with cove scores above 50
      have active markers and precise sets of transcription factors, and are usually
      well conserved compared to the low-scoring ones. Pseudo tRNAs are in
      heterochromatin/repressed state with anomalous exceptions in cancer cells. We
      motivate that Epigenetic-Phishing hacks the translation apparatus through the
      chromatin states governed by the histone marks of tRNA and AARS genes, and
      speculate on their therapeutic implications in cancer and on stem cells.

PMID- 27659687
TI  - A Pilot Clinical Study in Characterization of Malignant Renal-cell Carcinoma
      Subtype with Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound.
AB  - Malignant renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a diverse set of diseases, which are
      independently difficult to characterize using conventional MRI and CT protocols
      due to low temporal resolution to study perfusion characteristics. Because
      different disease subtypes have different prognoses and involve varying treatment
      regimens, the ability to determine RCC subtype non-invasively is a clinical need.
      Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has been assessed as a tool to characterize
      kidney lesions based on qualitative and quantitative assessment of perfusion
      patterns, and we hypothesize that this technique might help differentiate disease
      subtypes. Twelve patients with RCC confirmed pathologically were imaged using
      contrast-enhanced ultrasound. Time intensity curves were generated and analyzed
      quantitatively using 10 characteristic metrics. Results showed that peak
      intensity ( p = 0.001) and time-to-80% on wash-out ( p = 0.004) provided
      significant differences between clear cell, papillary, and chromophobe RCC
      subtypes. These results suggest that CEUS may be a feasible test for
      characterizing RCC subtypes.

PMID- 27659688
TI  - Expression of Cucumber mosaic virus suppressor 2b alters FWA methylation and its
      siRNA accumulation in Arabidopsis thaliana.
AB  - The Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) suppressor 2b co-localizes with AGO4 in
      cytoplasmic and nuclear fractions of Arabidopsis thaliana Biochemical
      fractionation of A. thaliana cellular extracts revealed that 2b and AGO4 coexist
      in multiple size exclusions. 2b transgenic A. thaliana exhibited an enhanced
      accumulation of 24nt siRNAs from flowering wageningen (FWA) and other
      heterochromatic loci. These plants also exhibited hypo-methylation of an
      endogenous- as well as transgene-FWA promoter at non-CG sites. In corroboration,
      both transgenic 2b and CMV infection affected the regulation of transposons which
      mimics the ago4 phenotype. In conclusion, 2b perturbs plant defense by
      interfering with AGO4-regulated transcriptional gene silencing.

PMID- 27659689
TI  - Tree shrew (Tupaia belangeri chinensis), a novel non-obese animal model of non
      alcoholic fatty liver disease.
AB  - Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming a severe public health
      problem that is affecting a large proportion of the world population. Generally,
      NAFLD in patients is usually accompanied by obesity, hyperglycemia, insulin
      resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes (T2D), for which numerous animal models have
      been generated in order to explore the pathogenesis and therapies of NAFLD. On
      the contrary, quite a number of NAFLD subjects, especially in Asian regions, are
      non-obese and non-diabetic; however, few animal models are available for the
      research of non-obese NAFLD. Here, four approaches (here called approach 1 to 4)
      corresponding to the variable compositions of diets were used to treat tree
      shrews (Tupaia belangeri chinensis), which have a closer evolutionary
      relationship to primates than rodents. Analysis of plasma biochemical parameters,
      hepatic histology, and the expression of hepatic lipid metabolic genes revealed
      that all four approaches led to hepatic lipid accumulation, liver injury and
      hypercholesterolemia, but had no effect on body weight and adipose tissue
      generation, or glycemia. Hepatic gene expression in tree shrews treated by
      approach 4 might suggest a different or non-canonical pathway leading to hepatic
      steatosis. In conclusion, the tree shrew displays hepatic steatosis and
      dyslipidemia, but remains non-obese and non-diabetic under high energy diets,
      which suggests that the tree shrew may be useful as a novel animal model for the
      research of human non-obese NAFLD.

PMID- 27659690
TI  - Directional cell movements downstream of Gbx2 and Otx2 control the assembly of
      sensory placodes.
AB  - Cranial placodes contribute to sensory structures including the inner ear, the
      lens and olfactory epithelium and the neurons of the cranial sensory ganglia. At
      neurula stages, placode precursors are interspersed in the ectoderm surrounding
      the anterior neural plate before segregating into distinct placodes by as yet
      unknown mechanisms. Here, we perform live imaging to follow placode progenitors
      as they aggregate to form the lens and otic placodes. We find that while placode
      progenitors move with the same speed as their non-placodal neighbours, they
      exhibit increased persistence and directionality and these properties are
      required to assemble morphological placodes. Furthermore, we demonstrate that
      these factors are components of the transcriptional networks that coordinate
      placode cell behaviour including their directional movements. Together with
      previous work, our results support a dual role for Otx and Gbx transcription
      factors in both the early patterning of the neural plate border and the later
      segregation of its derivatives into distinct placodes.

PMID- 27659691
TI  - In-silico insights on the prognostic potential of immune cell infiltration
      patterns in the breast lobular epithelium.
AB  - Scattered inflammatory cells are commonly observed in mammary gland tissue, most
      likely in response to normal cell turnover by proliferation and apoptosis, or as
      part of immunosurveillance. In contrast, lymphocytic lobulitis (LLO) is a
      recurrent inflammation pattern, characterized by lymphoid cells infiltrating
      lobular structures, that has been associated with increased familial breast
      cancer risk and immune responses to clinically manifest cancer. The mechanisms
      and pathogenic implications related to the inflammatory microenvironment in
      breast tissue are still poorly understood. Currently, the definition of
      inflammation is mainly descriptive, not allowing a clear distinction of LLO from
      physiological immunological responses and its role in oncogenesis remains
      unclear. To gain insights into the prognostic potential of inflammation, we
      developed an agent-based model of immune and epithelial cell interactions in
      breast lobular epithelium. Physiological parameters were calibrated from breast
      tissue samples of women who underwent reduction mammoplasty due to orthopedic or
      cosmetic reasons. The model allowed to investigate the impact of menstrual cycle
      length and hormone status on inflammatory responses to cell turnover in the
      breast tissue. Our findings suggested that the immunological context, defined by
      the immune cell density, functional orientation and spatial distribution,
      contains prognostic information previously not captured by conventional
      diagnostic approaches.

PMID- 27659692
TI  - A New Questionnaire (QRFPC25) Regarding the Religiosity and Spirituality in
      People with Life-Threatening Disease: Reliability and Validity in a Population of
      Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy.
AB  - The development of a questionnaire (QRFPC25) assessing the religiosity of cancer
      patients. The method used for the questionnaire comprises seven multi-item and
      three single-item scales formed from a 25-question module. The questionnaire was
      completed on-site and a week after antineoplastic therapy. The final sample
      included 156 patients. The main topics of the QRFPC25 are the following: worship,
      relationship with the divine, spiritual discussion, hope, participation in holly
      communion, faith, life after death, love, bioethics and global quality of life
      (QoL). The average time of both times taken to complete the questionnaire was
      approximately 10 min. All multi-item scales met the minimal standards of
      reliability (Cronbach's alpha coefficient >=.70) before or after treatment. Test
      retest reliability in terms of the intraclass correlation coefficient was also
      satisfactory (p < 0.01). Validity was assured by inter-item correlations and
      correlations with the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of
      Cancer's Core Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ-C30, version 3.0), along with
      factor analysis which showed eight factors incorporated in the model. The QRFPC25
      is a reliable and valid gauge for the assessment of religiosity in cancer
      patients undergoing radiotherapy.

PMID- 27659693
TI  - Modulation of yeast telomerase activity by Cdc13 and Est1 in vitro.
AB  - Telomerase is the enzyme involved in extending telomeric DNA. Control of
      telomerase activity by modulating its access to chromosome ends is one of the
      most important fundamental mechanisms. This study established an in vitro yeast
      telomerase reconstitution system that resembles telomere replication in vivo. In
      this system, a tailed-duplex DNA formed by telomeric DNA was employed to mimic
      the structure of telomeres. The core catalytic components of telomerase Est2/Tlc1
      RNA were used as the telomeric DNA extension machinery. Using the reconstituted
      systems, this study found that binding of Cdc13 to telomeric DNA inhibited the
      access of telomerase to its substrate. The result was further confirmed by a
      single-molecule approach using the tethered-particle motion (TPM)-based
      telomerase assay. The findings also showed that the inhibitory effect can be
      relieved by telomerase-associated protein Est1, consistent with the role of Cdc13
      and Est1 in regulating telomere extension in vivo. Significantly, this study
      found that the DNA binding property of Cdc13 was altered by Est1, providing the
      first mechanistic evidence of Est1 regulating the access of telomerase to its
      substrate. Thus, the roles of Cdc13 and Est1 in modulating telomerase activity
      were clearly defined using the in vitro reconstituted system.

PMID- 27659695
TI  - Development of an Indicator Displacement Based Detection of Malaria Targeting HRP
      II as Biomarker for Application in Point-of-Care Settings.
AB  - A novel label free spectrophotometric detection of malarial biomarker HRP-II
      following an indicator displacement assay has been developed. The assay is based
      on competitive displacement of murexide dye from its complex with Ni2+ by HRP-II
      present in serum samples. The binding constant (Kd) discerned for the dye and HRP
      II to Ni2+ were 1.4 * 10-6 M-1 and 6.8 * 10-9 M-1, respectively. The progress of
      the reaction could be monitored from the change of color from orange (~lambda482
      nm) to pink (~lambda515 nm) with the concomitant increase in HRP-II concentration
      in the mixture. A linear response (R2 = 0.995) curve was generated by plotting
      the ratio of absorbance (lambda515 nm/lambda482 nm) against the HRP-II
      concentrations. The method offers to detect HRP-II as low as 1 pM without any
      interference from some common salts and the major protein, HSA, present in the
      blood serum. The detection method was reproduced in a microfluidic paper based
      analytical device (MUPAD), fabricated by printing hydrophobic alkyl ketene dimer
      on a chromatographic paper to create hydrophilic microchannels, test zone, and
      sample application zone. The device offers to use a maximum sample volume of 20
      +/- 0.06 MUL and detects HRP-II within 5 min with LOD of 30 +/- 9.6 nM in a
      dynamic range of 10 to 100 nM. The method has thus immense potential to develop
      as rapid, selective, simple, portable, and inexpensive malarial diagnostic device
      for point-of-care and low resource setting applications.

PMID- 27659696
TI  - Newly Proposed Prognostic Grade Group System for Prostate Cancer: Genesis,
      Utility and its Implications in Clinical Practice.
AB  - We know about the Gleason pattern and Gleason score which are of paramount
      importance in tailoring the treatment of a prostate cancer. However, there are
      certain deficiencies in this current scoring system. To simplify the treatment
      options and have a better idea about the prognosis, a new grade group system has
      been proposed by ISUP/WHO in 2015. This has been validated in the clinical
      practice. This commentary takes you through its genesis, utility and its
      implications on the clinical practice.

PMID- 27659694
TI  - Expression of immunoproteasome genes is regulated by cell-intrinsic and 
      extrinsic factors in human cancers.
AB  - Based on transcriptomic analyses of thousands of samples from The Cancer Genome
      Atlas, we report that expression of constitutive proteasome (CP) genes (PSMB5,
      PSMB6, PSMB7) and immunoproteasome (IP) genes (PSMB8, PSMB9, PSMB10) is increased
      in most cancer types. In breast cancer, expression of IP genes was determined by
      the abundance of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes and high expression of IP genes
      was associated with longer survival. In contrast, IP upregulation in acute
      myeloid leukemia (AML) was a cell-intrinsic feature that was not associated with
      longer survival. Expression of IP genes in AML was IFN-independent, correlated
      with the methylation status of IP genes, and was particularly high in AML with an
      M5 phenotype and/or MLL rearrangement. Notably, PSMB8 inhibition led to
      accumulation of polyubiquitinated proteins and cell death in IPhigh but not IPlow
      AML cells. Co-clustering analysis revealed that genes correlated with IP subunits
      in non-M5 AMLs were primarily implicated in immune processes. However, in M5 AML,
      IP genes were primarily co-regulated with genes involved in cell metabolism and
      proliferation, mitochondrial activity and stress responses. We conclude that M5
      AML cells can upregulate IP genes in a cell-intrinsic manner in order to resist
      cell stress.

PMID- 27659698
TI  - Lorcaserin treatment allows for decreased number needed to treat for weight and
      glycemic parameters in week 12 responders with >=5% weight loss.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Lorcaserin is a serotonin 2C receptor agonist approved for chronic
      weight management. This analysis explores the number of patients needed to be
      treated (NNT) with lorcaserin for one more patient to achieve weight loss and
      glycemic goals. METHODS: This is a post hoc analysis of three Phase 3 studies in
      adults with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) treated with lorcaserin
      10 mg BID or placebo. NNT is reported for patients achieving >=5% or >=10% weight
      loss, achievement of either HbA1c <5.7% or FPG <100 mg/dL in patients with
      prediabetes, and reduction of HbA1c to <7% in patients with T2DM at Week 52.
      RESULTS: In the modified intention-to-treat (MITT) population, NNTs for >=5% and
      >=10% weight loss were 3.6 and 6.2 (without T2DM) and 4.3 and 7.5 (with T2DM); in
      Week 12 responders (>=5% weight loss at Week 12), NNTs were 1.7 and 2.6 (without
      T2DM) and 1.9 and 3.2 (with T2DM). In patients with prediabetes, NNTs to achieve
      HbA1c <5.7% were 9.9 (MITT) and 5.2 (Week 12 responders). In patients with T2DM,
      NNTs to achieve HbA1c <7% were 4.2 (MITT) and 2.3 (Week 12 responders).
      CONCLUSION: In addition to weight management, lorcaserin improved glycemic
      control in patients with prediabetes and facilitated targeted HbA1c reduction in
      patients with T2DM, especially for those who achieved >=5% weight loss by Week
      12. Assessment of treatment response at Week 12 is a valuable tool to achieve
      efficient use of healthcare resources. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      www.clinicaltrials.gov identifiers are NCT00395135, NCT00603291, and NCT00603902.

PMID- 27659697
TI  - Minimally Invasive Sacrocolpopexy: How to Avoid Short- and Long-Term
      Complications.
AB  - Sacrocolpopexy remains the "gold standard" procedure for management of
      posthysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse with improved anatomic outcomes compared
      to native tissue vaginal repair. Despite absence of clinical data, sacrocolpopexy
      is increasingly being offered to women as a primary treatment intervention for
      uterine prolapse. While reoperation rates remain low, recurrent prolapse and
      vaginal mesh exposure appear to increase over time. The potential morbidity
      associated with sacrocolpopexy is higher than for native tissue vaginal repair
      with complications including sacral hemorrhage, discitis, small bowel
      obstruction, port site herniation, and mesh erosion. Complications are more
      common during the learning curve of minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy.
      Appropriate case selection is paramount to balancing the potential for prolapse
      recurrence with the risk of surgical complications. Use of ultra-lightweight
      polypropylene mesh and vaginal mesh attachment with delayed absorbable suture may
      reduce the risks of vaginal mesh exposure.

PMID- 27659699
TI  - Opioid-receptor antagonism increases pain and decreases pleasure in obese and non
      obese individuals.
AB  - RATIONALE: Endogenous opioids inhibit nociceptive processing and promote the
      experience of pleasure. It has been proposed that pain and pleasure lie at
      opposite ends of an affective spectrum, but the relationship between pain and
      pleasure and the role of opioids in mediating this relationship has not been
      tested. OBJECTIVES: Here, we used obese individuals as a model of a dysfunctional
      opioid system to assess the role of the endogenous opioid peptide, beta
      endorphin, on pain and pleasure sensitivity. METHODS: Obese (10M/10F) and age-
      and gender-matched non-obese (10M/10F) controls were included in the study. Pain
      sensitivity using threshold, tolerance, and subjective rating assessments and
      perceived sweet pleasantness using sucrose solutions were assessed in two testing
      sessions with placebo or the opioid antagonist, naltrexone (0.7 mg/kg body
      weight). Beta-endorphin levels were assessed in both sessions. RESULTS AND
      CONCLUSIONS: Despite having higher levels of baseline beta-endorphin and altered
      beta-endorphin-reactivity to naltrexone, obese individuals reported a similar
      increase in pain and decrease in pleasantness following naltrexone compared to
      non-obese individuals. Beta-endorphin levels did not correlate with pain or
      pleasantness in either group, but naltrexone-induced changes in pain and
      pleasantness were mildly correlated. Moreover, naltrexone-induced changes in pain
      were related to depression scores, while naltrexone-induced changes in sweet
      pleasantness were related to anxiety scores, indicating that pain and
      pleasantness are related, but influenced by different processes.

PMID- 27659700
TI  - Aortic root dimensions are predominantly determined by genetic factors: a
      classical twin study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Previous studies using transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) observed
      moderate heritability of aortic root dimensions. Computed tomography angiography
      (CTA) might provide more accurate heritability estimates. Our primary aim was to
      assess the heritability of the aortic root with CTA. Our secondary aim was to
      derive TTE-based heritability and compare this with the CTA-based results.
      METHODS: In the BUDAPEST-GLOBAL study 198 twin subjects (118 monozygotic, 80
      dizygotic; age 56.1 +/- 9.4 years; 126 female) underwent CTA and TTE. We assessed
      the diameter of the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT), annulus, sinus of
      Valsalva, sinotubular junction and ascending aorta. Heritability was assessed
      using ACDE model (A additive genetic, C common environmental, D dominant genetic,
      E unique environmental factors). RESULTS: Based on CTA, additive genetic effects
      were dominant (LVOT: A = 0.67, E = 0.33; annulus: A = 0.76, E = 0.24; sinus of
      Valsalva: A = 0.83, E = 0.17; sinotubular junction: A = 0.82, E = 0.18; ascending
      aorta: A = 0.75, E = 0.25). TTE-derived measurements showed moderate to no
      genetic influence (LVOT: A = 0.38, E = 0.62; annulus: C = 0.47, E = 0.53; sinus
      of Valsalva: C = 0.63, E = 0.37; sinotubular junction: C = 0.45, E = 0.55;
      ascending aorta: A = 0.67, E = 0.33). CONCLUSION: CTA-based assessment suggests
      that aortic root dimensions are predominantly determined by genetic factors. TTE
      based measurements showed moderate to no genetic influence. The choice of
      measurement method has substantial impact on heritability estimates. KEY POINTS:
      * Aortic root dimensions are determined by genetic and environmental effects. *
      Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) demonstrated moderate to no genetic effects
      on aortic root dimensions. * Computed tomography angiography might provide more
      accurate heritability estimates compared to TTE. * Three-dimensional imaging
      techniques are needed to reliably quantify aortic root dimensions.

PMID- 27659703
TI  - Correction to "Deoxygenation Increases Photoluminescence Lifetime of Protein
      Responsive Organic Probes with Triplet-Singlet Resonant Energy Transfer".

PMID- 27659701
TI  - Extralobar pulmonary sequestration in neonates: The natural course and predictive
      factors associated with spontaneous regression.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe the natural course of extralobar pulmonary sequestration
      (EPS) and identify factors associated with spontaneous regression of EPS.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively searched for patients diagnosed with
      EPS on initial contrast CT scan within 1 month after birth and had a follow-up CT
      scan without treatment. Spontaneous regression of EPS was assessed by percentage
      decrease in volume (PDV) and percentage decrease in sum of the diameter of
      systemic feeding arteries (PDD) by comparing initial and follow-up CT scans.
      Clinical and CT features were analysed to determine factors associated with PDV
      and PDD rates. RESULTS: Fifty-one neonates were included. The cumulative
      proportions of patients reaching PDV > 50 % and PDD > 50 % were 93.0 % and 73.3 %
      at 4 years, respectively. Tissue attenuation was significantly associated with
      PDV rate (B = -21.78, P < .001). The tissue attenuation (B = -22.62, P = .001)
      and diameter of the largest systemic feeding arteries (B = -48.31, P = .011) were
      significant factors associated with PDD rate. CONCLUSION: The volume and diameter
      of systemic feeding arteries of EPS spontaneously decreased within 4 years
      without treatment. EPSs showing a low tissue attenuation and small diameter of
      the largest systemic feeding arteries on initial contrast-enhanced CT scans were
      likely to regress spontaneously. KEY POINTS: * Extralobar pulmonary sequestration
      (EPS) could show spontaneous regression. * Initial CT features may predict
      spontaneous regression of EPS. * The tissue attenuation and diameter of systemic
      feeding artery are important factors.

PMID- 27659704
TI  - Asymptomatic rheumatoid meningitis revealed by magnetic resonance imaging,
      followed by systemic rheumatic vasculitis: A case report and a review of the
      literature.
AB  - We report the case of a 66-year-old man with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis
      who developed neurologically asymptomatic rheumatoid meningitis (RM) revealed by
      MRI. RM worsened and chest CT showed pericardial effusion, pleural effusion, and
      bilateral consolidation, and his serum C3 level was decreased. We diagnosed
      systemic rheumatic vasculitis based on these findings. After a review of more
      than 20 previously reported cases of RM, this is the first case of RM without
      central nerve system symptoms.

PMID- 27659705
TI  - The role of extracellular vesicles in neurodegenerative diseases.
AB  - Extracellular vesicles, including exosomes, are small membranous vesicles
      released from many biotypes, contributing to the disease progression and
      spreading. These extracellular vesicles provide an important mode of cell-to-cell
      communication by delivering proteins, lipids and RNA to target cells. Exosomes
      are found associated with neurodegenerative diseases, which are characterised by
      progressive degeneration of neurons and often associated with misfolded protein.
      The common diseases include Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's diseases (AD),
      amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and the prion diseases. Of all
      neurodegenerative diseases, prion diseases are classified as the distinctive
      group owing to its transmissible and infectious nature of misfolded prion
      protein. The infectious prion particles have been demonstrated to be present in
      exosomes to spread prion infectivity within cells. Similarly, misfolded proteins
      involved in other neurodegenerative diseases such as Amyloid-beta and tau in AD,
      alpha-synuclein in PD, and superoxide dismutase 1 in ALS have been demonstrated
      to exploit exosomes for induced spreading of misfolded proteins in a prion-like
      mechanism. Furthermore, RNA molecules can be taken up by the recipient cells as
      cargo in exosomes. These RNAs can module the expression of the target genes by
      repressing or inhibiting protein translation. Here we review the role of exosomes
      in prion diseases and other common neurodegenerative diseases, and discuss the
      potential of these vesicles for disease pathogenesis.

PMID- 27659702
TI  - MR and CT imaging characteristics and ablation zone volumetry of locally advanced
      pancreatic cancer treated with irreversible electroporation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess specific imaging characteristics after irreversible
      electroporation (IRE) for locally advanced pancreatic carcinoma (LAPC) with
      contrast-enhanced (ce)MRI and ceCT, and to explore the correlation of these
      characteristics with the development of recurrence. METHODS: Qualitative and
      quantitative analyses of imaging data were performed on 25 patients treated with
      percutaneous IRE for LAPC. Imaging characteristics of the ablation zone on ceCT
      and ceMRI were assessed over a 6-month follow-up period. Contrast ratio scores
      between pre- and post-treatment were compared. To detect early imaging markers
      for treatment failure, attenuation characteristics at 6 weeks were linked to the
      area of recurrence within 6 months. RESULTS: Post-IRE, diffusion-weighted imaging
      (DWI)-b800 signal intensities decreased in all cases (p < 0.05). Both ceMRI and
      ceCT revealed absent or decreased contrast enhancement, with a hyperintense rim
      on ceMRI. Ablation zone volume increase was noted on both modalities in the first
      6 weeks, followed by a decrease (p < 0.05). In the patients developing tumour
      recurrence (5/25), a focal DWI-b800 hyperintense spot at 6 weeks predated
      unequivocal recurrence on CT. CONCLUSION: The most remarkable signal alterations
      after pancreatic IRE were shown by DWI-b800 and ceMRI. These early imaging
      characteristics may be useful to establish technical success and predict
      treatment outcome. KEY POINTS: * This study describes imaging characteristics
      after irreversible electroporation (IRE) for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. *
      Familiarity with typical post-IRE imaging characteristics helps to interpret
      ablation zones. * Post-IRE, no central and variable rim enhancement are visible
      on contrast-enhanced imaging. * DWI-b800 may prove useful to predict early tumour
      recurrence. * Post-IRE examinations reveal an initial volume increase followed by
      a decrease.

PMID- 27659706
TI  - Characterization of urocortin as an anti-apoptotic protein in experimental
      ischemia-reperfusion model of the rat testis.
AB  - The objective of this study was to investigate the role of urocortin in
      testicular apoptosis using an experimental ischemia-reperfusion rat model. To
      evaluate the change in urocortin expression and apoptotic status in the testes
      following ischemia-reperfusion, the left testes of rats were rotated clockwise by
      720 degrees  for 1 h, and were then harvested at 0, 1, 3, 6 and 24 h after
      detorsion (n = 5 in each group). A time-dependent increase in the expression
      levels of urocortin was noted until 6 h after reperfusion, but the expression of
      urocortin was markedly decreased 24 h after reperfusion. However, a TUNEL assay
      showed that the proportion of germ cells undergoing apoptosis significantly
      increased 24 h after reperfusion compared with that of 6 h after reperfusion. To
      clarify whether or not urocortin directly regulates the testicular apoptosis
      induced by ischemia-reperfusion, either astressin, an antagonist of urocortin, or
      normal saline was injected into the rat testes 15 min before detorsion, followed
      by the testicular torsion. The testes were then removed 3 h after detorsion (n =
      5 in each group). The testicular injection of astressin significantly increased
      the proportion of TUNEL-positive germ cells, and significantly decreased
      expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL. In addition, the level of phosphorylated ERK 1/2,
      but not that of phosphorylated Akt, was significantly reduced by the
      intratesticular administration of astressin. These findings suggest that
      urocortin may play a cytoprotective role in the germ cells in response to
      ischemia-reperfusion injury through the activation of major anti-apoptotic
      proteins, as well as by the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway
      activation.

PMID- 27659707
TI  - Structural and functional analysis of the ASM p.Ala359Asp mutant that causes acid
      sphingomyelinase deficiency.
AB  - Niemann-Pick disease (NPD) type A and B are recessive hereditary disorders caused
      by deficiency in acid sphingomyelinase (ASM). The p.Ala359Asp mutation has been
      described in several patients but its functional and structural effects in the
      protein are unknown. In order to characterize this mutation, we modeled the three
      dimensional ASM structure using the recent available crystal of the mammalian ASM
      as a template. We found that the p.Ala359Asp mutation is localized in the
      hydrophobic core and far from the sphingomyelin binding site. However, energy
      function calculations using statistical potentials indicate that the mutation
      causes a decrease in ASM stability. Therefore, we investigated the functional
      effect of the p.Ala359Asp mutation in ASM expression, secretion, localization and
      activity in human fibroblasts. We found a 3.8% residual ASM activity compared to
      the wild-type enzyme, without changes in the other parameters evaluated. These
      results support the hypothesis that the p.Ala359Asp mutation causes structural
      alterations in the hydrophobic environment where ASM is located, decreasing its
      enzymatic activity. A similar effect was observed in other previously described
      NPDB mutations located outside the active site of the enzyme. This work shows the
      first full size ASM mutant model describe at date, providing a complete analysis
      of the structural and functional effects of the p.Ala359Asp mutation over the
      stability and activity of the enzyme.

PMID- 27659708
TI  - Neighbors' death is required for surviving human adenocarcinoma PC-9 cells in an
      early stage of gefitinib treatment.
AB  - Acquired drug resistance is a major problem in chemotherapy, and understanding of
      the mechanism, by which naive cells defend themselves from drugs when the cells
      exposed to the drugs for the first time, may provide a solution of the problem.
      Gefitinib is an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase
      inhibitor, and used as an anticancer drug; however, gefitinib treatment may
      sometimes lead cancer cells gradually into a gefitinib-tolerance. Here we
      describe that human adenocarcinoma PC-9 cells even under the presence of
      gefitinib were able to survive by activating another signaling pathway involving
      fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) and its signaling molecule, FGF2; and
      further suggest that the FGF2 for initiating the pathway might be supplied from
      neighboring cells which were killed by gefitinib, i.e., the survival might be
      founded on neighbors' sacrifice in an early stage of gefitinib treatment. Our
      findings suggested that whether cells had a chance to encounter to survival
      factors such as FGF2 soon after gefitinib treatment might be an important
      crossroads for the cells for survival and for gaining a gefitinib tolerance.

PMID- 27659709
TI  - Palmitoylation of the carboxyl-terminal tail of dopamine D4 receptor is required
      for surface expression, endocytosis, and signaling.
AB  - The amino acid sequences and signaling pathways of D2-like dopamine receptors
      (D2R, D3R, and D4R) are highly conserved. D4R has been suggested to be associated
      with novelty seeking, and binds with high affinity to an atypical antipsychotic
      drug with fewer motor function-related side effects than typical neuroleptics. A
      study comparing D2R and D3R reported that palmitoylation is important for the
      proper functioning of D3R. Although D4R is a member of the D2-like receptor
      family, its palmitoylation status and the functional significance of any such
      posttranslational modification are unknown. In this study, it was found that D4
      4, an alternatively spliced form of D4R, was palmitoylated on Cys467, the
      terminal amino acid residue of the receptor. When palmitoylation of D4R was
      inhibited, by either mutation of the consensus site or by treatment with the
      palmitoylation inhibitor 2-bromopalmitate (2BP), D4R cell surface expression,
      signaling, and endocytosis were all impaired. Exchanging the carboxyl-terminal
      tails of D2R and D4R resulted in a switching of the palmitoylation phenotype, as
      well as concomitant changes in functionality, such as receptor surface
      expression, endocytosis, and signaling. Despite the high degree of homology in
      the carboxyl-terminal tails of D2-like receptors, palmitoylation occurs
      exclusively in the D3R and D4R family members, with the D4R tail being sufficient
      to endow D2R with palmitoylation-associated functionality. Thus, this study
      provides new insights into a consensus sequence for palmitoylation, as well as
      possible strategies for the regulation of D4R, which has implications for the
      treatment of various neurological and psychiatric disorders.

PMID- 27659711
TI  - [Pulmonary manifestations in collagen vascular diseases].
AB  - CLINICAL/METHODICAL ISSUE: Pulmonary complications are frequent in patients with
      collagen vascular diseases (CVD). Frequent causes are a direct manifestation of
      the underlying disease, side effects of specific medications and lung infections.
      STANDARD RADIOLOGICAL METHODS: The standard radiological procedure for the work
      up of pulmonary pathologies in patients with CVD is multidetector computed
      tomography (MDCT) with thin-slice high-resolution reconstruction. PERFORMANCE:
      The accuracy of thin-slice CT for the identification of particular disease
      patterns is very high. The pattern of usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP)
      representing the direct pulmonary manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can
      be identified with a sensitivity of 45 % and a specificity of 96 %. ACHIEVEMENTS:
      Both direct pulmonary manifestations, drug-induced toxicity and certain
      infections can have a similar appearance in thin-slice MDCT in various forms of
      CVD. Knowledge of the patterns and causes contributes to the diagnostic
      certainty. PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS: At first diagnosis of a CVD and associated
      pulmonary symptoms thin-slice MDCT is recommended. Clinical, lung function and
      imaging follow-up examinations should be performed every 6-12 months depending on
      the results of the MDCT. In every case the individual CT morphological patterns
      of pulmonary involvement must be identified. The combination of information on
      the anamnesis, clinical and imaging results is a prerequisite for an appropriate
      disease management.

PMID- 27659712
TI  - Clinical and molecular characterization of a novel INS mutation identified in
      patients with MODY phenotype.
AB  - Correct diagnosis of Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) is based on
      genetic tests requiring an appropriate subject selection by clinicians. Mutations
      in the insulin (INS) gene rarely occur in patients with MODY. This study is aimed
      at determining the genetic background and clinical phenotype in patients with
      suspected MODY. 34 patients with suspected MODY, negative for mutations in the
      GCK, HNF1alpha, HNF4alpha, HNF1beta and PDX1 genes, were screened by next
      generation sequencing (NGS). A heterozygous INS mutation was identified in 4
      members of the same family. First genetic tests performed identified two
      heterozygous silent nucleotide substitutions in MODY3/HNF1alpha gene. An
      ineffective attempt to suspend insulin therapy, administering repaglinide and
      sulphonylureas, was made. DNA was re-sequenced by NGS investigating a set of 102
      genes. Genes implicated in the pathway of pancreatic beta-cells, candidate genes
      for type 2 diabetes mellitus and genes causative of diabetes in mice were
      selected. A novel heterozygous variant in human preproinsulin INS gene (c.125T >
      C) was found in the affected family members. The new INS mutation broadens the
      spectrum of possible INS phenotypes. Screening for INS mutations is warranted not
      only in neonatal diabetes but also in MODYx patients and in selected patients
      with type 1 diabetes mellitus negative for autoantibodies. Subjects with complex
      diseases without a specific phenotype should be studied by NGS because Sanger
      sequencing is ineffective and time consuming in detecting rare variants.

PMID- 27659713
TI  - Prader-Willi syndrome and atypical submicroscopic 15q11-q13 deletions with or
      without imprinting defects.
AB  - We report a 20 year follow up on a Caucasian female, now 26 years of age, with
      Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) harboring an atypical 15q11-q13 submicroscopic
      deletion of 100-200 kb in size first detected in 1996 involving the imprinting
      center, SNRPN gene and surrounding region. PWS is a rare complex disorder caused
      by the loss of paternally expressed genes in the 15q11-q13 region. With high
      resolution chromosomal microarray and methylation - specific MLPA analysis, we
      updated the genetic findings on our patient and found a 209,819bp deletion
      including the SNURF-SNRPN gene complex which includes the imprinting center and
      the SNORD116 region. We compared with four other similarly reported individuals
      in the literature with atypical submicroscopic deletions within this region but
      without imprinting center involvement to better characterize the specific genetic
      lesions causing PWS clinical findings. Clinically, our patient met the diagnostic
      criteria of PWS including infantile hypotonia, a poor suck with feeding
      difficulties, global developmental delays and later food foraging, childhood
      obesity, small hands and skin picking. Small atypical deletions of comparable
      sizes were seen in the 15q11-q13 region in all five cases and similar
      behavioral/physical characteristics were found despite an imprinting defect in
      our patient. These results further support an overlapping critical deletion
      region involving the non-coding snoRNA SNORD116 in common in the five individuals
      playing a key role in contributing to the PWS phenotype.

PMID- 27659710
TI  - Emerging pathways driving early synaptic pathology in Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - The current state of the AD research field is highly dynamic is some respects,
      while seemingly stagnant in others. Regarding the former, our current lack of
      understanding of initiating disease mechanisms, the absence of effective
      treatment options, and the looming escalation of AD patients is energizing new
      research directions including a much-needed re-focusing on early pathogenic
      mechanisms, validating novel targets, and investigating relevant biomarkers,
      among other exciting new efforts to curb disease progression and foremost,
      preserve memory function. With regard to the latter, the recent disappointing
      series of failed Phase III clinical trials targeting Abeta and APP processing, in
      concert with poor association between brain Abeta levels and cognitive function,
      have led many to call for a re-evaluation of the primacy of the amyloid cascade
      hypothesis. In this review, we integrate new insights into one of the earliest
      described signaling abnormalities in AD pathogenesis, namely intracellular Ca2+
      signaling disruptions, and focus on its role in driving synaptic deficits - which
      is the feature that does correlate with AD-associated memory loss. Excess
      Ca2+release from intracellular stores such as the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) has
      been well-described in cellular and animal models of AD, as well as human
      patients, and here we expand upon recent developments in ER-localized release
      channels such as the IP3R and RyR, and the recent emphasis on RyR2. Consistent
      with ER Ca2+ mishandling in AD are recent findings implicating aspects of SOCE,
      such as STIM2 function, and TRPC3 and TRPC6 levels. Other Ca2+-regulated
      organelles important in signaling and protein handling are brought into the
      discussion, with new perspectives on lysosomal regulation. These early signaling
      abnormalities are discussed in the context of synaptic pathophysiology and
      disruptions in synaptic plasticity with a particular emphasis on short-term
      plasticity deficits. Overall, we aim to update and expand the list of early
      neuronal signaling abnormalities implicated in AD pathogenesis, identify specific
      channels and organelles involved, and link these to proximal synaptic impairments
      driving the memory loss in AD. This is all within the broader goal of identifying
      novel therapeutic targets to preserve cognitive function in AD.

PMID- 27659715
TI  - Florida child care center directors' intention to implement oral health promotion
      practices in licensed child care centers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To determine the factors associated with child care center directors'
      (CCCDs) intention to implement oral health promotion practices (OHPPs) in
      licensed childcare centers (CCCs) within the next year, and their self-perceived
      barriers in successfully implementing those practices. METHODS: For this cross
      sectional study, a pretested 45-item online survey was sent to 5142 CCCDs
      assessing pediatric oral health knowledge, attitudes towards oral health,
      intention to implement OHPPs, and self-perceived barriers to implementing OHPPs.
      An adjusted logistic regression model determined the factors associated with
      CCCDs intention to implement OHPPs within the next year. RESULTS: Participants
      were 877 CCCDs, with mean age of 48.5 +/- 10.5 years, of whom 96 % were women,
      and 74 % were whites (Response rate = 19.4 %). The majority (67 %) of respondents
      reported that they intended to implement OHPPs in their center within a year.
      Insufficient funding, lack of enough training in oral health, and limited time to
      promote oral health were the most frequently cited barriers to implementing
      OHPPs. CCCDs of non-White race (p = 0.02), with a college degree or above (p =
      0.05), and with positive attitudes (p < 0.0001), were more likely to report that
      they will implement OHPPs within the next year compared to their counterparts.
      CONCLUSIONS: CCCDs reported fewer barriers to implementing OHPPs within the next
      year, indicating that CCCs can be a suitable setting to promote oral health.
      CCCDs race, educational status and attitudes towards oral health strongly
      predicted their intention to implement OHPPs. Though this study assessed the
      intention of CCCDs to implement OHPPs in CCCs, it did not access the actual
      implementation of OHPPs by them. Therefore future research could longitudinally
      assess predictors for true implementation of OHPPs. In addition, researchers
      should adopt a more comprehensive, multi-level approach to assess the actual
      dental health needs of children attending these centers, along with parental,
      staff and center level characteristics, and other relevant factors related to
      implementing OHPPs.

PMID- 27659714
TI  - Endothelial cell-derived pentraxin 3 limits the vasoreparative therapeutic
      potential of circulating angiogenic cells.
AB  - AIMS: Circulating angiogenic cells (CACs) promote revascularization of ischaemic
      tissues although their underlying mechanism of action and the consequences of
      delivering varying number of these cells for therapy remain unknown. This study
      investigates molecular mechanisms underpinning CAC modulation of blood vessel
      formation. METHODS AND RESULTS: CACs at low (2 * 105 cells/mL) and mid (2 * 106
      cells/mL) cellular densities significantly enhanced endothelial cell tube
      formation in vitro, while high density (HD) CACs (2 * 107 cells/mL) significantly
      inhibited this angiogenic process. In vivo, Matrigel-based angiogenesis assays
      confirmed mid-density CACs as pro-angiogenic and HD CACs as anti-angiogenic.
      Secretome characterization of CAC-EC conditioned media identified pentraxin 3
      (PTX3) as only present in the HD CAC-EC co-culture. Recombinant PTX3 inhibited
      endothelial tube formation in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, our data revealed
      that the anti-angiogenic effect observed in HD CAC-EC co-cultures was
      significantly abrogated when PTX3 bioactivity was blocked using neutralizing
      antibodies or PTX3 siRNA in endothelial cells. We show evidence for an
      endothelial source of PTX3, triggered by exposure to HD CACs. In addition, we
      confirmed that PTX3 inhibits fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 2-mediated
      angiogenesis, and that the PTX3 N-terminus, containing the FGF-binding site, is
      responsible for such anti-angiogenic effects. CONCLUSION: Endothelium, when
      exposed to HD CACs, releases PTX3 which markedly impairs the vascular
      regenerative response in an autocrine manner. Therefore, CAC density and
      accompanying release of angiocrine PTX3 are critical considerations when using
      these cells as a cell therapy for ischaemic disease.

PMID- 27659716
TI  - Disease-modifying activity of ruxolitinib in a patient with JAK2-negative CMML-2.

PMID- 27659717
TI  - Antibiotic resistance patterns and genetic relatedness of Enterococcus faecalis
      and Enterococcus faecium isolated from military working dogs in Korea.
AB  - Enterococcus spp. are normally present in the gastrointestinal tracts of animals
      and humans, but can cause opportunistic infections that can be transmitted to
      other animals or humans with integrated antibiotic resistance. To investigate if
      this is a potential risk in military working dogs (MWDs), we analyzed antibiotic
      resistance patterns and genetic relatedness of Enterococcus spp. isolated from
      fecal samples of MWDs of four different age groups. Isolation rates of
      Enterococcus spp., Enterococcus (E.) faecalis, and E. faecium, were 87.7%
      (57/65), 59.6% (34/57), and 56.1% (32/57), respectively, as determined by
      bacterial culture and multiplex PCR. The isolation rate of E. faecalis gradually
      decreased with age (puppy, 100%; adolescent, 91.7%; adult, 36.4%; and senior,
      14.3%). Rates of resistance to the antibiotics ciprofloxacin, gentamicin,
      streptomycin, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, imipenem, and kanamycin among
      Enterococcus spp. increased in adolescents and adults and decreased in senior
      dogs, with some isolates having three different antibiotic resistance patterns.
      There were indistinguishable pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns among the
      age groups. The results suggest that Enterococcus is horizontally transferred,
      regardless of age. As such, periodic surveillance studies should be undertaken to
      monitor changes in antibiotic resistance, which may necessitate modification of
      antibiotic regimens to manage antibiotic resistance transmission.

PMID- 27659718
TI  - Comparative risk of self-harm hospitalization amongst depressive disorder
      patients using different antidepressants: a population-based cohort study in
      Taiwan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to evaluate the comparative risk of self
      harm associated with the use of different antidepressants. METHOD: A cohort study
      was conducted using data from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research
      Database from 2001 to 2012. A total of 751 606 new antidepressant users with
      depressive disorders were included. The study outcome was hospitalization due to
      self-harm (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical
      Modification codes: E950-E958 and E980-E988). Cox proportional hazards models
      with stratification of the propensity score deciles were used to estimate the
      hazard ratios of self-harm hospitalization during the first year following the
      initiation of antidepressant treatment. RESULTS: There were 1038 hospitalization
      episodes due to self-harm that occurred during the follow-up of 149 796 person
      years, with an overall incidence rate of 6.9 [95% confidence interval (CI) 6.5
      7.4] per 1000. Compared with fluoxetine, the risk of self-harm hospitalization
      was higher for maprotiline [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 3.00, 95% CI 1.40
      6.45], milnacipran (aHR = 2.34, 95% CI 1.24-4.43) and mirtazapine (aHR = 1.40,
      95% CI 1.06-1.86), lower for bupropion (aHR = 0.51, 95% CI 0.30-0.86), and
      similar level of risk was found for other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
      (citalopram, escitalopram, fluvoxamine, paroxetine and sertraline). CONCLUSIONS:
      The risk of self-harm may vary across different antidepressant drugs. It would be
      of importance to conduct further research to investigate the influence of
      antidepressant use on self-harm behaviors.

PMID- 27659719
TI  - Methodological issues associated with clinical trials in neuropathic pain.

PMID- 27659722
TI  - Investment in general practice rises slightly after years of cuts.

PMID- 27659720
TI  - Establishment and functions of DNA methylation in the germline.
AB  - Epigenetic modifications established during gametogenesis regulate transcription
      and other nuclear processes in gametes, but also have influences in the zygote,
      embryo and postnatal life. This is best understood for DNA methylation which,
      established at discrete regions of the oocyte and sperm genomes, governs genomic
      imprinting. In this review, we describe how imprinting has informed our
      understanding of de novo DNA methylation mechanisms, highlight how recent genome
      wide profiling studies have provided unprecedented insights into establishment of
      the sperm and oocyte methylomes and consider the fate and function of gametic
      methylation and other epigenetic modifications after fertilization.

PMID- 27659723
TI  - Phylogenomics solves a long-standing evolutionary puzzle in the ciliate world:
      The subclass Peritrichia is monophyletic.
AB  - The phylum Ciliophora is one of the most broadly studied protozoan lineages. The
      era of molecular investigation has brought forth a major ongoing debate: is the
      subclass Peritrichia Stein, 1859 monophyletic? Numerous analyses mostly using the
      small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene have failed to recover the Mobilida and Sessilida,
      the two peritrich orders, as sister clades. Here we have sequenced five peritrich
      species - three sessilids and two mobilids. We constructed a supermatrix of 158
      genes and 44,696 characters for 24 ciliate species, and as outgroup taxa, nine
      species from the Apicomplexa and four from the Dinophyceae. Our analyses using
      both maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods recover a monophyletic class
      Oligohymenophorea and two robust clades within it. The first clade is a
      monophyletic Peritrichia with the orders Sessilida and Mobilida maximally
      supported as sister clades. The second oligohymenophorean clade includes species
      of the subclasses Scuticociliatia and Hymenostomatia, which are sister clades.
      Our analyses resolve a long-standing debate in ciliate molecular phylogenetics
      and provide support for the classical view that the morphological features of the
      two peritrich orders Mobilida and Sessilida arose by descent from the same common
      ancestor and are not the result of convergence.

PMID- 27659721
TI  - Classification and Regression Tree (CART) analysis to predict influenza in
      primary care patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of neuraminidase-inhibiting anti-viral medication to treat
      influenza is relatively infrequent. Rapid, cost-effective methods for diagnosing
      influenza are needed to enable appropriate prescribing. Multi-viral respiratory
      panels using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays to
      diagnose influenza are accurate but expensive and more time-consuming than low
      sensitivity rapid influenza tests. Influenza clinical decision algorithms are
      both rapid and inexpensive, but most are based on regression analyses that do not
      account for higher order interactions. This study used classification and
      regression trees (CART) modeling to estimate probabilities of influenza. METHODS:
      Eligible enrollees >= 5 years old (n = 4,173) who presented at ambulatory centers
      for treatment of acute respiratory illness (<=7 days) with cough or fever in 2011
      2012, provided nasal and pharyngeal swabs for PCR testing for influenza,
      information on demographics, symptoms, personal characteristics and self-reported
      influenza vaccination status. RESULTS: Antiviral medication was prescribed for
      just 15 % of those with PCR-confirmed influenza. An algorithm that included
      fever, cough, and fatigue had sensitivity of 84 %, specificity of 48 %, positive
      predictive value (PPV) of 23 % and negative predictive value (NPV) of 94 % for
      the development sample. CONCLUSIONS: The CART algorithm has good sensitivity and
      high NPV, but low PPV for identifying influenza among outpatients >=5 years.
      Thus, it is good at identifying a group who do not need testing or antivirals and
      had fair to good predictive performance for influenza. Further testing of the
      algorithm in other influenza seasons would help to optimize decisions for lab
      testing or treatment.

PMID- 27659724
TI  - Waking the undead: Implications of a soft explosive model for the timing of
      placental mammal diversification.
AB  - The explosive, long fuse, and short fuse models represent competing hypotheses
      for the timing of placental mammal diversification. Support for the explosive
      model, which posits both interordinal and intraordinal diversification after the
      KPg mass extinction, derives from morphological cladistic studies that place
      Cretaceous eutherians outside of crown Placentalia. By contrast, most molecular
      studies favor the long fuse model wherein interordinal cladogenesis occurred in
      the Cretaceous followed by intraordinal cladogenesis after the KPg boundary.
      Phillips (2016) proposed a soft explosive model that allows for the emergence of
      a few lineages (Xenarthra, Afrotheria, Euarchontoglires, Laurasiatheria) in the
      Cretaceous, but otherwise agrees with the explosive model in positing the
      majority of interordinal diversification after the KPg mass extinction. Phillips
      (2016) argues that rate transference errors associated with large body size and
      long lifespan have inflated previous estimates of interordinal divergence times,
      and further suggests that most interordinal divergences are positioned after the
      KPg boundary when rate transference errors are avoided through the elimination of
      calibrations in large-bodied and/or long lifespan clades. Here, we show that rate
      transference errors can also occur in the opposite direction and drag forward
      estimated divergence dates when calibrations in large-bodied/long lifespan clades
      are omitted. This dragging forward effect results in the occurrence of more than
      half a billion years of 'zombie lineages' on Phillips' preferred timetree. By
      contrast with ghost lineages, which are a logical byproduct of an incomplete
      fossil record, zombie lineages occur when estimated divergence dates are younger
      than the minimum age of the oldest crown fossils. We also present the results of
      new timetree analyses that address the rate transference problem highlighted by
      Phillips (2016) by deleting taxa that exceed thresholds for body size and
      lifespan. These analyses recover all interordinal divergence times in the
      Cretaceous and are consistent with the long fuse model of placental
      diversification. Finally, we outline potential problems with morphological
      cladistic analyses of higher-level relationships among placental mammals that may
      account for the perceived discrepancies between molecular and paleontological
      estimates of placental divergence times.

PMID- 27659725
TI  - A hybrid robust fault tolerant control based on adaptive joint unscented Kalman
      filter.
AB  - In this paper, a new hybrid robust fault tolerant control scheme is proposed. A
      robust Hinfinity control law is used in non-faulty situation, while a Non
      Singular Terminal Sliding Mode (NTSM) controller is activated as soon as an
      actuator fault is detected. Since a linear robust controller is designed, the
      system is first linearized through the feedback linearization method. To switch
      from one controller to the other, a fuzzy based switching system is used. An
      Adaptive Joint Unscented Kalman Filter (AJUKF) is used for fault detection and
      diagnosis. The proposed method is based on the simultaneous estimation of the
      system states and parameters. In order to show the efficiency of the proposed
      scheme, a simulated 3-DOF robotic manipulator is used.

PMID- 27659726
TI  - Omnidirectional autonomous entry guidance based on 3-D analytical glide formulas.
AB  - An autonomous entry guidance law is developed based on 3-D analytical glide
      formulas, where the downrange formula is used to plan the longitudinal reference
      profile in order to meet the downrange and final energy requirements, and the
      crossrange formula is used to regulate the bank reversals in order to eliminate
      the crossrange error. As the analytical glide formulas ignore the effects of the
      Earth's rotation, a series of strategies is proposed for compensating these
      effects, which provides the guidance with the capability of steering the
      hypersonic glide vehicle with high Lift to Drag ratio (L/D) to any place of the
      world accurately. The compensation strategies can be summarized into two parts:
      (1) the reference profiles are properly adjusted by roughly evaluating the
      effects of the Earth's rotation on the aerodynamic profiles over the whole
      flight, which can compensate most of the effects; (2) the current effects are
      accurately evaluated and then the guidance commands are slightly modulated for
      compensating the remaining effects. Due to careful design, the strategies will
      not result in drastic changes in the Angle of Attack (AOA) and can keep the bank
      angle almost constant during most of flight.

PMID- 27659727
TI  - Postmastectomy Radiotherapy: An American Society of Clinical Oncology, American
      Society for Radiation Oncology, and Society of Surgical Oncology Focused
      Guideline Update.
AB  - : A joint American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Society for Radiation
      Oncology, and Society of Surgical Oncology panel convened to develop a focused
      update of the American Society of Clinical Oncology guideline concerning use of
      postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT). METHODS: A recent systematic literature
      review by Cancer Care Ontario provided the primary evidentiary basis. The joint
      panel also reviewed targeted literature searches to identify new, potentially
      practice-changing data. RECOMMENDATIONS: The panel unanimously agreed that
      available evidence shows that PMRT reduces the risks of locoregional failure
      (LRF), any recurrence, and breast cancer mortality for patients with T1-2 breast
      cancer with one to three positive axillary nodes. However, some subsets of these
      patients are likely to have such a low risk of LRF that the absolute benefit of
      PMRT is outweighed by its potential toxicities. In addition, the acceptable ratio
      of benefit to toxicity varies among patients and physicians. Thus, the decision
      to recommend PMRT requires a great deal of clinical judgment. The panel agreed
      clinicians making such recommendations for individual patients should consider
      factors that may decrease the risk of LRF, attenuate the benefit of reduced
      breast cancer-specific mortality, and/or increase risk of complications resulting
      from PMRT. When clinicians and patients elect to omit axillary dissection after a
      positive sentinel node biopsy, the panel recommends that these patients receive
      PMRT only if there is already sufficient information to justify its use without
      needing to know additional axillary nodes are involved. Patients with axillary
      nodal involvement after neoadjuvant systemic therapy should receive PMRT. The
      panel recommends treatment generally be administered to both the internal mammary
      nodes and the supraclavicular-axillary apical nodes in addition to the chest wall
      or reconstructed breast.

PMID- 27659728
TI  - Prevalence of PTSD and other mental disorders in UK service personnel by time
      since end of deployment: a meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: US studies have shown an increase of posttraumatic stress disorder
      (PTSD) and depression, but not alcohol misuse related to time of assessment since
      returning from deployment. We assessed if similar trends occur in the UK Armed
      Forces. METHODS: We selected UK studies based on our data base of King's Centre
      for Military Health Research publications from 2006 until January 2016 with at
      least one of the following measures: PTSD checklist-civilian version (PCL-C), the
      General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and the Alcohol Use Disorders
      Identification Test (AUDIT). The studies included personnel assessed for these
      outcomes after their most recent deployment. A search in Medline, Psycho-Info and
      Embase confirmed that no relevant publication was missed. RESULTS: Twenty one
      thousand, seven hundred and forty-six deployed personnel from nine studies
      contributed to the meta-analyses by time since end of deployment in the PTSD
      analysis. The number of studies for period of time varied from two to four
      studies. The trend by time-category of questionnaire completion since returning
      from deployment were for PTSD beta = 0.0021 (95 % CI -0.00046 to 0.0049, p =
      0.12), for psychological distress beta = 0.0123 (95 % CI 0.005 to 0.019, p =
      0.002) and for alcohol misuse beta = 0.0013 (-0.0079 to 0.0105, p = 0.77).
      CONCLUSIONS: There was no evidence that the prevalence of PTSD and alcohol misuse
      changed according to time since the end of deployment over a three-year period,
      but there was evidence for an association with increasing psychological distress.

PMID- 27659729
TI  - Chronic infusion of epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate into the hypothalamic
      paraventricular nucleus attenuates hypertension and sympathoexcitation by
      restoring neurotransmitters and cytokines.
AB  - Reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the brain are involved in the pathogenesis of
      hypertension. Epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG), one of the active compounds in
      green tea, has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and vascular protective
      properties. This study was designed to determine whether chronic infusion of EGCG
      into the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) attenuates ROS and
      sympathetic activity and delays the progression of hypertension by up-regulating
      anti-inflammatory cytokines, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines (PICs) and
      decreasing nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) activity, as well as restoring the
      neurotransmitters balance in the PVN of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).
      Adult normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats and SHR received bilateral PVN
      infusion of EGCG (20MUg/h) or vehicle via osmotic minipumps for 4 weeks. SHR
      showed higher mean arterial pressure, plasma proinflammatory cytokines and
      circulating norepinephrine (NE) levels compared with WKY rats. SHR also had
      higher PVN levels of the subunit of NAD(P)H oxidase (gp91phox), ROS, tyrosine
      hydroxylase, and PICs; increased NF-kappaB activity; and lower PVN levels of
      interleukin-10 (IL-10) and 67kDa isoform of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD67) than
      WKY rats. PVN infusion of EGCG attenuated all these changes in SHR. These
      findings suggest that SHR have an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory
      neurotransmitters, as well as an imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory
      cytokines in the PVN. Chronic inhibition of ROS in the PVN restores the balance
      of neurotransmitters and cytokines in the PVN, thereby attenuating hypertensive
      response and sympathetic activity.

PMID- 27659730
TI  - Differential sensitivities of bone marrow, spleen and thymus to genotoxicity
      induced by environmentally relevant concentrations of arsenite.
AB  - It is known in humans and mouse models, that drinking water exposures to arsenite
      (As+3) leads to immunotoxicity. Previously, our group showed that certain types
      of immune cells are extremely sensitive to arsenic induced genotoxicity. In order
      to see if cells from different immune organs have differential sensitivities to
      As+3, and if the sensitivities correlate with the intracellular concentrations of
      arsenic species, male C57BL/6J mice were dosed with 0, 100 and 500ppb As+3via
      drinking water for 30d. Oxidation State Specific Hydride Generation- Cryotrapping
      Inductively Coupled Plasma- Mass Spectrometry (HG- CT- ICP- MS) was applied to
      analyze the intracellular arsenic species and concentrations in bone marrow,
      spleen and thymus cells isolated from the exposed mice. A dose-dependent increase
      in intracellular monomethylarsonous acid (MMA+3) was observed in both bone marrow
      and thymus cells, but not spleen cells. The total arsenic and MMA+3 levels were
      correlated with an increase in DNA damage in bone marrow and thymus cells. An in
      vitro treatment of 5, 50 and 500nM As+3 and MMA+3 revealed that bone marrow cells
      are most sensitive to As+3 treatment, and MMA+3 is more genotoxic than As+3.
      These results suggest that the differential sensitivities of the three immune
      organs to As+3 exposure are due to the different intracellular arsenic species
      and concentrations, and that MMA+3 may play a critical role in immunotoxicity.

PMID- 27659731
TI  - Parabens inhibit fatty acid amide hydrolase: A potential role in paraben-enhanced
      3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation.
AB  - Parabens are a class of small molecules that are regularly used as preservatives
      in a variety of personal care products. Several parabens, including butylparaben
      and benzylparaben, have been found to interfere with endocrine signaling and to
      stimulate adipocyte differentiation. We hypothesized these biological effects
      could be due to interference with the endocannabinoid system and identified fatty
      acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) as the direct molecular target of parabens. FAAH
      inhibition by parabens yields mixed-type and time-independent kinetics.
      Additionally, structure activity relationships indicate FAAH inhibition is
      selective for the paraben class of compounds and the more hydrophobic parabens
      have higher potency. Parabens enhanced 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation in a dose
      dependent fashion, different from two other FAAH inhibitors URB597 and PF622.
      Moreover, parabens, URB597 and PF622 all failed to enhance AEA-induced
      differentiation. Furthermore, rimonabant, a cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1)
      selective antagonist, did not attenuate paraben-induced adipocyte
      differentiation. Thus, adipogenesis mediated by parabens likely occurs through
      modulation of endocannabinoids, but cell differentiation is independent of direct
      activation of CB1 by endocannabinoids.

PMID- 27659732
TI  - Cisplatin-induced toxicity decreases the mouse vestibulo-ocular reflex.
AB  - Cisplatin is a chemotherapeutic agent commonly used for the treatment of solid
      tumors, and its side-effects include vestibulotoxicity. Previous studies have
      reported cisplatin-induced vestibulotoxicity in various animal models, but no
      study has investigated in vivo mouse vestibular dysfunction after cisplatin. The
      aim of this study was to investigate cisplatin-induced vestibulotoxicity in
      C57BL/6J mice. Vestibular function was assessed by recording the vestibulo-ocular
      reflex (VOR). This was done during sinusoidal rotations in the horizontal plane
      at three frequencies (0.5, 1.0 and 2.5Hz). A high-resolution, high-frequency
      digital infra-red camera was used with eye-tracking algorithms. Cisplatin at
      16mg/kg, but not 8mg/kg, decreased the VOR gain at 2.5Hz compared with the
      vehicle control. Following 16mg/kg cisplatin treatment, the animals showed no
      change in the optokinetic nystagmus response, suggesting that no major changes in
      visual or oculomotor functions had occurred. This mouse model may be useful for
      studying cisplatin-induced vestibulotoxicity and its treatment.

PMID- 27659733
TI  - HIV-1 antiretroviral drug resistance patterns in patients failing NNRTI-based
      treatment: results from a national survey in South Africa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Routine HIV-1 antiretroviral drug resistance testing for patients
      failing NNRTI-based regimens is not recommended in resource-limited settings.
      Therefore, surveys are required to monitor resistance profiles in patients
      failing ART. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted amongst patients
      failing NNRTI-based regimens in the public sector throughout South Africa.
      Virological failure was defined as two consecutive HIV-1 viral load results >1000
      RNA copies/mL. Pol sequences were obtained using RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing and
      submitted to Stanford HIVdb v7.0.1. RESULTS: A total of 788 sequences were
      available for analysis. Most patients failed a tenofovir-based NRTI backbone
      (74.4%) in combination with efavirenz (82.1%) after median treatment duration of
      36 months. K103N (48.9%) and V106M (34.9%) were the most common NNRTI mutations.
      Only one-third of patients retained full susceptibility to second-generation
      NNRTIs such as etravirine (36.5%) and rilpivirine (27.3%). After M184V/I (82.7%),
      K65R was the most common NRTI mutation (45.8%). The prevalence of K65R increased
      to 57.5% in patients failing a tenofovir regimen without prior stavudine
      exposure. Cross-resistance to NRTIs was often observed, but did not seem to
      affect the predicted activity of zidovudine as 82.9% of patients remained fully
      susceptible to this drug. CONCLUSIONS: The introduction of tenofovir-based first
      line regimens has dramatically increased the prevalence of K65R mutations in the
      HIV-1-infected South African population. However, most patients failing tenofovir
      based regimens remained fully susceptible to zidovudine. Based on these data,
      there is currently no need to change either the recommended first- or second-line
      ART regimens in South Africa.

PMID- 27659734
TI  - ST147 NDM-1-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae spread in two Tunisian hospitals.

PMID- 27659735
TI  - Role of cephalosporins in the era of Clostridium difficile infection.
AB  - The incidence of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in Europe has increased
      markedly since 2000. Previous meta-analyses have suggested a strong association
      between cephalosporin use and CDI, and many national programmes on CDI control
      have focused on reducing cephalosporin usage. Despite reductions in cephalosporin
      use, however, rates of CDI have continued to rise. This review examines the
      potential association of CDI with cephalosporins, and considers other factors
      that influence CDI risk. EUCLID (the EUropean, multicentre, prospective biannual
      point prevalence study of CLostridium difficile Infection in hospitalized
      patients with Diarrhoea) reported an increase in the annual incidence of CDI from
      6.6 to 7.3 cases per 10 000 patient bed-days from 2011-12 to 2012-13,
      respectively. While CDI incidence and cephalosporin usage varied widely across
      countries studied, there was no clear association between overall cephalosporin
      prescribing (or the use of any particular cephalosporin) and CDI incidence.
      Moreover, variations in the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of
      cephalosporins of the same generation make categorization by generation
      insufficient for predicting impact on gut microbiota. A multitude of additional
      factors can affect the risk of CDI. Antibiotic choice is an important
      consideration; however, CDI risk is associated with a range of antibiotic
      classes. Prescription of multiple antibiotics and a long duration of treatment
      are key risk factors for CDI, and risk also differs across patient populations.
      We propose that all of these are factors that should be taken into account when
      selecting an antibiotic, rather than focusing on the exclusion of individual drug
      classes.

PMID- 27659736
TI  - The hazards of bad sleep-Sleep duration and quality as predictors of adolescent
      alcohol and cannabis use.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although an association between adolescent sleep and substance use is
      supported by the literature, few studies have characterized the longitudinal
      relationship between early adolescent sleep and subsequent substance use. The
      current study examined the prospective association between the duration and
      quality of sleep at age 11 and alcohol and cannabis use throughout adolescence.
      METHODS: The present study, drawn from a cohort of 310 boys taking part in a
      longitudinal study in Western Pennsylvania, includes 186 boys whose mothers
      completed the Child Sleep Questionnaire; sleep duration and quality at age 11
      were calculated based on these reports. At ages 20 and 22, participants were
      interviewed regarding lifetime alcohol and cannabis use. Cox proportional hazard
      analysis was used to determine the association between sleep and substance use.
      RESULTS: After accounting for race, socioeconomic status, neighborhood danger,
      active distraction, internalizing problems, and externalizing problems, both the
      duration and quality of sleep at age 11 were associated with multiple earlier
      substance use outcomes. Specifically, less sleep was associated with earlier use,
      intoxication, and repeated use of both alcohol and cannabis. Lower sleep quality
      was associated with earlier alcohol use, intoxication, and repeated use.
      Additionally, lower sleep quality was associated with earlier cannabis
      intoxication and repeated use, but not first use. CONCLUSIONS: Both sleep
      duration and sleep quality in early adolescence may have implications for the
      development of alcohol and cannabis use throughout adolescence. Further studies
      to understand the mechanisms linking sleep and substance use are warranted.

PMID- 27659737
TI  - Magnetic resonance imaging phantoms for quality-control of myocardial T1 and ECV
      mapping: specific formulation, long-term stability and variation with heart rate
      and temperature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) phantoms are routinely used for
      quality assurance in MRI centres; however their long term stability for
      verification of myocardial T1/ extracellular volume fraction (ECV) mapping has
      never been investigated. METHODS: Nickel-chloride agarose gel phantoms were
      formulated in a reproducible laboratory procedure to mimic blood and myocardial
      T1 and T2 values, native and late after Gadolinium administration as used in
      T1/ECV mapping. The phantoms were imaged weekly with an 11 heart beat MOLLI
      sequence for T1 and long TR spin-echo sequences for T2, in a carefully controlled
      reproducible manner for 12 months. RESULTS: There were only small relative
      changes seen in all the native and post gadolinium T1 values (up to 9.0 % maximal
      relative change in T1 values) or phantom ECV (up to 8.3 % maximal relative change
      of ECV, up to 2.2 % maximal absolute change in ECV) during this period. All
      native and post gadolinium T2 values remained stable over time with <2 % change.
      Temperature sensitivity testing showed MOLLI T1 values in the long T1 phantoms
      increasing by 23.9 ms per degree increase and short T1 phantoms increasing by 0.3
      ms per degree increase. There was a small absolute increase in ECV of 0.069 %
      (~0.22 % relative increase in ECV) per degree increase. Variation in heart rate
      testing showed a 0.13 % absolute increase in ECV (~0.45 % relative increase in
      ECV) per 10 heart rate increase. CONCLUSIONS: These are the first phantoms
      reported in the literature modeling T1 and T2 values for blood and myocardium
      specifically for the T1mapping/ECV mapping application, with stability tested
      rigorously over a 12 month period. This work has significant implications for the
      utility of such phantoms in improving the accuracy of serial scans for myocardial
      tissue characterisation by T1 mapping methods and in multicentre work.

PMID- 27659738
TI  - SCN8A Epileptic Encephalopathy: Detection of Fetal Seizures Guides
      Multidisciplinary Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: SCN8A mutations are rare and cause a phenotypically heterogeneous
      early onset epilepsy known as early infantile epileptic encephalopathy type 13
      (EIEE13, OMIM #614558). There are currently no clear genotype-phenotype
      correlations to help guide patient counseling and management. PATIENT
      DESCRIPTION: We describe a patient with EIEE13 (de novo heterozygous pathogenic
      mutation in SCN8A - p.Ile240Val (ATT>GTT)) who presented prenatally with
      maternally reported intermittent, rhythmic movements that, when observed on
      ultrasound, were concerning for fetal seizures. Ultrasound also revealed abnormal
      developmental states. With maternal administration of levetiracetam, the rhythmic
      fetal movements stopped. After birth, the patient developed treatment-refractory
      multi-focal epilepsy confirmed by electroencephalogram. Neuroimaging revealed
      restricted diffusion in the superior cerebellar peduncles, a finding not reported
      previously in EIEE13. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of EIEE13 associated
      with clinical prenatal-onset seizures. Ultrasonography can be useful for
      identifying fetal seizures, which may be treatable in utero. Ideally, the
      clinical approach to fetal seizures should involve a multidisciplinary team
      spanning the pre- and postnatal course to expedite early diagnosis and optimize
      management, as illustrated by this patient.

PMID- 27659739
TI  - Rapid infectious disease identification by next-generation DNA sequencing.
AB  - Currently, there is a critical need to rapidly identify infectious organisms in
      clinical samples. Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) could surmount the
      deficiencies of culture-based methods; however, there are no standardized,
      automated programs to process NGS data. To address this deficiency, we developed
      the Rapid Infectious Disease Identification (RIDITM) system. The system requires
      minimal guidance, which reduces operator errors. The system is compatible with
      the three major NGS platforms. It automatically interfaces with the sequencing
      system, detects their data format, configures the analysis type, applies
      appropriate quality control, and analyzes the results. Sequence information is
      characterized using both the NCBI database and RIDITM specific databases. RIDITM
      was designed to identify high probability sequence matches and more divergent
      matches that could represent different or novel species. We challenged the system
      using defined American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) reference standards of 27
      species, both individually and in varying combinations. The system was able to
      rapidly detect known organisms in <12h with multi-sample throughput. The system
      accurately identifies 99.5% of the DNA sequence reads at the genus-level and
      75.3% at the species-level in reference standards. It has a limit of detection of
      146cells/ml in simulated clinical samples, and is also able to identify the
      components of polymicrobial samples with 16.9% discrepancy at the genus-level and
      31.2% at the species-level. Thus, the system's effectiveness may exceed current
      methods, especially in situations where culture methods could produce false
      negatives or where rapid results would influence patient outcomes.

PMID- 27659740
TI  - Changes of CFTR functional measurements and clinical improvements in cystic
      fibrosis patients with non p.Gly551Asp gating mutations treated with ivacaftor.
AB  - Ivacaftor, a CFTR potentiator, has been found to improve CFTR function and
      clinical outcomes in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) gating mutations. We
      investigated the effects of ivacaftor on CFTR functional measurement in CF
      patients carrying gating mutations other than p.Gly551Asp. Two siblings aged 13
      and 12 carrying the p.Ser549Asn mutation, two sisters (45 and 43years old)
      compound heterozygotes for p.Asp1152His and p.Gly1244Glu, a 37year old man
      homozygous for the p.Gly1244Glu mutation, and a 7year old girl with p.Arg352Gln
      and p.Gly1244Glu mutations commenced treatment with ivacaftor. NPD was performed
      in all the patients and approached normal for four patients who had also clinical
      improvement (p.Ser549Asn compound heterozygotes, and p.Asp1152His/p.Gly1244Glu
      siblings). Beta-adrenergic sweat chloride secretion performed in
      thep.Asp1152His/p.Gly1244Glu patients improved significantly. The p.Gly1244Glu
      mutation homozygous patient, who had undergone an ileal resection with ileostomy
      and enterocutaneous fistula, did not respond clinically to ivacaftor and did not
      modify his sweat test. These results highlight the importance of different CFTR
      activity measurements to explore CFTR modulator efficacy.

PMID- 27659741
TI  - A multidisciplinary telehealth program in patients with combined chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic heart failure: study protocol for a
      randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic heart
      failure (CHF) frequently coexist, significantly reducing patients' quality of
      life and increasing morbidity and mortality. For either single disease, a
      multidisciplinary disease-management approach supported by telecommunication
      technologies offers the best outcome in terms of prolonged survival and reduced
      hospital readmissions. However, no data exist in patients with combined COPD/CHF.
      We planned a randomized controlled trial to investigate the feasibility and
      efficacy of an integrated, home-based, medical/nursing intervention plus a
      rehabilitation program versus conventional care in patients with coexisting
      COPD/CHF. The purpose of the paper is to describe the rationale and design of the
      trial. METHODS/DESIGNS: Patients, after inpatient rehabilitation, were randomly
      assigned to the intervention or control group, followed for 4 months at home,
      then assessed at 4 and 6 months. The intervention group followed a
      telesurveillance (telephone contacts by nurse and remote monitoring of
      cardiorespiratory parameters) and home-based rehabilitation program (at least
      three sessions/week of mini-ergometer exercises, callisthenic exercises and twice
      weekly pedometer-driven walking, plus telephone contacts by a physiotherapist).
      Telephone follow-up served to verify compliance to therapy, maintain exercise
      motivation, educate for early recognition of signs/symptoms, and verify the
      skills acquired. At baseline and 4 and 6 months, the 6-min Walk Test, dyspnea and
      fatigue at rest, oxygenation (PaO2/FiO2), physical activity profile (PASE
      questionnaire), and QoL (Minnesota and CAT questionnaires) were assessed. During
      the study, serious clinical events (hospitalizations or deaths) were recorded.
      DISCUSSION: Currently, no studies have assessed the impact of a telehealth
      program in patients with combined COPD and CHF. Our study will show whether this
      approach is effective in the management of such complex, frail patients who are
      at very high risk of exacerbations. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Network per la
      prevenzione e la sanita pubblica, CCM, Ministero della Salute "Modelli innovativi
      di gestione integrata telegestita ospedale-territorio del malato cronico a
      fenotipo complesso: studio di implementazione, validazione e impatto," registered
      on 14 January 2014. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02269618 , registered on 17
      October 2014.

PMID- 27659742
TI  - [Type I interferonopathies. Literature review].
AB  - Thanks to the tremendous progress of genetics, a new field of inherited
      inflammatory disorders related to an overproduction of interferon has recently
      emerged. The so-called type I interferonopathies represent an heterogeneous group
      of Mendelian diseases presenting with various features starting in childhood,
      although the diagnosis can also be made later in life. Several clinical and
      biological characteristics are shared across these patients such as a positive
      interferon (IFN) signature and neurological and cutaneous involvement, some of
      which display organ specificity. Treatment is challenging, but IFN-targeting
      therapies represent a promising option in these severe diseases.

PMID- 27659743
TI  - [Mevalonate kinase deficiency in 2016].
AB  - Mevalonate kinase deficiency is a rare, autosomal recessive, auto-inflammatory
      disease. This results from mutations in the gene MVK coding for the enzyme
      mevalonate kinase. This enzyme is involved in cholesterol and isoprenoids
      synthesis. Depending partially of the residual activity of the mevalonate kinase,
      the clinical spectrum realizes a continuum which extends from the mild phenotype
      of the hyperimmunoglobulinemia D and periodic fever syndrome (HIDS) to a lethal
      form of mevalonic aciduria. The HIDS is characterized by recurrent episodes of
      fever with an intense inflammatory syndrome, accompanied with lymphadenopathy,
      abdominal pain, diarrhea, arthralgia, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly and skin rash.
      The first attack more frequently takes place in the first year of life, even
      during the neonatal period, where it can be confused with a maternofetal
      infection. There is furthermore in mevalonate aciduria a psychomotor retardation,
      a failure to thrive, a cerebellar ataxia, a dysmorphic syndrome and a reduction
      of the visual acuity. The diagnosis is based on the mevalonic aciduria during
      febrile attack. Genetics confirm the diagnosis in more than 80 % of the cases.
      The dosage of IgD, low sensitive and specific, has no interest. There is no
      reference treatment. The less severe forms can be treated by non-steroidal anti
      inflammatory drugs or steroids during febrile attacks. The most severe patients
      can be treated by biotherapy: antagonists of IL-1, TNF-alpha and IL-6.

PMID- 27659744
TI  - [Tumor-induced osteomalacia caused by a late-revealing phosphaturic mesenchymal
      tumor].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Osteomalacia is associated with diffuse pain and multiple fractures
      and therefore, diagnosis and treatment of this condition are necessary.
      Clinicians should be aware of an uncommon mechanism of osteomalacia where
      hypophosphataemia is secondary to renal phosphaturia because of the production by
      a mesenchymal phosphaturic tumor of FGF-23. This tumor should be localized and
      removed to cure this tumor-induced osteomalacia. OBSERVATION: A 70-year-old
      female patient was admitted to explore diffuse pain caused by multiple fractures
      secondary to osteomalacia. Despite vitamin D supplementation, she remained
      profoundly hypophosphoremic with major renal phosphaturia. A tumor-induced
      mechanism was suspected because of high level of FGF-23. It took more than three
      years of investigation to spot the causal phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor despite
      annual repetition of indium-labelled scintigraphy and PET-scan. The resection of
      the tumor, located between two phalanges of the right foot, cured the patient
      with sustained normal rate of serum level of phosphorus after two years.
      CONCLUSION: Tumor-induced osteomalacia is a diagnostic challenge because the
      localization of the tumor may be a long process. Patients should be monitored
      clinically and imaging studies repeated until a diagnosis is made and the causal
      tumor removed.

PMID- 27659745
TI  - [Nocardiosis: A retrospective case series of 19 patients].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Nocardiosis are uncommon. The diagnosis may be difficult, with
      significant morbidity and mortality, often occurring on frail patients. Few data
      are available in France. METHODS: A retrospective single center study was
      conducted from 2002 to 2014 and included all patients with at least one positive
      microbiological sample for Nocardia with a follow-up in our hospital. RESULTS:
      Nineteen patients, including 15 men, were included with a mean age of 58 years
      (25-85). Seventeen had a risk factor (lung diseases [13], corticosteroids [12],
      solid neoplasia [2], HIV infection [2], diabetes mellitus [3], kidney transplant
      [2], lymphopenia [1]). Infections' locations were: pulmonary (12), brain (3),
      skin (2), lymph node (1) and corneal (1). The slow growth leads to a median of 35
      days for a positive result (3-95). Nine species were identified. Fifteen patients
      (79%) received one or more lines of antibiotics including: cotrimoxazole (9),
      amoxicillin (7) cefotaxime/ceftriaxone (7) imipenem (3), or amikacin (3). The
      average duration of antibiotic therapy was 207 days. Four patients did not
      receive antibiotics due to a late result or a bacterial co-infection masking
      nocardiosis. Five patients died (26%) including 2 with cerebral nocardiosis. Six
      patients were cured, 4 suffered a relapse, 4 had an unknown evolution, and 1 was
      still treated. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that nocardiosis is a disease
      difficult to treat. A better understanding of this type of infection is
      necessary.

PMID- 27659746
TI  - [Analysis of the 2015 British guidelines on the prevention and management of
      tumor lysis syndrome].
AB  - Whether it appears spontaneously or is induced by therapy, the tumor lysis
      syndrome is responsible for a massive release of ions and puric bases degradation
      of products in the circulation exceeding the renal excretion capacity. Some, such
      as uric acid, xanthine, and calcium phosphate, can precipitate in the renal
      tubules or parenchyma. It must be known to any practitioner supporting patients
      with hematologic malignancies, mainly high-grade but also some solid tumors. The
      2015 publication of the British recommendations pertaining to patients suffering
      from hematological diseases should be broadcast. The main goal of treatment is to
      prevent the occurrence of renal dysfunction associated with heavy morbidity and
      mortality, either for his own conduct or consequences on obtaining a good tumor
      response. Some items proposed for the care, whether curative or preventive,
      should be discussed or detailed, which is the subject of this paper.

PMID- 27659748
TI  - Ionotropic glutamate receptors: Still exciting after all these years.

PMID- 27659747
TI  - Altered functional connectivity in the default mode network is associated with
      cognitive impairment and brain anatomical changes in Parkinson's disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess whether functional neural connectivity is disrupted between
      the regions of the default mode network (DMN) in Parkinson's disease (PD) and how
      this connectivity is related to cognition, brain gray matter structure and white
      matter integrity and diffusivity. METHODS: Thirty-seven PD patients and 16
      healthy controls were evaluated, using resting-state functional magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI), T1-weighted MRI, diffusion-weighted imaging and a
      battery of cognitive tests. Functional connectivity between the regions of the
      DMN, specifically in the precuneus, anterior and posterior cingulate, medial
      prefrontal and temporal and inferior parietal cortices was assessed with seed-to
      voxel connectivity; gray matter volume and white matter values were determined
      using voxel-based morphometry and tract-based spatial statistics. RESULTS:
      Reduced functional connectivity was observed between the posterior cingulate and
      medial temporal lobe in PD. Lower cognitive performance, gray matter loss in
      posterior, medial temporal and parietal areas, and fractional anisotropy
      reduction in the white matter adjacent to DMN regions were also observed in PD
      patients compared with healthy controls. Lower DMN functional connectivity
      correlated with lower verbal and visual memory and visual abilities performance
      in PD. In addition, lower DMN functional connectivity correlated with lower gray
      matter volume in the posterior cingulate and precuneus, and with lower white
      matter fractional anisotropy of the inferior longitudinal and posterior cingulate
      fasciculi in PD. CONCLUSIONS: By combining different neuroimaging techniques and
      cognitive data, results showed that functional connectivity alteration between
      the regions of the DMN is associated with lower cognitive performance and gray
      and white matter abnormalities in PD.

PMID- 27659749
TI  - The New Careers in Nursing Program: A Strong Investment in the Future of Nursing.
AB  - In 2008, faced with the challenges of a looming nursing shortage and a nursing
      workforce that did not mirror the diversity of the population of the United
      States, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation considered how to contribute to a
      solution. A key challenge was how to rapidly and effectively build a cadre of
      diverse nurses who were ready to take on the leadership challenges of an evolving
      health care system. From that challenge, the New Careers in Nursing program was
      developed. A collaboration between the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the
      American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the program set about to change the
      face of nursing. After investing in over 3,500 scholars and as the program winds
      down, the program's impact can be seen in the scholars, the schools, the nursing
      profession, and the future investments of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

PMID- 27659750
TI  - Dollars and Sense: The Policy Implications of Financing an Accelerated Nursing
      Degree.
AB  - The landmark report, The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health set
      a goal for the nursing community to increase the proportion of nurses with a
      baccalaureate degree from 50 to 80% by 2020 (Institute of Medicine, 2010).
      Nursing has witnessed a dramatic growth in the number of enrollments in
      accelerated baccalaureate of science in nursing programs for nonnursing graduates
      (Fang, Bednash, & DeWitty, 2012). Financing these degrees can be challenging.
      Many second-degree students no longer qualify for the federal grant programs and
      may have exhausted their federal undergraduate loan limits. The population for
      the current study is made up of accelerated baccalaureate of science in nursing
      students who received scholarships through the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
      (RWJF) New Careers in Nursing (NCIN) Scholarship Program and the schools of
      nursing they have attended. This is a descriptive study. An analysis of RWJF NCIN
      scholars' survey responses reveals that while 90% of RWJF NCIN scholars incurred
      debt to finance their programs, the scholarship makes a difference in helping
      them to earn their degrees. A review of RWJF NCIN schools of nursing grantee
      reports establishes that, for many schools of nursing, the recognition and
      support of an external funding organization helps them to leverage additional
      funding opportunities.

PMID- 27659751
TI  - Pedagogy and Academic Success in Prelicensure Nursing Education.
AB  - The purpose of this article is to provide a brief description of the New Careers
      in Nursing (NCIN) program; highlight the features of the NCIN Preentry Immersion
      program designed to help students achieve academic success; introduce two NCIN
      innovation teaching projects that used active learning strategies to foster
      student engagement; and conduct an integrative review on the pedagogies used to
      foster academic success in nursing education. The integrative review revealed
      that interactive pedagogies fostered student engagement and increased the
      students' knowledge acquisition, competence, confidence, and satisfaction.
      Significant variations in the methodological rigor for the studies included in
      this review were noted in addition to nebulousness between nursing education
      research and evaluation. The review validated the need for more rigorous research
      in nursing education to improve the students' academic experience and subsequent
      success of all nursing students, including those from underrepresented or
      disadvantaged backgrounds, enrolled in prelicensure nursing education programs.

PMID- 27659752
TI  - Looking Is Not Seeing and Listening Is Not Hearing: A Replication Study With
      Accelerated BSN Students.
AB  - Development of perceptual aptitude is a critical yet complex skill that requires
      the effective organization and interpretation of data using visual and auditory
      clinical observation. Educators face challenges in creating pedagogy that
      consistently demonstrates reliability and validity in fostering clinical skills.
      We have dependably used the arts as a means to improve students' auditory and
      visual skills, and this article will describe replication of our work with
      accelerated nursing students in a bachelor's program in their last semester of
      nursing school (n=23). Our results reveal that auscultative and observational
      abilities of soon-to-be registered nurses are in need of improvement. The use of
      art in a museum improves observational and assessment abilities, and music
      training increases auscultative interpretive skills significantly.

PMID- 27659753
TI  - Gaming the System: Developing an Educational Game for Securing Principles of
      Arterial Blood Gases.
AB  - This article describes the development process for creating a digital educational
      mini game prototype designed to provide practice opportunities for learning
      fundamental principles of arterial blood gases. Mini games generally take less
      than an hour to play and focus on specific subject matter. An interdisciplinary
      team of faculty from two universities mentored student game developers to design
      a digital educational mini game prototype. Sixteen accelerated bachelor of
      science in nursing students collaborated with game development students and
      playtested the game prototype during the last semester of their senior year in
      nursing school. Playtesting is a form of feedback that supports an iterative
      design process that is critical to game development. A 10-question survey was
      coupled with group discussions addressing five broad themes of an archetypical
      digital educational mini game to yield feedback on game design, play, and
      content. Four rounds of playtesting and incorporating feedback supported the
      iterative process. Accelerated bachelor of science in nursing student playtester
      feedback suggests that the digital educational mini game prototype has potential
      for offering an engaging, playful game experience that will support securing the
      fundamental principles of arterial blood gases. Next steps are to test the
      digital educational mini game for teaching and learning effectiveness.

PMID- 27659754
TI  - New Careers in Nursing: Optimizing Diversity and Student Success for the Future
      of Nursing.
AB  - In 2008, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation collaborated with the American
      Association of Colleges of Nursing to create the New Careers in Nursing (NCIN)
      scholarship program. Two goals of the program were to alleviate the nursing
      shortage and to increase diversity of the workforce. During this 7-year program
      (i.e., seven funding cycles), 130 schools of nursing in 41 states and the
      District of Columbia were selected as grantees, and they awarded 3,517
      scholarships to second-degree accelerated nursing students who were members of
      groups underrepresented in nursing or who were economically disadvantaged. This
      article describes the demographic characteristics of the NCIN students, degree of
      satisfaction with their learning environment, perceptions of their mentoring
      experiences, and self-identified facilitators and barriers to program completion.
      Data sources for this article resulted from three surveys completed by scholars
      during their academic programs: the beginning, the midpoint, and within 6 months
      postgraduate. Results of analysis indicated that NCIN scholars are significantly
      more diverse compared with the national nurse population, and they reported high
      levels of satisfaction with their learning environments. Student relationships
      with peers and faculty improved during the period of program enrollment. Faculty
      support was the greatest facilitator for program completion, and competing
      priorities of finances and family responsibilities were the greatest challenges.

PMID- 27659755
TI  - Advancing Diversity in Academic Nursing.
AB  - : As the world around us evolves and as society becomes increasingly diverse, the
      demographics of the health professions workforce, including nursing, have been
      slow to change. Even with influential public relations campaigns sponsored by
      Johnson & Johnson (2015), pivotal policy reports such as the Institute of
      Medicine the Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health report
      (Institute of Medicine, 2010), and programs such as the New Careers in Nursing
      Program funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation/New Careers in Nursing
      (2015), much work remains if the nursing workforce is to match the demographics
      of the U.S. POPULATION:  Therefore, this article will examine the role that
      accreditation agencies and innovative programs, such as pipeline programs and
      academic-service scholarship programs, could play in promoting diversity in the
      future nursing workforce.

PMID- 27659756
TI  - Strengthening Cultural Competence in Prenatal Care With a Virtual Community:
      Building Capacity Through Collaboration.
AB  - : The purpose of this project was to design, implement, and evaluate a virtual
      simulation experience (VSE) facilitating student access to diverse cultures and
      strengthening their ability to provide culturally congruent care. DESIGN: Faculty
      from two universities collaborated in designing a pre/postnatal VSE with African
      American and Amish patients. Students viewed patient assessments, interacted with
      patients, worked in teams to develop culturally appropriate care plans, and
      engaged in debriefing. Outcomes measurements included Jeffreys' Transcultural
      Self-Efficacy Test (TSET), researcher developed care plans, and program
      evaluation. RESULTS: Over 80% (N=141) of the invited students consented.
      Significant increases occurred in overall and subscale post-TSET scores (P<.001).
      Care plan mean scores were >=8.82 out of 10 points per category. Students
      recognized the need to be nonjudgmental in patient care. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      suggests that VSEs are effective in transcending geographic barriers, gaining
      access to diverse cultures, and strengthening students' cultural competence.

PMID- 27659757
TI  - Setting the Stage for Success: Mentoring and Leadership Development.
AB  - The New Careers in Nursing (NCIN) Program funded by The Robert Wood Johnson
      Foundation has expanded enrollment in schools of nursing with accelerated nursing
      programs and increased diversity in the nursing workforce. As the demand for
      highly educated and skilled nurses continues to grow, accelerated nursing
      programs are thriving and increasing in number. The growing cadre of
      nontraditional nursing students has challenged nursing faculty to institute
      innovative teaching methods to develop accelerated students' leadership skills
      and to provide mentoring resources for newly licensed nurses to guide the
      successful and complex transition from the student to professional practice. To
      support its grantee schools and their scholars, the NCIN National Program office
      has supported the development and distribution of toolkits and other resources
      and solicited request for proposals to recognize outstanding contributions. The
      Program Innovation grants are intended to support nurse faculty educators working
      to develop and enhance educational projects to implement innovative approaches to
      accelerated nursing education that can be taken to scale and replicated in a
      variety of educational settings. The Legacy Award honors a program that describes
      lasting impact on the school as a result of participation in the NCIN program.
      Two of these projects are described with emphasis on leadership development and
      transition to practice.

PMID- 27659758
TI  - New Careers in Nursing Scholar Alumni Toolkit: Development of an Innovative
      Resource for Transition to Practice.
AB  - The transition from student to professional nurse is challenging and may be more
      difficult for underrepresented minority nurses. The Robert Wood Johnson
      Foundation New Careers in Nursing (NCIN) program supported development of a
      toolkit that would serve as a transition-to-practice resource to promote
      retention of NCIN alumni and other new nurses. Thirteen recent NCIN alumni (54%
      male, 23% Hispanic/Latino, 23% African Americans) from 3 schools gave preliminary
      content feedback. An e-mail survey was sent to a convenience sample of 29 recent
      NCIN alumni who evaluated the draft toolkit using a Likert scale (poor = 1;
      excellent = 5). Twenty NCIN alumni draft toolkit reviewers (response rate 69%)
      were primarily female (80%) and Hispanic/Latino (40%). Individual chapters' mean
      overall rating of 4.67 demonstrated strong validation. Mean scores for overall
      toolkit content (4.57), usability (4.5), relevance (4.79), and quality (4.71)
      were also excellent. Qualitative comments were analyzed using thematic content
      analysis and supported the toolkit's relevance and utility. A multilevel peer
      review process was also conducted. Peer reviewer feedback resulted in a 6-chapter
      document that offers resources for successful transition to practice and lays the
      groundwork for continued professional growth. Future research is needed to
      determine the ideal time to introduce this resource.

PMID- 27659759
TI  - Collaborative Student Leadership Conference.
AB  - In April 2008, the New Careers in Nursing (NCIN) Program launched a collaborative
      initiative between the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and the Robert
      Wood Johnson Foundation. One of the main goals of this initiative was to provide
      leadership development through structured activities for NCIN scholars. In order
      to meet this goal, 3 participating NCIN schools came together to plan and conduct
      a collaborative student-focused, scholar-led leadership conference for
      accelerated nursing students. Admittedly, collaboration among institutions of
      higher education is sometimes not a standard practice. Although sharing the
      common goal of preparing future nurses to provide high-quality care, many schools
      of nursing often compete for scarce resources including recruitment of faculty
      and students, securing clinical placements, and new graduates and alumni compete
      for jobs. However, there are advantages to sharing financial and intellectual
      resources in order to ensure a richer educational experience for NCIN scholars
      and for all accelerated nursing students. Using the Robert Wood Johnson
      Foundation monies awarded for our Legacy Project, 3 NCIN program liaisons
      overseeing accelerated nursing programs in Nebraska met to discuss the advantages
      and disadvantages related to planning and conducting a collaborative student
      leadership activity for NCIN scholars and their peer-accelerated nursing
      students. The program liaisons wanted to establish common goals for the endeavor
      and ensure the use of approaches that would foster leadership development of the
      NCIN scholars and establish mechanisms by which the group would create a
      collaborative environment. Although the 3 collaborating colleges were and
      continue to be competitors for prospective accelerated students, the benefit of
      collaborating on a joint leadership development project for the NCIN scholars and
      their peers was clear. Program liaisons recognized that this opportunity would
      strengthen leadership development and provide relevant experience for the NCIN
      scholars and result in a conference for other accelerated nursing students.

PMID- 27659760
TI  - Diversifying the Pipeline Into Doctoral Nursing Programs: Developing the Doctoral
      Advancement Readiness Self-Assessment.
AB  - This article presents the development and psychometric analysis of the Doctoral
      Readiness Self-Assessment for Doctoral Study. This survey was developed as the
      first step of a Web-based, on-line mentoring platform for nurses who are
      considering a doctoral degree program. By identifying and anticipating the
      predictors and barriers of success in doctoral nursing education, including
      practical (finances, time, geographical restriction) and personal factors
      (motivation, attitudes, perceived ability to navigate the application process),
      students are guided through a self-reflective process to determine readiness.
      Factor analysis revealed that interest, readiness, and support represent 3
      distinct factors that may be used for additional analysis to predict future
      enrollment in doctoral nursing degree programs. The internal reliability analysis
      revealed that removing 3 items from the 15-item scale increased Cronbach's alpha
      from 0.75 to 0.80, and these factors explained 51.25% of variance. The self
      assessment results can inform faculty's work as they mentor and guide students
      through the application, admission, and financial support processes for doctoral
      study.

PMID- 27659761
TI  - Performance of EQ-5D, howRu and Oxford hip & knee scores in assessing the outcome
      of hip and knee replacements.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We aimed to compare the performance of EQ-5D-3 L and howRu, which are
      short generic patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), in assessing the outcome
      of hip and knee replacements, using the Oxford Hip Score (OHS) and the Oxford
      Knee Scores (OKS) for comparison. METHODS: Outcome was assessed as the difference
      between pre-surgery and 6-month post-surgery scores. We used a large sample from
      the NHS PROMs database, which used EQ-5D-3 L, and a small cohort of patients
      having the same operations collected by MyClinicalOutcomes (MCO), which used
      howRu. Both cohorts completed the OHS (hips) or the OKS (knees). RESULTS: The
      change (outcome) between pre-op and post-op scores as measured by howRu was
      greater than that measured by EQ-5D, relative to that measured by OHS or OKS. For
      hip replacements, the correlation for change measured by howRu and OHS was r =
      0.77 (0.66-0.85). The corresponding correlation for change measured by EQ-5D
      Index and OHS was r = 0.64 (0.63-0.64). For knee replacements the correlation
      between change in howRu and OKS was r = 0.86 (0.75-0.92); between EQ-5D Index and
      OKS r = 0.59 (0.58-0.60). CONCLUSIONS: For hip and knee replacement, the outcome
      measured by howRu was more highly correlated with that measured by the condition
      specific Oxford Hip and Knee Scores than were EQ-5D Index or EQ-VAS. The
      magnitude of change before and after surgery was also greater.

PMID- 27659762
TI  - Effects of tactile stimulation by fathers on physiological responses and paternal
      attachment in infants in the NICU: A pilot study.
AB  - The aims of our pilot study were to test (1) the effectiveness of tactile
      stimulation by fathers on their infants' physiological responses such as oxygen
      saturation levels, heart rates (HRs), and respiration rates (RRs) and (2)
      fathers' perceived levels of attachment to infants in the neonatal intensive care
      unit (NICU). This was a quasi-experimental design using a control group, which
      assessed pre- and post-intervention differences via t tests. Twenty neonate
      father dyads participated in the intervention and 20 neonate-father dyads
      populated a control group from one general hospital located in South Korea.
      Infants in the experimental group received tactile stimulation for one 10-minute
      period per day, for five consecutive days. Overall, we found that tactile
      stimulation by fathers significantly stabilized infants' physiological status,
      including oxygen saturation levels, HRs, and RRs (t = 2.138, p = .039; t = 
      2.348, p = .024; t = -3.461, p = .001, respectively) with effect size ranged 0.67
      1.10 and increased paternal attachment levels (t = 3.982, p = .001) with large
      effect size (1.29). This pilot study suggests that tactile stimulation by the
      father may be regarded as an important and potentially useful intervention for
      the care of infants in the NICU.

PMID- 27659763
TI  - Comparing single- and dual-process models of memory development.
AB  - This experiment examined single-process and dual-process accounts of the
      development of visual recognition memory. The participants, 6-7-year-olds, 9-10
      year-olds and adults, were presented with a list of pictures which they encoded
      under shallow or deep conditions. They then made recognition and confidence
      judgments about a list containing old and new items. We replicated the main
      trends reported by Ghetti and Angelini () in that recognition hit rates increased
      from 6 to 9 years of age, with larger age changes following deep than shallow
      encoding. Formal versions of the dual-process high threshold signal detection
      model and several single-process models (equal variance signal detection, unequal
      variance signal detection, mixture signal detection) were fit to the
      developmental data. The unequal variance and mixture signal detection models gave
      a better account of the data than either of the other models. A state-trace
      analysis found evidence for only one underlying memory process across the age
      range tested. These results suggest that single-process memory models based on
      memory strength are a viable alternative to dual-process models for explaining
      memory development.

PMID- 27659764
TI  - [When a patient falls (asleep) and can't get up: conversion disorder - paraplegia
      following general anesthesia].
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This case report describes the rare occurrence of
      paraplegia caused by conversion disorder in a woman who received general
      anesthesia for breast surgery. CASE REPORT: A 46-year-old healthy woman received
      general anesthesia for excision of a left breast fibroepithelial lesion. In the
      post-anesthesia care unit, she reported bilateral loss of both sensation and
      motor function below the knees. Physical signs and symptoms did not correlate
      with any anatomical or neurological patterns; imaging revealed no abnormalities.
      Psychiatric consultation was performed wherein familial stressor circumstances
      were identified, leading to diagnosis and management of conversion disorder.
      CONCLUSION: Conversion disorder is characterized by alteration of physical
      function due to expression of an underlying psychological ailment. Its diagnosis
      requires thorough evaluation including appropriate workup to exclude organic
      causes. The meshing together of anesthesiology and psychiatry - as demonstrated
      by this case report - offers an opportunity to highlight important information
      pertaining to the definition, diagnosis, and management of conversion disorder as
      it may be encountered in the postanesthesia recovery period.

PMID- 27659765
TI  - An auxin maximum in the middle layer controls stamen development and pollen
      maturation in Arabidopsis.
AB  - Here, we investigated the role of auxin distribution in controlling Arabidopsis
      thaliana late stamen development. We analysed auxin distribution in anthers by
      monitoring DR5 activity: at different flower developmental stages; inhibiting
      auxin transport; in the rpk2-3 and ems1 mutants devoid of middle layer (ML) or
      tapetum, respectively; and in the auxin biosynthesis yuc6 and perception afb1-3
      mutants. We ran a phenotypic, DR5::GUS and gene expression analysis of yuc6rpk2
      and afb1rpk2 double mutants, and of 1-N-naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA)-treated
      flower buds. We show that an auxin maximum, caused by transport from the tapetum,
      is established in the ML at the inception of late stamen development. rpk2-3
      mutant stamens lacking the ML have an altered auxin distribution with excessive
      accumulation in adjacent tissues, causing non-functional pollen grains,
      indehiscent anthers and reduced filament length; the expression of genes
      controlling stamen development is also altered in rpk2-3 as well as in NPA
      treated flower buds. By decreasing auxin biosynthesis or perception in the rpk2-3
      background, we eliminated these developmental and gene expression anomalies. We
      propose that the auxin maximum in the ML plays a key role in late stamen
      development, as it ensures correct and coordinated pollen maturation, anther
      dehiscence and filament elongation.

PMID- 27659766
TI  - 'Remixing Rasmussen': The evolution of Accimaps within systemic accident
      analysis.
AB  - Throughout Jens Rasmussen's career there has been a continued emphasis on the
      development of methods, techniques and tools for accident analysis and
      investigation. In this paper we focus on the evolution and development of one
      specific example, namely Accimaps and their use for accident analysis. We
      describe the origins of Accimaps followed by a review of 27 studies which have
      applied and adapted Accimaps over the period 2000-2015 to a range of domains and
      types of accident. Aside from demonstrating the versatility and popularity of the
      method, part of the motivation for the review of the use of Accimaps is to
      address the question of what constitutes a sound, usable, valid and reliable
      approach to systemic accident analysis. The findings from the review demonstrate
      continuity with the work carried out by Rasmussen, as well as significant
      variation (e.g., changes to the Accimap, used of additional theoretical and
      practice-oriented perspectives on safety). We conclude the paper with some
      speculations regarding future extension and adaptation of the Accimap approach
      including the possibility of using hybrid models for accident analysis.

PMID- 27659767
TI  - Risk Factors for Severe Renal Disease in Bardet-Biedl Syndrome.
AB  - Bardet-Biedl syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive, multisystem disease
      characterized by retinal dystrophy, renal malformation, obesity, intellectual
      disability, polydactyly, and hypogonadism. Nineteen disease-causing genes (BBS1
      19) have been identified, of which mutations in BBS1 are most common in North
      America and Europe. A hallmark of the disease, renal malformation is
      heterogeneous and is a cause of morbidity and mortality through the development
      of CKD. We studied the prevalence and severity of CKD in 350 patients with Bardet
      Biedl syndrome-related renal disease attending the United Kingdom national Bardet
      Biedl syndrome clinics to further elucidate the phenotype and identify risk
      indicators of CKD. Overall, 31% of children and 42% of adults had CKD; 6% of
      children and 8% of adults had stage 4-5 CKD. In children, renal disease was often
      detected within the first year of life. Analysis of the most commonly mutated
      disease-associated genes revealed that, compared with two truncating mutations,
      two missense mutations associated with less severe CKD in adults. Moreover,
      compared with mutations in BBS10, mutations in BBS1 associated with less severe
      CKD or lack of CKD in adults. Finally, 51% of patients with available ultrasounds
      had structural renal abnormalities, and 35% of adults were hypertensive. The
      presence of structural abnormalities or antihypertensive medication also
      correlated statistically with stage 3b-5 CKD. This study describes the largest
      reported cohort of patients with renal disease in Bardet-Biedl syndrome and
      identifies risk factors to be considered in genetic counseling.

PMID- 27659768
TI  - Development of a novel stirrerliquid/solid microextraction method for the
      separation and enrichment of trace levels of active compounds in traditional
      Chinese medicine.
AB  - A novel stirrer-liquid/solid microextraction method was developed for the
      separation and enrichment of trace levels of curcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin, and
      demethoxycurcumin in Rhizoma Curcumae Longae, Radix Curcumae, and Rhizoma
      Curcumae before their analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography with
      ultraviolet detection. In the proposed approach, a magnetic stirrer was immersed
      in decanol to coat its surface completely with decanol, which was used as an
      extraction platform. The stirrer coated with decanol is not only a power to
      agitate the sample solution to constantly update the sample on the stirrer
      surface but also it can adsorb and extract the target analytes. Some effective
      parameters, including suitable superficial area of stirrer, extraction solvent,
      sample phase pH, NaCl concentration, stirring rate, extraction time, sample phase
      volume, were analyzed and selected. Under the optimal conditions, the linearities
      are 0.0044-2.20 MUg/mL, detection limits are 0.3-0.6 ng/mL, and the extraction
      content per unit length and enrichment factors of the target analytes are 6.24
      9.71/mm and 589-917, respectively. Also, the stirrer-liquid/solid microextraction
      mechanism for the extraction and enrichment of the target analytes was analyzed
      and expounded. The results showed that stirrer-liquid/solid microextraction is a
      simple, rapid sample pretreatment approach with a high enrichment factor.

PMID- 27659769
TI  - Niche divergence facilitated by fine-scale ecological partitioning in a recent
      cichlid fish adaptive radiation.
AB  - Ecomorphological differentiation is a key feature of adaptive radiations, with a
      general trend for specialization and niche expansion following divergence.
      Ecological opportunity afforded by invasion of a new habitat is thought to act as
      an ecological release, facilitating divergence, and speciation. Here, we
      investigate trophic adaptive morphology and ecology of an endemic clade of
      oreochromine cichlid fishes (Alcolapia) that radiated along a herbivorous trophic
      axis following colonization of an isolated lacustrine environment, and
      demonstrate phenotype-environment correlation. Ecological and morphological
      divergence of the Alcolapia species flock are examined in a phylogenomic context,
      to infer ecological niche occupation within the radiation. Species divergence is
      observed in both ecology and morphology, supporting the importance of ecological
      speciation within the radiation. Comparison with an outgroup taxon reveals large
      scale ecomorphological divergence but shallow genomic differentiation within the
      Alcolapia adaptive radiation. Ancestral morphological reconstruction suggests
      lake colonization by a generalist oreochromine phenotype that diverged in Lake
      Natron to varied herbivorous morphologies akin to specialist herbivores in Lakes
      Tanganyika and Malawi.

PMID- 27659770
TI  - The central role of national programme management for the achievement of malaria
      elimination: a cross case-study analysis of nine malaria programmes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A malaria eradication goal has been proposed, at the same time as a
      new global strategy and implementation framework. Countries are considering the
      strategies and tools that will enable progress towards malaria goals. The
      eliminating malaria case-study series reports were reviewed to identify
      successful programme management components using a cross-case study analytic
      approach. METHODS: Nine out of ten case-study reports were included in the
      analysis (Bhutan, Cape Verde, Malaysia, Mauritius, Namibia, Philippines, Sri
      Lanka, Turkey, Turkmenistan). A conceptual framework for malaria elimination
      programme management was developed and data were extracted and synthesized.
      Findings were reviewed at a consultative workshop, which led to a revision of the
      framework and further data extraction and synthesis. Success factors of
      implementation, programme choices and changes, and enabling factors were
      distilled. RESULTS: Decentralized programmes enhanced engagement in malaria
      elimination by sub-national units and communities. Integration of the malaria
      programme into other health services was also common. Decentralization and
      integration were often challenging due to the skill and experience levels of
      newly tasked staff. Accountability for programme impact was not clarified for
      most programmes. Motivation of work force was a key factor in maintaining
      programme quality but there were few clear, detailed strategies provided.
      Different incentive schemes targeted various stakeholders. Training and
      supervision, although not well described, were prioritized by most programmes.
      Multi-sectoral collaboration helped some programmes share information, build
      strategies and interventions and achieve a higher quality of implementation. In
      most cases programme action was spurred by malaria outbreaks or a new elimination
      goal with strong leadership. Some programmes showed high capacity for flexibility
      through introduction of new strategies and tools. Several case-studies described
      methods for monitoring implementation quality and coverage; however analysis and
      feedback to those implementing malaria elimination in the periphery was not well
      described. Political commitment and sustained financing contributed to malaria
      programme success. Consistency of malaria programmes depends on political
      commitment, human and financial resources, and leadership. Operational capacity
      of the programme and the overall health system structure and strength are also
      important aspects. CONCLUSIONS: Malaria eradication will require adaptive, well
      managed malaria programmes that are able to tailor implementation of evidence
      based strategies, founded upon strong sub-national surveillance and response,
      with adequate funding and human resources.

PMID- 27659771
TI  - Species specific exome probes reveal new insights in positively selected genes in
      nonhuman primates.
AB  - Nonhuman primates (NHP) are important biomedical animal models for the study of
      human disease. Of these, the most widely used models in biomedical research
      currently are from the genus Macaca. However, evolutionary genetic divergence
      between human and NHP species makes human-based probes inefficient for the
      capture of genomic regions of NHP for sequencing and study. Here we introduce a
      new method to resequence the exome of NHP species by a designed capture approach
      specifically targeted to the NHP, and demonstrate its superior performance on
      four NHP species or subspecies. Detailed investigation on biomedically relevant
      genes demonstrated superior capture by the new approach. We identified 28 genes
      that appeared to be pseudogenized and inactivated in macaque. Finally, we
      identified 187 genes showing strong evidence for positive selection across all
      branches of the primate phylogeny including many novel findings.

PMID- 27659772
TI  - Effect of a randomised exclusive breastfeeding counselling intervention nested
      into the MINIMat prenatal nutrition trial in Bangladesh.
AB  - AIM: It is unknown whether maternal malnutrition reduces the effect of
      counselling on exclusive breastfeeding. This study evaluated the effect of
      breastfeeding counselling on the duration of exclusive breastfeeding, and whether
      the timing of prenatal food and different micronutrient supplements further
      prolonged this duration. METHODS: Pregnant women in Matlab, Bangladesh, were
      randomised to receive daily food supplements of 600 kcal at nine weeks of
      gestation or at the standard 20 weeks. They also were allocated to either 30 mg
      of iron and 400 MUg folic acid, or the standard programme 60 mg of iron and folic
      acid or multiple micronutrients. At 30 weeks of gestation, 3188 women were
      randomised to receive either eight breastfeeding counselling sessions or the
      usual health messages. RESULTS: The median duration of exclusive breastfeeding
      was 135 days in the counselling group and 75 days in the usual health message
      group (p < 0.001). Prenatal supplements did not modify the effects of
      counselling. Women in the usual health message group who were randomised to
      multiple micronutrients exclusively breastfed for 12 days longer than mothers
      receiving the standard iron-folate combination (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION:
      Breastfeeding counselling increased the duration of exclusive breastfeeding by 60
      days. This duration was not influenced by the supplements.

PMID- 27659773
TI  - Molecular mechanisms in atopic eczema: insights gained from genetic studies.
AB  - Atopic eczema (synonymous with atopic dermatitis) is a common heterogeneous
      phenotype with a wide spectrum of severity, from mild transient disease to a
      severe chronic disorder with atopic and non-atopic comorbidities. Eczema is a
      complex trait, resulting from the interaction of multiple genetic and
      environmental factors. The skin, as an organ that can be biopsied easily,
      provides opportunities for detailed molecular genetic analysis. Strategies
      applied to the investigation of atopic eczema include candidate gene and genome
      wide studies, extreme phenotypes, and comparative analysis of inflammatory skin
      diseases. Genetic studies have identified a central role for skin barrier
      impairment in eczema predisposition and perpetuation; this has brought about a
      paradigm shift in understanding atopic disease, but specific molecular targets to
      improve skin barrier function remain elusive. The role of Th2-mediated immune
      dysfunction is also central to atopic inflammation, and has proved to be a
      powerful target for biological therapy in atopic eczema. Advances in
      understanding eczema pathogenesis have provided opportunities for patient
      stratification, primary prevention, and therapy development, but there remain
      considerable challenges in the application of this knowledge to optimize benefit
      for patients with atopic eczema in the era of personalized medicine. Copyright
      (c) 2016 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John
      Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27659774
TI  - MicroScope: ChIP-seq and RNA-seq software analysis suite for gene expression
      heatmaps.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Heatmaps are an indispensible visualization tool for examining large
      scale snapshots of genomic activity across various types of next-generation
      sequencing datasets. However, traditional heatmap software do not typically offer
      multi-scale insight across multiple layers of genomic analysis (e.g.,
      differential expression analysis, principal component analysis, gene ontology
      analysis, and network analysis) or multiple types of next-generation sequencing
      datasets (e.g., ChIP-seq and RNA-seq). As such, it is natural to want to interact
      with a heatmap's contents using an extensive set of integrated analysis tools
      applicable to a broad array of genomic data types. RESULTS: We propose a user
      friendly ChIP-seq and RNA-seq software suite for the interactive visualization
      and analysis of genomic data, including integrated features to support
      differential expression analysis, interactive heatmap production, principal
      component analysis, gene ontology analysis, and dynamic network analysis.
      CONCLUSIONS: MicroScope is hosted online as an R Shiny web application based on
      the D3 JavaScript library: http://microscopebioinformatics.org/ . The methods are
      implemented in R, and are available as part of the MicroScope project at:
      https://github.com/Bohdan-Khomtchouk/Microscope .

PMID- 27659775
TI  - Post-directed-self-assembly membrane fabrication for in situ analysis of block
      copolymer structures.
AB  - Full characterization of the three-dimensional structures resulting from the
      directed self-assembly (DSA) of block copolymers (BCP) remains a difficult
      challenge. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) tomography and resonant soft x
      ray scattering have emerged as powerful and complementary methods for through
      film characterization; both techniques require samples to be prepared on
      specialized membrane substrates. Here we report a generalizable process to
      implement BCP DSA with density multiplication on silicon nitride membranes. A key
      feature of the process developed here is that it does not introduce any artefacts
      or damage to the polymer assemblies as DSA is performed prior to back-etched
      membrane formation. Because most research and applications of BCP lithography are
      based on silicon substrates, process variations introduced by implementing DSA on
      a silicon nitride/silicon stack versus silicon were identified and mitigated.
      Using full-wafers, membranes were fabricated with different sizes and layouts to
      enable both TEM and x-ray characterization. Finally, both techniques were used to
      characterize structures resulting from the DSA of lamella-forming BCP with
      density multiplication.

PMID- 27659776
TI  - Cervical Spinal Cord and Dorsal Nerve Root Stimulation for Neuropathic Upper Limb
      Pain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a well-established treatment for
      chronic neuropathic pain in the lower limbs. Upper limb pain comprises a
      significant proportion of neuropathic pain patients, but is often difficult to
      target specifically and consistently with paresthesias. We hypothesized that the
      use of dorsal nerve root stimulation (DNRS), as an option along with SCS, would
      help us better relieve pain in these patients. METHODS: All 35 patients trialed
      with spinal stimulation for upper limb pain between July 1, 2011, and October 31,
      2013, were included. We performed permanent implantation in 23/35 patients based
      on a visual analogue scale pain score decrease of >=50% during trial stimulation.
      RESULTS: Both the SCS and DNRS groups had significant improvements in average
      visual analogue scale pain scores at 12 months compared with baseline, and the
      majority of patients in both groups obtained >=50% pain relief. The majority of
      patients in both groups were able to reduce their opioid use, and on average had
      improvements in Short Form-36 quality of life scores. Complication rates did not
      differ significantly between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with SCS or
      DNRS provides meaningful long-term relief of chronic neuropathic pain in the
      upper limbs.

PMID- 27659777
TI  - Circulating microRNA-192 as a diagnostic biomarker in human chronic lymphocytic
      leukemia.
AB  - Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is known as the most common lymphoid
      malignancy in the Western world. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small
      noncoding RNAs with pivotal roles in cellular and molecular processes related to
      different malignancies including CLL. Recently, some studies have shown that miR
      192 plays a key role in CLL pathogenesis through increasing CDKN1A/p21 levels,
      suppression of Bcl-2 and enhancement of wild-type P53 and cell cycle arrest.
      Forty samples, including 20 patients with CLL, diagnosed in Omid hospital
      (Isfahan, Iran) and 20 healthy controls were sampled during a period of 4 months.
      Using real-time PCR method, expression of miR-192 was analyzed in peripheral
      blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of CLL patients in comparison with healthy
      subjects. In silico molecular signaling pathway enrichment analysis was also
      performed on validated and predicted targets (targetome) of miR-192 in DAVID
      database to explore possible role of miR-192 in some pathways. The expression of
      miR-192 was found to be significantly reduced (~2.5-folds) in CLL patients
      compared with healthy subjects (P=0.002). In silico molecular signaling pathway
      enrichment analysis detected cell indicated signaling pathway as one of the most
      statistically relevant pathway with miR-192 targetome. Our findings showed that
      miR-192 could be a biomarker for early diagnosis of CLL.

PMID- 27659778
TI  - Effects of long-term heat stress and dietary restriction on the expression of
      genes of steroidogenic pathway and small heat-shock proteins in rat testicular
      tissue.
AB  - The aim was to investigate the effects of long-term heat stress and dietary
      restriction on the expression of certain genes involving in steroidogenic pathway
      and small heat-shock proteins (sHSPs) in rat testis. Sprague Dawley rats (n = 24)
      were equally divided into four groups. Group I and II were kept at an ambient
      temperature of 22 degrees C, while Groups III and IV were reared at 38 degrees C
      for 9 weeks. Feed was freely available for Group I and Group III, while Group II
      and Group IV were fed 60% of the diet consumed by their ad libitum counterparts.
      At the end of 9 weeks, testicles were collected under euthanasia. Total RNA was
      isolated from testis tissue samples. Expression profiles of the genes encoding
      androgen-binding protein, follicle-stimulating hormone receptor, androgen
      receptor, luteinising hormone receptor, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein
      (StAR), cyclooxygenase-2 and sHSP genes were assessed at mRNA levels using qPCR.
      Long-term heat stress decreased the expression of StAR and HspB10 genes while
      dietary restriction upregulated StAR gene expression. The results suggested that
      long-term heat stress negatively affected the expression of StAR and HspB10 genes
      and the dietary restriction was able to reverse negative effect of heat stress on
      the expression of StAR gene in rat testis.

PMID- 27659779
TI  - A GPS-Based Methodology to Analyze Environment-Health Associations at the Trip
      Level: Case-Crossover Analyses of Built Environments and Walking.
AB  - Environmental health studies have examined associations between context and
      health with individuals as statistical units. However, investigators have been
      unable to investigate momentary exposures, and such studies are often vulnerable
      to confounding from, for example, individual-level preferences. We present a
      Global Positioning System (GPS)-based methodology for segmenting individuals'
      observation periods into visits to places and trips, enabling novel life-segment
      investigations and case-crossover analysis for improved inferences. We analyzed
      relationships between built environments and walking in trips. Participants were
      tracked for 7 days with GPS receivers and accelerometers and surveyed with a Web
      based mapping application about their transport modes during each trip
      (Residential Environment and Coronary Heart Disease (RECORD) GPS Study, France,
      2012-2013; 6,313 trips made by 227 participants). Contextual factors were
      assessed around residences and the trips' origins and destinations. Conditional
      logistic regression modeling was used to estimate associations between
      environmental factors and walking or accelerometry-assessed steps taken in trips.
      In case-crossover analysis, the probability of walking during a trip was 1.37
      (95% confidence interval: 1.23, 1.61) times higher when trip origin was in the
      fourth (vs. first) quartile of service density and 1.47 (95% confidence interval:
      1.23, 1.68) times higher when trip destination was in the fourth (vs. first)
      quartile of service density. Green spaces at the origin and destination of trips
      were also associated with within-individual, trip-to-trip variations in walking.
      Our proposed approach using GPS and Web-based surveys enables novel life-segment
      epidemiologic investigations.

PMID- 27659781
TI  - Corrigendum to "Formulation and stabilization of norfloxacin in liposomal
      preparations" [Eur. J. Pharm. Sci. 91 (2016) 208-215].

PMID- 27659780
TI  - To gate or not to gate - dosimetric evaluation comparing Gated vs. ITV-based
      methodologies in stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) treatment of lung
      cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To compare retrospectively generated gated plans to conventional
      internal target volume (ITV)-based plans and to evaluate whether gated
      radiotherapy provides clinically relevant dosimetric improvements to organs-at
      risk (OARs). METHODS: Evaluation was performed of 150 stereotactic ablative
      radiotherapy treatment plans delivered to 128 early-stage (T1-T3 (<5 cm)) NSCLC
      patients. To generate gated plans, original ITV-based plans were re-optimized and
      re-calculated on the end-exhale phase and using gated planning target volumes
      (PTV). Gated and ITV-based plans were produced for 3 * 18 Gy and 4 * 12 Gy
      fractionation regimens. Dose differences between gated and ITV-based plans were
      analyzed as a function of both three-dimensional motion and tumor volume. OARs
      were analyzed using RTOG and AAPM dose constraints. RESULTS: Differences between
      gated and ITV-based plans for all OAR indices were largest for the 3 * 18 Gy
      regimen. For this regimen, MLD differences calculated by subtracting the gated
      values from the ITV-based values (ITV vs. Gated) were 0.10 +/- 0.56 Gy for
      peripheral island (N = 57), 0.16 +/- 0.64 Gy for peripheral lung-wall seated (N =
      57), and 0.10 +/- 0.64 Gy for central tumors (N = 36). Variations in V20 were
      similarly low, with the greatest differences occurring in peripheral tumors (0.20
      +/- 1.17 %). Additionally, average differences (in 2Gy-equivalence) between ITV
      and gated lung indices fell well below clinical tolerance values for all
      fractionation regimens, with no clinically meaningful differences observed from
      the 4 * 12 Gy regimen and rarely for the 3 * 18 Gy regimen (<2 % of cases).
      Dosimetric differences between gated and ITV-based methods did generally increase
      with increasing tumor motion and decreasing tumor volume. Dose to ribs and
      bronchial tree were slightly higher in gated plans compared to ITV-based plans
      and slightly lower for esophagus, heart, spinal cord, and trachea. CONCLUSIONS:
      Analysis of 150 SABR-based lung cancer treatment plans did not show a substantial
      benefit for the gating regimen when compared to ITV-based treatment plans. Small
      benefits were observed only for the largest tumor motion (exceeding 2 cm) and the
      high dose treatment regimen (3 * 18 Gy), though these benefits did not appear to
      be clinically relevant.

PMID- 27659782
TI  - Sequestration of Proteins by Fatty Acid Coacervates for Their Encapsulation
      within Vesicles.
AB  - Encapsulating biological materials in lipid vesicles is of interest for mimicking
      cells; however, except in some particular cases, such processes do not occur
      spontaneously. Herein, we developed a simple and robust method for encapsulating
      proteins in fatty acid vesicles in high yields. Fatty acid based, membrane-free
      coacervates spontaneously sequester proteins and can reversibly form membranous
      vesicles upon varying the pH value, the precrowding feature in coacervates
      allowing for protein encapsulation within vesicles. We then produced enzyme
      enriched vesicles and show that enzymatic reactions can occur in these
      micrometric capsules. This work could be of interest in the field of synthetic
      biology for building microreactors.

PMID- 27659783
TI  - Stem Cell Therapies for Intracerebral Hemorrhages.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An insult due to intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is critical to
      patients. So, breakthroughs in ICH treatment are very important. OBJECTIVE:
      Advances in the stem cell treatment of stroke have been remarkable. And stem cell
      experimentation on ischemic stroke, however, preceded such work on ICH and did
      not emphasized ICH therapy. METHOD: We review recent stem cell treatments for
      ICH, an experimental model of ICH, the medical care of ICH, and several stem cell
      therapies for ICH along with future prospects. RESULTS: Stem cell therapy for ICH
      is effective in rodent or animal models. For humans, only a small number of
      clinical trials have been done, and significant functional recovery was recorded.
      CONCLUSION: We need to reveal the mechanism of stem cell therapy and develop a
      reliable, definitive treatment strategy for treatment of ICH. In the future,
      several types of stem cells will be available for the treatment of ICH.

PMID- 27659784
TI  - Blocking 5-HT2 receptor restores cardiovascular disorders in type 1 experimental
      diabetes.
AB  - This study aimed to determine whether the serotonergic modulation, through
      selective 5-HT2 receptor blockade, restores cardiovascular disturbances in type 1
      diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by alloxan (150 mg/kg, s.c.) and maintained
      for 4 weeks. 5-HT2 receptor was blocked by sarpogrelate (30 mg/kg.day; 14 days;
      p.o.). Systolic blood pressure (SBP), heart rate (HR), glycaemia and body weight
      (BW) were monitored periodically. Animals were sacrificed at the end of the study
      and the heart, right kidney and thoracic aorta were removed; plasma samples were
      also obtained. Left ventricular hypertrophy index (LVH) and renal hypertrophy
      index (RH) were determined. Vascular function was studied in aorta rings;
      additionally, superoxide anion (O2*-) production (by lucigenin-enhanced
      chemiluminescence) and lipid peroxidation (by thiobarbituric acid reactive
      substances assay) were measured. Neither alloxan nor sarpogrelate treatments
      altered HR, LVH or endothelium-independent relaxation. SBP, glycaemia, BW, RH,
      O2*- production and lipid peroxidation were significantly altered in diabetic
      animals compared with controls. Sarpogrelate treatment considerably decreased
      SBP, RH, O2*- production and lipid peroxidation. Endothelium-dependent relaxation
      was severely reduced in diabetic animal aortas compared to controls; sarpogrelate
      treatment markedly improved it. Our outcomes show that selectively blocking 5-HT2
      receptors has beneficial effects on impaired cardiovascular parameters in
      diabetes.

PMID- 27659787
TI  - RE: frameshift variant FANCL*c.1096_1099dupATTA is not associated with high
      breast cancer risk.

PMID- 27659786
TI  - Lentiginous phenotypes caused by diverse pathogenic genes (SASH1 and PTPN11):
      clinical and molecular discrimination.
AB  - Pathogenic mutations in genes (SASH1 and PTPN11) can cause a rare genetic
      disorder associated with pigmentation defects and the well-known LEOPARD
      syndrome, respectively. Both conditions presented with lentiginous phenotypes.
      The aim of this study was to arrive at definite diagnoses of three Chinese boys
      with clinically suspected lentigines-related syndromes. ADAR1, ABCB6, SASH1 and
      PTPN11 were candidate genes for mutational screening. Sanger sequencing was
      performed to identify the mutations, whereas bioinformatic analysis was used to
      predict the pathogenicity of novel missense mutations. Two novel mutations
      c.1537A>C (p.Ser513Arg) and 1527_1530dupAAGT (p.Leu511Lysfs*21) in SASH1 and a
      common p.Thr468Met mutation in PTPN11 were detected in three pediatric patients
      with lentiginous phenotypes, respectively. Comparisons between clinical
      presentations showed that SASH1-related phenotypes can exhibit hyper- and
      hypopigmentation on the trunk and extremities, similar to dyschromatosis, while
      scattered cafe au-lait spots usually appeared in PTPN11-related LEOPARD syndrome.
      Furthermore, the similarity in the clinical presentations of Peutz-Jeghers
      syndrome, Laugier-Hunziker syndrome, xeroderma pigmentosum, neurofibromatosis
      type I, suggesting that these conditions should be added into the differential
      diagnoses of lentiginous phenotypes.

PMID- 27659785
TI  - Quantitative proteome analysis of colorectal cancer-related differential
      proteins.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate a new strategy for profiling proteomic changes in colorectal
      cancer (CRC). METHODES: We used laser capture microdissection (LCM) to obtain
      cells from 20 CRC and paired normal mucosal tissues. The differential proteins
      between the microdissected tumor cells and normal mucosa epithelia were analyzed
      by acetylation stable isotopic labeling coupled with L linear ion trap Fourier
      transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (LTQ-FT MS). Western blotting
      was used to assess the differential expression of proteins. We used
      bioinformatics tools for cluster and ingenuity pathway analysis of the
      differential proteins. RESULTS: In total, 798 confident proteins were quantified
      and 137 proteins were differentially expressed by at least twofold, including 67
      that were upregulated and 70 that were downregulated in cancer. Two differential
      proteins, solute carrier family 12 member 2 (SLC12A2) and Ras-related protein Rab
      10, were validated by Western blotting, and the results were consistent with
      acetylation stable isotopic labeling analysis. According to gene ontology
      analysis, CRC-related differential proteins covered a wide range of subcellular
      locations and were involved in many biological processes. According to ingenuity
      pathway analysis of the differential proteins, the most relevant canonical
      pathway associated with CRC was the 14-3-3-mediated signaling pathway, and seven
      reliable functional networks including cellular growth and proliferation, amino
      acid metabolism, inflammatory response, embryonic development, carbohydrate
      metabolism, cellular assembly and organization, and cell morphology were
      obtained. CONCLUSIONS: Combination of LCM, acetylation stable isotopic labeling
      analysis and LTQ-FT MS is effective for profiling proteomic changes in CRC cells.

PMID- 27659788
TI  - Gastric Perforation due to Giant Trichobezoar in a 13-Year-Old Child.
AB  - Trichotillomania and trichotillophagia can cause the formation of enormous
      intragastric hairballs. We report the case of a 13-year-old girl who was brought
      to the emergency service for evaluation of an acute abdomen. Abdominal CT scanner
      showed a giant gastric trichobezoar which had to be removed by susombilical
      laparotomy and transverse gastrotomy. This case illustrates the fairly uncommon
      perforation risk of these gastric bezoars.

PMID- 27659789
TI  - ALPPS for Colorectal Liver Metastases.

PMID- 27659790
TI  - Abdominal Pain due to a Wandering Liver.
AB  - Wandering liver syndrome is an extremely rare congenital disorder. It is mainly
      diagnosed within the first years of life. Herein we report the case of a 40-year
      old woman with hepatoptosis due to the absence of anatomical peritoneal
      attachments of the liver. Surgical treatment consisted in inserting the floppy
      right lobe of the liver in a subphrenic retroperitoneal pouch. This original
      technique provided excellent postoperative result.

PMID- 27659791
TI  - The Macronova in GRB 050709 and the GRB-macronova connection.
AB  - GRB 050709 was the first short Gamma-ray Burst (sGRB) with an identified optical
      counterpart. Here we report a reanalysis of the publicly available data of this
      event and the discovery of a Li-Paczynski macronova/kilonova that dominates the
      optical/infrared signal at t>2.5 days. Such a signal would arise from 0.05 r
      process material launched by a compact binary merger. The implied mass ejection
      supports the suggestion that compact binary mergers are significant and possibly
      main sites of heavy r-process nucleosynthesis. Furthermore, we have reanalysed
      all afterglow data from nearby short and hybrid GRBs (shGRBs). A statistical
      study of shGRB/macronova connection reveals that macronova may have taken place
      in all these GRBs, although the fraction as low as 0.18 cannot be ruled out. The
      identification of two of the three macronova candidates in the I-band implies a
      more promising detection prospect for ground-based surveys.

PMID- 27659792
TI  - Three-dimensional rotational angiography in children with an aortic coarctation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Children with aortic coarctations (CoA) are increasingly
      percutaneously treated. Good visualisation of the CoA is mandatory and can be
      obtained with three-dimensional rotational angiography (3DRA). This study aims to
      compare the diagnostic and therapeutic additional value of 3DRA with conventional
      biplane angiography (CA) in children with a CoA. METHODS: Patients undergoing
      percutaneous treatment of CoA with balloon angioplasty (BA) or stent between 2003
      and 2015, were retrospectively reviewed on success rate, complications, radiation
      and technical settings. Diagnostic quality of CA and 3DRA and additional value of
      3DRA were scored. RESULTS: In total, 134 patients underwent 183 catheterisations,
      121 CA and 62 3DRA-guided. Median age was 0.52 years in the BA group and 11.19
      years in the stent group. 3DRA was superior to CA in displaying the left
      ventricle (p = 0.008), ascending aorta (p < 0.001), aortic arch (p = 0.005) and
      coronary arteries (p < 0.001). In the BA group, 3DRA had a significantly higher
      success rate than CA (100.0 % versus 68.9 %, p = 0.016). All stent interventions
      were successful. Complication rates did not differ significantly. The median
      total dose area product did not significantly differ between CA and 3DRA in the
      BA (27.88 MUGym2/kg versus 15.81 MUGym2/kg, p = 0.275) or stent group (37.34
      MUGym2/kg versus 45.24 MUGym2/kg, p = 0.090). 3DRA was of additional value in
      96.8 % of the interventions. CONCLUSIONS: 3DRA is superior to CA in diagnostic
      quality and not associated with increased radiation exposure. It provides high
      additional value in guiding CoA related interventions.

PMID- 27659793
TI  - Downregulation of angiotensin type 1 receptor and nuclear factor-kappaB by
      sirtuin 1 contributes to renoprotection in unilateral ureteral obstruction.
AB  - Activation of sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) attenuates unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)
      induced inflammation and fibrosis, suggesting that Sirt1 may prevent
      tubulointerstitial fibrosis. In this study, we explored changes in the expression
      of Sirt1 in the kidneys of UUO-treated rats and evaluated the effects of Sirt1
      activation or inhibition on renal pathology and mediators of UUO pathogenesis,
      especially angiotensin II and nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB, in rats and rat renal
      fibroblasts. Sirt1 expression increased in the obstructed kidney but not in the
      contralateral kidney and was mainly detected in tubulointerstitial cells.
      Resveratrol, a Sirt1 activator, decreased UUO-induced inflammation and fibrosis,
      while sirtinol, a Sirt1 inhibitor, enhanced UUO-induced inflammation. UUO
      increased renal angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R), NF-kappaB, monocyte
      chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), and fibronectin expression. Resveratrol attenuated
      these UUO-induced changes, whereas sirtinol enhanced them, with the exception of
      fibronectin. In renal fibroblasts, Sirt1 overexpression reduced AT1R and NF
      kappaB levels, while Sirt1 knockdown had the opposite effects. Sirtinol increased
      the levels of AT1R, NF-kappaB, MCP-1, and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF),
      while resveratrol reduced AT1R levels. Our results suggested that Sirt1 inhibited
      AT1R and NF-kappaB expression in renal fibroblasts and that these mechanisms may
      play roles in alleviating UUO-induced damages.

PMID- 27659794
TI  - Carbon nanotube-based self-adhesive polymer electrodes for wireless long-term
      recording of electrocardiogram signals.
AB  - In this study, the concept of polymer electrodes integrated with a wireless
      electrocardiogram (ECG) system was described. Polymer electrodes for long-term
      ECG measurements were fabricated by loading high content of carbon nanotubes
      (CNTs) in polydimethylsiloxane. Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were added to
      increase the flexibility of the polymer and the conductivity of the electrode. An
      ECG electrode patch was fabricated by integrating the electrodes with an adhesive
      polydimethylsiloxane (aPDMS) layer. Holes in the electrode filled with aPDMS can
      enable robust contact between the electrode and skin, reducing motion artifacts.
      A wireless ECG measurement system was developed and adapted to the polymer
      electrodes. The polymer electrodes combined with the measurement system were
      successfully applied in wireless, long-term recording of ECG signals. An eleven
      day continuous test showed that the ECG signal did not degrade over time. The
      results of attach/detach tests demonstrated that the ECG signal was affected by
      motion artifacts after six attach/detach cycles. The electrodes produced are
      flexible and exhibit good ECG performance, and therefore can be used in wearable
      medical monitoring systems. The approach proposed in this study holds significant
      promise for commercial application in medical fields.

PMID- 27659796
TI  - Ultrahigh Responsivity-Bandwidth Product in a Compact InP Nanopillar
      Phototransistor Directly Grown on Silicon.
AB  - Highly sensitive and fast photodetectors can enable low power, high bandwidth on
      chip optical interconnects for silicon integrated electronics. III-V compound
      semiconductor direct-bandgap materials with high absorption coefficients are
      particularly promising for photodetection in energy-efficient optical links
      because of the potential to scale down the absorber size, and the resulting
      capacitance and dark current, while maintaining high quantum efficiency. We
      demonstrate a compact bipolar junction phototransistor with a high current gain
      (53.6), bandwidth (7 GHz) and responsivity (9.5 A/W) using a single crystalline
      indium phosphide nanopillar directly grown on a silicon substrate. Transistor
      gain is obtained at sub-picowatt optical power and collector bias close to the
      CMOS line voltage. The quantum efficiency-bandwidth product of 105 GHz is the
      highest for photodetectors on silicon. The bipolar junction phototransistor
      combines the receiver front end circuit and absorber into a monolithic integrated
      device, eliminating the wire capacitance between the detector and first amplifier
      stage.

PMID- 27659797
TI  - Neuro sweet syndrome: a systematic review. A rare complication of Sweet syndrome.
AB  - Sweet's syndrome (SS) is an inflammatory disease characterized by fever,
      leucocytosis and distinctive skin lesions that histologically consist of a dermal
      infiltrate of neutrophils with nuclear fragmentation. Aseptic neutrophilic
      inflammation may occur also in other organs. Central nervous system involvement
      in SS, Neuro-Sweet's syndrome (NSS), is rare and reported especially among Asian
      patients. A systematic review of the literature has been performed to find
      articles reporting cases of SS with neurological involvement. The search terms:
      "Sweet's syndrome/disease with neurological involvement, Neuro Sweet
      Syndrome/Disease" were used in the Pubmed Database. Sixty-nine NSS patients
      including 46 males and 23 females, more Asian than Caucasian, have been described
      from 1983 to date. The average age was 48.7 year-old. The most representative
      neurologic symptom was the altered state of consciousness, followed by headache
      and memory disorders. Differently from SS with skin or other district
      involvement, NSS appears to be more common in Asian patients than in Caucasian
      ones and affects mainly the male sex in the third or fourth decade of life. A
      very wide range of symptoms and signs can occur, depending on which part of the
      nervous system is affected. Initial presentation is usually with the SS typical
      skin lesions followed by neurological involvement. However, also an opposite
      presentation or a simultaneous skin and nervous involvement may happen. Awareness
      of the possible neurological complications in SS is important to avoid
      unnecessary therapies for other forms of meningoencephalitis and lead to
      successful treatment with systemic corticosteroids.

PMID- 27659795
TI  - Is monocyte- and macrophage-derived tissue transglutaminase involved in
      inflammatory processes?
AB  - Monocytes and macrophages are key players in inflammatory processes following an
      infection or tissue damage. Monocytes adhere and extravasate into the inflamed
      tissue, differentiate into macrophages, and produce inflammatory mediators to
      combat the pathogens. In addition, they take up dead cells and debris and,
      therefore, take part in the resolution of inflammation. The multifunctional
      enzyme tissue Transglutaminase (TG2, tTG) is known to participate in most of
      those monocyte- and macrophage-mediated processes. Moreover, TG2 expression and
      activity can be regulated by inflammatory mediators. In the present review, we
      selectively elaborate on the expression, regulation, and contribution of TG2
      derived from monocytes and macrophages to inflammatory processes mediated by
      those cells. In addition, we discuss the role of TG2 in certain pathological
      conditions, in which inflammation and monocytes and/or macrophages are
      prominently present, including atherosclerosis, sepsis, and multiple sclerosis.
      Based on the studies and considerations reported in this review, we conclude that
      monocyte- and macrophage-derived TG2 is clearly involved in various processes
      contributing to inflammation. However, TG2's potential as a therapeutic target to
      counteract the possible detrimental effects or stimulate the potential beneficial
      effects on monocyte and macrophage responses during inflammation should be
      carefully considered. Alternatively, as TG2-related parameters can be used as a
      marker of disease, e.g., in celiac disease, or of disease-stage, e.g., in cancer,
      we put forward that this could be subject of research for monocyte- or macrophage
      derived TG2 in inflammatory diseases.

PMID- 27659798
TI  - Does Expectation of Abnormality Affect the Search Pattern of Radiologists When
      Looking for Pulmonary Nodules?
AB  - This experiment investigated whether there might be an effect on the visual
      search strategy of radiologists during image interpretation of the same adult
      chest radiographs when given different clinical information. Each of 17
      experienced radiologists was asked to interpret a set of 57 (10 abnormal)
      posteroanterior chest images to identify the presence of pulmonary lesions using
      differing clinical information (leading to unknown, low and high expectations of
      prevalence). Eye position metrics (search time, dwell time and time to first
      fixation) were compared for normal and abnormal images, as well as between
      conditions. For all images, there was a significantly longer search time at high
      prevalence expectation compared to low prevalence expectation (W = 75.19, P =
      <0.0001). Mann-Whitney analysis of the abnormal images demonstrated that the
      dwell time on correctly identified lesions was significantly shorter at low
      prevalence expectation compared to both unknown (U = 364.5, P = 0.02) and high
      prevalence expectation (U = 397.0, P = 0.0002). Visual search patterns of
      radiologists appear to be affected by changing a priori information where such
      information fosters an expectation of abnormality.

PMID- 27659799
TI  - Genome-wide long non-coding RNA screening, identification and characterization in
      a model microorganism Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.
AB  - Microalgae are regarded as the most promising biofuel candidates and extensive
      metabolic engineering were conducted but very few improvements were achieved.
      Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) investigation and manipulation may provide new
      insights for this issue. LncRNAs refer to transcripts that are longer than 200
      nucleotides, do not encode proteins but play important roles in eukaryotic gene
      regulation. However, no information of potential lncRNAs has been reported in
      eukaryotic alga. Recently, we performed RNA sequencing in Chlamydomonas
      reinhardtii, and obtained totally 3,574 putative lncRNAs. 1440 were considered as
      high-confidence lncRNAs, including 936 large intergenic, 310 intronic and 194
      anti-sense lncRNAs. The average transcript length, ORF length and numbers of
      exons for lncRNAs are much less than for genes in this green alga. In contrast
      with human lncRNAs of which more than 98% are spliced, the percentage in C.
      reinhardtii is only 48.1%. In addition, we identified 367 lncRNAs responsive to
      sulfur deprivation, including 36 photosynthesis-related lncRNAs. This is the
      first time that lncRNAs were explored in the unicellular model organism C.
      reinhardtii. The lncRNA data could also provide new insights into C. reinhardtii
      hydrogen production under sulfur deprivation.

PMID- 27659800
TI  - Dual-Wavelength Terahertz Metasurfaces with Independent Phase and Amplitude
      Control at Each Wavelength.
AB  - We have designed, fabricated and characterized dual-wavelength metasurfaces that
      function at two assigned terahertz wavelengths with independent phase and
      amplitude control at each wavelength. Specifically, we have designed a dual
      wavelength achromatic metasurface-based deflector deflecting the incident wave to
      the same direction at two selected wavelengths, which has circumvented the
      critical limitation of strong wavelength dependence in the planar metasurface
      based devices caused by the resonant nature of the plasmonic structures. As a
      proof of concept demonstration, the designed dual-wavelength achromatic deflector
      has been fabricated, and characterized experimentally. The numerical simulations,
      theoretical predictions, and experimental results agree very well with each
      other, demonstrating the property of independently manipulating the phase
      profiles at two wavelengths. Furthermore, another unique feature of the designed
      metasurface is that it can independently tailor both the phase and amplitude
      profiles at two wavelengths. This property has been numerically validated by
      engineering a metasurface-based device to simultaneously generate two diffraction
      orders at two desired wavelengths.

PMID- 27659801
TI  - Nanometer Scale Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy Instrumentation.
AB  - We report the crucial components required to perform scanning electrochemical
      microscopy (SECM) with nanometer-scale resolution. The construction and
      modification of the software and hardware instrumentation for nanoscale SECM are
      explicitly explained including (1) the LabVIEW code that synchronizes the SECM
      tip movement with the electrochemical response, (2) the construction of an
      isothermal chamber to stabilize the nanometer scale gap between the tip and
      substrate, (3) the modification of a commercial bipotentiostat to avoid
      electrochemical tip damage during SECM experiments, and (4) the construction of
      an SECM stage to avoid artifacts in SECM images. These findings enabled us to
      successfully build a nanoscale SECM, which can be utilized to map the
      electrocatalytic activity of individual nanoparticles in a typical ensemble
      sample and study the structure/reactivity relationship of single nanostructures.

PMID- 27659803
TI  - Complete resection for pleomorphic lung cancer with a high serum IL-6 level: a
      case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pleomorphic lung cancer cells have been reported to produce
      cytokines, resulting in systemic reactions. Recently, the autonomous production
      of hematopoietic cytokines (granulocyte colony-stimulating factor [G-CSF],
      granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor [GM-CSF], and interleukin-6 [IL
      6]) was observed in some of these patients. CASE PRESENTATION: We herein report a
      case of complete resection of right pleomorphic lung cancer producing IL-6. The
      patient had a high-grade fever before surgery, and a blood examination showed
      high IL-6 and CRP levels in the serum. After surgery, the patient no longer had a
      fever, and the elevated serum IL-6 levels had dropped to values less than those
      before the operation. Immunohistochemically, the carcinoma cells were faintly or
      focally positive for IL-6 and negative for G-CSF. CONCLUSIONS: The symptoms in
      the present case were dramatically improved by surgery. In addition, an
      immunohistochemical examination showed that the cancer cells were positive for IL
      6.

PMID- 27659802
TI  - Engineering A11 Minibody-Conjugated, Polypeptide-Based Gold Nanoshells for
      Prostate Stem Cell Antigen (PSCA)-Targeted Photothermal Therapy.
AB  - Currently, there is no curative treatment for advanced metastatic prostate
      cancer, and options, such as chemotherapy, are often nonspecific, harming healthy
      cells and resulting in severe side effects. Attaching targeting ligands to agents
      used in anticancer therapies has been shown to improve efficacy and reduce
      nonspecific toxicity. Furthermore, the use of triggered therapies can enable
      spatial and temporal control over the treatment. Here, we combined an engineered
      prostate cancer-specific targeting ligand, the A11 minibody, with a novel
      photothermal therapy agent, polypeptide-based gold nanoshells, which generate
      heat in response to near-infrared light. We show that the A11 minibody strongly
      binds to the prostate stem cell antigen that is overexpressed on the surface of
      metastatic prostate cancer cells. Compared to nonconjugated gold nanoshells, our
      A11 minibody-conjugated gold nanoshell exhibited significant laser-induced,
      localized killing of prostate cancer cells in vitro. In addition, we improved
      upon a comprehensive heat transfer mathematical model that was previously
      developed by our laboratory. By relaxing some of the assumptions of our earlier
      model, we were able to generate more accurate predictions for this particular
      study. Our experimental and theoretical results demonstrate the potential of our
      novel minibody-conjugated gold nanoshells for metastatic prostate cancer therapy.

PMID- 27659805
TI  - A Case Report of Penile Infection Caused by Fluconazole- and Terbinafine
      Resistant Candida albicans.
AB  - Candida albicans is the most common pathogen that causes balanoposthitis. It
      often causes recurrence of symptoms probably due to its antifungal resistance. A
      significant number of balanitis Candida albicans isolates are resistant to azole
      and terbinafine antifungal agents in vitro. However, balanoposthitis caused by
      fluconazole- and terbinafine-resistant Candida albicans has rarely been reported.
      Here, we describe a case of a recurrent penile infection caused by fluconazole-
      and terbinafine-resistant Candida albicans, as well as the treatments
      administered to this patient. The isolate from the patient was tested for drug
      susceptibility in vitro. It was sensitive to itraconazole, voriconazole,
      clotrimazole and amphotericin B, but not to terbinafine and fluconazole. Thus,
      oral itraconazole was administrated to this patient with resistant Candida
      albicans penile infection. The symptoms were improved, and mycological
      examination result was negative. Follow-up treatment of this patient for 3 months
      showed no recurrence.

PMID- 27659804
TI  - Flavonoid constituents of Dobera glabra leaves: amelioration impact against CCl4
      induced changes in the genetic materials in male rats.
AB  - CONTEXT: Dobera glabra (Forssk.) Poir (Salvadoraceae) is a highly valued tree
      with diverse importance as special mineral sourced feed and a folkloric tool for
      forecasting droughts. However, there are no reports on its phytochemical and
      biological investigations. OBJECTIVE: Phytochemical investigation of D. glabra
      leaves and its protective potential against CCl4 inducing changes in the genetic
      materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: D. glabra extract, DGE (70% MeOH/H2O), was
      applied to polyamide column chromatography, eluting with MeOH/H2O of decreasing
      polarities, followed by preparative chromatographic tools, yielded seven
      compounds. Three DGE doses (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg bw/d) were administrated for 8
      weeks intragastrically to male albino rats prior treated with CCl4 (0.5
      mL/kg/bw). The reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, expression changes of
      glutamate transporters (GLAST, GLT-1 and SNAT3) mRNA, DNA fragmentation and
      glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity were investigated in the liver tissues of
      these rats. RESULTS: Isorhamnetin-3-O-beta-glucopyranoside-7-O-alpha
      rhamnopyranoside, isorhamnetin-3-O-alpha-rhamnopyranoside-7-O-beta
      glucopyranoside, kaempferol-3,7-di-O-alpha-rhamnopyranoside, isorhamnetin-3-O
      beta-glucopyranoside, kaempferol-3-O-beta-glucopyranoside, isorhamnetin and
      kaempferol were identified. DGE (200 mg/kg bw) + CCl4 exhibited the most
      significant reduction in ROS levels and DNA fragmentation with 251.3% and141%
      compared to 523.1% and 273.2% for CCl4, respectively. Additionally, it increased
      significantly the mRNA expression of GLAST, GLT-1 and SNAT3 to 2.16-, 1.72- and
      2.09-fold, respectively. Also, GPx activity was increased to 4.8 U/mg protein/min
      compared to CCl4 (1.8 U/mg protein/min). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Flavonoid
      constituents, antioxidant effect and genotoxic protection activity of D. glabra
      were first reported. DGE may be valuable in the treatment and hindrance of
      hepatic oxidative stress and genotoxicity.

PMID- 27659807
TI  - Double-Tailed Cystine Derivatives as Novel Substitutes of Phospholipids with
      Special Reference to Liposomes.
AB  - Cystine-based gemini surfactants with dodecyl, tetradecyl, hexadecyl, and
      octadecyl hydrocarbon chains were synthesized, and their interactions with
      unsaturated (soy phosphatidylcholine, SPC)/saturated (hydrogenated SPC, HSPC) soy
      phosphatidylcholines in the forms of a monolayer and a model liposome were
      estimated for different combinations of the components in the mixed systems.
      Studies of Langmuir monolayers at the air-aqueous buffer interface revealed
      condensation of the monomolecular films with the addition of surfactants. The
      effect of surfactants decreased according to the following order: octadecyl >
      hexadecyl > tetradecyl > dodecyl homologs. The nonideal mixing between the
      components was estimated using the deviation of the experimental molecular area
      from the ideal area per molecule. The excess molecular area increased with the
      increase in the surfactant chain length and phospholipid saturation. The 50 mol %
      mixture of cystine derivatives and phospholipids formed thermodynamically stable
      monolayers. The surfactants increased the rigidity of SPC monolayers and
      decreased that of HSPC monolayers, as observed by the studies of surface
      dialational rheology. The film structure at the air-water interface could
      differentiate the SPC- and HSPC-comprising systems through the formation of
      organized regions, especially at a higher surface pressure. The constriction of
      surfactant/phospholipid hybrid vesicles was observed with an increase in the
      length of surfactant hydrocarbon chains. The negative zeta potential of vesicles
      took the highest values and did not change with time for 20 and 50 mol %
      surfactant. The spherical shape of the vesicles was confirmed by transmission
      electron microscopy. Differential scanning calorimetry revealed an increase in
      fluidity of HSPC bilayers and rigidity of SPS bilayers under the influence of
      surfactants. These effects were confirmed by fluorescence spectroscopy. All of
      the vesicle formulations were found to be nontoxic from the 3-[4,5
      dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide assay, suggesting their
      potential as a novel membranous system for the delivery of drugs, genetic
      materials, vaccines, and other therapeutic agents.

PMID- 27659806
TI  - The Role of Phagocytes and NETs in Dermatophytosis.
AB  - Innate immunity is the host first line of defense against pathogens. However,
      only in recent years, we are beginning to better understand the ways it operates.
      A key player is this branch of the immune response that are the phagocytes, as
      macrophages, dendritic cells and neutrophils. These cells act as sentinels,
      employing specialized receptors in the sensing of invaders and host injury, and
      readily responding to them by production of inflammatory mediators. They afford
      protection not only by ingesting and destroying pathogens, but also by providing
      a suitable biochemical environment that shapes the adaptive response. In this
      review, we aim to present a broad perspective about the role of phagocytes in
      dermatophytosis, focusing on the mechanisms possibly involved in protective and
      non-protective responses. A full understanding of how phagocytes fit in the
      pathogenesis of these infections may open the venue for the development of new
      and more effective therapeutic approaches.

PMID- 27659808
TI  - Comparison of the efficacy of denosumab and bisphosphonates for treating
      secondary osteoporosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of denosumab (compared
      with that of bisphosphonates) for preventing secondary osteoporosis and
      inflammation caused by excessive bone resorption in Japanese rheumatoid arthritis
      (RA) patients never previously treated for osteoporosis. METHODS: Ninety-eight
      patients with coexisting RA and osteoporosis were enrolled. The patients were
      subdivided by whether they were treated with denosumab (n = 49) or traditional
      bisphosphonates (n = 49). RA disease activity, bone turnover markers, and bone
      mineral density (BMD) were compared between the two groups before treatment, and
      after 6 and 12 months of treatment. RESULTS: There was no significant difference
      between the groups in any of the disease activity indices and BMD at any of the
      measured time points. With regard to bone metabolism, denosumab significantly
      reduced bone-specific alkaline phosphatase at 6 and 12 months compared with
      pretreatment, but had no effect on tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b levels,
      suggesting an effect on the bone formation rate, but not on the bone resorption
      rate. CONCLUSIONS: Neither denosumab nor bisphosphonates could suppress
      inflammation or RA disease activity, but denosumab significantly suppressed a
      marker of bone metabolism in Japanese RA patients never previously treated for
      osteoporosis.

PMID- 27659809
TI  - Polymorphic variants of MRP4/ABCC4 differentially modulate the transport of
      methylated arsenic metabolites and physiological organic anions.
AB  - Broad inter-individual variation exists in susceptibility to arsenic-induced
      tumours, likely involving differences in the ability of individuals to eliminate
      this metalloid. We recently identified human multidrug resistance protein 4
      (MRP4/ABCC4) as a novel pathway for the cellular export of dimethylarsinic acid
      (DMAV), the major urinary arsenic metabolite in humans, and the diglutathione
      conjugate of the highly toxic monomethylarsonous acid [MMA(GS)2]. These findings,
      together with the basolateral and apical membrane localization of MRP4 in
      hepatocytes and renal proximal tubule cells, respectively, suggest a role for
      MRP4 in the urinary elimination of hepatic arsenic metabolites. Accordingly, we
      have now investigated the influence of non-synonymous single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) on MRP4 levels, cellular localization, and arsenical
      transport. Of eight MRP4 variants (C171G-, G187W-, K304N-, G487E-, Y556C-, E757K
      , V776I- and C956S-MRP4) characterized, two (V776I- and C956S-MRP4) did not
      localize appropriately to the plasma membrane of HEK293T and LLC-PK1 cells.
      Characterization of the six correctly localized mutants revealed that MMA(GS)2
      transport by C171G-, G187W-, and K304N-MRP4 was 180%, 73%, and 30% of WT-MRP4
      activity, respectively, whereas DMAV transport by K304N- and Y556C-MRP4 was 30%
      and 184% of WT-MRP4, respectively. Transport of the prototypical physiological
      MRP4 substrates prostaglandin E2 and 17beta-estradiol 17-(beta-d-glucuronide) by
      the six variants was also differentially affected. Thus, MRP4 variants have
      differing abilities to transport arsenic and endogenous metabolites through both
      altered function and membrane localization. Further investigation is warranted to
      determine if genetic variations in ABCC4 contribute to inter-individual
      differences in susceptibility to arsenic-induced (and potentially other)
      diseases.

PMID- 27659810
TI  - Analysis of the effects of polyphenols on human spermatozoa reveals unexpected
      impacts on mitochondrial membrane potential, oxidative stress and DNA integrity;
      implications for assisted reproductive technology.
AB  - The need to protect human spermatozoa from oxidative stress during assisted
      reproductive technology, has prompted a detailed analysis of the impacts of
      phenolic compounds on the functional integrity of these cells. Investigation of
      16 individual compounds revealed a surprising variety of negative effects
      including: (i) a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (Deltapsim) via
      mechanisms that were not related to opening of the permeability transition pore
      but associated with a reduction in thiol expression, (ii) a decline in
      intracellular reduced glutathione, (iii) the stimulation of pro-oxidant activity
      including the induction of ROS generation from mitochondrial and non
      mitochondrial sources, (iv) stimulation of lipid peroxidation, (v) the generation
      of oxidative DNA damage, and (vi) impaired sperm motility. For most of the
      polyphenolic compounds examined, the loss of motility was gradual and highly
      correlated with the induction of lipid peroxidation (r=0.889). The exception was
      gossypol, which induced a rapid loss of motility due to its inherent alkylating
      activity; one consequence of which was a marked reduction in carboxymethyl lysine
      expression on the sperm tail; a post-translational modification that is known to
      play a key role in the regulation of sperm movement. The only polyphenols that
      did not appear to have adverse effects on spermatozoa were resveratrol, genistein
      and THP at doses below 100MUM. These compounds could, therefore, have some
      therapeutic potential in a clinical setting.

PMID- 27659812
TI  - Drug candidates and model systems in respiratory syncytial virus antiviral drug
      discovery.
AB  - The development of antiviral strategies to prevent or treat respiratory syncytial
      virus (RSV) infections is of great importance, especially considering the fact
      that RSV is one of the most important causes of pediatric respiratory infections.
      However, despite intense efforts, there is no antiviral or vaccine approved for
      the prevention or treatment of RSV infections. Several inhibitors, targeting
      different RSV proteins have been discovered over the past decade. We here review
      the most important chemical series as well as recent developments in
      understanding which viral proteins and/or host cell factors are good targets for
      inhibition of viral replication. In addition, we highlight the current in vitro
      and in vivo model systems of the disease. A number of molecules are currently in
      (advanced) preclinical or clinical development. Significant breakthroughs in the
      field may be expected in the upcoming years.

PMID- 27659811
TI  - Pharmacological inhibition of arginine and lysine methyltransferases induces
      nuclear abnormalities and suppresses angiogenesis in human endothelial cells.
AB  - Posttranslational modifications of histone tails can alter chromatin structure
      and regulate gene transcription. While recent studies implicate the
      lysine/arginine protein methyltransferases in the regulation of genes for
      endothelial metabolism, the role of AMI-1 and AMI-5 compounds in angiogenesis
      remains unknown. Here, we show that global inhibition of arginine and lysine
      histone methyltransferases (HMTs) by AMI-5 induced an angiostatic profile in
      human microvascular endothelial cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells.
      Based on FACS analysis, we found that inhibition of HMTs significantly affects
      proliferation of endothelial cells, by suppressing cell cycle progression in the
      G0/G1 phase. Immunofluorescent studies of the endothelial cells replication
      pattern by 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation disclosed that AMI-5, and the
      arginine methyltransferase inhibitor AMI-1, induced heterochromatin formation and
      a number of nuclear abnormalities, such as formation of micronuclei (MNs) and
      nucleoplasmic bridges (NPBs), which are markers of chromosomal instability. In
      addition to the modification of the cell cycle machinery in response to AMIs
      treatment, also endothelial cells migration and capillary-like tube formation
      processes were significantly inhibited, implicating a stimulatory role of HMTs in
      angiogenesis.

PMID- 27659813
TI  - The Medial Extra-Sellar Corridor to the Cavernous Sinus: Anatomic Description and
      Clinical Correlation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The zenith of surgical interest in the cavernous sinus peaked in the
      1980s, as evidenced by reports of 10 surgical triangles that could access the
      contents of the lateral sellar compartment (LSC). However, these transcranial
      approaches later became marginalized, first by radiosurgery's popularity and
      lower morbidity, and then by clinical potential of endoscopic corridors noted in
      several qualitative studies. Our anatomic study, taking a contemporary look at
      the medial extra-sellar corridor, gives a detailed qualitative-quantitative
      analysis for its use with increasingly popular endoscopic endonasal approaches to
      the cavernous sinus. METHODS: In 20 cadaveric specimens, we re-examined the
      anatomic landmarks of the medial corridor into the LSC with qualitative
      descriptions and measurements. An illustrative case highlights a recurrent
      symptomatic pituitary adenoma that invaded the cavernous sinus approached through
      the medial corridor. RESULTS: The corridor's shape varied from tetrahedron to
      hexahedron. Comparing right and left sides, width averaged 3.6 +/- 4.5 mm and 4.0
      +/- 4.4 mm, and height averaged 2.3 mm and 2.1 mm, respectively. About 35% of
      sides showed ample space for access into the cavernous sinus. Our case report of
      successful outcome lends support for the safety and efficacy of this endoscopic
      approach. CONCLUSIONS: Our re-examination of this particular surgical access into
      the LSC refines the understanding of the medial extra-sellar corridor as a main
      endoscopic access route to this compartment. Achieving safe access to the
      contents of the LSC, this 11th triangle is clinically relevant and potentially
      superior for select lesions in this region.

PMID- 27659814
TI  - Application of a Compact High-Definition Exoscope for Illumination and
      Magnification in High-Precision Surgical Procedures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The basic necessities for surgical procedures are illumination,
      exposure, and magnification. These have undergone transformation in par with
      technology. One of the recent developments is the compact magnifying exoscope
      system. In this report, we describe the application of this system for surgical
      operations and discuss its advantages and pitfalls. METHODS: We used the ViTOM
      exoscope mounted on the mechanical holding arm. The following surgical procedures
      were conducted: lumbar and cervical spinal canal decompression (n = 5);
      laminotomy and removal of lumbar migrated disk herniations (n = 4); anterior
      cervical diskectomy and fusion (n = 1); removal of intraneural schwannomas (n =
      2); removal of an acute cerebellar hemorrhage (n = 1); removal of a parafalcine
      atypical cerebral hematoma caused by a dural arteriovenous fistula (n = 1); and
      microsutures and anastomoses of a nerve (n = 1), an artery (n = 1), and veins (n
      = 2). RESULTS: The exoscope offered excellent, magnified, and brilliantly
      illuminated high-definition images of the surgical field. All surgical operations
      were successfully completed. The main disadvantage was the adjustment and
      refocusing using the mechanical holding arm. The time required for the surgical
      operation under the exoscope was slightly longer than the times required for a
      similar procedure performed using an operating microscope. CONCLUSIONS: The
      magnifying exoscope is an effective and nonbulky tool for surgical procedures. In
      visualization around the corners, the exoscope has better potential than a
      microscope. With technical and technologic modifications, the exoscope might
      become the next generation in illumination, visualization, exposure, and
      magnification for high-precision surgical procedures.

PMID- 27659815
TI  - Intracranial Cystic Myofibroblastoma: a Case Report with Literature Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Myofibroblastoma is a rare benign soft tissue tumor comprised of
      contractile myiod cells mostly in mammary gland. Only 4 prior cases arising in
      the central nervous system have been reported in the literature. We present a
      case of myofibroblastoma with a cystic component. CASE DESCRIPTION: The patient
      is a 76-year-old man with a history of Parkinson disease. The tumor was found
      incidentally after a minor fall. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 6.7-cm
      well-circumscribed, partly cystic mass with a 2.4-cm calcified central nodule
      located at the left sylvian fissure. The frontal dural base showed avid enhancing
      after gadolinium injection. Gross total resection was achieved. The tumor was
      marked by dense collagenous tissue and bland spindled cells in pathology review.
      The spindled cells demonstrated positive staining with antibodies to CD34,
      estrogen receptor, and smooth muscle actin. A blush of immunoreactivity is
      observed in scattered cells with antibody to progesterone receptor. Patient
      recovered well postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: This is a rare condition of a benign
      soft tissue tumor of mammary gland presented primarily in the brain. The
      literature on myofibroblastomas arising in the central nervous system is
      reviewed.

PMID- 27659817
TI  - Volume determination of irregularly-shaped quasi-spherical nanoparticles.
AB  - Nanoparticles (NPs) are widely used in diverse application areas, such as
      medicine, engineering, and cosmetics. The size (or volume) of NPs is one of the
      most important parameters for their successful application. It is relatively
      straightforward to determine the volume of regular NPs such as spheres and cubes
      from a one-dimensional or two-dimensional measurement. However, due to the three
      dimensional nature of NPs, it is challenging to determine the proper physical
      size of many types of regularly and irregularly-shaped quasi-spherical NPs at
      high-throughput using a single tool. Here, we present a relatively simple method
      that determines a better volume estimate of NPs by combining measurements from
      their top-down projection areas and peak heights using two tools. The proposed
      method is significantly faster and more economical than the electron tomography
      method. We demonstrate the improved accuracy of the combined method over scanning
      electron microscopy (SEM) or atomic force microscopy (AFM) alone by using
      modeling, simulations, and measurements. This study also exposes the existence of
      inherent measurement biases for both SEM and AFM, which usually produce larger
      measured diameters with SEM than with AFM. However, in some cases SEM measured
      diameters appear to have less error compared to AFM measured diameters,
      especially for widely used IS-NPs such as of gold, and silver. The method
      provides a much needed, proper high-throughput volumetric measurement method
      useful for many applications. Graphical Abstract The combined method for volume
      determination of irregularly-shaped quasi-spherical nanoparticles.

PMID- 27659816
TI  - Development of monoclonal antibody-based sensitive ELISA for the determination of
      Cry1Ie protein in transgenic plant.
AB  - Cry1Ie is a kind of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxin protein which has a
      different action model than the Cry1Ab and Cry1Ac protein. The transgenic maize
      expressing Cry1Ie might be commercially used in the near future and it is urgent
      to develop a method to detect Cry1Ie protein in transgenic plants and their
      products. To develop an ELISA method, Cry1Ie protein was expressed in Escherichia
      coli strain Transetta DE3, purified with the Ni-NTA spin columns, and then
      validated by sequencing. Bioassay results showed that the purified Cry1Ie protein
      was highly toxic to the Asian corn borer. The polyclonal antibody (pAb) and the
      specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) 1G42D6 were generated from rabbit and mice
      which were immunized with Cry1Ie protein, respectively. Western blotting of crude
      Cry1Ie protein extracts was established by employing mAb 1G42D6, whereas the mAb
      1G42D6 negligibly recognized other Bt proteins. Sandwich ELISA against Cry1Ie
      protein was established by coating with pAb and detecting with mAb 1G42D6. The
      limit of detection (LOD), the limit of quantification (LOQ), and the
      quantification range of the assay in different matrices of maize plant were
      determined as 0.27-0.51, 0.29-0.78, and 0.45-15.71 ng/mL, respectively.
      Recoveries of Cry1Ie protein spiked in different maize tissues ranged from 75.1
      to 99.5 %. The established sandwich ELISA was verified using transgenic maize
      overexpressing Cry1Ie. The results in this study suggested that the established
      ELISA method is effective for detecting Cry1Ie protein in transgenic plants.

PMID- 27659818
TI  - Presidential address (ISPN 2015, Izmir).

PMID- 27659820
TI  - The relationship between transorbital ultrasound measurement of the optic nerve
      sheath diameter (ONSD) and invasively measured ICP in children. : Part II: age
      related ONSD cut-off values and patency of the anterior fontanelle.
AB  - PURPOSE: To analyse the diagnostic accuracy of age-related optic nerve sheath
      diameter (ONSD) cut-off values in children for detecting raised intracranial
      pressure (ICP) and to assess the benefit of using patency of the anterior
      fontanelle in describing a different set of cut-off values. METHODS: The ONSD
      measurement was performed prior to invasive ICP measurement in children under
      general anesthesia. The diagnostic accuracy of the ONSD measurement was compared
      to ICP at thresholds of 20, 15, 10, and 5 mmHg. This was further analysed in
      children above and below the age of 1 year, with a subgroup analysis of age at 4
      years, and assessment of the anterior fontanelle (AF) as a reliable physiological
      marker in part II of this study. RESULTS: Data from 174 children were analysed.
      In children <=1 year old, the ONSD measurement with the best diagnostic accuracy
      for detecting ICP >= 20 mmHg was 5.16 mm, compared to 5.75 mm in children >1 year
      old (p < 0.001). In addition, patency of the anterior fontanelle (AF) was found
      to be a useful clinical marker for defining different ONSD cut-off values at ICP
      thresholds of 20, 15, 10 and 5 mmHg. CONCLUSION: Transorbital ultrasound
      measurement of the ONSD is a reliable non-invasive marker of ICP particularly at
      higher thresholds of 20 and 15 mmHg. Patency of the AF is a useful clinical
      marker for defining different ONSD cut-off values in children.

PMID- 27659821
TI  - Hemispheric low-grade gliomas.

PMID- 27659819
TI  - The relationship between transorbital ultrasound measurement of the optic nerve
      sheath diameter (ONSD) and invasively measured ICP in children : Part I:
      repeatability, observer variability and general analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between optic
      nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) measurement and invasively measured intracranial
      pressure (ICP) in children. METHODS: ONSD measurement was performed prior to
      invasive measurement of ICP. The mean binocular ONSD measurement was compared to
      the ICP reading. Physiological variables including systolic blood pressure (SBP),
      diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), pulse rate,
      temperature, respiratory rate and end tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) level were
      recorded at the time of ONSD measurement. Diagnostic accuracy analysis was
      performed at various ICP thresholds and  repeatability, intra- and inter-observer
      variability, correlation between measurements in different imaging planes as well
      the relationship over the entire patient cohort were examined in part I of this
      study. RESULTS: Data from 174 patients were analysed. Repeatability and intra
      observer variability were excellent (alpha = 0.97-0.99). Testing for inter
      observer variability revealed good correlation (r = 0.89, p < 0.001). Imaging in
      the sagittal plane demonstrated a slightly better correlation with ICP (r = 0.66,
      p < 0.001). The ONSD measurement with the best diagnostic accuracy for detecting
      an ICP >= 20 mmHg over the entire patient cohort was 5.5 mm, sensitivity 93.2 %,
      specificity 74 % and odds ratio (OR) of 39.3. CONCLUSION: Transorbital ultrasound
      measurement of the OSND is a reliable and reproducible technique, demonstrating a
      good relationship with ICP and high diagnostic accuracy for detecting raised ICP.

PMID- 27659823
TI  - Cerebral hemispheric low-grade glial tumors in children: preoperative anatomic
      assessment with MRI and DTI.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aims of this study are to analyze how the nature and the behavior of
      low-grade glial tumors (LGGT) in children may correlate with the anatomy of the
      cerebral hemispheres and to evaluate the consequent impact of diffusion tensor
      imaging (DTI) techniques in the presurgical assessment. METHODS: This is a
      combined review of a series of 155 cases of LGGT and of the recent literature on
      the subject. RESULTS: The cases retrieved from our data bank were divided in
      central hemispheric tumors (basal ganglia and thalami) (36 cases), glioneuronal
      cortical-based tumors (49 cases), and glial tumors of the cerebral mantle (70
      cases). A close correlation was found in the thalamus between the primary
      location of the tumor (juxta-ventricular, inferior, lateral, bilateral) and its
      extension (ventricular lumen, midbrain and mesial temporal, globus pallidus,
      respectively) which may relate to the connectivity. Among the glioneuronal
      tumors, most gangliogliomas were located in the temporal lobe and especially in
      the mesial temporal structures. In addition, the morphologic feature of the
      ganglioglioma was different there from the neocortical areas. As a complementary
      approach, DTI data may assist in evaluating the structure and the extension of
      the LGGT, in addition to planning the surgical strategy. CONCLUSIONS: In the
      cerebral hemispheres like in the rest of the central nervous system, there is
      some degree of correlation between the anatomy and the nature, appearance, and
      behavior of the LGGT in children.

PMID- 27659822
TI  - An integrative molecular and genomic analysis of pediatric hemispheric low-grade
      gliomas: an update.
AB  - Hemispheric low-grade gliomas account for the second most common location in
      pediatric low-grade gliomas (PLGGs) after the cerebellum. The pathological
      spectrum includes gangliogliomas, dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors
      (DNETs), diffuse astrocytomas, pilocytic astrocytomas, and pleomorphic
      xanthoastrocytomas (PXAs), among others. Clinically, hemispheric PLGGs represent
      a well-recognized cause of intractable epilepsy in children and adolescents. With
      an excellent long-term outcome, surgery remains the cornerstone and patients with
      gross total resection typically do not need any further therapies. The recent
      literature about hemispheric PLGGs was reviewed to provide an up-to-date overview
      of the molecular and cell biology of these tumors. Hemispheric PLGGs can harbor
      multiple alterations involving BRAFV600E, FGFR, NTRK, MYB/MYBL1, IDH, and BRAF
      KIAA1549 fusions. However, the clinical significance of most of these alterations
      is still to be defined. The role of RAS/MAPK mutations and other alterations in
      hemispheric PLGGs is of interest from diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic
      perspectives. Molecular testing for these tumors should be encouraged, since the
      findings can have an important impact not only in prognosis but also in
      therapeutic strategies. 

PMID- 27659824
TI  - Advanced MR imaging in hemispheric low-grade gliomas before surgery; the
      indications and limits in the pediatric age.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques is an umbrella
      term that includes diffusion (DWI) and diffusion tensor (DTI), perfusion (PWI),
      spectroscopy (MRS), and functional (fMRI) imaging. These advanced modalities have
      improved the imaging of brain tumors and provided valuable additional information
      for treatment planning. Despite abundant literature on advanced MRI techniques in
      adult brain tumors, few reports exist for pediatric brain ones, potentially
      because of technical challenges. REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE: The authors review
      techniques and clinical applications of DWI, PWI, MRS, and fMRI, in the setting
      of pediatric hemispheric low-grade gliomas. PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: The authors
      propose their personal experience to highlight benefits and limits of advanced MR
      imaging in diagnosis, grading, and presurgical planning of pediatric hemispheric
      low-grade gliomas. DISCUSSION: Advanced techniques should be used as
      complementary tools to conventional MRI, and in theory, the combined use of the
      three techniques should ensure achieving the best results in the diagnosis of
      hemispheric low-grade glioma and in presurgical planning to maximize tumor
      resection and preserve brain function. FUTURE PERSPECTIVES: In the setting of
      pediatric neurooncology, these techniques can be used to distinguish low-grade
      from high-grade tumor. However, these methods have to be applied on a large scale
      to understand their real potential and clinical relapse, and further technical
      development is required to reduce the excessive scan times and other technical
      limitations.

PMID- 27659825
TI  - PET and SPECT studies in children with hemispheric low-grade gliomas.
AB  - Molecular imaging is playing an increasing role in the pretreatment evaluation of
      low-grade gliomas. While glucose positron emission tomography (PET) can be
      helpful to differentiate low-grade from high-grade tumors, PET imaging with amino
      acid radiotracers has several advantages, such as better differentiation between
      tumors and non-tumorous lesions, optimized biopsy targeting, and improved
      detection of tumor recurrence. This review provides a brief overview of single
      photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) studies followed by a more detailed
      review of the clinical applications of glucose and amino acid PET imaging in low
      grade hemispheric gliomas. We discuss key differences in the performance of the
      most commonly utilized PET radiotracers and highlight the advantage of PET/MRI
      fusion to obtain optimal information about tumor extent, heterogeneity, and
      metabolism. Recent data also suggest that simultaneous acquisition of PET/MR
      images and the combination of advanced MRI techniques with quantitative PET can
      further improve the pretreatment and post-treatment evaluation of pediatric brain
      tumors. 

PMID- 27659827
TI  - Glioneuronal tumors of cerebral hemisphere in children: correlation of surgical
      resection with seizure outcomes and tumor recurrences.
AB  - OBJECT: Glioneuronal tumors are common neoplasms among the cerebral hemisphere
      during childhood. They consist of several histological types, of which
      gangliogliomas (GGs) and dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors (DNTs) are most
      common and often present with seizures. A great majority of glioneuronal tumors
      are benign. However, there are conflict reports regarding postoperative tumor
      recurrence rates and seizure control. The authors analyzed and compared these
      tumors for their locations and histology and the tumor and seizure control
      following resection. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective analysis of
      patients with pediatric glioneuronal tumors in the cerebral hemisphere. All
      histology reports and neuroimaging are reviewed. Seizure group and non-seizure
      group were compared with their tumor types and locations. The extent of tumor
      resections were divided into gross total resection (GTR) and subtotal resection
      (STR). Postoperative tumor recurrence-free survival (RFS) and seizure-free
      survival for patients who had the initial surgery done at our institution were
      calculated using Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: There were 90 glioneuronal tumors
      including 58 GGs, 22 DNTs, 3 papillary glioneuronal tumor, 3 desmoplastic
      infantile gangliogliomas, 3 anaplastic GGs, and 1 central neurocytoma. Seventy
      one patients (seizure group) presented with seizures. The temporal lobe is the
      most common location, 50 % in this series. GTR was attained in 79 patients and
      STR in 11. All of the patients with GTR had lesionectomy, and only six of them
      had extended corticectomy or partial lobectomy. Postoperative seizure outcome
      showed that 64 (90 %) of seizure group had Engel's class I, but five patients
      subsequently developed recurrent seizures. Patients with DNTs had a higher
      seizure recurrence rate. Tumor RFS was 87 % at 5 years and 75.5 % at 10 years.
      There are no significant difference in tumor recurrences between GGs and DNTs (p
      = 0.876). Comparison between GRT (67) and STR (9) showed that in spite of the
      better 5-year tumor RFSs among GRT group (94 %) than STR group (66 %), the 10
      year RFSs showed no significant difference between GRT and STR groups (p =
      0.719). Recurrent seizures are often related to recurrent tumor. CONCLUSION:
      Lesionectomy alone often provides a high-rate seizure freedom. GGs and DNTs are
      benign tumor, but recurrences of GGs and DNTs are not uncommon. They may show
      late recurrences in spite of GTR. These patients need longer follow-up for 10
      years. Recurrent seizures are often related to a tumor recurrence.

PMID- 27659826
TI  - Supratentorial tumors typical of the infantile age: desmoplastic infantile
      ganglioglioma (DIG) and astrocytoma (DIA). A review.
AB  - OBJECT: Desmoplastic infantile gangliogliomas (DIGs) and desmoplastic infantile
      astrocytomas (DIAs) are tumors typical of the infantile age. A large size, with a
      mixed solid and cystic component, clinical presentation with progressing signs of
      increased intracranial pressure, a prominent benign desmoplastic structure at
      histological examination, and a favorable clinical course in the majority of
      cases are the prominent features of these tumors. The objective of the present
      paper was to review the pertinent literature on the topic together with our
      personal experience, with the aim of an updated review of the subject. RESULTS
      AND CONCLUSIONS: Only 28 papers are present in the literature devoted to DIGs and
      DIAs, most of them reporting on single cases or small series, with a total of 107
      patients aged from 5 days to 48 months with a slight male prevalence. Most of the
      reported cases refer to supratentorial and hemispheric locations, a few cases
      involving the hypothalamic region, the posterior fossa, and the spinal cord. The
      typical MRI appearance is of large mixed solid and cystic tumors with a
      spontaneous hyperintense T2 appearance of the solid part which also shows a
      strong contrast enhancement. Mixed ganglionic and astrocytic cells are
      identifiable in DIGs, whereas DIAs are typically featured by the exclusive
      presence of glial cells. In both cases, more primitive cells may be observed,
      which present a higher number of mitoses and these areas can mimic the features
      of malignant astrocytomas. Surgery represents the treatment of choice; however,
      radical removal has been reported as possible only in around 30 % of the cases:
      the low age of the patients together with their low weight and the large size of
      and the hyper-vascularized structure of the tumors represent the main factors
      limiting surgery. Pure observation is considered as first choice in children
      undergoing a partial/subtotal tumor resection, chemotherapic regimens being
      considered in cases of recurrences after a second look surgery. Long-term
      prognosis is favorable with mortality being related mostly to the rare midline
      (i.e., hypothalamic) locations, which beyond the functionally relevant site, tend
      to have an unusually more aggressive histological behavior.

PMID- 27659828
TI  - Intra-operative neurophysiological mapping and monitoring during brain tumour
      surgery in children: an update.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Over the past decade, the reluctance to operate in eloquent brain
      areas has been reconsidered in the light of the advent of new peri-operative
      functional neuroimaging techniques and new evidence from neuro-oncology. To
      maximise tumour resection while minimising morbidity should be the goal of brain
      surgery in children as much as it is in adults, and preservation of brain
      functions is critical in the light of the increased survival and the expectations
      in terms of quality of life. DISCUSSION: Intra-operative neurophysiology is the
      gold standard to localise and preserve brain functions during surgery and is
      increasingly used in paediatric neurosurgery. Yet, the developing nervous system
      has peculiar characteristics in terms of anatomical and physiological maturation,
      and some technical aspects need to be tailored for its use in children,
      especially in infants. This paper will review the most recent advances in the
      field of intra-operative neurophysiology (ION) techniques during brain surgery,
      focussing on those aspects that are relevant to the paediatric neurosurgery
      practice.

PMID- 27659830
TI  - Clinical considerations and surgical approaches for low-grade gliomas in deep
      hemispheric locations: insular lesions.
AB  - Insula and paralimbic region represent a common location for gliomas in
      adulthood. However, limbic and paralimbic tumors are rare in children. Reports of
      pediatric insular tumors are scarce in literature, and most of them are included
      in adult's series, so their management and outcome can be outlined only after
      extracting data from these reports. Due to their predominantly low grade, they
      usually have a benign course for some time, what make them ideal candidates for
      total resection. However, their intricate location and spread to key areas,
      including the temporal lobe, make them a surgical challenge. The transsylvian
      route, with or without resection of the frontal and/or temporal operculae, which
      requires exposure of part or all of the insula is commonly selected for insular
      tumor approaches. Intraoperative functional mapping is a standard procedure for
      resection of central region tumors in adults. In children and young individuals,
      awake craniotomy is not always possible and surgical planning usually relay on
      functional and anatomical preoperative studies. The main goal when approaching an
      insular tumor is to achieve the largest extent of resection to increase overall
      patient survival while preserving the functional status, minimizing postoperative
      morbidity and increasing the quality of life. The extent of resection seems to be
      correlated also with the control of associated (and usually intractable)
      epilepsy. 

PMID- 27659829
TI  - Awake surgery for hemispheric low-grade gliomas: oncological, functional and
      methodological differences between pediatric and adult populations.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Brain mapping through a direct cortical and subcortical electrical
      stimulation during an awake craniotomy has gained an increasing popularity as a
      powerful tool to prevent neurological deficit while increasing extent of
      resection of hemispheric diffuse low-grade gliomas in adults. However, few case
      reports or very limited series of awake surgery in children are currently
      available in the literature. METHODS: In this paper, we review the oncological
      and functional differences between pediatric and adult populations, and the
      methodological specificities that may limit the use of awake mapping in pediatric
      low-grade glioma surgery. RESULTS: This could be explained by the fact that
      pediatric low-grade gliomas have a different epidemiology and biologic behavior
      in comparison to adults, with pilocytic astrocytomas (WHO grade I glioma) as the
      most frequent histotype, and with WHO grade II gliomas less prone to anaplastic
      transformation than their adult counterparts. In addition, aside from the issue
      of poor collaboration of younger children under 10 years of age, some anatomical
      and functional peculiarities of children developing brain (cortical and
      subcortical myelination, maturation of neural networks and of specialized
      cortical areas) can influence direct electrical stimulation methodology and
      sensitivity, limiting its use in children. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, even though
      awake procedure with cortical and axonal stimulation mapping can be adapted in a
      specific subgroup of children with a diffuse glioma from the age of 10 years,
      only few pediatric patients are nonetheless candidates for awake brain surgery.

PMID- 27659832
TI  - Neurosurgical tools to extend tumor resection in hemispheric low-grade gliomas:
      conventional and contrast enhanced ultrasonography.
AB  - PURPOSE: Pediatric low-grade gliomas (LGGs) are the most frequent solid tumor in
      childhood. Based on an increasing number of literature reports, maximal safe
      resection is recommended as the first line of treatment whenever possible.
      However, distinguishing tumor tissue from the surrounding normal brain is often
      challenging with infiltrating neoplasms, even with the assistance of
      intraoperative, microscopic and conventional neuronavigation systems. Therefore,
      any technique that enhances the detection and visualization of LGGs
      intraoperatively is certainly desirable. METHODS: In this paper, we reviewed the
      role of intraoperative conventional ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound
      (CEUS) as a tool for extending tumor resection in LGGs. Moreover, our experience
      with this technology is reported and discussed. RESULTS: Both B-mode and CEUS are
      helpful in highlighting LGGs, detecting tumor margins and providing additional
      information such as vascularization, thus improving the safety of a more radical
      resection. CONCLUSIONS: Although the full potentialities of the method are yet to
      be explored, intraoperative ultrasound is a promising tool in oncologic surgery
      and LGG surgery.

PMID- 27659831
TI  - Clinical considerations and surgical approaches for low-grade gliomas in deep
      hemispheric locations: thalamic lesions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tumors with epicenter in the thalamus occur in about 4 % of pediatric
      brain tumors. The histological diagnosis is mainly gliomas. Among them, low-grade
      glioma (LGG) constituted of a significant entity of the tumors (Cuccia et al.,
      Childs Nerv Syst 13:514-521, 1997; Puget et al., J Neurosurg 106:354-362, 2007;
      Bernstein et al., J Neurosurg 61:649-656, 1984; Bilginer et al., Childs Nerv Syst
      30:1493-1498, 2014). Since Kelly's report in 1989, >90 % resection of thalamic
      tumors were achieved in reported series (Ozek and Ture, Childs Nerv Syst 18:450
      6, 2002; Villarejo et al., Childs Nerv Syst 10:111-114, 1994; Moshel et al.,
      Neurosurgery 61:66-75, 2007; Albright, J Neurosurg 100(5 Suppl Pediatrics): 468
      472, 2004; Kelly, Neurosurgery 25:185-195, 1989; Drake et al., Neurosurgery 29:
      27-33, 1991). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-nine cases of thalamic tumors in
      children were retrospectively reviewed. There were 25 cases of LGGs. We analyzed
      our experience and correlated it with reported series. RESULTS: Summing up of 4
      reported series and the present series, there were 267 cases of thalamic tumors
      in children. Among these tumors, 107 (40.1 %) were LGGs and 91 (34.1 %) were low
      grade astrocytomas (LGAs). In the present series, all of the 25 LGGs were LGAs
      that consisted of 11 pilocytic astrocytomas (PAs) and 14 diffuse astrocytomas
      (DAs). Six cases received biopsy sampling only. The remaining 19 cases received
      different degrees of surgical resection via several approaches. Radical (>90 %)
      resection was achieved better in PAs comparing with DAs. There was no operative
      mortality. Two patients had increased neurological deficits. In a mean follow-up
      period of 11.9 years, three patients died of tumor progression and one patient
      died of anaplastic change. The 5- and 10-year overall survival (OS) was 87.1 and
      87.1 %, respectively. CONCLUSION: Thalamic LGGs are mainly LGAs and are indolent.
      The rate of >90 % resection was relatively low in the present series. By applying
      contemporary diagnostic MRI studies, surgical facilities, and appropriate
      approaches in selective cases, we may try maximum neuroprotective radical (>90 %)
      resection.

PMID- 27659833
TI  - Neurosurgical tools to extend tumor resection in pediatric hemispheric low-grade
      gliomas: iMRI.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The treatment of low-grade gliomas (LGGs) in pediatric age is still
      controversial. However, most authors report longer life expectancy in case of
      completely removed cerebral gliomas. Intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging
      (iMRI) is increasingly utilized in the surgical management of intra-axial tumor
      in adults following the demonstration of its effectiveness. In this article, we
      analyze the management of LGG using iMRI focusing on its impact on resection rate
      and its limits in the pediatric population. METHODS: We performed review of the
      literature regarding the treatment of LGG using iMRI focusing on its impact on
      resection rate and its limits in the pediatric population. Some exemplary cases
      are also described. RESULTS: Intraoperative MRI allowed extension of tumor
      resection after the depiction of residual tumor at the intraoperative imaging
      control from 21 to 52 % of the cases in the published series. Moreover, the early
      reoperation rate was significantly lower when compared with the population
      treated without this tool (0 % vs 7-14 %). Some technical difficulties have been
      described in literature regarding the use of iMRI in the pediatric population
      especially for positioning due to the structure of the headrest coil designed for
      adult patients. CONCLUSION: The analysis of the literature and our own experience
      with iMRI in children indicates significant advantages in the resection of LGG
      offered by the technique. All these advantages are obtained without elongation of
      the surgical times or increased risk for complications, namely infection. The
      main limit for a wider diffusion of iMRI for the pediatric neurosurgical center
      is the cost required, for acquisition of the system, especially for high-field
      magnet, and the environmental and organizational changes necessary for its use.

PMID- 27659834
TI  - Epilepsy surgery for pediatric low-grade gliomas of the cerebral hemispheres:
      neurosurgical considerations and outcomes.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pediatric low-grade tumors are found in roughly 1-3 % of patients
      with childhood epilepsy; seizures associated with these tumors are often
      medically refractory and often present a significant morbidity, greater than the
      presence of the tumor itself. DISCUSSION: The unique morbidity of the seizures
      often requires an epilepsy surgical approach over a standard oncologic resection
      to achieve a reduction in morbidity for the child. Multiple quality-of-life
      studies have shown that unless a patient is seizure-free, they remain disabled
      throughout their life; the best way to achieve this in our patient population is
      with a multidisciplinary team approach with treatment goals focusing primarily on
      the epilepsy. CONCLUSION: In those patients treated with gross total resection,
      roughly 80 % will have an Engel class I outcome and 90 % will achieve some
      reduction in seizure frequency with a significant improvement in quality of life.

PMID- 27659835
TI  - Preoperative neurocognitive evaluation as a predictor of brain tumor grading in
      pediatric patients with supratentorial hemispheric tumors.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to retrospectively evaluate the
      relationship between tumor grading and a selective evaluation of neurocognitive
      and behavioral functions in children with supratentorial hemispheric brain
      tumors. METHODS: Children admitted with a diagnosis of supratentorial hemispheric
      tumors involving the cerebral hemispheres or the thalamus at the Pediatric
      Neurosurgery Unit of the Catholic University of Rome between January 2008 and
      January 2014 were considered for the present study. Exclusion criteria were
      represented by age less than 2 years, severe neurological deficits, seizures, and
      a metastatic disease. A selective neurocognitive and behavioral workout was used
      for children aged less and more than 5 years. RESULTS: Global cognitive functions
      as well as selective neurocognitive and behavioral profiles were found to be
      significantly worse in children with low-grade tumors, compared with those
      affected by higher-grades histotypes. Frontal locations for cortical tumors and
      thalamic lesions were significantly related with worse results, with a clear
      contribution of dominant vs. nondominant hemisphere involvement and an age higher
      than 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative global and selective neurocognitive
      evaluation might contribute to the prediction of the tumor aggressiveness. Due to
      a longer clinical history, more benign tumors more frequently arrive to the
      diagnosis with a neurocognitive compromise in spite of an apparently mild
      presence of neurological symptoms and signs.

PMID- 27659838
TI  - 44th Annual Meeting of International Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery, Kobe,
      Japan, Oct 23-27, 2016.

PMID- 27659836
TI  - Conventional chemotherapy and perspectives for molecular-based oncological
      treatment in pediatric hemispheric low-grade gliomas.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pediatric low-grade gliomas (PLGG) are the most common primary
      central nervous system tumor in children. Patients in whom gross total resection
      can be achieved have an excellent overall (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) and
      do not require adjuvant therapy. However, children with unresectable tumors often
      experience multiple progressions and require additional treatment. CONVENTIONAL
      CHEMOTHERAPY: Radiotherapy results in long-term tumor control, but it is
      associated with significant toxicity, making chemotherapy the preferred
      therapeutic option. Several chemotherapy combinations have been found to be
      successful in PLGG, but 5-year EFS has been below 60 % with most of them.
      MOLECULAR-BASED TREATMENT: Recent molecular advances have led to a better
      understanding of the molecular pathways involved in the biology of LGG, allowing
      the development of promising tumor-specific, molecularly targeted therapies.

PMID- 27659837
TI  - MRI-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy for the treatment of low-grade
      gliomas in children: a case-series review, description of the current
      technologies and perspectives.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pediatric low-grade gliomas (LGGs) account for approximately half of
      all pediatric central nervous system tumors. The low-grade gliomas' first line of
      treatment is gross total resection. However, when gross total resection is not
      possible, options for adjuvant therapy are limited. MRI-guided laser ablation
      (magnetic resonance-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (MRgLITT)) offers a
      new option for treatment in selected cases. We present a description of the
      current MRgLITT technology and an exemplary case-series review of our experience
      in its use in LGGs. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 19-month-old male was referred to the
      pediatric neurosurgery clinic with an incidental left temporal lesion discovered
      on a prenatal ultrasound. An MRI of the brain revealed a diffuse mesial temporal
      lesion. Electroencephalogram (EEG) showed generalized activity arising from the
      lesion. The patient underwent a navigation-guided biopsy then, two bolts were
      secured to the skull, and laser ablation was performed with intraoperative MR
      guidance. Pathology was consistent with ganglioglioma. Follow-up images 13 months
      after ablation showed a significant volumetric reduction in size of the tumor.
      DISCUSSION: It is important to achieve maximal resection of low-grade gliomas in
      children, lessening the need for adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy, while
      minimizing the length of hospital stay and disruption to the child's life. Of our
      nine LGGs patients treated with this technology, six had undergone previous
      surgery and MRgLITT proved itself to be a safe surgical treatment option to
      achieve further cytoreduction. While most of the cases are pilocytic
      astrocytomas, the location of the tumors was surgically challenging. Eight of the
      nine cases required a single trajectory-laser-while our case example requires two
      lasers. Only a case of a midbrain-thalamic tumor presented a post-ablation
      significant brain edema as perioperative complication [1]. Eight of the nine
      tumors did not require any coadjuvant therapy or further surgical treatment to
      date. CONCLUSION: MRIgLITT is a successful option for treatment for selected de
      novo or recurrent low-grade gliomas in children. It can be combined with other
      therapies offering the advantages of a minimally invasive procedure. LITT may be
      added to the current pediatric neuro-oncology protocols, but larger prospective
      series are needed to show the effectiveness of LITT and to standardize
      indications and protocols.

PMID- 27659839
TI  - Detection of clonal heterogeneity and targetable mutations in myeloid sarcoma by
      high-throughput sequencing.

PMID- 27659840
TI  - The effects of cognitive and behavioural therapies for anxiety disorders on
      depression: a meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The effects of cognitive behavioural therapy of anxiety disorders on
      depression has been examined in previous meta-analyses, suggesting that these
      treatments have considerable effects on depression. In the current meta-analysis
      we examined whether the effects of treatments of anxiety disorders on depression
      differ across generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD)
      and panic disorder (PD). We also compared the effects of these treatments with
      the effects of cognitive and behavioural therapies of major depression (MDD).
      METHOD: We searched PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE and the Cochrane database, and
      included 47 trials on anxiety disorders and 34 trials on MDD. RESULTS: Baseline
      depression severity was somewhat lower in anxiety disorders than in MDD, but
      still mild to moderate in most studies. Baseline severity differed across the
      three anxiety disorders. The effect sizes found for treatment of the anxiety
      disorders ranged from g = 0.47 for PD, g = 0.68 for GAD and g = 0.69 for SAD.
      Differences between these effect sizes and those found in the treatment of MDD (g
      = 0.81) were not significant in most analyses and we found few indications that
      the effects differed across anxiety disorders. We did find that within-group
      effect sizes resulted in significantly (p < 0.001) larger effect sizes for
      depression (g = 1.50) than anxiety disorders (g = 0.73-0.91). Risk of bias was
      considerable in the majority of studies. CONCLUSIONS: Patients participating in
      trials of cognitive behavioural therapy for anxiety disorders have high levels of
      depression. These treatments have considerable effects on depression, and these
      effects are comparable to those of treatment of primary MDD.

PMID- 27659841
TI  - Neuroprogression and illness trajectories in bipolar disorder.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The longitudinal course of bipolar disorder is highly variable, and
      a subset of patients seems to present a progressive course associated with brain
      changes and functional impairment. Areas covered: We discuss the theory of
      neuroprogression in bipolar disorder. This concept considers the systemic stress
      response that occurs within mood episodes and late-stage deficits in functioning
      and cognition as well as neuroanatomic changes. We also discuss treatment
      refractoriness that may take place in some cases of bipolar disorder. We searched
      PubMed for articles published in any language up to June 4th, 2016. We found 315
      abstracts and included 87 studies in our review. Expert commentary: We are of the
      opinion that the use of specific pharmacological strategies and functional
      remediation may be potentially useful in bipolar patients at late-stages. New
      analytic approaches using multimodal data hold the potential to help in
      identifying signatures of subgroups of patients who will develop a
      neuroprogressive course.

PMID- 27659842
TI  - Characterization of Lr75: a partial, broad-spectrum leaf rust resistance gene in
      wheat.
AB  - KEY MESSAGE: Here, we describe a strategy to improve broad-spectrum leaf rust
      resistance by marker-assisted combination of two partial resistance genes. One of
      them represents a novel partial adult plant resistance gene, named Lr75. Leaf
      rust caused by the fungal pathogen Puccinia triticina is a damaging disease of
      wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The combination of several, additively-acting
      partial disease resistance genes has been proposed as a suitable strategy to
      breed wheat cultivars with high levels of durable field resistance. The Swiss
      winter wheat cultivar 'Forno' continues to show near-immunity to leaf rust since
      its release in the 1980s. This resistance is conferred by the presence of at
      least six quantitative trait loci (QTL), one of which is associated with the
      morphological trait leaf tip necrosis. Here, we used a marker-informed strategy
      to introgress two 'Forno' QTLs into the leaf rust-susceptible Swiss winter wheat
      cultivar 'Arina'. The resulting backcross line 'ArinaLrFor' showed markedly
      increased leaf rust resistance in multiple locations over several years. One of
      the introgressed QTLs, QLr.sfr-1BS, is located on chromosome 1BS. We developed
      chromosome 1B-specific microsatellite markers by exploiting the Illumina survey
      sequences of wheat cv. 'Chinese Spring' and mapped QLr.sfr-1BS to a 4.3 cM
      interval flanked by the SSR markers gwm604 and swm271. QLr.sfr-1BS does not share
      a genetic location with any of the described leaf rust resistance genes present
      on chromosome 1B. Therefore, QLr.sfr-1BS is novel and was designated as Lr75. We
      conclude that marker-assisted combination of partial resistance genes is a
      feasible strategy to increase broad-spectrum leaf rust resistance. The
      identification of Lr75 adds a novel and highly useful gene to the small set of
      known partial, adult plant leaf rust resistance genes.

PMID- 27659844
TI  - Role, timing and technique of radiotherapy in pediatric pleuropulmonary synovial
      sarcoma.
AB  - The management of pediatric thoracic synovial sarcoma remains a matter of debate
      in clinical oncology, especially as regard to the local control of the disease.
      Surgery remains the gold standard, while the role and timing of radiotherapy is
      still controversial. We report a 14-year-old male, who has not received proper
      treatment at the time of diagnosis and initial management. Intensity-modulated
      irradiation was performed only at relapse, as a salvage treatment and, at 10
      month follow-up, the young patient was free from relapse, without significant
      acute and subacute toxicity. We discuss the role and timing of radiotherapy in
      thoracic synovial sarcoma, a disease in which the need to increase local control
      should be placed in the foreground.

PMID- 27659843
TI  - Development of an integrated linkage map of einkorn wheat and its application for
      QTL mapping and genome sequence anchoring.
AB  - KEY MESSAGE: An integrated genetic map was constructed for einkorn wheat A genome
      and provided valuable information for QTL mapping and genome sequence anchoring.
      Wheat is one of the most widely grown food grain crops in the world. The
      construction of a genetic map is a key step to organize biologically or
      agronomically important traits along the chromosomes. In the present study, an
      integrated linkage map of einkorn wheat was developed using 109 recombinant
      inbred lines (RILs) derived from an inter sub-specific cross, KT1-1 (T.
      monococcum ssp. boeoticum) * KT3-5 (T. monococcum ssp. monococcum). The map
      contains 926 molecular markers assigned to seven linkage groups, and covers 1,377
      cM with an average marker interval of 1.5 cM. A quantitative trait locus (QTL)
      analysis of five agronomic traits identified 16 stable QTL on all seven
      chromosomes, except 6A. The total phenotypic variance explained by these stable
      QTL using multiple regressions varied across environments from 8.8 to 87.1 % for
      days to heading, 24.4-63.0 % for spike length, 48.2-79.6 % for spikelet number
      per spike, 13.1-48.1 % for plant architecture, and 12.2-26.5 % for plant height,
      revealing that much of the RIL phenotypic variation had been genetically
      dissected. Co-localizations of closely linked QTL for different traits were
      frequently observed, especially on 3A and 7A. The QTL on 3A, 5A and 7A were
      closely associated with Eps-A m 3, Vrn1 and Vrn3 loci, respectively. Furthermore,
      this genetic map facilitated the anchoring of 237 T. urartu scaffolds onto seven
      chromosomes with a physical length of 26.15 Mb. This map and the QTL data provide
      valuable genetic information to dissect important agronomic and developmental
      traits in diploid wheat and contribute to the genetic ordering of the genome
      assembly.

PMID- 27659846
TI  - 15th Annual Meeting of the Safety Pharmacology Society: Focus on traditional
      sensory systems.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This report summarizes and comments key talks on the five
      traditional senses (ear, vestibular system, vision, taste, olfaction, and touch)
      which were delivered during the 2015 Annual Meeting of the Safety Pharmacology
      (SP) Society. AREAS COVERED: The functional observational battery (FOB) can
      detect major candidate drug liabilities only on ear, touch and vision. Anatomy,
      physiology, pharmacology, and pathology notions on each sensory system introduce
      speaker talks. Techniques for evaluating drug effects on hearing functions are
      reviewed. Nonclinical approaches to assess vestibular toxicity leading to balance
      deficits are presented. Retinal explants studied with multielectrode arrays allow
      the identification of drug liability sites on the retina. Routinely performed
      Safety Pharmacology assays are not powered to address candidate drug-induced
      disturbances on taste and smell. This weakness needs correction since unintended
      pharmacological impairment of these sensorial functions may have serious health
      consequences. Neuropathy produced by chemotherapeutic agents may cause multiple
      sensorial perception distortions. CONCLUSIONS: Safety Pharmacology studies should
      ensure the safety of any candidate drug on the five sensorial systems.

PMID- 27659845
TI  - Acute and subacute toxicity of an ethanolic extract of Melandrii Herba in Crl:CD
      sprague dawley rats and cytotoxicity of the extract in vitro.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Melandrii Herba, a medicinal plant, has been used in Korea for
      treatment of bacterial and fungal infection. However, the safety and toxicity of
      Melandrii Herba have not yet been established. Therefore, we investigated the
      acute and subacute toxicity of an ethanolic extract of Melandrii Herba (MHEE) in
      Crl:CD Sprague Dawley rats and cytotoxicity of MHEE in vitro. METHODS: To study
      acute toxicity, rats were treated with MHEE at single doses of 0, 500, 1000, and
      2000 mg/kg administered by oral gavage, and body weight, clinical signs, and
      mortality were observed after dosing. To study subacute toxicity, rats were
      treated with MHEE at doses of 0, 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg administered once a
      day by gavage for 4 weeks. We measured clinical signs, mortality, gross
      pathological findings, body and organ weights, food consumption, serum
      biochemistry, and conducted hematology and urinalysis. The cytotoxicity of MHEE
      was assayed by measuring the viability of prostate cell lines including normal
      prostate stromal WPMY-1, normal prostate epithelial RWPE-1, and benign prostatic
      hyperplasia epithelial BPH-1 cells at various concentrations of MHEE in vitro.
      RESULTS: Single oral doses of MHEE caused no significant difference in rat
      clinical signs, mortality, or body weight. The lethal dose of MHEE was considered
      to be >2000 mg/kg. Daily oral doses of MHEE for 4 weeks did not result in any
      significant changes in rat mortality, gross pathological findings, relative organ
      weights, food consumption, hematology, serum biochemistry, or urinalysis. At MHEE
      >1000 mg/kg/day, salivation was increased in both male and female rats. However,
      the salivation caused by the MHEE treatment was not accompanied by pathological
      changes in body weight or gross pathological findings, and we considered the
      salivation as a minor symptom. Therefore, no adverse effects were seen at 2000
      mg/kg/day or less. MHEE showed no cytotoxic effects on either normal prostate or
      benign prostatic hyperplasia cell lines. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of MHEE in
      Crl:CD Spradgue Dawley rats is nontoxic and is safe for at least a month.

PMID- 27659847
TI  - Bordetella bronchiseptica antigen enhances the production of Mycoplasma
      hyopneumoniae antigen-specific immunoglobulin G in mice.
AB  - We previously demonstrated that Bordetella (B.) bronchiseptica antigen (Ag)
      showed high immunostimulatory effects on mouse bone marrow cells (BMs) while
      Mycoplasma (M.) hyopneumoniae Ag showed low effects. The focus of this study was
      to determine if B. bronchiseptica Ag can enhance the M. hyopneumoniae Ag-specific
      immune response and whether the host's immune system can recognize both Ags. MTT
      assay results revealed that each or both Ags did not significantly change BM
      metabolic activity. Flow cytometry analysis using carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl
      ester showed that B. bronchiseptica Ag can promote the division of BMs. In
      cytokine and nitric oxide (NO) assays, B. bronchiseptica Ag boosted production of
      tumor necrosis factor-alpha in M. hyopneumoniae Ag-treated BMs, and combined
      treatment with both Ags elevated the level of NO in BMs compared to that from
      treatment of M. hyopneumoniae Ag alone. Immunoglobulin (Ig)G enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay using the sera of Ag-injected mice clearly indicated that B.
      bronchiseptica Ag can increase the production of M. hyopneumoniae Ag-specific
      IgG. This study provided information valuable in the development of M.
      hyopneumoniae vaccines and showed that B. bronchiseptica Ag can be used both as a
      vaccine adjuvant and as a vaccine Ag.

PMID- 27659848
TI  - Radiological assessment of the PRF/BMSC efficacy in the treatment of aseptic
      nonunions: A retrospective study on 90 subjects.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nonunion is a major orthopaedic concern because of treatment
      difficulty, high costs and devastating effects on the patients' life quality.
      Therefore, there is interest in the use of bone substitutes and cell-based
      strategies to augment fracture repair. We aimed to verify if Platelet Rich Fibrin
      (PRF) added with bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) was able to improve the
      reparative process in the aseptic nonunion, and to establish whether it was
      worthwhile with atrophic nonunion. The primary outcome was radiological union. As
      secondary endpoint, the healing time was assessed, and the radiological
      consolidation grade at each follow-up. METHODS: We identified 113 subjects with
      tibia or femur nonunion and retrospectively created two groups. Group A was
      constituted by 56 subjects who underwent the standard procedure, i.e. Judet
      decortication with/out internal fixation devices, and opposite cortical
      homoplastic stick. In 57 patients, the standard procedure was modified by adding
      PRF and BMSC carried by homologous lyophilised bone chips (group B). The same
      surgeon performed all the operations. To our knowledge, no data are reported in
      the literature about such application. Since a "gold standard" for healing
      quantification does not exist, a new scoring radiological system was applied, at
      1.5, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after treatment. RESULTS: At the final 24-month
      follow-up, the radiological union percentage was 94,12 in group B and 95,12% in
      group A. A decreased healing time was demonstrated in the presence of PRF/BMSC in
      comparison with the standard procedure. When we compared the radiological scores
      at each follow-up, we found that the PRF/BMSC combination significantly improved
      the consolidation grade at 1.5-, 3- and 6-month follow-up in femurs and at 1.5
      month follow-up in tibiae. Furthermore, an improved consolidation grade was
      demonstrated in the atrophic subjects treated with adjuvants compared to atrophic
      patients treated with the standard procedure at 1.5-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS:
      This study supports the concept that the use of PRF/BMSC, during the standard
      procedure, is effective in shortening nonunion healing time. It could allow an
      early mobilization of patients, minimizing suffering, and could be an effective
      tool to reduce the health-care costs resulting from this issue. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: Therapeutic level III.

PMID- 27659849
TI  - Factors associated with pain intensity and physical limitations after lateral
      ankle sprains.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Swelling, tenderness, and ecchymosis don't correlate with time to
      functional recovery in patients with a lateral ankle sprain. It is established
      that psychosocial factors such as symptoms of depression and low pain self
      efficacy correlate with pain intensity and magnitude of limitations in patients
      with musculoskeletal disorders. OBJECTIVE: We studied the correlation between
      pain self-efficacy or symptoms of depression and (1) ankle specific limitations
      and (2) pain intensity in patients with a lateral ankle sprain. Further we
      explored the correlation between estimation of sprain severity (grade) and (3)
      pain intensity or magnitude of ankle specific limitations. DESIGN: Eighty-four
      patients with a lateral ankle sprain prospectively completed the Pain Self
      Efficacy Questionnaire, the Olerud Molander Ankle Score, Ordinal scale of Pain
      and the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 at enrollment and the Olerud Molander
      Ankle Score and the Ordinal scale of Pain three weeks after the injury. Factors
      associated with higher ankle specific limitations and symptoms were investigated
      in bivariable and multivariable analysis. RESULTS: When accounting for
      confounding factors, greater self-efficacy (p=0.01) and older age (p<0.01) were
      significantly associated with greater ankle specific symptoms and limitations
      three weeks after the injury and explained 22% of the variability in ankle
      specific limitations and symptoms. There was no correlation between the grade of
      the sprain and pain intensity or ankle specific limitations or symptoms.
      CONCLUSIONS: Psychosocial factors (adaptiveness in response to pain in
      particular) explain more of the variation in symptoms and limitations after ankle
      sprain than the degree of pathophysiology. The influence of adaptive illness
      descriptions and recovery strategies based on methods for improving self-efficacy
      (i.e. cognitive behavioral therapy) might enhance and speed recovery from ankle
      injuries and merit additional investigation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2
      prospective cohort study.

PMID- 27659850
TI  - A biomechanical study of proximal tibia bone grafting through the lateral
      approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Autologous bone graft remains the gold standard source of bone graft.
      Iliac crest has traditionally been the most popular source for autologous bone
      graft. However, iliac crest bone graft harvesting is associated with high donor
      site morbidity. Bone graft harvesting from the proximal tibia has shown great
      potential with reported low complication rates. However, there is a paucity of
      biomechanical studies concerning the safety as well as yield of proximal bone
      graft harvesting. PURPOSE: This biomechanical study was designed to investigate
      (1) the stability of the harvested proximal tibial during physiological loading,
      and (2) the maximum size of the cortical window that can be safely created and
      (3) volume of accessible bone graft. METHODS: Bone grafts were harvested from
      eleven cadaveric tibiae using a circular cortical window along the lateral
      proximal tibia. These harvested proximal tibiae were then loaded under
      physiological conditions (mean 2320N, range 1650-3120N) using a customized test
      fixture. Strain rosettes were mounted at 7 locations in the harvested proximal
      tibia to record the changes in strain at the harvested proximal tibia. The change
      in strain with increasing cortical window size (10-25mm diameter) was also
      studied. Bone principal strains as well as volume of bone harvested were
      recorded. RESULTS: A repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyze the change in
      bone strains with the cortical window size. Statistically significant (p<0.05)
      increases in bone strains at the anterior and medial aspects of the tibia were
      observed with increasing size of osteotomies (-328.85MUepsilon, SD=232.21 to 
      964.78MUepsilon, SD=535.89 and 361.64MUepsilon, SD=229.90 to -486.08MUepsilon,
      SD=270.40 respectively), and marginally significant changes in strain at the
      lateral and posterior aspects. None of the tibiae failed under normal walking
      loads even with increasing osteotomies size of 10-25 mm diameter. A smaller
      osteotomy of 10mm diameter yielded an average volume of 7.15ml of compressed bone
      graft, while a larger osteotomy of 25mm diameter yielded on average an additional
      3.64ml of bone graft. Bone grafting of the proximal tibia through the lateral
      approach with a circular osteotomy is a feasible option even with osteotomies of
      25mm diameter. Even though increased bone strains were observed, the strains did
      not exceed the yield strain of cortical bone when loaded under normal walking
      conditions. The quantity of bone harvested from the proximal tibia is comparable
      to that harvested from the iliac crest. CONCLUSIONS: This biomechanical study
      demonstrated the stability of the harvested proximal tibia under conditions of
      full weight bearing ambulation. It has also refined the technique of proximal
      bone graft harvesting by determining the maximum size of the cortical window. The
      findings of this study add to the overall understanding of proximal tibial bone
      graft harvesting, providing objective data regarding stability as well as yield.
      This information would be useful during selection of source of autologous bone
      graft.

PMID- 27659851
TI  - Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery Vascular Hyperintensity Topography, Novel
      Imaging Marker for Revascularization in Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In acute arterial occlusion, fluid-attenuated inversion
      recovery vascular hyperintensity (FVH) has been linked to slow flow in
      leptomeningeal collaterals and cerebral hypoperfusion, but the impact on clinical
      outcome is still controversial. In this study, we aimed to investigate the
      association between FVH topography or FVH-Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score
      (ASPECTS) pattern and outcome in acute M1-middle cerebral artery occlusion
      patients with endovascular treatment. METHODS: We included acute M1-middle
      cerebral artery occlusion patients treated with endovascular therapy (ET). All
      patients had diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and fluid-attenuated inversion
      recovery before ET. Distal FVH-ASPECTS was evaluated according to distal middle
      cerebral artery-ASPECT area (M1-M6) and acute DWI lesion was also reviewed. The
      presence of FVH inside and outside DWI-positive lesions was separately analyzed.
      Clinical outcome after ET was analyzed with respect to different distal FVH
      ASPECTS topography. RESULTS: Among 101 patients who met inclusion criteria for
      the study, mean age was 66.2+/-17.8 years and median National Institutes of
      Health Stroke Scale was 17.0 (interquartile range, 12.0-21.0). FVH-ASPECTS
      measured outside of the DWI lesion was significantly higher in patients with good
      outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score of 0-2; 8.0 versus 4.0, P<0.001).
      Logistic regression demonstrated that FVH-ASPECTS outside of the DWI lesion was
      independently associated with clinical outcome of these patients (odds ratio,
      1.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-1.68; P=0.013). FVH-ASPECTS inside the DWI
      lesion was associated with hemorrhagic transformation (odds ratio, 1.3; 95%
      confidence interval, 1.04-1.51; P=0.019). CONCLUSIONS: Higher FVH-ASPECTS
      measured outside the DWI lesion is associated with good clinical outcomes in
      patients undergoing ET. FVH-ASPECTS measured inside the DWI lesion was predictive
      of hemorrhagic transformation. The FVH pattern, not number, can serve as an
      imaging selection marker for ET in acute middle cerebral artery occlusion.

PMID- 27659852
TI  - Nursing's Role in Successful Transitions Across Settings.

PMID- 27659853
TI  - Long-Term Clinical Impact of Vascular Brain Lesions on Magnetic Resonance Imaging
      in Older Adults in the Population.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: White matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume and covert brain
      infarcts are highly prevalent in older adults and are often asymptomatic. We
      compared the impact of WMH volume and brain infarcts on risk of clinical stroke
      and dementia in older adults in the population. METHODS: Participants were 1677
      individuals aged >=65 years from the 3-City Dijon study, who were free of stroke
      and dementia at baseline, followed-up for <=12 years. RESULTS: Both lesion types
      were comparably associated with an increased risk of stroke (adjusted hazard
      ratio, 1.72; 95% confidence interval, 1.24-2.40 for WMH volume and hazard ratio,
      2.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.18-3.93 for brain infarcts), but only WMH volume
      was associated with an increased risk of dementia (hazard ratio, 1.41; 95%
      confidence interval, 1.09-1.83). CONCLUSIONS: The differential impact of WMH and
      brain infarcts on clinical stroke and dementia suggests relatively different
      prognostic value of the 2 lesions. WMHs may represent a particularly pertinent
      magnetic resonance imaging intermediate marker that can be utilized in optimizing
      prevention strategies for both stroke and dementia in primary care and in trials.

PMID- 27659854
TI  - Impact of Membrane Drug Transporters on Resistance to Small-Molecule Tyrosine
      Kinase Inhibitors.
AB  - Small-molecule inhibitors of tyrosine kinases (TKIs) are the mainstay of
      treatment for many malignancies and represent novel treatment options for other
      diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Twenty-five TKIs are currently
      FDA-approved and >130 are being evaluated in clinical trials. Increasing evidence
      suggests that drug exposure of TKIs may significantly contribute to drug
      resistance, independently from somatic variation of TKI target genes. Membrane
      transport proteins may limit the amount of TKI reaching the target cells. This
      review highlights current knowledge on the basic and clinical pharmacology of
      membrane transporters involved in TKI disposition and their contribution to drug
      efficacy and adverse drug effects. In addition to non-genetic and epigenetic
      factors, genetic variants, particularly rare ones, in transporter genes are
      promising novel factors to explain interindividual variability in the response to
      TKI therapy.

PMID- 27659855
TI  - Invalidation of Atorvastatin Patent Highlights Complex Chinese Patent Law.
AB  - Pfizer's atorvastatin (Lipitor) is a blockbuster drug for the treatment of
      cardiovascular diseases. In China, a critical polymorph patent of this drug has
      been recently invalidated by the Supreme People's Court for insufficiency of
      disclosure. Here, we discuss the particularities in patent litigation in China
      worth attention from the community.

PMID- 27659856
TI  - New Treatments for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Cardiovascular Disease. The
      Revolution Has Begun.

PMID- 27659857
TI  - Recurrent Pericarditis as the Presenting Form of Adult Still's Disease.

PMID- 27659858
TI  - Acute Clinical Presentation of Pseudoaneurysm and Aortopulmonary Fistula as a
      Very Late Complication of Aortic Coarctation Patch Repair.

PMID- 27659859
TI  - Epidemiology of primary rubella infection in the Central African Republic: data
      from measles surveillance, 2007-2014.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although rubella is generally considered a benign childhood disease,
      infection of a pregnant woman can cause foetal congenital rubella syndrome, which
      results in embryo-foetal disease and malformations. The syndrome is still a
      public health problem in developing countries where the vaccine has not yet been
      introduced, such as the Central African Republic (CAR). The aim of the study
      reported here was to define the epidemiology of primary rubella infection, in
      order to determine its effect on morbidity rates in the country. METHODS: Data
      derived from epidemiological surveillance of measles and rubella were analysed
      retrospectively between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2014. The database
      includes cases of suspected measles, according to the WHO clinical case
      definition. In this algorithm, samples that are negative or doubtful by ELISA for
      measles (presence of immunoglobulin M) are tested in another ELISA for detection
      of rubella-specific IgM. Descriptive analyses were conducted for socio
      demographic characteristics, including age, sex and health region, for patients
      tested for rubella. RESULTS: Of the sera tested for rubella, 30.2 % (425/1409)
      were positive, 62.3 % (878/1409) were negative, and 7.5 % (106/1409) were
      doubtful. Among the 425 positive cases, 213 (50.1 %) were female and 212 (40.9 %)
      were male with a sex ratio of 1.03. The mean age was 8 years (range, 6-37 years).
      The highest prevalence (47.3 %; 116/425) was seen in 2007 and the lowest (8.9 %;
      11/425) in 2012. Primary infections were always more frequent during the first 3
      months of the year, with a peak at the same time, between January and February
      which is the hottest period of the year in the CAR. In both sexes, rubella IgM
      was rarely found before the age of 1 year (0.5 %; 2/425). The highest rate (43.5
      %; 185/425) was observed at ages 5-9 years; however, at least 8 % (18/213) of
      girls aged 15 or more had primary infections. CONCLUSIONS: Sentinel sites for
      surveillance of congenital rubella syndrome are urgently needed, and introduction
      of vaccination against rubella in the Expanded Programme of Immunization should
      be considered, to ensure immunization of girls of reproductive age.

PMID- 27659860
TI  - Alginate nanoparticles protect ferrous from oxidation: Potential iron delivery
      system.
AB  - A novel, efficient delivery system for iron (Fe2+) was developed using the
      alginate biopolymer. Iron loaded alginate nanoparticles were synthesized by a
      controlled ionic gelation method and was characterized with respect to particle
      size, zeta potential, morphology and encapsulation efficiency. Successful loading
      was confirmed with Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy and Thermogravimetric
      Analysis. Electron energy loss spectroscopy study corroborated the loading of
      ferrous into the alginate nanoparticles. Iron encapsulation (70%) was optimized
      at 0.06% Fe (w/v) leading to the formation of iron loaded alginate nanoparticles
      with a size range of 15-30nm and with a negative zeta potential (-38mV). The in
      vitro release studies showed a prolonged release profile for 96h. Release of iron
      was around 65-70% at pH of 6 and 7.4 whereas it was less than 20% at pH 2.The
      initial burst release upto 8h followed zero order kinetics at all three pH
      values. All the release profiles beyond 8h best fitted the Korsmeyer-Peppas model
      of diffusion. Non Fickian diffusion was observed at pH 6 and 7.4 while at pH 2
      Fickian diffusion was observed.

PMID- 27659861
TI  - Cytotoxic and cytostatic side effects of chitosan nanoparticles as a non-viral
      gene carrier.
AB  - Although chitosan nanoparticles (CNs) became a promising tool for several
      biological and medical applications owing to their inherent biocompatibility and
      biodegradability features, studies regarding their effects on cytotoxic and
      cytostatic properties still remain insufficient. Therefore, in the present study,
      we decided to perform comprehensive analysis of the interactions between CNs
      pKindling-Red-Mito (pDNA) and different cell line models derived from blood
      system and human solid tissues cancers. The resulting CNs-pDNA was investigated
      in terms of their cellular uptake, transfection efficiency, and physico-chemical,
      cytotoxic and cytostatic properties. The nanoparticles showed high encapsulation
      efficiency and physical stability for various formulations even after two days
      time period. Moreover, high gene expression levels were observed after 96h of
      transfection. CNs-pDNA treatment, despite the absence of oxidative stress
      induction, caused cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase and as a consequence led to
      premature senescence which turned out to be both p21-dependent and p21
      independent. Also, observed DNMT2 upregulation may suggest the activation of
      different pathways protecting from the results of CNs-mediated stress. In
      conclusion, treatment of different cell lines with CNs-pDNA showed that their
      biocompatibility was limited and the effects were cell type-dependent.

PMID- 27659862
TI  - Lipid core peptide/poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) as a highly potent intranasal
      vaccine delivery system against Group A streptococcus.
AB  - Rheumatic heart disease represents a leading cause of mortality caused by Group A
      Streptococcus (GAS) infections transmitted through the respiratory route.
      Although GAS infections can be treated with antibiotics these are often
      inadequate. An efficacious GAS vaccine holds more promise, with intranasal
      vaccination especially attractive, as it mimics the natural route of infections
      and should be able to induce mucosal IgA and systemic IgG immunity. Nanoparticles
      were prepared by either encapsulating or coating lipopeptide-based vaccine
      candidate (LCP-1) on the surface of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). In
      vitro study showed that encapsulation of LCP-1 vaccine into nanoparticles
      improved uptake and maturations of antigen-presenting cells. The immunogenicity
      of lipopeptide incorporated PLGA-based nanoparticles was compared with peptides
      co-administered with mucosal adjuvant cholera toxin B in mice upon intranasal
      administration. Higher levels of J14-specific salivary mucosal IgA and systemic
      antibody IgG titres were observed for groups immunized with encapsulated LCP-1
      compared to LCP-1 coated nanoparticles or free LCP-1. Systemic antibodies
      obtained from LCP-1 encapsulated PLGA NPs inhibited the growth of bacteria in six
      different GAS strains. Our results show that PLGA-based lipopeptide delivery is a
      promising approach for rational design of a simple, effective and patient
      friendly intranasal GAS vaccine resulting in mucosal IgA response.

PMID- 27659863
TI  - Biophysical evaluation of hybrid Fc fusion protein of hGH to achieve basal buffer
      system.
AB  - A newly developed hybrid Fc (hyFc) is a non-immunogenic and non-cytolytic Fc with
      intact Ig structure derived from human IgD and IgG4. It is fused with the human
      growth hormone (GXD-9) and was evaluated by various biophysical techniques. Two
      thermal transitions were evident by DSC, reflecting the unfolding of IgG4 and the
      conjugated protein. The highest Tm of the initial GXD-9 was 68.17 degrees C and
      the Tm of the two domains were around 66 degrees C and 70 degrees C. Although Tm
      increased with decreasing concentration, which reflects increasing conformational
      stability, aggregation issues were still observed by DLS. This might be caused by
      decreasing or low zeta potential due to a highly complex structure. The protein
      was dialyzed to various pH (6.2-8.2) values to enhance conformational stability
      and to overcome aggregation issues. The results of CD spectroscopy were
      correlated with DSC measurements to evaluate its conformational stability.
      Changes in secondary structural contents were similar as determined by DSC and
      DLS. In conclusion, GXD-9 was found to be most stable at pH 7.0. The
      investigation of the biophysical stability of a hyFc-fusion protein has
      demonstrated a positive feasibility of developing more stable formulations to
      facilitate the initial drug development process for further clinical trials.

PMID- 27659864
TI  - Shortage of healthcare professionals in China.

PMID- 27659865
TI  - Preeclampsia; short and long-term consequences for mother and neonate.
AB  - Preeclampsia is a common pregnancy specific disease, that presents with
      hypertension and a variety of organ failures, including malfunction of kidneys,
      liver and lungs. At present, the only definitive treatment of preeclampsia is end
      the pregnancy and deliver the neonate and placenta. For women with mild
      preeclampsia in the preterm phase of pregnancy, expectant management is generally
      indicated to improve fetal maturity, often requiring maternal medical treatment.
      Last decades, more evidence is available that the underlying mechanism of
      preeclampsia, endothelial disease, is not limited to pregnancy but increases
      cardiovascular risk in later life. In this review, we present the most recent
      insight in preeclampsia with focus on impact on the fetus, short and long-term
      outcome of offspring's, and long-term outcome of women with a history of
      preeclampsia.

PMID- 27659866
TI  - The effect of recycled plastics and cooking oil on coke quality.
AB  - This study assessed the effects of adding plastics and waste vegetable oil on the
      quality of coke in the coking process, on a pilot scale. A typical composition of
      the main plastics found in municipal solid waste was prepared using 33% HDPE, 5%
      LDPE, 10% PP, 21% PET, 24.8% PS, 5.2% PVC, 1% cellulose and also a 0.5% waste
      vegetable oil was added. The wastes were added to the coal blends in the
      proportions of 1%, 2% and 3% for plastics and 0.5% for vegetable oil. Two types
      of experiments were performed. The first was carried out in a hearth heating
      furnace (HHF) at temperatures of up to 900 degrees C for a 7 h period. The second
      was a box test, which consists of heating coal blends in 18L cans using a pilot
      coking oven, for approximately 20 h at temperatures between 1050 and 1100 degrees
      C. The quality parameters used for the assessment were the CSR (coke strength
      after reaction), CRI (coke reactivity index), ash, volatile matter and sulfur in
      order to identify the effect of plastic and vegetable oil on coke quality.
      Results for CSR in the HHF averaged 52.3%, and 56.63% in box test trials. The CRI
      results ranged from 26.6% to 35.7%. Among the different percentages of plastics
      used, 3% plastic blends provided the most stable CSR results. The industrial
      furnaces work at temperatures between 1100 and 1350 degrees C and time coking 21
      24h, compared to the test conditions achieved in the HHF and pilot furnace with
      box test. It was concluded that the results of CSR and CRI are consistent with
      the tests confirming the feasibility of using plastic in the steelmaking process.

PMID- 27659867
TI  - Geotechnical properties of municipal solid waste at Laogang Landfill, China.
AB  - Landfills have been widely constructed all around the world in order to properly
      dispose municipal solid waste (MSW). Understanding geotechnical properties of MSW
      is essential for the design and operation of landfills. A comprehensive
      investigation of geotechnical properties of MSW at the largest landfill in China
      was conducted, including waste composition, unit weight, void ratio, water
      content, hydraulic conductivity, and shear behavior. A large-scale rigid-wall
      permeameter and a direct-shear apparatus were adopted to test the hydraulic
      conductivity and shear behavior of the MSW, respectively. The composition of the
      MSW varied with age. With the depth increasing from 0 to 16m, the unit weight
      increased from 7.2 to 12.5kN/m3, while the void ratio decreased from 2.5 to 1.76.
      The water content ranged between 30.0% and 68.9% but did not show a trend with
      depth. The hydraulic conductivity of the MSW ranged between 4.6*10-4 and 6.7*10
      3cm/s. It decreased as the dry unit weight increased and was sensitive to changes
      in dry unit weight in deeper layers. Displacement-hardening was observed during
      the whole shearing process and the shear strength increased with the normal
      stress, the displacement rate, and the unit weight. The friction angle and
      cohesion varied from (15.7 degrees , 29.1kPa) to (21.9 degrees , 18.3kPa) with
      depth increasing from 4 to 16m. The shear strength of the MSW obtained in this
      study was lower than the reported values in other countries, which was caused by
      the less fibrous materials in the specimens in this study. The results in this
      study will provide guidance in the design and operation of the landfills in
      China.

PMID- 27659868
TI  - Assessing thermal conductivity of composting reactor with attention on varying
      thermal resistance between compost and the inner surface.
AB  - Dynamic estimation of heat transfer through composting reactor wall was crucial
      for insulating design and maintaining a sanitary temperature. A model,
      incorporating conductive, convective and radiative heat transfer mechanisms, was
      developed in this paper to provide thermal resistance calculations for composting
      reactor wall. The mechanism of thermal transfer from compost to inner surface of
      structural layer, as a first step of heat loss, was important for improving
      insulation performance, which was divided into conduction and convection and
      discussed specifically in this study. It was found decreasing conductive
      resistance was responsible for the drop of insulation between compost and reactor
      wall. Increasing compost porosity or manufacturing a curved surface, decreasing
      the contact area of compost and the reactor wall, might improve the insulation
      performance. Upon modeling of heat transfers from compost to ambient environment,
      the study yielded a condensed and simplified model that could be used to conduct
      thermal resistance analysis for composting reactor. With theoretical derivations
      and a case application, the model was applicable for both dynamic estimation and
      typical composting scenario.

PMID- 27659869
TI  - Violence against children in Latin America and Caribbean countries: a
      comprehensive review of national health sector efforts in prevention and
      response.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Violence against children (VAC) remains a global problem. The health
      sector has an opportunity and responsibility to be part of the multi-sector
      collaboration to prevent and respond to VAC. This review aimed to assess the
      health sector's response to VAC among Latin American & Caribbean (LAC) countries,
      particularly as it relates to physical violence, sexual violence, and neglect.
      METHOD: National protocols for the identification and provision of health care to
      child survivors of violence, abuse and neglect were solicited in partnership with
      UNICEF and PAHO/WHO country offices within the LAC region. A parallel systematic
      review was undertaken in January 2015 to review studies published in the last 10
      years that describe the regional health sector response to VAC. RESULTS: We
      obtained health sectors guidelines/protocols related to VAC from 22 of 43 (51 %)
      countries and reviewed 97 published articles/reports that met the review
      inclusion criteria. Country protocols were presented in Spanish (n = 12),
      Portuguese (n = 1), and English (n = 9). Thematic areas of country protocols
      included: 1) identifying signs and symptoms of VAC, 2) providing patient-centered
      care to the victim, and 3) immediate treatment of injuries related to VAC. The
      systematic review revealed that health professionals are often unaware of
      national protocols and lack training, resources, and support to respond to cases
      of VAC. Further, there is limited coordination between health and social
      protection services. CONCLUSIONS: VAC remains an international, public health
      priority. Health professionals are well-positioned to identify, treat and refer
      cases of VAC to appropriate institutions and community-based partners. However,
      poor protocol dissemination and training, limited infrastructure, and inadequate
      human resources challenge adherence to VAC guidelines.

PMID- 27659870
TI  - The problematic messages of nutritional discourse: A case-based critical media
      analysis.
AB  - Nutritional science has assumed a fundamental importance in shaping food meanings
      and practices in the developed world. This study critically analysed the content
      of one weekly nutrition column written by a nutritional expert in a popular New
      Zealand magazine, from a social constructionist perspective, to investigate how
      nutritional advice constructs food, food practices and eaters. The analysis
      identified a range of ways in which the nutrition information communicated in the
      articles was potentially problematic for readers. The articles advocated eating
      for health with recommendations based on nutritional science, but depicted
      nutritional information as inconclusive, changeable and open to interpretation.
      Fear-based messages were used to motivate making 'healthy' food choices, through
      linking 'unhealthy' food choices with fatness and chronic ill health. Unhealthy
      foods were portrayed as more enjoyable than healthy foods, social occasions
      involving food were constructed as problematic, and exercise was defined only as
      a way to negate food consumption. Healthy eating was portrayed as a matter of
      personal choice, obscuring the situational factors that impact on food choice and
      health. We conclude that the nutritional advice analysed in this study constructs
      a way of understanding food that, if internalised by eaters, may evoke anxiety,
      confusion and dissatisfaction around food and eating.

PMID- 27659871
TI  - Development and application of novelty pretreatment method for the concurrent
      quantitation of eleven water-soluble B vitamins in ultrafiltrates after renal
      replacement therapy.
AB  - Continous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is particularly recommended for septic
      shock patients in intensive care units. The CRRT technique used most frequently
      is high volume continuous veno-venous haemofiltration. It provides a high rate of
      clearance of uremic toxins and inflammatory cytokines. However, it should also be
      taken into account that substances important for homeostasis may be concurrently
      unintentionally removed. Accordingly, water-soluble vitamins can be removed
      during continuous renal replacement therapy, and the estimate of the loss is
      critical to ensure appropriate supplementation. The aim of this work was to
      develop a simple methodology for a purification step prior to the LC-MS/MS
      determination of water-soluble vitamins in ultrafiltrate samples. For this
      purpose, two types of resin and a mix of resins were used as sorbents for the
      purification step. Moreover, parameters such as the amount of resin and the
      extraction time were optimized. The LC-MS/MS method was developed and validated
      for final determination of 11 vitamins. The results demonstrated the high
      purification capability of DEAE Sephadex resin with recoveries between 65 and
      101% for water-soluble vitamins from ultrafiltrate samples. An optimized method
      was applied to assess the loss of B-group vitamins in patients after 24h of renal
      replacement therapy. The loss of vitamins B2, B6 pyridoxamine, B6 pyridoxal, B7,
      B1, and B5 in ultrafiltrates was similar in all patients. In the native
      ultrafiltrates, vitamins B6 pyridoxine, B9 and B12 were not detected.

PMID- 27659872
TI  - What causes trainees to leave oral and maxillofacial surgery? A questionnaire
      survey.
AB  - Understanding what causes trainees to leave OMFS is essential if we are to retain
      them within the specialty. Although these factors have been defined for medicine,
      we know of no previous study for OMFS. An online survey was distributed to
      roughly 1500 people who had registered an interest in OMFS during the past seven
      years. Personal information and details of education and employment were gathered
      along with personal factors that attracted them to OMFS. Of 251 trainees who
      responded, 50 (30%) were no longer interested. Factors that significantly
      correlated with an interest in OMFS included male sex (p=0.020), dual
      qualification (p=0.024), and (only for women) being single (p=0.024) and having
      no dependants (p=0.005). We used qualitative analysis to identify work-life
      balance, duration of training, and financial implications, as significant
      factors. Identification of key factors that affect OMFS trainees allows us to
      develop ways to keep them in the specialty. The predominant factor is work-life
      balance, and for women this included having children and being married. Financial
      issues related to the junior doctors' contract and competition ratios to second
      degrees, are also factors for both sexes. Also important are the "sunk costs"
      fallacy that causes some trainees to stay in training. This information can be
      used to help develop higher training, in negotiations of contracts, and to
      attract and retain future OMFS trainees.

PMID- 27659874
TI  - Perception of hierarchical boundaries in music and its modulation by expertise.
AB  - Hierarchical structure with units of different timescales is a key feature of
      music. For the perception of such structures, the detection of each boundary is
      crucial. Here, using electroencephalography (EEG), we explore the perception of
      hierarchical boundaries in music, and test whether musical expertise modifies
      such processing. Musicians and non-musicians were presented with musical excerpts
      containing boundaries at three hierarchical levels, including section, phrase and
      period boundaries. Non-boundary was chosen as a baseline condition. Recordings
      from musicians showed CPS (closure positive shift) was evoked at all the three
      boundaries, and their amplitude increased as the hierarchical level became
      higher, which suggest that musicians could represent music events at different
      timescales in a hierarchical way. For non-musicians, the CPS was only elicited at
      the period boundary and undistinguishable negativities were induced at all the
      three boundaries. The results indicate that a different and less clear way was
      used by non-musicians in boundary perception. Our findings reveal, for the first
      time, an ERP correlate of perceiving hierarchical boundaries in music, and show
      that the phrasing ability could be enhanced by musical expertise.

PMID- 27659875
TI  - Temporal dynamics of early visual word processing - Early versus late N1
      sensitivity in children and adults.
AB  - In the course of reading development children become familiar with letter strings
      and learn to distinguish between lexical and non-lexical items. In previous
      studies, the N1 component of the ERP was shown to reflect print tuning but also
      to be sensitive to lexical effects. It remains unclear, however, whether these
      two aspects of orthographic processing occur at the same time or in different
      time windows during the lengthy N1 component. Moreover, it is unclear whether
      these processes develop late or occur already at early stages of literacy
      acquisition and whether this is similar for native languages and languages
      acquired later in life. To address these questions, 27 children were tested
      longitudinally, i.e. before (mean: 7.6 years) and after one year of classroom
      based English instruction. Additionally, 22 adult speakers of English as a
      foreign language (mean: 25.1 years) were investigated. A 128-channel EEG was
      recorded while participants performed a one-back task with native German words,
      English words, pseudowords and false-font strings. The event-related EEG analysis
      of early and late N1 phases revealed early effects related to print tuning and
      late effects related to lexical processing in the native, but not in the second
      language of adult readers. In the absence of lexicality effects in children,
      print tuning effects were found across both early and late N1 segments. The
      temporally distinct N1 sensitivities to print and lexicality reflect temporal
      dynamics of visual word processing, which seem to depend on reading expertise or
      maturation.

PMID- 27659876
TI  - Hemodynamic evaluation in patients with transposition of the great arteries after
      the arterial switch operation: 4D flow and 2D phase contrast cardiovascular
      magnetic resonance compared with Doppler echocardiography.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Peak velocity measurements are used to evaluate the significance of
      stenosis in patients with transposition of the great arteries after the arterial
      switch operation (TGA after ASO). 4D flow cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR)
      provides 3-directional velocity encoding and full volumetric coverage of the
      great arteries and may thus improve the hemodynamic evaluation in these patients.
      The aim of this study was to compare peak velocities measured by 4D flow CMR with
      2D phase contrast (PC) CMR and the gold standard Doppler echocardiography (echo)
      in patients with TGA after ASO. METHODS: Nineteen patients (mean age 13 +/- 9
      years, range 1-25 years) with TGA after ASO who underwent 2D PC CMR and 4D flow
      CMR were included in this study. Peak velocities were measured with 4D flow CMR
      in the aorta and pulmonary arteries and compared to peak velocities measured with
      2D PC CMR and Doppler echo. 2D PC CMR data were available in the ascending aorta,
      main, right and left pulmonary arteries (AAO/MPA/RPA/LPA) for 19/18/17/17 scans,
      respectively, and Doppler echo data were available for 13/9/6/6 scans,
      respectively. Peak velocities were measured with: 1) a single cross section for
      2D PC CMR, 2) velocity maximum intensity projections (MIPs) for 4D flow CMR and
      3) Doppler echo. RESULTS: Significantly higher peak velocities were found with 4D
      flow CMR than 2D PC CMR in the AAO (p = 0.003), MPA (p = 0.002) and RPA (p =
      0.005) but not in the LPA (p = 0.200). No difference in peak velocity was found
      between 4D flow CMR and Doppler echo (p > 0.46) or 2D PC CMR and echo (p > 0.11)
      for all analyzed vessel segments. CONCLUSIONS: 4D flow CMR evaluation of patients
      with TGA after ASO detected higher peak velocities than 2D PC CMR, indicating the
      potential of 4D flow CMR to provide improved stenosis assessment in these
      patients.

PMID- 27659877
TI  - Physiological mechanisms of pulmonary hypertension.
AB  - Pulmonary hypertension is usually related to obstruction of pulmonary blood flow
      at the level of the pulmonary arteries (eg, pulmonary embolus), pulmonary
      arterioles (idiopathic pulmonary hypertension), pulmonary veins (pulmonary
      venoocclusive disease) or mitral valve (mitral stenosis and regurgitation).
      Pulmonary hypertension is also observed in heart failure due to left ventricle
      myocardial diseases regardless of the ejection fraction. Pulmonary hypertension
      is often regarded as a passive response to the obstruction to pulmonary flow. We
      review established fluid dynamics and physiology and discuss the mechanisms
      underlying pulmonary hypertension. The important role that the right ventricle
      plays in the development and maintenance of pulmonary hypertension is discussed.
      We use principles of thermodynamics and discuss a potential common mechanism for
      a number of disease states, including pulmonary edema, through adding pressure
      energy to the pulmonary circulation.

PMID- 27659878
TI  - Worldwide Randomized Antibiotic EnveloPe Infection PrevenTion Trial (WRAP-IT).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infection is a major
      complication that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The aim
      of this study is to determine whether Medtronic TYRX absorbable envelope reduces
      the risk of CIED infection through 12 months of follow-up post procedure.
      METHODS: WRAP-IT is a randomized, prospective, multi center, international,
      single-blinded study. Up to 7,764 subjects who are undergoing CIED generator
      replacement, upgrade, or revision, or a de novo CRT-D implant, will be enrolled
      and randomized (1:1) to receive the TYRX envelope or not. The primary endpoint is
      major CIED infection throughout 12 months of follow up after the procedure. Data
      will be analyzed with an intention to treat approach. WRAP-IT will also assess
      the performance of Medtronic's lead monitoring algorithms in subjects whose CIED
      includes a transvenous right ventricular defibrillation system. CONCLUSIONS: WRAP
      IT is a large randomized clinical trial that will assess the efficacy of TYRX
      absorbable envelope in reducing CIED infection, define its cost effectiveness,
      and will also provide a unique opportunity to better understand the
      pathophysiology and risk factors for CIED infection.

PMID- 27659879
TI  - Rationale and design of Apo-I Event Reduction in Ischemic Syndromes I (AEGIS-I):
      A phase 2b, randomized, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging trial to investigate the
      safety and tolerability of CSL112, a reconstituted, infusible, human apoA-I,
      after acute myocardial infarction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite aggressive pharmacotherapy and stenting, there is a residual
      risk of major adverse cardiovascular events among patients with acute coronary
      syndrome. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) has been a major target for secondary
      acute coronary syndrome prevention; however, a better understanding of the
      physiologic function of HDL has demonstrated that a high cholesterol efflux
      capacity, rather than high HDL concentrations alone, may be critical to improving
      outcomes. CSL112, a reconstituted, infusible human apolipoprotein A-I, has been
      demonstrated to increase cholesterol efflux capacity and to have a protective
      effect in experimental models of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. DESIGN:
      The AEGIS-I trial (ClinicalTrials.govNCT02108262) is a phase 2b, multicenter,
      randomized, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging clinical trial to evaluate the
      hepatic and renal safety of multiple administrations of 2 doses of CSL112 among
      subjects with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Approximately 1,200 subjects
      (400 per treatment group) with either normal renal function or mild renal
      impairment will be enrolled up to 7 days after an AMI and will be stratified by
      renal function and randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio to either 1 of 2 doses of CSL112
      (either 2 g or 6 g) or placebo as a weekly 2-hour infusion over the course of 4
      consecutive weeks. The coprimary safety endpoints will be the incidence of
      hepatic and renal toxicity, defined as either confirmed ALT >3 * ULN, total
      bilirubin >2 * ULN, serum creatinine >=1.5*baseline value, or a new requirement
      for renal replacement therapy through the end of the active treatment period.
      SUMMARY: The AEGIS-I trial will characterize the safety profile of CSL112, a
      reconstituted formulation of apolipoprotein A-I, and will assess if
      administration to patients with a recent AMI is associated with a clinically
      significant alteration in either liver or kidney function when compared with
      placebo.

PMID- 27659873
TI  - GRIM-19: A master regulator of cytokine induced tumor suppression, metastasis and
      energy metabolism.
AB  - Cytokines induce cell proliferation or growth suppression depending on the
      context. It is increasingly becoming clear that success of standard radiotherapy
      and/or chemotherapeutics to eradicate solid tumors is dependent on IFN signaling.
      In this review we discuss the molecular mechanisms of tumor growth suppression by
      a gene product isolated in our laboratory using a genome-wide expression knock
      down strategy. Gene associated with retinoid-IFN-induced mortality -19 (GRIM-19)
      functions as non-canonical tumor suppressor by antagonizing oncoproteins. As a
      component of mitochondrial respiratory chain, GRIM-19 influences the degree of
      "Warburg effect" in cancer cells as many advanced and/or aggressive tumors show
      severely down-regulated GRIM-19 levels. In addition, GRIM-19 appears to regulate
      innate and acquired immune responses in mouse models. Thus, GRIM-19 is positioned
      at nodes that favor cell protection and/or prevent aberrant cell growth.

PMID- 27659880
TI  - Effects of statin therapy on progression of mild noncalcified coronary plaque
      assessed by serial coronary computed tomography angiography: A multicenter
      prospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are limited data assessing statin therapy in patients with
      nonobstructive coronary plaque on coronary computed tomography angiography
      (CCTA). METHODS: Two hundred six consecutive patients with mild noncalcified
      plaque on CCTA were enrolled in this multicenter prospective observational study.
      Subjects were divided into 3 groups according to subsequent statin therapy:
      intensive statin therapy (n = 55), moderate statins (n = 85), and no statin (n =
      66). Serial scans were performed after a median interval of 18 months. Low
      attenuation plaque (LAP) volume, total plaque volume, and percent plaque volume
      were measured. RESULTS: The LAP volume, total plaque volume, and percent plaque
      volume showed significant regression among intensive-statin compared with no
      statin group (annualized changes: -7.1 +/- 13.1 vs 0.9 +/- 12.7 mm(3), P< .001; 
      16.4 +/- 35.0 vs 12.3 +/- 32.4 mm(3), P< .001; and -6.2% +/- 11.8% vs 3.5% +/-
      12.1%, P< .001, respectively). Progression of LAP volume, total plaque volume,
      and percent plaque volume was retarded among moderate-statin compared with no
      statin group (annualized changes: -2.8 +/- 7.6 vs 0.9 +/- 12.7 mm(3), P= .041; 
      0.1 +/- 25.6 vs 12.3 +/- 32.4 mm(3), P= .014; and -1.8% +/- 11.2% vs 3.5% +/-
      12.1%, P= .006, respectively). On multivariable model predicting change in total
      plaque volume, higher baseline LAP volume, moderate statin therapy, and intensive
      statin therapy were each independent predictors of plaque regression
      (standardized coefficients: baseline LAP volume -0.36, P< .001; moderate statin 
      0.21, P= .004; intensive statin -0.36, P< .001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This
      study suggests that statin treatment can retard progression and even induce
      regression of mild noncalcified coronary plaque. Patients with greater baseline
      LAP volume are more likely to benefit from statin therapy.

PMID- 27659881
TI  - Coronary angiography after cardiac arrest: Rationale and design of the COACT
      trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ischemic heart disease is a major cause of out-of-hospital cardiac
      arrest. The role of immediate coronary angiography (CAG) and percutaneous
      coronary intervention (PCI) after restoration of spontaneous circulation
      following cardiac arrest in the absence of ST-segment elevation myocardial
      infarction (STEMI) remains debated. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesize that immediate CAG
      and PCI, if indicated, will improve 90-day survival in post-cardiac arrest
      patients without signs of STEMI. DESIGN: In a prospective, multicenter,
      randomized controlled clinical trial, 552 post-cardiac arrest patients with
      restoration of spontaneous circulation and without signs of STEMI will be
      randomized in a 1:1 fashion to immediate CAG and PCI (within 2 hours) versus
      initial deferral with CAG and PCI after neurological recovery. The primary end
      point of the study is 90-day survival. The secondary end points will include 90
      day survival with good cerebral performance or minor/moderate disability,
      myocardial injury, duration of inotropic support, occurrence of acute kidney
      injury, need for renal replacement therapy, time to targeted temperature control,
      neurological status at intensive care unit discharge, markers of shock,
      recurrence of ventricular tachycardia, duration of mechanical ventilation, and
      reasons for discontinuation of treatment. SUMMARY: The COACT trial is a
      multicenter, randomized, controlled clinical study that will evaluate the effect
      of an immediate invasive coronary strategy in post-cardiac arrest patients
      without STEMI on 90-day survival.

PMID- 27659883
TI  - Cholesterol efflux capacity: An introduction for clinicians.
AB  - Epidemiologic studies have shown an inverse correlation between high-density
      lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and cardiovascular disease outcomes.
      However, the hypothesis of a causal relationship between HDL-C and cardiovascular
      disease has been challenged by genetic and clinical studies. Serum cholesterol
      efflux capacity (CEC) is an important measure of HDL function in humans. Recent
      large clinical studies have shown a correlation between in vitro CEC and
      cardiovascular disease prevalence and incidence, which appears to be independent
      of HDL-C concentration. The present review summarizes recent large clinical
      studies and introduces important methodological considerations. Further studies
      are required to standardize and establish the reproducibility of this measure of
      HDL function and clarify whether modulating CEC will emerge as a useful
      therapeutic target.

PMID- 27659884
TI  - Exploring cognitive bias in destination therapy left ventricular assist device
      decision making: A retrospective qualitative framework analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cognitive biases are psychological influences, which cause humans to
      make decisions, which do not seemingly maximize utility. For people with heart
      failure, the left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is a surgically implantable
      device with complex tradeoffs. As such, it represents an excellent model within
      which to explore cognitive bias in a real-world decision. We conducted a
      framework analysis to examine for evidence of cognitive bias among people
      deciding whether or not to get an LVAD. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to
      explore the influence of cognitive bias on the LVAD decision-making process.
      METHODS: We analyzed previously conducted interviews of patients who had either
      accepted or declined an LVAD using a deductive, predetermined framework of
      cognitive biases. We coded and analyzed the interviews using an inductive
      deductive framework approach, which also allowed for other themes to emerge.
      RESULTS: We interviewed a total of 22 heart failure patients who had gone through
      destination therapy LVAD decision making (15 who had accepted the LVAD and 7 who
      had declined). All patients appeared influenced by state dependence, where both
      groups described high current state of suffering, but the groups differed in
      whether they believed LVAD would relieve suffering or not. We found evidence of
      cognitive bias that appeared to influence decision making in both patient groups,
      but groups differed in terms of which cognitive biases were present. Among
      accepters, we found evidence of anchoring bias, availability bias, optimism bias,
      and affective forecasting. Among decliners, we found evidence of errors in
      affective forecasting. CONCLUSIONS: Medical decision making is often a
      complicated and multifaceted process that includes cognitive bias as well as
      other influences. It is important for clinicians to recognize that patients can
      be affected by cognitive bias, so they can better understand and improve the
      decision-making process to ensure that patients are fully informed.

PMID- 27659882
TI  - Kidney function and sudden cardiac death in the community: The Atherosclerosis
      Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Individuals with chronic kidney disease, particularly those requiring
      dialysis, are at high risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). However, comprehensive
      data for the full spectrum of kidney function and SCD risk in the community are
      sparse. Furthermore, newly developed equations for estimated glomerular
      filtration rate (eGFR) and novel filtration markers might add further insight to
      the role of kidney function in SCD. METHODS: We investigated the associations of
      baseline eGFRs using serum creatinine, cystatin C, or both (eGFRcr, eGFRcys, and
      eGFRcr-cys); cystatin C itself; and beta2-microglobulin (B2M) with SCD (205 cases
      through 2001) among 13,070 black and white ARIC participants at baseline during
      1990-1992 using Cox regression models accounting for potential confounders.
      RESULTS: Low eGFR was independently associated with SCD risk: for example, hazard
      ratio for eGFR <45 versus >=90mL/(min 1.73m(2)) was 3.71 (95% CI 1.74-7.90) with
      eGFRcr, 5.40 (2.97-9.83) with eGFRcr-cys, and 5.24 (3.01-9.11) with eGFRcys. When
      eGFRcr and eGFRcys were included together in a single model, the association was
      only significant for eGFRcys. When three eGFRs, cystatin C, and B2M were divided
      into quartiles, B2M demonstrated the strongest association with SCD (hazard ratio
      for fourth quartile vs first quartile 3.48 (2.03-5.96) vs <=2.7 for the other
      kidney markers). CONCLUSIONS: Kidney function was independently and robustly
      associated with SCD in the community, particularly when cystatin C or B2M was
      used. These results suggest the potential value of kidney function as a risk
      factor for SCD and the advantage of novel filtration markers over eGFRcr in this
      context.

PMID- 27659885
TI  - The effect of high-risk ST elevation myocardial infarction transfer patients on
      risk-adjusted in-hospital mortality: A report from the American Heart Association
      Mission: Lifeline program.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hospital mortality is an important quality measure for acute
      myocardial infarction care. There is a concern that despite risk adjustment,
      percutaneous coronary intervention hospitals accepting a greater volume of high
      risk ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) transfer patients may have their
      reported mortality rates adversely affected. METHODS: The STEMI patients in the
      National Cardiovascular Data RegistryAcute Coronary Treatment Intervention
      Outcomes Network Registry-Get With the Guidelines from April 2011 to December
      2013 were included. High-risk STEMI was defined as having either cardiogenic
      shock or cardiac arrest on first medical contact. Receiving hospitals were
      divided into tertiles based on the ratio of high-risk STEMI transfer patients to
      the total number of STEMI patients treated at each hospital. Using the Action
      Coronary Treatment Intervention Outcomes Network Registry-Get With the Guidelines
      in-hospital mortality risk model, we calculated the difference in risk
      standardized in-hospital mortality before and after excluding high-risk STEMI
      transfers in each tertile. RESULTS: Among 119,680 STEMI patients treated at 539
      receiving hospitals, 37,028 (31%) were transfer patients, of whom 4,500 (12%)
      were highrisk. The proportion of high-risk STEMI transfer patients ranged from 0%
      to 12% across hospitals. Unadjusted mortality rates in the low-, middle-, and
      high-tertile hospitals were 6.0%, 6.0%, and 5.9% among all STEMI patients and
      6.0%, 5.5%, and 4.6% after excluding high-risk STEMI transfers. However, risk
      standardized hospital mortality rates were not significantly changed after
      excluding high-risk STEMI transfer patients in any of the 3 hospital tertiles
      (low, -0.04%; middle, -0.05%; and high, 0.03%). CONCLUSIONS: Risk-adjusted in
      hospital mortality rates were not adversely affected in STEMI-receiving hospitals
      who accepted more high-risk STEMI transfer patients when a clinical mortality
      risk model was used for risk adjustment.

PMID- 27659886
TI  - Ischemic and bleeding events in patients with myocardial infarction undergoing
      percutaneous coronary intervention who require oral anticoagulation: Insights
      from the Canadian observational AntiPlatelet sTudy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Since the introduction of newer, more potent P2Y12 receptor
      inhibitors (P2Y12ris), practice patterns and associated clinical outcomes in
      patients with myocardial infarction (MI) undergoing percutaneous coronary
      intervention (PCI) and also requiring oral anticoagulation (OAC) have not been
      fully characterized. METHODS: The Canadian Observational Antiplatelet Study was a
      prospective, multicenter, longitudinal, observational study (26 hospitals,
      December 2011 to May 2013) describing P2Y12ri treatment patterns and outcomes in
      patients with ST-elevation and non-ST-elevation MI undergoing PCI. We describe
      the clinical characteristics, treatment patterns, bleeding, and ischemic outcomes
      over the 15-month follow-up within and between the subgroups of patients
      discharged on either dual-antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) (acetyl salicylic acid
      [ASA]+P2Y12ri) or triple therapy (ASA+P2Y12ri+OAC). RESULTS: Of the 2,034
      patients at discharge, 86% (n = 1,757) were on DAPT, whereas 14% (n = 277) were
      on triple therapy (50% warfarin, 50% non-vitamin K OAC [NOAC]). The frequency of
      newer P2Y12ri use (prasugrel or ticagrelor) was similar in the DAPT and triple
      therapy groups (28% vs 26%, respectively). In the triple therapy group, NOAC use
      was higher in those receiving a new P2Y12ri compared to those receiving
      clopidogrel (75% vs 41%, respectively, P < .0001). The unadjusted and adjusted
      events of major cardiovascular event (MACE) and bleeding were higher in the
      triple therapy group. For patients on triple therapy, the bleeding or MACE events
      were not significantly different between those on clopidogrel versus those on
      ticagrelor or prasugrel. CONCLUSION: In this observational study of MI patients
      requiring PCI, 1 in 8 were discharged on triple antithrombotic therapy, of whom
      26% were on newer P2Y12ris. Patients on triple therapy had higher risk at
      baseline, with higher unadjusted and adjusted MACE and bleeding events compared
      to those on DAPT alone. Among triple therapy-treated patients, there was no
      difference in the MACE and bleeding events regardless of the P2Y12ri used.

PMID- 27659888
TI  - Association between periodontitis and arterial hypertension: A systematic review
      and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several studies have shown that periodontal diseases are associated
      with hypertension (HT). However, heterogeneity among populations, diagnosis
      criteria, and shared risk factors represent some difficulties in terms of
      interpretation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the magnitude
      of the association between periodontal diseases and HT. METHODS AND RESULTS: A
      systematic review and meta-analysis, including studies published up to June 2016,
      have been performed. Sixteen studies assessing the association between
      periodontal diseases and HT have been included. The meta-analysis considering all
      included studies (moderate to severe periodontitis) showed that the presence of
      HT was associated with the presence of periodontal diseases (OR, 1.50; 95% CI,
      1.27-1.78). To reduce potential bias, a stratified analysis has been performed
      illustrating the impact of inclusion criteria and adjustments on the magnitude of
      the association. Interestingly, when only studies with secure diagnosis of severe
      periodontitis and HT were considered, an OR=1.64 (95% CI, 1.23-2.19) has been
      measured. CONCLUSIONS: Periodontal diseases are associated with a higher risk of
      HT especially for severe periodontitis. However, no conclusions could be made
      regarding the causative involvement of periodontal diseases mainly due to the
      reduced number of available prospective studies and remaining questions regarding
      underlying biological mechanisms.

PMID- 27659887
TI  - Rationale and design of the Study of a Tele-pharmacy Intervention for Chronic
      diseases to Improve Treatment adherence (STIC2IT): A cluster-randomized pragmatic
      trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Approximately half of patients with chronic cardiometabolic
      conditions are nonadherent with their prescribed medications. Interventions to
      improve adherence have been only modestly effective because they often address
      single barriers to adherence, intervene at single points in time, or are
      imprecisely targeted to patients who may not need adherence assistance.
      OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of a multicomponent, behaviorally tailored
      pharmacist-based intervention to improve adherence to medications for diabetes,
      hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. TRIAL DESIGN: The STIC2IT trial is a cluster
      randomized pragmatic trial testing the impact of a pharmacist-led multicomponent
      intervention that uses behavioral interviewing, text messaging, mailed progress
      reports, and video visits. Targeted patients are those who are nonadherent to
      glucose-lowering, antihypertensive, or statin medications and who also have
      evidence of poor disease control. The intervention is tailored to patients'
      individual health barriers and their level of health activation. We cluster
      randomized 14 practice sites of a large multispecialty group practice to receive
      either the pharmacist-based intervention or usual care. STIC2IT has enrolled
      4,076 patients who will be followed up for 12months after randomization. The
      trial's primary outcome is medication adherence, assessed using pharmacy claims
      data. Secondary outcomes are disease control and health care resource
      utilization. CONCLUSION: This trial will determine whether a technologically
      enabled, behaviorally targeted pharmacist-based intervention results in improved
      adherence and disease control. If effective, this strategy could be a scalable
      method of offering tailored adherence support to those with the greatest clinical
      need.

PMID- 27659889
TI  - Insights from cardiac imaging after ST-elevation myocardial infarction: Will
      increased recognition of patients at risk translate into improved long-term
      outcomes?

PMID- 27659890
TI  - Adverse diastolic remodeling after reperfused ST-elevation myocardial infarction:
      An important prognostic indicator.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine the relationship of adverse diastolic
      remodeling (ie, worsening diastolic or persistent restrictive filling) with
      infarct scar characteristics, and to evaluate its prognostic value after ST
      segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). BACKGROUND: Severe diastolic
      dysfunction (restrictive filling) has known prognostic value post STEMI. However,
      ongoing left ventricular (LV) remodeling post STEMI may alter diastolic function
      even if less severe. METHODS AND RESULTS: There were 218 prospectively recruited
      STEMI patients with serial echocardiograms (transthoracic echocardiography) and
      cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) performed, at a median of 4 days (early)
      and 55 days (follow-up). LV ejection fraction and infarct characteristics were
      assessed by CMR, and comprehensive diastolic function assessment including a
      diastolic grade was evaluated on transthoracic echocardiography. 'Adverse
      diastolic remodeling' occurred if diastolic function grade either worsened (>=1
      grade) between early and follow-up imaging, or remained as persistent restrictive
      filling at follow-up. Follow-up infarct scar size (IS) predicted adverse
      diastolic remodeling (area under the curve 0.86) and persistent restrictive
      filling (area under the curve 0.89). The primary endpoint of major adverse
      cardiovascular events (MACE) occurred in 48 patients during follow-up (mean,
      710+/-79 days). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that adverse diastolic remodeling
      (n=50) and persistent restrictive filling alone (n=33) were significant
      predictors of MACE (both P<.001). Multivariate Cox analysis, when adjusted for
      TIMI risk score and CMR IS, microvascular obstruction, and LV ejection fraction,
      showed adverse diastolic remodeling (HR 3.79, P<.001) was an independent
      predictor of MACE, as was persistent restrictive filling alone (HR 2.61, P=.019).
      CONCLUSIONS: Larger IS is associated with adverse diastolic remodeling. Following
      STEMI, adverse diastolic remodeling is a powerful prognostic marker, and
      identifies a larger group of 'at-risk' patients, than does persistent restrictive
      filling alone.

PMID- 27659891
TI  - Rationale and design for studies of renal denervation in the absence (SPYRAL HTN
      OFF-MED) and presence (SPYRAL HTN ON-MED) of antihypertensive medications.

PMID- 27659892
TI  - Reply to letter to the editor by Kintur Sanghvi, MD; Allen McGrew, DO; and Kiran
      Hegde, BE, MBA.

PMID- 27659893
TI  - The narrative review on morphine in acute coronary syndrome: Recognizing
      opioidergic cardioprotection.

PMID- 27659894
TI  - The narrative review on morphine in acute coronary syndrome: Recognizing
      opioidergic cardioprotection-reply.

PMID- 27659895
TI  - Significance of Echocardiographically Detected Central Venous Catheter Tip
      Associated Thrombi.
AB  - PURPOSE: To explore significance, management, and outcomes of central venous
      catheter (CVC) tip-associated thrombi incidentally detected on echocardiography.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Echocardiogram data from all patients with CVCs from
      October 2009 to June 2011 were reviewed (N = 170). Patients with CVC tip
      associated thrombi were selected (n = 49). Echocardiograms were reviewed for
      ejection fraction, presence of patent foramen ovale (PFO), presence of other
      intracardiac shunts, and mean thrombus size. Management decisions, thrombus
      extension, pulmonary embolism, paradoxical emboli, and stroke within 3 months
      were recorded. RESULTS: Mean thrombus size was 2.1 cm (range, 0.5-5.7 cm). Of
      patients with thrombi, 11 (22%) were already on anticoagulation, and there was no
      change in management. Anticoagulation was started without complications in 17
      (35%) patients, the catheter was removed in 4 (8%) patients, and no new treatment
      was initiated in 17 (35%) patients. Of these 17 patients, 16 (94%) developed no
      complications. One (6%) patient with a PFO and right-to-left shunt experienced a
      stroke before PFO closure. After surgical closure of the PFO, the same patient
      developed catheter tip-associated thrombus without complication. There were no
      pulmonary emboli, strokes, or other detected embolic phenomena. CONCLUSIONS: In
      this sample with CVC tip-associated thrombi but without PFO or other intracardiac
      shunts, no embolic or other complications were detected, regardless of
      anticoagulation status. These data suggest a benign course for such thrombi and
      that anticoagulation, catheter removal, thrombectomy, and thrombolysis may be
      unnecessary when catheter tip-associated thrombi are incidentally detected on
      echocardiography.

PMID- 27659896
TI  - Pregnancy and the hair growth cycle: anagen induction against hair growth
      disruption using Nourkrin(r) with Marilex(r) , a proteoglycan replacement
      therapy.
AB  - Postpartum effluvium is a well-known clinical fact. However, following some minor
      research activities in the 1960s, very little has happened on the research front
      of the subject. It was hypothesized that postpartum hair loss might be a
      manifestation of a change in the hair growth cycle occurring normally during
      pregnancy. Recently, new research has been published trying to explain the
      mechanism of action behind this frequently occurring hair growth disruption, and
      to develop a functional treatment schedule and regime. Under normal
      circumstances, postpartum effluvium will disappear by itself as a function of
      time, and therefore adequate information to the patient is important in order to
      reduce the anxiety that it will not be a permanent problem. However, in some
      subjects it can manifest itself for longer stages and even become permanent. At
      the present time, treatments aim at correcting underlying hormonal imbalances and
      at improving overall cosmetic appearance. Several treatments in the form of
      thyroid supplementation, topical progesterone and estradiol lotions, and even
      oral contraceptive have been studied. All the available studies have significant
      limitations in their scientific basis, such as small sample size, absence of
      control group, or highly subjective measurement of treatment response. It is
      evident from the available studies that no specific treatment has been
      investigated thoroughly enough to justify recommendation in clinical treatment or
      to be termed "effective." Without the ability to provide a pathogenic diagnosis
      or causality criteria, chances are low that a treatment by trial and error will
      adequately be able to control hair effluvium. Current hair treatment strategies
      are symptomatic and nonspecific; therefore, future research must aim at
      developing new and targeted methods with a point of departure in observing
      concomitant biological mechanisms. Based on the research in the 1960s, current
      knowledge about the hair follicle and the regulation of the hair cycles, we
      believe that an anagen inducer in the form of a specific proteoglycan replacement
      therapy (Nourkrin(r) with Marilex(r) from Pharma Medico) could be a proper
      solution to shorten the hair eclipse phenomenon - and give the patient a feeling
      of control and empowerment.

PMID- 27659897
TI  - Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of telephone consultations for fever or
      gastroenteritis using a formalised procedure in general practice: study protocol
      of a cluster randomised controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Telephone consultations in general practice are on the increase.
      However, data on their efficiency in terms of out-of-hours general practitioner
      (GP) workload, visits to hospital emergency departments (ED), cost, patient
      safety and satisfaction are relatively scant. The aim of this trial is to assess
      the effectiveness of telephone consultations provided by French emergency call
      centres in patients presenting with isolated fever or symptoms of
      gastroenteritis, mainly encountered diseases. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a
      prospective, open-label, multicentre, pragmatic, cluster randomised clinical
      trial of an estimated 2880 patients making an out-of-hours call to one of six
      French emergency call centres for assistance with either fever or symptoms of
      gastroenteritis without seriousness criteria. Each call is handled by a call
      centre physician. Out-of-hours is 8 p.m. to 7.59 a.m. on weekdays, 1 p.m. to 7.59
      a.m. on Saturdays and round-the-clock on Sundays and school holidays. Patients
      will be enrolled over 1 year. In the intervention arm, a telephone consultation
      based on a protocol, the formal Telephone Medical Advice (fTMA), is offered to
      each patient calling. This protocol aims to overcome a physical consultation
      during out-of-hours periods. It offers reassurance and explanations, advice on
      therapeutic management which may include, in addition to hygiene and diet
      measures, a telephone prescription of antipyretic, analgesic, rehydration
      medication or others, and recommendations on surveillance of the patient and any
      action to be taken. The patient is invited to call again if the condition worsens
      or new symptoms develop and to make an appointment with their family GP during
      office hours. In the control arm, the call centre physician handles calls as
      usual. This physician can carry out a telephone consultation with or without a
      telephone prescription, dispatch an on-duty GP, the fire brigade or an ambulance
      to the patient, or refer the patient to an on-duty physician or to the ED. Each
      patient will receive a follow-up call on day 15. The primary endpoint is the
      frequency of out-of-hours, face-to-face GP consultations or visits to the ED
      during the 15 days following the index call. The secondary endpoints measured on
      day 15 are the number of stays in intensive care, the number of hospital
      admissions, the number of interventions by the fire brigade, emergency medical
      and ambulance services, the number and length of prescribed sick-leave episodes,
      all-cause mortality, morbidity, clinical outcome, patient compliance, patient
      satisfaction, the number of renewed calls to the call centre, the number of
      patients receiving multiple face-to-face GP consultations and costs incurred.
      DISCUSSION: This trial will assess the effectiveness and the cost-effectiveness
      of a formalised response to calls for assistance with fever or symptoms of
      gastroenteritis without seriousness criteria. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02286245 , registered on 9 September 2014.

PMID- 27659898
TI  - Reducing exposure to pathogens in the horse: a preliminary study into the
      survival of bacteria on a range of equine bedding types.
AB  - AIMS: To compare the rate of growth of four microbial strains that cause disease
      in the horse, on four commonly used types of bedding. The moisture-holding
      capacity of each bedding type was also tested. METHODS AND RESULTS: Microbial
      strains included Streptococcus equi, Streptococcus zooepidemicus, Fusobacterium
      necrophorum, Dichelobacter nodosus and Dermatophilus congolensis. The bedding
      types tested were Pinus sylvestris (Scots pine shavings), Pinus nigra (Corsican
      pine shavings), Picea sitchensis (Sitka spruce shavings), Cannabis sativa (hemp)
      and chopped wheat straw. A suspension of each microbial strain was spread in
      triplicate on agar media and incubated in its optimal growth conditions. The
      viable count (colony-forming unit per ml) was determined for each bacterial
      strain for the five different bedding types. Pinus sylvestris bedding resulted in
      significantly less (P = 0.001) bacterial growth of all strains tested.
      CONCLUSIONS: Factors resulting in the inhibition of bacterial growth include the
      antibacterial effects reported in the Pinacea family and the physical properties
      of the bedding substrate. Research is currently focussed on the diagnosis and
      management of disease. Prevention of disease is also important for matters of
      biosecurity. Strategies should include the provision of a hygienic environment
      and the use of specific types of bedding. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY:
      Bedding choice has implications for global equine health and disease prevention
      as well as potential benefits in other animal species.

PMID- 27659899
TI  - Nemaline myopathies: State of the art.
AB  - Nemaline myopathy (NM) is one of the most common forms of congenital myopathy.
      The condition is defined by the histopathological finding of nemaline bodies
      (rods) on muscle biopsy and is associated with hypotonia and muscle weakness. The
      clinical spectrum encompasses lethal forms presenting in the neonatal period with
      profound weakness and less severe congenital diseases of later onset. NM is
      significantly heterogeneous from a genetic point of view, and its inheritance can
      be autosomal-dominant (AD), sporadic or autosomal-recessive (AR). To date, 11
      genes encoding proteins of skeletal muscle thin filaments, Kelch domain
      associated proteins and an unconventional myosin have been implicated in NM. The
      mechanisms leading to nemaline body formation and muscle weakness are still
      largely unclear. This report reviews the clinical, histopathological and genetic
      features of NM, with a focus on some of the recently discovered forms.

PMID- 27659900
TI  - Guillain-Barre syndrome: What have we learnt during one century? A personal
      historical perspective.
AB  - We are approaching the centenary of the first description of Guillain-Barre
      syndrome. The past 30 years had witnessed an amazing progress in the
      understanding of the immunological and pathological mechanisms of this disorder.
      We now recognize that Guillain-Barre syndrome is remarkably heterogeneous and
      under this umbrella term are several variants and subtypes with distinct
      clinical, electrophysiological and immunopathological features. This review is a
      historical journey, through a personal perspective, following the milestones that
      led to the current substantial knowledge of Guillain-Barre syndrome.

PMID- 27659901
TI  - High-quality reference transcript datasets hold the key to transcript-specific
      RNA-sequencing analysis in plants.
AB  - 525 I. 525 II. 526 III. 527 IV. 527 V. 529 VI. 529 529 References 529 SUMMARY: Re
      programming of the transcriptome involves both transcription and alternative
      splicing (AS). Some genes are regulated only at the AS level with no change in
      expression at the gene level. AS data must be incorporated as an essential aspect
      of the regulation of gene expression. RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) can deliver both
      transcriptional and AS information, but accurate methods to analyse the added
      complexity in RNA-seq data are needed. The construction of a comprehensive
      reference transcript dataset (RTD) for a specific plant species, variety or
      accession, from all available sequence data, will immediately allow more robust
      analysis of RNA-seq data. RTDs will continually evolve and improve, a process
      that will be more efficient if resources across a community are shared and
      pooled.

PMID- 27659902
TI  - Review of flavonoids: A diverse group of natural compounds with anti-Candida
      albicans activity in vitro.
AB  - Flavonoids are a subdivision of polyphenols, a versatile class of natural
      compounds that represent secondary metabolites from higher plants and are
      abundant in human diet. Various protective effects of flavonoids have been
      reported, including antimicrobial and antifungal activities. Due to the nature of
      oral candidiasis and the increased use of antifungal agents, several drug
      resistant strains have emerged making it impractical to rely on one standard
      therapeutic regime. The aim of this review is to summarize the antifungal
      activity of some examples of the major subclasses of flavonoids in pure extract
      forms against C. albicans in vitro, as reported in literature over the past 10
      years (2004-2015). In addition, this review outlines the potential mechanism of
      actions of flavonoids studied in vitro, which may contribute to a better
      understanding of flavonoids as multi-targets agents in the treatment and/or
      prevention of oral candidiasis in clinical settings.

PMID- 27659903
TI  - Incidences and variations of hospital acquired venous thromboembolism in
      Australian hospitals: a population-based study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Data on hospital-acquired venous thromboembolism (HA-VTE) incidence,
      case fatality rate and variation amongst patient groups and health providers is
      lacking. We aim to explore HA-VTE incidences, associated mortality, trends and
      variations across all acute hospitals in New South Wales (NSW)-Australia.
      METHODS: A population-based study using all admitted patients (aged 18-90 with a
      length of stay of at least two days and not transferred to another acute care
      facility) in 104 NSW acute public and private hospitals during 2002-2009. Poisson
      mixed models were used to derive adjusted rate ratios (IRR) in presence of
      patient and hospital characteristics. RESULTS: Amongst, 3,331,677 patients, the
      incidence of HA-VTE was 11.45 per 1000 patients and one in ten who developed HA
      VTE died in hospital. HA-VTE incidence, initially rose, but subsequently
      declined, whereas case fatality rate consistently declined by 22 % over the study
      period. Surgical patients were 128 % (IRR = 2.28, 95 % CI: 2.19-2.38) more likely
      to develop HA-VTE, but had similar case fatality rates compared to medical
      patients. Private hospitals, in comparison to public hospitals had a higher
      incidence of HA-VTE (IRR = 1.76; 95 % CI: 1.42-2.18) for medical patients.
      However, they had a similar incidence (IRR = 0.91; 95 % CI: 0.75-1.11), but a
      lower mortality (IRR = 0.59; 95 % CI: 0.47-0.75) amongst surgical patients.
      Smaller public hospitals had a lower HA-VTE incidence rate compared to larger
      hospitals (IRR < 0.68) but a higher case fatality rate (IRR > 1.71). Hospitals
      with a lower reported HA-VTE incidence tended to have a higher HA-VTE case
      fatality rate. CONCLUSION: Despite the decline in HA-VTE incidence and case
      fatality, there were large variations in incidents between medical and surgical
      patients, public and private hospitals, and different hospital groups. The causes
      of such differences warrant further investigation and may provide potential for
      targeted interventions and quality improvement initiatives.

PMID- 27659905
TI  - Clonidine to treat Irukandji syndrome.

PMID- 27659904
TI  - Psychometric Evaluation of the Comprehensive Trauma Interview PTSD Symptoms Scale
      Following Exposure to Child Maltreatment.
AB  - The current study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Comprehensive
      Trauma Interview Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Symptoms Scale (CTI-PSS),
      a novel method of assessing PTSD symptoms following exposure to a range of child
      adversities in the child maltreatment population. A sample of female adolescents
      ( n = 343) exposed to substantiated child sexual abuse and a nonmaltreated
      comparison condition completed the CTI-PSS and other established measures to
      assess internal consistency, factor structure, test discriminability as well as
      convergent, discriminant, and incremental validities. Results demonstrated that
      the CTI-PSS is a reliable and valid measure of PTSD symptoms with good
      discriminability and a factor structure that fits existing conceptualizations of
      the PTSD construct. It also demonstrated strong convergence with an established
      measure of PTSD symptoms and explained unique variance in the prediction of child
      sexual abuse status. Overall, the CTI-PSS appears to be a useful instrument for
      assessing PTSD symptoms in the child maltreatment population.

PMID- 27659907
TI  - Discrimination of sleep states using continuous cerebral bedside monitoring
      (amplitude-integrated electroencephalography) compared to polysomnography in
      infants.
AB  - AIM: Limited two-channel electroencephalography (EEG) and amplitude-integrated
      EEG (aEEG) monitorings are being increasingly used; however, these measurements
      have not been compared with polysomnographic monitoring, the gold standard for
      determining infant sleep states. We aimed to determine the accuracy of two
      channel EEG and aEEG recordings in defining sleep states and wakefulness in term
      infants compared to polysomnographic monitoring. METHODS: Sleep was assessed in
      eight healthy term born infants (mean: 34 +/- 3 days), using simultaneous
      polysomnography (Compumedics S-Series) and a two-channel EEG monitor (Brainz
      BRM2). EEG intensity, 90% spectral edge frequency (SEF), aEEG amplitude frequency
      bands were analysed in 30-second epochs during quiet sleep, active sleep and
      awake as determined by polysomnography. RESULTS: BRM2-recorded EEG accurately
      identified quiet sleep from active sleep for EEG intensity (p = 0.003), SEF (p =
      0.001) and aEEG amplitude (p = 0.003) and quiet sleep from awake, but not active
      sleep from awake. Frequency band analysis showed that wake could be identified by
      changes in absolute power (p = 0.015) and frequency as a percentage of total
      power (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: We demonstrate that limited two-channel EEG
      monitoring can distinguish quiet sleep from active sleep and may be suitable for
      investigating the development of sleep in infants in the neonatal intensive care
      setting.

PMID- 27659909
TI  - Optimization of the short-circuit current in an InP nanowire array solar cell
      through opto-electronic modeling.
AB  - InP nanowire arrays with axial p-i-n junctions are promising devices for next
      generation photovoltaics, with a demonstrated efficiency of 13.8%. However, the
      short-circuit current in such arrays does not match their absorption performance.
      Here, through combined optical and electrical modeling, we study how the
      absorption of photons and separation of the resulting photogenerated electron
      hole pairs define and limit the short-circuit current in the nanowires. We
      identify how photogenerated minority carriers in the top n segment (i.e. holes)
      diffuse to the ohmic top contact where they recombine without contributing to the
      short-circuit current. In our modeling, such contact recombination can lead to a
      60% drop in the short-circuit current. To hinder such hole diffusion, we include
      a gradient doping profile in the n segment to create a front surface barrier.
      This approach leads to a modest 5% increase in the short-circuit current, limited
      by Auger recombination with increased doping. A more efficient approach is to
      switch the n segment to a material with a higher band gap, like GaP. Then, a much
      smaller number of holes is photogenerated in the n segment, strongly limiting the
      amount that can diffuse and disappear into the top contact. For a 500 nm long top
      segment, the GaP approach leads to a 50% higher short-circuit current than with
      an InP top segment. Such a long top segment could facilitate the fabrication and
      contacting of nanowire array solar cells. Such design schemes for managing
      minority carriers could open the door to higher performance in single- and multi
      junction nanowire-based solar cells.

PMID- 27659908
TI  - Pentraxin 3 recruits complement factor H to protect against oxidative stress
      induced complement and inflammasome overactivation.
AB  - The discovery that genetic abnormalities in complement factor H (FH) are
      associated with an increased risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the
      most common cause of blindness among the elderly, raised hope of new treatments
      for this vision-threatening disease. Nonetheless, over a decade after the
      identification of this important association, how innate immunity contributes to
      AMD remains unresolved. Pentraxin 3 (PTX3), an essential component of the innate
      immunity system that plays a non-redundant role in controlling inflammation,
      regulates complement by interacting with complement components. Here, we show
      that PTX3 is induced by oxidative stress, a known cause of AMD, in the retinal
      pigmented epithelium (RPE). PTX3 deficiency in vitro and in vivo magnified
      complement activation induced by oxidative stress, leading to increased C3a, FB,
      and C3d, but not C5b-9 complex formation. Increased C3a levels, resulting from
      PTX3 deficiency, raised the levels of Il1b mRNA and secretion of activated
      interleukin (IL)-1beta by interacting with C3aR. Importantly, PTX3 deficiency
      augmented NLRP3 inflammasome activation, resulting in enhanced IL-1beta, but not
      IL-18, production by the RPE. Thus, in the presence of PTX3 deficiency, the
      complement and inflammasome pathways worked in concert to produce IL-1beta in
      sufficient abundance to, importantly, result in macrophages accumulating in the
      choroid. These results demonstrate that PTX3 acts as an essential brake for
      complement and inflammasome activation by regulating the abundance of FH in the
      RPE, and provide critical insights into the complex interplay between oxidative
      stress and innate immunity in the early stages of AMD development. Copyright (c)
      2016 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley &
      Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27659906
TI  - Growth and development of Arabidopsis thaliana under single-wavelength red and
      blue laser light.
AB  - Indoor horticulture offers a sensible solution for sustainable food production
      and is becoming increasingly widespread. However, it incurs high energy and cost
      due to the use of artificial lighting such as high-pressure sodium lamps,
      fluorescent light or increasingly, the light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The energy
      efficiency and light quality of currently available horticultural lighting is
      suboptimal, and therefore less than ideal for sustainable and cost-effective
      large-scale plant production. Here, we demonstrate the use of high-powered single
      wavelength lasers for indoor horticulture. They are highly energy-efficient and
      can be remotely guided to the site of plant growth, thus reducing on-site heat
      accumulation. Furthermore, laser beams can be tailored to match the absorption
      profiles of different plant species. We have developed a prototype laser growth
      chamber and demonstrate that plants grown under laser illumination can complete a
      full growth cycle from seed to seed with phenotypes resembling those of plants
      grown under LEDs reported previously. Importantly, the plants have lower
      expression of proteins diagnostic for light and radiation stress. The
      phenotypical, biochemical and proteome data show that the single-wavelength laser
      light is suitable for plant growth and therefore, potentially able to unlock the
      advantages of this next generation lighting technology for highly energy
      efficient horticulture.

PMID- 27659910
TI  - Female hypospadias presenting with urinary retention and renal failure in an
      adolescent: uncommon and late presentation with significant hidden morbidity.
AB  - An 11-year-old girl presented with poor urinary stream with vaginal voiding since
      childhood. She had palpable bladder and raised serum creatinine (671 umol/L).
      Suprapubic catheterisation was performed after a failed urethral attempt.
      Following catheterisation she improved symptomatically. She underwent cystoscopy
      through the suprapubic portal as a guide wire could be negotiated through bladder
      neck; external urethral meatus was found as a dimple higher up in anterior
      vaginal wall. Female hypospadias is usually an incidental diagnosis during
      catheterisation for various reasons. Diagnosis could be established only after
      antegrade cystoscopy. Anecdotal cases have been reported in the literature with
      similar presentation. Early diagnosis is essential as renal failure could be a
      late presentation if patients continue to void with stenosed meatus. Long-term
      follow-up is needed as these patients may need definitive management later on.

PMID- 27659911
TI  - Safety and efficacy of pembrolizumab in a patient with advanced melanoma on
      haemodialysis.
AB  - Patients with end-stage renal disease present with a distinct challenge in
      oncology. Many anticancer drugs and their metabolites are excreted by the kidney,
      but data to guide dose and schedule adjustments in renal dialysis are scant.
      Pembrolizumab is an anti-programmed cell death protein 1 monoclonal antibody
      proven to be effective in patients with metastatic melanoma. It has demonstrated
      promising results and was granted US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval
      in September, 2014 for metastatic melanoma. It was additionally approved for
      patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer by the FDA in October, 2015.
      We present the first case, to the best of our knowledge, of a patient with
      metastatic melanoma successfully treated with pembrolizumab while on
      haemodialysis.

PMID- 27659912
TI  - Severe liver involvement in two patients with long-term history of fever:
      remember familial Mediterranean fever.
AB  - Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is characterised by recurrent, self-limited
      fever attacks and serositis. Severe liver involvement has rarely been reported.
      We present two FMF cases of a 55-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman in whom the
      prevailing manifestations were recurrent unexplained episodes of anicteric
      hepatitis (man) and recurrent severe jaundice (woman). A long-term history of
      recurrent self-limited episodes of fever was also claimed in both. After
      exclusion of infectious, malignant, autoimmune, and liver and biliary diseases, a
      diagnosis of FMF as confirmed by molecular analysis was established. The patients
      started colchicine 1 mg/day with immediate resolution of symptoms. During follow
      up, no new episodes of fever and exacerbation of liver biochemical parameters
      have been recorded for 5 and 1 years. Physicians must keep FMF in mind in
      patients with recurrent episodes of unexplained severe liver impairment and fever
      and especially in regions like Mediterranean basin where hereditary periodic
      fever syndromes are common.

PMID- 27659913
TI  - Pharmacokinetic-guided dosing of factor VIII concentrate in a patient with
      haemophilia during renal transplantation.
AB  - A 29-year-old man with severe haemophilia A and end-stage renal disease underwent
      a renal transplantation. To prevent bleeding, patient was treated with
      replacement therapy using factor VIII (FVIII) concentrate, according to National
      guidelines. Bayesian analysis was performed by combining observed FVIII
      concentrations with a population pharmacokinetic (PK) model for patients with
      severe haemophilia A in a perioperative setting. Application of Bayesian analysis
      led to accurate prediction of observed concentrations after prescribing dosing
      advice. We believe that PK-guided dosing of factor concentrates is a valuable
      step towards further individualisation of treatment in patients with bleeding
      disorders, especially in those patients requiring precise targeting of
      coagulation factor levels due to high risk of either bleeding or thrombosis, as
      illustrated by this patient undergoing a major surgical procedure.

PMID- 27659914
TI  - Acute brainstem haemorrhage as a presenting feature of high-grade glioma.

PMID- 27659915
TI  - Preemptive Isolation Precautions of Patients at High Risk for Methicillin
      Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Combination With Ultrarapid Polymerase Chain
      Reaction Screening as an Effective Tool for Infection Control.
AB  - This sequential nonrandomized intervention study investigated the role of
      preemptive isolation precautions plus ultrarapid polymerase chain reaction
      screening for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Compared with
      no prophylactic isolation plus conventional microbiology MRSA screening,
      nosocomial MRSA colonization and total MRSA incidence per 10,000 patient days
      significantly decreased. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;1489-1491.

PMID- 27659916
TI  - ERK-mediated phosphorylation of BIS regulates nuclear translocation of HSF1 under
      oxidative stress.
AB  - B-cell lymphoma (BCL)-2-interacting cell death suppressor (BIS) has diverse
      cellular functions depending on its binding partners. However, little is known
      about the effects of biochemical modification of BIS on its various activities
      under oxidative stress conditions. In this study, we showed that H2O2 reduced BIS
      mobility on SDS-polyacrylamide gels in a time-dependent manner via the activation
      of extracellular signaling-regulated kinase (ERK). The combined results of mass
      spectroscopy and computational prediction identified Thr285 and Ser289 in BIS as
      candidate residues for phosphorylation by ERK under oxidative stress conditions.
      Deletion of these sites resulted in a partial reduction in the H2O2-induced
      mobility shift relative to that of the wild-type BIS protein; overexpression of
      the deletion mutant sensitized A172 cells to H2O2-induced cell death without
      increasing the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species. Expression of the
      BIS deletion mutant decreased the level of heat shock protein (HSP) 70 mRNA
      following H2O2 treatment, which was accompanied by impaired nuclear translocation
      of heat shock transcription factor (HSF) 1. Co-immunoprecipitation assays
      revealed that the binding of wild-type BIS to HSF1 was decreased by oxidative
      stress, while the binding of the BIS deletion mutant to HSF1 was not affected.
      These results indicate that ERK-dependent phosphorylation of BIS has a role in
      the regulation of nuclear translocation of HSF1 likely through modulation of its
      interaction affinity with HSF1, which affects HSP70 expression and sensitivity to
      oxidative stress.

PMID- 27659917
TI  - Sexual dysfunction in Klinefelter's syndrome patients.
AB  - Klinefelter's syndrome (KS) is the most common chromosomal abnormality in men
      with infertility and hypogonadism. Although its influence on fertility has been
      extensively investigated, very few studies assessed the sexual function of
      patients with KS. Our aim was to assess the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in
      patients with KS and investigate possible aetiological factors for reported
      findings. Medical records of 53 patients with KS were retrospectively reviewed
      and compared to 75 age-matched control subjects who were prospectively recruited.
      Sexual history was evaluated through utilisation of international index of
      erectile function-5 and Arabic index for premature ejaculation questionnaires.
      Sexual desire was reported subjectively by patients or controls. The incidence of
      erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation in patients with KS was 18.9% and
      22.6% respectively. Compared to age-matched controls, patients with KS had
      significantly lower incidence of PE. However, there was no statistically
      significant difference between both groups regarding erectile function. Libido
      was significantly lower in patients with KS than normal controls (54.7% vs.
      17.3%, p = 0.001). Klinefelter's syndrome is a condition that has a variable
      presentation. Despite having a higher likelihood of reduced sexual desire,
      patients may have normal erectile function comparable to age-matched individuals.
      They tend to have a lower incidence of premature ejaculation.

PMID- 27659918
TI  - A novel method for mapping village-scale outdoor resting microhabitats of the
      primary African malaria vector, Anopheles gambiae.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Knowledge of Anopheles resting habitats is needed to advance outdoor
      malaria vector control. This study presents a technique to map locations of
      resting habitats using high-resolution satellite imagery (world view 2) and
      probabilistic Dempster-Shafer (D-S) modelling, focused on a rural village in
      southern Mali, West Africa where field sampling was conducted to determine
      outdoor habitat preferences of Anopheles gambiae, the main vector in the study
      area. METHODS: A combination of supervised and manual image classification was
      used to derive an accurate land-cover map from the satellite image that provided
      classes (i.e., photosynthetically active vegetation, water bodies, wetlands, and
      buildings) suitable for habitat assessment. Linear fuzzy functions were applied
      to the different image classes to scale resting habitat covariates into a common
      data range (0-1) with fuzzy breakpoints parameterized experimentally through
      comparison with mosquito outdoor resting data. Fuzzy layers were entered into a
      Dempster-Shafer (D-S) weight-of-evidence model that produced pixel-based
      probability of resting habitat locations. RESULTS: The D-S model provided a
      highly detailed suitability map of resting locations. The results indicated a
      significant difference (p < 0.001) between D-S values at locations positive for
      An. gambiae and a set of randomly sampled points. Further, a negative binomial
      regression indicated that although the D-S estimates did not predict abundance (p
      > 0.05) subsequent analysis suggested that the D-S modelling approach may provide
      a reasonable estimate locations of low-to-medium An. gambiae density. These
      results suggest that that D-S modelling performed well in identifying presence
      points and specifically resting habitats. CONCLUSION: The use of a D-S modelling
      framework for predicting the outdoor resting habitat locations provided novel
      information on this little-known aspect of anopheline ecology. The technique used
      here may be applied more broadly at different geographic scales using Google
      Earth, Landsat or other remotely-sensed imagery to assess the malaria vector
      resting habitats where outdoor control measures can reduce the burden of the
      disease in Africa and elsewhere.

PMID- 27659920
TI  - Elected to the Leopoldina: R. Muller / Inhoffen Medal: T. Carell / Max Rossler
      Prize: C. Coperet / Miklos Bodanszky Award: M. Kohn / SPSJ International Award:
      T. P. Russell.

PMID- 27659919
TI  - Synchrotron imaging of dentition provides insights into the biology of
      Hesperornis and Ichthyornis, the "last" toothed birds.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The dentitions of extinct organisms can provide pivotal information
      regarding their phylogenetic position, as well as paleobiology, diet,
      development, and growth. Extant birds are edentulous (toothless), but their
      closest relatives among stem birds, the Cretaceous Hesperornithiformes and
      Ichthyornithiformes, retained teeth. Despite their significant phylogenetic
      position immediately outside the avian crown group, the dentitions of these taxa
      have never been studied in detail. To obtain new insight into the biology of
      these 'last' toothed birds, we use cutting-edge visualisation techniques to
      describe their dentitions at unprecedented levels of detail, in particular
      propagation phase contrast x-ray synchrotron microtomography at high-resolution.
      RESULTS: Among other characteristics of tooth shape, growth, attachment,
      implantation, replacement, and dental tissue microstructures, revealed by these
      analyses, we find that tooth morphology and ornamentation differ greatly between
      the Hesperornithiformes and Ichthyornithiformes. We also highlight the first Old
      World, and youngest record of the major Mesozoic clade Ichthyornithiformes. Both
      taxa exhibit extremely thin and simple enamel. The extension rate of Hesperornis
      tooth dentine appears relatively high compared to non-avian dinosaurs. Root
      attachment is found for the first time to be fully thecodont via gomphosis in
      both taxa, but in Hesperornis secondary evolution led to teeth implantation in a
      groove, at least locally without a periodontal ligament. Dental replacement is
      shown to be lingual via a resorption pit in the root, in both taxa. CONCLUSIONS:
      Our results allow comparison with other archosaurs and also mammals, with
      implications regarding dental character evolution across amniotes. Some dental
      features of the 'last' toothed birds can be interpreted as functional adaptations
      related to diet and mode of predation, while others appear to be products of
      their peculiar phylogenetic heritage. The autapomorphic Hesperornis groove might
      have favoured firmer root attachment. These observations highlight complexity in
      the evolutionary history of tooth reduction in the avian lineage and also clarify
      alleged avian dental characteristics in the frame of a long-standing debate on
      bird origins. Finally, new hypotheses emerge that will possibly be tested by
      further analyses of avian teeth, for instance regarding dental replacement rates,
      or simplification and thinning of enamel throughout the course of early avian
      evolution.

PMID- 27659921
TI  - Predicted structure of a Minus-C OBP from Batocera horsfieldi (Hope) suggests an
      intermediate structure in evolution of OBPs.
AB  - Odorant binding proteins (OBPs) transport hydrophobic odorants from the
      environment to odorant receptors and play an important role in specific
      recognition of volatiles. Here, we expressed and purified a minus-C OBP,
      BhorOBPm2, from Batocera horsfieldi, a major pest of Popolus, to determine its
      binding characteristics with 58 candidate volatiles using a fluorescence
      competition-binding assay. We showed that BhorOBPm2 exhibited high binding
      affinity with chain volatiles and that ligands were selected based on chain
      length. In order to elucidate the binding mechanism, homology modeling and
      molecular-docking experiments were performed to investigate interactions between
      BhorOBPm2 and volatiles. The predicted structure with only two disulfide bonds
      showed one continuous channel for ligand binding, similar to classic OBPs
      AgamOBP1 and CquiOBP1. Unexpectedly, we observed a larger binding pocket for
      BhorOBPm2 and broader specificity for ligands than classic OBPs due to the
      expansive flexibility of BhorOBPm2 resulting from a lack of disulfide bonds.
      These findings suggested that BhorOBPm2 might present an intermediate structure
      in the evolution of OBPs. Furthermore, we designed two mutant proteins to
      simulate and verify functions of the C-terminal region. The changes in binding
      affinity observed here indicated a novel action differing from that of the "lid"
      described in previous studies.

PMID- 27659922
TI  - Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging: a new tool to identify cardioaortic sources
      in ischaemic stroke.
AB  - Stroke of undetermined aetiology or 'cryptogenic' stroke accounts for 30-40% of
      ischaemic strokes despite extensive diagnostic evaluation. The role and yield of
      cardiac imaging is controversial. Cardiac MRI (CMR) has been used for cardiac
      disorders, but its use in cryptogenic stroke is not well established. We reviewed
      the literature (randomised trials, exploratory comparative studies and case
      series) on the use of CMR in the diagnostic evaluation of patients with ischaemic
      stroke. The literature on the use of CMR in the diagnostic evaluation of
      ischaemic stroke is sparse. However, studies have demonstrated a potential role
      for CMR in the diagnostic evaluation of patients with cryptogenic stroke to
      identify potential aetiologies such as cardiac thrombi, cardiac tumours, aortic
      arch disease and other rare cardiac anomalies. CMR can also provide data on
      certain functional and structural parameters of the left atrium and the left
      atrial appendage which have been shown to be associated with ischaemic stroke
      risk. CMR is a non-invasive modality that can help identify potential mechanisms
      in cryptogenic stroke and patients who may be targeted for enrolment into
      clinical trials comparing anticoagulation to antiplatelet therapy in secondary
      stroke prevention. Prospective studies are needed to compare the value of CMR as
      compared to transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography in the diagnostic
      evaluation of cryptogenic stroke.

PMID- 27659923
TI  - Cognitive outcome after ventral capsule/ventral striatum stimulation for
      treatment-resistant major depression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We report the neuropsychological outcome of 25 patients with
      treatment-resistant major depressive disorder (TRD) who participated in an
      Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved randomised double-blind trial comparing
      active to sham deep brain stimulation (DBS) in the anterior limb of the ventral
      capsule/ventral striatum (VC/VS). METHODS: Participants were randomised to active
      (n=12) versus sham (n=13) DBS for 16 weeks. Data were analysed at the individual
      and group levels. Group differences were analysed using repeated measures ANOVAs.
      Relationships between depression severity and cognition were examined using
      partial correlations. The false discovery rate method controlled for multiple
      analyses. RESULTS: No significant interactions comparing active versus sham
      stimulation over time were evident. Change in depression was unrelated to change
      in neuropsychological measures. Twenty patients declined by >=1 SD on at least
      one measure (41.3% of declines occurred in active group participants; 63.0% in
      older participants regardless of stimulation status). Twenty-two patients
      exhibited improvements >1 SD on neuropsychological measures (47.7% in the active
      group; 63.1% in younger participants). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that VC/VS
      DBS in patients with TRD does not significantly affect neuropsychological
      function. Age at surgery, regardless of stimulation status, may be related to
      cognitive outcome at the individual patient level. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER:
      NCT00837486; Results.

PMID- 27659924
TI  - The 2016 ISPD Update on Prevention and Treatment of Peritonitis-Grading the
      Evidence.

PMID- 27659925
TI  - Editors' Digest - Basic Science A Wearable Sweat Analyzer for Continuous
      Electrolyte Monitoring.

PMID- 27659926
TI  - Continuous Quality Improvement Initiatives to Sustainably Reduce Peritoneal
      Dialysis-Related Infections in Australia and New Zealand.

PMID- 27659927
TI  - Center-Centered in a Patient-Centered World?

PMID- 27659928
TI  - Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy with Jejunal Extension for an Encapsulating
      Peritoneal Sclerosis Refractory to Surgical Enterolysis.
AB  - Surgical enterolysis is the final option for patients with encapsulating
      peritoneal sclerosis (EPS). However, EPS is sometimes refractory to surgical
      enterolysis. This is the first report of successful use of percutaneous
      endoscopic gastrostomy with jejunal extension (PEG-J) in a patient with EPS that
      was refractory to surgical enterolysis. We propose that sustained drainage of
      digestive juices by PEG-J, along with central venous nourishment at home, can be
      a treatment option for patients with EPS that cannot be treated with radical
      measures. 

PMID- 27659929
TI  - Barriers to Peritoneal Dialysis in Saudi Arabia: Nephrologists' Perspectives.
AB  - In Saudi Arabia, only 9% of dialysis patients are on peritoneal dialysis (PD),
      and this has been the case for years. A number of centers around the world have
      sought to understand the underutilization of PD by asking nephrologists directly.
      In this study, we aimed to gather information that will answer the question "Why
      is PD underutilized in Saudi Arabia?" hoping that a roadmap may be developed to
      overcome the hurdles the study underscores, allowing for more patients to utilize
      this valuable modality. 

PMID- 27659930
TI  - Asymptomatic Effluent Protozoa Colonization in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients.
AB  - Currently, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health problem. Considering
      the impaired immunity of CKD patients, the relevance of infection in peritoneal
      dialysis (PD), and the increased prevalence of parasites in CKD patients,
      protozoa colonization was evaluated in PD effluent from CKD patients undergoing
      PD. Overnight PD effluent was obtained from 49 asymptomatic stable PD patients.
      Protozoa analysis was performed microscopically by searching cysts and
      trophozoites in direct wet mount of PD effluent and after staining smears.
      Protozoa were found in PD effluent of 10.2% of evaluated PD patients, namely
      Blastocystis hominis, in 2 patients, and Entamoeba sp., Giardia sp., and
      Endolimax nana in the other 3 patients, respectively. None of these patients
      presented clinical signs or symptoms of peritonitis at the time of protozoa
      screening. Our results demonstrate that PD effluent may be susceptible to
      asymptomatic protozoa colonization. The clinical impact of this finding should be
      further investigated. 

PMID- 27659931
TI  - Effect of balance Solution on the Peritoneal Membrane in Automated Peritoneal
      Dialysis.
AB  - Interference of conventional peritoneal dialysis fluids (cPDFs) with peritoneal
      membrane cell functions may be attributed to the dialysis fluid's low pH, high
      glucose concentration, and/or the presence of glucose degradation products
      (GDPs), the last of which leads to higher levels of advanced glycation end
      products (AGEs). It has been suggested that the peritoneal membrane might be
      better preserved by using biocompatible solutions, including cancer antigetn 125
      (CA125). This prospective, open-label, multicentre, randomized, controlled, cross
      over phase IV study compared the in vivo biocompatibility of a neutral-pH, low
      GDP peritoneal dialysis (PD) solution (balance) with a cPDF in automated PD (APD)
      patients. Our study revealed a significantly increased appearance rate and
      concentration of CA125 in the peritoneal effluent of APD patients treated with
      the neutral-pH, low-GDP solution balance versus a conventional PD solution. 

PMID- 27659932
TI  - Intraperitoneal Meropenem for Polymicrobial Peritoneal Dialysis-Related
      Peritonitis.
AB  - With the current rise in multiresistant gram-negative bacteria, carbapenems are
      more frequently used. Surprisingly, limited data exist on the pharmacokinetics of
      meropenem in peritoneal dialysis (PD)-related peritonitis. We report on the
      pharmacokinetics of repeated intraperitoneal (IP) meropenem during 21 days as
      treatment for polymicrobial multiresistent PD-related peritonitis.Our current
      report supports daily doses of 125 mg/L intraperitoneal meropenem in all bags as
      an effective and safe modality in the treatment of PD-associated peritonitis with
      multiresistant microorganisms. No signs of over- or underdosing were found based
      on serial drug concentration measurements at fixed time points up to 21 days. 

PMID- 27659933
TI  - Shewanella algae Peritonitis in Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis.
AB  - Patients with peritonitis present with abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, and
      turbid peritoneal dialysis (PD) fluid. Shewanella algae peritonitis has not yet
      been reported in PD patients in the literature. We present the first 2 cases of
      Shewanella algae peritonitis in PD patients. Mupirocin cream is applied on the
      exit site as prophylactic antibiotic therapy. 

PMID- 27659935
TI  - A Rare Case of Roseomonas gilardii Peritonitis in a Patient on Continuous
      Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis.

PMID- 27659934
TI  - An Alternative Approach to Delivering Intensive Dialysis in Pregnancy.
AB  - Pregnancy outcomes in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on dialysis
      are improving. Recent literature supports intensive hemodialysis (HD) as the
      modality of choice during pregnancy in ESRD. We report the successful delivery of
      a healthy infant at full term in a patient with ESRD by supplementing peritoneal
      dialysis (PD) with intermittent HD to achieve adequate dialysis intensity. 

PMID- 27659936
TI  - Hemodialysis Switch Improved Colonic Angiodysplasia in a Peritoneal Dialysis
      Patient.

PMID- 27659938
TI  - Direct identification of trypanosomatids by matrix-assisted laser desorption
      ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (DIT MALDI-TOF MS).
AB  - Accurate and rapid determination of trypanosomatids is essential in
      epidemiological surveillance and therapeutic studies. Matrix-assisted laser
      desorption ionization/time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has been
      shown to be a useful and powerful technique to identify bacteria, fungi, metazoa
      and human intact cells with applications in clinical settings. Here, we developed
      and optimized a MALDI-TOF MS method to profile trypanosomatids. trypanosomatid
      cells were deposited on a MALDI target plate followed by addition of matrix
      solution. The plate was then subjected to MALDI-TOF MS measurement to create
      reference mass spectra library and unknown samples were identified by pattern
      matching using the BioTyper software tool. Several m/z peaks reproducibly and
      uniquely identified trypanosomatids species showing the potentials of direct
      identification of trypanosomatids by MALDI-TOF MS. Moreover, this method
      discriminated different life stages of Trypanosoma cruzi, epimastigote and
      bloodstream trypomastigote and Trypanosoma brucei, procyclic and bloodstream. T.
      cruzi Discrete Typing Units (DTUs) were also discriminated in three clades.
      However, it was not possible to achieve enough resolution and software-assisted
      identification at the strain level. Overall, this study shows the importance of
      MALDI-TOF MS for the direct identification of trypanosomatids and opens new
      avenues for mass spectrometry-based detection of parasites in biofluids.
      Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. 

PMID- 27659939
TI  - Hip Capsular Closure: A Biomechanical Analysis of Failure Torque.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hip capsulotomy is routinely performed during arthroscopic surgery to
      achieve adequate exposure of the joint. Iatrogenic instability can result after
      hip arthroscopic surgery because of capsular insufficiency, which can be avoided
      with effective closure of the hip capsule. There is currently no consensus in the
      literature regarding the optimal quantity of sutures upon capsular closure to
      achieve maximal stability postoperatively. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of
      this study was to determine the failure torques of 1-, 2-, and 3-suture
      constructs for hip capsular closure to resist external rotation and extension
      after standard anterosuperior interportal capsulotomy (12 to 3 o'clock).
      Additionally, the degree of external rotation at which the suture constructs
      failed was recorded. The null hypothesis of this study was that no significant
      differences with respect to the failure torque would be found between the 3
      repair constructs. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Nine pairs
      (n = 18) of fresh-frozen human cadaveric hemipelvises underwent anterosuperior
      interportal capsulotomy, which were repaired with 1, 2, or 3 side-to-side
      sutures. Each hip was secured in a dynamic biaxial testing machine and underwent
      a cyclic external rotation preconditioning protocol, followed by external
      rotation to failure. RESULTS: The failure torque of the 1-suture hip capsular
      closure construct was significantly less than that of the 3-suture construct. The
      median failure torque for the 1-suture construct was 67.4 N.m (range, 47.4-73.6
      N.m). The median failure torque was 85.7 N.m (range, 56.9-99.1 N.m) for the 2
      suture construct and 91.7 N.m (range, 74.7-99.0 N.m) for the 3-suture construct.
      All 3 repair constructs exhibited a median 36 degrees  (range, 22 degrees -64
      degrees ) of external rotation at the failure torque. CONCLUSION: The most
      important finding of this study was that the 2- and 3-suture constructs resulted
      in comparable biomechanical failure torques when external rotation forces were
      applied to conventional hip capsulotomy in a cadaveric model. The 3-suture
      construct was significantly stronger than the 1-suture construct; however, there
      was not a significant difference between the 2- and 3-suture constructs.
      Additionally, all constructs failed at approximately 36 degrees  of external
      rotation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Re-establishing the native anatomy of the hip
      capsule after hip arthroscopic surgery has been reported to result in improved
      outcomes and reduce the risk of iatrogenic instability. Therefore, adequate
      capsular closure is important to restore proper hip biomechanics, and
      postoperative precautions limiting external rotation should be utilized to
      protect the repair.

PMID- 27659937
TI  - PARP-1 depletion in combination with carbon ion exposure significantly reduces
      MMPs activity and overall increases TIMPs expression in cultured HeLa cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hadron therapy is an innovative technique where cancer cells are
      precisely killed leaving surrounding healthy cells least affected by high linear
      energy transfer (LET) radiation like carbon ion beam. Anti-metastatic effect of
      carbon ion exposure attracts investigators into the field of hadron biology,
      although details remain poor. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) inhibitors
      are well-known radiosensitizer and several PARP-1 inhibitors are in clinical
      trial. Our previous studies showed that PARP-1 depletion makes the cells more
      radiosensitive towards carbon ion than gamma. The purpose of the present study
      was to investigate combining effects of PARP-1 inhibition with carbon ion
      exposure to control metastatic properties in HeLa cells. METHODS: Activities of
      matrix metalloproteinases-2, 9 (MMP-2, MMP-9) were measured using the gelatin
      zymography after 85 MeV carbon ion exposure or gamma irradiation (0- 4 Gy) to
      compare metastatic potential between PARP-1 knock down (HsiI) and control cells
      (H-vector - HeLa transfected with vector without shRNA construct). Expression of
      MMP-2, MMP-9, tissue inhibitor of MMPs such as TIMP-1, TIMP-2 and TIMP-3 were
      checked by immunofluorescence and western blot. Cell death by trypan blue,
      apoptosis and autophagy induction were studied after carbon ion exposure in each
      cell-type. The data was analyzed using one way ANOVA and 2-tailed paired-samples
      T-test. RESULTS: PARP-1 silencing significantly reduced MMP-2 and MMP-9
      activities and carbon ion exposure further diminished their activities to less
      than 3 % of control H-vector. On the contrary, gamma radiation enhanced both MMP
      2 and MMP-9 activities in H-vector but not in HsiI cells. The expression of MMP-2
      and MMP-9 in H-vector and HsiI showed different pattern after carbon ion
      exposure. All three TIMPs were increased in HsiI, whereas only TIMP-1 was up
      regulated in H-vector after irradiation. Notably, the expressions of all TIMPs
      were significantly higher in HsiI than H-vector at 4 Gy. Apoptosis was the
      predominant mode of cell death and no autophagic death was observed. CONCLUSIONS:
      Our study demonstrates for the first time that PARP-1 inhibition in combination
      with carbon ion synergistically decreases MMPs activity along with overall
      increase of TIMPs. These data open up the possibilities of improvement of carbon
      ion therapy with PARP-1 inhibition to control highly metastatic cancers.

PMID- 27659940
TI  - Association of genetic polymorphisms of de novo nucleotide biosynthesis with
      increased CHD susceptibility in the northern Chinese population.
AB  - Congenital heart disease (CHD) is one of most prevalent birth defects in the
      world. However, the underlying molecular mechanism(s) have not been fully
      understood. Here we report that increased CHD susceptibility is associated with
      genetic polymorphisms for de novo nucleotide biosynthesis in northern Chinese
      population, which has been reported with lower plasma folate levels. Nine tagSNPs
      of four genes (GART, ATIC, MTHFD1 and SHMT1) in de novo nucleotide biosynthesis
      were sequenced in 802 sporadic CHD patients and 1093 controls from two Han
      Chinese populations, located in north China (Shandong) and South China
      (Shanghai), respectively. Six SNPs were found to be significantly associated with
      CHDs or septation defects only in the Shandong population dataset, but none
      displayed significant association with any CHDs in the Shanghai population
      dataset as well as in the combined dataset. We also showed that the minor A
      allele of rs7279549 in GART reduced transcriptional activity and displayed lower
      affinity for unknown transcription factor(s), demonstrating the allele is a
      functional risk factor for CHD in Shandong population. Our study indicates that
      dysregulation of de novo nucleotide biosynthesis pathway may conditionally
      contribute to CHD pathogenesis in northern Chinese.

PMID- 27659941
TI  - Primary thermometry triad at 6 mK in mesoscopic circuits.
AB  - Quantum physics emerge and develop as temperature is reduced. Although mesoscopic
      electrical circuits constitute an outstanding platform to explore quantum
      behaviour, the challenge in cooling the electrons impedes their potential. The
      strong coupling of such micrometre-scale devices with the measurement lines,
      combined with the weak coupling to the substrate, makes them extremely difficult
      to thermalize below 10 mK and imposes in situ thermometers. Here we demonstrate
      electronic quantum transport at 6 mK in micrometre-scale mesoscopic circuits. The
      thermometry methods are established by the comparison of three in situ primary
      thermometers, each involving a different underlying physics. The employed
      combination of quantum shot noise, quantum back action of a resistive circuit and
      conductance oscillations of a single-electron transistor covers a remarkably
      broad spectrum of mesoscopic phenomena. The experiment, performed in vacuum using
      a standard cryogen-free dilution refrigerator, paves the way towards the sub
      millikelvin range with additional thermalization and refrigeration techniques.

PMID- 27659942
TI  - Severe Coagulation Disorder and Thrombocytopenia Associated with Tigecycline -
      Case Report and Review of Literature.
AB  - Herein, we report a 70-year-old male patient, with recurrent multiple hepatic
      abscesses, that was admitted to the internal medicine department for treatment of
      Carbapenem Resistant Escherichia Coli (CRE) bacteremia. The patient was treated
      with Tigecycline; few days later, he developed "Disseminated Intravascular
      Coagulation (DIC)" like coagulation study abnormality that seemed to be related
      to Tigecycline treatment. Upon discontinuing it, the DIC-like condition was
      resolved. Tigecycline should be considered as a possible etiological factor in
      patients with DIC-like, and this therapy should be withdrawn immediately in
      suspected cases.

PMID- 27659944
TI  - Cryopreservation of Kudoa septempunctata sporoplasm using commercial freezing
      media.
AB  - Cryopreservation methods for Kudoa septempunctata have not been established. This
      prevents an effective study of K. septempunctata, which cannot be artificially
      cultivated in the laboratory. In this study, we attempted to establish a
      cryopreservation method for K. septempunctata sporoplasm using Cellbanker(r) 1, a
      commercial preservation medium for mammalian cells. Spores were purified from the
      meat of Paralichthys olivaceus (olive flounder). These purified spores were
      suspended in Cellbanker(r) 1 and were stored at -80  degrees C for up to 16
      months. Although the spores stored at -80  degrees C for 16 months were damaged,
      the sporoplasms maintained its amoeba-like indeterminate morphology, and their
      motility was well preserved. The viability of sporoplasms was variable among
      vials but was not below 70 %. In addition, the sporoplasms stored at -80  degrees
      C for 16 months could decrease the transepithelial electrical resistance of Caco
      2 cells. These results indicate that this cryopreservation method using
      Cellbanker(r) 1 could preserve the viability and pathogenesis of K.
      septempunctata sporoplasm.

PMID- 27659943
TI  - IMNGS: A comprehensive open resource of processed 16S rRNA microbial profiles for
      ecology and diversity studies.
AB  - The SRA (Sequence Read Archive) serves as primary depository for massive amounts
      of Next Generation Sequencing data, and currently host over 100,000 16S rRNA gene
      amplicon-based microbial profiles from various host habitats and environments.
      This number is increasing rapidly and there is a dire need for approaches to
      utilize this pool of knowledge. Here we created IMNGS (Integrated Microbial Next
      Generation Sequencing), an innovative platform that uniformly and systematically
      screens for and processes all prokaryotic 16S rRNA gene amplicon datasets
      available in SRA and uses them to build sample-specific sequence databases and
      OTU-based profiles. Via a web interface, this integrative sequence resource can
      easily be queried by users. We show examples of how the approach allows testing
      the ecological importance of specific microorganisms in different hosts or
      ecosystems, and performing targeted diversity studies for selected taxonomic
      groups. The platform also offers a complete workflow for de novo analysis of
      users' own raw 16S rRNA gene amplicon datasets for the sake of comparison with
      existing data. IMNGS can be accessed at www.imngs.org.

PMID- 27659945
TI  - Fabrication of dual-sensitive keratin-based polymer hydrogels and their
      controllable release behaviors.
AB  - Using feather keratin (FK) as a biocompatible and inexpensive biopolymer, a kind
      of dual-sensitive keratin-based polymer hydrogel (FK/PNiPA/PIAc-Gel) with
      interpenetrating network structure was prepared by two-step polymerization of N
      isopropyl acrylamide (NiPA) and itaconic acid (IAc) in presence of crosslinker.
      After being characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,
      thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy, its swelling
      behaviors and environmental sensitivity were investigated. The obtained
      biopolymer based hydrogel has good swelling and deswelling performance, and it is
      sensitive to pH value, temperature and salts of environment. Using anticancer
      drug, doxorubicin hydrochloride (Dox.HCl),  and Bovine serum albumin (BSA) as
      different drug molecules, its release behaviors in different environment were
      investigated. It was found that the release behaviors of FK/PNiPA/PIAc-Gel were
      controllable via adjusting pH value or temperature of environment. The cumulative
      release of the anticancer drug (Dox.HCl) reached 93.3% within 16 h, and the
      cumulative release rate of macromolecular drug (BSA) got to 75.9% in 24 h. In
      summary, the keratin-based biopolymer hydrogel with interpenetrating network
      structure, pH-sensitivity and temperature sensitivity are potentially applied to
      sustain drug carrier and humid medicinal material in the biomedical field or
      clinical nursing field.

PMID- 27659946
TI  - Distal airway epithelial progenitor cells are radiosensitive to High-LET
      radiation.
AB  - Exposure to high-linear energy transfer (LET) radiation occurs in a variety of
      situations, including charged particle radiotherapy, radiological accidents, and
      space travel. However, the extent of normal tissue injury in the lungs following
      high-LET radiation exposure is unknown. Here we show that exposure to high-LET
      radiation led to a prolonged loss of in vitro colony forming ability by airway
      epithelial progenitor cells. Furthermore, exposure to high-LET radiation induced
      clonal expansion of a subset of progenitor cells in the distal airway epithelium.
      Clonal expansion following high-LET radiation exposure was correlated with
      elevated progenitor cell apoptosis, persistent gamma-H2AX foci, and defects in
      mitotic progression of distal airway progenitors. We discovered that the effects
      of high-LET radiation exposure on progenitor cells occur in a p53-dependent
      manner. These data show that high-LET radiation depletes the distal airway
      progenitor pool by inducing cell death and loss of progenitor function, leading
      to clonal expansion. Importantly, high-LET radiation induces greater long-term
      damage to normal lung tissue than the relative equivalent dose of low-LET gamma
      rays, which has implications in therapeutic development and risk assessment.

PMID- 27659947
TI  - Earlobe-like peritoneal appendage near the angle of His: a useful landmark for
      demarcating the lateral margin of the gastric cardia.
AB  - The gastric cardia-the small area around the cardiac orifice including the
      abdominal esophagus-is an important target area for abdominal and thoracic
      surgeries, especially for laparoscopic procedures. In this study of 28 cadavers,
      a peritoneal earlobe-like appendage near the angle of His was identified as a
      useful indicator of the lateral margin of the abdominal esophagus, which is
      otherwise obscure because the peritoneum continues to the diaphragm without
      definite demarcation of this margin. This structure, which appears equivalent to
      the epiploic appendages, was commonly found to be present (in 22/28, 78.6 % of
      the 28 cadavers) and was 4-21 mm * 6-40 mm * 1-4 mm in size, triangular, round,
      or leaf-like in shape, contained fat, and was on an imaginary line along which
      the lesser omentum adheres to the lesser curvature and continues to the diaphragm
      (18/22, 81.8 %). This indicator is associated with the lesser omentum and is part
      of the gastrophrenic ligament, and could serve as a useful indicator of the
      margin of the gastric cardia, thus aiding surgeons performing laparoscopic
      surgery in this region.

PMID- 27659948
TI  - Corrigendum: How Tissue Mechanical Properties Affect Enteric Neural Crest Cell
      Migration.

PMID- 27659949
TI  - Survey of Redox-Active Moieties for Application in Multiplexed Electrochemical
      Biosensors.
AB  - Recent years have seen the development of a large number of electrochemical
      sandwich assays and reagentless biosensor architectures employing biomolecules
      modified via the attachment of a redox-active "reporter." Here we survey a large
      set of potential redox reporters in order to determine which exhibits the best
      long-duration stability in thiol-on-gold monolayer-based sensors and to identify
      reporter "sets" signaling at distinct, nonoverlapping redox potentials in support
      of multiplexing and error correcting ratiometric or differential measurement
      approaches. Specifically, we have characterized the performance of more than a
      dozen potential reporters that are, first, redox active within the potential
      window over which thiol-on-gold monolayers are reasonably stable and, second, are
      available commercially in forms that are readily conjugated to biomolecules or
      can be converted into such forms in one or two simple synthetic steps. To test
      each of these reporters we conjugated it to one terminus of a single-stranded DNA
      "probe" that was attached by its other terminus via a six-carbon thiol to a gold
      electrode to form an "E-DNA" sensor responsive to its complementary DNA target.
      We then measured the signaling properties of each sensor as well as its stability
      against repeated voltammetric scans and against deployment in and reuse from
      blood serum. Doing so we find that the performance of methylene blue-based, thiol
      on-gold sensors is unmatched; the near-quantitative stability of such sensors
      against repeated scanning in even very complex sample matrices is unparalleled.
      While more modest, the stability of sensors employing a handful of other
      reporters, including anthraquinone, Nile blue, and ferrrocene, is reasonable. Our
      work thus serves as both to highlight the exceptional properties of methylene
      blue as a redox reporter in such applications and as a cautionary tale-we wish to
      help other researchers avoid fruitless efforts to employ the many, seemingly
      promising and yet ultimately inadequate reporters we have investigated. Finally,
      we hope that our work also serves as an illustration of the pressing need for the
      further development of useful redox reporters.

PMID- 27659950
TI  - The Capacity of Cognitive Control Estimated from a Perceptual Decision Making
      Task.
AB  - Cognitive control refers to the processes that permit selection and
      prioritization of information processing in different cognitive domains to reach
      the capacity-limited conscious mind. Although previous studies have suggested
      that the capacity of cognitive control itself is limited, a direct quantification
      of this capacity has not been attempted. In this behavioral study, we manipulated
      the information rate of cognitive control by parametrically varying both the
      uncertainty of stimul measured as information entropy and the exposure time of
      the stimuli. We used the relationship between the participants' response accuracy
      and the information rate of cognitive control (in bits per second, bps) in the
      model fitting to estimate the capacity of cognitive control. We found that the
      capacity of cognitive control was approximately 3 to 4 bps, demonstrating that
      cognitive control as a higher-level function has a remarkably low capacity. This
      quantification of the capacity of cognitive control may have significant
      theoretical and clinical implications.

PMID- 27659952
TI  - The Role of ZnP2 Nanoclusters in the Vibrational Properties of Cd x Zn(1 - x)P2
      Solid Solutions.
AB  - This study reports an analysis of the IR reflectance and Raman spectra of Cd x
      Zn(1 - x)P2 solid solutions. We have analyzed the effect of the doping of the
      CdP2 single crystal by the ZnP2 nanoclusters on the vibrational properties of
      studied samples: epsilon 0, epsilon inf, phonon frequencies, and strengths. These
      dependencies might be used as an alternative non-destructive way for the control
      of the Cd x Zn(1 - x)P2 composition. The obtained results show that variation of
      the concentration of ZnP2 nanoclusters opens a space to design the tailored
      material properties for the industrial applications. 

PMID- 27659951
TI  - Engineering Crack Formation in Carbon Nanotube-Silver Nanoparticle Composite
      Films for Sensitive and Durable Piezoresistive Sensors.
AB  - We report highly sensitive and reliable strain sensors based on silver
      nanoparticle (AgNP) and carbon nanotube (CNT) composite thin films. The CNT/AgNP
      was prepared by a screen printing process using a mixture of a CNT paste and an
      AgNP ink. It is discovered that the sensitivity of such sensors are highly
      dependent on the crack formation in the composites. By altering the substrate use
      and the relative ratios of AgNPs and CNTs, the formation and propagation of
      cracks can be properly engineered, leading to piezoresistive strain sensors with
      enhanced sensitivity and robustness. 

PMID- 27659953
TI  - Laser Ablated Carbon Nanodots for Light Emission.
AB  - The synthesis of fluorescent carbon dots-like nanostructures (CNDs) obtained
      through the laser ablation of a carbon solid target in liquid environment is
      reported. The ablation process was induced in acetone with laser pulses of 1064,
      532, and 355 nm under different irradiation times. Close-spherical amorphous CNDs
      with sizes between 5 and 20 nm, whose abundance strongly depends on the ablation
      parameters were investigated using electron microscopy and was confirmed using
      absorption and emission spectroscopies. The pi- pi* electronic transition at 3.76
      eV dominates the absorption for all the CNDs species synthesized under different
      irradiation conditions. The light emission is most efficient due to excitation at
      3.54 eV with the photoluminescence intensity centered at 3.23 eV. The light
      emission from the CNDs is most efficient due to ablation at 355 nm. The emission
      wavelength of the CNDs can be tuned from the near-UV to the green wavelength
      region by controlling the ablation time and modifying the ablation and excitation
      laser wavelength. 

PMID- 27659956
TI  - ?

PMID- 27659957
TI  - ?

PMID- 27659955
TI  - The healing effect of Pistacia lentiscus fruit oil on laser burn.
AB  - CONTEXT: Since antiquity, Pistacia lentiscus L. (Anacardiaceae) fruit oil (PLFO)
      has been used as a remedy for primary health care such as burn treatment.
      OBJECTIVE: This study assesses the healing effect of PLFO on CO2 laser fractional
      burn in a rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was carried out on 18 adult
      male Wistar rats. A second-degree laser burn (wound area = 2.2 cm2) was inflicted
      in the dorsal region by the application of CO2 fractional laser within the
      following parameters; Energy level: 25 MJ and Depth level: 4. After applying
      laser, the rats were divided into three groups: the first was treated with saline
      solution, the second with a reference cream 'CYTOL BASIC(r)' (0.13 MUg/mm2) and
      the third with PLFO (0.52 MUL/mm2). All treatments were topically administered
      for eight days. The healing effect was assessed using macroscopic, histological
      and biochemical parameters. RESULTS: After eight days, the higher percentage of
      wound healing contraction was observed among the PLFO-treated group (100%)
      followed by the 'CYTOL BASIC(r)' treated group (61.36%) and untreated group
      (32.27%). During the treatment, the PLFO-treated group showed less erythema, less
      crusting/scabbing, higher general wound appearance scores and a high content of
      collagen (220.67 +/- 7.48 mg/g of tissue) than the other groups. DISCUSSION AND
      CONCLUSION: The current study has shown, for the first time, the healing effect
      of PLFO on CO2 laser fractional burn. Their wound healing effect could be
      attributed to their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

PMID- 27659954
TI  - Divalent copper ion bound amyloid-beta(40) and amyloid-beta(42) alloforms are
      less preferred than divalent zinc ion bound amyloid-beta(40) and amyloid-beta(42)
      alloforms.
AB  - Divalent copper and zinc ions bind to the amyloid-beta(40) and amyloid-beta(42)
      alloforms and affect their structural stability as well as their chemical and
      physical properties. Current literature debates the impact of copper ions on
      amyloid-beta alloforms. Recently, we reported the structural and thermodynamic
      properties of apo amyloid-beta and divalent zinc ion bound amyloid-beta alloforms
      (see, Wise-Scira et al. in J Biol Inorg Chem 17:927-938, 2012 and Coskuner et al.
      in ACS Chem Neurosci 4: 310-320, 2013). In our search for understanding the
      impacts of transition metal ions on disordered amyloid-beta, we also developed
      and reported new potential functions using quantum mechanics, which are required
      for high-quality molecular dynamics simulations of divalent copper ion bound
      amyloid-beta alloforms (see, Wise and Coskuner in J Comput Chem 35:1278-1289,
      2014). The structures and thermodynamic properties of the divalent copper ion
      bound amyloid-beta(40) and amyloid-beta(42) alloforms in an aqueous medium are
      studied. The secondary and tertiary structures of divalent copper ion bound
      amyloid-beta(40) and amyloid-beta(42) along with their thermodynamic properties
      including enthalpy, entropy, Gibbs free energy and potential of mean force
      surface are investigated. Results are compared to those for apo amyloid-beta and
      divalent zinc ion bound amyloid-beta alloforms. Results demonstrate that copper
      binding to Abeta alloforms is thermodynamically less preferred rather than zinc
      binding. Less compact structures of copper ion bound amyloid-beta alloforms
      possess reduced stability in comparison to zinc ion bound amyloid-beta alloforms.
      Cu(II) binding impacts the thermodynamic properties, secondary and tertiary
      structural properties of Abeta40 and Abeta42.

PMID- 27659959
TI  - ?

PMID- 27659958
TI  - ?

PMID- 27659961
TI  - Enhanced separation and analysis procedure reveals production of tri-acylated
      mannosylerythritol lipids by Pseudozyma aphidis.
AB  - Mannosylerythritol lipids (MELs) are one of the most promising biosurfactants
      because of their high fermentation yields (>100 g l-1) and during the last two
      decades they have gained a lot of attention due to their interesting self
      assembling properties and biological activities. In this study, MELs were
      produced by fed-batch bioreactor fermentation of rapeseed oil with Pseudozyma
      aphidis MUCL 27852. This high-level MEL-producing yeast secretes four
      conventional MEL structures, -A, -B, -C and -D, which differ in their degree of
      acetylation. During our research, unknown compounds synthesized by P. aphidis
      were detected by thin-layer chromatography. The unknown compounds were separated
      by flash chromatography and identified as tri-acylated MELs by high-performance
      liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). The third fatty acid
      chain on the tri-acylated MELs was positioned on the primary alcohol of the
      erythritol moiety and comprised long-chain acids, mainly oleic and linoleic acid,
      which are not found in conventional di-acylated MELs. Furthermore, the LC-MS
      analysis time of conventional MELs was reduced to almost one-third by switching
      from HPLC-MS/MS to ultraperformance liquid chromatography tandem mass
      spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Provided optimization of the fermentation yield, P.
      aphidis could be an interesting novel producer of tri-acylated MELs and, thereby
      expand the supply and applicability of biosurfactants.

PMID- 27659962
TI  - "Same Room, Safe Place".
AB  - There are many different professional stances on safe sleep and then there is the
      reality of caring for a newborn. There is a debate among professionals regarding
      safe sleep recommendations. The continum of recommendations vary from the
      American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Safe Sleep Guidelines to the bed-sharing
      recommendations from the Mother-Baby Behavioral Sleep Laboratory. The lack of
      consistent and uniform safe sleep recommendations from health professionals has
      been confusing for families but has more recently raised a real professional
      ethical dilemma. Despite years of focused safe sleep community education and
      interventions, sleep-related infant deaths are on the rise in many communities.
      This commentary calls for a united safe sleep message from all health
      professionals to improve health for mothers and infants most at-risk, "Same Room,
      Safe Place."

PMID- 27659963
TI  - Leptomycin B ameliorates vasogenic edema formation induced by status epilepticus
      via inhibiting p38 MAPK/VEGF pathway.
AB  - The blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption during brain insults leads to vasogenic
      edema as one of the primary steps in the epileptogenic process. However, the
      signaling pathway concerning vasogenic edema formation has not been clarified. In
      the present study, status epilepticus (SE) resulted in vascular endothelial
      growth factor (VEGF) over-expression accompanied by loss of BBB integrity in the
      rat piriform cortex. Leptomycin B (LMB, an inhibitor of chromosome region
      maintenance 1) attenuated SE-induced vasogenic edema formation. This anti-edema
      effect of LMB was relevant to inhibitions of VEGF over-expression as well as p38
      mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation. Furthermore, SB202190 (a
      p38 MAPK inhibitor) ameliorated vasogenic edema and VEGF over-expression induced
      by SE. These findings indicate that p38 MAPK/VEGF signaling pathway may be
      involved in BBB disruption following SE. Thus, we suggest that p38 MAPK/VEGF axis
      may be one of therapeutic targets for vasogenic edema in various neurological
      diseases.

PMID- 27659960
TI  - Genetic switches and related tools for controlling gene expression and electrical
      outputs of Geobacter sulfurreducens.
AB  - Physiological studies and biotechnology applications of Geobacter species have
      been limited by a lack of genetic tools. Therefore, potential additional
      molecular strategies for controlling metabolism were explored. When the gene for
      citrate synthase, or acetyl-CoA transferase, was placed under the control of a
      LacI/IPTG regulator/inducer system, cells grew on acetate only in the presence of
      IPTG. The TetR/AT system could also be used to control citrate synthase gene
      expression and acetate metabolism. A strain that required IPTG for growth on D
      lactate was constructed by placing the gene for D-lactate dehydrogenase under the
      control of the LacI/IPTG system. D-Lactate served as an inducer in a strain in
      which a D-lactate responsive promoter and transcription repressor were used to
      control citrate synthase expression. Iron- and potassium-responsive systems were
      successfully incorporated to regulate citrate synthase expression and growth on
      acetate. Linking the appropriate degradation tags on the citrate synthase protein
      made it possible to control acetate metabolism with either the endogenous ClpXP
      or exogenous Lon protease and tag system. The ability to control current output
      from Geobacter biofilms and the construction of an AND logic gate for acetate
      metabolism suggested that the tools developed may be applicable for biosensor and
      biocomputing applications.

PMID- 27659964
TI  - Erythropoietin improves hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy in neonatal rats after
      short-term anoxia by enhancing angiogenesis.
AB  - Erythropoietin (EPO) is important for angiogenesis after hypoxia/ischemia. In
      this study, we investigated whether recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) can
      enhance angiogenesis, and promote cognitive function through vascular endothelial
      growth factor (VEGF)/VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) signaling pathway in a rat model of
      hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). RhEPO, selective VEGFR2 inhibitor (SU5416)
      or vehicle was administrated by intraperitoneal injection. The assessment for
      cognitive function begins on day 60 after anoxia. Vascular density in hippocampus
      and white matter damage within corpus callosum were examined on day 28 after
      anoxia. The expression of erythropoietin receptor (EPOR), VEGF, rapidly
      accelerated fibrosarcoma 1 (Raf1), and extracellular-signal-regulated kinases 1
      and 2 (ERK1/2) in hippocampus were evaluated on day 7 after anoxia. RhEPO-treated
      anoxia rats had better cognitive recovery, higher vascular density, and less
      white matter damage than in the vehicle anoxia rats. These protective effects
      associated with increased expression of EPOR, VEGF; and increased phosphorylation
      of Raf1 and ERK1/2. While this up-regulation, and changes in the histopathologic
      and functional outcomes were abolished by SU5416. Our data indicate that rhEPO
      can enhance angiogenesis, reduce white matter damage, and promote cognitive
      recovery through VEGF/VEGFR2 signaling pathway in anoxia rats.

PMID- 27659965
TI  - Manipulating Wnt signaling at different subcellular levels affects the fate of
      neonatal neural stem/progenitor cells.
AB  - The canonical Wnt signaling pathway plays an important role in embryogenesis, and
      the establishment of neurogenic niches. It is involved in proliferation and
      differentiation of neural progenitors, since elevated Wnt/beta-catenin signaling
      promotes differentiation of neural stem/progenitor cells (NS/PCs1) towards
      neuroblasts. Nevertheless, it remains elusive how the differentiation program of
      neural progenitors is influenced by the Wnt signaling output. Using transgenic
      mouse models, we found that in vitro activation of Wnt signaling resulted in
      higher expression of beta-catenin protein and Wnt/beta-catenin target genes,
      while Wnt signaling inhibition resulted in the reverse effect. Within
      differentiated cells, we identified three electrophysiologically and
      immunocytochemically distinct cell types, whose incidence was markedly affected
      by the Wnt signaling output. Activation of the pathway suppressed gliogenesis,
      and promoted differentiation of NS/PCs towards a neuronal phenotype, while its
      inhibition led to suppressed neurogenesis and increased counts of cells of glial
      phenotype. Moreover, Wnt signaling hyperactivation resulted in an increased
      incidence of cells expressing outwardly rectifying K+ currents, together with
      inwardly rectifying Na+ currents, a typical current pattern of immature neurons,
      while blocking the pathway led to the opposite effect. Taken together, our data
      indicate that the Wnt signaling pathway orchestrates neonatal NS/PCs
      differentiation towards cells with neuronal characteristics, which might be
      important for nervous tissue regeneration during central nervous system
      disorders. Furthermore, the transgenic mouse strains used in this study may serve
      as a convenient tool to manipulate beta-catenin-dependent signaling in neural
      progenitors in the neonatal brain.

PMID- 27659967
TI  - Short-term effects of low-volume resuscitation with hypertonic saline and
      hydroxyethylstarch in an experimental model of lung contusion and haemorrhagic
      shock.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the short-term respiratory tolerance and
      haemodynamic efficiency of low-volume resuscitation with hypertonic saline and
      hydroxyethylstarch (HS/HES) in a pig model of lung contusion and controlled
      haemorrhagic shock. We hypothesised that a low-volume of HS/HES after
      haemorrhagic shock did not impact contused lungs in terms of extravascular lung
      water 3hours after trauma. METHODS: A lung contusion resulting from blunt chest
      trauma was induced in 28 anaesthetised female pigs with five bolt-shots to the
      right thoracic cage, followed by haemorrhagic shock and fluid resuscitation. Pigs
      were randomly allocated into two groups: fluid resuscitation by 4ml/kg of HS/HES,
      or fluid resuscitation by 10ml/kg of normal saline (NS). Monitoring was based on
      transpulmonary thermodilution and a pulmonary artery catheter. After 3h, animals
      were euthanized to measure extravascular lung water (EVLW) by gravimetry.
      RESULTS: Blunt chest trauma was followed by a transient collapse and hypoxaemia
      in both groups. Post-mortem gravimetric assessment demonstrated a significant
      difference between EVLW in the NS-group (8.1+/-0.7ml/kg) and in the HS/HES-group
      (6.2+/-0.6ml/kg, P=0.038). Based on a pathological EVLW threshold of > 7ml/kg,
      results indicated that only the NS-group experienced moderate pulmonary oedema,
      contrary to the HS/HES-group. After haemorrhagic shock, HS/HES infusion enabled
      the restoration of effective mean arterial pressure and cardiac index.
      Intrapulmonary shunting increased transiently after fluid resuscitation but there
      was no significant impairment of oxygenation. CONCLUSION: In this pig model of
      lung contusion, the short-term assessment of fluid resuscitation after
      haemorrhagic shock with 4ml/kg of HS/HES showed that pulmonary oedema was avoided
      compared to fluid resuscitation with 10ml/kg of NS.

PMID- 27659966
TI  - Altered glutamate release in the dorsal striatum of the MitoPark mouse model of
      Parkinson's disease.
AB  - Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in the degeneration of dopamine
      (DA) neurons in Parkinson's disease (PD). In addition, animal models of PD
      utilizing neurotoxins, such as 6-hydroxydopamine and 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6
      tetrahydropyridine, have shown that these toxins disrupt mitochondrial
      respiration by targeting complex I of the electron transport chain, thereby
      impairing DA neurons in these models. A MitoPark mouse model was created to mimic
      the mitochondrial dysfunction observed in the DA system of PD patients. These
      mice display the same phenotypic characteristics as PD, including accelerated
      decline in motor function and DAergic systems with age. Previously, these mice
      have responded to L-Dopa treatment and develop L-Dopa induced dyskinesia (LID) as
      they age. A potential mechanism involved in the formation of LID is greater
      glutamate release into the dorsal striatum as a result of altered basal ganglia
      neurocircuitry due to reduced nigrostriatal DA neurotransmission. Therefore, the
      focus of this study was to assess various indicators of glutamate
      neurotransmission in the dorsal striatum of MitoPark mice at an age in which
      nigrostriatal DA has degenerated. At 28 weeks of age, MitoPark mice had, upon KCl
      stimulation, greater glutamate release in the dorsal striatum compared to control
      mice. In addition, uptake kinetics were slower in MitoPark mice. These findings
      were coupled with reduced expression of the glutamate re-uptake transporter, GLT
      1, thus providing an environment suitable for glutamate excitotoxic events,
      leading to altered physiological function in these mice.

PMID- 27659968
TI  - Reduced variability and execution time to reach a target with a needle GPS
      system: Comparison between physicians, residents and nurse anaesthetists.
AB  - Ultrasound (US) guided needle positioning is safer than anatomical landmark
      techniques for central venous access. Hand-eye coordination and execution time
      depend on the professional's ability, previous training and personal skills.
      Needle guidance positioning systems (GPS) may theoretically reduce execution time
      and facilitate needle positioning in specific targets, thus improving patient
      comfort and safety. Three groups of healthcare professionals (41
      anaesthesiologists and intensivists, 41 residents in anaesthesiology and
      intensive care, 39 nurse anaesthetists) were included and required to perform 3
      tasks (positioning the tip of a needle in three different targets in a silicon
      phantom) by using successively a conventional US-guided needle positioning and a
      needle GPS. We measured execution times to perform the tasks, hand-eye
      coordination and the number of repositioning occurrences or errors in handling
      the needle or the probe. Without the GPS system, we observed a significant inter
      individual difference for execution time (P<0.05), hand-eye coordination and the
      number of errors/needle repositioning between physicians, residents and nurse
      anaesthetists. US training and video gaming were found to be independent factors
      associated with a shorter execution time. Use of GPS attenuated the inter
      individual and group variability. We observed a reduced execution time and
      improved hand-eye coordination in all groups as compared to US without GPS.
      Neither US training, video gaming nor demographic personal or professional
      factors were found to be significantly associated with reduced execution time
      when GPS was used. US associated with GPS systems may improve safety and decrease
      execution time by reducing inter-individual variability between professionals for
      needle-handling procedures.

PMID- 27659969
TI  - Management of direct oral anticoagulants in patients undergoing elective
      surgeries and invasive procedures: Updated guidelines from the French Working
      Group on Perioperative Hemostasis (GIHP) - September 2015.
AB  - Since 2011, data on patients exposed to direct oral anticoagulants (DOAs) while
      undergoing invasive procedures have accumulated. At the same time, an increased
      hemorrhagic risk during perioperative bridging anticoagulation without thrombotic
      risk reduction has been demonstrated. This has led the GIHP to update their
      guidelines published in 2011. For scheduled procedures at low bleeding risk, it
      is suggested that patients interrupt DOAs the night before irrespective of type
      of drug and to resume therapy six hours or more after the end of the invasive
      procedure. For invasive procedures at high bleeding risk, it is suggested to
      interrupt rivaroxaban, apixaban and edoxaban three days before. Dabigatran should
      be interrupted according to the renal function, four days and five days if
      creatinine clearance is higher than 50mL/min and between 30 and 50mL/min,
      respectively. For invasive procedures at very high bleeding risk such as
      intracranial neurosurgery or neuraxial anesthesia, longer interruption times are
      suggested. Finally, bridging with parenteral anticoagulation and measurement of
      DOA concentrations can no longer routinely be used.

PMID- 27659970
TI  - Mapping the Function of Polycomb Proteins.
AB  - Polycomb group (PcG) proteins are master regulators of proliferation and
      development that play essential roles in human pathologies including cancers.
      PcGs act as gatekeepers of cellular identity, maintaining repression of a
      multitude of target genes. However, these properties have only been recently
      uncovered thanks to technological advances, first of all chromatin
      immunoprecipitations (ChIP), that allowed a systematic characterization of the
      activity of these factors in an unbiased manner at a genome-wide level. Using PcG
      protein as example, this chapter introduces the readers to the use of chromatin
      analysis (ChIP assays and replication timing) and how to move these approaches to
      a level of genome-wide interpretation.

PMID- 27659971
TI  - Chromatin Immunoprecipitation.
AB  - Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) is a valuable method to investigate protein
      DNA interactions in vivo. Since its discovery it has been indispensable to
      identify binding sites and patterns of a variety of DNA-interacting proteins,
      such as transcription factors and regulators, modified histones, and epigenetic
      modifiers. The Polycomb repressors were the first proteins that have been mapped
      using this technique, which provided the mechanistic basis for the understanding
      of their biological function. Cross-linked (XChIP) or native (NChIP) chromatin
      from tissues or cultured cells is fragmented and the protein of interest is
      immunoprecipitated using a specific antibody. The co-precipitated DNA is then
      purified and subjected to analysis by region-specific PCR, DNA microarray (ChIP
      on-chip), or next-generation sequencing (ChIP-seq). The assay can therefore
      produce information about the localization of the analyzed protein at specific
      candidate loci or throughout the entire genome. In this chapter, we provide a
      detailed protocol of the basic standard ChIP assay and some remarks about
      variations.

PMID- 27659972
TI  - Chromatin Preparation and Chromatin Immuno-precipitation from Drosophila Embryos.
AB  - This protocol provides specific details on how to perform Chromatin
      immunoprecipitation (ChIP) from Drosophila embryos. ChIP allows the matching of
      proteins or histone modifications to specific genomic regions. Formaldehyde-cross
      linked chromatin is isolated and antibodies against the target of interest are
      used to determine whether the target is associated with a specific DNA sequence.
      This can be performed in spatial and temporal manner and it can provide
      information about the genome-wide localization of a given protein or histone
      modification if coupled with deep sequencing technology (ChIP-Seq).

PMID- 27659973
TI  - ChIP-seq Data Processing for PcG Proteins and Associated Histone Modifications.
AB  - Chromatin Immunoprecipitation followed by massively parallel DNA sequencing (ChIP
      sequencing) has emerged as an essential technique to study the genome-wide
      location of DNA- or chromatin-associated proteins, such as the Polycomb group
      (PcG) proteins. After being generated by the sequencer, raw ChIP-seq sequence
      reads need to be processed by a data analysis pipeline. Here we describe the
      computational steps required to process PcG ChIP-seq data, including alignment,
      peak calling, and downstream analysis.

PMID- 27659974
TI  - Analysis of Single-Locus Replication Timing in Asynchronous Cycling Cells.
AB  - In higher eucaryotes, not all the genome is replicated simultaneously: there are
      parts of the genome that replicate at the beginning of S-phase (early S-phase),
      others that are replicated later. In each cell, early replicating genomic regions
      are alternated to late-replicating regions. In general, eucaryotic genomes are
      organized into structural domains where genes showing the same epigenetic state
      replicate at the same time.Here, we will describe the protocol that we routinely
      used for the analysis of replication timing of specific loci in Drosophila
      embryonic cell lines (S2 and S3) based on BrdU labeling and FACS sorting of
      different S-phase fractions (early, mid, late) of asynchronous cycling cells.

PMID- 27659975
TI  - Noncoding RNA Interplay with the Genome.
AB  - The majority of our genome is transcribed to produce RNA molecules that are
      mostly noncoding. Among them, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are the most numerous
      and functionally versatile class.LncRNAs have emerged as key regulators of gene
      expression at multiple levels.This section describes bioinformatics aspects
      important for lncRNA discovery and molecular approaches to perform structure
      function characterization of this exciting class of regulatory molecules.

PMID- 27659976
TI  - RIP: RNA Immunoprecipitation.
AB  - The relevance of RNA-protein interactions in modulating mRNA and noncoding RNA
      function is increasingly appreciated and several methods have been recently
      developed to map them. The RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) is a powerful method to
      study the physical association between individual proteins and RNA molecules in
      vivo. The basic principles of RIP are very similar to those of chromatin
      immunoprecipitation (ChIP), a largely used tool in the epigenetic field, but with
      some important caveats. The approach is based on the use of a specific antibody
      raised against the protein of interest to pull down the RNA-binding protein (RBP)
      and target-RNA complexes. Any RNA that is associated with this protein complex
      will also be isolated and can be further analyzed by polymerase chain reaction
      based methods, hybridization, or sequencing.Several variants of this technique
      exist and can be divided into two main classes: native and cross-linked RNA
      immunoprecipitation. The native RIP allows to reveal the identity of RNAs
      directly bound by the protein and their abundance in the immunoprecipitated
      sample, while cross-linked RIP leads to precisely map the direct and indirect
      binding site of the RBP of interest to the RNA molecule.In this chapter both the
      protocols applied to mammalian cells are described taking into account the
      caveats and considerations required for designing, performing, and interpreting
      the results of these experiments.

PMID- 27659977
TI  - Capture Hybridization Analysis of DNA Targets.
AB  - There are numerous recent cases where chromatin modifying complexes associate
      with long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), stoking interest in lncRNA genomic localization
      and associated proteins. Capture Hybridization Analysis of RNA Targets (CHART)
      uses complementary oligonucleotides to purify an RNA with its associated genomic
      DNA or proteins from formaldehyde cross-linked chromatin. Deep sequencing of the
      purified DNA fragments gives a comprehensive profile of the potential lncRNA
      biological targets in vivo. The combined identification of the genomic
      localization of RNA and its protein partners can directly inform hypotheses about
      RNA function, including recruitment of chromatin modifying complexes. Here, we
      provide a detailed protocol on how to design antisense capture oligos and perform
      CHART in tissue culture cells.

PMID- 27659978
TI  - Identification of RNA-Protein Interactions Through In Vitro RNA Pull-Down Assays.
AB  - Recent advances in next-generation sequencing have revealed that majority of the
      human genome is transcribed into long and short RNA (ncRNA) transcripts. Many
      ncRNAs function by interacting with proteins and forming regulatory complexes.
      RNA-protein interactions are vital in controlling core cellular processes like
      transcription and translation. Therefore identifying proteins that interact with
      ncRNAs is central to deciphering ncRNA functions. Here we describe an RNA-protein
      pull-down assay, which enables the identification of proteins that interact with
      an RNA under study. As an example we describe pull-down of proteins interacting
      with ncRNA XIST, which assists in the recruitment of the polycomb-repressive
      complex-2 (PRC2) and drives X-chromosomal inactivation.

PMID- 27659979
TI  - Understanding RNA-Chromatin Interactions Using Chromatin Isolation by RNA
      Purification (ChIRP).
AB  - ChIRP is a novel and easy-to-use technique for studying long noncoding RNA
      (lncRNA)-chromatin interactions. RNA and chromatin are cross-linked in vivo using
      formaldehyde or glutaraldehyde, and purified using biotinylated antisense
      oligonucleotides that hybridize to the target RNA. Co-precipitated DNA is then
      purified and analyzed by quantitative PCR (qPCR) or high-throughput sequencing.

PMID- 27659980
TI  - Analysis RNA-seq and Noncoding RNA.
AB  - RNA-Seq is an approach to transcriptome profiling that uses deep-sequencing
      technologies to detect and accurately quantify RNA molecules originating from a
      genome at a given moment in time. In recent years, the advent of RNA-Seq has
      facilitated genome-wide expression profiling, including the identification of
      novel and rare transcripts like noncoding RNAs and novel alternative splicing
      isoforms.Here, we describe the analytical steps required for the identification
      and characterization of noncoding RNAs starting from RNA-Seq raw samples, with a
      particular emphasis on long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs).

PMID- 27659981
TI  - The Dynamics of Polycomb Complexes.
AB  - Polycomb complexes are essential regulators of embryonic and adult stem cells,
      highly conserved from flies to mammals. Traditionally, their study was based on
      biochemical and genetic approaches. More recently, the development of novel
      technologies and the improvement and standardization of existing ones has allowed
      to address previously unexplored aspects of Polycomb biology, such as dynamics
      and regulation. In this chapter, relevant researchers in the field discuss novel
      technologies aimed at dissecting the dynamics of Polycomb complexes in normal and
      pathological conditions.

PMID- 27659982
TI  - Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer Microscopy for Measuring Chromatin Complex
      Structure and Dynamics.
AB  - The Polycomb group (PcG) proteins form regulatory complexes that modify the
      chromatin structure and silence their target genes. Recent works have found that
      the composition of Polycomb complexes is highly dynamic. Defining the different
      protein components of each complex is fundamental for better understanding their
      biological functions. Fluorescent resonance energy transfer (FRET) is a powerful
      tool to measure protein-protein interactions, in nanometer order and in their
      native cellular environment. Here we describe the preparation and execution of a
      typical FRET experiment using CFP-tagged protein as donor and YFP-tagged protein
      as acceptor. We further show that FRET can be used in a competition assay to
      measure binding affinities of different components of the same chromatin complex.

PMID- 27659983
TI  - Analysis of Endogenous Protein Interactions of Polycomb Group of Proteins in
      Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells.
AB  - PRC1 complexes contain four core subunits: Pcgf, Phc, Ring1, and Cbx proteins.
      Interestingly, mammalian genomes have several paralogues for each subunit, which
      are differentially expressed depending on the cell type, differentiation program,
      and cellular stimuli. Therefore, identification and characterization of the
      specific architecture of different PRC1 complexes during cellular differentiation
      are essential to better understand the function and recruitment mechanism of PRC1
      complexes. In this chapter we describe several methods to study Polycomb
      architecture, and identification of novel interactors in both pluripotent and
      differentiating mouse embryonic stem cells.

PMID- 27659984
TI  - Determination of Polycomb Group of Protein Compartmentalization Through Chromatin
      Fractionation Procedure.
AB  - Epigenetic mechanisms modulate and maintain the transcriptional state of the
      genome acting at various levels on chromatin. Emerging findings suggest that the
      position in the nuclear space and the cross talk between components of the
      nuclear architecture play a role in the regulation of epigenetic signatures. We
      recently described a cross talk between the Polycomb group of proteins (PcG)
      epigenetic repressors and the nuclear lamina. This interplay is important for the
      maintenance of transcriptional repression at muscle-specific genes and for the
      correct timing of muscle differentiation. To investigate the synergism between
      PcG factors and nuclear architecture we improved a chromatin fractionation
      protocol with the aim to analyze the PcG nuclear compartmentalization. We thus
      separated PcG proteins in different fractions depending on their solubility. We
      surprisingly found a consistent amount of PcG proteins in the matrix-associated
      fraction. In this chapter we describe the chromatin fractionation procedure, a
      method that can be used to study the nuclear compartmentalization of Polycomb
      group of proteins and/or PcG targets in murine and Drosophila cells.

PMID- 27659986
TI  - Polymer Physics of the Large-Scale Structure of Chromatin.
AB  - We summarize the picture emerging from recently proposed models of polymer
      physics describing the general features of chromatin large scale spatial
      architecture, as revealed by microscopy and Hi-C experiments.

PMID- 27659985
TI  - An Automatic Segmentation Method Combining an Active Contour Model and a
      Classification Technique for Detecting Polycomb-group Proteinsin High-Throughput
      Microscopy Images.
AB  - The large amount of data generated in biological experiments that rely on
      advanced microscopy can be handled only with automated image analysis. Most
      analyses require a reliable cell image segmentation eventually capable of
      detecting subcellular structures.We present an automatic segmentation method to
      detect Polycomb group (PcG) proteins areas isolated from nuclei regions in high
      resolution fluorescent cell image stacks. It combines two segmentation algorithms
      that use an active contour model and a classification technique serving as a tool
      to better understand the subcellular three-dimensional distribution of PcG
      proteins in live cell image sequences. We obtained accurate results throughout
      several cell image datasets, coming from different cell types and corresponding
      to different fluorescent labels, without requiring elaborate adjustments to each
      dataset.

PMID- 27659987
TI  - Chromosome Conformation Capture in Drosophila.
AB  - Linear chromatin fiber is packed inside the nuclei as a complex three-dimensional
      structure, and the organization of the chromatin has important roles in the
      appropriate spatial and temporal regulation of gene expression. To understand how
      chromatin organizes inside nuclei, and how regulatory proteins physically
      interact with genes, chromosome conformation capture (3C) technique provides a
      powerful and sensitive tool to detect both short- and long-range DNA-DNA
      interaction. Here I describe the 3C technique to detect the DNA-DNA interactions
      mediated by insulator proteins that are closely related to PcG in Drosophila,
      which is also broadly applicable to other systems.

PMID- 27659988
TI  - Chromosome Conformation Capture in Primary Human Cells.
AB  - 3D organization of the genome, its structural and regulatory function of cell
      identity, is acquiring prominent features in epigenetics studies; more efforts
      have been done to develop techniques that allow studying nuclear structure.
      Chromosome conformation capture (3C) has been set up in 2002 from Dekker and from
      that moment great investments were made to develop genomics variants of 3C
      technology (4C, 5C, Hi-C) providing new tools to investigate the shape of the
      genome in a more systematic and unbiased manner. 3C method allows scientists to
      fix dynamic and variable 3D interactions in nuclear space, and consequently to
      study which sequences interact, how a gene is regulated by different and distant
      enhancer, or how a set of enhancer could regulate transcriptional units; to
      follow the conformation that mediates regulation change in development; and to
      evaluate if this fine epigenetic mechanism is impaired in disease condition.

PMID- 27659989
TI  - Determination of High-Resolution 3D Chromatin Organization Using Circular
      Chromosome Conformation Capture (4C-seq).
AB  - 3D chromatin organization is essential for many aspects of transcriptional
      regulation. Circular Chromosome Conformation Capture followed by Illumina
      sequencing (4C-seq) is among the most powerful techniques to determine 3D
      chromatin organization. 4C-seq, like other modifications of the original 3C
      technique, uses the principle of "proximity ligation" to identify and quantify
      ten thousands of genomic interactions at a kilobase scale in a single experiment
      for predefined loci in the genome.In this chapter we focus on the experimental
      steps in the 4C-seq protocol, providing detailed descriptions on the preparation
      of cells, the construction of the circularized 3C library and the generation of
      the Illumina high throughput sequencing library. This protocol is particularly
      suited for the use of mammalian tissue samples, but can be used with minimal
      changes on circulating cells and cell lines from other sources as well. In the
      final section of this chapter, we provide a brief overview of data analysis
      approaches, accompanied by links to publicly available analysis tools.

PMID- 27659990
TI  - Chromosome Conformation Capture on Chip (4C): Data Processing.
AB  - 4C methods are useful to investigate dependencies between regulatory mechanisms
      and chromatin structures by revealing the frequency of chromatin contacts between
      a locus of interest and remote sequences on the chromosome. In this chapter we
      describe a protocol for the data analysis of microarray-based 4C experiments,
      presenting updated versions of the methods we used in a previous study of the
      large-scale chromatin interaction profile of a Polycomb response element in
      Drosophila. The protocol covers data preparation, normalization, microarray probe
      selection, and the multi-resolution detection of regions with enriched chromatin
      contacts. A reanalysis of two independent mouse datasets illustrates the
      versatility of this protocol and the importance of data processing in 4C. Methods
      were implemented in the R package MRA.TA (Multi-Resolution Analyses on Tiling
      Array data), and they can be used to analyze ChIP-on-chip data on broadly
      distributed chromatin components such as histone marks.

PMID- 27659991
TI  - In Vivo Models to Address the Function of Polycomb Group Proteins.
AB  - Initially discovered as repressors of homeotic gene expression in Drosophila,
      Polycomb group (PcG) proteins have now been shown to be involved in a plethora of
      biological processes. Indeed, by repressing a large number of target genes,
      including specific lineage genes, these chromatin factors play major roles in a
      multitude of cellular functions, such as pluripotency, differentiation,
      reprogramming, tissue regeneration, and nuclear organization. In this book
      chapter are presented in vivo approaches and technologies, which have been used
      in both mammalian and Drosophila systems to study the cellular functions of
      Polycomb group proteins.

PMID- 27659992
TI  - A Rapid TALEN Assembly Protocol.
AB  - Owing to their modular and highly specific DNA recognition mode, transcription
      activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) have been rapidly adopted by the
      scientific community for the purpose of generating site-specific double-strand
      breaks (DSBs) on a DNA molecule. A pair of TALENs can be used to produce random
      insertions or deletions of various lengths via nonhomologous end-joining or
      together with a homologous donor DNA to induce precise sequence alterations by
      homologous recombination (HR). Here, we describe a method for TALEN assembly
      (easyT) and a strategy for genome engineering via HR.

PMID- 27659993
TI  - Following the Motion of Polycomb Bodies in Living Drosophila Embryos.
AB  - During the last two decades, observation of cell nuclei in live microscopy
      evidences motion of nuclear compartments. Drosophila embryos constitute a good
      model to study nuclear dynamic during cell differentiation because they can
      easily be observed in live microscopy. Inside the cell nucleus, Polycomb group
      proteins accumulate in foci named Pc bodies. Here, we describe a method to
      visualize and analyze the motion of these nuclear compartments inside cell nuclei
      of Drosophila embryos.

PMID- 27659994
TI  - Reprogramming of Somatic Cells Towards Pluripotency by Cell Fusion.
AB  - Pluripotent reprogramming can be dominantly induced in a somatic nucleus upon
      fusion with a pluripotent cell such as embryonic stem (ES) cell. Cell fusion
      between ES cells and somatic cells results in the formation of heterokaryons, in
      which the somatic nuclei begin to acquire features of the pluripotent partner.
      The generation of interspecies heterokaryons between mouse ES- and human somatic
      cells allows an experimenter to distinguish the nuclear events occurring
      specifically within the reprogrammed nucleus. Therefore, cell fusion provides a
      simple and rapid approach to look at the early nuclear events underlying
      pluripotent reprogramming. Here, we describe a polyethylene glycol (PEG)-mediated
      cell fusion protocol to generate interspecies heterokaryons and intraspecies
      hybrids between ES cells and B lymphocytes or fibroblasts.

PMID- 27659995
TI  - Imaginal Disc Transplantation in Drosophila.
AB  - Since Ephrussi and Beadle introduced imaginal disc transplantation to Drosophila
      research in 1936, the method played an important part towards a better
      understanding of disc patterning, tissue regeneration, and reprogramming
      phenomena like transdetermination. Despite increasing usage of high-throughput
      approaches towards solving biological problems this classical manual method is
      still in use for studying disc development in a semi-physiological context. Here
      we describe in detail a protocol and provide recommendations on the procedure in
      particular for analyzing the regenerative potential of imaginal disks. The steps
      consist of disc dissection and fragmentation, transplantation into the larval or
      adult abdomen, and the recovery of implants from the host abdomen. Additionally,
      we also describe how to make the special transplantation needle from a glass
      capillary.

PMID- 27659996
TI  - Isolation and Culture of Muscle Stem Cells.
AB  - Polycomb group (PcG) proteins are key epigenetic factors responsible for the
      proper spatiotemporal repression of defined transcriptional programs along the
      process of cell differentiation, including myogenesis. The discovery of the
      pivotal role played by PcG factors during myogenic differentiation relied on the
      possibility to culture myogenic cells in vitro. We describe here the methods
      currently used to isolate muscle stem cells (MuSCs) both from single myofibers
      and from bulk muscles by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), highlighting
      experimental details and critical steps. Through these techniques MuSCs can be
      efficiently isolated and cultured in vitro to recapitulate the different phases
      of myogenesis: activation, expansion, differentiation, and self-renewal.

PMID- 27659998
TI  - A scoping review of pediatric economic evaluation 1980-2014: do trends over time
      reflect changing priorities in evaluation methods and childhood disease?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Economic evaluations conducted in children have unique features
      compared to adults. Important developments in pediatric economic evaluation in
      recent years include new options for valuing health states for cost-utility
      analysis (CUA) and shifting child health priorities. The Pediatric Economic
      Database Evaluation (PEDE) project includes a comprehensive database of pediatric
      health economic evaluations published since 1980. The objective of this scoping
      review was to identify trends over time in the use of CUA and other analytic
      techniques, and the therapeutic areas chosen for study. Areas covered: Medical
      and grey literature were searched, key characteristics were extracted,
      frequencies were tabulated and cross-tabulations were performed. Differences
      between early (1980 and 1999) and late (2000 and 2014) periods were assessed
      using a chi-squared statistic. Of the 2,776 pediatric economic evaluations
      published between 1980 and 2014, substantially more were cost-effectiveness
      analyses (CEAs) and CUAs than cost benefit analyses and cost minimization
      analyses (63.9 and 24.9% versus 7.6 and 3.6%, respectively). This pattern was
      consistent regardless of the type of intervention, disease or age group studied.
      A trend toward higher proportions of CUAs and CEAs was evident in the later
      period (X2 p < 0.0001). Other significant trends included a higher proportion of
      studies of preventive interventions (X2 p < 0.0001), and more studies in children
      aged 1 to 12 years and fewer in perinates in the later period (X2 p < 0.0001).
      Overall the most common disease class studied was infectious diseases (29.2%).
      Expert commentary: Pediatric economic evaluation continues to grow in volume and
      methodologic complexity. While CUAs have increased, whether their quality has
      improved remains unknown. Although most studies are in infectious disease, the
      volume of publications may not align with emerging child health priorities such
      as adolescent health, injury, developmental disabilities, mental health, and the
      use of personalized medicine. Increasing economic evaluations in these areas will
      enhance pediatric decision-making.

PMID- 27659997
TI  - Second-line therapy in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL): treatment patterns
      and outcomes in older patients receiving outpatient chemotherapy.
AB  - Using SEER-Medicare linked data we identified elderly patients diagnosed with
      diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) between January 2000 and December 2007 who
      received second-line outpatient chemotherapy for relapsed or refractory disease.
      Second-line regimens were classified into three mutually exclusive groups:
      aggressive, conventional, and palliative. Of the 632 (426 relapsed, 206
      refractory) patients in the cohort, 27.8% received aggressive second-line
      therapy, 39.1% received conventional therapy, and 33.1% received palliative
      therapy. There were no differences in survival by type of therapy received,
      either for relapsed or refractory patients, although the patient risk profile
      differed significantly. However, duration of remission, male gender, and anemia
      at diagnosis were important predictors in relapsed patients, and male gender, B
      symptoms, comorbidity burden, and poverty status were important predictors in
      refractory patients. Survival in elderly patients receiving second-line therapy
      remains poor, and the 24-month cost of all care exceeds $97,000. Patients would
      benefit from improved treatment options.

PMID- 27659999
TI  - Performance of an Ultraviolet Mutagenetic Polyphosphate-Accumulating Bacterium
      PZ2 and Its Application for Wastewater Treatment in a Newly Designed Constructed
      Wetland.
AB  - Total phosphorus (TP) removal performance and application for wastewater
      treatment of polyphosphate-accumulating bacteria (PAB) in constructed wetlands
      (CWs) were investigated. In this study, a novel isolated ultraviolet (UV) mutant
      PZ2 with phosphate-accumulating ability was screened from domestic wastewater and
      identified as Pseudomonas putida by 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequencing analysis.
      The TP removal performance of PZ2 in the synthetic wastewater reached the highest
      of 93.95 % within 45 h. Two vertical subsurface flow CWs planted with two aquatic
      macrophytes Canna indica and Acorus calamus were newly designed. After
      inoculating PZ2 into two CWs within 45 h, the average chemical oxygen demand
      (COD), TP, and ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N) removal efficiencies reached 68.50,
      60.22, and 66.81 %, respectively. Vegetation type and filter size significantly
      influenced the TP removal capability of PZ2 in CWs. Meanwhile, considerable
      qualitative differences were found in the pollutant removal efficiencies of PZ2
      with and without CWs in synthetic wastewater. These results could also indicate
      potential applications of the UV mutagenesis in PAB isolation and the newly
      designed CWs in wastewater treatments.

PMID- 27660000
TI  - Potential of Ca2+ in Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv Pathogenesis and Survival.
AB  - The host-pathogen interaction and involvement of calcium (Ca2+) signaling in
      tuberculosis infection is crucial and plays a significant role in pathogenesis.
      Ca2+ is known as a ubiquitous second messenger that could control multiple
      processes and is included in cellular activities like division, motility, stress
      response, and signaling. However, Ca2+ is thought to be a regulative molecule in
      terms of TB infection but its binding relation with proteins/substrates molecules
      which are influenced with Ca2+ concentrations in host-pathogen interaction
      requires attention. So, in this review, our primary goal is to focus on some Ca2+
      substrates/proteins and their imperative involvement in pathogenesis, which is
      unclear. We have discussed several Ca2+-binding substrate and protein that affect
      intracellular mechanism of infected host cell. The major involvement of these
      proteins/substrates including calmodulin (CaM), calpain, annexin, surfactant
      protein A (SP-A), surfactant protein D (SP-D), calprotectin (MRP8/14), and
      PE_PGRS family protein are considered to be significant; however, their detailed
      understanding in mycobacterium infection is limited. In this aspect, this study
      will help in adding up our understanding in TB biology and additionally in the
      development of new therapeutic approach to reduce TB pandemic worldwide.

PMID- 27660002
TI  - Increased Act1/IL-17R expression in Hirschsprung's disease.
AB  - PURPOSE: Hirschsprung's disease -associated enterocolitis (HAEC) is the most
      common cause of morbidity and mortality in Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR). Altered
      intestinal epithelial barrier function is implicated in the pathogenesis of HAEC.
      IL-17 is a proinflammatory cytokine that plays a crucial role in host defense
      against microbial organisms in the development of inflammatory diseases. Act1 is
      an essential adaptor molecule required for the IL-17-mediated inflammatory
      responses via interaction with IL-17 receptor (IL-17R). We designed this study to
      investigate the hypothesis that Act1/Il-17R expression is upregulated in HSCR.
      METHODS: We investigated Act1 and IL17R expression in ganglionic andaganglionic
      bowel of HD patients (n = 10) and controls (n = 10). qPCR, Western blotting and
      confocal immunofluorescence were performed. MAIN RESULTS: qPCR and Western blot
      analysis revealed that Act1 and IL17R are strongly expressed in the aganglionic
      and ganglionic colon of patients with HSCR. Act1 and IL17R expression was
      significantly increased in HSCR specimens compared to controls (p < 0.05).
      Confocal microscopy revealed a markedly increased expression of Act1 and IL17R in
      the colonic epithelium of patients with HSCR compared to controls. CONCLUSION: To
      our knowledge, we report, for the first time, the expression of Act1 in the human
      colon. The increased expression of Act1 and Il-17 in the aganglionic and
      ganglionic bowel in HSCR may result in IL-17-mediated increased inflammatory
      response leading to the development of HAEC.

PMID- 27660003
TI  - Two new prenylated isoflavones from Hedysarum multijugum.
AB  - Chemical investigation on the ethyl acetate extract of the roots of Hedysarum
      multijugum resulted in the isolation of two new prenylated isoflavonoids: 5, 7,
      2'-trihydroxy-4'-methoxy-3'-(gamma, gamma-dimethylallyl) isoflavone
      (hedysarimisoflavone A, 1) and 5, 7, 2'-trihydroxy-4'-methoxy-6, 8-di-(gamma,
      gamma-dimethylallyl) isoflavone (hedysarimisoflavone B, 2). Their structures were
      elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analyses, especially, 1H and 13C NMR
      spectra in conjunction with their 2D experiments, 1H-1H COSY, HMQC, HMBC, and
      NOESY.

PMID- 27660004
TI  - Implementation Science and Global Connectivity: HFSA's Path Forward.

PMID- 27660005
TI  - Metabolic coupling in pancreatic beta cells: lipolysis revisited.

PMID- 27660007
TI  - Worldwide prevalence of hypertension exceeds 1.3 billion.

PMID- 27660006
TI  - Identification of more objective biomarkers for Blood-Stasis syndrome diagnosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Blood-stasis syndrome (BSS) is one of the Traditional Chinese
      medicine (TCM) syndrome differentiations that are commonly seen in stroke and
      ischemic heart diseases; however, the BSS differentiation criterion is not
      standardized. More objective biomarkers for BSS diagnosis are needed. METHODS:
      Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) or unstable angina (UA) patients with BSS and healthy
      controls were enrolled. The miRNA and mRNA expression profiles of UA patients and
      AIS patients were compared to those of healthy controls to identify the
      differentially expressed miRNA and mRNA of BSS. Bioinformatics analysis was used
      to identify significantly deregulated miRNAs and mRNAs correlated to BSS. QRT-PCR
      was performed to validate the bioinformatics analysis results. RESULTS:
      Approximately 401 mRNAs and 11 miRNAs were differentially expressed in both UA
      and AIS patients compared to healthy controls. Gene ontology (GO) functional
      analysis was performed, and multiple GO terms were enriched. Among the
      overlapping DE miRNAs and mRNAs, miR-146b-5p, -199a-5p and 23 targeted mRNAs were
      pivotal genes in the BSS genomic characteristics. These 2 miRNAs and 23 mRNAs
      formed network-type biomarkers for BSS. CONCLUSIONS: The genomic characteristics
      of BSS were shown in this study. miR-146b-5p, -199a-5p and the 23 targeted mRNAs
      formed a diagnostic network for BSS. Further improvement and validation of this
      diagnostic network might lead to more objective diagnostic criteria for BSS.

PMID- 27660008
TI  - International collaborative study to establish the World Health Organization 2nd
      International Standard for Fibrinogen Concentrate (09/242): communication from
      the SSC of the ISTH.

PMID- 27660009
TI  - Kai-Xin-San, a standardized traditional Chinese medicine formula, up-regulates
      the expressions of synaptic proteins on hippocampus of chronic mild stress
      induced depressive rats and primary cultured rat hippocampal neuron.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Kai-xin-san (KXS), composed of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Polygalae
      Radix, Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma and Poria, is a famous Chinese medicinal formula
      applied for treating stress-related psychiatric disease with the symptoms such as
      depression, forgetfulness and dizziness. Dependent on the symptom differentiation
      of patients, the composition ratio of KXS was varied and one ratio of 3:2:2:3 was
      widely applied. However, its molecular mechanism has seldom been investigated.
      PURPOSE: We aimed to reveal the action mechanism of KXS on anti-depression on
      synaptic protein regulation in both in vivo and in vitro models. STUDY
      DESIGN/METHODS: Firstly, the anti-depression effect of KXS was evaluated on a
      chronic mild stress induced depressive animal model and the mRNA expressions of
      various synaptic proteins in hippocampus of the depressive rat brains were
      determined. Then, KXS with different ratios as well as single herb were further
      evaluated on rat primary cultured hippocampus neurons and the possible signaling
      pathway was explored. RESULTS: Intra-gastric administration of a chemically
      standardized KXS for only 6h significantly alleviated the CUMS-induced depressive
      symptoms displayed by enhanced sucrose consumption and this effect was maintained
      after daily treatment for seven days. Simultaneously, the mRNA expressions of
      various synaptic proteins in hippocampus were regulated. Among these synaptic
      proteins, synaptotagmin (pre-synaptic marker) and post synaptic density protein
      (post-synaptic marker), with the higher altered magnitude on animal model, were
      further evaluated on rat primary cultured hippocampus neurons. After neuronal
      cultures treated with three ratios of KXS at the early and late stages of its
      life episode, the expression levels of synaptotagmin and PSD95 were both enhanced
      dramatically via stimulating cAMP dependent pathway. However, different ratio
      exerted different efficacy. The ratio with higher amounts of Ginseng Radix et
      Rhizoma and Polygalae Radix showed better effect in early life episode while
      higher amounts of Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma and Poria behaved better in late life
      episode. The contribution of single herb on expressions of synaptic proteins was
      also evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: KXS was beneficial for synaptogenesis by inducing
      synaptic protein expressions, which might account for its anti-depression effect.

PMID- 27660010
TI  - Therapeutic effect of Mahaenggamseok-tang on neutrophilic lung inflammation is
      associated with NF-kappaB suppression and Nrf2 activation.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Mahaenggamseok-tang (MHGST), an herbal formula in
      traditional Asian medicine, has been used to treat patients with various
      pulmonary diseases including common cold and influenza. However, the potential
      therapeutic effect of MHGST on acute lung injury (ALI), a leading cause of death
      worldwide, and the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of MHGST remained less
      understood. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The methanol extract of MHGST was prepared and
      fingerprinted by HPLC. For the induction of ALI, C57BL/6 mice (n=5/group)
      received a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of LPS. Referring to the dose
      for patients, two different amounts of MHGST were delivered in an aerosol to
      mouse lungs via trachea 2h after the i.p. LPS administration. Lung histology,
      bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and the expression
      of inflammatory and Nrf2-dependent genes were analyzed to determine the effect of
      MHGST on lung inflammation. For mechanistic studies, western blotting and semi
      quantitative RT-PCR were conducted using RAW 264.7 cells. RESULTS: When
      administered 2h after the onset of ALI, MHGST relieved lung pathology
      characteristic to ALI, with decreases of neutrophil infiltration and MPO
      activity. While suppressing the expression of inflammatory genes, MHGST increased
      the expression of Nrf2-dependent genes in ALI mouse lungs. Concordantly, MHGST
      activated Nrf2 activity while suppressing NF-kappaB in RAW 264.7 cells.
      CONCLUSION: MHGST suppressed neutrophilic lung inflammation, a hallmark of ALI,
      which was associated with the activation of anti-inflammatory Nrf2 and the
      suppression of pro-inflammatory NF-kappaB. Our results suggest that MHGST has a
      therapeutic potential against ALI.

PMID- 27660011
TI  - Liujunzi Tang, a famous traditional Chinese medicine, ameliorates cigarette smoke
      induced mouse model of COPD.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Liujunzi Tang is a traditional herbal medicine
      widely used in East Asia and clinically applied to treat Phlegm-Heat Syndrome.
      The purpose of the present study was to investigate the protective effects of
      Liujunzi Tang on cigarette smoke-induced (CS) mouse model of chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease (COPD) and explore its potential molecular mechanism. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: The mice received 1h of cigarette smoke for 8 weeks. The serum
      levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin (IL)-1beta and IL
      6 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Superoxide
      dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were tested by biochemical methods.
      Histopathological alteration was observed by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining.
      Additionally, the expressions of nuclear transcription factor-kappaB (NF
      kappaBp65) and (inhibitor of NF-kappaB)IkappaB-alpha were determined by western
      blot and immunohistochemistry analysis. RESULTS: Liujunzi Tang enhanced the
      activities of antioxidant enzymes and attenuated the levels of lipid oxidative
      production, meanwhile significantly inhibited the generations of inflammatory
      cytokines by inhibiting the phosphorylation of IkappaB-alpha and NF-kappaB.
      CONCLUSION: Our findings indicated that Liujunzi Tang exhibited the protective
      effect on cigarette smoke-induced COPD mice by anti-inflammatory and anti
      oxidative properties through the inhibition of NF-kappaB activation.

PMID- 27660012
TI  - Gu-Ben-Fang-Xiao decoction attenuates sustained airway inflammation by
      suppressing ER stress response in a murine asthma remission model of respiratory
      syncytial virus infection.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: In recent years, asthma has increased
      dramatically in prevalence with a considerable economic burden all over the
      world. Long-term remission should be regarded as the promising and meaningful
      therapeutic goal in asthma management. However, the precise definition criteria
      and rational therapies for asthma remission have not been well-established. In
      academia, there is a consensus that even in those who develop asymptomatic
      remission of asthma, persistent airway inflammation is ubiquitous. Gubenfangxiao
      decoction (GBFXD) has been widely used in treating asthma remission stage for
      decades in the Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, China. We
      previously demonstrated that GBFXD could downregulate the asthma susceptibility
      gene ORMDL3, a trigger of Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and unfolded protein
      response (UPR). AIM THIS STUDY: To investigate the involvement of ER stress and
      UPR in the anti-inflammatory effects of GBFXD in Respiratory Syncytial Virus
      (RSV)-OVA-induced asthma remission mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mice were orally
      administered GBFXD at three doses for 30 days after an RSV-OVA challenge. The
      levels of inflammation mediators in serum were measured using a Luminex assay and
      the amount of IFN-gamma in lung homogenates was detected using ELISA. The splenic
      CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes were counted using flow cytometric analysis. The mRNA
      and protein levels of asthma susceptibility gene ORMDL3, ER stress markers (BIP,
      CHOP), and three canonical UPR branches (PERK-eIF2a-ATF4, IRE1alpha
      XBP1/IRE1alpha-JNK-AP1 and ATF6-SERCA2b signal pathways) were detected using real
      time RT-PCR and western blot. RESULTS: Histopathological analysis showed that the
      model group mice still exhibited a sustained airway inflammation even after
      suspending the OVA-challenge and RSV infections for 30 days. H&E staining results
      indicated that GBFXD could attenuate sustained airway inflammation. Decreased
      serum CXCL1 level and increased IFN-gamma level in lung homogenate were observed
      after GBFXD treatment. Reductions in the number of splenic CD4+/CD8+ T
      lymphocytes were found after DEX treatment. We further confirmed the previous
      finding that GBFXD could downregulate the expression of ORMDL3. As a result of
      suppressed UPR, decreased ER stress markers and inhibited UPR branches (PERK and
      IRE1alpha signal pathway) were also observed through the significant reduction of
      signature mRNA and protein expressions after GBFXD treatment. CONCLUSION: GBFXD
      can significantly attenuate RSV-OVA-induced persistent airway inflammation in
      murine asthma remission model. These effects may be mediated, at least partially,
      by inhibiting the activation of ER stress responses.

PMID- 27660014
TI  - Effect of vitamin E and selenium nanoparticles on post-thaw variables and
      oxidative status of rooster semen.
AB  - This study was conducted to determine the combined effects of adding vitamin E
      (VitE) and selenium nanoparticle (Nano-Se) as antioxidant supplements to rooster
      semen extender for freezing. Semen samples were collected from 12 White Leghorn
      roosters and pooled. Subsequently, the samples were divided into nine equal
      groups using modified Beltsville extender. Extenders were supplemented with
      either two amounts of VitE (5 and 10MUg/mL) or two amounts of Nano-Se (1% and 2%)
      or a combination of both VitE and Nano-Se, and no antioxidants extender (control
      group). Using 5MUg/mL VitE and 1% of Nano-Se improved (P<0.05) total sperm
      motility (79.28+/-3.86%), progressive sperm motility (18.03+/-1.02%), sperm
      viability (81.46+/-2.16%) and integrity of the sperm membrane (77.21+/-2.12%)
      after the freeze-thawing process compared with control group (54.08+/-3.86%,
      10.96+/-1.02%, 60.53+/-2.16%, and 54.47+/-2.12%; respectively). Also, extenders
      supplemented with 5MUg/mL Vit E or 5MUg/mL VitE and 1% Nano-Se had a lesser
      malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration compared to control extender (1.15+/-0.32,
      and 1.29+/-0.32, respectively). Total abnormal morphology of sperm was decreased
      (P<0.05) by adding 5 or 10MUg/mL VitE alone or in combined with 1% or 2% Nano-Se.
      Moreover, extenders containing Nano-Se demonstrated greater glutathione
      peroxidase (GPx) activity compared to other extenders. Catalase (CAT) activity
      was greater in extender supplemented with 10MUg/mL VitE and 2% Nano-Se. Moreover,
      higher TAC was observed in extenders supplemented with VitE and Nano-Se. It can
      be concluded that addition of 5MUg/mL vitamin E in combined with 1% Nano-Se
      improved the post-thawing quality and oxidative variables of rooster semen.

PMID- 27660013
TI  - Anti-inflammatory activity of Barleria lupulina: Identification of active
      compounds that activate the Nrf2 cell defense pathway, organize cortical actin,
      reduce stress fibers, and improve cell junctions in microvascular endothelial
      cells.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Hot aqueous extracts of the plant Barleria
      lupulina (BL) are used for treating inflammatory conditions and diabetic vascular
      complications. AIM OF THE STUDY: The goal was to identify active compounds in hot
      aqueous extracts of BL (HAE-BL) that are consistent with a role in reducing
      inflammation and reducing the vascular pathology associated with diabetes. In
      particular, we examined activation of the Nrf2 cell defense pathway because our
      initial findings indicated that HAE-BL activates Nrf2, and because Nrf2 is known
      to suppress inflammation. Activation of Nrf2 by HAE-BL has not been described
      previously. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human endothelial cells, real-time PCR,
      western blotting, cytoskeletal analyses, and assay-guided fractionation with HPLC
      were used to identify specific compounds in HAE-BL that activate the Nrf2 cell
      defense pathway and reduce markers of inflammation in vitro. RESULTS: HAE-BL
      potently activated the Nrf2 cell defense pathway in endothelial cells consistent
      with its traditional use and reported success in reducing inflammation. Assay
      guided fractionation with HPLC identified three alkyl catechols: 4-ethylcatechol,
      4-vinylcatechol, and 4-methylcatechol, that are each potent Nrf2 activators. In
      addition to activating Nrf2, HAE-BL and akyl catechols each profoundly improved
      organization of the endothelial cell actin cytoskeleton, reduced actin stress
      fibers, organized cell-cell junctions, and induced expression of mRNA encoding
      claudin-5 that is important for formation of endothelial tight junctions and
      reducing vascular leak. CONCLUSIONS: HAE-BL contains important alkyl catechols
      that potently activate the Nrf2 cell defense pathway, improve organization of the
      endothelial cell cytoskeleton, and organize tight cell junctions. All of these
      properties are consistent with a role in reducing inflammation and reducing
      vascular leak. Because activation of the Nrf2 cell defense pathway also prevents
      cancers, neuro-degeneration, age-related macular degeneration, and also reduces
      the severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder and multiple sclerosis,
      HAE-BL warrants additional consideration for these other serious disorders.

PMID- 27660015
TI  - A fully integrated electrochemical biosensor platform fabrication process for
      cytokines detection.
AB  - Interleukin-1b (IL-1b) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) biomarkers are one of many
      antigens that are secreted in acute stages of inflammation after left ventricle
      assisted device (LVAD) implantation for patients suffering from heart failure
      (HF). In the present study, we have developed a fully integrated electrochemical
      biosensor platform for cytokine detection at minute concentrations. Using eight
      gold working microelectrodes (WEs) the design will increase the sensitivity of
      detection, decrease the time of measurements, and allow a simultaneous detection
      of varying cytokine biomarkers. The biosensor platform was fabricated onto
      silicon substrates using silicon technology. Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) of anti
      human IL-1b and anti-human IL-10 were electroaddressed onto the gold WEs through
      functionalization with 4-carboxymethyl aryl diazonium (CMA). Cyclic voltammetry
      (CV) was applied during the WE functionalization process to characterize the gold
      WE surface properties. Finally, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS)
      characterized the modified gold WE. The biosensor platform was highly sensitive
      to the corresponding cytokines and no interference with other cytokines was
      observed. Both cytokines: IL-10 and IL-1b were detected within the range of 1pgmL
      1 to 15pgmL-1. The present electrochemical biosensor platform is very promising
      for multi-detection of biomolecules which can dramatically decrease the time of
      analysis. This can provide data to clinicians and doctors concerning cytokines
      secretion at minute concentrations and the prediction of the first signs of
      inflammation after LVAD implantation.

PMID- 27660016
TI  - Highly sensitive Escherichia coli shear horizontal surface acoustic wave
      biosensor with silicon dioxide nanostructures.
AB  - Surface acoustic wave mediated transductions have been widely used in the sensors
      and actuators applications. In this study, a shear horizontal surface acoustic
      wave (SHSAW) was used for the detection of food pathogenic Escherichia coli
      O157:H7 (E.coli O157:H7), a dangerous strain among 225 E. coli unique serotypes.
      A few cells of this bacterium are able to cause young children to be most
      vulnerable to serious complications. Presence of higher than 1cfu E.coli O157:H7
      in 25g of food has been considered as a dangerous level. The SHSAW biosensor was
      fabricated on 64 degrees  YX LiNbO3 substrate. Its sensitivity was enhanced by
      depositing 130.5nm thin layer of SiO2 nanostructures with particle size lesser
      than 70nm. The nanostructures act both as a waveguide as well as a physical
      surface modification of the sensor prior to biomolecular immobilization. A
      specific DNA sequence from E. coli O157:H7 having 22 mers as an amine-terminated
      probe ssDNA was immobilized on the thin film sensing area through chemical
      functionalization [(CHO-(CH2)3-CHO) and APTES; NH2-(CH2)3-Si(OC2H5)3]. The high
      performance of sensor was shown with the specific oligonucleotide target and
      attained the sensitivity of 0.6439nM/0.1kHz and detection limit was down to
      1.8femto-molar (1.8*10-15M). Further evidence was provided by specificity
      analysis using single mismatched and complementary oligonucleotide sequences.

PMID- 27660017
TI  - Corrigendum to 'A microfluidic device for the automated electrical readout of low
      density glass-slide microarrays' [Biosens. Bioelectron. 74 (2015) 698-704].

PMID- 27660018
TI  - Sample-to-answer on molecular diagnosis of bacterial infection using integrated
      lab--on--a--disc.
AB  - Sepsis by bacterial infection causes high mortality in patients in intensive care
      unit (ICU). Rapid identification of bacterial infection is essential to ensure
      early appropriate administration of antibiotics to save lives of patients, yet
      the present benchtop molecular diagnosis is time-consuming and labor-intensive,
      which limits the treatment efficiency especially when the number of samples to be
      tested is extensive. Therefore, we hereby report a microfluidic platform lab-on-a
      disc (LOAD) to provide a sample-to-answer solution. Our LOAD customized design of
      microfluidic channels allows automation to mimic sequential analytical steps in
      benchtop environment. It relies on a simple but controllable centrifugation force
      for the actuation of samples and reagents. Our LOAD system performs three major
      functions, namely DNA extraction, isothermal DNA amplification and real-time
      signal detection, in a predefined sequence. The disc is self-contained for
      conducting sample heating with chemical lysis buffer and silica microbeads are
      employed for DNA extraction from clinical specimens. Molecular diagnosis of
      specific target bacteria DNA sequences is then performed using a real-time loop
      mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) with SYTO-9 as the signal reporter.
      Our LOAD system capable of bacterial identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
      (TB) and Acinetobacter baumanii (Ab) with the detection limits 103cfu/mL TB in
      sputum and 102cfu/mL Ab in blood within 2h after sample loading. The reported
      LOAD based on an integrated approach should address the growing needs for rapid
      point-of-care medical diagnosis in ICU.

PMID- 27660019
TI  - Improved DET communication between cellobiose dehydrogenase and a gold electrode
      modified with a rigid self-assembled monolayer and green metal nanoparticles: The
      role of an ordered nanostructuration.
AB  - Efficient direct electron transfer (DET) between cellobiose dehydrogenase from
      Corynascus thermophilus (CtCDH) and a novel gold electrode platform, obtained by
      covalent linking of green AuNPs and AgNPs modified with a dithiol self-assembled
      monolayer, consisting of biphenyl-4,4'-dithiol (BPDT), was presented. The green
      AuNPs and AgNPs were synthesized using quercetin as reducing agent at room
      temperature. TEM experiments showed that the AuNPs and AgNPs were circular in
      shape with an average diameter of 5 and 8nm, respectively. Cyclic voltammetry of
      CtCDH immobilized onto the AuNPs/BPDT/AuE and the AgNPs/BPDT/AuE electrode
      platforms were carried out and compared with naked AuE, BPDT/AuE, AuNPs/AuE, and
      AgNPs/AuE. A pair of well-defined redox waves in neutral pH solution due to
      efficient DET of CtCDH was present with both MNPs/BPDT/AuE platforms. No DET
      communication was found with platforms without MNPs linked to BPDT. The apparent
      heterogeneous electron transfer rate constants (kS) of CtCDH were calculated to
      be 21.5+/-0.8s-1 and 10.3+/-0.7s-1, for the AuNPs/BPDT/AuE and the AgNPs/BPDT/AuE
      platforms, respectively. The modified electrodes were successively used to
      develop an eco-friendly biosensor for lactose detection. The CtCDH/AuNPs/BPDT/AuE
      based biosensor showed the best analytical performances with an excellent
      stability, a detection limit of 3uM, a linear range between 5 and 400uM and a
      sensitivity of 27.5+/-2.5uAcm-2mM-1. Such performances were favorably compared
      with other lactose biosensors reported in literature. The biosensor was
      successively tested to quantify lactose content in real milk and cream samples.
      No significant interference present in the sample matrices was observed.

PMID- 27660021
TI  - Evaluation of available energy and total tract digestibility of acid-hydrolyzed
      ether extract of cottonseed oil for growing pigs by the difference and regression
      methods.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of inclusion
      level on the digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME), and total tract
      digestibility of acid-hydrolyzed ether extract (AEE) of cottonseed oil when fed
      to growing pigs. METHODS: Forty-two barrows (initial body weight = 35.51+/-2.01
      kg) were randomly allotted to a completely randomized design with a corn-soybean
      meal basal diet, five levels of cottonseed oil (2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10%) and a
      10% soybean oil diet. Each diet was replicated six times with one pig per
      replicate. The experiment lasted 19 days, 7 d for cage adaptation, 7 d for diets
      adaptation and last 5 d for feces and urine collection. The energy values and
      apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of cottonseed oil and soybean oil were
      calculated by the difference method, and regression equations were established to
      predict the energy values of cottonseed oil. The apparent digested fat of the
      entire intestinal tract was also regressed against dietary fat intake to
      determine the true total tract digestibility (TTTD) and endogenous loss of fat
      for cottonseed oil. RESULTS: The results showed that the DE and ME contents of
      cottonseed oil were not different as the inclusion level increased. The DE and ME
      values determined by the regression equation were 36.28 MJ/kg and 34.96 MJ/kg,
      respectively, and the values were similar to the mean DE and ME values calculated
      by the difference method (36.18 and 35.56 MJ/kg, respectively). The ATTD of
      cottonseed oil was also not affected by the inclusion level of cottonseed oil,
      and the TTTD and EFL determined by the regression method were 92.40% and 13.83
      g/kg of dry matter intake for corn-soybean basal diet. The DE, ME, and ATTD of
      AEE in soybean oil determined by the difference method were 35.70 MJ/kg, 35.20
      MJ/kg and 92.31%, respectively. There were no differences in the DE, ME, and ATTD
      between cottonseed oil and soybean oil, although the ratio of unsaturated to
      saturated fatty acids for soybean oil was higher than for cottonseed oil.
      CONCLUSION: The DE, ME, and ATTD values of cottonseed oil were not affected by
      its dietary inclusion level. The energy values of cottonseed oil determined by
      the difference and regression methods were similar. Furthermore, the ratio of
      unsaturated to saturated fatty acid for oils was not the decisive factor to
      influence the energy values and ATTD of oils.

PMID- 27660020
TI  - Mammary alveolar cell as in vitro evaluation system for casein gene expression
      involved in glucose level.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Glucose is an essential fuel in the energy metabolism and synthesis
      pathways of all mammalian cells. In lactating animals, glucose is the major
      precursor for lactose and is a substrate for the synthesis of milk proteins and
      fat in mammary secretory (alveolar) epithelial cells. However, clear utilization
      of glucose in mammary cells during lactogenesis is still unknown, due to the lack
      of in vitro analyzing models. Therefore, the objective of this study was to test
      the reliability of the mammary alveolar (MAC-T) cell as an in vitro study model
      for glucose metabolism and lactating system. METHODS: Undifferentiated MAC-T
      cells were cultured in three types of Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium with
      varying levels of glucose (no-glucose: 0 g/L, low-glucose: 1 g/L, and high
      glucose: 4.5 g/L) for 8 d, after which differentiation to casein secretion was
      induced. Cell proliferation and expression levels of apoptotic genes, Insulin
      like growth factor-1 (IGF1) receptor, oxytocin receptor, alphaS1, alphaS2, and
      beta casein genes were analyzed at 1, 2, 4, and 8 d after differentiation.
      RESULTS: The proliferation of MAC-T cells with high-glucose treatment was seen to
      be significantly higher. Expression of apoptotic genes was not affected in any
      group. However, expression levels of the mammary development related gene (IGF1
      receptor) and lactation related gene (oxytocin receptor) were significantly
      higher in the low-glucose group. Expressions of alphaS1-casein, alphaS2-casein,
      and beta-casein were also higher in the low-glucose treated group as compared to
      that in the no-glucose and high-glucose groups. CONCLUSION: The results
      demonstrated that although a high-glucose environment increases cell
      proliferation in MAC-T cells, a low-glucose treatment to MAC-T cells induces
      higher expression of casein genes. Our results suggest that the MAC-T cells may
      be used as an in vitro model to analyze mammary cell development and lactation
      connected with precise biological effects.

PMID- 27660022
TI  - Comparative effects of corn-based diet and phase-fed cassava-based diet on growth
      rate, carcass characteristics and lipid profile of meat-type ducks.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of a corn- or
      cassava- based diet on the production of meat-type ducks. METHODS: Four hundred
      day-old ducks were used in this experiment. They were divided into five groups
      with each group replicated eight times. The ducks fed the corn-based diets served
      as the control group. The four other groups comprised different treatments, with
      each one given the cassava-based diet based on phase-feeding. Three treatments
      were fed the cassava-based diet from 16, 28, and 35 d; respectively up to 42 d of
      age and the other group was fed the cassava-based diet from 1 to 42 d of age.
      RESULTS: The results indicated that ducks on either the corn- or cassava-based
      diets were similar in growth during 1 to 9 d of age. However, toward 35 to 42 d,
      the cassava-diet produced a higher weight gain (p<0.05). The cassava-based diet
      was better than the corn-based diet at increasing the outer and inner breast
      weights at 28, 35, or 42 d (p<0.05). In contrast, the corn-based diet was better
      at increasing abdominal fat (p<0.05). The two diets did not differ in their
      effects on the serum triglyceride, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein
      cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, very-low-density lipoprotein
      cholesterol, and liver cholesterol. The corn-based diet, however, caused a highly
      significantly greater level of liver triglyceride (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: The
      results of this study suggest that both the cassava- and corn- based diets are
      similar in their effect on meat-type ducks during the starter stage but toward
      the finisher stage, the cassava-based diet has a better influence on weight gain
      and carcass characteristics.

PMID- 27660023
TI  - Effects of ruminally degradable starch levels on performance, nitrogen balance,
      and nutrient digestibility in dairy cows fed low corn-based starch diets.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This trial was performed to examine the effects of ruminally
      degradable starch (RDS) levels in total mixed ration (TMR) with low corn-based
      starch on the milk production, whole-tract nutrient digestibility and nitrogen
      balance in dairy cows. METHODS: Eight multiparous Holstein cows (body weight
      [BW]: 717+/-63 kg; days in milk [DIM]: 169+/-29) were assigned to a crossover
      design with two dietary treatments: a diet containing 62.3% ruminally degradable
      starch (% of total starch, low RDS) or 72.1% ruminally degradable starch (% of
      total starch, high RDS). Changes to the ruminally degradable levels were
      conducted by using either finely ground corn or steam-flaked corn as the starch
      component. RESULTS: The results showed that dry matter intake, milk yield and
      composition in dairy cows were not affected by dietary treatments. The
      concentration of milk urea nitrogen was lower for cows fed high RDS TMR than low
      RDS TMR. The whole-tract apparent digestibility of neutral detergent fiber, acid
      detergent fiber and crude protein decreased, and that of starch increased for
      cows fed high RDS TMR over those fed low RDS TMR, with no dietary effect on the
      whole-tract apparent digestibility of dry matter and organic matter. The
      proportion of urinary N excretion in N intake was lower and that of fecal N
      excretion in N intake was higher for cows fed high RDS TMR than those fed low RDS
      TMR. The N secretion in milk and the retention of N were not influenced by the
      dietary treatments. Total purine derivative was similar in cows fed high RDS TMR
      and low RDS TMR. Consequently, estimated microbial N flow to the duodenum was
      similar in cows fed high RDS TMR and low RDS TMR. CONCLUSION: Results of this
      study show that ruminally degradable starch levels can influence whole-tract
      nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance in dairy cows fed low corn-based
      starch diets, with no influence on performance.

PMID- 27660024
TI  - The effect of calcium propionate on the ruminal bacterial community composition
      in finishing bulls.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Manipulating the fermentation to improve the performance of the
      ruminant has attracted the attention of both farmers and animal scientists.
      Propionate salt supplementation in the diet could disturb the concentration of
      propionate and total volatile fatty acids in the rumen. This study was conducted
      to evaluate the effect of calcium propionate supplementation on the ruminal
      bacterial community composition in finishing bulls. METHODS: Eight finishing
      bulls were randomly assigned to control group (CONT) and calcium propionate
      supplementation (PROP) feeding group, with four head per group. The control group
      was fed normal the total mixed ration (TMR) finishing diet, and PROP group was
      fed TMR supplemented with 200 g/d calcium propionate. At the end of the 51-day
      feeding trial, all bulls were slaughtered and rumen fluid was collected from each
      of the animals. RESULTS: Propionate supplementation had no influence the rumen
      fermentation parameters (p>0.05). Ruminal bacterial community composition was
      analyzed by sequencing of hypervariable V3 regions of the 16S rRNA gene. The most
      abundant phyla were the Firmicutes (60.68%) and Bacteroidetes (23.67%), followed
      by Tenericutes (4.95%) and TM7 (3.39%). The predominant genera included
      Succiniclasticum (9.43%), Butyrivibrio (3.74%), Ruminococcus (3.46%) and
      Prevotella (2.86%). Bacterial community composition in the two groups were highly
      similar, except the abundance of Tenericutes declined along with the calcium
      propionate supplementation (p = 0.0078). CONCLUSION: These data suggest that the
      ruminal bacterial community composition is nearly unchanged by propionate
      supplementation in finishing bulls.

PMID- 27660025
TI  - Enrichment and verification of differentially expressed miRNAs in bursa of
      Fabricius in two breeds of duck.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The bursa of Fabricius (BF) is a central humoral immune organ
      belonging specifically to avians. Recent studies had suggested that miRNAs were
      active regulators involved in the immune processes. This study was to investigate
      the possible differences of the BF at miRNA level between two genetically
      disparate duck breeds. METHODS: Using Illumina next-generation sequencing, the
      miRNAs libraries of ducks were established. RESULTS: The results showed that
      there were 66 differentially expressed miRNAs and 28 novel miRNAs in bursa. A set
      of abundant miRNAs (i.e., let-7, miR-146a-5p, miR-21-5p, miR-17~92) which are
      involved in immunity and disease were detected and the predicted target genes of
      the novel miRNAs were associated with duck high anti-adversity ability. By gene
      ontology analysis and enriching KEGG pathway, the targets of differential
      expressed miRNAs were mainly involved in immunity and disease, supporting that
      there were differences in the BF immune functions between the two duck breeds. In
      addition, the metabolic pathway had the maximum enriched target genes and some
      enriched pathways that were related to cell cycle, protein synthesis, cell
      proliferation and apoptosis. It indicted that the difference of metabolism may be
      one of the reasons leading the immune difference between the BF of two duck
      breeds. CONCLUSION: This data lists the main differences in the BF at miRNAs
      level between two genetically disparate duck breeds and lays a foundation to
      carry out molecular assisted breeding of poultry in the future.

PMID- 27660026
TI  - Antioxidant capacity of phytochemicals and their potential effects on oxidative
      status in animals - A review.
AB  - Oxidative stress suppresses animal health, performance, and production,
      subsequently impacting economic feasibility; hence, maintaining and improving
      oxidative status especially through natural nutrition strategy are essential for
      normal physiological process in animals. Phytochemicals are naturally occurring
      antioxidants that could be considered as one of the most promising materials used
      in animal diets in various forms. In this review, their antioxidant effects on
      animals are discussed as reflected by improved apparent performance,
      productivity, and the internal physiological changes. Moreover, the antioxidant
      actions toward animals further describe a molecular basis to elucidate their
      underlying mechanisms targeting signal transduction pathways, especially through
      the antioxidant response element/nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2
      transcription system.

PMID- 27660027
TI  - Detection of Trichomonas vaginalis in prostate tissue and serostatus in patients
      with asymptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite a worldwide common and progressive nature of benign prostate
      hyperplasia (BPH) in older men, no association has been observed between a
      causative pathogen and other etiology so far. METHODS: In this study, we
      investigated a causative association of Trichomonas vaginalis, a flagellate
      protozoan parasite, in 171 BPH cases presenting without symptoms of prostatitis
      at a surgical outpatient clinic in Kuwait. We detected T. vaginalis DNA by
      polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and T. vaginalis antigen by immunocytochemistry
      (ICC) in the prostate tissue of these cases. A total of 171 age-matched controls
      with no urinary tract symptoms were also included in the study. A detailed
      information regarding the sexual history and sexually transmitted infections
      (STIs) was enquired from all the enrolled subjects. RESULTS: We detected T.
      vaginalis DNA and T. vaginalis antigen in 42 (24.6 %) and 37 (21.6 %) of the 171
      BPH cases respectively in their prostate tissue. Both these assays showed a very
      good agreement and statistically no significant difference in their sensitivities
      and specificities. A relatively higher seropositivity rate for antibodies to T.
      vaginalis was detected in BPH cases (53 of 171 cases, 31.0 %) than in the control
      group (26.9 %) [p: 0.19] and both were higher than in earlier reports but no
      significant association was observed between BPH and T. vaginalis serostatus.
      However, a greater proportion of seroreactive BPH cases had high IgG2 antibody
      absorbance score than in the control group (p:0.000). Furthermore, no significant
      association was observed between T. vaginalis seropositivity and presence of T.
      vaginalis DNA in the prostate tissue. CONCLUSIONS: Our study documents T.
      vaginalis DNA and T. vaginalis antigen in 24.6 and 21.6 % respectively in the
      prostate tissue of the BPH cases. We also detected a relatively higher
      seropositivity rate for antibodies to T. vaginalis both in the BPH cases and in
      normal control group, 31 and 26.9 % respectively but no significant association
      was observed between BPH and T. vaginalis serostatus or presence of T. vaginalis
      DNA in the prostate tissue. Further epidemiological and case-controlled studies
      are needed to focus on local response to chronic asymptomatic retention of T.
      vaginalis in prostate tissue in the development of benign prostate hyperplasia.

PMID- 27660029
TI  - Imaging biomarker in liver transplantation (LT): Role of brain MRI on evaluation
      of early disappearance of basal ganglia hyperintensity after successful LT.

PMID- 27660031
TI  - Seven days in medicine: 14-20 September 2016.

PMID- 27660028
TI  - Angiotensin-(1-5), an active mediator of renin-angiotensin system, stimulates ANP
      secretion via Mas receptor.
AB  - Angiotensin-(1-5) [Ang-(1-5)], which is a metabolite of Angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1
      7)] catalyzed by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), is a pentapeptide of the
      renin-angiotensin system (RAS). It has been reported that Ang-(1-7) and Ang-(1-9)
      stimulate the secretion of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) via Mas receptor (Mas
      R) and Ang II type 2 receptor (AT2R), respectively. However, it still remains
      unknown whether Ang-(1-5) has a similar function to Ang-(1-7). We investigated
      the effect of Ang-(1-5) on ANP secretion and to define its signaling pathway
      using isolated perfused beating rat atria. Ang-(1-5) (0.3, 3, 10MUM) stimulated
      high pacing frequency-induced ANP secretion in a dose-dependent manner. Ang-(1-5)
      induced ANP secretion (3MUM) was attenuated by the pretreatment with an
      antagonist of Mas R (A-779) but not by an antagonist of AT1R (losartan) or AT2R
      (PD123,319). An inhibitor for phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K; wortmannin),
      protein kinase B (Akt; API-2), or nitric oxide synthase (NOS; L-NAME) also
      attenuated the augmentation of ANP secretion induced by Ang-(1-5). Ang-(1-5)
      induced ANP secretion was markedly attenuated in isoproterenol-treated
      hypertrophied atria. The secretagogue effect of Ang-(1-5) on ANP secretion was
      similar to those induced by Ang-(1-9) and Ang-(1-7). These results suggest that
      Ang-(1-5) is an active mediator of renin-angiotensin system to stimulate ANP
      secretion via Mas R and PI3K-Akt-NOS pathway.

PMID- 27660030
TI  - SERKing Coreceptors for Receptors.
AB  - Plants have evolved a large number of cell surface-resident receptor-like kinases
      (RLKs) and receptor-like proteins (RLPs), many of which are implicated in sensing
      extrinsic and intrinsic signals, and govern diverse cellular responses. The
      signaling pathways mediated by RLKs and RLPs converge at a small group of RLKs,
      somatic embryogenesis receptor kinases (SERKs), via ligand-induced
      heterodimerization and transphosphorylation. As shared coreceptors in diverse
      signaling receptorsomes, SERKs exhibit functional plasticity yet maintain a high
      degree of signaling specificity. Here, we review recent advances in newly
      identified SERK functions in plant cell differentiation, growth, and immunity;
      discuss the regulation and activation mechanisms of SERK-associated
      receptorsomes; and provide insights into how SERKs maintain signaling specificity
      as convergent hubs in various signaling pathways.

PMID- 27660032
TI  - Expectation and expectoration: Information manipulation alters spitting volume, a
      common proxy for salivary flow.
AB  - Saliva is becoming an increasingly useful research material across multiple
      fields of inquiry, including biomedical, dental, psychological, nutritional, and
      food choice research. However, both the flow rate and protein composition of
      stimulated saliva differ as a function of the collection method. We hypothesized
      that the context in which a stimulus is presented to participants may alter
      salivation via top down cognitive effects and/or behavioral changes (i.e.,
      spitting efficiency). We presented participants with one stimulus (commercially
      available green tea) in two distinct contexts, once where the tea was described
      as a food item ("tea") and once where it was described as a disgusting non-food
      item ("rabbit hair extract"). Saliva and the expectorated stimulus were collected
      following 15s of oral exposure in a crossover design with the identical stimulus
      presented in both contexts; saliva was also collected for 5min after stimulation
      while chewing a piece of wax. Participants also completed validated personality
      instruments to measure food involvement, sensation seeking, sensitivity to
      reward, and sensitivity to punishment. Our data suggest participants spat out
      more sample when told they received the 'non-food' stimulus compared to the
      'food' stimulus, particularly when they were given the non-food stimulus first.
      Further, individuals who were higher in sensation seeking spat out more sample
      during the 'food' condition compared to individuals with lower sensation seeking
      scores, but this difference was absent in the 'non-food' condition. While
      consistent with a top down cognitive effect on salivary flow, we believe a
      greater motivation to spit out the 'non-food' stimulus is a more likely
      explanation. In either case, it is clear the context in which a stimulus is
      presented alters how much sample/saliva is expectorated, suggesting context needs
      to be carefully considered in future work on salivary flow.

PMID- 27660034
TI  - Schisantherin B ameliorates Abeta1-42-induced cognitive decline via restoration
      of GLT-1 in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Accumulation of amyloid beta (Abeta) peptide and hyperphosphorylated tau protein
      has been proposed to play roles in neural destruction which induce Alzheimer's
      disease (AD) progresses, glutamate transporter type 1 (GLT-1) and Glycogen
      synthase kinase3beta (GSK3beta) may be the pathological links between Abeta and
      tau pathology. Schisantherin B (STB) is one bioactive of lignans isolated from
      Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill which has been commonly used as a traditional
      herbal medicine for thousands of years. This paper was designed to investigate
      the effects of STB on improving the cognitive function and neurodegeneration in
      the mouse model of Alzheimer's disease induced by Abeta1-42, and its possible
      mechanism were Glutamate transporter GLT-1, tau and GSK3beta. It was found that
      successive intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of STB (0.15mg/kg) for
      5days significantly attenuated Abeta1-42-induced learning and memory impairment
      as measured by the Locomotor activity test, Y-maze test and Morris water maze
      test. Furthermore, STB at a dose of 0.15mg/kg restored the activities of GLT-1
      and GSK3beta while decreasing the levels of hyperphosphorylated tau protein in
      the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. The results suggested that STB might protect
      against cognitive deficits and neurodegeneration induced by Abeta1-42 in mice by
      regulating the GLT-1 restoration as well as the capacity of GSK3beta.

PMID- 27660035
TI  - Incremental change in the set of coactive cortical assemblies enables mental
      continuity.
AB  - This opinion article explores how sustained neural firing in association areas
      allows high-order mental representations to be coactivated over multiple
      perception-action cycles, permitting sequential mental states to share
      overlapping content and thus be recursively interrelated. The term "state
      spanning coactivity" (SSC) is introduced to refer to neural nodes that remain
      coactive as a group over a given period of time. SSC ensures that contextual
      groupings of goal or motor-relevant representations will demonstrate continuous
      activity over a delay period. It also allows potentially related representations
      to accumulate and coactivate despite delays between their initial appearances.
      The nodes that demonstrate SSC are a subset of the active representations from
      the previous state, and can act as referents to which newly introduced
      representations of succeeding states relate. Coactive nodes pool their spreading
      activity, converging on and activating new nodes, adding these to the remaining
      nodes from the previous state. Thus, the overall distribution of coactive nodes
      in cortical networks evolves gradually during contextual updating. The term
      "incremental change in state-spanning coactivity" (icSSC) is introduced to refer
      to this gradual evolution. Because a number of associated representations can be
      sustained continuously, each brain state is embedded recursively in the previous
      state, amounting to an iterative process that can implement learned algorithms to
      progress toward a complex result. The longer representations are sustained, the
      more successive mental states can share related content, exhibit progressive
      qualities, implement complex algorithms, and carry thematic or narrative
      continuity. Included is a discussion of the implications that SSC and icSSC may
      have for understanding working memory, defining consciousness, and constructing
      AI architectures.

PMID- 27660033
TI  - Associations among sugar sweetened beverage intake, visceral fat, and cortisol
      awakening response in minority youth.
AB  - CONTEXT: Abdominal adiposity has long been associated with excess caloric intake
      possibly resulting from increased psychosocial stress and associated cortisol
      dysfunction. However, the relationship of sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake
      specifically with cortisol variability and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is
      unknown. OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationships between SSB intake, VAT, and
      cortisol response in minority youth. DESIGN: A cross-sectional analysis. SETTING:
      The University of Southern California. PARTICIPANTS: 60 overweight/obese Non
      Hispanic Black and Hispanic adolescents ages 14-18years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
      VAT via Magnet Resonance Imaging (MRI), cortisol awakening response (CAR) via
      multiple salivary samples, and SSB intake via multiple 24-hour diet recalls. SSB
      intake was divided into the following: low SSB consumers (<1 servings per day),
      medium SSB consumers (>=1-<2 servings per day), high SSB consumers (>=2 servings
      per day). Analysis of covariance were run with VAT and CAR as dependent variables
      and SSB intake categories (independent variable) with the following a priori
      covariates: sex, Tanner stage, ethnicity, caloric intake, and body mass index.
      RESULTS: The high SSB intake group exhibited a 7% higher VAT compared to the low
      SSB intake group (beta=0.25, CI:(0.03, 0.33), p=0.02). CAR was associated with
      VAT (beta=0.31, CI:(0.01,0.23), p=0.02). The high SSB intake group exhibited 22%
      higher CAR compared to the low SSB intake group (beta=0.30, CI:(0.02,0.48),
      p=0.04). CONCLUSION: This is the first study exploring the relationship between
      SSB, VAT, and CAR. SSB consumption appears to be independently associated greater
      abdominal adiposity and higher morning cortisol variability in overweight and
      obese minority youth. This study highlights potential targets for interventions
      specifically to reduce SSB intake in a minority youth population.

PMID- 27660036
TI  - Involvement of school students in fights with weapons: prevalence and associated
      factors in Brazil.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Violence, as well as other behaviors, is often intensified during
      adolescence and early adulthood. The objective of this study is estimate the
      prevalence of Brazilian school students involvement in fights with weapons and to
      analyze the associated factors. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study using
      data from the National School Student Health Survey conducted in 2012 with 9th
      grade elementary school students attending 2842 schools in all 27 Brazilian
      Federative Units. The outcome studied was involvement in fights with firearms
      and/or cold weapons in the 30 days prior to the interview. Poisson regression was
      used to estimate the prevalence ratios and 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CI).
      The analyses were stratified by sex. RESULTS: Fifty seven thousand and eighty
      nine female students and 52,015 male students were included; the prevalence of
      their involvement in fights with weapons was 7.2 (95 % CI 6.9-7.5) and 13.8 (95 %
      CI 13.4-14.3), respectively. In the adjusted analysis the factors associated with
      male student involvement in fights with weapons were: being older, working,
      having smoked a cigarette, consumed alcoholic beverages and illicit drugs
      recently, insomnia, not having any close friends, skipping classes without
      parental supervision, having suffered aggression from a family member, reporting
      feeling unsafe on the way to or from school and/or at school. The same associated
      factors were found among female students in addition to not living with their
      father and/or mother and having suffered bullying. There was no association with
      type of school in either sex. CONCLUSION: Involvement in fights with weapons was
      greater among older male students. Health-risk behaviors, mental health
      characteristics, parental supervision and context of violence also showed
      association with the outcomes.

PMID- 27660038
TI  - Asthma hospitalisations and air pollution.

PMID- 27660039
TI  - Recurrent Hemorrhagic Venous Infarctions Caused by Thrombosis of a Pontine
      Developmental Venous Anomaly and Protein S Mutation.
AB  - A 34-year-old man presented with an acute onset of upbeat nystagmus, slurred
      speech, and limb and truncal ataxias. The patient had a history of limb ataxia
      and gait disturbance previously treated as brainstem encephalitis with
      corticosteroids 3 years previously. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed
      pontine developmental venous anomaly (DVA) and hemorrhagic infarction within the
      drainage territory of the DVA. Three months later, the patient exhibited
      recurrent limb ataxia, double vision, and numbness of the left side of the body.
      The brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed recurrent hemorrhagic venous
      infarction within the same territory of the pontine DVA. Laboratory tests
      disclosed a hypercoagulable state owing to a decrease of protein S activity
      despite the normal antigen level. Genetic testing indicated that the patient was
      a homozygous carrier of protein S Tokushima. The patient's severe disability
      remained unchanged in spite of treatment with anticoagulation therapy using
      warfarin. We propose that further research on hereditary coagulopathy be carried
      out in patients with recurrent episodes of DVA-related infarction.

PMID- 27660037
TI  - Immature monocytes contribute to cardiopulmonary bypass-induced acute lung injury
      by generating inflammatory descendants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As immune regulatory and effector cells, monocytes play an important
      role in the blood-extracorporeal circuit contact-related acute lung injury in
      patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). However, circulating monocytes
      are phenotypically and functionally heterogeneous, so we characterised how
      immature monocytes affect acute lung injury induced by CPB. METHODS: The
      identification and dynamic changes in monocyte subsets were monitored by flow
      cytometry in patients undergoing CPB and in a rat model of CPB. The
      differentiation and migration of monocyte subsets were explored by in vitro
      cultures and adoptive transfer in the CPB rat model. RESULTS: We observed a
      dramatic increase of two monocyte subsets in the peripheral blood of patients
      undergoing CPB, involving tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha-producing, mature
      intermediate CD14highCD16+ monocytes and a novel immature CD14lowCD16- subset.
      The immature CD14lowCD16- monocytes possessed limited ability for TNF-alpha
      production, and failed to suppress T-cell proliferation mediated by T-cell
      receptor signalling. However, these immature cells were highly proliferative and
      could differentiate into TNF-alpha producing, mature CD14highCD16+ monocytes. In
      the rat model of CPB, we further demonstrated that CPB induced migration of
      immature monocytes into the lungs, either from the bone marrow or from the
      spleen. Moreover, we confirmed the hypothesis that immature subsets could
      contribute to CPB-induced acute lung injury by giving rise to TNF-alpha producing
      descendants. CONCLUSIONS: The immature CD14lowCD16- monocytes might contribute to
      blood-circuit contact-induced acute lung injury by generating TNF-alpha
      producing, mature monocytes. New strategies based on monocyte manipulation could
      be a promising therapeutic approach for minimising CPB-related lung injury.

PMID- 27660041
TI  - Persistence analysis of poliovirus on three different types of fomites.
AB  - AIMS: The goal of this study was to explore various models for describing viral
      persistence (infectivity) on fomites and identify the best fit models. METHODS
      AND RESULTS: The persistence of poliovirus over time was studied on three
      different fomite materials: steel, cotton and plastic. Known concentrations of
      poliovirus type 1 were applied to the surface coupons in an indoor environment
      for various lengths of time. Viruses were recovered from the surfaces by
      vortexing in phosphate buffer. Seven different mathematical models of relative
      persistence over time were fit to the data, and the preferred model for each
      surface was selected based on the Bayesian information criterion. CONCLUSIONS:
      While the preferred model varied by fomite type, the virus showed a rapid initial
      decay on all of the fomite types, followed by a transition to a more gradual
      decay after about 4-8 days. Estimates of the time for 99% reduction ranged from
      81 h for plastic to 143 h for cotton. A 6 log reduction of recoverable
      infectivity of poliovirus did not occur during the 3-week duration of the
      experiment for any of the fomites. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: In
      protected indoor environments poliovirus can remain infective for weeks. The
      models identified by this study can be used in risk assessments to identify
      appropriate strategies for managing this risk.

PMID- 27660040
TI  - Dietary rapamycin supplementation reverses age-related vascular dysfunction and
      oxidative stress, while modulating nutrient-sensing, cell cycle, and senescence
      pathways.
AB  - Inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycin, mTOR, extends lifespan and reduces
      age-related disease. It is not known what role mTOR plays in the arterial aging
      phenotype or if mTOR inhibition by dietary rapamycin ameliorates age-related
      arterial dysfunction. To explore this, young (3.8 +/- 0.6 months) and old (30.3
      +/- 0.2 months) male B6D2F1 mice were fed a rapamycin supplemented or control
      diet for 6-8 weeks. Although there were few other notable changes in animal
      characteristics after rapamycin treatment, we found that glucose tolerance
      improved in old mice, but was impaired in young mice, after rapamycin
      supplementation (both P < 0.05). Aging increased mTOR activation in arteries
      evidenced by elevated S6K phosphorylation (P < 0.01), and this was reversed after
      rapamycin treatment in old mice (P < 0.05). Aging was also associated with
      impaired endothelium-dependent dilation (EDD) in the carotid artery (P < 0.05).
      Rapamycin improved EDD in old mice (P < 0.05). Superoxide production and NADPH
      oxidase expression were higher in arteries from old compared to young mice (P <
      0.05), and rapamycin normalized these (P < 0.05) to levels not different from
      young mice. Scavenging superoxide improved carotid artery EDD in untreated (P <
      0.05), but not rapamycin-treated, old mice. While aging increased large artery
      stiffness evidenced by increased aortic pulse-wave velocity (PWV) (P < 0.01),
      rapamycin treatment reduced aortic PWV (P < 0.05) and collagen content (P < 0.05)
      in old mice. Aortic adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
      phosphorylation and expression of the cell cycle-related proteins PTEN and p27kip
      were increased with rapamycin treatment in old mice (all P < 0.05). Lastly, aging
      resulted in augmentation of the arterial senescence marker, p19 (P < 0.05), and
      this was ameliorated by rapamycin treatment (P < 0.05). These results demonstrate
      beneficial effects of rapamycin treatment on arterial function in old mice and
      suggest these improvements are associated with reduced oxidative stress, AMPK
      activation and increased expression of proteins involved in the control of the
      cell cycle.

PMID- 27660044
TI  - 'It's all about me!': Was that the patient speaking?

PMID- 27660043
TI  - Potential of Camellia sinensis proanthocyanidins-rich fraction for controlling
      malaria mosquito populations through disruption of larval development.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anopheles arabiensis and A. gambiae (sensu stricto) are the most
      prolific Afrotropical malaria vectors. Population control efforts of these two
      vectors have been hampered by extremely diverse larval breeding sites and
      widespread resistance to currently available insecticides. Control of mosquito
      larval stages using bioactive compounds of plant origin has the potential to
      suppress vector populations leading to concomitant reduction in disease
      transmission rates. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of Camellia sinensis
      crude leaf extract and its fraction against the larvae of A. arabiensis and A.
      gambiae (s.s.). METHODS: Late third/early fourth instar larvae (L3/L4) of A.
      arabiensis and A. gambiae (s.s.) were exposed to increasing doses of C. sinensis
      leaf extract and its active fraction for 72 h, with mortality rates recorded
      every 24 h in both control and test groups. Ultra performance liquid
      chromatography electron spray ionization quadruple time of flight coupled with
      mass spectrometry (UPLC/ESI-Qtof/MS) was used to determine the main active
      constituents in the fraction. RESULTS: The major bioactive chemical constituents
      in the C. sinensis leaf extract were identified to be proanthocyanidins. The
      extract significantly interfered with larval survival and adult emergence in both
      species (ANOVA, F (5,24) = 1435.92, P < 0.001). Additionally, larval exposure to
      crude extract at 250 ppm and 500 ppm for 24 h resulted in larval mortality rates
      of over 90 % in A. gambiae (s.s.) and 75 % in A. arabiensis. A relatively lower
      concentration of 100 ppm resulted in moderate mortality rates of < 50 % in both
      species, but induced growth disruption effects evident as abnormal larval-pupal
      intermediates and disrupted adult emergence. The estimated LC50 concentrations of
      the crude leaf extract against A. arabiensis and A. gambiae (s.s.) larvae at 24 h
      were 154.58 ppm (95 % CI: 152.37-158.22) and 117.15 ppm (95 % CI: 112.86-127.04),
      respectively. The bioactive polar fraction caused 100 % larval mortality in both
      vector species at 25 ppm. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate the potential of
      green tea extract and its active constituents in disrupting mosquito larval
      development. This could contribute to the control of mosquito populations and
      improved management of malaria.

PMID- 27660045
TI  - Raman microspectroscopy for the development and screening of recombinant cell
      lines.

PMID- 27660042
TI  - A medical device-grade T1 and ECV phantom for global T1 mapping quality assurance
      the T1 Mapping and ECV Standardization in cardiovascular magnetic resonance
      (T1MES) program.
AB  - BACKGROUND: T1 mapping and extracellular volume (ECV) have the potential to guide
      patient care and serve as surrogate end-points in clinical trials, but
      measurements differ between cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) scanners and
      pulse sequences. To help deliver T1 mapping to global clinical care, we developed
      a phantom-based quality assurance (QA) system for verification of measurement
      stability over time at individual sites, with further aims of generalization of
      results across sites, vendor systems, software versions and imaging sequences. We
      thus created T1MES: The T1 Mapping and ECV Standardization Program. METHODS: A
      design collaboration consisting of a specialist MRI small-medium enterprise,
      clinicians, physicists and national metrology institutes was formed. A phantom
      was designed covering clinically relevant ranges of T1 and T2 in blood and
      myocardium, pre and post-contrast, for 1.5 T and 3 T. Reproducible mass
      manufacture was established. The device received regulatory clearance by the Food
      and Drug Administration (FDA) and Conformite Europeene (CE) marking. RESULTS: The
      T1MES phantom is an agarose gel-based phantom using nickel chloride as the
      paramagnetic relaxation modifier. It was reproducibly specified and mass-produced
      with a rigorously repeatable process. Each phantom contains nine differently
      doped agarose gel tubes embedded in a gel/beads matrix. Phantoms were free of air
      bubbles and susceptibility artifacts at both field strengths and T1 maps were
      free from off-resonance artifacts. The incorporation of high-density polyethylene
      beads in the main gel fill was effective at flattening the B 1 field. T1 and T2
      values measured in T1MES showed coefficients of variation of 1 % or less between
      repeat scans indicating good short-term reproducibility. Temperature dependency
      experiments confirmed that over the range 15-30  degrees C the short-T1 tubes
      were more stable with temperature than the long-T1 tubes. A batch of 69 phantoms
      was mass-produced with random sampling of ten of these showing coefficients of
      variations for T1 of 0.64 +/- 0.45 % and 0.49 +/- 0.34 % at 1.5 T and 3 T
      respectively. CONCLUSION: The T1MES program has developed a T1 mapping phantom to
      CE/FDA manufacturing standards. An initial 69 phantoms with a multi-vendor user
      manual are now being scanned fortnightly in centers worldwide. Future results
      will explore T1 mapping sequences, platform performance, stability and the
      potential for standardization.

PMID- 27660046
TI  - Validity of a stroke severity index for administrative claims data research: a
      retrospective cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ascertaining stroke severity in claims data-based studies is
      difficult because clinical information is unavailable. We assessed the predictive
      validity of a claims-based stroke severity index (SSI) and determined whether it
      improves case-mix adjustment. METHODS: We analyzed patients with acute ischemic
      stroke (AIS) from hospital-based stroke registries linked with a nationwide
      claims database. We estimated the SSI according to patient claims data. Actual
      stroke severity measured with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale
      (NIHSS) and functional outcomes measured with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS)
      were retrieved from stroke registries. Predictive validity was tested by
      correlating SSI with mRS. Logistic regression models were used to predict
      mortality. RESULTS: The SSI correlated with mRS at 3 months (Spearman rho =
      0.578; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 0.556-0.600), 6 months (rho = 0.551; 95 %
      CI, 0.528-0.574), and 1 year (rho = 0.532; 95 % CI 0.504-0.560). Mortality models
      with the SSI demonstrated superior discrimination to those without. The AUCs of
      models including the SSI and models with the NIHSS did not differ significantly.
      CONCLUSIONS: The SSI correlated with functional outcomes after AIS and improved
      the case-mix adjustment of mortality models. It can act as a valid proxy for
      stroke severity in claims data-based studies.

PMID- 27660047
TI  - Robots to assist daily activities: views of older adults with Alzheimer's disease
      and their caregivers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Robots have the potential to both enable older adults with dementia
      to perform daily activities with greater independence, and provide support to
      caregivers. This study explored perspectives of older adults with Alzheimer's
      disease (AD) and their caregivers on robots that provide stepwise prompting to
      complete activities in the home. METHODS: Ten dyads participated: Older adults
      with mild-to-moderate AD and difficulty completing activity steps, and their
      family caregivers. Older adults were prompted by a tele-operated robot to wash
      their hands in the bathroom and make a cup of tea in the kitchen. Caregivers
      observed interactions. Semi-structured interviews were conducted individually.
      Transcribed interviews were thematically analyzed. RESULTS: Three themes
      summarized responses to robot interactions: contemplating a future with assistive
      robots, considering opportunities with assistive robots, and reflecting on
      implications for social relationships. Older adults expressed opportunities for
      robots to help in daily activities, were open to the idea of robotic assistance,
      but did not want a robot. Caregivers identified numerous opportunities and were
      more open to robots. Several wanted a robot, if available. Positive consequences
      of robots in caregiving scenarios could include decreased frustration, stress,
      and relationship strain, and increased social interaction via the robot. A
      negative consequence could be decreased interaction with caregivers. CONCLUSIONS:
      Few studies have investigated in-depth perspectives of older adults with dementia
      and their caregivers following direct interaction with an assistive prompting
      robot. To fulfill the potential of robots, continued dialogue between users and
      developers, and consideration of robot design and caregiving relationship factors
      are necessary.

PMID- 27660048
TI  - Colour stabilities of three types of orthodontic clear aligners exposed to
      staining agents.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the colour stabilities of three
      types of orthodontic clear aligners exposed to staining agents in vitro. Sixty
      clear orthodontic aligners produced by three manufacturers (Invisalign,
      Angelalign, and Smartee) were immersed in three staining solutions (coffee, black
      tea, and red wine) and one control solution (distilled water). After 12-h and 7
      day immersions, the aligners were washed in an ultrasonic cleaner and measured
      with a colourimeter. The colour changes (DeltaE*) were calculated on the basis of
      the Commission Internationale de I'Eclairage L*a*b* colour system (CIE L*a*b*),
      and the results were then converted into National Bureau of Standards (NBS)
      units. Fourier transformation infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and scanning electron
      microscopy (SEM) were conducted to observe the molecular and morphologic
      alterations to the aligner surfaces, respectively. The three types of aligners
      exhibited slight colour changes after 12 h of staining, with the exception of the
      Invisalign aligners stained with coffee. The Invisalign aligners exhibited
      significantly higher DeltaE* values (ranging from 0.30 to 27.81) than those of
      the Angelalign and Smartee aligners (DeltaE* values ranging from 0.33 to 1.89 and
      0.32 to 1.61, respectively, P<0.05). FT-IR analysis confirmed that the polymer
      based structure of aligners did not exhibit significant chemical differences
      before and after the immersions. The SEM results revealed different surface
      alterations to the three types of aligner materials after the 7-day staining. The
      three types of aesthetic orthodontic appliances exhibited colour stability after
      the 12-h immersion, with the exception of the Invisalign aligners stained by
      coffee. The Invisalign aligners were more prone than the Angelalign and Smartee
      aligners to pigmentation. Aligner materials may be improved by considering
      aesthetic colour stability properties.

PMID- 27660049
TI  - The association between seminal vesicle size and duration of abstinence from
      ejaculation.
AB  - There are few data describing the relationship between seminal vesicle (SV) size
      and duration of abstinence between ejaculations. This study evaluates the
      association between SV size and duration of abstinence from ejaculation using
      pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Sexually active men 18-68 years old who
      underwent pelvic MRI for various medical indications were included. The date of
      last ejaculation was recorded, and the cross-sectional areas of the right and
      left seminal vesicles were calculated separately using mediolateral and
      anteroposterior measurements on T2-weighted MRI images. The association between
      SV area and duration of abstinence between ejaculations was determined via linear
      regression analysis. The study cohort consisted of 104 men with a mean age of
      46.45 +/- 11.4 (range 18-68) years old. Mean right and left SV cross-sectional
      areas were 744.1 +/- 351.1 (range: 149.9-1794.7) mm2 and 727.6 +/- 359.2 (range
      171.4-2248.4) mm2 respectively. The mean duration of abstinence between
      ejaculations in the cohort was 3.6 +/- 2.6 (range 1-15) days. Although no
      correlation between age and SV area was observed (r = .007, p = .947), linear
      regression analysis demonstrated a positive correlation between SV area and the
      duration of abstinence from ejaculation (r = .372, p = .0001). SV cross-sectional
      area increases with duration of abstinence from ejaculation and can be assessed
      using MRI. The use of SV size estimation may be applicable in diagnosis, risk
      stratification and treatment of urological diseases.

PMID- 27660050
TI  - Sensorimotor Network Crucial for Inferring Amusement from Smiles.
AB  - Understanding whether another's smile reflects authentic amusement is a key
      challenge in social life, yet, the neural bases of this ability have been largely
      unexplored. Here, we combined transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) with a
      novel empathic accuracy (EA) task to test whether sensorimotor and mentalizing
      networks are critical for understanding another's amusement. Participants were
      presented with dynamic displays of smiles and explicitly requested to infer
      whether the smiling individual was feeling authentic amusement or not. TMS over
      sensorimotor regions representing the face (i.e., in the inferior frontal gyrus
      (IFG) and ventral primary somatosensory cortex (SI)), disrupted the ability to
      infer amusement authenticity from observed smiles. The same stimulation did not
      affect performance on a nonsocial task requiring participants to track the
      smiling expression but not to infer amusement. Neither TMS over prefrontal and
      temporo-parietal areas supporting mentalizing, nor peripheral control
      stimulations, affected performance on either task. Thus, motor and somatosensory
      circuits for controlling and sensing facial movements are causally essential for
      inferring amusement from another's smile. These findings highlight the functional
      relevance of IFG and SI to amusement understanding and suggest that EA abilities
      may be grounded in sensorimotor networks for moving and feeling the body.

PMID- 27660052
TI  - C14orf132 gene is possibly related to extremely low birth weight.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite extensive research the genetic component of extremely low
      birth weight (ELBW) in newborns has remained obscure. RESULTS: The aim of the
      case study was to identify candidate gene(s) causing ELBW in newborns and
      hypotrophy in infants. A family of four was studied: mother, father and two ELBW
      phenotype children. Studies were made of the medical conditions of the second
      child at birth and post-partum - peculiar phenotype, micro-anomalies, recurrent
      infections, suspicion of autoimmune hepatitis, multifactorial encephalopathy and
      suspected metabolic and chromosomal abnormalities. Whole genome single nucleotide
      polymorphism (SNP) genotyping array was used to investigate the genomic
      rearrangements in both affected children using peripheral blood DNA samples.
      Whole blood transcriptome was assessed by using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) in all
      four family members. RNA-seq identified a single gene - C14orf132 (chromosome 14
      open reading frame 132) differentially expressed, with the level of the
      transcript significantly lower in the blood samples of the children. Copy number
      variant (CNV) analysis did not reveal any pathogenic CNVs in the region of
      C14orf132 gene of both affected children. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated the
      importance of combining whole genome CNV and transcriptome analysis in
      identification of the candidate gene(s) in case studies. We propose the C14orf132
      gene expression to be associated with the ELBW-phenotype. C14orf132 gene is a
      novel long non-coding RNA (lincRNA) with unknown function, which might be
      associated with the pre- and early postnatal developmental delay through the
      altered gene expression.

PMID- 27660051
TI  - Quantitative, model-based estimates of variability in the generation and serial
      intervals of Plasmodium falciparum malaria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The serial interval is a fundamentally important quantity in
      infectious disease epidemiology that has numerous applications to inferring
      patterns of transmission from case data. Many of these applications are apropos
      of efforts to eliminate falciparum malaria from locations throughout the world,
      yet the serial interval for this disease is poorly understood quantitatively.
      METHODS: To obtain a quantitative estimate of the serial interval for falciparum
      malaria, the sum of the components of the falciparum malaria transmission cycle
      was taken based on a combination of mathematical models and empirical data.
      During this process, a number of factors were identified that account for
      substantial variability in the serial interval across different contexts.
      RESULTS: Treatment with anti-malarial drugs roughly halves the serial interval
      due to an abbreviated period of human infectiousness, seasonality results in
      different serial intervals at different points in the transmission season, and
      variability in within-host dynamics results in many individuals whose serial
      intervals do not follow average behaviour. Furthermore, 24.5 % of secondary cases
      presenting clinically did so prior to the primary cases being identified through
      active detection of infection. CONCLUSIONS: These results have important
      implications for epidemiological applications that rely on quantitative estimates
      of the serial interval of falciparum malaria and other diseases characterized by
      prolonged infections and complex ecological drivers.

PMID- 27660053
TI  - Do Jackhammer contractions lead to achalasia? A longitudinal study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Jackhammer esophagus (JE) is a rare esophageal motility disorder
      defined in the Chicago Classification of Esophageal Motility by presence of
      excessively high distal contractile integral (DCI) on high-resolution manometry
      (HRM), with unknown natural manometric course. We examined the development of
      achalasia over time in patients with JE. METHODS: Through a retrospective
      longitudinal design, patients with Jackhammer contractions who had more than one
      HRM between 2005 and 2015 were identified. Any change in manometric finding was
      assessed for the presence of achalasia. Demographic and manometric risk factors
      for this progression were then sought in univariate analysis. KEY RESULTS: Of
      3363 HRM studies, 229 subjects had multiple manometries, accounting for 528
      studies. Twelve subjects met our inclusion criteria for JE on any of the multiple
      tests, represented by 27 studies for a total of 347 patient-months of manometric
      follow-up. Subjects with JE whose manometry included impedance demonstrated
      consistent esophageal bolus clearance. Of 12 subjects with Jackhammer
      contractions, three subjects progressed to type III achalasia, over a mean of 24
      months (range: 19-31 months). At the time of diagnosis with JE, impaired esophago
      gastric junction relaxation was seen in all three subjects and was the only risk
      factor that could predict progression to achalasia (P<.01). CONCLUSIONS &
      INFERENCES: In this unique study of the natural course of JE, we have shown that
      JE can progress to achalasia. Manometric findings at the time of JE diagnosis
      might predict this progression.

PMID- 27660054
TI  - Vaginal prolapse with urinary bladder incarceration and consecutive irreducible
      rectal prolapse in a dog.
AB  - BACKGROUND: True vaginal prolapse is a rare condition in dogs and it is
      occasionally observed in animals with constipation, dystocia, or forced
      separation during breeding. If a true prolapse occurs, the bladder, the uterine
      body and/or distal part of the colon, may be present in the prolapse. CASE
      PRESENTATION: A 2-year-old intact non pregnant Central Asian Shepherd dog in
      moderate condition, was presented for a true vaginal and rectal prolapse. The
      prolapses were confirmed by physical examination and ultrasonography. Herniation
      of the urinary bladder was identified within the vaginal prolapse. The necrotic
      vaginal wall was resected, the urinary bladder was reduced surgically and fixed
      to the right abdominal wall to prevent recurrence. Rectal resection and
      anastomosis was necessary to correct the rectal prolapse. Recurrence of the
      prolapses was not observed and the dog recovered completely after the surgical
      treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In our opinion, extreme tenesmus arising from
      constipation may have predisposed to the vaginal prolapse with bladder
      incarceration and secondarily to rectal prolapse. In the young female dog, true
      vaginal prolapse with secondary involvement of the urinary bladder and
      irreducible rectal prolapse is an exceptionally rare condition.

PMID- 27660056
TI  - Inflammasome in Dendritic Cells Immunobiology: Implications to Diseases and
      Therapeutic Strategies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An intricate interplay between innate and adaptive immune cells is
      crucial for an effective immune response during disease, infection and
      vaccination. This interplay is mainly performed by dendritic cells (DCs), which
      are professional antigen presenting cells with unparalleled capacity to translate
      innate to adaptive immunity. They effectively recognize and uptake antigens,
      migrate to lymphoid tissues, and activate naive T-cells. Indeed, DCs have
      numerous germline encoded pattern recognition receptors (PRR) that recognize
      conserved pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) or danger associated
      molecular patterns (DAMPs). While some PRRs like Toll-like receptors (TLRs)
      recognize PAMPs and DAMPs at the cell surface and in endosomal/lysosomal
      compartments, others, such as NOD-like receptors (NLRs), act as cytosolic
      sensors. NLRs activation through recognition of PAMPs and DAMPs leads to the
      assembly of signaling multimeric protein complexes named inflammasomes.
      Inflammasomes are important regulators of caspase 1, the enzyme responsible for
      the proteolytically cleavage of precursors' pro-IL-1beta and pro-IL-18 into their
      active form. OBJECTIVE: To unveil how inflammasomes are related to maturation,
      migration, antigen presenting function and DCs ability to fine tune adaptive
      immune responses. CONCLUSION: Several studies show that in danger/infectious
      scenarios NLR and TLR synergize to expand DCs maturation, migration, antigen
      presenting function and adaptive immune system activation. However, in the
      absence of a danger scenario, and without TLR engagement, inflammasome activation
      stimulates an immunosuppressive profile on DCs. Overall, it is clear from
      literature that activation of the inflammasome in DCs should not be viewed in
      isolation but rather considering its interconnections with the various PPRdriven
      pathways. Due to the increasing evidences of inflammasome involvement in multiple
      inflammatory and immune diseases, this information is of utmost importance since
      precise inflammasome pharmacological targeting could lead to considerable
      clinical utility through fine-tuned targeted therapies.

PMID- 27660055
TI  - Diverse responses of wild and cultivated tomato to BABA, oligandrin and Oidium
      neolycopersici infection.
AB  - Background and Aims: Current strategies for increased crop protection of
      susceptible tomato plants against pathogen infections include treatment with
      synthetic chemicals, application of natural pathogen-derived compounds or
      transfer of resistance genes from wild tomato species within breeding programmes.
      In this study, a series of 45 genes potentially involved in defence mechanisms
      was retrieved from the genome sequence of inbred reference tomato cultivar
      Solanum lycopersicum 'Heinz 1706'. The aim of the study was to analyse expression
      of these selected genes in wild and cultivated tomato plants contrasting in
      resistance to the biotrophic pathogen Oidium neolycopersici , the causative agent
      of powdery mildew. Plants were treated either solely with potential resistance
      inducers or by inducers together with the pathogen. Methods: The resistance
      against O. neolycopersici infection as well as RT-PCR-based analysis of gene
      expression in response to the oomycete elicitor oligandrin and chemical agent
      beta-aminobutyric acid (BABA) were investigated in the highly susceptible
      domesticated inbred genotype Solanum lycopersicum 'Amateur' and resistant wild
      genotype Solanum habrochaites . Key Results: Differences in basal expression
      levels of defensins, germins, beta-1,3-glucanases, heveins, chitinases, osmotins
      and PR1 proteins in non-infected and non-elicited plants were observed between
      the highly resistant and susceptible genotypes. Moreover, these defence genes
      showed an extensive up-regulation following O. neolycopersici infection in both
      genotypes. Application of BABA and elicitin induced expression of multiple
      defence-related transcripts and, through different mechanisms, enhanced
      resistance against powdery mildew in the susceptible tomato genotype.
      Conclusions: The results indicate that non-specific resistance in the resistant
      genotype S. habrochaites resulted from high basal levels of transcripts with
      proven roles in defence processes. In the susceptible genotype S. lycopersicum
      'Amateur', oligandrin- and BABA-induced resistance involved different signalling
      pathways, with BABA-treated leaves displaying direct activation of the ethylene
      dependent signalling pathway, in contrast to previously reported jasmonic acid
      mediated signalling for elicitins.

PMID- 27660057
TI  - Associations of cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase genetic polymorphisms with smoking
      cessation in a Chinese population.
AB  - Recently, a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) A503V (rs1057868) in cytochrome
      P450 oxidoreductase (POR) gene was reported to influence nicotine metabolism.
      Considering the importance of nicotine metabolism to smoking cessation, the aim
      of this study was to investigate the association between POR gene polymorphisms
      and smoking cessation in a Chinese population. A case-control study was conducted
      with 363 successful smoking quitters as the cases, and 345 failed smoking
      quitters as the controls. Eight tagSNPs which cover the entire gene and four
      functional SNPs were selected and genotyped. Logistic regression was used to
      explore the relationship between POR SNPs and smoking cessation in codominant,
      additive, dominant and recessive models. After adjustment for potential
      confounders, multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that POR rs3823884
      and rs3898649 were associated with increased possibility of smoking cessation.
      Meanwhile, POR rs17685 and rs239953 were shown to have negative effect on
      successful smoking cessation. No significant differences in the distribution of
      haplotypes between cases and controls were detected. In conclusion, this study
      reveals that four SNPs in the POR gene (rs3823884, rs3898649, rs239953 and
      rs17685) may affect the susceptibility of smoking cessation in a Chinese Han
      population.

PMID- 27660058
TI  - Sodium ion transport participates in non-neuronal acetylcholine release in the
      renal cortex of anesthetized rabbits.
AB  - This study examined the mechanism of release of endogenous acetylcholine (ACh) in
      rabbit renal cortex by applying a microdialysis technique. In anesthetized
      rabbits, a microdialysis probe was implanted into the renal cortex and perfused
      with Ringer's solution containing high potassium concentration, high sodium
      concentration, a Na+/K+-ATPase inhibitor (ouabain), or an epithelial Na+ channel
      blocker (benzamil). Dialysate samples were collected at baseline and during
      exposure to each agent, and ACh concentrations in the samples were measured by
      high-performance liquid chromatography. High potassium had no effect on renal ACh
      release. High sodium increased dialysate ACh concentrations significantly.
      Ouabain increased dialysate ACh concentration significantly. Benzamil decreased
      dialysate ACh concentrations significantly both at baseline and under high
      sodium. The finding that high potassium-induced depolarization does not increase
      ACh release suggests that endogenous ACh is released in renal cortex mainly by
      non-neuronal mechanism. Sodium ion transport may be involved in the non-neuronal
      ACh release.

PMID- 27660059
TI  - Federally Qualified Health Center Access and Emergency Department Use Among
      Children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether increasing access to federally qualified health
      centers (FQHCs) in California was associated with decreased rates of emergency
      department (ED) use by children without insurance or insured by Medicaid.
      METHODS: We combined several data sets to longitudinally analyze 58 California
      counties between 2005 and 2013. We defined access to FQHCs by county using 2
      measures: FQHC sites per 100 square miles between 2005 and 2012 and percentage of
      Medicaid-insured and uninsured children served by FQHCs from 2008 to 2013. Our
      outcome was rates of ED use by uninsured or Medicaid-insured children ages 0 to
      18 years. To determine the effect of changes in FQHC access on the outcome within
      a county over time, we used negative binomial models with county fixed effects
      and controls for preselected time-varying county characteristics and secular
      trends. RESULTS: Increased geographic density of FQHC sites was associated with
      <=18% lower rates of ED visits among Medicaid-insured children and <=40% lower ED
      utilization among uninsured children (P = .05 and P < .01, respectively).
      However, the percentage of Medicaid-insured and uninsured children seen at FQHCs
      was not associated with any significant change in ED visit rates among Medicaid
      insured or uninsured children. CONCLUSIONS: Whereas increased geographic FQHC
      access was associated with lower rates of ED use by uninsured children, all other
      measures of FQHC access were not associated with statistically significant
      changes in pediatric ED use. These results provide community-level evidence that
      expanding FQHCs may have a limited impact on pediatric ED use, suggesting the
      need to explore additional factors driving ED utilization.

PMID- 27660060
TI  - Are FQHCs the Solution to Care Access for Underserved Children?

PMID- 27660061
TI  - Small Fiber Neuropathy in Children: Two Case Reports Illustrating the Importance
      of Recognition.
AB  - Small fiber neuropathy (SFN) is a debilitating condition that often leads to pain
      and autonomic dysfunction. In the last few decades, SFN has been gaining more
      attention, particularly in adults. However, literature about SFN in children
      remains limited. The present article reports the cases of 2 adolescent girls
      diagnosed with SFN. The first patient (14 years of age) complained about painful
      itch and tingling in her legs, as well as dysautonomia symptoms for years. She
      also reported a red/purple-type discoloration of her legs aggravated by warmth
      and standing, compatible with erythromelalgia. The diagnosis of SFN was confirmed
      by a reduced intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) in skin biopsy sample. No
      underlying conditions were found. Symptomatic neuropathic pain treatment was
      started with moderate effect. The second patient (16 years of age) developed
      painful sensations in both feet and hands 6 weeks after an ICU admission for
      diabetic ketoacidosis, which included dysautonomia symptoms. She also exhibited
      some signs of erythromelalgia. The patient was diagnosed with predominant SFN
      (abnormal IENFD and quantitative sensory testing) as well as minor large nerve
      fiber involvement. Treatment with duloxetine, combined with a rehabilitation
      program, resulted in a marked improvement in her daily functioning. Although the
      SFN diagnosis in these 2 cases could be established according to the definition
      of SFN used in adults, additional diagnostic tools are needed that may be more
      appropriate for children. Additional information about the course of SFN in
      children may result in better treatment options.

PMID- 27660063
TI  - The effect of Me2SO overexposure during cryopreservation on HOS TE85 and hMSC
      viability, growth and quality.
AB  - With the cell therapy industry continuing to grow, the ability to preserve
      clinical grade cells, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), whilst retaining
      cell viability and function remains critical for the generation of off-the-shelf
      therapies. Cryopreservation of MSCs, using slow freezing, is an established
      process at lab scale. However, the cytotoxicity of cryoprotectants, like Me2SO,
      raises questions about the impact of prolonged cell exposure to cryoprotectant at
      temperatures >0  degrees C during processing of large cell batches for allogenic
      therapies prior to rapid cooling in a controlled rate freezer or in the clinic
      prior to administration. Here we show that exposure of human bone marrow derived
      MSCs to Me2SO for >=1 h before freezing, or after thawing, degrades membrane
      integrity, short-term cell attachment efficiency and alters cell immunophenotype.
      After 2 h's exposure to Me2SO at 37  degrees C post-thaw, membrane integrity
      dropped to ~70% and only ~50% of cells retained the ability to adhere to tissue
      culture plastic. Furthermore, only 70% of the recovered MSCs retained an
      immunophenotype consistent with the ISCT minimal criteria after exposure. We also
      saw a similar loss of membrane integrity and attachment efficiency after exposing
      osteoblast (HOS TE85) cells to Me2SO before, and after, cryopreservation.
      Overall, these results show that freezing medium exposure is a critical
      determinant of product quality as process scale increases. Defining and reporting
      cell sensitivity to freezing medium exposure, both before and after
      cryopreservation, enables a fair judgement of how scalable a particular
      cryopreservation process can be, and consequently whether the therapy has
      commercial feasibility.

PMID- 27660062
TI  - Reply to Letter: Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease after One-Anastomosis (Mini)
      Gastric Bypass, Obes Surg 2016;26:1592-3.

PMID- 27660064
TI  - Clinical significance of coagulase-negative staphylococci other than S.
      epidermidis blood stream isolates at a tertiary care hospital.
AB  - PURPOSE: We retrospectively evaluated blood culture (BC) isolates of coagulase
      negative staphylococci other than Staphylococcus epidermidis (NonSe-CoNS) for
      clinical relevance at a tertiary care hospital in Germany from January 2011 to
      September 2015. METHODS: Clinical data were correlated to microbiological results
      based on medical records. Infection was considered likely if (1) no other
      infection and (2) two or more isolates of the same species were present and (3)
      symptoms ameliorated after therapy. Infection was considered possible if a
      foreign body was present and (1) and (3) were fulfilled. All the other cases were
      considered contaminations. RESULTS: 313 patients with blood cultures positive for
      NonSe-CoNS were identified. 61 patients were excluded, either because of missing
      data or multiple pathogens in the same blood culture. Of the remaining 252
      patients, 58 (23 %) were classified as possible (n = 32) or likely (n = 26)
      infections. S. haemolyticus was the most frequent isolate (infection: n = 28),
      followed by S. hominis (n = 13), S. capitis (n = 12), and S. lugdunensis (n = 3).
      One patient died from NonSe-CoNS infection. The source of infection in the
      majority of patients was foreign bodies (n = 43), and endocarditis was present in
      six cases. Staphylococci always considered contaminations were: S. auricularis,
      S. caprae, S. schleiferi, S. pettenkoferi, S. saccharolyticus, and S. simulans.
      The growth of NonSe-CoNS in the anaerobic BC bottle only and a time to positivity
      >36 h were associated with contaminations. CONCLUSIONS: One out of four NonSe
      CoNS isolates was clinically relevant in our cohort, where S. haemolyticus, S.
      capitis, S. hominis, and S. lugdunensis contributed to 96.6 % of all relevant
      infections.

PMID- 27660065
TI  - Responses and recovery pattern of sex steroid hormones in testis of Nile tilapia
      (Oreochromis niloticus) exposed to sublethal concentration of methomyl.
AB  - Tilapia were exposed to sublethal methomyl concentrations of 0, 0.2, 2, 20 or 200
      MUg/L for 30 days, and then transferred to methomyl-free water for 18 days. The
      sexual steroid hormones 17beta-estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), and 11
      ketotestosterone (11-KT) in tilapia testes were examined at 0, 6, 12, 18, 24 and
      30 days after methomyl exposure, and at 18 days after fish were transferred to
      methomyl-free water. There were no significant changes in the hormone parameters
      in testes of tilapia exposed to low concentration 0.2 and 2 MUg/L methomyl
      compared with the controls. However, high concentration 20 and 200 MUg/L methomyl
      had the potential to disrupt the endocrine system of male tilapia, as shown by an
      increase in E2 and a decrease in T and 11-KT in the testes. Thus, it would appear
      that the 2 MUg/L methomyl might be considered the no-observed-adverse-effect
      level. Recovery data showed that the effects produced by the lower concentration
      of 20 MUg/L were reversible but the effects were not reversible at the higher
      concentration of 200 MUg/L.

PMID- 27660066
TI  - The effect of lead from sediment bioturbation by Lumbriculus variegatus on
      Daphnia magna in the water column.
AB  - The present study investigated the bioavailability and potential toxicity to
      Daphnia magna of lead released to the water column due to bioturbation by
      Lumbriculus variegatus. Experiments used microcosms with Pb-spiked sediment, with
      or without worms in the sediment, and with D. magna present in the water column.
      The daphniids were allowed free movement or were restricted to flow-through
      containers, in order to assess the influence of their direct contact with the
      contaminated sediment. A control group consisted of D. magna in clean moderately
      hard reconstituted water. At the end of the 12-day experiment, D. magna survival,
      reproduction, biomass, and Pb-bioaccumulation were determined. Water column
      turbidity and Pb levels were quantified to assess their influence on the Pb
      toxicity and bioaccumulation. The bioturbation by L. variegatus increased Pb
      levels and turbidity in the water column. While this resulted in an increased Pb
      bioaccumulation by the D. magna, the water column Pb levels and the Pb
      bioaccumulation were insufficient to bring about toxic effects for the survival,
      reproduction, and biomass of the daphniids. Contact of D. magna with the sediment
      resulted in an increase in their Pb bioaccumulation, with water turbidity and Pb
      data, suggesting that these crustaceans also acted as bioturbators. The increase
      in Pb bioaccumulation in D. magna as a consequence of bioturbation by L.
      variegatus demonstrates the potential for bioturbation to enhance contaminant
      toxicity to organisms in the water column, though this potential appeared
      relatively low in the case of lead.

PMID- 27660069
TI  - Molecular mechanisms of xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) proteins.
AB  - Nucleotide excision repair (NER) is a highly versatile and efficient DNA repair
      process, which is responsible for the removal of a large number of structurally
      diverse DNA lesions. Its extreme broad substrate specificity ranges from DNA
      damages formed upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation to numerous bulky DNA
      adducts induced by mutagenic environmental chemicals and cytotoxic drugs used in
      chemotherapy. Defective NER leads to serious diseases, such as xeroderma
      pigmentosum (XP). Eight XP complementation groups are known of which seven (XPA
      XPG) are caused by mutations in genes involved in the NER process. The eighth
      gene, XPV, codes for the DNA polymerase n, which replicates through DNA lesions
      in a process called translesion synthesis (TLS). Over the past decade, detailed
      structural information of these DNA repair proteins involved in eukaryotic NER
      and TLS have emerged. These structures allow us now to understand the molecular
      mechanism of the NER and TLS processes in quite some detail and we have begun to
      understand the broad substrate specificity of NER. In this review, we aim to
      highlight recent advances in the process of damage recognition and repair as well
      as damage tolerance by the XP proteins.

PMID- 27660067
TI  - Estrogenic compounds in Tunisian urban sewage treatment plant: occurrence,
      removal and ecotoxicological impact of sewage discharge and sludge disposal.
AB  - The occurrence, fate and ecotoxicological assessment of selected estrogenic
      compounds were investigated at Tunisian urban sewage treatment plant. The
      influents, effluents, as well as primary, secondary and dehydrated sludge, were
      sampled and analyzed for the target estrogens to evaluate their fate. All target
      compounds were detected in both sewage and sludge with mean concentrations from
      0.062 to 0.993 MUg L-1 and from 11.8 to 792.9 MUg kg-1dry weight, respectively. A
      wide range of removal efficiencies during the treatment processes were observed,
      from 6.3 % for estrone to 76.8 % for estriol. Ecotoxicological risk assessment
      revealed that the highest ecotoxicological risk in sewage effluent and dehydrated
      sludge was due to 17beta-estradiol with a risk quotient (RQ) of 4.6 and 181.9,
      respectively, and 17alpha-ethinylestradiol with RQ of 9.8 and 14.85,
      respectively. Ecotoxicological risk after sewage discharge and sludge disposal
      was limited to the presence of 17beta-estradiol in dehydrated-sludge amended soil
      with RQ of 1.38. Further control of estrogenic hormones in sewage effluent and
      sludge is essential before their discharge and application in order to prevent
      their introduction into the natural environment.

PMID- 27660068
TI  - Neck Circumference to Assess Obesity in Preschool Children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Limited information is available about the use of neck circumference
      (NC) to assess obesity in preschool children. This study aims to provide NC
      percentiles and determine the cut-off levels of NC as a measure to assess obesity
      in preschool children. METHODS: The data were obtained from the Anthropometry of
      Turkish Children aged 0-6 years (ATCA-06) study database. A total of 21 family
      health centers were chosen and children aged 2-6 years old from all socioeconomic
      levels were randomly selected from the lists of district midwives; 1766 children
      (874 male and 892 female; 88.3% of sample size) were included in the study. The
      smoothed centile curves of NC were constructed by the LMS method. Receiver
      operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to calculate cut-off points
      for NC using body mass index >=95th percentile. RESULTS: Mean NC was greater in
      males than females. Cut-off values for obesity were found to be statistically
      significant in both genders other than 3 years old boys. The NC percentiles of
      Turkish preschool children were slightly greater than those of other European
      preschool children in both genders. This difference disappeared around the
      adiposity rebound period. The 97th percentile values for Turkish preschool
      children continue to be greater in both genders. CONCLUSION: NC may be useful to
      define obesity in preschool children. Since ethnic and various other factors may
      have a role in incidence of obesity, local reference data are important in
      assessment of obesity.

PMID- 27660070
TI  - Long-Term Nutrition: A Clinician's Guide to Successful Long-Term Enteral Access
      in Adults [Formula: see text].
AB  - Long-term nutrition support requires long-term enteral access. To ensure the
      success of long-term enteral access, many factors need to be taken into
      consideration. This article represents a guide to placing and maintaining access
      in patients requiring long-term nutrition and addresses many of the common
      questions regarding long-term enteral access, such as indications, types of
      access, feeding after access placed, and recognition and treatment of potential
      complications. This guide will help the clinician establish and maintain access
      to maximize nutrition in patients requiring long-term nutrition.

PMID- 27660071
TI  - Mental health and health-related quality of life of Chinese college students who
      were the victims of dating violence.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of the study is to evaluate the mental health and health-related
      quality of life (HRQOL) of Chinese college students who were the victims of
      dating violence. METHODS: Six hundred and fifty-two subjects were included in the
      data analysis. Subjects completed a structured questionnaire containing the Woman
      Abuse Screening tool, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the 10-item
      version of the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and the World Health Organization
      Quality of Life-BREF Instrument (WHOQOL-BREF). RESULTS: Analysis by independent t
      test suggested that victims of dating violence had more severe depressive,
      anxiety and stress symptoms and poorer HRQOL than non-victims. Multiple linear
      regression models found that more severe dating violence victimization was
      associated with more severe depressive, anxiety and stress symptoms. The
      mediation analysis found that after simultaneously controlling for the degree of
      depressive, anxiety and stress symptoms, the direct effect between dating
      violence severity and HRQOL, as measured by overall HRQOL and the global health,
      physical and environment domains of the WHOQOL-BREF, was statistically
      insignificant, supporting a full-mediation model. The relationship between dating
      violence severity and the social domain of HRQOL was partially mediated by the
      degree of depressive, anxiety and stress symptoms. CONCLUSION: Victims of dating
      violence had poorer mental health and HRQOL than non-victims. The study findings
      affirm the importance of assessing depressive, anxiety and stress symptoms in
      victims and the need to improve their depressive, anxiety and stress symptoms to
      diminish the negative effects of dating violence, which are apparent in their
      HRQOL.

PMID- 27660072
TI  - Neonatal treatment philosophy in Dutch and German NICUs: health-related quality
      of life in adulthood of VP/VLBW infants.
AB  - PURPOSE: Although survival after very preterm birth (VP)/very low birth weight
      (VLBW) has improved, a significant number of VP/VLBW individuals develop physical
      and cognitive problems during their life course that may affect their health
      related quality of life (HRQoL). We compared HRQoL in VP/VLBW cohorts from two
      countries: The Netherlands (n = 314) versus Germany (n = 260) and examined
      whether different neonatal treatment and rates of disability affect HRQoL in
      adulthood. METHOD: To analyse whether cohorts differed in adult HRQoL, linear
      regression analyses were performed for three HRQoL outcomes assessed with the
      Health Utilities Index 3 (HUI3), the London Handicap Scale (LHS), and the WHO
      Quality of Life instrument (WHOQOL-BREF). Stepwise hierarchical linear regression
      was used to test whether neonatal physical health and treatment, social
      environment, and intelligence (IQ) were related to VP/VLBW adults' HRQoL and
      cohort differences. RESULTS: Dutch VP/VLBW adults reported a significantly higher
      HRQoL on all three general HRQoL measures than German VP/VLBW adults (HUI3: .86
      vs .83, p = .036; LHS: .93 vs. .90, p = .018; WHOQOL-BREF: 82.8 vs. 78.3, p <
      .001). Main predictor of cohort differences in all three HRQoL measures was adult
      IQ (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Lower HRQoL in German versus Dutch adults was related
      to more cognitive impairment in German adults. Due to different policies, German
      VP/VLBW infants received more intensive treatment that may have affected their
      cognitive development. Our findings stress the importance of examining effects of
      different neonatal treatment policies for VP/VLBW adults' life.

PMID- 27660073
TI  - Affective Biases in Humans and Animals.
AB  - Depression is one of the most common but poorly understood psychiatric
      conditions. Although drug treatments and psychological therapies are effective in
      some patients, many do not achieve full remission and some patients receive no
      apparent benefit. Developing new improved treatments requires a better
      understanding of the aetiology of symptoms and evaluation of novel therapeutic
      targets in pre-clinical studies. Recent developments in our understanding of the
      basic cognitive processes that may contribute to the development of depression
      and its treatment offer new opportunities for both clinical and pre-clinical
      research. This chapter discusses the clinical evidence supporting a cognitive
      neuropsychological model of depression and antidepressant efficacy, and how this
      information may be usefully translated to pre-clinical investigation. Studies
      using neuropsychological tests in depressed patients and at risk populations have
      revealed basic negative emotional biases and disrupted reward and punishment
      processing, which may also impact on non-affective cognition. These affective
      biases are sensitive to antidepressant treatments with early onset effects
      observed, suggesting an important role in recovery. This clinical work into
      affective biases has also facilitated back-translation to animals and the
      development of assays to study affective biases in rodents. These animal studies
      suggest that, similar to humans, rodents in putative negative affective states
      exhibit negative affective biases on decision-making and memory tasks.
      Antidepressant treatments also induce positive biases in these rodent tasks,
      supporting the translational validity of this approach. Although still in the
      early stages of development and validation, affective biases in depression have
      the potential to offer new insights into the clinical condition, as well as
      facilitating the development of more translational approaches for pre-clinical
      studies. 

PMID- 27660074
TI  - Effects of Supplemental Chromium Propionate on Serum Lipids, Carcass Traits, and
      Meat Quality of Heat-Stressed Broilers.
AB  - This study was conducted to investigate the effects of chromium from chromium
      propionate (CrPro) on serum lipids, carcass traits, and breast meat quality in
      heat-stressed birds. A total of 210 1-day-old male broilers were randomly
      allotted by initial body weight (BW) into 5 treatments with 7 replicates with 6
      birds per replicate pen for 42 days. The treatments included a basal corn-soybean
      meal diet and basal diet supplemented with 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, or 1.6 mg Cr/kg diet.
      Birds had ad libitum access to feed and distilled-deionized water at normal
      conditions for 1-3 weeks with little or no stress, and then birds were housed
      under heat stress conditions with 35 +/- 2  degrees C ambient temperature for 4-6
      weeks. Results showed that serum triglyceride (TG) (P = 0.0006) and low-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) (P = 0.0038) concentrations were decreased
      linearly as Cr dose increased. Compared with other groups, birds receiving 0.8 or
      1.6 mg Cr/kg had lower TG (P = 0.0015). Compared to control birds, birds fed
      diets with 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, or 1.6 mg Cr/kg supplementation had lower LDLC (P =
      0.0006). However, the total cholesterol (TC) and high density lipoprotein
      cholesterol (HDLC) concentrations in serum were not affected by treatment (P >
      0.05). No difference was observed in BW, the relative weights of breast muscle,
      thigh muscle and abdominal fat (P > 0.05), and breast meat quality (Ph15min,
      Ph24h, L*, a*, b*, cooking loss, shear force) among the treatments (P > 0.05).
      Results from this study indicated that CrPro supplementation could be beneficial
      to serum lipids metabolism of heat-stressed broiler chickens by decreasing TG and
      LDLC contents, but had no impacts on meat quality and carcass traits of the heat
      stressed broilers.

PMID- 27660075
TI  - HNF-4alpha Negatively Regulates Hepcidin Expression Through BMPR1A in HepG2
      Cells.
AB  - Hepcidin synthesis is reported to be inadequate according to the body iron store
      in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) undergoing hepatic
      iron overload (HIO). However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We
      hypothesize that hepatocyte nuclear factor-4alpha (HNF-4alpha) may negatively
      regulate hepcidin expression and contribute to hepcidin deficiency in NAFLD
      patients. The effect of HNF-4alpha on hepcidin expression was observed by
      transfecting specific HNF-4alpha small interfering RNA (siRNA) or plasmids into
      HepG2 cells. Both direct and indirect mechanisms involved in the regulation of
      HNF-4alpha on hepcidin were detected by real-time PCR, Western blotting,
      chromatin immunoprecipitation (chIP), and reporter genes. It was found that HNF
      4alpha suppressed hepcidin messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expressions in HepG2
      cells, and this suppressive effect was independent of the potential HNF-4alpha
      response elements. Phosphorylation of SMAD1 but not STAT3 was inactivated by HNF
      4alpha, and the SMAD4 response element was found essential to HNF-4alpha-induced
      hepcidin reduction. Neither inhibitory SMADs, SMAD6, and SMAD7 nor BMPR ligands,
      BMP2, BMP4, BMP6, and BMP7 were regulated by HNF-4alpha in HepG2 cells. BMPR1A,
      but not BMPR1B, BMPR2, ActR2A, ActR2B, or HJV, was decreased by HNF-4alpha, and
      HNF4alpha-knockdown-induced stimulation of hepcidin could be entirely blocked
      when BMPR1A was interfered with at the same time. In conclusion, the present
      study suggests that HNF-4alpha has a suppressive effect on hepcidin expression by
      inactivating the BMP pathway, specifically via BMPR1A, in HepG2 cells.

PMID- 27660077
TI  - Mechanisms underlying long-term fear memory formation from a metaplastic neuronal
      state.
AB  - We previously showed that a single weak fear conditioning trial, that does not
      produce a long-term fear memory (LTM), appeared to prime memory formation such
      that when a second trial followed within a circumscribed time window a robust and
      long-lasting fear memory was formed. We also showed that this priming effect
      could be blocked if we interfered with protein kinase A (PKA) signaling in the
      amygdala during the first conditioning trial. The goals of the current study were
      to determine if LTM formation after the second trial depends on PKA signaling in
      the amygdala and to characterize the underlying memory processes engaged during
      the second trial that allows for LTM formation. Our interpretation of the
      original findings is that the second conditioning trial triggers LTM from a
      metaplastic state that is engaged by the first conditioning trial. However, it is
      also possible that the second conditioning trial acts as a reminder of the first
      and engages a reconsolidation-like process. Several experiments were conducted to
      distinguish between these two possibilities. We show that interfering with PKA
      signaling during the second conditioning trial disrupts memory formation.
      However, if a third trial follows the second or if the second trial was presented
      without shock, the PKA inhibitor was no longer effective. Our findings
      demonstrate that the induction of fear memory from a metaplastic state involves
      new learning that is distinct from retrieval-dependent updating of memories.

PMID- 27660078
TI  - Naloxone blocks the aversive effects of electrical stimulation of the
      parabrachial complex in a place discrimination task.
AB  - The parabrachial complex is known to participate in various rewarding and
      aversive processes, including those related to the learning of taste or place
      discrimination and the motivational effects of drugs of abuse, such as morphine.
      This study shows that electrical stimulation of the external lateral parabrachial
      (LPBe) subnucleus induces consistent place avoidance or place preference in three
      compartment rectangular mazes. Administration of naloxone, an opiate antagonist,
      blocks both motivational effects induced by the intracranial electrical
      stimulation. Subsequent re-administration of the electrical stimulation was found
      to recover its aversive but not its rewarding effects after vehicle
      administration. These results are discussed in relation to different natural and
      artificial agents involved in the induction of avoidance and preference
      motivational processes, especially with regard to the opioid system.

PMID- 27660076
TI  - Impaired function of alpha2-containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptors on
      oriens-lacunosum moleculare cells causes hippocampus-dependent memory
      impairments.
AB  - Children of mothers who smoked during pregnancy are at significantly greater risk
      for cognitive impairments including memory deficits, but the mechanisms
      underlying this effect remain to be understood. In rodent models of smoking
      during pregnancy, early postnatal nicotine exposure results in impaired long-term
      hippocampus-dependent memory, functional loss of alpha2-containing nicotinic
      acetylcholine receptors (alpha2* nAChRs) in oriens-lacunosum moleculare (OLM)
      cells, increased CA1 network excitation, and unexpected facilitation of long-term
      potentiation (LTP) at Schaffer collateral-CA1 synapses. Here we demonstrate that
      alpha2 knockout mice show the same pattern of memory impairment as previously
      observed in wild-type mice exposed to early postnatal nicotine. However, alpha2
      knockout mice and alpha2 knockout mice exposed to early postnatal nicotine did
      not share all of the anomalies in hippocampal function observed in wild-type mice
      treated with nicotine during development. Unlike nicotine-treated wild-type mice,
      alpha2 knockout mice and nicotine-exposed alpha2 knockout mice did not
      demonstrate increased CA1 network excitation following Schaffer collateral
      stimulation and facilitated LTP, indicating that the effects are likely adaptive
      changes caused by activation of alpha2* nAChRs during nicotine exposure and are
      unlikely related to the associated memory impairment. Thus, the functional loss
      of alpha2* nAChRs in OLM cells likely plays a critical role in mediating this
      developmental-nicotine-induced hippocampal memory deficit.

PMID- 27660079
TI  - Comparison of fluorescence probes for intracellular sodium imaging in prostate
      cancer cell lines.
AB  - Sodium (Na+) ions are known to regulate many signaling pathways involved in both
      physiological and pathological conditions. In particular, alterations in
      intracellular concentrations of Na+ and corresponding changes in membrane
      potential are known to be major actors of cancer progression to metastatic
      phenotype. Though the functionality of Na+ channels and the corresponding Na+
      currents can be investigated using the patch-clamp technique, the latter is
      rather invasive and a technically difficult method to study intracellular Na+
      transients compared to Na+ fluorescence imaging. Despite the fact that Na+
      signaling is considered an important controller of cancer progression, only few
      data using Na+ imaging approaches are available so far, suggesting the persisting
      challenge within the scientific community. In this study, we describe in detail
      the approach for application of Na+ imaging technique to measure intracellular
      Na+ variations in human prostate cancer cells. Accordingly, we used three Na+
      specific fluorescent dyes-Na+-binding benzofuran isophthalate (SBFI), CoroNaTM
      Green (Corona) and Asante NaTRIUM Green-2 (ANG-2). These dyes have been assessed
      for optimal loading conditions, dissociation constant and working range after
      different calibration methods, and intracellular Na+ sensitivity, in order to
      determine which probe can be considered as the most reliable to visualize Na+
      fluctuations in vitro.

PMID- 27660080
TI  - Impact of Routine Surveillance Imaging on Outcomes of Patients With Diffuse Large
      B-Cell Lymphoma After Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: For patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell
      lymphoma (DLBCL), autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (auto-HCT) is
      commonly used. After auto-HCT, DLBCL patients are often monitored with
      surveillance imaging. However, there is little evidence to support this practice.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a multicenter retrospective study of DLBCL
      patients who underwent auto-HCT (n = 160), who experienced complete remission
      after transplantation, and who then underwent surveillance imaging. Of these,
      only 45 patients experienced relapse after day +100 after auto-HCT, with relapse
      detected by routine imaging in 32 (71%) and relapse detected clinically in 13
      (29%). RESULTS: Baseline patient characteristics were similar between the 2
      groups. Comparing the radiographic and clinically detected relapse groups, the
      median time from diagnosis to auto-HCT (389 days vs. 621 days, P = .06) and the
      median follow-up after auto-HCT (2464 days vs. 1593 days P = .60) were similar.
      The median time to relapse after auto-HCT was 191 days in radiographically
      detected relapses compared to 492 days in clinically detected relapses (P = .35),
      and median postrelapse survival was 359 days in such patients compared to 123
      days in patients with clinically detected relapse (P = .36). However, the median
      posttransplantation overall survival was not significantly different for patients
      with relapse detected by routine imaging versus relapse detected clinically (643
      vs. 586 days, P = .68). CONCLUSION: A majority (71%) of DLBCL relapses after auto
      HCT are detected by routine surveillance imaging. Overall, there appears to be
      limited utility for routine imaging after auto-HCT except in select cases where
      earlier detection and salvage therapy with allogeneic HCT is a potential option.

PMID- 27660081
TI  - Validity and Reliability of the Indonesian Version of the Brief Fatigue Inventory
      in Cancer Patients.
AB  - CONTEXT: Cancer-related fatigue is one of the most commonly reported symptoms in
      cancer patients. Short but good assessment is essential to detect and manage this
      symptom. Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) is a valid and reliable short instrument
      to assess cancer-related fatigue. OBJECTIVE: To examine the validity and
      reliability of the Indonesian BFI. METHODS: Forward and backward translation
      approach, followed by cognitive debriefing process, was done to develop
      Indonesian BFI. One hundred twenty-one consecutive adult outpatients with cancer
      who are willing to participate in this study filled in Indonesian BFI along with
      the Medical Outcome Study Quality of Life Short Form 36 (MOS SF-36). Demographic
      and health data were collected. RESULTS: The Indonesian BFI had an overall
      Cronbach's alpha for the nine items of 0.956. The results of the factor analysis
      suggested a one-factor solution, supporting the hypothesis of unidimensionality
      of the Indonesian BFI. The Indonesian BFI score was compared with MOS SF-36
      subscale to evaluate convergent validity. An expected inverse correlation between
      Indonesian BFI and all domains of MOS SF-36 was observed (r = -0.388 to -0.676; P
      < 0.0000). Discriminant validity analysis showed that the Indonesian BFI mean
      score significantly increased with increasing Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group
      Performance Status values (P = 0.000). CONCLUSION: Indonesian BFI is a reliable
      and valid instrument for Indonesian cancer patients.

PMID- 27660082
TI  - Nationwide Japanese Survey About Deathbed Visions: "My Deceased Mother Took Me to
      Heaven".
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Primary aim was to clarify the prevalence and factors associated with
      the occurrence of deathbed visions, explore associations among deathbed visions,
      a good death, and family depression. Additional aim was to explore the emotional
      reaction, perception, and preferred clinical practice regarding deathbed visions
      from the view of bereaved family members. METHODS: A nationwide questionnaire
      survey was conducted involving 3964 family members of cancer patients who died at
      hospitals, palliative care units, and home. RESULTS: A total of 2827 responses
      (71%) were obtained, and finally 2221 responses were analyzed. Deathbed visions
      were reported in 21% (95% CIs, 19-23; n = 463). Deathbed visions were
      significantly more likely to be observed in older patients, female patients,
      female family members, family members other than spouses, more religious
      families, and families who believed that the soul survives the body after death.
      Good death scores for the patients were not significantly different between the
      families who reported that the patients had experienced deathbed visions and
      those who did not, whereas depression was more frequently observed in the former
      than latter, with marginal significance (20 vs. 16%, respectively, adjusted P =
      0.068). Although 35% of the respondents agreed that deathbed visions were
      hallucinations, 38% agreed that such visions were a natural and transpersonal
      phenomenon in the dying process; 81% regarded it as necessary or very necessary
      for clinicians to share the phenomenon neutrally, not automatically labeling them
      as medically abnormal. CONCLUSIONS: Deathbed vision is not an uncommon
      phenomenon. Clinicians should not automatically regard such visions as an
      abnormal phenomenon to be medically treated and rather provide an individualized
      approach.

PMID- 27660083
TI  - After the Spiritual Assessment.

PMID- 27660084
TI  - Psychometric Characteristics of the Hebrew Version of the Professional Quality-of
      Life Scale.
AB  - CONTEXT: Exposure to human suffering may have ramifications for the professional
      quality of life (ProQol) of palliative care teams. The ProQol scale was designed
      to assess both negative and positive work-related outcomes and has been used
      recently for the evaluation of work-related outcomes among palliative care
      workers. However, the assessment of ProQol among Israeli hospice workers is
      scant. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the psychometric
      properties and the factor structure of the Hebrew version of the 30-item ProQol
      questionnaire. METHODS: The study population included 1100 health care providers
      including physicians, nurses, and social workers in primary health care and
      palliative care settings. RESULT: A total of 380 workers participated in the
      study, representing a response rate of 34.5%. The confirmatory factor analysis
      did not show an adequate "goodness to fit." Using a factor coefficient of 0.35 or
      greater for inclusion, the exploratory factor analysis revealed a 23-item
      solution, loaded onto three factors: compassion satisfaction, secondary traumatic
      stress, and burnout (BU). The internal consistency subscales were 0.87, 0.82, and
      0.69, respectively. The subscales showed good convergent and exploratory validity
      because of significant correlations with measures that examine BU, work
      engagement, and peritraumatic dissociative experiences. CONCLUSIONS: Although the
      findings are consistent with those from studies in other languages, they are
      different from the original 30-item three-factor structure reported by Stamm. The
      Hebrew version of the compassion satisfaction subscale was found to be reliable
      and valid for studies among health care professionals, but further research is
      needed to improve the BU and secondary traumatic stress subscales.

PMID- 27660085
TI  - Aging and anti-aging.

PMID- 27660087
TI  - Childhood hyperactivity and mood problems at mid-life: evidence from a
      prospective birth cohort.
AB  - PURPOSE: Childhood hyperactivity leads to mental health problems, but it is not
      known whether there are long-term risks for adult mood problems in unselected
      population cohorts that extend to mid-life. Aims were to examine links between
      childhood hyperactivity and mood problems up to age 50 years and to consider
      confounding factors and gender differences in associations. METHODS: The National
      Child Development Study (NCDS) is a UK cohort of children born in 1958. Children
      with (N = 453) and without (N = 9192) pervasive and persistent hyperactivity were
      followed to age 50. Adult mood was assessed using the Malaise Inventory at ages
      23, 33, 42, and 50 years and the CIS-R interview at 45 years. RESULTS: Childhood
      hyperactivity predicted low mood at all adult assessments (ES = 0.27-0.45),
      including after covariate adjustment (childhood adversity, emotional and
      behavioural problems, and attainment). CONCLUSION: Hyperactivity has enduring
      risk effects on low mood throughout the life course that extend to middle age.

PMID- 27660088
TI  - Antibacterial in vitro effects of preparations from Anthroposophical Medicine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Medications from Anthroposophical Medicine (AM) are clinically used
      for the treatment of infections within a whole medical system but have not yet
      been evaluated regarding antibacterial effects. The aims of this study was to
      investigate antibacterial activity of AM medications in cell culture. METHODS:
      Screening of AM drug registers for preparations used to treat any kind of
      infection and being available in dilutions <= D2 and without alcoholic content.
      Selected medications were screened for antimicrobial activity against Bacillus
      subtilis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
      using the agar diffusion method. For antimicrobial active preparations growth
      kinetics (drop plate method) and minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC,
      macrodilution method) were determined. RESULTS: Thirty-three preparations matched
      the selection criteria and were chosen for own experiments. One of them (Berberis
      Decoctum D2) exhibited bactericidal activities against Bacillus subtilis and
      Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin resistant strains. The MIC could be
      determined as 5 mg/ml. The effects could be related to the content of berberine
      in the extract. No activity towards gram-negative bacteria was found. The other
      tested extracts had no antibacterial effects. CONCLUSION: Berberis Decoctum D2
      which is used in AM to treat infections exhibits bactericidal effects on
      Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin resistant strains.

PMID- 27660089
TI  - Prevention of Infection Due to Clostridium difficile.
AB  - Clostridium difficile is one of the foremost nosocomial pathogens. Preventing
      infection is particularly challenging. Effective prevention efforts typically
      require a multifaceted bundled approach. A variety of infection control
      procedures may be advantageous, including strict hand decontamination with soap
      and water, contact precautions, and using chlorine-containing decontamination
      agents. Additionally, risk factor reduction can help reduce the burden of
      disease. The risk factor modification is principally accomplished though
      antibiotic stewardship programs. Unfortunately, most of the current evidence for
      prevention is in acute care settings. This review focuses on preventative
      approaches to reduce the incidence of Clostridium difficile infection in
      healthcare settings.

PMID- 27660090
TI  - Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacilli: Infection Control Implications.
AB  - Antimicrobial resistance is a common iatrogenic complication of both modern life
      and medical care. Certain multidrug resistant and extensively drug resistant Gram
      negative organisms pose the biggest challenges to health care today,
      predominantly owing to a lack of therapeutic options. Containing the spread of
      these organisms is challenging, and in reality, the application of multiple
      control measures during an evolving outbreak makes it difficult to measure the
      relative impact of each measure. This article reviews the usefulness of various
      infection control measures in containing the spread of multidrug-resistant Gram
      negative bacilli.

PMID- 27660091
TI  - Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci: Epidemiology, Infection Prevention, and
      Control.
AB  - Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) infections have acquired prominence as a
      leading cause of health care-associated infections. Understanding VRE
      epidemiology, transmission modes in health care settings, risk factors for
      colonization, and infection is essential to prevention and control of VRE
      infections. Infection control strategies are pivotal in management of VRE
      infections and should be based on patient characteristics, hospital needs, and
      available resources. Hand hygiene is basic to decrease acquisition of VRE. The
      effectiveness of surveillance and contact precautions is variable and
      controversial in endemic settings, but important during VRE outbreak
      investigations and control. Environmental cleaning, chlorhexidine bathing, and
      antimicrobial stewardship are vital in VRE prevention and control.

PMID- 27660092
TI  - Preventing Transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Health Care Settings.
AB  - Patients with tuberculosis (TB) pose a risk to other patients and health care
      workers, and outbreaks in health care settings occur when appropriate infection
      control measures are not used. In this article, we discuss strategies to prevent
      transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis within health care settings. All
      health care facilities should have an operational TB infection control plan that
      emphasizes the use of a hierarchy of controls (administrative, environmental, and
      personal respiratory protection). We also discuss resources available to
      clinicians who work in the prevention and investigation of nosocomial
      transmission of M tuberculosis.

PMID- 27660093
TI  - Association study of rs924080 and rs11209032 polymorphisms of IL23R-IL12RB2 in a
      Northern Chinese Han population with Behcet's disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Two genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified the IL-23
      receptor- IL-12 receptor beta2 (IL23R-IL12RB2) as the susceptibility genetic
      region in Turkish and Japanese population with Behcet's disease (BD). We
      investigated the association of this region with BD in a Northern Chinese Han
      population. METHODS: A total of 407 patients with BD and 421 healthy controls
      were genotyped for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs924080 and rs11209032
      using the Sequenom MassArray system. RESULTS: Statistically significant
      associations with BD were detected at two SNPs namely, rs924080 and rs11209032,
      both, by allele analysis (OR=1.58, 95% CI=1.25-2.00, Pc=2.52*10-4, and OR=1.45,
      95% CI=1.19-1.76, Pc=3.46*10-4, respectively), and genotype analysis (Pc=1.22*10
      3andPc=1.77*10-3, respectively). Significant differences were observed in the
      genotype frequency distribution for these SNPs under the additive, dominant and
      recessive models (all Pc<0.05). The haplotypes (AT and GC) formed by the two SNPs
      were associated with BD (all permutation P<0.05). A meta-analysis also appeared
      to support the association of the two SNPs with BD. CONCLUSION: SNPs (rs924080
      and rs11209032) of the IL23R-IL12RB2 region were found to be associated with BD
      in a Northern Chinese Han population.

PMID- 27660095
TI  - Population structure and marker-trait association of salt tolerance in barley
      (Hordeum vulgare L.).
AB  - Association mapping is becoming an important tool for identifying alleles and
      loci responsible for dissecting highly complex traits in barley. This study
      describes the population structure and marker-trait association using general
      linear model (GLM) analysis on a site of 60 barley genotypes, evaluated in six
      salinity environments. Ninety-eight SSR and SNP alleles were employed for the
      construction of a framework genetic map. The genetic structure analysis of the
      collection turned out to consist of two major sub-populations, mainly comprising
      hulled and naked types. LD significantly varied among the barley chromosomes,
      suggesting that this factor may affect the resolution of association mapping for
      QTL located on different chromosomes. Numerous significant marker traits were
      associated in different regions of the barley genome controlling salt tolerance
      and related traits; among them, 46 QTLs were detected on 14 associated traits
      over the two years, with a major QTL controlling salt tolerance on 1H, 2H, 4H and
      7H, which are important factors in improving barley's salt tolerance.

PMID- 27660094
TI  - Effect of interleukin-10 gene promoter polymorphisms -1082 G/A and -592 C/A on
      response to therapy in children and adolescents with chronic hepatitis C virus
      infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Studying predictors of response to therapy for hepatitis C
      virus (HCV) infection in children may help avoid the inappropriate use of
      currently available costly therapy associated with numerous adverse effects. We
      tested the hypothesis that inheritance of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)
      of the interleukin-10 (IL-10) promoter gene might influence response to HCV
      treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The impact of SNPs, -1082 G/A and -592 C/A, in
      the promoter region of IL-10 gene, on response to HCV therapy was assessed in a
      cohort of 40 children treated with a combination of pegylated interferon (Peg
      IFN) alpha2b and ribavirin. RESULTS: Sustained virological response was achieved
      in 48.7%. High viral load was associated with non-response to therapy. There was
      no association between histopathological degree of inflammation or fibrosis and
      response to therapy. There was no direct statistically significant association
      between polymorphisms in the IL-10 gene (-1082G/A and -592 C/A) as regards
      inflammation or response to therapy in children. As for the SNP -592 C/A; there
      was a statistically significant association with the score of fibrosis (P<0.004),
      concluding that the A allele was protective from moderate and severe fibrosis.
      Meanwhile the SNP -1082G/A did not show any association with the fibrosis score.
      CONCLUSION: We could not associate response to therapy for HCV with IL-10
      polymorphisms -1082 G/A and -592 C/A. For the SNP -592 C/A, the A allele
      protected from moderate and severe fibrosis.

PMID- 27660096
TI  - Arterial Pulmonary Hypertension Secondary to Partial Anomalous Pulmonary Venous
      Return in an Elderly Patient.

PMID- 27660097
TI  - Enhanced cyanophycin production by Escherichia coli overexpressing the
      heterologous cphA gene from a deep sea metagenomic library.
AB  - Cyanophycin is a non-ribosomally synthesized polymer and its microbial production
      has attracted increased attention due to its pharmaceutical and chemical values.
      For the characterization and production of cyanophycin, the cphA49 gene was
      cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. Soluble cyanophycin was isolated from
      the cultures and characterized. The results showed that it was composed of 50% of
      aspartic acid, 45% of arginine, and 3.5% of lysine, and exhibited a homogenous
      molecular mass of 35 kDa. To improve soluble cyanophycin production, the
      induction conditions for cphA49 gene expression were optimized. Meanwhile, the
      effects of medium content and induction duration on soluble cyanophycin
      production were also investigated, and the soluble cyanophycin yield reached a
      maximum at 72 h. Finally, to further increase the soluble cyanophycin production,
      the cultivation was carried out by supplement of arginine, aspartic acid, lysine
      and glucose into the minimal resource medium after cphA49 gene expression level
      was improved under optimized conditions, and the maximum concentration of soluble
      cyanophycin reached 1.72 g/L.

PMID- 27660098
TI  - Identification of a putative FR901469 biosynthesis gene cluster in fungal sp. No.
      11243 and enhancement of the productivity by overexpressing the transcription
      factor gene frbF.
AB  - FR901469 is an antifungal antibiotic produced by fungal sp. No. 11243. Here, we
      searched for FR901469 biosynthesis genes in the genome of No. 11243. Based on the
      molecular structure of FR901469 and endogenous functional motifs predicted in
      each genomic NRPS gene, a putative FR901469 biosynthesis gene cluster harboring
      the most plausible NRPS gene was identified. A transcription factor gene,
      designated frbF, was found in the cluster. To improve FR901469 productivity, we
      constructed a strain in which frbF was overexpressed and named it TFH2-2.
      FR901469 productivity of TFH2-2 was 3.4 times higher than that of the wild-type
      strain. Transcriptome analysis revealed that most of the genes in the putative
      FR901469 biosynthesis gene cluster were upregulated in TFH2-2. It also showed
      that the expression of genes related to ergosterol biosynthesis, beta-1,3-glucan
      catabolism, and chitin synthesis was inclined to exhibit significant differences
      in TFH2-2.

PMID- 27660099
TI  - Molecular insight into the dynamic central metabolic pathways of Achromobacter
      xylosoxidans CF-S36 during heterotrophic nitrogen removal processes.
AB  - Organic carbon sources play a significant role in heterotrophic nitrogen
      consumption. This quintessential exploration is focused on carbon and nitrogen
      biogeochemical cycles in heterotrophic bacteria, capable of simultaneous
      nitrification and denitrification (SND). A heterotrophic bacterial strain
      Achromobacter xylosoxidans CF-S36 isolated from domestic wastewater efficiently
      eliminated ammonia, nitrate and nitrite by utilizing different carbon sources.
      The type of carbon utilized by strain CF-S36 determined the rate of heterotrophic
      nitrogen removal. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis of genes of
      central carbon and nitrogen metabolism, signal transduction, electron transport
      chain (ETC) pathways and assays of enzymes of denitrification processes revealed
      the existence of well-coordinated link between carbon utilization and nitrogen
      elimination in bacterial cell. The most preferred carbon source for nitrification
      was succinate followed by glucose and acetate. Inhibitory effect of nitrite on
      glycolytic pathway and nitrogen assimilation genes attributes glucose as
      unfavorable carbon source for denitrification process in strain CF-S36. Acetate
      served as efficient carbon source for utilizing nitrite through denitrification
      process. The study demonstrated here might be useful to biogeochemical engineer
      to understand the involvement of heterotrophic bacteria in global biogeochemical
      cycle and to gain further insight into the diversified application of these
      microorganisms.

PMID- 27660100
TI  - The relation between angioarchitectural factors of developmental venous anomaly
      and concomitant sporadic cavernous malformation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Past studies found that cerebral developmental venous anomaly (DVA)
      is often concurrent with cavernous malformation (CM). But the reason of the
      concurrency remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to confirm whether
      angioarchitectural factors relate to the concurrence and which angioarchitectural
      factors can induce the concurrency. METHODS: DVA cases were selected from the
      records of the same 3.0 T MR. The DVA cases was divided into two group which are
      DVA group and DVA concurrent with CM group. 8 angioarchitectural factors of the
      DVAs were selected and measured. Statistical analysis was performed by the
      Pearson chi-square statistic,analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multi-factor
      logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Five hundred three DVA lesions were found
      and 76 CM lesions coexisting with DVA. In the single factor analysis, all the 8
      angioarchitectural factors of DVA were related to the concurrency. In the
      multivariate analysis, 6 angioarchitectural factors. Result of multi-factor
      logistic regression analysis is Logit(P) = -4.858-0.932(Location) +
      1.616(Direction) + 1.757(Torsion) + 0.237(Number) + 2.119(Stenosis rate of
      medullary vein)-0.015(Angle), goodness of fit is 90.1 %. CONCLUSIONS: The
      angioarchitectural factors of DVA are related to the concurrency of DVA and CM. 6
      angioarchitectural factors may induce the concurrency.

PMID- 27660102
TI  - World will lack 18 million health workers by 2030 without adequate investment,
      warns UN.

PMID- 27660101
TI  - Riccardin D-N induces lysosomal membrane permeabilization by inhibiting acid
      sphingomyelinase and interfering with sphingomyelin metabolism in vivo.
AB  - Lysosomes are important targets for anticancer drug discovery. Our previous study
      showed that Riccardin D-N (RD-N), a natural macrocylic bisbibenzyl derivative
      produced by Mannich reaction, induced cell death by accumulating in lysosomes.
      Experiments were performed on human lung squamous cell carcinoma tissue from left
      inferior lobar bronchus of patient xenografts and H460 cells. RD-N was
      administrated for 25days. The specimens of xenografts in Balb/c athymic (nu+/nu+)
      male mice were removed for immunohistochemistry, subcellular fractionation,
      enzyme activities and Western blotting analysis. mRFP-GFP-LC3 reporter was used
      to examine autophagy in H460 cells. Sphingomyelin assay was evaluated by thin
      layer chromatography and assay kit. Lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP)
      caused by acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) inhibition and subsequent changes of
      sphingomyelin (SM) metabolism selectively destabilized the cancer cell lysosomes
      in RD-N-treated H460 cells in vitro and tumor xenograft model in vivo. The
      destabilized lysosomes induced the release of cathepsins from the lysosomes into
      the cytosol and further triggered cell death. These results explain the
      underlying mechanism of RD-N induced LMP. It can be concluded that a more
      lysosomotropic derivative was synthesized by introduction of an amine group,
      which could have more potential applications in cancer therapy.

PMID- 27660104
TI  - Impact of the age at menarche on body composition in adulthood: results from two
      birth cohort studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that early menarche is positively associated with
      adiposity in adulthood. However, it is important to assess whether this
      association is due to early menarche or to the association of adiposity in late
      childhood with age at menarche. We evaluated the association between age at
      menarche and body composition in adolescence and adulthood, among subjects who
      have been prospectively followed in two Brazilian birth cohort studies. METHODS:
      In 1982 and 1993, the hospitals births in Pelotas were identified, and these
      subjects have been followed for several times. Information on age at menarche was
      obtained from the women (1982 cohort) and their mothers (1993 cohort). At 30 and
      18 years, the following body composition measures were evaluated: body mass
      index, waist circumference, fat-free mass index and fat mass index measured by
      dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, and thickness of the abdominal visceral fat
      layer measured by ultrasound. The analyses were adjusted for: birth weight,
      maternal pregestational weight, gestational age, family income, household score
      index, maternal schooling, weight-for-height z-score at 4 years (1982), and body
      mass index at 11 years (1993). RESULTS: At 30 and 18 years, 2045 and 2092 women
      were evaluated, respectively. The prevalence of early menarche (<=11 years of
      age) was 24.7 % in the 1982 and 27.6 % in the 1993 cohort. In the 1982 cohort,
      early menarche was positively associated with all body composition variables
      compared to those with late menarche (>=14 years of age) even after adjusting for
      confounders (fat mass index: 2.33 kg/m2, 95 % Confidence interval: 1.64; 3.02).
      However, in the 1993 cohort, after adjusting for body mass index at 11 years, the
      regression coefficient for the association with fat mass index decreased from 2.2
      kg/m2 (95 % Confidence interval: 1.7; 2.6) to 0.26 (95 % Confidence interval: 
      0.08; 0.60). CONCLUSIONS: The association between age at menarche and body
      composition in adulthood is strongly explained by pre-pubertal adiposity.

PMID- 27660103
TI  - Activated monocytes resist elimination by retinal pigment epithelium and
      downregulate their OTX2 expression via TNF-alpha.
AB  - Orthodenticle homeobox 2 (OTX2) controls essential, homeostatic retinal pigment
      epithelial (RPE) genes in the adult. Using cocultures of human CD14+ blood
      monocytes (Mos) and primary porcine RPE cells and a fully humanized system using
      human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived RPE cells, we show that activated Mos
      markedly inhibit RPEOTX2 expression and resist elimination in contact with the
      immunosuppressive RPE. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that TNF-alpha, secreted
      from activated Mos, mediates the downregulation of OTX2 and essential RPE genes
      of the visual cycle among others. Our data show how subretinal, chronic
      inflammation and in particular TNF-alpha can affect RPE function, which might
      contribute to the visual dysfunctions in diseases such as age-related macular
      degeneration (AMD) where subretinal macrophages are observed. Our findings
      provide important mechanistic insights into the regulation of OTX2 under
      inflammatory conditions. Therapeutic restoration of OTX2 expression might help
      revive RPE and visual function in retinal diseases such as AMD.

PMID- 27660105
TI  - A chemogenomic approach to understand the antifungal action of Lichen-derived
      vulpinic acid.
AB  - AIM: To determine uncovered antifungal activity of lichen-derived compound,
      vulpinic acid, by using chemical-genetic analyses. METHODS AND RESULTS:
      Haploinsufficiency and homozygous-profiling assays were performed, revealing that
      strains lacking GLC7, MET4, RFC2, YAE1 and PRP18 were sensitive to three
      concentrations (12.5, 25 and 50% of inhibitory concentration) of vulpinic acid
      and independently validated. To verify inhibition of those genes, cell cycle
      analysis using flow cytometry was performed and relative expressions were
      measured. Under vulpinic acid-treated condition, cell cycle was arrested in S and
      G2/M phases and sensitive strains' relative expressions were significantly lower
      than the wild type yeast. CONCLUSIONS: Vulpinic acid mainly affects cell cycle,
      glycogen metabolism, transcription and translation to fungi. SIGNIFICANCE AND
      IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Although lichen-derived compounds are commercially valuable,
      few studies have determined their modes of action. This study used a chemogenomic
      approach to gain insight into the mechanisms of one of well-known lichen-derived
      compound, vulpinic acid.

PMID- 27660106
TI  - Gout mimicking rheumatoid arthritis.

PMID- 27660107
TI  - Child Characteristics, Parent Education and Depressive Symptoms, and Marital
      Conflict Predicting Trajectories of Parenting Behavior from Childhood Through
      Early Adolescence in Taiwan.
AB  - The study examined how child and parent characteristics, and contextual sources
      of stress, such as marital conflict predict initial status and trajectories of
      parent involvement, support, and harsh control, over a 4-year period in families
      in Taiwan (n = 4,754). Based on Belsky's (1984) ecological model of parenting,
      three domains predicting parenting were tested, child characteristics (age cohort
      and gender), father and mother characteristics (education and depressive
      symptoms), and contextual sources of stress (marital conflict). The study
      followed two cohorts of children; the younger cohort was followed from first to
      fourth grade and the older cohort from fourth to seventh grade. Initially, fourth
      graders reported more parental involvement, support, and harsh control than first
      graders. However, involvement, support, and harsh control decreased across the 4
      years for the older cohort as they transitioned to early adolescence. In the
      first year, girls reported more parental involvement and support and less harsh
      control than boys. Across the 4 years, involvement and support increased, and
      harsh control decreased for boys; whereas involvement stayed the same, support
      slightly decreased, and harsh control slightly increased for girls. Children
      whose parents were more educated reported more parent involvement, support, and
      harsh control in the first year. Children whose fathers were chronically
      depressed and whose parents were experiencing marital conflict reported
      decreasing parent involvement and support over the years.

PMID- 27660108
TI  - Myocardial late gadolinium enhancement is associated with clinical presentation
      in Duchenne muscular dystrophy carriers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive disease
      that occurs in males leading to immobility and death in early adulthood. Female
      carriers of DMD are generally asymptomatic, yet frequently develop dilated
      cardiomyopathy. This study aims to detect early cardiac manifestation in DMD
      using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and to evaluate its association
      with clinical symptoms. METHODS: Clinical assessment of DMD carriers included six
      minutes walk tests (6MWT), blood analysis, electrocardiography, echocardiography,
      and CMR using FLASH sequences to detect late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). T1
      mapping using the Modified Look-Locker Inversion recovery (MOLLI) sequence was
      performed quantify extracellular volume (ECV). RESULTS: Of 20 carriers (age 39.47
      +/- 12.96 years) 17 (89.5 %) were clinically asymptomatic. ECV was mildly
      elevated (29.79 +/- 2.92 %) and LGE was detected in nine cases (45 %). LGE
      positive carriers had lower left ventricular ejection fraction in CMR (64.36 +/-
      5.78 vs. 56.67 +/- 6.89 %, p = 0.014), higher bothCK (629.89 +/- 317.48 vs.
      256.18 +/- 109.10 U/l, p = 0.002) and CK-MB (22.13 +/- 5.25 vs. 12.11 +/- 2.21
      U/l, p = 0.001), as well as shorter walking distances during the 6MWT (432.44 +/-
      96.72 vs. 514.91 +/- 66.80 m, p = 0.037). 90.9 % of subjects without LGE had
      normal pro-BNP, whereas in 66.7 % of those presenting LGE pro-BNP was elevated (p
      = 0.027). All individuals without LGE were in the NYHA class I, whereas all those
      in NYHA classes II and III showed positive for LGE (p = 0.066). CONCLUSIONS:
      Myocardial involvement shown as LGE in CMR occurs in a substantial number of DMD
      carriers; it is associated with clinical and morphometric signs of incipient
      heart failure. LGE is thus a sensitive parameter for the early diagnosis of
      cardiomyopathy in DMD carriers. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov,
      NCT01712152 Trial registration: October 19, 2012. First patient enrolled:
      September 27, 2012 (retrospectively registered).

PMID- 27660109
TI  - Choosing the right protein A affinity chromatography media can remove aggregates
      efficiently.
AB  - Protein A chromatography (PAC) is commonly used as an efficient capture step in
      monoclonal antibody (mAb) separation processes. Usually dynamic binding capacity
      is used for choosing the right PAC. However, if aggregates can be efficiently
      removed during elution, it can make the following polishing steps easier. In this
      study a method for choosing the right PAC media in terms of mAb aggregate removal
      is proposed. Linear pH gradient elution experiments of two different mAbs on
      various PAC columns are carried out, where the elution behavior of aggregates as
      well as the monomer is measured. Aggregates of one mAb are more strongly retained
      compared with the mAb monomer. Another mAb showed different elution behavior,
      where the aggregates are eluted as both the weakly and strongly retained peaks.
      In order to remove the two types of aggregates by stepwise elution two protocols
      are tested. The first protocol A consisted of the sample loading, the wash with
      the equilibration buffer and the low pH elution. The wash stage of the second
      protocol B included the wash with 1.0 M arginine. No detectable peaks are
      observed during the wash stage of protocol A whereas significant peaks are
      monitored during the arginine wash of protocol B. One of the PAC columns showed a
      smaller peak during the arginine wash. In addition, both aggregate removal and
      monomer yield are higher with protocol B compared with the other PAC columns.
      This method is found to be useful for choosing the right PAC column.

PMID- 27660110
TI  - Performance evaluation of Mindray CAL 8000(BC-6800 and SC-120) hematology
      analyzer and slidemaker/stainer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The Mindray CAL 8000 is a cellular analysis line that consists of
      the BC-6800, an automated hematology analyzer, and the SC-120, an automated
      slidemaker/stainer. We evaluated the performances of the BC-6800 and the SC-120.
      METHODS: Four hundred and eight normal and abnormal samples were analyzed. The
      performance of the BC-6800 and Sysmex XE-2100 were compared, and blood films by
      the SC-120 and manual method were compared according to the CLSI guideline H26-A2
      and H20-A2. RESULTS: Most parameters measured by the BC-6800 matched well with
      the XE-2100 and manual differential. The flag efficiency of the BC-6800 for
      blasts (95.3%) and atypical lymphocytes (92.6%) were higher while immature
      granulocytes (89.7%) and NRBCs (94.1%) were lower than that of the XE-2100.
      Additionally, the BC-6800 detected four of five samples infected with plasmodium
      parasites. The SC-120 showed no carry-over and expected repeatability. There was
      good agreement on the five-part differential including abnormal cells between
      blood films by the SC-120 and manually prepared blood films. The shape of the RBC
      was also comparable between blood films. CONCLUSION: The CAL-8000 analysis line
      is beneficial for precise, fast hematology work, and even more useful in malaria
      endemic areas.

PMID- 27660113
TI  - Stress in Portuguese Middle School Transition: A Multilevel Analysis.
AB  - Transition from elementary to middle school is commonly seen as a period of
      stress, impacting students' school adjustment. The present longitudinal study
      aimed to analyze the difference in stress levels between the end of 4th grade and
      5th grade, while also analyzing gender differences and 5th grade retention. Two
      hundred fifty-eight 4th grade students (M age = 9.55; SD = 0.77) from six
      Portuguese public schools, from the municipality of Torres Vedras, participated
      in this study. Self-report questionnaires were administered at the end of the 4th
      and 5th grades, and 5th grade school records were also collected. Results showed
      that 5th graders present higher levels of Academic Stress (d = .29) and
      Teacher/Rules Stress (d = .28). Girls had a greater increase of Peer-related
      Stress with the transition (p < .01). Students who were retained at the end of
      5th grade showed higher increases of Teacher/Rules Stress (p < .05). Intervention
      programs that aim to support the transition from elementary to middle school are
      needed, in order to reduce the increase of stress levels at 5th grade and to
      promote a better school adjustment in the first year of middle school.

PMID- 27660112
TI  - Tobacco retail outlet restrictions: health and cost impacts from multistate life
      table modelling in a national population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Since there is some evidence that the density and distribution of
      tobacco retail outlets may influence smoking behaviours, we aimed to estimate the
      impacts of 4 tobacco outlet reduction interventions in a country with a smoke
      free goal: New Zealand (NZ). METHODS: A multistate life-table model of 16 tobacco
      related diseases, using national data by sex, age and ethnicity, was used to
      estimate quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained and net costs over the
      remainder of the 2011 NZ population's lifetime. The outlet reduction
      interventions assumed that increased travel costs can be operationalised as
      equivalent to price increases in tobacco. RESULTS: All 4 modelled interventions
      led to reductions of >89% of current tobacco outlets after the 10-year phase-in
      process. The most effective intervention limited sales to half of liquor stores
      (and nowhere else) at 129 000 QALYs gained over the lifetime of the population
      (95% UI: 74 100 to 212 000, undiscounted). The per capita QALY gains were up to 5
      times greater for Maori (indigenous population) compared to non-Maori. All
      interventions were cost-saving to the health system, with the largest saving for
      the liquor store only intervention: US$1.23 billion (95% UI: $0.70 to $2.00
      billion, undiscounted). CONCLUSIONS: These tobacco outlet reductions reduced
      smoking prevalence, achieved health gains and saved health system costs. Effects
      would be larger if outlet reductions have additional spill-over effects (eg,
      smoking denormalisation). While these interventions were not as effective as
      tobacco tax increases (using the same model), these and other strategies could be
      combined to maximise health gain and to maximise cost-savings to the health
      system.

PMID- 27660111
TI  - Vaping on Instagram: cloud chasing, hand checks and product placement.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This study documented images posted on Instagram of electronic
      cigarettes (e-cigarette) and vaping (activity associated with e-cigarette use).
      Although e-cigarettes have been studied on Twitter, few studies have focused on
      Instagram, despite having 500 million users. Instagram's emphasis on images
      warranted investigation of e-cigarettes, as past tobacco industry strategies
      demonstrated that images could be used to mislead in advertisements, or normalise
      tobacco-related behaviours. Findings should prove informative to tobacco control
      policies in the future. METHODS: 3 months of publicly available data were
      collected from Instagram, including images and associated metadata (n=2208).
      Themes of images were classified as (1) activity, for example, a person blowing
      vapour; (2) product, for example, a personal photo of an e-cigarette device; (3)
      advertisement; (4) text, for example, 'meme' or image containing mostly text and
      (5) other. User endorsement (likes) of each type of image was recorded. Caption
      text was analysed to explore different trends in vaping and e-cigarette-related
      text. RESULTS: Analyses found that advertisement-themed images were most common
      (29%), followed by product (28%), and activity (18%). Likes were more likely to
      accompany activity and product-themed images compared with advertisement or text
      themed images (p<0.01). Vaping-related text greatly outnumbered e-cigarette
      related text in the image captions. CONCLUSIONS: Instagram affords its users the
      ability to post images of e-cigarette-related behaviours and gives advertisers
      the opportunity to display their product. Future research should incorporate
      novel data streams to improve public health surveillance, survey development and
      educational campaigns.

PMID- 27660114
TI  - The impact of an 8-year mass drug administration programme on prevalence,
      intensity and co-infections of soil-transmitted helminthiases in Burundi.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are amongst the most
      prevalent infections in the world. Mass drug administration (MDA) programmes have
      become the most commonly used national interventions for endemic countries to
      achieve elimination. This paper aims to describe the effect of an 8-year MDA
      programme on the prevalence, intensity of infection and co-infection of STH in
      Burundi from 2007 to 2014 and critically appraise the trajectory towards STH
      elimination in the country. RESULTS: Annual STH parasitological surveys
      (specifically, a "pilot study" from 2007 to 2011, an "extension study" from 2008
      to 2011, and a "national reassessment" in 2014; n = 27,658 children), showed a
      significant drop in prevalence of infection with any STH ("pooled STH") between
      baseline and 2011 in both studies, falling from 32 to 16 % in the pilot study,
      and from 35 to 16 % in the extension study. Most STH infections were of low
      intensity according to WHO classification. The national reassessment in 2014
      showed that prevalence of pooled STH remained significantly below the prevalence
      in 2007 in both studies but there was no further decrease in STH prevalence from
      2011 levels during this time. Spatial dependence analysis showed that prevalence
      of Trichuris trichiura and Ascaris lumbricoides had a tendency to cluster over
      the years, whilst only trends in spatial dependence were evident for hookworm
      infections. Spatial dependence fluctuated over the course of the programme for
      Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura. However, spatial trends in spatial
      dependence were evident in 2010 for Ascaris lumbricoides. Analysis of spatial
      clustering of intensity of infection and heavy infections revealed that the
      intensity changed over time for all parasites. Heavy intensity was only evident
      in Ascaris lumbricoides for 2008 and did not appear in proceeding years and other
      parasites. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that sustained annual MDA
      significantly reduced the prevalence of STH infection in school-age children but
      was unable to achieve elimination. Additionally, significant decline in
      prevalence was accompanied by a drop in spatial clustering of infection
      indicators across all sites from 2008. The lack of consistency in the results of
      the spatial dependence analysis highlights that MDA programmes can interrupt the
      normal transmission dynamics of STH parasites.

PMID- 27660115
TI  - Equivalent seminal characteristics in human and stallion at first and second
      ejaculated fractions.
AB  - Sperm quality was assessed in normozoospermic human (n = 10) and Spanish breed
      stallion (n = 10) after sperm fractionation during ejaculation. The first
      ejaculated fraction was separated from the second. A third sample was
      reconstituted using equivalent proportion of both fractions (RAW). Fraction 1,
      Fraction 2 and RAW semen were incubated for 30 min at 37 degrees C to homogenise
      the impact of iatrogenic damage between both species. Sperm concentration,
      motility and sperm DNA damage were assessed in each fraction and RAW semen. The
      results showed two important facts: (i) spermatozoa confined at Fraction 1
      exhibit superior parameters than those included at Fraction 2 in both species,
      and (ii) there is a certain level of concordance between species in the
      proportion of benefit observed when Fraction 1 is compared to RAW semen.
      Altogether, these results call into question whether the standard practice of
      whole ejaculate collection can be considered the best strategy when using male
      gametes for artificial insemination. In fact, the reconstituted RAW semen
      exhibits poorer semen characteristics than those found in Fraction 1.

PMID- 27660116
TI  - The effect of declining exposure on T cell-mediated immunity to Plasmodium
      falciparum - an epidemiological "natural experiment".
AB  - BACKGROUND: Naturally acquired immunity to malaria may be lost with lack of
      exposure. Recent heterogeneous reductions in transmission in parts of Africa mean
      that large populations of previously protected people may lose their immunity
      while remaining at risk of infection. METHODS: Using two ethnically similar long
      term cohorts of children with historically similar levels of exposure to
      Plasmodium falciparum who now experience very different levels of exposure, we
      assessed the effect of decreased parasite exposure on antimalarial immunity.
      Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from children in each cohort were
      stimulated with P. falciparum and their P. falciparum-specific proliferative and
      cytokine responses were compared. RESULTS: We demonstrate that, while P.
      falciparum-specific CD4+ T cells are maintained in the absence of exposure, the
      proliferative capacity of these cells is altered considerably. P. falciparum
      specific CD4+ T cells isolated from children previously exposed, but now living
      in an area of minimal exposure ("historically exposed") proliferate significantly
      more upon stimulation than cells isolated from children continually exposed to
      the parasite. Similarly, PBMCs from historically exposed children expressed
      higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and lower levels of anti-inflammatory
      cytokines after stimulation with P. falciparum. Notably, we found a significant
      positive association between duration since last febrile episode and P.
      falciparum-specific CD4+ T cell proliferation, with more recent febrile episodes
      associated with lower proliferation. CONCLUSION: Considered in the context of
      existing knowledge, these data suggest a model explaining how immunity is lost in
      absence of continuing exposure to P. falciparum.

PMID- 27660119
TI  - 2016 Presidential Address: Diabetes at 212 degrees -Confronting the Invisible
      Disease.
AB  - This address was delivered by Desmond Schatz, MD, President, Medicine & Science,
      of the American Diabetes Association (ADA), at the Association's 76th Scientific
      Sessions in New Orleans, LA, on 12 June 2016. Dr. Schatz is Professor and
      Associate Chairman of Pediatrics, Medical Director of the University of Florida
      Diabetes Institute, and Director of the Clinical Research Center at the
      University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. A physician-scientist, he has been
      involved in type 1 diabetes research since the mid-1980s and has published over
      300 articles and book chapters. Dr. Schatz's research focuses on the prediction,
      natural history, genetics, immunopathogenesis, and prevention of type 1 diabetes,
      as well as the treatment of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes. He is
      the principal investigator on several National Institutes of Health, JDRF, and
      other competitively funded grants. Dr. Schatz earned his medical degree from the
      University of the Witwatersrand School of Medicine in Johannesburg, South Africa,
      and completed his residency and fellowship at the University of Florida. He has
      been an ADA volunteer for over 30 years and has served on the Professional
      Practice Committee (twice), Scientific Sessions Meeting Planning Committee,
      Publications Policy Committee (Chair), Government Relations Committee, Youth
      Strategies Committee, and Board of Directors. A board-certified pediatric
      endocrinologist, Dr. Schatz is the 2016 recipient of the Banting Medal for
      Leadership and Service from the ADA for his outstanding commitment and
      contributions to the Association.

PMID- 27660117
TI  - Nail features in healthy term newborns: a single-centre observational study of 52
      cases.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The anatomy and embryology of the nail are well known, and nail
      abnormalities are a feature of many genodermatoses. However, the physiological
      aspect is not well described. We aimed to analyse the physiological features of
      nails in healthy newborns. METHODS: We performed an observational, prospective
      study at University Hospital Center of Tours between July and October 2015.
      Newborns were included by a dermatologist assistant during the systematic
      examination on release of the mother from the hospital. The medical history of
      the mother and infant were recorded by using a standardized questionnaire. Finger
      and toenails were systematically photographed for a second interpretation by a
      dermatologist with blinding to the first photograph. RESULTS: Fifty-eight
      patients were eligible, and 52 were included. Half of the newborns were males,
      and the mean age at inclusion was 3.6 +/- 1.2 days. Fingernails had an oval shape
      (71.1%) or a flat curvature (63.5%), and half had a lunula. Toenails showed an
      apparent hypertrophy of the proximal nail fold (38.4%) and lateral nail fold
      (73.1%). The shape of the nails was triangular (50.0%) or round (21.1%). We noted
      koilonychia in 32.7% of infants and lunula in 7.7%. Distal parts showed
      onychoschizia (28.8%) and onycholysis (26.9%). CONCLUSION: Koilonychia,
      onychoschizia of toenails or absence of lunula are physiological features of
      nails in newborns.

PMID- 27660120
TI  - Differences in Regional Brain Responses to Food Ingestion After Roux-en-Y Gastric
      Bypass and the Role of Gut Peptides: A Neuroimaging Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Improved appetite control, possibly mediated by exaggerated gut
      peptide responses to eating, may contribute to weight loss after Roux-en-Y
      gastric bypass (RYGB). This study compared brain responses to food ingestion
      between post-RYGB (RYGB), normal weight (NW), and obese (Ob) unoperated subjects
      and explored the role of gut peptide responses in RYGB. RESEARCH DESIGN AND
      METHODS: Neuroimaging with [(18)F]-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission
      tomography was performed in 12 NW, 21 Ob, and 9 RYGB (18 +/- 13 months
      postsurgery) subjects after an overnight fast, once FED (400 kcal mixed meal),
      and once FASTED, in random order. RYGB subjects repeated the studies with
      somatostatin infusion and basal insulin replacement. Fullness, sickness, and
      postscan ad libitum meal consumption were measured. Regional brain FDG uptake was
      compared using statistical parametric mapping. RESULTS: RYGB subjects had higher
      overall fullness and food-induced sickness and lower ad libitum consumption.
      Brain responses to eating differed in the hypothalamus and pituitary (exaggerated
      activation in RYGB), left medial orbital cortex (OC) (activation in RYGB,
      deactivation in NW), right dorsolateral frontal cortex (deactivation in RYGB and
      NW, absent in Ob), and regions mapping to the default mode network (exaggerated
      deactivation in RYGB). Somatostatin in RYGB reduced postprandial gut peptide
      responses, sickness, and medial OC activation. CONCLUSIONS: RYGB induces weight
      loss by augmenting normal brain responses to eating in energy balance regions,
      restoring lost inhibitory control, and altering hedonic responses. Altered
      postprandial gut peptide responses primarily mediate changes in food-induced
      sickness and OC responses, likely to associate with food avoidance.

PMID- 27660121
TI  - A Common Gene Variant in Glucokinase Regulatory Protein Interacts With Glucose
      Metabolism on Diabetic Dyslipidemia: the Combined CODAM and Hoorn Studies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Small molecules that disrupt the binding between glucokinase and
      glucokinase regulatory protein (GKRP) are potential new glucose-lowering targets.
      They stimulate hepatic glucose disposal by increasing glucokinase activity in the
      liver. It can, however, be anticipated that increased hepatic glucokinase
      activity might be accompanied by the development of hypertriglyceridemia,
      particularly in type 2 diabetes. We examined whether the strength of association
      between rs1260326, a common, functional gene variant in GKRP, and plasma lipids
      is affected by glucose metabolism. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: rs1260326 was
      genotyped in subjects with normal glucose metabolism (n = 497), subjects with
      impaired glucose metabolism (n = 256), and patients with type 2 diabetes (n =
      351) in the combined Hoorn and Cohort on Diabetes and Atherosclerosis Maastricht
      (CODAM) studies. RESULTS: The strength of association between the rs1260326 minor
      T allele and plasma triglycerides increased from normal glucose metabolism to
      impaired glucose metabolism to type 2 diabetes (P for interaction = 0.002). The
      inverse relation between rs1260326 and plasma HDL cholesterol was again most
      prominent in type 2 diabetes (P for interaction = 0.004). Similar trends were
      observed when the Hoorn and CODAM cohorts were analyzed separately. Comparable
      results were obtained when glucose metabolism strata were replaced by continuous
      indices of glucose metabolism, i.e., HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose.
      CONCLUSIONS: These findings illustrate that common gene variants, such as
      rs1260326, can have substantial effect sizes when they are studied in specific
      populations, such as type 2 diabetes. Moreover, our results shed light on
      potential side effects of small molecule disruptors of the GKRP-glucokinase
      complex, especially when glucose control is suboptimal.

PMID- 27660123
TI  - Erratum. Randomized Clinical Trial of Quick-Release Bromocriptine Among Patients
      With Type 2 Diabetes on Overall Safety and Cardiovascular Outcomes.

PMID- 27660122
TI  - Fatty Liver and Chronic Kidney Disease: Novel Mechanistic Insights and
      Therapeutic Opportunities.
AB  - Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a risk factor for end-stage renal disease (ESRD)
      and cardiovascular disease (CVD). ESRD or CVD develop in a substantial proportion
      of patients with CKD receiving standard-of-care therapy, and mortality in CKD
      remains unchanged. These data suggest that key pathogenetic mechanisms underlying
      CKD progression go unaffected by current treatments. Growing evidence suggests
      that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and CKD share common pathogenetic
      mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. Common nutritional conditions
      predisposing to both NAFLD and CKD include excessive fructose intake and vitamin
      D deficiency. Modulation of nuclear transcription factors regulating key pathways
      of lipid metabolism, inflammation, and fibrosis, including peroxisome
      proliferator-activated receptors and farnesoid X receptor, is advancing to stage
      III clinical development. The relevance of epigenetic regulation in the
      pathogenesis of NAFLD and CKD is also emerging, and modulation of microRNA21 is a
      promising therapeutic target. Although single antioxidant supplementation has
      yielded variable results, modulation of key effectors of redox regulation and
      molecular sensors of intracellular energy, nutrient, or oxygen status show
      promising preclinical results. Other emerging therapeutic approaches target key
      mediators of inflammation, such as chemokines; fibrogenesis, such as galectin-3;
      or gut dysfunction through gut microbiota manipulation and incretin-based
      therapies. Furthermore, NAFLD per se affects CKD through lipoprotein metabolism
      and hepatokine secretion, and conversely, targeting the renal tubule by sodium
      glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors can improve both CKD and NAFLD. Implications
      for the treatment of NAFLD and CKD are discussed in light of this new therapeutic
      armamentarium.

PMID- 27660125
TI  - Effect of Regular Exercise Commenced in Early Pregnancy on the Incidence of
      Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Overweight and Obese Pregnant Women: A
      Randomized Controlled Trial.

PMID- 27660126
TI  - Comment on Narayan. Type 2 Diabetes: Why We Are Winning the Battle but Losing the
      War? 2015 Kelly West Award Lecture. Diabetes Care 2016;39:653-663.

PMID- 27660127
TI  - Response to Comment on Narayan. Type 2 Diabetes: Why We Are Winning the Battle
      but Losing the War? 2015 Kelly West Award Lecture. Diabetes Care 2016;39:653-663.

PMID- 27660128
TI  - Comment on Almurdhi et al. Reduced Lower-Limb Muscle Strength and Volume in
      Patients With Type 2 Diabetes in Relation to Neuropathy, Intramuscular Fat, and
      Vitamin D Levels. Diabetes Care 2016;39:441-447.

PMID- 27660129
TI  - Response to Comment on Almurdhi et al. Reduced Lower-Limb Muscle Strength and
      Volume in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes in Relation to Neuropathy, Intramuscular
      Fat, and Vitamin D Levels. Diabetes Care 2016;39:441-447.

PMID- 27660130
TI  - Comment on the FLAT-SUGAR Trial Investigators. Glucose Variability in a 26-Week
      Randomized Comparison of Mealtime Treatment With Rapid-Acting Insulin Versus GLP
      1 Agonist in Participants With Type 2 Diabetes at High Cardiovascular Risk.
      Diabetes Care 2016;39:973-981.

PMID- 27660131
TI  - Response to Comment on the FLAT-SUGAR Trial Investigators. Glucose Variability in
      a 26-Week Randomized Comparison of Mealtime Treatment With Rapid-Acting Insulin
      Versus GLP-1 Agonist in Participants With Type 2 Diabetes at High Cardiovascular
      Risk. Diabetes Care 2016;39:973-981.

PMID- 27660132
TI  - Comment on Sharif et al. HDL Cholesterol as a Residual Risk Factor for Vascular
      Events and All-Cause Mortality in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes Care
      2016;39:1424-1430.

PMID- 27660133
TI  - Response to Comment on Sharif et al. HDL Cholesterol as a Residual Risk Factor
      for Vascular Events and All-Cause Mortality in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes.
      Diabetes Care 2016;39:1424-1430.

PMID- 27660134
TI  - Comment on Rickels et al. Intranasal Glucagon for Treatment of Insulin-Induced
      Hypoglycemia in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes: A Randomized Crossover
      Noninferiority Study. Diabetes Care 2016;39:264-270.

PMID- 27660136
TI  - Patients with HBV-related acute-on-chronic liver failure have increased
      concentrations of extracellular histones aggravating cellular damage and systemic
      inflammation.
AB  - Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is the most common type of liver failure
      and associated with grave consequences. Systemic inflammation has been linked to
      its pathogenesis and outcome, but the identifiable triggers are absent. Recently,
      extracellular histones, especially H4, have been recognized as important
      mediators of cell damage in various inflammatory conditions. This study aimed to
      investigate whether extracellular histones have clinical implications in patients
      with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related ACLF. One hundred and twelve patients with
      HBV-related ACLF, 90 patients with chronic hepatitis B, 88 patients with HBV
      related liver cirrhosis and 40 healthy volunteers were entered into this study.
      Plasma histone H4 levels, cytokine profile and clinical data were obtained.
      Besides, patient's sera were incubated overnight with human L02 hepatocytes or
      monocytic U937 cells in the presence or absence of antihistone H4 antibody, and
      cellular damage and cytokine production were evaluated. We found that plasma
      histone H4 levels were greatly increased in patients with ACLF as compared with
      chronic hepatitis B, liver cirrhosis and healthy control subjects and were
      significantly associated with disease severity, systemic inflammation and
      outcome. Notably, ACLF patients' sera incubation decreased cultured L02 cell
      integrity and induced profound cytokine production in the supernatant of U937
      cells. Antihistone H4 antibody treatment abrogated these adverse effects, thus
      confirming a cause-effect relationship between extracellular histones and organ
      injury/dysfunction. The data support the hypothesis that the increased
      extracellular histone levels in ACLF patients may aggravate disease severity by
      inducing cellular injury and systemic inflammation. Histone-targeted therapies
      may have potentially interventional value in clinical practice.

PMID- 27660135
TI  - Response to Comment on Rickels et al. Intranasal Glucagon for Treatment of
      Insulin-Induced Hypoglycemia in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes: A Randomized
      Crossover Noninferiority Study. Diabetes Care 2016;39:264-270.

PMID- 27660137
TI  - In Vivo 3-Dimensional Radiopharmaceutical-Excited Fluorescence Tomography.
AB  - : Cerenkov luminescence imaging can image radiopharmaceuticals using a high
      sensitivity charge-coupled device camera. However, Cerenkov luminescence emitted
      from the radiopharmaceuticals is weak and has low penetration depth in biologic
      tissues, which severely limits the sensitivity and accuracy of Cerenkov
      luminescence imaging. This study presents 3-dimensional (3D) radiopharmaceutical
      excited fluorescence tomography (REFT) using europium oxide (EO) nanoparticles,
      which enhances the Cerenkov luminescence signal intensity, improves the
      penetration depth, and obtains more accurate 3D distribution of
      radiopharmaceuticals. METHODS: The enhanced optical signals of various
      radiopharmaceuticals (including Na131I, 18F-FDG, 68GaCl3, Na99mTcO4) by EO
      nanoparticles were detected in vitro. The location and 3D distribution of the
      radiopharmaceuticals of REFT were then reconstructed and compared with those of
      Cerenkov luminescence tomography through the experiments with the phantom,
      artificial source-implanted mouse models, and mice bearing hepatocellular
      carcinomas. RESULTS: The mixture of 68GaCl3 and EO nanoparticles possessed the
      strongest optical signals compared with the other mixtures. The in vitro phantom
      and implanted mouse studies showed that REFT revealed more accurate 3D
      distribution of 68GaCl3 REFT can detect more tumors than small-animal PET in
      hepatocellular carcinoma-bearing mice and achieved more accurate 3D distribution
      information than Cerenkov luminescence tomography. CONCLUSION: REFT with EO
      nanoparticles significantly improves accuracy of localization of
      radiopharmaceuticals and can precisely localize the tumor in vivo.

PMID- 27660138
TI  - Radiation Dosimetry for 177Lu-PSMA I&T in Metastatic Castration-Resistant
      Prostate Cancer: Absorbed Dose in Normal Organs and Tumor Lesions.
AB  - Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeted radioligand therapy is
      increasingly used in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. We aimed to
      estimate the absorbed doses for normal organs and tumor lesions using 177Lu-PSMA
      I&T (I&T is imaging and therapy) in patients undergoing up to 4 cycles of
      radioligand therapy. Results were compared with pretherapeutic Glu-NH-CO-NH-Lys
      (Ahx)-[68Ga(HBEDCC)] (68Ga-PSMA-HBED-CC) PET. Methods: A total of 34 cycles in 18
      patients were analyzed retrospectively. In 15 patients the first, in 9 the
      second, in 5 the third, and in 5 the fourth cycle was analyzed, respectively.
      Whole-body scintigraphy was performed at least between 30-120 min, 24 h, and 6-8
      d after administration. Regions of interest covering the whole body, organs, and
      up to 4 tumor lesions were drawn. Organ and tumor masses were derived from
      pretherapeutic 68Ga-PSMA-HBED-CC PET/CT. Absorbed doses for individual cycles
      were calculated using OLINDA/EXM. SUVs from pretherapeutic PET were compared with
      absorbed doses and with change of SUV. Results: The mean whole-body effective
      dose for all cycles was 0.06 +/- 0.03 Sv/GBq. The mean absorbed organ doses were
      0.72 +/- 0.21 Gy/GBq for the kidneys; 0.12 +/- 0.06 Gy/GBq for the liver; and
      0.55 +/- 0.14 Gy/GBq for the parotid, 0.64 +/- 0.40 Gy/GBq for the submandibular,
      and 3.8 +/- 1.4 Gy/GBq for the lacrimal glands. Absorbed organ doses were
      relatively constant among the 4 different cycles. Tumor lesions received a mean
      absorbed dose per cycle of 3.2 +/- 2.6 Gy/GBq (range, 0.22-12 Gy/GBq). Doses to
      tumor lesions gradually decreased, with 3.5 +/- 2.9 Gy/GBq for the first, 3.3 +/-
      2.5 Gy/GBq for the second, 2.7 +/- 2.3 Gy/GBq for the third, and 2.4 +/- 2.2
      Gy/GBq for the fourth cycle. SUVs of pretherapeutic PET moderately correlated
      with absorbed dose (r = 0.44, P < 0.001 for SUVmax; r = 0.43, P < 0.001 for
      SUVmean) and moderately correlated with the change of SUV (r = 0.478, P < 0.001
      for SUVmax, and r = 0.50, P < 0.001 for SUVmean). Conclusion: Organ- and tumor
      absorbed doses for 177Lu-PSMA I&T are comparable to recent reports and complement
      these with information on an excellent correlation between the 4 therapy cycles.
      With the kidneys representing the critical organ, a cumulative activity of 40 GBq
      of 177Lu-PSMA I&T appears to be safe and justifiable. The correlation between
      pretherapeutic SUV and absorbed tumor dose emphasizes the need for PSMA-ligand
      PET imaging for patient selection.

PMID- 27660140
TI  - Reply: THYROPET Study: Is It Biology or Technology That Is the Issue?

PMID- 27660141
TI  - Correlation Between SUVmax and CT Radiomic Analysis Using Lymph Node Density in
      PET/CT-Based Lymph Node Staging.
AB  - : In patients with lung cancer (LC), malignant melanoma (MM),
      gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP NETs), and prostate cancer
      (PCA), lymph node (LN) staging is often performed by 18F-FDG PET/CT (LC and MM),
      68Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT (GEP NET), and 68Ga-labeled prostate-specific membrane
      antigen PET/CT (PCA) but is sometimes not accurate because of indeterminate PET
      findings. To better evaluate malignant LN infiltration, additional surrogate
      parameters, especially in cases with indeterminate PET findings, would be
      helpful. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether SUVmax in the PET
      examination might correlate with semiautomated density measurements of LNs in the
      CT component of the PET/CT examination. METHODS: After approval by the
      institutional review board, 1,022 LNs in the PET/CT examinations of 148 patients
      were retrospectively analyzed (LC: 327 LNs of 40 patients; MM: 224 LNs of 33
      patients; GEP NET: 217 LNs of 35 patients; and PCA: 254 LNs of 40 patients).
      PET/CT was performed before surgery, biopsy, chemotherapy, or internal or
      external radiation therapy, according to the clinical schedule; patients with
      prior chemotherapy or radiation therapy were excluded. SUVmax analyses were based
      on uptake 60 min after tracer injection, and volumetric CT histogram analyses
      were based on the unenhanced CT images of the PET/CT scan. RESULTS: PET findings
      were considered positive or negative on the basis of SUVmax in the LN compared
      with that in the blood pool; histologic confirmation was not available. Of the
      1,022 LNs, 331 were PET-positive (3 times the SUVmax of the blood pool), 86 were
      PET-indeterminate (1-3 times the SUVmax of the blood pool), and 605 were PET
      negative (less than the SUVmax of the blood pool). PET-positive LNs had
      significantly higher CT densities than PET-negative LNs, irrespective of the type
      of cancer. CONCLUSION: CT density measurements of LNs in patients with LC, MM,
      GEP NET, and PCA correlated with18F-FDG uptake, 68Ga-DOTATOC uptake, and 68Ga
      PSMA uptake, respectively, and might therefore serve as an additional surrogate
      parameter for differentiating between malignant and benign LNs. The use of a 7.5
      Hounsfield unit CT density threshold to differentiate between malignant and
      benign LN infiltration and 20 Hounsfield units to exclude benign LN processes
      might be possible in clinical routine and would be especially helpful for PET
      indeterminate LNs.

PMID- 27660139
TI  - 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET Imaging of Response to Androgen Receptor Inhibition: First Human
      Experience.
AB  - : The purpose of this work was to evaluate the effect of androgen receptor (AR)
      inhibition on prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) uptake imaged using 68Ga
      PSMA-11 PET in a mouse xenograft model and in a patient with castration-sensitive
      prostate cancer. METHODS: We imaged 3 groups of 4 mice bearing LNCaP-AR
      xenografts before and 7 d after treatment with ARN-509, orchiectomy, or control
      vehicle. Additionally, we imaged one patient with castration-sensitive prostate
      cancer before and 4 wk after treatment with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).
      Uptake on pre- and posttreatment imaging was measured and compared. RESULTS: PSMA
      uptake increased 1.5- to 2.0-fold in the xenograft mouse model after treatment
      with both orchiectomy and ARN-509 but not with vehicle. Patient imaging
      demonstrated a 7-fold increase in PSMA uptake after the initiation of ADT.
      Thirteen of 22 lesions in the imaged patient were visualized on PSMA PET only
      after treatment with ADT. CONCLUSION: Inhibition of the AR can increase PSMA
      expression in prostate cancer metastases and increase the number of lesions
      visualized using PSMA PET. The effect seen in cell and animal models can be
      recapitulated in humans. A better understanding of the temporal changes in PSMA
      expression is needed to leverage this effect for both improved diagnosis and
      improved therapy.

PMID- 27660143
TI  - Reply: The Ongoing Misperception That Labeled Leukocyte Imaging Is Superior to
      18F-FDG PET for Diagnosing Prosthetic Joint Infection.

PMID- 27660142
TI  - Parametric Methods for Dynamic 11C-Phenytoin PET Studies.
AB  - In this study, the performance of various methods for generating quantitative
      parametric images of dynamic 11C-phenytoin PET studies was evaluated. Methods:
      Double-baseline 60-min dynamic 11C-phenytoin PET studies, including online
      arterial sampling, were acquired for 6 healthy subjects. Parametric images were
      generated using Logan plot analysis, a basis function method, and spectral
      analysis. Parametric distribution volume (VT) and influx rate (K1) were compared
      with those obtained from nonlinear regression analysis of time-activity curves.
      In addition, global and regional test-retest (TRT) variability was determined for
      parametric K1 and VT values. Results: Biases in VT observed with all parametric
      methods were less than 5%. For K1, spectral analysis showed a negative bias of
      16%. The mean TRT variabilities of VT and K1 were less than 10% for all methods.
      Shortening the scan duration to 45 min provided similar VT and K1 with comparable
      TRT performance compared with 60-min data. Conclusion: Among the various
      parametric methods tested, the basis function method provided parametric VT and
      K1 values with the least bias compared with nonlinear regression data and showed
      TRT variabilities lower than 5%, also for smaller volume-of-interest sizes (i.e.,
      higher noise levels) and shorter scan duration.

PMID- 27660144
TI  - Pharmacokinetic Evaluation of the Tau PET Radiotracer 18F-T807 (18F-AV-1451) in
      Human Subjects.
AB  - 18F-T807 is a PET radiotracer developed for imaging tau protein aggregates, which
      are implicated in neurologic disorders including Alzheimer disease and traumatic
      brain injury (TBI). The current study characterizes 18F-T807 pharmacokinetics in
      human subjects using dynamic PET imaging and metabolite-corrected arterial input
      functions. Methods: Nine subjects (4 controls, 3 with a history of TBI, 2 with
      mild cognitive impairment due to suspected Alzheimer disease) underwent dynamic
      PET imaging for up to 120 min after bolus injection of 18F-T807 with arterial
      blood sampling. Total volume of distribution (VT) was estimated using
      compartmental modeling (1- and 2-tissue configurations) and graphical analysis
      techniques (Logan and multilinear analysis 1 [MA1] regression methods). Reference
      region-based methods of quantification were explored including Logan distribution
      volume ratio (DVR) and static SUV ratio (SUVR) using the cerebellum as a
      reference tissue. Results: The percentage of unmetabolized 18F-T807 in plasma
      followed a single exponential with a half-life of 17.0 +/- 4.2 min. Metabolite
      corrected plasma radioactivity concentration fit a biexponential (half-lives,
      18.1 +/- 5.8 and 2.4 +/- 0.5 min). 18F-T807 in gray matter peaked quickly (SUV >
      2 at ~5 min). Compartmental modeling resulted in good fits, and the 2-tissue
      model with estimated blood volume correction (2Tv) performed best, particularly
      in regions with elevated binding. VT was greater in mild cognitive impairment
      subjects than controls in the occipital, parietal, and temporal cortices as well
      as the posterior cingulate gyrus, precuneus, and mesial temporal cortex. High
      focal uptake was found in the posterior corpus callosum of a TBI subject. Plots
      from Logan and MA1 graphical methods became linear by 30 min, yielding regional
      estimates of VT in excellent agreement with compartmental analysis and providing
      high-quality parametric maps when applied in voxelwise fashion. Reference region
      based approaches including Logan DVR (t* = 55 min) and SUVR (80- to 100-min
      interval) were highly correlated with DVR estimated using 2Tv (R2 = 0.97, P <
      0.0001). Conclusion:18F-T807 showed rapid clearance from plasma and properties
      suitable for tau quantification with PET. Furthermore, simplified approaches
      using DVR (t* = 55 min) and static SUVR (80-100 min) with cerebellar reference
      tissue were found to correlate highly with compartmental modeling outcomes.

PMID- 27660145
TI  - Biodistribution and Radiation Dosimetry of 11C-Nicotine from Whole-Body PET
      Imaging in Humans.
AB  - This study assessed the in vivo distribution of 11C-nicotine and the absorbed
      radiation dose from whole-body 11C-nicotine PET imaging of 11 healthy (5 male and
      6 female) subjects. Methods: After an initial CT attenuation scan, 11C-nicotine
      was administered via intravenous injection. A dynamic PET scan was acquired for
      90 s with the brain in the field of view, followed by a series of 13 whole-body
      PET scans acquired over a 90-min period. Regions of interest were drawn over
      organs visible in the reconstructed PET images. Time-activity curves were
      generated, and the residence times were calculated. The absorbed radiation dose
      for the whole body was calculated by entering the residence time in OLINDA/EXM
      1.0 software to model the equivalent organ dose and the effective dose for a 70
      kg man. Results: The mean residence times for 11C-nicotine in the liver, red
      marrow, brain, and lungs were 0.048 +/- 0.010, 0.031 +/- 0.005, 0.021 +/- 0.004,
      and 0.020 +/- 0.005 h, respectively. The mean effective dose for 11C-nicotine was
      5.44 +/- 0.67 MUSv/MBq. The organs receiving the highest absorbed dose from the
      11C-nicotine injection were the urinary bladder wall (14.68 +/- 8.70 MUSv/MBq),
      kidneys (9.56 +/- 2.46 MUSv/MBq), liver (8.94 +/- 1.67 MUSv/MBq), and spleen
      (9.49 +/- 3.89 MUSv/MBq). The renal and hepatobiliary systems were the major
      clearance and excretion routes for radioactivity. Conclusion: The estimated
      radiation dose from 11C-nicotine administration is relatively modest and would
      allow for multiple PET examinations on the same subject.

PMID- 27660146
TI  - Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) Modeling of the Cellular Dosimetry of 64Cu:
      Comparison with MIRDcell S Values and Implications for Studies of Its Cytotoxic
      Effects.
AB  - : 64Cu emits positrons as well as beta- particles and Auger and internal
      conversion electrons useful for radiotherapy. Our objective was to model the
      cellular dosimetry of 64Cu under different geometries commonly used to study the
      cytotoxic effects of 64Cu. METHODS: Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) was used to
      simulate the transport of all particles emitted by 64Cu from the cell surface
      (CS), cytoplasm (Cy), or nucleus (N) of a single cell; monolayer in a well
      (radius = 0.32-1.74 cm); or a sphere (radius = 50-6,000 MUm) of cells to
      calculate S values. The radius of the cell and N ranged from 5 to 12 MUm and 2 to
      11 MUm, respectively. S values were obtained by MIRDcell for comparison.
      MCF7/HER2-18 cells were exposed in vitro to 64Cu-labeled trastuzumab. The
      subcellular distribution of 64Cu was measured by cell fractionation. The
      surviving fraction was determined in a clonogenic assay. RESULTS: The relative
      differences of MCNP versus MIRDcell self-dose S values (Sself) for 64Cu ranged
      from -0.2% to 3.6% for N to N (SN<-N), 2.3% to 8.6% for Cy to N (SN<-Cy), and 
      12.0% to 7.3% for CS to N (SN<-CS). The relative differences of MCNP versus
      MIRDcell cross-dose S values were 25.8%-30.6% for a monolayer and 30%-34% for a
      sphere, respectively. The ratios of SN<-N versus SN<-Cy and SN<-Cy versus SN<-CS
      decreased with increasing ratio of the N of the cell versus radius of the cell
      and the size of the monolayer or sphere. The surviving fraction of MCF7 /: HER2
      18 cells treated with 64Cu-labeled trastuzumab (0.016-0.368 MBq/MUg, 67 nM) for
      18 h versus the absorbed dose followed a linear survival curve with alpha = 0.51
      +/- 0.05 Gy-1 and R2 = 0.8838. This is significantly different from the linear
      quadratic survival curve of MCF7 /: HER2-18 cells exposed to gamma-rays.
      CONCLUSION: MCNP- and MIRDcell-calculated S values agreed well. 64Cu in the N
      increases the dose to the N in isolated single cells but has less effect in a
      cell monolayer or small cluster of cells simulating a micrometastasis, and little
      effect in a sphere analogous to a tumor xenograft compared with 64Cu in the Cy or
      on the CS. The dose deposited by 64Cu is less effective for cell killing than
      gamma-rays.

PMID- 27660147
TI  - Head-to-Head Comparison of 64Cu-DOTATATE and 68Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT: A Prospective
      Study of 59 Patients with Neuroendocrine Tumors.
AB  - Somatostatin receptor imaging is a valuable tool in the diagnosis, follow-up, and
      treatment planning of neuroendocrine tumor (NET). PET-based tracers using 68Ga as
      the radioisotope have in most centers replaced SPECT-based tracers as the gold
      standard. 64Cu-DOTATATE is a new PET tracer that has been shown to be far
      superior to the SPECT tracer 111In-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid-octreotide.
      Because of the advantages of 64Cu over 68Ga, we hypothesized that the tracer has
      a higher sensitivity than 68Ga-based tracers. To test this hypothesis, we
      compared on a head-to-head basis the diagnostic performance of 64Cu-DOTATATE with
      that of 68Ga-DOTATOC in NET patients. Methods: Fifty-nine NET patients were
      scanned with both 64Cu-DOTATATE and 68Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT and compared on a head-to
      head basis. Discordant lesions were verified during at least 30 mo of follow-up.
      Results: A total of 701 lesions were concordantly detected on both 64Cu-DOTATATE
      and 68Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT scans, whereas an additional 68 lesions were found by
      only one of the scans. 64Cu-DOTATATE showed 42 lesions not found on 68Ga-DOTATOC,
      of which 33 were found to be true-positive on follow-up. 68Ga-DOTATOC showed 26
      lesions not found on 64Cu-DOTATATE, of which 7 were found to be true-positive on
      follow-up. False-positives were mainly lymph node lesions. Accordingly, 83% of
      the additional true lesions found on only one of the scans were found by 64Cu
      DOTATATE. On a patient-basis, additional true lesions were found by 64Cu-DOTATATE
      and 68Ga-DOTATOC in 13 and 3 patients, respectively. All patients with additional
      lesions also had concordant lesions found by both scans. Conclusion:64Cu-DOTATATE
      has advantages over 68Ga-DOTATOC in the detection of lesions in NET patients.
      Although patient-based sensitivity was the same for 64Cu-DOTATATE and 68Ga
      DOTATOC in this cohort, significantly more lesions were detected by 64Cu
      DOTATATE. Furthermore, the shelf life of more than 24 h and the scanning window
      of at least 3 h make 64Cu-DOTATATE favorable and easy to use in the clinical
      setting.

PMID- 27660148
TI  - 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET as a Gatekeeper for the Treatment of Metastatic Prostate Cancer
      with 223Ra: Proof of Concept.
AB  - We retrospectively evaluated the utility of 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET for planning
      223RaCl2 therapy of patients with metastatic prostate cancer and its impact on
      the therapeutic response as determined by prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and
      alkaline phosphatase (ALP), as well as the correlation of PSA changes with the
      results of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET follow-up scans.
      Methods: Sixty-three patients with a median age of 73 y who underwent 307 cycles
      of therapy with 223RaCl2 were analyzed. In 31 patients, bone scanning and
      radiologic imaging were performed for pretherapeutic imaging (group 1). In 32
      patients, bone scanning and PSMA PET were performed before therapy (group 2).
      Patients with small lymph node metastases and local recurrence were not excluded
      from treatment, consistent with current guidelines. PSA and ALP were measured
      before each treatment cycle and 4 wk after the final cycle. Thirteen patients
      from group 2, who underwent a second PSMA PET scan as a follow-up, were evaluated
      to determine the significance of PSA changes as a follow-up marker. Results: In
      group 1, 4 patients (12.9%) showed a PSA decline, of whom 2 patients and 1
      patient showed a PSA decline of more than 30% and more than 50%, respectively. In
      contrast, in group 2, 14 patients (43.8%) showed a PSA decline, of whom 10 and 8
      patients showed a decline of more than 30% and more than 50%, respectively (P =
      0.007). Thirty-seven patients had a high ALP level (19 from group 1 and 18 from
      group 2). Twelve (63.2%) and 16 (88.9%) patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively,
      showed an ALP decline. This difference was not significant; however, 7 (36%) and
      13 (72.2%) patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively, showed an ALP decline of
      more than 30% (P = 0.04). Considering any ALP decline as a response, no patient
      with increasing ALP showed a PSA response (P = 0.036). There was a significant
      correlation between the PSA changes and the therapeutic response according to
      follow-up PSMA PET. Conclusion: When PSMA PET is used as the gatekeeper in
      addition to bone scanning, radionuclide therapy with 223Ra may be more effective
      and have more success regarding changes in the PSA. An increase in PSA during
      therapy cycles occurs because of disease progression.

PMID- 27660149
TI  - Filling gaps on ivermectin knowledge: effects on the survival and reproduction of
      Anopheles aquasalis, a Latin American malaria vector.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Strategies designed to advance towards malaria elimination rely on
      the detection and treatment of infections, rather than fever, and the
      interruption of malaria transmission between mosquitoes and humans. Mass drug
      administration with anti-malarials directed at eliminating parasites in blood,
      either to entire populations or targeting only those with malaria infections, are
      considered useful strategies to progress towards malaria elimination, but may be
      insufficient if applied on their own. These strategies assume a closer contact
      with populations, so incorporating a vector control intervention tool to those
      approaches could significantly enhance their efficacy. Ivermectin, an endectocide
      drug efficacious against a range of Anopheles species, could be added to other
      drug-based interventions. Interestingly, ivermectin could also be useful to
      target outdoor feeding and resting vectors, something not possible with current
      vector control tools, such as impregnated bed nets or indoor residual spraying
      (IRS). RESULTS: Anopheles aquasalis susceptibility to ivermectin was assessed. In
      vivo assessments were performed in six volunteers, being three men and three
      women. The effect of ivermectin on reproductive fitness and mosquito survivorship
      using membrane feeding assay (MFA) and direct feeding assay (DFA) was assessed
      and compared. The ivermectin lethal concentration (LC) values were LC50 = 47.03
      ng/ml [44.68-49.40], LC25 = 31.92 ng/ml [28.60-34.57] and LC5 = 18.28 ng/ml
      [14.51-21.45]. Ivermectin significantly reduced the survivorship of An. aquasalis
      blood-fed 4 h post-ingestion (X 2 [N = 880] = 328.16, p < 0.001), 2 days post
      ingestion (DPI 2) (X 2 [N = 983] = 156.75, p < 0.001), DPI 7 (X 2 [N = 935] =
      31.17, p < 0.001) and DPI 14 (X 2 [N = 898] = 38.63, p < 0.001) compared to the
      blood fed on the untreated control. The average number of oviposited eggs per
      female was significantly lower in LC5 group (22.44 [SD = 3.38]) than in control
      (34.70 [SD = 12.09]) (X 2 [N = 199] = 10.52, p < 0.001) as well as the egg hatch
      rate (LC5 = 74.76 [SD = 5.48]) (Control = 81.91 [SD = 5.92]) (X 2 [N = 124] =
      64.24, p < 0.001). However, no differences were observed on the number of pupae
      that developed from larvae (Control = 34.19 [SD = 10.42) and group (LC5 = 33.33
      [SD = 11.97]) (X 2 [N = 124] = 0.96, p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Ivermectin drug
      reduces mosquito survivorship when blood fed on volunteer blood from 4 h to 14
      days post-ingestion controlling for volunteers' gender. Ivermectin at mosquito
      sub-lethal concentrations (LC5) reduces fecundity and egg hatch rate but not the
      number of pupae that developed from larvae. DFA had significantly higher effects
      on mosquito survival compared to MFA. The findings are presented and discussed
      through the prism of malaria elimination in the Amazon region.

PMID- 27660151
TI  - Erratum to: Genotype distribution-based inference of collective effects in genome
      wide association studies: insights to age-related macular degeneration disease
      mechanism.

PMID- 27660150
TI  - The Perceptual Characteristics of Sodium Chloride to Sodium-Depleted Rats.
AB  - Three experiments assessed potential changes in the rat's perception of sodium
      chloride (NaCl) during a state of sodium appetite. In Experiment 1, sodium
      sufficient rats licking a range of NaCl concentrations (0.028-0.89M) in 15s
      trials showed an inverted U-shaped concentration response function peaking at
      0.281M. Depleted rats (furosemide) showed an identical function, merely elevated,
      suggesting altered qualitative or hedonic perception but no change in perceived
      intensity. In Experiment 2, sodium-depleted rats were tested with NaCl, sodium
      gluconate, and potassium chloride (KCl; 0.028-0.89M) similar to Experiment 1. KCl
      was licked at the same rate as water except for a slight elevation at 0.158;
      sodium gluconate and NaCl were treated similarly, but rats showed more licking
      for hypertonic sodium gluconate than hypertonic NaCl. Sodium-depleted rats were
      also tested with NaCl mixed in amiloride (10-300 MUM). Amiloride reduced licking
      but did not alter the shape of the concentration-response function. Collectively,
      these results suggest that transduction of sodium by epithelial sodium channels
      (which are blocked by amiloride and are more dominant in sodium gluconate than
      NaCl transduction) is crucial for the perception of sodium during physiological
      sodium depletion. In Experiment 3, sodium-deplete rats were tested with NaCl as
      in Experiment 1 but after taste aversion conditioning to 0.3M NaCl or sucrose.
      Rats conditioned to avoid NaCl but not sucrose failed to express a sodium
      appetite, strongly suggesting that NaCl does not undergo a change in taste
      quality during sodium appetite-rats show no confusion between sucrose and NaCl in
      this paradigm.

PMID- 27660152
TI  - Heterogeneity of CD34 and CD38 expression in acute B lymphoblastic leukemia cells
      is reversible and not hierarchically organized.
AB  - The existence and identification of leukemia-initiating cells in adult acute B
      lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) remain controversial. We examined whether adult B
      ALL is hierarchically organized into phenotypically distinct subpopulations of
      leukemogenic and non-leukemogenic cells or whether most B-ALL cells retain
      leukemogenic capacity, irrespective of their immunophenotype profiles. Our
      results suggest that adult B-ALL follows the stochastic stem cell model and that
      the expression of CD34 and CD38 in B-ALL is reversibly and not hierarchically
      organized.

PMID- 27660155
TI  - Nerve-granular cell communication in the atrium of the snail Achatina achatina
      occurs via the cardioexcitatory transmitters serotonin and FMRFamide.
AB  - In the present study, the anatomical association and functional interaction
      between nerve fibres and granular cells in the atrium of the snail Achatina
      achatina are investigated using a combination of scanning electron microscopy
      (SEM), pharmacological and immunofluorescence techniques. The SEM studies support
      a close anatomical association of axons with granular cells and new features of
      surface morphology are revealed. Pharmacological experiments showed that both
      serotonin and FMRFamide were able to induce degranulation of granular cells and
      the release of cysteine-rich atrial secretory protein. Serotonin- and FMRFamide
      immunoreactive nerve fibres were observed at variable distances from granular
      cells, ranging from close contact to distances as far as the diameter of a muscle
      bundle. These results suggest that serotonin and FMRFamide play a role as
      paracrine excitatory transmitters in nerve-to-granular cell communication.

PMID- 27660153
TI  - Comparing Quality of Dying and Death Perceived by Family Members and Nurses for
      Patients Dying in US and Dutch ICUs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Quality of Dying and Death (QODD) questionnaire is used as a self
      reported measure to allow families and clinicians to assess patients' quality of
      dying and death. We evaluated end-of-life (EOL) experiences as measured by the
      QODD completed by families and nurses in the United States and the Netherlands to
      explore similarities and differences in these experiences and identify
      opportunities for improving EOL care. METHODS: Questionnaire data were gathered
      from family members of patients dying in the ICU and nurses caring for these
      patients. In The Netherlands, data were gathered in three teaching hospitals, and
      data was gathered from 12 sites participating in a randomized trial in the United
      States. The QODD consists of 25 items and has been validated in the United
      States. RESULTS: Data from 446 patients were analyzed (346 in the United States
      and 100 in the Netherlands). Dutch patients were older than those in the United
      States (72 + 10.2 years vs 65 + 16.0 years; P < .0025). The family-assessed
      overall QODD score was the same in both countries: the Netherlands = median, 9;
      interquartile range (IQR), 8-10 and the United States = median, 8; IQR, 5-10. US
      family members rated the quality of two items higher than did the Netherlands
      families: "time spent with loved ones" and "time spent alone." Nurse-assessed
      QODD ratings varied: the single-item QODD summary score was significantly higher
      in the Netherlands (the Netherlands: median, 9; IQR, 8-10 vs the United States:
      median, 7; IQR, 5-8; P < .0025), whereas the QODD total score was higher in the
      United States (the Netherlands: median, 6.9; IQR, 5.5-7.6 vs the United States:
      median, 7.1; IQR, 5.8-8.4; P = .014), although it did not meet our criteria for
      statistical significance. Of the 22 nurse-assessed items, 10 were significantly
      different between the Netherlands and the United States, with eight having higher
      scores in the United States and 2 having higher scores in the Netherlands.
      CONCLUSIONS: The QODD was rated similarly by family members in the United States
      and the Netherlands but varied when assessed by nurses. These differences may be
      due to organizational or cultural differences between the two countries or to
      expectations of respondents.

PMID- 27660154
TI  - Transbronchial Cryobiopsy in Diffuse Parenchymal Lung Disease: Retrospective
      Analysis of 74 Cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diagnostic evaluation of patients with diffuse parenchymal lung
      disease (DPLD) is best achieved by a multidisciplinary team correlating clinical,
      radiological, and pathologic features. Surgical lung biopsy remains the gold
      standard for histopathologic diagnosis of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias.
      Emerging data suggest an increasing role for transbronchial cryobiopsy (TBC) in
      DPLD evaluation. We describe our experience with TBC in patients with DPLD.
      METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients with
      radiographic features of DPLD who underwent TBC at Mayo Clinic in Rochester,
      Minnesota from June 2013 to September 2015. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients (33
      women [45%]) with a mean age of 63 years (SD, 13.8) were included. The mean
      maximal diameter of the samples was 9.2 mm (range, 2-20 mm [SD, 3.9]). The median
      number of samples per procedure was three (range, one to seven). Diagnostic yield
      was 51% (38 of 74 specimens). The most frequent histopathologic patterns were
      granulomatous inflammation (12 patients) and organizing pneumonia (OP) (11
      patients), resulting in the final diagnoses of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (six
      patients), cryptogenic OP (six patients), connective tissue disease-associated OP
      (three patients), drug toxicity (three patients), infection-related OP (two
      patients), sarcoidosis (two patients), and aspiration (one patient). Other
      histopathologic patterns included respiratory bronchiolitis (three patients),
      acute fibrinous and organizing pneumonia (two patients), desquamative
      interstitial pneumonia (1 patient), diffuse alveolar damage (one patient),
      pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (one patient), amyloidosis (one patient),
      eosinophilic pneumonia (one patient), necrotizing vasculitis (one patient),
      bronchiolitis with food particles (one patient), and malignancy (three patients).
      Pneumothorax developed in one patient (1.4%), and bleeding occurred in 16
      patients (22%). CONCLUSIONS: Our single-center cohort demonstrated a 51%
      diagnostic yield from TBC; the rates of pneumothorax and bleeding were 1.4% and
      22%, respectively. The optimal use of TBC needs to be determined.

PMID- 27660156
TI  - Pathological Fracture in Odontoid Process in Multiple Myeloma.

PMID- 27660158
TI  - A case of acute febrile neck pain.

PMID- 27660157
TI  - Probiotics Supplemented with Omega-3 Fatty Acids are More Effective for Hepatic
      Steatosis Reduction in an Animal Model of Obesity.
AB  - Today probiotics have been suggested as a treatment for the prevention of NAFLD.
      Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation may have beneficial effects in regulating
      hepatic lipid metabolism, adipose tissue function and inflammation. The present
      study was designed to determine whether probiotics plus omega-3 are superior to
      probiotics alone on the monosodium glutamate (MSG)-induced NAFLD model in rats.
      We included 60 rats divided into four groups, 15 animals in each. Rats of group I
      were intact. Newborn rats of groups II-IV were injected with MSG. The III
      (Symbiter) group received 2.5 ml/kg of multiprobiotic "Symbiter" containing
      concentrated biomass of 14 probiotic bacteria genera. The IV (Symbiter-Omega)
      groups received "Symbiter-Omega" combination of probiotic biomass supplemented
      with flax and wheat germ oil (250 mg of each, concentration of omega-3 fatty
      acids 1-5 %). In both interventional groups reduction in total NAS score was
      observed. Supplementation of alive probiotic mixture with omega-3 fatty acids
      lead to 20 % higher decrease in steatosis score (0.73 +/- 0.11 vs 0.93 +/- 0.22,
      p = 0.848) and reduction by 16.6 % of triglycerides content in liver as compared
      to probiotic alone. Our study demonstrated more pronounced reduction in hepatic
      steatosis and hepatic lipid accumulation after treatment with combination of
      alive probiotics and omega-3 as compared to probiotics alone.

PMID- 27660159
TI  - A clinical study on single-visit root canal retreatments on consecutive 173
      patients: frequency of periapical complications and clinical success rate.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the outcome measures of single-visit root canal
      retreatments and frequency of periapical complications considering preoperative,
      intraoperative and postoperative factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between November
      2011 and December 2012, in 173 patients, a total of 234 endodontically treated
      teeth were retreated in a single appointment by one experienced endodontist. Five
      teeth were extracted and 119 teeth were lost to follow-up yielding to 110 teeth
      (47 %) to be examined by two calibrated examiners for the outcome of healing
      (periapical index score-PAI <=2; no signs or symptoms) or non-healing (presence
      of apical periodontitis-PAI >2; signs or symptoms). Preoperative, intraoperative
      and postoperative factors were evaluated for their association with the outcome.
      Data were analysed using Fisher's exact and Fisher-Freeman Halton tests for
      bivariate analysis to identify potential outcome predictors. Logistic regression
      models were used for multivariate analysis to determine significant outcome
      predictors. RESULTS: Mean observation time was 29 months. Follow-up assessment
      revealed 100 teeth (90.9 %) as healed and 10 teeth (9.1 %) non-healed. Age,
      gender, tooth type and preoperative (pain, periodontal defects, root filling
      density and length), intraoperative (sealer extrusion) and postoperative (type of
      coronal restorations) factors did not significantly affect the outcome (p >
      0.05). Preoperative periradicular lesions with diameters less than 5 mm presented
      significantly better outcome than larger lesions (p < 0.05; odds ratio (OD) 6; 95
      % CI 1.45-24.85). Logistic regression model showed an increased risk of non
      healing for the parameter of preoperative periradicular lesions with diameters
      larger than 5 mm (OD 6.42; 95 % CI 1.51-27.27). CONCLUSIONS: Single-appointment
      root canal retreatments presented a favourable success rate. Only preoperative
      lesion size had a significant effect on the outcome where the lesions smaller
      than 5 mm performed significantly better healing. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Single
      appointment root canal retreatments could be considered as a viable treatment
      option for orthograde retreatment cases with periradicular lesion size smaller
      than 5 mm.

PMID- 27660161
TI  - Comment on: "The Cost Effectiveness of High-Dose Versus Conventional
      Haemodialysis: A Systematic Review".

PMID- 27660160
TI  - Acidogenicity of dual-species biofilms of bifidobacteria and Streptococcus
      mutans.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the acidogenicity of dual
      species biofilms of bifidobacteria and Streptococcus mutans. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: The following strains were tested: Bifidobacterium dentium DSM20436,
      Parascardovia denticolens DSM10105, and Scardovia inopinata DSM10107.
      Streptococcus mutans UA159 and Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC4356 were used as
      control. Bifidobacteria were studied planktonically as they were not able to form
      monospecies biofilm, they were grown in biofilms associated with S. mutans.
      Endogenous polysaccharide reserves of cultures at log phase were depleted.
      Standardized suspensions of the microorganisms were incubated in growth media
      supplemented with 10 mM glucose, lactose, raffinose, glucose, or xylitol. S.
      mutans biofilms were grown on glass cover slips for 24 h to which bifidobacteria
      were added. After 24 h, the dual-species biofilms were exposed to the same carbon
      sources, and after 3 h, the pH of spent culture media and concentrations of
      organic acids were measured. Statistical analyses were carried out using ANOVA
      and Tukey's test (alpha = 0.05). RESULTS: A higher pH drop was observed when S.
      mutans was associated with P. denticolens or S. inopinata, in either planktonic
      or biofilm cultures, than with S. mutans alone. Bifidobacteria showed a higher pH
      drop in the presence of raffinose than S. mutans or L. acidophilus. CONCLUSIONS:
      Dual-species biofilms of bifidobacteria and S. mutans produced more acid and
      greater pH drops than biofilms of S. mutans alone. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: New
      insights on the complex process of caries pathogenicity contribute to the
      establishment of preventive and therapeutic measures, in particular in specific
      cases, such as in early childhood caries.

PMID- 27660164
TI  - Efficacy of intravitreal aflibercept in Japanese patients with exudative age
      related macular degeneration.
AB  - PURPOSE: To clarify the efficacy of aflibercept for treating exudative age
      related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: We prospectively studied 47 eyes
      with AMD. Forty-seven patients (mean age 72.2 years) received three consecutive
      monthly intravitreal aflibercept injections followed by an injection every 2
      months until 12 months. The primary outcome was the 12-month visual results
      compared with baseline; the secondary outcomes were the prevalence of geography
      atrophy (GA), a dry macula at month 12, and anatomic changes on optical coherence
      tomography. RESULTS: The mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution best
      corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in 27 eyes with typical AMD and 20 eyes with
      polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) significantly (p < 0.0001, p < 0.05,
      respectively) improved from 0.60 to 0.32 at baseline to 0.29 and 0.21 at month
      12. At month 12, 22 (81.5 %) eyes with typical AMD and 17 (85 %) eyes with PCV
      had dry macula. The subfoveal choroidal thicknesses in typical AMD and PCV
      decreased significantly (p < 0.0001 for both comparisons) from 241 +/- 118 and
      294 +/- 76 MU at baseline to 198 +/- 104 and 244 +/- 84 MU at month 12.
      Progressing or new GA was seen in three eyes with typical AMD and one eye with
      PCV; the mean change in the BCVA was significantly (p = 0.0026) worse at month
      12. No other complications developed. CONCLUSION: Intravitreal aflibercept
      significantly improved VA and anatomic changes in typical AMD and PCV over 12
      months. Development of GA might be a risk for declining VA.

PMID- 27660162
TI  - Leukocyte telomere length and ideal cardiovascular health in American Indians:
      the Strong Heart Family Study.
AB  - Telomere length, a marker of biological aging, has been associated with
      cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its risk factors. Ideal cardiovascular health
      (CVH), defined by the American Heart Association (AHA), has also been associated
      with a reduced risk of CVD, but the relationship between telomere length and
      ideal CVH is unclear. We measured leukocyte telomere length (LTL) by qPCR in 2568
      American Indians in the Strong Heart Family Study (SHFS). All participants were
      free of overt CVD at enrollment (2001-2003). CVH indices included four behavioral
      factors (smoking, physical activity, diet, BMI) and three health factors (blood
      pressure, cholesterol, fasting glucose). Each index was categorized as poor,
      intermediate, or ideal according to the AHA's guideline. CVH was further
      categorized into below average (0-1), average (2-3) and above average (>=4) based
      on the total number of ideal indices. Results showed that, 29, 50 and 21 % of
      study participants had below average, average, and above average CVH,
      respectively. Participants with above average CVH had significantly longer LTL
      than those with below average CVH (beta = 0.034, P = 0.042) after adjusting for
      age, sex, education level, marital status, processed meat consumption, alcohol
      consumption, and study site. Compared to the U.S. general population, American
      Indians achieved lower rates for five out of the seven ideal CVH metrics,
      including smoking, BMI, physical activity, diet, and blood pressure. Achieving
      four or more ideal CVH metrics was significantly associated with longer LTL. This
      finding suggests that achieving an ideal CVH may prevent or delay CVD, probably
      through promoting healthy aging.

PMID- 27660163
TI  - Comparison between ranibizumab and aflibercept for macular edema associated with
      central retinal vein occlusion.
AB  - PURPOSE: We compared the efficacy of bimonthly intravitreal injections of
      ranibizumab (IVR) with that of bimonthly intravitreal injections of aflibercept
      (IVA) in two prospective, consecutive groups of patients with macular edema (ME)
      secondary to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eyes
      with ME after CRVO received either bimonthly IVR (ranibizumab group; n = 13) or
      IVA (aflibercept group; n = 13) injections and were followed monthly for 6
      months. Three patients in the ranibizumab group and two in the aflibercept group
      were lost to follow-up and excluded from the study. The best-corrected visual
      acuity (BCVA), central foveal thickness (CFT) on optical coherence tomography,
      and aqueous vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) concentrations were
      evaluated before and after treatment. RESULTS: From baseline to month 6,
      significant improvements occurred in mean logMAR BCVA (ranibizumab group: 0.78
      0.47; p < 0.05; aflibercept group: 0.74-0.54; p < 0.05) and mean CFT (ranibizumab
      group: 685-311 um; p < 0.05; aflibercept group: 695-230 um; p < 0.05).
      Fluctuations in CFT were seen at months 2, 4, and 6 in the ranibizumab group.
      Mean aqueous VEGF concentration decreased from baseline to month 2 in the
      ranibizumab group (509.9-348.2 pg/ml) and aflibercept group (412.1 pg/ml to
      undetectable limits in eight of 11 eyes and to 13.6, 15.6, and 24.1 pg/ml in the
      other three eyes, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant
      improvement of visual acuity in one group compared with another; VEGF may not be
      completely neutralized by bimonthly injections of ranibizumab.

PMID- 27660166
TI  - Ubiquitination-Related MdBT Scaffold Proteins Target a bHLH Transcription Factor
      for Iron Homeostasis.
AB  - Iron (Fe) homeostasis is crucial for plant growth and development. A network of
      basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors positively regulates Fe
      uptake during iron deficiency. However, their up-regulation or overexpression
      leads to Fe overload and reactive oxygen species generation, thereby damaging the
      plants. Here, we found that two BTB/TAZ proteins, MdBT1 and MdBT2, interact with
      the MbHLH104 protein in apple. In addition, the function of MdBT2 was
      characterized as a regulator of MdbHLH104 degradation via ubiquitination and the
      26S proteasome pathway, thereby controlling the activity of plasma membrane H+
      ATPases and the acquisition of iron. Furthermore, MdBT2 interacted with MdCUL3
      proteins, which were required for the MdBT2-mediated ubiquitination modification
      of MdbHLH104 and its degradation. In sum, our findings demonstrate that MdBT
      proteins interact with MdCUL3 to bridge the formation of the MdBTsMdCUL3 complex,
      which negatively modulates the degradation of the MdbHLH104 protein in response
      to changes in Fe status to maintain iron homeostasis in plants.

PMID- 27660165
TI  - Identification of Homogentisate Dioxygenase as a Target for Vitamin E
      Biofortification in Oilseeds.
AB  - Soybean (Glycine max) is a major plant source of protein and oil and produces
      important secondary metabolites beneficial for human health. As a tool for gene
      function discovery and improvement of this important crop, a mutant population
      was generated using fast neutron irradiation. Visual screening of mutagenized
      seeds identified a mutant line, designated MO12, which produced brown seeds as
      opposed to the yellow seeds produced by the unmodified Williams 82 parental
      cultivar. Using forward genetic methods combined with comparative genome
      hybridization analysis, we were able to establish that deletion of the GmHGO1
      gene is the genetic basis of the brown seeded phenotype exhibited by the MO12
      mutant line. GmHGO1 encodes a homogentisate dioxygenase (HGO), which catalyzes
      the committed enzymatic step in homogentisate catabolism. This report describes
      to our knowledge the first functional characterization of a plant HGO gene,
      defects of which are linked to the human genetic disease alkaptonuria. We show
      that reduced homogentisate catabolism in a soybean HGO mutant is an effective
      strategy for enhancing the production of lipid-soluble antioxidants such as
      vitamin E, as well as tolerance to herbicides that target pathways associated
      with homogentisate metabolism. Furthermore, this work demonstrates the utility of
      fast neutron mutagenesis in identifying novel genes that contribute to soybean
      agronomic traits.

PMID- 27660169
TI  - Nonfluorodeoxyglucose-Avid Persistent Splenomegaly at Time of Transplantation
      Delays Neutrophil and Platelets Engraftment without Affecting Survival in
      Patients with Lymphomas Undergoing Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation.
AB  - It is unclear if persistent splenomegaly in the presence of a negative positron
      emission tomography (PET) scan before allogeneic hematopoietic cell
      transplantation (HCT) influences post-transplantation outcomes in patients with
      lymphoma. We retrospectively reviewed records of 152 patients who underwent
      allogeneic HCT for various lymphomas. Centralized review of pretransplantation
      computed tomography (CT) and PET images was performed. Spleen volume (SV) was
      measured using the freehand volume segmentation tool in AW Workstation software
      (General Electric, Waukesha, WI). Splenic index (SI) was calculated as a product
      of width, thickness, and length of the spleen. Normal SV was defined as SV <
      314.5 cm3 and normal SI was defined as SI <= 480 cm3, as described in the
      literature. Among the study population, 42.8% received an allogeneic HCT from an
      HLA-matched related donor, 36.2% from a matched unrelated donor, 12.5% from a
      mismatched unrelated donor, and 8.6% received a double umbilical cord blood
      transplantation. Most (61.8%) received myeloablative conditioning. Median age at
      transplantation was 52 (range, 21 to 68) years. Pre-allogeneic HCT spleen CT and
      PET images were available on 88% and 70.3% patients, respectively. SV ranged from
      90 cm3 to 4684 cm3 with a median of 290.5 cm3 and a mean of 400.3 cm3. SI
      calculation showed a range from 50.3 cm3 to 8276.4 cm3 with a median of 582.1 cm3
      and a mean of 771.2 cm3. The majority of patients (83.1%) had PET-negative spleen
      before allogeneic transplantation. Engraftment was delayed in PET-negative
      patients with persistent splenomegaly, with median days to neutrophil engraftment
      of 17 versus 16 (P = .03) and median days to platelet engraftment of 16 versus 14
      (P = .04) when using SV. However, persistent splenomegaly did not appear to
      impact progression-free survival (P = .11) or overall survival (P = .37).
      Splenomegaly in the setting of a PET-negative study before allogeneic HCT delays
      neutrophil and platelet engraftment but does not appear to affect survival.
      Future studies using registry data or larger multicenter studies would be
      required to evaluate the impact of splenomegaly and its fluorodeoxyglucose
      avidity on allogeneic HCT outcomes in specific subtypes of lymphomas.

PMID- 27660170
TI  - Bone Marrow and Peripheral Blood: Which Is Safe?

PMID- 27660167
TI  - Clinical Practice Recommendations for Use of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell
      Transplantation in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia on Behalf of the Guidelines
      Committee of the American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation.
AB  - We sought to establish clinical practice recommendations to redefine the role of
      allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) for patients with
      chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in an era of highly active targeted therapies.
      We performed a systematic review to identify prospective randomized controlled
      trials comparing allo-HCT against novel therapies for treatment of CLL at various
      disease stages. In the absence of such data, we invited physicians with expertise
      in allo-HCT and/or CLL to participate in developing these recommendations. We
      followed the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation
      methodology. For standard-risk CLL we recommend allo-HCT in the absence of
      response or if there is evidence of disease progression after B cell receptor
      (BCR) inhibitors. For high-risk CLL an allo-HCT is recommended after failing 2
      lines of therapy and showing an objective response to BCR inhibitors or to a
      clinical trial. It is also recommended for patients who fail to show an objective
      response or progress after BCR inhibitors and receive BCL-2 inhibitors,
      regardless of whether an objective response is achieved. For Richter
      transformation, we recommend allo-HCT upon demonstration of an objective response
      to anthracycline-based chemotherapy. A reduced-intensity conditioning regimen is
      recommended whenever indicated. These recommendations highlight the rapidly
      changing treatment landscape of CLL. Newer therapies have disrupted prior
      paradigms, and allo-HCT is now relegated to later stages of relapsed or
      refractory CLL.

PMID- 27660172
TI  - Comparison of solid and fluid constitutive models of bone marrow during
      trabecular bone compression.
AB  - The mechanical environment and mechanobiology of bone marrow may play essential
      roles in bone adaptation, cancer metastasis, and immune cell regulation. However,
      the location of marrow within the trabecular pore space complicates experimental
      measurement of marrow mechanics. Computational models provide a means to assess
      the shear stress and pressure in the marrow during physiological loading, but
      they rely on accurate inputs for the marrow and the physics assumed for the
      interaction of bone and marrow. Elastic, viscoelastic, and fluid constitutive
      properties have all been reported from experimental measurements of marrow
      properties. It is unclear whether this ambiguity reflects the various length
      scales, loading rates, and boundary conditions of the experiments, or if the
      material models are sufficiently similar as to be interchangeable. To address
      this question, we analyzed both the mean shear stress and its spatial
      distribution induced in marrow during compression of trabecular bone cubes when
      using linear elastic, neo-Hookean, viscoelastic, and power-law fluid constitutive
      models. Experimentally reported parameters were initially applied for all four
      constitutive models, resulting in poor agreement. The parameters of the soft
      solid models were calibrated by linear interpolation so that the volume averaged
      shear stress agreed with the fluid model for each, but this could only be
      accomplished on a specimen-by-specimen basis. Following calibration, the root
      mean-squared (RMS) difference between the solid and fluid constitutive models was
      still greater than 26% even when the overall mean shear stress was in close
      agreement, indicating that the spatial distribution of stress is also sensitive
      to the constitutive model. As such, the choice of constitutive model should be
      backed by a strong rationale, and results should be interpreted with care.

PMID- 27660171
TI  - Guidelines for an optimized indentation protocol for measurement of cartilage
      stiffness: The effects of spatial variation and indentation parameters.
AB  - Mechanical properties of articular cartilage that are vital to its function are
      often determined by indentation tests, which can be performed at different
      scales. Cartilage tissue exhibits various types of structural, geometrical, and
      spatial variations that pose strict demands on indentation protocols. This study
      aims to define a reproducible micro-indentation protocol for measuring the
      effective (average) stiffness of the cartilage surface in a region around 1mm2.
      We elucidated how different parameters such as indenter size, indenter depth, and
      the location of the indentation influence the effective elastic modulus measured
      in micrometer scale on rat knee cartilage. When an indentation was performed
      (50MUm radial probe, ~10MUm indentation depth) at exactly the same location, the
      variability was less than 10%, even with a recovery period of 30s. However, there
      was a high spatial variation and a small change of around 60MUm in location could
      change the modulus values up to as much as 10-20 fold. The effective elastic
      modulus of cartilage surface layer cannot therefore be reproducibly determined
      from a few indentations on a cartilage sample, and requires at least 144 (12*12)
      indentations for a soft spherical probe with a 50MUm radius. With higher depths,
      the spatial variation is slightly lower, allowing slightly lower number of
      indentations (~80 measurements or a 9*9 frame) to provide a representative
      elastic modulus. Using this protocol, we determined an elastic modulus of 2.6+/
      1.9N/mm2 at the medial side versus a higher modulus of 4.2+/-2.6N/mm2 at the
      lateral side of the tibia of 12 weeks old Wistar rats. Optimized indentation
      protocols similar to the one presented here are required for revealing such
      variations in the mechanical properties of cartilage with anatomical location.

PMID- 27660173
TI  - Multiple linear regression approach for the analysis of the relationships between
      joints mobility and regional pressure-based parameters in the normal-arched foot.
AB  - Plantar load can be considered as a measure of the foot ability to transmit
      forces at the foot/ground, or foot/footwear interface during ambulatory
      activities via the lower limb kinematic chain. While morphological and functional
      measures have been shown to be correlated with plantar load, no exhaustive data
      are currently available on the possible relationships between range of motion of
      foot joints and plantar load regional parameters. Joints' kinematics from a
      validated multi-segmental foot model were recorded together with plantar pressure
      parameters in 21 normal-arched healthy subjects during three barefoot walking
      trials. Plantar pressure maps were divided into six anatomically-based regions of
      interest associated to corresponding foot segments. A stepwise multiple
      regression analysis was performed to determine the relationships between pressure
      based parameters, joints range of motion and normalized walking speed
      (speed/subject height). Sagittal- and frontal-plane joint motion were those most
      correlated to plantar load. Foot joints' range of motion and normalized walking
      speed explained between 6% and 43% of the model variance (adjusted R2) for
      pressure-based parameters. In general, those joints' presenting lower mobility
      during stance were associated to lower vertical force at forefoot and to larger
      mean and peak pressure at hindfoot and forefoot. Normalized walking speed was
      always positively correlated to mean and peak pressure at hindfoot and forefoot.
      While a large variance in plantar pressure data is still not accounted for by the
      present models, this study provides statistical corroboration of the close
      relationship between joint mobility and plantar pressure during stance in the
      normal healthy foot.

PMID- 27660175
TI  - The inflammasome in liver disease.

PMID- 27660174
TI  - Phylogenetic analysis of a transfusion-transmitted hepatitis A outbreak.
AB  - A transfusion-associated hepatitis A outbreak was found in the first time in
      Hungary. The outbreak involved five cases. Parenteral transmission of hepatitis A
      is rare, but may occur during viraemia. Direct sequencing of nested PCR products
      was performed, and all the examined samples were identical in the VP1/2A region
      of the hepatitis A virus genome. HAV sequences found in recent years were
      compared and phylogenetic analysis showed that the strain which caused these
      cases is the same as that had spread in Hungary recently causing several
      hepatitis A outbreaks throughout the country.

PMID- 27660176
TI  - Guillain-Barre Syndrome.

PMID- 27660168
TI  - National Institutes of Health Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Late Effects
      Initiative: The Patient-Centered Outcomes Working Group Report.
AB  - In 2015, the National Institutes of Health convened six working groups to address
      the research needs and best practices for late effects of hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation survivors. The Patient-Centered Outcomes Working Group, charged
      with summarizing the HRQOL evidence base, used a scoping review approach to
      efficiently survey the large body of literature in adult and pediatric HCT
      survivors over 1 year after transplantation. The goals of this paper are to (1)
      summarize the current literature describing patient-centered outcomes in
      survivors, including the various dimensions of health-related quality of life
      affected by HCT, and describe interventions tested to improve these outcomes; (2)
      highlight areas with sufficient evidence allowing for integration into standard
      practice; (3) address methodological issues that restrict progress in this field;
      (4) identify major gaps to guide future research; and (5) specify priority
      research recommendations. Patient-centered outcomes were summarized within
      physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains, as well as for
      adherence to treatment, and health behaviors. Interventions to improve outcomes
      were evaluated for evidence of efficacy, although few interventions have been
      tested in long-term HCT survivors. Methodologic issues defined included lack of
      consistency in the selection of patient-centered outcome measures, along with the
      absence of a standard for timing, frequency, and mode of administration.
      Recommendations for HCT survivorship care included integration of annual
      screening of patient-centered outcomes, use of evidence-based practice
      guidelines, and provision of treatment summaries and survivorship care plans
      after HCT. Three priority research recommendations included the following: (1)
      design and test risk-targeted interventions with dose-intensity modulation
      matching the needs of HCT survivors with priority domains, including sexual
      dysfunction, fatigue, sleep disruption, nonadherence to medications and
      recommended health care, health behaviors including physical inactivity and
      healthy eating, and psychological dysfunction, with particular consideration of
      novel technologies to reach HCT survivors distant from their transplantation
      centers; (2) design a consensus-based methodologic framework for outcomes
      evaluation; and (3) evaluate and compare existing practices for integrating
      patient-centered outcome screening and interventions across HCT survivorship
      programs.

PMID- 27660177
TI  - Subarachnoid Hemorrhage and Spinal Subdural Hematoma Due to Acute CSF
      Hypotension.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intracranial subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and spinal subdural
      hematoma (SDH) are rare complications of spine surgery, thought to be
      precipitated by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) hypotension in the setting of an
      intraoperative durotomy or postoperative CSF leak. Considerable clinical
      variability has been reported, requiring a high level of clinical suspicion in
      patients with a new, unexplained neurologic deficit after spine surgery. METHODS:
      Case report. RESULTS: An 84-year-old man developed symptomatic spinal stenosis
      with bilateral lower extremity pseudoclaudication. He underwent L3-5 laminectomy
      at an outside institution, complicated by a small, incidental, unrepairable
      intraoperative durotomy. On postoperative day 2, he became confused; and head CT
      demonstrated intracranial SAH with blood products along the superior cerebellum
      and bilateral posterior Sylvian fissures. He was transferred to our neurosciences
      ICU for routine SAH care, with improvement in encephalopathy over several days of
      supportive care. On postoperative day 10, the patient developed new bilateral
      lower extremity weakness; MRI of the lumbar spine demonstrated worsening acute
      spinal SDH above the laminectomy defect, from L4-T12. He was taken to the OR for
      decompression, at which time a complex 1.5-cm lumbar durotomy was identified and
      repaired primarily. CONCLUSIONS: We report the first case of simultaneous
      intracranial SAH and spinal SDH attributable to postoperative CSF hypotension in
      the setting of a known intraoperative durotomy. Although rare, each of these
      entities has the potential to precipitate a poor neurologic outcome, which may be
      mitigated by early recognition and treatment.

PMID- 27660178
TI  - Development of a Comprehensive Assessment of Food Parenting Practices: The Home
      Self-Administered Tool for Environmental Assessment of Activity and Diet Family
      Food Practices Survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Parents' food parenting practices influence children's dietary intake
      and risk for obesity and chronic disease. Understanding the influence and
      interactions between parents' practices and children's behavior is limited by a
      lack of development and psychometric testing and/or limited scope of current
      measures. The Home Self-Administered Tool for Environmental Assessment of
      Activity and Diet (HomeSTEAD) was created to address this gap. OBJECTIVE: This
      article describes development and psychometric testing of the HomeSTEAD family
      food practices survey. PARTICIPANTS/DESIGN: Between August 2010 and May 2011, a
      convenience sample of 129 parents of children aged 3 to 12 years were recruited
      from central North Carolina and completed the self-administered HomeSTEAD survey
      on three occasions during a 12- to 18-day window. Demographic characteristics and
      child diet were assessed at Time 1. Child height and weight were measured during
      the in-home observations (following Time 1 survey). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS:
      Exploratory factor analysis with Time 1 data was used to identify potential
      scales. Scales with more than three items were examined for scale reduction.
      Following this, mean scores were calculated at each time point. Construct
      validity was assessed by examining Spearman rank correlations between mean scores
      (Time 1) and children's diet (fruits and vegetables, sugar-sweetened beverages,
      snacks, sweets) and body mass index (BMI) z scores. Repeated measures analysis of
      variance was used to examine differences in mean scores between time points, and
      single-measure intraclass correlations were calculated to examine test-retest
      reliability between time points. RESULTS: Exploratory factor analysis identified
      24 factors and retained 124 items; however, scale reduction narrowed items to 86.
      The final instrument captures five coercive control practices (16 items), seven
      autonomy support practices (24 items), and 12 structure practices (46 items). All
      scales demonstrated good internal reliability (alpha>.62), 18 factors
      demonstrated construct validity (significant association with child diet,
      P<0.05), and 22 demonstrated good reliability (intraclass correlation
      coefficient>0.61). CONCLUSIONS: The HomeSTEAD family food practices survey
      provides a brief, yet comprehensive and psychometrically sound assessment of food
      parenting practices.

PMID- 27660180
TI  - Medicinal herbs as a potential strategy to decrease methane production by rumen
      microbiota: a systematic evaluation with a focus on Perilla frutescens seed
      extract.
AB  - Mitigation of the methane (CH4) emission from ruminants is needed to decrease the
      environmental impact of ruminant animal production. Different plant materials and
      chemicals have been tested, but few are both effective and practical. Medicinal
      herbs contain biological compounds and antimicrobials that may be effective in
      lowering the CH4 production. However, few studies have systematically evaluated
      medicinal herbs for their effect on CH4 production or on the rumen microbiota. In
      this study, extracts from 100 medicinal herbs were assessed for their ability to
      decrease CH4 production by rumen microbiota in vitro. The extracts of 12 herbs
      effectively lowered the CH4 production, with the extract of Perilla frutescens
      seeds being the most effective. The major components of P. frutescens seed
      extract were identified, and the effects of the extract on the fermentation
      characteristics and populations of rumen methanogens, fungi, protozoa, and select
      bacteria were also assessed. The decreased CH4 production induced by the P.
      frutescens seed extract was accompanied by an increased abundance of
      Ruminobacter, Selenomonas, Succinivibrio, Shuttleworthis, Pseudobutyrivbrio,
      Anaerovibrio, and Roseomonas and a decreased abundance of Methanobrevibacter
      millerae. The abundance of Pedobacter, Anaeroplasma, Paludibacter, Ruminococcus,
      and unclassified Lachnospiraceae was positively correlated with the CH4
      production, with no effects on volatile fatty acids. This study suggests that
      medicinal herbs may be used to mitigate the CH4 emission from ruminants.

PMID- 27660179
TI  - Expression of prophage-encoded endolysins contributes to autolysis of Lactococcus
      lactis.
AB  - Analysis of autolysis of derivatives of Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris MG1363
      and subsp. lactis IL1403, both lacking the major autolysin AcmA, showed that L.
      lactis IL1403 still lysed during growth while L. lactis MG1363 did not.
      Zymographic analysis revealed that a peptidoglycan hydrolase activity of around
      30 kDa is present in cell extracts of L. lactis IL1403 that could not be detected
      in strain MG1363. A comparison of all genes encoding putative peptidoglycan
      hydrolases of IL1403 and MG1363 led to the assumption that one or more of the 99
      % homologous 27.9-kDa endolysins encoded by the prophages bIL285, bIL286 and
      bIL309 could account for the autolysis phenotype of IL1403. Induced expression of
      the endolysins from bIL285, bIL286 or bIL309 in L. lactis MG1363 resulted in
      detectable lysis or lytic activity. Prophage deletion and insertion derivatives
      of L. lactis IL1403 had a reduced cell lysis phenotype. RT-qPCR and zymogram
      analysis showed that each of these strains still expressed one or more of the
      three phage lysins. A homologous gene and an endolysin activity were also
      identified in the natural starter culture L. lactis subsp. cremoris strains E8,
      Wg2 and HP, and the lytic activity could be detected under growth conditions that
      were identical as those used for IL1403. The results presented here show that
      these endolysins of L. lactis are expressed during normal growth and contribute
      to autolysis without production of (lytic) phages. Screening for natural strains
      expressing homologous endolysins could help in the selection of strains with
      enhanced autolysis and, thus, cheese ripening properties.

PMID- 27660181
TI  - Identification and characterization of a common B-cell epitope on EIAV capsid
      proteins.
AB  - The equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) capsid protein (p26) is one of the
      major immunogenic proteins during EIAV infection and is widely used for the
      detection of EIAV antibodies in horses. However, few reports have described the
      use of EIAV-specific monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) in etiological and
      immunological detection. Previously, we developed an antigen capture enzyme
      linked immunosorbent assay (AC-ELISA) for the quantification of the EIAV p26
      protein level. However, the epitopes recognized by the MAbs were not identified,
      and the utilization of the MAbs needs to be evaluated. In this study, we
      characterized two monoclonal antibodies (9H8 and 1G11 MAbs) against EIAV p26. Two
      B-cell epitopes are located in amino acid residues, 73NLDKIAEE81 (HE) and
      199KNAMRHLRPEDTLEEKMYAC218 (GE) for the 9H8 and 1G11 MAbs, respectively. The 1G11
      epitope (GE) varied among viruses isolated worldwide but can be recognized by
      anti-EIAV sera from different regions, including China, the USA, and Argentina.
      Meanwhile, 1G11 MAb could react with the mutants of almost all the EIAV strains.
      Furthermore, we found that the histidine at position 204 (H204), leucine at
      position 205 (L205), and aspartic acid at position 209 (D209) of EIAV p26
      individually played pivotal roles in binding with the 1G11 MAb. Our results
      revealed that the GE peptide might be a common B-cell binding epitope of EIAV
      antibodies. This is also the first report to identify a broad-spectrum monoclonal
      antibody (1G11) against p26 of EIAV. These findings may provide a useful basis
      for the development of new diagnostic assays for EIAV.

PMID- 27660183
TI  - ?

PMID- 27660182
TI  - Selective anticancer activity of the novel thiobenzanilide 63T against human lung
      adenocarcinoma cells.
AB  - Previously, it has been reported that molecules built on the benzanilide and
      thiobenzanilide scaffold are the promising groups of compounds with several
      biological activities including antifungal, antimycotic, antibacterial,
      spasmolytic, and anticancer ones. In this study the mechanism of action of one
      selected thiobenzanilide derivative N,N'-(1,2-phenylene)bis3,4,5
      trifluorobenzothioamide (63T) with strongest cytotoxic activity has been
      investigated for the first time in human lung adenocarcinoma (A549) and normal
      lung derived fibroblast (CCD39Lu) in a cell culture model. The results
      demonstrated, that 63T can be considered a selective anticancer compound. Based
      on these results, several experiments including the analysis of cellular
      morphology, cell phase distribution, cytoplasmic histone-associated DNA
      fragmentation, apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy detection were performed to
      understand better the mechanism underlying the anticancer activity. The data
      showed that 63T is a small molecule compound, which selectively induces cancer
      cell death in a caspase independent pathway; moreover, the autophagic dose
      dependent processes may be involved in the mechanism of cell death.

PMID- 27660184
TI  - Reasoning about truth-telling in end-of-life care of patients with acute stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ethical problems are a universal phenomenon but rarely researched
      concerning patients dying from acute stroke. These patients often have a reduced
      consciousness from stroke onset and thereby lack ability to convey their needs
      and could be described as 'incompetent' decision makers regarding their own care.
      OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to deepen the understanding of stroke team
      members' reasoning about truth-telling in end-of-life care due to acute stroke.
      RESEARCH DESIGN: Qualitative study based on individual interviews utilizing
      combined deductive and inductive content analysis. Participants and research
      context: A total of 15 stroke team members working in stroke units of two
      associated county hospitals in western Sweden participated. Ethical
      considerations: The study was approved by the Regional Ethics Review Board,
      Gothenburg, Sweden. FINDINGS: The main findings were the team members' dynamic
      movement between the categories 'Truth above all' and 'Hide truth to protect'.
      Honesty was highly valued and considered as a reason for always telling the
      truth, with the argument of truth as common morality. However, the carers also
      argued for hiding the truth for different reasons such as not adding extra burden
      in the sorrow, awaiting a timely moment and not being a messenger of bad news.
      Withholding truth could both be seen as a way of protecting themselves from
      difficult conversations and to protect others. DISCUSSION: The results indicate
      that there are various barriers for truthfulness. Interpreted from a virtue of
      ethics perspective, withholding of truth might also be seen as an expression of
      sound judgement to put the patient's best interest first. CONCLUSION: The carers
      may need support in the form of supervision to be given space to reflect on their
      experience and thereby promote ethically justified care. Here, the multi
      professional team can be of great value and contribute through inter-professional
      sharing of knowledge.

PMID- 27660185
TI  - Moral distress in critical care nursing: The state of the science.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Moral distress is a complex phenomenon frequently experienced by
      critical care nurses. Ethical conflicts in this practice area are related to
      technological advancement, high intensity work environments, and end-of-life
      decisions. OBJECTIVES: An exploration of contemporary moral distress literature
      was undertaken to determine measurement, contributing factors, impact, and
      interventions. REVIEW METHODS: This state of the science review focused on moral
      distress research in critical care nursing from 2009 to 2015, and included 12
      qualitative, 24 quantitative, and 6 mixed methods studies. RESULTS: Synthesis of
      the scientific literature revealed inconsistencies in measurement, conflicting
      findings of moral distress and nurse demographics, problems with the professional
      practice environment, difficulties with communication during end-of-life
      decisions, compromised nursing care as a consequence of moral distress, and few
      effective interventions. CONCLUSION: Providing compassionate care is a
      professional nursing value and an inability to meet this goal due to moral
      distress may have devastating effects on care quality. Further study of patient
      and family outcomes related to nurse moral distress is recommended.

PMID- 27660186
TI  - Letter by Counago et al. regarding article "Impact of multiparametric magnetic
      resonance imaging on risk group assessment of patients with prostate cancer
      addressed to external beam radiation therapy".

PMID- 27660188
TI  - Transport of Organic Compounds Through Porous Systems Containing Humic Acids.
AB  - Soil pollution by the presence of different contaminants (e.g. heavy metal ions
      or pesticides) is one of the biggest problems worldwide. The positive affinity of
      natural humic acids towards these contaminants might contribute to the soil and
      ground water protection; therefore it is necessary to study the reactivity and
      barrier properties of humic acids. An original reactivity-mapping tool based on
      diffusion techniques designed to study the reactivity and barrier properties of
      polyelectrolytes was developed and tested on humic acids. The results of
      diffusion experiments demonstrate that the electrostatic interactions between
      humic acids functioning as a polyelectrolyte interpenetrated in a supporting
      hydrogel matrix (agarose) and cationic dye (methylene blue) as a model solute
      have a crucial impact on the rate of diffusion processes and on the barrier
      properties of hydrogels. The intensity of interactions was evaluated by
      fundamental diffusion parameters (effective diffusion coefficients and
      breakthrough time). The impact of modification of humic acids was also studied by
      means of diffusion experiments conducted on two types of standard humic acids
      (Leonardite 1S104H) and humic acids with selectively methylated carboxylic
      groups.

PMID- 27660187
TI  - Microstructural strength deterioration of aerobic granule sludge under organic
      loading swap.
AB  - This study revealed that the gross indicators commonly adopted for monitoring the
      performance of aerobic granular sludge processes are not capable of probing the
      microstructural deterioration of granule interior upon organic loading swaps.
      These granules subjected to loading swaps retained their global characteristics:
      appearances, sizes and settling velocities, chemical oxygen demand (COD) and
      ammonia-nitrogen removal capacities. However, the granule interior strength, as
      determined by ultrasound method, was largely weakened upon COD switch-off and was
      not recovered in the subsequent COD re-supply stage. In response to COD switch
      off, the 5.6kDa polysaccharides component of granule extracellular polymeric
      substances (EPS) was diminished. Correspondingly, two bacterial species, Thauera
      and Sphingomonas sp., were faded away together with the significant decline in
      contents of intracellular cyclic dimeric GMP (c-di-GMP). The microstructural
      integrity of granules was seriously deteriorated upon COD switch-off, which was
      not detectable by the commonly adopted gross indicators.

PMID- 27660189
TI  - Comparison of Three Analytical Methods for the Quantitation of Mercury in
      Environmental Samples from the Volta Lake, Ghana.
AB  - Three analytical methods using automatic mercury analyzer (AMA), direct mercury
      analyzer (DMA) and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) were
      applied to determine mercury in fish and sediment samples from the Volta Lake in
      Ghana with the aim of comparing their accuracy, precision, and limit of
      quantifications. There was statistically no significant difference (p < 0.05)
      between the concentrations recorded by the methods. This indicates their
      suitability for the accurate determination of mercury. Limit of quantification
      was found to be in the order; ICP-MS (0.053 ng/g) < DMA (0.527 ng/g) < AMA (2.193
      ng/g). Though each of the three methods has a suitable ability in determining
      accurately the concentrations of mercury in fish and sediment, for the
      determination of very low concentrations of mercury ICP-MS should be preferred
      considering the order of the detection limit which follows the trend ICP-MS
      (0.016 ng/g) < DMA (0.158 ng/g) < AMA (0.509 ng/g).

PMID- 27660190
TI  - Glycemic Control Indices and Their Aggregation in the Prediction of Nocturnal
      Hypoglycemia From Intermittent Blood Glucose Measurements.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the risk associated with nocturnal hypoglycemia (NH) there
      are only a few methods aiming at the prediction of such events based on
      intermittent blood glucose monitoring data. One of the first methods that
      potentially can be used for NH prediction is based on the low blood glucose index
      (LBGI) and suggested, for example, in Accu-Chek(r) Connect as a hypoglycemia risk
      indicator. On the other hand, nowadays there are other glucose control indices
      (GCI), which could be used for NH prediction in the same spirit as LBGI. In the
      present study we propose a general approach of combining NH predictors
      constructed from different GCI. METHODS: The approach is based on a recently
      developed strategy for aggregating ranking algorithms in machine learning. NH
      predictors have been calibrated and tested on data extracted from clinical
      trials, performed in EU FP7-funded project DIAdvisor. Then, to show a portability
      of the method we have tested it on another dataset that was received from EU
      Horizon 2020-funded project AMMODIT. RESULTS: We exemplify the proposed approach
      by aggregating NH predictors that have been constructed based on 4 GCI associated
      with hypoglycemia. Even though these predictors have been preliminary optimized
      to exhibit better performance on the considered dataset, our aggregation approach
      allows a further performance improvement. On the dataset, where a portability of
      the proposed approach has been demonstrated, the aggregating predictor has
      exhibited the following performance: sensitivity 77%, specificity 83.4%, positive
      predictive value 80.2%, negative predictive value 80.6%, which is higher than
      conventionally considered as acceptable. CONCLUSION: The proposed approach shows
      potential to be used in telemedicine systems for NH prediction.

PMID- 27660191
TI  - Bevacizumab in colorectal cancer: it should have worked.

PMID- 27660192
TI  - Adjuvant capecitabine plus bevacizumab versus capecitabine alone in patients with
      colorectal cancer (QUASAR 2): an open-label, randomised phase 3 trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Antiangiogenic agents have established efficacy in the treatment of
      metastatic colorectal cancer. We investigated whether bevacizumab could improve
      disease-free survival in the adjuvant setting after resection of the primary
      tumour. METHODS: For the open-label, randomised, controlled QUASAR 2 trial, which
      was done at 170 hospitals in seven countries, we recruited patients aged 18 years
      or older with WHO performance status scores of 0 or 1 who had undergone
      potentially curative surgery for histologically proven stage III or high-risk
      stage II colorectal cancer. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive
      eight 3-week cycles of oral capecitabine alone (1250 mg/m2 twice daily for 14
      days followed by a break for 7 days) or the same regimen of oral capecitabine
      plus 16 cycles of 7.5 mg/kg bevacizumab by intravenous infusion over 90 min on
      day 1 of each cycle. Randomisation was done by a computer-generated schedule with
      use of minimisation with a random element stratified by age, disease stage,
      tumour site, and country. The study was open label and no-one was masked to
      treatment assignment. The primary endpoint was 3-year disease-free survival,
      assessed in the intention-to-treat population. Toxic effects were assessed in
      patients who received at least one dose of randomised treatment. This trial is
      registered with the ISRCTN registry, number ISRCTN45133151. FINDINGS: Between
      April 25, 2005, and Oct 12, 2010, 1952 eligible patients were enrolled, of whom
      1941 had assessable data (968 in the capecitabine alone group and 973 in the
      capecitabine and bevacizumab group). Median follow-up was 4.92 years (IQR 4.00
      5.16). Disease-free survival at 3 years did not differ between the groups (75.4%,
      95% CI 72.5-78.0 in the capecitabine and bevacizumab group vs 78.4%, 75.7-80.9 in
      the capecitabine alone group; hazard ratio 1.06, 95% CI 0.89-1.25, p=0.54). The
      most common grade 3-4 adverse events were hand-foot syndrome (201 [21%] of 963 in
      the capecitabine alone group vs 257 [27%] of 959 in the capecitabine and
      bevacizumab group) and diarrhoea (102 [11%] vs 104 [11%]), and, with the addition
      of bevacizumab, expected increases were recorded in all-grade hypertension (320
      [33%] vs 75 [8%]), proteinuria (197 [21%] vs 49 [5%]), and wound healing problems
      (30 [3%] vs 17 [2%]). 571 serious adverse events were reported (221 with
      capecitabine alone and 350 with capecitabine and bevacizumab). Most of these were
      gastrointestinal (n=245) or cardiovascular (n=169). 23 deaths within 6 months of
      randomisation were classified as being related to treatment, eight in the
      capecitabine alone group and 15 in the capecitabine and bevacizumab group.
      INTERPRETATION: The addition of bevacizumab to capecitabine in the adjuvant
      setting for colorectal cancer yielded no benefit in the treatment of an
      unselected population and should not be used. FUNDING: Roche.

PMID- 27660193
TI  - Role of individual disulfide bridges in the conformation and activity of spinoxin
      (alpha-KTx6.13), a potassium channel toxin from Heterometrus spinifer scorpion
      venom.
AB  - Spinoxin (SPX; alpha-KTx6.13), isolated from venom of the scorpion Heterometrus
      spinifer, is a K+ channel-specific peptide toxin (KTx), which adopts a cysteine
      stabilized alpha/beta scaffold that is cross-linked by four disulfide bridges
      (Cys1-Cys5, Cys2-Cys6, Cys3-Cys7, and Cys4-Cys8). To investigate the role of the
      individual disulfide bonds in the structure-activity relationship of SPX, we
      synthesized four SPX analogs in which each pair of cysteine residues was replaced
      by alanine residues. The analysis of circular dichroism spectra and inhibitory
      activity against Kv1.3 channels showed that the SPX analogs lacking any of three
      specific disulfide bonds (Cys1-Cys5, Cys2-Cys6, and Cys3-Cys7) were unable to
      form the native secondary structure and completely lost inhibitory activities.
      Thus, we conclude that Cys1-Cys5, Cys2-Cys6, and Cys3-Cys7 are required for the
      inhibition of the Kv1.3 channel by SPX. In contrast, the analog lacking Cys4-Cys8
      retained both native secondary structure and inhibitory activity. Interestingly,
      one of the isomers of the analog lacking Cys1-Cys5 also showed inhibitory
      activities, although its inhibition was ~18-fold weaker than native SPX. This
      isomer had an atypical disulfide bond pairing (Cys3-Cys4 and Cys7-Cys8) that
      corresponds to that of maurotoxin (MTX), another alpha-KTx6 family member. These
      results indicate that the Cys1-Cys5 and Cys2-Cys6 bonds are important for
      restricting the toxin from forming an atypical (MTX-type) disulfide bond pairing
      among the remaining four cysteine residues (Cys3, Cys4, Cys7, and Cys8) in native
      SPX.

PMID- 27660194
TI  - Physical Exercise for Late-Life Depression: Effects on Heart Rate Variability.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Late-life major depression is associated with increased
      cardiovascular risk and impaired autonomic control of the heart, as evident from
      reduced heart rate variability (HRV). Moreover, antidepressant drug therapy also
      might be associated with further reductions of HRV. In the SEEDS study, we
      investigated whether sertraline associated with physical exercise protocols led
      to improvements of HRV, compared with antidepressant drug therapy alone. DESIGN:
      Single-blind randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Psychiatric consultation
      liaison program for primary care. PARTICIPANTS: Patients aged 65-85 years with
      major depression, recruited from primary care. INTERVENTIONS: Sertraline plus
      structured, tailored group physical exercise (S + EX) versus sertraline alone (S)
      for 24 weeks. MEASUREMENTS: HRV indices (RR, percentage of NN intervals greater
      than 50 msec [pNN50], square root of the mean squared differences of successive
      NN intervals [RMSSD], standard deviation of heart rate [SDHR], standard deviation
      of the NN interval [SDNN], high-frequency band [HF], low-frequency band [LF], and
      their ratio [LF/HF]) were measured at baseline, week 12, and week 24. Psychiatric
      and medical assessments. RESULTS: Participants displayed significant improvements
      of most HRV indices over time, irrespective of the group assignment (pNN50,
      RMSSD, SDHR, SDNN, HF, LF, and LF/HF). Moreover, patients in the S + EX group
      displayed greater increases of different HRV indices(RR, pNN50, RMSSD, SDHR,
      SDNN, HF, and LF) compared with those in the S group. CONCLUSIONS: The
      combination of structured physical exercise and sertraline might exert positive
      effects on the autonomic control of the heart among older patients with major
      depression.

PMID- 27660196
TI  - UK performs fifth in the world on sustainable development goals.

PMID- 27660195
TI  - Behavioral Interventions for Patients with Major Depression and Severe COPD.

PMID- 27660197
TI  - Presence and distribution of leptin and leptin receptor in the canine
      gallbladder.
AB  - The hormone leptin is produced by mature adipocytes and plays an important role
      in regulating food intake and energy metabolism through its interaction with the
      leptin receptor. In addition to roles in obesity and obesity-related diseases,
      leptin has been reported to affect the components and secretion of bile in leptin
      deficient mice. Furthermore, gallbladder diseases such as cholelithiasis are
      known to be associated with serum leptin concentrations in humans. We
      hypothesized that the canine gallbladder is a source of leptin and that the
      leptin receptor may be localized in the gallbladder, where it plays a role in
      regulating the function of this organ. The aim of this study was to demonstrate
      the presence and expression patterns of leptin and its receptors in normal canine
      gallbladders using reverse transcriptase-PCR (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry.
      Clinically normal gallbladder tissue samples were obtained from four healthy
      beagle dogs with similar body condition scores. RT-PCR and sequencing of the
      amplified PCR products revealed the presence of leptin mRNA and its receptors in
      the gallbladder. Immunohistochemical investigations demonstrated the expression
      of leptin and its receptors in the luminal single columnar and tubuloalveolar
      glandular epithelial cells. In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrated
      the presence of leptin and its receptors in the gallbladders of dogs. Leptin and
      its receptor were both localized throughout the cytoplasm of luminal and
      glandular epithelial cells. These results suggested that the gallbladder is not
      only a source of leptin, but also a target of leptin though autocrine/paracrine
      mechanisms. The results of this study could increase the understanding of both
      the normal physiological functions of the gallbladder and the pathophysiological
      mechanisms of gallbladder diseases characterized by leptin system dysfunction.

PMID- 27660198
TI  - PD-1/PD-L and autoimmunity: A growing relationship.
AB  - Programmed death 1 (PD-1) and its ligands, namely PD-L1 and PD-L2, are one of the
      key factors responsible for inhibitory T cell signaling, mediating the mechanisms
      of tolerance and providing immune homeostasis. Mounting evidence demonstrates
      that impaired PD-1:PD-L function plays an important role in a variety of
      autoimmune diseases such as Type 1 diabetes (T1D), encephalomyelitis,
      inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), autoimmune
      hepatitis (AIH), Behcet's disease (BD), myasthenia gravis (MG), autoimmune
      uveitis (AU), Sjogren's syndrome (SjS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE),
      systemic sclerosis (SSc), myocarditis, and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). By
      investigating the candidate genes, genome-wide association studies, and
      identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in PD-1 gene in humans,
      it has been shown that there is a higher risk in relevant genetic associations
      with developing autoimmune diseases in certain ethnic groups. In this review we
      have tried to present a comprehensive role of PD-1:PD-L in all recently studied
      autoimmune diseases.

PMID- 27660199
TI  - Diet quality as measured by the Diet Quality Index-International is associated
      with prospective changes in body fat among Canadian children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To quantify the association of dietary quality with prospective
      changes in adiposity. DESIGN: Children participating in the QUALITY (QUebec
      Adipose and Lifestyle InvesTigation in Youth) study underwent examination at
      baseline and at 2-year follow-up. Dietary quality was assessed by the Diet
      Quality Index-International (DQII) using three non-consecutive 24 h diet recalls
      at baseline. The DQII has four main categories: dietary adequacy, variety,
      moderation and overall balance. Fat mass index (FMI; [fat mass (kg)]/[height
      (m)]2), central FMI (CFMI; [trunk fat mass (kg)]/[height (m)]2), percentage body
      fat (%BF; [total fat mass (kg)]/[total mass (kg)]) and percentage central BF
      (%CBF; [trunk fat mass (kg)]/[total mass (kg)]) were assessed through dual-energy
      X-ray absorptiometry. SETTING: Children were selected from schools in the greater
      Montreal, Sherbrooke and Quebec City metropolitan areas between 2005 and 2008,
      Quebec, Canada. SUBJECTS: A total of 546 children aged 8-10 years, including 244
      girls and 302 boys. RESULTS: Regression analysis adjusting for age, sex, energy
      intake, physical activity and Tanner stage revealed that every 10-unit
      improvement in overall DQII score was associated with lower gain in CFMI (beta=
      0.08; 95 % CI -0.17, -0.003) and %BF (beta=-0.55; 95 % CI -1.08, -0.02). Each
      unit improvement in dietary adequacy score was associated with lower gain in FMI
      (beta=-0.05; 95 % CI -0.08, -0.008), CFMI (beta=-0.03; 95 % CI -0.05, -0.007),
      %BF (beta=-0.15; 95 % CI -0.28, -0.03) and %CBF (beta=-0.09; 95 % CI -0.15, 
      0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Promotion of dietary quality and adequacy may reduce weight
      gain in childhood and prevent chronic diseases later in life.

PMID- 27660201
TI  - Time-of-day-dependent adaptation of the HPA axis to predictable social defeat
      stress.
AB  - In modern societies, the risk of developing a whole array of affective and
      somatic disorders is associated with the prevalence of frequent psychosocial
      stress. Therefore, a better understanding of adaptive stress responses and their
      underlying molecular mechanisms is of high clinical interest. In response to an
      acute stressor, each organism can either show passive freezing or active fight-or
      flight behaviour, with activation of sympathetic nervous system and the
      hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis providing the necessary energy for the
      latter by releasing catecholamines and glucocorticoids (GC). Recent data suggest
      that stress responses are also regulated by the endogenous circadian clock. In
      consequence, the timing of stress may critically affect adaptive responses to
      and/or pathological effects of repetitive stressor exposure. In this article, we
      characterize the impact of predictable social defeat stress during daytime versus
      nighttime on bodyweight development and HPA axis activity in mice. While 19 days
      of social daytime stress led to a transient reduction in bodyweight without
      altering HPA axis activity at the predicted time of stressor exposure, more
      detrimental effects were seen in anticipation of nighttime stress. Repeated
      nighttime stressor exposure led to alterations in food metabolization and reduced
      HPA axis activity with lower circulating adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and
      GC concentrations at the time of predicted stressor exposure. Our data reveal a
      circadian gating of stress adaptation to predictable social defeat stress at the
      level of the HPA axis with impact on metabolic homeostasis underpinning the
      importance of timing for the body's adaptability to repetitive stress.

PMID- 27660202
TI  - Contact rates of wild-living and domestic dog populations in Australia: a new
      approach.
AB  - Dogs (Canis familiaris) can transmit pathogens to other domestic animals, humans
      and wildlife. Both domestic and wild-living dogs are ubiquitous within mainland
      Australian landscapes, but their interactions are mostly unquantified.
      Consequently, the probability of pathogen transfer among wild-living and domestic
      dogs is unknown. To address this knowledge deficit, we established 65 camera trap
      stations, deployed for 26,151 camera trap nights, to quantify domestic and wild
      living dog activity during 2 years across eight sites in north-east New South
      Wales, Australia. Wild-living dogs were detected on camera traps at all sites,
      and domestic dogs recorded at all but one. No contacts between domestic and wild
      living dogs were recorded, and limited temporal overlap in activity was observed
      (32 %); domestic dogs were predominantly active during the day and wild-living
      dogs mainly during the night. Contact rates between wild-living and between
      domestic dogs, respectively, varied between sites and over time (range 0.003-0.56
      contacts per camera trap night). Contact among wild-living dogs occurred mainly
      within social groupings, and peaked when young were present. However, pup
      emergence occurred throughout the year within and between sites and consequently,
      no overall annual cycle in contact rates could be established. Due to infrequent
      interactions between domestic and wild-living dogs, there are likely limited
      opportunities for pathogen transmission that require direct contact. In contrast,
      extensive spatial overlap of wild and domestic dogs could facilitate the spread
      of pathogens that do not require direct contact, some of which may be important
      zoonoses.

PMID- 27660200
TI  - An in vitro model of murine middle ear epithelium.
AB  - Otitis media (OM), or middle ear inflammation, is the most common paediatric
      disease and leads to significant morbidity. Although understanding of underlying
      disease mechanisms is hampered by complex pathophysiology it is clear that
      epithelial abnormalities underpin the disease. There is currently a lack of a
      well-characterised in vitro model of the middle ear (ME) epithelium that
      replicates the complex cellular composition of the middle ear. Here, we report
      the development of a novel in vitro model of mouse middle ear epithelial cells
      (mMECs) at an air-liquid interface (ALI) that recapitulates the characteristics
      of the native murine ME epithelium. We demonstrate that mMECs undergo
      differentiation into the varied cell populations seen within the native middle
      ear. Proteomic analysis confirmed that the cultures secrete a multitude of innate
      defence proteins from their apical surface. We showed that the mMECs supported
      the growth of the otopathogen, nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi),
      suggesting that the model can be successfully utilised to study host-pathogen
      interactions in the middle ear. Overall, our mMEC culture system can help to
      better understand the cell biology of the middle ear and improve our
      understanding of the pathophysiology of OM. The model also has the potential to
      serve as a platform for validation of treatments designed to reverse aspects of
      epithelial remodelling that underpin OM development.

PMID- 27660203
TI  - Delayed threshold response of a rodent population to human-induced landscape
      change.
AB  - Theory predicts that due to their resilience, ecosystems and populations are
      expected to respond to environmental changes not gradually, but in a nonlinear
      way with sudden abrupt shifts. However, it is not easy to observe and predict the
      state-and-transition dynamics in the real world because of time lags between
      exogenous perturbations and species response. Based on yearly surveys, during 21
      years (1994-2014), we have studied population dynamics of a desert rodent (the
      midday gerbil, Meriones meridianus) in the rangelands of southern Russia under
      landscape change from desert to steppe caused by the drastic reduction of
      livestock after the collapse of the USSR in the early 1990s. The population of M.
      meridianus has remained robust to landscape change from desert to steppe for over
      10 years, but then has suddenly dropped down and has not recovered since. The
      step transition from the high- to low-abundance density-regulated equilibrium was
      accompanied by an abrupt increase in the spatio-temporal population variability,
      which may indicate the loss of population resilience. We explain inertia in
      species response to landscape change and an abrupt regime shift in population
      dynamics by species-specific ecology and life-history combined with habitat
      fragmentation that had reached a certain critical threshold level by the early
      2000s. This is a rare well-documented demonstration of a delayed threshold
      response of a wild unexploited mammal population to human-induced environmental
      change, which may shed light on the mechanisms of population resilience and
      underlying causes of threshold population dynamics in a changing world.

PMID- 27660205
TI  - The Lack of Mutagenic Potential of a Guanine-Rich Triplex Forming Oligonucleotide
      in Physiological Conditions.
AB  - Triplex forming oligonucleotides (TFOs) bind in the major groove of DNA duplex in
      a sequence-specific manner imparted by Hoogsteen hydrogen bonds. There have been
      several reports demonstrating the ability of guanine-rich TFOs to induce targeted
      mutagenesis on an exogenous plasmid or an endogenous chromosomal locus. In
      particular, a 30mer guanine-rich triplex forming oligonucleotide, AG30, optimally
      designed to target the supFG1 reporter gene was reported to be mutagenic in the
      absence of DNA reactive agents in cultured cells and in vivo Here, we
      investigated the mutagenic potential of AG30 using the supFG1 shuttle vector
      forward mutation assay under physiological conditions. We also assessed the
      triplex binding potential of AG30 alongside cytotoxic and mutagenic assessment.
      In a cell free condition, AG30 was able to bind its polypurine target site in the
      supFG1 gene in the absence of potassium chloride and also aligned with a 5-fold
      increase in the mutant frequency when AG30 was pre-incubated with the supFG1
      plasmid in the absence of potassium prior to transfection into COS-7 cells.
      However, when we analyzed triplex formation of AG30 and the supFG1 target duplex
      at physiological potassium levels, triplex formation was inhibited due to the
      formation of competing secondary structures. Subsequent assessment of mutant
      frequency under physiological conditions, by pre-transfecting COS-7 cells with
      the supFG1 plasmid prior to AG30 treatment led to a very small increase (1.4
      fold) in the mutant frequency. Transfection of cells with even higher
      concentrations of AG30 did result in an elevated mutagenic response but this was
      also seen with a scrambled sequence, and was therefore considered unlikely to be
      biologically relevant as an associated increase in cytotoxicity was also
      apparent. Our findings also provide further assurance on the low potential of
      triplex-mediated mutation as a consequence of unintentional genomic DNA binding
      by therapeutic antisense oligonucleotides.

PMID- 27660204
TI  - MC1568 Inhibits Thimerosal-Induced Apoptotic Cell Death by Preventing HDAC4 Up
      Regulation in Neuronal Cells and in Rat Prefrontal Cortex.
AB  - Ethylmercury thiosalicylate (thimerosal) is an organic mercury-based compound
      commonly used as an antimicrobial preservative that has been found to be
      neurotoxic. In contrast, histone deacetylases (HDACs) inhibition has been found
      to be neuroprotective against several environmental contaminants, such as
      polychlorinated biphenyls, di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate, and methylmercury. The aim
      of this study was to investigate the effect of HDAC inhibition on thimerosal
      induced neurotoxicity in neuroblastoma cells and cortical neurons. Interestingly,
      we found that thimerosal, at 0.5 MUM in SH-SY5Y cells and at 1 MUM in neurons,
      caused cell death by activation of apoptosis, which was prevented by the HDAC
      class IIA inhibitor MC1568 but not the class I inhibitor MS275. Furthermore,
      thimerosal specifically increased HDAC4 protein expression but not that of HDACs
      5, 6, 7, and 9. Western blot analysis revealed that MC1568 prevented thimerosal
      induced HDAC4 increase. In addition, both HDAC4 knocking-down and MC1568
      inhibited thimerosal-induced cell death in SH-SY5Y cells and cortical neurons.
      Importantly, intramuscular injection of 12 MUg/kg thimerosal on postnatal days 7,
      9, 11, and 15 increased HDAC4 levels in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), which
      decreased histone H4 acetylation in infant male rats, in parallel increased motor
      activity changes. In addition, coadministration of 40 mg/kg MC1568
      (intraperitoneal injection) moderated the HDAC4 increase which reduced histone H4
      deacetylation and caspase-3 cleavage in the PFC. Finally, open-field testing
      showed that thimerosal-induced motor activity changes are reduced by MC1568.
      These findings indicate that HDAC4 regulates thimerosal-induced cell death in
      neurons and that treatment with MC1568 prevents thimerosal-induced activation of
      caspase-3 in the rat PFC.

PMID- 27660206
TI  - Intrahepatic biliary duct branching patterns, cystic duct anomalies, and pancreas
      divisum in a tertiary referral center: A magnetic resonance
      cholangiopancreaticographic study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Knowledge about anatomic variations in intrahepatic biliary ducts
      (IHBD) is relevant for performing biliary drainage and for avoiding bile duct
      injury during cholecystectomy and liver resections. Low insertion of cystic duct
      (LICD) is a common anatomic variant. Pancreas divisum is the commonest congenital
      anomaly of pancreas; it has been causally linked with recurrent acute
      pancreatitis (RAP). METHODS: Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreaticography (MRCP)
      images of 500 consecutive patients were reviewed for anatomic variants of IHBD,
      cystic duct, and pancreatic duct. RESULTS: Anatomy of IHBD could be evaluated in
      458 MRCP's, of these 301 (65.72 %) had 'typical' anatomy. The variant in 157
      persons included 'triple confluence' in 56 (12.23 %), 'right posterior segmental
      duct (RPSD) draining to left hepatic duct (LHD)' in 64 (14 %), 'RPSD to common
      hepatic duct (CHD)' in 20 (4.4 %), 'RPSD to cystic duct' in 2 (0.4 %), 'accessory
      duct to CHD' in 3 (0.7 %), 'accessory duct to right hepatic duct (RHD)' in 1 (0.2
      %), 'segment 2 and 3 separately to CHD' in 1 (0.2 %), and complex variants in 10
      (2.2 %). Cystic duct could be evaluated in 338 patients; of these, 15 (4.4 %) had
      LICD. Patients with RAP had pancreas divisum more often than those without any
      pancreatic disease, (-/-,10 % and -/-, 0.8 %; p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Nearly one
      third of MRCPs showed atypical IHBD pattern with RPSD draining to LHD being the
      commonest. LICD was the most common cystic duct variant. Pancreas divisum was
      more frequent in patients with RAP than in persons without pancreatic disease.

PMID- 27660207
TI  - Fatty Acid de Novo Synthesis in Adult Intrauterine Growth-Restricted Offspring,
      and Adult Male Response to a High Fat Diet.
AB  - Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) with rapid catch-up growth leads to adult
      obesity and insulin resistance. We have previously shown that IUGR male rats
      demonstrated increased de novo fatty acid synthesis in the subcutaneous (SC) fat,
      but not the visceral fat, during the nursing period prior to the onset of
      obesity. Young IUGR females do not exhibit the same increase. We further
      hypothesized that in male IUGR offspring, de novo synthesis is a programmed
      intrinsic effect that persists to adulthood and does not suppress in response to
      a high fat diet. We measured fatty acid de novo synthesis in IUGR adult males (6
      months) using deuterium-enriched drinking water as a stable isotope tracer, then
      further studied the response after consumption of an isocaloric high fat diet.
      Baseline de novo synthesis in adult females was also studied at age 9 months.
      Males demonstrated increased baseline de novo synthesis in both SC fat and
      visceral fat. Correspondingly, SC and visceral fat protein expression of
      lipogenic enzymes acetyl-coA carboxylase-alpha (ACCalpha) and fatty acid synthase
      were upregulated. After the isocaloric high fat diet, de novo synthesis was
      suppressed such that no differences remained between the two groups, although,
      IUGR SC fat demonstrated persistently increased lipogenic protein expression. In
      contrast, de novo synthesis among adult females is not impacted in IUGR. In
      conclusion, enhancement of male IUGR SC fat de novo synthesis appears to be an
      early consequence of metabolic programming, whereas enhancement in visceral fat
      appears to be a later consequence.

PMID- 27660209
TI  - Efficacy and Safety of Pregabalin for the Treatment of Neuropathic Pain in
      Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Pregabalin is a gamma aminobutyric acid derivative administered for
      neuropathic pain. It binds to alpha2delta subunits of voltage-dependent calcium
      channels, and inhibits calcium inflow of synapses and the release of excitatory
      neurotransmitters. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of pregabalin
      in patients with peripheral neuropathic pain undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.
      METHODS: This study was a prospective, open-label, single-arm, multi-center
      trial. Patients were treated with an initial dose of pregabalin at 25 mg; this
      was then increased up to a maximum of 150 mg depending on the patient during a 12
      week study period. Visual Analog Scale, Eight-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF
      8), and laboratory data were collected at baseline and the end of the study.
      RESULTS: A total of 45 patients with peripheral neuropathic pain were included,
      of whom 35 patients were analyzed. The final mean dose of pregabalin was 50.7 mg
      daily. Mean Visual Analog Scale scores significantly decreased from 52.4 mm at
      baseline to 34.1 mm at the end of the study (p < 0.0001). Scores for all eight
      categories of the SF-8 significantly increased compared with baseline (p < 0.05).
      Both physical and mental component summary scores of the SF-8 also significantly
      increased (p < 0.05). Ten patients were withdrawn from the study because of
      drowsiness, dizziness, and invalidity; however, no serious adverse drug reactions
      were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: If adverse effects are carefully monitored and the
      administered dosage prudently determined, pregabalin can be an effective
      treatment for peripheral neuropathic pain in patients undergoing hemodialysis.
      TRIAL REGISTRATION: UMIN000023117.

PMID- 27660208
TI  - Expression and localization of forkhead box protein FOXJ1 in S100beta-positive
      multiciliated cells of the rat pituitary.
AB  - S100beta-positive cells exist in the marginal cell layer (MCL) of the
      adenohypophysis and follicle structure in the parenchyma of anterior lobe (ALFS)
      in pituitary. They have multiple functions as phagocytes or cells that regulate
      hormone secretion. Majority of S100beta-positive cells in the adenohypophysis
      express sex determining region Y-box 2 protein (SOX2), a stem cell marker;
      therefore, S100beta/SOX2 double positive cells are also considered as one type of
      stem/progenitor cells. MCL and ALFS are consisting of morphologically two types
      of cells, i.e., multiciliated cells and non-ciliated cells. However, the
      relationship between the S100beta-positive cells and multiciliated cells in the
      pituitary is largely unknown. In the present study, we first
      immunohistochemically verified the feature of multiciliated cells in MCL and
      ALFS. We then examined the expression patterns of FOXJ1, an essential expression
      factor for multiciliated cell-differentiation, and SOX2 in the S100beta-positive
      multiciliated cells by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. We
      identified anew the S100beta/SOX2/FOXJ1 triple positive multiciliated cells, and
      revealed that they were dispersed throughout the MCL and ALFS. These results
      indicate that the MCL and ALFS are consisting of morphologically and functionally
      distinct two types of cells, i.e., S100beta/SOX2 double positive non-ciliated
      cells and S100beta/SOX2/FOXJ1 triple positive multiciliated cells.

PMID- 27660210
TI  - Synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy combined with two-dimensional correlation
      and principle component analysis to characterize dissolved organic matter in an
      urban river.
AB  - Synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy (SFS) combined with two-dimensional
      correlation and principle component analysis (PCA) can provide an excellent
      challenge to capture fluorescent components of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and
      reveal its spatial variations in an urban river. Water samples were collected
      from Baitapuhe River along human impact gradient, i.e., the rural, town, and
      urban regions. DOM in Baitapuhe River was composed of protein-like, microbial
      humic-like, fulvic-like, and humic-like fluorescent components. The protein-like
      was the dominant component, which consisted of tyrosine-like and tryptophan-like
      components. In the rural region, the variation of the microbial humic-like was
      higher than that of the protein-like according to the band changing order of 335 
      > 281 nm, and both components changed in the same direction. In the town region,
      the variation of the microbial humic-like was the highest followed by the protein
      like and fulvic-like on the basis of the changing band order of 335 -> 281 -> 369
      nm, and these components varied in the same trend too. In the urban region, the
      variation of the protein-like was the highest, followed by the microbial humic
      like, fulvic-like, and humic-like based on the changing band order of 282 -> 335 
      > 369 -> 470 nm, and the protein-like variation was opposite to the other
      components. The SFS combined with PCA and two-dimensional correlation can be used
      as a powerful tool in investigating fluorescent components of DOM and revealing
      spatial variations of these fluorescent components.

PMID- 27660211
TI  - Spatio-temporal variability of dissolved organic nitrogen (DON), carbon (DOC),
      and nutrients in the Nile River, Egypt.
AB  - Increases in human activity have resulted in enhanced anthropogenic inputs of
      nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) into the Nile River. The Damietta Branch of the Nile
      is subject to inputs from industrial, agricultural, and domestic wastewater. This
      study investigated the distribution and seasonality of dissolved organic nitrogen
      (DON), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and nutrients in the Nile Damietta Branch.
      Water samples were collected from 24 sites between May 2009 and February 2010.
      Dissolved organic nitrogen concentrations averaged 251 +/- 115 MUg/l, with a
      range of 90.2-671 MUg/l, and contributed 40.8 +/- 17.7 % to the total dissolved
      nitrogen (TDN) pool. Relative to autumn and winter, DON was a larger fraction of
      the TDN pool during spring and summer indicating the influence of
      bacterioplankton on the nitrogen cycle. Concentrations of DOC ranged from 2.23 to
      11.3 mg/l with an average of 5.15 +/- 2.36 mg/l, reflecting a high organic matter
      load from anthropogenic sources within the study area, and were highest during
      autumn. Higher values of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand
      (COD), DON, nitrate, and phosphate occurred downstream of the Damietta Branch and
      were probably due to anthropogenic inputs to the Nile from the Damietta district.
      A bacterial incubation experiment indicated that 52.1-95.0 % of DON was utilized
      by bacteria within 21 days. The decrease in DON concentration was accompanied by
      an increase in nitrate concentration of 54.8-87.3 %, presumably through DON
      mineralization. Based on these results, we recommend that water quality
      assessments consider DON and DOC, as their omission may result in an
      underestimation of the total organic matter load and impact.

PMID- 27660212
TI  - Heterogeneous areas-identification of outliers and calculation of soil sampling
      uncertainty using the modified RANOVA method.
AB  - We modified the robust analysis of variance (RANOVA) method to calculate sampling
      uncertainty of selected trace elements determined in soil samples from two
      heterogeneous remote historic metal ore mining areas. Classical RANOVA is down
      weighting the outlying values by replacing them during the calculation process
      with mean +/- c.sigma r . Because the arithmetic mean is greatly influenced by
      outliers, it cannot represent a robust statistic. The main novel contribution of
      this work is use of median value that is independent on outliers and replace all
      extreme values during the calculation process with median +/- 2.sigma r . In our
      work, 18 duplicate, composite soil samples were collected, digested with aqua
      regia in a closed microwave system, and analyzed twice for selected trace
      elements. To extract homogenous groups within sampling areas and make the results
      more accessible for interpretation, a cluster analysis was done. Subsequently,
      histograms of each element were prepared and statistical tests were applied to
      determine the normal distribution of datasets. For abnormally distributed
      elements, the outlying values were identified by four different methods: boxplot,
      mean +/- c.sigma r , mean +/- c.sigma, and median +/- 2.sigma r . For five
      elements, the amount of outliers identified by the median +/- 2.sigma r procedure
      was less than 10 %, and for these elements, the sampling uncertainty was computed
      using a modified RANOVA method. The sampling uncertainty computed with this
      method was 28.9 % for Cd, 15.2 % for Co, 14.5 % for Mn, 12.7 % for Ni, and 16.3 %
      for Zn, whereas that computed with a traditional model was 16.7 % for Cd, 9.2 %
      for Co, 20.5 % for Mn, 17.9 % for Ni, and 16.3 % for Zn.

PMID- 27660213
TI  - Viral Diversity, Prey Preference, and Bartonella Prevalence in Desmodus rotundus
      in Guatemala.
AB  - Certain bat species serve as natural reservoirs for pathogens in several key
      viral families including henipa-, lyssa-, corona-, and filoviruses, which may
      pose serious threats to human health. The Common Vampire Bat (Desmodus rotundus),
      due to its abundance, sanguivorous feeding habit involving humans and domestic
      animals, and highly social behavioral ecology, may have an unusually high
      potential for interspecies disease transmission. Previous studies have
      investigated rabies dynamics in D. rotundus, yet the diversity of other viruses,
      bacteria, and other microbes that these bats may carry remains largely unknown.
      We screened 396 blood, urine, saliva, and fecal samples from D. rotundus captured
      in Guatemala for 13 viral families and genera. Positive results were found for
      rhabdovirus, adenovirus, and herpesvirus assays. We also screened these samples
      for Bartonella spp. and found that 38% of individuals tested positive. To
      characterize potential for interspecies transmission associated with feeding
      behavior, we also analyzed cytochrome B sequences from fecal samples to identify
      prey species and found that domestic cattle (Bos taurus) made up the majority of
      blood meals. Our findings suggest that the risk of pathogen spillover from
      Desmodus rotundus, including between domestic animal species, is possible and
      warrants further investigation to characterize this microbial diversity and
      expand our understanding of foraging ecology in their populations.

PMID- 27660214
TI  - Aspergillus fumigatus DBM 4057 biofilm formation is inhibited by chitosan, in
      contrast to baicalein and rhamnolipid.
AB  - The biofilms of filamentous-forming fungi are a novel and still insufficiently
      understood research topic. We have studied Aspergillus fumigatus, an ubiquitous
      opportunistic pathogenic fungus, as a representative model for a study of biofilm
      formation by filamentous fungi and for assessing the potential anti-biofilm
      activity of natural substances. The activity of antibiotic amphotericin B and
      selected natural substances: baicalein, chitosan and rhamnolipid was studied. The
      minimum suspension inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined and the
      biofilm susceptibility was investigated by determining the metabolic activity of
      sessile cells (XTT assay) and total biofilm biomass (crystal violet staining).
      Significant time-dependent differences in substances' anti-biofilm activity were
      observed. Images of A. fumigatus biofilm were obtained by Cellavista automatic
      light microscope and spinning disc confocal microscopy. Baicalein and rhamnolipid
      were not found as suitable substances for inhibition of the A. fumigatus biofilm
      formation, as neither of the substances inhibited the sessile cells metabolic
      activity or the total biofilm biomass even at tenfold MIC after 48 h. In
      contrast, chitosan at 10 * MIC (25 ug mL-1), suppressed the biofilm metabolic
      activity by 90 % and the total biofilm biomass by 80 % even after 72 h of
      cultivation. Amphotericin B inhibited only 14 % of total biofilm biomass (crystal
      violet staining) and 35 % of metabolic activity (XTT assay) of adherent cells
      under the same conditions. Our results therefore suggest chitosan as potential
      alternative for treating A. fumigatus biofilm-associated infections.

PMID- 27660216
TI  - Delivery of Fluorescent Nanoparticles to the Brain.
AB  - Nanotechnology applications in neuroscience promises to deliver significant
      scientific and technological breakthroughs, providing answers to unresolved
      questions regarding the processes occurring in the brain. In this perspective, we
      provide a short background on two distinct fluorescent nanoparticles and
      summarize several studies focussed on achieving delivery of these into the brain
      and their interaction with brain tissue. Furthermore, we discuss challenges and
      opportunities for further development of nanoparticle-based therapies for
      targeting delivery of drugs across the blood-brain barrier.

PMID- 27660215
TI  - Multitasking Microglia and Alzheimer's Disease: Diversity, Tools and Therapeutic
      Targets.
AB  - Given the importance of microglia to inflammatory, phagocytic and synaptic
      modulatory processes, their function is vital in physiological and pathological
      brain. The impairment of microglia in Alzheimer's disease has been demonstrated
      on genetic, epigenetic, transcriptional and functional levels using unbiased
      systems level approaches. Recent studies have highlighted the immense phenotypic
      diversity of microglia, including the ability to adopt distinct and dynamic
      phenotypes in ageing and disease. We review the origins and functions of healthy
      microglia and the established and emerging models and techniques available for
      their study. Furthermore, we highlight recent advances on the role, heterogeneity
      and dysfunction of microglia in Alzheimer's disease and discuss the potential for
      therapeutic interventions targeting microglia. Microglia-selective molecular
      fingerprints will guide detailed functional analysis of microglial subsets and
      may aid in the development of therapies specifically targeting microglia.

PMID- 27660218
TI  - Circulating MicroRNAs as Novel Diagnostic Biomarkers for Very Early-onset (<=40
      years) Coronary Artery Disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Very early-onset coronary artery disease (CAD) is a great challenge in
      cardiovascular medicine throughout the world, especially regarding its early
      diagnosis. This study explored whether circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) could be
      used as potential biomarkers for patients with very early-onset CAD. METHODS: We
      performed an initial screening of miRNA expression using RNA isolated from 20
      patients with angiographically documented very early-onset CAD and 20 age- and
      sex-matched normal controls. For further confirmation, we prospectively examined
      the miRNAs selected from 40 patients with very early-onset CAD and 40 angiography
      normal controls. RESULTS: A total of 22 overexpressed miRNAs and 22
      underexpressed miRNAs were detected in the initial screening. RT-qPCR analysis of
      the miRNAs obtained from the initial screening revealed that four miRNAs
      including miR-196-5p, miR-3163-3p, miR-145-3p, and miR-190a-5p exhibited
      significantly decreased expression in patients compared with that in controls
      (P<0.05). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for these
      miRNAs were 0.824 (95% CI, 0.731-0.917; P<0.001), 0.758 (95% CI, 0.651-0.864;
      P<0.001), 0.753 (95% CI, 0.643-0.863; P<0.001), and 0.782 (95% CI, 0.680-0.884;
      P<0.001), respectively, in the validation set. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this
      is an advanced study to report about four serum miRNAs (miR-196-5p, miR-3163-3p,
      miR-145-3p, and miR-190a-5p) that could be used as novel biomarkers for the
      diagnosis of very early-onset CAD.

PMID- 27660217
TI  - Cholinergic and Dopaminergic Alterations in Nigrostriatal Neurons Are Involved in
      Environmental Enrichment Motor Protection in a Mouse Model of Parkinson's
      Disease.
AB  - Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in
      the world, being characterized by dopaminergic neurodegeneration of substantia
      nigra pars compacta. PD pharmacotherapy has been based on dopamine replacement in
      the striatum with the dopaminergic precursor 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA)
      and/or with dopaminergic agonists, alongside anticholinergic drugs in order to
      mitigate the motor abnormalities. However, these practices neither prevent nor
      stop the progression of the disease. Environmental enrichment (EE) has
      effectively prevented several neurodegenerative processes, mainly in preclinical
      trials. Several studies have demonstrated that EE induces biological changes,
      bearing on cognitive enhancement, neuroprotection, and on the attenuation of the
      effects of stress, anxiety, and depression. Herein, we investigated whether EE
      could prevent the motor, biochemical, and molecular abnormalities in a murine
      model of PD induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-2,3-dihydropyridine (MPTP). Our results
      show that EE does not prevent the dopaminergic striatal depletion induced by
      MPTP, despite having averted the MPTP-induced hyperlocomotion. However, it was
      able to slow down and avoid, respectively, the 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid
      (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA) depletion. Analysis of dopaminergic mRNA
      alterations in the midbrain showed that D1R expression was increased by MPTP,
      while the normal expression level of this receptor was restored by EE. As for the
      cholinergic system, MPTP led to a decrease in the ChAT gene expression while
      increasing the expression of both AChE and M1R. EE attenuated and prevented
      respectively-ChAT and M1R gene expression alterations triggered by MPTP in the
      midbrain. Overall, our data brings new evidence supporting the neuroprotective
      potential of EE in PD, focusing on the interaction between dopaminergic and
      cholinergic systems.

PMID- 27660219
TI  - Alcohol Drinking, Dyslipidemia, and Diabetes: A Population-based Prospective
      Cohort Study among Inner Mongolians in China.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: No previous studies have evaluated the association between
      dyslipidemia, alcohol drinking, and diabetes in an Inner Mongolian population. We
      aimed to evaluate the co-effects of drinking and dyslipidemia on diabetes
      incidence in this population. METHODS: The present study was based on 1880
      participants from a population-based prospective cohort study among Inner
      Mongolians living in China. Participants were classified into four subgroups
      according to their drinking status and dyslipidemia. Multivariate logistic
      regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used
      to evaluate the association between alcohol drinking, dyslipidemia, and diabetes.
      RESULTS: During the follow-up period, 203 participants were found to have
      developed diabetes. The multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence
      interval) for the incidence of non-dyslipidemia/drinkers, dyslipidemia/non
      drinkers, and dyslipidemia/drinkers in diabetic patients were 1.40 (0.82-2.37),
      1.73 (1.17-2.55), and 2.31 (1.38-3.87), respectively, when compared with non
      dyslipidemia/non-drinkers. The area under the ROC curve for a model containing
      dyslipidemia and drinking status along with conventional factors (AUC=0.746) was
      significantly (P=0.003) larger than the one containing only conventional factors
      (AUC=0.711). CONCLUSION: The present study showed that dyslipidemia was an
      independent risk factor for diabetes, and that drinkers with dyslipidemia had the
      highest risk of diabetes in the Mongolian population. These findings suggest that
      dyslipidemia and drinking status may be valuable in predicting diabetes
      incidence.

PMID- 27660220
TI  - Biological Effects of Cloth Containing Specific Ore Powder in Patients with
      Pollen Allergy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The custom-homebuilding company, Cosmic Garden Co. Ltd., located in
      Okayama City, Japan was established in 1997 and uses specific natural ore powder
      (SNOP) in wall materials and surveys customers in order to improve allergic
      symptoms. METHODS: To investigate the biological effects of SNOP, patients with a
      pollen allergy were recruited to stay in a room surrounded by cloth containing
      SNOP (CCSNOP), and their symptoms and various biological parameters were compared
      with those of individuals staying in a room surrounded by control non-woven cloth
      (NWC). Each stay lasted 60 min. Before and immediately after the stay, a
      questionnaire regarding allergic symptoms, as well as POMS (Profile of Mood
      Status) and blood sampling, was performed. Post-stay minus pre-stay values were
      calculated and compared between CCSNOP and NWC groups. RESULTS: Results indicated
      that some symptoms, such as nasal obstruction and lacrimation, improved, and POMS
      evaluation showed that patients were calmer following a stay in CCSNOP. Relative
      eosinophils, non-specific Ig E, epidermal growth factor, monocyte chemotactic
      protein-1, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha increased following a stay in CCSNOP.
      CONCLUSION: This ore powder improved allergic symptoms, and long-term monitoring
      involving 1 to 2 months may be necessary to fully explore the biological and
      physical effects of SNOP on allergic patients.

PMID- 27660221
TI  - Structural Modulation of Gut Microbiota in Rats with Allergic Bronchial Asthma
      Treated with Recuperating Lung Decoction.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether recuperating lung decoction (RLD) can modulate
      the composition of gut microbiota in rats during asthma treatment. METHODS:
      Fifteen Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly and equally into control group,
      model group, dexamethasone (DEX) group, RLD medium-dose group, and RLD high-dose
      group. The asthma model was established in all groups, except for the control
      group. The rats in the DEX and RLD groups were treated orally with DEX and RLD,
      respectively. The rats in the control and model groups were treated orally with
      0.9% saline. The intestinal bacterial communities were compared among groups
      using 16S rRNA gene amplification and 454 pyrosequencing. RESULTS: The microbial
      flora differed between the control and model groups, but the flora in the RLD
      groups was similar to that in the control group. No significant differences were
      observed between the RLD high-dose and medium-dose groups. RLD treatment resulted
      in an increase in the level beneficial bacteria in the gut, such as Lactobacillus
      and Bifidobacterium spp. CONCLUSION: Oral administration of RLD increased the
      number of intestinal lactic acid-producing bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and
      Bifidobacterium, in asthma model rats.

PMID- 27660222
TI  - Expression of Peroxiredoxins and Pulmonary Surfactant Protein A Induced by Silica
      in Rat Lung Tissue.
AB  - Silicosis is one of the most serious occupational diseases in China and dates
      back to centuries ago. In this study, we successfully established a rat model of
      silicosis by intratracheal silica injection for 28 days and determined
      hydroxyproline levels to evaluate collagen metabolism in lung homogenates.
      Oxidative stress status was evaluated by detecting catalase and glutathione
      peroxidase activities. Expression levels of peroxiredoxins (Prx I and Prx VI)
      were detected by Western blotting. Pulmonary surfactant protein A (SP-A) levels
      in rat serum and lung tissue were analyzed by ELISA, and SP-A and Prx expression
      levels in lung tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry. The results suggest
      that Prx proteins may be involved in pulmonary fibrosis induced by silica.
      Downregulation of SP-A expression caused due to silica is an important factor in
      the occurrence and development of silicosis.

PMID- 27660223
TI  - 8-isoprostane as Oxidative Stress Marker in Coal Mine Workers.
AB  - This study was to investigate whether working in conditions of elevated
      concentrations of mine gases (CO2, CO, CH4, DMS) and dust may result in oxidative
      stress. Coal miners (n=94) from the Velenje Coal mine who were arranged into
      control group and three groups according to a number of consecutive working days.
      8-isoprostane as a biological marker of oxidative stress was measured in exhaled
      breath condensate (EBC). Miners who worked for three consecutive days had higher
      8-isoprostane values in EBC compared to the control group. Gas/dust
      concentrations and exposure time of a single/two day shift seem too low to
      trigger immediate oxidative stress.

PMID- 27660225
TI  - Evaluation of Xpert MTB/RIF for the Diagnosis of Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis in
      China.
AB  - We evaluate the performance of Xpert MTB/RIF for the diagnosis of extrapulmonary
      tuberculosis (EPTB) in China. The performance of Xpert was evaluated compared to
      the composite reference standard (CRS), drug susceptibility testing (DST), and
      imaging examination. The overall sensitivity and specificity of Xpert were 64.1%
      (195/304) and 100% (24/24), respectively, using CRS as the gold standard. The
      sensitivity was significantly higher than that of culture for pus (P<0.05). The
      proportion of EPTB-positive cases diagnosed by imaging was two times more than
      that diagnosed using Xpert; however, 6 out of 19 cases may have been
      overdiagnosed by imaging. Compared to phenotypic DST, the sensitivity and
      specificity of Xpert were 80% (12/15) and 100% (75/75), respectively. Considering
      its high sensitivity and specificity, Xpert MTB/RIF may be used as a rapid
      initial test for EPTB diagnosis, and may also support a quicker decision on the
      treatment regimen. The combination of imaging and Xpert testing could provide
      high efficiency and accurate diagnosis of suspected EPTB.

PMID- 27660224
TI  - Effect of Smo SiRNA-mediated Hedgehog Signaling Pathway Inhibition on Palatal
      Fusion.
AB  - We used Smo siRNA to inhibit hedgehog signaling pathway in embryonic day (E) 13
      palatal shelves in organ culture. SiRNA 4 was chosen as the most efficient from
      four synthesized Smo siRNAs. Palatal shelf fusion rate of 4 MUg/mL cyclopamine
      group was the lowest and significantly lower than that of blank control group
      (P<0.05), and that of siRNA 4 group was also lower than that of blank control
      group (P=0.183). At 48 h after transfection, Smo protein level of siRNA 4 group
      was 64.8% lower than that of blank control group (P<0.05), and Gli1 protein level
      of 4 MUg/mL cyclopamine group was 68.9% lower than that of blank control group
      (P<0.05). Hedgehog signaling pathway inhibition decreased palatal fusion in organ
      culture, probably owing to downregulation of Smo and Gli1 proteins.

PMID- 27660226
TI  - Distribution Characteristics of Spermophilus dauricus in Manchuria City in China
      in 2015 through '3S' Technology.
AB  - Plague is a virulent infectious disease in China. In this study, '3S' technology
      was used to perform spatial autocorrelation analysis and spatial interpolation
      analysis for Spermophilus dauricus (S. Dauricus, a species of ground squirrel)
      captured in Manchuria City in 2015. The results were visually inspected. During
      the two-month (May to July) plague surveillance in 2015, 198 S. dauricus
      individuals were captured in the study area in Manchuria City (48 monitoring
      areas) by using a day-by-day catching method. Spatial autocorrelation was
      conducted using the ArcGIS software, and the following significantly different
      results were obtained: Moran's I=0.228472, Z-score=2.889126, and P<0.05. Thus, a
      spatial aggregation was observed. In 2015, the distribution of S. dauricus
      diminished from west to east and from north to south of Manchuria. Geo Detector
      software was used to analyze the habitat factors affecting the spatial
      distribution of S. dauricus. This highly clustered species mainly exists in
      suburban communities, construction sites, and areas surrounding factories. In
      future studies, plague surveillances should be performed in areas around
      Manchuria and Zhalainuoer.

PMID- 27660227
TI  - Viral Contamination Source in Clinical Microbiology Laboratory.
AB  - To understand the potential causes of laboratory-acquired infections and to
      provide possible solutions that would protect laboratory personnel, samples from
      a viral laboratory were screened to determine the main sources of contamination
      with six subtypes of Rhinovirus. Rhinovirus contamination was found in the
      gloves, cuffs of protective wear, inner surface of biological safety cabinet
      (BSC) windows, and trash handles. Remarkably, high contamination was found on the
      inner walls of the centrifuge and the inner surface of centrifuge tube casing in
      the rotor. Spilling infectious medium on the surface of centrifuge tubes was
      found to contribute to contamination of centrifuge surfaces. Exposure to sodium
      hypochlorite containing no less than 0.2 g/L available chlorine decontaminated
      the surface of the centrifuge tubes from Rhinovirus after 2 min.

PMID- 27660229
TI  - Morphometric characterization of the human portal and hepatic venous trees: A
      quantitative support to the liver micro-anatomic models free of subunits.
AB  - Conventional models of liver microanatomy assume the presence of subunits.
      Nevertheless, some researchers propose that the liver is a continuous structure,
      free of these subunits, but with a characteristic vascular pattern. The present
      study describes a morphometric analysis of portal and hepatic veins in 50 human
      autopsy non-pathological liver samples. The main objective was to measure three
      proportions: 1. portal tracts / hepatic veins, 2. distributing portal veins /
      distributing hepatic veins and 3. terminal portal veins / terminal hepatic veins.
      These ratios were compared with the traditional microcirculatory liver models.
      Our material comprised 3,665 portal veins and 3,761 hepatic veins. The minimum
      diameter of half of the venous vessels of both types belongs to the interval
      (25MUm , 60MUm), given that 1881 portal veins (49.434%) and 1924 hepatic veins
      (50.565%) fall within this interval. We have statistically shown with the chi2
      test (alpha=0.990) that the portal and hepatic veins belonging to the interval
      (25MUm , 400MUm) (distributing veins) had an identical proportion. If the portal
      and hepatic veins are arranged according to the principle of interdigitation of
      Takashasi (1970), there should be an almost identical number of both types of
      veins. Our results contradict the presumably numeric preponderance of
      distributing portal veins with regard to the distributing hepatic veins that is
      inherent in the models of Kiernan, Matsumoto and Rappaport.

PMID- 27660228
TI  - Risk of Treatment Failure in Patients with Drug-susceptible Pulmonary
      Tuberculosis in China.
AB  - The objective of this prospective study of the risks of treatment failure in
      patients with drug-susceptible pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) was to provide
      reference data to help develop a disease control strategy. Participants were
      recruited in eight provinces of China from October 2008 to December 2010. A total
      of 1447 patients with drug-susceptible PTB and older than 15 years of age were
      enrolled. Demographic characteristics, bacteriological test results, and patient
      outcome, i.e., cure or treatment failure were recorded and compared using the chi
      square or Fisher's exact tests. Multivariate logistic regression was used to
      identify factors associated with risk of treatment failure. Of the 1447 patients
      who were enrolled, 1349 patients (93.2%) were successfully treated and 98 (6.8%)
      failed treatment. Failure was significantly associated with age 365 years [odds
      ratio (OR)=2.522, 95% confidence interval (CI): (1.097-5.801)], retreatment
      [OR=2.365, 95% CI: (1.276-4.381)], missed medicine [OR=1.836, 95% CI: (1.020
      3.306)], treatment not observed [OR=1.879 95% CI: (1.105-3.195)], and positive
      culture result after the first [OR=1.971, 95% CI: (1.080-3.597)] and second month
      [OR=4.659, 95% CI: (2.590-8.382)]. The risk factors associated with treatment
      failure were age 365 years, retreatment, missed medication, treatment not
      observed, and positive culture at the end of month 1 or month 2. These risk
      factors should be monitored during treatment and interventions carried out to
      reduce or prevent treatment failure and optimize treatment success.

PMID- 27660230
TI  - Epithelioid hemangioma of bone: a report of two special cases and a literature
      review.
AB  - Intraosseous epithelioid hemangioma (EH) is a rare intermediate vascular
      neoplasm, characterized by locally aggressive and rarely metastasizing behavior.
      Occasionally, EH of bone can behave strangely and may simulate malignant
      neoplasm. Here, we report two cases of EH of bone. Of interest was the fact that
      the computed tomography and magnetic resonance images from one case showed an
      osteolytic lesion in the right scapula, with multiple swollen lymph nodes in the
      right supraclavicular and axillary areas. Another patient exhibited a local
      recurrence in the cervical vertebrae. The initial radiological diagnosis of both
      cases was metastatic tumor. EH should be included in the differential diagnosis
      of a radiographic osteolytic lesion with an aggressive appearance. Also, we
      reviewed the literature that reported EH of bone and summarized their
      radiological appearances. The cases of EH of bone that exhibited involvement of
      regional or draining lymph nodes were also summarized.

PMID- 27660231
TI  - Detection of incorrect manufacturer labelling of hip components.
AB  - We describe the case of a 53-year-old man who underwent a left metal-on-metal hip
      resurfacing in 2015. Component size mismatch (CSM) was suspected because of the
      patient's immediate post-operative mechanical symptoms and high metal ion levels.
      Surgical notes indicated the appropriate combinations of implants were used.
      However, we detected a mismatch using computed tomography. Revision was performed
      and subsequent measurements of explanted components confirmed the mismatch. To
      our knowledge, this case is the first report of a CT method being used in a
      patient to pre-operatively identify CSM.

PMID- 27660233
TI  - Role of K13 Mutations in Artemisinin-Based Combination Therapy.

PMID- 27660232
TI  - Rice bran protein hydrolysates reduce arterial stiffening, vascular remodeling
      and oxidative stress in rats fed a high-carbohydrate and high-fat diet.
AB  - PURPOSE: Rice bran protein hydrolysates (RBPH) contain highly nutritional
      proteins and antioxidant compounds which show benefits against metabolic syndrome
      (MetS). Increased arterial stiffness and the components of MetS have been shown
      to be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This study
      aimed to investigate whether RBPH could alleviate the metabolic disorders,
      arterial stiffening, vascular remodeling, and oxidative stress in rats fed a high
      carbohydrate and high-fat (HCHF) diet. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed
      either a standard chow and tap water or a HCHF diet and 15 % fructose solution
      for 16 weeks. HCHF rats were treated orally with RBPH (250 or 500 mg/kg/day) for
      the final 6 weeks of the experimental period. RESULTS: Rats fed with HCHF diet
      had hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, increased
      aortic pulse wave velocity, aortic wall hypertrophy and vascular remodeling with
      increased MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression. RBPH supplementation significantly
      alleviated these alterations (P < 0.05). Moreover, RBPH reduced the levels of
      angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in plasma.
      Oxidative stress was also alleviated after RBPH treatment by decreasing plasma
      malondialdehyde, reducing superoxide production and suppressing p47phox NADPH
      oxidase expression in the vascular tissues of HCHF rats. RBPH increased plasma
      nitrate/nitrite level and up-regulated eNOS expression in the aortas of HCHF-diet
      fed rats, indicating that RBPH increased NO production. CONCLUSION: RBPH mitigate
      the deleterious effects of HCHF through potential mechanisms involving enhanced
      NO bioavailability, anti-ACE, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. RBPH
      could be used as dietary supplements to minimize oxidative stress and vascular
      alterations triggered by MetS.

PMID- 27660235
TI  - Trends of Media Coverage on Human Papillomavirus Vaccination in Japanese
      Newspapers.
AB  - A sensational newspaper article concerning a possible adverse reaction to the
      human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine was published in March 2013 in Japan. In June
      2013, the Japanese government suspended their proactive recommendation for
      vaccination, despite the lack of proof for a causal relationship. We searched
      Nikkei Telecom 21, the largest newspaper database in Japan, for articles
      published from January 2011 to December 2015 to evaluate the characteristics of
      newspaper publications about human papillomavirus vaccination. We identified 1138
      HPV vaccine-related articles. Compared with those published before March 2013,
      articles concerning human papillomavirus vaccination after March 2013 were more
      likely to include adverse reaction-related and authority-related keywords;
      articles that included efficacy-related keywords decreased significantly.
      Negative-negative and negative-neutral articles became more frequent, and
      positive-positive and positive-neutral articles were less frequent. A sensational
      case report shaped the tone of negative media coverage as a catalyst, regardless
      of scientific statements from health authorities.

PMID- 27660234
TI  - Suboptimal Adherence to Combination Antiretroviral Therapy Is Associated With
      Higher Levels of Inflammation Despite HIV Suppression.
AB  - BACKGROUND:  Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals exhibit
      residual inflammation regardless of virologic suppression. We evaluated whether
      suboptimal adherence to combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) is associated
      with greater residual inflammation than optimal adherence, despite virologic
      suppression. METHODS:  Longitudinal self-reported cART adherence data and serum
      concentrations of 24 biomarkers of inflammation and immune activation were
      measured at the same study visit in HIV RNA-suppressed (<50 copies/mL) HIV
      infected men in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study from 1998 to 2009. Associations
      between dichotomized 6-month (<100% vs 100%) and categorized 4-day (<85%, 85%
      99%, and 100%) cART adherence with biomarker concentrations were evaluated.
      RESULTS:  A total of 912 men provided 2816 person-visits with documented plasma
      HIV RNA suppression. In adjusted models, person-visits at which <100% cART 6
      month adherence was reported had higher concentrations of interleukin 2, 6, and
      10, interferon gamma, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and C-reactive protein than
      person-visits at which 100% cART adherence (P < .05) was reported. These same
      differences were observed in person-visits reporting <85% versus 100% 4-day cART
      adherence, but not in visits reporting 85%-99% versus 100% cART adherence. After
      adjustment for multiple comparisons, tumor necrosis factor alpha remained
      significantly higher (11% increase; P < .001) in person-visits at which <100%
      adherence was reported. CONCLUSIONS:  Higher concentrations of inflammatory
      biomarkers were observed among HIV RNA-suppressed men who reported <100% cART
      adherence than among more adherent men. Residual HIV replication (ie, below the
      limit of detection), more likely among men with suboptimal adherence, is a
      plausible mechanism. Whether improving cART adherence could affect residual
      inflammation and associated morbidity and mortality rates should be investigated.

PMID- 27660236
TI  - Suboptimal Viral Suppression Rates Among HIV-Infected Children in Low- and Middle
      Income Countries: A Meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND:  The 90-90-90 goal to achieve viral suppression in 90% of all human
      immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected people on antiretroviral treatment (ART) is
      especially challenging in children. Global estimates of viral suppression among
      children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are lacking. METHODS:  We
      searched for randomized controlled trials and observational studies and analyzed
      viral suppression rates among children started on ART during 3 time periods:
      early (2000-2005), intermediate (2006-2009), and current (2010 and later), using
      random effects meta-analysis. RESULTS:  Seventy-two studies, reporting on 51 347
      children (aged <18 years), were included. After 12 months on first-line ART,
      viral suppression was achieved by 64.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 57.5-71.8)
      in the early, 74.2% (95% CI, 70.2-78.2) in the intermediate, and 72.7% (95% 62.6
      82.8) in the current time period. Rates were similar after 6 and 24 months of
      ART. Using an intention-to-treat analysis, 42.7% (95% CI, 33.7-51.7) in the
      early, 45.7% (95% CI, 33.2-58.3) in the intermediate, and 62.5% (95% CI, 53.3
      72.6) in the current period were suppressed. Long-term follow-up data were
      scarce. CONCLUSIONS:  Viral suppression rates among children on ART in LMICs were
      low and considerably poorer than those previously found in adults in LMICs and
      children in high-income countries. Little progress has been made in improving
      viral suppression rates over the past years. Without increased efforts to improve
      pediatric HIV treatment, the 90-90-90 goal for children in LMIC will not be
      reached.

PMID- 27660237
TI  - Placenta plays a critical role in maternal-fetal resource allocation.

PMID- 27660238
TI  - Smelling better with chloride.

PMID- 27660240
TI  - Neurons versus Networks: The Interplay between Individual Neurons and Neural
      Networks in Cognitive Functions.
AB  - The main paradigm of cognitive neuroscience is the connectionist concept
      postulating that the higher nervous activity is performed through interactions of
      neurons forming complex networks, whereas the function of individual neurons is
      restricted to generating electrical potentials and transmitting signals to other
      cells. In this article, I describe the observations from three fields
      neurolinguistics, physiology of memory, and sensory perception-that can hardly be
      explained within the constraints of a purely connectionist concept. Rather, these
      examples suggest that cognitive functions are determined by specific properties
      of individual neurons and, therefore, are likely to be accomplished primarily at
      the intracellular level. This view is supported by the recent discovery that the
      brain's ability to create abstract concepts of particular individuals, animals,
      or places is performed by neurons ("concept cells") sparsely distributed in the
      medial temporal lobe.

PMID- 27660239
TI  - Direct observation of light-driven, concerted electron-proton transfer.
AB  - The phenols 4-methylphenol, 4-methoxyphenol, and N-acetyl-tyrosine form hydrogen
      bonded adducts with N-methyl-4, 4'-bipyridinium cation (MQ+) in aqueous solution
      as evidenced by the appearance of low-energy, low-absorptivity features in UV
      visible spectra. They are assigned to the known examples of optically induced,
      concerted electron-proton transfer, photoEPT. The results of ultrafast transient
      absorption measurements on the assembly MeOPhO-H---MQ+ are consistent with
      concerted EPT by the instantaneous appearance of spectral features for MeOPhO.--
      H-MQ+ in the transient spectra at the first observation time of 0.1 ps. The
      transient decays to MeOPhO-H---MQ+ in 2.5 ps, accompanied by the appearance of
      oscillations in the decay traces with a period of ~1 ps, consistent with a
      vibrational coherence and relaxation from a higher upsilon(N-H) vibrational level
      or levels on the timescale for back EPT.

PMID- 27660241
TI  - The Neural Code for Pain: From Single-Cell Electrophysiology to the Dynamic Pain
      Connectome.
AB  - Pain occurs in time. In naturalistic settings, pain perception is sometimes
      stable but often varies in intensity and quality over the course of seconds,
      minutes, and days. A principal aim in classic electrophysiology studies of pain
      was to uncover a neural code based on the temporal patterns of single neuron
      firing. In contrast, modern neuroimaging studies have placed emphasis on
      uncovering the spatial pattern of brain activity (or "map") that may reflect the
      pain experience. However, in the emerging field of connectomics, communication
      within and among brain networks is characterized as intrinsically dynamic on
      multiple time scales. In this review, we revisit the single-cell
      electrophysiological evidence for a nociceptive neural code and consider how
      those findings relate to recent advances in understanding systems-level dynamic
      processes that suggest the existence of a "dynamic pain connectome" as a
      spatiotemporal physiological signature of pain. We explore how spontaneous
      activity fluctuations in this dynamic system shape, and are shaped by, acute and
      chronic pain experiences and individual differences in those experiences.
      Highlighting the temporal dimension of pain, we aim to move pain theory beyond
      the concept of a static neurosignature and toward an ethologically relevant
      account of naturalistic dynamics.

PMID- 27660243
TI  - World leaders pledge action on antimicrobial resistance.

PMID- 27660242
TI  - Tissue transglutaminase-1 promotes stemness and chemoresistance in gastric cancer
      cells by regulating Wnt/beta-catenin signaling.
AB  - Gastric cancer is a common malignancy, and is one of the most frequent causes of
      cancer deaths worldwide. Recently, members of the transglutaminases (TGM) family,
      especially TGM2, have been implicated in the progression and drug resistance of
      cancers, but the function of TGM1 in cancer development has been largely
      overlooked. In this study, we demonstrate the roles of TGM1 in development of
      gastric cancer. We found that expression levels of TGM1 were upregulated in both
      gastric cancer tissues and cultured gastric cancer cells, and that TGM1
      expression levels were correlated with patient survival. In cultured gastric
      cancer cells, loss of TGM1 expression inhibited cell proliferation and promoted
      apoptosis, as well increased gastric cancer cell sensitivity to chemotherapeutic
      drugs and reducing stemness. These results strongly supported the participation
      of TGM1 in the regulation of gastric cancer development. In addition, we found
      evidence that the mechanism of action of TGM1 in regulating gastric cancer cell
      might involve the Wnt signaling pathway, as loss of TGM1 expression in gastric
      cancer cells led to a significant suppression of Wnt signaling activities.

PMID- 27660244
TI  - Constitutive Desensitization of Opioid Receptors in Peripheral Sensory Neurons.
AB  - Opioid receptors expressed by peripheral pain-sensing neurons are functionally
      inactive for antinociceptive signaling under most basal conditions; however,
      tissue damage or exposure to inflammatory mediators (e.g., bradykinin) converts
      these receptors from a nonresponsive state to a functionally competent state.
      Here we tested the hypothesis that the basal, nonresponsive state of the mu- and
      delta-opioid receptors (MOR and DOR, respectively) is the result of constitutive
      receptor activity that activates desensitization mechanisms, resulting in MOR and
      DOR receptor systems that are constitutively desensitized. Consistent with our
      previous findings, under basal conditions, neither the MOR agonist [d-Ala2,N
      MePhe4,Gly-ol5]-enkephalin nor the DOR agonist [d-Pen2,5]-enkephalin, inhibited
      prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)-stimulated cAMP accumulation in peripheral sensory
      neurons in culture (ex vivo) or inhibited PGE2-stimulated thermal allodynia in
      the rat hind paw in vivo. Prolonged treatment with naloxone induced MOR and DOR
      responsiveness both in vivo and ex vivo to a similar magnitude as that produced
      by bradykinin. Also similar to bradykinin, the effect of naloxone persisted for
      60 minutes after washout of the ligand. By contrast, prolonged treatment with
      6beta-naltrexol, did not induce functional competence of MOR or DOR but blocked
      the effect of naloxone. Treatment with siRNA for beta-arrestin-2, but not beta
      arrestin-1, also induced MOR and DOR functional competence in cultured peripheral
      sensory neurons. These data suggest that the lack of responsiveness of MOR and
      DOR to agonist for antinociceptive signaling in peripheral sensory neurons is due
      to constitutive desensitization that is likely mediated by beta-arrestin-2.

PMID- 27660245
TI  - Mortality after esophagectomy is heavily impacted by center volume: retrospective
      analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The effects of hospital volume on in-hospital mortality after
      esophageal resection are disputed in the literature. We sought to analyze
      treatment effects in patient subpopulations that undergo esophagectomy for cancer
      based on hospital volume. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of the
      Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 1998 to 2011. Patients who underwent open or
      laparoscopic transhiatal and transthoracic esophageal resection were identified
      using ICD-9 codes. Patients <18 years and those with peritoneal disease were
      excluded. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used with mortality as
      the independent variable to evaluate the effect of low (<6), intermediate (6-19),
      and high (>=20) hospital volume of esophagectomies. These analyses were repeated
      in different subsets of patients to determine whether hospital volume affected
      mortality depending on the subpopulation evaluated. Subgroups were created
      depending on age, race, gender, operative approach, comorbidities, and tumor
      pathology. RESULTS: A total of 23,751 patients were included. The overall
      perioperative mortality rate was 7.7 % (low volume: 11.4 %; intermediate volume:
      8.39 %, high volume: 4.01 %), and multivariate analysis revealed that high
      hospital volume had a protective effect (OR 0.54, 95 % CI 0.45-0.65). On subgroup
      analyses for low- and intermediate-volume hospitals, mortality was uniformly
      elevated for the subpopulations when comparing to high-volume hospitals (p <
      0.05). There was no difference in mortality between low- and medium-volume
      hospitals and between subgroups. CONCLUSION: No lower mortality risk subgroup
      could be identified in this nationwide collective. This analysis emphasizes that
      perioperative mortality after esophagectomy for cancer is lower in high-volume
      hospitals.

PMID- 27660246
TI  - A magnetic levitation robotic camera for minimally invasive surgery: Useful for
      NOTES?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is rising in popularity generating a
      revolution in operative medicine during the past few decades. Although
      laparoscopic techniques have not significantly changed in the last 10 years,
      several advances have been made in visualization devices and instrumentation.
      METHODS: Our team, composed of surgeons and biomedical engineers, developed a
      magnetic levitation camera (MLC) with a magnetic internal mechanism dedicated to
      MIS. Three animal trials were performed. Porcine acute model has been chosen
      after animal ethical committee approval, and laparoscopic cholecystectomy,
      nephrectomy and hernioplastic repair have been performed. RESULTS: MLC permits to
      complete efficiently several two-port laparoscopy surgeries reducing patients'
      invasiveness and at the same time saving surgeon's dexterity. CONCLUSIONS: We
      strongly believe that insertable and softly tethered devices like MLS camera will
      be an integral part of future surgical systems, thus improving procedures
      efficiency, minimizing invasiveness and enhancing surgeon dexterity and
      versatility of visions angles.

PMID- 27660248
TI  - Distraction osteogenesis for tibial nonunion with bone loss using combined
      Ilizarov and Taylor spatial frames versus a conventional circular frame.
AB  - This retrospective review assesses 55 tibial nonunions with bone loss to compare
      union achieved with combined Ilizarov and Taylor spatial frames (I-TSF) versus a
      conventional circular frame with the standard Ilizarov procedure. Seventeen (31
      %) of the 55 nonunions were infected. Thirty patients treated with I-TSF were
      compared with 25 patients treated with a conventional circular frame. In the I
      TSF group, an average of 7.6 cm of bone was resected and the lengthening index
      (treatment time in months divided by lengthening amount in centimeters) was 1.97.
      In the conventional circular frame group, a mean of 6.5 cm was resected and the
      lengthening index was 2.1. Consolidation at the docking site and at the
      regenerate bone occurred in 49 (89 %) of 55 cases after the first procedure. No
      statistically significant difference was shown between the two groups.
      Superiority of one modality of treatment over the other cannot be concluded from
      our data. Application of combined Ilizarov and Taylor spatial frames for bone
      transport is useful for treatment of tibial nonunion with bone loss. Level of
      evidence Case series, Level III.

PMID- 27660250
TI  - Erratum to: Brodalumab: First Global Approval.

PMID- 27660251
TI  - Socioeconomic status as a factor in Indigenous and non-Indigenous children with
      hearing loss: analysis of national survey data.
AB  - In this paper, the association between socioeconomic status and speech, language
      and communication outcomes for primary-school-going children with hearing loss
      using population survey data was analysed. The dataset used for analysis
      consisted of 289973 children in total, of which 3174 children had hearing loss.
      For all children, higher socioeconomic status was positively correlated with
      better speech, language and communication outcomes. A hearing loss was indicated
      for 1% of non-Indigenous children and 4.3% of Indigenous children. Non-Indigenous
      children with hearing loss were found to be fairly evenly distributed by
      socioeconomic status, whereas Indigenous children with hearing loss were found to
      be statistically significantly more likely to be living in the most disadvantaged
      socioeconomic areas. Socioeconomic status was found to affect developmental
      outcomes for all children, regardless of Indigenous and hearing loss status.

PMID- 27660249
TI  - Identifying the risk factors causing iatrogenic mandibular fractures associated
      with exodontia: a systemic meta-analysis of 200 cases from 1953 to 2015.
AB  - PURPOSE: Iatrogenic fracture of mandible (IFM) associated with exodontia though
      rare, they do occur with an incidence ranging from 0.0034 to 0.0075 %. Most of
      the data is in the form of case reports or a small case series. This is an
      attempt to amass the data available in literature since the last 62 years. The
      purpose of this meta-analysis is to identify the etiologies and risk factors
      leading to IFM associated with exodontia and also the measures to minimize the
      complication. METHODS: Articles published between 1953 and 2015 were searched in
      Medline database. Data was collected and analyzed based on age, gender, extracted
      tooth, status of dentition, pathological bone lesion adjacent to the tooth, type
      of impaction, angulation of the impacted third molar, site of fracture, side of
      fracture, time of fracture, and treatment of fracture. RESULTS: A review
      identified 200 documented cases of IFM associated with the removal of teeth. The
      reasons for its occurrence found to be multifactorial with a higher incidence in
      the fifth decade of life with male prevalence. Risk factors more commonly
      identified were removal of the third molar, fully dentate patient, associated
      pathology, impacted tooth, angle region, left quadrant, and time interval of 3
      weeks postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: IFM related to the removal of teeth is a rare
      complication. Identifying and addressing the risk factors will enable the surgeon
      to avoid the complication of IFM associated with exodontia.

PMID- 27660253
TI  - High frequency oscillatory ventilation for adult ARDS: Is this the end of the
      road?

PMID- 27660252
TI  - Sepsis and septic shock-is a microcirculation a main player?
AB  - Shock, defined at a cellular level, is a condition in which oxygen delivery to
      the cells is not sufficient to sustain cellular activity and support organ
      function. The central role of microcirculation in providing oxygen to the cells
      makes it of prime importance in determining organ function. In sepsis and septic
      shock, macrocirculatory alterations and microcirculatory dysfunction participate
      concurrently in the pathophysiology of organ failure. Haemodynamic coherence in
      shock is a condition in which normalization of systemic haemodynamic variables
      results in simultaneous amelioration in the perfusion of the microcirculation and
      restoration of tissue oxygenation as a final result. Septic shock is most
      frequently characterized by a lack of microcirculatory recruitment despite of
      macrocirculatory successful resuscitation. The lack of haemodynamic coherence
      between macrocirculation and microcirculation in septic patients results in
      treatment failure and increased mortality. The monitoring of microcirculation and
      the effects of its changes are an important area of future clinical research and
      treatment modification.

PMID- 27660247
TI  - Diagnosis and management of acute appendicitis. EAES consensus development
      conference 2015.
AB  - Unequivocal international guidelines regarding the diagnosis and management of
      patients with acute appendicitis are lacking. The aim of the consensus meeting
      2015 of the EAES was to generate a European guideline based on best available
      evidence and expert opinions of a panel of EAES members. After a systematic
      review of the literature by an international group of surgical research fellows,
      an expert panel with extensive clinical experience in the management of
      appendicitis discussed statements and recommendations. Statements and
      recommendations with more than 70 % agreement by the experts were selected for a
      web survey and the consensus meeting of the EAES in Bucharest in June 2015. EAES
      members and attendees at the EAES meeting in Bucharest could vote on these
      statements and recommendations. In the case of more than 70 % agreement, the
      statement or recommendation was defined as supported by the scientific community.
      Results from both the web survey and the consensus meeting in Bucharest are
      presented as percentages. In total, 46 statements and recommendations were
      selected for the web survey and consensus meeting. More than 232 members and
      attendees voted on them. In 41 of 46 statements and recommendations, more than 70
      % agreement was reached. All 46 statements and recommendations are presented in
      this paper. They comprise topics regarding the diagnostic work-up, treatment
      indications, procedural aspects and post-operative care. The consensus meeting
      produced 46 statements and recommendations on the diagnostic work-up and
      management of appendicitis. The majority of the EAES members supported these
      statements. These consensus proceedings provide additional guidance to surgeons
      and surgical residents providing care to patients with appendicitis.

PMID- 27660255
TI  - Aneuploid progenies of triploid hybrids between diploid and tetraploid loach
      Misgurnus anguillicaudatus in China.
AB  - Triploid Chinese loach, Misgurnus anguillicaudatus, hybrids between tetraploids
      from Hubei Province and diploids from Liaoning Province were mated with either
      diploid wild-type or triploid hybrids to analyze viability and ploidy of the
      resultant progenies. Both triploid males and females generated fertile gametes,
      but progenies from the crosses using gametes of triploid hybrids did not survive
      beyond the larval stages. In crosses between wild-type diploid females and
      triploid hybrid males, embryos ranging from 2.2n to 2.6n were predominant with a
      mode of either 2.4n (chromosome numbers 59, 60, 61) or 2.5n (chromosome numbers
      62, 63). Those from the crosses between triploid hybrid females and diploid males
      gave a modal ploidy level at approximately 2.5n in one case, but a shift to a
      higher ploidy level was observed in other embryos. In the progenies between
      triploid hybrid females and males, the ploidy level at approximately 3.0n
      (chromosome numbers 74, 75, 76) was most frequent. The cytogenetic results of the
      progenies suggest the production of aneuploid gametes with a modal ploidy level
      at approximately 1.5n in triploid hybrids. However, a shift to higher chromosome
      numbers in gametes was observed in certain cases, suggesting the involvement of
      mortality selection of gametes and/or zygotes with lower chromosome numbers.

PMID- 27660254
TI  - Chromosome mapping of repetitive DNAs in sergeant major fishes (Abudefdufinae,
      Pomacentridae): a general view on the chromosomal conservatism of the genus.
AB  - Species of the Abudefduf genus (sergeant-majors) are widely distributed in the
      Indian, Pacific and Atlantic oceans, with large schools inhabiting rocky coastal
      regions and coral reefs. This genus consists of twenty recognized species are of
      generalist habit, showing typical characteristics of colonizers. Some populations
      maintain gene flow between large oceanic areas, a condition that may influence
      their cytogenetic features. A number of species have been shown to be invaders
      and able to hybridize with local species. However, cytogenetic data in this genus
      are restricted to few species. In this way, the present study includes the
      chromosomal investigation, using conventional (Giemsa staining, Ag-NOR and C
      banding) and molecular (in situ mapping of six different repetitive DNA classes)
      approaches in four Abudefduf species from different oceanic regions (A.
      bengalensis and A. sexfasciatus from the Indo-Pacific, A. vaigiensis from the
      Indian and A. saxatilis from the Atlantic oceans, respectively), to investigate
      the evolutionary events associated with the chromosomal diversification in this
      group. All species share a similar karyotype (2n = 48; NF = 52), except A.
      sexfasciatus (2n = 48; NF = 50), which possesses a characteristic pericentric
      inversion in the NOR-bearing chromosomal pair. Mapping of repetitive sequences
      suggests a chromosomal conservatism in this genus. The high karyotypic similarity
      between allopatric species of Abudefduf may be related to the success of natural
      viable hybrids among species with recent secondary contact.

PMID- 27660256
TI  - Imaging for Quality Control: Comparison of Systematic Video Recording to the
      Operative Note in Colorectal Cancer Surgery. A Pilot Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oncological and functional results after colorectal cancer surgery
      vary considerably between hospitals and surgeons. At present, the only source of
      technical information about the surgical procedure is the operative note, which
      is subjective and omits critical information. This study aimed to evaluate the
      feasibility of operative video recording in demonstrating both objective
      information concerning the surgical procedure and surgical quality, as using a
      systematic approach might improve surgical performance. METHODS: From July 2015
      through November 2015, patients aged >=18 years undergoing elective colorectal
      cancer surgery were prospectively included in a single-institution trial. Video
      recording of key moments was performed peroperatively and analyzed for adequacy.
      The study cases were compared with a historic cohort. Video was compared with the
      operative note using the amount of adequate steps and a scoring system. RESULTS:
      This study compared 15 cases to 32 cases from the historic control group.
      Compared to the written operative note alone, significant differences in
      availability of information were seen in favor of video as well as using a
      combination of video plus the operative note (N adequate steps p = .024; p =
      <.001. Adequacy score: p = .039; p = <.001, both respectively). CONCLUSIONS:
      Systematic video registration is feasible and seems to improve the availability
      of essential information after colorectal cancer surgery. In this respect,
      combining video with a traditional operative note would be the best option. A
      multicenter international study is being organized to further evaluate the effect
      of operative video capture on surgical outcomes.

PMID- 27660257
TI  - The Preoperative Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte Ratio is a Novel Biomarker for
      Predicting Worse Clinical Outcomes in Non-muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer Patients
      with a Previous History of Smoking.
AB  - PURPOSE: We speculated that a heterogeneous population of non-muscle invasive
      bladder cancer (NMIBC) patients with a previous history of smoking may be more
      precisely stratified by a biomarker associated with tumor aggressiveness and then
      focused on the preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (pre-NLR), which is a
      simple index of systemic inflammation. METHODS: Our study population comprised
      605 patients initially diagnosed with NMIBC at our 3 institutions between 1995
      and 2013. We analyzed the relationships between pre-NLR levels and clinical
      outcomes in NMIBC. A pre-NLR level of >=2.2 was defined as elevated according to
      a calculation by a receiver-operating curve analysis. RESULTS: In overall, a
      total of 296 patients (48.9 %) had pre-NLR >= 2.2, and the pre-NLR level was one
      of independent risk factors for tumor recurrence and stage progression. Among 344
      patients with a previous history of smoking, 184 (53.5 %) had pre-NLR >= 2.2 and
      the pre-NLR level was one of independent risk factors for tumor recurrence and
      stage progression. The 5-year recurrence-free survival and progression-free
      survival rates in patients with pre-NLR < 2.2 were 66.3 and 97.5 %, respectively,
      which were significantly higher than those in their counterparts (31.7 and 90.4
      %, p < 0.001). In either subgroup of patients who were current smokers (N = 175)
      or former smokers (N = 169), the pre-NLR level was the only independent risk
      factor for tumor recurrence. The pre-NLR level was not associated with tumor
      recurrence or stage progression in 261 nonsmoking patients. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-NLR
      levels may be a useful marker for identifying worse clinical outcomes in NMIBC
      patients, particularly those with a previous history of smoking.

PMID- 27660258
TI  - Low-grade Appendiceal Mucinous Neoplasm of Uncertain Malignant Potential (LAMN
      UMP): Prognostic Factors and Implications for Treatment and Follow-up.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm of uncertain malignant
      potential are poorly understood lesions characterized by extraluminal mucin or
      fibrosis with neoplastic cells confined to the appendiceal lumen. The purpose of
      this study is to investigate the clinical and pathologic parameters of these
      lesions to optimize our understanding and management of these tumors. METHODS:
      Subjects with these tumors were identified from the appendiceal tumor databases
      at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Univariate and multivariate
      Cox proportional hazards regression analyses assessed relationships between
      clinicopathologic variables [including age, gender, margin status and serum
      levels of the tumor markers carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), cancer antigen (CA)
      125, and CA19-9] disease-free survival, postrecurrence survival and overall
      survival. RESULTS: Ninety-eight subjects with this disease were identified. Most
      patients did not experience disease recurrence after initial appendectomy. At
      last follow-up, 25 (26 %) had disease recurrence or died. Of the 20 patients who
      had disease recurrence, 5 (25 %) died, and 15 (75 %) were alive. Disease-free
      survival was significantly reduced with positive margin status (p = 0.02) and
      elevated serum levels of CEA (p < 0.001), CA19-9 (p = 0.01), or CA-125 (p =
      0.002) at the time of appendectomy. The median postrecurrence survival time was
      4.7 years and the 5-year postrecurrence survival rate was 41 % (standard error =
      18 %). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with Low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm of
      uncertain malignant potential who have negative margins and normal tumor marker
      levels have a lower risk for recurrence. In these patients, expectant management
      is sufficient. Elevated tumor marker levels at the time of appendectomy marks an
      increased risk of recurrence or death and signals the need for closer monitoring
      or intervention.

PMID- 27660260
TI  - 40 years of veterinary papers in JAC - what have we learnt?
AB  - This review, for the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Journal of
      Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (JAC), gives an overview of the manuscripts related to
      veterinary bacteriology published in the journal in the past 40 years with a
      focus on 'One Health' aspects. From 1975 to 2000 the number of manuscripts
      related to veterinary medicine was limited, but thereafter, the number steadily
      increased. Most manuscripts published were related to food-producing animals, but
      companion animals and minor species were also covered. Subjects included
      antimicrobial usage in animals and the consequences for human medicine, new
      resistance genes and mechanisms, the prevalence and epidemiology of antimicrobial
      resistance, and the emergence of resistant bacteria in animals with zoonotic
      potential such as livestock-associated MRSA (LA-MRSA), methicillin-resistant
      Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) and ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae.
      These manuscripts have added to our knowledge on the risks of transmission of
      resistant bacteria from animals to humans and the importance of the prudent use
      of antimicrobial agents in veterinary medicine.

PMID- 27660259
TI  - Comparison of Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography-Computed Tomography
      (SPECT/CT) and Conventional Planar Lymphoscintigraphy for Sentinel Node
      Localization in Patients with Cutaneous Malignancies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Accurate preoperative lymphoscintigraphy is vital to performing
      sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for cutaneous malignancies. Potential
      advantages of single-photon emission computed tomography with integrated computed
      tomography (SPECT/CT) include the ability to readily identify aberrant drainage
      patterns as well as provide the surgeon with three-dimensional anatomic landmarks
      not seen on conventional planar lymphoscintigraphy (PLS). METHODS: Patients with
      cutaneous malignancies who underwent SLNB with preoperative imaging using both
      SPECT/CT and PLS from 2011 to 2014 were identified. RESULTS: Both SPECT/CT and
      PLS were obtained in 351 patients (median age, 69 years; range, 5-94 years) with
      cutaneous malignancies (melanoma = 300, Merkel cell carcinoma = 33, squamous cell
      carcinoma = 8, other = 10) after intradermal injection of 99mtechnetium sulfur
      colloid (median dose 300 uCi). A mean of 4.3 hot spots were identified on
      SPECT/CT compared to 3.0 on PLS (p < 0.001). One hundred fifty-three patients
      (43.6 %) had identical findings between SPECT/CT and PLS, while 172 (49 %) had
      additional hot spots identified on SPECT/CT compared to only 24 (6.8 %)
      additional on PLS. SPECT/CT demonstrated additional nodal basins in 103 patients
      (29.4 %), compared to only 11 patients (3.1 %) with additional basins on PLS.
      CONCLUSIONS: SPECT/CT is a useful adjunct that can help with sentinel node
      localization in challenging cases. It identified additional hot spots not seen on
      PLS in almost 50 % of patients. Because PLS identified hot spots not seen on
      SPECT/CT in 6.8 % of patients, we recommend using both modalities jointly. Long
      term follow-up will be required to validate the clinical significance of the
      additional hot spots identified by SPECT/CT.

PMID- 27660261
TI  - Asymptotic Robustness Study of the Polychoric Correlation Estimation.
AB  - Asymptotic robustness against misspecification of the underlying distribution for
      the polychoric correlation estimation is studied. The asymptotic normality of the
      pseudo-maximum likelihood estimator is derived using the two-step estimation
      procedure. The t distribution assumption and the skew-normal distribution
      assumption are used as alternatives to the normal distribution assumption in a
      numerical study. The numerical results show that the underlying normal
      distribution can be substantially biased, even though skewness and kurtosis are
      not large. The skew-normal assumption generally produces a lower bias than the
      normal assumption. Thus, it is worth using a non-normal distributional assumption
      if the normal assumption is dubious.

PMID- 27660262
TI  - Serum Markers of Neurodegeneration in Maple Syrup Urine Disease.
AB  - Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is an inherited disorder caused by deficient
      activity of the branched-chain alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase complex involved in
      the degradation pathway of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and their
      respective alpha-keto-acids. Patients affected by MSUD present severe
      neurological symptoms and brain abnormalities, whose pathophysiology is poorly
      known. However, preclinical studies have suggested alterations in markers
      involved with neurodegeneration. Because there are no studies in the literature
      that report the neurodegenerative markers in MSUD patients, the present study
      evaluated neurodegenerative markers (brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF),
      cathepsin D, neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), plasminogen activator
      inhibitor-1 total (PAI-1 (total)), platelet-derived growth factor AA (PDGF-AA),
      PDGF-AB/BB) in plasma from 10 MSUD patients during dietary treatment. Our results
      showed a significant decrease in BDNF and PDGF-AA levels in MSUD patients. On the
      other hand, NCAM and cathepsin D levels were significantly greater in MSUD
      patients compared to the control group, while no significant changes were
      observed in the levels of PAI-1 (total) and PDGF-AB/BB between the control and
      MSUD groups. Our data show that MSUD patients present alterations in proteins
      involved in the neurodegenerative process. Thus, the present findings corroborate
      previous studies that demonstrated that neurotrophic factors and lysosomal
      proteases may contribute, along with other mechanisms, to the intellectual
      deficit and neurodegeneration observed in MSUD.

PMID- 27660264
TI  - Cholinergic Oculomotor Nucleus Activity Is Induced by REM Sleep Deprivation
      Negatively Impacting on Cognition.
AB  - Several efforts have been made to understand the involvement of rapid eye
      movement (REM) sleep for cognitive processes. Consolidation or retention of
      recognition memories is severely disrupted by REM sleep deprivation (REMSD). In
      this regard, pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus (PPT) and other brainstem nuclei,
      such as pontine nucleus (Pn) and oculomotor nucleus (OCM), appear to be
      candidates to take part in this REM sleep circuitry with potential involvement in
      cognition. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate a possible
      association between the performance of Wistar rats in a declarative memory and
      PPT, Pn, and OCM activities after different periods of REMSD. We examined c-Fos
      and choline acetyltransferase (ChaT) expressions as indicators of neuronal
      activity as well as a familiarity-based memory test. The animals were distributed
      in groups: control, REMSD, and sleep rebound (REB). At the end of the different
      REMSD (24, 48, 72, and 96 h) and REB (24 h) time points, the rats were
      immediately tested in the object recognition test and then the brains were
      collected. Results indicated that OCM neurons presented an increased activity,
      due to ChaT-labeling associated with REMSD that negatively correlated (r = -0.32)
      with the cognitive performance. This suggests the existence of a cholinergic
      compensatory mechanism within the OCM during REMSD. We also showed that 24 h of
      REMSD impacted similarly in memory, compared to longer periods of REMSD. These
      data extend the notion that REM sleep is influenced by areas other than PPT,
      i.e., Pn and OCM, which could be key players in both sleep processes and
      cognition.

PMID- 27660263
TI  - MicroRNA-Mediated Reprogramming of Somatic Cells into Neural Stem Cells or
      Neurons.
AB  - Cellular reprogramming is a promising strategy to generate neural stem cells
      (NSCs) or desired subtype-specific neurons for cell-based therapeutic
      intervention. By far, the intricate cell event like reprogramming of non-neural
      cells to desired cell types can be achieved by forced expression of lineage
      related transcription factors (TFs), nuclear transfer, a defined set of factors,
      and via non-coding microRNAs (miRNAs), as well as other precisely defined
      conditions. In addition, scientists have been trying to develop better approaches
      for reprogramming, either by using distinct combinations of a set of small
      molecules and certain TFs or delivery of appropriate small molecules and miRNAs.
      The miRNA-mediated approach is fascinating because of its potential to rapidly
      generate a variety of therapeutically desired cell types from other cell
      lineages. Recent studies have made great progress in miRNA-mediated neural
      reprogramming of somatic cells to various specific neuronal subtypes with more
      efficiency even though the exact mechanisms remain to be further explored. Based
      on key roles of miRNAs in neural reprogramming across differentiated cell
      lineages, it is of vital interest to summarize the recent knowledge regarding the
      instructive role of miRNAs in direct conversion of somatic cells into neural
      lineages. This precise review mainly focuses on recent discoveries of miRNAs
      functions in initiating cell reprogramming and fate specification of the neuronal
      subtype. Moreover, we discuss most recent findings about some miRNAs' activity in
      regulating various developmental stages of neurons, which is helpful for
      understanding the event network between miRNAs and their targets.

PMID- 27660265
TI  - Reciprocal MicroRNA Expression in Mesocortical Circuit and Its Interplay with
      Serotonin Transporter Define Resilient Rats in the Chronic Mild Stress.
AB  - Prolonged stress perturbs physiological balance of a subject and thus can lead to
      depression. Nevertheless, some individuals are more resilient to stress than the
      others. Defining molecular factors underlying resilience to stress may contribute
      to the development of a new antidepressant strategy based on the restoration of
      resilient phenotype in depressed subjects. We used chronic mild stress (CMS)
      paradigm-well-characterized animal model of depression which caused in rats
      behavioral deficits (anhedonia) manifested by decreased consumption of sucrose
      solution. CMS also generated a proportion of resilient rats which did not alter
      sucrose consumption despite being stressed. Recently, regulation of a gene
      expression associated with microRNA (miRNA) is considered as an important factor
      modulating biochemical response to stress. Based on our previous work and
      literature survey, we investigated changes in the expression level of seven
      miRNAs (i.e., miR-18a-5p, miR-34a-5p, miR-135a-5p, miR-195-5p, miR-320-3p, miR
      674-3p, miR-872-5p) in mesocortical circuit-crucially involved in stress response
      in order to find differences between susceptible and resilient phenotype.
      Bioinformatic analysis showed that all miRNAs of interest potentially target
      serotonin transporter (SERT). Chronic stress caused global increase in the
      expression of the abovementioned miRNAs in ventral tegmental area (VTA) of
      stressed rats followed by parallel decrease in miRNA expression in prefrontal
      cortex (PCx). This effect was more profound in resilient than anhedonic animals.
      Moreover, we observed decreased level of SERT in VTA of resilient rats. Our
      findings show that mesocortical circuit is involved in the response to stress and
      this phenomenon is more efficient in resilient animals.

PMID- 27660266
TI  - Neurotoxicity of Methylmercury in Isolated Astrocytes and Neurons: the
      Cytoskeleton as a Main Target.
AB  - In the present work, we focused on mechanisms of methylmercury (MeHg) toxicity in
      primary astrocytes and neurons of rats. Cortical astrocytes and neurons exposed
      to 0.5-5 MUM MeHg present a link among morphological alterations, glutathione
      (GSH) depletion, glutamate dyshomeostasis, and cell death. Disrupted neuronal
      cytoskeleton was assessed by decreased neurite length and neurite/neuron ratio.
      Astrocytes presented reorganization of actin and glial fibrillary acidic protein
      (GFAP) networks and reduced cytoplasmic area. Glutamate uptake and Na+K+ATPase
      activity in MeHg-treated astrocytes were preserved; however, downregulated EAAC1
      mediated glutamate uptake was associated with impaired Na+K+ATPase activity in
      neurons. Oxidative imbalance was found in astrocytes and neurons through
      increased 2'7'-dichlorofluorescein (DCF) production and misregulated superoxide
      dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione reductase (GPX) activities.
      Glutathione (GSH) levels were downregulated in both astrocytes and neurons. MeHg
      reduced neuronal viability and induced caspase 3-dependent apoptosis together
      with downregulated PI3K/Akt pathway. In astrocytes, necrotic death was associated
      with increased TNF-alpha and JNK/MAPK activities. Cytoskeletal remodeling and
      cell death were fully prevented in astrocytes and neurons by GSH, but not
      melatonin or Trolox supplementation. These findings support a role for depleted
      GSH in the cytotoxicity of MeHg leading to disruption of the cytoskeleton and
      cell death. Moreover, in neurons, glutamate antagonists also prevented
      cytoskeletal disruption and neuronal death. We propose that cytoskeleton is an
      end point in MeHg cytotoxicity. Oxidative imbalance and glutamate mechanisms
      mediate MeHg cytoskeletal disruption and apoptosis in neurons. Otherwise, redox
      imbalance and glutamate-independent mechanisms disrupted the cytoskeleton and
      induced necrosis in MeHg-exposed astrocyte.

PMID- 27660267
TI  - Activation of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 4 Promotes the Proliferation
      of Stem Cells in the Adult Hippocampal Dentate Gyrus.
AB  - Neurogenesis plays an important role in adult hippocampal function, and this
      process can be modulated by intracellular calcium. The activation of transient
      receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) induces an increase in intracellular
      calcium concentration, but whether neurogenesis can be modulated by TRPV4
      activation remains unclear. Here, we report that intracerebroventricular
      injection of the TRPV4 agonist GSK1016790A for 5 days enhanced the proliferation
      of stem cells in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) of adult mice without
      affecting neurite growth, differentiation, or survival of newborn cells.
      GSK1016790A induced increases in the hippocampal protein levels of cyclin
      dependent kinase (CDK) 6, CDK2, cyclin E1, and cyclin A2 but did not affect CDK4
      and cyclin D1 expression. The phosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein (Rb) in
      hippocampi was enhanced in GSK1016790A-injected mice compared with control mice.
      Moreover, hippocampal protein levels of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2
      (ERK1/2) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) phosphorylation were
      enhanced by GSK1016790A. Finally, GSK1016790A-enhanced proliferation was markedly
      blocked by a MAPK/ERK kinase or p38 MAPK antagonist (U0126 or SB203580,
      respectively). The increased protein levels of CDK2 and CDK6, as well as those of
      cyclin E1 and cyclin A2, in GSK1016790A-injected mice were substantially reduced
      by co-injection of U0126 or SB203580. We conclude that TRPV4 activation results
      in the proliferation of stem cells in the adult hippocampal DG, which is likely
      mediated through ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK signaling to increase the expression of CDKs
      (CDK6 and CDK2) and cyclins (cyclin E1 and A2), phosphorylate Rb consequently,
      and accelerate the cell cycle ultimately.

PMID- 27660270
TI  - Hyperpalatable Diet and Physical Exercise Modulate the Expression of the Glial
      Monocarboxylate Transporters MCT1 and 4.
AB  - Hyperpalatable diets (HP) impair brain metabolism, and regular physical exercise
      has an apparent opposite effect. Here, we combined a prior long-term exposure to
      HP diet followed by physical exercise and evaluated the impact on some
      neuroenergetic components and on cognitive performance. We assessed the
      extracellular lactate concentration, expression of monocarboxylate transporters
      (MCTs), pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), and mitochondrial function in the
      hippocampus. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed 4 months with HP or a control diet.
      Subsequently, they were divided in the following groups: control diet sedentary
      (CDS), control diet exercise (CDE), HP diet sedentary (HPS), and HP diet exercise
      (HPE) (n = 15 per group) and were engaged for an additional 30-day period of
      voluntary exercise and HP diet. Relative to the control situation, exercise
      increased MCT1, MCT4, and PDH protein levels, while the HP diet increased MCT1
      and MCT4 protein levels. The production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and the
      mitochondrial membrane potential (??m) stimulated by succinate in hippocampal
      homogenates were not significantly different between groups. ADP phosphorylation
      and the maximal respiratory rate induced by FCCP showed similar responses between
      groups, implying a normal mitochondrial function. Also, extracellular brain
      lactate levels were increased in the HPE group compared to other groups soon
      after performing the Y-maze task. However, such enhanced lactate levels were not
      associated with improved memory performance. In summary, hippocampal protein
      expression levels of MCT1 and 4 were increased by physical exercise and HP diet,
      whereas PDH was only increased by exercise. These observations indicate that a
      hippocampal metabolic reprogramming takes place in response to these
      environmental factors.

PMID- 27660269
TI  - ER Stress Induced by Tunicamycin Triggers alpha-Synuclein Oligomerization,
      Dopaminergic Neurons Death and Locomotor Impairment: a New Model of Parkinson's
      Disease.
AB  - Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by
      progressive death of dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta
      (SNpc), leading to the major clinical abnormalities that characterize this
      disease. Although PD's etiology is unknown, alpha-synuclein aggregation plays a
      pivotal role in PD pathogenesis, which could be associated to some pathological
      processes such as oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, impaired
      protein degradation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Increasing experimental
      evidence indicates that ER stress is involved in PD, however most of the
      described results employed cultured cell lines and genetically modified animal
      models. In this study, we developed a new ER stress rat model employing the well
      known ER stressor tunicamycin (Tm). To evaluate if ER stress was able to induce
      PD features, we performed an intranigral injection of Tm (0.1 MUg/cerebral
      hemisphere) and animals (male Wistar rats) were analyzed 7 days post injection.
      The classical 6-OHDA neurotoxin model (1 MUg/cerebral hemisphere) was used as an
      established positive control for PD. We show that Tm injection induced locomotor
      impairment, dopaminergic neurons death, and activation of astroglia. In addition,
      we observed an extensive alpha-synuclein oligomerization in SNpc of Tm-injected
      animals when compared with DMSO-injected controls. Finally, both Tm and 6-OHDA
      treated animals presented increased levels of ER stress markers. Taken together,
      these findings show for the first time that the ER stressor Tm recapitulates some
      of the phenotypic characteristics observed in rodent models of PD, reinforcing
      the concept that ER stress could be an important contributor to the
      pathophysiology of PD. Therefore, we propose the intranigral Tm injection as a
      new ER stress-based model for the study of PD in vivo.

PMID- 27660271
TI  - Neuroprotection Through Rapamycin-Induced Activation of Autophagy and
      PI3K/Akt1/mTOR/CREB Signaling Against Amyloid-beta-Induced Oxidative Stress,
      Synaptic/Neurotransmission Dysfunction, and Neurodegeneration in Adult Rats.
AB  - Autophagy is a catabolic process involved in the continuous removal of toxic
      protein aggregates and cellular organelles to maintain the homeostasis and
      functional integrity of cells. The mechanistic understanding of autophagy
      mediated neuroprotection during the development of neurodegenerative disorders
      remains elusive. Here, we investigated the potential role of rapamycin-induced
      activation of autophagy and PI3K/Akt1/mTOR/CREB pathway(s) in the neuroprotection
      of amyloid-beta (Abeta1-42)-insulted hippocampal neurons in rat model of
      Alzheimer's disease (AD) like phenotypes. A single intra-hippocampal injection of
      Abeta1-42 impaired redox balance and markedly induced synaptic dysfunction,
      neurotransmission dysfunction, and cognitive deficit, and suppressed pro-survival
      signaling in the adult rats. Rapamycin administration caused a significant
      reduction of mTOR complex 1 phosphorylation at Ser2481 and a significant increase
      in levels of autophagy markers such as microtubule-associated protein-1 light
      chain-3 (LC3), beclin-1, sequestosome-1/p62, unc-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1). In
      addition, rapamycin induced the activation of autophagy that further activated p
      PI3K, p-Akt1 (Ser473), and p-CREB (Ser183) expression in Abeta1-42-treated rats.
      The activated autophagy markedly reversed Abeta1-42-induced impaired redox
      homeostasis by decreasing the levels of prooxidants-ROS generation, intracellular
      Ca2+ flux and LPO, and increasing the levels of antioxidants-SOD, catalase, and
      GSH. The activated autophagy also provided significant neuroprotection against
      Abeta1-42-induced synaptic dysfunction by increasing the expression of synapsin
      I, synaptophysin, and PSD95; and neurotransmission dysfunction by increasing the
      levels of CHRM2, DAD2 receptor, NMDA receptor, and AMPA receptor; and ultimately
      improved cognitive ability in rats. Wortmannin administration significantly
      reduced the expression of autophagy markers, p-PI3K, p-Akt1, and p-CREB, as well
      as the autophagy mediated neuroprotective effect. Our study demonstrate that
      autophagy can be an integrated part of pro-survival (PI3K/Akt1/mTOR/CREB)
      signaling and autophagic activation restores the oxidative defense mechanism(s),
      neurodegenerative damages, and maintains the integrity of synapse and
      neurotransmission in rat model of AD.

PMID- 27660268
TI  - Role of STAT3 in Genesis and Progression of Human Malignant Gliomas.
AB  - Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is aberrantly
      activated in glioblastoma and has been identified as a relevant therapeutic
      target in this disease and many other human cancers. After two decades of
      intensive research, there is not yet any approved STAT3-based glioma therapy. In
      addition to the canonical activation by tyrosine 705 phosphorylation, concordant
      reports described a potential therapeutic relevance of other post-translational
      modifications including mainly serine 727 phosphorylation. Such reports reinforce
      the need to refine the strategy of targeting STAT3 in each concerned disease.
      This review focuses on the role of serine 727 and tyrosine 705 phosphorylation of
      STAT3 in glioma. It explores their contribution to glial cell transformation and
      to the mechanisms that make glioma escape to both immune control and standard
      treatment.

PMID- 27660275
TI  - Associations of Serum Cytokine Receptor Levels with Melancholia, Staging of
      Illness, Depressive and Manic Phases, and Severity of Depression in Bipolar
      Disorder.
AB  - To examine cytokine receptor biomarkers in bipolar disorder (BD), we recruited
      133 well-phenotyped BD patients and 50 normal controls and measured serum levels
      of soluble interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (sIL-1RA), soluble interleukin-2
      receptor (sIL-2R), sIL-6R, and tumor necrosis factor receptor 60 and 80 kDa
      (sTNFR60/80). sIL-1RA and sTNFR80 are significantly higher in BD than in controls
      and sTNFR80 and higher in melancholic than in non-melancholic patients and
      controls. Kapczinski's stages 3 + 4 are characterized by lowered sIL-2R and
      increased sTNFR80 levels. Acute phase depression is characterized by increased
      sTNFR80 levels as compared with controls, manic, and euthymic patients. Both
      sTNFR60 and sTNFR80 levels are significantly and positively related with severity
      of depression but not mania. Logistic regression analysis showed that the
      significant predictors for BD are increased sIL-1RA levels, nicotine dependence
      and a family history of depression and alcoholism. The risk factors for stages 3
      + 4 are lowered sIL-2R levels and nicotine dependence. Melancholia is predicted
      by higher sTNFR80 levels and female sex. Severity of depression is predicted by
      female sex, nicotine dependence, and increased sTNFR60 and sTNFR80 levels. Cell
      mediated immunity is activated during a current episode of depression but not
      (hypo)mania or the euthymic state. There are no associations between the
      biomarkers and age at onset, duration of illness, severity of mania, bipolar
      (BP)2 or BP1 subtypes, rapid cycling, atypical depression, psychotic or suicidal
      symptoms, and a family history of psychiatric disease. The results show that
      increased sIL-1RA may be a trait marker of BD, increased sTNFR80 a state marker
      of the depressive phase, especially melancholia, while lower sIL-2R but higher
      sTNFR80 may be staging biomarkers.

PMID- 27660274
TI  - A Novel Relationship for Schizophrenia, Bipolar, and Major Depressive Disorder.
      Part 8: a Hint from Chromosome 8 High Density Association Screen.
AB  - Convergent evidence from genetics, symptomatology, and psychopharmacology implies
      that there are intrinsic connections between schizophrenia (SCZ), bipolar
      disorder (BPD), and major depressive disorder (MDD); for example, any two or even
      three of these disorders could co-exist in some families. A total of 48,753
      single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on chromosome 8 were genotyped by
      Affymetrix Genome-Wide Human SNP array 6.0 on 119 SCZ, 253 BPD (type I), 177 MDD
      patients, and 1000 controls. Associated SNP loci were comprehensively revealed,
      and outstanding susceptibility genes were identified including CSMD1, NRG1,
      PXDNL, SGCZ, and TMEM66. Unexpectedly, flanking genes for up to 95.9 % of the
      associated SNPs were replicated (P <= 9.9E-8) in the enlarged cohort of 986 SCZ
      patients. Considering convergent evidence, our results implicate that bipolar
      disorder and major depressive disorder might be subtypes of schizophrenia.

PMID- 27660272
TI  - Modulation of Molecular Chaperones in Huntington's Disease and Other
      Polyglutamine Disorders.
AB  - Polyglutamine expansion mutations in specific proteins underlie the pathogenesis
      of a group of progressive neurodegenerative disorders, including Huntington's
      disease, spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy, dentatorubral-pallidoluysian
      atrophy, and several spinocerebellar ataxias. The different mutant proteins share
      ubiquitous expression and abnormal proteostasis, with misfolding and aggregation,
      but nevertheless evoke distinct patterns of neurodegeneration. This highlights
      the relevance of the full protein context where the polyglutamine expansion
      occurs and suggests different interactions with the cellular proteostasis
      machinery. Molecular chaperones are key elements of the proteostasis machinery
      and therapeutic targets for neurodegeneration. Here, we provide a focused review
      on Hsp90, Hsp70, and their co-chaperones, and how their genetic or
      pharmacological modulation affects the proteostasis and disease phenotypes in
      cellular and animal models of polyglutamine disorders. The emerging picture is
      that, in principle, Hsp70 modulation may be more amenable for long-term treatment
      by promoting a more selective clearance of mutant proteins than Hsp90 modulation,
      which may further decrease the necessary wild-type counterparts. It seems,
      nevertheless, unlikely that a single Hsp70 modulator will benefit all
      polyglutamine diseases. Indeed, available data, together with insights from
      effects on tau and alpha-synuclein in models of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's
      diseases, indicates that Hsp70 modulators may lead to different effects on the
      proteostasis of different mutant and wild-type client proteins. Future studies
      should include the further development of isoform selective inhibitors, namely to
      avoid off-target effects on Hsp in the mitochondria, and their characterization
      in distinct polyglutamine disease models to account for client protein-specific
      differences.

PMID- 27660273
TI  - Role of Autophagy in HIV Pathogenesis and Drug Abuse.
AB  - Autophagy is a highly regulated process in which excessive cytoplasmic materials
      are captured and degraded during deprivation conditions. The unique nature of
      autophagy that clears invasive microorganisms has made it an important cellular
      defense mechanism in a variety of clinical situations. In recent years, it has
      become increasingly clear that autophagy is extensively involved in the pathology
      of HIV-1. To ensure survival of the virus, HIV-1 viral proteins modulate and
      utilize the autophagy pathway so that biosynthesis of the virus is maximized. At
      the same time, the abuse of illicit drugs such as methamphetamine, cocaine,
      morphine, and alcohol is thought to be a significant risk factor for the
      acquirement and progression of HIV-1. During drug-induced toxicity, autophagic
      activity has been proved to be altered in various cell types. Here, we review the
      current literature on the interaction between autophagy, HIV-1, and drug abuse
      and discuss the complex role of autophagy during HIV-1 pathogenesis in co
      exposure to illicit drugs.

PMID- 27660278
TI  - Correction.

PMID- 27660276
TI  - In Vitro Effects of Cognitives and Nootropics on Mitochondrial Respiration and
      Monoamine Oxidase Activity.
AB  - Impairment of mitochondrial metabolism, particularly the electron transport chain
      (ETC), as well as increased oxidative stress might play a significant role in
      pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Some effects of drugs used for
      symptomatic AD treatment may be related to their direct action on mitochondrial
      function. In vitro effects of pharmacologically different cognitives
      (galantamine, donepezil, rivastigmine, 7-MEOTA, memantine) and nootropic drugs
      (latrepirdine, piracetam) were investigated on selected mitochondrial parameters:
      activities of ETC complexes I, II + III, and IV, citrate synthase, monoamine
      oxidase (MAO), oxygen consumption rate, and hydrogen peroxide production of pig
      brain mitochondria. Complex I activity was decreased by galantamine, donepezil,
      and memantine; complex II + III activity was increased by galantamine. None of
      the tested drugs caused significant changes in the rate of mitochondrial oxygen
      consumption, even at high concentrations. Except galantamine, all tested drugs
      were selective MAO-A inhibitors. Latrepirdine, donepezil, and 7-MEOTA were found
      to be the most potent MAO-A inhibitors. Succinate-induced mitochondrial hydrogen
      peroxide production was not significantly affected by the drugs tested. The
      direct effect of cognitives and nootropics used in the treatment of AD on
      mitochondrial respiration is relatively small. The safest drugs in terms of
      disturbing mitochondrial function appear to be piracetam and rivastigmine. The
      MAO-A inhibition by cognitives and nootropics may also participate in
      mitochondrial neuroprotection. The results support the future research aimed at
      measuring the effects of currently used drugs or newly synthesized drugs on
      mitochondrial functioning in order to understand their mechanism of action.

PMID- 27660277
TI  - Demyelination-Induced Inflammation Attracts Newly Born Neurons to the White
      Matter.
AB  - There is compelling evidence that microglial activation negatively impacts
      neurogenesis. However, microglia have also been shown to promote recruitment of
      newly born neurons to injured areas of the gray matter. In the present study, we
      explored whether demyelination-triggered inflammation alters the process of
      neurogenesis in the white matter. A 2-MUl solution of 0.04 % ethidium bromide was
      stereotaxically injected into the corpus callosum of adult male rats. Brain
      inflammation was dampened by daily injections of progesterone (5 mg/kg, s.c.) for
      14 days. Control rats received oil (s.c.). Newly born neurons (DCX and Tbr2),
      microglia (Iba-1), astrocytes (vimentin or GFAP), oligodendrocyte progenitor
      cells (OPCs; NG2), and mature oligodendrocytes (CC-1) were monitored in the
      vicinity of demyelination site using immunofluorescent staining. Western blot was
      used to explore microglial polarization using M1 (iNOS) and M2 (arginase-1)
      markers. Focal demyelination elicited strong microglial and astroglial activation
      and reduced the number of OPCs at the site of demyelination. This inflammatory
      response was associated with enhanced number of newly born neurons in the white
      matter and the subventricular zone (SVZ). A proportion of newly born neurons
      within the white matter showed features of OPCs. Interestingly, blunting brain
      inflammation led to reduced neurogenesis around the demyelination area and in the
      SVZ. These data suggest that the white matter inflammation creates a conducive
      environment for the recruitment of newly born neurons. The fact that a sizable
      fraction of these newly born neurons adopt OPC features suggests that they could
      contribute to the remyelination process.

PMID- 27660279
TI  - Development of a vaccine against Streptococcus agalactiae in fish based on
      truncated cell wall surface anchor proteins.
AB  - Streptococcus agalactiae is an important fish pathogen and a leading cause of
      major economic losses to the aquaculture industry worldwide. In the present
      study, the two truncated recombinant proteins of cell wall surface anchor family
      of S agalactiae, CWSAP465 and CWSAP1035, were expressed in Escherichia coli, and
      their immunogenicity and efficacy against the bacterium were evaluated in tilapia
      and turbot. The results showed that the prokaryotic expression of the two
      constructs, p32a-CWSAP465 and p32a-CWSAP1035, gave rise to a high yield of
      soluble proteins with good immunogenicity. The immunisation-challenge study
      revealed that tilapia and turbot immunised with recombinant truncated proteins
      produced high levels of antibodies with a peak at four weeks after immunisation
      and were protected from a challenge by a virulent S agalactiae at a dose of 1*109
      colony forming units/ml. The recombinant truncated proteins had higher efficacy
      than the whole-cell inactivated vaccine. Therefore, the study demonstrated that
      CWSAP465 and CWSAP1035 are two viable vaccine candidates against S agalactiae in
      fish.

PMID- 27660280
TI  - Diffusion MRI of uterine and ovarian masses: identifying the benign lesions.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to assess the diagnostic performance of
      qualitative and quantitative diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in differentiating
      benign from malignant ovarian and uterine masses. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Institutional review board approval was obtained for this HIPAA-compliant
      retrospective study, with waiver of informed consent. DWI MRIs of 222 women
      acquired over 1.5 years were evaluated. Reference standard was pathology or
      follow-up imaging. For qualitative assessment, two radiologists independently
      reviewed DWI and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) images for diffusion
      restriction. Differences were resolved by consensus. For quantitative assessment,
      a single reader measured ADC values. Readers were blinded to the reference
      standard. RESULTS: 222 lesions, 121 ovarian (99 benign and 22 malignant) and 101
      uterine (54 benign and 47 malignant), were included. Final diagnosis was
      established with pathology in 129 (58%) or with imaging follow-up in 93 (42%).
      Mean (range) follow-up interval was 27 (13-48) months. Qualitative assessment
      yielded sensitivity (ratio, 95% CI), specificity, PPV and NPV of 100% (22/22, 85
      100), 68% (68/99, 58-76), 41% (22/54, 27-54), and 100% (68/68, 94-100) for
      ovarian and 94% (44/47, 83-98), 91% (49/54, 80-96), 90% (44/49, 78-95) and 94%
      (49/52, 84-98) for uterine malignancies. ADC (mean +/- SD) between benign ovarian
      [(1.11 +/- 0.76) * 10-3 mm2/s] vs. malignant [(0.71 +/- 0.26) * 10-3 mm2/s]
      lesions was significantly different (p < 0.001). ADC cutoff value of 1.55 * 10-3
      mm2/s for ovarian lesions resulted in 99.9% confidence for the absence of
      malignancy. ADC (mean +/- SD) of benign uterine [(0.64 +/- 0.38) * 10-3 mm2/s]
      vs. malignant [(0.68 +/- 0.19) * 10-3 mm2/s] lesions was not significantly
      different (P < 0.54). CONCLUSION: Quantitative and qualitative DWI assessment can
      be used to confidently characterize a subset of ovarian lesions as benign. With
      uterine lesions, although DWI is useful in differentiating benign from malignant
      lesions, the technique does not allow for definitive quantitative
      characterization.

PMID- 27660281
TI  - Detection of exocrine dysfunction by MRI in patients with early chronic
      pancreatitis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine if T1-weighted MR signal of the pancreas can be used to
      detect early CP. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 51 suspected
      CP patients, who had both secretin-enhanced magnetic resonance
      cholangiopancreatography (S-MRCP) and an intraductal secretin stimulation test
      (IDST). There were 29 patients in normal and 22 patients in the low bicarbonate
      group. Bicarbonate level, total pancreatic juice volume, and excretory flow rate
      were recorded during IDST. Signal intensity ratio of pancreas (SIR), fat signal
      fraction, pancreatograms findings, and grade of duodenal filling were recorded on
      S-MRCP by two blinded radiologists. RESULTS: There was a significant difference
      in the signal intensity ratio of the pancreas to spleen (SIRp/s) between the
      normal and low bicarbonate groups (p < 0.0001). A significant positive
      correlation was found between pancreatic fluid bicarbonate level and SIRp/s (p <
      0.0001). SIRp/s of 1.2 yielded sensitivity of 77% and specificity of 83% for
      detection of pancreatic exocrine dysfunction (AUC: 0.89). CONCLUSION: T1-weighted
      MR signal of the pancreas has a high sensitivity and specificity for the
      detection of parenchymal abnormalities related to exocrine dysfunction and can
      therefore be helpful in evaluation of suspected early CP.

PMID- 27660284
TI  - Jaw pain.

PMID- 27660283
TI  - The effectiveness of tobacco control policies on vulnerable populations in the
      USA: a review.
AB  - Despite population-wide efforts to reduce tobacco use, low-income populations in
      the USA have much higher rates of tobacco use compared with the general
      population. The principal components of tobacco control policies in the USA
      include cigarette taxes, clean indoor air laws and comprehensive interventions to
      increase access to tobacco cessation services. In this review, we describe the
      effectiveness of these policies and interventions in reducing tobacco use among
      vulnerable populations, focusing on persons with mental health disorders and
      substance use disorders, persons who have experienced incarceration or
      homelessness, and low-income tenants of public housing. We discuss the challenges
      that evolving tobacco and nicotine products pose to tobacco control efforts. We
      conclude by highlighting the clinical implications of treating tobacco dependence
      in healthcare settings that serve vulnerable populations.

PMID- 27660282
TI  - Cross-talk between macrophages and atrial myocytes in atrial fibrillation.
AB  - Increased macrophage accumulation occurs in the atria of patients with atrial
      fibrillation (AF). However, the phenotype and functions of the macrophages in AF
      remain unclear. We investigated the macrophage-atrial myocyte interaction in AF
      patients and found that the increased macrophages were mainly pro-inflammatory
      macrophages (iNOS+, Arg1-). Tachypacing of HL-1 atrial myocytes also led to pro
      inflammatory macrophage polarization. In addition, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)
      stimulated pro-inflammatory macrophages-induced atrial electrical remodeling,
      evidenced by increased AF incidence and decreased atrial effective refractory
      period and L-type calcium currents (I Ca-L) in both canine and mouse AF models.
      Depletion of macrophages relieved LPS-induced atrial electrical remodeling,
      confirming the role of pro-inflammatory macrophages in the pathogenesis of AF. We
      also found that the effect of LPS-stimulated macrophages on atrial myocytes was
      mediated by secretion of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1beta), which inhibited atrial
      myocyte quaking protein (QKI) expression. IL-1beta knockout in macrophages
      restored the LPS-stimulated macrophage-induced inhibition of QKI and CACNA1C
      (alpha1C subunit of L-type calcium channel) in atrial myocytes. Meanwhile, QKI
      overexpression in atrial myocytes restored the LPS-stimulated macrophage-induced
      electrical remodeling through enhanced binding of QKI to CACNA1C mRNA, which
      upregulated the expression of CACNA1C as well as I Ca-L. In contrast, QKI
      knockout inhibited CACNA1C expression. Finally, using transcription factor
      activation profiling plate array and chromatin immunoprecipitation, we revealed
      that special AT-rich sequence binding protein 1 activated QKI transcription.
      Taken together, our study uncovered the functional interaction between
      macrophages and atrial myocytes in AF. AF induced pro-inflammatory macrophage
      polarization while pro-inflammatory macrophages exacerbated atrial electrical
      remodeling by secreting IL-1beta, further inhibiting QKI expression in atrial
      myocytes, which contributed to I Ca-L downregulation. Our study demonstrates a
      novel molecular mechanism underlying the pathogenesis and progression of AF and
      suggests that QKI is a potential therapeutic target.

PMID- 27660285
TI  - The association between perceived unmet medical need and mental health among the
      Republic of Korea Armed Forces.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We investigated the effect of unmet medical need on the mental
      health of Republic of Korea (ROK) Armed Forces personnel, as most of the service
      members work in remote areas and often experience such unmet needs. METHODS: This
      study used secondary data from the 2014 Military Health Survey (MHS), conducted
      by the ROK School of Military Medicine and designed to collect military health
      determinants. Descriptive statistics showed the general characteristics of the
      study populations by variable. We specifically compared the population after
      stratifying participants by suicide ideation. An analysis of variance was also
      carried out to compare Kessler Psychological Distress Scale 10 Scores.
      Additionally, dependent spouses and children of both active-duty service members
      and retirees are included among those entitled to Military Health System
      healthcare. RESULTS: Among the 4967 military personnel, 681 (13.7%) individuals
      reported an experience of unmet medical need within the past 12 months and gave
      reasons of 'no time (5.15%)', 'long office wait (2.6%)', 'no money (0.22%)',
      'long distance from base (1.19%)', 'illness but not very serious (1.65%)',
      'mistrust in doctors (1.95%)' and 'pressure due to performance appraisal
      (0.95%)'. Regression analysis revealed that unmet medical need was significantly
      associated with negative mental health (beta=1.753, p<0.0001) and increased
      suicide ideation (OR=2.649, 95% CI 1.84 to 3.82). Also, soldiers reporting unmet
      medical need due to 'no money', 'no time' or 'pressure due to performance
      appraisal' were significantly more likely to experience similar negative mental
      health effects. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates that unmet medical need is
      significantly associated with soldiers' mental health decline and suicide
      ideation, highlighting the importance of providing military personnel with
      timely, affordable and sufficient medical care.

PMID- 27660286
TI  - The High Blood Pressure-Malaria Protection Hypothesis.
AB  - RATIONALE: A recently proposed hypothesis states that malaria may contribute to
      hypertension in endemic areas,1 but the role of angiotensin II (Ang II), a major
      regulator of blood pressure, was not considered. Elevated levels of Ang II may
      confer protection against malaria morbidity and mortality, providing an
      alternative explanation for hypertension in malaria endemic areas. OBJECTIVE: To
      discuss a possible alternative cause for hypertension in populations who have
      been under the selective pressure of malaria. METHODS AND RESULTS: We reviewed
      published scientific literature for studies that could establish a link between
      Ang II and malaria. Both genetic and functional studies suggested that high
      levels of Ang II may confer protection against cerebral malaria by strengthening
      the integrity of the endothelial brain barrier. We also describe strong
      experimental evidence supporting our hypothesis through genetic, functional, and
      interventional studies. CONCLUSIONS: A causal association between high levels of
      Ang II and protection from malaria pathogenesis can provide a likely explanation
      for the increased prevalence in hypertension observed in populations of African
      and South Asian origin. Furthermore, this potential causative connection might
      also direct unique approaches for the effective treatment of cerebral malaria.

PMID- 27660288
TI  - Soluble Dietary Fiber Ameliorates Radiation-Induced Intestinal Epithelial-to
      Mesenchymal Transition and Fibrosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intestinal fibrosis is a late complication of pelvic radiotherapy.
      Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays an important role in tissue
      fibrosis. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of soluble dietary
      fiber on radiation-induced intestinal EMT and fibrosis in a mouse model.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Apple pectin (4% wt/wt in drinking water) was administered
      to wild-type and pVillin-Cre-EGFP transgenic mice with intestinal fibrosis
      induced by a single dose of abdominal irradiation of 10 Gy. The effects of pectin
      on intestinal EMT and fibrosis, gut microbiota, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)
      concentration were evaluated. RESULTS: Intestinal fibrosis in late radiation
      enteropathy showed increased submucosal thickness and subepithelial collagen
      deposition. Enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)+/vimentin+ and EGFP+/alpha
      smooth muscle actin (SMA)+ coexpressing cells were most clearly observed at 2
      weeks after irradiation and gradually decreased at 4 and 12 weeks. Pectin
      significantly attenuated the thickness of submucosa and collagen deposition at 12
      weeks (24.3 vs 27.6 um in the pectin + radiation-treated group compared with
      radiation-alone group, respectively, P < .05; 69.0% vs 57.1%, P < .001) and
      ameliorated EMT at 2 and 4 weeks. Pectin also modulated the intestinal microbiota
      composition and increased the luminal SCFA concentration. CONCLUSION: The soluble
      dietary fiber pectin protected the terminal ileum against radiation-induced
      fibrosis. This effect might be mediated by altered SCFA concentration in the
      intestinal lumen and reduced EMT in the ileal epithelium.

PMID- 27660287
TI  - Nicotine Mediates CD161a+ Renal Macrophage Infiltration and Premature
      Hypertension in the Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat.
AB  - RATIONALE: Renal inflammation contributes to the pathophysiology of hypertension.
      CD161a+ immune cells are dominant in the (SHR) spontaneously hypertensive rat and
      expand in response to nicotinic cholinergic activation. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to
      phenotype CD161a+ immune cells in prehypertensive SHR after cholinergic
      activation with nicotine and determine if these cells are involved in renal
      inflammation and the development of hypertension. METHODS AND RESULTS: Studies
      used young SHR and WKY (Wistar-Kyoto) rats. Splenocytes and bone marrow cells
      were exposed to nicotine ex vivo, and nicotine was infused in vivo. Blood
      pressures, kidney, serum, and urine were obtained. Flow cytometry, Luminex/ELISA,
      immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy, and Western blot were used. Nicotinic
      cholinergic activation induced proliferation of CD161a+/CD68+ macrophages in SHR
      derived splenocytes, their renal infiltration, and premature hypertension in SHR.
      These changes were associated with increased renal expression of MCP-1 (monocyte
      chemoattractant protein-1) and VLA-4 (very-late antigen-4). LLT1 (lectin-like
      transcript 1), the ligand for CD161a, was overexpressed in SHR kidney, whereas
      vascular cellular and intracellular adhesion molecules were similar to those in
      WKY. Inflammatory cytokines were elevated in SHR kidney and urine after nicotine
      infusion. Nicotine-mediated renal macrophage infiltration/inflammation was
      enhanced in denervated kidneys, not explained by angiotensin II levels or
      expression of angiotensin type-1/2 receptors. Moreover, expression of the anti
      inflammatory alpha7-nAChR (alpha7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor) was similar
      in young SHR and WKY rats. CONCLUSIONS: A novel, inherited nicotinic cholinergic
      inflammatory effect exists in young SHR, measured by expansion of CD161a+/CD68+
      macrophages. This leads to renal inflammation and premature hypertension, which
      may be partially explained by increased renal expression of LLT-1, MCP-1, and VLA
      4.

PMID- 27660290
TI  - Differential Effects on Intestinal Adaptation Following Exogenous Glucagon-Like
      Peptide 2 Therapy With and Without Enteral Nutrition in Neonatal Short Bowel
      Syndrome [Formula: see text].
AB  - BACKGROUND: We aim to study the efficacy of exogenously administered glucagon
      like peptide 2 (GLP-2) on intestinal adaptation in 2 preclinical models of
      neonatal short bowel syndrome (SBS) according to remnant intestinal anatomy, with
      and without ileum. Furthermore, we aim to determine if this adaptive effect was
      potentiated with enteral nutrition (EN). METHODS: Neonatal piglets were block
      randomized to 75% mid-intestinal (JI group, retains ileum) or distal-intestinal
      (JC group, has no ileum) resection or no resection (sham control) and GLP-2
      treatment (11 nmol/kg/d) or saline control for 7 days. Piglets received nutrition
      support, either 100% parenteral nutrition (PN; 0% EN, n = 32 in total) or 80% PN
      + 40% EN (n = 28 in total). Adaptation was assessed by morphological and
      histological changes, as well as RT quantitative polymerase chain reaction of
      nutrient transporters and tight junctional proteins and fat absorption. Data are
      analyzed by 3-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and 2-way ANOVA per EN level.
      RESULTS: GLP-2 treatment lengthened villi, deepened crypts, and improved
      intestinal weight in the remnant intestine of JC piglets. EN was a more potent
      adaptive stimulus for JI piglets. Small intestinal lengthening occurred only in
      the JI group, when given EN. There was no difference in total fat absorption and
      messenger RNA expression of nutrient transporters and tight junctional proteins.
      CONCLUSIONS: GLP-2 administration augmented structural adaptation in JC piglets
      with distal intestinal resection. Given JI anatomy, further stimulation by GLP-2
      treatment over innate adaptation and stimulation by EN was modest and restricted
      to ileum. The differential effect of GLP-2 in neonatal SBS, depending on remnant
      anatomy, has important implications for clinical translation and planning of
      clinical trials.

PMID- 27660291
TI  - Personal responsibility within health policy: unethical and ineffective.
AB  - This paper argues against incorporating assessments of individual responsibility
      into healthcare policies by expanding an existing argument and offering a
      rebuttal to an argument in favour of such policies. First, it is argued that what
      primarily underlies discussions surrounding personal responsibility and
      healthcare is not causal responsibility, moral responsibility or culpability, as
      one might expect, but biases towards particular highly stigmatised behaviours. A
      challenge is posed for proponents of taking personal responsibility into account
      within health policy to either expand the debate to also include socially
      accepted behaviours or to provide an alternative explanation of the narrowly
      focused discussion. Second, a critical response is offered to arguments that
      claim that policies based on personal responsibility would lead to several
      positive outcomes including healthy behaviour change, better health outcomes and
      decreases in healthcare spending. It is argued that using individual
      responsibility as a basis for resource allocation in healthcare is unlikely to
      motivate positive behaviour changes, and is likely to increase inequality which
      may lead to worse health outcomes overall. Finally, the case of West Virginia's
      Medicaid reform is examined, which raises a worry that policies focused on
      personal responsibility have the potential to lead to increases in medical
      spending overall.

PMID- 27660292
TI  - Comparison of Postoperative Height Changes of the Second Metatarsal Among 3
      Osteotomy Methods for Hallux Valgus Deformity Correction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We aimed to compare the postoperative height of the second metatarsal
      head relative to the first metatarsal head using axial radiographs among 3
      different commonly used osteotomy techniques: proximal chevron metatarsal
      osteotomy (PCMO), scarf osteotomy, and distal chevron metatarsal osteotomy
      (DCMO). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the radiographs and clinical
      findings of the patients with painful callosities under the second metatarsal
      head, complicated by hallux valgus, who underwent isolated PCMO, scarf osteotomy,
      or DCMO from February 2005 to January 2015. Each osteotomy was performed with 20
      degrees of plantar ward obliquity. Along with lateral translation and rotation of
      the distal fragment to correct the deformity, lowering of the first metatarsal
      head was made by virtue of the oblique metatarsal osteotomy. RESULTS: Significant
      postoperative change in the second metatarsal height was observed on axial
      radiographs in all groups; this value was greatest in the PCMO group (vs scarf: P
      = .013; vs DCMO: P = .008) but did not significantly differ between the scarf and
      DCMO groups ( P = .785). The power for second metatarsal height correction was
      significantly greater in the PCMO group (vs scarf: P = .0005; vs DCMO: P = .0005)
      but did not significantly differ between the scarf and DCMO groups ( P = .832).
      CONCLUSIONS: Among the 3 osteotomy techniques commonly used to correct hallux
      valgus deformity, we observed that PCMO yielded the most effective height change
      of the second metatarsal head. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective
      comparative series.

PMID- 27660289
TI  - Interaction Between 2 Nutraceutical Treatments and Host Immune Status in the
      Pediatric Critical Illness Stress-Induced Immune Suppression Comparative
      Effectiveness Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The pediatric Critical Illness Stress-induced Immune
      Suppression (CRISIS) trial compared the effectiveness of 2 nutraceutical
      supplementation strategies and found no difference in the development of
      nosocomial infection and sepsis in the overall population. We performed an
      exploratory post hoc analysis of interaction between nutraceutical treatments and
      host immune status related to the development of nosocomial infection/sepsis.
      METHODS: Children from the CRISIS trial were analyzed according to 3 admission
      immune status categories marked by decreasing immune competence: immune competent
      without lymphopenia, immune competent with lymphopenia, and previously
      immunocompromised. The comparative effectiveness of the 2 treatments was analyzed
      for interaction with immune status category. RESULTS: There were 134 immune
      competent children without lymphopenia, 79 previously immune-competent children
      with lymphopenia, and 27 immunocompromised children who received 1 of the 2
      treatments. A significant interaction was found between treatment arms and immune
      status on the time to development of nosocomial infection and sepsis ( P < .05)
      and on the rate of nosocomial infection and sepsis per 100 patient days ( P <
      .05). Whey protein treatment protected immune-competent patients without
      lymphopenia from infection and sepsis, both nutraceutical strategies were
      equivalent in immune-competent patients with lymphopenia, and zinc, selenium,
      glutamine, and metoclopramide treatment protected immunocompromised patients from
      infection and sepsis. CONCLUSIONS: The science of immune nutrition is more
      complex than previously thought. Future trial design should consider immune
      status at the time of trial entry because differential effects of nutraceuticals
      may be related to this patient characteristic.

PMID- 27660293
TI  - Restoration of Hydrogen Sulfide Production in Diabetic Mice Improves Reparative
      Function of Bone Marrow Cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bone marrow cell (BMC)-based treatment for critical limb ischemia in
      diabetic patients yielded a modest therapeutic effect resulting from cell
      dysfunction. Therefore, approaches that improve diabetic stem/progenitor cell
      functions may provide therapeutic benefits. Here, we tested the hypothesis that
      restoration of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) production in diabetic BMCs improves their
      reparative capacities. METHODS: Mouse BMCs were isolated by density-gradient
      centrifugation. Unilateral hind limb ischemia was conducted in 12- to 14-week-old
      db/+ and db/db mice by ligation of the left femoral artery. The H2S level was
      measured by either gas chromatography or staining with florescent dye
      sulfidefluor 7 AM. RESULTS: Both H2S production and cystathionine gamma-lyase
      (CSE), an H2S enzyme, levels were significantly decreased in BMCs from diabetic
      db/db mice. Administration of H2S donor diallyl trisulfide (DATS) or
      overexpression of CSE restored H2S production and enhanced cell survival and
      migratory capacity in high glucose (HG)-treated BMCs. Immediately after hind limb
      ischemia surgery, the db/+ and db/db mice were administered DATS orally and/or
      given a local intramuscular injection of green fluorescent protein-labeled BMCs
      or red fluorescent protein-CSE-overexpressing BMCs (CSE-BMCs). Mice with hind
      limb ischemia were divided into 6 groups: db/+, db/db, db/db+BMCs, db/db+DATS,
      db/db+DATS+BMCs, and db/db+CSE-BMCs. DATS and CSE overexpression greatly enhanced
      diabetic BMC retention in ischemic hind limbs followed by improved blood
      perfusion, capillary/arteriole density, skeletal muscle architecture, and cell
      survival and decreased perivascular CD68+ cell infiltration in the ischemic hind
      limbs of diabetic mice. It is interesting to note that DATS or CSE overexpression
      rescued high glucose-impaired migration, tube formation, and survival of BMCs or
      mature human cardiac microvascular endothelial cells. Moreover, DATS restored
      nitric oxide production and decreased endothelial nitric oxide synthase
      phosphorylation at threonine 495 levels in human cardiac microvascular
      endothelial cells and improved BMC angiogenic activity under high glucose
      condition. Last, silencing CSE by siRNA significantly increased endothelial
      nitric oxide synthase phosphorylation at threonine 495 levels in human cardiac
      microvascular endothelial cells. CONCLUSIONS: Decreased CSE-mediated H2S
      bioavailability is an underlying source of BMC dysfunction in diabetes mellitus.
      Our data indicate that H2S and overexpression of CSE in diabetic BMCs may rescue
      their dysfunction and open novel avenues for cell-based therapeutics of critical
      limb ischemia in diabetic patients.

PMID- 27660295
TI  - Selective Sweeps across Twenty Millions Years of Primate Evolution.
AB  - The contribution from selective sweeps to variation in genetic diversity has
      proven notoriously difficult to assess, in part because polymorphism data only
      allows detection of sweeps in the most recent few hundred thousand years. Here,
      we show how linked selection in ancestral species can be quantified across
      evolutionary timescales by analyzing patterns of incomplete lineage sorting (ILS)
      along the genomes of closely related species. We show that sweeps in the human
      chimpanzee and human-orangutan ancestors can be identified as depletions of ILS
      in regions in excess of 100 kb in length. Sweeps predicted in each ancestral
      species, as well as recurrent sweeps predicted in both species, often overlap
      sweeps predicted in humans. This suggests that many genomic regions experience
      recurrent selective sweeps. By comparing the ILS patterns along the genomes of
      the closely related human-chimpanzee and human-orangutan ancestors, we are
      further able to quantify the impact of selective sweeps relative to that of
      background selection. Compared with the human-orangutan ancestor, the human
      chimpanzee ancestor shows a strong excess of regions depleted of ILS as well as a
      stronger reduction in ILS around genes. We conclude that sweeps play a strong
      role in reducing diversity along the genome and that sweeps have reduced
      diversity in the human-chimpanzee ancestor much more than in the human-orangutan
      ancestor.

PMID- 27660294
TI  - Cathepsin G Controls Arterial But Not Venular Myeloid Cell Recruitment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Therapeutic targeting of arterial leukocyte recruitment in the
      context of atherosclerosis has been disappointing in clinical studies. Reasons
      for such failures include the lack of knowledge of arterial-specific recruitment
      patterns. Here we establish the importance of the cathepsin G (CatG) in the
      context of arterial myeloid cell recruitment. METHODS: Intravital microscopy of
      the carotid artery, the jugular vein, and cremasteric arterioles and venules in
      Apoe-/-and CatG-deficient mice (Apoe-/-Ctsg-/-) was used to study site-specific
      myeloid cell behavior after high-fat diet feeding or tumor necrosis factor
      stimulation. Atherosclerosis development was assessed in aortic root sections
      after 4 weeks of high-fat diet, whereas lung inflammation was assessed after
      inhalation of lipopolysaccharide. Endothelial deposition of CatG and CCL5 was
      quantified in whole-mount preparations using 2-photon and confocal microscopy.
      RESULTS: Our observations elucidated a crucial role for CatG during arterial
      leukocyte adhesion, an effect not found during venular adhesion. Consequently,
      CatG deficiency attenuates atherosclerosis but not acute lung inflammation.
      Mechanistically, CatG is immobilized on arterial endothelium where it activates
      leukocytes to firmly adhere engaging integrin clustering, a process of crucial
      importance to achieve effective adherence under high-shear flow. Therapeutic
      neutralization of CatG specifically abrogated arterial leukocyte adhesion without
      affecting myeloid cell adhesion in the microcirculation. Repetitive application
      of CatG-neutralizing antibodies permitted inhibition of atherogenesis in mice.
      CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, these findings present evidence of an arterial
      specific recruitment pattern centered on CatG-instructed adhesion strengthening.
      The inhibition of this process could provide a novel strategy for treatment of
      arterial inflammation with limited side effects.

PMID- 27660296
TI  - A Photoreceptor Contributes to the Natural Variation of Diapause Induction in
      Daphnia magna.
AB  - Diapause is an adaptation that allows organisms to survive harsh environmental
      conditions. In species occurring over broad habitat ranges, both the timing and
      the intensity of diapause induction can vary across populations, revealing
      patterns of local adaptation. Understanding the genetic architecture of this
      fitness-related trait would help clarify how populations adapt to their local
      environments. In the cyclical parthenogenetic crustacean Daphnia magna, diapause
      induction is a phenotypic plastic life history trait linked to sexual
      reproduction, as asexual females have the ability to switch to sexual
      reproduction and produce resting stages, their sole strategy for surviving
      habitat deterioration. We have previously shown that the induction of resting
      stage production correlates with changes in photoperiod that indicate the
      imminence of habitat deterioration and have identified a Quantitative Trait Locus
      (QTL) responsible for some of the variation in the induction of resting stages.
      Here, new data allows us to anchor the QTL to a large scaffold and then, using a
      combination of a new mapping panel, targeted association mapping and selection
      analysis in natural populations, to identify candidate genes within the QTL. Our
      results show that variation in a rhodopsin photoreceptor gene plays a significant
      role in the variation observed in resting stage induction. This finding provides
      a mechanistic explanation for the link between diapause and day-length perception
      that has been suggested in diverse arthropod taxa.

PMID- 27660297
TI  - Pulmonary artery pressure and arterial oxygen saturation in people living at high
      or low altitude: systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - More than 140 million people are living at high altitude worldwide. An increase
      of pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) is a hallmark of high-altitude exposure and,
      if pronounced, may be associated with important morbidity and mortality.
      Surprisingly, there is little information on the usual PAP in high-altitude
      populations. We, therefore, conducted a systematic review (MEDLINE and EMBASE)
      and meta-analysis of studies published (in English or Spanish) between 2000 and
      2015 on echocardiographic estimations of PAP and measurements of arterial oxygen
      saturation in apparently healthy participants from general populations of high
      altitude dwellers (>2,500 m). For comparison, we similarly analyzed data
      published on these variables during the same period for populations living at low
      altitude. Twelve high-altitude studies comprising 834 participants and 18 low
      altitude studies (710 participants) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. All but one
      high-altitude studies were performed between 3,600 and 4,350 m. The combined mean
      systolic PAP (right ventricular-to-right atrial pressure gradient) at high
      altitude [25.3 mmHg, 95% confidence interval (CI) 24.0, 26.7], as expected was
      significantly (P < 0.001) higher than at low altitude (18.4 mmHg, 95% CI
      17.1,19.7), and arterial oxygen saturation was significantly lower (90.4%, 95% CI
      89.3, 91.5) than at low altitude (98.1%; 95% CI 97.7, 98.4). These findings
      indicate that at an altitude where the very large majority of high-altitude
      populations are living, pulmonary hypertension appears to be rare. The reference
      values and distributions for PAP and arterial oxygen saturation in apparently
      healthy high-altitude dwellers provided by this meta-analysis will be useful to
      future studies on the adjustments to high altitude in humans.

PMID- 27660298
TI  - Case Studies in Physiology: Ventilation and perfusion in a giraffe-does size
      matter?
AB  - The trachea in the giraffe is long but narrow, and dead space ventilation is
      considered to be of approximately the same size as in other mammals. Less is
      known about the matching between ventilation and lung blood flow. The lungs in
      the giraffe are large, up to 1 m high and 0.7 m wide, and this may cause
      considerable ventilation/perfusion (VA/Q) mismatch due to the influence of
      gravitational forces, which could lead to hypoxemia. We studied a young giraffe
      under anesthesia using the multiple inert gas elimination technique to analyze
      the VA/Q distribution and arterial oxygenation and compared the results with
      those obtained in other species of different sizes, including humans. VA/Q
      distribution was broad but unimodal, and the shunt of blood flow through
      nonventilated lung regions was essentially absent, suggesting no lung collapse.
      The VA/Q match was as good as in the similarly sized horse and was even
      comparable to that in smaller sized animals, including rabbit and rat. The match
      was also similar to that in anesthetized humans. Arterial oxygenation was
      essentially similar in all studied species. The findings suggest that the
      efficiency of VA/Q matching is independent of lung size in the studied mammals
      that vary in weight from less than 1 to more than 400 kg.

PMID- 27660300
TI  - Skeletal muscle power and fatigue at the tolerable limit of ramp-incremental
      exercise in COPD.
AB  - Muscle fatigue (a reduced power for a given activation) is common following
      exercise in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Whether muscle fatigue,
      and reduced maximal voluntary locomotor power, are sufficient to limit whole body
      exercise in COPD is unknown. We hypothesized in COPD: 1) exercise is terminated
      with a locomotor muscle power reserve; 2) reduction in maximal locomotor power is
      related to ventilatory limitation; and 3) muscle fatigue at intolerance is less
      than age-matched controls. We used a rapid switch from hyperbolic to isokinetic
      cycling to measure the decline in peak isokinetic power at the limit of
      incremental exercise ("performance fatigue") in 13 COPD patients (FEV1 49 +/-
      17%pred) and 12 controls. By establishing the baseline relationship between
      muscle activity and isokinetic power, we apportioned performance fatigue into the
      reduction in muscle activation and muscle fatigue. Peak isokinetic power at
      intolerance was ~130% of peak incremental power in controls (274 +/- 73 vs. 212
      +/- 84 W, P < 0.05), but ~260% in COPD patients (187 +/- 141 vs. 72 +/- 34 W, P <
      0.05), greater than controls (P < 0.05). Muscle fatigue as a fraction of baseline
      peak isokinetic power was not different in COPD patients vs. controls (0.11 +/-
      0.20 vs. 0.19 +/- 0.11). Baseline to intolerance, the median frequency of maximal
      isokinetic muscle activity, was unchanged in COPD patients but reduced in
      controls (+4.3 +/- 11.6 vs. -5.5 +/- 7.6%, P < 0.05). Performance fatigue as a
      fraction of peak incremental power was greater in COPD vs. controls and related
      to resting (FEV1/FVC) and peak exercise (VE/maximal voluntary ventilation)
      pulmonary function (r2 = 0.47 and 0.55, P < 0.05). COPD patients are more
      fatigable than controls, but this fatigue is insufficient to constrain locomotor
      power and define exercise intolerance.

PMID- 27660301
TI  - Bouncing on Mars and the Moon-the role of gravity on neuromuscular control:
      correlation of muscle activity and rate of force development.
AB  - On our astronomical neighbors Mars and the Moon, bouncing movements are the
      preferred locomotor techniques. During bouncing, the stretch-shortening cycle
      describes the muscular activation pattern. This study aimed to identify gravity
      dependent changes in kinematic and neuromuscular characteristics in the stretch
      shortening cycle. Hence, neuromuscular control of limb muscles as well as
      correlations between the muscles' pre-activation, reflex components, and force
      output were assessed in lunar, Martian, and Earth gravity. During parabolic
      flights, peak force (Fmax), ground-contact-time, rate of force development (RFD),
      height, and impulse were measured. Electromyographic (EMG) activities in the m.
      soleus (SOL) and gastrocnemius medialis (GM) were assessed before (PRE) and
      during bounces for the reflex phases short-, medium-, and long-latency response
      (SLR, MLR, LLR). With gradually decreasing gravitation, Fmax, RFD, and impulse
      were reduced, whereas ground-contact time and height increased. Concomitantly,
      EMG_GM decreased for PRE, SLR, MLR, and LLR, and in EMG_SOL in SLR, MLR, and LLR.
      For SLR and MLR, Fmax and RFD were positively correlated to EMG_SOL. For PRE and
      LLR, RFD and Fmax were positively correlated to EMG_GM. Findings emphasize that
      biomechanically relevant kinematic adaptations in response to gravity variation
      were accompanied by muscle- and phase-specific modulations in neural control.
      Gravitational variation is anticipated and compensated for by gravity-adjusted
      muscle activities. Importantly, the pre-activation and reflex phases were
      differently affected: in SLR and MLR, SOL is assumed to contribute to the decline
      in force output with a decreasing load, and, complementary in PRE and LLR, GM
      seems to be of major importance for force generation.

PMID- 27660299
TI  - Generation of active expiration by serotoninergic mechanisms of the ventral
      medulla of rats.
AB  - Abdominal expiratory activity is absent at rest and is evoked during metabolic
      challenges, such as hypercapnia and hypoxia, or after the exposure to
      intermittent hypoxia (IH). The mechanisms engaged during this process are not
      completely understood. In this study, we hypothesized that serotonin (5-HT),
      acting in the retrotrapezoid nucleus/parafacial respiratory group (RTN/pFRG), is
      able to generate active expiration. In anesthetized (urethane, ip),
      tracheostomized, spontaneously-breathing adult male Holtzman rats we
      microinjected a serotoninergic agonist and antagonist bilaterally in the RTN/pFRG
      and recorded diaphragm and abdominal muscle activities. We found that episodic (3
      times, 5 min apart), but not single microinjections of 5-HT (1 mM) in the
      RTN/pFRG elicited an enduring (>30 min) increase in abdominal activity. This
      response was amplified in vagotomized rats and blocked by previous 5-HT receptor
      antagonism with ketanserin (10 uM). Episodic 5-HT microinjections in the RTN/pFRG
      also potentiated the inspiratory and expiratory reflex responses to hypercapnia.
      The antagonism of 5-HT receptors in the RTN/pFRG also prevented the long-term
      facilitation (>30 min) of abdominal activity in response to acute IH exposure (10
      * 6-7% O for 45 s every 5 min). Our findings indicate the activation of
      serotoninergic mechanisms in the RTN/pFRG is sufficient to increase abdominal
      expiratory activity at resting conditions and required for the emergence of
      active expiration after IH in anesthetized animals.

PMID- 27660302
TI  - Statistical Methods for Cohort Studies of CKD: Prediction Modeling.
AB  - Prediction models are often developed in and applied to CKD populations. These
      models can be used to inform patients and clinicians about the potential risks of
      disease development or progression. With increasing availability of large
      datasets from CKD cohorts, there is opportunity to develop better prediction
      models that will lead to more informed treatment decisions. It is important that
      prediction modeling be done using appropriate statistical methods to achieve the
      highest accuracy, while avoiding overfitting and poor calibration. In this paper,
      we review prediction modeling methods in general from model building to assessing
      model performance as well as the application to new patient populations.
      Throughout, the methods are illustrated using data from the Chronic Renal
      Insufficiency Cohort Study.

PMID- 27660303
TI  - Anxiety in Patients Treated with Hemodialysis.
AB  - Anxiety is a common yet frequently overlooked psychiatric symptom in patients
      with ESRD treated with hemodialysis (HD). Anxiety is characterized by disruptive
      feelings of uncertainty, dread, and fearfulness. A variety of common medical
      complaints may be manifestations of an anxiety disorder, including palpitations,
      tremors, indigestion, numbness/tingling, nervousness, shortness of breath,
      diaphoresis, and fear. It is essential for the clinician to rule out specific
      medical conditions, including cardiovascular, pulmonary, and neurologic diseases,
      before ascribing these symptoms to an anxiety disorder. In addition, there is
      considerable overlap between the symptoms of anxiety and those of depression and
      uremia. This psychiatric condition has a significant adverse impact on patients'
      perception of quality of life. Little is known regarding the prevalence and
      impact of anxiety disorders in patients with ESRD treated with HD; however, many
      of the seemingly irrational behaviors of patients, or behaviors which place them
      in conflict with staff and physicians, such as behavioral noncompliance, may be
      the expression of an underlying anxiety disorder. In this review, we present
      three clinical vignettes, highlighting the impact of anxiety disorders in
      patients with ESRD treated with HD.

PMID- 27660304
TI  - Crackles and Comets: Lung Ultrasound to Detect Pulmonary Congestion in Patients
      on Dialysis is Coming of Age.

PMID- 27660305
TI  - The Agreement between Auscultation and Lung Ultrasound in Hemodialysis Patients:
      The LUST Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Accumulation of fluid in the lung is the most
      concerning sequela of volume expansion in patients with ESRD. Lung auscultation
      is recommended to detect and monitor pulmonary congestion, but its reliability in
      ESRD is unknown. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: In a subproject
      of the ongoing Lung Water by Ultra-Sound Guided Treatment to Prevent Death and
      Cardiovascular Complications in High Risk ESRD Patients with Cardiomyopathy
      Trial, we compared a lung ultrasound-guided ultrafiltration prescription policy
      versus standard care in high-risk patients on hemodialysis. The reliability of
      peripheral edema was tested as well. This study was on the basis of 1106 pre- and
      postdialysis lung ultrasound studies (in 79 patients) simultaneous with
      standardized lung auscultation (crackles at the lung bases) and quantification of
      peripheral edema. RESULTS: Lung congestion by crackles, edema, or a combination
      thereof poorly reflected the severity of congestion as detected by ultrasound B
      lines in various analyses, including standard regression analysis weighting for
      repeated measures in individual patients (shared variance of 12% and 4% for
      crackles and edema, respectively) and kappa-statistics (kappa ranging from 0.00
      to 0.16). In general, auscultation had very low discriminatory power for the
      diagnosis of mild (area under the receiver operating curve =0.61), moderate (area
      under the receiver operating curve =0.65), and severe (area under the receiver
      operating curve =0.68) lung congestion, and the same was true for peripheral
      edema (receiver operating curve =0.56 or lower) and the combination of the two
      physical signs. CONCLUSIONS: Lung crackles, either alone or combined with
      peripheral edema, very poorly reflect interstitial lung edema in patients with
      ESRD. These findings reinforce the rationale underlying the Lung Water by Ultra
      Sound Guided Treatment to Prevent Death and Cardiovascular Complications in High
      Risk ESRD Patients with Cardiomyopathy Trial, a trial adopting ultrasound B lines
      as an instrument to guide interventions aimed at mitigating lung congestion in
      high-risk patients on hemodialysis.

PMID- 27660306
TI  - Decisions about Renal Replacement Therapy in Patients with Advanced Kidney
      Disease in the US Department of Veterans Affairs, 2000-2011.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: It is not known what proportion of United States
      patients with advanced CKD go on to receive RRT. In other developed countries,
      receipt of RRT is highly age dependent and the exception rather than the rule at
      older ages. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: We conducted a
      retrospective study of a national cohort of 28,568 adults who were receiving care
      within the US Department of Veteran Affairs and had a sustained eGFR <15 ml/min
      per 1.73 m2 between January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2009. We used linked
      administrative data from the US Renal Data System, US Department of Veteran
      Affairs, and Medicare to identify cohort members who received RRT during follow
      up through October 1, 2011 (n=19,165). For a random 25% sample of the remaining
      9403 patients, we performed an in-depth review of their VA-wide electronic
      medical records to determine the treatment status of their CKD. RESULTS: Two
      thirds (67.1%) of cohort members received RRT on the basis of administrative
      data. On the basis of the results of chart review, we estimate that an additional
      7.5% (95% confidence interval, 7.2% to 7.8%) of cohort members had, in fact,
      received dialysis, that 10.9% (95% confidence interval, 10.6% to 11.3%) were
      preparing for and/or discussing dialysis but had not started dialysis at most
      recent follow-up, and that a decision had been made not to pursue dialysis in
      14.5% (95% confidence interval, 14.1% to 14.9%). The percentage of cohort members
      who received or were preparing to receive RRT ranged from 96.2% (95% confidence
      interval, 94.4% to 97.4%) for those <45 years old to 53.3% (95% confidence
      interval, 50.7% to 55.9%) for those aged >=85 years old. Results were similar
      after stratification by tertile of Gagne comorbidity score. CONCLUSIONS: In this
      large United States cohort of patients with advanced CKD, the majority received
      or were preparing to receive RRT. This was true even among the oldest patients
      with the highest burden of comorbidity.

PMID- 27660307
TI  - Practice Change Is Needed for Dialysis Decision Making with Older Adults with
      Advanced Kidney Disease.

PMID- 27660308
TI  - Intracellular cholesterol transport proteins: roles in health and disease.
AB  - Effective cholesterol homoeostasis is essential in maintaining cellular function,
      and this is achieved by a network of lipid-responsive nuclear transcription
      factors, and enzymes, receptors and transporters subject to post-transcriptional
      and post-translational regulation, whereas loss of these elegant, tightly
      regulated homoeostatic responses is integral to disease pathologies. Recent data
      suggest that sterol-binding sensors, exchangers and transporters contribute to
      regulation of cellular cholesterol homoeostasis and that genetic overexpression
      or deletion, or mutations, in a number of these proteins are linked with
      diseases, including atherosclerosis, dyslipidaemia, diabetes, congenital lipoid
      adrenal hyperplasia, cancer, autosomal dominant hearing loss and male
      infertility. This review focuses on current evidence exploring the function of
      members of the 'START' (steroidogenic acute regulatory protein-related lipid
      transfer) and 'ORP' (oxysterol-binding protein-related proteins) families of
      sterol-binding proteins in sterol homoeostasis in eukaryotic cells, and the
      evidence that they represent valid therapeutic targets to alleviate human
      disease.

PMID- 27660309
TI  - The role of Drp1 adaptor proteins MiD49 and MiD51 in mitochondrial fission:
      implications for human disease.
AB  - Mitochondrial morphology is governed by the balance of mitochondrial fusion,
      mediated by mitofusins and optic atrophy 1 (OPA1), and fission, mediated by
      dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1). Disordered mitochondrial dynamics alters
      metabolism, proliferation, apoptosis and mitophagy, contributing to human
      diseases, including neurodegenerative syndromes, pulmonary arterial hypertension
      (PAH), cancer and ischemia/reperfusion injury. Post-translational regulation of
      Drp1 (by phosphorylation and SUMOylation) is an established means of modulating
      Drp1 activation and translocation to the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM). This
      review focuses on Drp1 adaptor proteins that also regulate fission. The proteins
      include fission 1 (Fis1), mitochondrial fission factor (Mff) and mitochondrial
      dynamics proteins of 49 kDa and 51 kDa (MiD49, MiD51). Heterologous MiD
      overexpression sequesters inactive Drp1 on the OMM, promoting fusion; conversely,
      increased endogenous MiD creates focused Drp1 multimers that optimize OMM
      scission. The triggers that activate MiD-bound Drp1 in disease states are
      unknown; however, MiD51 has a unique capacity for ADP binding at its
      nucleotidyltransferase domain. Without ADP, MiD51 inhibits Drp1, whereas ADP
      promotes MiD51-mediated fission, suggesting a link between metabolism and
      fission. Confusion over whether MiDs mediate fusion (by sequestering inactive
      Drp1) or fission (by guiding Drp1 assembly) relates to a failure to consider cell
      types used and to distinguish endogenous compared with heterologous changes in
      expression. We speculate that endogenous MiDs serve as Drp1-binding partners that
      are dysregulated in disease states and may be important targets for inhibiting
      cell proliferation and ischemia/reperfusion injury. Moreover, it appears that the
      composition of the fission apparatus varies between disease states and amongst
      individuals. MiDs may be important targets for inhibiting cell proliferation and
      attenuating ischemia/reperfusion injury.

PMID- 27660310
TI  - Small vessels, dementia and chronic diseases-molecular mechanisms and
      pathophysiology.

PMID- 27660311
TI  - Clinical challenges in the diagnosis and management of postural tachycardia
      syndrome.
AB  - Postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a multifactorial clinical syndrome
      defined by an increase in heart rate of >=30 bpm on standing from supine position
      (or >=40 bpm in children). It is associated with symptoms of cerebral
      hypoperfusion that are worse when upright and improve when in supine position.
      Patients often have additional symptoms including severe fatigue and difficulty
      concentrating. There are several possible pathophysiologic mechanisms including
      hypovolaemia, small-fibre peripheral neuropathy and hyperadrenergic states. POTS
      can also be associated with several disorders including mastocytosis, Ehlers
      Danlos syndrome (hypermobility type) and autoimmune disorders. The treatment is
      focused on symptom relief and not solely on reducing tachycardia. Given its
      varying presentations, it is important to employ a practical, mechanism-focused
      approach to the diagnosis and management of POTS.

PMID- 27660312
TI  - Maternal vitamin D deficiency and fetal distress/birth asphyxia: a population
      based nested case-control study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Vitamin D deficiency causes not only skeletal problems but also muscle
      weakness, including heart muscle. If the fetal heart is also affected, it might
      be more susceptible to fetal distress and birth asphyxia. In this pilot study, we
      hypothesised that low maternal vitamin D levels are over-represented in
      pregnancies with fetal distress/birth asphyxia. DESIGN AND SETTING: A population
      based nested case-control study. PATIENTS: Banked sera of 2496 women from the
      12th week of pregnancy. OUTCOME MEASURES: Vitamin D levels were analysed using a
      direct competitive chemiluminescence immunoassay. Vitamin D levels in early
      gestation in women delivered by emergency caesarean section due to suspected
      fetal distress were compared to those in controls. Birth asphyxia was defined as
      Apgar <7 at 5 min and/or umbilical cord pH<=7.15. RESULTS: Vitamin D levels were
      significantly lower in mothers delivered by emergency caesarean section due to
      suspected fetal distress (n=53, 43.6+/-18 nmol/L) compared to controls (n=120,
      48.6+/-19 nmol/L, p=0.04). Birth asphyxia was more common in women with vitamin D
      deficiency (n=95) in early pregnancy (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.1 to 5.7). CONCLUSIONS:
      Low vitamin D levels in early pregnancy may be associated with emergency
      caesarean section due to suspected fetal distress and birth asphyxia. If our
      findings are supported by further studies, preferably on severe birth asphyxia,
      vitamin D supplementation/sun exposure in pregnancy may lower the risk of
      subsequent birth asphyxia.

PMID- 27660313
TI  - Improving institutional childbirth services in rural Southern Tanzania: a
      qualitative study of healthcare workers' perspective.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe health workers' perceptions of a quality improvement (QI)
      intervention that focused on improving institutional childbirth services in
      primary health facilities in Southern Tanzania. DESIGN: A qualitative design was
      applied using in-depth interviews with health workers. SETTING: This study
      involved the Ruangwa District Reproductive and Child Health Department, 11
      dispensaries and 2 health centres in rural Southern Tanzania. PARTICIPANTS: 4
      clinical officers, 5 nurses and 6 medical attendants from different health
      facilities were interviewed. RESULTS: The healthcare providers reported that the
      QI intervention improved their skills, capacity and confidence in providing
      counselling and use of a partograph during labour. The face-to-face QI workshops,
      used as a platform to refresh their knowledge on maternal and newborn health and
      QI methods, facilitated peer learning, networking and standardisation of care
      provision. The onsite follow-up visits were favoured by healthcare providers
      because they gave the opportunity to get immediate help, learn how to perform
      tasks in practice and be reminded of what they had learnt. Implementation of
      parallel interventions focusing on similar indicators was mentioned as a
      challenge that led to duplication of work in terms of data collection and
      reporting. District supervisors involved in the intervention showed interest in
      taking over the implementation; however, funding remained a major obstacle.
      CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare workers highlighted the usefulness of applying a QI
      approach to improve maternal and newborn health in rural settings. QI programmes
      need careful coordination at district level in order to reduce duplication of
      work.

PMID- 27660315
TI  - Economic costs of chronic disease through lost productive life years (PLYs) among
      Australians aged 45-64 years from 2015 to 2030: results from a microsimulation
      model.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To project the number of older workers with lost productive life
      years (PLYs) due to chronic disease and resultant lost income; and lost taxes and
      increased welfare payments from 2015 to 2030. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS:
      Using a microsimulation model, Health&WealthMOD2030, the costs of chronic disease
      in Australians aged 45-64 were projected to 2030. The model integrates household
      survey data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Surveys of Disability,
      Ageing and Carers (SDACs) 2003 and 2009, output from long-standing
      microsimulation models (STINMOD (Static Incomes Model) and APPSIM (Australian
      Population and Policy Simulation Model)) used by various government departments,
      population and labour force growth data from Treasury, and disease trends data
      from the Australian Burden of Disease and Injury Study (2003). Respondents aged
      45-64 years in the SDACs 2003 and 2009 formed the base population. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: Lost PLYs due to chronic disease; resultant lost income, lost taxes and
      increased welfare payments in 2015, 2020, 2025 and 2030. RESULTS: We projected
      380 000 (6.4%) people aged 45-64 years with lost PLYs in 2015, increasing to 462
      000 (6.5%) in 2030-a 22% increase in absolute numbers. Those with lost PLYs
      experience the largest reduction in income than any other group in each year
      compared to those employed full time without a chronic disease, and this income
      gap widens over time. The total economic loss due to lost PLYs consisted of lost
      income modelled at $A12.6 billion in 2015, increasing to $A20.5 billion in 2030-a
      62.7% increase. Additional costs to the government consisted of increased welfare
      payments at $A6.2 billion in 2015, increasing to $A7.3 billion in 2030-a 17.7%
      increase; and a loss of $A3.1 billion in taxes in 2015, increasing to $A4.7
      billion in 2030-a growth of 51.6%. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for greater
      investment in effective preventive health interventions which improve workers'
      health and work capacity.

PMID- 27660314
TI  - Effective psychological and psychosocial approaches to reduce repetition of self
      harm: a systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the efficacy of psychological and psychosocial
      interventions for reductions in repeated self-harm. DESIGN: We conducted a
      systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression to examine the efficacy of
      psychological and psychosocial interventions to reduce repeat self-harm in
      adults. We included a sensitivity analysis of studies with a low risk of bias for
      the meta-analysis. For the meta-regression, we examined whether the type,
      intensity (primary analyses) and other components of intervention or methodology
      (secondary analyses) modified the overall intervention effect. DATA SOURCES: A
      comprehensive search of MEDLINE, PsycInfo and EMBASE (from 1999 to June 2016) was
      performed. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES: Randomised controlled
      trials of psychological and psychosocial interventions for adult self-harm
      patients. RESULTS: Forty-five trials were included with data available from 36
      (7354 participants) for the primary analysis. Meta-analysis showed a significant
      benefit of all psychological and psychosocial interventions combined (risk ratio
      0.84; 95% CI 0.74 to 0.96; number needed to treat=33); however, sensitivity
      analyses showed that this benefit was non-significant when restricted to a
      limited number of high-quality studies. Meta-regression showed that the type of
      intervention did not modify the treatment effects. CONCLUSIONS: Consideration of
      a psychological or psychosocial intervention over and above treatment as usual is
      worthwhile; with the public health benefits of ensuring that this practice is
      widely adopted potentially worth the investment. However, the specific type and
      nature of the intervention that should be delivered is not yet clear. Cognitive
      behavioural therapy or interventions with an interpersonal focus and targeted on
      the precipitants to self-harm may be the best candidates on the current evidence.
      Further research is required.

PMID- 27660316
TI  - Evaluation of 'I-Preventive': a digital preventive tool for musculoskeletal
      disorders in computer workers-a pilot cluster randomised trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: I-Preventive is a digital preventive tool for musculoskeletal
      disorders (MSDs) in computer workers. We sought to determine its impact on pain
      in computer workers with upper limb MSDs and visual discomfort. METHODS: We
      conducted a pilot cluster randomised trial in 2 different sites of a tyre factory
      in France. We randomised 200 employees to either an intervention group (I
      Preventive) or control group, each comprising symptomatic and asymptomatic
      employees. The workers were followed up for 5 months. The main outcome was
      overall recovery from symptoms following 1 month's intervention based on Nordic
      style and eyestrain questionnaires. RESULTS: We included 185/200 workers: 96 in
      the intervention group (mean age 41.8+/-1.4 years; 88.5% males) and 79 in the
      control group (mean age 42.9+/-12.0 years; 94.5% males). The most painful areas
      (numerical scale >=2) were the neck (40.0%), upper back (18.8%) and shoulders
      (15.7%). For the most painful anatomical area, the Nordic score significantly
      decreased after 1 month in the intervention group (p=0.038); no change was
      observed in the control group (p=0.59). After 1 month's use, the intervention
      group reported less pain in the painful area and less visual discomfort symptoms
      (p=0.02). Adherence to the I-Preventive program was 60%. CONCLUSIONS: I
      Preventive is effective in the short term on musculoskeletal symptoms and visual
      discomfort by promoting active breaks and eyestrain treatment. This easy-to-use
      digital tool allows each worker to focus on areas of their choice via
      personalised, easy exercises that can be performed in the workplace. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02350244; Pre-results.

PMID- 27660317
TI  - Multimethod study of a large-scale programme to improve patient safety using a
      harm-free care approach.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate whether a large-scale two-phase quality
      improvement programme achieved its aims and to characterise the influences on
      achievement. SETTING: National Health Service (NHS) in England. PARTICIPANTS: NHS
      staff. INTERVENTIONS: The programme sought to (1) develop a shared national,
      regional and locally aligned safety focus for 4 high-cost, high volume harms; (2)
      establish a new measurement system based on a composite measure of 'harm-free'
      care and (3) deliver improved outcomes. Phase I involved a quality improvement
      collaborative intended to involve 100 organisations; phase II used financial
      incentives for data collection. MEASURES: Multimethod evaluation of the
      programme. In phase I, analysis of regional plans and of rates of data submission
      and clinical outcomes reported to the programme. A concurrent process evaluation
      was conducted of phase I, but only data on submission rates and clinical outcomes
      were available for phase II. RESULTS: A context of extreme policy-related
      structural turbulence impacted strongly on phase I. Most regions' plans did not
      demonstrate full alignment with the national programme; most fell short of
      recruitment targets and attrition in attendance at the collaborative meetings
      occurred over time. Though collaborative participants saw the principles
      underlying the programme as attractive, useful and innovative, they often
      struggled to convert enthusiasm into change. Developing the measurement system
      was arduous, yet continued to be met by controversy. Data submission rates
      remained patchy throughout phase I but improved in reach and consistency in phase
      II in response to financial incentives. Some evidence of improvement in clinical
      outcomes over time could be detected but was hard to interpret owing to
      variability in the denominators. CONCLUSIONS: These findings offer important
      lessons for large-scale improvement programmes, particularly when they seek to
      develop novel concepts and measures. External contexts may exert far-reaching
      influence. The challenges of developing measurement systems should not be
      underestimated.

PMID- 27660318
TI  - 25-year trends in gender disparity for obesity and overweight by using WHO and
      IOTF definitions among Chinese school-aged children: a multiple cross-sectional
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We sought to explore 25-year trends of gender disparity in the
      prevalence of obesity and overweight both in urban and rural areas among Chinese
      children from 1985 to 2010. METHODS: Data included 1 280 239 children aged 7-18
      years enrolled in the Chinese National Survey on Students's Constitution and
      Health (CNSSCH), which is the largest nationally representative sample of school
      aged children in China. Obesity and overweight were defined according to both WHO
      and the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) definitions. Logistic regression
      was used to estimate the prevalence OR (POR) of gender for obesity and overweight
      prevalence in different surveys. RESULTS: The prevalence of obesity increased
      (WHO definition: from 0.10% to 4.3%; IOTF definition: from 0.03% to 2.2%) over
      the past 25 years in urban and rural areas among Chinese children and it was much
      higher among boys than girls at each survey point (p<0.01). The increasing trend
      was significant in all age subgroups (p<0.01). Although the prevalence of obesity
      continuously increased in boys and girls, the changing pace was more rapid in
      boys than in girls. PORs of boys versus girls for obesity also increased over
      time, and the estimates of PORs were higher in urban areas than in rural areas at
      each survey point. CONCLUSIONS: The gradually increasing gender disparity in
      urban and rural areas suggests that the prevalence of obesity and overweight in
      boys, and especially in urban boys, contributes to a large and growing proportion
      of obese and overweight children.

PMID- 27660319
TI  - Potentially avoidable and ambulatory care sensitive hospitalisations among forced
      migrants: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There is an increasing number of forced migrants globally,
      including refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons and undocumented
      migrants. According to international law, forced migrants should enjoy access to
      health services free of discrimination equivalent to the host population, but
      they face barriers to healthcare worldwide. This may lead to a delay in care and
      result in preventable hospital treatment, referred to as potentially preventable
      hospitalisation (PPH) or ambulatory care sensitive hospitalisation (ACSH). There
      is as yet no overview of the prevalence of PPH in different countries and groups
      of forced migrants, and it is unknown whether the concept has been used among
      these migrant groups. We aim to systematically review the evidence (1) on the
      prevalence of PPH among forced migrants and (2) on differences in the prevalence
      of PPH between forced migrants and the general host population. METHODS AND
      ANALYSIS: A systematic review will be conducted searching databases
      (PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science/Knowledge, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Google
      Scholar) and the internet (Google). INCLUSION CRITERIA: observational studies on
      forced migrants reporting PPH or ACSH with or without comparison groups published
      in the English or German language. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: studies on general migrant
      groups or hospitalisations without clear reference to avoidability. STUDY
      SELECTION: titles, abstracts and full texts will be screened in duplicate for
      eligibility. Data on the prevalence of PPH/ACSH among forced migrants, as well as
      any reported prevalence differences between host populations, will be
      systematically extracted. Quality appraisal will be performed using standardised
      checklists. The evidence will be synthesised in tabular form and by means of
      forest plots. A meta-analysis will be performed only among homogeneous studies
      (in terms of design and population). ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical clearance
      is not necessary (secondary research). The results will be disseminated via
      publication in open access journals, conferences and public media. PROSPERO
      REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42016037081.

PMID- 27660320
TI  - Experiences of primary care professionals providing healthcare to recently
      arrived migrants: a qualitative study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The main objectives of the study were to explore the experiences of
      primary care professionals providing care to recent migrants in a superdiverse
      city and to elicit barriers and facilitators to meeting migrants' care needs.
      This paper focuses on a strong emergent theme: participants' descriptions and
      understandings of creating a fit between patients and practices. DESIGN: An
      exploratory, qualitative study based on the thematic analysis of semistructured
      interviews. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A purposive sample of 10 practices. We
      interviewed 6 general practitioners, 5 nurses and 6 administrative staff; those
      based at the same practice opted to be interviewed together. 10 interviewees were
      from an ethnic minority background; some discussed their own experiences of
      migration. RESULTS: Creating a fit between patients and practice was complex and
      could be problematic. Some participants defined this in a positive way (reaching
      out, creating rapport) while others also focused on ways in which patients did
      not fit in, for example, different expectations or lack of medical records. A
      small but vocal minority put the responsibility to fit in on to migrant patients.
      Some participants believed that practice staff and patients sharing a language
      could contribute to achieving a fit but others outlined the disadvantages of over
      reliance on language concordance. A clearly articulated, team-based strategy to
      create bridges between practice and patients was often seen as preferable.
      CONCLUSIONS: Although participants agreed that a fit between patients and
      practice was desirable, some aimed to adapt to the needs of recently arrived
      migrants, while others thought that it was the responsibility of migrants to
      adapt to practice needs; a few viewed migrant patients as a burden to the system.
      Practices wishing to improve fit might consider developing strategies such as
      introducing link workers and other 'bridging' people; however, they could also
      aim to foster a general stance of openness to diversity.

PMID- 27660322
TI  - Prescriber preferences for behavioural economics interventions to improve
      treatment of acute respiratory infections: a discrete choice experiment.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To elicit prescribers' preferences for behavioural economics
      interventions designed to reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescribing, and
      compare these to actual behaviour. DESIGN: Discrete choice experiment (DCE).
      SETTING: 47 primary care centres in Boston and Los Angeles. PARTICIPANTS: 234
      primary care providers, with an average 20 years of practice. MAIN OUTCOMES AND
      MEASURES: Results of a behavioural economic intervention trial were compared to
      prescribers' stated preferences for the same interventions relative to monetary
      and time rewards for improved prescribing outcomes. In the randomised controlled
      trial (RCT) component, the 3 computerised prescription order entry-triggered
      interventions studied included: Suggested Alternatives (SA), an alert that
      populated non-antibiotic treatment options if an inappropriate antibiotic was
      prescribed; Accountable Justifications (JA), which prompted the prescriber to
      enter a justification for an inappropriately prescribed antibiotic that would
      then be documented in the patient's chart; and Peer Comparison (PC), an email
      periodically sent to each prescriber comparing his/her antibiotic prescribing
      rate with those who had the lowest rates of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing.
      A DCE study component was administered to determine whether prescribers felt SA,
      JA, PC, pay-for-performance or additional clinic time would most effectively
      reduce their inappropriate antibiotic prescribing. Willingness-to-pay (WTP) was
      calculated for each intervention. RESULTS: In the RCT, PC and JA were found to be
      the most effective interventions to reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescribing,
      whereas SA was not significantly different from controls. In the DCE however,
      regardless of treatment intervention received during the RCT, prescribers
      overwhelmingly preferred SA, followed by PC, then JA. WTP estimates indicated
      that each intervention would be significantly cheaper to implement than pay-for
      performance incentives of $200/month. CONCLUSIONS: Prescribing behaviour and
      stated preferences are not concordant, suggesting that relying on stated
      preferences alone to inform intervention design may eliminate effective
      interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01454947; Results.

PMID- 27660323
TI  - Safety and efficacy of tranexamic acid in bleeding paediatric trauma patients: a
      systematic review protocol.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Trauma is the leading cause of death among children aged 1-18.
      Studies indicate that better control of bleeding could potentially prevent 10-20%
      of trauma-related deaths. The antifibrinolytic agent tranexamic acid (TxA) has
      shown promise in haemorrhage control in adult trauma patients. However,
      information on the potential benefits of TxA in children remains sparse. This
      review proposes to evaluate the current uses, benefits and adverse effects of TxA
      in the bleeding paediatric trauma population. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A structured
      search of bibliographic databases (eg, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane
      CENTRAL) has been undertaken to retrieve randomised controlled trials and cohort
      studies that describe the use of TxA in paediatric trauma patients. To ensure
      that all relevant data were captured, the search did not contain any restrictions
      on language or publication time. After deduplication, citations will be screened
      independently by 2 authors, and selected for inclusion based on prespecified
      criteria. Data extraction and risk of bias assessment will be performed
      independently and in duplicate. Meta-analytic methods will be employed wherever
      appropriate. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study will not involve primary data
      collection, and formal ethical approval will therefore not be required. The
      findings of this study will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication
      and at relevant conference meetings. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42016038023.

PMID- 27660321
TI  - Bluebelle study (phase A): a mixed-methods feasibility study to inform an RCT of
      surgical wound dressing strategies.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Dressing primary surgical wounds is common, but the implications for
      surgical site infection (SSI) remain unknown. The Bluebelle study aimed to
      determine the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing
      'simple', 'complex' or 'no' dressings on abdominal wounds, as prespecified in a
      funder's research brief. Bluebelle includes exploratory work (phase A) to inform
      a pilot version of the proposed RCT (phase B). Phase A aimed to investigate
      current dressing practices and perspectives on the proposed RCT, with a view to
      refining the forthcoming pilot. DESIGN: Mixed methods, including semi-structured
      interviews and document analysis. SETTING: 6 UK hospitals. PARTICIPANTS: 51
      patients and 92 clinical professionals from abdominal surgical specialities.
      RESULTS: Professionals had variable interpretations of what constitutes a
      'dressing', particularly with respect to 'glue'-a product listed under 'wound
      closure products' in the British National Formulary, which some surgeons
      reportedly applied as a 'wound covering'. Areas of ambiguity arising from
      interviews informed development of pragmatic definitions, including specification
      of conditions under which glue constituted a 'dressing'. Professionals reported
      that 'simple' dressings were routinely used in practice, whereas 'complex'
      dressings were not. This raised questions about the relevance of comparison
      groups, prompting the design of a survey to determine the types/frequency of
      dressing use in abdominal surgery (reported elsewhere). This confirmed that
      complex dressings were rarely used, while 'glue as a dressing' was used
      relatively frequently. 'Complex dressings' were therefore substituted for 'glue
      as a dressing' (following an updated Cochrane review, which found insufficient
      evidence to determine the effectiveness of 'glue as a dressing'). Patients and
      professionals acknowledged uncertainty around dressing use and SSI prevention,
      but felt dressings may serve practical and/or psychological benefits. This
      steered development of additional outcome measures for the pilot. CONCLUSIONS:
      Pre-trial qualitative research can highlight areas of ambiguity and inform new
      lines of enquiry in relation to prespecified research briefs, enabling
      adjustments to RCT design that enhance relevance to practice.

PMID- 27660326
TI  - A link between planar polarity and staircase-like bundle architecture in hair
      cells.
AB  - Sensory perception in the inner ear relies on the hair bundle, the highly
      polarized brush of movement detectors that crowns hair cells. We previously
      showed that, in the mouse cochlea, the edge of the forming bundle is defined by
      the 'bare zone', a microvilli-free sub-region of apical membrane specified by the
      Insc-LGN-Galphai protein complex. We now report that LGN and Galphai also occupy
      the very tip of stereocilia that directly abut the bare zone. We demonstrate that
      LGN and Galphai are both essential for promoting the elongation and differential
      identity of stereocilia across rows. Interestingly, we also reveal that total LGN
      Galphai protein amounts are actively balanced between the bare zone and
      stereocilia tips, suggesting that early planar asymmetry of protein enrichment at
      the bare zone confers adjacent stereocilia their tallest identity. We propose
      that LGN and Galphai participate in a long-inferred signal that originates
      outside the bundle to model its staircase-like architecture, a property that is
      essential for direction sensitivity to mechanical deflection and hearing.

PMID- 27660324
TI  - Sox2 and Lef-1 interact with Pitx2 to regulate incisor development and stem cell
      renewal.
AB  - Sox2 marks dental epithelial stem cells (DESCs) in both mammals and reptiles, and
      in this article we demonstrate several Sox2 transcriptional mechanisms that
      regulate dental stem cell fate and incisor growth. Conditional Sox2 deletion in
      the oral and dental epithelium results in severe craniofacial defects, including
      impaired dental stem cell proliferation, arrested incisor development and
      abnormal molar development. The murine incisor develops initially but is absorbed
      independently of apoptosis owing to a lack of progenitor cell proliferation and
      differentiation. Tamoxifen-induced inactivation of Sox2 demonstrates the
      requirement of Sox2 for maintenance of the DESCs in adult mice. Conditional
      overexpression of Lef-1 in mice increases DESC proliferation and creates a new
      labial cervical loop stem cell compartment, which produces rapidly growing long
      tusk-like incisors, and Lef-1 epithelial overexpression partially rescues the
      tooth arrest in Sox2 conditional knockout mice. Mechanistically, Pitx2 and Sox2
      interact physically and regulate Lef-1, Pitx2 and Sox2 expression during
      development. Thus, we have uncovered a Pitx2-Sox2-Lef-1 transcriptional mechanism
      that regulates DESC homeostasis and dental development.

PMID- 27660328
TI  - Medical Marijuana: Just the Beginning of a Long, Strange Trip?
AB  - Medical marijuana continues to gain acceptance and become legalized in many
      states. Various species of the marijuana plant have been cultivated, and this
      plant can contain up to 100 active compounds known as cannabinoids. Two
      cannabinoids seem the most clinically relevant: Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol
      (THC), which tends to produce the psychotropic effects commonly associated with
      marijuana, and cannabidiol (CBD), which may produce therapeutic effects without
      appreciable psychoactive properties. Smoking marijuana, or ingesting extracts
      from the whole plant orally (in baked goods, teas, and so forth), introduces
      variable amounts of THC, CBD, and other minor cannabinoids into the systemic
      circulation, where they ultimately reach the central and peripheral nervous
      systems. Alternatively, products containing THC, CBD, or a combination of both
      compounds, can be ingested as oral tablets or via sprays applied to the oral
      mucosal membranes. These products may provide a more predictable method for
      delivering a known amount of specific cannabinoids into the body. Although there
      is still a need for randomized controlled trials, preliminary studies have
      suggested that medical marijuana and related cannabinoids may be beneficial in
      treating people with chronic pain, inflammation, spasticity, and other conditions
      seen commonly in physical therapist practice. Physical therapists, therefore,
      should be aware of the options that are available for patients considering
      medical marijuana and should be ready to provide information for these patients.
      Clinicians also should be aware that marijuana can produce untoward effects on
      cognition, coordination, balance, and cardiovascular and pulmonary function and
      should be vigilant for any problems that may arise if patients are using
      cannabinoids during physical rehabilitation.

PMID- 27660327
TI  - Monitoring cell-cell contacts in vivo in transgenic animals.
AB  - We used a synthetic genetic system based on ligand-induced intramembrane
      proteolysis to monitor cell-cell contacts in animals. Upon ligand-receptor
      interaction in sites of cell-cell contact, the transmembrane domain of an
      engineered receptor is cleaved by intramembrane proteolysis and releases a
      protein fragment that regulates transcription in the interacting partners. We
      demonstrate that the system can be used to regulate gene expression between
      interacting cells, both in vitro and in vivo, in transgenic Drosophila We show
      that the system allows for detection of interactions between neurons and glia in
      the Drosophila nervous system. In addition, we observed that when the ligand is
      expressed in subsets of neurons with a restricted localization in the brain it
      leads to activation of transcription in a selected set of glial cells that
      interact with those neurons. This system will be useful to monitor cell-cell
      interactions in animals, and can be used to genetically manipulate cells that
      interact with one another.

PMID- 27660329
TI  - Transcutaneous periorbital electrical stimulation in the treatment of dry eye.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate efficacy and safety of transcutaneous application of
      electrical current on symptoms and clinical signs of dry eye (DE). METHODS: 27
      patients with DE underwent transcutaneous electrostimulation with electrodes
      placed onto the periorbital region of both eyes and manual stimulation with a
      hand-piece conductor moved by the operator. Each patient underwent 12 sessions of
      22 min spread over 2 months, two sessions per week in the first month and one
      session per week in the second month. Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI)
      questionnaire, tear break-up time (TBUT), fluorescein staining of the cornea,
      Schirmer I test and adverse events were evaluated at baseline, at end of
      treatment and at 6 and 12 months. RESULTS: OSDI improved from 43.0+/-19.2 at
      baseline to 25.3+/-22.1 at end of treatment (mean+/-SD, p=0.001). These effects
      were substantially maintained at 6-month and 12-month follow-up evaluations.
      Improvement of the values of TBUT was recorded for the right eye at the end of
      treatment (p=0.003) and found in the left eye after 12 months (p=0.02). The
      Oxford scores changed in both eyes at the end of treatment and at the 6-month
      evaluation (p<0.001), and in the right eye at the 12-month evaluation (p=0.035).
      Schirmer I improved significantly at the end of treatment in the left eye
      (p=0.001) and in both eyes at the 12-month evaluation (p=0.004 and p=0.039 for
      the left and right eye, respectively). A significant reduction of the use of tear
      substitutes was found at the end of treatment (p=0.003), and was maintained
      during the follow-up (p<0.001).No complications occurred and patients found the
      treatment satisfying. CONCLUSIONS: Transcutaneous electrical stimulation was
      shown to improve DE, both subjectively and objectively, without any adverse
      effects and has the potential to enlarge the armamentarium for treating DE.

PMID- 27660325
TI  - Tankyrase inhibition promotes a stable human naive pluripotent state with
      improved functionality.
AB  - The derivation and maintenance of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) in stable
      naive pluripotent states has a wide impact in human developmental biology.
      However, hPSCs are unstable in classical naive mouse embryonic stem cell (ESC)
      WNT and MEK/ERK signal inhibition (2i) culture. We show that a broad repertoire
      of conventional hESC and transgene-independent human induced pluripotent stem
      cell (hiPSC) lines could be reverted to stable human preimplantation inner cell
      mass (ICM)-like naive states with only WNT, MEK/ERK, and tankyrase inhibition
      (LIF-3i). LIF-3i-reverted hPSCs retained normal karyotypes and genomic imprints,
      and attained defining mouse ESC-like functional features, including high clonal
      self-renewal, independence from MEK/ERK signaling, dependence on JAK/STAT3 and
      BMP4 signaling, and naive-specific transcriptional and epigenetic configurations.
      Tankyrase inhibition promoted a stable acquisition of a human preimplantation ICM
      like ground state via modulation of WNT signaling, and was most efficacious in
      efficiently reprogrammed conventional hiPSCs. Importantly, naive reversion of a
      broad repertoire of conventional hiPSCs reduced lineage-primed gene expression
      and significantly improved their multilineage differentiation capacities. Stable
      naive hPSCs with reduced genetic variability and improved functional pluripotency
      will have great utility in regenerative medicine and human disease modeling.

PMID- 27660330
TI  - Optimising keratoplasty for Peters' anomaly in infants using spectral-domain
      optical coherence tomography.
AB  - PURPOSE: To present in vivo anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT)
      features of infants with Peters' anomaly obtained during presurgical examination
      under general anaesthesia, and to evaluate the impact of OCT features on surgical
      decision making. METHODS: This is a single-centre, consecutive, observational
      case series including 44 eyes of 27 infants with Peters' anomaly (5-18 months)
      undergoing keratoplasty. Medical records of patients were reviewed
      retrospectively. Clinical features and OCT findings, along with their impact on
      surgical decision-making were analysed. RESULTS: Of 27 patients, 10 had
      unilateral and 17 had bilateral disease. Two patients with mild disease (three
      eyes) had a posterior corneal defect with leukoma (2/27, 7.4%). Twenty patients
      (32 eyes) with iridocorneal adhesions were classified as having moderate Peters'
      anomaly (20/27, 74.1%) and five patients (nine eyes) with lenticulocorneal
      adhesions were classified as having severe Peters' anomaly (5/27, 18.5%). The
      range of angle closure, anterior chamber depth and maximum iridocorneal adhesion
      length (all p<0.001) were significantly different among groups, indicating that
      they might serve as novel OCT parameters for assessing the severity of Peters'
      anomaly. The surgical approach in seven patients (21.2%) was altered in response
      to intraoperative OCT findings, which provided information regarding the
      anatomical structure of the anterior chamber not provided by the surgical
      microscope. The use of OCT prevented unnecessary cataract surgeries in five
      patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that information gained from OCT under
      anaesthesia allows surgeons to classify type and severity of Peters' anomaly and
      supports surgical decision making.

PMID- 27660331
TI  - Association of anticholinergic burden with adverse effects in older people with
      intellectual disabilities: an observational cross-sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: No studies to date have investigated cumulative anticholinergic
      exposure and its effects in adults with intellectual disabilities. AIMS: To
      determine the cumulative exposure to anticholinergics and the factors associated
      with high exposure. METHOD: A modified Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden (ACB)
      scale score was calculated for a representative cohort of 736 people over 40
      years old with intellectual disabilities, and associations with demographic and
      clinical factors assessed. RESULTS: Age over 65 years was associated with higher
      exposure (ACB 1-4 odds ratio (OR) = 3.28, 95% CI 1.49-7.28, ACB 5+ OR = 3.08, 95%
      CI 1.20-7.63), as was a mental health condition (ACB 1-4 OR = 9.79, 95% CI 5.63
      17.02, ACB 5+ OR = 23.74, 95% CI 12.29-45.83). Daytime drowsiness was associated
      with higher ACB (P<0.001) and chronic constipation reported more frequently
      (26.6% ACB 5+ v. 7.5% ACB 0, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Older people with
      intellectual disabilities and with mental health conditions were exposed to high
      anticholinergic burden. This was associated with daytime dozing and constipation.

PMID- 27660332
TI  - Parents who are aware when they are overweight themselves are more likely to
      recognise this in their children.

PMID- 27660333
TI  - The efficacy of statins in preventing glucocorticoid-related osteonecrosis in
      animal models: A meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The primary purpose of this meta-analysis was to determine whether
      statin usage could reduce the risk of glucocorticoid-related osteonecrosis in
      animal models. METHODS: A systematic literature search up to May 2015 was carried
      out using the PubMed, Ovid, EBM reviews, ISI Web of Science, EBSCO, CBM, CNKI
      databases with the term and boolean operators: statins and osteonecrosis in all
      fields. Risk ratio (RR), as the risk estimate of specific outcome, was calculated
      along with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The methodological quality of
      individual studies was assessed using a quantitative tool based on the updated
      Stroke Therapy Academic Industry Roundtable (STAIR) recommendations. RESULTS: A
      total of 11 eligible studies were included according to predetermined criteria.
      The pooled data demonstrated that animals with statin usage, either alone or
      combined with other treatments, were at a decreased risk of developing
      glucocorticoid-related osteonecrosis (RR = 2.06, 95% confidence interval (CI)
      1.71 to 2.50). Moreover, subgroup analysis revealed that compared with statins
      alone, statins combined with other treatments significantly decreased the risk of
      osteonecrosis (RR = 1.23, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.47). However, we could find no
      significant risk difference for different gender, or for different time points.
      CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that statins combined with other
      treatments are efficient in preventing the development of glucocorticoid-related
      osteonecrosis in animals. These results might shed light on clinical practice
      when glucocorticoids are prescribed, and could be further investigated in high
      quality clinical trials.Cite this article: Z. Yang, H. Liu, D. Li, X. Xie, T.
      Qin, J. Ma, P. Kang. The efficacy of statins in preventing glucocorticoid-related
      osteonecrosis in animal models: A meta-analysis. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:393-402.
      DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.59.2000500.

PMID- 27660334
TI  - Porous tantalum biocomposites for osteochondral defect repair: A follow-up study
      in a sheep model.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine if a durable bilayer implant composed of
      trabecular metal with autologous periosteum on top would be suitable to
      reconstitute large osteochondral defects. This design would allow for secure
      implant fixation, subsequent integration and remodeling. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Adult sheep were randomly assigned to one of three groups (n = 8/group): 1.
      trabecular metal/periosteal graft (TMPG), 2. trabecular metal (TM), 3. empty
      defect (ED). Cartilage and bone healing were assessed macroscopically,
      biochemically (type II collagen, sulfated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) and double
      stranded DNA (dsDNA) content) and histologically. RESULTS: At 16 weeks post
      operatively, histological scores amongst treatment groups were not statistically
      different (TMPG: overall 12.7, cartilage 8.6, bone 4.1; TM: overall 14.2,
      cartilage 9.5, bone 4.9; ED: overall 13.6, cartilage 9.1, bone 4.5). Metal
      scaffolds were incorporated into the surrounding bone, both in TM and TMPG. The
      sGAG yield was lower in the neo-cartilage regions compared with the articular
      cartilage (AC) controls (TMPG 20.8/AC 39.5, TM 25.6/AC 33.3, ED 32.2/AC 40.2 ug
      sGAG/1 mg respectively), with statistical significance being achieved for the
      TMPG group (p < 0.05). Hypercellularity of the neo-cartilage was found in TM and
      ED, as the dsDNA content was significantly higher (p < 0.05) compared with
      contralateral AC controls (TM 126.7/AC 71.1, ED 99.3/AC 62.8 ng dsDNA/1 mg). The
      highest type II collagen content was found in neo-cartilage after TM compared
      with TMPG and ED (TM 60%/TMPG 40%/ED 39%). Inter-treatment differences were not
      significant. CONCLUSIONS: TM is a highly suitable material for the reconstitution
      of osseous defects. TM enables excellent bony ingrowth and fast integration.
      However, combined with autologous periosteum, such a biocomposite failed to
      promote satisfactory neo-cartilage formation.Cite this article: E. H. Mrosek, H
      W. Chung, J. S. Fitzsimmons, S. W. O'Driscoll, G. G. Reinholz, J. C. Schagemann.
      Porous tantalum biocomposites for osteochondral defect repair: A follow-up study
      in a sheep model. Bone Joint J 2016;5:403-411. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.59.BJR-2016
      0070.R1.

PMID- 27660336
TI  - Classic Spotlight: 16S rRNA Redefines Microbiology.

PMID- 27660335
TI  - Classic Spotlight: Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, Starch Utilization, and the
      Birth of the Microbiome Era.

PMID- 27660339
TI  - Switching from Remicade(r) to Remsima(r) is well Tolerated and Feasible: A
      Prospective, Open-label Study.
AB  - Background and Aims: A biosimilar version of infliximab [CT-P13/Remsima(r)]
      recently entered the European market. The clinical data on its use in
      inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] are sparse, especially on switching from the
      originator Remicade(r). In this study, we aimed to prospectively investigate the
      feasibility, safety and immunogenicity of switching from Remicade to Remsima in a
      real-life IBD population. Methods: All adult patients who were treated with
      Remicade in the Department of Gastroenterology at Oslo University Hospital were
      switched to Remsima. The follow-up lasted for 6 months. In addition, a
      retrospective registration was performed with a start time of 6 months before
      switching drugs. The primary endpoints were [i] the proportion of patients
      remaining on medication 6 months after switching and [ii] adverse events during
      the 6 months after switching. The secondary endpoints included [i] disease
      activity scores [Harvey-Bradshaw Index and Partial Mayo Score], C-reactive
      protein, haemoglobin, faecal calprotectin, infliximab dose and interval, and p
      infliximab and [ii] the development of antidrug antibodies. Results: In total,
      143 IBD patients were switched, 99 with Crohn's disease and 44 with ulcerative
      colitis. The large majority [97%] remained on the medication throughout follow
      up. A low number of adverse events were observed. No change in disease activity,
      C-reactive protein, haemoglobin, faecal calprotectin, infliximab dose and
      interval or p-infliximab was detected. Three patients developed new detectable
      antidrug antibodies. Conclusions: Switching from Remicade to Remsima was feasible
      and with few adverse events, including very limited antidrug antibody formation
      and loss of response.

PMID- 27660340
TI  - The Complexity of alpha E beta 7 Blockade in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.
AB  - Monoclonal antibodies targeting integrins are emerging as new treatment option in
      inflammatory bowel diseases. Integrins are molecules involved in cell adhesion
      and signalling. After the successful introduction of anti-alpha4beta7, currently
      anti-beta7 is under evaluation in a phase three trial. Anti-beta7 blocks both
      alpha4beta7/MAdCAM-1 and alphaEbeta7/E-cadherin interaction, targeting both the
      homing to and the retention in the gut of potential pathological T cells. Since
      the physiological and potential pathological roles of immune cells expressing
      alphaEbeta7 are less distinct than of those expressing alpha4beta7, an overview
      of the current state of knowledge on alphaEbeta7 in mice and humans in both
      health and inflammatory bowel diseases is presented here, also addressing the
      potential consequences of anti-beta7 treatment.

PMID- 27660343
TI  - Head-to-head Comparative Studies: Challenges and Opportunities?

PMID- 27660345
TI  - Defra commits to 50 mg/kg target for antibiotic use in livestock.

PMID- 27660349
TI  - Racing greyhound regulations 'successful' but still needed, says Defra.

PMID- 27660350
TI  - Supporting rabies control in India.
AB  - Earlier this year, Tony Fooks and colleagues described how, under a laboratory
      twinning project run by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), the UK's
      OIE Reference Laboratory for rabies, based at the APHA in Weybridge, had been
      working with the Changchun Veterinary Research Institute in the People's Republic
      of China to help the institute develop into an OIE Reference Laboratory itself
      (VR, March 5, 2016, vol 178, pp 231-232). Now, the APHA is taking part in a
      further three-year project to build rabies diagnosis capability in Bangalore,
      India, as he and his colleagues explain below. 

PMID- 27660353
TI  - Working across Europe to improve donkey welfare.
AB  - The UK public and veterinary profession often think of the equine charity sector
      as dealing with issues directly related to the UK equine population -
      overproduction, rehoming, shelter and welfare. However, the Donkey Sanctuary,
      like many UK-based equine charities, also works in Europe and further afield to
      try to address a much broader range of issues, as Alex Thiemann and Andy Foxcroft
      explain. 

PMID- 27660354
TI  - Alopecia in lambs associated with micronutrient-deficient milk replacer.
AB  - ? Alopecia associated with micronutrient deficiency in lambs fed milk replacer?
      Idiopathic necrotising enteritis in suckler calves? Mannheimia haemolytica
      abomasitis in a five-week-old calf? Increased diagnoses of nematodirosis in
      lambs? Enteric and spinal listeriosis in sheepThese are among matters discussed
      in the disease surveillance report for June 2016 from SAC Consulting: Veterinary
      Services (SAC C VS). 

PMID- 27660355
TI  - Animal suffering and expert evidence.

PMID- 27660342
TI  - 3rd European Evidence-based Consensus on the Diagnosis and Management of Crohn's
      Disease 2016: Part 2: Surgical Management and Special Situations.
AB  - This paper is the second in a series of two publications relating to the European
      Crohn's and Colitis Organisation [ECCO] evidence-based consensus on the diagnosis
      and management of Crohn's disease [CD] and concerns the surgical management of CD
      as well as special situations including management of perianal CD and
      extraintestinal manifestations. Diagnostic approaches and medical management of
      CD of this ECCO Consensus are covered in the first paper [Gomollon et al JCC
      2016].

PMID- 27660356
TI  - Two EBLV-2 infected Daubenton's bats detected in the north of England.

PMID- 27660341
TI  - 3rd European Evidence-based Consensus on the Diagnosis and Management of Crohn's
      Disease 2016: Part 1: Diagnosis and Medical Management.
AB  - This paper is the first in a series of two publications relating to the European
      Crohn's and Colitis Organisation [ECCO] evidence-based consensus on the diagnosis
      and management of Crohn's disease and concerns the methodology of the consensus
      process, and the classification, diagnosis and medical management of active and
      quiescent Crohn's disease. Surgical management as well as special situations
      including management of perianal Crohn's disease of this ECCO Consensus are
      covered in a subsequent second paper [Gionchetti et al JCC 2016].

PMID- 27660365
TI  - Appreciating the difference, making a difference.
AB  - Luis Sainz-Pardo didn't realise how different his experience of working as a vet
      in the UK was until he returned home to Spain, and subsequently travelled
      throughout Europe. Now, he uses his understanding of veterinary diversity to
      forge a varied, interesting and international career path within the profession. 

PMID- 27660357
TI  - Radiation safety in equine practice.

PMID- 27660367
TI  - Infographic. Physical activity for early years.

PMID- 27660368
TI  - Impact of the Nordic hamstring and hip extension exercises on hamstring
      architecture and morphology: implications for injury prevention.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The architectural and morphological adaptations of the hamstrings in
      response to training with different exercises have not been explored. PURPOSE: To
      evaluate changes in biceps femoris long head (BFLH) fascicle length and hamstring
      muscle size following 10-weeks of Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) or hip
      extension (HE) training. METHODS: 30 recreationally active male athletes (age,
      22.0+/-3.6 years; height, 180.4+/-7 cm; weight, 80.8+/-11.1 kg) were allocated to
      1 of 3 groups: (1) HE training (n=10), NHE training (n=10), or no training
      (control, CON) (n=10). BFLH fascicle length was assessed before, during (Week 5)
      and after the intervention with a two-dimensional ultrasound. Hamstring muscle
      size was determined before and after training via MRI. RESULTS: Compared with
      baseline, BFLH fascicles were lengthened in the NHE and HE groups at mid-training
      (d=1.12-1.39, p<0.001) and post-training (d=1.77-2.17, p<0.001) and these changes
      did not differ significantly between exercises (d=0.49-0.80, p=0.279-0.976). BFLH
      volume increased more for the HE than the NHE (d=1.03, p=0.037) and CON (d=2.24,
      p<0.001) groups. Compared with the CON group, both exercises induced significant
      increases in semitendinosus volume (d=2.16-2.50, <=0.002) and these increases
      were not significantly different (d=0.69, p=0.239). CONCLUSION: NHE and HE
      training both stimulate significant increases in BFLH fascicle length; however,
      HE training may be more effective for promoting hypertrophy in the BFLH.

PMID- 27660369
TI  - AMSSM Position Statement on Cardiovascular Preparticipation Screening in
      Athletes: Current evidence, knowledge gaps, recommendations and future
      directions.
AB  - Cardiovascular screening in young athletes is widely recommended and routinely
      performed prior to participation in competitive sports. While there is general
      agreement that early detection of cardiac conditions at risk for sudden cardiac
      arrest and death (SCA/D) is an important objective, the optimal strategy for
      cardiovascular screening in athletes remains an issue of considerable debate. At
      the centre of the controversy is the addition of a resting ECG to the standard
      preparticipation evaluation using history and physical examination. The American
      Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) formed a task force to address the
      current evidence and knowledge gaps regarding preparticipation cardiovascular
      screening in athletes from the perspective of a primary care sports medicine
      physician. The absence of definitive outcome-based evidence at this time
      precludes AMSSM from endorsing any single or universal cardiovascular screening
      strategy for all athletes, including legislative mandates. This statement
      presents a new paradigm to assist the individual physician in assessing the most
      appropriate cardiovascular screening strategy unique to their athlete population,
      community needs and resources. The decision to implement a cardiovascular
      screening programme, with or without the addition of ECG, necessitates careful
      consideration of the risk of SCA/D in the targeted population and the
      availability of cardiology resources and infrastructure. Importantly, it is the
      individual physician's assessment in the context of an emerging evidence base
      that the chosen model for early detection of cardiac disorders in the specific
      population provides greater benefit than harm. AMSSM is committed to advancing
      evidenced-based research and educational initiatives that will validate and
      promote the most efficacious strategies to foster safe sport participation and
      reduce SCA/D in athletes.

PMID- 27660370
TI  - Dupuytren disease is highly prevalent in male field hockey players aged over 60
      years.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Dupuytren disease is a fibroproliferative hand condition. The
      role of exposure to vibration as a risk factor has been studied with
      contradictory results. Since field hockey is expected to be a strong source of
      hand-arm vibration, we hypothesised that long-term exposure to field hockey is
      associated with Dupuytren disease. METHODS: In this cross-sectional cohort study,
      the hands of 169 male field hockey players (IQR: 65-71 years) and 156 male
      controls (IQR: 59-71 years) were examined for signs of Dupuytren disease. Details
      about their age, lifestyle factors, medical history, employment history and
      leisure activities were gathered. Prior to the analyses, the groups were balanced
      in risk factors using propensity score matching. The association between field
      hockey and Dupuytren disease was determined using a subject-specific generalised
      linear mixed model with a binomial distribution and logit link function (matched
      pairs analysis). RESULTS: Dupuytren disease was observed in 51.7% of the field
      hockey players, and in 13.8% of the controls. After propensity score matching,
      field hockey playing as dichotomous variable, was associated with Dupuytren
      disease (OR=9.42, 95% CI 3.01 to 29.53). A linear dose-response effect of field
      hockey (hours/week x years) within the field hockey players could not be
      demonstrated (OR=1.03, 95% CI 0.68 to 1.56). DISCUSSION: We found that field
      hockey playing has a strong association with the presence of Dupuytren disease.
      Clinicians in sports medicine should be alert to this less common diagnosis in
      this sport.

PMID- 27660371
TI  - Infographic: How to maximise your golf performance.

PMID- 27660372
TI  - Investigation of the Intrinsic Spatial Resolution of an Intensified EMCCD
      Scintillation Camera.
AB  - In this paper, we present an experimental and Monte Carlo investigation of the
      intrinsic spatial resolution that can be achieved with the intensified electron
      multiplying charge-coupled device (I-EMCCD) gamma camera [1]-[4]. This detector
      has a very low readout noise, an ultra-high spatial resolution and a large active
      area of ~ 80 mm diameter, which is well-suited for small animal imaging
      applications. The intrinsic detector resolutions achieved with different
      scintillators and under different experimental conditions were compared. In this
      study, the simple centroiding method was compared with two model-fitting
      approaches for finding the locations of gamma ray interactions. The results from
      Monte Carlo simulation have demonstrated that with an appropriate detector
      configuration, it is possible to achieve an intrinsic resolution of ~ 30 um FWHM
      for detecting 27-35 keV gamma rays. The I-EMCCD scintillation camera offers a
      promising candidate for future ultra-high resolution SPECT imaging applications.

PMID- 27660373
TI  - Managing more than the mean: using quantile regression to identify factors
      related to large elk groups.
AB  - Animal group size distributions are often right-skewed, whereby most groups are
      small, but most individuals occur in larger groups that may also
      disproportionately affect ecology and policy. In this case, examining covariates
      associated with upper quantiles of the group size distribution could facilitate
      better understanding and management of large animal groups.We studied wintering
      elk groups in Wyoming, where group sizes span several orders of magnitude, and
      issues of disease, predation and property damage are affected by larger group
      sizes. We used quantile regression to evaluate relationships between the group
      size distribution and variables of land use, habitat, elk density and wolf
      abundance to identify conditions important to larger elk groups.We recorded 1263
      groups ranging from 1 to 1952 elk and found that across all quantiles of group
      size, group sizes were larger in open habitat and on private land, but the
      largest effect occurred between irrigated and non-irrigated land [e.g. the 90th
      quantile group size increased by 135 elk (95% CI = 42, 227) on irrigation].Only
      upper quantile group sizes were positively related to broad-scale measures of elk
      density and wolf abundance. For wolf abundance, this effect was greater on elk
      groups found in open habitats and private land than those in closed habitats or
      public land. If we had limited our analysis to mean or median group sizes, we
      would not have detected these effects. Synthesis and applications. Our analysis
      of elk group size distributions using quantile regression suggests that private
      land, irrigation, open habitat, elk density and wolf abundance can affect large
      elk group sizes. Thus, to manage larger groups by removal or dispersal of
      individuals, we recommend incentivizing hunting on private land (particularly if
      irrigated) during the regular and late hunting seasons, promoting tolerance of
      wolves on private land (if elk aggregate in these areas to avoid wolves) and
      creating more winter range and varied habitats. Relationships to the variables of
      interest also differed by quantile, highlighting the importance of using quantile
      regression to examine response variables more completely to uncover relationships
      important to conservation and management.

PMID- 27660374
TI  - Surface-Anchored Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) Orthogonal Gradient Networks.
AB  - We present a versatile synthetic route leading toward generating surface-attached
      polyacrylamide gels, in which the cross-link density varies continuously and
      gradually across the substrate in two orthogonal directions. We employ free
      radical polymerization to synthesize random copolymers comprising ~5% of
      photoactive methacrylyloxybenzophenone (MABP), ~5% of thermally active styrene
      sulfonyl azide (SSAz), and ~90% of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) units. The
      presence of MABP and SSAz in the copolymer facilitates control over the cross
      link density of the gel in an orthogonal manner using photoactivated and
      thermally activated cross-linking chemistries, respectively. Spectroscopic
      ellipsometry is employed to determine the degree of swelling of the gel in water
      and methanol as a function of position on the substrate. Network swelling varies
      continuously and gradually across the substrate and is high in regions of low gel
      fractions and low in regions of high gel fractions.

PMID- 27660376
TI  - A fast method for optical simulation of flood maps of light-sharing detector
      modules.
AB  - Optical simulation of the detector module level is highly desired for Position
      Emission Tomography (PET) system design. Commonly used simulation toolkits such
      as GATE are not efficient in the optical simulation of detector modules with
      complicated light-sharing configurations, where a vast amount of photons need to
      be tracked. We present a fast approach based on a simplified specular reflectance
      model and a structured light-tracking algorithm to speed up the photon tracking
      in detector modules constructed with polished finish and specular reflector
      materials. We simulated conventional block detector designs with different
      slotted light guide patterns using the new approach and compared the outcomes
      with those from GATE simulations. While the two approaches generated comparable
      flood maps, the new approach was more than 200-600 times faster. The new approach
      has also been validated by constructing a prototype detector and comparing the
      simulated flood map with the experimental flood map. The experimental flood map
      has nearly uniformly distributed spots similar to those in the simulated flood
      map. In conclusion, the new approach provides a fast and reliable simulation tool
      for assisting in the development of light-sharing-based detector modules with a
      polished surface finish and using specular reflector materials.

PMID- 27660375
TI  - Impact of Comorbid Depressive Disorders on Subjective and Physiological Responses
      to Emotion in Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
AB  - Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and unipolar depressive disorders (UDD) have
      been shown to differ from each other in dimensions of affective functioning
      despite their high rates of comorbidity. We showed emotional film clips to a
      community sample (n = 170) with GAD, GAD with secondary UDD, or no diagnosis.
      Groups had comparable subjective responses to the clips, but the GAD group had
      significantly lower heart rate variability (HRV) during fear and after sadness,
      compared to controls. While HRV in the GAD and control groups rose in response to
      the sadness and happiness clips, it returned to baseline levels afterwards in the
      GAD group, potentially indicating lesser ability to sustain attention on
      emotional stimuli. HRV in the GAD + UDD group changed only in response to
      sadness, but was otherwise unvarying between timepoints. Though preliminary,
      these findings suggest comorbid UDD as a potential moderator of emotional
      responding in GAD.

PMID- 27660377
TI  - Massive hydropneumopericardium after pericardial drain removal.

PMID- 27660379
TI  - Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: blame the veins....

PMID- 27660378
TI  - Influenza vaccination and risk of hospitalization in patients with heart failure:
      a self-controlled case series study.
AB  - Aims: Evidence supporting yearly influenza vaccination in patients with chronic
      heart failure (HF) is limited, consequently leading to inconsistent guideline
      recommendations. We aimed to investigate the impact of influenza vaccination on
      the risk of hospitalization in HF patients. Methods and results: We used linked
      primary and secondary health records in England between 1990 and 2013. Using a
      self-controlled case series design with conditional Poisson regression, we
      estimated the incidence rate ratio (IRR, 95% CI) of the number of
      hospitalizations in a year following vaccination with an adjacent vaccination
      free year in the same individuals. We found the uptake of vaccination to be
      varied and generally low (49% in 2013). Among 59,202 HF patients, influenza
      vaccination was associated with a lower risk of hospitalization due to
      cardiovascular disease (0.73 [0.71, 0.76]), with more modest effects for
      hospitalization due to respiratory infections (0.83 [0.77, 0.90]), and all-cause
      hospitalizations (0.96 [0.95, 0.98]). The relative effects were somewhat greater
      in younger patients but with no material difference between men and women. In
      validation analyses, effects were not significant for consecutive years without
      vaccination (0.96 [0.92, 1.00]) or hospitalization due to cancer (1.02 [0.84,
      1.22]). Conclusion: In HF patients, influenza vaccination is associated with
      reduced risk of hospitalizations, especially for cardiovascular disease. Improved
      efforts for wider uptake of vaccination among HF patients are needed.

PMID- 27660380
TI  - Percutaneous revascularization of concurrently obstructed left-sided pulmonary
      veins complicating catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.

PMID- 27660381
TI  - Repetitive vasospasm as a cause of plaque rupture and myocardial infarction.

PMID- 27660382
TI  - Combining Population and Patient-Specific Characteristics for Prostate
      Segmentation on 3D CT Images.
AB  - Prostate segmentation on CT images is a challenging task. In this paper, we
      explore the population and patient-specific characteristics for the segmentation
      of the prostate on CT images. Because population learning does not consider the
      inter-patient variations and because patient-specific learning may not perform
      well for different patients, we are combining the population and patient-specific
      information to improve segmentation performance. Specifically, we train a
      population model based on the population data and train a patient-specific model
      based on the manual segmentation on three slice of the new patient. We compute
      the similarity between the two models to explore the influence of applicable
      population knowledge on the specific patient. By combining the patient-specific
      knowledge with the influence, we can capture the population and patient-specific
      characteristics to calculate the probability of a pixel belonging to the
      prostate. Finally, we smooth the prostate surface according to the prostate
      density value of the pixels in the distance transform image. We conducted the
      leave-one-out validation experiments on a set of CT volumes from 15 patients.
      Manual segmentation results from a radiologist serve as the gold standard for the
      evaluation. Experimental results show that our method achieved an average DSC of
      85.1% as compared to the manual segmentation gold standard. This method
      outperformed the population learning method and the patient-specific learning
      approach alone. The CT segmentation method can have various applications in
      prostate cancer diagnosis and therapy.

PMID- 27660383
TI  - Random Walk Based Segmentation for the Prostate on 3D Transrectal Ultrasound
      Images.
AB  - This paper proposes a new semi-automatic segmentation method for the prostate on
      3D transrectal ultrasound images (TRUS) by combining the region and
      classification information. We use a random walk algorithm to express the region
      information efficiently and flexibly because it can avoid segmentation leakage
      and shrinking bias. We further use the decision tree as the classifier to
      distinguish the prostate from the non-prostate tissue because of its fast speed
      and superior performance, especially for a binary classification problem. Our
      segmentation algorithm is initialized with the user roughly marking the prostate
      and non-prostate points on the mid-gland slice which are fitted into an ellipse
      for obtaining more points. Based on these fitted seed points, we run the random
      walk algorithm to segment the prostate on the mid-gland slice. The segmented
      contour and the information from the decision tree classification are combined to
      determine the initial seed points for the other slices. The random walk algorithm
      is then used to segment the prostate on the adjacent slice. We propagate the
      process until all slices are segmented. The segmentation method was tested in 32
      3D transrectal ultrasound images. Manual segmentation by a radiologist serves as
      the gold standard for the validation. The experimental results show that the
      proposed method achieved a Dice similarity coefficient of 91.37+/-0.05%. The
      segmentation method can be applied to 3D ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy and
      other applications.

PMID- 27660384
TI  - Determining Cardiac Fiber Orientation Using FSL and Registered Ultrasound/DTI
      volumes.
AB  - Accurate extraction of cardiac fiber orientation from diffusion tensor imaging is
      important for determining heart structure and function. However, the acquisition
      of magnetic resonance (MR) diffusion tensor images is costly and time consuming.
      By comparison, cardiac ultrasound imaging is rapid and relatively inexpensive,
      but it lacks the capability to directly measure fiber orientations. In order to
      create a detailed heart model from ultrasound data, a three-dimensional (3D)
      diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) with known fiber orientations can be registered to
      an ultrasound volume through a geometric mask. After registration, the cardiac
      orientations from the template DTI can be mapped to the heart using a deformable
      transformation field. This process depends heavily on accurate fiber orientation
      extraction from the DTI. In this study, we use the FMRIB Software Library (FSL)
      to determine cardiac fiber orientations in diffusion weighted images. For the
      registration between ultrasound and MRI volumes, we achieved an average Dice
      similarity coefficient (DSC) of 81.6+/-2.1%. For the estimation of fiber
      orientations from the proposed method, we achieved an acute angle error (AAE) of
      22.7+/-3.1 degrees  as compared to the direct measurements from DTI. This work
      provides a new approach to generate cardiac fiber orientation that may be used
      for many cardiac applications.

PMID- 27660385
TI  - Multiplatform Biomarker Discovery for Bladder Cancer Recurrence Diagnosis.
AB  - Purpose. Nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer (BCa) has a high recurrence rate
      requiring lifelong surveillance. Urinary biomarkers are promising as simple
      alternatives to cystoscopy for the diagnosis of recurrent bladder cancer.
      However, no single marker can achieve the required accuracy. The purpose of this
      study was to select a multiparameter panel, comprising urinary biomarkers and
      clinical parameters, for BCa recurrence diagnosis. Experimental Design. Candidate
      biomarkers were measured in urine samples of BCa patients with recurrence and BCa
      patients without recurrence. A multiplatform strategy was used for marker
      quantification comprising a multiplexed microarray and an automated platform for
      ELISA analysis. A multivariate statistical analysis combined the results from
      both platforms with the collected clinical data. Results. The best performing
      combination of biomarkers and clinical parameters achieved an AUC value of 0.91,
      showing better performance than individual parameters. This panel comprises six
      biomarkers (cadherin-1, IL-8, ErbB2, IL-6, EN2, and VEGF-A) and three clinical
      parameters (number of past recurrences, number of BCG therapies, and stage at
      time of diagnosis). Conclusions. The multiparameter panel could be a useful
      noninvasive tool for BCa surveillance and potentially impact the clinical
      management of this disease. Validation of results in an independent cohort is
      warranted.

PMID- 27660386
TI  - Factors influencing time to computed tomography in emergency department patients
      with suspected subarachnoid haemorrhage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: CT has excellent sensitivity for subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) when
      performed within 6 hours of headache onset, but it is unknown to what extent
      patients with more severe disease are likely to undergo earlier CT, potentially
      inflating estimates of sensitivity. Our objective was to evaluate which patient
      and hospital factors were associated with earlier neuroimaging in alert,
      neurologically intact ED patients with suspected SAH. METHODS: We analysed data
      from two large sequential prospective cohorts of ED patients with acute headache
      undergoing CT for suspected SAH. We examined the time interval from headache
      onset to CT, both overall and subdivided from headache onset to hospital
      registration and from registration to CT. RESULTS: Among 2412 patients with
      headache, 194 had SAH, with 178 identified on unenhanced CT. Of these, 91 (51.1%)
      were identified by CT within 6 hours of headache onset and 87 after 6 hours.
      Patients with SAH had a shorter time from headache onset to hospital presentation
      (median 4.5 hours, IQR 1.7-22.7 vs 9.6 hours, IQR 2.8-46.0, p<0.001) and were
      imaged sooner after headache onset (6.4 hours, IQR 3.5-27.1 vs 12.6 hours, IQR
      5.5-48.0, p<0.001) compared with those without SAH. The median time from in
      hospital registration to CT scan was significantly shorter in those patients with
      SAH although this difference was less than 1 hour (1.9 hours, IQR 1.2-2.8 vs 2.5
      hours, IQR 1.5-3.9, p<0.001). Arrival by ambulance (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.94 to 4.98,
      p<0.001) and higher acuity at triage (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.88, p=0.032) were
      among the factors associated with having CT imaging within 6 hours of headache
      onset. CONCLUSIONS: Time from headache onset to imaging is moderately associated
      with positive imaging for SAH. Delay to hospital presentation accounts for the
      largest fraction of time to imaging, especially those without SAH. These findings
      suggest limited opportunity to reduce lumbar puncture rates simply by
      accelerating in-hospital processes when imaging delays are under 2 hours, as
      diagnostic yield of imaging decreases beyond the 6-hour imaging window from
      headache onset.

PMID- 27660387
TI  - Calmodulin Gates Aquaporin 0 Permeability through a Positively Charged
      Cytoplasmic Loop.
AB  - Aquaporin 0 (AQP0), the major intrinsic protein of the eye lens, plays a vital
      role in maintaining lens clarity by facilitating the transport of water across
      lens fiber cell membranes. AQP0 reduces its osmotic water permeability constant
      (Pf) in response to increases in the external calcium concentration, an effect
      that is mediated by an interaction with the calcium-binding messenger protein,
      calmodulin (CaM), and phosphorylation of the CaM-binding site abolishes calcium
      sensitivity. Despite recent structural characterization of the AQP0-CaM complex,
      the mechanism by which CaM modulates AQP0 remains poorly understood. By combining
      atomistic molecular dynamics simulations and oocyte permeability assays, we
      conclude that serine phosphorylation of AQP0 does not inhibit CaM binding to the
      whole AQP0 protein. Instead, AQP0 phosphorylation alters calcium sensitivity by
      modifying the AQP0-CaM interaction interface, particularly at an arginine-rich
      loop that connects the fourth and fifth transmembrane helices. This previously
      unexplored loop, which sits outside of the canonical CaM-binding site on the AQP0
      cytosolic face, mechanically couples CaM to the pore-gating residues of the
      second constriction site. We show that this allosteric loop is vital for CaM
      regulation of the channels, facilitating cooperativity between adjacent subunits
      and regulating factors such as serine phosphorylation. Similar allosteric
      interactions may also mediate CaM modulation of the properties of other CaM
      regulated proteins.

PMID- 27660389
TI  - The Signaling Pathway of Caenorhabditis elegans Mediates Chemotaxis Response to
      the Attractant 2-Heptanone in a Trojan Horse-like Pathogenesis.
AB  - The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans exhibits behavioral responses to a wide range
      of odorants associated with food and pathogens. A previous study described a
      Trojan Horse-like strategy of pathogenesis whereby the bacterium Bacillus
      nematocida B16 emits the volatile organic compound 2-heptanone to trap C. elegans
      for successful infection. Here, we further explored the receptor for 2-heptanone
      as well as the pathway involved in signal transduction in C. elegans Our
      experiments showed that 2-heptanone sensing depended on the function of AWC
      neurons and a GPCR encoded by str-2 Consistent with the above observation, the
      HEK293 cells expressing STR-2 on their surfaces showed a transient elevation in
      intracellular Ca2+ levels after 2-heptanone applications. After combining the
      assays of RNA interference and gene mutants, we also identified the Galpha
      subunits and their downstream components in the olfactory signal cascade that are
      necessary for responding to 2-heptanone, including Galpha subunits of egl-30 and
      gpa-3, phospholipase C of plc-1and egl-8, and the calcium channel of cmk-1 and
      cal-1. Our work demonstrates for the first time that an integrated signaling
      pathway for 2-heptanone response in C. elegans involves recognition by GPCR STR
      2, activation by Galpha subunits of egl-30/gpa-3 and transfer to the PLC pathway,
      indicating that a potentially novel olfactory pathway exists in AWC neurons.
      Meanwhile, since 2-heptanone, a metabolite from the pathogenic bacterium B.
      nematocida B16, can be sensed by C. elegans and thus strongly attract its host,
      our current work also suggested coevolution between the pathogenic microorganism
      and the chemosensory system in C. elegans.

PMID- 27660388
TI  - Functional Analysis of gamma-Tubulin Complex Proteins Indicates Specific Lateral
      Association via Their N-terminal Domains.
AB  - Microtubules are nucleated from multiprotein complexes containing gamma-tubulin
      and associated gamma-tubulin complex proteins (GCPs). Small complexes
      (gammaTuSCs) comprise two molecules of gamma-tubulin bound to the C-terminal
      domains of GCP2 and GCP3. gammaTuSCs associate laterally into helical structures,
      providing a structural template for microtubule nucleation. In most eukaryotes
      gammaTuSCs associate with additional GCPs (4, 5, and 6) to form the core of the
      so-called gamma-tubulin ring complex (gammaTuRC). GCPs 2-6 constitute a family of
      homologous proteins. Previous structural analysis and modeling of GCPs suggest
      that all family members can potentially integrate into the helical structure.
      Here we provide experimental evidence for this model. Using chimeric proteins in
      which the N- and C-terminal domains of different GCPs are swapped, we show that
      the N-terminal domains define the functional identity of GCPs, whereas the C
      terminal domains are exchangeable. FLIM-FRET experiments indicate that GCP4 and
      GCP5 associate laterally within the complex, and their interaction is mediated by
      their N-terminal domains as previously shown for gammaTuSCs. Our results suggest
      that all GCPs are incorporated into the helix via lateral interactions between
      their N-terminal domains, whereas the C-terminal domains mediate longitudinal
      interactions with gamma-tubulin. Moreover, we show that binding to gamma-tubulin
      is not essential for integrating into the helical complex.

PMID- 27660390
TI  - Impact of Ribonucleotide Backbone on Translesion Synthesis and Repair of 7,8
      Dihydro-8-oxoguanine.
AB  - Numerous ribonucleotides are incorporated into the genome during DNA replication.
      Oxidized ribonucleotides can also be erroneously incorporated into DNA. Embedded
      ribonucleotides destabilize the structure of DNA and retard DNA synthesis by DNA
      polymerases (pols), leading to genomic instability. Mammalian cells possess
      translesion DNA synthesis (TLS) pols that bypass DNA damage. The mechanism of TLS
      and repair of oxidized ribonucleotides remains to be elucidated. To address this,
      we analyzed the miscoding properties of the ribonucleotides riboguanosine (rG)
      and 7,8-dihydro-8-oxo-riboguanosine (8-oxo-rG) during TLS catalyzed by the human
      TLS pols kappa and eta in vitro The primer extension reaction catalyzed by human
      replicative pol alpha was strongly blocked by 8-oxo-rG. pol kappa inefficiently
      bypassed rG and 8-oxo-rG compared with dG and 7,8-dihydro-8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine
      (8-oxo-dG), whereas pol eta easily bypassed the ribonucleotides. pol alpha
      exclusively inserted dAMP opposite 8-oxo-rG. Interestingly, pol kappa
      preferentially inserted dCMP opposite 8-oxo-rG, whereas the insertion of dAMP was
      favored opposite 8-oxo-dG. In addition, pol eta accurately bypassed 8-oxo-rG.
      Furthermore, we examined the activity of the base excision repair (BER) enzymes 8
      oxoguanine DNA glycosylase (OGG1) and apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 on the
      substrates, including rG and 8-oxo-rG. Both BER enzymes were completely inactive
      against 8-oxo-rG in DNA. However, OGG1 suppressed 8-oxo-rG excision by RNase H2,
      which is involved in the removal of ribonucleotides from DNA. These results
      suggest that the different sugar backbones between 8-oxo-rG and 8-oxo-dG alter
      the capacity of TLS and repair of 8-oxoguanine.

PMID- 27660391
TI  - TCL/RhoJ Plasma Membrane Localization and Nucleotide Exchange Is Coordinately
      Regulated by Amino Acids within the N Terminus and a Distal Loop Region.
AB  - TCL/RhoJ is a Cdc42-related Rho GTPase with reported activities in endothelial
      cell biology and angiogenesis, metastatic melanoma, and corneal epithelial cells;
      however, less is known about how it is inherently regulated in comparison to its
      closest homologues TC10 and Cdc42. TCL has an N-terminal extension of 18 amino
      acids in comparison to Cdc42, but the function of this amino acid sequence has
      not been elucidated. A truncation mutant lacking the N terminus (DeltaN) was
      found to alter TCL plasma membrane localization and nucleotide binding, and
      additional truncation and point mutants mapped the alterations of TCL
      biochemistry to amino acids 17-20. Interestingly, whereas the TCL DeltaN mutant
      clearly influenced nucleotide exchange, deletion of the N terminus from its
      closest homologue, TC10, did not have a similar effect. Chimeras of TCL and TC10
      revealed amino acids 121-129 of TCL contributed to the differences in nucleotide
      loading. Together, these results identify amino acids within the N terminus and a
      loop region distal to the nucleotide binding pocket of TCL capable of
      allosterically regulating nucleotide exchange and thus influence membrane
      association of the protein.

PMID- 27660392
TI  - Glutathione Depletion, Pentose Phosphate Pathway Activation, and Hemolysis in
      Erythrocytes Protecting Cancer Cells from Vitamin C-induced Oxidative Stress.
AB  - The discovery that oxidized vitamin C, dehydroascorbate (DHA), can induce
      oxidative stress and cell death in cancer cells has rekindled interest in the use
      of high dose vitamin C (VC) as a cancer therapy. However, high dose VC has shown
      limited efficacy in clinical trials, possibly due to the decreased
      bioavailability of oral VC. Because human erythrocytes express high levels of
      Glut1, take up DHA, and reduce it to VC, we tested how erythrocytes might impact
      high dose VC therapies. Cancer cells are protected from VC-mediated cell death
      when co-cultured with physiologically relevant numbers of erythrocytes.
      Pharmacological doses of VC induce oxidative stress, GSH depletion, and increased
      glucose flux through the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) in
      erythrocytes. Incubation of erythrocytes with VC induced hemolysis, which was
      exacerbated in erythrocytes from glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD)
      patients and rescued by antioxidants. Thus, erythrocytes protect cancer cells
      from VC-induced oxidative stress and undergo hemolysis in vitro, despite
      activation of the PPP. These results have implications on the use of high dose VC
      in ongoing clinical trials and highlight the importance of the PPP in the
      response to oxidative stress.

PMID- 27660395
TI  - The Structure of Oral Language and Reading and Their Relation to Comprehension in
      Kindergarten through Grade 2.
AB  - This study examined the structure of oral language and reading and their relation
      to comprehension from a latent variable modeling perspective in Kindergarten,
      Grade 1, and Grade 2. Participants were students in Kindergarten (n = 218), Grade
      1 (n = 372), and Grade 2 (n = 273), attending Title 1 schools. Students were
      administered phonological awareness, syntax, vocabulary, listening comprehension,
      and decoding fluency measures in mid-year. Outcome measures included a listening
      comprehension measure in Kindergarten and a reading comprehension test in Grades1
      and 2. In Kindergarten, oral language (consisting of listening comprehension,
      syntax, and vocabulary) shared variance with phonological awareness in predicting
      a listening comprehension outcome. However, in Grades 1 and 2, phonological
      awareness was no longer predictive of reading comprehension when decoding fluency
      and oral language were included in the model. In Grades 1 and 2, oral language
      and decoding fluency were significant predictors of reading comprehension.

PMID- 27660394
TI  - Breaking out of biogeographical modules: range expansion and taxon cycles in the
      hyperdiverse ant genus Pheidole.
AB  - AIM: We sought to reconstruct the biogeographical structure and dynamics of a
      hyperdiverse ant genus, Pheidole, and to test several predictions of the taxon
      cycle hypothesis. Using large datasets on Pheidole geographical distributions and
      phylogeny, we (1) inferred patterns of biogeographical modularity (clusters of
      areas with similar faunal composition), (2) tested whether species in open
      habitats are more likely to be expanding their range beyond module boundaries,
      and (3) tested whether there is a bias of lineage flow from high- to low
      diversity areas. LOCATION: The Old World. METHODS: We compiled and jointly
      analysed a comprehensive database of Pheidole geographical distributions, the
      ecological affinities of different species, and a multilocus phylogeny of the Old
      World radiation. We used network modularity methods to infer biogeographical
      structure in the genus and comparative methods to evaluate the hypotheses.
      RESULTS: The network analysis identified eight biogeographical modules, and a
      suite of species with anomalous ranges that are statistically more likely to
      occur in open habitat, supporting the hypothesis that open habitats promote range
      expansion. Phylogenetic analysis shows evidence for a cascade pattern of
      colonization from Asia to New Guinea to the Pacific, but no 'upstream'
      colonization in the reverse direction. MAIN CONCLUSIONS: The distributions of
      Pheidole lineages in the Old World are highly modular, with modules generally
      corresponding to biogeographical regions inferred in other groups of organisms.
      However, some lineages have expanded their ranges across module boundaries, and
      these species are more likely to be adapted to open habitats rather than interior
      forest. In addition, there is a cascade pattern of dispersal from higher to lower
      diversity areas during these range expansions. Our findings are consistent with
      the taxon cycle hypothesis, although they do not rule out alternative
      interpretations.

PMID- 27660397
TI  - The Russian Orthodox Church as moral norm entrepreneur.
AB  - Conflicts over religious symbols in the public sphere, gay marriage, abortion or
      gender equality have shown their disruptive potential across many societies in
      the world. They have also become the subject of political and legal debates in
      international institutions. These conflicts emerge out of different worldviews
      and normative conceptions of the good, and they are frequently framed in terms of
      competing interpretations of human rights. One newcomer voice in conflicts over
      rights and values in the international sphere is the Russian Orthodox Church
      (ROC), which in recent years has become an active promoter of 'traditional
      values' both inside Russia and internationally. This article studies the
      ideational prerequisites and dynamics of Russian Orthodox 'norm protagonism' in
      the international arena.

PMID- 27660396
TI  - Stress Recovery Effects of High- and Low-Frequency Amplified Music on Heart Rate
      Variability.
AB  - Sounds can induce autonomic responses in listeners. However, the modulatory
      effect of specific frequency components of music is not fully understood. Here,
      we examined the role of the frequency component of music on autonomic responses.
      Specifically, we presented music that had been amplified in the high- or low
      frequency domains. Twelve healthy women listened to white noise, a stress
      inducing noise, and then one of three versions of a piece of music: original, low
      , or high-frequency amplified. To measure autonomic response, we calculated the
      high-frequency normalized unit (HFnu), low-frequency normalized unit, and the
      LF/HF ratio from the heart rate using electrocardiography. We defined the stress
      recovery ratio as the value obtained after participants listened to music
      following scratching noise, normalized by the value obtained after participants
      listened to white noise after the stress noise, in terms of the HFnu, low
      frequency normalized unit, LF/HF ratio, and heart rate. Results indicated that
      high-frequency amplified music had the highest HFnu of the three versions. The
      stress recovery ratio of HFnu under the high-frequency amplified stimulus was
      significantly larger than that under the low-frequency stimulus. Our results
      suggest that the high-frequency component of music plays a greater role in stress
      relief than low-frequency components.

PMID- 27660393
TI  - An Isozyme-specific Redox Switch in Human Brain Glycogen Phosphorylase Modulates
      Its Allosteric Activation by AMP.
AB  - Brain glycogen and its metabolism are increasingly recognized as major players in
      brain functions. Moreover, alteration of glycogen metabolism in the brain
      contributes to neurodegenerative processes. In the brain, both muscle and brain
      glycogen phosphorylase isozymes regulate glycogen mobilization. However, given
      their distinct regulatory features, these two isozymes could confer distinct
      metabolic functions of glycogen in brain. Interestingly, recent proteomics
      studies have identified isozyme-specific reactive cysteine residues in brain
      glycogen phosphorylase (bGP). In this study, we show that the activity of human
      bGP is redox-regulated through the formation of a disulfide bond involving a
      highly reactive cysteine unique to the bGP isozyme. We found that this disulfide
      bond acts as a redox switch that precludes the allosteric activation of the
      enzyme by AMP without affecting its activation by phosphorylation. This unique
      regulatory feature of bGP sheds new light on the isoform-specific regulation of
      glycogen phosphorylase and glycogen metabolism.

PMID- 27660398
TI  - Attractor-Based Obstructions to Growth in Homogeneous Cyclic Boolean Automata.
AB  - We consider a synchronous Boolean organism consisting of N cells arranged in a
      circle, where each cell initially takes on an independently chosen Boolean value.
      During the lifetime of the organism, each cell updates its own value by
      responding to the presence (or absence) of diversity amongst its two neighbours'
      values. We show that if all cells eventually take a value of 0 (irrespective of
      their initial values) then the organism necessarily has a cell count that is a
      power of 2. In addition, the converse is also proved: if the number of cells in
      the organism is a proper power of 2, then no matter what the initial values of
      the cells are, eventually all cells take on a value of 0 and then cease to change
      further. We argue that such an absence of structure in the dynamical properties
      of the organism implies a lack of adaptiveness, and so is evolutionarily
      disadvantageous. It follows that as the organism doubles in size (say from m to
      2m) it will necessarily encounter an intermediate size that is a proper power of
      2, and suffers from low adaptiveness. Finally we show, through computational
      experiments, that one way an organism can grow to more than twice its size and
      still avoid passing through intermediate sizes that lack structural dynamics, is
      for the organism to depart from assumptions of homogeneity at the cellular level.

PMID- 27660399
TI  - Classroom Age Composition and Vocabulary Development Among At-Risk Preschoolers.
AB  - RESEARCH FINDINGS: The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the
      relationship between classroom age composition and preschoolers' vocabulary gains
      over an academic year and also to examine whether these relations were moderated
      by classroom quality. In this study (N = 130 children in 16 classrooms
      representing a subset of all children enrolled in these classrooms), results
      showed a significant cross-level interaction between classroom age composition
      and children's age, suggesting positive effects of greater variance in classroom
      age composition for younger but not older children. The interaction between
      behavior management (1 dimension of classroom quality) and classroom age
      composition was also significant, indicating that a wider distribution of
      classroom age composition was positively related to children's vocabulary gains
      within classrooms characterized by better behavior management. PRACTICE OR
      POLICY: Findings underscore the importance of children's social interactions with
      more knowledgeable conversational partners in promoting their vocabulary
      development and signify the need to help teachers learn how to manage children's
      behaviors so as to provide a classroom that is optimal for child learning.

PMID- 27660400
TI  - How do individual-level sociodemographics and neighbourhood-level characteristics
      influence residential location behaviour in the context of the food and built
      environment? Findings from 25 years of follow-up in the CARDIA Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little is known about how diet-related and activity-related amenities
      relate to residential location behaviour. Understanding these relationships is
      essential for addressing residential self-selection bias. METHODS: Using 25 years
      (6 examinations) of data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young
      Adults (CARDIA) study (n=11 013 observations) and linked neighbourhood-level data
      from the 4 CARDIA baseline cities (Birmingham, Alabama; Chicago, Illinois;
      Minneapolis, Minnesota; Oakland, California, USA), we characterised participants'
      neighbourhoods as having low, average or high road connectivity and amenities
      using non-hierarchical cluster analysis. We then used repeated measures
      multinomial logistic regression with random effects to examine the associations
      between individual-level sociodemographics and neighbourhood-level
      characteristics with residential neighbourhood types over the 25-year period, and
      whether these associations differed by individual-level income. RESULTS: Being
      female was positively associated with living in neighbourhoods with low (vs high)
      road connectivity and activity-related and diet-related amenities among high
      income individuals only. At all income levels, a higher percentage of
      neighbourhood white population and neighbourhood population <18 years were
      associated with living in neighbourhoods with low (vs high) connectivity and
      amenities. Individual-level race; age; and educational attainment, neighbourhood
      socioeconomic status and housing prices did not influence residential location
      behaviour related to neighbourhood connectivity and amenities at any income
      level. CONCLUSIONS: Neighbourhood-level factors appeared to play a comparatively
      greater role in shaping residential location behaviour than individual-level
      sociodemographics. Our study is an important step in understanding how
      residential locational behaviour relates to amenities and physical activity
      opportunities, and may help mitigate residential self-selection bias in built
      environment studies.

PMID- 27660401
TI  - Prevalence and patterns of tobacco smoking among Chinese adult men and women:
      findings of the 2010 national smoking survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: China consumes about 40% of the world's cigarettes, predominantly by
      men, following a large increase in recent decades. We assess sex-specific
      prevalence and changing patterns of smoking in Chinese adults in the current
      decade. METHODS: A nationally representative survey of smoking was conducted in
      2010 among 100 000 Chinese adults aged >=18 years, using a multistage stratified
      cluster sampling method. Information on smoking frequency, type, amount, age
      started and quitting was collected. Sex-specific standardised prevalence and
      means were analysed and compared with estimates in the 1996 national survey.
      RESULTS: In Chinese men aged >=18, 62.4% were ever-smokers in 2010, including
      54.0% current smokers and 8.4% ex-smokers. The smoking prevalence was higher in
      rural than in urban men (63.9% vs 58.4%). In younger men, the age to start
      smoking was earlier and exclusive cigarette use was much higher. Among current
      smokers, only 17.3% intended to quit. Compared with a similar survey in 1996
      among adults aged 30-69, more smokers had quit in 2010 than in 1996 (11.0% vs
      4.2%), but the number of cigarettes smoked per current smoker was higher (17.9 vs
      15.2). In Chinese women, only 3.4% ever smoked and there has been a large
      intergenerational decrease in smoking uptake rates. In 2010, there were 318
      million current smokers in China, consuming an estimated 1740 billion cigarettes.
      CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of smoking remained extremely high in men, but low
      and falling in Chinese women. Tobacco smoking remains an important public health
      issue in China, and stronger and more efficient tobacco control is urgently
      needed.

PMID- 27660403
TI  - Noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features.
AB  - Recently, it was proposed that some papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTC) will no
      longer be termed 'cancer' and are christened as 'noninvasive follicular thyroid
      neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features' (NIFTP). As this is a recent
      definition, little information is available about NIFTP. The objective of this
      study was to report the frequency, ultrasonographic appearance, cytology result
      and long-term evolution of cases of NIFTP seen at our institution. We excluded
      tumours <=1 cm. The sample consisted of 129 patients. Sixty-four patients were
      submitted to total thyroidectomy and 65 to lobectomy. These patients with NIFTP
      did not receive radioiodine. NIFTP corresponded to 15% of cases diagnosed as PTC
      >1 cm. An ultrasonographic appearance considered to be of low suspicion for
      malignancy was common in NIFTP (32.5%), whereas a highly suspicious appearance
      was uncommon (5%). NIFTP frequently exhibited indeterminate cytology (62%), while
      malignant cytology was uncommon (4%). The patients were followed up for 12-146
      months (median 72 months) after surgery. None of the patients developed
      structural disease during follow-up. Comparing the concentrations of
      thyroglobulin (Tg) and anti-Tg antibodies (TgAb) obtained 6-12 months after
      surgery and in the last assessment, none of the patients exhibited an increase in
      these markers.

PMID- 27660402
TI  - WOMEN IN CANCER THEMATIC REVIEW: Circadian rhythmicity and the influence of
      'clock' genes on prostate cancer.
AB  - The androgen receptor (AR) plays a key role in the development and progression of
      prostate cancer (CaP). Since the mid-1990s, reports in the literature pointed out
      higher incidences of CaP in some select groups, such as airline pilots and night
      shift workers in comparison with those working regular hours. The common finding
      in these 'high-risk' groups was that they all experienced a deregulation of the
      body's internal circadian rhythm. Here, we discuss how the circadian rhythm
      affects androgen levels and modulates CaP development and progression. Circadian
      rhythmicity of androgen production is lost in CaP patients, with the clock genes
      Per1 and Per2 decreasing, and Bmal1 increasing, in these individuals. Periodic
      expression of the clock genes was restored upon administration of the
      neurohormone melatonin, thereby suppressing CaP progression. Activation of the
      melatonin receptors and the AR antagonized each other, and therefore the tumour
      suppressive effects of melatonin and the clock genes were most clearly observed
      in the absence of androgens, that is, in conjunction with androgen deprivation
      therapy (ADT). In addition, a large-scale study found that high-dose radiation
      was more effective in CaP patients when it was delivered before 17:00 h, compared
      with those delivered after 17:00 h, suggesting that the therapy was more
      effective when delivered in synchrony with the patient's circadian clock. As CaP
      patients are shown to become easily resistant to new therapies, perhaps circadian
      delivery of these therapeutic agents or delivery in conjunction with melatonin
      and its novel analogs should be tested to see if they prevent this resistance.

PMID- 27660405
TI  - Development of Hollow-Fiber Liquid-Phase Microextraction Method for Determination
      of Urinary trans,trans-Muconic Acid as a Biomarker of Benzene Exposure.
AB  - For the first time, hollow-fiber liquid-phase microextraction combined with high
      performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet was used to extract trans,trans
      muconic acid, in urine samples of workers who had been exposed to benzene. The
      parameters affecting the metabolite extraction were optimized as follows: the
      volume of sample solution was 11 mL with pH 2, liquid membrane containing dihexyl
      ether as the supporter, 15% (w/v) of trioctylphosphine oxide as the carrier, the
      time of extraction was 120 minutes, and stirring rate was 500 rpm. Organic phase
      impregnated in the pores of a hollow fiber was extracted into 24 uL solution of
      0.05 mol L(-1) Na2CO3 located inside the lumen of the fiber. Under optimized
      conditions, a high enrichment factor of 153-182 folds, relative recovery of 83%
      92%, and detection limit of 0.001 ug mL(-1) were obtained. The method was
      successfully applied to the analysis of ttMA in real urine samples. 

PMID- 27660406
TI  - Effects and Safety of Linagliptin as an Add-on Therapy in Advanced-Stage Diabetic
      Nephropathy Patients Taking Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System Blockers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We investigated the effects and safety of linagliptin as an add-on
      therapy in patients with advanced-stage diabetic nephropathy (DMN) taking renin
      angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) blockers. METHOD: Twenty advanced-stage DMN
      patients (estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): 24.5 +/- 13.4 mL/min/1.73
      m(2)) taking RAAS blockers were administered 5 mg/day linagliptin for 52 weeks.
      Changes in glucose and lipid metabolism and renal function were evaluated.
      RESULTS: Linagliptin decreased glycosylated hemoglobin levels (from 7.32 +/-
      0.77% to 6.85 +/- 0.87%, P < 0.05) without changing fasting blood glucose levels,
      and significantly decreased total cholesterol levels (from 189.6 +/- 49.0 to
      170.2 +/- 39.2 mg/dL, P < 0.05) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels
      (from 107.1 +/- 32.4 to 90.2 +/- 31.0 mg/dL, P < 0.05) without changing high
      density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Urine protein/creatinine
      ratio and annual change in eGFR remained unchanged. No adverse effects were
      observed. CONCLUSION: Linagliptin as an add-on therapy had beneficial effects on
      glucose and lipid metabolism without impairment of renal function, and did not
      have any adverse effects in this population of patients with advanced-stage DMN
      taking RAAS blockers.

PMID- 27660407
TI  - Pushed monocanalicular intubation versus probing as a primary management for
      congenital nasolacrimal obstruction.
AB  - PURPOSE: Evaluation of efficiency, complications, and advantages of pushed
      monocanalicular intubation using Masterka((r)) tube versus simple probing in
      patients with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO). PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: This is a case-controlled study that included 60 eyes (of 53 patients);
      30 eyes underwent probing and 30 eyes intubation using the Masterka tube as a
      primary treatment for CNLDO. The children were aged between 6 months and 36
      months at the time of surgery, with no previous nasolacrimal surgical procedure,
      and had one or more of the following clinical signs of nasolacrimal duct
      obstruction: epiphora, mucous discharge, and/or increased tear lake. RESULTS: We
      defined success by absence of epiphora, mucous discharge, or increased tear lake
      1 month after tube removal. The overall success rate in the probing group was
      80%, while it was 83.3% in the intubation group. CONCLUSION: Pushed
      monocanalicular intubation is an effective method for treatment of CNLDO; it
      requires only mask inhalation anesthesia and could be considered as an
      appropriate alternative procedure with imperceptible complications.

PMID- 27660408
TI  - Patients' tolerance of bimanual lid retraction versus a metal speculum for
      intravitreal injections.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare patients' acceptance of and correlate their pain level for
      bimanual versus metal speculum fixation in intravitreal injections. DESIGN:
      Prospective analysis. PARTICIPANTS: Seventy-three eyes of 56 patients. METHODS: A
      questionnaire indicating patients' discomfort and pain grading immediately after
      intravitreal injections using either bimanual fixation or metal speculum fixation
      (Barraquer Wire Speculum). RESULTS: Fifty-six patients who underwent intravitreal
      injections were enrolled in this study for various conditions. Patients' overall
      pain and discomfort were as follows, right eye - bimanual was 0.3 on our grading
      scale with a standard deviation of 0.54, right eye - metal was 1.6 on our grading
      scale with a standard deviation of 1.5, left eye - bimanual was 0.41 on our
      grading scale with a standard deviation of 0.87, and left eye - metal was 1.91 on
      our grading scale with a standard deviation of 1.14 (P=0.003). CONCLUSION:
      Patients who underwent bimanual fixation had a much more comfortable experience
      with less pain in comparison to patients who underwent metal speculum fixation.

PMID- 27660404
TI  - Single-Molecule Tracking and Its Application in Biomolecular Binding Detection.
AB  - In the past two decades significant advances have been made in single-molecule
      detection, which enables the direct observation of single biomolecules at work in
      real time and under physiological conditions. In particular, the development of
      single-molecule tracking (SMT) microscopy allows us to monitor the motion paths
      of individual biomolecules in living systems, unveiling the localization dynamics
      and transport modalities of the biomolecules that support the development of
      life. Beyond the capabilities of traditional camera-based tracking techniques,
      state-of-the-art SMT microscopies developed in recent years can record
      fluorescence lifetime while tracking a single molecule in the 3D space. This
      multiparameter detection capability can open the door to a wide range of
      investigations at the cellular or tissue level, including identification of
      molecular interaction hotspots and characterization of association/dissociation
      kinetics between molecules. In this review, we discuss various SMT techniques
      developed to date, with an emphasis on our recent development of the next
      generation 3D tracking system that not only achieves ultrahigh spatiotemporal
      resolution but also provides sufficient working depth suitable for live animal
      imaging. We also discuss the challenges that current SMT techniques are facing
      and the potential strategies to tackle those challenges.

PMID- 27660409
TI  - Update on corticosteroids for diabetic macular edema.
AB  - Diabetic macular edema (DME) remains an important cause of visual loss. Although
      anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents are generally used as first
      line treatments for patients with center-involving DME, there is an important
      role for corticosteroids as well. Corticosteroids may be especially useful in
      pseudophakic patients poorly responsive to anti-VEGF therapies, in patients
      wishing to reduce the number of required injections, and in pregnant patients.
      Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide has been used for many years but is not
      approved for this indication. An extended-release bioerodable dexamethasone
      delivery system and an extended-release nonbioerodable fluocinolone acetonide
      insert have both achieved regulatory approval for the treatment of DME. All
      intravitreal corticosteroids are associated with risks of cataract progression,
      elevation of intraocular pressure, and endophthalmitis. There is no current
      consensus regarding the use of corticosteroids, but they are valuable for
      selected patients with center-involving DME. 

PMID- 27660410
TI  - Visual outcome after emergency surgery for open globe eye injury in Japan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Most patients with open globe eye injury are brought to hospital as
      emergency patients and usually require admission for emergency surgery. We
      analyzed the visual outcome in patients with open globe eye injury at our
      hospital over a 4-year period. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study reviewed 40 eyes
      of 40 patients with open globe eye injury who were presented to Juntendo
      University Shizuoka Hospital and required emergency surgery during the 4 years
      from January 2010 to December 2014. Retrospective evaluation of the visual
      outcome was performed using data from the medical records, including assessment
      of the influence of sex, side of the eye injury, cause of injury, and
      site/severity of injury. RESULTS: The mean age (SD) at the time of the injury was
      58.9 years (+/-25.1 years). There were 28 males (70.0%) and 12 females (30.0%).
      Statistically significant improvement in visual acuity after treatment was noted
      in the males (P=0.0015, Wilcoxon test), but not in the females. Twenty-five
      patients had injury to the right eye (62.5%) and 15 had injury to the left eye
      (37.5%). A significant improvement in visual acuity was achieved after treatment
      of injury to the right eye (P=0.021), but not the left eye (P=0.109). The most
      frequent cause of injury was an accident (15 eyes; 37.5%). The second most
      frequent cause was work-related injury (14 eyes; 35.0%), which only occurred in
      males, and the third cause was accident due to negligence (eleven eyes; 27.5%).
      Two patients developed sympathetic ophthalmia and one patient developed
      postoperative endophthalmitis. CONCLUSION: The majority of patients with open
      globe eye injury were male workers in Japan. The visual outcome of work-related
      injury was better than that of injury due to other causes. The visual outcome was
      also better if the right eye was injured compared with the left eye. Patients
      with injuries due to negligence were older than the other groups, and this
      finding might be characteristic of an aging society.

PMID- 27660411
TI  - The use of misoprostol for cervical priming prior to hysteroscopy: a systematic
      review and analysis.
AB  - The effects of misoprostol use on cervical priming prior to hysteroscopy have
      been controversial. Therefore, a systematic literature review and meta-analysis
      of studies were conducted to assess the effect of misoprostol on cervical priming
      prior to hysteroscopy. All studies published before July 2014 with data related
      to the use of misoprostol for cervical priming compared with placebo or no
      medication prior to hysteroscopy, were identified. Twenty-five randomized
      controlled trials involving 2,203 females were systematically analyzed. The
      results showed that, compared with placebo or no medication, the use of
      misoprostol prior to hysteroscopy led to a significant relief of the need for
      cervical dilatation, resulted in a significantly greater cervical width, had
      fewer hysteroscopy complications, and mild and insignificant side effects.
      Subgroup analyses revealed that the regimen of 200 or 400 MUg vaginal misoprostol
      may be a simple and effective method for cervical priming, especially prior to
      operative hysteroscopy.

PMID- 27660413
TI  - Preparation of novel pirfenidone microspheres for lung-targeted delivery: in
      vitro and in vivo study.
AB  - The aim of this study was to develop and characterize pirfenidone (PF)-loaded
      chitosan microspheres for lung targeting. The microspheres were prepared using
      the emulsion-solvent evaporation method and characterized by assessing
      morphology, particle size, and zeta potential. The microspheres had a spherical
      nature with highly smooth and integrated surfaces. The particle size of
      microspheres was 4.6+/-0.3 um, and the zeta potential was 20.3+/-1.4 mV. The in
      vitro release results indicated that the obtained formulation of PF could reach
      the state of sustained release with a biphasic drug release pattern. It was
      observed that there was no significant difference in both the percentage of
      entrapment efficiency and that of drug release before and after the stability
      study. In vivo, the calculated relative bioavailability indicated greater
      pulmonary absorption of PF when it was encapsulated in microspheres. According to
      histopathological studies, no histological change occurred to the rat lung after
      the administration of PF-loaded chitosan microspheres.

PMID- 27660412
TI  - Intranasal administration of elastin-like polypeptide for therapeutic delivery to
      the central nervous system.
AB  - Bypassing the blood-brain barrier is one of the primary considerations when
      designing compounds intended to function in the central nervous system (CNS).
      Intranasal (IN) administration of otherwise blood-brain barrier impermeable
      molecules can result in high CNS concentrations and low systemic accumulation,
      indicating that IN administration may be a useful method of delivering
      therapeutics to the CNS. Elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) is a large, non
      immunogenic, highly manipulable biopolymer with extensive evidence supporting its
      use as a carrier with the ability to improve drug pharmacokinetics and drug
      targeting. The ability of ELP to reach the CNS via IN administration has been
      shown previously. Previous studies have also identified the ability of cell
      penetrating peptides (CPPs) to increase the uptake of molecules in some
      instances, including via the IN route. Here, we compared and contrasted the
      biodistribution of ELPs with or without addition of the CPPs Tat or SynB1 via
      both the IN and intravenous routes. Administration of ELP via the IN route led to
      significant accumulation in the brain, especially in the olfactory bulbs. When
      injected intravenously, <3% of the ELP signal was present outside the vascular
      compartment. This contrasted with IN administration, which resulted in 79% of the
      fluorescence signal localized outside the vascular space. The fusion of Tat or
      SynB1 significantly altered the biodistribution of ELP, decreasing the total CNS
      accumulation following IN administration. The addition of CPPs to ELP increased
      their retention in the nasal epithelium. These results suggest ELP may represent
      an effective CNS delivery vector without further modification and that the
      addition of a CPP significantly influences biodistribution.

PMID- 27660414
TI  - Development and in vitro characterization of poly(lactide-co-glycolide)
      microspheres loaded with an antibacterial natural drug for the treatment of long
      term bacterial infections.
AB  - Biodegradable polymers, especially poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA), have good
      biocompatibility and toxicological properties. In combination with active
      ingredients, a specialized drug delivery system can be generated. The aim of the
      present study was to develop a drug delivery system consisting of PLGA
      microspheres loaded with the natural active ingredient totarol, which has several
      antimicrobial mechanisms. Totarol, isolated from the Podocarpus totara tree, was
      purified using column chromatography, and the eluate was checked for purity using
      thin layer chromatography. The spherically shaped microspheres with mean
      diameters of 147.21+/-3.45 um and 131.14+/-3.69 um (totarol-loaded and -unloaded
      microspheres, respectively) were created using the single emulsion evaporation
      method. Furthermore, the encapsulation efficiency, in a range of 84.72%+/-6.68%
      to 92.36%+/-0.99%, was measured via UV/vis spectroscopy. In a 90-day in vitro
      drug release study, the release of totarol was investigated by UV/vis
      spectroscopy as well, showing a release of 53.76%. The toxicity on cells was
      determined using BJ fibroblasts or Human Embryonic Kidney cells and an 3-(4,5
      dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, which showed no
      influence on the cell growth. The minimal inhibitory concentration was
      ascertained. A totarol concentration between 64 ug/mL and 128 ug/mL was necessary
      to inhibit the bacterial growth over a period of 24 hours. Biofilm formation on
      the surface of totarol-loaded microspheres was determined using transmission
      electron microscopy. No biofilm formation could be detected, even if the totarol
      concentration was below the minimal inhibitory concentration. The
      hemocompatibility investigations on various markers with fresh heparinized blood
      (1.5 IU/mL) showed that totarol and totarol-loaded microspheres have no influence
      on different blood parameters. The PLGA microspheres characterized by slow
      release of totarol and great entrapment efficiency represent a novel drug
      delivery system, which may be highly beneficial for the long-term therapy of
      bacterial infections.

PMID- 27660415
TI  - Downregulation of DOCK1 sensitizes bladder cancer cells to cisplatin through
      preventing epithelial-mesenchymal transition.
AB  - During the past several decades, resistance to single or multiple anticancer
      agents has posed a great challenge in cancer therapy. Dedicator of cytokinesis 1
      (DOCK1), the first identified member in DOCK family, plays diverse roles in
      cellular processes, including tumorigenesis. In this study, we explored the
      biological role of DOCK1 in the chemotherapeutic resistance in bladder cancer and
      its underlying mechanism. Our results showed that the bladder cancer cell lines
      UM-UC-3 and J82 with higher DOCK1 are more resistant to cisplatin, whereas B87
      cells with the lowest expression of DOCK1 exhibited the highest sensitivity to
      cisplatin. Down-regulation of DOCK1 with small interfering RNA (siRNA) increased
      the cisplatin sensitivity in bladder cancer cells. Moreover, treatment with
      cisplatin induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), while transfection
      with Twist siRNA restored the chemosensitivity to cisplatin. In addition, we
      found that downregulation of DOCK1 reversed EMT program in bladder cancer cells.
      However, cotransfection with DOCK1 siRNA could not further enhance the cisplatin
      sensitivity and cellular phenotypic changes in tumor cells. Taken together, these
      results demonstrate that downregulation of DOCK1 could increase the
      chemosensitivity in bladder cancer cells via preventing cisplatin-induced EMT,
      suggesting that DOCK1 may serve as a potential therapeutic target in bladder
      cancer.

PMID- 27660416
TI  - In situ delivery of thermosensitive gel-mediated 5-fluorouracil microemulsion for
      the treatment of colorectal cancer.
AB  - In situ administration of 5-fluorouracil (5FU) "thermosensitive" gel effectively
      reduced systemic side effects in treating colon rectal cancer; however, the
      penetration efficacy of the formulation was considerably low due to the poor
      lipid solubility of 5FU. The aim of this study was to develop thermosensitive gel
      mediated 5FU water-in-oil microemulsion (TG-5FU-ME) for improving the
      infiltration of 5FU. An in vitro release test showed that TG-5FU-ME sustained the
      drug's release up to 10 hours. TG-5FU-ME exhibited good stability, and the
      microemulsion entrapped did not show any change in morphology and 5FU content
      during the 4-month storage. Transportation test in the Caco-2 cell monolayer
      showed that TG-5FU-ME had a permeability 6.3 times higher than that of 5FU
      thermosensitive gel, and the intracellular uptake of 5FU increased by 5.4-fold
      compared to that of 5FU thermosensitive gel. In vivo tissue distribution analysis
      exhibited that the TG-5FU-ME group had drug levels in rectal tissue and
      mesenteric lymph nodes, which were significantly higher than those of 5FU
      thermosensitive gel group, with very low blood levels of 5FU in both groups.
      Furthermore, TG-5FU-ME was not associated with detectable morphological damage to
      the rectal tissue. Conclusively, TG-5FU-ME might be an efficient rectal delivery
      system to treat colorectal cancer.

PMID- 27660417
TI  - Acceptability of an intelligent wireless sensor system for the rapid detection of
      health issues: findings among home-dwelling older adults and their informal
      caregivers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aging at home rather than in an institution is now considered the
      gold standard. Public health figures document an important demographic transition
      to an increasingly elderly society. At the same time, this is accompanied by the
      emergence of significant numbers of innovative technologies to help and support
      home-dwelling older adults in declining health who wish to remain at home. STUDY
      AIM: To explore the acceptability of intelligent wireless sensor system (IWSS)
      among home-dwelling older adults in rapidly detecting their health issues.
      METHODS: Data were sourced from a pilot 3-month randomized clinical trial that
      involved 34 older patients in the experimental group (EG) using an IWSS to
      rapidly detect falls and other health issues at home. The effectiveness of the
      IWSS was assessed by comparing it to participants' functional and cognitive
      status, as measured both before and after the trial. The Resident Assessment
      Instrument for Home Care, Confusion Assessment Method, Cognitive Performance
      Scale, Geriatric Depression Scale, and Informed Questionnaire on Cognitive
      Decline in the Elderly were used for the assessments. Acceptability of the IWSS
      was explored at the end of the study. RESULTS: Both older adults and their
      informal caregivers considered the performance and usefulness of the IWSS
      intervention to be low to moderate. A majority of the participants were
      unsatisfied with its ease of use and found multiple obstacles in using and having
      an intention to use the IWSS. However, their informal caregivers were more
      satisfied with the program and gave higher scores for usefulness, ease of use,
      and intention to use IWSS technology. CONCLUSION: The IWSS displayed low-to
      moderate acceptability among the older participants and their informal
      caregivers. We recommend improving and clarifying several components in the IWSS
      for the development of a design that is user-centered.

PMID- 27660418
TI  - Erratum: Association between patients' beliefs and oral antidiabetic medication
      adherence in a Chinese type 2 diabetic population [Corrigendum].
AB  - [This corrects the article on p. 1161 in vol. 10, PMID: 27390519.]. 

PMID- 27660419
TI  - Estimation of EuroQol 5-Dimensions health status utility values in hereditary
      angioedema.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate health status utility (preference) weights for hereditary
      angioedema (HAE) during an attack and between attacks using data from the
      Hereditary Angioedema Burden of Illness Study in Europe (HAE-BOIS-Europe) survey.
      Utility measures quantitatively describe the net impact of a condition on a
      patient's life; a score of 0.0 reflects death and 1.0 reflects full health. STUDY
      DESIGN AND METHODS: The HAE-BOIS-Europe was a cross-sectional survey conducted in
      Spain, Germany, and Denmark to assess the real-world experience of HAE from the
      patient perspective. Survey items that overlapped conceptually with the EuroQol 5
      Dimensions (EQ-5D) domains (pain/discomfort, mobility, self-care, usual
      activities, and anxiety/depression) were manually crosswalked to the
      corresponding UK population-based EQ-5D utility weights. EQ-5D utilities were
      computed for each respondent in the HAE-BOIS-Europe survey for acute attacks and
      between attacks. RESULTS: Overall, a total of 111 HAE-BOIS-Europe participants
      completed all selected survey items and thus allowed for computation of EQ-5D
      based utilities. The mean utilities for an HAE attack and between attacks were
      0.44 and 0.72, respectively. Utilities for an acute attack were dependent on the
      severity of pain of the last attack (0.61 for no pain or mild pain, 0.47 for
      moderate pain, and 0.08 for severe pain). There were no significant differences
      across countries. Mean utilities derived from the study approach compare sensibly
      with other disease states for both acute attacks and between attacks. CONCLUSION:
      The impacts of HAE translate into substantial health status disutilities
      associated with acute attacks as well as between attacks, documenting that the
      detrimental effects of HAE are meaningful from the patient perspective. Results
      were consistent across countries with regard to pain severity and in comparison
      to similar disease states. The results can be used to raise awareness of HAE as a
      serious disease with wide-ranging personal and social impacts.

PMID- 27660420
TI  - Impact of Ramadan focused education program on hypoglycemic risk and metabolic
      control for patients with type 2 diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fasting during the month of Ramadan could lead to acute complications
      and increased hypoglycemic risk of patients with type 2 diabetes. Therefore,
      diabetes is one of the diseases that need careful observation and special
      considerations during Ramadan including patients' education and counseling.
      OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of Ramadan focused education program on acute
      complications and biomedical parameters. METHODS: A prospective nonrandomized
      interventional controlled design was run on three phases: before, during, and
      after Ramadan on 262 type 2 diabetes patients. The intervention group (n=140)
      received focused individualized diabetic education sessions and antidiabetic
      medications adjustment before and after Ramadan, while the control group (n=122)
      received standard diabetic care. A validated hypoglycemia questionnaire was used
      in both groups to assess the change of the risk. Patients were advised to adjust
      the dosage and timing of antidiabetic agents according to the recommendations for
      management of diabetes during Ramadan. Primary outcomes were postintervention
      change of hypoglycemia score and HbA1c over 6-month follow-up. Data were
      presented as mean +/- standard deviation. HbA1c was expressed in percentage.
      RESULTS: The hypoglycemic scores before, during, and after Ramadan were 14.21+/
      8.50, 6.36+/-6.17, and 5.44+/-5.55 in the intervention group, respectively
      (P<0.001) and 14.01+/-5.10, 13.46+/-5.30, and 9.27+/-4.65 in the control group,
      respectively (P<0.001). HbA1c levels were 9.79+/-1.89, 8.26+/-1.54, and 8.52+/
      1.61 before, during, and after Ramadan in the intervention group, respectively
      (P<0.001), and 10.04+/-1.47, 9.54+/-1.38, and 9.59+/-1.79 in the control group,
      respectively (P<0.001). Post-Ramadan reductions of HbA1c and hypoglycemic scores
      were significantly higher in the intervention group (-13.0% vs -4.5%, P=0.004 for
      HbA1c and -61.7% vs -33.8%, P<0.001 for hypoglycemic score). Low-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol improved in the intervention group from 2.41+/-0.91
      mmol/L before Ramadan to 2.28+/-0.68 mmol/L after Ramadan (P<0.001). No
      statistically significant effects were observed on blood pressure or body weight
      in the intervention group. Also, no change was observed in the control group.
      CONCLUSION: Ramadan educational program had a positive impact with reduction of
      hypoglycemic risk, HbA1c, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Therefore, it
      could be recommended for patients with increased risk of hypoglycemia during
      Ramadan fasting.

PMID- 27660421
TI  - Chilean patients' perception of oral health-related quality of life after third
      molar surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the perception of the quality of life in oral health based
      on the Health-Related Quality of Life instrument in its Spanish version (HRQOL
      sp) in Chilean patients with third molar extraction surgery. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: A cross-sectional study. The HRQOL-sp was administered to dental
      patients at the Public Hospital in Rio Bueno in southern Chile treated for
      unilateral third molar extraction between March and June 2014. The instrument was
      applied by phone survey on the first, third, fifth, and seventh days after
      surgery. For the ordinal scale, the response was considered interference in the
      quality of life when patients selected the options "quite a bit of trouble" or
      "lots of trouble" for oral function and general activity; and selected
      complications-related signs and symptoms, a pain level score with a Verbal Rating
      Scale (range 0 to 7), and worst pain perceived. The patient's sociodemographic
      data, type of surgery, and the quality of life level were analyzed according to
      the domains of the HRQOL-sp instrument. RESULTS: A total of 106 patients were
      selected (age: 20.4+/-7.39 years; 71.7% women) and a total of 127 extracted third
      molars. On the first day of follow-up, most patients reported interference in
      their quality of life. The main problems were difficulty opening the mouth
      (50.94%) and swelling (83.02%). The worst symptom perceived was "bad breath"
      (>31%) and the worst pain felt was a mean of 4.31+/-1.62 on the Verbal Rating
      Scale. All items gradually reduced until the seventh day. CONCLUSION: The HRQOL
      sp revealed substantial interference in the quality of life on the first
      postoperative day. It is suggested that the risk factors associated with quality
      of life be analyzed and the instrument in Spanish be validated.

PMID- 27660422
TI  - Self-administered C1 esterase inhibitor concentrates for the management of
      hereditary angioedema: usability and patient acceptance.
AB  - Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare genetic disease characterized by episodic
      subcutaneous or submucosal swelling. The primary cause for the most common form
      of HAE is a deficiency in functional C1 esterase inhibitor (C1-INH). The swelling
      caused by HAE can be painful, disfiguring, and life-threatening. It reduces daily
      function and compromises the quality of life of affected individuals and their
      caregivers. Among different treatment strategies, replacement with C1-INH
      concentrates is employed for on-demand treatment of acute attacks and long-term
      prophylaxis. Three human plasma-derived C1-INH preparations are approved for HAE
      treatment in the US, the European Union, or both regions: Cinryze((r)),
      Berinert((r)), and Cetor((r)); however, only Cinryze is approved for long-term
      prophylaxis. Postmarketing studies have shown that home therapy (self
      administered or administered by a caregiver) is a convenient and safe option
      preferred by many HAE patients. In this review, we summarize the role of self
      administered plasma-derived C1-INH concentrate therapy with Cinryze at home in
      the prophylaxis of HAE. 

PMID- 27660423
TI  - A randomized, controlled trial to test the effectiveness of a glaucoma patient
      navigator to improve appointment adherence.
AB  - PURPOSE: Patients with glaucoma who do not keep their follow-up eye care
      appointments are at risk for developing more severe ocular disease. The primary
      aim of the current study was to evaluate whether the use of a patient navigator
      altered adherence to follow-up eye care appointments in community-versus office
      based settings. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients diagnosed with a glaucoma-related
      condition following a comprehensive eye examination at 43 community sites in
      Philadelphia, PA, USA, were enrolled in this prospective, randomized, controlled
      trial. Patients were randomized into three groups for a 1-year period: Group 1
      (G1) received follow-up eye care in a community-based setting with assistance
      from a patient navigator; Group 2 (G2) received follow-up eye care in an office
      based setting with assistance from a patient navigator; and Group 3 (G3) received
      follow-up eye care in an office-based setting without a patient navigator (usual
      care). Adherence rates were compared among these three groups using a chi-squared
      test at a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 155 patients with
      glaucoma-related diagnoses were enrolled. The mean age (+/-standard deviation)
      was 71.2 (+/-10.0) years. Patients were predominantly female (65.8%, n=102/155)
      and African-American (71.6%, n=111/155). The mean (+/-standard deviation) number
      of follow-up visits during the 1-year study period was 1.3 (+/-1.3) for G1, 1.6
      (+/-1.3) for G2, and 1.3 (+/-1.1) for G3 (P=0.48). Appointment adherence, defined
      as attendance of >=1 follow-up visit, was 69.8% (n=37/53) for G1, 82.5% (n=47/57)
      for G2, and 73.3% (n=33/45) for G3, (P=0.28). Sub-analysis of adherence rates for
      patients who attended >=2 follow-up visits were 91.3% (n=21/23) for G1, 74.3%
      (n=26/35) for G2, and 66.7% (n=18/27) for G3, (P=0.11). CONCLUSION: Help from a
      patient navigator did not increase the likelihood of keeping >=1 follow-up
      appointment in an office-based setting. Adherence rates for follow-up
      appointments reached close to 70% or above in a self-selected patient population.

PMID- 27660424
TI  - Integrated Pest Management Practices Reduce Insecticide Applications, Preserve
      Beneficial Insects, and Decrease Pesticide Residues in Flue-Cured Tobacco
      Production.
AB  - Integrated pest management (IPM) recommendations, including scouting and economic
      thresholds (ETs), are available for North Carolina flue-cured tobacco growers,
      although ETs for key pests have not been updated in several decades. Moreover,
      reported IPM adoption rates by flue-cured tobacco growers remain low, at < 40%,
      according to NC cooperative extension surveys conducted during the last four
      years. Previous research has suggested that timing insecticide treatments using
      currently available ETs can reduce the average number of applications to two or
      fewer per season. We conducted field-scale trials at nine commercial tobacco
      farms, three in 2104 and six in 2015, to quantify inputs associated with current
      scouting recommendations, to determine if current ETs were able to reduce
      insecticide applications as compared to grower standard practices, and to assess
      the impacts of reduced insecticide applications on end of season yield and
      pesticide residues. Two fields were identified at each farm and were scouted
      weekly for insects. One field was only treated with insecticides if pests reached
      ET (IPM), while the other field was managed per grower discretion (Grower
      Standard). IPM fields received an average of two fewer insecticide applications
      without compromising yield. More insecticide applications resulted in higher
      pesticide residues in cured leaf samples from Grower Standard fields than those
      from IPM fields. Reductions in insecticides and management intensity also
      resulted in larger beneficial insect populations in IPM fields.

PMID- 27660425
TI  - Relative Tolerance of Six Bactrocera (Diptera: Tephritidae) Species to
      Phytosanitary Cold Treatment.
AB  - To compare relative cold treatment tolerance across the economically important
      tephritid fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae), Bactrocera carambolae Drew &
      Hancock, Bactrocera correcta (Bezzi), Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett), four
      populations of Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), Bactrocera zonata (Saunders), and
      Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt), eggs (in vitro), and larvae (in infested fruit or
      on carrot diet) were cold treated at 2.0 +/- 0.2  degrees C for selected
      durations. The study was performed to assess whether a single (i.e., generic)
      cold treatment could be developed that would control the entire group of fruit
      flies that were tested. Probit regression models showed that the hierarchy of
      cold resistance was third-instar larvae reared on carrot diet > third-instar
      larvae reared on orange > eggs test in vitro. Differences in mortality responses
      of third-instar larvae reared in oranges across populations of B. dorsalis were
      observed only at subefficacious levels of control. The majority of Bactrocera
      species responded the same at the high levels of control demanded of
      phytosanitary treatments, which indicated that cold treatments would be similarly
      effective across the species and populations tested. B. cucurbitae was found to
      be the most cold tolerant of all the species tested.

PMID- 27660427
TI  - Clinical effectiveness in severe knee osteoarthritis after intra-articular
      platelet-rich plasma therapy in association with hyaluronic acid injection: three
      case reports.
AB  - Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disorder resulting from loss of joint
      cartilage and underlying bone and causes pain and loss of function. The treatment
      of knee OA is still a challenge because of the poor self-regeneration capacity of
      cartilage. The nonsurgical interventions include control of the aggravating
      factor (such as weight control and the use of walking aids), symptomatic
      treatment (such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs),
      prolotherapy, and viscosupplementation. However, the combination of platelet-rich
      plasma (PRP) and hyaluronic acid (HA) has not been widely used because of lack of
      clinical evidence and several limitations in patients with severe knee OA. Three
      patients who suffered from knee pain and poor walking endurance were diagnosed
      with advanced knee OA. They underwent PRP treatment in association with intra
      articular HA injection and showed pain relief and functional improvement. The
      follow-up standard weight-bearing X-ray images of knees also confirmed the
      improvement and indicated the possibility of regeneration of the articular
      cartilage. These cases provide clinical and radiographic evidence for a new
      therapy for advanced knee OA. This treatment strategy of PRP in association with
      HA injection can offer a chance to treat severe knee OA, rather than immediate
      surgery, or a chance for those who cannot undergo surgery. It can also postpone
      the need of arthroplasty and can significantly improve the daily activity
      function.

PMID- 27660426
TI  - Sex differences in stroke: a socioeconomic perspective.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A number of studies have explored the issue of sex differences in
      stroke from biomedical perspective; however, there are still large gaps in the
      existing knowledge. The purpose of this study was to assess whether the
      differences in socioeconomic status and living conditions between men and women
      may explain the part of the sex differences in incidence and outcomes of stroke.
      METHODS: All stroke participants aged >=60 years admitted in Vaseie Hospital in
      Sabzevar, Iran, from March 21, 2013, until March 20, 2014, were included in this
      study. Computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were used to
      confirm stroke. A series of chi2 tests were performed and Statistical Program for
      Social Sciences, Version 21.0, was used to investigate the potential differences
      between older men and women in stroke incidence and outcomes. RESULTS: A total of
      159 incident stroke cases were documented during 1 year. The annual rate of
      stroke was statistically significantly higher in elderly women than in elderly
      men (401 vs 357 per 100,000; P<0.001). Female elderly participants had
      significantly lower socioeconomic status, poorer living conditions, and higher
      lifetime history of depression, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus than their
      male counterparts. CONCLUSION: The findings from this study showed that elderly
      women are more adversely affected by stroke in terms of incidence and outcomes of
      stroke than elderly men. The most noticeable result is that sex differences in
      socioeconomic status and living conditions may result in increased incidence of
      stroke and poorer outcomes in elderly women. Therefore, it is imperative to
      identify vulnerable elderly women and provide them appropriate treatment and
      services.

PMID- 27660428
TI  - Impact of tobacco smoking on cytokine signaling via interleukin-17A in the
      peripheral airways.
AB  - There is excessive accumulation of neutrophils in the airways in chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly
      understood. It is known that extracellular cytokine signaling via interleukin
      (IL)-17A contributes to neutrophil accumulation in the airways but nothing is
      known about the impact of tobacco smoking on extracellular signaling via IL-17A.
      Here, we characterized the impact of tobacco smoking on extracellular cytokine
      signaling via IL-17A in the peripheral airways in long-term smokers with and
      without COPD and in occasional smokers before and after short-term exposure to
      tobacco smoke. We quantified concentrations of IL-17A protein in cell-free
      bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid samples (Immuno-quantitative PCR) and
      cytotoxic T-cells (immunoreactivity for CD8+ and CD3+) in bronchial biopsies.
      Matrix metalloproteinase-8 and human beta defensin 2 proteins were also
      quantified (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) in the BAL samples. The
      concentrations of IL-17A in BAL fluid were higher in long-term smokers without
      COPD compared with nonsmoking healthy controls, whereas those with COPD did not
      differ significantly from either of the other groups. Short-term exposure to
      tobacco smoke did not induce sustained alterations in these concentrations in
      occasional smokers. Long-term smokers displayed higher concentrations of IL-17A
      than did occasional smokers. Moreover, these concentrations correlated with CD8+
      and CD3+ cells in biopsies among long-term smokers with COPD. In healthy
      nonsmokers, BAL concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase-8 and IL-17A
      correlated, whereas this was not the case in the pooled group of long-term
      smokers with and without COPD. In contrast, BAL concentrations of human beta
      defensin 2 and IL-17A correlated in all study groups. This study implies that
      long-term but not short-term exposure to tobacco smoke increases extracellular
      cytokine signaling via IL-17A in the peripheral airways. In the smokers with
      COPD, this signaling may involve cytotoxic T-cells. Long-term exposure to tobacco
      smoke leads to a disturbed association of extracellular IL-17A signaling and
      matrix metalloproteinase-8, of potential importance for the coordination of
      antibacterial activity.

PMID- 27660430
TI  - Application of the homology method for quantification of low-attenuation lung
      region inpatients with and without COPD.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Homology is a mathematical concept that can be used to quantify
      degree of contact. Recently, image processing with the homology method has been
      proposed. In this study, we used the homology method and computed tomography
      images to quantify emphysema. METHODS: This study included 112 patients who had
      undergone computed tomography and pulmonary function test. Low-attenuation lung
      regions were evaluated by the homology method, and homology-based emphysema
      quantification (b0, b1, nb0, nb1, and R) was performed. For comparison, the
      percentage of low-attenuation lung area (LAA%) was also obtained. Relationships
      between emphysema quantification and pulmonary function test results were
      evaluated by Pearson's correlation coefficients. In addition to the correlation,
      the patients were divided into the following three groups based on guidelines of
      the Global initiative for chronic Obstructive Lung Disease: Group A, nonsmokers;
      Group B, smokers without COPD, mild COPD, and moderate COPD; Group C, severe COPD
      and very severe COPD. The homology-based emphysema quantification and LAA% were
      compared among these groups. RESULTS: For forced expiratory volume in 1
      second/forced vital capacity, the correlation coefficients were as follows: LAA%,
      -0.603; b0, -0.460; b1, -0.500; nb0, -0.449; nb1, -0.524; and R, -0.574. For
      forced expiratory volume in 1 second, the coefficients were as follows: LAA%, 
      0.461; b0, -0.173; b1, -0.314; nb0, -0.191; nb1, -0.329; and R, -0.409. Between
      Groups A and B, difference in nb0 was significant (P-value = 0.00858), and those
      in the other types of quantification were not significant. CONCLUSION:
      Feasibility of the homology-based emphysema quantification was validated. The
      homology-based emphysema quantification was useful for the assessment of
      emphysema severity.

PMID- 27660429
TI  - Inflammatory biomarkers in asthma-COPD overlap syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The clinical phenotypes and underlying mechanisms of asthma-COPD
      overlap syndrome (ACOS) remain elusive. This study aimed to investigate a
      comparison of COPD patients with and without ACOS, focusing on inflammatory
      biomarkers, in an outpatient COPD cohort. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional
      study analyzing prospectively collected data from the Ishinomaki COPD Network
      registry. All participants were diagnosed with COPD, confirmed by using
      spirometry, and were aged 40-90 years and former smokers. Patients with features
      of asthma including both variable respiratory symptoms and variable expiratory
      airflow limitation were identified and defined as having ACOS. Then, the
      inflammatory biomarkers such as fractional exhaled nitric oxide level, blood
      eosinophil count and percentage, total immunoglobulin E (IgE) level, and presence
      of antigen-specific IgE were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 257 patients with
      COPD were identified, including 37 (14.4%) with ACOS. Patients with ACOS tended
      to be younger, have a shorter smoking history, and use more respiratory
      medications, especially inhaled corticosteroids and theophylline. Mean fractional
      exhaled nitric oxide level was significantly higher in those with ACOS than in
      those without ACOS (38.5 parts per billion [ppb] vs 20.3 ppb, P<0.001). Blood
      eosinophil count and percentage were significantly increased in those with ACOS
      (295/mm3 vs 212/mm3, P=0.032; 4.7% vs 3.2%, P=0.003, respectively). Total IgE
      level was also significantly higher, and presence of antigen-specific IgE was
      observed more frequently in patients with ACOS. Receiver operating characteristic
      curve analysis indicated that the sensitivity and specificity of these biomarkers
      were relatively low, but combinations of these biomarkers showed high specificity
      for ACOS diagnosis. CONCLUSION: These results provide evidence that these
      inflammatory biomarkers can be used to support the diagnosis of ACOS.

PMID- 27660432
TI  - Fractional exhaled nitric oxide levels in asthma-COPD overlap syndrome: analysis
      of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2007-2012.
AB  - PURPOSE: Recent studies propose TH2-mediated inflammation in patients with asthma
      chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) overlap syndrome (ACOS). However,
      little is known about whether fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) differs
      between patients with ACOS and those with COPD alone. To address this knowledge
      gap, a nationally representative sample was analyzed to determine the difference
      in FeNO levels between patients with ACOS and those with COPD alone in the US
      population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional analysis of the
      National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2007 through 2012. All
      subjects aged >=40 years with COPD were identified. ACOS was defined as self
      reported wheezing in past 12 months plus bronchodilator response (forced
      expiratory volume increase of >200 mL and >12%) or self-reported physician
      diagnosis of asthma. RESULTS: A total of 197 subjects with COPD were identified
      in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Of these, 23% met the
      criteria of ACOS. The FeNO level was higher in subjects with ACOS compared with
      those with COPD alone in both unadjusted (mean 21.2 ppb vs 13.0 ppb; difference,
      8.2 [95% CI, 0.2 to 16.2]; P=0.045) and adjusted (difference, 8.2 [95% CI, 0.9 to
      15.5]; P=0.03) analyses. Although there was no significant difference among
      current smokers, the FeNO level was significantly higher in non-current smokers
      with ACOS than nonsmokers with COPD alone (mean 31.9 ppb vs 20.3 ppb; adjusted
      difference, 20.5 [95% CI, 4.4 to 36.6]; P=0.02). In a sensitivity analysis using
      an alternative definition of ACOS, the results did not change materially. The
      diagnostic value of FeNO to discriminate ACOS from COPD alone was not sufficient,
      with the area under the curve of 0.63 (95% CI, 0.54 to 0.72). CONCLUSION: By
      using nationally representative US data, it was found that 23% of COPD subjects
      met the ACOS criteria and also that the FeNO level was higher in subjects with
      ACOS compared with those with COPD alone, particularly in non-current smokers.

PMID- 27660431
TI  - Neutral sphingomyelinase-2, acid sphingomyelinase, and ceramide levels in COPD
      patients compared to controls.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increased pulmonary ceramide levels are suggested to play a causative
      role in lung diseases including COPD. Neutral sphingomyelinase-2 (nSMase-2) and
      acid SMase (aSMase), which hydrolyze sphingomyelin to produce ceramide, are
      activated by a range of cellular stresses, including inflammatory cytokines and
      pathogens, but notably cigarette smoke appears to only activate nSMase-2. Our
      primary objective was to investigate nSMase-2 and aSMase protein localization and
      quantification in lung tissue from nonsmokers (NS), smokers (S), and COPD
      patients. In addition, various ceramide species (C16, C18, and C20) were measured
      in alveolar macrophages from COPD patients versus controls. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Patients undergoing surgical resection for suspected or confirmed lung
      cancer were recruited, and nSMase-2 and aSMase protein was investigated in
      different areas of lung tissue (small airways, alveolar walls, subepithelium, and
      alveolar macrophages) by immunohistochemistry. Ceramide species were measured in
      alveolar macrophages from COPD patients and controls by mass spectrometry.
      RESULTS: nSMase-2 and aSMase were detected in the majority of small airways.
      There was a significant increase in nSMase-2 immunoreactivity in alveolar
      macrophages from COPD patients (54%) compared with NS (31.7%) (P<0.05), and in
      aSMase immunoreactivity in COPD (68.2%) and S (69.5%) alveolar macrophages
      compared with NS (52.4%) (P<0.05). aSMase labeling was also increased in the
      subepithelium and alveolar walls of S compared with NS. Ceramide (C20) was
      significantly increased in alveolar macrophages from COPD patients compared with
      controls. CONCLUSION: nSMase-2 and aSMase are both increased in COPD alveolar
      macrophages at the protein level; this may contribute toward the elevated
      ceramide (C20) detected in alveolar macrophages from COPD patients.

PMID- 27660433
TI  - Static lung volume should be used to confirm restrictive lung disease.

PMID- 27660434
TI  - Carbon nanotube-based substrates promote cardiogenesis in brown adipose-derived
      stem cells via beta1-integrin-dependent TGF-beta1 signaling pathway.
AB  - Stem cell-based therapy remains one of the promising approaches for cardiac
      repair and regeneration. However, its applications are restricted by the limited
      efficacy of cardiac differentiation. To address this issue, we examined whether
      carbon nanotubes (CNTs) would provide an instructive extracellular
      microenvironment to facilitate cardiogenesis in brown adipose-derived stem cells
      (BASCs) and to elucidate the underlying signaling pathways. In this study, we
      systematically investigated a series of cellular responses of BASCs due to the
      incorporation of CNTs into collagen (CNT-Col) substrates that promoted cell
      adhesion, spreading, and growth. Moreover, we found that CNT-Col substrates
      remarkably improved the efficiency of BASCs cardiogenesis by using fluorescence
      staining and quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain
      reaction. Critically, CNTs in the substrates accelerated the maturation of BASCs
      derived cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, the underlying mechanism for promotion of
      BASCs cardiac differentiation by CNTs was determined by immunostaining,
      quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and
      Western blotting assay. It is notable that beta1-integrin-dependent TGF-beta1
      signaling pathway modulates the facilitative effect of CNTs in cardiac
      differentiation of BASCs. Therefore, it is an efficient approach to regulate
      cardiac differentiation of BASCs by the incorporation of CNTs into the native
      matrix. Importantly, our findings can not only facilitate the mechanistic
      understanding of molecular events initiating cardiac differentiation in stem
      cells, but also offer a potentially safer source for cardiac regenerative
      medicine.

PMID- 27660436
TI  - Inhibitory effect of magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles coloaded with homoharringtonine
      on human leukemia cells in vivo and in vitro.
AB  - Homoharringtonine (HHT), a natural cephalotaxine alkaloid, has been used in the
      People's Republic of China for treatment of leukemia for >3 decades. Here, we
      employed magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles (MNP-Fe3O4) to improve the therapeutic
      effect of HHT and investigated its biological effects. Within a certain range of
      concentrations, the HHT-MNP-Fe3O4 showed a more enhanced inhibitory effect on the
      selected myeloid leukemia cell lines than HHT alone. Compared with HHT, HHT-MNP
      Fe3O4 could induce more extensive apoptosis in leukemia cells, which also showed
      more pronounced cell arrests at G0/G1 phase. HHT-MNP-Fe3O4 enhanced antitumor
      activity by downregulating myeloid cell leukemia-1, which could inhibit the
      activation of caspase-3 and poly-ADP-ribose polymerase. In vivo experiments using
      tumor-bearing animal models showed that the mean tumor volume with HHT-MNP-Fe3O4
      was significantly smaller than that with HHT alone (193+/-26 mm3 versus 457+/-100
      mm3, P<0.05), while the mean weight was 0.67+/-0.03 g versus 1.42+/-0.56 g
      (P<0.05). Immunohistochemical study showed fewer myeloid cell leukemia-1-stained
      cells in mice treated with HHT-MNP-Fe3O4 than with the controls. These findings
      provide a more efficient delivery system for HHT in the treatment of
      hematological malignancy.

PMID- 27660435
TI  - Self-assembled nanoparticles based on amphiphilic chitosan derivative and
      arginine for oral curcumin delivery.
AB  - Curcumin (Cur) is a striking anticancer agent, but its low aqueous solubility,
      poor absorption, hasty metabolism, and elimination limit its oral bioavailability
      and consequently hinder its development as a drug. To redress these limitations,
      amphiphilic chitosan (CS) conjugate with improved mucoadhesion and solubility
      over a wider pH range was developed by modification with hydrophobic
      acrylonitrile (AN) and hydrophilic arginine (Arg); the synthesized conjugate (AN
      CS-Arg), which was well characterized by Fourier transform infrared and 1H
      nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Results of critical aggregation
      concentration revealed that the AN-CS-Arg conjugate had low critical aggregation
      concentration and was prone to form self-assembled nanoparticles (NPs) in aqueous
      medium. Cur-encapsulated AN-CS-Arg NPs (AN-CS-Arg/Cur NPs) were developed by a
      simple sonication method and characterized for the physicochemical parameters
      such as zeta potential, particle size, and drug encapsulation. The results showed
      that zeta potential of the prepared NPs was 40.1+/-2.81 mV and the average size
      was ~218 nm. A considerable improvement in the aqueous solubility of Cur was
      observed after encapsulation into AN-CS-Arg/Cur NPs. With the increase in Cur
      concentration, loading efficiency increased but encapsulation efficiency
      decreased. The in vitro release profile exhibited sustained release pattern from
      the AN-CS-Arg/Cur NPs in typical biological buffers. The ex vivo mucoadhesion
      study revealed that AN-CS-Arg/Cur NPs had greater mucoadhesion than the control
      CS NPs. Compared with free Cur solution, AN-CS-Arg/Cur NPs showed stronger dose
      dependent cytotoxicity against HT-29 cells. In addition, it was observed that
      cell uptake of AN-CS-Arg/Cur NPs was much higher compared with free Cur.
      Furthermore, the in vivo pharmacokinetic results in rats demonstrated that the AN
      CS-Arg/Cur NPs could remarkably improve the oral bioavailability of Cur.
      Therefore, the developed AN-CS-Arg/Cur NPs might be a promising nano-candidate
      for oral delivery of Cur.

PMID- 27660437
TI  - Construction of magnetic-carbon-quantum-dots-probe-labeled apoferritin nanocages
      for bioimaging and targeted therapy.
AB  - Carbon dots (CDs) are one of the most highlighted carbon-based materials for
      biological applications, such as optical imaging nanoprobes, which are used for
      labeling cells in cancer treatment mainly due to their biocompatibility and
      unique optical properties. In this study, gadolinium (Gd)-complex-containing CDs
      were obtained through a one-step microwave method to develop multimodal
      nanoprobes integrating the advantages of optical and magnetic imaging. The
      obtained Gd-CDs exhibited highly fluorescent properties with excellent water
      solubility and biological compatibility. Natural apoferritin (AFn) nanocages, an
      excellent drug delivery carrier, are hollow in structure, with their pH
      dependent, unfolding-refolding process at pH 2.0 and 7.4. The chemotherapeutic
      drug doxorubicin (DOX) can be highly effective and encapsulated into AFn cavity.
      A widely used tumor-targeting molecule, folic acid (FA), functionalized the
      surface of AFn to obtain an active tumor targeting effect on MCF-7 cells and
      malignant tumors in mice models. In this study, an AFn nanocarrier encapsulating
      high concentration of DOX labeled with magnetic and fluorescent Gd-CDs probe was
      developed. Gd-CDs exhibited a unique green photoluminescence and almost no
      toxicity compared with free GdCl3. Furthermore, Gd-doped CDs significantly
      increased the circulation time and decreased the toxicity of Gd3+ in in vitro and
      in vivo magnetic resonance imaging, which demonstrated that the AFn nanocages
      labeled with Gd-CD compounds could serve as an excellent T1 contrast agent for
      magnetic resonance imaging. The self-assembling multifunctional Gd-CDs/AFn
      (DOX)/FA nanoparticles have a great potential for cancer theranostic
      applications.

PMID- 27660438
TI  - Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Pimpinella anisum seeds:
      antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity on human neonatal skin stromal cells and
      colon cancer cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The present study focused on a simple and eco-friendly method for the
      synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with multipurpose anticancer and
      antimicrobial activities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied a green synthesis
      route to produce AgNPs by using an aqueous extract of Pimpinella anisum seeds (3
      mM). Their antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity on human neonatal skin stromal
      cells (hSSCs) and colon cancer cells (HT115) were assessed. RESULTS: A
      biophysical characterization of the synthesized AgNPs was realized: the
      morphology of AgNPs was determined by transmission electron microscopy, energy
      dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, and ultraviolet-vis absorption
      spectroscopy. Transmission electron microscopy showed spherical shapes of AgNPs
      of P. anisum seed extracts with a 3.2 nm minimum diameter and average diameter
      ranging from 3.2 to 16 nm. X-ray powder diffraction highlighted the crystalline
      nature of the nanoparticles, ultraviolet-vis absorption spectroscopy was used to
      monitor their synthesis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed the
      main reducing groups from the seed extract. Energy dispersive spectroscopy was
      used to confirm the presence of elemental silver. We evaluated the antimicrobial
      potential of green-synthesized AgNPs against five infectious bacteria:
      Staphylococcus pyogenes (29213), Acinetobacter baumannii (4436), Klebsiella
      pneumoniae (G455), Salmonella typhi, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In addition, we
      focused on the toxicological effects of AgNPs against hSSC cells and HT115 cells
      by using in vitro proliferation tests and cell viability assays. Among the
      different tested concentrations of nanoparticles, doses < 10 ug showed few
      adverse effects on cell proliferation without variations in viability, whereas
      doses >10 ug led to increased cytotoxicity. CONCLUSION: Overall, our results
      highlighted the capacity of P. anisum-synthesized AgNPs as novel and cheap
      bioreducing agents for eco-friendly nanosynthetical routes. The data confirm the
      multipurpose potential of plant-borne reducing and stabilizing agents in
      nanotechnology.

PMID- 27660439
TI  - 3-Aminopropylsilane-modified iron oxide nanoparticles for contrast-enhanced
      magnetic resonance imaging of liver lesions induced by Opisthorchis felineus.
AB  - PURPOSE: Liver fluke causes severe liver damage in an infected human. However,
      the infection often remains neglected due to the lack of pathognomonic signs.
      Nanoparticle-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers a promising
      technique for detecting liver lesions induced by parasites. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Surface modification of iron oxide nanoparticles produced by
      coprecipitation from a solution of Fe3+ and Fe2+ salts using 3-aminopropylsilane
      (APS) was carried out. The APS-modified nanoparticles were characterized by
      transmission electron microscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and
      thermogravimetric analysis. Magnetic resonance properties of MNPs were
      investigated in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS: The amount of APS grafted on the
      surface of nanoparticles (0.60+/-0.06 mmol g-1) was calculated based on elemental
      analysis and infrared spectroscopy data. According to transmission electron
      microscopy data, there were no essential changes in the structure of
      nanoparticles during the modification. The APS-modified nanoparticles exhibit
      high magnetic properties; the calculated relaxivity r2 was 271 mmol-1 s-1. To
      obtain suspension with optimal hydrodynamic characteristics, amino groups on the
      surface of nanoparticles were converted into an ionic form with HCl. Cellular
      uptake of modified nanoparticles by rat hepatoma cells and human monocytes in
      vitro was 74.1+/-4.5 and 10.0+/-3.7 pg [Fe] per cell, respectively. Low
      cytotoxicity of the nanoparticles was confirmed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)
      2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and Annexin V/7-aminoactinomycin D flow cytometry
      assays. For the first time, magnetic nanoparticles were applied for contrast
      enhanced MRI of liver lesions induced by Opisthorchis felineus. CONCLUSION: The
      synthesized APS-modified iron oxide nanoparticles showed high efficiency as an
      MRI contrast agent for the evaluation of opisthorchiasis-related liver damage.

PMID- 27660440
TI  - Development of paclitaxel-loaded liposomal nanocarrier stabilized by triglyceride
      incorporation.
AB  - Studies have highlighted the challenge of developing injectable liposomes as a
      paclitaxel (PTX) carrier, a challenge attributable to the limitations in
      liposomal stability caused by PTX loading. Poor stability of PTX-loaded liposomes
      is caused by PTX-triggered aggregation or fusion of liposomal membranes and is
      exacerbated in the presence of PEGylated lipid. In the present study, the effect
      of triglyceride incorporation on the stability of PTX-loaded/PEGylated liposomes
      was explored. Incorporation of a medium chain triglyceride Captex 300 into
      saturated phosphatidylcholine (PC)-based liposomes (1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3
      phosphocholine [DMPC]:cholesterol [CHOL]:N-(Carbonyl-methoxypolyethyleneglycol
      2000)-1, 2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-ethanolamine [PE-PEG]), produced a
      fine, homogeneous, and membrane-filterable PTX-loaded liposomes fulfilling the
      requirement of an injectable lipid formulation. Triglyceride incorporation also
      greatly inhibited the time-dependent leakage of PTX from saturated PC-based
      liposomes, which appears to be mediated by the inhibition of liposome fusion. In
      contrast, triglyceride incorporation induced the destabilization and PTX leakage
      of unsaturated PC-based liposomes, indicating the opposite effect of triglyceride
      depending on the fluidity status of PC constituting the liposomal membrane. PTX
      release profile and the in vitro and in vivo anticancer efficacy of triglyceride
      incorporated DMPC:CHOL:PE-PEG liposomes were similar to Taxol(r) while the
      toxicity of liposomal PTX was significantly lower than that of Taxol. Taken
      together, triglyceride incorporation provided an injectable PTX formulation by
      functioning as a formulation stabilizer of PEGylated/saturated PC-based
      liposomes.

PMID- 27660441
TI  - Pluronic(r) P123/F127 mixed micelles delivering sorafenib and its combination
      with verteporfin in cancer cells.
AB  - Here, we developed Pluronic(r) P123/F127 (poloxamer) mixed micelles for the
      intravenous delivery of the anticancer drug sorafenib (SRB) or its combination
      with verteporfin (VP), a photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy that should
      complement well the cytotoxicity profile of the chemotherapeutic. SRB loading
      inside the core of micelles was governed by the drug:poloxamer weight ratio,
      while in the case of the SRB-VP combination, a mutual interference between the
      two drugs occurred and only specific ratios could ensure maximum loading
      efficiency. Coentrapment of SRB did not alter the photophysical properties of VP,
      confirming that SRB did not participate in any bimolecular process with the
      photosensitizer. Fluorescence resonance energy-transfer measurement of micelles
      in serum protein-containing cell-culture medium demonstrated the excellent
      stability of the system in physiologically relevant conditions. These results
      were in line with the results of the release study showing a release rate of both
      drugs in the presence of proteins slower than in phosphate buffer. SRB release
      was sustained, while VP remained substantially entrapped in the micelle core.
      Cytotoxicity studies in MDA-MB231 cells revealed that at 24 hours, SRB-loaded
      micelles were more active than free SRB only at very low SRB concentrations,
      while at 24+24 hours a prolonged cytotoxic effect of SRB-loaded micelles was
      observed, very likely mediated by the block in the S phase of the cell cycle. The
      combination of SRB with VP under light exposure was less cytotoxic than both the
      free combination and VP-loaded micelles + SRB-loaded micelles combination. This
      behavior was clearly explainable in terms of micelle uptake and intracellular
      localization. Besides the clear advantage of delivering SRB in poloxamer
      micelles, our results provide a clear example that each photochemotherapeutic
      combination needs detailed investigations on their particular interaction, and no
      generalization on enhanced cytotoxic effects should be derived a priori.

PMID- 27660442
TI  - Nanoemulsion as a carrier to improve the topical anti-inflammatory activity of
      stem bark extract of Rapanea ferruginea.
AB  - The aim of this study was to develop nanoemulsion containing soft extract of stem
      bark of Rapanea ferruginea to improve the topical delivery and anti-inflammatory
      activity. The extract of R. ferruginea stem bark was incorporated into the oily
      phase of the nanoemulsion by the method of phase inversion at low energy. The
      developed nanoemulsion had an average droplet size of 47.88+/-8.20 nm and a
      polydispersibility index of 0.228. Uniformity of size, spherical shape of
      droplet, and absence of clusters were confirmed by transmission electronic
      microscopy. The zeta potential was -34.7+/-1.15 mV. The nanoemulsion showed a
      moderate degree of skin irritation in the agarose overlay assay in vitro. The
      content of the extract markers, myrsinoic acids A and B, was 54.10+/-0.08 and
      53.03 MUg/g in the formulation, respectively. The formulation demonstrated
      pseudoplastic and thixotropic rheological behavior. In vitro release of chemical
      markers was controlled by diffusion mechanism. An extract-loaded nanoemulsion
      showed a topical anti-inflammatory activity in a croton oil-induced edema ear
      model, with a decrease in tumor necrosis factor release and myeloperoxidase
      activity. The nanoemulsion was 160% more efficient than the conventional cream
      containing 0.13% of the extract. The nanoemulsion showed suitable properties as a
      carrier for topical use of R. ferruginea extract and the approach for improving
      the topical anti-inflammatory activity.

PMID- 27660443
TI  - Epigenetic modulation upon exposure of lung fibroblasts to TiO2 and ZnO
      nanoparticles: alterations in DNA methylation.
AB  - Titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) are promising
      candidates for numerous applications in consumer products. This will lead to
      increased human exposure, thus posing a threat to human health. Both these types
      of NPs have been studied for their cell toxicity, immunotoxicity, and
      genotoxicity. However, effects of these NPs on epigenetic modulations have not
      been studied. Epigenetics is an important link in the genotype and phenotype
      modulation and misregulation can often lead to lifestyle diseases. In this study,
      we have evaluated the DNA methylation-based epigenetic changes upon exposure to
      various concentrations of NPs. The investigation was designed to evaluate global
      DNA methylation, estimating the corresponding methyltransferase activity and
      expression of Dnmt gene using lung fibroblast (MRC5) cell line as lungs are the
      primary route of entry and target of occupational exposure to TiO2 and ZnO NPs.
      Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-based immunochemical assay revealed dose
      related decrease in global DNA methylation and DNA methyltransferase activity. We
      also found direct correlation between the concentration of NPs, global
      methylation levels, and expression levels of Dnmt1, 3A, and 3B genes upon
      exposure. This is the first study to investigate effect of exposure to TiO2 and
      ZnO on DNA methylation levels in MRC5 cells. Epigenetic processes are known to
      play an important role in reprogramming and adaptation ability of an organism and
      can have long-term consequences. We suggest that changes in DNA methylation can
      serve as good biomarkers for early exposure to NPs since they occur at
      concentrations well below the sublethal levels. Our results demonstrate a clear
      epigenetic alteration in response to metal oxide NPs and that this effect was
      dose-dependent.

PMID- 27660444
TI  - Experimental bladder regeneration using a poly-l-lactide/silk fibroin scaffold
      seeded with nanoparticle-labeled allogenic bone marrow stromal cells.
AB  - In the present study, a poly-l-lactide/silk fibroin (PL-SF) bilayer scaffold
      seeded with allogenic bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) was investigated as a
      potential approach for bladder tissue engineering in a model of partial bladder
      wall cystectomy in rabbits. The inner porous layer of the scaffold produced from
      silk fibroin was designed to promote cell proliferation and the outer layer
      produced from poly-l-lactic acid to serve as a waterproof barrier. To compare the
      feasibility and efficacy of BMSC application in the reconstruction of bladder
      defects, 12 adult male rabbits were divided into experimental and control groups
      (six animals each) that received a scaffold seeded with BMSCs or an acellular
      one, respectively. For BMSC tracking in the graft in in vivo studies using
      magnetic resonance imaging, cells were labeled with superparamagnetic iron oxide
      nanoparticles. In vitro studies demonstrated high intracellular incorporation of
      nanoparticles and the absence of a toxic influence on BMSC viability and
      proliferation. Following implantation of the graft with BMSCs into the bladder,
      we observed integration of the scaffold with surrounding bladder tissues (as
      detected by magnetic resonance imaging). During the follow-up period of 12 weeks,
      labeled BMSCs resided in the implanted scaffold. The functional activity of the
      reconstructed bladder was confirmed by electromyography. Subsequent histological
      assay demonstrated enhanced biointegrative properties of the PL-SF scaffold with
      cells in comparison to the control graft, as related to complete regeneration of
      the smooth muscle and urothelium tissues in the implant. Confocal microscopy
      studies confirmed the presence of the superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle
      labeled BMSCs in newly formed bladder layers, thus indicating the role of stem
      cells in bladder regeneration. The results of this study demonstrate that
      application of a PL-SF scaffold seeded with allogenic BMSCs can enhance
      biointegration of the graft in vivo and support bladder tissue regeneration and
      function.

PMID- 27660445
TI  - Efficient intravesical therapy of bladder cancer with cationic doxorubicin
      nanoassemblies.
AB  - Nanoparticles have promising applications in drug delivery for cancer therapy.
      Herein, we prepared cationic 1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium propane/methoxypoly
      (ethyleneglycol) (DPP) nanoparticles to deliver doxorubicin (Dox) for
      intravesical therapy of bladder cancer. The DPP micelles have a mean dynamic
      diameter of 18.65 nm and a mean zeta potential of +19.6 mV. The DPP micelles
      could prolong the residence of Dox in the bladder, enhance the penetration of Dox
      into the bladder wall, and improve cellular uptake of Dox. The encapsulation by
      DPP micelles significantly improved the anticancer effect of Dox against
      orthotopic bladder cancer in vivo. This work described a Dox-loaded DPP
      nanoparticle with potential applications in intravesical therapy of bladder
      cancer.

PMID- 27660446
TI  - Codelivery of thioridazine and doxorubicin using nanoparticles for effective
      breast cancer therapy.
AB  - Cancer chemotherapy can benefit from the combination of different anticancer
      drugs. Here, we prepared doxorubicin (Dox)- and thioridazine (Thio)-coloaded
      methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(l-lactic acid) (MPEG-PLA) nanoparticles (NPs)
      for breast cancer therapy. These NPs have an average particle size of 27 nm. The
      drug loading efficiencies of Thio and Dox are 4.71% and 1.98%, respectively.
      Compared to the treatment of Thio or Dox alone, the combination of Thio and Dox
      exhibited a synergistic effect in inhibiting the growth of 4T1 breast cancer
      cells in vitro. In addition, the Thio- and Dox-coloaded MPEG-PLA NPs could
      efficiently suppress the growth of breast cancer cells in vivo. This study
      suggests that Thio- and Dox-coloaded MPEG-PLA NPs might have potential
      applications in breast cancer treatment.

PMID- 27660447
TI  - Design, characterization, and biological evaluation of curcumin-loaded surfactant
      based systems for topical drug delivery.
AB  - From previous studies, it has been found that curcumin exhibits an anti
      inflammatory activity and is being used for the treatment of skin disorders;
      however, it is hydrophobic and has weak penetrating ability, resulting in poor
      drug transport through the stratum corneum. The aim of this study was to develop
      liquid crystalline systems for topical administration of curcumin for the
      treatment of inflammation. These liquid crystalline systems were developed from
      oleic acid, polyoxypropylene (5) polyoxyethylene (20) cetyl alcohol, and water as
      the surfactant, oil phase, and aqueous phase, respectively. These systems were
      characterized, and polarized light microscopy showed anisotropy with lamellar
      mesophases (Formulation 1) and hexagonal mesophases (Formulations 2 and 3), which
      were confirmed by the peak ratio measured using small-angle X-ray scattering. In
      addition, rheological tests revealed that the formulations exhibited gel-like
      behavior (G'>G"), as evidenced by the increased G' values that indicate
      structured systems. Texture profile analysis showed that hexagonal mesophases
      have high values of hardness, adhesiveness, and compressibility, which indicate
      structured systems. In vitro studies on bioadhesion revealed that the hexagonal
      mesophases increased the bioadhesiveness of the systems to the skin of the pig
      ear. An in vivo inflammation experiment showed that the curcumin-loaded hexagonal
      mesophase exhibited an anti-inflammatory activity as compared to the positive
      control (dexamethasone). The results suggest that this system has a potential to
      be used as a bioadhesive vehicle for the topical administration of curcumin.
      Therefore, it is possible to conclude that these systems can be used for the
      optimization of drug delivery systems to the skin.

PMID- 27660448
TI  - d-alpha-Tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate/Solutol HS 15 mixed micelles for
      the delivery of baohuoside I against non-small-cell lung cancer: optimization and
      in vitro, in vivo evaluation.
AB  - Baohuoside I, extracted from the Herba epimedii, is an effective but a poorly
      soluble antitumor drug. To improve its solubility, formulation of baohuoside I
      loaded mixed micelles with d-alpha-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate and
      Solutol HS 15 (BTSM) has been developed in this study. We performed a systematic
      comparative evaluation of the antiproliferative effect, cellular uptake,
      antitumor efficacy, and in vivo tumor targeting of these micelles using non-small
      cell lung cancer (NSCLC) A549 cells. Results showed that the obtained micelles
      have a mean particle size of ~62.54 nm, and the size of micelles was narrowly
      distributed. With the improved cellular uptake, BTSM displayed a more potent anti
      proliferative action on A549 cell lines than baohuoside I; half-maximal
      inhibitory concentration was 7.83 vs 20.37 ug/mL, respectively. The antitumor
      efficacy test in nude mice showed that BTSM exhibited significantly higher
      antitumor activity against NSCLC with lesser toxic effects on normal tissues. The
      imaging study for in vivo targeting demonstrated that the mixed micelles
      formulation achieved effective and targeted drug delivery. Therefore, BTSM might
      be a potential antitumor formulation.

PMID- 27660449
TI  - The interactive effects of ketamine and magnesium upon depressive-like pathology.
AB  - Approximately one-third of patients with major depressive disorders (MDDs) are
      resistant to current treatment methods, and the majority of cases relapse at some
      point during therapy. This has resulted in novel treatments being adopted,
      including subanesthetic doses of ketamine, which affects aberrant neuroplastic
      circuits, glutamatergic signaling, and the production of brain-derived
      neurotrophic factor. Ketamine rapidly relieves depressive symptoms in treatment
      resistant major depressive disorder patients with effects that last for up to 2
      weeks even after a single administration. However, it is also a drug with an
      abusive potential and can have marked side effects. Hence, this study aimed at
      enhancing the antidepressant-like effects of ketamine (allowing for lower dosing
      regimens) by coadministering magnesium hydroaspartate (Mg(2+) normally affects
      the same receptors as ketamine) and also assessed whether an Mg(2+)-deficient
      diet would modify the impact of ketamine. It was found that a single 15 mg/kg
      dose of ketamine did indeed induce rapid antidepressant-like effects in the
      forced swim test but did not affect brain levels of the brain-derived
      neurotrophic factor. Contrary to our hypothesis, magnesium administration or
      deficiency did not influence the impact of ketamine on these outcomes. Thus,
      these data do not support the use of magnesium as an adjunct agent and instead
      suggest that further research involving other antidepressant and animal models is
      required to confirm the present findings. 

PMID- 27660450
TI  - Late life bipolar disorder evolving into frontotemporal dementia mimic.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Although bipolar disorder has been understood classically as a cyclic
      disease with full recovery between mood episodes, in the last decade, evidence
      has accumulated supporting progressive features. The clinical picture of advanced
      or end-stage bipolar disorder is heterogeneous with possible deficits in
      cognition and behavior, as illustrated by our case series. CASES: From our
      neuropsychiatric outpatient clinic, we describe four cases with bipolar disorder
      gradually developing a clinical syndrome, including apathy, disinhibition, loss
      of empathy, stereotypical behavior, and compulsiveness, fulfilling the criteria
      for possible behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia. All cases were diagnosed
      with bipolar 1 disorder at least 10 years before the onset of the current
      symptoms, which were not due to recent mood episodes or switches of medication.
      In all cases, 3-7 years of follow-up yielded no progression. Repeated
      neuroimaging was within normal limits. Cerebrospinal fluid biomarker studies were
      not supportive of underlying neurodegenerative pathology. C9orf72 mutation status
      was negative in all cases. CONCLUSION: Symptoms fitting the criteria for possible
      behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia may be present in end-stage of bipolar
      disorder. An alternative neurodegenerative nature seems unlikely based on
      repeated normal neuroimaging and the absence of clinical progression. Functional
      involvement of the frontal-subcortical networks might play a role.

PMID- 27660452
TI  - Prescription patterns of benzodiazepines in the Lebanese adult population: a
      cross-sectional study.
AB  - This study assessed the profile of benzodiazepine (BDZ) users in Lebanon. Adult
      patients visiting the pharmacies with prescriptions of BDZs were included in the
      study. Seven hundred and eighty-six current BDZ users were included, of whom
      54.2% were females. Twenty-three percent reported being alcohol consumers and
      were mostly males. The two most commonly used BDZs were alprazolam (34.6%) and
      bromazepam (33.6%). The indication for use was mainly anxiety (44.4%), insomnia
      (22.5%), and depression (15.9%). The prescribing physicians were primarily
      psychiatrists (43.2%), followed by general practitioners (29.7%). Forty percent
      had been taking the drug for more than a year. Among those using BDZs for at
      least 1 month, 35.5% increased the dose with time. Thirty-three percent reported
      having experienced side effects. Eighteen patients (2.3%) reported taking more
      than one BDZ concomitantly, while 18.3% were taking drugs that should not be
      prescribed along with BDZs. In conclusion, the use of BDZs is highest among
      females, especially for the treatment of anxiety. Moreover, continuous use of the
      drugs for more than a year as well as significant potential drug interactions was
      identified. 

PMID- 27660451
TI  - Insomnia in patients on hemodialysis for a short versus long duration.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many studies have investigated insomnia and the factors associated
      with this condition in hemodialysis (HD) patients, although the influence of HD
      duration has not been thoroughly investigated. In the present study, we
      investigated the factors, especially the duration of HD, associated with insomnia
      in HD patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 138 patients undergoing HD were
      recruited, and the Japanese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)
      was used to assess the quality of sleep. Subjects with a total PSQI score up to 4
      and those with a score of at least 5 were identified as normal subjects and
      subjects with insomnia, respectively. Additionally, we assessed restless legs
      syndrome, depression using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale,
      and health-related quality of life (QOL) using the Short Form 8 Health Survey. We
      divided the subjects into two groups according to the median HD duration.
      RESULTS: The prevalence rate of insomnia was 54.3% among all the subjects. Twenty
      one subjects (15.2%) had depression, 26 (18.8%) had restless legs syndrome, and
      75 (54.3%) had insomnia. The median HD duration was 4 years. The scores of
      components 1 and 4 of the PSQI, subjective sleep quality and habitual sleep
      efficiency, did not show a significant difference between the normal and insomnia
      groups. The score of component 7, daytime dysfunction, showed a significant
      difference between the short and long HD duration groups. In multiple regression
      analysis, the score of the Short Form 8 Health Survey showed a significant
      association with the PSQI score in the long HD duration group, but no variable
      showed a significant association in the short HD duration group. CONCLUSION:
      Patients with a longer duration of HD indicated that insomnia has an influence on
      their daily activities, with a significant association between insomnia and QOL.
      Greater attention should be paid to poor QOL and troubles in daily activities
      caused by insomnia in patients with a longer HD duration.

PMID- 27660453
TI  - Clinical analysis of contributors to the delayed gallbladder opacification
      following the use of water-soluble contrast medium.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Gallbladder opacification (GBO) on computed tomography (CT) imaging
      may obscure certain pathological or emergent conditions in the gallbladder, such
      as neoplasms, stones, and hemorrhagic cholecystitis. This study aimed to
      investigate the clinical contributing factors that could predict the presence of
      delayed GBO determined by CT. METHODS: This study retrospectively evaluated 243
      consecutive patients who received enhanced CT or intravenous pyelography imaging
      and then underwent abdominal CT imaging within 5 days. According to the interval
      between imaging, the patients were divided into group A (1 day), group B (2 or 3
      days), and group C (4 or 5 days). Three radiologists evaluated CT images to
      determine GBO. Fisher's exact test and multivariate backward stepwise elimination
      logistic regression were performed. RESULTS: Positive GBO was significantly
      associated with the interval between imaging studies, contrast type, contrast
      volume, renal function, and hypertransaminasemia (P<0.05). Multivariate backward
      stepwise elimination logistic regression analysis of the three groups identified
      contrast type and hypertransaminasemia as independent predictors of GBO in group
      B patients (odds ratio [OR], 13.52, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.72-106.38 and
      OR, 3.43, 95% CI, 1.31-8.98, respectively; P<0.05). Hypertransaminasemia was the
      only independent predictor of GBO in group C patients with an OR of 7.2 (95% CI,
      1.62-31.73). Hypertransaminasemia was noted in three patients (100%) who
      initially underwent imaging 5 days prior to GBO. CONCLUSION: Delayed GBO on CT
      imaging may be associated with laboratory hypertransaminasemia, particularly in
      patients receiving contrast medium over a period of >=4 days. A detailed clinical
      history, physical examination, and further workup are of paramount importance for
      investigating the underlying cause behind the hypertransaminasemia.

PMID- 27660454
TI  - Retargeting the management of hypercholesterolemia - focus on evolocumab.
AB  - Hypercholesterolemia is one of the main risk factors for atherosclerosis and
      cardiovascular diseases. The treatment is based on the modification of the diet
      and lifestyle and if necessary on a pharmacological therapy. The most widely used
      drugs are the inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl coenzyme A reductase
      (statins); nevertheless, many patients do not reach optimal levels of low-density
      lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) even with maximal dosage of statins (eventually
      associated to ezetimibe) or present side effects, which do not allow them to
      continue the treatment. Inhibitors of PCSK9 represent a new therapeutic approach
      for lowering LDL-C. Evolocumab and alirocumab are human monoclonal antibodies,
      which bind to extracellular PCSK9 and thus interfere with the degradation of low
      density lipoprotein receptor. Evolocumab use is approved for the treatment of
      patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and homozygous FH
      as an adjunct to diet and maximally tolerated statin therapy or for subjects with
      clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease who require additional lowering
      of LDL-C. Phase III clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of
      evolocumab (140 mg/every 2 weeks or 420 mg/month, via subcutaneous injection) in
      monotherapy and in combination with statins, in the treatment of patients
      intolerant to statins or with FH. In monotherapy, it reduces LDL-C by 55%, and
      its association with statins leads to a reduction of LDL-C by up to 63%-75%.
      Evolocumab has been demonstrated to be safe and well tolerated. Ongoing clinical
      trials are assessing the long-term effects of evolocumab on the incidence of
      cardiovascular risk, safety, and tolerability. This review resumes the available
      clinical evidence on the efficacy and safety of evolocumab, for which a
      relatively large amount of clinical data are currently available, and discusses
      the retargeting of cholesterol-lowering therapy in clinical practice. 

PMID- 27660455
TI  - Changes in oxidative stress from tracheal aspirates sampled during chest physical
      therapy in hospitalized intubated infant patients with pneumonia and secretion
      retention.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to show the changes in oxidative stress and clinical
      condition from either chest physical therapy (CPT) or CPT with aerosol treatment
      in infant patients with pneumonia. METHODS: From 52 intubated patients, three
      groups were composed: groups A, B, and C comprising 21 patients aged 5.3+/-0.6
      months (CPT program), 20 patients aged 5.6+/-0.7 months (aerosol treatment before
      CPT program), and eleven patients aged 5.0+/-0.35 months (control), respectively.
      CPT was composed of manual percussion and vibration before suction in a specific
      position for draining secretion and re-expanding collapsed lungs. Groups A and B
      received three sessions of treatment three times daily for 6 days, when tracheal
      aspirates were collected for evaluating oxidative stress markers for the thiol
      group: vitamin E, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances-malondialdehyde, and
      hyarulonan. Furthermore, lung injury score and oxygenation index (PvO2/FiO2
      ratio) were recorded daily. RESULTS: All parameters in group C did not change
      statistically during study. The thiol group increased significantly in group A
      after day 4, and increased significantly on days 3 and 6 when compared to day 1
      in group B. Vitamin E levels increased significantly on days 3, 5, and 6 in group
      A, and days 3, 4, and 6 in group B, when compared to day 1. Whereas, the
      thiobarbituric acid reactive substances-malondialdehyde adduct showed a
      significant reduction after day 4 in groups A and B, when compared to day 1.
      Hyarulonan levels showed a significant reduction after day 3 in group A and on
      day 2 in group B. In addition, lung injury score decreased slightly and
      nonsignificantly in groups A and B, whereas the oxygenation index increased
      significantly after day 4 in group A and on day 6 in group B. CONCLUSION: These
      preliminary results suggest that CPT with or without aerosol treatment possibly
      reduces oxidative stress and enhances oxygenation status in infant patients.

PMID- 27660456
TI  - Patients' safety: is there a systemic release of gentamicin by gentamicin-coated
      tibia nails in clinical use?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Osteitis is one of the most serious complications in orthopedic
      surgery. Expert Tibia Nail (ETN) PROtectTM coated with a biodegradable layer of
      gentamicin-laden polymer was developed for prophylaxis of osteomyelitis. In
      systemic administration, gentamicin has only a small therapeutic index and
      serious side effects; it is potentially nephrotoxic as well as ototoxic. It is
      not yet known if relevant gentamicin concentrations are released into the
      systemic circulation after implantation of gentamicin-coated nails. In order to
      evaluate the patients' risks profiles and increase patient safety, we measured
      gentamicin levels in pre- and postoperative serum samples of patients undergoing
      implantation of ETN PROtect. METHODS: Twenty-five patients who received ETN
      PROtect between March 2012 and August 2014 were included in this study.
      Collection of blood samples occurred before the operation, at weeks 1-4, 3 and 6
      months, and up to 1 year after the implantation. Measurement of gentamicin levels
      in serum samples was performed at the central laboratory of Heidelberg University
      Hospital. Additionally, laboratory parameters, C-reactive protein, leukocyte
      number, urea and creatinine concentrations were analyzed in routine controls
      before and after operating and assessed for systemic side effects. RESULTS: Over
      the course of this prospective observational study, we were able to determine
      that gentamicin-coated nails do not release gentamicin into the systemic
      circulation above the lowest detectable level of 0.2 mg/dL. There were slight
      increases in the mean inflammation and renal retention markers, but no gentamicin
      associated side effects could be linked to implantation. Furthermore, no allergic
      reactions could be detected during our study. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest
      that there is no relevant release of gentamicin into the systemic circulation
      causing a systemic effect, and serious side effects due to gentamicin-coated
      tibia nails should not be feared. Postoperative monitoring of renal function does
      not seem necessary because of the implantation of ETN PROtect.

PMID- 27660457
TI  - The association of serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase level and other laboratory
      parameters with blood pressure in hypertensive patients under ambulatory blood
      pressure monitoring.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hypertension is a very important cause of morbidity and mortality.
      Serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) is a biomarker of oxidative stress and
      associated with increased risk of hypertension and diabetes. The aim of this
      study was to evaluate the association of serum GGT level, which is an early
      marker of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, with the deterioration of the
      diurnal rhythm of the blood pressure. METHODS: A total of 171 patients with
      hypertension were included in this study. Patients whose nighttime mean blood
      pressure, measured via ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, decreased between
      10% and 20% compared with the daytime mean blood pressure were defined as
      "dippers", whereas patients with a nighttime blood pressure decrease lower than
      10% were defined as "non-dippers". RESULTS: A total of 99 hypertensive patients
      (65 females/34 males) were classified as dippers and 72 patients (48 females/24
      males) as non-dippers. The mean age of the non-dipper group was significantly
      greater than the dipper group. Serum GGT, C-reactive protein and uric acid levels
      were significantly higher among patients in the non-dipper group. Negative
      correlations were detected between GGT levels and diurnal systolic and diastolic
      blood pressure decreases. CONCLUSION: Our findings revealed that GGT level was
      higher in the non-dipper group, and was negatively correlated with the nighttime
      decrease of diurnal blood pressure. C-reactive protein and uric acid levels were
      also higher in the non-dipper group. However, future randomized controlled
      prospective studies with larger patient populations are necessary to confirm our
      findings.

PMID- 27660459
TI  - "That's Where the Arguments Come in": A Qualitative Analysis of Booster Sessions
      Following a Brief Intervention for Drug Use and Intimate Partner Violence in the
      Emergency Department.
AB  - Although booster phone calls have been used to enhance the impact of brief
      interventions in the emergency department, there has been less number of studies
      describing the content of these boosters. We conducted a qualitative analysis of
      booster calls occurring two weeks after an initial Web-based intervention for
      drug use and intimate partner violence (IPV) among women presenting for emergency
      care, with the objective of identifying the following: progress toward goals set
      during the initial emergency department visit, barriers to positive change, and
      additional resources and services needed in order to inform improvements in
      future booster sessions. The initial thematic framework was developed by
      summarizing codes by major themes and subthemes; the study team collaboratively
      decided on a final thematic framework. Eighteen participants completed the
      booster call. Most of them described a therapeutic purpose for their drug use.
      Altering the social milieu was the primary means of drug use change; this seemed
      to increase isolation of women already in abusive relationships. Women described
      IPV as interwoven with drug use. Participants identified challenges in attending
      substance use treatment service and domestic violence agencies. Women with
      substance use disorders and in abusive relationships face specific barriers to
      reducing drug use and to seeking help after a brief intervention. 

PMID- 27660458
TI  - Overview of guidelines for the management of dyslipidemia: EU perspectives.
AB  - Modern medicine is characterized by a continuous genesis of evidence making it
      very difficult to translate the latest findings into a better clinical practice.
      Clinical practice guidelines (CPG) emerge to provide clinicians evidence-based
      recommendations for their daily clinical practice. However, the high number of
      existing CPG as well as the usual differences in the given recommendations
      usually increases the clinician's confusion and doubts. It has apparently been
      the case for the 2013 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association
      (ACC/AHA) Guideline on the Treatment of Blood Cholesterol. These CPG proposed new
      and controversial concepts that have usually been considered an antagonist shift
      respective to European CPG. The most controversial published proposals are: 1) to
      consider evidence just from randomized clinical trials, 2) creation of a new
      cardiovascular (CV) risk calculator, 3) to consider reducing CV risk instead of
      reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) as the target of the
      treatment, and 4) consideration of statins as the only drugs for treatment. A
      deep analysis of the 2013 American College of Cardiology/American Heart
      Association CPG and comparison with the European ones show that from a practical
      and clinical point of view, there are more similarities than differences. To
      further help clinicians in their daily work, in the present globalized world, it
      is time to discuss and adopt a mutually agreed upon document created by both
      sides of the Atlantic. Probably it is not a short-term solution. Meanwhile,
      taking advantage of the similarities, the recommended practical attitude for the
      daily clinical practice should be based on 1) early detection of people with
      increased CV risk promoting the use of validated local scales, 2) reinforce the
      mainstream importance of nonpharmacological treatment, and 3) need for
      periodically monitoring response with analytical parameters (LDL or non-high
      density lipoprotein cholesterol) and global CV risk estimation. Technological
      solutions such as the big data technology could help to obtain high-quality
      evidence in an intermediate term.

PMID- 27660460
TI  - The Increasing Prevalence in Intersex Variation from Toxicological Dysregulation
      in Fetal Reproductive Tissue Differentiation and Development by Endocrine
      Disrupting Chemicals.
AB  - An increasing number of children are born with intersex variation (IV; ambiguous
      genitalia/hermaphrodite, pseudohermaphroditism, etc.). Evidence shows that
      endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the environment can cause reproductive
      variation through dysregulation of normal reproductive tissue differentiation,
      growth, and maturation if the fetus is exposed to EDCs during critical
      developmental times in utero. Animal studies support fish and reptile embryos
      exhibited IV and sex reversal when exposed to EDCs. Occupational studies verified
      higher prevalence of offspring with IV in chemically exposed workers (male and
      female). Chemicals associated with endocrine-disrupting ability in humans include
      organochlorine pesticides, poly-chlorinated biphenyls, bisphenol A, phthalates,
      dioxins, and furans. Intersex individuals may have concurrent physical disorders
      requiring lifelong medical intervention and experience gender dysphoria. An
      urgent need exists to determine which chemicals possess the greatest risk for IV
      and the mechanisms by which these chemicals are capable of interfering with
      normal physiological development in children. 

PMID- 27660461
TI  - Long-term results of definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy using S-1 in the
      treatment of geriatric patients with esophageal cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficiency and safety of
      using S-1 as monotherapy and maintenance therapy combined with definitive
      concurrent radiotherapy for elderly patients with esophageal cancer. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: From January 2009 to December 2010, 68 elderly patients were included.
      Radiotherapy was delivered with a daily fraction of 1.8-2.0 Gy to a total
      radiation dose of 54.0-60.0 Gy. Preplanned concurrent S-1 (80 mg/m(2)/d) was
      given on days 1-14, every 3 weeks. After concurrent chemoradiotherapy,
      maintenance S-1 was repeated up to four cycles. RESULTS: The median age of the
      enrolled patients was 76 years (range: 70-88 years), and the clinical stages were
      stage I (two patients), stage II (24 patients), stage III (28 patients), and
      stage IV (14 patients). A total of 51 (75.0%) patients finished treatment on
      schedule, with a median of five cycles of S-1, in which 35 (51.5%) patients
      achieved complete response. The median follow-up time was 42.7 months, and the
      median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) times were 25.7
      months and 21.5 months, respectively. The 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year OS and PFS
      rates were 70.6%, 41.8%, and 25.9% and 68.1%, 32.9%, and 15.9%, respectively.
      Grade >=3 neutropenia and leukopenia were found in 14 patients and 13 patients,
      respectively. The most common nonhematologic toxicity was esophagitis including
      six patients and one patient with grades 3 and 4, respectively. Multivariate
      analysis revealed that cycles of S-1 and complete response were strong factors
      for OS and PFS. CONCLUSION: For geriatric patients with esophageal cancer, S-1 as
      monotherapy and maintenance chemotherapy in combination with definitive
      concurrent radiation therapy yielded satisfactory survival outcomes with
      tolerable toxicities. More studies are highly warranted to further clarify this
      issue.

PMID- 27660462
TI  - Association between insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 polymorphism-202
      A/C and the risk of prostate cancer: a meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Some previous studies have investigated the relationship between
      insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 polymorphism and prostate cancer
      (PCa) susceptibility; however, the findings from those studies remain
      inconsistent. Hence, the aim of this meta-analysis was to provide a more reliable
      conclusion about such associations. METHODS: A meta-analysis based on twelve
      studies was conducted, and 8,341 PCa cases and 7,734 controls were included in
      this analysis. All relevant studies published till February 1, 2016, were
      identified by searching the databases such as PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science.
      Data were pooled by odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in
      order to assess the strength of such associations. Publication bias was evaluated
      using Begg's funnel plots and Egger's regression test. RESULTS: Several articles
      provided data only for particular genotypes; therefore, only dominant model
      analyses were carried out for all of these studies. Initially, the results from
      this analysis indicated that rs2854744 was not associated with PCa susceptibility
      (OR=1.12, 95% CI=0.996-1.2). However, after excluding one study due to its
      heterogeneity and publication bias, a significant relationship was detected
      between rs2854744 and PCa risk (OR=1.10, 95% CI=1.03-1.17). When stratified by
      genotyping method, significant results were detected only in the Sequenom method
      group (OR=1.13, 95% CI=1.04-1.22). Moreover, the results from a subgroup analysis
      that was conducted by using source of controls were significant only in the
      population-based control group. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis suggested that the
      insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 polymorphism-202 A/C was associated
      with PCa susceptibility.

PMID- 27660464
TI  - A comparison study of pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma with ductal adenocarcinoma
      using computed tomography in Chinese patients.
AB  - Pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma (ACC) is a rare tumor that is difficult to
      diagnose preoperatively. The aim of this study was to evaluate and describe the
      computed tomography (CT) features of ACC and compare the results with pancreatic
      ductal adenocarcinoma (DAC) for improving preoperative diagnosis. The control
      group consisted of 34 patients with DAC collected from the pathology electronic
      database. The CT imaging from nine patients with pathologically confirmed ACC was
      retrospectively reviewed. Two radiologists independently assessed the tumor
      location, size, texture, and enhancement patterns. We found that 64.3% (9/14) of
      ACC tumors were homogeneous and 35.7% (5/14) had necrosis. The percentage of
      common bile duct and pancreatic ductal dilation was 14.3% (2/14) and 7.1% (1/14),
      respectively. The mean size of ACC was 50.1+/-24.2 mm. The mean attenuation of
      ACC was 35.4+/-3.9 Hounsfield unit (HU) before enhancement, 73.1+/-42.9 HU in
      arterial phase, and 71.8+/-15.6 HU in port venous phase. It is difficult to
      distinguish ACC from DAC preoperatively only based on CT findings. However,
      compared with DAC, we found that ACC tumors are likely to be larger and contain
      more heterogeneous intratumoral necrotic hypovascular regions, and less
      pancreatic ductal and common biliary dilation. 

PMID- 27660465
TI  - Clinical implications of the coexpression of SRC1 and NANOG in HER-2
      overexpressing breast cancers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Given the lack of clarity on the expression status of SRC1 protein in
      breast cancer, we attempted to ascertain the clinical implications of the
      expression of this protein in breast cancer. METHODS: Samples from 312 breast
      cancer patients who were followed up for 5 years were analyzed in this study. The
      associations of SRC1 expression and clinicopathological factors with the
      prognosis of breast cancer were determined. RESULTS: The 312 breast cancer
      patients underwent radical resection, and 155 (49.68%) of them demonstrated high
      expression of SRC1 protein. No significant differences were found for tumor size,
      estrogen receptor expression, or progesterone receptor expression (P=0.191,
      0.888, or 0.163, respectively). It is noteworthy that SRC1 expression was found
      to be related to HER-2 and Ki-67 expression (P=0.044 and P=0.001, respectively).
      According to logistic regression analysis, SRC1 expression was also significantly
      correlated with Ki-67 and HER-2 expression (P=0.032 and P=0.001, respectively).
      Survival analysis showed that patients with a high expression of SRC1 and NANOG
      and those with SRC1 and NANOG coexpression had significantly poorer postoperative
      disease-specific survival than those with no expression in the HER-2-positive
      group (P=0.032, 0.01, and P=0.01, respectively). CONCLUSION: High SRC1 protein
      expression was related to the prognosis of HER-2-overexpressing breast cancers.

PMID- 27660463
TI  - Next-generation EGFR/HER tyrosine kinase inhibitors for the treatment of patients
      with non-small-cell lung cancer harboring EGFR mutations: a review of the
      evidence.
AB  - Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) against human epidermal growth factor receptor
      (EGFR/HER) family have been introduced into the clinic to treat cancers,
      particularly non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). There have been three
      generations of the EGFR/HER-TKIs. First-generation EGFR/HER-TKIs, binding
      competitively and reversibly to the ATP-binding site of the EGFR TK domain, show
      a significant breakthrough treatment in selected NSCLC patients with activating
      EGFR mutations (actEGFRm) EGFR (L858R) and EGFR (Del19), in terms of safety,
      efficacy, and quality of life. However, all those responders inevitably develop
      acquired resistance within 12 months, because of the EGFR (T790M) mutation, which
      prevents TKI binding to ATP-pocket of EGFR by steric hindrance. The second
      generation EGFR/HER-TKIs were developed to prolong and maintain more potent
      response as well as overcome the resistance to the first-generation EGFR/HER
      TKIs. They are different from the first-generation EGFR/HER-TKIs by covalently
      binding to the ATP-binding site, irreversibly blocking enzymatic activation, and
      targeting EGFR/HER family members, including EGFR, HER2, and HER4. Preclinically,
      these compounds inhibit the enzymatic activation for actEGFRm, EGFR (T790M), and
      wtEGFR. The second-generation EGFR/HER-TKIs improve overall survival in cancer
      patients with actEGFRm in a modest way. However, they are not clinically active
      in overcoming EGFR (T790M) resistance, mainly because of dose-limiting toxicity
      due to simultaneous inhibition against wtEGFR. The third-generation EGFR/HER-TKIs
      selectively and irreversibly target EGFR (T790M) and actEGFRm while sparing
      wtEGFR. They yield promising efficacy in NSCLC patients with actEGFRm as well as
      EGFR (T790M) resistant to the first- and second-generation EGFR-TKIs. They also
      appear to have a lower incidence of toxicity due to the reduced inhibitory effect
      on wtEGFR. Currently, the first-generation EGFR/HER-TKIs gefitinib and erlotinib
      and second-generation EGFR/HER-TKI afatinib have been approved for use as the
      first-line treatment of metastatic NSCLC with actEGFRm. This review will
      summarize and evaluate a broad range of evidence of recent development of
      EGFR/HER-TKIs, with a focus on the second- and third-generation EGFR/HER-TKIs, in
      the treatment of patients with NSCLC harboring EGFR mutations. 

PMID- 27660466
TI  - Osimertinib making a breakthrough in lung cancer targeted therapy.
AB  - Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are the
      evidence-based first-line treatment for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer that
      harbors sensitizing EGFR mutations (EGFRm(+)) such as exon 19 deletions and L858R
      substitutions in exon 21. However, acquired resistance to EGFR TKIs is mostly
      driven by a second-site EGFR T790M mutation, which negates their inhibitory
      activity. Osimertinib (AZD9291, TagrissoTM), an oral, third-generation EGFR TKI,
      has been designed to target the EGFR T790M mutation, while sparing wild-type
      EGFR. In this up-to-date review, focus is not only on the structure, mechanisms,
      and pharmacokinetics of osimertinib but also on summarizing clinical trials and
      making recommendations of osimertinib for patients with non-small-cell lung
      cancer. 

PMID- 27660468
TI  - Lenalidomide, celecoxib, and azacitidine therapy for blastic plasmocytoid
      dendritic cell neoplasm: a case report.
AB  - Blastic plasmocytoid dendritic cell neoplasm is characterized by aggressive
      behavior with a tendency for systemic dissemination and a predilection for skin,
      lymph nodes, soft tissues, peripheral blood, or bone marrow. It usually occurs in
      elderly patients with a mean age between 60 and 70 years. Despite initial
      response to chemotherapy, the disease regularly relapses with a short median
      overall survival. Better outcomes have been reported with high-dose acute
      leukemia-like induction chemotherapy followed by consolidation with allogeneic
      hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. However, elderly patients are not
      candidates for intensive therapy or allogeneic stem cell transplantation. So, new
      active and tolerable drugs are needed. Our case illustrates that one cycle of
      lenalidomide and celecoxib provides at least a partial cutaneous and hematologic
      response, but this regimen was discontinued due to toxicity and followed by a
      consolidation/maintenance phase with azacitidine, thus achieving a final complete
      response with a much higher than expected progression-free and overall survival
      in an elderly patient with comorbidities. This information may be useful in the
      design of treatment approaches for elderly patients with blastic plasmocytoid
      dendritic cell neoplasm. However, it should be confirmed in clinical trials as
      well as by optimizing the induction and extending the consolidation/maintenance
      period to avoid early relapses after discontinuation and improve progression-free
      survival. 

PMID- 27660467
TI  - Sunitinib: the antiangiogenic effects and beyond.
AB  - As a multitargeted kinase inhibitor, sunitinib has carved its way into
      demonstrating itself as a most effective tyrosine kinase inhibitor in the
      treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Mechanistically, sunitinib inhibits
      multiple receptor tyrosine kinases, especially those involved in angiogenesis,
      that is, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, platelet-derived growth
      factor receptor, and proto-oncogene cKIT. Sunitinib has also been implicated in
      enhancing cancer invasiveness and metastasis. Mechanisms of resistance are poorly
      understood, but both intrinsic and acquired mechanisms are thought to be
      involved. While the side effects are manageable, sunitinib, like many other
      tyrosine kinase inhibitors, can be associated with serious toxicities that
      require careful management including frequent dose reductions. Although still in
      the early stage, emerging evidence points to an immunomodulatory role for
      sunitinib. It is also likely to contribute to the overall outcomes, especially
      those seen in metastatic renal cell carcinoma, and such effects are thought to be
      mediated by the proto-oncogene cKIT receptor. Combination with other modalities
      such as stereotactic body radiation therapy, therapeutic vaccines, and checkpoint
      inhibitors is being pursued for improved efficacy. 

PMID- 27660469
TI  - Polymorphisms in the XPC gene and gastric cancer susceptibility in a Southern
      Chinese population.
AB  - Previous studies have reported that XPC gene polymorphisms may modify the
      individual susceptibility to gastric cancer. In this case-control study with a
      total of 1,142 cases and 1,173 controls, four potentially functional
      polymorphisms were genotyped in the XPC gene (rs2228001 A>C, rs2228000 C>T,
      rs2607775 C>G, and rs1870134 G>C) by Taqman assays and their associations were
      analyzed with the risk of gastric cancer in a Southern Chinese population. No
      significant association between any of XPC polymorphisms and gastric cancer risk
      was detected except for a borderline association with the rs2228000 CT/TT
      genotype (crude odds ratio =0.86, 95% confidence interval =0.73-1.02, P=0.088)
      when compared to the rs2228000 CC genotype. Further stratified analysis revealed
      that the protective effect of rs2228000 CT/TT on the risk of gastric cancer was
      only significant among subjects older than 58 years. In summary, results
      indicated that genetic variations in XPC gene may play a weak effect on gastric
      cancer susceptibility in Southern Chinese population, which warrants further
      confirmation in larger prospective studies with different ethnic populations. 

PMID- 27660471
TI  - Novel chlorambucil-conjugated anionic linear-globular PEG-based second-generation
      dendrimer: in vitro/in vivo improved anticancer activity.
AB  - Evaluating the efficacy of anticancer drugs is an evolving and research-oriented
      issue. The objective of this study was to reduce the insolubility of chlorambucil
      (CBL) in water and improve the anticancer activity of CBL in vitro and in vivo
      through the conjugation of CBL with anionic linear-globular dendrimer (second
      generation, G2). In the current study, the anticancer activity among three groups
      that include CBL, CBL-G2 dendrimer, and control was measured in vitro and in
      vivo. In vitro studies showed that G2 anionic linear-globular polyethylene-glycol
      based dendrimer, which conjugated to the CBL exterior through an ester linkage,
      was able to significantly improve the treatment efficacy over clinical CBL alone
      with respect to proliferation assay, 2,3-bis-(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H
      tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide; half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) was
      calculated to be 141 ug/mL for CBL alone and 27.7 ug/mL for CBL-G2 dendrimer;
      P<0.05. In addition, CBL-G2 dendrimer conjugate forestalled the growth of MCF-7
      cancerous cells in addition to enhancing the number of apoptotic and necrotic
      cells as demonstrated by an annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate assay. CBL-G2
      dendrimer conjugate was able to checkmate antiapoptotic Bcl-2 expression and Bcl
      2/Bax ratio in a large scale compared with the control group and CBL alone
      (P<0.005). In vivo studies showed that tumor treatment by CBL-G2 dendrimer
      conjugate outstrips the efficacy of treatment compared with CBL alone. The
      evaluation was based on reduction in tumor volume and tumor growth inhibition of
      murine 4T1 mammary tumor cells. Tumor volume of 140%+/-8% was measured in the
      treatment with CBL-G2 dendrimer, whereas 152%+/-13.5% was calculated in the
      treatment with free CBL (P<0.05). However, there were no significant differences
      in histological assay among the three groups. In conclusion, tumor growth
      suppression potential of CBL-G2 dendrimer, which was assessed in both in vitro
      and in vivo experiments, has provided empirical evidence to buttress the fact
      that this compound could be considered for functional cancer treatment with low
      side effects. 

PMID- 27660470
TI  - Incidence and mortality rates in breast, corpus uteri, and ovarian cancers in
      Poland (1980-2013): an analysis of population-based data in relation to
      socioeconomic changes.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze incidence and mortality trends in breast
      cancer (BC), corpus uteri cancer (CUC), and ovarian cancer (OC) in Poland in the
      context of sociodemographic changes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Incidence and
      mortality data (1980-2013) were retrieved from the Polish National Cancer
      Registry, while socioeconomic data (1960-2013) were obtained from the World Bank.
      Age-standardized incidence and mortality rates were calculated by direct
      standardization, and join-point regression was performed to describe trends using
      the average annual percentage change (AAPC). RESULTS: A significant decrease in
      birth and fertility rates and a large increase in gross domestic product were
      observed together with a decrease in the total mortality rate among women, as
      well as an increase in life expectancy for women. A large, significant increase
      in BC incidence was observed (AAPC1980-1990 2.14, AAPC1990-1996 4.71, AAPC1996
      2013 2.21), with a small but significant decrease in mortality after a slight
      increase (AAPC1980-1994 0.52, AAPC1994-2013 -0.66). During the period 1980-2013,
      a significant increase in CUC incidence (AAPC1980-1994 3.7, AAPC1994-2013 1.93)
      was observed, with an initial mortality-rate reduction followed by a significant
      increase (AAPC1980-2006 -1.12, AAPC2006-2013 3.74). After the initial increase of
      both OC incidence and mortality from 1994, the incidence rate decreased
      significantly (AAPC1980-1994 2.98, AAPC1994-2013 -0.49), as did the mortality
      rate (AAPC1980-1994 0.52, AAPC1994-2013 -0.66). CONCLUSION: After 1994, a
      decrease in OC incidence was found, while the incidence of BC and CUC continued
      to increase. A reduction in mortality rate was observed for BC and OC
      predominantly at the end of the study period, while for CUC, after a long
      decreasing mortality trend, a significant increase was observed.

PMID- 27660472
TI  - The clinical effects of low-dose splenic irradiation combined with chest three
      dimensional conformal radiotherapy on patients with locally advanced non-small
      cell lung cancer: a randomized clinical trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to explore the clinical effects of low
      dose splenic irradiation on locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
      patients. METHODS: Thirty-eight patients with stage III NSCLC were randomly
      divided into a control group and a combined treatment group. The control group
      only received chest three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy, while the combined
      treatment group received low-dose splenic irradiation followed by chest three
      dimensional conformal radiotherapy after 6 hours. T lymphocyte subsets of the
      blood cells were tested before, during, and after treatment once a week. The side
      effects induced by radiation were observed, and a follow-up was done to observe
      the survival statistics. RESULTS: The ratio differences in CD4(+) cells, CD8(+)
      cells, and CD4(+)/CD8(+) before and after treatment were not statistically
      significant (P>0.05) in both the groups. The immune indexes were also not
      statistically significant (P>0.05) before and after radiotherapy in the combined
      treatment group. However, the numbers of CD4(+) cells and CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratios
      before radiotherapy were higher than after radiotherapy in the control group.
      There were no differences in the incidence of radiation toxicities between the
      two groups; however, the incidence of grade III or IV radiation toxicities was
      lower, and the dose at which the radiation toxicities appeared was higher in the
      combined treatment group. The total response rate was 63.16% (12/19) in the
      combined treatment group vs 42.11% (8/19) in the control group. The median 2-year
      progression-free survival (15 months in the combined treatment group vs 10 months
      in the control group) was statistically significant (P<0.05). The median 2-year
      overall survival (17.1 months in the combined treatment group vs 15.8 months in
      the control group) was not statistically significant (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Low
      dose radiation can alleviate the radiation toxicities, improve the short-term
      efficacy of radiotherapy, and improve the survival of locally advanced NSCLC
      patients.

PMID- 27660473
TI  - Phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase is a novel predictor for poor prognosis in gastric
      cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH) acts as a key metabolic enzyme in
      the rate-limiting step in serine biosynthesis and plays an important role in
      metastasis of several cancers. The aim of this study was to investigate the
      prognostic value of PHGDH in gastric cancer (GC). METHODS: The messenger RNA
      expression of PHGDH was determined in 20 pairs of cancerous and adjacent nontumor
      tissues by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemistry of PHGDH was
      performed on tissue microarray, composed of 482 GC and 64 matched adjacent
      nontumor tissues acquired from surgery, 20 chronic gastritis, 18 intestinal
      metaplasia, and 31 low-grade and 66 high-grade intraepithelial neoplasias
      acquired through gastric endoscopic biopsy. Univariate and multivariate Cox
      proportional hazard models were used to perform survival analyses. RESULTS: Both
      PHGDH messenger RNA and protein product exhibited GC tissue-preferred expression,
      when compared with benign tissues. The high PHGDH expression was significantly
      correlated with histological type (P=0.011), tumor stage (P=0.014), and
      preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen (P<0.001). A negative correlation was found
      between PHGDH expression and the 5-year survival rate of patients with GC.
      Furthermore, multivariate analysis indicated that PHGDH was an independent
      prognostic factor for outcome in GC. CONCLUSION: PHGDH is important in predicting
      patient outcomes and is a potential target for the development of therapeutic
      approaches to GC.

PMID- 27660474
TI  - Accelerated partial breast irradiation in an Asian population: dosimetric
      findings and preliminary results of a multicatheter interstitial program.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) using the
      multicatheter method has excellent cosmesis and low rates of long-term toxicity.
      However, there are few studies looking at the feasibility of this procedure and
      the outcomes in an Asian population. This study aims to look at outcomes at our
      hospital. METHODS: We identified 121 patients treated with APBI at our center
      between 2008 and 2014. The median follow-up for our patient group was 30 months
      (range 3.7-66.5). The prescribed dose per fraction was 3.4 Gy in 10 fractions. In
      this study population, 71% of the patients were Chinese while 15% (n=19) were of
      other Asian ethnicity. RESULTS: In this study, the median breast volume was 850
      cc (range 216-2,108) with 59.5% (n=72) patients with a breast volume of <1,000
      cc. The average planning target volume was 134 cc (range 28-324). The number of
      catheters used ranged from 8 to 25 with an average of 18 catheters used per
      patient. We achieved an average dose homogeneity index of 0.76 in our patients.
      The average D90(%) was 105% and the average D90(Gy) was 3.6 Gy per fraction. The
      median volume receiving 100% of the prescribed dose (V100) was 161.7 cc (range
      33.9-330.1), 150% of the prescribed dose (V150) and 200% of the prescribed dose
      (V200) was 39.4 cc (range 14.6-69.6) and 14.72 cc (range 6.48-22.25),
      respectively. Our dosimetric outcomes were excellent even in patients with breast
      volume under 1,000 cc. There were no cases of grade 3 skin toxicity or acute
      pneumonitis. Two patients had a postoperative infection and two patients had fat
      necrosis postprocedure. CONCLUSION: Multicatheter high dose rate APBI is a safe
      and feasible procedure that can be carried out with minimal toxicity in Asian
      patients with breast volumes under 1,000 cc.

PMID- 27660475
TI  - The neutrophil lymphocyte ratio is associated with breast cancer prognosis: an
      updated systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - Breast cancer (BC) is the most common female malignancy within the spectrum of
      human cancer. One promising way to reduce the mortality and morbidity of BC is to
      explore novel diagnostic markers for early diagnosis and prognostication. The
      neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a good reflection of inflammation, which
      plays an important role in tumor progression and metastasis. However, the
      association between NLR and BC prognosis remains unclear. The aim of this meta
      analysis is to explore the prognostic value of NLR in BC. Among the screened
      references in the database, 12 eligible studies were identified in this study.
      Patients with a higher NLR had a shorter disease-free survival (hazard ratio
      =1.46, 95% confidence interval: 1.12-1.90, P=0.044) and overall survival (hazard
      ratio =2.03, 95% confidence interval: 1.41-2.93, P<0.001). In the subgroup
      analysis of NLR and disease-free survival, the studies from Eastern countries had
      a positive result with perfect homogeneity (I (2)=0); however, this homogeneity
      has not been achieved in studies from Western countries. In the subgroup analysis
      of the NLR and overall survival, the results of the univariate and multivariate
      analyses were completely different, with different heterogeneity. In the luminal
      A and luminal B subtypes, we found that there was no association between the NLR
      and overall survival in the BC patients. Positive results were obtained in the
      analyses of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive and
      triple-negative BC subtypes. In conclusion, this meta-analysis suggests that NLR
      is a good prognostic marker for BC, and patients with a higher NLR have poorer
      prognoses. Future studies should perform more detailed investigations to decrease
      heterogeneity and determine the appropriate cut-off values for different races. 

PMID- 27660476
TI  - A budget impact analysis of Spiromax((r)) compared with Turbuhaler((r)) for the
      treatment of moderate to severe asthma: a potential improvement in the inhalation
      technique to strengthen medication adherence could represent savings for the
      Spanish Healthcare System and five Spanish regions.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the economic impact of the introduction of DuoResp((r))
      Spiromax((r)) by focusing on a potential improvement in the inhalation technique
      to strengthen medication adherence for the treatment of moderate to severe
      asthmatics in Spain and five Spanish regions including Andalusia, Catalonia,
      Galicia, Madrid, and Valencia. METHODS: A 4-year budget impact model was
      developed for the period 2015-2018 from the Spanish Healthcare System
      perspective. Budesonide-formoterol fixed-dose combination delivered by
      Turbuhaler((r)) was considered to be the most appropriate comparator for
      assessing the budget impact with the introduction of DuoResp((r)) Spiromax((r)).
      National and regional data on asthma prevalence were obtained from the
      literature. Input parameters on health care resources were obtained by consulting
      experts from different Spanish hospitals. Resources used included medical visits,
      emergency room visits, and hospitalizations. The average numbers of primary care
      and specialist visits per year were also gathered. Based on health care resource
      use per patient, the total treatment cost per patient was estimated. RESULTS: The
      population with moderate to severe asthma treated with budesonide-formoterol
      fixed-dose combinations delivered by Turbuhaler((r)) in 2015 was estimated to be
      166,985 in Spain. Region-specific prevalence data resulted in 25,081, 12,392,
      16,097, 17,829, and 15,148 patients in Andalusia, Catalonia, Galicia, Madrid, and
      Valencia, respectively. Based on the forecast uptake of DuoResp((r))
      Spiromax((r)), the total budget savings in Spain were expected to be ?1.509
      million over the next 4 years. Region-specific rates imply that the total savings
      were expected to be ?229,706 in Andalusia, ?90,145 in Catalonia, ?188,327 in
      Galicia, ?122,669 in Madrid, and ?165,796 in Valencia over 2015-2018. CONCLUSION:
      The introduction of DuoResp((r)) Spiromax((r)), which represents a potential
      improvement in the inhalation technique to strengthen medication adherence for
      the treatment of moderate to severe asthma, could represent savings for the
      Spanish National Health Society and five Spanish regions.

PMID- 27660477
TI  - Effect of the multifunctional cosmetic ingredient sphinganine on hair loss in
      males and females with diffuse hair reduction.
AB  - Sphingolipids are well known to promote keratinocyte differentiation and to
      induce ceramide production. In addition, they show anti-inflammatory and
      antimicrobial activities. Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate the
      potential effect of sphinganine on prolonging the hair anagen rate and improving
      the overall hair quality and scalp health. The inhibitory potential of
      sphinganine toward 5-alpha-reductase was studied using an in vitro assay. The
      stimulation of the antimicrobial peptide HBD2 by sphinganine was measured by real
      time polymerase chain reaction and immunostaining. Sphinganine bioavailability
      was studied ex vivo using a pig skin model. A placebo-controlled, double-blind
      study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of sphinganine on hair loss and
      hair/scalp quality in vivo. In vitro results showed that sphinganine is a potent
      inhibitor of 5-alpha-reductase type I that prevents the conversion of
      testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, a key factor of androgenetic male baldness.
      In vivo results demonstrated efficacy in reducing non-illness-related hair loss
      among males. In terms of expert rating, all hair quality and scalp parameters
      improved after application of sphinganine. Improved scalp health might be linked
      to the observed increase of the antimicrobial peptide HBD2. Thus, sphinganine is
      well suited as a topical alternative for the improvement of scalp health and hair
      quality and anti-hair loss application. 

PMID- 27660478
TI  - Preliminary study on the development of an antistretch marks water-in-oil cream:
      ultrasound assessment, texture analysis, and sensory analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Striae distensae represent the result of the failure of the dermis to
      sustain intrinsic mechanical forces. Intensive moisturization of the lesions and
      use of emollient oils have been recommended for the prevention and treatment of
      striae distensae rubra. The aim of this research was to formulate an emollient
      water-in-oil cosmetic cream containing argan oil, which may be helpful in the
      prevention or early treatment of striae distensae. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sensory
      evaluation of the consistency, firmness, adhesiveness, oiliness, spreadability,
      and rapidity of penetration into the skin was evaluated by 22 volunteers using 10
      point scales for each descriptor. The instrumental characterization of the cream
      was performed using Brookfield((r)) CT3 Texture Analyzer. The cutaneous changes
      induced by the topical use of the cream were evaluated by assessing the thickness
      of the epidermis, hydration, and elasticity of the skin using DermaLab((r)) Combo
      scanner. RESULTS: Ultrasound measurements showed an improvement in the elasticity
      of the epidermis following the application of cream. The product was well
      tolerated and appreciated by the consumers in terms of its spreadability,
      penetration ability, and lack of stickiness. The values recorded for texture
      analysis were firmness 10.16+/-0.15 mJ, adhesiveness 30.94+/-6.87 g, consistency
      1229.50+/-119.78 g, spreadability 481.50+/-39 g, and stringiness 0.56+/-0.09 mJ.
      CONCLUSION: A water-in-oil cream containing argan oil and emollient ingredients
      with appropriate physical characteristics was obtained. In vivo study of clinical
      efficacy revealed a positive effect on increasing the skin elasticity, suggesting
      that the cream may be helpful in the prevention or early treatment of striae
      distensae.

PMID- 27660479
TI  - Hyaluronic acid fillers with cohesive polydensified matrix for soft-tissue
      augmentation and rejuvenation: a literature review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cohesive monophasic polydensified fillers show unique viscoelastic
      properties and variable density of hyaluronic acid, allowing for a homogeneous
      tissue integration and distribution of the material. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this
      paper was to review the clinical data regarding the performance, tolerability,
      and safety of the Belotero((r)) fillers for soft-tissue augmentation and
      rejuvenation. METHODS: A literature search was performed up until May 31, 2015 to
      identify all relevant articles on Belotero((r)) fillers (Basic/Balance, Hydro,
      Soft, Intense, Volume) and equivalent products (Esthelis((r)), Mesolis((r)),
      Fortelis((r)), Modelis((r))). RESULTS: This comprehensive review included 26
      papers. Findings from three randomized controlled trials showed a greater
      reduction in nasolabial fold severity with Belotero((r)) Basic/Balance than with
      collagen (at 8, 12, 16, and 24 weeks, n=118) and Restylane((r)) (at 4 weeks,
      n=40), and higher patient satisfaction with Belotero((r)) Intense than with
      Perlane((r)) (at 2 weeks, n=20). With Belotero((r)) Basic/Balance, an improvement
      of at least 1 point on the severity scale can be expected in ~80% of patients 1-6
      months after injection, with an effect still visible at 8-12 months. Positive
      findings were also reported with Belotero((r)) Volume (no reduction in hyaluronic
      acid volume at 12 months, as demonstrated by magnetic resonance imaging), Soft
      (improvement in the esthetic outcomes when used in a sequential approach), and
      Hydro (improvement in skin appearance in all patients). The most common adverse
      effects were mild-to-moderate erythema, edema, and hematoma, most of which were
      temporary. There were no reports of Tyndall effect, nodules, granulomas, or
      tissue necrosis. CONCLUSION: Clinical evidence indicates sustainable esthetic
      effects, good safety profile, and long-term tolerability of the Belotero((r))
      fillers, particularly Belotero((r)) Basic/Balance and Intense.

PMID- 27660481
TI  - Combining genetic and evolutionary engineering to establish C4 metabolism in C3
      plants.
AB  - To feed a world population projected to reach 9 billion people by 2050, the
      productivity of major crops must be increased by at least 50%. One potential
      route to boost the productivity of cereals is to equip them genetically with the
      'supercharged' C4 type of photosynthesis; however, the necessary genetic
      modifications are not sufficiently understood for the corresponding genetic
      engineering programme. In this opinion paper, we discuss a strategy to solve this
      problem by developing a new paradigm for plant breeding. We propose combining the
      bioengineering of well-understood traits with subsequent evolutionary
      engineering, i.e. mutagenesis and artificial selection. An existing mathematical
      model of C3-C4 evolution is used to choose the most promising path towards this
      goal. Based on biomathematical simulations, we engineer Arabidopsis thaliana
      plants that express the central carbon-fixing enzyme Rubisco only in bundle
      sheath cells (Ru-BSC plants), the localization characteristic for C4 plants. This
      modification will initially be deleterious, forcing the Ru-BSC plants into a
      fitness valley from where previously inaccessible adaptive steps towards C4
      photosynthesis become accessible through fitness-enhancing mutations. Mutagenized
      Ru-BSC plants are then screened for improved photosynthesis, and are expected to
      respond to imposed artificial selection pressures by evolving towards C4 anatomy
      and biochemistry.

PMID- 27660480
TI  - Using genomic information to improve soybean adaptability to climate change.
AB  - Climate change has brought severe challenges to agriculture. It is anticipated
      that there will be a drop in crop yield - including that of soybean - due to
      climatic stress factors that include drastic fluctuations in temperature,
      drought, flooding and high salinity. Genomic information on soybean has been
      accumulating rapidly since initial publication of its reference genome, providing
      a valuable tool for the improvement of cultivated soybean. Not only are many
      molecular markers that are associated with important quantitative trait loci now
      identified, but we also have a more detailed picture of the genomic variations
      among soybean germplasms, enabling us to utilize these as tools to assist crop
      breeding. In this review, we will summarize and discuss the currently available
      soybean genomic approaches, including whole-genome sequencing, sequencing-based
      genotyping, functional genomics, proteomics, and epigenomics. The information
      uncovered through these techniques will help further pinpoint important gene
      candidates and genomic loci associated with adaptive traits, as well as achieving
      a better understanding of how soybeans cope with the changing climate.

PMID- 27660482
TI  - C3 cotyledons are followed by C4 leaves: intra-individual transcriptome analysis
      of Salsola soda (Chenopodiaceae).
AB  - Some species of Salsoleae (Chenopodiaceae) convert from C3 photosynthesis during
      the seedling stage to the C4 pathway in adult leaves. This unique developmental
      transition of photosynthetic pathways offers the exceptional opportunity to
      follow the development of the derived C4 syndrome from the C3 condition within
      individual plants, avoiding phylogenetic noise. Here we investigate Salsola soda,
      a little-studied species from tribe Salsoleae, using an ontogenetic approach.
      Anatomical sections, carbon isotope (delta13C) values, transcriptome analysis by
      means of mRNA sequencing, and protein levels of the key C4 enzyme
      phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) were examined from seed to adult plant
      stages. Despite a previous report, our results based on delta13C values, anatomy
      and transcriptomics clearly indicate a C3 phase during the cotyledon stage.
      During this stage, the entire transcriptional repertoire of the C4 NADP-malic
      enzyme type is detected at low levels compared to a significant increase in true
      leaves. In contrast, abundance of transcripts encoding most of the major
      photorespiratory enzymes is not significantly decreased in leaves compared to
      cotyledons. PEPC polypeptide was detected only in leaves, correlating with
      increased PEPC transcript abundance from the cotyledon to leaf stage.

PMID- 27660485
TI  - Streptococcus pneumoniae sepsis as the initial presentation of systemic lupus
      erythematosus.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Infections are among the most important causes of morbidity and
      mortality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) but are rare
      initial presentation of the disease. Therefore, in this study, we describe a case
      of Streptococcus pneumoniae sepsis in a young woman with previously undiagnosed
      SLE. CASE REPORT: A 23-year-old female patient was admitted to our outpatient
      clinic complaining of high fever (40 degrees C), chills, fatigue, generalized
      myalgia, and cough with brown sputum for 5 days. Blood cultures grew gram
      positive coccus defined as S. pneumoniae using standard procedures. Antinuclear
      antibody was positive at a titer of 1/1,000, and anti-double-stranded DNA was
      positive at 984 IU/mL. She was diagnosed with SLE. Her respiratory symptoms and
      pleural effusion were considered to be due to pulmonary manifestation of SLE.
      CONCLUSION: The underlying immunosuppression caused by SLE could have predisposed
      the patient to invasive pneumococcal disease. It may also occur as a primary
      presenting feature, although a rare condition.

PMID- 27660484
TI  - The genetics of uveal melanoma: current insights.
AB  - Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common malignant eye tumor in adults affecting
      ~7,000 individuals per year worldwide. UM is a rare subtype of melanoma with
      distinct clinical and molecular features as compared to other melanoma subtypes.
      UMs lack the most typical cutaneous melanoma-associated mutations (BRAF, NRAS,
      and NF1) and are instead characterized by a different set of genes with oncogenic
      or loss-of-function mutations. By next-generation sequencing efforts on UM
      tumors, several driver genes have been detected. The most frequent ones are BAP1,
      EIF1AX, GNA11, GNAQ, and SF3B1. In many cases, mutations in these genes appear in
      a mutually exclusive manner, have different risk of metastasis, and are
      consequently of prognostic importance. The majority of UM cases are sporadic but
      a few percentage of the cases occurs in families with an inherited predisposition
      for this malignancy. In recent years, germline mutations in the BAP1 gene have
      been found to segregate in an autosomal dominant pattern with numerous different
      cancer types including UM in cancer-prone families. This cancer syndrome has been
      denoted as the tumor predisposition syndrome. 

PMID- 27660486
TI  - Prognostic value of quantitative sensory testing in low back pain: a systematic
      review of the literature.
AB  - Quantitative sensory testing (QST) measures have recently been shown to predict
      outcomes in various musculoskeletal and pain conditions. The aim of this
      systematic review was to summarize the emerging body of evidence investigating
      the prognostic value of QST measures in people with low back pain (LBP). The
      protocol for this review was prospectively registered on the International
      Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews. An electronic search of six databases
      was conducted from inception to October 2015. Experts in the field were contacted
      to retrieve additional unpublished data. Studies were included if they were
      prospective longitudinal in design, assessed at least one QST measure in people
      with LBP, assessed LBP status at follow-up, and reported the association of QST
      data with LBP status at follow-up. Statistical pooling of results was not
      possible due to heterogeneity between studies. Of 6,408 references screened after
      duplicates removed, three studies were finally included. None of them reported a
      significant association between the QST measures assessed and the LBP outcome.
      Three areas at high risk of bias were identified which potentially compromise the
      validity of these results. Due to the paucity of available studies and the
      methodological shortcomings identified, it remains unknown whether QST measures
      are predictive of outcome in LBP. 

PMID- 27660483
TI  - Functional characterization of the Arabidopsis transcription factor bZIP29
      reveals its role in leaf and root development.
AB  - Plant bZIP group I transcription factors have been reported mainly for their role
      during vascular development and osmosensory responses. Interestingly, bZIP29 has
      been identified in a cell cycle interactome, indicating additional functions of
      bZIP29 in plant development. Here, bZIP29 was functionally characterized to study
      its role during plant development. It is not present in vascular tissue but is
      specifically expressed in proliferative tissues. Genome-wide mapping of bZIP29
      target genes confirmed its role in stress and osmosensory responses, but also
      identified specific binding to several core cell cycle genes and to genes
      involved in cell wall organization. bZIP29 protein complex analyses validated
      interaction with other bZIP group I members and provided insight into regulatory
      mechanisms acting on bZIP dimers. In agreement with bZIP29 expression in
      proliferative tissues and with its binding to promoters of cell cycle regulators,
      dominant-negative repression of bZIP29 altered the cell number in leaves and in
      the root meristem. A transcriptome analysis on the root meristem, however,
      indicated that bZIP29 might regulate cell number through control of cell wall
      organization. Finally, ectopic dominant-negative repression of bZIP29 and
      redundant factors led to a seedling-lethal phenotype, pointing to essential roles
      for bZIP group I factors early in plant development.

PMID- 27660487
TI  - OxyContin was submitted and justifiably approved by the agency as a 12-hour
      dosage form.

PMID- 27660488
TI  - Brain imaging of pain: state of the art.
AB  - Pain is a complex sensory and emotional experience that is heavily influenced by
      prior experience and expectations of pain. Before the development of noninvasive
      human brain imaging, our grasp of the brain's role in pain processing was limited
      to data from postmortem studies, direct recording of brain activity, patient
      experience and stimulation during neurosurgical procedures, and animal models of
      pain. Advances made in neuroimaging have bridged the gap between brain activity
      and the subjective experience of pain and allowed us to better understand the
      changes in the brain that are associated with both acute and chronic pain.
      Additionally, cognitive influences on pain such as attention, anticipation, and
      fear can now be directly observed, allowing for the interpretation of the neural
      basis of the psychological modulation of pain. The use of functional brain
      imaging to measure changes in endogenous neurochemistry has increased our
      understanding of how states of increased resilience and vulnerability to pain are
      maintained. 

PMID- 27660489
TI  - Relationship between self-reported pain sensitivity and pain after total knee
      arthroplasty: a prospective study of 71 patients 8 weeks after a standardized
      fast-track program.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: This was a prospective cohort study assessing data from
      71 adult patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) following a
      standardized fast-track program between January and July 2013. The objective was
      to examine the relationship between self-rated pain sensitivity, as measured by
      the Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire (PSQ), and postoperative pain after TKA.
      METHODS: The baseline questionnaires, PSQ and Brief Pain Inventory, were given to
      the patients for self-administration at the presurgical evaluation (1-2 weeks
      prior to surgery). The follow-up questionnaire, Brief Pain Inventory, was
      administered at the first follow-up, 8 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: A
      statistically significant association was found between average preoperative pain
      and average pain 8 weeks after surgery (P=0.001). The PSQ-minor was statistically
      significantly associated with average pain only for patients younger than 70
      years (P=0.03). INTERPRETATION: This is the first study to examine the
      relationship between pain sensitivity measured by PSQ and postoperative pain in
      patients after TKA. We found that a lower score on the PSQ-minor was
      statistically significantly associated with patients' pain 8 weeks after TKA
      surgery, but only for younger patients. Further research is needed to explore
      whether the PSQ could be a useful screening tool for patients' pain sensitivity
      in clinical settings.

PMID- 27660491
TI  - Five-year risk of HIV diagnosis subsequent to 147 hospital-based indicator
      diseases: a Danish nationwide population-based cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that targeted human immunodeficiency virus
      (HIV) testing programs are cost-effective in populations with an HIV prevalence
      >0.1%. Several indicator diseases are known to be associated with increased risk
      of HIV infection, but estimates of HIV frequency in persons with relevant
      indicator diseases are nonexistent. METHODS: In a nationwide population-based
      cohort study encompassing all Danish residents aged 20-60 years during 1994-2013,
      we estimated the 5-year risk of an HIV diagnosis (FYRHD) after a first-time
      diagnosis of 147 prespecified potential indicator diseases. To estimate the risk
      of HIV diagnosis in the general population without any indicator diseases, we
      calculated the FYRHD starting at age 25, 35, 45, and 55 years. RESULTS: The risk
      in the male general population was substantially higher than the female general
      population, and the risk was lower in the older age categories. Individuals of
      African origin had a higher FYRHD than individuals of Danish origin. A number of
      diseases were identified with a FYRHD >0.1%, with infectious diseases, such as
      syphilis, hepatitis, and endocarditis, associated with a particularly high FYRHD.
      Other potential indicator diseases, such as most urologic, nephrologic,
      rheumatologic, and endocrine disorders were generally associated with a low
      FYRHD. CONCLUSION: Our study identified a large number of indicator diseases
      associated with a FYRHD >0.1%. These data can be used as a tool for planning
      targeted HIV screening programs.

PMID- 27660490
TI  - Association between Global Assessment of Functioning scores and indicators of
      functioning, severity, and prognosis in first-time schizophrenia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Assessment of psychosocial functioning in people with schizophrenia
      is important. The Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF-F) scale represents a
      widely applied, easy, and quick tool, but its validity and reliability have been
      debated. The aim was to investigate whether GAF-F scores are associated with
      other indicators of functioning, severity, and hospitalization. METHODS: A Danish
      population-based cohort study of adults (>=18 years) with a recorded GAF-F score
      at first-time schizophrenia diagnosis during 2004-2011 was performed. The
      internal validity of GAF-F was evaluated by assessing its association with other
      baseline measures of functioning and illness severity. Risk of schizophrenia
      hospitalization within 2 years was evaluated using Cox regression stratified by
      sex and adjusted for age, year of diagnosis, and inpatient/outpatient status at
      diagnosis. RESULTS: We identified 2,837 cases of schizophrenia with a GAF-F score
      at first-time diagnosis (73.0% inpatients; 62.6% males). GAF-F was associated
      with several baseline measures of functioning and illness severity, such as
      female sex, being in work, and a longer baseline hospitalization. Lower GAF-F
      scores were associated with higher hospitalization risk among males (reference
      GAF-F 61-100): GAF-F 51-60: hazard rate ratio (HRR) =1.24 (95% confidence
      interval [CI] =0.89-1.75); GAF-F 41-50: HRR =1.31 (95% CI =0.97-1.77); GAF-F 31
      40: HRR =1.36 (95% CI =1.01-1.82); GAF-F 21-30: HRR =1.50 (95% CI =1.09-2.06);
      and GAF-F 1-20: HRR =2.30 (95% CI =1.36-3.90), fitting a dose-response
      relationship (P=0.031). This association was not found in females. CONCLUSION:
      GAF-F at first-time schizophrenia diagnosis showed good internal validity against
      other measures of functionality in a Danish hospital setting. Severe impairment
      (as measured by the GAF-F score) at first-time schizophrenia diagnosis was
      associated with a higher risk of 2-year hospitalization among males, which may
      indicate sex differences in the course of disease and treatment response.

PMID- 27660492
TI  - Experiences of social support among women presenting for obstetric fistula repair
      surgery in Tanzania.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: An obstetric fistula is a childbirth injury resulting in
      uncontrollable leakage of urine and/or feces and can lead to physical and
      psychological challenges, including social isolation. Prior to and after fistula
      repair surgery, social support can help a woman to reintegrate into her
      community. The aim of this study was to preliminarily examine the experiences of
      social support among Tanzanian women presenting with obstetric fistula in the
      periods immediately preceding obstetric fistula repair surgery and following
      reintegration. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study used a mixed-methods design to
      analyze cross-sectional surveys (n=59) and in-depth interviews (n=20). RESULTS:
      Women reported widely varying levels of social support from family members and
      partners, with half of the sample reporting overall high levels of social
      support. For women experiencing lower levels of support, fistula often
      exacerbated existing problems in relationships, sometimes directly causing
      separation or divorce. Many women were assertive and resilient with regard to
      advocating for their fistula care and relationship needs. CONCLUSION: Our data
      suggest that while some women endure negative social experiences following an
      obstetric fistula and require additional resources and services, many women
      report high levels of social support from family members and partners, which may
      be harnessed to improve the holistic care for patients.

PMID- 27660494
TI  - A randomized controlled trial of a videoconferencing smoking cessation
      intervention for Korean American women: preliminary findings.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Korean women are reluctant to pursue in-person smoking cessation
      treatment due to stigma attached to women smokers and prefer treatment such as
      telephone and online smoking cessation programs that they can access secretively
      at home. However, there is some evidence that face-to-face interaction is the
      most helpful intervention component for them to quit smoking. METHODS: This study
      is a pilot clinical trial that examined the acceptability and feasibility of a
      videoconferencing smoking cessation intervention for Korean American women and
      compared its preliminary efficacy with a telephone-based intervention. Women of
      Korean ethnicity were recruited nationwide in the United States and randomly
      assigned at a ratio of 1:1 to either a video arm or a telephone arm. Both arms
      received eight 30-minute weekly individualized counseling sessions of a deep
      cultural smoking cessation intervention and nicotine patches for 8 weeks.
      Participants were followed over 3 months from the quit day. RESULTS: The
      videoconferencing intervention was acceptable and feasible for Korean women aged
      <50 years, whereas it was not for older women. Self-reported abstinence was high
      at 67% and 48% for the video and telephone arm at 1 month post-quit,
      respectively. The rates declined to 33% for the video arm and 28% for the
      telephone arm at 3 months post-quit when salivary cotinine test was performed.
      CONCLUSION: Findings support that both videoconferencing and telephone counseling
      can be effective, and personal preference is likely an important factor in
      treatment matching. The deep cultural smoking cessation intervention may account
      for the outcomes of telephone counseling being better than prior studies in the
      literature for Korean women.

PMID- 27660495
TI  - Atypical oculopalatal tremor as the presentation of vertebral artery
      dolichoectasia.
AB  - Vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia (VBD) is a rare dilative arteriopathy defined as
      elongation or widening of the intracranial vertebral and/or basilar arteries. The
      prevalence ranges from 0.06% to 5.8%. The majority of VBDs are asymptomatic.
      Downbeat nystagmus has been reported as a component of an infrequent ocular
      movement disorder in VBD. Nevertheless, oculopalatal tremor (OPT), delayed
      sequelae of a brainstem lesion, has never been demonstrated in VBD cases.
      Synchronized rhythmic involuntary contractions of the soft palate with an ocular
      pendular nystagmus, predominantly vertical pendular nystagmus, are the hallmark
      presentation. Our case demonstrated a 50-year-old female who presented with 3
      month history of oscillopsia. Examination showed binocular conjugate torsional
      jerk nystagmus simultaneous with a contraction of the soft palate, defined as an
      atypical OPT, resulting from dolichoectatic left vertebral artery compressing on
      medulla, demonstrated by magnetic resonance imaging. Bilateral conjugate
      torsional jerk nystagmus simultaneous with palatal tremor, considering as an
      atypical OPT, should be included as one of the symptomatic presentations of
      vertebral artery dolichoectasia in spite of its rarity. 

PMID- 27660493
TI  - Pregnancy in women with thalassemia: challenges and solutions.
AB  - Advances in treatment of thalassemia have led to the aging of thalassemic
      patients, and consequently concern about successful reproductive outcome is
      augmented. Although women with thalassemia intermedia only were considered
      competent of achieving pregnancy, case series reveal the willingness of both
      thalassemia major and thalassemia intermedia women to have a family. Pregnancy in
      general is characterized by dynamic multiple-system changes and increased
      susceptibility to oxidative stress, while homozygous, transfusion-dependent, beta
      thalassemia patients manifest cardiac, hepatic, endocrine, and metabolic
      disorders attributable to chronic anoxia and iron overload and thalassemia
      intermedia, usually nontransfused, is associated with augmented risk of
      thromboembolic events. Pregnancy in thalassemia should be considered a high risk
      for both mother and fetus, and favorable outcomes are the result of continuous
      preconception, antenatal, and postpartum assessment and management by a team of
      thalassemia experts. 

PMID- 27660496
TI  - Acceptance of a reusable self-injection device for recombinant human growth
      hormone: final data from a questionnaire-based, cross-sectional, international,
      multicenter, observational study in pediatric patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A questionnaire-based survey was conducted to assess attitudes toward
      a reusable self-injection system (SurePalTM) among pediatric patients with growth
      disturbances who were prescribed treatment with Omnitrope((r)) within routine
      clinical practice. METHODS: This was a multicenter, observational study,
      incorporated into the noninterventional PAtients TReated with Omnitrope((r))
      (PATRO) Children study. Included subjects, or their caregivers, completed a
      questionnaire on the following five main areas: attractiveness of SurePalTM,
      training received, using the device, the low drug wastage system, and experience
      versus other devices used previously (pretreated patients). Responses were based
      on a 5-point scale, with 2 being the best possible outcome and -2 the worst
      possible outcome. RESULTS: In total, 550 patients were included in this study
      (338 from France, 169 from Germany, and 43 from the UK). The mean age +/-
      standard deviation of participants was 10.8+/-3.5 years; the majority (57%) were
      male and growth hormone treatment naive (88%). Almost half (49.8%) of children
      prepared their SurePalTM for injection themselves and 45.5% performed injections
      themselves. As patients progressed into their teens, the majority (>=75%) favored
      preparing SurePalTM and performing injections themselves, rather than seeking
      assistance. The attractiveness of SurePalTM was rated as excellent/good by 84.7%
      of patients overall; this rating was similarly high (>=79%) across countries and
      age-groups. Preparing (88.8%) and using (83.3%) SurePalTM were rated as very
      easy/easy by most patients; these ratings were similarly high, irrespective of
      country or age-group. The dose-memory function was rated as very helpful/helpful
      by 66.2% of patients. Among 246 patients who reported using the low drug-waste
      feature, 87.4% found it helpful. Among pretreated patients (n=64), 78.2% reported
      that SurePalTM was much better/better than their previous device. CONCLUSION:
      These data confirm the ease of use and patient preference for SurePalTM among
      pediatric patients with growth disturbances.

PMID- 27660497
TI  - Study on Expression Modes and Cleavage Role of miR156b/c/d and its Target Gene Vv
      SPL9 During the Whole Growth Stage of Grapevine.
AB  - miR156 regulates the expression of its target SPL (PROMOTER BINDING-LIKE) genes
      during flower and fruit development, diverse developmental stage transitions,
      especially from vegetative to reproductive growth phases, by cleaving the target
      mRNA SPL of one plant-specific transcription factor. However, systematic reports
      on grapevine have yet to be presented. Here, the precise sequence of miR156 (vvi
      miR156b/c/d) in grapevine "Takatsuma" was cloned with a previously cloned
      grapevine SPL (Vv-SPL9). Expression profiles in 18 grapevine tissues were
      identified through stem-loop RT-PCR. The interaction mode between vvi-miR156b/c/d
      and Vv-SPL9 was further validated by detecting the cleavage site and cleavage
      products of 3'- and 5'-ends via an integrated approach of 5'-RLM-RACE (RNA ligase
      mediated 5'-rapid amplification of cDNA ends), 3'-PPM-RACE (poly(A) polymerase
      mediated 3'-rapid amplification of cDNA ends), and qRT-PCR (real time reverse
      transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction). The variation in their cleavage roles
      in the whole growth stage of grapevine was also systematically investigated.
      Results showed that vvi-miR156b/c/d exhibited typical temporal-spatial-specific
      expression levels. The expression levels were higher in vegetative organs, such
      as leaf, than in reproductive organs, such as tendrils, flowers, and berries. A
      significant variation was observed during vegetative-to-reproductive transition.
      The expression patterns of Vv-SPL9 showed the opposite trends with those of vvi
      miR156b. We confirmed that the cleavage site was at the 10th site of vvi
      miR156b/c/d complementary to Vv-SPL9 in "Takatsuma" grapevine. We also identified
      the temporal-spatial variation of the cleavage products. This variation can
      indicate the regulatory function of miR156 on SPL in grapevines. Our findings
      provide further insights into the functions of vvi-miR156b/c/d and its target Vv
      SPL9, and also help enrich our knowledge of small RNA-mediated regulation in
      grapevine.

PMID- 27660498
TI  - Mapping Prolificacy QTL in Maize and Teosinte.
AB  - Teosinte, the ancestor of maize, possesses multiple ears at each node along its
      main stalk, whereas maize has only a single ear at each node. With its greater
      ear number, teosinte is referred to as being more prolific. The grassy tillers 1
      (gt1) gene has been identified as a large-effect quantitative trait locus
      underlying this prolificacy difference between maize and teosinte, and the causal
      polymorphism for the difference was mapped to a 2.7kb control region 5' of the
      gt1 ORF. The most common maize haplotype (M1) at the gt1 control region confers
      low prolificacy. A prior study reported that 29% of maize varieties possess the
      teosinte haplotype (T) for the control region, although these varieties are
      nonprolific. This observation suggested that these maize lines might possess an
      additional factor, other than gt1, suppressing prolificacy in maize. We
      discovered that the factor suppressing prolificacy in maize varieties with the
      gt1 T haplotype mapped to a 3.20 cM interval, which includes gt1 Subsequent DNA
      sequence analysis revealed that the maize varieties with the apparent T haplotype
      actually possess a distinct maize haplotype (M2) that is similar, but not
      identical, to the T haplotype in sequence but is associated with a nonprolific
      phenotype similar to the M1 haplotype. Our data indicate that the M2 haplotype or
      a closely linked factor confers a nonprolific phenotype. Our data suggest that 2
      different alleles or haplotypes (M1 and M2) of gt1 were selected during
      domestication, and that nonprolificacy in all maize varieties is likely a result
      of allele substitutions at gt1.

PMID- 27660499
TI  - Bilateral acute closed angle glaucoma associated with the discontinuation of
      escitalopram: a case report.
AB  - A 45-year-old woman presented to the Emergency Department complaining of severe
      headache for 3 hours duration associated with bilateral blurred vision,
      photophobia, and one attack of vomiting. Her clinical examination revealed normal
      vital signs and decrease in visual acuity with hazy cornea bilaterally. There
      were no signs of increased intracranial pressure and no neck rigidity or
      meningeal signs. The patient was diagnosed with bilateral acute closed angle
      glaucoma (AACG) with intraocular pressure of 60 mmHg in both eyes. She was using
      escitalopram for the treatment of depression, which was the only known risk
      factor for her condition. Standard treatment for AACG was provided. It included
      topical beta-blocker, alpha agonists, and acetazolamide. This was followed by
      bilateral peripheral iridotomy. Follow-up intraocular pressure measurement
      revealed a value of 5 mmHg after 24 hours, indicating complete recovery. To the
      best of our knowledge, this is the first case to describe AACG after stopping the
      medication. It is highly important that clinicians be aware of this risk factor
      for AACG and have high index of suspicion in such patients with vision
      threatening condition even after discontinuing the medication, because the risk
      persists for some time. 

PMID- 27660500
TI  - Clinical outcomes of 3-year experience of targeted temperature management in
      patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest at Songklanagarind Hospital in
      Southern Thailand: an analysis of the MICU-TTM registry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is one of the leading causes of
      intensive care unit admission, which results in high hospital mortality. Targeted
      temperature management (TTM) was introduced several years ago and is considered
      to improve neurological and mortality outcomes. This management process was
      implemented in our hospital in 2012, which was expected to improve the standard
      of care in OHCA patients. PURPOSE: We aimed to report the clinical and mortality
      outcomes after TTM was introduced to our hospital in 2012. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      An analysis of data from the Medical Intensive Care Unit-TTM registry between
      2012 and 2015 was performed. After successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation, TTM
      was applied to all OHCA patients regardless of causes if there was no
      contraindication. The Cerebral Performance Category scale score and other
      clinical outcomes were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: Out of 23 patients, 87%
      were male and the mean age was 54.5+/-18.1 years. The causes of OHCA from cardiac
      etiology comprised 52.2%. The most common initial cardiac rhythm was ventricular
      fibrillation (47.8%). The survival rate to hospital discharge was 47.8% (11/23),
      but neurological outcomes were in a persistent vegetative state (8/11, 72.7%).
      The group with poor neurological outcomes had a significantly higher Acute
      Physiologic Assessment and Chronic Health Evaluation II score than the group with
      good neurological outcomes (22.9+/-4.2 vs 16.0+/-3.6, P=0.01). In the
      multivariate analysis, initial shockable rhythm was associated with survival at
      hospital discharge (odds ratio 10.1, 95% confidence interval 1.1-94.3, P=0.04).
      CONCLUSION: TTM in OHCA patients gave better mortality benefits compared to our
      previous records, despite poor neurological outcomes. Ventilator-associated
      pneumonia was the major complication of TTM. Therefore, TTM should be considered
      in OHCA patients, especially in shockable rhythms, after return of spontaneous
      circulation.

PMID- 27660501
TI  - Diagnosis and prevention of overtraining syndrome: an opinion on education
      strategies.
AB  - Overtraining syndrome is a condition of maladapted physiology in the setting of
      excessive exercise without adequate rest. The exact etiology and pathogenesis are
      unknown and being investigated. Symptoms are multisystem in nature and often
      representative of underlying hormonal, immunologic, neurologic, and psychologic
      disturbances. Unfortunately, systematic review of the literature does not clearly
      direct diagnosis, management, or prevention. However, given the severity of
      symptoms and impairment to quality of life, prevention of overtraining syndrome
      should be considered by all who interact with endurance athletes. This article
      will provide suggestions for management of at-risk athletes despite absence of
      validated diagnostic tests and preventative measures. 

PMID- 27660502
TI  - How do laboratory technicians perceive their role in the tuberculosis diagnostic
      process? A cross-sectional study among laboratory technicians in health centers
      of Central Java Province, Indonesia.
AB  - PURPOSE: Detection of acid-fast bacilli in respiratory specimens serves as an
      initial pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis. Laboratories are the essential and
      fundamental part of all health systems. This study aimed to describe how
      laboratory technicians perceived their own self and work. This included perceived
      self-efficacy, perceived role, perceived equipment availability, perceived
      procedures, perceived reward and job, and perceived benefit of health education,
      as well as level of knowledge and attitudes related to work performance of
      laboratory technicians. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional quantitative study
      involving 120 laboratory technicians conducted in Central Java. Interviews and
      observation were conducted to measure performance and work-related variables.
      RESULTS: Among 120 laboratory technicians, 43.3% showed fairly good performance.
      They complied with 50%-75% of all procedures, including sputum collection,
      laboratory tools utilization, sputum smearing, staining, smear examination,
      grading of results, and universal precaution practice. Perceived role, perceived
      self-efficacy, and knowledge of laboratory procedures were significantly
      correlated to performance, besides education and years of working as a laboratory
      technician. Perceived equipment availability was also significantly correlated to
      performance after the education variable was controlled. CONCLUSION: Most of the
      laboratory technicians believed that they have an important role in TB patients'
      treatment and should display proper self-efficacy in performing laboratory
      activities. The result may serve as a basic consideration to develop a policy for
      enhancing motivation of laboratory technicians in order to improve the TB control
      program.

PMID- 27660503
TI  - Effectiveness of the behavior change intervention to improve harm reduction self
      efficacy among people who inject drugs in Thailand.
AB  - BACKGROUND: People who inject drugs (PWID) in Thailand reported unsafe injection
      practices resulting in injection-related health consequences. Harm reduction self
      efficacy plays an important role and could be improved to reduce harm associated
      with injecting drugs. Evidence-based interventions targeting PWID are needed.
      This study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of the behavior change
      intervention within the PWID population. METHODS: The behavior change
      intervention, Triple-S, was designed to improve harm reduction self-efficacy
      among PWID. This quasi-experimental study was a pre- and post-comparison with a
      control group design. Participants were PWID, aged 18-45 years, and located in
      Bangkok. Changes in harm reduction self-efficacy of the intervention group were
      compared with the control group using paired and independent t-test. RESULTS:
      Most of PWID were male (84%), had a secondary school and lower education (71%),
      were single, and had a mean age of 41 years. They had been injecting drugs for an
      average of 20 years, and the median of drug injections per week was ten times in
      the past month. Pre- and post-intervention effects were measured and results
      showed that the intervention group reported improvement in harm reduction self
      efficacy in negative emotional conditions (P=0.048). CONCLUSION: Our findings
      suggest that Triple-S intervention can significantly improve harm reduction self
      efficacy in negative emotional conditions. The results may suggest the importance
      of behavior change intervention, especially when integrated with services
      provided by drop-in centers. The intervention can be further developed to cover
      other harm reduction behaviors and improve harm reduction self-efficacy.

PMID- 27660504
TI  - David Kasner, MD, and the Road to Pars Plana Vitrectomy.
AB  - David Kasner, MD (1927-2001), used his extensive dissections of eye bank eyes and
      experiences in teaching cataract surgery to resident physicians to realize that
      excision of vitreous when present in the anterior chamber of eyes undergoing
      cataract surgery was preferable to prior intraoperative procedures. Noting that
      eyes tolerated his maneuvers, he then performed planned subtotal open-sky
      vitrectomies; first on a traumatized eye in 1961, then on two eyes of patients
      with amyloidosis (1966-1967). The success of these operations was noted by
      others, most particularly Robert Machemer, MD. Kasner's work directly led to
      further surgical developments, including closed pars plana vitrectomy. 

PMID- 27660505
TI  - Acquired Hemophilia A May Be Associated with Ticagrelor Therapy in a 52-Year-Old
      Man After a Recent Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty.
AB  - We present a case report of a 52-year-old man who was hospitalized for right leg
      pain due to a relevant hemorrhagic effusion. He was on dual antiplatelet therapy
      (DAPT): acetylsalicylic acid and ticagrelor, a reversible P2Y12 receptor
      antagonist. Signs, symptoms, and laboratory blood tests led to the diagnosis of
      acquired hemophilia A (AHA). Ticagrelor therapy-associated AHA was hypothesized
      due to the fact that, before adding this drug, all laboratory and clinical
      examinations were repeatedly normal. Prednisone and cyclophosphamide treatment
      was started without DAPT interruption due to the high risk of stent thrombosis.
      After 10 days, prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time dropped from 107
      to 49 seconds, the patient's factor VIII (FVIII) levels gradually normalized over
      the following few weeks, and FVIII inhibitor titer was negative. Recently, some
      reports have established a link between the development of AHA and treatment with
      clopidogrel, an irreversible P2Y12 receptor antagonist. However, to the best of
      our knowledge, this is the first time that a link between AHA and ticagrelor has
      been reported. 

PMID- 27660506
TI  - Monitoring Metastasis and Cachexia in a Patient with Breast Cancer: A Case Study.
AB  - Cachexia, a wasting syndrome associated with advanced cancer and metastasis, is
      rarely documented in breast cancer patients. However, the incidence of cachexia
      in breast cancer is now thought to be largely underestimated. In our case report
      of a breast cancer patient with bone metastasis monitored during the course of
      her treatment, we document the development of cachexia by image analysis in
      relation to her metastatic burden. Elucidation of the link between metastatic
      burden and cachexia could unveil a highly specific screening process for
      metastasis, by assessing true muscle mass loss. Our patient was a 49-year-old
      premenopausal woman, with metastatic invasive ductal breast carcinoma in the
      vertebral and iliac bones on presentation, which progressed with new metastases
      to her hips, thigh bones, and vertebrae. In the two-year period, that is between
      her diagnosis and death, she lost >10% of her baseline weight. During these two
      years, we retrospectively identified a decrease in paraspinal muscle (PM) at the
      third lumbar vertebra followed by a sharp decline in weight. The increased tumor
      burden over time in metastatic sites was accompanied by a decrease in abdominal
      muscle and visceral and subcutaneous fat and was followed by the patient's
      demise. The increasing tumor burden in the patient was correlated with the mass
      of other tissues to determine the tissue that could best serve as a surrogate
      marker to cachexia and tumor burden. We noted a strong negative correlation
      between PM area and metastatic tumor area at the third lumbar vertebral level,
      with PM loss correlating to increasing tumor burden. The monitoring of PM wasting
      may serve as a marker, and therefore a prognostic factor, for both cachexia and
      extent of metastatic disease, especially in breast cancer, where metastasis to
      bone is frequent. Based on our data and review of the literature in this case
      study, longitudinal monitoring of cachexia in the selected muscle groups can give
      clinicians early indications of the extent of cachexia in metastatic breast
      cancer patients. 

PMID- 27660507
TI  - The economic effects of supporting tuberculosis-affected households in Peru.
AB  - The End TB Strategy mandates that no tuberculosis (TB)-affected households face
      catastrophic costs due to TB. However, evidence is limited to evaluate
      socioeconomic support to achieve this change in policy and practice. The
      objective of the present study was to investigate the economic effects of a TB
      specific socioeconomic intervention.The setting was 32 shantytown communities in
      Peru. The participants were from households of consecutive TB patients throughout
      TB treatment administered by the national TB programme. The intervention
      consisted of social support through household visits and community meetings, and
      economic support through cash transfers conditional upon TB screening in
      household contacts, adhering to TB treatment/chemoprophylaxis and engaging with
      social support. Data were collected to assess TB-affected household costs.
      Patient interviews were conducted at treatment initiation and then monthly for 6
      months.From February 2014 to June 2015, 312 households were recruited, of which
      135 were randomised to receive the intervention. Cash transfer total value
      averaged US$173 (3.5% of TB-affected households' average annual income) and
      mitigated 20% of households' TB-related costs. Households randomised to receive
      the intervention were less likely to incur catastrophic costs (30% (95% CI 22
      38%) versus 42% (95% CI 34-51%)). The mitigation impact was higher among poorer
      households.The TB-specific socioeconomic intervention reduced catastrophic costs
      and was accessible to poorer households. Socioeconomic support and mitigating
      catastrophic costs are integral to the End TB strategy, and our findings inform
      implementation of these new policies.

PMID- 27660508
TI  - Profiling nitric oxide metabolites in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial
      hypertension.
AB  - Intact nitric oxide (NO) signalling is critical to maintaining appropriate
      pulmonary vascular tone. NO bioavailability is reduced in patients with pulmonary
      arterial hypertension. This study aimed to examine the impact of NO plasma
      metabolites (NOx) relative to haemodynamic dysfunction and mortality in patients
      with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH).A total of 104 consecutive
      adult IPAH patients who had undergone genetic counselling when first diagnosed
      were enrolled in this prospective study.The median concentration of NOx (MUmol.L
      1) was significantly lower in IPAH patients compared with healthy subjects, and
      was decreased further in 19 carriers of the bone morphogenetic protein-receptor
      type-2 (BMPR2) mutation compared to non-carriers. Reduced concentrations of NOx
      were correlated with mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP), pulmonary vascular
      resistance (PVR) and cardiac output. Compared with higher baseline NOx
      concentrations, patients with a NOx concentration of <=10 MUmol.L-1 had a
      markedly worse survival. After adjustment for clinical features, a BMPR2 mutation
      and haemodynamics, a lower NOx level remained an increased risk of
      mortality.Patients with IPAH had lower levels of plasma NOx, which correlated
      inversely with mPAP, PVR and survival. Plasma NOx may be an important biomarker
      and prognostic indicator, suggesting that reduced NO synthesis contributes to the
      pathogenesis of IPAH.

PMID- 27660509
TI  - Surgical lung biopsy for the diagnosis of interstitial lung disease in England:
      1997-2008.
AB  - International guidelines and new targeted therapies for idiopathic pulmonary
      fibrosis have increased the need for accurate diagnosis of interstitial lung
      disease (ILD), which may lead to more surgical lung biopsies. This study aimed to
      assess the risk of this procedure in patients from the UK.We used Hospital
      Episodes Statistics data from 1997 to 2008 to assess the frequency of surgical
      lung biopsy for ILD in England, UK. We identified cardiothoracic surgical
      patients using International Classification of Diseases revision 10 codes for ILD
      and Office of Population Censuses and Surveys Classification of Interventions and
      Procedures version 4 codes for surgical lung biopsy. We excluded those with lung
      resections or lung cancer. We estimated in-hospital, 30-day and 90-day mortality
      following the procedure, and linked to cause of death using data from the UK
      Office of National Statistics.We identified 2820 patients with ILD undergoing
      surgical lung biopsy during the 12-year period. The number of biopsies increased
      over the time period studied. In-hospital, 30-day and 90-day mortality were 1.7%,
      2.4% and 3.9%, respectively. Male sex, increasing age, increasing comorbidity and
      open surgery were risk factors for mortality.Surgical lung biopsy for ILD has a
      similar mortality to lobectomy for lung cancer, and clinicians and patients
      should understand the likely risks involved.

PMID- 27660510
TI  - Acromegaly in sleep apnoea patients: a large observational study of 755 patients.

PMID- 27660511
TI  - Bosutinib therapy resulting in severe deterioration of pre-existing pulmonary
      arterial hypertension.

PMID- 27660512
TI  - Exercise cardiac MRI-derived right ventriculo-arterial coupling ratio detects
      early right ventricular maladaptation in PAH.

PMID- 27660513
TI  - Survival of Mycobacterium abscessus isolated from people with cystic fibrosis in
      artificially generated aerosols.

PMID- 27660514
TI  - Lower lung function associates with cessation of menstruation: UK Biobank data.
AB  - Little is known about the effect of cessation of menstruation on lung function.
      The aims of the study were to examine the association of lung function with
      natural and surgical cessation of menstruation, and assess whether lower lung
      function is associated with earlier age at cessation of menstruation.The study
      was performed in 141 076 women from the UK Biobank, who had provided acceptable
      and reproducible spirometry measurements and information on menstrual status. The
      associations of lung function (forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory
      volume in 1 s (FEV1), spirometric restriction (FVC < lower limit of normal
      (LLN)), airflow obstruction (FEV1/FVC <LLN)) with cessation of menstruation and
      age at cessation of menstruation were assessed using regression analysis.Women
      who had natural cessation of menstruation showed a lower FVC (-42 mL; 95% CI -53-
      -30) and FEV1 (-34 mL; 95% CI -43- -24) and higher risk of spirometric
      restriction (adjusted odds ratio 1.27; 95% CI 1.18-1.37) than women still
      menstruating. These associations were stronger in women who had had a
      hysterectomy and/or oophorectomy. The earlier the natural cessation of
      menstruation, the lower the lung function. There was no clear association of lung
      function with age at hysterectomy and/or oophorectomy. Airflow obstruction was
      not associated with cessation of menstruation.Lower lung function associates with
      cessation of menstruation, especially if it occurs early in life.

PMID- 27660515
TI  - The effect of smoking on lung function: a clinical study of adult-onset asthma.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of smoking on lung function
      decline in adult-onset asthma in a clinical, 12-year follow-up study.In the
      Seinajoki Adult Asthma Study, 203 patients were followed for 12 years (1999-2013)
      after diagnosis of new-onset adult asthma. Patients were divided into two groups
      based on smoking history: <10 or >=10 pack-years. Spirometry evaluation points
      were: 1) baseline, 2) the maximum lung function during the first 2.5 years after
      diagnosis (Max0-2.5) and 3) after 12 years of follow-up.Between Max0-2.5 and
      follow-up, the median annual decline in absolute forced expiratory volume in 1 s
      (FEV1) was 36 mL in the group of patients with <10 pack-years of smoking and 54
      mL in those with smoking history >=10 pack-years (p=0.003). The annual declines
      in FEV1 % pred (p=0.006), forced vital capacity (FVC) (p=0.035) and FEV1/FVC
      (p=0.045) were also accelerated in the group of patients with >=10 pack-years
      smoked. In multivariate regression analysis, smoking history >=10 pack-years
      became a significant predictor of accelerated decline in FEV1Among patients with
      clinically defined adult-onset asthma, smoking history >=10 pack-years is
      associated with accelerated loss of lung function.

PMID- 27660516
TI  - Sarcoidosis-related mortality in France: a multiple-cause-of-death analysis.
AB  - We evaluated mortality rates and underlying causes of death among French
      decedents with sarcoidosis from 2002 to 2011.We used data from the French
      Epidemiological Centre for the Medical Causes of Death to 1) calculate
      sarcoidosis-related mortality rates, 2) examine differences by age and gender, 3)
      determine underlying and nonunderlying causes of death, 4) compare with the
      general population (observed/expected ratios), and 5) analyse regional
      differences.1662 death certificates mentioning sarcoidosis were recorded. The age
      standardised mortality rate was 3.6 per million population and significantly
      increased over the study period. The mean age at death was 70.4 years (versus
      76.2 years for the general population). The most common underlying cause of death
      was sarcoidosis. Sarcoidosis decedents were more likely to be males when aged <65
      years. When sarcoidosis was the underlying cause of death, the main other
      mentions on death certificates were chronic respiratory and cardiovascular
      diseases. The overall observed/expected ratio was >1 for infectious disease,
      tuberculosis and chronic respiratory disease, and <1 for neoplasms. We observed a
      north-south gradient of age-standardised mortality ratio at the country
      level.Despite the limitation of possibly capturing the more severe cases of
      sarcoidosis, this study may help define and prioritise preventive interventions.

PMID- 27660517
TI  - Outcome during and after anticoagulant therapy in cancer patients with
      incidentally found pulmonary embolism.
AB  - Current guidelines suggest treating cancer patients with incidental pulmonary
      embolism comparably to patients with symptomatic pulmonary embolism.We used the
      Registro Informatizado de Enfermedad TromboEmbolica (RIETE) registry to compare
      the rate of major bleeding and symptomatic pulmonary embolism during the course
      of anticoagulation and after its discontinuation in cancer patients with
      incidental pulmonary embolism.As of March 2016, 715 cancer patients with
      incidental pulmonary embolism had been enrolled in RIETE. During the course of
      anticoagulant therapy (mean 235 days), the rate of major bleeding was higher than
      the rate of symptomatic pulmonary embolism (10.1 (95% CI 7.48-13.4) versus 3.17
      (95% CI 1.80-5.19) events per 100 patient-years, respectively), and the rate of
      fatal bleeding was higher than the rate of fatal pulmonary embolism (2.66 (95% CI
      1.44-4.52) versus 0.66 (95% CI 0.17-1.81) deaths per 100 patient-years,
      respectively). After discontinuing anticoagulation (mean follow-up 117 days), the
      rate of major bleeding was lower than the rate of symptomatic pulmonary embolism
      (3.00 (95% CI 1.10-6.65) versus 8.37 (95% CI 4.76-13.7) events per 100 patient
      years, respectively); however, there were no differences in the rate of fatal
      events at one death each.The risk/benefit ratio of anticoagulant therapy in
      cancer patients with incidental pulmonary embolism is uncertain and must be
      evaluated in further studies.

PMID- 27660519
TI  - The Mechanisms of the Regulation of Immune Response in Patients with Comorbidity
      of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Asthma.
AB  - Background. Comorbidity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and
      asthma (asthma COPD overlap syndrome, ACOS) is a significant problem in pulmonary
      practice, whose pathogenetic issues are not clarified yet. Objective. To study
      the features of the regulation of immune response in patients with comorbid COPD
      and asthma. Methods. We assessed the levels of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+/CD8+,
      CD19+, CD25+, HLA-DR, total IgE, TNF-alpha, IL-4, IFN-gamma, TXB2, and LTB4 in
      patients with comorbid COPD and asthma. Results. The study involved 44 people
      with COPD, 39 people with asthma, and 12 people with comorbid COPD and asthma.
      The specific features in comorbid COPD and asthma were lymphocytosis, increased
      absolute count of T-helper cells, increased cytotoxic T-lymphocytes in relative
      and absolute count, increased relative and absolute numbers of B-lymphocytes, and
      high levels of total IgE. The elevated levels of TNF-alpha and IL-4 and
      inhibition of IFN-gamma production were detected. The content of LTB4 was
      maximal; TXB2 levels were higher than in control group but lower than in COPD and
      asthma. Conclusion. In comorbid COPD and asthma inflammation increased even
      during stable period. High levels of eicosanoids, low production of Th1-type
      cytokines, and active synthesis of opposition IL-4, along with increased IgE,
      indicate the activation of Th2-type immune response.

PMID- 27660520
TI  - A new spider species, Heser stoevi sp. nov., from Turkmenistan (Araneae:
      Gnaphosidae).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The genus Heser (Araneae, Gnaphosidae) belongs to the Zelotes group,
      and is currently known to comprise 10 species distributed in Africa, Asia, Europe
      and North America. The type species is Heser malefactor Tuneva, 2004 from
      Kazakhstan. NEW INFORMATION: A new spider species, Heser stoevi sp. nov. (male
      and female) found in Koytendag Mountains, southeastern Turkmenistan is described
      and illustrated. It is morphologically close to H. aradensis (Levy, 1998) from
      Israel but can be readily distinguished by the longer embolus, the smaller and
      flattened conductor, the lack of retrolateral tibial apophysis, all this coupled
      with very distinctive female copulatory organs. The new species was found under
      stones in arid grassland habitats.

PMID- 27660518
TI  - Modulation of Immune Responses by Exosomes Derived from Antigen-Presenting Cells.
AB  - Exosome-mediated signaling is important in mediating the inflammatory response.
      To exert their biological or pathophysiological functions in the recipient cells,
      exosomes deliver a diverse array of biomacromolecules including long and short
      coding and non-coding RNAs, proteins, and lipids. Exosomes secreted by antigen
      presenting cells can confer therapeutic benefits by attenuating or stimulating
      the immune response. Exosomes play a crucial role in carrying and presenting
      functional major histocompatibility peptide complexes to modulate antigen
      specific T cell responses. Exosomes from Dendritic Cells (DCs) can activate T and
      B cells and have been explored for their immunostimulatory properties in cancer
      therapy. The immunosuppressive properties of exosomes derived from macrophages
      and DCs can reduce inflammation in animal models for several inflammatory
      disorders. This review focuses on the protective role of exosomes in attenuating
      inflammation or augmenting immune response, emphasizing studies on exosomes
      derived from DCs and macrophages. 

PMID- 27660521
TI  - AxIOM: Amphipod crustaceans from insular Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Neptune grass, Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile, 1813, is the most
      widespread seagrass of the Mediterranean Sea. This foundation species forms large
      meadows that, through habitat and trophic services, act as biodiversity hotspots.
      In Neptune grass meadows, amphipod crustaceans are one of the dominant groups of
      vagile invertebrates, forming an abundant and diverse taxocenosis. They are key
      ecological components of the complex, pivotal, yet critically endangered Neptune
      grass ecosystems. Nevertheless, comprehensive qualitative and quantitative data
      about amphipod fauna found in Mediterranean Neptune grass meadows remain scarce,
      especially in insular locations. NEW INFORMATION: Here, we provide in-depth
      metadata about AxIOM, a sample-based dataset published on the GBIF portal. AxIOM
      is based on an extensive and spatially hierarchized sampling design with multiple
      years, seasons, day periods, and methods. Samples were taken along the coasts of
      Calvi Bay (Corsica, France) and of the Tavolara-Punta Coda Cavallo Marine
      Protected Area (Sardinia, Italy). In total, AxIOM contains 187 samples
      documenting occurrence (1775 records) and abundance (10720 specimens) of amphipod
      crustaceans belonging to 72 species spanning 29 families. The dataset is
      available at http://ipt.biodiversity.be/resource?r=axiom.

PMID- 27660522
TI  - Species conservation profile of the cave spider Turinyphia cavernicola (Araneae,
      Linyphiidae) from Terceira Island, Azores, Portugal.

PMID- 27660524
TI  - Species Conservation Profiles compliant with the IUCN Red List of Threatened
      Species.

PMID- 27660523
TI  - The Global Registry of Biodiversity Repositories: A Call for Community Curation.
AB  - The Global Registry of Biodiversity Repositories is an online metadata resource
      for biodiversity collections, the institutions that contain them, and associated
      staff members. The registry provides contact and address information,
      characteristics of the institutions and collections using controlled vocabularies
      and free-text descripitons, links to related websites, unique identifiers for
      each institution and collection record, text fields for loan and use policies,
      and a variety of other descriptors. Each institution record includes an
      institutionCode that must be unique, and each collection record must have a
      collectionCode that is unique within that institution. The registry is populated
      with records imported from the largest similar registries and more can be
      harmonized and added. Doing so will require community input and curation and
      would produce a truly comprehensive and unifying information resource. 

PMID- 27660525
TI  - Checklist of the family Epitoniidae (Mollusca: Gastropoda) in Taiwan with
      description of a new species and some new records.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The family Epitoniidae is a group of small to medium-sized gastropods
      and occurs globally from the intertidal zone to abyssal seabeds. There are 101
      epitoniid species currently recorded from Taiwan. NEW INFORMATION: Based on our
      investigations of seashores and fishing ports of Taiwan, a new species and 12 new
      records of Epitoniidae species are reported. Of the 12 new records, four are new
      to the East Asian region and two are new records to the Indo-Pacific region. Our
      results increase the number of Taiwanese Epitoniidae from 101 species to 114
      species.

PMID- 27660526
TI  - An occurence records database of Irregular Echinoids (Echinodermata: Echinoidea)
      in Mexico.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Research on echinoderms in Mexico began in the late nineteenth
      century. We present a dataset that includes the taxonomic and geographic
      information of irregular echinoids from Mexico, housed in four collections: 1)
      Coleccion Nacional de Equinodermos "Ma. Elena Caso Munoz" from the Instituto de
      Ciencias del Mar y Limnologia (ICML), Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico
      (UNAM); 2) Invertebrate Zoology Collection, Smithsonian Museum of Natural
      History, Washington, D.C., United States of America (USA); 3) Invertebrate
      Collection, Museum of Comparative Zoology, University of Harvard, Boston,
      Massachusetts, USA and 4) Invertebrate Zoology, Peabody Museum, Yale University,
      New Haven, Connecticut, USA. NEW INFORMATION: A total of six orders, 17 families,
      35 genera and 68 species are reported, 37 distributed in the Pacific coast and 31
      in the Atlantic coast, none of them was found in both coasts. The most diverse
      region is the Gulf of California (S=32); the most diverse order is Spatangoida
      with 31 species reported in mexican waters.

PMID- 27660527
TI  - The cicadas (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) of India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal
      and Sri Lanka: an annotated provisional catalogue, regional checklist and
      bibliography.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The cicadas of the Indian subcontinent, like many other insects in
      the region, have remained understudied since the early part of the 20th Century,
      and await modern taxonomic, systematic and phylogenetic treatment. This paper
      presents an updated systematic catalogue of cicadas (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) from
      India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal and Sri Lanka, the first in over a
      century. NEW INFORMATION: This paper treats 281 species, including: India and
      Bangladesh (189 species), Bhutan (19 species), Myanmar (81 species), Nepal (46
      species) and Sri Lanka (22 species). For each species all recognized junior
      synonyms are included with information on the type material and additional
      specimens where relevant. The global distributional range and notes on the
      taxonomy of each species are included where appropriate. Two lists are provided:
      (1) species known to occur in India and Bangladesh (treated as a geographic
      unit), Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal and Sri Lanka; and (2) species previously listed
      from these countries in error. A bibliography of species descriptions is
      provided, with the papers containing the original descriptions provided where
      copyright allows.

PMID- 27660528
TI  - Aquatic Insects from the Caatinga: checklists and diversity assessments of
      Ubajara (Ceara State) and Sete Cidades (Piaui State) National Parks, Northeastern
      Brazil.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diversity and distribution of Neotropical aquatic insects is still
      poorly known, with many species to be recorded and many others to be described,
      due to the small number of taxonomists and sparse faunistic studies. This
      knowledge is especially poor in the Caatinga Domain in Northeastern Brazil, even
      though, this region may have played an important historical role in the spatial
      evolution of faunas of forested areas in northern South America. NEW INFORMATION:
      Aquatic insect checklists of 96 species from Parque Nacional de Ubajara (Ceara
      State, Brazil) and 112 species from Parque Nacional de Sete Cidades (Piaui State,
      Brazil) are presented, representing the following taxa: Elmidae, Epimetopidae,
      Hydrophilidae, and Torridincolidae (Coleoptera), Hemerodromiinae (Diptera:
      Empididae), Ephemeroptera, Gerromorpha and Nepomorpha (Hemiptera), Odonata,
      Plecoptera, and Trichoptera. Because of the scarce number of biological
      inventories in Northeastern Brazil, several new distributional records (of
      species, genera, and families) for Brazil, Northeastern Brazil, and Ceara and
      Piaui states are provided. In addition, several undescribed species were
      detected, being 26 from Ubajara and 20 from Sete Cidades. Results represent a
      significant increase to the known fauna of these states, ranging from 13%-70%
      increase for Ceara and 41% to 91% increase for Piaui. Although both parks are
      relatively close to each other and within the Caatinga domain, their aquatic
      fauna display a very high complementarity (89% species), possibly due to
      structural differences of water bodies sampled in each park. Rarefaction curves
      based on quantitative light trap samples suggest a much higher expected species
      richness of aquatic insects at Sete Cidades than at Ubajara National Park.
      Discussion on biogeographical affinities of this sample of the Caatinga fauna is
      provided.

PMID- 27660530
TI  - Five Years Later: An Update on the Status of Collections of Endemic Gulf of
      Mexico Fishes Put at Risk by the 2010 Oil Spill.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The 2010 Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill took place over 180,000 square
      kilometers during a 12-week period over five years ago; however, this event
      continues to influence the development and distribution of organisms in and
      around the region of the disaster. Here we examine fish species that may have
      been most affected by noting their past distribution in the region of the spill
      and examining data of known collecting events over the last 10 years (five years
      prior to the spill, five years post spill). NEW INFORMATION: We found that more
      than half of the endemic fish species of the Gulf (45 of 77).

PMID- 27660529
TI  - Species composition, community and population dynamics of two gallery forests
      from the Brazilian Cerrado domain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To understand the impacts of global changes on future community
      compositions, knowledge of community dynamics is of crucial importance. To
      improve our knowledge of community composition, biomass stock and maintenance of
      gallery forests in the Brazilian Cerrado, we provide two datasets from the 0.5 ha
      Corrego Fazendinha Gallery Forest Dynamics Plot and the Corrego Fundo Gallery
      Forest Dynamics Plot situated in the Bom Despacho region, Minas Gerais,
      Southeastern Brazil. NEW INFORMATION: We report diameter at breast height, basal
      area and height measurements of 3417 trees and treelets identified during three
      censuses in both areas.

PMID- 27660531
TI  - Fauna Europaea - Orthopteroid orders.
AB  - Fauna Europaea provides a public web-service with an index of scientific names
      (including important synonyms) of all extant European terrestrial and freshwater
      animals, their geographical distribution at the level of countries and major
      islands (west of the Urals and excluding the Caucasus region), and some
      additional information. The Fauna Europaea project comprises about 230,000
      taxonomic names, including 130,000 accepted species and 14,000 accepted
      subspecies, which is much more than the originally projected number of 100,000
      species. Fauna Europaea represents a huge effort by more than 400 contributing
      specialists throughout Europe and is a unique (standard) reference suitable for
      many users in science, government, industry, nature conservation and education.
      The "Orthopteroid orders" is one of the 58 Fauna Europaea major taxonomic groups.
      It contains series of mostly well-known insect orders: Embiodea (webspinners),
      Dermaptera (earwigs), Phasmatodea (walking sticks), Orthoptera s.s.
      (grasshoppers, crickets, bush-crickets) and Dictyoptera with the suborders
      Mantodea (mantids), Blattaria (cockroaches) and Isoptera (termites). For the
      Orthopteroid orders, data from 35 families containing 1,371 species are included
      in this paper. 

PMID- 27660532
TI  - First report of Cheiloneurus exitiosus (Perkins, 1906) and Helegonatopus
      dimorphus (Hoffer, 1954) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) from Japan, with remarks on
      their abundance in rice paddies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Encyrtid secondary parasitoids of Delphacidae have not been recorded
      in Japan. However, they may play an important role in the rice ecosystem because
      they can reduce the number of Dryinidae, the natural enemies of rice
      planthoppers. NEW INFORMATION: We found two encyrtid species, Cheiloneurus
      exitiosus (Perkins, 1906) and Helegonatopus dimorphus (Hoffer, 1954), from rice
      paddies and the surrounding environment. Haplogonatopus oratorius (Westwood,
      1833) and Anteon sp. were newly recognized as hosts of He. dimorphus. Parasitism
      of C. exitiosus was rare, but He. dimorphus was common in Kumamoto Prefecture.
      The sex ratio (male proportion) and clutch size of He. dimorphus was estimated as
      0.19 and 4.95, respectively.

PMID- 27660533
TI  - Abyssal fauna of the UK-1 polymetallic nodule exploration area, Clarion
      Clipperton Zone, central Pacific Ocean: Cnidaria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We present data from a DNA taxonomy register of the abyssal Cnidaria
      collected as part of the Abyssal Baseline (ABYSSLINE) environmental survey cruise
      'AB01' to the UK Seabed Resources Ltd (UKSRL) polymetallic-nodule exploration
      area 'UK-1' in the eastern Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ), central Pacific Ocean
      abyssal plain. This is the second paper in a series to provide regional taxonomic
      data for a region that is undergoing intense deep-sea mineral exploration for
      high-grade polymetallic nodules. Data were collected from the UK-1 exploration
      area following the methods described in Glover et al. (2015b). NEW INFORMATION:
      Morphological and genetic data are presented for 10 species and 18 records
      identified by a combination of morphological and genetic data, including
      molecular phylogenetic analyses. These included 2 primnoid octocorals, 2 isidid
      octocorals, 1 anemone, 4 hydroids (including 2 pelagic siphonophores accidentally
      caught) and a scyphozoan jellyfish (in the benthic stage of the life cycle). Two
      taxa matched previously published genetic sequences (pelagic siphonophores), two
      taxa matched published morphological descriptions (abyssal primnoids described
      from the same locality in 2015) and the remaining 6 taxa are potentially new
      species, for which we make the raw data, imagery and vouchers available for
      future taxonomic study. We have used a precautionary approach in taxon
      assignments to avoid over-estimating species ranges. The Clarion-Clipperton Zone
      is a region undergoing intense exploration for potential deep-sea mineral
      extraction. We present these data to facilitate future taxonomic and
      environmental impact study by making both data and voucher materials available
      through curated and accessible biological collections. For some of the specimens
      we also provide image data collected at the seabed by ROV, wich may facilitate
      more accurate taxon designation in coming ROV or AUV surveys.

PMID- 27660534
TI  - First Canadian record of the water mite Thermacarus nevadensis Marshall, 1928
      (Arachnida: Acariformes: Hydrachnidiae: Thermacaridae) from hot springs in
      British Columbia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thermacarus nevadensis Marshall, 1928 is an uncommonly collected mite
      associated with hot spring environments in the western United States. Information
      on its distribution and ecology are incomplete. NEW INFORMATION: In this paper,
      we report Thermacarus nevadensis from northern British Columbia. These records
      represent the first of Thermacaridae from Canada, the most northern records of
      this species in North America, and the most northern records for the family
      globally. We also provide short notes and images of the habitats in which
      specimens have been collected in Canada.

PMID- 27660535
TI  - Records of Wenchengia (Lamiaceae) from Vietnam.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The monotypic genus Wenchengia (Lamiaceae) has been thought to be
      endemic to Hainan, China. This paper reports on historic records of Wenchengia
      alternifolia collected from Vietnam. The recent recuration and modernisation of
      the Paris herbarium greatly facilitated this discovery. NEW INFORMATION: During
      preparatory work supporting the account for the Lamiaceae of the Flora of
      Thailand, three specimens of Wenchengia from central Vietnam were found in the
      Herbarium of the Musuem National d'Histoire Naturelle in Paris (P), and
      subsequently two duplicates were found in the Herbarium at Kew (K, abbreviations
      following Thiers 2016). The specimens were collected in and before 1927 and it is
      not known if the species is still extant in Vietnam. Searches for extant
      populations should focus in the Ba Na Hills or Bach Ma National Park, central
      Vietnam.

PMID- 27660536
TI  - Terrestrial arthropods of Steel Creek, Buffalo National River, Arkansas. IV.
      Asilidae and other Diptera.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This is the fourth in a series of papers detailing the terrestrial
      arthropods collected during an intensive survey of a site near Steel Creek
      campground along the Buffalo National River in Arkansas. The survey was conducted
      over a period of eight and a half months in 2013 using twelve trap types,
      including Malaise and canopy traps, Lindgren multifunnel traps, and pan traps.
      NEW INFORMATION: We provide collection records for 38 species of Asilidae and
      other Diptera, 7 of which are new state records for Arkansas: (Asilidae)
      Lasiopogon opaculus Loew, 1874; (Lygistorrhinidae) Lygistorrhina
      sancthecatharinae Thompson, 1975; (Stratiomyidae) Cephalochrysa nigricornis
      (Loew, 1866), Gowdeyana punctifera (Malloch, 1915), Sargus decorus Say, 1824;
      (Ulidiidae) Callopistromyia annulipes Macquart, 1855; and (Xylophagidae)
      Rachicerus obscuripennis Loew, 1863.

PMID- 27660537
TI  - Small-Maturity Asymptotics for the At-The-Money Implied Volatility Slope in Levy
      Models.
AB  - We consider the at-the-money (ATM) strike derivative of implied volatility as the
      maturity tends to zero. Our main results quantify the behaviour of the slope for
      infinite activity exponential Levy models including a Brownian component. As
      auxiliary results, we obtain asymptotic expansions of short maturity ATM digital
      call options, using Mellin transform asymptotics. Finally, we discuss when the
      ATM slope is consistent with the steepness of the smile wings, as given by Lee's
      moment formula.

PMID- 27660539
TI  - Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences' Publishing Report (2014-2015).
AB  - The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) has conducted a simple analysis
      of its scholarly publication, based on the auto-generated data compiled from
      ScholarOne Manuscripts(TM), an innovative, web-based, submission and peer-review
      workflow solution for scholarly publishers. The performance of the MJMS from 2014
      2015 is reported on in this editorial, with a focus on the pattern of manuscript
      submission, geographical contributors and the acceptance-rejection rate. The
      total number of manuscript submissions has increased from 264 in 2014, to 272 in
      2015. Malaysians are the main contributors to the MJMS. The total number of
      manuscript rejections following the review process was 79 (29.9%) in 2014,
      increasing to 92 (33.8%) the following year, in accordance with the exacting
      quality control criteria applied by the journal's editor to the submitted
      manuscripts. 

PMID- 27660540
TI  - Exploring Cortical Plasticity and Oscillatory Brain Dynamics via Transcranial
      Magnetic Stimulation and Resting-State Electroencephalogram.
AB  - Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive, non-pharmacological
      technique that is able to modulate cortical activity beyond the stimulation
      period. The residual aftereffects are akin to the plasticity mechanism of the
      brain and suggest the potential use of TMS for therapy. For years, TMS has been
      shown to transiently improve symptoms of neuropsychiatric disorders, but the
      underlying neural correlates remain elusive. Recently, there is evidence that
      altered connectivity of brain network dynamics is the mechanism underlying
      symptoms of various neuropsychiatric illnesses. By combining TMS and
      electroencephalography (EEG), the functional connectivity patterns among brain
      regions, and the causal link between function or behaviour and a specific brain
      region can be determined. Nonetheless, the brain network connectivity are highly
      complex and involve the dynamics interplay among multitude of brain regions. In
      this review article, we present previous TMS-EEG co-registration studies, which
      explore the functional connectivity patterns of human cerebral cortex. We argue
      the possibilities of neural correlates of long-term potentiation/depression (LTP
      /LTD)-like mechanisms of synaptic plasticity that drive the TMS aftereffects as
      shown by the dissociation between EEG and motor evoked potentials (MEP) cortical
      output. Here, we also explore alternative explanations that drive the EEG
      oscillatory modulations post TMS. The precise knowledge of the neurophysiological
      mechanisms underlying TMS will help characterise disturbances in oscillatory
      patterns, and the altered functional connectivity in neuropsychiatric illnesses. 

PMID- 27660541
TI  - Treatment Outcomes of Patients with Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR- TB)
      Compared with Non-MDR-TB Infections in Peninsular Malaysia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Treating patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB)
      strains is more complicated, complex, toxic, expensive, than treating patients
      with susceptible TB strains. This study aims to compare the treatment outcomes
      and potential factors associated between patients with MDR-TB and non MDR TB
      infections in peninsular Malaysia. METHODS: This study was a retrospective cohort
      study. Data were collected from the medical records of all registered MDR-TB
      patients and Non-MDR-TB patients at five TB hospitals in peninsular Malaysia from
      January 2010 to January 2014. RESULTS: A total of 314 subjects were studied,
      including 105 MDR-TB cases and 209 non-MDR-TB. After TB treatment, 24.8% of the
      MDR-TB patients and 17.7% of non MDR TB relapsed; 17.1% of the MDR-TB patients
      and 16.3% of non MDR TB defaulted from TB treatment. A significant difference
      seen in treatment success rate 17.1% for MDR-TB; 63.1% for non MDR TB (P <
      0.001)). Mortality rate were 8.9% for MDR-TB; 13.2% for non MDR TB. Multivariable
      analysis showed the potential factors associated with poor treatment outcomes
      were presence of HIV infection (AOR, 1.09; 95%CI: 1.05, 1.75; P = 0.001) and
      previous TB treatment (AOR, 4.87; 95%CI: 2.84, 8.38; P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: This
      study revealed that the treatment success rate in patients with non MDR TB
      infection was higher than MDR-TB. Unsuccessful treatment was seen in MDR-TB
      associated with potential factors such as history of TB treatment, and presence
      of HIV infection.

PMID- 27660542
TI  - The Combination of Sonography and Physical Examination Improves the Patency and
      Suitability of Hemodialysis Arteriovenous Fistula in Vascular Access.
AB  - PURPOSE: We compared the patency and the suitability of arteriovenous fistula
      (AVF) created for vascular access by two approaches: (a) physical examination
      with preoperative vascular mapping and (b) physical examination alone. METHODS:
      We compared the patency and the suitability of AVF created in patients for
      dialysis. There were two cohorts of patients of 79 patients each: (a) patients
      with AVF created based on the combination of physical examination and
      preoperative vascular mapping (PE+VM) and (b) patients with AVF created based on
      physical examination (PE) alone. Fistula patency is defined as clinical detection
      of thrill (or auscultation) of murmur over the fistula and coded as having
      thrills (patent) versus not having thrills (not patent). Suitability of fistula
      is defined as functioning AVF (AVF can be adequately used via 2-needle
      cannulation for dialysis) and coded as suitable versus not suitable. RESULTS: AVF
      created after the preoperative vascular mapping (PE+VM) has 5.70 (at six weeks)
      and 3.76 (at three months) times higher chance for patency, and 3.08 times higher
      chance for suitable AVF for dialysis than AVF created after the physical
      examination (PE) alone. CONCLUSION: Physical examination with preoperative
      ultrasound mapping (PE+VM) significantly improves the short term patency and the
      suitability of AVF for dialysis.

PMID- 27660543
TI  - Psychometric Properties of the Heart Disease Knowledge Scale: Evidence from Item
      and Confirmatory Factor Analyses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Heart disease knowledge is an important concept for health education,
      yet there is lack of evidence on proper validated instruments used to measure
      levels of heart disease knowledge in the Malaysian context. METHODS: A cross
      sectional, survey design was conducted to examine the psychometric properties of
      the adapted English version of the Heart Disease Knowledge Questionnaire (HDKQ).
      Using proportionate cluster sampling, 788 undergraduate students at Universiti
      Sains Malaysia, Malaysia, were recruited and completed the HDKQ. Item analysis
      and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used for the psychometric evaluation.
      Construct validity of the measurement model was included. RESULTS: Most of the
      students were Malay (48%), female (71%), and from the field of science (51%). An
      acceptable range was obtained with respect to both the difficulty and
      discrimination indices in the item analysis results. The difficulty index ranged
      from 0.12-0.91 and a discrimination index of >= 0.20 were reported for the final
      retained 23 items. The final CFA model showed an adequate fit to the data,
      yielding a 23-item, one-factor model [weighted least squares mean and variance
      adjusted scaled chi-square difference = 1.22, degrees of freedom = 2, P-value =
      0.544, the root mean square error of approximation = 0.03 (90% confidence
      interval = 0.03, 0.04); close-fit P-value = > 0.950]. CONCLUSION: Adequate
      psychometric values were obtained for Malaysian undergraduate university students
      using the 23-item, one-factor model of the adapted HDKQ.

PMID- 27660544
TI  - Validation of Perceived Wellness Survey (PWS) in a Sample of Iranian Population.
AB  - The individual's perception of health, when health is understood to include many
      dimensions of life, is considered the basis for any improvement in health status.
      Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the reliability and validity of the
      Persian version of the Perceived Wellness Scale (PWS) by applying it to employees
      of the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. This cross-sectional study was
      conducted with 180 staff members of the university selected by convenience
      sampling. The study instrument was a Persian version of the PWS prepared through
      a translation and back-translation process. The reliability and validity of the
      instrument were assessed by using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and
      Cronbach's alpha coefficient. A total of 180 employees participated in the study.
      The mean age of the participants was 32.29 years (SD = 7.39) and 78.1% of the
      participants were women. The results showed that the Persian version of the PWS
      is acceptable. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.87 for the whole scale, ranging
      from 0.68 to 0.85 on different dimensions of the scale. The results of split-half
      reliability and CFA indicated that the reliability and validity of the PWS are
      acceptable. The PWS is therefore an effective tool for evaluating the different
      dimensions of perceived wellness in the Iranian population. 

PMID- 27660545
TI  - Office Exercise Training to Reduce and Prevent the Occurrence of Musculoskeletal
      Disorders among Office Workers: A Hypothesis.
AB  - Pain in specific areas of the body (including the lower back, neck, and
      shoulders) due to extended periods of sitting and inactivity is the most
      widespread musculoskeletal disorder worldwide and has consequences that are both
      socio-economic and personal. This condition is particularly prevalent in
      industrialised countries, affecting roughly 70% to 80% of adults at some point in
      their lives; approximately 1% of the U.S. population is chronically disabled by
      this type of pain disorder. A practical way to reduce the prevalence of
      musculoskeletal pain among office workers would have a significant positive
      impact. More work is required to develop a package of exercises designed to
      prevent and treat musculoskeletal pain in office workers. Such a package would be
      preferable to pharmacological treatments, which can have undesirable side
      effects. The main objective of this package would be to increase the flexibility
      and strength of trunk muscles in order to decrease the soreness, pain, and degree
      of discomfort. In this article, we introduce our proposed package of exercises,
      which are based on guidelines issued bythe American College of Sports Medicine. 

PMID- 27660546
TI  - Onyx in Brain Arteriovenous Malformation Embolisation.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Embolisation has long been used as an adjunct to surgical resection
      in the treatment of brain arteriovenous malformation (bAVM). The most commonly
      used embolic material, n-butylcyanoacrylate glue, requires experience and skill
      to handle its quick and unpredictable flow and polymerisation. A new liquid
      embolic agent, ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (Onyx), is less adhesive and
      polymerises slowly, which provides better control for radiologists performing
      embolisation. OBJECTIVE: To report our experience in embolisation using Onyx
      alone or in combination with histoacryl for bAVM embolisation in our tertiary
      referral centre. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the anatomy, technical
      conditions, complications and clinical outcome of all bAVM patients embolised at
      our centre using Onyx alone or in combination with n-butylcyanoacrylate glue.
      RESULTS: Between 2010 and 2013, 13 patients [6 (46.2%) male; 7 (53.8%) female;
      aged, 14-57 years] were included, and a total of 31 embolisations were performed.
      Clinical presentation included hemorrhage [9 (69.2%)], seizures [2 (15.4%)], and
      headache [2 (15.4%)]. Most AVMs were located in the brain hemispheres [12
      (92.3%)] and measured <3 cm [7 (53.8%]. Complete occlusion of the AVM was
      obtained in 2 (15.4%) patients; 11 (84.6%) patients had partial occlusion [6
      (54.5%) had <50% nidus occlusion]. Complications occurred in four procedures
      involving 3 patients (morbidity, 23.1%). This resulted in the death of 1 patient
      (mortality, 7.7%) and complete recovery with no disability in 2 patients.
      CONCLUSION: The total nidal occlusion achieved herein is comparable to other
      similar studies. Our morbidity and mortality were higher compared to other
      studies which may be attributed to the small number of patients. More data is
      being collected which may better reflect on our experience.

PMID- 27660547
TI  - A Ten-Year Kuala Lumpur Review on Laser Posterior Cordectomy for Bilateral Vocal
      Fold Immobility.
AB  - Bilateral vocal fold immobility (BVFI) is commonly caused by injury to the
      recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) and leads to stridor and dyspnea of varying
      onsets. A retrospective study was done at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology
      of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre on laser microsurgical posterior
      cordectomy for BVFI. The objectives were to identify the average duration of
      onset of stridor from the time of insult and to evaluate the outcome of laser
      posterior cordectomy as a surgical option. From 1997 to 2007, a total of 31
      patients with BVFI were referred for surgery. Twelve patients had tracheostomy
      done prior to the procedure, whereas 19 patients were without tracheostomy. Ten
      patients were successfully decannulated, and only 4 patients had complications
      related to the procedure. The minimum onset of stridor was 7 months, maximum
      onset of stridor was 28 years, and the mean onset of stridor was 8.7 years. The
      commonest complication observed was posterior glottic adhesion following
      bilateral posterior cordectomy. Laser endolaryngeal posterior cordectomy is an
      excellent surgical option as it enables successful decannulation or avoidance of
      tracheostomy in patients with BVFI. The onset of stridor took years after the
      insult to the recurrent laryngeal nerves. 

PMID- 27660549
TI  - Rare Presentation of Pseudomyxoma Retroperitonei: Stretching the Limits.
AB  - A 55-year-old woman presented with a mucopurulent sinusal discharge from the
      right supragluteal region, with symptoms over the previous five months. This
      abscess began as a slowly swelling growth, which eventually turned into a
      discharging sinus, and she was diagnosed with a gluteal abscess. The patient
      underwent incisional drainage, and intra-operatively, the sinus tract could be
      seen extending to the retroperitoneum. A subsequent CT scan and an MRI of the
      abdomen revealed a large heterogeneous retroperitoneal cystic mass on the right
      side of midline, extending inferiorly into the anterior thigh along the
      iliopsoas. Superiorly, a tubular projection extended from the lesion, indenting
      the ileocaecal junction, while a fluid filled cutaneous fistulous tract was seen,
      extending to the right flank. A diagnosis of pseudomyxoma retroperitonei, likely
      of retrocaecal appendicular origin, was proposed. An explorative laparotomy with
      an appendectomy, and the evacuation of the retroperitoneal collection were
      completed. The subsequent histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of appendicular
      mucinous cystadenoma, with pseudomyxoma retroperitonei. 

PMID- 27660548
TI  - Thymectomy for Myasthenia Gravis: A 10-year Review of Cases at the Hospital
      Universiti Sains Malaysia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A thymectomy is considered effective for patients with myasthenia
      gravis (MG). Although a few studies have described the role of a thymectomy in
      the treatment of MG in Asians countries, there are no published data on the
      application of this surgical approach for MG in Malaysia. We aimed to describe
      the clinical outcomes of MG patients who underwent a thymectomy and the factors
      affecting these outcomes. METHODS: This was a retrospective study involving 16
      patients with MG who underwent a thymectomy at the Hospital Universiti Sains
      Malaysia (HUSM) from January 2002 until December 2012, with a follow-up period
      ranging from 3-120 months. RESULTS: The study consisted of 16 patients aged 22-78
      years, 10 of whom were males. The overall remission/improvement rate was 87.5%,
      and the rate of clinical outcomes classified as unchanged/worsened was 12.5%.
      Thymomamatous or non-thymomamatous MG, histology features, Osserman stage and the
      duration of follow-up were not significant prognostic factors. Post-operative
      mortality was 6.2% (1 of 16 patients died of septic shock). CONCLUSION: A
      thymectomy seems to be an effective treatment for MG, with low surgical
      morbidity. Patients with a lower Osserman stage and those with/without thymomas
      had favourable outcomes.

PMID- 27660551
TI  - To Err is Human, But Failing to Attempt is Negligence: The Hidden Perspectives
      That Limit Intravenous Antibiotic Administration During Third Molar Surgery in
      General Practice.

PMID- 27660550
TI  - Unicentric Castleman Disease: An Unusual Cause of An Isolated Neck Mass.
AB  - Castleman disease (CD) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder of unknown
      aetiology. It manifests in two distinct clinical presentations: unicentric and
      multicentric. Unicentric CD is rare and may present as an isolated neck mass. A
      22-year-old man presented with a 6-month history of right neck swelling that
      occupied the posterior triangle of the right neck region. After surgical
      exploration, a solitary, well defined, and hyper vascular mass was excise. A
      histopathological examination confirmed the lesion as CD, hyaline-vascular
      variant. CD of the neck is a diagnosis that is usually not taken into
      consideration while evaluating neck masses due to its rarity and unassuming
      presentation. It should be keep in the differential diagnosis of neck masses as
      the clinical and radiological features evade a firm diagnosis. The treatment of
      unicentric CD is complete surgical excision, which cures the patient. 

PMID- 27660552
TI  - Synthesis, isolation and purification of [(11)C]-choline.
AB  - [(11)C]-choline is an effective PET tracer used for imaging of neoplastic lesions
      and metastases of the prostate cancer. However, its production can be a challenge
      for manufacturers, as it has not yet been described in Polish or European
      pharmacopoeia. In this study the technical aspects of [(11)C]-choline production
      are described and detailed process parameters are provided. The quality control
      procedures for releasing [(11)C]-choline as solutio iniectabilis are also
      presented. The purity and quality of the radiopharmaceutical obtained according
      to the proposed method were find to be high enough to safely administrate the
      radiopharmaceutical to patients. Application of an automated synthesizer makes it
      possible to carry out the entire process of [(11)C]-choline production, isolation
      and purification within 20 minutes. It is crucial to maintain all aspects of the
      process as short as possible, since the decay half-time of carbon-11 is 20.4
      minutes. The resulting radiopharmaceutical is sterile and pyrogen-free and of a
      high chemical, radiochemical, and radionuclide purity proved by chromatographic
      techniques. The yield of the process is up to 20%. [(11)C]-choline PET scanning
      can be used as accurate and effective diagnostic tool in all centers equipped
      with [(11)C]-target containing cyclotron. 

PMID- 27660553
TI  - Comparison of a therapeutic-only versus prophylactic platelet transfusion policy
      for people with congenital or acquired bone marrow failure disorders.
AB  - This is the protocol for a review and there is no abstract. The objectives are as
      follows: To compare a therapeutic-only versus prophylactic platelet transfusion
      policy for people with myelodysplasia, inherited or acquired aplastic anaemia,
      and other congenital bone marrow failure disorders.

PMID- 27660554
TI  - Motivational interviewing competencies among UK family nurse partnership nurses:
      a process evaluation component of the building blocks trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a person-centred counselling
      approach to behaviour change which is increasingly being used in public health
      settings, either as a stand-alone approach or in combination with other
      structured programmes of health promotion. One example of this is the Family
      Nurse Partnership (FNP) a licensed, preventative programme for first time mothers
      under the age of 20, delivered by specialist family nurses who are additionally
      trained in MI. The Building Blocks trial was an individually randomised
      controlled trial comparing effectiveness of Family Nurse Partnership when added
      to usual care compared to usual care alone within 18 sites in England. The aim of
      this process evaluation component of the trial is to determine the extent to
      which Motivational Interviewing skills taught to Family Nurse Partnership nurses
      were used in their home visits with clients. METHODS: Between July 2010 and
      November 2011, 92 audio-recordings of nurse-client consultations were collected
      during the 'pregnancy' and 'infancy' phases of the FNP programme. They were
      analysed using The Motivational Interviewing Treatment Integrity (MITI) coding
      system. RESULTS: A competent level of overall MI adherent practice according to
      the MITI criteria for 'global clinician ratings' was apparent in over 70 % of the
      consultations. However, on specific behaviours and the MITI-derived practitioner
      competency variables, there was a large variation in the percentage of recordings
      in which "beginner proficiency" levels in MI (as defined by the MITI criteria)
      was achieved, ranging from 73.9 % for the 'MI adherent behaviour' variable in the
      pregnancy phase to 6.7 % for 'percentage of questions coded as open' in the
      infancy phase. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that it is possible to deliver a
      structured programme in an MI-consistent way. However, some of the behaviours
      regarded as key to MI practice such as the percentage of questions coded as open
      can be more difficult to achieve in such a context. This is an important
      consideration for those involved in designing effective structured interventions
      with an MI-informed approach and wanting to maintain fidelity to both MI and the
      structured programme. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials
      ISRCTN23019866 Registered 20/4/2009.

PMID- 27660555
TI  - Robo3A and Robo3B expression is regulated via alternative promoters and mRNA
      stability.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The transmembrane receptor family Roundabout (Robo) was described to
      have an essential role in the developing nervous system. Recent studies
      demonstrated that Robo3 shows an altered expression in rheumatoid arthritis as
      well as in melanoma. CONTEXT AND PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Until today no detailed
      studies of the two Robo3 isoforms (Robo3A and Robo3B) and their roles in
      rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts, respectively malignant melanoma are
      available. To get a better understanding regarding the role of Robo3A and Robo3B
      in the molecular process of rheumatoid arthritis and melanoma the exact
      characterization of expression and regulation is object of this study. RESULTS:
      mRNA and protein expression of the transcriptional variants were analyzed by
      quantitative RT-PCR respectively western blotting and revealed particularly
      enhanced expression of Robo3B in rheumatoid arthritis and melanoma. Promoter
      assays and inhibitor studies also disclosed that there is apparently a cell- and
      isoform-specific regulation of the Robo3 expression. Finally, dissimilar mRNA
      stabilities of Robo3A and Robo3B are identified as decisive posttranscriptional
      gene expression control. CONCLUSION: In summary, this study supported an isotype
      specific role of Robo3B in disease hinting to different functional roles of each
      isoform.

PMID- 27660557
TI  - Tokenism in patient engagement.
AB  - Background: Patient engagement throughout research is a way to generate more
      relevant patient-important research questions, methods and results with the
      ultimate aim of facilitating translation of research into practice. Tokenism is
      defined as the practice of making perfunctory or symbolic efforts to engage
      communities or patients. Objective: We wanted to explore how tokenism might
      influence engaging patients in research to help researchers work towards more
      genuine engagement. Methods: The Community Clinician Advisory Group and Patient
      and Clinician Engagement program held a workshop at the 2015 North American
      Primary Care Research Group meeting titled 'How Do We Move beyond Tokenism in
      Patient Engagement?' Patients, clinicians and academic researchers contributed
      examples of genuine and token engagement characteristics based on personal
      experience and knowledge. Data were iteratively collated and categorized into
      domains and items. Results: Examples of genuine and token engagement were
      categorized into three domains: Methods/Structure of engagement, Intent and
      Relationship building. Members with experience in patient-engaged research
      projects felt that longitudinal engagement was a key element to effectively
      translating research into local community and practice. Conclusions: The group
      (i) highly valued genuine intent and relationship building as elements to combat
      tokenism; (ii) noted that early genuine attempts at engagement may superficially
      resemble tokenism as researchers build enduring and trusting relationships with
      patient/community partners and (iii) emphasized the importance of seeking and
      utilizing patient experiences throughout research. These observations may
      contribute to more formal methods to help researchers (and reviewers) evaluate
      where engagement processes sit along the 'genuine-token' continuum.

PMID- 27660556
TI  - Ethnic differences in prevalence and risk factors for hypertension in the
      Suriname Health Study: a cross sectional population study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Limited information is available about the prevalence, ethnic
      disparities, and risk factors of hypertension within developing countries. We
      used data from a nationwide study on non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors
      to estimate, explore, and compare the prevalence of hypertension overall and in
      subgroups of risk factors among different ethnic groups in Suriname. METHOD: The
      Suriname Health Study used the World Health Organization Steps design to select
      respondents with a stratified multistage cluster sample of households. The
      overall and ethnic specific prevalences of hypertension were calculated in
      general and in subgroups of sex, age, marital status, educational level, income
      status, employment, smoking status, residence, physical activity, body mass index
      (BMI), and waist circumference (WC). Differences in the prevalence between ethnic
      subgroups were assessed using the Chi-square test. We used several adjustment
      models to explore whether the observed ethnic differences were explained by
      biological, demographic, lifestyle, or anthropometric risk factors. RESULTS: The
      prevalence of hypertension was 26.2 % (95 % confidence interval 25.1 %-27.4 %).
      Men had higher mean values for systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to
      women. Blood pressure increased with age. The prevalence was highest for Creole,
      Hindustani, and Javanese and lowest for Amerindians, Mixed, and Maroons.
      Differences between ethnic groups were measured in the prevalence of hypertension
      in subcategories of sex, marital status, education, income, smoking, physical
      activity, and BMI. The major difference in association of ethnic groups with
      hypertension was between Hindustani and Amerindians. CONCLUSION: The prevalence
      of hypertension in Suriname was in the range of developing countries. The highest
      prevalence was found in Creoles, Hindustani, and Javanese. Differences in the
      prevalence of hypertension were observed between ethnic subgroups with
      biological, demographic, lifestyle, and anthropometric risk factors. These
      findings emphasize the need for ethnic-specific research and prevention and
      intervention programs.

PMID- 27660558
TI  - Recognition and management of perinatal depression and anxiety by general
      practitioners: a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Perinatal anxiety and depression are widespread, with up to 20% of
      women affected during pregnancy and after birth. In the UK, management of
      perinatal mental health falls under the remit of general practitioners (GPs). We
      reviewed the literature on GPs' routine recognition, diagnosis and management of
      anxiety and depression in the perinatal period. METHOD: A systematic search of
      Embase, Medline, PsycInfo, Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science was conducted.
      Studies were eligible if they reported quantitative measures of GPs' or Family
      Physicians' assessment, recognition and management of anxiety or depression in
      pregnancy or post-partum. RESULTS: Thirteen papers, reporting 10 studies, were
      identified from the United States, Australia, UK, Netherlands and Canada. All
      reported on depression; two included anxiety disorders. Reported awareness and
      ability to diagnose perinatal depression among GPs was high. GPs knew about and
      used screening tools in the UK but less so in US settings. Antidepressants were
      the first line of treatment, with various SSRIs considered safest. Counseling by
      GPs and referrals to specialists were common in the post-natal period, less so in
      pregnancy. Treatment choices were determined by resources, attitudes, knowledge
      and training. CONCLUSIONS: Data on GPs' awareness and management of perinatal
      depression were sparse and unlikely to be generalizable. Future directions for
      research are proposed; such as exploring the management of anxiety disorders
      which are largely missing from the literature, and understanding more about
      barriers to disclosure and recognition in primary care. More standardized
      training could help to improve recognition and management practices.

PMID- 27660559
TI  - Suicidal ideation in a United States jail: Demographic and psychiatric
      correlates.
AB  - Suicidal behavior is a significant problem in United States jails. Suicidal
      ideation (SI) is an established precursor to suicidal behavior in incarcerated
      populations. No studies to date have examined the prevalence of SI or its
      correlates in a mixed gender U.S. jail sample. The purpose of the present study
      was to document rates of SI in a mixed gender jail sample and examine socio
      demographic and psychiatric correlates. This study of 511 jail inmates found that
      approximately 16% of participants reported clinically significant SI upon
      incarceration. White participants, suicide attempters, and those with a
      psychiatric diagnosis history endorsed greater SI. Reported SI did not differ by
      sex and was not correlated with age. Clinically, results indicate that screening
      for SI in jail samples is necessary to identify high-risk individuals for
      intervention to prevent suicidal behavior.

PMID- 27660561
TI  - From the Editor's Desk: Ochsner Journal Focus Issue: Cardiovascular Diseases.

PMID- 27660560
TI  - A Kindler syndrome-associated squamous cell carcinoma treated with radiotherapy.
AB  - Kindler syndrome1, 2 is a genetic disorder mainly characterized by increased skin
      fragility and photosensitivity,3, 4 making the use of treatments based on
      radiation difficult or even prohibited. Thus, cases reporting Kindler syndrome
      patients treated with radiotherapy are rare. In this study, we report clinical
      outcomes and care provided for a rare case of a Kindler syndrome patient
      submitted to radiotherapy. Diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma involving the
      buccal mucosa, the patient was exclusively treated with radiotherapy, with 70 Gy
      delivered on the PTV with the Volumetric Modulated Arc technique. The patient's
      reaction regarding control of the lesion is relevant compared to patients not
      affected by the syndrome. We noticed acute reactions of the skin and buccal
      mucosa after few radiotherapy sessions, followed by a fast reduction in the tumor
      volume. The efficacy of radiotherapy along with multidisciplinary actions allowed
      treatment continuity, leading to a complete control of the lesion and life
      quality improvement and showed that the use of radiotherapy on Kindler syndrome
      patients is possible. 

PMID- 27660562
TI  - Letters to the Editor.

PMID- 27660563
TI  - Bioethics in Practice: Considerations for Stopping a Clinical Trial Early.

PMID- 27660564
TI  - Clinical Images: Vessel Wall Imaging in the Management of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
      and Multiple Intracranial Aneurysms.

PMID- 27660565
TI  - Volume to Value: Defining the Value of Cardiovascular Imaging.

PMID- 27660566
TI  - Developing Academic Visibility in the Medical Sciences.

PMID- 27660567
TI  - Using the Minimally Invasive Impella 5.0 via the Right Subclavian Artery Cutdown
      for Acute on Chronic Decompensated Heart Failure as a Bridge to Decision.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Outcomes of traditional mechanical support paradigms (extracorporeal
      membrane oxygenation, intraaortic balloon pump [IABP], and permanent left
      ventricular assist device [LVAD]) in acute decompensated heart failure have
      generally been suboptimal. Novel approaches, such as minimally invasive LVAD
      therapy (Impella 5.0 device), promise less invasive but equivalent hemodynamic
      support. However, it is yet unknown whether the outcomes with such devices
      support widespread acceptance of this new technology. We recently started
      utilizing the right subclavian artery (RSA) for Impella 5.0 implantation and
      report our early experience and outcomes with this novel approach. METHODS: A
      single-center retrospective review was performed of 24 patients with acute on
      chronic decompensated heart failure who received the Impella 5.0 via the RSA from
      June 2011 to May 2014. The device was implanted via a cutdown through an 8-mm
      vascular graft sewn to the RSA. The device was positioned with fluoroscopy and
      transesophageal echocardiography. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 51.29
      years, and 75% were male. At implantation, all patients were mechanically
      ventilated on at least 2 inotropes with persistent cardiogenic shock, and 17
      (70.8%) were on IABP support. Postimplantation, 21 (87.5%) tolerated extubation,
      and all 17 of the patients with IABPs tolerated discontinuation of IABP support.
      The reduction in the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score preimplantation vs
      postimplantation was statistically significant (21.17 vs 14.88, P=0.0014),
      suggesting improvement in end organ function. A significant decrease was also
      seen in creatinine levels before and after implantation (2.17 mg/dL vs 1.50
      mg/dL, P=0.0043). The endpoint of support included recovery in 6 patients
      (25.0%), permanent LVAD in 9 (37.5%), and heart transplantation in 2 (8.3%).
      Death occurred in 7 patients (29.2%) as a result of multisystem organ failure,
      infection, or patient withdrawal of care. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive LVAD
      therapy using the Impella 5.0 via the RSA cutdown is an attractive option in
      acute on chronic decompensated heart failure. Improvement in end organ function
      allows for transition to recovery or to advanced surgical therapies such as
      permanent LVAD and heart transplantation. Significant advantages to this approach
      include improved left ventricular unloading, lower anticoagulation need, and the
      potential for ambulation and physical therapy.

PMID- 27660568
TI  - Cardiovascular Risk and Level of Statin Use Among Women With Breast Cancer in a
      Cardio-Oncology Clinic.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Because of the improvements in survival rates, patients with breast
      cancer are now more likely to die from cardiovascular disease than from cancer.
      Thus, providing appropriate preventive cardiovascular care to patients with
      cancer is of the utmost importance. METHODS: We retrospectively compared the
      cardiovascular risk and management of 146 women treated at the Cardio-Oncology
      (Cardio-Onc) and the Obstetrics and Gynecology (Ob-Gyn) clinics. We calculated
      cardiovascular risk using the American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart
      Association (AHA) atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk calculator
      and the Framingham Risk Score Calculator. We also determined the prevalence of
      appropriate statin use according to both the 2013 ACC/AHA and the 2002 Adult
      Treatment Panel (ATP) III lipid guidelines. RESULTS: The 10-year ASCVD risk score
      was not significantly different between the 2 cohorts. More patients in the Ob
      Gyn cohort with an ASCVD risk score >7.5% were already appropriately on statins
      compared to patients in the Cardio-Onc cohort (60.9% vs 31.0%, respectively,
      P=0.003), but after the first Cardio-Onc visit, 4 additional patients with breast
      cancer were prescribed statins (44.8% total). Fourteen (19.2%) Cardio-Onc
      patients had a high Framingham Risk Score compared to 6 (8.2%) Ob-Gyn patients.
      CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that the ASCVD risk is similar between women with
      breast cancer attending the Cardio-Onc clinic and the women without breast cancer
      attending the Ob-Gyn clinic, but the Cardio-Onc cohort had significantly more
      patients with a high Framingham Risk Score. Both clinics had similarly poor rates
      of appropriate statin prescribing rates according to the ATP III guidelines.

PMID- 27660569
TI  - Fluctuating Electrocardiographic Changes Predict Poor Outcomes After Acute
      Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities following aneurysmal
      subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) have been well documented. Evidence suggests that
      ECG changes and cardiac dysfunction worsen outcome. Determining which patients
      are at most risk is unclear but important to ascertain. METHODS: We prospectively
      studied clinical markers, cardiac abnormalities, and clinical outcomes in 20
      patients admitted within 48 hours of aneurysmal SAH. All patients had ECGs prior
      to surgical clipping, during the clipping surgery, and during the postoperative
      period. RESULTS: The aneurysm was located in the anterior circulation in 17
      patients (85%) and in the posterior circulation in 3 patients (15%). Abnormal ECG
      changes in patients with acute SAH were observed, with a total incidence rate of
      65%. The incidence of T wave abnormalities was 53.8% among the patients with ECG
      changes, 46.2% had ST segment change, and 30.8% had QT interval prolongation. Of
      the 13 patients with ECG changes, 4 (30.8%) had fluctuating ECG abnormalities (an
      abnormality that presented and disappeared during the study period or changed in
      character). All 4 patients with fluctuating ECG changes had a poor outcome (100%)
      compared to 3 of the 9 patients (33.3%) patients with fixed abnormalities
      (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The unique finding in this study that has not been reported
      previously in the literature is the contribution of dynamic ECG changes to the
      prognosis for good recovery from aneurysmal SAH. In our group, all the patients
      who had ECG changes that fluctuated from one abnormal change to another had a
      poor outcome. The etiology of this finding is not clear but may open the door to
      further study into the pathogenesis of cardiac changes in aneurysmal SAH. The
      clinical utility of the variability of ECG abnormalities needs to be validated in
      a larger cohort of patients with longer follow-up than was possible in this
      study.

PMID- 27660570
TI  - A Metaanalysis of Interventions to Improve Adherence to Lipid-Lowering
      Medication.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inadequate patient adherence to a medication regimen is a major
      factor in the lack of success in treating hyperlipidemia. Improved adherence
      rates may result in significantly improved cardiovascular outcomes in populations
      treated with lipid-lowering therapy. The purpose of this metaanalysis was to
      evaluate the effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving adherence to lipid
      lowering drugs, focusing on measures of adherence and clinical outcomes. METHODS:
      We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE,
      PsycINFO, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature
      databases through January 14, 2015, and also used the results from previous
      Cochrane reviews of this title. Randomized controlled trials of adherence
      enhancing interventions for lipid-lowering medication in adults in an ambulatory
      setting with measurable outcomes were evaluated with criteria outlined by the
      Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. RESULTS: Twenty-seven
      studies randomly assigning 899,068 participants to a variety of interventions
      were analyzed. One group of interventions categorized as intensified patient care
      showed significant improvement in adherence rates when compared to usual care
      (odds ratio 1.93; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.29-2.88). Additionally, after <6
      months of follow-up, total cholesterol decreased by a mean of 17.15 mg/dL (95% CI
      1.17-33.14), while after >6 months total cholesterol decreased by a mean of 17.57
      mg/dL (95% CI 14.95-20.19). CONCLUSION: Healthcare systems that can implement
      team-based intensified patient care interventions, such as electronic reminders,
      pharmacist-led interventions, and healthcare professional education of patients,
      may be successful in improving adherence rates to lipid-lowering medicines.

PMID- 27660571
TI  - Pacing Without Wires: Leadless Cardiac Pacing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Worldwide, more than 700,000 pacemakers are implanted annually with
      more than 250,000 implanted in the United States. Since the first fully
      transvenous pacemaker implantations in the early 1960s, great technologic
      advances have been made in pacing systems. However, the combination of
      subcutaneous pulse generators and transvenous pacing leads has remained constant
      for more than 50 years. Leadless pacing systems offer an alternative to
      traditional pacing systems by eliminating the need for permanent transvenous
      leads while providing therapy for patients with bradyarrhythmias. METHODS: We
      discuss the 2 leadless cardiac pacemakers (LCPs), the Nanostim Leadless Pacemaker
      and Micra Transcatheter Pacing System, and the 1 ultrasound-powered device, the
      WiCS-LV, that have been studied in humans. Currently LCPs are restricted to
      single-chamber pacing, specifically, ventricular pacing. Dual-chamber pacing and
      multichamber pacing with leadless systems have yet to be studied. RESULTS: LCPs
      represent the greatest advancement in bradycardia therapy since the first
      transvenous pacemaker implantation more than 50 years ago. CONCLUSION: Initial
      studies of both the Nanostim and Micra LCPs show favorable efficacy and safety
      results compared to transvenous pacemakers. Pending US Food and Drug
      Administration approval, these devices will transform our ability to provide
      pacing for patients with bradyarrhythmias. Future developments may allow for
      completely leadless single-chamber and multichamber pacing, ushering in an era of
      pacing without wires.

PMID- 27660572
TI  - Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Devices: A Novel Approach in the Management of
      Patients With Acute Cardiogenic Shock.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite recent advances in the management of heart failure,
      cardiogenic shock remains a challenging and devastating condition with
      significant morbidity and mortality. METHODS: We review currently available
      percutaneous mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices and address each
      device's characteristics, mechanism of action, specific clinical indications, and
      contraindications. RESULTS: Four types of percutaneous MCS devices are currently
      available: the intraaortic balloon pump (IABP), Impella devices, the TandemHeart,
      and extracorporal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). IABPs provide less hemodynamic
      support compared to the Impella, TandemHeart, and ECMO devices. However, because
      of its ease of placement and relatively small access catheter size, the IABP
      remains the most commonly used MCS device for the treatment of cardiogenic shock.
      When full cardiopulmonary support is needed, ECMO is the best option. CONCLUSION:
      Temporary MCS has emerged as a therapeutic option in the management of patients
      with acute cardiogenic shock. However, clinician familiarity with the
      indications, limitations, and benefits of individual MCS devices and enhanced
      patient comfort with the placement are paramount to improve patient outcomes.

PMID- 27660574
TI  - Breaking Down the Barriers: Why the Delay in Referral for Pulmonary Arterial
      Hypertension?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare and fatal disease.
      While many treatment options have been shown to improve quality of life, exercise
      tolerance, and hemodynamics in PAH, survival remains poor, in part due to the
      advanced stage at which patients present to PAH specialists. METHODS: This
      perspective paper explores challenges related to the timing of referral,
      diagnosis, and initiation of therapy. RESULTS: Multiple factors account for the
      delay in referral, including fallacies in physician education, commercial
      influence resulting in inappropriate prescribing practices, and barriers in
      access to care. CONCLUSION: Improving physician education, encouraging the
      prescription of PAH medications to be done predominantly by PAH specialists,
      overcoming barriers to care, and promoting screening for PAH will help ensure
      early referral, diagnosis, and treatment.

PMID- 27660573
TI  - Cardio-Oncology: A Focused Review of Anthracycline-, Human Epidermal Growth
      Factor Receptor 2 Inhibitor-, and Radiation-Induced Cardiotoxicity and
      Management.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardio-oncology is a collaborative approach between cardiologists and
      oncologists in the treatment of patients with cancer and heart disease. Radiation
      and chemotherapy have played a major role in the decreased cancer-related
      mortality achieved in the past 2 decades. However, anthracycline-, tyrosine
      kinase-, and radiation-based therapies are each associated with independent
      cardiovascular (CV) risks, and these risks are cumulative when these therapies
      are used in combination. METHODS: We analyzed several published articles,
      studies, and guidelines to provide a focused review of cardiotoxicity associated
      with anthracyclines, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 inhibitors, and
      radiation therapy and its management. RESULTS: The focus on CV risk among
      individuals being treated with cardiotoxic agents is important because once the
      cancer is cured, CV disease becomes the number 1 cause of death among cancer
      survivors. Cardio-oncology focuses on assessing CV risk prior to starting
      therapy, optimizing modifiable risk factors, and providing surveillance and
      treatment for any early signs of cardiotoxicity in patients undergoing radiation
      and chemotherapy. A collaborative approach between oncologists and cardiologists
      is integral to the optimal care of patients with cancer. Although radiation and
      chemotherapy treatments have evolved with the aim of targeting cancer cells while
      having minimal effect on the heart, the increased risk of cardiomyopathy in
      patients receiving these treatments remains significant. CONCLUSION: Proper
      screening and treatment of cardiotoxicity are essential for patients with cancer.
      As cardiac diseases and cancer remain the first and second causes of mortality in
      developed nations, respectively, cardio-oncology is the answer to this group of
      individuals who are especially vulnerable to both causes of mortality.

PMID- 27660575
TI  - Mechanical Circulatory Support for the Failing Heart: Continuous-Flow Left
      Ventricular Assist Devices.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Heart transplantation remains the definitive therapy for patients
      with advanced heart failure; however, owing to limited donor organ availability
      and long wait times, continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have
      become standard therapy. METHODS: This review summarizes the history,
      progression, function, and basic management of LVADs. Additionally, we provide
      some clinical pearls and important caveats for managing this unique patient
      population. RESULTS: Currently, the most common LVADs being implanted in the
      United States are second- and third-generation devices, the HeartMate II
      (Thoratec Corp., St. Jude Medical) and the HeartWare HVAD (HeartWare
      International, Inc.). A newer third-generation pump, the HeartMate III (Thoratec
      Corp., St. Jude Medical), is designed to create an artificial pulse and is
      currently under investigation in the United States. CONCLUSION: LVAD use is
      promising, will continue to grow, and has become standard therapy for advanced
      heart failure as a bridge to recovery, as destination therapy, and as a bridge to
      transplantation.

PMID- 27660576
TI  - The Evolving Role of Percutaneous Mitral Valve Repair.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mitral regurgitation (MR) is the second leading cause of valvular
      heart disease in the United States behind aortic stenosis. The percutaneous
      repair of the mitral valve (MitraClip, Abbott, Inc.) has been approved in the
      United States since 2013 as an alternative to traditional mitral valve surgery.
      However, many questions are left unanswered about when to perform this procedure
      and whom to perform it on. METHODS: We reviewed major published literature on the
      MitraClip from 2003-2016 to help guide clinical decision-making. A PubMed search
      was conducted using the phrase "mitraclip" or "percutaneous mitral valve repair"
      to identify relevant articles pertaining to the clip as well as surgical valve
      repair. RESULTS: The clinical trials EVEREST I and EVEREST II (Endovascular Valve
      Edge-to-Edge Repair Study) demonstrated the safety and efficacy of the MitraClip
      but did not prove its superiority to surgical repair in the population studied.
      Numerous subsequent registries have suggested that the success of the MitraClip
      varies with the patient population studied. The currently enrolling
      Cardiovascular Outcomes for Assessment of the MitraClip Percutaneous Therapy for
      Heart Failure Patients with Functional MR (COAPT) trial hopes to answer some of
      these questions. CONCLUSION: The MitraClip is a new and exciting technology for
      percutaneously treating disease processes traditionally managed with surgery. The
      future of the clip and its patient population is dependent on further studies.

PMID- 27660577
TI  - False-Positive Stress Echocardiograms: A Continuing Challenge.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stress echocardiography is an integral test in the cardiac diagnostic
      laboratory and has high sensitivity and specificity. Despite the excellent
      specificity of stress echocardiography, we continue to see a subset of patients
      with false-positive tests (defined as <50% diameter stenosis on subsequent
      coronary angiography). These false-positive findings present a management
      challenge because it remains unclear if and how to treat these patients. METHODS:
      This article reviews relevant clinical studies and their outcomes. RESULTS:
      Studies suggest that a group of patients develops a hypertensive response to
      exercise and therefore may have false-positive stress echocardiography. Hence,
      superior blood pressure control prior to stress echocardiography may prevent some
      false-positive tests. In addition, a subset of patients has microvascular
      abnormalities, vasomotor changes, endothelial dysfunction, and/or small vessel
      coronary disease that can lead to false-positive stress echocardiography.
      CONCLUSION: The evidence is insufficient to state that a false-positive stress
      echocardiography in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease portends a
      poor outcome, but considerable evidence shows that some of these patients have
      microvascular abnormalities and endothelial dysfunction and consequently may
      benefit from aggressive medical management and further testing.

PMID- 27660579
TI  - Catheter Ablation to Treat Supraventricular Arrhythmia in Children and Adults
      With Congenital Heart Disease: What We Know and Where We Are Going.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Catheter ablation has been used to manage supraventricular arrhythmia
      in children since 1990. This article reviews the history of catheter ablation
      used to treat arrhythmia in children and discusses new frontiers in the field. We
      also address ablation in adult patients with a history of congenital heart
      disease (CHD) that was diagnosed and initially treated in childhood. METHODS: We
      conducted an evidence-based literature review to gather available data on
      ablation for supraventricular tachycardia in children and adult patients with
      CHD. RESULTS: Ablations can be performed safely and effectively in children.
      Complication rates are higher in children <4 years and <15 kg. In one study, the
      overall success rate of radiofrequency ablation in pediatrics was 95.7%, with the
      highest success rate in left free wall pathways (97.8%). Recurrence was higher in
      septal pathways. Cryoablation has been reported to have a 93% acute success rate
      for atrioventricular (AV) nodal reentrant tachycardia and septal pathways with no
      risk of AV block and a 5%-9% risk of recurrence. Three-dimensional mapping,
      intracardiac echocardiography, remote magnetic navigation, and irrigated catheter
      ablation are new technologies used to treat pediatric and adult patients with
      CHD. The population of adult patients with CHD is growing, and these patients are
      at particularly high risk for arrhythmia. A paucity of data is available on
      ablation in adult patients with CHD. CONCLUSION: Electrophysiology for pediatric
      and adult patients with CHD is a rapidly growing and progressing field. We
      benefit from continuous development of ablation techniques for adults with
      structurally normal hearts and have the unique challenge and responsibility to
      ensure the safe and effective application of these techniques in the vulnerable
      population of pediatric and adult patients with CHD.

PMID- 27660578
TI  - Surface Electrocardiogram Predictors of Sudden Cardiac Arrest.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Heart disease is a major cause of death in industrialized nations,
      with approximately 50% of these deaths attributable to sudden cardiac arrest. If
      patients at high risk for sudden cardiac arrest can be identified, their odds of
      surviving fatal arrhythmias can be significantly improved through prophylactic
      implantable cardioverter defibrillator placement. This review summarizes the
      current knowledge pertaining to surface electrocardiogram (ECG) predictors of
      sudden cardiac arrest. METHODS: We conducted a literature review focused on
      methods of predicting sudden cardiac arrest through noninvasive
      electrocardiographic testing. RESULTS: Several electrocardiographic-based methods
      of risk stratification of sudden cardiac arrest have been studied, including QT
      prolongation, QRS duration, fragmented QRS complexes, early repolarization,
      Holter monitoring, heart rate variability, heart rate turbulence, signal-averaged
      ECG, T wave alternans, and T-peak to T-end. These ECG findings have shown
      variable effectiveness as screening tools. CONCLUSION: At this time, no
      individual ECG finding has been found to be able to adequately stratify patients
      with regard to risk for sudden cardiac arrest. However, one or more of these
      candidate surface ECG parameters may become useful components of future
      multifactorial risk stratification calculators.

PMID- 27660581
TI  - Chagas Cardiomyopathy in New Orleans and the Southeastern United States.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chagas disease (CD), caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, affects 6-7 million
      people worldwide annually, primarily in Central and South America, and >300,000
      people in the United States. CD consists of acute and chronic stages. Hallmarks
      of acute CD include fever, myalgia, diaphoresis, hepatosplenomegaly, and
      myocarditis. Symptoms of chronic CD include pathologic involvement of the heart,
      esophagus, and colon. Myocardial involvement is identifiable by electrocardiogram
      and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging showing inflammation and left ventricular
      wall functional abnormalities. CASE REPORTS: We present two cases of CD
      identified in a single hospital in the Southeastern United States. Case 1
      presents a patient with symptoms of anginal chest pain and associated shortness
      of breath with myocardial involvement suggestive of ischemic infarction but
      normal coronary arteries. Case 2 describes a patient with no physical symptoms
      and echocardiogram with ejection fraction of 50% with posterolateral and
      anterolateral wall hypokinesis but normal coronary arteries. CONCLUSION: With a
      growing number of immigrants from Central and South America in the United States,
      it is imperative for clinicians to include CD as part of the differential
      diagnosis for patients presenting with heart disease who have a history of
      exposure to T. cruzi endemic areas.

PMID- 27660580
TI  - The Exercise Rehabilitation Paradox: Less May Be More?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Debatably, the most commonly prescribed lifestyle modification for
      cardiovascular health involves daily exercise training (ET) and physical
      activity. Exercise has numerous known health benefits on blood pressure, lipid
      profile, weight loss, and glucose metabolism. However, controversy exists
      regarding the link between excessive endurance ET and harmful cardiac effects.
      METHODS: We review the current literature and discuss the numerous known adverse
      effects of endurance ET on cardiac function. RESULTS: Excessive endurance ET may
      negatively affect cardiac anatomy, play a role in osteoarthritis and coronary
      artery disease development, and increase the risks of cardiac arrhythmia and
      sudden cardiac death. CONCLUSION: More ET may not always be better when it comes
      to endurance ET, and optimal ET dosing regimens are clearly needed.

PMID- 27660582
TI  - Pulmonary Hypertension in a Patient With Congenital Heart Defects and Heterotaxy
      Syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Heterotaxy syndrome, also called isomerism, is a condition in which
      abdominal and thoracic organs are located in abnormal body positions. Pulmonary
      hypertension (PHTN) is an uncommon clinical feature of heterotaxy syndrome. CASE
      REPORT: We describe the case of a 26-year-old male who developed PHTN as a rare
      manifestation of heterotaxy syndrome. To our knowledge, PHTN has never been
      reported as a prominent clinical feature in a patient with heterotaxy syndome and
      congenital cardiac abnormalities. CONCLUSION: It is important for the clinician
      to be aware of potentially serious consequences of PHTN in the setting of
      heterotaxy syndrome.

PMID- 27660583
TI  - Two Cases of Acute Renal Infarction in the Setting of Atrial Fibrillation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute renal infarction (ARI) is an uncommon and often overlooked
      diagnosis in patients presenting with acute kidney injury and abdominal pain.
      CASE REPORTS: We present 2 cases of ARI in the setting of atrial fibrillation
      along with a review of medical literature pertaining to ARI. CONCLUSION: This
      article should aid clinicians in the diagnosis of ARI.

PMID- 27660584
TI  - Postinduction Paced Pulseless Electrical Activity in a Patient With a History of
      Oropharyngeal Instrumentation-Induced Reflex Circulatory Collapse.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reflex hypotension and bradycardia have been reported to occur
      following administration of several drugs associated with administration of
      anesthesia and also following a variety of procedural stimuli. CASE REPORT: A 54
      year-old postmenopausal female with a history of asystole associated with sedated
      upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and post-anesthetic-induction tracheal
      intubation received advanced cardiac resuscitation after insertion of a temporary
      transvenous pacemaker failed to prevent pulseless electrical activity. The
      patient's condition stabilized, and she underwent successful cataract extraction,
      intraocular lens implantation, and pars plana vitrectomy. CONCLUSION: Cardiac
      pacemaker insertion prior to performance of a procedure historically associated
      with reflex circulatory collapse can be expected to protect a patient from
      bradycardia but not necessarily hypotension.

PMID- 27660585
TI  - Thromboembolism-in-Transit and Patent Foramen Ovale: Should Screening
      Echocardiogram Be Routine for Thromboembolic Disease?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thromboembolism-in-transit straddling a patent foramen ovale (PFO) is
      a rare condition that requires urgent surgical intervention to prevent arterial
      emboli. CASE REPORT: We present the case of a 42-year-old female who presented
      with a symptomatic pulmonary embolism. Echocardiography identified a PFO, with a
      bridging thrombus-in-transit and evidence of right ventricular strain. Urgent
      surgery was performed because of the risk of systemic embolism. A large thrombus
      was identified during biatrial exploration. Pulmonary embolectomy and primary PFO
      closure were performed. CONCLUSION: Because of the 20%-30% incidence of PFOs in
      the general population, we suggest that echocardiography should be considered for
      routine surveillance in thromboembolism because of the risk of systemic sequelae.

PMID- 27660587
TI  - Ochsner Research Update, 2015-2016.

PMID- 27660586
TI  - Metastatic Cardiac Angiosarcoma in a 26-Year-Old Male.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiac angiosarcomas are an extremely rare tumor with an incidence
      of only 0.056%. Diagnosing this rare tumor becomes even more difficult as the
      presentation of cardiac angiosarcomas varies based on anatomic location.
      Depending on the tumor's proximity to valves, symptoms may be more consistent
      with heart failure, while growth throughout the conduction system may produce
      arrhythmias. CASE REPORT: We present the case of a young male with a significant
      tumor burden of cardiac angiosarcoma in his lungs whose symptoms included
      pleuritic chest pain and hemoptysis. This patient did not have the classic
      finding of right-sided heart failure; instead, his presenting complaint was
      hemoptysis. CONCLUSION: The diagnostician's differential diagnosis must be broad
      when encountering common chief complaints, such as hemoptysis and chest pain.

PMID- 27660588
TI  - Introduction to Ochsner's Thirteenth Annual Research Day.

PMID- 27660589
TI  - Research Day 2016 Award Winners.

PMID- 27660591
TI  - Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry Imaging of Tissues, Cells, and Microbial Systems.
AB  - Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) is a technique capable of imaging tissues,
      single cells, and microbes revealing chemical species with sub-micrometer spatial
      resolution. The recently developed Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance
      (FTICR) SIMS instrument provides high mass resolving power and mass accuracy, ToF
      SIMS can generate chemical maps with an order of magnitude better lateral
      resolution than the FTICR-SIMS, and the NanoSIMS instrument offers sub-100 nm
      spatial resolution in chemical imaging. Many commercial ToF-SIMS instruments are
      also capable of depth profiling that allows three-dimensional reconstructions of
      cell and tissue structure.

PMID- 27660590
TI  - Violent Victimization and Substance Dependency: Comparing Rural Incarcerated
      Heterosexual and Sexual Minority Women.
AB  - This exploratory study examines the relationship between sexual identity and
      violent victimization experiences as predictors of differences in illicit
      substance and alcohol use and substance use problems among a sample of
      incarcerated women in rural Appalachia (N = 400). Results indicated that,
      compared to heterosexual women, sexual minority women were more likely to have a
      lifetime history of weapon, physical, and sexual assault, and were younger at the
      time of their first violent victimization. Sexual minority women were younger
      than heterosexual women at the age of onset for intravenous drug use and at the
      time they first got drunk, and were more likely to report having overdosed.
      Multivariate analysis found violent victimization to be the strongest predictor
      of a history of overdose and substance use problems.

PMID- 27660592
TI  - Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 3 Infection.

PMID- 27660594
TI  - Therapeutic Benefits of l-Arginine: An Umbrella Review of Meta-analyses.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: l-Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid that is the substrate for
      nitric oxide production by vascular endothelial and immune cells. Nitric oxide
      production by these cells is essential for both blood pressure regulation and
      immune regulation. However, there is much discrepancy in the literature when it
      comes to randomized controlled studies, and so this umbrella review of published
      meta-analyses was performed to examine the efficacy of l-arginine's role as a
      therapeutic agent. METHODS: There was an overall search of the literature from
      January 1, 1980 through December 31, 2015 of three separate databases-PubMed,
      Cochrane Library, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature
      using the following search strategy: (arginine) AND (meta-analysis OR systematic
      review). Only English language publications were retrieved that provided
      quantitative statistical analysis of outcomes on blood pressure and immune
      function. RESULTS: The 7 meta-analyses that were included in this umbrella review
      reported significant positive benefits for reducing systolic and diastolic blood
      pressure in hypertensive adults by 2.2 to 5.4 mm Hg and 2.7 to 3.1 mm Hg,
      respectively, reducing diastolic blood pressure in pregnant women with
      gestational hypertension by 4.9 mm Hg, and reducing the length of stay in the
      hospital for surgical patients; in addition, 2 of the 3 meta-analyses indicated a
      40% reduction in the incidence of hospital-acquired infections. However, these
      positive results should be considered with caution because statistically
      significant heterogeneity was observed in 5 of the 7 meta-analyses. CONCLUSIONS:
      Some evidence appears to support the benefit of l-arginine supplementation for
      reducing systolic and diastolic blood pressure in hypertensive adults and
      reducing the incidence of hospital-acquired infections and the length of stay in
      the hospital for surgical patients. Given the limitations of the included
      studies, interpretations should be made with caution.

PMID- 27660593
TI  - Spinal Manipulation Vs Sham Manipulation for Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A
      Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this systematic review was to identify and critically
      evaluate randomized controlled trials of spinal manipulation (SM) vs sham
      manipulation in the treatment of nonspecific low back pain. METHODS: Four
      electronic databases were searched from their inception to March 2015 to identify
      all relevant trials. Reference lists of retrieved articles were hand-searched.
      All data were extracted by 2 independent reviewers, and risk of bias was assessed
      using the Cochrane Back Review Group Risk of Bias tool. RESULTS: Nine randomized
      controlled trials were included in the systematic review, and 4 were found to be
      eligible for inclusion in a meta-analysis. Participants in the SM group had
      improved symptoms compared with participants receiving sham treatment
      (standardized mean difference = - 0.36; 95% confidence interval, - 0.59 to -
      0.12). The majority of studies were of low risk of bias; however, several of the
      studies were small, the practitioner could not be blinded, and some studies did
      not conduct intention-to-treat analysis and had a high level of dropouts.
      CONCLUSION: There is some evidence that SM has specific treatment effects and is
      more effective at reducing nonspecific low back pain when compared with an
      effective sham intervention. However, given the small number of studies included
      in this analysis, we should be cautious of making strong inferences based on
      these results.

PMID- 27660596
TI  - Effect of TENS Versus Placebo on Walking Capacity in Patients With Lumbar Spinal
      Stenosis: A Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a growing health problem and a
      leading cause of disability and loss of independence in older adults. It is
      usually caused by age-related degenerative narrowing of the spinal canals leading
      to compression and ischemia of the spinal nerves and symptoms of neurogenic
      claudication. Limited walking ability is the dominant functional impairment
      caused by LSS. Animal studies suggest increased blood flow to the spinal nerves
      and spinal cord with superficial paraspinal electrical stimulation. The purpose
      of this study is to assess the effectiveness of paraspinal transcutaneous
      electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) applied while walking on walking ability in
      patients with LSS. METHODS/DESIGN: We propose to conduct a 2-arm double-blinded
      (participant and assessor) randomized controlled trial. We will recruit
      individuals who have limited walking ability due to degenerative LSS from
      hospital specialists, community physicians, and chiropractors located in the city
      of Toronto, Canada. Eligible consenting participants will be randomly assigned to
      either paraspinal TENS or placebo paraspinal TENS applied while walking. The
      primary outcome will be walking distance measured during a single self-paced
      walking test. We will calculate the differences in proportions among participants
      in both groups who achieve at least a 30% improvement in walking distance from
      baseline using Pearson chi (2) test with 95% confidence intervals. DISCUSSION:
      Effective nonoperative interventions for LSS are unknown. Interventions that can
      improve blood flow to the spinal nerves while walking may increase walking
      ability in this population. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is a low
      cost intervention that may have the potential to achieve this objective. To our
      knowledge, this study will be the first clinical trial to assess the effects of
      TENS on walking ability of patients with LSS. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02592642.

PMID- 27660597
TI  - One-Year Concussion Prevalence in Marion County, Florida High School Athletes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate data on concussion
      prevalence in 1 geographic location and to identify which sports have a higher
      prevalence of concussion in the Marion County, Florida, school district. METHODS:
      High school athletic trainers in Marion County, Florida, are required to compile
      statistics related to number of participants and concussions sustained in the
      county school district during each season. They provided the data for the 2011
      2012 school year to independent analysts with the permission of the athletic
      director. The study evaluated 3689 student-athletes (2102 male, 1587 female), and
      34 concussions (24 male, 10 female) were reported. Concussions were self-reported
      by the athletes and diagnosed by trainers on field or by follow-up after
      physician referral. Consent was included in consent to participate in
      interscholastic athletics, and all athletes enrolling in a sport during the 2011
      2012 academic year were included regardless of participation level. Number of
      participants and concussions sustained was calculated per 100 participants for
      each sport and in total for 1 year. RESULTS: The percentages of concussions per
      sport were as follows: basketball, 1.83%; cheerleading, 0.40%; football, 2.83%;
      soccer, 1.84%; track and field, 0.44%; and wrestling, 0.70%. Ten additional
      sports were included in the study but had no reported concussions. Total
      prevalence for the district was 0.922% (1.14% male, 0.63% female) during a 1-year
      period. CONCLUSION: The concussion prevalence in this district during the 2011
      2012 school year was just under 1%. The sport reporting the highest prevalence
      was football, followed by soccer. Females reported a higher rate of concussions
      than males in sports played by both male and female participants. This highlights
      the need to minimize risk for concussion, especially in noncollision contact
      sports, and in female athletes.

PMID- 27660595
TI  - The Physiological Role of Tumor Necrosis Factor in Human Immunity and Its
      Potential Implications in Spinal Manipulative Therapy: A Narrative Literature
      Review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Although tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a well-known inflammatory
      cytokine in the pathological development of various human diseases, its
      physiological roles are not widely understood nor appreciated. The molecular
      mechanisms underlying spinal manipulation therapy (SMT) remain elusive. The
      relationship between TNF and SMT is unclear. Thus, we performed this literature
      review to better understand TNF physiology and its potential relationship with
      SMT, and we propose a novel mechanism by which SMT may achieve clinical benefits
      by using certain beneficial features of TNF. METHODS: We searched several
      databases for relevant articles published between 1975 and 2015 and then
      reexamined the studies from current immunophysiological perspectives. RESULTS:
      The history and recent progresses in TNF physiology research were explored.
      Conflicting reports on the relationship between TNF and SMT were identified.
      Based on the newly discovered interaction between TNF and regulatory T cells, we
      proposed a putative biphasic TNF response to SMT, which may resolve the conflicts
      in the reported observations and interpretations. CONCLUSION: The current
      literature about TNF informed our discussion of new physiological roles for TNF,
      which may help to better understand the physiological effects of SMT.

PMID- 27660599
TI  - Sonographic and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Examination of a Cyclops Lesion After
      Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Case Report.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This case report describes magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and
      diagnostic ultrasound (US) findings for a patient with arthrofibrosis related to
      a complication of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. CLINICAL
      FEATURES: A 25-year old man presented with right knee pain and loss of extension
      5 years after ACL reconstruction. MRI and sonographic examination revealed a soft
      tissue mass anterolateral to the ACL graft consistent with a cyclops lesion. The
      lesion was surgically resected and physical therapy was followed postoperatively.
      INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: The patient reported that full range of motion was
      restored 6 weeks after resection and a course of physical therapy. MRI is the
      modality of choice for diagnosis, but US may be useful in the diagnosis of this
      condition. CONCLUSION: Cyclops lesions may complicate ACL reconstruction or acute
      ACL injuries. The patient may present with pain and loss of extension, which can
      be debilitating. MRI and US can be used to diagnose this condition in a timely
      manner, ensuring optimal clinical outcomes.

PMID- 27660598
TI  - Chiropractic Management of Musculoskeletal Symptoms in a 14-Year-Old Hockey
      Player With Postconcussion Symptoms: A Case Report.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to describe the chiropractic management
      of a student athlete with postconcussion syndrome. CLINICAL FEATURES: A 14-year
      old male hockey player presented to a chiropractic clinic with postconcussion
      symptoms 13 days after his initial injury. He experienced an occipital headache
      with a pain rating of 8/10, upset stomach, blurry vision, nausea, dizziness,
      balance problems, a "foggy feeling," difficulty with concentration, difficulty
      with memory, fatigue, confusion, drowsiness, and irritability. Prior to seeing
      the doctor of chiropractic, the patient was monitored by a medical doctor, and
      the care he had been receiving was in accordance with current concussion
      guidelines. At the time of presentation to the chiropractic clinic, he had failed
      to progress toward return to play, and his computerized neurocognitive testing
      scores had not improved. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: Chiropractic manipulative
      therapy, myofascial release, instrument-assisted soft tissue technique, and
      therapeutic exercises were provided over 5 treatments spanning a 20-day period.
      The patient followed up each treatment with ImPACT testing. At the conclusion of
      the treatments, the patient's computerized neurocognitive testing scores had
      improved, and the patient was returned to play. CONCLUSION: This case
      demonstrates the improvement of postconcussion syndrome in a 14-year-old male
      hockey player under chiropractic management.

PMID- 27660600
TI  - Calcium Pyrophosphate Dihydrate Crystal Deposition Disease Simulating
      Osteoarthrosis of the Knee: A Case Report.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this case report is to describe a case where calcium
      pyrophosphate dehydrate crystal deposition disease (CPPD) simulated
      osteoarthritis of the knee. CLINICAL FEATURES: A 78-year-old woman had a 2-week
      history of severe right knee pain accompanied by mild swelling. The onset was
      sudden and did not involve a history of trauma or previous injury to the right
      knee. Inspection and palpation revealed pain along the medial joint line and
      marked difficulty ambulating. Results of Lachman's test, anterior drawer test,
      and posterior sag sign were negative upon orthopedic assessment. Diagnostic
      imaging was performed and showed degenerative changes with diffuse calcification
      of the fibrocartilage and hyaline articular cartilage within the knee joint and
      the medial collateral ligament consistent with the appearance of CPPD crystal
      deposition. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: Low-level laser therapy was performed to
      the affected medial joint line of the knee, and knee stabilization exercises were
      given. Lower Extremity Function Scale changed from 34% to 60% after 4 weeks of
      care. CONCLUSION: Although knee osteoarthritis is much more common than knee
      CPPD, it is important to consider both diagnoses in elderly patients who present
      with unilateral knee pain. Diagnosis should be based on clinical presentation,
      history, and radiographic or histological means to ensure accuracy and proper
      diagnosis.

PMID- 27660601
TI  - Effect of Ag Addition on the Electrochemical Performance of Cu10Al in Artificial
      Saliva.
AB  - In this work we proposed to evaluate the corrosion resistance of four different
      alloys by electrochemical techniques, a binary alloy Cu10Al, and three ternary
      alloys Cu10Al-xAg (x = 5, 10, and 15 wt.%) to be used like biomaterials in dental
      application. Biomaterials proposed were tested in artificial saliva at 37 degrees
      C for 48 h. In addition, pure metals Cu, Al, Ag, and Ti as reference materials
      were evaluated. In general the short time tests indicated that the Ag addition
      increases the corrosion resistance and reduces the extent of localized attack of
      the binary alloy. Moreover, tests for 48 hours showed that the Ag addition
      increases the stability of the passive layer, thereby reducing the corrosion rate
      of the binary alloy. SEM analysis showed that Cu10Al alloy was preferably
      corroded by grain boundaries, and the Ag addition modified the form of attack of
      the binary alloy. Cu-rich phases reacted with SCN(-) anions forming a film of
      CuSCN, and the Ag-rich phase is prone to react with SCN(-) anions forming AgSCN.
      Thus, binary and ternary alloys are susceptible to tarnish in the presence of
      thiocyanate ions. 

PMID- 27660602
TI  - Capacitive Feedthroughs for Medical Implants.
AB  - Important technological advances in the last decades paved the road to a great
      success story for electrically stimulating medical implants, including cochlear
      implants or implants for deep brain stimulation. However, there are still many
      challenges in reducing side effects and improving functionality and comfort for
      the patient. Two of the main challenges are the wish for smaller implants on one
      hand, and the demand for more stimulation channels on the other hand. But these
      two aims lead to a conflict of interests. This paper presents a novel design for
      an electrical feedthrough, the so called capacitive feedthrough, which allows
      both reducing the size, and increasing the number of included channels.
      Capacitive feedthroughs combine the functionality of a coupling capacitor and an
      electrical feedthrough within one and the same structure. The paper also
      discusses the progress and the challenges of the first produced demonstrators.
      The concept bears a high potential in improving current feedthrough technology,
      and could be applied on all kinds of electrical medical implants, even if its
      implementation might be challenging. 

PMID- 27660603
TI  - Magnitude of Morning Surge in Blood Pressure Is Associated with Sympathetic but
      Not Cardiac Baroreflex Sensitivity.
AB  - The ability of the arterial baroreflex to regulate blood pressure may influence
      the magnitude of the morning surge in blood pressure (MSBP). The aim was to
      investigate the relationships between sympathetic and cardiac baroreflex
      sensitivity (BRS) and the morning surge. Twenty-four hour ambulatory blood
      pressure was recorded in 14 young individuals. The morning surge was defined via
      the pre-awakening method, which is calculated as the difference between mean
      blood pressure values 2 h before and 2 h after rising from sleep. The mean
      systolic morning surge, diastolic morning surge, and morning surge in mean
      arterial pressures were 15 +/- 2, 13 +/- 1, and 11 +/- 1 mmHg, respectively.
      During the laboratory protocol, continuous measurements of blood pressure, heart
      rate, and muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) were made over a 10-min period
      of rest. Sympathetic BRS was quantified by plotting MSNA burst incidence against
      diastolic pressure (sympathetic BRSinc), and by plotting total MSNA against
      diastolic pressure (sympathetic BRStotal). Cardiac BRS was quantified using the
      sequence method. The mean values for sympathetic BRSinc, sympathetic BRStotal and
      cardiac BRS were -1.26 +/- 0.26 bursts/100 hb/mmHg, -1.60 +/- 0.37 AU/beat/mmHg,
      and 13.1 +/- 1.5 ms/mmHg respectively. Significant relationships were identified
      between sympathetic BRSinc and the diastolic morning surge (r = 0.62, p = 0.02)
      and the morning surge in mean arterial pressure (r = 0.57, p = 0.03). Low
      sympathetic BRS was associated with a larger morning surge in mean arterial and
      diastolic blood pressure. Trends for relationships were identified between
      sympathetic BRStotal and the diastolic morning surge (r = 0.52, p = 0.066) and
      the morning surge in mean arterial pressure (r = 0.48, p = 0.095) but these did
      not reach significance. There were no significant relationships between cardiac
      BRS and the morning surge. These findings indicate that the ability of the
      baroreflex to buffer increases in blood pressure via reflexive changes in MSNA
      may play a role in determining the magnitude of the MSBP. 

PMID- 27660604
TI  - Higher Adolescent Body Mass Index Is Associated with Lower Regional Gray and
      White Matter Volumes and Lower Levels of Positive Emotionality.
AB  - Adolescent obesity is associated with an increased chance of developing serious
      health risks later in life. Identifying the neurobiological and personality
      factors related to increases in adiposity is important to understanding what
      drives maladaptive consummatory and exercise behaviors that result in obesity.
      Previous research has largely focused on adults with few findings published on
      interactions among adiposity, brain structure, and personality. In this study,
      Voxel Based Morphometry (VBM) was used to identify associations between gray and
      white matter volumes and increasing adiposity, as measured by Body Mass Index
      percentile (BMI%), in 137 adolescents (age range: 9-20 years, BMI% range: 5.16
      99.56). Variations in gray and white matter volume and BMI% were then linked to
      individual differences in personality measures from the Multidimensional
      Personality Questionnaire (MPQ). After controlling for age and other covariates,
      BMI% correlated negatively with gray matter volume in the bilateral caudate
      (right: partial r = -0.338, left: r = -0.404), medial prefrontal cortex (partial
      r = -0.339), anterior cingulate (partial r = -0.312), bilateral frontal pole
      (right: partial r = -0.368, left: r = -0.316), and uncus (partial r = -0.475) as
      well as white matter volume bilaterally in the anterior limb of the internal
      capsule (right: partial r = -0.34, left: r = -0.386), extending to the left
      middle frontal subgyral white matter. Agentic Positive Emotionality (PEM-AG) was
      correlated negatively with BMI% (partial r = -0.384). PEM-AG was correlated
      positively with gray matter volume in the right uncus (partial r = 0.329). These
      results suggest that higher levels of adiposity in adolescents are associated
      with lower trait levels in reward-related personality domains, as well as
      structural variations in brain regions associated with reward processing,
      control, and sensory integration. 

PMID- 27660605
TI  - Lettuce and rhizosphere microbiome responses to growth promoting Pseudomonas
      species under field conditions.
AB  - Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria are well described and recommended for
      several crops worldwide. However, one of the most common problems in research
      into them is the difficulty in obtaining reproducible results. Furthermore, few
      studies have evaluated plant growth promotion and soil microbial community
      composition resulting from bacterial inoculation under field conditions. Here we
      evaluated the effect of 54 Pseudomonas strains on lettuce (Lactuca sativa)
      growth. The 12 most promising strains were phylogenetically and physiologically
      characterized for plant growth-promoting traits, including phosphate
      solubilization, hormone production and antagonism to pathogen compounds, and
      their effect on plant growth under farm field conditions. Additionally, the
      impact of beneficial strains on the rhizospheric bacterial community was
      evaluated for inoculated plants. The strains IAC-RBcr4 and IAC-RBru1, with
      different plant growth promoting traits, improved lettuce plant biomass yields up
      to 30%. These two strains also impacted rhizosphere bacterial groups including
      Isosphaera and Pirellula (phylum Planctomycetes) and Acidothermus, Pseudolabrys
      and Singusphaera (phylum Actinobacteria). This is the first study to demonstrate
      consistent results for the effects of Pseudomonas strains on lettuce growth
      promotion for seedlings and plants grown under tropical field conditions.

PMID- 27660607
TI  - Nitrogen cycling process rates across urban ecosystems.
AB  - Nitrogen (N) pollution of freshwater, estuarine, and marine ecosystems is
      widespread and has numerous environmental and economic impacts. A portion of this
      excess N comes from urban watersheds comprised of natural and engineered
      ecosystems which can alter downstream N export. Studies of urban N cycling have
      focused on either specific ecosystems or on watershed-scale mass balances.
      Comparisons of specific N transformations across ecosystems are required to
      contextualize rates from individual studies. Here we reviewed urban N cycling in
      terrestrial, aquatic, and engineered ecosystems, and compared N processing in
      these urban ecosystem types to native reference ecosystems. We found that net N
      mineralization and net nitrification rates were enhanced in urban forests and
      riparian zones relative to reference ecosystems. Denitrification was highly
      variable across urban ecosystem types, but no significant differences were found
      between urban and reference denitrification rates. When focusing on urban
      streams, ammonium uptake was more rapid than nitrate uptake in urban streams.
      Additionally, reduction of stormwater runoff coupled with potential decreases in
      N concentration suggests that green infrastructure may reduce downstream N
      export. Despite multiple environmental stressors in urban environments,
      ecosystems within urban watersheds can process and transform N at rates similar
      to or higher than reference ecosystems.

PMID- 27660606
TI  - Genomic insights into metabolic versatility of a lithotrophic sulfur-oxidizing
      diazotrophic Alphaproteobacterium Azospirillum thiophilum.
AB  - Diazotrophic Alphaproteobacteria of the genus Azospirillum are usually
      organotrophs, although some strains of Azospirillum lipoferum are capable of
      hydrogen-dependent autotrophic growth. Azospirillum thiophilum strain was
      isolated from a mineral sulfide spring, a biotope highly unusual for azospirilla.
      Here, the metabolic pathways utilized by A. thiophilum were revealed based on
      comprehensive analysis of its genomic organization, together with physiological
      and biochemical approaches. The A. thiophilum genome contained all the genes
      encoding the enzymes of carbon metabolism via glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid
      cycle and glyoxylate cycle. Genes for a complete set of enzymes responsible for
      autotrophic growth, with an active Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle, were also
      revealed, and activity of the key enzymes was determined. Microaerobic
      chemolithoautotrophic growth of A. thiophilum was detected in the presence of
      thiosulfate and molecular hydrogen, being in line with the discovery of the genes
      encoding the two enzymes involved in dissimilatory thiosulfate oxidation, the Sox
      complex and thiosulfate dehydrogenase and Ni-Fe hydrogenases. Azospirillum
      thiophilum utilizes methanol and formate, producing CO2 that can further be
      metabolized via the Calvin cycle. Finally, it is capable of anaerobic
      respiration, using tetrathionate as a terminal electron acceptor. Such metabolic
      versatility is of great importance for adaptation of A. thiophilum to constantly
      changing physicochemical environment.

PMID- 27660608
TI  - Distribution of Response Time, Cortical, and Cardiac Correlates during Emotional
      Interference in Persons with Subclinical Psychotic Symptoms.
AB  - A psychosis phenotype can be observed below the threshold of clinical detection.
      The study aimed to investigate whether subclinical psychotic symptoms are
      associated with deficits in controlling emotional interference, and whether
      cortical brain and cardiac correlates of these deficits can be detected using
      functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). A data set derived from a
      community sample was obtained from the Zurich Program for Sustainable Development
      of Mental Health Services. 174 subjects (mean age 29.67 +/- 6.41, 91 females)
      were assigned to four groups ranging from low to high levels of subclinical
      psychotic symptoms (derived from the Symptom Checklist-90-R). Emotional
      interference was assessed using the emotional Stroop task comprising neutral,
      positive, and negative conditions. Statistical distributional methods based on
      delta plots [behavioral response time (RT) data] and quantile analysis (fNIRS
      data) were applied to evaluate the emotional interference effects. Results showed
      that both interference effects and disorder-specific (i.e., group-specific)
      effects could be detected, based on behavioral RTs, cortical hemodynamic signals
      (brain correlates), and heart rate variability (cardiac correlates). Subjects
      with high compared to low subclinical psychotic symptoms revealed significantly
      reduced amplitudes in dorsolateral prefrontal cortices (interference effect, p <
      0.001) and middle temporal gyrus (disorder-specific group effect, p < 0.001),
      supported by behavioral and heart rate results. The present findings indicate
      that distributional analyses methods can support the detection of emotional
      interference effects in the emotional Stroop. The results suggested that subjects
      with high subclinical psychosis exhibit enhanced emotional interference effects.
      Based on these observations, subclinical psychosis may therefore prove to
      represent a valid extension of the clinical psychosis phenotype. 

PMID- 27660609
TI  - Presence of a Chaotic Region at the Sleep-Wake Transition in a Simplified
      Thalamocortical Circuit Model.
AB  - Sleep and wakefulness are characterized by distinct states of thalamocortical
      network oscillations. The complex interplay of ionic conductances within the
      thalamo-reticular-cortical network give rise to these multiple modes of activity
      and a rapid transition exists between these modes. To better understand this
      transition, we constructed a simplified computational model based on
      physiological recordings and physiologically realistic parameters of a three
      neuron network containing a thalamocortical cell, a thalamic reticular neuron,
      and a corticothalamic cell. The network can assume multiple states of oscillatory
      activity, resembling sleep, wakefulness, and the transition between these two. We
      found that during the transition period, but not during other states, thalamic
      and cortical neurons displayed chaotic dynamics, based on the presence of strange
      attractors, estimation of positive Lyapunov exponents and the presence of a
      fractal dimension in the spike trains. These dynamics were quantitatively
      dependent on certain features of the network, such as the presence of
      corticothalamic feedback and the strength of inhibition between the thalamic
      reticular nucleus and thalamocortical neurons. These data suggest that chaotic
      dynamics facilitate a rapid transition between sleep and wakefulness and produce
      a series of experimentally testable predictions to further investigate the events
      occurring during the sleep-wake transition period. 

PMID- 27660610
TI  - Structural Plasticity Denoises Responses and Improves Learning Speed.
AB  - Despite an abundance of computational models for learning of synaptic weights,
      there has been relatively little research on structural plasticity, i.e., the
      creation and elimination of synapses. Especially, it is not clear how structural
      plasticity works in concert with spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) and
      what advantages their combination offers. Here we present a fairly large-scale
      functional model that uses leaky integrate-and-fire neurons, STDP, homeostasis,
      recurrent connections, and structural plasticity to learn the input encoding, the
      relation between inputs, and to infer missing inputs. Using this model, we
      compare the error and the amount of noise in the network's responses with and
      without structural plasticity and the influence of structural plasticity on the
      learning speed of the network. Using structural plasticity during learning shows
      good results for learning the representation of input values, i.e., structural
      plasticity strongly reduces the noise of the response by preventing spikes with a
      high error. For inferring missing inputs we see similar results, with responses
      having less noise if the network was trained using structural plasticity.
      Additionally, using structural plasticity with pruning significantly decreased
      the time to learn weights suitable for inference. Presumably, this is due to the
      clearer signal containing less spikes that misrepresent the desired value.
      Therefore, this work shows that structural plasticity is not only able to improve
      upon the performance using STDP without structural plasticity but also speeds up
      learning. Additionally, it addresses the practical problem of limited resources
      for connectivity that is not only apparent in the mammalian neocortex but also in
      computer hardware or neuromorphic (brain-inspired) hardware by efficiently
      pruning synapses without losing performance. 

PMID- 27660612
TI  - Functional Segregation within the Muscles of Aquatic Propulsion in the Asiatic
      Water Monitor (Varanus salvator).
AB  - Water monitor lizards (Varanus salvator) swim using sinusoidal oscillations
      generated at the base of their long (50% of total body length) tail. In an effort
      to determine which level of the structural/organizational hierarchy of muscle is
      associated with functional segregation between the muscles of the tail base, an
      array of muscle features-myosin heavy chain profiles, enzymatic fiber types,
      twitch and tetanic force production, rates of fatigue, muscle compliance, and
      electrical activity patterns-were quantitated. The two examined axial muscles,
      longissimus, and iliocaudalis, were generally similar at the molecular,
      biochemical, and physiological levels, but differed at the biomechanics level and
      in their activation pattern. The appendicular muscle examined, caudofemoralis,
      differed from the axial muscles particularly at the molecular and physiological
      levels, and it exhibited a unique compliance profile and pattern of electrical
      activation. There were some apparent contradictions between the different
      structural/organizational levels examined. These contradictions, coupled with a
      unique myosin heavy chain profile, lead to the hypothesis that there are
      previously un-described molecular/biochemical specializations within varanid
      skeletal muscles. 

PMID- 27660611
TI  - From Metabonomics to Pharmacometabonomics: The Role of Metabolic Profiling in
      Personalized Medicine.
AB  - Variable patient responses to drugs are a key issue for medicine and for drug
      discovery and development. Personalized medicine, that is the selection of
      medicines for subgroups of patients so as to maximize drug efficacy and minimize
      toxicity, is a key goal of twenty-first century healthcare. Currently, most
      personalized medicine paradigms rely on clinical judgment based on the patient's
      history, and on the analysis of the patients' genome to predict drug effects
      i.e., pharmacogenomics. However, variability in patient responses to drugs is
      dependent upon many environmental factors to which human genomics is essentially
      blind. A new paradigm for predicting drug responses based on individual pre-dose
      metabolite profiles has emerged in the past decade: pharmacometabonomics, which
      is defined as "the prediction of the outcome (for example, efficacy or toxicity)
      of a drug or xenobiotic intervention in an individual based on a mathematical
      model of pre-intervention metabolite signatures." The new pharmacometabonomics
      paradigm is complementary to pharmacogenomics but has the advantage of being
      sensitive to environmental as well as genomic factors. This review will chart the
      discovery and development of pharmacometabonomics, and provide examples of its
      current utility and possible future developments. 

PMID- 27660613
TI  - Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Investigation of Brain Adaptations to 6 Days
      at 4350 m.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Hypoxic exposure in healthy subjects can induce acute mountain
      sickness including headache, lethargy, cerebral dysfunction, and substantial
      cerebral structural alterations which, in worst case, can lead to potentially
      fatal high altitude cerebral edema. Within this context, the relationships
      between high altitude-induced cerebral edema, changes in cerebral perfusion,
      increased brain parenchyma volume, increased intracranial pressure, and symptoms
      remain unclear. METHODS: In 11 subjects before and after 6 days at 4350 m, we
      performed multiparametric magnetic resonance investigations including anatomical,
      apparent diffusion coefficient and arterial spin labeling sequences. RESULTS:
      After the altitude stay, while subjects were asymptomatic, white matter volume
      (+0.7 +/- 0.4%, p = 0.005), diffusion (+1.7 +/- 1.4%, p = 0.002), and cerebral
      blood flow (+28 +/- 38%; p = 0.036) were significantly increased while
      cerebrospinal fluid volume was reduced (-1.4 +/- 1.1%, p = 0.009). Optic nerve
      sheath diameter (used as an index of increased intracranial pressure) was
      unchanged from before (5.84 +/- 0.53 mm) to after (5.92 +/- 0.60 mm, p = 0.390)
      altitude exposure. Correlations were observed between increases in white matter
      volume and diffusion (rho = 0.81, p = 0.016) and between changes in CSF volume
      and changes in ONSD s (rho = -0.92, p = 0.006) and symptoms during the altitude
      stay (rho = -0.67, p = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate white matter
      alterations after several days at high altitude when subjects are asymptomatic
      that may represent the normal brain response to prolonged high altitude exposure.

PMID- 27660614
TI  - Calcium Sensing Receptor as a Novel Mediator of Adipose Tissue Dysfunction:
      Mechanisms and Potential Clinical Implications.
AB  - Obesity is currently a serious worldwide public health problem, reaching pandemic
      levels. For decades, dietary and behavioral approaches have failed to prevent
      this disease from expanding, and health authorities are challenged by the
      elevated prevalence of co-morbid conditions. Understanding how obesity-associated
      diseases develop from a basic science approach is recognized as an urgent task to
      face this growing problem. White adipose tissue (WAT) is an active endocrine
      organ, with a crucial influence on whole-body homeostasis. WAT dysfunction plays
      a key role linking obesity with its associated diseases such as type 2 diabetes
      mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and some cancers. Among the regulators of WAT
      physiology, the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) has arisen as a potential
      mediator of WAT dysfunction. Expression of the receptor has been described in
      human preadipocytes, adipocytes, and the human adipose cell lines LS14 and SW872.
      The evidence suggests that CaSR activation in the visceral (i.e., unhealthy) WAT
      is associated with an increased proliferation of adipose progenitor cells and
      elevated adipocyte differentiation. In addition, exposure of adipose cells to
      CaSR activators in vitro elevates proinflammatory cytokine expression and
      secretion. An increased proinflammatory environment in WAT plays a key role in
      the development of WAT dysfunction that leads to peripheral organ fat deposition
      and insulin resistance, among other consequences. We propose that CaSR may be one
      relevant therapeutic target in the struggle to confront the health consequences
      of the current worldwide obesity pandemic. 

PMID- 27660616
TI  - The Body That Speaks: Recombining Bodies and Speech Sources in Unscripted Face-to
      Face Communication.
AB  - This article examines advances in research methods that enable experimental
      substitution of the speaking body in unscripted face-to-face communication. A
      taxonomy of six hybrid social agents is presented by combining three types of
      bodies (mechanical, virtual, and human) with either an artificial or human speech
      source. Our contribution is to introduce and explore the significance of two
      particular hybrids: (1) the cyranoid method that enables humans to converse face
      to-face through the medium of another person's body, and (2) the echoborg method
      that enables artificial intelligence to converse face-to-face through the medium
      of a human body. These two methods are distinct in being able to parse the unique
      influence of the human body when combined with various speech sources. We also
      introduce a new framework for conceptualizing the body's role in communication,
      distinguishing three levels: self's perspective on the body, other's perspective
      on the body, and self's perspective of other's perspective on the body. Within
      each level the cyranoid and echoborg methodologies make important research
      questions tractable. By conceptualizing and synthesizing these methods, we
      outline a novel paradigm of research on the role of the body in unscripted face
      to-face communication. 

PMID- 27660615
TI  - Redundancy and Molecular Evolution: The Rapid Induction of Bone Formation by the
      Mammalian Transforming Growth Factor-beta3 Isoform.
AB  - The soluble osteogenic molecular signals of the transforming growth factor-beta
      (TGF-beta) supergene family are the molecular bases of the induction of bone
      formation and postnatal bone tissue morphogenesis with translation into clinical
      contexts. The mammalian TGF-beta3 isoform, a pleiotropic member of the family,
      controls a vast array of biological processes including the induction of bone
      formation. Recombinant hTGF-beta3 induces substantial bone formation when
      implanted with either collagenous bone matrices or coral-derived macroporous
      bioreactors in the rectus abdominis muscle of the non-human primate Papio
      ursinus. In marked contrast, the three mammalian TGF-betas do not initiate the
      induction of bone formation in rodents and lagomorphs. The induction of bone by
      hTGF-beta3/preloaded bioreactors is orchestrated by inducing fibrin-fibronectin
      rings that structurally organize tissue patterning and morphogenesis within the
      macroporous spaces. Induced advancing extracellular matrix rings provide the
      structural anchorage for hyper chromatic cells, interpreted as differentiating
      osteoblasts re-programmed by hTGF-beta3 from invading myoblastic and/or pericytic
      differentiated cells. Runx2 and Osteocalcin expression are significantly up
      regulated correlating to multiple invading cells differentiating into the
      osteoblastic phenotype. Bioreactors pre-loaded with recombinant human Noggin
      (hNoggin), a BMPs antagonist, show down-regulation of BMP-2 and other profiled
      osteogenic proteins' genes resulting in minimal bone formation. Coral-derived
      macroporous constructs preloaded with binary applications of hTGF-beta3 and
      hNoggin also show down-regulation of BMP-2 with the induction of limited bone
      formation. The induction of bone formation by hTGF-beta3 is via the BMPs pathway
      and it is thus blocked by hNoggin. Our systematic studies in P. ursinus with
      translational hTGF-beta3 in large cranio-mandibulo-facial defects in humans are
      now requesting the re-evaluation of "Bone: formation by autoinduction" in primate
      models including humans. 

PMID- 27660617
TI  - Why Does the "Sinner" Act Prosocially? The Mediating Role of Guilt and the
      Moderating Role of Moral Identity in Motivating Moral Cleansing.
AB  - Numerous studies have found that people tend to commit prosocial acts subsequent
      to previous immoral acts, as a response to the latter. This phenomenon is called
      moral cleansing or moral compensation. However, the specific mechanism how
      previous immoral acts motivate moral compensatory behaviors is still not fully
      understood. This study aimed to examine the roles of guilt and moral identity in
      the relation between previous immoral acts and subsequent prosocial behaviors to
      clarify the mechanism. Based on the extant research, the current study proposed a
      moderated mediation model to illustrate the process of moral cleansing.
      Specifically, a previous immoral act motivates guilt, which further leads to
      subsequent prosocial behaviors, while moral identity facilitates this process.
      The participants were primed by a recalling task (immoral act vs. a neutral
      event). The results support the hypothesized model and provide a framework that
      explains moral cleansing by integrating the roles of guilt and moral identity.
      These findings highlight the dynamic nature of people's morality with regard to
      how people adapt moral behaviors to protect their moral self-image. 

PMID- 27660618
TI  - Specific Barriers and Drivers in Different Stages of Decision-Making about Energy
      Efficiency Upgrades in Private Homes.
AB  - Energy efficiency upgrades of privately owned homes like adding to the insulation
      layers in the walls, roof or floor, or replacing windows with more efficiently
      insulated versions can contribute significantly to reducing the energy impact of
      the building sector and thus also the CO2 footprint of a household. However, even
      in countries like Norway that have a rather high rate of renovation, energy
      upgrades are not always integrated into such a refurbishment project. This study
      tests which structural and internal psychological barriers hinder and which
      drivers foster decision-making to implement such measures, once a renovation
      project is planned. With a theoretical background in stage-based models of
      decision-making 24 barriers and drivers were tested for their specific effect in
      the stages of decision-making. The four stages of decision-making assumed in this
      study were (1) "not being in a decision mode," (2) "deciding what to do," (3)
      "deciding how to do it," and (4) "planning implementation." Based on an online
      survey of 3787 Norwegian households, it was found that the most important
      barriers toward deciding to implement energy efficiency upgrades were not owning
      the dwelling and feeling the right time had not come yet. The most important
      drivers of starting to decide were higher expected comfort levels, better
      expected living conditions, and an expected reduction of energy costs. For the
      transition from deciding what to do to how to do it, not managing to make a
      decision and feeling the right point in time has not come yet were the strongest
      barriers, easily accessible information and an expected reduction of energy costs
      were the most important drivers. The final transition from deciding how to do the
      upgrades to planning implementation was driven by expecting a payoff within a
      reasonable time frame and higher expected comfort levels; the most important
      barriers were time demands for supervising contractors and-again-a feeling that
      the right point in time has not come yet. Implications for policy-making and
      marketing are discussed. 

PMID- 27660619
TI  - A New Measure of Reading Habit: Going Beyond Behavioral Frequency.
AB  - Reading habit is considered an important construct in reading research as it
      serves as a significant predictor of reading achievement. However, there is still
      no consensus on how to best measure reading habit. In recent research, it has
      mostly been measured as behavioral frequency; this approach neglects the fact
      that repeated behavior does not cover the broad content of habitual behavior-such
      as automaticity and the expression of one's identity. In this study, we aimed to
      adapt a 10-item scale on the basis of the Self-Report Habit Index by Verplanken
      and Orbell (2003) that is comprehensive but still economical for measuring
      reading habit. It was tested by drawing on a sample of N = 1,418 upper secondary
      school students. The scale showed good psychometric properties and the internal
      and external validity was supported. Moreover, the scale predicted reading
      achievement and decoding speed over and above reading frequency. The implications
      of an elaborated but still economical way of measuring reading habit are
      discussed giving new impetus on research on reading habit, challenging
      conventional approaches of traditional measures. 

PMID- 27660620
TI  - From Sweeping to the Caress: Similarities and Discrepancies between Human and Non
      Human Primates' Pleasant Touch.
AB  - Affective touch plays a key role in affiliative behavior, offering a mechanism
      for the formation and maintenance of social bonds among conspecifics, both in
      humans and non-human primates. Furthermore, it has been speculated that the CT
      fiber system is a specific coding channel for affiliative touch that occurs
      during skin-to-skin interactions with conspecifics. In humans, this touch is
      commonly referred to as the caress, and its correlation with the CT fiber system
      has been widely demonstrated. It has been hypothesized that the sweeping touch
      that occurs during grooming in non-human primates may modulate the CT fibers,
      with recent preliminary studies on rhesus monkeys supporting this hypothesis. The
      present mini-review proposes a comparison between the pleasant touch, caress and
      sweeping of humans and non-human primates, respectively. The currently available
      data was therefore reviewed regarding (i) the correlation between pleasant touch
      and CT fibers both in humans and non-human primates, (ii) the autonomic effects,
      (iii) the encoding at the central nervous system, (iv) the development from early
      life to adulthood, and (v) the potential applications of pleasant touch in the
      daily lives of both humans and non-human primates. Moreover, by considering both
      the similarities and discrepancies between the human caress and non-human primate
      sweeping, a possible evolutionary mechanism can be proposed that has developed
      from sweeping as a utilitarian action with affiliative meaning among monkeys, to
      the caress as a purely affective gesture associated with humans. 

PMID- 27660622
TI  - Leisingera sp. JC1, a Bacterial Isolate from Hawaiian Bobtail Squid Eggs,
      Produces Indigoidine and Differentially Inhibits Vibrios.
AB  - Female members of many cephalopod species house a bacterial consortium in the
      accessory nidamental gland (ANG), part of the reproductive system. These bacteria
      are deposited into eggs that are then laid in the environment where they must
      develop unprotected from predation, pathogens, and fouling. In this study, we
      characterized the genome and secondary metabolite production of Leisingera sp.
      JC1, a member of the roseobacter clade (Rhodobacteraceae) of Alphaproteobacteria
      isolated from the jelly coat of eggs from the Hawaiian bobtail squid, Euprymna
      scolopes. Whole genome sequencing and MLSA analysis revealed that Leisingera sp.
      JC1 falls within a group of roseobacters associated with squid ANGs. Genome and
      biochemical analyses revealed the potential for and production of a number of
      secondary metabolites, including siderophores and acyl-homoserine lactones
      involved with quorum sensing. The complete biosynthetic gene cluster for the
      pigment indigoidine was detected in the genome and mass spectrometry confirmed
      the production of this compound. Furthermore, we investigated the production of
      indigoidine under co-culture conditions with Vibrio fischeri, the light organ
      symbiont of E. scolopes, and with other vibrios. Finally, both Leisingera sp. JC1
      and secondary metabolite extracts of this strain had differential antimicrobial
      activity against a number of marine vibrios, suggesting that Leisingera sp. JC1
      may play a role in host defense against other marine bacteria either in the eggs
      and/or ANG. These data also suggest that indigoidine may be partially, but not
      wholly, responsible for the antimicrobial activity of this squid-associated
      bacterium. 

PMID- 27660623
TI  - More Is Better: Selecting for Broad Host Range Bacteriophages.
AB  - Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria. In this perspective, we discuss
      several aspects of a characteristic feature of bacteriophages, their host range.
      Each phage has its own particular host range, the range of bacteria that it can
      infect. While some phages can only infect one or a few bacterial strains, other
      phages can infect many species or even bacteria from different genera. Different
      methods for determining host range may give different results, reflecting the
      multiple mechanisms bacteria have to resist phage infection and reflecting the
      different steps of infection each method depends on. This makes defining host
      range difficult. Another difficulty in describing host range arises from the
      inconsistent use of the words "narrow" and especially "broad" when describing the
      breadth of the host range. Nearly all bacteriophages have been isolated using a
      single host strain of bacteria. While this procedure is fairly standard, it may
      more likely produce narrow rather than broad host range phage. Our results and
      those of others suggest that using multiple host strains during isolation can
      more reliably produce broader host range phages. This challenges the common
      belief that most bacteriophages have a narrow host range. We highlight the
      implications of this for several areas that are affected by host range including
      horizontal gene transfer and phage therapy. 

PMID- 27660625
TI  - Bacteriophage T4 Infection of Stationary Phase E. coli: Life after Log from a
      Phage Perspective.
AB  - Virtually all studies of phage infections investigate bacteria growing
      exponentially in rich media. In nature, however, phages largely encounter non
      growing cells. Bacteria entering stationary phase often activate well-studied
      stress defense mechanisms that drastically alter the cell, facilitating its long
      term survival. An understanding of phage-host interactions in such conditions is
      of major importance from both an ecological and therapeutic standpoint. Here, we
      show that bacteriophage T4 can efficiently bind to, infect and kill E. coli in
      stationary phase, both in the presence and absence of a functional stationary
      phase sigma factor, and explore the response of T4-infected stationary phase
      cells to the addition of fresh nutrients 5 or 24 h after that infection. An
      unexpected new mode of response has been identified. "Hibernation" mode is a
      persistent but reversible dormant state in which the infected cells make at least
      some phage enzymes, but halt phage development until appropriate nutrients become
      available before producing phage particles. Our evidence indicates that the block
      in hibernation mode occurs after the middle-mode stage of phage development; host
      DNA breakdown and the incorporation of the released nucleotides into phage DNA
      indicate that the enzymes of the nucleotide synthesizing complex, under middle
      mode control, have been made and assembled into a functional state. Once fresh
      glucose and amino acids become available, the standard lytic infection process
      rapidly resumes and concentrations of up to 10(11) progeny phage (an average of
      about 40 phage per initially present cell) are produced. All evidence is
      consistent with the hibernation-mode control point lying between middle mode and
      late mode T4 gene expression. We have also observed a "scavenger" response, where
      the infecting phage takes advantage of whatever few nutrients are available to
      produce small quantities of progeny within 2 to 5 h after infection. The
      scavenger response seems able to produce no more than an average of one phage per
      originally available cell, and few if any further progeny are produced by cells
      in this mode even if fresh nutrients are made available later. 

PMID- 27660626
TI  - Editorial: Control of Pestivirus Infections in the Management of Wildlife
      Populations.

PMID- 27660624
TI  - The Willow Microbiome Is Influenced by Soil Petroleum-Hydrocarbon Concentration
      with Plant Compartment-Specific Effects.
AB  - The interaction between plants and microorganisms, which is the driving force
      behind the decontamination of petroleum hydrocarbon (PHC) contamination in
      phytoremediation technology, is poorly understood. Here, we aimed at
      characterizing the variations between plant compartments in the microbiome of two
      willow cultivars growing in contaminated soils. A field experiment was set-up at
      a former petrochemical plant in Canada and after two growing seasons, bulk soil,
      rhizosphere soil, roots, and stems samples of two willow cultivars (Salix
      purpurea cv. FishCreek, and Salix miyabeana cv. SX67) growing at three PHC
      contamination concentrations were taken. DNA was extracted and bacterial 16S rRNA
      gene and fungal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions were amplified and
      sequenced using an Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine (PGM). Following
      multivariate statistical analyses, the level of PHC-contamination appeared as the
      primary factor influencing the willow microbiome with compartment-specific
      effects, with significant differences between the responses of bacterial, and
      fungal communities. Increasing PHC contamination levels resulted in shifts in the
      microbiome composition, favoring putative hydrocarbon degraders, and
      microorganisms previously reported as associated with plant health. These shifts
      were less drastic in the rhizosphere, root, and stem tissues as compared to bulk
      soil, probably because the willows provided a more controlled environment, and
      thus, protected microbial communities against increasing contamination levels.
      Insights from this study will help to devise optimal plant microbiomes for
      increasing the efficiency of phytoremediation technology. 

PMID- 27660627
TI  - Editorial: Actinobacteria in Special and Extreme Habitats: Diversity, Function
      Roles, and Environmental Adaptations.

PMID- 27660621
TI  - Predictors of Cognitive Decline in Older Adult Type 2 Diabetes from the Veterans
      Affairs Diabetes Trial.
AB  - AIMS: Cognitive decline disproportionately affects older adult type 2 diabetes.
      We tested whether randomized intensive (INT) glucose-lowering reduces the rate(s)
      of cognitive decline in adults with advanced type 2 diabetes (mean: age, 60
      years; diabetes duration, 11 years) from the Veterans Affairs Diabetes Trial.
      METHODS: A battery of neuropsychological tests [digit span, digit symbol
      substitution (DSym), and Trails-making Test-Part B (TMT-B)] was administered at
      baseline in ~1700 participants and repeated at year 5. Thirty-seven risk factors
      were evaluated as predictors of cognitive decline in multivariable regression
      analyses. RESULTS: The mean age-adjusted DSym or TMT-B declined significantly in
      all study participants (P < 0.001). Randomized INT glucose-lowering did not
      significantly alter the rate of cognitive decline. The final model of risk
      factors associated with 5-year decline in age-adjusted TMT-B included as
      significant predictors: longer baseline diabetes duration (beta = -0.028; P =
      0.0057), lower baseline diastolic blood pressure (BP; beta = 0.028; P = 0.002),
      and baseline calcium channel blocker medication use (beta = -0.639; P < 0.001).
      Higher baseline pulse pressure was significantly associated with decline in age
      adjusted TMT-B suggesting a role for both higher systolic and lower diastolic
      BPs. Baseline thiazide diuretic use (beta = -0.549; P = 0.015) was an additional
      significant predictor of 5-year decline in age-adjusted digit symbol score. Post
      baseline systolic BP-lowering was significantly associated (P < 0.001) with
      decline in TMT-B performance. There was a significant inverse association between
      post-baseline plasma triglyceride-lowering (P = 0.045) and decline in digit
      symbol substitution task performance. CONCLUSION: A 5-year period of randomized
      INT glucose-lowering did not significantly reduce the rate of cognitive decline
      in older-aged adults with type 2 diabetes. Systolic and diastolic BPs as well as
      plasma triglycerides appeared as modifiable risk factors of the rate of cognitive
      decline in older adult type 2 diabetes.

PMID- 27660628
TI  - Shortening of the Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei BGNJ1-64 AggLb Protein
      Switches Its Activity from Auto-aggregation to Biofilm Formation.
AB  - AggLb is the largest (318.6 kDa) aggregation-promoting protein of Lactobacillus
      paracasei subsp. paracasei BGNJ1-64 responsible for forming large cell
      aggregates, which causes auto-aggregation, collagen binding and pathogen
      exclusion in vitro. It contains an N-terminus leader peptide, followed by six
      successive collagen binding domains, 20 successive repeats (CnaB-like domains)
      and an LPXTG sorting signal at the C-terminus for cell wall anchoring.
      Experimental information about the roles of the domains of AggLb is currently
      unknown. To define the domain that confers cell aggregation and the key domains
      for interactions of specific affinity between AggLb and components of the
      extracellular matrix, we constructed a series of variants of the aggLb gene and
      expressed them in Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis BGKP1-20 using a lactococcal
      promoter. All of the variants contained a leader peptide, an inter collagen
      binding-CnaB domain region (used to raise an anti-AggLb antibody), an anchor
      domain and a different number of collagen binding and CnaB-like domains. The role
      of the collagen binding repeats of the N-terminus in auto-aggregation and binding
      to collagen and fibronectin was confirmed. Deletion of the collagen binding
      repeats II, III, and IV resulted in a loss of the strong auto-aggregation,
      collagen and fibronectin binding abilities whereas the biofilm formation
      capability was increased. The strong auto-aggregation, collagen and fibronectin
      binding abilities of AggLb were negatively correlated to biofilm formation. 

PMID- 27660629
TI  - Corrigendum: Whole-Transcriptome Analysis of Verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli
      O157:H7 (Sakai) Suggests Plant-Species-Specific Metabolic Responses on Exposure
      to Spinach and Lettuce Extracts.
AB  - [This corrects the article on p. 1088 in vol. 7, PMID: 27462311.]. 

PMID- 27660630
TI  - Commentary: Arnica Montana Effects on Gene Expression in a Human Macrophage Cell
      Line: Evaluation by Quantitative Real-Time PCR.

PMID- 27660632
TI  - Genome-Wide SNP Linkage Mapping and QTL Analysis for Fiber Quality and Yield
      Traits in the Upland Cotton Recombinant Inbred Lines Population.
AB  - It is of significance to discover genes related to fiber quality and yield traits
      and tightly linked markers for marker-assisted selection (MAS) in cotton
      breeding. In this study, 188 F8 recombinant inbred lines (RILs), derived from a
      intraspecific cross between HS46 and MARCABUCAG8US-1-88 were genotyped by the
      cotton 63K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) assay. Field trials were
      conducted in Sanya, Hainan Province, during the 2014-2015 cropping seasons under
      standard conditions. Results revealed significant differences (P < 0.05) among
      RILs, environments and replications for fiber quality and yield traits. Broad
      sense heritabilities of all traits including fiber length, fiber uniformity,
      micronaire, fiber elongation, fiber strength, boll weight, and lint percentage
      ranged from 0.26 to 0.66. A 1784.28 cM (centimorgans) linkage map, harboring 2618
      polymorphic SNP markers, was constructed, which had 0.68 cM per marker density.
      Seventy-one quantitative trait locus (QTLs) for fiber quality and yield traits
      were detected on 21 chromosomes, explaining 4.70~32.28% phenotypic variance, in
      which 16 were identified as stable QTLs across two environments. Meanwhile, 12
      certain regions were investigated to be involved in the control of one (hotspot)
      or more (cluster) traits, mainly focused on Chr05, Chr09, Chr10, Chr14, Chr19,
      and Chr20. Nineteen pairs of epistatic QTLs (e-QTLs) were identified, of which
      two pairs involved in two additive QTLs. These additive QTLs, e-QTLs, and QTL
      clusters were tightly linked to SNP markers, which may serve as target regions
      for map-based cloning, gene discovery, and MAS in cotton breeding. 

PMID- 27660633
TI  - Nickel Availability in Soil as Influenced by Liming and Its Role in Soybean
      Nitrogen Metabolism.
AB  - Nickel (Ni) availability in soil varies as a function of pH. Plants require Ni in
      small quantities for normal development, especially in legumes due its role in
      nitrogen (N) metabolism. This study investigated the effect of soil base
      saturation, and Ni amendments on Ni uptake, N accumulation in the leaves and
      grains, as well as to evaluate organic acids changes in soybean. In addition, two
      N assimilation enzymes were assayed: nitrate reductase (NR) and Ni-dependent
      urease. Soybean plants inoculated with Bradyrhizobium japonicum were cultivated
      in soil-filled pots under two base-cation saturation (BCS) ratios (50 and 70%)
      and five Ni rates - 0.0; 0.1; 0.5; 1.0; and 10.0 mg dm(-3) Ni. At flowering (R1
      developmental stage), plants for each condition were evaluated for organic acids
      (oxalic, malonic, succinic, malic, tartaric, fumaric, oxaloacetic, citric and
      lactic) levels as well as the activities of urease and NR. At the end of the
      growth period (R7 developmental stage - grain maturity), grain N and Ni
      accumulations were determined. The available soil-Ni in rhizosphere extracted by
      DTPA increased with Ni rates, notably in BCS50. The highest concentrations of
      organic acid and N occurred in BCS70 and 0.5 mg dm(-3) of Ni. There were no
      significant differences for urease activity taken on plants grown at BSC50 for Ni
      rates, except for the control treatment, while plants cultivated at soil BCS70
      increased the urease activity up to 0.5 mg dm(-3) of Ni. In addition, the highest
      values for urease activities were reached from the 0.5 mg dm(-3) of Ni rate for
      both BCS treatments. The NR activity was not affected by any treatment indicating
      good biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) for all plants. The reddish color of the
      nodules increased with Ni rates in both BCS50 and 70, also confirms the good BNF
      due to Ni availability. The optimal development of soybean occurs in BCS70, but
      requires an extra Ni supply for the production of organic acids and for increased
      N-shoot and grain accumulation. 

PMID- 27660635
TI  - Stochastic convex sparse principal component analysis.
AB  - Principal component analysis (PCA) is a dimensionality reduction and data
      analysis tool commonly used in many areas. The main idea of PCA is to represent
      high-dimensional data with a few representative components that capture most of
      the variance present in the data. However, there is an obvious disadvantage of
      traditional PCA when it is applied to analyze data where interpretability is
      important. In applications, where the features have some physical meanings, we
      lose the ability to interpret the principal components extracted by conventional
      PCA because each principal component is a linear combination of all the original
      features. For this reason, sparse PCA has been proposed to improve the
      interpretability of traditional PCA by introducing sparsity to the loading
      vectors of principal components. The sparse PCA can be formulated as an l1
      regularized optimization problem, which can be solved by proximal gradient
      methods. However, these methods do not scale well because computation of the
      exact gradient is generally required at each iteration. Stochastic gradient
      framework addresses this challenge by computing an expected gradient at each
      iteration. Nevertheless, stochastic approaches typically have low convergence
      rates due to the high variance. In this paper, we propose a convex sparse
      principal component analysis (Cvx-SPCA), which leverages a proximal variance
      reduced stochastic scheme to achieve a geometric convergence rate. We further
      show that the convergence analysis can be significantly simplified by using a
      weak condition which allows a broader class of objectives to be applied. The
      efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed method are demonstrated on a large
      scale electronic medical record cohort.

PMID- 27660631
TI  - Role of Proteomics in Crop Stress Tolerance.
AB  - Plants often experience various biotic and abiotic stresses during their life
      cycle. The abiotic stresses include mainly drought, salt, temperature (low/high),
      flooding and nutritional deficiency/excess which hamper crop growth and yield to
      a great extent. In view of a projection 50% of the crop loss is attributable to
      abiotic stresses. However, abiotic stresses cause a myriad of changes in
      physiological, molecular and biochemical processes operating in plants. It is now
      widely reported that several proteins respond to these stresses at pre- and post
      transcriptional and translational levels. By knowing the role of these stress
      inducible proteins, it would be easy to comprehensively expound the processes of
      stress tolerance in plants. The proteomics study offers a new approach to
      discover proteins and pathways associated with crop physiological and stress
      responses. Thus, studying the plants at proteomic levels could help understand
      the pathways involved in stress tolerance. Furthermore, improving the
      understanding of the identified key metabolic proteins involved in tolerance can
      be implemented into biotechnological applications, regarding
      recombinant/transgenic formation. Additionally, the investigation of identified
      metabolic processes ultimately supports the development of antistress strategies.
      In this review, we discussed the role of proteomics in crop stress tolerance. We
      also discussed different abiotic stresses and their effects on plants,
      particularly with reference to stress-induced expression of proteins, and how
      proteomics could act as vital biotechnological tools for improving stress
      tolerance in plants. 

PMID- 27660634
TI  - Tityus serrulatus envenoming in non-obese diabetic mice: a risk factor for
      severity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Brazil, accidents with venomous animals are considered a public
      health problem. Tityus serrulatus (Ts), popularly known as the yellow scorpion,
      is most frequently responsible for the severe accidents in the country. Ts
      envenoming can cause several signs and symptoms classified according to their
      clinical manifestations as mild, moderate or severe. Furthermore, the victims
      usually present biochemical alterations, including hyperglycemia. Nevertheless,
      Ts envenoming and its induced hyperglycemia were never studied or documented in a
      patient with diabetes mellitus (DM). Therefore, this is the first study to
      evaluate the glycemia during Ts envenoming using a diabetic animal model (NOD,
      non-obese diabetic). METHODS: Female mice (BALB/c or NOD) were challenged with a
      non-lethal dose of Ts venom. Blood glucose level was measured (tail blood using a
      glucose meter) over a 24-h period. The total glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c)
      levels were measured 30 days after Ts venom injection. Moreover, the insulin
      levels were analyzed at the glycemia peak. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that
      the envenomed NOD animals presented a significant increase of glycemia,
      glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and insulin levels compared to the envenomed
      BALB/c control group, corroborating that DM victims present great risk of
      developing severe envenoming. Moreover, the envenomed NOD animals presented
      highest risk of death and sequelae. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that the
      diabetic victims stung by Ts scorpion should be always considered a risk group
      for scorpion envenoming severity.

PMID- 27660636
TI  - Automated Fovea Detection in Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Scans
      of Exudative Macular Disease.
AB  - In macular spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) volumes,
      detection of the foveal center is required for accurate and reproducible follow
      up studies, structure function correlation, and measurement grid positioning.
      However, disease can cause severe obscuring or deformation of the fovea, thus
      presenting a major challenge in automated detection. We propose a fully automated
      fovea detection algorithm to extract the fovea position in SD-OCT volumes of eyes
      with exudative maculopathy. The fovea is classified into 3 main appearances to
      both specify the detection algorithm used and reduce computational complexity.
      Based on foveal type classification, the fovea position is computed based on
      retinal nerve fiber layer thickness. Mean absolute distance between system and
      clinical expert annotated fovea positions from a dataset comprised of 240 SD-OCT
      volumes was 162.3 um in cystoid macular edema and 262 um in nAMD. The presented
      method has cross-vendor functionality, while demonstrating accurate and reliable
      performance close to typical expert interobserver agreement. The automatically
      detected fovea positions may be used as landmarks for intra- and cross-patient
      registration and to create a joint reference frame for extraction of
      spatiotemporal features in "big data." Furthermore, reliable analyses of retinal
      thickness, as well as retinal structure function correlation, may be facilitated.

PMID- 27660637
TI  - Continuing Medical Education via Telemedicine and Sustainable Improvements to
      Health.
AB  - Background. This research aims to investigate the quantitative relationship
      between telemedicine and online continuing medical education (CME) and to find
      the optimal CME lectures to be delivered via telemedicine to improve the
      population's health status. Objective. This study examines the following: (1)
      What factors foster learning processes in CME via telemedicine? (2) What is the
      possible role of online CME in health improvement? And (3) How optimal learning
      processes can be integrated with various health services? Methods. By applying
      telemedicine experiences in Taiwan over the period 1995-2004, this study uses
      panel data and the method of ordinary least squares to embed an adequate set of
      phenomena affecting the provision of online CME lectures versus health status.
      Results. Analytical results find that a nonlinear online CME-health nexus exists.
      Increases in the provision of online CME lectures are associated with health
      improvements. However, after the optimum has been reached, greater provision of
      online CME lectures may be associated with decreasing population health.
      Conclusion. Health attainment could be partially viewed as being determined by
      the achievement of the appropriately providing online CME lectures. This study
      has evaluated the population's health outcomes and responded to the currently
      inadequate provision of online CME lectures via telemedicine. 

PMID- 27660638
TI  - Data Acquisition System for In Situ Monitoring of Chemoelectrical Potential in
      Living Plant Fuel Cells.
AB  - Photosynthesis process in plants generates numerous sources of bioenergy.
      However, only a small fraction is readily exploited for electrical energy. The
      impact of environmental factors is one of the significant physiological
      influences on the electrical potential of the plants. Hence, we developed a data
      acquisition (DAQ) system for instantaneous monitoring of electrical potential in
      plants and Aloe vera was used as a plant sample. The static response
      characterization, capability index (P/T), and Pearson's coefficient of
      correlation procedures were applied to assess the reliability of the obtained
      data. This developed system offers the capability of in situ monitoring and
      detecting gradual changes in the electrical potential of plants up to a
      correlational strength of greater than 0.7. Interpretation of the electrical
      signal mechanisms in the Aloe vera plant and the optimization of the electricity
      can be achieved through the application of this monitoring system. This system,
      therefore, can serve as a tool to measure and analyze the electrical signals in
      plants at different conditions. 

PMID- 27660639
TI  - Local perceptions as a guide for the sustainable management of natural resources:
      empirical evidence from a small-scale society in Bolivian Amazonia.
AB  - Research on natural resource management suggests that local perceptions form the
      basis upon which many small-scale societies monitor availability and change in
      the stock of common-pool natural resources. In contrast, this literature debates
      whether local perceptions can be effective in guiding the sustainable management
      of natural resources. With empirical evidence on this matter still highly
      limited, this work explores the role of local perceptions as drivers of
      harvesting and management behavior in a small-scale society in Bolivian Amazonia.
      We conducted structured interviews to capture local perceptions of availability
      and change in the stock of thatch palm (Geonoma deversa) amongst the Tsimane', an
      indigenous society of foragers-horticulturalists (n = 296 adults in 13 villages).
      We analyzed whether perceptions of availability match estimates of abundance
      obtained from ecological data and whether differences in perception help to
      explain harvesting behavior and local management of thatch palm. Perceptions of
      availability of G. deversa are highly contingent upon the social, economic and
      cultural conditions within which the Tsimane' have experienced changes in the
      availability of the resource, thus giving a better reflection of the historical,
      rather than of the ecological, dimensions of the changes undergone. While local
      perceptions might fall short in precision when scrutinized from an ecological
      standpoint, their importance in informing sustainable management should not be
      underestimated. Our findings show that most of the harvesting and management
      actions that the Tsimane' undertake are, at least partially, shaped by their
      local perceptions. This paper contributes to the broader literature on natural
      resource management by providing empirical evidence of the critical role of local
      perceptions in promoting collective responses for the sustainable management of
      natural resources.

PMID- 27660640
TI  - A novel combination of an IgE mediated adult onset food allergy and a suspected
      mast cell activation syndrome presenting as anaphylaxis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adult onset food allergy is a rare, but increasingly recognized
      phenomenon. Mast cell activation syndromes present an ongoing diagnostic and
      classification challenge. The combination of the two has been rarely described in
      the literature. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of a new onset, IgE mediated
      food allergy in combination with a mast cell activation syndrome in an elderly
      patient not known to have a history of atopy. He presented to a hospital with a
      first presentation of anaphylaxis manifesting profound hypotension following
      consumption of a stew consisting of fish and shellfish. He had a persistently
      elevated serum tryptase and demonstrated evidence of high titre serum specific
      IgE to shellfish. He responded well to histaminergic blockade. CONCLUSIONS: Given
      that mast cell activation syndromes pose an increased risk for recurrent, severe
      anaphylaxis and that secondary causes of mast cell activation syndromes are more
      prevalent with aging, this case highlights the importance of considering this
      entity when evaluating an elderly patient with a first presentation of
      anaphylaxis.

PMID- 27660642
TI  - Effects of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on mental disorders: a systematic
      review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is a programme developed to
      prevent depression relapse, but has been applied for other disorders. Our
      objective was to systematically review and meta-analyse the evidence on the
      effectiveness and safety of MBCT for the treatment of mental disorders. METHODS:
      Searches were completed in CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, PsychINFO, and
      PsycEXTRA in March 2011 using a search strategy with the terms 'mindfulness-based
      cognitive therapy', 'mindfulness', and 'randomised controlled trials' without
      time restrictions. Selection criteria of having a randomised controlled trial
      design, including patients diagnosed with mental disorders, using MBCT according
      to the authors who developed MBCT and providing outcomes that included changes in
      mental health were used to assess 608 reports. Two reviewers applied the pre
      determined selection criteria and extracted the data into structured tables. Meta
      analyses and sensitivity analyses were completed. RESULTS: Eleven studies were
      included. Most of them evaluated depression and compared additive MBCT against
      usual treatment. After 1 year of follow-up MBCT reduced the rate of relapse in
      patients with three or more previous episodes of depression by 40% (5 studies,
      relative risk [95% confidence interval]: 0.61 [0.48, 0.79]). Other meta-analysed
      outcomes were depression and anxiety, both with significant results but unstable
      in sensitivity analyses. Methodological quality of the reports was moderate.
      CONCLUSION: Based on this review and meta-analyses, MBCT is an effective
      intervention for patients with three or more previous episodes of major
      depression.

PMID- 27660641
TI  - The bear circadian clock doesn't 'sleep' during winter dormancy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Most biological functions are synchronized to the environmental
      light:dark cycle via a circadian timekeeping system. Bears exhibit shallow torpor
      combined with metabolic suppression during winter dormancy. We sought to confirm
      that free-running circadian rhythms of body temperature (Tb) and activity were
      expressed in torpid grizzly (brown) bears and that they were functionally
      responsive to environmental light. We also measured activity and ambient light
      exposures in denning wild bears to determine if rhythms were evident and what the
      photic conditions of their natural dens were. Lastly, we used cultured skin
      fibroblasts obtained from captive torpid bears to assess molecular clock
      operation in peripheral tissues. Circadian parameters were estimated using robust
      wavelet transforms and maximum entropy spectral analyses. RESULTS: Captive
      grizzly bears housed in constant darkness during winter dormancy expressed
      circadian rhythms of activity and Tb. The rhythm period of juvenile bears was
      significantly shorter than that of adult bears. However, the period of activity
      rhythms in adult captive bears was virtually identical to that of adult wild
      denning bears as was the strength of the activity rhythms. Similar to what has
      been found in other mammals, a single light exposure during the bear's active
      period delayed subsequent activity onsets whereas these were advanced when light
      was applied during the bear's inactive period. Lastly, in vitro studies confirmed
      the expression of molecular circadian rhythms with a period comparable to the
      bear's own behavioral rhythms. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these findings we conclude
      that the circadian system is functional in torpid bears and their peripheral
      tissues even when housed in constant darkness, is responsive to phase-shifting
      effects of light, and therefore, is a normal facet of torpid bear physiology.

PMID- 27660643
TI  - Total and respirable dust exposures among carpenters and demolition workers
      during indoor work in Denmark.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Within the construction industry the risk of lung disorders depends
      on the specific professions probably due to variations in the levels of dust
      exposure, and with dust levels depending on the work task and job function. We do
      not know the extent of exposure in the different professions or the variation
      between the different work tasks. The purpose of this study was therefore to
      assess if there were differences in dust exposure between carpenters and
      demolition workers who were expected to have low and high dust exposure,
      respectively. METHODS: Through interviews of key persons in the construction
      industry the most common work tasks were selected, and the concentration of dust
      during these tasks (indoors) were measured by personal sampling varying between 4
      and 6 h of a working day. In total 38 measurements of total dust, and 25 of
      respirable dust on seven different work tasks were carried out for carpenters and
      20 measurements of total dust, 11 of respirable dust and 11 of respirable
      crystalline silica dust on four different works tasks for demolition workers.
      Dust measurements were tested for differences using linear regression, t-test and
      one-way ANOVA. RESULTS: For carpenters the geometric mean for all the
      measurements of total dust was 1.26 mg/m(3) (geometric standard deviation 2.90)
      and the respirable dust was 0.27 mg/m(3) (geometric standard deviation 2.13). For
      demolition workers the geometric mean of total dust for all the measurements was
      22.3 mg/m(3) (geometric standard deviation 11.6) and the respirable dust was 1.06
      mg/m(3) (geometric standard deviation 5.64). The mean difference between total
      dust for demolition workers and carpenters was 11.4 (95 % confidence interval
      3.46-37.1) mg/m(3). The mean difference between respirable dust for demolition
      workers and carpenters was 3.90 (95 % confidence interval 1.13-13.5) mg/m(3).
      Dust exposure varied depending on work task for both professions. The dustiest
      work occurred during demolition, especially when it was done manually. Only few
      workers used personal respiratory protection and only while performing the
      dustiest work. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed that the exposure to dust and
      especially total dust was much higher for demolition workers compared to
      carpenters. TRIAL REGISTRATION: (ISRCTN registry): The study is not a clinical
      trial and are thus not registered.

PMID- 27660644
TI  - Prevalence and associated factors of non-exclusive breastfeeding of infants
      during the first six months in rural area of Sorro District, Southern Ethiopia: a
      cross-sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the importance of exclusive breastfeeding, a wide number of
      mothers practice non-exclusive breastfeeding in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study
      aimed to identify prevalence and factors associated with non-exclusive
      breastfeeding in rural area of Sorro District in Southern Ethiopia. METHODS: A
      community based cross-sectional study was undertaken. The study population
      consisted of all mothers with infants aged of 0-5 months living in the randomly
      selected kebeles (lowest administrative unit) in the rural area of Sorro
      District. The study was conducted on 602 mothers with infants selected by using
      systematic sampling method from 12 August to 23 August 2015. Both bivariate and
      multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to assess the association
      between the study variables and to control possible confounding. RESULTS: The
      prevalence of non-exclusive breastfeeding in infants under 6 months was 49.4 %.
      Being currently unmarried [AOR (95 % CI) = 3.85 (1.44, 10.27)], index infant's
      age being within 2-3 months [AOR (95 % CI) = 3.63 (2.06, 6.36)] and 4-5 months
      [AOR (95 % CI) =10.29 (5.60, 18.92)] compared to infant age 0-1 month, initiation
      of breastfeeding after 1 h of birth [AOR (95 % CI) = 2.11 (1.37, 3.24)], no
      antenatal care visit during their last pregnancy [AOR (95 % CI) =2.60 (1.64,
      4.10)] and no postnatal care visit after delivery [AOR (95 % CI) = 1.90 (1.19,
      3.04)] were significantly associated with non-exclusive breastfeeding.
      CONCLUSION: In this study a large proportion of mothers with infants under 6
      months of age were practicing non-exclusive breastfeeding which is one of the
      major risks for infant and child morbidity and mortality. Taking measures on
      identified associated factors with non-exclusive breastfeeding was recommended to
      improve the status of exclusive breastfeeding in the study area.

PMID- 27660645
TI  - An Active Learning Classifier for Further Reducing Diabetic Retinopathy Screening
      System Cost.
AB  - Diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening system raises a financial problem. For
      further reducing DR screening cost, an active learning classifier is proposed in
      this paper. Our approach identifies retinal images based on features extracted by
      anatomical part recognition and lesion detection algorithms. Kernel extreme
      learning machine (KELM) is a rapid classifier for solving classification problems
      in high dimensional space. Both active learning and ensemble technique elevate
      performance of KELM when using small training dataset. The committee only
      proposes necessary manual work to doctor for saving cost. On the publicly
      available Messidor database, our classifier is trained with 20%-35% of labeled
      retinal images and comparative classifiers are trained with 80% of labeled
      retinal images. Results show that our classifier can achieve better
      classification accuracy than Classification and Regression Tree, radial basis
      function SVM, Multilayer Perceptron SVM, Linear SVM, and K Nearest Neighbor.
      Empirical experiments suggest that our active learning classifier is efficient
      for further reducing DR screening cost.

PMID- 27660646
TI  - Dynamic Characteristics of Mechanical Ventilation System of Double Lungs with Bi
      Level Positive Airway Pressure Model.
AB  - In recent studies on the dynamic characteristics of ventilation system, it was
      considered that human had only one lung, and the coupling effect of double lungs
      on the air flow can not be illustrated, which has been in regard to be vital to
      life support of patients. In this article, to illustrate coupling effect of
      double lungs on flow dynamics of mechanical ventilation system, a mathematical
      model of a mechanical ventilation system, which consists of double lungs and a bi
      level positive airway pressure (BIPAP) controlled ventilator, was proposed. To
      verify the mathematical model, a prototype of BIPAP system with a double-lung
      simulators and a BIPAP ventilator was set up for experimental study. Lastly, the
      study on the influences of key parameters of BIPAP system on dynamic
      characteristics was carried out. The study can be referred to in the development
      of research on BIPAP ventilation treatment and real respiratory diagnostics.

PMID- 27660647
TI  - A Comparison between Cure Model and Recursive Partitioning: A Retrospective
      Cohort Study of Iranian Female with Breast Cancer.
AB  - Background. Breast cancer which is the most common cause of women cancer death
      has an increasing incidence and mortality rates in Iran. A proper modeling would
      correctly detect the factors' effect on breast cancer, which may be the basis of
      health care planning. Therefore, this study aimed to practically develop two
      recently introduced statistical models in order to compare them as the survival
      prediction tools for breast cancer patients. Materials and Methods. For this
      retrospective cohort study, the 18-year follow-up information of 539 breast
      cancer patients was analyzed by "Parametric Mixture Cure Model" and "Model-Based
      Recursive Partitioning." Furthermore, a simulation study was carried out to
      compare the performance of mentioned models for different situations. Results.
      "Model-Based Recursive Partitioning" was able to present a better description of
      dataset and provided a fine separation of individuals with different risk levels.
      Additionally the results of simulation study confirmed the superiority of this
      recursive partitioning for nonlinear model structures. Conclusion. "Model-Based
      Recursive Partitioning" seems to be a potential instrument for processing complex
      mixture cure models. Therefore, applying this model is recommended for long-term
      survival patients.

PMID- 27660648
TI  - Endoleak Assessment Using Computational Fluid Dynamics and Image Processing
      Methods in Stented Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Models.
AB  - Endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) is a predominant surgical procedure to
      reduce the risk of aneurysm rupture in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) patients.
      Endoleak formation, which eventually requires additional surgical reoperation, is
      a major EVAR complication. Understanding the etiology and evolution of endoleak
      from the hemodynamic perspective is crucial to advancing the current
      posttreatments for AAA patients who underwent EVAR. Therefore, a comprehensive
      flow assessment was performed to investigate the relationship between endoleak
      and its surrounding pathological flow fields through computational fluid dynamics
      and image processing. Six patient-specific models were reconstructed, and the
      associated hemodynamics in these models was quantified three-dimensionally to
      calculate wall stress. To provide a high degree of clinical relevance, the
      mechanical stress distribution calculated from the models was compared with the
      endoleak positions identified from the computed tomography images of patients
      through a series of imaging processing methods. An endoleak possibly forms in a
      location with high local wall stress. An improved stent graft (SG) structure is
      conceived accordingly by increasing the mechanical strength of the SG at peak
      wall stress locations. The presented analytical paradigm, as well as numerical
      analysis using patient-specific models, may be extended to other common human
      cardiovascular surgeries.

PMID- 27660649
TI  - A Modified Brain MR Image Segmentation and Bias Field Estimation Model Based on
      Local and Global Information.
AB  - Because of the poor radio frequency coil uniformity and gradient-driven eddy
      currents, there is much noise and intensity inhomogeneity (bias) in brain
      magnetic resonance (MR) image, and it severely affects the segmentation accuracy.
      Better segmentation results are difficult to achieve by traditional methods;
      therefore, in this paper, a modified brain MR image segmentation and bias field
      estimation model based on local and global information is proposed. We first
      construct local constraints including image neighborhood information in Gaussian
      kernel mapping space, and then the complete regularization is established by
      introducing nonlocal spatial information of MR image. The weighting between local
      and global information is automatically adjusted according to image local
      information. At the same time, bias field information is coupled with the model,
      and it makes the model reduce noise interference but also can effectively
      estimate the bias field information. Experimental results demonstrate that the
      proposed algorithm has strong robustness to noise and bias field is well
      corrected.

PMID- 27660650
TI  - Adjunctive use of modified Yunu-Jian in the non-surgical treatment of male
      smokers with chronic periodontitis: a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled
      clinical trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Yunu-Jian (YJ) is a Chinese medicine (CM) heat purging formula, which
      is used to reduce wei huo (stomach-heat, SH) and enrich shen yin (kidney-yin,
      KY). This formula is also commonly used to manage diabetes mellitus and gum/oral
      inflammation. The activity of YJ can be modified or refined by the addition of
      other CM herbs and/or minor changes to one of its five key ingredients. The aim
      of this study was to evaluate the adjunctive use of modified YJ (mYJ) or YJ
      containing additional osteoblast-stimulating and inflammation-modulating CM herbs
      in the non-surgical periodontal treatment of smokers with chronic periodontitis
      in a randomized, double-blind, prospective, placebo-controlled study. METHODS:
      Healthy adult male smokers with untreated chronic periodontitis who showed CM
      syndrome of SH and KY deficiency (KYD) whilst attending a dental teaching
      hospital from October to December, 2005, were invited to participate in a
      randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The trial itself
      involved the once-daily oral administration of a placebo or mYJ for 3 months as
      an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal therapy. Several periodontal parameters,
      including radiographic alveolar bone density, were measured by computer-assisted
      densitometric image analysis (CADIA) on selected sites, and CM signs of SH and
      KYD were followed from their baseline values to various time points up to 12
      months or the end of study. RESULTS: Twenty-five smokers (consumed 25.0 +/- 15.3
      smoking-pack years, ranged 7.5-80; aged 46.3 +/- 6.8 years) with periodontitis
      and SH and KYD were recruited (Placebo, n = 14; mYJ, n = 11). All of the
      participants showed good tolerance towards the CM recipe. All of the periodontal
      parameters had improved after 12-month follow-up, and no statistically
      significant differences were detected between the control group and test group,
      except for the higher CADIA values observed compared with the baseline at 12
      months for test sites (P = 0.025). 4/3/3 test vs 14/13/13 control participants
      had persisting SH and KYD at 6, 9 and 12 months (P < 0.001), respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: The adjunctive use of mYJ preserved the post-treatment increases in
      the radiographic alveolar bone density at the study sites and led to an overall
      improvement in SH and KYD compared with the controls. Trial registration HKU
      Clinical Trial Register, HKCTR-1848
      (www.hkuctr.com/Study/Show/3acbf983831244d29d50b543540bf6e9).

PMID- 27660651
TI  - Psychosis and help-seeking behavior in rural KwaZulu Natal: unearthing local
      insights.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Growing interest in strategies regarding early intervention for
      psychosis has led to a parallel interest in understanding help-seeking behavior,
      especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Nevertheless, few LMIC
      studies have examined individuals with psychosis in non-urban, non-hospital
      settings. Using the perspective of formal and informal community service
      providers, we aimed to uncover descriptions of people with psychosis in a rural
      South African community and illuminate the potential complexities of their help
      seeking journeys. METHODS: We conducted a qualitative study of 40 key informant
      interviews and seven focus groups with stakeholders (traditional leaders,
      traditional healers, religious leaders, health care nurses, heads of non
      governmental organizations, schoolteachers, community caregivers) in a rural Zulu
      community (Vulindlela). Thematic analysis of the data was performed using the
      inductive analysis approach. RESULTS: Interviewees discussed 32 individuals with
      probable psychosis in their community and provided rich descriptions of their
      symptoms. A complex picture of help-seeking behavior, primarily involving
      informal mental health service providers, emerged. Over half of the reported
      cases had no contact with formal health services in the course of their help
      seeking journey; while more than two-thirds never attended a hospital and only 1
      in 8 accessed a psychiatric hospital. CONCLUSIONS: Our results highlight the
      important role of informal care providers in LMICs as well as the need for more
      research on mental illness and local providers in non-hospital contexts.
      Community stakeholders can contribute to a fuller understanding of these issues,
      thereby assisting in the creation of appropriate and effective mental health
      interventions for rural South African communities like Vulindlela.

PMID- 27660652
TI  - A sustainable biorefinery to convert agricultural residues into value-added
      chemicals.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Animal wastes are of particular environmental concern due to
      greenhouse gases emissions, odor problem, and potential water contamination.
      Anaerobic digestion (AD) is an effective and widely used technology to treat them
      for bioenergy production. However, the sustainability of AD is compromised by two
      by-products of the nutrient-rich liquid digestate and the fiber-rich solid
      digestate. To overcome these limitations, this paper demonstrates a biorefinery
      concept to fully utilize animal wastes and create a new value-added route for
      animal waste management. RESULTS: The studied biorefinery includes an AD,
      electrocoagulation (EC) treatment of the liquid digestate, and fungal conversion
      of the solid fiber into a fine chemical-chitin. Animal wastes were first treated
      by an AD to produce methane gas for energy generation to power the entire
      biorefinery. The resulting liquid digestate was treated by EC to reclaim water.
      Enzymatic hydrolysis and fungal fermentation were then applied on the cellulose
      rich solid digestate to produce chitin. EC water was used as the processing water
      for the fungal fermentation. The results indicate that the studied biorefinery
      converts 1 kg dry animal wastes into 17 g fungal biomass containing 12 % of
      chitin (10 % of glucosamine), and generates 1.7 MJ renewable energy and 8.5 kg
      irrigation water. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates an energy positive and
      freshwater-free biorefinery to simultaneously treat animal wastes and produce a
      fine chemical-chitin. The sustainable biorefinery concept provides a win-win
      solution for agricultural waste management and value-added chemical production.

PMID- 27660654
TI  - A message from the Editor-in-Chief.

PMID- 27660653
TI  - Development of simple random mutagenesis protocol for the protein expression
      system in Pichia pastoris.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Random mutagenesis is a powerful technique to obtain mutant proteins
      with different properties from the wild-type molecule. Error-prone PCR is often
      employed for random mutagenesis in bacterial protein expression systems, but has
      rarely been used in the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris system, despite its
      significant advantages, mainly because large (MUg-level) amounts of plasmids are
      required for transformation. RESULTS: We developed a quick and easy technique for
      random mutagenesis in P. pastoris by sequential Phi29 DNA polymerase-based
      amplification methods, error-prone rolling circle amplification (RCA) and
      multiple displacement amplification (MDA). The methodology was validated by
      applying it for random mutation of the gene encoding cellulase from the
      basidiomycete Phanerochaete chrysosporium (PcCel6A), a key enzyme in degradation
      of cellulosic biomass. In the error-prone RCA step, the concentrations of
      manganese ion (Mn(2+)) and cellulase gene-containing plasmid were varied, and the
      products obtained under each condition were subjected to the second MDA step in
      the absence of Mn(2+). The maximum error rate was 2.6 mutations/kb, as evaluated
      from the results of large-scale sequencing. Several MUg of MDA products was
      transformed by electroporation into Pichia cells, and the activities of
      extracellularly expressed PcCel6A mutants towards crystalline and amorphous
      celluloses were compared with those of wild-type enzyme to identify key amino
      acid residues affecting degradation of crystalline cellulose. CONCLUSIONS: We
      present a rapid and convenient random mutagenesis method that does not require
      laborious steps such as ligation, cloning, and synthesis of specific primers.
      This method was successfully applied to the protein expression system in P.
      pastoris.

PMID- 27660655
TI  - Glenoid bone loss in primary and revision shoulder arthroplasty.
AB  - The management of glenoid bone loss is a major challenge in both complex primary
      and revision arthroplasty surgery. To deal with this problem, a number of
      techniques have been advocated, although there has been no previous systematic
      review of the literature. In the present review, we have attempted to identify a
      coherent strategy for addressing this problem, taking into account the degree of
      bone loss, the advantages and limits of standard implants, bone reconstruction
      techniques and the use of customized prostheses. 

PMID- 27660656
TI  - Fractures of the greater tuberosity of the humerus: a study of associated rotator
      cuff injury and atrophy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This is a retrospective prognostic study on soft tissue injury
      following isolated greater tuberosity (GT) fractures of the proximal humerus with
      respect to the relationship between rotator cuff tears and GT displacement.
      METHODS: Forty-three patients with isolated GT fractures were recruited and
      evaluated with a standardized interview and physical examination, quality of life
      and shoulder function questionnaires (Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index, SF-12
      Version 2, Constant, Quick-Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand, Visual
      Analogue Scale), standard shoulder radiographs and an ultrasound. The main
      outcome measurements were: incidence of rotator cuff tears and atrophy, biceps
      pathology and sub-acromial impingement; superior displacement of the GT fragment;
      and questionnaire scores. RESULTS: Mean age was 57 years (31 years to 90 years)
      with a follow-up of 2.4 years (0.8 years to 6.8 years). In total, 16% had a full
      rotator cuff tear and 57% showed subacromial impingement on ultrasound. Full
      rotator cuff tears and supraspinatus fatty atrophy significantly correlated with
      decreased function and abduction strength. Significant atrophy (>50%) of the
      supraspinatus and infraspinatus, without a rotator cuff tear, was correlated with
      the worst function in the presence of a residual displacement of the greater
      tuberosity at the last-follow-up (7 mm). CONCLUSIONS: Residual displacement, full
      rotator cuff tear and muscle atrophy are associated with the worst outcomes. Soft
      tissue imaging could benefit patients with an unfavourable outcome after a GT
      fracture to treat soft tissue injury.

PMID- 27660657
TI  - Not all ultrasounds are created equal: general sonography versus musculoskeletal
      sonography in the detection of rotator cuff tears.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This cross-sectional analytic diagnostic accuracy study was designed
      to compare the accuracy of ultrasound performed by general sonographers in local
      radiology practices with ultrasound performed by an experienced musculoskeletal
      sonographer for the detection of rotator cuff tears. METHODS: In total, 238
      patients undergoing arthroscopy who had previously had an ultrasound performed by
      both a general sonographer and a specialist musculoskeletal sonographer made up
      the study cohort. Accuracy of diagnosis was compared with the findings at
      arthroscopy. RESULTS: When analyzed as all tears versus no tears, musculoskeletal
      sonography had an accuracy of 97%, a sensitivity of 97% and a specificity of 95%,
      whereas general sonography had an accuracy of 91%, a sensitivity of 91% and a
      specificity of 86%. When the partial tears were split with those >= 50% thickness
      in the tear group and those < 50% thickness in the no-tear group, musculoskeletal
      sonography had an accuracy of 97%, a sensitivity of 97% and a specificity of 100%
      and general sonography had an accuracy of 85%, a sensitivity of 84% and a
      specificity of 87%. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound in the hands of an experienced
      musculoskeletal sonographer is highly accurate for the diagnosis of rotator cuff
      tears. General sonography has improved subsequent to earlier studies but remains
      inferior to an ultrasound performed by a musculoskeletal sonographer.

PMID- 27660658
TI  - Surgical treatment of a concurrent type 5 acromioclavicular joint dislocation and
      a failed anterior glenohumeral joint stabilization.
AB  - Traumatic glenohumeral joint dislocation and acromioclavicular joint subluxations
      tend to occur in young active males. Use of the coracoid process either as a
      transfer in recurrent instability or in suspensory reconstructions of the
      coracoclavicular ligaments have gained popularity. However this requires careful
      consideration in the event of concomitant injuries if they both require surgery. 

PMID- 27660659
TI  - The clinical outcome and activity levels of patients under 55 years treated with
      distal humeral hemiarthroplasty for distal humeral fractures: minimum 2-year
      follow-up.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to describe the clinical outcomes
      and activity levels of young patients after distal humeral hemiarthroplasty
      (DHH). METHODS: Six patients under 55 years (mean 44 years; range 29 years to 52
      years) treated with DHH at a mean postoperative time of 81 months (range 24
      months to 133 months) were studied retrospectively. Two other patients had been
      revised for aseptic loosening and were excluded. RESULTS: The mean Mayo Elbow
      Score (MEPS) (88), Subjective Elbow Value (SEV) (89), Quick Disabilities of the
      Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) (12) and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons
      (ASES) elbow pain (6), function (23) and satisfaction scores (9) were
      satisfactory. The mean University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) activity
      score was 7.2. CONCLUSIONS: Although only rarely indicated, DHH has satisfactory
      clinical outcomes in young patients and allows a higher level of function than is
      generally advised after total elbow arthroplasty.

PMID- 27660660
TI  - The treatment of multidirectional instability of the shoulder with a
      rehabilitation program: Part 1.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The most commonly recommended initial treatment for multidirectional
      instability is a rehabilitation program. Although there is evidence to support
      the effect of conservative management on this condition, the published literature
      provides little information on the exercise parameters of such programs. In
      addition, current published rehabilitation programs for multidirectional
      instability do not focus on scapula stability or exercise drills into functional
      and sports-specific positions, which are often important aspects to consider in
      this patient population. METHODS: The aim of this paper (Part 1) is to outline
      the first two stages of a six-stage rehabilitation program for the conservative
      management of multidirectional instability with a focus on scapula control and
      exercise drills into functional positions. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: This clinical
      protocol is currently being tested for efficacy as part of a randomized
      controlled trial (Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry
      #ACTRN12613001240730). The information in this paper and additional online
      supplementary files will provide therapists with adequate detail to replicate the
      rehabilitation program in the clinical setting.

PMID- 27660661
TI  - Accelerated rehabilitation after arthroscopic Bankart repair in professional
      footballers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Advances in arthroscopic surgery have resulted in biomechanically
      stronger repairs that might allow for accelerated rehabilitation protocols and
      hence faster return to play. Evidence for such regimes in the shoulder,
      particularly in elite athletes, is lacking. METHODS: This prospective single
      surgeon (PB) series included 34 professional footballers undergoing an
      accelerated rehabilitation programme following arthroscopic soft tissue
      stabilization subsequent to traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation. Data were
      collected on time to regain elevation range, external rotation range, return to
      play and rate of recurrence. RESULTS: Mean follow-up time was 4.8 years (range 2
      years to 10 years). Full range of forward elevation was regained at a mean of 5
      weeks (range 3 weeks to 7 weeks) and external rotation range (in neutral) at a
      mean of 6 weeks (range 4 weeks to 8 weeks). Mean return to play time was 11 weeks
      (range 9 weeks to 14 weeks). Three players (9%) reported a recurrent episode of
      dislocation at a mean of 19 months. CONCLUSIONS: An accelerated rehabilitation
      programme resulted in a return to play time of 11 weeks compared to previously
      reported times of between 5 months and 9 months in the contact sports population.
      A recurrence rate of 9% compares favourably to other published studies following
      similar surgery (5.1% to 28.6%) but which employed more conservative
      postoperative rehabilitation regimes.

PMID- 27660662
TI  - Simulation in shoulder surgery.
AB  - Simulation is a rapidly developing field in medical education. There is a growing
      need for trainee surgeons to acquire surgical skills in a cost-effective learning
      environment to improve patient safety and compensate for a reduction in training
      time and operative experience. Although simulation is not a replacement for
      traditional models of surgical training, and robust assessment metrics need to be
      validated before widespread use for accreditation, it is a useful adjunct that
      may ultimately lead to improving surgical outcomes for our patients. 

PMID- 27660663
TI  - Insulin lispro low mixture twice daily vs basal insulin glargine once daily and
      prandial insulin lispro once daily as insulin intensification strategies in
      patients with type 2 diabetes: Latin American subpopulation analysis of a
      randomized trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This post hoc analysis examined the efficacy and safety of twice
      daily insulin lispro low mixture (LM25) and once-daily basal insulin glargine
      plus once-daily prandial insulin lispro (IGL) in a Latin American subpopulation
      with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: A phase 4, randomized, open-label,
      parallel-arm trial included participants aged 18-75 years with T2DM taking once
      daily insulin glargine and stable doses of metformin and/or pioglitazone with
      glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) 7.5-10.5 % and fasting plasma glucose <=121 mg/dL.
      Participants were randomized 1:1 to receive their stable dose of metformin and/or
      pioglitazone plus twice-daily LM25 or IGL for 24 weeks. The primary efficacy
      outcome was change in HbA1c after 24 weeks of treatment. Results from
      participants in Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico are presented here. RESULTS: 162
      participants (80 LM25; 82 IGL) with mean +/- standard deviation (SD) age = 57.3
      +/- 9.0 years and body mass index = 31.3 +/- 5.2 kg/m(2) were included. Mean +/-
      SD change in HbA1c from baseline to week 24 was -1.5 +/- 1.0 % (LM25) and -1.1 +/
      1.2 % (IGL). At week 24, 35.1 % (LM25) and 31.6 % (IGL) of participants achieved
      HbA1c <7.0 %. Mean +/- SD weight gain from baseline to week 24 was 2.4 +/- 2.9 kg
      in the LM25 group and 1.0 +/- 3.1 kg in the IGL group. The mean +/- SD rates of
      total hypoglycemia per year were 18.9 +/- 27.3 (LM25) and 21.6 +/- 31.1 (IGL).
      Rates of treatment-emergent adverse events were 46 % (LM25) and 39 % (IGL).
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that both LM25 and IGL are viable treatment
      options for insulin intensification in Latin American patients with T2DM with
      suboptimal glycemic control on basal insulin glargine. The safety and
      tolerability profiles of LM25 and IGL are consistent between this Latin American
      population and the global trial-level population. Trial registration NCT01175824.

PMID- 27660664
TI  - Pharmacokinetics of heroin and its metabolites in vitreous humor and blood in a
      living pig model.
AB  - Vitreous humor (VH) is an alternative matrix for drug analysis in forensic
      toxicology. However, little is known about the distribution of xenobiotics, such
      as opioids, into VH in living organisms. The aim of this study was to
      simultaneously measure heroin and metabolite concentrations in blood and VH after
      injection of heroin in a living pig model. Six pigs were under non-opioid
      anesthesia during the surgical operation and experiment. Ocular microdialysis was
      used to acquire dialysate from VH, and a venous catheter was used for blood
      sampling. Twenty milligrams of heroin was injected intravenously with subsequent
      sampling of blood and dialysate for 6 h. The samples were analyzed by ultra
      performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Heroin was not
      detected in VH; 6-monoacetylmorphine (6-MAM) and morphine were first detected in
      VH after 60 min. The morphine concentration in VH thereafter increased throughout
      the experimental period. For 6-MAM, Cmax was reached after 230 min in VH. In
      blood, 6-MAM reached Cmax after 0.5 min, with a subsequent biphasic elimination
      phase. The blood and VH 6-MAM concentrations reached equilibrium after 2 h. In
      blood, morphine reached Cmax after 4.3 min, with a subsequent slower elimination
      than 6-MAM. The blood and VH morphine concentrations were in equilibrium about 6
      h after injection of heroin. In conclusion, both 6-MAM and morphine showed slow
      transport into VH; detection of 6-MAM in VH did not necessarily reflect a recent
      intake of heroin. Because postmortem changes are expected to be small in VH,
      these experimental results could assist the interpretation of heroin deaths.

PMID- 27660665
TI  - Neonatal monocytes exhibit a unique histone modification landscape.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neonates have dampened expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and
      difficulty clearing pathogens. This makes them uniquely susceptible to
      infections, but the factors regulating neonatal-specific immune responses are
      poorly understood. Epigenetics, including histone modifications, can activate or
      silence gene transcription by modulating chromatin structure and stability
      without affecting the DNA sequence itself and are potentially modifiable. Histone
      modifications are known to regulate immune cell differentiation and function in
      adults but have not been well studied in neonates. RESULTS: To elucidate the role
      of histone modifications in neonatal immune function, we performed chromatin
      immunoprecipitation on mononuclear cells from 45 healthy neonates (gestational
      ages 23-40 weeks). As gestation approached term, there was increased activating
      H3K4me3 on the pro-inflammatory IL1B, IL6, IL12B, and TNF cytokine promoters (p <
      0.01) with no change in repressive H3K27me3, suggesting that these promoters in
      preterm neonates are less open and accessible to transcription factors than in
      term neonates. Chromatin immunoprecipitation with massively parallel DNA
      sequencing (ChIP-seq) was then performed to establish the H3K4me3, H3K9me3,
      H3K27me3, H3K4me1, H3K27ac, and H3K36me3 landscapes in neonatal and adult CD14+
      monocytes. As development progressed from neonate to adult, monocytes lost the
      poised enhancer mark H3K4me1 and gained the activating mark H3K4me3, without a
      change in additional histone modifications. This decreased H3K4me3 abundance at
      immunologically important neonatal monocyte gene promoters, including CCR2,
      CD300C, ILF2, IL1B, and TNF was associated with reduced gene expression.
      CONCLUSIONS: These results provide evidence that neonatal immune cells exist in
      an epigenetic state that is distinctly different from adults and that this state
      contributes to neonatal-specific immune responses that leaves them particularly
      vulnerable to infections.

PMID- 27660667
TI  - BMI, Body Image, Emotional Well-Being and Weight-Control Behaviors in Urban
      African American Adolescents.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: While urban African American adolescents face significant health
      disparities associated with overweight and obesity that follow them into
      adulthood; there is limited data on body image, emotional well-being, and weight
      control behaviors in this population to design effective public health
      interventions. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to understand the association
      of weight status to adolescent weight control, body image, and emotional well
      being responses, in African American high school students.
      DESIGN/SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: The study cohort consisted of 776 students, mean age
      15.8 years (+/-1.2). Data from Guidelines for Adolescent Preventive Services
      (GAPS) student surveys and anthropometric studies were collected at School-Based
      Health Centers. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Associations between adolescent responses
      on the GAPS and body mass index (BMI) status (healthy weight: 5th to less than
      85th percentile, overweight: 85th to less than 95th percentile, obese: 95th
      percentile or greater) were estimated using logistic regression and dose-
      response plots. RESULTS: There were statistically significant associations
      between BMI category and weight control (ranging from a mean 5.18 to 7.68 odds of
      obesity) and body image (3.40 to 13.26 odds of obesity) responses. Responses to
      weight control and body image questions exhibited a dose-response for odds of
      overweight and obesity. Feelings of depressed mood were associated with obesity
      (1.47 times the odds of obesity compared to students who did not endorse
      depressed mood; 95% CI, 1.01 to 2.13) but not overweight status. CONCLUSION AND
      RELEVANCE: Overweight and obese urban African American adolescents are more
      likely to screen positively on weight control risk behaviors and negative body
      image questions than their normal weight peers. The weight control and body image
      measures on the GAPS may provide information to identify youth in need of
      services and those motivated for brief school-based weight control interventions.

PMID- 27660668
TI  - Exposure to positively- and negatively-charged plasma cluster ions impairs IgE
      binding capacity of indoor cat and fungal allergens.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Environmental control to reduce the amount of allergens in a living
      place is thought to be important to avoid sensitization to airborne allergens.
      However, efficacy of environmental control on inactivation of airborne allergens
      is not fully investigated. We have previously reported that positively- and
      negatively-charged plasma cluster ions (PC-ions) reduce the IgE-binding capacity
      of crude allergens from Japanese cedar pollen as important seasonal airborne
      allergens. Cat (Felis domesticus) and fungus (Aspergillus fumigatus) are also
      important sources of common airborne allergens in living spaces throughout the
      year, and early sensitization with those allergens is considered to be a risk
      factor for future development of allergic rhinitis, pollinosis and asthma. The
      aim of this study is to examine whether the PC-ions reduce the IgE-binding
      capacity of a cat major allergen (Fel d 1) and fungal allergens in an
      experimental condition. METHODS: Fel d 1, crude fungal extract, or a fungal major
      allergen Asp f 1, was treated with PC-ions for 6 h in an experimental cylindrical
      apparatus. Sham-treated allergens were prepared in the same experimental
      apparatus without generation of PC-ions. The degradation of the PC-ions-treated
      Fel d 1 was analyzed by SDS-PAGE, and the IgE-binding capacity of the PC-ions
      treated allergens was analyzed by ELISA inhibition assay. RESULTS: Exposure of
      Fel d 1, crude fungal extract and Asp f 1 to PC-ions significantly decreased
      protein content of Fel d 1 or Asp f 1, respectively. SDS-PAGE analysis suggested
      that the decreased Fel d 1 content upon exposure with PC-ions was attributable to
      protein degradation. ELISA inhibition indicated that the PC-ions treatment
      significantly impaired IgE-binding capacities of Fel d 1, crude fungal allergens,
      and Asp f 1 compared to sham treatment. DISCUSSION: Our data suggest that
      treatment with PC-ions not only reduce indoor cat and fungal allergens, but also
      impair their allergenicity. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that environmental
      control with PC-ions is useful for inactivation of indoor cat and fungal
      allergens.

PMID- 27660666
TI  - SEPT9 and SHOX2 DNA methylation status and its utility in the diagnosis of
      colonic adenomas and colorectal adenocarcinomas.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) appear to arise from precursor lesions in a
      well-characterized adenoma-carcinoma sequence. Significant efforts have been
      invested to develop biomarkers that identify early adenocarcinomas and adenomas
      with high-grade dysplasia, since these are believed to harbor a particularly high
      risk for malignant transition and thus require resection. Promoter methylation of
      SEPT9 and SHOX2 has been suggested as a biomarker for various solid malignant
      tumors. Hence, the present study aimed to test their biomarker potential in CRC
      and precursor lesions. RESULTS: Assessment of promoter methylation of SEPT9
      distinguished adenomas and CRC from controls as well as advanced from non
      advanced adenomas (all p < 0.001). Correspondingly, SHOX2 methylation levels in
      adenomas and colorectal carcinomas were significantly higher compared to those in
      normal control tissues (p < 0.001). Histologic transition from adenomas to CRC
      was paralleled by amplification of the SEPT9 gene locus. CONCLUSIONS: SEPT9/SHOX2
      methylation assays may help to distinguish colorectal cancer and adenomas from
      normal and inflammatory colonic tissue, as well as advanced from non-advanced
      adenomas. Further studies need to validate these findings before introduction in
      clinical routine.

PMID- 27660669
TI  - Short-term time step convergence in a climate model.
AB  - This paper evaluates the numerical convergence of very short (1 h) simulations
      carried out with a spectral-element (SE) configuration of the Community
      Atmosphere Model version 5 (CAM5). While the horizontal grid spacing is fixed at
      approximately 110 km, the process-coupling time step is varied between 1800 and 1
      s to reveal the convergence rate with respect to the temporal resolution. Special
      attention is paid to the behavior of the parameterized subgrid-scale physics.
      First, a dynamical core test with reduced dynamics time steps is presented. The
      results demonstrate that the experimental setup is able to correctly assess the
      convergence rate of the discrete solutions to the adiabatic equations of
      atmospheric motion. Second, results from full-physics CAM5 simulations with
      reduced physics and dynamics time steps are discussed. It is shown that the
      convergence rate is 0.4-considerably slower than the expected rate of 1.0.
      Sensitivity experiments indicate that, among the various subgrid-scale physical
      parameterizations, the stratiform cloud schemes are associated with the largest
      time-stepping errors, and are the primary cause of slow time step convergence.
      While the details of our findings are model specific, the general test procedure
      is applicable to any atmospheric general circulation model. The need for more
      accurate numerical treatments of physical parameterizations, especially the
      representation of stratiform clouds, is likely common in many models. The
      suggested test technique can help quantify the time-stepping errors and identify
      the related model sensitivities.

PMID- 27660670
TI  - Genome sequence of Candidatus Arsenophonus lipopteni, the exclusive symbiont of a
      blood sucking fly Lipoptena cervi (Diptera: Hippoboscidae).
AB  - Candidatus Arsenophonus lipopteni (Enterobacteriaceae, Gammaproteobacteria) is an
      obligate intracellular symbiont of the blood feeding deer ked, Lipoptena cervi
      (Diptera: Hippoboscidae). The bacteria reside in specialized cells derived from
      host gut epithelia (bacteriocytes) forming a compact symbiotic organ
      (bacteriome). Compared to the closely related complex symbiotic system in the
      sheep ked, involving four bacterial species, Lipoptena cervi appears to maintain
      its symbiosis exclusively with Ca. Arsenophonus lipopteni. The genome of 836,724
      bp and 24.8 % GC content codes for 667 predicted functional genes and bears the
      common characteristics of sequence economization coupled with obligate host
      dependent lifestyle, e.g. reduced number of RNA genes along with the rRNA operon
      split, and strongly reduced metabolic capacity. Particularly, biosynthetic
      capacity for B vitamins possibly supplementing the host diet is highly
      compromised in Ca. Arsenophonus lipopteni. The gene sets are complete only for
      riboflavin (B2), pyridoxine (B6) and biotin (B7) implying the content of some B
      vitamins, e.g. thiamin, in the deer blood might be sufficient for the insect
      metabolic needs. The phylogenetic position within the spectrum of known
      Arsenophonus genomes and fundamental genomic features of Ca. Arsenophonus
      lipopteni indicate the obligate character of this symbiosis and its independent
      origin within Hippoboscidae. 

PMID- 27660672
TI  - Inhibition of apoptosis by oncogenic hepatitis B virus X protein: Implications
      for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - Hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) plays an important role in the development of
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In addition, hepatoma upregulated protein (HURP)
      is a cellular oncogene that is upregulated in a majority of HCC cases. We
      highlight here recent findings demonstrating a link between HBx, HURP and anti
      apoptosis effects observed in cisplatin-treated HCC cells. We observed that Hep3B
      cells overexpressing HBx display increased HURP mRNA and protein levels, and show
      resistance to cisplatin-induced apoptosis. Knockdown of HURP in HBx-expressing
      cells reverses this effect, and sensitizes cells to cisplatin. The anti-apoptotic
      effect of HBx requires activation of the p38/MAPK pathway as well as expression
      of SATB1, survivin and HURP. Furthermore, silencing of HURP using short-hairpin
      RNA promotes accumulation of p53 and reduces cell proliferation in SK-Hep-1 cells
      (p53(+/-)), whereas these effects are not observed in p53-mutant Mahlavu cells.
      Similarly, HURP silencing does not affect the proliferation of H1299 lung
      carcinoma cells or Hep3B HCC cells which lack p53. Silencing of HURP sensitizes
      SK-Hep-1 cells to cisplatin. While HURP overexpression promotes p53
      ubiquitination and degradation by the proteasome, HURP silencing reverses these
      effects. Inoculation of SK-Hep-1 cancer cells in which HURP has been silenced
      produces smaller tumors than control in nude mice. Besides, gankyrin, a positive
      regulator of the E3 ubiquitin ligase MDM2, is upregulated following HURP
      expression, and silencing of gankyrin reduces HURP-mediated downregulation of
      p53. In addition, we observed a positive correlation between HURP and gankyrin
      protein levels in HCC patients (r (2) = 0.778; n = 9). These findings suggest a
      role for the viral protein HBx and the host protein HURP in preventing p53
      mediated apoptosis during cancer progression and establishment of
      chemoresistance. 

PMID- 27660673
TI  - CD36 genetic variation, fat intake and liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C
      virus infection.
AB  - AIM: To analyze the association of the CD36 polymorphism (rs1761667) with dietary
      intake and liver fibrosis (LF) in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients. METHODS: In
      this study, 73 patients with CHC were recruited. The CD36 genotype (G > A) was
      determined by a TaqMan real-time PCR system. Dietary assessment was carried out
      using a three-day food record to register the daily intake of macronutrients.
      Serum lipids and liver enzymes were measured by a dry chemistry assay. LF
      evaluated by transient elastography (Fibroscan((r))) and APRI score was
      classified as mild LF (F1-F2) and advanced LF (F3-F4). RESULTS: Overall, the CD36
      genotypic frequencies were AA (30.1%), AG (54.8%), and GG (15.1%), whereas the
      allelic A and G frequencies were 57.5% and 42.5%, respectively. CHC patients who
      were carriers of the CD36 AA genotype had a higher intake of calories
      attributable to total fat and saturated fatty acids than those with the non-AA
      genotypes. Additionally, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) serum values were
      higher in AA genotype carriers compared to non-AA carriers (91.7 IU/L vs 69.8
      IU/L, P = 0.02). Moreover, the AA genotype was associated with an increase of
      30.23 IU/L of AST (beta = 30.23, 95%CI: 9.0-51.46, P = 0.006). Likewise, the AA
      genotype was associated with advanced LF compared to the AG (OR = 3.60, 95%CI:
      1.16-11.15, P = 0.02) or AG + GG genotypes (OR = 3.52, 95%CI: 1.18-10.45, P =
      0.02). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the CD36 (rs1761667) AA genotype is
      associated with higher fat intake and more instances of advanced LF in CHC
      patients.

PMID- 27660671
TI  - Systemic hemodynamics in advanced cirrhosis: Concerns during perioperative period
      of liver transplantation.
AB  - Advanced liver cirrhosis is usually accompanied by portal hypertension. Long-term
      portal hypertension results in various vascular alterations. The systemic
      hemodynamic state in patients with cirrhosis is termed a hyperdynamic state. This
      peculiar hemodynamic state is characterized by an expanded blood volume, high
      cardiac output, and low total peripheral resistance. Vascular alterations do not
      disappear even long after liver transplantation (LT), and recipients with
      cirrhosis exhibit a persistent systemic hyperdynamic state even after LT.
      Stability of optimal systemic hemodynamics is indispensable for adequate portal
      venous flow (PVF) and successful LT, and reliable parameters for optimal systemic
      hemodynamics and adequate PVF are required. Even a subtle disorder in systemic
      hemodynamics is precisely indicated by the balance between cardiac output and
      blood volume. The indocyanine green (ICG) kinetics reflect the patient's
      functional hepatocytes and effective PVF, and PVF is a major determinant of the
      ICG elimination constant (kICG) in the well-preserved allograft. The kICG value
      is useful to set the optimal PVF during living-donor LT and to evaluate adequate
      PVF after LT. Perioperative management has a large influence on the postoperative
      course and outcome; therefore, key points and unexpected pitfalls for intensive
      management are herein summarized. Transplant physicians should fully understand
      the peculiar systemic hemodynamic behavior in LT recipients with cirrhosis and
      recognize the critical importance of PVF after LT. 

PMID- 27660675
TI  - Hydatid cyst of the gallbaldder: A systematic review of the literature.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate all the references about primary gallbladder hidatidosis looking
      for best treatment evidence. METHODS: Search: 1966-2015 in MEDLINE, Cochrane
      Library, SciELO, and Tripdatabase. KEY WORDS: "gallabladder hydatid disease" and
      "gallbladder hydatid cyst". We found 124 papers in our searches but only 14
      papers including 16 cases were about hydatid cyst of the gallbladder (GBHC).
      RESULTS: Eight cases of GBHC were women and seven men. One not mentioned. Median
      age was 48.3 years. The most frequent clinical symptom was abdominal pain (94%)
      usually in the right upper quadrant. Ultrasound was performed in ten patients
      (62.5%) but in most cases a combination of several techniques was performed. The
      location of the cysts was intravesicular in five patients. Five patients
      presented GBHC and liver hydatid cysts. Two patients presented cholelithiasis and
      one choledocholithiasis. The most frequent surgical technique was cholecystectomy
      by laparotomy (81.25%). Simultaneous surgery of liver cysts was carried out in
      five cases. Eleven patients did not present postoperative complications, but one
      died. The mean hospital stay was seven days. No recurrence of GBHC was recorded.
      CONCLUSION: In GBHC, the most frequent symptom is right hypocondrium pain
      (evidence level V). Best diagnostic methods are ultrasound and computed
      tomography (level V, grade D). Suggested treatment is open cholecystectomy and
      postoperative albendazole (level V, grade D) obtaining good clinical results and
      none relapses.

PMID- 27660674
TI  - Therapeutic alternatives for the treatment of type 1 hepatorenal syndrome: A
      Delphi technique-based consensus.
AB  - AIM: To propose several alternatives treatment of type 1 hepatorenal syndrome
      (HRS-1) what is the most severe expression of circulatory dysfunction on patients
      with portal hypertension. METHODS: A group of eleven gastroenterologists and
      nephrologists performed a structured analysis of available literature. Each
      expert was designated to review and answer a question. They generated draft
      statements for evaluation by all the experts. Additional input was obtained from
      medical community. In order to reach consensus, a modified three-round Delphi
      technique method was used. According to United States Preventive Services Task
      Force criteria, the quality of the evidence and level of recommendation
      supporting each statement was graded. RESULTS: Nine questions were formulated.
      The available evidence was evaluated considering its quality, number of patients
      included in the studies and the consistency of its results. The generated
      questions were answered by the expert panel with a high level of agreement. Thus,
      a therapeutic algorithm was generated. The role of terlipressin and
      norepinephrine was confirmed as the pharmacologic treatment of choice. On the
      other hand the use of the combination of octreotide, midodrine and albumin
      without vasoconstrictors was discouraged. The role of several other options was
      also evaluated and the available evidence was explored and discussed. Liver
      transplantation is considered the definitive treatment for HRS-1. The present
      consensus is an important effort that intends to organize the available
      strategies based on the available evidence in the literature, the quality of the
      evidence and the benefits, adverse effects and availability of the therapeutic
      tools described. CONCLUSION: Based on the available evidence the expert panel was
      able to discriminate the most appropriate therapeutic alternatives for the
      treatment of HRS-1.

PMID- 27660676
TI  - Cholangiocarcinoma, gone without the Wnt?
AB  - Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a relatively rare malignancy of the intra- or extra
      hepatic bile ducts that is classified according to its anatomical localization as
      intrahepatic, perihilar or distal. Overall, CCA has a dismal prognosis due to
      typical presentation at an advanced irresectable stage, lack of effective non
      surgical treatments, and a high rate of disease recurrence. CCA frequently arises
      on a background of chronic liver inflammation and cholestasis. Chronic
      inflammation is accompanied by enhanced cell turnover with generation of
      additional inflammatory stimuli, and a microenvironment rich in pro-inflammatory
      mediators and proliferative factors that enable accumulation of mutations,
      transformation and expansion of mutated cells. A recent study by Boulter et al
      implicates the Wnt signaling cascade in cholangiocarcinogenesis. Wnt ligands
      Wnt7B and Wnt10A were found to be highly overexpressed in human CCA tissue. Wnt7B
      protein was present throughout the tumor stroma, and often co-localized with a
      subset of CD68(+) macrophages. To address in a direct manner whether Wnt
      signaling is engaged in development of CCA, Boulter et al explored the Wnt
      signaling pathway in an experimental model that recapitulates the multi-stage
      progression of human CCA. Wnt ligands found to be elevated in human CCA were also
      upregulated during the course of CCA development following thioacetamide
      treatment. Wnt10a increased during the (pre-cancerous) regenerative phase, while
      Wnt7b induction paralleled tumor growth. Along with upregulation of target genes,
      the findings demonstrate that the canonical Wnt pathway is progressively
      activated during cholangio-carcinogenesis. Macrophage depletion, eliminating a
      major source of Wnt7b, prevented activation of the canonical Wnt cascade, and
      resulted in reduced number and volume of tumors in this model. Moreover, specific
      inhibitors of the canonical Wnt pathway (ICG-001 and C-59) caused reduction of
      tumor area and number, in xenograft and thioacetamide models of CCA. The
      aggregated findings show that experimental, and presumably human CCA, is a Wnt
      driven tumor. Modulation of Wnt signaling, alone or in combination with surgical
      or chemotherapy approaches, holds promise in the management of this fatal
      malignancy. 

PMID- 27660677
TI  - Role of epidural anesthesia in a fast track liver resection protocol for
      cirrhotic patients - results after three years of practice.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the potential benefits and risks of the use of epidural
      anaesthesia within an enhanced recovery protocol in this specific subpopulation.
      METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted, including all cirrhotic patients
      who underwent open liver resection between January 2013 and December 2015 at
      Bologna University Hospital. Patients with an abnormal coagulation profile
      contraindicating the placement of an epidural catheter were excluded from the
      analysis. The control group was composed by patients refusing epidural
      anaesthesia. RESULTS: Of the 183 cirrhotic patients undergoing open liver
      resections, 57 had contraindications to the placement of an epidural catheter; of
      the remaining 126, 86 patients received general anaesthesia and 40 combined
      anaesthesia. The two groups presented homogeneous characteristics.
      Intraoperatively the metabolic data did not differ between the two groups, whilst
      the epidural group had a lower mean arterial pressure (P = 0.041) and received
      more colloid infusions (P = 0.007). Postoperative liver and kidney function did
      not differ significantly. Length of mechanical ventilation (P = 0.003) and
      hospital stay (P = 0.032) were significantly lower in the epidural group. No
      complications related to the epidural catheter placement or removal was recorded.
      CONCLUSION: The use of Epidural Anaesthesia within a fast track protocol for
      cirrhotic patients undergoing liver resections had a positive impact on the
      patient's outcomes and comfort as demonstrated by a significantly lower length of
      mechanical ventilation and hospital stay in the epidural group. The technique
      appears to be safely manageable in this fragile population even though these
      results need confirmation in larger studies.

PMID- 27660678
TI  - Immune response to hepatitis B virus vaccine in celiac subjects at diagnosis.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine response and correlation with
      human leukocyte antigens (HLA) and/or gluten intake in celiac patients at
      diagnosis. METHODS: Fifty-one patients affected by celiac disease, diagnosed at
      the Department of Pediatrics of the University of Catania (Italy), were
      recruited. All patients were tested at admission for immunization against HBV,
      according to findings from analysis of quantitative HBV surface antibody (anti
      HBs). The anti-HBs titer was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
      Following the international standards, subjects with antibody titer < 10 IU/L
      were defined as non-responders. The prevalence of responders and non-responders
      among celiac subjects and the distribution of immunization for age were examined.
      In addition, the prevalence of responders and non-responders was assessed for
      correlation to HLA and clinical features at diagnosis of celiac disease. RESULTS:
      The entire study population was divided into three groups according to age: 24
      patients aged between 0 to 5.5 years (48.9%, group A); 16 aged between 5.5 and
      9.5 years (30.61%, group B); 9 aged between 9.5 and 17 years (18.75%, group C).
      Comparison of the percentage of responders and non-responders between the
      youngest and the oldest age group showed no significant difference between the
      two groups (P > 0.05). With regard to the HLA haplotype, comparison of the
      distribution of vaccination response showed no statistically significant
      difference between the different genotypes (homozygosity for the HLADQ2 haplotype
      compared with HLADQ2/DQ8 heterozygosity or other haplotypes; P > 0.05). Moreover,
      distribution of the responders according to clinical features of celiac disease
      showed no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: This
      prospective study confirmed the lower percentage of response to HBV vaccine in
      celiac subjects. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear and further
      studies are needed.

PMID- 27660679
TI  - Contrast-enhanced ultrasonographic findings of serum amyloid A-positive
      hepatocellular neoplasm: Does hepatocellular adenoma arise in cirrhotic liver?
AB  - Hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) was recently classified into four pathological
      subtypes. There have been few studies describing the findings of contrast
      enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) of each type. Our case concerns a 78-year-old man
      who had undergone routine medical check-ups for hepatitis C for 11 years.
      Abdominal ultrasonography showed a 28 mm, hypo-echoic mass in the segment 4 of
      the liver. His integrating amount of drinking was 670 kg convert into ethanol.
      CEUS with Sonazoid demonstrated mild uniform hypo-enhancement with inflow of
      microbubbles from the periphery of the tumor in the arterial phase, and
      heterogeneously hypo-enhancement in the post vascular phase. Because the mass
      increased in size within 3 mo, a well differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma was
      suspected, and hepatic resection was performed. Microscopic findings showed
      homogeneous cell proliferation with low grade atypia, infiltration of
      inflammatory cells, ductular reactions, fatty deposit in part, and sinusoidal
      dilation. Immunohistochemistry revealed geographic positive for serum amyloid A
      (SAA), focal positive for glutamine synthetase, diffuse and strong positive for C
      reactive protein, and positive for liver-type fatty acid binding protein. These
      pathological features corresponded to that of an inflammatory HCA. However, we
      could not make a clear diagnosis, because HCAs were defined as not to arise in
      cirrhotic liver. Finally, this tumor was diagnosed as a SAA positive
      hepatocellular neoplasm. 

PMID- 27660680
TI  - Predictive potential of IL-28B genetic testing for interferon based hepatitis C
      virus therapy in Pakistan: Current scenario and future perspective.
AB  - In Pakistan which ranked second in terms of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, it
      is highly needed to have an established diagnostic test for antiviral therapy
      response prediction. Interleukin 28B (IL-28B) genetic testing is widely used
      throughout the world for interferon based therapy prediction for HCV patients and
      is quite helpful not only for health care workers but also for the patients.
      There is a strong relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms at or near
      the IL-28B gene and the sustained virological response with pegylated interferon
      plus ribavirin treatment for chronic hepatitis C. Pakistan is a resource limited
      country, with very low per capita income and there is no proper social security
      (health insurance) system. The allocated health budget by the government is very
      low and is used on other health emergencies like polio virus and dengue virus
      infection. Therefore it is proposed that there should be a well established
      diagnostic test on the basis of IL-28B which can predict the antiviral therapy
      response to strengthen health care set-up of Pakistan. This test once established
      will help in better management of HCV infected patients. 

PMID- 27660681
TI  - Identification and Structural Characterization of Three New Metabolites of
      Bupropion in Humans.
AB  - Bupropion is a widely used antidepressant and the recommended CYP2B6 probe drug.
      However, current understanding of bupropion elimination pathways is limited.
      Bupropion has three active circulating metabolites, OH-bupropion,
      threohydrobupropion, and erythrohydrobupropion, but together with bupropion these
      metabolites and their conjugates in urine represent only 23% of the dose, and the
      majority of the elimination pathways of bupropion result in uncharacterized
      metabolites. The aim of this study was to determine the structures of the
      uncharacterized bupropion metabolites using human clinical samples and in vitro
      incubations. Three new metabolites, 4'-OH-bupropion, erythro-4'-OH
      hydrobupropion, and threo-4'-OH-hydrobupropion, were detected in human liver
      microsome incubations and were isolated from human urine. The structures of the
      metabolites were confirmed via comparison of UV absorbance, NMR spectra, and mass
      spectral data to those of the synthesized standards. In total, these metabolites
      represented 24% of the drug related material excreted in urine. 

PMID- 27660683
TI  - Treatment of Pain with Spirocylic Cyclohexane Derivatives Having Dual Specificity
      for ORL-1 and MU-Opioid Receptors.

PMID- 27660682
TI  - The Added Value of Assessing Ligand-Receptor Binding Kinetics in Drug Discovery.
AB  - In the past decade drug research community has started to appreciate the
      indispensable role of ligand-receptor binding kinetics (BK) in drug discovery.
      Next to the classical equilibrium-based drug evaluation process with affinity and
      potency values as outcomes, kinetic investigation of the ligand-receptor
      interaction can aid compound triage in the hit-to-lead campaign and provide
      additional information to understand the molecular mechanism of drug action.
      Translational models incorporating BK are emerging as well, which represent
      powerful tools for the prediction of in vivo effects. In this viewpoint we will
      summarize some recent findings and discuss and emphasize the added value of
      ligand-receptor binding kinetics in drug research. 

PMID- 27660684
TI  - PPAR Agonists, Compounds, Pharmaceutical Compositions, and Methods of Use
      Thereof.

PMID- 27660685
TI  - (18)F-Labeling of Mannan for Inflammation Research with Positron Emission
      Tomography.
AB  - Recently mannan from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been shown to be able to induce
      psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in mice, and the phenotypes resemble the
      corresponding human diseases. To investigate the pathological processes, we set
      out to label mannan with fluorine-18 ((18)F) and study the (18)F-labeled mannan
      in vitro and in vivo with positron emission tomography (PET). Accordingly, mannan
      has been transformed into (18)F-fluoromannan with (18)F-bicyclo[6.1.0]nonyne. In
      mouse aorta, the binding of [(18)F]fluoromannan to the atherosclerotic lesions
      was clearly visualized and was significantly higher compared to blocking assays
      (P < 0.001) or healthy mouse aorta (P < 0.001). In healthy rats the
      [(18)F]fluoromannan radioactivity accumulated largely in the macrophage-rich
      organs such as liver, spleen, and bone marrow and the excess excreted in urine.
      Furthermore, the corresponding (19)F-labeled mannan has been used to induce
      psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in mice, which indicates that the biological
      function of mannan is preserved after the chemical modifications. 

PMID- 27660686
TI  - Discovery of 5-Phenyl-N-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-2-(pyrimidin-5-yl)quinazolin-4-amine
      as a Potent I Kur Inhibitor.
AB  - A new series of phenylquinazoline inhibitors of Kv 1.5 is disclosed. The series
      was optimized for Kv 1.5 potency, selectivity versus hERG, pharmacokinetic
      exposure, and pharmacodynamic potency. 5-Phenyl-N-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-2
      (pyrimidin-5-yl)quinazolin-4-amine (13k) was identified as a potent and ion
      channel selective inhibitor with robust efficacy in the preclinical rat
      ventricular effective refractory period (VERP) model and the rabbit atrial
      effective refractory period (AERP) model. 

PMID- 27660687
TI  - Polar Recognition Group Study of Keap1-Nrf2 Protein-Protein Interaction
      Inhibitors.
AB  - Directly disrupting the Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction (PPI) has emerged
      as an attractive way to activate Nrf2, and Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitors have been
      proposed as potential agents to relieve inflammatory and oxidative stress
      diseases. In this work, we investigated the diacetic moiety around the potent
      Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitor DDO1018 (2), which was reported by our group previously.
      Exploration of bioisosteric replacements afforded the ditetrazole analog 7, which
      maintains the potent PPI inhibition activity (IC50 = 15.8 nM) in an in vitro
      fluorescence polarization assay. Physicochemical property determination
      demonstrated that ditetrazole replacement can improve the drug-like property,
      including elevation of pK a, log D, and transcellular permeability. Additionally,
      7 is more efficacious than 2 on inducing the expression of Nrf2-dependent gene
      products in cells. This study provides an alternative way to replace the diacetic
      moiety and occupy the polar subpockets in Keap1, which can benefit the subsequent
      development of Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitor. 

PMID- 27660688
TI  - Modifications of a Nanomolar Cyclic Peptide Antagonist for the EphA4 Receptor To
      Achieve High Plasma Stability.
AB  - EphA4 is a receptor tyrosine kinase with a critical role in repulsive axon
      guidance and synaptic function. However, aberrant EphA4 activity can inhibit
      neural repair after injury and exacerbate neurodegenerative diseases such as
      amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Alzheimer's. We previously identified the
      cyclic peptide APY-d2 (APYCVYRbetaASWSC-nh2, containing a disulfide bond) as a
      potent and selective EphA4 antagonist. However, APY-d2 lacks sufficient plasma
      stability to be useful for EphA4 inhibition in vivo through peripheral
      administration. Using structure-activity relationship studies, we show that
      protecting the peptide N-terminus from proteolytic degradation dramatically
      increases the persistence of the active peptide in plasma and that a positively
      charged peptide N-terminus is essential for high EphA4 binding affinity. Among
      several improved APY-d2 derivatives, the cyclic peptides APY-d3
      (betaAPYCVYRbetaASWSC-nh2) and APY-d4 (betaAPYCVYRbetaAEWEC-nh2) combine high
      stability in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid with slightly enhanced potency. These
      properties make them valuable research tools and leads toward development of
      therapeutics for neurological diseases. 

PMID- 27660689
TI  - Cellular Activity of New Small Molecule Protein Arginine Deiminase 3 (PAD3)
      Inhibitors.
AB  - The protein arginine deiminases (PADs) catalyze the post-translational
      deimination of arginine side chains. Multiple PAD isozymes have been
      characterized, and abnormal PAD activity has been associated with several human
      disease states. PAD3 has been characterized as a modulator of cell growth via
      apoptosis inducing factor and has been implicated in the neurodegenerative
      response to spinal cord injury. Here, we describe the design, synthesis, and
      evaluation of conformationally constrained versions of the potent and selective
      PAD3 inhibitor 2. The cell activity of representative inhibitors in this series
      was also demonstrated for the first time by rescue of thapsigargin-induced cell
      death in PAD3-expressing HEK293T cells. 

PMID- 27660690
TI  - Diversity-Oriented Synthesis as a Strategy for Fragment Evolution against
      GSK3beta.
AB  - Traditional fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) relies heavily on structural
      analysis of the hits bound to their targets. Herein, we present a complementary
      approach based on diversity-oriented synthesis (DOS). A DOS-based fragment
      collection was able to produce initial hit compounds against the target GSK3beta,
      allow the systematic synthesis of related fragment analogues to explore fragment
      level structure-activity relationship, and finally lead to the synthesis of a
      more potent compound. 

PMID- 27660691
TI  - Novel Autotaxin Inhibitors for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis Pain: Lead
      Optimization via Structure-Based Drug Design.
AB  - In an effort to develop a novel therapeutic agent aimed at addressing the unmet
      need of patients with osteoarthritis pain, we set out to develop an inhibitor for
      autotaxin with excellent potency and physical properties to allow for the
      clinical investigation of autotaxin-induced nociceptive and neuropathic pain. An
      initial hit identification campaign led to an aminopyrimidine series with an
      autotaxin IC50 of 500 nM. X-ray crystallography enabled the optimization to a
      lead compound that demonstrated favorable potency (IC50 = 2 nM), PK properties,
      and a robust PK/PD relationship. 

PMID- 27660692
TI  - Discovery of a Selective Phosphoinositide-3-Kinase (PI3K)-gamma Inhibitor (IPI
      549) as an Immuno-Oncology Clinical Candidate.
AB  - Optimization of isoquinolinone PI3K inhibitors led to the discovery of a potent
      inhibitor of PI3K-gamma (26 or IPI-549) with >100-fold selectivity over other
      lipid and protein kinases. IPI-549 demonstrates favorable pharmacokinetic
      properties and robust inhibition of PI3K-gamma mediated neutrophil migration in
      vivo and is currently in Phase 1 clinical evaluation in subjects with advanced
      solid tumors. 

PMID- 27660693
TI  - T-3364366 Targets the Desaturase Domain of Delta-5 Desaturase with Nanomolar
      Potency and a Multihour Residence Time.
AB  - Delta-5 desaturase (D5D) catalyzes the conversion from dihomo-gamma linoleic acid
      (DGLA) to arachidonic acid (AA). DGLA and AA are common precursors of anti- and
      pro-inflammatory eicosanoids, respectively, making D5D an attractive drug target
      for inflammatory-related diseases. Despite several reports on D5D inhibitors,
      their biochemical mechanisms of action (MOAs) remain poorly understood, primarily
      due to the difficulty in performing quantitative enzymatic analysis. Herein, we
      report a radioligand binding assay to overcome this challenge and characterized T
      3364366, a thienopyrimidinone D5D inhibitor, by use of the assay. T-3364366 is a
      reversible, slow-binding inhibitor with a dissociation half-life in excess of 2.0
      h. The long residence time was confirmed in cellular washout assays. Domain
      swapping experiments between D5D and D6D support [(3)H]T-3364366 binding to the
      desaturase domain of D5D. The present study is the first to demonstrate
      biochemical MOA of desaturase inhibitors, providing important insight into drug
      discovery of desaturase enzymes. 

PMID- 27660694
TI  - Entrapment neuropathies in diabetes mellitus.
AB  - Neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) with a wide
      clinical spectrum that encompasses generalized to focal and multifocal forms.
      Entrapment neuropathies (EN), which are focal forms, are so frequent at any stage
      of the diabetic disease, that they may be considered a neurophysiological
      hallmark of peripheral nerve involvement in DM. Indeed, EN may be the earliest
      neurophysiological abnormalities in DM, particularly in the upper limbs, even in
      the absence of a generalized polyneuropathy, or it may be superimposed on a
      generalized diabetic neuropathy. This remarkable frequency of EN in diabetes is
      underlain by a peculiar pathophysiological background. Due to the metabolic
      alterations consequent to abnormal glucose metabolism, the peripheral nerves show
      both functional impairment and structural changes, even in the preclinical stage,
      making them more prone to entrapment in anatomically constrained channels. This
      review discusses the most common and relevant EN encountered in diabetic patient
      in their epidemiological, pathophysiological and diagnostic features. 

PMID- 27660696
TI  - Evidence for current diagnostic criteria of diabetes mellitus.
AB  - Diabetes mellitus is a non-communicable metabolic derangement afflicting several
      millions of individuals globally. It is associated with several micro and
      macrovascular complications and is also a leading cause of mortality. The
      unresolved issue is that of definition of the diagnostic threshold for diabetes.
      The World Health Organization and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) have
      laid down several diagnostic criteria for diagnosing diabetes and prediabetes
      based on the accumulating body of evidence.This review has attempted to analyse
      the scientific evidence supporting the justification of these differing criteria.
      The evidence for diagnosing diabetes is strong, and there is a concordance
      between the two professional bodies. The controversy arises when describing the
      normal lower limit of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) with little evidence favouring
      the reduction of the FPG by the ADA. Several studies have also shown the
      development of complications specific for diabetes in patients with prediabetes
      as defined by the current criteria though there is a significant overlap of such
      prevalence in individuals with normoglycemia. Large multinational longitudinal
      prospective studies involving subjects without diabetes and retinopathy at
      baseline will ideally help identify the threshold of glycemic measurements for
      future development of diabetes and its complications. 

PMID- 27660697
TI  - In vivo corneal confocal microscopy in diabetes: Where we are and where we can
      get.
AB  - In vivo corneal confocal microscopy (IVCCM) is a novel, reproducible, easy and
      noninvasive technique that allows the study of the different layers of the cornea
      at a cellular level. As cornea is the most innervated organ of human body,
      several studies investigated the use of corneal confocal microscopy to detect
      diabetic neuropathies, which are invalidating and deadly complications of
      diabetes mellitus. Corneal nerve innervation has been shown impaired in subjects
      with diabetes and a close association between damages of peripheral nerves due to
      the diabetes and alterations in corneal sub-basal nerve plexus detected by IVCCM
      has been widely demonstrated. Interestingly, these alterations seem to precede
      the clinical onset of diabetic neuropathies, paving the path for prevention
      studies. However, some concerns still prevent the full implementation of this
      technique in clinical practice. In this review we summarize the most recent and
      relevant evidences about the use of IVCCM for the diagnosis of peripheral
      sensorimotor polyneuropathy and of autonomic neuropathy in diabetes. New
      perspectives and current limitations are also discussed. 

PMID- 27660698
TI  - Diabetes mellitus and cognitive impairments.
AB  - There is strong evidence that diabetes mellitus increases the risk of cognitive
      impairment and dementia. Insulin signaling dysregulation and small vessel disease
      in the base of diabetes may be important contributing factors in Alzheimer's
      disease and vascular dementia pathogenesis, respectively. Optimal glycemic
      control in type 1 diabetes and identification of diabetic risk factors and
      prophylactic approach in type 2 diabetes are very important in the prevention of
      cognitive complications. In addition, hypoglycemic attacks in children and
      elderly should be avoided. Anti-diabetic medications especially Insulin may have
      a role in the management of cognitive dysfunction and dementia but further
      investigation is needed to validate these findings. 

PMID- 27660699
TI  - Sex-related factors influence expression of mood-related genes in the basolateral
      amygdala differentially depending on age and stress exposure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with major depressive
      disorder (MDD) compared to men, but the molecular mechanisms underlying this sex
      difference are unclear. Previous studies in the human postmortem brain suggest
      dysfunction in basolateral amygdala (BLA) inhibitory gamma-aminobutyric acid
      (GABA) signaling and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) function,
      specifically in females with MDD. METHODS: We investigated the effects of sex
      chromosome complement, developmental gonadal sex, and circulating testosterone on
      expression of 3 GABA-related and 2 BDNF-related genes in the BLA using three
      cohorts of four core genotypes (FCG) mice. Cohort 1 included gonadally intact pre
      pubertal FCG mice; results were analyzed using two-way ANOVA (sex chromosome
      complement-by-gonadal sex). We examined the same genes under adult non-stressed
      (cohort 2) and chronically stressed conditions (cohort 3). The results for
      cohorts 2 and 3 were analyzed by three-way ANOVA (sex chromosome complement-by
      gonadal sex-by-hormone). The use of heatmaps and Spearman correlation of BLA gene
      expression and anxiety-like behavior provides a global interpretation of gene
      expression patterns. RESULTS: In weanlings, we found an effect of sex chromosome
      complement, with lower expression of GABA/BDNF-related genes in XY mice. Most of
      these effects did not persist into adulthood, although a number of interesting
      interactions between organizational and activational effects of hormones emerged.
      In our adult cohorts, we found that testosterone had different effects depending
      on stress conditions and/or gonadal sex. Notably, in our chronically stressed
      adults, we found that the BLA pattern of gene expression for the GABA-related
      gene, somatostatin (Sst), matched the anxiety-like behavior pattern (i.e., lower
      Sst and higher anxiety-like behavior in XY mice, while testosterone increased Sst
      and decreased anxiety-like behavior). Additionally, increased Sst gene expression
      was correlated with decreased anxiety-like behavior. CONCLUSIONS: Sex chromosome
      complement is an important factor modulating expression of mood-related genes
      during pre-pubertal development. The observed sex differences under chronically
      stressed conditions suggest that different molecular profiles may characterize
      male and female MDD. Our findings here for Sst are especially interesting, and
      suggest an underlying XY vulnerability that is typically compensated for by
      circulating testosterone in "normal" males. Without testosterone, women may have
      lower SST expression in the amygdala, resulting in increased MDD vulnerability.

PMID- 27660700
TI  - Focussing Attention on Oneself Increases the Perception of Being Observed by
      Others.
AB  - Patients with Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) often report elevated levels of self
      focussed evaluative attention (SFEA), and seem excessively concerned with being
      observed by others. This study tested whether SFEA increases the perception of
      being observed by others. A sample of 52 high and 52 low socially anxious
      participants estimated the percentage of people 'looking at you' in several
      matrices of faces. A control task used matrices of clocks. SFEA was manipulated.
      As predicted, increasing SFEA led to significantly higher estimates of people
      'looking at you' in both groups. Estimates on the control task were not affected
      by SFEA, thus the effects appear specific to social stimuli. These findings
      suggest that the increased levels of SFEA that characterise patients with SAD
      could contribute to their enhanced perception of being observed by others. The
      findings have implications for the role of attention training in the treatment of
      SAD.

PMID- 27660702
TI  - Influence of main dietary chemical constituents on the in vitro gas and methane
      production in diets for dairy cows.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Modification of chemical composition of diets fed to dairy cows might
      be a good strategy to reduce methane (CH4) production in the rumen. Notable
      reductions of CH4 production compared to conventional high-roughages rations were
      more frequently observed for very concentrated diets or when fat supplements were
      used. In these cases, the reduction in the gas emission was mainly a consequence
      of an overall impairment of rumen function with a reduction of fiber
      digestibility. These strategies do not always comply with feeding standards used
      in intensive dairy farms and they are usually not applied owing to the risks of
      negative health and economic consequences. Thus, the present study evaluated the
      effects of seven commercial diets with contents of neutral detergent fiber (NDF),
      protein and lipids ranging 325 to 435 g/kg DM, 115 to 194 g/kg DM, and 26 to 61
      g/kg DM, respectively, on in vitro degradability, gas (GP), and CH4 production.
      RESULTS: In this experiment, changes in the dietary content of NDF, crude protein
      (CP) and lipids were always obtained at the expense or in favor of starch. A
      decreased of the dietary NDF content increased NDF (NDFd) and true DM (TDMd)
      degradability, and increased CH4 production per g of incubated DM (P < 0.001),
      but not that per g of TDMd. An increase of the dietary CP level did not change in
      vitro NDFd and TDMd, decreased GP per g of incubated DM (P < 0.001), but CH4
      production per g of TDMd was not affected. An increased dietary lipid content
      reduced NDFd, TDMd, and GP per g of incubated DM, but it had no consequence on
      CH4 production per g of TDMd. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that, under
      commercial conditions, changes in dietary composition would produce small or
      negligible alterations of CH4 production per unit of TDMd, but greater
      differences in GP and CH4 production would be expected when these amounts are
      expressed per unit of DM intake. The use of TDMd as a standardizing parameter is
      proposed to account for possible difference in DM intake and productivity.

PMID- 27660703
TI  - Association between distorted body image and changes in weight status among
      normal weight preadolescents in Japan: a population-based cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Distorted body image may be important risk factors for being
      underweight and overweight. The objective of this study was to investigate the
      association between having a distorted body image and being overweight or
      underweight among normal weight preadolescents in a population-based cohort study
      in Japan for each sex. METHODS: The study participants were 1431 normal weight
      fourth-grade students (age range: 9-10 years) in Ina town, Japan from 2002 to
      2007. The height and weight of each student were measured while they were in the
      fourth grade (at baseline) and seventh grade (3 years later). Childhood
      underweight and overweight were defined using the body mass index cut-off points
      proposed by the International Obesity Task Force. Information regarding the self
      perceived weight status of each student at baseline was collected using a self
      administered questionnaire. Children who were normal weight but perceived
      themselves as heavy or thin were regarded as having a distorted body images. A
      logistic regression model was used to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95 %
      confidence interval (95 % CI) for being overweight or underweight 3 years later
      among those having a distorted body image at baseline. RESULTS: Both boys and
      girls who perceived themselves to be heavy at baseline were at a statistically
      significantly greater risk of being overweight 3 years later as compared to boys
      and girls, respectively, who identified as being at a normal weight at baseline
      (boys: adjusted OR: 4.66, 95 % CI: 1.01-21.48; girls: 3.88, 1.56-9.65). Both boys
      and girls who perceived oneself to be thin at baseline were at a statistically
      significantly greater risk of bring underweight 3 years later as compared to boys
      and girls, respectively, who identified as being at a normal weight at baseline
      (boys: 5.51, 2.20-13.80; girls: 2.93, 1.40-6.11). CONCLUSION: The results of the
      present study suggest that having a distorted body image in preadolescence is
      associated with being overweight or underweight in adolescence, among boys and
      girls, separately. Therefore, education regarding self-perceived weight could be
      important to help prevent underweight and overweight/obesity among preadolescent
      boys and girls in Japan.

PMID- 27660701
TI  - American Society for Enhanced Recovery (ASER) and Perioperative Quality
      Initiative  (POQI) joint consensus statement on perioperative fluid management
      within an enhanced recovery pathway for colorectal surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Enhanced recovery may be viewed as a comprehensive approach to
      improving meaningful outcomes in patients undergoing major surgery. Evidence to
      support enhanced recovery pathways (ERPs) is strong in patients undergoing
      colorectal surgery. There is some controversy about the adoption of specific
      elements in enhanced recovery "bundles" because the relative importance of
      different components of ERPs is hard to discern (a consequence of multiple
      simultaneous changes in clinical practice when ERPs are initiated). There is
      evidence that specific approaches to fluid management are better than
      alternatives in patients undergoing colorectal surgery; however, several specific
      questions remain. METHODS: In the "Perioperative Quality Initiative (POQI)
      Fluids" workgroup, we developed a framework broadly applicable to the
      perioperative management of intravenous fluid therapy in patients undergoing
      elective colorectal surgery within an ERP. DISCUSSION: We discussed aspects of
      ERPs that impact fluid management and made recommendations or suggestions on
      topics such as bowel preparation; preoperative oral hydration; intraoperative
      fluid therapy with and without devices for goal-directed fluid therapy; and type
      of fluid.

PMID- 27660695
TI  - Update on the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
AB  - To achieve good metabolic control in diabetes and keep long term, a combination
      of changes in lifestyle and pharmacological treatment is necessary. Achieving
      near-normal glycated hemoglobin significantly, decreases risk of macrovascular
      and microvascular complications. At present there are different treatments, both
      oral and injectable, available for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus
      (T2DM). Treatment algorithms designed to reduce the development or progression of
      the complications of diabetes emphasizes the need for good glycaemic control. The
      aim of this review is to perform an update on the benefits and limitations of
      different drugs, both current and future, for the treatment of T2DM. Initial
      intervention should focus on lifestyle changes. Moreover, changes in lifestyle
      have proven to be beneficial, but for many patients is a complication keep long
      term. Physicians should be familiar with the different types of existing drugs
      for the treatment of diabetes and select the most effective, safe and better
      tolerated by patients. Metformin remains the first choice of treatment for most
      patients. Other alternative or second-line treatment options should be
      individualized depending on the characteristics of each patient. This article
      reviews the treatments available for patients with T2DM, with an emphasis on
      agents introduced within the last decade. 

PMID- 27660704
TI  - Postoperative use of hypnotics is associated with increased length of stay after
      uncomplicated surgery for colorectal cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Hypnotics are used to treat perioperative sleep disorders. These
      drugs are associated with a higher risk of adverse effects among patients
      undergoing surgery. This study aims to quantify the use of hypnotics and factors
      influencing the administration of hypnotics in relation to colorectal cancer
      surgery. METHOD: A retrospective cohort study of 1979 patients undergoing
      colorectal cancer surgery. RESULTS: In all, 381 patients (19%) received new
      treatment with hypnotics. Two of the six surgical centres used hypnotics less
      often (odds ratio (95% confidence interval), 0.24 (0.16-0.38) and 0.20 (0.12
      0.35)). Active smokers (odds ratio (95% confidence interval), 1.57 (1.11-2.24))
      and patients receiving perioperative blood transfusion (odds ratio (95%
      confidence interval), 1.58 (1.10-2.26)) had increased likelihood of receiving
      hypnotics. In the uncomplicated cases, a multivariable linear regression analysis
      showed that consumption of hypnotics postoperatively was significantly associated
      with increased length of stay (1.5 (0.9-2.2) days). CONCLUSION: One in five
      patients began treatment with hypnotics after colorectal cancer surgery.
      Postoperative use of hypnotics was associated with an increased length of stay
      for uncomplicated cases of colorectal cancer surgery.

PMID- 27660705
TI  - Current clinical trials testing the combination of immunotherapy with
      radiotherapy.
AB  - Increasing evidence demonstrates that radiation acts as an immune stimulus,
      recruiting immune mediators that enable anti-tumor responses within and outside
      the radiation field. There has been a rapid expansion in the number of clinical
      trials harnessing radiation to enhance antitumor immunity. If positive, results
      of these trials will lead to a paradigm shift in the use of radiotherapy. In this
      review, we discuss the rationale for trials combining radiation with various
      immunotherapies, provide an update of recent clinical trial results and highlight
      trials currently in progress. We also address issues pertaining to the optimal
      incorporation of immunotherapy with radiation, including sequencing of treatment,
      radiation dosing and evaluation of clinical trial endpoints. 

PMID- 27660707
TI  - Into the clinic: Talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC), a first-in-class intratumoral
      oncolytic viral therapy.
AB  - With the recent regulatory approval of Talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC) for the
      treatment of advanced of melanoma in the United States, Europe and Australia,
      oncolytic virus immunotherapy has earned its place in the clinic. However, the
      adoption of T-VEC by the U.S. oncology community has been slow, and so far has
      been largely limited to specialized cancer centers. Limiting factors include the
      intratumoral route of administration, which is unfamiliar to medical oncologists,
      biosafety concerns related to the use of a live virus in the clinic, and the
      explosion of other therapeutic strategies now available for the treatment of
      advanced melanoma. Herein, we review the development of T-VEC, and suggest how it
      fits into the in the current clinical treatment paradigm, and provide pearls for
      drug preparation, administration, and monitoring of response to therapy. 

PMID- 27660706
TI  - A retrospective analysis of High-Dose Interleukin-2 (HD IL-2) following
      Ipilimumab in metastatic melanoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High dose interleukin-2 (HD IL-2) can induce durable responses in a
      subset of patients leading to long-term survival. Immune checkpoint blockade
      (ICB) has demonstrated similarly durable responses in a larger proportion of
      patients. However, not all patients respond to immune checkpoint blockade and
      subsequent therapeutic options need to be explored. METHODS: The PROCLAIM
      database was queried for patients with metastatic melanoma who had received HD IL
      2 after treatment with ipilimumab or without prior ICB. Patient characteristics,
      toxicity and efficacy were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 52 metastatic melanoma
      patients were treated with high dose IL-2 after ipilimumab and 276 patients were
      treated with high dose IL-2 without prior ICB. The overall response rate in the
      prior ipilimumab group was 21 % as compared to 12 % in the group that had not
      received prior ipilimumab. The median overall survival, measured from the
      initiation of HD IL-2 therapy, was 19.3 months in the prior ipilimumab group and
      19.4 months in the no prior ICB group. Toxicities observed on HD IL-2 were
      relatively equivalent between the groups although there were cases of CTLA4
      antibody-induced colitis reported after HD IL-2 treatment and a CTLA4 antibody
      induced colitis related death. CONCLUSION: In this retrospective analysis HD IL-2
      therapy displayed antitumor activity in melanoma patients who progressed
      following treatment with ipilimumab. Most HD IL-2 toxicity was not worsened by
      prior ipilimumab therapy except for one treatment related death from colitis.
      Care should be taken to avoid reactivation of CTLA4 antibody-induced colitis.

PMID- 27660708
TI  - Re-discovering NK cell allo-reactivity in the therapy of solid tumors.

PMID- 27660709
TI  - A case report of Grover's disease from immunotherapy-a skin toxicity induced by
      inhibition of CTLA-4 but not PD-1.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Immune related adverse events (irAEs) are common side effects of
      checkpoint inhibitory (CPI) therapies targeting CTLA-4 and PD-1/PD-L1. Grover's
      disease is an uncommon dermatologic condition with unclear pathogenesis
      previously reported as an irAE with ipilimumab. CASE PRESENTATION: We report an
      additional case of ipilimumab-induced Grover's disease. Interestingly, this
      dermatologic side effect did not appear with use of anti-PD-1 therapy in our
      patient. Immune analysis was performed and suggests a possible role of Th2 cells
      in its patholgenesis. CONCLUSION: This case suggests that Grover's disease is an
      irAE induced by Ipilimumab. Our immune analysis suggests that Th2 cells may be
      pathogenic mediators which warrants further study.

PMID- 27660711
TI  - Biomarkers immune monitoring technology primer: Immunoscore(r) Colon.

PMID- 27660712
TI  - Increased FDG avidity in lymphoid tissue associated with response to combined
      immune checkpoint blockade.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Antibodies against programmed death 1 (PD-1) receptor and cytotoxic T
      lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) have transformed the systemic treatment
      of melanoma and many other cancers. Understanding the spectrum of benign findings
      and atypical response patterns seen in immune checkpoint blockade is important
      for accurately assessing treatment response as these immunotherapies become more
      widely used. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a 63-year-old man with metastatic
      melanoma successfully treated with combination CTLA-4 and PD-1 blockade
      (ipilimumab and nivolumab), after non-response to pembrolizumab monotherapy. The
      initial impression of disease progression, based on cutaneous and PET/CT findings
      of increased fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) uptake in benign lymphoid tissue,
      proved to be erroneous after assiduous review of radiographic imaging and
      correlative pathology. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that increased FDG
      uptake in benign lymphoid tissue seen on PET/CT may be a surrogate marker of
      immune activation and treatment response. Prospective studies will be invaluable
      in validating immune-related radiographic findings as a prognostic biomarker of
      response in cancer patients being treated with immune checkpoint blockade.

PMID- 27660710
TI  - Adjuvants for peptide-based cancer vaccines.
AB  - Cancer therapies based on T cells have shown impressive clinical benefit. In
      particular, immune checkpoint blockade therapies with anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD
      1/PD-L1 are causing dramatic tumor shrinkage and prolonged patient survival in a
      variety of cancers. However, many patients do not benefit, possibly due to
      insufficient spontaneous T cell reactivity against their tumors and/or lacking
      immune cell infiltration to tumor site. Such tumor-specific T cell responses
      could be induced through anti-cancer vaccination; but despite great success in
      animal models, only a few of many cancer vaccine trials have demonstrated robust
      clinical benefit. One reason for this difference may be the use of potent,
      effective vaccine adjuvants in animal models, vs. the use of safe, but very weak,
      vaccine adjuvants in clinical trials. As vaccine adjuvants dictate the type and
      magnitude of the T cell response after vaccination, it is critical to understand
      how they work to design safe, but also effective, cancer vaccines for clinical
      use. Here we discuss current insights into the mechanism of action and practical
      application of vaccine adjuvants, with a focus on peptide-based cancer vaccines. 

PMID- 27660713
TI  - Luminescent iminophosphorane gold, palladium and platinum complexes as potential
      anticancer agents.
AB  - A series of coordination gold(III), palladium(II), and platinum(II) complexes
      with a luminescent iminophosphorane ligand derived from 8-aminoquinoline [Ph3P=N
      C9H6N] (1), have been synthesized and structurally characterized. The
      coordination palladium(II) and platinum(II) compounds can evolve further, under
      appropriate conditions, to give stable cyclometalated endo species [M{kappa3
      C,N,N-C6H4(PPh2=N-8-C9H6N}Cl] (M = Pd, Pt) by C-H activation of the phenyl group
      of the PPh 3 fragment. Iminophosphorane 1 and the new metallic complexes are
      luminescent in DMSO or DMSO:H2O (1:1 mixture) solutions at RT. The compounds have
      been evaluated for their antiproliferative properties in a human ovarian cancer
      cell line (A2780S), in human lung cancer cells (A-549) and in a non-tumorigenic
      human embryonic kidney cell line (HEK-293T). Most compounds have been more toxic
      to the ovarian cancer cell line than to the non-tumorigenic cell line. The new
      complexes interact with human serum albumin (HSA) faster than cisplatin. Studies
      of the interactions of the compounds with DNA indicate that, in some cases, they
      exert anticancer effects in vitro based on different mechanisms of action with
      respect to cisplatin.

PMID- 27660714
TI  - Noncontiguous finished genome sequence and description of Murdochiella
      massiliensis strain SIT12 sp. nov.
AB  - Murdochiella massiliensis strain SIT12 (= CSUR P1987 = DSM 29078) is the type
      strain of M. massiliensis sp. nov. This bacterium was isolated from the stool of
      a healthy 2-year-old Senegalese boy. M. massiliensis is an anaerobic, Gram
      positive coccus. The genome size of M. massiliensis strain SIT12 is 1 642 295 bp
      with 48.9% G+C content and assembled into two scaffolds. 

PMID- 27660715
TI  - Night shift work and inflammatory markers in male workers aged 20-39 in a display
      manufacturing company.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the association between shift work and
      inflammatory markers, which are independent risk factors of cardiovascular
      diseases, in male manual workers at a display manufacturing company. METHODS:
      This study was conducted between June 1 and July 31, 2015 on 244 male manual
      workers aged 20-39 years old at a display manufacturing company and investigated
      age, marital status, education level, alcohol consumption habit, smoking habit,
      regular exercise habit, sleep duration, sleep debt, sleep insufficiency, past
      medical history, current and past shift work experience, duration of shift work,
      and weekly work hours through face-to-face interviews using structured
      questionnaires and performed blood tests. Study participants were divided into
      daytime, former shift, and current shift workers based on the work schedule. Chi
      square tests and one-way analyses of variance were performed to compare
      inflammatory markers and cardiovascular disease risk factors, and analyses of
      covariance were conducted after adjusting for variables potentially affecting
      inflammatory markers. RESULTS: High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP; mean
      +/- standard deviation) levels in daytime, former shift, and current shift
      workers were 0.65 +/- 0.43, 0.75 +/- 0.43, and 0.86 +/- 0.72 mg/L, respectively
      (p = 0.029). The leukocyte count (mean +/- standard deviation) was 5,556 +/-
      1,123, 6,210 +/- 1,366, and 6,530 +/- 1,216 cells/MUL, respectively (p < 0.001).
      Both hs-CRP level and leukocyte count were significantly higher in current shift
      workers than in daytime workers, and leukocyte count was higher in former shift
      workers than in daytime workers. After adjusting for variables potentially
      affecting inflammatory markers, hs-CRP levels (adjusted mean +/- standard
      deviation) in daytime and current shift workers were 0.59 +/- 0.06 and 0.92 +/-
      0.07 mg/L, respectively (p = 0.002). The leukocyte count (adjusted mean +/-
      standard deviation) was 5,557 +/- 124 and 6,498 +/- 144 cells/MUL, respectively
      (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A significant association between shift work and
      increases in inflammatory markers was confirmed. Because chronic low-grade
      inflammation plays an important role in the development of cardiovascular
      diseases, regular follow-up of inflammatory markers as a marker of cardiovascular
      diseases in shift workers may serve as an early indicator in predicting the
      effects of shift work on health.

PMID- 27660716
TI  - Association between second-hand smoke and psychological well-being amongst non
      smoking wageworkers in Republic of Korea.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Worldwide, exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS) has been responsible
      for more than 0.6 million deaths and 10.9 million disability-adjusted life years
      (DALYS) lost in never smokers in 2004. The world health organization (WHO)
      reported smoking-related death of 58,000 per year in South Korea. There is recent
      emerging evidence of the associations of SHS exposure with anxiety or depression
      and poor mental health. Although exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS) has been
      associated with various physical health conditions and mental health, we are
      unaware of any studies examining its association with psychological well-being as
      mental factor. This study aimed to investigate the association between self
      reported exposure to SHS and well-being among non-smoking wageworkers. METHODS:
      The Third Korean Working Conditions Survey (KWCS, 2011) was conducted on a
      representative sample of economically active population aged 15 years or over,
      who were either employees or self-employed at the time of interview. In this
      study, after removing inconsistent data, 19,879 non-smoking wageworkers among
      60,054 workers were participated. Psychological well-being was measured through
      the WHO-Five Well-Being Index (1998 version). Univariate and multiple logistic
      regression models were used to examine the association of SHS exposure with
      psychological well-being. RESULTS: The unadjusted OR of poor psychological well
      being (OR: 1.594, 95 % CI: 1.421-1.787) was significantly higher for SHS exposure
      group compared to non-exposure group. Multiple logistic regression analysis
      results indicated that these relationships were still significant after adjusting
      for potential confounders (adjusted OR: 1.330, 95 % CI: 1.178-1.502).
      CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to SHS was associated with poor well-being measured by the
      WHO-5 well-being index, indicating the importance of reducing SHS exposure at the
      workplace for psychological well-being amongst non-smoking wageworkers.

PMID- 27660718
TI  - Logistic regression analysis on the determinants of stillbirth in Ethiopia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stillbirth is often defined as fetal death after 24 weeks of
      gestation, but a fetus greater than any combination of 16, 20, 22, 24, or 28
      weeks gestational age and 350 g, 400 g, 500 g, or 1000 g birth weight may be
      considered stillborn depending on local law. Once the fetus has died, the mother
      may or may not have contractions and undergo childbirth or in some cases, a
      Caesarean section. Most stillbirths occur in full-term pregnancies. METHODS: This
      study has intended to model determinants of experiencing stillbirth among women
      in child bearing age group of Ethiopia using the Ethiopian demographic and health
      Survey data (EDHS, 2011). First, the bivariate chi-square test of association was
      fitted to the data and significant variables were considered for further
      investigation binary logistic regression models were fitted. RESULTS: This study
      revealed that the rate of experiencing stillbirth among women of child bearing
      age was about 25.5 per 1000 deliveries in Ethiopia. From binary logistic
      regression, region of residence, maternal age, place of residence, education
      level, parity, antenatal care utilization, place of delivery, body mass index
      (BMI) and anemia level were found to be significantly associated with
      experiencing stillbirth. CONCLUSIONS: Researchers should use multilevel models
      than traditional regression methods when their data structure is hierarchical as
      like in Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey data.

PMID- 27660717
TI  - Gender differences in Reasons for Sickness Presenteeism - a study among GPs in a
      Swedish health care organization.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is common that physicians go to work while sick and therefore it
      is important to understand the reasons behind. Previous research has shown that
      women and men differ in health and health related behavior. In this study, we
      examine gender differences among general practitioners who work while sick.
      METHODS: General practitioners (GP's) working in outpatient care in a Swedish
      city participated in the study (n = 283; women = 63 %; response rate = 41 %).
      Data were obtained from a large web-based questionnaire about health and
      organization within primary care. Two questions about sickness presenteeism
      (going to work while sick) were included; life-long and during the past 12
      months, and five questions about reasons. We controlled for general health, work
      family conflict and demographic variables. RESULTS: Female physicians reported
      sickness presenteeism more often than male physicians. Work-family conflict
      mediated the association between gender and sickness presenteeism. Women reported
      reasons related with "concern for others" and "workload" more strongly than men.
      Men reported reasons related with "capacity" and "money" more strongly than
      women. These differences are likely effects of gender stereotyping and different
      family-responsibilities. CONCLUSIONS: Gender socialization and gender stereotypes
      may influence work and health-related behavior. Because sickness presenteeism is
      related with negative effects both on individuals and at organizational levels,
      it is important that managers of health organizations understand the reasons for
      this, and how gender roles may influence the prevalence of sickness presenteeism
      and the reasons that female and male GPs give for their behavior.

PMID- 27660719
TI  - Evaluation of feed value of a by-product of pickled radish for ruminants:
      analyses of nutrient composition, storage stability, and in vitro ruminal
      fermentation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: By-products of pickled radish (BPR) are considered food waste.
      Approximately 300 g/kg of the total mass of raw materials becomes BPR. Production
      of pickled radish has grown continuously and is presently about 40,000 metric
      tons annually in Korea. The objective of the present study was thus to explore
      the possibility of using BPR as a ruminant feed ingredient. RESULTS: BPR
      contained a large amount of moisture (more than 800 g/kg) and ash, and comprised
      mostly sodium (103 g/kg DM) and chloride (142 g/kg DM). On a dry matter basis,
      the crude protein (CP) and ether extract (EE) levels in BPR were 75 g/kg and 7
      g/kg, respectively. The total digestible nutrient (TDN) level was 527 g/kg and
      the major portion of digestible nutrients was carbohydrate; 88 % organic matter
      (OM) was carbohydrate and 65 % of total carbohydrate was soluble or degradable
      fiber. The coefficient of variation (CV) of nutrient contents among production
      batches ranged from 4.65 to 33.83 %. The smallest CV was observed in OM, and the
      largest, in EE. The variation in CP content was relatively small (10.11 %). The
      storage stability test revealed that storage of BPR at 20  degrees C (room
      temperature) might not cause spoilage for 4 d, and possibly longer. If BPR is
      refrigerated, spoilage can be deferred for 21 d and longer. The in vitro ruminal
      fermentation study showed that substitution of annual ryegrass straw with BPR
      improved ruminal fermentation, as evidenced by an increase in VFA concentration,
      DM degradability, and total gas production. CONCLUSION: The major portion of
      nutrients in BPR is soluble or degradable fiber that can be easily fermented in
      the rumen without adverse effects, to provide energy to ruminant animals.
      Although its high sodium chloride content needs to be considered when formulating
      a ration, BPR can be successfully used as a feed ingredient in a ruminant diet,
      particularly if it is one component of a total mixed ration.

PMID- 27660720
TI  - Coexistence of a Ghon Complex, Pott's Disease, and Hip Arthritis in a Child.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Tuberculosis remains a major public health problem in developing
      countries. Diagnosing extrapulmonary tuberculosis can be difficult, as it
      requires a higher index of suspicion than primary tuberculosis. Extrapulmonary
      tuberculosis may mimic malignancies and many other diseases, so it should be
      included in the differential diagnosis. Here, we present a case of extrapulmonary
      tuberculosis associated with Pott's disease and hip arthritis in a patient who
      recovered after 12 months of antituberculosis therapy. CASE PRESENTATION: A 16
      year-old girl presented to the outpatient otolaryngology clinic with painless
      swelling of the neck, and to the physical medicine and rehabilitation clinic with
      complaints of hip and low back pain that mimicked spondyloarthropathy. She was
      eventually referred to the outpatient pediatric clinic. Her acute-phase reactants
      were high, and hilar lymphadenopathy was evident on chest x-ray. On computerized
      tomography, a Pott's abscess involving the T8, T9, and T10 vertebrae was
      suspected. Magnetic resonance imaging of the dorsal vertebrae and hip was
      performed, and a Pott's abscess and hip tuberculous arthritis were confirmed. The
      patient had been exposed to tuberculosis 10 years earlier, and her purified
      protein derivative (PPD) test was 16 mm. After antituberculosis treatment, our
      patient recovered and the Pott's disease and hip tuberculous arthritis regressed.
      CONCLUSIONS: Extrapulmonary tuberculosis may mimic many other diseases, so it
      should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis. It is essential to diagnose
      osteoarticular tuberculosis early, as late diagnosis or inadequate treatment may
      cause permanent disability.

PMID- 27660721
TI  - Comparison Between the Cassia Fistula's Emulsion With Polyethylene Glycol
      (PEG4000) in the Pediatric Functional Constipation: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are few effective drugs for pediatric functional constipation
      (FC). OBJECTIVES: Comparing the effectiveness of Cassia fistula's emulsion (CFE)
      with Polyethylene glycol (PEG4000) in FC; and evaluation of safety of both drugs
      in the treatment of FC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized open label,
      prospective, controlled, parallel-group clinical trial was carried on 109
      children (M/F: 63/46; mean age +/- SD: 59.7 +/- 28.8 months) in Amirkola
      children's hospital, Babol, Iran. The inclusion criteria were based on diagnosis
      of FC according to the Rome III criteria and age range between 2 - 15 years. They
      received CFE or PEG randomly for 4 weeks. Frequencies of defecation, severity of
      pain, consistency of stool, fecal incontinence and retentive posturing were
      compared between the two groups and with baselines. Children were counted as
      improved when they exited from Rome III criteria of FC. RESULTS: Fifty seven
      patients were assigned to receive PEG and 52 patients received CFE. After 4weeks
      of medication, 86.5% of children in CFE group and 77.1% in PEG group (RR = 1.121,
      CI95%:0.939 - 1.338) exited from the criteria of FC. All measurable criteria
      improved in both groups without any significant difference, except in the
      frequency of defecation that in CFE group (10.96 +/- 5.7) was significantly more
      than PEG group (6.9 +/- 3.5) (P < 0.0001). Compliances of PEG were significantly
      better in the 2 first weeks (P = 0.002, 0.008) but not in third and fourth week
      (P = 0.061, 0.062). None of these two drugs cause clinically significant side
      effects. CONCLUSIONS: CFE can be as effective as PEG in the 4-weeks treatment of
      children with FC.

PMID- 27660722
TI  - Evaluation of the Immunogenicity of Diphtheria Toxoid Conjugated to Salmonella
      Typhimurium-Derived OPS in a Mouse Model: A Potential Vaccine Candidate Against
      Salmonellosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) causes
      gastroenteritis in humans and paratyphoid disease in some animals. Given the
      emergence of antibiotic resistance, vaccines are more effective than chemotherapy
      in disease control. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this experimental study was to
      evaluate the immunogenicity of diphtheria toxoid (DT) conjugated with S.
      Typhimurium -derived OPS (O side chain isolation) in mice to determine its
      potential as a vaccine candidate against salmonellosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was extracted from the bacterial strain. After isolation
      of the O side chain of LPS, detoxification, and conjugation of the detoxified OPS
      samples with DT, pyrogenicity, toxicity, and sterility tests were performed. To
      vaccination, four groups of female Balb/c mice were used in an immunization test.
      Antibody responses were measured by the ELISA method. Challenging processes were
      performed to analyze the efficacy of the OPS-DT compound. RESULTS: Two weeks
      after the first vaccination dose, there was no significant difference in the
      antibody titers of the OPS and OPS-DT groups. However, after the second and third
      doses, the antibody titers of the OPS-DT group increased significantly compared
      with those of the control groups (P < 0.001). The induction of anti-OPS
      antibodies was as follows: OPS-DT>OPS. The most anti-OPS IgG antibody was IgG1.
      Challenging procedure showed successful protective characteristics in clinical
      examinations. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that DT increased anti-OPS
      antibodies against the OPS-DT compound. The antibody response to OPS-DT was
      greater than that to OPS alone. We conclude that OPS-DT is an appropriate and
      acceptable vaccine candidate against salmonellosis.

PMID- 27660723
TI  - Application of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) on Wound Healing After
      Caesarean Section in High-Risk Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a human plasma product enriched by
      platelets, growth factors, and fibrinogen with high hemostatic and healing
      properties. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of
      autologous PRP on wound healing in high-risk women undergoing cesarean sections.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this balanced, randomized, and controlled trial, 140
      patients were admitted to Arash women's hospital, Tehran, Iran from May of 2013
      to November of 2014 for elective cesarean surgery. The patients were randomly
      assigned into two groups. The intervention group received PRP after surgery,
      whereas the control group received the usual care. All patients were evaluated at
      baseline, five days, and eight weeks after the cesarean section. The primary
      endpoint used the REEDA scale for assessing the changes in wound healing. The
      secondary outcome measures used were the Vancouver scar scale (VSS) and the
      visual analog scale (VAS). All scale scores were analyzed using a repeated
      measures test for variance. RESULTS: At the end of study, the PRP group showed a
      greater reduction in the edema ecchymosed discharge approximation (REEDA) score
      compared to the control group (85.5% reduction in the PRP group; 72% in the
      control group) (P < 0.001). Compared with the control group, the PRP group had a
      significantly greater reduction in the VAN score, beginning on the fifth day
      after the cesarean section (-0.7, 38% reduction in PRP group; -0.8, 33% in
      control group) (P < 0.001), and this trend was stable at the end of the eighth
      week (-0.6, 54% reduction in PRP group; -0.3, 18% in control group). Furthermore,
      patients treated with PRP experienced a 93% reduction in the VAS score at the end
      of follow-up, but the control group only observed a 79% reduction (P < 0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: It seems that applying PRP is an effective therapeutic approach for
      wound healing, and faster wound healing is expected due to the presence of more
      platelets and growth factors.

PMID- 27660724
TI  - Improved bioavailability of timolol maleate via transdermal transfersomal gel:
      Statistical optimization, characterization, and pharmacokinetic assessment.
AB  - Timolol maleate (TiM), a nonselective beta-adrenergic blocker, is a potent highly
      effective agent for management of hypertension. The drug suffers from extensive
      first pass effect, resulting in a reduction of oral bioavailability (F%) to 50%
      and a short elimination half-life of 4 h; parameters necessitating its frequent
      administration. The current study was therefore, designed to formulate and
      optimize the transfersomal TiM gel for transdermal delivery. TiM loaded
      transfersomal gel was optimized using two 2(3) full factorial designs; where the
      effects of egg phosphatidyl choline (PC): surfactant (SAA) molar ratio, solvent
      volumetric ratio, and the drug amount were evaluated. The formulation variables;
      including particle size, drug entrapment efficiency (%EE), and release rate were
      characterized. The optimized transfersomal gel was prepared with 4.65:1 PC:SAA
      molar ratio, 3:1 solvent volumetric ratio, and 13 mg drug amount with particle
      size of 2.722 MUm, %EE of 39.96%, and a release rate of 134.49 MUg/cm(2)/h. The
      permeation rate of the optimized formulation through the rat skin was excellent
      (151.53 MUg/cm(2)/h) and showed four times increase in relative bioavailability
      with prolonged plasma profile up to 72 h compared with oral aqueous solution. In
      conclusion, a potential transfersomal transdermal system was successfully
      developed and the factorial design was found to be a smart tool, when optimized. 

PMID- 27660725
TI  - Optimization of Urea Based Protein Extraction from Formalin-Fixed Paraffin
      Embedded Tissue for Shotgun Proteomics.
AB  - Urea based protein extraction of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue
      provides the most efficient workflow for proteomics due to its compatibility with
      liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI
      MS/MS). This study optimizes the use of urea for proteomic analysis of clinical
      FFPE tissue. A series of protein extraction conditions manipulating temperature
      and buffer composition were compared to reduce carbamylation introduced by urea
      and increase protein detection. Each extraction was performed on a randomized
      pair of serial sections of homogenous FFPE tissue and analyzed with LC-ESI-MS/MS.
      Results were compared in terms of yield, missed cleavages, and peptide
      carbamylation. Lowering extraction temperature to 60 degrees C decreased
      carbamylation at the cost of decreased protein detection and yield. Protein
      extraction for at least 20 minutes at 95 degrees C followed by 60 degrees C for 2
      hours maximized total protein yield while maintaining protein detection and
      reducing carbamylation by 7.9%. When accounting for carbamylation during
      analysis, this modified extraction temperature provides equivalent peptide and
      protein detection relative to the commercially available Qproteome(r) FFPE Tissue
      Kit. No changes to buffer composition containing 7 M urea, 2 M thiourea, and 1 M
      ammonium bicarbonate resulted in improvements to control conditions. Optimized
      urea in-solution digestion provides an efficient workflow with maximized yields
      for proteomic analysis of clinically relevant FFPE tissue. 

PMID- 27660726
TI  - Synthesis, Structural Characterization, and Preclinical Efficacy of a Novel
      Paclitaxel-Loaded Alginate Nanoparticle for Breast Cancer Treatment.
AB  - Purpose. The antitumor activity of a novel alginate (ALG) polymer-based particle
      that contained paclitaxel (PTX) was evaluated using human primary breast cancer
      cells. Materials and Methods. PTX was combined with ALG in a nanoparticle as a
      drug delivery system designed to improve breast cancer tumor cell killing. PTX
      ALG nanoparticles were first synthesized by nanoemulsification polymer cross
      linking methods that improved the aqueous solubility. Structural and biophysical
      properties of the PTX-ALG nanoparticles were then determined by transmission
      electron microscopy (TEM) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
      fluorescence. The effect on cell cycle progression and apoptosis was determined
      using flow cytometry. Results. PTX-ALG nanoparticles were prepared and
      characterized by ultraviolet (UV)/visible (VIS), HPLC fluorescence, and TEM. PTX
      ALG nanoparticles demonstrated increased hydrophobicity and solubility over PTX
      alone. Synthetically engineered PTX-ALG nanoparticles promoted cell-cycle arrest,
      reduced viability, and induced apoptosis in human primary patient breast cancer
      cells superior to those of PTX alone. Conclusion. Taken together, our results
      demonstrate that PTX-ALG nanoparticles represent an innovative, nanoscale
      delivery system for the administration of anticancer agents that may avoid the
      adverse toxicities with enhanced antitumor effects to improve the treatment of
      breast cancer patients. 

PMID- 27660727
TI  - Characteristics and Trends in Hypnotics Consumption in the Largest Health Care
      System in Israel.
AB  - Objectives. To quantify and characterize hypnotics consumption habits among adult
      patients insured by Clalit Health Services (CHS), the largest health care
      provider in Israel, in 2000 and 2010. Methods. A retrospective analysis of CHS
      computerized pharmacy records. Data were collected for all patients over the age
      of 18 years who were prescribed hypnotics in 2000 and in 2010. Results. Sleep
      medications were consumed by 8.7% of the adult CHS population in 2000 and by 9.6%
      in 2010. About one-quarter of consumers were treated for more than 6 months in
      both years. Multiple sleeping drugs were consumed more often in 2010 (45.2%) than
      a decade before (22%). While in 2000 benzodiazepines accounted for 84.5% of
      hypnotics, in 2010 this was reduced to 73.7% (p < 0.05). Of all patients treated
      for longer than 6 months only 11% in 2000 and 9% in 2010 required a dose
      escalation suggesting the absence of tolerance. Conclusions. Nine percent of the
      Israeli population consumes hypnotics. There is a major increase in prescription
      of combination of medications between 2000 and 2010, with an increase in Z class
      medications use and reduction in benzodiazepines. Most patients chronically
      treated did not escalate dosage, suggesting the absence of tolerance. 

PMID- 27660728
TI  - Luteoma of Pregnancy Presenting with Severe Maternal Virilisation: A Case Report.
AB  - Luteoma of pregnancy is a rare, benign condition characterized by a tumor-like
      mass of the ovary that emerges during pregnancy and regresses spontaneously after
      delivery. It is usually asymptomatic and the diagnosis is generally incidental.
      Luteoma arises from the proliferation of luteinised cell under the influence of
      beta-hCG and can be hormonally active, with production of androgens resulting in
      maternal and fetal hirsutism and virilisation. We report a case of a 25-year-old
      primigravida who presented at 28 weeks of gestation with virilisation symptoms.
      Serum androgen levels were seven-hundred-fold higher than normal. A diagnosis of
      pregnancy luteoma was made at the time of caesarean section. The ovarian mass,
      serum androgen levels, and the condition of the patient improved after delivery. 

PMID- 27660729
TI  - Biphasic Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Masquerading as a Primary Skeletal Tumor.
AB  - Biphasic malignant pleural mesothelioma is a rare malignant tumor, usually
      presenting as a pleural-based mass in a patient with history of chronic asbestos
      exposure. We herein report a case of a 41-year-old man who presented with chest
      pain and had a chest computed tomography (CT) scan suggestive of a primary
      skeletal tumor originating from the ribs (chondrosarcoma or osteosarcoma), with
      no history of asbestos exposure. CT-guided core needle biopsies were diagnosed as
      malignant sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Surgical resection and chest wall
      reconstruction were performed, confirming the diagnosis and revealing a secondary
      histologic component (epithelioid), supporting the diagnosis of biphasic
      malignant mesothelioma. 

PMID- 27660730
TI  - The Application of Vacuum-Assisted Closure Device in the Management of Empyema
      Necessitans.
AB  - Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) is gaining popularity in the management of many
      types of acute and chronic wounds. The use of VAC devices in thoracic surgery is
      limited, but it appears to be promising in complex cases of empyema thoraces. We
      report a case of empyema necessitans, in which VAC was used to achieve complete
      wound healing after open drainage which was communicating with the pleural space.

PMID- 27660731
TI  - Traumatic Rupture of A Posterior Mediastinal Teratoma following Motor-Vehicle
      Accident.
AB  - We report a case of a posterior mediastinal mature cystic teratoma with rupture
      secondary to blunt chest trauma in a 20-year-old male involved in a motor-vehicle
      accident. Initial treatment was guided by Advanced Trauma Life Support and a tube
      thoracostomy was performed for presumed hemothorax. The heterogeneous collection
      within the thoracic cavity was discovered to be the result of a ruptured cystic
      mass. Pathologic findings confirmed the mass consistent with a mature cystic
      teratoma. As mediastinal teratomas are most commonly described arising from the
      anterior mediastinum, the posterior location of the teratoma described in this
      report is exceedingly rare. 

PMID- 27660733
TI  - Utility of a Dengue-Derived Monoclonal Antibody to Enhance Zika Infection In
      Vitro.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Zika virus (ZIKV) has emerged in dengue (DENV) endemic areas, where
      these two related flaviviruses continue to co-circulate. DENV is a complex of
      four serotypes and infections can progress to severe disease. It is thought that
      this is mediated by antibody dependent enhancement (ADE) whereby antibodies from
      a primary DENV infection are incapable of neutralizing heterologous DENV
      infections with another serotype. ADE has been demonstrated among other members
      of the Flavivirus group. METHODS: We utilize an in vitro ADE assay developed for
      DENV to determine whether ZIKV is enhanced by a commonly available DENV serotype
      2-derived monoclonal antibody (4G2). RESULTS: We show that ZIKV infection in
      vitro is enhanced in the presence of the 4G2 mAb. DISCUSSION: Our results
      demonstrate that ADE between ZIKV and DENV is possible and that the 4G2 antibody
      is a useful tool for the effects of pre-existing anti-DENV antibodies during ZIKV
      infections.

PMID- 27660732
TI  - Highly Efficient and Selective Hydrogenation of Aldehydes: A Well-Defined Fe(II)
      Catalyst Exhibits Noble-Metal Activity.
AB  - The synthesis and application of [Fe(PNPMe-iPr)(CO)(H)(Br)] and [Fe(PNPMe
      iPr)(H)2(CO)] as catalysts for the homogeneous hydrogenation of aldehydes is
      described. These systems were found to be among the most efficient catalysts for
      this process reported to date and constitute rare examples of a catalytic process
      which allows selective reduction of aldehydes in the presence of ketones and
      other reducible functionalities. In some cases, TONs and TOFs of up to 80000 and
      20000 h-1, respectively, were reached. On the basis of stoichiometric experiments
      and computational studies, a mechanism which proceeds via a trans-dihydride
      intermediate is proposed. The structure of the hydride complexes was also
      confirmed by X-ray crystallography.

PMID- 27660734
TI  - Assessment of Prevalence, Beliefs, and Habits of Hookah Smoking Among People with
      a Medical Background Compared to People with a Non-medical Background: A Cross
      sectional Self-administered Questionnaire-based Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Hookah smoking has seen a reemergence in popularity in the last 30
      years, particularly in the young urban population. This study aimed to compare
      the prevalence of and the attitude and beliefs about hookah smoking of people
      with a medical background and compare it with people from a non-medical
      background. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An anonymous questionnaire with ten questions
      about various aspects of hookah smoking was formulated using Google forms(r),
      which was then circulated via Facebook(r), Whatsapp(r) and emails to the intended
      participants and all responses were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: The total
      number of respondents were 470. The number of respondents with a medical
      background was 45.31%. The percentage of the respondents with a medical
      background who smoked a hookah was 28.63%, while the same percentage of the
      respondents with a non-medical background was 63.42. The perception of hookah
      being less harmful than a cigarette was not found to be statistically different
      between the two groups. Respondents with a medical background were more ignorant
      of the presence or absence of tobacco in the hookah they smoked. The average
      duration of the hookah smoking habit, the frequency of its use per month, and the
      average lengths of the hookah smoking session were 3.52 years (95% CI of 3.21 to
      3.82), 1.946 (95% CI 1.799 to 2.093), and 58.90 minutes (95% CI of 54.42 to
      63.37), respectively. CONCLUSION: The knowledge about the ill effects of
      smokeless tobacco should be integrated into the structured teaching curriculum of
      undergraduate medical and dental courses as they prepare future physicians and
      dental surgeons for an anti-tobacco campaign.

PMID- 27660735
TI  - A Pilot Study for Evaluation of Digital Systems as an Adjunct to Sphygmomanometry
      for Undergraduate Teaching.
AB  - OBJECTIVES:  Blood pressure estimation is a key skill for medical practitioners.
      It is routinely taught to undergraduate medical students using an aneroid
      sphygmomanometer. However, the conceptual understanding in the practical remains
      limited. We conducted the following study to evaluate the efficacy of digital
      data acquisition systems as an adjunct to the sphygmomanometer to teach blood
      pressure. METHODS:  Fifty-seven first-year medical students participated in the
      study. An MCQ test of 15 questions, consisting of 10 conceptual and five factual
      questions, was administered twice - pre- and post-demonstration of blood pressure
      measurement using a digital data acquisition system. In addition, qualitative
      feedback was also obtained. RESULTS:  Median scores were 7 (6 - 8) and 3 (1.5 -
      4) in pre-test sessions for conceptual and factual questions, respectively. Post
      test scores showed a significant improvement in both categories (10 (9 - 10) and
      4 (4 - 4.5), respectively, Mann-Whitney U test, p < 0.0001). Student feedback
      also indicated that the digital system enhanced learning and student
      participation. CONCLUSIONS:  Student feedback regarding the demonstrations was
      uniformly positive, which was also reflected in significantly improved post-test
      scores. We conclude that parallel demonstration on digital systems and the
      sphygmomanometer will enhance student engagement and understanding of blood
      pressure measurement.

PMID- 27660736
TI  - Renal Cell Carcinoma Metastasized to Pagetic Bone.
AB  - Paget's disease of the bone, historically known as osteitis deformans, is an
      uncommon disease typically affecting individuals of European descent. Patients
      with Paget's disease of the bone are at increased risk for primary bone
      neoplasms, particularly osteosarcoma. Many cases of metastatic disease to pagetic
      bone have been reported. However, renal cell carcinoma metastasized to pagetic
      bone is extremely rare. A 94-year-old male presented to the emergency department
      complaining of abdominal pain. A computed tomography scan of the abdomen
      demonstrated a large mass in the right kidney compatible with renal cell
      carcinoma. The patient was also noted to have Paget's disease of the pelvic bones
      and sacrum. Within the pagetic bone of the sacrum, there was an enhancing mass
      compatible with renal cell carcinoma. A subsequent biopsy of the renal lesion
      confirmed renal cell carcinoma. Paget's disease of the bone places the patient at
      an increased risk for bone neoplasms. The most commonly reported sites for
      malignant transformation are the femur, pelvis, and humerus. In cases of
      malignant transformation, osteosarcoma is the most common diagnosis. Breast,
      lung, and prostate carcinomas are the most common to metastasize to pagetic bone.
      Renal cell carcinoma associated with Paget's disease of the bone is very rare,
      with only one prior reported case. Malignancy in Paget's disease of the bone is
      uncommon with metastatic disease to pagetic bone being extremely rare. We report
      a patient diagnosed with concomitant renal cell carcinoma and metastatic disease
      within Paget's disease of the sacrum. Further research is needed to assess the
      true incidence of renal cell carcinoma associated with pagetic bone. 

PMID- 27660737
TI  - Late Gadolinium Enhancement Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Post-robotic
      Radiosurgical Pulmonary Vein Isolation (RRPVI): First Case in the World.
AB  - Pulmonary vein isolation using robotic radiosurgery system CyberKnife is a new
      non-invasive treatment of atrial fibrillation, currently in clinical phase.
      Robotic radiosurgical pulmonary vein isolation (RRPVI) uses stereotactic, non
      invasive (painless) pinpoint radiation energy delivery to a small, precise area
      to accomplish ablation. The purpose of this report is to describe the finding of
      an increase in the enhancement of the left atrium demonstrated with the use of
      cardiac magnetic resonance imaging using late gadolinium enhancement (LGE-CMR) as
      a result of RRPVI in the first case in the world in humans using CyberKnife as a
      treatment for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). 

PMID- 27660738
TI  - Influence of ice thickness and surface properties on light transmission through
      Arctic sea ice.
AB  - The observed changes in physical properties of sea ice such as decreased
      thickness and increased melt pond cover severely impact the energy budget of
      Arctic sea ice. Increased light transmission leads to increased deposition of
      solar energy in the upper ocean and thus plays a crucial role for amount and
      timing of sea-ice-melt and under-ice primary production. Recent developments in
      underwater technology provide new opportunities to study light transmission below
      the largely inaccessible underside of sea ice. We measured spectral under-ice
      radiance and irradiance using the new Nereid Under-Ice (NUI) underwater robotic
      vehicle, during a cruise of the R/V Polarstern to 83 degrees N 6 degrees W in the
      Arctic Ocean in July 2014. NUI is a next generation hybrid remotely operated
      vehicle (H-ROV) designed for both remotely piloted and autonomous surveys
      underneath land-fast and moving sea ice. Here we present results from one of the
      first comprehensive scientific dives of NUI employing its interdisciplinary
      sensor suite. We combine under-ice optical measurements with three dimensional
      under-ice topography (multibeam sonar) and aerial images of the surface
      conditions. We investigate the influence of spatially varying ice-thickness and
      surface properties on the spatial variability of light transmittance during
      summer. Our results show that surface properties such as melt ponds dominate the
      spatial distribution of the under-ice light field on small scales (<1000 m2),
      while sea ice-thickness is the most important predictor for light transmission on
      larger scales. In addition, we propose the use of an algorithm to obtain
      histograms of light transmission from distributions of sea ice thickness and
      surface albedo.

PMID- 27660739
TI  - Crystallinity Engineering of Hematite Nanorods for High-Efficiency
      Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting.
AB  - An effective strategy to overcome the morphology evolution of hematite nanorods
      under high-temperature activation is presented, via tuning the crystallinity and
      sintering temperature by substrate modification. It is demonstrated that the as
      prepared doping-free hematite nanorods with fine nanostructures obtain a
      significantly higher photocurrent density of 2.12 mA cm-2 at 1.23 V versus RHE,
      due to effective charge separation and transfer.

PMID- 27660740
TI  - Design and Fabrication of Microspheres with Hierarchical Internal Structure for
      Tuning Battery Performance.
AB  - Microspheres with controlled nano- and macroporosity are fabricated by template
      assisted spray drying. Increasing the porosity of the particle up to 20% improves
      the rate performance of the particles as shown experimentally and by
      electrochemical simulations of particle lithiation.

PMID- 27660741
TI  - High Electron Mobility Thin-Film Transistors Based on Solution-Processed
      Semiconducting Metal Oxide Heterojunctions and Quasi-Superlattices.
AB  - High mobility thin-film transistor technologies that can be implemented using
      simple and inexpensive fabrication methods are in great demand because of their
      applicability in a wide range of emerging optoelectronics. Here, a novel concept
      of thin-film transistors is reported that exploits the enhanced electron
      transport properties of low-dimensional polycrystalline heterojunctions and quasi
      superlattices (QSLs) consisting of alternating layers of In2O3, Ga2O3, and ZnO
      grown by sequential spin casting of different precursors in air at low
      temperatures (180-200  degrees C). Optimized prototype QSL transistors exhibit
      band-like transport with electron mobilities approximately a tenfold greater (25
      45 cm2 V-1 s-1) than single oxide devices (typically 2-5 cm2 V-1 s-1). Based on
      temperature-dependent electron transport and capacitance-voltage measurements, it
      is argued that the enhanced performance arises from the presence of quasi 2D
      electron gas-like systems formed at the carefully engineered oxide
      heterointerfaces. The QSL transistor concept proposed here can in principle
      extend to a range of other oxide material systems and deposition methods
      (sputtering, atomic layer deposition, spray pyrolysis, roll-to-roll, etc.) and
      can be seen as an extremely promising technology for application in next
      generation large area optoelectronics such as ultrahigh definition optical
      displays and large-area microelectronics where high performance is a key
      requirement.

PMID- 27660742
TI  - Predictive and Prognostic Value of sPRR in Patients with Primary Epithelial
      Ovarian Cancer.
AB  - Aim. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the predictive and
      prognostic role of soluble (pro)renin receptor (sPRR) as a biomarker for
      clinicopathological outcome in patients with primary epithelial ovarian cancer
      (EOC). As part of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) whose activity is known to
      increase in ovarian cancer patients, the relation of sPRR and ovarian cancer
      should be further investigated. Patients and Methods. In this study 197 patients
      with primary EOC in our institution from 2000 to 2011 were included. sPRR was
      determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in preoperative taken
      blood sera. Associations with clinicopathological outcome were analyzed and serum
      levels of sPRR in patients have been compared to those in healthy specimen.
      Kaplan-Meier and logistic/Cox regression assessed the impact of the markers on
      progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results. There have
      been no correlations proved of sPRR levels with neither clinicopathological
      factors nor prognostic data. Also the distribution of sPRR in patients and
      controls was normal. Conclusion. sPRR seems to have no predictive, prognostic, or
      diagnostic value in EOC. As several factors of the RAS which might indicate
      cancer events have been shown, sPRR seems not to be affected.

PMID- 27660743
TI  - Phenotypic and Cytogenetic Characterization of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in De
      Novo Myelodysplastic Syndromes.
AB  - Bone marrow (BM) mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are vital in
      hematopoiesis. Whether BM-MSCs alter their characteristics in Myelodysplastic
      Syndromes (MDS) is still controversial. We characterized MSCs of de novo MDS
      patients in Sri Lanka who have not been reported previously in the literature. We
      also analyzed MSCs derived from different MDS subtypes. MSCs were culture
      expanded, characterized by flow cytometry, and induced towards osteogenic and
      adipogenic differentiation. Growth properties were determined using growth curves
      and population doubling times. Karyotyping and FISH were performed on MSCs. Cell
      morphology, differentiation potential, and CD marker expression of MDS-MSCs of
      all subtypes were comparable to those of control-MSCs. No significant growth
      differences were observed between control MSCs and MDS-MSCs of all subtypes (p >
      0.05). 31% of MDS-MSCs had chromosomal aberrations (der(3),del(6q),del(7p), loss
      of chromosomes) whose BM karyotypes were normal. Highest percentage of karyotypic
      abnormalities was observed in RCMD-MSCs. Patients with abnormal BM karyotypes had
      no aberrant MSC clones. Results show that in spite of presence of genetically
      abnormal clones in MDS-MSC populations, in vitro phenotypic and growth
      characteristics of MSCs in MDS remain unchanged. Further, the occurrence of
      genetic abnormalities in BM-MSCs in MDS could be considered as an autonomous
      event from that of their hematopoietic counterparts.

PMID- 27660744
TI  - Associations between long commutes and subjective health complaints among railway
      workers in Norway.
AB  - Commuting is an important aspect of daily life for many employees, but there is
      little knowledge of how this affects individual commuters' health and well-being.
      The authors investigated the relationship between commuting and subjective health
      complaints, using data from a web-based questionnaire. In a sample of 2126
      railway employees, 644 (30.3%) had long commute times. A 29-item inventory was
      used to measure the number and degree of the subjective health complaints. Those
      who commuted 60 min or more each way were characterized by significantly higher
      numbers and degrees of subjective health complaints compared with their peers
      with short commutes. The mean number of complaints was 7.5 among the former group
      and 6.4 for the latter group (p = 0.009). In a regression model, in which the
      authors controlled for age, gender, education, self-rated health, and coping, the
      employees with long commutes reported more complaints than those with short
      commutes. Significant associations were found between those with long commutes
      and the number and degree of incidences of self-reported musculoskeletal pain,
      pseudo-neurologic complaints, and gastrointestinal problems. Commuters who had
      had long commutes for more than 10 years reported more gastrointestinal and
      musculoskeletal complaints than those with long commutes for less than 2 years.
      Also, commuters with long commutes spent less time with their families and
      leisure activities compared with those with short commutes. The authors conclude
      that the association between long commute times and higher levels of subjective
      health complaints should attract the attention of transport planners, employers,
      and public health policymaker. 

PMID- 27660745
TI  - Pulmonary microlithiasis - A case report.
AB  - Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis is a rare diffuse lung disease characterized by
      widespread sand-like intra-alveolar calcifications (calcospherites composed of
      calcium and phosphorus). Around 800 cases have been reported in the literature to
      date. We report here a case of a 35 years old female with prolonged h/o of
      exertional dyspnoea and mild cough. Clinical examination was mostly normal. Her
      Chest X-Ray revealed bilateral multiple nodular opacities (sand storm
      appearance). CT Scan chest showed diffuse micronodular calcifications with septal
      thickening, compatible with alveolar microlithiasis. Pulmonary function tests
      showed moderately restrictive lung disease. Bronchoscopic alveolar lavage
      revealed calcospherites in the alveloli and bronchi confirming the diagnosis of
      pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis. 

PMID- 27660746
TI  - Acute intermittent porphyria presenting with posterior reversible encephalopathy
      syndrome and lateralized periodic discharges plus fast activity on EEG.
AB  - We report on a 20-year-old patient with a 6-month history of recurrent abdominal
      pain and a 3-day history of vomiting, hypertension, seizures, and encephalopathy.
      The brain MRI showed posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, and continuous
      EEG (cEEG) monitoring showed lateralized periodic discharges plus fast activity.
      Comprehensive CSF studies were negative. Because of severe abdominal pain without
      a definite etiology, we requested urine porphobilinogen and serum and fecal
      porphyrins, which suggested acute intermittent porphyria (AIP). The patient had a
      complete resolution of her symptoms with carbohydrate loading and high caloric
      diet. Acute intermittent porphyria is potentially life-threatening without proper
      management and prevention of triggers if it is not recognized. 

PMID- 27660747
TI  - Neonatal presentation of familial glucocorticoid deficiency with a MRAP mutation:
      A case report.
AB  - Familial glucocorticoid deficiency (FGD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder
      in which the adrenal cortex fails to respond appropriately to stimulation by
      adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) to produce cortisol. The disease is
      characterized in laboratory testing by glucocorticoid deficiency and markedly
      elevated ACTH levels. FGD may present in infancy or early childhood with symptoms
      related to low cortisol and high ACTH, such as hyperpigmentation, severe
      hypoglycemia, failure to thrive and recurrent infections. Mutations in the MC2R
      accessory protein (MRAP) cause FGD types 2, which accounts for approximately 15
      20% of FGD cases. Here, we report a female neonate of Chinese Han origin, who
      presented with noted hyperpigmentation at birth. Laboratory investigations
      revealed hypocortisolaemia (cortisol < 1.0 MUg/dl) and elevated plasma ACTH (1051
      pg/ml). She responded to hydrocortisone treatment. Genetic studies confirmed the
      diagnosis showing homozygous deletion (c. 106 + 1delG) in intron 3 of MRAP gene,
      a mutation already reported as responsible for FDG type 2. This mutation can
      cause complete lack of ACTH response thus explaining the early presentation in
      this case. Her parents and maternal grandmother were heterozygous for the same
      mutation. To our knowledge, this is the first Chinese Han patient reported with
      FGD type 2 due to a known MRAP mutation. 

PMID- 27660748
TI  - The Effect of Pre-Emptive Dexmedetomidine on the Incidence of Post-Thoracotomy
      Pain Syndrome in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Post-thoracotomy pain syndrome (PTPS) is pain that recurs or persists
      along a thoracotomy incision for at least two months following surgery.
      Dexmedetomidine (dex) is an alpha-2 agonist that also has analgesic, sedative
      hypnotic, and sympatholytic properties. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of
      pre-emptive dexmedetomidine on the incidence of PTPS in patients undergoing
      coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This randomized
      clinical trial enrolled 104 candidates for elective coronary artery bypass
      grafting (CABG) and randomly assigned them to either a dex group or a control
      group. In the dex group, dexmedetomidine 0.5 ug/kg/hour was infused from the
      initiation of anesthesia until postoperative extubation in the intensive-care
      unit. Two months after surgery, the patients were contacted by telephone and
      interviewed to determine the presence of pain at the thoracotomy scars. RESULTS:
      Fifty-four patients were placed in the control group, and 50 patients were
      assigned to the dex group. The age, sex, and body mass index were not
      significantly different between the two groups of study (P > 0.05). The incidence
      of PTPS was 11/50 (22%) patients in the dex group and 28/54 patients (52%) in the
      control group. A chi-square test revealed a significant difference in the
      incidence of PTPS after two months between the dex and control groups (P =
      0.032). CONCLUSIONS: PTPS is a common problem following CABG, and pre-emptive
      therapy with dex may decrease neuropathic pain.

PMID- 27660749
TI  - Oncolytic Seneca Valley Virus: past perspectives and future directions.
AB  - Seneca Valley Virus isolate 001 (SVV-001) is an oncolytic RNA virus of the
      Picornaviridae family. It is also the first picornavirus discovered of the novel
      genus Senecavirus. SVV-001 replicates through an RNA intermediate, bypassing a
      DNA phase, and is unable to integrate into the host genome. SVV-001 was
      originally discovered as a contaminant in the cell culture of fetal retinoblasts
      and has since been identified as a potent oncolytic virus against tumors of
      neuroendocrine origin. SVV-001 has a number of features that make it an
      attractive oncolytic virus, namely, its ability to target and penetrate solid
      tumors via intravenous administration, inability for insertional mutagenesis, and
      being a self-replicating RNA virus with selective tropism for cancer cells. SVV
      001 has been studied in both pediatric and adult early phase studies reporting
      safety and some clinical efficacy, albeit primarily in adult tumors. This review
      summarizes the current knowledge of SVV-001 and what its future as an oncolytic
      virus may hold. 

PMID- 27660750
TI  - VEGF Polymorphisms Related to Higher Serum Levels of Protein Identify Patients
      with Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary neoplasia of the liver.
      Major risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma include chronic liver diseases,
      carcinogenic agents, and genetic alterations as well as vascular endothelial
      growth factor (VEGF) involved in angiogenesis process. The aim of this study was
      to evaluate the association of VEGF-A (C936T and A1154G) with HCC and cirrhosis,
      in addition to serum levels of VEGF, clinical profile, lifestyle habits, and
      comorbidities. A total of 346 individuals were studied: 102 with HCC (G1), 117
      with cirrhosis (G2), and 127 controls (G3). Polymorphisms were analysed by
      PCR/RFLP and serum levels of VEGF by ELISA. Alpha error was set at 5%. The wild
      type genotype of both polymorphisms prevailed (P > 0.05). In G1, 23% of the
      patients died, with no relation to genetic profile (P > 0.05). Increased VEGF
      level was observed in G1 and G3, related to the mutant allele of VEGF-C936T and
      VEGF-A1154G, respectively, and compared with the wild-type genotype (P = 0.0285;
      P = 0.0284, resp.) as well as G1 versus G2 and G3 for VEGF-C936T and G1 versus G2
      for VEGF-A1154G (P < 0.05 for both). In conclusion, there is a relationship
      between mutant alleles of VEGF-C936T and VEGF-A1154G polymorphisms and higher
      VEGF level, making them potential markers for HCC.

PMID- 27660751
TI  - Effect of the Children's Health Activity Motor Program on Motor Skills and Self
      Regulation in Head Start Preschoolers: An Efficacy Trial.
AB  - Self-regulatory skills are broadly defined as the ability to manage emotions,
      focus attention, and inhibit some behaviors while activating others in accordance
      with social expectations and are an established indicator of academic success.
      Growing evidence links motor skills and physical activity to self-regulation.
      This study examined the efficacy of a motor skills intervention (i.e., the
      Children's Health Activity Motor Program, CHAMP) that is theoretically grounded
      in Achievement Goal Theory on motor skill performance and self-regulation in Head
      Start preschoolers. A sample of 113 Head Start preschoolers (Mage = 51.91 +/- 6.5
      months; 49.5% males) were randomly assigned to a treatment (n = 68) or control (n
      = 45) program. CHAMP participants engaged in 15, 40-min sessions of a mastery
      climate intervention that focused on the development of motor skills over 5 weeks
      while control participants engaged in their normal outdoor recess period. The
      Delay of Gratification Snack Task was used to measure self-regulation and the
      Test of Gross Motor Development-2nd Edition was used to assess motor skills. All
      measures were assessed prior to and following the intervention. Linear mixed
      models were fit for both self-regulation and motor skills. Results revealed a
      significant time * treatment interaction (p < 0.001). In regard to motor skills,
      post hoc comparisons found that all children improved their motor skills (p <
      0.05), but the CHAMP group improved significantly more than the control group (p
      < 0.001). Children in CHAMP maintained their self-regulation scores across time,
      while children in the control group scored significantly lower than the CHAMP
      group at the posttest (p < 0.05). CHAMP is a mastery climate movement program
      that enhance skills associated with healthy development in children (i.e., motor
      skills and self-regulation). This efficacy trial provided evidence that CHAMP
      helped maintain delay of gratification in preschool age children and
      significantly improved motor skills while participating in outdoor recess was not
      effective. CHAMP could help contribute to children's learning-related skills and
      physical development and subsequently to their academic success. 

PMID- 27660753
TI  - Adoption of Evidence-Based Fall Prevention Practices in Primary Care for Older
      Adults with a History of Falls.
AB  - A multifactorial approach to assess and manage modifiable risk factors is
      recommended for older adults with a history of falls. Limited research suggests
      that this approach does not routinely occur in clinical practice, but most
      related studies are based on provider self-report, with the last chart audit of
      United States practice published over a decade ago. We conducted a retrospective
      chart review to assess the extent to which patients aged 65+ years with a history
      of repeated falls or fall-related health-care use received multifactorial risk
      assessment and interventions. The setting was an academic primary care clinic in
      the Pacific Northwest. Among the 116 patients meeting our inclusion criteria, 48%
      had some type of documented assessment. Their mean age was 79 +/- 8 years; 68%
      were female, and 10% were non-white. They averaged six primary care visits over a
      12-month period subsequent to their index fall. Frequency of assessment of fall
      risk factors varied from 24% (for home safety) to 78% (for vitamin D). An
      evidence-based intervention was recommended for identified risk factors 73% of
      the time, on average. Two risk factors were addressed infrequently: medications
      (21%) and home safety (24%). Use of a structured visit note template
      independently predicted assessment of fall-risk factors (p = 0.003). Geriatrics
      specialists were more likely to use a structured note template (p = 0.04) and
      perform more fall-risk factor assessments (4.6 vs. 3.6, p = 0.007) than general
      internists. These results suggest opportunities for improving multifactorial fall
      risk assessment and management of older adults at high fall risk in primary care.
      A structured visit note template facilitates assessment. Given that high-risk
      medications have been found to be independent risk factors for falls, increasing
      attention to medications should become a key focus of both public health
      educational efforts and fall prevention in primary care practice. 

PMID- 27660752
TI  - Why Tell Children: A Synthesis of the Global Literature on Reasons for Disclosing
      or Not Disclosing an HIV Diagnosis to Children 12 and under.
AB  - While the psychological and health benefits of knowing one's HIV diagnosis have
      been documented for adults and adolescents, practice is still in development for
      younger children. Moderating conditions for whether or not to tell a child he/she
      has HIV vary by region and local context. They include accessibility of
      treatment, consideration of HIV as a stigmatizing condition, prevalence of HIV,
      and an accompanying presumption that any illness is HIV-related, parent or
      caregiver concerns about child reactions, child's worsening health, assumptions
      about childhood and child readiness to know a diagnosis, and lack of policies
      such as those that would prevent bullying of affected children in schools. In
      this systematic review of the global literature, we summarize the reasons
      caregivers give for telling or not telling children 12 and under their HIV
      diagnosis. We also include articles in which children reflect on their desires
      for being told. While a broad number of reasons are given for telling a child -
      e.g., to aid in prevention, adaptation to illness (e.g., primarily to promote
      treatment adherence), understanding social reactions, and maintaining the child
      adult relationship - a narrower range of reasons, often related to immediate
      child or caregiver well-being or discomfort, are given for not telling.
      Recommendations are made to improve the context for disclosure by providing
      supports before, during, and after disclosure and to advance the research agenda
      by broadening samples and refining approaches. 

PMID- 27660754
TI  - Porcine Milk Oligosaccharides and Sialic Acid Concentrations Vary Throughout
      Lactation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Milk oligosaccharides (OSs) are bioactive components known to
      influence neonatal development. These compounds have specific physiological
      functions acting as prebiotics, immune system modulators, and enhancing intestine
      and brain development. OBJECTIVES: The pig is a commonly used model for studying
      human nutrition, and there is interest in quantifying OS composition of porcine
      milk across lactation compared with human milk. In this study, we hypothesized
      that OS and sialic acid (SA) composition of porcine milk would be influenced by
      stage of lactation. METHODS: Up to 250 mL of milk were collected from seven sows
      at each of three time points: day 0 (colostrum), days 7-9 (mature), and days 17
      19 (weaning). Colostrum was collected within 6 h of farrowing and 3-day intervals
      were used for mature and weaning milk to ensure representative sampling. Milk
      samples were analyzed for OS profiles by Nano-LC Chip-QTOF MS, OS concentrations
      via HPAEC-PAD, and SA (total and free) was assessed by enzymatic reaction
      fluorescence detection. RESULTS: Sixty unique OSs were identified in porcine
      milk. Neutral OSs were the most abundant at each lactation stage (69-81%),
      followed by acidic-sialylated OSs (16-29%) and neutral-fucosylated OSs (2-4%). As
      lactation progressed, acidic OSs decreased (P = 0.003), whereas neutral
      fucosylated (P < 0.001) and neutral OSs (P = 0.003) increased throughout
      lactation. Six OSs were present in all samples analyzed across lactation [lacto-N
      difucohexaose I (LNDFH-I), 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL), lacto-N-fucopentaose I
      (LNFP-I), lacto-N-neohexaose (LNnH), alpha1-3,beta-4-d-galactotriose (3-Hex), 3'
      sialyllactose (3'-SL)], while LDFT was present only in colostrum samples.
      Analysis of individual OS concentrations indicated differences (P = 0.023)
      between days 0 and 7. Conversely, between days 7 and 18, OS concentrations
      remained stable with only LNnH (P < 0.001) and LNDFH-I (P = 0.002) decreasing
      over this period. Analysis of free SA indicated a decrease (P < 0.001) as
      lactation progressed, while bound (P < 0.001) and total (P < 0.001) SA increased
      across lactation. CONCLUSION: Concentrations of OS differ between colostrum and
      mature milk in the pig, and SA concentrations shift from free to bound forms as
      lactation progresses. Our results suggest that although porcine milk OS
      concentration and the number of structures is lower than human milk, the OS
      profile appears to be closer to human milk rather than to bovine milk, based on
      previously published profiles.

PMID- 27660755
TI  - Genome-Wide Characterization and Expression Profiles of the Superoxide Dismutase
      Gene Family in Gossypium.
AB  - Superoxide dismutase (SOD) as a group of significant and ubiquitous enzymes plays
      a critical function in plant growth and development. Previously this gene family
      has been investigated in Arabidopsis and rice; it has not yet been characterized
      in cotton. In our study, it was the first time for us to perform a genome-wide
      analysis of SOD gene family in cotton. Our results showed that 10 genes of SOD
      gene family were identified in Gossypium arboreum and Gossypium raimondii,
      including 6 Cu-Zn-SODs, 2 Fe-SODs, and 2 Mn-SODs. The chromosomal distribution
      analysis revealed that SOD genes are distributed across 7 chromosomes in
      Gossypium arboreum and 8 chromosomes in Gossypium raimondii. Segmental
      duplication is predominant duplication event and major contributor for expansion
      of SOD gene family. Gene structure and protein structure analysis showed that SOD
      genes have conserved exon/intron arrangement and motif composition. Microarray
      based expression analysis revealed that SOD genes have important function in
      abiotic stress. Moreover, the tissue-specific expression profile reveals the
      functional divergence of SOD genes in different organs development of cotton.
      Taken together, this study has imparted new insights into the putative functions
      of SOD gene family in cotton. Findings of the present investigation could help in
      understanding the role of SOD gene family in various aspects of the life cycle of
      cotton. 

PMID- 27660756
TI  - Characterization and Prediction of Protein Flexibility Based on Structural
      Alphabets.
AB  - Motivation. To assist efforts in determining and exploring the functional
      properties of proteins, it is desirable to characterize and predict protein
      flexibilities. Results. In this study, the conformational entropy is used as an
      indicator of the protein flexibility. We first explore whether the conformational
      change can capture the protein flexibility. The well-defined decoy structures are
      converted into one-dimensional series of letters from a structural alphabet. Four
      different structure alphabets, including the secondary structure in 3-class and 8
      class, the PB structure alphabet (16-letter), and the DW structure alphabet (28
      letter), are investigated. The conformational entropy is then calculated from the
      structure alphabet letters. Some of the proteins show high correlation between
      the conformation entropy and the protein flexibility. We then predict the protein
      flexibility from basic amino acid sequence. The local structures are predicted by
      the dual-layer model and the conformational entropy of the predicted class
      distribution is then calculated. The results show that the conformational entropy
      is a good indicator of the protein flexibility, but false positives remain a
      problem. The DW structure alphabet performs the best, which means that more
      subtle local structures can be captured by large number of structure alphabet
      letters. Overall this study provides a simple and efficient method for the
      characterization and prediction of the protein flexibility.

PMID- 27660757
TI  - DARE Train-the-Trainer Pedagogy Development Using 2-Round Delphi Methodology.
AB  - The Dispatcher-Assisted first REsponder programme aims to equip the public with
      skills to perform hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and to use an
      automated external defibrillator (AED). By familiarising them with instructions
      given by a medical dispatcher during an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest call, they
      will be prepared and empowered to react in an emergency. We aim to formalise
      curriculum and standardise the way information is conveyed to the participants. A
      panel of 20 experts were chosen. Using Delphi methodology, selected issues were
      classified into open-ended and close-ended questions. Consensus for an item was
      established at a 70% agreement rate within the panel. Questions that had 60%-69%
      agreement were edited and sent to the panel for another round of voting. After 2
      rounds of voting, 70 consensus statements were agreed upon. These covered the
      following: focus of CPR; qualities and qualifications of trainers; recognition of
      agonal breathing; head-tilt-chin lift; landmark for chest compression;
      performance of CPR when injuries are present; trainers' involvement in training
      lay people; modesty of female patients during CPR; AED usage; content of
      trainer's manual; addressing of questions and answers; updates-dissemination to
      trainers and attendance of refresher courses. Recommendations for pedagogy for
      trainers of dispatcher-assisted CPR programmes were developed.

PMID- 27660758
TI  - Failure of Polyethylene Inlays in Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Retrieval
      Analysis.
AB  - A retrieval analysis has been performed on 50 polyethylene inlays of cementless
      screw ring implants (Mecring, Mecron, Berlin, Germany) to investigate the failure
      mechanism of this specific open cup hip arthroplasty design that has shown a high
      clinical failure rate. Design-specific damage modes like rim creep, collar
      fatigue, and backside wear were assessed. Furthermore, the inlays were measured
      using a CMM to determine deformation. In 90% backside wear was observed and
      collar fatigue occurred in 68% of the cases. Rim creep was present in 38% of the
      polyethylene inlays. In 90% of the cases the cup opening diameter was 32.1 mm or
      less and 46% had a diameter less than 32 mm. It seems that creep and deformation
      of the polyethylene leads to a reduced diameter at the cup opening and
      consequently decreased clearance. To avoid this type of failure, polyethylene
      inlays should be supported at the back by the cup to reduce the risk of ongoing
      creep deformation.

PMID- 27660759
TI  - Role of Long Noncoding RNA HOTAIR in the Growth and Apoptosis of Osteosarcoma
      Cell MG-63.
AB  - This study investigated the function of HOTAIR in the growth and apoptosis of OS
      MG-63 cell line in vitro and further clarified its mechanism. The expression
      levels of HOTAIR in OS MG-63 cell line and normal osteoblast hFOB1.19 cell line
      were determined by RT-PCR, respectively. The growth and apoptosis of MG-63 cells
      in vitro were investigated by MTT assay and flow cytometry assay after HOTAIR was
      knocked down with retroviral vector construction. And the expression levels of
      cell growth and apoptosis related factors TGF-beta, p53, Bcl-2, and TNF-alpha
      were determined to clarify the mechanism. We found that HOTAIR was highly
      expressed in osteosarcoma MG-63 cell line compared with normal osteoblast
      hFOB1.19 cell line. The proliferation rate was lower and the apoptosis rate was
      higher significantly in shHOTAIR MG-63 cells than those in EV MG-63 cells. TGF
      beta and Bcl-2 were downregulated significantly when HOTAIR was knocked down. p53
      and TNF-alpha were upregulated significantly when HOTAIR was knocked down. These
      results indicated that HOTAIR functioned as a carcinogenic lncRNA, which could
      promote the proliferation and inhibit the apoptosis of MG-63 cells in vitro.
      HOTAIR could be a potential target for the treatment of osteosarcoma.

PMID- 27660760
TI  - Edited Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Detects an Age-Related Decline in Nonhuman
      Primate Brain GABA Levels.
AB  - Recent research had shown a correlation between aging and decreasing Gamma
      aminobutyric acid (GABA), the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.
      However, how GABA level varies with age in the medial portion of the brain has
      not yet been studied. The purpose of this study was to investigate the GABA level
      variation with age focusing on the posterior cingulate cortex, which is the "core
      hub" of the default mode network. In this study, 14 monkeys between 4 and 21
      years were recruited, and MEGA-PRESS MRS was performed to measure GABA levels, in
      order to explore a potential link between aging and GABA. Our results showed that
      a correlation between age and GABA+/Creatine ratio was at the edge of
      significance (r = -0.523, p = 0.081). There was also a near-significant trend
      between gray matter/white matter ratio and the GABA+/Creatine ratio (r = -0.518,
      p = 0.0848). Meanwhile, the correlation between age and grey matter showed no
      significance (r = -0.028, p = 0.93). Therefore, age and gray matter/white matter
      ratio account for different part of R-squared (adjusted R-squared = 0.5187) as
      independent variables for predicting GABA levels. Adjusted R-squared is about 0.5
      for two independent variables. These findings suggest that there is internal
      neurochemical variation of GABA levels in the nonhuman primates associated with
      normal aging and structural brain decline.

PMID- 27660761
TI  - ProFold: Protein Fold Classification with Additional Structural Features and a
      Novel Ensemble Classifier.
AB  - Protein fold classification plays an important role in both protein functional
      analysis and drug design. The number of proteins in PDB is very large, but only a
      very small part is categorized and stored in the SCOPe database. Therefore, it is
      necessary to develop an efficient method for protein fold classification. In
      recent years, a variety of classification methods have been used in many protein
      fold classification studies. In this study, we propose a novel classification
      method called proFold. We import protein tertiary structure in the period of
      feature extraction and employ a novel ensemble strategy in the period of
      classifier training. Compared with existing similar ensemble classifiers using
      the same widely used dataset (DD-dataset), proFold achieves 76.2% overall
      accuracy. Another two commonly used datasets, EDD-dataset and TG-dataset, are
      also tested, of which the accuracies are 93.2% and 94.3%, higher than the
      existing methods. ProFold is available to the public as a web-server.

PMID- 27660762
TI  - Acute Oral Mammalian Toxicity and Effect of Solvents on Efficacy of Maerua edulis
      (Gilg. & Ben.) De Wolf against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus Koch, 1844
      (Acarina: Ixodidae), Tick Larvae.
AB  - Efficacy and toxicity of aqueous and organic solvents extracts of Maerua edulis
      against ticks and mice, respectively, were determined. Ground leaves were
      extracted separately using cold water, cold water plus surfactant (1% v/v liquid
      soap), hot water plus surfactant, hexane, or methanol to make 25% w/v stock
      solutions from which serial dilutions of 5, 10, 20, and 25% were made. For each
      concentration, 20 Rhipicephalus decoloratus tick larvae were put in filter papers
      impregnated with extracts and incubated for 48 h at 27 degrees C and 85-90% RH
      for mortality observation after 24 h and 48 h. In the toxicity experiment, hot
      water plus surfactant treatments of 5, 10, 20, and 25% (w/v) M. edulis were
      administered in suspension per os to sexually mature Balb/C mice and observed for
      clinical signs and mortality for 72 h. Larvae mortality was highest (>98%) in
      methanol-extracted M. edulis treatments (20 and 25%), which was not different
      from the amitraz-based control (Tickbuster(r)). Mortality was also higher in the
      hot water than in cold water plus surfactant treatments (P < 0.05). No
      postadministration adverse health effects were observed in the mice. These
      results suggest that M. edulis is an effective tick remedy best extracted using
      methanol or hot water plus surfactant.

PMID- 27660764
TI  - Immunopathology of Parasitic Infections and Therapeutic Approaches in Humans and
      Animals.

PMID- 27660763
TI  - An Approach for Predicting Essential Genes Using Multiple Homology Mapping and
      Machine Learning Algorithms.
AB  - Investigation of essential genes is significant to comprehend the minimal gene
      sets of cell and discover potential drug targets. In this study, a novel approach
      based on multiple homology mapping and machine learning method was introduced to
      predict essential genes. We focused on 25 bacteria which have characterized
      essential genes. The predictions yielded the highest area under receiver
      operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of 0.9716 through tenfold cross
      validation test. Proper features were utilized to construct models to make
      predictions in distantly related bacteria. The accuracy of predictions was
      evaluated via the consistency of predictions and known essential genes of target
      species. The highest AUC of 0.9552 and average AUC of 0.8314 were achieved when
      making predictions across organisms. An independent dataset from Synechococcus
      elongatus, which was released recently, was obtained for further assessment of
      the performance of our model. The AUC score of predictions is 0.7855, which is
      higher than other methods. This research presents that features obtained by
      homology mapping uniquely can achieve quite great or even better results than
      those integrated features. Meanwhile, the work indicates that machine learning
      based method can assign more efficient weight coefficients than using empirical
      formula based on biological knowledge.

PMID- 27660765
TI  - Does the Laser-Microtextured Short Implant Collar Design Reduce Marginal Bone
      Loss in Comparison with a Machined Collar?
AB  - Purpose. To compare marginal bone loss between subgingivally placed short-collar
      implants with machined collars and those with machined and laser-microtextured
      collars. Materials and Methods. The investigators used a retrospective study
      design and included patients who needed missing posterior teeth replaced with
      implants. Short-collar implants with identical geometries were divided into two
      groups: an M group, machined collar; and an L group, machined and laser
      microtextured collar. Implants were evaluated according to marginal bone loss,
      implant success, and probing depth (PD) at 3 years of follow-up. Results. Sixty
      two patients received 103 implants (56 in the M group and 47 in the L group). The
      cumulative survival rate was 100%. All implants showed clinically acceptable
      marginal bone loss, although bone resorption was lower in the L group (0.49 mm)
      than in the M group (1.38 mm) at 3 years (p < 0.01). A significantly shallower PD
      was found for the implants in the L group during follow-up (p < 0.01).
      Conclusions. Our results suggest predictable outcomes with regard to bone loss
      for both groups; however, bone resorption was less in the L group than in the M
      group before and after loading. The laser-microtextured collar implant may
      provide a shallower PD than the machined collar implant.

PMID- 27660766
TI  - The physical and physiological effects of vacuum massage on the different skin
      layers: a current status of the literature.
AB  - Vacuum massage is a non-invasive mechanical massage technique performed with a
      mechanical device that lifts the skin by means of suction, creates a skin fold
      and mobilises that skin fold. In the late 1970s, this therapy was introduced to
      treat traumatic or burn scars. Although vacuum massage was invented to treat
      burns and scars, one can find very little literature on the effects of this
      intervention. Therefore, the aim of this review is to present an overview of the
      available literature on the physical and physiological effects of vacuum massage
      on epidermal and dermal skin structures in order to find the underlying working
      mechanisms that could benefit the healing of burns and scars. The discussion
      contains translational analysis of the results and provides recommendations for
      future research on the topic. An extended search for publications was performed
      using PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar. Two authors independently
      identified and checked each study against the inclusion criteria. Nineteen
      articles were included in the qualitative synthesis. The two most reported
      physical effects of vacuum massage were improvement of the tissue hardness and
      the elasticity of the skin. Besides physical effects, a variety of physiological
      effects are reported in literature, for example, an increased number of
      fibroblasts and collagen fibres accompanied by an alteration of fibroblast
      phenotype and collagen orientation. Little information was found on the decrease
      of pain and itch due to vacuum massage. Although vacuum massage initially had
      been developed for the treatment of burn scars, this literature review found
      little evidence for the efficacy of this treatment. Variations in duration,
      amplitude or frequency of the treatment have a substantial influence on collagen
      restructuring and reorientation, thus implying possible beneficial influences on
      the healing potential by mechanotransduction pathways. Vacuum massage may release
      the mechanical tension associated with scar retraction and thus induce apoptosis
      of myofibroblasts. Suggestions for future research include upscaling the study
      design, investigating the molecular pathways and dose dependency, comparing
      effects in different stages of repair, including evolutive parameters and the use
      of more objective assessment tools. 

PMID- 27660767
TI  - Fetal-Type Variants of the Posterior Cerebral Artery and Concurrent Infarction in
      the Major Arterial Territories of the Cerebral Hemisphere.
AB  - Fetal-type or fetal posterior cerebral artery (FPCA) is a variant of
      cerebrovascular anatomy in which the distal posterior cerebral artery (PCA)
      territory is perfused by a branch of the internal carotid artery (ICA). In the
      presence of FPCA, thromboembolism in the anterior circulation may result in
      paradoxical PCA territory infarction with or without concomitant infarction in
      the territories of the middle (MCA) or the anterior (ACA) cerebral artery. We
      describe 2 cases of FPCA and concurrent acute infarction in the PCA and ICA
      territories-right PCA and MCA in Patient 1 and left PCA, MCA, and ACA in Patient
      2. Noninvasive angiography detected a left FPCA in both patients. While FPCA was
      clearly the mechanism of paradoxical infarction in Patient 2, it turned out to be
      an incidental finding in Patient 1 when evidence of a classic right PCA was
      uncovered from an old computed tomography scan image. Differences in anatomical
      details of the FPCA in each patient suggest that the 2 FPCAs are developmentally
      different. The FPCA of Patient 1 appeared to be an extension of the embryonic
      left posterior communicating artery (PcomA). Patient 2 had 2 PCAs on the left
      (PCA duplication), classic bilateral PCAs, and PcomAs, and absent left anterior
      choroidal artery (AchoA), suggesting developmental AchoA-to-FPCA transformation
      on the left. These 2 cases underscore the variable anatomy, clinical
      significance, and embryological origins of FPCA variants. 

PMID- 27660768
TI  - Draft Genome Sequences of 40 Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Strains
      Isolated from Humans and Food in Brazil.
AB  - Salmonellosis is an important health problem worldwide and Salmonella enterica
      serovar Typhimurium is one of the most common isolated serovars. Here, we
      reported the draft genomes of 40 S Typhimurium strains isolated from humans and
      food in Brazil. These draft genomes will improve phylogenetic analysis and will
      help enhance our understanding of strains of this serovar isolated in Brazil. 

PMID- 27660769
TI  - Draft Genome Sequence of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia SBo1 Isolated from
      Bactrocera oleae.
AB  - Bacteria of the genus Stenotrophomonas are ubiquitous in the environment and are
      increasingly associated with insects. Stenotrophomonas maltophilia SBo1 was
      cultured from the gut of Bactrocera oleae The draft genome sequence presented
      here will inform future investigations into the nature of the interaction between
      insects and their microbiota. 

PMID- 27660770
TI  - Draft Genome Sequence of Klebsiella pneumoniae Strain AS Isolated from Zhejiang
      Provincial Hospital of TCM, China.
AB  - Klebsiella pneumoniae is a Gram-negative, nonmotile, encapsulated, lactose
      fermenting, facultative anaerobic, rod-shaped bacterium. Here we present draft
      genome assemblies of Klebsiella pneumoniae AS, which was isolated in China. The
      genomic information will provide a better understanding of the physiology,
      adaptation, and evolution of K. pneumoniae. 

PMID- 27660771
TI  - Genome Sequence of Lassa Virus Isolated from the First Domestically Acquired Case
      in Germany.
AB  - Lassa virus (LASV) is a zoonotic, hemorrhagic fever-causing virus endemic in West
      Africa, for which no approved vaccines or specific treatment options exist. Here,
      we report the genome sequence of LASV isolated from the first case of acquired
      Lassa fever disease outside of Africa. 

PMID- 27660772
TI  - Draft Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas sp. LAB-08 Isolated from Trichloroethene
      Contaminated Aquifer Soil.
AB  - Pseudomonas sp. LAB-08 was isolated from a phenol-fed bioreactor constructed with
      contaminated aquifer soil as the inoculum. Strain LAB-08 utilized phenol as a
      sole carbon and energy source. Here, we report the genome sequence and annotation
      of Pseudomonas sp. LAB-08. 

PMID- 27660773
TI  - Draft Genome Sequences of 11 Salmonella enterica Strains with Variable Levels of
      Barotolerance.
AB  - The diversity of the genus Salmonella is reflected in the physiological
      adaptations used by its members in response to stressors such as high pressure.
      Here we report the draft whole genome sequences of 11 Salmonella enterica
      strains, five sensitive strains and six demonstrating high levels of pressure
      resistance. 

PMID- 27660774
TI  - Draft Genome Sequences of Two Salmonella enterica Strains Isolated from Sprouted
      Chia and Flax Seed Powders.
AB  - A 2014 foodborne salmonellosis outbreak in Canada and the United States
      implicated, for the first time, sprouted chia seed powder as the vehicle of
      transmission. Here, we report the draft whole genome sequences of two Salmonella
      enterica strains isolated from sprouted powders related to the aforementioned
      outbreak. 

PMID- 27660775
TI  - Genome Sequence of the Oral Probiotic Streptococcus salivarius JF.
AB  - Streptococcus salivarius is a nonpathogenic Gram-positive bacterium and the
      predominant colonizer of the oral microbiota. It finds a wide application in the
      prevention of upper respiratory tract infections, also reducing the frequency of
      other main pathogens. Here, we present the complete genome sequence of the oral
      probiotic S. salivarius JF. 

PMID- 27660776
TI  - Chloroplast Genome Sequence of Arabidopsis thaliana Accession Landsberg erecta,
      Assembled from Single-Molecule, Real-Time Sequencing Data.
AB  - A publicly available data set from Pacific Biosciences was used to create an
      assembly of the chloroplast genome sequence of the Arabidopsis thaliana genotype
      Landsberg erecta The assembly is solely based on single-molecule, real-time
      sequencing data and hence provides high resolution of the two inverted repeat
      regions typically contained in chloroplast genomes. 

PMID- 27660777
TI  - Genome Sequence of a Novel Multiple-Antibiotic-Resistant Member of the
      Erysipelotrichaceae Family Isolated from a Swine Manure Storage Pit.
AB  - The swine gastrointestinal tract and stored swine manure may serve as reservoirs
      of antibiotic resistance genes, as well as sources of novel bacteria. Here, we
      report the draft genome sequence of a novel taxon in the Erysipelotrichaceae
      family, isolated from a swine manure storage pit that is resistant to multiple
      antibiotics. 

PMID- 27660778
TI  - Draft Genome Sequence of Clostridium sp. Strain W14A Isolated from a Cellulose
      Degrading Biofilm in a Landfill Leachate Microcosm.
AB  - Here, we report the draft genome of Clostridium sp. strain W14A, isolated from
      the anaerobic, cellulolytic biofilm of a cotton string sample incubated in a
      landfill leachate microcosm. The draft genome comprises 131 contigs, 3,823,510
      bp, 51.5% G+C content, and 4,119 predicted coding domain sequences. 

PMID- 27660779
TI  - Draft Genome Sequence of a Klebsiella pneumoniae Strain (New Sequence Type 2357)
      Carrying Tn3926.
AB  - We present the draft genome sequence of a Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase
      producing sequence type 2357 (ST2357) strain, NB60, which contains drug-resistant
      genes encoding resistance to beta-lactams, fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides,
      trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, colistin, macrolides, and tetracycline. Strain
      NB60 was isolated from human blood, making it an important tool for studying K.
      pneumoniae pathogenesis. 

PMID- 27660780
TI  - Draft Genome Sequence of Plasmopara viticola, the Grapevine Downy Mildew
      Pathogen.
AB  - Plasmopara viticola is a biotrophic pathogenic oomycete responsible for grapevine
      downy mildew. We present here the first draft of the P. viticola genome. Analysis
      of this sequence will help in understanding plant-pathogen interactions in
      oomycetes, especially pathogen host specialization and adaptation to host
      resistance. 

PMID- 27660781
TI  - High-Quality Draft Genome Sequence of the Multidrug-Resistant Clinical Isolate
      Enterococcus faecium VRE16.
AB  - Specific lineages of the commensal bacterium Enterococcus faecium belonging to
      CC17, especially ST412, have been isolated from patients in several hospitals
      worldwide and harbor antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors. Here, we
      report a high-quality draft genome sequence and highlight features of E. faecium
      VRE16, a representative of this ST. 

PMID- 27660782
TI  - Complete Genome Sequence of Feline Calicivirus Strain GX01-2013 Isolated from
      Household Cats in Guangxi, Southern China.
AB  - Here, we report the complete genome of a feline calicivirus (FCV) originating
      from household cats in Guangxi, southern China, in September 2013. To understand
      its genetic characteristics, we isolated FCV strain GX01-2013 from MDCK cells and
      determined its complete genome sequence. 

PMID- 27660783
TI  - Draft Genome Sequence of a Cardiobacterium hominis Strain Isolated from Blood
      Cultures of a Patient with Infective Endocarditis.
AB  - Cardiobacterium hominis is a well-known commensal bacterium of the oral cavity
      and an agent of infective endocarditis in humans. Here, we provide a draft genome
      sequence of a pathogenic strain isolated from blood cultures of a patient with
      infectious endocarditis. 

PMID- 27660784
TI  - Draft Genome Sequence of Marine Sponge Symbiont Pseudoalteromonas luteoviolacea
      IPB1, Isolated from Hilo, Hawaii.
AB  - We report here the 6.0-Mb draft genome assembly of Pseudoalteromonas
      luteoviolacea strain IPB1 that was isolated from the Hawaiian marine sponge
      Iotrochota protea Genome mining complemented with bioassay studies will elucidate
      secondary metabolite biosynthetic pathways and will help explain the ecological
      interaction between host sponge and microorganism. 

PMID- 27660785
TI  - Complete Genome Sequence of the Avian Paramyxovirus Serotype 5 Strain APMV
      5/budgerigar/Japan/TI/75.
AB  - Here, we report the complete genome sequence of the avian paramyxovirus serotype
      5 strain APMV-5/budgerigar/Japan/TI/75, which was determined using the Illumina
      MiSeq platform. The determined sequence shares 97% homology and similar genetic
      features with the previously known genome sequence of avian paramyxovirus
      serotype 5 strain APMV-5/budgerigar/Japan/Kunitachi/74. 

PMID- 27660786
TI  - Draft Genome Sequences of Histamine- and Non-Histamine-Producing Photobacterium
      Strains.
AB  - Histamine-producing bacteria (HPBs) have recently been identified from the marine
      environment. The identification and characterization of HPBs is important to
      developing effective mitigation strategies for scombrotoxin fish poisoning. We
      report here the draft genomes of seven histamine-producing and two non-histamine
      producing marine Photobacterium strains. 

PMID- 27660787
TI  - Complete Genome Sequences of 17 Rapidly Growing Nontuberculous Mycobacterial
      Strains.
AB  - We report the complete genome sequences of 17 rapidly growing nontuberculous
      mycobacterial (NTM) strains, including 16 Mycobacterium abscessus complex strains
      and one M. immunogenum strain. These sequences add value to studies of the
      genetic diversity of rapidly growing NTM strains recovered from human specimens. 

PMID- 27660788
TI  - Complete Genome Sequence of Spiroplasma turonicum Tab4cT, a Bacterium Isolated
      from Horse Flies (Haematopota sp.).
AB  - Spiroplasma turonicum Tab4c(T) was isolated from a horse fly (Haematopota sp.;
      probably Haematopota pluvialis) collected at Champchevrier, Indre-et-Loire,
      Touraine, France, in 1991. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of this
      bacterium to facilitate the investigation of its biology and the comparative
      genomics among Spiroplasma spp. 

PMID- 27660790
TI  - Identification and Whole-Genome Sequencing of Four Enterovirus D68 Strains in
      Southern China in Late 2015.
AB  - Four enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) strains from four children with influenza-like
      illness were identified in Shenzhen, southern China, in late 2015. Here, we
      announce the availability of these viral genomes in GenBank. The genomic
      sequences of these EV-D68 strains showed the closest phylogenetic relationship to
      strains from northern China. 

PMID- 27660789
TI  - Draft Genome Sequence of Heavy Metal-Resistant Cupriavidus alkaliphilus ASC-732T,
      Isolated from Agave Rhizosphere in the Northeast of Mexico.
AB  - Cupriavidus alkaliphilus ASC-732(T) was isolated from the rhizosphere of agave
      plant growing in alkaline soils in San Carlos, Tamaulipas, Mexico. The species is
      able to grow in the presence of arsenic, zinc, and copper. The genome sequence of
      strain ASC-732(T) is 6,125,055 bp with 5,586 genes and an average G+C content of
      67.81%. 

PMID- 27660791
TI  - Genome Sequence of the Arsenic-Resistant Haladaptatus sp. Strain R4 Isolated from
      Ramnagar, West Bengal, India.
AB  - Here, we present the draft genome of Haladaptatus sp. strain R4, a halophilic
      archaea that produces an orange-pink pigment and is capable of growing in a wide
      salinity range. The genome assembly shows genes for arsenic resistance,
      siderophore production, trehalose and glycine betaine biosynthesis, uptake and
      transporters of sodium, potassium, and chloride ions. 

PMID- 27660792
TI  - Complete Genome Sequence of Streptomyces clavuligerus F613-1, an Industrial
      Producer of Clavulanic Acid.
AB  - Streptomyces clavuligerus strain F613-1 is an industrial strain with high-yield
      clavulanic acid production. In this study, the complete genome sequence of S.
      clavuligerus strain F613-1 was determined, including one linear chromosome and
      one linear plasmid, carrying numerous sets of genes involving in the biosynthesis
      of clavulanic acid. 

PMID- 27660793
TI  - Draft Genome Sequence of Alternaria alternata Isolated from Onion Leaves in South
      Africa.
AB  - Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissler strain PPRI 21032 was isolated from onion
      leaves collected in Roodeplaat, Pretoria, South Africa. The whole genome of this
      strain was sequenced and produced a total of 33.12 Mb with a GC content of 50.9%.
      The whole genome comprises 11,701 predicted coding sequences. 

PMID- 27660794
TI  - Draft Genome Sequence of a Diazotrophic, Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacterium of
      the Pseudomonas syringae Complex.
AB  - We report here the draft genome sequence of Pseudomonas syringae GR12-2, a
      nitrogen-fixing, plant growth-promoting bacterium, isolated from the rhizosphere
      of an Arctic grass. The 6.6-Mbp genome contains 5,676 protein-coding genes,
      including a nitrogen-fixation island similar to that in P. stutzeri. 

PMID- 27660795
TI  - Whole-Genome Sequence of the Cheese Isolate Streptococcus macedonicus 679.
AB  - It is well recognized that Streptococcus macedonicus can populate artisanal
      fermented foods, especially those of dairy origin. However, the safety of S.
      macedonicus remains to be established. Here, we present the whole-genome sequence
      of strain 679, which was isolated from a French uncooked semihard cheese made
      with cow milk. 

PMID- 27660796
TI  - Complete Genome Sequence of Plesiomonas shigelloides Type Strain NCTC10360.
AB  - Plesiomonas shigelloides is a Gram-negative rod within the Enterobacteriaceae
      family. It is a gastrointestinal pathogen of increasing notoriety, often
      associated with diarrheal disease. P. shigelloides is waterborne, and infection
      is often linked to the consumption of seafood. Here, we describe the first
      complete genome for P. shigelloides type strain NCTC10360. 

PMID- 27660797
TI  - Complete Genome Sequence of the Intracellular Bacterial Symbiont TC1 in the
      Anaerobic Ciliate Trimyema compressum.
AB  - A free-living ciliate, Trimyema compressum, found in anoxic freshwater
      environments harbors methanogenic archaea and a bacterial symbiont named TC1 in
      its cytoplasm. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of the TC1 symbiont,
      consisting of a 1.59-Mb chromosome and a 35.8-kb plasmid, which was determined
      using the PacBio RSII sequencer. 

PMID- 27660798
TI  - Effect of Calcium Phosphate-Hybridized Tendon Graft in Anatomic Single-Bundle ACL
      Reconstruction in Goats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We previously developed a novel technique using an alternate soaking
      process that improves tendon-bone healing by hybridizing the tendon graft with
      calcium phosphate (CaP). However, the effects of the CaP-hybridized tendon graft
      on anatomic single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction remain
      unclear. PURPOSE: To determine the effects of CaP-hybridized tendon grafts
      compared with untreated tendon grafts 6 months after anatomic single-bundle ACL
      reconstruction using a goat model. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study.
      METHODS: Animals were divided into a CaP group (n = 5 goats) and a control group
      (n = 5 goats), and we analyzed (1) knee kinematics and in situ forces under
      applied anterior tibial loads of 50 N and internal tibial torque of 2.0 N.m in
      the grafts at full extension and at 60 degrees  and 90 degrees  of knee flexion,
      (2) the mean percentage of bone tunnel enlargement using computed tomography
      (CT), and (3) the histology of the tendon-bone interface. RESULTS: The in situ
      forces under applied anterior tibial loads of 50 N at 60 degrees  and 90 degrees 
      of knee flexion in the CaP group were greater than those in the control group (P
      < .05). The red safranin-O-stained area, indicating glycosaminoglycans in the
      cartilage layers at the joint aperture sites of the anterior femoral and
      posterior tibial bone tunnel, was greater in the CaP group than that in the
      control group (P < .05). The lengths of the nonbonding gap area between the
      anterior femoral and posterior tibial bone tunnels in the control group were
      greater than those in the CaP group (P < .05). No significant difference could be
      detected in the mean percentage of bone tunnel enlargement between the 2 groups.
      CONCLUSION: The CaP-hybridized tendon graft enhanced tendon-bone healing at the
      joint aperture site in both anterior femoral and posterior tibial tunnels 6
      months after anatomic single-bundle ACL reconstruction in goats. The in situ
      forces under applied anterior tibial loads at greater flexion angles in the CaP
      group increased compared with controls. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Anatomic single
      bundle ACL reconstruction using CaP-hybridized tendon grafts may lead to better
      postoperative knee function.

PMID- 27660799
TI  - Comparisons of Patient Demographics in Prospective Sports, Shoulder, and National
      Database Initiatives.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There has been increased emphasis in orthopaedics on high-quality
      prospective research to provide evidence-based treatment guidelines, particularly
      in sports medicine/shoulder surgery. The external validity of these studies has
      not been established, and the generalizability of the results to clinical
      practice in the United States is unknown. HYPOTHESIS: Comparison of patient
      demographics in major prospective studies of arthroscopic sports and shoulder
      surgeries to patients undergoing the same procedures in the National Surgical
      Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database will show substantial differences to
      question the generalizability and external validity of those studies. STUDY
      DESIGN: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: This study utilized
      patients undergoing arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
      (ACLR), meniscectomy (MX), rotator cuff repair (RCR), and shoulder stabilization
      (SS) from the NSQIP database (2005-2013). Two prospective studies (either
      randomized controlled trials or, in 1 case, a major cohort study) were identified
      for each of the 4 procedures for comparison. Demographic variables available for
      comparison in both the identified prospective studies and the NSQIP included age,
      sex, and body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: From the NSQIP database, 5576 ACLR
      patients, 18,882 MX patients, 7282 RCR patients, and 993 SS patients were
      identified. The comparison clinical studies included cohort sizes as follows:
      ACLR, n = 121 and 2683; MX, n = 146 and 330; RCR, n = 90 and 103; SS, n = 88 and
      196. Age differed significantly between the NSQIP and the patients in 6 of the 8
      prospective clinical studies. Sex differed significantly between the NSQIP and
      the patients in 7 of the 8 prospective clinical studies. BMI differed
      significantly between the NSQIP and the patients of all 4 of the prospective
      clinical studies that reported this demographic variable. CONCLUSION: Significant
      differences exist for patient age, sex, and BMI between patients included in
      major sports medicine/shoulder prospective studies and corresponding patients
      undergoing the same procedures in a nationwide database of academic and community
      centers in the United States. Future work is needed to understand whether major
      prospective clinical studies-frequently performed in high-volume, specialized
      practices-are truly indicative of the types of patients treated and expected
      results in the general orthopaedic practice. This study additionally argues for
      the importance of initiating a national registry dedicated to patients undergoing
      orthopaedic procedures in the United States.

PMID- 27660801
TI  - High-contrast enzymatic immunohistochemistry of pigmented tissues.
AB  - Historically, standard enzyme immunohistochemistry has been accomplished with
      brown (DAB, diaminobenzidine) substrate. This can become problematic in pigmented
      tissues, such as the retina, where brown pigment of retinal pigmented epithelial
      (RPE) cells can be easily confounded with brown substrate. Although
      immunofluorescence detection methods can overcome this challenge, fluorescence
      may fade over a period of weeks, while enzyme substrates allow for more long
      lasting, archival results. In this report, we will describe a high-contrast
      enzyme immunohistochemistry method ideal for pigmented tissues that utilizes
      purple (VIP) substrate. We compared brown (DAB) and purple (VIP) substrates in
      enzyme immunohistochemistry experiments using human retina (paraffin sections)
      and monkey retinal pigmented epithelial cells (frozen sections), both containing
      brown pigmented cells. We compared substrates using several primary antibodies
      against markers that can be detected in the retina, including GFAP, VEGF, CD147
      (EMMPRIN), RHO (rhodopsin) and PAX6. Methyl green was used as a counterstain for
      paraffin sections. A side-by-side comparison between DAB and VIP
      immunohistochemistry showed excellent contrast between pigmented cells and the
      purple VIP substrate in both human retinal tissue and monkey pigmented epithelial
      cells for all of the markers tested. This was a marked improvement over DAB
      staining in pigmented cells and tissues. For both paraffin sections and frozen
      sections of pigmented tissues, purple VIP substrate is an excellent alternative
      to brown DAB substrate and non-permanent immunofluorescence methods.

PMID- 27660800
TI  - Impact of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Arthroscopic Repair of Small- to Medium-Sized
      Rotator Cuff Tears: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increased interest in using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as an augment
      to rotator cuff repair warrants further investigation, particularly in smaller
      rotator cuff tears. PURPOSE: To examine the effectiveness of PRP application in
      improving perioperative pain and function and promoting healing at 6 months after
      arthroscopic repair of small- or medium-sized rotator cuff tears. STUDY DESIGN:
      Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. METHODS: This was a double
      blinded randomized controlled trial of patients undergoing arthroscopic repair of
      partial- or full-thickness rotator cuff tears of up to 3 cm who were observed for
      6 months. Patients were randomized to either repair and PRP application (study
      group) or repair only (control group) groups. The patient-oriented outcome
      measures utilized were the visual analog scale (VAS), the Short Western Ontario
      Rotator Cuff Index (ShortWORC), the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES)
      form, and the Constant-Murley Score (CMS). Range of motion (ROM) and inflammatory
      and coagulation markers were measured before and after surgery. Magnetic
      resonance imaging was used at 6 months to assess retear and fatty infiltration
      rate. RESULTS: Eighty-two patients (41 males) with a mean age of 59 +/- 8 years
      were enrolled; 41 patients were included in each group. Both the PRP and control
      groups showed a significant improvement in their pain level based on the VAS
      within the first 30 days (P < .0001), with the PRP group reporting less pain than
      the control group (P = .012), which was clinically significantly different from
      days 8 through 11. The PRP group reported taking less painkillers (P = .026) than
      the control group within the first 30 days. All outcome measure scores and ROM
      improved significantly after surgery (P < .0001), with no between-group
      differences. No differences were observed between groups in inflammatory or
      coagulation marker test results (P > .05), retear (14% vs 18% full retear; P =
      .44), or fatty infiltration rate (P = .08). CONCLUSION: The PRP biological
      augmentation for repair of small- to medium-sized rotator cuff tears has a short
      term effect on perioperative pain without any significant impact on patient
      oriented outcome measures or structural integrity of the repair compared with
      control group.

PMID- 27660802
TI  - Errata: Quantum mechanism of light transmission by the intermediate filaments in
      some specialized optically transparent cells.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1117/1.NPh.4.1.011005.]. 

PMID- 27660803
TI  - Automated and simultaneous fovea center localization and macula segmentation
      using the new dynamic identification and classification of edges model.
AB  - Detecting the position of retinal structures, including the fovea center and
      macula, in retinal images plays a key role in diagnosing eye diseases such as
      optic nerve hypoplasia, amblyopia, diabetic retinopathy, and macular edema.
      However, current detection methods are unreliable for infants or certain ethnic
      populations. Thus, a methodology is proposed here that may be useful for infants
      and across ethnicities that automatically localizes the fovea center and segments
      the macula on digital fundus images. First, dark structures and bright artifacts
      are removed from the input image using preprocessing operations, and the
      resulting image is transformed to polar space. Second, the fovea center is
      identified, and the macula region is segmented using the proposed dynamic
      identification and classification of edges (DICE) model. The performance of the
      method was evaluated using 1200 fundus images obtained from the relatively large,
      diverse, and publicly available Messidor database. In 96.1% of these 1200 cases,
      the distance between the fovea center identified manually by ophthalmologists and
      automatically using the proposed method remained within 0 to 8 pixels. The dice
      similarity index comparing the manually obtained results with those of the model
      for macula segmentation was 96.12% for these 1200 cases. Thus, the proposed
      method displayed a high degree of accuracy. The methodology using the DICE model
      is unique and advantageous over previously reported methods because it
      simultaneously determines the fovea center and segments the macula region without
      using any structural information, such as optic disc or blood vessel location,
      and it may prove useful for all populations, including infants. 

PMID- 27660804
TI  - Automatic pericardium segmentation and quantification of epicardial fat from
      computed tomography angiography.
AB  - Recent findings indicate a strong correlation between the risk of future heart
      disease and the volume of adipose tissue inside of the pericardium. So far, large
      scale studies have been hindered by the fact that manual delineation of the
      pericardium is extremely time-consuming and that existing methods for automatic
      delineation lack accuracy. An efficient and fully automatic approach to
      pericardium segmentation and epicardial fat volume (EFV) estimation is presented,
      based on a variant of multi-atlas segmentation for spatial initialization and a
      random forest classifier for accurate pericardium detection. Experimental
      validation on a set of 30 manually delineated computer tomography angiography
      volumes shows a significant improvement on state-of-the-art in terms of EFV
      estimation [mean absolute EFV difference: 3.8 ml (4.7%), Pearson correlation:
      0.99] with run times suitable for large-scale studies (52 s). Further, the
      results compare favorably with interobserver variability measured on 10 volumes. 

PMID- 27660805
TI  - Automatic basal slice detection for cardiac analysis.
AB  - Identification of the basal slice in cardiac imaging is a key step to measuring
      the ejection fraction of the left ventricle. Despite all the effort placed on
      automatic cardiac segmentation, basal slice identification is routinely performed
      manually. Manual identification, however, suffers from high interobserver
      variability. As a result, an automatic algorithm for basal slice identification
      is required. Guidelines published in 2013 identify the basal slice based on the
      percentage of myocardium surrounding the blood cavity in the short-axis view.
      Existing methods, however, assume that the basal slice is the first short-axis
      view slice below the mitral valve and are consequently at times identifying the
      incorrect short-axis slice. Correct identification of the basal slice under the
      Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance guidelines is challenging due to
      the poor image quality and blood movement during image acquisition. This paper
      proposes an automatic tool that utilizes the two-chamber view to determine the
      basal slice while following the guidelines. To this end, an active shape model is
      trained to segment the two-chamber view and create temporal binary profiles from
      which the basal slice is identified. From the 51 tested cases, our method obtains
      92% and 84% accurate basal slice detection for the end-systole and the end
      diastole, respectively. 

PMID- 27660806
TI  - Robust x-ray image segmentation by spectral clustering and active shape model.
AB  - Extraction of bone contours from x-ray radiographs plays an important role in
      joint space width assessment, preoperative planning, and kinematics analysis. We
      present a robust segmentation method to accurately extract the distal femur and
      proximal tibia in knee radiographs of varying image quality. A spectral
      clustering method based on the eigensolution of an affinity matrix is utilized
      for x-ray image denoising. An active shape model-based segmentation method is
      employed for robust and accurate segmentation of the denoised x-ray images. The
      performance of the proposed method is evaluated with x-ray images from the public
      use dataset(s), the osteoarthritis initiative, achieving a root mean square error
      of [Formula: see text] for femur and [Formula: see text] for tibia. The results
      demonstrate that this method outperforms previous segmentation methods in
      capturing anatomical shape variations, accounting for image quality differences
      and guiding accurate segmentation. 

PMID- 27660807
TI  - Impact of breast structure on lesion detection in breast tomosynthesis, a
      simulation study.
AB  - This study aims to characterize the effect of background tissue density and
      heterogeneity on the detection of irregular masses in breast tomosynthesis, while
      demonstrating the capability of the sophisticated tools that can be used in the
      design, implementation, and performance analysis of virtual clinical trials
      (VCTs). Twenty breast phantoms from the extended cardiac-torso (XCAT) family,
      generated based on dedicated breast computed tomography of human subjects, were
      used to extract a total of 2173 volumes of interest (VOIs) from simulated
      tomosynthesis images. Five different lesions, modeled after human subject
      tomosynthesis images, were embedded in the breasts and combined with the lesion
      absent condition yielded a total of [Formula: see text] VOIs. Effects of
      background tissue density and heterogeneity on the detection of the lesions were
      studied by implementing a composite hypothesis signal detection paradigm with
      location known exactly, lesion known exactly or statistically, and background
      known statistically. Using the area under the receiver operating characteristic
      curve, detection performance deteriorated as density was increased, yielding
      findings consistent with clinical studies. A human observer study was performed
      on a subset of the simulated tomosynthesis images, confirming the detection
      performance trends with respect to density and serving as a validation of the
      implemented detector. Performance of the implemented detector varied
      substantially across the 20 breasts. Furthermore, background tissue density and
      heterogeneity affected the log-likelihood ratio test statistic differently under
      lesion absent and lesion present conditions. Therefore, considering background
      tissue variability in tissue models can change the outcomes of a VCT and is hence
      of crucial importance. The XCAT breast phantoms have the potential to address
      this concern by offering realistic modeling of background tissue variability
      based on a wide range of human subjects, comprising various breast shapes, sizes,
      and densities. 

PMID- 27660808
TI  - Tumor volume measurement error using computed tomography imaging in a phase II
      clinical trial in lung cancer.
AB  - To address the error introduced by computed tomography (CT) scanners when
      assessing volume and unidimensional measurement of solid tumors, we scanned a
      precision manufactured pocket phantom simultaneously with patients enrolled in a
      lung cancer clinical trial. Dedicated software quantified bias and random error
      in the [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] dimensions of a Teflon sphere
      and also quantified response evaluation criteria in solid tumors and volume
      measurements using both constant and adaptive thresholding. We found that
      underestimation bias was essentially the same for [Formula: see text], and
      [Formula: see text] dimensions using constant thresholding and had similar values
      for adaptive thresholding. The random error of these length measurements as
      measured by the standard deviation and coefficient of variation was 0.10 mm
      (0.65), 0.11 mm (0.71), and 0.59 mm (3.75) for constant thresholding and 0.08 mm
      (0.51), 0.09 mm (0.56), and 0.58 mm (3.68) for adaptive thresholding,
      respectively. For random error, however, [Formula: see text] lengths had at least
      a fivefold higher standard deviation and coefficient of variation than [Formula:
      see text] and [Formula: see text]. Observed [Formula: see text]-dimension error
      was especially high for some 8 and 16 slice CT models. Error in CT image
      formation, in particular, for models with low numbers of detector rows, may be
      large enough to be misinterpreted as representing either treatment response or
      disease progression. 

PMID- 27660809
TI  - In memory of Helen Laburn and Claus Jessen.
AB  - It is with great sadness that we report the passing of our dear colleagues:
      Professor Helen Laburn and Professor Claus Jessen. We will always remember them. 

PMID- 27660810
TI  - A Study to Determine the Incidence of Urinary Tract Infections in Infants and
      Children Ages 4 Months to 6 Years With Febrile Diarrhea.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in
      infants and children (4 months to 6 years of age) with febrile diarrhea, as
      outpatients. METHODS: This was a prospective institutional review board-approved
      study. patients (between 4 months and 6 years of age) were enrolled in the study
      who presented to the pediatric emergency room with a complaint of fever (rectal
      temperature 101 degrees F or more) and diarrhea (watery stools >3 in number). The
      patients were evaluated for state of hydration, and also urine samples were
      collected. For those children not toilet trained, urine specimens were collected
      by bladder catheterization, and for those children toilet trained, urine
      specimens were obtained by midstream collection method. The urine samples
      obtained were sent for analysis and culture. RESULTS: Eighty patients were
      enrolled in the study. The number of specimens obtained by clean catch midstream
      was 20, and by bladder catheterization was 60. None of the urine specimens
      obtained by both methods of collection grew any organism. There was no increased
      incidence of infections in male children whether circumcised (10/60) or
      uncircumcised (50/60). The mean temperature was 102.8 degrees F (range = 101
      degrees F to 105 degrees F). STATISTICS: Using in silico online 2 * 2 chi(2) test
      by comparing both the positive and negative urine culture results, 2-tailed P
      value is <.0001. CONCLUSIONS: Our prospective randomized study concluded that
      there is no increased incidence of UTIs in infants and children (4 months to 6
      years of age) with febrile diarrhea.

PMID- 27660811
TI  - In silico data analyses of recombinases GdDMC1A and GdDMC1B from Giardia
      duodenalis.
AB  - Giardia duodenalis is a worldwide protozoa known causing diarrhea in all
      vertebrates, humans among these. Homologous recombination is a mechanism that
      provides genomic stability. Two putative recombinases were identified in G.
      duodenalis genome: GdDMC1A and GdDMC1B. In this article, we describe the
      identification of conserved domains in GdDMC1A and GdDMC1B, such as: DNA binding
      domains (Helix-turn-helix motif, loops 1 and 2) and an ATPcap and Walker A and B
      motifs associated with ATP binding and hydrolysis, phylogenetic analyses among
      assemblages and three-dimensional structure modeling of these recombinases using
      bioinformatics tools. Also, experimental data is described about LD50
      determination for ionizing radiation in trophozoites of G. duodenalis.
      Additionally, as recombinases, GdDMC1A and GdDMC1B were used to rescue a
      defective Saccharomyces cerevisiae Delta rad51 strain under genotoxic conditions
      and data is described. The data described here are related to the research
      article entitled "Characterization of recombinase DMC1B and its functional role
      as Rad51 in DNA damage repair in Giardia duodenalis trophozoites" (Torres-Huerta
      et al.,) [1]. 

PMID- 27660812
TI  - Small punch tensile/fracture test data and 3D specimen surface data on Grade 91
      ferritic/martensitic steel from cryogenic to room temperature.
AB  - Raw data from small punch tensile/fracture tests at two displacement rates in the
      temperature range from -196  degrees C to room temperature on Grade 91
      ferritic/martensitic steel are presented. A number of specimens were analyzed
      after testing by means of X-ray computed tomography (CT). Based on the CT volume
      data detailed 3D surface maps of the specimens were established. All data are
      open access and available from Online Data Information Network
      (ODIN)https://odin.jrc.ec.europa.eu. The data presented in the current work has
      been analyzed in the research article "On the determination of the ductile to
      brittle transition temperature from small punch tests on Grade 91 ferritic
      martensitic steel" (M. Bruchhausen, S. Holmstrom, J.-M. Lapetite, S. Ripplinger,
      2015) [1]. 

PMID- 27660813
TI  - Data on the natural ventilation performance of windcatcher with anti-short
      circuit device (ASCD).
AB  - This article presents the datasets which were the results of the study explained
      in the research paper 'Anti-short-circuit device: a new solution for short
      circuiting in windcatcher and improvement of natural ventilation performance' (P.
      Nejat, J.K. Calautit, M.Z. Abd. Majid, B.R. Hughes, F. Jomehzadeh, 2016) [1]
      which introduces a new technique to reduce or prevent short-circuiting in a two
      sided windcatcher and also lowers the indoor CO2 concentration and improve the
      ventilation distribution. Here, we provide details of the numerical modeling set
      up and data collection method to facilitate reproducibility. The datasets
      includes indoor airflow, ventilation rates and CO2 concentration data at several
      points in the flow field. The CAD geometry of the windcatcher models are also
      included. 

PMID- 27660814
TI  - Data on the transcriptional regulation of DNA damage induced apoptosis suppressor
      (DDIAS) by ERK5/MEF2B pathway in lung cancer cells.
AB  - The data included in this article are associated with the article entitled "DNA
      damage-induced apoptosis suppressor (DDIAS) is upregulated via ERK5/MEF2B
      signaling and promotes beta-catenin-mediated invasion" (J.Y. Im, S.H. Yoon, B.K.
      Kim, H.S. Ban, K.J. Won, K.S. Chung, K.E. Jung, M. Won) [1]. Quantitative RT-PCR
      data revealed that genetic or pharmacological inhibition of extracellular signal
      regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) suppresses DDIAS transcription in response to epidermal
      growth factor (EGF) in Hela cells. p300 did not interact with myocyte enhancer
      factor 2B (MEF2B), a downstream target of ERK5 and affect transcription of DDIAS.
      Moreover, DDIAS transcription is activated by ERK5/MEF2B signaling on EGF
      exposure in the non-small cell lung cancer cells (NSCLC) NCI-H1703 and NCI-H1299.
      DDIAS knockdown suppresses lung cancer cell invasion by decreasing beta-catenin
      protein level on EGF exposure. 

PMID- 27660815
TI  - Vesical clear cell adenocarcinoma arising from endometriosis: A mullerian tumor,
      indistinguishable from ovarian clear cell adenocarcinoma.
AB  - Endometriosis is associated with increased rates of ovarian, particularly clear
      cell, adenocarcinomas. Malignant transformation of ovarian endometriosis is most
      common but rare cases have been reported in the bladder, abdominal wall,
      diaphragm, and rectum. We present the case of a 44-year-old female with vesical
      clear cell adenocarcinoma arising in a background of endometriosis in the absence
      of other pelvic endometriosis. The malignancy was diagnosed on transurethral
      resection of bladder tumor and managed with radical surgery. Histology and
      immunohistochemical findings were consistent mullerian origin and
      indistinguishable from similar tumors arising in the female genital tract.
      Extrapolating from the gynecologic literature, the recommendation was made for
      adjuvant chemotherapy. Further studies are needed to clarify the optimal
      treatment paradigm for ovarian and bladder clear cell adenocarcinomas. 

PMID- 27660817
TI  - "Ich bin ein Reviewer" ("I am a Reviewer").

PMID- 27660816
TI  - Isolation, Identification, and Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing of Salmonella
      from Slaughtered Bovines and Ovines in Addis Ababa Abattoir Enterprise, Ethiopia:
      A Cross-Sectional Study.
AB  - Salmonellae are ubiquitous, found in animals, humans, and the environment, a
      condition which facilitates transmission and cross contamination. Salmonella
      enterica serotypes exert huge health and economic impacts due to their virulence
      or carriage of antibiotic resistance traits. To address this significant issues
      with regard to public health, availability of adequate information on the
      prevalence and antibiotic resistance patterns of Salmonella, and establishment of
      adequate measures to control contamination and infection are needed. A cross
      sectional study was conducted to assess the level of Salmonella infection in
      slaughtered bovines and ovines at Addis Ababa abattoir. Samples were collected
      randomly and processed for identification and antimicrobial susceptibility
      testing of Salmonella spp. From 280 animals examined, 13 (4.64%) (8 bovines and 5
      ovines) were positive, with most samples (12/13, 92%) comprising Salmonella
      Dublin. Very high level of resistance to some antibiotics used in human medicine
      was detected. Most isolates were susceptible to gentamycin and amikacin. Nine
      (69%) of all isolates were resistant to multiple antibiotics. Serotyping revealed
      12 of 13 isolates to be of the Dublin serotype with 9,12:g,p:- antigenic formula.
      This study emphasizes the importance of improving the evisceration practice
      during slaughtering and restricting the use of antibiotics in farm animals. 

PMID- 27660818
TI  - Electrochemically Modulated Nitric Oxide Release From Flexible Silicone Rubber
      Patch: Antimicrobial Activity For Potential Wound Healing Applications.
AB  - Herein, we report a novel design and the antimicrobial efficacy of a flexible
      nitric oxide (NO) releasing patch for potential wound healing applications. The
      compact sized polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) planar patch generates NO via
      electrochemical reduction of nitrite ions mediated by a copper(II)-ligand
      catalyst using a portable power system and an internal gold coated stainless
      steel mesh working electrode. Patches are fabricated via soft lithography and 3-D
      printing. The devices can continuously release NO over 4 days and exhibit potent
      bactericidal effects on both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The
      device may provide an effective, safe, and less costly alternative for treating
      chronic wounds.

PMID- 27660819
TI  - Transport of Nitric Oxide (NO) in Various Biomedical grade Polyurethanes:
      Measurements and Modeling Impact on NO Release Properties of Medical Devices.
AB  - Nitric oxide (NO) releasing polymers are promising in improving the
      biocompatibility of medical devices. Polyurethanes are commonly used to
      prepare/fabricate many devices (e.g., catheters); however, the transport
      properties of NO within different polyurethanes are less studied, creating a gap
      in the rational design of new NO releasing devices involving polyurethane
      materials. Herein, we study the diffusion and partitioning of NO in different
      biomedical polyurethanes via the time-lag method. The diffusion of NO is
      positively correlated with the PDMS content within the polyurethanes, which can
      be rationalized by effective media theory considering various microphase
      morphologies. Using catheters as a model device, the effect of these transport
      properties on the NO release profiles and the distribution around an asymmetric
      dual lumen catheter are simulated using finite element analysis and validated
      experimentally. This method can be readily applied in studying other NO release
      medical devices with different configurations.

PMID- 27660820
TI  - Novel TK2 mutations as a cause of delayed muscle maturation in mtDNA depletion
      syndrome.
AB  - Recessive mutations in TK2 cause a severe mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome
      (MDS),(1) characterized by severe myopathy from early infancy. Recent reports
      have suggested a wider clinical spectrum including encephalomyopathic form.(1,2)
      We report a patient with infantile-onset fatal encephalomyopathy presenting with
      extreme muscle fiber immaturity. 

PMID- 27660821
TI  - Analysis of cystic fibrosis-associated P67L CFTR illustrates barriers to
      personalized therapeutics for orphan diseases.
AB  - Emerging knowledge indicates the difficulty in categorizing unusual cystic
      fibrosis (CF) mutations, with regard to both pathogenic mechanism and theratype.
      As case in point, we present data concerning P67L mutation of the cystic fibrosis
      transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), a defect carried by a small number of
      individuals with CF and sometimes attributed to a channel conductance
      abnormality. Findings from our laboratory and others establish that P67L causes
      protein misfolding, disrupts maturation, confers gating defects, is thermally
      stable, and exhibits near normal conductance. These results provide one framework
      by which rare CF alleles such as P67L can be more comprehensively profiled vis-a
      vis molecular pathogenesis. We also demonstrate that emerging CF treatments -
      ivacaftor and lumacaftor - can mediate pronounced pharmacologic activation of
      P67L CFTR. Infrequent CF alleles are often improperly characterized, in part, due
      to the small numbers of patients involved. Moreover, access to new personalized
      treatments among patients with ultra-orphan genotypes has been limited by
      difficulty arranging phase III clinical trials, and off-label prescribing has
      been impaired by high drug cost and difficulty arranging third party
      reimbursement. Rare CFTR mutations such as P67L are emblematic of the challenges
      to "precision" medicine, including use of the best available mechanistic
      knowledge to treat patients with unusual forms of disease.

PMID- 27660823
TI  - Landmark-based Morphometric and Meristic Analysis of Serranidae.
AB  - The landmark-based morphometric and meristic analysis of the kelp grouper
      (Epinephelus bruneus), red spotted grouper (E. akaara) and seven-banded grouper
      (E. septemfasciatus) were performed to compare the differentiation of overall
      body shape and structure. The measurements of the morphometric dimensions were
      observed in 25 parts (truss dimension: 16 parts; head part dimension: 9 parts) of
      38 morphometric dimensions and also meristic differences observed in 3 parts
      (dorsal fin, anal fin and caudal fin) of 6 meristic counts (P < 0.05). Observed
      morphometric characteristics primarily involved in truss and head part dimension,
      kelp grouper have larger values in caudal part of truss dimension, kelp grouper,
      red spotted grouper and seven-banded grouper have similar values in pectoral part
      of truss dimension, in addition to, results of head part dimension showed that
      red spotted grouper have smaller values in overall dimensions (P < 0.05). As
      meristic characteristics, kelp grouper have more number of anal fin rays than
      other fish, red spotted grouper have more number of dorsal soft rays than other
      fish, and seven spotted grouper have more number of anal soft rays, and caudal
      fin rays than other fish (P < 0.05). Photographed under the x-ray, kelp grouper
      have the most curved vertebral column and largest swim bladder than other fishes
      (P < 0.05). Our results of this study confirmed that 3 subfamily fishes
      adequately can distinguish with external body shape, and we hope that the results
      of our study could be used to identify in Serranidae family as taxonomical
      parameters. 

PMID- 27660824
TI  - Early Osteological Development of Larvae and Juveniles in Red Spotted Grouper,
      Epinephelus akaara (Pisces: Serranidae).
AB  - We observed the osteological development of larval and juvenile red spotted
      grouper (Epinephelus akaara) in order to generate data for the assessment of
      skeletal deformities and to inform phylogenetic systematics research. Larvae and
      juveniles were obtained from a aquafarm in Muan-gun, Jeolla-namdo Province,
      Korea. The average water temperature at the time of breeding was 23.0 degrees C
      and average water salinity was 33.0 psu. Freshly hatched fish larvae had not
      undergone any ossification, but ossification of the parasphenoid bone, which
      forms the base of the cranium, occurred as the juveniles reached an average body
      length (BL) of 2.49 mm. At the same time, ossification of the preopercle and
      opercle occurred in the operculum, and ossification of the maxilla, which forms
      the upper jaw, and the dentary bones, which form the lower jaw, began. In
      addition, ossification of the vertebra occurred by formation of 7 vertebral
      centra and the neural spine in the abdominal vertebra. When the juveniles reached
      an average (BL) of 5.22 mm, ossification of the nasal, lateral ethmoid, and
      alisphenoid bones occurred in the cranium; ossification of the endopterygoid and
      metapterygoid bones began in the palatine region; and ossification of the
      hypohyal and interhyal bones occurred in the hyoid arch. At an average (BL) of
      20.9 mm, ossification of the basisphenoid bone in the cranium and the suborbital
      bone in the orbital region occurred. Ossification of the vertebra then occurred
      by the formation of long pairs of ribs from the third to the ninth abdominal
      vertebrae, completing osteological development. 

PMID- 27660822
TI  - Endothelial and circulating C19MC microRNAs are biomarkers of infantile
      hemangioma.
AB  - Infantile hemangioma (IH) is the most common vascular tumor of infancy, and it
      uniquely regresses in response to oral propranolol. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have
      emerged as key regulators of vascular development and are dysregulated in many
      disease processes, but the role of miRNAs in IH growth has not been investigated.
      We report expression of C19MC, a primate-specific megacluster of miRNAs expressed
      in placenta with rare expression in postnatal tissues, in glucose transporter 1
      expressing (GLUT-1-expressing) IH endothelial cells and in the plasma of children
      with IH. Tissue or circulating C19MC miRNAs were not detectable in patients
      having 9 other types of vascular anomalies or unaffected children, identifying
      C19MC miRNAs as the first circulating biomarkers of IH. Levels of circulating
      C19MC miRNAs correlated with IH tumor size and propranolol treatment response,
      and IH tissue from children treated with propranolol or from children with
      partially involuted tumors contained lower levels of C19MC miRNAs than untreated,
      proliferative tumors, implicating C19MC miRNAs as potential drivers of IH
      pathogenesis. Detection of C19MC miRNAs in the circulation of infants with IH may
      provide a specific and noninvasive means of IH diagnosis and identification of
      candidates for propranolol therapy as well as a means to monitor treatment
      response. 

PMID- 27660825
TI  - Survival Rate and Hematological Responses with Temperature Changes of Red Spotted
      Grouper, Epinephelus akaara in South Korea.
AB  - The effect of sudden changes of water temperature (WT) on the survival rate and
      physiological responses of the red spotted grouper (Epinephelus akaara) were
      examined by manipulating WT control system for 9 days. Experimental condition was
      divided in two different regimes at low (from 10 degrees C to 4 degrees C,
      decreased 1C/d) and high (from 28 degrees C to 34 degrees C, increased 1 degrees
      C/d) WT. Survival rate of experimental fishes were observed, and determined the
      changes of hematological characteristics by analyzing plasma levels of cortisol,
      glucose, total protein, and electrolytes (Na(+), Cl-, K(+)). No mortality was
      observed until low WT 6 degrees C (144 h) and high WT 32 degrees C (96 h), and
      100% mortality was observed at low WT 4 degrees C (216 h) and high WT 35 degrees
      C (171 h). Plasma levels of cortisol and glucose increased rapidly as decreasing
      WT, and the loss of swimming ability and respiration response was observed at low
      WT 7 degrees C and high WT 34 degrees C conditions. 

PMID- 27660826
TI  - Effect of Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) Exposure on the Reproductive Organs of
      Immature Female Rats.
AB  - Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an endotoxin, elicits strong immune responses in
      mammals. Several lines of evidence demonstrate that LPS challenge profoundly
      affects female reproductive function. For example, LPS exposure affects
      steroidogenesis and folliculogenesis, resulting in delayed puberty onset. The
      present study was conducted to clarify the mechanism underlying the adverse
      effect of LPS on the delayed puberty in female rats. LPS was daily injected for 5
      days (50 MUg/kg, PND 25-29) to treated animals and the date at VO was evaluated
      through daily visual examination. At PND 39, animals were sacrificed, and the
      tissues were immediately removed and weighed. Among the reproductive organs, the
      weights of the ovaries and oviduct from LPS-treated animals were significantly
      lower than those of control animals. There were no changes in the weights of
      uterus and vagina between the LPS-treated and their control animals.
      Immunological challenge by LPS delayed VO. Multiple corpora lutea were found in
      the control ovaries, indicating ovulations were occurred. However, none of corpus
      luteum was present in the LPS-treated ovary. The transcription level of
      steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), CYP11A1, CYP17A1 and CYP19 were
      significantly increased by LPS treatment. On the other hand, the levels of 3beta-
      HSD, 17beta-HSD and LH receptor were not changed by LPS challenge. In conclusion,
      the present study demonstrated that the repeated LPS exposure during the
      prepubertal period could induce multiple alterations in the steroidogenic
      machinery in ovary, and in turn, delayed puberty onset. The prepubertal LPS
      challenge model used in our study is useful to understand the reciprocal
      regulation of immune (stress) - reproductive function in early life. 

PMID- 27660827
TI  - Involvement of cAMP in the Human Serum-Induced Migration of Adipose-Derived Stem
      Cells.
AB  - Previously we observed that human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) could form
      aggregation during culture in the presence of human serum (HS). In the present
      study, we have examined if the aggregation might result from the cell migration
      and analyzed the difference of cell adhesivity after culture in various
      conditions. When cells were cultured in fetal bovine serum (FBS) alone, there was
      no morphological change. Similarly, cells pretreated with FBS for 1 day or
      cultured in a mixture of FBS and HS showed little change. In contrast, cells
      cultured in HS alone exhibited formation of cell-free area (spacing) and/or cell
      aggregation. When cells cultured in FBS or pretreated with FBS were treated with
      0.06% trypsin, almost cells remained attached to the dish surfaces. In contrast,
      when cells cultured in HS alone were examined, most cells detached from the dish
      by the same treatment. Treatment of cells with forskolin, isobutylmethyl xanthine
      (IBMX) or LY294002 inhibited the formation of spacing whereas H89 or Y27632
      showed little effect. When these cells were treated with 0.06% trypsin after
      culture, most cells detached from the dishes as cells cultured in HS alone did.
      However, cells treated with IBMX exhibited weaker adhesivity than HS alone. Based
      on these observations, it is suggested that HS treatment might decrease the
      adhesivity and induce three-dimensional migration of hADSCs, in the latter of
      which cAMP signaling could be involved. 

PMID- 27660828
TI  - Morphological Development of Embryo, Larvae and Juvenile in Yellowtail Kingfish,
      Seriola lalandi.
AB  - This study monitored the morphological development of embryo, larvae and juvenile
      yellowtail kingfish, Seriola lalandi, for their aquaculture. The fertilized eggs
      obtained by natural spawning were spherical shape and buoyant. Fertilized eggs
      were transparent and had one oil globule in the yolk, with an egg diameter of
      1.35 +/- 0.04 mm and an oil globule diameter of 0.32 +/- 0.02 mm. The fertilized
      eggs hatched 67-75 h after fertilization in water at 20 +/- 0.5 degrees C. The
      total length (TL) of the hatched larvae was 3.62 +/- 0.16 mm. During hatching,
      the larvae, with their mouth and anus not yet opened. The yolk was completely
      absorbed 3 days after hatching (DAH), while the TL of post-larvae was 4.72 +/-
      0.07 mm. At 40 DAH, the juveniles had grown to 30.44 +/- 4.07 mm in TL, body
      depth increased, the body color changed to a black, yellow, and light gray-blue
      color, and 3-4 vertical stripes appeared. At 45 DAH, the juveniles were 38.67 +/-
      5.65 mm in TL and 10.10 +/- 0.94 mm in body depth. The fish were green with a
      light orange color, with 7 faint green-brown stripes on the sides of their body.
      At 87 DAH, the juveniles had grown to 236.11 mm in TL, 217.68 mm in fork length,
      and 136.5 g in weight. The fish resembled their adult form, with a light yellow
      green body color, loss of the pattern on the sides of their body, and a yellow
      coloration at the tip of the caudal fin. 

PMID- 27660829
TI  - Management of Sexual Maturation and Natural Spawning of Captive- Reared
      Yellowtail Kingfish, Seriola lalandi, in an Indoor Rearing Tank.
AB  - This study describes results on sexual maturation and characteristics of natural
      spawned eggs to develop a method for the production of stable, healthy fertilized
      eggs from captive-reared yellowtail kingfish, Seriola lalandi. A total of 59
      yellowtail kingfish were captured off the coast of Jeju Island, after which the
      broodstock was cultured in indoor culture tank (100 m(3)) until they were 6.1
      14.9 kg in body weight. As part of the rearing management for induced sex
      maturation, the intensity of illumination was maintained at 130 lux. The
      photoperiod (light/dark; L/D) was set to a 12 L/12 D from October 2013 to January
      2014, and 15 L/9 D from February 2014 to June 2014. Feeds comprised mainly EP
      (Extruded Pellets), with squid cuttlefish added for improvement of egg quality,
      and was given from April to June 2014. The first spawning of yellowtail kingfish
      occurred in May 3, 2014, at a water temperature of 17.0 degrees C. Spawning
      continued until June 12, 2014, with the water temperature set at 20.5 degrees C.
      Time of spawning was 26 times at this period. The total number of eggs that
      spawned during the spawning period was 4,449*10(3). The buoyant rate of spawning
      eggs and fertilization rate of buoyant eggs during the spawned period were 76.1%
      and 100%, respectively. The diameters of the egg and oil globule were 1.388 +/-
      0.041 mm and 0.378 +/- 0.029 mm, respectively, which was higher in early eggs
      than in those from late during the spawned period. 

PMID- 27660830
TI  - Adenosine Modulates the Oocyte Developmental Competence by Exposing Stages and
      Synthetic Blocking during In Vitro Maturation.
AB  - Purine metabolism is known factor for nuclear maturation of oocytes through both
      follicle cells and oocyte itself. However, it is largely unknown the roles of
      purine metabolism in the oocyte competence for fertilization and early
      development. In this study, the effects of adenosine in oocyte competence for
      development were examined using adenosine and its synthetic inhibitors. Adenosine
      treatment from GV intact stage for 18 hr (fGV) caused of decrease the
      fertilization rate but of increase the cleavage rate compared from the other
      stage treatment groups. Hadacidin did not effect on fertilization rate but
      increased cleavage rate without stage specificity. Adenosine did not block the
      effects of hadacidin with the exception of fGV group. By the inhibition of purine
      synthetic pathways the fertilization rate was decreased in the fGV and fGVB
      groups but increased in the fMII group. Exogenous adenosine caused of decrease
      fertilization rate in the fGVB group but increase in the fMII group. Cleavage
      rate was dramatically increased in the adenosine treatment with synthetic
      inhibitors. It means that the metabolism of purine has stage specific effects on
      fertilization and cleavage. Exogenous adenosine had only can improve oocyte
      developmental competence when it treated at GV intact stage. On the other hand,
      endogenous synthesis in all maturation stage caused of increase the cleavage rate
      without effects on fertilization. These data suggest that adenosine at GV stage
      as a paracrine fashion and inhibitions of endogenous adenosine in all stage
      improve oocyte developmental competence.. 

PMID- 27660831
TI  - Genetic Distances of Crucian Carp Populations analyzed by PCR Approach.
AB  - Genomic DNAs isolated from crucian carp of four rivers, belonging to the family
      Cyprinidae was amplified by seven oligonucleotides primers. In the present study,
      we employed hierarchical clustering method in order to reveal genetic distances
      and variations. Crucian carp was acquired from Hangang river (CAH), Geumgang
      river (CAG), Nakdonggang river (CAN) and Yeongsangang river (CAY). The primer
      BION-12 generated the most loci (a total of 50) with an average of 10 in the CAY
      population. The primer BION-10 generated the least loci (a total of 19), with an
      average of 3.8 in the CAG population, in comparison to the other primers used.
      Seven oligonucleotides primers made 16.7 average no. per primer of specific loci
      in the CAH population, 7.4 in the CAG population, 8.6 in the CAN population and
      0.9 in the CAY population, respectively. The specific loci generated by
      oligonucleotides primers revealed inter-individual-specific characteristics, thus
      disclosing DNA polymorphisms. The dendrogram obtained by the seven
      oligonucleotides primers indicates four genetic clusters. The genetic distance
      that displayed significant molecular differences was between individuals no.06
      and no.08 from the CAG population (genetic distance = 0.036), while the genetic
      distance among the five individuals that displayed significant molecular
      differences was between individuals no.08 and no.09 from the CAG population
      (genetic distance = 0.088). With regard to average bandsharing value (BS)
      results, individuals from CAY population (0.985+/-0.009) exhibited higher
      bandsharing values than did individuals from CAH population (0.779+/-0.049)
      (P<0.05). Relatively, individuals of CAY population were fairly closely related
      to that of CAN location (genetic distance between two populations<0.016). 

PMID- 27660832
TI  - Rad51 Regulates Reprogramming Efficiency through DNA Repair Pathway.
AB  - Rad51 is a key component of homologous recombination (HR) to repair DNA double
      strand breaks and it forms Rad51 recombinase filaments of broken single-stranded
      DNA to promote HR. In addition to its role in DNA repair and cell cycle
      progression, Rad51 contributes to the reprogramming process during the generation
      of induced pluripotent stem cells. In light of this, we performed reprogramming
      experiments to examine the effect of co-expression of Rad51 and four
      reprogramming factors, Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc, on the reprogramming
      efficiency. Co-expression of Rad51 significantly increased the numbers of
      alkaline phosphatase-positive colonies and embryonic stem cell-like colonies
      during the process of reprogramming. Co-expression ofRad51 significantly
      increased the expression of epithelial markers at an early stage of reprogramming
      compared with control cells. Phosphorylated histone H2AX (gammaH2AX), which
      initiates the DNA double-strand break repair system, was highly accumulated in
      reprogramming intermediates upon co-expression of Rad51. This study identified a
      novel role of Rad51 in enhancing the reprogramming efficiency, possibly by
      facilitating mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition and by regulating a DNA damage
      repair pathway during the early phase of the reprogramming process. 

PMID- 27660833
TI  - Novel Function of Sprouty4 as a Regulator of Stemness and Differentiation of
      Embryonic Stem Cells.
AB  - Sprouty (Spry) genes encode inhibitors of the receptor tyrosine kinase signaling
      cascade, which plays important roles in stem cells. However, the role of Spry4 in
      the stemness of embryonic stem cells has not been fully elucidated. Here, we used
      mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) as a model system to investigate the role of
      Spry4 in the stem cells. Suppression of Spry4 expression results in the decreases
      of cell proliferation, EB formation and stemness marker expression, suggesting
      that Spry4 activity is associated with stemness of mESCs. Teratoma assay showed
      that the cartilage maturation was facilitated in Spry4 knocked down mESCs. Our
      results suggest that Spry4 is an important regulator of the stemness and
      differentiation of mESCs. 

PMID- 27660834
TI  - Practical "pearls" to help improve your care.
AB  - This month's review of the current uses of ultrasound in family medicine made me
      wonder whether ultrasound might become the stethoscope of the future.

PMID- 27660835
TI  - The benefits of doing ultrasound exams in your office.
AB  - Family medicine ultrasound is more accurate, more cost-effective, and less time
      consuming than you might imagine. Here's how it can improve your care.

PMID- 27660836
TI  - Shortness of breath: Looking beyond the usual suspects.
AB  - COPD and pneumonia come to mind when a patient is short of breath. But the signs
      and symptoms detailed here should lead you to suspect an uncommon cause.

PMID- 27660837
TI  - Sport-related concussion: How best to help young athletes.
AB  - Increased focus on sports concussion means you're likely to see greater numbers
      of children and adolescents with mild brain trauma. Here's what to keep in mind.

PMID- 27660838
TI  - Cervical cancer screening: How our approach may change.
AB  - Accumulating evidence has begun to alter priorities in testing modalities and in
      testing intervals, and further changes may be on the way.

PMID- 27660839
TI  - Swollen right hand and forearm . minor trauma to hand . previous diagnosis of
      cellulitis . Dx?
AB  - A 63-year-old woman with a history of hyperlipidemia presented to our hospital
      with a swollen right hand. The patient noted that she had closed her hand in a
      car door one week earlier, causing minor trauma to the right third
      metacarpophalangeal joint. Shortly after injuring her hand, she'd sought care at
      an outpatient facility, where she was given a diagnosis of cellulitis and a
      prescription for an oral antibiotic. The swelling, however, worsened, prompting
      her visit to our hospital.

PMID- 27660840
TI  - PURLs: On-demand pill protocol protects against HIV.
AB  - Finally, there's an effective prevention strategy--other than condoms--that can
      be used, as needed, by patients at high risk for HIV infection.

PMID- 27660841
TI  - Pruritic hyperpigmented patch on back.
AB  - The location of the pruritic area on this patient's back and the darkened patch
      that followed helped us to identify the cause of her chronic discomfort.

PMID- 27660842
TI  - Does oseltamivir shorten flu symptom duration?
AB  - Treatment of influenza virus infection with oral oseltamivir reduces time to
      alleviation of symptoms in adults and children by approximately one day compared
      with placebo. It reduces symptom duration even when initiated more than 2 days
      after symptom onset.

PMID- 27660844
TI  - Statins in Chronic Kidney Disease: When and When Not to Use Them.
AB  - This supplement reviews the evidence from clinical trials for the appropriate use
      of statins in patients with Chronic kidney disease (CKD).

PMID- 27660843
TI  - Severe pruritus . Crusted lesions affecting face, extremities, and trunk .
      Hepatitis C virus carrier . Dx?
AB  - The patient had visited various clinics for her complaints and was diagnosed as
      having contact dermatitis and senile pruritus. She was prescribed topical
      mometasone furoate and moisturizers. After 6 months of using this therapy,
      widespread grey-white plaques and minimal excoriation appeared on her face,
      scalp, and trunk. This was diagnosed as psoriasis, and the patient was prescribed
      topical corticosteroids, which she used for 9 months until she came to our
      clinic.

PMID- 27660845
TI  - Pulmonary Practice Pearls for Primary Care Physicians: Burden of COPD
      Exacerbations: Focus on Optimal Management and Prevention.
AB  - This supplement will address the prevalence, burden, and physical and
      psychological effects of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
      exacerbations, as well as management and prevention strategies.

PMID- 27660846
TI  - Editorial: Education for lifelong learning and referrals in practice.

PMID- 27660847
TI  - Gingival recession coverage: ?Do we still need autogenous grafts?
AB  - A variety of periodontal plastic surgical techniques have been proposed to obtain
      root coverage of gingival recession defects. All of the available root coverage
      procedures are able to provide significant root coverage for Miller Class I and
      II recession-type defects. However, only the subepithelial connective tissue
      graft in conjunction with a coronally advanced flap appears consistently
      effective across all clinical parameters, and is therefore currently considered
      the gold standard for gingival recession therapy. The major shortcomings of
      connective tissue graft procedures include patient morbidity associated with the
      second surgical site and limited availability of palatal donor tissue. More
      recently, 3D collagen matrices of human and porcine origin have been introduced
      as possible alternatives to autogenous connective tissue grafts in recession
      coverage procedures. This paper aims to give an overview on the possible use of
      collagen matrices as soft tissue substitutes and a possible alternative to
      connective tissue grafts in the surgical treatment of gingival recession defects.

PMID- 27660848
TI  - [Differences in morbidity of neobladder versus ileal conduit: a matched pair
      analysis on 134 patients].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to evaluate whether performing an ileal
      conduit (IC) versus a neobladder(NB) during radical cystectomy (RC) can play a
      role on the morbidity of the surgical procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: At our
      institution since 2001, a database collecting the data of more than 450 patients
      who have undergone RC is perspectively maintained.The records of 246 patients
      submitted to RC and IC and 120 to RC and NB have been reviewed for the present
      study. By a binary logistic regression model, a propensity score was generated
      joining these factors: gender,age, smoking habit, Charlson' comorbidity score,
      platelet antiaggregants or oral anticoagulant therapy, ASA(American Society of
      Anesthesiologists) score, hydronephrosis, pathologic T stage, and
      lymphadenectomy. A group of patients submitted to IC and another to NB having the
      closer propensity score were created with a matching ratio of 1:1. The following
      features were compared between the two groups: operative time, blood
      loss,intraoperative complication rate, and postoperative complications rate
      (overall, clavien 1-2, clavien >=, related toRC, relate to urinary
      reconstruction).Results: One hundred thirty-four patients were selected, 67
      submitted to NB, 67 to IC, well matched according to the desired features. No
      differences were noted for all the compared features.Conclusion: The morbidity of
      RC does not seem to be dependent on the choice to perform IC versus NB.

PMID- 27660851
TI  - Accumulation of Mg to Diffusive Gradients in Thin Films (DGT) Devices: Kinetic
      and Thermodynamic Effects of the Ionic Strength.
AB  - Availability of magnesium is a matter of concern due to its role in many
      environmental and biological processes. Diffusive Gradients in Thin Films (DGT)
      devices can measure Mg availability in situ. This work shows that Mg accumulation
      in water largely increases when ionic strength (I) decreases. This phenomenon can
      be explained from (i) the increase of both the association equilibrium (K) and
      rate (ka,R) constants for the reaction between Mg cations and resin sites, and
      (ii) the growing contribution of the partitioning of Mg cations at the resin-gel
      interface, as I decreases. Two theoretical models that take into account
      electrical interactions among Mg cations, background electrolyte, and resin sites
      can successfully be used to determine ka,R and K at each I. Both models yield
      similar ka,R values, which fulfill an expression for the kinetic salt effect. For
      freshwater (with a typical salinity of 10 mM and circumneutral pH), the binding
      of Mg is so fast and strong that the simplest perfect-sink DGT expression can be
      helpful to predict (overestimation lower than 5%) the accumulation in solutions
      with Mg concentrations up to 1 mM whenever the deployment time is below 9 h.
      Perfect sink conditions can still be applied for longer times, in systems with
      either a lower I or a lower Mg concentration.

PMID- 27660852
TI  - Quasiparticle Scattering in the Rashba Semiconductor BiTeBr: The Roles of Spin
      and Defect Lattice Site.
AB  - Observations of quasiparticle interference have been used in recent years to
      examine exotic carrier behavior at the surfaces of emergent materials, connecting
      carrier dispersion and scattering dynamics to real-space features with atomic
      resolution. We observe quasiparticle interference in the strongly Rashba split
      2DEG-like surface band found at the tellurium termination of BiTeBr and examine
      two mechanisms governing quasiparticle scattering: We confirm the suppression of
      spin-flip scattering by comparing measured quasiparticle interference with a spin
      dependent elastic scattering model applied to the calculated spectral function.
      We also use atomically resolved STM maps to identify point defect lattice sites
      and spectro-microscopy imaging to discern their varying scattering strengths,
      which we understand in terms of the calculated orbital characteristics of the
      surface band. Defects on the Bi sublattice cause the strongest scattering of the
      predominantly Bi 6p derived surface band, with other defects causing nearly no
      scattering near the conduction band minimum.

PMID- 27660850
TI  - Stereoselective Degradation and Transformation Products of a Novel Chiral
      Insecticide, Paichongding, in Flooded Paddy Soil.
AB  - Paichongding is a chiral neonicotinoid insecticide currently marketed as racemate
      against sucking and biting insects. Under anaerobic condition, all paichongding
      stereoisomers underwent appreciable degradation in soil during 100 days of
      incubation, with estimated t1/2 values between 0.18 and 3.15 days.
      Diastereoselectivity in paichongding degradation was observed, with enantiomers
      (5S,7R)- and (5R,7S)-paichongding being more preferentially degraded in soils
      than enantiomers (5R,7R)- and (5S,7S)-paichongding. The half-lives of (5R,7R)-
      and (5S,7S)-paichongding were 3.05 and 3.15 days, respectively, as compared to
      0.18 day for (5R,7S)- and (5S,7R)-paichongding. A total of nine intermediates
      were identified, of which depropylated paichongding was the predominant
      metabolite and appeared to be stable and recalcitrant to further degradation.
      Paichongding is degraded via denitration, depropylation, nitrosylation,
      demethylation, hydroxylation, and enol-keto tautomerism, producing chiral and
      biologically active products. These findings could have implications for
      environmental risk and food safety evaluations.

PMID- 27660853
TI  - Effect of Macrocycle Size on the Self-Assembly of Methylimidazolium Surfactant
      with Sulfonatocalix[n]arenes.
AB  - The effect of macrocycle size on the association of supramolecular amphiphiles
      composed of 4-sulfonatocalix[n]arene and 1-methyl-3-tetradecylimidazolium
      (C14mim+) was studied in aqueous solutions at pH 7. When the cavitand contained
      four sulfonatophenol units (SCX4), formation of spherical nanoparticles (NPs) was
      observed. By contrast, both supramolecular micelle (SM) and NP formation could be
      attained in the presence of NaCl when the larger, more flexible 4
      sulfonatocalix[8]arene (SCX8) served as the host compound. The SCX8-promoted self
      assembly into the SM was enthalpically more favorable than the NP production, but
      the molar heat capacity changes in the two processes barely differed. An addition
      of 50 mM NaCl significantly increased the enthalpy of C14mim+-SCX8 NP formation,
      thereby making the self-organization into the SM more favorable. The
      transformation of SM into NP at high temperatures was due to the substantial
      entropic contribution to the driving force behind the NP formation. The critical
      micelle concentration (cmc) and the local polarity in the headgroup domain were
      considerably lower for the SM compared with those of the conventional C14mim+Br-
      micelle.

PMID- 27660854
TI  - Dynamic Melting Properties of Photoswitch-Modified DNA: Shearing versus
      Unzipping.
AB  - We use dynamic force spectroscopy to study the melting properties of azobenzene
      modified double-stranded DNA (azo-dsDNA) in both the shearing and unzipping
      geometries. By fitting the rupture force vs loading rate data with a Friddle-Noy
      De Yoreo model, we extract the location of the barrier (xt), the equilibrium
      force for the bond/transducer system (Feq), and the dissociation rate of dsDNA
      (koff0). We find that the koff0 of azo-dsDNA increases after UV illumination (365
      nm) in both the shearing and unzipping geometries. Notably, we find that koff0 of
      azo-dsDNA in the unzipping geometry is 5-7 orders of magnitude larger than that
      in the shearing geometry, a result that helps explain the dependence of koff0 on
      the azobenzene photoswitch position during shearing experiments. We also extract
      the difference of free energy (DeltaGbu) between binding and unbinding states of
      azo-dsDNA with Feq and the system spring constant (kc). Our results provide
      important insights into the dynamic melting properties of azo-dsDNA and a new
      route for designing applications for reconfigurable sensors, stimulus-response
      materials, and nanoscale energy harvesting schemes based on photoswitch-modified
      biomolecules such as DNA.

PMID- 27660855
TI  - Discovery of Orally Efficacious Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase delta Inhibitors with
      Improved Metabolic Stability.
AB  - Aberrant signaling of phosphoinositide 3-kinase delta (PI3Kdelta) has been
      implicated in numerous pathologies including hematological malignancies and
      rheumatoid arthritis. Described in this manuscript are the discovery,
      optimization, and in vivo evaluation of a novel series of pyridine-containing
      PI3Kdelta inhibitors. This work led to the discovery of 35, a highly selective
      inhibitor of PI3Kdelta which displays an excellent pharmacokinetic profile and is
      efficacious in a rodent model of rheumatoid arthritis.

PMID- 27660856
TI  - Smoke-free policy in Poland on the example of the implementation into national
      law of the European Parliament and Council Directive 2014/40 /EU of 3 April 2014
      on the approximation of laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the
      Member States concerning the production, presentation and sale of tobacco and
      related products, and repealing Directive 2001/37/WE.

PMID- 27660857
TI  - Practical measures of cognitive function and promotion of their performance in
      the context of research.
AB  - The aging of the population generates a number of very interesting research
      questions in the fields of medicine, psychology, sociology, demography, and many
      others. One of the issues subject to both intensive research by scientists and
      exploration by practitioners is associated with cognitive functions. The article
      presents current knowledge regarding practical actions in the field of promoting
      cognitive function using diagnostic programmes and training using modern
      technologies. An important aspect presented in this study is also related to the
      welfare of the maintenance or improvement of cognitive function. Information and
      communication technologies will contribute to the dissemination of computerized
      cognitive training, also personalized. 

PMID- 27660858
TI  - Hypovitaminosis D and adipose tissue - cause and effect relationships in obesity.
AB  - In recent years, attention has been focused on pleiotropic directions of effects
      exerted by vitamin D. Epidemiological data indicate that deficiency of vitamin D
      in various population groups represents an increasingly widespread phenomenon,
      while a decreased serum concentration of calcitriol correlates with manifestation
      of civilization-linked diseases, including visceral obesity. This study aims at a
      review and synthesis of data linked to relationships between lowered vitamin D
      concentrations in blood and manifestation of obesity, and potential mechanisms
      which affect the concentration of the vitamin in conditions of an excessive
      accumulation of adipose tissue. Several variables are distinguished which can
      affect the status of vitamin D in obesity, but the key role in this respect is
      ascribed to the metabolic activity of visceral adipose tissue. Among others, the
      activity favours sequestration and modulation of calcitriol turnover. On the
      other hand, the effects of vitamin D on the process of adipogenesis and its
      involvement in remodelling of adipose tissue are pointed out. Also, several
      factors of an environmental nature (e.g. time of year/day, dietetic supply of
      vitamin D), genetic nature (e.g. genetic polymorphisms) and other conditioning
      (e.g. coexisting diseases, age, content of melanin in skin) cannot be bypassed as
      they may affect the concentration of vitamin D. Nevertheless, it still remains
      unresolved to what extent hypovitaminosis D represents the cause and to which it
      is the effect of obesity. 

PMID- 27660860
TI  - Agriculture and snakebite in Bahia, Brazil - An ecological study.
AB  - This study investigated the correlation between the incidence of snakebite and
      indicators of agricultural development in municipal districts of the State of
      Bahia, Brazil. An ecological study was conducted with the 27,347 cases of
      snakebite poisoning reported to the Reportable Diseases National Information
      System in municipalities from the State of Bahia, Brazil, 2000-2009. The unit of
      analysis was each one of the 417 State municipalities, and the outcome variable
      was the average annual incidence of snakebite. Data were analyzed by multiple
      linear regression technique. The average annual incidence of snakebite ranged
      from zero to 221.96 per 100,000 inhabitants, according to the municipalities. The
      incidence of snakebite was positively and strongly associated with municipality
      characteristics: planted areas of cocoa and coffee, and the size of domestic bred
      chicken and bovine livestocks. It was concluded that several characteristics
      related to municipal agricultural profile were strongly associated with the
      incidence of snakebite. 

PMID- 27660859
TI  - Molecular identification of Giardia duodenalis isolates from domestic dogs and
      cats in Wroclaw, Poland.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Giardia duodenalis (G. intestinalis) is a common protozoan causing
      gastrointestinal disorders in many species of mammals. The genus of Giardia has
      high molecular diversity. Dogs and cats, in addition to their typical infection
      with assemblages C, D and F, may be a reservoir of zoonotic assemblages (A and
      B). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was a genetic characteristic of Giardia
      isolates of dogs and cats from the area of Wroclaw (Poland). MATERIALS AND
      METHOD: A total of 128 and 33 faecal samples from dogs and cats, respectively,
      were analyzed by routine coprological methods. The animals were diagnosed on the
      presence of G. duodenalis antigens in faeces soluble with the use of SNAP Giardia
      (IDEXX Laboratories) immunosorbent assay. 27 DNA isolates of Giardia were
      subjected to molecular identification (PCR-RFLP). RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The
      prevalence of G. duodenalis was 21.1% (27/128) in dogs and 15.1% (5/33) in cats.
      In dogs, C assemblage was present in 18 (81%) positive stool samples, D
      assemblage in 2 (9%) samples, B assemblage present in one (4.5%), and mixed
      assemblages (C and D) occurred in one (4.5%) sample. F assemblage was found in 4
      (80%) cats' positive stool samples and A assemblage occurred in one case (20%).
      Confirmation of the presence of A and B zoonotic assemblages suggests that
      infected pets can be a threat to human health. This study describes for the first
      time the presence of mixed infections within host-specific C and D assemblages in
      dogs in Poland.

PMID- 27660861
TI  - Seroepidemiological study of canine Leishmania infantum and Toxoplasma gondii
      infections in Shanghai, China, and analysis of risk factors.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Leishmania infantum
      and Toxoplasma gondii among household dogs in Shanghai (the most important
      industrial and commercial city in China), and to assess the possible risk factors
      associated with the infection. During 2014-2015, a total of 408 sera were
      collected from healthy household dogs and tested for L. infantum and T. gondii
      infection using commercial ELISA kits. The endemic characteristics according to
      gender, age group and breed were revealed by statistical descriptions and
      inference. The positive rates of L. infantum infection (24/408, 5.9%) were lower
      than those of T. gondii infection (37/408, 9.1%), and co-infection with both
      parasites was detected in seven dogs (7/408, 1.7%). Seropositivity for either
      parasite was more likely associated with age: the seroprevalence of T. gondii
      infection ranged from 1.3% (dogs<=1 year) - 18.7% (dogs>6 years), whereas that of
      L. infantum ranged from 1.3% (dogs<=1 year) - 9.9 % (dogs>6 years).
      Interestingly, the rates of exposure to both L. infantum and T. gondii were
      higher in males than in females. Relatively higher exposure rates for L. infantum
      and T. gondii were also observed in crossbred dogs compared with purebred dogs.
      However, neither gender nor breed is likely a determining factor for infection
      with these two parasites (P > 0.05). Identification of the risk factors that
      underlie these differences may help in the prevention of L. infantum and T.
      gondii infection in household dogs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the
      first report of L. infantum and T. gondii infection in household dogs in
      Shanghai, which shows that these two important parasites are still prevalent in
      this region. Therefore, it is necessary to take integrated strategies for
      prevention and control of infection in animals, which could help to reduce human
      infection in the region. 

PMID- 27660862
TI  - Hepatitis C virus epidemiology and prevention in Polish and Swiss population -
      similar and contrasting experiences.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to review available data on HCV in Poland and
      Switzerland, in order to compare the two European countries with respect to
      epidemiological situation and efficiency of the response systems. MATERIALS AND
      METHOD: A search of registries, published and grey literature was performed to
      assemble data on prevalence, rate of detection of new cases, identified risk
      factors for transmission, mortality due to HCV, prevalence of HCC and the
      consequent liver transplantations, as well as data on treatment in Poland and
      Switzerland. RESULTS: Overall, the prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies was similar,
      not exceeding 1%. However, the major transmission routes of HCV infections were
      different: medical procedures in Poland and drug injections in Switzerland. By
      combining the available information it was also possible to demonstrate important
      differences in efficiency of the response systems. There was approximately 1 new
      diagnosis per 100 estimated undiagnosed cases in the population in Poland per
      year, compared to 6 in Switzerland, and the treatment rate per 100 estimated
      active infections was 2 and 4, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Scaling up of the
      diagnosis and treatment is necessary in both countries; however, the means to
      achieve this might differ, taking into account the higher concentration of the
      infections in risk groups in Switzerland than in Poland.

PMID- 27660864
TI  - Students' attitudes to tick risks.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The ever-increasing number of patients with tick
      borne diseases resulted in the presented study investigating the awareness,
      attitudes and knowledge among students about the threats arising from tick bites
      and preventive anti-tick practices. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Questionnaires
      concerning these issues were distributed amongst Czech and Polish university
      students of science. Responses were analyzed by nationality and by gender.
      RESULTS: Nearly all respondents were aware of the risks arising from ticks and
      could name at least one disease transmitted by ticks. The Czech students felt
      more threatened by tick-borne diseases, had more frequently suffered from Lyme
      borreliosis and were vaccinated against tick-borne encephalitis more often than
      the Polish students. A large number of the participants applied preventive
      measures against ticks in order to protect themselves. The Czech students
      believed in the effectiveness of repellents statistically more often than the
      Polish students, while effectiveness is the main criterion for selection of the
      right repellent in both groups. CONCLUSION: Differences in preferences between
      the two nations appeared in many areas, e.g. the Czechs felt more threatened by
      all kind of risks and suffered from Lyme disease more frequently. Gaps can still
      be found in both the knowledge and behaviour among the respondents. It can be
      expected that the general public knowledge of this issue is rather limited in
      comparison with the students participating in the study, who are systematically
      educated in the field.

PMID- 27660863
TI  - Agricultural injuries in Korea and errors in systems of safety.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Agriculture is known to be a dangerous industry in Korea, as well
      as in other countries. According to earlier studies, the root cause of
      occupational injury can be identified with errors in the various systems of
      safety, and such identification is helpful for the prevention of occupational
      injury. OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to examine the root causes of
      cases of agricultural injury in Korea, based on insurance claims and
      identification of errors in systems of safety. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Using the
      Korean Mutual Aid Insurance's injury claim database, 277 injury cases were
      identified, of which 68 were contacted. Root causes were categorized, using the
      logic tree diagramming method and the systems of safety described in the
      literature. RESULTS: Seventy-five percent of all injuries were attributable to
      falls, strangulation, amputation and collision from flying and falling objects.
      194 root causes were found for all injuries. The percentages of errors in all the
      systems of safety for each root cause were 24.7% - training/procedure, 20.3% -
      design, 11.9% - mitigation, 9.3% - human factor, 6.2% - maintenance/inspection,
      and 1.0% - warning/notification. The percentage of root causes which could not be
      categorized due to a shortage of information was 18.6%. CONCLUSIONS: It was found
      that most agricultural injuries were caused by a complex layer of root causes
      which were classified as errors in the systems of safety. This result indicates
      that not only training and personal protective equipment, but also regulation of
      safety design, mitigation devices, inspection/maintenance of workplaces, and
      other factors play an important role in preventing agricultural injuries. The
      identification of errors will help farmers to implement easily an effective
      prevention programme.

PMID- 27660866
TI  - Genotypic discrimination of Aspergillus fumigatus strain from related species
      within section fumigati.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The aim was to make an exact diagnosis of 20 strains
      using molecular biological methods which were isolated from the atmosphere of the
      inpatient rooms in the Oncology and other departments of the Ege University
      Medical Faculty Hospital, and identified as Aspergillus fumigatus through
      phenotypic tests, and to determine their antibiotic susceptibility patterns.
      MATERIALS AND METHOD: It was confirmed that the 20 phenotypically-identified A.
      fumigatus strains belonged to the section Fumigati after they were tested by the
      ITS-PCR method. Their sequence analysis was performed and the results sent to the
      NCBI GenBank, and their accession numbers were obtained. For their exact
      diagnosis at the species level, the beta-tub (beta-tubulin) and rodA (RodletA)
      genes were examined with the multiplex PCR. Anti-fungal susceptibility of the 20
      strains was determined according to the M38-A2 standards. RESULTS: As a result of
      ITS-PCR, it was confirmed that 19 of the 20 strains identified as A. fumigatus
      through the phenotypic methods belonged to the section Fumigati. However, after
      the detection of beta-tub and rodA genes, all 20 strains were identified as A.
      fumigatus. CONCLUSION: Although the results of the phenotypic and molecular
      biological tests applied to filamentous fungi do not often overlap, in this
      study, the results obtained from the molecular analysis confirmed the results of
      the phenotypic tests. However, 1 of the 20 strains phenotypically-identified as
      A. fumigatus was identified as Penicillium spp. as a result of ITS-PCR and
      sequence analysis. On the other hand, the profile obtained from beta-tub and rodA
      tests indicated that the strain was A. fumigatus. Based on these results, this
      strain is thought to belong to the Aspergilloides genus which has the features of
      both genera.

PMID- 27660865
TI  - First molecular evidence of [i]Borrelia burgdorferi[/i] sensu lato in goats,
      sheep, cattle and camels in Tunisia.
AB  - Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) are tick-transmitted spirochaetes of
      veterinary and human importance. Molecular epidemiology data on ruminants are
      still lacking in most countries of the world. Therefore, the aim of this study
      was to estimate the rate of B. burgdorferi s.l. infection in ruminants from
      Tunisia. A total of 1,021 ruminants (303 goats, 260 sheep, 232 cattle and 226
      camels) from different bioclimatic areas in Tunisia were investigated for the
      presence of B. burgdorferi s.l. DNA in blood by real time PCR. Prevalence rates
      were 30.4% (92/303) in goats, 6.2% (16/260) in sheep, 1.3% (3/232) in cattle, and
      1.8% (4/226) in camels. Only tick species belonging to Rhipicephalus and Hyalomma
      genera were found on the investigated animals. In small ruminants, the prevalence
      of B. burgdorferi s.l. varied significantly according to localities and farms.
      Goats located in humid areas were statistically more infected than those located
      in sub-humid areas. Prevalence rates varied significantly according to age and
      breed in sheep, and age and tick infestation in goats. This study provides the
      first insight into the presence of B. burgdorferi s.l. DNA in ruminants in
      Tunisia, and demonstrates that host species such as goats and sheep may play an
      important role in natural Lyme disease cycles in this country. 

PMID- 27660867
TI  - Environmental factors affecting the survival of soil dwelling Legionella
      longbeachae in water.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Legionella longbeachae, a causative agent of Legionnaire's disease,
      has often been associated with potting soil and gardening, a feature quite
      distinct from other Legionella species. The precise transmission mechanism is
      still unknown, although due to the ecological coherence of the soil and water
      there is a potential risk of infection by contaminated stagnant water in the
      garden. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to explore the ability of L.
      longbeachae to survive in stagnant tap water usually used for watering in
      gardens. The influence of different factors (temperature, pH and NaCl
      concentration) on L. longbeachae survival in stagnant tap water was also tested.
      RESULTS: The result showed that L. longbeachae is viable in stagnant tap water
      over 100 days at 4  degrees C and 25  degrees C. The survival of L. longbeachae
      exposed to different pH and NaCl concentration suggests resistance to low pH
      values (pH2 and pH5) and all tested NaCl concentrations at temperatures lower
      than 25  degrees C. The ability of L. longbeachae to persist in stagnant tap
      water should be taken seriously in the risk assessments as a possible hidden
      reservoir of infection.

PMID- 27660868
TI  - Acrylamide content in cigarette mainstream smoke and estimation of exposure to
      acrylamide from tobacco smoke in Poland.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Acrylamide is a "probably human carcinogen" monomer
      that can form in heated starchy food as a result of a reaction between asparagine
      and reducing sugars via Maillard reaction. The main source of acrylamide in human
      diet are potato products, cereal products and coffee. Tobacco smoke may be
      another significant source of exposure to acrylamide. The aim of our study was to
      determine acrylamide content in cigarettes available on the Polish market and to
      estimate the exposure to acrylamide originating from tobacco smoke in smokers in
      Poland. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The material was cigarettes of the top five brands
      bought in Poland and tobacco from non-smoked cigarettes. Acrylamide content in
      cigarettes mainstream smoke was determined by LC-MS/MS. Exposure assessment was
      carried out using analytical data of acrylamide content in cigarettes and the
      mean quantity of cigarettes smoked daily by smokers in Poland, assuming body
      weight at 70 kg. RESULTS: The mean content of acrylamide was 679.3 ng/cigarette
      (range: 455.0 - 822.5 ng/cigarette). The content of acrylamide was evidenced to
      correlate positively with total particulate matter (TPM) content in cigarettes.
      The estimated average exposure to acrylamide from tobacco smoke in adult smokers
      in Poland is 0.17 MUg/kg b.w./day. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that
      tobacco smoke is a significant source of acrylamide and total exposure to
      acrylamide in the population of smokers, on average, is higher by more than 50%
      in comparison with non-smokers. Our estimation of exposure to acrylamide from
      tobacco smoke is the first estimation taking into account the actual determined
      acrylamide content in the cigarettes available on the market.

PMID- 27660869
TI  - Healthcare model with use of information and communication technology for
      patients with chronic disease.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The healthcare system is positioned in the patient's
      environment and works with other determinants of the treatment. Patient care
      requires a whole system compatible to the needs of organizational and technical
      solutions. The purpose of this study is to present a new model of patient
      oriented care, in which the use of information and communication technology (ICT)
      can improve the effectiveness of healthcare for patients with chronic diseases.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study material is the process of healthcare for
      chronically ill patients. Knowledge of the circumstances surrounding ecosystem
      and of the patients' needs, taking into account the fundamental healthcare goals
      allows us to build a new models of care, starting with the economic assumptions.
      The method used is modeling the construction of efficient healthcare system with
      the patient-centered model using ICT tools. RESULTS: We present a new systemic
      concept of building patient's environment in which he is the central figure of
      the healthcare organization - so called patient centered system. The use of ICT
      in the model of chronic patient's healthcare can improve the effectiveness of
      this kind of care. The concept is a vision to making wide platform of information
      management in chronic disease in a real environment ecosystem of patient using
      ICT tools. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of a systematic approach to the model of
      chronic disease, and the knowledge of the patient itself, a model of the
      ecosystem impacts and interactions through information feedback and the provision
      of services can be constructed. ICT assisted techniques will increase the
      effectiveness of patient care, in which nowadays information exchange plays a key
      role.

PMID- 27660870
TI  - Hospitalization of injured immigrants in Poland - Demographic profile and
      diagnosis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: More and more immigrants gradually come to Poland.
      Little is known, however, about their health situation or their injuries. The
      objective of this study was to analyse the cases of hospitalization of immigrants
      due to injuries in 2008-2010, including the number and demographic
      characteristics of the patients, as well as the nature of injury according to ICD
      10 (S00-T98). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The analysis was conducted on the basis of
      data from the General Hospital Morbidity Study. All the cases of hospitalization
      due to injuries were covered by the analysis, and a group of foreigners was
      compared to the general population. RESULTS: The number of foreigners
      hospitalized due to injuries ranged from 4.6-21.2 thousand in the subsequent
      years. The share of hospitalization due to injuries equalled 8.2-11.9% of all
      foreigners' hospital stay. The majority were males, but the proportion of females
      gradually increased up to 36.7% in 2010. The average age of the hospitalized
      gradually decreased to the age of 35.2 in 2010. The structure of the nature of
      injury was different from that of the general population. Prevailing types of
      injuries were minor injuries of wrist, hand, ankle and foot. Open wounds of the
      head were also common. CONCLUSIONS: Results of the analysis indicate the most
      important tendencies related to immigrants' injuries. Further research, as well
      as monitoring the foreigners' health status is necessary. Taking preventive
      measures is essential among the most vulnerable group - male immigrants aged 15
      19.

PMID- 27660871
TI  - Hospitalization of injured immigrants in Poland - Utilization of in-patient
      services.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: In 2008-2010, the number of foreigners hospitalized
      due to injuries in Poland ranged from approximately 5-21 thousand. The aim of
      this study was to analyse the utilization of in-patient services by injured
      immigrants in 2008-2010, including mode of admission (i.e. referral), mode of
      discharge, average length of patient stay, seasonality and spatial distribution
      of hospital admissions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analysis was conducted on the basis
      of data from the General Hospital Morbidity Study. All cases of hospitalization
      due to injuries were covered by the analysis, and a group of foreigners was
      compared to the general population. RESULTS: The percentage of immigrants
      admitted by acute admission through self-referral increased to 80.9% in 2010. The
      great majority (79.4%) were discharged to in-patient care. The immigrants' stay
      in the hospital was approximately twice as short than that of an average patient
      with injury. Immigrants and the rest of the patients were admitted to hospitals
      in different seasonal rhythm. The great majority of foreigners were treated in
      hospitals located in two (out of 16) provinces. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports
      the need for understanding the immigrant experience when accessing health care,
      as well as the need for further research and contribution of public health.

PMID- 27660872
TI  - Prevalence of hypertension and major cardiovascular risk factors in healthy
      residents of a rural region in south-eastern Poland - 1997-2008/9.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to show the prevalence of
      hypertension and major risk factors of cardiovascular disease among healthy
      adults in an agricultural region of south-eastern Poland, and the changes which
      have occurred in this area during the 12-year follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHOD:
      1,233, mostly rural inhabitants of Zamosc County without previous history of
      diabetes and CVD were subjected to analysis. Prevalence of hypertension and major
      cardiovascular risk factors were evaluated. Changes in the prevalence of risk
      factors between 1997 - 2008 were analyzed. RESULTS: 33.0% of the examined
      population are active smokers, and there was a 1.8-fold increase (p = 0.0009).
      The percentage of people with hypercholesterolemia between 1997 - 2008/9
      increased almost 2-fold (p<0.0001) and now it is 62.3%. The number of people with
      high blood pressure decreased nearly by a half (46%, p <0001) and it is currently
      25.8%. Improper waist circumference was observed in 32.8% of the population
      (33.1% women, 26.5% men). Abdominal obesity decreased among men (48%; p=0.0008)
      and rural residents (29%, p=0.01). In comparison with 1997, in 2008-2009, the
      cardiovascular risk assessed using SCORE tables increased. The percentage of
      people with high-risk (>=5%) almost tripled in the general population (p=0.0183)
      and increased 4-fold in men (p=0.0145). CONCLUSIONS: Detection of hypertension in
      the rural region in which the survey was carried out is still too low. Actions
      against tobacco addiction should be a major component of health-education
      programmes for the rural areas of south-eastern Poland.

PMID- 27660873
TI  - Intentional poisonings in urban and rural children - a 6-year retrospective
      single centre study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Intentional poisonings among children and adolescents are a problem
      not only for paediatricians, but also constitute a big issue for public health.
      In many countries worldwide, including Poland, an increase has been observed in
      suicidal behaviours at developmental age. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was a
      retrospective evaluation of patients hospitalized due to intentional poisoning in
      the Department of Paediatrics, Children's University Hospital in Lublin, Poland,
      in 2007-2012. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the study period, 149 patients were
      hospitalized in the Paediatric Department of the Children's University Hospital
      in Lublin, due to intentional poisoning with medicines or other chemical
      substances. The study group comprised 135 girls and 14 boys; The majority of
      patients (n=105) were urban inhabitants, and only 44 lived in the rural areas.
      Medical records were analyzed, with consideration of medical, psychological and
      psychiatric examinations. RESULTS: Girls constituted as much as 90.6% of the
      study group. The majority of patients lived in urban areas - 70.46%. A total of
      16.77 % of patients came from incomplete families. Alcohol problem occurred in 19
      families. The most frequent cause of a suicide attempt was conflict in the
      family, followed by school problems. During the 6-year-study period, an upward
      tendency in the incidence of intentional poisoning was observed, particularly in
      the first 4 years. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Suicide attempts in adolescents
      were mostly undertaken by girls from the urban environment. The majority of those
      attempts were caused by family problems, including alcoholism.

PMID- 27660874
TI  - Nasal patency in Poles in the light of research as part of the project on
      Epidemiology of Allergic Diseases in Poland.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to estimate the reference values for nasal
      inspiratory flow in the study population in Poland as part of the project on
      Epidemiology of Allergic Diseases in Poland (ECAP). MATERIALS AND METHOD: The
      study subjects were a group of 4,137 people: 1,136 children aged 6-7 years (561
      girls and 575 boys), 1,123 adolescents aged 13-14 years (546 girls, 577 boys) and
      1,878 adults (1,145 women, 733 men), residing in seven large Polish cities. The
      method used in the study was the measurement of the peak nasal inspiratory flow
      (PNIF) using a special mask for rhinomanometry tests, with a measurement scale of
      20-350 L/min. Measurements were conducted twice: once before and once after nasal
      mucosa vasoconstriction with a 0.1% xylometazoline (Xylometazolinum) solution.
      RESULTS: Nasal patency rates increased with age in healthy subjects (children
      aged 6-7 years: 75.95 L/min; teenagers aged 13-14 years: 91.44 L/min and adults:
      97.13 L/min (P<0.05). Similarly significant correlations were observed in the
      study group based on the region of residence (P<0.05). A moderate correlation was
      observed between PNIF and height as well as weight (with correlation coefficients
      r=0.51, P<0.05; and r=0.49, P<0.05, respectively). Interestingly, the observed
      difference in nasal vasoconstriction varied considerably between study subgroups
      with respect to the pre-determined criteria of age, gender, place of residence,
      and clinical diagnosis (allergic rhinitis vs. healthy controls), with the mean
      rates of 25-28%. CONCLUSIONS: Any attempt to determine reference values for a
      given study population should include a number of variables, such as age, height,
      body weight, which can noticeably affect study results.

PMID- 27660875
TI  - Condition of informal caregivers in long-term care of people with dementi.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Caregivers of demented relatives devote their time and attention in
      order to help the beloved members of the family. Those who are informal
      caregivers require support in order to avoid being overburdened. Many such
      caregivers may suffer from chronic health problems, for instance, depression.
      OBJECTIVE: The aim was to assess the factors of depression in caregivers, and to
      discover the determinants of depression among informal family caregivers of
      demented individuals. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Forty-one caregivers in the research
      group were administered a questionnaire which included the caregivers'
      demographics. Caregiver's level of depression was measured by the scale of the
      Centre for Epidemiology Scale for Depression. The relationship between depression
      and demographic features was analyzed. Data were analyzed using STATISTICA 8.1
      (StatSoft). Analysis of the results was performed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov
      test of normality. Pearson correlation coefficient was also used. RESULTS:
      Referring to The Centre for Epidemiology Scale for Depression, the average score
      in the study group was 18 +/- 7.49. There was no statistically significant
      relationship between the level of depression and such factors as caregiver's age,
      time of care of demented relative, and type of kinship and pain. CONCLUSIONS:
      Although there was no relationship between the level of depression and
      demographic features, the problem with quality of life, worries and grief which
      may appear, seemed to be sufficient reason for organizing the prevention of
      depression for all informal caregivers of persons with dementia.

PMID- 27660876
TI  - Influence of dietary calcium intake on quantitative and qualitative parameters of
      bone tissue in Polish adults.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The objective of the study was to assess dietary calcium intake in
      the Polish population and its influence on selected parameters of bone tissue.
      MATERIALS AND METHOD: 1,129 osteoporosis treatment-naive subjects, aged 20-80
      years, randomly selected, were involved in the study. Bone status was established
      using densitometry of spine and hip and quantitative ultrasound of the calcaneus.
      Dietary calcium intake was calculated according to data gathered in a
      questionnaire. RESULTS: Median calcium intake was 746 mg; 72% of subjects had
      calcium intake below the recommended dose. Calcium intake correlated negatively
      with age (r = -0.15; p<0.001) and positively with BMD in the spine (r = 0.06;
      p<0.05) and in the femoral neck (r = 0.07; p < 0.05). In subjects with the lowest
      calcium intake, a significantly lower femoral neck BMD and heel stiffness was
      noticed than in subjects with the highest calcium intake. However, multiple
      regression analysis showed that dietary calcium was not a predictor of low BMD,
      both in the hip and spine, as well as of bone stiffness in contrast to age, low
      BMI and female gender (p<0.0001). In all factors regression analysis, a weak
      influence of calcium intake on BMD was shown only in the subgroup of
      premenopausal women (beta = 0.1; p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In most subjects, dietary
      calcium intake was below the recommended dose; however, its influence on bone
      seems to be weak, except for persons with the greatest deficiency of dietary
      calcium and the subgroup of premenopausal women.

PMID- 27660877
TI  - Physical activity patterns, depressive symptoms and awareness of cardiovascular
      risk factors in postpartum women.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Although physical activity has been found to reduce
      the risk of cardiovascular diseases and depression in the general population,
      little is known about physical patterns and the link with postnatal depressive
      symptoms and awareness of cardiovascular risk factors in postpartum women. The
      aim of this study was to examine physical activity patterns and their link to
      depressive symptoms in postpartum women. The secondary endpoint was the
      assessment of health awareness in women six months after delivery. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Eighty postpartum women with a mean age of 27+/-4 years (group A - 40
      physically active women, group B - 40 women leading a sedentary lifestyle)
      completed a self-report questionnaire and The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression
      Scale (EPDS) questionnaire. RESULTS: In group A, the types of physical activity
      undertaken in the six-month period after delivery were as follows: 20 women -
      housework (180 min/session), 18 women - gentle walks (180 min/session), 16 women 
      group fitness classes (60 min/session), 6 - rapid walking (40 min/session), 3
      women - swimming (60 min/session), 2 women - jogging (45 min/session), 1 woman -
      squash, (45 min/session) 1 - dancing (90 min/session), 1 - tennis
      (60min/session). Group B declared a sedentary lifestyle and physical activity of
      less than 30 min a day. The level of health awareness was statistically better in
      women who were physically active six months after delivery than in women who led
      a sedentary lifestyle. On a scale with a maximum 55 points, the mean scores were
      47.4 in group A and 31.2 in group B (p=0.001). Depressive symptoms were more
      pronounced in group B. Twenty seven women from group A and three women from group
      B returned to their pre-pregnancy weight (p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Women who were
      physically active after delivery were characterized by higher health awareness
      and more frequent return to pre-pregnancy weight. Physical activity may be
      important for reducing the risk of postnatal depression.

PMID- 27660878
TI  - The role of serological testing for Chlamydia trachomatis in differential
      diagnosis of pelvic pain.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pelvic pain is typically associated with pelvic inflammatory
      disease (PID). The most common cause of PID is Chlamydia trachomatis. The aim of
      this study was to verify the role of serological testing for Chlamydia
      trachomatis in patients with suspected PID. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The
      retrospective study included 185 patients with pelvic pain hospitalized at the
      Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2003 and 2004. Titers of anti
      Chlamydia trachomatisIgG and IgA were measured by means ELISA immunoassays.
      Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), serum concentration of C-reactive protein
      (CRP) and leukocyte count (WBC) were also determined. Final diagnosis was
      established on the basis of laparoscopic examination. RESULTS: The presence of
      anti-Chlamydia trachomatis antibodies correlated significantly with abnormal
      values of ESR, WBC and CRP. The most common laparoscopic pathology were pelvic
      adhesions, typically found in women with elevated titers of anti-Chlamydia
      trachomatis IgG. Cconclusion. Serological examination for Chlamydia trachomatis
      is helpful in evaluation of patients with suspected PID. Elevated titers of anti
      Chlamydia trachomatis antibodies are frequently associated with laparoscopic
      evidence of pelvic adhesions and inflammation.

PMID- 27660879
TI  - Evaluation of the hospital environment for women with endometrial cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was describe the factors
      determining the evaluation of the hospital environment, especially satisfaction
      with care and individual needs of cancer patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The
      study comprised 80 women with endometrial cancer diagnosed and treated surgery in
      the Clinic of Gynaecology and Obstetrics in Rzeszow, Poland, between 2011-2012.
      The study used 3 questionnaires: the Goals Attainment Scaling (GAS)
      questionnaires, and questionnaires developed by the EORTC Quality of Life group,
      i.e. the QLQ C-30 (general module) and the In- PATSAT-32. RESULTS: Respondents
      indicated 36 goals/expectations and the most common (over 50%) concerned the
      normal course of the post-operative period. The overall index of all goals which
      were met was 7.0 points. General quality of life reported by respondents before
      surgery was at a medium level (52.3+16.8%). Emotional functioning received the
      lowest scores (61.0+18.8%). Most respondents assessed manual skills of hospital
      doctors and nurses as the best in the In-PATSAT 32 scale i.e. 69.9+/-14.7% and
      67.3+/-16.1%, respectively. The worst ratings concerned access to hospital from
      the outside (50.8+/-16.9%) and easy orientation inside the buildings (55.9+/
      16.0%). CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of correlations between GAS and the In-PATSAT32
      scales proved that they cannot be used interchangeably since they measure
      different aspects of a patient's satisfaction with hospital care. For this
      reason, the application of idiographic and nomothetic tests among cancer patients
      is helpful for evaluation of the hospital environment.

PMID- 27660880
TI  - Intensification of menopausal symptoms among female inhabitants of East European
      countries.
AB  - The objective of the study was analysis of the occurrence and intensity of
      menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women from Poland, Belarus, Ukraine, Czech
      Republic, Slovakia and Poland. The study was conducted during the period 2014
      2015 among postmenopausal women living in the areas of Poland, Belarus, Ukraine,
      Czech Republic and Slovakia. The degree of menopausal complaints was assessed
      using the Kupperman Menopausal Index and Greene Climacteric Scale. The
      respondents were additionally asked about age, educational level, place of
      residence, marital status and age at last menstrual period. Into the study were
      enrolled women aged 50-65, minimum 2 years after the last menstrual period, who
      had a generally good state of health and did not use hormone replacement therapy.
      The results were subjected to statistical analysis. The intensity of all
      menopausal symptoms measured by the Kupperman Menopausal Index and Greene
      Climacteric Scale was similar in Poland, Czech Republic and Slovakia. In these
      countries, severe, moderate and mild menopausal symptoms measured by Kupperman
      Menopausal Index occurred with a similar frequency. Similar results were also
      obtained in the subscales of psychological, somatic and vasomotor symptoms
      according to the Greene Climacteric Scale. Nearly a half of the women from
      Belarus did not report symptoms measured by Kupperman Menopausal Index. They
      obtained significantly lower menopausal complaints in the subscales of
      psychological and somatic symptoms according to the Greene Climacteric Scale,
      compared to the inhabitants of the remaining countries. The majority of women
      from the Ukraine had mild menopausal symptoms as measured by the Kupperman
      Menopausal Index. They had significantly more severe complaints in the subscales
      of psychological, somatic and vasomotor symptoms according to the Greene
      Climacteric Scale, compared to the inhabitants of the remaining countries in the
      study. The intensity of menopausal symptoms in women from Ukraine and Belarus was
      related with educational level, place of residence, and marital status, whereas
      in women from Poland, Czech Republic and Slovakia, only with marital status. 

PMID- 27660881
TI  - Use of marijuana for medical purposes.
AB  - Cannabis is the most popular illicit drug on the European market. Over 16 million
      young Europeans have used it at least once in the last few years. The recent
      trends in the consumption of marihuana differ between countries. Some countries
      face an increase in the prevalence of cannabis use, including Poland, where the
      level cannabis use has been systematically increasing since the 1990's. According
      to a recent ESPAD study, 19% of Polish adolescents aged 15-16 have used cannabis
      in the last year. Marihuana is also a leading substance when analyzing the data
      of seizures and crimes. The recent EMCDDA Annual report on the drug situation in
      Europe notes the increasing potency in cannabis available on the market. Some
      countries face an increasing number of emergencies caused by marihuana, which was
      unlikely to have happened previously. In almost all European countries there is
      an ongoing discussion about loosening marijuana laws or its complete
      legalization. There is also ongoing discussion on the use of marihuana in therapy
      as a medicine. Many scientific studies are being conducted in this field. Some of
      the results are promising; however, there is no well-designed human trial which
      would unequivocally confirm that medical cannabis is effective as a medicine, or
      more effective than other medicines on the market. The problem is that the debate
      on the medical use of marihuana becomes more ideological and less professional.
      The medical use of marihuana is strongly supported by organizations lobbying for
      the legalization of cannabis use. Research on the medical use of cannabis should
      be continued, as there are some promising results supporting therapy in different
      medical conditions. However, the use of cannabis as a medicine should be
      discussed only among professionals. If marihuana is to be used for medical
      purposes, the fact that it is the most popular illicit drug in Europe is
      irrelevant. 

PMID- 27660882
TI  - Anomalous Dynamics of Water Confined in Protein-Protein and Protein-DNA
      Interfaces.
AB  - Confined water often exhibits anomalous properties not observable in the bulk
      phase. Although water in hydrophobic confinement has been the focus of intense
      investigation, the behavior of water confined between hydrophilic surfaces, which
      are more frequently found in biological systems, has not been fully explored.
      Here, we investigate using molecular dynamics simulations dynamical properties of
      the water confined in hydrophilic protein-protein and protein-DNA interfaces. We
      find that the interfacial water exhibits glassy slow relaxations even at 300 K.
      In particular, the rotational dynamics show a logarithmic decay that was observed
      in glass-forming liquids at deeply supercooled states. We argue that such slow
      water dynamics are indeed induced by the hydrophilic binding surfaces, which is
      in opposition to the picture that the hydration water slaves protein motions. Our
      results will significantly impact the view on the role of water in biomolecular
      interactions.

PMID- 27660883
TI  - Correction to Cucurbituril-Based Molecular Recognition.

PMID- 27660884
TI  - Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) activation in cutaneous wounds after
      topical application of aloe vera gel.
AB  - Aloe vera is a medicinal plant used to treat various skin diseases. The effects
      of using aloe vera gel on the healing process were investigated by microscopic
      methods, cell counting, and TGF-beta gene expression in the wound bed. Sixty
      Wistar rats weighing 200-250 g were placed under anesthesia in sterile
      conditions. A square 1.5 cm * 1.5 cm wound was made on the back of the neck. The
      rats were divided into control and 2 experimental groups. Additionally, the
      control and experimental groups were separated into 3 subgroups corresponding to
      4, 7, and 14 days of study. In the first experimental group, aloe vera was used
      twice on the wound. The second experimental group received aloe vera
      overtreatment once on the wound. The positive control group received daily
      application of 1% phenytoein cream following surgical wound creation. The control
      group did not receive any treatment. This tissue was examined using histological
      staining (H&E) and Masson's Trichrome. Wound surface and wound healing were
      evaluated separately. TGF-beta gene expression was analyzed by RT-PCR. Results
      showed that fibroblasts in both experimental groups were significantly increased,
      thereby acceleration wound healing. Application of aloe vera gel will increase
      TGF-beta gene expression, ultimately accelerating the wound healing process.

PMID- 27660885
TI  - Strategies for the Total Synthesis of Diverse Bromo-Chamigrenes.
AB  - Several dozen spirocyclic sesquiterpenoids known as the bromo-chamigrenes have
      been isolated to date. Yet, despite their unique structures, synthetic efforts
      toward this collection have been modest. Herein, we outline two strategies to
      generate their skeletons based on (1) a biomimetic bromonium-induced polyene
      cyclization using BDSB (Et2SBr.SbCl5Br) and (2) a Diels-Alder reaction which
      ultimately delivered four members of the class. In addition, X-ray
      crystallography reveals that one member has a structure in need of revision.

PMID- 27660887
TI  - Metabolic competition as a driver of bacterial population structure.
AB  - Understanding the processes whereby diversity arises and is maintained in
      pathogen populations is pivotal for designing disease control interventions. A
      particular problem is the maintenance of strain structure in bacterial pathogen
      populations despite frequent genetic exchange. Although several theoretical
      frameworks have been put forward to explain this widespread phenomenon, few have
      focused on the role of genes encoding metabolic functions, despite an increasing
      recognition of their importance in pathogenesis and transmission. In this
      article, we review the literature for evidence of metabolic niches within the
      host and discuss theoretical frameworks which examine ecological interactions
      between metabolic genes. We contend that metabolic competition is an important
      phenomenon which contributes to the maintenance of population structure and
      diversity of many bacterial pathogens.

PMID- 27660888
TI  - Influence of Surface Energy on Organic Alloy Formation in Ternary Blend Solar
      Cells Based on Two Donor Polymers.
AB  - The compositional dependence of the open-circuit voltage (Voc) in ternary blend
      bulk heterojunction (BHJ) solar cells is correlated with the miscibility of
      polymers, which may be influenced by a number of attributes, including
      crystallinity, the random copolymer effect, or surface energy. Four ternary blend
      systems featuring poly(3-hexylthiophene-co-3-(2-ethylhexyl)thiophene) (P3HT75-co
      EHT25), poly(3-hexylthiophene-co-(hexyl-3-carboxylate)), herein referred to as
      poly(3-hexylthiophene-co-3-hexylesterthiophene) (P3HT50-co-3HET50), poly(3
      hexylthiophene-thiophene-diketopyrrolopyrrole) (P3HTT-DPP-10%), and an analog of
      P3HTT-DPP-10% with 40% of 3-hexylthiophene exchanged for 2-(2
      methoxyethoxy)ethylthiophen-2-yl (3MEO-T) (featuring an electronically decoupled
      oligoether side-chain), referred to as P3HTTDPP-MEO40%, are explored in this
      work. All four polymers are semicrystalline and rich in rr-P3HT content and
      perform well in binary devices with PC61BM. Except for P3HTTDPP-MEO40%, all
      polymers exhibit similar surface energies (~21-22 mN/m). P3HTTDPP-MEO40% exhibits
      an elevated surface energy of around 26 mN/m. As a result, despite the similar
      optoelectronic properties and binary solar cell performance of P3HTTDPP-MEO40%
      compared to P3HTT-DPP-10%, the former exhibits a pinned Voc in two different sets
      of ternary blend devices. This is a stark contrast to previous rr-P3HT-based
      systems and demonstrates that surface energy, and its influence on miscibility,
      plays a critical role in the formation of organic alloys and can supersede the
      influence of crystallinity, the random copolymer effect, similar backbone
      structures, and HOMO/LUMO considerations. Therefore, we confirm surface energy
      compatibility as a figure-of-merit for predicting the compositional dependence of
      the Voc in ternary blend solar cells and highlight the importance of polymer
      miscibility in organic alloy formation.

PMID- 27660886
TI  - Benefits of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Probiotic in Experimental
      Periodontitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study evaluates effects of topical administration of probiotic
      bacteria of the genus Bifidobacterium on experimental periodontitis (EP) in rats.
      METHODS: Thirty-two rats were divided into groups C (control; without EP), EP (EP
      only), C-HN019 (control+probiotic), and EP-HN019 (EP+probiotic). On day 0 of the
      experiment, animals of groups EP and EP-HN019 received cotton ligatures around
      mandibular first molars (MFMs). In groups C-HN019 and EP-HN019, 1 mL of
      suspensions containing Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (B. lactis) HN019
      was topically administered in the subgingival region of MFMs on days 0, 3, and 7.
      In groups C and EP, topical administrations were performed using a sham
      suspension (without probiotic). All animals were euthanized at day 14. Gingival
      tissue, hemimandibles, and oral biofilm were collected. Data were statistically
      analyzed (P <0.05). RESULTS: Group EP presented greater bone porosity, trabecular
      separation, and connective tissue attachment loss (CTAL) as well as reduced bone
      volume than all other groups (P <0.05). In group EP-HN019, there were greater
      proportions of Actinomyces and Streptococcus-like species and lower proportions
      of Veillonella parvula, Capnocytophaga sputigena, Eikenella corrodens, and
      Prevotella intermedia-like species than group EP. Group EP-HN019 presented
      greater expressions of osteoprotegerin and beta-defensins than group EP (P
      <0.05). Group EP presented greater levels of interleukin-1beta and receptor
      activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand than group EP-HN019 (P <0.05).
      CONCLUSION: Topical use of B. lactis HN019 promotes a protective effect against
      alveolar bone loss and CTALs attributable to EP in rats, modifying
      immunoinflammatory and microbiologic parameters.

PMID- 27660889
TI  - MINFIT: A Spreadsheet-Based Tool for Parameter Estimation in an Equilibrium
      Speciation Software Program.
AB  - Deterpmination of equilibrium constants describing chemical reactions in the
      aqueous phase and at solid-water interface relies on inverse modeling and
      parameter estimation. Although there are existing tools available, the steep
      learning curve prevents the wider community of environmental engineers and
      chemists to adopt those tools. Stemming from classical chemical equilibrium
      codes, MINEQL+ has been one of the most widely used chemical equilibrium software
      programs. We developed a spreadsheet-based tool, which we are calling MINFIT,
      that interacts with MINEQL+ to perform parameter estimations that optimize model
      fits to experimental data sets. MINFIT enables automatic and convenient screening
      of a large number of parameter sets toward the optimal solutions by calling
      MINEQL+ to perform iterative forward calculations following either exhaustive
      equidistant grid search or randomized search algorithms. The combined use of the
      two algorithms can securely guide the searches for the global optima. We
      developed interactive interfaces so that the optimization processes are
      transparent. Benchmark examples including both aqueous and surface complexation
      problems illustrate the parameter estimation and associated sensitivity analysis.
      MINFIT is accessible at http://minfit.strikingly.com .

PMID- 27660890
TI  - What is the degree of innovation routinely implemented in Dutch radiotherapy
      centres? A multicentre cross-sectional study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the implementation of innovation activities in Dutch
      radiotherapy (RT) centres in a broad sense (product, technological, market and
      organizational innovations). METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was
      conducted in 15 Dutch RT centres. A list of innovations implemented from 2011 to
      2013 was drawn up for each centre using semi-structured interviews. These
      innovations were classified into innovation categories according to previously
      defined innovation indicators. Where applicable, each innovation was rated by
      each centre on the effort required to implement it and on its expected effects,
      to get an impression of how far reaching and radical the innovations were and to
      be able to compare the number of innovations between centres. RESULTS: The
      participating RT centres in the Netherlands implemented 12 innovations per year
      on average (range 5-25); this number was not significantly different for academic
      (n = 13) or non-academic centres (n = 10). Several centres were dealing with the
      same innovations at the same time. The average required effort and expected
      output did not differ significantly between product, technological and
      organizational innovation or between academic and non-academic centres.
      CONCLUSION: The number of innovations observed per centre varied across a large
      range, with a large overlap in terms of the type of innovations that were
      implemented. Registering innovations using the innovation indicators applied in
      our study would make it possible to improve collaboration between centres, e.g.
      with common training modules, to avoid duplication of work. Advances in
      knowledge: This study is the first of its kind investigating innovation
      implementation in RT in a broad sense.

PMID- 27660891
TI  - The increasingly anti-tumor effect of a colonic carcinoma DNA vaccine carrying
      HER2 by the adjuvanticity of IL-12.
AB  - The present study aimed to determine the effect of recombinant DNA vaccine-based
      human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) and Interleukin 12 (IL-12) on the
      development of colonic carcinoma in mice and the potential immune mechanisms
      involved. Recombinant plasmids pVAX1-HER2, pVAX1-IL-12 and pVAX1-HER2-IL-12 were
      constructed, and injected into female mice intramuscularly (i.m.) followed by an
      electric pulse. The humoral and cellular immune responses after immunization were
      examined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and enzyme-linked
      immunospot assay (ELISPOT), respectively. To evaluate the anti-tumor efficacy of
      the plasmids, a mouse model with a HER2-expressing tumor was designed. Mice
      vaccinated with the HER2-IL-12 plasmid generated the strongest inhibition
      efficacy on the growth of HER2-expressing tumors and prolonged mouse survival.
      These observations emphasized the potential of IL-12 as an adjuvant for DNA
      vaccines and of vaccines based on HER2 and IL-12 as a promising treatment for
      colonic carcinoma.

PMID- 27660892
TI  - Enantioselective Michael Addition of Malonates to Chalcone Derivatives Catalyzed
      by Dipeptide-derived Multifunctional Phosphonium Salts.
AB  - Highly enantioselective Michael addition of malonates to enones catalyzed by
      dipeptide-derived multifunctional phosphonium salts has been developed. The newly
      established catalytic system was characterized with its wide substrate scope
      featured with aliphatic aldehyde-derived enones and substituted malonates. The
      gram scale-up synthesis of adducts can also be successfully achieved under
      optimal conditions with both excellent yield and enantioselectivity.

PMID- 27660893
TI  - Stability of isolated antibody-antigen complexes as a predictive tool for
      selecting toxin neutralizing antibodies.
AB  - Ricin is an A-B ribosome inactivating protein (RIP) toxin composed of an A-chain
      subunit (RTA) that contains a catalytic N-glycosidase and a B-chain (RTB) lectin
      domain that binds cell surface glycans. Ricin exploits retrograde transport to
      enter into the Golgi and the endoplasmic reticulum, and then dislocates into the
      cytoplasm where it can reach its substrate, the rRNA. A subset of isolated
      antibodies (Abs) raised against the RTA subunit protect against ricin
      intoxication, and RTA-based vaccine immunogens have been shown to provide long
      lasting protective immunity against the holotoxin. Anti-RTA Abs are unlikely to
      cross a membrane and reach the cytoplasm to inhibit the enzymatic activity of the
      A-chain. Moreover, there is not a strict correlation between the apparent binding
      affinity (Ka) of anti-RTA Abs and their ability to successfully neutralize ricin
      toxicity. Some anti-RTA antibodies are toxin-neutralizing, whereas others are
      not. We hypothesize that neutralizing anti-RTA Abs may interfere selectively with
      conformational change(s) or partial unfolding required for toxin internalization.
      To test this hypothesis, we measured the melting temperatures (Tm) of
      neutralizing single-domain Ab (sdAb)-antigen (Ag) complexes relative to the Tm of
      the free antigen (Tm-shift = Tmcomplex - TmAg), and observed increases in the
      Tmcomplex of 9-20 degrees. In contrast, non-neutralizing sdAb-Ag complexes
      shifted the TmComplex by only 6-7 degrees. A strong linear correlation (r2 =
      0.992) was observed between the magnitude of the Tm-shift and the viability of
      living cells treated with the sdAb and ricin holotoxin. The Tm-shift of the sdAb
      Ag complex provided a quantitative biophysical parameter that could be used to
      predict and rank-order the toxin-neutralizing activities of Abs. We determined
      the first structure of an sdAb-RTA1-33/44-198 complex, and examined other sdAb
      RTA complexes. We found that neutralizing sdAb bound to regions involved in the
      early stages of unfolding. These Abs likely interfere with steps preceding or
      following endocytosis that require conformational changes. This method may have
      utility for the characterization or rapid screening of other Ab that act to
      prevent conformational changes or unfolding as part of their mechanism of action.

PMID- 27660894
TI  - Association of CLOCK, ARNTL, PER2, and GNB3 polymorphisms with diurnal preference
      in a Korean population.
AB  - Polymorphisms in human circadian genes are potential genetic markers that affect
      diurnal preference in several populations. In this study, we evaluated whether
      four polymorphisms in circadian genes CLOCK, ARNTL, PER2, and GNB3 were
      associated with diurnal preference in a Korean population. In all, 499 healthy
      subjects were genotyped for four functional polymorphisms in CLOCK, ARNTL, PER2,
      and GNB3. Composite scale of morningness (CSM) was applied to measure phenotype
      patterns of human diurnal preference. In addition, three subscale scores, i.e.
      "morningness," "activity planning," and "morning alertness," were extracted from
      the CSM. No significant associations were observed between CSM scores and CLOCK
      (rs1801260) genotype or T allele carrier status, CSM scores and ARNTL (rs2278749)
      C allele carrier status, and CSM scores and GNB3 (rs5443) genotype or C allele
      carrier status. However, total CSM scores and scores of its subscales were
      significantly associated with PER2 (rs934945) genotype (p = 0.010, p = 0.018, and
      p = 0.005 for total, morningness, and activity planning, respectively) and G
      allele carrier status (p = 0.003, p = 0.005, and p = 0.002 for total,
      morningness, and activity planning, respectively). The best model result obtained
      by performing multifactor dimensionality reduction analysis ([Formula: see text]2
      = 11.2798, p = 0.0008) indicated that interaction among C/T single nucleotide
      polymorphism (SNP) in ARNTL, C/T SNP in GNB3, and G/A SNP in PER2 synergistically
      affected the risk associated with diurnal preference toward eveningness. These
      results suggest that circadian gene PER2 is associated with diurnal preference in
      healthy Korean population. Although polymorphisms in ARNTL and GNB3 were not
      significantly associated with diurnal preference, their interactions with the
      polymorphism in PER2 may synergistically increase the risk of diurnal preference
      toward eveningness.

PMID- 27660896
TI  - Relevance of Quality Measurement to Integrative Healthcare in the United States.
AB  - With the advent of new models for payment and delivery of healthcare services,
      the use of quality measures for continual improvement of clinical healthcare is
      now an integral feature of medical practice in the United States. However,
      quality measurement and quality improvement activities are not common practice
      among integrative health providers. This article discusses the import and
      application of quality measurement to the practice of integrative healthcare. It
      reviews developments in the healthcare quality improvement movement, explores the
      relevance of quality measures to integrative healthcare, describes examples of
      the current use of quality measures in integrative health practice, discusses
      discriminatory policies that may prevent participation in quality improvement by
      integrative health practitioners, and makes recommendations for practice and
      policy.

PMID- 27660897
TI  - Feasibility Testing of a Self-Management Program Book to Improve Adherence to PAP
      in Persons Newly Diagnosed With Sleep Apnea.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To obtain feasibility data on a self-management program to improve
      adherence with positive airway pressure (PAP) in individuals with newly diagnosed
      obstructive sleep apnea. METHODS: A mixed-methods design assessed program
      effectiveness and participants' opinions on program ease-of-use. Structured
      interviews with the treatment group occurred one week and one month after
      initiation of PAP therapy. RESULTS: Participants (n = 14) completing the study
      demonstrated 64% adherence versus 58% of the controls. Ease of use was
      demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: The PAP self-management program demonstrated ease of
      use and was found somewhat effective in improving PAP adherence. PRACTICE
      IMPLICATIONS: The book was useful in assisting participants by validating
      information obtained from their providers and developing an understanding of the
      consequences of not using PAP.

PMID- 27660898
TI  - Senseless Violence Against Central American Unaccompanied Minors: Historical
      Background and Call for Help.
AB  - The southwestern U.S. border has recently seen a significant increase in the
      number of unaccompanied children from Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador
      illegally crossing the Mexican border into the United States. Many of these
      children leave home to flee violence, starvation, impoverished living conditions,
      or other life-threatening situations. The treatment of acute stress, anxiety, and
      depression associated with traumatic events is crucial in helping these children
      address these negative psychological events they have experienced so that they
      can move forward with their lives. Untreated, traumatic events experienced by
      this population can develop into Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, a potentially
      life-changing and physically threatening psychological and medical issue. The
      United States needs to effectively address the serious matter of responding to
      mental health issues facing refugees from war-torn or impoverished nations so as
      to help them to successfully adjust to American systems. There is a need for
      researchers in the mental health field to focus efforts in designing,
      implementing, and evaluating methodologies that can help these children develop
      healthy strategies for living with a very difficult and complex past.

PMID- 27660899
TI  - Transplant Survival After Berlin Heart EXCOR Support.
AB  - The Berlin Heart EXCOR pediatric ventricular assist device (VAD) is approved by
      the Food and Drug Administration for bridge to cardiac transplantation (BTT) in
      children. As the clinical outcomes of the EXCOR continue to be evaluated in the
      United States, data on post-transplant survival are needed. The UNOS database was
      used to identify patients <18 years old undergoing orthotopic heart
      transplantation (OHT) from June 2004 to June 2014. Patients undergoing BTT with
      the EXCOR were identified. A matched cohort of (358) patients undergoing OHT
      without pretransplant mechanical circulatory support (no-MCS) was also identified
      as control subjects. The post-transplant survival between the two groups was
      compared. There were 2,885 pediatric OHT during the study period. Of these, 358
      (50%) patients were BTT with the EXCOR. At time of listing, inotrope use was
      51.7% vs. 53.4%, (p = 0.653) in the EXCOR cohort and the no-MCS cohort,
      respectively. At the time of transplantation, end-organ function was equivalent
      with same median creatinine levels (0.4, p = 0.203) and median total bilirubin
      (0.5, p = 0.682) for the EXCOR and the no-MCS cohorts. Kaplan-Meier post
      transplantation survival did not differ between the two cohorts (30 day, 1 year,
      and 5 year post-transplant survival was 94%, 90%, and 72% [EXCOR cohort] vs. 98%,
      91%, and 77% [no-MCS cohort]; p = 0.160). Short- and mid-term post-transplant
      survival using the EXCOR Pediatric VAD as a BTT in children is equivalent to
      patients who underwent OHT without pretransplant MCS.

PMID- 27660895
TI  - Pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in cutaneous leishmaniasis: a review.
AB  - Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is caused by different species of the genus
      Leishmania. Pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines play different roles in
      resistance/susceptibility and the immunopathogenesis of Leishmania infection. The
      balance and dynamic changes in cytokines may control or predict clinical outcome.
      T helper 1 (Th1) inflammatory cytokines (especially interferon-gamma, tumor
      necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-12) are the crucial factors in the
      initiation of protective immunity against L. major infection, whereas T helper 2
      cytokines including IL-5, IL-4, and IL-13 facilitate the persistence of parasites
      by downregulating the Th1 immune response. On the other hand, aggravation of
      inflammatory reactions leads to collateral tissue damage and formation of ulcer.
      For this reason, immunity system such as T regulatory cells produce regulatory
      cytokines such as transforming growth factor-beta and IL-10 to inhibit possible
      injures caused by increased inflammatory responses in infection site. In this
      article, we review the role of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the
      immunoprotection and immunopathology of CL.

PMID- 27660901
TI  - Multi-Sense CardioPatch: A Wearable Patch for Remote Monitoring of Electro
      Mechanical Cardiac Activity.
AB  - This study describes the conceptual design and the first prototype implementation
      of the Multi-Sense CardioPatch, a wearable multi-sensor patch for remote heart
      monitoring aimed at providing a more detailed and comprehensive heart status
      diagnostics. The system integrates multiple sensors in a single patch for
      detection of both electrical (electrocardiogram, ECG) and mechanical (heart
      sounds, HS) cardiac activity, in addition to physical activity (PA). The
      prototypal system also comprises a microcontroller board with a radio
      communication unit and it is powered by a Li-Ion rechargeable battery. Results
      from preliminary evaluations on healthy subjects have shown that the prototype
      can successfully measure electro-mechanical cardiac activity, providing useful
      cardiac indexes. The system has potential to improve remote monitoring of cardiac
      function in chronically diseased patients undergoing home-based cardiac
      rehabilitation programs.

PMID- 27660900
TI  - Is Stopping Heparin Safe in Patients on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
      Treatment?
AB  - Anticoagulation treatment during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)
      treatment is unavoidable. However, discontinuation of heparin infusion is
      necessary when challenges associated with the use of heparin, such as bleeding
      and thrombocytopenia, are encountered. The medical records of 94 adult (age >= 18
      years) patients treated with ECMO from January 2011 to March 2015, at Chung-Ang
      University Hospital, Seoul, Korea, were reviewed. Among the 94 patients, 55
      patients underwent ECMO treatment for three or more days. In 52.7% of these
      patients (n = 29, group A), heparin was stopped for three or more days because of
      thrombocytopenic events (< 50,000 cells/mm), higher than target range (> 230
      seconds) activated clotting time (ACT), bleeding complications, or the need for
      other surgical procedures. In 43.6% of patients (n = 24, group B), heparin was
      continuously infused during the entire ECMO process. The mean length of ECMO
      support after the initiation of heparin discontinuation in patients in group A
      was 10.2 +/- 14.7 days. There were no intracardiac, intravascular, or
      intracircuit thrombotic complications in group A. There was no difference in the
      ECMO weaning success rate between the two groups (41.4% in group A vs. 54.2% in
      group B, p = 0.353). Heparin discontinuation can be considered in a select group
      of patients with coagulation abnormalities or bleeding.

PMID- 27660902
TI  - Role of Thromboelastography Platelet Mapping and International Normalized Ratio
      in Defining "Normocoagulability" During Anticoagulation for Mechanical
      Circulatory Support Devices: A Pilot Retrospective Study.
AB  - Thromboembolic (TE) events and hemorrhagic complications continue to remain as
      frequent adverse events and causes of death after mechanical circulatory support
      device (MCSD) implantation. To counterbalance this postimplant multifactorial
      hypercoagulable state, antithrombotic therapy given postimplant must be
      individually tailored to keep patient adequately anticoagulated yet
      normocoagulable. Prior studies describing different anticoagulation protocols do
      not define normocoagulability for patients on MCSDs. We evaluated the role of
      thromboelastography platelet mapping (TEG PM) in defining "normocoagulability"
      for MCS patients on anticoagulant (warfarin) and antiplatelet agents. Ninety
      eight MCSD patients who underwent TEG PM assay at our institution from 2012 to
      2014 were included for retrospective analysis. Eleven (11.2%) subjects developed
      at least one TE event during the study period. Of the 13 TE events, 8 occurred in
      patients with total artificial heart (TAH). TEG parameters closest to the event
      or when patient was clinically adequately anticoagulated and corresponding
      international normalized ratio (INR) were measured. Thromboelastography
      coagulation index (CI) appears to be the single most statistically significant
      parameter that can be used to designate a patient as normocoagulable. Based on
      our results, patients with HeartMate II (HM II) and Heart Ware (HW) devices
      should be maintained at a CI value of less than or equal to 1.5 whereas patients
      with TAH devices should be maintained at a CI less than or equal to 1.2. The CI
      should be correlated with the degree of Vitamin K-dependent coagulation factor
      inhibition that is achieved using device-specific goal INR ranges. A recent
      modification, TEG PM assesses the effects of antiplatelet drug. Maximal amplitude
      arachidonic acid (MA-AA) < 50 and maximal amplitude adenosine diphosphate (MA
      ADP) < 50 are desired for normocoagulable state.

PMID- 27660903
TI  - CRRT Connected to ECMO: Managing High Pressures.
AB  - Metabolic disorders and fluid overload are indications of continuous renal
      replacement therapy (CRRT) including continuous venovenous hemofiltration in
      patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Direct connection of CRRT
      machine to the ECMO circuit provides many advantages. Nevertheless, because
      pressures in CRRT lines relate to ECMO blood flow, high ECMO blood flow may be
      associated with high pressures in CRRT lines. Thus, management of CRRT pressure
      lines becomes challenging. We evaluated a protocol for managing high CRRT
      pressures. Connections were performed according to a standardized protocol to
      maintain CRRT lines in the correct pressure ranges without modifying ECMO
      settings or inhibiting pressure alarms. To achieve this goal, the way of
      connecting of CRRT lines was adapted following a standardized protocol.
      Connection was first attempted between pump and oxygenator in the 12 patients. In
      five cases, high pressures in CRRT lines were successfully managed by changing
      the connection segment. Continuous renal replacement therapy parameters were
      within target levels and reduction of serum creatinine was 37%. In conclusion,
      management of high pressures in CRRT lines induced by ECMO could be achieved
      without modifying ECMO blood flow or inhibiting CRRT alarms. Iterative stops were
      avoided allowing efficient procedures.

PMID- 27660904
TI  - Cannula Design and Recirculation During Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane
      Oxygenation.
AB  - Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is used as a lifesaving rescue
      treatment in refractory respiratory or cardiac failure. During venovenous (VV)
      ECMO, the presence of recirculation is known, but quantification and actions to
      minimize recirculation after measurement are to date not routinely practiced. In
      the current study, we investigated the effect of draining cannula design on
      recirculation fraction (Rf) during VV ECMO; conventional mesh cannula was
      compared with a multistage cannula. The effect of adjusting cannula position was
      also studied. Recirculation was measured with ultrasound dilution technique at
      different ECMO flows and after cannula repositioning. All patients who were
      admitted to our unit between October 2014 and July 2015 catheterized by the atrio
      femoral single lumen method were included. A total of 108 measurements were
      conducted in 14 patients. The multistage cannula showed significantly less
      recirculation (19.0 +/- 12.2%) compared with the conventional design (38.0 +/-
      13.7). Pooled data in cases improved from adjustment showing reduced Rf by 7%. In
      conclusion, the choice of cannula matters, as does adjustment of the draining
      cannula position during atrio-femoral VV ECMO. By utilizing the ultrasound
      dilution technique to measure Rf before and after repositioning, effective ECMO
      flow can be improved for a more effective ECMO treatment.

PMID- 27660905
TI  - Sources of Circuit Thrombosis in Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.
AB  - Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for cardiopulmonary support of
      critically ill patients is used frequently in the pediatric population. ECMO is
      burdened by complications, including thrombosis and hemorrhage. Here we
      demonstrate the focused location of clots, their histologic composition, and the
      relationship of in situ thrombus to local hemodynamics in ECMO circuits.
      Pediatric ECMO circuits from Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University
      (Atlanta, GA) were obtained after removal from extracorporeal support over a 2.5
      year period (n = 50). All clots and material deposited within the circuit were
      recorded. Location of clot was compared with local hemodynamics. Most clots were
      adherent to the junctions made by the tubing and connectors, as opposed to being
      randomly disturbed throughout the circuit tubing (p << 0.05). Loose, nonadherent
      clots were also found at the entry side of oxygenators. The clots colocated
      directly with zones of low shear rate. Histology revealed a fibrinous
      composition, consistent with coagulation potentiated by low shear. Centrifugal
      pump circuits (n = 16) had more clots than roller pump (n = 34) circuits (p <<
      0.05). In addition, all centrifugal pumps had clots that formed at the top of the
      pump shaft. The ECMO circuits from our single-center study demonstrate the
      concentrated location of fibrin clots at low shear zones created by tubing
      connector junctions. Type of pump also influences the frequency of clot
      formation. Since the mechanism of the majority of ECMO circuit thrombosis is low
      shear and fibrin driven, optimization of hemodynamics and anticoagulation regimen
      may reduce clot formation and bleeding.

PMID- 27660906
TI  - Heat Generation in Axial and Centrifugal Flow Left Ventricular Assist Devices.
AB  - Despite increasing use of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) as a surgical
      treatment for advanced heart failure in an era of improved outcomes with LVAD
      support, the mechanical interactions between these pumps and the cardiovascular
      system are not completely understood. We utilized an in vitro mock circulatory
      loop to analyze the heat production incurred by operation of an axial flow and
      centrifugal flow LVAD. A HeartMate II and a HeartWare HVAD were connected to an
      abbreviated flow loop and were implanted in a viscoelastic gel. Temperature was
      measured at the surface of each LVAD. Device speed and fluid viscosity were
      altered and, in the HeartMate II, as artificial thrombi were attached to the
      inflow stator, impeller, and outflow stator. The surface temperatures of both
      LVADs increased in all trials and reached a plateau within 80 minutes of flow
      initiation. Rate of heat generation and maximum system temperature were greater
      when speed was increased, when viscosity was increased, and when artificial
      thrombi were attached to the HeartMate II impeller. Normal operation of these two
      widely utilized LVADs results in appreciable heat generation in vitro. Increased
      pump loading resulted in more rapid heat generation, which was particularly
      severe when a large thrombus was attached to the impeller of the HeartMate II.
      While heat accumulation in vivo is likely minimized by greater dissipation in the
      blood and soft tissues, focal temperature gains with the pump housing of these
      two devices during long-term operation may have negative hematological
      consequences.

PMID- 27660907
TI  - "Trust the researchers": flying in the face of evidence.
AB  - There are always rival hypotheses to explain away the one that is posited as the
      most likely to be true. Context and Occam's razor - the principle that among
      competing hypotheses, the one with the fewest assumptions should be selected -
      ultimately point to which hypothesis is the most likely to be true.

PMID- 27660908
TI  - The quest for the minimal bacterial genome.
AB  - The onset of techniques for both editing extant bacterial chromosomes and
      synthesizing long DNA sequences has enabled addressing the question on the
      smallest set of genes and biological functions that are required for running an
      operative cell. But this is not only a fundamental scientific endeavour: simpler
      genomes could be easier to understand and eventually reprogram for the sake of
      diverse applications. This has fostered efforts to eliminate apparently useless -
      if not annoying DNA segments from many biotechnologically relevant strains as
      well as attempts to (re)write complete genomes a la carte. Yet, the smallest
      number of genes that enable given functionalities do vary depending on the
      ultimate agenda, as both natural and engineered small-size genomes afford genetic
      simplicity by engaging in a suite of complex interactions with the surrounding
      medium.

PMID- 27660909
TI  - Copolymer Brushes with Temperature-Triggered, Reversibly Switchable Bactericidal
      and Antifouling Properties for Biomaterial Surfaces.
AB  - The adherence of bacteria and the formation of biofilm on implants is a serious
      problem that often leads to implant failure. A series of antimicrobial coatings
      have been constructed to resist bacterial adherence or to kill bacteria through
      contact with or release of antibacterial agents. The accumulation of dead
      bacteria facilitates further bacterial contamination and biofilm development.
      Herein, we have designed and constructed a novel, reversibly switchable
      bactericidal and antifouling surface through surface-initiated reversible
      addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization to combine thermally
      responsive N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) and bactericidal quaternary ammonium
      salts (2-(dimethylamino)-ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA+)). Measurements of
      spectroscopic ellipsometry and water contact angle and X-ray photoelectron
      spectroscopy were used to examine the process of the surface functionalization.
      The temperature-responsive P(DMAEMA+-co-NIPAAm) copolymer coating can switch by
      phase transition between a hydrophobic capturing surface at high temperatures and
      a relatively hydrophilic antifouling surface at lower temperatures. The
      quaternary ammonium salts of PDMAEMA+ displayed bactericidal efficiency against
      both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The functionalized surface could
      efficiently prevent bovine serum albumin adsorption and had good biocompatibility
      against human lens epithelial cells.

PMID- 27660910
TI  - Interaction between gene repair and mobile elements-induced activity systems
      after low-dose irradiation.
AB  - PURPOSE: To analyze the role of mus-genes repair in system activation P-elements
      in Drosophila melanogaster induced by a chronic exposure to low doses. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: The materials were dysgenic individuals of Drosophila melanogaster
      with mutations in repair genes (mus101, mus205, mus304, mus308, mus309) and
      simultaneous transposition of mobile P-elements. The animals were exposed to a
      chronic irradiation in low doses (0.42 mGy/h). The reaction of animals was
      analyzed by the DNA damage rate in somatic cells ('Comet assay'), level of
      dominant lethal mutations, fecundity, and survival rate. RESULTS: The combined
      action of the systems of post-replication, recombination repair (mus205, mus304),
      repair of DNA double-stranded breaks (mus304), and of the transposition activity
      of P-elements after a chronic irradiation in low doses was identified according
      to every study parameter. The other repair systems and their genes (mus101,
      mus308, and mus309) responded to action of only one factor (irradiation or mobile
      elements transposition). CONCLUSION: The obtained data significantly contribute
      to the knowledge on a new reaction of the mechanisms of organisms to a chronic
      irradiation in low doses.

PMID- 27660911
TI  - Analysis of enhancement at small and large radiation doses for effectiveness of
      inactivation in cultured cells by combining two agents with radiation.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the enhancement effect of two combined radiation-sensitizing
      agents in mammalian cells at small doses as compared to large doses using the
      linear-quadratic (LQ) mathematical model. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Data on
      clonogenic assays concerning the radio-enhancement effects of combined
      halogenated pyrimidines and hyperthermia or combined cisplatin and hyperthermia,
      as published in earlier reports, were analyzed according to the LQ-formula:
      S(D)/S(0) = exp-(alphaD + betaD(2)). Effects of sensitizing agents on the linear
      parameter alpha and the quadratic parameter beta are compared in order to
      evaluate differences depending on the applied dose, the possible relations to
      mechanisms of radiation sensitization and to derive suggestions for applications.
      RESULTS: The values of the linear parameter alpha, which determines the
      effectiveness at low doses, are for all cell lines and all conditions more
      increased than the values of the parameter beta which has a higher contribution
      at larger radiation doses. The combination of hyperthermia with halogenated
      pyrimidines to radiation as well as the combination of hyperthermia and cisplatin
      to radiation significantly increases the value of the linear parameter alpha, as
      compared to radiation alone or radiation combined with a single agent.
      CONCLUSIONS: The radiation enhancement factors of the values of linear and
      quadratic parameters demonstrate that the sensitizing agents have a larger effect
      on the linear parameter which is dominant at low radiation doses as is used in
      fractionated-radiation treatment in the clinic. Moreover, the effect is even
      further increased when two radiation sensitizers are used.

PMID- 27660913
TI  - The Presence of New Psychoactive Substances in a Tor Network Marketplace
      Environment.
AB  - Prior research has documented the availability of drugs on many Tor Network
      websites, with the Internet playing a particularly vital role in the global new
      psychoactive substances (NPS) market. The primary objective of this research was
      to document types of NPS for sale on the largest operating Tor site (Agora) over
      a period of four months. Secondary objectives were to analyze countries and
      vendors sourcing NPS on Agora. Data from Agora were collected in February and
      June 2015. The number of total advertisements on Agora increased from 20,742 to
      27,431 over the four months, while the number of NPS advertisements increased
      from 2,205 to 2,271 and the number of vendors increased from 157 to 288. The
      composition of NPS listings and source countries for NPS advertised on Agora
      diversified over time. Advertisements for ketamine and unclassified NPS
      experienced substantial growth, while the availability of phenethylamines
      decreased. However, phenethylamines remained the most frequently advertised NPS
      type. China and the U.S. were found to be the top two countries by volume selling
      NPS on Agora over the fpir months, but the number of countries identified as
      advertising NPS increased by nearly 43%. The United States housed the most NPS
      vendors.

PMID- 27660914
TI  - Model-based screening for critical wet-weather discharges related to
      micropollutants from urban areas.
AB  - Wet-weather discharges contribute to anthropogenic micropollutant loads entering
      the aquatic environment. Thousands of wet-weather discharges exist in Swiss sewer
      systems, and we do not have the capacity to monitor them all. We consequently
      propose a model-based approach designed to identify critical discharge points in
      order to support effective monitoring. We applied a dynamic substance flow model
      to four substances representing different entry routes: indoor (Triclosan,
      Mecoprop, Copper) as well as rainfall-mobilized (Glyphosate, Mecoprop, Copper)
      inputs. The accumulation on different urban land-use surfaces in dry weather and
      subsequent substance-specific wash-off is taken into account. For evaluation, we
      use a conservative screening approach to detect critical discharge points. This
      approach considers only local dilution generated onsite from natural, unpolluted
      areas, i.e. excluding upstream dilution. Despite our conservative assumptions, we
      find that the environmental quality standards for Glyphosate and Mecoprop are not
      exceeded during any 10-min time interval over a representative one-year
      simulation period for all 2500 Swiss municipalities. In contrast, the
      environmental quality standard is exceeded during at least 20% of the discharge
      time at 83% of all modelled discharge points for Copper and at 71% for Triclosan.
      For Copper, this corresponds to a total median duration of approximately 19 days
      per year. For Triclosan, discharged only via combined sewer overflows, this means
      a median duration of approximately 10 days per year. In general, stormwater
      outlets contribute more to the calculated effect than combined sewer overflows
      for rainfall-mobilized substances. We further evaluate the Urban Index
      (Aurban,impervious/Anatural) as a proxy for critical discharge points: catchments
      where Triclosan and Copper exceed the corresponding environmental quality
      standard often have an Urban Index >0.03. A dynamic substance flow analysis
      allows us to identify the most critical discharge points to be prioritized for
      more detailed analyses and monitoring. This forms a basis for the efficient
      mitigation of pollution.

PMID- 27660915
TI  - FAR-RED ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL3 promotes floral meristem determinacy in Arabidopsis.
AB  - The transposase-derived transcription factor genes FAR-RED ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL3
      (FHY3) and FAR-RED IMPAIRED RESPONSE1 (FAR1) have redundant and multifaceted
      roles in plant growth and development during the vegetative stage, including
      phytochrome A-mediated far-red light (FR) signaling and circadian clock
      entrainment. Little is known about their functions in the reproductive stage. We
      recently demonstrated that FHY3 plays important roles in shoot apical meristem
      (SAM) maintenance and floral meristem (FM) determinacy through its target genes
      CLAVATA3 (CLV3), SEPALLATA1 (SEP1) and SEP2. Here we present data that FHY3 but
      not its homolog, FAR1, has a distinct role in FM determinacy in a manner
      independent of its light signaling and circadian pathway functions. Moreover,
      genome-wide gene expression profiling showed that the homeostasis of the FM is
      critical for the regulation of FM activity.

PMID- 27660916
TI  - Upsurge of Enterovirus D68, the Netherlands, 2016.
AB  - In June and July 2016, we identified 8 adults and 17 children with respiratory
      enterovirus D68 infections. Thirteen children required intensive care unit
      admission because of respiratory insufficiency, and 1 had concomitant acute
      flaccid myelitis. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all of 20 sequences obtained
      belong to the recently described clade B3.

PMID- 27660918
TI  - Pharmacogenetic study focused on fluoxetine pharmacodynamics in children and
      adolescent patients: impact of the serotonin pathway.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Pharmacogenetic studies of fluoxetine in children and adolescents are
      scarce. After reporting the effect of genetic variants in genes related to the
      fluoxetine pharmacokinetics on clinical response in a pediatric population, we
      now evaluate the impact of genetic markers involved in its pharmacodynamics.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: The assessment was performed in 83 patients after 12 weeks
      of fluoxetine treatment. The genetic association analysis included a total of 316
      validated single nucleotide polymorphisms in 45 candidate genes involved in six
      different pathways. RESULTS: Clinical improvement after treatment with fluoxetine
      in our pediatric population was associated significantly with two polymorphisms
      located in genes related to the serotonergic system: the 5-hydroxytryptamine
      receptor 1B (HTR1B) and the tryptophan 5-hydroxylase 2 (TPH2). CONCLUSION:
      Although a wide range of candidate genes related to different pathways were
      assessed, the results show that genetic markers directly related to serotonin
      have an important effect on fluoxetine response.

PMID- 27660917
TI  - Postdischarge Falls and Readmissions: Associations with Insufficient Vision and
      Low Health Literacy among Hospitalized Seniors.
AB  - The role of patient-level risk factors such as insufficient vision has been
      understudied. Because insufficient vision may interfere with health literacy
      assessments, the full impact of low health literacy among older patients with
      impaired vision is unknown. We sought to determine whether senior inpatients'
      insufficient vision and low health literacy are associated with adverse outcomes
      postdischarge, specifically falls and readmissions. We conducted an observational
      study of adult medicine inpatients at an urban hospital. Visual acuity and health
      literacy were screened at bedside. Outcomes data were collected by telephone 30
      days postdischarge. Among 1,900 participants, 1,244 (65%) were reached
      postdischarge; 44% had insufficient vision and 43% had low health literacy.
      Insufficient vision was associated with postdischarge falls among participants
      >=65 years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 3.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.42
      8.05), but not among participants <65 years (AOR 1.44, 95% CI 0.89-2.32). Low
      health literacy was associated with readmissions among participants >=65 years
      (AOR 3.15, 95% CI 1.77-5.61), but not among participants <65 years (AOR 0.78, 95%
      CI 0.56-1.09). The results suggest the need to implement screening for older
      inpatients' vision and health literacy. Developing effective interventions to
      reduce these risks is critical given national priorities to reduce falls and
      readmissions.

PMID- 27660919
TI  - Band gap states in nanocrystalline WO3 thin films studied by soft x-ray
      spectroscopy and optical spectrophotometry.
AB  - Nanocrystalline tungsten trioxide (WO3) thin films prepared by DC magnetron
      sputtering have been studied using soft x-ray spectroscopy and optical
      spectrophotometry. Resonant inelastic x-ray scattering (RIXS) measurements reveal
      band gap states in sub-stoichiometric gamma-WO3-x with x  =  0.001-0.005. The
      energy positions of these states are in good agreement with recently reported
      density functional calculations. The results were compared with optical
      absorption measurements in the near infrared spectral region. An optical
      absorption peak at 0.74 eV is assigned to intervalence transfer of polarons
      between W sites. A less prominent peak at energies between 0.96 and 1.16 eV is
      assigned to electron excitation of oxygen vacancies. The latter results are
      supported by RIXS measurements, where an energy loss in this energy range was
      observed, and this suggests that electron transfer processes involving
      transitions from oxygen vacancy states can be observed in RIXS. Our results have
      implications for the interpretation of optical properties of WO3, and the optical
      transitions close to the band gap, which are important in photocatalytic and
      photoelectrochemical applications.

PMID- 27660920
TI  - Clinical Performance of a Spherical Hybrid Lens Design in High Regular
      Astigmatism.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate safety, efficacy, and comfort of a spherical hybrid
      contact lens design in management of the regular astigmatic cornea. METHODS: This
      prospective study included 18 eyes from 18 subjects with regular corneal
      astigmatism greater than -3.00 diopters. All patients were fitted with optimal
      hybrid contact lenses. Demographic data and fitting parameters were recorded.
      Patient refraction, visual outcomes, contrast sensitivity, and glare levels were
      measured 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after the start of lens use. Duration of
      lens use, comfort grades, causes of lens discontinuation, and any noticed
      complications were recorded. RESULTS: An average of 1.8 lenses (range 1-3) was
      required to achieve the optimal fit. Average logMAR visual acuity had improved
      significantly from 0.92+/-0.03 to 0.03+/-0.04 (P<0.001) at the last follow-up.
      Contrast sensitivity and glare tests were also significantly improved.
      Statistical analysis of the subjective responses indicated a strong acceptance of
      the lens by most of the patients. Mean wearing time of lenses was 10.1+/-3.2
      hr/d. Causes of discontinuation were discomfort (2 patients), high lens price (2
      patients), and handling problems (1 patient). Minimal complications were
      demonstrated in wearers of the lenses during follow-up visits. CONCLUSION:
      Spherical hybrid contact lenses provide a good option for patients with regular
      astigmatic corneas. They provide optimal visual function with high comfort and
      patient satisfaction, especially when surgery is undesirable or contraindicated.

PMID- 27660921
TI  - Dry Eye Assessment in Patients With Vitamin D Deficiency.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate tear film function in patients
      with vitamin D deficiency. METHODS: In a single center, 60 eyes of 30 patients
      with vitamin D deficiency (group 1), and 60 eyes of 30 healthy individuals (group
      2) were evaluated using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire,
      Schirmer I test, tear break-up time (TBUT), scoring of ocular surface fluorescein
      staining using a modified Oxford scale, and tear osmolarity. RESULTS: Tear
      osmolarity values, OSDI, and Oxford scale scores were significantly higher in
      group 1 (309+/-9 mOsm/L, 35.78+/-21.44 and 1.3+/-0.9, respectively) compared with
      group 2 (295+/-10 mOsm/L, 18.69+/-17.21 and 0.4+/-0.8, respectively) (P<0.001 for
      all). Schirmer I test and TBUT results in group 1 (8.5+/-3.7 mm and 8.7+/-0.6
      sec, respectively) were significantly lower compared with group 2 (16.6+/-2.4 and
      18.1+/-0.5, respectively) (P<0.001 for all). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates
      that vitamin D deficiency is associated with tear hyperosmolarity and tear film
      dysfunction. Patients with vitamin D deficiency may be prone to dry eye.

PMID- 27660922
TI  - Occupational therapy for delirium management in elderly patients without
      mechanical ventilation in an intensive care unit: A pilot randomized clinical
      trial.
AB  - PURPOSE: Delirium has negative consequences such as increased mortality, hospital
      expenses and decreased cognitive and functional status. This research aims to
      determine the impact of occupational therapy intervention in duration, incidence
      and severity of delirium in elderly patients in the intensive care unit;
      secondary outcome was to assess functionality at hospital discharge. METHODS:
      This is a pilot randomized clinical trial of patients without mechanical
      ventilation for 60 years. Patients were assigned to a control group that received
      standard strategies of prevention (n=70) or to an experimental group that
      received standard strategies plus occupational therapy twice a day for 5 days
      (n=70). Delirium was valued with Confusion Assessment Method and Delirium Rating
      Scale, and functional outcomes at discharge with Functional Independence Measure,
      Hand Dynamometer, and Mini-Mental State Examination. RESULTS: A total of 140
      participants were recruited. The experimental group had lower duration (risk
      incidence ratios, 0.15 [P=.000; 95% confidence interval, 0.12-0.19] vs 6.6
      [P=.000, 95% confidence interval, 5.23-8.3]) and incidence of delirium (3% vs
      20%, P=.001), and had higher scores in Motor Functional Independence Measure (59
      vs 40 points, P<.0001), cognitive state (MMSE: 28 vs 26 points, P<.05), and grip
      strength in the dominant hand (26 vs 18 kg, P<.05), compared with the control
      group. CONCLUSIONS: Occupational therapy is effective in decreasing duration and
      incidence of delirium in nonventilated elderly patients in the intensive care
      unit and improved functionality at discharge.

PMID- 27660923
TI  - The effect of vasoactive drugs on mortality in patients with severe sepsis and
      septic shock. A network meta-analysis of randomized trials.
AB  - PURPOSE: Inotropes and vasopressors are cornerstone of therapy in septic shock,
      but search for the best agent is ongoing. We aimed to determine which vasoactive
      drug is associated with the best survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed,
      BioMedCentral, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register were searched.
      Randomized trials performed in septic patients with at least 1 group allocated to
      an inotrope/vasopressor were included. Network meta-analysis with a frequentist
      approach was performed. RESULTS: The 33 included studies randomized 3470 patients
      to 16 different comparators. As compared with placebo, levosimendan (odds ratio
      [OR], 0.17, 95%; confidence interval [CI], 0.05-0.60), dobutamine (OR, 0.30; 95%
      CI, 0.09-0.99), epinephrine (OR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.13-0.96), vasopressin (OR, 0.37;
      95% CI, 0.16-0.89), and norepinephrine plus dobutamine (OR, 0.4; 95% CI, 0.11
      0.96) were significantly associated with survival. Norepinephrine improved
      survival compared with dopamine (OR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.66-1.00). Rank analysis
      showed that levosimendan had the highest probability of being the best treatment.
      CONCLUSIONS: Among several regimens for pharmacological cardiovascular support in
      septic patients, regimens based on inodilators have the highest probability of
      improve survival.

PMID- 27660924
TI  - Sleep in intensive care unit: The role of environment.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine if improving intensive care unit (ICU) environment would
      enhance sleep quality, assessed by polysomnography (PSG), in critically ill
      mechanically ventilated patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Randomized controlled
      trial, crossover design. The night intervention "quiet routine" protocol was
      directed toward improving ICU environment between 10pm and 6am. Noise levels
      during control and intervention nights were recorded. Patients on mechanical
      ventilation and able to give consent were eligible for the study. We monitored
      sleep by PSG.The standard (American Association of Sleep Medicine) sleep scoring
      criteria were insufficient for the assessment of polysomnograms. Modified
      classification for sleep scoring in critically ill patients, suggested by Watson
      et al. (Crit Care Med 2013;41:1958-1967), was used. RESULTS: Sound level analysis
      showed insignificant effect of the intervention on noise reduction (P=.3). The
      analysis of PSGs revealed that only 53% of the patients had identifiable
      characteristics of normal sleep, whereas 47% showed only pathologic patterns.
      CONCLUSIONS: Characteristics of normal sleep were absent in many of the PSG
      recordings in these critically ill patients. We were not able to further reduce
      the already existing low noise levels in the ICU and did not find any association
      between the environmental intervention and the presence of normal sleep
      characteristics in the PSG.

PMID- 27660925
TI  - Suppression of Asparaginyl Endopeptidase Inhibits Polyomavirus Middle T Antigen
      Induced Tumor Formation and Metastasis.
AB  - Elevated circulating asparaginyl endopeptidase (AEP), a novel lysosomal protease,
      has been found in breast cancer, and AEP is thus considered to be a prognostic
      factor in this disease. However, the pathological functions of circulating AEP in
      the development of breast cancer and the potential of AEP-targeted therapy remain
      unclear. We used MMTV-PyVmT transgenic mice, which spontaneously develop mammary
      tumors. Western blotting showed overexpression of AEP in both primary tumor
      tissue and lung metastases compared to their normal counterparts. Moreover, the
      concentration of circulating AEP gradually increased in the serum during the
      development of mammary tumors. Purified AEP protein injected through the tail
      vein promoted tumor growth and mammary tumor metastasis and shortened survival,
      whereas AEP-specific small compound inhibitors (AEPIs) effectively suppressed
      tumor progression and prolonged host survival. Further analysis of the molecular
      mechanism revealed that AEP was important for PI3K/AKT pathway activation. Thus,
      an elevated serum AEP level was closely related to mammary cancer progression and
      metastasis, and AEP is a potential target for breast cancer therapy in the
      clinic.

PMID- 27660926
TI  - Altered Biomarkers in Trophoblast Cells Obtained Noninvasively Prior to Clinical
      Manifestation of Perinatal Disease.
AB  - A contributing factor to poor placental perfusion, leading to intrauterine growth
      restriction and preeclampsia, is the failure of invading extravillous trophoblast
      (EVT) cells to remodel the maternal uterine arteries during the first and second
      trimesters of pregnancy. Noninvasive assessment of EVT cells in ongoing
      pregnancies is possible beginning three weeks after conception, using trophoblast
      retrieval and isolation from the cervix (TRIC). Seven proteins were semi
      quantified by immunofluorescence microscopy in EVT cells obtained between
      gestational weeks 6 and 20 from pregnancies with normal outcomes (N = 29) and
      those with intrauterine growth restriction or preeclampsia (N = 12). Significant
      differences were measured in expression of PAPPA, FLT1, ENG, AFP, PGF, and
      LGALS14, but not LGALS13 or the lineage marker KRT7. These findings provide for
      the first time direct evidence of pathology-associated protein dysregulation in
      EVT cells during early placentation. The TRIC platform provides a novel approach
      to acquire molecular signatures of EVT cells that can be correlated with
      pregnancy outcome.

PMID- 27660928
TI  - Benign Breast Diseases: Evaluation and Management.
AB  - Benign breast disease is a spectrum of common disorders. The majority of patients
      with a clinical breast lesion will have benign process. Management involves
      symptom control when present, pathologic-based and imaging-based evaluation to
      distinguish from a malignant process, and counseling for patients that have an
      increased breast cancer risk due to the benign disorder.

PMID- 27660927
TI  - Effect of wire fretting on the corrosion resistance of common medical alloys.
AB  - Metallic medical devices such as intravascular stents can undergo fretting damage
      in vivo that might increase their susceptibility to pitting corrosion. As a
      result, the US Food and Drug Administration has recommended that such devices be
      evaluated for corrosion resistance after the devices have been fatigue tested in
      situations where significant micromotion can lead to fretting damage. Three
      common alloys that cardiovascular implants are made from [MP35N cobalt chromium
      (MP35N), electropolished nitinol (EP NiTi), and 316LVM stainless steel (316LVM)]
      were selected for this study. In order to evaluate the effect of wire fretting on
      the pitting corrosion susceptibility of these medical alloys, small and large
      fretting scar conditions of each alloy fretting against itself, and the other
      alloys in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) at 37 degrees C were tested per ASTM
      F2129 and compared against as received or PBS immersed control specimens.
      Although the general trend observed was that fretting damage significantly
      lowered the rest potential (Er ) of these specimens (p < 0.01), fretting damage
      had no significant effect on the breakdown potential (Eb , p > 0.05) and hence
      did not affect the susceptibility to pitting corrosion. In summary, our results
      demonstrate that fretting damage in PBS alone is not sufficient to cause
      increased susceptibility to pitting corrosion in the three common alloys
      investigated. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl
      Biomater, 105B: 2487-2494, 2017.

PMID- 27660929
TI  - Simulation and Shoulder Dystocia.
AB  - Shoulder dystocia is an unpredictable obstetric emergency that requires prompt
      interventions to ensure optimal outcomes. Proper technique is important but
      difficult to train given the urgent and critical clinical situation. Simulation
      training for shoulder dystocia allows providers at all levels to practice
      technical and teamwork skills in a no-risk environment. Programs utilizing
      simulation training for this emergency have consistently demonstrated improved
      performance both during practice drills and in actual patients with significantly
      decreased risks of fetal injury. Given the evidence, simulation training for
      shoulder dystocia should be conducted at all institutions that provide delivery
      services.

PMID- 27660930
TI  - Current Management of the Axilla.
AB  - Despite advances in estimating prognosis and predicting response to adjuvant
      systemic therapy, the status of the axillary lymph nodes remains a critical
      component in initial surgical planning and in determining therapeutic strategies
      for patients with breast cancer. Buoyed by evidence from multi-institutional
      randomized clinical trials, the last 2 decades have witnessed remarkable and
      practice-changing advances in our approach to the axilla. This review
      concentrates on the current best practice in axillary management for both node
      negative and node-positive patients, with particular focus on the evolving
      management of the axilla in the era of neoadjuvant systemic therapy.

PMID- 27660931
TI  - PANLAR Consensus Recommendations for the Management in Osteoarthritis of Hand,
      Hip, and Knee.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this consensus is to update the recommendations for
      the treatment of hand, hip, and knee osteoarthritis (OA) by agreeing on key
      propositions relating to the management of hand, hip, and knee OA, by identifying
      and critically appraising research evidence for the effectiveness of the
      treatments and by generating recommendations based on a combination of the
      available evidence and expert opinion of 18 countries of America. METHODS:
      Recommendations were developed by a group of 48 specialists of rheumatologists,
      members of other medical disciplines (orthopedics and physiatrists), and three
      patients, one for each location of OA. A systematic review of existing articles,
      meta-analyses, and guidelines for the management of hand, hip, and knee OA
      published between 2008 and January 2014 was undertaken. The scores for Level of
      Evidence and Grade of Recommendation were proposed and fully consented within the
      committee based on The American Heart Association Evidence-Based Scoring System.
      The level of agreement was established through a variation of Delphi technique.
      RESULTS: Both "strong" and "conditional" recommendations are given for management
      of hand, hip, and knee OA and nonpharmacological, pharmacological, and surgical
      modalities of treatment are presented according to the different levels of
      agreement. CONCLUSIONS: These recommendations are based on the consensus of
      clinical experts from a wide range of disciplines taking available evidence into
      account while balancing the benefits and risks of nonpharmacological,
      pharmacological, and surgical treatment modalities, and incorporating their
      preferences and values. Different backgrounds in terms of patient education or
      drug availability in different countries were not evaluated but will be
      important.

PMID- 27660932
TI  - Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Does Not Increase Risk of Adverse Events in the
      First 6 Months After Total Knee Arthroplasty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increasing numbers of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
      (SLE) are undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Whether postsurgical adverse
      events (AEs) are higher in patients with SLE than patients with osteoarthritis
      (OA) is unknown. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare AEs within 6 months of
      TKA. METHODS: Patients in a single institution's arthroplasty and SLE registries
      who underwent TKA from 2007 to 2014 were eligible. SLE cases were matched 1:2 to
      OA on age, sex, year of TKA, and procedure type. AEs were collected through chart
      review and registry responses. Baseline characteristics were compared and
      regression analysis performed to determine predictors of AEs. RESULTS: Fifty-two
      SLE TKA were matched to 104 OA TKA. There was no difference in follow-up between
      groups. SLE patients had more comorbidities (>=1 Charlson-Deyo comorbidity: SLE
      38.4% vs. OA 17.3%; P-value < 0.001) and steroid use (preoperative [SLE 28.8% vs.
      OA 1.9%, P-value < 0.001] and perioperative "stress-dose" [30.8% vs. 2.9%, P
      value = 0.01]). SLE patients did not experience more major (SLE 25.0% vs. OA
      19.2%; P-value = 0.41), minor (15.4% vs. 10.6%; P-value = 0.39), or total (38.5%
      vs. 27.9%; P-value = 0.18) AEs. AEs were not increased among patients on stress
      dose steroids. In a multiple logistic regression analysis controlling for
      comorbidities and diagnosis, neither SLE (OR 1.61, 95% CI 0.74-3.50) nor >1
      comorbidity (OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.46-2.39) was an independent risk factor for AEs.
      CONCLUSION: SLE is not an independent risk factor for increased AEs 6 months
      after TKA. Stress-dose steroid use does not heighten AE risk. These findings
      should inform recommendations for SLE patients considering TKA.

PMID- 27660933
TI  - Detection of Anti-Type II Collagen Antibodies in Patients With Chronic Gouty
      Arthritis: Findings From a Pilot Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that chronic gouty arthritis patients would develop an
      immune response to type II collagen that would be revealed by the presence of
      anti-type II collagen (CII) antibodies in serum, which may in turn be involved in
      progression to non-remitting arthritis. METHODS: Chronic gouty arthritis was
      defined as crystal-confirmed gout in patients with no pain-free intercritical
      period, with or without the presence of tophi, who did not have clinical features
      of other forms of chronic arthritis. Age-matched gout patients suffering acute
      gouty attacks who had definite intercritical periods were selected as a control
      group. Four RA patients who had active disease were enrolled as a positive
      control group. Anti-CII antibodies were quantified in patient sera via ELISA
      using a human IgG anti-CII antibody assay kit. Correlations between anti-CII
      levels and clinical parameters were sought. RESULTS: Fifteen chronic gouty
      arthritis patients were identified. The anti-CII level was significantly higher
      among subjects with chronic gout compared to controls, but did not significantly
      differ in control gout patients during acute attacks and in the intercritical
      periods. Five patients with chronic gouty arthritis had anti-CII antibody levels
      higher than 200 AU/mL, whereas only one control gout patient exhibited this
      feature. Two of four patients with active RA had anti-CII antibody levels higher
      than 200 U/mL.Patients with tophi had significantly higher anti-CII levels than
      those without, whereas patients showing radiographic erosion tended to have
      higher anti-CII levels than those without. CONCLUSION: Patients with chronic
      gouty arthritis had significantly higher levels of anti-CII antibodies than
      control gout patients. Such antibody production would be triggered by initiation
      of cartilage damage but may also play a role in perpetuation of inflammation.

PMID- 27660935
TI  - Detection of Calcium Crystals in Knee Osteoarthritis Synovial Fluid: A Comparison
      Between Polarized Light and Scanning Electron Microscopy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The identification of calcium crystals in synovial fluid (SF) of
      patients with osteoarthritis (OA) represents an important step in understanding
      the role of these crystals in synovial inflammation and disease progression.
      OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the presence of calcium pyrophosphate
      (CPP) and basic calcium phosphate (BCP) crystals in SF collected from patients
      with symptomatic knee OA by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled to x-ray
      energy dispersive spectroscopy, compensated polarized light microscopy (CPLM),
      and alizarin red staining. METHODS: Seventy-four patients with knee OA were
      included in the study. Synovial fluid samples were collected after arthrocentesis
      and examined under CPLM for the assessment of CPP crystals. Basic calcium
      phosphate crystals were evaluated by alizarin red staining. All the samples were
      examined by SEM. The concordance between the 2 techniques was evaluated by Cohen
      kappa agreement coefficient. RESULTS: Calcium pyrophosphate and BCP crystals were
      found, respectively, in 23 (31.1%) and 13 (17.5%) of 74 OA SFs by SEM analysis.
      Calcium pyrophosphate crystals were identified in 23 (31.1%) of 74 samples by
      CPLM, whereas BCP crystals were suspected in 27 (36.4%) of 74 samples. According
      to kappa coefficient, the concordance between CPLM and SEM was 0.83 for CPP, and
      that between alizarin red and SEM was 0.68 for BCP. CONCLUSIONS: The results of
      our study showed a high level of concordance between the 2 microscope techniques
      as regards CPP crystal identification and a lower agreement for BCP crystals.
      Although this finding highlights the difficulty in identifying BCP crystals by
      alizarin red staining, the use of SEM remains unsuitable to apply in the clinical
      setting. Because of the in vitro inflammatory effect of BCP crystals, further
      work on their analysis in SF could provide important information about the OA
      process.

PMID- 27660934
TI  - Safety of Corticosteroid Treatment in Rheumatologic Patients With Markers of
      Hepatitis B Viral Infection: Pilot Evaluation Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Immunosuppressive agents may induce hepatitis B flares. The minimal
      corticosteroid dose and duration of therapy leading to HBV reactivation is
      unknown. OBJECTIVE: To assess whether short-term corticosteroid therapy for
      rheumatologic diseases induces HBV reactivation. METHODS: The records of all
      HBsAg or HBcore antibodies positive, anti-HBs negative patients who were
      hospitalized in the rheumatology department during 2001-2014 and treated with
      corticosteroids were reviewed. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), HBV serology, and
      serum HBV DNA at baseline and 1-3 months after discharge were recorded. RESULTS:
      Complete data were found for 23 patients who were hospitalized 73 times for 7
      days of treatment with IV corticosteroids. Eighteen patients were HBsAg positive.
      The mean methylprednisolone dose was 33.9 +/- 24 mg/d. The concomitant therapy
      included DMARDs (15), low-dose corticosteroids (8), and biologicals (10). Serum
      HBV DNA was detected at baseline in seven patients. Three HBsAg-positive patients
      treated with cyclophosphamide had HBV hepatitis flare-up with elevated ALT. Two
      HBsAg-positive patients had reappearance of HBV DNA in serum after treatment with
      azathioprine and infliximab, respectively, but the ALT levels remained normal.
      Lamivudine therapy reduced the serum HBV DNA and improved ALT levels in all
      patients. Corticosteroid therapy by itself did not trigger exacerbation of HBV
      hepatitis. No HBV reactivation occurred in lamivudine-treated patients after
      recurrent exposure to biologicals or cyclophosphamide. CONCLUSIONS: Short
      episodes of corticosteroids seem to be safe in HBV carriers, even in the presence
      of DMARDs, but lamivudine prophylaxis should be considered for patients exposed
      to biologicals or cyclophosphamide. Larger prospective trials are needed to
      establish guidelines.

PMID- 27660936
TI  - The Evelyn Hess Memorial Lecture.

PMID- 27660937
TI  - Necrotizing Autoimmune Myopathy: A Unique Subset of Idiopathic Inflammatory
      Myopathy.
AB  - Necrotizing autoimmune myopathy (NAM) is a recently recognized entity within the
      spectrum of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies. Diagnosis critically rests on
      histopathologic demonstration of macrophage predominant myocyte destruction, with
      few to no lymphocytes. We report our experience with identifying and treating
      this subset of inflammatory myositis, highlighting the importance of muscle
      biopsy in diagnosis, association with statin use and malignancy, and challenges
      of therapy.We present 3 cases that presented to 2 hospitals within our academic
      system in calendar year 2014 with acute/subacute onset of profound proximal
      muscle weakness and markedly elevated creatine kinase levels. All patients had
      been exposed to statins for varying periods. While each electromyogram (EMG)
      study showed changes with a diffuse inflammatory myopathy, it was not until
      muscle biopsy was performed when histopathologic features consistent with NAM
      solidified the diagnosis in all 3 cases. While high-dose glucocorticoids helped
      provide some degree of improvement in symptoms, none of our cases returned to
      their preillness baseline independent functioning. Additional immunosuppressive
      therapy was considered in each case but limited because of comorbidities.These
      cases demonstrate the importance of pursuing muscle biopsy in all patients with
      proximal muscle weakness and markedly elevated creatine kinase levels. While
      symptoms appear consistent with polymyositis, only through muscle biopsy can the
      diagnosis of NAM be made. Statins have been implicated in NAM, acting through an
      antibody-dependent mechanism. Combination immunosuppressive therapy has been
      advocated, but our patient's comorbidities precluded safe use of medications
      beyond glucocorticoids. 

PMID- 27660938
TI  - A Novel Approach in the Treatment of Calcinosis Cutis.

PMID- 27660939
TI  - Addison Disease and Discoid Lupus Erythematosus: A Rare Association of
      Polyglandular Autoimmune Syndrome Type II.

PMID- 27660940
TI  - Gonagra Puzzle.

PMID- 27660941
TI  - Coronary and Aortic Involvement as Initial Manifestations of Possible Giant Cell
      Arteritis in a Patient Without Cardiovascular Comorbidities.

PMID- 27660942
TI  - Universalis Calcinosis in Adult Dermatomyositis: An "Anti-NXP2 Syndrome".

PMID- 27660943
TI  - A Subtle Presentation of Fabry Disease.

PMID- 27660944
TI  - The Responsibilites of Daily Life May Interfere With Adherence to Medications in
      Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Systemic Sclerosis (SSc).

PMID- 27660945
TI  - Extensive Pyoderma Gangrenosum Associated With Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis
      With Both Responsive to Rituximab.

PMID- 27660946
TI  - Iatrogenic Thenar Eminence Atrophy After Botox A Injection for Secondary Raynaud
      Phenomenon.

PMID- 27660947
TI  - Delaying tactics.
AB  - News that the Government is likely to postpone changes to community care
      provision surely raises some fundamental questions about the intent and wisdom of
      the initiative. The rhetoric which accompanied 'Caring for people' ( 1 ) about
      patient choice and client- centred care has vanished.

PMID- 27660948
TI  - Mixed reactions over Government stalling.
AB  - The Government is expected to put the brakes on its community care reforms this
      week in order to limit next year's poll tax bills.

PMID- 27660949
TI  - Delighted response to White Paper retreat.
AB  - The Government has retreated from introducing its NHS White Paper nurse education
      reforms, a delighted Tony Smith, English National Board chief executive, claimed
      last week.

PMID- 27660951
TI  - Welsh nurse education on course for 1992.
AB  - The Government last week gave in to pressure from the nursing profession and
      agreed to bring forward the Project 2000 timetable in Wales by one year.

PMID- 27660950
TI  - Care planned for the homeless mentally ill.
AB  - Nurses have welcomed the Government's L5 million scheme, unveiled last week, to
      offer care and accommodation to men- tally-ill people living on the streets in
      Central London.

PMID- 27660954
TI  - Extra HV posts spell Victory' in Greenwich.
AB  - Health visitors are claiming a 'tremendous victory' after managers in Greenwich
      agreed to increase staffing levels in , line with their proposals last week.

PMID- 27660953
TI  - Health visiting.
AB  - Health visit: in recognition of National Health Visitor Week, health minister
      Virginia Bottomley visited HVA headquarters and met General Secretary Catherine
      Burns (left), babies, parents and I professionals. The week's activity focused on
      health promotion.

PMID- 27660955
TI  - Vital primary health care services in jeopardy.
AB  - Primary health care services are under serious threat from the National Health
      Service reforms and will be further jeopardised by delays in implementing the
      Community Care Act, Royal College of Nursing General Secretary Christine Hancock
      said last week.

PMID- 27660956
TI  - One in six DHAs not meeting targets.
AB  - One in six district health authorities is failing to meet the Government's
      targets for processing cervical smear tests, Shadow Health Minister Harriet
      Harman revealed last week.

PMID- 27660957
TI  - Clinical grading.
AB  - Glasgow nursing sisters are hoping that the current round of interviews by
      independent assessors will end a long-running dispute over clinical grading in
      the city's Mental Health Unit.

PMID- 27660959
TI  - Ethnic minorities may lose out from reforms.
AB  - Health professionals must act now to prevent ethnic minority health care losing
      out in the NHS reforms, a district's health and race conference heard last week.

PMID- 27660960
TI  - Parliament.
AB  - Consultations are to begin soon between professional nursing organisations and
      the Government on increased patient access to health records.

PMID- 27660962
TI  - World news.
AB  - United States registered nurses in America have been given a professional boost
      by two recent developments.

PMID- 27660963
TI  - ?
AB  - Africa The AIDS epidemic is spreading rapidly southwards through Africa,
      according to a report in the New Scientist.

PMID- 27660966
TI  - Small cell lung cancer research breakthrough.
AB  - A breakthrough in the treatment of small cell lung cancer has been announced by
      the Imperial Cancer Research Fund (ICRF). ICRF scientists believe they have found
      a new and more effective way of preventing the tumour cells from growing, which
      could revolutionise treatment of the disease.

PMID- 27660965
TI  - First HIV death was earlier than predicted.
AB  - Traces of HIV infection have been found in tissue samples from a patient who died
      in a Manchester hospital more than thirty years ago.

PMID- 27660968
TI  - Epidural during labour can cause backache.
AB  - The administration of epidural anaesthetic during labour leads to long-term or
      chronic backache in eight per cent of women, according to a new study carried out
      at the Birmingham Maternity Hospital.

PMID- 27660967
TI  - Goggles may bring relief for migraine sufferers.
AB  - Flashing goggles which pulse coloured lights into the patient's eyes may bring
      relief to migraine sufferers, a pilot study at London's Hammersmith Hospital has
      shown.

PMID- 27660970
TI  - HIV virulence research gives hope of control.
AB  - It may be possible to develop new therapies to keep people infected with HIV
      healthier for longer.

PMID- 27660969
TI  - Loop diathermy for abnormal smears.
AB  - Excision of the cervical transformation zone using loop diathermy is an effective
      treatment for women with abnormal cervical smears.

PMID- 27660971
TI  - Elderly competence and anaesthesia.
AB  - Cognitive and functional competence in the elderly is not detectably impaired
      following either regional or general anaesthesia, researchers say.

PMID- 27660973
TI  - Paracetamol antidote effective given late.
AB  - Acetylcystine should be considered in patients who present more than 15 hours
      after paracetamol overdose.

PMID- 27660972
TI  - Screening for early endometrial cancer.
AB  - Vaginosonography may be a suitable screening procedure for diagnosis of
      endometrial cancer, German researchers say.

PMID- 27660974
TI  - Creating a better futureAs the RCN/Nursing Standard 'Caring for Romania Appeal'
      tops L20,000, one member of the appeal team, Colin Beacock describes our unique
      'centre of excellence' in Bucharest.
AB  - To visit Romania is to expose oneself to a : state of constant contradiction in
      terms.

PMID- 27660975
TI  - Thanks for the tribute.
AB  - On Wednesday June 27 I was honoured to be one of a party of members representing
      the Royal College of Nursing at the Queen Mother's birthday tribute on
      Horseguards Parade. I know I speak for all the party in thanking the secretaries
      of the National Boards and the RCN senior officers in all regions for giving us
      the opportunity to pay tribute to a wonderful lady on behalf of all Royal College
      of Nursing members.

PMID- 27660976
TI  - Keeping nurses on their feet.
AB  - With reference to 'Foot care for patients in hospital' (Nursing StandardJuly 11
      17), I found this article informative and easy to read. However, I beg the
      question, why is there no chiropody service for health care workers?

PMID- 27660977
TI  - Post-conversion employment fears.
AB  - I have been an enrolled nurse for 16 years and practised as a district enrolled
      nurse for 11 years. Last week I was given the opportunity of a placement on a one
      year conversion course to become a first level nurse. However, I declined this
      offer when it became apparent that I would have to give up my job, which I
      thoroughly enjoy, to become a student again in a hospital environment.

PMID- 27660978
TI  - Rehabilitation and recovery.
AB  - I would like to respond to the points in Avril Slade's letter (Nursing Standard
      May 30-June 5).

PMID- 27660979
TI  - When is a nurse not a nurse?
AB  - Having been a staff nurse for nearly four years, currently working in a busy A&E
      department and with a variety of experience and courses under my belt, I thought
      that I had all the answers to those searching questions that patients like to
      ask. Even when slightly unsure, I could still have vague answers in the knowledge
      that my authorita'tive uniform would hide any uncertainty. But then, quite
      unexpectedly, I too became 'one of them'; I became a patient.

PMID- 27660981
TI  - Computers Wills A and Stewart T Computers Oxford UP 134pp L6.95 0-19-261754-0.
AB  - The target audience for Computers is the doctor in general practice; nurses and
      health visitors are given only a casual reference in the text. The book gives an
      unbiased view of the potential use of microcomputers in general practice and
      suggests ways in which they may be introduced into a surgery.

PMID- 27660980
TI  - Practice nurse handbook Bolden K and Takle B Practice nurse handbook , 2nd
      edition Blackwell SP 202pp L12.95 0-632-02522-0.
AB  - The Practice Nurse Handbook updates developments which have occurred since the
      first edition. Practice nursing is going through a dynamic phase, difficult to
      keep up with, and since this publication, further developments occurred with the
      implementation of the new GP contract.

PMID- 27660982
TI  - Child Health Macfarlane A Child Health et al Oxford Medical 58pp L4.50 0-19
      261768-0.
AB  - A proposal for a national health surveillance programme to be carried out in
      England and Wales, and possibly Scotland, was recommended by a joint working
      party with representatives from the HVA, RCN, RCGP, British Paediatric
      Association and the General Medical Services Committee of the BMA (Hall, D Health
      for All Children. Oxford UP, 1989).

PMID- 27660983
TI  - Community charged.
AB  - Observers of the recent passing of the National Health Service Act could be
      forgiven for thinking the Community Care element had been dropped or lost in the
      parliamentary battle.

PMID- 27660984
TI  - Subordination land autonomy.
AB  - The story so far_Your intrepid reporter has dragged his sore foot seven blocks
      from the subway station in downtown Evanston to a rather anonymous-looking office
      building which almost has a view of the lake.

PMID- 27660985
TI  - Defending your territory.
AB  - Paranoia is once again striking sections of the nursing profession. We are seeing
      defensive territoriality dividing the profession in the face of the most recent
      onslaught - the GP contract ( 1 ) which took effect on April 1 this year. This
      reaction is hardly surprising given the way changes have been handled. When
      fundamental changes are proposed and implemented with little or no room for
      negotiation, piloting, experimentation or refinement, then what can we expect but
      a backlash of opposition in the face of such an apparently immovable force?

PMID- 27660986
TI  - Community stoma care.
AB  - Successfully rehabilitating a stoma patient in the community means continuing the
      care provided in the hospital and preparing the patient for a new phase of life.

PMID- 27660987
TI  - Life cycle assessment of microalgae-based aviation fuel: Influence of lipid
      content with specific productivity and nitrogen nutrient effects.
AB  - The aim of this work is to compare the life cycle assessments of low-N and normal
      culture conditions for a balance between the lipid content and specific
      productivity. In order to achieve the potential contribution of lipid content to
      the life cycle assessment, this study established relationships between lipid
      content (nitrogen effect) and specific productivity based on three microalgae
      strains including Chlorella, Isochrysis and Nannochloropsis. For microalgae-based
      aviation fuel, the effects of the lipid content on fossil fuel consumption and
      greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are similar. The fossil fuel consumption (0.32
      0.68MJ.MJ-1MBAF) and GHG emissions (17.23-51.04gCO2e.MJ-1MBAF) increase (59.70
      192.22%) with the increased lipid content. The total energy input decreases (2.13
      3.08MJ.MJ-1MBAF, 14.91-27.95%) with the increased lipid content. The LCA
      indicators increased (0-47.10%) with the decreased nitrogen recovery efficiency
      (75-50%).

PMID- 27660988
TI  - Continuous anaerobic co-digestion of Ulva biomass and cheese whey at varying
      substrate mixing ratios: Different responses in two reactors with different
      operating regimes.
AB  - The feasibility of co-digestion of Ulva with whey was investigated at varying
      substrate mixing ratios in two continuous reactors run with increasing and
      decreasing proportions of Ulva, respectively. Co-digestion with whey proved
      beneficial to the biomethanation of Ulva, with the methane yield being greater by
      up to 1.6-fold in co-digestion phases than in the Ulva mono-digestion phases. The
      experimental reactors responded differently, in terms of process performance and
      community structure, to the changes in the substrate mixing ratio. This can be
      attributed to the different operating regimes between two reactors, which may
      have caused the microbial communities to develop in different ways to acclimate.
      Methanosaeta-related populations were the predominant methanogens responsible for
      the production of methane regardless of different substrate mixing ratios in both
      reactors. Considering the methane recovery and the Ulva treatment capacity, the
      optimal fraction of Ulva in the substrate mixture is suggested to be 50-75%.

PMID- 27660990
TI  - Oxidative degradation of biorefinery lignin obtained after pretreatment of forest
      residues of Douglas Fir.
AB  - Harvested forest residues are usually considered a fire hazards and used as "hog
      fuel" which results in air pollution. In this study, the biorefinery lignin
      stream obtained after wet explosion pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis of
      forestry residues of Douglas Fir (FS-10) was characterized and further wet
      oxidized under alkaline conditions. The studies indicated that at 10% solids,
      11.7wt% alkali and 15min residence time, maximum yields were obtained for glucose
      (12.9wt%), vanillin (0.4wt%) at 230 degrees C; formic acid (11.6wt%) at 250
      degrees C; acetic acid (10.7wt%), hydroxybenzaldehyde (0.2wt%), syringaldehyde
      (0.13wt%) at 280 degrees C; and lactic acid (12.4wt%) at 300 degrees C. FTIR
      analysis of the solid residue after wet oxidation showed that the aromatic
      skeletal vibrations relating to lignin compounds increased with temperature
      indicating that higher severity could result in increased lignin oxidation
      products. The results obtained, as part of the study, is significant for
      understanding and optimizing processes for producing high-value bioproducts from
      forestry residues.

PMID- 27660989
TI  - Nitrogen and phosphorus removal coupled with carbohydrate production by five
      microalgae cultures cultivated in biogas slurry.
AB  - In this study, five microalgae strains were cultured for their ability to survive
      in biogas slurry, remove nitrogen resources and accumulate carbohydrates. It was
      proved that five microalgae strains adapted in biogas slurry well without ammonia
      inhibition. Among them, Chlorella vulgaris ESP-6 showed the best performance on
      carbohydrate accumulation, giving the highest carbohydrate content of 61.5% in
      biogas slurry and the highest ammonia removal efficiency and rate of 96.3% and
      91.7mg/L/d respectively in biogas slurry with phosphorus and magnesium added.
      Additionally, the absence of phosphorus and magnesium that can be adverse for
      biomass accumulation resulted in earlier timing of carbohydrate accumulation and
      magnesium was firstly recognized and proved as the influence factor for
      carbohydrate accumulation. Microalgae that cultured in biogas slurry accumulated
      more carbohydrate in cell, making biogas slurry more suitable medium for the
      improvement of carbohydrate content, thus can be regarded as a new strategy to
      accumulate carbohydrate.

PMID- 27660991
TI  - Enhancement of docosahexaenoic acid production by low-energy ion implantation
      coupled with screening method based on Sudan black B staining in Schizochytrium
      sp.
AB  - Schizochytrium sp. is a hopeful docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) producing candidate
      due to its rapid growth rate and high DHA proportion in total lipid content. In
      this study, low-energy ion implantation was applied to Schizochytrium sp. to
      induce high DHA-producing mutants. Screening these mutants by Sudan black B
      staining, a mutant strain S1 which showed a 61% improvement in DHA production
      than that of the parent strain was successfully selected. Subsequently,
      parameters of DHA production of mutant strain S1 were optimized in a 500-mL
      Erlenmeyer flask. Under the optimum fermentation conditions, the production of
      DHA and the percentage of DHA in total lipid of mutant strain S1 were 6.52g/L and
      46.2%, respectively. This study provides an effective breeding strategy for
      improved DHA production of Schizochytrium sp. through combination of the novel
      mutagenesis technology, the effective screening method and fermentation
      optimization.

PMID- 27660992
TI  - Enhanced butanol production by solvent tolerance Clostridium acetobutylicum SE25
      from cassava flour in a fibrous bed bioreactor.
AB  - To enhance the butanol productivity and reduce the material cost, acetone,
      butanol, and ethanol fermentation by Clostridium acetobutylicum SE25 was
      investigated using batch, repeated-batch and continuous cultures in a fibrous bed
      bioreactor, where cassava flour was used as the substrate. With periodical
      nutrient supplementation, stable butanol production was maintained for about 360h
      in a 6-cycle repeated-batch fermentation with an average butanol productivity of
      0.28g/L/h and butanol yield of 0.32g/g-starch. In addition, the highest butanol
      productivity of 0.63g/L/h and butanol yield of 0.36g/g-starch were achieved when
      the dilution rate were investigated in continuous production of acetone, butanol,
      and ethanol using a fibrous bed bioreactor, which were 231.6% and 28.6% higher
      than those of the free-cell fermentation. On the other hand, this study also
      successfully comfirmed that the biofilm can provide an effective protection for
      the microbial cells which are growing in stressful environment.

PMID- 27660993
TI  - Posttraumatic Stress and Physical Health Functioning: Moderating Effects of
      Deployment and Postdeployment Social Support in OEF/OIF/OND Veterans.
AB  - Research indicates that posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is strongly
      associated with physical health difficulties, and that social support may be
      protective for both problems. Social support, however, is often broadly
      conceptualized. The present analysis explores how Veteran-specific social support
      (during military deployment and postdeployment) may moderate the relationship
      between PTSD and physical health functioning. Participants were recruited from a
      VA Medical Center. Self-report data were analyzed from 63 Veterans (17.46%
      female; 42.86% white) who had been deployed in support of Operation Enduring
      Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn (OEF/OIF/OND). Data
      indicate that military deployment social support moderated the relationship
      between PTSD and pain (beta = 0.02, p = 0.02) whereas postdeployment social
      support moderated the relationship between PTSD and general health perceptions
      (beta = 0.03, p = 0.01). These findings may be used to better understand the role
      of support in influencing psychological and physiological processes.

PMID- 27660994
TI  - The Comparison of Effectiveness of Various Potential Predictors of Response to
      Treatment With SSRIs in Patients With Depressive Disorder.
AB  - The substantial non-response rate in depressive patients indicates a continuing
      need to identify predictors of treatment outcome. The aim of this 6-week, open
      label study was (1) to compare the efficacy of a priori defined predictors: >=20%
      reduction in MADRS score at week 1, >=20% reduction in MADRS score at week 2 (RM
      >= 20% W2), decrease of cordance (RC), and increase of serum and plasma level of
      brain-derived neurotrophic factor at week 1; and (2) to assess whether their
      combination yields higher efficacy in the prediction of response to selective
      serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) than when used singly. Twenty-one patients
      (55%) achieved a response to SSRIs. The RM >=20% W2 (areas under curve-AUC =
      0.83) showed better predictive efficacy compared to all other predictors with the
      exception of RC. The identified combined model (RM >= 20% W2 + RC), which
      predicted response with an 84% accuracy (AUC = 0.92), may be a useful tool in the
      prediction of response to SSRIs.

PMID- 27660996
TI  - Borderline Personality Disorder and Narcissistic Personality Disorder Diagnoses
      From the Perspective of the DSM-5 Personality Traits: A Study on Italian Clinical
      Participants.
AB  - To evaluate the associations between Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
      Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) Alternative Model of Personality Disorder traits
      and domains and categorically diagnosed narcissistic personality disorder (NPD)
      and borderline personality disorder (BPD), respectively, 238 inpatient and
      outpatient participants who were consecutively admitted to the Clinical
      Psychology and Psychotherapy Unit of San Raffaele Hospital in Milan, Italy, were
      administered the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 (PID-5) and the Structured
      Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis II Personality Disorders (SCID-II). Based on
      SCID-II, the participants were assigned to the following groups: a) NPD (n = 49),
      b) BPD (n = 32), c) any other PD (n = 91), and d) no PD (n = 63). Emotional
      lability, separation insecurity, depressivity, impulsivity, risk taking, and
      hostility were significantly associated with BPD diagnosis. Attention seeking
      significantly discriminated participants who received an SCID-II categorical NPD
      diagnosis. Separation insecurity, impulsivity, distractibility, and perceptual
      dysregulation were the DSM-5 traits that significantly discriminated BPD
      participants. Domain-level analyses confirmed and extended trait-level findings.

PMID- 27660995
TI  - Do Sleep Disturbances Predict or Moderate the Response to Psychotherapy in
      Bipolar Disorder?
AB  - This study examined whether sleep disturbance predicted or moderated responses to
      psychotherapy in participants who participated in STEP-BD, a national, multisite
      study that examined the effectiveness of different treatment combinations for
      bipolar disorder. Participants received either a brief psychosocial intervention
      called collaborative care (CC; n = 130) or intensive psychotherapy (IP; n = 163),
      with study-based pharmacotherapy. Participants (N = 243) were defined as current
      (past week) short sleepers (<6 hours/night), normal sleepers (6.5-8.5
      hours/night), and long sleepers (>=9 hours/night), according to reported average
      nightly sleep duration the week before randomization. Sleep disturbances did not
      predict the likelihood of recovery nor time until recovery from a depressive
      episode. There was no difference in recovery rates between IP versus CC for
      normal sleepers, and medium effect sizes were observed for differences in short
      and long sleepers. In this study, sleep did not play a major role in predicting
      or moderating response to psychotherapy in bipolar disorder.

PMID- 27660997
TI  - Are Children or Adolescents More at Risk for Posttraumatic Stress Reactions
      Following Exposure to Violence?: Evidence From Post-Genocide Rwanda.
AB  - Whether children or adolescents exhibit higher levels of posttraumatic stress
      symptoms (PTSS) in response to violence is an unresolved research question. We
      examine this issue in UNICEF's 1995 National Trauma Survey (NTS) of 8-19-year
      olds (n = 942) who survived the Rwandan Genocide and lived and attended schools
      in the community. PTSS were assessed with a symptom checklist based on DSM-IV
      indexed using an overall score comprising the sum of scores on all items and mean
      item scores of each of five distinct factors identified in a factor analysis
      within this sample. Eighty percent of the sample had witnessed massacres; 25%,
      rape/sexual mutilation. The overall symptom score among children was
      significantly (p < 0.05) lower than among adolescents. Among the five separate
      factors, this direct association of age with symptom levels held for two: re
      experiencing (p < 0.001) and dysphoric arousal (p < 0.05), but not for the
      remaining three: avoidance, numbing, and anxious arousal. This discordance in
      factorial response to violence may help explain prevailing inconsistencies in the
      age-PTSS association reported to date.

PMID- 27660998
TI  - Theory of Mind in Euthymic Bipolar Patients and First-Degree Relatives.
AB  - The present study analyzed the capacity for mentalization of patients with
      bipolar disorder (BD) and their first-degree relatives (FDR) and examined the
      implications of clinical variables and cognitive deficits. The study recruited 31
      patients with type I BD, 18 FDR, and 31 paired healthy controls. Their capacity
      for mentalization was explored by means of first- and second-order false-belief
      tasks, the hinting task, and the Movie for the Assessment of Social Cognition
      (MASC). Patients and FDR were found to have a theory of mind (ToM) deficit when
      they were evaluated with the MASC, which was also related to a worse
      neurocognitive performance and to being a patient or FDR. The evidence of ToM
      deficits in FDRs supports the hypothesis that these deficits could be an
      independent trait marker for cognitive deficit. Further research is needed on FDR
      of patients with BD, using sensitive ToM assessment instruments such as the MASC.

PMID- 27660999
TI  - A Tri-Nucleotide Pattern in a 3' UTR Segment Affects The Activity of a Human
      Glucocorticoid Receptor Isoform.
AB  - We previously identified a truncated human glucocorticoid receptor (hGR) isoform
      of 118 amino acids, hGR-S1(-349A), that despite lacking the major functional
      domains, was more hyperactive after glucocorticoid treatment than the full-length
      receptor. Furthermore, its 3' untranslated region (UTR) was required. To dissect
      the underlying mechanisms for hyperactivity, a series of hGR isoforms with
      consecutive deletions in the 3' UTR were created to test their transactivation
      potential using reporter assays. The hGR-S1(-349A) isoform retaining 1303 bp of
      3' UTR displayed unusually high activity with or without glucocorticoid
      stimulation. Unexpectedly, a complete loss of significant activity was observed
      with isoforms retaining 1293 bp or 1263 bp of 3' UTR. Analysis of the 20 bp
      region neighboring the 1293 bp site showed a pattern: 3'UTR termination at every
      third base pair in this region resulted in a loss of transactivation potential
      while the other sites retained hyperactivity with or without glucocorticoid
      stimulation. Variations in the activity of an hGR isoform, due to changes in the
      3' UTR sequence configuration, may provide an important link in explaining
      inconsistent responses to glucocorticoid treatment in individuals and ultimately
      enable tailored, patient-specific care. Furthermore, understanding the mechanisms
      underlying the cyclic hyperactivity/loss of activity phenomenon may be a step
      toward identifying a novel mechanism of gene regulation.

PMID- 27661000
TI  - Alpha7 Nicotine Acetylcholine Receptor Agonist PNU-282987 Attenuates Acute Lung
      Injury in a Cardiopulmonary Bypass Model in Rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) carries a risk of lung ischemia
      reperfusion, leading to acute lung injury (ALI). Alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine
      receptor (alpha7nAChR) has been implicated in the release of high mobility group
      box1 (HMGB1), which promotes systemic inflammation in response to ischemia
      reperfusion injury. However, the specific role of alpha7nAChR in CPB is poorly
      understood. This study employed the alpha7nAChR agonist PNU-282987 and a rat
      model of CPB to determine whether alpha7nAChR was associated with CPB-induced
      lung damage. METHODS: Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five
      groups as follows: normal group, sham group, CPB group, PNU-282987 plus CPB
      group, and PNU-282987 plus sham group. Rats were subjected to CPB under
      anesthesia for 60 min. PNU-282987 (4.8 mg/kg) was administered via arterial
      inflow. Two hours post-CPB, samples of blood, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid
      (BALF), and lung tissues were processed for investigations. RESULTS: In CPB rats,
      structural damage in the lung was marked. Density of alpha7nAChR of the lung in
      the CPB group was significantly less than all other groups, while lung edema,
      inflammatory markers in serum and lung, protein concentrations in BALF were
      significantly higher. In the PNU-282987 plus CPB group, by all the above measures
      the CPB-associated effects were significantly ameliorated but were not identical
      to the control groups. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that PNU-282987 affords
      protective effect against CPB-induced ALI, and inhibits HMGB1 release.

PMID- 27661002
TI  - Evaluating radiocarpal cartilage matrix changes 3-months after anti-TNF treatment
      for rheumatoid arthritis using MR T1rho imaging.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility of MR T1rho in assessing radiocarpal
      cartilage matrix changes following rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Five healthy controls and nine RA patients were studied: three RA
      patients with low disease activity that were treated with methotrexate (MTX)
      alone and six with active disease despite MTX treatment who were additionally
      treated with certolizumab pegol, an anti-tumor necrosis factor biologic. Wrist 3
      Tesla MRI were acquired at baseline and 3-month follow-up. T1rho were quantified
      for lunar, radius, and scaphoid cartilage. Reproducibility was evaluated using
      coefficients of variation (CV). Longitudinal changes were evaluated with t-test
      and relationships between T1rho with clinical, MRI, and patient-reported outcomes
      were evaluated with Spearman's rho. RESULTS: Scan/re-scan CVs of T1rho values
      were all <5%, and intra- and inter-reader CVs were all < 2.0%. Baseline scaphoid
      T1rho values were significantly higher in RA patients compared with healthy
      controls (P = 0.032). Changes in T1rho (baseline, 3-month) were correlated with
      EULAR treatment response criteria: -2.26 +/- 0.75 ms, 1.08 +/- 0.52 ms, and 2.18
      +/- 0.45 ms for good, moderate, and nonresponders, respectively. Significant
      correlations were found between changes in global T1rho values and changes in
      DAS28-CRP (rs  = 0.683; P = 0.042), MHQ (rs  = -0.783; P = 0.013), and HAQ (rs  =
      0.833; P = 0.010). CONCLUSION: Despite the limited sample size and follow-up time
      points, there were significant correlations between changes in radiocarpal T1rho
      and changes in disease activity as assessed by clinical and patient-reported
      outcomes. Our findings encourage further research into MR T1rho assessment of RA
      disease activity and treatment response. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1 J. MAGN. RESON.
      IMAGING 2017;45:1514-1522.

PMID- 27661001
TI  - Astrocyte-produced leukemia inhibitory factor expands the neural stem/progenitor
      pool following perinatal hypoxia-ischemia.
AB  - Brain injuries, such as cerebral hypoxia-ischemia (H-I), induce a regenerative
      response from the neural stem/progenitors (NSPs) of the subventricular zone
      (SVZ); however, the mechanisms that regulate this expansion have not yet been
      fully elucidated. The Notch- Delta-Serrate-Lag2 (DSL) signaling pathway is
      considered essential for the maintenance of neural stem cells, but it is not
      known if it is necessary for the expansion of the NSPs subsequent to perinatal H
      I injury. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether this
      pathway contributes to NSP expansion in the SVZ after H-I and, if so, to
      establish whether this pathway is directly induced by H-I or regulated by
      paracrine factors. Here we report that Notch1 receptor induction and one of its
      ligands, Delta-like 1, precedes NSP expansion after perinatal H-I in P6 rat pups
      and that this increase occurs specifically in the most medial cell layers of the
      SVZ where the stem cells reside. Pharmacologically inhibiting Notch signaling in
      vivo diminished NSP expansion. With an in vitro model of H-I, Notch1 was not
      induced directly by hypoxia, but was stimulated by soluble factors, specifically
      leukemia inhibitory factor, produced by astrocytes within the SVZ. These data
      confirm the importance both of the Notch-DSL signaling pathway in the expansion
      of NSPs after H-I and in the role of the support cells in their niche. They
      further support the body of evidence that indicates that leukemia inhibitory
      factor is a key injury-induced cytokine that is stimulating the regenerative
      response of the NSPs. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27661003
TI  - Differentiation of pancreatic carcinoma and mass-forming focal pancreatitis:
      qualitative and quantitative assessment by dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI combined
      with diffusion-weighted imaging.
AB  - Differentiation between pancreatic carcinoma (PC) and mass-forming focal
      pancreatitis (FP) is invariably difficult. For the differential diagnosis, we
      qualitatively and quantitatively assessed the value of dynamic contrast-enhanced
      MRI (DCE-MRI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in PC and FP in the present
      study. This study included 32 PC and 18 FP patients with histological
      confirmation who underwent DCE-MRI and DWI. The time-signal intensity curve (TIC)
      of PC and FP were classified into 5 types according to the time of reaching the
      peak, namely, type I, II, III, IV, and V, respectively, and two subtypes, namely,
      subtype-a (washout type) and subtype-b (plateau type) according to the part of
      the TIC profile after the peak. Moreover, the mean and relative apparent
      diffusion coefficient (ADC) value between PC and FP on DWI were compared. The
      type V TIC was only recognized in PC group (P < 0.01). Type IV b were more
      frequently observed in PC (P = 0.036), while type- IIa (P < 0.01), type- Ia (P =
      0.037) in FP. We also found a significant difference in the mean and relative ADC
      value between PC and FP. The combined image set of DCE-MRI and DWI yielded an
      excellent sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy (96.9%, 94.4%, and
      96.0%). The TIC of DCE-MRI and ADC value of DWI for pancreatic mass were found to
      provide reliable information in differentiating PC from FP, and the combination
      of DCE-MRI and DWI can achieve a higher sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic
      accuracy.

PMID- 27661004
TI  - Frequent somatic TERT promoter mutations and CTNNB1 mutations in hepatocellular
      carcinoma.
AB  - Genetic alterations of TERT and CTNNB1 have been documented in hepatocellular
      carcinoma. TERT promoter mutations are the earliest genetic events in the
      multistep process of hepatocarcinogenesis related to cirrhosis. However, analyses
      of TERT promoter and CTNNB1 mutations in hepatocellular carcinoma tumor samples
      have not been performed in the Korean population, where hepatitis B virus-related
      hepatocellular carcinoma is prevalent. In order to identify the role of TERT
      promoter and CTNNB1 mutations in the hepatocarcinogenesis and pathogenesis of
      recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma, we performed the sequence analyses in 140
      hepatocellular nodules (including 107 hepatocellular carcinomas), and 8 pairs of
      matched primary and relapsed hepatocellular carcinomas. TERT promoter and CTNNB1
      mutations were only observed in hepatocellular carcinomas but not in precursor
      lesions. Of 109 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, 41 (39.0%) and 15 (14.6%)
      harbored TERT and CTNNB1 mutations, respectively. TERT promotermutations were
      significantly more frequent in hepatocellular carcinomas related to hepatitis C
      virus infection (5/6; 83.3%) compared to tumors of other etiologies (P = 0.001).
      In two cases, discordance in TERT promoter mutation status was observed between
      the primary and the corresponding recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma. The two
      patients with discordant cases had early relapses. In conclusion, we identified
      TERT promoter and CTNNB1 mutations as the most frequent somatic genetic
      alterations observed in hepatocellular carcinoma, indicating its pivotal role in
      hepatocarcinogenesis. Furthermore, we suggest the possibility of intratumoral
      genetic heterogeneity of TERT promoter mutations in hepatocellular carcinoma as
      indicated by the discordance in TERT promoter mutations between primary and
      corresponding recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma.

PMID- 27661007
TI  - Strategies for power calculations in predictive biomarker studies in survival
      data.
AB  - PURPOSE: Biomarkers and genomic signatures represent potentially predictive tools
      for precision medicine. Validation of predictive biomarkers in prospective or
      retrospective studies requires statistical justification of power and sample
      size. However, the design of these studies is complex and the statistical methods
      and associated software are limited, especially in survival data. Herein, we
      address common statistical design issues relevant to these two types of studies
      and provide guidance and a general template for analysis. METHODS: A statistical
      interaction effect in the Cox proportional hazards model is used to describe
      predictive biomarkers. The analytic form by Peterson et al. and Lachin is
      utilized to calculate the statistical power for both prospective and
      retrospective studies. RESULTS: We demonstrate that the common mistake of using
      only Hazard Ratio's Ratio (HRR) or two hazard ratios (HRs) can mislead power
      calculations. We establish that the appropriate parameter settings for
      prospective studies require median survival time (MST) in 4 subgroups (treatment
      and control in positive biomarker, treatment and control in negative biomarker).
      For the retrospective study which has fixed survival time and censored status, we
      develop a strategy to harmonize the hypothesized parameters and the study cohort.
      Moreover, we provide an easily-adapted R software application to generate a
      template of statistical plan for predictive biomarker validation so investigators
      can easily incorporate into their study proposals. CONCLUSION: Our study provides
      guidance and software to help biostatisticians and clinicians design sound
      clinical studies for testing predictive biomarkers.

PMID- 27661005
TI  - Systematically characterizing dysfunctional long intergenic non-coding RNAs in
      multiple brain regions of major psychosis.
AB  - Schizophrenia (SZ) and bipolar disorder (BD) are severe neuropsychiatric
      disorders with serious impact on patients, together termed "major psychosis".
      Recently, long intergenic non-coding RNAs (lincRNAs) were reported to play
      important roles in mental diseases. However, little was known about their
      molecular mechanism in pathogenesis of SZ and BD. Here, we performed RNA
      sequencing on 82 post-mortem brain tissues from three brain regions
      (orbitofrontal cortex (BA11), anterior cingulate cortex (BA24) and dorsolateral
      prefrontal cortex (BA9)) of patients with SZ and BD and control subjects,
      generating over one billion reads. We characterized lincRNA transcriptome in the
      three brain regions and identified 20 differentially expressed lincRNAs
      (DELincRNAs) in BA11 for BD, 34 and 1 in BA24 and BA9 for SZ, respectively. Our
      results showed that these DELincRNAs exhibited brain region-specific patterns.
      Applying weighted gene co-expression network analysis, we revealed that
      DELincRNAs together with other genes can function as modules to perform different
      functions in different brain regions, such as immune system development in BA24
      and oligodendrocyte differentiation in BA9. Additionally, we found that DNA
      methylation alteration could partly explain the dysregulation of lincRNAs, some
      of which could function as enhancers in the pathogenesis of major psychosis.
      Together, we performed systematical characterization of dysfunctional lincRNAs in
      multiple brain regions of major psychosis, which provided a valuable resource to
      understand their roles in SZ and BD pathology and helped to discover novel
      biomarkers.

PMID- 27661008
TI  - Treadmill running exercise prevents senile osteoporosis and upregulates the Wnt
      signaling pathway in SAMP6 mice.
AB  - This study examined the effects of different exercise intensities and durations
      on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone strength in senescence-accelerated mouse
      prone 6 (SAMP6) and determined the involvement of the Wnt signaling pathway in
      exercise-induced osteogenesis. Three-month-old male SAMP6 mice were randomly
      assigned to different speeds of treadmill running exercise representing low,
      medium and high intensity, with the duration of five and nine weeks,
      respectively. We showed that medium-intensity exercise had positive effects on
      skeletal health, including BMD and bone strength, and the efficacy was higher
      than that of low-intensity exercise. Interestingly, high-intensity exercise can
      maintain or even increase bone strength, despite its negative effects on bone
      mass. Nine weeks of exercise was superior to 5 weeks of exercise, particularly
      for low-intensity exercise. Furthermore, these effects of exercise-induced
      osteogenesis are accompanied by activation of the Wnt signaling pathway. Taken
      together, these results suggest that the positive effects of exercise on
      osteoporosis prevention are intensity and duration-dependent, and may involve the
      regulation of Wnt signaling pathways.

PMID- 27661010
TI  - Four birds with one stone? Reparative, neuroplastic, cardiorespiratory, and
      metabolic benefits of aerobic exercise poststroke.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Converging evidence from animal models of stroke and clinical
      trials suggests that aerobic exercise has effects across multiple targets. RECENT
      FINDINGS: The subacute phase is characterized by a period of heightened
      neuroplasticity when aerobic exercise has the potential to optimize recovery. In
      animals, low intensity aerobic exercise shrinks lesion size and reduces cell
      death and inflammation, beginning 24 h poststroke. Also in animals, aerobic
      exercise upregulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor near the lesion and
      improves learning. In terms of neuroplastic effects, clinical trial results are
      less convincing and have only examined effects in chronic stroke. Stroke patients
      demonstrate cardiorespiratory fitness levels below the threshold required to
      carry out daily activities. This may contribute to a 'neurorehabilitation
      ceiling' that limits capacity to practice at a high enough frequency and
      intensity to promote recovery. Aerobic exercise when delivered 2-5 days per week
      at moderate to high intensity beginning as early as 5 days poststroke improves
      cardiorespiratory fitness, dyslipidemia, and glucose tolerance. SUMMARY: Based on
      the evidence discussed and applying principles of periodization commonly used to
      prepare athletes for competition, we have created a model of aerobic training in
      subacute stroke in which training is delivered in density blocks (duration *
      intensity) matched to recovery phases.

PMID- 27661009
TI  - BMP signaling and its paradoxical effects in tumorigenesis and dissemination.
AB  - Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) play important roles in embryonic and
      postnatal development by regulating cell differentiation, proliferation,
      motility, and survival, thus maintaining homeostasis during organ and tissue
      development. BMPs can lead to tumorigenesis and regulate cancer progression in
      different stages. Therefore, we summarized studies on BMP expression, the
      clinical significance of BMP dysfunction in various cancer types, and the
      molecular regulation of various BMP-related signaling pathways. We emphasized on
      the paradoxical effects of BMPs on various aspects of carcinogenesis, including
      epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cancer stem cells (CSCs), and
      angiogenesis. We also reviewed the molecular mechanisms by which BMPs regulate
      tumor generation and progression as well as potential therapeutic targets against
      BMPs that might be valuable in preventing tumor growth and invasion.

PMID- 27661011
TI  - Prevalence and clinical significance of nonorgan specific antibodies in patients
      with autoimmune thyroiditis as predictor markers for rheumatic diseases.
AB  - Autoimmune diseases are considered the 3rd leading cause of morbidity and
      mortality in the industrialized countries. Autoimmune thyroid diseases (ATDs) are
      associated with high prevalence of nonorgan-specific autoantibodies, such as
      antinuclear antibodies (ANA), antidouble-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (anti
      dsDNA), antiextractable-nuclear antigens (anti-ENAs), rheumatoid factor (RF), and
      anticyclic-citrullinated peptides (anti-CCP) whose clinical significance is
      unknown.We aimed to assess the prevalence of various nonorgan-specific
      autoantibodies in patients with ATD, and to investigate the possible association
      between these autoantibodies and occurrence of rheumatic diseases and, if these
      autoantibodies could be considered as predictor markers for autoimmune rheumatic
      diseases in the future.This study had 2 phases: phase 1; in which 61 ATD patients
      free from rheumatic manifestations were assessed for the presence of these
      nonorgan-specific autoantibodies against healthy 61 control group, followed by
      2nd phase longitudinal clinical follow-up in which cases are monitored
      systematically to establish occurrence and progression of any rheumatic disease
      in association to these autoantibodies with its influences and
      prognosis.Regarding ATD patients, ANA, anti-dsDNA, Anti-ENA, and RF were present
      in a percentage of (50.8%), (18%), (21.3%), and (34.4%), respectively, with
      statistically significance difference (P < 0.5) rather than controls. Nearly one
      third of the studied group (32.8%) developed the rheumatic diseases, over 2 years
      follow-up. It was obvious that those with positive anti-dsDNA had higher risk
      (2.45 times) to develop rheumatic diseases than those without. There was a
      statistically significant positive linear relationship between occurrence of
      disease in months and (age, anti-dsDNA, anti-CCP, RF, and duration of
      thyroiditis). Anti-dsDNA and RF are the most significant predictors (P <
      0.0001).ATD is more associated with rheumatic diseases than previously thought.
      Anti-dsDNA, RF, and anti-CCP antibodies may be used as predictive screening
      markers of systemic lupus erythematosus and RA, with early referral to
      rheumatologists for close follow-up and early diagnoses for appropriate disease
      management of the disease, as early disease control will allow better quality of
      life. 

PMID- 27661012
TI  - Clinical application of ICF key codes to evaluate patients with dysphagia
      following stroke.
AB  - This study was aimed to identify and evaluate the International Classification of
      Functioning (ICF) key codes for dysphagia in stroke patients. Thirty patients
      with dysphagia after stroke were enrolled in our study. To evaluate the ICF
      dysphagia scale, 6 scales were used as comparisons, namely the Barthel Index
      (BI), Repetitive Saliva Swallowing Test (RSST), Kubota Water Swallowing Test
      (KWST), Frenchay Dysarthria Assessment, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and
      the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Multiple regression analysis was
      performed to quantitate the relationship between the ICF scale and the other 7
      scales. In addition, 60 ICF scales were analyzed by the least absolute shrinkage
      and selection operator (LASSO) method. A total of 21 ICF codes were identified,
      which were closely related with the other scales. These included 13 codes from
      Body Function, 1 from Body Structure, 3 from Activities and Participation, and 4
      from Environmental Factors. A topographic network map with 30 ICF key codes was
      also generated to visualize their relationships. The number of ICF codes
      identified is in line with other well-established evaluation methods. The network
      topographic map generated here could be used as an instruction tool in future
      evaluations. We also found that attention functions and biting were critical
      codes of these scales, and could be used as treatment targets. 

PMID- 27661006
TI  - Type I insulin-like growth factor receptor signaling in hematological
      malignancies.
AB  - The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling system plays key roles in the
      establishment and progression of different types of cancer. In agreement with
      this idea, substantial evidence has shown that the type I IGF receptor (IGF-IR)
      and its primary ligand IGF-I are important for maintaining the survival of
      malignant cells of hematopoietic origin. In this review, we discuss current
      understanding of the role of IGF-IR signaling in cancer with a focus on the
      hematological neoplasms. We also address the emergence of IGF-IR as a potential
      therapeutic target for the treatment of different types of cancer including
      plasma cell myeloma, leukemia, and lymphoma.

PMID- 27661013
TI  - Alcohol use and alcohol-related problems among adolescents in China: A large
      scale cross-sectional study.
AB  - Alcohol misuse among adolescents is a common issue worldwide and is an emerging
      problem in China. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of alcohol
      drinking and alcohol-related problems among Chinese adolescents and to explore
      their risk factors and connections.A cross-sectional study using an anonymous
      questionnaire was conducted among junior and senior high school students between
      2010 and 2012. Data on self-reported alcohol use, alcohol-related problems,
      school factors, family factors, and psychosocial factors were collected.
      Descriptive analyses were made of the proportions of sociodemographics, family,
      school, and psychosocial factors. Multilevel logistic regression models were
      conducted to analyze the risk factors for alcohol drinking and alcohol-related
      problems.Of the 105,752 students who ranged in age from 9 to 21 years, the
      prevalence of current drinking among students was 7.3%, and 13.2% students
      reported having alcohol-related problems. Male students were 1.78 (95% confidence
      interval [CI] = 1.69-1.87) times more likely to be involved in current drinking
      and 1.86 (95% CI = 1.79-1.93) times more likely to have alcohol-related problems.
      Higher grade level students were at a higher risk of current drinking (adjusted
      odds ratio [AOR] = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.05-1.13) and having alcohol-related problems
      (AOR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.42-1.58). Older students were more likely to report
      current drinking (AOR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.04-1.17) and having alcohol-related
      problems (AOR = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.82-1.85). Having poor classmate relations (AOR =
      1.28, 95% CI = 1.03-1.37), having poor relationships with teachers (AOR = 1.08,
      95% CI = 1.00-1.16), and below average academic achievement (AOR = 1.50, 95% CI =
      1.41-1.59) were positively associated with current drinking. Moreover, students
      with suicidal ideation were at a higher risk of current drinking (AOR = 1.70, 95%
      CI = 1.61-1.81) and having alcohol-related problems (AOR = 2.08, 95% CI = 1.98
      2.16). Having higher Center for Epidemiology Scale for Depression scores was
      positively associated with current drinking (AOR = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.05-1.11) and
      having alcohol-related problems (AOR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.06-1.18).Alcohol drinking
      and alcohol-related problems among Chinese adolescents are major public health
      problems, and effective preventive programs will require full consideration of
      the individual, social, and environmental factors that facilitate and prevent
      alcohol use. 

PMID- 27661014
TI  - Impact of individual components and their combinations within a family history of
      hypertension on the incidence of hypertension: Toranomon hospital health
      management center study 22.
AB  - Although a family history (FH) of hypertension is a risk factor for the
      development of hypertension, only a few studies have investigated in detail the
      impact of individual components of an FH on incident hypertension. We
      investigated the impact of individual components and their combinations on the
      presence or development of hypertension considering obesity, smoking habits,
      physical activity, and other metabolic parameters.Studied were 12,222 Japanese
      individuals without hypertension (n = 9,766) and with hypertension (n = 2,456) at
      the baseline examination. The presence or incidence of hypertension during 5
      years after a baseline examination was assessed by the presence of systolic blood
      pressure >=140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure >=90 mmHg or a self-reported
      history of clinician-diagnosed hypertension. In this prospective study, the odds
      ratio for incident hypertension was 1.39 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.22,
      1.59) for individuals with any FH of hypertension compared with those without
      such an FH. Individuals with an FH of hypertension in both parents and one or
      more grandparents had an odds ratio of 3.05 (95% CI 1.74, 5.36) for hypertension
      compared with those without an FH of hypertension. FH was associated with
      incident hypertension independently of other modifiable risk factors such as
      obesity, smoking, physical inactivity, hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia, and
      hypertriglyceridemia.A parental history of hypertension was an essential
      component within an FH for incident hypertension. FH of hypertension over two
      generations with both parents affected was the most important risk factor for
      incident hypertension. Although an FH is not a modifiable risk factor, modifying
      other risk factors could contribute to reducing the risk of hypertension even
      among individuals with a family history of hypertension. 

PMID- 27661016
TI  - Facet joint disturbance induced by miniscrews in plated cervical laminoplasty:
      Dose it influence the clinical and radiologic outcomes?
AB  - A retrospective cohort study. Plated cervical laminoplasty is an increasingly
      common technique. A unique facet joint disturbance induced by lateral mass
      miniscrews penetrating articular surface was noticed. Facet joints are important
      to maintain cervical spine stability and kinetic balance. Whether this facet
      joint disturbance could affect clinical and radiologic results is still unknown.
      The objective of this study is to investigate the clinical and radiologic
      outcomes of patients with facet joints disturbance induced by miniscrews in
      plated cervical laminoplasty.A total of 105 patients who underwent cervical
      laminoplasty with miniplate fixation between May 2010 and February 2014 were
      comprised. Postoperative CT images were used to identify whether facet joints
      destroyed by miniscrews. According to facet joints destroyed number, all the
      patients were divided into: group A (none facet joint destroyed), group B (1-2
      facet joints destroyed), and group C (>=3 facet joints destroyed). Clinical data
      (JOA, VAS, and NDI scores), radiologic data (anteroposterior diameter and Palov
      ratio), and complications (axial symptoms and C5 palsy) were evaluated and
      compared among the groups.There were 38, 40, and 27 patients in group A, B, and
      C, respectively. The overall facet joints destroyed rate was 30.7%. All groups
      gained significant JOA and NDI scores improvement postoperatively. The
      preoperative JOA, VAS, NDI scores, and postoperative JOA scores did not differ
      significantly among the groups. The group C recorded significant higher
      postoperative VAS scores than group A (P = 0.002) and B (P = 0.014) and had
      significant higher postoperative NDI scores than group A (P = 0.002). The pre-
      and postoperative radiologic data were not significant different among the
      groups. The group C had a significant higher axial symptoms incidence than group
      A (12/27 vs 8/38, P = 0.041).Facet joints disturbance caused by miniscrews in
      plated cervical laminoplasty may not influence neurological recovery and spinal
      canal expansion, but may negatively affect postoperative axial symptoms. 

PMID- 27661017
TI  - Recovery of an injured cingulum via an aberrant neural tract in a patient with
      traumatic brain injury: A case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We report on a patient who appeared to show recovery of an injured
      anterior cingulum via an aberrant neural tract between an injured cingulum and
      the basalis nucleus of Meynert following traumatic brain injury (TBI), which was
      demonstrated on diffusion tensor tractography (DTT). METHODS: A 47-year-old male
      who had suffered a pedestrian traffic accident underwent conservative management
      for diffuse traumatic axonal injury. When starting rehabilitation at 6 weeks
      after onset, evaluation using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) could not
      be performed due to the severity of his cognitive dysfunction. The patient showed
      improvement of cognitive dysfunction on MMSE with 10 at 2 months, 13 at 6 months,
      and 26 at 10 months after onset. RESULTS: On 6-week DTT, discontinuation superior
      to the genu of the corpus callosum was observed in both cingulums. However, on 6
      month DTT, the discontinued anterior part of the right cingulum was elongated
      anteriorly, not through the cingulum, but through the anterolateral subcortical
      white matter of the cingulum, while on 10-month DTT, this elongated neural tract
      of the right cingulum was connected to the right basalis nucleus of Meynert in
      the basal forebrain. CONCLUSION: Recovery of an injured anterior cingulum via an
      aberrant neural tract between an injured cingulum and Ch 4 was demonstrated in a
      patient with TBI. Our result appears to suggest a mechanism for recovery of an
      injured cingulum following brain injury.

PMID- 27661015
TI  - Elevated liver fibrosis index FIB-4 is not reliable for HCC risk stratification
      in predominantly non-Asian CHB patients.
AB  - We aimed to validate the liver fibrosis index FIB-4 as a model for risk
      stratification of hepatocellular carcinoma development in predominantly non-Asian
      patients with chronic hepatitis B infection seen at a tertiary referral center in
      Germany.We retrospectively analyzed 373 adult patients with chronic hepatitis B
      infection. Patient demographics, hepatitis B markers, antiviral treatment,
      laboratory parameters, results from liver imaging and histology were recorded.
      Patients were divided into 2 groups according to their FIB-4 levels and their
      hazard ratios for developing hepatocellular carcinoma were analyzed adjusted for
      age, sex, body mass index, alcohol consumption, and antiviral medication.Median
      follow-up was 8.7 years (range 1-21.3 years), 93% of patients were of non-Asian
      origin, and 64% were male. Compared with patients with a low FIB-4 (<1.25)
      patients with FIB-4 >=1.25 showed a hazard ratio for incidence of hepatocellular
      carcinoma of 3.03 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.24-7.41) and an adjusted
      hazard ratio of 1.75 (95% CI: 0.64-4.74). Notably, 68% of patients with liver
      cirrhosis and 68% of those who developed HCC during observation had a low FIB-4
      (<1.25).We could not confirm that a FIB-4 value >=1.25 is a reliable clinical
      indicator for incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in predominantly non-Asian
      patients with chronic hepatitis B. Further studies in geographically and
      ethnically diverse populations are needed to prove its utility as a predictive
      tool. 

PMID- 27661018
TI  - Impact of social and clinical factors on diagnostic delay of breast cancer: A
      Cross-sectional Study.
AB  - One of the reasons for high mortality of breast cancer is long delay in seeking
      medical care. This study was designed to measure the association of a wide range
      of socio-demographic and clinical factors with the diagnostic delay in breast
      cancer among Iranian patients.This study was conducted on 505 newly diagnosed
      patients with breast cancer from southern part of Iran. Medical files of the
      patients who were admitted to the hospital from November 2013 to May 2015 were
      examined and clinical and demographic information were extracted.According to the
      results, illiterate patients were diagnosed on average 87.42 days later compared
      with those with a college degree (95%CI: 29.68-145.16, P = 0.003) and those from
      rural area were diagnosed on average 72.48 days later (95%CI: 35.94-109.03, P =
      0.001) compared with urban residences. Single women were diagnosed 65.99 days
      later (95%CI: 7.37-124.61, P = 0.02) compared with those married. Lobular or
      medullary types of cancer were diagnosed 65.19 days later (95%CI: 2.67-127.70, P
      = 0.04) compared with ductal type. On the other hand, those who were able to
      perform breast self-exam were diagnosed 49.07 days earlier compared with others
      (95%CI: 18.69-79.45, P = 0.002). Those felt lump as the initiating symptom were
      diagnosed 62.01 days earlier, (95%CI: 8.17-115.85, P = 0.02) compared with those
      with other initial symptoms. The only factor associated with doctors diagnosis
      delay was the place of residence as rural residences were diagnosed on average
      87.42 days later compared with urban residences, (95%CI: 53.82-121.92, P =
      0.001).Higher education, living in cities, ductal type of tumor, and noticing
      lump in breast were the most important demographic and clinical factors
      associated with shorter breast cancer diagnosis delay. Informing women and
      doctors, especially general physicians who are practicing in rural areas, of the
      common symptoms of breast cancer as well as training women to perform breast self
      examination are effective measures in reducing breast cancer diagnosis delay.
      Providing accessible and effective diagnosis services to rural women reduces
      diagnosis delay in rural patients. 

PMID- 27661019
TI  - Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) and second malignancies: A novel
      "sentinel tumor"? A monoinstitutional, STROBE-compliant observational analysis.
AB  - Several evidences showed that patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors
      (GISTs) develop additional malignancies. However, thorough incidence of second
      tumors remains uncertain as the possibility of a common molecular pathogenesis.A
      retrospective series of 128 patients with histologically proven GIST treated at
      our institution was evaluated. Molecular analysis of KIT and PDGFR-alpha genes
      was performed in all patients. Following the involvement of KRAS mutation in many
      tumors' pathogenesis, analysis of KRAS was performed in patients with also second
      neoplasms.Forty-six out of 128 GIST patients (35.9%) had a second neoplasm. Most
      second tumors (52%) raised from gastrointestinal tract and 19.6% from
      genitourinary tract. Benign neoplasms were also included (21.7%). Molecular
      analysis was available for 29/46 patients with a second tumor: wild-type GISTs
      (n. 5), exon 11 (n. 16), exon 13 (n. 1), exon 9 (n. 1) KIT mutations, exon 14
      PDGFR-alpha mutation (n. 2) and exon 18 PDGFR-alpha mutation (n. 4). KIT exon 11
      mutations were more frequent between patients who developed a second tumor (P =
      0.0003). Mutational analysis of KRAS showed a wild-type sequence in all cases. In
      metachronous cases, the median time interval between GIST and second tumor was
      21.5 months.The high frequency of second tumors suggests that an unknown common
      molecular mechanism might play a role, but it is not likely that KRAS is involved
      in this common pathogenesis. The short interval between GIST diagnosis and the
      onset of second neoplasms asks for a careful follow-up, particularly in the first
      3 years after diagnosis. 

PMID- 27661020
TI  - The effectiveness of complementary manual therapies for pregnancy-related back
      and pelvic pain: A systematic review with meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Low back pain and pelvic girth pain are common in pregnancy and women
      commonly utilize complementary manual therapies such as massage, spinal
      manipulation, chiropractic, and osteopathy to manage their symptoms. OBJECTIVE:
      The aim of this systematically review was to critically appraise and synthesize
      the best available evidence regarding the effectiveness of manual therapies for
      managing pregnancy-related low back and pelvic pain. METHODS: Seven databases
      were searched from their inception until April 2015 for randomized controlled
      trials. Studies investigating the effectiveness of massage and chiropractic and
      osteopathic therapies were included. The study population was pregnant women of
      any age and at any time during the antenatal period. Study selection, data
      extraction, and assessment of risk of bias were conducted by 2 reviewers
      independently, using the Cochrane tool. Separate meta-analyses were conducted to
      compare manual therapies to different control interventions. RESULTS: Out of 348
      nonduplicate records, 11 articles reporting on 10 studies on a total of 1198
      pregnant women were included in this meta-analysis. The therapeutic interventions
      predominantly involved massage and osteopathic manipulative therapy. Meta
      analyses found positive effects for manual therapy on pain intensity when
      compared to usual care and relaxation but not when compared to sham
      interventions. Acceptability did not differ between manual therapy and usual care
      or sham interventions. CONCLUSIONS: There is currently limited evidence to
      support the use of complementary manual therapies as an option for managing low
      back and pelvic pain during pregnancy. Considering the lack of effect compared to
      sham interventions, further high-quality research is needed to determine causal
      effects, the influence of the therapist on the perceived effectiveness of
      treatments, and adequate dose-response of complementary manual therapies on low
      back and pelvic pain outcomes during pregnancy.

PMID- 27661021
TI  - Efficacy and safety of noninvasive ventilation in patients after cardiothoracic
      surgery: A PRISMA-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is a promising therapeutic strategy
      after cardiothoracic surgery. This study aimed to meta-analyze the efficacy and
      safety of NIV as compared to conventional management after cardiothoracic
      surgery. METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched
      for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing NIV with conventional
      management after cardiothoracic surgery. Relative risk (RR), standard mean
      difference (SMD), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to measure the
      efficacy and safety of NIV using random-effects model. Heterogeneity was
      evaluated using the Q statistic. RESULTS: This study included 14 RCTs (1740
      patients) for the evaluation of efficacy and safety of NIV as compared to
      conventional management after cardiothoracic surgery. Overall, NIV had minimal
      effect on the risk of mortality (RR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.36-1.14; P = 0.127),
      endotracheal intubation (RR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.24-1.11; P = 0.090), respiratory
      (RR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.47-1.30; P = 0.340), cardiovascular (RR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.54
      1.22; P = 0.306), renal (RR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.26-1.92; P = 0.491), and other
      complications (RR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.38-1.36; P = 0.305), respiratory rate (SMD: 
      0.10; 95% CI: -1.21-1.01; P = 0.862), heart rate (SMD: -0.27; 95% CI: -0.76-0.22;
      P = 0.288), PaO2/FiO2 ratio (SMD: 0.34; 95% CI: -0.17-0.85; P = 0.194), PaCO2
      (SMD: 0.83; 95% CI: -0.12-1.77; P = 0.087), systolic pressure (SMD: -0.04; 95%
      CI: -0.25-0.17; P = 0.700), pH (SMD: -0.01; 95% CI: -0.44-0.43; P = 0.974),
      length of ICU stay (SMD: -0.19; 95% CI: -0.47-0.08; P = 0.171), and hospital stay
      (SMD: -0.31; 95% CI: -1.00-0.38; P = 0.373). Sensitivity analysis showed that NIV
      was associated with higher levels of PaO2/FiO2 ratio (SMD: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.00
      1.05; P = 0.048) and lower risk of endotracheal intubation (RR: 0.38; 95% CI:
      0.22-0.66; P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: As compared to conventional management, the
      use of NIV after cardiothoracic surgery improved patient's oxygenation and
      decreased the need for endotracheal intubation, without significant
      complications.

PMID- 27661023
TI  - Randomized clinical trial comparing abluminal biodegradable polymer sirolimus
      eluting stents with durable polymer sirolimus-eluting stents: Nine months
      angiographic and 5-year clinical outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The biodegradable polymer drug-eluting stents (DES) were developed to
      improve vascular healing. However, further data and longer-term follow-up are
      needed to confirm safety and efficacy of these stents. This randomized clinical
      trial aimed to compare safety and efficacy of 2 sirolimus-eluting stents (SES):
      Cordimax-a novel abluminal biodegradable polymer SES and Cypher Select-a durable
      polymer SES, at 9 months angiographic and 5-year clinical follow-up. METHODS: We
      randomized 402 patients with coronary artery disease to percutaneous coronary
      intervention with Cordimax (n = 202) or Cypher select (n = 200). Angiographic
      follow-up was performed at 9 months after the index procedure and clinical follow
      up annually up to 5 years. The primary endpoint was angiographic in-stent late
      luminal loss (LLL). Secondary endpoints included angiographic restenosis rate,
      target vessel revascularization (TVR), and major adverse cardiac events (MACEs;
      defined as cardiac death, myocardial infarction, or TVR) at 5-year follow-up.
      RESULTS: Cordimax was noninferior to Cypher select for in-stent LLL (0.25 +/-
      0.47 vs 0.18 +/- 0.49 mm; P = 0.587) and in-stent mean diameter stenosis (22.19
      +/- 12.21% vs 19.89 +/- 10.79%; P = 0.064) at 9 months angiographic follow-up.
      The MACE rates were not different at 1 year (5.9% vs 4.0%, P = 0.376); however,
      MACE rates from 2 to 5 years were lower in the Cordimax group (6.8% vs 13.1%; P =
      0.039). CONCLUSION: Abluminal biodegradable polymer SES is noninferior to durable
      polymer SES at 9-month angiographic and 1-year clinical follow-up. However, MACE
      rates from 2 to 5 years were less in the abluminal biodegradable polymer group.

PMID- 27661022
TI  - The effectiveness of dry-cupping in preventing post-operative nausea and vomiting
      by P6 acupoint stimulation: A randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common complication
      after general anesthesia, and the prevalence ranges between 25% and 30%. The aim
      of this study was to determine the preventive effects of dry cupping on PONV by
      stimulating point P6 in the wrist. METHODS: This was a randomized controlled
      trial conducted at the Imam Reza Hospital in Kermanshah, Iran. The final study
      sample included 206 patients (107 experimental and 99 controls). Inclusion
      criteria included the following: female sex; age>18 years; ASA Class I-II; type
      of surgery: laparoscopic cholecystectomy; type of anesthesia: general anesthesia.
      Exclusion criteria included: change in the type of surgery, that is, from
      laparoscopic cholecystectomy to laparotomy, and ASA-classification III or more.
      Interventions are as follows: pre surgery, before the induction of anesthesia,
      the experimental group received dry cupping on point P6 of the dominant hand's
      wrist with activation of intermittent negative pressure. The sham group received
      cupping without activation of negative pressure at the same point. Main outcome
      was that the visual analogue scale was used to measure the severity of PONV.
      RESULTS: The experimental group who received dry cupping had significantly lower
      levels of PONV severity after surgery (P < 0.001) than the control group. The
      differences in measure were maintained after controlling for age and ASA in
      regression models (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Traditional dry cupping delivered in an
      operation room setting prevented PONV in laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients.

PMID- 27661024
TI  - A retrospective study to validate an intraoperative robotic classification system
      for assessing the accuracy of kirschner wire (K-wire) placements with
      postoperative computed tomography classification system for assessing the
      accuracy of pedicle screw placements.
AB  - This purpose of this retrospective study is validation of an intraoperative
      robotic grading classification system for assessing the accuracy of Kirschner
      wire (K-wire) placements with the postoperative computed tomography (CT)-base
      classification system for assessing the accuracy of pedicle screw placements.We
      conducted a retrospective review of prospectively collected data from 35
      consecutive patients who underwent 176 robotic assisted pedicle screws
      instrumentation at Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital from September 2014 to
      November 2015. During the operation, we used a robotic grading classification
      system for verifying the intraoperative accuracy of K-wire placements. Three
      months after surgery, we used the common CT-base classification system to assess
      the postoperative accuracy of pedicle screw placements. The distributions of
      accuracy between the intraoperative robot-assisted and various postoperative CT
      based classification systems were compared using kappa statistics of
      agreement.The intraoperative accuracies of K-wire placements before and after
      repositioning were classified as excellent (131/176, 74.4% and 133/176, 75.6%,
      respectively), satisfactory (36/176, 20.5% and 41/176, 23.3%, respectively), and
      malpositioned (9/176, 5.1% and 2/176, 1.1%, respectively)In postoperative CT-base
      classification systems were evaluated. No screw placements were evaluated as
      unacceptable under any of these systems. Kappa statistics revealed no significant
      differences between the proposed system and the aforementioned classification
      systems (P <0.001).Our results revealed no significant differences between the
      intraoperative robotic grading system and various postoperative CT-based grading
      systems. The robotic grading classification system is a feasible method for
      evaluating the accuracy of K-wire placements. Using the intraoperative robot
      grading system to classify the accuracy of K-wire placements enables predicting
      the postoperative accuracy of pedicle screw placements. 

PMID- 27661025
TI  - Acute kidney injury in cirrhotic patients undergoing contrast-enhanced computed
      tomography.
AB  - Contrast medium administration is one of the leading causes of acute kidney
      injury (AKI) in different clinical settings. The aim of the study was to
      investigate occurrence and predisposing factors of AKI in cirrhotic patients
      undergoing contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT).Datasets of 1279
      consecutively hospitalized cirrhotic patients were retrospectively analyzed. Two
      hundred forty-nine of 1279 patients (mean age 64 +/- 11 years, 165 male) who had
      undergone CECT were selected on the basis of the availability of serum creatinine
      (sCr) values evaluated before and after CECT (CECT group). In analogy, 203/1279
      cases (mean age 66 +/- 10 years, 132 male) who had not undergone CECT and had
      been tested twice for sCr in 7 days were also included as controls (Control
      group). AKI network criteria were employed to assess contrast-induced AKI (CI
      AKI) development. Apart from lack of narrowed double sCr measurements, additional
      exclusion criteria were active bacterial infections, nephrotoxic drugs intake,
      and estimated glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min.AKI developed in 22/249
      (8.8%) and in 6/203 (3%) of the CECT and the Control groups, respectively (P =
      0.01). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that AKI was
      significantly associated with contrast medium administration (odds ratio [OR]:
      3.242, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.255-8.375; P = 0.015), female sex (OR:
      0.339, 95% CI: 0.139-0.827; P = 0.017), and sCr values (OR: 0.124, 95% CI: 0.016
      0.975; P = 0.047). In the CECT group, presence of ascites (OR: 2.796, 95% CI:
      1.109-7.052; P = 0.029), female sex (OR: 0.192, 95% CI: 0.073-0.510; P = 0.001),
      and hyperazotemia (OR: 1.018, 95% CI: 1.001-1.037; P = 0.043) correlated with CI
      AKI development at multivariate analysis.CI-AKI is a quite frequent occurrence in
      cirrhotic patients with female sex, presence of ascites, and hyperazotemia being
      the predisposing factors. 

PMID- 27661026
TI  - Vertebral body or intervertebral disc wedging: which contributes more to
      thoracolumbar kyphosis in ankylosing spondylitis patients?: A retrospective
      study.
AB  - Both vertebral body wedging and disc wedging are found in ankylosing spondylitis
      (AS) patients with thoracolumbar kyphosis. However, their relative contribution
      to thoracolumbar kyphosis is not fully understood. The objective of this study
      was to compare different contributions of vertebral and disc wedging to the
      thoracolumbar kyphosis in AS patients, and to analyze the relationship between
      the apical vertebral wedging angle and thoracolumbar kyphosis.From October 2009
      to October 2013, a total of 59 consecutive AS patients with thoracolumbar
      kyphosis with a mean age of 38.1 years were recruited in this study. Based on
      global kyphosis (GK), 26 patients with GK < 70 degrees  were assigned to group A,
      and the other 33 patients with GK >= 70 degrees  were included in group B. Each
      GK was divided into disc wedge angles and vertebral wedge angles. The wedging
      angle of each disc and vertebra comprising the thoracolumbar kyphosis was
      measured, and the proportion of the wedging angle to the GK was calculated
      accordingly. Intergroup and intragroup comparisons were subsequently performed to
      investigate the different contributions of disc and vertebra to the GK. The
      correlation between the apical vertebral wedging angle and GK was calculated by
      Pearson correlation analysis. The duration of disease and sex were also recorded
      in this study.With respect to the mean disease duration, significant difference
      was observed between the two groups (P < 0.01). The wedging angle and wedging
      percentage of discs were significantly higher than those of vertebrae in group A
      (34.8 degrees  +/- 2.5 degrees  vs 26.7 degrees  +/- 2.7 degrees , P < 0.01 and
      56.6% vs 43.4%, P < 0.01), whereas disc wedging and disc wedging percentage were
      significantly lower than vertebrae in group B (37.6 degrees  +/- 7.0 degrees  vs
      50.1 degrees  +/- 5.1 degrees , P < 0.01 and 42.7% vs 57.3%, P < 0.01). The
      wedging of vertebrae was significantly higher in group B than in group A (50.1
      degrees  +/- 5.1 degrees  vs 26.7 degrees  +/- 2.7 degrees , P < 0.01).
      Additionally, correlation analysis revealed a significant correlation between the
      apical vertebral wedging angle and GK (R = 0.850, P = 0.001).Various disc and
      vertebral wedging exist in thoracolumbar kyphosis secondary to AS. The discs
      wedging contributes more to the thoracolumbar kyphosis in patients with GK < 70
      degrees  than vertebral wedging, whereas vertebral wedging is more conducive to
      the thoracolumbar kyphosis in patients with GK >= 70 degrees , indicating
      different biomechanical pathogenesis in varied severity of thoracolumbar kyphosis
      secondary to AS. 

PMID- 27661027
TI  - Relationship between homocysteine and intraocular pressure in men and women: A
      population-based study.
AB  - The relationship between homocysteine levels and glaucoma has been questioned in
      previous studies without conclusive results. In the current study, we assessed
      the relationship between homocysteine levels and intraocular pressure which is
      one of the main factors in the development of glaucoma in men and women.A
      retrospective cross-sectional analysis of a database from a screening center in
      Israel which assessed 11,850 subjects, within an age range 20 to 80 years. The
      relationship between homocysteine and intraocular pressure has been investigated
      by comparing intraocular pressure in subjects with elevated and normal
      homocysteine and by comparing homocysteine levels in subjects with elevated and
      normal intraocular pressure. In addition, we compared the levels of homocysteine
      in subjects with and without a confirmed diagnosis of glaucoma.The mean IOP (+/
      SD) in subjects with normal homocysteine levels(<=15 MUmol/L) was 13.2 +/- 2.3 mm
      Hg and 13.4 +/- 2.4 mm Hg in those with high homocysteine levels (>15 MUmol/L) (P
      < 0.008, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.3-0.09).Nonetheless, after multivariate
      adjustment for age, gender, vitamin B12, and folic acid statistical significance
      was no longer demonstrated (P = 0.37). Mean homocysteine levels (+/-SD) in
      subjects with normal intraocular pressure of <= 21 mm Hg was 11.7 +/- 5.5 MUmol/L
      and 12.09 +/- 3.43 MUmol/L in those with elevated intraocular pressure (P = 0.4,
      95%CI 1.1-1.8). Mean homocysteine levels (+/-SD) in subjects with glaucoma were
      11.2 +/- 3.5 MUmol/L compared to 11.7 +/- 5.5 MUmol/L in subjects without
      glaucoma and normal intraocular pressure <= 21 mm Hg (P = 0.4, 95% CI 1.2
      2.1).The current study displays no clinical correlation between the homocysteine
      level and the intraocular pressure. Homocysteine may not be used as a predictive
      parameter to recognize those subjects prone to develop elevated intraocular
      pressure. 

PMID- 27661028
TI  - Long-term results of intraoperative electron beam radiation therapy for
      nonmetastatic locally advanced pancreatic cancer: Retrospective cohort study, 7
      year experience with 247 patients at the National Cancer Center in China.
AB  - To assess prognostic benefits of intraoperative electron beam radiation therapy
      (IOERT) in patients with nonmetastatic locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC)
      and evaluate optimal adjuvant treatment after IOERT.A retrospective cohort study
      using prospectively collected data was conducted at the Cancer Hospital of the
      Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China National Cancer Center.Two hundred
      forty-seven consecutive patients with nonmetastatic LAPC who underwent IOERT
      between January 2008 and May 2015 were identified and included in the study.
      Overall survival (OS) was calculated from the day of IOERT. Prognostic factors
      were examined using Cox proportional hazards models. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year
      actuarial survival rates were 40%, 14%, and 7.2%, respectively, with a median OS
      of 9.0 months. On multivariate analysis, an IOERT applicator diameter < 6 cm
      (hazards ratio [HR], 0.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.47-0.97), no
      intraoperative interstitial sustained-release 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy (HR,
      0.46; 95% CI, 0.32-0.66), and receipt of postoperative chemoradiotherapy followed
      by chemotherapy (HR, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.04-0.25) were significantly associated with
      improved OS. Pain relief after IOERT was achieved in 111 of the 117 patients,
      with complete remission in 74 and partial remission in 37. Postoperative
      complications rate and mortality were 14.0% and 0.4%, respectively. Nonmetastatic
      LAPC patients with smaller size tumors could achieve positive long-term survival
      outcomes with a treatment strategy incorporating IOERT and postoperative adjuvant
      treatment.Chemoradiotherapy followed by chemotherapy might be a recommended
      adjuvant treatment strategy for well-selected cases. Intraoperative interstitial
      sustained-release 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy should not be recommended for
      patients with nonmetastatic LAPC. 

PMID- 27661029
TI  - A young infant with transient severe hypertriglyceridemia temporarily associated
      with meropenem administration: A case report and review of the literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Slight changes in the lipid profile can be observed over the acute
      phase of infectious diseases. Moreover, some anti-infective drugs can modify
      serum lipid concentrations, although antibiotics do not seem to have a relevant,
      direct, or acute effect on the lipid profile. METHODS: A 75-day-old breastfed
      Caucasian female, born at term after a regular pregnancy, was hospitalized for
      osteomyelitis. She was immediately treated with intravenous meropenem and
      vancomycin. Therapy was effective, but after 22 days of treatment, her blood was
      found to be viscous with a purple shade. RESULTS: A fasting blood sample showed
      serum triglycerides of 966 mg/dL, total cholesterol of 258 mg/dL, and high
      density lipoprotein cholesterol of 15 mg/dL. Secondary causes of hyperlipidemia
      and primary hereditary disorders were ruled out. Thereafter, the possibility that
      antibiotics may have had a role in the hypertriglyceridemia was considered, and
      meropenem was discontinued. After 72 hours of meropenem discontinuation, a sharp
      modification of lipid variables was observed, and further testing showed a
      complete normalization of the lipid profile. CONCLUSION: In this child with
      osteomyelitis, the increase in serum triglycerides appeared suddenly after 3
      weeks of meropenem treatment and resolved quickly after meropenem
      discontinuation, thus highlighting the possible association between meropenem and
      lipid profile alterations. Monitoring the lipid profile should be considered in
      cases of long-term treatment with meropenem, and further studies on meropenem
      safety should include evaluation of the lipid profile.

PMID- 27661030
TI  - Does adding variceal status to the Child-Turcotte-Pugh score improve its
      performance in predicting mortality in cirrhosis?
AB  - The Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score is widely used worldwide to predict outcomes
      across a broad spectrum of liver diseases, mainly cirrhosis. Portal hypertension
      and variceal bleed are significant causes of morbidity and mortality in cirrhotic
      patients, although the variceal status is not incorporated into the classical CTP
      score. We sought to determine whether the inclusion of variceal status,
      specifically the Child-Turcotte-Pugh-Kumar (CTPK) score, would improve the
      utility of the classical CTP score to predict the clinical outcomes of cirrhotic
      patients in a single but high-volume center in China.We retrospectively analyzed
      the records of 253 patients from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014 and
      performed follow-up for at least 12 months. The CTPK score and the CTP score were
      obtained as soon as possible after the patient's admission. Telephone follow-up
      was performed to assess survival situations.At 3 and 12 months, the cumulative
      number of deaths was 9.1% (n = 23) and 13.8% (n = 35), respectively. In the
      multivariate Cox proportional hazards models, the CTPK score was independently
      associated with death within 3 and 12 months after adjusting for potential
      confounders. The predictive ability related to the 2 scores was evaluated by the
      area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC) respectively. At
      3 months of enrollment, the AUCs of CTPK and CTP were 0.814 and 0.838,
      respectively. At 12 months of enrollment, the AUCs of CTPK and CTP were 0.825 and
      0.840, respectively. No significant difference between time points was observed.
      Both the CTPK score and the CTP score displayed prognostic value in cirrhotic
      patients, as the Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the CTPK score could clearly
      discriminate patients in the intermediate term (P < 0.001).The CTPK score
      provides reliable prediction of mortality in Chinese cirrhotic patients for both
      short-term and medium-term prognoses, although it is not superior to the CTP
      score. Therefore, the CTP score remains an excellent tool for outcome prediction
      in patients with cirrhosis, and greater attention to variceal status may be in
      veins, even for patients with a history of variceal bleed or medium/large
      varices. 

PMID- 27661031
TI  - Cutaneous fistulization of the hydatid disease: A PRISMA-compliant systematic
      review.
AB  - AIM: To provide an overview of the medical literature on cutaneous fistulization
      in patients with hydatid disease (HD). METHODS: According to PRISMA guidelines a
      literature search was made in PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, and Google
      databases were searched using keywords to identify articles related to cutaneous
      fistulization of the HD. Keywords used were hydatid disease, hydatid cyst,
      cutaneous fistulization, cysto-cutaneous fistulization, external rupture, and
      external fistulization. The literature search included case reports, review
      articles, original articles, and meeting presentations published until July 2016
      without restrictions on language, journal, or country. Articles and abstracts
      containing adequate information, such as age, sex, cyst size, cyst location,
      clinical presentation, fistula opening location, and management, were included in
      the study, whereas articles with insufficient clinical and demographic data were
      excluded. We also present a new case of cysto-cutaneous fistulization of a liver
      hydatid cyst. RESULTS: The literature review included 38 articles (32 full text,
      2 abstracts, and 4 unavailable) on cutaneous fistulization in patients with HD.
      Among the 38 articles included in the study, 22 were written in English, 13 in
      French, 1 in German, 1 in Italian, and 1 in Spanish. Forty patients (21 males and
      19 females; mean age +/- standard deviation, 54.0 +/- 21.5 years; range, 7-93
      years) were involved in the study. Twenty-four patients had cysto-cutaneous
      fistulization (Echinococcus granulosus); 10 had cutaneous fistulization (E
      multilocularis), 3 had cysto-cutaneo-bronchio-biliary fistulization, 2 had cysto
      cutaneo-bronchial fistulization; and 1 had cutaneo-bronchial fistulization (E
      multilocularis). Twenty-nine patients were diagnosed with E granulosis and 11 had
      E multilocularis detected by clinical, radiological, and/or histopathological
      examinations. CONCLUSION: Cutaneous fistulization is a rare complication of HD.
      Complicated HD should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cases
      presenting with cutaneous fistulization, particularly in regions where HD is
      endemic.

PMID- 27661032
TI  - The number of retrieved lymph nodes needed for accurate staging differs based on
      the presence of preoperative chemoradiation for rectal cancer.
AB  - The aim of this study is to investigate if retrieval of 12 lymph nodes (LNs) is
      sufficient to avoid stage migration as well as to evaluate the prognostic impact
      of insufficient LN retrieval in different treatment settings of rectal cancer,
      particularly in the case of preoperative chemoradiotherapy (pCRT).The data of all
      patients with biopsy proven rectal adenocarcinoma who underwent curative surgery
      between January 2005 and December 2012 were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate
      analyses for oncologic outcomes were performed in LN metastasis or no LN
      metastasis (LN-) group. Subgroup analyses were performed according to whether a
      patient had received pCRT.A total of 1825 patients were enrolled into the study.
      The maximal Chi-square method revealed the minimum number of harvested LNs
      required to be 12. Univariate and multivariate analyses found LNs >= 12 to be an
      independent prognostic factor for both overall survival (OS) (hazard ratio [HR] =
      0.5, 95% confidence intervals [CIs]: 0.3-0.8; P = 0.002) and disease-free
      survival (DFS) (HR = 0.6, 95% CI: 0.4-0.7; P < 0.001) in the LN- group. In the LN
      group, LNs >= 12 continued to be a significant prognostic factor both for OS and
      DFS in the subgroup of patients who did not undergo pCRT. However, in the
      subgroup of the LN- patients who underwent pCRT, LN >= 8 was significant for DFS
      and OS.Retrieval of LNs >= 12 and LNs >= 8 should be achieved to obtain accurate
      staging and optimal treatment for the non-pCRT and pCRT groups in rectal cancer,
      respectively. 

PMID- 27661033
TI  - Prognostic role of pretreatment neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio in patients with
      diffuse large B-cell lymphoma treated with RCHOP.
AB  - This study aims to investigate whether neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an
      independent predictor in newly diagnosed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)
      patients in the rituximab era. Data from newly diagnosed DLBCL patients at
      Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital from 2006 to 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. We
      used the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to generate the
      optimal cutoff value for NLR. Among those 156 patients enrolled, the NLR was <
      3.0 in 46.8% (73/156) of the patients, and the remaining 53.2% (83/156) had an
      NLR >= 3.0. Patients with higher pretreatment NLR were found to correlate with
      poorer OS and PFS than these with lower NLR (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.66, 95%
      confidence interval [CI] = 1.43-4.97, P = 0.002 and HR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.05
      3.07, P = 0.034, respectively). The multivariate Cox proportional hazard model
      analysis further showed that high NLR was found independently predictive of poor
      OS (HR = 0.40; CI = 0.19-0.84, P = 0.015) and PFS (HR = 0.57; CI = 0.33-0.98, P =
      0.042). Consequently, pretreatment NLR was an independent prognostic predictor in
      patients with DLBCL in the rituximab era. 

PMID- 27661035
TI  - Delayed regaining of gait ability in a patient with brain injury: A case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little is known about delay in regaining gait ability at a chronic
      stage after brain injury. In this study, we report on a single patient who
      regained the gait ability during 2 months of intensive rehabilitation starting 2
      years after a brain injury. METHODS AND RESULTS: A 40-year-old male patient
      diagnosed with viral encephalitis underwent comprehensive rehabilitation until 2
      years after onset. However, he could not even sit independently and presented
      with severe physical deconditioning and severe ataxia. To understand his
      neurological state, 4 neural tracts related to gait function were reconstructed,
      and based on the state of these neural tracts, we decided that the patient had
      the neurological potential to walk independently. Therefore, we assumed that the
      main reasons for gait inability in this patient were severe physical
      deconditioning and truncal ataxia. Consequently, the patient underwent the
      following intensive rehabilitative therapy: administration of drugs for control
      of ataxia (topiramate, clonazepam, and propranolol) and movement therapy for
      physical conditioning and gait training. As a result, after 2 months of
      rehabilitation, he was able to walk independently on an even floor, with
      improvement of severe physical deconditioning and truncal ataxia. CONCLUSION: We
      described the rehabilitation program in a single patient who regained the gait
      ability during 2 months of intensive rehabilitation starting 2 years after a
      brain injury.

PMID- 27661034
TI  - Long-term therapeutic outcome of ophthalmic complications following endoscopic
      sinus surgery.
AB  - Ophthalmic complications associated with endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) are quite
      rare. There is a paucity of reliable data and limited experience on the clinical
      findings and treatments of these injuries. Our study here is to characterize the
      types of orbital injury following ESS, in particular extraocular muscle injury,
      and to evaluate the long-term therapeutic outcomes as compiled from a relatively
      large sample of Chinese patients.A series of 27 patients (21 males and 6 females;
      mean age = 42.6 years, ranges: 10-60 years) were retrospectively reviewed. The
      mean duration of orbital complication was 6.6 months (ranges: 1 day to 24
      months). The right eye was affected in 19 patients and the left in 8 patients.
      All patients had various extraocular muscle dysfunction, including contusion,
      oculomotor nerve damage, muscle entrapment, muscle transection, and muscle
      destruction. All patients subjected to strabismus surgery showed an obvious
      reduction in deviation. Three patients achieved orthophoria without any surgery
      during the period of observation. All patients displayed mild to complicated
      orbital hemorrhage that often disappeared within 2 weeks. Optic nerve injury
      occurred in 29.6% of patients and vision damage in these patients was often
      irreversible.All patients with ophthalmic complications after ESS had strabismus
      and extraocular muscle dysfunction. Timing and type of strabismus surgery
      performed depended on the severity and number of muscles involved as well as the
      type of injury. This surgery is less effective in cases of restriction factor
      adhesion and/or entrapment as compared to that of patients with other types of
      strabismus. Orbital hemorrhages were usually resolved spontaneously, but optic
      nerve injury was mostly irreversible. 

PMID- 27661036
TI  - Chemotherapy against cancer during pregnancy: A systematic review on neonatal
      outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The concomitant incidence of cancer and pregnancy has increased in
      recent years because of the increase in maternal age at the time of the 1st
      pregnancy. The diagnosis of cancer in a pregnant woman causes ethical and
      therapeutic problems for both the patient and the physician. The main aim of this
      paper is to describe the available evidence concerning the short- and long-term
      neonatal impact of chemotherapy given to pregnant women. METHODS: The relevant
      publications in English were identified by a systematic review of MEDLINE and
      PubMed for the last 15 years. The search strategy included
      "cancer[Title/Abstract] OR tumor[Title/Abstract] AND pregnancy[Title/Abstract] OR
      pregnant[Title/Abstract] AND embryo[Title/Abstract] or fetus[Title/Abstract] or
      neonate[Title/Abstract] or newborn[Title/Abstract] or pediatric[Title/Abstract]
      or child[Title/Abstract] AND English[lang]." RESULTS: An analysis of the
      literature showed that only the administration of chemotherapy during the
      embryonic stage of conceptus is dangerous and can lead to the termination of the
      pregnancy. When the disease is diagnosed in the 2nd or 3rd trimester of gestation
      or when it is possible to delay the initiation of chemotherapy beyond the 14th
      week, the risk of severe problems for the fetus are low, and pregnancy
      termination is not required. CONCLUSION: Data regarding the final outcome of
      children who have received in utero chemotherapy seem reassuring. Only the
      administration in the embryonal stage of conceptus is dangerous and can lead to
      the termination of pregnancy. When the disease is diagnosed in the 2nd or 3rd
      trimester of gestation or when it is possible to delay the initiation of
      chemotherapy beyond the 14th week, the risk of severe problems for the fetus are
      low and pregnancy termination is not needed. Increased knowledge of how to
      minimize the risks of chemotherapy can reduce improper management including
      unnecessary termination of pregnancy, delayed maternal treatment, and iatrogenic
      preterm delivery.

PMID- 27661037
TI  - The incidence and risk of osteoporosis in patients with anxiety disorder: A
      Population-based retrospective cohort study.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between anxiety
      disorder (AD) and the subsequent development of osteoporosis.We conducted a
      population-based retrospective cohort analysis according to the data in the
      Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000 of Taiwan. We included 7098 patients
      in both the AD and no-anxiety cohort who were matched according to age and sex
      between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2013. The incidence rate and the risk
      ratios (RRs) of subsequent new-onset osteoporosis were calculated for both
      cohorts. We used Cox proportional hazards models to assess the effect of AD. The
      Kaplan-Meier method was applied to estimate the cumulative osteoporosis incidence
      curves.The AD cohort consisted of 7098 patients, and the comparison cohort
      comprised the same matched control patients without anxiety. The risk of
      osteoporosis was higher in the AD cohort than in the comparison cohort. In
      addition, the incidence of newly diagnosed osteoporosis remained significantly
      increased in all of the stratified follow-up durations (0-1, 1-5, 5-10,
      >=10years). Patients with AD were 1.79 times more likely to get osteoporosis than
      those without AD. We also observed a significant increase in osteoporotic risk in
      AD patients who are comorbid with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and chronic
      liver disease.The incidence of osteoporosis in Taiwan is associated with an a
      priori AD history. The risk ratios are the highest for osteoporosis within 1 year
      of AD diagnosis, but the risk remains statistically significant for >1 year.
      Clinicians should pay particular attention to osteoporotic comorbidities in AD
      patients. 

PMID- 27661038
TI  - Ginseng for managing menopausal woman's health: A systematic review of double
      blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this systematic review was to update, complete, and
      critically evaluate the evidence from placebo-controlled randomized clinical
      trials (RCTs) of ginseng for managing menopausal women's health. METHODS: We
      searched the literature using 13 databases (MEDLINE, AMED, EMBASE, the Cochrane
      Library, 6 Korean Medical, and 3 Chinese Databases) from their inception to July
      2016 and included all double-blind RCTs that compared any type of ginseng with a
      placebo control in postmenopausal women. The methodological quality of all
      studies was assessed using a Cochrane risk of bias tool. RESULTS: Ten RCTs met
      our inclusion criteria. Most RCTs had unclear risk of bias. One RCT did not show
      a significant difference in hot flash frequency between Korean red ginseng (KRG)
      and placebo. The second RCT reported positive effects of KRG on menopausal
      symptoms. The third RCT found beneficial effects of ginseng (Ginsena) on
      depression, well-being, and general health. Four RCTs failed to show significant
      differences in various hormones between KRG and placebo controls except
      dehydroepiandrosterone. Two other RCTs failed to show effects of KRG on
      endometrial thickness in menopausal women. The other RCT also failed to show the
      effects of American ginseng on oxidative stress markers and other antioxidant
      enzymes. CONCLUSION: Our systematic review provided positive evidence of ginseng
      for sexual function and KRG for sexual arousal and total hot flashes score in
      menopausal women. However, the results of KRG or ginseng failed to show specific
      effects on hot flash frequency, hormones, biomarkers, or endometrial thickness.
      The level of evidence for these findings was low because of unclear risk of bias.

PMID- 27661039
TI  - The Pemberton Happiness Index: Validation of the Universal Portuguese version in
      a large Brazilian sample.
AB  - The Pemberton Happiness Index (PHI) is a recently developed integrative measure
      of well-being that includes components of hedonic, eudaimonic, social, and
      experienced well-being. The PHI has been validated in several languages, but not
      in Portuguese. Our aim was to cross-culturally adapt the Universal Portuguese
      version of the PHI and to assess its psychometric properties in a sample of the
      Brazilian population using online surveys.An expert committee evaluated 2
      versions of the PHI previously translated into Portuguese by the original authors
      using a standardized form for assessment of semantic/idiomatic, cultural, and
      conceptual equivalence. A pretesting was conducted employing cognitive debriefing
      methods. In sequence, the expert committee evaluated all the documents and
      reached a final Universal Portuguese PHI version. For the evaluation of the
      psychometric properties, the data were collected using online surveys in a cross
      sectional study. The study population included healthcare professionals and users
      of the social network site Facebook from several Brazilian geographic areas. In
      addition to the PHI, participants completed the Satisfaction with Life Scale
      (SWLS), Diener and Emmons' Positive and Negative Experience Scale (PNES),
      Psychological Well-being Scale (PWS), and the Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS).
      Internal consistency, convergent validity, known-group validity, and test-retest
      reliability were evaluated. Satisfaction with the previous day was correlated
      with the 10 items assessing experienced well-being using the Cramer V test.
      Additionally, a cut-off value of PHI to identify a "happy individual" was defined
      using receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve methodology.Data from 1035
      Brazilian participants were analyzed (health professionals = 180; Facebook users
      = 855). Regarding reliability results, the internal consistency (Cronbach alpha =
      0.890 and 0.914) and test-retest (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.814)
      were both considered adequate. Most of the validity hypotheses formulated a
      priori (convergent and know-group) was further confirmed. The cut-off value of
      higher than 7 in remembered PHI was identified (AUC = 0.780, sensitivity = 69.2%,
      specificity = 78.2%) as the best one to identify a happy individual.We concluded
      that the Universal Portuguese version of the PHI is valid and reliable for use in
      the Brazilian population using online surveys. 

PMID- 27661040
TI  - Lead poisoning in a 16-year-old girl: a case report and a review of the
      literature (CARE compliant).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lead is a toxic element of the environment which leads to major
      complications once it enters the blood stream, affecting multiple organs and
      systems of the body. METHODS: We present the case of a 16-year-old girl,
      diagnosed with lead poisoning after occupational exposure due to the fact that
      the girl was actively involved in the family's pottery business.History revealed
      that the girl participated in the process of pottery, her father was also
      diagnosed with lead poisoning 2 years before. The patient's personal history
      underlined that approximately 1 year ago she presented with severe abdominal
      pain, being diagnosed with acute appendicitis and she underwent appendectomy, but
      the pain persisted, thus due to family history of lead poisoning, the suspicion
      of saturnine colic rose, and she was diagnosed with lead poisoning. The main
      symptoms and signs were severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and arterial
      hypertension. The clinical evolution was favorable under symptomatic treatment
      and chelation therapy. RESULTS: Lead toxicity is a life-threatening condition
      because of its severe acute and chronic complications. In children, there is no
      safe blood lead level, prevention methods are, therefore, very important in order
      to avoid toxic multiorganic effects of this metal. CONCLUSION: Even though the
      diagnosis of lead poisoning remains difficult in children, it must also be taken
      into consideration by the clinician facing a child with gastrointestinal or
      neurological involvement.

PMID- 27661041
TI  - Cancer-specific incidence rates of tuberculosis: A 5-year nationwide population
      based study in a country with an intermediate tuberculosis burden.
AB  - Population-based studies of the incidence of tuberculosis in cancer patients
      according to the type of cancer are limited. We investigated the cancer-specific
      incidence of tuberculosis in a nationwide population-based cohort in a country
      with an intermediate burden of tuberculosis.We used mandatory National Health
      Insurance claims data to construct a cancer cohort of adults (aged 20-99 years)
      with newly diagnosed malignancies other than lung cancer, from January 2008 to
      December 2012. Patients who developed tuberculosis in this period were identified
      in the cancer cohort and the general population. Standardized incidence ratios
      (SIRs) of tuberculosis in the cancer cohort according to type of cancer and time
      after cancer diagnosis were calculated by comparing the observed incidence rates
      with those inferred from the age- and gender-specific incidence rates in the
      general population.A total of 855,382 cancer patients and 1589,876 person-years
      (py) were observed. A total of 5745 patients developed tuberculosis; the mean
      incidence rate was 361.3 per 100,000 py, and the SIR was 2.22 (95% confidence
      interval [CI], 2.17-2.27). The incidence rate was highest for hematologic
      malignancy and lowest for thyroid cancer. It was also highest as 650.1 per
      100,000 py, with SIR of 3.70 (CI, 3.57-3.83) for the first 6 months after
      diagnosis of malignancy and then declined. However, it still remained higher than
      that of the general population after 24 months (SIR = 1.43, CI, 1.36-1.51).The
      incidence of tuberculosis increases after diagnosis in patients with
      malignancies. The risk of tuberculosis differs according to the type of cancer
      and remains elevated even 24 months after cancer diagnosis. Tuberculosis should
      be considered an important comorbidity in patients with malignancies. 

PMID- 27661043
TI  - Utility of the 2006 Sendai and 2012 Fukuoka guidelines for the management of
      intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas: A single-center
      experience with 138 surgically treated patients.
AB  - This study aimed to evaluate the utility of the 2006 Sendai and 2012 Fukuoka
      guidelines for differentiating malignant intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm
      (IPMN) of the pancreas from benign IPMN.Between January 2000 and March 2015, a
      total of 138 patients underwent surgery and had a pathologically confirmed
      pancreatic IPMN. Clinicopathological parameters were reviewed, and all patients
      were classified according to both the 2006 Sendai and 2012 Fukuoka guidelines.
      Univariate and multivariate analyses were used for identifying significant
      factors associated with malignancy in IPMN.There were 9 high-grade dysplasia
      (HGD) and 37 invasive cancers (ICs) in the 138 patients. The positive predictive
      value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of the Sendai and Fukuoka
      guidelines for HGD/IC was 35.1%, 43.3%, 100%, and 85.4%, respectively. Of the 36
      patients with worrisome features using the Fukuoka guideline, 7 patients had
      HGD/IC in their IPMNs. According to the multivariate analysis, jaundice, tumors
      of >=3 cm, presence of mural nodule on imaging, and aged <65 years were
      associated with HGD/IC in patients with IPMN.The Sendai guideline had a better
      NPV, but the Fukuoka guideline had a better PPV. We suggest that patients with
      worrisome features based on the Fukuoka guideline be aggressively managed. 

PMID- 27661042
TI  - Distribution of lung blood on modified bilateral Glenn shunt evaluated by Tc-99m
      MAA lung perfusion scintigraphy: A retrospective study.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to determine the distribution of lung blood in a
      modified bilateral Glenn procedure designed in our institute with lung perfusion
      scintigraphy. Sixteen consecutive patients who underwent modified bilateral Glenn
      operation from 2011 to 2014 were enrolled in the study. The control group
      consisted of 7 patients who underwent bidirectional Glenn shunt. Radionuclide
      lung perfusion scintigraphy was performed using Tc-99m-macro aggregated albumin
      (MAA) in all patients. For the patients in modified bilateral Glenn group, the
      time at which the radioactivity accumulation peaked did not differ significantly
      between the right and left lung field (t = 0.608, P = 0.554). The incidence of
      perfusion abnormality in each lung lobe also did not differ significantly (P =
      0.426 by Fisher exact test). The radioactive counts were higher in the right lung
      than in the left lung, but the difference was not statistically significant (t =
      1.502, P = 0.157). Radioactive perfusion in the lower lung field was
      significantly greater than that in the upper field (t = 4.368, P < 0.001).
      Compared with that in the bidirectional Glenn group, the ratio of radioactivity
      in the right lung to that in left lung was significantly lower in the modified
      bilateral Glenn group (t = 3.686, P = 0.002). Lung perfusion scintigraphy
      confirmed the benefit of the modified bilateral Glenn shunt with regard to more
      balanced blood perfusion in both lungs. 

PMID- 27661044
TI  - Trends of spinal tuberculosis research (1994-2015): A bibliometric study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Spinal tuberculosis is the most common form of skeletal tuberculosis.
      However, there were limited data to evaluate the trend of spinal tuberculosis
      research. This study aims to investigate the trend of spinal tuberculosis
      research and compare the contribution of research from different countries and
      authors. METHODS: Spinal tuberculosis-related publications from 1994 to 2015 were
      retrieved from the Web of Science database. Excel 2013, GraphPad Prism 5, and
      VOSviewer software were used to analyze the search results for number of
      publications, cited frequency, H-index, and country contributions. RESULTS: A
      total of 1558 papers were identified and were cited 16,152 times as of January
      25, 2016. The United States accounted for 15.1% of the articles, 22.3% of the
      citations, and the highest H-index (33). China ranked third in total number of
      articles, fifth in citation frequency (815), and ranked seventh in H-index (13).
      The journal Spine (IF 2.297) had the highest number of publications. The author
      Jain A.K. has published the most papers in this field (20). The article titled
      "Tuberculosis of the spine: Controversies and a new challenge" was the most
      popular article and cited a total of 1138 times. The keyword "disease" was
      mentioned the most for 118 times and the word "bone fusion" was the latest
      hotspot by 2015. CONCLUSION: Literature growth in spinal tuberculosis is slowly
      expanding. Although publications from China are increasing, the quality of the
      articles still requires improvements. Meanwhile, the United States continues to
      be the largest contributor in the field of spinal tuberculosis. According to our
      bibliometric study, bone fusion may be an emerging topic within spinal
      tuberculosis research and is something that should be closely observed.

PMID- 27661045
TI  - Giant right coronary artery aneurysms presenting as a cardiac mass: Case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) is defined as coronary dilatation
      which exceeds the diameter of the normal adjacent artery segments or the diameter
      of the patient's largest coronary artery by 1.5 times. The incidence of giant CAA
      is difficult to be determined, since only few reports have been described in the
      literature. METHODS AND RESULTS: A 65-year-old man was referred to our hospital
      because of a "mass" in the right heart detected on echocardiography at a regular
      medical health examination, while he experienced no any symptoms. Coronary
      angiography showed the severe stenosis of the left anterior descending artery
      (LAD) and the left circumflex artery (LCX) and the diffusely ectatic change of
      the right coronary artery (RCA), but no mass was found in any of these arteries.
      Coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) confirmed that the "mass" was the
      giant aneurysms of RCA with thrombus. He received coronary artery bypass graft
      (CABG) with thrombectomy. The histopathology showed the deposits of lipid and
      hyalin in the tunica intima, the focal calcifications, the very thin tunica
      media, and the disappearance of the part of the tunica media in the RCA.
      CONCLUSIONS: Coronary artery aneurysm which may contain thrombus can complicate a
      diagnostic coronary angiography due to the risk of distal embolization and may
      lead to myocardial infarction. This case report demonstrates 2 RCA aneurysms with
      a thrombus presenting as a giant "mass" which was successfully treated by CABG
      with thrombectomy.

PMID- 27661046
TI  - Comparison of the incidence of emergence agitation and emergence times between
      desflurane and sevoflurane anesthesia in children: A systematic review and meta
      analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The differences in the incidence and severity of emergence agitation
      (EA) and emergence times between desflurane and sevoflurane anesthesia have not
      been as clearly elucidated in children as in adults. METHODS: The design of the
      study is a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
      The study methodology is based on the Cochrane Review Methods. A comprehensive
      literature search was conducted to identify clinical trials comparing the
      incidence or severity of EA and emergence times in children anesthetized with
      desflurane or sevoflurane. Two reviewers independently assessed each study
      according to predefined inclusion criteria and extracted data from each study
      using a prespecified data extraction form. The data from each study were combined
      using a fixed effect or random effect model to calculate the pooled risk ratio
      (RR) or standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI).
      Funnel plots were used to assess publication bias. Subgroup and sensitivity
      analyses were performed. RESULTS: Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria.
      Among the 1196 patients in these 14 studies, 588 received desflurane anesthesia
      and 608 received sevoflurane anesthesia. The incidence of EA was comparable
      between the 2 groups (pooled RR = 1.21; 95% CI: 0.96-1.53; I = 26%), and so was
      the severity of EA (EA score) between the 2 groups (SMD = 0.12; 95% CI: -0.02 to
      0.27; I = 0%). Extubation and awakening times were shorter in the desflurane
      group than in the sevoflurane group; the weighted mean differences were -2.21
      (95% CI: -3.62 to -0.81; I = 93%) and -2.74 (95% CI: -3.80 to -1.69; I = 85%),
      respectively. No publication bias was found in the funnel plot. The subgroup
      analysis based on the type of EA scale showed a higher incidence of EA in the
      desflurane group than in the sevoflurane group in studies using 3-, 4-, or 5
      point EA scales; the pooled RR was 1.38 (95% CI: 1.10-1.73; I = 37%). CONCLUSION:
      The incidence and severity of EA were comparable between desflurane and
      sevoflurane anesthesia in children; however, emergence times, including
      extubation and awakening times, were shorter in desflurane anesthesia.

PMID- 27661047
TI  - Teflon-buttressed sutures plus pericardium patch repair left ventricular rupture
      caused by radiofrequency catheter ablation: A case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiac rupture often occurs after myocardial infarction or chest
      trauma with a high mortality rate. However, left ventricular rupture caused by
      radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) is extremely rare. METHODS: We describe a
      case of a 61-year-old male who survived from left ventricular rupture caused by a
      RFCA procedure for frequent ventricular premature contractions. Surgical
      exploration with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was performed when the signs of
      cardiac tamponade developed 7 hours after the ablation surgery. RESULTS: Teflon
      buttressed sutures of the tear in the left ventricular posterolateral wall and
      pericardium patch applied to the contusion region on the wall repaired the
      rupture safely and effectively. CONCLUSION: Timely surgical intervention under
      CPB facilitated the survival of the patient. Teflon-buttressed sutures plus
      pericardium patch achieved the successful repair of the rupture.

PMID- 27661048
TI  - Autograft versus allograft in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A meta
      analysis with trial sequential analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is considered as the
      standard surgical procedure for the treatment of ACL tear. However, there is a
      crucial controversy in terms of whether to use autograft or allograft in ACL
      reconstruction. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to compare autograft with
      allograft for patients undergoing ACL reconstruction. METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE,
      and the Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials that
      compared autograft with allograft in ACL reconstruction up to January 31, 2016.
      The relative risk or mean difference with 95% confidence interval was calculated
      using either a fixed- or random-effects model. The risk of bias for individual
      studies according to the Cochrane Handbook. The trial sequential analysis was
      used to test the robustness of our findings and get more conservative estimates.
      RESULTS: Thirteen trials were included, involving 1636 participants. The results
      of this meta-analysis indicated that autograft brought about lower clinical
      failure, better overall International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) level,
      better pivot-shift test, better Lachman test, greater Tegner score, and better
      instrumented laxity test (P < 0.05) than allograft. Autograft was not
      statistically different from allograft in Lysholm score, subjective IKDC score,
      and Daniel 1-leg hop test (P > 0.05). Subgroup analyses demonstrated that
      autograft was superior to irradiated allograft for patients undergoing ACL
      reconstruction in clinical failure, Lysholm score, pivot-shift test, Lachman
      test, Tegner score, instrumented laxity test, and subjective IKDC score (P <
      0.05). Moreover, there were no significant differences between autograft and
      nonirradiated allograft. CONCLUSIONS: Autograft is superior to irradiated
      allograft for patients undergoing ACL reconstruction concerning knee function and
      laxity, but there are no significant differences between autograft and
      nonirradiated allograft. However, our results should be interpreted with caution,
      because the blinding methods were not well used.

PMID- 27661049
TI  - Feasibility of laparoscopic major hepatectomy for hepatic paragonimiasis: two
      case reports.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Though accumulated evidence proved that laparoscopic major
      hepatectomy was technically feasible, it remains a challenging procedure and is
      limited to highly specialized centers. Paragonimiasis is one of the most
      important food-borne parasitic zoonoses caused by the trematode of the genus
      Paragonimus. Although hepatic paragonimiasis is rare, the previous studies had
      investigated hepatic paragonimiasis from different perspectives. However, the
      safety and feasibility of laparoscopic major hepatectomy for hepatic
      paragonimiasis have not yet been reported in the literature. METHODS: We here
      present 2 cases of hepatic paragonimiasis at the deep parts of the liver with
      treatment by laparoscopic major hepatectomy. One case is a 32-year-old male
      patient who was admitted to the hospital due to upper abdominal discomfort
      without fever for 1 month. The clinical imaging revealed that there was a lesion
      about 5.9 * 3.7 cm in the boundary of right anterior lobe and right posterior
      lobe of the liver with rim enhancement and tract-like nonenhanced areas. The
      other one is a 62-year-old female patient who was referred to the hospital for 1
      month of right upper abdominal pain and fever. The ultrasonography showed that
      there was a huge hypoechoic mass (about 10.8 * 6.3 cm) in middle lobe of the
      liver with tract-like nonenhanced areas. Both patients were from an endemic area
      of paragonimiasis and the proportion of eosinophil in the second case was
      increased. RESULTS: The preoperative diagnosis of the first case was ambiguous
      and the hepatic paragonimiasis was considered for the second case. The first case
      underwent laparoscopic extended right posterior lobe hepatectomy and the other
      case underwent laparoscopic extended left hemihepatectomy. Both operations went
      very well and the operation times for the 2 cases were 275 minutes and 310
      minutes, respectively. The 2 patients' postoperative recovery was smooth without
      major postoperative complications (such as, bleeding, bile leakage, and liver
      failure). Moreover, the 2 patients were discharged on the 6th day and 7th day
      after surgery, respectively. The postoperative histopathological examination
      manifested hepatic paragonimiasis in both patients. CONCLUSION: This study
      suggests that the laparoscopic approach may be safe and technically feasible for
      hepatic paragonimiasis.

PMID- 27661051
TI  - Breast malignant phyllodes tumor with rare pelvic metastases and long-term
      overall survival: A case report and literature review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Malignant phyllodes tumor (PT) is a rare fibro epithelial neoplasm of
      the breast, which is poor prognosis due to high risk of recurrence and distant
      metastasis. METHODS: We report a case of malignant PT. It had recurred locally
      five times, and the sixth relapse was occurred 54 months after first diagnosis,
      presenting a huge pelvic mass (14 cm * 11 cm) by CT scan. Histopathological
      examination has demonstrated a metastatic phyllodes tumor. After postoperative
      chemotherapy treatment, a longer survival has been achieved, which is more than
      72 months. RESULTS: Our case report describes a breast PT with several local
      recurrences and a rare metastasis (pelvic cavity), but long-term overall survival
      was achieved after surgery and chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: We conclude that
      trustworthy prognosticators that identify patients with excessive potential of
      aggressive clinical course should be explored. Moreover, proper treatment could
      prolong overall survival of metastatic PT patients.

PMID- 27661050
TI  - Splenic abscess owing to cancer at the splenic flexure: A case report and
      comprehensive review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The cancer of the splenic flexure of the colon is a rare medical
      entity with severe morbidity because of its insidious onset. METHODS: We present
      the case of a 59-year-old male patient with dull left upper quadrant pain,
      leukocytosis, and anemia. A splenic abscess described as an air-fluid level with
      splenocolic fistula was found on CT scan imaging. Surgery was done for splenic
      pus drainage. He was again admitted 2 months later for intestinal obstruction.
      RESULTS: An exploratory laparotomy showed multiple hard, gray liver nodules as
      well as a hard mass in the small bowel. Owing to extensive adhesions and a late
      stage of cancer involvement, the splenic flexure tumor was not resected. A loop
      transverse colostomy was done and a Coloplast Colostomy bag placed. We also
      reviewed the literature-linking colon cancer and splenic abscess with specific
      attention to the carcinoma of the splenic flexure. As the latter invades through
      the spleen matter, there is the creation of a splenocolic fistula, which allows
      the migration of normal gut flora into the spleen. This leads to the formation of
      the splenic abscess. CONCLUSION: This is the 13 case report pertaining to
      invading colonic cancer causing a splenic abscess. Although the treatment for
      splenic abscesses is shifting from splenectomy to image-guided percutaneous pus
      drainage, the few reported cases make the proper management of such complication
      still unclear.

PMID- 27661052
TI  - STROBE-compliant article: Is continuity of care associated with avoidable
      hospitalization among older asthmatic patients?
AB  - Continuity of care (COC) has a proven relationship with health care outcomes.
      However, evidence regarding an association between COC and avoidable
      hospitalization for elderly patients with asthma is insufficient.A retrospective
      cohort study was performed using Taiwanese National Health Insurance claim data
      from 2004 to 2013. Patients were retrospectively followed for 2 years; the COC
      index (COCI) for asthma was measured in the 1st year, and avoidable
      hospitalization for asthma and follow-up time were determined in the subsequent
      year. Cox proportional hazards regression was employed to examine hazard ratios
      (HRs) between COC and avoidable hospitalization for asthma after adjustment for
      confounding factors. Adjusted HR (aHR) was also calculated by stratifying each
      variable to investigate whether the effect of COC on hospitalization for asthma
      was avoidable and how this varied across levels of COCI.Of 3356 patients included
      in this study, 1648 patients (49%) had a COCI of 1, and the average COCI was
      0.73. Compared with patients with high COC (COCI = 1), those with low COC (COCI <
      0.5) had a significantly higher risk of avoidable hospitalization for asthma (aHR
      = 2.68; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.55-4.63). In addition, after stratified
      analysis, we determined that COC plays a much more important role for patients
      who were women, had low insurance premiums, and had no comorbidities.High
      continuity of ambulatory asthma care is linked to a reduced risk of avoidable
      hospitalization for asthma in elderly asthmatic patients. 

PMID- 27661053
TI  - Transcendence, religion and spirituality in medicine: Medical students' point of
      view.
AB  - To explore how medical students-the doctors of tomorrow-reflect upon meeting the
      spiritual needs of their patients, and whether they have reflected on their own
      religious or spiritual beliefs, or not. The study also investigates to what
      extent the students feel comfortable with addressing spiritual issues in their
      patient care, and whether they feel this is beyond their role as medical
      doctors.A self-administered questionnaire was developed. The survey was
      administered in teaching classes at the medical university of Vienna. One
      thousand four hundred (836 women and 564 men) students responded, laying the
      foundation for a thorough statistical analysis.59.5% of the students had
      reflected on their own belief concepts, 21.9% consider themselves religious, and
      20.1% see themselves as spiritual individuals. 75.6% of the students agreed with
      the statement that religious conviction/spirituality might have an effect on how
      cancer patients cope. 85.9% would consider talking with their patients about
      religious/spiritual issues if patients wish to do so. 86.3% would involve
      chaplains if they feel it is necessary.The results of this study suggest that
      future doctors want to see the patient in a wider scope than the bio-psycho
      social one, by including the meta-dimension of transcendence. 

PMID- 27661054
TI  - The Effects of CYP2C19 genotype on the susceptibility for nephrosis in cardio
      cerebral vascular disease treated by anticoagulation.
AB  - In recent years, the genetic factor has become one of the important predisposing
      factors of nephropathy susceptibility. There is a high incidence of nephropathy
      in CCVd. The CYP2C19 enzyme metabolizes most the drugs, including proton pump
      inhibitors commonly used medicines to treat CCVd, CYP2C19 genetic polymorphisms
      is association with multi-pathogenesis factors of nephropathy. The purpose of the
      study is to reveal the association between CYP2C19 genotype and the
      susceptibility of nephropathy in the CCVd patients. The study is composed of 623
      samples from CCVd treated by anticoagulation. The patients were studied,
      including CCVd with hyperuricemia, coronary heart disease, diabetes, and other
      complication. Biochemical tests and CYP2C19 variants measurements were performed
      by the gene chip method. The association among CYP2C19 variants, complications,
      and nephropathy was analyzed in the CCVd. There is no correlation between
      nephropathy and complications in CCVd. In hyperuricemia, coronary heart disease
      and diabetes groups, the differences of renal function tests were significant
      between CYP2C19 mutant (P < 0.05). The nephropathy risk of wild genotype is 3.288
      times higher than of mutation genotype in hyperuricemic group, 1.928 times higher
      than mutation genotype in coronary heart disease group, and 5.248 times higher
      than CYP2C19 mutation genotype in the diabetic group. There was significant
      correlation between the CYP2C19 wild type and the nephropathy susceptibility in
      CCVd patients. The CYP2C19 gene plays a potential maker to evaluate nephropathy
      in CCVd patients. We deduced that identification of CYP2C19 gene type may benefit
      for reducing and avoiding nephropathy caused by abnormal metabolism function in
      CCVd patients. 

PMID- 27661056
TI  - Two case reports: Whole genome sequencing of two clinical macrolide-resistant
      Mycoplasma pneumoniae isolates with different responses to azithromycin.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cases of macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae have increased
      rapidly since 2000, especially in Asia. Patients infected with macrolide
      resistant M pneumoniae usually present with severe M pneumoniae pneumonia. The
      aim of this study was to identify indicators for whether children at an early
      stage of M pneumoniae infection develop mild or severe pneumonia. CASE SUMMARY:
      Herein, we retrospectively reviewed 2 pediatric cases caused by macrolide
      resistant M pneumoniae, but with markedly different severity of pneumonia. First,
      we compared the clinical courses of the patients, then isolated the pathogens and
      tested their response to macrolides, then finally, carried out whole genome
      sequencing of these isolates. Despite the difference in clinical presentation of
      the infection, both isolates exhibited a high level of resistance to macrolide
      antibiotics. Analysis of clinical data showed that the erythrocyte sedimentation
      rate in blood samples of the patients in the early stages of disease varied
      greatly. Genome sequence analysis revealed single nucleotide polymorphisms mainly
      focused on adhesin P1, which is involved in the pathogenicity of M pneumoniae.
      CONCLUSION: The differences of erythrocyte sedimentation rate in the early stage
      of M pneumoniae pneumonia and mutations in P1 protein may help us to distinguish
      between severe or mild disease after infection with macrolide-resistant M
      pneumoniae. These findings could lead to the development of screening assays that
      will allow us to distinguish severe or mild M pneumoniae pneumonia early.

PMID- 27661055
TI  - Increases in perinatal mortality in prefectures contaminated by the Fukushima
      nuclear power plant accident in Japan: A spatially stratified longitudinal study.
AB  - Descriptive observational studies showed upward jumps in secular European
      perinatal mortality trends after Chernobyl. The question arises whether the
      Fukushima nuclear power plant accident entailed similar phenomena in Japan. For
      47 prefectures representing 15.2 million births from 2001 to 2014, the Japanese
      government provides monthly statistics on 69,171 cases of perinatal death of the
      fetus or the newborn after 22 weeks of pregnancy to 7 days after birth. Employing
      change-point methodology for detecting alterations in longitudinal data, we
      analyzed time trends in perinatal mortality in the Japanese prefectures
      stratified by exposure to estimate and test potential increases in perinatal
      death proportions after Fukushima possibly associated with the earthquake, the
      tsunami, or the estimated radiation exposure. Areas with moderate to high levels
      of radiation were compared with less exposed and unaffected areas, as were highly
      contaminated areas hit versus untroubled by the earthquake and the tsunami. Ten
      months after the earthquake and tsunami and the subsequent nuclear accident,
      perinatal mortality in 6 severely contaminated prefectures jumped up from January
      2012 onward: jump odds ratio 1.156; 95% confidence interval (1.061, 1.259), P
      value 0.0009. There were slight increases in areas with moderate levels of
      contamination and no increases in the rest of Japan. In severely contaminated
      areas, the increases of perinatal mortality 10 months after Fukushima were
      essentially independent of the numbers of dead and missing due to the earthquake
      and the tsunami. Perinatal mortality in areas contaminated with radioactive
      substances started to increase 10 months after the nuclear accident relative to
      the prevailing and stable secular downward trend. These results are consistent
      with findings in Europe after Chernobyl. Since observational studies as the one
      presented here may suggest but cannot prove causality because of unknown and
      uncontrolled factors or confounders, intensified research in various scientific
      disciplines is urgently needed to better qualify and quantify the association of
      natural and artificial environmental radiation with detrimental genetic health
      effects at the population level. 

PMID- 27661058
TI  - Ocular manifestation in myeloid/NK cell precursor acute leukemia: a case report.
      Diagnosed by flow cytometry and PCR from aqueous humor.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Myeloid/NK cell precursor acute leukemia (MNKL) is a rare type of
      leukemia, and ocular complications have not previously been reported. We now
      report a patient with MNKL who developed intraocular infiltrates during follow
      up. METHODS AND RESULTS: A 13-year-old boy diagnosed with MNKL developed left eye
      pain 3 months after starting treatment. Examination of the left eye revealed a
      visual acuity of counting fingers at 20 cm, ciliary hyperemia, small corneal
      keratic precipitates, hypopyon, grade 4 vitreous opacities, and an obscured
      fundus. The differential diagnosis was between an opportunistic infection
      associated with immunodeficiency and an intraocular leukemic cell infiltrate.
      Therefore, a sample of aqueous humor was aspirated. Multiplex PCR/broad-range PCR
      of the aqueous humor was below detection limits for viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
      Flow cytometry (FCM) detected NK-related CD56-positive cells, thus leading to a
      diagnosis of ocular infiltrates due to MNKL. With treatment of the ocular
      infiltrates by consolidation systemic chemotherapy including intrathecal
      methotrexate (MTX), there was clearing of the vitreous opacities; and optic disc
      swelling, retinal hemorrhages, exudates, and protuberant lesions were now seen.
      With the addition of local radiation therapy to the eye, there was a dramatic
      treatment response, with regression of the optic disc findings and retinal
      lesions, and an improved visual acuity of 1.5. CONCLUSION: We encountered the
      first case of MNKL in which ocular infiltrates developed during follow-up.
      Multiplex PCR and FCM of the aqueous humor were useful in rapidly distinguishing
      leukemic cell infiltrates from an opportunistic infection. This case highlights
      the usefulness of intrathecal MTX and local radiotherapy in treating ocular
      infiltrates in patients with MNKL.

PMID- 27661057
TI  - Enchondroma in the distal phalanx of the finger: An observational study of 34
      cases in a single institution.
AB  - The goal of our study was to report the clinical presentation, treatment, and
      complications of enchondroma in the distal phalanx of the finger. This was a
      retrospective study of 34 patients (19 women and 15 men) who underwent surgery
      between May 2004 and September 2012 for enchondroma in the distal phalanx of the
      finger. The average age of the patients was 39.38 +/- 10.97 years old (range 14
      59). The presenting symptoms and imaging features were recorded. The surgical
      procedure was performed under regional or general anesthesia. The surgical
      technique involved removal of tumors by opening a cortical window and curetting
      the cavity. The defects were filled with an injectable calcium phosphate cement.
      All patients received follow-up in our outpatient clinic every 6 months.
      Expansion of bone or thinning of the cortex present in the radiological imaging,
      including anteroposterior and lateral plain radiographs of the fingers, was used
      to assess for tumor recurrence. The observational end-point was reoperation.All
      tumors were confirmed as enchondromas by the pathological results. None of the
      patients had a tumor recurrence. Three patients (9% of cases) developed an
      infection. After antibiotic treatment, 2 patients were cured, and 1 patient
      required an amputation. Enchondroma in the distal phalanx of the finger presents
      with a variety of clinical symptoms. Injectable calcium phosphate cement is
      adequate for bone grafting. Postoperative infection is more common than tumor
      recurrence. If patients have an infection or bilateral bone cortex defects, bone
      grafting is challenging. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, Level IV.

PMID- 27661059
TI  - Three Short Stories about Hexaarylbenzene-Porphyrin Scaffolds.
AB  - A feasible two-step synthesis and characterization of a full series of
      hexaarylbenzene (HAB) substituted porphyrins and tetrabenzoporphyrins is
      presented. Key steps represent the microwave-assisted porphyrin condensation and
      the statistical Diels-Alder reaction to the desired HAB-porphyrins. Regarding
      their applications, they proved to be easily accessible and effective high
      molecular mass calibrants for (MA)LDI mass spectrometry. The free-base and
      zinc(II) porphyrin systems, as well as the respective tetrabenzoporphyrins,
      demonstrate in solid state experiments strong red- and near-infrared-light
      emission and are potentially interesting for the application in "truly organic"
      light-emitting devices. Lastly, they represent facile precursors to large
      polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) substituted porphyrins. We prepared the
      first tetra-hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronene substituted porphyrin, which represents
      the largest prepared PAH-porphyrin conjugate to date.

PMID- 27661061
TI  - Scientific Poster Abstracts Selected for the 2016 Congress on Atherosclerotic
      Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, Sept. 16-18, 2016, Boca Raton, Florida.

PMID- 27661060
TI  - Cytochrome P450 2C9 gene polymorphism and warfarin maintenance dosage in
      pediatric patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - AIM: To assess the effect of Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) gene polymorphism on
      pediatric warfarin maintenance dosage requirement. METHODS: A previously
      developed search strategy was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane
      Library. Eligible studies published prior to January 27, 2016, were identified
      and compared against strict inclusion/exclusion criteria. Required data were
      extracted, and researchers were consulted for additional data if needed. Review
      Manager version 5.2.3 software was used to analyze the relationship between
      CYP2C9 polymorphisms and warfarin maintenance doses in pediatric patients. Eight
      articles with a combined total of 507 pediatric patients were included in the
      meta-analysis. RESULTS: Maintenance warfarin doses in patients with CYP2C9 *1/*2
      genotype, CYP2C9 *1/*3 genotype, and CYP2C9 variant carriers which contain at
      least one variant allele (*2 or *3) were from 15% to 41% lower than doses in
      patients with the wild-type allele (CYP2C9 *1/*1): All differences were
      significant with P-values <.05. The Fontan procedure as a medical indication for
      anticoagulation was also associated with a lower warfarin maintenance dose;
      however, target INR range was not. CONCLUSIONS: We found that CYP2C9 gene
      polymorphism (referring to the presence of *1/*2, *1/*3, and variant genotypes in
      the population in addition to the wild type) was significantly associated with
      decreased warfarin maintenance dose requirements. Additionally, a specific
      indication for warfarin, the Fontan procedure, was associated with a lower daily
      warfarin dose. However, the results of our study require confirmation from more
      research with larger numbers of pediatric patients.

PMID- 27661062
TI  - G Protein-Coupled Receptor Endosomal Signaling and Regulation of Neuronal
      Excitability and Stress Responses: Signaling Options and Lessons From the PAC1
      Receptor.
AB  - Our understanding of G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) mechanisms and functions
      have evolved considerably. Among the many conceptual realignments, GPCRs can
      exist in an ensemble of active microstates that have the potential to
      differentially engage specific downstream signaling events. Furthermore, among
      GPCR dynamics, GPCR internalization and vesicular trafficking are no longer
      solely mechanisms for desensitization, but now appreciated to form intricate
      endosomal signaling complexes that can potentially target second messengers to
      intracellular compartments with high temporal and spatial resolution. The
      PACAPergic system is important in the maintenance of physiological homeostasis in
      the central and peripheral nervous systems and activation of the PACAP-selective
      PAC1 receptor can generate differential but coordinate plasma membrane and
      endosomal signals for cellular responses. The integration of these signals can
      modulate PACAP-induced changes in ionic conductances that gate neuronal
      excitability. PACAP/PAC1 receptor generation of endosomal ERK signals participate
      in chronic pain and anxiety-like responses which can be attenuated with
      endocytosis inhibitors. From the abilities of ligands to stabilize the different
      GPCR microstates for biased downstream signaling, the development of biased PAC1
      receptor agonists and antagonists may provide opportunities to dissociate the
      homeostatic regulatory signals of PACAP from the maladaptive effects. In
      particular, the development of biased antagonists to PAC1 receptor-mediated
      endosomal signaling may offer therapeutic options for chronic pain and stress
      related disorders. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 698-706, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27661063
TI  - Parapatric genetic introgression and phenotypic assimilation: testing conditions
      for introgression between Hercules beetles (Dynastes, Dynastinae).
AB  - The prevalence and consequences of genetic introgression between species have
      been intensively debated. I used Hercules beetles as examples to test for
      conditions that may be associated with the occurrence of introgression. RADseq
      data were used to reconstruct the species tree and history of introgression
      between Hercules beetles. Image data from museum specimens were used to
      investigate the phenotypic similarity of two adaptive traits between species from
      two distinct climatic realms (Nearctic vs. Neotropical). Genetic introgression
      was identified between Hercules beetles living in geographic proximity
      (parapatric). Phylogenetic relatedness and phenotypic similarity did not predict
      nor preclude genetic introgression between species. Phenotypic assimilation in
      body coloration was evident between distantly related Hercules beetles
      codistributed in Central America, where directional introgression was also
      statistically supported from the putative donor to receiver lineages. The number
      of introgressed loci was significantly higher between species with than without
      phenotypic similarity. I discuss the implications of recent studies on adaptive
      genetic introgression by providing supporting evidence from the Hercules beetle
      system.

PMID- 27661064
TI  - Iatrogenic facial nerve injuries during chronic otitis media surgery: a
      multicentre retrospective study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To give an insight into why, when and where iatrogenic facial nerve
      (FN) injuries may occur and to explain how to deal with them in an emergency
      setting. DESIGN AND SETTING: Multicentre retrospective study in eight tertiary
      referral hospitals over 17 years. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty patients with partial or
      total FN injury during surgery for chronic otitis media (COM) were revised. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURES: Indication and type of surgery, experience of the surgeon,
      intra- and postoperative findings, value of CT scanning, patient management and
      final FN outcome were recorded. RESULTS: In 12 cases, the nerve was completely
      transected, but the surgeon was unaware in 11 cases. A minority of cases occurred
      in academic teaching hospitals. Tympanic segment, second genu and proximal
      mastoid segments were the sites involved during injury. The FN was not
      deliberately identified in 18 patients at the time of injury, and nerve
      monitoring was only applied in one patient. Before revision surgery, CT scanning
      correctly identified the lesion site in 11 of 12 cases and depicted additional
      lesions such as damage to the lateral semicircular canal. A greater auricular
      nerve graft was interposed in 10 cases of total transection and in one partially
      lesioned nerve: seven of them resulted in an HB III functional outcome. In two of
      the transected nerves, rerouting and direct end-to-end anastomosis was applied. A
      simple FN decompression was used in four cases of superficially traumatised
      nerves. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest checklists for preoperative, intraoperative and
      postoperative management to prevent and treat iatrogenic FN injury during COM
      surgery.

PMID- 27661065
TI  - High migration rates shape the postglacial history of amphi-Atlantic bryophytes.
AB  - Paleontological evidence and current patterns of angiosperm species richness
      suggest that European biota experienced more severe bottlenecks than North
      American ones during the last glacial maximum. How well this pattern fits other
      plant species is less clear. Bryophytes offer a unique opportunity to contrast
      the impact of the last glacial maximum in North America and Europe because about
      60% of the European bryoflora is shared with North America. Here, we use
      population genetic analyses based on approximate Bayesian computation on eight
      amphi-Atlantic species to test the hypothesis that North American populations
      were less impacted by the last glacial maximum, exhibiting higher levels of
      genetic diversity than European ones and ultimately serving as a refugium for the
      postglacial recolonization of Europe. In contrast with this hypothesis, the best
      fit demographic model involved similar patterns of population size contractions,
      comparable levels of genetic diversity and balanced migration rates between
      European and North American populations. Our results thus suggest that bryophytes
      have experienced comparable demographic glacial histories on both sides of the
      Atlantic. Although a weak, but significant genetic structure was systematically
      recovered between European and North American populations, evidence for migration
      from and towards both continents suggests that amphi-Atlantic bryophyte
      population may function as a metapopulation network. Reconstructing the
      biogeographic history of either North American or European bryophyte populations
      therefore requires a large, trans-Atlantic geographic framework.

PMID- 27661066
TI  - Femtosecond-Assisted Big Bubble: A Feasibility Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility of femtosecond laser-assisted (FA) tunnel
      creation as a pretreatment for creating a big bubble (BB) to pneumo-dissect the
      corneal stroma from Descemet membrane. METHODS: Five human cadaver eyes received
      pretreatment using a femtosecond laser. An intrastromal tunnel, along with a side
      cut, was achieved using customized femtosecond corneal disruption (custom mask).
      Before treatment, optical coherence tomography was performed and the intrastromal
      tunnel was intended to achieve a parallel orientation with respect to the corneal
      endothelial cell layer (50 um above the endothelium). Surgical dissection of the
      side cut using a Sinskey hook was performed, followed by insertion of a deep
      anterior lamellar keratoplasty cannula into the tunnel and pneumo-dissection
      (BB). All corneas after treatment were prepared for histologic evaluation (light
      microscopy). RESULTS: FA pretreatment was successful in all 5 cadaveric corneas,
      and the BB was achieved in all eyes as well. Histologic evaluation of the corneas
      revealed complete separation of Descemet membrane and stroma in all eyes, with no
      remaining stroma attached to Descemet membrane and no signs of perforation.
      CONCLUSIONS: FABB seems feasible because pneumo-dissection of the corneal stroma
      from Descemet membrane was achieved in all human cadaver corneas of this
      experimental study. Optical coherence tomography, corneal histology, and
      macroscopic evaluation revealed complete Descemet-stromal separation.

PMID- 27661067
TI  - Combined Use of Rituximab and Intravenous Immunoglobulin for Severe Autoimmune
      Cicatricial Conjunctivitis-An Interventional Case Series.
AB  - PURPOSE: Despite the availability of systemic immunosuppressants, cicatricial
      conjunctivitis (CC) remains a potentially blinding ocular surface disease. We aim
      to describe the combined use of rituximab (RTX) and intravenous immunoglobulin
      (IVIg) for severe recalcitrant autoimmune CC. METHODS: In this single-center
      retrospective interventional case series with follow-up between 32 and 65 months,
      3 cases with mucous membrane pemphigoid (patients 1-3) and 1 case with linear IgA
      disease (patient 4) were included. Initial conventional immunosuppressive therapy
      regimens included systemic steroids, dapsone, and mycophenolate. At the time of
      initiation of RTX and IVIg, all patients had only one eye with good visual acuity
      or good visual potential. Treatment included 1 to 2 cycles of RTX (1000 mg twice
      at an interval of 2 weeks apart), and 2 to 9 monthly courses of IVIg (2 g/kg over
      3 days). Outcome measures were blindness, as defined by best spectacle-corrected
      visual acuity <0.05 on a decimal scale, and clinical staging of cicatricial
      disease (Rowsey and Foster staging). RESULTS: In 4 presented cases, progression
      of cicatricial disease was stopped as assessed by the Foster grading scale and
      visual acuity was stabilized in all patients. Conjunctival scarring was
      stabilized in 2 cases and continued to progress in 2 cases. One patient developed
      septicemia 6 weeks after RTX infusion, which was successfully treated.
      CONCLUSIONS: Combination therapy of RTX and IVIg is a potent treatment regimen
      for recalcitrant autoimmune CC. Further prospective controlled studies on
      efficacy and safety are warranted before widespread clinical application.

PMID- 27661068
TI  - Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty Outcomes in Patients With
      Cytomegalovirus Endotheliitis.
AB  - PURPOSE: There is currently limited information regarding the outcomes of
      endothelial keratoplasty in eyes with cytomegalovirus (CMV) endotheliitis. We
      report the results of Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty
      (DSAEK) for endothelial failure secondary to CMV. METHODS: This is a
      retrospective review of 4 eyes of 4 patients with CMV endotheliitis and DSAEK.
      CMV was confirmed in each case by a positive aqueous tap on qualitative
      polymerase chain reaction. The clinical characteristics of the patients and
      postoperative outcomes were studied. RESULTS: The mean age of the 4 patients was
      69.6 +/- 8.1 years. Two were ethnically Vietnamese, 1 Chinese, and 1 Lebanese.
      All were immunocompetent. Three eyes had presented with hypertensive uveitis and
      1 with bullous keratopathy. Twelve DSAEKs were performed in total in the 4 eyes.
      Five grafts were performed without any perioperative treatment with oral
      valganciclovir. All subsequently failed after a mean of 8.0 +/- 3.8 months. Seven
      grafts were managed with oral valganciclovir; 2 of these grafts failed after 18
      and 37 months, and 1 graft had primary graft failure. Four grafts are currently
      surviving, despite an episode of CMV reactivation in 2 grafts. CONCLUSIONS: In
      cases of unexplained corneal decompensation or early graft failure after
      uncomplicated DSAEK, a diagnosis of CMV infection must be considered. Subsequent
      management of DSAEK in such cases remains challenging. The postoperative course
      can be complicated by CMV reactivation, which may masquerade either as graft
      rejection or graft failure. Long-term treatment with oral valganciclovir or
      topical ganciclovir may be required to decrease graft failure rates.

PMID- 27661069
TI  - Two-Year Refractive Outcomes After Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty.
AB  - PURPOSE: To monitor refractive changes after Descemet membrane endothelial
      keratoplasty (DMEK) and to determine what may influence these changes and the
      time point of stabilization. METHODS: From 67 pseudophakic DMEK eyes operated on
      for Fuchs endothelial dystrophy at a tertiary referral center, biomicroscopy,
      visual acuity, subjective refraction, and Scheimpflug-based corneal tomography
      data were obtained before and up to 2 years postoperatively. Visual acuity and
      changes in spherical equivalent (SE), mean anterior and posterior simulated
      keratometry (Km), and central pachymetry were analyzed. RESULTS: At 3 months
      postoperatively, both hyperopic (28/67 eyes) and myopic (21/67 eyes) shifts were
      observed; 18/67 eyes showed no SE change. The mean change in SE at 3 months was
      +0.33 diopters (D) (95% confidence interval = [0.11, 0.54], P = 0.028), which
      stabilized thereafter (P > 0.466). Initial flattening of mean anterior Km by
      0.66D (95% confidence interval = [-0.81, -0.51], P < 0.001) at 3 months was
      followed by a slow steepening, which became significant between 1 and 2 years
      postoperatively (P < 0.001). Posterior Km stabilized after 3 months (P > 0.252).
      Preoperative to 3 months postoperative absolute changes in anterior Km were
      positively related to preoperative backscattered light from the central anterior
      cornea (P = 0.035), and the presence of partial graft detachment postoperatively
      (P = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: After DMEK, SE and posterior corneal curvature were on
      average stable at 3 months after surgery, whereas the mean anterior corneal
      curvature showed an ongoing gradual change. Changes in anterior corneal curvature
      may be related to preoperative anterior corneal densitometry or postoperative
      partial graft detachment.

PMID- 27661070
TI  - Contralateral Autologous Corneal Transplantation Experience in Mexico City.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to expand the limited knowledge regarding
      autologous contralateral penetrating keratoplasty. METHODS: We report the
      retrospective outcomes of patients who received autokeratoplasty and
      contralateral opaque corneas in the donor eye at a tertiary care ophthalmology
      hospital in Mexico City. RESULTS: Eleven patients received autokeratoplasty and
      contralateral opaque corneas in the donor eye at our center from 2010 to 2015.
      The mean patient age at the time of surgery was 58 years (range, 35-85 yrs), with
      4 female and 7 male patients. There were no surgical or immediate postsurgical
      complications in the autokeratoplasty eye. However, 1 patient had expulsive
      hemorrhage in the sightless eye. Follow-up duration ranged from 11 to 65 months
      (mean, 26 mo). During follow-up, 3 of the autokeratoplasty procedures failed
      because of endothelial attenuation. Identified known risk factors for failure of
      the eye with visual potential included the presence of an Ahmed glaucoma drainage
      device in 7/11 patients (63%), history of glaucoma in 8/11 (72%), past
      heterologous penetrating keratoplasty in 2/11 (18%), Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada
      syndrome in 1/11 (9%), and 4-quadrant corneal vascularization in 1/11 (9%).
      CONCLUSIONS: Autokeratoplasty is a good choice in cases having high risk factors
      and when fresh corneal tissue is not available. This is the largest study
      describing outcomes of patients who underwent autokeratoplasty. This technique
      offers no risk of immune rejection and no need for immunosuppression treatment.
      This study reports a good prognosis in cases having high risk factors for
      failure.

PMID- 27661071
TI  - Influence of Ophthalmic Solutions on Tear Components.
AB  - Tear fluids are a mixture of secretions derived from lacrimal glands, accessory
      lacrimal glands, conjunctiva, and meibomian glands. Compositional changes to
      tears occur in the normal state and during ocular surface disease, such as dry
      eye conditions. We have investigated compositional changes to tears after topical
      application of ophthalmic solutions, with regard to tear-specific proteins
      (secretory immunoglobulin A, lactoferrin, lipocalin-1, and lysozyme) and ocular
      surface mucin in normal and dry eye conditions using high-performance liquid
      chromatography. After application of saline solution (0.9% sodium chloride) in
      normal subjects, transient but significant decreases in all tear components were
      observed. The recovery of protein concentrations took up to 30 minutes and lasted
      longer when the saline solution was applied more frequently. When applying
      ophthalmic solutions, a balance between washout and dilutional effects should be
      considered in addition to the therapeutic effect. Investigation of the effect of
      diquafosol solution (3%) in normal subjects revealed a significant increase in
      sialic acid concentration, a marker of ocular mucin, at 5 minutes after
      application, whereas a significant decrease was observed with saline. This result
      indicates the accelerated secretion of mucin from ocular tissues induced by
      diquafosol. A clinical study to determine the efficacy of diquafosol in patients
      with dry eye revealed improvements in tear breakup time, keratoconjunctival
      staining scores, and Schirmer test score, accompanied by an increase in sialic
      acid concentration in tears. Investigating normal and dry eye conditions through
      tear analysis may clarify the pathophysiology of dry eye conditions and support
      the efficacy of treatments.

PMID- 27661072
TI  - Regulatory Mechanism of Collagen Degradation by Keratocytes and Corneal
      Inflammation: The Role of Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator.
AB  - Keratocytes, corneal resident cells in the corneal stroma, exist between collagen
      lamellae and maintain the corneal stromal structure. When the corneal stroma is
      damaged, keratocytes are transformed to myofibroblasts to aid corneal wound
      healing by phagocytizing debris. Keratocytes and extracellular collagen influence
      each other because keratocytes cultured in a 3D collagen gel undergo
      morphological changes and keratocytes produce metalloproteases that degrade
      extracellular collagen. IL-1 and plasminogen are critical mediators for collagen
      degradation. The plasminogen system contributes to tissue repair by activating
      matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), releasing growth factors from the extracellular
      matrix and extracellular matrix degradation. Urokinase-type plasminogen activator
      (uPA) is thought to be involved in corneal disorders and regulates corneal wound
      healing. uPA is a serine protease synthesized by various cells such as corneal
      epithelial cells, corneal fibroblasts, vascular endothelial cells, smooth muscle
      cells, monocytes, macrophages, and malignant tumor cells of different origins.
      Here, we review the role of uPA in corneal stromal wound healing. uPA is
      expressed in leukocytes and corneal fibroblasts in the corneas of patients with
      corneal ulcerations suggesting it is a key regulator of corneal stromal wound
      healing. uPA is directly involved in plasmin-mediated collagen degradation
      induced by IL-1. Moreover, uPA is critically involved in promoting leukocyte
      infiltration in corneal inflammation by activating MMP-9. This activation is
      presumably directly and indirectly mediated by the plasminogen/plasmin cascade.
      Moreover, uPA mediates the release of inflammatory cytokines from corneal
      fibroblasts to promote leukocyte infiltration.

PMID- 27661073
TI  - Noninvasive Dry Eye Assessment Using High-Technology Ophthalmic Examination
      Devices.
AB  - Recently, the number of dry eye cases has dramatically increased. Thus, it is
      important that easy screening, exact diagnoses, and suitable treatments be
      available. We developed 3 original and noninvasive assessments for this disorder.
      First, a DR-1 dry eye monitor was used to determine the tear meniscus height
      quantitatively by capturing a tear meniscus digital image that was analyzed by
      Meniscus Processor software. The DR-1 meniscus height value significantly
      correlated with the fluorescein meniscus height (r = 0.06, Bland-Altman
      analysis). At a cutoff value of 0.22 mm, sensitivity of the dry eye diagnosis was
      84.1% with 90.9% specificity. Second, the Tear Stability Analysis System was used
      to quantitatively measure tear film stability using a topographic modeling system
      corneal shape analysis device. Tear film stability was objectively and
      quantitatively evaluated every second during sustained eye openings. The Tear
      Stability Analysis System is currently installed in an RT-7000 autorefractometer
      and topographer to automate the diagnosis of dry eye. Third, the Ocular Surface
      Thermographer uses ophthalmic thermography for diagnosis. The decrease in ocular
      surface temperature in dry eyes was significantly greater than that in normal
      eyes (P < 0.001) at 10 seconds after eye opening. Decreased corneal temperature
      correlated significantly with the tear film breakup time (r = 0.572; P < 0.001).
      When changes in the ocular surface temperature of the cornea were used as
      indicators for dry eye, sensitivity was 0.83 and specificity was 0.80 after 10
      seconds. This article describes the details and potential of these 3 noninvasive
      dry eye assessment systems.

PMID- 27661074
TI  - Pathogenic Memory Th2 Cells in Airway Inflammation.

PMID- 27661075
TI  - Exfoliative Cytology in the Diagnosis of Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasms.
AB  - PURPOSE: Surface tumors of the eye comprise an ample spectrum of diseases with
      various clinical manifestations. Diagnosis has been traditionally achieved
      through core biopsies, but cytology is an innovative, fast, and minimally
      invasive method. The objective of this study was to investigate the use of
      exfoliative cytology as an alternative method for the detection of ocular surface
      squamous neoplasm (OSSN). METHODS: Exfoliative cytology of the lesions was
      performed by collecting smears using plastic brushes followed by smearing the
      cells onto slides and subsequently fixing them in 90% alcohol. Incisional
      biopsies were performed at the exact same location and sent for processing in 10%
      formaldehyde. Both the surgical pathologist and cytopathologist were masked to
      the clinical characteristics and to the corresponding cytological or histological
      result. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were enrolled in the study (12 men and 10
      women, median age 52.5 years). Final histological diagnoses comprised 7 cases of
      pterygium, 7 squamous-cell carcinomas, 4 squamous papillomas, and 4 chronic
      inflammatory processes. Cytohistological agreement was achieved in 19 (86.4%) of
      the samples. Cytology showed a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive
      value, and negative predictive value of 85.7%, 86.7%, 75%, and 92.9%,
      respectively, in detecting OSSN. CONCLUSIONS: Exfoliative cytology of the
      conjunctival lesions is a simple procedure, with high agreement to the
      histological follow-up. Its broad use could augment the early diagnosis of OSSN,
      with improvement in patient prognosis.

PMID- 27661076
TI  - Improvement of ischemic or congested wound conditions by reconstruction with
      microsurgical flaps.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intractable chronic wounds share the basic problem of the environment
      being unfavorable for wound healing and prone to infection, inflammation, and
      recurrences. Microsurgical flap provides a healthy, well-vascularized normal
      tissue to compromised intractable environment, and promotes wound healing. In
      this report, we present the results of microsurgical flaps used for the
      reconstruction of chronic intractable conditions including chronic ulcer with an
      ischemic environment and pathologic lesions with a congestive environment.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 1997 to 2015, 18 patients received microsurgical flaps
      for chronic intractable conditions. Among them, three patients had radiation
      ulcers with an ischemic environment and 15 had pathologic lesions with a
      congested environment, such as vascular malformations. Nine patients were male,
      and nine were female. The mean age was 31.9 years. All patients were treated
      using radical excision and reconstruction with microsurgical tissue transfer.
      RESULTS: All flaps survived completely. Among three patients with radiation
      ulcers, two had minor wound disruptions, which were managed conservatively. No
      further episodes of infections or breakdowns occurred. Among 15 patients who had
      pathologic lesions, one suffered facial palsy of the forehead. No complications
      in terms of infection, or recurrences were noted, and resolution of the residual
      surrounding lesions was observed on follow-ups. No donor related problems
      occurred in any patients. The mean follow-up period was 10.7 years. CONCLUSION:
      In this report, we present the results of reconstruction of chronic intractable
      conditions using microsurgical flaps. The reconstruction using microsurgical
      flaps was clinically successful, with long-term improvement of surrounding
      tissues and no recurrence.

PMID- 27661077
TI  - Genomic divergence and lack of introgressive hybridization between two 13-year
      periodical cicadas support life cycle switching in the face of climate change.
AB  - Life history evolution spurred by post-Pleistocene climatic change is
      hypothesized to be responsible for the present diversity in periodical cicadas
      (Magicicada), but the mechanism of life cycle change has been controversial. To
      understand the divergence process of 13-year and 17-year cicada life cycles, we
      studied genetic relationships between two synchronously emerging, parapatric 13
      year periodical cicada species in the Decim group, Magicicada tredecim and M.
      neotredecim. The latter was hypothesized to be of hybrid origin or to have
      switched from a 17-year cycle via developmental plasticity. Phylogenetic analysis
      using restriction-site-associated DNA sequences for all Decim species and broods
      revealed that the 13-year M. tredecim lineage is genomically distinct from 17
      year Magicicada septendecim but that 13-year M. neotredecim is not. We detected
      no significant introgression between M. tredecim and M. neotredecim/M.
      septendecim thus refuting the hypothesis that M. neotredecim are products of
      hybridization between M. tredecim and M. septendecim. Further, we found that
      introgressive hybridization is very rare or absent in the contact zone between
      the two 13-year species evidenced by segregation patterns in single nucleotide
      polymorphisms, mitochondrial lineage identity and head width and abdominal
      sternite colour phenotypes. Our study demonstrates that the two 13-year Decim
      species are of independent origin and nearly completely reproductively isolated.
      Combining our data with increasing observations of occasional life cycle change
      in part of a cohort (e.g. 4-year acceleration of emergence in 17-year species),
      we suggest a pivotal role for developmental plasticity in Magicicada life cycle
      evolution.

PMID- 27661078
TI  - Experimental Evolution of Gene Expression and Plasticity in Alternative Selective
      Regimes.
AB  - Little is known of how gene expression and its plasticity evolves as populations
      adapt to different environmental regimes. Expression is expected to evolve
      adaptively in all populations but only those populations experiencing
      environmental heterogeneity are expected to show adaptive evolution of
      plasticity. We measured the transcriptome in a cadmium-enriched diet and a salt
      enriched diet for experimental populations of Drosophila melanogaster that
      evolved for ~130 generations in one of four selective regimes: two constant
      regimes maintained in either cadmium or salt diets and two heterogeneous regimes
      that varied either temporally or spatially between the two diets. For populations
      evolving in constant regimes, we find a strong signature of counter-gradient
      evolution; the evolved expression differences between populations adapted to
      alternative diets is opposite to the plastic response of the ancestral population
      that is naive to both diets. Based on expression patterns in the ancestral
      populations, we identify a set of genes for which we predict selection in
      heterogeneous regimes to result in increases in plasticity and we find the
      expected pattern. In contrast, a set of genes where we predicted reduced
      plasticity did not follow expectation. Nonetheless, both gene sets showed a
      pattern consistent with adaptive expression evolution in heterogeneous regimes,
      highlighting the difference between observing "optimal" plasticity and
      improvements in environment-specific expression. Looking across all genes, there
      is evidence in all regimes of differences in biased allele expression across
      environments ("allelic plasticity") and this is more common among genes with
      plasticity in total expression.

PMID- 27661080
TI  - Intensity of Mutualism Breakdown Is Determined by Temperature Not Amplification
      of Wolbachia Genes.
AB  - Wolbachia are maternally transmitted intracellular bacterial symbionts that
      infect approximately 40% of all insect species. Though several strains of
      Wolbachia naturally infect Drosophila melanogaster and provide resistance against
      viral pathogens, or provision metabolites during periods of nutritional stress,
      one virulent strain, wMelPop, reduces fly lifespan by half, possibly as a
      consequence of over-replication. While the mechanisms that allow wMelPop to over
      replicate are still of debate, a unique tandem repeat locus in the wMelPop genome
      that contains eight genes, referred to as the "Octomom" locus has been identified
      and is thought to play an important regulatory role. Estimates of Octomom locus
      copy number correlated increasing copy number to both Wolbachia bacterial density
      and increased pathology. Here we demonstrate that infected fly pathology is not
      dependent on an increased Octomom copy number, but does strongly correlate with
      increasing temperature. When measured across developmental time, we also show
      Octomom copy number to be highly variable across developmental time within a
      single generation. Using a second pathogenic strain of Wolbachia, we further
      demonstrate reduced insect lifespan can occur independently of a high Octomom
      locus copy number. Taken together, this data demonstrates that the mechanism/s of
      wMelPop virulence is more complex than has been previously described.

PMID- 27661079
TI  - Increased Brain-Specific MiR-9 and MiR-124 in the Serum Exosomes of Acute
      Ischemic Stroke Patients.
AB  - The aims of this study were to examine the alternation in serum exosome
      concentrations and the levels of serum exosomal miR-9 and miR-124, two brain
      specific miRNAs, in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients and to explore the
      predictive values of these miRNAs for AIS diagnosis and damage evaluation. Sixty
      five patients with AIS at the acute stage were enrolled and 66 non-stroke
      volunteers served as controls. Serum exosomes isolated by ExoQuick precipitations
      were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle-tracking
      analysis and western blotting. The levels of exosomal miR-9 and miR-124 were
      determined by real-time quantitative PCR. Compared with controls, the
      concentration of serum exosomes and the median levels of serum exosomal miR-9 and
      miR-124 were significantly higher in AIS patients (p<0.01). The levels of both
      miR-9 and miR-124 were positively correlated with National Institutes of Health
      Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores, infarct volumes and serum concentrations of IL-6.
      The areas under the curve for exosomal miR-9 and miR-124 were 0.8026 and 0.6976,
      respectively. This proof of concept study suggests that serum exosomal miR-9 and
      miR-124 are promising biomarkers for diagnosing AIS and evaluating the degree of
      damage caused by ischemic injury. However, further studies are needed to explore
      the potential roles of the exosomes released from brain tissues in post stroke
      complications.

PMID- 27661081
TI  - Decreased Sperm Motility Retarded ICSI Fertilization Rate in Severe
      Oligozoospermia but Good-Quality Embryo Transfer Had Achieved the Prospective
      Clinical Outcomes.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Spermatozoa motility is the critical parameter to affect the
      treatment outcomes during assisted reproductive technologies (ART), but its
      reproductive capability remains a little informed in condition of severe male
      factor infertility. This retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the effects
      of reduced sperm motility on the embryological and clinical outcomes in intra
      cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment of severe oligozoospermia. PATIENTS
      AND METHODS: 966 cycles (812 couples) of severe oligozoospermia diagnosed by
      spermatozoa count <= 5 * 106/mL and motile spermatozoa <= 2 * 106/mL were divided
      into four groups in according to the number of motile spermatozoa in one
      ejaculate on the day of oocyte retrieval (Group B-E). The control (Group A) was
      188 cycles of moderate oligozoospermia with spermatozoa count > 5 * 106/mL and
      motile spermatozoa > 2 * 106/mL. All female partners were younger than 35 years
      of age. Logistic regression analyzed embryological outcomes (the rates of
      fertilization, cleavage and good-quality embryo) and clinical outcomes (the rates
      of pregnancy, implantation, early miscarriage and live birth). Quality of embryo
      transfer (ET) was divided into three classes as continuous factor to test the
      effects of embryo quality on clinical outcomes. RESULTS: The reduction in the
      number of motile sperm in four groups of severe oligozoospermia gave rise to
      comparable inability of the fertilization (p < 0.001) and a decreased rate of
      good-quality embryo at Day 3 (p < 0.001) by compared to the control. The cleavage
      rate of the derived zygotes was similar to the control. ET classes significantly
      affected the clinical outcomes (p < 0.001). Class I ET gave rise to similar rates
      of clinical outcomes between five groups, but Class II and Class III ET retarded
      the rates of pregnancy, implantation and live birth and this particularly
      occurred in Group C, D and E. The rate of early miscarriage was not comparably
      different between groups. Overall rates in all groups were 41.26% clinical
      pregnancy, 25.74% implantation and 36.32% live birth, which gave live birth to
      252 girls and 252 boys. CONCLUSIONS: The reduction of motile spermatozoa in
      severe oligozoospermia decreased the rates of fertilization and good-quality
      embryo. Obtaining and transfer of good-quality embryos was the good prognostic to
      achieve prospective clinical outcomes regardless of the severity of
      oligozoospermia.

PMID- 27661083
TI  - Agreement between Computerized and Human Assessment of Performance on the Ruff
      Figural Fluency Test.
AB  - The Ruff Figural Fluency Test (RFFT) is a sensitive test for nonverbal fluency
      suitable for all age groups. However, assessment of performance on the RFFT is
      time-consuming and may be affected by interrater differences. Therefore, we
      developed computer software specifically designed to analyze performance on the
      RFFT by automated pattern recognition. The aim of this study was to compare
      assessment by the new software with conventional assessment by human raters. The
      software was developed using data from the Lifelines Cohort Study and validated
      in an independent cohort of the Prevention of Renal and Vascular End Stage
      Disease (PREVEND) study. The total study population included 1,761 persons: 54%
      men; mean age (SD), 58 (10) years. All RFFT protocols were assessed by the new
      software and two independent human raters (criterion standard). The mean number
      of unique designs (SD) was 81 (29) and the median number of perseverative errors
      (interquartile range) was 9 (4 to 16). The intraclass correlation coefficient
      (ICC) between the computerized and human assessment was 0.994 (95%CI, 0.988 to
      0.996; p<0.001) and 0.991 (95%CI, 0.990 to 0.991; p<0.001) for the number of
      unique designs and perseverative errors, respectively. The mean difference (SD)
      between the computerized and human assessment was -1.42 (2.78) and +0.02 (1.94)
      points for the number of unique designs and perseverative errors, respectively.
      This was comparable to the agreement between two independent human assessments:
      ICC, 0.995 (0.994 to 0.995; p<0.001) and 0.985 (0.982 to 0.988; p<0.001), and
      mean difference (SD), -0.44 (2.98) and +0.56 (2.36) points for the number of
      unique designs and perseverative errors, respectively. We conclude that the
      agreement between the computerized and human assessment was very high and
      comparable to the agreement between two independent human assessments. Therefore,
      the software is an accurate tool for the assessment of performance on the RFFT.

PMID- 27661082
TI  - 640-Slice CT Measurement of Superior Orbital Fissure as Gateway for Light into
      the Brain: Statistical Evaluation of Area and Distance.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to provide normative data concerning superior orbital
      fissure area (SOFA), ocular skin and the substantia nigra (D-SS) and orbital
      fissure and the substantia nigra (D-SOF-S) distances by CT scan in adult
      Caucasian population. METHODS: The area of the superior orbital fissure (SOF),
      the distance between the ocular skin and the substantia nigra and the distance
      between the superior orbital fissure and the substantia nigra using CT and 3D-CT
      images. RESULTS: Normative data stratified for age and gender were obtained. The
      data here reported show that some degree of variability in SOFA, D-SS and D-SOF-S
      measurements can be observed healthy Caucasian subjects. Gender stratified
      prediction intervals (mean +/- 2 Standard Deviations) for SOFA and D-SOF-S were
      69.2 (+/-15.8) and 38.4 (+/-7.6) for male and 56.8 (+/-11.9) and 36.5 (+/-6.1)
      for female, respectively. Age and gender significantly impacted on D-SS values
      and normative data were constructed generating data stratified for these two
      variables. D-SS was 89.4 (+/-10.3) and 86.4 (+/-9.7) for male and female,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Here we provide adjunctive anatomical information on
      specific anatomical cerebral zones. Our data may have implications for surgeons
      actively committed to treat pathological conditions involving these cerebral
      areas. Additionally, the anatomical variability found with respect to SOF and the
      potential different exposure of the substanzia nigra to the bright light could
      play a role in Parkinson's disease as already speculated in literature.

PMID- 27661084
TI  - Simultaneous Quantification of Anticardiolipin IgG and IgM by Time Resolved
      Fluoroimmunoassay.
AB  - The autoimmune disease antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is characterized by the
      presence of anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL), along with anti-beta2-glycoprotein
      I (beta2GPI) antibodies and lupus anticoagulant (LA). In this study, we developed
      a time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay (TRFIA) system for simultaneous quantification
      of aCL IgG and IgM. A 96-well microtiter plate precoated with the complex of
      cardiolipin from bovine heart and bovine beta2GPI was incubated with the
      anticardiolipin IgG and IgM standard substance or serum, and the conjugate of
      Eu3+-labeled anti-human IgG and Sm3+-labeled anti-human IgM was pipetted to the
      wells to form a tipical double-antibody-sandwich immunoreactions; finally the
      fluorescent intensity of Eu3+ and Sm3+ was detected to reflect the quantity of
      anticardiolipin IgG and IgM. This assay showed a good relationship between
      fluorescence intensities and the concentration of anticardiolipin antibody(aCL)
      IgG and IgM, with a low-end sensitivity of 0.1 U/ml for IgG and 0.1 U/ml for IgM,
      respectively. The intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation (CV) of the
      calibrators was 3.0% and 4.51% for IgG, and 2.76% and 4.45% for IgM. The average
      recovery was 100.38% for aCL IgG and 100.45% for aCL IgM. For serum samples, the
      results of our method showed a good correlation with those obtained with ELISA
      kit. Simultaneous detection of aCL-IgG and aCL-IgM in the same reaction well can
      optimize assay performance by avoiding potential influence of different reaction
      conditions-timing, and well-to-well difference in concentration and
      characteristics of cardiolipin antigen. The results of a combo aCL-IgG and aCL
      IgM assay for the same sample are more consistent and more reliable. This dual
      label time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay is sensitive for detecting aCL IgG and IgM
      across a wide concentration range with stable reagents and may assist in the
      clinical diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome.

PMID- 27661085
TI  - Binding and Inhibition of Spermidine Synthase from Plasmodium falciparum and
      Implications for In Vitro Inhibitor Testing.
AB  - The aminopropyltransferase spermidine synthase (SpdS) is a promising drug target
      in cancer and in protozoan diseases including malaria. Plasmodium falciparum SpdS
      (PfSpdS) transfers the aminopropyl group of decarboxylated S-adenosylmethionine
      (dcAdoMet) to putrescine or to spermidine to form spermidine or spermine,
      respectively. In an effort to understand why efficient inhibitors of PfSpdS have
      been elusive, the present study uses enzyme activity assays and isothermal
      titration calorimetry with verified or predicted inhibitors of PfSpdS to analyze
      the relationship between binding affinity as assessed by KD and inhibitory
      activity as assessed by IC50. The results show that some predicted inhibitors
      bind to the enzyme with high affinity but are poor inhibitors. Binding studies
      with PfSpdS substrates and products strongly support an ordered sequential
      mechanism in which the aminopropyl donor (dcAdoMet) site must be occupied before
      the aminopropyl acceptor (putrescine) site can be occupied. Analysis of the
      results also shows that the ordered sequential mechanism adequately accounts for
      the complex relationship between IC50 and KD and may explain the limited success
      of previous efforts at structure-based inhibitor design for PfSpdS. Based on
      PfSpdS active-site occupancy, we suggest a classification of ligands that can
      help to predict the KD-IC50 relations in future design of new inhibitors. The
      present findings may be relevant for other drug targets that follow an ordered
      sequential mechanism.

PMID- 27661087
TI  - Magnetic Field Landscapes Guiding the Chemisorption of Diamagnetic Molecules.
AB  - It is shown that the self-assembly of diamagnetic molecule submonolayers on a
      surface can be influenced by magnetic stray field landscapes emerging from
      artificially fabricated magnetic domains and domain walls. The directed local
      chemisorption of diamagnetic subphthalocyaninatoboron molecules in relation to
      the artificially created domain pattern is proved by a combination of surface
      analytical methods: ToF-SIMS, X-PEEM, and NEXAFS imaging. Thereby, a new method
      to influence self-assembly processes and to produce patterned submonolayers is
      presented.

PMID- 27661086
TI  - The Salinity Responsive Mechanism of a Hydroxyproline-Tolerant Mutant of Peanut
      Based on Digital Gene Expression Profiling Analysis.
AB  - Soil salinity seriously limits plant growth and yield. Strategies have been
      developed for plants to cope with various environmental stresses during
      evolution. To screen for the broad-spectrum genes and the molecular mechanism
      about a hydroxyproline-tolerant mutant of peanut with enhanced salinity
      resistance under salinity stress, digital gene expression (DGE) sequencing was
      performed in the leaves of salinity-resistant mutant (S2) and Huayu20 as control
      (S4) under salt stress. The results indicate that major transcription factor
      families linked to salinity stress responses (NAC, bHLH, WRKY, AP2/ERF) are
      differentially expressed in the leaves of peanut under salinity stress. In
      addition, genes related to cell wall loosening and stiffening (xyloglucan
      endotransglucosylase/hydrolases, peroxidases, lipid transfer protein, expansin,
      extension), late embryogenesis abundant protein family, fatty acid biosynthesis
      and metabolism (13-lipoxygenase omega-6 fatty acid desaturase, omega-3 fatty acid
      desaturase) and some previously reported stress-related genes encoding proteins
      such as defensin, universal stress protein, metallothionein, peroxidase etc, and
      some other known or unknown function stress related genes, have been identified.
      The information from this study will be useful for further research on the
      mechanism of salinity resistance and will provide a useful genomic resource for
      the breeding of salinity resistance variety in peanut.

PMID- 27661089
TI  - Spectral Hole Burning in Cyanobacterial Photosystem I with P700 in Oxidized and
      Neutral States.
AB  - We explored the rich satellite hole structures emerging as a result of spectral
      hole burning in cyanobacterial photosystem I (PSI) and demonstrated that hole
      burning properties of PSI, particularly at high resolution, are strongly affected
      by the oxidation state of the primary donor P700, as P700+ effectively quenches
      the excitations of the lowest-energy antenna states responsible for fluorescence.
      Obtaining better control of this variable will be crucial for high-resolution
      ensemble experiments on protein energy landscapes in PSI. The separate
      nonphotochemical spectral hole burning (NPHB) signatures of various red antenna
      states were obtained, allowing for additional constraints on excitonic structure
      based calculations. Preliminary evidence is presented for an additional red state
      of PSI of T. elongatus peaked at 712.6 nm, distinct from previously reported C708
      and C715 states and possibly involving chlorophyll B15. Excitation at wavelengths
      as long as 800 nm results in charge separation at cryogenic temperatures in PSI
      also in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Both the "P700+ minus P700" holes and
      nonphotochemical spectral holes were subjected to thermocycling. The distribution
      of barriers manifesting in recovery of the "P700+ minus P700" signature contains
      two components in sample-dependent proportions, likely reflecting the percentages
      of FA and FB clusters being successfully prereduced before the optical
      experiment. The barrier distribution for the recovery of the lower-energy
      nonphotochemical spectral holes resembles those observed for other pigment
      protein complexes, suggesting similar structural elements are responsible for
      NPHB. Higher-energy components exhibit evidence of "domino effects" such as
      shifts of certain bands persisting past the lower-energy hole recovery. Thus,
      conformational changes triggered by excitation of one pigment likely can affect
      multiple pigments in this tightly packed system.

PMID- 27661088
TI  - Effects of Ultraviolet (UV) on Degradation of Irgafos 168 and Migration of Its
      Degradation Products from Polypropylene Films.
AB  - The effects of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation on the degradation of Irgafos 168 and
      the migration of its two degradation products, 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol and
      tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphate, from polypropylene (PP) were
      investigated. A blown film machine was used to extrude PP films containing
      Irgafos 168, the films were stored in the dark for 45 days, two UV treatments and
      sunlight exposure were applied to the films, and GC-MS was used for degradation
      and migration studies. Extrusion, storage, UV treatments, and sunlight exposure
      significantly affected concentrations of Irgafos 168 and the degradation
      products. 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol was the major degradation product produced by
      UV irradiation, but tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphate was the major
      degradation product produced by extrusion, storage, and sunlight exposure. The
      degradation products have no or little health risk, because migration study and
      threshold of toxicological concern (TTC) analysis show that experimental maximum
      migration of 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol and tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphate
      are only 2 and 53% of the theoretical maximum migration amounts, respectively.

PMID- 27661090
TI  - Structural Analysis of Natural Products.
AB  - Current mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and X-ray
      diffraction are presented as structure elucidation tools for analytical chemistry
      of natural products. Discovering new molecular entities combined with
      dereplication of known organic compounds represent prerequisites for biological
      assays and for respective applications as pharmaceuticals or molecular markers.
      Liquid chromatography is briefly addressed with respect to its use in mass
      spectrometry- and nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabolomics studies.

PMID- 27661091
TI  - Prototropic MU-H8,9 and MU-H9,10 Tautomers Derived from the [nido-5,6-C2B8H11]-
      Anion.
AB  - Reported is an unusual tautomeric behavior within the [nido-5,6-C2B8H11]- (1a-)
      cage that has no precedence in the whole area of carborane chemistry. Isolated
      were two skeletal tautomers, anions [6-Ph-nido-5,6-C2B8H10-MU8,9]- (2d-) and [5,6
      Me2-nido-5,6-C2B8H9-MU9,10]- (3b-), which differ in the positioning of the open
      face hydrogen bridge. Their structures have been determined by X-ray diffraction
      analyses. The 3b-structure is stabilized by intermolecular interaction involving
      Et3NH+ and B8-B9 and H8 atoms in the solid phase; however, its dissolution in
      CD3CN causes instant conversion to the more stable [5,6-Me2-nido-5,6-C2B8H9
      MU8,9]- (2b-) tautomer. The dynamic electron-correlation-based MP2/6-31G*
      computations suggest that the parent [nido-5,6-C2B8H11-MU8,9]- (2a-) tautomer is
      3.9 kcal.mol-1 more stable than the [nido-5,6-C2B8H11-MU9,10]- (3a-) counterpart
      and the MU8,9 structure 2- is therefore the most stable tautomeric form in the
      solution, as was also demonstrated by multinuclear (1H, 11B, and 13C) NMR
      measurements on the whole series of C-substituted compounds.

PMID- 27661092
TI  - Expanding the Scope of the Gold(I)-Catalyzed Rautenstrauch Rearrangement: Protic
      Additives.
AB  - The synthesis of substituted 2-cyclopentenones using a commercially available
      gold(I) catalyst is described under flexible reaction conditions. During the
      course of our investigations, we discovered that using a proton source as an
      additive is required to obtain the desired substituted cyclopentenones in good
      yields.

PMID- 27661093
TI  - Tailoring Water-Resistant and Breathable Performance of Polyacrylonitrile
      Nanofibrous Membranes Modified by Polydimethylsiloxane.
AB  - The demand of water-resistant and breathable materials applied to a separation
      medium and protective garments is steadily increasing. Typical approaches to
      obtain these functional materials are based on hydrophobic agents and porous
      substrates with small fiber diameter, tiny pore, and high porosity. However, a
      fluorinated hydrophobic finishing agent usually employed in providing effective
      waterproofness is limited with respect to their environmental persistence and
      toxic potential. Herein, with the aim to keep a balance between the water
      resistance and breathability as well as mechanical properties, we fabricate a
      novel fluoride-free functional membrane by electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN)
      nanofibers modified with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). As determined by
      morphological, DSC, and FT-IR analyses, the curing reaction of PDMS
      macromolecules formed an abundance of hydrophobic adhesive structures, which
      improved the waterproof performance dramatically and imparted relative good
      breathability at the same time. By systematically tuning the curing temperature
      as well as the concentration of PDMS, the modified PAN membranes with 4 wt % PDMS
      possessed good water-resistance (80.9 kPa), modest vapor permeability (12.5 kg m
      2 d-1), and air permeability (9.9 mm s-1). Compared with pristine PAN membranes,
      the modified membranes were endowed with enhanced tensile stress of 15.7 MPa. The
      good comprehensive performance of the as-prepared membranes suggested their
      potential applications in protective clothing, membrane distillation, self
      cleaning materials, and other medical products. Furthermore, the proposed
      relationship between porous structure and waterproof/breathable property as one
      considerable principle is applicable to designing functional membranes with
      different levels of protective and comfortable performance.

PMID- 27661095
TI  - Difluoroalkylation/C-H Annulation Cascade Reaction Induced by Visible-Light
      Photoredox Catalysis.
AB  - We report the first example of difluoroalkylation/C-H annulation cascade
      reactions of cyclopropyl olefins induced by visible-light photoredox catalysis
      regioselectively affording partially hydrogenated naphthalenes and quinolines
      with a variety of difluorinated side chains. The alkylation reagent could be
      extended to monofluoro and trifluoro reagents, nitrile and malonate. The
      regioselectivity was investigated by means of density functional theory
      calculations.

PMID- 27661094
TI  - Free Energy Landscape of GAGA and UUCG RNA Tetraloops.
AB  - We report the folding thermodynamics of ccUUCGgg and ccGAGAgg RNA tetraloops
      using atomistic molecular dynamics simulations. We obtain a previously unreported
      estimation of the folding free energy using parallel tempering in combination
      with well-tempered metadynamics. A key ingredient is the use of a recently
      developed metric distance, eRMSD, as a biased collective variable. We find that
      the native fold of both tetraloops is not the global free energy minimum using
      the AmberchiOL3 force field. The estimated folding free energies are 30.2 +/- 0.5
      kJ/mol for UUCG and 7.5 +/- 0.6 kJ/mol for GAGA, in striking disagreement with
      experimental data. We evaluate the viability of all possible one-dimensional
      backbone force field corrections. We find that disfavoring the gauche+ region of
      alpha and zeta angles consistently improves the existing force field. The level
      of accuracy achieved with these corrections, however, cannot be considered
      sufficient by judging on the basis of available thermodynamic data and solution
      experiments.

PMID- 27661096
TI  - Large-Scale Production of V6O13 Cathode Materials Assisted by Thermal Gravimetric
      Analysis-Infrared Spectroscopy Technology.
AB  - The kilogram-scale fabrication of V6O13 cathode materials has been notably
      assisted by in situ thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA)-infrared spectroscopy (IR)
      technology. This technology successfully identified a residue of ammonium
      metavanadate in commercial V6O13, which is consistent with the X-ray
      photoelectron spectroscopy result. Samples of V6O13 materials have been
      fabricated and characterized by TGA-IR, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray
      diffraction. The initial testing results at 125  degrees C have shown that test
      cells containing the sample prepared at 500  degrees C show up to a 10% increase
      in the initial specific capacity in comparison with commercial V6O13.

PMID- 27661098
TI  - Immune Cells in Cardiovascular Disease: Has the Time Arrived for New Targets in
      Human Hypertension?

PMID- 27661097
TI  - Blood Pressure and Mortality in Long-Term Hemodialysis-Time to Move Forward.
AB  - Contrary to the direct, graded, and causal relationship of hypertension with
      cardiovascular outcomes in the general population, among dialysis patients, blood
      pressure (BP) recorded either predialysis or postdialysis displays a U-shaped
      curve with mortality. This paradoxical phenomenon of lower BP or a decline in BP
      over time being associated with increased mortality and higher BP being
      associated with a lower mortality is described as "reverse" epidemiology of
      hypertension, raising substantial controversy on whether BP lowering causes harms
      or benefits among dialysis patients. Unlike the inverse relationship of
      peridialytic BP with mortality, elevated BP recorded outside of dialysis is
      directly associated with poor long-term outcomes. Apart from the timing and
      technique of BP measurement, the U-shaped association of BP with mortality is
      also modified when accounting for factors related to patient's clinical
      characteristics and level of illness, dialysis practices, and patterns as well as
      factors related to the methodology of survival analysis. Most importantly,
      deliberate BP lowering with antihypertensive drugs is associated with reduced
      cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In this review, we explore the complex
      association of peridialytic, intradialytic, and interdialytic BP with outcomes
      among dialysis patients. We conclude with recommendations for a wider use of out
      of-dialysis BP monitoring as a tool to better evaluate the cardiovascular risk
      and optimize the management of hypertension in this high-risk population. Rather
      than more cohort studies, we call for randomized trials to test the level of BP
      in dialysis patients that is optimal for cardiovascular outcomes.

PMID- 27661099
TI  - An Enumerative Combinatorics Model for Fragmentation Patterns in RNA Sequencing
      Provides Insights into Nonuniformity of the Expected Fragment Starting-Point and
      Coverage Profile.
AB  - RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) has emerged as the method of choice for measuring the
      expression of RNAs in a given cell population. In most RNA-seq technologies,
      sequencing the full length of RNA molecules requires fragmentation into smaller
      pieces. Unfortunately, the issue of nonuniform sequencing coverage across a
      genomic feature has been a concern in RNA-seq and is attributed to biases for
      certain fragments in RNA-seq library preparation and sequencing. To investigate
      the expected coverage obtained from fragmentation, we develop a simple
      fragmentation model that is independent of bias from the experimental method and
      is not specific to the transcript sequence. Essentially, we enumerate all
      configurations for maximal placement of a given fragment length, F, on transcript
      length, T, to represent every possible fragmentation pattern, from which we
      compute the expected coverage profile across a transcript. We extend this model
      to incorporate general empirical attributes such as read length, fragment length
      distribution, and number of molecules of the transcript. We further introduce the
      fragment starting-point, fragment coverage, and read coverage profiles. We find
      that the expected profiles are not uniform and that factors such as fragment
      length to transcript length ratio, read length to fragment length ratio, fragment
      length distribution, and number of molecules influence the variability of
      coverage across a transcript. Finally, we explore a potential application of the
      model where, with simulations, we show that it is possible to correctly estimate
      the transcript copy number for any transcript in the RNA-seq experiment.

PMID- 27661100
TI  - Safety of direct antiviral agents in the management of hepatitis C.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis C virus is a hepatotropic virus that generally leads to
      chronic hepatitis and various harmful sequelae. The lone standard of treatment
      has been pegylated interferon and ribavirin, which produces a modest response and
      many side effects. However, a new era of management was declared with the
      introduction of various directly acting antiviral agents. Areas covered: Recent
      direct antiviral agents (DAAs) primarily target the non-structural proteins of
      the virus and affect its replication. These agents successfully achieve a
      sustained virologic response. However, some serious side effects were reported,
      which may or may not be drug-related effects. Important drug-drug interactions
      were also reported. The treating physician should be reasonably familiar with
      these effects. We review the safety profile of these agents in the management of
      HCV. Expert opinion: Cautious concomitant drug intake is necessary for the new
      HCV therapies. Future HCV management will depend on interferon-free and likely
      ribavirin-free regimens. The co-administration of direct antiviral agents of
      different classes increases the probability of side effects and drug-drug
      interactions.

PMID- 27661101
TI  - The new EU regulation on in vitro diagnostics: potential issues at the interface
      of medicines and companion diagnostics.
AB  - The new European regulation for in vitro diagnostics (IVD) divides the
      certification of IVD including companion diagnostics (CDx) by notified bodies
      (NB) from the market authorization of medicines. With the new regulation, CDx
      will require conformity assessment which is expected to include clinical evidence
      by NB. This is a significant change from the current situation: until now most
      IVD have been certified based on their manufacturers' assessment. For one
      medicine assessed by the EMA, certification of several different CDx by different
      NB is possible. As the benefit-risk balance of the medicine may depend on the
      performance (e.g., sensitivity and specificity) of its CDx, a close cooperation
      of EMA and NB will be necessary. The availability of detailed information on CDx
      used in the pivotal clinical trials for the medicine's authorization will become
      crucial for the assessment of alternative or competing CDx.

PMID- 27661103
TI  - c-Cbl mediates the degradation of tumorigenic nuclear beta-catenin contributing
      to the heterogeneity in Wnt activity in colorectal tumors.
AB  - Despite the loss of Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC) in a majority of colorectal
      cancers (CRC), not all CRCs bear hallmarks of Wnt activation, such as nuclear
      beta-catenin. This underscores the presence of other Wnt regulators that are
      important to define, given the pathogenic and prognostic roles of nuclear beta
      catenin in human CRC. Herein, we investigated the effect of Casitas B-lineage
      lymphoma (c-Cbl) on nuclear beta-catenin, which is an oncoprotein upregulated in
      CRC due to loss-of-function APC or gain-of-function CTNNB1 mutations. Despite
      mechanistic rationale and recent discoveries of c-Cbl's mutations in solid
      tumors, little is known about its functional importance in CRC. Our study in a
      cohort of human CRC patients demonstrated an inverse correlation between nuclear
      beta-catenin and c-Cbl. Further investigation showed that the loss of c-Cbl
      activity significantly enhanced nuclear beta-catenin and CRC tumor growth in cell
      culture and a mouse xenograft model. c-Cbl interacted with and downregulated beta
      catenin in a manner that was independent of CTNNB1 or APC mutation status. This
      study demonstrates a previously unrecognized function of c-Cbl as a negative
      regulator of CRC.

PMID- 27661102
TI  - Similarity and diversity of the tumor microenvironment in multiple metastases:
      critical implications for overall and progression-free survival of high-grade
      serous ovarian cancer.
AB  - The tumor microenvironment is pivotal in influencing cancer progression and
      metastasis. Different cells co-exist with high spatial diversity within a
      patient, yet their combinatorial effects are poorly understood. We investigate
      the similarity of the tumor microenvironment of 192 local metastatic lesions in
      61 ovarian cancer patients. An ecologically inspired measure of
      microenvironmental diversity derived from multiple metastasis sites is correlated
      with clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic outcome. We demonstrate a
      high accuracy of our automated analysis across multiple sites. A low level of
      similarity in microenvironmental composition is observed between ovary tumor and
      corresponding local metastases (stromal ratio r = 0.30, lymphocyte ratio r =
      0.37). We identify a new measure of microenvironmental diversity derived from
      Shannon entropy that is highly predictive of poor overall (p = 0.002, HR = 3.18,
      95% CI = 1.51-6.68) and progression-free survival (p = 0.0036, HR = 2.83, 95% CI
      = 1.41-5.7), independent of and stronger than clinical variables, subtype
      stratifications based on single cell types alone and number of sites. Although
      stromal influence in ovary tumors is known to have significant clinical
      implications, our findings reveal an even stronger impact orchestrated by diverse
      cell types. Quantitative histology-based measures can further enable objective
      selection of patients who are in urgent need of new therapeutic strategies such
      as combinatorial treatments targeting heterogeneous tumor microenvironment.

PMID- 27661104
TI  - beta-Hydroxybutyrate suppresses inflammasome formation by ameliorating
      endoplasmic reticulum stress via AMPK activation.
AB  - beta-Hydroxybutyrate, a ketone body that is used as an energy source in organs
      such as the brain, muscle, and heart when blood glucose is low, is produced by
      fatty acid oxidation in the liver under the fasting state. Endoplasmic reticulum
      (ER) stress is linked with the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen
      species and the accumulation of misfolded protein in the ER. ER stress is known
      to induce the NOD-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome, which mediates activation
      of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1beta, whose maturation is caspase-1
      dependent. We investigated whether beta-hydroxybutyrate modulates ER stress,
      inflammasome formation, and insulin signaling. Sprague Dawley rats (6 and 24
      months of age) that were starved for 3 d and rats treated with beta
      hydroxybutyrate (200 mg.kg-1.d-1 i.p., for 5 d) were used for in vivo
      investigations, whereas human hepatoma HepG2 cells were used for in vitro
      studies. Overexpression of AMPK in cultured cells was performed to elucidate the
      molecular mechanism. The starvation resulted in increased serum beta
      hydroxybutyrate levels with decreased ER stress (PERK, IRE1, and ATF6alpha) and
      inflammasome (ASC, caspase-1, and NLRP3) formation compared with non-fasted 24
      month-old rats. In addition, beta-hydroxybutyrate suppressed the increase of ER
      stress- and inflammasome-related marker proteins. Furthermore, beta
      hydroxybutyrate treatment increased the expression of manganese superoxide
      dismutase and catalase via the AMP-activated protein kinase-forkhead box protein
      O3alpha transcription factor pathway both in vivo and in vitro. The significance
      of the current study was the discovery of the potential therapeutic role of beta
      hydroxybutyrate in suppressing ER-stress-induced inflammasome formation.

PMID- 27661105
TI  - Eosinophil percentage elevation as a prognostic factor for overall survival in
      patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with tyrosine kinase
      inhibitor.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We tried to investigate the prognostic significance of post-treatment
      eosinophil percentage(Eo %) in metastatic renal cell carcinoma(mRCC) patients
      undertaking sorafenib. RESULTS: The median OS for the entire sorafenib treatment
      period was 21.9 months (95% CI: 17.2-25.9 months). Of the 282 mRCC patients, 101
      patients experienced an elevated post-treatment Eo % within two months. Median OS
      of post-treatment Eo % elevated group and non-elevated group were 42.9 months and
      16.8 months(p=0.000). After adding post-treatment Eo % into a modified MSKCC
      model or Heng's model, 43 and 41 patients were reclassified into favorable group,
      5 and 9 patients were reclassified to intermediate group respectively. METHODS:
      mRCC patients treated with sorafenib from 2006 to 2015 in were evaluated. Pre-
      and post-treatment Eo % were assessed. Oncologic outcomes were analyzed by
      overall survival and tumor response rate. Predictive parameters were assessed in
      a Cox proportional hazard model. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that an
      early elevation of Eo % after sorafenib treatment is a strong predictor of good
      prognosis. Eo % can be a good supplementary for prognostic models using pre
      treatment parameters.

PMID- 27661106
TI  - TWIST1/miR-584/TUSC2 pathway induces resistance to apoptosis in thyroid cancer
      cells.
AB  - TWIST1, a transcription factor, plays a pivotal role in cancer initiation and
      progression. Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is one of the deadliest human
      malignancies; TWIST1 is overexpressed in ATC and increases thyroid cancer cell
      survival, migration and invasion. The molecular mechanisms underlying the effects
      of TWIST1 are partially known. Here, using miRNome profiling of papillary thyroid
      cancer cells (TPC-1) ectopically expressing TWIST1, we identified miR-584. We
      showed that TWIST1 directly binds miR-584 using chromatin immunoprecipitation.
      Importantly, miR-584 was up-regulated in human ATC compared to papillary thyroid
      carcinoma (PTC) and normal thyroid samples. Overexpression of miR-584 in TPC
      cells induced resistance to apoptosis, whereas stable transfection of anti-miR
      584 in TPC-TWIST1 and 8505C cells increased the sensitivity to apoptosis. Using
      bioinformatics programs, we identified TUSC2 (tumor suppressor candidate 2) as a
      novel target of miR-584. TUSC2 mRNA and protein levels were decreased in TPC miR
      584 and increased in TPC-TWIST1 anti-miR-584 cells. Luciferase assays
      demonstrated direct targeting. Restored expression of TUSC2 rescued the
      inhibition of apoptosis induced by miR-584. Finally, qRT-PCR and
      immunohistochemical analysis showed that TUSC2 was down-regulated in ATC and PTC
      samples compared to normal thyroids. In conclusion, our study identified a novel
      TWIST1/miR-584/TUSC2 pathway that plays a role in resistance to apoptosis of
      thyroid cancer cells.

PMID- 27661107
TI  - RNF43 and ZNRF3 are commonly altered in serrated pathway colorectal
      tumorigenesis.
AB  - Serrated pathway colorectal cancers (CRCs) are characterised by a BRAF mutation
      and half display microsatellite instability (MSI). The Wnt pathway is commonly
      upregulated in conventional CRC through APC mutation. By contrast, serrated
      cancers do not mutate APC. We investigated mutation of the ubiquitin ligases
      RNF43 and ZNRF3 as alternate mechanism of altering the Wnt signal in serrated
      colorectal neoplasia. RNF43 was mutated in 47/54(87%) BRAF mutant/MSI and
      8/33(24%) BRAF mutant/microsatellite stable cancers compared to only 3/79(4%)
      BRAF wildtype cancers (p<0.0001). ZNRF3 was mutated in 16/54(30%) BRAF mutant/MSI
      and 5/33(15%) BRAF mutant/microsatellite stable compared to 0/27 BRAF wild type
      cancers (p=0.004). An RNF43 frameshift mutation (X659fs) occurred in 80% BRAF
      mutant/MSI cancers. This high rate was verified in a second series of 25/35(71%)
      BRAF mutant/MSI cancers. RNF43 and ZNRF3 had lower transcript expression in BRAF
      mutant compared to BRAF wildtype cancers and less cytoplasmic protein expression
      in BRAF mutant/MSI compared to other subtypes. Treatment with a porcupine
      inhibitor reduced RNF43/ZNRF3 mutant colony growth by 50% and synergised with a
      MEK inhibitor to dramatically reduce growth. This study suggests inactivation of
      RNF43 and ZNRF3 is important in serrated tumorigenesis and has identified a
      potential therapeutic strategy for this cancer subtype.

PMID- 27661108
TI  - Acquired resistance to venetoclax (ABT-199) in t(14;18) positive lymphoma cells.
AB  - The chromosomal translocation t(14;18) in follicular lymphoma (FL) is a primary
      oncogenic event resulting in BCL-2 over-expression. This study investigates
      activity of the BH3 mimetic venetoclax (ABT-199), which targets BCL-2, and
      mechanisms of acquired resistance in FL.The sensitivity of FL cells to venetoclax
      treatment correlated with BCL-2/BIM ratio. Cells with similar expression of anti
      apoptotic proteins, but with higher levels of BIM were more sensitive to the
      treatment. Venetoclax induced dissociation of BCL-2/ BIM complex and a decrease
      in mitochondrial potential. Interestingly the population of cells that survived
      venetoclax treatment showed increased p-ERK1/2 and p-BIM (S69), as well as a
      decrease in total BIM levels. Venetoclax resistant cells initially showed
      elevated levels of p-AKT and p-Foxo1/3a, a dissociation of BIM/BCL-2/BECLIN1
      complex, and a decrease in SQSTM1/p62 level (indicating increased autophagy)
      together with a slight decline in BIM expression. After stable resistant cell
      lines were established, a significant reduction of BCL-2 levels and almost total
      absence of BIM was observed.The acquisition of these resistance phenotypes could
      be prevented via selective ERK/AKT inhibition or anti-CD20 antibody treatment,
      thus highlighting possible combination therapies for FL patients.

PMID- 27661109
TI  - IMPA2 polymorphisms and risk of ischemic stroke in a northwest Han Chinese
      population.
AB  - Genetic association analysis has suggested that IMPA2 is a susceptibility gene
      for ischemic stroke (IS). To explore the association between IMPA2 polymorphisms
      and the risk of IS in a Han Chinese population, candidate gene association was
      performed using data from a case-control study of 488 IS patients and 503 control
      subjects. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to
      assess the association, and associations were evaluated under dominant,
      recessive, and additive genetic models using PLINK software. There was a
      statistically significant difference in the "TC" genotype frequency of the IMPA2
      polymorphism rs589247, between cases and controls (50.0% vs. 45.3%). Under the
      dominant model, rs589247 was associated with an increased risk of IS (OR=1.32,
      95%CI: 1.01-1.73; P=0.040). There were no other associations between any of the
      seven additional IMPA2 polymorphisms and IS risk. This study is the first to find
      a correlation between an IMPA2 polymorphism and IS risk in a northwest Han
      Chinese population. These results may help to elucidate the molecular
      pathogenesis of this disease, and could potentially be used to predict IS risk.
      However, further studies are still needed to validate this association in other
      populations and with larger sample sizes.

PMID- 27661110
TI  - Relationship between tumour PTEN/Akt/COX-2 expression, inflammatory response and
      survival in patients with colorectal cancer.
AB  - In patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), local and systemic inflammatory
      responses have been extensively reported to associate with cancer survival.
      However, the specific signalling pathways responsible for inflammatory responses
      are not clear. The PTEN/Akt pathway is a plausible candidate as it may play a
      role in mediating inflammation via COX-2, and has been associated with cancer
      progression. This study therefore examined the relationship between tumour
      PTEN/Akt/COX-2 expression, inflammatory responses and survival in CRC patients
      using a tissue microarray.In 201 CRC patients, activation of tumour-specific
      PTEN/Akt significantly associated with poorer CSS (12.0yrs v 7.3yrs, P=0.032),
      poorer differentiation (P=0.032), venous invasion (P=0.008) and peritoneal
      involvement (P=0.004). Patients were stratified for peri-nuclear expression of
      COX-2 to examine associations with inflammatory responses. In patients with
      absent peri-nuclear COX-2 expression, activation of tumour-specific PTEN/Akt
      significantly associated with poorer CSS (11.9yrs v 5.4yrs, P=0.001), poorer
      differentiation (P=0.018), venous invasion (P=0.003) and peritoneal involvement
      (P=0.001). However, no associations were seen with either the local or systemic
      inflammatory responses.In CRC patients, tumour-specific PTEN/Akt pathway
      activation was significantly associated with poorer CSS, particularly when peri
      nuclear COX-2 expression was absent. However, activation of the PTEN/Akt pathway
      appears not to be responsible for the regulation of inflammatory responses.

PMID- 27661111
TI  - Association between tumor-stroma ratio and prognosis in solid tumor patients: a
      systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - Tumor-related stroma plays an active role in tumor invasion and metastasis. The
      tumor-stroma ratio (TSR) in the pathologic specimen has drawn increasing
      attention from the field of predicting tumor prognosis. However, the prognostic
      value of TSR in solid tumors necessitates further elucidation. We conducted a
      meta-analysis on 14 studies with 4238 patients through a comprehensive electronic
      search on databases updated on May 2016 to explore the relationship between TSR
      and prognosis of solid tumors. The overall hazard ratio showed that rich stroma
      in tumor tissue was associated with poor overall survival (OS) (14 studies, 4238
      patients) and disease-free survival (DFS) (9 studies, 2235 patients) of patients
      with solid tumors. The effect of low TSR on poor OS was observed among various
      cancer types, but not in the early stage of cervical caner. A significant
      relationship between low TSR and poor OS was also observed in the subgroup
      analyses based on study region, blinding status, and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS)
      score. Subgroup analyses indicated that cancer type, clinical stage, study
      region, blinding status, and NOS score did not affect the prognostic value of TSR
      for DFS. Moreover, low TSR was significantly correlated with the serious clinical
      stage, advanced depth of invasion, and positive lymph node metastasis. These
      findings indicate that a high proportion of stroma in cancer tissue is associated
      with poor clinical outcomes in cancer patients, and TSR may serve as an
      independent prognostic factor for solid tumors.

PMID- 27661112
TI  - Transfer of functional microRNAs between glioblastoma and microvascular
      endothelial cells through gap junctions.
AB  - Extensive invasion and angiogenesis are hallmark features of malignant
      glioblastomas. Here, we co-cultured U87 human glioblastoma cells and human
      microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC) to demonstrate the exchange of microRNAs
      that initially involve the formation of gap junction communications between the
      two cell types. The functional inhibition of gap junctions by carbenoxolone
      blocks the transfer of the anti-tumor miR-145-5p from HMEC to U87, and the
      transfer of the pro-invasive miR-5096 from U87 to HMEC. These two microRNAs exert
      opposite effects on angiogenesis in vitro. MiR-5096 was observed to promote HMEC
      tubulogenesis, initially by increasing Cx43 expression and the formation of
      heterocellular gap junctions, and secondarily through a gap-junction independent
      pathway. Our results highlight the importance of microRNA exchanges between tumor
      and endothelial cells that in part involves the formation of functional gap
      junctions between the two cell types.

PMID- 27661113
TI  - Sitagliptin may reduce prostate cancer risk in male patients with type 2
      diabetes.
AB  - This retrospective cohort study evaluated the risk of prostate cancer associated
      with sitagliptin use in Taiwanese male patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus by
      using the reimbursement databases of the National Health Insurance. Male patients
      with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus at an age >=25 years between 1999
      and 2010 were recruited. A total of 37,924 ever users of sitagliptin and 426,276
      never users were followed until December 31, 2011. The treatment effect of
      sitagliptin (for ever versus never users, and for tertiles of cumulative duration
      of therapy) was estimated by Cox regression incorporated with the inverse
      probability of treatment weighting using propensity score. Analyses were also
      conducted in a 1:1 matched pair cohort based on 8 digits of propensity score.
      Results showed that during follow-up, 84 ever users and 2,549 never users were
      diagnosed of prostate cancer, representing an incidence of 140.74 and 240.17 per
      100,000 person-years, respectively. The hazard ratio (95% confidence intervals)
      for ever users versus never users was 0.613 (0.493-0.763). The respective hazard
      ratio for the first, second, and third tertile of cumulative duration of
      sitagliptin use <5.9, 5.9-12.7 and >12.7 months was 0.853 (0.601-1.210), 0.840
      (0.598-1.179) and 0.304 (0.191-0.483), respectively; and was 0.856 (0.603-1.214),
      0.695 (0.475-1.016) and 0.410 (0.277-0.608) for cumulative dose <15,000, 15,000
      33,600 and >33,600 mg, respectively. Findings were supported by analyses in the
      matched cohort. In conclusion, sitagliptin significantly reduces the risk of
      prostate cancer, especially when the cumulative duration is >12.7 months or the
      cumulative dose >33,600 mg.

PMID- 27661114
TI  - miR-135b expression downregulates Ppm1e to activate AMPK signaling and protect
      osteoblastic cells from dexamethasone.
AB  - Activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) could potently protect
      osteoblasts/osteoblastic cells from dexamethasone (Dex). We aim to induce AMPK
      activation via microRNA ("miRNA") downregulation of its phosphatase Ppm1e. We
      discovered that microRNA-135b ("miR-135b") targets the 3' untranslated regions
      (UTRs) of Ppm1e. In human osteoblasticOB-6 cells and hFOB1.19 cells, forced
      expression of miR-135b downregulated Ppm1e and activated AMPK signaling. miR-135b
      also protected osteoblastic cells from Dex. shRNA-induced knockdown of Ppm1e
      similarly activated AMPK and inhibited Dex-induced damages. Intriguingly, in the
      Ppm1e-silenced osteoblastic cells, miR-135b expression failed to offer further
      cytoprotection against Dex. Notably, AMPK knockdown (via shRNA) or dominant
      negative mutation abolished miR-135b-induced AMPK activation and cytoprotection
      against Dex. Molecularly, miR-135b, via activating AMPK, increased nicotinamide
      adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) activity and inhibited Dex-induced
      oxidative stress. At last, we found that miR-135b level was increased in human
      necrotic femoral head tissues, which was correlated with Ppm1e downregulation and
      AMPK activation. There results suggest that miR-135b expression downregulates
      Ppm1e to activate AMPK signaling, which protects osteoblastic cells from Dex.

PMID- 27661117
TI  - High-throughput proteomics integrated with gene microarray for discovery of
      colorectal cancer potential biomarkers.
AB  - Proteins, as executives of genes' instructions, are responsible for cellular
      phenotypes. Integratingproteomics with gene microarray, we conducted this study
      to identify potential protein biomarkers of colorectal cancer (CRC). Isobaric
      tags with related and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) labeling mass spectrometry
      (MS) was applied to screen and identify differentially expressed proteins between
      paired CRC and adjacent normal mucosa. Meanwhile, Affymetrix U133plus2.0
      microarrays were used to perform gene microarray analysis. Verification
      experiments included immunohistochemistry (IHC), western blot and enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of selected proteins. Overall, 5469 differentially
      expressed proteins were detected with iTRAQ-MS from 24 matched CRC and adjacent
      normal tissues. And gene microarray identified 39859 differential genes from 52
      patients. Of these, 3083 differential proteins had corresponding differentially
      expressed genes, with 245 proteins and their genes showed >1.5-fold change in
      expression level. Gene ontology enrichment analysis revealed that up-regulated
      proteins were more involved in cell adhesion and motion than down-regulated
      proteins. In addition, up-regulated proteins were more likely to be located in
      nucleus and vesicles. Further verification experiments with IHC confirmed
      differential expression levels of 5 proteins (S100 calcium-binding protein A9,
      annexin A3, nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase, carboxylesterase 2 and
      calcium activated chloride channel A1) between CRC and normal tissues. Besides,
      western blot showed a stepwise increase of annexin A3 abundance in normal
      colorectal mucosa, adenoma and CRC tissues. ELISAresults revealed significantly
      higher serum levels of S100 calcium-binding protein A9 and annexin A3 in CRC
      patients than healthy controls, validating diagnostic value of these proteins.
      Cell experiments showed that inhibition of annexin A3 could suppress CRC cell
      proliferation and aggressiveness. S100 calcium-binding protein A9, annexin A3,
      nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase, carboxylesterase 2 and calcium activated
      chloride channel A1 were probably potential biomarkers of colorectal cancer.
      Annexin A3 was a potentially valuable therapeutic target of CRC.

PMID- 27661116
TI  - Targeting Notch signaling as a novel therapy for retinoblastoma.
AB  - Retinoblastoma is the most common intraocular malignancy of childhood. Notch
      plays a key role in retinal cells from which retinoblastomas arise, and we
      therefore studied the role of Notch signaling in promoting retinoblastoma
      proliferation. Moderate or strong nuclear expression of Hes1 was found in 10 of
      11 human retinoblastoma samples analyzed immunohistochemically, supporting a role
      for Notch in retinoblastoma growth. Notch pathway components were present in WERI
      Rb1 and Y79 retinoblastoma lines, with Jag2 and DLL4 more highly expressed than
      other ligands, and Notch1 and Notch2 more abundant than Notch3. The
      cleaved/active form of Notch1 was detectable in both lines. Inhibition of the
      pathway, achieved using a gamma-secretase inhibitor (GSI) or by downregulating
      Jag2, DLL4 or CBF1 using short hairpin RNA, potently reduced growth,
      proliferation and clonogenicity in both lines. Upregulation of CXCR4 and CXCR7
      and downregulation of PI3KC2beta were identified by microarray upon Jag2
      suppression. The functional importance of PI3KC2beta was confirmed using shRNA.
      Synergy was found by combining GSI with Melphalan at their IC50. These findings
      indicate that Notch pathway is active in WERI Rb1 and Y79, and in most human
      retinoblastoma samples, and suggest that Notch antagonists may represent a new
      approach to more effectively treat retinoblastoma.

PMID- 27661115
TI  - Ibrutinib synergizes with MDM-2 inhibitors in promoting cytotoxicity in B chronic
      lymphocytic leukemia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-leukemic activity of
      the Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor Ibrutinib in combination with the small
      molecule MDM-2 inhibitor Nutlin-3 in preclinical models. METHODS: The potential
      efficacy of the Ibrutinib/Nutlin-3 combination was evaluated in vitro in a panel
      of B leukemic cell lines (EHEB, JVM-2, JVM-3, MEC-1, MEC-2) and in primary B
      chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) patient samples, by assessing cell
      viability, cell cycle profile, apoptosis and intracellular pathway modulations.
      Validation of the combination therapy was assessed in a B leukemic xenograft
      mouse model. RESULTS: Ibrutinib exhibited variable anti-leukemic activity in
      vitro and the combination with Nutlin-3 synergistically enhanced the induction of
      apoptosis independently from the p53 status. Indeed, the Ibrutinib/Nutlin-3
      combination was effective in promoting cytotoxicity also in primary B-CLL samples
      carrying 17p13 deletion and/or TP53 mutations, already in therapy with Ibrutinib.
      Molecular analyses performed on both B-leukemic cell lines as well as on primary
      B-CLL samples, while confirming the switch-off of the MAPK and PI3K pro-survival
      pathways by Ibrutinib, indicated that the synergism of action with Nutlin-3 was
      independent by p53 pathway and was accompanied by the activation of the DNA
      damage cascade signaling through the phosphorylation of the histone protein
      H2A.X. This observation was confirmed also in the JVM-2 B leukemic xenograft
      mouse model. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our data emphasize that the
      Ibrutinib/Nutlin-3 combination merits to be further evaluated as a therapeutic
      option for B-CLL.

PMID- 27661118
TI  - Small heterodimer partner 1 directly interacts with NS5A viral protein and has a
      key role in HCV related liver cell transformation.
AB  - HCV life cycle is strictly correlated with the hepatocyte lipid metabolism;
      moreover, the progression of HCV chronic hepatitis is accelerated by the presence
      of liver steatosis. Among the steatogenic genes deregulated during the HCV
      infection one of the most attractive is the Small Heterodimer Protein 1 (SHP1;
      NR0B2), that is involved in a remarkable number of metabolic functions. HCV NS5A
      is an essential and integral component of the HCV membranous-web replicon complex
      (RC) and plays an essential role to transfer the viral genome from the RCs to the
      surface of the lipid droplets (LDs) that, in turn, play a key function during HCV
      life cycle.With the help of a HCV infection model, we demonstrate a functional
      interaction between SHP1 and HCV NS5A protein. SHP1 silencing (siSHP1) reversed
      the pro-oncogenic effects of HCV infection, inducing a significant decrease in
      liver lipid accumulation and in NS5A protein expression. Moreover, siSHP1 causes
      a strong modulation of some genes involved in HCV-related EMT, such as: HNF4, a
      central regulators of hepatocyte differentiation, E-Cadherin, SNAILs.Our data
      suggest that SHP1 results not only to be strictly connected to the pathogenesis
      of HCV-related liver steatosis, but also to its progression towards the liver
      transformation.

PMID- 27661120
TI  - FRMD6 inhibits human glioblastoma growth and progression by negatively regulating
      activity of receptor tyrosine kinases.
AB  - FRMD6 is an Ezrin/Radixin/Moesin (ERM) family protein and a human homologue of
      Drosophila expanded (ex). Ex functions in parallel of Drosophila merlin at
      upstream of the Hippo signaling pathway that controls proliferation, apoptosis,
      tissue regeneration, and tumorigenesis. Even though the core kinase cascade
      (MST1/2-Lats1/2-YAP/TAZ) of the Hippo pathway has been well established, its
      upstream regulators are not well understood. Merlin promotes activation of the
      Hippo pathway. However, the effect of FRMD6 on the Hippo pathway is
      controversial. Little is known about how FRMD6 functions and the potential role
      of FRMD in gliomagenesis and glioblastoma (GBM) progression. We demonstrate for
      the first time that FRMD6 is down-regulated in human GBM cells and tissues and
      that increased FRMD6 expression inhibits whereas FRMD6 knockdown promotes GBM
      cell proliferation/invasion in vitro and GBM growth/progression in vivo.
      Furthermore, we demonstrate that unlike increased expression of merlin, which
      enhances the stress induced activation of the Hippo pathway, increased FRMD6
      expression displays little effect on the pathway. In contrast, we show that FRMD6
      inhibits activation of a couple of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) including c
      Met and PDGFR and their downstream Erk and AKT kinases. Moreover, we show that
      expression of constitutively active c-Met, the TPR-Met fusion protein, largely
      reverses the anti-GBM effect of FRMD6 in vivo, suggesting that FRMD6 functions at
      least partially through inhibiting activity of RTKs especially c-Met. These
      results establish a novel function of FRMD6 in inhibiting human GBM growth and
      progression and uncover a novel mechanism by which FRMD6 exerts its anti-GBM
      activity.

PMID- 27661119
TI  - Paraoxonase 3 inhibits cell proliferation and serves as a prognostic predictor in
      hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - Paraoxonase 3 (PON3) exerts prominent anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation
      properties mainly at the cellular level, and is primarily expressed in the liver.
      However, its role in HCC remains unexplored. Here, we investigated the expression
      pattern, clinical significance, and function of PON3 in HCC. PON3 mRNA and
      protein levels were respectively determined in two large cohorts using
      quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and
      immunohistochemistry (IHC) of tissue microarray. We found that PON3 was
      downregulated in most HCCs. Kaplan-Meier and log-rank test showed that PON3
      downregulation predicted shorter recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall
      survival (OS) time in all HCC patients, especially early-stage HCC patients. Cox
      regression analysis revealed that the PON3 downregulation was an independent risk
      factor for RFS and OS. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments revealed that PON3
      suppressed cell proliferation in vivo and in vitro, which was attributed to its
      cell-cycle arrest effect. In addition, microarray analysis showed that some pro
      proliferative genes were elevated when PON3 was knockdown, and these genes
      possibly involved in the underlying mechanisms. In conclusion, our studies reveal
      the cell proliferation inhibitory function of PON3 and offer a potential
      prognostic predictor and therapeutic target for HCC.

PMID- 27661122
TI  - A comprehensive meta-analysis of genetic associations between five key SNPs and
      colorectal cancer risk.
AB  - Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on colorectal cancer (CRC) have identified
      dozens of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in more than 19 independent loci
      associated with CRC. Due to the heterogeneity of the studied subjects and the
      contrary results, it is challenging to verify the certainty of the association
      between these loci and CRC.We conducted a critical review of the published
      studies of SNPs associated with CRC. Five most frequently reported SNPs, which
      are rs6983267/8q24.21, rs4939827/18q21.1, rs10795668/10p14, rs4444235/14q22.2 and
      rs4779584/ 15q13.3, were selected for the current study from the qualified
      studies. Then meta-analyses based on larger sample sizes with average of 33,000
      CRC cases and 34,000 controls were performed to assess the association between
      SNPs and CRC risk. Heterogeneity among studies and publication bias were assessed
      by the chi2-based Q statistic test Begg's funnel plot or Egger's test,
      respectively.Our meta-analysis confirmed significant associations of the five
      SNPs with CRC risk under different genetic models. Two risk variants at rs6983267
      {Odds Ratio (OR) 1.388, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.180-1.8633} and rs10795668
      (OR 1.323, 95% CI 1.062-1.648) had the highest ORs in homogeneous model. While
      ORs of the other three variants at rs4939827 {OR 1.298, 95% CI 1.135-1.483},
      rs4779584 (OR 1.261, 95% CI 1.146-1.386) and rs4444235 (OR 1.160, 95% CI 1.106
      1.216) were also statistically significant. Sensitivity analyses and publication
      bias assessment indicated the robust stability and reliability of the results.

PMID- 27661121
TI  - Secondary nuclear targeting of mesoporous silica nano-particles for cancer
      specific drug delivery based on charge inversion.
AB  - A novel multifunctional nano-drug delivery system based on reversal of peptide
      charge was successfully developed for anticancer drug delivery and imaging.
      Mesoporous silica nano-particles (MSN) ~50 nm in diameter were chosen as the drug
      reservoirs, and their surfaces were modified with HIV-1 transactivator peptide
      fluorescein isothiocyanate (TAT-FITC) and YSA-BHQ1. The short TAT peptide labeled
      with FITC was used to facilitate intranuclear delivery, while the YSA peptide
      tagged with the BHQ1 quencher group was used to specifically bind to the tumor
      EphA2 membrane receptor. Citraconic anhydride (Cit) was used to invert the charge
      of the TAT peptide in neutral or weak alkaline conditions so that the positively
      charged YSA peptide could combine with the TAT peptide through electrostatic
      attraction. The FITC fluorescence was quenched by the spatial approach of BHQ1
      after the two peptides bound to each other. However, the Cit-amino bond was
      unstable in the acidic atmosphere, so the positive charge of the TAT peptide was
      restored and the positively charged YSA moiety was repelled. The FITC
      fluorescence was recovered after the YSA-BHQ1 moiety was removed, and the TAT
      peptide led the nano-particles into the nucleolus. This nano-drug delivery system
      was stable at physiological pH, rapidly released the drug in acidic buffer, and
      was easily taken up by MCF-7 cells. Compared with free doxorubicin hydrochloride
      at an equal concentration, this modified MSN loaded with doxorubicin molecules
      had an equivalent inhibitory effect on MCF-7 cells. This nano-drug delivery
      system is thus a promising method for simultaneous cancer diagnosis and therapy.

PMID- 27661123
TI  - WW45, a Gli1 binding protein, negatively regulated Hedgehog signaling in lung
      cancer.
AB  - Over-expression of Gli1 is very common in lung cancer. However, the underlying
      molecular mechanism remains largely unknown. Here, using mass spectrum, we have
      identified WW45 as a binding partner of Gli1. WW45 interacted with Gli1, promoted
      its ubiquitination and inhibited the expression of its target genes. In the
      functional studies, WW45 inhibited the growth and migration of lung cancer cells.
      Knocking down the expression of WW45 promoted the growth and migration of lung
      cancer cells, which was rescued by down-regulation of Gli1. Moreover, over
      expression of WW45 inhibited the tumorigenesis in a de novo lung cancer
      tumorigenesis mouse model (LKB-Ras) as well as the expression of Gli1. Also over
      expression of WW45 improved the survival of these mice. In addition, the
      expression of WW45 was down-regulated in the clinical lung cancer samples, which
      was inversely correlated with the expression of Gli1. Taken together, this study
      demonstrated the suppressive roles of WW45 in lung cancer by inhibiting the
      Hedgehog/Gli1 signaling.

PMID- 27661125
TI  - Outcomes in adult critically ill cancer patients with and without neutropenia: a
      systematic review and meta-analysis of the Groupe de Recherche en Reanimation
      Respiratoire du patient d'Onco-Hematologie (GRRR-OH).
AB  - PURPOSE: Whether neutropenia has an impact on the mortality of critically ill
      cancer patients remains controversial, yet it is widely used as an admission
      criterion and prognostic factor. METHODS: Systematic review and meta-analysis.
      Studies on adult cancer patients and intensive care units were searched on PubMed
      and Cochrane databases (2005-2015). Summary estimates of mortality risk
      differences were calculated using the random-effects model. RESULTS: Among the
      1,528 citations identified, 38 studies reporting on 6,054 patients (2,097
      neutropenic patients) were included. Median mortality across the studies was 54%
      [45-64], with unadjusted mortality in neutropenic and non-neutropenic critically
      ill patients of 60% [53-74] and 47% [41-68], respectively. Overall, neutropenia
      was associated with a 10% increased mortality risk (6%-14%; I2 = 50%). The
      admission period was not associated with how neutropenia affected mortality.
      Mortality significantly dropped throughout the study decade [-11% (-13.5 to 
      8.4)]. This mortality drop was observed in non-neutropenic patients [-12.1% (
      15.2 to -9.0)] but not in neutropenic patients [-3.8% (-8.1 to +5.6)].Sensitivity
      analyses disclosed no differences in underlying malignancy, mechanical
      ventilation use, or Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor use. Seven studies
      allowed the adjustment of severity results (1,350 patients). Although pooled risk
      difference estimates were similar to non-adjusted results, there was no
      significant impact of neutropenia on mortality (risk difference of mortality, 9%;
      95% CI, -15 to +33). CONCLUSION: Although the unadjusted mortality of neutropenic
      patients was 11% higher, this effect disappeared when adjusted for severity.
      Therefore, when cancer patients become critically ill, neutropenia cannot be
      considered as a decision-making criterion.

PMID- 27661126
TI  - MicroRNA-552 enhances metastatic capacity of colorectal cancer cells by targeting
      a disintegrin and metalloprotease 28.
AB  - Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common prevalent cancer types
      worldwide. MicroRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) have been demonstrated to play crucial
      roles in the development, metastasis and drug resistance of CRC. In the present
      study, a strikingly elevated expression of miR-552 was determined in CRC tumor
      tissues and cells by a miRNA profiling analysis. Importantly, the gene of A
      Disintegrin And Metalloprotease (ADAM) family member 28 (ADAM28) was identified
      as a target of miR-552, which was further validated in terms of genetic dual
      luciferase report assay. Furthermore, an inhibition of miR-552 in LOVE and LS174T
      CRC cells by transducing miR-552 inhibitor (antagomiR-552) with a lentiviral
      vector exhibited an ability to reduce cell proliferation, migration and
      clonogenicity. Moreover, both LOVO and LS174T cells stably expressing miR-552
      inhibitor displayed a decreased ability to develop tumors in a murine xenograft
      model in vivo. In contrast, a knockdown of ADAM28 by short hairpin RNA could
      reverse the antagomiR-552-induced inhibition of metastatic features of CRC cells
      in vitro. These results suggested that miR-552 is an oncomir able to promote CRC
      metastasis in part through a mechanism of targeting ADAM28, which may be a novel
      target for CRC treatment and warrants for further investigation.

PMID- 27661127
TI  - Long-term monitoring of Ca2+ dynamics in C. elegans pharynx: an in vivo energy
      balance sensor.
AB  - Ca2+ is a key signal transducer for muscle contraction. Continuous in vivo
      monitoring of intracellular Ca2+-dynamics in C. elegans pharynx muscle revealed
      surprisingly complex Ca2+ patterns. Despite the age-dependent decline of pharynx
      pumping, we observed unaltered fast Ca2+ oscillations both in young and old
      worms. In addition, sporadic prolonged Ca2+ increases lasting many seconds or
      minutes were often observed in between periods of fast Ca2+ oscillations. We
      attribute them to the inhibition of ATP-dependent Ca2+-pumps upon energy
      depletion. Accordingly, food deprivation largely augmented the frequency of
      prolonged [Ca2+] increases. However, paradoxically, prolonged [Ca2+] increases
      were more frequently observed in young worms than in older ones, and less
      frequently observed in energy-deficient mitochondrial respiratory chain nuo-6
      mutants than in wild-type controls. We hypothesize that young animals are more
      susceptible to energy depletion due to their faster energy consumption rate,
      while nuo-6 mutants may keep better the energy balance by slowing energy
      consumption. Our data therefore suggest that the metabolic state of the pharynx
      during feeding stimulation depends mainly on the delicate balance between the
      instant rates of energy production and consumption. Thus, in vivo monitoring of
      muscle Ca2+ dynamics can be used as a novel tool to study cellular energy
      availability.

PMID- 27661130
TI  - Drugging the "undruggable" DNA-binding domain of STAT3.

PMID- 27661128
TI  - B lymphocytes as direct antigen-presenting cells for anti-tumor DNA vaccines.
AB  - In spite of remarkable preclinical efficacy, DNA vaccination has demonstrated low
      immunogenicity in humans. While efforts have focused on increasing cross
      presentation of DNA-encoded antigens, efforts to increase DNA vaccine
      immunogenicity by targeting direct presentation have remained mostly unexplored.
      In these studies, we compared the ability of different APCs to present antigen to
      T cells after simple co-culture with plasmid DNA. We found that human primary
      peripheral B lymphocytes, and not monocytes or in vitro derived dendritic cells
      (DCs), were able to efficiently encode antigen mRNA and expand cognate tumor
      antigen-specific CD8 T cells ex vivo. Similarly, murine B lymphocytes co-cultured
      with plasmid DNA, and not DCs, were able to prime antigen-specific T cells in
      vivo. Moreover, B lymphocyte-mediated presentation of plasmid antigen led to
      greater Th1-biased immunity and was sufficient to elicit an anti-tumor effect in
      vivo. Surprisingly, increasing plasmid presentation by B cells, and not cross
      presentation of peptides by DCs, further augmented traditional plasmid
      vaccination. Together, these data suggest that targeting plasmid DNA to B
      lymphocytes, for example through transfer of ex vivo plasmidloaded B cells, may
      be novel means to achieve greater T cell immunity from DNA vaccines.

PMID- 27661129
TI  - High fat diet exacerbates Alzheimer's disease-related pathology in APPswe/PS1
      mice.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) is mainly characterized by the accumulation and
      aggregation of amyloid-beta (Abeta) peptides in brain parenchyma and cerebral
      microvasculature. Unfortunately, the exact causes of the disease are still
      unclear. However, blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction and activation of
      inflammatory pathways are implicated in AD pathogenesis. Importantly, advanced
      age and high fat diet, two major risk factors associated with AD, were shown to
      deeply affect BBB function and modulate the immune response. As such, this study
      evaluated the impact of age and high fat diet on AD progression. For this
      purpose, 3 (i.e. young) and 12 (i.e. aged) months old APPswe/PS1 mice were fed
      for 4 months with a high fat diet (i.e. Western diet (WD)) or normal diet.
      Interestingly, neurobehavioral tests revealed that WD accelerates age-associated
      cognitive decline without affecting parenchymal Abeta. Nonetheless, WD decreases
      matrix metalloproteinase-9 enzymatic activity and brain-derived neurotrophic
      factor mRNA and protein levels in brain, suggesting loss of synaptic plasticity.
      In the periphery, WD promotes systemic inflammation by increasing the levels of
      blood-circulating monocytes and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 production, which
      is accompanied by an augmentation of oxidized-low density lipoprotein levels in
      blood circulation. At the BBB, WD potentiates the age-induced increase of Abeta 1
      40 accumulation and exacerbates the oxidative stress, specifically in cerebral
      microvasculature. These effects were accompanied by the dysfunction of pericytes,
      thus altering BBB functionality without compromising its integrity. Our study
      provides new insights into the implication of high fat diet in accelerating the
      cognitive decline in AD.

PMID- 27661131
TI  - Renal denervation attenuates aldosterone expression and associated cardiovascular
      pathophysiology in angiotensin II-induced hypertension.
AB  - The sympathetic nervous system interacts with the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone
      system (RAAS) contributing to cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we sought
      to determine if renal denervation (RDN) inhibits aldosterone expression and
      associated cardiovascular pathophysiological changes in angiotensin II (Ang II)
      induced hypertension. Bilateral RDN or SHAM operation was performed before
      chronic 14-day Ang II subcutaneous infusion (200ng/kg/min) in male Sprague-Dawley
      rats. Bilateral RDN blunted Ang II-induced hypertension and ameliorated the
      mesenteric vascular dysfunction. Cardiovascular hypertrophy in response to Ang II
      was significantly attenuated by RDN as shown by histopathology and transthoracic
      echocardiography. Moreover, Ang II-induced vascular and myocardial inflammation
      and fibrosis were suppressed by RDN with concurrent decrease in fibronectin and
      collagen deposition, macrophage infiltration, and MCP-1 expression.
      Interestingly, RDN also inhibited Ang II-induced aldosterone expression in the
      plasma, kidney and heart. This was associated with the reduction of calcitonin
      gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the adrenal gland. Ang II promoted aldosterone
      secretion which was partly attenuated by CGRP in the adrenocortical cell line,
      suggesting a protective role of CGRP in this model. Activation of transforming
      growth factor-beta (TGF-beta)/Smad and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs)
      signaling pathway was both inhibited by RDN especially in the heart. These
      results suggest that the regulation of the renal sympathetic nerve in Ang II
      induced hypertension and associated cardiovascular pathophysiological changes is
      likely mediated by aldosterone, with CGRP involvement.

PMID- 27661133
TI  - Presence of Toxoplasma gondii in Pork Intended for Human Consumption in Tropical
      Southern Mexico.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Toxoplasmosis is caused by the protozoon Toxoplasma gondii, which is
      one of the most widespread parasites that infect animals and humans worldwide.
      One of the main routes of infection for humans is through the consumption of
      infected meat containing bradyzoites in tissue cysts. Pork is one of the foremost
      meat types associated with outbreaks of acute toxoplasmosis in humans. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Sixty blood samples were collected from finished pigs at slaughter
      and their sera was evaluated by an indirect-IgG ELISA. Matched muscle samples
      were obtained from the tongue and loin. Whole blood and tissue samples were
      evaluated to search for T. gondii DNA using a nested-polymerase chain reaction.
      RESULTS: Seroprevalence of T. gondii was 96.6% (58/60) of sampled pigs.
      Meanwhile, T. gondii DNA was present in 23.21% of tongue tissue samples (13/56),
      7% of loin tissues (4/57), and 0% in blood samples (0/44), respectively. Two pigs
      were serologically indeterminate. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of the
      presence of T. gondii DNA in tissue samples obtained from finalized pigs. Results
      from the present study suggest a high exposure to T. gondii in pigs intended for
      human consumption from the tropical region of Mexico. Thus, the consumption of
      some undercooked pork meat meals typical from the southern region of Mexico could
      represent a significant risk for acquiring infection for the human population.

PMID- 27661132
TI  - Systems pharmacology and enhanced pharmacodynamic models for understanding
      antibody-based drug action and toxicity.
AB  - Pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) models seek to describe the
      temporal pattern of drug exposures and their associated pharmacological effects
      produced at micro- and macro-scales of organization. Antibody-based drugs have
      been developed for a large variety of diseases, with effects exhibited through a
      comprehensive range of mechanisms of action. Mechanism-based PK/PD and systems
      pharmacology models can play a major role in elucidating and integrating complex
      antibody pharmacological properties, such as nonlinear disposition and dynamical
      intracellular signaling pathways triggered by ligation to their cognate targets.
      Such complexities can be addressed through the use of robust computational
      modeling techniques that have proven powerful tools for pragmatic
      characterization of experimental data and for theoretical exploration of antibody
      efficacy and adverse effects. The primary objectives of such multi-scale
      mathematical models are to generate and test competing hypotheses and to predict
      clinical outcomes. In this review, relevant systems pharmacology and enhanced PD
      (ePD) models that are used as predictive tools for antibody-based drug action are
      reported. Their common conceptual features are highlighted, along with approaches
      used for modeling preclinical and clinically available data. Key examples
      illustrate how systems pharmacology and ePD models codify the interplay among
      complex biology, drug concentrations, and pharmacological effects. New hybrid
      modeling concepts that bridge cutting-edge systems pharmacology models with
      established PK/ePD models will be needed to anticipate antibody effects on
      disease in subpopulations and individual patients.

PMID- 27661136
TI  - Society of Biomolecular Imaging and Informatics Special Issue, October 2016.

PMID- 27661135
TI  - miR-378a-3p promotes differentiation and inhibits proliferation of myoblasts by
      targeting HDAC4 in skeletal muscle development.
AB  - Muscle development, or myogenesis, is a highly regulated, complex process. A
      subset of microRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified as critical regulators of
      myogenesis. Recently, miR-378a was found to be involved in myogenesis, but the
      mechanism of how miR-378a regulates the proliferation and differentiation of
      myoblasts has not been determined. We found that miR-378a-3p expression in muscle
      was significantly higher than in other tissues, suggesting an important effect on
      muscle development. Overexpression of miR-378a-3p increased the expression of
      MyoD and MHC in C2C12 myoblasts both at the level of mRNA and protein, confirming
      that miR-378a-3p promoted muscle cell differentiation. The forced expression of
      miR-378a-3p promoted apoptosis of C2C12 cells as evidenced by CCK-8 assay and
      Annexin V-FITC/PI staining results. Through TargetScan, histone acetylation
      enzyme 4 (HDAC4) was identified as a potential target of miR-378a-3p. We
      confirmed targeting of HDAC4 by miR-378a-3p using a dual luciferase assay and
      western blotting. Our RNAi analysis results also showed that HDAC4 significantly
      promoted differentiation of C2C12 cells and inhibited cell survival through Bcl
      2. Therefore, we conclude that miR-378a-3p regulates skeletal muscle growth and
      promotes the differentiation of myoblasts through the post-transcriptional down
      regulation of HDAC4.

PMID- 27661140
TI  - Unions cite report and call for delay.
AB  - Health care unions have cited a report from the Government's watchdog on public
      spending as further evidence of the urgent need to slow down NHS reforms.

PMID- 27661138
TI  - Mechanisms of hormonal regulation of the peripheral circadian clock in the colon.
AB  - Colonic function is controlled by an endogenous clock that allows the colon to
      optimize its function on the daytime basis. For the first time, this study
      provided evidence that the clock is synchronized by rhythmic hormonal signals. In
      rat colon, adrenalectomy decreased and repeated applications of dexamethasone
      selectively rescued circadian rhythm in the expression of the clock gene Per1.
      Dexamethasone entrained the colonic clock in explants from mPer2Luc mice in
      vitro. In contrast, pinealectomy had no effect on the rat colonic clock, and
      repeated melatonin injections were not able to rescue the clock in animals
      maintained in constant light. Additionally, melatonin did not entrain the clock
      in colonic explants from mPer2Luc mice in vitro. However, melatonin affected
      rhythmic regulation of Nr1d1 gene expression in vivo. The findings provide novel
      insight into possible beneficial effects of glucocorticoids in the treatment of
      digestive tract-related diseases, greatly exceeding their anti-inflammatory
      action.

PMID- 27661137
TI  - The Impact of Health Literacy on Surgical Outcomes Following Radical Cystectomy.
AB  - Health literacy is the ability to obtain, comprehend, and act on medical
      information and is an independent predictor of health outcomes in patients with
      chronic health conditions. However, little has been reported regarding the
      potential association of health literacy and surgical outcomes. We hypothesized
      that patient complications after radical cystectomy would be associated with
      health literacy. In a sample of 368 patients, we found that higher health
      literacy scores (as determined by the Brief Health Literacy Screen) were
      associated with decreased odds of developing minor complications (odds ratio =
      0.90, 95% confidence interval [0.83, 0.97]). Health literacy should be considered
      when caring for patients undergoing radical cystectomy and should serve as a
      potential indicator of the need for additional resources to improve postoperative
      outcomes.

PMID- 27661139
TI  - Mapping the MMPI-2-RF Substantive Scales Onto Internalizing, Externalizing, and
      Thought Dysfunction Dimensions in a Forensic Inpatient Setting.
AB  - Contemporary models of psychopathology-encompassing internalizing, externalizing,
      and thought dysfunction factors-have gained significant support. Although
      research indicates the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 Restructured
      Form (MMPI-2-RF; Ben-Porath & Tellegen, 2008 /2011) measures these domains of
      psychopathology, this study addresses extant limitations in MMPI-2-RF diagnostic
      validity research by examining associations between all MMPI-2-RF substantive
      scales and broad dichotomous indicators of internalizing, externalizing, and
      thought dysfunction diagnoses in a sample of 1,110 forensic inpatients. Comparing
      those with and without internalizing diagnoses, notable effects were observed for
      Negative Emotionality/Neuroticism-Revised (NEGE-r), Emotional/Internalizing
      Dysfunction (EID), Dysfunctional Negative Emotions (RC7), Demoralization (RCd),
      and several other internalizing and somatic/cognitive scales. Comparing those
      with and without thought dysfunction diagnoses, the largest hypothesized
      differences occurred for Thought Dysfunction (THD), Aberrant Experiences (RC8),
      and Psychoticism-Revised (PSYC-r), although unanticipated differences were
      observed on internalizing and interpersonal scales, likely reflecting the high
      prevalence of internalizing dysfunction in forensic inpatients not experiencing
      thought dysfunction. Comparing those with and without externalizing diagnoses,
      the largest effects were for Substance Abuse (SUB), Antisocial Behavior (RC4),
      Behavioral/Externalizing Dysfunction (BXD), Juvenile Conduct Problems (JCP), and
      Disconstraint-Revised (DISC-r). Multivariate models evidenced similar results.
      Findings support the construct validity of MMPI-2-RF scales as measures of
      internalizing, thought, and externalizing dysfunction.

PMID- 27661142
TI  - Applications rise for degree courses.
AB  - Applications for nursing degree courses at polytechnics have risen by over 20 per
      cent since last year, with applications for courses at universities up by 7.3 per
      cent.

PMID- 27661143
TI  - ?
AB  - Charitable heights: Lindsay Fraser, Night Sister at St Thomas' Hospital, looks
      anxious before abseiling from the hospital's roof to raise cash for Operation
      Raleigh. She will travel on a research and conservation project to Guyana.

PMID- 27661144
TI  - Overtime scrapped for bank contracts.
AB  - Management at Liverpool's Alder Hey Hospital Trust have angered nurses by
      scrapping overtime and asking them instead to fill service gaps as bank staff.

PMID- 27661145
TI  - ?
AB  - Blood donor: Health Minister Virginia Bottomley gives blood at the West End Donor
      Centre in London. Her visit was part of a summer campaign to encourage blood
      donors to keep their appointments over the holiday period.

PMID- 27661147
TI  - Tragic death of dedicated nurse.
AB  - The death of a dedicated Inverness charge nurse who took an overdose of
      paracetamol during a moment of stress has highlighted the need for better staff
      support systems in the health service, it was claimed last week.

PMID- 27661149
TI  - Totally inadequate' transitional funding.
AB  - Nurses have described as 'totally inadequate' the Government's announcement of
      L28 million loans to selected health authorities, intended to speed the movement
      of patients from outdated mental health hospitals into the community.

PMID- 27661148
TI  - ?
AB  - Casualty shift: The cast of BBC l's Casualty will include some new faces when the
      service returns for a 15-week run on Friday, September 6.

PMID- 27661150
TI  - Residential care.
AB  - Nurses have warmly welcomed Labour's plan for national standards in residential
      and nursing care.

PMID- 27661153
TI  - Nurses may help people to enjoy their old age.
AB  - Attitudes to the care of elderly people must change if they are to enjoy the
      experiences of old age, a new report argues.

PMID- 27661152
TI  - Education.
AB  - Fourteen nurse teachers from Pakistan will be undertaking specialist training at
      the Sheffield and North Trent College of Nursing and Midwifery, which has won a
      five-year contract with Overseas Development Administration to develop post-
      basic nurse education in Pakistan.

PMID- 27661155
TI  - Non-union association initiated in Somerset.
AB  - Somerset nurses are forming their own non-union organisation as a forum to cross
      local Trust boundaries and to discuss national issues.

PMID- 27661154
TI  - Libraries.
AB  - The English National Board has received a L95,000 donation from the General
      Nursing Council Trust to develop libraries within the estimated 160 Colleges of
      Nursing and Midwifery in England.

PMID- 27661156
TI  - ?
AB  - Judges Tony Thompson, left, and Justus Akinsanya are pictured at the BUPA
      Nursing/Nursing Standard Nurse 91 Awards judging day. Prime Minister John Major
      will present the awards to the winning nurses on September 17.

PMID- 27661158
TI  - Oral rehydration may be be widely under used.
AB  - Oral rehydration of children suffering from the effects of diarrhoea is seen to
      be less preferable than the intravenous method, according to a paper published in
      the British Medical Journal, despite an apparent prejudice against it.

PMID- 27661159
TI  - Bowel cancer screening could reduce check-ups.
AB  - Screening might soon be available for people who are susceptible to inherited
      forms of bowel cancer, according to a report in New Scientist.

PMID- 27661160
TI  - Toxoplasmosis gondii risk to the fetus.
AB  - Claims that maternal immunity developing before conception protects the fetus
      from congenital toxoplasmosis have been questioned by doctors reporting a case in
      France. Toxoplasmosis gondii organisms shown in a section of liver tissue. Cats
      are the definitive host but infection can also occur through undercooked meat.

PMID- 27661161
TI  - Complications beset keratomy procedure.
AB  - Minor complications following surgery to correct short-sightedness affect up to
      one third of patients and in rare cases have caused blindness, says a report from
      the Consumers' Association.

PMID- 27661162
TI  - Tests for hepatitis C to improve blood safety.
AB  - The Department of Health has announced that from September 1 all blood donations
      will be tested for hepatitis C using recently developed tests.

PMID- 27661163
TI  - RCN Council.
AB  - Nominations for election to the Royal College of Nursing Council have closed with
      the following people being returned unopposed to represent their regions: Judith
      Cosker Hunter (Northern); Stuart Mahon (Trent); Sally Gooch (North East Thames);
      Peter Fox (Oxford); Lesley Anne Chivers (South Western).

PMID- 27661164
TI  - Committees 'should include nurses'.
AB  - New guidelines on the role and function of Local Research Ethics Committees were
      launched by the Department of Health last week.

PMID- 27661165
TI  - Hancock urges change in attitudes.
AB  - The Royal College of Nursing has launched a new guide to promote occupational
      health in the workplace.

PMID- 27661167
TI  - Obituary.
AB  - Professor Gerry Simon, the University of Birmingham's first Professor in Mental
      Handicap, died last month at the age of 70. He was instrumental in pioneering
      services for people with learning difficulties during the 1960s. Throughout his
      career, Professor Simon encouraged nursing staff to use their skills to bring
      about change and he supported nurses' efforts to move away from entrenched
      institutional practices.

PMID- 27661168
TI  - Levels of consistency in alcohol intake.
AB  - Patients and their spouses or relatives might under- or over-report alcohol
      consumption, and spouses may simply not know how much their partners drink.

PMID- 27661169
TI  - GPs elucidate chronic fatigue syndrome.
AB  - Patients suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome appear to be a distinct group
      for GPs and might represent a substantial part of their workload.

PMID- 27661171
TI  - Stopping treatment for hypertension sufferers.
AB  - The assumption that treatment for hypertension will be necessary for life has
      been questioned by researchers.

PMID- 27661170
TI  - Progestagen reduces cancer risk in HRT.
AB  - Progestagen use for ten or more days per cycle can reduce the excess risk of
      endometrial cancer associated with longterm postmenopausal oestrogen use.

PMID- 27661172
TI  - Aerodynamic riding - proceed with caution.
AB  - Handlebars added to bicycles so that a more aerodynamic riding position can be
      adopted may have serious health risks.

PMID- 27661174
TI  - 'What if a baby comes?'
AB  - The most welcome sound Mariam Al Raqem has ever heard was the sound of running
      feet. At 11.30 one night she was startled by a noise outside her flat. There was
      no electricity, so with the aid of a torch, Mariam's son went to the door to
      investigate. 'Mummy, they're running away.' She could not believe the Iraqi army
      was fleeing Kuwait. But an hour later her neighbour came round to say it was
      true. Kuwait was free.

PMID- 27661175
TI  - Ready to make the change.
AB  - The UKCC is pressing ahead with plans to radically alter post-basic education and
      practice after positive feedback during months of consultation.

PMID- 27661173
TI  - Between the lines.
AB  - If recent reports in the media are anything to go by, then there has been a huge
      increase in 'elder abuse' during the past few years. Common sense tells us this
      isn't the case; abuse of elderly people has been happening for years but
      awareness of the issue is now increasing.

PMID- 27661176
TI  - Misinterpreting client contracts.
AB  - I Barbara Eunson's letter questioning the credentials of private therapists
      (Nursing Standard Points of View I August 14) gave me cause I for concern.
      Counsellors do, of course, have a professional body, with its own ethics and
      practice codes.

PMID- 27661178
TI  - ?

PMID- 27661177
TI  - Stimulating nevertheless.
AB  - No doubt, returning from my holiday placed me in a particularly irritable and
      sensitive mood, no doubt and Barry Clifton's article 'Renaissance general nurse'
      (Nursing Standard Viewpoint August 7), was intended to provoke, if not irritate.

PMID- 27661179
TI  - Critical view of nursing care.
AB  - I feel I have to make three points in response to the anonymous article 'A caring
      profession?' (Nursing Standard August 7).

PMID- 27661180
TI  - Information exchange.
AB  - I am an RNMH and manager of a hospital facing closure, during which period,
      people with varying degrees of mental handicaps will be transferred to community
      housing accommodation geared to meet the needs of the individual.

PMID- 27661181
TI  - Memo to workers.
AB  - Dear Colleague We imagine that you must be becoming wary of letters addressed to
      you as ??dear colleague', that are from people who you do not see as sharing your
      caring profession or as having any connection with wards and patients at all and
      who, as far as you can see, have as their chief goal in life your disempowerment
      and devaluation.

PMID- 27661182
TI  - A new age Nightingale.
AB  - There are not that many non-conformists in the upper echelons of the nursing
      world today but Dr Helen Ference, the American Director of the Nightingale
      Society, is one of them.

PMID- 27661183
TI  - The TLA phenomenon.
AB  - I recently attended a Nursing Standard promotion evening in Leeds and as is often
      the case while socialising, the opportunity was used to put the NHS to rights.

PMID- 27661184
TI  - The Skills of Training, 2nd edition The Skills of Training, 2nd edition 2nd
      Edition L Rae Gower 300pp L28.50 0-566-02902-2 [Formula: see text].
AB  - The Skills of Training: A Guide for Managers and Practitioners, Second Edition
      contains many useful hints for educationalists, trainers and students in that
      field, but the book is not written in a style that would be helpful to managers.

PMID- 27661185
TI  - Competitive health care in europe Competitive health care in europe Casparie A
      Hermans H Paelinck J editors Dartmouth Publishing Co 320pp L35 1-85521-186-6
      [Formula: see text].
AB  - The United Kingdom has been a member of the EEC since 1972. The first EEC Nursing
      Directives were published in 1977, and, yet, in the intervening years since those
      historic events, there has been relatively little in-depth analysis of the real
      issues affecting health care in the now EC outside the working documents of the
      European Commission or Parliament.

PMID- 27661187
TI  - Summer daze.

PMID- 27661186
TI  - The quality of dying The quality of dying Bender M Lloyd C Cooper A A Cooper
      Winslow Press 108pp L18.95 0-863-8807-7 [Formula: see text].
AB  - In The Quality of Dying, the scene is set with the authors', that is, Mike
      Bender, Christa Lloyd and Alison Cooper, own research.

PMID- 27661188
TI  - Gossip.

PMID- 27661189
TI  - Listings.
AB  - Nursing Standard regrets that owing to unprecedented demand we are no longer able
      to take listings over the telephone. We would like to remind our readers that the
      listings section is for use by charitable organisations, unions, professional
      organisations and health authorities to publicise forthcoming events. Your
      listings should contain all relevant details and be posted or faxed to Jo Barr,
      Nursing Standard, Viking House, 17-19 Peterborough Road, Harrow, Middlesex HA1
      2AX (Fax 081-423 3867).

PMID- 27661191
TI  - Special quasirandom structures for perovskite solid solutions.
AB  - Special quasirandom structures (SQS) are presently generated for disordered (A'1
      x [Formula: see text] x )BX3 and A(B'1-x [Formula: see text] x )X3 perovskite
      solid solutions, with x  =  1/2 as well as 1/3 and 2/3. These SQS configurations
      are obtained by imposing that the so-called Cowley parameters are as close to
      zero as possible for the three nearest neighboring shells. Moreover, these SQS
      configurations are slightly larger in size than those available in the literature
      for x  =  1/2, mostly because of the current capabilities of atomistic
      techniques. They are used here within effective Hamiltonian schemes to predict
      various properties, which are then compared to those associated with large random
      supercells, in a variety of compounds, namely (Ba1-x Sr x )TiO3, Pb(Zr1-x Ti x
      )O3, Pb(Sc0.5Nb0.5)O3, Ba(Zr1-x Ti x )O3, Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 and (Bi1-x Nd x )FeO3.
      It is found that these SQS configurations can reproduce many properties of large
      random supercells of most of these disordered perovskite alloys, below some
      finite material-dependent temperature. Examples of these properties are
      electrical polarization, anti-phase and in-phase octahedral tiltings, antipolar
      motions, antiferromagnetism, strain, piezoelectric coefficients, dielectric
      response, specific heat and even the formation of polar nanoregions (PNRs) in
      some relaxors. Some limitations of these SQS configurations are also pointed out
      and explained.

PMID- 27661193
TI  - Determining Number Concentrations and Diameters of Polystyrene Particles by
      Measuring the Effective Refractive Index of Colloids Using Surface Plasmon
      Resonance.
AB  - The capabilities of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) for characterization of
      colloidal particles were evaluated for 100, 300, and 460 nm nominal diameter
      polystyrene (PS) latexes. First the accuracy of measuring the effective
      refractive index (neff) of turbid colloids using SPR was quantified. It was
      concluded that for submicrometer sized PS particles the accuracy is limited by
      the reproducibility between replicate injections of samples. An SPR method was
      developed for obtaining the particle mean diameter (dpart) and the particle
      number concentration (cp) by fitting the measured neff of polystyrene (PS)
      colloids diluted in series with theoretical values calculated using the coherent
      scattering theory (CST). The dpart and cp determined using SPR agreed with
      reference values obtained from size distributions measured by scanning electron
      microscopy (SEM), and the mass concentrations stated by the manufacturer. The 100
      nm particles adsorbed on the sensing surface, which hampered the analysis. Once
      the adsorption problem has been overcome, the developed SPR method has potential
      to become a versatile tool for characterization of colloidal particles. In
      particular, SPR could form the basis of rapid and accurate methods for measuring
      the cp of submicrometer particles in dispersion.

PMID- 27661194
TI  - Correction to Insights from Fragment Hit Binding Assays by Molecular Simulations.

PMID- 27661192
TI  - Intranasal oxytocin dampens cue-elicited cigarette craving in daily smokers: a
      pilot study.
AB  - Despite moderate success with pharmacological and behavioral treatments, smoking
      relapse rates remain high, and many smokers report that smoking cues lead to
      relapse. Therefore, treatments that target cue reactivity are needed. One
      candidate for reducing craving is the neuropeptide oxytocin (OT). Here, we
      investigated the effects of intranasal OT on two types of craving for cigarettes:
      craving following overnight abstinence and craving elicited by smoking-related
      cues. In this within-subject, placebo-controlled pilot study, smokers (N=17)
      abstained from smoking for 12 h before attending two sessions randomized to
      intranasal OT or placebo (i.e. saline nasal spray). On each session, participants
      received two doses of OT (20 IU) or placebo at 1-h intervals, and rated craving
      before and after each dose. Spontaneous cigarette craving was assessed after the
      first spray, and cue-elicited craving was assessed following the second spray. OT
      did not reduce levels of spontaneous craving after the first spray, but
      significantly dampened cue-induced smoking craving. These results provide
      preliminary evidence that OT can reduce cue-induced smoking craving in smokers.
      These findings provide an important link between preclinical and clinical studies
      aimed at examining the effectiveness of OT as a novel treatment for drug craving.

PMID- 27661195
TI  - Management of Patellofemoral Arthritis: From Cartilage Restoration to
      Arthroplasty.
AB  - The management of patellofemoral cartilage lesions is controversial and should
      begin with a comprehensive nonsurgical treatment plan. Patients with
      patellofemoral cartilage lesions in whom nonsurgical treatment fails may be
      candidates for surgical treatment. Surgical treatment strategies for the
      management of patellofemoral cartilage lesions are guided by the size, quality,
      and location of the defect. Recent advancements in cartilage restoration and
      arthroplasty techniques as well as appropriate patient selection and meticulous
      surgical technique have resulted in promising outcomes in patients with
      patellofemoral cartilage lesions who undergo surgical treatment.

PMID- 27661197
TI  - Chronic Headaches After a Concussion in an Obese 16-Year-Old Girl.
AB  - CASE: Jennifer is a 16-year-old Latina girl who is new to your practice. During
      her first well visit, she mentions that she has had daily headaches for 2 years.
      They began after sustaining a concussion in a car accident. Typically, her
      headaches are bilateral and "squeezing"; they occur in the afternoons and last
      for a few hours. Her concussion also resulted in depressed mood, which has
      improved over time.When you ask if her headaches have changed recently, she says
      that they have been worse for the last few days. The quality and severity are
      unchanged; however, they now occur first thing in the morning, are worse when
      supine, and no longer remit. In the last 2 days, she has developed new-onset
      blurry vision, nausea, dizziness, photophobia, and sonophobia. Although she
      previously experienced sadness with her concussion, she now feels irritable. She
      has never used tobacco, alcohol, or drugs, and she takes no medications.On
      examination, her body mass index is above the 99th percentile. You note mild
      papilledema bilaterally. She has no focal neurological deficits. The remainder of
      her examination is normal.You send her to an emergency department. Her head
      computed tomography is normal. A lumbar puncture demonstrates an opening pressure
      of 32 cm H2O; she feels relief after the procedure. She is admitted with a
      diagnosis of benign intracranial hypertension and is started on acetazolamide.
      What is the differential diagnosis of chronic headaches in an obese adolescent?
      How should a busy community pediatrician manage Jennifer acutely? What follow-up
      care should Jennifer receive?

PMID- 27661198
TI  - Changes in brain activation induced by visual stimulus during and after propofol
      conscious sedation: a functional MRI study.
AB  - Conscious sedation with propofol sometimes causes amnesia while keeping the
      patient awake. However, it remains unknown how propofol compromises the memory
      function. Therefore, we investigated the changes in brain activation induced by
      visual stimulation during and after conscious sedation with propofol using serial
      functional MRI. Healthy volunteers received a target-controlled infusion of
      propofol, and underwent functional MRI scans with a block-design paradigm of
      visual stimulus before, during, and after conscious sedation. Random-effect model
      analyses were performed using Statistical Parametric Mapping software. Among the
      areas showing significant activation in response to the visual stimulus, the
      visual cortex and fusiform gyrus were significantly suppressed in the sedation
      session and tended to recover in the early-recovery session of ~20 min (P<0.001,
      uncorrected). In contrast, decreased activations of the hippocampus, thalamus,
      inferior frontal cortex (ventrolateral prefrontal cortex), and cerebellum were
      maintained during the sedation and early-recovery sessions (P<0.001, uncorrected)
      and were recovered in the late-recovery session of ~40 min. Temporal changes in
      the signals from these areas varied in a manner comparable to that described by
      the random-effect model analysis (P<0.05, corrected). In conclusion, conscious
      sedation with propofol may cause prolonged suppression of the activation of
      memory-related structures, such as the hippocampus, during the early-recovery
      period, which may lead to transient amnesia.

PMID- 27661196
TI  - Phototriggered Drug Delivery Using Inorganic Nanomaterials.
AB  - Light has many desirable properties as the stimulus for triggerable drug delivery
      systems. Inorganic nanomaterials are often key components in transducing light
      into drug delivery events. The nature of the light and the inorganic materials
      can affect the efficacy and safety of the drug delivery system.

PMID- 27661200
TI  - In Situ High Temperature Atomic Level Studies of Large Closed Grain Boundary
      Loops in Graphene.
AB  - We use an in situ heating holder within an aberration corrected transmission
      electron microscope (AC-TEM) to study the structure and dynamics of large closed
      grain boundary (GB) loops in graphene at the atomic level. Temperatures up to 800
      degrees C are used to accelerate dynamic evolution of the defect clusters,
      increasing bond rotation and atomic addition/loss. Our results show that the
      large closed GB loops relax under electron beam irradiation into several isolated
      dislocations far apart from each other. Line defects composed of several adjacent
      excess-atom clusters can be found during the reconfiguration process. Dislocation
      ejection from the closed GB loops are seen in real time and are shown to help the
      reduction in loop size. These results show detailed information about the
      stability and behavior of large GB loops in 2D materials that have importance in
      the high temperature processing of these materials.

PMID- 27661199
TI  - Mechanism of the Primary Charge Transfer Reaction in the Cytochrome bc1 Complex.
AB  - The bc1 complex is a critical enzyme for the ATP production in photosynthesis and
      cellular respiration. Its biochemical function relies on the so-called Q-cycle,
      which is well established and operates via quinol substrates that bind inside the
      protein complex. Despite decades of research, the quinol-protein interaction,
      which initiates the Q-cycle, has not yet been completely described. Furthermore,
      the initial charge transfer reactions of the Q-cycle lack a physical description.
      The present investigation utilizes classical molecular dynamics simulations in
      tandem with quantum density functional theory calculations, to provide a complete
      and consistent quantitative description of the primary events that occur within
      the bc1 complex upon quinol binding. In particular, the electron and proton
      transfer reactions that trigger the Q-cycle in the bc1 complex from Rhodobacter
      capsulatus are studied. The coupled nature of these charge transfer reactions was
      revealed by obtaining the transition energy path connecting configurations of the
      Qo-site prior and after the transfers. The analysis of orbitals and partial
      charge distribution of the different states of the Qo-site has further supported
      the conclusion. Finally, key structural elements of the bc1 complex that trigger
      the charge transfer reactions were established, manifesting the importance of the
      environment in the process, which is furthermore evidenced by free energy
      calculations.

PMID- 27661201
TI  - The Settings, Pros and Cons of the New Surgical Robot da Vinci Xi System for
      Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS): A Comparison With the Popular da Vinci Si
      System.
AB  - The da Vinci system (da Vinci Surgical System; Intuitive Surgical Inc.) has
      rapidly developed in several years from the S system to the Si system and now the
      Xi System. To investigate the surgical feasibility and to provide workflow
      guidance for the newly released system, we used the new da Vinci Xi system for
      transoral robotic surgery (TORS) on a cadaveric specimen. Bilateral supraglottic
      partial laryngectomy, hypopharyngectomy, lateral oropharyngectomy, and base of
      the tongue resection were serially performed in search of the optimal procedures
      with the new system. The new surgical robotic system has been upgraded in all
      respects. The telescope and camera were incorporated into one system, with a
      digital end-mounted camera. Overhead boom rotation allows multiquadrant access
      without axis limitation, the arms are now thinner and longer with grabbing
      movements for easy adjustments. The patient clearance button dramatically reduces
      external collisions. The new surgical robotic system has been optimized for
      improved anatomic access, with better-equipped appurtenances. This cadaveric
      study of TORS offers guidance on the best protocol for surgical workflow with the
      new Xi system leading to improvements in the functional results of TORS.

PMID- 27661202
TI  - Cholecystostomy Treatment in an ICU Population: Complications and Risks.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Percutaneous cholecystostomy tube placement has widely been used as
      an alternative treatment to cholecystectomy, especially in advanced disease or
      critically ill patients. Reported postprocedural complication rates have varied
      significantly over the last decade. The goal of this study is to evaluate the
      safety of percutaneous cholecystostomy tube treatment in critically ill patients.
      STUDY DESIGN: We performed a retrospective chart analysis of 96 critically ill
      patients who underwent cholecystostomy tube placement during an intensive care
      unit (ICU) stay between 2005 and 2010 in a tertiary care center in central
      Massachusetts. Complications within 72 hours of cholecystostomy tube placement
      and any morbidity or mortality relating to presence of cholecystostomy tube were
      considered. RESULTS: A total of 65 male and 31 female patients with a mean age of
      67.4 years underwent percutaneous cholecystostomy tube placement during an ICU
      stay. Sixty-six patients experienced a total of 121 complications, resulting in
      an overall complication rate of 69%. Fifty-four of these complications resulted
      from the actual procedure or the presence of the cholecystostomy tube; the other
      67 complications occurred within 72 hours of the cholecystostomy procedure. Ten
      patients died. Tube dislodgment was the most common complication with a total of
      34 episodes. CONCLUSIONS: Cholecystostomy tube placement is associated with
      frequent complications, the most common of which is tube dislodgment. Severe
      complications may contribute to serious morbidity and death in an ICU population.
      Complication rates may be underreported in the medical literature. The potential
      impact of cholecystostomy tube placement in critically ill patients should not be
      underestimated.

PMID- 27661203
TI  - Laparoscopic Treatment of Presinusoidal Schistosomal Portal Hypertension
      Associated With Postoperative Endoscopic Treatment: Results of a New Approach.
AB  - AIM: To propose a laparoscopic treatment for schistosomal portal hypertension.
      METHODS: Ten patients with schistosomiasis and portal hypertension, with previous
      gastrointestinal hemorrhage from esophageal varices rupture, were evaluated.
      Patients were subjected to a laparoscopic procedure, with ligature of splenic
      artery and left gastric vein. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed on
      the 30th postoperative day, when esophageal varices diameter was measured and
      band ligature performed. During follow-up, other endoscopic procedures were
      performed according to endoscopy findings. RESULTS: There was no operative
      mortality. One patient had a postoperative splenic infarction that was
      conservatively treated. Mean hospitalization time was 5 days. During endoscopy 30
      days after surgery, a decrease in variceal diameters was observed in 6 patients.
      During follow-up (mean 84 mo), after endoscopic therapy 8 patients had eradicated
      varices, but 4 presented with recurrence. Considering the late postoperative
      evaluation, all patients had a decrease in variceal diameters. A mean of 3.8
      endoscopic banding sessions were performed per patient. Two patients presented
      bleeding recurrence; one had a minor bleeding episode and the other had 2
      episodes of bleeding varices requiring blood transfusion. In both patients,
      bleeding was controlled with endoscopic therapy. No late mortality was observed.
      CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic ligature of the splenic artery and the left gastric
      vein is a promising and less-invasive method for the treatment of schistosomal
      portal hypertension.

PMID- 27661204
TI  - Gastrostomy Placement in Children: Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy or
      Laparoscopic Gastrostomy?
AB  - The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes and the complications between
      the 2 most adopted procedures for gastrostomy placement: percutaneous endoscopic
      gastrostomy (PEG) and laparoscopic gastrostomy (LG) in children. We present our
      study on 69 patients (male: 46/female: 23): group 1 (37 patients, 54%) undergoing
      PEG, group 2 (32 patients, 46%) undergoing LG. A total of 5 major complications
      were observed all in the PEG group (13.5%), no major complication was observed in
      the LG group (P-value<0.05). A total of 12 minor complications were observed: 4
      occurred in the PEG group (10.8%) and 8 (25%) in the laparoscopic gastrostmoy
      group, not statistically relevant. We suggest that the LG should be considered
      the preferred technique for gastrostomy placement in pediatric patients,
      particularly in newborns, children with significant skeletal malformations, and
      patients who underwent previous abdominal surgery.

PMID- 27661205
TI  - A 10-Year Review of Surgical Management of Complicated Peptic Ulcer Disease From
      a Single Center: Is Laparoscopic Approach the Future?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The discovery of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) as the culprit in
      peptic ulcer disease (PUD) has revolutionized its management. Despite the
      presence of effective drug treatments and an increased understanding of its
      etiology, the percentage of patients who require emergent surgery for complicated
      disease remains constant at 7% of hospitalized patients. This study aims at
      reviewing the incidence of complicated PUD and analyze changes in surgical
      management. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 2002 to September 2012, records of
      all patients with a clinical or radiologic diagnosis of perforated PUD were
      evaluated. Short-term and long-term results were assessed with regard to type of
      surgical intervention. The primary end point was adverse events. Other end points
      were length of hospital stay, complications, and deaths. RESULTS: Included were
      400 patients with a median age of 56 years (range, 17 to 89 y). Of these, males
      made up 70% (n=280), were older and had more comorbidities. Majority of
      perforations were located in the prepyloric region (80%) and duodenal bulb (20%).
      Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug alone was involved in 50% of cases and in
      combination with H. pylori in 84%. H. pylori alone occurred in 40% of
      cases.Laparoscopic treatment was performed in 48 patients (12%) who remained
      hemodynamically stable. In the remaining 88% of patients, open approach was used.
      Simple closure with omentoplasty was performed in 98% and in 2%; definitive anti
      ulcer procedure was performed. Major complications occurred in 6% with an overall
      30-day mortality rate of 2%. Most postoperative morbidity occurred after open
      approach. One patient who had laparoscopic repair died of other causes unrelated
      to the gastroduodenal perforation. Among the laparoscopic group, mean hospital
      stay was 4 days (range, 3 to 7 d), compared with 6 days (5 to 14 d) after open
      approach. CONCLUSIONS: Although the incidence of PUD is decreasing, it appears
      that among our patients, the incidence of complication is rising. Laparoscopic
      approach offers an alternative treatment with less pain, shorter hospital stay,
      and improved complications rate.

PMID- 27661206
TI  - Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor of Stomach: A Gentle Enemy of the Surgeon. Our
      Experience in Confronting the Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surgical resection is considered to be the best treatment for
      gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), the most common mesenchymal tumor of the
      gastrointestinal tract. Tumor size, mitotic rate, and anatomic locations are
      directly related to the potential malignancy, surgical approach, oncological
      treatment, and recurrence rate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective
      study of 40 patients who underwent surgical resection of histologically or
      immunohistochemistry-proven GIST of the stomach at the Rabin and Kaplan Medical
      Center between 2004 and 2013. Tumor size, location, margin status, pathologic
      characteristics, surgical approach, surgical outcome, and long-term follow-up
      were analyzed from hospital records. RESULTS: The most common presentation was
      upper gastrointestinal bleeding (40%), although 30% of cases were asymptomatic. A
      laparoscopic approach was the preferred technique whenever feasible; 85% of
      tumors were localized in the proximal stomach, with a median size of 5.6 cm. Most
      of the resected tumors revealed a low mitotic rate and thus had low-moderate
      risks of malignancy. All tumors were completely resected with free surgical
      margins. The median follow-up period was 40 months with 93% disease-free
      survival. CONCLUSIONS: Gastric GIST is a snake in the grass and its diagnosis is
      often incidental to endoscopy and computed tomographic scan. The most important
      technical point is to avoid tumor rupture during removal.

PMID- 27661207
TI  - Brain networks stimulation in dementia: insights from functional imaging.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) is increasingly used in
      the field of dementia as a therapeutic option; however, evidence of clinical
      efficacy is limited, and the mechanism of action remains unknown. This review
      summarizes how functional imaging could contribute to the design of targeted and
      effective NIBS interventions for dementia. RECENT FINDINGS: Resting-state
      functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has largely contributed to
      understanding brain dysfunction in dementia by identifying disease-specific
      networks. Resting-state fMRI might inform on a number of factors critical for the
      conduction of effective NIBS trials, such as definition of stimulation paradigms
      and choice of the stimulation target. In addition, fMRI may contribute to the
      understanding of the mechanisms of action of NIBS, and provide a tool to monitor
      treatment efficacy. SUMMARY: Functional imaging is a promising approach for the
      development of hypothesis-driven, targeted stimulation approaches in the field of
      dementia.

PMID- 27661208
TI  - Leptomeningeal metastases of solid cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review recent original data on leptomeningeal metastases in
      patients with solid cancer. RECENT FINDINGS: Lung and breast cancer as well as
      melanoma remain the most common primaries. Advanced cytological methods and
      targeted sequencing for candidate tumor-specific mutations may improve the
      sensitivity of cerebrospinal fluid diagnostics in leptomeningeal metastases.
      Targeted treatments like epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase
      inhibitors for non-small cell lung cancer, anti-human epidermal growth factor
      receptor-2 treatments for breast cancer or B-rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma
      targeted or immunotherapy for melanoma have an emerging role in the management of
      this condition. SUMMARY: Novel diagnostic approaches and the introduction of
      targeted agents may improve the clinical management of patients with
      leptomeningeal metastases from solid cancers.

PMID- 27661209
TI  - Structure-Property Relationships in alpha-, beta'-, and gamma-Modifications of
      Mn3(PO4)2.
AB  - The manganese orthophosphate, Mn3(PO4)2, is characterized by the rich variety of
      polymorphous modifications, alpha-, beta'-, and gamma-phases, crystallized in
      monoclinic P21/c (P21/n) space group type with unit cell volume ratios of 2:6:1.
      The crystal structures of these phases are constituted by three-dimensional
      framework of corner- and edge-sharing [MnO5] and [MnO6] polyhedra strengthened by
      [PO4] tetrahedra. All compounds experience long-range antiferromagnetic order at
      Neel temperature TN = 21.9 K (alpha-phase), 12.3 K (beta'-phase), and 13.3 K
      (gamma-phase). Additionally, second magnetic phase transition takes place at T* =
      10.3 K in beta'-phase. The magnetization curves of alpha- and beta'-modifications
      evidence spin-floplike features at B = 1.9 and 3.7 T, while the gamma-Mn3(PO4)2
      stands out for an extended one-third magnetization plateau stabilized in the
      range of magnetic field B = 7.5-23.5 T. The first-principles calculations define
      the main paths of superexchange interaction between Mn spins in these polymorphs.
      The spin model for alpha-phase is found to be characterized by collection of
      uniform and alternating chains, which are coupled in all three directions. The
      strongest magnetic exchange interaction in gamma-phase emphasizes the trimer
      units, which make chains that are in turn weakly coupled to each other. The spin
      model of beta'-phase turns out to be more complex compared to alpha- or gamma
      phase. It shows complex chain structures involving exchange interactions between
      Mn2 (Mn2', Mn2") and Mn3 (Mn3', Mn3"). These chains interact through exchanges
      involving Mn1 (Mn1', Mn1") spins.

PMID- 27661210
TI  - Neuroleptics in the management of delirium in patients with advanced cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Delirium is the most common and distressing neuropsychiatric
      syndrome in cancer patients. Few evidence-based treatment options are available
      due to the paucity of high quality of studies. In this review, we shall examine
      the literature on the use of neuroleptics to treat delirium in patients with
      advanced cancer. Specifically, we will discuss the randomized controlled trials
      that examined neuroleptics in the front line setting, and studies that explore
      second-line options for patients with persistent agitation. RECENT FINDINGS:
      Contemporary management of delirium includes identification and management of any
      potentially reversible causes, coupled with nonpharmacological approaches. For
      patients who do not respond adequately to these measures, pharmacologic measures
      may be required. Haloperidol is often recommended as the first-line treatment
      option, and other neuroleptics such as olanzapine, risperidone, and quetiapine
      represent potential alternatives. For patients with persistent delirium despite
      first-line neuroleptics, the treatment strategies include escalating the dose of
      the same neuroleptic, rotation to another neuroleptic, or combination therapy
      (i.e., the addition of a second neuroleptic or other agent). We will discuss the
      advantages and disadvantages of each approach, and the available evidence to
      support each strategy. SUMMARY: Adequately powered, randomized trials involving
      proper control interventions are urgently needed to define the optimal treatment
      strategies for delirium in the oncology setting.

PMID- 27661211
TI  - Knowledge and Comfort With Pessary Use: A Survey of US Obstetrics and Gynecology
      Residents.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine factors associated with perceived
      comfort with pessary management among obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN)
      residents in the United States. METHODS: A 31-item anonymous electronic survey
      regarding experience with, attitudes toward, and comfort with pessary management
      was distributed to US OB/GYN residents in all postgraduate years (PGYs).
      Demographic and program-specific data on pessary education were collected.
      Descriptive statistical analyses were performed. Single-predictor logistic
      regression analysis, followed by analysis of a multivariable model that included
      significant single predictors, was performed to determine factors associated with
      residents' perception of comfort. Results were stratified for junior (PGYs 1, 2),
      senior (PGYs 3, 4), and chief (PGY4) residents. RESULTS: Four hundred seventy
      eight completed surveys were returned and analyzed. Mean age of respondents was
      29.5 (+/-2.56) years. Training levels were distributed evenly (PGY1, 25%; PGY2,
      28%; PGY3, 25%; PGY4, 22%). Twenty-eight percent had a urogynecology fellowship
      in the department. Factors associated with comfort were similar for all training
      levels and included working with advanced practitioners, a formal urogynecology
      rotation, experience with pessary fitting, and receiving formal pessary-specific
      didactics (P < 0.001). PGY4s also benefitted from a formal urogynecology
      rotation. Factors that did not improve comfort were having a urogynecology
      fellowship and receiving general didactics on prolapse and incontinence.
      CONCLUSIONS: Gaining outpatient experience, especially with pessary fitting,
      along with formal didactics specific to pessary fitting and management may
      improve resident' confidence with pessary use.

PMID- 27661212
TI  - Pelvic Organ Prolapse Stage and the Relationship to Genital Hiatus and Perineal
      Body Measurements.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to describe the relationship between genital hiatus
      (GH) and perineal body (PB) measurements with increasing pelvic organ prolapse
      (POP) stage in a large cohort of women referred to Urogynecology clinic for
      pelvic floor disorders. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of all new patients
      seen in an academic Urogynecology clinic between January 2007 and September 2011
      was performed. Data were extracted from a standardized intake form. All patients
      underwent a Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POPQ) examination. Descriptive
      statistics compared the study population. Analysis of variance was used to
      compare GH and PB measurements by prolapse stage. Fisher least significant
      differences were used for post hoc comparisons of means between prolapse stages.
      Pearson correlations were used to evaluate the associations between GH and PB
      measurements and patient characteristics. RESULTS: A total of 1595 women with
      POPQ examinations comprised the study population. The mean age was 55.3 +/- 14.8
      years with a body mass index of 30.3 +/- 7.6 kg/m, most women were parous (90%),
      40% were Hispanic, and 33% had undergone prior hysterectomy for indications
      exclusive of POP. Women with any prior prolapse repair were excluded, 6.5% had a
      prior incontinence procedure. Perineal body measurements were slightly larger for
      stage 2 POP, but overall did not vary across other prolapse stages (all P >
      0.05). In contrast, GH measurements increased through stage 3 POP, GH
      measurements decreased for stage 4 POP. CONCLUSIONS: Mean PB measurements did not
      demonstrate large changes over prolapse stage, whereas GH measurements increased
      through stage 3 POP. Genital hiatus serves as an important marker for underlying
      pelvic muscle damage.

PMID- 27661213
TI  - Defining Expertise in Gynecologic Surgery: Perspectives of Expert Gynecologic
      Surgeons.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe how professional expertise is
      defined and understood among gynecologic surgeons and what experiential factors
      contribute to that understanding. METHODS: Semistructured interviews with 16
      experts in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery were conducted to
      identify how expertise in their field is defined, recognized, and assessed.
      Independent thematic analysis of the interview transcripts was performed by each
      member of the research team and then distilled and synthesized into convergent
      themes. RESULTS: Experts described surgical expertise as difficult to define but
      with several dominant themes including knowledge, technical skills, clinical
      experience, adaptability, continuous learning, communication, and professional
      recognition. Expertise requires judgment in applying technical skills to meet
      each patient's specific needs. Experts described unique ways of seeing and
      thinking during surgery, characterized by spatial awareness of relevant anatomy,
      temporal awareness of future changes, and rapidly adaptive application of their
      skills enabling them to do difficult tasks with fluidity, making the tasks seem
      easy to observers. These expert surgeons acknowledged that achieving expertise
      requires hard work and maintaining expertise requires continuous learning,
      highlighted by challenge seeking to do the most difficult tasks in their field.
      They also noted the importance of effective communication of their knowledge to
      others, which contributes to their perception as experts by colleagues in the
      field. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical expertise is a complex phenomenon with several
      meaningful themes. Understanding the authentic nature of surgical expertise can
      be used to support the development of competencies and the effective mentoring of
      promising surgical trainees to achieve surgical expertise.

PMID- 27661214
TI  - Titanium Surgical Tacks: Are They Safe? Do They Work?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Minimally invasive approaches to sacrocolpopexy have transformed it
      into a primary procedure for treatment of pelvic organ prolapse. Certain
      modifications are commonly used to facilitate the laparoscopic approach, but have
      not yet been widely studied. In this study, we investigated the efficacy and
      safety of titanium surgical tacks for the attachment of mesh to the anterior
      longitudinal ligament in laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy. METHODS: This retrospective
      cohort study involved all patients within 1 health care system who underwent
      laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy between January 2009 and December 2012. Each medical
      record was reviewed and abstracted. RESULTS: Of the 231 patients included in our
      study, 190 (82%) had titanium surgical tacks, and 41 (18%) had suture for mesh
      attachment to the anterior longitudinal ligament. The demographics of the 2
      subgroups as well as concomitantly performed procedures were comparable. There
      was no significant difference found between the 2 cohorts in regards to operative
      time, estimated blood loss, complication rates, rate of recurrent pelvic organ
      prolapse symptoms or the rate of reoperation for pelvic organ prolapse.
      CONCLUSIONS: Surgical tacks are a safe alternative to suture for the attachment
      of mesh to the anterior longitudinal ligament in laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy.
      Although we saw no advantage to using tacks over suture, tacking the mesh to the
      anterior longitudinal ligament may make the laparoscopic approach more accessible
      to a wider range of gynecologic surgeons. Further studies about the long-term
      impact of surgical tacks on bone and disk disease are needed.

PMID- 27661215
TI  - Evaluation of the Cost of Comprehensive Outpatient Therapies in Patients with
      Malignant Brain Tumors.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the cost of comprehensive
      outpatient therapy (day rehabilitation) in individuals with malignant brain
      tumors to those with stroke and traumatic brain injury. DESIGN: This was a
      prospective, nonrandomized, longitudinal study of 49 consecutive adults with
      malignant brain tumors enrolled in the 6 day rehabilitation sites of 1
      institution over 35 months. The control group was composed of 50 patients with
      brain injury and 50 patients with stroke, who were also enrolled in the day
      rehabilitation program during the same period. A comparison was made of the total
      Medicare cost and the cost per day of day rehabilitation in patients with
      malignant brain tumors compared with the control group. RESULTS: The patients
      with malignant brain tumors had lower total cost and cost per day than did the
      combined traumatic brain injury and stroke group during day rehabilitation
      (F2,143 = 3.056 [P = 0.05] and F2,142 = 5.046 [P = 0.008], respectively).
      CONCLUSIONS: The cost of comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation in patients with
      malignant brain tumors is less expensive than that of patients with traumatic
      brain injury or stroke, which are neurological diagnoses commonly seen in day
      rehabilitation. This study shows that cost should not be a barrier to providing
      outpatient therapies to this patient population.

PMID- 27661218
TI  - The Sunken Skull.

PMID- 27661219
TI  - Invited Commentary: Past History, and Future Directions.

PMID- 27661220
TI  - Advances in the field of proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9
      inhibitors.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9)
      inhibitors are promising therapies that inhibit the degradation of low-density
      lipoprotein (LDL) receptors in the hepatocyte and thus increase LDL cholesterol
      (LDL-C) uptake from the blood. This review summarizes main findings in the field
      of PCSK9 inhibitors, from basic mechanism to clinical studies, and aims to
      provide a contemporary and practical overview of the clinical implication and
      future directions with PCSK9 inhibitors. RECENT FINDINGS: Monoclonal antibodies
      that inhibit PCSK9 reduce LDL-C levels by 40-70% across a wide range of patients
      with various LDL-C levels, and with different lipid-lowering regimens. These
      agents significantly reduce apolipoprotein B and lipoprotein (a), may have a
      potential role in plaque stabilization in acute coronary syndromes, and are safe
      and tolerable, even among statin-intolerant patients. Preliminary data with
      evolocumab and alirocumab demonstrate the potential reduction of cardiovascular
      (CV) events. These PCSK9 inhibitors were recently approved for clinical use, and
      recommended in the 2016 American College of Cardiology expert consensus document
      for nonstatin therapy for LDL-C lowering. SUMMARY: PCSK9 inhibitors are novel
      promising therapies to reduce LDL-C. Ongoing phase 3 clinical trials with more
      than 70 000 high-risk patients will examine their safety and efficacy in reducing
      cardiovascular disease.

PMID- 27661221
TI  - Novel 3D Culture Systems for Studies of Human Liver Function and Assessments of
      the Hepatotoxicity of Drugs and Drug Candidates.
AB  - The liver is an organ with critical importance for drug treatment as the
      disposition and response to a given drug is often determined by its hepatic
      metabolism. Patient-specific factors can entail increased susceptibility to drug
      induced liver injury, which constitutes a major risk for drug development
      programs causing attrition of promising drug candidates or costly withdrawals in
      postmarketing stages. Hitherto, mainly animal studies and 2D hepatocyte systems
      have been used for the examination of human drug metabolism and toxicity. Yet,
      these models are far from satisfactory due to extensive species differences and
      because hepatocytes in 2D cultures rapidly dedifferentiate resulting in the loss
      of their hepatic phenotype and functionality. With the increasing comprehension
      that 3D cell culture systems more accurately reflect in vivo physiology, in the
      recent decade more and more research has focused on the development and
      optimization of various 3D culture strategies in an attempt to preserve liver
      properties in vitro. In this contribution, we critically review these
      developments, which have resulted in an arsenal of different static and perfused
      3D models. These systems include sandwich-cultured hepatocytes, spheroid culture
      platforms, and various microfluidic liver or multiorgan biochips. Importantly, in
      many of these models hepatocytes maintain their phenotype for prolonged times,
      which allows probing the potential of newly developed chemical entities to cause
      chronic hepatotoxicity. Moreover, some platforms permit the investigation of drug
      action in specific genetic backgrounds or diseased hepatocytes, thereby
      significantly expanding the repertoire of tools to detect drug-induced liver
      injuries. It is concluded that the development of 3D liver models has hitherto
      been fruitful and that systems are now at hand whose sensitivity and specificity
      in detecting hepatotoxicity are superior to those of classical 2D culture
      systems. For the future, we highlight the need to develop more integrated
      coculture model systems to emulate immunotoxicities that arise due to complex
      interactions between hepatocytes and immune cells.

PMID- 27661222
TI  - Talking to Each Other.

PMID- 27661223
TI  - The TIDieR Checklist Will Benefit the Physical Therapy Profession.

PMID- 27661224
TI  - Outcomes for Students Receiving School-Based Physical Therapy as Measured by the
      School Function Assessment.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe School Function Assessment (SFA) outcomes after 6 months of
      school-based physical therapy and the effects of age and gross motor function on
      outcomes. METHODS: Within 28 states, 109 physical therapists and 296 of their
      students with disabilities, ages 5 to 12 years, participated. After training,
      therapists completed 10 SFA scales on students near the beginning and end of the
      school year. RESULTS: Criterion scores for many students remained stable (46%
      59%) or improved (37%-51%) with the most students improving in Participation and
      Maintaining/Changing Positions. Students aged 5 to 7 years showed greater change
      than 8- to 12-year-olds on 5 scales. Students with higher gross motor function
      (Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I vs IV/V and II/III vs IV/V)
      showed greater change on 9 scales. CONCLUSIONS: Positive SFA change was recorded
      in students receiving school-based physical therapy; however, the SFA is less
      sensitive for older students and those with lower functional movement.

PMID- 27661225
TI  - Commentary on "Outcomes for Students Receiving School-Based Physical Therapy as
      Measured by the School Function Assessment".

PMID- 27661226
TI  - The Influence of Position on Leg Movements and Kicks in Older Infants With Spina
      Bifida.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe the frequency with which
      infants with lumbar or sacral spina bifida (SB) move their legs or kick when they
      are 7 months and older while in the supine position, seated in a conventional
      infant seat (CS), and seated in a specially designed infant seat (SDIS). METHODS:
      The spontaneous leg movements of 9 infants with lumbar or sacral SB were
      videotaped once per month for 4 months in each position. RESULTS: Infants
      generated significantly more leg movements when seated in the SDIS than in the CS
      and significantly more kicks in the SDIS than in the other 2 positions.
      CONCLUSIONS: The movement context influences the ability of older infants with SB
      to move their legs and to kick.

PMID- 27661227
TI  - Commentary on "The Influence of Position on the Leg Movements and Kicks in Older
      Infants With Spina Bifida".

PMID- 27661228
TI  - Commentary on "Relationship Between Abdominal Adiposity and Exercise Tolerance in
      Children With Obesity".

PMID- 27661229
TI  - Commentary on "Influence of External Visual Focus on Gait in Children With
      Bilateral Cerebral Palsy".

PMID- 27661230
TI  - Reliability and Responsiveness of the Timed Up and Go Test in Children With
      Cerebral Palsy.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the absolute reliability and
      responsiveness of the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, as measured using minimal
      detectable change (MDC) and minimal clinical important difference (MCID) values.
      METHODS: Prospective observational study of children aged 3 to 10 years with
      cerebral palsy (CP) in Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I-III
      who completed the TUG test. Minimal detectable change estimates were calculated
      using baseline data. MCID estimates for each Gross Motor Function Classification
      System (GMFCS) level were calculated using distribution- and anchor-based
      methods. RESULTS: Minimal detectable change values ranged from 1.40 to 8.74
      seconds and MCID estimates ranged from 0.22 to 5.31 seconds. CONCLUSIONS: The TUG
      test is a reliable and responsive measure of balance and mobility for children
      with CP between 3 and 10 years of age in GMFCS levels I-III. Study results
      support improved use of the TUG test in clinical and research settings by
      providing reliability values and estimates of meaningful change. VIDEO ABSTRACT:
      For more insights from the authors, see Supplemental Digital Content 1, available
      at http://links.lww.com/PPT/A117.

PMID- 27661231
TI  - Commentary on "Reliability and Responsiveness of the Timed Up and Go Test in
      Children With Cerebral Palsy".

PMID- 27661232
TI  - A Modified Version of the Timed Up and Go Test for Children Who Are Preschoolers.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study investigated factors predicting the Timed Up and Go (TUG)
      test in children who are preschoolers, using a modified protocol of the TUG.
      METHOD: This was a cross-sectional study of children 3 to 5 years old (n = 192).
      Regression analysis identified predictive factors for TUG performances.
      Differences in mean values (standard deviation) were calculated for each age
      group. RESULTS: The results of 172 children were analyzed. Age and ethnicity were
      predictive of TUG performance (R = 0.280). Children who are preschoolers with
      Flemish ethnicity need less time to perform the TUG than their peers with another
      ethnicity (P < .05), but this difference is not significant for the age groups.
      The TUG performance differs significantly among all age groups (P < .05).
      CONCLUSIONS: A modified protocol for the TUG, which is sensitive to age-related
      changes in dynamic balance control, is proposed for children who are
      preschoolers.

PMID- 27661233
TI  - Commentary on "A Modified Version of the Timed Up and Go Test for Children Who
      Are Preschoolers".

PMID- 27661234
TI  - Commentary on "Development and Initial Validation of the Pediatric Neuromuscular
      Recovery Scale".

PMID- 27661235
TI  - Validation of Accelerometer Cut-Points in Children With Cerebral Palsy Aged 4 to
      5 Years.
AB  - PURPOSE: To derive and validate triaxial accelerometer cut-points in children
      with cerebral palsy (CP) and compare these with previously established cut-points
      in children with typical development. METHODS: Eighty-four children with CP aged
      4 to 5 years wore the ActiGraph during a play-based gross motor function measure
      assessment that was video-taped for direct observation. Receiver operating
      characteristic and Bland-Altman plots were used for analyses. RESULTS: The
      ActiGraph had good classification accuracy in Gross Motor Function Classification
      System (GMFCS) levels III and V and fair classification accuracy in GMFCS levels
      I, II, and IV. These results support the use of the previously established cut
      points for sedentary time of 820 counts per minute in children with CP aged 4 to
      5 years across all functional abilities. CONCLUSIONS: The cut-point provides an
      objective measure of sedentary and active time in children with CP. The cut-point
      is applicable to group data but not for individual children.

PMID- 27661236
TI  - Commentary on "Validation of Accelerometer Cut-Points in Children With Cerebral
      Palsy Aged 4 to 5 Years".

PMID- 27661237
TI  - Layout for Assessing Dynamic Posture: Development, Validation, and
      Reproducibility.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the psychometric properties of the layout for assessing
      dynamic posture (LADy). METHODS: The study was divided into 2 phases: (1)
      development of the instrument and (2) determination of validity and
      reproducibility. The LADy was designed to evaluate the position adopted in 9
      dynamic postures. RESULTS: The results confirmed the validity and reproducibility
      of the instrument. From a total of 51 criteria assessing 9 postures, 1 was
      rejected. The reproducibility for each of the criteria was classified as moderate
      to excellent. CONCLUSIONS: The LADy constitutes a valid and reproducible
      instrument for the evaluation of dynamic postures in children 11 to 17 years old.
      It is low cost and applicable in the school environment.

PMID- 27661238
TI  - Commentary on "Layout for Assessing Dynamic Posture: Development, Validation, and
      Reproducibility".

PMID- 27661239
TI  - Changes in Motor Development During a 4-Year Follow-up on Children With
      Univentricular Heart Defects.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare changes in motor development from 1 to 5 years of age among
      18 children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and 12 with univentricular heart
      to 42 children without heart defect. METHODS: Motor development was assessed with
      the Alberta Infant Motor Scale and Movement Assessment Battery for Children
      (Movement ABC). RESULTS: Children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome or
      univentricular heart had significantly lower scores on the Alberta Infant Motor
      Scale test at the age of 1 and on the Movement ABC test at the age of 5 years
      compared with controls. Children with clear abnormalities on brain magnetic
      resonance imaging had lower scores compared with those with normal images or mild
      changes, and their relative motor scores decreased during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS:
      Some children with univentricular heart defects may benefit from
      physiotherapeutic interventions to support their motor development.

PMID- 27661240
TI  - Commentary on "Changes in Motor Development During a 4-Year Follow-up on Children
      With Univentricular Heart Defects".

PMID- 27661241
TI  - Sporting Activities and Quality of Life in Children With Hemophilia: An
      Observational Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Sports activities are part of multidisciplinary treatments in
      people with hemophilia. AIM: The objective of this study was to assess the
      incidence of sports activities in the quality of life as perceived by children
      with hemophilia. METHODS: A total of 53 children with hemophilia aged 7 to 13
      years and 51 children without hemophilia were evaluated. The perception of
      quality of life, clinical variables, and the frequency of sports activities were
      registered. The joint condition of patients with hemophilia was measured with the
      Spanish version of the Haemophilia Joint Health Score. RESULTS: There were no
      significant differences in the perception of quality of life between children
      with hemophilia and children without hemophilia. Sports activities in people with
      hemophilia promoted a greater health satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Sports activity
      in children with hemophilia is associated with an improved quality of life and
      joint health. It is also associated with improved psychosocial wellness.

PMID- 27661242
TI  - Commentary on "Sporting Activities and Quality of Life in Children With
      Hemophilia: An Observational Study".

PMID- 27661243
TI  - Virtual Sensorimotor Training for Balance: Pilot Study Results for Children With
      Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine the effects of Sensorimotor Training to Affect Balance,
      Engagement, and Learning (STABEL), a virtual reality system to train sensory
      adaptation for balance control, for children with fetal alcohol spectrum
      disorders (FASDs). METHODS: Twenty-three children with FASDs received STABEL
      training in a university laboratory, or home, or were controls. The Movement
      Assessment Battery for Children-2nd edition (MABC-2) and Pediatric Clinical Test
      of Sensory Interaction for Balance-2 (P-CTSIB-2) were analyzed by group (lab,
      home, and control), session (pre-STABEL, 1 week post-STABEL, and 1 month post
      STABEL), and group-by-session interaction. RESULTS: Significant effects were
      group and session for MABC-2 Balance and interaction for MABC-2 Total Motor and P
      CTSIB-2. CONCLUSION: Preliminary results support improved sensory adaptation,
      balance, and motor performance post-STABEL, which warrant further study with a
      larger, randomized sample.

PMID- 27661244
TI  - Commentary on "Virtual Sensorimotor Training for Balance: Pilot Study Results for
      Children With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders".

PMID- 27661245
TI  - Does Exercise Decrease Pain via Conditioned Pain Modulation in Adolescents?
AB  - PURPOSE: Pain relief after exercise, exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH), is
      established across the lifespan. Conditioned pain modulation (CPM: pain inhibits
      pain) may be a mechanism for EIH. METHODS: In 55 adolescents, pressure pain
      thresholds were measured before and after exercise (deltoid, quadriceps, and nail
      bed) and during CPM at the nail bed and deltoid test stimulus sites. The
      relationship between EIH and CPM was explored. RESULTS: EIH occurred at deltoid
      and quadriceps; CPM occurred at nail bed and deltoid. CPM and EIH correlated at
      deltoid; adolescents with greater CPM experienced greater pain relief after
      exercise. At this site, CPM predicted 5.4% of EIH. Arm lean mass did not add a
      significant effect. Peak exercise pain did not influence EIH. Adolescents with
      none, minimal, moderate, or severe peak exercise pain experienced similar EIH.
      CONCLUSIONS: A potential relationship exists between CPM and EIH in adolescents.
      Pediatric physical therapists should consider the CPM response when prescribing
      exercise as a pain management tool.

PMID- 27661246
TI  - Commentary on "Does Exercise Decrease Pain via Conditioned Pain Modulation in
      Adolescents?".

PMID- 27661247
TI  - Effect of Playground Environments on the Physical Activity of Children With
      Ambulatory Cerebral Palsy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the effect of 2 different playground environments on the
      physical activity of children with ambulatory cerebral palsy during their
      playground play. METHODS: Five 7- to 8-year-old children with cerebral palsy
      (Gross Motor Functional Classification System [GMFCS] level II) participated.
      Using an alternating treatment, single-subject design, stride patterns were
      obtained using an activity monitor on an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
      compliant and noncompliant playground. Visual and statistical analysis of the
      stride data was used to analyze the effect of the playground environments.
      RESULTS: Four of the 5 participants increased the number of strides on an ADA
      compliant playground. CONCLUSION: Children with cerebral palsy (GMFCS II) may
      benefit from an ADA-compliant playground to increase their physical activity.

PMID- 27661248
TI  - Commentary on "Effect of Playground Environments on the Physical Activity of
      Children With Ambulatory Cerebral Palsy".

PMID- 27661249
TI  - Technology for Children With Brain Injury and Motor Disability: Executive Summary
      From Research Summit IV.
AB  - Advances in technology show promise as tools to optimize functional mobility,
      independence, and participation in infants and children with motor disability due
      to brain injury. Although technologies are often used in adult rehabilitation,
      these have not been widely applied to rehabilitation of infants and children. In
      October 2015, the Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy sponsored Research Summit
      IV, "Innovations in Technology for Children With Brain Insults: Maximizing
      Outcomes." The summit included pediatric physical therapist researchers, experts
      from other scientific fields, funding agencies, and consumers. Participants
      identified challenges in implementing technology in pediatric rehabilitation
      including accessibility, affordability, managing large data sets, and identifying
      relevant data elements. Participants identified 4 key areas for technology
      development: to determine (1) thresholds for learning, (2) appropriate transfer
      to independence, (3) optimal measurement of subtle changes, and (4) how to adapt
      to growth and changing abilities. 

PMID- 27661251
TI  - Letter to the Editor.

PMID- 27661250
TI  - The Effects of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy in the Management of Juvenile
      Idiopathic Arthritis: A Case Report.
AB  - PURPOSE: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a cause of disability in
      childhood. Little research exists concerning physical therapy management, and no
      evidence exists for orthopedic manual physical therapy (OMPT) for JIA. The
      purpose of this case report is to describe the use of OMPT in combination with
      therapeutic exercise in the successful treatment of a child with oligoarticular
      JIA. KEY POINTS: A 6-year-old girl with oligoarticular JIA presented with elbow
      pain and stiffness interfering with function. Treatment consisted of OMPT in
      combination with therapeutic exercise and a home exercise program. CONCLUSIONS:
      Improvements were demonstrated in elbow range of motion, pain, Childhood Health
      Assessment Questionnaire, Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument, and the
      Patient Specific Functional Scale. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE:
      Orthopedic manual physical therapy may be considered as a treatment of a child
      with JIA. RECOMMENDATIONS: We provide evidence that OMPT may be considered as a
      treatment of a child with JIA.

PMID- 27661252
TI  - Synthesis of Enantioenriched 2-Alkyl Piperidine Derivatives through Asymmetric
      Reduction of Pyridinium Salts.
AB  - An Ir-catalyzed enantioselective hydrogenation of 2-alkyl-pyridines has been
      developed using ligand MeO-BoQPhos. High levels of enantioselectivities up to
      93:7 er were obtained. The resulting enantioenriched piperidines can be readily
      converted into biologically interesting molecules such as the fused tricyclic
      structures 5, 6, and 7 in 99:1 er, providing a novel, concise synthetic route to
      this family of chiral piperidine-containing compounds.

PMID- 27661253
TI  - DAPK interacts with Patronin and the microtubule cytoskeleton in epidermal
      development and wound repair.
AB  - Epidermal barrier epithelia form a first line of defense against the environment,
      protecting animals against infection and repairing physical damage. In C.
      elegans, death-associated protein kinase (DAPK-1) regulates epidermal
      morphogenesis, innate immunity and wound repair. Combining genetic suppressor
      screens and pharmacological tests, we find that DAPK-1 maintains epidermal tissue
      integrity through regulation of the microtubule (MT) cytoskeleton. dapk-1
      epidermal phenotypes are suppressed by treatment with microtubule-destabilizing
      drugs and mimicked or enhanced by microtubule-stabilizing drugs. Loss of function
      in ptrn-1, the C. elegans member of the Patronin/Nezha/CAMSAP family of MT minus
      end binding proteins, suppresses dapk-1 epidermal and innate immunity phenotypes.
      Over-expression of the MT-binding CKK domain of PTRN-1 triggers epidermal and
      immunity defects resembling those of dapk-1 mutants, and PTRN-1 localization is
      regulated by DAPK-1. DAPK-1 and PTRN-1 physically interact in co
      immunoprecipitation experiments, and DAPK-1 itself undergoes MT-dependent
      transport. Our results uncover an unexpected interdependence of DAPK-1 and the
      microtubule cytoskeleton in maintenance of epidermal integrity.

PMID- 27661256
TI  - Film Thickness Determines Cell Growth and Cell Sheet Detachment from Spin-Coated
      Poly(N-Isopropylacrylamide) Substrates.
AB  - Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAm) is widely used to fabricate thermoresponsive
      surfaces for cell sheet detachment. Many complex and expensive techniques have
      been employed to produce pNIPAm substrates for cell culture. The spin-coating
      technique allows rapid fabrication of pNIPAm substrates with high reproducibility
      and uniformity. In this study, the dynamics of cell attachment, proliferation,
      and function on non-cross-linked spin-coated pNIPAm films of different
      thicknesses were investigated. The measurements of advancing contact angle
      revealed increasing contact angles with increasing film thickness. Results
      suggest that more hydrophilic 50 and 80 nm thin pNIPAm films are more preferable
      for cell sheet fabrication, whereas more hydrophobic 300 and 900 nm thick spin
      coated pNIPAm films impede cell attachment. These changes in cell behavior were
      correlated with changes in thickness and hydration of pNIPAm films. The control
      of pNIPAm film thickness using the spin-coating technique offers an effective
      tool for cell sheet-based tissue engineering.

PMID- 27661257
TI  - Reversible Insulin Hexamer Assembly Promoted by Ethyl Violet: pH-Controlled
      Uptake and Release.
AB  - Therapeutically improved long-acting insulin preparations require in-depth
      understanding of the hexamer assembly, structural selectivity, and its stability
      in solution. This Letter demonstrates, for the first time, an efficient method
      for the hexamerization of human insulin by a structure-specific triphenylmethane
      (TPM) dye, Ethyl Violet (EV), particularly, in the absence of Zn2+. Upon detailed
      spectroscopic evaluation and comparison with other TPM homologues, we establish
      that the diethylamino phenyl arms of EV are specific and effective in clipping
      the three dimer helices in a hexameric assembly. We establish that at
      physiological pH 7.4 and in the presence of the EV, insulin exists predominantly
      in its hexameric form, a condition appropriate for storage and preparation of
      long-acting insulin formulations. On the other hand, the disassembly of the
      hexamer into the monomeric form is accomplished at pH 5, highlighting its
      potential as a delivery vehicle for such custom-modified dyes/drugs.

PMID- 27661254
TI  - Boundary cells restrict dystroglycan trafficking to control basement membrane
      sliding during tissue remodeling.
AB  - Epithelial cells and their underlying basement membranes (BMs) slide along each
      other to renew epithelia, shape organs, and enlarge BM openings. How BM sliding
      is controlled, however, is poorly understood. Using genetic and live cell imaging
      approaches during uterine-vulval attachment in C. elegans, we have discovered
      that the invasive uterine anchor cell activates Notch signaling in neighboring
      uterine cells at the boundary of the BM gap through which it invades to promote
      BM sliding. Through an RNAi screen, we found that Notch activation upregulates
      expression of ctg-1, which encodes a Sec14-GOLD protein, a member of the Sec14
      phosphatidylinositol-transfer protein superfamily that is implicated in vesicle
      trafficking. Through photobleaching, targeted knockdown, and cell-specific
      rescue, our results suggest that CTG-1 restricts BM adhesion receptor DGN-1
      (dystroglycan) trafficking to the cell-BM interface, which promotes BM sliding.
      Together, these studies reveal a new morphogenetic signaling pathway that
      controls BM sliding to remodel tissues.

PMID- 27661258
TI  - Quantum Dynamics Simulations of Excited State Energy Transfer in a Zinc-Free-Base
      Porphyrin Dyad.
AB  - Rational design of artificial light-harvesting molecular architectures entails
      building systems that absorb strongly in the visible and near-IR region of the
      electromagnetic spectrum and also funnel excited state energy to a single site.
      The ability to model nonadiabatic processes, such as excited-state energy
      transfer (EET), that occur on a picosecond time scale can aid in the development
      of novel artificial light-harvesting arrays. A combination of density functional
      theory (DFT), time-dependent DFT, tight-binding molecular dynamics, and quantum
      dynamics is employed here to simulate EET in the ZnFbPhi dyad, a model artificial
      light-harvesting array that undergoes EET with an experimentally measured rate
      constant of (3.5 ps)-1 upon excitation at 550 nm in toluene [ Yang et al. J.
      Phys. Chem. B 1998 , 102 , 9426 - 9436 ]. We find that to successfully simulate
      the EET process, it is important to (1) include coupling between nuclear and
      electronic degrees of freedom in the QD simulation, (2) account for Coulomb
      coupling between the electron and hole wavepackets, and (3) parametrize the
      extended Huckel model Hamiltonian employed in the QD simulations with respect to
      the DFT.

PMID- 27661255
TI  - Compact and highly active next-generation libraries for CRISPR-mediated gene
      repression and activation.
AB  - We recently found that nucleosomes directly block access of CRISPR/Cas9 to DNA
      (Horlbeck et al., 2016). Here, we build on this observation with a comprehensive
      algorithm that incorporates chromatin, position, and sequence features to
      accurately predict highly effective single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) for targeting
      nuclease-dead Cas9-mediated transcriptional repression (CRISPRi) and activation
      (CRISPRa). We use this algorithm to design next-generation genome-scale CRISPRi
      and CRISPRa libraries targeting human and mouse genomes. A CRISPRi screen for
      essential genes in K562 cells demonstrates that the large majority of sgRNAs are
      highly active. We also find CRISPRi does not exhibit any detectable non-specific
      toxicity recently observed with CRISPR nuclease approaches. Precision-recall
      analysis shows that we detect over 90% of essential genes with minimal false
      positives using a compact 5 sgRNA/gene library. Our results establish CRISPRi and
      CRISPRa as premier tools for loss- or gain-of-function studies and provide a
      general strategy for identifying Cas9 target sites.

PMID- 27661259
TI  - Regioselective and Stereoselective Pd-Catalyzed Intramolecular Arylation of
      Furans: Access to Spirooxindoles and 5H-Furo[2,3-c]quinolin-4-ones.
AB  - Herein, we report regio- and stereoselective intramolecular direct arylations of
      N-(2-bromophenyl)-2-furancarboxamides 1 to produce spirooxindoles 2 and 5H
      furo[2,3-c]quinolin-4-ones 3 under different reaction conditions. Specifically,
      in the presence of Pd(PPh3)4 as a catalyst, PPh3 as a ligand, and K2CO3 as a
      base, substrates 1 underwent intramolecular alpha-arylation, possibly via a Heck
      insertion pathway, to provide 2, with the Z-isomer being favored. When the base
      was t-BuOLi and R1 was an aryl group, the reaction favored E-2, possibly via an
      electrophilic palladation pathway. In contrast, in the presence of PdCl2 as a
      catalyst, (o-OMePh)3P as a ligand, and PivOH as an additive, substrates 1
      underwent intramolecular beta-arylation to provide 3, possibly via a concerted
      metalation-deprotonation process.

PMID- 27661260
TI  - Low-Power, Self-Rectifying, and Forming-Free Memristor with an Asymmetric
      Programing Voltage for a High-Density Crossbar Application.
AB  - A Pt/NbOx/TiOy/NbOx/TiN stack integrated on a 30 nm contact via shows a
      programming current as low as 10 nA and 1 pA for the set and reset switching,
      respectively, and a self-rectifying ratio as high as ~105, which are suitable
      characteristics for low-power memristor applications. It also shows a forming
      free characteristic. A charge-trap-associated switching model is proposed to
      account for this self-rectifying memrisive behavior. In addition, an asymmetric
      voltage scheme (AVS) to decrease the write power consumption by utilizing this
      self-rectifying memristor is also described. When the device is used in a 1000 *
      1000 crossbar array with the AVS, the programming power can be decreased to 8.0%
      of the power consumption of a conventional biasing scheme. If the AVS is combined
      with a nonlinear selector, a power consumption reduction to 0.31% of the
      reference value is possible.

PMID- 27661261
TI  - Improved Electrochemical Performance of LiFePO4@N-Doped Carbon Nanocomposites
      Using Polybenzoxazine as Nitrogen and Carbon Sources.
AB  - Polybenzoxazine is used as a novel carbon and nitrogen source for coating LiFePO4
      to obtain LiFePO4@nitrogen-doped carbon (LFP@NC) nanocomposites. The nitrogen
      doped graphene-like carbon that is in situ coated on nanometer-sized LiFePO4
      particles can effectively enhance the electrical conductivity and provide fast
      Li+ transport paths. When used as a cathode material for lithium-ion batteries,
      the LFP@NC nanocomposite (88.4 wt % of LiFePO4) exhibits a favorable rate
      performance and stable cycling performance.

PMID- 27661262
TI  - Differing Procedures for Recording Mortality Statistics in Scandinavia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There may be various reasons for differences in suicide rates between
      countries and over time within a country. One reason can be different
      registration practices. AIMS: The purpose of this study was to describe and
      compare the present procedures for mortality and suicide registration in the
      three Scandinavian countries and to illustrate potential sources of error in the
      registration of suicide. METHOD: Information about registration practices and
      classification procedures was obtained from the cause of death registers in
      Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. In addition, we received information from experts in
      the field in each country. RESULTS: Sweden uses event of undetermined intent more
      frequently than Denmark does, and Denmark more frequently than Norway. There
      seems to be somewhat more uncertainty among deaths classified as ill-defined and
      unknown cause of mortality in Norway, compared with the other two countries.
      Sweden performs more forensic autopsies than Norway, and Norway more than
      Denmark. In Denmark, in cases of a suspected unnatural manner of death, a
      thorough external examination of the deceased is performed. CONCLUSION:
      Differences in the classification of causes of death and in postmortem
      examinations exist in Scandinavian countries. These differences might influence
      the suicide statistics in Scandinavia.

PMID- 27661265
TI  - Effect of Exergaming on Physiological Response and Enjoyment During Recess in
      Elementary School-Aged Children: A Pilot Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: With an increasing rate of childhood obesity, it is critical to find
      fun and effective ways of providing children with opportunities to be physically
      active while at school to mediate this outcome. Using games as a mode of exercise
      (Exergaming) could be one such way. We aimed to compare the physiologic response
      and enjoyment of elementary school children when playing Xbox(r) Kinect(r) versus
      participating in regular activities during recess. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty
      four children participated individually once in Kinect and once in regular
      activity sessions on separate days during recess for the allotted time. Sessions
      were at least 1 week apart, and the order of the sessions was randomized. During
      the Kinect session, participants played the Reflex Ridge game. During the regular
      session, participants engaged in self-selected activities. Energy expenditure,
      metabolic equivalents of task (METS), time in moderate to vigorous activity,
      percentage of activity in sedentary, light, moderate, vigorous and very vigorous
      levels, heart rate, rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and Physical Activity
      Enjoyment Scale were measured for each session and compared using a paired
      samples t-test. RESULTS: Significantly greater RPE (P = 0.024), percentage of
      activity at sedentary (P = 0.019), very vigorous (P < 0.001) levels, and lesser
      percentage of activity at moderate level (P = 0.008) were noted during the Kinect
      session. CONCLUSION: Playing Kinect was comparable to playing outside with
      classmates. When necessary, such as in inclement weather, whole-body interactive
      videogames can be a viable alternative physical activity. However, this has to be
      validated with a larger sample study.

PMID- 27661264
TI  - Protein-based therapeutic for anemia caused by dyserythropoiesis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Major advances have been recently made in understanding the
      molecular determinants of dyserythropoiesis, particularly due to recent works in
      beta-thalassemia. The purpose of this review is devoted to underline the role of
      some proteins recently evidenced in the field, that may be new alternative
      therapeutic targets in the near future to alleviate different types of anemia.
      Areas covered: This review covers the contemporary aspects of some proteins
      involved in various types of dyserythropoiesis, including the transcriptional
      factor GATA-1 and its protective chaperone HSP70, but also cytokines of the
      transforming growth factor beta (TFG-beta) family, TGF-beta1 and GDF-11, and
      hormones as erythroferrone. It will be not exhaustive, but based on major recent
      published works from the literature in the past three years. Expert commentary:
      Sotatercept and lustatercept, two activin receptor II ligand traps that block GDF
      11, are candidate drugs providing therapeutic hope in different types of
      ineffective erythropoiesis, including myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and beta
      thalassemia. Furthermore, a new concept emerges to consider erythroid lineage in
      the bone marrow as an endocrine gland.

PMID- 27661263
TI  - The moderating effect of religiosity on caregiving burden and depressive symptoms
      in caregivers of patients with dementia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study explored whether religiosity/spirituality has a protective
      role against negative caregiving outcomes, in a large multicenter nationwide
      sample of caregivers of patients with dementia in South Korea. Additionally, this
      study was the first to examine whether religiosity/spirituality could affect
      caregiving outcomes according to the various religious affiliations of
      caregivers. METHODS: The study was conducted on a sample of 476 caregivers of
      patients with dementia participated in the Clinical Research Center for Dementia
      of South Korea (CREDOS). We examined the moderating effect of each of the three
      dimensions of religiosity/spirituality (organizational religious activity, ORA;
      non-organizational religious activity, NORA; intrinsic religiosity, IR) on the
      relationship between activities of daily living (ADL) of patients with dementia
      and caregiving burden and depressive symptoms of caregivers, using a series of
      hierarchical regression analyses. In addition, these analyses were conducted
      according to the religious affiliations of the caregivers. RESULTS: ORA, NORA,
      and IR of religiosity/spirituality alleviated the effect of ADL of patients on
      caregiving burden. ORA and IR moderated the relationship between ADL of patients
      and depressive symptoms of caregivers. These moderating effects of religiosity on
      caregiving outcomes were different according to various religious groups.
      CONCLUSION: We have identified religiosity/spirituality as a protective factor
      for caregivers of patients with dementia. The sub-dimensions of religiosity as
      moderators were different by religious affiliations of caregivers. Further
      studies are needed to investigate the specific religiosity-related factors which
      could positively impact the mental health of the caregivers of patients with
      dementia by religions.

PMID- 27661267
TI  - SUCCESSFUL REPAIR OF IATROGENIC URETERAL INJURY IN A PATIENT WITH ECTOPIC CROSSED
      AND FUSED RIGHT KIDNEY BY URETEROURETEROSTOMY.
AB  - Congenital renal malformations are the most common congenital malformations in
      humans, the most common being horseshoe kidney with joined lower poles present in
      up to 0.25% of general population. To the contrary renal fusions with ectopia are
      amongst the rare malformations affecting 1 in 2000 examined cadavers. Males are
      affected slightly more often then females (3:2), left to right crosses being more
      frequent. The value of early diagnosis of asymptomatic renal malformation is
      uncertain, except when other abnormalities might point to them and they can
      affect the clinical management strategy (severe ear deformity with facial
      malformation, gynecological abnormalities). In females concomitant abnormalities
      of kidneys and paramesonephric duct derivatives are common, with up to 40% of
      women with uterine malformations reported to have various congenital renal
      abnormalities. Even though there are occasional examples of surgical repair of
      the injured kidneys with crossed-fused malformation the majority of surgical
      cases resort to renal resection. We presented a rare case of complex
      genitourinary malformation with crossed fused disk kidney diagnosed after the
      iatrogenic injury to the right ureter after emergent gynecological surgery. Rare
      pathology and presentation was diagnosed by IVP and confirmed during operation.
      We have constructed an ipsilateral ureteroureterostomy to drain the right portion
      of fused kidney. Urinary flow was satisfactory with no significant nephrostomy
      tube drainage next day, allowing the nephrostomy tube removal. Postsurgical
      evaluation by IVP has demonstrated a good flow from both kidney and no detectable
      anastomotic leaks. Postsurgical recovery was uneventful. After 2 years from
      operation IVP data did not changed. It must be noted, that Ectopic kidneys are
      frequently malformed and have an abnormal ureteral drainage leading to
      incontinence and frequent UTIs. 

PMID- 27661268
TI  - CELLULAR FIBROUS DERMATOFIBROMA OF THE SOLE.
AB  - Cellular fibrous dermatofibroma is a rare variant of dermatofibroma/histiocytoma.
      We present a 61 years old female with a slow-growing, firm tumor on the sole of
      her right foot. The tumor was removed by slow Mohs surgery within 2 cm negative
      margin. Histopathologic investigation revealed a nodular encapsulated tumor
      composed of spindle and some epithelioid cells in a storiform growth pattern.
      Minimal mitotic activity was reported, however without evidence of atypical
      mitoses. Tumor cells expressed CD10, focally smooth muscle antigen and desmin,
      but remained negative for S100 protein and CD34. The diagnosis of cellular
      fibrous dermatofibroma was confirmed. The defect was closed by full thickness
      skin graft. 

PMID- 27661266
TI  - Detection of a phosphorylated glycine-serine linker in an IgG-based fusion
      protein.
AB  - Molecular mass determination by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry of a
      recombinant IgG-based fusion protein (mAb1-F) produced in human embryonic kidney
      (HEK) cells demonstrated the presence of a dominant +79 Da product variant. Using
      LC-MS tryptic peptide mapping analysis and collision-induced dissociation (CID)
      and electron-transfer/higher-energy collision dissociation fragmentations, the
      modification was localized to the C-terminal serine residue of a glycine-serine
      linker [(G4S)2] of a fused heavy chain containing in total 2 (G4S)2-linkers. The
      modification was identified as a phosphorylation (+79.97 Da) by the presence of a
      98 Da neutral loss reaction with CID, by spiking a synthetic phosphoserine
      peptide, and by dephosphorylation with alkaline phosphatase. A thermolysin digest
      combined with higher-energy collision dissociation (HCD) positioned the
      phosphoserine to one specific glycine-serine linker of the fused heavy chain, and
      the relative level of phosphorylated linker was determined to be 11.3% and 0.4%
      by LC-MS when the fusion protein was transiently expressed in HEK or in stably
      transformed Chinese hamster ovary cells, respectively. This observation
      demonstrates that fusions with glycine-serine linker sequences should be
      carefully evaluated during drug development to prevent the introduction of a
      phosphorylation site in therapeutic fusion proteins.

PMID- 27661269
TI  - [THE RAPID TEST METHOD OF IDENTIFICATION OF THE TYPE OF GROWTH OF THE JAW BONE ON
      THE ORTHOPANTOMOGRAM].
AB  - The roentgenological methods of research take the lead in the diacrisis of
      dentofacial anomalies, they are of the utmost importance as for the
      identification of the jaws' growth character, so too for the generation of the
      treatment planning and of the expected response to the treatment. The type of the
      jaw growth is identified by the means of a basal angle on the teleroentgenography
      (TRG). The objective of the research was to develop a rapid test method of
      identification of the type of growth by means of a basal angle on the
      orthopantomogram (OPTG). The comparison of <B and of <G was conducted during the
      roentgenological research of 28 patients at the age from 13 to 29 years with the
      different forms of the dentofacial anomalies by means of the methods of dental x
      rays, made through the use of TRG and OPTG. The dissimilarities are statistically
      insignificant (p>0,05) during the comparison of angles' indexes on the TRG and
      OPTG. The proposed rapid test method allows to identify the type of growth of the
      mandibular bones by the means of basal angle <B on the OPTG and to make allowance
      for the anatomic peculiarities of the structure of jaws on both sides in
      contradistinction from the TRG. The value <B is more than 25 degrees  on the OPTG
      - it denotes the retroinclination of the lower jaw bone and the vertical
      direction of growth, the index, which is lower than 15 degrees  bears record to
      the inclination of the lower jaw bone in an anteriad direction and in the
      horizontal direction of the growth. 

PMID- 27661270
TI  - DISTRIBUTION OF CARIOUS AND NON-CARIOUS CERVICAL LESIONS AND GINGIVAL RECESSION
      AT AGE RELATED ASPECTS.
AB  - The current study aims at differentiating carious and/or non-carious diseases
      developed in Class 5 region and detecting the distribution rate at the age
      aspects. The study was conducted at the Dental Clinicand Educational-Research
      Center "Unident" LTD and Dental Clinic "Dens". 256 patients were involved in the
      study. All patients underwent a routine dental examination, while
      rentgenovisiography and CT were performed in case of need. For gathering the
      detailed medical history and integrated study of Class 5 defects, a special
      questionnaire/survey, providing detailed information on each patient, was
      developed. The conducted study revealed the following: The patients were divided
      into 3 age groups: 16-30 of ages (77 patients, I study group), 30-50 of ages (97
      patients, II study group) and 50-70 of ages (82, III study group), respectively.
      In total 5802 teeth were examined. The subject of our interest was identification
      of intact and damaged teeth (affected with caries and non-carious diseases) in
      the above-mentioned contingent. It was found that carious disease of cervical
      zone of tooth (Class 5) most often was revealed in 30-50 age group (202 cases),
      which is 1.8-fold higher than the same index in the I study group (144) and 1.4
      fold higher in the III study group (183), respectively; The highest rate of non
      carious lesions (erosion, abrasion, abfraction) of dental neck was recorded in
      examined 50-70 age group (294 cases), which was 4.6 -fold higher than in the I
      study group (64) and 2.1 -fold higher in II study group (140), respectively; The
      lowest incidence of gingival recession was in the I study group (65 cases), which
      is 6.3 -fold lower than in the II study group (412) and 7.5-fold lower than - the
      III group (493). 

PMID- 27661271
TI  - CORRELATION OF HELICOBACTER PYLORI INFECTION WITH DEVELOPMENT OF CARDIOVASCULAR
      RISK IN PATIENTS WITH CORONARY HEART DISEASE IN ASSOCIATION WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES
      MELLITUS.
AB  - Recent years have demonstrated the possible existence of association between
      infection Helicobacter pylori (HP), coronary heart disease (CHD) and type 2
      diabetes mellitus (DM-2). The refinement of traditional and non-traditional
      factors of cardiovascular risk in patients with CHD in association with DM-2 of
      HP-seropositiveis currently important. In this regard, we have studied the
      influence of HP infection on cardiovascular risk in patients with CHD and DM-2.
      60 persons with CHD in association with DM-2with/without HP have been examined.
      The results of own studies have shown that HP-seropositive patients with CHD in
      association with DM-2have pro-atherogenic lipid pattern, significantly higher
      rates of glucose in fasting state, level of C-reactive protein against the
      background of hyperinsulinemia, hypoadiponectinemia compared with HP-seronegative
      patients. HP infection association with increasing cardiovascular risk, depending
      on the genotype of the polymorphic marker rs1044471 of ADIPOR2 gene have not been
      found. At the same time, HP-seropositive patients with TT genotype of the
      polymorphic gene ADIPOR2 rs1044471constitutethe risk group of cardiovascular
      events formation by main metabolic indicators. The received data suggest that HP
      infection is important in development of cardiovascular risk in patients with CHD
      in association withDM-2, the presence of which aggravates cardio metabolic status
      of the patient. 

PMID- 27661272
TI  - ENDOTHELIAL DYSFUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC OBSRTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE
      WITH CONCOMITANT HYPERTENSION.
AB  - In recent years, special attention is paid to comorbid conditions in the clinic
      of internal diseases. There actively explored the role of endothelial dysfunction
      as a single unit in the pathological formation of chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease (COPD) associated with hypertension. The study involved 145 patients who
      were carried out the final level of metabolites of nitric oxide (NO2, NO3), S
      nitrosothiols, endothelial and inducible NO-synthase. All patients were divided
      into 3 groups: the first group included 55 patients (35 men and 20 women) who had
      been diagnosed with COPD with concomitant hypertension - the core group. The
      average age for this group was 57,6 years (46+/-68). The comparison group
      consisted of 45 patients (34 men and 11 women) with isolated course of COPD. The
      average age for second group was 53,3 years (40+/-67). The control group
      consisted of 45 healthy volunteers - 25 men and 20 women. Results of the study of
      the endothelial dysfunction revealed dynamic change in serum nitrate, nitrite, S
      nitrosothiols and activity of eNOS and iNOS as the group of patients with COPD
      with associated hyperttension and the group of patients with isolated COPD.
      Informative and prognostic indicators relatively severity of diseases in patients
      with significant comorbidity may be considered high levels of iNOS and S
      nitrosothiols, which indicates the voltage of the functional activity of
      endogenous antioxidant defense mechanisms in this cohort of persons. The findings
      suggest that the progression of endothelial dysfunction in comorbidity, which may
      lead to the current aggravation of diseases and vascular disorders in these
      patients. 

PMID- 27661273
TI  - THE ROLE OF POLYMORPHISM - 634 G/C (RS 2010963) OF VEGF-A GENE IN THE DEVELOPMENT
      OF HYPERTENSION AND OBESITY IN PREMENOPAUSAL WOMEN.
AB  - The study of genetic dependency of developing cardiovascular diseases and factors
      of endothelial dysfunction in menopausal women is extremely important in today's
      world. The aim of the study was to assess the correlation of polymorphic marker 
      634G/S (rs2010963) of the VEGF-A gene and formation of AH combined with obesity
      in premenopausal women. The data of 115 women with stage II of AH, grade 1-2 and
      obesity I-II gr., aged 45 to 60 years. All patients were divided into groups
      according to menopausal status: 45 women without menopause (premenopausal), and
      who were registered with irregular menstrual cycle for 3-11 months, and 50
      menopausal women whose period is less than 3 years. The control group was
      consisted of 20 healthy perimenopausal women matched by age. The VEGF
      concentration was determined by ELISA. The study of the allelic polymorphism -634
      G/C (rs 2010963) VEGF-A gene was performed by polymerase chain reaction. It was
      found that the GG genotype polymorphism -634 G/C (rs 2010963) of the VEGF-A gene
      is more common among women with hypertension and obesity in premenopause, than in
      the menopause group. It was shown that the level of VEGF was significantly higher
      among premenopausal and menopausal women with the GG genotype polymorphism -634
      G/C (rs 2010963) of the VEGF-A gene compared with genotypes GC and CC patients
      (p<0.05). The carriage of the GG genotype polymorphism -634 G/C (rs 2010963) of
      the VEGF-A gene can be considered as an early marker of the cardiovascular risk
      development of hypertensive disease combined with an obesity among perimenopausal
      patients. 

PMID- 27661275
TI  - [RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INFLAMMATIONAND HEART DYSSYNCHRONY IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC
      HEART FAILURE AND DIABETES MELLITUS TYPE 2].
AB  - The study involved 100 patients with chronic heart failure of ischemic origin II
      III functional class (NYNA) and diabetes mellitus type 2. The concentration of
      serum markers of inflammation was determined by enzyme immunoassay. Sardiac
      dyssynchrony was detected echocardiographic and electrocardiographic methods. The
      study showed that the presence of cardiac dyssynchrony is accompanied by
      significant increase concentrations of inflammatory markers (CRP (p=2*10-9), TNF
      alpha (p=4*10-6), IL-1beta (p=0,01596), IL-6 (r=2*10-6) in patients. Also
      revealed statistically significant direct correlations between levels: Ts and CRP
      (r=0,604; p<0,001) and Ts-SD (r=0,611; p<0,001); TNF-alpha and Ts (r=0,585;
      p<0,001) and Ts-SD (r=0,561; p<0,001); IL-1beta with the QRS (r=0,257; p<0,05),
      Ts (r=0,365; p<0,001), Ts-SD (r=0,350; p<0,001) and IVMD (r=0,272; p<0,05); IL-6
      and Ts (r=0,744, p<0,001) and Ts-SD (r=0,744; p<0,001), which implies that the
      amplification of inflammation contributes to the further progression of
      myocardial dyssynchrony in patients with chronic heart failure of ischemic origin
      and type 2 diabetes. 

PMID- 27661274
TI  - CLINICAL AND GENETIC PREDICTORS AND PROGNOSTIC MODEL OF RAPIDLY PROGRESSIVE
      HEPATIC FIBROSIS IN CHRONIC HEPATITIS C.
AB  - The search for risk factors for rapid progression of hepatic fibrosis (HF) in
      chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is a topical scientific and practical task. The purpose
      of the study is to identify clinical and genetic predictors and create the
      prognostic model of rapidly progressive HF in CHC. A retrospective cohort study
      of 125 patients with CHC has been carried out. The logistic regression and ROC
      analysis have been applied for statistical data processing. The resulting
      analysis of 46 potential predictors of rapidly progressive HF in CHC identified
      the following significant ctiteria: male gender - OR=3.44 [95% SIota 1.60-7.39],
      r=0.001; increased levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) - OR=4.93 [95% SIota
      1.54-15.76], r=0.007, particularly, moderate cytolytic activity - OR=2.36 [95%
      SIota 1.08-5.16], r=0.031; aspartate aminotransferase (AST) - OR=3.65 [95% SIota
      1.41-9.43] r=0.007; gamma-glutamiltranspeptidase (GGTP) - OR=3.63 [95% SIota 1.73
      7.61], r=0.001; total bilirubin - OR=3.53 [95% SIota 1.47-8.47], r=0.005;
      alkaline phosphatase - OR=9.18 [95% 1.11-75.80], r=0.039; alcohol intake>40 g/day
      (OR=3.53 [95% SIota 1.36-9.17], r=0.009), Gln11Gln genotype of the TLR7 gene
      (OR=4.56 [95% SIota 1.57-13.22], r=0.005), presence of chronic cholecystitis
      and/or pancreatitis (OR=5.30 [95% SIota 1.84-15.25], r=0.002). The prognostic
      model, comprising 6 predictors (level of GGTP>upper limit of normal (ULN), male
      gender, Gln11Gln genotype of the TLR7 gene chronic cholecystitis and/or
      pancreatitis, levels of total bilirubin and AST>ULN) have been created,
      demonstrating the statistical significance (p=0.000) and high operational
      characteristics (sensitivity - 85.5%, specificity - 68.3%, total number of the
      appropriate assignments - 76.8%, positive and negative predictive value - 72,6%
      and 82.7%,, respectively, the AUC ROC-curve - 0.840). Use of the created model
      will help to predict the rapid progression of HF in CHC and form the risk-group,
      requiring individual approaches to prescribing antiviral therapy for CHC. 

PMID- 27661276
TI  - THE USEFULNESS OF MONITORING THE NEUTROPHIL TO LYMPHOCYTE RATIO IN PATIENTS WITH
      PERIPHERAL VERTIGO.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of the neutrophil to
      lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in a differential diagnosis and follow-up of patients with
      peripheral vertigo. Twenty patients with benign positional paroxysmal vertigo
      (BPPV) and 20 patients diagnosed with vestibular neuritis (VN) were included in
      the study. Serum samples were analysed at the initial presentation and on the
      seventh day of admission retrospectively. The WBC (white blood cell) count was
      10500+/-2100 /mm3, the neutrophil count was 4700+/-1100/mm3, the lymphocyte count
      was 5000+/-1200/mm3 and the NLR was 0.9+/-0.2 in the VN group. In patients with
      BPPV, the WBC count was 9200+/-1300/mm3, the neutrophil count was 5200+/
      1200/mm3, the lymphocyte count was 3100+/-1200/mm3 and the NLR was 1.9+/-0.9. The
      NLR was lower in patients with VN than in patients diagnosed with BPPV. The WBC
      and lymphocyte count was significantly higher in the patients with VN than in the
      patients diagnosed with BPPV. Within the first week of admission, the WBC and
      lymphocyte counts in patients with VN decreased, and the NLR was more elevated
      than at the admission. It is highly recommended that NLR is used in the diagnosis
      and follow-up of the most commonly observed aetiological factors of peripheral
      vertigo, BPPV and VN. 

PMID- 27661277
TI  - [CONGENITAL DEFICIENCY OF COAGULATION FACTOR V].
AB  - The study was designed to investigate the 5 year old girl with rare bleeding
      disorder -deficiency of coagulation factor V. The diagnosis was based on detail
      family history, physical examination and para-clinical data analyses. The age of
      patient, purpura, this has been detected from early age, positive family history,
      non-controlled, longtime bleeding, inadequate trauma of the tongue, which did not
      resolve after surgery, strong hypocoagulation, which was slightly improved, after
      several plasma transfusions. This allowed us to suggest the existence of the
      congenital coagulopathy, which was confirmed by the investigation of coagulation
      factors - particularly the deficiency of factor V was detected. 

PMID- 27661278
TI  - IMMUNE CHANGES IN NEWBORN INFANTS WITH GASTROINTESTINAL FAILURE REQUIRING
      INTENSIVE CARE.
AB  - Newborns in critical conditions, because of the natureof the immune system, have
      the greatest risk of realization of immune deficiency, especially with
      gastrointestinal failure. We analyzed 44 cases of diseases in newborns in
      critical conditions and 20 cases without and studied the clinical and laboratory
      signs of immunological disorders, organpathology, gene expressionToll
      likereceptor type 2. In newborns requiring intensive care, the frequency of
      gastrointestinal failure registration in 40,9%. Gastrointestinal failure leads to
      increased amounts of other affected systems, severity of systemic inflammation,
      gene expressionToll-likereceptor type 2, a marker of apoptosis of lymphocytes
      CD95+, inhibition lymphocyte germ of immune system due to fraction of CD4+,the
      severity of the clinical condition. In newbornsin intensive care gastrointestinal
      failure is recorded at a frequency of 40,9%, is a component of multiple organ
      dysfunction syndrome, increases the expression of the geneToll-likereceptor type
      2, implements violation adequate response humoral immunity, activates apoptosis
      of lymphocytes, which increases the severity of the patients. 

PMID- 27661279
TI  - [PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN IN ORPHANAGES].
AB  - Aim - to define the parameters of physical development of children in orphanages.
      72 children (45 boys, 27 girls) without chronic debilitating diseases and
      condition aged from 1 to 6 years from Tbilisi and Makhinjauri orphanages
      (Georgia) were assessed. Height and weight of all subjects were measured and BMI,
      height SDS (standard deviation score) and weight SDS were calculated. Data were
      compared to the normal values (national data). The retardation of the physical
      development were seen along almost all findings. The significant differences
      regarding age and gender were not revealed. The most expressed tendency to delay
      was expressed in the height of boys, particularly aged 3-5 years. Our data
      confirm that institution upbringing has a negative impact on the growth of
      children of 1-6 years of age. In children aged from 1 to 6 years who are healthy
      but live in orphanages there is a marked tendency to lag behind in physical
      development, mainly in height. The above-mentioned confirms the opinion about
      negative impact of upbringing in orphanages on the physical development of
      children. 

PMID- 27661280
TI  - [IRON-DEFICIENCY ANEMIA AS A FACTOR OF DEVELOPMENT OF ASTHENIA SYNDROME].
AB  - The aim of this research was to determine the frequency and degree of severity of
      asthenic syndrome (AS) and estimation of physical health of women with iron
      deficiency anemia (IDA) and without it. 30 women were inspected with the set
      diagnosis of IDA and 20 nearly were healthy. All participants were assessed
      according objective status. AS was determined by the scale of estimation of
      asthenia - Scale Asthenic Conditions (SAC) of LD Malkova, the scale of subjective
      evaluation of asthenia (MFI-20). Level of somatic health was appraised by
      methodology of LG Apanasenko. As a result of research it was found that in 100%
      of women with IDA , which more often occurs with expressed hypoxic syndrome, that
      aggravates a process of AS. The severity of AS directly depends on the degree of
      IDA. The presence of IDA contributes to decreased physical activity of patients
      because of progressive weakness and fatigue. The level of physical health is
      rated as "low" due to low reserve capacity of the cardiorespiratory system and
      power qualities. In the control group, incidence of AS is significantly lower (40
      55%) and the degree of severity in most cases is weak and moderate. The obtained
      data allow to make the conclusion that the medicines for correction of AS must be
      necessarily included in therapy of IDA. 

PMID- 27661281
TI  - [STUDY OF LIPIDS SEED'S OIL OF VITEX AGNUS CASTUS GROWING IN GEORGIA].
AB  - There was established the lipid composition of the seeds of Vitex agnus castus L.
      by the qualitative and quantitative methods of analyses. There were received
      neutral lipids from the seeds by extraction with hexane in the yield 10%, counted
      on dry material. For the divide of neutral lipids there was used silica gel
      plates LS 5/40 in the systems of solvents: 1. petroleum ether-diethylether-acidum
      aceticum (85:14:1), 2. hexane-diethylether (1:1). After obtaining neutral lipids
      from the residual plant shrot pollar lipids was extracted with the mixture of
      chloroform-methanol (2:1) and was divided on silica gel plates LS 5/40, mobile
      phase: 1. chloroform-methanol-25% ammonium hydrate 2. chloroform-methanol icy
      acetic acid-water (170:25:25:6). In the sum of polar lipids qualitatively were
      established phospholipids: lisophosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinosit,
      phospatidylethanolamine and N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine, in neutral lipids,
      hydrocarbons, triglycerids, free fatty acids and sterines. By the method of high
      performance liquid chromatography analyses there were identified following free
      fatty acids: lauric, myristic, palmitic, stearic, linolic, linolenic, arachidic
      and begenic, unsaturated oleic and polyunsaturated linolic and linolenic acids.
      obtained oil with unique composition from the seeds of Vitex agnus-castus
      indicates to its high biological activity and importance for usage in medicine. 

PMID- 27661282
TI  - [SCREENING OF WILD SPREAD AND CULTIVATED OF BUXUS SPECIES GROWING IN GEORGIA ON
      THE CONTENT OF ALKALOIDS AND BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY].
AB  - Georgian flora is represented by about 4150 plant species. Many important
      alkaloid-containing plant species and among of them are species Buxus L. of genus
      in Adjara. The aims of the research were: sequential screening of the plants for
      the consistence of alkaloids; Study of anatomical characteristics of Buxus
      colchica Pojark. and revealing of specific pharmacological activity of steroidal
      alkaloids. The objects of research were B. colchica, B. balearika and B.
      sempervirens, growing in Adjara (Georgia), collected in active phase of flowering
      of the plants. There were revealed 370 species of alkaloid containing plants. Sum
      of alkaloids and crude aqueous extract have spasmolitic and antihistaminic
      activity. Experimental anatomical research of diagnostic characteristics of the
      bines showed the existence of monocyclic transient system with fiber like
      tracheids, dorsoventral mesophyll of the leaves; the structure for the upper part
      of epidermis is linear and the lower part is curved, type of stomata is
      paracitic. 

PMID- 27661283
TI  - INTERSYSTEM INTEGRATION IN TERMS OF THE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS IN THE INITIAL
      COURSES OF HIGHER MEDICAL SCHOOL.
AB  - The study was conducted as part of research work "Features of integrative and
      autonomic functions in the process of adaptation to the intellectual, emotional
      and physical stress" of the Department of Physiology of KhNMU. The aim of this
      work was to study the intersystem relationships that are the basis for the
      development of the body's resistance to the effects of stress factors, i.e., the
      development of adaptation syndrome in medical students. The object of the study
      were 217 students of 1-3 courses, which were examined in terms of the educational
      process. The features of intersystem integration the cardiorespiratory system on
      the basis of conjugation and integration of brain activity indeces based on
      intellectual efficiency in terms of a correction test. The study of the
      psychophysiological indicators complex in dynamics (3 years) revealed the
      formation of chronic emotional stress in medical students, the severity of which
      depends on the individual psychophysiological status of students. It was set that
      the formation of the adaptive optimum with psychoemotional stress occurs in only
      in 40% of students. Most of the students (60 %) indicate or initially
      insufficient adaptive capabilities, or an excessive rate, which naturally lead to
      psychological and autonomic disturbances in the organism. 

PMID- 27661284
TI  - [PREDICTING OF RISK OF SOIL CONTAMINATION BY DIFFERENT CLASSES OF FUNGICIDES IN
      SOIL AND CLIMATIC CONDITIONS OF UKRAINE].
AB  - Application of pesticides in modern agriculture is a powerful permanent risk
      factor for public health and the natural environment. The aim of the study was a
      comparative hygienic assessment of soil pollution hazards by the most widely used
      herbicides of different chemical classes (sulfonylureas, imidazolinones,
      pyrimidinyl (thio) benzoates, semicarbazones). Hygienic field experiment for
      studying of the dynamics of residual amounts of the test substances in the soil
      under different climatic zones of Ukraine was conducted. Half life periods (DT50)
      or herbicides in soil were calculated using the method of mathematical modeling.
      Ecotoxicological risk of herbicides on ecosystems and ecological communities was
      determined. It was established that bispyribac-sodium (pyrimidinyl (thio)
      benzoates) and imidazolinones are persist the longest time in soil and most
      rapidly degradable is diflufenzopyr (semicarbazone); ecotoxicological risk of the
      studied herbicides for terrestrial biocenoses of Ukraine by 4-6 orders of
      magnitude lower than dihlordifeniltrihlormetilmetan (DDT). 

PMID- 27661285
TI  - [INFLUENCE OF THE INTRA-ABDOMINAL HYPERTENSION ON THE BLOOD COAGULATION SYSTEM
      (EXPERIMENTAL STUDY)].
AB  - The analysis of the influence of the intra-abdominal hypertension on the blood
      coagulation system by carrying out an experimental research with laboratory
      animals is presented in article. After simulating intra-abdominal hypertension
      with different degree and exposition we made the laboratory research of blood
      coagulation system (fibrinogen, PTI, SFMC, APTT) and ELISA research on the
      concentration of the modern marker of thrombozis - D-dimer. The results in
      article clearly demonstrate that there is a direct linear dependence of level of
      fibrinogen and SFMC on degree of intra-abdominal hypertension, and the
      multidirectional changes of indicators with increase of intra-abdominal
      hypertension duration - towards hypercoagulation for 3-12 hours, and then by 24
      o'clock - in the opposite direction towards hypocoagulation. Perhaps, it is
      explained with development of organ dysfunction and a coagulopathy of
      consumption. Indicator D-dimer has also direct linear dependence on the intra
      abdominal hypertension level with contents peak at 3 hour exposition, and at all
      intra-abdominal hypertension levels, more than 2-fold rise of D-dimer level is
      statistically significant. 

PMID- 27661286
TI  - [INFLUENCE OF EMOTIONAL STRESS ON CELLULAR IMMUNITY EXPOSED TO LOW DOSE OF GAMMA
      RADIATION IN THE REMOTE PERIOD (EXPERIMENTAL STUDY)].
AB  - The study aim was to investigate the combined influence of emotional stress and
      low doses of ionizing radiation (0.2 Gr) on cellular immunity of laboratory
      animals in the remote period. One hundred and twenty Wistar rats were divided
      into 4 groups: 1 group control, 2 group - exposed to gamma-radiation, 3 group -
      exposed to emotional stress, 4 group was exposed to the combined influence of
      emotional stress and gamma-radiation. Emotional stress was simulated by tail
      suspension. Animals from groups 2 and 4 were exposed to a single dose of 0.2 Gr
      90 days prior the investigation via "TERAGAM" 60Co (ISOTREND spol. s.r.o., Check
      Republic). The results of our study show that in a remote period after exposure
      to a low dose of gamma-radiation the decrease of quantitative and increase of
      qualitative indicators of cellular immunity are observed, which is manifested by
      lymphopenia and decease of CD3+- CD4+ - and CD8+-lymphocytes subpopulations, and
      lymphokin-producing capacity of leucocytes. The late phase of stress-reaction is
      characterized by lymphocytosis, increase in absolute numbers of CD3+- and CD4+-
      lymphocytes, normal range of CD8+- cells and lymphokin-producing capacity of
      leucocytes and decrease of immunoregulatory index. 

PMID- 27661288
TI  - Intimate Partner Violence is Associated with Voluntary Sterilization in Women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intimate partner violence (IPV) may interfere with women's use of
      preferred forms of contraception, resulting in unwanted pregnancies forcing women
      to seek permanent sterilization. A history of child sexual abuse (CSA) presages
      the risk for IPV in adulthood setting the stage for adverse reproductive
      outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether CSA and IPV are associated with women's
      voluntary sterilization when adjusting for demographics and reproductive health
      history. METHODS: This cross-sectional study is based on in-person interviews of
      women (N = 278) drawn from outpatients surveyed in more than 10 different clinics
      (N = 2465). Women's history of gender-based violence and bilateral tubal ligation
      (BTL) were assessed. RESULTS: About half of the women had a past history of IPV
      and 29% disclosed CSA. CSA predicted later entry into an abusive relationship
      (odds ratio [OR] = 6.7). Sterilization was reported by 19.6%. Parity (3+
      children), having had an abortion, and receipt of welfare were associated with
      sterilization in univariate tests. Among those women receiving a BTL, 74% had
      violent partners. Adjusted multivariate logistic regressions, adjusted for
      demographics and reproductive history, indicated that having had an abusive
      partner increased the odds of sterilization; parity was also highly associated.
      CSA exerted only an indirect influence on sterilization via entry into violent
      relationships. CONCLUSION: IPV raises the likelihood that women will choose
      sterilization. Despite the importance of women's access to permanent
      contraception, priority should be given to screening for gender-based violence
      and promoting interventions.

PMID- 27661287
TI  - Repairing tRNA termini: News from the 3' end.
AB  - The removal of transcriptional 5' and 3' extensions is an essential step in tRNA
      biogenesis. In some bacteria, tRNA 5'- and 3'-end maturation require no further
      steps, because all their genes encode the full tRNA sequence. Often however, the
      ends are incomplete, and additional maturation, repair or editing steps are
      needed. In all Eukarya, but also many Archaea and Bacteria, e.g., the universal
      3'-terminal CCA is not encoded and has to be added by the CCA-adding enzyme.
      Apart from such widespread "repair/maturation" processes, tRNA genes in some
      cases apparently cannot give rise to intact, functional tRNA molecules without
      further, more specific end repair or editing. Interestingly, the responsible
      enzymes as far as identified appear to be polymerases usually involved in regular
      tRNA repair after damage. Alternatively, enzymes are recruited from other non
      tRNA pathways; e.g., in animal mitochondria, poly(A) polymerase plays a crucial
      role in the 3'-end repair/editing of tRNAs. While these repair/editing pathways
      apparently allowed peculiar tRNA-gene overlaps or mismatching mutations in the
      acceptor stem to become genetically fixed in some present-day organisms, they may
      have also driven some global changes in tRNA maturation on a greater evolutionary
      scale.

PMID- 27661290
TI  - A Phenotypic High-Content Screening Assay to Identify Regulators of Membrane
      Protein Localization.
AB  - Correct subcellular localization of proteins is a requirement for appropriate
      function. This is especially true in epithelial cells, which rely on the precise
      localization of a diverse array of epithelial polarity and cellular adhesion
      proteins. Loss of cell polarity and adhesion is a hallmark of cancer, and
      mislocalization of core polarity proteins, such as Scribble, is observed in a
      range of human epithelial tumors and is prognostic of poor survival. Despite
      this, little is known about how Scribble membrane localization is regulated.
      Here, we describe the development and application of a phenotypic high-content
      screening assay that is designed to specifically quantify membrane levels of
      Scribble to identify regulators of its membrane localization. A screening
      platform that is capable of resolving individual cells and quantifying membrane
      protein localization in confluent epithelial monolayers was developed by using
      the cytoplasm-to-cell-membrane bioapplication integrated with the Cellomics
      ArrayScan high-content imaging platform. Application of this method to a boutique
      human epithelial polarity and signaling small interfering RNA (siRNA) library
      resulted in highly robust coefficient-of-variance and Z' factor values. As proof
      of concept, we present two candidate genes whose depletion specifically reduces
      Scribble protein levels at the membrane. Data mining revealed that these proteins
      interact with components of the Scribble polarity complex, providing support for
      the utility of the screening approach. This method is broadly applicable to
      genome-wide and large-scale compound screening of membrane-bound proteins, and
      when coupled with pathway analysis the dataset becomes even more valuable and can
      provide predictive mechanistic insight.

PMID- 27661289
TI  - Validating a Hazardous Drinking Index in a Sample of Sexual Minority Women:
      Reliability, Validity, and Predictive Accuracy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although sexual minority women (SMW) are at increased risk of
      hazardous drinking (HD), efforts to validate HD measures have yet to focus on
      this population. OBJECTIVES: Validation of a 13-item Hazardous Drinking Index
      (HDI) in a large sample of SMW. METHODS: Data were from 700 adult SMW (age 18-82)
      enrolled in the Chicago Health and Life Experiences of Women study. Criterion
      measures included counts of depressive symptoms and post-traumatic stress
      disorder (PTSD) symptoms, average daily and 30-day ethanol consumption, risky
      sexual behavior, and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV) measures of
      alcohol abuse/dependence. Analyses included assessment of internal consistency,
      construction of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to predict alcohol
      abuse/dependence, and correlations between HDI and criterion measures. We
      compared the psychometric properties (diagnostic accuracy and correlates of
      hazardous drinking) of the HDI to the commonly used CAGE instrument. RESULTS: KR
      20 reliability for the HDI was 0.80, compared to 0.74 for the CAGE. Predictive
      accuracy, as measured by the area under the receiver operating characteristic
      curve for alcohol abuse/dependence, was HDI: 0.89; CAGE: 0.84. The HDI evidenced
      the best predictive efficacy and tradeoff between sensitivity and specificity.
      Results supported the concurrent validity of the HDI measure. CONCLUSIONS: The
      Hazardous Drinking Index is a reliable and valid measure of hazardous drinking
      for sexual minority women.

PMID- 27661294
TI  - ?
AB  - So much has happened since the last edition of the newsletter that it is
      difficult to know which event has caused the most excitement: celebrating the
      success of the first QUAN conference in July, or reflecting on the interest shown
      at the International Society for Quality Assurance conference in Washington in
      the work nurses are doing in this country on quality, or enjoying the challenging
      questions hurled at us by delegates about our auditing and evaluation courses.

PMID- 27661291
TI  - How Are Information Seeking, Scanning, and Processing Related to Beliefs About
      the Roles of Genetics and Behavior in Cancer Causation?
AB  - Understanding that cancer is caused by both genetic and behavioral risk factors
      is an important component of genomic literacy. However, a considerable percentage
      of people in the United States do not endorse such multifactorial beliefs. Using
      nationally representative cross-sectional data from the U.S. Health Information
      National Trends Survey (N = 2,529), we examined how information seeking,
      information scanning, and key information-processing characteristics were
      associated with endorsing a multifactorial model of cancer causation.
      Multifactorial beliefs about cancer were more common among respondents who
      engaged in cancer information scanning (p = .001), were motivated to process
      health information (p = .005), and reported a family history of cancer (p =
      .0002). Respondents who reported having previous negative information-seeking
      experiences had lower odds of endorsing multifactorial beliefs (p = .01).
      Multifactorial beliefs were not associated with cancer information seeking,
      trusting cancer information obtained from the Internet, trusting cancer
      information from a physician, self-efficacy for obtaining cancer information,
      numeracy, or being aware of direct-to-consumer genetic testing (ps > .05).
      Gaining additional understanding of how people access, process, and use health
      information will be critical for the continued development and dissemination of
      effective health communication interventions and for the further translation of
      genomics research to public health and clinical practice.

PMID- 27661295
TI  - Quality conference.
AB  - The first QUAN conference was opened by Baroness Jean MacFarlane, who headed the
      first Standards of Nursing Care Project at the Royal College of Nursing in 1965.

PMID- 27661292
TI  - Interrelationship between 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine and the circadian clock in the
      rodent heart.
AB  - Triiodothyronine (T3) is an important modulator of cardiac metabolism and
      function, often through modulation of gene expression. The cardiomyocyte
      circadian clock is a transcriptionally based molecular mechanism capable of
      regulating cardiac processes, in part by modulating responsiveness of the heart
      to extra-cardiac stimuli/stresses in a time-of-day (TOD)-dependent manner.
      Although TOD-dependent oscillations in circulating levels of T3 (and its
      intermediates) have been established, oscillations in T3 sensitivity in the heart
      is unknown. To investigate the latter possibility, euthyroid male Wistar rats
      were treated with vehicle or T3 at distinct times of the day, after which
      induction of known T3 target genes were assessed in the heart (4-h later). The
      expression of mRNA was assessed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain
      reaction (qPCR). Here, we report greater T3 induction of transcript levels at the
      end of the dark phase. Surprisingly, use of cardiomyocyte-specific clock mutant
      (CCM) mice revealed that TOD-dependent oscillations in T3 sensitivity were
      independent of this cell autonomous mechanism. Investigation of genes encoding
      for proteins that affect T3 sensitivity revealed that Dio1, Dio2 and Thrb1
      exhibited TOD-dependent variations in the heart, while Thra1 and Thra2 did not.
      Of these, Dio1 and Thrb1 were increased in the heart at the end of the dark
      phase. Interestingly, we observed that T3 acutely altered the expression of core
      clock components (e.g. Bmal1) in the rat heart. To investigate this further, rats
      were injected with a single dose of T3, after which expression of clock genes was
      interrogated at 3-h intervals over the subsequent 24-h period. These studies
      revealed robust effects of T3 on oscillations of both core clock components and
      clock-controlled genes. In summary, the current study exposed TOD-dependent
      sensitivity to T3 in the heart and its effects in the circadian clock genes
      expression.

PMID- 27661293
TI  - Examining the Construct Validity of the MMPI-2-RF Interpersonal Functioning
      Scales Using the Computerized Adaptive Test of Personality Disorder as a
      Comparative Framework.
AB  - This study aimed to examine the construct validity of the Minnesota Multiphasic
      Personality Inventory-2 Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) interpersonal functioning
      scales (Ben-Porath & Tellegen, 2008/2011 ) using as a criterion measure the
      Computerized Adaptive Test of Personality Disorder-Static Form (CAT-PD-SF; Simms
      et al., 2011 ). Participants were college students (n = 98) recruited through the
      university subject pool. A series of a priori hypotheses were developed for each
      of the 6 interpersonal functioning scales of the MMPI-2-RF, expressed as
      predicted correlations with construct-relevant CAT-PD-SF scales. Of the 27
      specific predictions, 21 were supported by substantial (>= |.30|) correlations.
      The MMPI-2-RF Family Problems scale (FML) demonstrated the strongest correlations
      with CAT-PD-SF scales Anhedonia and Mistrust; Cynicism (RC3) was most highly
      correlated with Mistrust and Norm Violation; Interpersonal Passivity (IPP) was
      most highly correlated with Domineering and Rudeness; Social Avoidance (SAV) was
      most highly correlated with Social Withdrawal and Anhedonia; Shyness (SHY) was
      most highly correlated with Social Withdrawal and Anxioiusness; and
      Disaffiliativeness (DSF) was most highly correlated with Emotional Detachment and
      Mistrust. Results are largely consistent with hypotheses suggesting support for
      both models of constructs relevant to interpersonal functioning. Future research
      designed to more precisely differentiate Social Avoidance (SAV) and Shyness (SHY)
      is suggested.

PMID- 27661296
TI  - Caines should resign.
AB  - Eric Caines is a civil servant. As the NHS Personnel Director he is appointed by
      the Secretary of State for Health, William Waldegrave. Yet it appears that Mr
      Caines is at liberty to dictate the future of the Review Body on pay and to plan
      for the devolution of Whitley authority in flagrant opposition to the Health
      Secretary's declared commitment to safeguard their future.

PMID- 27661297
TI  - UKCC.
AB  - Proposed legislation due to be launched this week will give the UKCC new powers
      to suspend practitioners from the register or issue a formal caution when
      misconduct has been proved but the offence is not deemed serious enough to
      warrant removal from the register.

PMID- 27661298
TI  - UKCC community nurse proposals.
AB  - Proposals for the new generic community nurse were launched for consultation
      yesterday by the UKCC.

PMID- 27661300
TI  - Scottish Charter ignores 'named nurses'.
AB  - Scotland's Patient's Charter launched last week contains no detail of the Prime
      Minister's 'named nurse' initiative, the Scottish Office has confirmed.

PMID- 27661299
TI  - Caines: 'Back him or sack him' call.
AB  - NHS Personnel Director Eric Caines is secretly hurrying to scupper the nurses'
      pay Review Body, despite Government pledges to keep it, leaked documents revealed
      last week.

PMID- 27661301
TI  - Grants increased by 50% but without ringfencing.
AB  - Health Secretary William Waldegrave last week announced a 50 per cent increase in
      specific grants to local authorities for AIDS, mental illness, alcohol and drug
      misuse work.

PMID- 27661302
TI  - ?
AB  - Image busting: A scene from the Department of Health's 60-second television
      commercial aimed at ensuring long-term nurse recruitment. The campaign also
      targets some of the negative stereotypes of nursing.

PMID- 27661303
TI  - Recruitment drive aims to improve public image.
AB  - The Department of Health last week launched a L2.6 million advertising campaign
      aimed at guaranteeing nurse recruitment into the next decade and aiming to
      improve the profession's public profile.

PMID- 27661305
TI  - Unions to debate pay and posts issues.
AB  - Irish nurses will meet this week at the Annual Delegate Conference of the
      country's largest nursing union to debate the major issues affecting the
      profession.

PMID- 27661306
TI  - Call for in-depth school counselling.
AB  - Education about sex and AIDS cannot be left to school nurses, an HIV/AIDS nurse
      counsellor said last week.

PMID- 27661307
TI  - ?
AB  - The Teikyo School UK team took part in the recent British Red Cross Walkathon,
      which coincided with the Japanese Matsuri Fair in London's Hyde Park.

PMID- 27661308
TI  - Government should not abdicate duty, says RCN.
AB  - Individuals cannot be expected to take full responsibility for health as some are
      in a better position to do so than others, RCN general secretary Christine
      Hancock said last week.

PMID- 27661309
TI  - Opposition plans for care grants outlined.
AB  - Shadow Health Minister Robin Cook pledged that an incoming Labour Government
      would provide ringfenced money to enable care in the community to be properly
      funded. But he said it was now too late to bring implementation forward from
      1993, even if there were an election in November.

PMID- 27661310
TI  - ?
AB  - Health Minister Virginia Bottomley is pictured with Eleanor Lyons at the launch
      of the Working Mothers Association's Working Parents Handbooklast week. The book
      is available from WMA, 77 Holloway Road, London N7 8JZ. Price L4.50.

PMID- 27661313
TI  - Nursing update.
AB  - The RCN Nursing Update pilot programme which was broadcast on BBC1 last week is
      to be repeated on Friday at 1.15am. It lasts for an hour. RCN Nursing Update is a
      continuing education project devised by the RCN's Institute of Advanced Nursing
      Education. Accompanying supplements are published in Nursing Standard.

PMID- 27661311
TI  - 'Messy divide' between nursing and social care.
AB  - Nurses are under enormous pressure because of the 'messy' divide between health
      and social care, Janice Robinson, Director of the King's Fund Centre Carers'
      Unit, told the annual Social Services Conference.

PMID- 27661314
TI  - Schools blamed for lack of interest in nursing.
AB  - Only 3 per cent of girls in a Liverpool survey expressed an interest in becoming
      nurses, an RCN careers conference was told last week.

PMID- 27661315
TI  - Problems of elderly written off, says Anchor.
AB  - Older people's housing and social problems are being written off as the natural
      accompaniment of advancing years, the housing and care agency for the elderly,
      Anchor, claimed last week.

PMID- 27661316
TI  - Green light for HIV-infected staff.
AB  - Health workers with HIV should continue to practice, provided they conform to
      universal precautions and avoid invasive procedures, the International Council of
      Nurses has ruled.

PMID- 27661318
TI  - ?
AB  - Health visitors took their message to shoppers in Harrow recently as part of
      National Health Visitors' Week.

PMID- 27661317
TI  - NAHAT warns of NHS capital charge losses.
AB  - Money set aside for capital charges under the health service reforms could leak
      away from NHS providers if purchasers buy services from the private sector, a
      National Association of Health Authorities and Trusts research paper argues.

PMID- 27661319
TI  - Parliament.
AB  - Labour claims it will scrap all legal gags preventing nurses voicing their
      concerns about the health services in public.

PMID- 27661322
TI  - Network news.
AB  - Members of the Standards of Care project the QUAN Steering Group attended
      International Symposium on Quality in Washington DC in May. were given by June
      Girvin and Dunn about the use of the Dynamic Standard Setting System (DySSSy) by
      and by the research team from DySSSy' project which looks at the effect that
      standard setting has on patient care. Poster presentations were also presented on
      the work looking at classification systems by Anita McBride, and on the Standard
      Setting System by Sophie Hyndman and Gill Harvey, which scooped a prize for best
      poster. Interest in project was lively with a focus on the approach taken by
      DySSSy. For a full report see the article by Anita on page 11 .

PMID- 27661323
TI  - World news.
AB  - Montana The case of six hospice nurses facing misconduct charges for keeping pain
      relief drugs in an unlocked drawer has sparked national controversy over the
      demands of drug control versus the exigencies of pain control.

PMID- 27661324
TI  - ?
AB  - Great minds: Royal College of Nursing Newcastle Branch Secretary Pat Botterill
      cuts the cake at a party to celebrate the College's 75th anniversary, while
      (left) members of Tower Hamlets Branch in London prepare to do the honours at a
      party which followed a study session on quality.

PMID- 27661325
TI  - Low teaching priority for pressure area care.
AB  - Pressure area care receives a low priority in schools of nursing and continuing
      education departments, it was claimed recently.

PMID- 27661326
TI  - Exercise helps prevent childhood hypertension.
AB  - Physical training lowers blood pressure, helps prevent hypertension and improves
      overall fitness in children, a new study from Denmark has shown.

PMID- 27661327
TI  - Chest disease 'linked with low birth weight'.
AB  - Babies born below normal weight are more likely to suffer chest diseases in their
      first year and therefore more likely to suffer or even the from chronic
      obstructive airways disease in adult life, according to a new study.

PMID- 27661329
TI  - ?
AB  - Fit for life: Children can achieve general fitness and help prevent hypertension
      using ordinary school facilities, say Danish researchers.

PMID- 27661328
TI  - Psychosocial status 'is no recovery predictor'.
AB  - New research has challenged the belief that psychosocial factors may influence
      the rate of recovery from post-traumatic disorders.

PMID- 27661330
TI  - Routine toxoplasma tests advised against.
AB  - Patients with a clinical diagnosis of glandular fever but a negative Paul-
      Bunnell test should not be tested routinely for toxoplasmosis.

PMID- 27661331
TI  - Laparoscope instead of open appendicectomy?
AB  - A laparoscopic technique for appendicectomy might be a useful alternative to an
      open procedure.

PMID- 27661333
TI  - Could green tea prevent cancer?
AB  - Green tea, a traditional Japanese drink, might have anticancer properties.

PMID- 27661332
TI  - Identification model helps abused women.
AB  - Hospitals could do much to identify and help abused women using a model developed
      in the United States.

PMID- 27661334
TI  - Suspect osteomyelitis in diabetic foot ulcers.
AB  - The majority of diabetic foot ulcers have an underlying osteomyelitis which is
      clinically unsuspected.

PMID- 27661335
TI  - Ten commitments.
AB  - The Prime Minister's vision for tomorrow's NHS includes an enhanced role for
      nurses and greater recognition of their importance in health care, the profession
      was assured last month.

PMID- 27661336
TI  - Leaking the bad news.
AB  - Despite the headline-hitting swathe of traditional budget crises that have
      stricken NHS Trusts since April, we have been experiencing a false lull in the
      war over the future of the health service's workers.

PMID- 27661337
TI  - Would you Trust the doctor's regime?
AB  - Since April, Dr Mark Baker, Chief Executive of Bradford Hospitals Trust, has axed
      10 per cent of his beds, come under fire from the House of Commons Health
      Committee, and become a prime target for local and national media. He says he is
      having fun.

PMID- 27661339
TI  - UKCC code only for discipline?
AB  - I am worried about the apparent lack of support from the United Kingdom Central
      Council for nurses such as Graham Pink, following a number of recent cases
      involving whistleblowers facing disciplinary penalties that have been reported in
      the national press.

PMID- 27661340
TI  - Funding needed for whistleblowers.
AB  - It appears that the reward one gets for airing one's conscience in the field of
      nursing is the sack.

PMID- 27661338
TI  - A feminist sold short.
AB  - Throughout her parliamentary career Clare Short, opposition spokesperson on
      Social Security until her resignation earlier this year, has been an unequivocal
      advocate of women's rights.

PMID- 27661341
TI  - Casualty Update.
AB  - Last week's Casualty saw some dangerous games played out. The most obvious game
      was macho man being drawn into the deep end of the noisy, crowded swimming pool.
      The dangers were clear. Who can tell the screams of fun from those of fear?

PMID- 27661342
TI  - RCN out of step in childcare.
AB  - I read with interest Linda Nazarko and Sharon McVey's recent articles on the
      problems of childcare for working student parents and trained staff (Nursery
      Crimes, Nursing Standard September 18 and Shift Those Patterns, Tradimus August
      14).

PMID- 27661343
TI  - More praise for award winner.
AB  - I was very pleased to read of Elizabeth Hopper's Nursing Standard BUPA Nursing
      Nurse 91 Award for her work in bereavement and loss during or after pregnancy
      (Nursing Standard September 18).

PMID- 27661344
TI  - Information exchange.
AB  - I am doing a national survey of community psychiatric nurses currently involved
      in forensic psychiatry.

PMID- 27661346
TI  - Nurse 91 Awards.

PMID- 27661345
TI  - Gossip.
AB  - In among the recent spate of stories concerning the imminent threat of seeing
      hospitals in the hands of the receivers has come a story about receivers in the
      hands of hospitals.

PMID- 27661347
TI  - Health promotion Health promotion , 2nd edition Edelman C and handle C C V Mosby
      616pp L27.95 0-8016-3260-9 [Formula: see text].
AB  - The second edition of Health Promotion: Throughout the Lifespan should, I hope,
      gain a wider readership than anticipated, given the emphasis on health promotion
      in the general practitioner contracts and the expansion of health promotion
      activities in hospitals and the community. All nurses have an important part to
      play in health promotion, and this book has something to offer everyone,
      regardless of discipline, background or place of work.

PMID- 27661348
TI  - Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology, 3rd edition Essentials of Human
      Anatomy and Physiology, 3rd edition Marieb E N Cummings 480pp L29.95 0-8053-4804
      2 [Formula: see text].
AB  - Anatomy and physiology is a subject about which few wax lyrical. Elaine Marieb's
      delightful text proves to be the exception to the rule. Clearly written for those
      will little background knowledge in the workings of the human body, it gently
      explores the body in 16 systems-based, self-contained chapters.

PMID- 27661349
TI  - Child Abuse Johnson P Child Abuse Crowood Press 272pp L9.50 1-85223-360-5
      [Formula: see text].
AB  - Paul Johnson is a social worker with extensive experience in the field of child
      protection. In Child Abuse - Understanding theProblem, he carefully and
      successfully reveals the whole subject of child abuse, dealing with
      controversies, definition difficulties, different areas of child abuse, legal and
      local authority procedures, investigations and, refreshingly, treatment issues.

PMID- 27661350
TI  - Listings.
AB  - Nursing Standard regrets that owing to unprecedented demand we are no longer able
      to take listings over the telephone. We would like to remind our readers that the
      listings section is for use by charitable organisations, unions, professional
      organisations and health authorities to publicise forthcoming events. Your
      listings should contain all relevant details and be posted or faxed to Jo Barr,
      Nursing Standard, Viking House, 17-19 Peterborough Road, Harrow, Middlesex HA1
      2AX (Fax 081-423 3867).

PMID- 27661351
TI  - Behavioral regulations and dispositional flow in exercise among American college
      students relative to stages of change and gender.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine behavioral regulations and
      dispositional flow in exercise among university students in terms of gender and
      stage of change. PARTICIPANTS: Data were collected from American college students
      (N = 257; Mage +/- SD = 23.02 +/- 4.05) in Spring 2013. METHODS: Behavioral
      regulations and dispositional flow in exercise were assessed, along with stage of
      change. RESULTS: Exercisers in the maintenance stage of change displayed
      significantly more self-determined motivation to exercise and a greater tendency
      to experience flow than those in preparation and action stages. Significant
      correlations were observed among behavioral regulations and flow state.
      Nonsignificant differences were observed for gender on behavioral regulations and
      dispositional flow in exercise. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that promotion
      of self-determined motivation and dispositional flow in exercisers may improve
      the quality of their experiences, as well as to foster their exercise behavior.

PMID- 27661352
TI  - High sensitivity and resolution integrated optical system for portable Raman
      spectrometer.
AB  - An integrated optical system with high sensitivity and resolution was presented.
      This was made possible by coupling a probe to a monochromator directly, using an
      aspheric lens and an achromatic lens in the coupling path, using a dichroic
      filter with high transmission and a steep transitional zone as a beam splitter,
      increasing the throughput of the monochromator, and optimizing its structural
      parameters. This optical system has a high sensitivity; the tested spectrogram of
      a glass rod demonstrated that the signal-to-noise ratio measured by the
      integrated optical system was almost 4 times as high as an independent probe and
      monochromator. The optical system also has the advantages of high resolution (4 
      cm<sup>-1</sup> or 0.28 nm), low cost, and portable size. This work lays a good
      groundwork for the development of a high sensitivity, high resolution, and low
      cost integrated portable Raman spectrometer. 

PMID- 27661353
TI  - Study on intelligent recognition detection technology of debond defects for
      ceramic matrix composites based on terahertz time domain spectroscopy.
AB  - With the wide use of high-temperature-resistant ceramic matrix composites (CMCs)
      in aviation and space flight, it is important to detect the quality of the
      bonding. This paper used terahertz (THz) time-domain spectroscopy nondestructive
      testing technology to inspect the bonding defects of the CMC. This paper puts
      forward a method-extraction method, which is applied to make samples to simulate
      the bonding defect of CMC by embedding polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) sheets with
      0.12 mm thickness into the adhesive layer and extracting it after curing and
      presetting the bonding defects. On the basis of the classical and analytical
      algorithms, such as the maximum in time-domain and power spectrum integration,
      through further study in the THz spectral characteristics of bonding samples for
      CMC, we specifically introduce the upper debond coefficient, lower debond
      coefficient, average absorption coefficient for the frequency domain, centroid
      coefficient for the frequency domain, and other characteristics. By optimizing
      the THz detection characteristics set, as a sample, we adopt the neural network
      intelligent recognition algorithm to detect the upper and lower debond defects in
      samples and realize the intelligent identification for CMC debond defects. 

PMID- 27661354
TI  - High-resolution, dual-depth spectral-domain optical coherence tomography with
      interlaced detection for whole-eye imaging.
AB  - Dual-depth spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) enables high
      resolution in vivo whole-eye imaging. Two orthogonally polarized beams from a
      source are focused simultaneously on two axial positions of the anterior segment
      and the retina. For the detector arm, a 1*2 ultrafast optical switch sequentially
      delivers two spectral interference signals to a single spectrometer, which
      extends the in-air axial depth range up to 9.44 mm. An off-pivot complex
      conjugate removal technique doubles the depth range for all anterior segment
      imaging. The graphics-processing-unit-based parallel signal processing algorithm
      supports fast two- and three-dimensional image displays. The obtained high
      resolution anterior and retinal images are measured biometrically. The dual-depth
      SD-OCT system has an axial resolution of ~6.4  MUm in air, and the sensitivity is
      91.79 dB at 150 MUm from the zero-delay line. 

PMID- 27661355
TI  - Array illumination of a Fresnel-Dammann zone plate.
AB  - The traditional Dammann grating is a phase-only modulation, and its theoretical
      foundation is based on far-field diffraction. Here we extend the traditional
      Fresnel zone plate (FZP) into a Fresnel-Dammann zone plate (FDZP), which is, in
      essence, considered as a FZP with Dammann modulation. Different from the Dammann
      grating, a single FDZP can generate array illumination from the near field to the
      far field by means of amplitude-only modulation in the absence of phase
      modulation. We then give some array illuminations operated in a water window to
      validate the feasibility and validity. This kind of wave-front modulation
      technology can be applied to array focusing and imaging from the x-ray to the EUV
      region. 

PMID- 27661356
TI  - Harmonics analysis of the photonic time stretch system.
AB  - Photonic time stretch (PTS) has been intensively investigated in recent decades
      due to its potential application to ultra-wideband analog-to-digital conversion.
      A high-speed analog signal can be captured by an electronic analog-to-digital
      converter (ADC) with the help of the PTS technique, which slows down the speed of
      signal in the photonic domain. Unfortunately, the process of the time stretch is
      not linear due to the nonlinear modulation of the electro-optic intensity
      modulator in the PTS system, which means the undesired harmonics distortion. In
      this paper, we present an exact analytical model to fully characterize the
      harmonics generation in the PTS systems for the first time, to the best of our
      knowledge. We obtain concise and closed-form expressions for all harmonics of the
      PTS system with either a single-arm Mach-Zehnder modulator (MZM) or a push-pull
      MZM. The presented model can largely simplify the PTS system design and the
      system parameters estimation, such as system bandwidth, harmonics power, time
      bandwidth product, and dynamic range. The correctness of the mathematic model is
      verified by the numerical and experimental results. 

PMID- 27661357
TI  - Model-based restoration using light vein for range-gated imaging systems.
AB  - The images captured by an airborne range-gated imaging system are degraded by
      many factors, such as light scattering, noise, defocus of the optical system,
      atmospheric disturbances, platform vibrations, and so on. The characteristics of
      low illumination, few details, and high noise make the state-of-the-art
      restoration method fail. In this paper, we present a restoration method
      especially for range-gated imaging systems. The degradation process is divided
      into two parts: the static part and the dynamic part. For the static part, we
      establish the physical model of the imaging system according to the laser
      transmission theory, and estimate the static point spread function (PSF). For the
      dynamic part, a so-called light vein feature extraction method is presented to
      estimate the fuzzy parameter of the atmospheric disturbance and platform
      movement, which make contributions to the dynamic PSF. Finally, combined with the
      static and dynamic PSF, an iterative updating framework is used to restore the
      image. Compared with the state-of-the-art methods, the proposed method can
      effectively suppress ringing artifacts and achieve better performance in a range
      gated imaging system. 

PMID- 27661358
TI  - Non-uniformity correction for division of focal plane polarimeters with a
      calibration method.
AB  - Division of focal plane polarimeters are composed of nanometer polarization
      elements overlaid upon a focal plane array (FPA) sensor. The manufacturing flaws
      of the polarization grating and each detector in the FPA having a different photo
      response can introduce non-uniformity errors when reconstructing the polarization
      image without correction. A new calibration method is proposed to mitigate non
      uniformity errors in the visible waveband. We correct non-uniformity in the form
      of a vector. The correction matrix and offset vector are calculated for the
      following correction. The performance of the proposed method is compared with
      state-of-the-art techniques by employing simulated data and real scenes. The
      experimental results showed that the proposed method can effectively mitigate non
      uniformity errors and achieve better visual results. 

PMID- 27661359
TI  - Optical amplification and reshaping based on the Peregrine rogue wave.
AB  - Based on the characteristics of the Peregrine rogue wave, the amplification and
      the reshaping of solitons are investigated. The numerical results show that the
      amplification and the reshaping of solitons can be realized by injecting a
      continuous wave (CW) and filtering the CW at suitable positions. The combination
      of a continuous-wave pump and a spectral filter placed suitably in fiber plays
      the role of the amplifier, which can be used to long-haul the transmission of
      solitons. As an example, a long-haul transmission with four amplification periods
      is demonstrated. 

PMID- 27661360
TI  - Optofluidic two-dimensional grating volume refractive index sensor.
AB  - We present an optofluidic reservoir with a two-dimensional grating for a lab-on-a
      chip volume refractive index sensor. The observed diffraction pattern from the
      device resembles the analytically obtained fringe pattern. The change in the
      diffraction pattern has been monitored in the far-field for fluids with different
      refractive indices. Reliable measurements of refractive index variations, with an
      accuracy of 6*10<sup>-3</sup> refractive index units, for different fluids
      establishes the optofluidic device as a potential on-chip tool for monitoring
      dynamic refractive index changes. 

PMID- 27661361
TI  - Systematic afterpulsing-estimation algorithms for gated avalanche photodiodes.
AB  - We present a method designed to efficiently extract optical signals from InGaAs
      avalanche photodiodes (APDs) operated in gated mode. In particular, our method
      permits an estimation of the fraction of counts that actually results from the
      signal being measured, as opposed to being produced by noise mechanisms,
      specifically by afterpulsing. Our method in principle allows the use of InGaAs
      APDs at high detection efficiencies, with the full operation bandwidth, either
      with or without resorting to the application of a dead-time. As we show below,
      our method can be used in configurations where afterpulsing exceeds the genuine
      signal by orders of magnitude, even near saturation. The algorithms that we have
      developed are suitable to be used either in real-time processing of raw detection
      probabilities or in post-processing applications, after a calibration step has
      been performed. The algorithms that we propose here can complement technologies
      designed for the reduction of afterpulsing. 

PMID- 27661362
TI  - Traceability of solar UV measurements using the Qasume reference
      spectroradiometer.
AB  - One major objective of the European Joint Research Project "Traceability for
      surface spectral solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation" was to reduce the uncertainty
      of spectral UV measurements. The measurement instrument used for this work was
      the portable UV European reference spectroradiometer Qasume. The calibration
      uncertainty of this instrument was decreased and validated by a comparison of
      direct calibrations against a primary standard for spectral irradiance, a high
      temperature blackbody radiator, and against a reference detector using a
      spectrally tunable laser as a monochromatic source. The spectral irradiance
      responsivity of the reference detector is traceable to the primary standard of
      optical power, realized through a cryogenic radiometer, and to the SI unit of
      meter. The measuring technique was improved by the construction of a new
      reference spectroradiometer, QasumeII. An improved input optics removes the
      dependences of the measured solar irradiance on the angle of incident for solar
      zenith angle smaller than 75 deg. Moreover, a hybrid photon detection system
      enables continuous tracking of the instrument's responsivity changes. For both
      spectroradiometer systems an uncertainty budget was calculated. The improvements
      have reduced the measurement uncertainties of solar spectral UV irradiance
      measurements from 4.8% in 2005 to 2.0% (k=2) in the spectral region above 310 nm.
      The largest sources of uncertainty were the absolute spectral irradiance
      responsivity calibration, the angular response uncertainty, and the instrument
      stability using the hybrid detector, which were reduced from 3.6% to 1.1%, from
      1.2% to 0.6%, and from 0.65% to 0.4%, with respect to the situation prior to the
      project. The new instrument was validated during a four month intercomparison
      relative to the Qasume reference. The mean ratio of the solar irradiance scans
      between the two reference spectroradiometers has an offset of +0.7% and a
      standard deviation of +/-1.5% for a wavelength greater than 305 nm, which is well
      within the combined uncertainty of 3.7% calculated from the uncertainties of the
      two systems. 

PMID- 27661363
TI  - Free space optical communications system performance under atmospheric scattering
      and turbulence for 850 and 1550  nm operation.
AB  - In this work, a free space optical communication (FSO) link is proposed and
      utilized to explore and evaluate the FSO link performance under the joint
      occurrence of the atmospheric scattering and turbulence phenomena for 850 and
      1550 nm operation. Diffraction and nondiffraction-limited systems are presented
      and evaluated for both wavelengths' operation, considering far-field conditions
      under different link distances. Bit error rate, pointing error angles, beam
      divergence angles, and link distance are the main performance indicators that are
      used to evaluate and compare the link performance under different system
      configurations and atmospheric phenomena combinations. A detailed study is
      performed to provide the merits of this work. For both far-field diffraction
      limited and nondiffraction-limited systems, it is concluded that 1550 nm system
      operation is better than 850 nm for the whole presented joint occurrences of
      atmospheric scattering and turbulence. 

PMID- 27661364
TI  - Dual-wavelength common-path digital holographic microscopy for quantitative phase
      imaging based on lateral shearing interferometry.
AB  - A dual-wavelength common-path digital holographic microscopy based on a single
      parallel glass plate is presented to achieve quantitative phase imaging, which
      combines the dual-wavelength technique with lateral shearing interferometry. Two
      illumination laser beams with different wavelengths (lambda<sub>1</sub>=532  nm
      and lambda<sub>2</sub>=632.8  nm) are reflected by the front and back surfaces of
      the parallel glass plate to create the lateral shear and form the digital
      hologram, and then the hologram is reconstructed to obtain the phase distribution
      with a synthetic wavelength Lambda=3339.8  nm. The experimental configuration is
      very compact, with the advantages of vibration resistance and measurement range
      extension. The experimental results of the laser-ablated pit, groove, and
      staircase specimens show the feasibility of the proposed configuration. 

PMID- 27661365
TI  - Simulation study of dual-space microscopy.
AB  - We explore the convergence of the dual-space microscopy (DSM) phase-recovery
      algorithm. DSM is an optical microscopy technique based on simultaneous
      observation of an object in the position and momentum spaces. We present one
      dimensional (1D) simulations of this technique, demonstrating that the DSM
      technique is capable to resolve periodic and nonperiodic structures with a
      resolution well below the Rayleigh resolution limit. Using a simple and faster 1D
      version of the full 2D DSM algorithm, we simulated the DSM technique for
      thousands of different samples. Our results demonstrate that the DSM algorithm
      always converges rapidly to the correct optical disturbance. 

PMID- 27661366
TI  - Measurement of reflection phase using thick-gap Fabry-Perot etalon.
AB  - We report measurement of the reflection phase of a dielectric (glass)/titanium
      (Ti) surface in the visible wavelength using a thick-gap Fabry-Perot (FP)
      interferometry technique. Using a two-beam interference model for the reflection
      peaks and troughs of the FP etalon, we obtain the air-gap spacing of the etalon
      and, more importantly, the reflection phase of the etalon substrate. We find
      systematic dependence of the as-measured reflection phase on the air-gap spacing
      due to the numerical aperture effect of the measuring objective. However, the
      relative reflection phase of Ti with respect to glass is independent of the air
      gap spacing. As a demonstration of our approach in the optical characterization
      of small metamaterial samples, we also measure the reflection phase of a micron
      sized 2D Au sawtooth nanoarray. The experiment is in good agreement with the
      model simulation. 

PMID- 27661367
TI  - Integrated backlight module to provide a collimated and uniform planar light
      source.
AB  - We report a novel integrated backlight module (IBLM), which is composed of a
      compound optical film (COF) and a light guide plate (LGP) without any
      microstructure. The COF proposed in the paper comprises functions of a
      conventional microstructure that adjusts the emergent light and two cross
      brightness enhancement films (BEF). The four surfaces of the LGP are coated with
      highly reflective film. The COF can not only adjust the distribution of the
      output light by varying the density of the microstructure on the COF, but also
      can collimate the two cross-direction lights into the normal direction. The
      horizontal and vertical full width at half maxima of angular intensity of the
      IBLM with the proposed COF for the optimum are of 14 and 24 deg, respectively.
      The spatial uniformity and total optical efficiency of the IBLM have reached 85%
      and 77.2%, respectively. The optical efficiency has been increased by 1.3 times
      and the on-axis luminance has improved by 5.1 times by using a backlight module
      (BLM) with the COF, in comparison with the conventional edge-lit BLM that we
      researched [Appl. Opt.55, 1494 (2016)APOPAI0003-693510.1364/AO.55.001494]. Most
      importantly, the COF only needs to be configured with a relatively low-cost and
      easily-manufactured LGP; therefore, the BLM with the adopted COF can be further
      developed for large-sized application. 

PMID- 27661368
TI  - Foveated scanning: dynamic monodimensional enlargement of resolved field of view
      in lenses of scanner systems.
AB  - An inconsistency between the circular symmetric geometry of conventional optical
      imagers and the geometry of long linear sensors used in today's line-scan cameras
      results in suboptimal separate design of optics and electronics of scanner
      systems. Based on the method of foveated optical imaging, a technique named
      foveated scanning (FS) is proposed in this paper. The FS technique is employed to
      enlarge the one-dimensional resolved field of view (RFOV) of conventional lenses
      and permits optimized performance on a line-of-interest in the image plane where
      the optoelectronic sensor is located. The achieved enlargement of RFOV is
      verified on a proof-of-concept basic telephoto lens. Both modulation transfer
      function analysis and the imaging simulation of a standard target have been
      performed. Results show a twofold increase in RFOV by this technique. 

PMID- 27661369
TI  - Noise in adaptive interferometric fiber sensor based on population dynamic
      grating in erbium-doped fiber.
AB  - Experimental investigations of the main noise sources that limit the sensitivity
      of the adaptive interferometric all-fiber sensors operating in the communication
      wavelength region are reported. Adaptive properties (i.e., the autostabilization
      of an optimal operation point of the interferometer) are enabled by the dynamic
      population grating recorded in a segment of the erbium-doped fiber (EDF) at
      milliwatt-scale cw power in the 1480-1560 nm spectral range. The utilized
      symmetric Sagnac configuration with low light internal reflections ensures
      reduced sensitivity of the sensor to phase noise of the laser, while intensity
      noise is reduced to an insignificant level by the balanced detection scheme. It
      is shown that the fluorescence from the erbium ions, excited by the
      counterpropagating waves recording the grating, increases the noise level from
      the fundamental shot noise approximately by a factor of 2-3 only. It is also
      shown that conventional communication distributed feedback (DFB) semiconductor
      lasers with megahertz linewidth are not suitable for high-sensitivity
      applications of such sensors. Because of inevitable backreflections from the
      output terminal devices (photodiodes, insulators, circulator), the above
      mentioned fundamental noise level is increased by 2 orders of magnitude due to
      high phase noise of the DFB laser. 

PMID- 27661370
TI  - Far-field characteristics of the square grooved-dielectric lens antenna for the
      terahertz band.
AB  - In order to improve the gain and directionality of a terahertz antenna, a square
      grooved-dielectric lens antenna based on a Fresnel zone plate is proposed. First,
      a diagonal horn, which is adopted as the primary feed antenna, is designed. Then,
      the far-field characteristics of the lens antenna are studied by using Fresnel
      Kirchhoff diffraction theory and the paraxial approximation. The effects of the
      full-wave period, the focus diameter ratio, the subregion, and the dielectric
      substrate thickness on radiation characteristics are studied. The experimental
      results show that the proposed lens antenna has axisymmetric radiation patterns.
      The gain is over 26.1 dB, and the 3 dB main lobe beam width is lower than 5.6
      degrees  across the operation band. The proposed lens antenna is qualified for
      applications in terahertz wireless communication systems. 

PMID- 27661371
TI  - All-optical processes in double quantum dot structure.
AB  - The ladder-plus-Y double quantum dot structure was modeled for all-optical
      processing by combining the density matrix theory with the pulse width
      description of the applied pulse. The momentum matrix elements are calculated
      including the wetting layer. The ladder-plus-Y structure exhibits pattern-free
      output with high bit rate (50 Tbps), which is critical in optical communication
      applications. It is shown that very high ground-state occupation with periodic
      shape for state occupations is critical in obtaining a pattern-free eye diagram. 

PMID- 27661372
TI  - Extending depth of field for hybrid imaging systems via the use of both dark and
      dot point spread functions.
AB  - In this paper, we propose one method based on the use of both dark and dot point
      spread functions (PSFs) to extend depth of field in hybrid imaging systems. Two
      different phase modulations of two phase masks are used to generate both dark and
      dot PSFs. The quartic phase mask (QPM) is used to generate the dot PSF. A
      combined phase mask between the QPM and the angle for generating the dark PSF is
      investigated. The simulation images show that the proposed method can produce
      superior imaging performance of hybrid imaging systems in extending the depth of
      field. 

PMID- 27661373
TI  - Gold nanobipyramid Q-switched Nd:LGGG eye-safe laser operating at 1423.4  nm.
AB  - The performance of a laser-diode-pumped passively Q-switched Nd:LGGG laser at
      1423.2 nm with gold nanobipyramids (Au-NBPs) as a saturable absorber was
      demonstrated. An average output power of 125 mW was obtained at a pump power of
      12.2 W, corresponding to an optical-to-optical conversion efficiency of 1.36% and
      a slope efficiency of 1.78%. A minimum pulse width of 514 ns at a pulse
      repetition rate of 98.6 kHz was obtained at a pump power of 12.2 W. To the best
      of our knowledge, this is the first report focusing on the application of Au-NBPs
      as a saturable absorber for pulse laser operation in the eye-safe region. 

PMID- 27661374
TI  - EXAFS studies on Gd-doped ZrO<sub>2</sub> thin films deposited by RF magnetron
      sputtering.
AB  - ZrO<sub>2</sub> thin films with 0%, 7%, 9%, 11%, and 13% Gd doping have been
      prepared by RF magnetron sputtering and have been characterized by grazing
      incidence x-ray diffraction, spectroscopic ellipsometry, and optical transmission
      measurements to probe their structural and optical properties. Extended x-ray
      absorption fine structure (EXAFS) measurements have also been carried out on the
      samples at the Zr K- and Gd L<sub>3</sub>-edges. It has been observed that Gd
      goes to Zr sites up to 9%-11% doping concentration, and for Gd doping
      concentrations beyond 11%, Gd precipitates out as a separate
      Gd<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> phase. The local structure information surrounding
      the Zr and Gd sites obtained from the analysis of the EXAFS studies have also
      been used to explain the macroscopic optical properties of the samples. 

PMID- 27661375
TI  - Thermal effects in the DKDP Pockels cells in the 215-300  K temperature range.
AB  - The thermal and electro-optical effects in Pockels cells with deuterated
      potassium dihydrogen phosphate (DKDP) crystals in the 215-300 K temperature range
      were investigated. Half-wave voltage decreases linearly with cooling, thereby it
      reduces seven times (up to 1 kW) with cooling to 215 K. The optical power of the
      thermally induced lens falls twice on cooling to 215 K from 300 K; thermally
      induced depolarization is almost independent of temperature and determined by
      input radiation power. A significant reduction of the thermally induced
      depolarization in a DKDP crystal with the axis inclined to the polarization plane
      of the beam was demonstrated numerically and experimentally. Thus, the DKDP
      crystals cooled to 215 K allow the creation of a low-voltage Pockels cell working
      with a high average and peak laser power. 

PMID- 27661376
TI  - Colorless beat interference cancellation receiver for the orthogonally polarized
      SSB-OOFDM signal with reduced guard band.
AB  - In the paper, we have proposed a novel optical orthogonal frequency division
      multiplexing (OOFDM) link scheme with the colorless beat interference
      cancellation receiver (BICR) structure for the single-sideband OOFDM (SSB-OOFDM)
      signal with an orthogonally polarized optical carrier and sideband, which is
      generated by using a polarization modulator and an optical band-pass filter. The
      BICR, employing only a polarization beam splitter and a balanced photodiode pair,
      can colorlessly mitigate the signal-signal beat interference (SSBI) induced by
      the square-law detection in a photodiode and thus the spectral efficiency (SE) is
      improved by reducing the guard band (GB) between the optical carrier and OOFDM
      signal. A simulation link for the 40  Gbit/s 16-QAM SSB-OOFDM signal with a
      reduced GB is built to demonstrate the feasibility of our proposed scheme. The
      simulation results indicate that the link has a higher SE compared to the
      conventional intensity modulation and direction detection scheme and the BICR
      exhibits a better performance in suppressing SSBI according to the error vector
      magnitude and the constellation diagrams. 

PMID- 27661377
TI  - Master/slave optical coherence tomography imaging of eyelid basal cell carcinoma.
AB  - Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is fast emerging as an additional non
      interventional modality for skin tumor detection and diagnosis. A master/slave
      flying spot OCT configuration was assembled to detect periocular basal cell
      carcinomas (BCC). A swept source at 1300 nm and sweeping speed of 50 kHz were
      used. A three-step process was involved. First, 384 channeled spectra using a
      mirror were stored for 384 optical path differences at the master stage. Then,
      the stored channeled spectra (masks) were correlated with the channeled spectrum
      from the BCC tissue to produce 384 en face OCT images (200*200 pixels) for the
      optical path difference values used to acquire the masks. Finally, these en face
      slices were stacked to form a volume to cross-reference BCC tumor margins in the
      orthogonal plane. Per each eyelid sample, several en face images of 200*200
      lateral pixels are produced in the time to scan laterally a complete raster of
      1.6 s. Combination of the en face views with the cross-sectioning views allow for
      better discrimination of BCCs comparable to using cross-sectional imaging alone,
      as previously reported using the conventional fast-Fourier-transform-based OCT
      techniques. 

PMID- 27661378
TI  - Influence of the microstructure geometry of patterned sapphire substrates on the
      light extraction efficiency of GaN LEDs.
AB  - The influence of the microstructure geometry of patterned sapphire substrates
      (PSS) on the light extraction efficiency (LEE) of GaN light-emitting diodes
      (LEDs) is numerically analyzed. Cone structures of various dimensions are
      studied, along with dome and mixed microstructures. LEE is found to mainly depend
      on the microstructure surface slope. LEE rises quickly with slope and flattens
      out when the slope exceeds 0.6. Scaling down the microstructure has little effect
      on LEE. Light rays are found to travel longer distances in PSS LEDs, as compared
      with LEDs grown on a flat substrate. Keeping GaN absorption loss low is important
      for LEE optimization. 

PMID- 27661379
TI  - Development of an optical microscopy system for automated bubble cloud analysis:
      publisher's note.
AB  - This note reports changes to the author list and additional funding sources for
      [Appl. Opt.55, 6102 (2016)].APOPAI0003-693510.1364/AO.55.006102. 

PMID- 27661380
TI  - Spectral tuning of a locally bent microfiber taper interferometer with a
      nanosized liquid crystal overlay.
AB  - In this paper, the tuning characteristics of locally bent microfiber taper
      covered with a nanosized high-refractive-index liquid crystal (LC) layer under
      different temperatures and electric field intensities have been theoretically
      analyzed and experimentally investigated. A locally bent microfiber taper
      interferometer with a waist diameter of ~3.72  MUm is fabricated by using the
      flame brushing technique, followed by bending the transition region of the taper
      to form a modal interferometer and later by placing a ~200  nm LC layer over the
      uniform taper waist region. Experimental results indicate that a high-efficiency
      thermal or electric tuning of an LC-coated locally bent microfiber taper
      interferometer could be achieved. This suggests a potential application of this
      device as tunable all-fiber photonic devices, such as filters, modulators, and
      sensing elements. 

PMID- 27661381
TI  - Architecture for one-shot compressive imaging using computer-generated holograms.
AB  - We propose a synchronous implementation of compressive imaging. This method is
      mathematically equivalent to prevailing sequential methods, but uses a static
      holographic optical element to create a spatially distributed spot array from
      which the image can be reconstructed with an instantaneous measurement. We
      present the holographic design requirements and demonstrate experimentally that
      the linear algebra of compressed imaging can be implemented with this technique.
      We believe this technique can be integrated with optical metasurfaces, which will
      allow the development of new compressive sensing methods. 

PMID- 27661382
TI  - Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy of liquid solutions: a comparative study on
      the forms of liquid surface and liquid aerosol.
AB  - Liquid surface and liquid aerosol as the traditional liquid forms for laser
      induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and inductively coupled plasma (ICP),
      respectively, have been used to analyze chromium (Cr) and cadmium (Cd) elements
      using LIBS in a liquid solution. The spectral differences, the effects of laser
      energy and laser frequency, the accumulated number of laser pulses, gate delay
      time, and the quantitative analyses for a liquid surface and a liquid aerosol
      were compared. The results showed that the liquid surface demonstrated a lower
      plasma threshold, higher optical emission intensity, and higher single-to-noise
      ratio. Moreover, the relative standard deviations (RSDs) of the intensities of
      the liquid aerosol are better than those of the liquid surface. Furthermore, the
      results of the quantitative analyses of Cr I 357.86 nm and Cd I 361.05 nm of the
      liquid surface are close to those of the liquid aerosol. The limit of detections
      of Cr and Cd of the liquid surface were 2.764 and 86.869  MUg/mL, which were
      close to those of liquid aerosol, 2.847  MUg/mL of Cr and 97.635  MUg/mL of Cd.
      For both the liquid surface and liquid aerosol, the coefficient of determination
      R<sup>2</sup> of the calibration curve for Cr and Cd were above 0.99, and the
      average RSDs of Cr and Cd of the liquid surface were 0.027 and 0.054, which were
      similar to the 0.020 of Cr and 0.042 of Cd of the liquid aerosol. These results
      suggest that both the liquid surface and aerosol have similar detection abilities
      for water quality monitoring. 

PMID- 27661383
TI  - Proximity operators for phase retrieval.
AB  - We present a new formulation of a family of proximity operators that generalize
      the projector step for phase retrieval. These proximity operators for noisy
      intensity measurements can replace the classical "noise-free" projection in any
      projection-based algorithm. They are derived from a maximum-likelihood
      formulation and admit closed form solutions for both the Gaussian and the Poisson
      cases. In addition, we extend these proximity operators to under-sampled
      intensity measurements. To assess their performance, these operators are
      exploited in a classical Gerchberg-Saxton algorithm. We present numerical
      experiments showing that the reconstructed complex amplitudes with these
      proximity operators always perform better than using the classical intensity
      projector, while their computational overhead is moderate. 

PMID- 27661384
TI  - Characteristics of spectral lines with crater development during laser-induced
      breakdown spectroscopy.
AB  - To study the characteristics of spectral lines with crater development during
      laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, the changes in the spectral line
      intensities of iron (Fe) and chromium (Cr) during the development of craters were
      investigated. Images of the plasmas formed during crater development were
      captured, and the temperatures and electron densities of the plasmas were
      calculated. The results showed that when a crater developed, the intensities of
      the ion lines decreased and the intensities of the atomic lines increased. This
      is because the plasmas generated in the crater have a higher initial emission
      intensity and experience more rapid cooling as the crater develops. These two
      effects lead to changes in the rates of decrease of ion and atomic line
      intensities over time. Therefore, the changes in intensities of ion lines caused
      by crater development differ from which of atomic lines. 

PMID- 27661385
TI  - Error correction for rotationally asymmetric surface deviation testing based on
      rotational shears.
AB  - We present a practical method for absolute testing of rotationally asymmetric
      surface deviation based on rotation averaging, additional compensation, and
      azimuthal errors correction. The errors of angular orders kNtheta neglected in
      the traditional multiangle averaging method can be reconstructed and compensated
      with the help of least-squares fitting of Zernike polynomials by an additional
      rotation measurement with a suitable selection of rotation angles. The estimation
      algorithm adopts the least-squares technique to eliminate azimuthal errors caused
      by rotation inaccuracy. The unknown relative alignment of the measurements also
      can be estimated through the differences in measurement results at overlapping
      areas. The method proposed combines the advantages of the single-rotation and
      multiangle averaging methods and realizes a balance between the efficiency and
      accuracy of the measurements. Experimental results show that the method proposed
      can obtain high accuracy even with fewer rotation measurements. 

PMID- 27661386
TI  - Focal length measurement based on Fresnel diffraction from a phase plate.
AB  - A method based on the Fresnel diffraction of light from the phase step is
      introduced for measuring effective focal length (EFL) and back focal length (BFL)
      of optical imaging systems. It is shown that, as a transparent plane-parallel
      plate is illuminated at a boundary region by a monochromatic beam of light,
      Fresnel diffraction occurs because of the abrupt change in phase imposed by the
      finite change in refractive index at the plate boundary. Variation of the
      incident angle in a convergent (or divergent) beam of light causes the periodic
      intensity along the central fringe of the diffraction pattern. The measurement of
      the extrema position of the intensity distribution accurately provides the EFL
      and BFL. The technique is easy to apply and can measure a wide range of both
      positive and negative focal lengths. The measuring setup can be very compact with
      low mechanical and optical noises. As examples of this technique, the EFLs of
      five different lenses are experimentally obtained. The results are quite
      consistent with the values indicated by the lens manufacturer. 

PMID- 27661387
TI  - High-power and high-efficiency diode-pumped Nd:LuYAG mixed crystal lasers
      operating at 939 and 946  nm.
AB  - We report on high-performance infrared lasers at 0.94 MUm based on quasi-three
      level transition of F<sub>3/2</sub>4->I<sub>9/2</sub>4 in Nd:LuYAG mixed crystal,
      for the first time to our knowledge. The maximum output power was achieved to
      5.64 W with slope efficiency of approximately 52.5% at 946 nm. The simultaneous
      dual-wavelength laser at 939 and 946 nm is also obtained with maximum output
      power of 3.61 W and slope efficiency of 34.8% by introducing a glass etalon into
      the cavity. Moreover, a 2.0-W single-wavelength laser at 939 nm can be further
      attained by suitably tilting the etalon. Using a Cr:YAG saturable absorber, Q
      switched laser operation is realized with maximum average output power of 0.68 W
      and the narrowest pulse width of 8.4 ns, which results in the maximum single
      pulse energy of approximately 55.3 MUJ and the maximum pulse peak power of
      approximately 6.15 kW. Finally, thermal focal length of the laser crystal is
      estimated by using a flat-flat laser cavity. 

PMID- 27661388
TI  - The effect of chemical variations on the structural polarity of relaxor
      ferroelectrics studied by resonance Raman spectroscopy.
AB  - Resonance Raman spectroscopy was applied to doped PbSc0.5Ta0.5O3 and
      PbSc0.5Nb0.5O3 relaxor ferroelectrics, to better understand the effect of
      composition disorder on the mesoscopic-scale polar order in complex perovskite
      type (ABO3) ferroelectrics. The excitation photon energy used was 3.8 eV, which
      is slightly above the energy gap and corresponds to the maximum of the optical
      dielectric permittivity. Group-theory analysis reveals that the resonance Raman
      scattering (RRS) observed under these conditions is allowed only in polar crystal
      classes. Therefore, RRS is dominated by the atomic dynamics of nanoregions with
      coherent polar distortions, which considerably facilitates the comparison of
      polar order in various compounds. The results show that A-site doping (Ba(2+),
      Sr(2+), La(3+), Bi(3+)) has significantly stronger effect on the structural
      polarity than the introduction of a third element at the B site (Nb(5+) or Sn(4+)
      doped in PbSc0.5Ta0.5O3). The A-site substitution by cations that in contrast to
      Pb(2+) have isotropic outermost electron shells disturbs the system of lone-pair
      electrons, thus reducing the correlation length of coupled polar distortions and
      the strength of the electric field associated with the mean polarization of polar
      nanoregions. A-site doping with larger cations (Ba(2+)) augments the polar
      deformation of the individual BO6 octahedra due to local elastic fields. As a
      result, such A-site doping intensifies the initial structural polarity at high
      temperatures and prevails the enlargement of the polar fraction at low
      temperatures. A-site doping with smaller cations (Sr(2+), La(3+)), regardless if
      they are isovalent or aliovalent to Pb(2+), increases the correlation length of
      antiferrodistortive order (BO6 tilts), which in turn assists the development of
      double-perovskite structure with coherent local polar distortions. A-site doping
      with aliovalent cations (Bi(3+)) having the same outermost electron shell and
      ionic radius as the host A-site Pb(2+) cations leads to stronger coupling along
      the -B-O-B- bond linkages due to enhanced random local electric fields.

PMID- 27661389
TI  - ToF-SIMS and Laser-SNMS Imaging of Heterogeneous Topographically Complex Polymer
      Systems.
AB  - Heterogeneous polymer coatings, such as those used in organic electronics and
      medical devices, are of increasing industrial importance. In order to advance the
      development of these types of systems, analytical techniques are required which
      are able to determine the elemental and molecular spatial distributions, on a
      nanometer scale, with very high detection efficiency and sensitivity. The goal of
      this study was to investigate the suitability of laser postionization secondary
      neutral mass spectrometry (Laser-SNMS) with a 157 nm postionization laser beam to
      image structured polymer mixtures and compare the results with time-of-flight
      secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) measurements using Bi3+ primary ions.
      The results showed that Laser-SNMS is better suited than ToF-SIMS for unambiguous
      detection and submicrometer imaging of the wide range of polymers investigated.
      The data also showed that Laser-SNMS has the advantage of being much more
      sensitive (in general higher by more than an order of magnitude and peaking at up
      to 3 orders of magnitude) than ToF-SIMS while also showing superior performance
      on topographically complex structured insulating surfaces, due to significantly
      reduced field effects and a higher dynamic range as compared to ToF-SIMS. It is
      concluded that Laser-SNMS is a powerful complementary technique to ToF-SIMS for
      the analysis of heterogeneous polymers and other complex structured organic
      mixtures, providing submicrometer resolution and high sensitivity.

PMID- 27661390
TI  - Low rates of symptomatic venous thromboembolism in patients with gastrointestinal
      cancer: an Iranian study.
AB  - : Venous thromboembolism (VTE), which mostly includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
      and pulmonary embolism (PE), is associated with considerable morbidity and
      mortality in patients with cancer. As little is known about VTE associated with
      gastrointestinal cancers among the populations in the Middle East. This study
      aimed to determine the relative frequency of symptomatic VTE in patients with
      gastrointestinal malignancies in Iran. The charts of patients with
      gastrointestinal cancers in our institute from April 2010 to March 2015 were
      investigated for symptomatic VTE in a retrospective study. In this study, all of
      the patients received chemotherapy. The data included the site of cancer, time of
      therapies initiation, patient's characteristics, type of VTE, the time of
      developing symptomatic VTE of patients with gastrointestinal cancer and the stage
      which VTE occurred. All of DVTs and pulmonary embolism were confirmed by Doppler
      ultrasonography and computed tomography angiography. A total of 614 consecutive
      patients with gastrointestinal cancer were included in study. In total, 22
      patients (3.6%) were found to have experienced symptomatic VTE (confidence
      interval 95%: 2.1-5.1%) which included: 19 patients who suffered from DVT and
      three of them detected pulmonary embolism, and other types of VTE were not
      reported. Out of 22 patients with VTE, 17 of them have been occurred after
      chemotherapy (77%) within 6.17 +/- 5.17 (range, 1-19) month after starting
      chemotherapy. The distribution of frequency of stage in which the VTE occurred,
      was more in stage III and IV. The rate of symptomatic VTE in patients with
      gastrointestinal cancer in Iran is relatively lower than other studies done in
      the west. Therefore, it seems the rate of VTE differs in different ethnic groups.

PMID- 27661391
TI  - PROMIS for Orthopaedic Outcomes Measurement.
AB  - Patient-reported outcome measures have become important tools for assessing
      health status in a variety of patient populations. Many historically or commonly
      used patient-reported outcome measures in orthopaedics are narrow in scope and
      are limited by the burden associated with their administration, making them
      useful only for specific populations. The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement
      Information System (PROMIS) was developed to overcome these limitations. The
      system was developed using item response theory, which allows for reliable and
      efficient estimation of underlying health traits using targeted item banks to
      assess physical function in the upper and lower extremities. PROMIS has been
      validated in patient populations with orthopaedic disorders of the foot and
      ankle, upper extremity, and spine and has demonstrated a marked improvement in
      measurement characteristics and reduced patient and administrative burden. PROMIS
      Physical Function measures are useful for assessing orthopaedic outcomes and are
      superior to legacy measures in several key populations.

PMID- 27661392
TI  - Resident Physician Duty-hour Requirements: What Does the Public Think?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: To date, no study has reported on the public's opinion of
      orthopaedic resident duty-hour requirements (DHR). METHODS: A survey was
      administered to people in orthopaedic waiting rooms and at three senior centers.
      Responses were analyzed to evaluate seven domains: knowledge of duty hours;
      opinions about duty hours; attitudes regarding shift work; patient safety
      concerns; and the effects of DHRs on continuity of care, on resident training,
      and on resident professionalism. RESULTS: Respondents felt that fatigue was
      unsafe and duty hours were beneficial in preventing resident physician fatigue.
      They supported the idea of residents working in shifts but did not support shifts
      for attending physicians. However, respondents wanted the same resident to
      provide continuity of care, even if that violated DHRs. They were supportive of
      increasing the length of residency to complete training. DHRs were not believed
      to affect professionalism. Half of the respondents believed that patient opinion
      should influence policy on this topic. DISCUSSION: Orthopaedic patients and those
      likely to require orthopaedic care have inconsistent opinions regarding DHRs,
      making it potentially difficult to incorporate their preferences into policy.

PMID- 27661395
TI  - New Insights into the Dynamics of Zwitterionic Micelles and Their Hydration
      Waters by Gigahertz-to-Terahertz Dielectric Spectroscopy.
AB  - Gigahertz-to-terahertz spectroscopy of macromolecules in aqueous environments
      provides an important approach for identifying their global and transient
      molecular structures, as well as directly assessing hydrogen-bonding. We report
      dielectric properties of zwitterionic dodecylphosphocholine (DPC) micelles in
      aqueous solutions over a wide frequency range, from 50 MHz to 1.12 THz. The
      dielectric relaxation spectra reveal different polarization mechanisms at the
      molecular level, reflecting the complexity of DPC micelle-water interactions. We
      have made a deconvolution of the spectra into different components and combined
      them with the effective-medium approximation to separate delicate processes of
      micelles in water. Our measurements demonstrate reorientational motion of the DPC
      surfactant head groups within the micelles, and two levels of hydration water
      shells, including tightly and loosely bound hydration water layers. From the
      dielectric strength of bulk water in DPC solutions, we found that the number of
      waters in hydration shells is approximately constant at 950 +/- 45 water
      molecules per micelle in DPC concentrations up to 400 mM, and it decreases after
      that. At terahertz frequencies, employing the effective-medium approximation, we
      estimate that each DPC micelle is surrounded by a tightly bound layer of 310 +/-
      45 water molecules that behave as if they are an integral part of the micelle.
      Combined with molecular dynamics simulations, we determine that tightly bound
      waters are directly hydrogen-bonded to oxygens of DPC, while loosely bound waters
      reside within 4 A of micellar atoms. The dielectric response of DPC micelles at
      terahertz frequencies yields, for the first time, experimental information
      regarding the largest scale, lowest frequency collective motions in micelles. DPC
      micelles are a relatively simple biologically relevant system, and this work
      paves the way for more insight into future studies of hydration and dynamics of
      biomolecular systems with gigahertz-to-terahertz spectroscopy.

PMID- 27661396
TI  - News and Views-November 2016.

PMID- 27661394
TI  - Association Between Executive Function and Problematic Adolescent Driving.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) are one of the leading causes of
      injury and death for adolescents. Driving is a complex activity that is highly
      reliant on executive function (EF) to safely navigate through the environment.
      Little research has examined the efficacy of using self-reported EF measures for
      assessing adolescent driving risk. This study examined the Behavior Rating
      Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) questionnaire and performance-based EF
      tasks as potential predictors of problematic driving outcomes in adolescents.
      METHODS: Forty-six adolescent drivers completed the (1) BRIEF, (2) Trail Making
      Test, (3) Backwards Digit Span, and (4) self-report on 3 problematic driving
      outcomes: the number of times of having been pulled over by a police officer, the
      number of tickets issued, and the number of MVCs. RESULTS: Greater self-reported
      difficulty with planning and organization was associated with greater odds of
      having a MVC, whereas inhibition difficulties were associated with greater odds
      of receiving a ticket. Greater self-reported difficulty across multiple BRIEF
      subscales was associated with greater odds of being pulled over. CONCLUSION:
      Overall findings indicated that the BRIEF, an ecological measure of EF, showed
      significant association with self-reported problematic driving outcomes in
      adolescents. No relationship was found between performance-based EF measures and
      self-reported driving outcomes. The BRIEF could offer unique and quick insight
      into problematic driving behavior and potentially be an indicator of driving risk
      in adolescent drivers during clinical evaluations.

PMID- 27661393
TI  - Investigation of the Biological Impact of Charge Distribution on a NTR1-Targeted
      Peptide.
AB  - The neurotensin receptor 1 (NTR1) has been shown to be a promising target, due to
      its increased level of expression relative to normal tissue, for pancreatic and
      colon cancers. This has prompted the development of a variety of NTR1-targeted
      radiopharmaceuticals, based on the neurotensin (NT) peptide, for diagnostic and
      radiotherapeutic applications. A major obstacle for the clinical translation of
      NTR1-targeted radiotherapeutics would likely be nephrotoxicity due to the high
      levels of kidney retention. It is well-known that for many peptide-based agents,
      renal uptake is influenced by the overall molecular charge. Herein, we
      investigated the effect of charge distribution on receptor binding and kidney
      retention. Using the [(N-alpha-Me)Arg8,Dmt11,Tle12]NT(6-13) targeting vector,
      three peptides (177Lu-K2, 177Lu-K4, and 177Lu-K6), with the Lys moved closer (K6)
      or further away (K2) from the pharmacophore, were synthesized. In vitro
      competitive binding, internalization and efflux, and confocal microscopy studies
      were conducted using the NTR1-positive HT-29, human colon cancer cell line. The
      177/natLu-K6 demonstrated the highest binding affinity (21.8 +/- 1.2 nM) and the
      highest level of internalization (4.06% +/- 0.20% of the total added amount). In
      vivo biodistribution, autoradiography, and metabolic studies of 177Lu
      radiolabeled K2, K4, and K6 were examined using CF-1 mice. 177Lu-K4 and 177Lu-K6
      gave the highest levels of in vivo uptake in NTR1-positive tissues, whereas 177Lu
      K2 yielded nearly 2-fold higher renal uptake relative to the other
      radioconjugates. In conclusion, the position of the Lys (positively charged amino
      acid) influences the receptor binding, internalization, in vivo NTR1-targeting
      efficacy, and kidney retention profile of the radioconjugates. In addition, we
      have found that hydrophobicity likely play a role in the unique biodistribution
      profiles of these agents.

PMID- 27661397
TI  - Synthesis and Characterization of an Iridium Triphyrin Complex.
AB  - A sandwich complex of iridium(III) benzotriphyrin (2) has been synthesized from
      free-base benzotriphyrin (1) and [IrCl(cod)]2 (COD = 1,5-cyclooctadiene). The COD
      ring was transformed from 1,5-COD to an eta1,eta3-C8H12 unit as a pi-allyl ligand
      associated with the valence change of iridium from IrI to IrIII, as revealed by X
      ray diffraction analysis. The Soret-like band of 2 was blue-shifted and broadened
      compared with that of 1, indicating strong electronic interactions between
      triphyrin and the iridium ion. Compound 2 also showed very broad absorption in
      the range of 500-800 nm, which can be assigned to a mixture of Q and metal-to
      ligand charge-transfer bands.

PMID- 27661398
TI  - Population Pharmacokinetics of Everolimus in Relation to Clinical Outcomes in
      Patients With Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Everolimus has been used for the treatment of unresectable or
      metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Here, we measured blood concentrations of
      everolimus to obtain the population pharmacokinetic parameters and to examine the
      relationship between blood concentration and clinical outcomes. METHODS: Twenty
      two Japanese patients were enrolled. Blood samples were collected before and 2,
      4, 8, and 24 hours after drug administration on days 1 and 8 of everolimus
      therapy (5 or 10 mg) from inpatients; occasional samples were collected from
      outpatients. Blood concentrations of everolimus were measured by high-performance
      liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Population pharmacokinetic
      analysis was conducted using the NONMEM software. RESULTS: Everolimus
      pharmacokinetics was best described by a 2-compartment model with population mean
      estimates of apparent oral clearance of 10.0 L/h and an interindividual
      variability of 42.4%. There was no relationship between overall best responses
      and the predicted trough concentrations at day 8. The predicted trough
      concentration in patients who terminated everolimus treatment owing to adverse
      drug reactions (ADRs) was significantly higher than in patients who stopped the
      treatment owing to disease progression or other reasons (27.6 +/- 3.1 versus 15.7
      +/- 2.3 ng/mL; mean +/- SEM). Patients who terminated the treatment owing to ADRs
      had significantly shorter time-to-treatment failure than other patients (112
      versus 187 days, median). CONCLUSIONS: This study reports the first population
      pharmacokinetic parameters of everolimus in patients with RCC. Individual dose
      adjustment based on everolimus blood concentrations helps to avoid early drug
      cessation due to ADRs.

PMID- 27661399
TI  - Relative Bioavailabilities of Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate and D-Amphetamine in
      Healthy Adults in an Open-Label, Randomized, Crossover Study After Mixing
      Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate With Food or Drink.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This open-label, crossover study examined lisdexamfetamine dimesylate
      (LDX) and D-amphetamine pharmacokinetics in healthy adults after administration
      of an intact LDX capsule or after the capsule was emptied into orange juice or
      yogurt and the contents consumed. METHODS: Healthy adult volunteers (N = 30) were
      administered a 70-mg LDX capsule or the contents of a 70-mg capsule mixed with
      yogurt or orange juice using a 3-way crossover design. Blood samples were
      collected serially for up to 96 hours after dose. Pharmacokinetic endpoints
      included maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the plasma
      concentration versus time curve from zero to infinity (AUC0-infinity) or to last
      assessment (AUClast). Relative LDX and D-amphetamine bioavailabilities from the
      contents of a 70-mg LDX capsule mixed with orange juice or yogurt were compared
      with those from the intact LDX capsule using bioequivalence-testing procedures.
      RESULTS: Geometric least squares mean ratios (90% confidence intervals [CIs]) for
      D-amphetamine (active moiety) were within the prespecified bioequivalence range
      (0.80-1.25) when the contents of a 70-mg LDX capsule were mixed with orange juice
      [Cmax: 0.971 (0.945, 0.998); AUC0-infinity: 0.986 (0.955, 1.019); AUClast: 0.970
      (0.937, 1.004)] or yogurt [Cmax: 0.970 (0.944, 0.997); AUC0-infinity: 0.945
      (0.915, 0.976); AUClast: 0.944 (0.912, 0.977)]. Geometric least squares mean
      ratios (90% CIs) for LDX (inactive prodrug) were below the accepted range when
      the contents of a 70-mg LDX capsule were mixed with orange juice [Cmax: 0.641
      (0.582, 0.707); AUC0-infinity: 0.716 (0.647, 0.792); AUClast: 0.708 (0.655,
      0.766)]; the lower 90% CI for Cmax [0.828 (0.752, 0.912)] was below the accepted
      range when the contents of a 70-mg LDX capsule were mixed with yogurt.
      CONCLUSIONS: Relative bioavailability of D-amphetamine (the active moiety) did
      not differ across administrations, which suggests that emptying an LDX capsule
      into orange juice or yogurt and consuming it is an alternative to intact
      capsules.

PMID- 27661400
TI  - Analytical Validation and Cross-Validation of an NFAT-Regulated Gene Expression
      Assay for Pharmacodynamic Monitoring of Therapy With Calcineurin Inhibitors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Analysis of residual gene expression of the nuclear factor of
      activated T cell (NFAT)-regulated genes has been developed as a pharmacodynamic
      biomarker to monitor therapy with calcineurin inhibitors. The availability of
      commercial primer sets (Search-LC) and the well-established assay protocol makes
      this biomarker a promising candidate to be used clinically in different
      laboratories. However, implementation of the method in routine practice requires
      analytical robustness and comparable results across laboratories. Therefore, a
      protocol originally established at the Institute of Immunology, Heidelberg was
      verified at the Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Klinikum Stuttgart, and a
      comparison study was conducted between the 2 laboratories. METHODS: For the
      analytical verification, whole blood samples of healthy individuals were
      incubated with tacrolimus in vitro. Linearity, imprecision, and limit of
      quantification, as well as sample stability, were investigated. For
      interlaboratory comparison, samples of patients under cyclosporine A therapy were
      analyzed in Heidelberg and then reanalyzed in Stuttgart within 24 hours. RESULTS:
      Tacrolimus (6.25-50 mcg/L) decreased the expression of NFAT-regulated genes in
      vitro dose dependently (15%-89%). Within- and between-assay coefficient of
      variations (n = 6 each) were <17%. The limit of quantification was <200 cDNA
      copies for each of the interleukin-2, interferon-gamma, and granulocyte
      macrophage colony-stimulating factor genes. Samples were stable for 24 hours.
      Interlaboratory comparison using patient samples correlated well (r = 0.951) but
      showed an inconsistent bias depending on the magnitude of residual gene
      expression. CONCLUSIONS: The assay can be set up with a satisfactory analytical
      performance in a routine molecular biological laboratory and shows comparable
      results between laboratories. The reproducibility of the NFAT-regulated gene
      expression assay across laboratories can facilitate the implementation of this
      assay for pharmacodynamic routine monitoring of calcineurin inhibitors in
      different centers.

PMID- 27661401
TI  - Gentamicin Pharmacokinetics and Monitoring in Pediatric Febrile Neutropenic
      Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The pharmacokinetics of gentamicin in pediatric febrile neutropenia
      patients is described and the adequacy of initial dosing of once daily gentamicin
      assessed at Queensland's largest Children's Hospital. METHODS: Data were
      retrospectively collected from all pediatrics with febrile neutropenia admitted
      over a two-year period who had at least two gentamicin concentration-time
      measurements (a paired set within one dosing interval). Gentamicin clearance
      (CL), volume of distribution (Vd), area under the concentration-time curve from 0
      to 24 hours post-dose (AUC0-24), and maximum concentration (Cmax) values were
      estimated using log-linear regression using each paired set. The percentage of
      paired sets associated with gentamicin exposure within pre-defined hospital
      targets was calculated and exposure was examined in relation to bacterial culture
      status. RESULTS: Data were collected from 69 patients (median [IQR] age 3.7 years
      [2.2, 8.9]) and comprised 121 paired concentration sets characterizing 80
      separate admissions. Median [IQR] gentamicin CL and Vd were 8.1 L/h/70 kg [5.8,
      12.4] and 21.8 L/70 kg [16.9, 29.5], respectively. Pre-defined hospital exposure
      targets were achieved for both AUC0-24 and Cmax for 10% of paired sets; one or
      the other of these targets were met for 36% of paired sets and neither target was
      achieved for 54% of paired sets. Achievement of targets improved with repeated
      monitoring during the same admission. Median AUC0-24 achieved was significantly
      higher in patients with a confirmed Gram-negative infection compared to those
      without 71 [50, 91] mg.h/L versus 55 [40.8, 67.5] mg.h/L, respectively (p=
      0.003)). Over the study period, a median gentamicin dose of 10.8 and 6.4 mg/kg
      was estimated to be necessary to achieve an AUC target of 80 mg.h/L in children
      <=10 years and >10 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: Based on a log-linear method of
      analysis, current dosing appears to be consistently producing gentamicin exposure
      below pre-defined pharmacokinetic targets, suggesting that an increase in the
      recommended starting dose of gentamicin may be required.

PMID- 27661402
TI  - Placental implantation abnormalities: a modern approach.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Placental implantation abnormalities (PIAs) comprise a large
      group of disorders associated with significant maternal, fetal, and neonatal
      morbidity. RECENT FINDINGS: Risk factors include prior uterine surgery/myometrial
      scarring and the presence of placenta previa with or without prior cesarean
      delivery. Newly identified risk factors include previous prelabor cesarean
      delivery and previous postpartum hemorrhage. PIAs contribute substantially to
      preterm birth with prematurity rates ranging from 38 to 82%. Diagnosis is
      typically made by ultrasound in the second or third trimester; transvaginal
      ultrasound and color Doppler are useful in evaluating for placental invasion,
      placental edge thickness, presence of fetal vessels, and cervical length.
      Suggestive MRI features include increased vascularity, dark T2 bands, uterine
      bulging, thin or indistinct myometrium, and loss of dark T2 interface. An
      important first-trimester finding is the implantation of the gestational sac into
      prior hysterotomy scar (cesarean scar pregnancy). Recommendations for delivery
      are universally preterm and based on expert opinion. Proposed management
      strategies are outlined depending on cervical length, distance between internal
      cervical os and placenta, and placental edge thickness. SUMMARY: There has been a
      recent shift in focus to individualizing management in order to improve delivery
      timing and in some cases even decrease risks associated with prematurity. There
      is a need for larger prospective studies or randomized trials to show that
      individualizing care can improve outcomes.

PMID- 27661403
TI  - Driving under the influence of distraction: Examining dissociations between risk
      perception and engagement in distracted driving.
AB  - Driving while distracted is a critical and unwavering problem in the United
      States leading to numerous injuries and fatalities each year. While increasing
      legislation and developing technological interventions strive to ensure we only
      focus on driving, individuals still drive distracted. We surveyed college-aged
      adults to examine the factors that influence both their risk perception of
      driving while distracted and how often they engage in distracting activities and
      situations while driving. We found a disassociation between individuals'
      perception of driving distraction risk and their engagement with the distraction.
      Exposure, perceived knowledge of risks, fairness beliefs, and ratings of
      perceived visual and cognitive demands was associated with risk perception.
      Conversely, risk-seeking traits, how voluntary the task was perceived, and
      previous exposure to a distraction influenced engagement. Overall, we recommend
      additional research focusing on factors that predict engagement in driver
      distraction rather than perceived risk alone.

PMID- 27661404
TI  - PCM1 Depletion Inhibits Glioblastoma Cell Ciliogenesis and Increases Cell Death
      and Sensitivity to Temozolomide.
AB  - A better understanding of the molecules implicated in the growth and survival of
      glioblastoma (GBM) cells and their response to temozolomide (TMZ), the standard
      of-care chemotherapeutic agent, is necessary for the development of new therapies
      that would improve the outcome of current GBM treatments. In this study, we
      characterize the role of pericentriolar material 1 (PCM1), a component of
      centriolar satellites surrounding centrosomes, in GBM cell proliferation and
      sensitivity to genotoxic agents such as TMZ. We show that PCM1 is expressed
      around centrioles and ciliary basal bodies in patient GBM biopsies and derived
      cell lines and that its localization is dynamic throughout the cell cycle. To
      test whether PCM1 mediates GBM cell proliferation and/or response to TMZ, we used
      CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to generate primary GBM cell lines depleted of PCM1.
      These PCM1-depleted cells displayed reduced AZI1 satellite protein localization
      and significantly decreased proliferation, which was attributable to increased
      apoptotic cell death. Furthermore, PCM1-depleted lines were more sensitive to TMZ
      toxicity than control lines. The increase in TMZ sensitivity may be partly due to
      the reduced ability of PCM1-depleted cells to form primary cilia, as depletion of
      KIF3A also ablated GBM cells' ciliogenesis and increased their sensitivity to TMZ
      while preserving PCM1 localization. In addition, the co-depletion of KIF3A and
      PCM1 did not have any additive effect on TMZ sensitivity. Together, our data
      suggest that PCM1 plays multiple roles in GBM pathogenesis and that associated
      pathways could be targeted to augment current or future anti-GBM therapies.

PMID- 27661405
TI  - Diffusion-Weighted Imaging Using a Readout-Segmented, Multishot EPI Sequence at 3
      T Distinguishes between Morphologically Differentiated and Undifferentiated
      Subtypes of Thyroid Carcinoma-A Preliminary Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thyroid carcinomas represent the most frequent endocrine
      malignancies. Recent studies were able to distinguish malignant from benign
      nodules of the thyroid gland with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). Although this
      differentiation is undoubtedly helpful, presurgical discrimination between well
      differentiated and undifferentiated carcinomas would be crucial to define the
      optimal treatment algorithm. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate
      if readout-segmented multishot echo planar DWI is able to differentiate between
      differentiated and undifferentiated subtypes of thyroid carcinomas. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: Fourteen patients with different types of thyroid carcinomas who
      received preoperative DWI were included in our study. In all lesions, apparent
      diffusion coefficient (ADC)min, ADCmean, ADCmax, and D were estimated on the
      basis of region of interest measurements after coregistration with T1-weighted,
      postcontrast images. All tumors were resected and analyzed histopathologically.
      Ki-67 index, p53 synthesis, cellularity, and total and average nucleic areas were
      estimated using ImageJ version 1.48. RESULTS: Analysis of variance revealed a
      statistically significant difference in ADCmean values between differentiated and
      undifferentiated thyroid carcinomas (P=.022). Spearman Rho calculation identified
      significant correlations between ADCmax and cell count (r=0.541, P=.046) as well
      as between ADCmax and total nuclei area (r=0.605, P=.022). CONCLUSION: DWI can
      distinguish between differentiated and undifferentiated thyroid carcinomas.

PMID- 27661406
TI  - Oral Health Behaviors and Perceptions Among College Students.
AB  - Oral health is a simple and important part of college students' lives but might
      often be overlooked or undermined because of increased stress levels and
      unhealthy habits associated with the college setting. Despite the challenges,
      college days may be one of the best times to establish lifelong healthy habits,
      including oral health routines. The purpose of this study was to determine the
      current oral care behaviors and perceptions of students at a midwestern college.
      This study was nonexperimental in nature with a quantitative method and a cross
      sectional design, which included 126 participants. The survey instrument included
      2 Likert-type scales. The oral health-related quality-of-life model was used as
      the theoretical framework to guide the study.

PMID- 27661407
TI  - A Qualitative Study of the Change-of-Shift Report at the Patients' Bedside.
AB  - Concerns about patient bedside change-of-shift reporting at a community hospital
      in northern Indiana stimulated the development of this qualitative
      phenomenological study. A review of the literature revealed a research deficit in
      acute care nurses' perceptions of bedside reporting in relation to compliance.
      The research question addressed in this study was, "What are acute care nurses'
      perceptions of the change-of-shift report at the patients' bedside?" Personal
      interviews were conducted on 7 medical, surgical, and intensive care unit nurse
      participants at a community hospital in northern Indiana. Five themes were
      identified from the collected data, which included the time factor, continuity of
      care, visualization, and challenges in the communication of discreet information.

PMID- 27661408
TI  - 1,4-Addition Ugi Reaction Using Cyclic alpha,beta-Unsaturated Ketone as
      Substrate.
AB  - A four-component, 1,4-addition Ugi reaction using cyclic alpha,beta-unsaturated
      ketones, carboxylic acids, amines, and isocyanides was developed for the first
      time. By combining this reaction with Michael addition, nucleophilic
      substitution, and C-N bond formation reactions, bicyclic and tricyclic scaffolds
      with pyridinone and quinolinone moieties, two basic units among a variety of
      natural products and pharmaceuticals, were constructed.

PMID- 27661409
TI  - Diagnosis and causal explanation in psychiatry.
AB  - In clinical medicine, a diagnosis can offer an explanation of a patient's
      symptoms by specifying the pathology that is causing them. Diagnoses in
      psychiatry are also sometimes presented in clinical texts as if they pick out
      pathological processes that cause sets of symptoms. However, current evidence
      suggests the possibility that many diagnostic categories in psychiatry are highly
      causally heterogeneous. For example, major depressive disorder may not be
      associated with a single type of underlying pathological process, but with a
      range of different causal pathways, each involving complex interactions of
      various biological, psychological, and social factors. This paper explores the
      implications of causal heterogeneity for whether psychiatric diagnoses can be
      said to serve causal explanatory roles in clinical practice. I argue that while
      they may fall short of picking out a specific cause of the patient's symptoms,
      they can nonetheless supply different sorts of clinically relevant causal
      information. In particular, I suggest that some psychiatric diagnoses provide
      negative information that rules out certain causes, some provide approximate or
      disjunctive information about the range of possible causal processes, and some
      provide causal information about the relations between the symptoms themselves.

PMID- 27661410
TI  - The APOE paradox: do attentional control differences in mid-adulthood reflect
      risk of late-life cognitive decline.
AB  - Possession of an Apolipoprotein E (APOE) e4 allele is an established risk factor
      for Alzheimer's disease, whereas the less commonly studied e2 variant is premised
      to offer some protection. This research explores the purported deleterious
      protective dichotomy of APOE variants on attentional control in mid-adulthood.
      Sixty-six volunteers, aged 45-55 years, completed 3 tasks that provided
      complementary measures of attentional control: prospective memory, sustained
      attention, and inhibition. Performance was compared between e2 carriers, e4
      carriers, and e3 homozygotes (the population norm). Carriers of the e4 allele
      showed subtle disadvantages, compared with the e3 group, in accuracy of Stroop
      task and prospective memory performance. Contrary to expectations, e2 carriers
      showed performance disadvantages in sustained attention. The finding of
      detrimental effects in attentional control for both e4 and e2 complicates the
      current model that proposes opposing effects of these variants on later-life
      cognition. Future research is needed to understand how cognitive differences
      develop with increasing age, and the physiological mechanisms that underpin these
      changes.

PMID- 27661411
TI  - Endothelial function and sympathetic nervous system activity in patients with
      Takotsubo syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is an acute cardiomyopathy associated with
      intense physical or emotional stress. The precise mechanisms of the disease
      remain unclear. The aim of this study was to study alterations in endothelial
      function, vascular compliance and structure and muscle sympathetic activity in
      the stable phase of the disease. METHODS: In this prospective observational
      study, patients with TTS and controls matched for age, sex, cardiovascular risk
      factors and medications were recruited. Flow-mediated vasodilatation (FMD) as a
      measure of endothelial dysfunction was the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints
      included measurements of arterial stiffness, carotid atherosclerosis, quality of
      life and laboratory parameters. In a subset of patients, muscle sympathetic
      activity was measured before and after stress tests. RESULTS: The study included
      22 TTS patients and 21 matched controls. A significant increase in endothelial
      dysfunction was seen in TTS compared to controls (FMD 3.4+/-2.4% vs. 4.8+/-1.9%,
      p=0.016). No significant differences in arterial stiffness, intima-media
      thickness, quality of life and laboratory markers including endothelin-1 were
      noted. TTS patients showed a reduced carotid total plaque area compared to
      controls (TPA 17.3+/-15.1 vs 24.7+/-12.8mm2, p=0.02). A trend of increased muscle
      sympathetic activity at rest was observed in TTS patients vs. controls (53.5+/
      28.4 vs. 29.4+/-16.5 bursts/100 heart beats, p=0.09) with no significant
      differences in muscle sympathetic activity in response to stress. CONCLUSIONS:
      Our findings underscore the importance of endothelial dysfunction in patients
      with TTS which may be involved in the pathophysiology of this syndrome.
      CLINICALTRIALS. GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT01249599.

PMID- 27661412
TI  - Use of biomarkers to establish potential role and function of circulating
      microRNAs in acute heart failure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) emerge as potential heart failure
      biomarkers. We aimed to identify associations between acute heart failure (AHF)
      specific circulating miRNAs and well-known heart failure biomarkers. METHODS:
      Associations between 16 biomarkers predictive for 180day mortality and the levels
      of 12 AHF-specific miRNAs were determined in 100 hospitalized AHF patients, at
      baseline and 48hours. Patients were divided in 4 pre-defined groups, based on
      clinical parameters during hospitalization. Correlation analyses between miRNAs
      and biomarkers were performed and complemented by miRNA target prediction and
      pathway analysis. RESULTS: No significant correlations were found at hospital
      admission. However, after 48hours, 7 miRNAs were significantly negatively
      correlated to biomarkers indicative for a worse clinical outcome in the patient
      group with the most unfavorable in-hospital course (n=21); miR-16-5p was
      correlated to C-reactive protein (R=-0.66, p-value=0.0027), miR-106a-5p to
      creatinine (R=-0.68, p-value=0.002), miR-223-3p to growth differentiation factor
      15 (R=-0.69, p-value=0.0015), miR-652-3p to soluble ST-2 (R=-0.77, p
      value<0.001), miR-199a-3p to procalcitonin (R=-0.72, p-value<0.001) and galectin
      3 (R=-0.73, p-value<0.001) and miR-18a-5p to procalcitonin (R=-0.68, p
      value=0.002). MiRNA target prediction and pathway analysis identified several
      pathways related to cardiac diseases, which could be linked to some of the miRNA
      biomarker correlations. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of correlations between
      circulating AHF-specific miRNAs were related to biomarkers predictive for a worse
      clinical outcome in a subgroup of worsening heart failure patients at 48hours of
      hospitalization. The selective findings suggest a time-dependent effect of
      circulating miRNAs and highlight the susceptibility to individual patient
      characteristics influencing potential relations between miRNAs and biomarkers.

PMID- 27661413
TI  - Late recurrence of left ventricular dysfunction after aortic valve replacement
      for severe chronic aortic regurgitation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aortic valve replacement (AVR) for chronic aortic regurgitation (AR)
      with a decreased ejection fraction (EF) leads to improvement in left ventricular
      (LV) function, but there are no reports on late recurrence of LV dysfunction over
      long-term after AVR. This study aimed to identify frequency and predictors of
      late recurrent LV dysfunction after AVR. METHODS: We retrospectively investigated
      58 consecutive patients undergoing AVR for severe chronic AR and with follow-up
      echocardiography for >5years after AVR. Late recurrence of LV dysfunction was
      defined as an EF of <50% late after AVR and a 10% reduction in the EF compared
      with that observed at 1year after AVR. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was
      10.3+/-5.2years. The preoperative EF was <50% in 21 (36%) patients, but it was
      normalized at 1year after AVR in all patients except for one. However, late
      recurrence of LV dysfunction developed in 7 (12%) of the 58 patients. These
      patients showed significantly higher LV end-diastolic and end-systolic diameters
      before and at 1year after AVR, a lower EF and relative wall thickness before AVR,
      a higher LV mass index at 1year after AVR, and a higher incidence of preoperative
      and postoperative atrial fibrillation than those without late recurrence.
      CONCLUSIONS: Late recurrent LV dysfunction may occur after AVR for severe chronic
      AR despite EF being once normalized. Early surgery proceeding remarkable LV
      enlargement and maintaining sinus rhythm are important for LV function over the
      long-term after AVR.

PMID- 27661414
TI  - Circulating sex hormones, alcohol consumption and echocardiographic parameters of
      cardiac function in men with heart failure.

PMID- 27661415
TI  - Ivabradine reduced ventricular rate in patients with non-paroxysmal atrial
      fibrillation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It has been shown that If channels can be found in AV node, apart
      from the sinus node. Previous animal studies showed that If inhibitor resulted in
      the rate-dependent reduction in AV node conduction during atrial fibrillation
      (AF). Therefore, we aimed to examine the effect of ivabradine on ventricular rate
      in patients with non-paroxysmal AF. METHOD: This study was a prospective
      randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study. Ivabradine, 5mg twice a day
      (n=21), or placebo (n=11) was administered for 1month to adult patients with non
      paroxysmal AF, in addition to standard therapy. The primary end point was the
      change in mean ventricular rate between baseline and 1month, as assessed by 24
      hour Holter. RESULTS: The baseline characteristics did not differ between
      ivabradine and placebo groups (mean age was 59.7+/-13.3years, male 62.5%). Mean
      24-hour ventricular rate at baseline was comparable between 2 groups. We found
      that ivabradine significantly decreased mean ventricular rate from 86.0+/
      10.9beats/min to 79.2+/-9.6beats/min (p<0.001). In contrast, no significant
      change in ventricular rate was observed in placebo group (84.3+/-11.2 vs. 82.9+/
      9.9beats/min, p=0.469). The effect of ivabradine on rate reduction was
      significantly greater than placebo (6.9+/-6.3 vs. 1.4+/-6.0beats/min, p=0.024).
      No drug-related adverse effects were observed in both groups. CONCLUSION: We
      demonstrated that ivabradine significantly decreased ventricular rate during AF
      compared to placebo. Therefore, ivabradine can be a potential treatment to
      improve ventricular control in patients with non-paroxysmal AF. Due to the small
      sample size, larger studies are needed to confirm this effect of ivabradine.

PMID- 27661416
TI  - Psychological pathway to suicidal ideation among men who have sex with men in
      Shanghai, China: A structural equation model.
AB  - We aimed to explore the relationships and develop an inter-theoretical model
      among psychological variables in the progression to suicidal ideation among men
      who have sex with men (MSM). A cross-sectional study was conducted among 547 MSM
      in four districts in Shanghai from March to May in 2014. Socio-demographic,
      psychological, and behavioral information of the participants was collected. A
      structural equation model (SEM)-Path Analysis was constructed to interpret the
      intricate relationships among various psychological variables. Suicidal ideation
      among MSM during the past year was 10.6%. The developed model agreed well with
      existing suicide models and had a good fit to the data (chi2/df = 2.497,
      comparative fit index = 0.983, root mean squared error of approximation = 0.052).
      Suicidal ideation was predicted by perceived defeat and entrapment (beta = 0.21,
      p < 0.001), which was in turn predicted by temperament (beta = 0.60, p < 0.001)
      and perceived social support (beta = 0.34, p < 0.001). Perceived social support
      fully mediated the relationships among mood states, perceived social status, and
      perceived defeat and entrapment. MSM with certain types of temperament might be
      predisposed to a higher perception of defeat and entrapment. Perceived social
      support can effectively alleviate the negative appraisals and emotions and lower
      the risk for suicidal ideation among MSM.

PMID- 27661417
TI  - Sleep and circadian alterations in people at risk for bipolar disorder: A
      systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sleep and circadian abnormalities have been mostly demonstrated in
      bipolar patients. However, it is not clear whether these alterations are present
      in population at high risk for bipolar disorder (BD), indicating a possible risk
      factor for this condition. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to define
      current evidence about sleep and rhythm alterations in people at risk for BD and
      to evaluate sleep and circadian disorders as risk factor for BD. METHODS: The
      systematic review included all articles about the topic until February 2016. Two
      researchers performed an electronic search of PubMed and Cochrane Library.
      Keywords used were 'sleep' or 'rhythm' or 'circadian' AND 'bipolar disorder' or
      'mania' or 'bipolar depression' AND 'high-risk' or 'risk'. RESULTS: Thirty
      articles were analyzed (7451 participants at risk for BD). Sleep disturbances are
      frequent in studies using both subjective measures and actigraphy. High-risk
      individuals reported irregularity of sleep/wake times, poor sleep and circadian
      rhythm disruption. Poor sleep quality, nighttime awakenings, and inadequate sleep
      are possible predictive factors for BD. A unique study suggested that irregular
      rhythms increase risk of conversion. People at risk for BD showed high cortisol
      levels in different times of day. Studies about anatomopathology, melatonin
      levels, inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress were not identified. The most
      important limitations were differences in sleep and rhythm measures,
      heterogeneity of study designs, and lack of consistency in the definition of
      population at risk. CONCLUSION: Sleep and circadian disturbances are common in
      people at risk for BD. However, the pathophysiology of these alterations and the
      impact on BD onset are still unclear.

PMID- 27661419
TI  - Introduction.

PMID- 27661420
TI  - Lower Extremity Limb Salvage: Lessons Learned From 14 Years at War.
AB  - American survivability during the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan
      continues to improve, though the rate of extremity injury remains quite high. The
      decision to proceed with amputation versus limb salvage remains controversial.
      Exposure to combat wound with severe high-energy lower extremity trauma during
      the previous 14 years at war has incited important advances in limb salvage
      technique and rehabilitation.

PMID- 27661421
TI  - What Is New in Trauma-Related Amputations.
AB  - Traumatic and trauma-related amputations represent unfortunate sequelae of severe
      injury, but should not be viewed as a treatment failure and may represent the
      best reconstructive option for some patients. Lessons from recent military
      conflicts have guided the evolution of modern surgical techniques and
      rehabilitation management of this challenging patient population, and treatment
      at a specialty center may improve patient outcomes. Despite appropriate
      management, however, surgical complications remain common and revision surgery is
      often necessary. Bridge synostosis procedures remain controversial, and clinical
      equipoise remains regarding their functional benefits. Based on European
      experience over the last 3 decades, osseointegration has evolved into a viable
      clinical alternative for patients unable to achieve acceptable function using
      conventional sockets, and several devices are being developed or tested in the
      United States. Targeted muscle reinnervation and advanced pattern recognition may
      dramatically improve the functional potential of many upper extremity amputees,
      and the procedure may also relieve neuroma-related pain. Furthermore, exciting
      new research may eventually facilitate haptic feedback and restore useful
      sensation for amputees. Natural disasters and global terrorism events, in
      addition to conventional trauma resulting in limb loss, make a working knowledge
      of current amputation surgical techniques essential to the practicing orthopaedic
      trauma surgeon.

PMID- 27661422
TI  - Resuscitation and Treatment of Shock.
AB  - Hemorrhage continues to be the most common cause of death among service members
      wounded in combat. Injuries that were previously nonsurvivable in previous wars
      are now routinely seen by combat surgeons in forward surgical units, the result
      of improvements in body armor, the universal use of field tourniquets to control
      extremity hemorrhage at the point of injury, and rapid air evacuation strategies.
      Combat orthopaedic surgeons remain a vital aspect of the forward surgical unit,
      tasked with assisting general surgical colleagues in the resuscitation of
      patients in hemorrhagic shock while also addressing traumatic amputations, open
      and closed long bone fractures, and mechanically unstable pelvic trauma. Future
      military and civilian trauma research endeavors will seek to identify how the
      advances made in the past 15 years will translate toward the emerging battlefield
      of the future, one where forward surgical units must be lighter, smaller, and
      more mobile to address the changing scope of military combat operations.

PMID- 27661418
TI  - Zinc transporters protein level in postmortem brain of depressed subjects and
      suicide victims.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a serious psychiatric illness,
      associated with an increasing rate of suicide. The pathogenesis of depression may
      be associated with the disruption of zinc (Zn) homeostasis. In the brain, several
      proteins that regulate Zn homeostasis are present, including Zn transporters
      (ZnTs) which remove Zn from the cytosol. The present study was designed to
      investigate whether depression and suicide are associated with alterations in the
      expression of the ZnTs protein. METHODS: Protein levels of ZnT1, ZnT3, ZnT4, ZnT5
      and ZnT6 were measured in postmortem brain tissue from two different cohorts.
      Cohort A contained 10 subjects diagnosed with MDD (7 were suicide victims) and 10
      psychiatrically-normal control subjects and cohort B contained 11 non-diagnosed
      suicide victims and 8 sudden-death control subjects. Moreover, in cohort A we
      measured protein level of NMDA (GluN2A subunit), AMPA (GluA1 subunit) and 5-HT1A
      receptors and PSD-95. Proteins were measured in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) using
      Western blotting. In addition, Zn concentration was measured using a voltammetric
      method. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in protein levels of ZnT1,
      ZnT4, ZnT5 in the PFC in MDD, relative to control subjects, while ZnT3 protein
      level was decreased in MDD. There was no significant difference in the Zn
      concentration in the PFC between control and MDD subjects. Similarly, in the PFC
      of suicide victims (non-diagnosed), an increase in protein levels of ZnT1, ZnT4,
      ZnT5 and ZnT6 was observed. Conversely, protein levels of ZnT3 were decreased in
      both suicide victims and subjects with MDD, in comparison with control subjects.
      There was also a significant decrease in the protein level of GluA1, GluN2A, PSD
      95 and 5-HT1A in MDD. CONCLUSIONS: Our studies suggest that alterations in Zn
      transport proteins are associated with the pathophysiology of MDD and suicide.

PMID- 27661423
TI  - Infection After Orthopaedic Trauma: Prevention and Treatment.
AB  - Trauma to the extremities is disproportionately represented in casualties of
      recent conflicts, accounting for >50% of injuries sustained during operations in
      Iraq and Afghanistan. Infectious complications have been reported in >25% of
      those evacuated for trauma, and 50% of such patients were treated in the
      intensive care unit (ICU). Osteomyelitis has been reported in 9% (14% of
      intensive care unit patients), and deep-wound infection in 27% of type III open
      tibia fractures. Infections complicating extremity trauma are frequently caused
      by multidrug-resistant bacteria and have been demonstrated to lead to failure of
      limb salvage, unplanned operative take-backs, late amputations, and decreased
      likelihood of returning to duty. Invasive fungal infections of extremities have
      also presented a unique challenge in combat-injured patients, particularly in
      those with blast injuries with massive transfusion requirements and high injury
      severity scores. Infection prevention should begin at the time of injury and,
      although context-specific depending on the level of care, includes appropriate
      irrigation, surgical debridement, wound care and coverage, fracture fixation, and
      antibiotic prophylaxis, in addition to basic infection prevention measures.
      Clinical practice guidelines to address infection prevention after combat trauma
      (including extremity infection) were developed in 2007 and revised in 2011, with
      endorsement from the Surgical Infection Society and the Infectious Disease
      Society of America. Nevertheless, significant challenges remain, including
      austere environments of care, multiple transitions of care, and lack of
      coordinated efforts in prevention. Treatment of established infections is
      optimally multidisciplinary, particularly when deep wounds, bone, and joints are
      involved. Surgical debridement of overtly infected or necrotic tissue is
      necessary, with particularly aggressive margins if invasive fungal infection is
      suspected. Infected nonunion frequently requires the use of prosthetic materials
      for fixation, potentiating biofilm formation, and complicating medical therapy.
      Antibiotic therapy should be targeted at results of deep wound and bone cultures.
      However, this is complicated by frequent contamination of wounds, requiring
      differentiation between potential pathogens in terms of their virulence and
      decreased culture recovery in patient who have frequently received previous
      antibiotics. Lessons learned in infection prevention and treatment of orthopaedic
      trauma from combat can serve to inform the care of patients injured in natural
      disasters and noncombat trauma.

PMID- 27661424
TI  - Heterotopic Ossification: A Review of Current Understanding, Treatment, and
      Future.
AB  - Heterotopic ossification is the formation of bone at extraskeletal sites. The
      incidence of heterotopic ossification in military amputees from recent operations
      in Iraq and Afghanistan has been demonstrated to be as high as 65%. Heterotopic
      ossification poses problems to wound healing, rehabilitation, and prosthetic
      fitting. This article details the current evidence regarding its etiology,
      prevention, management, and research strategies.

PMID- 27661425
TI  - Comprehensive Rehabilitation Following Combat Extremity Trauma: Evolution and Its
      Impact on Outcomes.
AB  - Recent military combat operations have resulted in a high burden of extremity
      related long-term disability due to limb amputation and persistent deficits
      despite limb reconstruction. The US Army amputee care programs, established at
      focused centers with interdisciplinary care teams, have redefined the standard of
      how rehabilitation following limb loss is undertaken as the limb reconstruction
      is just one part of the entire patient's restoration of wellness and
      reintegration. Inspired by this approached, comprehensive rehabilitation programs
      designed for patients with limb reconstruction have also excelled rehabilitation
      following a spectrum of severe limb trauma. These programs, which include
      advances in orthotics and orthosis training, have improved function and military
      retention among the limb salvage patient population. Lessons learned from
      comprehensive rehabilitation efforts emphasize the value of highly skilled,
      interprofessional care teams and the overall wellness of the patients. Although
      this approach is resource intensive and not available in all health care systems,
      civilian trauma counterparts can learn from the example of holistic attention to
      the patient's recovery.

PMID- 27661426
TI  - Debridement and Irrigation: Evolution and Current Recommendations.
AB  - Debridement is an integral step in the orthopaedic management of traumatic
      wounds, from open soft tissue injuries and routine open fracture care to the
      management of extensive high-energy blast injuries. While the necessity of
      debridement has been well established, the level of energy and degree of
      contamination of blast wounds encountered in recent armed conflict has offered a
      challenge and a new opportunity for military surgeons to revisit the most recent
      literature to guide our practice with the best evidence currently available.
      While the core tenants of removing the nonviable tissue and preserving the viable
      to maintain the best functional outcome have not changed, new wound care
      therapies and advances in prosthetics and salvage techniques and the ability to
      rapidly evacuate casualties have changed the approach to care provided on the
      front lines. This paper seeks to review the core principles of debridement and
      guide treatment using evidence-based methods that can be applied to contaminated
      open injuries on the battlefront and disaster and intentional violence injuries
      abroad and at home.

PMID- 27661427
TI  - Intraepithelial Extramammary Paget's Disease of the Vulva: The
      Clinicopathological Characteristics, Management, and Outcome in a Study of 18
      Female Patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the clinicopathologic characteristics,
      management, and outcome of patients with intraepithelial extramammary Paget's
      disease of the vulva (EMPDV). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study
      included medical records and pathological slides of 18 female patients with EMPDV
      between January 2001 and December 2012. Diagnosis was confirmed using
      conventional hematoxylin and eosin staining. RESULTS: The median age was 65
      years. The distribution of lesions was from labium majus, labium minus, clitoris,
      and distal vaginal wall. The appearance was erythematous patches,
      hypopigmentation, and hyperpigmentation. The symptoms were pruritus, erosions,
      burning sensation, and pain. The mean duration of symptoms was 24 months. Ten
      patients received local excision, 3 accepted wide local excisions and successful
      skin grafting, and 5 underwent vulvectomies. Frozen sections showed that 3 and 15
      patients had positive and negative margins, respectively. The average length of
      follow-up was 70 months. During a follow-up period, 3 patients were lost. One
      patient with positive margins and one with negative margins recurred and the
      overall recurrence rate was 11.1%. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of EMPDV is often
      delayed but has good prognosis. A complete surgical resection is an effective
      treatment. Skin grafting may be a good method to promote incision healing.

PMID- 27661428
TI  - Facial Treatment Preferences Among Aesthetically Oriented Men.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of data describing male attitudes toward age
      related changes to their facial features and associated preferences for
      prioritizing treatment. METHODS: Injectable-naive but aesthetically oriented men
      aged 30 to 65 participated in an online study (N = 600). Respondents indicated
      how concerned they were by the appearance of 15 age-related facial features, and
      the Maximum Difference scaling system was used to explore which features were
      most likely to be prioritized for treatment. The correlation between the features
      of most concern and the areas of treatment priority was assessed. Other aspects
      regarding the male perspective on aesthetic procedures, such as awareness,
      motivating factors, and barriers, also were explored. RESULTS: Crow's feet and
      tear troughs were rated as the most likely to be treated first (80% of first
      preferences) followed by forehead lines (74%), double chin (70%), and glabellar
      lines (60%). The areas of most concern in order were tear troughs, double chin,
      crow's feet, and forehead lines. There was a strong correlation between the
      features of most concern and the areas of treatment priority (r = 0.81).
      CONCLUSION: The periorbital areas, in particular crow's feet and tear troughs,
      are of most concern and likely to be prioritized for treatment among
      aesthetically oriented men.

PMID- 27661430
TI  - A New Subtype of Lichen Planopilaris Affecting Vellus Hairs and Clinically
      Mimicking Androgenetic Alopecia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is a follicular variant of lichen planus. A
      new subtype of LPP mimicking androgenetic alopecia (AGA) may be misdiagnosed.
      Inappropriate medical therapy or hair transplantation may exacerbate this
      subtype. OBJECTIVE: To introduce clinicopathologic findings of a new subtype of
      LPP that selectively affects vellus hair in the pattern of AGA. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, 433 (66.6%) men and 217 (33.4%) women with
      alopecia who were candidates of medical treatment or hair transplantation were
      included. Gross and microscopic attributes of their diseases were investigated.
      RESULTS: Among the total of 650 patients, 58 (8.9%; 95% confidence interval, 6.7%
      11.1%) patients, including 52 women and 6 men, had LPP. We identified a distinct
      category of LPP presenting with diffuse hair loss in the pattern of AGA with
      predominant terminal hair, significant decrease in vellus hair, and minute
      punctuate scars in histopathology. Vellus hair follicles were the main sites of
      involvement. Perifollicular fibrosis and mild fibrosis with lichenoid lymphocytic
      infiltration around infundibular area of vellus hair follicles were present.
      CONCLUSION: There is a new form of LPP with clinical features similar to AGA.
      This form is histopathologically similar to LPP but selectively affects vellus
      hair follicles.

PMID- 27661431
TI  - Commentary on A New Subtype of Lichen Planopilaris Affecting Vellus Hairs and
      Clinically Mimicking Androgenetic Alopecia.

PMID- 27661429
TI  - ASDS Cosmetic Dermatologic Surgery Fellowship Milestones.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The American Council of Graduate Medical Education, which oversees
      much of postgraduate medical education in the United States, has championed the
      concept of "milestones," standard levels of achievement keyed to particular time
      points, to assess trainee performance during residency. OBJECTIVE: To develop a
      milestones document for the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS)
      Cosmetic Dermatologic Surgery (CDS) fellowship program. METHODS: An ad hoc
      milestone drafting committee was convened that included members of the ASDS
      Accreditation Work Group and program directors of ASDS-approved Cosmetic
      Dermatologic Surgery (CDC) fellowship training programs. Draft milestones were
      circulated through email in multiple rounds until consensus was achieved.
      RESULTS: Thirteen milestones were developed in the 6 Accreditation Council for
      Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) competency areas, with 8 of these being
      patient-care milestones. Additional instructions for milestone administration
      more specific to the CDS fellowship than general ACGME instructions were also
      approved. Implementation of semiannual milestones was scheduled for the
      fellowship class entering in July 2018. CONCLUSION: Milestones are now available
      for CDS fellowship directors to implement in combination with other tools for
      fellow evaluation.

PMID- 27661432
TI  - Therapeutic Efficacy of Intralesional Steroid With Carbon Dioxide Laser Versus
      With Cryotherapy in Treatment of Keloids: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Keloids are difficult to treat due to their poor response and high
      recurrence rate. OBJECTIVE: We conducted a randomized controlled trial to compare
      the therapeutic efficacy of intralesional triamcinolone acetonide (ILTA) in
      combination with carbon dioxide laser (Group 1) versus in combination with
      cryotherapy (Group 2) in the treatment of keloids. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty
      patients with 101 keloids were randomized into 2 groups. On Day 1, keloids were
      ablated using either CO2 laser or cryotherapy followed by injection of ILTA at
      baseline and at 4 weeks interval for 3 months. Patients were followed up for 12
      months to assess for therapeutic response and side effects. RESULTS: Successful
      therapeutic response (>50% improvement) between the 2 groups (CO2 vs cryotherapy)
      were assessed in terms of reduction in thickness, reduction in volume, patient's
      self-assessment, observer's assessment, and Vancouver Scar Scale score at the end
      of 6 months and 12 months (55.55% vs 70.37%; 61.1% vs 77.8%; 75% vs 77.78%;
      61.12% vs 85.18%; 52.78% vs 62.96% respectively). The difference in therapeutic
      response between the 2 groups was not statistically significant at the end of 12
      months. CONCLUSION: Both CO2 laser and cryotherapy in combination with ILTA were
      found to be equally effective in the treatment of keloids.

PMID- 27661433
TI  - Tissue Stabilized-Guided Subcision for the Treatment of Cellulite: A Multicenter
      Pivotal Study With Two-Year Follow-up.

PMID- 27661434
TI  - Birhombic Transposition Flap for Repair of Surgical Defects on the Nasal Dorsum.

PMID- 27661435
TI  - The Impact of Treatment on the Serum Concentration of Interleukin-1 Beta in
      Pulmonary Tuberculosis.
AB  - Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health problem in the world. Further
      elucidation of the pathogenesis and identification of suitable biomarkers of the
      disease have remained research priorities. Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta)
      signaling is known to be high in active tuberculosis. In this study, we followed
      up a cohort of adult sputum-positive tuberculosis patients and investigated the
      impact of anti-tuberculosis treatment on the serum concentrations of IL-1 beta.
      The protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of University of Nigeria
      Teaching Hospital Enugu. Each participant gave informed consent. Serum
      concentration of Interleukin-1 was measured before treatment, after 2 months of
      treatment, and after 6 months of treatment by Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay
      method. Forty-two tuberculosis patients and 31 healthy volunteers completed the
      study. The patients had good clinical response to treatment. The mean serum
      concentration of Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) for the patients before treatment
      was very high (30.20 +/- 2.0 pg/mL) compared with those of healthy controls
      (13.30 +/- 1.30). As treatment progressed there was remarkable, progressive and
      statistically significant (P < 0.05) reduction in the mean IL-1 beta serum
      concentration of the patients: 21.80 +/- 1.1 pg/ml after 2 months and 16.96 +/-
      1.3 pg/mL after 6 months treatment. At the completion of treatment, the mean
      serum concentration of IL-1 beta of the patients was comparable but slightly
      higher than those of the healthy controls. Serum concentration of Interleukin-1
      beta is thus considered a potential host biomarker for active tuberculosis in
      adult humans.

PMID- 27661436
TI  - HPLC method development, validation, and impurity characterization of a potent
      antitumor nucleoside, T-dCyd (NSC 764276).
AB  - An HPLC method for the assay of an anticancer nucleoside, 4'-thio-2'
      deoxycytidine (T-dCyd, NSC 764276), has been developed and validated. The stress
      testing of T-dCyd was carried out in accordance with ICH guidelines Q1A (R2)
      under acidic, alkaline, oxidative, thermolytic, and photolytic conditions. The
      separation of T-dCyd from its impurities and degradation products was achieved in
      40min on a Luna(r) Phenyl-Hexyl column (150mm*4.6mm i.d., 3MUm) with a gradient
      elution using ammonium phosphate buffer (pH 3.85) and methanol as the mobile
      phase. The gradient starts from 2% and ends at 80% of methanol. Detection is by
      UV at 282nm. LC-QTOF/MS was used to obtain mass data for characterization of
      impurities and degradation products. The proposed HPLC assay method was validated
      for specificity, linearity (concentration range 0.25-0.75mg/mL, r>=0.9998),
      accuracy (recovery 98.1-102.0%), precision (RSD<=1.5%), and sensitivity (LOD
      0.1MUg/mL). The developed method was suitable for the quality control and
      stability monitoring of the T-dCyd drug substance.

PMID- 27661437
TI  - Catalytic Asymmetric Conjugate Addition and Sulfenylation of Diarylthiazolidin
      2,4-diones.
AB  - This work reports the first application of diarylthiazolidin-2,4-diones as
      nucleophiles in asymmetric catalysis. By utilizing chiral amino acid-based
      (thio)urea-tertiary amines as the catalysts, we successively established
      asymmetric conjugate addition to nitroolefins and sulfenylation to N-(sulfanyl)
      succinimides of diarylthiazolidin-2,4-diones. Two series of biologically
      important 5-aryl-5-substituted thiazolidin-2,4-diones were obtained with high
      enantio- and diastereoselectivities (up to >99% ee and >19:1 dr). The
      enantioenriched adducts were found to show satisfactory anticancer activities
      against three different cancer cell lines using the MTT assay. All of these
      successes depended on the development of a general and expedient synthetic
      strategy to provide diverse 5H-thiazolidin-2,4-diones.

PMID- 27661439
TI  - Palliative care in the trauma ICU.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The benefits of palliative care for critically ill patients
      are well recognized, yet acceptance into surgical culture is lagging. With the
      increasing proportion of geriatric trauma patients, integration of palliative
      medicine within daily intensive care services to facilitate goal-concordant care
      is imperative. RECENT FINDINGS: Misconceptions of palliative medicine as it
      applies to trauma patients linger among trauma surgeons and many continue to
      practice without routine consultation of a palliative care service. Aggressive
      end-of-life care does not correlate with an improved family perception of medical
      care received near death. Additionally, elderly patients near the end of life
      often prefer palliative treatments over life-extending therapy, and their
      treatment preferences are often not achieved. A new geriatric-specific prognosis
      calculator estimates the risk of mortality after trauma, which is useful in
      starting goals of care discussions with older patients and their families.
      SUMMARY: Shifting our quality focus from 30-day mortality rates to measurements
      of symptom control and achievement of patient treatment preferences will
      prioritize patient beneficence and autonomy. Ownership of surgical palliative
      care as a service provided by acute care surgeons will ensure that our patients
      with incurable injury and illness will receive optimal patient-centered care.

PMID- 27661438
TI  - Alteration of the alertness-related network in patients with right temporal lobe
      epilepsy: A resting state fMRI study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate alterations in the alertness-related
      network in patients with right temporal lobe epilepsy (rTLE) and explore the
      functional mechanisms of impaired alertness. METHODS: We recruited twenty
      patients with rTLE and eighteen matched healthy controls. All participants took a
      neuropsychological attention network test (ANT) and underwent resting-state
      functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) scanning. We extracted the
      alertness-related network using multiple independent component analysis (MICA).
      Subsequently, we compared the intergroup differences in functional connectivity
      (FC) of this network. Then, the neuropsychological data were correlated to voxels
      that showed significant FC differences in patients and controls. RESULTS: The
      alertness-related network extracted from the patients was similar to that of the
      controls, covering the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, middle frontal
      gyrus, parietal lobe, part of the temporal lobe, and left posterior lobe of the
      cerebellum (p<0.05). Compared to controls, patients with rTLE exhibited decreased
      FC values in the right inferior parietal lobe (IPL) and angular gyrus (p<0.05).
      Additionally, increased FC was shown in the right inferior frontal gyrus,
      Rolandic operculum, middle frontal gyrus, dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus,
      cuneus, and superior occipital gyrus (p<0.05). Behaviorally, patients with rTLE
      exhibited longer reaction times (RT) in the no cue (t=-2.07, p<0.05) and double
      cue (t=-2.28, p<0.05) conditions. However, the alertness effect in patients did
      not significantly differ from that of controls. Moreover, the alertness effect
      was negatively correlated with the mean Z-value in the right cuneus, which showed
      increased FC (r=-0.556, p=0.013) in patients with rTLE. There was no significant
      correlation in the control group. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that
      alterations in the alertness-related network may contribute to the alertness
      impairment exhibited by patients with rTLE. Our study may provide new insights
      into the mechanisms of alertness impairments in rTLE.

PMID- 27661440
TI  - Medication-induced acute kidney injury.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The present article will review the current state of our
      understanding of nephrotoxic medication-associated acute kidney injury (AKI) and
      provide strategies to reduce its impact. RECENT FINDINGS: Nephrotoxic medications
      contribute to a substantial proportion of AKI in hospitalized patients. The
      previous perspective of nephrotoxic medication-associated AKI as a nonmodifiable
      necessary evil of providing appropriate therapy to ill patients had led to an
      incomplete understanding of its epidemiology and provided little impetus to
      reduce its occurrence. SUMMARY: Recent work on understanding specific
      combinations, thresholds for nephrotoxic burden and systematic kidney function
      assessment had mitigated, and even in some cases reduced, nephrotoxic AKI rates
      and severity. Current initiatives are underway to further refine specific
      nephrotoxic medication AKI risk via novel urinary biomarkers and genetic
      susceptibility.

PMID- 27661442
TI  - Virtual Screening for High Carrier Mobility in Organic Semiconductors.
AB  - Low carrier mobilities still hamper the use of organic semiconductors in many
      applications. Using a staged virtual screening approach we compute the electronic
      couplings and intramolecular reorganization energies as two main descriptors for
      charge mobility for a set of 95 445 molecular crystals extracted from the
      Cambridge Structural Database (CSD). As a final step, on the basis of the
      calculated coupling values, we identify materials with long-range charge
      percolation pathways. Thus we readily find many acclaimed compounds as well as a
      number of most promising materials that have not yet been considered for an
      application in organic electronics. Together with the unique metadata provided in
      the CSD, the large descriptor database allows us to extract important trends and
      correlations that will further accelerate the theoretical design and discovery of
      high mobility organic semiconductors.

PMID- 27661441
TI  - Human bloodstains on bone artefacts: an SEM intra- and inter-sample comparative
      study using ratite bird tibiotarsus.
AB  - Apart from their forensic significance in crime investigation, human bloodstains
      have an anthropological interest due to their occurrence on certain traditional
      weapons and ritual objects. Previously, a guiding study of erythrocytes in
      experimental samples including domestic sheep (Ovis aries) tibia was carried out
      using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Here, a comparative SEM study to
      reveal the potential differences in bloodstain surface morphology as a function
      of intra-sample (smear region) and inter-sample (individual smear, smearing
      mechanism, bone origin) parameters is reported. A fragment of emu (Dromaius
      novaehollandiae) tibiotarsus was smeared with an adult man's peripheral blood.
      After air-drying and storing indoors, the boundary and neighbouring inner areas
      of the three individual bloodstains obtained were examined via secondary
      electrons in a variable-pressure SEM working in low-vacuum mode. As a whole,
      desiccation microcracks were present, the limits between the smear and the
      substrate appeared poorly defined, and no erythrocyte negative replicas were
      observed in the examined areas. In addition, a putative fibrin network, more or
      less embedded in the dried plasma matrix, was observed in the smears' boundary.
      Regarding the smear region in sliding smears, the periphery and boundary revealed
      to be different, while the head and tail were similar. Considering individual
      sliding smears, they had similar characteristics. Relating to the smear region as
      a function of the smearing mechanism, the periphery was different whether sliding
      or touching, while the boundary was similar in sliding and touching smears.
      Concerning the smear region as a function of the bone origin, the periphery
      revealed to be similar in both ratite and mammalian bone, while the boundary did
      different in ratite and mammalian bone. The results of this study show that SEM
      examination can be used fruitfully to detect bloodstains on ratite bone. Combined
      with previous SEM results in domestic sheep bone, they suggest, further, that
      blood remains can be detected on objects made of bone irrespectively of the
      mammalian or ratite origin of this raw material.

PMID- 27661443
TI  - Phage Display Technology in Biomaterials Engineering: Progress and Opportunities
      for Applications in Regenerative Medicine.
AB  - The field of regenerative medicine has been gaining momentum steadily over the
      past few years. The emphasis in regenerative medicine is to use various in vitro
      and in vivo approaches that leverage the intrinsic healing mechanisms of the body
      to treat patients with disabling injuries and chronic diseases such as diabetes,
      osteoarthritis, and degenerative disorders of the cardiovascular and central
      nervous system. Phage display has been successfully employed to identify peptide
      ligands for a wide variety of targets, ranging from relatively small molecules
      (enzymes, cell receptors) to inorganic, organic, and biological (tissues)
      materials. Over the past two decades, phage display technology has advanced
      tremendously and has become a powerful tool in the most varied fields of
      research, including biotechnology, materials science, cell biology, pharmacology,
      and diagnostics. The growing interest in and success of phage display libraries
      is largely due to its incredible versatility and practical use. This review
      discusses the potential of phage display technology in biomaterials engineering
      for applications in regenerative medicine.

PMID- 27661444
TI  - Copper-Catalyzed Three-Component System for Arylsulfenylation of Imidazopyridines
      with Elemental Sulfur.
AB  - A one-pot three-component reaction for the regioselective synthesis of
      thioarylated imidazoheterocycles from aryl halides and elemental sulfur using
      copper(I) iodide as a catalyst has been developed. Reactions proceed with high
      efficiency and afford thioarylated imidazoheterocycles in good yields with broad
      functional group tolerance.

PMID- 27661445
TI  - Ground-State Charge Transfer: Lithium-Benzene and the Role of Hartree-Fock
      Exchange.
AB  - Most approximations to the exchange-correlation functional of Kohn-Sham density
      functional theory lead to delocalization errors that undermine the description of
      charge-transfer phenomena. We explore how various approximate functionals and
      charge-distribution schemes describe ground-state atomic-charge distributions in
      the lithium-benzene complex, a model system of relevance to carbon-based
      supercapacitors. To understand the trends, we compare Hartree-Fock (HF) and
      correlated post-HF calculations, confirming that the HOMO-LUMO gap is narrower in
      semilocal functionals but widened by hybrid functionals with large fractions of
      HF exchange. For semilocal functionals, natural bond orbital (NBO) and Mulliken
      schemes yield opposite pictures of how charge transfer occurs. In PBE, for
      example, when lithium and benzene are <1.5 A apart, NBO yields a positive charge
      on the lithium atom, but the Mulliken scheme yields a negative charge.
      Furthermore, the partial charges in conjugated materials depend on the interplay
      between the charge-distribution scheme employed and the underlying exchange
      correlation functional, being critically sensitive to the admixture of HF
      exchange. We analyze and explain why this happens, discuss implications, and
      conclude that hybrid functionals with an admixture of about one-fourth of HF
      exchange are particularly useful in describing charge transfer in the lithium
      benzene model.

PMID- 27661446
TI  - Synthesis and Characterization of Pt-Ag Alloy Nanocages with Enhanced Activity
      and Durability toward Oxygen Reduction.
AB  - Engineering the elemental composition of metal nanocrystals offers an effective
      strategy for the development of catalysts or electrocatalysts with greatly
      enhanced activity. Herein, we report the synthesis of Pt-Ag alloy nanocages with
      an outer edge length of 18 nm and a wall thickness of about 3 nm. Such nanocages
      with a composition of Pt19Ag81 could be readily prepared in one step through the
      galvanic replacement reaction between Ag nanocubes and a Pt(II) precursor. After
      10 000 cycles of potential cycling in the range of 0.60-1.0 V as in an
      accelerated durability test, the composition of the nanocages changed to
      Pt56Ag44, together with a specific activity of 1.23 mA cm-2 toward oxygen
      reduction, which was 3.3 times that of a state-of-the-art commercial Pt/C
      catalyst (0.37 mA cm-2) prior to durability testing. Density functional theory
      calculations attributed the increased activity to the stabilization of the
      transition state for breaking the O-O bond in molecular oxygen. Even after 30 000
      cycles of potential cycling, the mass activity of the nanocages only dropped from
      0.64 to 0.33 A mg-1Pt, which was still about two times that of the pristine Pt/C
      catalyst (0.19 A mg-1Pt).

PMID- 27661447
TI  - MOF-74 as an Efficient Catalyst for the Low-Temperature Selective Catalytic
      Reduction of NOx with NH3.
AB  - In this work, Mn-MOF-74 with hollow spherical structure and Co-MOF-74 with petal
      like shape have been prepared successfully via the hydrothermal method. The
      catalysts were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform
      infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetry-mass spectrum analysis (TG-MS),
      N2 adsorption/desorption, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray
      photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). It is found that MOF-74(Mn, Co) exhibits the
      capability for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NOx at low temperatures.
      Both experimental (temperature-programmed desorption, TPD) and computational
      methods have shown that Co-MOF-74 and Mn-MOF-74 owned high adsorption and
      activation abilities for NO and NH3. The catalytic activities of Mn-MOF-74 and Co
      MOF-74 for low-temperature denitrification (deNOx) in the presence of NH3 were
      99% at 220  degrees C and 70% at 210  degrees C, respectively. It is found that
      the coordinatively unsaturated metal sites (CUSs) in M-MOF-74 (M = Mn and Co)
      played important roles in SCR reaction. M-MOF-74 (M = Mn and Co), especially Mn
      MOF-74, showed excellent catalytic performance for low-temperature SCR. In
      addition, in the reaction process, NO conversion on Mn-MOF-74 decreased with the
      introduction of H2O and SO2 and almost recovered when gas was cut off. However,
      for Co-MOF-74, SO2 almost has no effect on the catalytic activity. This work
      showed that MOF-74 could be used prospectively as deNOx catalyst.

PMID- 27661451
TI  - The role of docetaxel in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer lung cancer:
      an update.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Non-small cell lung cancer lung cancer (NSCLC) is a devastating
      disease, with poor prognosis for patients with metastatic disease. The management
      of these patients has evolved during the past decade, challenging the role of
      cytotoxic chemotherapy as the only available treatment option. Nevertheless,
      chemotherapy still retains a dominant position for the majority of both treatment
      naive and pretreated patients. Among the chemotherapeutic agents, docetaxel is
      one of the most commonly used in 1st and subsequent treatment lines, even in the
      current era of precision medicine. Areas covered: We searched Medline, Embase,
      Scopus and Cochrane Library for randomized phase III trials that evaluated
      docetaxel in various clinical settings of NSCLC and for meta-analyses of such
      trials and we present all relevant data regarding the pharmacology and clinical
      use of docetaxel in NSCLC. Expert commentary: Despite its diminishing role,
      docetaxel in combination with novel targeted agents remains an important option
      of the therapeutic armamentarium in advanced NSCLC.

PMID- 27661448
TI  - Two missense mutations in SALL4 in a patient with microphthalmia, coloboma, and
      optic nerve hypoplasia.
AB  - To investigate the genetic etiology of anophthalmia and microphthalmia, we used
      exome sequencing in a Caucasian female with unilateral microphthalmia and
      coloboma, bilateral optic nerve hypoplasia, ventricular and atrial septal
      defects, and growth delays. We found two sequence variants in SALL4 - c.[575C>A],
      predicting p.(Ala192Glu), that was paternally inherited, and c.[2053G>C],
      predicting p.(Asp685His), that was maternally inherited. Haploinsufficiency for
      SALL4 due to nonsense or frameshift mutations has been associated with acro-renal
      ocular syndrome that is characterized by eye defects including Duane anomaly and
      coloboma, in addition to radial ray malformations and renal abnormalities. Our
      report is the first description of structural eye defects associated with two
      missense variants in SALL4 inherited in trans; the absence of reported findings
      in both parents suggests that both sequence variants are hypomorphic mutations
      and that both are needed for the ocular phenotype. SALL4 is expressed in the
      developing lens and regulates BMP4, leading us to speculate that altered BMP4
      expression was responsible for the eye defects, but we could not demonstrate
      altered BMP4 expression in vitro after using small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to
      reduce SALL4 expression. We conclude that SALL4 hypomorphic variants may
      influence eye development.

PMID- 27661449
TI  - Pask integrates hormonal signaling with histone modification via Wdr5
      phosphorylation to drive myogenesis.
AB  - PAS domain containing protein kinase (Pask) is an evolutionarily conserved
      protein kinase implicated in energy homeostasis and metabolic regulation across
      eukaryotic species. We now describe an unexpected role of Pask in promoting the
      differentiation of myogenic progenitor cells, embryonic stem cells and adipogenic
      progenitor cells. This function of Pask is dependent upon its ability to
      phosphorylate Wdr5, a member of several protein complexes including those that
      catalyze histone H3 Lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) during transcriptional
      activation. Our findings suggest that, during myoblast differentiation, Pask
      stimulates the conversion of repressive H3K4me1 to activating H3K4me3 marks on
      the promoter of the differentiation gene myogenin (Myog) via Wdr5
      phosphorylation. This enhances accessibility of the MyoD transcription factor and
      enables transcriptional activation of the Myog promoter to initiate muscle
      differentiation. Thus, as an upstream kinase of Wdr5, Pask integrates signaling
      cues with the transcriptional network to regulate the differentiation of
      progenitor cells.

PMID- 27661450
TI  - A robust activity marking system for exploring active neuronal ensembles.
AB  - Understanding how the brain captures transient experience and converts it into
      long lasting changes in neural circuits requires the identification and
      investigation of the specific ensembles of neurons that are responsible for the
      encoding of each experience. We have developed a Robust Activity Marking (RAM)
      system that allows for the identification and interrogation of ensembles of
      neurons. The RAM system provides unprecedented high sensitivity and selectivity
      through the use of an optimized synthetic activity-regulated promoter that is
      strongly induced by neuronal activity and a modified Tet-Off system that achieves
      improved temporal control. Due to its compact design, RAM can be packaged into a
      single adeno-associated virus (AAV), providing great versatility and ease of use,
      including application to mice, rats, flies, and potentially many other species.
      Cre-dependent RAM, CRAM, allows for the study of active ensembles of a specific
      cell type and anatomical connectivity, further expanding the RAM system's
      versatility.

PMID- 27661453
TI  - Respite service use among caregivers of older people: comparative analysis of
      family dementia caregivers with musculoskeletal and circulatory system disorder
      caregivers.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To identify the main drivers of the use of respite services and the
      need for respite services among caregivers of people experiencing dementia
      relative to family caregivers of people with other health conditions. METHOD:
      Based on nationally representative secondary data regression analysis was used to
      test the association between selected health conditions and the utilisation of
      and need for respite services. RESULTS: For a person living with dementia the
      odds of using respite care are higher than for a person with either a
      musculoskeletal or circulatory condition. Family caregivers of people living with
      dementia report the odds of the need for more respite as 5.3 times higher than
      for family caregivers of people with musculoskeletal conditions and 7.7 times
      higher than for family caregivers of people with circulatory conditions. The main
      reason for never using respite services is largely driven by the type of health
      condition, age of care recipient, existence of a spouse, and level of disability.
      CONCLUSIONS: Respite services that cater to the specific needs of families
      experiencing dementia at home should become a higher priority within the aged
      care sector. Alternative models of respite care that focus on prevention and
      early intervention would be cost effective.

PMID- 27661452
TI  - Profiling of adhesive-related genes in the freshwater cnidarian Hydra
      magnipapillata by transcriptomics and proteomics.
AB  - The differentiated ectodermal basal disc cells of the freshwater cnidarian Hydra
      secrete proteinaceous glue to temporarily attach themselves to underwater
      surfaces. Using transcriptome sequencing and a basal disc-specific RNA-seq
      combined with in situ hybridisation a highly specific set of candidate adhesive
      genes was identified. A de novo transcriptome assembly of 55,849 transcripts
      (>200 bp) was generated using paired-end and single reads from Illumina libraries
      constructed from different polyp conditions. Differential transcriptomics and
      spatial gene expression analysis by in situ hybridisation allowed the
      identification of 40 transcripts exclusively expressed in the ectodermal basal
      disc cells. Comparisons after mass spectrometry analysis of the adhesive
      secretion showed a total of 21 transcripts to be basal disc specific and
      eventually secreted through basal disc cells. This is the first study to survey
      adhesion-related genes in Hydra. The candidate list presented in this study
      provides a platform for unravelling the molecular mechanism of underwater
      adhesion of Hydra.

PMID- 27661455
TI  - Ossicular replacement prostheses from banked bone with ergonomic and functional
      geometry.
AB  - This study shows the fabrication of innovative ossicular replacement prostheses
      (ORPs) based on banked cortical bone using computer numerically controlled
      ultraprecision micromilling, as a substantial improvement of "second generation"
      ORPs. Our aim is to combine optimal middle ear compatibility and surgical
      manageability in a single device, by releasing off-the-shelf homograft ORPs
      provided with the appealing features of synthetic ORPs, such as lightness,
      safety, measurement accuracy, surface decoration, and geometric plasticity. The
      new total ORP prototype was 13.1 +/- 0.1 mg, leading to 81% weight reduction with
      respect to the previous model. Surface motifs of the head plate were applied to
      prevent slipping and migration after surgery, as shown by finite element modeling
      analysis. In addition, bone ORPs were provided with holed head plates to
      facilitate their surgical positioning while reducing their mass. A comparative
      measurement of acoustic responses of bone against synthetic partial ORPs in the
      250-8000 Hz frequency range demonstrated their superior behavior. This study
      showed that banked compact bone can be optimally manufactured, eventually
      enabling the fabrication of light, standardized, and highly performant ORPs. The
      new bone ORPs may represent the ideal combination of biocompatibility and
      technology which can ultimately accomplish unmet otosurgical needs. (c) 2016
      Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 2495
      2506, 2017.

PMID- 27661456
TI  - Pd-Catalyzed Carboamination of Alkylidenecyclopropanes: Synthesis of Congested
      Pyrrolidines and Piperidines.
AB  - The synthesis of densely functionalized N-heterocycles is an ongoing challenge in
      chemical synthesis. Herein, we report an efficient method for the construction of
      pyrrolidine and piperidine scaffolds using a palladium-catalyzed carboamination
      of alkylidenecyclopropanes.

PMID- 27661454
TI  - Improved decision making for prioritizing tumor targeting antibodies in human
      xenografts: Utility of fluorescence imaging to verify tumor target expression,
      antibody binding and optimization of dosage and application schedule.
AB  - Preclinical efficacy studies of antibodies targeting a tumor-associated antigen
      are only justified when the expression of the relevant antigen has been
      demonstrated. Conventionally, antigen expression level is examined by
      immunohistochemistry of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor tissue section.
      This method represents the diagnostic "gold standard" for tumor target
      evaluation, but is affected by a number of factors, such as epitope masking and
      insufficient antigen retrieval. As a consequence, variances and discrepancies in
      histological staining results can occur, which may influence decision-making and
      therapeutic outcome. To overcome these problems, we have used different
      fluorescence-labeled therapeutic antibodies targeting human epidermal growth
      factor receptor (HER) family members and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor
      (IGF1R) in combination with fluorescence imaging modalities to determine tumor
      antigen expression, drug-target interaction, and biodistribution and tumor
      saturation kinetics in non-small cell lung cancer xenografts. For this, whole
      body fluorescence intensities of labeled antibodies, applied as a single compound
      or antibody mixture, were measured in Calu-1 and Calu-3 tumor-bearing mice, then
      ex vivo multispectral tumor tissue analysis at microscopic resolution was
      performed. With the aid of this simple and fast imaging method, we were able to
      analyze the tumor cell receptor status of HER1-3 and IGF1R, monitor the antibody
      target interaction and evaluate the receptor binding sites of anti-HER2-targeting
      antibodies. Based on this, the most suitable tumor model, best therapeutic
      antibody, and optimal treatment dosage and application schedule was selected.
      Predictions drawn from obtained imaging data were in excellent concordance with
      outcome of conducted preclinical efficacy studies. Our results clearly
      demonstrate the great potential of combined in vivo and ex vivo fluorescence
      imaging for the preclinical development and characterization of monoclonal
      antibodies.

PMID- 27661457
TI  - Is involvement of inflammation underestimated in Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease?
AB  - Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease (PMD) is a severe hypomyelinating leukodystrophy
      resulting from proteolipid protein 1 gene (PLP1) mutations leading to
      oligodendrocyte loss. While neuroinflammation has recently become a common
      feature and actor in neurodegenerative diseases, the involvement of inflammation
      in PMD physiopathology is still highly debated despite evidence for strong
      astrogliosis and microglial cell activation. Activation of the innate immune
      system, and more particularly, of microglia and astrocytes, is mostly associated
      with the deleterious role of neuroinflammation. However, in diseases such as
      multiple sclerosis, microglia appear beneficial for repair based on their role in
      myelin debris removal or recruitment and differentiation of oligodendrocyte
      progenitor cells. In this review, we will discuss recent published data in terms
      of their relevance to the role of microglia in PMD evolution, and of their impact
      on the improvement of therapeutic approaches combining immunomodulation and cell
      therapy to promote optimal recovery. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27661458
TI  - Use of intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging in identifying the
      vascular and avascular zones of human meniscus.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the hypothesis that the intravoxel incoherent motion
      (IVIM) diffusion-weighted imaging may depict microcirculation of meniscus and the
      perfusion changes in meniscal disorder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty patients
      received diffusion-weighted MRI with multiple b-values ranging from 0 to 400
      s/mm2 . The four horns of the menisci were divided into normal, degenerated, and
      torn groups. IVIM parameters including perfusion fraction (f), pseudo-diffusion
      coefficient (D*), true diffusion coefficient (D), and the product of f and D* (f
      D*) of normal meniscal red zone and white zone were derived and compared for
      microcirculation changes of normal, degenerated, and torn posterior horn of the
      medial meniscus (PMM). The parameters between red and white zones among the
      groups were compared. Significant differences were considered when P < 0.05.
      RESULTS: Mean f and fD* were significantly higher in the red zone than those in
      the white zone for the normal four meniscal horns (P < 0.05), whereas D* (P =
      0.882, 0.011, 0.593, and 0.33) and D (P = 0.186, 0.099, 0.767, and 0.041) did not
      significantly differ between the two zones. Among the normal, degenerated, and
      torn PMM, f was observed to be lower in the red zone of torn horns as compared to
      the normal horns (P = 0.013). D*, fD*, and D did not exhibit statistically
      significant difference among different groups (P = 0.353, 0.661, and 0.327,
      respectively). CONCLUSION: This hypothesis driven work shows that IVIM imaging is
      able to depict microcirculation of meniscus and the perfusion changes in meniscal
      disorder. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;45:1090-1096.

PMID- 27661460
TI  - Zinc-Reduced Mesoporous TiOx Li-Ion Battery Anodes with Exceptional Rate
      Capability and Cycling Stability.
AB  - We demonstrate a unique synthetic route for oxygen-deficient mesoporous TiOx by a
      redox-transmetalation process by using Zn metal as the reducing agent. The as
      obtained materials have significantly enhanced electronic conductivity; 20 times
      higher than that of as-synthesized TiO2 material. Moreover, electrochemical
      impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and galvanostatic intermittent titration technique
      (GITT) measurements are performed to validate the low charge carrier resistance
      of the oxygen-deficient TiOx . The resulting oxygen-deficient TiOx battery anode
      exhibits a high reversible capacity (~180 mA h g-1 at a discharge/charge rate of
      1 C/1 C after 400 cycles) and an excellent rate capability (~90 mA h g-1 even at
      a rate of 10 C). Also, the full cell, which is coupled with a LiCoO2 cathode
      material, exhibits an outstanding rate capability (>75 mA h g-1 at a rate of 3.0
      C) and maintains a reversible capacity of over 100 mA h g-1 at a discharge/charge
      of 1 C/1 C for 300 cycles.

PMID- 27661459
TI  - PACAP and VIP Inhibit HIF-1alpha-Mediated VEGF Expression in a Model of Diabetic
      Macular Edema.
AB  - Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) and vasoactive
      intestinal peptide (VIP) exert a protective role against retinal injuries,
      including diabetic macular edema (DME). The macular damage is induced by
      hyperglycemia, which damages vessels supplying blood to the retina and induces
      hypoxia. The microenvironmental changes stimulate the expression of hypoxia
      inducible factors (HIFs), which promote the choroidal endothelial cell
      transmigration across the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) into neurosensory
      retina, where they proliferate into new vessels under stimulation of the vascular
      endothelial growth factor (VEGF). In the present study, we have investigated
      whether PACAP and VIP prevent retinal damage by modulating the expression of
      HIFs, VEGF, and its receptors. In accord to our hypothesis, we have shown that
      both peptides are able to significantly reduce HIF-1alpha and increase HIF-3alpha
      expression in ARPE-19 cells exposed to hyperglycemic/hypoxic insult. This effect
      is also related to a reduction of VEGF and its receptors expression. Moreover,
      both peptides also reduce the activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase
      (MAPK), a pro-apoptotic signaling pathway, which is activated by VEGFR-1 and 2
      receptors. In conclusion, our study has further elucidated the protective role
      performed by PACAP and VIP, against the harmful combined effect of
      hyperglycemia/hypoxia characterizing the DME microenvironment. J. Cell. Physiol.
      232: 1209-1215, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27661461
TI  - Causes and consequences of large clonal assemblies in a poplar hybrid zone.
AB  - Asexual reproduction is a common and fundamental mode of reproduction in plants.
      Although persistence in adverse conditions underlies most known cases of clonal
      dominance, proximal genetic drivers remain unclear, in particular for populations
      dominated by a few large clones. In this study, we studied a clonal population of
      the riparian tree Populus alba in the Douro river basin (northwestern Iberian
      Peninsula) where it hybridizes with Populus tremula, a species that grows in
      highly contrasted ecological conditions. We used 73 nuclear microsatellites to
      test whether genomic background (species ancestry) is a relevant cause of clonal
      success, and to assess the evolutionary consequences of clonal dominance by a few
      genets. Additional genotyping-by-sequencing data were produced to estimate the
      age of the largest clones. We found that a few ancient (over a few thousand years
      old) and widespread genets dominate the population, both in terms of clone size
      and number of sexual offspring produced. Interestingly, large clones possessed
      two genomic regions introgressed from P. tremula, which may have favoured their
      spread under stressful environmental conditions. At the population level, the
      spread of large genets was accompanied by an overall ancient (>0.1 Myr) but soft
      decline of effective population size. Despite this decrease, and the high
      clonality and dominance of sexual reproduction by large clones, the Douro hybrid
      zone still displays considerable genetic diversity and low inbreeding. This
      suggests that even in extreme cases as in the Douro, asexual and sexual dominance
      of a few large, geographically extended individuals does not threaten population
      survival.

PMID- 27661462
TI  - Fungal endophytes of South China blueberry (Vaccinium dunalianum var.
      urophyllum).
AB  - : A total of 374 fungal endophyte strains were isolated from of Vaccinium
      dunalianum var. urophyllum (Ericaceae), a well-known cultivated blueberry in
      southern China. These fungal endophytes could be categorized into 25 morphotypes
      according to culture characteristics and molecular identification based on the
      internal transcribed spacer region. All of these isolates belonged to Ascomycota.
      Jaccard's (Jc) and Sorenson's similarity indices indicated that the species
      communities from the fruits and branches were closer to each other than to those
      from leaves. The leaves appeared to host the highest fungal biodiversity, and the
      fruits displayed the lowest diversity. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This
      study is the first on endophytic fungi isolated from fruits, branches and leaves
      of blueberry plants. The results contribute to the body of knowledge on the
      biocontrol of pathogens associated with blueberry and develop the improvement of
      plant growth. By comparing with the different fungal communities, the leaves
      appeared to host the highest biodiversity.

PMID- 27661463
TI  - Improved hybrid/GPU algorithm for solving cardiac electrophysiology problems on
      Purkinje networks.
AB  - Cardiac Purkinje fibers provide an important pathway to the coordinated
      contraction of the heart. We present a numerical algorithm for the solution of
      electrophysiology problems across the Purkinje network that is efficient enough
      to be used in in silico studies on realistic Purkinje networks with
      physiologically detailed models of ion exchange at the cell membrane. The
      algorithm is on the basis of operator splitting and is provided with 3 different
      implementations: pure CPU, hybrid CPU/GPU, and pure GPU. Compared to our previous
      work, we modify the explicit gap junction term at network bifurcations to improve
      its mathematical consistency. Due to this improved consistency of the model, we
      are able to perform an empirical convergence study against analytical solutions.
      The study verified that all 3 implementations produce equivalent convergence
      rates, and shows that the algorithm produces equivalent result across different
      hardware platforms. Finally, we compare the efficiency of all 3 implementations
      on Purkinje networks of increasing spatial resolution using membrane models of
      increasing complexity. Both hybrid and pure GPU implementations outperform the
      pure CPU implementation, but their relative performance difference depends on the
      size of the Purkinje network and the complexity of the membrane model used.

PMID- 27661464
TI  - Do surgical interventions for limb lymphoedema reduce cellulitis attack
      frequency?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Recurrent cellulitis is a frequent and challenging complication of
      lymphoedema. British Lymphology Society cellulitis guidelines state that
      decongestive lymphatic therapy reduces the frequency of cellulitis attacks, but
      do not mention the effect of surgical interventions. This systematic review aims
      to assess whether surgical interventions for lymphoedema reduce the frequency of
      attacks of cellulitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Embase, Medline, and the Cochrane
      database were searched for relevant articles from database inception to January
      2016. Four hundred and thirty-six abstracts were retrieved. Studies were included
      which contained quantitative data on cellulitis incidence before and after a
      surgical intervention. Two independent reviewers applied selection criteria,
      selecting 27 papers for full text review. Two were unavailable in the UK from any
      source. RESULTS: A variety of surgical techniques were utilized in the 25 papers
      included: lymphaticovenous anastomosis, superficial-to-deep lymphaticolymphatic
      anastomosis, lymph node transfer, Charles procedure, muscle flap transfer,
      Homan's procedure, and subcutaneous tissue excision below skin flaps. Five
      studies combined techniques. One study compared the intervention to a control
      group (physical therapy). Cellulitis incidence was decreased following surgical
      intervention in 24/25 studies included. Eight had quantifiable reductions in
      cellulitis over a set follow-up period; in the other 16 preoperative incidence
      was not precisely defined. CONCLUSION: Surgery appears effective at reducing
      cellulitis incidence in lymphoedema. However, high quality evidence from
      randomized controlled trials is lacking. Future research should concentrate on
      comparison with control groups, for example compression alone versus compression
      with surgical intervention, in patients with lymphoedema and greater than two
      attacks of cellulitis per year.

PMID- 27661465
TI  - The last bastion? X chromosome genotyping of Anopheles gambiae species pair males
      from a hybrid zone reveals complex recombination within the major candidate
      'genomic island of speciation'.
AB  - Speciation with gene flow may be aided by reduced recombination helping to build
      linkage between genes involved in the early stages of reproductive isolation.
      Reduced recombination on chromosome X has been implicated in speciation within
      the Anopheles gambiae complex, species of which represent the major Afrotropical
      malaria vectors. The most recently diverged, morphologically indistinguishable,
      species pair, A. gambiae and Anopheles coluzzii, ubiquitously displays a 'genomic
      island of divergence' spanning over 4 Mb from chromosome X centromere, which
      represents a particularly promising candidate region for reproductive isolation
      genes, in addition to containing the diagnostic markers used to distinguish the
      species. Very low recombination makes the island intractable for experimental
      recombination studies, but an extreme hybrid zone in Guinea Bissau offers the
      opportunity for natural investigation of X-island recombination. SNP analysis of
      chromosome X hemizygous males revealed: (i) strong divergence in the X-island
      despite a lack of autosomal divergence; (ii) individuals with multiple
      recombinant genotypes, including likely double crossovers and localized gene
      conversion; (iii) recombination-driven discontinuity both within and between the
      molecular species markers, suggesting that the utility of the diagnostics is
      undermined under high hybridization. The largely, but incompletely protected
      nature of the X centromeric genomic island is consistent with a primary candidate
      area for accumulation of adaptive variants driving speciation with gene flow,
      while permitting some selective shuffling and removal of genetic variation.

PMID- 27661467
TI  - The marketing potential of corporate social responsibility activities: the case
      of the alcohol industry in Latin America and the Caribbean.
AB  - AIMS: The aims were to: (1) identify, monitor and analyse the Corporate Social
      Responsibility (CSR) practices of the alcohol industry in Latin America and the
      Caribbean (LAC) and (2) examine whether the alcohol industry is using these
      actions to market their products and brands. METHODS: Nine health experts from
      Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay conducted a content analysis of 218 CSR activities
      using a standardized protocol. A content rating procedure was used to evaluate
      the marketing potential of CSR activities as well as their probable population
      reach and effectiveness. The LEAD procedure (longitudinal, expert and all data)
      was applied to verify the accuracy of industry-reported descriptions. RESULTS: A
      total of 55.8% of the actions were found to have a marketing potential, based on
      evidence that they are likely to promote brands and products. Actions with
      marketing potential were more likely to reach a larger audience than actions
      classified with no marketing potential. Most actions did not fit into any
      category recommended by the World Health Organization; 50% of the actions
      involving classroom and college education for young people were found to have
      marketing potential; 62.3% were classified as meeting the definition of risk
      management CSR. CONCLUSION: Alcohol industry Corporate Social Responsibility
      activities in Latin America and the Caribbean appear to have a strategic
      marketing role beyond their stated philanthropic and public health purpose.

PMID- 27661466
TI  - Changes in plasma levels of oxidized lipoproteins and lipoprotein subfractions
      with atazanavir-, raltegravir-, darunavir-based initial antiviral therapy and
      associations with common carotid artery intima-media thickness: ACTG 5260s.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The role of oxidized lipoproteins (high-density [HDLox] and low
      density [LDLox]) and total lipoprotein particle (Lp) number and size in HIV
      related cardiovascular disease (CVD) is unclear. The goal of this study was to
      evaluate changes of these biomarkers and their associations with rate of carotid
      intima media thickness progression over 3 years (DeltaCIMT) in chronic HIV
      infection. METHODS: Prospective study of 234 HIV-infected antiretroviral
      treatment-naive participants without CVD who were randomized to receive tenofovir
      emtricitabine plus atazanavir/ritonavir, darunavir/ritonavir or raltegravir (RAL)
      and achieved plasma HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/ml by week 24 and thereafter. Biomarker
      changes over 24, 48 or 96 weeks from baseline and pairwise treatment group
      comparisons were examined. Associations of these biomarkers with DeltaCIMT were
      analysed with mixed effects linear regression. RESULTS: HDLp number increased
      with both protease inhibitors (PIs) over 48 weeks, while LDLp number declined
      with RAL; Lp size did not change. Over 96 weeks, normalized HDLox declined with
      both PIs; LDLox increased in all groups. Few treatment group differences were
      observed across all biomarkers. Associations between DeltaCIMT and oxidized
      lipoproteins at all time points were not apparent (P>=0.10). There was some
      evidence of slower DeltaCIMT for higher HDLp number (P=0.06) and for lower LDLp
      number (P=0.08) measured at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Unexpectedly, LDLox increased
      modestly in all treatment groups after ART initiation. Associations of plasma
      HDLox and LDLox with DeltaCIMT were not apparent. While plasma levels of abnormal
      lipoproteins have been shown to be associated with CVD outcomes, clear
      associations with sub-clinical atherosclerosis progression were not apparent in
      our study.

PMID- 27661468
TI  - The Cajal body and the nucleolus: "In a relationship" or "It's complicated"?
AB  - From their initial identification as 'nucleolar accessory bodies' more than a
      century ago, the relationship between Cajal bodies and nucleoli has been a
      subject of interest and controversy. In this review, we seek to place recent
      developments in the understanding of the physical and functional relationships
      between the 2 structures in the context of historical observations. Biophysical
      models of nuclear body formation, the molecular nature of CB/nucleolus
      interactions and the increasing list of joint roles for CBs and nucleoli,
      predominantly in assembling ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes, are discussed.

PMID- 27661472
TI  - Health Literacy Is Associated With Health Behaviors and Social Factors Among
      Older Adults: Results from the LifeLines Cohort Study.
AB  - This study assesses the associations between health literacy and various health
      behaviors and social factors among older adults, and whether social factors
      moderate the other associations. Data from 3,241 participants in the LifeLines
      Cohort Study were analyzed (mean baseline age = 68.9 years). Data on health
      literacy, health behaviors (physical activity, fruit and vegetable consumption,
      smoking, breakfast consumption, alcohol consumption, and body mass index (BMI),
      and social factors (loneliness, social support, social activities, social
      contacts, and living situation) were collected in three waves. Logistic
      regression analyses were used, adjusted for age and gender. Low health literacy
      was associated with insufficient physical activity, insufficient fruit and
      vegetable consumption, lack of regular breakfast consumption, obesity (odds
      ratios (ORs) > 1.31, p-values < .005) and low alcohol use (OR = 0.81, p = .013),
      but not with smoking. Low health literacy was also associated with greater
      loneliness, engaging in fewer social activities, and having fewer social contacts
      (ORs > 1.48, p-values < .005), but not with social support or living situation.
      Only the association between health literacy and smoking was moderated by social
      contacts, but this finding needs confirmation in future studies. In conclusion,
      low health literacy is negatively associated with health behaviors and social
      factors in older adults, but social factors seldom moderate the associations
      between health literacy and health behaviors.

PMID- 27661469
TI  - The Effect of Chair Yoga on Biopsychosocial Changes in English- and Spanish
      Speaking Community-Dwelling Older Adults with Lower-Extremity Osteoarthritis.
AB  - Chair yoga (CY), a mind-body therapy, is a safe nonpharmacological approach for
      managing osteoarthritis (OA) in older adults who cannot participate in standing
      exercise. However, there is no linguistically tailored CY program for those with
      limited English proficiency (LEP). This 2-arm randomized controlled trial
      compared the effects of a linguistically tailored yoga program (English and
      Spanish versions) on the outcomes of pain, physical function, and psychosocial
      factors compared to the effects of a linguistically tailored Health Education
      Program (HEP; English and Spanish versions). Participants with lower-extremity
      OA, recruited from 2 community sites, completed the Spanish (n = 40) or English
      (n = 60) version of twice-weekly 45-min CY or HEP sessions for 8 weeks. Data were
      collected at baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 1- and 3-month follow-ups. English
      and Spanish CY groups (but neither HEP language group) showed significant
      decreases in pain interference. Measures of OA symptoms, balance, depression, and
      social activities were not significantly different between English and Spanish
      versions of CY and English and Spanish versions of HEP. It was concluded that the
      Spanish and English versions of CY and HEP were equivalent. Linguistically
      tailored CY could be implemented in aging-serving communities for persons with
      LEP.

PMID- 27661473
TI  - Mortality in Patients Admitted for Concurrent COPD Exacerbation and Pneumonia.
AB  - It is unclear whether concurrent pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease (COPD) have a higher mortality than either condition alone. Further, it
      is unknown how this interaction changes over time. We explored the effect of
      pneumonia and COPD on inpatient, 30-day and overall mortality. We used a Veterans
      Health Affairs database to compare patients who were hospitalized for a COPD
      exacerbation without pneumonia (AECOPD), patients hospitalized for pneumonia
      without COPD (PNA) and patients hospitalized for pneumonia who had a concurrent
      diagnosis of COPD (PCOPD). We studied records of 15,065 patients with the
      following primary discharge diagnoses: (a) AECOPD cohort (7,154 individuals); (b)
      PNA cohort (4,433 individuals); and (c) PCOPD (3,478 individuals), comparing
      inpatient, 30-day and overall mortality in the three study cohorts. We observed a
      stepwise increase in inpatient mortality for AECOPD, PNA and PCOPD (4.8%, 9.5%
      and 13.2%, respectively). These differences persisted at 30 days post-discharge
      (AECOPD = 6.7%, PNA = 12.4% and PCOPD = 14.6%; p < 0.0001), but not throughout
      the study period (median follow-up: 37 months). With time, the death rate rose
      disproportionally in patients who had been admitted for AECOPD (AECOPD = 64.5%;
      PNA = 57.4% and PCOPD 66.2%; p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, PCOPD
      predicted the greatest inpatient mortality (p < 0.001). The data showed a
      progression in inpatient and 30-day mortality from AECOPD to PNA to PCOPD.
      Pneumonia and COPD differentially affected inpatient, 30-day and overall
      mortality with pneumonia affecting predominantly inpatient and 30-day mortality
      while COPD affecting the overall mortality.

PMID- 27661470
TI  - Self-Reported Ecstasy/MDMA/"Molly" Use in a Sample of Nightclub and Dance
      Festival Attendees in New York City.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ecstasy (MDMA) use has regained popularity in the United States,
      particularly in the form of "Molly," which is often marketed as pure MDMA.
      Surveys have generally not included "Molly" in the definition of ecstasy, so
      rates of use may be underestimated. As popularity of ecstasy increases, research
      is needed to examine use among those at highest risk for use-nightlife attendees.
      METHODS: We surveyed 679 young adults (age 18-25) entering nightclubs and
      festivals holding electronic dance music (EDM) parties in New York City in 2015.
      A variation of time-space sampling was utilized. We examined prevalence and
      correlates of self-reported lifetime ecstasy use. RESULTS: Self-reported lifetime
      ecstasy use was common (42.8%, 95% CI: 32.8, 52.7). Use was most common among
      older participants, frequent party attendees, and those reporting higher levels
      of exposure to users. Those surveyed outside of festivals were less likely to
      report use compared to those surveyed outside of nightclubs (AOR = 0.37, p =
      .015). Over a third of ecstasy users (36.8%)reported use in pill, powder, and
      crystal form. Ecstasy users were also more likely to report use of other drugs,
      including novel psychoactive substances (e.g., 2C series drugs, synthetic
      cathinones ["bath salts"]). Half (50.4%) reported suspecting (21.9%) or finding
      out (28.5%) that their ecstasy had ever contained a drug other than MDMA.
      CONCLUSION: A large percentage of nightlife attendees in NYC report lifetime
      ecstasy use. Findings should inform prevention and harm reduction programming.
      Further research is needed as ecstasy continues to change (e.g., in form, purity,
      and name).

PMID- 27661475
TI  - Taking action on jobs.
AB  - TheNurses workcampaign sparked national and regional publicity throughout the
      United Kingdom last week, with press launches in England, Wales, Scotland and
      Northern Ireland. Hundreds of nurses have applied for a free campaign pack* -
      confirming that there are many out there who fear for their jobs.

PMID- 27661476
TI  - Tissue viability society.
AB  - The Tissue Viability Society, founded ment, 1981 as a branch of the Wessex terly
      Rehabilitation Association, was orig- welcomes concerned with the prevention and
      all of pressure sores. It has developed Further Tel: a unique forum for
      considering all aspects from the problems of tissue viability. Its membership is
      open to all who have a common Odstock in rehabilitation and wound care.

PMID- 27661474
TI  - Hierarchical Structure and Cross-Cultural Measurement Invariance of the Norwegian
      Version of the Personality Inventory for DSM-5.
AB  - : The Personality Inventory for DSM-5 (PID-5) was created to aid a trait-based
      diagnostic system for personality disorders (PDs) in the Diagnostic and
      Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed. [DSM-5]; American Psychiatric
      Association, 2013a ). In this study, we aimed to evaluate the Norwegian version
      of the PID-5 by examining its score reliability, hierarchical structure,
      congruency with international findings, and cross-cultural measurement invariance
      with a matched U.S. SAMPLE: For this purpose, 503 university students (76%
      females) were administered the PID-5. The Norwegian PID-5 showed good score
      reliability and structural validity from 1 to 5 factors. The 5-factor structure
      was generally congruent with international findings, and support for measurement
      invariance across the Norwegian and a matched U.S. sample was found.
      Conclusively, the results indicate that scores on the Norwegian PID-5 have sound
      psychometric properties, which are substantially comparable with the original
      U.S. version, supporting its use in a Norwegian population.

PMID- 27661477
TI  - Study days.

PMID- 27661478
TI  - Keeping the pressure high on preventionHealth care professionals have long
      recognised pressure sores as a problem ( 1 , 2 , 3 ). Attention has focused on
      the monetary cost and scale of the issue ( 4 ) in terms of pain caused and
      competition for finite resources ( 5 ). The Health of the Nation consultative
      document ( 6 ) estimated that 6.7 per cent of the adult hospital population are
      affected, costing the NHS at least L60 million a year. Many consider these sores
      preventable, and believe the deployment of resources in the health service should
      focus on prevention instead of treatment ( 7 ).
AB  - In early 1990, doctors, nurses and health care professionals at St George's
      Hospital were concerned about the number of patients with pressure sores, but
      were frustrated by their inability to respond appropriately when problems were
      identified. A one-day audit at the hospital in March 1990 suggested that 16.8 per
      cent of patients had a pressure sore and 51 per cent were at risk, as identified
      by the Waterlow risk assessment tool ( 8 ). Preventive aids and equipment were
      scarce, and there were no storage, distribution or maintenance systems for the
      little available. Although there had been negligible investment in equipment, the
      hospital had spent L127,000 on the rental of pressure relieving devices in
      1989/90.

PMID- 27661479
TI  - Nation is alerted to nurses' work fears.
AB  - Nurse training numbers fact- being cut by half, Royal College of Nursing General
      Secretary Christine Hancock warned last week at the first of a national network
      ofNurses workcampaign launches.

PMID- 27661480
TI  - Students' course plans hit.
AB  - Thirty prospective student nurses, due to begin training at St George's and
      Roehampton College of lealth Studies next month, have been told the course has
      been cancelled.

PMID- 27661481
TI  - Reinstatement won by nurse struck off for motor offences.
AB  - A nurse who was struck off the UKCC register in August 1991 for committing
      motoring offences won her battle for reinstatement at the Court of Appeal last
      week.

PMID- 27661483
TI  - Staff could face random drinking test.
AB  - Staff who refuse to take a breath test at a Liverpool hospital could face
      disciplinary action under new proposals.

PMID- 27661482
TI  - Tough time ahead after Bland ruling.
AB  - Nurses caring for Tony Bland face an 'extremely difficult' time after the House
      of Lords confirmed he will be allowed to die, RCN General Secretary Christine
      Hancock has said.

PMID- 27661484
TI  - Call for suspension of London bed closures.
AB  - Labour and the Liberal Democrats have called for a suspension of bed closures in
      London pending huge investment in primary care services.

PMID- 27661486
TI  - Talks due on regrading backlog.
AB  - Proposals to deal with the huge backlog of outstanding clinical grading appeals
      were due to be discussed at a meeting of nurses' leaders and management yesterday
      (Tuesday).

PMID- 27661485
TI  - Report highlights the lack of respite care services.
AB  - The lack of help for Britain's six-million carers is highlighted in a new report
      on respite care published jointly by the RCN and the Spastics Society.

PMID- 27661487
TI  - Shadows cast by redundancy offers.
AB  - Voluntary redundancy has been offered to nurses at an Oxford hospital because
      services are being rationalised' and there are uncertainties over contracts for
      the next financial year.

PMID- 27661489
TI  - Paediatric recruitment crisis.
AB  - A hospital in Newcastle may recruit paediatric nurses overseas to fill vacancies
      caused by national shortages.

PMID- 27661488
TI  - Call for new budget guidance.
AB  - Urgent new spending guidelines are being rushed out for health authorities as
      Whitehall wakes up to the worsening cash crisis in the National Health Service.

PMID- 27661491
TI  - ?

PMID- 27661490
TI  - L12m for consultant posts.
AB  - The government has pledged L12 million in new funding to help reduce junior
      doctors' hours, most of which will go towards financing new consultant posts.

PMID- 27661492
TI  - Commons call for national database of vacant posts.
AB  - Ministers are being urged to create a computerised, national nursing database
      showing every vacant post in the United Kingdom.

PMID- 27661494
TI  - 'Resist temptation to become involved in trusts' decisions'.
AB  - Nurses in purchasing teams must not become involved in Trusts' decisions about
      how services are organised or managed, senior Scottish nurses heard last week.

PMID- 27661493
TI  - P2000 information services are poor.
AB  - An important report has condemned library and information services for students
      on Project 2000 courses as 'underfunded and inadequate'.

PMID- 27661495
TI  - Investigation over alleged sabotage.
AB  - Investigations are under way into an alleged bid to sabotage nurses' evidence to
      the Health Ombudsman.

PMID- 27661496
TI  - Survey shows great support for tobacco advertising ban.
AB  - Three in four of all people and nearly two in three smokers support a total ban
      on tobacco advertising, according to a Health Education Authority survey
      published last week.

PMID- 27661498
TI  - Report highlights risks of rationing health services.
AB  - Making purchasing health authorities responsible for rationing services is
      'spurious and possibly risky', the author of a National Association of Health
      Authorities and Trusts research paper has warned.

PMID- 27661499
TI  - Assessing trolley and table products.
AB  - There is a move towards the adoption of district-wide approaches to pressure sore
      prevention, with prevention policies incorporating solutions to the problems
      encountered by services such as ambulance, X-ray, theatre, and A&E ( 1 , 2 , ).

PMID- 27661500
TI  - Into europe.
AB  - The real benefit of Europe for Britain lies in escape from an introverted island
      mentality to a wider, more open society stimulated by closer contact and
      competition with other people.

PMID- 27661501
TI  - ?
AB  - A solution to the problem of patients who slip down their beds lus been found in
      the form of a bed-foot support. The adjustable support can be attached to the end
      of the bed, enabling patients to rest their feet against it as well as using it
      as a means of exercising their legs. The support w ill reduce the time spent by
      nurses on lifting patients and save possible back injuries, the manufacturers
      claim. It will also lx- ideal for post-operative and geriatric patients, they
      say, and w ill reduce the risk of pressure sores by keeping bedclothes off the
      feet. Further information is available from Paul Drake. BDH Engineering. Tel:
      0223 845088.

PMID- 27661502
TI  - Nurses check shetlanders after oil spill.
AB  - Nurses on Shetland have been providing health checks for islanders living within
      three miles of the stricken Braer oil tanker to try to reveal the impact of the
      disaster.

PMID- 27661503
TI  - Child services overshadowed by adult needs.
AB  - Children are not always nursed by appropriately trained staff, even after widely
      publicised shortages on a Birmingham paediatric unit contributed to the
      government's decision to reform the health service, RCN General Secretary
      Christine Hancock said.

PMID- 27661505
TI  - Alternative review of community mix.
AB  - A review of community nursing skill mix has been carried out by the community
      health team in Newcastle.

PMID- 27661504
TI  - UK 'fails' on children's rights.
AB  - Britain is failing to meet standards outlined in the United Nations Convention on
      the rights of the child, leaving children from minority ethnic groups especially
      vulnerable to inadequate health and social care, a leading children's rights
      campaigner has said.

PMID- 27661507
TI  - Research results being ignored.
AB  - Research showing the benefits of moist wound healing has been ignored by nurses
      and doctors around the world, delegates at a recent international conference on
      wound healing and skin physiology in Bochum, Germany, were told.

PMID- 27661506
TI  - New international wound care group.
AB  - A multidisciplinary international group devoted to the promotion of positive
      approaches to wound care has been formed.

PMID- 27661508
TI  - Ireland.
AB  - Nurses in Ireland are calling for pay rises of up to 40 per cent, and the first
      radical change in grading structures for 14 years, World of Irish Nursing
      reports.

PMID- 27661510
TI  - Protest in commons over 'gender choice clinics'.
AB  - The government is considering legislation to control or even outlaw 'gender
      choice' clinics.

PMID- 27661509
TI  - United States.
AB  - The American Nurses' Association has praised President Bill Clinton for lifting a
      'gagging order' on nurses working in the country's 4,000 family planning clinics.

PMID- 27661511
TI  - Hi-tech gobbledegook is alien to 'language' nurses use.
AB  - Computer experts are inventing a new cybernetic language based on how nurses
      talk.

PMID- 27661513
TI  - France.
AB  - Taxes on cigarettes in France have been increased by 15 per cent, the first of an
      overall rise of 30 per cent. Part of the revenue raised will help subsidise motor
      racing which lost its sponsors following a recent national ban on cigarette
      advertising. The remainder will go to the social security service.

PMID- 27661512
TI  - Austria.
AB  - Ninety-two per cent of infant leukaemia patients attending Graz University's
      innovative Children's Cancer Clinic recover - compared with an international
      average of 75 per cent. Treatment at the clinic combines conventional leukaemia
      therapy and bone marrow transplants, and pays special attention to patients'
      psychological welfare.

PMID- 27661514
TI  - Suicide patterns reflect social and ethnic origins.
AB  - Suicide rates among first generation immigrants are broadly the same as in their
      countries of origin, a government survey of health trends reveals.

PMID- 27661515
TI  - Pre-op local anaesthetic may relieve post-op pain.
AB  - Local anaesthetic given before a general anaesthetic may reduce the severity of
      postoperative pain, it has been argued.

PMID- 27661516
TI  - Information reduces patient grievances.
AB  - Patients have a right to receive accurate information about their treatment and
      the risks involved, a report on a survey of patients in Sheffield has claimed.

PMID- 27661518
TI  - Parenteral route for hepatitis C spread.
AB  - Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is more likely to be transmitted parenterally than by
      heterosexual sex, American researchers say.

PMID- 27661517
TI  - Infant feeding after acute diarrhoea.
AB  - Infants under six months with diarrhoea whose only food is milk or formula,
      should continue full strength feeding as soon as dehydration has been corrected.

PMID- 27661519
TI  - Changing pattern of gonorrhoea in men?
AB  - Has the nature of gonorrhoea changed? Researchers from St Thomas's Hospital
      believe it has.

PMID- 27661520
TI  - Higher risk of jaundice with flucloxacillin.
AB  - Older people given flucloxacillin and those prescribed it for longer than two
      weeks face a substantially greater risk of developing jaundice.

PMID- 27661521
TI  - Height, albuminuria and cardiovascular disease.
AB  - Microalbuminuria and short stature in men are associated and both these factors
      have been associated with cardiovascular risk. Microalbuminuria has a powerful
      association with macrovascular disease in people with diabetes. To assess any
      association in non-diabetics, researchers studied a random sample of 1,046
      people.

PMID- 27661523
TI  - Still battling on.
AB  - It's 75 years ago this week since women were first allowed to vote in the United
      Kingdom. But in 1918 you could only vote if you were over 30 years of age or
      owned property. It wasn't until 1928 that women campaigners succeeded in
      achieving full voting rights. Kathleen Halpin, now in her ninetieth year, was an
      ardent supporter of women's issues and dedicated her life to the voluntary
      services, which she asserts played a significant role in their emancipation.
      Despite her years, she has become increasingly concerned with trying to preserve
      the things she fought hardest for.

PMID- 27661522
TI  - Keeping on the right track.
AB  - In the outpatient department a woman has her worst fears confirmed - she has a
      lymphoma. That is all the information she is able to take in. She hears nothing
      of the consultant's optimism about the outcome of treatment. Accompanied by a
      nursing auxiliary', she returns to her car in a state of considerable shock.
      Before reaching the car she breaks down. Fortunately for her, she is a patient of
      the Victoria Hospital in Blackpool and fortunately the nursing auxiliary knows of
      the presence of Tramline, the hospital support team. The auxiliary makes a phone
      call and gets one of the team members to support, counsel and provide the woman
      with a full explanation.

PMID- 27661524
TI  - Fear at the cutting edge.
AB  - Midwifery tutor Gina Criss, a Bachelor of Education student at London's South
      Bank University, forecasts a gloomy time for herself and 26 colleagues on the
      course.

PMID- 27661526
TI  - Degree of balance must be achieve.
AB  - I would like to congratulate those nurses from England Licky enough to have been
      voted on to the United I Kingdom Central Council.

PMID- 27661525
TI  - No job for life.
AB  - Jobs for life in the health service are a thing of the past, and it seems job
      security may be heading the same way. Like other industries, health care is now
      part of the market. And the market dictates that when cash is tight, jobs are on
      the line - nurses' jobs included. Changes in the way health care is organised,
      with a growing emphasis on developing primary services, also affect the number of
      staff needed to deliver care. The Tomlinson report has focused all eyes on
      London, where opinion seems united that change must take place. The question is
      how it should happen and at what cost to the workforce. But it is not only London
      that is being 'Tomlinsoned'. Services in Glasgow, Cardiff, Liverpool, Birmingham
      and Northern Ireland arc also under review and other areas are likely to follow
      suit.

PMID- 27661527
TI  - Concern over future of care provision.
AB  - We are 14 district nursing students concerned about the future of care provision
      in the community, in view of the implications of the implementation of the
      Community Care Act in April.

PMID- 27661528
TI  - Getting over the fear of icebreaking.
AB  - I found it slightly ironic that, as a gynaecological ward sister, Jill Diaper
      should say she found the prospect of icebreaking 'a most uncomfortable and
      embarrassing imposition'. (Letters, January 27).

PMID- 27661529
TI  - Close the offices and open the wards.
AB  - The NHS authorities have spent years - and a lot of money - opening offices and
      closing wards.

PMID- 27661530
TI  - The legal implications of aromatherapy.
AB  - As a nurse teacher and aromatherapist I was pleased to discover the RCN/Nursing
      Standardconferences 'Aromatherapy and Nursing' planned for this year will explore
      legal issues in addition to the application of aromatherapy in care settings.

PMID- 27661531
TI  - Not selling nursing down the river.
AB  - I must comment on Gary Jones' assumption that the chief nurses of Trusts distance
      themselves from the profession (Letters, January 13).

PMID- 27661532
TI  - Information exchange.
AB  - Information exchange exists as part of our commitment to networking and nursing
      empowerment. If you need to know something the answer should be out there
      somewhere. Geographical isolation should not entail professional isolation.
      Address your queries to Information Exchange - and readers, do help enquirers if
      you can. And let us know if your request leads you to information that would be
      useful to the wider world of nursing.

PMID- 27661533
TI  - Answering a poor substitute.
AB  - * I would like to redress the balance following the biased, negative and emotive
      account by Barbara Green.

PMID- 27661534
TI  - ?
AB  - * The 83-bed home in which I work is one of the larger purpose-built homes in the
      North East. The staff are especially chosen to work with elderly people and the
      residents receive excellent care. On most shifts we probably have better staffing
      levels than hospitals.

PMID- 27661535
TI  - Answering a poor substitute.
AB  - Barbara Green's article was not only fictional but disrespectful. It did not do
      justice to the independent minded, wise and practical people who are typical of
      the residents I have met during 30 years of caring for elderly people.

PMID- 27661536
TI  - Good for starters?

PMID- 27661538
TI  - Stress busters Holden R Stress busters Thorsons 314pp 0-7225-2632-6.
AB  - Stress is an inevitable part of life. It can be harnessed creatively, but it can
      also be debilitating.

PMID- 27661537
TI  - The right to choose Huston P Earthscan Publications 182pp L9.95 1-85383-123-9.
AB  - Family planning services have developed steadily in England since Marie Stopes's
      work in the 1920s and 19.30s; today's reproducing generation can take for granted
      the right to choose parenthood and have access to safe and reliable contraception
      and medical supervision.

PMID- 27661540
TI  - Network factfile.

PMID- 27661539
TI  - The practitioner as teacher The practitioner as teacher Hinchliff S editor
      Scutari Press 198pp L14.50 1-871364-70-1 [Formula: see text].
AB  - Changes in nurse education, coupled with an increased emphasis on the learning
      needs of both clients and carers require the practising nurse to have sound
      knowledge and skills in teaching and learning.

PMID- 27661541
TI  - Career listings.
AB  - Nursing Standard regrets that it is no longer able to take listings over the
      telephone because of unprecedented demand. Readers are reminded that the listings
      section is for the use of charitable and professional organisations, unions and
      health authorities to publicise forthcoming events. Listings should contain alt
      relevant details and be posted or faxed to Susan B/oodu'orth, Nursing Standard,
      Viking House, 17-19 Peterborough Road, Harrow, Middlesex HA1 2AX. Fax: 081-423
      3867.

PMID- 27661542
TI  - Status of personal health requirement for graduation at institutions of higher
      education in the United States.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the proportion of higher
      education institutions in the United States that require a personal health course
      (PHC) for graduation and to describe the nature of such requirements.
      Participants: This study included a random sample of public and private
      institutions of higher education (IHE) with undergraduate programs within the
      United States (N = 310). Data were collected between September 2014 and May 2015.
      METHODS: University catalogs were accessed from the institutions' public Web
      sites to determine whether a PHC was offered, and whether it was exclusively or
      optionally required for graduation. RESULTS: The majority (55.8%) of the sample
      offered at least 1 PHC, with only 10% exclusively requiring the course and an
      additional 10% optionally required the course. CONCLUSIONS: Although the utility
      of undergraduate students completing a PHC is clear, the majority of institutions
      do not require such a course for degree conferral.

PMID- 27661543
TI  - [Pulmonary hypertension survival].

PMID- 27661544
TI  - [Survival of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension after the advent of
      specific pulmonary vasodilator therapies].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare and progressive
      disease. Long-term survival remains poor despite of advances in specific
      vasodilator therapy. AIM: To describe the survival rate in a cohort of PAH
      patients in two referral centers in Chile. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred
      fifteen patients aged 43 +/- 15.6 years (85% females) with PAH qualified for this
      study. Their median pulmonary artery pressure was 55.4 +/- 14 mmHg and their six
      minutes walking capacity was 368 +/- 119 m. They were followed for 58 +/- 0.4
      months and their actual survival rates were compared with the estimated survival
      using the equation proposed by the French registry of PAH. RESULTS: One, two and
      three year survival rates were 97, 94 and 89%, respectively. The observed
      survival rates were greater than the estimated survival. CONCLUSIONS: The
      improvement in survival rates observed in this cohort of patients is similar to
      what has been described in literature.

PMID- 27661545
TI  - [Radiation protection provided by tungsten bismuth caps during interventional
      cardiology].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The effectiveness against radiation of tungsten bismuth caps, used in
      interventional cardiology is not well known. AIM: To determine the degree of
      radiation protection conferred by these caps in real work conditions. MATERIAL
      AND METHODS: We compared the gross electric charges received at brain lobe levels
      by three occupationally exposed professionals who participated in 22 consecutive
      procedures, inside and outside of the tungsten bismuth cap. RESULTS: The median
      electric charges outside and inside the cap were 3.71 (range 1.46-5.62) and 2.2
      (range 1.29-3.93) nC, which correspond to a 40% radiation attenuation. However,
      the protection was heterogeneous. CONCLUSIONS: Tungsten bismuth caps provide an
      adequate attenuation, but its degree is heterogeneous.

PMID- 27661547
TI  - [Glomerular filtration rate before death, in patients who died with a functioning
      kidney graft].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Death with a functioning kidney graft is now the leading cause of
      graft loss after renal transplantation. AIM: To determine if renal function at
      the last outpatient visit before the recipient?s death was different according to
      the following causes of death: infections, cardiovascular diseases,
      gastrointestinal disorders or cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective
      cooperative cohort study conducted in two kidney transplant centers. All patients
      who received a kidney graft in the last 32 years were included. During that
      lapse, 431 kidney transplants were performed. Among them, 85 patients died with a
      functioning graft and were classified due to their cause of death. Glomerular
      filtration rate (eGFR) was estimated with the Modification of Diet in Renal
      Disease formula. Declining renal function was defined as a > 20% decline in eGFR
      during the last 6 months prior to the last outpatient visit. RESULTS: Eighty four
      patients were included in the analysis. Of these, 28.2% died of cardiovascular
      causes, 35.3% of infectious diseases, 15.3% of cancer and 20% of digestive
      diseases. Patients dying from cancer had a significantly higher eGFR prior to
      death than those who died from cardiovascular causes, infectious and digestive
      diseases (p < 0.01). Declining renal function occurred in 34.8% of deaths from
      cardiovascular causes, 39.3% from infectious diseases, 16.7% from cancer and 40%
      from digestive diseases. There were no significant differences between groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: Kidney graft recipients who die with a functioning graft have better
      renal function prior to their death when it is due to cancer than when it
      originates from infectious, cardiovascular or digestive diseases. Declining renal
      function is similar in the four groups of death causes.

PMID- 27661546
TI  - [Effects of a resistance training program in patients with chronic kidney disease
      on hemodialysis].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Exercise may be a therapeutic tool for improving the functional
      capacity in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who are on hemodialysis
      (HD). AIM: To determine the effects on muscle strength (MS), functional capacity
      (FC) and quality of life related to health (QOLRH) of a resistance training
      program in patients with CKD on HD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirteen CKD patients
      aged 38.8 +/- 3 years, (7 men) on HD for more than one year participated in an
      exercise program twice a week during 8 weeks. At the beginning and at the end of
      the program, MS using a knee extension isometric strength test, FC using the six
      minutes walking test (6MWT) and QOLRH using the KDQOL CV-36 questionnaire were
      evaluated. Heart and respiratory rates, blood pressure, oxygen saturation and
      modified Borg scale were measured as control variables. RESULTS: After training,
      there were significant improvements in MS in both legs; in the distance travelled
      during 6MWT and in the physical component summary score of the KDQOL-36.
      Furthermore, a significant decline in diastolic blood pressure was observed. All
      other control variables did not change significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Exercise
      training during eight weeks in CKD patients in HD resulted in significant
      improvements in muscle strength, walking capacity and in the physical component
      of a quality of life score for patients with CKD.

PMID- 27661548
TI  - [Quality assessment of clinical practice guidelines of the Chilean explicit
      guarantees in healthcare program].
AB  - BACKGROUND: High quality practice guidelines are of utmost importance in clinical
      medicine. AIM: To evaluate the methodological quality of Clinical Practice
      Guidelines (CPG) for 80 high burden health conditions included in the ?Explicit
      Guarantees in Healthcare? (EGH) program available on July 2014, elaborated and
      published by the Ministry of Health of Chile. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross
      sectional observational study using the Appraisal of Guidelines Research and
      Evaluation (AGREE II) instrument to evaluate the methodological quality of the
      current CPGs for EGH. Two reviewers assessed each CPG independently, obtaining
      standardized scores according for each dimension included in the AGREE II
      instrument. RESULTS: Eighty one CPGs were evaluated. They were generally
      considered of reasonable quality, obtaining high scores in the following domains:
      Scope and Purpose (81.3%), Clarity of Presentation (78.6%) and Editorial
      Independence (76.5%). The following domains had a score under 60%: Stakeholder
      Involvement (51.3%), Rigor of Development (41.4%) and Applicability (33.6%).
      CONCLUSIONS: The CPGs elaborated for the EGH program have high scores in domains
      such as the Scope and Purpose, Clarity of Presentation and Editorial
      Independence. Their scores in other dimensions such as Stakeholder Involvement,
      Rigor of Development and Applicability can be still improved.

PMID- 27661549
TI  - [The influence of parental healthy behaviors on healthy lifestyles of early
      adolescents].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Family behavior models may influence health promoting conducts among
      adolescents. AIM: To determine the association between health promoting behaviors
      among parents and healthy behaviors of early adolescents. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      Analysis of the baseline assessment of a longitudinal study of early adolescents
      in the city of San Felipe, Region of Valparaiso, Chile. Parents and their teenage
      children, attending 5th to 7th grade, from ten municipal schools, participated in
      this study. Self-reported questionnaires were used to assess healthy lifestyles,
      answered separately by parents and their children. Univariable and multivariable
      ordinal logistic regression analyses with complete data were carried out, using
      the students? health promoting behaviors as dependent variables and the same
      behaviors among parents as the main predictors, controlling for other personal
      and family variables. RESULTS: We contacted 1,035 parents and 682 consented to
      participate along with 560 students. The mean age of adolescents was 11.5 +/- 1.2
      years (49% females) The mean age of parents was 39.8 +/- 8.8 years and 90% were
      women. The parental behaviors associated with teenage health promoting behaviors
      were eating vegetables (odds ratio (OR) = 1.22, p < 0.05), having breakfast (OR =
      1.27, p < 0.05), do stretching exercises every day (OR = 1.19, p < 0.05) and take
      some time for relaxation (OR = 1.24, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results show
      an association between healthy behaviors among parents and these behaviors among
      their adolescent offspring.

PMID- 27661550
TI  - [Management of pediatric patients with esophageal varices].
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of good quality research about the diagnosis of
      esophageal varices and the prophylaxis and treatment of variceal bleeding in
      pediatric patients with portal hypertension There is little consensus and
      practically no evidence-based approach about the management of these patients.
      AIM: To describe the behavior and preferences of pediatric gastroenterologists in
      Chile in the management of portal hypertension in children. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      An online survey was sent to Chilean pediatric gastroenterologists, with
      questions evaluating the physicians? approaches to screening of esophageal
      varices in children with portal hypertension, and their preferred methods of
      prophylaxis and initial management of variceal bleeding. RESULTS: Thirty five of
      69 contacted physicians answered the survey (51%). Twenty nine pediatric
      gastroenterologists (83%) screen for esophageal varices in patients with clinical
      evidence of portal hypertension, and 12 (34%) in every patient with chronic liver
      disease. Twenty eight respondents (80%) use primary prophylaxis, mainly beta
      blockers. Octreotide, proton pump inhibitors and endoscopy are the most common
      practices in the initial management of an esophageal varix bleed. The methods
      mostly used as secondary prophylaxis are band ligation and beta blockers. In the
      case of recurrent hemorrhage, besides band ligation, management with Transjugular
      Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) and hepatic transplantation are more
      likely. CONCLUSIONS: Even though most pediatric gastroenterologists in this
      survey are inclined to offer endoscopic screening of esophageal varices and
      prophylaxis to patients with portal hypertension, this is not a universal
      behavior. There are different approaches mainly in the election of secondary
      prophylaxis and the initial management of variceal bleeding.

PMID- 27661551
TI  - [Inequality in the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among
      schoolchildren from urban and rural schools].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Parasitic infections in children reflect social inequalities
      throughout the world, especially in urban and rural territories. AIM: To assess
      inequalities in the prevalence of infections by protozoa and intestinal helminths
      and associated factors in children of different geographical areas from the
      commune of Puerto Montt. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study carried out
      in 103 students from one urban and two rural schools in the commune of Puerto
      Montt. A socio-demographic survey was applied and the presence parasitic
      infections was evaluated in serial stool samples. RESULTS: The prevalence of
      Protozoan and intestinal helminthic infections were 37.5 and 68.1% in urban and
      rural areas respectively. A regression analysis showed that the differences
      between rural and urban children, disappear when the results are adjusted by
      family income and the quality of sewage disposal. In urban children, the
      prevalence of parasitic infections increases along with the decrease in family
      income. CONCLUSIONS: Income and sanitary conditions rather than being or urban or
      rural origin explain the variations in rates of childhood parasitic infections.
      Infections with protozoa and intestinal helminths are an indicator of social
      inequality in health.

PMID- 27661552
TI  - [Assessment of a brief fatigue inventory in patients with hematologic
      malignancies].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fatigue is one of the most common and distressing symptoms
      experienced by cancer patients. AIM: To validate the Brief Fatigue Inventory in
      people treated for hematological neoplasms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a cross
      sectional study, the Brief Fatigue Inventory was answered by 122 patients aged 40
      +/- 14 years (50% women) treated for hematological neoplasms at an intensive
      hematological unit of a public hospital between July 2010 and July 2013. Socio
      demographic and clinical parameters were obtained from their clinical records.
      RESULTS: Fatigue was present in nearly all patients (99.2%) in minor (50%),
      moderate (36.9%) or severe (12.3%) levels. The average fatigue score was 4.5 +/-
      1.9). The Brief Fatigue Inventory had a good internal consistency (Cronbach?s
      alpha = 0.973) and proved to be one-dimensional (84.3% of the explained
      variance). Women reported that fatigue interfered more with enjoy-ment of life
      than men (p = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS: The Brief Fatigue Inventory is a reliable
      instrument that can be used in clinical practice. It allows a quick assessment of
      the level of fatigue. People treated for hematologic cancer have a high
      prevalence of fatigue.

PMID- 27661553
TI  - [The urgent need for an evaluation system on health interventions].

PMID- 27661554
TI  - [A review on thoracic ultrasound].
AB  - The use of thoracic ultrasound as a diagnostic tool in the emergency department,
      intensive care unit or in patients with pulmonary diseases is increasing
      steadily. It is used to guide percutaneous tracheostomies, to assess pleural
      effusions, to rule out pneumothorax, and to guide the placement of endovascular
      and pleural catheters. It is also useful in the assessment of patients with
      dyspnea. The aim of this review is to provide the practical and technical basics
      for the use of this diagnostic tool among internists and specialists in pulmonary
      diseases. 

PMID- 27661555
TI  - [The role of gut microbiota in the regulation of the immune response].
AB  - The gastrointestinal tract hosts around 10(14) bacterial microorganisms, in a
      constantly growing density from the stomach to the distal colon. This microbiota
      is composed by more than 500 species of bacteria, which are quickly acquired
      after birth, fairly stable during the host?s life, and essential for human
      homeostasis. These bacteria have important functions, such as stimulating the
      immune system, protecting the host from invading bacteria and viruses, and
      improving digestion, especially of complex carbohydrates. Also, the gut
      microbiota interacts directly with the immune system. However, the interaction of
      the intestinal epithelium and its microbiota with the immune system has yet to be
      fully understood. Secretory immunoglobulin A, produced by the plasma cells in
      Peyer?s patches and in the lamina propria, maintains non-invasive commensal
      bacteria and neutralize invasive pathogens. Dendritic cells migrate from the
      lamina propria of the secondary lymphoid organs to regulate gut immunity. They
      also have a key role maintaining luminal IgA and inducing the growth of
      regulatory T cells. Dendritic cells supervise the gut microenvironment too,
      keeping an immunological equilibrium and tolerance. The importance of the gut
      microbiota in regulating the immune system lies mostly in the homeostasis-or
      positive equilibrium. Thus, many diseases are a consequence of poor interactions
      or a loss of this equilibrium. 

PMID- 27661556
TI  - [The impact of a better coordination between emergency and intensive care units
      in the care of critically ill patients].
AB  - The need for critical care services is increasing in Chile. Critical care beds
      and specialists in this area are scarce. In this article we discuss some aspects
      that hamper the care of critically ill patients from their arrival to the
      emergency department to their transfer to the ICU. Special emphasis is given to
      system saturation and its multiple causes. The benefits of an integrative
      approach between emergency medicine and critical care specialists are highlighted
      and some solutions are proposed to strengthen this partnership. 

PMID- 27661557
TI  - [Mental health in Chile and Finland: Challenges and lessons].
AB  - This article analyses and compares the epidemiology of mental disorders and
      relevant public policies in Chile and Finland. In Chile, a specific mental health
      law is still lacking. While both countries highlight the role of primary care,
      Finland places more emphasis on participation and recovery of service users.
      Comprehensive mental health policies from Finland, such as a successful suicide
      prevention program, are presented. Both countries have similar prevalence of
      mental disorders, high alcohol consumption and high suicide rates. In Chile, the
      percentage of total disease burden due to psychiatric disorders is 13% and in
      Finland 14%. However, the resources to address these issues are very different.
      Finland spends 4.5% of its health budget on mental health, while in Chile the
      percentage is 2.2%. This results in differences in human resources and service
      provision. Finland has five times more psychiatric outpatient visits, four times
      more psychiatrists, triple antidepressant use and twice more clinical guidelines
      for different psychiatric conditions. In conclusion, both countries have similar
      challenges but differing realities. This may help to identify gaps and potential
      solutions for public health challenges in Chile. Finland?s experience
      demonstrates the importance of political will and long-term vision in the
      construction of mental health policies. 

PMID- 27661558
TI  - [Cushing syndrome in a HIV patient using inhaled steroids. Report of one case].
AB  - We report a 41-year-old man with HIV and a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,
      treated for seven months with Fluticasone/Salmeterol and antiretroviral therapy
      (Lamivudine, Tenofovir, Atazanavir and Ritonavir). While using these medications,
      the patients developed a Cushing syndrome in a period of five months. After
      performing laboratory and imaging tests, it was concluded that the most probable
      cause of the syndrome was the interaction of inhaled steroids with Ritonavir.
      After discontinuing these medications the syndrome reverted in a period of 8
      months. 

PMID- 27661559
TI  - [Giant coronary artery fistula: Report of one case].
AB  - Coronary artery fistulae are abnormal connections between a coronary artery and
      any cardiac chamber or other vessels. Most of them have a congenital origin. We
      report a 60 years old woman referring a history of progressive dyspnea and
      orthopnea during the last year. A continuous heart murmur was audible in the
      third and fourth intercostal spaces at the left sternal border. Electrocardiogram
      was normal and echocardiography showed mild dilation of right cavities and an
      image suggesting a dilated right coronary artery with flow to right atrium.
      Coronary angiography was performed, showing a normal left coronary artery and a
      very large, tortuous right coronary artery with an extensive communication to
      coronary venous sinus. Surgical treatment was decided and was performed without
      incidents. The patient is well after five years of follow up. 

PMID- 27661560
TI  - [Medical liability: the dilemma between civil and criminal justice].

PMID- 27661561
TI  - [Headache seasonality in the Northern and Southern hemispheres: an approach using
      Google Trends].

PMID- 27661562
TI  - Randomized controlled trials for degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis: which
      patients benefit from lumbar fusion?

PMID- 27661563
TI  - An assessment of data and methodology of online surgeon scorecards.
AB  - OBJECTIVE Recently, 2 surgeon rating websites (Consumers' Checkbook and
      ProPublica) were published to allow the public to compare surgeons through
      identifying surgeon volume and complication rates. Among neurosurgeons and
      orthopedic surgeons, only cervical and lumbar spine, hip, and knee procedures
      were included in this assessment. METHODS The authors examined the methodology of
      each website to assess potential sources of inaccuracy. Each online tool was
      queried for reports on neurosurgeons specializing in spine surgery and orthopedic
      surgeons specializing in spine, hip, or knee surgery. Surgeons were chosen from
      top-ranked hospitals in the US, as recorded by a national consumer publication
      ranking system, within the fields of neurosurgery and orthopedic surgery. The
      results were compared for accuracy and surgeon representation, and the results of
      the 2 websites were also compared. RESULTS The methodology of each site was found
      to have opportunities for bias and limited risk adjustment. The end points
      assessed by each site were actually not complications, but proxies of
      complication occurrence. A search of 510 surgeons (401 orthopedic surgeons [79%]
      and 109 neurosurgeons [21%]) showed that only 28% and 56% of surgeons had data
      represented on Consumers' Checkbook and ProPublica, respectively. There was a
      significantly higher chance of finding surgeon data on ProPublica (p < 0.001). Of
      the surgeons from top-ranked programs with data available, 17% were quoted to
      have high complication rates, 13% with lower volume than other surgeons, and 79%
      had a 3-star out of 5-star rating. There was no significant correlation found
      between the number of stars a surgeon received on Consumers' Checkbook and his or
      her adjusted complication rate on ProPublica. CONCLUSIONS Both the Consumers'
      Checkbook and ProPublica websites have significant methodological issues. Neither
      site assessed complication occurrence, but rather readmissions or prolonged
      length of stay. Risk adjustment was limited or nonexistent. A substantial number
      of neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons from top-ranked hospitals have no
      ratings on either site, or have data that suggests they are low-volume surgeons
      or have higher complication rates. Consumers' Checkbook and ProPublica produced
      different results with little correlation between the 2 websites in how surgeons
      were graded. Given the significant methodological issues, incomplete data, and
      lack of appropriate risk stratification of patients, the featured websites may
      provide erroneous information to the public.

PMID- 27661564
TI  - Anatomical differences in patients with lumbosacral transitional vertebrae and
      implications for minimally invasive spine surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to investigate the neurovascular and
      anatomical differences in patients with lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV)
      and the associated risk of neurovascular injury in minimally invasive spine
      surgery. METHODS The authors performed a retrospective study of CT and MR images
      of the lumbar spine obtained at their institution between 2010 and 2014. The
      following characteristics were evaluated: level of the iliac crest in relation to
      the L4-5 disc space, union level of the iliac veins and arteries in relation to
      the L4-5 disc space, distribution of the iliac veins and inferior vena cava
      according to the different Moro zones (A, I, II, III, IV, P) at the L4-5 disc
      space, and the location of the psoas muscle at the L4-5 disc space. The findings
      were compared with findings on images obtained in 28 age- and sex-matched
      patients without LSTV who underwent imaging studies during the same time period.
      RESULTS Twenty-eight patients (12 male, 16 female) with LSTV and the required
      imaging studies were identified; 28 age- and sex-matched patients who had
      undergone CT and MRI studies of the thoracic and lumbar spine imaging but did not
      have LSTV were selected for comparison (control group). The mean ages of the
      patients in the LSTV group and the control group were 52 and 49 years,
      respectively. The iliac crest was located at a mean distance of 12 mm above the
      L4-5 disc space in the LSTV group and 4 mm below the L4-5 disc space in the
      controls. The iliac vein union was located at a mean distance of 8 mm above the
      L4-5 disc space in the LSTV group and 2.7 mm below the L4-5 disc space in the
      controls. The iliac artery bifurcation was located at a mean distance of 23 mm
      above the L4-5 disc space in the LSTV group and 11 mm below the L4-5 disc space
      in controls. In patients with LSTV, the distribution of iliac vein locations was
      as follows: Zone A, 7.1%; Zone I only, 78.6%; Zone I encroaching into Zone II,
      7.1%; and Zone II only, 7.1%. In the control group, the distribution was as
      follows: Zone A only, 17.9%; Zone A encroaching into Zone I, 75%; and Zone I
      only, 7.1%. There were no iliac vessels in Zone II in the control group. The
      psoas muscle was found to be rising away laterally and anteriorly from the
      vertebral body more often in patients with LSTV, resulting in the iliac veins
      being found in the "safe zone" only 14% of the time, greatly increasing the risk
      of vascular injury. CONCLUSIONS In patients with LSTV, the iliac crest is more
      likely to be above the L4-5 disc space, which increases the technical challenges
      of a lateral approach. The location of the psoas muscle rising away laterally and
      ventrally in patients with LSTV compared with controls and with the union of the
      iliac veins occurring more often above the L4-5 disc space increases the risk for
      iatrogenic vascular injury at the L4-5 level in this patient population.

PMID- 27661565
TI  - Magnetization reversal in mixed ferrite-chromite perovskites with non magnetic
      cation on the A-site.
AB  - In this work, we have performed Monte Carlo simulations in a classical model for
      RFe1-x Cr x O3 with R  =  Y and Lu, comparing the numerical simulations with
      experiments and mean field calculations. In the analyzed compounds, the
      antisymmetric exchange or Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya (DM) interaction induced a weak
      ferromagnetism due to a canting of the antiferromagnetically ordered spins. This
      model is able to reproduce the magnetization reversal (MR) observed
      experimentally in a field cooling process for intermediate x values and the
      dependence with x of the critical temperatures. We also analyzed the conditions
      for the existence of MR in terms of the strength of DM interactions between
      Fe(3+) and Cr(3+) ions with the x values variations.

PMID- 27661566
TI  - Secreted Frizzled-Related Protein 2 and Inflammation-Induced Skeletal Muscle
      Atrophy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In sepsis, the disease course of critically ill patients is often
      complicated by muscle failure leading to ICU-acquired weakness. The myokine
      transforming growth factor-beta1 increases during inflammation and mediates
      muscle atrophy in vivo. We observed that the transforming growth factor-beta1
      inhibitor, secreted frizzled-related protein 2, was down-regulated in skeletal
      muscle of ICU-acquired weakness patients. We hypothesized that secreted frizzled
      related protein 2 reduction enhances transforming growth factor-beta1-mediated
      effects and investigated the interrelationship between transforming growth factor
      beta1 and secreted frizzled-related protein 2 in inflammation-induced atrophy.
      DESIGN: Observational study and prospective animal trial. SETTING: Two ICUs and
      research laboratory. PATIENTS/SUBJECTS: Twenty-six critically ill patients with
      Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores greater than or equal to 8 underwent a
      skeletal muscle biopsy from the vastus lateralis at median day 5 in ICU. Four
      patients undergoing elective orthopedic surgery served as controls. To search for
      signaling pathways enriched in muscle of ICU-acquired weakness patients, a gene
      set enrichment analysis of our recently published gene expression profiles was
      performed. Quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, Western
      blot, and immunohistochemistry were used to analyze secreted frizzled-related
      protein 2 expression and protein content. A mouse model of inflammation-induced
      skeletal muscle atrophy due to polymicrobial sepsis and cultured myocytes were
      used for mechanistic analyses. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN
      RESULTS: Gene set enrichment analysis uncovered transforming growth factor-beta1
      signaling activation in vastus lateralis from ICU-acquired weakness patients.
      Muscular secreted frizzled-related protein 2 expression was reduced after 5 days
      in ICU. Likewise, muscular secreted frizzled-related protein 2 expression was
      decreased early and continuously in mice with inflammation-induced atrophy. In
      muscle, secreted frizzled-related protein 2 was predominantly contained in fast
      twitch/type II myofibers. Secreted frizzled-related protein 2 physically
      interacted and colocalized with transforming growth factor-beta1 through its
      cysteine-rich domain. Finally, secreted frizzled-related protein 2 prevented
      transforming growth factor-beta1-induced atrophy in C2C12 myotubes. CONCLUSIONS:
      Muscular secreted frizzled-related protein 2 is down-regulated in ICU-acquired
      weakness patients and mice with inflammation-induced muscle atrophy. Decreased
      secreted frizzled-related protein 2 possibly establishes a positive feedback loop
      enhancing transforming growth factor-beta1-mediated atrophic effects in
      inflammation-induced atrophy.

PMID- 27661567
TI  - Correction to Determining Chiral Configuration of Diamines via Contact Angle
      Measurements on Enantioselective Alanine-Appended Benzene-Tricarboxamide
      Gelators.

PMID- 27661568
TI  - Monochromatic measurements of the JPSS-1 VIIRS polarization sensitivity.
AB  - Polarization sensitivity is a critical property that must be characterized for
      spaceborne remote sensing instruments designed to measure reflected solar
      radiation. Broadband testing of the first Joint Polar-orbiting Satellite System
      (JPSS-1) Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) showed unexpectedly
      large polarization sensitivities for the bluest bands on VIIRS (centered between
      400 and 600 nm). Subsequent ray trace modeling indicated that large diattenuation
      on the edges of the bandpass for these spectral bands was the driver behind these
      large sensitivities. Additional testing using the National Institute of Standards
      and Technology's Traveling Spectral Irradiance and Radiance Responsivity
      Calibrations Using Uniform Sources was added to the test program to verify and
      enhance the model. The testing was limited in scope to two spectral bands at two
      scan angles; nonetheless, this additional testing provided valuable insight into
      the polarization sensitivity. Analysis has shown that the derived diattenuation
      agreed with the broadband measurements to within an absolute difference of about
      0.4% and that the ray trace model reproduced the general features of the measured
      data. Additionally, by deriving the spectral responsivity, the linear
      diattenuation is shown to be explicitly dependent on the changes in bandwidth
      with polarization state. 

PMID- 27661569
TI  - Radiation hardening of sol gel-derived silica fiber preforms through fictive
      temperature reduction.
AB  - The impact of fictive temperature (T<sub>f</sub>) on the evolution of point
      defects and optical attenuation in non-doped and Er<sup>3+</sup>-doped sol-gel
      silica glasses was studied and compared to Suprasil F300 and Infrasil 301 glasses
      before and after gamma-irradiation. To this aim, sol-gel optical fiber preforms
      have been fabricated by the densification of erbium salt-soaked nanoporous silica
      xerogels through the polymeric sol-gel technique. These gamma-irradiated fiber
      preforms have been characterized by FTIR, UV-vis-NIR absorption spectroscopy,
      electron paramagnetic resonance, and photoluminescence measurements. We showed
      that a decrease in the glass fictive temperature leads to a decrease in the glass
      disorder and strained bonds. This mainly results in a lower defect generation
      rate and thus less radiation-induced attenuation in the UV-vis range.
      Furthermore, it was found that gamma-radiation "hardness" is higher in
      Er<sup>3+</sup>-doped sol-gel silica compared to un-doped sol-gel silica and
      standard synthetic silica glasses. The present work demonstrates an effective
      strategy to improve the radiation resistance of optical fiber preforms and
      glasses through glass fictive temperature reduction. 

PMID- 27661570
TI  - Intensity fluctuations of asymmetrical optical beams in anisotropic turbulence.
AB  - Intensity fluctuations of asymmetrical optical beams are examined when such beams
      propagate through anisotropic turbulence. Anisotropic turbulence is modeled by
      non-Kolmogorov von Karman spectrum. The variations of the scintillation index are
      observed against the changes in the asymmetry factor of the Gaussian beam, power
      law exponent of non-Kolmogorov spectrum, anisotropic factors in the transverse
      direction, and the link length. It is found that for all the conditions,
      asymmetry in the optical beam is a disadvantage but the anisotropy in the
      atmosphere is an advantage for reducing the intensity fluctuations in an optical
      wireless communications link operating in the atmosphere. 

PMID- 27661571
TI  - GPU acceleration of Monte Carlo simulations for polarized photon scattering in
      anisotropic turbid media.
AB  - In earlier studies, we developed scattering models and the corresponding CPU
      based Monte Carlo simulation programs to study the behavior of polarized photons
      as they propagate through complex biological tissues. Studying the simulation
      results in high degrees of freedom that created a demand for massive simulation
      tasks. In this paper, we report a parallel implementation of the simulation
      program based on the compute unified device architecture running on a graphics
      processing unit (GPU). Different schemes for sphere-only simulations and sphere
      cylinder mixture simulations were developed. Diverse optimizing methods were
      employed to achieve the best acceleration. The final-version GPU program is
      hundreds of times faster than the CPU version. Dependence of the performance on
      input parameters and precision were also studied. It is shown that using single
      precision in the GPU simulations results in very limited losses in accuracy.
      Consumer-level graphics cards, even those in laptop computers, are more cost
      effective than scientific graphics cards for single-precision computation. 

PMID- 27661572
TI  - Close-range photogrammetry with light field camera: from disparity map to
      absolute distance.
AB  - A new approach to measure the 3D profile of a texture object is proposed
      utilizing light field imaging, in which three key steps are required: a disparity
      map is first obtained by detecting the slopes in the epipolar plane image with
      the multilabel technique; the intrinsic parameters of the light field camera are
      then extracted by camera calibration; at last, the relationship between disparity
      values and real distances is built up by depth calibration. In the last step, a
      linear calibration method is proposed to achieve accurate results. Furthermore,
      the depth error is also investigated and compensated for by reusing the
      checkerboard pattern. The experimental results are in good agreement with the 3D
      models, and also indicate that the light field imaging is a promising 3D
      measurement technique. 

PMID- 27661573
TI  - Method for predicting junction temperature distribution in a high-power laser
      diode bar.
AB  - A hybrid experimental/numerical method is proposed for predicting the junction
      temperature distribution in a high-power laser diode (LD) bar with multiple
      emitters. A commercial water-cooled LD bar with multiple emitters is used to
      illustrate and validate the proposed method. A unique experimental setup is
      developed and implemented first to measure the average junction temperatures of
      the LD bar emitters. After measuring the heat dissipation of the LD bar, the
      effective heat transfer coefficient of the cooling system is determined inversely
      from the numerical simulation using the measured average junction temperature and
      the heat dissipation. The characterized heat dissipation and effective heat
      transfer coefficient are used to predict the junction temperature distribution
      over the LD bar numerically under high operating currents. The results are
      presented in conjunction with the wall-plug efficiency and the center wavelength
      shift. 

PMID- 27661574
TI  - Design considerations of high-performance InGaAs/InP single-photon avalanche
      diodes for quantum key distribution.
AB  - InGaAs/InP single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) are widely used in practical
      applications requiring near-infrared photon counting such as quantum key
      distribution (QKD). Photon detection efficiency and dark count rate are the
      intrinsic parameters of InGaAs/InP SPADs, due to the fact that their performances
      cannot be improved using different quenching electronics given the same operation
      conditions. After modeling these parameters and developing a simulation platform
      for InGaAs/InP SPADs, we investigate the semiconductor structure design and
      optimization. The parameters of photon detection efficiency and dark count rate
      highly depend on the variables of absorption layer thickness, multiplication
      layer thickness, excess bias voltage, and temperature. By evaluating the decoy
      state QKD performance, the variables for SPAD design and operation can be
      globally optimized. Such optimization from the perspective of specific
      applications can provide an effective approach to design high-performance
      InGaAs/InP SPADs. 

PMID- 27661575
TI  - Off-axis digital holographic particle positioning based on polarization-sensitive
      wavefront curvature estimation.
AB  - Poor axial resolution in holographic particle imaging applications makes particle
      positioning in 3D space more complex since the positions are not directly
      obtained. In this paper we estimate the axial position of micrometer particles by
      finding the location where the wavefront curvature from the scattered light
      becomes zero. By recording scattered light at 90 degrees  using off-axis
      holography, the complex amplitude of the light is obtained. By reconstruction of
      the imaged scene, a complex valued volume is produced. From this volume, phase
      gradients are calculated for each particle and used to estimate the wavefront
      curvature. From simulations it is found that the wavefront curvature became zero
      at the true axial position of the particle. We applied this metric to track an
      axial translation experimentally using a telecentric off-axis holographic imaging
      system with a lateral magnification of M=1.33. A silicon cube with molded
      particles inside was used as sample. Holographic recordings are performed both
      before and after a 100 MUm axial translation. From the estimated positions, it
      was found that the mean displacement of particles between recordings was 105.0
      MUm with a standard deviation of 25.3 MUm. 

PMID- 27661576
TI  - Disparity between online and offline tests in accelerated aging tests of LED
      lamps under electric stress.
AB  - The accelerated aging tests under electric stress for one type of LED lamp are
      conducted, and the differences between online and offline tests of the
      degradation of luminous flux are studied in this paper. The transformation of the
      two test modes is achieved with an adjustable AC voltage stabilized power source.
      Experimental results show that the exponential fitting of the luminous flux
      degradation in online tests possesses a higher fitting degree for most lamps, and
      the degradation rate of the luminous flux by online tests is always lower than
      that by offline tests. Bayes estimation and Weibull distribution are used to
      calculate the failure probabilities under the accelerated voltages, and then the
      reliability of the lamps under rated voltage of 220 V is estimated by use of the
      inverse power law model. Results show that the relative error of the lifetime
      estimation by offline tests increases as the failure probability decreases, and
      it cannot be neglected when the failure probability is less than 1%. The relative
      errors of lifetime estimation are 7.9%, 5.8%, 4.2%, and 3.5%, at the failure
      probabilities of 0.1%, 1%, 5%, and 10%, respectively. 

PMID- 27661577
TI  - Multiwavelength laser designed for single-frame digital holography.
AB  - In this paper, we present a tailored multiwavelength Yb-fiber laser source in the
      1.03 MUm spectral region for spatially multiplexed digital holographic
      acquisitions. The wavelengths with bandwidths below 0.1 nm were spectrally
      separated by approximately 1 nm by employing fiber Bragg gratings for spectral
      control. As a proof of concept, the shape of a cylindrically shaped object with a
      diameter of 48 mm was measured. The holographic acquisition was performed in
      single-shot dual-wavelength mode with a synthetic wavelength of 1.1 mm, and the
      accuracy was estimated to be 3% of the synthetic wavelength. 

PMID- 27661578
TI  - Off-axis holographic lens spectrum-splitting photovoltaic system for direct and
      diffuse solar energy conversion.
AB  - This paper describes a high-efficiency, spectrum-splitting photovoltaic module
      that uses an off-axis volume holographic lens to focus and disperse incident
      solar illumination to a rectangular shaped high-bandgap indium gallium phosphide
      cell surrounded by strips of silicon cells. The holographic lens design allows
      efficient collection of both direct and diffuse illumination to maximize energy
      yield. We modeled the volume diffraction characteristics using rigorous coupled
      wave analysis, and simulated system performance using nonsequential ray tracing
      and PV cell data from the literature. Under AM 1.5 illumination conditions the
      simulated module obtained a 30.6% conversion efficiency. This efficiency is a
      19.7% relative improvement compared to the more efficient cell in the system
      (silicon). The module was also simulated under a typical meteorological year of
      direct and diffuse irradiance in Tucson, Arizona, and Seattle, Washington.
      Compared to a flat panel silicon module, the holographic spectrum splitting
      module obtained a relative improvement in energy yield of 17.1% in Tucson and
      14.0% in Seattle. An experimental proof-of-concept volume holographic lens was
      also fabricated in dichromated gelatin to verify the main characteristics of the
      system. The lens obtained an average first-order diffraction efficiency of 85.4%
      across the aperture at 532 nm. 

PMID- 27661579
TI  - Modular pump head design of diffused, metal, and hybrid pump geometry for diode
      side-pumped high power Nd:YAG laser.
AB  - In this paper, we present a comparative study on pump heads for a high power
      diode-side-pumped Nd:YAG laser. The pump head is a modular type, which is in the
      form of discs, with each disc holding three pump diodes kept at 120 degrees  with
      respect to each other. Unabsorbed pump light from the active medium is reflected
      by reflectors mounted adjacent to the pump diodes. The performance of a high
      power pump head made of modular discs mounted with specular or diffused type
      reflectors was studied. Hybrid pump geometry was also investigated, where the
      pump head is made up of discs loaded with metal and diffused reflectors,
      alternately. The discs are loaded around the active medium in such a way that
      successive discs are rotated by sixty degrees with respect to each other.
      Fluorescence profiles, thermal lensing, laser output power, and M<sup>2</sup>
      values were studied for pump heads made up of metal, diffused, and hybrid type
      reflectors. All of the pump heads were studied for three different resonator
      lengths to maximize the output power with the best beam quality. The experimental
      results show that the diffused reflector-based geometry in a sixty degree rotated
      configuration produced the maximum output power and best beam quality in terms of
      the M<sup>2</sup> value. 

PMID- 27661580
TI  - Temporal characterization of petawatt class laser at Shen Guang II facility.
AB  - Temporal characterization is important to diagnose and measure a petawatt (PW)
      class laser. We obtained the V curve of the pulse width versus the grating
      position using pulse width measurement with a mirror image configuration. The
      temporal range for pulse width was 18 ps with a resolution of 0.05 ps. We
      measured the pulse contrast between the -60  ps and -6  ps PW class laser within
      a single shot in the Shen Guang II facility. We measured the pulse contrast
      between the -91  ps and -60  ps PW class laser after expanding the temporal
      range. The temporal range was 70 ps, with a dynamic range of eight orders of
      magnitude. 

PMID- 27661581
TI  - Robustness of a coherence vortex.
AB  - We study, experimentally and theoretically, the behavior of a coherence vortex
      after its transmission through obstacles. Notably, we find that such a vortex
      survives and preserves its effective topological charge. Despite suffering
      changes on the modulus of the coherence function, these changes disappear during
      propagation. 

PMID- 27661582
TI  - Compact silicon photonic interleaver based on a self-coupled optical waveguide.
AB  - We propose and experimentally demonstrate a new scheme to realize an on-chip
      silicon photonic interleaver by using a self-coupled optical waveguide (SCOW).
      Benefiting from the high-order filtering property of a multistage SCOW resonator,
      the device has a smaller footprint and higher extinction ratio compared to
      conventional ring-assisted Mach-Zehnder interferometer interleavers. Its high
      fabrication tolerance is also demonstrated in this paper. The operation principle
      of the proposed interleaver is theoretically analyzed. The designed device is
      fabricated on a silicon-on-insulator wafer under standard complementary metal
      oxide semiconductor compatible fabrication processes. Experimental results show
      that 20 dB extinction ratio and about 8 dB insertion loss can be achieved in the
      entire C-band without any thermo-optic tuning, verifying the effectiveness of the
      proposed device as an on-chip interleaver with a compact footprint and high
      extinction ratio. 

PMID- 27661583
TI  - Efficient patch-based approach for compressive depth imaging.
AB  - We present efficient camera hardware and algorithms to capture images with
      extended depth of field. The camera moves its focal plane via a liquid lens and
      modulates the scene at different focal planes by shifting a fixed binary mask,
      with synchronization achieved by using the same triangular wave to control the
      focal plane and the pizeoelectronic translator that shifts the mask. Efficient
      algorithms are developed to reconstruct the all-in-focus image and the depth map
      from a single coded exposure, and various sparsity priors are investigated to
      enhance the reconstruction, including group sparsity, tree structure, and
      dictionary learning. The algorithms naturally admit a parallel computational
      structure due to the independent patch-level operations. Experimental results on
      both simulation and real datasets demonstrate the efficacy of the new hardware
      and the inversion algorithms. 

PMID- 27661584
TI  - Hybrid algorithm for phase retrieval from a single spatial carrier fringe
      pattern.
AB  - A hybrid algorithm is proposed in this study for demodulating a single spatial
      carrier fringe pattern (FP) of interferometric measurement, which essentially
      combines the spatial carrier phase shift (SCPS) method and Fourier transform (FT)
      method. It firstly extracts three phase-shifted FPs from a single spatial carrier
      FP, then employs the FT method and a subtraction operation to determine the phase
      shift of three phase-shifted FPs, and finally retrieves the phase map using a
      least-square phase shift algorithm. The subtraction operation could considerably
      mitigate the inherent edge error of the FT method, resulting in an increase of
      accuracy compared with the FT method. It also does not require the background and
      modulation amplitude of the spatial carrier FP to be constant; thus it is robust
      and quite suitable for engineering. The factors that may influence the
      performance of the proposed algorithm are analyzed, including the random and
      speckle noise, carrier frequency, shape of the background, and modulation
      amplitude. The feasibility of the proposed algorithm is validated by two
      experiments, comparing them with the temporal phase-shifted method. The proposed
      algorithm is expected to be used in interferometric measurement under adverse
      environments. 

PMID- 27661585
TI  - Detection and counting of a submicrometer particle in liquid flow by self-mixing
      microchip Yb:YAG laser velocimetry.
AB  - We observed intermittent modulation by scattered light from a single
      submicrometer particle moving in the flow channel using a self-mixing microchip
      Yb:YAG laser Doppler velocimeter (LDV) under lateral beam access. The Doppler
      shift frequency chirping (i.e., velocity change) was identified in accordance
      with a particle passage through the beam focus. Single particle counting, which
      obeys the Poisson distribution, was performed successfully over a long period of
      time. The experimental results have been reproduced by a numerical simulation.
      The LDV signal was increased over 20 dB for a 202-nm particle without chirping by
      collinear beam access with the laser beam axis aligned along the flow direction. 

PMID- 27661586
TI  - From image pair to a computer generated hologram for a real-world scene.
AB  - We propose an approach to produce computer generated holograms (CGHs) from image
      pairs of a real-world scene. The ratio of the three-dimensional (3D) physical
      size of the object is computed from the image pair to provide the correct depth
      cue. A multilayer wavefront recording plane method completed with a two-stage
      occlusion culling process is carried out for wave propagation. Multiple holograms
      can be generated by propagating the wave toward the desired angles, to cover the
      circular views that are wider than the viewing angle restricted by the wavelength
      and pitch size of a single hologram. The impact of the imperfect depth
      information extracted from the image pair on CGH is examined. The approach is
      evaluated extensively on image pairs of real-world 3D scenes, and the results
      demonstrate that the circular-view CGH can be produced from a pair of stereo
      images using the proposed approach. 

PMID- 27661587
TI  - Impact of nonzero boresight pointing errors on the performance of a relay
      assisted free-space optical communication system over exponentiated Weibull
      fading channels.
AB  - The impact of nonzero boresight pointing errors on the system performance of
      decode-and-forward protocol-based multihop parallel optical wireless
      communication systems is studied. For the aggregated fading channel, the
      atmospheric turbulence is simulated by an exponentiated Weibull model, and
      pointing errors are described by one recently proposed statistical model
      including both boresight and jitter. The binary phase-shift keying subcarrier
      intensity modulation-based analytical average bit error rate (ABER) and outage
      probability expressions are achieved for a nonidentically and independently
      distributed system. The ABER and outage probability are then analyzed with
      different turbulence strengths, receiving aperture sizes, structure parameters (P
      and Q), jitter variances, and boresight displacements. The results show that
      aperture averaging offers almost the same system performance improvement with
      boresight included or not, despite the values of P and Q. The performance
      enhancement owing to the increase of cooperative path (P) is more evident with
      nonzero boresight than that with zero boresight (jitter only), whereas the
      performance deterioration because of the increasing hops (Q) with nonzero
      boresight is almost the same as that with zero boresight. Monte Carlo simulation
      is offered to verify the validity of ABER and outage probability expressions. 

PMID- 27661588
TI  - Robust infrared small target detection via non-negativity constraint-based sparse
      representation.
AB  - Infrared (IR) small target detection is one of the vital techniques in many
      military applications, including IR remote sensing, early warning, and IR precise
      guidance. Over-complete dictionary based sparse representation is an effective
      image representation method that can capture geometrical features of IR small
      targets by the redundancy of the dictionary. In this paper, we concentrate on
      solving the problem of robust infrared small target detection under various
      scenes via sparse representation theory. First, a frequency saliency detection
      based preprocessing is developed to extract suspected regions that may possibly
      contain the target so that the subsequent computing load is reduced. Second, a
      target over-complete dictionary is constructed by a varietal two-dimensional
      Gaussian model with an extent feature constraint and a background term. Third, a
      sparse representation model with a non-negativity constraint is proposed for the
      suspected regions to calculate the corresponding coefficient vectors. Fourth, the
      detection problem is skillfully converted to an l<sub>1</sub>-regularized
      optimization through an accelerated proximal gradient (APG) method. Finally,
      based on the distinct sparsity difference, an evaluation index called sparse rate
      (SR) is presented to extract the real target by an adaptive segmentation
      directly. Large numbers of experiments demonstrate both the effectiveness and
      robustness of this method. 

PMID- 27661589
TI  - Stripe-shaped apertures in confocal microscopy.
AB  - We have theoretically verified that, compared with the aperture shapes of
      previous research, combining two stripe-shaped apertures in a confocal microscope
      with a finite-sized pinhole improves the axial resolution to a certain extent.
      Because different stripe shapes cause different effects, we also investigated the
      relationships among resolution, shapes, pinhole size, and the signal-to
      background ratio. 

PMID- 27661590
TI  - Measurement of the intermodal crosstalk of a bent multimode waveguide.
AB  - We quantitatively investigate the main source of the intermodal crosstalk of a
      silicon-based bent multimode waveguide by experiment. The measurement is
      performed through time-domain scanning low-coherence interferometry. From the
      measurement results, one can not only calculate the modal crosstalk, but can also
      locate the position where the crosstalk appears. The results indicate that the
      modal mismatch at the points where the curvature of the waveguide changes is the
      main origin of the modal crosstalk. For a two-mode waveguide with a bending
      radius of 5 MUm at 1310 nm, the crosstalk is as high as -20 and -16  dB for the
      fundamental and first-order mode, respectively. This work gives us a deep insight
      into how the guided modes actually propagate through the bent waveguide. 

PMID- 27661591
TI  - Simple transfer calibration method for a Cimel Sun-Moon photometer: calculating
      lunar calibration coefficients from Sun calibration constants.
AB  - The Cimel new technologies allow both daytime and nighttime aerosol optical depth
      (AOD) measurements. Although the daytime AOD calibration protocols are well
      established, accurate and simple nighttime calibration is still a challenging
      task. Standard lunar-Langley and intercomparison calibration methods both require
      specific conditions in terms of atmospheric stability and site condition.
      Additionally, the lunar irradiance model also has some known limits on its
      uncertainty. This paper presents a simple calibration method that transfers the
      direct-Sun calibration constant, V<sub>0,Sun</sub>, to the lunar irradiance
      calibration coefficient, C<sub>Moon</sub>. Our approach is a pure calculation
      method, independent of site limits, e.g., Moon phase. The method is also not
      affected by the lunar irradiance model limitations, which is the largest error
      source of traditional calibration methods. Besides, this new transfer calibration
      approach is easy to use in the field since C<sub>Moon</sub> can be obtained
      directly once V<sub>0,Sun</sub> is known. Error analysis suggests that the
      average uncertainty of C<sub>Moon</sub> over the 440-1640 nm bands obtained with
      the transfer method is 2.4%-2.8%, depending on the V<sub>0,Sun</sub> approach
      (Langley or intercomparison), which is comparable with that of lunar-Langley
      approach, theoretically. In this paper, the Sun-Moon transfer and the Langley
      methods are compared based on site measurements in Beijing, and the day-night
      measurement continuity and performance are analyzed. 

PMID- 27661592
TI  - Compact fiber optic dual-detection confocal displacement sensor.
AB  - We propose a dual-detection confocal displacement sensor (DDCDS) with a compact
      fiber-based optical probe. This all-fiber-optic sensor probe is simple and
      robust, since it only requires simple alignment of a gradient refractive index
      lens and a double-clad fiber (DCF). The DDCDS is composed of two point detectors,
      one coupled to a single mode fiber and the other coupled to a multimode fiber,
      which are used to measure the light intensity from a core and an inner clad of a
      DCF, respectively. The ratio of the axial response curves, measured by the two
      detectors, can be used to obtain a linear relationship between the axial position
      of the object plane and the ratio of the intensity signals. We demonstrate the
      performance of the proposed method by measuring micromovement and fast vibration.

PMID- 27661593
TI  - Design quadrilateral apertures in binary computer-generated holograms of large
      space bandwidth product.
AB  - A new approach for designing the binary computer-generated hologram (CGH) of a
      very large number of pixels is proposed. Diffraction of the CGH apertures is
      computed by the analytical Abbe transform and by considering the aperture edges
      as the basic diffracting elements. The computation cost is independent of the CGH
      size. The arbitrary-shaped polygonal apertures in the CGH consist of
      quadrilateral apertures, which are designed by assigning the binary phases using
      the parallel genetic algorithm with a local search, followed by optimizing the
      locations of the co-vertices with a direct search. The design results in high
      performance with low image reconstruction error. 

PMID- 27661594
TI  - Suomi National Polar-Orbiting Partnership Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer
      Suite polarization sensitivity analysis.
AB  - The Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) is one of five instruments
      onboard the Suomi National Polar-Orbiting Partnership (SNPP) satellite that
      launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, on October 28, 2011. It is a
      whiskbroom radiometer that provides +/-56.28 degrees  scans of the Earth view. It
      has 22 bands, among which 14 are reflective solar bands (RSBs). The RSBs cover a
      wavelength range from 410 to 2250 nm. The RSBs of a remote sensor are usually
      sensitive to the polarization of incident light. For VIIRS, it is specified that
      the polarization factor should be smaller than 3% for 410 and 862 nm bands and
      2.5% for other RSBs for the scan angle within +/-45 degrees . Several
      polarization sensitivity tests were performed prelaunch for SNPP VIIRS. The first
      few tests either had large uncertainty or were less reliable, while the last one
      was believed to provide the more accurate information about the polarization
      property of the instrument. In this paper, the measured data in the last
      polarization sensitivity test are analyzed, and the polarization factors and
      phase angles are derived from the measurements for all the RSBs. The derived
      polarization factors and phase angles are band, detector, and scan angle
      dependent. For near-infrared bands, they also depend on the half-angle mirror
      side. Nevertheless, the derived polarization factors are all within the
      specification, although the strong detector dependence of the polarization
      parameters was not expected. Compared to the Moderate Resolution Imaging
      Spectroradiometer on both Aqua and Terra satellites, the polarization effect on
      VIIRS RSB is much smaller. 

PMID- 27661596
TI  - Comparative analysis of autofocus functions in digital in-line phase-shifting
      holography.
AB  - Numerical reconstruction of digital holograms relies on a precise knowledge of
      the original object position. However, there are a number of relevant
      applications where this parameter is not known in advance and an efficient
      autofocusing method is required. This paper addresses the problem of finding
      optimal focusing methods for use in reconstruction of digital holograms of
      macroscopic amplitude and phase objects, using digital in-line phase-shifting
      holography in transmission mode. Fifteen autofocus measures, including spatial-,
      spectral-, and sparsity-based methods, were evaluated for both synthetic and
      experimental holograms. The Fresnel transform and the angular spectrum
      reconstruction methods were compared. Evaluation criteria included unimodality,
      accuracy, resolution, and computational cost. Autofocusing under angular spectrum
      propagation tends to perform better with respect to accuracy and unimodality
      criteria. Phase objects are, generally, more difficult to focus than amplitude
      objects. The normalized variance, the standard correlation, and the Tenenbaum
      gradient are the most reliable spatial-based metrics, combining computational
      efficiency with good accuracy and resolution. A good trade-off between focus
      performance and computational cost was found for the Fresnelet sparsity method. 

PMID- 27661595
TI  - Femtosecond pulse generation with an a-cut Nd:CaYAlO<sub>4</sub> disordered
      crystal.
AB  - We experimentally demonstrated a diode-pumped 587 fs ultrafast laser by using an
      a-cut Nd:CaYAlO<sub>4</sub> crystal. Pumped by an 808 nm fiber-coupled laser
      diode, a stable continuous-wave mode-locked ultrafast laser was achieved with a
      semiconductor saturable absorber. The ultrafast pulses had a repetition rate of
      75 MHz at the center wavelength of 1080.8 nm. A maximum average output power of
      the mode-locked laser reached 375 mW delivering a slope efficiency of 9%. 

PMID- 27661597
TI  - Geometric analysis of influence of fringe directions on phase sensitivities in
      fringe projection profilometry.
AB  - In fringe projection profilometry, phase sensitivity is one of the important
      factors affecting measurement accuracy. A typical fringe projection system
      consists of one camera and one projector. To gain insight into its phase
      sensitivity, we perform in this paper a strict analysis in theory about the
      dependence of phase sensitivities on fringe directions. We use epipolar geometry
      as a tool to derive the relationship between fringe distortions and depth
      variations of the measured surface, and further formularize phase sensitivity as
      a function of the angle between fringe direction and the epipolar line. The
      results reveal that using the fringes perpendicular to the epipolar lines enables
      us to achieve the maximum phase sensitivities, whereas if the fringes have
      directions along the epipolar lines, the phase sensitivities decline to zero.
      Based on these results, we suggest the optimal fringes being circular-arc-shaped
      and centered at the epipole, which enables us to give the best phase
      sensitivities over the whole fringe pattern, and the quasi-optimal fringes, being
      straight and perpendicular to the connecting line between the fringe pattern
      center and the epipole, can achieve satisfyingly high phase sensitivities over
      whole fringe patterns in the situation that the epipole locates far away from the
      fringe pattern center. The experimental results demonstrate that our analyses are
      practical and correct, and that our optimized fringes are effective in improving
      the phase sensitivities and, further, the measurement accuracies. 

PMID- 27661598
TI  - Ideal luminous efficacy and color spatial uniformity of package-free LED based on
      a packaging phosphor-coated geometry.
AB  - This paper presents the optical simulation of the luminous efficacy of radiation
      (LER) and color spatial uniformity (CSU) of a package-free white LED conducted to
      boost the LER and simultaneously improve the CSU. According to the simulation
      results, the main effect on the LER and CSU was the change in the geometrical
      ratio of phosphor coating. Regardless of the packaging size, when the ratio of
      the top coating to the sidewall coverage of the phosphor layer thickness was in
      the range from 0.9 to 1.1, the maximum LER and optimal CSU can be simultaneously
      obtained. Besides, effectively increasing the volume of the overall packaging
      dimension to be 30 times the size of the chip can enable a package-free LED to
      achieve 90% saturated maximum LER without affecting the CSU. 

PMID- 27661599
TI  - Intensity-symmetric accelerating caustic beams.
AB  - We construct and generate symmetric accelerating caustic beams (ACBs) by using
      3/2-order phase-only masks with elliptical contour based on optical caustics and
      diffraction theory. The symmetric ACBs are a type of bimodal accelerating caustic
      beam with two quasi-constant intensity peaks, very similar to the combination of
      two face-to-face Airy-like beams judging by appearance. Their fundamental optical
      morphology and force properties of particles in ACBs are subsequently provided.
      The unique optical properties of ACBs can be exploited for practical uses, such
      as accelerating electrons and clearing micrometer-sized particles as a laser
      micrometer-sized "water pump" instead of a laser micrometer-sized "snowblower" of
      accelerating Airy beams. 

PMID- 27661600
TI  - Selective visual attention based clutter metric with human visual system
      adaptability.
AB  - Most existing clutter metrics are proposed based on fixed structural features and
      experienced weight measures. In this paper, we identify the clutter as selective
      visual attention effects and propose a type of clutter metric. First, adaptive
      structural features are extracted from the blocks with an edge-structure
      similarity to the target. Next, the confusing blocks are selected by the
      similarity threshold based on the attention guidance map. The clutter is
      estimated by quantifying the effects of confusing blocks on target acquisition
      performance. The comparative field experiments, with a Search_2 dataset, show
      that the proposed metric is consistent with the adaptability of the human visual
      system (HVS) and outperforms other metrics. 

PMID- 27661601
TI  - Linear approximation of Rayleigh-Brillouin scattering spectra.
AB  - Rayleigh-Brillouin scattering is the basis of many remote sensing techniques,
      including high spectral resolution lidar measurements of aerosols and wind.
      Rayleigh-Brillouin spectra can be accurately estimated using physics-based models
      like the so-called Tenti's S6 and Pan's S7 models. Unfortunately, these are
      computationally expensive and can be the bottleneck for real-time lidar
      processing and iterative parameter estimation problems. This short article
      describes a very efficient linear approximation of the Rayleigh-Brillouin spectra
      based on Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Using PCA, the outputs of the above
      models can be approximated with very high accuracy using a single matrix
      multiplication. The described method can be applied to the output of any detailed
      scattering model, thus it can be used for a wide range of problems, e.g., for
      scattering from different gases (Air, N<sub>2</sub>, O<sub>2</sub>,...) and for
      different ranges of temperature and pressure. The precision of the approximation
      can be adapted to the requirements of the studied problem, and can easily exceed
      the actual accuracy of the reference models. 

PMID- 27661602
TI  - 25  W/m<sup>2</sup> collection efficiency solar-pumped Nd:YAG laser by a
      heliostat-parabolic mirror system.
AB  - A large aspheric fused silica lens was used to couple efficiently the
      concentrated solar radiation from the focal zone of a 1.5-m-diameter primary
      concentrator into a 4-mm-diameter, 35-mm-long Nd:YAG single-crystal rod within a
      conical pump cavity. Continuous-wave laser power of 29.3 W was measured,
      attaining 25.0  W/m<sup>2</sup> solar laser collection efficiency, corresponding
      to a 19% increase over the previous record. Its laser beam figure of merit-the
      ratio between laser power and the product of Mx2, My2 beam quality factors-of
      0.01 W is 1.6 times higher than that of a direct tracking solar laser with 30 
      W/m<sup>2</sup> collection efficiency. A strong dependency of solar laser power
      on laser resonator cavity length was found. 

PMID- 27661603
TI  - Nonsubsampled contourlet transform method for optical fringe pattern analysis in
      profilometry and interferometry.
AB  - A method based on a nonsubsampled contourlet transform, which is an overcomplete
      transform with multiresolution, directionality, and shift-invariance properties,
      is proposed to extract the fundamental frequency component of an optical fringe
      pattern in profilometry and interferometry. The nonsubsampled contourlet
      transform method overcomes the disadvantages of the original contourlet transform
      method, which lacks the shift-invariance property. Besides, it improves the
      frequency selectivity. A strategy is developed to automatically determine the
      optimal decomposition scale for removing the background intensity and suppressing
      the noise of the fringe pattern. The proposed method is precise, effective, and
      possesses a strong noise immune ability. Simulations and experiments verify the
      validity, and show the superiorities of the proposed method. 

PMID- 27661604
TI  - Optical nonsubsampled contourlet transform.
AB  - The nonsubsampled contourlet transform (NSCT) is a fully shift-invariant,
      multiscale, and multidirectional expansion implemented in optics using the
      Fourier transform of its filters. In this paper, we propose a novel optical NSCT
      filter design method and the corresponding post-processing method to avoid the
      use of holographic techniques. The novel optical NSCT filter has real and non
      negative Fourier transforms. The input image is placed in the input plane of the
      VanderLugt 4f correlator, and these real and non-negative Fourier transform NSCT
      filters are placed in the frequency plane of the VanderLugt 4f correlator. Next,
      the NSCT result is captured by a CCD in the output plane of the VanderLugt 4f
      correlator, and its perfect reconstruction is theoretically possible, which is
      demonstrated by both simulation and optical experiment. 

PMID- 27661605
TI  - Full-field 3D deformation measurement: comparison between speckle phase and
      displacement evaluation.
AB  - The objective of this paper is to describe a full-field deformation measurement
      method based on 3D speckle displacements. The deformation is evaluated from the
      slope of the speckle displacement function that connects the different
      reconstruction planes. For our experiment, a symmetrical arrangement with four
      illuminations parallel to the planes (x,z) and (y,z) was used. Four sets of
      speckle patterns were sequentially recorded by illuminating an object from the
      four directions, respectively. A single camera is used to record the holograms
      before and after deformations. Digital speckle photography is then used to
      calculate relative speckle displacements in each direction between two
      numerically propagated planes. The 3D speckle displacements vector is calculated
      as a combination of the speckle displacements from the holograms recorded in each
      illumination direction. Using the speckle displacements, problems associated with
      rigid body movements and phase wrapping are avoided. In our experiment, the
      procedure is shown to give the theoretical accuracy of 0.17 pixels yielding the
      accuracy of 2*10<sup>-3</sup> in the measurement of deformation gradients. 

PMID- 27661606
TI  - Highly sensitive Raman system for dissolved gas analysis in water.
AB  - The detection of dissolved gases in seawater plays an important role in ocean
      observation and exploration. As a potential technique for oceanic applications,
      Raman spectroscopy has already proved its advantages in the simultaneous
      detection of multiple species during previous deep-sea explorations. Due to the
      low sensitivity of conventional Raman measurements, there have been many reports
      of Raman applications on direct seawater detection in high-concentration areas,
      but few on undersea dissolved gas detection. In this work, we have presented a
      highly sensitive Raman spectroscopy (HSRS) system with a special designed gas
      chamber for small amounts of underwater gas extraction. Systematic experiments
      have been carried out for system evaluation, and the results have shown that the
      Raman signals obtained by the innovation of a near-concentric cavity was about 21
      times stronger than those of conventional side-scattering Raman measurements.
      Based on this system, we have achieved a low limit of detection of 2.32 and 0.44 
      MUmol/L for CO<sub>2</sub> and CH<sub>4</sub>, respectively, in the lab. A test
      out experiment has also been accomplished with a gas-liquid separator coupled to
      the Raman system, and signals of O<sub>2</sub> and CO<sub>2</sub> were detected
      after 1 h of degasification. This system may show potential for gas detection in
      water, and further work would be done for the improvement of in situ detection. 

PMID- 27661607
TI  - Optimization of a dispersion-tuned wavelength-swept fiber laser for optical
      coherence tomography.
AB  - We optimized parameters of a dispersion-tuned wavelength-swept fiber laser by
      numerically analyzing dynamic characteristics. The optimized laser is
      experimentally demonstrated and applied to the swept-source optical coherence
      tomography (SS-OCT) system. The dispersion-tuned wavelength-swept laser (DT-WSL)
      is a unique tunable fiber laser, whose lasing wavelength can be tuned rapidly
      without any mechanical tunable filters. Although the wavelength of a DT-WSL can
      be swept rapidly and widely, the broadening of the instantaneous spectral width
      at a high sweep rate has been a critical drawback for SS-OCT applications.
      Numerical simulations have shown that higher modulation frequencies for active
      mode-locking lead to narrower instantaneous spectral widths. However, a lower
      modulation frequency is needed to achieve a wider wavelength tuning range. Pulse
      modulation is employed to solve the trade-off between instantaneous spectral
      width and wavelength tuning range. In this paper, the characteristics of a
      sinusoidally modulated and a pulse-modulated DT-WSL are compared numerically and
      experimentally. The numerical simulation results show that a pulse-modulated
      laser can achieve spectral widths as narrow as that of the sinusoidally modulated
      laser with >5  GHz modulation frequency, even when the pulse modulation frequency
      is as low as 500 MHz. We also study the difference in the laser characteristics
      with different sweep directions and discover that a positive wavelength sweep
      leads to a narrower instantaneous spectral width. We also experimentally
      confirmed that pulse modulation can indeed achieve a narrower spectral width, as
      expected from our numerical simulation results. The pulse-modulated DT-WSL is
      then used in an SS-OCT system and successfully achieves a coherence length of 1.3
      mm, whereas that of a sinusoidally modulated DT-WSL is limited to only 0.7 mm.
      Furthermore, we experimentally compare the performance difference in OCT imaging
      with different wavelength sweep directions, and the results proved that it is
      advantageous to apply a positive wavelength sweep, as predicted by our numerical
      simulation. 

PMID- 27661608
TI  - Temporal and frequency characteristics of a narrow light beam in sea water.
AB  - The structure of a light field in sea water excited by a unidirectional point
      sized pulsed source is studied by Monte Carlo technique. The pulse shape
      registered at the distances up to 120 m from the source on the beam axis and in
      its axial region is calculated with a time resolution of 1 ps. It is shown that
      with the increase of the distance from the source the pulse splits into two parts
      formed by components of various scattering orders. Frequency and phase responses
      of the beam are calculated by means of the fast Fourier transform. It is also
      shown that for higher frequencies, the attenuation of harmonic components of the
      field is larger. In the range of parameters corresponding to pulse splitting on
      the beam axis, the attenuation of harmonic components in particular spectral
      ranges exceeds the attenuation predicted by Bouguer law. In this case, the
      transverse distribution of the amplitudes of these harmonics is minimal on the
      beam axis. 

PMID- 27661610
TI  - Genetic bases of dilated cardiomyopathy.
AB  - Cardiomyopathies represent a wide and heterogeneous group of diseases wherein a
      genetic cause has been consistently identified.Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is
      characterized by ventricular dilation and progressive systolic dysfunction, and
      it is the most common form of cardiomyopathy.Causative genetic mutations have
      been identified in more than 40 genes encoding proteins belonging to different
      cellular structures and pathways.A great diversity of pathways has been implied
      in the pathogenesis of DCM, depending on the affected genes and on the dislodged
      intracellular structures or mechanisms.This review describes the major genes and
      focus on the pathophysiologic mechanisms of DCM, with a special consideration of
      the most recent discoveries in the field.

PMID- 27661609
TI  - Synthesis and Biological Activity of Highly Cationic Dendrimer Antibiotics.
AB  - The development of pathogenic bacteria resistant to current treatments is a major
      issue facing the world today. Here, the synthesis and biological activity of
      fourth generation poly(amidoamine) dendrimers decorated with 1-hexadecyl
      azoniabicylo[2.2.2]octane (C16-DABCO), a quaternary ammonium compound known to
      have antibacterial activity, are described. This highly cationic dendrimer
      antibiotic was tested against several Gram positive and Gram negative strains of
      pathogenic bacteria and exhibited activity against both. Higher activity toward
      the Gram positive strains that were tested was observed. After the antimicrobial
      activity was assessed, E. coli and B. cereus were subjected to a resistance
      selection study. This study demonstrated that a multivalent approach to
      antimicrobial design significantly reduces the likelihood of developing bacterial
      resistance. Highly cationic dendrimers were also used as pretreatment of a
      membrane to prevent biofilm formation.

PMID- 27661611
TI  - 'Precision and personalized medicine,' a dream that comes true?

PMID- 27661613
TI  - Fractionated Stereotactic Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for Large Brain Metastases: A
      Retrospective, Single Center Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is widely used for brain metastases but
      has been relatively contraindicated for large lesions (>3 cm). In the present
      study, we analyzed the efficacy and toxicity of hypofractionated Gamma Knife
      radiosurgery to treat metastatic brain tumors for which surgical resection were
      not considered as the primary treatment option. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Thirty-six
      patients, forty cases were treated with Gamma Knife-based fractionated SRS for
      three to four consecutive days with the same Leksell frame on their heads. The
      mean gross tumor volume was 18.3 cm3, and the median dose was 8 Gy at 50% isodose
      line with 3 fractions for three consecutive days (range, 5 to 11 Gy and 2 to 4
      fractions for 2 to 4 consecutive days). Survival rates and prognostic factors
      were analyzed. RESULTS: The overall survival rate at one and two years was 66.7
      and 33.1%, respectively. The median survival time was 16.2 months, and the local
      control rate was 90%. RTOG toxicity grade 1 was observed in 3 (8.3%) patients,
      grade 2 in 1 (2.7%) patient and grade 3 in 1 (2.7%) patient respectively.
      Radiation necrosis was developed in 1 (2.7%) patient. KPS scores and control of
      primary disease resulted in significant differences in survival. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      findings suggest that consecutive hypofractionated Gamma Knife SRS could be
      applied to large metastatic brain tumors with effective tumor control and low
      toxicity rates.

PMID- 27661612
TI  - Transcriptomic Study on Ovine Immune Responses to Fasciola hepatica Infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fasciola hepatica is not only responsible for major economic losses
      in livestock farming, but is also a major food-borne zoonotic agent, with 180
      million people being at risk of infection worldwide. This parasite is
      sophisticated in manipulating the hosts' immune system to benefit its own
      survival. A better understanding of the mechanisms underpinning this
      immunomodulation is crucial for the development of control strategies such as
      vaccines. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: This in vivo study investigated the
      global gene expression changes of ovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC)
      response to both acute & chronic infection of F. hepatica, and revealed 6490 and
      2364 differential expressed genes (DEGS), respectively. Several transcriptional
      regulators were predicted to be significantly inhibited (e.g. IL12 and IL18) or
      activated (e.g. miR155-5p) in PBMC during infection. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis
      highlighted a series of immune-associated pathways involved in the response to
      infection, including 'Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGFbeta) signaling',
      'Production of Nitric Oxide in Macrophages', 'Toll-like Receptor (TLRs)
      Signaling', 'Death Receptor Signaling' and 'IL17 Signaling'. We hypothesize that
      activation of pathways relevant to fibrosis in ovine chronic infection, may
      differ from those seen in cattle. Potential mechanisms behind immunomodulation in
      F. hepatica infection are a discussed. SIGNIFICANCE: In conclusion, the present
      study performed global transcriptomic analysis of ovine PBMC, the primary
      innate/adaptive immune cells, in response to infection with F. hepatica, using
      deep-sequencing (RNAseq). This dataset provides novel information pertinent to
      understanding of the pathological processes in fasciolosis, as well as a base
      from which to further refine development of vaccines.

PMID- 27661615
TI  - A Study of Tourism Dynamics in Three Italian Regions Using a Nonautonomous
      Integrable Lotka-Volterra Model.
AB  - This article is a first application of an integrable nonautonomous Lotka-Volterra
      (LV) model to the study of tourism dynamics. In particular, we analyze the
      interaction in terms of touristic flows among three Italian regions. Confirming
      an hypothesis advanced by recent theoretical works, we find that these regions
      not only compete against each other, but at times they also proceed in mutualism.
      Moreover, the kind and the intensity of the interaction changes over time,
      suggesting that dynamic models can play a vital role in the study of touristic
      flows.

PMID- 27661616
TI  - Procainamide Inhibits DNA Methylation and Alleviates Multiple Organ Dysfunction
      in Rats with Endotoxic Shock.
AB  - Excessive inflammatory and oxidative stress lead to circulatory failure, multiple
      organ dysfunction, and high mortality in patients with sepsis. Microbial
      infection-induced DNA hypermethylation is associated with the augmentation of
      inflammation and oxidative stress. In our previous study, the antiarrhythmic drug
      procainamide inhibits the expression of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) and
      diminishes IL-6 levels in rats with rhabdomyolysis. Thus, we further evaluated
      the effects of procainamide on the development of circulatory failure and
      multiple organ dysfunction in rats with endotoxic shock. Male Wistar rats were
      intravenously infused with saline or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) followed by
      procainamide administration. The changes of hemodynamics, blood glucose,
      biochemical variables, and plasma nitric oxide (NO) levels were analyzed during
      the experimental period. At the end of experiments, animal organs were also
      obtained for examining superoxide production, neutrophil infiltration, and DNA
      methylation status. Our results showed that LPS induced circulatory failure,
      multiple organ dysfunction, and high mortality rate in endotoxemic rats. Overt
      neutrophil infiltration and superoxide production, accompanied by the elevations
      of DNMT1 and 5-methylcytosine levels in the lung of endotoxemic rats were also
      observed. Treatment of endotoxemic animals with procainamide not only inhibited
      the increased levels of DNMT1 and 5-methylcytosine but also ameliorated
      neutrophil infiltration and superoxide production in the lung. In addition, the
      anti-inflammatory gene, IL27RA, was down-regulated in the LPS group and up
      regulated in the LPS + Procainamide group. Procainamide also diminished IL27RA
      methylation in the lung of endotoxemic rat. Moreover, both DNMT inhibitors
      procainamide and hydralazine improved hypotension, hypoglycemia, and multiple
      organ dysfunction of LPS-treated rats. Thus, we suggest that the beneficial
      effects of procainamide could be attributed to the suppression of DNA
      methylation, neutrophil infiltration, superoxide production, and NO formation. It
      seems that this old drug may have new potential uses in infectious diseases, in
      particular, associated with endotoxemia.

PMID- 27661614
TI  - Development and Evaluation of Real Time RT-PCR Assays for Detection and Typing of
      Bluetongue Virus.
AB  - Bluetongue virus is the type species of the genus Orbivirus, family Reoviridae.
      Bluetongue viruses (BTV) are transmitted between their vertebrate hosts primarily
      by biting midges (Culicoides spp.) in which they also replicate. Consequently BTV
      distribution is dependent on the activity, geographic distribution, and seasonal
      abundance of Culicoides spp. The virus can also be transmitted vertically in
      vertebrate hosts, and some strains/serotypes can be transmitted horizontally in
      the absence of insect vectors. The BTV genome is composed of ten linear segments
      of double-stranded (ds) RNA, numbered in order of decreasing size (Seg-1 to Seg
      10). Genome segment 2 (Seg-2) encodes outer-capsid protein VP2, the most variable
      BTV protein and the primary target for neutralising antibodies. Consequently VP2
      (and Seg-2) determine the identity of the twenty seven serotypes and two
      additional putative BTV serotypes that have been recognised so far. Current BTV
      vaccines are serotype specific and typing of outbreak strains is required in
      order to deploy appropriate vaccines. We report development and evaluation of
      multiple 'TaqMan' fluorescence-probe based quantitative real-time type-specific
      RT-PCR assays targeting Seg-2 of the 27+1 BTV types. The assays were evaluated
      using orbivirus isolates from the 'Orbivirus Reference Collection' (ORC) held at
      The Pirbright Institute. The assays are BTV-type specific and can be used for
      rapid, sensitive and reliable detection / identification (typing) of BTV RNA from
      samples of infected blood, tissues, homogenised Culicoides, or tissue culture
      supernatants. None of the assays amplified cDNAs from closely related but
      heterologous orbiviruses, or from uninfected host animals or cell cultures.

PMID- 27661618
TI  - Community Pharmacists' Views and Practices Regarding Natural Health Products Sold
      in Community Pharmacies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reports of regulatory and evidentiary gaps have raised concerns about
      the marketing and use of natural health products (NHPs). The majority of NHPs
      offered for sale are purchased at a community pharmacy and pharmacists are "front
      line" health professionals involved in the marketing and provision of NHPs. To
      date, the involvement of pharmacists in pharmacy care involving NHPs and the
      degree to which concerns over the safety, efficacy, marketing and regulation of
      NHPs are addressed in pharmacy care in Canada have not been studied. METHODS:
      Using Qualtrics, a web-based data collection and analysis software, and a study
      instrument made up of fifteen (15) open-ended, closed and rating scale questions,
      we surveyed the attitudes and practices of 403 community pharmacists in the
      Canadian province of Alberta regarding NHPs offered for sale in community
      pharmacies. RESULTS: The majority of pharmacists surveyed (276; 68%) recommend
      NHPs to clients sometimes to very often. Vitamin D, calcium, multivitamins,
      prenatal vitamins, probiotics and fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids were the most
      frequently recommended NHPs. The most common indications for which NHPs are
      recommended include bone and musculoskeletal disorders, maintenance of general
      health, gastrointestinal disorders and pregnancy. Review articles published in
      the Pharmacist's Letter and Canadian Pharmacists Journal were the primary basis
      for recommending NHPs. The majority of pharmacists surveyed (339; 84%) recommend
      the use of NHPs concurrently with conventional drugs, while a significant number
      and proportion (125; 31%) recommend alternative use. Pharmacists in the study
      overwhelmingly reported providing counselling on NHPs to clients based on
      information obtained mainly from the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database.
      CONCLUSIONS: The study findings indicate a high prevalence of pharmacy care
      relating to NHPs among study participants. Although pharmacists' practices around
      NHPs are consistent with the existing licensing framework, we found some
      involvement in problematic practices that necessitate further research and
      potential policy scrutiny. The study also uncovered patterns of recommendations,
      including sources relied on in recommending NHPs and in providing counselling to
      patients, that raise concerns about the quality and credibility of NHP-related
      care provided to pharmacy patrons.

PMID- 27661617
TI  - Social and Cultural Factors Affecting Maternal Health in Rural Gambia: An
      Exploratory Qualitative Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The high rate of maternal mortality reported in The Gambia is
      influenced by many factors, such as difficulties in accessing quality healthcare
      and facilities. In addition, socio-cultural practices in rural areas may limit
      the resources available to pregnant women, resulting in adverse health
      consequences. The aim of this study is to depict the gender dynamics in a rural
      Gambian context by exploring the social and cultural factors affecting maternal
      health. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Five focus group discussions that included 50
      participants (aged 15-30 years, with at least one child) and six in-depth
      interviews with traditional birth attendants were conducted to explore
      perceptions of maternal health issues among rural women. The discussion was
      facilitated by guides focusing on issues such as how the women perceived their
      own physical health during pregnancy, difficulties in keeping themselves healthy,
      and health-related problems during pregnancy and delivery. The data resulting
      from the discussion was transcribed verbatim and investigated using a qualitative
      thematic analysis. In general, rural Gambian women did not enjoy privileges in
      their households when they were pregnant. The duties expected of them required
      pregnant women to endure heavy workloads, with limited opportunities for sick
      leave and almost nonexistent resources to access prenatal care. The division of
      labor between men and women in the household was such that women often engaged in
      non-remunerable field work with few economic resources, and their household
      duties during pregnancy were not alleviated by either their husbands or the other
      members of polygamous households. At the time of delivery, the decision to
      receive care by trained personnel was often beyond the women's control, resulting
      in birth-related complications. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that despite
      women's multiple roles in the household, their positions are quite unfavorable.
      The high maternal morbidity and mortality rate in The Gambia is related to
      practices associated with gender inequality.

PMID- 27661619
TI  - From Human Geography to Biological Invasions: The Black Rat Distribution in the
      Changing Southeastern of Senegal.
AB  - In the contemporary context of zoonosis emergence and spread, invasive species
      are a major issue since they represent potential pathogen hosts. Even though many
      progresses have been done to understand and predict spatial patterns of invasive
      species, the challenge to identify the underlying determinants of their
      distribution remains a central question in invasion biology. This is particularly
      exacerbated in the case of commensal species that strictly depend on humankind
      for dispersal and perennial establishment of new populations. The distribution of
      these species is predicted to be influenced by dispersal opportunities and
      conditions acting on establishment and proliferation, such as environmental
      characteristics, including spatio-temporal components of the human societies. We
      propose to contribute to the understanding of the recent spread of a major
      invasive rodent species, the black rat (Rattus rattus), in the changing
      southeastern of Senegal. We address the factors that promote the dispersal and
      distribution of this invasive rodent from the perspective of human geography. We
      first describe characteristics of human settlements in terms of social and
      spatial organization of human societies (i.e. economic activities, commercial and
      agricultural networks, roads connectivity). We then explore the relationship
      between these characteristics and the distribution of this invasive rodent.
      Finally we propose that historical and contemporary dynamics of human societies
      have contributed to the risk of invasion of the black rat. We argue that the
      diffusion processes of invasive species cannot be considered as a result of the
      spatial structure only (i.e. connectivity and distance), but as a part of the
      human territory that includes the social and spatial organization. Results
      suggest that the distribution of invasive rodents partly results from the
      contemporary and inherited human socio-spatial systems, beyond the existence of
      suitable ecological conditions that are classically investigated by biologists.

PMID- 27661620
TI  - Unusual Dynamics of Ligand Binding to the Heme Domain of the Bacterial CO Sens or
      Protein RcoM-2.
AB  - The aerobic Gram-negative bacterium Burkholderia xenovorans expresses two highly
      homologous carbon monoxide (CO)-responsive transcriptional regulators, RcoM-1 and
      RcoM-2, which display extraordinarily high CO affinities, even under oxygenic
      conditions. To gain insight into the origin and perspectives of this feature, we
      characterized the ligand-binding properties of the N-terminal, heme-binding
      Per/Arnt/Sim sensor domain of RcoM-2 by time-resolved spectroscopy. We show that
      upon photodissociation of the heme-ligand bond, CO geminately rebinds to the heme
      with picosecond time constants and more than 99% rebinding yield, an
      unprecedented property of native heme proteins. Remarkably, the rebinding
      kinetics speeds up when the protein motions are slowed by cooling or solvent
      viscosity. This indicates that the origin of the observed efficient rebinding is
      a protein-imposed CO configuration in the heme pocket that is highly favorable
      for binding, a feature strongly in contrast to that of hemoglobins. The binding
      of CO to the ferrous heme from the solvent requires dissociation of the
      methionine axial heme ligand. From the kinetics of ligand binding and the extreme
      stability of the CO complex, we deduce that the dissociation constant for CO is
      lower than 100 pM. Finally, we show that when the ferric complex is exposed to CO
      gas or a CO-releasing molecule under oxygenic conditions formation of the ferrous
      carbonyl complex can occur on a time scale of minutes in the presence of a redox
      mediator. These findings pave the way for possible applications of the RcoM-2
      heme domain as a CO sensor and/or scavenger.

PMID- 27661621
TI  - Utilization of Routine Primary Care Services Among Dancers.
AB  - This study examines the current utilization of primary and preventive health care
      services among dancers in order to assess their self-reported primary care needs.
      Participants were 37 dancers from a variety of dance backgrounds who presented
      for a free dancer health screening in a large US metropolitan area (30 females, 7
      males; mean age: 27.5 +/- 7.4 years; age range: 19 to 49 years; mean years of
      professional dancing: 6.4 +/- 5.4 years). Dancers were screened for use of
      primary care, mental health, and women's health resources using the Health Screen
      for Professional Dancers developed by the Task Force on Dancer Health. Most
      dancers had health insurance (62.2%), but within the last 2 years, only
      approximately half of them (54.1%) reported having a physical examination by a
      physician. Within the last year, 54.1% of dancers had had a dental check-up, and
      56.7% of female dancers received gynecologic care. Thirty percent of female
      participants indicated irregular menstrual cycles, 16.7% had never been to a
      gynecologist, and 16.7% were taking birth control. Utilization of calcium and
      vitamin D supplementation was 27.0% and 29.7%, respectively, and 73.0% were
      interested in nutritional counseling. A high rate of psychological fatigue and
      sleep deprivation was found (35.1%), along with a concomitant high rate of self
      reported need for mental health counseling (29.7%). Cigarette and recreational
      drug use was low (5.4% and 5.4%); however, 32.4% engaged in binge drinking within
      the last year (based on the CDC definition). These findings indicate that dancers
      infrequently access primary care services, despite high self-reported need for
      nutritional, mental, and menstrual health counseling and treatment. More studies
      are warranted to understand dancers' primary health care seeking behavior. 

PMID- 27661622
TI  - Surgical Treatment of the Accessory Navicular (Os Tibiale Externum) in Dancers: A
      Retrospective Case Series.
AB  - This study is to draw attention to a relatively common anatomical anomaly and its
      possible operative treatment in dancers. The accessory navicular, or os tibiale
      externum, is an accessory bone on the medial side of the navicular of the foot at
      the insertion of the posterior tibial tendon (PTT). It can cause obvious
      hyperpronation, medial foot pain, and a limited and painful releve in dancers. To
      the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the operative treatment of
      the accessory navicular exclusively in dancers. Six dancers (10 feet) were
      treated in our clinic for a symptomatic accessory navicular Type II. Five of them
      (eight feet) underwent surgery, two unilaterally and three bilaterally (at the
      same time). All five had an excellent result at mean follow-up of 4.7 years,
      given that they fully resumed their professional dance activities without
      restriction, discomfort, or residual symptoms. One patient stopped dancing for
      unrelated reasons and became symptom free without further (surgical) treatment.
      Although no conclusions can be drawn from a retrospective case series and other
      treatment modalities were not considered, simple excision of a symptomatic
      accessory navicular Type II seems to be a good choice in dancers. 

PMID- 27661623
TI  - Examining Standing Turnout with Two Measurement Methods During Dance Wellness
      Screening.
AB  - This study describes trends in mean standing functional turnout angles measured
      on a floor protractor (FP) and the Functional Footprint((r)) rotational
      instrument (RI) during routine clinical screens. Twenty-three professional ballet
      dancers, 26 collegiate modern students, and 46 ballet academy dancers
      participated in the study. All dancers demonstrated greater total turnout on the
      FP compared to the RI (p < 0.001), and the collegiate dancers had significantly
      smaller total turnout angles compared to both of the other groups (p < 0.001). A
      significant interaction between measurement method and training group (p = 0.047)
      on lower extremity asymmetry indicated that only in professionals left turnout
      angle was greater than right turnout angle on the RI (4.30 degrees  +/- 6.64
      degrees ) but not on the FP (0.17 degrees  +/- 4.57 degrees ). It is concluded
      that turnout can be measured using either the FP or the RI measurement method,
      with recognition that FP measurements will be an average of 10 degrees  greater
      than those on the RI. Lower extremity asymmetries in turnout angles may be better
      detected on the RI than the FP. 

PMID- 27661624
TI  - A Survey of Injuries Affecting Pre-Professional Ballet Dancers.
AB  - A cross-sectional design was employed retrospectively to evaluate injuries self
      reported by 71 pre-professional ballet dancers over one season. Some of the
      descriptive findings of this survey were consistent with those of previous
      research and suggest particular demographic and injury trends in pre-professional
      ballet. These results include gender distribution, mean age and age range of
      participants, training hours, injury location, acute versus overuse injuries, as
      well as average number of physiotherapy treatments per dancer. Other results
      provide information that was heretofore unreported or inconsistent with previous
      investigations. These findings involved proportion of dancers injured, average
      number of injuries per dancer, overall injury incidence during an 8.5 month
      period, incidence rate by technique level, mean time loss per injury, proportion
      of recurrent injury, and activity practiced at time of injury. The results of
      univariate analyses revealed several significant findings, including a decrease
      in incidence rate of injury with increased months of experience in the pre
      professional program, dancers having lower injury risk in rehearsal and
      performance than in class, and a reduced risk of injury for dancers at certain
      technique levels. However, only this latter finding remained significant in
      multivariate analysis. The results of this study underscore the importance of
      determining injury rates by gender, technique level, and activity setting in
      addition to overall injury rates. They also point to the necessity of looking at
      both overall and individual dancer-based injury risks. 

PMID- 27661625
TI  - An Exploration of the Perception of Dance and Its Relation to Biomechanical
      Motion: A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis.
AB  - In dance, the goals of actions are not always clearly defined. Investigations
      into the perceived quality of dance actions and their relation to biomechanical
      motion should give insight into the performance of dance actions and their goals.
      The purpose of this review was to explore and document current literature
      concerning dance perception and its relation to the biomechanics of motion. Seven
      studies were included in the review. The study results showed systematic
      differences between expert, non-expert, and novice dancers in biomechanical and
      perceptual measures, both of which also varied according to the actions expressed
      in dance. Biomechanical and perceptual variables were found to be correlated in
      all the studies in the review. Significant relations were observed between
      kinematic variables such as amplitude, speed, and variability of movement, and
      perceptual measures of beauty and performance quality. However, in general, there
      were no clear trends in these relations. Instead, the evidence suggests that
      perceptual ratings of dance may be specific to both the task (the skill of the
      particular action) and the context (the music and staging). The results also
      suggest that the human perceptual system is sensitive to skillful movements and
      neuromuscular coordination. Since the value perceived by audiences appears to be
      related to dance action goals and the coordination of dance elements,
      practitioners could place a priority on development and execution of those
      factors. 

PMID- 27661626
TI  - Profound Hyperthermia After Postpartum Rectal Misoprostol Administration.

PMID- 27661627
TI  - In Reply.

PMID- 27661628
TI  - Control of Postpartum Hemorrhage Using Vacuum-Induced Uterine Tamponade.

PMID- 27661629
TI  - Control of Postpartum Hemorrhage Using Vacuum-Induced Uterine Tamponade.

PMID- 27661630
TI  - In Reply.

PMID- 27661631
TI  - Making Room at the Table for Obstetrics, Midwifery, and a Culture of Normalcy
      Within Maternity Care.

PMID- 27661632
TI  - In Reply.

PMID- 27661633
TI  - In Reply.

PMID- 27661634
TI  - Making Room at the Table for Obstetrics, Midwifery, and a Culture of Normalcy
      Within Maternity Care.

PMID- 27661635
TI  - In Reply.

PMID- 27661636
TI  - Ensuring Access to Safe, Legal Abortion in an Increasingly Complex Regulatory
      Environment.

PMID- 27661637
TI  - An Invitation to Join the Consortium on Thyroid and Pregnancy.

PMID- 27661642
TI  - Practice Bulletin No. 167 Summary: Gynecologic Care for Women and Adolescents
      With Human Immunodeficiency Virus.
AB  - In the United States in 2013, there were an estimated 226,000 women and
      adolescents living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection (1). Women
      with HIV are living longer, healthier lives, so the need for routine and problem
      focused gynecologic care has increased. The purpose of this document is to
      educate clinicians about basic health screening and care, family planning,
      prepregnancy care, and managing common gynecologic problems for women and
      adolescents who are infected with HIV. For information on screening guidelines,
      refer to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' Committee
      Opinion No. 596, Routine Human Immunodeficiency Virus Screening (2). 

PMID- 27661643
TI  - Practice Bulletin No. 168 Summary: Cervical Cancer Screening and Prevention.
AB  - The incidence of cervical cancer in the United States has decreased more than 50%
      in the past 30 years because of widespread screening. In 1975, the rate was 14.8
      per 100,000 women. By 2011, it decreased to 6.7 per 100,000 women. Mortality from
      the disease has undergone a similar decrease from 5.55 per 100,000 women in 1975
      to 2.3 per 100,000 women in 2011 (1). The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimated
      that there would be 12,900 new cases of cervical cancer in the United States in
      2015, with 4,100 deaths from the disease (2). Cervical cancer is much more common
      worldwide, particularly in countries without screening programs, with an
      estimated 527,624 new cases of the disease and 265,672 resultant deaths each year
      (3). When cervical cancer screening programs have been introduced into
      communities, marked reductions in cervical cancer incidence have followed (4,
      5).New technologies for cervical cancer screening continue to evolve, as do
      recommendations for managing the results. In addition, there are different risk
      benefit considerations for women at different ages, as reflected in age-specific
      screening recommendations. In 2011, the ACS, the American Society for Colposcopy
      and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP), and the American Society for Clinical Pathology
      (ASCP) updated their joint guidelines for cervical cancer screening (6), as did
      the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) (7). Subsequently, in 2015,
      ASCCP and the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) issued interim guidance for
      the use of a human papillomavirus (HPV) test for primary screening for cervical
      cancer that was approved in 2014 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
      (8). The purpose of this document is to provide a review of the best available
      evidence regarding the prevention and early detection of cervical cancer. 

PMID- 27661644
TI  - Practice Bulletin No. 169 Summary: Multifetal Gestations: Twin, Triplet, and
      Higher-Order Multifetal Pregnancies.
AB  - The incidence of multifetal gestations in the United States has increased
      dramatically over the past several decades. The rate of twin births increased 76%
      between 1980 and 2009, from 18.9 to 33.3 per 1,000 births (1). The rate of
      triplet and higher-order multifetal gestations increased more than 400% during
      the 1980s and 1990s, peaking at 193.5 per 100,000 births in 1998, followed by a
      modest decrease to 153.4 per 100,000 births by 2009 (2). The increased incidence
      in multifetal gestations has been attributed to two main factors: 1) a shift
      toward an older maternal age at conception, when multifetal gestations are more
      likely to occur naturally, and 2) an increased use of assisted reproductive
      technology (ART), which is more likely to result in a multifetal gestation (3). 

PMID- 27661645
TI  - Practice Bulletin No. 170 Summary: Critical Care in Pregnancy.
AB  - Critical care in pregnancy is a field that remains unevenly researched. Although
      there is a body of evidence to guide many recommendations in critical care,
      limited research specifically addresses obstetric critical care. The purpose of
      this document is to review the available evidence, propose strategies for care,
      and highlight the need for additional research. Much of the review will, of
      necessity, focus on general principles of critical care, extrapolating where
      possible to obstetric critical care. 

PMID- 27661647
TI  - Practice Bulletin No. 172 Summary: Premature Rupture of Membranes.
AB  - Preterm delivery occurs in approximately 12% of all births in the United States
      and is a major factor that contributes to perinatal morbidity and mortality (1,
      2). Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PROM) complicates approximately 3% of
      all pregnancies in the United States (3). The optimal approach to clinical
      assessment and treatment of women with term and preterm PROM remains
      controversial. Management hinges on knowledge of gestational age and evaluation
      of the relative risks of delivery versus the risks of expectant management (eg,
      infection, abruptio placentae, and umbilical cord accident). The purpose of this
      document is to review the current understanding of this condition and to provide
      management guidelines that have been validated by appropriately conducted outcome
      based research when available. Additional guidelines on the basis of consensus
      and expert opinion also are presented. 

PMID- 27661646
TI  - Practice Bulletin No. 171 Summary: Management of Preterm Labor.
AB  - Preterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal mortality and the most common
      reason for antenatal hospitalization (1-4). In the United States, approximately
      12% of all live births occur before term, and preterm labor preceded
      approximately 50% of these preterm births (5, 6). Although the causes of preterm
      labor are not well understood, the burden of preterm births is clear-preterm
      births account for approximately 70% of neonatal deaths and 36% of infant deaths
      as well as 25-50% of cases of long-term neurologic impairment in children (7-9).
      A 2006 report from the Institute of Medicine estimated the annual cost of preterm
      birth in the United States to be $26.2 billion or more than $51,000 per premature
      infant (10). However, identifying women who will give birth preterm is an inexact
      process. The purpose of this document is to present the various methods proposed
      to manage preterm labor and to review the evidence for the roles of these methods
      in clinical practice. Identification and management of risk factors for preterm
      labor are not addressed in this document. 

PMID- 27661648
TI  - Committee Opinion No. 675 Summary: Management of Vulvar Intraepithelial
      Neoplasia.
AB  - Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) is an increasingly common problem,
      particularly among women in their 40s. Although spontaneous regression has been
      reported, VIN should be considered a premalignant condition. Immunization with
      the quadrivalent or 9-valent human papillomavirus vaccine, which is effective
      against human papillomavirus genotypes 6, 11, 16, and 18, and 6, 11, 16, 18, 31,
      33, 45, 52, and 58, respectively, has been shown to decrease the risk of vulvar
      high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) (VIN usual type) and should be
      recommended for girls aged 11-12 years with catch-up through age 26 years if not
      vaccinated in the target age. There are no screening strategies for the
      prevention of vulvar cancer through early detection of vulvar HSIL (VIN usual
      type). Detection is limited to visual assessment with confirmation by
      histopathology when needed. Treatment is recommended for all women with vulvar
      HSIL (VIN usual type). Because of the potential for occult invasion, wide local
      excision should be performed if cancer is suspected, even if biopsies show vulvar
      HSIL. When occult invasion is not a concern, vulvar HSIL (VIN usual type) can be
      treated with excision, laser ablation, or topical imiquimod (off-label use).
      Given the relatively slow rate of progression, women with a complete response to
      therapy and no new lesions at follow-up visits scheduled 6 months and 12 months
      after initial treatment should be monitored by visual inspection of the vulva
      annually thereafter. 

PMID- 27661649
TI  - Committee Opinion No. 676 Summary: Health Literacy to Promote Quality of Care.
AB  - Health literacy is defined as the degree to which individuals have the capacity
      to obtain, process, and understand the basic health information and services they
      need to make appropriate health decisions. Multiple factors affect a patient's
      understanding of health information, including cultural factors, a physician's
      health know- ledge and communication skills, the demands of the situation, the
      environment in which the health information is being conveyed, and time
      constraints. The responsibility for recognizing and addressing the problem of
      limited health literacy lies with all entities in the health care system, from
      primary care physicians to community-based or public health organizations.
      Because of the potential effect of health literacy on patient outcomes,
      obstetrician-gynecologists should take the appropriate steps to ensure that they
      communicate in an understandable manner so patients can make informed decisions
      about their health care. 

PMID- 27661650
TI  - Committee Opinion No. 677 Summary: Antenatal Corticosteroid Therapy for Fetal
      Maturation.
AB  - Corticosteroid administration before anticipated preterm birth is one of the most
      important antenatal therapies available to improve newborn outcomes. A single
      course of corticosteroids is recommended for pregnant women between 24 0/7 weeks
      and 33 6/7 weeks of gestation, including for those with ruptured membranes and
      multiple gestations. It also may be considered for pregnant women starting at 23
      0/7 weeks of gestation who are at risk of preterm delivery within 7 days, based
      on a family's decision regarding resuscitation, irrespective of membrane rupture
      status and regardless of fetal number. Administration of betamethasone may be
      considered in pregnant women between 34 0/7 weeks and 36 6/7 weeks of gestation
      at imminent risk of preterm birth within 7 days, and who have not received a
      previous course of antenatal corticosteroids. A single repeat course of antenatal
      corticosteroids should be considered in women who are less than 34 0/7 weeks of
      gestation who have an imminent risk of preterm delivery within the next 7 days,
      and whose prior course of antenatal corticosteroids was administered more than 14
      days previously. Rescue course corticosteroids could be provided as early as 7
      days from the prior dose, if indicated by the clinical scenario. Continued
      surveillance of long-term outcomes after in utero corticosteroid exposure should
      be supported. Quality improvement strategies to optimize appropriate and timely
      antenatal corticosteroid administration are encouraged. 

PMID- 27661651
TI  - Practice Bulletin No. 168: Cervical Cancer Screening and Prevention.
AB  - The incidence of cervical cancer in the United States has decreased more than 50%
      in the past 30 years because of widespread screening. In 1975, the rate was 14.8
      per 100,000 women. By 2011, it decreased to 6.7 per 100,000 women. Mortality from
      the disease has undergone a similar decrease from 5.55 per 100,000 women in 1975
      to 2.3 per 100,000 women in 2011 (1). The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimated
      that there would be 12,900 new cases of cervical cancer in the United States in
      2015, with 4,100 deaths from the disease (2). Cervical cancer is much more common
      worldwide, particularly in countries without screening programs, with an
      estimated 527,624 new cases of the disease and 265,672 resultant deaths each year
      (3). When cervical cancer screening programs have been introduced into
      communities, marked reductions in cervical cancer incidence have followed (4,
      5).New technologies for cervical cancer screening continue to evolve, as do
      recommendations for managing the results. In addition, there are different risk
      benefit considerations for women at different ages, as reflected in age-specific
      screening recommendations. In 2011, the ACS, the American Society for Colposcopy
      and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP), and the American Society for Clinical Pathology
      (ASCP) updated their joint guidelines for cervical cancer screening (6), as did
      the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) (7). Subsequently, in 2015,
      ASCCP and the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) issued interim guidance for
      the use of a human papillomavirus (HPV) test for primary screening for cervical
      cancer that was approved in 2014 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
      (8). The purpose of this document is to provide a review of the best available
      evidence regarding the prevention and early detection of cervical cancer.

PMID- 27661652
TI  - Practice Bulletin No. 169: Multifetal Gestations: Twin, Triplet, and Higher-Order
      Multifetal Pregnancies.
AB  - The incidence of multifetal gestations in the United States has increased
      dramatically over the past several decades. The rate of twin births increased 76%
      between 1980 and 2009, from 18.9 to 33.3 per 1,000 births (). The rate of triplet
      and higher-order multifetal gestations increased more than 400% during the 1980s
      and 1990s, peaking at 193.5 per 100,000 births in 1998, followed by a modest
      decrease to 153.4 per 100,000 births by 2009 (). The increased incidence in
      multifetal gestations has been attributed to two main factors: 1) a shift toward
      an older maternal age at conception, when multifetal gestations are more likely
      to occur naturally, and 2) an increased use of assisted reproductive technology
      (ART), which is more likely to result in a multifetal gestation ().

PMID- 27661653
TI  - Practice Bulletin No. 170: Critical Care in Pregnancy.
AB  - Critical care in pregnancy is a field that remains unevenly researched. Although
      there is a body of evidence to guide many recommendations in critical care,
      limited research specifically addresses obstetric critical care. The purpose of
      this document is to review the available evidence, propose strategies for care,
      and highlight the need for additional research. Much of the review will, of
      necessity, focus on general principles of critical care, extrapolating where
      possible to obstetric critical care.

PMID- 27661654
TI  - Practice Bulletin No. 171: Management of Preterm Labor.
AB  - Preterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal mortality and the most common
      reason for antenatal hospitalization . In the United States, approximately 12% of
      all live births occur before term, and preterm labor preceded approximately 50%
      of these preterm births . Although the causes of preterm labor are not well
      understood, the burden of preterm births is clear-preterm births account for
      approximately 70% of neonatal deaths and 36% of infant deaths as well as 25-50%
      of cases of long-term neurologic impairment in children . A 2006 report from the
      Institute of Medicine estimated the annual cost of preterm birth in the United
      States to be $26.2 billion or more than $51,000 per premature infant . However,
      identifying women who will give birth preterm is an inexact process. The purpose
      of this document is to present the various methods proposed to manage preterm
      labor and to review the evidence for the roles of these methods in clinical
      practice. Identification and management of risk factors for preterm labor are not
      addressed in this document.

PMID- 27661655
TI  - Practice Bulletin No. 172: Premature Rupture of Membranes.
AB  - Preterm delivery occurs in approximately 12% of all births in the United States
      and is a major factor that contributes to perinatal morbidity and mortality (1,
      2). Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PROM) complicates approximately 3% of
      all pregnancies in the United States (3). The optimal approach to clinical
      assessment and treatment of women with term and preterm PROM remains
      controversial. Management hinges on knowledge of gestational age and evaluation
      of the relative risks of delivery versus the risks of expectant management (eg,
      infection, abruptio placentae, and umbilical cord accident). The purpose of this
      document is to review the current understanding of this condition and to provide
      management guidelines that have been validated by appropriately conducted outcome
      based research when available. Additional guidelines on the basis of consensus
      and expert opinion also are presented.

PMID- 27661656
TI  - Committee Opinion No.675: Management of Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia.
AB  - Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) is an increasingly common problem,
      particularly among women in their 40s. Although spontaneous regression has been
      reported, VIN should be considered a premalignant condition. Immunization with
      the quadrivalent or 9-valent human papillomavirus vaccine, which is effective
      against human papillomavirus genotypes 6, 11, 16, and 18, and 6, 11, 16, 18, 31,
      33, 45, 52, and 58, respectively, has been shown to decrease the risk of vulvar
      high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) (VIN usual type) and should be
      recommended for girls aged 11-12 years with catch-up through age 26 years if not
      vaccinated in the target age. There are no screening strategies for the
      prevention of vulvar cancer through early detection of vulvar HSIL (VIN usual
      type). Detection is limited to visual assessment with confirmation by
      histopathology when needed. Treatment is recommended for all women with vulvar
      HSIL (VIN usual type). Because of the potential for occult invasion, wide local
      excision should be performed if cancer is suspected, even if biopsies show vulvar
      HSIL. When occult invasion is not a concern, vulvar HSIL (VIN usual type) can be
      treated with excision, laser ablation, or topical imiquimod (off-label use).
      Given the relatively slow rate of progression, women with a complete response to
      therapy and no new lesions at follow-up visits scheduled 6 months and 12 months
      after initial treatment should be monitored by visual inspection of the vulva
      annually thereafter.

PMID- 27661658
TI  - Committee Opinion No.677: Antenatal Corticosteroid Therapy for Fetal Maturation.
AB  - Corticosteroid administration before anticipated preterm birth is one of the most
      important antenatal therapies available to improve newborn outcomes. A single
      course of corticosteroids is recommended for pregnant women between 24 0/7 weeks
      and 33 6/7 weeks of gestation, including for those with ruptured membranes and
      multiple gestations. It also may be considered for pregnant women starting at 23
      0/7 weeks of gestation who are at risk of preterm delivery within 7 days, based
      on a family's decision regarding resuscitation, irrespective of membrane rupture
      status and regardless of fetal number. Administration of betamethasone may be
      considered in pregnant women between 34 0/7 weeks and 36 6/7 weeks of gestation
      at imminent risk of preterm birth within 7 days, and who have not received a
      previous course of antenatal corticosteroids. A single repeat course of antenatal
      corticosteroids should be considered in women who are less than 34 0/7 weeks of
      gestation who have an imminent risk of preterm delivery within the next 7 days,
      and whose prior course of antenatal corticosteroids was administered more than 14
      days previously. Rescue course corticosteroids could be provided as early as 7
      days from the prior dose, if indicated by the clinical scenario. Continued
      surveillance of long-term outcomes after in utero corticosteroid exposure should
      be supported. Quality improvement strategies to optimize appropriate and timely
      antenatal corticosteroid administration are encouraged.

PMID- 27661657
TI  - Committee Opinion No. 676: Health Literacy to Promote Quality of Care.
AB  - Health literacy is defined as the degree to which individuals have the capacity
      to obtain, process, and understand the basic health information and services they
      need to make appropriate health decisions. Multiple factors affect a patient's
      understanding of health information, including cultural factors, a physician's
      health knowledge and communication skills, the demands of the situation, the
      environment in which the health information is being conveyed, and time
      constraints. The responsibility for recognizing and addressing the problem of
      limited health literacy lies with all entities in the health care system, from
      primary care physicians to community-based or public health organizations.
      Because of the potential effect of health literacy on patient outcomes,
      obstetrician-gynecologists should take the appropriate steps to ensure that they
      communicate in an understandable manner so patients can make informed decisions
      about their health care.

PMID- 27661659
TI  - Practice Bulletin No. 167: Gynecologic Care for Women and Adolescents With Human
      Immunodeficiency Virus.
AB  - In the United States in 2013, there were an estimated 226,000 women and
      adolescents living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection (1). Women
      with HIV are living longer, healthier lives, so the need for routine and problem
      focused gynecologic care has increased. The purpose of this document is to
      educate clinicians about basic health screening and care, family planning,
      prepregnancy care, and managing common gynecologic problems for women and
      adolescents who are infected with HIV. For information on screening guidelines,
      refer to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' Committee
      Opinion No. 596, Routine Human Immunodeficiency Virus Screening (2).

PMID- 27661660
TI  - Adding Medicine During Machine Perfusion: A Breakthrough in Kidney
      Transplantation?

PMID- 27661661
TI  - Intervertebral Disc Repair by Allogeneic Mesenchymal Bone Marrow Cells: A
      Randomized Controlled Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Degenerative disc disease often causes severe low-back pain, a public
      health problem with huge economic and life quality impact. Chronic cases often
      require surgery, which may lead to biomechanical problems and accelerated
      degeneration of the adjacent segments. Autologous mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC)
      treatments have shown feasibility, safety and strong indications of clinical
      efficacy. We present here a randomized, controlled trial using allogeneic MSC,
      which are logistically more convenient than autologous cells. METHODS: We
      randomized 24 patients with chronic back pain diagnosed with lumbar disk
      degeneration and unresponsive to conservative treatments into 2 groups. The test
      group received allogeneic bone marrow MSCs by intradiscal injection of 25 * 10
      cells per segment under local anesthesia. The control group received a sham
      infiltration of paravertebral musculature with the anesthetic. Clinical outcomes
      were followed up for 1 year and included evaluation of pain, disability, and
      quality of life. Disc quality was followed up by magnetic resonance imaging.
      RESULTS: Feasibility and safety were confirmed and indications of clinical
      efficacy were identified. MSC-treated patients displayed a quick and significant
      improvement in algofunctional indices versus the controls. This improvement
      seemed restricted to a group of responders that included 40% of the cohort.
      Degeneration, quantified by Pfirrmann grading, improved in the MSC-treated
      patients and worsened in the controls. CONCLUSIONS: Allogeneic MSC therapy may be
      a valid alternative for the treatment of degenerative disc disease that is more
      logistically convenient than the autologous MSC treatment. The intervention is
      simple, does not require surgery, provides pain relief, and significantly
      improves disc quality.

PMID- 27661663
TI  - Management of macular oedema in diabetic patients undergoing cataract surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of this study was to describe all the treatment
      modalities used to prevent and manage macular oedema in diabetic patients
      undergoing cataract surgery. RECENT FINDINGS: Topical NSAIDs have been proposed
      to be an effective strategy to prevent postsurgical macular oedema (PME) in
      diabetic patients. The prophylactic use of intravitreal antivascular endothelial
      growth factors (anti-VEGF) drugs and steroids in these patients, even if
      effective, brings some concerns with regard to possible side effects. By
      contrast, in patients with a diagnosis of diabetic macular oedema (DME) at the
      time of cataract surgery, intravitreal therapy, both with anti-VEGF drugs and
      steroids, appears to be the best approach in order to control PME and achieve a
      good visual outcome. CONCLUSION: All diabetic patients undergoing cataract
      surgery should be treated with topical NSAIDs to prevent PME. Intravitreal anti
      VEGF drugs and steroids, combined with cataract surgery, should be reserved for
      patients with preexisting DME.

PMID- 27661662
TI  - Endophthalmitis after cataract surgery: epidemiology, risk factors, and evidence
      on protection.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: After publication of the results of the European Society of
      Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ESCRS) study, there is a lot of enthusiasm for
      using intracameral antibiotics for the prevention of postcataract
      endophthalmitis. However, despite level 1 evidence, the practice has not been
      adopted universally. The aim of this review is to present a summary of the
      articles published in the last 18 months on this topic. RECENT FINDINGS: The
      published literature highlights that the incidence rate of endophthalmitis
      declined after 2007. Simultaneously, there is a rising trend for using
      intracameral injection of antibiotics at the conclusion of cataract surgery.
      Although various drugs have been used for this purpose, nearly all provide
      comparable protection. Industry has started manufacturing formulations for
      commercial availability of intracameral injection. Innovations are also ongoing
      to use intraocular lens for drug delivery and developing other intraocular drug
      delivery devices. SUMMARY: Endophthalmitis prevention is at an interesting
      crossroad. Although there is hesitation the intracameral injection of antibiotics
      is increasingly being adopted by physicians, which is likely to grow further with
      commercial availability of formulations. However, it will be important to be
      cautious and report all adverse reactions associated with this practice.

PMID- 27661664
TI  - Gastrointestinal mucormycosis after abdominal aortic aneurysm repair and
      prolonged hospitalization: A case report and review of the literature.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Mucormycosis is a rare fungal infection typically affecting
      immunocompromised hosts. One form of the disease affects the gastrointestinal
      tract. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We present the case of a 70-year old patient with no
      recognized risk factors that developed gastrointestinal mucormycosis after urgent
      abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. DISCUSSION: There are several risk factors for
      this infection, such as hematological malignancies, solid organ or stem cell
      transplants and diabetes. The infectious agent causes thrombosis and necrosis of
      involved tissues and organs and carries a high mortality rate. CONCLUSION:
      Mucormycosis is an opportunistic infection which can sometimes affect the
      gastrointestinal tract. A high index of suspicion is necessary in order to make
      an early diagnosis and promptly start an appropriate treatment regimen.

PMID- 27661665
TI  - Pancreatic resection for renal cell carcinoma metastasis: An exceptionally rare
      coexistence.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pancreatic metastases are uncommon and only found in a minority of
      patients with widespread metastatic disease at autopsy. The most common primary
      cancer site resulting in pancreatic metastases is the kidney, followed by
      colorectal cancer, melanoma, breast cancer, lung carcinoma and sarcoma.
      PRESENTATION OF CASE: Herein, we report a 63-year-old male patient who presented 
      3.5 years after radical nephrectomy performed for renal cell carcinoma (RCC)-with
      a well-defined lobular, round mass at the body of the pancreas demonstrated by
      abdominal Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The patient underwent distal
      pancreatectomy combined with splenectomy and cholecystectomy. Histopathological
      examination revealed clusters of epithelial clear cells, immunohistochemically
      positive for RCC marker, and negative for CD10 and CA19-9. A final diagnosis of
      clear RCC metastasizing to pancreas was obtained in view of the past history of
      RCC, microscopy and the immunoprofile. This was the second metachronous disease
      recurrence after a previous metastatic involvement of the liver, developed 19
      months from the initial diagnosis. The patient has remained well at a 6 month
      follow up post-resection. DISCUSSION: Solitary pancreatic metastases may be
      misdiagnosed as primary pancreatic cancer. However, imaging including computed
      tomography (CT) and MRI, may discriminate between them. Surgical procedures could
      differentiate solitary metastasis from neuroendocrine neoplasms. The optimal
      resection strategy involves adequate resection margins and maximal tissue
      preservation of the pancreas. CONCLUSION: Recently, an increasing number of
      surgical resections have been performed in selected patients with limited
      metastatic disease to the pancreas. In addition, a rigid follow-up scheme,
      including endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and CT is essential give patients a chance
      for a prolonged life.

PMID- 27661666
TI  - Pyridine-antipyrine appended indole derivative for selective recognition of Fe3+:
      Concentration dependent coloration.
AB  - Combination of pyridine, antipyrine and indole in a single molecule (L2) allows
      selective recognition of Fe3+ colorimetrically in CH3CN. The structure of L2 is
      confirmed from single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The probe displays two
      different visible bands at 541nm and 715nm in the presence of Fe3+, associated
      with two different colors, viz. green and pink-violet allowing determination of
      unknown Fe3+ concentration. Interestingly, removal of 2-picolyl group from indole
      N-center of L2 generates L3 that behaves similarly at low Fe3+ concentration (>0
      to 1.1mM) but differently at higher Fe3+ concentration (>1.1mM), indicating
      involvement of pyridyl-N donor towards Fe3+, and hence different coordination
      environment around Fe3+ at higher concentration.

PMID- 27661667
TI  - Effect of Long Noncoding RNA H19 Overexpression on Intestinal Barrier Function
      and Its Potential Role in the Pathogenesis of Ulcerative Colitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recently, long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) H19 has been reported to be
      related with VDR signaling and the development of inflammatory diseases including
      osteoarthritis. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between
      the expression level of H19 and VDR in ulcerative colitis (UC) tissues and to
      investigate the effect of H19 overexpression on intestinal epithelial barrier
      function. METHODS: The expression level of H19, miR-675-5p, and VDR in UC tissues
      and paired normal tissues collected from 12 patients with UC was investigated by
      quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Caco-2 monolayers were used to
      test the effect of H19 and miR-675-5p overexpression on the intestinal epithelial
      barrier function and the status of tight junction proteins and VDR. Luciferase
      assay was used to validate the target site of miR-675-5p in the 3'UTR of VDR
      mRNA. RESULTS: The expression of H19 was found to be negatively correlated with
      the expression of VDR in UC tissues (r = 0.5369, P < 0.05). The expression of miR
      675-5p was also found to be negatively correlated with the expression of VDR in
      UC tissues (r = 0.5233, P < 0.01). H19 overexpression increased Caco-2 monolayer
      permeability and decreased the expression of tight junction proteins and VDR,
      which was significantly attenuated by cotransfection with miR-675-5p inhibitors.
      The 3'UTR of VDR mRNA was validated to be one of the direct targets of miR-675
      5p. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals the destructive effect of H19 overexpression
      on intestinal epithelial barrier function and suggests a potential role of H19 in
      the development of UC. In addition, H19 overexpression may be one of the
      mechanisms underlying the decreased expression of VDR in UC tissues and the
      interaction between H19 and VDR signaling may provide potential therapeutic
      targets for UC.

PMID- 27661668
TI  - Colonic Lamina Propria Inflammatory Cells from Patients with IBD Induce the
      Nuclear Factor-E2 Related Factor-2 Thereby Leading to Greater Proteasome Activity
      and Apoptosis Protection in Human Colonocytes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The antioxidant transcription factor Nrf2 confers broad
      cytoprotection and has a dual role in tumorigenesis. Enhancing proteasome
      activity is one mechanism by which Nrf2 can promote cancer development, e.g.,
      colorectal cancer. This study investigated whether this potential oncogenic
      effect of Nrf2 emerges already from the epithelial adaptation to persistent
      oxidative stress during inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). METHODS: Reactive
      oxygen species (ROS)-producing inflammatory myeloid cells (IMCs) from colon
      tissue of patients with IBD were cocultured with human NCM460 colonocytes. ARE
      luciferase-, c-H2DCF-DA-assays, Western blotting, and quantitative polymerase
      chain reaction were performed for assessing Nrf2-activity, intracellular ROS
      level, and Nrf2-target gene expression. Proteasome activity was quantified by Suc
      LLVY-amido-4-methylcumarin-assay, and apoptosis by caspase-3/-7 assay and PARP1
      Western blots. Nrf2, proteasome proteins, and IMCs were analyzed in IBD-tissues
      by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: IMC-coculture caused a temporary increase of
      ROS in NCM460, followed by Nrf2 activation and elevated expression of ROS
      protecting enzymes (NQO1, GCLC). This was accompanied by Nrf2-dependent
      expression of proteasome proteins (PSMD4, PSMA5) and an enhanced proteasome
      activity in IMC-cocultured NCM460. Nrf2-siRNA or the ROS-scavenger Tiron blocked
      these alterations. Depending on Nrf2-induced proteasome activity, IMC-cocultured
      NCM460 or Colo320 cancer cells were less sensitive to apoptosis (TRAIL-/etoposide
      induced). Immunostaining of IBD-tissues confirmed Nrf2 activation in the colonic
      epithelium within inflamed areas, along with greater proteasome protein
      expression. CONCLUSIONS: IMC/NCM460-coculture experiments and
      immunohistochemistry of colonic tissues from patients with IBD reveal a Nrf2
      dependent adaptation of colon epithelial cells to oxidative stress caused by
      inflammatory cells. This involves increased proteasome activity and apoptosis
      resistance that protect from tissue damage due to colitis on one hand, but on the
      other hand, may favor carcinogenesis.

PMID- 27661669
TI  - The Impact of Ostomy on Quality of Life and Functional Status of Crohn's Disease
      Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The potential need for an ostomy is a main concern for patients with
      inflammatory bowel disease. We performed this study to evaluate the impact of a
      long-term ostomy (>=6 mo duration) on the functional status and specific patient
      reported outcomes in a population of patients with Crohn's disease (CD). METHODS:
      We performed a cross-sectional analysis within the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation
      of America Partners cohort. Bivariate analyses and logistic regression models
      were used to investigate associations between ostomy and various demographic,
      disease factors, and patient-reported outcomes for health-related quality of
      life. RESULTS: A total of 402 CD patients with ostomy for a minimum duration of 6
      months were compared with 4331 CD patients with no ostomy. Patients with ostomy
      were more likely to be in clinical remission compared with those without ostomy,
      48.5% versus 31.3%, respectively. Having an ostomy did not impact the overall
      health-related quality of life and was not associated with anxiety, depression,
      sleep disturbances, or reduced sexual interest and satisfaction. However, the
      presence of ostomy was associated with reduced social role satisfaction in both
      patients with controlled and active disease. Additionally, in the subset of
      patients who did not achieve clinical remission, those with ostomy experienced
      greater pain interference (odds ratio, 1.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.12-2.35)
      and fatigue (odds ratio, 1.66; 95% confidence interval, 1.15-2.39). CONCLUSIONS:
      Ostomy is well tolerated in CD patients, particularly when clinical remission is
      achieved.

PMID- 27661671
TI  - Emulating Anyonic Fractional Statistical Behavior in a Superconducting Quantum
      Circuit.
AB  - Anyons are exotic quasiparticles obeying fractional statistics, whose behavior
      can be emulated in artificially designed spin systems. Here we present an
      experimental emulation of creating anyonic excitations in a superconducting
      circuit that consists of four qubits, achieved by dynamically generating the
      ground and excited states of the toric code model, i.e., four-qubit Greenberger
      Horne-Zeilinger states. The anyonic braiding is implemented via single-qubit
      rotations: a phase shift of pi related to braiding, the hallmark of Abelian 1/2
      anyons, has been observed through a Ramsey-type interference measurement. 

PMID- 27661672
TI  - Multipartite Entanglement of a Two-Separable State.
AB  - We consider a six-partite, continuous-variable quantum state that we have
      effectively generated by the parametric down-conversion of a femtosecond
      frequency comb. We show that, though this state is two-separable, i.e., it does
      not exhibit "genuine entanglement," it is undoubtedly multipartite entangled. The
      consideration of not only the entanglement of individual mode decompositions, but
      also of combinations of those, solves the puzzle and exemplifies the importance
      of studying different categories of multipartite entanglement. 

PMID- 27661673
TI  - Detection of 15 dB Squeezed States of Light and their Application for the
      Absolute Calibration of Photoelectric Quantum Efficiency.
AB  - Squeezed states of light belong to the most prominent nonclassical resources.
      They have compelling applications in metrology, which has been demonstrated by
      their routine exploitation for improving the sensitivity of a gravitational-wave
      detector since 2010. Here, we report on the direct measurement of 15 dB squeezed
      vacuum states of light and their application to calibrate the quantum efficiency
      of photoelectric detection. The object of calibration is a customized InGaAs
      positive intrinsic negative (p-i-n) photodiode optimized for high external
      quantum efficiency. The calibration yields a value of 99.5% with a 0.5% (k=2)
      uncertainty for a photon flux of the order 10^{17}  s^{-1} at a wavelength of
      1064 nm. The calibration neither requires any standard nor knowledge of the
      incident light power and thus represents a valuable application of squeezed
      states of light in quantum metrology. 

PMID- 27661674
TI  - Metrology with PT-Symmetric Cavities: Enhanced Sensitivity near the PT-Phase
      Transition.
AB  - We propose and analyze a new approach based on parity-time (PT) symmetric
      microcavities with balanced gain and loss to enhance the performance of cavity
      assisted metrology. We identify the conditions under which PT-symmetric
      microcavities allow us to improve sensitivity beyond what is achievable in loss
      only systems. We discuss the application of PT-symmetric microcavities to the
      detection of mechanical motion, and show that the sensitivity is significantly
      enhanced near the transition point from unbroken- to broken-PT regimes. Our
      results open a new direction for PT-symmetric physical systems and it may find
      use in ultrahigh precision metrology and sensing. 

PMID- 27661675
TI  - Cosmic-Ray Injection from Star-Forming Regions.
AB  - At present, all physical models of diffuse Galactic gamma-ray emission assume
      that the distribution of cosmic-ray sources traces the observed populations of
      either OB stars, pulsars, or supernova remnants. However, since H_{2}-rich
      regions host significant star formation and numerous supernova remnants, the
      morphology of observed H_{2} gas (as traced by CO line surveys) should also
      provide a physically motivated, high-resolution tracer for cosmic-ray injection.
      We assess the impact of utilizing H_{2} as a tracer for cosmic-ray injection on
      models of diffuse Galactic gamma-ray emission. We employ state-of-the-art 3D
      particle diffusion and gas density models, along with a physical model for the
      star-formation rate based on global Schmidt laws. Allowing a fraction, f_{H_{2}},
      of cosmic-ray sources to trace the observed H_{2} density, we find that a
      theoretically well-motivated value f_{H_{2}}~0.20-0.25 (i) provides a
      significantly better global fit to the diffuse Galactic gamma-ray sky and (ii)
      highly suppresses the intensity of the residual gamma-ray emission from the
      Galactic center region. Specifically, in models utilizing our best global fit
      values of f_{H_{2}}~0.20-0.25, the spectrum of the galactic center gamma-ray
      excess is drastically affected, and the morphology of the excess becomes
      inconsistent with predictions for dark matter annihilation. 

PMID- 27661676
TI  - First Measurements of High Frequency Cross-Spectra from a Pair of Large Michelson
      Interferometers.
AB  - Measurements are reported of the cross-correlation of spectra of differential
      position signals from the Fermilab Holometer, a pair of colocated 39 m long, high
      power Michelson interferometers with flat broadband frequency response in the MHz
      range. The instrument obtains sensitivity to high frequency correlated signals
      far exceeding any previous measurement in a broad frequency band extending beyond
      the 3.8 MHz inverse light-crossing time of the apparatus. The dominant but
      uncorrelated shot noise is averaged down over 2*10^{8} independent spectral
      measurements with 381 Hz frequency resolution to obtain 2.1*10^{-20}m/sqrt[Hz]
      sensitivity to stationary signals. For signal bandwidths Deltaf>11  kHz, the
      sensitivity to strain h or shear power spectral density of classical or exotic
      origin surpasses a milestone PSD_{deltah}<t_{p} where t_{p}=5.39*10^{-44}/Hz is
      the Planck time. 

PMID- 27661678
TI  - Chaos in AdS_{2} Holography.
AB  - We revisit two-dimensional holography with the Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev models in mind.
      Our main result is to rewrite a generic theory of gravity near a two-dimensional
      anti-de Sitter spacetime throat as a novel hydrodynamics coupled to the
      correlation functions of a conformal quantum mechanics. This gives a prescription
      for the computation of n-point functions in the dual quantum mechanics. We
      thereby find that the dual is maximally chaotic. 

PMID- 27661677
TI  - Search for Dark Matter Annihilations towards the Inner Galactic Halo from 10
      Years of Observations with H.E.S.S.
AB  - The inner region of the Milky Way halo harbors a large amount of dark matter
      (DM). Given its proximity, it is one of the most promising targets to look for
      DM. We report on a search for the annihilations of DM particles using gamma-ray
      observations towards the inner 300 pc of the Milky Way, with the H.E.S.S. array
      of ground-based Cherenkov telescopes. The analysis is based on a 2D maximum
      likelihood method using Galactic Center (GC) data accumulated by H.E.S.S. over
      the last 10 years (2004-2014), and does not show any significant gamma-ray signal
      above background. Assuming Einasto and Navarro-Frenk-White DM density profiles at
      the GC, we derive upper limits on the annihilation cross section ?sigmav?. These
      constraints are the strongest obtained so far in the TeV DM mass range and
      improve upon previous limits by a factor 5. For the Einasto profile, the
      constraints reach ?sigmav? values of 6*10^{-26}  cm^{3} s^{-1} in the W^{+}W^{-}
      channel for a DM particle mass of 1.5 TeV, and 2*10^{-26}  cm^{3} s^{-1} in the
      tau^{+}tau^{-} channel for a 1 TeV mass. For the first time, ground-based gamma
      ray observations have reached sufficient sensitivity to probe ?sigmav? values
      expected from the thermal relic density for TeV DM particles. 

PMID- 27661679
TI  - Evidence for Neutral-Current Diffractive pi^{0} Production from Hydrogen in
      Neutrino Interactions on Hydrocarbon.
AB  - The MINERvA experiment observes an excess of events containing electromagnetic
      showers relative to the expectation from Monte Carlo simulations in neutral
      current neutrino interactions with mean beam energy of 4.5 GeV on a hydrocarbon
      target. The excess is characterized and found to be consistent with neutral
      current pi^{0} production with a broad energy distribution peaking at 7 GeV and a
      total cross section of 0.26+/-0.02(stat.)+/-0.08(sys.)*10^{-39}  cm^{2}. The
      angular distribution, electromagnetic shower energy, and spatial distribution of
      the energy depositions of the excess are consistent with expectations from
      neutrino neutral-current diffractive pi^{0} production from hydrogen in the
      hydrocarbon target. These data comprise the first direct experimental observation
      and constraint for a reaction that poses an important background process in
      neutrino-oscillation experiments searching for nu_{MU} to nu_{e} oscillations. 

PMID- 27661681
TI  - Neutrino Masses from a Pseudo-Dirac Bino.
AB  - We show that, in U(1)_{R}-symmetric supersymmetric models, the bino and its Dirac
      partner (the singlino) can play the role of right-handed neutrinos and generate
      the neutrino masses and mixing, without the need for traditional bilinear or
      trilinear R-parity violating operators. The two particles form a pseudo-Dirac
      pair, the "binuo." An inverse seesaw texture is generated for the neutrino-binuo
      sector, and the lightest neutrino is predicted to be massless. Unlike in most
      models with heavy right-handed neutrinos, the binuo can be sizably produced at
      the LHC through its interactions with colored particles, while respecting low
      energy constraints from neutrinoless double-beta decay and charged lepton flavor
      violation. 

PMID- 27661683
TI  - Storage Enhanced Nonlinearities in a Cold Atomic Rydberg Ensemble.
AB  - The combination of electromagnetically induced transparency with the nonlinear
      interaction between Rydberg atoms provides an effective interaction between
      photons. In this Letter, we investigate the storage of optical pulses as
      collective Rydberg atomic excitations in a cold atomic ensemble. By measuring the
      dynamics of the stored Rydberg polaritons, we experimentally demonstrate that
      storing a probe pulse as Rydberg polaritons strongly enhances the Rydberg
      mediated interaction compared to the slow propagation case. We show that the
      process is characterized by two time scales. At short storage times, we observe a
      strong enhancement of the interaction due to the reduction of the Rydberg
      polariton group velocity down to 0. For longer storage times, we observe a
      further, weaker enhancement dominated by Rydberg induced dephasing of the
      multiparticle components of the state. In this regime, we observe a nonlinear
      dependence of the Rydberg polariton coherence time with the input photon number.
      Our results have direct consequences in Rydberg quantum optics and may enable the
      test of new theories of strongly interacting Rydberg systems. 

PMID- 27661684
TI  - Quantum Dynamics of Ultracold Bose Polarons.
AB  - We analyze the dynamics of Bose polarons in the vicinity of a Feshbach resonance
      between the impurity and host atoms. We compute the radio-frequency absorption
      spectra for the case when the initial state of the impurity is noninteracting and
      the final state is strongly interacting with the host atoms. We compare results
      of different theoretical approaches including a single excitation expansion, a
      self-consistent T-matrix method, and a time-dependent coherent state approach.
      Our analysis reveals sharp spectral features arising from metastable states with
      several Bogoliubov excitations bound to the impurity atom. This surprising result
      of the interplay of many-body and few-body Efimov type bound state physics can
      only be obtained by going beyond the commonly used Frohlich model and including
      quasiparticle scattering processes. Close to the resonance we find that strong
      fluctuations lead to a broad, incoherent absorption spectrum where no
      quasiparticle peak can be assigned. 

PMID- 27661686
TI  - Fourier-Transform Ghost Imaging with Hard X Rays.
AB  - Knowledge gained through x-ray crystallography fostered structural determination
      of materials and greatly facilitated the development of modern science and
      technology in the past century. However, it is only applied to crystalline
      structures and cannot resolve noncrystalline materials. Here we demonstrate a
      novel lensless Fourier-transform ghost imaging method with pseudothermal hard x
      rays that extends x-ray crystallography to noncrystalline samples. By measuring
      the second-order intensity correlation function of the light, Fourier-transform
      diffraction pattern of a complex amplitude sample is achieved at the Fresnel
      region in our experiment and the amplitude and phase distributions of the sample
      in the spatial domain are retrieved successfully. For the first time, ghost
      imaging is experimentally realized with x rays. Since a highly coherent x-ray
      source is not required, the method can be implemented with laboratory x-ray
      sources and it also provides a potential solution for lensless diffraction
      imaging with fermions, such as neutrons and electrons where intensive coherent
      sources usually are not available. 

PMID- 27661688
TI  - Accurate Feeding of Nanoantenna by Singular Optics for Nanoscale Translational
      and Rotational Displacement Sensing.
AB  - Identifying subwavelength objects and displacements is of crucial importance in
      optical nanometrology. We show in this Letter that nanoantennas with
      subwavelength structures can be excited precisely by incident beams with
      singularity. This accurate feeding beyond the diffraction limit can lead to
      dynamic control of the unidirectional scattering in the far field. The
      combination of the field discontinuity of the incoming singular beam with the
      rapid phase variation near the antenna leads to remarkable sensitivity of the far
      field scattering to the displacement at a scale much smaller than the wavelength.
      This Letter introduces a far-field deep subwavelength position detection method
      based on the interaction of singular optics with nanoantennas. 

PMID- 27661687
TI  - Experimental X-Ray Ghost Imaging.
AB  - We report an experimental proof of principle for ghost imaging in the hard-x-ray
      energy range. We use a synchrotron x-ray beam that is split using a thin crystal
      in Laue diffraction geometry. With an ultrafast imaging camera, we are able to
      image x rays generated by isolated electron bunches. At this time scale, the shot
      noise of the synchrotron emission process is measurable as speckles, leading to
      speckle correlation between the two beams. The integrated transmitted intensity
      from a sample located in the first beam is correlated with the spatially resolved
      intensity measured in the second, empty, beam to retrieve the shadow of the
      sample. The demonstration of ghost imaging with hard x rays may open the way to
      protocols to reduce radiation damage in medical imaging and in nondestructive
      structural characterization using free electron lasers. 

PMID- 27661685
TI  - Effective Field Theory for Rydberg Polaritons.
AB  - We develop an effective field theory (EFT) to describe the few- and many-body
      propagation of one-dimensional Rydberg polaritons. We show that the photonic
      transmission through the Rydberg medium can be found by mapping the propagation
      problem to a nonequilibrium quench, where the role of time and space are
      reversed. We include effective range corrections in the EFT and show that they
      dominate the dynamics near scattering resonances in the presence of deep bound
      states. Finally, we show how the long-range nature of the Rydberg-Rydberg
      interactions induces strong effective N-body interactions between Rydberg
      polaritons. These results pave the way towards studying nonperturbative effects
      in quantum field theories using Rydberg polaritons. 

PMID- 27661689
TI  - Deflection of a Reflected Intense Vortex Laser Beam.
AB  - An interesting deflection effect deviating the optical reflection law is revealed
      in the relativistic regime of intense vortex laser plasma interaction. When an
      intense vortex laser obliquely impinges onto an overdense plasma target, the
      reflected beam deflects out of the plane of incidence with an experimentally
      observable deflection angle. The mechanism is demonstrated by full three
      dimensional particle-in-cell simulation as well as analytical modeling using the
      Maxwell stress tensor. The deflection results from the rotational symmetry
      breaking of the foil driven by the unsymmetrical shear stress of the vortex beam.
      The l-dependent shear stress, where l is the topological charge, as an intrinsic
      characteristic to the vortex beam, plays an important role as the ponderomotive
      force in relativistic vortex laser matter interaction. 

PMID- 27661690
TI  - Symmetric States Requiring System Asymmetry.
AB  - Spontaneous synchronization has long served as a paradigm for behavioral
      uniformity that can emerge from interactions in complex systems. When the
      interacting entities are identical and their coupling patterns are also
      identical, the complete synchronization of the entire network is the state
      inheriting the system symmetry. As in other systems subject to symmetry breaking,
      such symmetric states are not always stable. Here, we report on the discovery of
      the converse of symmetry breaking-the scenario in which complete synchronization
      is not stable for identically coupled identical oscillators but becomes stable
      when, and only when, the oscillator parameters are judiciously tuned to
      nonidentical values, thereby breaking the system symmetry to preserve the state
      symmetry. Aside from demonstrating that diversity can facilitate and even be
      required for uniformity and consensus, this suggests a mechanism for convergent
      forms of pattern formation in which initially asymmetric patterns evolve into
      symmetric ones. 

PMID- 27661691
TI  - Recoverable and Programmable Collapse from Folding Pressurized Origami Cellular
      Solids.
AB  - We report a unique collapse mechanism by exploiting the negative stiffness
      observed in the folding of an origami solid, which consists of pressurized cells
      made by stacking origami sheets. Such a collapse mechanism is recoverable, since
      it only involves rigid folding of the origami sheets and it is programmable by
      pressure control and the custom design of the crease pattern. The collapse
      mechanism features many attractive characteristics for applications such as
      energy absorption. The reported results also suggest a new branch of origami
      study focused on its nonlinear mechanics associated with folding. 

PMID- 27661682
TI  - Observation of pi^{-}K^{+} and pi^{+}K^{-} Atoms.
AB  - The observation of hydrogenlike piK atoms, consisting of pi^{-}K^{+} or pi^{+}K^{
      } mesons, is presented. The atoms are produced by 24  GeV/c protons from the CERN
      PS accelerator, interacting with platinum or nickel foil targets. The breakup
      (ionization) of piK atoms in the same targets yields characteristic piK pairs,
      called "atomic pairs," with small relative momenta Q in the pair center-of-mass
      system. The upgraded DIRAC experiment observed 349+/-62 such atomic piK pairs,
      corresponding to a signal of 5.6 standard deviations. This is the first
      statistically significant observation of the strange dimesonic piK atom. 

PMID- 27661692
TI  - Dispersion in Rectangular Networks: Effective Diffusivity and Large-Deviation
      Rate Function.
AB  - The dispersion of a diffusive scalar in a fluid flowing through a network has
      many applications including to biological flows, porous media, water supply, and
      urban pollution. Motivated by this, we develop a large-deviation theory that
      predicts the evolution of the concentration of a scalar released in a rectangular
      network in the limit of large time t?1. This theory provides an approximation for
      the concentration that remains valid for large distances from the center of mass,
      specifically for distances up to O(t) and thus much beyond the O(t^{1/2}) range
      where a standard Gaussian approximation holds. A byproduct of the approach is a
      closed-form expression for the effective diffusivity tensor that governs this
      Gaussian approximation. Monte Carlo simulations of Brownian particles confirm the
      large-deviation results and demonstrate their effectiveness in describing the
      scalar distribution when t is only moderately large. 

PMID- 27661693
TI  - Janus Spectra in Two-Dimensional Flows.
AB  - In large-scale atmospheric flows, soap-film flows, and other two-dimensional
      flows, the exponent of the turbulent energy spectra, alpha, may theoretically
      take either of two distinct values, 3 or 5/3, but measurements downstream of
      obstacles have invariably revealed alpha=3. Here we report experiments on soap
      film flows where downstream of obstacles there exists a sizable interval in which
      alpha transitions from 3 to 5/3 for the streamwise fluctuations but remains equal
      to 3 for the transverse fluctuations, as if two mutually independent turbulent
      fields of disparate dynamics were concurrently active within the flow. This
      species of turbulent energy spectra, which we term the Janus spectra, has never
      been observed or predicted theoretically. Our results may open up new vistas in
      the study of turbulence and geophysical flows. 

PMID- 27661694
TI  - Leidenfrost Vapor Layers Reduce Drag without the Crisis in High Viscosity
      Liquids.
AB  - The drag coefficient C_{D} of a solid smooth sphere moving in a fluid is known to
      be only a function of the Reynolds number Re and diminishes rapidly at the drag
      crisis around Re~3*10^{5}. A Leidenfrost vapor layer on a hot sphere surface can
      trigger the onset of the drag crisis at a lower Re. By using a range of high
      viscosity perfluorocarbon liquids, we show that the drag reduction effect can
      occur over a wide range of Re, from as low as ~600 to 10^{5}. The Navier slip
      model with a viscosity dependent slip length can fit the observed drag reduction
      and wake shape. 

PMID- 27661695
TI  - Acoustic Force Density Acting on Inhomogeneous Fluids in Acoustic Fields.
AB  - We present a theory for the acoustic force density acting on inhomogeneous fluids
      in acoustic fields on time scales that are slow compared to the acoustic
      oscillation period. The acoustic force density depends on gradients in the
      density and compressibility of the fluid. For microfluidic systems, the theory
      predicts a relocation of the inhomogeneities into stable field-dependent
      configurations, which are qualitatively different from the horizontally layered
      configurations due to gravity. Experimental validation is obtained by confocal
      imaging of aqueous solutions in a glass-silicon microchip. 

PMID- 27661696
TI  - Using Two-Dimensional Distributed Feedback for Synchronization of Radiation from
      Two Parallel-Sheet Electron Beams in a Free-Electron Maser.
AB  - A spatially extended planar 75 GHz free-electron maser with a hybrid two-mirror
      resonator consisting of two-dimensional upstream and traditional one-dimensional
      downstream Bragg reflectors and driven by two parallel-sheet electron beams 0.8 
      MeV/1  kA has been elaborated. For the highly oversized interaction space (cross
      section 45*2.5 vacuum wavelengths), the two-dimensional distributed feedback
      allowed realization of stable narrow-band generation that includes
      synchronization of emission from both electron beams. As a result, spatially
      coherent radiation with the output power of 30-50 MW and a pulse duration of ~100
      ns was obtained in each channel. 

PMID- 27661698
TI  - Dynamical Effects in Resonant X-Ray Diffraction.
AB  - Using resonant magnetic diffraction at the Ni L_{2,3} edge in a LaNiO_{3}
      superlattice, we show that dynamical effects beyond the standard kinematic
      approximation can drastically modify the resonant scattering cross section. In
      particular, the combination of extinction and refraction convert maxima to minima
      in the azimuthal-angle dependence of the diffracted intensity, which is commonly
      used to determine orbital and magnetic structures by resonant x-ray diffraction.
      We provide a comprehensive theoretical description of these effects by
      numerically solving Maxwell's equations in three dimensions. The understanding
      and description of dynamical diffraction enhances the capabilities of resonant x
      ray scattering as a probe of electronic ordering phenomena in solids. 

PMID- 27661697
TI  - Nonlinear Transition from Mitigation to Suppression of the Edge Localized Mode
      with Resonant Magnetic Perturbations in the EAST Tokamak.
AB  - Evidence of a nonlinear transition from mitigation to suppression of the edge
      localized mode (ELM) by using resonant magnetic perturbations (RMPs) in the EAST
      tokamak is presented. This is the first demonstration of ELM suppression with
      RMPs in slowly rotating plasmas with dominant radio-frequency wave heating.
      Changes of edge magnetic topology after the transition are indicated by a gradual
      phase shift in the plasma response field from a linear magneto hydro dynamics
      modeling result to a vacuum one and a sudden increase of three-dimensional
      particle flux to the divertor. The transition threshold depends on the spectrum
      of RMPs and plasma rotation as well as perturbation amplitude. This means that
      edge topological changes resulting from nonlinear plasma response plays a key
      role in the suppression of ELM with RMPs. 

PMID- 27661699
TI  - Accurate Exchange-Correlation Energies for the Warm Dense Electron Gas.
AB  - The density matrix quantum Monte Carlo (DMQMC) method is used to sample exact-on
      average N-body density matrices for uniform electron gas systems of up to
      10^{124} matrix elements via a stochastic solution of the Bloch equation. The
      results of these calculations resolve a current debate over the accuracy of the
      data used to parametrize finite-temperature density functionals. Exchange
      correlation energies calculated using the real-space restricted path-integral
      formalism and the k-space configuration path-integral formalism disagree by up to
      ~10% at certain reduced temperatures T/T_{F}<=0.5 and densities r_{s}<=1. Our
      calculations confirm the accuracy of the configuration path-integral Monte Carlo
      results available at high density and bridge the gap to lower densities,
      providing trustworthy data in the regime typical of planetary interiors and
      solids subject to laser irradiation. We demonstrate that the DMQMC method can
      calculate free energies directly and present exact free energies for T/T_{F}>=1
      and r_{s}<=2. 

PMID- 27661700
TI  - Anharmonic and Quantum Fluctuations in Molecular Crystals: A First-Principles
      Study of the Stability of Paracetamol.
AB  - Molecular crystals often exist in multiple competing polymorphs, showing
      significantly different physicochemical properties. Computational crystal
      structure prediction is key to interpret and guide the search for the most stable
      or useful form, a real challenge due to the combinatorial search space, and the
      complex interplay of subtle effects that work together to determine the relative
      stability of different structures. Here we take a comprehensive approach based on
      different flavors of thermodynamic integration in order to estimate all
      contributions to the free energies of these systems with density-functional
      theory, including the oft-neglected anharmonic contributions and nuclear quantum
      effects. We take the two main stable forms of paracetamol as a paradigmatic
      example. We find that anharmonic contributions, different descriptions of van der
      Waals interactions, and nuclear quantum effects all matter to quantitatively
      determine the stability of different phases. Our analysis highlights the many
      challenges inherent in the development of a quantitative and predictive framework
      to model molecular crystals. However, it also indicates which of the components
      of the free energy can benefit from a cancellation of errors that can redeem the
      predictive power of approximate models, and suggests simple steps that could be
      taken to improve the reliability of ab initio crystal structure prediction. 

PMID- 27661701
TI  - Tunable Negative Thermal Expansion in Layered Perovskites from Quasi-Two
      Dimensional Vibrations.
AB  - We identify a quasi-two-dimensional (quasi-2D) phonon mode in the layered
      perovskite Ca_{3}Ti_{2}O_{7}, which exhibits an acoustic branch with quadratic
      dispersion. Using first-principles methods, we show this mode exhibits atomic
      displacements perpendicular to the layered [CaTiO_{3}]_{2} blocks comprising the
      structure and a negative Gruneisen parameter. Owing to these quasi-2D structural
      and dynamical features, we find that the mode can be utilized to realize unusual
      membrane effects, including a tunable negative thermal expansion (NTE) and a rare
      pressure-independent thermal softening of the bulk modulus. Detailed microscopic
      analysis shows that the NTE relies on strong intralayer Ti-O covalent bonding and
      weaker interlayer interactions, which is in contrast to conventional NTE
      mechanisms for perovskites, such as rigid-unit modes, structural transitions, and
      electronic or magnetic ordering. The general application of the quasi-2D lattice
      dynamics opens exciting avenues for the control of lattice dynamical and
      thermodynamic responses of other complex layered compounds through rational
      chemical substitution, as we show in A_{3}Zr_{2}O_{7} (A=Ca, Sr), and by
      heterostructuring. 

PMID- 27661702
TI  - Quasi-One-Dimensional Metal-Insulator Transitions in Compound Semiconductor
      Surfaces.
AB  - Existing examples of Peierls-type 1D systems on surfaces involve depositing
      metallic overlayers on semiconducting substrates, in particular, at step edges.
      Here we propose a new class of Peierls system on the (101[over -]0) surface of
      metal-anion wurtzite semiconductors. When the anions are bonded to hydrogen or
      lithium atoms, we obtain rows of threefold coordinated metal atoms that act as
      one-atom-wide metallic structures. First-principles calculations show that the
      surface is metallic, and below a certain critical temperature the surface will
      condense to a semiconducting state. The idea of surface scaffolding is introduced
      in which the rows are constrained to move along simple up-down and/or sideways
      displacements, mirroring the paradigm envisioned in Peierls's description. We
      predict that this type of insulating state should be visible in the partially
      hydrogenated (101[over -]0) surface of many wurtzite compounds. 

PMID- 27661703
TI  - Single-Layer Limit of Metallic Indium Overlayers on Si(111).
AB  - Density-functional calculations are used to identify one-atom-thick metallic In
      phases grown on the Si(111) surface, which have long been sought in quest of the
      ultimate two-dimensional (2D) limit of metallic properties. We predict two
      metastable single-layer In phases, one sqrt[7]*sqrt[3] phase with a coverage of
      1.4 monolayer (ML; here 1 ML refers to one In atom per top Si atom) and the other
      sqrt[7]*sqrt[7] phase with 1.43 ML, which indeed agree with experimental
      evidences. Both phases reveal quasi-1D arrangements of protruded In atoms,
      leading to 2D-metallic but anisotropic band structures and Fermi surfaces. This
      directional feature contrasts with the free-electron-like In-overlayer properties
      that are known to persist up to the double-layer thickness, implying that the
      ultimate 2D limit of In overlayers may have been achieved in previous studies of
      double-layer In phases. 

PMID- 27661705
TI  - Thermal Conductivity of the One-Dimensional Fermi-Hubbard Model.
AB  - We study the thermal conductivity of the one-dimensional Fermi-Hubbard model at a
      finite temperature using a density matrix renormalization group approach. The
      integrability of this model gives rise to ballistic thermal transport. We
      calculate the temperature dependence of the thermal Drude weight at half filling
      for various interaction strengths. The finite-frequency contributions originating
      from the fact that the energy current is not a conserved quantity are
      investigated as well. We report evidence that breaking the integrability through
      a nearest-neighbor interaction leads to vanishing Drude weights and diffusive
      energy transport. Moreover, we demonstrate that energy spreads ballistically in
      local quenches with initially inhomogeneous energy density profiles in the
      integrable case. We discuss the relevance of our results for thermalization in
      ultracold quantum-gas experiments and for transport measurements with quasi-one
      dimensional materials. 

PMID- 27661704
TI  - Extreme Mechanics of Probing the Ultimate Strength of Nanotwinned Diamond.
AB  - Recently synthesized nanotwinned diamond (NTD) exhibits unprecedented Vickers
      hardness exceeding 200 GPa [Q. Huang et al., Nature (London) 510, 250 (2014)].
      This extraordinary finding challenges the prevailing understanding of material
      deformation and stress response under extreme loading conditions. Here we unveil
      by first-principles calculations a novel indenter-deformation generated stress
      confinement mechanism that suppresses the graphitization or bond collapse failure
      modes commonly known in strong covalent solids, leading to greatly enhanced peak
      stress and strain range in the indented diamond lattice. Moreover, the twin
      boundaries in NTD promote a strong stress concentration that drives preferential
      bond realignments, producing a giant indentation strain stiffening. These results
      explain the exceptional indentation strength of NTD and offer insights into the
      extreme mechanics of the intricate interplay of the indenter and indented crystal
      in probing ultrahard materials. 

PMID- 27661706
TI  - Engineering Polarons at a Metal Oxide Surface.
AB  - Polarons in metal oxides are important in processes such as catalysis, high
      temperature superconductivity, and dielectric breakdown in nanoscale electronics.
      Here, we study the behavior of electron small polarons associated with oxygen
      vacancies at rutile TiO_{2}(110), using a combination of low temperature scanning
      tunneling microscopy (STM), density functional theory, and classical molecular
      dynamics calculations. We find that the electrons are symmetrically distributed
      around isolated vacancies at 78 K, but as the temperature is reduced, their
      distributions become increasingly asymmetric, confirming their polaronic nature.
      By manipulating isolated vacancies with the STM tip, we show that particular
      configurations of polarons are preferred for given locations of the vacancies,
      which we ascribe to small residual electric fields in the surface. We also form a
      series of vacancy complexes and manipulate the Ti ions surrounding them, both of
      which change the associated electronic distributions. Thus, we demonstrate that
      the configurations of polarons can be engineered, paving the way for the
      construction of conductive pathways relevant to resistive switching devices. 

PMID- 27661707
TI  - Glassy Dynamics in Disordered Electronic Systems Reveal Striking Thermal Memory
      Effects.
AB  - Memory is one of the unique qualities of a glassy system. The relaxation of a
      glass to equilibrium contains information on the sample's excitation history, an
      effect often refer to as "aging." We demonstrate that under the right conditions
      a glass can also possess a different type of memory. We study the conductance
      relaxation of electron glasses that are fabricated at low temperatures.
      Remarkably, the dynamics are found to depend not only on the ambient measurement
      temperature but also on the maximum temperature to which the system was exposed.
      Hence the system "remembers" its highest temperature. This effect may be
      qualitatively understood in terms of energy barriers and local minima in
      configuration space and therefore may be a general property of the glass state. 

PMID- 27661708
TI  - Rashba-Edelstein Magnetoresistance in Metallic Heterostructures.
AB  - We report the observation of magnetoresistance originating from Rashba spin-orbit
      coupling (SOC) in a metallic heterostructure: the Rashba-Edelstein (RE)
      magnetoresistance. We show that the simultaneous action of the direct and inverse
      RE effects in a Bi/Ag/CoFeB trilayer couples current-induced spin accumulation to
      the electric resistance. The electric resistance changes with the magnetic-field
      angle, reminiscent of the spin Hall magnetoresistance, despite the fact that bulk
      SOC is not responsible for the magnetoresistance. We further found that, even
      when the magnetization is saturated, the resistance increases with increasing the
      magnetic-field strength, which is attributed to the Hanle magnetoresistance in
      this system. 

PMID- 27661709
TI  - Plasmon Modes of Graphene Nanoribbons with Periodic Planar Arrangements.
AB  - Among their amazing properties, graphene and related low-dimensional materials
      show quantized charge-density fluctuations-known as plasmons-when exposed to
      photons or electrons of suitable energies. Graphene nanoribbons offer an enhanced
      tunability of these resonant modes, due to their geometrically controllable band
      gaps. The formidable effort made over recent years in developing graphene-based
      technologies is however weakened by a lack of predictive modeling approaches that
      draw upon available ab initio methods. An example of such a framework is
      presented here, focusing on narrow-width graphene nanoribbons, organized in
      periodic planar arrays. Time-dependent density-functional calculations reveal
      unprecedented plasmon modes of different nature at visible to infrared energies.
      Specifically, semimetallic (zigzag) nanoribbons display an intraband plasmon
      following the energy-momentum dispersion of a two-dimensional electron gas.
      Semiconducting (armchair) nanoribbons are instead characterized by two distinct
      intraband and interband plasmons, whose fascinating interplay is extremely
      responsive to either injection of charge carriers or increase in electronic
      temperature. These oscillations share some common trends with recent nanoinfrared
      imaging of confined edge and surface plasmon modes detected in graphene
      nanoribbons of 100-500 nm width. 

PMID- 27661710
TI  - Electrical Conductivity through a Single Atomic Step Measured with the Proximity
      Induced Superconducting Pair Correlation.
AB  - Local disordered nanostructures in an atomically thick metallic layer on a
      semiconducting substrate play significant and decisive roles in transport
      properties of two-dimensional (2D) conductive systems. We measured the electrical
      conductivity through a step of monoatomic height in a truly microscopic manner by
      using as a signal the superconducting pair correlation induced by the proximity
      effect. The transport property across a step of a one-monolayer Pb surface
      metallic phase, formed on a Si(111) substrate, was evaluated by inducing the pair
      correlation around the local defect and measuring its response, i.e., the reduced
      density of states at the Fermi energy using scanning tunneling microscopy. We
      found that the step resistance has a significant contribution to the total
      resistance on a nominally flat surface. Our study also revealed that steps in the
      2D metallic layer terminate the propagation of the pair correlation.
      Superconductivity is enhanced between the first surface step and the
      superconductor-normal-metal interface by reflectionless tunneling when the step
      is located within a coherence length. 

PMID- 27661711
TI  - Landau-Level Mixing and Particle-Hole Symmetry Breaking for Spin Transitions in
      the Fractional Quantum Hall Effect.
AB  - The spin transitions in the fractional quantum Hall effect provide a direct
      measure of the tiny energy differences between differently spin-polarized states
      and thereby serve as an extremely sensitive test of the quantitative accuracy of
      the theory of the fractional quantum Hall effect, and, in particular, of the role
      of Landau-level mixing in lifting the particle-hole symmetry. We report on an
      accurate quantitative study of this physics, evaluating the effect of Landau
      level mixing in a nonperturbative manner using a fixed-phase diffusion Monte
      Carlo method. We find excellent agreement between our calculated critical Zeeman
      energies and the experimentally measured values. In particular, we find, as also
      do experiments, that the critical Zeeman energies for fractional quantum Hall
      states at filling factors nu=2-n/(2n+/-1) are significantly higher than those for
      nu=n/(2n+/-1), a quantitative signature of the lifting of particle-hole symmetry
      due to Landau-level mixing. 

PMID- 27661712
TI  - Superlattice-Induced Insulating States and Valley-Protected Orbits in Twisted
      Bilayer Graphene.
AB  - Twisted bilayer graphene (TBLG) is one of the simplest van der Waals
      heterostructures, yet it yields a complex electronic system with intricate
      interplay between moire physics and interlayer hybridization effects. We report
      on electronic transport measurements of high mobility small angle TBLG devices
      showing clear evidence for insulating states at the superlattice band edges, with
      thermal activation gaps several times larger than theoretically predicted.
      Moreover, Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations and tight binding calculations reveal
      that the band structure consists of two intersecting Fermi contours whose
      crossing points are effectively unhybridized. We attribute this to exponentially
      suppressed interlayer hopping amplitudes for momentum transfers larger than the
      moire wave vector. 

PMID- 27661713
TI  - Skyrmions and Hall Transport.
AB  - We derive a generalized set of Ward identities that captures the effects of
      topological charge on Hall transport. The Ward identities follow from the (2+1)
      dimensional momentum algebra, which includes a central extension proportional to
      the topological charge density. In the presence of topological objects like
      Skyrmions, we observe that the central term leads to a direct relation between
      the thermal Hall conductivity and the topological charge density. We extend this
      relation to incorporate the effects of a magnetic field and an electric current.
      The topological charge density produces a distinct signature in the electric Hall
      conductivity, which is identified in existing experimental data and yields
      further novel predictions. For insulating materials with translation invariance,
      the Hall viscosity can be directly determined from the Skyrmion density and the
      thermal Hall conductivity to be measured as a function of momentum. 

PMID- 27661714
TI  - Vacancy-Induced Low-Energy States in Undoped Graphene.
AB  - We demonstrate that a nonzero concentration n_{v} of static, randomly placed
      vacancies in graphene leads to a density w of zero-energy quasiparticle states at
      the band center epsilon=0 within a tight-binding description with nearest
      neighbor hopping t on the honeycomb lattice. We show that w remains generically
      nonzero in the compensated case (exactly equal number of vacancies on the two
      sublattices) even in the presence of hopping disorder and depends sensitively on
      n_{v} and correlations between vacancy positions. For low, but not-too-low,
      |epsilon|/t in this compensated case, we show that the density of states
      rho(epsilon) exhibits a strong divergence of the form
      rho_{Dyson}(epsilon)~|epsilon|^{-1}/[log(t/|epsilon|)]^{(y+1)}, which crosses
      over to the universal low-energy asymptotic form (modified Gade-Wegner scaling)
      expected on symmetry grounds rho_{GW}(epsilon)~|epsilon|^{-1}e^{
      b[log(t/|epsilon|)]^{2/3}} below a crossover scale epsilon_{c}?t. epsilon_{c} is
      found to decrease rapidly with decreasing n_{v}, while y decreases much more
      slowly. 

PMID- 27661715
TI  - Superconducting Gap Anisotropy in Monolayer FeSe Thin Film.
AB  - Superconductivity originates from pairing of electrons near the Fermi energy. The
      Fermi surface topology and pairing symmetry are thus two pivotal characteristics
      of a superconductor. Superconductivity in one monolayer (1 ML) FeSe thin film has
      attracted great interest recently due to its intriguing interfacial properties
      and possibly high superconducting transition temperature over 65 K. Here, we
      report high-resolution measurements of the Fermi surface and superconducting gaps
      in 1 ML FeSe using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. Two ellipselike
      electron pockets are clearly resolved overlapping with each other at the
      Brillouin zone corner. The superconducting gap is nodeless but moderately
      anisotropic, which puts strong constraint on determining the pairing symmetry.
      The gap maxima locate on the d_{xy} bands along the major axis of the ellipse and
      four gap minima are observed at the intersections of electron pockets. The gap
      maximum location combined with the Fermi surface geometry deviate from a single d
      wave, extended s-wave or s_{+/-} gap function, suggesting an important role of
      the multiorbital nature of Fermi surface and orbital-dependent pairing in 1 ML
      FeSe. The gap minima location may be explained by a sign change on the electron
      pockets, or a competition between intra- and interorbital pairing. 

PMID- 27661716
TI  - Theoretical Model to Explain Excess of Quasiparticles in Superconductors.
AB  - Experimentally, the concentration of quasiparticles in gapped superconductors
      always largely exceeds the equilibrium one at low temperatures. Since these
      quasiparticles are detrimental for many applications, it is important to
      understand theoretically the origin of the excess. We demonstrate in detail that
      the dynamics of quasiparticles localized at spatial fluctuations of the gap edge
      becomes exponentially slow. This gives rise to the observed excess in the
      presence of a vanishingly weak nonequilibrium agent. 

PMID- 27661717
TI  - Bicollinear Antiferromagnetic Order, Monoclinic Distortion, and Reversed
      Resistivity Anisotropy in FeTe as a Result of Spin-Lattice Coupling.
AB  - The bicollinear antiferromagnetic order experimentally observed in FeTe is shown
      to be stabilized by the coupling g[over ~]_{12} between monoclinic lattice
      distortions and the spin-nematic order parameter with B_{2g} symmetry, within a
      three-orbital spin-fermion model studied with Monte Carlo techniques. A finite
      but small value of g[over ~]_{12} is required, with a concomitant lattice
      distortion compatible with experiments, and a tetragonal-monoclinic transition
      strongly first order. Remarkably, the bicollinear state found here displays a
      planar resistivity with the "reversed" puzzling anisotropy discovered in
      transport experiments. Orthorhombic distortions are also incorporated, and phase
      diagrams interpolating between pnictides and chalcogenides are presented. We
      conclude that the spin-lattice coupling we introduce is sufficient to explain the
      challenging properties of FeTe. 

PMID- 27661718
TI  - Universal Faraday Rotation in HgTe Wells with Critical Thickness.
AB  - The universal value of the Faraday rotation angle close to the fine structure
      constant (alpha~1/137) is experimentally observed in thin HgTe quantum wells with
      a thickness on the border between trivial insulating and the topologically
      nontrivial Dirac phases. The quantized value of the Faraday angle remains robust
      in the broad range of magnetic fields and gate voltages. Dynamic Hall
      conductivity of the holelike carriers extracted from the analysis of the
      transmission data shows a theoretically predicted universal value of
      sigma_{xy}=e^{2}/h, which is consistent with the doubly degenerate Dirac state.
      On shifting the Fermi level by the gate voltage, the effective sign of the charge
      carriers changes from positive (holes) to negative (electrons). The electronlike
      part of the dynamic response does not show quantum plateaus and is well described
      within the classical Drude model. 

PMID- 27661719
TI  - Collective Motion of Microorganisms in a Viscoelastic Fluid.
AB  - We study the collective motion of a suspension of rodlike microswimmers in a two
      dimensional film of viscoelastic fluids. We find that the fluid elasticity has a
      small effect on a suspension of pullers, while it significantly affects the
      pushers. The attraction and orientational ordering of the pushers are enhanced in
      viscoelastic fluids. The induced polymer stresses break down the large-scale flow
      structures and suppress velocity fluctuations. In addition, the energy spectra
      and induced mixing in the suspension of pushers are greatly modified by fluid
      elasticity. 

PMID- 27661720
TI  - Rich Polymorphic Behavior of Wigner Bilayers.
AB  - Self-assembly into target structures is an efficient material design strategy.
      Combining analytical calculations and computational techniques of evolutionary
      and Monte Carlo types, we report about a remarkable structural variability of
      Wigner bilayer ground states, when charges are confined between parallel charged
      plates. Changing the interlayer separation, or the plate charge asymmetry, a
      cascade of ordered patterns emerges. At variance with the symmetric case
      phenomenology, the competition between commensurability features and charge
      neutralization leads to long range attraction, appearance of macroscopic charges,
      exotic phases, and nonconventional phase transitions with distinct critical
      indices, offering the possibility of a subtle, but precise and convenient control
      over patterns. 

PMID- 27661721
TI  - Infrared Action Spectroscopy of Low-Temperature Neutral Gas-Phase Molecules of
      Arbitrary Structure.
AB  - We demonstrate a technique for IR action spectroscopy that enables measuring IR
      spectra in a background-free fashion for low-temperature neutral gas-phase
      molecules of arbitrary structure. The method is exemplified experimentally for N
      methylacetamide molecules in the mid-IR spectral range of 1000-1800  cm^{-1},
      utilizing the free electron laser FELIX. The technique involves the resonant
      absorption of multiple mid-IR photons, which induces molecular dissociation. The
      dissociation products are probed with 10.49 eV vacuum ultraviolet photons and
      analyzed with a mass spectrometer. We also demonstrate the capability of this
      method to record, with unprecedented ease, mid-IR spectra for the molecular
      associates, such as clusters and oligomers, present in a molecular beam. In this
      way the mass-selected spectra of low-temperature gas-phase dimers and trimers of
      N-methylacetamide are measured in the full amide I-III range. 

PMID- 27661722
TI  - Role of bovine serum albumin and humic acid in the interaction between SiO2
      nanoparticles and model cell membranes.
AB  - Silica nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs) can cause health hazard after their release into
      the environment. Adsorption of natural organic matter and biomolecules on SiO2
      NPs alters their surface properties and cytotoxicity. In this study, SiO2 NPs
      were treated by bovine serum albumin (BSA) and humic acid (HA) to study their
      effects on the integrity and fluidity of model cell membranes. Giant and small
      unilamellar vesicles (GUVs and SUVs) were prepared as model cell membranes in
      order to avoid the interference of cellular activities. The microscopic
      observation revealed that the BSA/HA treated (BSA-/HA-) SiO2 NPs took more time
      to disrupt membrane than untreated-SiO2 NPs, because BSA/HA adsorption covered
      the surface SiOH/SiO- groups and weakened the interaction between NPs and
      phospholipids. The deposition of SiO2 NPs on membrane was monitored by a quartz
      crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D). Untreated- and HA-SiO2 NPs quickly
      disrupted the SUV layer on QCM-D sensor; BSA-SiO2 NPs attached on the membranes
      but only caused slow vesicle disruption. Untreated-, BSA- and HA-SiO2 NPs all
      caused the gelation of the positively-charged membrane, which was evaluated by
      the generalized polarity values. HA-SiO2 NPs caused most serious gelation, and
      BSA-SiO2 NPs caused the least. Our results demonstrate that the protein
      adsorption on SiO2 NPs decreases the NP-induced membrane damage.

PMID- 27661723
TI  - Removal of phyto-accessible copper from contaminated soils using zero valent iron
      amendment and magnetic separation methods: Assessment of residual toxicity using
      plant and MetPLATETM studies.
AB  - Zero valent iron (ZVI) has been widely tested and used in remediation of both
      contaminated soils and groundwater, and in general, the in situ amendment of the
      contaminated media is used as remediation approach. However, concerns remain as
      to the potential detrimental effects of both the immobilized ZVI and the adsorbed
      pollutants as the treated system could undergo transformations over time.
      Accordingly, plans for soil remediation by in situ immobilization of sorbents
      should include a long-term monitoring of the treated systems. Here, we report on
      a comparative study in which artificially Cu-contaminated sandy and organic soils
      characterized by different metal binding capacities were treated by either (i) in
      situ immobilization of ZVI in the soils, or (ii) by a ZVI amendment followed by
      magnetic retrieval of formed ZVI-Cu complexes prior to plant growth studies. The
      latter relies on the combination of the high metal adsorption capacity and
      magnetism of ZVI. Two plant species, Lactuca sativa (lettuce) and Brassica juncea
      (Indian mustard) were used to assess the efficiency of the two treatment methods
      in eliminating the bioavailable fraction of Cu. Overall, the results showed that,
      if soil remediation by in situ immobilization reduces the bio-accessible fraction
      of Cu, treatment using ZVI amendment followed by magnetic separation performs
      better. The latter resulted in less Cu accumulated in the shoots and roots of
      plants. In parallel to the plant growth study, we used MetPLATETM, a short-term
      bioassay based on the inhibition of the beta-galactosidase enzyme by the
      bioavailable fraction of heavy metal cations, to predict the efficiency of the
      two treatment methods with regard to the elimination of Cu phyto-toxicity. The
      results of the bioassay confirmed the trends of phyto-toxicity results,
      suggesting that MetPLATETM could be an adequate alternative to the more
      expensive, labor intensive, and time consuming plant growth studies.

PMID- 27661724
TI  - Multiscale correlations of iron phases and heavy metals in technogenic magnetic
      particles from contaminated soils.
AB  - Technogenic magnetic particles (TMPs) are carriers of heavy metals and organic
      contaminants, which derived from anthropogenic activities. However, little
      information on the relationship between heavy metals and TMP carrier phases at
      the micrometer scale is available. This study determined the distribution and
      association of heavy metals and magnetic phases in TMPs in three contaminated
      soils at the micrometer scale using micro-X-ray fluorescence (MU-XRF) and micro-X
      ray absorption near-edge structure (MU-XANES) spectroscopy. Multiscale
      correlations of heavy metals in TMPs were elucidated using wavelet transform
      analysis. MU-XRF mapping showed that Fe was enriched and closely correlated with
      Co, Cr, and Pb in TMPs from steel industrial areas. Fluorescence mapping and
      wavelet analysis showed that ferroalloy was a major magnetic signature and heavy
      metal carrier in TMPs, because most heavy metals were highly associated with
      ferroalloy at all size scales. Multiscale analysis revealed that heavy metals in
      the TMPs were from multiple sources. Iron K-edge MU-XANES spectra revealed that
      metallic iron, ferroalloy, and magnetite were the main iron magnetic phases in
      the TMPs. The relative percentage of these magnetic phases depended on their
      emission sources. Heatmap analysis revealed that Co, Pb, Cu, Cr, and Ni were
      mainly derived from ferroalloy particles, while As was derived from both
      ferroalloy and metallic iron phases. Our results indicated the scale-dependent
      correlations of magnetic phases and heavy metals in TMPs. The combination of
      synchrotron based X-ray microprobe techniques and multiscale analysis provides a
      powerful tool for identifying the magnetic phases from different sources and
      quantifying the association of iron phases and heavy metals at micrometer scale.

PMID- 27661725
TI  - The impact of cerium oxide nanoparticles on the salt stress responses of Brassica
      napus L.
AB  - Dwindling high quality water resources and growing population are forcing growers
      to irrigate crops with water of high salinity. It is well recognized that
      salinity negatively affects plant physiology and biochemistry, and represents one
      of the most serious threats to crop production and food security. Meanwhile,
      engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) are increasingly detected in irrigation water and
      agricultural soils due to the rapid advancement of nanotechnology. Previous
      research has demonstrated that ENPs such as cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2-NPs)
      exert significant impact on plant growth and production. However, almost all
      previous studies were conducted in well controlled environment. Knowledge on how
      ENPs affect plant development in a stressed condition is almost empty. The goal
      of the present study was to understand the physiological and biochemical changes
      in Brassica napus L. (canola) cv. 'Dwarf Essex' under synergistic salt stress and
      CeO2-NPs effects. Two salinity levels: 0 (control) and 100 mM NaCl, and three
      CeO2-NPs concentrations: 0 (control), 200 and 1000 mg kg-1 dry sand and clay
      mixture, were employed. As expected, 100 mM of NaCl significantly hindered plant
      growth and negatively affected the physiological processes of canola. Plants
      treated with CeO2-NPs had higher plant biomass, exhibited higher efficiency of
      the photosynthetic apparatus and less stress in both fresh water and saline water
      irrigation conditions Overall, our results demonstrated that CeO2-NPs led to
      changes in canola growth and physiology which improved the plant salt stress
      response but did not completely alleviate the salt stress of canola.

PMID- 27661726
TI  - Ecotoxicity of cadmium in a soil collembolan-predatory mite food chain: Can we
      use the 15N labeled litter addition method to assess soil functional change?
AB  - Effects of cadmium (Cd) on predator-prey relationships and soil ecological
      function are poorly understood and there are few methods available to measure
      soil functional change. Thus, we structured a soil-dwelling food chain containing
      the predatory mite Hypoaspis aculeifer and its collembolan prey Folsomia candida
      to study the effects of Cd exposure for eight weeks in a spiked soil aged for
      five years. The 15N labeled litter was added as food to analyze the change in
      nitrogen (N) transfer content. H. aculeifer reproduction and growth and the
      survival and reproduction of F. candida were all negatively affected by Cd
      exposure, and H. aculeifer reproduction was the most sensitive parameter. The
      sensitivity responses of F. candida and H. aculeifer were different from those
      using the previous single species test. The results suggest that predator-prey
      interactions might influence the toxicity of Cd by predation and food
      restriction. Cadmium lethal body concentrations of adults and juveniles of F.
      candida and H. aculeifer juveniles were 500-600, 180-270 and 8-10 MUg g-1,
      respectively. The content of N transfer from litter to animals in the food chain
      decreased significantly with increasing soil Cd concentration between 100 and 400
      mg kg-1. The results suggest that the 15N labeled litter addition method is
      potentially useful for quantitative assessment of soil functional change for
      further risk assessment purposes.

PMID- 27661727
TI  - Analysis of fullerenes in soils samples collected in The Netherlands.
AB  - Fullerenes are carbon based nanoparticles that may enter the environment as a
      consequence of both natural processes and human activities. Although little is
      known about the presence of these chemicals in the environment, recent studies
      suggested that soil may act as a sink. The aim of the present work was to
      investigate the presence of fullerenes in soils collected in The Netherlands.
      Samples (n = 91) were taken from 6 locations and analyzed using a new developed
      LC-QTOF-MS method. The locations included highly trafficked and industrialized as
      well as urban and natural areas. In general, C60 was the most abundant fullerene
      found in the environment, detected in almost a half of the samples and at
      concentrations in the range of ng/kg. Other fullerenes such as C70 and an unknown
      structure containing a C60 cage were detected to a lower extent. The highest
      concentrations were found in the proximity of combustion sites such as a coal
      power plant and an incinerator, suggesting that the nanoparticles were
      unintentionally produced during combustions processes and reached the soil
      through atmospheric deposition. Consistent with other recent studies, these
      results show that fullerenes are widely present in the environment and that the
      main route for their entrance may be due to human activities. These data will be
      helpful in the understanding of the distribution of fullerenes in the environment
      and for the study of their behavior and fate in soil.

PMID- 27661728
TI  - Relative importance of microplastics as a pathway for the transfer of hydrophobic
      organic chemicals to marine life.
AB  - It has been hypothesised that, if ingested, plastic debris could act as vector
      for the transfer of chemical contaminants from seawater to organisms, yet
      modelling suggest that, in the natural environment, chemical transfer would be
      negligible compared to other routes of uptake. However, to date, the models have
      not incorporated consideration of the role of gut surfactants, or the influence
      of pH or temperature on desorption, whilst experimental work has shown that these
      factors can enhance desorption of sorbed contaminants several fold. Here, we
      modelled the transfer of sorbed organic contaminants
      dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), phenanthrene (Phe) and bis-2-ethylhexyl
      phthalate (DEHP) from microscopic particles of polyvinylchloride (PVC) and
      polyethylene (PE) to a benthic invertebrate, a fish and a seabird using a one
      compartment model OMEGA (Optimal Modelling for EcotoxicoloGical Applications)
      with different conditions of pH, temperature and gut surfactants. Environmental
      concentrations of contaminants at the bottom and the top of published ranges were
      considered, in combination with ingestion of either 1 or 5% by weight of plastic.
      For all organisms, the combined intake from food and water was the main route of
      exposure for Phe, DEHP and DDT with a negligible input from plastic. For the
      benthic invertebrate, predictions including the presence of contaminated plastic
      resulted in very small increases in the internal concentrations of DDT and DEHP,
      while the net change in the transfer of Phe was negligible. While there may be
      scenarios in which the presence of plastic makes a more important contribution,
      our modelling study suggests that ingestion of microplastic does not provide a
      quantitatively important additional pathway for the transfer of adsorbed
      chemicals from seawater to biota via the gut.

PMID- 27661729
TI  - A simultaneous analysis method of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, nicotine,
      cotinine and metals in human hair.
AB  - Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), nicotine, cotinine, and metals in human
      hair have been used as important environmental exposure markers. We aimed to
      develop a simple method to simultaneously analyze these pollutants using a small
      quantity of hair. The digestion performances of tetramethylammonium hydroxide
      (TMAH) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) for human hair were compared. Various solvents
      or their mixtures including n-hexane (HEX), dichloromethane (DCM) and
      trichloromethane (TCM), HEX:DCM32 (3/2) and HEX:TCM73 (7/3) were adopted to
      extract organics. The recoveries of metals were determined under an optimal
      operation of digestion and extraction. Our results showed that TMAH performed
      well in dissolving human hair and even better than NaOH. Overall, the recoveries
      for five solutions were acceptable for PAHs, nicotine in the range of 80%-110%.
      Except for HEX, other four extraction solutions had acceptable extraction
      efficiency for cotinine from HEX:TCM73 (88 +/- 4.1%) to HEX:DCM32 (100 +/- 2.8%).
      HEX:DCM32 was chosen as the optimal solvent in consideration of its extraction
      efficiency and lower density than water. The recoveries of 12 typical major or
      trace metals were mainly in the range of 90%-110% and some of them were close to
      100%. In conclusion, the simultaneous analysis of PAHs, nicotine, cotinine, and
      metals was feasible. Our study provided a simple and low-cost technique for
      environmental epidemiological studies.

PMID- 27661730
TI  - Urban PM2.5 oxidative potential: Importance of chemical species and comparison of
      two spectrophotometric cell-free assays.
AB  - Oxidative potential (OP) of particulate matter (PM) - defined as the capacity of
      PM to oxidize target molecules generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) - has
      been proposed as a more health relevant metric than PM mass. In this study two
      cell-free methods were used to assess the OP of PM filters collected at an urban
      site and to evaluate correlation with PM mass and PM composition. Among the
      different assays existing, two inexpensive and user-friendly methods were used
      both based on spectrophotometric measurements of depletion rate of target
      reagents oxidized by redox-active species present in PM. One assay measures the
      consumption of dithiothreitol (OPDTT) and the other the ascorbate (OPAA).
      Although both assays respond to the same redox-active species, i.e., quinones and
      transition metals, no correlations were found between OPDTT and OPAA responses to
      compounds standard solutions as well as to ambient samples. When expressed in
      relation to air volume, OPDTT m-3 strongly correlates with PM2.5 mass whereas no
      correlation was found for OPAA m-3 with PM2.5. When expressed on mass basis, both
      OPDTT MUg-1 and OPAA MUg-1 show a strong dependence on the sample composition,
      with higher OP for summer samples. OPDTT m-3 were highly correlated with the
      determined metals (Cu, Zn, Cr, Fe, Ni, Mn) whereas OPAA m-3 showed only moderate
      correlation with Cu and Mn. Thus, the two assays could potentially provide
      complementary information on oxidative potential characteristic of PM.
      Consequently, the combination of the two approaches can strengthen each other in
      giving insight into the contribution of chemical composition to oxidative
      properties of PM, which can subsequently be used to study health effects.

PMID- 27661731
TI  - Broadening Our Understanding of Caregiver Outcomes Across Cultures: What Does
      "Caregiver Relationship" Actually Capture?

PMID- 27661732
TI  - Biomechanical Comparison of Superior Versus Anterior Plate Position for Fixation
      of Distal Clavicular Fractures: A New Model.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Although most clavicular fractures are amenable to nonoperative
      management, metadiaphyseal fractures are considerably more complex, with rates of
      suboptimal healing as high as 75% when treated nonoperatively. The poor results
      are ascribed to the deforming forces on the distal clavicle from the surrounding
      muscles and the weight of the arm. It recently has been noted that some operative
      fixations of these fractures are also failing when a standard superiorly placed
      plate is used. We hypothesized that anterior plating, when compared with superior
      plating, improves the strength and durability of the construct by redirecting the
      axis of the major deforming force across rather than in line with the screws of
      the construct. METHODS: Six pairs of fresh-frozen human cadaveric clavicles with
      the scapula attached by the coracoclavicular ligaments were osteotomized just
      medial to the ligaments and plated with a standard 3.5-mm limited-contact dynamic
      compression plate. Specimens were potted and mounted on a materials testing
      system machine, preserving the anatomic relationship of the clavicle and scapula.
      They were then loaded through the coracoclavicular ligaments to mimic the weight
      of the arm pulling inferiorly. Each specimen was loaded with 375 N at 1 Hz for
      2000 cycles. Sequential loading was then applied at 25-N intervals until failure.
      Statistical analysis was performed using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS:
      The superiorly plated specimens failed after fewer cycles and with lower force
      than the anteriorly plated specimens. The median number of cycles to failure was
      2082 for anterior plated specimens and 50 for superiorly plated (P = 0.028). The
      median load to failure was 587.5 N in the anterior group and 375 N in the
      superior group (P = 0.035). The median stiffness was 46.13 N/mm for anterior and
      40.45 N/mm for superior (P = 0.375) plates. CONCLUSIONS: Anteriorly plated distal
      third clavicular fractures have superior strength and durability compared with
      fractures plated superiorly when using a physician-contoured, 3.5-mm, limited
      contact, dynamic compression plate in this cadaver model.

PMID- 27661733
TI  - A Useful Preoperative Planning Technique for Transiliac-Transsacral Screws.
AB  - Stabilization of posterior pelvic ring injuries is increasingly performed using
      percutaneously placed iliosacral and transiliac-transsacral screws. Understanding
      the unique and specific anatomical variations present in each patient is
      paramount. Multiple methods of evaluating potential osseous fixation pathways for
      screw placement exist, but many require specific imaging protocols, specialized
      software, or modification of data. Not all surgeons and institutions have access
      to these options for a variety of reasons. A simple technique to preoperatively
      plan for safe transiliac-transsacral screws is proposed.

PMID- 27661734
TI  - Bovine herpesvirus type-1 glycoprotein K (gK) interacts with UL20 and is required
      for infectious virus production.
AB  - We have previously shown that the HSV-1 gK and UL20 proteins interact and
      function in virion envelopment, membrane fusion, and neuronal entry. Alignment of
      the predicted secondary structures of gKs encoded by BoHV-1, HSV-1, HSV-2, EHV-1
      and VZV indicated a high degree of domain conservation. Two BoHV-1 gK-null mutant
      viruses were created by either gK gene deletion or stop codon insertion. In
      addition, a V5 epitope-tag was inserted at the carboxyl terminus of gK gene to
      detect gK. The engineered gK-null mutant viruses failed to replicate and produce
      viral plaques. Co-immunoprecipitation of gK and UL20 expressed via different
      methods revealed that gK and UL20 physically interacted in the presence or
      absence of other viral proteins. Confocal microscopy showed that gK and UL20
      colocalized in infected cells. These results indicate that BoHV-1 gK and UL20 may
      function in a similar manner to other alphaherpesvirus orthologues specified by
      HSV-1, PRV and EHV-1.

PMID- 27661736
TI  - Identification and subcellular localization of porcine deltacoronavirus accessory
      protein NS6.
AB  - Porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) is an emerging swine enteric coronavirus.
      Accessory proteins are genus-specific for coronavirus, and two putative accessory
      proteins, NS6 and NS7, are predicted to be encoded by PDCoV; however, this
      remains to be confirmed experimentally. Here, we identified the leader-body
      junction sites of NS6 subgenomic RNA (sgRNA) and found that the actual
      transcription regulatory sequence (TRS) utilized by NS6 is non-canonical and is
      located upstream of the predicted TRS. Using the purified NS6 from an Escherichia
      coli expression system, we obtained two anti-NS6 monoclonal antibodies that could
      detect the predicted NS6 in cells infected with PDCoV or transfected with NS6
      expressing plasmids. Further studies revealed that NS6 is always localized in the
      cytoplasm of PDCoV-infected cells, mainly co-localizing with the endoplasmic
      reticulum (ER) and ER-Golgi intermediate compartments, as well as partially with
      the Golgi apparatus. Together, our results identify the NS6 sgRNA and demonstrate
      its expression in PDCoV-infected cells.

PMID- 27661737
TI  - Including health insurance in poverty measurement: The impact of Massachusetts
      health reform on poverty.
AB  - We develop and implement what we believe is the first conceptually valid health
      inclusive poverty measure (HIPM) - a measure that includes health care or
      insurance in the poverty needs threshold and health insurance benefits in family
      resources - and we discuss its limitations. Building on the Census Bureau's
      Supplemental Poverty Measure, we construct a pilot HIPM for the under-65
      population under ACA-like health reform in Massachusetts. This pilot demonstrates
      the practicality, face validity and value of a HIPM. Results suggest that public
      health insurance benefits and premium subsidies accounted for a substantial, one
      third reduction in the health inclusive poverty rate.

PMID- 27661735
TI  - New influenza A(H7N7) viruses detected in live poultry markets in China.
AB  - H7N7 avian influenza viruses have been widely detected in wild birds and domestic
      poultry since they were first detected in chickens in Italy in 1902. They can
      occasionally transmit to humans. Here, we isolated six H7N7 viruses in live
      poultry markets during routine surveillance from 2010 to 2013. Sequences analysis
      revealed that these viruses are reassortants bearing genes of H3N8, H7N3, H7N7,
      and H10N7 influenza viruses detected in wild birds and ducks, and can be
      categorized into three genotypes (A, B, and C). All six viruses bound to both
      human-type and avian-type receptors. The viruses in genotype B and C could
      replicate efficiently in the lungs and nasal turbinates of mice without prior
      adaptation, and the genotype C virus also replicated in the brain of two of three
      mice tested. It is important to continue to monitor the evolution of H7N7 viruses
      and to evaluate their potential to cause human infections.

PMID- 27661738
TI  - Do hospital-owned skilled nursing facilities provide better post-acute care
      quality?
AB  - As hospitals are increasingly held accountable for patients' post-discharge
      outcomes under new payment models, hospitals may choose to acquire skilled
      nursing facilities (SNFs) to better manage these outcomes. This raises the
      question of whether patients discharged to hospital-based SNFs have better
      outcomes. In unadjusted comparisons, hospital-based SNF patients have much lower
      Medicare utilization in the 180 days following discharge relative to freestanding
      SNF patients. We solved the problem of differential selection into hospital-based
      and freestanding SNFs by using differential distance from home to the nearest
      hospital with a SNF relative to the distance from home to the nearest hospital
      without a SNF as an instrument. We found that hospital-based SNF patients spent
      roughly 5 more days in the community and 6 fewer days in the SNF in the 180 days
      following their original hospital discharge with no significant effect on
      mortality or hospital readmission.

PMID- 27661740
TI  - Introduction to Photonumeric Scales Issue.

PMID- 27661739
TI  - Eliminating composite bias in treatment effects estimates: Applications to
      quality of life assessment.
AB  - Researchers are often interested in composite measures such as overall ratings,
      indices of physical or mental health, or health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL)
      outcomes. Such measures are typically composed of two or more underlying discrete
      variables. In this paper, I investigate conditions where the estimated treatment
      effect based solely on the composite outcome is biased under non-random treatment
      assignment, which I refer to as composite bias. I then compare the magnitude of
      this bias across a variety of estimators, including ordinary least squares,
      propensity score estimators, and an alternative two-stage approach that first
      estimates treatment effects on the underlying outcomes and then combines these
      effects into an overall effect on the composite outcome of interest. The results
      highlight the presence of composite bias, identify general conditions under which
      such bias exists, and offer guidance as to how best to minimize this bias in
      practice.

PMID- 27661741
TI  - Development and Validation of a Photonumeric Scale for Evaluation of Volume
      Deficit of the Hand.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A validated scale is needed for objective and reproducible
      comparisons of hand appearance before and after treatment in practice and
      clinical studies. OBJECTIVE: To describe the development and validation of the 5
      point photonumeric Allergan Hand Volume Deficit Scale. METHODS: The scale was
      developed to include an assessment guide, verbal descriptors, morphed images, and
      real-subject images for each grade. The clinical significance of a 1-point score
      difference was evaluated in a review of image pairs representing varying
      differences in severity. Interrater and intrarater reliability was evaluated in a
      live-subject validation study (N = 296) completed during 2 sessions occurring 3
      weeks apart. RESULTS: A score difference of >=1 point was shown to reflect a
      clinically significant difference (mean [95% confidence interval] absolute score
      difference, 1.12 [0.99-1.26] for clinically different image pairs and 0.45 [0.33
      0.57] for not clinically different pairs). Intrarater agreement between the 2
      validation sessions was almost perfect (mean weighted kappa = 0.83). Interrater
      agreement was almost perfect during the second session (0.82, primary end point).
      CONCLUSION: The Allergan Hand Volume Deficit Scale is a validated and reliable
      scale for physician rating of hand volume deficit.

PMID- 27661742
TI  - Development and Validation of a Photonumeric Scale for Evaluation of Volume
      Deficit of the Temple.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A validated scale is needed for objective and reproducible
      comparisons of temple appearance before and after aesthetic treatment in practice
      and clinical studies. OBJECTIVE: To describe the development and validation of
      the 5-point photonumeric Allergan Temple Hollowing Scale. METHODS: The scale was
      developed to include an assessment guide, verbal descriptors, morphed images, and
      real subject images for each grade. The clinical significance of a 1-point score
      difference was evaluated in a review of image pairs representing varying
      differences in severity. Interrater and intrarater reliability was evaluated in a
      live-subject validation study (N = 298) completed during 2 sessions occurring 3
      weeks apart. RESULTS: A score difference of >=1 point was shown to reflect a
      clinically significant difference (mean [95% confidence interval] absolute score
      difference, 1.1 [0.94-1.26] for clinically different image pairs and 0.67 [0.51
      0.83] for not clinically different pairs). Intrarater agreement between the 2
      validation sessions was almost perfect (mean weighted kappa = 0.86). Interrater
      agreement was almost perfect during the second session (0.81, primary endpoint).
      CONCLUSION: The Allergan Temple Hollowing Scale is a validated and reliable scale
      for physician rating of temple volume deficit.

PMID- 27661743
TI  - Development and Validation of a Photonumeric Scale for Assessment of Chin
      Retrusion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A validated scale is needed for objective and reproducible
      comparisons of chin appearance before and after chin augmentation in practice and
      clinical studies. OBJECTIVE: To describe the development and validation of the 5
      point photonumeric Allergan Chin Retrusion Scale. METHODS: The Allergan Chin
      Retrusion Scale was developed to include an assessment guide, verbal descriptors,
      morphed images, and real subject images for each scale grade. The clinical
      significance of a 1-point score difference was evaluated in a review of multiple
      image pairs representing varying differences in severity. Interrater and
      intrarater reliability was evaluated in a live-subject validation study (N = 298)
      completed during 2 sessions occurring 3 weeks apart. RESULTS: A difference of >=1
      point on the scale was shown to reflect a clinically meaningful difference (mean
      [95% confidence interval] absolute score difference, 1.07 [0.94-1.20] for
      clinically different image pairs and 0.51 [0.39-0.63] for not clinically
      different pairs). Intrarater agreement between the 2 live-subject validation
      sessions was substantial (mean weighted kappa = 0.79). Interrater agreement was
      substantial during the second rating session (0.68, primary end point).
      CONCLUSION: The Allergan Chin Retrusion Scale is a validated and reliable scale
      for physician rating of severity of chin retrusion.

PMID- 27661744
TI  - Development and Validation of a Photonumeric Scale for Evaluation of Facial Skin
      Texture.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A validated scale is needed for objective and reproducible
      comparisons of facial skin roughness before and after aesthetic treatment in
      practice and in clinical studies. OBJECTIVE: To describe the development and
      validation of the 5-point photonumeric Allergan Skin Roughness Scale. METHODS:
      The scale was developed to include an assessment guide, verbal descriptors,
      morphed images, and real subject images for each grade. The clinical significance
      of a 1-point score difference was evaluated in a review of image pairs
      representing varying differences in severity. Interrater and intrarater
      reliability was evaluated in a live-subject validation study (N = 290) completed
      during 2 sessions occurring 3 weeks apart. RESULTS: A score difference of >=1
      point was shown to reflect a clinically meaningful difference (mean [95%
      confidence interval] absolute score difference 1.09 [0.96-1.23] for clinically
      different image pairs and 0.53 [0.38-0.67] for not clinically different pairs).
      Intrarater agreement between the 2 validation sessions was almost perfect
      (weighted kappa = 0.83). Interrater agreement was almost perfect during the
      second rating session (0.81, primary end point). CONCLUSION: The Allergan Skin
      Roughness Scale is a validated and reliable scale for physician rating of midface
      skin roughness.

PMID- 27661745
TI  - Development and Validation of a Photonumeric Scale for Evaluation of Facial Fine
      Lines.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A validated scale is needed for objective and reproducible
      comparisons of facial fine lines before and after treatment in practice and
      clinical studies. OBJECTIVE: To describe the development and validation of the 5
      point photonumeric Allergan Fine Lines Scale. METHODS: The Allergan Fine Lines
      Scale was developed to include an assessment guide, verbal descriptors, morphed
      images, and real subject images for each scale grade. The clinical significance
      of a 1-point score difference was evaluated in a review of multiple image pairs
      representing varying differences in severity. Interrater and intrarater
      reliability was evaluated in a live subject validation study (N = 289) completed
      during 2 sessions occurring 3 weeks apart. RESULTS: A score difference of >=1
      point was shown to reflect a clinically significant difference (mean [95% CI]
      absolute score difference, 1.06 [0.92-1.21] for clinically different image pairs
      and 0.50 [0.38-0.61] for not clinically different pairs). Intrarater agreement
      between the 2 live subject validation sessions was almost perfect (weighted kappa
      = 0.85). Interrater agreement was substantial during the second rating session
      (0.76, primary end point). CONCLUSION: The Allergan Fine Lines Scale is a
      validated and reliable scale for physician rating of severity of superficial fine
      lines.

PMID- 27661746
TI  - Development and Validation of a Photonumeric Scale for Evaluation of Transverse
      Neck Lines.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A validated scale is needed for objective and reproducible
      comparisons of horizontal neck lines before and after treatment in practice and
      clinical studies. OBJECTIVE: To describe the development and validation of the 5
      point photonumeric Allergan Transverse Neck Lines Scale. METHODS: The Allergan
      Transverse Neck Lines Scale was developed to include an assessment guide, verbal
      descriptors, morphed images, and real subject images for each scale grade. The
      clinical significance of a 1-point score difference was evaluated in a review of
      multiple image pairs representing varying differences in severity. Interrater and
      intrarater reliability was evaluated in a live-subject rating validation study (N
      = 297) completed during 2 sessions occurring 3 weeks apart. RESULTS: A difference
      of >=1 point on the scale was shown to reflect a clinically significant
      difference (mean [95% confidence interval] absolute score difference, 1.22 [1.09
      1.35] for clinically different image pairs and 0.57 [0.42-0.72] for not
      clinically different pairs). Intrarater agreement between the 2 live-subject
      rating validation sessions was substantial (mean weighted kappa = 0.78).
      Interrater agreement was substantial during the second rating session (0.73,
      primary end point). CONCLUSION: The Allergan Transverse Neck Lines Scale is a
      validated and reliable scale for rating of severity of neck lines.

PMID- 27661748
TI  - Development and Validation of a Photonumeric Scale for Evaluation of Infraorbital
      Hollows.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A validated scale is needed for objective and reproducible
      comparisons of infraorbital hollows (i.e., tear troughs) before and after
      treatment in practice and clinical studies. OBJECTIVE: To describe the
      development and validation of the 5-point photonumeric Allergan Infraorbital
      Hollows Scale. METHODS: The scale was developed to include an assessment guide,
      verbal descriptors, morphed images, and real subject images for each grade. The
      clinical significance of a 1-point score difference was evaluated in a review of
      image pairs representing varying differences in severity. Interrater and
      intrarater reliability was evaluated in a live-subject validation study (N = 297)
      completed during 2 sessions occurring 3 weeks apart. RESULTS: A score difference
      of >=1 point was shown to reflect a clinically significant difference (mean [95%
      confidence interval] absolute score difference, 0.90 [0.79-1.02] for clinically
      different image pairs and 0.33 [0.19-0.46] for not clinically different pairs).
      Intrarater agreement between the 2 validation sessions was substantial (mean
      weighted kappa = 0.79). Interrater agreement was substantial during the second
      rating session (0.70, primary end point). CONCLUSION: The Allergan Infraorbital
      Hollows Scale is a validated and reliable scale for physician rating severity of
      hollowing in the infraorbital area.

PMID- 27661747
TI  - Development and Validation of a Photonumeric Scale for Evaluation of Static
      Horizontal Forehead Lines.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A validated scale is needed for objective and reproducible
      comparisons of static forehead lines before and after treatment in practice and
      clinical studies. OBJECTIVE: To describe the development and validation of the 5
      point photonumeric Allergan Forehead Lines Scale. METHODS: The Allergan Forehead
      Lines Scale was developed to include an assessment guide, verbal descriptors,
      morphed images, and real subject images for each scale grade. The clinical
      significance of a 1-point score difference was evaluated in a review of multiple
      image pairs representing varying differences in severity. Interrater and
      intrarater reliability was evaluated in a live-subject validation study (N = 295)
      completed during 2 sessions occurring 3 weeks apart. RESULTS: A difference of >=1
      point on the scale was shown to reflect a clinically significant difference (mean
      [95% confidence interval] absolute score difference, 1.06 [0.91-1.21] for
      clinically different image pairs and 0.38 [0.26-0.51] for not clinically
      different pairs). Intrarater agreement between the 2 live-subject validation
      sessions was almost perfect (mean weighted kappa = 0.87). Interrater agreement
      was almost perfect during the second rating session (0.86, primary end point).
      CONCLUSION: The Allergan Forehead Lines Scale is a validated and reliable scale
      for physician rating of static horizontal forehead lines.

PMID- 27661749
TI  - Pharmacotherapy of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder During Breastfeeding.

PMID- 27661750
TI  - Promoting the Awareness of Hepatitis B Virus Screening in Patients With Lymphoma.

PMID- 27661751
TI  - Vitamin D: Use or Abuse in Older Adults?

PMID- 27661752
TI  - Octreotide-Induced Hypothermia-A Unique Occurrence.

PMID- 27661753
TI  - A Unique Presentation of Serum Sickness From Rabbit Antithymocyte Globulin in a
      Kidney Transplant Recipient.

PMID- 27661754
TI  - Hepatocellular Carcinoma With Budd-Chiari Syndrome and Obstructive Jaundice: A
      Therapeutic Challenge.

PMID- 27661756
TI  - Competition between "Meta Effect" Photochemical Reactions of Selected
      Benzophenone Compounds Having Two Different Substituents at Meta Positions.
AB  - Recent studies conducted on some "meta effect" photochemical reactions focused on
      aromatic carbonyls having a substitution on one meta position of the benzophenone
      (BP) and anthraquinone parent compound. In this paper, two different
      substitutions were introduced with one at each meta position of the BP parent
      compound to investigate possible competition between different types of meta
      effect photochemistry observed in acidic solutions containing water. The
      photochemical pathways of 3-hydroxymethyl-3'-fluorobenzophenone (1) and 3-fluoro
      3'-methylbenzophenone (2) were explored in several solvents, including acidic
      water-containing solutions, using time-resolved spectroscopic experiments and
      density functional theory computations. It is observed that 1 can undergo a
      photoredox reaction and 2 can undergo a meta-methyl deprotonation reaction in
      acidic water-containing solutions. Comparison of these results to those
      previously reported for the analogous BP derivatives that contain only one
      substituent at a meta position indicates the introduction of electron-donating
      (such as hydroxyl) and electron-withdrawing groups (such as F) on the meta
      positions of BP can influence the meta effect photochemical reactions. It was
      found that involvement of an electron-donating moiety facilitates the meta effect
      photochemical reactions by stabilizing the crucial reactive biradical
      intermediate associated with the meta effect photochemical reactions.

PMID- 27661755
TI  - Surrogate alcohol containing methanol, social deprivation and public health in
      Novosibirsk, Russia.
AB  - Surrogate alcohol, i.e. alcohol not intended or not officially intended for human
      consumption, continues to play an important role in alcohol consumption in
      Russia, especially for people with alcohol dependence. Among the different types
      of surrogate alcohol, there are windshield washer antifreeze liquids; these
      products are the cheapest kinds of non-beverage alcohol available and thus likely
      to be used by the most deprived and marginalised groups such as homeless people
      with alcohol dependence. Although it is well known, that non-beverage alcohol is
      used for consumption by various groups in Russia, and although there are laws to
      prohibit the use of methanol as part of windshield washer antifreeze liquids for
      the very reason that such products could be used as surrogate alcohol, we
      detected products in retail sale which were a mix of water and methanol only.
      Methanol poses serious health threats including blindness and death, and there
      had been repeated methanol deaths from surrogate alcohol in Russia over the last
      years. If law-enforcement does not change for surrogate products, we can expect
      more methanol-resulting deaths in the most deprived and marginalized groups of
      people with alcohol dependence in Russia. In addition, ingredients with
      questionable safety profiles such as formic acid should also be prohibited in non
      beverage alcohol products that are likely to be consumed as surrogate alcohol.

PMID- 27661757
TI  - Sepsis-induced acute kidney injury.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Sepsis is a common and frequently fatal condition in which
      mortality has been consistently linked to increasing organ dysfunction. For
      example, acute kidney injury (AKI) occurs in 40-50% of septic patients and
      increases mortality six to eight-fold. However, the mechanisms by which sepsis
      causes organ dysfunction are not well understood and hence current therapy
      remains reactive and nonspecific. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies have challenged
      the previous notion that organ dysfunction is solely secondary to hypoperfusion,
      by showing, for example, that AKI occurs in the setting of normal or increased
      renal blood flow; and that it is characterized not by acute tubular necrosis or
      apoptosis, but rather by heterogeneous areas of colocalized sluggish peritubular
      blood flow and tubular epithelial cell oxidative stress. Evidence has also shown
      that microvascular dysfunction, inflammation, and the metabolic response to
      inflammatory injury are fundamental pathophysiologic mechanisms that may explain
      the development of sepsis-induced AKI. SUMMARY: The implications of these
      findings are significant because in the context of decades of negative clinical
      trials in the field, the recognition that other mechanisms are at play opens the
      possibility to better understand the processes of injury and repair, and provides
      an invaluable opportunity to design mechanism-targeted therapeutic interventions.

PMID- 27661758
TI  - In vitro DNA binding profile of enantiomeric dinuclear Cu(II)/Ni(II) complexes
      derived from l-/d-histidine-terepthaldehyde reduced Schiff base as potential
      chemotherapeutic agents.
AB  - New chiral reduced Schiff base ligands, L1 and L2 derived from l-/d-histidine and
      terepthaldehyde, and their Cu(II) and Ni(II) dinuclear complexes 1 &2 (a and b)
      were synthesized and thoroughly characterized by various spectroscopic
      techniques. Comparative binding profile of both l-/d-enantiomeric Cu(II) and
      Ni(II) complexes with ct-DNA was studied by employing optical and spectroscopic
      techniques to evaluate their enantiopreferential selectivity towards molecular
      target DNA and thereby explore their relative chemotherapeutic potential.
      Quantitative assessment of DNA binding propensity was ascertained by calculating
      Kb, K and Ksv values of 1 &2 (a and b) which demonstrated higher binding affinity
      of l-enantiomeric Cu(II) complex, 1a and followed the order as 1a>1b>2a>2b.
      Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to analyze the morphological changes
      of the DNA condensate in presence of complexes 1 (a and b). The SEM micrographs
      condensates revealed morphological transitions and formation of different
      structural features implicating the condensation process between the complexes
      and biomolecule occurred to form compact massive structures. The gel
      electrophoretic assay of complex 1a was carried out with pBR322 plasmid DNA which
      revealed an efficient cleaving ability of the complex via oxidative pathway with
      the involvement of singlet oxygen (1O2) and the superoxide anion (O2*-) radicals
      as the ROS responsible the cleavage reactions. Molecular docking studies of 1 (a
      and b) with DNA revealed selective recognition of G-C residues of the narrow
      minor groove of the DNA duplex and complex 1a demonstrated binding affinity
      towards DNA ascertained from its higher binding energy values. Furthermore, the
      cytotoxic assessment of 1a was examined on a panel of cancer cell lines of
      different histological origin employing SRB assay which revealed remarkably good
      cytotoxic activity towards HL60, HeLa and MCF7 cancer cell lines.

PMID- 27661759
TI  - Low-level laser therapy (904nm) can increase collagen and reduce oxidative and
      nitrosative stress in diabetic wounded mouse skin.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Over the last decade we have seen an increased interest
      in the use of Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) in diseases that involve increased
      oxidative stress. It is well established that hyperglycemia in diabetes elicits a
      rise in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production but the effect of LLLT remains
      unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether LLLT was able to improve
      oxidative/nitrosative stress parameters in the wound healing process in diabetic
      mice. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty male mice were divided into four
      groups: non-irradiated control (NIC), irradiated control (IC), non-irradiated and
      diabetic (NID), irradiated and diabetic (ID). Diabetes was induced by
      administration of streptozotocin. Wounds were created 120days after the induction
      of diabetes in groups IC and ID and these groups were irradiated daily for 5days
      (superpulsed 904nm laser, average power 40mW, 60s). All animals were sacrificed
      1day after the last irradiation and histology, collagen amount, catalase
      activity, nitrite and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were
      measured. RESULTS: Histology showed that collagen fibers were more organized in
      IC and ID when compared to NID group, and significant differences in collagen
      content were found in group ID versus NID. Catalase activity was higher in IC
      group compared to other groups (p<0.001). TBARS levels were higher in IC versus
      NIC, but were lower in ID versus NID (p<0.001). Nitrite was lower in both
      irradiated groups versus the respective non-irradiated groups (p<0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: Delayed wound healing in diabetes is still a challenge in clinical
      practice with high social costs. The increased production of collagen and
      decreased oxidative and nitrosative stress suggests that LLLT may be a viable
      therapeutic alternative in diabetic wound healing.

PMID- 27661761
TI  - Fluorescent Probes for Sensing and Imaging within Specific Cellular Organelles.
AB  - Fluorescent probes have become powerful tools in biosensing and bioimaging
      because of their high sensitivity, specificity, fast response, and technical
      simplicity. In the last decades, researchers have made remarkable progress in
      developing fluorescent probes that respond to changes in microenvironments (e.g.,
      pH, viscosity, and polarity) or quantities of biomolecules of interest (e.g.,
      ions, reactive oxygen species, and enzymes). All of these analytes are
      specialized to carry out vital functions and are linked to serious disorders in
      distinct subcellular organelles. Each of these organelles plays a specific and
      indispensable role in cellular processes. For example, the nucleus regulates gene
      expression, mitochondria are responsible for aerobic metabolism, and lysosomes
      digest macromolecules for cell recycling. A certain organelle requires specific
      biological species and the appropriate microenvironment to perform its cellular
      functions, while breakdown of the homeostasis of biomolecules or
      microenvironmental mutations leads to organelle malfunctions, which further cause
      disorders or diseases. Fluorescent probes that can be targeted to both specific
      organelles and biochemicals/microenvironmental factors are capable of reporting
      localized bioinformation and are potentially useful for gaining insight into the
      contributions of analytes to both healthy and diseased states. In this Account,
      we review our recent work on the development of fluorescent probes for sensing
      and imaging within specific organelles. We present an overview of the design,
      photophysical properties, and biological applications of the probes, which can
      localize to mitochondria, lysosomes, the nucleus, the Golgi apparatus, and the
      endoplasmic reticulum. Although a diversity of organelle-specific fluorescent
      stains have been commercially available, our efforts place an emphasis on
      improvements in terms of low cytotoxicity, high photostability, near-infrared
      (NIR) emission, two-photon excitation, and long fluorescence lifetimes, which are
      crucial for long-time tracking of biological processes, tissue and body imaging
      with deep penetration and low autofluorescence, and time-resolved fluorescence
      imaging. Research on fluorescent probes with both analyte responsiveness and
      organelle targetability is a new and emerging area that has attracted increasing
      attention over the past few years. We have extended the diversity by developing
      organelle-specific responsive probes capable of detecting changes in biomolecular
      levels (reactive oxygen species, fluoride ion, hydrogen sulfide, zinc cation,
      thiol-containing amino acids, and cyclooxygenase-2) and the microenvironment
      (viscosity, polarity, and pH). Future research should give more considerations of
      the "low-concern" organelles, such as the Golgi apparatus, the endoplasmic
      reticulum, and ribosomes. In addition, given the tiny sizes of subcellular
      organelles (20-1000 nm), we anticipate that clearer visulization of the cellular
      events within specific organelles will rely on super-resolution optical
      microscopy with nanoscopic-scale resolution.

PMID- 27661760
TI  - Capacitance of Nanoporous Carbon-Based Supercapacitors Is a Trade-Off between the
      Concentration and the Separability of the Ions.
AB  - Nanoporous carbon-based supercapacitors store electricity through adsorption of
      ions from the electrolyte at the surface of the electrodes. Room temperature
      ionic liquids, which show the largest ion concentrations among organic liquid
      electrolytes, should in principle yield larger capacitances. Here, we show by
      using electrochemical measurements that the capacitance is not significantly
      affected when switching from a pure ionic liquid to a conventional organic
      electrolyte using the same ionic species. By performing additional molecular
      dynamics simulations, we interpret this result as an increasing difficulty of
      separating ions of opposite charges when they are more concentrated, that is, in
      the absence of a solvent that screens the Coulombic interactions. The charging
      mechanism consistently changes with ion concentration, switching from counterion
      adsorption in the diluted organic electrolyte to ion exchange in the pure ionic
      liquid. Contrarily to the capacitance, in-pore diffusion coefficients largely
      depend on the composition, with a noticeable slowing of the dynamics in the pure
      ionic liquid.

PMID- 27661762
TI  - Electrophilic Fluorination of Secondary Phosphine Oxides and Its Application to P
      O Bond Construction.
AB  - A novel and efficient electrophilic fluorination of secondary phosphine oxides
      with Selectfluor has been achieved. This transformation provides direct access to
      phosphoric fluorides in up to 92% yield under mild conditions. In addition, P-O
      bond construction via a one-pot coupling process of secondary phosphine oxides
      with water or alcohols in the presence of Selectfluor leads to the formation of
      phosphinic acids or phosphinates in up to 96% yield.

PMID- 27661763
TI  - Electronic Communication in Closely Connected BODIPY-Based Bichromophores.
AB  - A small series of closely spaced, bichromophoric boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY)
      derivatives has been examined by optical spectroscopy and compared to the
      corresponding mononuclear dyes. The compounds vary according to the site of
      attachment and also by the nature of alkyl or aryl substituents incorporated into
      the dipyrrin backbone. Excitonic coupling splits the lowest-energy absorption
      transition in each case, but to highly variable degrees. There are also marked
      changes in the fluorescence quantum yields across the series but much less
      variation in the excited-state lifetimes. After comparing different models, it is
      concluded that the ideal dipole approximation gives a crude qualitative
      representation of the observed splitting of the absorption transition, but the
      extended dipole approach is not applicable to these systems. Agreement is
      substantially improved by employing a model that takes into account the dihedral
      angle between the planes of the two dipyrrin units. The large variation in
      radiative rate constants, and those for the accompanying nonradiative processes,
      is accountable in terms of electronic coupling and/or intensity borrowing between
      the two excitonic states. In all cases, the dihedral angle between the two BODIPY
      units plays a key role.

PMID- 27661764
TI  - Plasmonic Crystals for Strong Light-Matter Coupling in Carbon Nanotubes.
AB  - Their high oscillator strength and large exciton binding energies make single
      walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) highly promising materials for the investigation
      of strong light-matter interactions in the near infrared and at room temperature.
      To explore their full potential, high-quality cavities-possibly with nanoscale
      field localization-are required. Here, we demonstrate the room temperature
      formation of plasmon-exciton polaritons in monochiral (6,5) SWCNTs coupled to the
      subdiffraction nanocavities of a plasmonic crystal created by a periodic gold
      nanodisk array. The interaction strength is easily tuned by the number of SWCNTs
      that collectively couple to the plasmonic crystal. Angle- and polarization
      resolved reflectivity and photoluminescence measurements combined with the
      coupled-oscillator model confirm strong coupling (coupling strength ~120 meV).
      The combination of plasmon-exciton polaritons with the exceptional charge
      transport properties of SWCNTs should enable practical polariton devices at room
      temperature and at telecommunication wavelengths.

PMID- 27661765
TI  - Band Alignment for Rectification and Tunneling Effects in Al2O3 Atomic-Layer
      Deposited on Back Contact for CdTe Solar Cell.
AB  - The present work intends to explain why ultrathin Al2O3 atomic-layer-deposited
      (ALD) on the back contact with rectification and tunneling effects can
      significantly improve the performance of CdTe solar cells in our previous work [
      Liang , J. ; et al. Appl. Phys. Lett. 2015 , 107 , 013907 ]. Herein, we further
      study the mechanism through establishing the interfacial energy band diagram
      configuration of the ALD Al2O3/CuxTe by experiment of X-ray photoelectron
      spectroscopy and first-principles calculations and conclude to find the band
      alignment with optimized layer thickness (about 1 nm ALD Al2O3) as the key factor
      for rectification and tunneling effects.

PMID- 27661766
TI  - Decreased Level of Klotho Contributes to Drug Resistance in Lung Cancer Cells:
      Involving in Klotho-Mediated Cell Autophagy.
AB  - Klotho is originally discovered as an anti-aging gene and recently identified as
      a tumor suppressor in various human cancers. Drug resistance is a major obstacle
      to affect the treatment of chemotherapy. In the present study, we explore the
      role of klotho on drug resistance in human lung cancers and investigate the
      mechanism of klotho on drug resistance in lung cancer cells. First, we detected a
      panel of six human lung cancer cell lines, including H460, SK-MES-1, cisplatin
      (DDP)-resistant A549/DDP, its parental subline A549, docetaxel (DTX)-resistant
      SPC-A-1/DTX, and SPC-A-1 by western blotting analysis. The results showed that
      klotho level was significantly decreased in chemotherapeutic drug-resistant lung
      cancer cells. Next, klotho was overexpressed in drug-resistant cancer cell lines
      and the results showed that overexpression of klotho significantly inhibited cell
      proliferation of A549/DDP and SPC-A-1/DTX. Conversely, knockdown of the
      expression of klotho significantly promoted cell growth of lung cancer cells.
      Furthermore, overexpression of klotho had synergistic effects with cisplatin to
      inhibit the proliferation of drug-resistant lung cancer cells in a dose- and time
      dependent manner. The molecular mechanism was explored by western blotting
      analysis and the results revealed that the levels of beclin 1 and LC3-II were
      obviously increased, suggesting cell autophagy enhanced in drug-resistant cancer
      cells. Importantly, overexpression of klotho would inhibit cell autophagy in
      A549/DDP cells. All the results demonstrated that the levels of klotho were
      significantly decreased, which was accompanied by the increased cell autophagy in
      drug-resistant lung cancer cells. Overexpression of klotho would inhibit cell
      autophagy in drug-resistant lung cancers, which may probably contribute to
      reverse drug resistance in lung cancer cells.

PMID- 27661767
TI  - Comparison of the effects of four different cochlear implant electrodes on intra
      cochlear pressure in a model.
AB  - CONCLUSION: Based on this model experiment, a small tip and low volume electrode
      show lowest intra-cochlear pressure values. Insertional support by a tool
      minimizes fast pressure changes. Higher electrodes volumes affect slow and fast
      pressure changes as well. OBJECTIVE: Insertion causing low intra-cochlear
      pressure is assumed to be important for atraumatic cochlear implant surgery to
      preserve residual hearing. Cochlear implant electrodes differ in terms of
      parameters like tip size, length, volume, and technique of insertion. The aim of
      this study was to observe the effect of different cochlear implant electrodes on
      insertional intra-cochlear pressure in a cochlear model. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Cochlear implant electrode insertions were performed in an artificial cochlear
      model and intra-cochlear pressure changes were recorded in parallel with a micro
      pressure sensor positioned in the apical region of the cochlear model to follow
      the maximum values, temporal changes, maximum amplitude, and frequency of changes
      in intra-cochlear pressure. Insertions were performed with four different
      electrodes (Advanced Bionics 1j, Helix, HFMS, and LW23). RESULTS: This study
      found statistically significant differences in the occurrence of initial maximum
      pressure values correlating with the electrode tip size. The different electrodes
      and the technique of insertion significantly affected the occurrence of maximum
      value, amplitude, and frequency of intra-cochlear pressure occurrence.

PMID- 27661768
TI  - Detecting tumor progression in glioma: current standards and new techniques.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The post-treatment monitoring of glioma patients remains an area of
      active research and development. Conventional imaging with MRI is a highly
      sensitive modality for detecting and monitoring primary and secondary brain
      tumors and includes multi-parametric sequences to better characterize the
      disease. Standardized schemes for measuring response to treatment are in wide
      clinical use; however, the introduction of new therapeutics have introduced new
      patterns of response that can confound interpretation of conventional MRI and can
      cause uncertainty in the proper management following therapy. Areas covered: A
      summary of current and evolving techniques for assessing glioma response in this
      era of new therapies that address these challenges are presented in this review.
      While this review focuses more on clinical and early clinical methodologies for
      MRI and nuclear medicine techniques some promising pre-clinical techniques are
      also presented. Expert commentary: While successful single institution results
      have been widely reported in the literature, any new methodologies must be
      undertaken in multi-center settings. Additionally, the need for standardization
      of protocols in quantitative measured are an important area that must be
      addressed for new and promising techniques to be implemented to a wide array of
      patients.

PMID- 27661769
TI  - A qualitative description of successful aging through different decades of older
      adulthood.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To qualitatively examine factors that contribute to successful aging
      during different decades of older adulthood. METHODS: Fundamental qualitative
      description was adopted as the methodological framework. Through purposeful
      sampling, 42 community dwelling older adults (mean age = 79.6 years, age range =
      65-97 years; 19 males) were recruited. Focus groups (6) segmented by decade of
      life were conducted with participants 65-74 (n = 17) and 75-84 (n = 17) years of
      age. Semi-structured interviews (16) were conducted with four participants from
      each decade, as well as participants 85 years of age and older (n = 8). Data
      analyses were conducted independently for each decade of life and included
      inductive analysis of textual data through continuous comparisons of meaning
      units. RESULTS: Three primary themes related to successful aging were identified
      across all decades of older adulthood: (1) staying healthy (secondary themes:
      genetics and lifestyle choices), (2) maintaining an active engagement in life
      (secondary themes: social engagement and cognitive engagement), and (3) keeping a
      positive outlook on life. Participants in specific decades of older adulthood
      identified three additional secondary themes related to maintaining an active
      engagement in life: finances (65-74 and 85+ years), social support (75+ years),
      and successful marriage (75+ years). Similarly, only adults 65-84 years of age
      identified a secondary theme for keeping a positive outlook on life: acceptance
      and adaptation. CONCLUSION: Primary themes related to successful aging were
      agreed upon by participants in all decades of older adulthood, while age-based
      differences existed among secondary themes. Thus, what it means to age
      successfully may be age-dependent.

PMID- 27661770
TI  - Identification of chemical ingredients of peanut stems and leaves extracts using
      UPLC-QTOF-MS coupled with novel informatics UNIFI platform.
AB  - Peanut stems and leaves have been used traditionally as both herbal medicines and
      special food in Asia. In this study, the main functional compounds of peanut
      stems and leaves extracts were identified using UPLC separation coupled to high
      resolution mass spectrometry (QTOF-MS), and a traditional medicine library. Three
      different extraction solvents (ethyl acetate, petroleum ether and n-butanol) were
      evaluated to prepare the extracts of peanut stems and leaves. A total of 283
      chemical compounds were identified in peanut stems and leaves extracts, of which
      207 compounds are tentatively new identifications in Genus Arachis. The
      integration of data acquisition and processing with the traditional medicine
      library provides a simple, efficient process to effectively facilitate the
      identification of chemical ingredients in complex natural product extracts. The
      integrated workflow for separation, detection and identification of functional
      compounds in natural products using UPLC/QTOF-MS greatly improves productivity
      for development of traditional herbal medicines. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley &
      Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27661771
TI  - Differential abilities of nitrogen dioxide and nitrite to nitrate proteins in
      thylakoid membranes isolated from Arabidopsis leaves.
AB  - Exposure of Arabidopsis leaves to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) results in nitration of
      specific chloroplast proteins. To determine whether NO2 itself and/or nitrite
      derived from NO2 can nitrate proteins, Arabidopsis thylakoid membranes were
      isolated and treated with NO2-bubbled or potassium nitrite (KNO2) buffer,
      followed by protein extraction, electrophoresis, and immunoblotting using an anti
      3-nitrotyrosine (NT) antibody. NO2 concentrations in the NO2-bubbled buffer were
      calculated by numerically solving NO2 dissociation kinetic equations. The two
      buffers were adjusted to have identical nitrite concentrations. Both treatments
      yielded an NT-immunopositive band that LC/MS identified as PSBO1. The difference
      in the band intensity between the 2 treatments was designated nitration by NO2.
      Both NO2 and nitrite mediated nitration of proteins, and the nitration ability
      per unit NO2 concentration was ~100-fold greater than that of nitrite.

PMID- 27661772
TI  - pH and metal concentration of synovial fluid of osteoarthritic joints and joints
      with metal replacements.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Due to degradation and metal dissolution during articulation of metal
      joint replacements the chemical periprosthetic environment may change. The aim
      was to establish whether metal replacements cause the local changes in pH and
      elevated metal concentrations. METHODS: pH was measured on samples from 167
      patients: native hip and knee osteoarthritic joints, joints with hip and knee
      replacements revised for aseptic or septic reasons. pH of synovial fluid and
      periprosthetic tissue was measured perioperatively using a microelectrode and pH
      indicator papers for removed metal components. Metal concentrations were measured
      in 21 samples using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. RESULTS: The
      mean pH value of synovial fluid at native osteoarthritic joints (n = 101) was
      7.78 +/- 0.38. The mean pH value of synovial fluid at revision aseptic operation
      (n = 58) was 7.60 +/- 0.31, with statistically significant difference (p = 0.002)
      compared to native osteoarthritic joints. The mean pH value of synovial fluid at
      revision septic operation (n = 8) was 7.55 +/- 0.25, with statistically
      significant difference (p = 0.038) compared to native osteoarthritic joints.
      Measurements in tissue and at stems were not reliable. In the majority of samples
      taken at revision increased levels of cobalt and chromium were measured.
      CONCLUSION: A small but statistically significant difference was observed in the
      pH of synovial fluid between natural joints with degenerative diseases and joints
      treated with metal replacements. Based on the increased metal levels we expected
      the value of pH to be lower, but the influence of metal ions is counteracted by
      the buffering capacity of human body. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed
      Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 2507-2515, 2017.

PMID- 27661773
TI  - Decarboxylative Aminomethylation of Aryl- and Vinylsulfonates through Combined
      Nickel- and Photoredox-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling.
AB  - A mild approach for the decarboxylative aminomethylation of aryl sulfonates by
      the combination of photoredox and nickel catalysis through C-O bond cleavage is
      described for the first time. A wide range of aryl triflates as well as aryl
      mesylates, tosylates and alkenyl triflates afford the corresponding products in
      good to excellent yields.

PMID- 27661774
TI  - Graded fear generalization enhances the level of cfos-positive neurons
      specifically in the basolateral amygdala.
AB  - Fear is an important emotional reaction in response to threatening stimuli and is
      important for survival. However, when fear occurs in inappropriate circumstances,
      it can lead to pathological conditions including an increased vulnerability for
      developing anxiety disorders such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
      Patients with PTSD generalize fear to contexts or to environments that are not
      associated with the trauma. We sought to explore if increasing the level of
      dissimilarity relative to the context in which mice learn fear results in changes
      in the level of fear responding to the new context. We also determined with this
      procedure if the number of cells expressing the immediate early gene cfos changes
      with the corresponding level of expressed fear within brain regions known to be
      important in modulating fear, including the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and
      hippocampus. Our results indicate that mice that were tested in increasingly
      different contexts showed significantly different levels of fear responses.
      Freezing level was higher in the context most similar to the acquisition context
      than the one that was highly different. The level of cfos within the BLA, but not
      hippocampus, was also significantly different between the test contexts, with
      higher levels in the somewhat similar compared with the most different context.
      Overall, these results highlight the BLA as a critical region in the node of fear
      circuitry for modulating fear generalization. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27661775
TI  - Diagnostic performance of diffusion tensor imaging parameters in breast cancer
      and correlation with the prognostic factors.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic performances of the diffusion tensor imaging
      (DTI) parameters in the diagnosis of breast cancer and to investigate the
      variations in DTI parameters according to the breast cancer biomarkers. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: At 3.0 Tesla (T), DTI was performed in 85 patients with 92 enhancing
      breast lesions. lambda1 , lambda2 , lambda3 , mean diffusivity (MD), radial
      diffusivity (RD), fractional anisotropy (FA), relative anisotropy (RA), and
      geodesic anisotropy (GA) were studied and compared with diffusion-weighted
      imaging-derived apparent diffusion coefficient. Lesions were analyzed according
      to BIRADS lexicon. Logistic regression models were constructed to determine the
      contribution of DTI to the specificity and the accuracy of DCE-MRI. Breast cancer
      biomarkers; estrogen receptor (ER), HER-2 status, and Ki-67 were correlated with
      DTI in malignant cases. RESULTS: Malignant lesions exhibited significantly lower
      MD, RD, lambda1 , lambda2 , lambda3 and higher FA, RA, GA values (P <  0.001).
      Logistic regression models showed that MD, RD, lambda1 , lambda2 , lambda3 , FA,
      and RA increase the specificity of the DCE-MRI (from 83.0% to 89.4-93.6%; P < 
      0.05). Higher RD, lambda2 , lambda3 and lower FA, RA, and GA values were observed
      in ER-negative breast cancer (P <  0.05). Ki-67 showed significant, negative
      correlation with FA, RA, GA, lambda1 -lambda3 and lambda1 -lambda2 (r = -0.336 to
      -0.435; P <  0.05). CONCLUSION: Besides its ability to differentiate malignant
      breast lesions, DTI improves the specificity of conventional 3.0T breast MRI and
      shows correlation with biomarkers ER and Ki-67. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1 J. Magn.
      Reson. Imaging 2017;45:660-672.

PMID- 27661776
TI  - Hypoglycemia Enhances Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Invasiveness, and
      Restrains the Warburg Phenotype, in Hypoxic HeLa Cell Cultures and
      Microspheroids.
AB  - The accelerated growth of solid tumors leads to episodes of both hypoxia and
      hypoglycemia (HH) affecting their intermediary metabolism, signal transduction,
      and transcriptional activity. A previous study showed that normoxia (20% O2 )
      plus 24 h hypoglycemia (2.5 mM glucose) increased glycolytic flux whereas
      oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) was unchanged versus normoglycemia in HeLa
      cells. However, the simultaneous effect of HH on energy metabolism has not been
      yet examined. Therefore, the effect of hypoxia (0.1-1% O2 ) plus hypoglycemia on
      the energy metabolism of HeLa cells was analyzed by evaluating protein content
      and activity, along with fluxes of both glycolysis and OxPhos. Under hypoxia, in
      which cell growth ceased and OxPhos enzyme activities, DeltaPsim and flux were
      depressed, hypoglycemia did not stimulate glycolytic flux despite increasing H
      RAS, p-AMPK, GLUT1, GLUT3, and HKI levels, and further decreasing mitochondrial
      enzyme content. The impaired mitochondrial function in HH cells correlated with
      mitophagy activation. The depressed OxPhos and unchanged glycolysis pattern was
      also observed in quiescent cells from mature multicellular tumor spheroids,
      suggesting that these inner cell layers are similarly subjected to HH. The
      principal ATP supplier was glycolysis for HH 2D monolayer and 3D quiescent
      spheroid cells. Accordingly, the glycolytic inhibitors iodoacetate and gossypol
      were more effective than mitochondrial inhibitors in decreasing HH-cancer cell
      viability. Under HH, stem cell-, angiogenic-, and EMT-biomarkers, as well as
      glycoprotein-P content and invasiveness, were also enhanced. These observations
      indicate that HH cancer cells develop an attenuated Warburg and pronounced EMT-
      and invasive-phenotype. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 1346-1359, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27661777
TI  - Imaging far and wide.
AB  - A custom-built objective lens called the Mesolens allows relatively large
      biological specimens to be imaged with cellular resolution.

PMID- 27661778
TI  - A novel optical microscope for imaging large embryos and tissue volumes with sub
      cellular resolution throughout.
AB  - Current optical microscope objectives of low magnification have low numerical
      aperture and therefore have too little depth resolution and discrimination to
      perform well in confocal and nonlinear microscopy. This is a serious limitation
      in important areas, including the phenotypic screening of human genes in
      transgenic mice by study of embryos undergoing advanced organogenesis. We have
      built an optical lens system for 3D imaging of objects up to 6 mm wide and 3 mm
      thick with depth resolution of only a few microns instead of the tens of microns
      currently attained, allowing sub-cellular detail to be resolved throughout the
      volume. We present this lens, called the Mesolens, with performance data and
      images from biological specimens including confocal images of whole fixed and
      intact fluorescently-stained 12.5-day old mouse embryos.

PMID- 27661779
TI  - Selective Formation of Alkoxychlorosilanes and Organotrialkoxysilane with Four
      Different Substituents by Intermolecular Exchange Reaction.
AB  - Alkoxychlorosilanes are scientifically and industrially important toward
      preparing silicone and silica as well as preparation of siloxane-based
      nanomaterials by stepwise reactions of Si-OR (R=alkyl) and Si-Cl groups.
      Intermolecular exchange of alkoxy and chloro groups between alkoxysilanes and
      chlorosilanes (functional group exchange reaction) provides an efficient and
      environmentally benign route to alkoxychlorosilanes. BiCl3 as a Lewis acid
      catalyst can promote the functional group exchange reactions more efficiently
      than conventional acid catalysts. Higher reactivity has been observed for
      chlorosilanes with smaller numbers of Si-CH3 groups and for alkoxysilanes with
      larger numbers of Si-CH3 groups. The reaction mechanism is proposed and selective
      syntheses of alkoxychlorosilanes are demonstrated. These findings also enable us
      to synthesize an organotrialkoxysilane with four different substituents.

PMID- 27661781
TI  - Questioning the use of an age-adjusted D-dimer threshold to exclude venous
      thromboembolism: analysis of individual patient data from two diagnostic studies:
      reply.

PMID- 27661782
TI  - Does Medical Risk Perception and Risk Taking Change with Age?
AB  - Across adulthood, people face increasingly more risky medical problems and
      decisions. However, little is known about changes in medical risk taking across
      adulthood. Therefore, the current cross-sectional study investigated age-related
      differences in medical risk taking with N = 317 adults aged 20-77 years using
      newly developed scenarios to assess medical risk taking, and additional measures
      designed to evaluate risk-taking behavior in the medical domain. Greater expected
      benefits on the Domain-Specific Risk-Taking Scale-Medical (DOSPERT-M) predicted
      more active risk taking, whereas higher perceived risk predicted less active risk
      taking. Next, we examined differences in active and passive risk taking, where
      passive risk taking refers to risk taking that is associated with inaction. Age
      was associated with less passive risk taking, but not with active risk taking,
      risk perception, or expected benefits on the DOSPERT-M. Participants were overall
      more likely to opt for taking medical action than not, even more so for a
      scenario about a vaccine for a deadly flu than for a scenario about a
      chemotherapy treatment for cancer. Overall, participants were more likely to
      accept medication (vaccine or chemotherapy) for their child than for themselves.
      Increasing age was associated with a lower likelihood of accepting the treatment
      or vaccine for oneself. Taken together, our study provides important insights
      about changes in medical risk taking across adulthood when people face an
      increasing number of complex and risky medical decisions.

PMID- 27661783
TI  - Hypertension management in the oldest old: Findings from a large long-term care
      facility.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to evaluate
      hypertension (HTN) management in patients 80 years of age and older who reside in
      a large, long-term care (LTC) facility. DATA SOURCE: A retrospective chart audit
      was conducted on 75 charts of patients 80 years of age and older and who had a
      diagnosis of HTN. Using the 2011 American College of Cardiology
      Foundation/American Heart Association (ACCF/AHA) Expert Consensus Document on
      Management of Hypertension in the Elderly as a guide, blood pressure readings,
      significant comorbidities, and antihypertensive medication utilization were
      analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: LTC residents in this sample were often not treated
      according to expert recommendations. Specifically, analysis revealed
      overtreatment of uncomplicated HTN and undertreatment of those with comorbid
      conditions. Additionally, those with diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease
      were infrequently prescribed ace inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers, as
      recommended. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Utilizing evidence-based practice (EBP)
      guidelines affords the best avenue for providing safe and effective treatment of
      HTN. While expert recommendations are available, researchers seldom recruit frail
      elders in LTC facilities into treatment investigations. In the absence of
      population-specific EBP guidelines, nurse practitioners must rely on expert
      opinion and diagnostic reasoning to individualize HTN treatment to this unique
      and vulnerable population.

PMID- 27661780
TI  - Using long-term experimental evolution to uncover the patterns and determinants
      of molecular evolution of an Escherichia coli natural isolate in the streptomycin
      treated mouse gut.
AB  - Although microbial ecology of the gut is now a major focus of interest, little is
      known about the molecular determinants of microbial adaptation in the gut.
      Experimental evolution coupled with whole-genome sequencing can provide insights
      of the adaptive process. In vitro experiments have revealed some conserved
      patterns: intermediate convergence, and epistatic interactions between beneficial
      mutations and mutations in global regulators. To test the relevance of these
      patterns and to identify the selective pressures acting in vivo, we have
      performed a long-term adaptation of an E. coli natural isolate, the streptomycin
      resistant strain 536, in the digestive tract of streptomycin-treated mice. After
      a year of evolution, a clone from 15 replicates was sequenced. Consistently with
      in vitro observations, the identified mutations revealed a strong pattern of
      convergence at the mutation, gene, operon and functional levels. Yet, the rate of
      molecular evolution was lower than in in vitro, and no mutations in global
      regulators were recovered. More specific targets were observed: the dgo operon,
      involved in the galactonate pathway that improved growth on D-galactonate, and
      rluD and gidB, implicated in the maturation of the ribosomes, which mutations
      improved growth only in the presence of streptomycin. As in vitro, the nonrandom
      associations of mutations within the same pathways suggested a role of epistasis
      in shaping the adaptive landscape. Overall, we show that 'evolve and sequence'
      approach coupled with an analysis of convergence, when applied to a natural
      isolate, can be used to study adaptation in vivo and uncover the specific
      selective pressures of that environment.

PMID- 27661785
TI  - Population structure and gene flow in the global pest, Helicoverpa armigera.
AB  - Helicoverpa armigera is a major agricultural pest that is distributed across
      Europe, Asia, Africa and Australasia. This species is hypothesized to have spread
      to the Americas 1.5 million years ago, founding a population that is at present,
      a distinct species, Helicoverpa zea. In 2013, H. armigera was confirmed to have
      re-entered South America via Brazil and subsequently spread. The source of the
      recent incursion is unknown and population structure in H. armigera is poorly
      resolved, but a basic understanding would highlight potential biosecurity
      failures and determine the recent evolutionary history of region-specific
      lineages. Here, we integrate several end points derived from high-throughput
      sequencing to assess gene flow in H. armigera and H. zea from populations across
      six continents. We first assemble mitochondrial genomes to demonstrate the
      phylogenetic relationship of H. armigera with other Heliothine species and the
      lack of distinction between populations. We subsequently use de novo genotyping
      by-sequencing and whole-genome sequences aligned to bacterial artificial
      chromosomes, to assess levels of admixture. Primarily, we find that Brazilian H.
      armigera are derived from diverse source populations, with strong signals of gene
      flow from European populations, as well as prevalent signals of Asian and African
      ancestry. We also demonstrate a potential field-caught hybrid between H. armigera
      and H. zea, and are able to provide genomic support for the presence of the H.
      armigera conferta subspecies in Australasia. While structure among the bulk of
      populations remains unresolved, we present distinctions that are pertinent to
      future investigations as well as to the biosecurity threat posed by H. armigera.

PMID- 27661784
TI  - An improved 19 F-CPMG scheme for detecting binding of polyfluorinated molecules
      to biological receptors.

PMID- 27661786
TI  - Determination of volatile polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in waters using
      headspace solid-phase microextraction with a benzyl-functionalized crosslinked
      polymeric ionic liquid coating.
AB  - A benzyl-functionalized crosslinked polymeric ionic liquid (PIL), produced
      through the co-polymerization of the 1-vinylbenzyl-3-hexadecylimidazolium
      bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]imide (VBHDIM-NTf2) ionic liquid (IL) monomer and
      1,12-di(3-vinylbenzylimidazolium)dodecane bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]imide
      ((DVBIM)2C12-2NTf2) IL crosslinker, was successfully used as a sorbent coating in
      headspace solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled to gas chromatography (GC)
      with flame-ionization detection (FID) to determine seven volatile polycyclic
      aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in environmental water samples. Optimum extraction
      conditions for the PAHs when using the novel sorbent include an extraction
      temperature of 50 degrees C, an ionic strength content adjusted with 30% (w/v)
      NaCl in the aqueous sample, and an extraction time of 60 min. The extraction
      performance of the crosslinked PIL fiber was compared to the SPME commercial
      coating polydimethylsiloxane fiber. The calibration ranges of the studied PAHs
      were linear in the range of 0.02-20 ug L-1 for the crosslinked PIL fiber. The
      accuracy of the proposed method was demonstrated by examining the spiked
      recoveries of seven PAHs which produced values ranging from 67.2% to 130% (for
      river- and seawater samples), and precision values lower than 9.4% for a spiked
      level of 1 ug L-1, and detection limits between 0.01 and 0.04 ug L-1, which
      supports the sensitivity of the method using GC-FID.

PMID- 27661787
TI  - Salvage therapy or simplification of salvage regimens with dolutegravir plus
      ritonavir-boosted darunavir dual therapy in highly cART-experienced subjects: an
      Italian cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dolutegravir plus darunavir provide a high genetic barrier to HIV-1
      resistance and are suitable for simple salvage regimens. METHODS: All HIV-1
      infected subjects treated with dolutegravir plus boosted darunavir dual therapy
      between March 2011 and September 2015 were included in an observational cohort.
      Data were collected at baseline and at weeks 4, 12, 24 and 48. RESULTS: We
      enrolled 113 subjects. After week 24, one was lost at follow-up, one dropped out
      for grade 2 elevation of liver enzymes, one died from illicit drug abuse and one
      from cancer-related sepsis. The mean age was 51, 26.5% were female and 9.7% were
      non-Caucasian. Twenty had never experienced failure. A total of 99 had reverse
      transcriptase (RT) mutations, 87 had protease inhibitor mutations and 12 had
      integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) mutations. Viraemic patients declined
      from baseline to week 24 from 43.4% to 6.2%, the remainder being due to high
      baseline viraemia or adherence issues. The proportion of subjects with viraemia 1
      49 copies/ml remained at 20.4% while those in whom no virus was detected (NVD)
      increased from 36.3% to 73.5% by week 24. All the 47 subjects who had a 48-week
      follow-up had <50 copies/ml and 42 (89.4%) had NVD. 18 subjects had reduced
      sensitivity to darunavir (Stanford median score 15, range 15-40), but none
      rebounded, 6 having a 24-week and 7 a 48-week follow-up. The median variation in
      serum creatinine was -0.01 (range +0.2 to -0.21) mg/dl. CONCLUSIONS: This dual
      regimen provides a simple salvage regimen and proved safe and effective in this
      cohort.

PMID- 27661788
TI  - Patient-centered methadone treatment: a randomized clinical trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Methadone patients who discontinue treatment are at high
      risk of relapse, yet a substantial proportion discontinue treatment within the
      first year. We investigated whether a patient-centered approach to methadone
      treatment improved participant outcomes at 12 months following admission,
      compared with methadone treatment-as-usual. DESIGN: Two-arm open-label randomized
      trial. SETTING: Two methadone treatment programs (MTPs) in Baltimore, MD, USA.
      PARTICIPANTS: Three hundred newly admitted MTP patients were enrolled between 13
      September 2011 and 26 March 2014. Their mean age was 42.7 years [standard
      deviation (SD) = 10.1] and 59% were males. INTERVENTION: Newly admitted MTP
      patients were assigned randomly to either patient-centered methadone treatment
      (PCM; n = 149), which modified the MTP's rules (e.g. counseling attendance was
      optional), and counselor roles (e.g. counselors were not responsible for
      enforcing clinic rules) or treatment-as-usual (TAU; n = 151). MEASUREMENTS: The
      primary outcome was opioid-positive urine test at 12-month follow-up. Other 12
      month outcomes included days of heroin and cocaine use, cocaine-positive urine
      tests, meeting DSM-IV opioid and cocaine dependence diagnostic criteria, HIV risk
      behavior and quality of life and retention in treatment. FINDINGS: There was no
      significant difference between PCM and TAU conditions in opioid-positive urine
      screens at 12 months [adjusted odds ratio = 0.98; 95% confidence interval (CI) =
      0.61, 1.56]. There were also no significant differences in any of the secondary
      outcome measures (all Ps > 0.05) except Quality of Life Global Score (P = 0.04;
      95% CI = 0.01, 0.45). There were no significant differences between conditions in
      the number of individual or group counseling sessions attended. (Ps > 0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: Patient-centered methadone treatment (with optional counseling and
      the counselor not serving as the treatment program disciplinarian) does not
      appear to be more effective than methadone treatment-as-usual.

PMID- 27661789
TI  - YEATS domain: Linking histone crotonylation to gene regulation.
AB  - Recent research reveals that the YEATS domains preferentially recognize
      crotonylated lysines on histones. Here, we discuss the molecular mechanisms that
      enable this recognition and the biological significances of this interaction. The
      dynamics of histone crotonylation and its potential roles in the regulation of
      gene expression will also be discussed.

PMID- 27661790
TI  - The Legal System and Alzheimer's Disease: Social Workers and Lawyers' Perceptions
      and Experiences.
AB  - The expected increase in the number of people living with Alzheimer's disease
      (AD) worldwide will be accompanied by an increase in the number of cases
      involving persons with AD brought up to the courts. This study examined the
      perceptions and experiences of social workers and lawyers regarding these cases.
      Three focus groups including social workers and lawyers (n = 26) were conducted.
      Two main themes were raised by the participants: (a) the role of social workers
      and lawyers in court cases regarding AD, and (b) the need for improving legal
      encounters involving persons with AD. Similarities and differences were found in
      both professionals' interpretations of these shared themes. Results of this study
      emphasize the need for increasing the knowledge and interprofessional training
      provided to social workers and lawyers involved in legal cases dealing with
      issues involving persons with Alzheimer's disease.

PMID- 27661791
TI  - Podocytic infolding glomerulopathy: A case report.
AB  - Podocytic infolding glomerulopathy (PIG) is a rare glomerular abnormality
      involving glomerular basement membrane (GBM) bubbling viewable by light
      microscopy, extensive invagination of the podocytic cytoplasm, and the presence
      of microstructures viewable by electron microscopy. PIG was proposed as a new
      disease entity in 2008. However, cases have been reported exclusively in Japan
      and no case reports outside Japan have been published. Here, we report a case of
      PIG in a 44-year-old Korean female. The patient showed mild proteinuria without
      renal functional impairment or other systemic diseases. Glomeruli were
      normocellular, but GBMs were diffusely and mildly thickened and showed a bubbly
      appearance with periodic acid methenamine silver (PAMS) staining.
      Immunofluorescence microscopy showed minimal mesangial IgM deposition, but
      staining was negative for IgG, IgA, C3, C4, C1q, and fibrinogen. Electron
      microscopy showed diffuse distribution of microtubules and microspherules within
      thickened GBM (620-1180 nm). Additional serologic tests revealed positive
      antinuclear antibodies, but other autoimmune markers were normal or negative. The
      patient was treated with steroids for three months, after which proteinuria
      decreased to the normal range.

PMID- 27661793
TI  - Community Health Workers: An Untapped Resource to Promote Genomic Literacy.
AB  - Poor understanding of gene-environment contributors to health conditions can lead
      the public to misinterpretations that overemphasize genetics as determinants of
      health. The present commentary calls for engaging the national community health
      worker (CHW) workforce to use community elicitation methods such as mental models
      approaches as a means to enhance the public's literacy regarding genetic and
      environmental or genomic contributions to health. We discuss three needs related
      to genomic literacy and suggest how CHWs are uniquely positioned to address these
      needs among diverse target audiences. We conclude by offering directions for the
      future of CHWs working to build genomic literacy.

PMID- 27661792
TI  - Spinal-Exercise Prescription in Sport: Classifying Physical Training and
      Rehabilitation by Intention and Outcome.
AB  - CONTEXT: Identification of strategies to prevent spinal injury, optimize
      rehabilitation, and enhance performance is a priority for practitioners.
      Different exercises produce different effects on neuromuscular performance.
      Clarity of the purpose of a prescribed exercise is central to a successful
      outcome. Spinal exercises need to be classified according to the objective of the
      exercise and planned physical outcome. OBJECTIVE: To define the modifiable spinal
      abilities that underpin optimal function during skilled athletic performance,
      clarify the effect of spinal pain and pathologic conditions, and classify spinal
      exercises according to the objective of the exercise and intended physical
      outcomes to inform training and rehabilitation. DESIGN: Qualitative study. DATA
      COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We conducted a qualitative consensus method of 4
      iterative phases. An exploratory panel carried out an extended review of the
      English-language literature using CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and PubMed to identify
      key themes and subthemes to inform the definitions of exercise categories,
      physical abilities, and physical outcomes. An expert project group reviewed panel
      findings. A draft classification was discussed with physiotherapists (n = 49) and
      international experts. Lead physiotherapy and strength and conditioning teams (n
      = 17) reviewed a revised classification. Consensus was defined as unanimous
      agreement. RESULTS: After the literature review and subsequent analysis, we
      defined spinal abilities in 4 categories: mobility, motor control, work capacity,
      and strength. Exercises were subclassified by functionality as nonfunctional or
      functional and by spinal displacement as either static (neutral spinal posture
      with no segmental displacement) or dynamic (dynamic segmental movement). The
      proposed terminology and classification support commonality of language for
      practitioners. CONCLUSIONS: The spinal-exercise classification will support
      clinical reasoning through a framework of spinal-exercise objectives that clearly
      define the nature of the exercise prescription required to deliver intended
      physical outcomes.

PMID- 27661794
TI  - Rivaroxaban significantly inhibits the stimulatory effects of bone-modulating
      hormones: In vitro study of primary female osteoblasts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anticoagulant therapy is a mainstay of treatment subsequent to major
      orthopedic surgeries. Evidence linking anticoagulant therapy, osteoporosis, and
      delayed fracture healing is not conclusive. We have previously reported that
      rivaroxaban significantly inhibited cell growth and energy metabolism in a human
      osteoblastic cell line. This study analyzed the response of primary female
      osteoblast cells to rivaroxaban in combination with various bone-modulating
      hormones. METHODS: Bone samples were taken from both premenopausal (pre-Ob) and
      postmenopausal (post-Ob) women. Cells were isolated from each sample and cultured
      to sub-confluence. Each sample was then treated with Rivaroxaban (10 ug/ml) in
      combination with the following hormones or with the hormones alone for 24 hours:
      30nM estradiol-17beta (E2), 390nM estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) agonist PPT,
      420nM estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta) agonist DPN, 50nM parathyroid hormone
      (PTH), and 1nM of vitamin D analog JKF. RESULTS: No effects were observed after
      exposure to rivaroxaban alone. When pre-Ob and post-Ob cells were exposed to the
      bone-modulating hormones as a control experiment, DNA synthesis and creatine
      kinase (CK)-specific activity was significantly stimulated with a greater
      response in the pre-Ob cells. When the cells were exposed to rivaroxaban in
      combination with bone-modulating hormones, the increased DNA synthesis and CK
      specific activity previously observed were completely attenuated. CONCLUSIONS:
      Rivaroxaban significantly inhibited the stimulatory effects of bone-modulating
      hormones in both pre-Ob and post-Ob primary human cell lines. This finding may
      have clinical relevance for patients at high risk of osteoporosis managed with
      rivaroxaban or other factor Xa inhibitors.

PMID- 27661795
TI  - Donald Ainslee Henderson, 1928-2016.

PMID- 27661798
TI  - The funny side.
AB  - The turn of the year kicked off with a new television series called Health anti
      Efficiency, billed as an NHS reform sitcom complete with Thatcherite trimmings.
      Some may find it difficult to raise a chuckle at the lighthearted banter with
      predictable one-liners and canned laughter. The ratings will give their own
      verdict on its popularity - would that calling a halt to the NHS changes were
      such a simple matter.

PMID- 27661797
TI  - The Department of Defense at the Forefront of a Global Health Emergency Response:
      Lessons Learned from the Ebola Outbreak.
AB  - Tasked with analyzing the effectiveness of the Department of Defense's (DoD's)
      global health engagements, the Uniformed Services University of the Health
      Sciences (USU) used the Measures Of Effectiveness in Defense Engagement and
      Learning (MODEL) study to conduct a qualitative analysis of the DoD's response
      efforts to the Ebola pandemic in West Africa. The research aims to summarize the
      findings of studies that monitor and evaluate the DoD's response to the Ebola
      pandemic or compare the effectiveness of different DoD response activities; it
      further aims to identify common themes around positive and negative lessons
      learned and recommendations that can be applied to future DoD humanitarian
      assistance and disaster response efforts. The search included documents and
      observations from PubMed, Disaster Lit: Resource Guide for Disaster Medicine and
      Public Health, the Joint Lessons Learned Information System, the DoD and US
      Africa Command websites, and Google Scholar. The records selected from the search
      were analyzed to provide insights on the DoD's humanitarian assistance and
      disaster response engagements that could be employed to inform future operations
      and policy. Furthermore, the research identifies strengths and gaps in military
      capabilities to respond to disasters, which can be used to inform future training
      and education courses. Overall, the findings demonstrate the importance of
      monitoring, evaluating, and assessing disaster response activities and provide
      new evidence to support the implementation of activities, in accordance with the
      Global Health Security Agenda, to strengthen all-threat prevention, detection,
      and response capabilities worldwide. 

PMID- 27661800
TI  - New year honours list.
AB  - Margaret Brain, until recently President of the Royal College of Midwives, was
      made a Dame in the New Year Honours List as nurses again featured prominently in
      the awards.

PMID- 27661799
TI  - Caring for people with learning disabilities.
AB  - Nurses are ideally placed to provide an individualised service to people with
      learning disabilities living at home or in residential accommodation. Acting as
      key change agents, nurses can encourage clients to live as independently as
      possible in their own communities and can improve the quality of life offered to
      individuals and their families. This unit is relevant to UKCC PREP categories of
      Care Enhancement, Reducing Risk and Practice Development.

PMID- 27661796
TI  - Comprehensive Laboratory Evaluation of a Highly Specific Lateral Flow Assay for
      the Presumptive Identification of Bacillus anthracis Spores in Suspicious White
      Powders and Environmental Samples.
AB  - We conducted a comprehensive, multiphase laboratory evaluation of the Anthrax
      BioThreat Alert((r)) test strip, a lateral flow immunoassay (LFA) for the rapid
      detection of Bacillus anthracis spores. The study, conducted at 2 sites,
      evaluated this assay for the detection of spores from the Ames and Sterne strains
      of B. anthracis, as well as those from an additional 22 strains. Phylogenetic
      near neighbors, environmental background organisms, white powders, and
      environmental samples were also tested. The Anthrax LFA demonstrated a limit of
      detection of about 10(6) spores/mL (ca. 1.5 * 10(5) spores/assay). In this study,
      overall sensitivity of the LFA was 99.3%, and the specificity was 98.6%. The
      results indicated that the specificity, sensitivity, limit of detection, dynamic
      range, and repeatability of the assay support its use in the field for the
      purpose of qualitatively evaluating suspicious white powders and environmental
      samples for the presumptive presence of B. anthracis spores. 

PMID- 27661801
TI  - London fog begins to clear.
AB  - The future of London's hospitals is finally being decided after Health Secretary
      Virginia Bottomley made the first in a series of'Tomlinson' announcements. But
      Mrs Bottomley is facing a continuing battle with health authorities intent on
      ignoring the findings of both the Tomlinson Report and the specialist review.

PMID- 27661802
TI  - ?
AB  - Penultimate presentations: Post-registration students Kim Miller (left), Gavin
      O'Sullivan and Anita Savage were among the is finalist nurses to be honoured as
      the second last intake to graduate from the Bethlem Royal Hospital and Maudsley
      Hospital in London. The final group to have the Royal seal' on their certificates
      will graduate next year, after which education will be run by The Nightingale
      Institute at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals.

PMID- 27661803
TI  - Dangerous patient list long overdue'.
AB  - News that hospitals and health authorities will be forced to keep a register of
      potentially dangerous patients released from psychiatric hospitals has been
      hailed as long overdue.

PMID- 27661804
TI  - ?
AB  - A recipe for success: Meals from around the world were cooked up by staff at St
      Charles I lospital as part of a fund-raising open day. The team from Portobello
      ward prepared food from Nigeria, Malaysia, Mauritius, Ghana, Morocco. China and
      Britain. The money will be used to organise activities for the ward's elderly
      patients.

PMID- 27661806
TI  - NHS restructuring.
AB  - * Government plans for a radical shake-up of NHS management structures will fail
      without the backing of staff, the National Association of Health Authorities and
      Trusts hies warned.

PMID- 27661808
TI  - PFC will not make savings promised.
AB  - Patient-focused care will not make the savings it promises, a new NHS report says
      - but it could help to 'blur' nursing into a new generic health profession.

PMID- 27661807
TI  - Managers told: 'Use clinical guidelines'.
AB  - A new initiative to ensure nurses, doctors and managers make use of research into
      the most cost-effective, high quality patient care available has been announced
      by the NHS Management Executive.

PMID- 27661809
TI  - ?
AB  - Eastern promise: Thirty Japanese nurses on a recent visit to the RCN's Institute
      of Advanced Nursing Education. The group spent a week studying infection control
      nursing and have now returned to Japan where they aim to develop Infection
      Control Specialist posts.

PMID- 27661810
TI  - Guernsey vote branded obscene by RCN.
AB  - A decision by Guernsey's ruling council not to ratify a United Nations convention
      on the elimination of discrimination against women has been branded 'obscene' by
      the RCN.

PMID- 27661812
TI  - NHS part-timers 'suffering'.
AB  - Part-time workers in the NHS - most of whom are women - face career
      discrimination with reduced access to training and inadequate childcare
      provision, according to an Institute of Manpower Studies report.

PMID- 27661814
TI  - Agencies desperate for staff.
AB  - Nursing agencies in London are facing a critical shortage of available staff to
      meet the demands of hospital and community units in the capital, the RCN has
      claimed.

PMID- 27661813
TI  - Hancock calls for lobbying on education.
AB  - A 'massive lobbying job' needs to be undertaken to secure the future of nurse
      education and fill a 'gaping policy vacuum', RCN General Secretary Christine
      Hancock has said.

PMID- 27661815
TI  - ?
AB  - That's Life star Gavin Campbell helped launch a patient comment scheme at Guy's
      and St Thomas' Hospital Trust. The Let us Know' scheme is designed to encourage
      feedback from patients, visitors and staff. Comments will be passed to relevant
      departments for action. With Gavin are nurse Kay Iowther and new mum lisa Ward.

PMID- 27661816
TI  - ICU workers face more stress.
AB  - Intensive care unit nurses face far more stress than those working on general
      wards, psychologists have found.

PMID- 27661817
TI  - Nurse victims often blame themselves.
AB  - Nurses who are the victims of sexual harassment at work frequently blame
      themselves, the conference heard.

PMID- 27661820
TI  - Sands launches teardrop sticker campaign.
AB  - SANDS, the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society, has incorporated its teardrop
      logo in a sticker that is to be used on notes to warn health professionals that a
      mother has lost her baby.

PMID- 27661818
TI  - Norwegian unions fight for the right to full-time positions.
AB  - Norway Too many of the country's nurses work part-time, according to the
      Norwegian Nurses Association (NNA).

PMID- 27661821
TI  - New design scanner eases patients' fears.
AB  - The fears of an estimated five per cent of patients intimidated by the enclosed
      scanners used for magnetic resonance imaging will be eased by a new design to be
      launched in the spring.

PMID- 27661822
TI  - Blood transfusion first for Southend Hospital.
AB  - A hospital in Essex has become the first in the UK to offer patients a full range
      of autologous blood components.

PMID- 27661823
TI  - Extending viability in transplant organs.
AB  - A synthetic opiate might help to prolong the viability of organs for transplant,
      American researchers say.

PMID- 27661824
TI  - Children and primary antibody deficiencies.
AB  - Rapid subcutaneous immunoglobulin infusions might be useful in the treatment of
      children with primary antibody deficiences, according to researchers.

PMID- 27661825
TI  - Criteria for elective aneurysm repair.
AB  - Surgical repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms less than 6cm in diameter is
      unnecessary and possibly detrimental, new research suggests.

PMID- 27661826
TI  - Prescribed drugs and hospital admissions.
AB  - Of 705 admissions to one care of the elderly unit, more than 100 were
      precipitated by drug therapy and could have been avoided, a pharmacist reports.

PMID- 27661827
TI  - Antenatal screening for trisomy 18 now feasible.
AB  - Screening for trisomy 18 in the second trimester could be a valuable addition to
      screening for trisomy 21, according to researchers.

PMID- 27661828
TI  - Children who care.
AB  - Care in the community is institutionalising a form of child abuse, says Dr Saul
      Becker, director of research for the Young Carers Project at Loughborough
      University. 'Community care relies heavily on I so-called informal carers, and we
      now know that many of them are children.

PMID- 27661829
TI  - It's not our job to cope with yobs.
AB  - I was pleased to read Christopher Goodall's call for a Nurse's Charter to protect
      staff against the unacceptable behaviour encouraged by the existence of the
      Patient's Charter (What about our rights? Viewpoint, December 8).

PMID- 27661830
TI  - Just shout back at bullying quacks.
AB  - I read RCN Scottish Secretary June Andrews' comments in your news story, Doctors
      'are bullying junior nurses' (December 1), with surprise and disappointment.

PMID- 27661831
TI  - Get on platforms against Cuban heels.
AB  - As members of a group of health workers from UNISON who recently visited Cuba, we
      would like to inform readers of the suffering inflicted on the Cuban people by
      the lack of medical supplies as a result of the imposition of an economic
      blockade by the US.

PMID- 27661832
TI  - Teacher raises Montessori point.
AB  - Thank you for a well-written and well-presented research article, A computer
      assisted learning package (Clinical, December 8).

PMID- 27661833
TI  - Paed off for the children's sake.
AB  - I write to ask children's nurses how soon it will be before they are able to
      separate the words 'paediatric' and 'nursing' when the former is used to describe
      children's nursing?

PMID- 27661834
TI  - Wrongly furnished Chair confusion.
AB  - At the end of my letter in the December 8 issue (A woman's place is via the Home
      Office), I should have been described as former Chair of RCN Congress, not
      Council.

PMID- 27661836
TI  - Correction.
AB  - A news item in the December 1 issue incorrectly stated the telephone number of
      the National Schizophrenia Fellowship. It can be contacted on 081-547 3937.

PMID- 27661835
TI  - I can't even take money for granted.
AB  - I would like to say to all the students who have written in during the past few
      weeks complaining about the amount of rent they have to pay: think yourselves
      lucky.

PMID- 27661837
TI  - Information exchange.

PMID- 27661839
TI  - Confronting the Pain of Child Sexual Abuse Confronting the Pain of Child Sexual
      Abuse FSU London 86pp L5.00 0-905-17534-4.
AB  - Confronting the Pain of Child Sexual Abuse is a compact book full of information
      and ideas for working in the area of child sexual abuse (CSA).

PMID- 27661838
TI  - Nutrition Handbook for Nursing Practice, 2nd edition S Dudek Nutrition Handbook
      for Nursing Practice, 2nd edition 2nd edition J B Lippincott 736pp L27.95 0-397
      54928-8.
AB  - The Nutrition Handbook for Nursing Practice is a uniquely and clearly presented
      reference book from the United States.

PMID- 27661840
TI  - Cancer Answers E Friedberg W H Freeman 186pp L10.95 0-7167-7024-5.
AB  - Cancer Answers: Encouraging Answers to 25 Questions You Were Always Afraid To
      Answer is an American book edited for the British market.

PMID- 27661842
TI  - ANS action plan to probe hardship cases.
AB  - A major RCN survey into student hardship is being launched as part of the
      Association of Nursing Students' new drive to win proper government funding for
      members on all courses.

PMID- 27661841
TI  - Student numbers plummet.
AB  - Nursing student numbers have fallen by a massive 35 per cent since 1983 and the
      figure could fall by a further 20 per cent this year if regions act on the latest
      government guidelines, the RCN has warned.

PMID- 27661843
TI  - National Student News.

PMID- 27661844
TI  - Talked up-beaten down.
AB  - It's right there in the philosophy of Project 2000 - 'students are agents for
      change'. Whoever thought that up should become a road sweeper and try to change
      this country's monetary policy. The level of impact would be about the same.

PMID- 27661845
TI  - Advice from the Royal College of Nursing.
AB  - Q What is RCN Congress, and how can I get involved? The Royal College of
      Nursing's annual Congress debates recommendations, resolutions and matters for
      discussion, which are submitted by RCN branches, national membership groups
      (which include the ANS), the RCN's governing Council, and other constituent parts
      of the College.

PMID- 27661846
TI  - Letters.
AB  - I read Daniel Law's article, Large Scale Discrimination, in No Limits issue One,
      with horror and sorrow.

PMID- 27661848
TI  - Career listings.
AB  - May 30-June 3 How to read and use results of nursing research' is the title of a
      course to be held by the European Oncology Nursing Society. The venue is Eerbeek,
      The Netherlands. The fee is Df1750. Grants are available. Details from Robbert
      van Bokhoven, Educational Department IK A, Plesmanlaan 125, 1066 CX, Amsterdam,
      The Netherlands, tel 31 20 6172903, fax 31 20 6155904, or Brian Lake, Honorary
      Secretary, RCN Cancer Nursing Society, Royal Marsden Hospital, London SW3 6JJ.

PMID- 27661850
TI  - Effect of Hand Antisepsis Agent Selection and Population Characteristics on
      Surgical Site Infection Pathogens.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Selection of a pre-operative hand antisepsis agent has not been
      studied in relation to surgical site infection (SSI) culture data. In our
      hospital, we introduced an alcohol-based hand rub (ABR) in 2012 as an alternative
      to traditional aqueous surgical scrubs (TSS). It was the goal of this study to
      review any effect of this implementation on SSI pathogen characteristics. In
      addition, we sought to compare our SSI culture data with available National
      Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) data. We hypothesized that SSI pathogens and
      resistant isolates are affected by surgical hand antisepsis technique. METHODS:
      Data collected prospectively between 2007 and 2014 were retrospectively analyzed
      for two time periods at the Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System (VABHS):
      Before ABR implementation (TSS group) and after (ABR group). Pathogen
      distribution and pathogenic isolate resistance profiles were compared for TSS and
      ABR, and similar comparisons, along with procedure-associated SSI comparisons,
      were made between VABHS and NHSN. All VABHS data were interpreted and categorized
      according to NHSN definitions. RESULTS: Compared with TSS (n = 4,051), ABR (n =
      2,293) had a greater rate of Staphylococcus aureus (42.6% vs. 38.0%), Escherichia
      coli (12.8% vs. 9.9%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (8.5% vs. 2.8%), and Enterobacter
      spp. (10.6% vs. 2.8%), and a lower rate of Klebsiella pneumoniae/K. oxytoca (4.3%
      vs. 8.5%) cultured from superficial and deep SSIs (p < 0.05). Of the S. aureus
      isolates, 35.0% and 44.4% were resistant to oxacillin/methicillin (MRSA) in ABR
      and TSS, respectively (p = 0.06). Looking at all SSIs, coagulase-negative
      staphylococci and K. pneumoniae/K. oxytoca at VABHS (4.0% and 10.4%,
      respectively) accounted for the biggest difference from NHSN (11.7% and 4.0%,
      respectively). Aside from MRSA, where there was no difference between VABHS and
      NHSN (42.9% vs. 43.7%, respectively; p = 0.87), statistically significant (p <
      0.05) differences were observed among multi-drug-resistant K. pneumoniae/K.
      oxytoca (0% vs. 6.8%, respectively) and Escherichia coli (10.0% vs. 1.6%,
      respectively), as well as among extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant K.
      pneumoniae/K. oxytoca (4.8% vs. 13.2%, respectively) and Enterobacter (58.3% vs.
      27.7%, respectively). VABHS had a greater proportion of SSIs in abdominal and
      vascular cases than did NHSN (48.6% vs. 22.5% and 13.2% vs. 1.5%, respectively).
      Overall, these differences were significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The TSS and
      ABR groups differed in the distribution of pathogens recovered. Those
      differences, along with SSI pathogen distribution, pathogenic isolate resistance
      profiles, and procedure-associated SSIs between VABHS and NHSN, warrant further
      investigation.

PMID- 27661851
TI  - Gaze Evoked Deformations of the Peripapillary Retina in Papilledema and Ischemic
      Optic Neuropathy.
AB  - Purpose: To examine the effects of horizontal eye movements on the shape of the
      peripapillary basement membrane layer (ppBM layer) in patients with papilledema,
      anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) and normal eyes. Methods: Spectral
      domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) axial rasters of the optic nerve
      were used to analyze the shape of the ppBM layer. We compared registered images
      in two eye positions: 10 degrees  to 15 degrees  of adduction and 30 degrees  to
      40 degrees  of abduction from 80 patients (45 with papilledema, 15 with AION, and
      20 normal eyes). Results: Horizontal eye movements induce a relative "seesaw
      like" shape deformation of the ppBM layer in patients with papilledema. On
      adduction, there is a relative posterior displacement temporal to the basement
      membrane opening (BMO) and an anterior displacement nasally (P = 0.001). The
      pattern reverses in abduction. Normal eyes and AION display similar but smaller
      changes in shape predominantly affecting the temporal side on adduction. The
      shape difference was significantly different for normal eyes (P = 0.03) and for
      AION (P = 0.01). Conclusions: Horizontal eye movements affect the shape of the
      ppBM layer. The deformation in normals and AION, in adduction, causes posterior
      displacement temporal to the BMO. In contrast, the deformations in papilledema
      are larger, involving temporal and nasal sides, presumably because of shifts in
      cerebrospinal fluid pressure against the scleral flange and hydraulic stiffening
      of the optic nerve sheath. The clinical importance of gaze-induced deformations
      is unknown but repetitive motion may be a factor in the genesis or progression of
      a variety of optic neuropathies.

PMID- 27661849
TI  - Variability in measures of health and health behavior among emerging adults 1
      year after high school according to college status.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine changes in health behaviors among US emerging adults 1 year
      after high school. PARTICIPANTS: The national sample of participants (N = 1,927),
      including those attending 4-year college/university (n = 884), 2-year
      colleges/technical schools (n = 588), and no college (n = 455), participated in
      annual spring surveys 2013-2014. METHODS: Health behaviors were assessed the last
      year of high school and first year of college; differences by college status
      controlling for previous-year values were estimated using regression analyses.
      RESULTS: Relative to 4-year college attendees, those attending technical
      school/community college were less likely to binge drink (odds ratio [OR] = 0.57,
      confidence interval [CI] = 0.38-0.86) but more likely to speed (OR = 1.26, CI =
      1.0-2.84), consume sodas (OR = 1.57, CI = 1.0-2.47), and report lower family
      satisfaction (p < .01), with marginally more physical and depressive symptoms.
      College nonattendees reported more DWI (driving while intoxicated; OR = 1.60, CI
      = 1.05-2.47), soda drinking (OR = 2.51, CI = 1.76-3.59), oversleeping (OR = 4.78,
      CI = 3.65-8.63), and less family satisfaction (p < .04). CONCLUSIONS: Health risk
      behaviors among emerging adults varied by college status.

PMID- 27661852
TI  - The Optic Nerve in Moving Pictures.

PMID- 27661853
TI  - Fibrocytes and Fibrovascular Membrane Formation in Proliferative Diabetic
      Retinopathy.
AB  - Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether fibrocytes
      participate in formation of the fibrovascular membrane (FVM) in patients with
      proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Methods: Vitreous fluid and FVM samples
      were obtained during vitrectomy in patients with PDR. Samples from patients with
      macular hole or epiretinal membrane were used as controls. Vitreous fluid and FVM
      samples were subjected to immunohistochemical analysis. In addition, cells
      isolated from the vitreous fluid of PDR and control patients were cultured in
      serum-free medium. Fibrocytes were identified among these cells by morphological
      and immunohistochemical analyses. We examined the number of fibrocytes in PDR
      patients and control patients. Also, the concentrations of monocyte
      chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), pentraxin3, and serum amyloid P (SAP) in
      vitreous fluid samples from PDR patients and control patients were determined by
      enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Fibrocytes were observed in the
      vitreous and FVM samples from PDR patients. Cells cultured from the vitreous
      samples of PDR patients were spindle shaped and expressed fibrocyte markers. TGF
      beta1 induced differentiation of these cells into myofibroblasts. The number of
      fibrocytes was higher in samples from PDR patients than in samples from control
      patient. The vitreous fluid concentration of MCP-1 was significantly higher in
      PDR patients than in controls and showed a significant positive correlation with
      the number of fibrocytes from the vitreous fluid. Vitreous fluid concentrations
      of pentraxin3 and SAP were also higher in PDR patients than in control patients.
      Conclusions: These findings indicate that fibrocytes may be involved in
      development of the FVM in PDR.

PMID- 27661854
TI  - Evaluation of Nonperfused Retinal Vessels in Ischemic Retinopathy.
AB  - Purpose: Retinal ischemia has been traditionally assessed by fluorescein
      angiography, visualizing perfused vessels. However, this method does not provide
      any information about nonperfused vessels, and although it is often assumed that
      vessels in ischemic areas regress, we know little about how nonperfused retinal
      vessels change over time. Here, we aim to learn more about the long-term fate of
      nonperfused vessels in the retinal vasculature. Methods: Optical coherence
      tomography (OCT) was used to visualize perfusion as well as structural properties
      of the retinal vasculature in patients suffering from retinal vascular
      occlusions. In addition, postmortem tissue from a patient with long standing (6
      years) central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) was investigated, using
      immunohistochemistry on whole-mount retina and paraffin sections to visualize
      blood vessel components. Results: Comparing OCT angiography with enface OCT
      images revealed that in ischemic areas of the retina, nonperfused, larger vessels
      could be detected as hyperreflective structures in enface OCT images.
      Furthermore, analysis of a postmortem tissue sample from a CRVO patient with a
      large nonperfused region in the macula, revealed preservation of the basement
      membrane from all retinal vessels, including nonperfused, acellular vessels of
      all calibers. Conclusions: Our data suggests long-term preservation of vascular
      basement membrane in ischemic retina. This has implications for therapeutic
      approaches aiming to alleviate retinal ischemia via the regeneration of damaged
      vessels.

PMID- 27661855
TI  - The Immunoproteasome in Human Lens Epithelial Cells During Oxidative Stress.
AB  - Purpose: The immunoproteasome is known to generate peptides for antigen
      presentation. However, it has also been proposed to have additional functions
      such as stress response. The propensity of the immunoproteasome for degradation
      of oxidatively damaged proteins and peptides makes it interesting in the context
      of cataract formation and prevention. This study hypothesized that the
      immunoproteasome is present in human cataractous lenses and that oxidative stress
      will induce its expression, affect its proteolytic activity and its intracellular
      location in native cultured human lens epithelial cells (HLECs). Methods: The
      expression of the immunoproteasome and the constitutive proteasome subunits
      beta1i/beta1, beta2i/beta2, and beta5i/beta5 were studied by using Western
      blotting. The chymotrypsin-like activity was investigated for possible oxidative
      stress response. Inhibitors specific for the immuno- and constitutive proteasome,
      ONX-0914 and MG-132, respectively, were used to study their relative
      contributions to total proteasome activity. The intracellular location of the
      proteasomal subunits beta5i and beta5 was studied by immunocytochemistry.
      Results: Immunoproteasome subunits were detected both in the lens epithelium and
      in the lens fibers derived from cataract surgery. Oxidative stress to cultured
      HLECs upregulated the immunoproteasome but not the constitutive proteasome. The
      chymotrypsin-like activity decreased with increased oxidative stress and the two
      proteasome types contributed equally to total proteasome activity.
      Immunocytochemical labeling of subunit beta5i showed mainly cytosolic
      localization, whereas subunit beta5 was localized predominantly in the nucleus.
      H2O2-induced challenge increased the expression of the immunoproteasome.
      Conclusions: The present findings indicate a role for the immunoproteasome in
      oxidative stress management in the lens.

PMID- 27661857
TI  - Standing Balance Stability and the Effects of Light Touch in Adults With Profound
      Loss of Vision-An Exploratory Study.
AB  - Purpose: We evaluated the postural stability of adults with inherited profound
      vision loss and examined the effects of touch on their balance control. Methods:
      A total of 11 severely-sight impaired patients (mean [SD] age, 51.6 [5.3] years)
      and 11 control subjects (mean age, 49.7 [5.3] years) participated. Postural
      stability was measured using a force-balance platform eyes open/closed on a
      firm/foam surface under 3 test conditions: no touch, light touch, and
      unrestricted touch (UT), where "touch" involved placing their index finger on a
      rigid table. Average magnitude of center of foot pressure displacement was
      calculated. A somatosensory ratio (SR) was used to evaluate the somatosensory
      contribution to balance. A repeated measures ANOVA was used to investigate the
      effects of touch on standing balance. Results: Patients had a significantly
      increased SR compared to control subjects (mean [SD] SR controls = 1.2 [0.2],
      patients = 1.9 [0.5]; P < 0.01). There was a significant effect of touch, vision,
      and surface on balance control ("touch" F = 68.1, P < 0.01; "vision" F = 20.1, P
      < 0.01; "surface" F = 200.8, P < 0.01). Light touch attenuated sway in patients
      and controls. The effects were greater in controls when their vision was removed,
      and greater in patients when their somatosensory system was disrupted. Light
      touch was as effective as UT in attenuating sway. Conclusions: The results of
      this exploratory study suggest that patients with severe sight impairment show an
      increased somatosensory contribution to balance control compared to their
      normally sighted counterparts. Light touch significantly reduces sway amplitude
      in severely sight impaired adults when standing on the foam surface, that is,
      when the somatosensory system is perturbed.

PMID- 27661856
TI  - Assessing the Association of Mitochondrial Genetic Variation With Primary Open
      Angle Glaucoma Using Gene-Set Analyses.
AB  - Purpose: Recent studies indicate that mitochondrial proteins may contribute to
      the pathogenesis of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). In this study, we
      examined the association between POAG and common variations in gene-encoding
      mitochondrial proteins. Methods: We examined genetic data from 3430 POAG cases
      and 3108 controls derived from the combination of the GLAUGEN and NEIGHBOR
      studies. We constructed biological-system coherent mitochondrial nuclear-encoded
      protein gene-sets by intersecting the MitoCarta database with the Kyoto
      Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database. We examined the mitochondrial
      gene-sets for association with POAG and with normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) and
      high-tension glaucoma (HTG) subsets using Pathway Analysis by Randomization
      Incorporating Structure. Results: We identified 22 KEGG pathways with significant
      mitochondrial protein-encoding gene enrichment, belonging to six general
      biological classes. Among the pathway classes, mitochondrial lipid metabolism was
      associated with POAG overall (P = 0.013) and with NTG (P = 0.0006), and
      mitochondrial carbohydrate metabolism was associated with NTG (P = 0.030).
      Examining the individual KEGG pathway mitochondrial gene-sets, fatty acid
      elongation and synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies, both lipid metabolism
      pathways, were significantly associated with POAG (P = 0.005 and P = 0.002,
      respectively) and NTG (P = 0.0004 and P < 0.0001, respectively). Butanoate
      metabolism, a carbohydrate metabolism pathway, was significantly associated with
      POAG (P = 0.004), NTG (P = 0.001), and HTG (P = 0.010). Conclusions: We present
      an effective approach for assessing the contributions of mitochondrial genetic
      variation to open-angle glaucoma. Our findings support a role for mitochondria in
      POAG pathogenesis and specifically point to lipid and carbohydrate metabolism
      pathways as being important.

PMID- 27661858
TI  - Corneal Hydration Control in Fuchs' Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy.
AB  - Purpose: To assess corneal hydration control across a range of severity of Fuchs'
      endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) by measuring the percent recovery per hour
      (PRPH) of central corneal thickness after swelling the cornea and to determine
      its association with corneal morphologic parameters. Methods: Twenty-three
      corneas of 23 phakic FECD patients and 8 corneas of 8 healthy control
      participants devoid of guttae were graded (modified Krachmer scale). Effective
      endothelial cell density (ECDe) was determined from the area of guttae and local
      cell density in confocal microscopy images. Steady-state corneal thickness (CTss)
      and standardized central corneal backscatter were derived from Scheimpflug
      images. Corneal swelling was induced by wearing a low-oxygen transmissible
      contact lens for 2 hours in the morning. De-swelling was measured over 5 hours
      after lens removal or until corneal thickness returned to CTss. Percent recovery
      per hour was 100 * (1 - e-k), where k was determined from CT(t) = (de-kt) + CTss,
      and where d was the initial change from CTss. Results: After contact lens wear,
      corneas swelled by 9% (95% CI 9-10). Percent recovery per hour was 49%/h (95% CI
      41-57) in controls and 37%/h in advanced FECD (95% CI 29-43, P = 0.028). Low PRPH
      was associated with disease severity, low ECDe, and increased anterior and
      posterior corneal backscatter. Anterior backscatter was associated with PRPH in a
      multivariable model (R2 = 0.44). Conclusions: Corneal hydration control is
      impaired in advanced FECD and is inversely related to anterior corneal
      backscatter. Anterior corneal backscatter might serve as an indicator of impaired
      endothelium in FECD.

PMID- 27661860
TI  - Magnetism and multiferroicity of an isosceles triangular lattice antiferromagnet
      Sr3NiNb2O9.
AB  - Various experimental measurements were performed to complete the phase diagram of
      a weakly distorted triangular lattice system, Sr3NiNb2O9 with Ni(2+) , spin-1
      magnetic ions. This compound possesses an isosceles triangular lattice with two
      shorter bonds and one longer bond. It shows a two-step magnetic phase transition
      at [Formula: see text] K and [Formula: see text] K at zero magnetic field,
      characteristic of an easy-axis anisotropy. In the magnetization curves, a series
      of magnetic phase transitions was observed such as an up-up-down phase at
      [Formula: see text] T with 1/3 of the saturation magnetization (M sat) and an
      oblique phase at [Formula: see text] T with [Formula: see text]/3 M sat.
      Intriguingly, the magnetic phase transition below T N2 is in tandem with the
      ferroelectricity, which demonstrates multiferroic behaviors. Moreover, the
      multiferroic phase persists in all magnetically ordered phases regardless of the
      spin structure. The comparison between the phase diagrams of Sr3NiNb2O9 and its
      sister compound with an equilateral triangular lattice antiferromagnet Ba3NiNb2O9
      (Hwang et al 2012 Phys. Rev. Lett. 109 257205), illustrates how a small imbalance
      among exchange interactions change the magnetic ground states of the TLAFs.

PMID- 27661859
TI  - Polysialylated Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule Protects Against Light-Induced
      Retinal Degeneration.
AB  - Purpose: We previously demonstrated that neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM)
      plays an important role in supporting the survival of injured retinal ganglion
      cells. In the current study, we used light-induced retinal degeneration (LIRD) as
      a model to investigate whether NCAM plays a functional role in neuroprotection
      and whether NCAM influences p75NTR signaling in modulating retinal cell survival.
      Methods: Retinas from wild-type (WT) and NCAM deficient (-/-) mice were tested by
      electroretinogram before and after LIRD, and changes in the protein expressions
      of NCAM, polysialic acid (PSA)-NCAM, p75NTR, and active caspase 3 were measured
      by immunoblot from 0 to 4 days after light induction. The effects of NCAM and PSA
      NCAM on p75NTR were examined by intraocular injections of the p75NTR function
      blocking antibody and/or the removal of PSA with endoneuraminidase-N prior to
      LIRD. Results: In WT mice, low levels of active caspase 3 activation were
      detected on the first day, followed by increases up to 4 days after LIRD.
      Conversely, in NCAM-/- mice, higher cleaved caspase 3 levels along with rapid
      reductions in electroretinogram amplitudes were found earlier at day 1, followed
      by reduced levels by day 4. The removal of PSA prior to LIRD induced earlier
      onset of retinal cell death, an effect delayed by the coadministration of
      endoneuraminidase-N and the p75NTR function-blocking antibody antiserum.
      Conclusions: These results indicate that NCAM protects WT retinas from LIRD;
      furthermore, the protective effect of NCAM is, at least in part, attributed to
      its effects on p75NTR.

PMID- 27661862
TI  - Ombitasvir-Paritaprevir-Ritonavir-Dasabuvir (Viekira Pak)-Induced Lactic
      Acidosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To report a case series of three patients with hepatitis C virus
      infection who all presented with severe type B lactic acidosis shortly after
      starting treatment with ombitasvir-paritaprevir-ritonavir-dasabuvir. DESIGN: Case
      series. SETTING: ICU. PATIENTS: Three patients, all who had HCV cirrhosis with
      mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh A) and had started taking ombitasvir
      paritaprevir-ritonavir-dasabuvir within the preceding 2 weeks, presented with
      similar nonspecific symptoms of lethargy, fatigue, and nausea. All had elevated
      lactate levels at admission without evidence of hypovolemia, cardiogenic failure,
      or vasodilatory shock. INTERVENTIONS: All patients were given appropriate
      supportive intensive care for what was initially suspected to be sepsis,
      including a minimum of 30 mL/kg of IV fluids, infectious workup including blood
      cultures, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and mechanical ventilatory support. The
      first patient received continuous veno-venous hemofiltration. The second patient
      received hemodialysis. The third patient was initially started on hemodialysis
      despite high norepinephrine requirements and ultimately transitioned to
      continuous veno-venous hemofiltration. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The first
      patient died despite maximal intensive care. The second patient improved
      immediately upon starting hemodialysis and was extubated within 48 hours and
      discharged home. The third patient eventually became hypotensive and was treated
      with repeated sessions of renal replacement therapy. He ultimately was extubated
      and discharged home. The infectious workup was negative for all three patients,
      and antibiotics were discontinued after 2 days in the second and third patients.
      CONCLUSIONS: Ombitasvir-paritaprevir-ritonavir-dasabuvir may cause type B lactic
      acidosis. Further study is warranted to identify risk factors and elucidate the
      mechanisms of excessive lactate production.

PMID- 27661861
TI  - Hospital-Level Changes in Adult ICU Bed Supply in the United States.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Although the number of intensive care beds in the United States is
      increasing, little is known about the hospitals responsible for this growth. We
      sought to better characterize national growth in intensive care beds by
      identifying hospital-level factors associated with increasing numbers of
      intensive care beds over time. DESIGN: We performed a repeated-measures time
      series analysis of hospital-level intensive care bed supply using data from
      Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. SETTING: All United States acute care
      hospitals with adult intensive care beds over the years 1996-2011. PATIENTS:
      None. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: We described the number
      of beds, teaching status, ownership, intensive care occupancy, and urbanicity for
      each hospital in each year of the study. We then examined the relationship
      between increasing intensive care beds and these characteristics, controlling for
      other factors. The study included 4,457 hospitals and 55,865 hospital-years.
      Overall, the majority of intensive care bed growth occurred in teaching hospitals
      (net, +13,471 beds; 72.1% of total growth), hospitals with 250 or more beds (net,
      +18,327 beds; 91.8% of total growth), and hospitals in the highest quartile of
      occupancy (net, +10,157 beds; 54.0% of total growth). In a longitudinal
      multivariable model, larger hospital size, teaching status, and high intensive
      care occupancy were associated with subsequent-year growth. Furthermore, the
      effects of hospital size and teaching status were modified by occupancy: the
      greatest odds of increasing ICU beds were in hospitals with 500 or more beds in
      the highest quartile of occupancy (adjusted odds ratio, 18.9; 95% CI, 14.0-25.5;
      p < 0.01) and large teaching hospitals in the highest quartile of occupancy
      (adjusted odds ratio, 7.3; 95% CI, 5.3-9.9; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Increasingly,
      intensive care bed expansion in the United States is occurring in larger
      hospitals and teaching centers, particularly following a year with high ICU
      occupancy.

PMID- 27661863
TI  - Quality Improvement Initiative for Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock Reduces 90-Day
      Mortality: A 7.5-Year Observational Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of a quality improvement initiative for
      severe sepsis and septic shock focused on the resuscitation bundle on 90-day
      mortality. Furthermore, effects on compliance rates for antiinfective therapy
      within the recommended 1-hour interval are evaluated. DESIGN: Prospective
      observational before-after cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary university hospital in
      Germany. PATIENTS: All adult medical and surgical ICU patients with severe sepsis
      and septic shock. INTERVENTION: Implementation of a quality improvement program
      over 7.5 years. MEASUREMENTS: The primary endpoint was 90-day mortality.
      Secondary endpoints included ICU and hospital mortality rates and length of stay,
      time to broad-spectrum antiinfective therapy, and compliance with resuscitation
      bundle elements. MAIN RESULTS: A total of 14,115 patients were screened. The
      incidence of severe sepsis and septic shock was 9.7%. Ninety-day mortality
      decreased from 64.2% to 45.0% (p < 0.001). Hospital length of stay decreased from
      44 to 36 days (p < 0.05). Compliance with resuscitation bundle elements was
      significantly improved. Antibiotic therapy within the first hour after sepsis
      onset increased from 48.5% to 74.3% (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed
      blood cultures before antibiotic therapy (hazard ratio, 0.60-0.84; p < 0.001),
      adequate calculated antibiotic therapy (hazard ratio, 0.53-0.75; p < 0.001), 1-2
      L crystalloids within the first 6 hours (hazard ratio 0.67-0.97; p = 0.025), and
      greater than or equal to 6 L during the first 24 hours (hazard ratio, 0.64-0.95;
      p = 0.012) as predictors for improved survival. CONCLUSIONS: The continuous
      quality improvement initiative focused on the resuscitation bundle was associated
      with increased compliance and a persistent reduction in 90-day mortality over a
      7.5-year period. Based on the observational study design, a causal relationship
      cannot be proven, and respective limitations need to be considered.

PMID- 27661865
TI  - A Direct Observation Checklist to Measure Respect and Dignity in the ICU.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Treating patients and family members with respect and dignity is a
      core objective of health care, yet it is unclear how best to measure this in the
      ICU setting. Accordingly, we sought to create a direct observation checklist to
      assess the "respect and dignity status" of an ICU. DESIGN: A draft checklist
      based on previous work was iteratively revised to enhance accuracy and
      feasibility. SETTING: Seven ICUs within the Johns Hopkins Health System.
      SUBJECTS: A total of 351 patient-clinician encounters with 184 different
      patients. INTERVENTIONS: Four study team members pilot tested the checklist
      between January and August 2015. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Standard
      psychometric analyses were performed. The direct observation checklist exhibits
      strong content and face validity as well as high reliability and internal
      consistency. All items load on one factor that supports the unidimensionality of
      the total index. Furthermore, concurrent validity of the direct observation
      checklist is demonstrated by statistically significant differences in mean scores
      between ICUs, between types of clinicians, and between patients' clinical status
      and mood. CONCLUSIONS: We rigorously developed, pilot tested, and analyzed a
      direct observation checklist designed to assess the extent to which patients and
      families in the ICU setting are treated with respect and dignity. Future research
      should validate this checklist in other settings and compare its results with
      other measures. Data gathered about individual items on the direct observation
      checklist could be used to target areas for training and education; doing so
      should help facilitate more respectful treatment of patients and their families.

PMID- 27661866
TI  - Agarose coated spherical micro resonator for humidity measurements.
AB  - A new type of fiber optic relative humidity (RH) sensor based on an agarose
      coated silica microsphere resonator is proposed and experimentally demonstrated.
      Whispering gallery modes (WGMs) in the micro resonator are excited by evanescent
      coupling using a tapered fiber with ~3.3 um waist diameter. A change in the
      relative humidity of the surrounding the resonator air induces changes in the
      refractive index (RI) and thickness of the Agarose coating layer. These changes
      in turn lead to a spectral shift of the WGM resonances, which can be related to
      the RH value after a suitable calibration. Studies of the repeatability, long
      term stability, measurement accuracy and temperature dependence of the proposed
      sensor are carried out. The RH sensitivity of the proposed sensor depends on the
      concentration of the agarose gel which determines the initial thickness of the
      deposited coating layer. Studies of the micro- resonators with coating layers
      fabricated from gels with three different Agarose concentrations of 0.5%, 1.125%
      and 2.25 wt./vol.% showed that an increase in the initial thickness of the
      coating material results in an increase in sensitivity but also leads to a
      decrease of quality factor (Q) of the micro resonator. The highest sensitivity
      achieved in our experiments was 518 pm/%RH in the RH range from 30% to 70%. The
      proposed sensor offers the advantages of a very compact form factor, low
      hysteresis, good repeatability, and low cross sensitivity to temperature. 

PMID- 27661867
TI  - Innovative self-calibration method for accelerometer scale factor of the missile
      borne RINS with fiber optic gyro.
AB  - The calibration of an inertial measurement unit (IMU) is a key technique to
      improve the preciseness of the inertial navigation system (INS) for missile,
      especially for the calibration of accelerometer scale factor. Traditional
      calibration method is generally based on the high accuracy turntable, however, it
      leads to expensive costs and the calibration results are not suitable to the
      actual operating environment. In the wake of developments in multi-axis
      rotational INS (RINS) with optical inertial sensors, self-calibration is utilized
      as an effective way to calibrate IMU on missile and the calibration results are
      more accurate in practical application. However, the introduction of multi-axis
      RINS causes additional calibration errors, including non-orthogonality errors of
      mechanical processing and non-horizontal errors of operating environment, it
      means that the multi-axis gimbals could not be regarded as a high accuracy
      turntable. As for its application on missiles, in this paper, after analyzing the
      relationship between the calibration error of accelerometer scale factor and non
      orthogonality and non-horizontal angles, an innovative calibration procedure
      using the signals of fiber optic gyro and photoelectric encoder is proposed. The
      laboratory and vehicle experiment results validate the theory and prove that the
      proposed method relaxes the orthogonality requirement of rotation axes and
      eliminates the strict application condition of the system. 

PMID- 27661864
TI  - Point Prevalence Study of Mobilization Practices for Acute Respiratory Failure
      Patients in the United States.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Early mobility in mechanically ventilated patients is safe, feasible,
      and may improve functional outcomes. We sought to determine the prevalence and
      character of mobility for ICU patients with acute respiratory failure in U.S.
      ICUs. DESIGN: Two-day cross-sectional point prevalence study. SETTING: Forty-two
      ICUs across 17 Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Network hospitals. PATIENTS:
      Adult patients (>= 18 yr old) with acute respiratory failure requiring mechanical
      ventilation. INTERVENTIONS: We defined therapist-provided mobility as the
      proportion of patient-days with any physical or occupational therapy-provided
      mobility event. Hierarchical regression models were used to identify predictors
      of out-of-bed mobility. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Hospitals contributed 770
      patient-days of data. Patients received mechanical ventilation on 73% of the
      patient-days mostly (n = 432; 56%) ventilated via an endotracheal tube. The
      prevalence of physical therapy/occupational therapy-provided mobility was 32%
      (247/770), with a significantly higher proportion of nonmechanically ventilated
      patients receiving physical therapy/occupational therapy (48% vs 26%; p <=
      0.001). Patients on mechanical ventilation achieved out-of-bed mobility on 16% (n
      = 90) of the total patient-days. Physical therapy/occupational therapy
      involvement in mobility events was strongly associated with progression to out-of
      bed mobility (odds ratio, 29.1; CI, 15.1-56.3; p <= 0.001). Presence of an
      endotracheal tube and delirium were negatively associated with out-of-bed
      mobility. CONCLUSIONS: In a cohort of hospitals caring for acute respiratory
      failure patients, physical therapy/occupational therapy-provided mobility was
      infrequent. Physical therapy/occupational therapy involvement in mobility was
      strongly predictive of achieving greater mobility levels in patients with
      respiratory failure. Mechanical ventilation via an endotracheal tube and delirium
      are important predictors of mobility progression.

PMID- 27661868
TI  - Theoretical investigation of SERS nanosensors based on hybrid waveguides made of
      metallic slots and dielectric strips.
AB  - Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is widely used to sensitively detect
      molecules or markers in pharmacology, biology, etc. We study numerically the
      possibility to realize SERS detections directly on a photonic chip. It is
      presented that a SERS sensor created by combining a gold slot waveguide and a
      Si<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub> strip waveguide can be designed to excite enhanced
      Raman effects and extract their scattering signals on a chip. Using 3D finite
      difference time-domain simulations, the SERS processes, excitation of surface
      plasmon in slots and radiation of induced Raman dipoles, are analyzed to simulate
      SERS detections in reality. It demonstrates the influence of the geometrical
      parameters on the electromagnetic fields in slots and therefore the local
      enhancements, based on the |E|<sup>4</sup>-approximation. The results show that a
      SERS nanosensor can be achieved based on the hybrid waveguide. The integration of
      this sensor with a micro-laser and a micro-demultiplexer, could achieve an on-a
      chip and fully integrated system for portable and fast SERS detections. 

PMID- 27661869
TI  - Rogue waves generation via nonlinear soliton collision in multiple-soliton state
      of a mode-locked fiber laser.
AB  - We report for the first time, rogue waves generation in a mode-locked fiber laser
      that worked in multiple-soliton state in which hundreds of solitons occupied the
      whole laser cavity. Using real-time spatio-temporal intensity dynamics
      measurements, it is unveiled that nonlinear soliton collision accounts for the
      formation of rogue waves in this laser state. The nature of interactions between
      solitons are also discussed. Our observation may suggest similar formation
      mechanisms of rogue waves in other systems. 

PMID- 27661870
TI  - Broadband stimulated Raman scattering spectroscopy by a photonic time stretcher.
AB  - Stimulated Raman scattering spectroscopy is a powerful technique for label-free
      molecular identification, but its broadband implementation is technically
      challenging. We introduce and experimentally demonstrate a novel approach based
      on photonic time stretch. The broadband femtosecond Stokes pulse, after
      interacting with the sample, is stretched by a telecom fiber to ~15ns, mapping
      its spectrum in time. The signal is sampled through a fast analog-to-digital
      converter, providing single-shot spectra at 80-kHz rate. We demonstrate ~10<sup>
      5</sup> sensitivity over ~500cm<sup>-1</sup> in the C-H region. Our results pave
      the way to high-speed broadband vibrational imaging for materials science and
      biophotonics. 

PMID- 27661872
TI  - Actively stabilized silicon microrings with integrated surface-state-absorption
      photodetectors using a slope-detection method.
AB  - We propose and experimentally demonstrate actively stabilized silicon microrings
      with integrated surface-state-absorption (SSA) photodetectors using a slope
      detection method. Our proof-of-concept experiments reveal that the active
      stabilization using multiple discrete-step slope thresholds can effectively
      reduce the microring transmitted intensity variations upon various temperature
      modulation conditions. We demonstrate an actively stabilized microring
      transmission with intensity modulations within ~2.5 dB upon a 5mHz temperature
      modulation between 17  degrees C and 31  degrees C, which is ~7.5dB improved from
      without stabilization. The active alignment tolerance between the stabilized
      microring resonance wavelength and a carrier wavelength is ~0.16 nm over a 14
      degrees C temperature modulation. We observe open eye-diagrams at a data
      transmission rate of up to 30 Gb/s under temperature modulations with actively
      stabilized silicon microrings. 

PMID- 27661871
TI  - Terahertz polarization spectroscopy in the near-field zone of a sub-wavelength
      scale metal slit.
AB  - Time-domain spectroscopy is used to probe the polarization dependence of the
      terahertz-frequency absorption of alpha-lactose molecules in the near-field
      vicinity of a sub-wavelength-scale metal slit. The experimental result finds that
      the 0.53-THz absorption of this material has an unexpected polarization
      dependence, strongly coupled to the slit orientation; in particular, the electric
      wave in parallel polarization exhibits even complete vanishing of the otherwise
      resonant strong absorption. The physics behind this phenomena may be explained
      based on the Bethe's sub-wavelength diffraction: the electric field that is
      measured in the far field, but diffracted from a sub-wavelength-scale metal
      aperture, originates from solely magnetic dipole radiation and not from the
      electric dipole radiation, thus showing no electrically-coupled material
      response. 

PMID- 27661873
TI  - Optically controlled in-line graphene saturable absorber for the manipulation of
      pulsed fiber laser operation.
AB  - We demonstrate an optically tunable graphene saturable absorber to manipulate the
      laser operation in pulsed fiber laser system. Owing to the strongly enhanced
      evanescent field interaction with monolayer graphene, we could realize an
      efficient control of modulation depth in the graphene saturable absorber by
      optical means through cross absorption modulation method. By integrating the
      tunable graphene saturable absorber into the fiber laser system, we could switch
      the laser operation from Q-switching through Q-switched mode-locking to
      continuous wave mode-locking by adjusting only the optical power of the control
      beam. In addition, we realized a hybrid Q-switching of fiber laser by periodical
      modulation of the absorption of the graphene saturable absorber, where we
      observed that the repetition rate of the Q-switched laser could be continuously
      tuned according to the modulation frequency of the applied external signal. 

PMID- 27661874
TI  - Design of a quasi-2D photonic crystal optomechanical cavity with tunable, large
      x<sup>2</sup>-coupling.
AB  - We present the optical and mechanical design of a mechanically compliant quasi
      two-dimensional photonic crystal cavity formed from thin-film silicon in which a
      pair of linear nanoscale slots are used to create two coupled high-Q optical
      resonances. The optical cavity supermodes, whose frequencies are designed to lie
      in the 1500 nm wavelength band, are shown to interact strongly with mechanical
      resonances of the structure whose frequencies range from a few MHz to a few GHz.
      Depending upon the symmetry of the mechanical modes and the symmetry of the slot
      sizes, we show that the optomechanical coupling between the optical supermodes
      can be either linear or quadratic in the mechanical displacement amplitude.
      Tuning of the nanoscale slot size is also shown to adjust the magnitude and sign
      of the cavity supermode splitting 2J, enabling near-resonant motional scattering
      between the two optical supermodes and greatly enhancing the x<sup>2</sup>
      coupling strength. Specifically, for the fundamental flexural mode of the central
      nanobeam of the structure at 10 MHz the per-phonon linear cross-mode coupling
      rate is calculated to be g~<sub>+-</sub>/2pi=1MHz, corresponding to a per-phonon
      x<sup>2</sup>-coupling rate of g~<sup>'</sup>/2pi=1kHz for a mode splitting
      2J/2pi = 1 GHz which is greater than the radiation-limited supermode linewidths. 

PMID- 27661875
TI  - All-optical depth coloring based on directional gating.
AB  - In non-contacting depth extraction there are several issues, such as the accuracy
      and the measurement speed. In the issue of the measurement speed, the computation
      cost for image processing is significant. We present an all-optical depth
      extraction method by coloring objects according to their depth. Our system is
      operated fully optically and both encoding and decoding processes are optically
      performed. Therefore, all-optical depth coloring has a distinct advantage to
      extract the depth information in real time without any computation cost. We
      invent a directional gating method to extract the points from the object which
      are positioned at the same distance. Based on this method, the objects look
      painted by different colors according to the distance when the objects are
      observed through our system. In this paper, we demonstrate the all-optical depth
      coloring system and verify the feasibility of our method. 

PMID- 27661876
TI  - Characteristic matrix operation for finding global solution of one-time ray
      tracing optimization method.
AB  - The one-time ray-tracing optimization method is a fast way to design LED
      illumination systems [Opt. Express22, 5357 (2014)10.1364/OE.22.005357]. The
      method optimizes the performance of LED illumination systems by modifying the
      LEDs' luminous intensity distribution curve (LIDC) with a freeform lens, instead
      of modifying the illumination system structure. In finding the LEDs' LIDC for
      optimizing the illumination system's performance, the LEDs' LIDC found by means
      of a general gradient descent method can be trapped in a local solution. This
      study develops a matrix operation method to directly find the global solution of
      the LEDs' LIDC for the optimization of the illumination system's performance for
      any initial design of an illumination system structure. As compared with the
      gradient descent method, using the proposed characteristic matrix operation
      method to find the best LEDs' LIDC reduces the cost in time by several orders of
      magnitude. The proposed characteristic matrix operation method ensures that the
      one-time ray-tracing optimization method is an efficient and reliable method for
      designing LED illumination systems. 

PMID- 27661877
TI  - Evolution of polarization dependent microstructures induced by high repetition
      rate femtosecond laser irradiation in glass.
AB  - We report the observation of an anomalous polarization dependent process in an
      isotropic glass induced by long time stationary irradiation of a high repetition
      rate near-infrared femtosecond laser. Two distinctive types of polarization
      dependent microstructures were induced at different irradiation stages. At early
      stage (a few seconds), a dumbbell-shaped structure elongated perpendicularly to
      the laser polarization formed at the top of the modified region, which was later
      erased by further irradiation. At later stage (above 30 s), bubbles filled with
      O<sub>2</sub> formed by the irradiation, which were distributed along the laser
      polarization at a distance far beyond the radius of the laser beam. Based on a
      simple modeling of light reflection on boundaries, a thermal accumulation process
      was proposed to explain the formation and evolution of the dumbbell-shaped
      microstructure. The possible factors responsible for polarization dependent
      distribution of bubbles are discussed, which needs further systematic
      investigations. The results may be helpful in the development of femtosecond
      laser microprocessing for various applications. 

PMID- 27661878
TI  - Mueller imaging polarimetry of holographic polarization gratings inscribed in
      azopolymer films.
AB  - Three types of polarization gratings have been recorded in azopolymer films by
      the symmetrical superposition of different orthogonal pairs of polarized beams.
      The inscribed holographic elements have been analyzed microscopically in a
      Mueller polarimeter in order to image the optical anisotropies photoinduced in
      the film. In the most of cases, the spatial modulation of diattenuation,
      birefringence, and optical rotation reproduced quite well previous results
      reported in the literature. Nevertheless, in the particular case of coherent
      superposition of p- and s-polarized beams, the spatial frequency for optical
      rotation (related to the Stokes parameter V) was different from the one observed
      in linear anisotropy (related to the Stokes parameter U). It is shown by theory
      and experiment that, in the polarized field used to record this polarization
      grating, the fourth-Stokes parameter changes sign, which implies a change in
      circular polarization handedness, practically once between two adjacent maxima. 

PMID- 27661879
TI  - Two-probe optical encoder for absolute positioning of precision stages by using
      an improved scale grating.
AB  - In this paper, a novel optical encoder enabling the simultaneous measurement of
      displacement and the position of precision stages is presented. The encoder is
      composed of an improved single-track scale grating and a compact two-probe
      reading head. In the scale grating, multiple reference codes are physically
      superimposed onto the incremental grooves, in contrast to conventional designs,
      where an additional track is necessary. The distribution of the reference codes
      follows a specific mathematical algorithm. For the reading head, a two-probe
      structure is designed to identify the discrete reference codes by means of the
      superimposition of the codes with a stationary mask and to read the continuous
      incremental grooves by means of a grating interferometry, respectively. A
      prototype encoder was designed, constructed and evaluated, and experimental
      results show that the distance code precision achieved is 0.5 MUm, while the
      linearity error of the linear displacement measurement is less than 0.06%. 

PMID- 27661880
TI  - Unidirectional, dual-comb lasing under multiple pulse formation mechanisms in a
      passively mode-locked fiber ring laser.
AB  - Dual-comb lasers simultaneously generating asynchronous ultrashort pulses could
      be an intriguing alternative to the current dual-laser comb source. When
      generated through a common light path, the low common-mode noises and good
      coherence between the pulse trains could be realized. Here we demonstrate the
      completely common-path, unidirectional dual-comb lasing using a carbon nanotube
      saturable absorber with additional pulse narrowing and broadening mechanisms. The
      interactions between multiple soliton formation mechanisms result in bifurcation
      into unusual two-pulse states with pulses of four-fold bandwidth difference and
      tens-of-Hz repetition rate difference. Coherence between the pulses is verified
      by the asynchronous cross-sampling and dual-comb spectroscopy measurements. 

PMID- 27661881
TI  - Distributed measurement of hydrostatic pressure based on Brillouin dynamic
      grating in polarization maintaining fibers.
AB  - High-sensitivity distributed measurement of hydrostatic pressure is
      experimentally demonstrated by optical time-domain analysis of Brillouin dynamic
      grating (BDG) in polarization maintaining fibers (PMF's). The spectral shift of
      the BDG in four different types of PMF's are investigated under hydrostatic
      pressure variation from 14.5 psi (1 bar) to 884.7 psi (61 bar) with less than 2 m
      spatial resolution. The pressure sensitivity of BDG frequency is measured to be 
      1.69, + 0.65, + 0.78, and + 0.85 MHz/psi for a PM photonic crystal fiber (PM
      PCF), two Bow-tie fibers, and a PANDA fiber, respectively, which is about 65 to
      169 times larger than that of Brillouin frequency-based pressure sensing. 

PMID- 27661882
TI  - Measurement of near-wall 3D flow velocity from wave-guiding micro-pillars.
AB  - The measurement of near-wall flow in a plane close to the wall is achieved using
      the wave-guiding feature of transparent flexible micro-pillars which are attached
      in a 2D array to a surface and bend with the flow. Optical detection of bending
      from below the surface and application of auto-correlation methods provide mean
      and fluctuating part of the components of the wall-parallel velocity components.
      In addition, the wall-normal fluid motion is determined from spatial gradients in
      the array. The data provide the three-component velocity vector field in a plane
      close to the wall as well as their statistics. 

PMID- 27661883
TI  - Birefringence effects in multi-core fiber: coupled local-mode theory.
AB  - In this paper, we evaluate experimentally and model theoretically the intra- and
      inter-core crosstalk between the polarized core modes in single-mode multi-core
      fiber media including temporal and longitudinal birefringent effects.
      Specifically, extensive experimental results on a four-core fiber indicate that
      the temporal fluctuation of fiber birefringence modifies the intra- and inter
      core crosstalk behavior in both linear and nonlinear optical power regimes. To
      gain theoretical insight into the experimental results, we introduce an accurate
      multi-core fiber model based on local modes and perturbation theory, which is
      derived from the Maxwell equations including both longitudinal and temporal
      birefringent effects. Numerical calculations based on the developed theory are
      found to be in good agreement with the experimental data. 

PMID- 27661884
TI  - Design trade-off and proof of concept for LOUPE, the Lunar Observatory for
      Unresolved Polarimetry of Earth.
AB  - We provide a proof of the technical feasibility of LOUPE, the first integral
      field snapshot spectropolarimeter, designed to monitor the reflected flux and
      polarization spectrum of Earth. These are to be used as benchmark data for the
      retrieval of biomarkers and atmospheric and surface characteristics from future
      direct observations of exoplanets. We perform a design trade-off for an
      implementation in which LOUPE performs snapshot integral-field spectropolarimetry
      at visible wavelengths. We used off-the-shelf optics to construct a polarization
      modulator, in which polarization information is encoded into the spectrum as a
      wavelength-dependent modulation, while spatial resolution is maintained using a
      micro-lens array. The performance of this design concept is validated in a
      laboratory setup. Our proof-of-concept is capable of measuring a grid of 50 * 50
      polarization spectra between 610 and 780 nm of a mock target planet - proving the
      merit of this design. The measurements are affected by systematic noise on the
      percent level, and we discuss how to mitigate this in future iterations. We
      conclude that LOUPE can be small and robust while meeting the science goals of
      this particular space application, and note the many potential applications that
      may benefit from our concept for doing snapshot integral-field
      spectropolarimetry. 

PMID- 27661885
TI  - Efficient, tunable flip-chip-integrated III-V/Si hybrid external-cavity laser
      array.
AB  - We demonstrate a surface-normal coupled tunable hybrid silicon laser array for
      the first time using passively-aligned, high-accuracy flip chip bonding. A 2x6
      III-V reflective semiconductor optical amplifier (RSOA) array with integrated
      total internal reflection mirrors is bonded to a CMOS SOI chip with grating
      couplers and silicon ring reflectors to form a tunable hybrid external-cavity
      laser array. Waveguide-coupled wall plug efficiency (wcWPE) of 2% and output
      power of 3 mW has been achieved for all 12 lasers. We further improved the
      performance by reducing the thickness of metal/dielectric stacks and achieved
      10mW output power and 5% wcWPE with the same integration techniques. This non
      invasive, one-step back end of the line (BEOL) integration approach provides a
      promising solution to high density laser sources for future large-scale photonic
      integrated circuits. 

PMID- 27661886
TI  - High-gain 87 cm<sup>-1</sup> Raman line of KYW and its impact on continuous-wave
      Raman laser operation.
AB  - We report a quasi-continuous-wave external cavity Raman laser based on potassium
      yttrium tungstate (KYW). Laser output efficiency and spectrum are severely
      affected by the presence of high gain Raman modes of low frequency (< 250 cm<sup>
      1</sup>) that are characteristic of this crystal class. Output spectra contained
      frequency combs spaced by the low frequency modes but with the overall pump-to
      Stokes conversion efficiency at least an order of magnitude lower than that
      typically obtained in other crystal Raman lasers. We elucidate the primary
      factors affecting laser performance by measuring the Raman gain coefficients of
      the low energy modes and numerically modeling the cascading dynamics. For a pump
      polarization aligned to the N<sub>g</sub> crystallo-optic axis, the 87 cm<sup>
      1</sup> Raman mode has a gain coefficient of 9.2 cm/GW at 1064 nm and a dephasing
      time T<sub>2</sub> = 9.6 ps, which are both notably higher than for the 765
      cm<sup>-1</sup> mode usually considered to be the prominent Raman mode of KYW.
      The implications for continuous-wave Raman laser design and the possible
      advantages for applications are discussed. 

PMID- 27661887
TI  - Adaptive multiphoton endomicroscopy through a dynamically deformed multicore
      optical fiber using proximal detection.
AB  - This paper demonstrates multiphoton excited fluorescence imaging through a
      polarisation maintaining multicore fiber (PM-MCF) while the fiber is dynamically
      deformed using all-proximal detection. Single-shot proximal measurement of the
      relative optical path lengths of all the cores of the PM-MCF in double pass is
      achieved using a Mach-Zehnder interferometer read out by a scientific CMOS camera
      operating at 416 Hz. A non-linear least squares fitting procedure is then
      employed to determine the deformation-induced lateral shift of the excitation
      spot at the distal tip of the PM-MCF. An experimental validation of this approach
      is presented that compares the proximally measured deformation-induced lateral
      shift in focal spot position to an independent distally measured ground truth.
      The proximal measurement of deformation-induced shift in focal spot position is
      applied to correct for deformation-induced shifts in focal spot position during
      raster-scanning multiphoton excited fluorescence imaging. 

PMID- 27661888
TI  - Theoretical investigation on nonlinear optical effects in laser trapping of
      dielectric nanoparticles with ultrafast pulsed excitation.
AB  - The use of low-power high-repetition-rate ultrafast pulsed excitation in stable
      optical trapping of dielectric nanoparticles has been demonstrated in the recent
      past; the high peak power of each pulse leads to instantaneous trapping of a
      nanoparticle with fast inertial response and the high repetition-rate ensures
      repetitive trapping by successive pulses However, with such high peak power
      pulsed excitation under a tight focusing condition, nonlinear optical effects on
      trapping efficiency also become significant and cannot be ignored. Thus, in
      addition to the above mentioned repetitive instantaneous trapping, trapping
      efficiency under pulsed excitation is also influenced by the optical Kerr effect,
      which we theoretically investigate here. Using dipole approximation we show that
      with an increase in laser power the radial component of the trapping potential
      becomes progressively more stable but the axial component is dramatically
      modulated due to increased Kerr nonlinearity. We justify that the relevant
      parameter to quantify the trapping efficiency is not the absolute depth of the
      highly asymmetric axial trapping potential but the height of the potential
      barrier along the beam propagation direction. We also discuss the optimal
      excitation parameters leading to the most stable dipole trap. Our results show
      excellent agreement with previous experiments. 

PMID- 27661889
TI  - Expectation maximization and the retrieval of the atmospheric extinction
      coefficients by inversion of Raman lidar data.
AB  - We consider the problem of retrieving the aerosol extinction coefficient from
      Raman lidar measurements. This is an ill-posed inverse problem that needs
      regularization, and we propose to use the Expectation-Maximization (EM) algorithm
      to provide stable solutions. Indeed, EM is an iterative algorithm that imposes a
      positivity constraint on the solution, and provides regularization if iterations
      are stopped early enough. We describe the algorithm and propose a stopping
      criterion inspired by a statistical principle. We then discuss its properties
      concerning the spatial resolution. Finally, we validate the proposed approach by
      using both synthetic data and experimental measurements; we compare the
      reconstructions obtained by EM with those obtained by the Tikhonov method, by the
      Levenberg-Marquardt method, as well as those obtained by combining data smoothing
      and numerical derivation. 

PMID- 27661890
TI  - Spectral filtering using active metasurfaces compatible with narrow bandgap III-V
      infrared detectors.
AB  - Narrow-bandgap semiconductors such as alloys of InAsAlSb and their
      heterostructures are considered promising candidates for next generation infrared
      photodetectors and devices. The prospect of actively tuning the spectral
      responsivity of these detectors at the pixel level is very appealing. In
      principle, this could be achieved with a tunable metasurface fabricated
      monolithically on the detector pixel. Here, we present first steps towards that
      goal using a complementary metasurface strongly coupled to an epsilon-near-zero
      (ENZ) mode operating in the long-wave region of the infrared spectrum. We
      fabricate such a coupled system using the same epitaxial layers used for infrared
      pixels in a focal plane array and demonstrate the existence of ENZ modes in high
      mobility layers of InAsSb. We confirm that the coupling strength between the ENZ
      mode and the metasurface depends on the ENZ layer thickness and demonstrate a
      transmission modulation on the order of 25%. We further show numerically the
      expected tunable spectral behavior of such coupled system under reverse and
      forward bias, which could be used in future electrically tunable detectors. 

PMID- 27661892
TI  - Reflective liquid crystal hybrid beam-steerer.
AB  - We report on efficient optical beam-steering using a hot-embossed reflective
      blazed grating in combination with liquid crystal. A numerical simulation of the
      electrical switching characteristics of the liquid crystal is performed and the
      results are used in an FDTD optical simulator to analyze the beam deflection. The
      corresponding experiment on the realized device is performed and is found to be
      in good agreement. Beam deflection angles of 4.4 degrees  upon perpendicular
      incidence are found with low applied voltages of 3.4 V. By tilting the device
      with respect to the incoming optical beam it can be electronically switched such
      that the beam undergoes either total internal reflection or reflection with a
      tunable angle. 

PMID- 27661891
TI  - Refocusing distance of a standard plenoptic camera.
AB  - Recent developments in computational photography enabled variation of the optical
      focus of a plenoptic camera after image exposure, also known as refocusing.
      Existing ray models in the field simplify the camera's complexity for the purpose
      of image and depth map enhancement, but fail to satisfyingly predict the distance
      to which a photograph is refocused. By treating a pair of light rays as a system
      of linear functions, it will be shown in this paper that its solution yields an
      intersection indicating the distance to a refocused object plane. Experimental
      work is conducted with different lenses and focus settings while comparing
      distance estimates with a stack of refocused photographs for which a blur metric
      has been devised. Quantitative assessments over a 24 m distance range suggest
      that predictions deviate by less than 0.35 % in comparison to an optical design
      software. The proposed refocusing estimator assists in predicting object
      distances just as in the prototyping stage of plenoptic cameras and will be an
      essential feature in applications demanding high precision in synthetic focus or
      where depth map recovery is done by analyzing a stack of refocused photographs. 

PMID- 27661893
TI  - Dependence of Raman and absorption spectra of stacked bilayer MoS<sub>2</sub> on
      the stacking orientation.
AB  - Stacked bilayer molybdenum disulfide (MoS<sub>2</sub>) exhibits interesting
      physical properties depending on the stacking orientation and interlayer coupling
      strength. Although optical properties, such as photoluminescence, Raman, and
      absorption properties, are largely dependent on the interlayer coupling of
      stacked bilayer MoS<sub>2</sub>, the origin of variations in these properties is
      not clearly understood. We performed comprehensive confocal Raman and absorption
      mapping measurements to determine the dependence of these spectra on the stacking
      orientation of bilayer MoS<sub>2</sub>. The results indicated that with 532-nm
      laser excitation, the Raman scattering intensity gradually increased upon
      increasing the stacking angle from 0 degrees  to 60 degrees , whereas 458-nm
      laser excitation resulted in the opposite trend of decreasing Raman intensity
      with increasing stacking angle. This opposite behavior of the Raman intensity
      dependence was explained by the varying resonance condition between the Raman
      excitation wavelength and C exciton absorption energy of bilayer MoS<sub>2</sub>.
      Our work sheds light on the intriguing effect of the subtle interlayer
      interaction in stacked MoS<sub>2</sub> bilayers on the resulting optical
      properties. 

PMID- 27661894
TI  - Ultracompact transverse magnetic mode-pass filter based on one-dimensional
      photonic crystals with subwavelength structures.
AB  - We propose and experimentally demonstrate an ultracompact transverse magnetic
      (TM) mode pass filter based on a rectangularly-shaped one-dimensional (1-D)
      photonic crystal silicon waveguide with an extremely high polarization extinction
      ratio (PER) of >30 dB and a low insertion loss (IL) of ~1 dB. The device
      structure of the TM mode-pass filter is numerically simulated using a three
      dimensional (3-D) finite difference time domain (FDTD) method. The proposed
      device supports its fundamental TM mode only, whereas the transverse electric
      (TE) mode is reflected by the 1-D photonic crystals (PhCs). The measured PER of
      the fabricated TM mode-pass filter is ~34 dB, and the IL is about 1 dB. The
      entire device length is about 4 MUm. Our simulation results predict that the
      device bandwidth of 30 dB PER is about 200 nm. 

PMID- 27661895
TI  - Plasmonic quadrant lens for beam-position sensing.
AB  - We present the design of a plasmonic quadrant lens (QL) which is capable of
      coupling the light from free space into surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) and
      focusing them into four directions, depending on the polarization content of the
      incident light. The lens is composed of a set of uniform nanogrooves etched on a
      gold film. Two types of QLs with four and eight foci are realized. We further
      propose QLs as a plasmonic version of well-known quadrant detectors for beam
      position sensing through a center location algorithm. The sensitivity of the
      device is also investigated for both linear and circular polarized incidences.
      Calculation results show that the four-focus QL offers a large effective
      detecting area and the eight-focus QL enables beam-position sensing to be
      operated with two different sensitivities simultaneously. 

PMID- 27661896
TI  - Improving the modulation bandwidth of LED by CdSe/ZnS quantum dots for visible
      light communication.
AB  - Visible light communication (VLC) is an advanced and high-efficiency wireless
      communication technology. As one of the most important light sources in VLC,
      conventional white light emitting diode (WLED) based on
      Y<sub>3</sub>Al<sub>5</sub>O<sub>12</sub>:Ce<sup>3+</sup> (YAG:Ce) phosphor
      limits the system transmitting rate severely due to its narrow modulation
      bandwidth. Considering the short fluorescent lifetime of quantum dots (QDs), QD
      LEDs with wide modulation bandwidths were designed here to improve the
      transmitting rate of VLC. CdSe/ZnS core/shell QDs and related luminescent
      microspheres (LMS) were implemented as light conversion materials for the QD
      LEDs. Compared with conventional phosphor WLED, the proposed QD-LED and QD-WLED
      reached maximum improvement on modulation bandwidth at 74.19% and 67.75%
      respectively. Furthermore, mathematical modeling of smearing was analyzed to
      establish the relationship between fluorescent lifetime and modulation bandwidth.
      Our findings will provide an effective solution of white LEDs for high speed VLC.

PMID- 27661897
TI  - Generation of stochastic electromagnetic beams with complete controllable
      coherence.
AB  - We generate a stochastic electromagnetic beam (SEB) with complete controllable
      coherence, that is, the coherence degree can be controlled independently along
      two mutually perpendicular directions. We control the coherence of the SEB by
      adjusting the phase modulation magnitude applied onto two crossed phase only
      spatial light modulators. We measure the beam's coherence properties using
      Young's interference experiment, as well as the beam propagation factor. It is
      shown that the experimental results are consistent with our theoretical
      predictions. 

PMID- 27661898
TI  - On the analytical formulation of excess noise in avalanche photodiodes with dead
      space.
AB  - Simple, approximate formulas are developed to calculate the mean gain and excess
      noise factor for avalanche photodiodes using the dead-space multiplication theory
      in the regime of small multiplication width and high applied electric field. The
      accuracy of the approximation is investigated by comparing it to the exact
      numerical method using recursive coupled integral equations and it is found that
      it works for dead spaces up to 15% of the multiplication width, which is
      substantial. The approximation is also tested for real materials such as GaAs,
      InP and Si for various multiplication widths, and the results found are accurate
      within ~ 15% of the actual noise, which is a significant improvement over the
      local-theory noise formula. The results obtained for the mean gain also confirm
      the recently reported relationship between experimentally determined local
      ionization coefficients and the enabled non-local ionization coefficients. 

PMID- 27661899
TI  - Demonstration of all-optical MDM/WDM switching for short-reach networks.
AB  - Mode division multiplexing (MDM) has been widely investigated in optical
      transmission systems and networks to improve network capacity. However, the MDM
      receiver is always expensive and complex because coherent detection and multiplex
      input-and-multiplex-output (MIMO) digital signal processing (DSP) are required to
      demultiplex each spatial mode. In this paper, we investigate the application of
      MDM in short-reach scenarios such as datacenter networking. Two-dimensional MDM
      and wavelength division multiplexing node structure based on low modal-crosstalk
      few-mode fiber (FMF) and components is proposed, in which signal in each mode or
      wavelength can be independently switched. We experimentally demonstrate
      independent adding, dropping and switching functionalities with two linearly
      polarized modes and four wavelength channels over a total 11.8-km 2-mode low
      modal-crosstalk FMFs. The structure is simple without coherent detection or MIMO
      DSP. Only slight penalties of receiver sensitivity are observed for all switching
      operations. The influence of modal-crosstalk accumulation for cascaded switching
      nodes is also investigated. 

PMID- 27661900
TI  - Solid-state 3D imaging using a 1nJ/100ps laser diode transmitter and a single
      photon receiver matrix.
AB  - A 3D imaging concept based on pulsed time-of-flight focal plane imaging is
      presented which can be tailored flexibly in terms of performance parameters such
      as range, image update rate, field-of-view, 2D resolution, depth accuracy, etc.
      according to the needs of different applications. The transmitter is based on a
      laser diode operating in enhanced gain-switching mode with a simple MOS/CMOS
      switch current driver and capable of producing short (~100ps FWHM) high energy
      (up to nJ) pulses at a high pulsing rate. The receiver consists of 2D SPAD and
      TDC arrays placed on the same die, but in separate arrays. Paraxial optics can be
      used to illuminate the target field-of-view with the receiver placed at the focal
      plane of the receiver lens. To validate the concept, a prototype system is
      presented with a bulk laser diode/MOS driver operating at a wavelength of 870nm
      with a pulsing rate of 100kHz as the transmitter and a single-chip 9x9 SPAD array
      with 10-channel TDC as the receiver. The possibility of using this method as a
      solid-state solution to the task of 3D imaging is discussed in the light of the
      results derived from this prototype. 

PMID- 27661901
TI  - Self-phase modulation in highly confined submicron Ta<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub>
      channel waveguides.
AB  - Optical spectra broadening as a result self-phase modulation in a channel
      waveguide fabricated on a high quality tantalum pentoxide
      (Ta<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub>) film by using RF sputtering is measured. The full
      width at half maximum of the optical spectra for transverse electric
      (TE)/transverse magnetic (TM) polarizations of 42.5/31.7 nm is obtained using
      pulses of 10 nm at a wavelength of 800 nm with a peak-coupled power of 43.77 W.
      The nonlinear Kerr coefficients of 2.14 * 10<sup>-14</sup> cm<sup>2</sup>/W and
      1.92 * 10<sup>-14</sup> cm<sup>2</sup>/W for TE and TM polarizations,
      respectively, are then extracted from the experiments using a theoretical model
      based on the method of moments. The obtained results on the nonlinearity further
      suggest that Ta<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub> is a promising material to develop
      nonlinear waveguide devices for integrated photonics. 

PMID- 27661902
TI  - OAM-labeled free-space optical flow routing.
AB  - Space-division multiplexing allows unprecedented scaling of bandwidth density for
      optical communication. Routing spatial channels among transmission ports is
      critical for future scalable optical network, however, there is still no
      characteristic parameter to label the overlapped optical carriers. Here we
      propose a free-space optical flow routing (OFR) scheme by using optical orbital
      angular moment (OAM) states to label optical flows and simultaneously steer each
      flow according to their OAM states. With an OAM multiplexer and a reconfigurable
      OAM demultiplexer, massive individual optical flows can be routed to the demanded
      optical ports. In the routing process, the OAM beams act as data carriers at the
      same time their topological charges act as each carrier's labels. Using this
      scheme, we experimentally demonstrate switching, multicasting and filtering
      network functions by simultaneously steer 10 input optical flows on demand to 10
      output ports. The demonstration of data-carrying OFR with nonreturn-to-zero
      signals shows that this process enables synchronous processing of massive spatial
      channels and flexible optical network. 

PMID- 27661903
TI  - Single-beam heterodyne FAST CARS microscopy.
AB  - We demonstrate, for the first time, single-beam heterodyne FAST CARS imaging
      without data post-processing and with nonresonant background subtraction in a
      simple setup via the real-time piezo modulation of the probe delay. Our fast
      signal acquisition scheme does not require a spatial light modulator in the pulse
      shaper, and is suitable for high-resolution imaging and time-resolved dynamics.
      In addition, the spectral detection of the back-scattered FAST CARS signal is
      incorporated into the pulse shaper, allowing for a compact and more efficient
      design. Such epi-detection capability is demonstrated by imaging Si and
      MoS<sub>2</sub> microstructures. 

PMID- 27661904
TI  - 3.375-Gb/s RGB-LED based WDM visible light communication system employing PAM-8
      modulation with phase shifted Manchester coding.
AB  - Optical background noise and second-order nonlinear distortions are two main
      challenges faced by indoor high-speed VLC system. In this paper, a novel phase
      shifted Manchester (PS-Manchester) coding based on PAM-8 is proposed and
      experimentally demonstrated to mitigate these noise and distortions. With the aid
      of PS-Manchester coding and WDM, a total data rate of 3.375-Gb/s can be
      successfully achieved in the RGB-LED based VLC system. The BER is under 7% HD-FEC
      limit of 3.8x10<sup>-3</sup> after 1-m indoor free space transmission. To the
      best of our knowledge, this is the highest data rate ever achieved in PAM VLC
      systems. 

PMID- 27661905
TI  - Fast coherent manipulation of quantum states in open systems.
AB  - We present a method to manipulate quantum states in open systems. It is shown
      that a high-fidelity quantum state may be generated by designing an additional
      Hamiltonian without rotating wave approximation. Moreover, we find that a
      coherent transfer is possible using quantum feedback control even when feedback
      parameters and noise strength can not be exactly controlled. Our results
      demonstrate the feasibility of constructing the shortcuts to adiabatic passage
      beyond rotating wave approximation in open systems. 

PMID- 27661906
TI  - Ultra-stable high-power mid-infrared optical parametric oscillator pumped by a
      super-fluorescent fiber source.
AB  - The longterm stability of the laser system is very important in many
      applications. In this letter, an ultra-stable, broadband, mid-infrared (MIR)
      optical parametric oscillator (OPO) pumped by a super-fluorescent fiber source is
      demonstrated. An idler MIR output power of 11.3 W with excellent beam quality was
      obtained and the corresponding pump-to-idler conversion slope efficiency was
      15.9%. Furthermore, during 1h measurement at full power operation, the peak-to
      peak fluctuation of idler output power was less than 1.9% and the corresponding
      standard deviation was less than 0.4% RMS, which was much better than that of a
      traditional single mode fiber laser pumped OPO system (10.9% for peak-to-peak
      fluctuation and 1.8% RMS for the standard deviation) in another experiment for
      comparison. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration on a high-power,
      ultra-stable OPO system by using the modefree pump source, which offered an
      effective approach to achieve an ultra-stable MIR source and broadened the range
      of the super-fluorescent fiber source applications. 

PMID- 27661907
TI  - All fiber M-Z interferometer for high temperature sensing based on a hetero
      structured cladding solid-core photonic bandgap fiber.
AB  - We proposed and experimentally demonstrated a high temperature fiber sensor using
      a hetero-structured cladding solid-core photonic bandgap fiber (HCSC-PBGF) for
      the first time to our knowledge. A hetero-structured cladding solid-core photonic
      bandgap fiber is designed and fabricated that supports vibrant core mode and
      cladding mode transmission. Then, an all fiber M-Z interference sensor is
      constructed by splicing single mode fiber at both ends of HCSC-PBGF without any
      other micromachining. The transmission characteristics of HCSC-PBGF are analyzed
      with a full-vector beam propagation method and a full-vector finite element
      method, and the simulation results are consistent with experiment results. The
      sensitivity of this fiber sensor is as high as 0.09 nm/ degrees C when operating
      from room temperature to 1000  degrees C, and the fringe contrast keeps stable
      and clear. It is obvious that this all fiber sensor will have great application
      prospects in fiber sensing with the advantages of a compact structure, high
      sensitivity, and cost-effectiveness. 

PMID- 27661908
TI  - Differentiation of normal and leukemic cells by 2D light scattering label-free
      static cytometry.
AB  - Two-dimensional (2D) light scattering patterns of single microspheres, normal
      granulocytes and leukemic cells are obtained by label-free static cytometry.
      Statistical results of experimental 2D light scattering patterns obtained from
      standard microspheres with a mean diameter of 4.19 MUm agree well with
      theoretical simulations. High accuracy rates (greater than 92%) for label-free
      differentiation of normal granulocytes and leukemic cells, both the acute and
      chronic leukemic cells, are achieved by analyzing the 2D light scattering
      patterns. Our label-free static cytometry is promising for leukemia screening in
      clinics. 

PMID- 27661909
TI  - Constellation recovery and impairment evaluation through minimization of the
      blind EVM.
AB  - We present a new method, blind EVM minimization, for constellation recovery and
      transmitter impairment evaluation of dual polarization optical signals with
      complex modulation formats. Using simulated data, for which transmitter
      impairments are known exactly, the method is shown to be accurate and robust. In
      addition, the method is successfully tested on measured QPSK and QAM16 data.
      Because of its relatively long run-time, the method might best be used for
      defining and measuring transmitter impairments and for judging the performance of
      faster constellation recovery methods that rely on serial parameter evaluation
      rather than optimization. 

PMID- 27661910
TI  - On-chip switch for reconfigurable mode-multiplexing optical network.
AB  - The switching and routing is essential for an advanced and reconfigurable optical
      network, and great efforts have been done for traditional single-mode system. We
      propose and demonstrate an on-chip switch compatible with mode-division
      multiplexing system. By controlling the induced phase difference, the
      functionalities of dynamically routing data channels can be achieved. The
      proposed switch is experimentally demonstrated with low insertion loss of ~1 dB
      and high extinction ratio of ~20 dB over the C-band for OFF-ON switchover. For
      further demonstration, the non-return-to-zero on-off keying signals at 10 Gb/s
      carried on the two spatial modes are successfully processed. Open and clear eye
      diagrams can be observed and the bit error rate measurements indicate a good data
      routing performance. 

PMID- 27661911
TI  - Interferometric measurements beyond the coherence length of the laser source.
AB  - Interferometric measurements beyond the coherence length of the laser are
      investigated theoretically and experimentally in this paper. Thanks to a high
      bandwidth detection, high-speed digitizers and a fast digital signal processing,
      we have demonstrated that the limit of the coherence length can be overcome.
      Theoretically, the maximal measurable displacement is infinite provided that the
      sampling rate is sufficiently short to prevent any phase unwrapping error. We
      could verify experimentally this concept using a miniature interferometer
      prototype, based on a frequency stabilized vertical cavity surface emitting
      laser. Displacement measurements at optical path differences up to 36 m could be
      realized with a relative stability better than 0.1 ppm, although the coherence
      length estimated from the linewidth and frequency noise measurements do not
      exceed 6.6 m. 

PMID- 27661912
TI  - Silicon photonic integrated circuits with electrically programmable non-volatile
      memory functions.
AB  - Conventional silicon photonic integrated circuits do not normally possess memory
      functions, which require on-chip power in order to maintain circuit states in
      tuned or field-configured switching routes. In this context, we present an
      electrically programmable add/drop microring resonator with a wavelength shift of
      426 pm between the ON/OFF states. Electrical pulses are used to control the
      choice of the state. Our experimental results show a wavelength shift of 2.8
      pm/ms and a light intensity variation of ~0.12 dB/ms for a fixed wavelength in
      the OFF state. Theoretically, our device can accommodate up to 65 states of multi
      level memory functions. Such memory functions can be integrated into wavelength
      division mutiplexing (WDM) filters and applied to optical routers and computing
      architectures fulfilling large data downloading demands. 

PMID- 27661913
TI  - Jitter analysis of timing-distribution and remote-laser synchronization systems.
AB  - We present a powerful jitter analysis method for timing-distribution and remote
      laser synchronization systems based on feedback flow between setup elements. We
      synchronize two different mode-locked lasers in a master-slave configuration
      locally and remotely over a timing-stabilized fiber link network. Local
      synchronization reveals the inherent jitter of the slave laser as 2.1 fs RMS (>20
      kHz), whereas remote synchronization exhibits an out-of-loop jitter of 8.55 fs
      RMS integrated for 1 Hz - 1 MHz. Our comprehensive feedback model yields
      excellent agreement with the experimental results and identifies seven
      uncorrelated noise sources, out of which the slave laser's jitter dominates with
      8.19 fs RMS. 

PMID- 27661914
TI  - Enhanced displacements in reflected beams at hyperbolic metamaterials.
AB  - We examine the Goos-Hanchen (G-H) shift of a Gaussian beam reflected on a thin
      slab of Ag/TiO<sub>2</sub> hyperbolic multilayer metamaterial (HMM). The HMM is
      modeled using the effective medium theory which yields the anisotropic dielectric
      functions of the HMM. The G-H shifts can be very large on the surface of the HMM.
      It can be about 40 um which are far bigger than the G-H shifts on the usual
      materials like metals and dielectrics. The enhancement is due to the excitation
      of the Brewster modes in HMM. Such Brewster modes in HMM have a well-defined
      frequency-dependent line shape. We relate the the half width at half maximum of
      the G-H shift to the imaginary part of the complex frequency of the Brewster
      mode. Moreover, we also present results for the Imbert-Fedorov shifts as well as
      the spin Hall effect of light on the surface of a thin HMM slab. We show that the
      spin Hall effect on the HMM slab is much more pronounced than that on the surface
      of metal. Thus a thin HMM slab can be used to enhance the lateral displacements,
      which can have many interesting applications for optical devices. 

PMID- 27661916
TI  - Effects of photo-neutralization on the emission properties of quantum dots.
AB  - In this paper we investigate the coherence properties of a quantum dot used as
      photon pair source, under two-photon resonant excitation in combination with an
      additional photo-neutralization laser. The photo-neutralization increases the
      efficiency of the excitation process and thus, the brightness of the source, by a
      factor of approximately 1.5 for biexciton-exciton pairs. This enhancement does
      not degrade the relevant coherences in the system; neither the single photon
      coherence time, nor the coherence of the excitation process. 

PMID- 27661917
TI  - Kerr effect in multilayer dielectric coatings.
AB  - We report the utilization of the optical Kerr effect in multilayer dielectric
      coatings, previously discussed only theoretically. We present the design and
      realization of multilayer dielectric optical structures with layer-specific Kerr
      nonlinearities, which permit tailoring of the intensity-dependent effects. The
      modulation depth in reflectance reaches up to 6% for the demonstrated examples of
      dielectric nonlinear multilayer coatings. We show that the nonlinearity is based
      on the optical Kerr effect, with the recovery time faster than the laser pulse
      envelope of 1 ps. Due to high flexibility in design, the reported dielectric
      nonlinear multilayer coatings have the potential to open hitherto unprecedented
      possibilities in nonlinear optics and ultrafast laser applications. 

PMID- 27661915
TI  - All-fiber fourth and fifth harmonic generation from a single source.
AB  - All-fiber fourth and fifth harmonic generation from a single source is
      demonstrated experimentally and analyzed theoretically. Light from a fully
      fiberized high power master oscillator power amplifier is launched into a
      periodically poled silica fiber generating the second harmonic. The output is
      then sent through two optical microfibers that generate the third and fourth
      harmonic, respectively, via four wave mixing (FWM). For a large range of pump
      wavelengths in the silica optical transmission window, phase matched FWM can be
      achieved in the microfibers at two different diameters with relatively wide
      fabrication tolerances of up to +/-5 nm. Our simulations indicate that by
      optimizing the second harmonic generation efficiency and the diameters and
      lengths of the two microfibers, conversion efficiencies to the fourth harmonic in
      excess of 25% are theoretically achievable. 

PMID- 27661918
TI  - Lorentz drift compensation in high harmonic generation in the soft and hard X-ray
      regions of the spectrum.
AB  - We present a semi-classical study of the effects of the Lorentz force on
      electrons during high harmonic generation in the soft and hard X-ray regions
      driven by near- and mid-infrared lasers with wavelengths from 0.8 to 20 MUm, and
      at intensities below 10<sup>15</sup> W/cm<sup>2</sup>. The transverse extent of
      the longitudinal Lorentz drift is compared for both Gaussian focus and waveguide
      geometries. Both geometries exhibit a longitudinal electric field component that
      cancels the magnetic Lorentz drift in some regions of the focus, once each full
      optical cycle. We show that the Lorentz force contributes a super-Gaussian
      scaling which acts in addition to the dominant high harmonic flux scaling of
      lambda<sup>-(5-6)</sup> due to quantum diffusion. We predict that the high
      harmonic yield will be reduced for driving wavelengths > 6 MUm, and that the
      presence of dynamic spatial mode asymmetries results in the generation of both
      even and odd harmonic orders. Remarkably, we show that under realistic
      conditions, the recollision process can be controlled and does not shut off
      completely even for wavelengths >10 MUm and recollision energies greater than 15
      keV. 

PMID- 27661919
TI  - Picometer-resolution dual-comb spectroscopy with a free-running fiber laser.
AB  - Dual-comb spectroscopy holds the promise as real-time, high-resolution
      spectroscopy tools. However, in its conventional schemes, the stringent
      requirement on the coherence between two lasers requires sophisticated control
      systems. By replacing control electronics with an all-optical dual-comb lasing
      scheme, a simplified dual-comb spectroscopy scheme is demonstrated using one dual
      wavelength, passively mode-locked fiber laser. Pulses with a intracavity
      dispersion-determined repetition-frequency difference are shown to have good
      mutual coherence and stability. Capability to resolve the comb teeth and a
      picometer-wide optical spectral resolution are demonstrated using a simple data
      acquisition system. Energy-efficient, free-running fiber lasers with a small comb
      tooth-spacing could enable low-cost dual-comb systems. 

PMID- 27661920
TI  - Suppression of projector distortion in phase-measuring profilometry by projecting
      adaptive fringe patterns.
AB  - In phase-measuring profilometry, the lens distortion of commercial projectors may
      introduce additional bending carrier phase and thus lead to measurement errors.
      To address this problem, this paper presents an adaptive fringe projection
      technique in which the carrier phase in the projected fringe patterns is modified
      according to the projector distortion. After projecting these adaptive fringe
      patterns, the bending carrier phase induced by the projector distortion is
      eliminated. Experimental results demonstrate this method to be effective and
      efficient in suppressing the projector distortion for phase-measuring
      profilometry. More importantly, this method does not need to calibrate the
      projector and system parameters, such as the distortion coefficients of the
      projector and the angle between the optical axes of projector and camera lenses.
      Hence, it has low computational complexity and enables us to improve the
      measurement precision for an arbitrary phase-measuring profilometry system. 

PMID- 27661921
TI  - Interferometric control of plasmonic resonator based on polarization-sensitive
      excitation of surface plasmon polaritons.
AB  - A plasmonic resonator is proposed whose electromagnetic energy density can be
      tuned by the polarization state of the incident light. Counter-propagating
      surface plasmon polaritons, which are excited by polarization-sensitive
      subwavelength apertures, give tunability. Stored energy density in the resonator
      varies from the minimum to the maximum when the orientation angle of the incoming
      electric field rotates by 90 degrees. After optimizing a rectangular cavity and
      periodic gratings, the on/off ratio is calculated as 430 and measured as 1.55.
      Based on our scheme, interferometric control is executed simply by rotation of a
      polarizer. The proposed plasmonic resonator can be utilized in all-optically
      controlled active plasmonic devices, coherent network elements, particle trapping
      systems, and polarimeters. 

PMID- 27661680
TI  - Search for Higgs and Z Boson Decays to phigamma with the ATLAS Detector.
AB  - A search for the decays of the Higgs and Z bosons to a phi meson and a photon is
      performed with a pp collision data sample corresponding to an integrated
      luminosity of 2.7  fb^{-1} collected at sqrt[s]=13  TeV with the ATLAS detector
      at the LHC. No significant excess of events is observed above the background, and
      95% confidence level upper limits on the branching fractions of the Higgs and Z
      boson decays to phigamma of 1.4*10^{-3} and 8.3*10^{-6}, respectively, are
      obtained. 

PMID- 27661922
TI  - Thermo-optic effects in on-chip lithium niobate microdisk resonators.
AB  - We report the experimental observation and theoretical analysis of thermo-optic
      effects in high-Q on-chip lithium-niobate (LN) microdisks. We find that the
      resonance transmission dip of a LN microdisk was broadened or compressed when the
      wavelength of the input laser was tuned to the shorter or the longer wavelengths
      at a wavelength sweeping speed of 4.8 pm/s. When the laser wavelength was shifted
      with a fast rate (4.8 nm/s), the tendencies of the change in the shape of the
      transmission dip reverse completely. An oscillatory behavior in the transmission
      spectra was also observed when the laser wavelength was slowly shifted to the
      shorter wavelengths. The experimental results were successfully explained by
      using a theoretical mode considering for a fast thermo-optic effect of LN crystal
      and a slow heat dissipation process from the LN microdisk to the substrate and
      surroundings that leads to the reduction of the resonance wavelength through the
      deformation of the LN microdisk. 

PMID- 27661923
TI  - Simple tunable dual-wavelength fiber laser and multiple self-mixing
      interferometry to large step height measurement.
AB  - A simple tunable dual-wavelength fiber laser was developed and multiple self
      mixing interferometry to large step height measurement was demonstrated. The
      fiber laser, which can emit two wavelengths without laser mode competition, is
      composed of a single fiber ring cavity and two fiber branches. Each branch
      includes a length of erbium-doped fiber and a fiber Bragg grating. Large step
      heights can be measured using multiple self-mixing interference of the two
      wavelengths. The maximum height that can be measured is half synthetic wavelength
      of the two wavelengths. A step height of 2mm constructed with two gauge blocks
      has been measured. The standard deviation of measurement results is 2.5nm. 

PMID- 27661924
TI  - Direct optical measurements of far- and deep-ultraviolet surface plasmon
      resonance with different refractive indices.
AB  - The surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of Al thin films was investigated by varying
      the refractive index of the environment near the films in the far-ultraviolet
      (FUV, 120-200 nm) and deep-ultraviolet (DUV, 200-300 nm) regions. An original FUV
      DUV spectrometer that adopts an attenuated total reflectance (ATR) system was
      used. The measurable wavelength range was down to the 180 nm, and the environment
      near the Al surface could be controlled. The resultant spectra enabled the
      dispersion relationship of Al-SPR in the FUV and DUV regions to be obtained. In
      the presence of 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol (HFIP) on the Al film, the
      angle and wavelength of the SPR became larger and longer, respectively, compared
      to those in air. These shifts correspond well with the results of simulations
      performed using Fresnel equations. 

PMID- 27661925
TI  - Development of regenerated fiber Bragg grating sensors with long-term stability.
AB  - The effect of annealing cycle on regeneration efficiency was investigated through
      isothermal treatments between 700 and 1000 degrees C. We determined an inverse
      relationship between the recovery rate of the peak reflectivity and temperature.
      A regeneration efficiency of 85.2% and long-term stability at 1000 degrees C for
      500 hours were achieved via a slow regeneration process. Thermal sensors
      developed by isothermal regeneration were determined to be reliable up to 1000
      degrees C (+/-2  degrees C). Experimental findings suggest the involvement of
      both diffusion related phenomena and stress variation through densification of
      the fiber core in type-I FBG during the thermal regeneration process. 

PMID- 27661932
TI  - Population transfer driven by far-off-resonant fields.
AB  - For a two-level system, it is believed that a far-off-resonant driving cannot
      help coherent population transfer between two states. In this work, we propose a
      scheme to implement the coherent transfer with far-off-resonant driving. The
      scheme works well with both constant driving and Gaussian driving. The total time
      to finish population transfer is also minimized by optimizing the detuning and
      coupling constants. We find that the scheme is sensitive to spontaneous emission
      much more than dephasing. It might find potential applications in X-ray quantum
      optics and population transfer in Rydberg atoms as well. 

PMID- 27661928
TI  - Measurement of the profiles of disorder-induced localized resonances in photonic
      crystal waveguides by local tuning.
AB  - Near the band edge of photonic crystal waveguides, localized modes appear due to
      disorder. We demonstrate a new method to elucidate spatial profile of the
      localized modes in such systems using precise local tuning. Using deconvolution
      with the known thermal profile, the spatial profile of a localized mode with
      quality factor (Q) > 10<sup>5</sup> is successfully reconstructed with a
      resolution of 2.5 MUm. 

PMID- 27661931
TI  - Gamow vectors explain the shock profile.
AB  - The description of shock waves beyond the shock point is a challenge in nonlinear
      physics and optics. Finding solutions to the global dynamics of dispersive shock
      waves is not always possible due to the lack of integrability. Here we propose a
      new method based on the eigenstates (Gamow vectors) of a reversed harmonic
      oscillator in a rigged Hilbert space. These vectors allow analytical formulation
      for the development of undular bores of shock waves in a nonlinear nonlocal
      medium. Experiments by a photothermal induced nonlinearity confirm theoretical
      predictions: the undulation period as a function of power and the characteristic
      quantized decays of Gamow vectors. Our results demonstrate that Gamow vectors are
      a novel and effective paradigm for describing extreme nonlinear phenomena. 

PMID- 27661930
TI  - Attosecond pulse generation with an optimization loop in a light-field
      synthesizer.
AB  - We developed an efficient, tailored optimization method for attopulse generation
      using a light-field-synthesizer [M. Hassan et al., Nature 530, 66 (2016)]. We
      adapted genetic optimization of single-cycle and sub-cycle waveforms to
      attosecond pulse generation and achieved significantly improved convergence to
      many target attosecond pulse shapes. Importantly, we show that the single-atom
      approach (based on strong field approximation) gives similar results to the more
      complex and numerically intensive 3D model of the attopulse generation process
      and that spectrally tunable attosecond pulses can be produced with a light-field
      synthesizer. 

PMID- 27661926
TI  - Displacement measurement using an optoelectronic oscillator with an intra-loop
      Michelson interferometer.
AB  - We report on measurement of small displacements with sub-nanometer precision
      using an optoelectronic oscillator (OEO) with an intra-loop Michelson
      interferometer. In comparison with conventional homodyne and heterodyne detection
      methods, where displacement appears as a power change or a phase shift,
      respectively, in the OEO detection, the displacement produces a shift in the
      oscillation frequency. In comparison with typical OEO sensors, where the
      frequency shift is proportional to the OEO oscillation frequency in radio
      frequency domain, the frequency shift in our method with an intra-loop
      interferometer is proportional to an optical frequency. We constructed a hybrid
      apparatus and compared characteristics of the OEO and heterodyne detection
      methods. 

PMID- 27661933
TI  - Roll-off factor dependence of Nyquist pulse transmission.
AB  - We evaluate the dependence of system performance on the roll-off factor, alpha,
      of a Nyquist pulse in a single-channel 1.28 Tbit/s-525 km transmission both
      experimentally and analytically. Low alpha values are preferable in terms of
      spectral efficiency and tolerance to chromatic dispersion and polarization-mode
      dispersion, while a strong overlap with neighboring symbols results in larger
      nonlinear impairments. On the other hand, a Nyquist pulse with high alpha values
      also suffers from nonlinearity due to higher peak power. As a result, we found
      experimentally that the optimum alpha value is 0.4~0.6, which agrees well with
      the analysis. 

PMID- 27661929
TI  - Origin of terminal voltage variations due to self-mixing in terahertz frequency
      quantum cascade lasers.
AB  - We explain the origin of voltage variations due to self-mixing in a terahertz
      (THz) frequency quantum cascade laser (QCL) using an extended density matrix (DM)
      approach. Our DM model allows calculation of both the current-voltage (I-V) and
      optical power characteristics of the QCL under optical feedback by changing the
      cavity loss, to which the gain of the active region is clamped. The variation of
      intra-cavity field strength necessary to achieve gain clamping, and the
      corresponding change in bias required to maintain a constant current density
      through the heterostructure is then calculated. Strong enhancement of the self
      mixing voltage signal due to non-linearity of the (I-V) characteristics is
      predicted and confirmed experimentally in an exemplar 2.6 THz bound-to-continuum
      QCL. 

PMID- 27661927
TI  - Laser induced ultrasonic phased array using full matrix capture data acquisition
      and total focusing method.
AB  - Laser ultrasonics is a technique where lasers are employed to generate and detect
      ultrasound. A data collection method (full matrix capture) and a post processing
      imaging algorithm, the total focusing method, both developed for ultrasonic
      arrays, are modified and used in order to enhance the capabilities of laser
      ultrasonics for nondestructive testing by improving defect detectability and
      increasing spatial resolution. In this way, a laser induced ultrasonic phased
      array is synthesized. A model is developed and compared with experimental results
      from aluminum samples with side drilled holes and slots at depths of 5 - 20 mm
      from the surface. 

PMID- 27661934
TI  - Correlation steering in the angularly multimode Raman atomic memory.
AB  - We present the possibility of steering the direction of correlations between the
      off-resonant Raman scattered photons from the angularly multimode atomic memory
      based on warm rubidium vapors. Using acousto-optic deflectors (AOD) driven by
      different modulation frequencies, we experimentally change the angle of incidence
      of the laser beams on the atomic ensemble. By performing correlation measurements
      for various deflection angles, we verify that we can choose the anti-Stokes light
      propagation direction independently of the correlated Stokes scattered light in a
      continuous way. As a result we can select the spatial mode of photons retrieved
      from the memory, which may be important for future development of quantum
      information processing. 

PMID- 27661935
TI  - Fault-tolerant and finite-error localization for point emitters within the
      diffraction limit.
AB  - We implement a self-interference technique for determining the separation between
      two incoherent point sources. This method relies on image inversion
      interferometry and when used with the appropriate data analytics, it yields an
      estimate of the separation with finite-error, including the case when the sources
      overlap completely. The experimental results show that the technique has a good
      tolerance to noise and misalignment, making it an interesting consideration for
      high resolution instruments in microscopy or astronomy. 

PMID- 27661936
TI  - Influence of detector noise in holographic imaging with limited photon flux.
AB  - Lensless coherent diffractive imaging usually requires iterative phase-retrieval
      for recovering the missing phase information. Holographic techniques, such as
      Fourier-transform holography (FTH) or holography with extended references
      (HERALDO), directly provide this phase information and thus allow for a direct
      non-iterative reconstruction of the sample. In this paper, we analyze the effect
      of detector noise on the reconstruction for FTH and HERALDO with linear and
      rectangular references. We find that HERALDO is more sensitive to this type of
      noise than FTH, especially if rectangular references are employed. This excessive
      noise, caused by the necessary differentiation step(s) during reconstruction in
      case of HERALDO, additionally depends on the numerical implementation. When
      considering both shot-noise and detector noise, we find that FTH provides a
      better signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) than HERALDO if the available photon flux from
      the light source is low. In contrast, at high photon flux HERALDO provides better
      SNR and resolution than FTH. Our findings will help in designing optimum
      holographic imaging experiments particularly in the photon-flux-limited regime
      where most ultrafast experiments operate. 

PMID- 27661937
TI  - Polymer lasers assembled by suspending membranes on a distributed feedback
      grating.
AB  - Polymer lasers are fabricated by an assembly method. A polymer membrane is
      directly attached on the one- or two- dimensional grating. The suspended membrane
      acts as an active waveguide, which is supported by the grating ridge, leaving air
      gaps in the grating valley. Most of the radiation is effectively confined within
      the active waveguide due to the strong reflection at the membrane/air interfaces.
      So, low threshold lasing can be achieved when the sample is optically pumped.
      This fabrication method provides an alternative to investigate low-threshold
      polymer lasers. 

PMID- 27661938
TI  - Analysis and reduction of errors caused by Poisson noise for phase diversity
      technique.
AB  - An effective method for reducing the sensitivity of phase diversity (PD)
      technique to Poisson noise is proposed. The denoising algorithm based on blocking
      matching and 3D filtering is first introduced in the wavefront sensing field as a
      preprocessing stage. Then, the PD technique is applied to the denoised images.
      Results of the numerical simulations and experiments demonstrate that our
      approach is better than the traditional PD technique in terms of both the root
      mean-square error (RMSE) of phase estimates and the structural similarity index
      metrics (SSIM). The RMSEs of phase estimates on synthetic data are decreased by
      approximately 40% across noise levels within the range of 58.7-18.8 dB in terms
      of peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR). Meanwhile, the overall decline range of
      SSIM is significantly decreased from 49% to 9%. The experiment and simulation
      results are in good agreement. The approach may be widely used in various
      domains, such as the measurements of intrinsic aberrations in optical systems and
      compensations for atmospheric turbulence. 

PMID- 27661939
TI  - Wavelength tunable integrated add-drop filter with 10.6 nm bandwidth
      adjustability.
AB  - We present the design and characterization of a silicon-on-insulator based
      bandwidth and wavelength-tunable add-drop filter. The tunability of the device is
      achieved by independently controlling the central wavelength of two cascaded
      contra-directional grating assisted couplers. The device was fabricated using e
      beam lithography and the tuning is demonstrated using the thermo-optic effect,
      which was obtained with metal heaters fabricated by a lift-off process. It is
      experimentally demonstrated that within the wavelength range of 1555 nm to 1573
      nm the transmission bandwidth of the device can be tuned from 1.1 nm to 11.7 nm.
      Moreover, more than 4 nm of central wavelength tuning is demonstrated. The
      tunability of the central wavelength is limited by the breakdown current of the
      metal heaters. 

PMID- 27661940
TI  - Optical zooming based on focusing grating in direct drive ICF.
AB  - In direct drive ICF, optical zooming is an effective way to mitigate cross-beam
      energy transfer and increase the hydrodynamic efficiency, by reducing the spot
      size of the laser beams while target compressing. In this paper, a novel optical
      zooming scheme is proposed, which employs a focusing grating to focus the
      broadband laser pulse, changing the spot size on the target within single
      beamlet. Experimentally, a focusing grating with clean aperture of 40-mm * 40-mm
      placed after the collimated light successfully realized the peak-valley of
      defocusing wavefront distribution of 0.73 um as the wavelength ranging from
      1052.43 nm to 1053.23 nm. Extended to the full-sized focusing grating with laser
      beam of 360-mm * 360-mm, it is derived that the focal spot reduction reaches to
      21.8% with the 3rd harmonic light ranging from 350.81 nm to 351.08 nm, decreasing
      from 375 um to 294 um with 300 um shaping continuous phase plate. 

PMID- 27661941
TI  - Versatile and tunable surface plasmon polariton excitation over a broad bandwidth
      with a simple metaline by external polarization modulation.
AB  - Surface plasmon polariton (SPP) sources and launchers are highly demanded in
      various applications of nanophotonics. Here, we propose a general approach that
      can realize complete control of the complex extinction ratio (including amplitude
      and phase) of any two linearly independent SPP modes excited by any elementary
      SPP excitation architecture just by manipulating the incident polarization state.
      In an optical system, it suffices to simply tune the orientation angles of a
      linear polarizer and a quarter wave plate, which may greatly simplify the design
      and application of SPP launchers and diversify their functionalities. As an
      example to show the broad application prospect of this method, we design and
      realize a metaline consisting of Delta-shaped plasmonic nanoantennas, which can
      effectively realize dual functionalities, i.e., the tunable directional SPP
      excitation at an arbitrarily chosen wavelength and the complete unidirectional
      SPP excitation over a broad bandwidth. This general approach can also be extended
      to the control of the complex extinction ratio of any two linearly independent
      excited modes in many other linear optical systems, such as two modes in a
      waveguide or two diffraction orders in a grating, over a broad bandwidth. 

PMID- 27661942
TI  - Wavefront shaping for imaging-based flow velocity measurements through
      distortions using a Fresnel guide star.
AB  - Imaging-based flow measurement techniques, like particle image velocimetry (PIV),
      are vulnerable to time-varying distortions like refractive index inhomogeneities
      or fluctuating phase boundaries. Such distortions strongly increase the velocity
      error, as the position assignment of the tracer particles and the decrease of
      image contrast exhibit significant uncertainties. We demonstrate that wavefront
      shaping based on spatially distributed guide stars has the potential to
      significantly reduce the measurement uncertainty. Proof of concept experiments
      show an improvement by more than one order of magnitude. Possible applications
      for the wavefront shaping PIV range from measurements in jets and film flows to
      biomedical applications. 

PMID- 27661943
TI  - 320 Gbit/s, 20 Gsymbol/s 256 QAM coherent transmission over 160 km by using
      injection-locked local oscillator.
AB  - We demonstrate 20 Gsymbol/s, 256 QAM polarization multiplexed (pol-mux) 320
      Gbit/s coherent transmission. By employing an LD-based injection locking circuit,
      we achieved low noise optical carrier-phase locking between the LO and the data
      signal. Furthermore, frequency domain equalization and digital back-propagation
      enabled us to realize precise compensation for transmitted waveform distortions.
      As a result, a 320 Gbit/s data was successfully transmitted over 160 km with a
      potential spectral efficiency of 10.9 bit/s/Hz. This is the highest symbol rate
      yet achieved in a pol-mux 256 QAM coherent transmission. In addition, we also
      describe a pol-mux 256 QAM transmission at a symbol rate of 10 Gsymbol/s. 

PMID- 27661944
TI  - Spatially incoherent off-axis Fourier holography without using spatial light
      modulator (SLM).
AB  - We present a spatially incoherent dual path Fourier holographic system.
      Conceptually it is similar to Fourier incoherent single channel holography
      (FISCH). Although our incoherent off-axis Fourier holographic (IOFH) system does
      not have the robustness of a single channel system, it has three advantages over
      FISCH, with two being quite obvious from setup. First, no SLM is required, thus
      making the system simple and cost-effective. Second, it is capable of high light
      throughput because in FISCH, the use of SLM reduces light intensity in half by
      splitting one beam into two; furthermore, an analyzer is required to create
      interference which also reduces light intensity. The third advantage, which makes
      this IOFH system applicable even for on-axis samples (as opposed to samples in a
      half plane as is necessary for FISCH), is achieved by tilting one mirror. Here we
      demonstrate our system with a sample in half plane as in FISCH for different
      axial positions, and then by placing the object on an optical axis and tilting
      one mirror. The reconstructed images demonstrate holographic capabilities of our
      IOFH system for both on-axis and half plane sample locations. 

PMID- 27661945
TI  - Detection of trace organics in Martian soil analogs using fluorescence-free
      surface enhanced 1064-nm Raman Spectroscopy.
AB  - A significant technology challenge in planetary missions is the in situ detection
      of organics at the sub-part-per-million (ppm) level in soils. This article
      reports the organic compound detection in Mars-like soils at the sub-ppm level
      using an ultra-sensitive spectral sensing technique based on fluorescence-free
      surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), which has a significantly improved
      sensitivity and reduced fluorescence noise. Raman spectral detection of ppm level
      organics in Antarctic Dry Valley and Mojave Desert soils have been obtained for
      the first time, which otherwise are not detected by other Raman spectral
      techniques. 

PMID- 27661946
TI  - Precise and fast spatial-frequency analysis using the iterative local Fourier
      transform.
AB  - The use of the discrete Fourier transform has decreased since the introduction of
      the fast Fourier transform (fFT), which is a numerically efficient computing
      process. This paper presents the iterative local Fourier transform (ilFT), a set
      of new processing algorithms that iteratively apply the discrete Fourier
      transform within a local and optimal frequency domain. The new technique achieves
      2<sup>10</sup> times higher frequency resolution than the fFT within a comparable
      computation time. The method's superb computing efficiency, high resolution,
      spectrum zoom-in capability, and overall performance are evaluated and compared
      to other advanced high-resolution Fourier transform techniques, such as the fFT
      combined with several fitting methods. The effectiveness of the ilFT is
      demonstrated through the data analysis of a set of Talbot self-images (1280 *
      1024 pixels) obtained with an experimental setup using grating in a diverging
      beam produced by a coherent point source. 

PMID- 27661947
TI  - Motion artefact detection in structured illumination microscopy for live cell
      imaging.
AB  - The reconstruction process of structured illumination microscopy (SIM) creates
      substantial artefacts if the specimen has moved during the acquisition. This
      reduces the applicability of SIM for live cell imaging, because these artefacts
      cannot always be recognized as such in the final image. A movement is not
      necessarily visible in the raw data, due to the varying excitation patterns and
      the photon noise. We present a method to detect motion by extracting and
      comparing two independent 3D wide-field images out of the standard SIM raw data
      without needing additional images. Their difference reveals moving objects
      overlaid with noise, which are distinguished by a probability theory-based
      analysis. Our algorithm tags motion-artefacts in the final high-resolution image
      for the first time, preventing the end-user from misinterpreting the data. We
      show and explain different types of artefacts and demonstrate our algorithm on a
      living cell. 

PMID- 27661948
TI  - 340 nm pulsed UV LED system for europium-based time-resolved fluorescence
      detection of immunoassays.
AB  - We report on the design, development and investigation of an optical system based
      on UV light emitting diode (LED) excitation at 340 nm for time-resolved
      fluorescence detection of immunoassays. The system was tested to measure cardiac
      marker Troponin I with a concentration of 200 ng/L in immunoassay. The signal-to
      noise ratio was comparable to state-of-the-art Xenon flash lamp based unit with
      equal excitation energy and without overdriving the LED. We performed a
      comparative study of the flash lamp and the LED based system and discussed
      temporal, spatial, and spectral features of the LED excitation for time-resolved
      fluorimetry. Optimization of the suggested key parameters of the LED promises
      significant increase of the signal-to-noise ratio and hence of the sensitivity of
      immunoassay systems. 

PMID- 27661949
TI  - Slanted channel microfluidic chip for 3D fluorescence imaging of cells in flow.
AB  - Three-dimensional cellular imaging techniques have become indispensable tools in
      biological research and medical diagnostics. Conventional 3D imaging approaches
      employ focal stack collection to image different planes of the cell. In this
      work, we present the design and fabrication of a slanted channel microfluidic
      chip for 3D fluorescence imaging of cells in flow. The approach employs slanted
      microfluidic channels fabricated in glass using ultrafast laser inscription. The
      slanted nature of the microfluidic channels ensures that samples come into and go
      out of focus, as they pass through the microscope imaging field of view. This
      novel approach enables the collection of focal stacks in a straight-forward and
      automated manner, even with off-the-shelf microscopes that are not equipped with
      any motorized translation/rotation sample stages. The presented approach not only
      simplifies conventional focal stack collection, but also enhances the
      capabilities of a regular widefield fluorescence microscope to match the features
      of a sophisticated confocal microscope. We demonstrate the retrieval of sectioned
      slices of microspheres and cells, with the use of computational algorithms to
      enhance the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in the collected raw images. The
      retrieved sectioned images have been used to visualize fluorescent microspheres
      and bovine sperm cell nucleus in 3D while using a regular widefield fluorescence
      microscope. We have been able to achieve sectioning of approximately 200 slices
      per cell, which corresponds to a spatial translation of ~ 15 nm per slice along
      the optical axis of the microscope. 

PMID- 27661950
TI  - Detector-decoy high-dimensional quantum key distribution.
AB  - The decoy-state high-dimensional quantum key distribution provides a practical
      secure way to share more private information with high photon-information
      efficiency. In this paper, based on detector-decoy method, we propose a detector
      decoy high-dimensional quantum key distribution protocol. Employing threshold
      detectors and a variable attenuator, we can promise the security under Gsussian
      collective attacks with much simpler operations in practical implementation. By
      numerical evaluation, we show that without varying the source intensity, our
      protocol performs much better than one-decoy-state protocol and as well as the
      two-decoy-state protocol in the infinite-size regime. In the finite-size regime,
      our protocol can achieve better results. Specially, when the detector efficiency
      is lower, the advantage of the detector-decoy method becomes more prominent. 

PMID- 27661951
TI  - All-optical controlling based on nonlinear graphene plasmonic waveguides.
AB  - We give the effective refractive index of graphene plasmonic waveguides with both
      linear and nonlinear effects based on the nonlinear cross-phase modulation, and
      address the effects of photo-induced refractive index change and absorption
      change. A non-resonant all-optical nonlinear graphene plasmonic switch with an
      ultra-compact size of 0.25 MUm<sup>2</sup> is proposed and numerically analyzed
      based on the dynamics of the photo-induced absorption change. The results show
      that the all-optical graphene plasmonic switch can realize a broad bandwidth over
      5 THz, a potentially very high switching speed and an extinction ratio of 18.14
      dB with the electric amplitude of the pump light of 1.5 * 10<sup>7</sup> V/m at
      the signal frequency of 28 THz. Our study could provide a possibility for future
      all-optical highly integrated optical components. 

PMID- 27661952
TI  - Liquid microlenses and waveguides from bulk nematic birefringent profiles.
AB  - We demonstrate polarization-selective microlensing and waveguiding of laser beams
      by birefringent profiles in bulk nematic fluids using numerical modelling.
      Specifically, we show that radial escaped nematic director profiles with negative
      birefringence focus and guide light with radial polarization, whereas the
      opposite - azimuthal - polarization passes through unaffected. A converging lens
      is realized in a nematic with negative birefringence, and a diverging lens in a
      positive birefringence material. Tuning of such single-liquid lenses by an
      external low-frequency electric field and by adjusting the profile and intensity
      of the beam itself is demonstrated, combining external control with intrinsic
      self-adaptive focusing. Escaped radial profiles of birefringence are shown to act
      as single-liquid waveguides with a single distinct eigenmode and low attenuation.
      Finally, this work is an approach towards creating liquid photonic elements for
      all-soft matter photonics. 

PMID- 27661953
TI  - Synchronized self-mode-locked 1061-nm and 1064-nm monolithic Nd:YAG laser at
      cryogenic temperatures with two orthogonally polarized emissions: generation of
      670 GHz beating.
AB  - A dual-wavelength self-mode-locked monolithic Nd:YAG laser at 1061 and 1064 nm is
      realized at cryogenic temperatures. At an incident pump power of 5.5 W, the total
      output power can reach 2.5 W and the mode-locked pulse width is 29 ps at a pulse
      repetition rate of 7.75 GHz. The synchronization of the dual-wavelength emissions
      leads to a beat frequency of 670 GHz in the individual mode-locked pulse. It is
      further discovered that the laser output consists of two orthogonally polarized
      components with a central frequency difference of 127 MHz. The central frequency
      difference between two orthogonal polarizations mainly arises from the external
      mechanical stress introduced by the copper holder for the laser crystal. 

PMID- 27661954
TI  - Photonic integrated circuits unveil crisis-induced intermittency.
AB  - We experimentally investigate an intermittent route to chaos in a photonic
      integrated circuit consisting of a semiconductor laser with time-delayed optical
      feedback from a short external cavity. The transition from a period-doubling
      dynamics to a fully-developed chaos reveals a stage intermittently exhibiting
      these two dynamics. We unveil the bifurcation mechanism underlying this route to
      chaos by using the Lang-Kobayashi model and demonstrate that the process is based
      on a phenomenon of attractor expansion initiated by a particular distribution of
      the local Lyapunov exponents. We emphasize on the crucial importance of the
      distribution of the steady-state solutions introduced by the time-delayed
      feedback on the existence of this intermittent dynamics. 

PMID- 27661955
TI  - Transverse single-shot cross-correlation scheme for laser pulse temporal
      measurement via planar second harmonic generation.
AB  - We present a novel single-shot cross-correlation technique based on the analysis
      of the transversally emitted second harmonic generation in crystals with random
      distribution and size of anti-parallel nonlinear domains. We implement it to the
      measurement of ultrashort laser pulses with unknown temporal duration and shape.
      We optimize the error of the pulse measurement by controlling the incident angle
      and beam width. As novelty and unlike the other well-known cross correlation
      schemes, this technique can be implemented for the temporal characterization of
      pulses over a very wide dynamic range (30 fs-1ps) and wavelengths (800-2200 nm),
      using the same crystal and without critical angular or temperature alignment. 

PMID- 27661956
TI  - Broadband near total light absorption in non-PT-symmetric waveguide-cavity
      systems.
AB  - We introduce broadband waveguide absorbers with near unity absorption. More
      specifically, we propose a compact non-parity-time-symmetric perfect absorber
      unit cell, consisting of two metal-dielectric-metal (MDM) stub resonators with
      unbalanced gain and loss side-coupled to a MDM waveguide, based on unidirectional
      reflectionlessness at exceptional points. With proper design, light can transport
      through the perfect absorber unit cell with reflection close to zero in a broad
      wavelength range. By cascading multiple unit cell structures, the overall
      absorption spectra are essentially the superposition of the absorption spectra of
      the individual perfect absorber unit cells, and absorption of ~ 100% is supported
      in a wide range of frequencies. 

PMID- 27661957
TI  - Etalon filters for Brillouin microscopy of highly scattering tissues.
AB  - Brillouin imaging of turbid biological tissues requires an effective rejection of
      the background noise due to elastic scattering of probe laser light. We have
      developed a narrowband spectral notch filter based on a pair of a free-space
      Fabry-Perot etalon and a mirror. The etalon filter in a 4-pass configuration is
      able to suppress elastically-scattered laser light with a high extinction ratio
      of > 40 dB and transmit inelastically-scattered light in a frequency shift range
      of 2-14 GHz with only 2 dB insertion loss. We also describe a simple etalon that
      enables us to use semiconductor diode laser sources for Brillouin microscopy by
      removing spontaneous emission noise. Using a clinically-viable Brillouin
      microscope employing these filters, we demonstrate the first Brillouin confocal
      imaging of the sclera and conjunctiva of the porcine eye. 

PMID- 27661958
TI  - Multi-function Mach-Zehnder modulator for pulse shaping and generation.
AB  - We present a multi-function electronic-photonic integrated circuit (EPIC) design
      which exploits a new operation mode of a Mach-Zehnder modulator (MZM). Different
      from the conventional design, the two arms of the modulator are driven by time
      shifted signals of tunable amplitude. We study its operation in the linear and
      quadratic regions where the MZM is biased at pi/2 and pi initial phase
      difference, respectively. In the linear region, the modulator sums the waveforms
      of the driving signals in the two arms, which can be used to add pre-emphasis
      function to the modulator, and hence it obviates an electrical pre-emphasis
      driver. Furthermore, when operating in the quadratic region, the modulator can
      produce optical pulses with tunable pulse width at double clock rate. Prototype
      circuits are designed first using a suit of device, electromagnetic simulators to
      build compact models, and then importing into a photonic circuit simulator for
      complete circuit performance evaluation. 

PMID- 27661959
TI  - Low-noise quantum frequency down-conversion of indistinguishable photons.
AB  - We present experimental results on quantum frequency down-conversion of
      indistinguishable single photons emitted by an InAs/GaAs quantum dot at 904 nm to
      the telecom C-band at 1557 nm. Hong-Ou-Mandel (HOM) interference measurements are
      shown prior to and after the down-conversion step. We perform Monte-Carlo
      simulations of the HOM experiments taking into account the time delays of the
      different interferometers used and the signal-to-background ratio and further
      estimate the impact of spectral diffusion on the degree of indistinguishability.
      By that we conclude that the down-conversion step does not introduce any loss of
      HOM interference visibility. A noise-free conversion-process along with a high
      conversion-efficiency (> 30 %) emphasize that our scheme is a promising candidate
      for an efficient source of indistinguishable single photons at telecom
      wavelengths. 

PMID- 27661960
TI  - Combined Yb/Nd driver for optical parametric chirped pulse amplifiers.
AB  - We report on the developed front-end/pump system for optical parametric chirped
      pulse amplifiers. The system is based on a dual output fiber oscillator/power
      amplifier which seeds and assures all-optical synchronization of femtosecond Yb
      and picosecond Nd laser amplifiers operating at a central wavelength of 1030 nm
      and 1064 nm, respectively. At the central wavelength of 1030 nm, the fiber
      oscillator generates partially stretched 4 ps pulses with the spectrum supporting
      a <120 fs pulse duration and pulse energy of 0.45 nJ. The energy of generated
      1064 nm pulses is 0.15 nJ, which is sufficient for the efficient seeding of high
      contrast Nd:YVO chirped pulse regenerative amplifier/post amplifier systems
      generating 9 mJ pulses compressible to 16 ps duration. The power amplification
      stages, based on Nd:YAG crystals, provide 62 mJ pulses compressible to 20 ps
      pulse duration at a repetition rate of 1 kHz. Further energy scaling currently is
      prevented by limited dimensions of the diffraction gratings, which, because of
      the fast progress in MLD grating manufacturing technologies is only a temporary
      obstacle. 

PMID- 27661961
TI  - Optical bistability in core-shell magnetoplasmonic nanoparticles with
      magnetocontrollability.
AB  - We propose a mechanism to actively tune optical bistable behavior with the
      external magnetic field in nonlinear coated nanospheres with a magneto-optical
      (MO) shell and nonlinear metallic core. We show that such nanostructures can
      exhibit typical bistable phenomena near surface plasmon resonant wavelengths,
      which can be modified through the external magnetic fields B. We demonstrate
      numerically that the optical bistability exists only when the volume fraction eta
      of the metallic core is larger than a critical one eta<sub>c</sub>. Moreover, the
      bistable behavior is found to be dependent on the incident polarization state as
      well as the external magnetic field. The application of an external magnetic
      field does not only increase (or decrease) the upper/lower threshold fields but
      also changes the critical volume fractions. Such nanostructures with magneto
      controllable optical bistability may be designed for us as nonlinear optical
      nanodevices, such as optical nanoswitches, nanosensors and so on. 

PMID- 27661962
TI  - Unscented Kalman filters for polarization state tracking and phase noise
      mitigation.
AB  - Simultaneous polarization and phase noise tracking and compensation is proposed
      based on an unscented Kalman filter (UKF). We experimentally demonstrate the
      tracking under noise-loading and after 800-km single-mode fiber transmission with
      20-Gbaud QPSK and 16-QAM signals. These experiments show that the proposed UKF
      outperforms both conventional blind tracing algorithms and a previously proposed
      extended Kalman filter, at the cost of higher complexity. Additionally, we
      propose and test modified Kalman filter algorithms to reduce computational
      complexity. 

PMID- 27661963
TI  - Low drift cw-seeded high-repetition-rate optical parametric amplifier for
      fingerprint coherent Raman spectroscopy.
AB  - We introduce a broadly tunable robust source for fingerprint (170 - 1620 cm<sup>
      1</sup>) Raman spectroscopy. A cw thulium-doped fiber laser seeds an optical
      parametric amplifier, which is pumped by a 7-W, 450-fs Yb:KGW bulk mode-locked
      oscillator with 41 MHz repetition rate. The output radiation is frequency doubled
      in a MgO:PPLN crystal and generates 0.7 - 1.3-ps-long narrowband pump pulses that
      are tunable between 885 and 1015 nm with >80 mW average power. The Stokes beam is
      delivered by a part of the oscillator output, which is sent through an etalon to
      create pulses with 1.7 ps duration. We demonstrate a stimulated Raman gain
      measurement of toluene in the fingerprint spectral range. The cw seeding
      intrinsically ensures low spectral drift. 

PMID- 27661964
TI  - Real time dynamic strain monitoring of optical links using the backreflection of
      live PSK data.
AB  - A major cause of faults in optical communication links is related to
      unintentional third party intrusions (normally related to civil/agricultural
      works) causing fiber breaks or cable damage. These intrusions could be
      anticipated and avoided by monitoring the dynamic strain recorded along the
      cable. In this work, a novel technique is proposed to implement real-time
      distributed strain sensing in parallel with an operating optical communication
      channel. The technique relies on monitoring the Rayleigh backscattered light from
      optical communication data transmitted using standard modulation formats. The
      system is treated as a phase-sensitive OTDR (PhiOTDR) using random and non
      periodical non-return-to-zero (NRZ) phase-shift keying (PSK) pulse coding. An I/Q
      detection unit allows for a full (amplitude, phase and polarization)
      characterization of the backscattered optical signal, thus achieving a fully
      linear system in terms of PhiOTDR trace coding/decoding. The technique can be
      used with different modulation formats, and operation using 4 Gbaud single
      polarization dual PSK and 4 Gbaud dual-polarization quadrature PSK is
      demonstrated. As a proof of concept, distributed sensing of dynamic strain with a
      sampling of 125 kHz and a spatial resolution of 2.5 cm (set by the bit size) over
      500 m is demonstrated for applied sinusoidal strain signals of 500 Hz. The
      limitations and possibilities for improvement of the technique are also
      discussed. 

PMID- 27661965
TI  - Broadband terahertz dispersion control in hybrid waveguides.
AB  - Dispersion control is a key objective in the field of photonics and spectroscopy,
      since it enhances non-linear effects by both enabling phase matching and offering
      slow light generation. In addition, it is essential for frequency comb
      generation, which requires a phase-lock mechanism that is provided by broadband
      compensation of group velocity dispersion (GVD). At optical frequencies, there
      are several well-established concepts for dispersion control such as prism or
      grating pairs. However, terahertz dispersion control is still a challenge, thus
      hindering further progress in the field of terahertz science and technology. In
      this work, we present a hybrid waveguide with both broadband, tuneable positive
      and more than octave-spanning negative terahertz GVD on the order of 10<sup>
      22</sup> s<sup>2</sup>/m, which is suitable for either intra- or extra cavity
      operation. This new terahertz device will enable ultra-short pulse compression,
      allow soliton propagation, improve frequency comb operation and foster the
      development of novel non-linear applications. 

PMID- 27661967
TI  - More Accurate Method to Evaluate the Performance of Scores in Outcomes
      Prediction.

PMID- 27661966
TI  - Brain Targeting of Temozolomide via the Intranasal Route Using Lipid-Based
      Nanoparticles: Brain Pharmacokinetic and Scintigraphic Analyses.
AB  - The aim of the present work was to investigate the efficacy of temozolomide
      nanostructured lipid carriers (TMZ-NLCs) to enhance brain targeting via nasal
      route administration. The formulation was optimized by applying a four-factor,
      three-level Box-Behnken design. The developed formulations and the functional
      relationships between their independent and dependent variables were observed.
      The independent variables used in the formulation were gelucire (X1), liquid
      lipid/total lipid (X2), Tween 80 (X3), and sonication time (X4), and their
      effects were observed with regard to size (Y1), % drug release (Y2), and drug
      loading (Y3). The optimized TMZ-NLC was further evaluated for its surface
      morphology as well as ex vivo permeation and in vivo studies. All TMZ-NLC
      formulations showed sizes in the nanometer range, with high drug loading and
      prolonged drug release. The optimized formulation (TMZ-NLCopt) showed an
      entrapment efficiency of 81.64 +/- 3.71%, zeta potential of 15.21 +/- 3.11 mV,
      and polydispersity index of less than 0.2. The enhancement ratio was found to be
      2.32-fold that of the control formulation (TMZ-disp). In vivo studies in mice
      showed that the brain/blood ratio of TMZ-NLCopt was found to be significantly
      higher compared to that of TMZ-disp (intranasal, intravenous). Scintigraphy
      images of mouse brain showed the presence of a high concentration of TMZ. The AUC
      ratio of TMZ-NLCopt to TMZ-disp in the brain was the highest among the organs.
      The findings of this study substantiate the existence of a direct nose-to-brain
      delivery route for NLCs.

PMID- 27661968
TI  - A Real-World Evaluation of Repeat Paracentesis-guided Management of Spontaneous
      Bacterial Peritonitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a common infection in
      cirrhosis associated with high mortality. More than 20% of patients with SBP do
      not respond to initial antibiotics. Guidelines differ in recommendations to
      repeat paracentesis (retap) to confirm antibiotic efficacy. We aim to evaluate
      the effect of retap-guided management of SBP on antibiotic escalation and 30-day
      transplant-free survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of
      cirrhotic patients with SBP admitted to a single transplant center from 2010 to
      2014. Patients were divided into 2 groups: retap-guided management versus no
      retap. Prevalence of initial antibiotic treatment failure, defined as <25%
      decrease in ascitic polymorphonuclear cells, and factors associated with
      treatment failure, antibiotic escalation and 30-day transplant-free survival were
      evaluated. RESULTS: Out of 210 patients, 146 (age 58, 74% male, mean model for
      end-stage liver disease score, 25) had retap and treatment failure was noted in
      28 (22%). Gram-positive bacteria accounted for 44% of all positive cultures and
      third-generation cepahalosporin resistance was noted in 23%. Thirty-day
      transplant-free survival was 72% and 62% in retap and control groups,
      respectively (P=0.07). Treatment failure independently doubled the 30-day
      mortality rate (hazard ratio: 2.15, 1.03 to 4.50, P=0.04). After adjusting for
      age, model for end-stage liver disease and nosocomial infection, retap-guided
      management was not associated with improved survival (P=0.34). CONCLUSIONS: The
      prevalence of initial treatment failure is high (22%) in patients with SBP and
      doubles the 30-day mortality risk, supporting recommendations to retap all
      patients with SBP.

PMID- 27661969
TI  - Gastrointestinal Polyposis in Cowden Syndrome.
AB  - GOALS: To further characterize the gastrointestinal manifestations of Cowden
      syndrome in clinically well-annotated patients to improve the diagnosis of this
      syndrome. BACKGROUND: The gastrointestinal manifestations of Cowden Syndrome, an
      important heritable and multiorgan cancer syndrome, are not well defined. Proper
      diagnosis is essential for effective cancer surveillance and prevention in these
      patients. STUDY: Cowden patients with gastrointestinal polyps were selected for
      medical record and pathologic slide review. RESULTS: Of 19 total patients,
      genetic testing revealed pathogenic PTEN mutations in 12. Pan-colonic (11
      patients, 58%) and pan-gastrointestinal (8-patients, 42%) polyp distributions
      were common. Inflammatory (juvenile) polyps were the most common of the
      hamartomatous polyp (18 patients, 95%), along with expansive lymphoid follicle
      polyps (12 patients, 63%), ganglioneuromatous polyps (10 patients, 53%), and
      intramucosal lipomas (5 patients, 26%). The findings of 2 or more hamartomatous
      polyp types per patient emerged as a newly described and highly prevalent (79%)
      feature of Cowden syndrome. Ganglioneuromatous polyps, rare in the general
      population, and intramucosal lipomas, which may be unique to Cowden syndrome,
      should both prompt further evaluation. Colonic adenomas and adenocarcinomas were
      common; 10 patients (53%) had single and 3 (16%) had >=3 adenomas, whereas 2
      (11%) had colonic adenocarcinoma, strengthening the emerging association of
      colorectal cancer with Cowden syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical phenotypes and
      gastrointestinal manifestations in Cowden syndrome are quite variable but this
      series adds the following new considerations for this syndromic diagnosis:
      multiple gastrointestinal hamartomas, especially 2 or more hamartoma types, and
      any intramucosal lipomas or ganglioneuromas. These features should warrant
      consideration of Cowden syndrome.

PMID- 27661970
TI  - Appointment Wait Time, Primary Care Provider Status, and Patient Demographics are
      Associated With Nonattendance at Outpatient Gastroenterology Clinic.
AB  - GOALS: We intended to identify the factors associated with missed appointments at
      a gastroenterology (GI) clinic in an academic setting. BACKGROUND: Missed clinic
      appointments reduce clinic efficiency, waste resources, and increase costs.
      Limited data exist on subspecialty clinic attendance. STUDY: We performed a case
      control study using data from the electronic health record of patients scheduled
      for an appointment at the adult GI clinic at the Banner University Medical Center
      between March and October of 2014. Patients who missed their appointment during
      the study period served as cases. Controls were randomly selected from patients
      who completed their appointment during the study period. Analysis included
      univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Of 2331
      scheduled clinic appointments, 195 (8.4%) were missed appointments. Longer
      waiting time from referral to scheduled appointment was significantly associated
      with missed appointment (AOR=1.014; 95% CI, 1.01-1.02; P<0.001). Patients with
      primary care providers (PCPs) were less likely to miss their appointment than
      those without PCPs (AOR=0.35; 95% CI, 0.18-0.66; P=0.001). Among patient
      demographic characteristics, ethnicity and marital status were associated with
      missed appointment. CONCLUSIONS: Wait time, ethnicity, marital status, and PCP
      status were associated with missed GI clinic appointments. Further investigations
      are needed to assess the effects of intervention strategies directed at reducing
      appointment wait time and increasing PCP-based care.

PMID- 27661971
TI  - Acknowledgements Upon the Changing of the Guard.

PMID- 27661972
TI  - Jackhammer Esophagus Based on the New Chicago Classification.

PMID- 27661973
TI  - Prognostic Significance of Hemodynamic and Clinical Stages in the Prediction of
      Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND & GOALS: Early identification of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is
      associated with improved survival for patients with chronic liver disease (CLD).
      We evaluated the prognostic significance of hemodynamic stage (HS) and clinical
      stage (CS) in predicting HCC in CLD patients. METHODS: Between January 2006 and
      May 2014, 801 patients with CLD who underwent hepatic venous pressure gradient
      (HVPG) measurement were prospectively enrolled. HS was classified by HVPG (mm Hg)
      as follows: HS-1 (HVPG<=6), HS-2 (6<HVPG<=10), HS-3 (10<HVPG<=12), HS-4
      (12<HVPG<=20), and HS-5 (20<HVPG). CS was classified as follows: CS-0 (no
      cirrhosis), CS-1 (cirrhosis without varix), CS-2 (cirrhosis with varix), CS-3
      (varix bleeding without other complications), CS-4 (first nonbleeding
      decompensating event), and CS-5 (any second decompensating event). The HCC
      development and risk factors for HCC were evaluated in all patients and patients
      with cirrhosis, respectively. RESULTS: HCC developed in 53 patients (6.6%). The
      incidence densities of HCC according to HS-1 to HS-5 and CS-0 to CS-5 were 4, 16,
      36, 45, and 49/1000 person years and 0, 15, 25, 33, 36, and 53/1000 person years
      of observation, respectively. Ascites aggravation [P=0.008, odd ratio (OR)=2.33],
      HVPG>12 mm Hg (P=0.033, OR=2.17), CS>2 (P=0.039, OR=2.36), and alpha-fetoprotein
      (AFP; P=0.017, OR=1.01) were significant predictors of HCC development in all
      patients. For patients with cirrhosis, ascites aggravation (OR=2.51), HVPG >12 mm
      Hg (OR=2.46), and CS >2 (OR=2.62) were correlated with HCC development. Areas
      under receiver operating characteristic curves of the prediction-model, CS, HVPG
      score, and AFP were 0.797, 0.707, 0.701, and 0.653, respectively. CONCLUSIONS:
      HCC development correlates with advancing liver fibrosis or disease as measured
      by HS and CS. In addition, ascites aggravation and elevated AFP appears to be
      associated with increased incidence of HCC.

PMID- 27661974
TI  - Vanishing Bile Ducts, Cholesatatic Jaundice and Portal Hypertension Secondary to
      Hepatic ALECT-2 Amyloid Deposition.

PMID- 27661976
TI  - The Severity of Symptoms Related to Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a Risk Factor for
      the Misclassification of Significant Organic Disease.

PMID- 27661977
TI  - Role of Reversible Histidine Coordination in Hydroxylamine Reduction by Plant
      Hemoglobins (Phytoglobins).
AB  - Reduction of hydroxylamine to ammonium by phytoglobin, a plant hexacoordinate
      hemoglobin, is much faster than that of other hexacoordinate hemoglobins or
      pentacoordinate hemoglobins such as myoglobin, leghemoglobin, and red blood cell
      hemoglobin. The reason for differences in reactivity is not known but could be
      intermolecular electron transfer between protein molecules in support of the
      required two-electron reduction, hydroxylamine binding, or active site
      architecture favoring the reaction. Experiments were conducted with phytoglobins
      from rice, tomato, and soybean along with human neuroglobin and soybean
      leghemoglobin that reveal hydroxylamine binding as the rate-limiting step. For
      hexacoordinate hemoglobins, binding is limited by the dissociation rate constant
      for the distal histidine, while leghemoglobin is limited by an intrinsically low
      affinity for hydroxylamine. When the distal histidine is removed from rice
      phytoglobin, a hydroxylamine-bound intermediate is formed and the reaction rate
      is diminished, indicating that the distal histidine imidazole side chain is
      critical for the reaction, albeit not for electron transfer but rather for direct
      interaction with the substrate. Together, these results demonstrate that
      phytoglobins are superior at hydroxylamine reduction because they have distal
      histidine coordination affinity constants near 1, and facile rate constants for
      binding and dissociation of the histidine side chain. Hexacoordinate hemoglobins
      such as neuroglobin are limited by tighter histidine coordination that blocks
      hydroxylamine binding, and pentacoordinate hemoglobins have intrinsically lower
      hydroxylamine affinities.

PMID- 27661978
TI  - Model-Informed Risk Assessment and Decision Making for an Emerging Infectious
      Disease in the Asia-Pacific Region.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Effective response to emerging infectious disease (EID) threats
      relies on health care systems that can detect and contain localised outbreaks
      before they reach a national or international scale. The Asia-Pacific region
      contains low and middle income countries in which the risk of EID outbreaks is
      elevated and whose health care systems may require international support to
      effectively detect and respond to such events. The absence of comprehensive data
      on populations, health care systems and disease characteristics in this region
      makes risk assessment and decisions about the provision of such support
      challenging. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We describe a mathematical modelling
      framework that can inform this process by integrating available data sources,
      systematically explore the effects of uncertainty, and provide estimates of
      outbreak risk under a range of intervention scenarios. We illustrate the use of
      this framework in the context of a potential importation of Ebola Virus Disease
      into the Asia-Pacific region. Results suggest that, across a wide range of
      plausible scenarios, preemptive interventions supporting the timely detection of
      early cases provide substantially greater reductions in the probability of large
      outbreaks than interventions that support health care system capacity after an
      outbreak has commenced. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our study demonstrates how, in
      the presence of substantial uncertainty about health care system infrastructure
      and other relevant aspects of disease control, mathematical models can be used to
      assess the constraints that limited resources place upon the ability of local
      health care systems to detect and respond to EID outbreaks in a timely and
      effective fashion. Our framework can help evaluate the relative impact of these
      constraints to identify resourcing priorities for health care system support, in
      order to inform principled and quantifiable decision making.

PMID- 27661979
TI  - High-Performance Hybrid Electronic Devices from Layered PtSe2 Films Grown at Low
      Temperature.
AB  - Layered two-dimensional (2D) materials display great potential for a range of
      applications, particularly in electronics. We report the large-scale synthesis of
      thin films of platinum diselenide (PtSe2), a thus far scarcely investigated
      transition metal dichalcogenide. Importantly, the synthesis by thermally assisted
      conversion is performed at 400  degrees C, representing a breakthrough for the
      direct integration of this material with silicon (Si) technology. Besides the
      thorough characterization of this 2D material, we demonstrate its promise for
      applications in high-performance gas sensing with extremely short response and
      recovery times observed due to the 2D nature of the films. Furthermore, we
      realized vertically stacked heterostructures of PtSe2 on Si which act as both
      photodiodes and photovoltaic cells. Thus, this study establishes PtSe2 as a
      potential candidate for next-generation sensors and (opto-)electronic devices,
      using fabrication protocols compatible with established Si technologies.

PMID- 27661980
TI  - The D519G Polymorphism of Glyceronephosphate O-Acyltransferase Is a Risk Factor
      for Familial Porphyria Cutanea Tarda.
AB  - : Both familial and sporadic porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) are iron dependent
      diseases. Symptoms of PCT resolve when iron stores are depleted by phlebotomy,
      and a sequence variant of HFE (C282Y, c.843G>A, rs1800562) that enhances iron
      aborption by reducing hepcidin expression is a risk factor for PCT. Recently, a
      polymorphic variant (D519G, c.1556A>G, rs11558492) of glyceronephosphate O
      acyltransferase (GNPAT) was shown to be enriched in male patients with type I
      hereditary hemochromatosis (HFE C282Y homozygotes) who presented with a high iron
      phenotype, suggesting that GNPAT D519G, like HFE C282Y, is a modifier of iron
      homeostasis that favors iron absorption. To challenge this hypothesis, we
      investigated the frequency of GNPAT D519G in patients with both familial and
      sporadic PCT. Patients were screened for GNPAT D519G and allelic variants of HFE
      (both C282Y and H63D). Nucleotide sequencing of uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase
      (URO-D) identified mutant alleles. Patients with low erythrocyte URO-D activity
      or a damaging URO-D variant were classified as familial PCT (fPCT) and those with
      wild-type URO-D were classified as sporadic PCT (sPCT). GNPAT D519G was
      significantly enriched in the fPCT patient population (p = 0.0014) but not in the
      sPCT population (p = 0.4477). Both HFE C282Y and H63D (c.187C>G, rs1799945) were
      enriched in both PCT patient populations (p<0.0001) but showed no greater
      association with fPCT than with sPCT. CONCLUSION: GNPAT D519G is a risk factor
      for fPCT, but not for sPCT.

PMID- 27661981
TI  - Development and Validation of a Diabetic Retinopathy Referral Algorithm Based on
      Single-Field Fundus Photography.
AB  - PURPOSE: To develop a simplified algorithm to identify and refer diabetic
      retinopathy (DR) from single-field retinal images specifically for sight
      threatening diabetic retinopathy for appropriate care (ii) to determine the
      agreement and diagnostic accuracy of the algorithm as a pilot study among
      optometrists versus "gold standard" (retinal specialist grading). METHODS: The
      severity of DR was scored based on colour photo using a colour coded algorithm,
      which included the lesions of DR and number of quadrants involved. A total of 99
      participants underwent training followed by evaluation. Data of the 99
      participants were analyzed. Fifty posterior pole 45 degree retinal images with
      all stages of DR were presented. Kappa scores (kappa), areas under the receiver
      operating characteristic curves (AUCs), sensitivity and specificity were
      determined, with further comparison between working optometrists and optometry
      students. RESULTS: Mean age of the participants was 22 years (range: 19-43
      years), 87% being women. Participants correctly identified 91.5% images that
      required immediate referral (kappa) = 0.696), 62.5% of images as requiring review
      after 6 months (kappa = 0.462), and 51.2% of those requiring review after 1 year
      (kappa = 0.532). The sensitivity and specificity of the optometrists were 91% and
      78% for immediate referral, 62% and 84% for review after 6 months, and 51% and
      95% for review after 1 year, respectively. The AUC was the highest (0.855) for
      immediate referral, second highest (0.824) for review after 1 year, and 0.727 for
      review after 6 months criteria. Optometry students performed better than the
      working optometrists for all grades of referral. CONCLUSIONS: The diabetic
      retinopathy algorithm assessed in this work is a simple and a fairly accurate
      method for appropriate referral based on single-field 45 degree posterior pole
      retinal images.

PMID- 27661982
TI  - Escape to Ferality: The Endoferal Origin of Weedy Rice from Crop Rice through De
      Domestication.
AB  - Domestication is the hallmark of evolution and civilization and harnesses
      biodiversity through selection for specific traits. In regions where domesticated
      lines are grown near wild relatives, congeneric sources of aggressive weedy
      genotypes cause major economic losses. Thus, the origins of weedy genotypes where
      no congeneric species occur raise questions regarding management effectiveness
      and evolutionary mechanisms responsible for weedy population success. Since
      eradication in the 1970s, California growers avoided weedy rice through
      continuous flood culture and zero-tolerance guidelines, preventing the import,
      presence, and movement of weedy seeds. In 2003, after decades of no reported
      presence in California, a weedy rice population was confirmed in dry-seeded
      fields. Our objectives were to identify the origins and establishment of this
      population and pinpoint possible phenotypes involved. We show that California
      weedy rice is derived from a different genetic source among a broad range of AA
      genome Oryzas and is most recently diverged from O. sativa temperate japonica
      cultivated in California. In contrast, other weedy rice ecotypes in North America
      (Southern US) originate from weedy genotypes from China near wild Oryza, and are
      derived through existing crop-wild relative crosses. Analyses of morphological
      data show that California weedy rice subgroups have phenotypes like medium-grain
      or gourmet cultivars, but have colored pericarp, seed shattering, and awns like
      wild relatives, suggesting that reversion to non-domestic or wild-like traits can
      occur following domestication, despite apparent fixation of domestication
      alleles. Additionally, these results indicate that preventive methods focused on
      incoming weed sources through contamination may miss burgeoning weedy genotypes
      that rapidly adapt, establish, and proliferate. Investigating the common and
      unique evolutionary mechanisms underlying global weed origins and subsequent
      interactions with crop relatives sheds light on how weeds evolve and addresses
      broader questions regarding the stability of selection during domestication and
      crop improvement.

PMID- 27661983
TI  - Predicting the Potential Distribution of Polygala tenuifolia Willd. under Climate
      Change in China.
AB  - Global warming has created opportunities and challenges for the survival and
      development of species. Determining how climate change may impact multiple
      ecosystem levels and lead to various species adaptations is necessary for both
      biodiversity conservation and sustainable biological resource utilization. In
      this study, we employed Maxent to predict changes in the habitat range and
      altitude of Polygala tenuifolia Willd. under current and future climate scenarios
      in China. Four representative concentration pathways (RCP2.6, RCP4.5, RCP6.0, and
      RCP8.5) were modeled for two time periods (2050 and 2070). The model inputs
      included 732 presence points and nine sets of environmental variables under the
      current conditions and the four RCPs in 2050 and 2070. The area under the
      receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) was used to evaluate model
      performance. All of the AUCs were greater than 0.80, thereby placing these models
      in the "very good" category. Using a jackknife analysis, the precipitation in the
      warmest quarter, annual mean temperature, and altitude were found to be the top
      three variables that affect the range of P. tenuifolia. Additionally, we found
      that the predicted highly suitable habitat was in reasonable agreement with its
      actual distribution. Furthermore, the highly suitable habitat area was slowly
      reduced over time.

PMID- 27661986
TI  - Trabeculectomy Combined With Collagen Matrix Implant (Ologen).
AB  - PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The purpose of the study was to report and evaluate
      outcomes of trabeculectomy with use of a subconjunctival biodegradable collagen
      matrix implant. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of trabeculectomy with
      Ologen implant of 65 eyes of 58 patients by the same surgeon from October, 2011
      to October, 2014. Exclusion criteria were <6 months of follow-up after surgery,
      and uveitic or neovascular glaucoma. Demographic characteristics of the study
      population, visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), glaucoma medications, bleb
      characteristics, and early and late postoperative complications were recorded.
      Complete and qualified IOP control success, <=15 and <=18 mm Hg, was calculated
      with the Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients in the
      study was 65.9+/-15.1 years. IOP was reduced from a mean of 21.4+/-9.2 to 12.3+/
      3.7 mm Hg at the last follow-up visit (P<0.0001). The number of IOP-lowering
      medications per eye was reduced from a mean of 1.86 preoperatively to 0.2 at the
      last follow-up visit (P<0.0001). The Kaplan-Meier survival curves of complete
      success for IOP<=15 mm Hg and <=18 mm Hg were 47.2% and 62.9%, respectively, at
      36 months. Postoperative complications occurred in 15% of the eyes, with bleb
      leakage (6%) and hypotony (5%), which were resolved medically. At the last
      postoperative visit, blebs were described as normal (86.4%), flat (9.1%), and
      polycystic (4.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Trabeculectomy surgeries with Ologen performed by
      the same surgeon were effective in lowering IOP with a low complication rate at
      mid-term follow-up.

PMID- 27661984
TI  - High Serum Phosphorus Level Is Associated with Left Ventricular Diastolic
      Dysfunction in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We initiated this study to explore the relationships of serum
      phosphorus level with left ventricular ultrasound features and diastolic function
      in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. METHODS: 174 patients with end-stage renal
      disease (ESRD) receiving PD were enrolled in this retrospective observational
      study. Conventional echocardiography examination and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI)
      were performed in each patient. Clinical information and laboratory data were
      also collected. Analyses of echocardiographic features were performed according
      to phosphorus quartiles groups. And multivariate regression models were used to
      determine the association between serum phosphorus and Left ventricular diastolic
      dysfunction (LVDD). RESULTS: With the increase of serum phosphorus levels,
      patients on PD showed an increased tissue Doppler-derived E/e' ratio of lateral
      wall (P < 0.001), indicating a deterioration of left ventricular diastolic
      function. Steady growths of left atrium and left ventricular diameters as well as
      increase of left ventricular muscle mass were also observed across the increasing
      quartiles of phosphorus, while left ventricular ejection fraction remained
      normal. In a multivariate analysis, the regression coefficient for E/e' ratio in
      the highest phosphorus quartile was almost threefold higher relative to those in
      the lowest quartile group. And compared with patients in the lowest phosphorus
      quartile (<1.34 mmol/L) those in the highest phosphorus quartile (>1.95 mmol/L)
      had a more than fivefold increased odds of E/e' ratio >15. CONCLUSIONS: Our study
      showed an early impairment of left ventricular diastolic function in peritoneal
      dialysis patients. High serum phosphorus level was independently associated with
      greater risk of LVDD in these patients. Whether serum phosphorus will be a useful
      target for prevention or improvement of LVDD remains to be proved by further
      studies.

PMID- 27661987
TI  - Congenital Glaucoma and CHARGE Syndrome: A Case Report.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report a rare case of congenital glaucoma in a patient with CHARGE
      syndrome, present gonioscopic photographs, and explore mechanisms of disease that
      may account for this association. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We describe a 35-week-old
      girl with previously diagnosed CHARGE syndrome who presented with corneal edema,
      buphthalmos, and elevated intraocular pressure in the left eye. She was
      subsequently diagnosed with congenital glaucoma and started on topical and oral
      therapy. RESULTS: Examination under anesthesia confirmed the above findings as
      well as bilateral abnormal angles with an anterior iris insertion at the level of
      the posterior trabecular meshwork, prominent iris vasculature and stromal
      strands, and nonvisible scleral spur and ciliary body bands. Trabeculotomy and
      trabeculectomy were performed in the left eye with a poor outcome. CHARGE
      syndrome is a complex neurocristopathy, and we propose that the abnormal angle
      findings and associated asymmetric glaucoma in our patient share a common
      mechanism of neural crest cell dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: CHARGE syndrome can be
      associated with congenital glaucoma and we emphasize the importance of a thorough
      ophthalmic examination to detect glaucoma with surgical management as deemed
      appropriate.

PMID- 27661988
TI  - The Effect of Laser Photocoagulation on Intraocular Pressure in Premature Infants
      With Retinopathy of Prematurity.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of diode laser treatment on intraocular pressure
      (IOP) of premature infants with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: The premature infants who underwent retinal laser photocoagulation
      therapy for ROP, and gestational age-matched, birth weight-matched, and sex
      matched premature infants with ROP which recovered spontaneously without any
      treatment were enrolled into the study. Anterior segment examination and
      longitudinal IOP and central corneal thickness measurements were performed 5
      times as follows: 1 day before the laser treatment (T0), and 24 hours (T1), 1
      week (T2), 1 month (T3), and 3 months (T4) after the laser treatment. Premature
      infants who experienced any complication related to the laser treatment were
      excluded from the study. RESULTS: Laser treated 67 premature infants and 70
      premature infants in control group met inclusion criteria. Significant linear
      decreases in IOP and central corneal thickness values were measured throughout
      the study period for both groups (both, P<0.001). These changes were similar in 2
      groups. There was a statistically insignificantly (P=0.999) and transient
      increase in the mean IOP value in the laser-treated group 24 hours after laser
      treatment. None of the patients in the laser-treated group experienced a shallow
      anterior chamber or a remarkable IOP elevation. CONCLUSIONS: Diode laser
      treatment for ROP was safe, and did not raise the IOP of premature infants.

PMID- 27661990
TI  - The Effect of Labor on the Intraocular Pressure in Healthy Women.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of modern vaginal labor using epidural
      anesthesia on the intraocular pressure (IOP) and on the mean ocular perfusion
      pressure (MOPP) in healthy women. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this prospective
      observational study, eligible candidates were healthy pregnant women for vaginal
      delivery with epidural anesthesia, with a singleton pregnancy, who were admitted
      to the delivery room in the first phase of the first stage of labor. Demographic
      data as well as medical and obstetric history were obtained at baseline, followed
      by performance of a biomicroscopic examination. IOP, maternal heart rate,
      systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure were measured in the first,
      second and third stages of labor, 24+/-2 and 48+/-2 hours postpartum. IOP was not
      measured during the contraction phase of stage 2. MOPP was expressed as the
      difference between the arterial blood pressure and the IOP. Measurements were
      performed throughout the different stages of labor and were compared with
      baseline values. RESULTS: Thirty healthy white women were enrolled. Four women
      dropped out due to unexpected cesarean sections. The average age was 31.8+/-4.7
      years. Nineteen participants received oxytocin during delivery. Twenty-three
      women were placed in a supine position, whereas 3 in a left decubitus position.
      No statistically significant changes were recorded in IOP (P=0.50) or MOPP
      (P=0.17) throughout the different stages of vaginal labor in this study.
      CONCLUSIONS: Vaginal delivery under epidural anesthesia is unlikely to cause
      significant damage to the optic nerve in healthy women.

PMID- 27661989
TI  - MRI Study of the Posterior Visual Pathways in Primary Open Angle Glaucoma.
AB  - PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The purpose of the study was to evaluate neurodegeneration
      along brain visual pathways in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) using improved
      analysis methods of volumetric and diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI) data. METHODS: Eleven POAG patients (60.0+/-9.2 y) with primarily mild to
      moderate POAG and 11 age-matched controls (55.9+/-7.5 y) were studied using
      structural and diffusion tensor MRI. Surface-based segmentation was applied to
      structural MRI to obtain visual cortical area and volume. Fiber tracking was
      applied to diffusion tensor data to obtain diffusion parameters along the optic
      tract and optic radiation. MRI parameters in glaucoma patients were compared with
      the corresponding left and right visual fields and retinal nerve fiber layer
      thicknesses, instead of with the left and right eye. RESULTS: Area and volume of
      the primary visual cortex were significantly reduced in POAG patients compared
      with controls (P<0.05) but did not correlate with visual field loss. Fractional
      anisotropy was reduced at multiple locations along the optic tracts and optic
      radiations in POAG patients compared with controls. Axial and radial diffusivity
      along the fiber tracts showed trends but were not significantly different between
      POAG patients and controls when averaged over the whole structures. Only
      fractional anisotropy (P<0.05) of the optic radiations was significantly
      correlated with visual field loss. No MRI parameters were correlated with retinal
      nerve fiber layer thickness. CONCLUSIONS: Improved analysis techniques of MRI
      data improves delineation of degeneration in the brain visual pathways and
      further supports the notion that neurodegeneration is involved with glaucoma
      pathogenesis.

PMID- 27661991
TI  - Refractive Outcome of Cataract Surgery in Eyes With Prior Trabeculectomy: Risk
      Factors for Postoperative Myopia.
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine refractive outcomes after phacoemulsification in eyes with
      prior trabeculectomy. DESIGN: Retrospective observational case-control study
      METHODS:: Comparison of eyes of glaucoma patients undergoing cataract surgery
      after trabeculectomy (study group) with a matched group with medically controlled
      glaucoma (control group). Laser interferometry was used to obtain ocular
      biometry. We measured the difference between the expected and actual
      postoperative refraction using third-generation and fourth-generation intraocular
      lens (IOL) prediction formulae (Haigis, Holladay 2, Hoffer Q, and SRK-T). A
      residual difference of >1.0 D of hyperopia or myopia was considered a "refractive
      surprise." RESULTS: In total, 86 eyes (85 patients) were included, including 23
      eyes (22 patients) in the study group and 63 eyes (63 patients) in the control
      group. The mean follow-up was 12.2+/-4.1 months. Eyes (n=13) with trabeculectomy
      and a preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP)<=9 mm Hg had significantly more
      large myopic surprises than the control group for all IOL formulae (P=0.015
      Haigis, P=0.003 Holladay 2, P=0.004 Hoffer Q, P=0.003 SRK-T). Eyes (n=10) with
      trabeculectomy and preoperative IOP>9 mm Hg, however, did not have significantly
      more myopic errors than the control (P>0.05, all formulae). An "IOP spike"
      defined as a >50% rise in IOP from baseline within 1 month of cataract surgery in
      the subgroup with preoperative IOP<=9 mm Hg (n=8) was associated with increased
      risk of large myopic surprise (3/8 subset vs. 1/63 control eyes for all formulae;
      P=0.004 Haigis, P=0.004 Holladay 2, P=0.001 Hoffer Q, P=0.004 SRK-T) as well as
      for large myopic and hyperopic surprises overall (4/8 subset vs. <=2/63 depending
      upon formulae; all P<=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Low posttrabeculectomy IOP (<=9 mm Hg)
      is a risk factor for significant myopic surprise when undergoing subsequent
      cataract surgery despite using laser interferometry to measure ocular biometry
      and later generation formulae to determine IOL power. In addition, an IOP spike
      was associated with a 50% risk for large refractive surprise in this low IOP
      group.

PMID- 27661992
TI  - Measuring Intraocular Pressure in Patients With Keratoconus With and Without
      Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements made using 5
      tonometers in keratoconic eyes with and without intrastromal corneal ring
      segments. METHODS AND PATIENTS: This was an observational case series study. A
      total of 147 eyes of 147 patients with keratoconus, 74 of which had undergone
      corneal ring segment placement, were prospectively evaluated. IOP was measured
      using the tonometers Tonopen XL, Pascal dynamic contour tonometer, iCare Pro,
      ocular response analyzer (ORA), and Goldmann applanation (GAT) in random order.
      The Bland-Altman method was used to examine interinstrument agreement. Effects on
      readings of central corneal thickness, corneal curvature, and corneal astigmatism
      were assessed by multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS: Smallest mean IOP
      differences with GAT measurements in eyes without and with ring segments,
      respectively, were detected for iCare Pro [0.2 (2.9) mm Hg and 0.4 (3.0) mm Hg,
      P=0.914] and greatest differences for ORA Goldmann-correlated IOP [5.8 (3.3) mm
      Hg and 6.0 (3.1) mm Hg, P=0.363]. Best agreement with GAT was shown by iCare Pro
      (ICC=0.829; 95% CI, 0.721-0.896) and worse agreement by ORA corneal-compensated
      IOP (ICC=-0.145; 95% CI, -0.826 to 0.283). All but the dynamic contour tonometer
      readings were influenced by central corneal thickness, yet these measurements
      were affected by the presence of ring segments (P=0.017) and corneal astigmatism
      (P=0.030). Corneal curvature only affected ORA Goldmann-correlated IOP (P=0.029).
      CONCLUSIONS: All 5 tonometers provided reliable IOP readings in the keratoconic
      eyes regardless of the presence of corneal ring segments. iCare Pro readings were
      most consistent with GAT, whereas ORA readings were least consistent with this
      reference standard.

PMID- 27661994
TI  - Optic Disc Swelling After Intraocular Pressure Lowering Treatment in Acute
      Primary Angle Closure.
AB  - PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The purpose of the study was to report cases with acute
      primary angle closure where optic disc swelling was documented after intraocular
      pressure (IOP) lowering by laser iridotomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two patients
      with acute primary angle closure underwent funduscopic examination of the optic
      disc and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography circumpapillary scanning at
      the time of acute primary angle closure attack before laser iridotomy, and after
      the laser iridotomy treatment. RESULTS: Optic disc swelling was developed in both
      patients following IOP lowering by laser iridotomy, which was documented by
      spectral-domain optical coherence tomography imaging as a diffuse thickening of
      the circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first
      report demonstrating a temporal relationship between IOP lowering and optic disc
      swelling in patients with acute primary angle closure. Optic disc swelling
      documented after acute episode of acute primary angle closure may suggest
      choroidal effusion or axoplasmic overflow associated with sudden IOP lowering,
      rather than coexistence of other optic neuropathy.

PMID- 27661993
TI  - Efficacy of the Additional Use of Ripasudil, a Rho-Kinase Inhibitor, in Patients
      With Glaucoma Inadequately Controlled Under Maximum Medical Therapy.
AB  - PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the intraocular
      pressure (IOP)-lowering effect and tolerability of ripasudil, a rho-kinase
      inhibitor, in patients with glaucoma inadequately controlled with maximum medical
      therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective, noncomparative, interventional
      case series study included 35 patients with primary open angle glaucoma, in whom
      the glaucoma was poorly controlled with maximum medical therapy before starting
      the treatment with ripasudil. Ripasudil was instilled twice a day as adjunctive
      therapy to the ongoing glaucoma treatment. The primary end point was the degree
      of IOP reduction after 3 months of treatment, whereas the secondary end points
      were the percentage of patients reaching the predefined target IOP and the
      incidence of adverse events. RESULTS: We examined 35 eyes of 35 patients with
      primary open angle glaucoma. The IOP reduction (relative percentage IOP
      reduction) from baseline was -2.8 mm Hg (-15.5%; 95% confidence interval, -1.6 to
      -3.9 mm Hg; P<0.001) after 3 months of treatment. The predefined target IOP was
      achieved in 48.5% (17/35) of the patients. The adverse events were conjunctival
      hyperemia (all patients), allergic conjunctivitis (2 patients), and ophthalmalgia
      (1 patient). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of ripasudil was effective in lowering the
      IOP in patients with glaucoma poorly controlled with maximal medical therapy;
      moreover, the drug was well tolerated. In 48.5% of the patients in whom the
      predefined target IOP was achieved, this adjunctive therapy helped avoid glaucoma
      surgery at least in the short term.

PMID- 27661995
TI  - XEN-augmented Baerveldt: A New Surgical Technique for Refractory Glaucoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Glaucoma drainage devices have traditionally been reserved for
      patients with refractory glaucoma. However, these devices are prone to various
      sight-threatening complications. To prevent hypotony after placement of the
      Baerveldt tube, surgeons traditionally tie the tube with an absorbable suture
      until encapsulation occurs around the plate. We hypothesized that combining the
      XEN tube, placing it in the anterior chamber and connecting it to the Baerveldt
      tube posteriorly, outside the anterior chamber, would minimize 2 main potentially
      blinding complications: hypotony and corneal disease. PURPOSE: To describe a new
      surgical technique for refractory glaucoma, combining both the Baerveldt and the
      XEN tubes in the same surgery. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: The Baerveldt implant was
      positioned in the superotemporal quadrant and sutured to the sclera. A scleral
      flap was executed extending from the anterior margin of the plate for the entire
      length of the tube to the limbus. The Baerveldt tube was correctly positioned by
      removing a deeper scleral flap. The XEN tube was then inserted ab externo and
      inserted into the Baerveldt tube's lumen. The newly formed double tube was then
      sutured and covered by the first scleral flap and usual suturing of the
      conjunctiva was performed. CONCLUSIONS: This technique is simple and potentially
      increases the safety of refractory glaucoma surgeries.

PMID- 27661996
TI  - Image-Based Single Cell Profiling: High-Throughput Processing of Mother Machine
      Experiments.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Microfluidic lab-on-chip technology combined with live-cell imaging
      has enabled the observation of single cells in their spatio-temporal context. The
      mother machine (MM) cultivation system is particularly attractive for the long
      term investigation of rod-shaped bacteria since it facilitates continuous
      cultivation and observation of individual cells over many generations in a highly
      parallelized manner. To date, the lack of fully automated image analysis software
      limits the practical applicability of the MM as a phenotypic screening tool.
      RESULTS: We present an image analysis pipeline for the automated processing of MM
      time lapse image stacks. The pipeline supports all analysis steps, i.e., image
      registration, orientation correction, channel/cell detection, cell tracking, and
      result visualization. Tailored algorithms account for the specialized MM layout
      to enable a robust automated analysis. Image data generated in a two-day growth
      study (~ 90 GB) is analyzed in ~ 30 min with negligible differences in growth
      rate between automated and manual evaluation quality. The proposed methods are
      implemented in the software molyso (MOther machine AnaLYsis SOftware) that
      provides a new profiling tool to analyze unbiasedly hitherto inaccessible large
      scale MM image stacks. CONCLUSION: Presented is the software molyso, a ready-to
      use open source software (BSD-licensed) for the unsupervised analysis of MM time
      lapse image stacks. molyso source code and user manual are available at
      https://github.com/modsim/molyso.

PMID- 27661999
TI  - Furthering the Validity of a Tool to Assess Simulated Pregnancy Options
      Counseling Skills.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To further the validity of a tool to assess nondirective pregnancy
      options counseling skills. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional design, we explored
      four sources of construct validity evidence for an objective structured clinical
      examination for training and assessment of nondirective pregnancy options
      counseling: content, response process, internal structure, and relations to other
      variables. Content of the previously developed tool was enhanced through input
      from five family medicine educators. The objective structured clinical
      examination was implemented in a family medicine clerkship with third-year
      medical students from 2014 to 2015 using trained raters. Response process was
      addressed after a pilot round. Three new raters evaluated videotapes of 46
      performances. Cronbach's alpha, intraclass correlation coefficients, and
      Spearman's rho were estimated with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: The content
      validity was affirmed. Cronbach's alpha was 0.71. According to Landis and Koch's
      criteria, all but two items unique to the clinical situation of pregnancy options
      counseling generated substantial to perfect agreement (0.62-1.00). Relations to
      other variables within the checklist were strong, ranging from 0.66 to 0.87.
      DISCUSSION: This tool for assessing pregnancy options counseling skills has
      excellent content and strong internal structure. Further work to improve the
      Global Rating Scale may be necessary for summative use.

PMID- 27661998
TI  - Expert perspectives on hereditary angioedema: Key areas for advancements in care
      across the patient journey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Published literature documents the substantial burden of hereditary
      angioedema (HAE) with C1 inhibitor deficiency on the quality of life and work
      productivity of patients. However, despite advances in the field and the
      availability of guidelines to advise health care providers (HCP) on the diagnosis
      and management of HAE, there are still many challenges to overcome. For example,
      delayed diagnosis and misdiagnosis are common, and treatment practices vary
      worldwide. OBJECTIVE: An international expert panel was convened to consider
      opportunities for improvements that would benefit patients with HAE. METHODS:
      Based on professional and personal experiences, the experts developed schematics
      to describe the journey of patients through the following stages: (1) onset of
      symptoms and initial evaluation; (2) referral/diagnosis; and (3) management of
      HAE. More importantly, the panel identified key areas in which it was possible to
      optimize the support provided to patients and HCPs along this journey. RESULTS:
      Overall, this approach highlighted the need for wider dissemination of algorithms
      and scientific data to more effectively educate HCPs from multiple disciplines
      and the need for more research to inform appropriate treatment decisions.
      Furthermore, HAE awareness campaigns, accurate online information, and referral
      to patient advocacy groups were all considered helpful approaches to support
      patients. CONCLUSION: More detailed and widespread information on the diagnosis
      and management of HAE is needed and may lead to advancements in care throughout
      the journey of the patient with HAE.

PMID- 27661997
TI  - Divergent Sapovirus Strains and Infection Prevalence in Wild Carnivores in the
      Serengeti Ecosystem: A Long-Term Study.
AB  - The genus Sapovirus, in the family Caliciviridae, includes enteric viruses of
      humans and domestic animals. Information on sapovirus infection of wildlife is
      limited and is currently lacking for any free-ranging wildlife species in Africa.
      By screening a large number of predominantly fecal samples (n = 631) obtained
      from five carnivore species in the Serengeti ecosystem, East Africa, sapovirus
      RNA was detected in the spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta, family Hyaenidae),
      African lion (Panthera leo, family Felidae), and bat-eared fox (Otocyon
      megalotis, family Canidae), but not in golden or silver-backed jackals (Canis
      aureus and C. mesomelas, respectively, family Canidae). A phylogenetic analysis
      based on partial RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) gene sequences placed the
      sapovirus strains from African carnivores in a monophyletic group. Within this
      monophyletic group, sapovirus strains from spotted hyenas formed one independent
      sub-group, and those from bat-eared fox and African lion a second sub-group. The
      percentage nucleotide similarity between sapoviruses from African carnivores and
      those from other species was low (< 70.4%). Long-term monitoring of sapovirus in
      a population of individually known spotted hyenas from 2001 to 2012 revealed: i)
      a relatively high overall infection prevalence (34.8%); ii) the circulation of
      several genetically diverse variants; iii) large fluctuations in infection
      prevalence across years, indicative of outbreaks; iv) no significant difference
      in the likelihood of infection between animals in different age categories. The
      likelihood of sapovirus infection decreased with increasing hyena group size,
      suggesting an encounter reduction effect, but was independent of socially
      mediated ano-genital contact, or the extent of the area over which an individual
      roamed.

PMID- 27662000
TI  - Advising and Interview Patterns of Medical Students Pursuing Obstetrics and
      Gynecology Residency.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the advising practices at medical schools and interview
      patterns among medical students pursuing obstetrics and gynecology residency
      training. METHODS: A voluntary, anonymous survey was distributed to all
      applicants interviewing for obstetrics and gynecology residency during the 2014
      2015 cycle at the University of Colorado, University of Washington, University of
      California, San Francisco, and Loyola University. Demographic data were obtained.
      The survey explored student advising in the residency application process
      including number of applications and interviews recommended by advisors. Data are
      reported as percentage for each survey item and compared by select demographics
      using an exact chi. RESULTS: Among 315 unique possible applicants, 73% (n=230)
      responded. Students were most commonly advised by the obstetrics and gynecology
      clerkship director (33%) with recommendations to apply to 21-30 programs (48%).
      Thirty-four percent of students applied to 21-30 programs, 32% to 31-40 programs,
      and 30% to greater than 40 programs. Students were advised (70%) and planned
      (55%) to interview at 10-14 programs. Concern over competitiveness of the
      applicant pool was the most important factor (31%) in determining the number of
      applications. The number of programs advised to or plan to interview at was
      greater for those in the couples match (P<.001). CONCLUSION: Medical students
      pursuing obstetrics and gynecology are most likely to be advised by obstetrics
      and gynecology clerkship directors and concern over the competitiveness of the
      applicant pool results in students applying to large numbers of programs. This
      practice may adversely affect the obstetrics and gynecology match process for
      both programs and applicants through the requirements of managing additional
      applications and potentially needing to complete a greater number of interviews.

PMID- 27662001
TI  - The Labor Games.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To develop and evaluate a simulation laboratory designed to stimulate
      learning and increase medical students' preparedness for an obstetrics and
      gynecology clinical clerkship. METHODS: Ninety-seven medical students
      participated in the games during their obstetrics and gynecology clerkship in 1
      year. Using the resident-as-teacher model, students rotated through seven
      stations, each with a simulated obstetric task. Points were awarded at each
      station, and the student with the highest score won. Self-perceived proficiency
      level and general preparedness for the clerkship were evaluated through paired
      pregame and postgame assessments. RESULTS: Postassessment results showed
      statistically significant (P<.001) increases in self-perceived competence
      performing all tested skills including reading fetal heart tracings, knot-tying,
      measuring cervical dilation, amniotomy, estimating fetal weight, and estimating
      blood loss. Approximately 97% enjoyed The Labor Games, 97.9% reported increased
      knowledge, and 96.9% learned valuable skills. Students also reported feeling more
      prepared for the obstetrics and gynecology rotation (2.6 compared with 3.3,
      P<.001). DISCUSSION: The Labor Games improved medical students' self-confidence
      and self-perceived skill level on obstetric tasks. Students also felt more
      prepared for the obstetrics and gynecology clerkship. This study creates a low
      cost and reproducible simulation laboratory that is identified as effective by
      medical students in teaching skills, knowledge, and preparedness for an
      obstetrics and gynecology clerkship.

PMID- 27662002
TI  - Electronic Learning-Spaced Education to Facilitate Resident Knowledge and Guide
      Program Didactics.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of mobile technology to facilitate resident
      learning, assess clinical knowledge, and guide curricular development in a busy
      clinical environment. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in a
      large (N=48) urban obstetrics and gynecology residency program. Question sets
      were created in the following areas: office gynecology, general obstetrics,
      gynecologic surgery and urogynecology, maternal-fetal medicine and
      ultrasonography, reproductive endocrinology and pediatric gynecology, and
      gynecologic oncology. Using an educational mobile application (app), questions
      were sent monthly to resident smartphones with immediate feedback on answer
      accuracy along with answer explanation and references. Outcomes included app use,
      which was determined by how quickly participants answered questions (very active
      active indicates questions answered within 7 days) and proficiency (mean
      percentage correct) calculated for individuals, resident class level, and by
      content area. RESULTS: All 48 residents participated and 77.4% were very active
      or active app users. On average, participants answered correctly 61.0% on the
      first attempt and improved to 78.3% on repeat attempt (P<.001). Proficiency was
      lowest for gynecologic surgery and highest for general obstetrics. CONCLUSION: A
      mobile app to support e-learning was successfully implemented in our program; its
      use was associated with knowledge retention and identification of low-proficiency
      topics to guide curriculum development.

PMID- 27662003
TI  - Narrative Medicine Workshops for Obstetrics and Gynecology Residents and
      Association With Burnout Measures.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a workshop Narrative Medicine curriculum can
      improve burnout among obstetrics and gynecology residents. METHODS: A Narrative
      Medicine curriculum was conducted at three obstetrics and gynecology training
      programs. An explanatory research design examined correlation between Narrative
      Medicine attendance and changes in survey responses. Residents completed a
      pretest and 1-year posttest survey that included validated measures of burnout
      and empathy. A within-participants design used baseline pretest scores as an
      internal control and measured changes in individual scores. The primary outcome
      of the study was change in burnout rates. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests
      were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: A total of 66 residents at three
      institutions participated in the Narrative Medicine curriculum. Of those, 54
      (81%) enrolled in the study by completing any part of the surveys, and 43 (80%)
      of those enrolled had complete data for analysis. Burnout was high on all Maslach
      Burnout Inventory subscales and increased over 1 year. Participants with high
      Narrative Medicine attendance had decreased burnout on the Emotional Exhaustion
      subscale (-4.1 [+/-8.1]) points compared with an increase of 0.5 (+/-6.0) for low
      attendance participants (U=134, P=.02, d=0.65). Lower self-care ratings were
      associated with improved Personal Accomplishment (+0.5 [+/-5.0]) compared with
      +2.0 (+/-2.7), U=84, P=.01]. Other characteristics did not significantly
      correlate with burnout or empathy. CONCLUSION: Burnout was high and worsened over
      time among obstetrics and gynecology residents in these three programs. Higher
      attendance at Narrative Medicine workshops was associated with improved Emotional
      Exhaustion.

PMID- 27662004
TI  - Simulation to Improve Trainee Knowledge and Comfort About Twin Vaginal Birth.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe a simulation-based curriculum on twin vaginal delivery and
      evaluate its effects on trainee knowledge and comfort about twin vaginal birth.
      METHODS: Trainees participated in a three-part simulation consisting of a patient
      counseling session, a twin delivery scenario, and a breech extraction skills
      station. Consenting trainees completed a 21-item presimulation survey and a 22
      item postsimulation survey assessing knowledge, experience, attitudes, and
      comfort surrounding twin vaginal birth. Presimulation and postsimulation results
      were compared using univariate analysis. Our primary outcomes were change in
      knowledge and comfort before and after the simulation. RESULTS: Twenty-four
      obstetrics and gynecology residents consented to participation with 18
      postsimulation surveys available for comparison (75%). Trainees estimated their
      participation in 445 twin deliveries (median 19, range 0-52) with only 20.4% of
      these as vaginal births. Participants reported a need for more didactic or
      simulated training on this topic (64% and 88%, respectively). Knowledge about
      twin delivery improved after the simulation (33.3% compared with 58.3% questions
      correct, P<.01). Before training, 33.3% of participants reported they would
      strongly counsel a patient to attempt vaginal birth instead of elective cesarean
      delivery for twins compared with 50% after training (P=.52). Personal comfort
      with performing a breech extraction of a nonvertex second twin improved from 5.5%
      to 66.7% after the simulation (P<.01). CONCLUSION: Resident exposure to twin
      vaginal birth is infrequent and variable with a demonstrable need for more
      training. Our contemporary obstetric climate is prioritizing vaginal birth
      despite less frequent operative obstetric interventions. We describe a
      reproducible twin delivery simulation associated with a favorable effect on
      resident knowledge and comfort levels.

PMID- 27662006
TI  - Foreword and Onward.

PMID- 27662005
TI  - Comfort With Skills and Knowledge After Immediate Postpartum Intrauterine Device
      Training.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate whether a standardized immediate postpartum intrauterine
      device (IUD) simulation results in sustained improvement in perceived comfort
      with procedural skills. METHODS: From November 2013 to April 2015, obstetric
      health care providers at two teaching hospitals participated in a 30-minute
      immediate postpartum IUD simulation workshop and program evaluation. We assessed
      knowledge of indications, insertion technique, safety, and comfort with knowledge
      and skills preintervention immediately after and 6 months posttraining. RESULTS:
      Training participants (N=84) included 39 residents and 45 attendings (25
      certified nurse-midwives and 20 obstetrician-gynecologists). Fifty-seven
      participants (68%) completed the 6-month assessments. Many participants had
      placed immediate postpartum IUDs before the training (54% of residents compared
      with 64% of attendings, P=.32); 60% were comfortable with their knowledge and 52%
      with their insertion skills defined by self-assessment of 7 or greater on a 10
      point scale. On the pretest, 77% answered 80% or greater of the knowledge-based
      questions correctly; this proportion rose to 95% and 97% on the immediate and 6
      month assessments, respectively, and were similar between residents and
      attendings. Immediately posttraining, 94% of participants rated their comfort
      with knowledge at 7 or greater out of 10; this fell to 86% by 6 months. Likewise,
      87% and 74% scored their comfort with skills at 7 or greater out of 10
      immediately and at 6 months, respectively. By 6 months, 81% reported placing one
      or more immediate postpartum IUDs(92% of residents and 71% of attendings, P=.05).
      CONCLUSION: Residents and attendings demonstrate sustained improvement in
      knowledge and comfort with immediate postpartum IUDs 6 months after a
      standardized simulation workshop.

PMID- 27662007
TI  - miR-483 is Down-Regulated in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Inhibits KGN Cell
      Proliferation via Targeting Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF1).
AB  - BACKGROUND Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common metabolic disorder in
      premenopausal woman, characterized by hyperandrogenism, oligoanovulation, and
      insulin resistance. microRNAs play pivotal roles in regulating key factors of
      PCOS. However, relevant research remains limited. This study aimed to reveal the
      role and potential mechanism of miR-483 in PCOS. MATERIAL AND METHODS PCOS
      patients (n=20) were recruited for detecting miR-483 expression in lesion and
      normal ovary cortex. Human granulosa-like tumor cell line KGN was used to alter
      miR-483 expression by cell transfection. Cell viability and proliferation were
      analyzed by MTT assay and colony formation assay, and cell cycle was detected by
      flow cytometry. Interaction between miR-483 and IGF1 was verified by luciferase
      reporter assay. KGN cells were further treated by insulin to investigate the
      relationship between miR-483 and insulin. RESULTS miR-483 was significantly down
      regulated in lesion ovary cortex from PCOS patients (P<0.001). In KGN cells,
      overexpression of miR-483 inhibited cell viability and proliferation, and induced
      cell cycle arrest. miR-483 also inhibited CCNB1, CCND1, and CDK2. miR-483 sponge
      induced the opposite effects. miR-483 directly targeted IGF1 3'UTR, and IGF1
      promoted KGN cell proliferation and reversed miR-483-inhibited cell viability.
      Insulin treatment in KGN cells inhibited miR-483, and promoted IGF1 and cell
      proliferation. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that miR-483 is a PCOS
      suppressor inhibiting cell proliferation, possibly via targeting IGF1, and that
      it is involved in insulin-induced cell proliferation. miR-483 is a potential
      alternative for diagnosing and treating PCOS.

PMID- 27662008
TI  - Characterization of Ammonia, Methane, and Nitrous Oxide Emissions from
      Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations in Northeastern Colorado.
AB  - Atmospheric emissions from animal husbandry are important to both air quality and
      climate, but are hard to characterize and quantify as they differ significantly
      due to management practices and livestock type, and they can vary substantially
      throughout diurnal and seasonal cycles. Using a new mobile laboratory, ammonia
      (NH3), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and other trace gas emissions were
      measured from four concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) in northeastern
      Colorado. Two dairies, a beef cattle feedlot, and a sheep feedlot were chosen for
      repeated diurnal and seasonal measurements. A consistent diurnal pattern in the
      NH3 to CH4 enhancement ratio is clearly observed, with midday enhancement ratios
      approximately four times greater than nighttime values. This diurnal pattern is
      similar, with slight variations in magnitude, at the four CAFOs and across
      seasons. The average NH3 to CH4 enhancement ratio from all seasons and CAFOs
      studied is 0.17 (+0.13/-0.08) mol/mol, in agreement with statewide inventory
      averages and previous literature. Enhancement ratios for NH3 to N2O and N2O to
      CH4 are also reported. The enhancement ratios can be used as a source signature
      to distinguish feedlot emissions from other NH3 and CH4 sources, such as
      fertilizer application and fossil fuel development, and the large diurnal
      variability is important for refining inventories, models, and emission
      estimates.

PMID- 27662009
TI  - Innate lymphoid cells are expanded and functionally altered in chronic
      lymphocytic leukemia.

PMID- 27662010
TI  - The prognostic value of serum C-reactive protein, ferritin, and albumin prior to
      allogeneic transplantation for acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic
      syndromes.
AB  - We sought to confirm the prognostic importance of simple clinically available
      biomarkers of C-reactive protein, serum albumin, and ferritin prior to allogeneic
      hematopoietic cell transplantation. The study population consisted of 784 adults
      with acute myeloid leukemia in remission or myelodysplastic syndromes undergoing
      unrelated donor transplant reported to the Center for International Blood and
      Marrow Transplant Research. C-reactive protein and ferritin were centrally
      quantified by ELISA from cryopreserved plasma whereas each center provided pre
      transplant albumin. In multivariate analysis, transplant-related mortality was
      associated with the pre-specified thresholds of C-reactive protein more than 10
      mg/L (P=0.008) and albumin less than 3.5 g/dL (P=0.01) but not ferritin more than
      2500 ng/mL. Only low albumin independently influenced overall mortality. Optimal
      thresholds affecting transplant-related mortality were defined as: C-reactive
      protein more than 3.67 mg/L, log(ferritin), and albumin less than 3.4 g/dL. A 3
      level biomarker risk group based on these values separated risks of transplant
      related mortality: low risk (reference), intermediate (HR=1.66, P=0.015), and
      high risk (HR=2.7, P<0.001). One-year survival was 74%, 67% and 56% for low-,
      intermediate- and high-risk groups. Routinely available pre-transplant biomarkers
      independently risk-stratify for transplant-related mortality and survival.

PMID- 27662011
TI  - Splenic pooling and loss of VCAM-1 causes an engraftment defect in patients with
      myelofibrosis after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
AB  - Myelofibrosis is a myeloproliferative neoplasm that results in cytopenia, bone
      marrow fibrosis and extramedullary hematopoiesis. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem
      cell transplantation is the only curative treatment but is associated with a risk
      of delayed engraftment and graft failure. In this study, patients with
      myelofibrosis (n=31) and acute myeloid leukemia (n=31) were analyzed for time to
      engraftment, graft failure and engraftment-related factors. Early and late
      neutrophil engraftment and late thrombocyte engraftment were significantly
      delayed in patients with myelofibrosis as compared to acute myeloid leukemia, and
      graft failure only occurred in myelofibrosis (6%). Only spleen size had a
      significant influence on engraftment efficiency in myelofibrosis patients. To
      analyze the cause for the engraftment defect, clearance of hematopoietic stem
      cells from peripheral blood was measured and immunohistological staining of bone
      marrow sections was performed. Numbers of circulating CD34+ were significantly
      reduced at early time points in myelofibrosis patients, whereas CD34+CD38- and
      colony-forming cells showed no significant difference in clearance. Staining of
      bone marrow sections for homing proteins revealed a loss of VCAM-1 in
      myelofibrosis with a corresponding significant increase in the level of soluble
      VCAM-1 within the peripheral blood. In conclusion, our data suggest that reduced
      engraftment and graft failure in myelofibrosis patients is caused by an early
      pooling of CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells in the spleen and a bone marrow homing
      defect caused by the loss of VCAM-1. Improved engraftment in myelofibrosis might
      be achieved by approaches that reduce spleen size and cleavage of VCAM-1 in these
      patients prior to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

PMID- 27662013
TI  - Increased risk of axial fractures in patients with untreated chronic lymphocytic
      leukemia: a population-based analysis.

PMID- 27662012
TI  - Mutating heme oxygenase-1 into a peroxidase causes a defect in bilirubin
      synthesis associated with microcytic anemia and severe hyperinflammation.

PMID- 27662015
TI  - Interleukin-6 receptor-alpha signaling drives anti-RBC alloantibody production
      and T-follicular helper cell differentiation in a murine model of red blood cell
      alloimmunization.

PMID- 27662014
TI  - Human neutrophil peptides and complement factor Bb in pathogenesis of acquired
      thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.
AB  - Acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is primarily caused by the
      deficiency of plasma ADAMTS13 activity resulting from autoantibodies against
      ADAMTS13. However, ADAMTS13 deficiency alone is often not sufficient to cause
      acute thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Infections or systemic inflammation
      may precede acute bursts of the disease, but the underlying mechanisms are not
      fully understood. Herein, 52 patients with acquired autoimmune thrombotic
      thrombocytopenic purpura and 30 blood donor controls were recruited for the
      study. The plasma levels of human neutrophil peptides 1-3 and complement
      activation fragments (i.e. Bb, iC3b, C4d, and sC5b-9) were determined by enzyme
      linked immunosorbent assays. Univariate analyses were performed to determine the
      correlation between each biomarker and clinical outcomes. We found that the
      plasma levels of human neutrophil peptides 1-3 and Bb in patients with acute
      thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura were significantly higher than those in the
      control (P<0.0001). The plasma levels of HNP1-3 correlated with the levels of
      plasma complement fragment Bb (rho=0.48, P=0.0004) and serum lactate
      dehydrogenase (rho=0.28, P=0.04); in addition, the plasma levels of Bb correlated
      with iC3b (rho=0.55, P<0.0001), sC5b-9 (rho=0.63, P<0.0001), serum creatinine
      (rho=0.42, p=0.0011), and lactate dehydrogenase (rho=0.40, P=0.0034),
      respectively. Moreover, the plasma levels of iC3b and sC5b-9 were correlated
      (rho=0.72, P<0.0001), despite no statistically significant difference of the two
      markers between thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura patients and the control. We
      conclude that innate immunity, i.e. neutrophil and complement activation via the
      alternative pathway, may play a role in the pathogenesis of acute autoimmune
      thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, and a therapy targeted at these pathways may
      be considered in a subset of these patients.

PMID- 27662016
TI  - A prospective randomized trial comparing cyclosporine/methotrexate and
      tacrolimus/sirolimus as graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis after allogeneic
      hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
AB  - Improvement of graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis remains an important goal in
      allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Based on reports of possibly
      preferential properties of sirolimus, we compared the standard regimen of
      cyclosporine and methotrexate (n=106) with a combination of tacrolimus and
      sirolimus (n=103) as graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis after allogeneic
      hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in a prospective, open, randomized trial.
      The hypothesis was that the tacrolimus/sirolimus regimen would lead to less acute
      graft-versus-host disease and reduced transplant-related mortality. There was no
      significant difference in the cumulative incidence of acute graft-versus-host
      disease of grades II-IV (41% vs. 51%; P=0.19) or grades III-IV (13% vs. 7%;
      P=0.09) between the groups. Time to neutrophil engraftment (18 days vs. 17 days;
      P=0.24) was similar, but time to platelet engraftment was longer in
      cyclosporine/methotrexate patients (14 vs. 12 days; P<0.01). No significant
      differences in incidence of oropharyngeal mucositis, time to full donor
      chimerism, or number of cytomegalovirus infections were seen between the two
      treatment arms, and transplant-related toxicities were equally distributed.
      Triglyceride (P=0.005) and cholesterol (P=0.009) levels were higher in
      tacrolimus/sirolimus patients. Transplant-related mortality (18% vs. 12%; P=0.40)
      and 5-year overall survival (72% vs. 71%; P=0.71) were similar. Five-year relapse
      free survival in patients with malignant diagnoses was 65% in the
      cyclosporine/methotrexate group and 63% in the tacrolimus/sirolimus group
      (P=0.73). We conclude that tacrolimus/sirolimus remains a valid and safe
      alternative to cyclosporine/methotrexate as graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis
      after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, with comparable
      transplant-related outcomes. The trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov
      identifier: 00993343.

PMID- 27662017
TI  - Comparison of graft-versus-host disease-free, relapse-free survival according to
      a variety of graft sources: antithymocyte globulin and single cord blood provide
      favorable outcomes in some subgroups.
AB  - Graft-versus-host disease-free relapse-free survival, which is defined as the
      absence of grade III-IV acute graft-versus-host disease, systemically treated
      chronic graft-versus-host disease, relapse, and death, is a novel, meaningful
      composite end point for clinical trials. To characterize risk factors and
      differences in graft-versus-host disease-free relapse-free survival according to
      a variety of graft sources, we analyzed 23,302 patients with hematologic
      malignancy that had a first allogeneic transplantation from 2000 through 2013
      using the Japanese national transplant registry database. The 1-year graft-versus
      host disease-free relapse-free survival rate was 41% in all patients. The rate
      was higher after bone marrow transplantation than after peripheral blood stem
      cell transplantation due to the lower risks of III-IV acute and chronic graft
      versus-host disease. The rate was highest after HLA-matched sibling bone marrow
      transplantation. The rate after single cord blood transplantation was comparable
      to that after HLA-matched unrelated bone marrow transplantation among patients
      aged 20 years or under, and was comparable or better than other alternative graft
      sources among patients aged 21 years or over, due to the low risk of chronic
      graft-versus-host disease. Other factors associated with better graft-versus-host
      disease-free relapse-free survival include female patients, antithymocyte
      globulin prophylaxis (for standard-risk disease), recent years of
      transplantation, sex combinations other than from a female donor to a male
      patient, the absence of prior autologous transplantation, myeloablative
      conditioning, negative cytomegalovirus serostatus, and tacrolimus-based
      prophylaxis. These results provide important information to guide the choice of
      graft sources and are benchmarks for future graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis
      studies.

PMID- 27662020
TI  - One-pot reductive-acetylation of nitroarenes with NaBH4 catalyzed by separable
      core-shell Fe3O4@Cu(OH)x nanoparticles.
AB  - One-pot reductive-acetylation of nitroarenes to acetanilides was carried out
      efficiently with NaBH4 in the presence of magnetically separable core-shell
      Fe3O4@Cu(OH)x nanoparticles. All reactions were carried out in H2O followed by
      acetylation with acetic anhydride within 5-17min giving the N-arylacetamides in
      high to excellent yields. Reusability of the catalyst was examined 9 times
      without significant loss of its catalytic activity.

PMID- 27662019
TI  - Hypertension and the eye.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Hypertension is the primary risk factor for cardiovascular
      disease and mortality that consists a major public health issue worldwide.
      Hypertension triggers a series of pathophysiological ocular modifications
      affecting significantly the retinal, choroidal, and optic nerve circulations that
      result in a range of ocular effects.The retina is the only place in the body
      where microvasculature can be directly inspected, providing valuable information
      on hypertension related systemic risks.The aim of this review is to provide an
      update on latest advances regarding the detection and significance of
      hypertension related eye signs. RECENT FINDINGS: It's been shown that measurable
      retinal microvascular changes may precede progression of systemic microvascular
      disease.Last years, there are emerging advances in the field retinal imaging and
      computer software analysis that have enabled the objective and accurate
      assessment of retinal vascular caliber, while in association with latest
      epidemiological studies several other retinal vascular features have been
      recognized, such as vascular length-to-diameter ratio, and wall-to-lumen ratio
      that may also be associated to hypertension.Additionally, recent genetic studies
      have provided some insight to vascular pathophysiological processes having
      correlated new chromosome's loci to hypertensive retinopathy signs. SUMMARY:
      Assessment of hypertensive retinopathy signs may convey additional prognostic
      information on the risk of end-organ damage and may alert for urgent systemic
      management or even preventive systemic therapies. Further development of retinal
      vascular imaging and computerized system may provide a significant tool to
      improve the diagnosis, prognosis, and management of hypertension in clinical
      practice.

PMID- 27662021
TI  - Novel hierarchical tantalum oxide-PDMS hybrid coating for medical implants: One
      pot synthesis, characterization and modulation of fibroblast proliferation.
AB  - Surface properties such as morphology, roughness and charge density have a strong
      influence on the interaction of biomaterials and cells. Hierarchical materials
      with a combination of micron/submicron and nanoscale features for coating of
      medical implants could therefore have significant potential to modulate cellular
      responses and eventually improve the performance of the implants. In this study,
      we report a simple, one pot wet chemistry preparation of a hybrid coating system
      with hierarchical surface structures consisting of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)
      and tantalum oxide. Medical grade, amine functional PDMS was mixed with tantalum
      ethoxide which subsequently formed Ta2O5in situ through hydrolysis and
      condensation during coating process. The coatings were characterized by SEM, EDS,
      XPS, confocal scanning microscopy, contact angle measurement and in vitro cell
      culture. Varying PDMS and tantalum ethoxide ratios resulted in coatings of
      different surface textures ranging from smooth to submicro- and nano-structured.
      Strikingly, hierarchical surfaces containing both microscale (1-1.5MUm) and
      nanoscale (86-163nm) particles were found on coatings synthesized with 20% and
      40% (v/v) tantalum ethoxide. The coatings were similar in term of hydrophobicity
      but showed different surface roughness and chemical composition. Importantly,
      higher cell proliferation was observed on hybrid surface with hierarchical
      structures compared to pure PDMS or pure tantalum oxide. The coating process is
      simple, versatile, carried out under ambient condition and requires no special
      equipment.

PMID- 27662022
TI  - Controlled synthesis of BiVO4/SrTiO3 composite with enhanced sunlight-driven
      photofunctions for sulfamethoxazole removal.
AB  - The presence of antibiotics in surface waters is paid more and more attention,
      which is difficult to be removed by conventional treatment technology, and
      photocatalytic technology is considered to be a promising method for antibiotics
      pollutant removal. In the present work, a novel heterojunction photocatalyst was
      successfully synthesized by self-template method under hydrothermal condition.
      The photocatalytic activity of as-prepared samples was investigated by
      degradation of sulfamethoxazole in aqueous solution. The BiVO4/SrTiO3 composites
      showed superior photocatalytic efficiency under xenon lamp irradiation. The
      recycling tests proved that BiVO4/SrTiO3 composite was high stability and easily
      separated. The degradation efficiency of BiVO4/SrTiO3 composite was also greatly
      influenced by active species. It indicated that approximately 50% TOC reduction
      was achieved after 1h photocatalytic reaction. The intermediates were
      investigated by LC-MS analyses, which revealed that the bonds of CO, CS, CC, CN,
      isoxazole ring and benzene ring were broken by attacking of active species.

PMID- 27662023
TI  - Development of electrochemical sensor for the determination of palladium ions
      (Pd2+) using flexible screen printed un-modified carbon electrode.
AB  - To date, the development of different modified electrodes have received much
      attention in electrochemistry. The modified electrodes have some drawbacks such
      as high cost, difficult to handle and not eco friendly. Hence, we report an
      electrochemical sensor for the determination of palladium ions (Pd2+) using an un
      modified screen printed carbon electrode has been developed for the first time,
      which are characterized and studied via scanning electron microscope and cyclic
      voltammetry. Prior to determination of Pd2+ ions, the operational conditions of
      un-modified SPCE was optimized using cyclic voltammetry and showed excellent
      electro-analytical behavior towards the determination of Pd2+ ions.
      Electrochemical determination of Pd2+ ions reveal that the un-modified electrode
      showed lower detection limit of 1.32MUM with a linear ranging from 3 to 133.35MUM
      towards the Pd2+ ions concentration via differential pulse voltammetry. The
      developed sensor also applied to the successfully determination of trace level
      Pd2+ ions in spiked water samples. In addition, the advantage of this type of
      electrode is simple, disposable and cost effective in electrochemical sensors.

PMID- 27662018
TI  - Autotransplant with and without induction chemotherapy in older multiple myeloma
      patients: long-term outcome of a randomized trial.
AB  - Autologous transplantation is controversial for older patients with multiple
      myeloma. The role of age-adjusted high-dose melphalan and the impact of induction
      chemotherapy cycles is still unclear. A total of 434 patients aged 60-70 years
      were randomly assigned to 4 cycles of standard anthracycline-based induction
      chemotherapy or no induction. For all patients, double autologous transplantation
      after melphalan 140 mg/m2 (MEL140) was planned. The primary end point was
      progression-free survival. Of 420 eligible patients, 85% received a first
      transplant and 69% completed double transplantation. Treatment duration was short
      with a median of 7.7 months with induction chemotherapy cycles and 4.6 months
      without induction. On an intention-to-treat basis, median progression-free
      survival with induction chemotherapy cycles (207 patients) was 21.4 months versus
      20.0 months with no induction cycles (213 patients) (hazard ratio 1.04, 95%
      confidence interval 0.84-1.28; P=0.36). Per protocol, progression-free survival
      was 23.7 months versus 23.0 months (P=0.28). Patients aged 65 years or over (55%)
      did not have an inferior outcome. Patients with low-risk cytogenetics [absence of
      del17p13, t(4;14) and 1q21 gains] showed a favorable overall survival and
      included the patients with sustained first remission. MEL140 was associated with
      a low rate of severe mucositis (10%) and treatment-related deaths (1%). Based on
      hazard ratio, the short treatment arm consisting of mobilization chemotherapy and
      tandem MEL140 achieved 96% of the progression-free survival, demonstrating its
      value as an independent component of therapy in older patients with multiple
      myeloma who are considered fit for autologous transplantation.
      (clinicaltrials.gov identifier: 02288741).

PMID- 27662024
TI  - Molybdenum disulfide nanosheets coated multiwalled carbon nanotubes composite for
      highly sensitive determination of chloramphenicol in food samples milk, honey and
      powdered milk.
AB  - We have described a hybrid material that consists of molybdenum disulfide
      nanosheets (MoS2) coated on functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (f
      MWCNTs) for sensitive and selective determination of chloramphenicol (CAP). The
      MoS2/f-MWCNTs nanocomposite was successfully prepared through a hydrothermal
      process and its structure was characterized by scanning electron microscopy,
      transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy,
      electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The MoS2/f-MWCNTs
      nanocomposite holds excellent electrochemical properties and it displays
      excellent electrocatalytic ability to CAP. Under optimized working conditions,
      the nanocomposite film modified electrode responds linearly to CAP in the
      concentration range of 0.08-1392MUM. The detection limit was obtained as 0.015MUM
      (+/-0.003). The electrode has high level of selectivity in presence of large
      excess concentrations of interfering species. In addition, the modified electrode
      offers satisfactory repeatability, reproducibility and stability. The practical
      applicability of the electrode was demonstrated in food samples such as, milk,
      powdered milk and honey samples and the recoveries are agreeable which clearly
      revealed its practical feasibility in food analysis.

PMID- 27662025
TI  - Soft- to network hard-material for constructing both ion- and electron-conductive
      hierarchical porous structure to significantly boost energy density of a
      supercapacitor.
AB  - Soft-material PEDOT is used to network hard Co3O4 nanowires for constructing both
      ion- and electron-conductive hierarchical porous structure Co3O4/PEDOT to greatly
      boost the capacitor energy density than sum of that of plain Co3O4 nanowires and
      PEDOT film. Specifically, the networked hierarchical porous structure of
      Co3O4/PEDOT is synthesized and tailored through hydrothermal method and post
      electrochemical polymerization method for the PEDOT coating onto Co3O4 nanowires.
      Typically, Co3O4/PEDOT supercapacitor gets a highest areal capacitance of 160mFcm
      2 at a current density of 0.2mAcm-2, which is about 2.2 times larger than the sum
      of that of plain Co3O4 NWs (0.92mFcm-2) and PEDOT film (69.88mFcm-2). Besides, if
      only PEDOT as active mass is counted, Co3O4/PEDOT cell can achieve a highest
      capacitance of 567.21Fg-1, this is the highest capacitance value obtained by
      PEDOT-based supercapacitors. Furthermore, this soft-hard network porous structure
      also achieves a high cycling stability of 93% capacitance retention after the
      20,000th cycle. This work demonstrates a new approach to constructing both ion
      and electron conductive hierarchical porous structure to significantly boost
      energy density of a supercapacitor.

PMID- 27662026
TI  - A new route to the shape-controlled synthesis of nano-sized gamma-alumina and
      Ag/gamma-alumina for selective catalytic reduction of NO in the presence of
      propene.
AB  - We report a new route for the direct synthesis of gamma-alumina nanocrystals with
      size and shape control in the presence of oleylamine as the capping agent. Their
      morphology can be controlled from nanospheres to nanorods by simply tuning a
      proper amount of concentrated nitric acid (67%) in the synthetic mixture. The as
      made nanoparticle products after calcination show gamma-alumina nano-size with
      unique porosity and high specific surface area and retained morphology. The XRD
      patterns of these calcined samples exhibit broad diffraction lines which are
      characteristic of nanocrystal size of gamma-alumina. This synthesis procedure has
      been extended to the one-pot synthesis of nano-alumina based Ag catalysts with
      spherical and rod-shaped nano-alumina morphologies. Selective catalytic reduction
      (SCR) of NO with C3H6 over these catalysts was investigated. The results were
      compared to those of the conventional Ag/gamma-Al2O3 and gamma-nanoalumina alone.
      These nano-alumina based Ag catalysts exhibit excellent NO reduction activity in
      the presence of C3H6. Even in the presence of large oxygen concentration (15%),
      N2 yields as high as ~90% at quite low temperature (~350 degrees C) have been
      achieved. The significantly high catalytic activity of this new type of
      nanocatalysts can also be attributed to their high surface area and good
      dispersion of silver species in the alumina matrix as well as the synergism and
      new properties that arise at the silver-nanoalumina interface.

PMID- 27662027
TI  - Solvent-resistant CTAB-modified polymethylsilsesquioxane aerogels for organic
      solvent and oil adsorption.
AB  - In this work, we describe the successful synthesis of super-hydrophobic
      polymethylsilsesquioxane (PMSQ) aerogels with a porous network by a sol-gel
      polymerization process using methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) reactants with the
      addition of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) surfactants. The specific
      surface area, pore size and hydrophobicity of the CTAB-modified PMSQ aerogels
      were investigated for different amounts of CTAB doping. The specific surface
      areas of the pristine and CTAB-modified PMSQ aerogels with C/M molar ratios of
      0.001, 0.002 and 0.004 were 491, 301, 342 and 298m2/g, respectively. The water
      contact angles of the CTAB-modified PMSQ aerogels with C/M molar ratios of 0.001,
      0.002 and 0.004 were 166.38 degrees , 165.62 degrees  and 166.43 degrees ,
      confirming the super-hydrophobicity of the CTAB-modified PMSQ aerogels. Compared
      to pristine PMSQ aerogels, the as-prepared CTAB-modified PMSQ aerogels exhibit
      more solvent-resistant properties in ethanol (EtOH) and n-hexane solvents. The as
      prepared CTAB-modified PMSQ aerogels were further used for organic solvent and
      oil adsorption applications. Consequently, the as-prepared CTAB-modified PMSQ
      aerogels have great potential for organic solvent and oil adsorption in
      industrial applications.

PMID- 27662028
TI  - A combined self-assembly and calcination method for preparation of nanoparticles
      assembled cobalt oxide nanosheets using graphene oxide as template and their
      application for non-enzymatic glucose biosensing.
AB  - Cobalt oxide (Co3O4)-based materials have been extensively investigated as
      efficient electrocatalysts for non-enzymatic glucose biosensing. The proper
      tuning the structure of Co3O4-based materials could improve sensing performances
      for glucose detection. Herein, we have developed a combined self-assembly and
      calcination method to prepare nanoparticles-assembled Co3O4 nanosheets, which
      exhibit good sensing performances for glucose biosensing. The Co3O4 nanosheets
      were prepared by the following three steps: (i) the Co2+ modified graphene oxide
      (GO) was prepared by the self-assembly of Co2+ and GO in aqueous solution
      firstly, and then Co2+ modified GO film was obtained by vacuum filtration method;
      (ii) after calcination of Co2+ modified GO film in N2 atmosphere, Co3O4
      nanoparticles modified reduced GO (RGO) was obtained; (iii) finally,
      nanoparticles-assembled Co3O4 nanosheets were obtained by calcination of Co3O4
      modified RGO in air to remove RGO template. Most importantly, Co3O4 nanosheets
      exhibit good electrocatalytic activity for oxidation of glucose, leading to high
      performance glucose sensor. The detection limit and linear range of Co3O4
      nanosheets-based glucose sensor in the present work are 0.15MUM, and 1-50MUM,
      respectively. Furthermore, such sensor also shows excellent selectivity for
      glucose detection, compared to the commonly interfering species including
      dopamine, and uric acid.

PMID- 27662030
TI  - Non-exchanging hydroxyl groups on the surface of cellulose fibrils: The role of
      interaction with water.
AB  - The interaction of water with cellulose stages many unresolved questions. Here 2H
      MAS NMR and IR spectra recorded under carefully selected conditions in 1H-2H
      exchanged, and re-exchanged, cellulose samples are presented. It is shown here,
      by a quantitative and robust approach, that only two of the three available
      hydroxyl groups on the surface of cellulose fibrils are exchanging their hydrogen
      with the surrounding water molecules. This finding is additionally verified and
      explained by MD simulations which demonstrate that the 1HO(2) and 1HO(6) hydroxyl
      groups of the constituting glucose units act as hydrogen-bond donors to water,
      while the 1HO(3) groups behave exclusively as hydrogen-bond acceptors from water
      and donate hydrogen to their intra-chain neighbors O(5). We conclude that such a
      behavior makes the latter hydroxyl group unreactive to hydrogen exchange with
      water.

PMID- 27662029
TI  - One-pot synthesis of nitrogen and sulfur co-doped carbon dots and its application
      for sensor and multicolor cellular imaging.
AB  - Nitrogen and sulfur co-doped carbon dots (N, S/C-dots) were prepared via one-pot
      hydrothermal treatment of citric acid and cystamine dihydrochloride. The as
      prepared N, S/C-dots exhibited excellent excitation-wavelength-independent
      photoluminescence property and higher fluorescence quantum yield (QY) of 39.7%
      compared to C,N-dots (QY=2.6%) prepared using citric acid and 1,6-diaminohexane
      dihydrochloride as the precursor. The N, S/C-dots were well-dispersed in aqueous
      solution and showed good photoluminescence stabilities in different pH and
      temperature without any surface modification. Additionally, the fluorescence of
      N, S/C-dots can be quenched based on inner filter effect (IFE) upon the addition
      of Cr(VI) and showed good selectivity and sensitivity to Cr(VI). The detection
      for Cr(VI) exhibited a good linear correlation ranging from 1 to 80MUM with a
      detection limit of 0.86MUM. What's more, in comparison with other quantum dots
      and organic dyes, these N, S/C-dots were much more eco-friendly and can be used
      for multicolor bioimaging.

PMID- 27662031
TI  - Structure-activity relationship (SAR) study and design strategies of nitrogen
      containing heterocyclic moieties for their anticancer activities.
AB  - The present review article offers a detailed account of the design strategies
      employed for the synthesis of nitrogen-containing anticancer agents. The results
      of different studies describe the N-heterocyclic ring system is a core structure
      in many synthetic compounds exhibiting a broad range of biological activities.
      Benzimidazole, benzothiazole, indole, acridine, oxadiazole, imidazole, isoxazole,
      pyrazole, triazoles, quinolines and quinazolines including others drugs
      containing pyridazine, pyridine and pyrimidines are covered. The following
      studies of these compounds suggested that these compounds showed their antitumor
      activities through multiple mechanisms including inhibiting protein kinase (CDK,
      MK-2, PLK1, kinesin-like protein Eg5 and IKK), topoisomerase I and II,
      microtubule inhibition, and many others. Our concise representation exploits the
      design and anticancer potency of these compounds. The direct comparison of
      anticancer activities with the standard enables a systematic analysis of the
      structure-activity relationship among the series.

PMID- 27662032
TI  - Design, synthesis and evaluation of novel 2-amino-3-(naphth-2-yl)propanoic acid
      derivatives as potent inhibitors of platelet aggregation.
AB  - Based upon LX2421, a previously identified antiplatelet aggregation agent, a
      series of novel 2-amino-3-(naphth-2-yl)propanoic acid derivatives were designed,
      synthesized and evaluated. Among them, compounds LX14 and LX25 were identified as
      promising antiplatelet aggregation agents. The in vitro biologic study
      demonstrated that LX14 can block platelet aggregation induced by four different
      inducers and displays comparable potency in inhibiting GPIIb/IIIa receptor in
      comparison with Tirofiban. In addition, LX14 has much lower risk of bleeding than
      Tirofiban and shows significant antithrombotic activity in vivo. Taking together,
      the results indicated that LX14 is a promising GPIIb/IIIa receptor antagonist
      against platelet aggregation worthy of further evaluation.

PMID- 27662033
TI  - Cationic lipids bearing succinic-based, acyclic and macrocyclic hydrophobic
      domains: Synthetic studies and in vitro gene transfer.
AB  - In this communication we describe the construction of four succinic-based
      cationic lipids, their formulation with plasmid DNA (pDNA), and an evaluation of
      their in vitro gene delivery into Chinese hamster ovarian (CHO-K1) cells. The
      cationic lipids employed in this work possess either a dimethylamine or
      trimethylamine headgroup, and a macrocyclic or an acyclic hydrophobic domain
      composed of, or derived from two 16-atom, succinic-based acyl chains. The
      synthesized lipids and a co-lipid of neutral charge, either cholesterol or 1,2
      dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DOPE), were formulated in an overall
      3:2 cationic-to-neutral lipid molar ratio, then complexed with plasmid DNA
      (pDNA). The relative transfection performance was evaluated via a comparison
      between matched versus mismatched formulations defined by the rigidity
      relationship between the lipids employed. Gel electrophoresis was used to
      characterize the binding of the lipid formulations with plasmid DNA and the
      relative degree of plasmid degradation using a DNase I degradation assay. Small
      angle X-ray diffraction (SAXD) was employed to characterize the packing
      morphology of the lipid-DNA complexes. In general, the succinic unit embedded
      within the hydrophobic domain of the cationic lipids was found to improve lipid
      hydration. The transfection assays revealed a general trend in which mismatched
      formulations that employed a rigid lipid combined with a non-rigid (or flexible)
      lipid, outperformed the matched formulations. The results from this work suggest
      that the design of the cationic lipid structure and the composition of the
      lipoplex formulation play key roles in governing the transfection performance of
      nonviral gene delivery agents.

PMID- 27662034
TI  - The replacement of the 2-methoxy substituent of N-((6,6-diphenyl-1,4-dioxan-2
      yl)methyl)-2-(2-methoxyphenoxy)ethan-1-amine improves the selectivity for 5-HT1A
      receptor over alpha1-adrenoceptor and D2-like receptor subtypes.
AB  - N-((6,6-diphenyl-1,4-dioxan-2-yl)methyl)-2-(2-methoxyphenoxy)ethan-1-amine (3) is
      a potent 5-HT1A receptor and alpha1d-adrenoceptor (alpha1d-AR) ligand. Analogues
      5-10 were rationally designed and prepared to evaluate whether electronic and/or
      lipophilic properties of substituents in the ortho position of its phenoxy moiety
      exert any favorable effects on the affinity/activity at 5-HT1A receptor and
      improve selectivity over alpha1-ARs. To rationalize the experimental observations
      and derive information about receptor-ligand interactions of the reported
      ligands, docking studies, using 5-HT1A and alpha1d-AR models generated by
      homology techniques, and a retrospective computational study were performed. The
      results highlighted that proper substituents in position 2 of the phenoxy moiety
      of 3 selectively address the ligands toward 5-HT1A receptor with respect to
      alpha1-ARs and D2-like receptor subtypes. Methoxymethylenoxy derivative 9 showed
      the best 5-HT1A selectivity profile and the highest potency at 5-HT1A receptor,
      behaving as a partial agonist. Finally, 9, tested in light/dark exploration test
      in mice, significantly reduced anxiety-linked behaviors. Therefore, it may be
      considered a lead for the design of partial agonists potentially useful in the
      treatment of disorders in which 5-HT1A receptor is involved.

PMID- 27662035
TI  - Frequent NFIB-associated Gene Rearrangement in Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the
      Vulva.
AB  - Adenoid cystic carcinoma is a rare malignant tumor that usually arises in the
      major and minor salivary glands and other locations containing secretory glands,
      including the lower female genital tract. Lower female genital tract carcinomas
      with adenoid cystic differentiation can be subclassified into 2 distinct groups
      based on the presence or absence of high-risk HPV. Cervical mixed carcinomas with
      some adenoid cystic differentiation are high-risk HPV-related but pure adenoid
      cystic carcinomas of vulvar and cervical origin appear to be unrelated to high
      risk HPV. Mechanisms by which normal cells give rise to an HPV-unrelated adenoid
      cystic carcinoma remain largely unknown. Studies demonstrate that chromosomal
      translocation involving the genes encoding the transcription factors MYB and NFIB
      functions as a driving force of adenoid cystic carcinomas development regardless
      of anatomic site. The current study used fluorescence in situ hybridization with
      3 different probes including MYB break-apart probe, NFIB break-apart probe, and
      MYB-NFIB fusion probe to assess for the presence of gene rearrangements in
      adenoid cystic carcinomas of the vulva. Six (66.7%) of 9 vulvar adenoid cystic
      carcinomas demonstrated NFIB rearrangement. Of these 6 cases with a disturbed
      NFIB, only 2 cases (33.3%) were positive for a MYB rearrangement that was also
      confirmed by a positive MYB-NFIB fusion pattern. NFIB-associated gene
      rearrangement is a frequent genetic event in vulvar adenoid cystic carcinomas.
      Chromosome translocations involving NFIB but with an intact MYB indicate the
      presence of novel oncogenic mechanisms for the development of adenoid cystic
      carcinomas of the vulva.

PMID- 27662036
TI  - Primary Mucinous Carcinoma of the Fallopian Tube: Case Report and Review of
      Literature.
AB  - Primary mucinous carcinoma of the fallopian tube is extremely rare. We report the
      detailed characterization of a mucinous carcinoma arising in the fimbrial end of
      the fallopian tube in a 74-yr-old woman. The patient presented with recurrent
      urinary tract infection and urinary tract obstruction secondary to a large right
      ovarian mass. She had an appendicectomy as an 11 yr old. Serum CA-125 was raised
      at 239 U/mL. Computed tomographic scans showed bilateral, cystic ovarian tumors
      but no other intra-abdominal abnormality. The patient underwent total abdominal
      hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and omental biopsy. Microscopy
      showed mucinous carcinoma arising from the left tubal fimbriae, in association
      with mucinous metaplasia over the uninvolved fimbrial folds. There was no
      mucinous metaplasia in the contralateral fallopian tube, endometrial lining,
      cervix, or on the uterine serosal surface. A mucinous borderline tumor of
      gastrointestinal subtype was identified in the left ovary. The right ovary
      contained a benign mucinous cystadenoma of mixed gastrointestinal and
      endocervical-like/Mullerian subtype. The fallopian tube tumor expressed CK7,
      claudin 18, and MUC6, but not CK20, CDX2, CEA, pyloric gland mucin (recognized by
      HIK1083), ER, or vimentin. The immunolabelling pattern for p53 was wild-type, and
      p16 expression was nonblock. The metaplastic mucinous tubal epithelium also
      marked for CK7, CK20, CDX2, and CEA but had mutation-type p53 labelling (p53
      null), a low Ki-67 index, and was immunopositive for HIK1083, MUC6, and claudin
      18. This is the first detailed characterization of a primary mucinous fallopian
      tube carcinoma and the adjacent metaplastic mucinous epithelium, and confirms it
      to be of gastric type.

PMID- 27662037
TI  - XXIX. Dr Hazel Mansell Gore.

PMID- 27662038
TI  - The association between parental attributions of misbehavior and parenting
      practices in caregivers raising children with prenatal alcohol exposure: A mixed
      methods study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Limited research has focused on parenting practices used by
      caregivers raising children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). The
      current study hypothesized that parental attributions of children's misbehavior
      would relate to the parenting strategies caregivers utilize with children with
      FASD. This study also aimed to develop a coding scheme to allow quantification of
      these treatment-relevant constructs in future intervention trials. METHODS:
      Thirty-one caregivers of children with FASD (age 4-8) were interviewed with the
      Parenting Practices Interview (PPI), a study-developed qualitative interview.
      Quantitative measures of FASD knowledge, parenting sense of competence and
      stress, and child behavior problems were included. Mixed-method analyses assessed
      the relationship between parental attributions of misbehavior and parenting
      practices. RESULTS: Caregivers who attributed their child's misbehavior to
      underlying neurodevelopmental disabilities were more likely to use antecedent
      strategies and feel more confident in managing their child's behavior. Parents
      who attributed their child's misbehavior to willful disobedience were more likely
      to rely on consequence strategies and feel more ineffective. CONCLUSIONS: Results
      are consistent with theoretical models for FASD parent training interventions.
      Assessment of theorized mechanisms of change in intervention trials is needed;
      the development of the PPI and quantitative coding system will facilitate this
      type of research.

PMID- 27662039
TI  - ATG proteins: Are we always looking at autophagy?
AB  - Autophagy is an intracellular degradation pathway that is regulated by the
      autophagy-related (ATG) proteins. For a long time it has been thought that ATG
      proteins were exclusively required for autophagy, but recent experimental
      evidence has revealed that these proteins are part of other cellular pathways,
      individually or as a functional group. To estimate the extent of these so-called
      unconventional functions of the ATG proteins, we decided to perform an unbiased
      siRNA screen targeting the entire ATG proteome and used viral replication as the
      readout. Our results have uncovered that a surprisingly high number of ATG
      proteins (36%) have a positive or negative role in promoting virus replication
      outside their classical role in autophagy. With the increasing knowledge about
      ATG protein unconventional functions and our investigation results, the
      interpretations about the possible involvement of autophagy in cellular or
      organismal functions that solely rely on the depletion of a single ATG protein,
      should be considered cautiously.

PMID- 27662040
TI  - Type 1 diabetes, quality of life, occupational status and education level - A
      comparative population-based study.
AB  - AIM: Type 1 diabetes requires extensive self-management to avoid complications
      and may have negative effects on the everyday life of people with the disease.
      The aim of this study was to compare adults with type 1 diabetes to the general
      population in terms of health-related quality of life, occupational status (level
      of employment, working hours and sick leave) and education level. METHODS: 2415
      adults (aged 18-98years) with type 1 diabetes were compared to 48,511 adults
      (aged 18-103years) from the general population. Data were obtained from two cross
      sectional surveys conducted in 2010 and 2011 of adults living or treated in the
      Capital Region in Denmark. Differences between adults with type 1 diabetes and
      the general population were standardised for age and sex and analyzed using
      linear probability models and negative binomial regression. Differences were
      further analyzed in subgroups. RESULTS: Compared to the general population,
      adults with type 1 diabetes experienced lower health-related quality of life,
      were more frequently unemployed, had more sick leave per year and were slightly
      better educated. Differences in health-related quality of life and employment
      increased with age and were larger among women, as compared to men. No
      significant differences were found with regard to working hours. CONCLUSION: Our
      findings suggest that type 1 diabetes is associated with lower health-related
      quality of life, higher unemployment and additional sick leave. The negative
      association with type 1 diabetes is more pronounced in women and older adults.

PMID- 27662041
TI  - Comparison of cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes in people with type 2
      diabetes on insulin versus non-insulin glucose-lowering therapies (GLTs): A
      systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To compare the cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes of Insulin
      versus non-insulin glucose lowering therapy (GLT). METHODS: We included
      randomised control trials (RCTs) which randomised patients aged >18years with
      Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) to insulin vs non-insulin GLT. We used risk ratios (RR),
      risk difference (RD) and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence interval (95%CI) to
      analyse the treatment effects of dichotomous outcomes and mean differences (with
      95% CI) for continuous outcomes. RESULTS: We included 18 RCTs with 19,300
      participants. There was no significant difference in the risk of all-cause
      mortality and CV events between the groups (RR=1.01; 95%CI: 0.96-1.06; p=0.69).
      In 16 trials, insulin showed greater efficacy in glycaemic control (mean diff=
      0.20; 95%CI: -0.28 to -0.11) but the proportion achieving HbA1c level of either
      ?7.0% or 7.4% (53 or 57mmol/mol) was similar in both (OR=1.55; 95%CI=0.92-2.62).
      The non-insulin group had a significant reduction in weight (mean diff=-3.41;
      95%CI: -4.50 to -2.32) and an increase in the proportion of adverse events (54.7%
      vs 45.3%, p=0.044), but the insulin group showed an (RR=1.90; 95%CI: 1.44-2.51)
      increased risk of hypoglycaemia. CONCLUSION: There was no difference in the risk
      of all-cause mortality and adverse cardiovascular (CV) events between Insulin and
      non-insulin GLTs. Insulin was associated with superior reduction in HbA1c; least
      reduction in weight and higher risk of hypoglycaemia. Both showed similar
      proportion of patients achieving HbA1c target. Non-insulin GLTs were associated
      with a higher risk in reported adverse drug events.

PMID- 27662042
TI  - A comparison of the pharmacodynamic profiles of jet-injected regular human
      insulin versus conventionally administered insulin aspart in healthy volunteers.
AB  - AIMS: Rapid-acting insulin analogues are generally preferred over regular human
      insulin because of their more immediate onset of action and shorter time-action
      profile. However, these analogues may not always be tolerated by or universally
      available for people with insulin-requiring diabetes. Jet injection has been
      demonstrated to facilitate faster insulin absorption. We determined whether
      administration of regular human insulin by jet injection achieves the same
      pharmacological properties as that of a rapid-acting insulin analogue. METHODS:
      Twenty healthy volunteers received regular human insulin (0.2units/kg) by jet
      injection. Glucose 20% was infused intravenously to maintain euglycaemia over six
      hours. The glucose infusion rates (GIR) were determined to compare
      pharmacological profiles. These profiles were compared with data from two other
      studies in which a similar dose of insulin aspart was administered by
      conventional pen. RESULTS: Regular human insulin by jet injection had a faster
      onset of glucose-lowering effect compared to aspart by conventional pen (T
      GIR50%, 30.8+/-2.9 versus 43.1+/-3.2min, P<0.01). There were no differences in
      time to maximal GIR (106.1+/-11.9 versus 95.8+/-9.2min, P=0.50), maximal GIR
      (8.6+/-0.7 versus 7.7+/-0.7mg/kg/min, P=0.0.33), total glucose-lowering effect
      (101.0+/-9.8 versus 87.6+/-7.0g, P=0.28), and time until 50% of glucose disposal
      (144.8+/-5.6 versus 151.3+/-5.1min, P=0.39). CONCLUSIONS: Jet-injected regular
      human insulin had a pharmacological profile that was essentially not dissimilar
      from that of aspart insulin administered by conventional pen, and can therefore
      be used as an alternative for conventionally administered rapid-acting insulin
      analogues.

PMID- 27662043
TI  - The Talking Cure of Avoidant Personality Disorder: Remission through Earned
      Secure Attachment.
AB  - The concept of earned security is important and has significant implications for
      psychotherapy. Understanding how individuals with insecure attachment styles can
      develop secure attachment styles through reparative relationships, such as the
      therapeutic relationship, can assist psychotherapists in helping patients to
      overcome the effects of early negative life experiences. Personality disorders
      are commonly associated with negative experiences, such as abuse, neglect, and
      other empathic failures. These disorders are particularly difficult to treat
      because of their pervasive nature and the resultant defense mechanisms that often
      thwart psychotherapy. However, an understanding of the role that attachment can
      play in the etiology, symptomatology, and treatment of psychopathology can
      greatly enhance the therapeutic process. This case report describes the long-term
      psychodynamic psychotherapy of a woman with a history of childhood trauma,
      avoidant attachment style, and avoidant personality disorder. Through the
      therapeutic relationship, she developed a secure attachment, and her symptoms
      remitted, and her life drastically improved.

PMID- 27662044
TI  - A Four-Component Model of Sexual Orientation & Its Application to Psychotherapy.
AB  - Distress related to sexual orientation is a common focus in psychotherapy. In
      some instances the distress is external in nature as with persecution, and in
      others it is internal as with self-acceptance issues. Complicating matters,
      sexual orientation is a very complex topic producing a great deal of confusion
      for both clients and therapists. The current paper provides a four component
      model-sexual orientation dimensions, activation of these dimensions, the role of
      erotic fantasy, and social construction of sexual orientation-that in combination
      provide a comprehensive perspective. Activation of dimensions is a novel
      contribution not proposed in any other model. With improved understanding of
      sexual orientation issues, and utilization of this knowledge to guide
      interventions, psychotherapists can improve outcomes with their clients. Also
      described is how dimensions of sexual orientation relate to transgender. In
      addition to improving psychotherapy outcomes, the fourcomponent model presented
      can help reduce discrimination and persecution, by demonstrating that the
      capacity for both homoerotic and heteroerotic behavior is universal.

PMID- 27662045
TI  - The Cardiac Rhythm of the Unconscious in a Case of Panic Disorder.
AB  - The field of psychodynamic psychotherapy would benefit from a comprehensive model
      that integrates its constructs with neurobiology. Research on the autonomic
      nervous system activity during the psychotherapeutic process is necessary because
      it is key in affective experiences and defensive behavior. The current case study
      reports physiological findings on heart rate dynamics in a patient suffering from
      panic disorder during two therapeutic sessions in which we used Davanloo's
      Intensive Short-term Dynamic Psychotherapy. We looked at various metrics of heart
      rate variability during the therapeutic process leading to breakthrough of
      unconscious feelings. The measurements included sympathetic and parasympathetic
      indices, vagal tone, and their responses. Our results suggest that the
      sympathetic system activates during defensive responses associated with anxiety
      and during the passage of unconscious-aggressive impulses. Following the
      experience of unconscious guilt, there is an increased vagal tone corresponding
      to the phase of reunification with the attachment figure. Findings are discussed
      integrating developmental neurobiology and clinical psychodynamics.

PMID- 27662046
TI  - Can Frontline Clinicians in Public Psychiatry Settings Provide Effective
      Psychotherapy For Psychosis?
AB  - This report consists of the personal reflections of seven frontline clinicians
      who participated in a formal training program for the psychotherapy of psychosis
      implemented in a large public clinic setting. The training was part of a quality
      improvement initiative, consisting of 12 hours of didactic presentation followed
      by 30 hours of weekly peer-group supervision. The clinicians comment on ways of
      working with patients prior to the training, and how their views and techniques
      changed as a result of the training. The reflections of frontline staff provide
      proof of the concept that psychotherapy for psychosis techniques can be added to
      existing clinical skills, and that it is possible to implement a program in
      psychotherapy for psychosis in a busy public clinic.

PMID- 27662047
TI  - Practicing Psychoanalysis and Psychodynamic Psychotherapies in Developing
      Societies.
AB  - Vital to the contemporary exercise of psychiatry is the biopsychosocial approach,
      with psychotherapy as its well-defined, and requisite, constituent. The key
      objectives of psychoanalysis and other related therapies are the amelioration of
      symptoms and modification of character by probing the unconscious. But the
      practice of psychoanalysis and similar insight-oriented techniques is in
      developing nations is different from developed countries due to cultural and
      educational reasons, along with a shortage of required facilities. The result
      often is ignorance of exploratory techniques and the substitution of approaches,
      such cognitive and behavior therapies, which operate at the conscious and
      subconscious levels of mind. Additionally, decreased implementation of
      psychotherapy by psychiatrists in industrialized countries may discourage its use
      by therapists in developing societies. This article is devoted to developing,
      traditional, or conservative societies and the obstacles confronted in the
      progression of applied (clinical) psychoanalysis and related methods in the
      classroom and practice. Possible solutions also are discussed briefly.

PMID- 27662048
TI  - Treatment of high-strength sulfate wastewater using an autotrophic biocathode in
      view of elemental sulfur recovery.
AB  - Treatment of high-strength sulfate wastewaters is becoming a research issue not
      only for its optimal management but also for the possibility of recovering
      elemental sulfur. Moreover, sulfate-rich wastewater production is expected to
      grow due to the increased SO2 emission contained in flue gases which are treated
      by chemical absorption in water. Bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) are a
      promising alternative for sulfate reduction with a lack of electron donor, since
      hydrogen can be generated in situ from electricity. However, complete sulfate
      reduction leads to hydrogen sulfide as final sulfur compound. This work is the
      first to demonstrate that, in addition to an efficient sulfate-rich wastewater
      treatment, elemental sulfur could be recovered in a biocathode of a BES under
      oxygen limiting conditions. The key of the process is the biological oxidation of
      sulfide to elemental sulfur simultaneously to the sulfate reduction in the
      cathode using the oxygen produced in the anode that diffuses through the
      membrane. High sulfate reduction rates (up to 388 mg S-SO42- L-1 d-1) were
      observed linked to a low production of sulfide. Accumulation of elemental sulfur
      over graphite fibers of the biocathode was demonstrated by energy dispersive
      spectrometry, discarding the presence of metal sulfides. Microbial community
      analysis of the cathode biofilm demonstrated the presence of sulfate-reducing
      bacteria (mainly Desulfovibrio sp.) and sulfide-oxidizing bacteria (mainly
      Sulfuricurvum sp.). Hence, this biocathode allows simultaneous biological sulfate
      reduction and biological sulfide oxidation to elemental sulfur, opening up a
      novel process for recovering sulfur from sulfate-rich wastewaters.

PMID- 27662049
TI  - Dermatologic Surgery Needs in Low-Income, Uninsured, and Minority Communities.

PMID- 27662050
TI  - Picosecond 532 nm Neodymium-Doped Yttrium Aluminium Garnet Laser for the
      Treatment of Solar Lentigines in Darker Skin Types: Safety and Efficacy.

PMID- 27662051
TI  - Toluidine Blue and Hematoxylin and Eosin Stains are Comparable in Evaluating
      Squamous Cell Carcinoma During Mohs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Histologic examination of tissue is the foundation of Mohs
      micrographic surgery because determination of surgical margins influences whether
      additional tissue will be taken. Currently, there is no large focused study
      comparing toluidine blue (TB) and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stains in the
      evaluation of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates
      whether TB and H&E are comparable in assessing the presence of tumor in frozen
      sections of SCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred eighty-six randomized slides
      representing 93 tissue pieces from 36 tumors were examined by 3 Mohs surgeons (1
      Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education fellow and 2 fellowship
      trained surgeons) and compared using a template that documented the presence and
      location of tumor on the slides. RESULTS: The evaluation of SCC with H&E and TB
      stains was highly concordant, with concordant identification of SCC in 96%, 96%,
      and 94% of tissue layers among the 3 Mohs surgeons ARS, LHG, and AK-A,
      respectively. CONCLUSION: Toluidine blue and H&E stains are statistically similar
      in their ability to detect SCC and guide Mohs surgical decision-making.

PMID- 27662052
TI  - Progressively Worsening Hypersensitivity Reaction to Bupivacaine.

PMID- 27662053
TI  - Reconstruction of a Large Divided Nevus of the Eyelid.

PMID- 27662054
TI  - Safety and Long-Term Efficacy of Forehead Contouring With a Polycaprolactone
      Based Dermal Filler.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recently, a biostimulatory dermal filler based on polycaprolactone
      (PCL) microspheres was introduced. To our knowledge, no report has examined the
      safety and efficacy of PCL-based dermal fillers in forehead augmentation.
      OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of forehead augmentation using a
      PCL-based dermal filler. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population consisted of
      58 patients (57 women, 98%; 1 man, 2%), aged 20 to 65 years, undergoing forehead
      augmentation using a PCL-based dermal filler between October 2013 and October
      2015 at our clinic. The physicians used the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale
      (GAIS) to evaluate its efficacy 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively.
      RESULTS: The mean GAIS score at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months was 2.14 +/- 0.95,
      2.38 +/- 0.77, 2.50 +/- 0.76, 2.45 +/- 0.52, and 2.33 +/- 0.50, respectively. The
      scores increased markedly from 1 to 3 months and were maintained at 24 months.
      CONCLUSION: A PCL-based dermal filler is a good option for soft tissue
      augmentation of the forehead, as it is safe and has long-lasting favorable
      cosmetic efficacy.

PMID- 27662055
TI  - Visual motion processing subserving behavior in crabs.
AB  - Motion vision originated during the Cambrian explosion more than 500 million
      years ago, likely triggered by the race for earliest detection between preys and
      predators. To successfully evade a predator's attack a prey must react quickly
      and reliably, which imposes a common constrain to the implementation of escape
      responses among different species. Thus, neural circuits subserving fast escape
      responses are usually straightforward and contain giant neurons. This review
      summarizes knowledge about a small group of motion-sensitive giant neurons
      thought to be central in guiding the escape performance of crabs to visual
      stimuli. The flexibility of the escape behavior contrasts with the stiffness of
      the optomotor response, indicating a task-dependent early segregation of visual
      pathways.

PMID- 27662057
TI  - Comprehensive Review on the Use of Graphene-Based Substrates for Regenerative
      Medicine and Biomedical Devices.
AB  - Recent research suggests that graphene holds great potential in the biomedical
      field because of its extraordinary properties. Whereas initial attempts focused
      on the use of suspended graphene for drug delivery and bioimaging, more recent
      work has demonstrated its advantages for preparing substrates for tissue
      engineering and biomedical devices and products. Cells are known to interact with
      and respond to nanoparticles differently when presented in the form of a
      substrate than in the form of a suspension. In tissue engineering, a stable and
      supportive substrate or scaffold is needed to provide mechanical support,
      chemical stimuli, and biological signals to cells. This review compiles recent
      advances of the impact of both graphene and graphene-derived particles to prepare
      supporting substrates for tissue regeneration and devices as well as the
      associated cell response to multifunctional graphene substrates. We discuss the
      interaction of cells with pristine graphene, graphene oxide, functionalized
      graphene, and hybrid graphene particles in the form of coatings and composites.
      Such materials show excellent biological outcomes in vitro, in particular, for
      orthopedic and neural tissue engineering applications. Preliminary evaluation of
      these graphene-based materials in vivo reinforces their promise for tissue
      regeneration and implants. Although the reported findings of studies on graphene
      based substrates are promising, several questions and concerns associated with
      their in vivo use persist. Possible strategies to examine these issues are
      presented.

PMID- 27662056
TI  - Target detection in insects: optical, neural and behavioral optimizations.
AB  - Motion vision provides important cues for many tasks. Flying insects, for
      example, may pursue small, fast moving targets for mating or feeding purposes,
      even when these are detected against self-generated optic flow. Since insects are
      small, with size-constrained eyes and brains, they have evolved to optimize their
      optical, neural and behavioral target visualization solutions. Indeed, even if
      evolutionarily distant insects display different pursuit strategies, target
      neuron physiology is strikingly similar. Furthermore, the coarse spatial
      resolution of the insect compound eye might actually be beneficial when it comes
      to detection of moving targets. In conclusion, tiny insects show higher than
      expected performance in target visualization tasks.

PMID- 27662058
TI  - Total Synthesis of Miuraenamides A and D.
AB  - Miuraenamides A and D, cyclodepsipeptides with antimicrobial and antitumor
      activity, were synthesized. The synthesis of an unsaturated hydroxycarboxylic
      acid moiety, starting from a chiral epoxide, was achieved by Suzuki-Miyaura
      coupling as a key step. As a result, the overall yield for miuraenamide A over
      the longest linear sequence is 3.2%, while the yield of the previously reported
      procedure is 1.9%. In addition, the cell growth-inhibitory activity and anti
      Phytophthora activity of the synthesized compounds were evaluated.

PMID- 27662059
TI  - Archaic admixture in human history.
AB  - Modern humans evolved in Southern or Eastern Africa, and spread from there across
      the rest of the world. As they expanded across Africa and Eurasia, they
      encountered other hominin groups. The extent to which modern and 'archaic' human
      groups interbred is an area of active research, and while we know that modern
      humans interbred with Neanderthals and Denisovans, there is not yet agreement on
      how many admixture events there were or on how much Neanderthal or Denisovan DNA
      can be found in contemporary genomes. Here we review what is known about archaic
      admixture in human history, with a focus on what has been discovered in the past
      2 years.

PMID- 27662061
TI  - An update in the endoscopic management of gastric cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Gastric cancer remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide
      and gastroenterologists are playing an increasingly larger role in its
      management. This article reviews the endoscopic management of gastric cancer,
      with emphasis on recent advances in the field. RECENT FINDINGS: Long-term studies
      comparing surgery and endoscopic resection for early gastric cancer have shown no
      difference in 10-year survival rates. Second-look endoscopy, performed 2 days
      after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) to address the concern of delayed
      bleeding, may not affect rebleeding rates. Magnesium, proton pump inhibitors, and
      bupivacaine may help reduce post-ESD pain. New devices such as the Clutch Cutter
      and EndoLifter may help make ESD easier and safer. SUMMARY: Endoscopic therapy
      for early gastric cancer is becoming increasingly popular and innovations are
      constantly being made to improve technique and technology. This review focuses on
      the latest approaches to the endoscopic management of gastric cancer.

PMID- 27662062
TI  - Periprocedural Management of Direct Oral Anticoagulants Should Be Guided by
      Accurate Laboratory Tests.

PMID- 27662060
TI  - Recent advances in the study of fine-scale population structure in humans.
AB  - Empowered by modern genotyping and large samples, population structure can be
      accurately described and quantified even when it only explains a fraction of a
      percent of total genetic variance. This is especially relevant and interesting
      for humans, where fine-scale population structure can both confound disease
      mapping studies and reveal the history of migration and divergence that shaped
      our species' diversity. Here we review notable recent advances in the detection,
      use, and understanding of population structure. Our work addresses multiple areas
      where substantial progress is being made: improved statistics and models for
      better capturing differentiation, admixture, and the spatial distribution of
      variation; computational speed-ups that allow methods to scale to modern data;
      and advances in haplotypic modeling that have wide ranging consequences for the
      analysis of population structure. We conclude by outlining four important open
      challenges: the limitations of discrete population models, uncertainty in
      individual origins, the incorporation of both fine-scale structure and ancient
      DNA in parametric models, and the development of efficient computational tools,
      particularly for haplotype-based methods.

PMID- 27662063
TI  - Delayed Neuraxial Hematoma in Parturient With Fontan Circulation Following
      Neuraxial Anesthesia for Cesarean Section.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Neuraxial hematoma is a rare complication of spinal or epidural
      anesthesia. However, variable coagulation factor defects are relatively common in
      patients with Fontan circulation, and may predispose such patients to either
      increased risk of thrombosis or coagulopathy. These defects may indirectly
      increase their risk of neuraxial hematoma. CASE REPORT: We report a case of
      delayed neuraxial hematoma after the start of full-dose anticoagulation for
      pulmonary embolus on a postpartum patient with Fontan physiology who had
      continuous spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery 4 days earlier. CONCLUSIONS:
      Parturients with single ventricle physiology present numerous challenges to
      balance, including pregnancy-related physiologic alterations in blood volume,
      cardiac output, systemic vascular resistance, oxygen consumption, and
      coagulation. Although neuraxial anesthesia is common in this population, it is
      not without risks. We report the circumstances surrounding a parturient with
      single ventricle physiology who experienced neuraxial hematoma 4 days after
      continuous spinal anesthesia despite adherence to accepted guidelines. Eighteen
      months after undergoing a cesarean section, she had a full recovery and returned
      to her baseline medical status.

PMID- 27662064
TI  - Necrotizing Fasciitis as a Complication of a Continuous Sciatic Nerve Catheter
      Using the Lateral Popliteal Approach.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Necrotizing fasciitis is an infection of the soft tissue that is
      characterized by rapidly spreading inflammation and subsequent necrosis. It is a
      rare complication of peripheral nerve blocks. We report a rare case of
      necrotizing fasciitis after placement of a peripheral nerve catheter. CASE
      REPORT: A 58-year-old woman presented for an elective right second metatarsal
      resection and received a sciatic nerve catheter for postoperative pain control.
      On postoperative day 7, clinical examination and imaging supported the diagnosis
      of necrotizing fasciitis. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple reports have been published of
      necrotizing fasciitis after single-shot peripheral nerve block injections,
      neuraxial anesthesia, and intramuscular injections. This case highlights the
      potential for the rare complication of necrotizing fasciitis after peripheral
      nerve catheter placement.

PMID- 27662065
TI  - Local Infiltration of Analgesics at Surgical Wound to Reduce Postoperative Pain
      After Laparotomy in Rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There is an increasing use of local infiltration
      analgesia (LIA) to reduce postoperative pain. Despite widespread use of LIA, wide
      variations in drug combinations and concomitant use of systemic analgesics have
      made it difficult to determine the optimal drug combinations for LIA. Using a
      previously validated rat laparotomy model, the optimal LIA combination of
      medications to reduce postoperative pain was determined. METHODS: Laparotomy was
      performed in an adult rat model under isoflurane anesthesia. During surgery,
      combinations of bupivacaine, ketorolac, and dexamethasone were injected over the
      sutured muscle wound before skin closing, and compared to saline (placebo). The
      same medications were injected systemically as controls. Postoperative pain was
      assessed by measuring spontaneous rearing activity. RESULTS: A high-dose 3-drug
      LIA combination (50 MUL of bupivacaine 0.75%, ketorolac 6.0 mg/mL, and
      dexamethasone 2.0 mg/mL) increased rearing (decreased pain) at 2 hours (P =
      0.0032) postsurgery compared to saline. However, the same 3 drugs injected
      systemically had a similar analgesic effect (P = 0.0002). Bupivacaine 0.75% alone
      was not effective for LIA. When low-dose (9-fold reduction) 3-drug LIA
      combination was used, LIA increased rearing (P = 0.0034) whereas the same 3 drugs
      injected systemically had no effect. Low-dose LIA ketorolac/dexamethasone (2-drug
      combination) also increased rearing (P = 0.0393). CONCLUSIONS: Our animal study
      suggests that clinical trials with low-dose LIA combinations of local anesthetic,
      nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, and corticosteroid may be useful for
      reducing postoperative pain after laparotomy.

PMID- 27662066
TI  - Reply to Dr Lessire et al.

PMID- 27662067
TI  - Local Anesthetic-Induced Myotoxicity After Continuous Adductor Canal Block.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Local anesthetic-induced myotoxicity occurs consistently in animal
      models, yet is reported rarely in humans. Herein, we describe 3 sentinel cases of
      local anesthetic myotoxicity after continuous adductor canal block (ACB). CASE
      REPORT: Three patients underwent total knee arthroplasty that was managed with
      subarachnoid block plus ACB induced with 1.5% lidocaine or 1.5% mepivacaine bolus
      followed by 0.2% ropivacaine at 8 mL/h. Although initial postoperative recovery
      was normal, each patient on either postoperative day 1 or 2 developed
      progressive, profound weakness of the quadriceps muscles. Clinical course,
      imaging, and neurophysiologic studies were consistent with myositis. The patients
      experienced partial to full functional recovery over the ensuing weeks to months.
      CONCLUSIONS: Clinically apparent local anesthetic-induced myotoxicity has been
      documented rarely in humans undergoing non-ophthalmic surgery. We report 3
      sentinel cases associated with continuous ACB.

PMID- 27662068
TI  - Correction to "Mass Spectrometric/Bioinformatic Identification of a Protein
      Subset That Characterizes the Cellular Activity of Anticancer Peptides".

PMID- 27662069
TI  - Plasmonic Imaging of Electrochemical Reactions of Single Nanoparticles.
AB  - Electrochemical reactions are involved in many natural phenomena, and are
      responsible for various applications, including energy conversion and storage,
      material processing and protection, and chemical detection and analysis. An
      electrochemical reaction is accompanied by electron transfer between a chemical
      species and an electrode. For this reason, it has been studied by measuring
      current, charge, or related electrical quantities. This approach has led to the
      development of various electrochemical methods, which have played an essential
      role in the understanding and applications of electrochemistry. While powerful,
      most of the traditional methods lack spatial and temporal resolutions desired for
      studying heterogeneous electrochemical reactions on electrode surfaces and in
      nanoscale materials. To overcome the limitations, scanning probe microscopes have
      been invented to map local electrochemical reactions with nanometer resolution.
      Examples include the scanning electrochemical microscope and scanning
      electrochemical cell microscope, which directly image local electrochemical
      reaction current using a scanning electrode or pipet. The use of a scanning probe
      in these microscopes provides high spatial resolution, but at the expense of
      temporal resolution and throughput. This Account discusses an alternative
      approach to study electrochemical reactions. Instead of measuring electron
      transfer electrically, it detects the accompanying changes in the reactant and
      product concentrations on the electrode surface optically via surface plasmon
      resonance (SPR). SPR is highly surface sensitive, and it provides quantitative
      information on the surface concentrations of reactants and products vs time and
      electrode potential, from which local reaction kinetics can be analyzed and
      quantified. The plasmonic approach allows imaging of local electrochemical
      reactions with high temporal resolution and sensitivity, making it attractive for
      studying electrochemical reactions in biological systems and nanoscale materials
      with high throughput. The plasmonic approach has two imaging modes:
      electrochemical current imaging and interfacial impedance imaging. The former
      images local electrochemical current associated with electrochemical reactions
      (faradic current), and the latter maps local interfacial impedance, including
      nonfaradic contributions (e.g., double layer charging). The plasmonic imaging
      technique can perform voltammetry (cyclic or square wave) in an analogous manner
      to the traditional electrochemical methods. It can also be integrated with bright
      field, dark field, and fluorescence imaging capabilities in one optical setup to
      provide additional capabilities. To date the plasmonic imaging technique has
      found various applications, including mapping of heterogeneous surface reactions,
      analysis of trace substances, detection of catalytic reactions, and measurement
      of graphene quantum capacitance. The plasmonic and other emerging optical imaging
      techniques (e.g., dark field and fluorescence microscopy), together with the
      scanning probe-based electrochemical imaging and single nanoparticle analysis
      techniques, provide new capabilities for one to study single nanoparticle
      electrochemistry with unprecedented spatial and temporal resolutions. In this
      Account, we focus on imaging of electrochemical reactions at single
      nanoparticles.

PMID- 27662070
TI  - Cooperative Binding of Cucurbit[n]urils and beta-Cyclodextrin to Heteroditopic
      Imidazolium-Based Guests.
AB  - Imidazolium-based guests containing two distinct binding epitopes are capable of
      binding beta-cyclodextrin and cucurbit[6/7]uril (CB) simultaneously to form
      heteroternary 1:1:1 inclusion complexes. In the final configuration, the hosts
      occupy binding sites disfavored in the binary complexes because of the chemically
      induced reorganization of the intermediate 1:1 aggregate. In addition, the
      reported guests are capable of binding two CBs to form either 1:2 or 1:1:1
      ternary assemblies despite consisting of a single cationic moiety. Whereas the
      adamantane site binds CB solely via hydrophobic interactions, the CB unit at the
      butyl site is stabilized by a combination of hydrophobic and ion-dipole
      interactions.

PMID- 27662071
TI  - Nanodomain Engineering in Ferroelectric Capacitors with Graphene Electrodes.
AB  - Polarization switching in ferroelectric capacitors is typically realized by
      application of an electrical bias to the capacitor electrodes and occurs via a
      complex process of domain structure reorganization. As the domain evolution in
      real devices is governed by the distribution of the nucleation centers, obtaining
      a domain structure of a desired configuration by electrical pulsing is
      challenging, if not impossible. Recent discovery of polarization reversal via the
      flexoelectric effect has opened a possibility for deterministic control of
      polarization in ferroelectric capacitors. In this paper, we demonstrate
      mechanical writing of arbitrary-shaped nanoscale domains in thin-film
      ferroelectric capacitors with graphene electrodes facilitated by a strain
      gradient induced by a tip of an atomic force microscope (AFM). A phase-field
      modeling prediction of a strong effect of graphene thickness on the threshold
      load required to initiate mechanical switching has been confirmed experimentally.
      Deliberate voltage-free domain writing represents a viable approach for
      development of functional devices based on domain topology and electronic
      properties of the domains and domain walls.

PMID- 27662072
TI  - Alkali-Resistant Quasi-Solid-State Electrolyte for Stretchable Supercapacitors.
AB  - Research on stretchable energy-storage devices has been motivated by elastic
      electronics, and considerable research efforts have been devoted to the
      development of stretchable electrodes. However, stretchable electrolytes, another
      critical component in stretchable devices, have earned quite little attention,
      especially the alkali-resistant ones. Here, we reported a novel stretchable
      alkali-resistant electrolyte made of a polyolefin elastomer porous membrane
      supported potassium hydroxide-potassium polyacrylate (POE@KOH-PAAK). The as
      prepared electrolyte shows a negligible plastic deformation even after 1000
      stretching cycles at a strain of 150% as well as a high conductivity of 0.14 S cm
      1. It also exhibits excellent alkali resistance, which shows no obvious
      degradation of the mechanical performance after immersion in 2 M KOH for up to 2
      weeks. To demonstrate its good properties, a high-performance stretchable
      supercapacitor is assembled using a carbon-nanotube-film-supported NiCo2O4
      (CNT@NiCo2O4) as the cathode and Fe2O3 (CNT@Fe2O3) as the anode, proving great
      application promise of the stretchable alkali-resistant electrolyte in
      stretchable energy-storage devices.

PMID- 27662073
TI  - An increased expression profile of Th9/IL-9 correlated with Th17/IL-17 in
      patients with immune thrombocytopenia.
AB  - Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease,
      characterized by dysregulation of cellular immunity. Th9 cells were recently
      identified as a new subtype of Th cells, characterized by preferential production
      of IL-9. Given the pleiotropic function of IL-9, Th9 cells are demonstrated to be
      involved in various autoimmune diseases. However, whether Th9 cells are involved
      in the pathogenesis of ITP remains unclear. In this study, 49 active ITP
      patients, 39 ITP with remission and 20 healthy controls were included. Peripheral
      blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from ITP and controls for measuring
      Th9 and Th17 cells by flow cytometry. Meanwhile, RNA was isolated from PBMCs for
      the measurement of the mRNA level of PU.1, IRF4, BATF, and RORgammat by
      quantitative real-time PCR. Plasma levels of IL-9 and IL-17 were detected by
      ELISA. Our results showed that higher expressions of Th9, IL-9, and associated
      transcription factors (PU.1, IRF4, and BATF) were found in active ITP patients
      and restored to the normal level (except IL-9) in patients in remission.
      Meanwhile, Th9 cells and the IL-9 plasma level were positively correlated with
      Th17 cells and the IL-17 level in ITP patients, respectively. Moreover, a
      positive correlation of IRF4 or BATF with RORgammat was found. In conclusion, an
      aberrant expression profile of Th9/IL-9 was associated with pathogenesis of ITP
      possibly through cooperatively working with Th17/IL-17 and therapeutically
      targeting Th9/IL-9 might be a novel approach in the treatment of ITP.

PMID- 27662074
TI  - Neoliberal Optimism: Applying Market Techniques to Global Health.
AB  - Global health and neoliberalism are becoming increasingly intertwined as
      organizations utilize markets and profit motives to solve the traditional
      problems of poverty and population health. I use field work conducted over 14
      months in a global health technology company to explore how the promise of
      neoliberalism re-envisions humanitarian efforts. In this company's vaccine
      refrigerator project, staff members expect their investors and their market to
      allow them to achieve scale and develop accountability to their users in
      developing countries. However, the translation of neoliberal techniques to the
      global health sphere falls short of the ideal, as profits are meager and
      purchasing power remains with donor organizations. The continued optimism in
      market principles amidst such a non-ideal market reveals the tenacious
      ideological commitment to neoliberalism in these global health projects.

PMID- 27662075
TI  - Dementia training programmes for staff working in general hospital settings - a
      systematic review of the literature.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Although literature describing and evaluating training programmes in
      hospital settings increased in recent years, there are no reviews that summarise
      these programmes. This review sought to address this, by collecting the current
      evidence on dementia training programmes directed to staff working in general
      hospitals. METHOD: Literature from five databases were searched, based on a
      number of inclusion criteria. The selected studies were summarised and data was
      extracted and compared using narrative synthesis based on a set of pre-defined
      categories. Methodological quality was assessed. RESULTS: Fourteen peer-reviewed
      studies were identified with the majority being pre-test post-test
      investigations. No randomised controlled trials were found. Methodological
      quality was variable with selection bias being the major limitation. There was a
      great variability in the development and mode of delivery although,
      interdisciplinary ward based, tailor-made, short sessions using experiential and
      active learning were the most utilised. The majority of the studies mainly
      evaluated learning, with few studies evaluating changes in staff
      behaviour/practices and patients' outcomes. CONCLUSION: This review indicates
      that high quality studies are needed that especially evaluate staff behaviours
      and patient outcomes and their sustainability over time. It also highlights
      measures that could be used to develop and deliver training programmes in
      hospital settings.

PMID- 27662077
TI  - The Value of P.

PMID- 27662076
TI  - Cytokinesis defect in BY-2 cells caused by ATP-competitive kinase inhibitors.
AB  - Cytokinesis is last but not least in cell division as it completes the formation
      of the two cells. The main role in cell plate orientation and expansion have been
      assigned to microtubules and kinesin proteins. However, recently we reported
      severe cytokinesis defect in BY-2 cells not accompanied by changes in
      microtubules dynamics. Here we also confirmed that distribution of kinesin NACK1
      is not the cause of cytokinesis defect. We further explored inhibition of the
      cell plate expansion by ATP-competitive inhibitors. Two different inhibitors, 5
      Iodotubercidin and ML-7 resulted in a very similar phenotype, which indicates
      that they target same protein cascade. Interestingly, in our previous study we
      showed that 5-Iodotubercidin treatment affects concentration of actin filaments
      on the cell plate, while ML-7 is inhibitor of myosin light chain kinase. Although
      not directly, it indicates importance of actomyosin complex in plant cytokinesis.

PMID- 27662078
TI  - A commitment and vision to the future of the Journal of Neuroscience Research.

PMID- 27662079
TI  - On the perils of multiexponential fitting of diffusion MR data.

PMID- 27662080
TI  - Classification of Opium by UPLC-Q-TOF Analysis of Principal and Minor Alkaloids.
AB  - Opium is the raw material for the production of heroin, and the characterization
      of opium seizures through laboratory analysis is a valuable tool for law
      enforcement agencies to trace clandestine opium production and trafficking. In
      this work, a method for opium profiling based on the relative content of five
      principal and 14 minor opium alkaloids was developed and validated. UPLC-Q-TOF
      was adopted in alkaloid analysis for its high selectivity and sensitivity, which
      facilitated the sample preparation and testing. The authentic sample set
      consisted of 100 "Myanmar" and 45 "Afghanistan" opium seizures; based on the data
      set of the 19 alkaloid variables in them, a partial least squares discriminant
      analysis classification model was successfully achieved. Minor alkaloids were
      found to be vitally important for opium profiling, although combined use of both
      principal and minor alkaloids resulted in the best geographical classification
      result. The developed method realized a simple and accurate way to differentiate
      opium from Myanmar and Afghanistan, which may find wide application in forensic
      laboratories.

PMID- 27662081
TI  - When a Stomach Bug Comes Calling.

PMID- 27662082
TI  - A New Handle for a Hot Topic: Genetic Markers for Warm-Sensing.
AB  - Stepping out of an aggressively air-conditioned building into the sweltering heat
      evokes a number of thermoregulatory responses, both autonomic (sweating) and
      behavioral (peeling off a layer of clothing or seeking an iced beverage). Just as
      we come out of the hottest part of the summer, a study by Tan and colleagues
      provides an exciting breakthrough in our ability to study the neural mechanisms
      of keeping cool when it's hot.

PMID- 27662083
TI  - Lifting the Differentiation Embargo.
AB  - Effective differentiation therapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has been
      restricted to a small subset of patients with one defined genetic abnormality.
      Using an unbiased small molecule screen, Sykes et al. now identify a mechanism of
      de-repression of differentiation in several models of AML driven by distinct
      genetic drivers.

PMID- 27662085
TI  - sRNA-Mediated Control of Transcription Termination in E. coli.
AB  - Bacterial small RNAs (sRNAs) have been implicated in various aspects of post
      transcriptional gene regulation. Here, we demonstrate that sRNAs also act at the
      level of transcription termination. We use the rpoS gene, which encodes a general
      stress sigma factor sigma(S), as a model system, and show that sRNAs DsrA, ArcZ,
      and RprA bind the rpoS 5'UTR to suppress premature Rho-dependent transcription
      termination, both in vitro and in vivo. sRNA-mediated antitermination markedly
      stimulates transcription of rpoS during the transition to the stationary phase of
      growth, thereby facilitating a rapid adjustment of bacteria to global metabolic
      changes. Next generation RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis indicate that
      Rho functions as a global "attenuator" of transcription, acting at the 5'UTR of
      hundreds of bacterial genes, and that its suppression by sRNAs is a widespread
      mode of bacterial gene regulation.

PMID- 27662084
TI  - Central Control Circuit for Context-Dependent Micturition.
AB  - Urine release (micturition) serves an essential physiological function as well as
      a critical role in social communication in many animals. Here, we show a combined
      effect of olfaction and social hierarchy on micturition patterns in adult male
      mice, confirming the existence of a micturition control center that integrates
      pro- and anti-micturition cues. Furthermore, we demonstrate that a cluster of
      neurons expressing corticotropin-releasing hormone (Crh) in the pontine
      micturition center (PMC) is electrophysiologically distinct from their Crh
      negative neighbors and sends glutamatergic projections to the spinal cord. The
      activity of PMC Crh-expressing neurons correlates with and is sufficient to drive
      bladder contraction, and when silenced impairs micturition behavior. These
      neurons receive convergent input from widespread higher brain areas that are
      capable of carrying diverse pro- and anti-micturition signals, and whose activity
      modulates hierarchy-dependent micturition. Taken together, our results indicate
      that PMC Crh-expressing neurons are likely the integration center for context
      dependent micturition behavior.

PMID- 27662086
TI  - Large-Scale Movements of IF3 and tRNA during Bacterial Translation Initiation.
AB  - In bacterial translational initiation, three initiation factors (IFs 1-3) enable
      the selection of initiator tRNA and the start codon in the P site of the 30S
      ribosomal subunit. Here, we report 11 single-particle cryo-electron microscopy
      (cryoEM) reconstructions of the complex of bacterial 30S subunit with initiator
      tRNA, mRNA, and IFs 1-3, representing different steps along the initiation
      pathway. IF1 provides key anchoring points for IF2 and IF3, thereby enhancing
      their activities. IF2 positions a domain in an extended conformation appropriate
      for capturing the formylmethionyl moiety charged on tRNA. IF3 and tRNA undergo
      large conformational changes to facilitate the accommodation of the
      formylmethionyl-tRNA (fMet-tRNA(fMet)) into the P site for start codon
      recognition.

PMID- 27662087
TI  - Structural Basis for Gating and Activation of RyR1.
AB  - The type-1 ryanodine receptor (RyR1) is an intracellular calcium (Ca(2+)) release
      channel required for skeletal muscle contraction. Here, we present cryo-EM
      reconstructions of RyR1 in multiple functional states revealing the structural
      basis of channel gating and ligand-dependent activation. Binding sites for the
      channel activators Ca(2+), ATP, and caffeine were identified at interdomain
      interfaces of the C-terminal domain. Either ATP or Ca(2+) alone induces
      conformational changes in the cytoplasmic assembly ("priming"), without pore
      dilation. In contrast, in the presence of all three activating ligands, high
      resolution reconstructions of open and closed states of RyR1 were obtained from
      the same sample, enabling analyses of conformational changes associated with
      gating. Gating involves global conformational changes in the cytosolic assembly
      accompanied by local changes in the transmembrane domain, which include bending
      of the S6 transmembrane segment and consequent pore dilation, displacement, and
      deformation of the S4-S5 linker and conformational changes in the pseudo-voltage
      sensor domain.

PMID- 27662088
TI  - Structured States of Disordered Proteins from Genomic Sequences.
AB  - Protein flexibility ranges from simple hinge movements to functional disorder.
      Around half of all human proteins contain apparently disordered regions with
      little 3D or functional information, and many of these proteins are associated
      with disease. Building on the evolutionary couplings approach previously
      successful in predicting 3D states of ordered proteins and RNA, we developed a
      method to predict the potential for ordered states for all apparently disordered
      proteins with sufficiently rich evolutionary information. The approach is highly
      accurate (79%) for residue interactions as tested in more than 60 known
      disordered regions captured in a bound or specific condition. Assessing the
      potential for structure of more than 1,000 apparently disordered regions of human
      proteins reveals a continuum of structural order with at least 50% with clear
      propensity for three- or two-dimensional states. Co-evolutionary constraints
      reveal hitherto unseen structures of functional importance in apparently
      disordered proteins.

PMID- 27662089
TI  - Germline NLRP1 Mutations Cause Skin Inflammatory and Cancer Susceptibility
      Syndromes via Inflammasome Activation.
AB  - Inflammasome complexes function as key innate immune effectors that trigger
      inflammation in response to pathogen- and danger-associated signals. Here, we
      report that germline mutations in the inflammasome sensor NLRP1 cause two
      overlapping skin disorders: multiple self-healing palmoplantar carcinoma (MSPC)
      and familial keratosis lichenoides chronica (FKLC). We find that NLRP1 is the
      most prominent inflammasome sensor in human skin, and all pathogenic NLRP1
      mutations are gain-of-function alleles that predispose to inflammasome
      activation. Mechanistically, NLRP1 mutations lead to increased self
      oligomerization by disrupting the PYD and LRR domains, which are essential in
      maintaining NLRP1 as an inactive monomer. Primary keratinocytes from patients
      experience spontaneous inflammasome activation and paracrine IL-1 signaling,
      which is sufficient to cause skin inflammation and epidermal hyperplasia. Our
      findings establish a group of non-fever inflammasome disorders, uncover an
      unexpected auto-inhibitory function for the pyrin domain, and provide the first
      genetic evidence linking NLRP1 to skin inflammatory syndromes and skin cancer
      predisposition.

PMID- 27662090
TI  - Inheritable Silencing of Endogenous Genes by Hit-and-Run Targeted Epigenetic
      Editing.
AB  - Gene silencing is instrumental to interrogate gene function and holds promise for
      therapeutic applications. Here, we repurpose the endogenous retroviruses'
      silencing machinery of embryonic stem cells to stably silence three highly
      expressed genes in somatic cells by epigenetics. This was achieved by transiently
      expressing combinations of engineered transcriptional repressors that bind to and
      synergize at the target locus to instruct repressive histone marks and de novo
      DNA methylation, thus ensuring long-term memory of the repressive epigenetic
      state. Silencing was highly specific, as shown by genome-wide analyses, sharply
      confined to the targeted locus without spreading to nearby genes, resistant to
      activation induced by cytokine stimulation, and relieved only by targeted DNA
      demethylation. We demonstrate the portability of this technology by multiplex
      gene silencing, adopting different DNA binding platforms and interrogating
      thousands of genomic loci in different cell types, including primary T
      lymphocytes. Targeted epigenome editing might have broad application in research
      and medicine.

PMID- 27662092
TI  - Portable, On-Demand Biomolecular Manufacturing.
AB  - Synthetic biology uses living cells as molecular foundries for the biosynthesis
      of drugs, therapeutic proteins, and other commodities. However, the need for
      specialized equipment and refrigeration for production and distribution poses a
      challenge for the delivery of these technologies to the field and to low-resource
      areas. Here, we present a portable platform that provides the means for on-site,
      on-demand manufacturing of therapeutics and biomolecules. This flexible system is
      based on reaction pellets composed of freeze-dried, cell-free transcription and
      translation machinery, which can be easily hydrated and utilized for biosynthesis
      through the addition of DNA encoding the desired output. We demonstrate this
      approach with the manufacture and functional validation of antimicrobial peptides
      and vaccines and present combinatorial methods for the production of antibody
      conjugates and small molecules. This synthetic biology platform resolves
      important practical limitations in the production and distribution of
      therapeutics and molecular tools, both to the developed and developing world.

PMID- 27662094
TI  - Single-Cell RNA-Seq Reveals Lineage and X Chromosome Dynamics in Human
      Preimplantation Embryos.

PMID- 27662091
TI  - Editing DNA Methylation in the Mammalian Genome.
AB  - Mammalian DNA methylation is a critical epigenetic mechanism orchestrating gene
      expression networks in many biological processes. However, investigation of the
      functions of specific methylation events remains challenging. Here, we
      demonstrate that fusion of Tet1 or Dnmt3a with a catalytically inactive Cas9
      (dCas9) enables targeted DNA methylation editing. Targeting of the dCas9-Tet1 or 
      Dnmt3a fusion protein to methylated or unmethylated promoter sequences caused
      activation or silencing, respectively, of an endogenous reporter. Targeted
      demethylation of the BDNF promoter IV or the MyoD distal enhancer by dCas9-Tet1
      induced BDNF expression in post-mitotic neurons or activated MyoD facilitating
      reprogramming of fibroblasts into myoblasts, respectively. Targeted de novo
      methylation of a CTCF loop anchor site by dCas9-Dnmt3a blocked CTCF binding and
      interfered with DNA looping, causing altered gene expression in the neighboring
      loop. Finally, we show that these tools can edit DNA methylation in mice,
      demonstrating their wide utility for functional studies of epigenetic regulation.

PMID- 27662095
TI  - Timeline: Cellular Oxygen Sensing.
AB  - Since the 1950s, researchers have recognized that red blood cell numbers expand
      or contract as needed, according to the amount of available oxygen. The later
      discoveries that erythropoietin and VEGF levels adapt to oxygen levels launched a
      new field aimed at understanding how cells sense and respond to normal- and low
      oxygen environments. The 2016 Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award
      recognizes key discoveries about this global oxygen sensing pathway and its
      impacts on pathogenesis, including cancer and inflammation. 

PMID- 27662093
TI  - Evidence for Pro-angiogenic Functions of VEGF-Ax.
AB  - The VEGF-A isoforms play a crucial role in vascular development, and the VEGF
      signaling pathway is a clinically validated therapeutic target for several
      pathological conditions. Alternative mRNA splicing leads to the generation of
      multiple VEGF-A isoforms, including VEGF165. A recent study reported the presence
      of another isoform, VEGF-Ax, arising from programmed readthrough translation.
      Compared to VEGF165, VEGF-Ax has a 22-amino-acid extension in the COOH terminus
      and has been reported to function as a negative regulator of VEGF signaling in
      endothelial cells, with potent anti-angiogenic effects. Here, we show that,
      contrary to the earlier report, VEGF-Ax stimulates endothelial cell mitogenesis,
      angiogenesis, as well as vascular permeability. Accordingly, VEGF-Ax induces
      phosphorylation of key tyrosine residues in VEGFR-2. Notably, VEGF-Ax was less
      potent than VEGF165, consistent with its impaired binding to the VEGF co-receptor
      neuropilin-1.

PMID- 27662096
TI  - Timeline: Targeted Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus.
AB  - Chronic hepatitis C virus infection can cause liver cirrhosis and cancer, and
      early treatment options were non-specific and could be toxic. Work aimed at
      elucidating the viral life cycle has led to better treatment options through the
      development of direct-acting antivirals, as exemplified by the work of Ralf
      Bartenschlager, Charles Rice, and Michael Sofia who have received the
      Lasker~DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award for their work on this effort. Key
      events in understanding HCV replication and development of direct-acting
      antivirals are shown in this Timeline. 

PMID- 27662097
TI  - Developing Intense Blue and Magenta Colors in alpha-LiZnBO3 : The Role of 3d
      Metal Substitution and Coordination.
AB  - We describe the synthesis, crystal structures, and optical absorption
      spectra/colors of 3d-transition-metal-substituted alpha-LiZnBO3 derivatives:
      alpha-LiZn1-x MIIx BO3 (MII =CoII (0<x<0.50), NiII (0<x<=0.05), CuII (0<x<=0.10))
      and alpha-Li1+x Zn1-2x MIIIx BO3 (MIII =MnIII (0<x<=0.10), FeIII (0<x<=0.25)).
      The crystal structure of the host alpha-LiZnBO3 , which is both disordered and
      distorted with respect to Li and Zn occupancies and coordination geometries, is
      largely retained in the derivatives, which gives rise to unique colors (blue for
      CoII , magenta for NiII , violet for CuII ) that could be of significance for the
      development of new, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly pigment materials,
      particularly in the case of the blue pigments. Accordingly, this work identifies
      distorted tetrahedral MO4 (M=Co, Ni, Cu) structural units, with a long M-O bond
      that results in trigonal bipyramidal geometry, as new chromophores for blue,
      magenta, and violet colors in a alpha-LiZnBO3 host. From the L*a*b* color
      coordinates, we found that Co-substituted compounds have an intense blue color
      that is stronger than that of CoAl2 O4 and YIn0.90 Mn0.10 O3 . The near-infrared
      (NIR) reflectance spectral studies indicate that these compounds exhibit a
      moderate IR reflectivity that could be significant for applications as "cool
      pigments".

PMID- 27662099
TI  - To measure or not to measure direct oral anticoagulants before surgery or
      invasive procedures: reply.

PMID- 27662098
TI  - Beekeeping practices and geographic distance, not land use, drive gene flow
      across tropical bees.
AB  - Across the globe, wild bees are threatened by ongoing natural habitat loss,
      risking the maintenance of plant biodiversity and agricultural production.
      Despite the ecological and economic importance of wild bees and the fact that
      several species are now managed for pollination services worldwide, little is
      known about how land use and beekeeping practices jointly influence gene flow.
      Using stingless bees as a model system, containing wild and managed species that
      are presumed to be particularly susceptible to habitat degradation, here we
      examine the main drivers of tropical bee gene flow. We employ a novel landscape
      genetic approach to analyse data from 135 populations of 17 stingless bee species
      distributed across diverse tropical biomes within the Americas. Our work has
      important methodological implications, as we illustrate how a maximum-likelihood
      approach can be applied in a meta-analysis framework to account for multiple
      factors, and weight estimates by sample size. In contrast to previously held
      beliefs, gene flow was not related to body size or deforestation, and isolation
      by geographic distance (IBD) was significantly affected by management, with
      managed species exhibiting a weaker IBD than wild ones. Our study thus reveals
      the critical importance of beekeeping practices in shaping the patterns of
      genetic differentiation across bee species. Additionally, our results show that
      many stingless bee species maintain high gene flow across heterogeneous
      landscapes. We suggest that future efforts to preserve wild tropical bees should
      focus on regulating beekeeping practices to maintain natural gene flow and
      enhancing pollinator-friendly habitats, prioritizing species showing a limited
      dispersal ability.

PMID- 27662101
TI  - Individualized medicine using intestinal responses to CFTR potentiators and
      correctors.
AB  - Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators that target
      the mutant CFTR protein are being introduced for treatment of cystic fibrosis.
      Stratification of subjects based on their CFTR genotype has been proven essential
      to demonstrate clinical efficacy of these novel treatments. Despite this
      stratification, considerable heterogeneity between subjects receiving CFTR
      modulators is still observed which remains largely uncharacterized. The CFTR
      genotype, and additional genetic and environmental factors that impact either
      tissue-specific CFTR protein characteristics or the pharmacokinetic properties of
      treatments will likely determine the individual response to therapy. The
      development of intestinal biomarkers for CFTR modulators may help to better
      quantitate individual responses to treatment, with potential to optimize
      treatments for subjects with limited responses, and the selection of responsive
      subjects that currently do not receive treatments. Here, recent advances
      concerning the use of intestinal biomarkers for CFTR modulator treatments are
      reviewed, with a focus on biomarkers of CFTR function in ex vivo rectal biopsies
      and in vitro cultured primary intestinal organoids. Their potential value is
      considered in the context of the current unmet needs for better treatments for
      the majority of subjects with CF, and individual biomarkers that enable the
      prediction of long term therapeutic responses to CFTR modulators. Pediatr
      Pulmonol. 2016;51:S23-S34. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27662100
TI  - Loss of control over eating before and during early pregnancy among community
      women with overweight and obesity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study examined the prevalence of and changes in loss of control
      over eating (LOC) among pregnant women with overweight/obesity, along with
      associations between LOC and depressive symptoms and stress. METHOD: Community
      women (N = 200; body mass index >= 25; 12-20 weeks gestation) reported LOC before
      and during early pregnancy using the Eating Disorder Examination, which was
      adapted for administration in pregnancy. Women self-reported depressive symptoms
      and stress during early pregnancy. RESULTS: Twenty-eight percent (n = 56) of
      women reported LOC before or during early pregnancy: 14.5% (n = 29) reported LOC
      incidence during early pregnancy, 9.5% (n = 19) reported LOC persistence from
      prepregnancy to early pregnancy, and 4.0% (n = 8) reported LOC prepregnancy only.
      Women with LOC reported more depressive symptoms and stress than did those
      without. Women with LOC persistence reported clinically significant depressive
      symptoms and elevated stress. Levels of depressive symptoms and stress differed
      between women with LOC persistence and those without LOC (ps < 0.05). DISCUSSION:
      LOC during pregnancy was prevalent and associated with distress, particularly
      when present before and during pregnancy. Among women with LOC, few reported
      remission, but one-half reported onset during early pregnancy. Longitudinal
      studies are needed among mothers with overweight/obesity to identify patterns of
      LOC throughout pregnancy and how LOC affects perinatal outcomes. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.(Int J Eat Disord 2017; 50:582-586).

PMID- 27662103
TI  - Novel insights into the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of the CFTR
      metabolic syndrome/CF screen positive indeterminate diagnosis.
AB  - The growth of cystic fibrosis newborn screening (CF NBS) has led to an increased
      number of infants with a positive NBS test but inconclusive CF diagnostic
      testing. In the USA this condition is called CFTR related metabolic syndrome
      (CRMS), while in Europe the term CF screen positive, inconclusive diagnosis
      (CFSPID) is used. Recent advances in CF genetics and epidemiologic studies of
      CRMS/CFSPID have provided new insights into the prevalence and outcomes
      associated with this condition. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:S45-S48. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27662104
TI  - Early detection and sensitive monitoring of CF lung disease: Prospects of
      improved and safer imaging.
AB  - Recent imaging studies using chest computed tomography (CT) in presymptomatic
      infants and young children with cystic fibrosis (CF) diagnosed by newborn
      screening presented compelling evidence of early onset and progression of
      structural lung damage in CF. These data argue persuasively that non-invasive
      outcome measures for early detection and sensitive monitoring of lung disease
      applicable in the clinical setting will be instrumental for further improvement
      of clinical care and the development of early intervention therapies that have
      the potential to prevent irreversible lung damage. In this context, the use of CT
      imaging for early detection and long-term monitoring has the disadvantage of the
      risk to induce malignancies due to cumulating ionizing radiation exposure. More
      recently, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has emerged as an alternative
      radiation-free imaging technique for quantitative assessment of CF lung disease.
      In addition to structural lung damage, chest MRI enables non-invasive assessment
      of abnormalities in lung perfusion and ventilation characteristically associated
      with mucus plugging in CF lung disease. Here, we review recent developments and
      the prospects of MRI for improved and safer imaging with a focus on recent
      studies that support its utility as a sensitive non-invasive outcome measure of
      early lung disease in young children with CF. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:S49-S60.
      (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27662105
TI  - Genetic medicines for CF: Hype versus reality.
AB  - Since identification of the CFTR gene over 25 years ago, gene therapy for cystic
      fibrosis (CF) has been actively developed. More recently gene therapy has been
      joined by other forms of "genetic medicines" including mRNA delivery, as well as
      genome editing and mRNA repair-based strategies. Proof-of-concept that gene
      therapy can stabilize the progression of CF lung disease has recently been
      established in a Phase IIb trial. An early phase study to assess the safety and
      explore efficacy of CFTR mRNA repair is ongoing, while mRNA delivery and genome
      editing-based strategies are currently at the pre-clinical phase of development.
      This review has been written jointly by some of those involved in the various CF
      "genetic medicine" fields and will summarize the current state-of-the-art, as
      well as discuss future developments. Where applicable, it highlights common
      problems faced by each of the strategies, and also tries to highlight where a
      specific strategy may have an advantage on the pathway to clinical translation.
      We hope that this review will contribute to the ongoing discussion about the hype
      versus reality of genetic medicine-based treatment approaches in CF. Pediatr
      Pulmonol. 2016;51:S5-S17. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27662106
TI  - Therapeutic challenges posed by critical drug-drug interactions in cystic
      fibrosis.
AB  - This review seeks to re-introduce cystic fibrosis (CF) clinicians to the
      pharmacology of drug-drug interactions among medications commonly used in CF and
      provide a framework for understanding these interactions among medications
      outside the scope of this discussion. We here focus on drugs impacted by the
      cytochrome P-450 (CYP450) enzyme system and on interactions involving
      antimicrobials, psychotropic medications, and cystic fibrosis transmembrane
      conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators. Particular attention is needed when
      prescribing rifampin, azole antifungals and the CFTR modulators, ivacaftor, and
      lumacaftor/ivacaftor, in combination with other medications. The complexities of
      these interactions provide a strong rationale for case management by pharmacists
      and pharmacologists as a routine part of CF care. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:S61
      S70. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27662102
TI  - The CF gastrointestinal microbiome: Structure and clinical impact.
AB  - The gastrointestinal (GI) microbiome is shaped by host diet, immunity, and other
      physicochemical characteristics of the GI tract, and perturbations such as
      antibiotic treatments can lead to persistent changes in microbial constituency
      and function. These GI microbes also play critical roles in host nutrition and
      health. A growing body of evidence suggests that the GI microbiome in people with
      CF is altered, and that these dysbioses contribute to disease manifestations in
      many organs, both within and beyond the GI tract. Therapies that people with CF
      receive, even those targeting the respiratory tract, may impact the CF GI
      microbiome in ways that can influence the outcome of treatment. These new
      perspectives on the microbial contents of the CF intestine offer new
      opportunities for preventing a variety of CF-associated disorders. Pediatr
      Pulmonol. 2016;51:S35-S44. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27662107
TI  - Maintaining mental health and function for the long run in cystic fibrosis.
AB  - Research shows that individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) and their families
      experience significant emotional morbidity. In addition to distress, worry, and
      grief, high rates of clinically significant symptoms of depression and anxiety
      have been found in both individuals with CF and parents. These disorders have a
      major impact on the person's functioning, and that of their family, and adversely
      impact the capacity to cope with the burden of CF and adhere to prescribed
      treatments. Despite growing recognition that mental health care is an essential
      component of comprehensive CF care, evidence suggests many patients and their
      families do not receive needed support and mental health interventions. Clinical
      practice guidelines for screening and treating depression and anxiety in
      individuals with CF have been developed by The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the
      European Cystic Fibrosis Society in response to this need. This review highlights
      that the optimum care for individuals with CF and their families incorporates
      mental health in routine CF care. Addressing mental health could substantially
      improve physical and mental health outcomes and the functioning of individuals
      with CF and their families. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:S71-S78. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27662108
TI  - Accurate classification of brain gliomas by discriminate dictionary learning
      based on projective dictionary pair learning of proton magnetic resonance
      spectra.
AB  - Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy is a powerful noninvasive technique that
      complements the structural images of cMRI, which aids biomedical and clinical
      researches, by identifying and visualizing the compositions of various
      metabolites within the tissues of interest. However, accurate classification of
      proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy is still a challenging issue in clinics
      due to low signal-to-noise ratio, overlapping peaks of metabolites, and the
      presence of background macromolecules. This paper evaluates the performance of a
      discriminate dictionary learning classifiers based on projective dictionary pair
      learning method for brain gliomas proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy spectra
      classification task, and the result were compared with the sub-dictionary
      learning methods. The proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy data contain a total
      of 150 spectra (74 healthy, 23 grade II, 23 grade III, and 30 grade IV) from two
      databases. The datasets from both databases were first coupled together, followed
      by column normalization. The Kennard-Stone algorithm was used to split the
      datasets into its training and test sets. Performance comparison based on the
      overall accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and precision was conducted. Based on
      the overall accuracy of our classification scheme, the dictionary pair learning
      method was found to outperform the sub-dictionary learning methods 97.78%
      compared with 68.89%, respectively. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27662109
TI  - Modified niche optima and breadths explain the historical contingency of
      bacterial community responses to eutrophication in coastal sediments.
AB  - Previous studies have shown that the response of bacterial communities to
      disturbances depends on their environmental history. Historically fluctuating
      habitats host communities that respond better to disturbance than communities of
      historically stable habitats. However, the exact ecological mechanism that drives
      this dependency remains unknown. Here, we experimentally demonstrate that
      modifications of niche optima and niche breadths of the community members are
      driving this dependency of bacterial responses to past environmental conditions.
      First, we develop a novel, simple method to calculate the niche optima and
      breadths of bacterial taxa regarding single environmental gradients. Then, we
      test this method on sediment bacterial communities of three habitats, one
      historically stable and less loaded and two historically more variable and more
      loaded habitats in terms of historical chlorophyll-alpha water concentration,
      that we subject to hypoxia via organic matter addition ex situ. We find that
      communities containing bacterial taxa differently adapted to hypoxia show
      different structural and functional responses, depending on the sediment's
      environmental history. Specifically, in the historically less fluctuating and
      loaded sediments where we find more taxa poorly adapted to hypoxic conditions,
      communities change a lot over time and organic matter is not degraded
      efficiently. The opposite is true for the historically more fluctuating and
      loaded sediments where we find more taxa well adapted to hypoxia. Based on the
      community responses observed here, we also propose an alternative calculation of
      community resistance that takes into account how rapidly the communities respond
      to disturbances and not just the initial and final states of the community.

PMID- 27662110
TI  - Potential of Salvinia auriculata biomass as biosorbent of the Cr(III): directed
      chemical treatment, modeling and sorption mechanism study.
AB  - In this work, the mechanism of the Cr(III) sorption by Salvinia auriculata
      biosorbent was studied in two stages. To understand the influence of the sorption
      parameters on the Cr(III) uptake, preliminary tests were performed. First, S.
      auriculata biomass was separately treated with base and acid solutions. Second,
      acid and base treatment of samples was performed based on the knowledge data base
      of our group. It was achieved a higher Cr(III) sorption capacity above 15 mg g-1
      as associated to an increase of the micro-pores specific area and biosorbent
      volume. The obtained kinetic data of raw and treated biosorbents were well
      described by the intra-particle diffusion model. In this model, Cr(III)
      adsorption onto treated biomass is progressively improved with appearing of
      different mass transfer zones from out layer up to micro-porous layers. The
      equilibrium data of raw biomass were best described by the Langmuir isotherm,
      whereas the equilibrium data of the treated biomass were best fit by a
      combination of both Langmuir and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherms. At low
      concentrations the adsorption most likely occurred on the outer monolayer, as
      proposed by the Langmuir model, followed by the adsorption on the micro-porous
      layers, as validated by the Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm.

PMID- 27662111
TI  - Emission of low-energy positronium from alkali-metal coated single-crystal
      tungsten surfaces.
AB  - We have measured the time-of-flight of ortho-positronium emitted from Cs-, Na-
      and Li-coated single-crystal tungsten surfaces. The data obtained after the
      coating show a new positronium energy component with a specific energy loss in
      addition to the component whose emission energy is simply determined by the
      positron and the electron work functions. We suggest that this new component is
      attributed to the formation of positronium accompanied by inter-band transition
      and/or surface plasmon excitation at the surfaces.

PMID- 27662112
TI  - The demand for speech pathology services for children: Do we need more or just
      different?
AB  - An inability or difficulty communicating can have a profound impact on a child's
      future ability to participate in society as a productive adult. Over the past few
      years the number of interventions for children with speech and language problems
      has almost doubled; the majority are targeted interventions delivered by speech
      pathologists. In this paper we examine the distribution of speech pathology
      services in metropolitan Melbourne and how these are aligned with need as defined
      by vulnerability in language and social disadvantage. We identified three times
      as many private sector services compared to public services for the 0-5 year age
      group. Overall there was poorer availability of services in some of the most
      vulnerable areas. The profound and long-term impact of impoverished childhood
      language, coupled with the considerable limitations on public spending, provide a
      strong impetus to deliver more equitably distributed speech pathology services.

PMID- 27662113
TI  - Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation of the left dorsolateral
      prefrontal cortex enhances emotion recognition in depressed patients and
      controls.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can enhance a range
      of neuropsychological functions but its efficacy in addressing clinically
      significant emotion recognition deficits associated with depression is largely
      untested. METHOD: A randomized crossover placebo controlled study was used to
      investigate the effects of tDCS over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (L
      DLPFC) on a range of neuropsychological variables associated with depression as
      well as neural activity in the associated brain region. A series of computerized
      tests was administered to clinical (n = 17) and control groups (n = 20) during
      sham and anodal (1.5 mA) stimulation. RESULTS: Anodal tDCS led to a significant
      main effect for overall emotion recognition (p = .02), with a significant
      improvement in the control group (p = .04). Recognition of disgust was
      significantly greater in the clinical group (p = .01). Recognition of anger was
      significantly improved for the clinical group (p = .04) during anodal
      stimulation. Differences between groups for each of the six emotions at varying
      levels of expression found that at 40% during anodal stimulation, happy
      recognition significantly improved for the clinical group (p = .01). Anger
      recognition at 80% during anodal stimulation significantly improved for the
      clinical group (p = .02). These improvements were observed in the absence of any
      change in psychomotor speed or trail making ability during anodal stimulation.
      Working memory significantly improved during anodal stimulation for the clinical
      group but not for controls (p = .03). CONCLUSIONS: The tentative findings of this
      study indicate that tDCS can have a neuromodulatory effect on a range of
      neuropsychological variables. However, it is clear that there was a wide
      variation in responses to tDCS and that individual difference and different
      approaches to testing and stimulation have a significant impact on final
      outcomes. Nonetheless, tDCS remains a promising tool for future
      neuropsychological research.

PMID- 27662114
TI  - The Impacts of Social Support and Cognitive Function on Depression among
      Community-Dwelling Older Japanese Americans.
AB  - Research has demonstrated a relationship between social support, cognitive
      function, and depression among older adults, yet fewer studies have explored this
      association with Japanese American elders. This study aims to examine depression
      and describe its relationship with social support, cognitive function, and
      socioeconomic condition among Japanese American elders. A cross-sectional study
      of 205 Japanese American elders was conducted in Honolulu and Los Angeles County.
      A hierarchical regression model was used with depression as a dependent variable
      and with independent variables such as social support, cognitive function, and
      socioeconomic status. The study found that social support and cognitive function
      were significantly associated with depression for Japanese American elders. Also
      age and education were significantly associated with depression. Based on the
      findings, the study indicates the importance of developing preventive strategies
      to reduce the depression issue using culturally tailored programs to the study
      population.

PMID- 27662115
TI  - Pharmacokinetic characterization of anhuienoside C and its deglycosylated
      metabolites in rats.
AB  - 1. Anhuienoside C (AC), a triterpenoid saponin derived from the traditional
      Chinese medicine (TCM) "Di Wu", has significant anti-inflammatory and anti
      rheumatoid arthritis activities. Here we aimed to characterize the
      pharmacokinetics of AC and its deglycosylated metabolites in rats. 2. AC was
      administered to rats by intravenous injection or oral gavage. AC and its four
      deglycosylated metabolites (M1, M2, M3 and M4) in biological samples were
      quantified using a UPLC-QTOF/MS system. The pharmacokinetic data were analyzed by
      compartmental modeling. The metabolism of M1, M2, M3 and M4 was determined using
      rat liver microsomes (RLM) and rat intestine microsomes (RIM). The intestinal
      permeabilities of AC and its metabolites were evaluated using Parallel artificial
      membrane permeability assay (PAMPA) and MDR1-transfected Madin-Darby canine
      kidney cell (MDCK-MDR1) cell model. 3. AC pharmacokinetics was well described by
      the one-compartment model. The oral bioavailability of AC was exceedingly low (F
      = 0.03%). Consistently, AC was poorly distributed (< 0.08 MUM) in major organs
      including the heart, liver, spleen, lung and kidney after oral uptake. Three of
      four deglycosylated metabolites (M2, M3, and M4) underwent further metabolism in
      RLM, generating five, two and five oxidized products, respectively. Both PAMPA
      and MDCK-MDR1 experiments showed that AC and its metabolites were poorly
      permeable. Furthermore, the net flux ratios derived from MDCK-MDR1 versus wild
      type MDCK cells were, respectively 1.3, 1.5, 0.7, 1.2 and 0.6 for AC, M1, M2, M3
      and M4, suggesting that these compounds were non-substrates of P-glycoprotein. 4.
      In conclusion, extensive pre-systemic metabolism and poor permeability were the
      main causes of low systemic exposures of oral AC and its four metabolites.

PMID- 27662116
TI  - Effects of Freeze-Thaw and Storage on Enzymatic Activities, Protein Oxidative
      Damage, and Immunocontent of the Blood, Liver, and Brain of Rats.
AB  - Most scientific studies are too long to be conducted in a single day or even in a
      few days. Thus, there is a need to store samples for subsequent investigations.
      There is sparse information about specific sample storage protocols that minimize
      analytical error and variability in evaluations of redox parameters. Therefore,
      the effects of storage temperature and freezing time on enzymatic activities,
      protein oxidative damage, and CAT (catalase) and SOD1 (superoxide dismutase)
      immunocontent of blood, liver, and brain from rats were determined for two
      different sample forms (frozen homogenized tissue or frozen intact tissue).
      Superoxide dismutase activity was drastically decreased in blood and liver with
      an increase in freezing time, but not in brain. Catalase activity showed a
      decrease only in intact liver at -20 and -80 degrees C. In contrast, in blood it
      showed an increase in intact tissue at -20 and -80 degrees C. Reduced thiol
      groups generally decreased with freezing time, but showed an increase in intact
      blood at -20 and -80 degrees C, probably because of color interference. Carbonyl
      groups in homogenized liver and brain, and in intact blood (except at 80 degrees
      C) drastically increased with freezing time. Freezing time did not modulate the
      immunocontent of CAT and SOD1 levels in any tissue. In conclusion, our results
      indicate that storage at -20 degrees C affects redox parameters more than storage
      at -80 degrees C. Storage for a long time may compromise the samples, leading to
      changing parameters due to oxidative stress. Thus, we suggest processing the
      samples as soon as possible. However, if this is not possible, then material can
      be aliquoted into different tubes to prevent the effect of refreezing of samples.

PMID- 27662117
TI  - Implantable Medical Device Website Efficacy in Informing Consumers Weighing
      Benefits/Risks of Health Care Options.
AB  - As more individuals turn to the Internet for health-related information and
      technology increases the availability and use of implantable medical devices
      (IMDs), the websites marketing these devices will increase. Healthy People 2020
      mandates increased understandability and usability of health-related websites.
      This project used social cognitive theory (SCT) and health literacy constructs
      from the Institute of Medicine and National Institutes of Health to analyze eight
      IMD websites. Despite current recommendations, none of the websites considered
      for this study offered content of an appropriate reading level in conjunction
      with the United States average of eighth grade, and 75% of the sites failed to
      satisfy more than one health literacy construct. Most of the websites lacked many
      of the SCT constructs. More attention is needed to improve the usability of these
      and future IMD websites to simultaneously meet the goal of marketing IMDs and the
      Healthy People 2020 goals to educate patients and promote public health.

PMID- 27662119
TI  - ?
AB  - There can be few developments that have been so painfully slow and over-discussed
      as performance related pay in the NHS. Yet the time and the talking has done
      little to aid clarity and understanding of the issue. It could well be that after
      a record gestation period, PRP proves to be a phantom pregnancy.

PMID- 27662120
TI  - UKCC staff 'insulted' by report.
AB  - Nursing's governing body was plunged into crisis last week when senior officers
      rejected the findings of the investigation into allegations of mismanagement by
      UKCC Registrar Colin Ralph.

PMID- 27662118
TI  - Justify Your Answer: The Role of Written Think Aloud in Script Concordance
      Testing.
AB  - : Construct: Clinical reasoning assessment is a growing area of interest in the
      medical education literature. Script concordance testing (SCT) evaluates clinical
      reasoning in conditions of uncertainty and has emerged as an innovative tool in
      the domain of clinical reasoning assessment. SCT quantifies the degree of
      concordance between a learner and an experienced clinician and attempts to
      capture the breadth of responses of expert clinicians, acknowledging the
      significant yet acceptable variation in practice under situations of uncertainty.
      BACKGROUND: SCT has been shown to be a valid and reliable clinical reasoning
      assessment tool. However, as SCT provides only quantitative information, it may
      not provide a complete assessment of clinical reasoning. APPROACH: Think aloud
      (TA) is a qualitative research tool used in clinical reasoning assessment in
      which learners verbalize their thought process around an assigned task. This
      study explores the use of TA, in the form of written reflection, in SCT to assess
      resident clinical reasoning, hypothesizing that the information obtained from the
      written TA would enrich the quantitative data obtained through SCT. Ninety-one
      pediatric postgraduate trainees and 21 pediatricians from 4 Canadian training
      centers completed an online test consisting of 24 SCT cases immediately followed
      by retrospective written TA. Six of 24 cases were selected to gather TA data.
      These cases were chosen to allow all phases of clinical decision making
      (diagnosis, investigation, and treatment) to be represented in the TA data.
      Inductive thematic analysis was employed when systematically reviewing TA
      responses. RESULTS: Three main benefits of adding written TA to SCT were
      identified: (a) uncovering instances of incorrect clinical reasoning despite a
      correct SCT response, (b) revealing sound clinical reasoning in the context of a
      suboptimal SCT response, and (c) detecting question misinterpretation.
      CONCLUSIONS: Written TA can optimize SCT by demonstrating when correct examinee
      responses are based on guessing or uncertainty rather than robust clinical
      rationale. TA can also enhance SCT by allowing examinees to provide justification
      for responses that otherwise would have been considered incorrect and by
      identifying questions that are frequently misinterpreted to avoid including them
      in future examinations. TA also has significant value in differentiating between
      acceptable variations in expert clinician responses and deviance associated with
      faulty rationale or question misinterpretation; this could improve SCT
      reliability. A written TA protocol appears to be a valuable tool to assess
      trainees' clinical reasoning and can strengthen the quantitative assessment
      provided by SCT.

PMID- 27662121
TI  - Scottish report into research funds imminent.
AB  - An NHS Scotland report to MPs on the award of nursing research grants totalling
      more than L1m is to be published next week.

PMID- 27662122
TI  - Abandon Project 2000 says professor.
AB  - Project 2000 should be abandoned and replaced by a training system which produces
      nurses with generic qualifications, controversial health academic Roger Dyson
      said last week.

PMID- 27662123
TI  - Shortage of health visitors leaving many children at risk.
AB  - The Health Visitors' Association has called on the Government to double the
      number of health visitors by 2004.

PMID- 27662124
TI  - Report criticises professional insensitivity when dealing with children's
      disabilities.
AB  - The Spastics Society has called for explicit national guidelines on how health
      professionals divulge news of a child's disability to parents.

PMID- 27662125
TI  - Skill mix reviews exposed as cost cutting schemes.
AB  - Skill mix reviews are being used as clandestine cost cutting exercises, Unison
      warned last week as it launched guidelines for trusts to follow.

PMID- 27662126
TI  - Equality code for maternity services.
AB  - Midwives have welcomed a code of practice to improve maternity services for
      ethnic minority mothers launched by the Commission for Racial Equality last week.

PMID- 27662127
TI  - ?
AB  - Time warp: The cast of the Rocky Horror Picture Show were among the stars who
      celebrated 60 years of the British Diabetic Association at the Cafe Royal in
      London last week. The event was organised to coincide with National Diabetes
      Week.

PMID- 27662129
TI  - Unions to continue legal battle over compensation.
AB  - The House of Lords has rejected the Government's controversial changes to the
      Criminal Justice Bill, which would see nurses injured as a result of criminal
      acts at work receiving far less compensation.

PMID- 27662130
TI  - MPs urged to back purchasing role.
AB  - All purchasing authorities should have a nurse on their executive board, the
      Royal College of Nursing insisted last week at a hearing of the Commons health
      committee.

PMID- 27662132
TI  - Health reforms used as excuse for job cuts.
AB  - A growing number of US hospitals are using proposed health care reforms as an
      excuse to lay off staff, an education session on 'downsizing' heard. Carol
      Alexander, an administrative nursing director from Denver, said the ANA was
      concerned at the number of institutions taking 'precipitous' action ahead of any
      reforms being approved. There were 'disturbing reports' of a growing number of
      changes in workforce practice. blamed, in many cases, on health care reform, she
      said.

PMID- 27662131
TI  - Canada's GPs fight off threat by nurses.
AB  - Doctors were so threatened by the emergence of nurse practitioners in Canada that
      they mounted a successful campaign to see them off.

PMID- 27662133
TI  - Hillary Clinton call to support reforms.
AB  - Failure to implement US health care reforms could mean restriction or even
      elimination of the nurse's role, First Lady Hillary Clinton told the convention.

PMID- 27662135
TI  - RCN chief criticises 'totally shocking' health care system.
AB  - The USA health care system is 'totally shocking' to UK nurses, RCN General
      Secretary Christine Hancock told the convention. 'It's almost incomprehensible
      that millions of people don't have access to health care. It's like not having
      fresh air to breathe or clean water to drink', she said.

PMID- 27662134
TI  - American nurses association convention, June 10-15, san antonio, texas.
AB  - American nurses gathered in Texas last week for the ANA Biennial Convention, with
      its theme 'Nurses: charting the course for a healthy nation'. Health care reform,
      the threat of redundancy, and skill mix dominated the debate as in the UK.

PMID- 27662136
TI  - Firearms now a major cause of child death.
AB  - An epidemic of handgun violence in the United States has led the American Nurses
      Association to step up its campaign against firearm sales and availability.

PMID- 27662137
TI  - New guidelines advise US nurses to avoid euthanasia issues.
AB  - Nurses should not take part in euthanasia or assisted suicide, according to new
      advice being drawn up by the American Nurses Association.

PMID- 27662138
TI  - Fears over unlicensed nurses.
AB  - American nurses facing similar problems to their British counterparts, including
      increased workloads, skill mix reviews and reduced staffing levels have warned
      patient care will suffer if the trend continues.

PMID- 27662139
TI  - ANA honours reinstated lesbian nurse.
AB  - The American Nurses' Association has honoured a military nurse, decorated in
      Vietnam, who has been reinstated to the National Guard two years after being
      dismissed because she was a lesbian.

PMID- 27662140
TI  - Fear over UKCC report's impact.
AB  - Nursing home managers have reacted angrily to the UK Central Council's
      controversial report on standards in nursing homes. While the report's
      recommendations have been widely welcomed, both Government and the Registered
      Nursing Homes Association questioned the figures the report based its findings
      on.

PMID- 27662141
TI  - Special group for day care nurses.
AB  - A special interest group for day care nurses has been set up by the Royal College
      of Nursing in the north west of England.

PMID- 27662142
TI  - ?
AB  - B-tea: Actress Maureen Lipman launched the charity Fight for Sight's 'tea fest'
      programme at the Waldorf Hotel in London last week. Tea drinkers are being urged
      to organise fund-raising tea parties to help research into the most common causes
      of blindness.

PMID- 27662143
TI  - Parliament.
AB  - * Investigations into fears that childhood cancers may be linked to
      electromagnetic fields are being sought by government advisers.

PMID- 27662144
TI  - Profit-related pay alternative.
AB  - The case for performance-related pay for nurses and other staff providing direct
      care to patients has still not been proven, the human resources director of a
      Kent trust told the conference.

PMID- 27662146
TI  - Flexible contracts cut costs.
AB  - Trust managers should look to save money on maternity, sickness and redundancy
      pay by using more nurses on 'flexible' contracts, the conference heard.

PMID- 27662145
TI  - Nurses' pay freeze may spark local deals.
AB  - The nurses' pay Review Body and the Whitley Councils must be 'sidelined' to force
      trusts to introduce local pay determanation, the human resources director of a
      London trust urged.

PMID- 27662147
TI  - ?
AB  - Performance-related pay Is 'divisive, demoralising, demotivating and unfair',
      Unison's Deputy Head of Health Malcolm Wing told the conference. Performance
      related pay schemes are no substitute for good management, he argued, adding that
      Unison would continue to fight for the retention of the national pay Review Body
      as local pay would be unfair to nurses.

PMID- 27662148
TI  - Job evaluation scheme success with staff allowed to opt out.
AB  - Job evaluation schemes for nurses can be made to work, Jim Norris, deputy
      personnel director of West Cumbria Health Care NHS Trust, told the conference.

PMID- 27662149
TI  - Redwood launches back to wards plan for Welsh managers.
AB  - A call by Welsh Secretary John Redwood for nurse managers to return to clinical
      practice has been described as admirable by the RCN. But the College has warned
      that the transfer of nurses from managers' offices back to the wards could be
      difficult to accomplish.

PMID- 27662151
TI  - ?
AB  - Thirst for knowledge: Josephine Cotterell, a National Diary Council nutritionist,
      and John Wells, Principal of the RCN Institute of Advanced Nursing Education, are
      pictured at the launch of the Nutrition for Nurses training pack. Packs are
      available, price L25, from the RCN LANE, 20 Cavendish Square, London W1M OAB.

PMID- 27662152
TI  - Nurses included in Queen's Birthday Honours List.
AB  - Among nurses receiving awards in the Queen's Birthday Honours List were.

PMID- 27662153
TI  - ?
AB  - Post cards from the edge: The West London Health Promotion Agency has launched a
      series of post cards highlighting important social Issues such as safe sex. The
      six cards, drawn by cartoonist Christine Roche, will be on sale in bookstores or
      can be purchased for L2.50 from the Communication and Design Dept, West London
      Health Promotion Agency, 1 Armstrong Way, Southall. Middx, UB2 4SA.

PMID- 27662154
TI  - Reducing families' anxiety in day surgery.
AB  - A preparation programme for parents and children can reduce their anxiety
      surrounding day case surgery, Canadian researchers report.

PMID- 27662155
TI  - Sperm separating techniques do not work.
AB  - Techniques to sort sperm so that couples can select the sex of their children
      don't work, according co Australian researchers.

PMID- 27662156
TI  - Take an aspirin? Have a glass of wine.
AB  - Much has been written about the health giving properties of drinking wine, and
      American researchers now suggest a previously overlooked reason.

PMID- 27662157
TI  - Treating resistant TB and public health.
AB  - Although treatment of multidrug-resistant TB in HIV positive people is promising,
      the public health consequences of such treatment must be considered.

PMID- 27662158
TI  - Mary poppins meets attila the hun.
AB  - Whether politicians are born or made is a moot point, but Sue Plant certainly
      showed political promise early on. As a young child she overheard her mother
      saying of her: Where does she get it from? She never shuts up or lets go of
      anything.'

PMID- 27662159
TI  - Phased changes.
AB  - Since April 6, recipients of a wide variety of social security, sickness and
      disability benefits have seen changes in their payments.

PMID- 27662160
TI  - Doh keep committees strictly ethical.
AB  - How very sad to read so many negative comments about ethics committees from the
      anonymous author of 'Not strictly ethical' (Viewpoint, June 1). I am a sister on
      adult intensive care and was elected by my chief nurse six years ago to serve on
      a well-established and constituted Ethics Review Committee (ERC) at Queen's
      Medical Centre, Nottingham.

PMID- 27662161
TI  - Encoded premises: dunces keep out.
AB  - It is no wonder nursing's claims to be a profession are viewed with amusement
      when the use of professional language in a professional journal is so disparaged
      (Jargon jaundice, Viewpoint, June 8).

PMID- 27662162
TI  - Work? It's just a matter of priorities.
AB  - What planet is Bruce Fraser on? (Project playtime, No Limits, June 8). He may
      indeed feel that we Project 2000 students have too much time off but it rather
      begs the question will he, I Wonder, feel the same when he goes on to rostered
      service and has to combine a 37.5 hour week with studying for his finals?

PMID- 27662163
TI  - Respect the elderly care nurses.
AB  - I was wholeheartedly pleased with the feature 'Elderly care' in the Classified
      Appointments section (June 8, pages 66-68) and would like to air my own views on
      the subject.

PMID- 27662164
TI  - Tea and sympathy goes a long way.
AB  - I feel compelled to respond to the letter A little less chat on the wards please'
      from Mrs Antoniah (Letters, June 8). Despite Mrs Antoniah's 'short stint of
      nursing during the war', I think that perhaps her grasp of the important aspects
      of nursing, which is a caring career, not just a physical one, has gone awry.

PMID- 27662166
TI  - Information exchange.

PMID- 27662165
TI  - ?
AB  - So Mrs Antoniah was astonished to see nurses on television making beds in
      apparent slow motion. I am astonished that someone who reads a nursing journal is
      not aware of the many complex changes which have taken place since the times she
      describes.

PMID- 27662167
TI  - Who do they think they are fooling?
AB  - I was intrigued by Clare Hopkinson's article 'Warm-up exercises: can learning be
      fun' (Clinical, June 8). What is happening to nurse training? Are we to be
      subjected to every trendy notion that emanates from the psychobabble culture of
      America's West Coast?

PMID- 27662168
TI  - Reunions.
AB  - The 20-year reunion of the September 1974 class, Victoria Infirmary, Glasgow, is
      taking place on 10 September. Details from Phyl Bell, 73 Kings wood Road,
      Bishopton, Renfrewshire PA7 5LG.

PMID- 27662169
TI  - Do it yourself.
AB  - Prozject 2000 has wrought many changes in nurse education. One is the
      transmogrification of schools of nursing into colleges. Another is the merger of
      those colleges with university departments. One of the current debates doing the
      rounds in such circles surrounds nurse teachers, who have always had to be
      qualified teachers, while university lecturers have not. This has led to various
      discussions of the pros and cons of this situation.

PMID- 27662171
TI  - Drills, bills and tulip bulbs.
AB  - Hello there, Health Care Workers! You may remember that I had reservations about
      the computerisation of my Unit when it was first suggested. Well, you won't be
      surprised to learn that I was right to be worried!

PMID- 27662170
TI  - Homes rule.
AB  - Just over a year ago I was coming to the end of my training as an RGN. I was a
      late entry to the profession at the age of 45, and had enjoyed almost every
      minute of the previous three years. I felt pretty glum, both at the prospect of
      our group dispersing, and the ending of the changes and challenges of life as a
      student nurse, but mostly at the dismal job prospects.

PMID- 27662172
TI  - A well kept secret?Nursing Standard's publisher Alison Dunn explains why our
      recent recruitment marketing campaign caused something of a stir in some
      quarters.
AB  - I have been in and around nursing journals for two decades and thought I knew a
      thing or two about 'the market'. But in giving approval to a marketing campaign
      to boost Nursing Standard's recruitment advertising recently, I had no inkling of
      what we were unleashing.

PMID- 27662173
TI  - Sexuality and Patient Care E van Ooijen Sexuality and Patient Care Charnock
      Chapman & Hall 224pp L13.99 0-412-47080-2.
AB  - In their introduction to Sexuality and Patient Care: A Guide for Nurses and
      Teachers, Els van Ooijen and Andrew Charnock write: 'there is little material
      available which helps nurses and other health professionals understand the
      subject in the context of illness and stability.'

PMID- 27662174
TI  - The Grief Counselling Casebook The Grief Counselling Casebook J Gunzhurg and W
      Stewart Chapman & Hall 308pp L14.99 0-412-57080-7.
AB  - The Grief Counselling Casebook: A Student's Guide to Unresolved Grief is in four
      parts: Introduction and overview; Defining the problem; Exploring context; and
      Options for the future.

PMID- 27662175
TI  - Nursing Management, 3rd edition D A Gillies W B Saunders 626pp L21.50 0-7216-6588
      8 [Formula: see text].
AB  - Nursing Management: A Systems Approach deals with most features of management
      within nursing. Written at an advanced level, it covers various theoretical
      perspectives on management including an interesting summary of Japanese.

PMID- 27662177
TI  - Listings.

PMID- 27662176
TI  - Reflective practice.
AB  - Aim and intended learning outcomes The aim of this article is to encourage and
      enable nurses to develop an understanding of the nature of reflective practice
      and how this may enhance personal and professional learning. After reading this
      article, the nurse should be able to.

PMID- 27662178
TI  - Tracking weight change, insulin resistance, stress, and aerobic fitness over 4
      years of college.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine if weight gain is accompanied by development of insulin
      resistance (IR) during 4 years in college. PARTICIPANTS: Two cohorts of college
      students were enrolled in fall semesters 2009 and 2010 and tracked for 4 years.
      METHODS: Following a 12-hour fast, subjects reported for measurement of body mass
      index (BMI), perceived stress (PSS), aerobic fitness, and blood glucose, insulin,
      and lipids. RESULTS: In the first year, 33% of subjects were overweight or obese,
      and 20% were hyperinsulinemic. Year 4 had 29 remaining subjects with
      disproportionate attrition of overweight and obese individuals. Just over half
      the subjects gained weight (WI), whereas nearly 30% lost considerable amounts
      (WD). WD showed significant decline in fasting insulin, low-density lipoprotein
      (LDL) cholesterol, and PSS from year 1. WI was primarily highly fit men who did
      not demonstrate increased IR. CONCLUSION: WI was not associated with IR over 4
      years of college.

PMID- 27662179
TI  - Reentrant phenomenon and inverse magnetocaloric effect in a generalized spin
      (1/2,  s) Fisher's super-exchange antiferromagnet.
AB  - The thermodynamic and magnetocaloric properties of a generalized spin-(1/2,  s)
      Fisher's super-exchange antiferromagnet are investigated precisely by using the
      decoration-iteration mapping transformation. Besides the critical temperature,
      sublattice magnetization, total magnetization, entropy and specific heat, the
      isothermal entropy change and adiabatic temperature change are also rigorously
      calculated in order to examine the cooling efficiency of the model in the
      vicinity of the first- and second-order phase transitions. It is shown that an
      enhanced inverse magnetocaloric effect occurs around the temperature interval
      [Formula: see text] for any magnetic-field change [Formula: see text]. The most
      pronounced inverse magnetocaloric effect can be found nearby the critical field,
      which corresponds to the zero-temperature phase transition from the long-range
      ordered ground state to the paramagnetic one. The observed phenomenon increases
      with an increasing value of decorating spins. Furthermore, sufficiently high
      values of decorating spins have also been linked to the possibility of observing
      reentrant phase transitions at finite temperatures.

PMID- 27662180
TI  - Novel Signs and Their Clinical Utility in Diagnosing Complex Regional Pain
      Syndrome (CRPS): A Prospective Observational Cohort Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Delays in diagnosis occur with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).
      We define and prospectively demonstrate that novel bedside tests measuring body
      perception disruption can identify patients with CRPS postfracture. METHODS: The
      objectives of our study were to define and validate 4 bedside tests, to identify
      the prevalence of positive tests in patients with CRPS and other chronic pain
      conditions, and to assess the clinical utility (sensitivity, specificity,
      positive predictive value, negative predictive value) for identifying CRPS within
      a Fracture cohort. This was a single UK teaching hospital prospective cohort
      study with 313 recruits from pain-free volunteers and patients with chronic pain
      conditions.Four novel tests were Finger Perception (FP), Hand Laterality
      identification (HL), Astereognosis (AS), and Body Scheme (BS) report. Five
      questionnaires (Brief Pain Inventory, Upper Extremity Functional Index, Lower
      Extremity Functional Index, Neglect-like Symptom Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety
      and Depression Score) assessed the multidimensional pain experience. RESULTS: FP
      and BS were the best performing tests. Prospective monitoring of fracture
      patients showed that out of 7 fracture patients (total n=47) who had both finger
      misperception and abnormal BS report at initial testing, 3 developed persistent
      pain with 1 having a formal diagnosis of CRPS. DISCUSSION: Novel signs are
      reliable, easy to perform, and present in chronic pain patients. FP and BS have
      significant clinical utility in predicting persistent pain in a fracture group
      thereby allowing targeted early intervention.

PMID- 27662182
TI  - Spiritual/Religious Beliefs & Medication Adherence in Black Women with
      Hypertension.
AB  - Black women have the highest rate of hypertension (HTN) in the U.S. and perhaps
      the world. Because they are deemed the most religiously devout group in the U.S.,
      it is plausible that faithfulness to spiritual/religious practices may yield more
      adherence to HTN medication regimens. This study examined spiritual/religious
      beliefs in relation to antihypertensive medication adherence in Black women with
      HTN. Although results showed no association between beliefs and adherence, women
      who developed trusting relationships with their healthcare provider were more
      likely to be adherent to their medications.

PMID- 27662181
TI  - Enhancing Virtual Screening Performance of Protein Kinases with Molecular
      Dynamics Simulations.
AB  - In silico virtual screening (VS) is a powerful hit identification technique used
      in drug discovery projects that aims to effectively distinguish true actives from
      inactive or decoy molecules. To better capture the dynamic behavior of protein
      drug targets, compound databases may be screened against an ensemble of protein
      conformations, which may be experimentally determined or generated
      computationally, i.e. via molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Several studies
      have shown that conformations generated by MD are useful in identifying novel hit
      compounds, in part because structural rearrangements sampled during MD can
      provide novel targetable areas. However, it remains difficult to predict a priori
      when an MD conformation will outperform a VS against the crystal structure alone.
      Here, we assess whether MD conformations result in improved VS performance for
      six protein kinases. MD conformations are selected using three different methods,
      and their VS performances are compared to the corresponding crystal structures.
      Additionally, these conformations are used to train ensembles, and their VS
      performance is compared to the individual MD conformations and the corresponding
      crystal structures using receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) metrics.
      We show that performing MD results in at least one conformation that offers
      better VS performance than the crystal structure, and that, while it is possible
      to train ensembles to outperform the crystal structure alone, the extent of this
      enhancement is target dependent. Lastly, we show that the optimal structural
      selection method is also target dependent and recommend optimizing virtual
      screens on a kinase-by-kinase basis to improve the likelihood of success.

PMID- 27662184
TI  - Concave Platinum-Copper Octopod Nanoframes Bounded with Multiple High-Index
      Facets for Efficient Electrooxidation Catalysis.
AB  - Multimetallic nanoframes with three-dimensional (3D) catalytic surfaces represent
      an emerging class of efficient nanocatalysts. However, it still remains a
      challenge in engineering nanoframes via simple and economical methods. Herein, we
      report a facile one-pot synthetic strategy to synthesize Pt-Cu nanoframes bounded
      with multiple high-index facets as highly active electrooxidation catalysts. Two
      distinct octopod nanoframes, namely, concave PtCu2 octopod nanoframes (PtCu2
      CONFs) and ultrathin PtCu octopod nanoframes (PtCu UONFs) were successfully
      synthesized by simply changing the feeding Pt and Cu precursors. Interestingly,
      the PtCu2 CONFs are constructed by eight symmetric feet with sharp tips, which
      are enclosed by high-index facets of n (111)-(111), such as {553}, {331}, and
      {221}. Benefiting from their 3D accessible surfaces and multiple high-index
      facets, the self-supported PtCu2 CONFs catalysts exhibit excellent
      electrocatalytic performance and superior CO-tolerant ability. For methanol
      oxidation reaction, the PtCu2 CONFs catalysts exhibit more than 7-fold increase
      in activities, 205 mV lower in the onset potential compared with commercial Pt/C.
      More importantly, when facing harsh electrochemical reaction conditions, the
      PtCu2 CONFs are well-preserved in the catalytic activities, architectural
      features, and stepped surfaces. The PtCu UONFs with 12 ultrathin edges, however,
      suffer from breakdown. The present work provides guidelines for the rational
      design and synthesis of nanoframe catalysts with both high activity and
      stability.

PMID- 27662183
TI  - Neo High-Density Lipoprotein Produced by the Streptococcal Serum Opacity Factor
      Activity against Human High-Density Lipoproteins Is Hepatically Removed via Dual
      Mechanisms.
AB  - Injection of streptococcal serum opacity factor (SOF) into mice reduces the
      plasma cholesterol level by ~40%. In vitro, SOF converts high-density
      lipoproteins (HDLs) into multiple products, including a small HDL, neo HDL. In
      vitro, neo HDL accounts for ~60% of the protein mass of the SOF reaction
      products; in vivo, the accumulated mass of neo HDL is <1% of that observed in
      vitro. To identify the underlying cause of this difference, we determined the
      fate of neo HDL in plasma in vitro and in vivo. Following incubation with HDL,
      neo HDL-PC rapidly transfers to HDL, giving a small remnant, which fuses with
      HDL. An increased level of SR-B1 expression in Huh7 hepatoma cells and a reduced
      level of LDLR expression in CHO cells had little effect on neo HDL-[3H]CE uptake.
      Thus, the dominant receptors for neo HDL uptake are not LDLR or SR-B1. The in
      vivo metabolic fates of neo HDL-[3H]CE and HDL-[3H]CE were different. Thirty
      minutes after the injection of neo HDL-[3H]CE and HDL-[3H]CE into mice, plasma
      [3H]CE counts were 40 and 53%, respectively, of injected counts, with 10 times
      more [3H]CE appearing in the livers of neo HDL-[3H]CE-injected than in those of
      HDL-[3H]CE-injected mice. These data support a model of neo HDL-[3H]CE clearance
      by two parallel pathways. At early post-neo HDL-[3H]CE injection times, some neo
      HDL is directly removed by the liver; the remainder transfers its PC to HDL,
      leaving a remnant that fuses with HDL, which is also hepatically removed more
      slowly. Given that SR-B1 and SOF both remove CE from HDL, this novel mechanism
      may also underlie the metabolism of remnants released by hepatocytes following
      selective SR-B1-mediated uptake of HDL-CE.

PMID- 27662185
TI  - Cytofkit: A Bioconductor Package for an Integrated Mass Cytometry Data Analysis
      Pipeline.
AB  - Single-cell mass cytometry significantly increases the dimensionality of
      cytometry analysis as compared to fluorescence flow cytometry, providing
      unprecedented resolution of cellular diversity in tissues. However, analysis and
      interpretation of these high-dimensional data poses a significant technical
      challenge. Here, we present cytofkit, a new Bioconductor package, which
      integrates both state-of-the-art bioinformatics methods and in-house novel
      algorithms to offer a comprehensive toolset for mass cytometry data analysis.
      Cytofkit provides functions for data pre-processing, data visualization through
      linear or non-linear dimensionality reduction, automatic identification of cell
      subsets, and inference of the relatedness between cell subsets. This pipeline
      also provides a graphical user interface (GUI) for ease of use, as well as a
      shiny application (APP) for interactive visualization of cell subpopulations and
      progression profiles of key markers. Applied to a CD14-CD19- PBMCs dataset,
      cytofkit accurately identified different subsets of lymphocytes; applied to a
      human CD4+ T cell dataset, cytofkit uncovered multiple subtypes of TFH cells
      spanning blood and tonsils. Cytofkit is implemented in R, licensed under the
      Artistic license 2.0, and freely available from the Bioconductor website,
      https://bioconductor.org/packages/cytofkit/. Cytofkit is also applicable for flow
      cytometry data analysis.

PMID- 27662187
TI  - Obesity and ECG left ventricular hypertrophy.
AB  - AIM: Our aim was to investigate the prevalence and the prognostic significance
      for fatal and nonfatal cerebrovascular and cardiovascular events of different ECG
      criteria for left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in normal weight, overweight and
      obese patients in an adult Italian population. METHODS: A total of 18 330 adults
      (mean age 54 +/- 11 years, 55% women, 53% hypertensive patients) were analyzed
      from the Moli-sani cohort. Obesity was defined using the ATPIII criteria. ECG-LVH
      was defined according to 2013 ESC-ESH guidelines. RESULTS: The age and sex
      adjusted prevalence of ECG-LVH did not differ from normal weight patients to
      class 1-3 obesity patients, when Cornell-voltage criterion was used. In
      overweight and obese patients, as compared with normal weight patients, a
      progressively lower prevalence of ECG-LVH was observed when the Sokolow-Lyon
      index was used, whereas a higher prevalence was shown by using the aVL R-wave
      voltage (>11 and >5.7 mm) and the Cornell-voltage-QRS duration product. The
      incidence of cardiovascular events was significantly greater in patients with ECG
      LVH diagnosis by the Cornell voltage [hazard ratio 1.89, 95% confidence interval
      (CI) 1.05-3.39] and the Cornell product (hazard ratio 1.87, 95% CI 1.31-2.67).
      After adjusting for different confounders (age, sex, cigarette, hypertension,
      hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, income, education, occupational class and
      physical activity) and for BMI categories, only the Cornell product remained
      significantly associated with a higher incidence of cardiovascular events (hazard
      ratio 1.66; 95% CI 1.16-2.38). The predictive significance of different LVH
      criteria was assessed across BMI categories; after adjusting for confounders, no
      LVH criteria were significantly associated with an increased risk of
      cardiovascular events in obese patients; Cornell-product LVH remained an
      independent predictor of events in normal weight and overweight individuals
      (hazard ratio 2.63; 95% CI 1.10-6.28 and hazard ratio 2.72; 95% CI 1.52-4.25,
      respectively). CONCLUSION: Our results confirm that ECG LVH prevalence may differ
      according to the criteria used across BMI categories in a low cardiovascular risk
      cohort. The use of different LVH criteria according to BMI categories may improve
      cardiovascular risk stratification in a general population independently of
      several confounding factors.

PMID- 27662186
TI  - Heat Transfer Behavior across the Dentino-Enamel Junction in the Human Tooth.
AB  - During eating, the teeth usually endure the sharply temperature changes because
      of different foods. It is of importance to investigate the heat transfer and heat
      dissipation behavior of the dentino-enamel junction (DEJ) of human tooth since
      dentine and enamel have different thermophysical properties. The spatial and
      temporal temperature distributions on the enamel, dentine, and pulpal chamber of
      both the human tooth and its discontinuous boundaries, were measured using
      infrared thermography using a stepped temperature increase on the outer boundary
      of enamel crowns. The thermal diffusivities for enamel and dentine were deduced
      from the time dependent temperature change at the enamel and dentine layers. The
      thermal conductivities for enamel and dentine were calculated to be 0.81 Wm-1K-1
      and 0.48 Wm-1K-1 respectively. The observed temperature discontinuities across
      the interfaces between enamel, dentine and pulp-chamber layers were due to the
      difference of thermal conductivities at interfaces rather than to the phase
      transformation. The temperature gradient distributes continuously across the
      enamel and dentine layers and their junction below a temperature of 42 degrees C,
      whilst a negative thermal resistance is observed at interfaces above 42 degrees
      C. These results suggest that the microstructure of the dentin-enamel junction
      (DEJ) junction play an important role in tooth heat transfer and protects the
      pulp from heat damage.

PMID- 27662188
TI  - Anthropometric measures change and incidence of high blood pressure levels among
      adults: a population-based prospective study in Southern Brazil.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective was to evaluate the effects of BMI and waist
      circumference change on the cumulative incidence of high blood pressure levels
      (HBP) among adults. METHODS: Prospective longitudinal study in Southern Brazil,
      with a sample evaluated in 2009 (n = 1720) and 2012 (n = 1213). The incidence of
      HBP was estimated using measured values of systolic and diastolic arterial
      pressure (>=140/90 mmHg). RESULTS: The prevalence of overweight (BMI >= 25 kg/m)
      was 47.3% in 2009 and 55.0% in 2012. The incidence of HBP was 32.0%. Being
      overweight or having an elevated waist circumference (top quartile) in the two
      waves increased the incidence of HBP [odds ratio 3.41 (95% confidence interval
      (CI) 2.10; 5.53) and 5.42 (95% CI 2.65; 11.08), respectively] compared with those
      always eutrophic. Being overweight in either wave also increased the risk of HBP,
      whereas reducing waist circumference was a protective factor. When the annual BMI
      and waist circumference change were evaluated (conditional to the baseline
      measurements, age, and sex) the adjusted predicted incidence of HBP was 46.5%
      (95% CI 36.9; 56.1) among individuals with an annual BMI change more than +1.0
      kg/m, and 45.1% (95% CI 36.7; 53.4) among those with an annual waist
      circumference change more than +3.0 cm. Among those who reduced their BMI and
      waist circumference, the incidence of HBP were 25.9 and 23.8%, respectively.
      CONCLUSION: Being overweight (in any wave), maintaining an elevated waist
      circumference, or having an annual rise of these measurements above the expected
      values, all increased the incidence of HBP. Reducing the waist circumference
      showed greater benefits for the prevention of HBP than BMI changes.

PMID- 27662189
TI  - Social disparities explain differences in hypertension prevalence, detection and
      control in Colombia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Hypertension is the principal risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
      The global Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology study showed that the levels of
      awareness, treatment and control of this condition are very low worldwide and
      show large regional variations related to a country's income index. The aim of
      the present analysis was to identify associations between sociodemographic,
      geographic, anthropometric, behavioral and clinical factors and the awareness,
      treatment and control of hypertension within Colombia - a high-middle income
      country which participated in the global Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology
      study. METHODS AND RESULTS: The sample comprised 7485 individuals aged 35-70
      years (mean age 50.8 years, 64% women). Mean SBP and DBP were 129.12 +/- 21.23
      and 80.39 +/- 11.81 mmHg, respectively. The overall prevalence of hypertension
      was 37.5% and was substantially higher amongst participants with the lowest
      educational level, who had a 25% higher prevalence (<0.001). Hypertension
      awareness, treatment amongst those aware, and control amongst those treated were
      51.9, 77.5 and 37.1%, respectively. The prevalence of hypertension was higher
      amongst those with a higher BMI (<0.001) or larger waist-hip ratio (<0.001).
      Being male, younger, a rural resident and having a low level of education was
      associated with significantly lower hypertension awareness, treatment and
      control. The use of combination therapy was very low (27.5%) and was
      significantly lower in rural areas and amongst those with a low income.
      CONCLUSION: Overall Colombia has a high prevalence of hypertension in combination
      with very low levels of awareness, treatment and control; however, we found large
      variations within the country that appear to be associated with sociodemographic
      disparities.

PMID- 27662190
TI  - Feasibility of MR-Based Body Composition Analysis in Large Scale Population
      Studies.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Quantitative and accurate measurements of fat and muscle in the
      body are important for prevention and diagnosis of diseases related to obesity
      and muscle degeneration. Manually segmenting muscle and fat compartments in MR
      body-images is laborious and time-consuming, hindering implementation in large
      cohorts. In the present study, the feasibility and success-rate of a Dixon-based
      MR scan followed by an intensity-normalised, non-rigid, multi-atlas based
      segmentation was investigated in a cohort of 3,000 subjects. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: 3,000 participants in the in-depth phenotyping arm of the UK Biobank
      imaging study underwent a comprehensive MR examination. All subjects were scanned
      using a 1.5 T MR-scanner with the dual-echo Dixon Vibe protocol, covering neck to
      knees. Subjects were scanned with six slabs in supine position, without
      localizer. Automated body composition analysis was performed using the AMRA
      ProfilerTM system, to segment and quantify visceral adipose tissue (VAT),
      abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (ASAT) and thigh muscles. Technical quality
      assurance was performed and a standard set of acceptance/rejection criteria was
      established. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all volume measurements
      and quality assurance metrics. RESULTS: Of the 3,000 subjects, 2,995 (99.83%)
      were analysable for body fat, 2,828 (94.27%) were analysable when body fat and
      one thigh was included, and 2,775 (92.50%) were fully analysable for body fat and
      both thigh muscles. Reasons for not being able to analyse datasets were mainly
      due to missing slabs in the acquisition, or patient positioned so that large
      parts of the volume was outside of the field-of-view. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:
      In conclusion, this study showed that the rapid UK Biobank MR-protocol was well
      tolerated by most subjects and sufficiently robust to achieve very high success
      rate for body composition analysis. This research has been conducted using the UK
      Biobank Resource.

PMID- 27662191
TI  - Transcriptome Sequencing Analysis and Functional Identification of Sex
      Differentiation Genes from the Mosquito Parasitic Nematode, Romanomermis
      wuchangensis.
AB  - Mosquito-transmitted diseases like malaria and dengue fever are global problem
      and an estimated 50-100 million of dengue or dengue hemorrhagic fever cases are
      reported worldwide every year. The mermithid nematode Romanomermis wuchangensis
      has been successfully used as an ecosystem-friendly biocontrol agent for mosquito
      prevention in laboratory studies. However, this nematode can not undergo sex
      differentiation in vitro culture, which has seriously affected their application
      of biocontrol in the field. In this study, based on transcriptome sequencing
      analysis of R. wuchangensis, Rwucmab-3, Rwuclaf-1 and Rwuctra-2 were cloned and
      used to investigate molecular regulatory function of sex differentiation. qRT-PCR
      results demonstrated that the expression level of Rwucmab-3 between male and
      female displayed obvious difference on the 3rd day of parasitic stage, which was
      earlier than Rwuclaf-1 and Rwuctra-2, highlighting sex differentiation process
      may start on the 3rd day of parasitic stage. Besides, FITC was used as a marker
      to test dsRNA uptake efficiency of R. wuchangensis, which fluorescence intensity
      increased with FITC concentration after 16 h incubation, indicating this nematode
      can successfully ingest soaking solution via its cuticle. RNAi results revealed
      the sex ratio of R. wuchangensis from RNAi treated groups soaked in dsRNA of
      Rwucmab-3 was significantly higher than gfp dsRNA treated groups and control
      groups, highlighting RNAi of Rwumab-3 may hinder the development of male
      nematodes. These results suggest that Rwucmab-3 mainly involves in the initiation
      of sex differentiation and the development of male sexual dimorphism. Rwuclaf-1
      and Rwuctra-2 may play vital role in nematode reproductive and developmental
      system. In conclusion, transcript sequences presented in this study could provide
      more bioinformatics resources for future studies on gene cloning and other
      molecular regulatory mechanism in R. wuchangensis. Moreover, identification and
      functional analysis of sex differentiation genes may clarify the sex
      differentiation mechanism of R. wuchangensis, which are helpful to solve the
      uncompleted sex differentiation problem in vitro culture and the potential large
      scale field application controlling the larvae of C. quinquefasciatus, A. aegypti
      and A. albopictus.

PMID- 27662192
TI  - Micro and Macroscale Drivers of Nutrient Concentrations in Urban Streams in
      South, Central and North America.
AB  - Global metrics of land cover and land use provide a fundamental basis to examine
      the spatial variability of human-induced impacts on freshwater ecosystems.
      However, microscale processes and site specific conditions related to bank
      vegetation, pollution sources, adjacent land use and water uses can have
      important influences on ecosystem conditions, in particular in smaller tributary
      rivers. Compared to larger order rivers, these low-order streams and rivers are
      more numerous, yet often under-monitored. The present study explored the
      relationship of nutrient concentrations in 150 streams in 57 hydrological basins
      in South, Central and North America (Buenos Aires, Curitiba, Sao Paulo, Rio de
      Janeiro, Mexico City and Vancouver) with macroscale information available from
      global datasets and microscale data acquired by trained citizen scientists.
      Average sub-basin phosphate (P-PO4) concentrations were found to be well
      correlated with sub-basin attributes on both macro and microscales, while the
      relationships between sub-basin attributes and nitrate (N-NO3) concentrations
      were limited. A phosphate threshold for eutrophic conditions (>0.1 mg L-1 P-PO4)
      was exceeded in basins where microscale point source discharge points (eg.
      residential, industrial, urban/road) were identified in more than 86% of stream
      reaches monitored by citizen scientists. The presence of bankside vegetation
      covaried (rho = -0.53) with lower phosphate concentrations in the ecosystems
      studied. Macroscale information on nutrient loading allowed for a strong
      separation between basins with and without eutrophic conditions. Most
      importantly, the combination of macroscale and microscale information acquired
      increased our ability to explain sub-basin variability of P-PO4 concentrations.
      The identification of microscale point sources and bank vegetation conditions by
      citizen scientists provided important information that local authorities could
      use to improve their management of lower order river ecosystems.

PMID- 27662195
TI  - You're the Flight Surgeon.
AB  - Nelms JM. You're the flight surgeon: probable Herpes zoster. Aerosp Med Hum
      Perform. 2015; 86(8):754-756.

PMID- 27662194
TI  - The Patterning Cascade Model and Carabelli's trait expression in metameres of the
      mixed human dentition: exploring a morphogenetic model.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The Patterning Cascade Model (PCM) provides an evolutionary
      developmental framework for exploring diversity in tooth crown form. According to
      the model, proximity of secondary enamel knots and tooth germ size track
      underlying developmental processes that dictate ultimate crown morphology (i.e.,
      cusp number, accessory cusp presence/size). Previous research has shown the model
      to successfully predict variation in Carabelli's trait expression between
      antimeric and metameric pairs of human permanent molars. In this study, we
      quantify Carabelli's trait expression for metameres of the mixed dentition (dm2
      and M1) and assess the PCM's potential for explaining differences in expression
      between the two elements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Crown dimensions, intercusp
      distances, and Carabelli's trait expression were collected from 49 subadults
      possessing observable dm2/M1 pairs. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests and paired t-tests
      were performed to assess whether metameres differ significantly in morphometric
      variables. We explored the relationships between relative intercusp distances
      (RICDs) and Carabelli's trait expression using proportional odds logistic
      regression. RESULTS: Intra-individual dm2/M1 pairs differed significantly in
      Carabelli's trait expression (p = 0.01), with dm2 exhibiting higher grades of
      expression more commonly despite its smaller crown size. Paired molars differed
      in only one statistically significant RICD: metacone-hypocone (p < 0.01). Most
      RICDs shared the predicted negative relationship with Carabelli's trait
      expression, but this relationship was only statistically significant for three
      RICDs in the dm2 (mean, protocone-paracone, metacone-hypocone). CONCLUSIONS: We
      found mixed support for the PCM's ability to explain differences in Carabelli's
      trait expression between metameres of the mixed molar row. Results suggest that
      protocone-paracone enamel knot spacing has the greatest influence on Carabelli's
      trait expression. Lack of statistical significance for many of the relationships
      explored may reflect limitations related to sample composition and sample size.

PMID- 27662196
TI  - You're the Flight Surgeon.
AB  - Duong A. You're the flight surgeon: arrythmogenic right ventricular
      cardiomyopathy. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2015; 86(8):756-759.

PMID- 27662197
TI  - Comparative Evaluation of the Ostium After External and Nonendoscopic Endonasal
      Dacryocystorhinostomy Using Image Processing (Matlabs and Image J) Softwares.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the characteristics of the
      ostium after external dacryocystorhinostomy and nonendoscopic endonasal
      dacryocystorhinostomy (NEN-DCR). METHODS: This cross-sectional study included
      patients who underwent a successful external dacryocystorhinostomy or NEN-DCR and
      had >=1 month follow up. Pictures of the ostium were captured with a nasal
      endoscope (4 mm, 30 degrees ) after inserting a lacrimal probe premarked at 2 mm.
      Image analyses were performed using Image J and Contour softwares. RESULTS: Of
      the 113 patients included, external dacryocystorhinostomy group had 53 patients
      and NEN-DCR group had 60 patients. The mean age of patients in the NEN-DCR group
      (38 years) was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than the external
      dacryocystorhinostomy group (50 years). There was no statistically significant
      difference (2 sample t test, p > 0.05) in mean follow up (6 vs. 4 months),
      maximum diameter of ostium (8 vs. 7 mm), perpendicular drawn to it (4 vs. 4 mm),
      area of ostium (43 vs. 36 mm), and the minimum distance between common internal
      punctum and edge of the ostium (1 vs. 1 mm) between the external and NEN-DCR
      groups. CONCLUSIONS: Image processing softwares offer simple and objective method
      to measure the ostium. While ostia are comparable in size, their relative
      position differs with posteriorly placed ostia in external compared with inferior
      in NEN-DCR.

PMID- 27662193
TI  - Overexpression of Glutamate Decarboxylase in Mesenchymal Stem Cells Enhances
      Their Immunosuppressive Properties and Increases GABA and Nitric Oxide Levels.
AB  - The neurotransmitter GABA has been recently identified as a potent
      immunosuppressive agent that targets both innate and adaptive immune systems and
      prevents disease progression of several autoimmunity models. Mesenchymal stem
      cells (MSCs) are self-renewing progenitor cells that differentiate into various
      cell types under specific conditions, including neurons. In addition, MSC possess
      strong immunosuppressive capabilities. Upon cytokine priming, undifferentiated
      MSC suppress T-cell proliferation via cell-to-cell contact mechanisms and the
      secretion of soluble factors like nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2 and IDO.
      Although MSC and MSC-derived neuron-like cells express some GABAergic markers in
      vitro, the role for GABAergic signaling in MSC-mediated immunosuppression remains
      completely unexplored. Here, we demonstrate that pro-inflammatory cytokines
      selectively regulate GAD-67 expression in murine bone marrow-MSC. However,
      expression of GAD-65 is required for maximal GABA release by MSC. Gain of
      function experiments using GAD-67 and GAD-65 co-expression demonstrates that GAD
      increases immunosuppressive function in the absence of pro-inflammatory
      licensing. Moreover, GAD expression in MSC evokes an increase in both GABA and NO
      levels in the supernatants of co-cultured MSC with activated splenocytes.
      Notably, the increase in NO levels by GAD expression was not observed in cultures
      of isolated MSC expressing GAD, suggesting crosstalk between these two pathways
      in the setting of immunosuppression. These results indicate that GAD expression
      increases MSC-mediated immunosuppression via secretion of immunosuppressive
      agents. Our findings may help reconsider GABAergic activation in MSC for
      immunological disorders.

PMID- 27662198
TI  - Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for Treatment of Metastatic Melanoma of the Orbit
      and Ocular Adnexa.
AB  - Programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) inhibitors are members of a new class of drugs
      known as immune checkpoint inhibitors and have proven efficacy in the treatment
      of metastatic melanoma. Herein, the authors report the use of nivolumab and
      pembrolizumab, 2 recently Food and Drug Administration-approved PD-1 inhibitors,
      in 3 patients: 1 with metastatic conjunctival melanoma and 2 with metastatic
      cutaneous melanoma and orbital involvement. The patients' metastatic disease
      responded well to drug treatment. As of this writing, 2 patients have completed
      therapy and remain disease free at least 1 year after treatment completion; the
      other patient is still receiving treatment, and his orbital disease is
      responding. The authors herein describe the use of PD-1 inhibitors as a new
      alternative in the treatment of metastatic melanoma to the orbit or metastatic
      ocular adnexal melanomas in these clinical settings.

PMID- 27662199
TI  - Amyloid Pseudo-Dacryolith and Nasolacrimal Obstruction in a 67-Year-Old Male.
AB  - A 67-year-old male with a 35-year history of left-sided epiphora presented with a
      nonpainful, noninflamed, left medial canthal mass and complete left nasolacrimal
      obstruction. During routine dacryocystorhinostomy, a lesion was present within
      the lacrimal sac that mimicked a lacrimal stone in appearance but with a
      consistency concerning for malignancy. Histologically, the lesion displayed apple
      green birefringence on polarized light microscopy and Congo red staining. The
      patient was referred to the hematology service for evaluation, which failed to
      reveal systemic disease. There is 1 previous report of localized amyloidosis to
      the nasolacrimal excretory system in which the lesion was invasive and caused
      bony erosion. The authors present a second case of localized, nasolacrimal
      amyloidosis mimicking both neoplasm and dacryolith without bony erosion.

PMID- 27662200
TI  - Solution Structure of the Cuz1 AN1 Zinc Finger Domain: An Exposed LDFLP Motif
      Defines a Subfamily of AN1 Proteins.
AB  - Zinc binding domains are common and versatile protein structural motifs that
      mediate diverse cellular functions. Among the many structurally distinct families
      of zinc finger (ZnF) proteins, the AN1 domain remains poorly characterized. Cuz1
      is one of two AN1 ZnF proteins in the yeast S. cerevisiae, and is a stress
      inducible protein that functions in protein degradation through direct
      interaction with the proteasome and Cdc48. Here we report the solution structure
      of the Cuz1 AN1 ZnF which reveals a compact C6H2 zinc-coordinating domain that
      resembles a two-finger hand holding a tri-helical clamp. A central phenylalanine
      residue sits between the two zinc-coordinating centers. The position of this
      phenylalanine, just before the penultimate zinc-chelating cysteine, is strongly
      conserved from yeast to man. This phenylalanine shows an exceptionally slow ring
      flipping rate which likely contributes to the high rigidity and stability of the
      AN1 domain. In addition to the zinc-chelating residues, sequence analysis of Cuz1
      indicates a second highly evolutionarily conserved motif. This LDFLP motif is
      shared with three human proteins-Zfand1, AIRAP, and AIRAP-L-the latter two of
      which share similar cellular functions with Cuz1. The LDFLP motif, while embedded
      within the zinc finger domain, is surface exposed, largely uninvolved in zinc
      chelation, and not required for the overall fold of the domain. The LDFLP motif
      was dispensable for Cuz1's major known functions, proteasome- and Cdc48-binding.
      These results provide the first structural characterization of the AN1 zinc
      finger domain, and suggest that the LDFLP motif may define a sub-family of
      evolutionarily conserved AN1 zinc finger proteins.

PMID- 27662201
TI  - Number and type of TET2 mutations in chronic myelomonocytic leukemia and their
      clinical relevance.

PMID- 27662203
TI  - Amyloid cast tubulopathy: a unique form of immunoglobulin-induced renal disease.

PMID- 27662202
TI  - Blinatumomab vs historical standard therapy of adult relapsed/refractory acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia.
AB  - We compared outcomes from a single-arm study of blinatumomab in adult patients
      with B-precursor Ph-negative relapsed/refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia
      (R/R ALL) with a historical data set from Europe and the United States. Estimates
      of complete remission (CR) and overall survival (OS) were weighted by the
      frequency distribution of prognostic factors in the blinatumomab trial. Outcomes
      were also compared between the trial and historical data using propensity score
      methods. The historical cohort included 694 patients with CR data and 1112
      patients with OS data compared with 189 patients with CR and survival data in the
      blinatumomab trial. The weighted analysis revealed a CR rate of 24% (95% CI: 20
      27%) and a median OS of 3.3 months (95% CI: 2.8-3.6) in the historical cohort
      compared with a CR/CRh rate of 43% (95% CI: 36-50%) and a median OS of 6.1 months
      (95% CI: 4.2-7.5) in the blinatumomab trial. Propensity score analysis estimated
      increased odds of CR/CRh (OR=2.68, 95% CI: 1.67-4.31) and improved OS (HR=0.536,
      95% CI: 0.394-0.730) with blinatumomab. The analysis demonstrates the application
      of different study designs and statistical methods to compare novel therapies for
      R/R ALL with historical data.

PMID- 27662204
TI  - Differential expression, localization and activity of MARCKS between mantle cell
      lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

PMID- 27662205
TI  - Bone marrow stromal cells show distinct gene expression patterns depending on
      symptomatically involved organs in multiple myeloma.

PMID- 27662206
TI  - Metal Dissipation and Inefficient Recycling Intensify Climate Forcing.
AB  - In the metals industry, recycling is commonly included among the most viable
      options for climate change mitigation, because using secondary (recycled) instead
      of primary sources in metal production carries both the potential for significant
      energy savings and for greenhouse gas emissions reduction. Secondary metal
      production is, however, limited by the relative quantity of scrap available at
      end-of-life for two reasons: long product lifespans during use delay the
      availability of the material for reuse and recycling; and end-of-life recycling
      rates are low, a result of inefficient collection, separation, and processing.
      For a few metals, additional losses exist in the form of in-use dissipation. The
      sum of these lost material flows forms the theoretical maximum potential for
      future efficiency improvements. Based on a dynamic material flow analysis, we
      have evaluated these factors from an energy perspective for 50 metals and
      calculated the corresponding greenhouse gas emissions associated with the supply
      of lost material from primary sources that would otherwise be used to satisfy
      demand. A use-by-use examination demonstrates the potential emission gains
      associated with major application sectors. The results show that minimizing in
      use dissipation and constraints to metal recycling have the potential to reduce
      greenhouse gas emissions from the metal industry by about 13-23%, corresponding
      to 1% of global anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions.

PMID- 27662207
TI  - Recent developments in epigenetics of pediatric asthma.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The goal of this review was to systematically analyze recent
      studies updating our knowledge on the role of epigenetic mechanisms in childhood
      asthma. RECENT FINDINGS: A systematic literature search was conducted that
      identified 23 fresh articles published within the last 5 years reporting the
      results of human studies on the relationships between epigenetic modifications
      and childhood asthma or its/related phenotypes. In almost all these studies,
      meaningful associations between levels of epigenetic marks (DNA methylation
      and/or histone modifications) and pediatric asthma or its/related phenotypes have
      been observed. In addition, many studies identified by our screening analyzed
      those associations in the context of environmental factors, such as pollution,
      tobacco smoke, farming, or diet, showing in a huge majority a modifying effect of
      those exposures. SUMMARY: The results of our systematic literature search provide
      a strong support for the role of epigenetic mechanisms in (mediating the effects
      of environmental exposure on) pediatric asthma. This knowledge may possibly be
      translated into diagnostic and/or therapeutic approaches.

PMID- 27662208
TI  - Growth parameters: the cheap and easy genetic test.

PMID- 27662209
TI  - Developmental behavioral neurology: an update.

PMID- 27662211
TI  - Cellular Functions and Gene and Protein Expression Profiles in Endothelial Cells
      Derived from Moyamoya Disease-Specific iPS Cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a slow, progressive steno
      occlusive disease, arising in the terminal portions of the cerebral internal
      carotid artery. However, the functions and characteristics of the endothelial
      cells (ECs) in MMD are unknown. We analyzed these features using induced
      pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived ECs. METHODS: iPSC lines were established
      from the peripheral blood of three patients with MMD carrying the variant RNF213
      R4810K, and three healthy persons used as controls. After the endothelial
      differentiation of iPSCs, CD31+CD144+ cells were purified as ECs using a cell
      sorter. We analyzed their proliferation, angiogenesis, and responses to some
      angiogenic factors, namely VEGF, bFGF, TGF-beta, and BMP4. The ECs were also
      analyzed using DNA microarray and proteomics to perform comprehensive gene and
      protein expression analysis. RESULTS: Angiogenesis was significantly impaired in
      MMD regardless of the presence of any angiogenic factor. On the contrary,
      endothelial proliferation was not significant between control- and MMD-derived
      cells. Regarding DNA microarray, pathway analysis illustrated that extracellular
      matrix (ECM) receptor-related genes, including integrin beta3, were significantly
      downregulated in MMD. Proteomic analysis revealed that cytoskeleton-related
      proteins were downregulated and splicing regulation-related proteins were
      upregulated in MMD. CONCLUSIONS: Downregulation of ECM receptor-related genes may
      be associated with impaired angiogenic activity in ECs derived from iPSCs from
      patients with MMD. Upregulation of splicing regulation-related proteins implied
      differences in splicing patterns between control and MMD ECs.

PMID- 27662210
TI  - IL6-174 G>C Polymorphism (rs1800795) Association with Late Effects of Low Dose
      Radiation Exposure in the Portuguese Tinea Capitis Cohort.
AB  - Head and neck cancers, and cardiovascular disease have been described as late
      effects of low dose radiation (LDR) exposure, namely in tinea capitis cohorts. In
      addition to radiation dose, gender and younger age at exposure, the genetic
      background might be involved in the susceptibility to LDR late effects. The -174
      G>C (rs1800795) SNP in IL6 has been associated with cancer and cardiovascular
      disease, nevertheless this association is still controversial. We assessed the
      association of the IL6-174 G>C SNP with LDR effects such as thyroid carcinoma,
      basal cell carcinoma and carotid atherosclerosis in the Portuguese tinea capitis
      cohort. The IL6-174 G>C SNP was genotyped in 1269 individuals formerly irradiated
      for tinea capitis. This sampling group included thyroid cancer (n = 36), basal
      cell carcinoma (n = 113) and cases without thyroid or basal cell carcinoma
      (1120). A subgroup was assessed for atherosclerosis by ultrasonography (n = 379)
      and included matched controls (n = 222). Genotypes were discriminated by real
      time PCR using a TaqMan SNP genotyping assay. In the irradiated group, we
      observed that the CC genotype was significantly associated with carotid plaque
      risk, both in the genotypic (OR = 3.57, CI = 1.60-7.95, p-value = 0.002) and in
      the recessive (OR = 3.02, CI = 1.42-6.42, p-value = 0.004) models. Irradiation
      alone was not a risk factor for carotid atherosclerosis. We did not find a
      significant association of the IL6-174 C allele with thyroid carcinoma or basal
      cell carcinoma risk. The IL6-174 CC genotype confers a three-fold risk for
      carotid atherosclerotic disease suggesting it may represent a genetic
      susceptibility factor in the LDR context.

PMID- 27662213
TI  - Scams and Scoundrels.

PMID- 27662212
TI  - Comprehensive influence of environmental factors on the emission rate of
      formaldehyde and VOCs in building materials: Correlation development and exposure
      assessment.
AB  - Temperature and relative humidity can simultaneously change in indoor
      environment, which significantly affect the emission rate of formaldehyde and
      volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from building materials. Prior studies
      generally focus on the single effect of temperature or relative humidity, and the
      combined effect is not considered. This paper investigates the comprehensive
      influence of temperature and relative humidity on the emission rate of pollutants
      from building materials. Correlation between the emission rate and the combined
      environmental factors is derived theoretically. Data in literature are applied to
      validate the effectiveness of the correlation. With the correlation, the indoor
      formaldehyde concentration in summer is predicted to be 1.63 times of that in
      winter in Beijing, which is approximately consistent with surveyed data. In
      addition, a novel approach is proposed to assess the human health impact due to
      pollutants emitted from building materials at varied temperature and relative
      humidity. An association between the human carcinogenic potential (HCP) and the
      environmental factors is obtained. By introducing a reference room model
      developed previously, it is calculated that the HCP of bedroom at high relative
      humidity (70%, 25 degrees C) for formaldehyde exceeds 10-4 cases, meaning high
      cancer health risk. This study should prove useful for evaluating the emission
      behaviors and the associated exposure of pollutants from building materials at
      varied environmental conditions.

PMID- 27662214
TI  - Our Senior Editorial Reviewers: A Centerpiece.

PMID- 27662215
TI  - Idiopathic adrenal hematoma mimicking neoplasia: A case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Adrenal haemorrhage is a relatively rare condition. If there is not
      a specific ethology describing adrenal hematoma, then, this is termed as
      'idiopathic adrenal hematoma'. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We presented a case of
      idiopathic adrenal hematoma in this study. A 62-year-old woman was referred to
      our hospital for evaluation of a 40mm mass in the left upper abdominal cavity.
      The histopathological findings of the surgical specimen revealed a hematoma with
      normal adrenal tissue. DISCUSSION: The incidence of adrenal haemorrhage was found
      to be 1.1% regarding autopsy results. The Adrenal gland is highly vascular and
      vulnerable to haemorrhage. Before a surgical operation, it is difficult to
      diagnose idiopathic adrenal hematomas. CONCLUSION: An adrenal hematoma should be
      kept in mind when adrenal masses assessing.

PMID- 27662216
TI  - Acute appendiceal abscess and atraumatic splenic rupture: A case of dual
      pathology.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Atraumatic splenic rupture is a rare surgical emergency that is
      often attributed to neoplastic or infectious causes. Rarely, it has been
      identified to also occur in the setting of an acute severe sepsis and in cases of
      pelvic or splenic abscess formation post-appendicectomy. However, to our
      knowledge, the co-presentation of acute appendiceal abscess and splenic rupture
      has not been previously described. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We present the case of a
      67-year old male with decompensating haemorrhagic shock secondary to atraumatic
      splenic rupture on a background of an inadequately treated complicated
      appendicitis originally managed as diverticulitis with antibiotics in the
      community. Intra-operatively, in addition to a de-gloved, ruptured spleen; an
      acutely inflamed appendiceal abscess was also identified. A concomitant
      splenectomy, washout and appendicectomy and was therefore performed.
      Histopathological examination revealed a normal spleen with a stripped capsular
      layer. Mucosal ulceration, transmural inflammation and serositis of the appendix
      appeared to be consistent with acute appendicitis. DISCUSSION: Our case
      demonstrates how inadequately treated sepsis may predispose to an acute
      presentation of splenic rupture with associated haemorrhagic shock; which may
      initially be interpreted as septic shock. However, we demonstrate how insults
      such as sepsis and haemorrhagic shock may co-exist warranting careful
      consideration of possible dual pathologies in complex presentations which may be
      life-threatening. CONCLUSION: While the causal relationship between acute
      appendicitis and atraumatic spontaneous splenic rupture remains unclear, our case
      considers and highlights the importance of considering dual pathology in patients
      presenting in the acute setting.

PMID- 27662217
TI  - Adaptive PID control based on orthogonal endocrine neural networks.
AB  - A new intelligent hybrid structure used for online tuning of a PID controller is
      proposed in this paper. The structure is based on two adaptive neural networks,
      both with built-in Chebyshev orthogonal polynomials. First substructure network
      is a regular orthogonal neural network with implemented artificial endocrine
      factor (OENN), in the form of environmental stimuli, to its weights. It is used
      for approximation of control signals and for processing system
      deviation/disturbance signals which are introduced in the form of environmental
      stimuli. The output values of OENN are used to calculate artificial environmental
      stimuli (AES), which represent required adaptation measure of a second network
      orthogonal endocrine adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (OEANFIS). OEANFIS is
      used to process control, output and error signals of a system and to generate
      adjustable values of proportional, derivative, and integral parameters, used for
      online tuning of a PID controller. The developed structure is experimentally
      tested on a laboratory model of the 3D crane system in terms of analysing
      tracking performances and deviation signals (error signals) of a payload. OENN
      OEANFIS performances are compared with traditional PID and 6 intelligent PID type
      controllers. Tracking performance comparisons (in transient and steady-state
      period) showed that the proposed adaptive controller possesses performances
      within the range of other tested controllers. The main contribution of OENN
      OEANFIS structure is significant minimization of deviation signals (17%-79%)
      compared to other controllers. It is recommended to exploit it when dealing with
      a highly nonlinear system which operates in the presence of undesirable
      disturbances.

PMID- 27662218
TI  - 2-Heteroarylidene-1-indanone derivatives as inhibitors of monoamine oxidase.
AB  - In the present study a series of fifteen 2-heteroarylidene-1-indanone derivatives
      were synthesised and evaluated as inhibitors of recombinant human monoamine
      oxidase (MAO) A and B. These compounds are structurally related to series of
      heterocyclic chalcone derivatives which have previously been shown to act as MAO
      B specific inhibitors. The results document that the 2-heteroarylidene-1
      indanones are in vitro inhibitors of MAO-B, displaying IC50 values of 0.0044
      1.53MUM. Although with lower potencies, the derivatives also inhibit the MAO-A
      isoform with IC50 values as low as 0.061MUM. An analysis of the structure
      activity relationships for MAO-B inhibition indicates that substitution with the
      methoxy group on the A-ring leads to a significant enhancement in MAO-B
      inhibition compared to the unsubstituted homologues while the effect of the
      heteroaromatic substituent on activity, in decreasing order is: 5-bromo-2-furan>5
      methyl-2-furan>2-pyridine~2-thiophene>cyclohexyl>3-pyridine~2-furan. It may
      therefore be concluded that 2-heteroarylidene-1-indanone derivatives are
      promising leads for the design of MAO inhibitors for the treatment of Parkinson's
      disease and possibly other neurodegenerative disorders.

PMID- 27662219
TI  - The opportunities and challenges of the MSSP ACO program: a report from the
      field.
AB  - In this article, we seek to provide the first detailed description of a Medicare
      Shared Savings Program (MSSP) accountable care organization (ACO)'s actions and
      results to help increase understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing
      ACOs, and in particular, those comprised of a network of independent practices.
      Whether ACOs have been successful in delivering value has been the subject of
      much debate and speculation. What has been missing from this discussion is a look
      at the program from the frontlines and those who are launching and running MSSP
      ACOs. We hope to fill that gap. 

PMID- 27662221
TI  - Cost-benefit of appointment-based medication synchronization in community
      pharmacies.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the cost-benefit of appointment-based medication
      synchronization (ABMS) offered in community pharmacies for patients taking
      chronic medications to prevent negative outcomes associated with hyperlipidemia,
      hypertension, and diabetes. STUDY DESIGN: Decision-tree analysis based on
      published literature and publicly available data. METHODS: Program benefits were
      based on linking published findings of improvements in medication adherence due
      to the implementation of an ABMS program to a claims-based study of disease
      related medical costs associated with different levels of adherence. The direct
      cost of the program-increased medication utilization as a result of improved
      adherence-was calculated from publicly available prescription pricing data.
      Benefit-cost ratios were assessed from a payer perspective over a 1-year time
      frame. RESULTS: Additional medication expenditures due to improved adherence
      associated with ABMS enrollment were offset by lower disease-specific medical
      costs. Medical savings per additional dollar spent on medications ranged from
      approximately $1 to $37 depending on the medication and medication class
      considered. ABMS was most cost-beneficial for metformin and statins. Sensitivity
      analyses showed that cost-benefit was significantly impacted by medication costs
      and any service fees associated with ABMS. CONCLUSIONS: ABMS programs have been
      shown to increase medication adherence in patients taking chronic medications.
      These programs were shown to have a significant cost-benefit for healthcare
      payers by reducing medical utilization and costs. Payers should consider
      supporting the provision of these programs in community pharmacies.

PMID- 27662220
TI  - Implications of evolving delivery system reforms for prostate cancer care.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Prostate cancer treatment is a significant source of morbidity and
      healthcare spending. Evolving clinical data have supported expanding surveillance
      as a means to "right-size" treatment. Integrated delivery systems afford the
      possibility of hastening this objective. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study
      of Medicare beneficiaries. METHODS: We used a 20% sample of national Medicare
      claims to assess the impact of healthcare integration on rates of treatment and
      potential overtreatment in men newly diagnosed with prostate cancer between 2007
      and 2011. Rates were measured according to the extent of integration within a
      market (ie, none, low, intermediate, and high). Generalized estimating equations
      were used to assess the relationship between integration and utilization,
      adjusting for confounders. RESULTS: Rates of treatment declined across all
      markets (P <.01 for overall time trend), but the rate of decline was similar for
      the 4 market types (P = .27). In the most integrated markets, the rate decreased
      by 28.8%, or from 55.5 per 10,000 population in 2007 to 39.5 per 10,000 in 2011.
      After adjusting for confounders, men residing in the most integrated markets were
      2.1% less likely to be treated with curative intent compared with those living in
      areas without integrated delivery systems (P = .04). However, rates of potential
      overtreatment were similar across all markets regardless of the level of
      integration (P = .21). CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare integration was associated with
      small declines in prostate cancer treatment in newly diagnosed men, but not with
      potential overtreatment. Integrated care alone may be insufficient to curtail
      potential overtreatment of prostate cancer.

PMID- 27662223
TI  - New strategies for aligning physicians with health system incentives.

PMID- 27662222
TI  - Geographic variation in surgical outcomes and cost between the United States and
      Japan.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Unwarranted geographic variation in spending has received intense
      scrutiny in the United States. However, few studies have compared variation in
      spending and surgical outcomes between the United States healthcare system and
      those of other nations. In this study, we compare the geographic variation in
      postsurgical outcomes and cost between the United States and Japan. STUDY DESIGN:
      This retrospective cohort study uses Medicare Part A data from the United States
      (2010-2011) and similar inpatient data from Japan (2012). Patients 65 years or
      older undergoing 1 of 5 surgeries (coronary artery bypass graft, abdominal aortic
      aneurysm repair, colectomy, pancreatectomy, or gastrectomy) were selected in the
      United States and Japan. METHODS: Reliability- and case-mix-adjusted coefficient
      of variation (COV) values were calculated using hierarchical modeling and
      empirical Bayes techniques for the following 5 outcomes: postoperative mortality,
      the development of a complication, death after complication (failure to rescue),
      length of stay, and the cost of the hospitalization. Sensitivity analyses were
      also performed by calculating patient demographic-and case-mix-adjusted COV
      values for each outcome using weighted age- and sex-standardized values. RESULTS:
      The variability of the postsurgical outcomes was uniformly lower in the United
      States compared with Japan. Cost variation was consistently higher in the United
      States for all surgeries. CONCLUSIONS: Although the US healthcare system may be
      more inefficient regarding costs, the presence of higher geographic variation in
      postoperative care in Japan, relative to the United States, suggests that the
      observed geographic variation in the United States-both for health expenditures
      and outcomes-is not a unique manifestation of its structural shortcomings.

PMID- 27662224
TI  - Struggling with motherhood and coping with fatherhood - A grounded theory study
      among Thai teenagers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: to gain a deeper understanding of Thai teenage parents' perspectives,
      experiences and reasoning about becoming and being a teenage parent from a gender
      perspective. DESIGN: an exploratory design using grounded theory methodology.
      Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. An interview guide was
      developed, a pilot study was undertaken, and interviews were performed on two
      different occasions: once during the second trimester of pregnancy and again when
      the infant was 5-6 months old. SETTING: a province in the western part of
      Thailand. PARTICIPANTS: the selection of a heterogeneous group of teenage parents
      to-be continued until saturation was reached, as describe by Glaser and Strauss
      (1967), in all n=50. Inclusion criteria for participants were that they were
      heterosexual couples, under 20 years of age, cohabiting, and expecting their
      first child. FINDINGS: the core category 'struggling with motherhood and coping
      with fatherhood' comprises descriptions of the process from when the teenagers
      first learned about the pregnancy until the child was six months old. The
      teenagers had failed to use contraceptives which led to an unintended parenthood.
      Their parenthood became a turning point as the teenagers started to change their
      behaviours and lifestyle during pregnancy, and adapted their relationships to
      partner and family. Family commitments was a facilitator, through support given
      by their families. Finally, becoming a parent describes ways of dealing with the
      parental role, by engaging in parental activities and reestablishing goals in
      life. Most of the teenage parents reproduced traditional gender roles by being a
      caring mother or a breadwinning father respectively. KEY CONCLUSIONS: 'struggling
      with motherhood and coping with fatherhood' referred to the parents' stories
      about how they struggled and coped with life changes and their parental role when
      they became unintentionally pregnant, accepted their parenting, and finally
      became parents. After becoming parents, the main concerns of most of the teenage
      parents were being a caring mother and a breadwinning father. IMPLICATIONS FOR
      PRACTICE: this study contributes a deeper understanding of Thai teenage parents'
      experiences of becoming and being a parent and might improve health care
      professionals' adaptation of care for teentranatanage parents and inspire them to
      tailor their care specifically to teenager's needs from early pregnancy to
      parenthood.

PMID- 27662226
TI  - Gastric cancer mortality in a high-incidence area (Ardabil Province, Northwest
      Iran): What risk factors are causative?

PMID- 27662225
TI  - Response to the commentary letter entitled 'Diagnostic radiography and thyroid
      cancer - causation or simply an association?' to our article entitled 'Diagnostic
      radiography exposure increases the risk for thyroid microcarcinoma: a population
      based case-control study' that was published in the European Journal of Cancer
      Prevention 2015; 24(5):439-446.

PMID- 27662227
TI  - Appropriateness of Language Used in Patient Educational Materials from 24
      National Anesthesiology Associations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patient education materials produced by national anesthesiology
      associations could be used to facilitate patient informed consent and promote the
      discipline of anesthesiology. To achieve these goals, materials must use language
      that most adults can understand. Health organizations recommend that materials be
      written at the grade 8 level or less to ensure that they are understood by
      laypersons. The authors, therefore, investigated the language of educational
      materials produced by anesthesiology associations. METHODS: Educational materials
      were downloaded from the Web sites of 24 national anesthesiology associations, as
      available. Materials were divided into eight topics, resulting in 112 separate
      passages. Linguistic measures were calculated using Coh-Metrix (version 3.0;
      Memphis, USA) linguistic software. The authors compared the measures to a grade 8
      standard and examined the influence of both passage topic and country of origin
      using multivariate ANOVA. RESULTS: The authors found that 67% of associations
      provided online educational materials. None of the passages had all linguistic
      measures at or below the grade 8 level. Linguistic measures were influenced by
      both passage topic (F = 3.64; P < 0.0001) and country of origin (F = 7.26; P <
      0.0001). Contrast showed that passages describing the role of anesthesiologists
      in perioperative care used language that was especially inappropriate.
      CONCLUSIONS: Those associations that provided materials used words that were long
      and abstract. The language used was especially inappropriate for topics that are
      critical to facilitating patient informed consent and promoting the discipline of
      anesthesiology. Anesthesiology associations should simplify their materials and
      should consider screening their materials with linguistic software before making
      them public.

PMID- 27662229
TI  - Substitution Boosts Charge Separation for High Solar-Driven Photocatalytic
      Performance.
AB  - Bandgap engineering of photocatalysts is a common approach to achieving high
      effective utilization of solar resource. However, the difficulty in achieving
      bandgap narrowing and high activity simultaneously seems to be irreconcilable via
      the traditional modification pathway. Herein, we have substituted iodine for a
      fraction of bromine atoms in BiOBr to overcome this restriction and provided some
      deep-seated insights into how the substitution boosts the photocatalytic
      properties. The substituted BiOBr0.75I0.25 exhibited exceptional photoactivity,
      with photon-to-current conversion efficiency approximately 6 times greater than
      TiO2 in UV region, and more than 10 times higher than BiOBr or BiOI in visible
      light region. We found that the substitution narrowed the bandgap, facilitated
      the diffusion of electron with small effective mass, as well as induced oxygen
      vacancies on [Bi2O2]2+ layers. By virtue of the stronger dipole moments produced,
      the enhancement of intrinsic electric fields between [Bi2O2]2+ and halogen slabs
      was achieved in BiOBr0.75I0.25; thereby the distance the photogenerated electron
      could diffuse was sufficient to inhibit the recombination. Our findings not only
      shed light on the potential properties of hybrid-halide photocatalysts but also
      provide a strategy for developing high efficiency catalysts.

PMID- 27662230
TI  - Stereoselective Access to 1-[2-Bromo(het)aryloxy]propan-2-amines Using
      Transaminases and Lipases; Development of a Chemoenzymatic Strategy Toward a
      Levofloxacin Precursor.
AB  - Two independent enzymatic strategies have been developed toward the synthesis of
      enantioenriched 1-[2-bromo(het)aryloxy]propan-2-amines. With that purpose a
      series of racemic amines and prochiral ketones have been synthesized from
      commercially available 2-bromophenols or brominated pyridine derivatives bearing
      different pattern substitutions in the aromatic ring. Biotransamination
      experiments have been studied using ketones as starting materials, yielding both
      the (R)- and (S)-amine enantiomers with high selectivity (91-99% ee) depending on
      the transaminase source. In a complementary approach, the classical kinetic
      resolutions of the racemic amines have been investigated using Candida antarctica
      lipase type B as biocatalyst. Ethyl methoxyacetate was found as a suitable acyl
      donor leading to the corresponding (S)-amines (90-99% ee) and (R)-amides (88-99%
      ee) with high selectivity in most of the cases. A preparative biotransamination
      process has been developed for the synthesis of (2S)-1-(6-bromo-2,3
      difluorophenoxy)propan-2-amine in 61% isolated yield after 24 h, a valuable
      precursor of the antimicrobial agent Levofloxacin.

PMID- 27662231
TI  - The glycocins: in a class of their own.
AB  - First reported in 2011, glycocins (glycosylated bacteriocins) are bacterial
      toxins that constitute a subset of ribosomally synthesised and post
      translationally modified peptide (RiPP) natural products. Three NMR structures
      (glycocin F, ASM1 and sublancin 168), two with helix-loop-helix Cs alpha/alpha
      folds, are deposited in the PDB. Each structure contains a monosaccharide beta-S
      linked to a cysteine side chain. Three more glycocins (thurandacin, and
      enterocins F4-9 and 96) have been biochemically characterised, and others
      predicted on the basis of bioinformatic analyses. Only glycocin F, ASM1 and
      enterocin F4-9 are unequivocally glycoactive. This review probes the structure
      function relationships of four types of nested disulfide-bonded glycocins.

PMID- 27662232
TI  - Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in inborn errors of metabolism.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review summarizes the main results of haematopoietic stem
      cell transplantation (HSCT) in selected inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs).
      RECENT FINDINGS: Early diagnosis and immediate referral to an IEM specialist is
      of paramount importance to improve clinical outcome: patients who are
      transplanted early or in their presymptomatic phase generally achieve better
      correction of their somatic symptoms and neurocognitive development. Long-term
      outcome in children with Hurler syndrome is influenced by age at HSCT, baseline
      clinical status and post-HSCT enzyme levels. Myeloablative Busulfan-based
      conditioning regimens with therapeutic drug monitoring are recommended to achieve
      full donor engraftment and more robust enzyme delivery after HSCT. Gene therapy
      can lead to production of supranormal enzyme levels, and preliminary clinical
      results are also promising in IEMs historically not responsive to allogeneic
      HSCT. SUMMARY: Allogeneic HSCT has largely contributed to the improved survival
      and quality of life of many children affected by IEMs. Neonatal screening could
      enable earlier HSCT, and this might significantly reduce residual disease burden
      and improve clinical outcome. Novel strategies, such as gene therapy, have shown
      encouraging clinical results in selected IEMs and might become more widely
      available in the future, with potentially better enzyme delivery and reduced
      transplant-related toxicity.

PMID- 27662233
TI  - WHY THE DOTS ARE BLACK ONLY IN THE LATE PHASE OF THE INDOCYANINE GREEN
      ANGIOGRAPHY IN MULTIPLE EVANESCENT WHITE DOT SYNDROME.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine what retinal layer is primarily involved in multiple
      evanescent white dot syndrome compared with acute posterior multifocal placoid
      pigment epitheliopathy using multimodal imaging including indocyanine green
      angiography. METHODS: Color fundus photographs and fluorescein angiography, ICGA
      and spectral domain optical coherence tomography images of two typical acute
      cases, one of acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy and one
      of multiple evanescent white dot syndrome, were assessed and compared. RESULTS:
      In both diseases, white plaques or dots were seen at the posterior pole. The
      hypofluorescence of acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy in
      the early phase of the fluorescein angiography and throughout the ICGA sequence
      suggested a multifocal choroidal hypoperfusion as the cause of the opacification
      of the outer retina corresponding to its hyper-reflectivity on spectral domain
      optical coherence tomography. In multiple evanescent white dot syndrome, there
      was no choroidal filling defect and the white spots were silent in the early
      phase of the ICGA, whereas they became black only in the late phase. The outer
      retina was also altered at the spots. CONCLUSION: In multiple evanescent white
      dot syndrome, the late hypofluorescence of the white spots on ICGA was likely due
      to the absence of ICG uptake by a damaged retinal pigment epithelium. Multiple
      evanescent white dot syndrome seems as a primary reversible nondestructive
      retinal pigment epitheliopathy, whereas acute posterior multifocal placoid
      pigment epitheliopathy is a true choroidopathy.

PMID- 27662234
TI  - QUININE TOXICITY: MULTIMODAL RETINAL IMAGING AND ELECTRORETINOGRAPHY FINDINGS.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report the multimodal retinal imaging and electroretinography (ERG)
      findings of two cases with quinine toxicity. METHODS: Retrospective case series
      describing the retinal imaging and ERG findings in two patients with retinal
      toxicity due to remote quinine exposure. Color fundus photography, fundus
      autofluorescence, spectral domain optical coherence tomography, and full-field
      ERG findings are described. RESULTS: Two patients with longstanding decreased
      vision were found to have bilateral optic disk pallor and retinal vascular
      attenuation indicative of chronic sequela after acute quinine toxicity. Inner
      retinal atrophy was identified on spectral domain optical coherence tomography,
      and full-field ERG was consistent with generalized inner retinal dysfunction in
      both patients. Fundus autofluorescence failed to demonstrate any evidence of
      outer retinal or retinal pigment epithelial abnormalities. CONCLUSION: Quinine
      toxicity may be associated with vision loss secondary to inner retinal atrophy.
      We report two cases with a clear history of acute quinine exposure leading to
      similar retinal imaging findings and distinctive ERG abnormalities. Clinicians
      should be aware of this uncommon condition as ingestion history may be remote.

PMID- 27662235
TI  - Double hydrogen bond interaction in 7-azaindole complexes with protic solvents.
AB  - The double hydrogen bond interaction between 7-azaindole (7AI) and protic
      solvents including methanol (MeOH), formamide (FM), formic acid (FA), pyridone
      (PY) and 7AI has been investigated as a proper model of mutations generated by
      tautomeric shifts in hydrogen-bonded bases of DNA. The results confirm
      electrostatic nature for all considered hydrogen bonds except for NH hydrogen
      bond in 7AI-FA. The largest interaction and polarization energies are obtained
      for 7AI-FA by means of energy decomposition analyses (EDA). The EDA results show
      an inverse competitive correlation between polarization and electrostatic
      components of attraction energy to determine the nature of hydrogen bond. The red
      shifted hydrogen bonds are identified for all complexes as a result of
      hyperconjugation, except for 7AI-MeOH, which its blue-shift effect is attributed
      to the rehybridization dominating of CH bond. Investigation of aromaticity
      indices for 7AI complexes represents an increase in aromaticity of pentagonal
      ring and a decrease in hexagonal ring. Finally, the double hydrogen bond between
      7AI and FA is identified as dominant interaction to achieve the tautomerization
      of 7AI in all applied approaches.

PMID- 27662236
TI  - Self-Assembled Nanogels of Cholesterol-Bearing Hydroxypropyl Cellulose: A
      Thermoresponsive Building Block for Nanogel Tectonic Materials.
AB  - Hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) is a fascinating polysaccharide to use in
      developing a nanogel to be a thermoresponsive building unit for nanogel tectonic
      materials. Cholesterol-bearing HPC (Ch-HPC) self-assembled to form nanogels
      through hydrophobic interactions of the cholesteryl groups in water. Ch-HPC
      nanogels had a lower critical solution temperature in line with that of native
      HPC. The particle size of Ch-HPC nanogels was reversibly controlled by the
      temperature and salting-out effect. The thermoresponsive property was also
      observed in Ch-HPC nanogel-cross-linked macrogels. These results suggest that a
      Ch-HPC nanogel is an attractive building block for thermoresponsive nanogel
      tectonic materials.

PMID- 27662237
TI  - Explicitly Unraveling the Roles of Counterions, Solvent Molecules, and Electron
      Correlation in Solution Phase Reaction Pathways.
AB  - Studies utilizing continuum solvation methods can sometimes omit critically
      important solute-solvent interactions, while explicitly sampling full solution
      phase mechanisms accurately with Born-Oppenheimer molecular dynamics (BOMD) is
      computationally costly. In this work, we benchmark components for an alternative
      IRCMax-like procedure for refined analyses of electronic energies along reaction
      pathways. The procedure involves obtaining molecular clusters from nudged elastic
      band calculations for use in mixed explicit-continuum models. The reaction
      energetics from these models correspond well to energetics obtained from explicit
      models using periodic boundary conditions, and the clusters obtained are more
      amenable to treatments with high levels of quantum chemistry theory. We
      demonstrate this approach using CO2 reduction by NaBH4 and NaBH3OH in aqueous
      solution as test cases. We show that the local solvation environment containing
      explicit solvent molecules and a counterion within the entire first solvation
      shell significantly influences reaction energies. For the hydride transfers
      reported herein, the level of quantum chemistry theory used beyond that treated
      by standard GGA exchange correlation functionals normally plays a less
      significant role.

PMID- 27662238
TI  - Tandem O-H Insertion/[1,3]-Alkyl Shift of Rhodium Azavinyl Carbenoids with
      Benzylic Alcohols: A Route To Convert C-OH Bonds into C-C Bonds.
AB  - Alcohols are among the most abundant and commonly used organic feedstock in
      industrial processes and academic research. The first tandem O-H insertion/[1,3]
      alkyl shift reaction reported is between benzylic alcohols and rhodium azavinyl
      carbenoids derived from N-sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazoles, which provides a
      strategically novel way of cleaving C-OH bonds and forming C-C bonds. The
      substrate scope is broad, capable of covering 1 degrees -, 2 degrees -, and 3
      degrees -benzylic alcohols. Moreover, it constitutes a new and powerful synthetic
      method for constructing alpha-aminoketones. Mechanistic studies suggest that a
      [1,3]-alkyl shift of oxonium ylides is responsible for cleavage of the C-OH
      bonds.

PMID- 27662239
TI  - Hollow Porous Hierarchical-Structured 0.5Li2MnO3.0.5LiMn0.4Co0.3Ni0.3O2 as a High
      Performance Cathode Material for Lithium-Ion Batteries.
AB  - We report a novel hollow porous hierarchical-architectured
      0.5Li2MnO3.0.5LiMn0.4Co0.3Ni0.3O2 (LLO) for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The
      obtained lithium-rich layered oxides possess a large inner cavity, a permeable
      porous shell, and excellent structural robustness. In LIBs, such unique features
      are favorable for fast Li+ transportation and can provide sufficient contact
      between active materials and electrolytes, accommodate more Li+, and improve the
      kinetics of the electrochemical reaction. The as-prepared LLO displays an
      extremely high initial discharge capacity (296.5 mAh g-1 at 0.2 C), high rate
      capability (162.6 mAh g-1 at 10 C), and excellent cycling stability (237.6 mAh g
      1 after 100 cycles at 0.5 C and 153.8 mAh g-1 after 200 cycles at 10 C). These
      values are superior to most literature data.

PMID- 27662240
TI  - AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGISTS AND AMERICAN COLLEGE OF
      ENDOCRINOLOGY CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES FOR THE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF
      POSTMENOPAUSAL OSTEOPOROSIS - 2016.
AB  - ABBREVIATIONS: AACE = American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists AFF =
      atypical femur fracture ASBMR = American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
      BEL = best evidence level BMD = bone mineral density BTM = bone turnover marker
      CBC = complete blood count CI = confidence interval DXA = dual-energy X-ray
      absorptiometry EL = evidence level FDA = U.S. Food and Drug Administration FLEX =
      Fracture Intervention Trial (FIT) Long-term Extension FRAX(r) = Fracture Risk
      Assessment Tool GFR = glomerular filtration rate GI = gastrointestinal HORIZON =
      Health Outcomes and Reduced Incidence with Zoledronic Acid Once Yearly IOF =
      International Osteoporosis Foundation ISCD = International Society for Clinical
      Densitometry IU = international units IV = intravenous LSC = least significant
      change NBHA = National Bone Health Alliance NOF = National Osteoporosis
      Foundation 25(OH)D = 25-hydroxy vitamin D ONJ = osteonecrosis of the jaw PINP =
      serum carboxy-terminal propeptide of type I collagen PTH = parathyroid hormone R
      = recommendation RANK = receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B RANKL =
      receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand RCT = randomized controlled
      trial RR = relative risk S-CTX = serum C-terminal telopeptide SQ = subcutaneous
      VFA = vertebral fracture assessment WHO = World Health Organization.

PMID- 27662241
TI  - A mixed-methods process evaluation of a goal management intervention for patients
      with polyarthritis.
AB  - Process evaluations of newly developed interventions are necessary to identify
      effective and less effective intervention components. First aim of this study was
      to identify key components of a psychosocial goal management intervention from
      the perspective of participants, and second aim was to evaluate the
      intervention's fidelity. A mixed-methods approach was applied to 24 interviews
      with participants post-intervention and 16 audio recordings of random training
      sessions. Participants experienced three key components: (1) the content, in
      which specific exercises helped to raise awareness and (intention to) change goal
      management behaviour, (2) person-focused approach, specifically, the nurse as
      trainer and personal fit of the approach, and (3) social mechanisms, including
      facilitating group processes and interpersonal processes. Adherence to the
      protocol by the trainers was high, while differences were found in the degree to
      which they were able to apply the intended collaborative approach and
      psychological communication skills. The applied design provided valuable insights
      into the processes that took place. Both the effects experienced by participants
      in relationship to the content, approach and social mechanisms as well as the
      strengths and weaknesses found with regard to fidelity provide insights that can
      inform the development and implementation of person-focused interventions.

PMID- 27662242
TI  - Protecting Triazabutadienes To Afford Acid Resistance.
AB  - Recent work on triazabutadienes has shown that they have the ability to release
      aryl diazonium ions under exceptionally mild acidic conditions. There are
      instances that require that this release be prevented or minimized. Accordingly,
      a base-labile protection strategy for the triazabutadiene is presented. It
      affords enhanced synthetic and practical utility of the triazabutadiene. The
      effects of steric and electronic factors in the rate of removal are discussed,
      and the triazabutadiene protection is shown to be compatible with the traditional
      acid-labile protection strategy used in solid phase peptide synthesis.

PMID- 27662243
TI  - A micromolar concentration of lipo-chitooligosaccharide (Nod Bj V [C18:1, MeFuc])
      regulates the emergence and seed productivity of rapid cycling canola (Brassica
      napus [L.]) plants.
AB  - The objective of this experiment was to assess whether or not the application of
      lipo-chitooligosaccharide (Nod Bj V [C18:1, MeFuc]) (LCO) would increase yield
      factors under conditions that would inhibit canola (Brassica napus L.)
      productivity. The seed application reduced the percentage of plants that were
      unproductive by 15.10% compared to plants grown from untreated seeds. Based on
      the 95% confidence interval for the difference, untreated plants would produce 38
      to 3% fewer seeds than plants grown from LCO treated seeds. The experimental
      conditions were artificial, but further experimentation, with agricultural
      cultivars grown in greenhouses where natural conditions were simulated, confirmed
      that LCO treatment can contribute to canola yield.

PMID- 27662244
TI  - Subclinical ultrasonographic abnormalities of the suspensory ligament branches in
      National Hunt racehorses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Suspensory ligament branch (SLB) desmopathy is a common cause of
      lameness and an important cause of lost training in the Thoroughbred racing
      industry. Studies have assessed the impact of insertional injuries of the SLB on
      the careers of flat racehorses and established the prevalence of subclinical
      ultrasonographic SLB abnormalities in this population, but little work has
      investigated SLB injury in National Hunt (NH) racehorses. OBJECTIVES: To
      investigate the prevalence of subclinical ultrasonographic SLB abnormalities in
      NH racehorses with no clinical signs or history of SLB injury and to establish
      the cross-sectional area (CSA) of SLBs in this population. STUDY DESIGN: Cross
      sectional study using data collected from horses on an NH yard. METHODS:
      Ultrasonographic examination of forelimb SLBs in 62 horses on a single NH yard
      was performed. Images were graded according to a previously reported system. CSA
      measurements were obtained from transverse images. RESULTS: Nineteen of 62 horses
      had at least one SLB with grade 2 ultrasonographic abnormalities. Grade 2
      ultrasonographic abnormalities occurred more frequently in the medial than the
      lateral SLB (P = 0.05). The medial SLB insertional CSA was significantly larger
      (P<0.001) than that of the lateral SLB. MAIN LIMITATIONS: Length of time on the
      yard (and therefore available veterinary history) is variable in this population.
      CONCLUSIONS: One in three NH racehorses without history or clinical signs of SLB
      injury had at least one SLB with a grade 2 ultrasonographic abnormality. The
      medial branch was over-represented. The medial SLB insertional CSA is larger than
      the lateral and thus comparison with the corresponding branch in the
      contralateral limb is recommended to avoid misdiagnosis of medial SLB
      enlargement.

PMID- 27662245
TI  - MED28 Regulates Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Through NFkappaB in Human
      Breast Cancer Cells.
AB  - MED28, a mammalian Mediator subunit, was found highly expressed in several types
      of malignancy, including breast cancer. Recently, we have identified a role of
      MED28 in regulating both cell growth and migration in human breast cancer cells.
      In epithelium-derived solid tumor, migration and invasion are preceded by the
      progression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) which calls for
      downregulation of epithelial markers as well as upregulation of mesenchymal
      markers, among other features. The objective of this study was to investigate a
      putative role of MED28 in the progression of EMT in human breast cancer cells. In
      fibroblast-like MDA-MB-231 cells, suppression of MED28 attenuated the mesenchymal
      morphology, concomitantly with a reduction of several mesenchymal biomarkers and
      Snail, a transcriptional repressor of E-cadherin. The suppression effect was also
      accompanied by downregulation of p-NFkappaB/p65. However, overexpression of MED28
      exhibited in an opposite manner. In epithelial MCF7 cells, administration of
      Adriamycin(r), an experimental EMT induction system, led to a mesenchyme-like
      appearance correlated with increased expression of MED28, p-p65, and Snail, and a
      reciprocal change of epithelial and mesenchymal markers. Furthermore, suppression
      of MED28 attenuated the experimental EMT effect and restored the original
      expression status of E-cadherin and MMP9 in MCF7 cells. Our data indicate that
      MED28 modulates the development of EMT through NFkappaB in human breast cancer
      cells, further reinforcing the significance of MED28 in the progression of breast
      cancer on top of its role in cell growth and migration. J. Cell. Physiol. 232:
      1337-1345, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27662246
TI  - Alterations of CorTFL1 and CorAP1 expression correlate with major evolutionary
      shifts of inflorescence architecture in Cornus (Cornaceae) - a proposed model for
      variation of closed inflorescence forms.
AB  - TFL1-, AP1- and LFY-like genes are known to be key regulators of inflorescence
      development. However, it remains to be tested whether the evolutionary
      modifications of inflorescence morphology result from shifts in their expression
      patterns. We compared the spatiotemporal expression patterns of CorTFL1, CorAP1
      and CorLFY in six closely related Cornus species that display four types of
      closed inflorescence morphology using quantitative real-time polymerase chain
      reaction (qRT-PCR) and RNA in situ hybridization. Character mapping on the
      phylogeny was conducted to identify evolutionary changes and to assess the
      correlation between changes in gene expression and inflorescence morphology.
      Results demonstrated variation of gene expression patterns among species and a
      strong correlation between CorTFL1 expression and the branch index of the
      inflorescence type. Evolutionary changes in CorTFL1 and CorAP1 expression co
      occurred on the phylogeny with the morphological changes underpinning
      inflorescence divergence. The study found a clear correlation between the
      expression patterns of CorTFL1 and CorAP1 and the inflorescence architecture in a
      natural system displaying closed inflorescences. The results suggest a role for
      the alteration in CorTFL1 and CorAP1 expression during the evolutionary
      modification of inflorescences in Cornus. We propose that a TFL1-like and AP1
      like gene-based model may explain variation of closed inflorescences in Cornus
      and other lineages.

PMID- 27662247
TI  - It Takes a Megalopolis to Relaunch a Journal: A Story of Gratitude.

PMID- 27662248
TI  - Biasing Opioid Receptors and Cholesterol as a Player in Developmental Biology.
AB  - Every month the editors of Cell Chemical Biology bring you highlights of the most
      recent chemical biology literature. Our September 2016 selection includes the
      discovery of PZM21, a MUOR biased agonist with minimal side effects, and the role
      of cholesterol in Hedgehog signaling pathway. 

PMID- 27662249
TI  - A New Staple: Peptide-Targeted Covalent Inhibitors.
AB  - In this issue of Cell Chemical Biology, Huhn et al. (2016) unveil a clever
      strategy for selectively and irreversibly inhibiting an anti-apoptotic protein,
      BFL-1. The authors describe stapled peptides bearing carefully placed
      electrophiles that target a unique cysteine residue in BFL-1 via covalent
      modification, thus representing an extension of the stapled peptide concept into
      the covalent inhibitor space. 

PMID- 27662250
TI  - Lipase Processing of Complex Lipid Antigens.
AB  - Mycobacterium tuberculosis synthesizes a wide variety of complex lipids that can
      serve as antigens in immune recognition of the bacterium. In this issue of Cell
      Chemical Biology, Gilleron et al. (2016) identify key enzymes essential for lipid
      antigen processing, which is required for CD1b-restricted T cell activation. 

PMID- 27662251
TI  - Vaccinology Gets Help from Chemistry.
AB  - A recent report on the immunological activity of protein conjugates of synthetic
      lipoteicoic fragments from Clostridium difficile underpins the use of these
      molecules for the development of a vaccine. In a recent issue of Cell Chemical
      Biology, Broecker et al. (2016) illustrate the utility of glycoarray-based
      selection of bacterial carbohydrates with the potential to become vaccine
      candidates. 

PMID- 27662252
TI  - Synthetic Biology-Based Point-of-Care Diagnostics for Infectious Disease.
AB  - Infectious diseases outpace all other causes of death in low-income countries,
      posing global health risks, laying stress on healthcare systems and societies,
      and taking an avoidable human toll. One solution to this crisis is early
      diagnosis of infectious disease, which represents a powerful way to optimize
      treatment, increase patient survival rate, and decrease healthcare costs.
      However, conventional early diagnosis methods take a long time to generate
      results, lack accuracy, and are known to seriously underperform with regard to
      fungal and viral infections. Synthetic biology offers a fast and highly accurate
      alternative to conventional infectious disease diagnosis. In this review, we
      outline obstacles to infectious disease diagnostics and discuss two emerging
      alternatives: synthetic viral diagnostic systems and biosensors. We argue that
      these synthetic biology-based approaches may overcome diagnostic obstacles in
      infectious disease and improve health outcomes. 

PMID- 27662253
TI  - Stabilizing Protein Motifs with a Genetically Encoded Metal-Ion Chelator.
AB  - The N-peptide of HIV gp41 forms a trimeric coiled-coil intermediate during host
      cell-viral fusion. Stable mimics of this coiled coil could potentially serve as
      HIV vaccine candidates or inhibitors of viral entry. Therefore, a variety of
      approaches have been investigated to maintain the N-peptide in its trimeric
      helical conformation. Here, we utilize a genetic method to incorporate the metal
      chelating noncanonical amino acid (2,2'-bipyridin-5-yl)alanine (BpyAla) into
      IZN17, an established trimeric coiled-coil gp41 model. We demonstrate that BpyAla
      IZN17 acquires Fe(II) during expression in Escherichia coli, resulting in the
      formation of a highly stable IZN17 helical trimer with a Tm > 95 degrees C.
      Removal of Fe(II) results in a 27 degrees C decrease in thermal stability.
      Replacement of Fe(II) with Zn(II) also affords a Tm > 90 degrees C. Thus, the
      genetic introduction of BpyAla into polypeptide provides a straightforward method
      for stabilizing coiled-coil structural motifs in recombinantly engineered
      proteins. 

PMID- 27662254
TI  - Lysosomal Lipases PLRP2 and LPLA2 Process Mycobacterial Multi-acylated Lipids and
      Generate T Cell Stimulatory Antigens.
AB  - Complex antigens require processing within antigen-presenting cells (APCs) to
      form T cell stimulatory complexes with CD1 antigen-presenting molecules. It
      remains unknown whether lipids with multi-acylated moieties also necessitate
      digestion by lipases to become capable of binding CD1 molecules and stimulate T
      cells. Here, we show that the mycobacterial tetra-acylated glycolipid antigens
      phosphatidyl-myo-inositol mannosides (PIM) are digested to di-acylated forms by
      pancreatic lipase-related protein 2 (PLRP2) and lysosomal phospholipase A2
      (LPLA2) within APCs. Recombinant PLRP2 and LPLA2 removed the sn1- and sn2-bound
      fatty acids from the PIM glycerol moiety, as revealed by mass spectrometry and
      nuclear magnetic resonance studies. PLRP2 or LPLA2 gene silencing in APCs
      abolished PIM presentation to T cells, thus revealing an essential role of both
      lipases in vivo. These findings show that endosomal lipases participate in lipid
      antigen presentation by processing lipid antigens and have a role in T cell
      immunity against mycobacteria. 

PMID- 27662255
TI  - Rhodium-Catalyzed Oxidative Benzannulation of N-Pivaloylanilines with Internal
      Alkynes through Dual C-H Bond Activation: Synthesis of Highly Substituted
      Naphthalenes.
AB  - An efficient method was developed for the synthesis of highly substituted
      naphthalenes through rhodium-catalyzed oxidative benzannulation of N
      pivaloylanilines with internal alkynes. The benzannulation reaction proceeded
      smoothly through dual C-H bond activation to produce the corresponding highly
      substituted naphthalene products in satisfactory to good yields.

PMID- 27662256
TI  - Invasion history and demographic processes associated with rapid morphological
      changes in the Red-whiskered bulbul established on tropical islands.
AB  - The Red-whiskered bulbul is a very successful invasive bird species.
      Morphological differences have been reported among individuals inhabiting the
      humid and dry coasts of Reunion Island, in a 30-year-old population. This
      suggests a capacity for rapid local adaptation which could explain the general
      invasive success of this species. However, the origin and invasion history of
      this population is unknown. It is therefore not possible to establish with
      certainty the cause of these morphological differences. Here, we investigated the
      invasion history of populations of Red-whiskered bulbul established on Reunion
      Island, Mauritius and Oahu (three geographically similar tropical islands) to
      assess the link between invasion history and morphological changes in these
      populations. We first assessed the source(s) of the invasive populations. We then
      compared the morphology of the individuals between the invasive and native
      populations and between the dry and humid coasts of invaded islands. Finally, we
      inferred the invasion history of the invasive populations to investigate the role
      of neutral processes (e.g. founder effect and drift) on morphology. We found that
      the invasive populations have a similar origin and that the morphology of the
      individuals in these populations has diverged in a similar way from the native
      range, suggesting a convergent adaptation to tropical islands. Like on Reunion,
      we found differences in morphology between the dry and humid coasts on Mauritius.
      These morphological differences can be explained by invasion history on Reunion
      but not on Mauritius. Both neutral evolution and adaptation thus shape the
      morphology of invasive Red-whiskered bulbuls.

PMID- 27662258
TI  - Towards a universally accepted definition of subclinical Cushing's syndrome -
      subclinical autonomous hypercortisolism.

PMID- 27662257
TI  - Standardization of microparticle enumeration across different flow cytometry
      platforms: results of a multicenter collaborative workshop.
AB  - Essentials The clinical enumeration of microparticles (MPs) is hampered by a lack
      of standardization. A new strategy to standardize MP counts by flow cytometry was
      evaluated in a multicenter study. No difference was found between instruments
      using forward or side scatter as the trigger parameter. This study demonstrated
      that beads can be used as a standardization tool for MPs. Click to hear the ISTH
      Academy's webinar on microvesicles SUMMARY: Background Microparticles (MPs) are
      extracellular vesicles resulting from the budding of cellular membranes that have
      a high potential as emergent biomarkers; however, their clinical relevance is
      hampered by methodological enumeration concerns and a lack of standardization.
      Flow cytometry (FCM) remains the most commonly used technique with the best
      capability to determine the cellular origin of single MPs. However, instruments
      behave variably depending on which scatter parameter (forward (FSC) or side
      scatter (SSC)) provides the best resolution to discriminate submicron particles.
      To overcome this problem, a new approach, based on two sets of selected beads
      adapted to FSC or SSC-optimized instruments, was recently proposed to
      reproducibly enumerate platelet-derived MP counts among instruments with
      different optical systems. Objective The objective was to evaluate this strategy
      in an international workshop that included 44 laboratories accounting for 52
      cytometers of 14 types. Methods/Results Using resolution capability and
      background noise level as criteria to qualify the instruments, the
      standardization strategy proved to be compatible with 85% (44/52) of instruments.
      All instruments correctly ranked the platelet MP (PMP) levels of two platelet
      free plasma samples. The inter-laboratory variability of PMP counts was 37% and
      28% for each sample. No difference was found between instruments using forward or
      side-scattered light as the relative sizing parameter. Conclusions Despite
      remaining limitations, this study is the first to demonstrate a real potential of
      bead-based strategies for standardization of MP enumeration across different FCM
      platforms. Additional standardization efforts are still mandatory to evaluate
      MPs' clinical relevance at a multicenter level.

PMID- 27662260
TI  - Tracer diffusion in a polymer gel: simulations of static and dynamic 3D networks
      using spherical boundary conditions.
AB  - We have investigated an alternative to the standard periodic boundary conditions
      for simulating the diffusion of tracer particles in a polymer gel by performing
      Brownian dynamics simulations using spherical boundary conditions. The gel
      network is constructed by randomly distributing tetravalent cross-linking nodes
      and connecting nearest pairs. The final gel structure is characterised by the
      radial distribution functions, chain lengths and end-to-end distances, and the
      pore size distribution. We have looked at the diffusion of tracer particles with
      a wide range of sizes, diffusing in both static and dynamic networks of two
      different volume fractions. It is quantitatively shown that the dynamical effect
      of the network becomes more important in facilitating the diffusional transport
      for larger particle sizes, and that one obtains a finite diffusion also for
      particle sizes well above the maximum in the pore size distribution.

PMID- 27662259
TI  - Environment not dispersal limitation drives clonal composition of Arctic Daphnia
      in a recently deglaciated area.
AB  - One of the most prominent manifestations of the ongoing climate warming is the
      retreat of glaciers and ice sheets around the world. Retreating glaciers result
      in the formation of new ponds and lakes, which are available for colonization.
      The gradual appearance of these new habitat patches allows us to determine to
      what extent the composition of asexual Daphnia (water flea) populations is
      affected by environmental drivers vs. dispersal limitation. Here, we used a
      landscape genetics approach to assess the processes structuring the clonal
      composition of species in the D. pulex species complex that have colonized
      periglacial habitats created by ice-sheet retreat in western Greenland. We
      analysed 61 populations from a young (<50 years) and an old cluster (>150 years)
      of lakes and ponds. We identified 42 asexual clones that varied widely in spatial
      distribution. Beta-diversity was higher among older than among younger systems.
      Lineage sorting by the environment explained 14% of the variation in clonal
      composition whereas the pure effect of geographical distance was very small and
      statistically insignificant (Radj2 = 0.010, P = 0.085). Dispersal limitation did
      not seem important, even among young habitat patches. The observation of several
      tens of clones colonizing the area combined with environmentally driven clonal
      composition of populations illustrates that population assembly of asexual
      species in the Arctic is structured by environmental gradients reflecting
      differences in the ecology of clones.

PMID- 27662261
TI  - Children's medicine: What do consumers really want to know?
AB  - AIM: This study explored consumer knowledge gaps and concerns regarding
      medication use in children. METHODS: Calls concerning or made by people under 18
      to the pharmacist-operated, national consumer medicines call centre National
      Prescribing Service Medicines Line (2002 to June 2010) were analysed. Calls were
      classified and narratively explored by age group: <1, 1-4, 5-14 and 15-17 years.
      Consumer Medication Information (CMI) and evidence-based resources were examined
      to determine information concordance for common questions. RESULTS: There were 14
      753 paediatric-related calls (mean age 4.1 years). Callers were predominantly
      female (91.5%), mean age was 35.8 years. Most (89.4%) phoned for a child and 2.2%
      for themselves. Main enquiry types were: lactation (22.1%), treatment/prophylaxis
      (11.1%), dose (10.2%), adverse reaction (10.0%), interaction (8.4%) and
      vaccination (8.4%). However, the primary enquiry differed by age group: lactation
      (<1 year), dosing (1-4, 5-14 years) and interactions (15-17 years). Global
      concerns were medication safety, with breastfeeding for infants <1 year and
      age/weight dose clarification for children 1-4 and 5-14 years. In contrast,
      interaction questions from adolescents concerned nervous system medicines,
      cold/flu products, contraceptives and recreational drugs. While paracetamol was
      the primary medication of interest across age groups, the remaining 'top two'
      differed significantly. Inconsistencies identified between CMI and evidence-based
      resources contribute to consumer uncertainty. CONCLUSIONS: Care givers and older
      children use a call centre to address their information needs about frequently
      used and highly accessible medicines, and their concerns vary across paediatric
      age groups. Inconsistent information provided by CMI on medication use in
      children contributes to consumer uncertainty and help-seeking behaviour.

PMID- 27662262
TI  - Does the cause of the mild traumatic brain injury affect the expectation of
      persistent postconcussion symptoms and psychological trauma?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: A controlled experiment of the effect of injury cause on
      expectations of outcome from mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) was conducted.
      METHOD: Ninety-three participants were randomly assigned to one of four
      conditions. The participants read a vignette that described a mild TBI (with
      fixed injury parameters) from a different cause (sport, domestic assault, fall,
      or motor vehicle accident). The effect of the manipulation on expectations of
      persistent postconcussion symptoms and psychological trauma was assessed with
      standard measures and a novel "threat-to-life" measure. RESULTS: The Kruskal
      Wallis H test for group differences revealed a significant but selective effect
      of group on symptom and trauma outcomes (n2s >= .10; large effects). Post hoc
      pairwise tests showed that, in most cases, there was an expectation of a worse
      outcome following mild TBI from a domestic assault than from the other causes
      (small-to-medium effects). CONCLUSION: Expectations were selectively altered by
      an experimental manipulation of injury cause. Given that expectations of outcome
      are known to affect mild TBI prognosis, the findings suggest the need for greater
      attention to injury cause.

PMID- 27662263
TI  - Breast care screening for underserved African American women: Community-based
      participatory approach.
AB  - Traditional health promotion models often do not take into account the importance
      of shared cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences unique to underserved
      African American women when designing community-based cancer screening and
      prevention programs. Thus, the purpose of this study was the development,
      implementation, and evaluation of a community-based participatory research (CBPR)
      program designed to increase breast cancer screening awareness in an underserved
      African American population by providing culturally appropriate social support
      and information. The study includes 357 African American women who participated
      in the program and completed the 6-month follow-up questionnaire. The program
      consisted of a 45-minute play, using community members and storytelling to honor
      and incorporate five different cultural experiences (skits) with breast care and
      cancer. Overall, findings indicate that the educational intervention was
      effective. In addition, these findings are consistent with the literature that
      suggests that educational interventions that include knowledge to alleviate
      concerns, dispel myths, and create awareness can increase breast cancer screening
      participation rates. Furthermore, these findings confirm the importance of CBPR
      in health promotion activities in reducing health and cancer disparities.

PMID- 27662264
TI  - Pharmacokinetics of guaifenesin, pseudoephedrine and hydrocodone in a combination
      oral liquid formulation, administered as single and multiple doses in healthy
      Chinese volunteers, and comparison with data for individual compounds formulated
      as Antuss(r).
AB  - 1. A new oral liquid formulation combining guaifenesin, pseudoephedrine and
      hydrocodone is effective in improving the symptoms of common cold. The
      pharmacokinetic properties of the individual components were evaluated in a
      randomized, open-label, four-period study in 12 healthy Chinese volunteers
      following single and multiple doses. The data were compared with data for the
      individual ingredients in Antuss(r). 2. In the single-dose period, exposure
      levels (AUC and Cmax) for guaifenesin, pseudoephedrine and hydrocodone increased
      directly as the dose of the oral liquid formulation increased from 5 to 15 mL.
      Only minor amounts of guaifenesin and hydrocodone were excreted in urine (~0.10%
      and 4.66%, respectively). Pseudoephedrine was mainly excreted unchanged, with
      44.95% of the dose excreted in urine within 24 h. After multiple dosing, there
      was no obvious accumulation of any drug, as assessed by AUC. When considering
      Cmax, there was a trend toward accumulation of hydrocodone and pseudoephedrine.
      The pharmacokinetic profiles of guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine in the oral
      liquid formulation were similar to those in the branded preparation, Antuss(r).
      3. The newly developed oral liquid formulation combining guaifenesin,
      pseudoephedrine and hydrocodone was safe and well tolerated and might provide a
      reliable alternative to the branded formulation for patients with common colds.

PMID- 27662265
TI  - Development of a Communication Intervention for Older Adults With Limited Health
      Literacy: Photo Stories to Support Doctor-Patient Communication.
AB  - Successful doctor-patient communication relies on appropriate levels of
      communicative health literacy, the ability to deal with and communicate about
      health information. This article aims to describe the development of a narrative-
      and picture-based health literacy intervention intended to support older patients
      with limited health literacy when communicating during their primary care
      consultations. We performed a formative evaluation that included a review of the
      literature and interviews with stakeholders on relevant health literacy issues,
      qualitative studies with the target group, intervention planning, and a small
      scale evaluation. Cocreation with the target group was a major component. Seven
      photo stories were developed incorporating principles from narrative and social
      learning theory and covering communication themes and strategies identified
      during focus group discussions and role-play exercises. The intervention was
      developed in 3 different formats: 1-page photo stories, narrated video clips
      using the original photo story pictures, and interactive video clips covering
      participation and communication during primary care consultations. In our small
      scale evaluation, older adults considered the cocreated intervention appealing
      and comprehensible. The intervention shows promise for improving the health of
      older adults but needs further evaluation. This study provides a rigorous
      template for the participatory development of health literacy interventions.

PMID- 27662266
TI  - The role of three-dimensional pure bovine gelatin scaffolds in tendon healing,
      modeling, and remodeling: an in vivo investigation with potential clinical value.
AB  - AIM OF THE STUDY: Large tendon defects involving extensive tissue loss present
      complex clinical problems. Surgical reconstruction of such injuries is normally
      performed by transplanting autogenous and allogenous soft tissues that are
      expected to remodel to mimic a normal tendon. However, the use of grafts has
      always been associated with significant limitations. Tissue engineering employing
      artificial scaffolds may provide acceptable alternatives. Gelatin is a hydrolyzed
      form of collagen that is bioactive, biodegradable, and biocompatible. The present
      study has investigated the suitability of gelatin scaffold for promoting healing
      of a large tendon-defect model in rabbits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An experimental
      model of a large tendon defect was produced by partial excision of the Achilles
      tendon of the left hind leg in adult rabbits. To standardize and stabilize the
      length of the tendon defect a modified Kessler core suture was anchored in the
      sectioned tendon ends. The defects were either left untreated or filled with
      three-dimensional gelatin scaffold. Before euthanasia 60 days after injury, the
      progress of healing was evaluated clinically. Samples of healing tendon were
      harvested at autopsy and evaluated by gross, histopathologic, scanning, and
      transmission electron microscopy, and by biomechanical testing. RESULTS: The
      treated animals showed superior weight-bearing and physical activity compared
      with those untreated, while frequency of peritendinous adhesions around the
      healing site was reduced. The gelatin scaffold itself was totally degraded and
      replaced by neo-tendon that morphologically had significantly greater numbers,
      diameters, density, and maturation of collagen fibrils, fibers, and fiber bundles
      than untreated tendon scar tissue. It also had mechanically higher ultimate load,
      yield load, stiffness, maximum stress and elastic modulus, when compared to the
      untreated tendons. CONCLUSION: Gelatin scaffold may be a valuable option in
      surgical reconstruction of large tendon defects.

PMID- 27662268
TI  - Evidence that subclinical somatoform dissociation is not characterised by
      heightened awareness of proprioceptive signals.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: It has been suggested that abnormal perceptual processing and
      somatosensory amplification may be contributory factors to somatoform symptom
      reporting. A key source of somatosensory information is proprioception, yet the
      perception and integration of this sense has not been sufficiently investigated
      in those prone to somatoform disorders. METHODS: Subclinical groups of high- and
      low-scorers on the Somatoform Dissociation Questionnaire made judgements about
      the location of their unseen hand following congruent or incongruent visuo
      proprioceptive feedback, which was manipulated using a MIRAGE-mediated reality
      system. RESULTS: No differences were found between groups, with both groups
      displaying normal proprioceptive accuracy under congruent conditions and
      equivalent visuo-proprioceptive integration under incongruent conditions.
      CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that amplification of, or abnormal weighting
      for, proprioceptive signals is not a contributing factor to somatoform symptom
      reporting.

PMID- 27662267
TI  - Body size at birth and coronary heart disease-related hospital care in adult men 
      findings from the Helsinki Birth Cohort Study.
AB  - AIM: We investigated, among those who had been hospitalized at least once due to
      coronary heart disease (CHD), the relationship between ponderal index (PI,
      birthweight/length3) at birth, a measure of thinness, and the age at first
      hospitalization due to CHD, the number of CHD-related hospital care episodes, and
      cost of CHD-related hospital care from young adulthood to old age. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: Data from the Helsinki Birth Cohort Study included 964 men born in
      Helsinki, Finland during 1934-1944, who had been hospitalized due to CHD and had
      birth anthropometrics data. PI (kg/m3) was categorized into low (<25.0), medium
      (25.0-27.5), and high (>27.5). CHD-related hospital care data were available from
      1971 to 2013. We observed an earlier onset of (p = .014 for linearity) and a
      higher rate of CHD-related hospital care episodes among those in the lowest PI
      group (incidence rate ratio: 1.35 [95% confidence interval: 1.16-1.59, p <
      .001]), compared to the highest PI group. CHD-related hospital care costs in the
      lowest PI group were 25% (p = .001, 4% to 46%) higher compared to those in the
      highest PI group. DISCUSSION: Thinness at birth is associated with earlier onset,
      higher prevalence, and higher accumulated costs of CHD-related hospital in
      patient care among men who developed CHD. KEY MESSAGES Findings from this large
      birth cohort indicate that the onset of coronary heart disease (CHD)-related
      hospital in-patient care occurred at younger age during the 42-year time period
      among men who were born thin. Lower ponderal index (PI) was associated with a
      higher rate of CHD-related hospital in-patient care during the time period. We
      observed a linear increase in CHD-related hospital in-patient care costs across
      PI groups.

PMID- 27662269
TI  - Breaking Hepatitis B Virus Tolerance and Inducing Protective Immunity Based on
      Mimicking T Cell-Independent Antigen.
AB  - There are over 350 million chronic carriers of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the
      world, of whom about a third eventually develop severe HBV-related complications.
      HBV contributes to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma development.
      Remarkable progress has been made in selective inhibition of HBV replication by
      nucleoside analogs. However, how to generate protective antibody of HBsAb in HBV
      infected patients after HBV-DNA becomes negative still remains a challenge for
      scientists. In this study, we show that OmpC-HBsAg 'a' epitope chimeric protein
      vaccine can break HBV tolerance and induce protective immunity in HBV transgenic
      mice based on mimicking T cell-independent antigen to bypass T cells from the
      adaptive immune system. The antibodies induced by the vaccine have the ability to
      prevent HBV virion infection of human hepatocytes.

PMID- 27662270
TI  - Correlations Between the SF-36, the Oswestry-Disability Index and Rolland-Morris
      Disability Questionnaire in Patients Undergoing Lumbar Decompression According to
      Types of Spine Origin Pain.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. OBJECTIVE: To determine the correlation
      between SF-36 (a measure for overall health status in patients) and Oswestry
      Disability Index (ODI) or Rolland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) confined
      to spine according to the type of pain from the spine. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND
      DATA: Data showed moderate correlation between ODI and SF-36 Physical Component
      Score (PCS), Physical Functioning (PF) (r=-0.46), Physical Role Functioning (RP)
      (r=-0.284), Bodily Pain (BP) (r=-0.327), and Mental Component Score (MCS),
      Emotional Role Functioning (r=-0.250), Social Role Functioning (r=0.254),
      Vitality (r=0.296). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1, 2008 and December
      31, 2013, a total of 69 patients were enrolled in this study. They were diagnosed
      with lumbar spinal stenosis and underwent decompression surgery such as
      laminotomy in this hospital. The 3 standardized questionnaires (ODI, RMDQ, and SF
      36) were given to these patients, at least 1 year after the surgery. RESULTS: ODI
      and SF-36 had a statistically significant (P=0.001) and moderate correlation.
      Small correlations were also seen between Physical Functioning (r=-0.46),
      Physical Role Functioning (r=-0.284), and Bodily Pain (r=-0.327) of SF-36 PCS and
      ODI, and between Emotional Role Functioning (r=-0.250), Social Role Functioning
      (r=-0.254), and Vitality (r=-0.296) of SF-36 Mental Component Score and ODI.
      Items in ODI for the level of pain while standing and traveling were mostly
      related to axial back pain, while item of lifting was related to referred buttock
      pain. Sleeping disturbance section in the ODI was mainly caused by radiated leg
      pain. In addition, RMDQ was also associated to the 3 types of pain. CONCLUSIONS:
      Moderate correlation was found between ODI or RMDQ as a condition-specific
      outcome and the SF-36, indicating overall health status. ODI was found to be a
      more adequate measure to evaluate axial back pain rather than referred pain or
      radiating pain. RMDQ was adequate to measure the health status and to evaluate
      the 3 types of spine pain. These 3 instruments could therefore provide the
      clinician with complementary information about the patient's status.

PMID- 27662271
TI  - Biphasic impairment of erythrocyte deformability in response to repeated, short
      duration exposures of supraphysiological, subhaemolytic shear stress.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Despite current generation mechanical assist devices being designed
      to limit shear stresses and minimise damage to formed elements in blood, severe
      secondary complications suggestive of impaired rheological functioning are still
      observed. At present, the precise interactions between the magnitude-duration of
      shear stress exposure and the deformability of red blood cells (RBC) remain
      largely undescribed for repeated subhaemolytic shear stress duty-cycles of less
      than 15 s. Given that the time taken for blood to traverse mechanical devices
      (e.g., Bio Pump) typically ranges from 1.85-3.08 s, the present study examined
      the influence of repeated, short duration, supraphysiological shear stress
      exposure on RBC function. METHODS: RBC were exposed to shear stress duty-cycles
      of 64 Pa * 3 s or 88 Pa * 2 s, for 10 repeated bouts, in an annular Couette
      shearing system and ektacytometer. Laser diffractometry was used to measure RBC
      deformability before and after application of each duty-cycle. Free haemoglobin
      concentration and RBC morphology was also examined following shear exposure to
      determine cell viability. RESULTS: Initial exposure to shear stress duty-cycles
      decreased RBC deformability and increased RBC sensitivity to mechanical damage.
      Interestingly, the pattern of change in these variables reversed and returned to
      baseline values within two successive duty-cycle exposures. Significant
      improvements in RBC deformability were then observed by the 9th repeated exposure
      to 64 Pa * 3 s. CONCLUSIONS: Repeat applications of short duration
      supraphysiological, subhaemolytic shear stress induces a biphasic RBC
      deformability response that appears to progressively improve initially impaired
      RBC populations.

PMID- 27662272
TI  - The impact of Oncotype DX(r) recurrence score of paraffin-embedded core biopsy
      tissues in predicting response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in women with breast
      cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oncotype DX(r) test is beneficial in predicting recurrence free
      survival in estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer. Ability of the assay
      to predict response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) is less well-studied.
      OBJECTIVE: We hypothesize a positive association between the Oncotype DX(r)
      recurrence score (RS) and the percentage tumor response (%TR) after NCT. METHODS:
      Pre-therapy RS was measured on core biopsies from 60 patients with ER+, HER2-
      invasive breast cancer (IBC) who then received NCT. Pre-therapy tumor size was
      measured using imaging. %TR, partial response (PR; >50%), pathologic complete
      response (pCR) and breast conserving surgery (BCS) rates were measured. RESULTS:
      Median RS was 20 (2-69). Median %TR was 42 (0-97)%. PR was observed in 43% of
      patients. There was no association between %TR and pre-NCT tumor size, age,
      Nottingham score or nodal status (p > 0.05). No statistically significant
      association with %TR was seen with RS as a categorical or continuous variable (p
      = 0.21 and 0.7, respectively). Response to NCT improved as ER (p = 0.02) by RT
      PCR decreased. Lower ER expression by IHC correlated with response (p = 0.03).
      CONCLUSIONS: In patients with ER+ IBC receiving NCT, RS did not predict response
      to NCT using %TR. The benefit of the assay prior to NCT requires further study.

PMID- 27662273
TI  - Bioimpedance to screen for abdominal fat in patients with breast cancer treatment
      related lymphedema.
AB  - BACKGROUND: One of the dreaded complications after the treatment of breast cancer
      is lymphedema. Therapies used in the treatment of breast cancer such as surgery,
      radiotherapy, hormone therapy and chemotherapy may be adversely affected by
      obesity. AIM: The objective of this study was to use bioimpedance to assess
      abdominal fat in women with breast cancer treatment-related lymphedema and
      suggest this as a screening method. METHODS: Forty-five female patients with
      clinical diagnosis of breast cancer treatment-related lymphedema were evaluated
      in this quantitative cross-sectional study. A control group, composed of 38
      patients with varicose veins and women attending a social support group, was
      matched for age and body mass index (BMI). All participants were submitted to a
      bioimpedance evaluation (In Body S 10), with particular attention being paid to
      abdominal fat and their BMI. The unpaired t -test, Fisher Exact test and Mann
      Whitney test were used for statistical analysis and an alpha error of 5%.
      RESULTS: There was no significant difference (p -value = 0.23) in the mean BMI
      between the study group (27.79 kg/m2) and the control group (28.80 kg/m2). The
      mean abdominal circumference, a measure of abdominal fat, of the women in the
      study group was 130.54 cm2 and for the control group it was 102.24 cm2 (p -value
      = 0.0037). Thus the study group had more abdominal fat (p -value = 0.0003).
      Moreover, on comparing obese patients in the two groups, the study group had more
      abdominal fat (p -value = 0.02). However, no significant difference was observed
      comparing non-obese patients (p -value = 0.6). The comparison of obese patients
      with non-obese patients in the control group identifies an association between
      obesity and abdominal fat (p -value < 0.04). CONCLUSION: Overweight and obese
      women with breast cancer treatment-related lymphedema are more likely to have
      increased abdominal fat than the general population with bioimpedance.

PMID- 27662274
TI  - Alcohol consumption and mortality after breast cancer diagnosis: The health and
      functioning in women study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the association of prediagnostic alcohol consumption with
      long-term mortality from breast cancer and other causes in a cohort of women with
      breast cancer. METHODS: We studied a Michigan-based cohort of 939 women aged 40
      84 years, who provided complete information about the type, amount and intensity
      of prediagnostic alcohol consumption. Associations of alcohol consumption, based
      on weekly volume of alcohol consumption during the year prior to breast cancer
      diagnosis, with mortality were evaluated in Cox proportional hazards models, with
      adjustment for sociodemographic factors, body mass index, smoking, comorbidity,
      tumor characteristics, and treatment. Differences among covariates were assessed
      with Pearson chi2 , Student t -tests and Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests. All statistical
      tests were two-sided. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 11 years, 724 deaths
      occurred overall, with 303 from breast cancer. Fifty-five percent of the women
      were categorized as drinkers with volume of alcohol consumption ranging from 0.75
      to 36.00 drinks/week. In multivariable models, a decreased risk of other-cause
      mortality was associated with low alcohol drinking (0.75-3.75 drinks/week; HR =
      0.61, 95% CI = 0.47-0.78), moderate volume alcohol drinking (4.00-9.75
      drinks/week; HR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.39-0.85) and low frequency (0.75-3.75
      drinks/week) beer and wine intake (HR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.50-0.96 and HR = 0.68,
      95% CI = 0.52-0.88 respectively). Although the risk of breast cancer-specific
      mortality was not statistically significantly associated with moderate (4.00-9.75
      drinks/week) and high volume (10.00-36.00 drinks/week) alcohol drinking in the
      overall cohort (HR = 1.43, 95% CI = 95% 0.97-2.12 and HR = 1.53, 95% CI = 0.87
      2.70 respectively), there was a positive association of alcohol consumption with
      breast cancer-specific mortality among current smokers (HR = 1.92, 95% CI = 1.03
      3.57; Pinteraction = 0.04). CONCLUSION: In this prospective cohort study, regular
      consumption of 0.75-36.00 alcoholic drinks per week during the year prior to
      breast cancer diagnosis was associated with a reduction in other-cause mortality
      and with an increase in breast cancer-specific mortality among current smokers,
      after taking into account clinical and sociodemographic factors.

PMID- 27662275
TI  - Crystallizing galactocele: Report of a rare variation.
AB  - The physiological changes of the breast during pregnancy and lactation make the
      clinical, radiological and pathological evaluation of a breast mass challenging.
      Galactoceles are benign lesions containing milk, and generally occur post partum.
      Fine needle aspiration cytology is a simple, quick and effective technique for
      the diagnosis of the same during this period, and in case of galactocele the same
      can be both diagnostic and therapeutic.Although the cytological features of
      galactocele are straight forward, a few rare interesting variations can be
      encountered posing a diagnostic challenge to the reporting cytopathologist. We
      present a case of galactocele in a twenty five year old lactating female with
      tyrosine crystals on cytology. Milk is composed of a wide variety of proteins and
      minerals, leading to the formation of calcium lactate or tyrosine crystals under
      rare circumstances when the milieu is acidic. This is one of the rare cases of
      crystallizing galactoceles reported in literature till date. 

PMID- 27662276
TI  - A new perspective on synchrotron radiation applications: Runaway electrons
      studies using a hard x-ray detection in tokamaks.
AB  - The synchrotron radiation emitted by runaway electrons in fusion plasma provides
      information regarding the particle momentum and pitch-angles of the runaway
      electron population through the strong dependence of the synchrotron spectrum on
      these parameters. Information about the runaway density and its spatial
      distribution, as well as the time evolution of the above quantities, can also be
      deduced. On the other hand, control of radial electric filed and suggestion of
      the methods to reduce plasma turbulence are important issues in confinement
      process and particle transport in the tokamaks. In this work, the effects of
      positive limiter biasing on electrical fluctuations and hard x-ray have been
      investigated. For this purpose, the radial and poloidal electric fields have been
      measured using the Langmuir probe, and hard x-ray has been measured using the
      Scintillator detector. The biased electric voltage was +250 V. Also, electrical
      fluctuations are analyzed using wavelet transform technique in the presence of
      positive biasing and without it. The results show that time-frequency activity of
      radial electric field multiplies in the presence of positive biasing while
      poloidal electric filed frequency intensity decreases.

PMID- 27662277
TI  - Prospects for application of X-ray anomalous transmission effect to
      monochromatization of broadband spectrum.
AB  - The characteristics of spectra obtained by monochromatization of a broadband
      spectrum using the effect of X-ray anomalous transmission (Bormann effect) have
      been experimentally studied. Optimization of the crystal thickness allows one to
      obtain the spectral band with a controlled width of DeltaE/E = 1-5 10-3 and with
      a contrast of more than 250 with a peak reflectivity not less than 4% in the
      transmitted Bormann beam. It was found that due to the wave field compression,
      the width of the transmitted Bormann beam decreased three times as the thickness
      of the crystal increased. The value of parallel displacement of the transmitted
      Bormann beam relative to the primary one, which depends on crystal thickness, was
      measured. This value was shown to be sufficient for the beams to be separated by
      the slit. Monitoring the transmitted Bormann beam by the shape of 2d-curves of
      the diffracted Laue-beam enables the precise control of characteristics of the
      primary source with a complex shape of angle and energy distributions of photons.

PMID- 27662278
TI  - Links between serotonin reuptake inhibition during pregnancy and
      neurodevelopmental delay/spectrum disorders: A systematic review of
      epidemiological and physiological evidence.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate possible linkages between neurodevelopmental delay and
      neurodevelopmental spectrum disorders and exposure to medication with effects on
      serotonin reuptake inhibition during pregnancy. METHODS: We systematically
      reviewed the epidemiological literature for studies bearing on this relationship
      in children born with neurodevelopmental spectrum disorder and related
      conditions, as well as animal studies giving serotonin reuptake inhibitors to
      pregnant animals and in addition reviewed the literature for proposals as to
      possible mechanisms that might link effects on serotonin reuptake with cognitive
      changes post-partum.The epidemiological studies were analysed to produce Forest
      plots to illustrate possible relations. RESULTS: The odds ratio of Autistic
      Spectrum or related Disorders in children born to women taking serotonin reuptake
      inhibiting antidepressants during pregnancy in case control studies was 1.95 (95%
      C.I. 1.63, 2.34) and in prospective cohort studies was 1.96 (95% C.I. 1.33,
      2.90). CONCLUSIONS: There appears to be a link between serotonin reuptake
      inhibition in pregnancy and developmental delay and spectrum disorders in infancy
      leading to cognitive difficulties in childhood. More work needs to be done to
      establish more precisely the nature of the difficulties and possible mechanisms
      through which this link might be mediated.

PMID- 27662279
TI  - Study 329 continuation phase: Safety and efficacy of paroxetine and imipramine in
      extended treatment of adolescent major depression.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This is an analysis of the unpublished continuation phase of Study
      329, the primary objective of which was to compare the efficacy and safety of
      paroxetine and imipramine with placebo in the treatment of adolescents with
      unipolar major depression. The objectives of the continuation phase were to
      assess safety and relapse rates in the longer term. The objective of this
      publication, under the Restoring Invisible and Abandoned Trials (RIAT)
      initiative, was to see whether access to and analysis of the previously
      unpublished dataset from the continuation phase of this randomized controlled
      trial would have clinically relevant implications for evidence-based medicine.
      METHODS: The study was an eight-week double-blind randomized placebo-controlled
      trial with a six month continuation phase. The setting was 12 North American
      academic psychiatry centres, from 20 April 1994 to 15 February 1998. 275
      adolescents with major depression were originally enrolled in Study 329, with 190
      completing the eight-week acute phase. Of these, 119 patients (43%) entered the
      six-month continuation phase (paroxetine n = 49; imipramine n = 39; placebo n =
      31), in which participants were continued on their current treatment, blinded. As
      per the protocol, we have looked at rates of relapse (based on Hamilton
      Depression Scale scores) across both acute and continuation phases, and generated
      a safety profile for paroxetine and imipramine compared with placebo for up to
      six months.ANOVA testing (generalized linear model) using a model including
      effects of site, treatment and site x treatment interaction was applied.
      Otherwise we used only descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Of patients entering the
      continuation phase, 15 of 49 for paroxetine (31%), 12 of 39 for imipramine (31%)
      and 12 of 31 for placebo (39%) completed as responders. Across the study, 25
      patients on paroxetine relapsed (41% of those showing an initial response), 15 on
      imipramine (26%), and 10 on placebo (21%). In the continuation and taper phases
      combined there were 211 adverse events in the paroxetine group, 147 on imipramine
      and 100 on placebo. The taper phase had a higher proportion of severe adverse
      events per week of exposure than the acute phase, with the continuation phase
      having the fewest events. CONCLUSIONS: The continuation phase did not offer
      support for longer-term efficacy of either paroxetine or imipramine. Relapse and
      adverse events on both active drugs open up the risks of a prescribing cascade.
      The previously largely unrecognised hazards of the taper phase have implications
      for prescribing practice and need further exploration.

PMID- 27662280
TI  - Adverse event reporting and patient safety at a University Hospital: Mapping,
      correlating and associating events for a data-based patient risk management.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reporting adverse events (AE) with a bearing on patient safety is
      fundamentally important to the identification and mitigation of potential
      clinical risks. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the AE reporting
      systems adopted at a university hospital for the purpose of enhancing the
      learning potential afforded by these systems. RESEARCH DESIGN: Retrospective
      cohort study METHODS: Data were collected from different information flows
      (reports of incidents and falls, patients' claims and complaints, and cases of
      hospital-acquired infection [HAI]) at an university hospital. A composite risk
      indicator was developed to combine the data from the different flows. Spearman's
      nonparametric test was applied to investigate the correlation between the AE
      rates and a Poisson regression analysis to verify the association among
      characteristics of the wards and AE rates. SUBJECTS: Sixty-four wards at a
      University Hospital. RESULTS: There was a marked variability among wards AE
      rates. Correlations emerged between patients' claims with complaints and the
      number of incidents reported. Falls were positively associated with average
      length of hospital stay, number of beds, patients' mean age, and type of ward,
      and they were negatively associated with the average Cost Weight of the Diagnosis
      related group (DRG) of patients on a given ward. Claims and complaints were
      associated directly with the average DRG weight of a ward's patient admissions.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study attempted to learn something useful from an analysis of
      the mandatory (but often little used) data flows generated on adverse events
      occurring at an university hospital with a view to managing the associated
      clinical risk to patients.

PMID- 27662281
TI  - Letter to the Editor.

PMID- 27662282
TI  - Letter to the Editor.

PMID- 27662283
TI  - Letter to the Editor.

PMID- 27662284
TI  - A Longitudinal Study on Resting State Functional Connectivity in Behavioral
      Variant Frontotemporal Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Alzheimer's disease (AD) and behavioral variant
      frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) are the most common types of early-onset
      dementia. We applied longitudinal resting state functional magnetic resonance
      imaging (fMRI) to delineate functional brain connections relevant for disease
      progression and diagnostic accuracy. METHODS: We used two-center resting state
      fMRI data of 20 AD patients (65.1+/-8.0 years), 12 bvFTD patients (64.7+/-5.4
      years), and 22 control subjects (63.8+/-5.0 years) at baseline and 1.8-year
      follow-up. We used whole-network and voxel-based network-to-region analyses to
      study group differences in functional connectivity at baseline and follow-up, and
      longitudinal changes in connectivity within and between groups. RESULTS: At
      baseline, connectivity between paracingulate gyrus and executive control network,
      between cuneal cortex and medial visual network, and between paracingulate gyrus
      and salience network was higher in AD compared with controls. These differences
      were also present after 1.8 years. At follow-up, connectivity between angular
      gyrus and right frontoparietal network, and between paracingulate gyrus and
      default mode network was lower in bvFTD compared with controls, and lower
      compared with AD between anterior cingulate gyrus and executive control network,
      and between lateral occipital cortex and medial visual network. Over time,
      connectivity decreased in AD between precuneus and right frontoparietal network
      and in bvFTD between inferior frontal gyrus and left frontoparietal network.
      Longitudinal changes in connectivity between supramarginal gyrus and right
      frontoparietal network differ between both patient groups and controls.
      CONCLUSION: We found disease-specific brain regions with longitudinal
      connectivity changes. This suggests the potential of longitudinal resting state
      fMRI to delineate regions relevant for disease progression and for diagnostic
      accuracy, although no group differences in longitudinal changes in the direct
      comparison of AD and bvFTD were found.

PMID- 27662286
TI  - Cohort Study on Predictors of Need for Nursing Care in Alzheimer's Disease: An
      Analysis of Healthcare Data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The individual and societal burden of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is
      substantial. Identifying relevant factors deteriorating AD and inducing need for
      nursing care would be of high relevance for healthcare planning. OBJECTIVE: The
      main objective of this study was the identification of predictors of first
      assignment of a level of long-term care in AD, used as an approximation for
      disease progression. METHODS: In a retrospective cohort study using data from a
      large German statutory health and long-term care insurance (SHI) company, co
      morbidities and drug exposure were evaluated with respect to their predictive
      value for disease progression (first day the amount of daily nursing care
      exceeded 1.5 hours). Time to disease progression was modeled using COX
      proportional hazard regression with stepwise selection of predictor variables.
      RESULTS: The risk of nursing care need increased substantially with increasing
      age. Number of hospitalizations and number of different drugs used were
      significant indicators for progression, whereas outpatient visits were associated
      with a reduced need for care. Gender did not indicate significant influence on
      progression. Malignant neoplasms of ill-defined, secondary, and unspecified
      sites, malnutrition, renal failure, and injuries increased the risk of need for
      nursing care most significantly. Among prescribed drugs, significant increased
      risks were associated with drugs used in diabetes, preparations for treatment of
      wounds and ulcers, antiseptics and disinfectants, and analgesics. CONCLUSIONS:
      Physical comorbidities are relevant contributors to an increase in need for
      nursing care. Some medical predicting conditions may be linked to cognition,
      while others may be directly linked to demand for care. AD patients with these
      comorbidities should be monitored with special attention, as they may be under an
      increased risk of care dependency.

PMID- 27662285
TI  - Cyclic cis-Locked Phospho-Dipeptides Reduce Entry of AbetaPP into Amyloidogenic
      Processing Pathway.
AB  - The cis/trans isomerization of X-Pro peptide bonds in proteins in some instances
      acts as a molecular switch in biological pathways. Our prior work suggests that
      the cis isomer of the phospho-Thr668-Pro669 motif, located in the cytoplasmic
      domain of the amyloid-beta protein precursor (AbetaPP), is correlated with an
      increase in amyloidogenic processing of AbetaPP and production of amyloid-beta
      (Abeta), the neurotoxic peptide fragment in Alzheimer's disease (AD). We designed
      a 100% cis-locked cyclic dipeptide composed of cyclized phospho-Thr-Pro (pCDP) as
      a mimic for this putative pathological conformation, and three phosphate-blocked
      derivatives (pCDP-diBzl, pCDP-Bzl, and pCDP-diPOM). Two H4 neuroglioma cell lines
      were established as AD cell models for use in testing these compounds: H4
      AbetaPP695 for stable overexpression of wild-type AbetaPP695, and H4-BACE1 for
      stable overexpression of beta-site AbetaPP cleaving enzyme-1 (BACE1). The level
      of the secreted AbetaPP fragment resulting from BACE1 activity, sAbetaPPbeta,
      served as a key proxy for amyloidogenic processing, since cleavage of AbetaPP by
      BACE1 is a requisite first step in Abeta production. Of the compounds tested,
      pCDP-diBzl decreased sAbetaPPbeta levels in both cell lines, while pCDP-diPOM
      decreased sAbetaPPbeta levels in only H4-BACE1 cells, all with similar dose
      dependences and patterns of proteolytic AbetaPP fragments. Enzymatic assays
      showed that none of the pCDP derivatives directly inhibit BACE1 catalytic
      activity. These results suggest a model in which pCDP-diBzl and pCDP-diPOM act at
      a common point to inhibit entry of AbetaPP into the amyloidogenic AbetaPP
      processing pathway but through different targets, and provide important insights
      for the development of novel AD therapeutics.

PMID- 27662288
TI  - Standardized Uptake Value Ratio-Independent Evaluation of Brain Amyloidosis.
AB  - The assessment of in vivo18F images targeting amyloid deposition is currently
      carried on by visual rating with an optional quantification based on standardized
      uptake value ratio (SUVr) measurements. We target the difficulties of image
      reading and possible shortcomings of the SUVr methods by validating a new semi
      quantitative approach named ELBA. ELBA involves a minimal image preprocessing and
      does not rely on small, specific regions of interest (ROIs). It evaluates the
      whole brain and delivers a geometrical/intensity score to be used for ranking and
      dichotomic assessment. The method was applied to adniimages 18F-florbetapir
      images from the ADNI database. Five expert readers provided visual assessment in
      blind and open sessions. The longitudinal trend and the comparison to SUVr
      measurements were also evaluated. ELBA performed with area under the roc curve
      (AUC) = 0.997 versus the visual assessment. The score was significantly
      correlated to the SUVr values (r = 0.86, p < 10-4). The longitudinal analysis
      estimated a test/retest error of ?2.3%. Cohort and longitudinal analysis suggests
      that the ELBA method accurately ranks the brain amyloid burden. The expert
      readers confirmed its relevance in aiding the visual assessment in a significant
      number (85) of difficult cases. Despite the good performance, poor and uneven
      image quality constitutes the major limitation.

PMID- 27662287
TI  - Pathway-Specific Polygenic Risk Scores as Predictors of Amyloid-beta Deposition
      and Cognitive Function in a Sample at Increased Risk for Alzheimer's Disease.
AB  - Polygenic risk scores (PRSs) have been used to combine the effects of variants
      with small effects identified by genome-wide association studies. We explore the
      potential for using pathway-specific PRSs as predictors of early changes in
      Alzheimer's disease (AD)-related biomarkers and cognitive function. Participants
      were from the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer's Prevention, a longitudinal study
      of adults who were cognitively asymptomatic at enrollment and enriched for a
      parental history of AD. Using genes associated with AD in the International
      Genomics of Alzheimer's Project's meta-analysis, we identified clusters of genes
      that grouped into pathways involved in amyloid-beta (Abeta) deposition and
      neurodegeneration: Abeta clearance, cholesterol metabolism, and immune response.
      Weighted pathway-specific and overall PRSs were developed and compared to APOE
      alone. Mixed models were used to assess whether each PRS was associated with
      cognition in 1,200 individuals, cerebral Abeta deposition measured using amyloid
      ligand (Pittsburgh compound B) positron emission imaging in 168 individuals, and
      cerebrospinal fluid Abeta deposition, neurodegeneration, and tau pathology in 111
      individuals, with replication performed in an independent sample. We found that
      PRSs including APOE appeared to be driven by the inclusion of APOE, suggesting
      that the pathway-specific PRSs used here were not more predictive than an overall
      PRS or APOE alone. However, pathway-specific PRSs could prove to be useful as
      more knowledge is gained on the genetic variants involved in specific biological
      pathways of AD.

PMID- 27662289
TI  - Occupational Attainment as Risk Factor for Progression from Mild Cognitive
      Impairment to Alzheimer's Disease: A CREDOS Study.
AB  - High occupational attainment has been known as a marker of cognitive reserve.
      Previous studies in the general population have shown that high occupational
      attainment is associated with reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However,
      few studies have assessed the effect of occupational attainment on the clinical
      course of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). In this study, we evaluated whether
      individuals with high occupational attainment show more frequent progression from
      MCI to AD. Participants (n = 961) with MCI were recruited from a nationwide,
      hospital-based multi-center cohort, and were followed for up to 60 months
      (median: 17.64, interquartile range [12.36, 29.28]). We used Cox regression for
      competing risks to analyze the effect of occupational attainment on development
      of AD, treating dementia other than AD as a competing risk. Among the 961
      individuals with MCI, a total of 280 (29.1%) converted to dementia during the
      follow-up period. The risk of progression to AD was higher in the individuals
      with high occupational attainment after controlling for potential confounders
      (hazard ratio = 1.83, 95% confidence interval = 1.25-2.69, p = 0.002). High
      occupational attainment in individuals with MCI is an independent risk factor for
      higher progression rate of MCI to AD. This result suggests that the protective
      effect of high occupational attainment against cognitive decline disappears in
      the MCI stage, and that careful assessment of occupational history can yield
      important clinical information for prognosis in individuals with MCI.

PMID- 27662290
TI  - Cognitive-Enhancing Effects of a Polyphenols-Rich Extract from Fruits without
      Changes in Neuropathology in an Animal Model of Alzheimer's Disease.
AB  - No effective preventive treatment is available for age-related cognitive decline
      and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Epidemiological studies indicate that a diet rich
      in fruit is associated with cognitive improvement. It was thus proposed that high
      polyphenol concentrations found in berries can prevent cognitive impairment
      associated with aging and AD. Therefore, the Neurophenols project aimed at
      investigating the effects of a polyphenolic extract from blueberries and grapes
      (PEBG) in the triple-transgenic (3xTg-AD) mouse model of AD, which develops AD
      neuropathological markers, including amyloid-beta plaques and neurofibrillary
      tangles, leading to memory deficits. In this study, 12-month-old 3xTg-AD and
      NonTg mice were fed a diet supplemented with standardized PEBG (500 or 2500
      mg/kg) for 4 months (n = 15-20/group). A cognitive evaluation with the novel
      object recognition test was performed at 15 months of age and mice were
      sacrificed at 16 months of age. We observed that PEBG supplementation with doses
      of 500 or 2500 mg/kg prevented the decrease in novel object recognition observed
      in both 15-month-old 3xTg-AD mice and NonTg mice fed a control diet. Although
      PEBG treatment did not reduce Abeta and tau pathologies, it prevented the
      decrease in mature BDNF observed in 16-month-old 3xTg-AD mice. Finally, plasma
      concentrations of phenolic metabolites, such as dihydroxyphenyl valerolactone, a
      microbial metabolite of epicatechin, positively correlated with memory
      performances in supplemented mice. The improvement in object recognition observed
      in 3xTg-AD mice after PEBG administration supports the consumption of polyphenols
      rich extracts to prevent memory impairment associated with age-related disease,
      without significant effects on classical AD neuropathology.

PMID- 27662291
TI  - Spatial Patterns of Longitudinal Gray Matter Change as Predictors of Concurrent
      Cognitive Decline in Amyloid Positive Healthy Subjects.
AB  - A substantial proportion of cognitively healthy elders (HC) show abnormally high
      amyloid-beta (Abeta) deposition, a major pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD).
      These subjects are at increased risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia, and
      biomarkers are needed to predict their cognitive deterioration. Here we used
      relevance vector regression (RVR), a pattern-recognition method, to predict
      concurrent cognitive decline on the basis of longitudinal gray matter (GM)
      changes, within two a priori, meta-analytically defined functional networks
      subserving episodic memory and executive function. Ninety-six HC subjects were
      assessed annually for three years with structural MRI and cognitive tests within
      the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. Presence of abnormal biomarker
      values of Abeta (Abeta+) were determined with cerebrospinal fluid and amyloid-PET
      (HC-Abeta+, n=30; with n=66 for normal HC-Abeta-). Using leave-one-out cross
      validation, we found that in HC-Abeta+ patterns of GM changes within both
      networks predicted decline in episodic memory (r=0.61, p<0.001; r=0.40, p=0.03),
      but not executive function. In HC-Abeta-, GM changes within the executive
      function network predicted decline in executive function (r=0.44, p<0.001).
      Previously established region-of-interest (ROI)-based predictors such as changes
      in hippocampal volume, within an AD-signature multi-ROI, or total GM volume were
      not predictive of cognitive decline in any group or cognitive domain. RVR
      analyses unrestricted to the a priori networks yielded compatible results with
      the restricted case. In conclusion, RVR-derived patterns of subtle cortical GM
      changes are biomarker candidates of concurrent cognitive decline in aging and
      subjects at risk for AD.

PMID- 27662293
TI  - Tau Rather than TDP-43 Proteins are Potential Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers for
      Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration Subtypes: A Pilot Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a heterogeneous disease both at the
      clinical, genetic, and pathobiological level. The underlying pathological
      spectrum (termed FTLD, frontotemporal lobar degeneration) is in most cases
      defined by accumulation of either tau (FTLD-tau) or TDP-43 proteins (FTLD-TDP).
      Biomarkers to differentiate these subtypes are not yet available, whereas these
      are essential requirements to study the natural course of disease and for
      homogeneous inclusion of patients in clinical studies. OBJECTIVE: To study if a
      combination of total (t-) and phosphorylated (p-)tau, and t-TDP-43 and p-TDP-43
      proteins in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is suitable to discriminate FTLD-tau and
      FTLD-TDP subtypes. METHODS: We developed immunoassays for the quantification of t
      TDP-43 and p-TDP-43 proteins and used commercially available assays for the
      quantification of t-tau and p-tau proteins. We quantified these proteins in
      ventricular CSF samples from neuropathologically defined FTLD-tau and FTLD-TDP
      cases to study the reflection of underlying brain pathology in CSF composition,
      and in lumbar CSF samples from FTLD-tau and FTLD-TDP patients to study the
      diagnostic potential of CSF biomarkers. RESULTS: In ventricular CSF, t-TDP-43 and
      t-tau levels, when combined into one model, were significantly different between
      neuropathologically-defined FTLD-tau and FTLD-TDP cases. In a pilot study using
      lumbar CSF, the p-tau/t-tau ratio, but not t-TDP-43 levels, were significantly
      different between FTLD-TDP and FTLD-tau patients. CONCLUSION: We conclude that
      with current available methods, CSF tau, rather than TDP-43 proteins, may have
      diagnostic value in the differentiation of FTLD patients with either tau or TDP
      43 pathology.

PMID- 27662292
TI  - Aberrant Co-localization of Synaptic Proteins Promoted by Alzheimer's Disease
      Amyloid-beta Peptides: Protective Effect of Human Serum Albumin.
AB  - Amyloid-beta (Abeta), Abeta40, Abeta42, and, recently, Abeta25-35 have been
      directly implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. We have studied
      the effects of Abeta on neuronal death, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production,
      and synaptic assembling in neurons in primary culture. Abeta25-35, Abeta40, and
      Abeta42 significantly decreased neuronal viability, although Abeta25-35 showed a
      higher effect. Abeta25-35 showed a more penetrating ability to reach mitochondria
      while Abeta40 did not enter the neuronal cytosol and Abeta42 was scarcely
      internalized. We did not observe a direct correlation between ROS production and
      cell death because both Abeta40 and Abeta42 decreased neuronal viability but
      Abeta40 did not change ROS production. Rather, ROS production seems to correlate
      with the penetrating ability of each Abeta. No significant differences were found
      between Abeta40 and Abeta42 regarding the extent of the deleterious effects of
      both peptides on neuronal viability or synaptophysin expression. However, Abeta40
      elicited a clear delocalization of PSD-95 and synaptotagmin from prospective
      synapsis to the neuronal soma, suggesting the occurrence of a crucial effect of
      Abeta40 on synaptic disassembling. The formation of Abeta40- or Abeta42-serum
      albumin complexes avoided the effects of these peptides on neuronal viability,
      synaptophysin expression, and PSD-95/synaptotagmin disarrangement suggesting that
      sequestration of Abeta by albumin prevents deleterious effects of these peptides.
      We can conclude that Abeta borne by albumin can be safely transported through
      body fluids, a fact that may be compulsory for Abeta disposal by peripheral
      tissues.

PMID- 27662294
TI  - Increased PCSK9 Cerebrospinal Fluid Concentrations in Alzheimer's Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been associated with dysregulation of
      brain cholesterol trafficking and abnormal production of apolipoprotein E isoform
      4 (apoE4). Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a protein
      present in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) degrading the low-density
      lipoprotein receptor (LDLr) and other apoE-binding receptors involved in neuron
      cholesterol uptake. The role of PCSK9 in AD is controversial. OBJECTIVE: We
      compared PCSK9 levels in CSF of AD patients and non-AD controls and looked at
      correlations with CSF total apoE and apoE4. METHODS: CSF from AD (n = 30) and
      from age and sex-matched non-AD patients (n = 30) was collected by lumbar
      puncture for routine diagnosis. CSF PCSK9, total apoE, and apoE4 levels were
      measured by ELISA. AD patients showed the typical CSF neurobiomarker pattern
      (decreased Abeta42 and increased tau and phospho-tau) and impaired cognitive
      performances, as indicated by the scores of the Mini-Mental State Examination
      test. RESULTS: PCSK9 levels in CSF were higher in AD than in non-AD subjects
      (+1.45 fold; p = 0.0049). CSF total apoE concentrations did not differ between
      the two groups, while apoE4 levels were higher in AD subjects (+3.34 fold; p =
      0.0068). Considering all samples, a significant positive correlation was found
      between PCSK9 and apoE4 (r = 0.4409; p = 0.0006). PCSK9 levels were higher in
      APOE E4 carriers, reaching statistical significance in the AD group (+1.45 fold;
      p = 0.0454). CONCLUSION: These results report for the first time an alteration of
      CSF PCSK9 levels in AD and suggest a pathophysiological link between PCSK9,
      apoE4, and AD.

PMID- 27662295
TI  - Non-Phosphorylated Tau as a Potential Biomarker of Alzheimer's Disease:
      Analytical and Diagnostic Characterization.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Virtually nothing is known about a potential diagnostic role of non
      phospho-epitopes of Tau (Non-P-Tau) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). OBJECTIVE: To
      establish and analytically and clinically characterize the first assay capable to
      measure concentrations of Non-P-Tau in human CSF. METHODS: An antibody (1G2) was
      developed that selectively binds to the Tau molecule non-phosphorylated at the
      positions T175 and T181, and was used in establishing a sandwich ELISA capable to
      measure Non-P-Tau in human CSF, following analytical and clinical validation of
      the method. RESULTS: The 1G2 antibody shows decreasing reactivity to tau peptides
      containing phosphorylation mainly at positions T175 and T181. Detection limit of
      the assay is 25 pg/ml; the coefficients of variation (CVs) of the optical
      densities of the repeated standard curves were between 3.6-15.9%. Median intra
      assay imprecision of double measurements was 4.8%; inter-assay imprecision was in
      the range of 11.2% - 15.3%. Non-P-Tau concentrations are stable in the CSF
      samples sent to distinct laboratories under ambient temperature; inter-laboratory
      variation was approximately 30%. The Non-P-Tau CSF concentrations were highly
      significantly increased in patients with Alzheimer's disease in stage of mild
      cognitive impairment or dementia (AD/MCI, n = 58, 109.2+/-32.0 pg/mL) compared to
      the non-demented Controls (n = 42, 62.1+/-9.3 pg/mL, p < 0.001). At the cut-off
      of 78.3 pg/mL, the sensitivity and the specificity were 94.8% and 97.6%,
      respectively. CONCLUSION: For the first time, an assay is reported to reliably
      measure concentrations of non-phosphorylated Tau in human CSF.

PMID- 27662296
TI  - Preclinical Amyloid-beta and Axonal Degeneration Pathology in Delirium.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The clinical relevance of brain beta-amyloidosis in older adults
      without dementia is not established. As delirium and dementia are strongly
      related, studies on patients with delirium may give pathophysiological clues.
      OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the Alzheimer's disease (AD) cerebrospinal fluid
      (CSF) biomarkers amyloid-beta 1-42 (Abeta42), total tau (T-tau), and
      phosphorylated tau (P-tau) are associated with delirium in hip fracture patients
      with and without dementia. METHODS: CSF was collected in conjunction to spinal
      anesthesia in 129 patients. Delirium was assessed using the Confusion Assessment
      Method once daily in all patients, both pre- and postoperatively. The diagnosis
      of dementia at admission was based upon clinical consensus. CSF levels of
      Abeta42, T-tau, and P-tau were analyzed. RESULTS: In patients without dementia,
      we found lower CSF Abeta42 levels (median, 310 ng/L versus 489 ng/L, p = 0.006),
      higher T-tau levels (median, 505 ng/L versus 351 ng/L, p = 0.02), but no change
      in P-tau in patients who developed delirium (n = 16) compared to those who
      remained lucid (n = 49). Delirious patients also had lower ratios of Abeta42 to T
      tau (p < 0.001) and P-tau (p = 0.001) relative to those without delirium. CSF
      Abeta42 and T-tau remained significantly associated with delirium status in
      adjusted analyses. In patients with dementia, CSF biomarker levels did not differ
      between those with (n = 54) and without delirium (n = 10). CONCLUSION: The
      reduction in CSF Abeta42, indicating beta-amyloidosis, and increase in T-tau,
      indicating neurodegeneration, in hip fracture patients without dementia
      developing delirium indicates that preclinical AD brain pathology is clinically
      relevant and possibly plays a role in delirium pathophysiology.

PMID- 27662297
TI  - Increased Serum miR-206 Level Predicts Conversion from Amnestic Mild Cognitive
      Impairment to Alzheimer's Disease: A 5-Year Follow-up Study.
AB  - Evidence suggests that individuals with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI)
      tend to progress to probable Alzheimer's disease (AD) with aging. This study was
      performed to examine whether circulating miRNAs could be potential predictors for
      the progression of aMCI to AD. A total of 458 patients with aMCI were included in
      this study, and the clinical data were collected at two time points: the baseline
      and the follow-up assessment. These aMCI patients were classified into two groups
      after 5 years: aMCI-stable group (n = 330) and AD-conversion group (n = 128). The
      expression of miR-206 and miR-132 and the levels of BDNF and SIRT1 in serum were
      detected using a quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qPCR) and the ELISA method,
      respectively. Kaplan-Meier method (Log-rank test) was used for univariate
      survival analysis. Cox proportional hazard model was used to estimate the
      prognostic value of miRNAs in conversion from aMCI to AD. At the baseline, serum
      levels of miR-206 in aMCI-AD group were significantly elevated compared to aMCI
      aMCI group and the same trend was found at 5-year follow-up time point as well.
      There were no significant differences in serum levels of miR-132 between the
      conversion and non-conversion group at both time points. Kaplan-Meier analysis
      showed significant correlation between AD conversion and higher serum levels of
      miR-206 for aMCI patients (HR = 3.60, 95% CI: 2.51- 5.36, p < 0.001).
      Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that serum miR-206 and its target
      BDNF were significant independent predictors for AD conversion (HR = 4.22, p <
      0.001). These results suggested that increased serum miR-206 level might be a
      potential predictor of conversion from aMCI to AD.

PMID- 27662298
TI  - Copy Number Variants in Alzheimer's Disease.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating disease mainly afflicting elderly
      people, characterized by decreased cognition, loss of memory, and eventually
      death. Although risk and deterministic genes are known, major genetics research
      programs are underway to gain further insights into the inheritance of AD. In the
      last years, in particular, new developments in genome-wide scanning methodologies
      have enabled the association of a number of previously uncharacterized copy
      number variants (CNVs, gain or loss of DNA) in AD. Because of the exceedingly
      large number of studies performed, it has become difficult for geneticists as
      well as clinicians to systematically follow, evaluate, and interpret the growing
      number of (sometime conflicting) CNVs implicated in AD. In this review, after a
      brief introduction of this type of structural variation, and a description of
      available databases, computational analyses, and technologies involved, we
      provide a systematic review of all published data showing statistical and
      scientific significance of pathogenic CNVs and discuss the role they might play
      in AD.

PMID- 27662299
TI  - White Matter Hyperintensities Potentiate Hippocampal Volume Reduction in Non
      Demented Older Individuals with Abnormal Amyloid-beta.
AB  - Cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) and amyloid-beta (Abeta) deposition often co
      exist in (prodromal) dementia, and both types of pathology have been associated
      with neurodegeneration. We examined whether cSVD and Abeta have independent or
      interactive effects on hippocampal volume (HV) in a memory clinic population. We
      included 87 individuals with clinical diagnoses of Alzheimer's disease (AD) (n =
      24), mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (n = 26), and subjective cognitive
      complaints (SCC) (n = 37). cSVD magnetic resonance imaging markers included white
      matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume, lacunar infarct presence, and microbleed
      presence. Abeta pathology was assessed as cerebrospinal fluid-derived Abeta1 - 42
      levels and dichotomized into normal or abnormal, and HV was determined by manual
      volumetric measurements. A linear hierarchical regression approach was applied
      for the detection of additive or interaction effects between cSVD and Abeta on HV
      in the total participant group (n = 87) and in the non-demented group (including
      SCC and MCI individuals only, n = 63). The results revealed that abnormal Abeta
      and lacunar infarct presence were independently associated with lower HV in the
      non-demented individuals. Interestingly, Abeta and WMH pathology interacted in
      the non-demented individuals, such that WMH had a negative effect on HV in
      individuals with abnormal CSF Abeta42 levels, but not in individuals with normal
      CSF Abeta42 levels. These associations were not present when individuals with AD
      were included in the analyses. Our observations suggest that relatively early on
      in the disease process older individuals with abnormal Abeta levels are at an
      increased risk of accelerated disease progression when concomitant cSVD is
      present.

PMID- 27662300
TI  - An Intranasal Formulation of Erythropoietin (Neuro-EPO) Prevents Memory Deficits
      and Amyloid Toxicity in the APPSwe Transgenic Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease.
AB  - Erythropoietin (EPO) is a cytokine known to have effective cytoprotective action
      in the brain, particularly in ischemic, traumatic, inflammatory, and
      neurodegenerative conditions. We previously reported the neuroprotective effect
      of a low sialic form of EPO, Neuro-EPO, applied intranasally in rodent models of
      stroke or cerebellar ataxia and in a non-transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's
      disease (AD). Here we analyzed the protective effect of Neuro-EPO in APPSwe mice,
      a reference transgenic mouse model of AD. Mice were administered 3 times a day, 3
      days in the week with Neuro-EPO (125, 250 MUg/kg) intranasally, between 12 and 14
      months of age. Motor responses, general activity, and memory responses were
      analyzed during and after treatment. The deficits in spontaneous alternation,
      place learning in the water-maze, and novel object recognition observed in APPSwe
      mice were alleviated by the low dose of Neuro-EPO. Oxidative stress,
      neuroinflammation, trophic factor levels, and a synaptic marker were analyzed in
      the hippocampus or cortex of the animals. The increases in lipid peroxidation or
      in GFAP and Iba-1 contents in APPSwe mice were significantly reduced after Neuro
      EPO. Activation of intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways was analyzed. The
      increases in Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, TNFalpha, or Fas ligand levels observed in APPSwe
      mice were reduced by Neuro-EPO. Finally, immunohistochemical and ELISA analyses
      of Abeta1-42 levels in the APPSwe mouse cortex and hippocampus showed a marked
      reduction in Abeta deposits and in soluble and insoluble Abeta1-42 forms. This
      study therefore confirmed the neuroprotective activity of EPO, particularly for
      an intranasally deliverable formulation, devoid of erythropoietic side effects,
      in a transgenic mouse model of AD. Neuro-EPO alleviated memory alterations,
      oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, apoptosis induction, and amyloid load in 14
      month-old APPSwe mice.

PMID- 27662302
TI  - How Different are Quality of Life Ratings for People with Dementia Reported by
      Their Family Caregivers from Those Reported by the Patients Themselves?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Measurements of patient quality of life (QoL) play a major role in
      the management of dementia. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the self-proxy discrepancy
      of QoL ratings in the elderly and the impact of dementia severity on the
      discrepancy. METHODS: QoL of 718 patients with dementia and 651 non-demented
      elderly were rated by themselves and their caregivers (CG) using the Quality of
      Life-Alzheimer's Disease (QoL-AD). The impact of the rater on the total and item
      scores of QoL-AD was analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and differential
      response patterns between self and proxy were analyzed using differential item
      functioning (DIF) analysis. RESULTS: Self-rated scores were higher than CG-rated
      scores in all diagnostic groups. The interaction between rater and diagnostic
      group was significant in total QoL-AD score and 5 item scores ('memory',
      'marriage', 'chores around the house', 'do things for fun', and 'life as a
      whole'). The strength of the DIF increased with advancing dementia in these
      items. CONCLUSION: Self-proxy rating discrepancy of QoL was influenced by the
      presence and severity of dementia only in five items.

PMID- 27662303
TI  - Tau Proteins Cross the Blood-Brain Barrier.
AB  - Tauopathies are a hallmark of many neurodegenerative diseases, including
      Alzheimer's disease and traumatic brain injuries. It has been demonstrated that
      amyloid-beta peptides, alpha-synuclein, and prion proteins cross the blood-brain
      barrier (BBB), contributing to their abilities to induce disease. Very little is
      known about whether tau proteins can cross the BBB. Here we systematically
      characterized several key forms of tau proteins to cross the BBB, including Tau
      441 (2N4R), Tau-410 (2N3R), truncated tau 151-391 (0N4R), and truncated tau 121
      227. All of these tau proteins crossed the BBB readily and bidirectonally;
      however, only Tau-410 had a saturable component to its influx. The tau proteins
      also entered the blood after their injection into the brain, with Tau 121-227
      having the slowest exit from brain. The tau proteins varied in regards to their
      enzymatic stability in brain and blood and in their peripheral pharmacokinetics.
      These results show that blood-borne tau proteins could contribute to brain
      tauopathies. The result also suggest that the CNS can contribute to blood levels
      of tau, raising the possibility that, as suggested for other misfolded proteins,
      blood levels of tau proteins could be used as a biomarker of CNS disease.

PMID- 27662304
TI  - Ten Challenges of the Amyloid Hypothesis of Alzheimer's Disease.
AB  - The inability to effectively halt or cure Alzheimer's disease (AD), exacerbated
      by the recent failures of high-profile clinical trials, emphasizes the urgent
      need to understand the complex biochemistry of this major neurodegenerative
      disease. In this paper, ten central, current challenges of the major paradigm in
      the field, the amyloid hypothesis, are sharply formulated. These challenges
      together show that new approaches are necessary that address data heterogeneity,
      increase focus on the proteome level, use available human patient data more
      actively, account for the aging phenotype as a background model of the disease,
      unify our understanding of the interplay between genetic and non-genetic risk
      factors, and combine into one framework both the familial and sporadic forms of
      the disease.

PMID- 27662301
TI  - The Role of Cerebrovascular Disease on Cognitive and Functional Status and
      Psychosis in Severe Alzheimer's Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The pathophysiology behind psychosis in patients with Alzheimer's
      disease (AD) remains unknown. Recently, vascular risk factors have been
      recognized as important modifiers of the clinical presentation of AD. OBJECTIVE:
      The purpose of our study is to investigate the mechanism through which vascular
      risk factors mediate psychosis and whether or not it involves cerebrovascular
      lesions. METHODS: Data was provided by the National Alzheimer's Coordinating
      Centre. The Uniform Data Set was used to collect information on subject-reported
      history of vascular risk factors, clinician-reported state of cognitive
      performance, and presence of psychosis based on the Neuropsychiatric Inventory
      Questionnaire (NPI-Q). The Neuropathology Data Set was used to evaluate the
      presence of vascular lesions and the severity of AD pathology. Subjects with high
      probability of AD based on the NIA/AA Reagan criteria were included in the
      analysis. RESULTS: We identified 1,459 patients with high probability of AD and
      corresponding NPI-Q scores. We confirmed the association between hypertension and
      diabetes on psychosis, specifically in delusions and the co-occurrence of
      delusions and hallucinations. Furthermore, the presence of white matter
      rarefaction based on pathological evaluation was associated with hallucinations.
      A history of vascular risk factors was positively associated with vascular
      lesions. However, vascular lesions in the presence of vascular risk factors did
      not increase the likelihood of psychosis. Furthermore, vascular lesions were not
      associated with greater cognitive or functional impairments in this group with
      severe AD pathology. CONCLUSION: Vascular risk factors and vascular lesions are
      independently associated with psychosis in patients with severe AD. However,
      vascular lesions are not the mechanism through which vascular risk factors
      mediate psychosis.

PMID- 27662305
TI  - Altered Sphingolipid Balance in Capillary Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The majority of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) exhibit
      amyloid-beta (Abeta) deposits at the brain vasculature, a process referred to as
      cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). In over 51% of AD cases, Abeta also
      accumulates in cortical capillaries, which is termed capillary CAA (capCAA). It
      has been postulated that the presence of capCAA in AD is a specific subtype of
      AD, although underlying mechanisms are not yet fully understood. Sphingolipids
      (SLs) are implicated in neurodegenerative disorders, including AD. However, to
      date it remains unknown whether alterations in the SL pathway are involved in
      capCAA pathogenesis and if these differ from AD. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether
      AD cases with capCAA have an altered SL profile compared to AD cases without
      capCAA. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry was performed to assess the expression and
      localization of ceramide, acid sphingomyelinase (ASM), and sphingosine-1
      phosphate receptors (S1P1, S1P3). In addition, we determined the concentrations
      of S1P as well as different chain-lengths of ceramides using HPLC-MS/MS. RESULTS:
      Immunohistochemical analysis revealed an altered expression of ceramide, ASM, and
      S1P receptors by reactive astrocytes and microglial cells specifically associated
      with capCAA. Moreover, a shift in the balance of ceramides with different chain
      lengths and S1P content is observed in capCAA. CONCLUSION: Here we provide
      evidence of a deregulated SL balance in capCAA. The increased levels of ASM and
      ceramide in activated glia cells suggest that the SL pathway is involved in the
      neuroinflammatory response in capCAA pathogenesis. Future research is needed to
      elucidate the role of S1P in capCAA.

PMID- 27662306
TI  - Sphingolipid-Enriched Extracellular Vesicles and Alzheimer's Disease: A Decade of
      Research.
AB  - Extracellular vesicles (EVs), particularly exosomes, have emerged in the last 10
      years as a new player in the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) with high
      potential for being useful as a diagnostic and treatment tool. Exosomes and other
      EVs are enriched with the sphingolipid ceramide as well as other more complex
      glycosphingolipids such as gangliosides. At least a subpopulation of exosomes
      requires neutral sphingomyelinase activity for their biogenesis and secretion. As
      ceramide is often elevated in AD, exosome secretion may be affected as well.
      Here, we review the available data showing that exosomes regulate the aggregation
      and clearance of amyloid-beta (Abeta) and discuss the differences in data from
      laboratories regarding Abeta binding, induction of aggregation, and glial
      clearance. We also summarize available data on the role of exosomes in
      extracellular tau propagation, AD-related exosomal mRNA/miRNA cargo, and the use
      of exosomes as biomarker and gene therapy vehicles for diagnosis and potential
      treatment.

PMID- 27662308
TI  - Effects of a DJ-1-Binding Compound on Spatial Learning and Memory Impairment in a
      Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease.
AB  - Previously, DJ-1 modulator UCP0054278/comp-B was identified by virtual screening,
      where comp-B interacts with DJ-1 to produce antioxidant and neuroprotective
      responses in Parkinson's disease models. However, the effect of comp-B in an in
      vivo Alzheimer's disease (AD) model is yet undetermined. Thus, we examined the
      effect of comp-B on spatial learning, memory, and amyloid-beta (Abeta) clearance
      in a transgenic mouse model of AD. We found that comp-B resolved the cognitive
      deficits, reduced insoluble Abeta42 levels, and prevented the degeneration of
      synaptic functions, thereby suggesting that comp-B may become a major compound
      for AD treatment.

PMID- 27662307
TI  - Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers for Alzheimer's Disease: A View of the Regulatory
      Science Qualification Landscape from the Coalition Against Major Diseases CSF
      Biomarker Team.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) drug development is burdened with the current
      requirement to conduct large, lengthy, and costly trials to overcome uncertainty
      in patient progression and effect size on treatment outcome measures. There is an
      urgent need for the discovery, development, and implementation of novel,
      objectively measured biomarkers for AD that would aid selection of the
      appropriate subpopulation of patients in clinical trials, and presumably, improve
      the likelihood of successfully evaluating innovative treatment options. Amyloid
      deposition and tau in the brain, which are most commonly assessed either in
      cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or by molecular imaging, are consistently and widely
      accepted. Nonetheless, a clear gap still exists in the accurate identification of
      subjects that truly have the hallmarks of AD. The Coalition Against Major
      Diseases (CAMD), one of 12 consortia of the Critical Path Institute (C-Path),
      aims to streamline drug development for AD and related dementias by advancing
      regulatory approved drug development tools for clinical trials through
      precompetitive data sharing and adoption of consensus clinical data standards.
      This report focuses on the regulatory process for biomarker qualification,
      briefly comments on how it contrasts with approval or clearance of companion
      diagnostics, details the qualifications currently available to the field of AD,
      and highlights the current challenges facing the landscape of CSF biomarkers
      qualified as hallmarks of AD. Finally, it recommends actions to accelerate
      regulatory qualification of CSF biomarkers that would, in turn, improve the
      efficiency of AD therapeutic development.

PMID- 27662309
TI  - Prediction of Incipient Alzheimer's Disease Dementia in Patients with Mild
      Cognitive Impairment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a transitional stage from normal
      aging to Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia. It is extremely important to develop
      criteria that can be used to separate the MCI subjects at imminent risk of
      conversion to Alzheimer-type dementia from those who would remain stable. We have
      developed an automatic algorithm for computing a novel measure of hippocampal
      volumetric integrity (HVI) from structural MRI scans that may be useful for this
      purpose. OBJECTIVE: To determine the utility of HVI in classification between
      stable and progressive MCI patients using the Random Forest classification
      algorithm. METHODS: We used a 16-dimensional feature space including bilateral
      HVI obtained from baseline and one-year follow-up structural MRI, cognitive
      tests, and genetic and demographic information to train a Random Forest
      classifier in a sample of 164 MCI subjects categorized into two groups
      [progressive (n = 86) or stable (n = 78)] based on future conversion (or lack
      thereof) of their diagnosis to probable AD. RESULTS: The overall accuracy of
      classification was estimated to be 82.3% (86.0% sensitivity, 78.2% specificity).
      The accuracy in women (89.1%) was considerably higher than that in men (78.9%).
      The prediction accuracy achieved in women is the highest reported in any previous
      application of machine learning to AD diagnosis in MCI. CONCLUSION: The method
      presented in this paper can be used to separate stable MCI patients from those
      who are at early stages of AD dementia with high accuracy. There may be stronger
      indicators of imminent AD dementia in women with MCI as compared to men.

PMID- 27662310
TI  - Cognitive and Neuroanatomical Correlates in Early Versus Late Onset Parkinson's
      Disease Dementia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aging is the most important risk factor of development of dementia in
      Parkinson's disease (PD), but there are no data on clinical and radiological
      heterogeneity of PD dementia (PDD) depending on age at onset. OBJECTIVES: The
      goal of this study was to examine whether patients with PDD are clinically and
      radiologically heterogeneous depending on age at onset. METHODS: A total of 116
      patients with PD dementia and 121 age- and sex-matched normal controls were
      enrolled. The subjects were divided into early-onset (EOPDD; n = 39) and late
      onset (LOPDD; n = 77) PDD with the respective age-matched control group based on
      a cutoff value of 70 years. The effects of diagnosis, age, and their interaction
      on neuropsychological tests, cortical thickness, and substantia innominata volume
      were assessed using analysis of covariance. RESULTS: EOPDD patients had a poorer
      cognitive performance on digit backward, forward span test (p = 0.011 and 0.05),
      and visual recognition memory function (p = 0.012) compared with LOPDD patients.
      Additionally, EOPDD patients exhibited cortical thinning in the left anterior
      cingulate gyrus and the right inferior temporal gyrus, with significantly
      decreased normalized substantia innominata volume (p = 0.044). CONCLUSIONS: Our
      data demonstrated that EOPDD patients exhibit poorer cognitive performance and
      more severe atrophy in the cortex and substantia innominata, implying that EOPDD
      may be a distinct phenotype different from LOPDD.

PMID- 27662312
TI  - Stress-Induced Synaptic Dysfunction and Neurotransmitter Release in Alzheimer's
      Disease: Can Neurotransmitters and Neuromodulators be Potential Therapeutic
      Targets?
AB  - The communication between neurons at synaptic junctions is an intriguing process
      that monitors the transmission of various electro-chemical signals in the central
      nervous system. Albeit any aberration in the mechanisms associated with
      transmission of these signals leads to loss of synaptic contacts in both the
      neocortex and hippocampus thereby causing insidious cognitive decline and memory
      dysfunction. Compelling evidence suggests that soluble amyloid-beta (Abeta) and
      hyperphosphorylated tau serve as toxins in the dysfunction of synaptic plasticity
      and aberrant neurotransmitter (NT) release at synapses consequently causing a
      cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Further, an imbalance between
      excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission systems induced by impaired redox
      signaling and altered mitochondrial integrity is also amenable for such
      abnormalities. Defective NT release at the synaptic junction causes several
      detrimental effects associated with altered activity of synaptic proteins,
      transcription factors, Ca2+ homeostasis, and other molecules critical for
      neuronal plasticity. These detrimental effects further disrupt the normal
      homeostasis of neuronal cells and thereby causing synaptic loss. Moreover, the
      precise mechanistic role played by impaired NTs and neuromodulators (NMs) and
      altered redox signaling in synaptic dysfunction remains mysterious, and their
      possible interlink still needs to be investigated. Therefore, this review
      elucidates the intricate role played by both defective NTs/NMs and altered redox
      signaling in synaptopathy. Further, the involvement of numerous pharmacological
      approaches to compensate neurotransmission imbalance has also been discussed,
      which may be considered as a potential therapeutic approach in synaptopathy
      associated with AD.

PMID- 27662313
TI  - Neuroprotective Effect of TREM-2 in Aging and Alzheimer's Disease Model.
AB  - Neuroinflammation and activation of innate immunity are early events in
      neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recently, a rare
      mutation in the gene Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) has
      been associated with a substantial increase in the risk of developing late onset
      AD. To uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying this association, we
      investigated the RNA and protein expression of TREM2 in APP/PS1 transgenic mice.
      Our findings suggest that TREM2 not only plays a critical role in inflammation,
      but is also involved in neuronal cell survival and in neurogenesis. We have shown
      that TREM2 is a soluble protein transported by macrophages through ventricle
      walls and choroid plexus, and then enters the brain parenchyma via radial glial
      cells. TREM2 protein is essential for neuroplasticity and myelination. During the
      late stages of life, a lack of TREM2 protein may accelerate aging processes and
      neuronal cell loss and reduce microglial activity, ultimately leading to
      neuroinflammation. As inflammation plays a major role in neurodegenerative
      diseases, a lack of TREM2 could be a missing link between immunomodulation and
      neuroprotection.

PMID- 27662311
TI  - How Studies of the Serotonin System in Macaque Models of Menopause Relate to
      Alzheimer's Disease1.
AB  - Serotonin plays a key role in mood or affect, and dysfunction of the serotonin
      system has been linked to depression in humans and animal models. Depression
      appears prior to or coincident with overt symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in
      about 50% of patients, and some experts consider it a risk factor for the
      development of AD. In addition, AD is more prevalent in women, who also show
      increased incidence of depression. Indeed, it has been proposed that mechanisms
      underlying depression overlap the mechanisms thought to hasten AD. Women undergo
      ovarian failure and cessation of ovarian steroid production in middle age and the
      postmenopausal period correlates with an increase in the onset of depression and
      AD. This laboratory has examined the many actions of ovarian steroids in the
      serotonin system of non-human primates using a rhesus macaque model of surgical
      menopause with short or long-term estradiol (E) or estradiol plus progesterone
      (E+P) replacement therapy. In this mini-review, we present a brief synopsis of
      the relevant literature concerning AD, depression, and serotonin. We also present
      some of our data on serotonin neuron viability, the involvement of the caspase
      independent pathway, and apoptosis-inducing factor in serotonin-neuron viability,
      as well as gene expression related to neurodegeneration and neuron viability in
      serotonin neurons from adult and aged surgical menopausal macaques. We show that
      ovarian steroids, particularly E, are crucial for serotonin neuron function and
      health. In the absence of E, serotonin neurons are endangered and deteriorating
      toward apoptosis. The possibility that this scenario may proceed or accompany AD
      in postmenopausal women seems likely.

PMID- 27662316
TI  - Social Cognition in the Frontal Variant of Alzheimer's Disease: A Case Study.
AB  - Although frontal presentations of Alzheimer's disease (fv-AD) have already been
      described in the literature, we still know little about patients' social
      cognitive abilities, especially their theory of mind (ToM). We report the case of
      FT, a 61-year-old woman who was diagnosed with fv-AD. Two assessments of social
      cognition, using a false-belief task, the Reading the Mind in the Eyes test, and
      a task probing knowledge of social norms, were performed one year apart. FT
      exhibited cognitive ToM and social knowledge deficits from the onset. Affective
      ToM was initially preserved, but deteriorated as the disease progressed.

PMID- 27662315
TI  - The Role of Single-Subject Brain Metabolic Patterns in the Early Differential
      Diagnosis of Primary Progressive Aphasias and in Prediction of Progression to
      Dementia.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a clinical
      syndrome due to different neurodegenerative conditions in which an accurate early
      diagnosis needs to be supported by a reliable diagnostic tool at the individual
      level. In this study, we investigated in PPA the FDG-PET brain metabolic patterns
      at the single-subject level, in order to assess the case-to-case variability and
      its relationship with clinical-neuropsychological findings. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      55 patients (i.e., 11 semantic variant/sv-PPA, 19 non fluent variant/nfv-PPA, 17
      logopenic variant/lv-PPA, 3 slowly progressive anarthria/SPA, and 5 mixed PPA/m
      PPA) were included. Clinical-neuropsychological information and FDG-PET data were
      acquired at baseline. A follow-up of 27.4+/-12.55 months evaluated the clinical
      progression. Brain metabolism was analyzed using an optimized and validated voxel
      based SPM method at the single-subject level. RESULTS: FDG-PET voxel-wise
      metabolic assessment revealed specific metabolic signatures characterizing each
      PPA variant at the individual level, reflecting the underlying neurodegeneration
      in language networks. Notably, additional dysfunctional patterns predicted
      clinical progression to specific dementia conditions. In the case of nfv-PPA, a
      metabolic pattern characterized by involvement of parietal, subcortical and
      brainstem structures predicted progression to a corticobasal degeneration
      syndrome or to progressive supranuclear palsy. lv-PPA and sv-PPA cases who
      progressed to Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia at the follow-up
      presented with extended bilateral patterns at baseline. DISCUSSION: Our results
      indicate that FDG-PET voxel-wise imaging is a valid biomarker for the early
      differential diagnosis of PPAs and for the prediction of progression to specific
      dementia condition. This study supports the use of FDG-PET imaging quantitative
      assessment in clinical settings for a better characterization of PPA individuals
      and prognostic definition of possible endo-phenotypes.

PMID- 27662314
TI  - Acceleration of Amyloidosis by Inflammation in the Amyloid-Beta Marmoset Monkey
      Model of Alzheimer's Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The immune system is increasingly mentioned as a potential target for
      Alzheimer's disease (AD) treatment. OBJECTIVE: In the present pilot study, the
      effect of (neuro)inflammation on amyloidopathy was investigated in the marmoset
      monkey, which has potential as an AD animal model due to its natural cerebral
      amyloidosis similar to humans. METHODS: Six adult/aged marmosets (Callithrix
      jacchus) were intracranial injected with amyloid-beta (Abeta) fibrils at three
      cortical locations in the right hemisphere. Additionally, in half of the monkeys,
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was co-injected with the Abeta fibrils and injected in
      the other hemisphere without Abeta fibrils. The other three monkeys received
      phosphate buffered saline instead of LPS, as a control for the inflammatory
      state. The effect of inflammation on amyloidopathy was also investigated in an
      additional monkey that suffered from chronic inflammatory wasting syndrome.
      Mirror histology sections were analyzed to assess amyloidopathy and immune
      reaction, and peripheral blood for AD biomarker expression. RESULTS: All LPS
      injected monkeys showed an early AD immune blood cell expression profile on CD95
      and CD45RA. Two out of three monkeys injected with Abeta and LPS and the
      additional monkey, suffering from chronic inflammation, developed plaques. None
      of the controls, injected with Abeta only, developed any plaques. CONCLUSION:
      This study shows the importance of immune modulation on the susceptibility for
      amyloidosis, a hallmark of AD, which offers new perspectives for disease
      modifying approaches in AD.

PMID- 27662317
TI  - Comparison of Gait Parameters for Predicting Cognitive Decline: The Mayo Clinic
      Study of Aging.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies reported that slower gait speed might predict
      cognitive impairment and dementing illnesses, supporting the role of gait speed
      as a possible subclinical marker of cognitive impairment. However, the predictive
      value of other gait parameters for cognitive decline is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To
      investigate and compare the association with, and prediction of, specific gait
      parameters for cognition in a population-based sample. METHODS: The analysis
      included 3,426 cognitively normal participants enrolled in the Mayo Clinic Study
      of Aging. At baseline and every 15 months (mean follow-up = 1.93 years),
      participants had a study coordinator evaluation, neurological examination, and a
      neuropsychological assessment using nine tests that covered four domains. Gait
      parameters were assessed with the GAITRite(r) instrument. General linear mixed
      effects models were used to compute the annualized rate of change in cognitive
      domain z-scores, controlling for age, sex, education, depression, comorbidities,
      body mass index, APOE E4 allele, and visit number, and excluding individuals with
      a history of stroke, alcoholism, Parkinson's disease, subdural hematoma, and
      normal pressure hydrocephalus. RESULTS: Spatial (stride length), temporal
      (ambulatory time, gait speed, step count, cadence, double support time), and
      spatiotemporal (cadence) gait parameters, and greater intraindividual variability
      in stride length, swing time, and stance time were associated with a significant
      decline in global cognition and in specific domains including memory, executive
      function, visuospatial, and language. CONCLUSIONS: Spatial, temporal, and
      spatiotemporal measures of gait and greater variability of gait parameters were
      associated with and predictive of both global- and domain-specific cognitive
      decline.

PMID- 27662319
TI  - Network-Based Substrate of Cognitive Reserve in Alzheimer's Disease.
AB  - Cognitive reserve (CR) is known to modulate the clinical features of Alzheimer's
      disease (AD). This concept may be critical for the development of non
      pharmacological interventions able to slow down patients' cognitive decline in
      the absence of disease-modifying treatments. We aimed at identifying the
      neurobiological substrates of CR (i.e., neural reserve) over the transition
      between normal aging and AD, by assessing the underlying brain networks and their
      topological properties. A cohort of 154 participants (n = 68 with AD, n = 61 with
      amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), and 25 healthy subjects) underwent
      resting-state functional MRI and neuropsychological testing. Within each group,
      participants were classified as having high or low CR, and functional
      connectivity measures were compared, within group, between high and low CR
      individuals. Network-based statistics and topological network properties derived
      from graph theory were explored. Connectivity differences between high and low CR
      were evident only for aMCI patients, with participants with high CR showing a
      significant increase of connectivity in a network involving mainly fronto
      parietal nodes. Conversely, they showed significantly decreased connectivity in a
      network involving fronto-temporo-cerebellar nodes. Consistently, changes to
      topological measures were observed in either direction, and were associated with
      measures of global cognitive function. These findings support the hypothesis that
      CR impacts on neurodegenerative process in the early phase of AD only. In
      addition, they fit with the existence of a "neural reserve", characterized by
      specific neural networks and their efficiency. It remains to be demonstrated
      whether interventions later in life can modulate this "neural reserve".

PMID- 27662320
TI  - Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Abnormalities in Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease and
      Fatal Insomnia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Quantitative neuroimaging might unveil abnormalities in prion
      diseases that are not perceivable at visual inspection. On the other hand, scarce
      studies have quantified volumetric changes in prion diseases. OBJECTIVES: We aim
      to characterize volumetric and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) changes in patients
      with prion diseases who presented with either Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) or
      fatal insomnia (FI) phenotype. METHODS: Twenty patients with prion diseases- 15
      with CJD and 5 with fatal insomnia (FI)- and 40 healthy controls were examined
      with a 3-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging scanner. Images were segmented and
      normalized with SPM12. DTI maps were obtained with FMRIB Software Library. Whole
      brain voxel-wise and region-of-interest analyses of volumetric and DTI changes
      were performed with SPM12. White matter (WM) changes were also analyzed with
      tract-based spatial statistics. Semiquantitive assessment of neuropathological
      parameters was compared with DTI metrics in thalamus from 11 patients. RESULTS:
      Patients with CJD and FI presented significant atrophy in thalamus and
      cerebellum. In CJD, mean diffusivity (MD) was decreased in striatum and increased
      in subcortical WM, while both increased and decreased values were observed across
      different thalamic nuclei. In FI, MD was increased in thalamus and cerebellum.
      Spongiform change and PrPSc deposition were more intense in thalamus in CJD than
      in FI, although no significant correlations arose with MD values in the nuclei
      studied. CONCLUSION: Volumetric and DTI abnormalities suggest a central common
      role of the thalamus in prion diseases. We report, for the first time,
      quantitative MRI changes in FI, and provide further evidence of WM involvement in
      prion diseases.

PMID- 27662321
TI  - Alzheimer's Disease Severity is Not Significantly Associated with Short Sleep:
      Survey by Actigraphy on 208 Mild and Moderate Alzheimer's Disease Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In epidemiological surveys, cognitive decline has been found to be
      associated with both short and long sleep duration. OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to
      objectively determine how total sleep time (TST) at night was associated or not
      with apathy or severity scores in patients with Alzheimer 's disease (AD).
      METHODS: During an observational first step of a clinical trial, sleep was
      assessed in institutionalized patients with mild or moderate AD using actigraphy
      (MW8, Camtech, Cambridge, UK) for 14 consecutive 24-hour periods. Sleep
      parameters analyzed were: TST, time in bed (TIB), wake after sleep onset (WASO),
      sleep efficiency (SE) defined by the ratio TST/TIB, in percentage), the number
      and length of awakenings, the night fragmentation index, the interdaily
      stability, and intradaily variability indexes. Statistical association analyses
      were tested between these values and AD apathy and severity scores. RESULTS: 208
      individuals coming from 82 centers worldwide (France, Germany, Spain, Italy,
      Portugal, Poland, United States, Canada, and Australia) and>=50 years old
      participated. Their average TST was 7 hours and 35 minutes and the average WASO
      58 minutes. TST and SE were significantly higher in patients with apathy and the
      number of awakenings was significantly lower. TST was also positively associated
      with functional disability (ADCS-ADL scores), but it was not found significantly
      greater in patients with a moderate AD severity compared to the mild. CONCLUSION:
      Despite several and long awakenings, TST was not shorter in patients with AD. TST
      was even significantly increased with disability and apathy.

PMID- 27662324
TI  - Coexistence of lymphoproliferative and myeloproliferative neoplasms with
      simultaneous CALR and JAK2 V617F mutations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hematopoietic malignancies are a group of blood cell disorders
      characterized by abnormal hematopoietic proliferation. OBJECTIVE: The
      identification of specific clinicopathologic characteristics and tumor-related
      gene status provides critical information on potential therapeutic targets.
      METHODS: The specimens were tested with immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, RT
      PCR and fragment analysis. RESULTS: In this study, a patient with a long history
      of tobacco use was reported with a diagnosis of simultaneous low-grade B-cell
      lymphoproliferative disorder (LPD) and myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN).
      Mutational analysis revealed that JAK2 V617F mutation and CALR mutation with 52bp
      deletion were present in this patient. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that
      lymphoproliferative and myeloproliferative neoplasms may coexist, although the
      pathogenetic mechanism of coexisting hematologic requires further investigation.
      Additionally, the data indicate that JAK2 V617F and CALR mutations are not
      mutually exclusive and the actual frequency of simultaneous JAK2 V617F and CALR
      mutations is unknown. Whether the coexistence of these mutations imposes any
      biological or clinical significance awaits further investigation.

PMID- 27662318
TI  - Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Synaptic Transmission Failure in Alzheimer's
      Disease.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder, in which
      multiple risk factors converge. Despite the complexity of the etiology of the
      disease, synaptic failure is the pathological basis of cognitive impairment, the
      cardinal sign of AD. Decreased synaptic density, compromised synaptic
      transmission, and defected synaptic plasticity are hallmark synaptic pathologies
      accompanying AD. However, the mechanisms by which synapses are injured in AD
      related conditions have not been fully elucidated. Mitochondria are a critical
      organelle in neurons. The pivotal role of mitochondria in supporting synaptic
      function and the concomitant occurrence of mitochondrial dysfunction with
      synaptic stress in postmortem AD brains as well as AD animal models seem to lend
      the credibility to the hypothesis that mitochondrial defects underlie synaptic
      failure in AD. This concept is further strengthened by the protective effect of
      mitochondrial medicine on synaptic function against the toxicity of amyloid-beta,
      a key player in the pathogenesis of AD. In this review, we focus on the
      association between mitochondrial dysfunction and synaptic transmission deficits
      in AD. Impaired mitochondrial energy production, deregulated mitochondrial
      calcium handling, excess mitochondrial reactive oxygen species generation and
      release play a crucial role in mediating synaptic transmission deregulation in
      AD. The understanding of the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in synaptic stress
      may lead to novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of AD through the
      protection of synaptic transmission by targeting to mitochondrial deficits.

PMID- 27662323
TI  - Detection of survivin, carcinoembryonic antigen and ErbB2 level in oral squamous
      cell carcinoma patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to detect the survivin, carcinoembryonic
      antigen (CEA) and ErbB2 in the saliva, serum and local tumor-exfoliated cells of
      oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients, for providing reliable tumor
      markers for the early detection of oral malignant cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      The saliva, serum, and local tumor-exfoliated cell samples of 26 OSCC patients
      without chemotherapy and 10 non-cancer patients were collected in Department of
      Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Stomatology, Peking University. The
      contents of survivin, CEA and ErbB2 using were detected usingenzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: The survivin and CEA levels in saliva and local
      tumor-exfoliated cells of OSCC patients were significantly higher than those in
      the non-cancer patients (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in
      the content of the above factors in the serum sample between two groups. There
      was no significant difference in the ErbB2 content in the saliva, serum or local
      tumor-exfoliated cells between two groups. CONCLUSION: Survivin and CEA levels
      are significantly increased in the saliva and local tumor-exfoliated cells in
      OSCC patients, and they can be used as reliable markers for the early detection
      of oral malignant cancer.

PMID- 27662322
TI  - Role of Glutamate and NMDA Receptors in Alzheimer's Disease.
AB  - Excitatory glutamatergic neurotransmission via N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor
      (NMDAR) is critical for synaptic plasticity and survival of neurons. However,
      excessive NMDAR activity causes excitotoxicity and promotes cell death,
      underlying a potential mechanism of neurodegeneration occurred in Alzheimer's
      disease (AD). Studies indicate that the distinct outcomes of NMDAR-mediated
      responses are induced by regionalized receptor activities, followed by different
      downstream signaling pathways. The activation of synaptic NMDARs initiates
      plasticity and stimulates cell survival. In contrast, the activation of
      extrasynaptic NMDARs promotes cell death and thus contributes to the etiology of
      AD, which can be blocked by an AD drug, memantine, an NMDAR antagonist that
      selectively blocks the function of extrasynaptic NMDARs.

PMID- 27662326
TI  - Acute Hospital Admissions of Individuals with a Known Parkinson's Disease
      Diagnosis in Ireland 2009-2012: A Short Report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The rate of people with Parkinson's disease (PD) is predicted to
      double by 2030 resulting in an even greater burden to an already struggling Irish
      health care system. There is a paucity of information regarding hospital
      utilisation among the PD population in an Irish context. OBJECTIVE: To examine
      trends of acute hospital in-patient admissions of patients admitted with a
      secondary diagnosis of PD between 2009 and 2012 in Ireland. METHOD: Data
      concerning patients, aged over and under 65 years with a previously existing
      diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease were requested from the HIPE database for the
      years 2009-2012. Primary categories of interest were the top 10 principal
      diagnoses on admission, the top 10 principal procedures conducted, admission
      source and route, and final discharge destination. RESULTS: 12,437 discharges
      were recorded for people with PD over the age of 65 years and 1,223 in those
      under 65 years in Republic of Ireland between 2009 and 2012. A steady rise in
      acute hospital admissions was noted in the over 65 group. The number of patients
      requiring long stay accommodation more than doubled across both age categories
      from admission to discharge status. The most common reasons for admission in all
      age ranges were acute lower respiratory infection; disorders of urinary system;
      pneumonia (organism unspecified); and pneumonitis due to solids and liquids
      (aspiration pneumonia). CONCLUSIONS: This report highlights a worrying trend
      towards increased rates of hospital admissions for pneumonia and infections for
      people living with PD in Republic of Ireland.

PMID- 27662325
TI  - Articulation Features of Parkinson's Disease Patients with Subthalamic Nucleus
      Deep Brain Stimulation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Voice and speech disorders are one of the most important issues after
      subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) in Parkinson's disease (PD)
      patients. However, articulation features in this patient population remain
      unclear. OBJECTIVE: We studied the articulation features of PD patients with STN
      DBS. METHODS: Participants were 56 PD patients treated with STN-DBS (STN-DBS
      group) and 41 patients treated only with medical therapy (medical-therapy-alone
      group). Articulation function was evaluated with acoustic and auditory-perceptual
      analyses. The vowel space area (VSA) was calculated using the formant frequency
      data of three vowels (/a/, /i/, and /u/) from sustained phonation task. The VSA
      reportedly reflects the distance of mouth/jaw and tongue movements during speech
      and phonation. Correlations between acoustic and auditory-perceptual measurements
      were also assessed. RESULTS: The VSA did not significantly differ between the
      medical-therapy-alone group and the STN-DBS group in the off-stimulation
      condition. In the STN-DBS group, the VSA was larger in the on-stimulation
      condition than in the off-stimulation condition. However, individual analysis
      showed the VSA changes after stopping stimulation were heterogeneous. In total,
      89.8% of the STN-DBS group showed a large VSA size in the on- than in the off
      stimulation condition. In contrast, the VSA of the remaining patients in that
      group was smaller in the on- than the off-stimulation condition. CONCLUSIONS: STN
      DBS may resolve hypokinesia of the articulation structures, including the
      mouth/jaw and tongue, and improve maximal vowel articulation. However, in the on
      stimulation condition, the VSA was not significantly correlated with speech
      intelligibility. This may be because STN-DBS potentially affects other speech
      processes such as voice and/or respiratory process.

PMID- 27662327
TI  - Prevalence and Prescribed Treatments of Orthostatic Hypotension in
      Institutionalized Patients with Parkinson's Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Orthostatic hypotension (OH) in Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common
      non-motor sign that can be hard to recognize and treat. OH prevalence and
      treatment in institutionalized PD-patients remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: The aim of
      this study was to explore the prevalence and prescribed treatments of OH in
      institutionalized patients with PD. METHOD: A cross-sectional study of nursing
      homes in the south-east of the Netherlands identified 64 residents with PD
      (inclusion criteria: MMSE >18). Assessments included blood pressure measurement,
      both supine and in the upright position (after 1 minute and after 3 minutes of
      standing), and 2 questions on cardiovascular items including falls of the
      validated Non-Motor Symptom Scale (NMSS). OH was defined according to the
      consensus guidelines. OH was considered as 'probably symptomatic' if patients had
      a concomitant frequency score >1 on the selected NMSS items, and 'probably
      asymptomatic' for a frequency score of 0. If OH was not present, but patients had
      a frequency score >1, OH was considered as 'possibly symptomatic'. RESULTS: The
      prevalence of OH was 51.6%, almost equally divided into probably symptomatic and
      probably asymptomatic cases. Another 20.6% had possibly symptomatic OH.
      Importantly, only two patients with symptomatic OH had an OH diagnosis noted in
      their medical records. Five received domperidone, one received fludrocortison and
      none received midodrine. CONCLUSION: One half of institutionalized PD patients
      had OH, of whom half were probably symptomatic. OH was rarely noted in the
      medical records, suggesting underdiagnosis. Finally, OH was rarely treated,
      suggesting undertreatment.

PMID- 27662328
TI  - Personalized Medicine Approaches in Parkinson's Disease: The Genetic Perspective.
AB  - Recent discoveries with respect to the genetic and molecular basis of Parkinson's
      disease have led to an increasing recognition of the etiologic heterogeneity of
      the disorder. As in other complex diseases, it is hoped that this knowledge will
      allow the identification of novel therapeutic targets that will eventually lead
      to a more efficient treatment, based on the patient's individual genetic
      predispositions.

PMID- 27662329
TI  - Evaluating the Efficacy of Nocturnal Continuous Subcutaneous Apomorphine Infusion
      in Sleep Disorders in Advanced Parkinson's Disease: The APO-NIGHT Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are not many data about the beneficial effect of nocturnal
      continuous subcutaneous apomorphine infusion (NCSAI) over sleep disturbances in
      advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effect of the NCSAI in
      sleeping problems and insomnia due to nocturnal hypokinesia inadvanced PD.
      METHODS: We assessed 17 advanced PD patients with several sleep disturbances
      measured by SCOPA-SLEEP and PDSS scales. All the patients were on apomorphine
      infusion during daytime. This therapy was extended to nighttime. We evaluated the
      patients before the onset and after six weeks with NCSAI. RESULTS: NCSAI allowed
      highly significant improvements in SCOPA-SLEEP and PDSS scales (p<0.0001), and
      daytime somnolence. NCSAI was well tolerated with no major adverse effects were
      noticed. CONCLUSION: This study shows and confirms the efficacy of NCSAI on the
      sleep disturbances related to advanced PD. We provide an easy protocol to start
      this therapy.

PMID- 27662330
TI  - Subjective Perceived Motor Improvement after Acute Levodopa Challenge in
      Parkinson's Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies found a poor association between parkinsonian
      patient's reported subjective improvement after commencing dopaminergic treatment
      and improvements in objective measures of motor impairment by clinician.
      OBJECTIVE: To compare PD patient's subjective perceived motor improvement after
      acute levodopa challenge test with objective motor improvement assessed by the
      clinician using the UPDRS part III. To analyze clinical characteristics, i.e.
      age, disease duration, cognitive performance or severity of axial features, that
      may have influenced patient's perception. METHODS: Fifty-seven consecutive PD
      patients (23 women, 34 men; mean age, 63.4+/-7.7 years) (Hoehn and Yahr off
      score, 2.5+/-0.7; mean disease duration, 11.4+/-4.1 years) completed the acute
      levodopa challenge. The percentage of improvement in motor disability, i.e.
      objective motor improvement, was determined with respect to the off-drug
      condition. RESULTS: Bland & Altman visual analysis reveals a high degree of
      correlation between objective and subjective perceived motor improvement. Both
      the axial sub-scores in the off- and on-state (respectively, P = 0.006 and P =
      0.024) and the presence of peak-dose dyskinesia (P = 0.043) significantly
      influence the difference between objective and subjective perceived motor
      improvement. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study reporting on how PD patients
      assessed their motor improvement after acute levodopa challenge. These findings
      suggest a strong correlation between objective motor improvement assessed by the
      clinician using the UPDRS part III and subjective perceived motor improvement
      reported by the patient.

PMID- 27662331
TI  - The Practicalities of Assessing Freezing of Gait.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Freezing of gait (FOG) is a mysterious, complex and debilitating
      phenomenon in Parkinson's disease. Adequate assessment is a pre-requisite for
      managing FOG, as well as for assigning participants in FOG research. The episodic
      nature of FOG, as well as its multiple clinical expressions make its assessment
      challenging. OBJECTIVE: To highlight the available assessment tools and to
      provide practical, experience-based recommendations for reliable assessment of
      FOG. METHODS: We reviewed FOG assessment from history taking, questionnaires, lab
      and home-based measurements and examined how these methods account for presence
      and severity of FOG, their limits and advantages. The practicalities for their
      use in clinical and research practice are highlighted. RESULTS: According to the
      available assessment tools severity of FOG is marked by one or a combination of
      multiple clinical expressions including frequency, duration, triggering
      circumstances, response to levodopa, association with falls and fear of falling,
      or need for assistance to avoid falls. CONCLUSIONS: To date, a unique
      methodological tool that encompasses the entire complexity of FOG is lacking.
      Combining methods should give a better picture of FOG severity, in accordance
      with the precise clinical or research context. Further development of any future
      assessment tool requires understanding and thorough analysis of the specific
      clinical expressions of FOG.

PMID- 27662333
TI  - Tremor Frequency Assessment by iPhone(r) Applications: Correlation with EMG
      Analysis.
AB  - Tremor frequency analysis is usually performed by EMG studies but accelerometers
      are progressively being more used. The iPhone(r) contains an accelerometer and
      many applications claim to be capable of measuring tremor frequency. We tested
      three applications in twenty-two patients with a diagnosis of PD, ET and Holmes'
      tremor. EMG needle assessment as well as accelerometry was performed at the same
      time. There was very strong correlation (Pearson >0.8, p < 0.001) between the
      three applications, the EMG needle and the accelerometry. Our data suggests the
      apps LiftPulse(r), iSeismometer(r) and Studymytremor(r) are a reliable
      alternative to the EMG for tremor frequency assessment.

PMID- 27662332
TI  - Muscarinic M1 Receptor Coupling to G-protein is Intact in Parkinson's Disease
      Dementia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Postsynaptic cholinergic deficits, including reduced cortical
      muscarinic M1 receptor coupling to G-proteins, are neurochemical findings
      postulated to underlie the limited efficacy of presynaptically-targeted
      cholinergic replacement therapies in Alzheimer's disease (AD). While the loss of
      M1-G-protein coupling has been associated with beta-amyloid (Abeta) burden in AD,
      the status of M1 coupling to G-proteins in Parkinson's disease-related or mixed
      dementias is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that M1 receptor
      uncoupling is correlated with Abeta burden, we aimed to study muscarinic M1
      neurochemical parameters in neurodegenerative dementias characterized by low and
      high Abeta loads. METHODS: M1 receptors, M1 coupling to G-proteins as well as
      Abeta were measured in postmortem frontal cortex of a cohort of longitudinally
      assessed patients with Parkinson's Disease Dementia (PDD, low Abeta load) and AD
      with significant subcortical cerebrovascular disease (AD + CVD, high Abeta load).
      RESULTS: We found unchanged levels of M1 receptors in both dementia groups, while
      M1 coupling was reduced only in AD + CVD (p < 0.01). Furthermore, Abeta
      concentration was significantly increased only in AD + CVD, and correlated
      negatively with M1-G-protein coupling in the dementia groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      study suggests that loss of M1 coupling to G-proteins may be a neurochemical
      feature of neurodegenerative dementias with high cortical Abeta burden, and that
      cholinergic replacement therapies may be more efficacious for PDD due to low
      Abeta burden.

PMID- 27662338
TI  - Patchy and Janus Nanoparticles by Self-Organization of Mixtures of Fluorinated
      and Hydrogenated Alkanethiolates on the Surface of a Gold Core.
AB  - The spontaneous self-organization of dissimilar ligands on the surface of metal
      nanoparticles is a very appealing approach to obtain anisotropic "spherical"
      systems. In addition to differences in ligand length and end groups, a further
      thermodynamic driving force to control the self-assembled monolayer organization
      may become available if the ligands are inherently immiscible, as is the case of
      hydrogenated (H-) and fluorinated (F-) species. Here, we validate the viability
      of this approach by combining 19F NMR experiments and multiscale molecular
      simulations on large sets of mixed-monolayer-protected gold nanoparticles (NPs).
      The phase segregation of blends of F- and H-thiolates grafted on the surface of
      gold NPs allows a straightforward approach to patterned mixed monolayers, with
      the shapes of the monolayer domains being encoded in the structure of the F/H
      thiolate ligands. The results obtained from this comprehensive study offer
      molecular design rules to achieve a precise control of inorganic nanoparticles
      protected by specifically patterned monolayers.

PMID- 27662336
TI  - Characteristics of EEG Interpreters Associated With Higher Interrater Agreement.
AB  - PURPOSE: The goal of the project is to determine characteristics of academic
      neurophysiologist EEG interpreters (EEGers), which predict good interrater
      agreement (IRA) and to determine the number of EEGers needed to develop an ideal
      standardized testing and training data set for epileptiform transient (ET)
      detection algorithms. METHODS: A three-phase scoring method was used. In phase 1,
      19 EEGers marked the location of ETs in two hundred 30-second segments of EEG
      from 200 different patients. In phase 2, EEG events marked by at least 2 EEGers
      were annotated by 18 EEGers on a 5-point scale to indicate whether they were ETs.
      In phase 3, a third opinion was obtained from EEGers on any inconsistencies
      between phase 1 and phase 2 scoring. RESULTS: The IRA for the 18 EEGers was only
      fair. A select group of the EEGers had good IRA and the other EEGers had low IRA.
      Board certification by the American Board of Clinical Neurophysiology was
      associated with better IRA performance but other board certifications, years of
      fellowship training, and years of practice were not. As the number of EEGers used
      for scoring is increased, the amount of change in the consensus opinion decreases
      steadily and is quite low as the group size approaches 10. CONCLUSIONS: The IRA
      among EEGers varies considerably. The EEGers must be tested before use as scorers
      for ET annotation research projects. The American Board of Clinical
      Neurophysiology certification is associated with improved performance. The
      optimal size for a group of experts scoring ETs in EEG is probably in the 6 to 10
      range.

PMID- 27662335
TI  - Similar Progression of Morphological and Metabolic Phenotype in R6/2 Mice with
      Different CAG Repeats Revealed by In Vivo Magnetic Resonance Imaging and
      Spectroscopy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Huntington's disease (HD) is caused by an unstable polyglutamine
      (CAG) repeat in the HD gene, whereby a CAG repeat length greater than ~36 leads
      to the disease. In HD patients, longer repeats correlate with more severe disease
      and earlier death. This is also seen in R6/2 mice carrying repeat lengths up to
      ~200. Paradoxically, R6/2 mice with repeat lengths >300 have a less aggressive
      phenotype and longer lifespan than those with shorter repeats. The mechanism
      underlying this phenomenon is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the consequences
      of longer repeat lengths on structural changes in the brains of R6/2 mice,
      especially with regard to progressive atrophy. METHODS: We used longitudinal in
      vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy (MRS) to compare
      pathological changes in two strains of R6/2 mice, one with a rapidly progressing
      disease (250 CAG repeats), and the other with a less aggressive phenotype (350
      CAG repeats). RESULTS: We found significant progressive brain atrophy in both 250
      and 350 CAG repeat mice, as well as changes in metabolites (glutamine/glutamate,
      choline and aspartate). Although similar in magnitude, atrophy in the brains of
      350 CAG R6/2 mice progressed more slowly than that seen in 250 CAG mice, in line
      with the milder phenotype and longer lifespan. Interestingly, significant atrophy
      was detectable in 350 CAG mice as early as 8-12 weeks of age, although
      behavioural abnormalities in these mice are not apparent before 25-30 weeks. This
      finding fits well with human data from the PREDICT-HD and TRACK-HD project, where
      reductions in brain volume were found 10 years in advance of the onset of
      symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The similar brain atrophy with a mismatch between onset of
      brain atrophy and behavioural phenotype in HD mice with 350 repeats will make
      this mouse particularly useful for modelling early stages of HD pathology.

PMID- 27662334
TI  - Oxidative Stress and Huntington's Disease: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.
AB  - Redox homeostasis is crucial for proper cellular functions, including receptor
      tyrosine kinase signaling, protein folding, and xenobiotic detoxification. Under
      basal conditions, there is a balance between oxidants and antioxidants. This
      balance facilitates the ability of oxidants, such as reactive oxygen species, to
      play critical regulatory functions through a direct modification of a small
      number of amino acids (e.g. cysteine) on signaling proteins. These signaling
      functions leverage tight spatial, amplitude, and temporal control of oxidant
      concentrations. However, when oxidants overwhelm the antioxidant capacity, they
      lead to a harmful condition of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress has long been
      held to be one of the key players in disease progression for Huntington's disease
      (HD). In this review, we will critically review this evidence, drawing some
      intermediate conclusions, and ultimately provide a framework for thinking about
      the role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of HD.

PMID- 27662339
TI  - Radiotherapy to Control Limited Melanoma Progression Following Ipilimumab.
AB  - Durable local control of irradiated cancer and distant abscopal effects are
      presumably immune mediated. To evaluate the role of radiotherapy (RT) for limited
      progression after anti-CTLA4 checkpoint inhibition, medical records of all
      patients with surgically incurable stage III or IV melanoma from a single
      institution who received ipilimumab as first-line immunotherapy and subsequent RT
      were reviewed. Sixteen patients who received RT to all sites of limited melanoma
      progression were analyzed. Eight patients with an incomplete initial response to
      ipilimumab received RT to new or progressive disease, whereas the remaining 8
      patients with a complete initial response to ipilimumab received RT to sites of
      subsequent recurrence. The median interval from ipilimumab initiation to start of
      RT was 30 weeks (range, 15-130 wk), a timeframe where delayed response to
      ipilimumab is rare. The RT dose was predominantly 30 Gy in 5 fractions (41%) or
      36 Gy in 6 fractions (26%). Brain radiation was limited to stereotactic
      radiosurgery in a single patient. The median local control with RT was 31.4
      months. The median disease control was 18.7 months, defined as the interval from
      completion of RT to the start of additional systemic therapy known to impact
      survival (anti-programmed death-1 or targeted BRAF therapy), hospice enrollment,
      or death. The overall survival at 1 and 2 years was 87% and 61%, respectively.
      Seven patients (44%) had no evidence of melanoma at median follow-up of 29.5
      months since completion of RT with no additional therapy. This series supports
      use of RT to limited sites of progression following ipilimumab as an alternative
      to other systemic treatments such as anti-programmed death-1 antibodies.

PMID- 27662340
TI  - Pembrolizumab-triggered Uveitis: An Additional Surrogate Marker for Responders in
      Melanoma Immunotherapy?
AB  - Immunotherapy leads to significantly prolonged survival of patients with
      metastatic melanoma. Autoimmune side effects including colitis, dermatitis, and
      endocrine abnormalities are common in patients treated with ipilimumab [anti
      CTLA4 (cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4)]. Antibodies such as
      pembrolizumab that interfere with the PD-1 (programmed cell death 1)/PD-L1
      pathway show greater efficacy and less toxicity than ipilimumab. Here we report 2
      cases of pembrolizumab-induced uveitis associated with complete or partial tumor
      response. We suggest that uveitis may serve as a surrogate marker for a tumor
      response to therapy with pembrolizumab.

PMID- 27662341
TI  - Molecular evidence that oral supplementation with lycopene or lutein protects
      human skin against ultraviolet radiation: results from a double-blinded, placebo
      controlled, crossover study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increasing evidence suggests photoprotection by oral supplementation
      with beta-carotene and lycopene. OBJECTIVES: To examine the capacity of lycopene
      rich tomato nutrient complex (TNC) and lutein, to protect against ultraviolet
      (UV)A/B and UVA1 radiation at a molecular level. METHODS: In a placebo
      controlled, double-blinded, randomized, crossover study two active treatments
      containing either TNC or lutein were assessed for their capacity to decrease the
      expression of UVA1 the radiation-inducible genes HO1, ICAM1 and MMP1. Sixty-five
      healthy volunteers were allocated to four treatment groups and subjected to a 2
      week washout phase, followed by two 12-week treatment phases separated by another
      2 weeks of washout. Volunteers started either with active treatment and were then
      switched to placebo, or vice versa. At the beginning and at the end of each
      treatment phase skin was irradiated and 24 h later biopsies were taken from
      untreated, UVA/B- and UVA1-irradiated skin for subsequent reverse transcriptase
      polymerase chain reaction analysis of gene expression. Moreover, blood samples
      were taken after the washout and the treatment phases for assessment of
      carotenoids. RESULTS: TNC completely inhibited UVA1- and UVA/B-induced
      upregulation of heme-oxygenase 1, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 and matrix
      metallopeptidase 1 mRNA, no matter the sequence (anova, P < 0.05). In contrast,
      lutein provided complete protection if it was taken in the first period but
      showed significantly smaller effects in the second sequence compared with TNC.
      CONCLUSIONS: Assuming the role of these genes as indicators of oxidative stress,
      photodermatoses and photoageing, these results might indicate that TNC and lutein
      could protect against solar radiation-induced health damage.

PMID- 27662344
TI  - AsMA, A Global Organisation.

PMID- 27662342
TI  - Template-Based Modeling of Protein-RNA Interactions.
AB  - Protein-RNA complexes formed by specific recognition between RNA and RNA-binding
      proteins play an important role in biological processes. More than a thousand of
      such proteins in human are curated and many novel RNA-binding proteins are to be
      discovered. Due to limitations of experimental approaches, computational
      techniques are needed for characterization of protein-RNA interactions. Although
      much progress has been made, adequate methodologies reliably providing atomic
      resolution structural details are still lacking. Although protein-RNA free
      docking approaches proved to be useful, in general, the template-based approaches
      provide higher quality of predictions. Templates are key to building a high
      quality model. Sequence/structure relationships were studied based on a
      representative set of binary protein-RNA complexes from PDB. Several approaches
      were tested for pairwise target/template alignment. The analysis revealed a
      transition point between random and correct binding modes. The results showed
      that structural alignment is better than sequence alignment in identifying good
      templates, suitable for generating protein-RNA complexes close to the native
      structure, and outperforms free docking, successfully predicting complexes where
      the free docking fails, including cases of significant conformational change upon
      binding. A template-based protein-RNA interaction modeling protocol PRIME was
      developed and benchmarked on a representative set of complexes.

PMID- 27662345
TI  - Flipping a Switch "Down" When Not Aligned with the Gravitational Vertical.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: To flip a switch "down," our motor system can normally rely on
      concordant visual, gravitational, and egocentric cues about the vertical.
      However, divers must sometimes perform this task while visual cues are limited
      and gravitational cues are misaligned with egocentric cues. Astronauts must also
      flip switches "down" in absence of gravitational cues. Our study evaluates this
      ability using a laboratory simulation. METHODS: The subjects were 24 healthy
      volunteers who were blindfolded, tilted into different angles of roll, and asked
      to silence an alarm by flipping a switch "down." The switch was constructed such
      that it could be flipped in any direction in the subjects' frontal plane.
      RESULTS: Two subjects deflected the switch in accordance with the direction of
      gravity, irrespective of their body orientation. Twenty subjects deflected it in
      accordance with their body orientation, irrespective of the direction of gravity.
      The remaining two persons could not be classified unequivocally. Notably, some
      egocentric responders deflected the rod consistently toward their feet, but
      others deflected it consistently toward other parts of their body. DISCUSSION:
      Since our findings disagree with perceptual studies where gravitational rather
      than egocentric cues predominated in the absence of vision, we posit that
      perception and action may access distinct internal representations of the
      vertical. On the practical side, our findings indicate that designers of
      spaceflight and underwater equipment should not rely on divers' intuitive
      knowledge on how to flip a switch "down." Bock O, Bury N. Flipping a switch
      "down" when not aligned with the gravitational vertical. Aerosp Med Hum Perform.
      2016; 87(10):838-843.

PMID- 27662346
TI  - Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions and Intracranial Pressure During CSF
      Infusion Testing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A noninvasive method to monitor changes in intracranial pressure
      (ICP) is required for astronauts on long-duration spaceflight who are at risk of
      developing the Visual Impairment/Intracranial Pressure syndrome that has some,
      but not all of the features of idiopathic intracranial hypertension. We assessed
      the validity of distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) to detect
      changes in ICP. METHODS: Subjects were eight patients undergoing medically
      necessary diagnostic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) infusion testing for
      hydrocephalus. DPOAE measurements were obtained with an FDA-approved system at
      baseline and six controlled ICP levels in ~3 mmHg increments in random order,
      with a range from 10.8 +/- 2.9 mmHg (SD) at baseline to 32.3 +/- 4.1 mmHg (SD) at
      level 6. RESULTS: For f2 frequencies between 800 and 1700 Hz, when ICP was >= 12
      mmHg above baseline ICP, DPOAE angles increased significantly and DPOAE
      magnitudes decreased significantly, but less robustly. DISCUSSION: Significant
      changes in DPOAE angle and magnitude are seen when ICP is >= 12 mmHg above a
      subject's supine baseline ICP during CSF infusion testing. These results suggest
      that the changes in DPOAE angle and magnitude seen with change in ICP are
      physiologically based, and suggest that it should be possible to detect
      pathological ICP elevation using DPOAE measurements. To use DPOAE for noninvasive
      estimation of ICP during spaceflight will require baseline measurements in the
      head-up, supine, and head-down positions to obtain baseline DPOAE values at
      different ICP ranges. Williams MA, Malm J, Eklund A, Horton NJ, Voss SE.
      Distortion product otoacoustic emissions and intracranial pressure during CSF
      infusion testing. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2016; 87(10):844-851.

PMID- 27662347
TI  - Pitch-Plane Angular Displacement Perception During Helicopter Flight and Gondola
      Centrifugation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: During hovering with a helicopter, an involuntary change in attitude
      (during brownout) results in reduced lifting force and a horizontal acceleration
      component. This movement pattern is difficult to perceive via the otolith organs.
      If the angular displacement occurs rapidly, it will, however, activate the
      semicircular canals. The major aim of this study was to establish to what extent
      pitch-plane angular displacements can be perceived based on canal information
      when there is no tilt stimulus to the otoliths. METHODS: In a helicopter, 9
      nonpilots (N) and 8 helicopter pilots (P) underwent 5-6 pitch-forward
      displacements (magnitude 14-33 degrees , angular velocity 2-7 degrees  . s-1). In
      a swing-out gondola centrifuge, 9 N and 3 P were exposed to a similar canal
      otolith conflict (acceleration, seated centripetally) with four displacements of
      25 degrees  and two of 60 degrees . The visually perceived eye level (VPEL) was
      continuously recorded using an adjustable luminous dot in darkness. For each
      helicopter dive and centrifuge run the gain was calculated as the ratio (VPEL
      deflection)/(displacement of helicopter or gondola). RESULTS: In the helicopter
      there was no difference between N (0.28 +/- 0.13) and P (0.36 +/- 0.22). In the
      centrifuge the gains were 0.34 +/- 0.18 degrees  (25 degrees  displacements) and
      0.30 +/- 0.16 degrees  (60 degrees  displacements). Values obtained in the
      helicopter did not differ significantly from those in the centrifuge. There was a
      correlation between data obtained during the 25 degrees  and 60 degrees 
      displacements in the centrifuge. CONCLUSION: There was a pronounced
      underestimation of pitch angular displacements in a helicopter. The
      interindividual variability was considerable. Gains for perceived displacement
      were similar in helicopter and centrifuge. Tribukait A, Bergsten E, Eiken O.
      Pitch-plane angular displacement perception during helicopter flight and gondola
      centrifugation. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2016; 87(10):852-861.

PMID- 27662349
TI  - Subjective Measurements of In-Flight Sleep, Circadian Variation, and Their
      Relationship with Fatigue.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study examined whether subjective measurements of in-flight
      sleep could be a reliable alternative to actigraphic measurements for monitoring
      pilot fatigue in a large-scale survey. METHODS: Pilots (3-pilot crews) completed
      a 1-page survey on outbound and inbound long-haul flights crossing 1-7 time zones
      (N = 586 surveys) between 53 city pairs with 1-d layovers. Across each flight,
      pilots documented flight start and end times, break times, and in-flight sleep
      duration and quality if they attempted sleep. They also rated their fatigue (Samn
      Perelli Crew Status Check) and sleepiness (Karolinska Sleepiness Scale) at top of
      descent (TOD). Mixed model ANCOVA was used to identify independent factors
      associated with sleep duration, quality, and TOD measures. Domicile time was used
      as a surrogate measure of circadian phase. RESULTS: Sleep duration increased by
      10.2 min for every 1-h increase in flight duration. Sleep duration and quality
      varied by break start time, with significantly more sleep obtained during breaks
      starting between (domicile) 22:00-01:59 and 02:00-05:59 compared to earlier
      breaks. Pilots were more fatigued and sleepy at TOD on flights arriving between
      02:00-05:59 and 06:00-09:59 domicile time compared to other flights. With every 1
      h increase in sleep duration, sleepiness ratings at TOD decreased by 0.6 points
      and fatigue ratings decreased by 0.4 points. DISCUSSION: The present findings are
      consistent with previous actigraphic studies, suggesting that self-reported sleep
      duration is a reliable alternative to actigraphic sleep in this type of study,
      with use of validated measures, sufficiently large sample sizes, and where
      fatigue risk is expected to be low. van den Berg MJ, Wu LJ, Gander PH. Subjective
      measurements of in-flight sleep, circadian variation, and their relationship with
      fatigue. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2016; 87(10):869-875.

PMID- 27662348
TI  - Prognostic Factors for Outcomes of In-Flight Sudden Cardiac Arrest on Commercial
      Airlines.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In-flight cardiac arrest (IFCA) is a relatively rare but challenging
      event. Outcomes and prognostic factors are not entirely understood for victims of
      IFCAs in commercial aviation. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of
      airline passengers who experienced IFCA. Demographic and operational variables
      were studied to identify association in a multivariate logistic regression model
      with the outcome of survival-to-hospital. In-flight medical emergencies were
      processed by a ground-based medical center. Subsequent comparisons were made
      between reported shockable-rhythm (RSR) and reported non-shockable-rhythm (RNSR)
      groups. Logistic regression was also used to identify predictors for shock
      advised and flight diversions using a case control study design. Significant
      predictors for survival-to-hospital were RSR and remaining flight time to
      destination. RESULTS: The percentage of RSR cases was 24.6%. The survival to
      hospital admission was 22.7% (22/97) for passengers in RSR compared with 2.4%
      (7/297) in the RNSR group. The adjusted odds ratio for survival-to-hospital for
      the RSR group compared to the RNSR group was 13.6 (5.5-33.5). The model showed
      odds for survival to hospital decreased with longer scheduled remaining flight
      duration with adjusted OR = 0.701 (0.535-0.920) per hour increase. No correlation
      between diversions and survival for RSR cases was found. CONCLUSIONS: Survival-to
      hospital from IFCAs is best when an RSR is present. The percentage of RSR cases
      was lower than in other out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) settings, which
      suggests delayed discovery. Flight diversions did not significantly affect
      resuscitation outcome. We emphasize good quality cardio-pulmonary resuscitation
      (CPR) and early defibrillation as key factors for IFCA survival. Alves PM, DeJohn
      CA, Ricaurte EM, Mills WD. Prognostic factors for outcomes of in-flight sudden
      cardiac arrest on commercial airlines. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2016; 87(10):862
      868.

PMID- 27662351
TI  - Screening and Mitigation of Layperson Anxiety in Aerospace Environments.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Anxiety may present challenges for commercial spaceflight
      operations, as little is known regarding the psychological effects of spaceflight
      on laypersons. A recent investigation evaluated measures of anxiety during
      centrifuge-simulated suborbital commercial spaceflight, highlighting the
      potential for severe anxiousness to interrupt spaceflight operations. METHODS: To
      pave the way for future research, an extensive literature review identified
      existing knowledge that may contribute to formation of interventions for anxiety
      in commercial spaceflight. Useful literature was identified regarding anxiety
      from a variety of fields, including centrifugation, fear of flying, motion
      sickness, and military operations. RESULTS: Fear of flying is the most
      extensively studied area, with some supportive evidence from centrifugation
      studies. Virtual reality exposure (VRE) is as effective as actual training flight
      exposure (or analog exposure) in mitigation of flight-related anxiety. The
      addition of other modalities, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or
      biofeedback, to VRE improves desensitization compared to VRE alone. Motion
      sickness-susceptible individuals demonstrate higher trait anxiety than
      nonsusceptible individuals; for this reason, motion sickness susceptibility
      questionnaires may be useful measures to identify at-risk individuals. Some
      military studies indicate that psychiatric history and personality classification
      may have predictive value in future research. Medication countermeasures
      consisting of benzodiazepines may quell in-flight anxiety, but do not likely
      improve anxiety on repeat exposure. DISCUSSION: The scarce available literature
      addressing anxiety in unique environments indicates that training/repeated
      exposure may mitigate anxiety. Anxiety and personality indices may be helpful
      screening tools, while pharmaceuticals may be useful countermeasures when needed.
      Mulcahy RA, Blue RS, Vardiman JL, Castleberry TL, Vanderploeg JM. Screening and
      mitigation of layperson anxiety in aerospace environments. Aerosp Med Hum
      Perform. 2016; 87(10):882-889.

PMID- 27662350
TI  - Middle Ear Resonance Frequency in Pilots and Pilot Candidates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Barotrauma is a frequent problem in aviation medicine. Eustachian
      tube dysfunction plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of barotrauma.
      Function of the Eustachian tube can be indirectly assessed by multifrequency
      tympanometry, which provides valuable information about the resistance and
      permeability of the middle ear in a wide frequency range. The aim of this study
      was to research whether multifrequency tympanometry could be used for assessing
      middle ear impairments in pilots. METHODS: There were 140 pilots and pilot
      candidates between the ages of 20-55 with normal otoscopic examination who were
      evaluated by audiological test batteries. Body mass index values, flight hours,
      audiometric pure tone thresholds, tympanometry and multifrequency tympanometry
      test results were noted. RESULTS: There was statistically significant decrease in
      the multifrequency tympanometry measurements of the left and right ears of the
      pilots with 200-3000 flight hours compared to pilot candidates, and similarly,
      the pilots with 3000-10,000 flight hours compared to pilot candidates.
      DISCUSSION: Multifrequency tympanometry values changed between pilot candidates
      and pilots. However, the values of multifrequency tympanometry did not change due
      to flight hours. This test battery should not be used for follow up of pilots in
      the clinic. Tuncer MM, Babakurban ST, Aydin E. Middle ear resonance frequency in
      pilots and pilot candidates. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2016; 87(10):876-881.

PMID- 27662352
TI  - Spatial Disorientation Training in the Rotor Wing Flight Simulator.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study is intended to identify efficacy, evolving applications,
      best practices, and challenges of spatial disorientation (SD) training in flight
      simulators for rotor wing pilots. METHODS: Queries of a UK Ministry of Defense
      research database and Pub Med were undertaken using the search terms 'spatial
      disorientation,' 'rotor wing,' and 'flight simulator.' Efficacy, evolving
      applications, best practices, and challenges of SD simulation for rotor wing
      pilots were also ascertained through discussion with subject matter experts and
      industrial partners. Expert opinions were solicited at the aeromedical
      physiologist, aeromedical psychologist, instructor pilot, aeromedical examiner,
      and corporate executive levels. RESULTS: Peer review literature search yielded
      129 articles, with 5 relevant to the use of flight simulators for the spatial
      disorientation training of rotor wing pilots. Efficacy of such training was
      measured subjectively and objectively. A preponderance of anecdotal reports
      endorse the benefits of rotor wing simulator SD training, with a small trial
      substantiating performance improvement. Advancing technologies enable novel
      training applications. The mobile nature of flight students and concurrent
      anticollision technologies can make long-range assessment of SD training efficacy
      challenging. Costs of advanced technologies could limit the extent to which the
      most advanced simulators can be employed across the rotor wing community.
      DISCUSSION: Evidence suggests the excellent training value of rotor wing
      simulators for SD training. Objective data from further research, particularly
      with regards to evolving technologies, may justify further usage of advanced
      simulator platforms for SD training and research. Powell-Dunford N, Bushby A,
      Leland RA. Spatial disorientation training in the rotor wing flight simulator.
      Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2016; 87(10):890-893.

PMID- 27662353
TI  - Elevated End-Tidal Pco2 During Long-Duration Spaceflight.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Elevated ambient Pco2 in the International Space Station (ISS) has
      been cited as a potential contributor to the vision impairment intracranial
      pressure syndrome (VIIP), a significant health risk for astronauts during long
      duration space missions. The elevation in ambient Pco2 is rather modest and
      normal respiratory compensation could minimize the impact on arterial Pco2.
      METHODS: In nine male astronauts, breaths measured prior to a rebreathing
      maneuver were examined to assess inspired and end-tidal Pco2 during upright
      seated preflight and in-flight conditions. RESULTS: Inspired Pco2 increased from
      preflight baseline (0.6 +/- 0.1 mmHg) to in flight (3.8 +/- 0.4 mmHg). End-tidal
      Pco2 also increased from preflight baseline (36.0 +/- 3.2 mmHg) to in flight
      (42.1 +/- 3.7 mmHg). The difference between end-tidal Pco2 comparing in flight to
      preflight (6.1 +/- 1.6 mmHg) was greater than the difference between inspired
      Pco2 comparing preflight to in flight (3.3 +/- 0.5 mmHg). DISCUSSION: The greater
      increase in end-tidal vs. inspired Pco2 might reflect alveolar hypoventilation
      due to differences in ventilatory control with spaceflight. These data suggest
      that further studies should focus on arterial Pco2 and acid-base balance to
      determine if CO2 dilates cerebral and retinal vessels and might contribute to the
      incidence of VIIP in astronauts. Hughson RL, Yee NJ, Greaves DK. Elevated end
      tidal Pco2 during long-duration spaceflight. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2016;
      87(10):894-897.

PMID- 27662354
TI  - Lipid Subhyaloid Maculopathy and Exposure to High Altitude.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High altitude retinopathy (HAR) includes a number of diseases related
      to high altitude such as acute mountain sickness (AMS), high altitude pulmonary
      edema (HAPE) and high altitude cerebral edema (HACE). High altitude retinopathy
      is mainly characterized by retinal hemorrhages, usually sparing the macular
      region, a condition specifically known as high altitude retinal hemorrhages
      (HARH). The pathogenesis of HARH is unclear. Many studies show that lack of
      oxygen causes an inadequate autoregulation of retinal circulation, causing
      vascular incompetence. Other retinal changes described in HAR have been reported,
      such as optical disk edema, optic disc hyperemia, cotton wool exudates, venous
      occlusions, and macular edema. CASE REPORT: In this paper we present a case of an
      aviator who developed a unilateral maculopathy through subhyaloid lipid
      accumulation on a climb to the top of Mt. Everest. The clinical findings are
      suggestive of an apparent case of temporary altitude-induced visual disruption
      maybe by the same presumable pathogenesis of HARH. Right eye visual loss was
      perceived at 5150 m when he was trying to take a photograph 40 d into the
      expedition. DISCUSSION: The maculopathy developed by this patient adds to the
      discussion on the pathogenesis of HARH, especially the aspect of this maculopathy
      and its complete resolution. It seems that autoregulation failure could lead to
      exudation and lipid deposits in the foveal area. Although macular damage is not a
      common signal in HARH, checking visual acuity during high altitude expeditions
      remains an important procedure to avoid late diagnosis as unilateral blindness
      may not be detected early. Rosas Petrocinio R, Gomes ED. Lipid subhyaloid
      maculopathy and exposure to high altitude. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2016;
      87(10):898-900.

PMID- 27662355
TI  - Fighter Pilot with Recurrent Central Serous Chorioretinopathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is usually a self-limiting
      condition; however, there is potential for recurrence and permanent visual
      defects. Aviation demands perfect vision to minimize risk to pilots and aircraft.
      Consequently, this ailment disqualifies pilots and pilots to be. CASE REPORT: A
      fully trained fighter pilot with 1260 h in fighter airframes has been contending
      with central serous chorioretinopathy in the right eye over the course of 3 yr.
      The condition was diagnosed after the member presented with visual disturbances.
      His course was followed with multiple treatment modalities: watchful waiting,
      micropulse laser, and rifampin. His disease responded well with rifampin, but was
      ultimately stopped secondary to elevated liver enzymes. Micropulse laser failed
      to resolve subretinal fluid. Ultimately the pilot is left with a chronic area of
      CSC without visual defects and faces career termination. DISCUSSION:
      Uncompromised vision is inherently crucial in aerospace careers, especially that
      of a fighter pilot. With persistent CSC resistant to treatment, there is a risk
      for progression to permanent visual disturbances and/or defects. Safety concerns
      of authority figures overseeing pilots and aircraft are warranted. However, the
      concern could be mitigated in air frames that require two pilots. Another factor
      partially responsible for ending his career is the fear of G force affecting his
      prognosis. The author is not aware of any other studies illuminating the effects
      or consideration of excess G force on subretinal fluid in CSC. This is an area
      that requires further study. Dietrich KC. Fighter pilot with recurrent central
      serous chorioretinopathy. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2016; 87(10):901-905.

PMID- 27662358
TI  - Redescription and Geographical Distribution of the Endangered Fish Ossubtus
      xinguense Jegu 1992 (Characiformes, Serrasalmidae) with Comments on Conservation
      of the Rheophilic Fauna of the Xingu River.
AB  - The monotypic species Ossubtus xinguense was originally described based on scarce
      material putatively divided into juveniles and adults. Ossubtus xinguense has a
      restricted distribution and was previously known only from a few rapids
      downstream of the city of Altamira, in the Volta Grande stretch of the Middle
      Xingu River. Until recently, the species was rare in museums because its habitat
      (large rapids) is difficult to sample. Large-scale collecting efforts targeting
      rapids throughout the Xingu River basin have yielded an abundance of new
      material. Based on an analysis of the type series and freshly preserved
      specimens, we redescribe O. xinguense and provide detailed osteological
      descriptions along with comments about its relationships within Serrasalmidae.
      Furthermore, we expand the geographical distribution of the species and discuss
      its conservation status.

PMID- 27662356
TI  - You're the Flight Surgeon.
AB  - Lenz CR, Shields JL, Morgan AO. You're the flight surgeon: an unusual case of
      ground-level F-15 decompression illness. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2016; 87(10):906
      909.

PMID- 27662359
TI  - Electric Field Keeps Chromophore Planar and Produces High Yield Fluorescence in
      Green Fluorescent Protein.
AB  - The green fluorescent protein and its designed variants fluoresce efficiently.
      Because the isolated chromophore is not fluorescent in a practical sense, it is
      apparent that the protein environment plays a crucial role in its efficiency.
      Because of various obstacles in studying excited state dynamics of complex
      systems, however, the detailed mechanism of this efficiency enhancement is not
      yet clearly elucidated. Here, by adopting excited state nonadiabatic molecular
      dynamics simulations together with an interpolated quantum chemical potential
      model of the chromophore, we find that the strong electric field from the protein
      matrix contributes dominantly to the motional restriction of the chromophore. The
      delay in twisting motion subsequently obstructs the nonradiative decay that
      competes with fluorescence, leading naturally to an enhancement in light-emitting
      efficiency. Surprisingly, steric constraints make only a minor contribution to
      these aspects. Through residue specific analyses, we identify a group of key
      residues that control the excited state behavior. Testing a series of mutant GFPs
      with different brightnesses also supports the view regarding the importance of
      protein electrostatics. Our findings may provide a useful guide toward designing
      new fluorescent chemical systems in the future.

PMID- 27662360
TI  - Evidence-Based Clinical Practice: Asking Focused Questions (PICO).

PMID- 27662362
TI  - Pharmacodynamic Impact of Carboxylesterase 1 Gene Variants in Patients with
      Congestive Heart Failure Treated with Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Variation in the carboxylesterase 1 gene (CES1) may contribute to the
      efficacy of ACEIs. Accordingly, we examined the impact of CES1 variants on plasma
      angiotensin II (ATII)/angiotensin I (ATI) ratio in patients with congestive heart
      failure (CHF) that underwent ACEI dose titrations. Five of these variants have
      previously been associated with drug response or increased CES1 expression, i.e.,
      CES1 copy number variation, the variant of the duplicated CES1 gene with high
      transcriptional activity, rs71647871, rs2244613, and rs3815583. Additionally,
      nine variants, representatives of CES1Var, and three other CES1 variants were
      examined. METHODS: Patients with CHF, and clinical indication for ACEIs were
      categorized according to their CES1 genotype. Differences in mean plasma ATII/ATI
      ratios between genotype groups after ACEI dose titration, expressed as the least
      square mean (LSM) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), were assessed by analysis
      of variance. RESULTS: A total of 200 patients were recruited and 127 patients
      (63.5%) completed the study. The mean duration of the CHF drug dose titration was
      6.2 (SD 3.6) months. After ACEI dose titration, there was no difference in mean
      plasma ATII/ATI ratios between subjects with the investigated CES1 variants, and
      only one previously unexplored variation (rs2302722) qualified for further
      assessment. In the fully adjusted analysis of effects of rs2302722 on plasma
      ATII/ATI ratios, the difference in mean ATII/ATI ratio between the GG genotype
      and the minor allele carriers (GT and TT) was not significant, with a relative
      difference in LSMs of 0.67 (95% CI 0.43-1.07; P = 0.10). Results of analyses that
      only included enalapril-treated patients remained non-significant after
      Bonferroni correction for multiple parallel comparisons (difference in LSM 0.60
      [95% CI 0.37-0.98], P = 0.045). CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that the
      included single variants of CES1 do not significantly influence plasma ATII/ATI
      ratios in CHF patients treated with ACEIs and are unlikely to be primary
      determinants of ACEI efficacy.

PMID- 27662363
TI  - FAF1 mediates regulated necrosis through PARP1 activation upon oxidative stress
      leading to dopaminergic neurodegeneration.
AB  - Cumulative damage caused by oxidative stress results in diverse pathological
      conditions. Therefore, elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying cell death
      following oxidative stress is important. Here, we describe a novel role for Fas
      associated factor 1 (FAF1) as a crucial regulator of necrotic cell death elicited
      by hydrogen peroxide. Upon oxidative insult, FAF1 translocated from the cytoplasm
      to the nucleus and promoted the catalytic activation of poly(ADP-ribose)
      polymerase 1 (PARP1) through physical interaction. Moreover, FAF1 depletion
      prevented PARP1-linked downstream events involved in the triggering of cell
      death, including energetic collapse, mitochondrial depolarization and nuclear
      translocation of apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), implying that FAF1 has a key
      role in PARP1-dependent necrosis in response to oxidative stress. We further
      investigated whether FAF1 might contribute to the pathogenesis of Parkinson's
      disease through excessive PARP1 activation. Indeed, the overexpression of FAF1
      using a recombinant adeno-associated virus system in the mouse ventral midbrain
      promoted PARP1 activation and dopaminergic neurodegeneration in a 1-methyl-4
      phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) mouse model of Parkinson's disease.
      Collectively, our data demonstrate the presence of an FAF1-PARP1 axis that is
      involved in oxidative stress-induced necrosis and in the pathology of Parkinson's
      disease.

PMID- 27662364
TI  - Leishmania donovani inhibits macrophage apoptosis and pro-inflammatory response
      through AKT-mediated regulation of beta-catenin and FOXO-1.
AB  - In order to establish infection, intra-macrophage parasite Leishmania donovani
      needs to inhibit host defense parameters like inflammatory cytokine production
      and apoptosis. In the present study, we demonstrate that the parasite achieves
      both by exploiting a single host regulator AKT for modulating its downstream
      transcription factors, beta-catenin and FOXO-1. L. donovani-infected RAW264.7 and
      bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) treated with AKT inhibitor or dominant
      negative AKT constructs showed decreased anti-inflammatory cytokine production
      and increased host cell apoptosis resulting in reduced parasite survival.
      Infection-induced activated AKT triggered phosphorylation-mediated deactivation
      of its downstream target, GSK-3beta. Inactivated GSK-3beta, in turn, could no
      longer sequester cytosolic beta-catenin, an anti-apoptotic transcriptional
      regulator, as evidenced from its nuclear translocation during infection.
      Constitutively active GSK-3beta-transfected L. donovani-infected cells mimicked
      the effects of AKT inhibition and siRNA-mediated silencing of beta-catenin led to
      disruption of mitochondrial potential along with increased caspase-3 activity and
      IL-12 production leading to decreased parasite survival. In addition to
      activating anti-apoptotic beta-catenin, phospho-AKT inhibits activation of FOXO
      1, a pro-apoptotic transcriptional regulator. Nuclear retention of FOXO-1,
      inhibited during infection, was reversed when infected cells were transfected
      with dominant negative AKT constructs. Overexpression of FOXO-1 in infected
      macrophages not only documented increased apoptosis but promoted enhanced TLR4
      expression and NF-kappaB activity along with an increase in IL-1beta and decrease
      in IL-10 secretion. In vivo administration of AKT inhibitor significantly
      decreased liver and spleen parasite burden and switched cytokine balance in favor
      of host. In contrast, GSK-3beta inhibitor did not result in any significant
      change in infectivity parameters. Collectively our findings revealed that L.
      donovani triggered AKT activation to regulate GSK-3beta/beta-catenin/FOXO-1 axis,
      thus ensuring inhibition of both host cell apoptosis and immune response
      essential for its intra-macrophage survival.

PMID- 27662366
TI  - Mothers Do Not Show Increased Offspring Avoidance and Elevated Corticosterone
      Levels during Weaning Conflict in Rats.
AB  - Parent-offspring conflict is predicted to occur because offspring will demand
      more parental investment than is optimal for the parent, and is said to be
      strongest during weaning when parents reduce nursing while offspring continue to
      demand parental care. While weaning conflict has been shown to be stressful in
      offspring, little is known about the effects of weaning conflict on mothers. We
      hypothesized that during weaning mothers have higher levels of stress hormone
      (corticosterone) compared to early lactation because of increased offspring
      demand. Further, we predicted that if mothers are given the option to avoid
      offspring solicitation they would do so and show lower corticosterone levels. We
      tested our hypotheses in an experimental population of rats in which one group of
      females was given the opportunity to avoid offspring solicitation. We measured
      faecal corticosterone metabolite levels using a non-invasive approach, and
      maternal and offspring behaviours during weaning. In contrast to our predictions,
      we detected lower levels of corticosterone metabolites during weaning than
      before, irrespective of cage type. Further, during weaning mothers did not show
      increased offspring avoidance behaviour although offspring solicitation increased
      significantly. Our results therefore cast doubt on the generally accepted notion
      of weaning conflict as a stressful period for mothers characterized by overt
      offspring solicitation.

PMID- 27662367
TI  - Construction and Operation Costs of Wastewater Treatment and Implications for the
      Paper Industry in China.
AB  - This paper aims to develop a construction and operation cost model of wastewater
      treatment for the paper industry in China and explores the main factors that
      determine these costs. Previous models mainly involved factors relating to the
      treatment scale and efficiency of treatment facilities for deriving the cost
      function. We considered the factors more comprehensively by adding a regional
      variable to represent the economic development level, a corporate ownership
      factor to represent the plant characteristics, a subsector variable to capture
      pollutant characteristics, and a detailed-classification technology variable. We
      applied a unique data set from a national pollution source census for the model
      simulation. The major findings include the following: (1) Wastewater treatment
      costs in the paper industry are determined by scale, technology, degree of
      treatment, ownership, and regional factors; (2) Wastewater treatment costs show a
      large decreasing scale effect; (3) The current level of pollutant discharge fees
      is far lower than the marginal treatment costs for meeting the wastewater
      discharge standard. Key implications are as follows: (1) Cost characteristics and
      impact factors should be fully recognized when planning or making policies
      relating to wastewater treatment projects or technology development; (2) There is
      potential to reduce treatment costs by centralizing wastewater treatment via
      industrial parks; (3) Wastewater discharge fee rates should be increased; (4)
      Energy efficient technology should become the future focus of wastewater
      treatment.

PMID- 27662365
TI  - TRAP1 regulates stemness through Wnt/beta-catenin pathway in human colorectal
      carcinoma.
AB  - Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is a common cause of cancer-related death worldwide.
      Indeed, treatment failures are triggered by cancer stem cells (CSCs) that give
      rise to tumor repopulation upon initial remission. Thus, the role of the heat
      shock protein TRAP1 in stemness was investigated in CRC cell lines and human
      specimens, based on its involvement in colorectal carcinogenesis, through
      regulation of apoptosis, protein homeostasis and bioenergetics. Strikingly, co
      expression between TRAP1 and stem cell markers was observed in stem cells located
      at the bottom of intestinal crypts and in CSCs sorted from CRC cell lines.
      Noteworthy, TRAP1 knockdown reduced the expression of stem cell markers and
      impaired colony formation, being the CSC phenotype and the anchorage-independent
      growth conserved in TRAP1-rich cancer cells. Consistently, the gene expression
      profiling of HCT116 cells showed that TRAP1 silencing results in the loss of the
      stem-like signature with acquisition of a more-differentiated phenotype and the
      downregulation of genes encoding for activating ligands and target proteins of
      Wnt/beta-catenin pathway. Mechanistically, TRAP1 maintenance of stemness is
      mediated by the regulation of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling, through the modulation
      of the expression of frizzled receptor ligands and the control of beta-catenin
      ubiquitination/phosphorylation. Remarkably, TRAP1 is associated with higher
      expression of beta-catenin and several Wnt/beta-catenin target genes in human
      CRCs, thus supporting the relevance of TRAP1 regulation of beta-catenin in human
      pathology. This study is the first demonstration that TRAP1 regulates stemness
      and Wnt/beta-catenin pathway in CRC and provides novel landmarks in cancer
      biology and therapeutics.

PMID- 27662368
TI  - Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention with Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine and Amodiaquine
      Selects Pfdhfr-dhps Quintuple Mutant Genotype in Mali.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) with sulphadoxine
      pyrimethamine (SP) plus amodiaquine (AQ) is being scaled up in Sahelian countries
      of West Africa. However, the potential development of Plasmodium falciparum
      resistance to the respective component drugs is a major concern. METHODS: Two
      cross-sectional surveys were conducted before (August 2012) and after (June 2014)
      a pilot implementation of SMC in Koutiala, Mali. Children aged 3-59 months
      received 7 rounds of curative doses of SP plus AQ over two malaria seasons.
      Genotypes of P. falciparum Pfdhfr codons 51, 59 and 108; Pfdhps codons 437 and
      540, Pfcrt codon 76 and Pfmdr1codon 86 were analyzed by PCR on DNA from samples
      collected before and after SMC, and in non-SMC patient population as controls
      (November 2014). RESULTS: In the SMC population 191/662 (28.9%) and 85/670
      (12.7%) of children were P. falciparum positive by microscopy and were included
      in the molecular analysis before (2012) and after SMC implementation (2014),
      respectively. In the non-SMC patient population 220/310 (71%) were successfully
      PCR analyzed. In the SMC children, the prevalence of all molecular markers of SP
      resistance increased significantly after SMC including the Pfdhfr-dhps quintuple
      mutant genotype, which was 1.6% before but 7.1% after SMC (p = 0.02). The
      prevalence of Pfmdr1-86Y significantly decreased from 26.7% to 15.3% (p = 0.04)
      while no significant change was seen for Pfcrt 76T. In 2014, prevalence of all
      molecular markers of SP resistance were significantly higher among SMC children
      compared to the non-SMC population patient (p < 0.01). No Pfdhfr-164 mutation was
      found neither at baseline nor post SMC. CONCLUSION: SMC increased the prevalence
      of molecular markers of P. falciparum resistance to SP in the treated children.
      However, there was no significant increase of these markers of resistance in the
      general parasite population after 2 years and 7 rounds of SMC.

PMID- 27662369
TI  - Effects of Adolescent Intermittent Alcohol Exposure on the Expression of
      Endocannabinoid Signaling-Related Proteins in the Spleen of Young Adult Rats.
AB  - Intermittent alcohol exposure is a common pattern of alcohol consumption among
      adolescents and alcohol is known to modulate the expression of the
      endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is involved in metabolism and inflammation.
      However, it is unknown whether this pattern may have short-term consequences on
      the ECS in the spleen. To address this question, we examined the plasma
      concentrations of metabolic and inflammatory signals and the splenic ECS in early
      adult rats exposed to alcohol during adolescence. A 4-day drinking in the dark
      (DID) procedure for 4 weeks was used as a model of intermittent forced-alcohol
      administration (20%, v/v) in female and male Wistar rats, which were sacrificed 2
      weeks after the last DID session. First, there was no liver damage or alterations
      in plasma metabolic parameters. However, certain plasma inflammatory signals were
      altered according to sex and alcohol exposition. Whereas fractalkine [chemokine
      (C-X3-C motif) ligand 1] was only affected by sex with lower concentration in
      male rats, there was an interaction between sex and alcohol exposure in the TNF
      alpha and interleukin-6 concentrations and only female rats displayed changes.
      Regarding the mRNA and protein expression of the ECS, the receptors and
      endocannabinoid-synthesizing enzymes were found to be altered with area-specific
      expression patterns in the spleen. Overall, whereas the expression of the
      cannabinoid receptor CB1 and the nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated
      receptor PPARalpha were lower in alcohol-exposed rats compared to control rats,
      the CB2 expression was higher. Additionally, the N-acyl-phosphatidylethanolamine
      specific phospholipase D expression was high in female alcohol-exposed rats and
      low in male alcohol-exposed rats. In conclusion, intermittent alcohol consumption
      during adolescence may be sufficient to induce short-term changes in the
      expression of splenic endocannabinoid signaling-related proteins and plasma pro
      inflammatory cytokines in young adult rats with a strong sexual dimorphism. The
      potential impact of these alterations in early adulthood remains to be
      elucidated.

PMID- 27662370
TI  - Brain basis of childhood speech and language disorders: are we closer to
      clinically meaningful MRI markers?
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Developmental speech and language disorders are common, seen
      in one in 20 preschool children, in the absence of frank neurological deficits or
      intellectual impairment. They are a key reason parents seek help from
      paediatricians. Complex neurogenetic and environmental contributions underpin the
      disorders, yet few specific causes are known. With the advent of quantitative
      brain imaging, a growing number of studies have investigated neural
      contributions. Here, we discuss current MRI approaches and recent findings
      (January 2014-June 2016) in the field. RECENT FINDINGS: Five relevant studies
      were identified (n = 3 - speech disorder and n = 2 - language disorder).
      Significant variability in MRI approaches and heterogeneity of participant
      phenotypes was seen. Children with speech disorder had structural and functional
      anomalies in the left supramarginal gyrus and functional anomalies in the
      posterior cerebellum bilaterally - regions critical for sensory-motor integration
      or feedback. Children with language disorder showed increased mean and radial
      diffusivity of the left arcuate fasciculus, although a widespread cortical and
      subcortical network of regions was implicated. SUMMARY: Limited evidence exists
      for specific regional brain anomalies in this population. MRI prognostic markers
      of speech and language ability are not currently available at an individual
      level. Further work is required to disentangle neurobiological contributions to
      speech and language disorders for affected children.

PMID- 27662371
TI  - Analysis of Genome-Wide Monoallelic Expression Patterns in Three Major Cell Types
      of Mouse Visual Cortex Using Laser Capture Microdissection.
AB  - Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic mechanism causing monoallelic expression in a
      parent-of-origin-specific manner. Disruption of imprinted genes causes various
      neurological and psychiatric disorders. However, the role of imprinted genes in
      the brain is largely unknown. Different cell types within distinct brain regions
      can influence the genomic imprinting status, but imprinted genes in single cell
      types within distinct brain regions have not been characterized on a genome-wide
      scale. To address this critical question, we used a multi-stage approach, which
      combined genetically engineered mice with fluorescence-based laser capture
      microdissection (LCM) to capture excitatory neurons, inhibitory neurons and
      astrocytes as single cells in layer 2/3 of mouse visual cortex. RNA sequencing
      determined parental expression patterns on a genome-wide scale in the captured
      cells within specific brain regions. The expression level of cell-type-specific
      genes for excitatory neurons (13 genes), inhibitory neurons (16 genes) and
      astrocytes (20 genes) confirmed the LCM-captured cells maintained their cellular
      identities. The parent-of-origin-specific expression pattern of imprinted genes,
      including maternally expressed Meg3 and paternally expressed Peg3, provided
      evidence that the status of known imprinted genes was also maintained. Although
      our platform remains to be improved, our findings demonstrate the parental
      expression pattern can be analysed not only at the level of a single cell type
      but also at the level of specific cortical layers. Our approach has the potential
      to reveal novel regulatory modules associated with plasticity through genomic
      imprinting mechanisms in different cell types, not only in the visual cortex but
      also in other brain regions.

PMID- 27662372
TI  - Attaining Proficiency in Robotic-Assisted Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy While
      Maximizing Safety During Procedure Development.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Robotic-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) is an
      emerging complex operation with limited reports detailing morbidity, mortality,
      and requirements for attaining proficiency. Our objective was to develop a
      standardized RAMIE technique, evaluate procedure safety, and assess outcomes
      using a dedicated operative team and 2-surgeon approach. METHODS: We conducted a
      study of sequential patients undergoing RAMIE from January 25, 2011, to May 5,
      2014. Intermedian demographics and perioperative data were compared between
      sequential halves of the experience using the Wilcoxon rank sum test and the
      Fischer exact test. Median operative time was tracked over successive 15-patient
      cohorts. RESULTS: One hundred of 313 esophageal resections performed at our
      institution underwent RAMIE during the study period. A dedicated team including 2
      attending surgeons and uniform anesthesia and OR staff was established. There
      were no significant differences in age, sex, histology, stage, induction therapy,
      or risk class between the 2 halves of the study. Estimated blood loss,
      conversions, operative times, and overall complications significantly decreased.
      The median resected lymph nodes increased but was not statistically significant.
      Median operative time decreased to approximately 370 minutes between the 30th and
      the 45th cases. There were no emergent intraoperative complications, and the
      anastomotic leak rate was 6% (6/100). The 30-day mortality was 0% (0/100), and
      the 90-day mortality was 1% (1/100). CONCLUSIONS: Excellent perioperative and
      short-term patient outcomes with minimal mortality can be achieved using a
      standardized RAMIE procedure and a dedicated team approach. The structured
      process described may serve as a model to maximize patients' safety during
      development and assessment of complex novel procedures.

PMID- 27662373
TI  - Human Capital, Values, and Attitudes of Persons Seeking Refuge in Austria in
      2015.
AB  - Since its inception in 2010, the Arab Spring has evolved into a situation of
      violent conflict in many countries, leading to high levels of migration from the
      affected region. Given the social impact of the large number of individuals
      applying for asylum across Europe in 2015, it is important to study who these
      persons are in terms of their skills, motivations, and intentions. DiPAS
      (Displaced Persons in Austria Survey) aims to uncover the socio-demographic
      characteristics of the persons seeking refuge who arrived in Austria in 2015,
      mainly originating from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan. Particular focus is on human
      capital, attitudes and values. This survey, the first of its kind in Austria and
      possibly in Europe, was carried out among adult displaced persons, mostly
      residing in Vienna, yielding 514 completed interviews. Information gathered on
      spouses and children allows for the analysis of 972 persons living in Austria,
      and of further 419 partners and children abroad. Results indicate that the
      surveyed population comprised mainly young families with children, particularly
      those coming from Syria and Iraq. Their educational level is high compared with
      the average level in their country of origin. A vast majority of respondents are
      Muslims, rating their religiosity at medium levels. Judging from stated attitudes
      towards gender equity, interviewed men seem to have more liberal attitudes than
      their compatriots. The majority of respondents do not intend to return to their
      home countries, mostly because of the perception of permanent threat. DiPAS
      provides data for political decision-making and the on-going societal dialogue.
      Its findings can help to inform assessments about the integration potential of
      the displaced population into the host society. In addition, the applied
      methodological technique and experiences during the fieldwork provide valuable
      insights on sampling asylum seekers and refugees in the current European context.

PMID- 27662374
TI  - Tissue-Specific Stem Cells Obtained by Reprogramming of Non-Obese Diabetic (NOD)
      Mouse-Derived Pancreatic Cells Confer Insulin Production in Response to Glucose.
AB  - Type 1 diabetes occurs due to the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta-cells
      in islets. Transplantation of islets is a promising option for the treatment of
      patients with type 1 diabetes that experience hypoglycemic unawareness despite
      maximal care, but the present shortage of donor islets hampers such
      transplantation. Transplantation of insulin-producing cells derived from the
      patients themselves would be one of the most promising approaches to cure type 1
      diabetes. Previously, we demonstrated that insulin-producing cells could be
      produced by transfecting murine pancreatic cells with Yamanaka's reprogramming
      factors. Non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice are naturally occurring mutant mice
      defective in insulin production due to autoimmune ablation of pancreatic beta
      cells. In this study, we showed that glucose-sensitive insulin-producing cells
      are successfully generated by transfecting primary pancreatic cells from NOD mice
      (aged 6 months old) with a plasmid harboring the cDNAs for Oct-3/4, Sox2, Klf4,
      and c-Myc. Transfection was repeated 4 times in a 2 day-interval. Sixty-five days
      after final transfection, cobblestone-like colonies appeared. They proliferated
      in vitro and expressed pluripotency-related genes as well as Pdx1, a
      transcription factor specific to tissue-specific stem cells for the beta-cell
      lineage. Transplantation of these cells into nude mice failed to produce teratoma
      unlike induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Induction of these cells to the
      pancreatic beta-cell lineage demonstrated their capability to produce insulin in
      response to glucose. These findings suggest that functional pancreatic beta-cells
      can be produced from patients with type 1 diabetes. We call these resultant cells
      as "induced tissue-specific stem cells from the pancreas" (iTS-P) that could be
      valuable sources of safe and effective materials for cell-based therapy in type 1
      diabetes.

PMID- 27662375
TI  - Single-molecule fluorescence microscopy of native macromolecular complexes.
AB  - Macromolecular complexes consisting of proteins, lipids, and/or nucleic acids are
      ubiquitous in biological processes. Their composition, stoichiometry, order of
      assembly, and conformations can be heterogeneous or can change dynamically,
      making single-molecule studies best suited to measure these properties
      accurately. Recent single-molecule pull-down and other related approaches have
      combined the principles of conventional co-immunoprecipitation assay with single
      molecule fluorescence microscopy to probe native macromolecular complexes. In
      this review, we present the advances in single-molecule pull-down methods and
      biological systems that have been investigated in such semi vivo manner.

PMID- 27662378
TI  - The process of internationalization of the nursing and midwifery curriculum: A
      qualitative study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is an abundance of literature on internationalization of
      curricula. However, research on how a curriculum is internationalized to
      accommodate non-mobile students studying in their home countries is limited.
      OBJECTIVE: To describe the process undertaken by curriculum developers in
      internationalizing the Brunei nursing and midwifery curriculum through curriculum
      design. DESIGN: A descriptive qualitative research design. SETTING: A nursing and
      midwifery higher education institution in Brunei. PARTICIPANTS: Seventeen
      nurse/midwife academics. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with
      17 curriculum developers. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS:
      Four themes emerged: expectations of an internationalized curriculum; formation
      of a committee; benchmarking and setting standards; and designing the curriculum
      for internationalization. CONCLUSIONS: This study has implications for the
      development of an internationally-oriented curriculum that takes into account the
      cultural context of a specific country. The findings highlight the need to
      involve students in curriculum design, a practice that is not common in Brunei.

PMID- 27662376
TI  - Unveiling the functional diversity of the alpha/beta hydrolase superfamily in the
      plant kingdom.
AB  - The alpha/beta hydrolase (ABH) superfamily is a widespread and functionally
      malleable protein fold recognized for its diverse biochemical activities across
      all three domains of life. ABH enzymes possess unexpected catalytic activity in
      the green plant lineage through selective alterations in active site architecture
      and chemistry. Furthermore, the ABH fold serves as the core structure for
      phytohormone and ligand receptors in the gibberellin, strigolactone, and karrikin
      signaling pathways in plants. Despite recent discoveries, the ABH family is
      sparsely characterized in plants, a sessile kingdom known to evolve complex and
      specialized chemical adaptations as survival responses to widely varying biotic
      and abiotic ecologies. This review calls attention to the ABH superfamily in the
      plant kingdom to highlight the functional adaptability of the ABH fold.

PMID- 27662377
TI  - Microfluidic chip for isolation of viable circulating tumor cells of
      hepatocellular carcinoma for their culture and drug sensitivity assay.
AB  - Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have been proposed to be an active source of
      metastasis or recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The enumeration and
      characterization of CTCs has important clinical significance in recurrence
      prediction and treatment monitoring in HCC patients. We previously developed a
      unique method to separate HCC CTCs based on the interaction of the
      asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) expressed on their membranes with its ligand.
      The current study applied the ligand-receptor binding assay to a CTC-chip in a
      microfluidic device. Efficient capture of HCC CTCs originates from the small
      dimensions of microfluidic channels and enhanced local topographic interactions
      between the microfluidic channel and extracellular extensions. With the optimized
      conditions, a capture yield reached > 85% for artificial CTC blood samples.
      Clinical utility of the system was further validated. CTCs were detected in all
      the examined 36 patients with HCC, with an average of 14 +/- 10/2 mL. On the
      contrary, no CTCs were detected in healthy, benign liver disease or non-HCC
      cancer subjects. The current study also successfully demonstrated that the
      captured CTCs on our CTC-chip were readily released with ethylene diamine
      tetraacetic acid (EDTA); released CTCs remained alive and could be expanded to
      form a spheroid-like structure in a 3-dimensional cell culture assay;
      furthermore, sensitivity of released CTCs to chemotherapeutic agents (sorafenib
      or oxaliplatin) could be effectively tested utilizing this culture assay. In
      conclusion, the methodologies presented here offer great promise for accurate
      enumeration and easy release of captured CTCs, and released CTCs could be
      cultured for further functional studies.

PMID- 27662380
TI  - MicroRNA-33b Inhibits the Proliferation and Migration of Osteosarcoma Cells via
      Targeting Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1alpha.
AB  - Recently, microRNA (miR)-33b has been demonstrated to act as a tumor suppressor
      in osteosarcoma. However, the regulatory mechanism of miR-33b in osteosarcoma
      cell proliferation and migration remains largely unknown. In this study, real
      time PCR showed that miR-33b was significantly downregulated in osteosarcoma
      tissues compared to their matched adjacent nontumor tissues. Its expression was
      also decreased in several common osteosarcoma cell lines, including Saos-2, MG63,
      U2OS, and SW1353, when compared to normal osteoblast cell line hFOB.
      Overexpression of miR-33b suppressed U2OS cell proliferation and migration. HIF
      1alpha was further identified as a target of miR-33b, and its protein levels were
      reduced after overexpression of miR-33b in U2OS cells. Moreover, overexpression
      of HIF-1alpha significantly reversed the suppressive effect of miR-33b on U2OS
      cell proliferation and migration. In addition, HIF-1alpha was found to be
      significantly upregulated in osteosarcoma tissues compared to adjacent nontumor
      tissues, and their expression levels were inversely correlated to the miR-33b
      levels in osteosarcoma tissues. According to these findings, miR-33b plays a
      suppressive role in the regulation of osteosarcoma cell proliferation and
      migration via directly targeting HIF-1alpha. Therefore, we suggest that the miR
      33b/HIF-1alpha axis may become a promising therapeutic target for osteosarcoma.

PMID- 27662379
TI  - Implementation of a team-based learning course: Work required and perceptions of
      the teaching team.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Team-based learning was selected as a strategy to help engage pre
      registration undergraduate nursing students in a second-year evidence-informed
      decision making course. OBJECTIVES: To detail the preparatory work required to
      deliver a team-based learning course; and to explore the perceptions of the
      teaching team of their first experience using team-based learning. DESIGN:
      Descriptive evaluation. METHODS: Information was extracted from a checklist and
      process document developed by the course leader to document the work required
      prior to and during implementation. Members of the teaching team were interviewed
      by a research assistant at the end of the course using a structured interview
      schedule to explore perceptions of first time implementation. RESULTS: There were
      nine months between the time the decision was made to use team-based learning and
      the first day of the course. Approximately 60days were needed to reconfigure the
      course for team-based learning delivery, develop the knowledge and expertise of
      the teaching team, and develop and review the resources required for the students
      and the teaching team. This reduced to around 12days for the subsequent delivery.
      Interview data indicated that the teaching team were positive about team-based
      learning, felt prepared for the course delivery and did not identify any major
      problems during this first implementation. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of team
      based learning required time and effort to prepare the course materials and the
      teaching team. The teaching team felt well prepared, were positive about using
      team-based learning and did not identify any major difficulties.

PMID- 27662382
TI  - Spine Injuries in Child Abuse.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although rare, spinal injuries associated with abuse can have
      potentially devastating implications in the pediatric population. We analyzed the
      association of pediatric spine injury in abused children and determined the
      anatomic level of the spine affected, while also focusing on patient
      demographics, length of stay, and total hospital charges compared with spine
      patients without a diagnosis of abuse. METHODS: A retrospective review of the
      Kids' Inpatient Database was conducted from 2000 to 2012 to identify pediatric
      patients (below 18 y) who sustained vertebral column fractures or spinal cord
      injuries. Patients with a documented diagnosis of abuse were identified using ICD
      9-CM diagnosis codes. Our statistical models consisted of multivariate linear
      regressions that were adjusted for age, race, and sex. RESULTS: There were 22,192
      pediatric patients with a diagnosis of spinal cord or vertebral column injury
      during the study period, 116 (0.5%) of whom also had a documented diagnosis of
      abuse. The most common type of abuse was physical (75.9%). Compared with
      nonabused patients, abused patients were more likely to be below 2 years of age
      (OR=133.4; 95% CI, 89.5-198.8), female (OR=1.67; 95% CI, 1.16-2.41), and nonwhite
      (black: OR=3.86; 95% CI, 2.31-6.45; Hispanic: OR=2.86; 95% CI, 1.68-4.86; other:
      OR=2.33; 95% CI, 1.11-4.86). Abused patients also presented with an increased
      risk of thoracic (OR=2.57; 95% CI, 1.67-3.97) and lumbar (OR=1.67; 95% CI, 1.03
      2.72) vertebral column fractures and had a multivariate-adjusted mean length of
      stay that was 62.2% longer (P<0.001) and mean total charges that were 52.9%
      higher (P<0.001) compared with nonabused patients. Furthermore, 19.7% of all
      pediatric spine patients under 2 years of age admitted during the study period
      belonged to the abused cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Spine injuries are rare but can be
      found in the pediatric population. With an additional documented diagnosis of
      abuse, these injuries affect younger patients in the thoracolumbar region of the
      spine, and lead to longer lengths of stay and higher hospital costs when compared
      with nonabused patients. Because of these findings, physicians should maintain a
      higher level of suspicion of abuse in patients with spine injuries, especially
      patients under 2 years of age. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III evidence-a case
      control study.

PMID- 27662381
TI  - Current Issues Affecting the Practice of Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgeons: Results
      of the 2014 Workforce Survey of American Academy of Pediatrics Section on
      Orthopaedics.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The opinions of the pediatric orthopaedic workforce are shaped by
      market forces, regulatory processes, and local experience. The purpose of this
      report is to summarize the findings of the recent Workforce Survey of the
      American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Section on Orthopaedics (SOOr). This
      submission has been reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors of the
      Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA). METHODS: In 2014, the AAP
      generated a survey to assess perceptions of pediatric orthopaedic surgeons about
      current issues that affect practice. The survey was sent to 856 POSNA and 141 AAP
      SOOr members. Responses were topically organized to report current workforce
      composition, practice patterns, and perceptions about electronic medical records
      (EMRs). RESULTS: Responses were collected from August to December, 2014, from 496
      (50%) survey recipients including 83 of 141 (59%) AAP-SOOr members and 413 of 856
      (48%) POSNA members. Analyses were restricted to the 397 respondents who reported
      that they are currently practicing pediatric orthopaedics. Nearly all of these
      (390/391, 100%) indicated that they provide direct patient care and work an
      average of 60 hours per week. Many (105/378, 28%) indicated that they would soon
      limit their practice or retire. A majority (299/394, 76%) indicated that they
      face competition in their geographic area, predominantly due to pediatric
      orthopaedic subspecialists (269/299, 90%). Major business changes had recently
      occurred or were anticipated by 21% of participants. Respondents reported that
      use of EMR makes them less efficient (252/397, 63%) and interferes with the
      patient-physician relationship (172/397, 43%). DISCUSSION: This workforce survey
      suggests that pediatric orthopaedic surgeons are concerned with challenges of
      competition despite concurrent increasing volume and complexity of referrals.
      External processes such as EMR changes are perceived to negatively impact
      practice efficiency and satisfaction.

PMID- 27662383
TI  - Graf Type-IV Hips Have a Higher Risk of Residual Acetabular Dysplasia at 1 Year
      of Age Following Successful Pavlik Harness Treatment for Developmental Hip
      Dysplasia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We asked whether patient-specific factors and ultrasound (US)
      measurements of hip dysplasia severity at initial examination influence short
      term residual acetabular dysplasia in patients successfully treated with Pavlik
      harness for developmental hip dysplasia. METHODS: After IRB approval, 134 hips
      (84 patients) successfully treated by the Pavlik method between August 2011 and
      October 2014 with follow-up at 12 months of age were identified. Early successful
      treatment was defined as normal examination and US after approximately 12 weeks
      of Pavlik treatment. Multivariate linear and logistic regression models were used
      to identify factors associated with acetabular index (AI) measurements at 12
      months as well as factors associated with an increase in AI between the 6- and 12
      month timepoints (dysplastic progression). RESULTS: The study consisted of 134
      hips (84 patients). The distribution of dysplastic, Barlow, and Ortolani hips was
      44.8% (N=60), 30.6% (N=41), and 24.6% (N=33), respectively. The crude incidence
      of residual dysplasia at the 6-month visit (AI>30 degrees) was 11.7% (12/102).
      The incidence of residual dysplasia at the 12-month visit (AI>28 degrees) was
      11.8% (13/111). Graf type was the only variable associated with AI values at the
      12-month visit (mean difference: Graf type-IV-Other, 2.6; 95% confidence
      interval, 0.3-4.9; P=0.026). CONCLUSIONS: The risk of residual acetabular
      dysplasia after normal hip US following Pavlik treatment is not negligible.
      Radiographic surveillance is warranted to monitor and screen for dysplasia
      progression. Patients with dislocated Graf type-IV hips at diagnosis are at
      increased risk of residual acetabular dysplasia at 1 year after successful
      treatment with the Pavlik method. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-therapeutic study.

PMID- 27662384
TI  - Prognosticating Factors of Relapse in Clubfoot Management by Ponseti Method.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is challenging that some Ponseti method corrected clubfeet have a
      tendency to relapse. Controversies remain as to the implication of initial
      severity, representing the deformity degree, as well as number of casts needed,
      representing the treatment process, in predicting relapse. However, no study has
      been reported to take these 2 parameters into comprehensive consideration for
      outcome measurement. The purpose of this study is to investigate the correlation
      between the initial Pirani score and the number of casts required to correct the
      deformity in our series; to evaluate noncompliance as a risk factor of the
      deformity recurrence in Ponseti treatment; to test the validity and predictive
      value of a new proposed parameter, ratio of correction improvement (RCI) which is
      indicated by the initial Pirani scores divided by the number of casts. METHODS: A
      total of 116 consecutive patients with 172 idiopathic clubfeet managed by Ponseti
      method were followed prospectively for a minimum of 2 years from the start of
      brace wearing. RCI value and the other clinical parameters were studied in
      relation to the risk of relapse by using multivariate logistic regression
      analysis modeling. RESULTS: A positive correlation between the initial Pirani
      score and the number of casts required to correct the deformity was found in our
      series (r=0.67, P<0.01). There were 45 patients (39%) with brace noncompliance.
      The relapse rate was 49% (22/45). The odds ratio of relapse in noncompliant
      patients was 10 times more that in compliant patients (odds ratio=10.30 and 95%
      confidence interval, 2.69-39.42; P<0.01). The multivariate logistic regression
      analysis showed that there was significant association between relapse and RCI
      value. There were 42 patients (36%) with RCI value <1, among them, the relapse
      rate was 57% in 24 patients. The odds ratio of relapse in patients with RCI value
      <1 was 27 times more likely to relapse than those >1 (odds ratio=26.77 and 95%
      confidence interval, 5.70-125.72; P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of the
      findings from our study, we propose the RCI to be a new parameter in predicting
      the risk of relapse in Ponseti method of clubfoot management. Early intervention
      is recommended to optimize the brace compliance particularly in case with lower
      RCI value. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II-prognostic.

PMID- 27662385
TI  - Initial Experience With Percutaneous IM Rodding of the Humeri in Children With
      Osteogenesis Imperfecta.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To report a single-center surgical experience treating humeral
      deformity and fractures in children with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) using the
      Fassier-Duval (FD) intramedullary elongating rods. METHODS: A retrospective
      review was conducted between December 2005 and July 2013 of all OI patients who
      underwent FD rodding with a minimum of 1-year follow-up. All patients were also
      being concurrently treated with bisphosphonates. RESULTS: Eighteen patients
      underwent internal fixation on a total of 35 humeri: 7 males and 11 females with
      an average age of 49 months. Thirty-five procedures were performed using FD
      rodding, with 5 utilizing only the male portion. Thirty procedures were primary
      FD implantation and 5 were revisions. Twelve patients had type III OI and 6
      patients type IV OI. Indications for surgery included recurrent fracture, severe
      bowing deformity, and pain. Osteotomy methods included closed osteoclasis,
      percutaneous, or open osteotomies. Two patients required transfusions during
      their hospital stay. At our determined endpoint, 23 humeri (65.7%) had acceptable
      results with a mean follow-up time of 43 months (SD=27) with no revision. The
      remaining 12 humeri (34.3%) necessitated revision with a mean time to revision of
      35 months (SD=29). Reasons for revision included: migration resulting in pain and
      functional difficulty (8.6%), migration with bowing (8.6%), and hardware failure
      secondary to trauma (8.6%). In addition, 2 revisions were required for nonunion
      (5.7%) and 1 for malunion (2.9%). To our knowledge, all other osteotomies
      performed during surgery resulted in bony union. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the FD
      system for correction of humeral deformity demonstrates a reasonable option to
      improve comfort and function in children with recurrent fractures and deformity
      secondary to OI. The FD system allows for decreased revision rates and less
      morbid instrumentation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-retrospective case series.

PMID- 27662386
TI  - Capital Femoral Epiphyseal Extension May Confer Physeal Stability in Slipped
      Capital Femoral Epiphysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Factors including obesity and morphologic parameters around the hip
      that increase physeal stress are associated with an increased risk of slipped
      capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). Recent evidence suggests that superior
      epiphyseal extension may confer stability to the physis and help protect against
      SCFE. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between
      epiphyseal extension and SCFE using an age-matched and sex-matched cohort study.
      METHODS: We generated 2 separate cohorts for comparison: 89 patients with
      unilateral SCFE and 89 healthy subjects with no evidence of hip disease or
      deformity. We utilized the anterior-posterior and lateral films of the hip to
      measure the Southwick angle and the epiphyseal extension ratio (EER), defined as
      the ratio of extension of the capital femoral epiphysis down the femoral neck
      relative to the diameter of the femoral head. We then compared these measurements
      between cohorts and in subgroup analysis based on slip stability and whether
      subjects progressed to a contralateral slip. RESULTS: The SCFE cohort
      demonstrated a decreased superior epiphyseal extension ratio compared with
      control (superior EER 0.71 vs. 0.68, P=0.002). There was also a significant
      downward trend in superior EER from the control subjects (0.71+/-0.07) to the
      stable slips (0.69+/-0.06) to the unstable slips (0.65+/-0.04) with an overall
      difference between the groups (P=0.001). Eighteen of 44 (41%) subjects with
      unilateral stable slips and at least 6 months of follow-up went on to develop
      SCFE of the contralateral limb. The subjects who developed contralateral slips
      were younger (11.6+/-1.2 vs. 12.7+/-1.4 y, P=0.008); however, there was no
      difference in superior or anterior epiphyseal extension (P=0.75 and 0.23,
      respectively). There was no significant linear correlation between Southwick
      angle and superior or anterior EER (r=0.13 and 0.17, respectively, P>0.05 for
      both). CONCLUSIONS: Increasing capital femoral epiphyseal extension may confer
      physeal stability in the setting of SCFE. We propose that this epiphyseal
      extension reflects an adaptive response to limit physeal stress and reduce the
      risk for progression to SCFE. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-prognostic study.

PMID- 27662387
TI  - Knee Arthritis in Children: When can be Safely Treated With Needle Joint
      Aspiration? A Large Children's Tertiary Hospital Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early joint decompression associated to antibiotic therapy is the
      most important procedure to reduce joint damage in septic knee arthritis in
      children. Several joint decompression methods have been described such as
      arthrotomy with open debriding, arthroscopic drainage or needle joint aspiration.
      The aim of the present study was to determinate which patients with acute septic
      knee arthritis could be safely treated with needle joint aspiration. METHODS:
      Patients with an acute knee arthritis diagnosed between September 2003 and
      December 2013 in our children's tertiary hospital were retrospective review. All
      cases were initially treated with needle joint aspiration. Primary end-point was
      failure of joint aspiration. RESULTS: A total of 74 patients were included in the
      study. Forty-two (56.8%) were male and median age was 1.49 years. Mean delay
      between onset of symptoms and diagnosis was 3.6 days and in 25 (33.8%) cases
      patients needed more than 1 visit to the emergency room. Median C-reactive
      protein (CRP) value was 36.3 mg/L and was >20 mg/L in 59 (79.7%) cases. A total
      of 11 (14.9%) patients showed failure of the joint aspiration treatment between 3
      and 21 days after initial joint aspiration. The stepwise forward logistic
      regression model only identified as independent predictor of joint aspiration
      failure an age older than 3 years old (odds ratio, 5.64; 95% confidence interval,
      1.38-29.61; P=0.018). Joint aspiration did not fail in any patient younger than
      12 months and neither in any patient younger than 3 years old with CRP value <20
      mg/L. Otherwise, treatment failed in 38% of patients older than 3 years and in
      16% of patients between 1 and 3 years with a CRP>20 mg/L. CONCLUSIONS: Septic
      knee arthritis treated with needle joint aspiration succeed in all patients
      younger than 1 year and in all patients between 1 and 3 years with a CRP<20 mg/L.
      Alternative treatment such as arthroscopy debridement should be early considered
      in patients older than 3 years and patients between 1 and 3 years with CRP>20
      mg/L. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

PMID- 27662388
TI  - Spinal Instrumentation in Growing Children Retards the Natural Development of
      Pelvic Incidence.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pelvic incidence increases gradually throughout growth until skeletal
      maturity. Growing rod instrumentation has been suggested to have a stabilizing
      effect on the development of the normal sagittal spinal alignment. The purpose of
      this study is to determine the effect of fixed sagittal plane caused by dual
      growing rod instrumentation on the natural progression of sagittal spinopelvic
      parameters in children with idiopathic or idiopathic-like early onset scoliosis.
      METHODS: Hospital records of children with growing rod instrumentation from 4
      separate institutions were reviewed retrospectively. Inclusion criteria were
      idiopathic or idiopathic-like early onset scoliosis, treatment with dual growing
      rods with lower instrumented vertebra L4 or upper and more than 2 years of follow
      up. Instrumentation levels, magnitudes of major curve, thoracic kyphosis (T2
      T12), lumbar lordosis (L1-S1) and pelvic incidence were recorded from
      preoperative and postoperative standing whole-spine radiographs. Estimated pelvic
      incidence was also calculated for each patient as if their spines had not been
      instrumented using the previous normative data. RESULTS: A total of 37 patients
      satisfied the inclusion criteria. Average age at initial surgery was 7.4+/-1.8
      years (range, 4 to 12 y). Mean follow-up time was 71+/-26 months (range, 27 to
      120 mo). Mean preoperative Cobb angle of 59+/-13.5 (range, 30 to 86) degrees was
      reduced to 35.1+/-17.5 (range, 11 to 78) degrees at the last follow-up. Mean
      preoperative T2-T12 kyphosis angle was 46.2+/-14.9 degrees (range, 22 to 84
      degrees). At the latest follow-up, it was 44.8+/-16.2 degrees (range, 11 to 84
      degrees) (P=0.93). Mean L1-S1 lordosis angle was 50.5+/-10.7 degrees (range, 30
      to 72 degrees) preoperatively. At the latest follow-up, mean L1-S1 lordosis angle
      was 48.8+/-12.7 degrees (range, 26 to 74 degrees) (P=0.29). Mean preoperative
      pelvic incidence was 45.7+/-7.9 degrees (range, 30 to 68 degrees). At the latest
      follow-up, it was 46.7+/-8.4 degrees (range, 34 to 72 degrees) (P=0.303). The
      estimated average pelvic incidence was 49.5 degrees (P=0.012). CONCLUSIONS:
      Previously reported developmental changes of the sagittal spinal parameters were
      not observed in children who underwent posterior spinal instrumentation. Our
      findings suggest that spinal instrumentation impedes the natural development of
      the sagittal spinal profile. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-this is a retrospective
      case-series.

PMID- 27662389
TI  - Effects of Antibiotic Timing on Culture Results and Clinical Outcomes in
      Pediatric Musculoskeletal Infection.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Musculoskeletal infection (MSI) is a common cause of morbidity and
      hospital resource utilization in the pediatric population. Many physicians prefer
      to withhold antibiotics until tissue cultures can be taken in an effort to
      improve culture yields. However, there is little evidence that this practice
      improves culture results or outcomes in pediatric MSI. Therefore, investigating
      the effects of antibiotic timing may lead to improved clinical practice
      guidelines for treating children with MSI. METHODS: An IRB-approved retrospective
      review was conducted that identified 113 patients aged 0 to 18 who presented to
      the pediatric emergency room at a tertiary care children's hospital with MSI from
      2008 to 2013. Demographic data, culture results, severity markers, and
      intervention timing were obtained from the medical record. Logistic regression
      and Cox survival analysis were performed to determine the relationship of
      antibiotic timing with culture sensitivity and time to discharge. RESULTS: No
      difference was seen in culture sensitivity antibiotic administration in either
      the local (55% culture before antibiotics vs. 89% after antibiotics) or
      disseminated group (76% before vs. 79% after), which persisted when further
      accounting for disease severity with C-reactive protein. However, later
      administration of antibiotics in the local infection group correlated with a
      decreased likelihood of discharge (3.91 d when cultured before antibiotics vs.
      2.93 d when cultured after antibiotics; hazard ratio, 0.53; P<0.05). In patients
      with disseminated infection, antibiotic administration was not shown to correlate
      with any difference in time to discharge (hazard ratio, 1.08). CONCLUSIONS: The
      authors were surprised to find that tissue culture sensitivities were not
      decreased by antibiotic administration in either local or disseminated MSI,
      suggesting that antibiotic administration should not be delayed to obtain tissue
      cultures. The correlation of earlier antibiotic administration with shorter
      length of stay in children with local MSI led the authors to conclude that
      antibiotics should be initiated as quickly as possible. Further study is
      necessary to confirm these findings and establish clinical practice guidelines.
      LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-retrospective cohort.

PMID- 27662390
TI  - Polychlorinated biphenyls and dibenzofurans increased abnormal sperm morphology
      without alterations in aneuploidy: The Yucheng study.
AB  - In 1979, more than 2000 persons ingested rice oil contaminated with
      polychlorinated biphenyls and polychlorinated dibenzofurans; this event was
      called the "Yucheng accident." An increased percentage of oligospermia, reduced
      ability of sperm to penetrate oocytes, and reduced percentage of male offspring
      were reported in Yucheng men. This study examined whether the sperm sex ratio and
      chromosome aneuploidy are responsible for our observed findings in Yucheng men.
      In 1999-2000, Yucheng men and their neighborhood referents aged 37-50 years were
      recruited for physical examination, followed by semen analysis. The semen samples
      were analyzed for chromosomal aneuploidy through fluorescent in situ
      hybridization according to an established procedure in our laboratory. A total of
      50 Yucheng men and 34 neighborhood referents volunteered to participate in the
      study. Although abnormal morphology was mildly increased, no differences were
      observed in sperm percentages, with normal numbers of chromosomes X, Y, and 8 in
      the two groups. The percentage of sperm with aneuploidy of the sex chromosomes or
      chromosome 8 and of that with diploidy did not vary between both groups. The
      normal X/Y sperm ratio was not different between the groups. However, among
      Yucheng men, 8% had a normal X/Y sperm ratio of >1.4, and no neighborhood
      referent showed such an elevated X/Y ratio. Chromosomal aneuploidy was not
      elevated in Yucheng men. The mechanisms underlying the reduced sperm capability
      of oocyte penetration and changed offspring sex ratio in Yucheng men remain
      undetermined.

PMID- 27662392
TI  - Influence of the coating level on the heterogeneous ozonolysis kinetics and
      product yields of chlorpyrifos ethyl adsorbed on sand particles.
AB  - Heterogeneous oxidation of chlorpyrifos ethyl (CLP) coated sand particles by
      gaseous ozone was studied. Mono-size sand was coated with CLP at different
      coating levels between 10 and 100 MUg g-1 and exposed to ozone. Results were
      analyzed thanks to Gas Surface Reaction and Surface Layer Reaction Models.
      Kinetic parameters derived from these models were analyzed and led to several
      conclusions. The equilibrium constant of O3 between the gas phase and the CLP
      coated sand was independent on the sand contamination level. Ozone seems to have
      similar affinity for coated or uncoated sand surface. Meanwhile, the kinetic
      parameters decreased with an increasing coating level. Chlorpyrifos Oxon, (CLPO)
      has been identified and quantified as an ozonolysis product. The product yield of
      CLPO remains constant (53 +/- 10%) for the different coating level. The key
      parameter influencing the CLP reactivity towards ozone was the CLP-coating level.
      This dependence had a great influence on the lifetime of the CLP coated on sand
      particles, with respect to ozone, which could reach several years at high
      contamination level.

PMID- 27662391
TI  - Preliminary analysis of allelochemicals produced by the diatom Phaeodactylum
      tricornutum.
AB  - Marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum is known to exude allelochemicals with
      negative effects on Heterosigma akashiwo according to our previous study, while
      the information about the allelochemical compounds remains unknown. The present
      study dealt with isolation and analysis of the active substances released by P.
      tricornutum into the culture medium. Filtrate of P. tricornutum was extracted
      using ethyl acetate and chloroform respectively. The anti-algal fractions were
      isolated using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and screened using
      activity-guided fraction methods. Results demonstrated that fraction II and VI
      showed significant allelopathic effect on H. akashiwo growth. Then the anti-algal
      activity fractions were analyzed preliminary using gas chromatography-mass
      spectrometry (GC-MS) and high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray time
      of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-TOF-MS). An active compound was derived
      from fraction VI with the molecular weight of 578 and possible molecular formula
      of C30H38N6O6, which was speculated to be TYR-PRO-PHE-PRO-GLY-NH2. a kind of
      glycinamides.

PMID- 27662393
TI  - Measuring the cost implications of the Collaborative Accountable Care initiative
      in Texas.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We analyzed changes in healthcare spending associated with the
      implementation of Cigna's Collaborative Accountable Care (CAC) initiative in a
      large multi-clinic physician practice. STUDY DESIGN: We compared claims from
      2009, prior to the CAC initiative, against claims for 2010 to 2011, contrasting
      the patients covered by Cigna's CAC initiative with patients in other practices
      in the same geographic area covered by Cigna's medical plan. METHODS: We used a
      propensity weighted difference-in-differences approach, adjusting for age, sex,
      health status, and secular trends to isolate the treatment effect of the CAC.
      RESULTS: The CAC initiative resulted in a 5.7% reduction in net spending per
      patient for 2010 to 2011, relative to what spending would have been without the
      initiative. This reduced spending was evident in multiple service categories:
      evaluation and management, procedures, imaging, tests, and durable medical
      equipment. Professional payments, inpatient facility, and outpatient facility
      payments for Medical Clinic of North Texas enrollees all experienced significant
      cost savings relative to the control group. About half of the savings resulted
      from using lower-priced sources. CONCLUSIONS: The CAC initiative, which includes
      an embedded care coordinator and a list of recommended providers, was associated
      with cost savings similar to those reported by other initiatives, such as global
      budgets and risk-based contracts.

PMID- 27662394
TI  - Managing inappropriate requests of laboratory tests: from detection to
      monitoring.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The main objectives of this study were to show a simple approach to
      detect inappropriate requests of laboratory tests and to monitor success after
      establishing interventions. These objectives were monitored through process and
      outcome indicators customized according to the type and phase of the
      appropriateness strategy. STUDY DESIGN: Quasi-experimental design. METHODS: Based
      on evidence regarding laboratory test utilization differences among different
      geographical areas of Spain, we identified serum calcium (s-Ca) testing to be
      underrequested and total bilirubin (tBil) testing to be overrequested in primary
      care patients who undergo testing at the Public University Hospital of San Juan,
      in San Juan de Alicante, Alicante, Spain. Additionally, the ratio of free
      thyroxine (FT4) tests to thyrotropin (also called thyroid-stimulating hormone
      [TSH]) tests was well above the published 0.25 goal in primary care. Finally,
      numerous laboratory tests were overrequested in hospitalized patients due to
      repetitive testing. We designed and implemented a variety of strategies to
      correct such inappropriateness and designed different indicators to monitor the
      intervention success over time. RESULTS: After implementation of the different
      strategies, the absolute number of s-Ca tests increased. The number of tBil tests
      in primary care, and numerous other tests repeated too frequently in hospitalized
      patients, decreased. The FT4/TSH indicator goal was reached and maintained over
      time. Regarding the outcome indicators, the strategy of reducing tBil tests in
      primary care and reducing the aggregate of unnecessary tests in hospitalized
      patients resulted in savings of $3543.80 and $9825.50, respectively, from January
      2012 to December 2014. The s-Ca strategy, from November 2011 to December 2014,
      detected 62 subjects' primary hyperparathyroidism at a cost of $137.80 per case.
      CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrates a simple approach to detect inappropriate
      requests of laboratory tests, and how to assess the potential success of
      interventions using process and outcome indicators.

PMID- 27662396
TI  - Mapping US commercial payers' coverage policies for medical interventions.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine coverage policies for medical interventions issued by the
      largest US commercial payers. STUDY DESIGN: Review of publicly accessible
      coverage policies for medical interventions. METHODS: We categorized the 20
      largest commercial payers' medical benefit coverage policies for medical
      technologies-current as of August 1, 2014-with respect to technology type (eg,
      medical devices, pharmaceuticals, surgeries). We identified the interventions
      most commonly subject to coverage policies and compared payer coverage
      determinations in terms of whether they covered the intervention and the evidence
      they reported reviewing. RESULTS: Eighteen payers made their coverage policies
      publicly available and 17 reported the evidence they reviewed in formulating
      policies. The types of technologies considered varied across payers, although
      most focused on devices and diagnostics. Of the 28 interventions most commonly
      subject to coverage policies, the coverage of 9 varied (ie, some payers covered
      the intervention and others did not). On average, payers reported reviewing
      clinical studies in 87% of coverage policies (range = 25%-100%). Two payers did
      not report reviewing systematic reviews or meta-analyses in any coverage
      policies, and 9 reported reviewing such evidence in at least half of their
      policies. Fourteen payers reported reviewing cost-effectiveness analyses at least
      some of the time, with frequency ranging from 8% to 43%. Commercial payers'
      coverage decisions did not appear to reflect direct input from patients or
      patient advocates, at least as stated in published coverage policies.
      CONCLUSIONS: Coverage of medical interventions varies across US private payers.
      Payers often report reviewing different evidence when formulating coverage
      policies, but do not report considering input directly from patients in evidence
      assessments.

PMID- 27662395
TI  - Knowledge gaps inhibit health IT development for coordinating complex patients'
      care.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Complex patients incur a majority of healthcare costs in the United
      States, in part, because their care is poorly coordinated. We sought to determine
      the leading edge of health information technology (IT) tools for care
      coordination of complex patients. STUDY DESIGN: Qualitative discussions and
      technical expert panels. METHODS: We conducted 35 discussions with clinical
      leaders, technology and startup executives, government officials, academic
      researchers, and 2 technical expert panels. RESULTS: Although health IT has the
      potential to improve care coordination, the types of IT tools available to
      clinicians and patients are currently limited. We found substantial barriers to
      developing technical capabilities for improving care coordination, including lack
      of knowledge of users' needs; lack of standardized roles, responsibilities, and
      protocols; required changes in providers' work activities to achieve
      coordination; and an unclear value proposition. CONCLUSIONS: We found several
      innovative tools, but existing efforts suffer from important limitations,
      including minimal engagement by physicians, lack of standardized definitions of
      what the tools do, and challenges integrating with clinical workflows. For health
      IT to facilitate coordination of care for complex patients, user needs and
      workflows must be better understood and used to guide the development of
      technology and policy.

PMID- 27662397
TI  - Opportunities to improve the value of outpatient surgical care.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Nearly 57 million outpatient surgeries-invasive procedures performed
      on an outpatient basis in hospital outpatient departments (HOPDs) or ambulatory
      surgery centers (ASCs)-produced annually in the United States account for roughly
      7% of healthcare expenditures. Although moving inpatient surgeries to outpatient
      settings has lowered the cost of care, substantial opportunities to improve the
      value of outpatient surgery remain. To exploit these remaining opportunities, we
      composed an evidence-based care delivery composite for national discussion and
      pilot testing. STUDY DESIGN: Evidence-based care delivery composite. METHODS: We
      synthesized peer-reviewed publications describing efforts to improve the value of
      outpatient surgical care, interviewed patients and clinicians to understand their
      most deeply felt discontents, reviewed potentially relevant emerging science and
      technology, and observed surgeries at healthcare organizations nominated by
      researchers as exemplars of efficiency and effectiveness. Primed by this
      information, we iterated potential new designs utilizing criticism from
      practicing clinicians, health services researchers, and healthcare managers.
      RESULTS: We found that 3 opportunities are most likely to improve value: 1)
      maximizing the appropriate use of surgeries via decision aids, clinical decision
      support, and a remote surgical coach for physicians considering a surgical
      referral; 2) safely shifting surgeries from HOPDs to high-volume, multi-specialty
      ASCs where costs are much lower; and 3) standardizing processes in ASCs from
      referral to recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Extrapolation based on published studies of
      the effects of each component suggests that the proposed 3-part composite may
      lower annual national outpatient surgical spending by as much as one-fifth, while
      maintaining or improving outcomes and the care experience for patients and
      clinicians. Pilot testing and evaluation will allow refinement of this composite.

PMID- 27662398
TI  - Body mass index and the risk of cancer in women compared with men: a meta
      analysis of prospective cohort studies.
AB  - Studies investigating the association between BMI and the risk of the common
      cancers in men or women have reported inconsistent results. We searched the
      PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library electronic databases for relevant articles
      published until April 2015. Overall, we analyzed 128 datasets (51 articles),
      including 154 939 incident cancer cases. The pooled relative risk ratio (RRR)
      (female to male) showed that the relative risk of overweight associated with
      colorectal [RRR: 0.91; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.85-0.97] or rectal cancer
      (RRR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.88-0.99) was significantly lower in women than in men.
      However, the relative risk of overweight associated with lung (RRR: 1.14; 95% CI:
      1.06-1.22) or kidney cancer (RRR: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.05-1.26) was significantly
      higher in women than in men. Furthermore, the relative risk of obesity associated
      with liver (RRR: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.51-0.99), colorectal (RRR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.75
      0.93), colon (RRR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.68-0.0.78), rectal (RRR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.76
      0.92), and kidney cancer (RRR: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.06-1.37) differed significantly
      between women and men. Finally, the relative risk of underweight associated with
      gastric (RRR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.70-0.97), liver (RRR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.71-0.97), and
      gallbladder cancer (RRR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.04-1.49) differed significantly
      according to sex. In conclusion, our study showed that the association between
      BMI and the risk of several cancers was significantly different between the
      sexes. For some cancer types, the sex difference was affected by country, sample
      size, follow-up duration, and study quality.

PMID- 27662399
TI  - Quality of Quality Measurement: Impact of Risk Adjustment, Hospital Volume, and
      Hospital Performance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The validity of basing healthcare reimbursement policy on pay-for
      performance is grounded in the accuracy of performance measurement. METHODS:
      Monte Carlo simulation was used to examine the accuracy of performance profiling
      as a function of statistical methodology, case volume, and the extent to which
      hospital or physician performance deviates from the average. RESULTS: There is
      extensive variation in the true-positive rate and false discovery rate as a
      function of model specification, hospital quality, and hospital case volume.
      Hierarchical and nonhierarchical modeling are both highly accurate at very high
      case volumes for very low-quality hospitals. At equivalent case volumes and
      hospital effect sizes, the true-positive rate is higher for nonhierarchical
      modeling than for hierarchical modeling, but the false discovery rate is
      generally much lower for hierarchical modeling than for nonhierarchical modeling.
      At low hospital case volumes (200) that are typical for many procedures, and for
      hospitals with twice the rate of death or major complications for patients
      undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery at the average hospital,
      hierarchical modeling missed 90.6% of low-quality hospitals, whereas
      nonhierarchical modeling missed 65.3%. However, at low case volumes, 38.9% of
      hospitals classified as low-quality outliers using nonhierarchical modeling were
      actually average quality, compared to 5.3% using hierarchical modeling.
      CONCLUSIONS: Nonhierarchical modeling frequently misclassified average-quality
      hospitals as low quality. Hierarchical modeling commonly misclassified low
      quality hospitals as average. Assuming that the consequences of misclassifying an
      average-quality hospital as low quality outweigh the consequences of
      misclassifying a low-quality hospital as average, hierarchical modeling may be
      the better choice for quality measurement.

PMID- 27662400
TI  - Do Not Use Hierarchical Logistic Regression Models with Low-incidence Outcome
      Data to Compare Anesthesiologists in Your Department.

PMID- 27662401
TI  - Neurosteroid Allopregnanolone Suppresses Median Nerve Injury-induced Mechanical
      Hypersensitivity and Glial Extracellular Signal-regulated Kinase Activation
      through gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Type A Receptor Modulation in the Rat Cuneate
      Nucleus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mechanisms underlying neuropathic pain relief by the neurosteroid
      allopregnanolone remain uncertain. We investigated if allopregnanolone attenuates
      glial extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation in the cuneate
      nucleus (CN) concomitant with neuropathic pain relief in median nerve chronic
      constriction injury (CCI) model rats. METHODS: We examined the time course and
      cellular localization of phosphorylated ERK (p-ERK) in CN after CCI. We
      subsequently employed microinjection of a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase
      (ERK kinase) inhibitor, PD98059, to clarify the role of ERK phosphorylation in
      neuropathic pain development. Furthermore, we explored the effects of
      allopregnanolone (by mouth), intra-CN microinjection of gamma-aminobutyric acid
      type A receptor antagonist (bicuculline) or gamma-aminobutyric acid type B
      receptor antagonist (phaclofen) plus allopregnanolone, and allopregnanolone
      synthesis inhibitor (medroxyprogesterone; subcutaneous) on ERK activation and CCI
      induced behavioral hypersensitivity. RESULTS: At 7 days post-CCI, p-ERK levels in
      ipsilateral CN were significantly increased and reached a peak. PD98059
      microinjection into the CN 1 day after CCI dose-dependently attenuated injury
      induced behavioral hypersensitivity (withdrawal threshold [mean +/- SD], 7.4 +/-
      1.1, 8.7 +/- 1.0, and 10.3 +/- 0.8 g for 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 mM PD98059,
      respectively, at 7 days post-CCI; n = 6 for each dose). Double immunofluorescence
      showed that p-ERK was localized to both astrocytes and microglia.
      Allopregnanolone significantly diminished CN p-ERK levels, glial activation,
      proinflammatory cytokines, and behavioral hypersensitivity after CCI.
      Bicuculline, but not phaclofen, blocked all effects of allopregnanolone.
      Medroxyprogesterone treatment reduced endogenous CN allopregnanolone and
      exacerbated nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain. CONCLUSIONS: Median nerve
      injury-induced CN glial ERK activation modulated the development of behavioral
      hypersensitivity. Allopregnanolone attenuated glial ERK activation and
      neuropathic pain via gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptors. Reduced endogenous
      CN allopregnanolone after medroxyprogesterone administration rendered rats more
      susceptible to CCI-induced neuropathy.

PMID- 27662402
TI  - Accelerating flow propagator measurements for the investigation of reactive
      transport in porous media.
AB  - NMR propagator measurements are widely used for identifying the distribution of
      molecular displacements over a given observation time, characterising a flowing
      system. However, where high q-space resolution is required, the experiments are
      time consuming and therefore unsuited to the study of dynamic systems. Here, it
      is shown that with an appropriately sampled subset of the q-space points in a
      high-resolution flow propagator measurement, one can quickly and robustly
      reconstruct the fully sampled propagator through interpolation of the acquired
      raw data. It was found that exponentially sampling ~4% of the original data
      points allowed a reconstruction with the deviation from the fully sampled
      propagator below the noise level, in this case reducing the required experimental
      time from ~2.8h to <7min. As a demonstration, this approach is applied to observe
      the temporal evolution of the reactive flow of acid through an Estaillades rock
      core plug. It is shown that 'wormhole' formation in the rock core plug provides a
      channel for liquid flow such that the remaining pore space is by-passed, thereby
      causing the flow velocity of the liquid in the remaining part of the plug to
      become stagnant. The propagator measurements are supported by both 1D profiles
      and 2D imaging data. Such insights are of importance in understanding well
      acidisation and CO2 sequestration processes.

PMID- 27662403
TI  - Reduction of variance in measurements of average metabolite concentration in
      anatomically-defined brain regions.
AB  - Multiple methods have been proposed for using Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
      Imaging (MRSI) to measure representative metabolite concentrations of
      anatomically-defined brain regions. Generally these methods require spectral
      analysis, quantitation of the signal, and reconciliation with anatomical brain
      regions. However, to simplify processing pipelines, it is practical to only
      include those corrections that significantly improve data quality. Of particular
      importance for cross-sectional studies is knowledge about how much each
      correction lowers the inter-subject variance of the measurement, thereby
      increasing statistical power. Here we use a data set of 72 subjects to calculate
      the reduction in inter-subject variance produced by several corrections that are
      commonly used to process MRSI data. Our results demonstrate that significant
      reductions of variance can be achieved by performing water scaling, accounting
      for tissue type, and integrating MRSI data over anatomical regions rather than
      simply assigning MRSI voxels with anatomical region labels.

PMID- 27662404
TI  - Is there any difference in Amide and NOE CEST effects between white and gray
      matter at 7T?
AB  - Measurement of Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (CEST) is providing tissue
      physiology dependent contrast, e.g. by looking at Amide and NOE (Nuclear
      Overhauser Enhancement) effects. CEST is unique in providing quantitative
      metabolite information at high imaging resolution. However, direct comparison of
      Amide and NOE effects between different tissues may result in wrong conclusions
      on the metabolite concentration due to the additional contributors to the
      observed CEST contrast, such as water content (WC) and water T1 relaxation (T1w).
      For instance, there are multiple contradictory reports in the literature on Amide
      and NOE effects in white matter (WM) and gray matter (GM) at 7T. This study shows
      that at 7T, tissue water T1 relaxation is a stronger contributor to CEST
      contrasts than WC. After water T1 correction, there was no difference in Amide
      effects between WM and GM, whereas WM/GM contrast was enhanced for NOE effects.

PMID- 27662405
TI  - Fully Printed and Encapsulated SWCNT-Based Thin Film Transistors via a
      Combination of R2R Gravure and Inkjet Printing.
AB  - Fully printed thin film transistors (TFT) based on poly(9,9-di-n-dodecylfluorene)
      (PFDD) wrapped semiconducting single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) channels are
      fabricated by a practical route that combines roll-to-roll (R2R) gravure and ink
      jet printing. SWCNT network density is easily controlled via ink formulation
      (concentration and polymer:CNT ratio) and jetting conditions (droplet size, drop
      spacing, and number of printed layers). Optimum inkjet printing conditions are
      established on Si/SiO2 in which an ink consisting of 6:1 PFDD:SWCNT ratio with 50
      mg L-1 SWCNT concentration printed at a drop spacing of 20 MUm results in TFTs
      with mobilities of ~25 cm2 V-1 s-1 and on-/off-current ratios > 105. These
      conditions yield excellent network uniformity and are used in a fully additive
      process to fabricate fully printed TFTs on PET substrates with mobility values >
      5 cm2 V-1 s-1 (R2R printed gate electrode and dielectric; inkjet printed channel
      and source/drain electrodes). An inkjet printed encapsulation layer completes the
      TFT process (fabricated in bottom gate, top contact TFT configuration) and
      provides mobilities > 1 cm2 V-1 s-1 with good operational stability, based on the
      performance of an inverter circuit. An array of 20 TFTs shows that most have less
      than 10% variability in terms of threshold voltage, transconductance, on-current,
      and subthreshold swing.

PMID- 27662406
TI  - Synthetic Access to All Four Stereoisomers of Oxetin.
AB  - A short synthesis of all four stereoisomers of 3-amino-2-oxetanecarboxylic acid
      (oxetin) is described. The oxetane core is built using a Paterno-Buchi
      photochemical [2 + 2] cycloaddition; from the key intermediates, complementary
      resolution protocols provide access to enantiomerically pure oxetin and epi
      oxetin on gram-scale.

PMID- 27662408
TI  - DELAYED-ONSET BILATERAL DIFFUSE UVEAL MELANOCYTIC PROLIFERATION ASSOCIATED WITH
      GASTRIC ADENOCARCINOMA.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report an unusual case of delayed-onset bilateral diffuse uveal
      melanocytic proliferation in a patient with a remote history of gastric
      adenocarcinoma 17 years earlier. METHODS: Case report of a patient with bilateral
      diffuse uveal melanocytic proliferation including comprehensive systemic and
      ocular examinations. RESULTS: A 78-year-old man presented with a history of
      progressive bilateral vision loss during the 4 previous years associated with
      fever of unknown origin. He underwent total gastrectomy 17 years earlier as a
      treatment for gastric adenocarcinoma. Funduscopic examination revealed multiple
      subretinal pigmented and nonpigmented lesions involving the posterior pole of
      both eyes. These lesions showed early hyperfluorescence on fluorescein
      angiography, producing a giraffe pattern. Spectral-domain optical coherence
      tomography showed intraretinal and subretinal fluid with multiple hyperreflective
      mounds involving the retinal pigment epithelium. Treatment with the intravitreal
      anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agent, ranibizumab, produced anatomical
      improvement in both eyes but visual improvement in just the right eye.
      CONCLUSION: Although delayed-onset bilateral diffuse uveal melanocytic
      proliferation may occur, it is important to rule out a second malignancy. To the
      knowledge of the authors, this is the first report of delayed-onset bilateral
      diffuse uveal melanocytic proliferation associated with gastric adenocarcinoma.
      Treatment with intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy
      warrants further evaluation.

PMID- 27662407
TI  - Modeling HIV vaccine trials of the future.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Models of implementation of known-effective interventions for
      HIV prevention indicate that an efficacious vaccine to prevent HIV infection
      would be critical for controlling the HIV pandemic. Key issues in the design of
      future HIV vaccine trials are: first, how to develop reliable immunological
      correlates of vaccine efficacy, second, how to down-select candidate vaccine
      regimens into efficacy trials, and third, how to learn about vaccine efficacy in
      the context of the evolving HIV prevention landscape. RECENT FINDINGS: Whereas in
      the past phase-I/-II HIV vaccine trials have addressed the first and second
      points using a small set of immunological assays and readouts, recently they have
      used a battery of assays with highly multivariate readouts. In addition, systems
      vaccinology studies of other pathogens measuring PBMC transcriptomics and other
      immunological features pre- and postfirst vaccination are demonstrating value,
      for example, providing discoveries that preimmunization and early
      postimmunization cell population markers can predict the influenza-specific
      antibody titer that is a correlate of vaccine protection. The HIV prevention
      landscape continues to evolve, and the design and analysis of vaccine trials is
      evolving alongside, to accommodate increasingly dynamic and regional standards of
      HIV prevention. SUMMARY: Development of interpretable and robust functional
      assays, in addition to the associated bioinformatics and statistical analytic
      tools, is needed to improve the assessment of correlates of protection in
      efficacy trials and the down-selection of candidate vaccine regimens into
      efficacy trials. Moreover, high-priority trials should integrate systems
      vaccinology, including the analysis of prevaccination and early postvaccination
      markers.

PMID- 27662409
TI  - SWEPT SOURCE OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY VALIDATES LAMINA CRIBROSA ANOMALY IN
      OPTIC DISK PIT.
AB  - PURPOSE: Swept Source Optical Coherence Tomography validates lamina cribrosa
      anomaly in optic disk pit. METHOD: Observational case report. RESULTS: A 25-year
      old African American male presented with decreased vision in right eye of 4 days
      duration. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) for distance in right eye was
      20/200 and in left eye was 20/20. Dilated fundus examination of right eye showed
      serous macular detachment of entire posterior pole along with an optic pit on
      temporal margin of optic disk. En-face image of the optic disk on Swept source
      OCT (SS-OCT) confirmed defect in the lamina cribrosa in the right eye.
      CONCLUSION: Congenital optic disk pit a birth defect in lamina cribrosa is a
      rare, visually impairing disorder. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography
      (SD-OCT) scan showed neurosensory detachment, however, lamina cribrosa defects
      are not delineated with it. SS-OCT a recent advance in scanning technology allows
      superior resolution of optic disk and confirms the anomaly of lamina cribrosa.

PMID- 27662410
TI  - High Throughput Light Absorber Discovery, Part 1: An Algorithm for Automated Tauc
      Analysis.
AB  - High-throughput experimentation provides efficient mapping of composition
      property relationships, and its implementation for the discovery of optical
      materials enables advancements in solar energy and other technologies. In a high
      throughput pipeline, automated data processing algorithms are often required to
      match experimental throughput, and we present an automated Tauc analysis
      algorithm for estimating band gap energies from optical spectroscopy data. The
      algorithm mimics the judgment of an expert scientist, which is demonstrated
      through its application to a variety of high throughput spectroscopy data,
      including the identification of indirect or direct band gaps in Fe2O3, Cu2V2O7,
      and BiVO4. The applicability of the algorithm to estimate a range of band gap
      energies for various materials is demonstrated by a comparison of direct-allowed
      band gaps estimated by expert scientists and by automated algorithm for 60
      optical spectra.

PMID- 27662411
TI  - Conical-Intersection Topographies Suggest That Ribose Exhibits Enhanced UV
      Photostability.
AB  - Carbohydrates are essential building blocks of life that assume a multitude of
      biological functions in all living organisms found on Earth. It was recently
      reported that ribose was identified in UV-irradiated interstellar ice analogs,
      which suggests that it can be found on comets and that it may have been
      transported to Earth via the impact of comets. Herein, we present computational
      results obtained with multiconfigurational ab initio quantum-chemical methods
      showing that various photochemical processes for radiationless deactivation are
      available for photoexcited ribose. These processes are driven by nsigma* states
      and involve either O-H- or endocyclic or exocyclic C-O-bond elongation whereby a
      conical intersection with the electronic ground state becomes accessible. The
      local topography of the potential-energy surfaces around these conical
      intersections suggests that these intersections mediate efficient radiationless
      deactivation and favor regeneration of the initially photoexcited ground-state
      reactant. These findings indicate that ribose found in interstellar space can be
      expected to be highly photostable upon irradiation with UV starlight, which could
      be of relevance in the field of astrobiology.

PMID- 27662412
TI  - Photocatalytic Oxidation of Lignin Model Systems by Merging Visible-Light
      Photoredox and Palladium Catalysis.
AB  - Lignin valorization has long been recognized as a sustainable solution for the
      renewable production of aromatic compounds. Two-step oxidation/reduction
      strategies, whereby the first oxidation step is required to "activate" lignin
      systems for controlled fragmentation reactions, have recently emerged as viable
      routes toward this goal. Herein we describe a catalytic protocol for oxidation of
      lignin model systems by combining photoredox and Pd catalysis. The developed dual
      catalytic protocol allowed the efficient oxidation of lignin model substrates at
      room temperature to afford the oxidized products in good to excellent yields.

PMID- 27662414
TI  - On the shoulders of giants.

PMID- 27662413
TI  - Quantitative in Situ Analysis of Ionomer Structure in Fuel Cell Catalytic Layers.
AB  - A quantitative in situ investigation of the structure of the catalytic layer of
      polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells using material-sensitive and conductive
      atomic force microscopy is reported. The distribution and size of the ionomer
      phase at the surface of the catalytic layer is retrieved from adhesion force
      mappings, measured at high humidity and up to 75  degrees C. The average ionomer
      layer thickness varies between 7 and 13 nm for three differently prepared
      samples, as concluded from the histograms. Evidence of a lamellar structure of
      the thinner ionomer layers is presented. A significant thinning of the ionomer
      layers after long-term fuel cell operation is observed.

PMID- 27662415
TI  - A blessing and a curse: is high NK cell activity good for health and bad for
      reproduction?
AB  - Few topics in recent reproductive medicine have been the subject of as much
      controversy, media attention and passionate debate as natural killer (NK) cells
      and their role in reproductive failure. The question of whether elevated NK cell
      levels are a cause of infertility and pregnancy loss, and whether they provide a
      potential target for therapy to improve reproductive outcomes, lacks a definitive
      answer. It is clear, however, that a significant number of women with
      reproductive failure have abnormal NK cell parameters reflecting high
      immunological activity. Amongst all the debate, the wider implications of NK cell
      overactivity - and attempts to suppress it - have not yet been considered. The
      literature suggests that although elevated NK cell activity may not be conducive
      to reproduction, it could in fact be beneficial in other areas of health and
      disease such as cancer and infection. Further research is needed to determine
      whether this hypothesis holds true in women with NK cell-related reproductive
      failure. 

PMID- 27662416
TI  - GnRH agonist trigger with intensive luteal phase support vs. human chorionic
      gonadotropin trigger in high responders: an observational study reporting
      pregnancy outcomes and incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
AB  - A retrospective, cohort study of high-risk patients undergoing IVF treatment was
      performed to assess if there is a difference in clinical pregnancy rate, live
      birth rate and the incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, when a GnRH
      agonist (GnRHa) trigger with intensive luteal support is compared to human
      chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) with standard luteal support. The control group
      consisted of 382 high-risk patients having a GnRH antagonist protocol with 194
      receiving an hCG trigger. All patients had >=18 follicles >=11mm or serum
      oestradiol >18,000pmol/l on the day of trigger. Patients had a single or double
      embryo transfer at cleavage or blastocyst stage. Logistic regression was used to
      adjust for differences between the groups. An intention-to-treat analysis of all
      cycles was performed. No statistically significant differences were observed in
      terms of positive pregnancy test, clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate.
      Only one patient (0.3%) was hospitalized with severe OHSS in the GnRHa group,
      compared to 26 patients (13%) in the hCG group. In conclusion, GnRHa trigger is
      associated with similar pregnancy rates with hCG trigger and a significant
      reduction in hospitalization for severe OHSS after an intention to treat analysis
      was performed. 

PMID- 27662417
TI  - Cohort study of perinatal outcomes of children born following surgical sperm
      recovery.
AB  - There is a relative paucity of data on perinatal outcomes following
      Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection using surgically retrieved sperm. In this
      retrospective cohort study, data were collected on couples who conceived
      following Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection using surgically retrieved sperm from
      1996 to 2014. Outcome measures included live birth, miscarriage, congenital
      abnormality, birthweight, gestation at delivery, stillbirth and neonatal death.
      Outcome measures were compared according to male diagnosis and sperm source. Live
      birth rates were similar between groups (obstructive azoospermia 90%, non
      obstructive azoospermia 83%, p = 0.55). There was a trend towards higher
      miscarriage rates in the non-obstructive azoospermia group (17% versus 9%, p =
      0.45). Other perinatal outcomes were similar between groups. In those with
      obstructive azoospermia, live birth rates were similar regardless of source of
      sperm (epididymal 89%, testicular 91%, p = 0.79). Median gestation at delivery
      was earlier in the epididymal sperm group (39 weeks versus 40 weeks, p = 0.02).
      Other perinatal outcomes were unaffected by sperm source. Overall these results
      are reassuring, suggesting high live birth rates regardless of diagnosis or sperm
      source, although there may be higher miscarriage rates in cases of non
      obstructive azoospermia. Other perinatal outcomes were not affected by diagnosis
      or sperm source. 

PMID- 27662418
TI  - Elevations on select Conners' CPT-II scales indicate noncredible responding in
      adults with traumatic brain injury.
AB  - Elevations on certain Conners' CPT-II scales are known to be associated with
      invalid responding. However, scales and cutoffs vary across studies. In addition,
      the methodology behind developing performance validity tests (PVTs) has been
      challenged for mistaking true impairment for noncredible presentation. Using
      ability-based tests as a PVT makes clinicians especially vulnerable to this
      criticism. The present study examined the ability of CPT-II to dissociate effort
      from impairment in 47 adults clinically referred for neuropsychological
      assessment. CPT-II scales previously identified as PVTs (Omissions, Commissions,
      Hit Reaction Time SE, Variability, and Perseverations) produced classification
      accuracies hovering around .50 sensitivity at .90 specificity. The subsample that
      failed these PVTs performed within normal range on other tests of working memory,
      processing speed, visual attention, and executive function. Results suggest that
      the select CPT-II based PVTs are sensitive to invalid responding, and are
      associated with depression and anxiety, but are unrelated to cognitive
      functioning.

PMID- 27662420
TI  - Room-Temperature Phosphorescence of Crystalline Metal-Free Organoboron Complex.
AB  - The photoluminescence (PL) properties of a metal-free organoboron complex, bis(4
      iodobenzoyl)methanatoboron difluoride (1BF2 ), were elucidated. At room
      temperature, 1BF2 emits blue fluorescence (FL) in nBuCl upon photoexcitation. In
      contrast, crystals of 1BF2 emit green PL comprised of FL and phosphorescence
      (PH). The room-temperature PH of crystalline 1BF2 is a consequence of 1)
      suppression of thermal deactivation of the S1 and T1 excited states and 2)
      enhancement of intersystem crossing (ISC) from the S1 to T2 or T1 . The results
      of X-ray crystallographic and theoretical studies supported the proposal that the
      former (1) is a result of intermolecular interactions caused by pi-stacking in
      the rigid crystal packing structure of 1BF2 . The latter (2) is an effect of not
      only the heavy-atom effect of iodine, but also the continuous pi-stacking
      alignment of 1BF2 molecules in crystals, which leads to a forbidden S1 ->S0
      transition and a small energy gap between the S1 and T2 or T1 .

PMID- 27662419
TI  - Depressive Symptoms and Perceptions of Child Difficulty Are Associated with Less
      Responsive Feeding Behaviors in an Observational Study of Low-Income Mothers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Maternal depressive symptoms and perceptions of child difficulty are
      associated with negative effects on general development and cognitive functioning
      in children. The study examined associations between maternal depressive
      symptoms, perceptions of child difficulty, and maternal feeding behaviors in a
      population at elevated risk for childhood obesity. METHODS: Participants were 138
      low-income black and Hispanic mothers and their children (ages 3-5) participating
      in an observational study of mealtimes among Head Start families. Three
      dinnertime observations were conducted over 2 weeks on each family and
      audio/videotaped for coding. Coding included eating influence attempts and other
      food- and nonfood-related interactions exhibited by the mother during dinner.
      Mothers completed questionnaires on depressive symptoms and perceptions of child
      difficulty. Linear regressions were conducted, examining associations between
      maternal depressive symptoms, perceptions of child difficulty, and coded parent
      feeding behaviors. RESULTS: Mothers reporting higher levels of depressive
      symptoms used more verbal pressure to get their child to eat during meals, were
      more likely to discourage child independence, and less likely to enforce table
      manners. Mothers reporting higher perceptions of child difficulty were less
      likely to have nonfood-related discussions during meals and to try to get the
      child to eat a different food. CONCLUSIONS: This study is one of the first to
      investigate associations between maternal depression, perceptions of child
      difficulty, and mother's feeding behaviors during meals using observational
      methodology. These results may help researchers identify specific parental
      characteristics and feeding practices on which to intervene when developing
      tailored intervention programs for reducing childhood obesity.

PMID- 27662421
TI  - Wound signaling: The missing link in plant regeneration.
AB  - Wounding is the first event that occurs in plant regeneration. However, wound
      signaling in plant regeneration is barely understood. Using a simple system of de
      novo root organogenesis from Arabidopsis thaliana leaf explants, we analyzed the
      genes downstream of wound signaling. Leaf explants may produce at least two kinds
      of wound signals to trigger short-term and long-term wound signaling. Short-term
      wound signaling is primarily involved in controlling auxin behavior and the fate
      transition of regeneration-competent cells, while long-term wound signaling
      mainly modulates the cellular environment at the wound site and maintains the
      auxin level in regeneration-competent cells. YUCCA (YUC) genes, which are
      involved in auxin biogenesis, are targets of short-term wound signaling in
      mesophyll cells and of long-term wound signaling in regeneration-competent cells.
      The expression patterns of YUCs provide important information about the molecular
      basis of wound signaling in plant regeneration.

PMID- 27662422
TI  - Anti-Tumor Effects of Cardiac Glycosides on Human Lung Cancer Cells and Lung
      Tumorspheres.
AB  - Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States.
      Although several drugs have been developed that target individual biomarkers,
      their success has been limited due to intrinsic or acquired resistance for the
      specific targets of such drugs. A more effective approach is to target multiple
      pathways that dictate cancer progression. Cardiac glycosides demonstrate such
      multimodal effects on cancer cell survival, and our aim was to evaluate the
      effect of two naturally occurring monosaccaridic cardiac glycosides-Convallatoxin
      and Peruvoside on lung cancer cells. Although both drugs had significant anti
      proliferative effects on H460 and Calu-3 lung cancer cells, Convallatoxin
      demonstrated twofold higher activity as compared to Peruvoside using both
      viability and colony forming assays, suggesting a role for the aglycone region in
      dictating drug potency. The tumor suppressor p53 was found to be important for
      action of both drugs-p53-underexpressing cells were less sensitive as compared to
      p53-positive H460 cells. Further, assessment of p53-underexpressing H460 cells
      showed that drugs were able to arrest cells in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle
      in a dose-dependent manner. Both drugs significantly inhibited migration and
      invasion of cancer cells and decreased the viability of floating tumorspheres. An
      assessment of intracellular pathways indicated that both drugs were able to
      modulate proteins that are involved in apoptosis, autophagy, cell cycle,
      proliferation, and EMT. Our data suggest, a promising role for cardiac glycosides
      in lung cancer treatment, and provides impetus for further investigation of the
      anti-cancer potential of this class of drugs. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 2497-2507,
      2017. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27662423
TI  - Additive Technology: Update on Current Materials and Applications in Dentistry.
AB  - Additive manufacturing or 3D printing is becoming an alternative to subtractive
      manufacturing or milling in the area of computer-aided manufacturing. Research on
      material for use in additive manufacturing is ongoing, and a wide variety of
      materials are being used or developed for use in dentistry. Some materials,
      however, such as cobalt chromium, still lack sufficient research to allow
      definite conclusions about the suitability of their use in clinical dental
      practice. Despite this, due to the wide variety of machines that use additive
      manufacturing, there is much more flexibility in the build material and geometry
      when building structures compared with subtractive manufacturing. Overall
      additive manufacturing produces little material waste and is energy efficient
      when compared to subtractive manufacturing, due to passivity and the additive
      layering nature of the build process. Such features make the technique suitable
      to be used with fabricating structures out of hard to handle materials such as
      cobalt chromium. The main limitations of this technology include the appearance
      of steps due to layering of material and difficulty in fabricating certain
      material generally used in dentistry for use in 3D printing such as ceramics. The
      current pace of technological development, however, promises exciting
      possibilities.

PMID- 27662424
TI  - The infectious disease blood safety risk of Australian hemochromatosis donations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that blood donors with hereditary
      hemochromatosis may pose an increased infectious disease risk and adversely
      affect recipient outcomes. This study compares the infectious disease risk of
      whole blood (WB) donors enrolled as therapeutic (T) donors to voluntary WB donors
      to evaluate the safety of blood products provided by the T donors. STUDY DESIGN
      AND METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of all WB donations at the
      Australian Red Cross Blood Service who donated between January 1, 2011, and
      December 31, 2013, comparing a yearly mean of 11,789 T donors with 107,773 total
      donations and a yearly mean of 468,889 voluntary WB donors with 2,584,705 total
      donations. We compared postdonation notification of infectious illnesses,
      bacterial contamination screening results, and positive tests for blood borne
      viruses in T and WB donors. RESULTS: Rates of transfusion-transmissible
      infections in donations destined for component manufacture were significantly
      lower in therapeutic donations compared to voluntary donations (8.4 vs. 21.6 per
      100,000 donations). Bacterial contamination (43.0 vs. 45.9 per 100,000 donations)
      and postdonation illness reporting (136.2 vs. 110.8 per 100,000 donations) were
      similar in both cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: The Australian therapeutic venisection
      program enables T donors to provide a safe and acceptable source of donated WB
      that has a low infectious disease risk profile.

PMID- 27662426
TI  - Facile Synthesis of Platinum-Cerium(IV) Oxide Hybrids Arched on Reduced Graphene
      Oxide Catalyst in Reverse Micelles with High Activity and Durability for
      Hydrolysis of Ammonia Borane.
AB  - Highly dispersed Pt-CeO2 hybrids arched on reduced graphene oxide (Pt-CeO2 /rGO)
      were facilely synthesized by a combination of the reverse micelle technique and a
      redox reaction without any additional reductant or surfactant. Under a N2
      atmosphere, the redox reaction between Ce3+ and Pt2+ occurs automatically in
      alkaline solution, which results in the formation of Pt-CeO2 /rGO nanocomposites
      (NCs). The as-synthesized Pt-CeO2 /rGO NCs exhibit superior catalytic performance
      relative to that shown by the free Pt nanoparticles, Pt/rGO, Pt-CeO2 hybrid, and
      the physical mixture of Pt-CeO2 and rGO; furthermore, the nanocomposites show
      significantly better activity than the commercial Pt/C catalyst toward the
      hydrolysis of ammonia borane (NH3 BH3 ) at room temperature. Moreover, the Pt
      CeO2 /rGO NCs have remarkable stability, and 92 % of their initial catalytic
      activity is preserved even after 10 runs. The excellent activity of the Pt-CeO2
      /rGO NCs can be attributed not only to the synergistic structure but also to the
      electronic effects of the Pt-CeO2 /rGO NCs among Pt, CeO2 , and rGO.

PMID- 27662425
TI  - The effects of cognitive load during intertrial intervals on judgements of
      control: The role of working memory and contextual learning.
AB  - When there is no contingency between actions and outcomes, but outcomes occur
      frequently, people tend to judge that they have control over those outcomes, a
      phenomenon known as the outcome density (OD) effect. Recent studies show that the
      OD effect depends on the duration of the temporal interval between action-outcome
      conjunctions, with longer intervals inducing stronger effects. However, under
      some circumstances OD effect is reduced, for example when participants are mildly
      depressed. We reasoned that working memory (WM) plays an important role in
      learning of context; with reduced WM capacity to process contextual information
      during intertrial intervals (ITIs) during contingency learning might lead to
      reduced OD effects (limited capacity hypothesis). To test this, we used a novel
      dual-task procedure that increases the WM load during the ITIs of an operant
      (e.g., action-outcome) contingency learning task to impact contextual learning.
      We tested our hypotheses in groups of students with zero (Experiments 1, N=34),
      and positive contingencies (Experiment 2, N=34). The findings indicated that WM
      load during the ITIs reduced the OD effects compared to no load conditions
      (Experiment 1 and 2). In Experiment 2, we observed reduced OD effects on action
      judgements under high load in zero and positive contingencies. However, the
      participants' judgements were still sensitive to the difference between zero and
      positive contingencies. We discuss the implications of our findings for the
      effects of depression and context in contingency learning.

PMID- 27662427
TI  - Distinguishing contemporary hybridization from past introgression with
      postgenomic ancestry-informative SNPs in strongly differentiated Ciona species.
AB  - Biological introductions bring into contact species that can still hybridize. The
      evolutionary outcomes of such secondary contacts may be diverse (e.g. adaptive
      introgression from or into the introduced species) but are not yet well examined
      in the wild. The recent secondary contact between the non-native sea squirt Ciona
      robusta (formerly known as C. intestinalis type A) and its native congener C.
      intestinalis (formerly known as C. intestinalis type B), in the Western English
      Channel, provides an excellent case study to examine. To examine contemporary
      hybridization between the two species, we developed a panel of 310 ancestry
      informative SNPs from a population transcriptomic study. Hybridization rates were
      examined on 449 individuals sampled in eight sites from the sympatric range and
      five sites from allopatric ranges. The results clearly showed an almost complete
      absence of contemporary hybridization between the two species in syntopic
      localities, with only one-first-generation hybrid and no other genotype
      compatible with recent backcrosses. Despite the almost lack of contemporary
      hybridization, shared polymorphisms were observed in sympatric and allopatric
      populations of both species. Furthermore, one allopatric population from SE
      Pacific exhibited a higher rate of shared polymorphisms compared to all other C.
      robusta populations. Altogether, these results indicate that the observed level
      of shared polymorphism is more probably the outcome of ancient gene flow spread
      afterwards at a worldwide scale. They also emphasize efficient reproductive
      barriers preventing hybridization between introduced and native species, which
      suggests hybridization should not impede too much the expansion and the
      establishment of the non-native species in its introduction range.

PMID- 27662428
TI  - Toward a conceptual approach for assessing risks from chemical mixtures and other
      stressors to coastal ecosystem services.
AB  - Growth of human populations and increased human activity, particularly in coastal
      areas, increase pressure on coastal ecosystems and the ecosystem services (ES)
      they provide. As a means toward being able to assess the impact of multiple
      stressors on ES, in the present study we propose an 8-step conceptual approach
      for assessing effects of chemical mixtures and other stressors on ES in coastal
      areas: step A, identify the relevant problems and policy aims; step B, identify
      temporal and spatial boundaries; step C, identify relevant ES; step D, identify
      relevant stressors (e.g., chemicals); step E, translate impacts into ES units;
      step F, assess cumulative risk in ES units; step G, rank stressors based on their
      contribution to adverse effects on ES; and step H, implement regulation and
      management as appropriate and necessary. Two illustrative case studies (Swedish
      coastal waters and a coastal lagoon in Costa Rica) are provided; one focuses on
      chemicals that affect human food supply and the other addresses pesticide runoff
      and trade-offs among ES. The 2 cases are used to highlight challenges of such
      risk assessments, including use of standardized versus ES-relevant test species,
      data completeness, and trade-offs among ES. Lessons learned from the 2 case
      studies are discussed in relation to environmental risk assessment and management
      of chemical mixtures. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2017;13:376-386. (c) 2016
      SETAC.

PMID- 27662429
TI  - Population pharmacokinetics of paritaprevir, ombitasvir, dasabuvir, ritonavir and
      ribavirin in hepatitis C virus genotype 1 infection: analysis of six phase III
      trials.
AB  - AIM: The aim of the current study was to characterize the population
      pharmacokinetics of a triple direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regimen (3D)
      (ombitasvir, paritaprevir-ritonavir and dasabuvir) and adjunctive ribavirin, and
      estimate covariate effects in a broad spectrum of subjects with hepatitis C virus
      (HCV) genotype 1 infection. METHODS: Pharmacokinetic data from six phase III
      studies and one phase II study in subjects receiving the currently approved doses
      of the 3D +/- ribavirin regimen for treating HCV genotype 1 infection for 12
      weeks or 24 weeks were characterized using separate population pharmacokinetic
      models, built using each component of the regimen from nonlinear mixed-effects
      methodology in NONMEM 7.3. In the models, demographic and clinical covariates
      were tested. Models were assessed via goodness-of-fit plots, visual predictive
      checks and bootstrap evaluations. RESULTS: The population pharmacokinetic models
      for each component of the 3D +/- ribavirin regimen (DAAs and ritonavir, n = 2348)
      and ribavirin (n = 1841) adequately described their respective plasma
      concentration-time data. Model parameter estimates were precise and robust, and
      all models showed good predictive ability. Significant covariate effects
      associated with apparent clearance and volume of distribution included age, body
      weight, gender, cirrhosis, HCV subtype, opioid or antidiabetic agent use, and
      creatinine clearance. CONCLUSION: The population pharmacokinetics of the 3D +/-
      ribavirin regimen components in HCV-infected patients were characterized using
      phase II and III HCV clinical trial data. Although several statistically
      significant covariates were identified, their effects were modest and not
      clinically meaningful to necessitate dose adjustments for any component of the 3D
      regimen.

PMID- 27662430
TI  - Particulate matter from indoor environments of classroom induced higher
      cytotoxicity and leakiness in human microvascular endothelial cells in comparison
      with those collected from corridor.
AB  - We investigated the physicochemical properties (size, shape, elemental
      composition, and endotoxin) of size resolved particulate matter (PM) collected
      from the indoor and corridor environments of classrooms. A comparative hazard
      profiling of these PM was conducted using human microvascular endothelial cells
      (HMVEC). Oxidative stress-dependent cytotoxicity responses were assessed using
      quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and high
      content screening (HCS), and disruption of monolayer cell integrity was assessed
      using fluorescence microscopy and transwell assay. Scanning electron microscopy
      (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis showed
      differences in the morphology and elemental composition of PM of different sizes
      and origins. While the total mass of PM collected from indoor environment was
      lower in comparison with those collected from the corridor, the endotoxin content
      was substantially higher in indoor PM (e.g., ninefold higher endotoxin level in
      indoor PM8.1-20 ). The ability to induce oxidative stress-mediated cytotoxicity
      and leakiness in cell monolayer were higher for indoor PM compared to those
      collected from the corridor. In conclusion, this comparative analysis suggested
      that indoor PM is relatively more hazardous to the endothelial system possibly
      because of higher endotoxin content.

PMID- 27662432
TI  - Identification of the monobrominated derivative of Acid Red 52 (Food Red No. 106)
      in pickled vegetables.
AB  - Two unknown dyes (purple and purplish-red) were detected by TLC in two pickled
      vegetable (sakura-zuke daikon) samples containing Acid Red 52 (AR) and New
      Coccine as food colorants. HPLC with diode-array detection and LC/MS analyses
      suggested that the purple dye is monobrominated AR and the purplish-red dye is
      its N-desethyl derivative, which would be generated mainly during sample
      preparation. For the identification of the purple dye, a reference compound was
      prepared by bromination of AR followed by isolation of the monobrominated AR, the
      structure of which was elucidated as 4'-brominated AR (4'BrAR) by LC/ToF-MS and
      (1)H-NMR spectroscopy. The purple dye was confirmed as 4'BrAR by comparison of
      its retention time, ultraviolet-visible spectrum and mass spectrum with those of
      the prepared reference compound. To our knowledge, this is the first report of
      the detection of 4'BrAR in foods. 

PMID- 27662433
TI  - High-resolution mass spectrometry analysis of tetrodotoxin (TTX) and its
      analogues in puffer fish and shellfish.
AB  - Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is an emerging toxin in the European marine environment. It
      has various known structural analogues. It acts as a sodium channel blocker; the
      ability of each analogue to bind to the sodium channel varies with the particular
      structure of each analogue. Thus, each analogue will vary in its toxic potential.
      TTX analogues co-occur in food samples at variable concentrations. An LC-MS
      method was developed for the identification and quantitation of several analogues
      of TTX using an LTQ-Orbitrap XL mass spectrometer. The LTQ-Orbitrap XL mass
      spectrometer facilitates high mass accuracy measurement up to 100,000 full width
      at half maximum (FWHM). Using high resolution at 100,000 FWHM allows for the
      identification of TTX and its analogues in various matrices, including puffer
      fish and molluscan shellfish samples (Delta ppm = 0.28-3.38). The confirmation of
      characteristic fragment ions of TTX and its analogues was achieved by determining
      their elemental formulae via high mass accuracy. A quantitative method was then
      developed and optimised using these characteristic fragment ions. The limit of
      quantitation (LOQ) of the method was 0.136 ug g(-1) (S/N = 10) and the limit of
      detection (LOD) was 0.041 ug g(-1) (S/N = 3) spiking TTX standard into TTX-free
      mackerel fish extracts. The method was applied to naturally contaminated puffer
      fish and molluscan shellfish samples to confirm the presence of TTX and its
      analogues. 

PMID- 27662431
TI  - Metabarcoding and metabolome analyses of copepod grazing reveal feeding
      preference and linkage to metabolite classes in dynamic microbial plankton
      communities.
AB  - In order to characterize copepod feeding in relation to microbial plankton
      community dynamics, we combined metabarcoding and metabolome analyses during a 22
      day seawater mesocosm experiment. Nutrient amendment of mesocosms promoted the
      development of haptophyte (Phaeocystis pouchetii)- and diatom (Skeletonema
      marinoi)-dominated plankton communities in mesocosms, in which Calanus sp.
      copepods were incubated for 24 h in flow-through chambers to allow access to prey
      particles (<500 MUm). Copepods and mesocosm water sampled six times spanning the
      experiment were analysed using metabarcoding, while intracellular metabolite
      profiles of mesocosm plankton communities were generated for all experimental
      days. Taxon-specific metabarcoding ratios (ratio of consumed prey to available
      prey in the surrounding seawater) revealed diverse and dynamic copepod feeding
      selection, with positive selection on large diatoms, heterotrophic
      nanoflagellates and fungi, while smaller phytoplankton, including P. pouchetii,
      were passively consumed or even negatively selected according to our indicator.
      Our analysis of the relationship between Calanus grazing ratios and intracellular
      metabolite profiles indicates the importance of carbohydrates and lipids in
      plankton succession and copepod-prey interactions. This molecular
      characterization of Calanus sp. grazing therefore provides new evidence for
      selective feeding in mixed plankton assemblages and corroborates previous
      findings that copepod grazing may be coupled to the developmental and metabolic
      stage of the entire prey community rather than to individual prey abundances.

PMID- 27662434
TI  - Optical and transport properties correlation driven by amorphous/crystalline
      disorder in InP nanowires.
AB  - Indium phosphide nanowires with a single crystalline zinc-blend core and
      polycrystalline/amorphous shell were grown from a reliable route without the use
      of hazardous precursors. The nanowires are composed by a crystalline core covered
      by a polycrystalline shell, presenting typical lengths larger than 10 MUm and
      diameters of 80-90 nm. Raman spectra taken from as-grown nanowires exhibited
      asymmetric line shapes with broadening towards higher wave numbers which can be
      attributed to phonon localization effects. It was found that optical phonons in
      the nanowires are localized in regions with average size of 3 nm, which seems to
      have the same order of magnitude of grain sizes in the polycrystalline shell.
      Regardless of the fact that the nanowires exhibit a crystalline core, any
      considerable degree of disorder can lead to a localized behaviour of carriers. In
      consequence, the variable range hopping was observed as the main transport
      instead of the usual thermal excitation mechanisms. Furthermore the hopping
      length was ten times smaller than nanowire cross-sections, confirming that the
      nanostructures do behave as a 3D system. Accordingly, the V-shape observed in PL
      spectra clearly demonstrates a very strong influence of the potential
      fluctuations on the exciton optical recombination. Such fluctuations can still be
      observed at low temperature regime, confirming that the amorphous/polycrystalline
      shell of the nanowires affects the exciton recombination in every laser power
      regime tested.

PMID- 27662435
TI  - Child cyclists: A study of factors affecting their safety.
AB  - AIM: To study various factors that contribute to a child cyclist's risk of
      having, or being injured in the event of, an accident. METHODS: All children aged
      8-12 years, attending four primary schools, who had access to a bicycle were
      invited to participate. The study consisted of: a questionnaire; a helmet and
      bicycle check (by professional cycle shop staff) and a practical assessment.
      RESULTS: Two hundred and ninety-three children participated in one or more parts
      of the study. Of the 214 helmets checked, 41% were deemed 'unsafe'. Forty-one
      percent of 205 bicycles checked were not considered roadworthy. Of the 127
      children who usually ride their bicycle to school, 59% had either a bicycle that
      was not considered roadworthy or a helmet that was judged 'unsafe'. Of the 200
      children, 91% knew the correct hand signals for a right and left turn. Eleven-
      and 12-year-olds were significantly better at performing the practical assessment
      than 8- to 10-year-olds (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Parents cannot assume that
      simply providing a cycle helmet and ensuring it is worn means a child will have
      maximum protection in the event of an accident. Calculations that base the safety
      benefits of cycle helmets on observation studies are likely to be underestimates.
      Regular checking of the roadworthiness of a child's bicycle is advised as simple
      things such as underinflated tyres or worn brake pads can adversely affect
      handling. There is no specific age at which it can be said a young child is
      'safe' to ride unaccompanied on public roads.

PMID- 27662436
TI  - Impact of brief communication training among hospital social workers.
AB  - Hospital social workers are often the fulcrum of communication between
      physicians, patients, and families especially when patients are facing life
      threatening illness. This study aims to understand the impact of a brief training
      for hospital social workers. The training is designed to improve communication
      skills and self-efficacy, as well as lessen fears of death and dying. Repeated
      measures tests were used to assess outcomes across three time points. Twenty-nine
      university-based hospital social workers participated. Results trended in the
      desired directions. Communication self-efficacy improved immediately following
      the training, and this was sustained 1 month following training completion.
      Although participants were relatively experienced, improvement was still
      demonstrated and maintained suggesting brief communication training is promising
      for hospital social workers across the career.

PMID- 27662438
TI  - Association Between Serum Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 and Mortality Among
      Patients With Coronary Artery Disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Epidemiological studies have shown that serum fibroblast growth
      factor 21 (FGF21) levels were elevated in obesity and its related metabolic
      disorders. This prospective study assessed whether there was an independent
      association of serum FGF21 levels with all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD)
      mortality among patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: A
      prospective cohort study of 1668 CAD patients was conducted. Their serum FGF21
      levels were measured with ELISA kits. Cox regression models were used to estimate
      the association of serum FGF21 levels with the risk of mortality. RESULTS: During
      a median follow-up of 4.9 years, there were 194 deaths recorded and 130 of them
      were CVD deaths. Serum FGF21 levels positively correlated with age, body mass
      index, waist circumference, and adverse lipid profiles. Spline plots displayed a
      U-shaped association between serum FGF21 levels and all-cause as well as CVD
      mortality among CAD patients. Compared with serum FGF21 quartile 2, groups at
      quartiles 1, 3, and 4 had higher risk for all-cause and CVD mortality. Patients
      in the serum FGF21 quartile 4 had a 1.95-fold (95% confidence interval 1.25-3.02)
      risk of all-cause mortality and a 2.50-fold (95% confidence interval 1.43-4.38)
      risk of CVD mortality compared with those in quartile 2. CONCLUSIONS: The present
      study is the first to demonstrate that both higher and lower serum FGF21 levels
      were associated with increased risks for all-cause and CVD mortality, independent
      of traditional CVD risk factors.

PMID- 27662437
TI  - Effect of Genotype and Previous GH Treatment on Adiposity in Adults With Prader
      Willi Syndrome.
AB  - CONTEXT: Adults with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) have an increased proportion of
      sc fat mass compared with body mass index (BMI)-matched controls, but whether the
      genotype influences body composition and metabolic profile remains controversial.
      OBJECTIVE: To assess body composition and metabolic features in adults with PWS,
      according to genetic subtype. In addition, the effect of previous GH treatment
      was assessed. Main Outcomes and Measures: Body composition (Dual Energy X-ray
      Absorptiometry) and metabolic parameters were compared in PWS adults (mean age,
      25.5 +/- 8.9 y) with deletion (n = 47) or uniparental disomy (UPD) (n = 26),
      taking into account GH treatment in childhood and/or adolescence. In subgroups,
      adipocyte size, fasting total ghrelin levels, and resting energy expenditure were
      measured, and hyperphagia was assessed by the Dykens Hyperphagia Questionnaire.
      MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Body composition (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry)
      and metabolic parameters were compared in PWS adults (mean age, 25.5 +/- 8.9 y)
      with deletion (n = 47) or uniparental disomy (UPD) (n = 26), taking into account
      GH treatment in childhood and/or adolescence. In subgroups, adipocyte size,
      fasting total ghrelin levels, and resting energy expenditure were measured, and
      hyperphagia was assessed by the Dykens Hyperphagia Questionnaire. RESULTS: In the
      whole sample, the deletion group had a higher BMI compared with UPD (40.9 +/-
      11.5 vs 34.6 +/- 9.6 kg/m2, P = .02), but there was no difference between groups
      in percent body fat, metabolic profile, adipocyte size, resting energy
      expenditure, hyperphagia score, or ghrelin levels. In subjects previously treated
      with GH, BMI was not different between UPD and deletion groups (33.0 +/- 9.7 vs
      33.5 +/- 11.1 kg/m2). In addition, previous GH treatment was associated with
      decreased percent body fat and adipocyte volume only in the deletion group.
      CONCLUSION: A deletion genotype in adults with PWS is associated with increased
      BMI. GH treatment in childhood and/or adolescence limits this deleterious
      phenotypic effect with improved adiposity markers. This study suggests
      relationships between the molecular phenotype of PWS and adipose tissue
      development as well as sensitivity to GH.

PMID- 27662440
TI  - The Desmopressin Test Predicts Better Than Basal Cortisol the Long-Term Surgical
      Outcome of Cushing's Disease.
AB  - CONTEXT: Cushing's disease (CD) has a significant relapse rate after successful
      transsphenoidal surgery (TSS). Many CD patients respond aberrantly to the
      desmopressin test (DT). Disappearance of this response after surgery may suggest
      complete removal of abnormal corticotrophs and a lower possibility of recurrence.
      OBJECTIVE: The utility of postoperative DT to predict long-term outcome compared
      to the widely used postoperative cortisol level. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis.
      SETTING: Tertiary hospital. PATIENTS: Seventy-three patients underwent TSS and
      postoperative DT; 51 had sustained remission, defined as normal dexamethasone
      suppression and urinary free cortisol at 6 months. After excluding 12 patients
      with short follow-up, negative or no preoperative DT, we analyzed 39 patients.
      INTERVENTION(S): Measurements of morning cortisol at 1-2 weeks and DT within 6
      months after TSS. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Recurrence or remission at latest
      follow-up. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 63 +/- 50 months. Recurrence occurred in
      seven patients. In logistic regression analysis, postoperative cortisol levels
      were not associated with remission. Apart from the percentage increment of
      cortisol, all other DT criteria (peak cortisol, peak ACTH, absolute cortisol
      increment [DeltaCort], absolute ACTH change, and percentage absolute ACTH change)
      were significant predictors of outcome. In receiver operating characteristic
      analysis, the DeltaCort had the best diagnostic performance. DeltaCort <7.4
      MUg/dL had a sensitivity of 97% to detect remission. Comparison of Kaplan-Meier
      curves showed that DeltaCort <7.4 MUg/dL was associated with remission, whereas
      DeltaCort >=7.4 MUg/dL had a hazard ratio of recurrence of 24.7 (95% confidence
      interval, 10.6-448.5) at 60 months (median). CONCLUSION: Loss of desmopressin
      response indicates favorable prognosis and, if used in addition to basal cortisol
      levels, improves the accuracy of the postoperative assessment of CD.

PMID- 27662439
TI  - Characteristics of Men Who Report Persistent Sexual Symptoms After Finasteride
      Use for Hair Loss.
AB  - CONTEXT: Some men who use finasteride for hair loss report persistent sexual and
      other symptoms after discontinuing finasteride therapy. OBJECTIVE: To determine
      whether these persistent symptoms after discontinuation of finasteride use are
      due to androgen deficiency, decreased peripheral androgen action, or persistent
      inhibition of steroid 5alpha-reductase (SRD5A) enzymes. PARTICIPANTS: Finasteride
      users, who reported persistent sexual symptoms after discontinuing finasteride
      (group 1); age-matched finasteride users who did not report sexual symptoms
      (group 2); and healthy men who had never used finasteride (group 3). OUTCOMES:
      Sexual function, mood, affect, cognition, hormone levels, body composition,
      functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) response to sexually and affectively
      valenced stimuli, nucleotide sequences of androgen receptor (AR), SRD5A1, and
      SRD5A2; expression levels of androgen-dependent genes in skin. SETTING: Academic
      medical center. RESULTS: Symptomatic finasteride users were similar in body
      composition, strength, and nucleotide sequences of AR, SRD5A1, and SRD5A2 genes
      to asymptomatic finasteride users and nonusers. Symptomatic finasteride users had
      impaired sexual function, higher depression scores, a more negative affectivity
      balance, and more cognitive complaints than men in groups 2 and 3 but had normal
      objectively assessed cognitive function. Testosterone, dihydrotestosterone,
      5alpha-androstane-3alpha,17beta-diol-glucuronide, testosterone to
      dihydrotestosterone and androsterone glucuronide to etiocholanolone glucuronide
      ratios, and markers of peripheral androgen action and expression levels of AR
      dependent genes in skin did not differ among groups. fMRI blood oxygen level
      dependent responses to erotic and nonerotic stimuli revealed abnormal function in
      brain circuitry linked to sexual arousal and major depression. CONCLUSIONS: We
      found no evidence of androgen deficiency, decreased peripheral androgen action,
      or persistent peripheral inhibition of SRD5A in men with persistent sexual
      symptoms after finasteride use. Symptomatic finasteride users revealed depressed
      mood and fMRI findings consistent with those observed in depression.

PMID- 27662441
TI  - Bone Metastases and Skeletal-Related Events in Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma.
AB  - CONTEXT: Bone metastases (BM) can lead to devastating skeletal-related events
      (SREs) in cancer patients. Data regarding medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) with
      BM are lacking. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the natural history of BM and SREs in MTC
      patients identified by a cancer center tumor registry. SETTING: The study was
      conducted at a tertiary cancer center. PATIENTS AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We
      retrospectively reviewed the charts of MTC patients with BM who received care
      from 1991 to 2014 to characterize BM and SREs. RESULTS: Of 1008 MTC patients
      treated, 188 were confirmed to have BM (19%), of whom 89% (168 of 188) had
      nonosseous distant metastases. Median time from MTC to BM diagnosis was 30.9
      months (range 0-533 mo); 25% (45 of 180) had BM identified within 3 months of MTC
      diagnosis. Median follow-up after detecting BM was 1.6 years (range 0-23.2 y).
      Most patients (77%) had six or more BM lesions, most often affecting the spine
      (92%) and pelvis (69%). Many patients (90 of 188, 48%) experienced one or more
      SREs, most commonly radiotherapy (67 of 90, 74%) followed by pathological
      fracture (21 of 90, 23%). Only three patients had spinal cord compression.
      Patients with more than 10 BM lesions were more likely to experience SREs (odds
      ratio 2.4; P = .007), with no difference in 5-year mortality after MTC diagnosis
      between patients with (31%) and without SREs (23%) (P = .11). CONCLUSIONS: In
      this large retrospective series, BM in MTC was multifocal, primarily involving
      the spine and pelvis, supporting screening these regions for metastases in at
      risk patients. SREs were common but spinal cord compression was rare.
      Antiresorptive therapies in this population should be investigated further with
      prospective trials.

PMID- 27662442
TI  - Perceptions of Provider Communication Among Vulnerable Patients With Diabetes:
      Influences of Medical Mistrust and Health Literacy.
AB  - Patient-provider communication is modifiable and is linked to diabetes outcomes.
      The association of communication quality with medical mistrust is unknown. We
      examined these factors within the context of a low-literacy/numeracy-focused
      intervention to improve diabetes care, using baseline data from diverse patients
      enrolled in a randomized trial of a health communication intervention.
      Demographics, measures of health communication (Communication Assessment Tool
      [CAT], Interpersonal Processes of Care survey [IPC-18]), health literacy (Short
      Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults), depression, medical mistrust, and
      glycemic control were ascertained. Adjusted proportional odds models were used to
      test the association of mistrust with patient-reported communication quality. The
      interaction effect of health literacy on mistrust and communication quality was
      also assessed. A total of 410 patients were analyzed. High levels of mistrust
      were observed. In multivariable modeling, patients with higher mistrust had lower
      adjusted odds of reporting a higher CAT score (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.67,
      95% confidence interval [CI] [0.52, 0.86], p = .003) and higher scores on the
      Communication (AOR = 0.69, 95% CI [0.55, 0.88], p = .008), Decided Together (AOR
      = 0.74, 95% CI [0.59, 0.93], p = .02), and Interpersonal Style (AOR = 0.69, 95%
      CI [0.53, 0.90], p = .015) subscales of the IPC-18. We observed evidence of an
      interaction effect of health literacy for the association between mistrust and
      the Decided Together subscale of the IPC-18 such that patients with higher
      mistrust and lower literacy perceived worse communication relative to mistrustful
      patients with higher literacy. In conclusion, medical mistrust was associated
      with poorer communication with providers in this public health setting. Patients'
      health literacy level may vary the effect of mistrust on interactional aspects of
      communication. Providers should consider the impact of mistrust on communication
      with vulnerable diabetes populations and focus efforts on mitigating its
      influence.

PMID- 27662444
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 27662445
TI  - A retrospective study to reveal factors associated with postoperative shoulder
      imbalance in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with double thoracic
      curve.
AB  - OBJECTIVE Postoperative shoulder imbalance (PSI) is a critical consideration
      after corrective surgery for a double thoracic curve (Lenke Type 2); however, the
      radiographic factors related to PSI remain unclear. The purpose of this study was
      to identify the radiographic factors related to PSI after corrective surgery for
      adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) in patients with a double thoracic curve.
      METHODS This study included 80 patients with Lenke Type 2 AIS who underwent
      corrective surgery. Patients were grouped according to the presence [PSI(+)] or
      absence [PSI(-)] of shoulder imbalance at the final follow-up examination
      (differences of 20, 15, and 10 mm were used). Various radiographic parameters,
      including the Cobb angle of the proximal and middle thoracic curves (PTC and
      MTC), radiographic shoulder height (RSH), clavicle angle, T-1 tilt, trunk shift,
      and proximal and distal wedge angles (PWA and DWA), were assessed before and
      after surgery and compared between groups. RESULTS Overall, postoperative RSH
      decreased with time in the PSI(-) group but not in the PSI(+) group. Statistical
      analyses revealed that the preoperative Risser grade (p = 0.048), postoperative
      PWA (p = 0.028), and postoperative PTC/MTC ratio (p = 0.011) correlated with PSI.
      Presence of the adding-on phenomenon was also correlated with PSI, although this
      result was not statistically significant (p = 0.089). CONCLUSIONS Postoperative
      shoulder imbalance is common after corrective surgery for Lenke Type 2 AIS and
      correlates with a higher Risser grade, a larger postoperative PWA, and a higher
      postoperative PTC/MTC ratio. Presence of the distal adding-on phenomenon is
      associated with an increased PSI trend, although this result was not
      statistically significant. However, preoperative factors other than the Risser
      grade that affect the development of PSI were not identified by the study.
      Additional studies are required to reveal the risk factors for the development of
      PSI.

PMID- 27662443
TI  - Histone deacetylase 3 suppresses Erk phosphorylation and matrix metalloproteinase
      (Mmp)-13 activity in chondrocytes.
AB  - Histone deacetylase (Hdac3) inhibitors are emerging therapies for many diseases
      including cancers and neurological disorders; however, these drugs are teratogens
      to the developing skeleton. Hdac3 is essential for proper endochondral
      ossification as its deletion in chondrocytes increases cytokine signaling and the
      expression of matrix remodeling enzymes. Here we explored the mechanism by which
      Hdac3 controls matrix metalloproteinase (Mmp)-13 expression in chondrocytes. In
      Hdac3-depleted chondrocytes, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk)1/2 as
      well as its downstream substrate, Runx2, were hyperphosphorylated as a result of
      decreased expression and activity of the Erk1/2 specific phosphatase, Dusp6.
      Erk1/2 kinase inhibitors and Dusp6 adenoviruses reduced Mmp13 expression and
      partially rescued matrix production in Hdac3-deficient chondrocytes. Postnatal
      chondrocyte-specific deletion of Hdac3 with an inducible Col2a1-Cre caused
      premature production of pErk1/2 and Mmp13 in the growth plate. Thus, Hdac3
      controls the temporal and spatial expression of tissue-remodeling genes in
      chondrocytes to ensure proper endochondral ossification during development.

PMID- 27662446
TI  - Thoracic osteomyelitis and epidural abscess formation due to cat scratch disease:
      case report.
AB  - Osteomyelitis of the spine with associated spinal epidural abscess represents an
      uncommon entity in the pediatric population, requiring prompt evaluation and
      diagnosis to prevent neurological compromise. Cat scratch disease, caused by the
      pathogen Bartonella henselae, encompasses a wide spectrum of clinical
      presentations; however, an association with osteomyelitis and epidural abscess
      has been reported in only 4 other instances in the literature. The authors report
      a rare case of multifocal thoracic osteomyelitis with an epidural abscess in a
      patient with a biopsy-proven pathogen of cat scratch disease. A 5-year-old girl,
      who initially presented with vague constitutional symptoms, was diagnosed with
      cat scratch disease following biopsy of an inguinal lymph node. Despite
      appropriate antibiotics, she presented several weeks later with recurrent
      symptoms and back pain. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed 2 foci of
      osteomyelitis at T-8 and T-11 with an associated anterior epidural abscess from T
      9 to T-12. Percutaneous image-guided vertebral biopsy revealed B. henselae by
      polymerase chain reaction analysis, and she was treated conservatively with
      doxycycline and rifampin with favorable clinical outcome.

PMID- 27662448
TI  - Synthesis, characterization, and biological activity of cross-linked chitosan
      biguanidine loaded with silver nanoparticles.
AB  - Chitosan biguanidine hydrochloride (ChG) and glutaraldehyde cross-linked chitosan
      biguanidine (CChG) were synthesized and characterized by Fourier transform
      infrared spectroscopy, 1H NMR and 13C NMR, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron
      microscopy (SEM) and thermal analyses (TGA and DTA). The results showed that ChG
      and CChG had a more amorphous structure than that of chitosan, and their thermal
      stability were slightly lower than that of chitosan. Colloidal silver
      nanoparticles (AgNPs) were prepared using borohydride reduction method and then
      investigated as fillers in partially cross-linked chitosan biguanidine. The
      obtained nanoparticles were uniform and spherical with average size of 9.6 +/-
      0.5 nm. The prepared CChG/AgNPs composites were characterized for their
      morphology, thermal properties, cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity. The SEM
      images showed that the AgNPs are well imbedded in the CChG matrix. The thermal
      stability of CChG was improved with incorporation of AgNPs. The CChG and
      CChG/AgNPs showed less cytotoxicity to breast cancer cells (MCF-7). Compared with
      chitosan and CChG, the ChG and CChG/AgNPs showed better antimicrobial activity
      against Streptococcus pneumoniae and Bacillus subtilis as Gram-positive bacteria,
      Escherichia coli as Gram-negative bacteria and Aspergillus fumigatus, Geotricum
      candidum and Syncephalastrum recemosum as fungi.

PMID- 27662447
TI  - Planning a Stigmatized Nonvisible Illness Disclosure: Applying the Disclosure
      Decision-Making Model.
AB  - This study applied the disclosure decision-making model (DD-MM) to explore how
      individuals plan to disclose nonvisible illness (Study 1), compared to planning
      to disclose personal information (Study 2). Study 1 showed that perceived stigma
      from the illness negatively predicted disclosure efficacy; closeness predicted
      anticipated response (i.e., provision of support) although it did not influence
      disclosure efficacy; disclosure efficacy led to reduced planning, with planning
      leading to scheduling. Study 2 demonstrated that when information was considered
      to be intimate, it negatively influenced disclosure efficacy. Unlike the model
      with stigma (Study 1), closeness positively predicted both anticipated response
      and disclosure efficacy. The rest of the hypothesized relationships showed a
      similar pattern to Study 1: disclosure efficacy reduced planning, which then
      positively influenced scheduling. Implications of understanding stages of
      planning for stigmatized information are discussed.

PMID- 27662449
TI  - tDCS Effects on Verbal Fluency: A Response to Vannorsdall et al (2016).
AB  - In a prior study (Cattaneo et al, 2011. Neuroscience. 183:64-70), we demonstrated
      that anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the left inferior
      frontal gyrus enhanced verbal fluency in healthy young adults. Although our data
      are in line with the results of other published studies, another research group
      recently failed to report anodal tDCS effects on verbal fluency using a paradigm
      similar to ours (Vannorsdall et al, 2016. Cogn Behav Neurol. 29:11-17). Here we
      discuss aspects of study design and interpretation of results that should be
      considered in replications, focusing particularly on homogeneity of procedures.
      Notwithstanding the possibility that our study may indeed not be replicable, we
      hypothesize that Vannorsdall et al found an interesting modifier of the tDCS
      effects on verbal production by introducing a critical methodologic difference
      from our original study. We demonstrate this difference by presenting the results
      of an additional experiment. We believe that the sharing of data between research
      groups and constructive debate on possible differences in results should be
      encouraged because they help define the boundaries of applicability of an
      experimental paradigm. This is even more important for research findings that may
      have clinical implications, as is the case here.

PMID- 27662451
TI  - Basal Ganglia Calcification in Psychiatric Inpatients: A Case-Control Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Several case reports have noted basal ganglia
      calcification (BGC) as an incidental radiologic finding in patients presenting
      with psychiatric manifestations. In this study, we examined the clinical
      correlates of mental disorders in two groups of psychiatric patients, one with
      BGC and one with normal radiologic studies. METHODS: In a retrospective cross
      sectional case-control study of patients admitted to the psychiatric ward in Al
      Ain Hospital between January 2011 and December 2013, we compared all 15 patients
      diagnosed with BGC and 30 control patients who had normal radiologic findings.
      RESULTS: The BGC group's psychiatric symptoms began when they were aged in their
      30s and 40s, later than the controls' 20s and 30s (P=0.001). More of the BGC
      group than the controls had cognitive symptoms (60% versus 6.7%, P=0.001). The
      BGC group was more likely to have chronic medical comorbidities (66.7% versus
      20%, P=0.003). The BGC group's mean serum calcium was lower than the controls'
      (P=0.003) and the C-reactive protein was higher (P=0.049). We did not find
      significant differences between the groups in psychiatric diagnoses; five of the
      15 patients with BGC had mood disorders and four of the 15 had psychotic
      disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with BGC tend to develop psychiatric symptoms
      later in life than other psychiatric patients, and have higher rates of medical
      comorbidities. Many patients with BGC have cognitive symptoms, which can be
      concurrent with a mood or psychotic disorder.

PMID- 27662452
TI  - Elevated Cystatin C Levels Are Associated with Cognitive Impairment and
      Progression of Parkinson Disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We investigated the relationship between serum cystatin C (CysC)
      levels and cognitive dysfunction and disease progression in patients with
      Parkinson disease. BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported altered CysC levels
      in neurodegenerative disorders, but only a few studies have explored the role of
      CysC and its relationship to cognitive dysfunction in Parkinson disease. METHODS:
      We measured serum levels of CysC, creatinine, urea, and uric acid in 142 patients
      with Parkinson disease and 146 healthy controls. We assessed disease progression
      using the Hoehn and Yahr scale, and cognitive function using the Montreal
      Cognitive Assessment (Beijing version). RESULTS: The patients with Parkinson
      disease had significantly higher CysC levels than the controls (P<0.001). CysC
      level correlated significantly with age (r=0.494, P<0.001), sex (r=0.150,
      P=0.011), and serum creatinine level (r=0.377, P<0.001), but not with levels of
      urea or uric acid (P>0.05). CysC level was a significant independent predictor of
      Parkinson disease (odds ratio=23.143, 95% confidence interval: 5.485-97.648,
      P<0.001) in multivariate logistic regression analysis. In the Parkinson disease
      group, a higher CysC level was associated with a more advanced Hoehn and Yahr
      stage (r=0.098, P<0.05) and a lower Montreal Cognitive Assessment score (r=
      0.381, P=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Serum CysC levels can predict disease severity and
      cognitive dysfunction in patients with Parkinson disease. The exact role of CysC
      remains to be determined.

PMID- 27662450
TI  - Effects of Testosterone Therapy on Cognitive Function in Aging: A Systematic
      Review.
AB  - Endogenous testosterone in the aging man has been scrutinized extensively in
      regard to its effects on performance in many cognitive domains, especially verbal
      fluency, visuospatial and visuoperceptual abilities, memory, and executive
      function. Studies of testosterone supplementation have sought to identify
      potential cognitive improvements in men with and without baseline cognitive
      impairment, and have had a wide range of results. The variability in outcomes is
      likely related, in part, to the lack of consensus on methods for testosterone
      measurement and supplementation and, in part, to the disparate measures of
      cognitive function used in randomized controlled studies. Despite the limitations
      imposed by such inconsistent methods, promising associations have been found
      between cognition and testosterone supplementation in both eugonadal men and men
      with low testosterone levels, with and without baseline cognitive dysfunction.
      This systematic review highlights the cognitive measures used in and the outcomes
      of existing studies of testosterone and cognition in aging men. The review
      suggests that larger studies and a more standardized approach to assessment will
      be needed before we can fully understand and realize sustained benefits from
      testosterone supplementation in the elderly male population, particularly given
      the substantial increase in testosterone supplementation in clinical practice. 

PMID- 27662453
TI  - A Case of Reduplicative Paramnesia for Home.
AB  - We present the case of a high-functioning 88-year-old woman who suddenly
      developed the persistent and disturbing belief that her home of 40 years was not
      genuine, but rather an accurate replica. Her episode was probably caused by a
      small stroke that left her with this single extremely specific deficit. We
      describe the patient in detail and link to a video interview of her 3 months
      after the onset of the delusion, eloquently describing her experience. We
      summarize some of the many reports and discussions of our patient's delusion,
      reduplicative paramnesia, as well as other delusional misidentification
      syndromes. 

PMID- 27662455
TI  - Erratum to "How Information Visualization Novices Construct Visualizations".

PMID- 27662454
TI  - Left Dorsomedial Thalamic Damage Impairs Verbal Recall More Than Recognition: A
      Case Report.
AB  - Damage to the dorsomedial thalamus usually leads to impaired episodic memory,
      attention, and executive function, but the role of the dorsomedial thalamus in
      memory processing is still not fully understood. Clinical evidence is
      inconclusive about whether dorsomedial thalamic damage impairs recall or whether
      it impairs recognition. I report a unique patient who suffered a cardioembolic
      stroke in the paramedian artery territory, caused by a patent foramen ovale. He
      was left with a chronic ischemic lesion centered in the parvocellular and, to a
      lesser extent, the magnocellular portions of the left dorsomedial thalamic
      nucleus, and marginally involving the midline and intralaminar nuclei. A year
      after the stroke, the patient's neuropsychological assessment showed a selective
      verbal memory deficit with greater loss of recall than recognition. His memory
      was normal when he was given semantically encoded material. His test results
      showed that damage to the left dorsomedial thalamic nucleus might affect both his
      recall and recognition because of the involvement of the parvocellular and
      magnocellular portions, respectively. The results also suggest that the left
      dorsomedial thalamus is involved in the encoding of verbal material. This case
      report highlights the role that the left dorsomedial thalamus plays in processing
      memory specific to verbal material. The findings point to the differential
      contribution of the dorsomedial parvocellular nucleus to recall, and support the
      theory that prefrontal strategic memory is enabled by adequate encoding of
      information through thalamocortical connectivity with the dorsolateral prefrontal
      cortex. 

PMID- 27662456
TI  - Effects of Global and Local Anharmonicities on the Thermodynamic Properties of
      Sulfuric Acid Monohydrate.
AB  - We use state-of-the-art electronic structure calculation methods and large basis
      sets to obtain reliable values for the thermodynamic properties of sulfuric acid
      monohydrate and study the effects of vibrational anharmonicity on these
      properties. We distinguish between two forms of vibrational anharmonicity: local
      anharmonicity, which refers to the anharmonicity of the vibrational modes of a
      given cluster conformer, and global anharmonicity, which originates from
      accounting for the presence of different conformers in the first place. In our
      most accurate approach, we solve the nuclear Schrodinger equation variationally
      for the intermolecular large-amplitude motions, thus quantum-mechanically
      accounting for the presence of higher-energy conformers for both reactants and
      products, while using the standard vibrational perturbational approach for the
      other vibrational modes. This results in a value of -11.0 kJ/mol for the reaction
      Gibbs free energy at 298.15 K. When standard vibrational perturbational
      approaches are employed, the effects of local anharmonicity depend heavily on the
      choice of the electronic structure calculation basis set. In fact, better results
      can often be achieved by combining a simple harmonic treatment for the
      vibrational partition function with a statistical mechanical accounting of global
      anharmonicity. Thus, we recommend that future studies that intend to include
      anharmonicity start by accounting for the presence of higher-energy conformers
      and only then consider whether local anharmonicity calculations are feasible and
      necessary.

PMID- 27662457
TI  - Status Epilepticus Associated With Risperidone and Methylphenidate in an
      Adolescent With Epilepsy: A Case Report.

PMID- 27662458
TI  - Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency in Adult Outpatients With Bipolar Disorder or
      Schizophrenia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Several studies show an association between schizophrenia and low
      levels of vitamin D. To date, there are only few studies about the prevalence of
      vitamin D deficiency in patients with bipolar disorder. We hypothesized that
      vitamin D deficiency is less common among patients with bipolar disorder than
      among patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. A second
      hypothesis is that vitamin D deficiency is more prevalent among patients with
      schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorders than among the
      general Dutch population.Most studies have been conducted with hospitalized
      patients; in this study, we only included outpatients. METHODS: All outpatients
      of a center for bipolar disorders and all outpatients of 3 flexible assertive
      community treatment teams were asked to participate in this cross-sectional
      study. RESULTS: We included 118 patients with bipolar disorder and 202 patients
      with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Vitamin D levels were deficient
      in 30.3% (95% confidence interval, 25.5-35.6) of the cases. The type of
      psychiatric disorder was not a predictor of vitamin D deficiency. The absolute
      difference in risk of deficiency between the study population and the Dutch
      Caucasian population was 23.8% (95% confidence interval, 18.3%-29.3%).
      CONCLUSIONS: In this study, vitamin D deficiency was 4.7 times more common among
      outpatients with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or schizoaffective disorder
      than among the Dutch general population.Given the high prevalence of vitamin D
      deficiency, we believe that outpatients with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or
      schizoaffective disorder should be considered at risk of having low levels of
      vitamin D. Annual measurement of vitamin D levels in psychiatric outpatients with
      these disorders seems to be justified to maintain bone health, muscle strength,
      and to prevent osteoporosis.

PMID- 27662459
TI  - Prescribing Practice in Inpatients Versus Outpatients With Schizophrenia
      Initiating Treatment With Second-Generation Antipsychotics: A Naturalistic Follow
      Up Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study was to investigate whether the
      choice and dosage of antipsychotic medication differ between patients with
      schizophrenia starting treatment in an inpatient or outpatient unit. In addition,
      we investigated whether the reason for the introduction of new antipsychotic
      medication had an impact on the treatment setting and whether the use of
      benzodiazepines differed between inpatients and outpatients. METHOD: From October
      1997 to September 2010, patients with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder according
      to the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision aged between 18
      and 65 years were allocated to a naturalistic drug-monitoring program when
      starting treatment with a second-generation antipsychotic drug.
      Psychopathological symptoms were rated at baseline and after 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks
      of treatment using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. Inpatients and
      outpatients were compared with regard to the use of antipsychotics and
      benzodiazepines. To compare different drugs, chlorpromazine and diazepam
      equivalents were calculated. RESULTS: Lack of efficacy and side effects were the
      main reasons for initiating new antipsychotic medication. Combined evaluation of
      all antipsychotic compounds by meta-analysis resulted in a significant effect of
      the treatment setting, with inpatients receiving higher doses than outpatients.
      In addition, inpatients were prescribed benzodiazepines more often and in higher
      doses than outpatients. CONCLUSIONS: Both antipsychotics and benzodiazepines were
      prescribed at higher doses in an inpatient setting. Moreover, benzodiazepines
      were prescribed more frequently to inpatients. Accordingly, the treatment setting
      needs to be taken into consideration in treatment recommendations for
      schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

PMID- 27662460
TI  - Adhesion of Blood Plasma Proteins and Platelet-rich Plasma on l-Valine-Based
      Poly(ester urea).
AB  - The competitive absorption of blood plasma components including fibrinogen (FG),
      bovine serum albumin (BSA), and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on l-valine-based
      poly(ester urea) (PEU) surfaces were investigated. Using four different PEU
      polymers, possessing compositionally dependent trends in thermal, mechanical, and
      critical surface tension measurements, water uptake studies were carried out to
      determine in vitro behavior of the materials. Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM)
      measurements were used to quantify the adsorption characteristics of PRP onto PEU
      thin films by coating the surfaces initially with FG or BSA. Pretreatment of the
      PEU surfaces with FG inhibited the adsorption of PRP and BSA decreased the
      absorption 4-fold. In vitro studies demonstrated that cells cultured on l-valine
      based PEU thin films allowed attachment and spreading of rat aortic cells. These
      measurements will be critical toward efforts to use this new class of materials
      in blood-contacting biomaterials applications.

PMID- 27662461
TI  - Controllable Broadband Optical Transparency and Wettability Switching of
      Temperature-Activated Solid/Liquid-Infused Nanofibrous Membranes.
AB  - Inspired by biointerfaces, such as the surfaces of lotus leaves and pitcher
      plants, researchers have developed innovative strategies for controlling surface
      wettability and transparency. In particular, great success has been achieved in
      obtaining low adhesion and high transmittance via the introduction of a liquid
      layer to form liquid-infused surfaces. Furthermore, smart surfaces that can
      change their surface properties according to external stimuli have recently
      attracted substantial interest. As some of the best-performing smart surface
      materials, slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPSs), which are super
      repellent, demonstrate the successful achievement of switchable adhesion and
      tunable transparency that can be controlled by a graded mechanical stimulus.
      However, despite considerable efforts, producing temperature-responsive, super
      repellent surfaces at ambient temperature and pressure remains difficult because
      of the use of nonreactive lubricant oil as a building block in previously
      investigated repellent surfaces. Therefore, the present study focused on
      developing multifunctional materials that dynamically adapt to temperature
      changes. Here, we demonstrate temperature-activated solidifiable/liquid paraffin
      infused porous surfaces (TA-SLIPSs) whose transparency and control of water
      droplet movement at room temperature can be simultaneously controlled. The
      solidification of the paraffin changes the surface morphology and the size of the
      light-transmission inhibitor in the lubricant layer; as a result, the control
      over the droplet movement and the light transmittance at different temperatures
      is dependent on the solidifiable/liquid paraffin mixing ratio. Further study of
      such temperature-responsive, multifunctional systems would be valuable for
      antifouling applications and the development of surfaces with tunable optical
      transparency for innovative medical applications, intelligent windows, and other
      devices.

PMID- 27662462
TI  - Outcomes of Adding Patient and Family Engagement Education to Fall Prevention
      Bundled Interventions.
AB  - Nurses strive to reduce risk and ensure patient safety from falls in health care
      systems. Patients and their families are able to take a more active role in
      reducing falls. The focus of this article is on the use of bundled fall
      prevention interventions highlighted by a patient/family engagement educational
      video. The implementation of this quality improvement intervention across 2
      different patient populations was successful in achieving unit benchmarks.

PMID- 27662464
TI  - How Do Modern Pesticide Treatments Influence the Mobility of Old Incurred DDT
      Contaminations in Agricultural Soils?
AB  - Even more than 50 years after the ban of DDT in Germany, farmers are still
      affected by its persistence in contaminated soils. Depending on the crop
      cultivated on such soils, this often leads to low-level residues of DDT and its
      metabolites DDE and DDD ("DDX"), which are perceived as a risk by the food value
      chain. Pesticide formulations used in modern agriculture commonly contain high
      levels of surfactants, but so far no open-field studies have evaluated the
      effects of these treatments on the mobility of lipophilic contaminants, such as
      DDX. In this field trial, a 1.03 ha section was cultivated with Cucurbita maxima
      under realistic conditions to monitor the mobility of DDX in low-level
      contaminated agricultural soils in dependence of common pesticide applications. A
      typical organic treatment was compared to a conventional protocol. Soil samples
      were taken before and after each application. Samples from the organic section
      featured significantly higher extractable DDX contents in soil and water compared
      to the conventional section. The results show that modern pesticide treatments
      can have an unforeseen, yet significant influence on the mobilization and,
      subsequently, on the plant bioavailability of incurred DDX residues depending on
      the formulation composition.

PMID- 27662463
TI  - Human Brucellosis in Febrile Patients Seeking Treatment at Remote Hospitals,
      Northeastern Kenya, 2014-2015.
AB  - During 2014-2015, patients in northeastern Kenya were assessed for brucellosis
      and characteristics that might help clinicians identify brucellosis. Among 146
      confirmed brucellosis patients, 29 (20%) had negative serologic tests. No
      clinical feature was a good indicator of infection, which was associated with
      animal contact and drinking raw milk.

PMID- 27662465
TI  - Cochlear Hypoplasia Type Four With Anteriorly Displaced Facial Nerve Canal.

PMID- 27662466
TI  - Developing new automated alternation flicker using optic disc photography for the
      detection of glaucoma progression.
AB  - PurposeTo evaluate a progression-detecting algorithm for a new automated matched
      alternation flicker (AMAF) in glaucoma patients.MethodsOpen-angle glaucoma
      patients with a baseline mean deviation of visual field (VF) test>-6 dB were
      included in this longitudinal and retrospective study. Functional progression was
      detected by two VF progression criteria and structural progression by both AMAF
      and conventional comparison methods using optic disc and retinal nerve fiber
      layer (RNFL) photography. Progression-detecting performances of AMAF and the
      conventional method were evaluated by an agreement between functional and
      structural progression criteria. RNFL thickness changes measured by optical
      coherence tomography (OCT) were compared between progressing and stable eyes
      determined by each method.ResultsAmong 103 eyes, 47 (45.6%), 21 (20.4%), and 32
      (31.1%) eyes were evaluated as glaucoma progression using AMAF, the conventional
      method, and guided progression analysis (GPA) of the VF test, respectively. The
      AMAF showed better agreement than the conventional method, using GPA of the VF
      test (kappa=0.337; P<0.001 and kappa=0.124; P=0.191, respectively). The rates of
      RNFL thickness decay using OCT were significantly different between the
      progressing and stable eyes when progression was determined by AMAF (-3.49+/-2.86
      MUm per year vs -1.83+/-3.22 MUm per year; P=0.007) but not by the conventional
      method (-3.24+/-2.42 MUm per year vs -2.42+/-3.33 MUm per year;
      P=0.290).ConclusionsThe AMAF was better than the conventional comparison method
      in discriminating structural changes during glaucoma progression, and showed a
      moderate agreement with functional progression criteria.

PMID- 27662468
TI  - Aggregation, Adsorption, and Morphological Transformation of Graphene Oxide in
      Aqueous Solutions Containing Different Metal Cations.
AB  - The colloidal behavior of graphene oxide (GO) has been extensively studied in the
      presence of common environmental cations, but the aggregation, adsorption, and
      morphological transformation of GO under heavy metal ions have not been
      investigated. We observed that heavy metal cations (Cr3+, Pb2+, Cu2+, Cd2+, Ag+)
      destabilized GO suspension more aggressively than common cations (Ca2+, Mg2+,
      Na+, K+). In addition to electric double-layer (EDL) suppression, heavy metal
      cations can easily cross the EDL, bind to GO surface, and then change the surface
      potential, which is a more efficient pathway for GO aggregation. According to
      aggregation kinetics, the destabilizing ability of cations follows the order of
      Cr3+ ? Pb2+ > Cu2+ > Cd2+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+ ? Ag+ > K+ > Na+. The destabilizing
      capability of metal cations is consistent with their adsorption affinity with GO,
      which is determined by their electronegativity and hydration shell thickness. GO
      nanosheets can be transformed to 1D tube-like carbon material, 2D multiple
      overlapped GO plane, and 3D sphere-like particles during aggregation, thereby
      combined to form a sphere-like aggregated GO, which is for the first time
      observed by TEM and AFM images. Therefore, the aggregation of GO 2D nanosheets
      follows the Schulze-Hardy rule, which is usually used for spherical particles. An
      integrative process of adsorption-transformation-aggregation is proposed to
      better understand the nanomaterial (e.g., GO) colloidal behavior, environmental
      risk, self-assembly process, and application as a novel adsorbent.

PMID- 27662467
TI  - Neocentromeres Provide Chromosome Segregation Accuracy and Centromere Clustering
      to Multiple Loci along a Candida albicans Chromosome.
AB  - Assembly of kinetochore complexes, involving greater than one hundred proteins,
      is essential for chromosome segregation and genome stability. Neocentromeres, or
      new centromeres, occur when kinetochores assemble de novo, at DNA loci not
      previously associated with kinetochore proteins, and they restore chromosome
      segregation to chromosomes lacking a functional centromere. Neocentromeres have
      been observed in a number of diseases and may play an evolutionary role in
      adaptation or speciation. However, the consequences of neocentromere formation on
      chromosome missegregation rates, gene expression, and three-dimensional (3D)
      nuclear structure are not well understood. Here, we used Candida albicans, an
      organism with small, epigenetically-inherited centromeres, as a model system to
      study the functions of twenty different neocentromere loci along a single
      chromosome, chromosome 5. Comparison of neocentromere properties relative to
      native centromere functions revealed that all twenty neocentromeres mediated
      chromosome segregation, albeit to different degrees. Some neocentromeres also
      caused reduced levels of transcription from genes found within the neocentromere
      region. Furthermore, like native centromeres, neocentromeres clustered in 3D with
      active/functional centromeres, indicating that formation of a new centromere
      mediates the reorganization of 3D nuclear architecture. This demonstrates that
      centromere clustering depends on epigenetically defined function and not on the
      primary DNA sequence, and that neocentromere function is independent of its
      distance from the native centromere position. Together, the results show that a
      neocentromere can form at many loci along a chromosome and can support the
      assembly of a functional kinetochore that exhibits native centromere functions
      including chromosome segregation accuracy and centromere clustering within the
      nucleus.

PMID- 27662470
TI  - Comorbidities of chronic facial pain and obstructive sleep apnea.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This article explains the high comorbidity of craniofacial
      pain (chronic face pain, temporomandibular disorders, and primary headaches) with
      obstructive sleep breathing disorders and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It is
      recommended that physicians treating OSA should be aware of the concurrent
      chronic pain that affects the quality of sleep, and also dentists treating
      chronic pain be aware of a sleep breathing origin so that proper reciprocal
      referrals be made for optimal patient treatment outcome. RECENT FINDINGS: These
      comorbid relationships are not limited to adults. The most recent literature
      demonstrates that children diagnosed with primary headaches are highly comorbid
      with OSA and frequently have chronic facial pain complaints. SUMMARY: It is
      recommended that patients who seek care for the symptoms of sleep-related
      breathing disorders (OSA), or patients seeking care for chronic head and face
      pain be screened with intake forms that include questions of both to insure
      optimal treatment outcomes for either chief complaint.

PMID- 27662469
TI  - An Advanced Model to Precisely Estimate the Cell-Free Fetal DNA Concentration in
      Maternal Plasma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With the speedy development of sequencing technologies, noninvasive
      prenatal testing (NIPT) has been widely applied in clinical practice for testing
      for fetal aneuploidy. The cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) concentration in maternal
      plasma is the most critical parameter for this technology because it affects the
      accuracy of NIPT-based sequencing for fetal trisomies 21, 18 and 13. Several
      approaches have been developed to calculate the cffDNA fraction of the total cell
      free DNA in the maternal plasma. However, most approaches depend on specific
      single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) allele information or are restricted to male
      fetuses. METHODS: In this study, we present an innovative method to accurately
      deduce the concentration of the cffDNA fraction using only maternal plasma DNA.
      SNPs were classified into four maternal-fetal genotype combinations and three
      boundaries were added to capture effective SNP loci in which the mother was
      homozygous and the fetus was heterozygous. The median value of the concentration
      of the fetal DNA fraction was estimated using the effective SNPs. A depth-bias
      correction was performed using simulated data and corresponding regression
      equations for adjustments when the depth of the sequencing data was below 100
      fold or the cffDNA fraction is less than 10%. RESULTS: Using our approach, the
      median of the relative bias was 0.4% in 18 maternal plasma samples with a median
      sequencing depth of 125-fold. There was a significant association (r = 0.935)
      between our estimations and the estimations inferred from the Y chromosome.
      Furthermore, this approach could precisely estimate a cffDNA fraction as low as
      3%, using only maternal plasma DNA at the targeted region with a sequencing depth
      of 65-fold. We also used PCR instead of parallel sequencing to calculate the
      cffDNA fraction. There was a significant association (r = 98.2%) between our
      estimations and those inferred from the Y chromosome.

PMID- 27662471
TI  - Genetic Spectrum of Idiopathic Restrictive Cardiomyopathy Uncovered by Next
      Generation Sequencing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiomyopathies represent a rare group of disorders often of genetic
      origin. While approximately 50% of genetic causes are known for other types of
      cardiomyopathies, the genetic spectrum of restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is
      largely unknown. The aim of the present study was to identify the genetic
      background of idiopathic RCM and to compile the obtained genetic variants to the
      novel signalling pathways using in silico protein network analysis. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: We used Illumina MiSeq setup to screen for 108 cardiomyopathy and
      arrhythmia-associated genes in 24 patients with idiopathic RCM. Pathogenicity of
      genetic variants was classified according to American College of Medical Genetics
      and Genomics classification. RESULTS: Pathogenic and likely-pathogenic variants
      were detected in 13 of 24 patients resulting in an overall genotype-positive rate
      of 54%. Half of the genotype-positive patients carried a combination of
      pathogenic, likely-pathogenic variants and variants of unknown significance. The
      most frequent combination included mutations in sarcomeric and cytoskeletal genes
      (38%). A bioinformatics approach underlined the mechanotransducing protein
      networks important for RCM pathogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple gene mutations
      were detected in half of the RCM cases, with a combination of sarcomeric and
      cytoskeletal gene mutations being the most common. Mutations of genes encoding
      sarcomeric, cytoskeletal, and Z-line-associated proteins appear to have a
      predominant role in the development of RCM.

PMID- 27662472
TI  - Mutation Analysis of 16 Mucolipidosis II and III Alpha/Beta Chinese Children
      Revealed Genotype-Phenotype Correlations.
AB  - Mucolipidosis II and III alpha/beta are autosomal recessive diseases caused by
      mutations in the GNPTAB gene which encodes the alpha and beta subunits of the N
      acetylglucosamine-1-phosphotransferase. Clinically, mucolipidosis II (MLII) is
      characterized by severe developmental delay, coarse facial features, skeletal
      deformities, and other systemic involvement. In contrast, MLIII alpha/beta is a
      much milder disorder, the symptoms of which include progressive joint stiffness,
      short stature, and scoliosis. To study the relationship between the genotypes and
      phenotypes of the MLII and MLIII alpha/beta patients, we analyzed the GNPTAB gene
      in 16 Chinese MLII and MLIII alpha/beta patients. We collected and analyzed the
      patients' available clinical data and all showed clinical features typical of
      MLII or MLIII alpha/beta. Moreover, the activity of several lysosomal enzymes was
      measured in the plasma and finally the GNPTAB gene was sequenced. We detected 30
      mutant alleles out of 32 alleles in our patients. These include 10 new mutations
      (c.99delC, c.118-1G>A, c.523_524delAAinsG, c.1212C>G, c.2213C>A, c.2345C>T,
      c.2356C>T, c.2455G>T, c.2821dupA, and c.3136-2A>G) and 5 previously reported
      mutations (c.1071G>A, c.1090C>T, c.2715+1G>A, c.2550_2554delGAAA, and c.3613C>T).
      The most frequent mutation was the splicing mutation c.2715+1G>A, which accounted
      for 28% of the mutations. The majority of the mutations reported in the Chinese
      patients (57%) were located on exon 13 or in its intronic flanking regions.

PMID- 27662473
TI  - Antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic activity of p-coumaric acid in diabetic rats,
      role of pancreatic GLUT 2: In vivo approach.
AB  - P-coumaric acid (p-CA, 3-[4-hydroxyphenyl]-2-propenoic acid), the major component
      widely found in nutritious plant foods, has various antioxidant, antiinflammatory
      and anticancer property. To evaluate the antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic
      mechanisms, via the effects on carbohydrate, lipids and lipoproteins responses in
      adult male albino Wistar rats were examined by treated with p-CA. Rats were
      injected with streptozotocin (STZ, 40mg/kg b.w.) by intraperitonially (i.p.)
      30days for the induction of experimental diabetes mellitus. Diabetic rats were
      treated with p-CA orally at a dose of 100mg/kg b.w. The potential defending
      character of p-CA against diabetic rats was evaluated by performing the various
      biochemical parameters and glucose transporter such as GLUT2 mRNA expression of
      pancreas. Administration of p-CA significantly lowers the blood glucose level,
      gluconeogenic enzymes such as glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose-1,6
      bisphosphatase whereas increases the activities of hexokinase, glucose-6
      phosphatase dehydrogenase and GSH via by increasing level of insulin. p-CA
      reduces the total cholesterol and triglycerides in both plasma and tissues i.e.
      liver and kidney. p-CA also decreases the LDL-C, VLDL-C and it considerably
      increase the level of HDL-C. A significant decreased expression of GLUT 2 mRNA in
      the pancreas was recorded in the supplementation of p-CA treated groups. Taken
      together, these results suggest that p-CA modulates glucose and lipid metabolism
      via GLUT 2 activation in the pancreatic and has potentially beneficial effects in
      improving or treating metabolic disorders.

PMID- 27662475
TI  - No Evidence of Trade-Off between Farm Efficiency and Resilience: Dependence of
      Resource-Use Efficiency on Land-Use Diversity.
AB  - Efficiency in the use of resources stream-lined for expected conditions could
      lead to reduced system diversity and consequently endanger resilience. We tested
      the hypothesis of a trade-off between farm resource-use efficiency and land-use
      diversity. We applied stochastic frontier production models to assess the
      dependence of resource-use-efficiency on land-use diversity as illustrated by the
      Shannon-Weaver index. Total revenue in relation to use of capital, land and
      labour on the farms in Southern Finland with a size exceeding 30 ha was studied.
      The data were extracted from the Finnish Profitability Bookkeeping data. Our
      results indicate that there is either no trade-off or a negligible trade-off of
      no economic importance. The small dependence of resource-use efficiency on land
      use diversity can be positive as well as negative. We conclude that
      diversification as a strategy to enhance farm resilience does not necessarily
      constrain resource-use efficiency.

PMID- 27662474
TI  - Inhibition of eukaryotic initiation factor 4E phosphorylation by cercosporamide
      selectively suppresses angiogenesis, growth and survival of human hepatocellular
      carcinoma.
AB  - Mnk kinase is required for the phosphorylation and activation of the eukaryotic
      initiation factor 4E (eIF4E), which regulates translation of proteins involve in
      important aspects of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here we investigated whether
      an antifungal agent, cercosporamide, which had been recently identified as a
      potent Mnk inhibitor, is active against HCC and angiogenesis. We showed that
      cercosporamide significantly inhibited growth and induced caspase-dependent
      apoptosis on numerous HCC cell lines, while sparing normal liver cells. In
      addition, cercosporamide impaired HCC angiogenesis via inhibiting HCC-endothelial
      cells (HCC-EC) capillary network formation, migration, proliferation and
      survival. Importantly, cercosporamide sensitized HCC cells to cisplatin in in
      vitro cell culture and in vivo HCC xenograft mouse model. Cercosporamide blocked
      the phosphorylation of eIF4E but not Erk or p38 in a dose- and time-dependent
      manner in HCC and HCC-EC cells, suggesting that suppression of eIF4E
      phosphorylation was the result of inhibition of Mnk but not Mnk upstream
      pathways. Overexpression of constitutively active eIF4E (S209D) but not the
      nonphosphorylatable eIF4E (S209A) abolished the inhibitory effects of
      cercosporamide in HepG2 cells. Altogether, our work demonstrates that
      cercosporamide acts as a Mnk inhibitor through blockage of eIF4E phosphorylation
      and selectively exhibits anti-HCC activities. Our work suggests that targeting
      MNK-eIF4E pathway represents a therapeutic strategy to overcome chemo-resistance
      for HCC treatment.

PMID- 27662476
TI  - The Application of Liquid Nitrogen Spray Cryotherapy in Treatment of Bronchial
      Stenosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Spray cryotherapy (SCT), the application of liquid nitrogen in a
      noncontact form, has been demonstrated to have efficacy in treating various types
      of pathologic lesions of the airway when used as an adjunct with bronchoscopy.
      The purpose of the study was to evaluate the results of the use of bronchoscopic
      SCT on the airway in a single institution. METHODS: We performed a retrospective
      review of data collected on all patients who underwent SCT to re-establish or
      improve airway patency in an 11-month period. Patients were classified based on
      the nature of their disease into benign or malignant. Demographic data, change in
      luminal patency, and clinical outcomes were recorded. The percent of stenosis was
      divided into grades according to the following classification: 1, <=25%; 2, 26%
      to 50%; 3, 51% to 75%; and 4, >=76%. We defined successful completion of
      treatment as obtaining a final patency of grade 1. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients
      met inclusion criteria, with 45.5% (10 patients) having benign stenosis and 54.5%
      (12 patients) malignant. At initial bronchoscopic evaluation, the median grade of
      stenosis was 4 for malignant disease and 3.5 for benign disease. The median final
      posttreatment grade of stenosis was 2 for malignant disease and 1 for benign. The
      median improvement in grade of stenosis after treatment was 2 for both malignant
      and benign causes (Wilcoxon test, P = 0.92). Final patency of grade 1 was
      achieved in 42% of malignant stenosis and 80% of benign. Overall, 86.4% of
      patients had an improvement in grade of stenosis after treatment. The rate of
      morbidity was 4.5% (1/22) of all patients. CONCLUSIONS: The median change in
      grade after treatment was 2 grades of improvement for both the benign and
      malignant groups. These results provide evidence that the use of SCT is equally
      efficacious for both types of stenosis with an expectation of overall improvement
      in luminal patency, offering a safe and effective method of achieving airway
      patency in a minimally invasive fashion. This study contributes to the small but
      growing body of literature supporting the use of SCT in benign and malignant
      disease.

PMID- 27662477
TI  - Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: Current Technology and Future Directions.
AB  - Transcatheter aortic valve replacement as an alternative to open surgical repair
      is rapidly becoming more used in high-risk patients with aortic stenosis.
      Transcatheter aortic valve replacement offers the benefit of being much less
      invasive than traditional surgical repair and has evolved as a therapeutic option
      for patients with prohibitive surgical risk or those deemed surgically
      inoperable. Nevertheless, despite its potential to mitigate risk in this frail
      population, it comes with its own unique set of complications. Technological
      advancements in valve structure, function, and delivery have and continue to
      attempt to minimize these risks. This review aims to summarize current
      advancements in transcatheter aortic valve replacement technology while also
      introducing areas of future direction in this exciting new field. 

PMID- 27662480
TI  - Band structure calculation of SH waves in nanoscale multilayered piezoelectric
      phononic crystals using radial basis function method with consideration of
      nonlocal interface effects.
AB  - In this paper, the radial basis function (RBF) collocation method based on the
      nonlocal Eringen piezoelectricity theory is developed to compute the band
      structures of nanoscale multilayered piezoelectric phononic crystals taking
      account of nonlocal interface effects. Detailed calculations are performed for
      anti-plane transverse waves propagating obliquely or vertically in the system.
      The correctness of the present method is verified by comparing the numerical
      results with those obtained by applying the transfer matrix method in the case of
      nonlocal perfect interfaces. The effects of nonlocal interface imperfections are
      considered by comparing with the nonlocal perfect interfaces. In addition, the
      influences of the piezoelectric constant, the nanoscale size, the impedance ratio
      and the incidence angle on the cut-off frequency and band structures are
      investigated and discussed in detail. Numerical results show that the nonlocal
      interface discontinuity has more obvious effect on the low-frequency band
      structures at the microscopic scale than at the macroscopic scale. Furthermore,
      at the macroscopic scale, the nonlocal interface imperfection has an obvious
      effect on the high frequency waves, but the effect on the low frequency waves is
      not obvious, and the nonlocal interface imperfection has no effect on the cut-off
      frequency at the microscopic scale.

PMID- 27662478
TI  - Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery III: Training and Robotic-Assisted
      Approaches.
AB  - Minimally invasive mitral valve operations are increasingly common in the United
      States, but robotic-assisted approaches have not been widely adopted for a
      variety of reasons. This expert opinion reviews the state of the art and defines
      best practices, training, and techniques for developing a successful robotics
      program. 

PMID- 27662479
TI  - Differential Rickettsial Transcription in Bloodfeeding and Non-Bloodfeeding
      Arthropod Hosts.
AB  - Crucial factors influencing the epidemiology of Rickettsia felis rickettsiosis
      include pathogenesis and transmission. Detection of R. felis DNA in a number of
      arthropod species has been reported, with characterized isolates, R. felis strain
      LSU and strain LSU-Lb, generated from the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis, and
      the non-hematophagous booklouse, Liposcelis bostrychophila, respectively. While
      it is realized that strain influence on host biology varies, the rickettsial
      response to these distinct host environments remained undefined. To identify a
      panel of potential rickettsial transmission determinants in the cat flea, the
      transcriptional profile for these two strains of R. felis were compared in their
      arthropod hosts using RNAseq. Rickettsial genes with increased transcription in
      the flea as compared to the booklouse were identified. Genes previously
      associated with bacterial virulence including LPS biosynthesis, Type IV secretion
      system, ABC transporters, and a toxin-antitoxin system were selected for further
      study. Transcription of putative virulence-associated genes was determined in a
      flea infection bioassay for both strains of R. felis. A host-dependent
      transcriptional profile during bloodfeeding, specifically, an increased
      expression of selected transcripts in newly infected cat fleas and flea feces was
      detected when compared to arthropod cell culture and incubation in vertebrate
      blood. Together, these studies have identified novel, host-dependent rickettsial
      factors that likely contribute to successful horizontal transmission by
      bloodfeeding arthropods.

PMID- 27662482
TI  - Functional abnormalities of the right posterior insula are related to the altered
      self-experience in schizophrenia.
AB  - The insula is involved in detecting the salience of internal and external
      stimuli, and it plays a critical role in psychosis. Previous studies have
      demonstrated the structural and functional alterations of the insula in
      schizophrenia. To acquire a full picture of the functional alterations of the
      insula in schizophrenia, the resting-state fMRI data of 46 patients with
      schizophrenia and 46 healthy control subjects were collected. We used clustering
      analysis to divide the insula into three subregions: the dorsal anterior insula
      (dAI), ventral anterior insula (vAI) and posterior insula (PI). Then, whole-brain
      functional connectivity analysis was conducted based on these subregions. The
      results showed that the right dAI and PI in patients exhibited altered functional
      connections with the primary sensorimotor area. In addition, the right PI of the
      patients exhibited increased functional correlations with the thalamus. More
      importantly, the altered functional properties of the right PI were significantly
      correlated with the severity of the delusion and poor insight in schizophrenia.
      The results suggested that the right PI might play an important role in self
      experience processing in schizophrenia. Accordingly, the right PI should be
      considered very important in the pathological mechanism of schizophrenia.

PMID- 27662481
TI  - The SNARE Protein Syntaxin 3 Confers Specificity for Polarized Axonal Trafficking
      in Neurons.
AB  - Cell polarity and precise subcellular protein localization are pivotal to
      neuronal function. The SNARE machinery underlies intracellular membrane fusion
      events, but its role in neuronal polarity and selective protein targeting remain
      unclear. Here we report that syntaxin 3 is involved in orchestrating polarized
      trafficking in cultured rat hippocampal neurons. We show that syntaxin 3
      localizes to the axonal plasma membrane, particularly to axonal tips, whereas
      syntaxin 4 localizes to the somatodendritic plasma membrane. Disruption of a
      conserved N-terminal targeting motif, which causes mislocalization of syntaxin 3,
      results in coincident mistargeting of the axonal cargos neuron-glia cell adhesion
      molecule (NgCAM) and neurexin, but not transferrin receptor, a somatodendritic
      cargo. Similarly, RNAi-mediated knockdown of endogenous syntaxin 3 leads to
      partial mistargeting of NgCAM, demonstrating that syntaxin 3 plays an important
      role in its targeting. Additionally, overexpression of syntaxin 3 results in
      increased axonal growth. Our findings suggest an important role for syntaxin 3 in
      maintaining neuronal polarity and in the critical task of selective trafficking
      of membrane protein to axons.

PMID- 27662483
TI  - In shoe pressure measurements during different motor tasks while wearing safety
      shoes: The effect of custom made insoles vs. prefabricated and off-the-shelf.
AB  - Health and safety regulations in many countries require workers at risk to wear
      safety shoes in a factory environment. These shoes are often heavy, rigid, and
      uncomfortable. Wearing safety shoes daily leads to foot problems, discomfort and
      fatigue, resulting also in the loss of numerous working days. Currently,
      knowledge of the biomechanical effects of insoles in safety shoes, during working
      activities, is very limited. Seventeen workers from a metalworking factory were
      selected and clinically examined for any foot conditions. Workers feet were 3D
      scanned, with regards to their plantar view, and the images used to design 34
      custom-insoles, based on foot and safety shoe models. Three insoles were blind
      tested by each worker: custom (CUS); prefabricated with the safety-shoe (PSS),
      and off-the-shelf (OTS). Foot-to-insole pressure distribution was measured in
      seven motor tasks replicating typical working activities: single and double-leg
      standing; weight lifting; stair ascending and descending; normal and fast
      walking. Wearing CUS within safety shoes resulted in a greater uniform pressure
      distribution across plantar regions for most of the working activities. Peak
      pressure at the forefoot during normal walking was the lowest in the custom
      insole (CUS 275.9+/-55.3kPa; OTS 332.7+/-75.5kPa; PSS 304.5+/-54.2kPa). Normal
      and fast walking were found to be the most demanding activities in terms of peak
      pressure. Wearing safety shoes results in high pedobarographic parameters in
      several foot regions. The use of custom insoles designed on the foot morphology
      helps decrease peak pressure and pressure-time integral compared to prefabricated
      featureless insoles.

PMID- 27662484
TI  - Sole-parent work schedules and adolescent wellbeing:Evidence from Australia.
AB  - Extensive evidence has shown that working nonstandard hours, such as evening or
      night shifts, impacts negatively on workers' own health, and a growing literature
      suggests such impacts extend to the health of workers' children. Using matched
      parent and child data from a large Australian panel survey this paper explores
      the effects of parental work schedules on the mental and physical health of
      adolescents aged 15-20 in sole-parent families. Random-effects models indicate
      adolescents have marginally worse emotional and physical health when their parent
      works nonstandard hours, based on SF-36 component summary scores, associated
      primarily with emotional or physical role limitations. Parental weekend schedules
      are particularly detrimental to adolescent physical health. Evidence is found
      that the effects of nonstandard work schedules on adolescent wellbeing are
      transmitted through increased work-family conflict and exacerbated where parents
      have low job control.

PMID- 27662485
TI  - What is the future of research on medical decision making? (And is it bright?): A
      response to Drewniak and colleagues.

PMID- 27662486
TI  - Knockdown of Tripartite-59 (TRIM59) Inhibits Cellular Proliferation and Migration
      in Human Cervical Cancer Cells.
AB  - The tripartite motif (TRIM) family of proteins is a class of highly conservative
      proteins that have been implicated in multiple processes. TRIM59, one member of
      the TRIM family, has now received recognition as a key regulator in the
      development and progression of human diseases. However, its role in human
      tumorigenesis has remained largely unknown. In this study, the effects of TRIM59
      expression on cell proliferation and migration were investigated in human
      cervical cancer cells. The expression of TRIM59 in clinical cervical cancer
      tissues and cervical cancer cells was initially determined by RT-PCR and Western
      blot. Specific shRNA against TRIM59 was then employed to knock down the
      expression of TRIM59 in cervical cancer lines HeLa and SiHa. The effects of
      TRIM59 knockdown on cell proliferation was assessed by MTT assay and colony
      formation assay. Transwell assay was conducted to reveal cell migration and
      invasion abilities before and after TRIM59 knockdown. Our results showed that the
      expression of TRIM59 was significantly elevated in cervical cancers. Knockdown of
      TRIM59 significantly inhibited cell proliferation and colony formation as well as
      cell migration and invasion abilities in cervical cancer HeLa and SiHa cells.
      Cell cycle progression analysis showed that TRIM59-depleted cells preferred to
      accumulate in the S phase. These data suggest that TRIM59 is a potential target
      that promotes the progression of cervical cancer.

PMID- 27662488
TI  - Evaluation of Basketball-Specific Agility: Applicability of Preplanned and
      Nonplanned Agility Performances for Differentiating Playing Positions and Playing
      Levels.
AB  - Sekulic, D, Pehar, M, Krolo, A, Spasic, M, Uljevic, O, Calleja-Gonzalez, J, and
      Sattler, T. Evaluation of basketball-specific agility: applicability of
      preplanned and nonplanned agility performances for differentiating playing
      positions and playing levels. J Strength Cond Res 31(8): 2278-2288, 2017-The
      importance of agility in basketball is well known, but there is an evident lack
      of studies examining basketball-specific agility performances in high-level
      players. The aim of this study was to determine the reliability and
      discriminative validity of 1 standard agility test (test of preplanned agility
      [change-of-direction speed] over T course, T-TEST), and 4 newly developed
      basketball-specific agility tests, in defining playing positions and performance
      levels in basketball. The study comprised 110 high-level male basketball players
      (height: 194.92 +/- 8.09 cm; body mass: 89.33 +/- 10.91 kg; age: 21.58 +/- 3.92
      years). The variables included playing position (Guard, Forward, Center),
      performance level (first division vs. second division), anthropometrics (body
      height, body mass, and percentage of body fat), T-TEST, nonplanned basketball
      agility test performed on dominant (BBAGILdom) and nondominant sides
      (BBAGILnond), and a preplanned (change-of-direction speed) basketball agility
      test performed on dominant (BBCODSdom) and nondominant sides (BBCODSnond). The
      reliability of agility tests was high (intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.81
      0.95). Forwards were most successful in the T-TEST (F test: 13.57; p = 0.01).
      Guards outperformed Centers in BBCODSdom, BBCODSndom, BBAGILdom, and BBAGILnond
      (F test: 5.06, p = 0.01; 6.57, 0.01; 6.26, 0.01; 3.37, 0.04, respectively). First
      division Guards achieved better results than second division Guards in BBCODSdom
      (t: 2.55; p = 0.02; moderate effect size differences), BBAGILdom, and BBAGILnond
      (t: 3.04 and 3.06, respectively; both p = 0.01 and moderate effect size
      differences). First division Centers outperformed second division Centers in
      BBAGILdom (t: 2.50; p = 0.02; moderate effect size differences). The developed
      basketball-specific agility tests are applicable when defining position-specific
      agility. Both preplanned and nonplanned agilities are important qualities in
      differentiating between Guards of 2 performance levels. The results confirmed the
      importance of testing basketball-specific nonplanned agility when evaluating the
      performance level of Centers.

PMID- 27662489
TI  - Effects of Two Different Volume-Equated Weekly Distributed Short-Term Plyometric
      Training Programs on Futsal Players' Physical Performance.
AB  - Yanci, J, Castillo, D, Iturricastillo, A, Ayarra, R, and Nakamura, FY. Effects of
      two different volume-equated weekly distributed short-term plyometric training
      programs on futsal players' physical performance. J Strength Cond Res 31(7): 1787
      1794, 2017-The aim was to analyze the effect of 2 different plyometric training
      programs (i.e., 1 vs. 2 sessions per week, same total weekly volume) on physical
      performance in futsal players. Forty-four futsal players were divided into 3
      training groups differing in weekly plyometric training load: the 2 days per week
      plyometric training group (PT2D, n = 15), the 1 day per week plyometric training
      group (PT1D, n = 12), and the control group (CG, n = 12) which did not perform
      plyometric training. The results of this study showed that in-season futsal
      training per se was capable of improving repeat sprint ability (RSA) (effect size
      [ES] = -0.59 to -1.53). However, while change of direction ability (CODA) was
      maintained during the training period (ES = 0.00), 15-m sprint (ES = 0.73), and
      vertical jump (VJ) performance (ES = -0.30 to -1.37) were significantly impaired.
      By contrast, PT2D and PT1D plyometric training were effective in improving futsal
      players' 15-m sprint (ES = -0.64 to -1.00), CODA (ES = -1.83 to -5.50), and
      horizontal jump (ES = 0.33-0.64) performance. Nonetheless, all groups (i.e.,
      PT2D, PT1D, and CG) presented a reduction in VJ performance (ES = -0.04 to 
      1.37). Regarding RSA performance, PT1D showed a similar improvement compared with
      CG (ES = -0.65 to -1.53) after the training intervention, whereas PT2D did not
      show significant change (ES = -0.04 to -0.38). These results may have
      considerable practical relevance for the optimal design of plyometric training
      programs for futsal players, given that a 1-day-per-week plyometric training
      program is more efficient than a 2-day-per-week plyometric training program to
      improve the futsal players' physical performance.

PMID- 27662487
TI  - LMethyR-SVM: Predict Human Enhancers Using Low Methylated Regions based on
      Weighted Support Vector Machines.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The identification of enhancers is a challenging task. Various types
      of epigenetic information including histone modification have been utilized in
      the construction of enhancer prediction models based on a diverse panel of
      machine learning schemes. However, DNA methylation profiles generated from the
      whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) have not been fully explored for their
      potential in enhancer prediction despite the fact that low methylated regions
      (LMRs) have been implied to be distal active regulatory regions. METHOD: In this
      work, we propose a prediction framework, LMethyR-SVM, using LMRs identified from
      cell-type-specific WGBS DNA methylation profiles and a weighted support vector
      machine learning framework. In LMethyR-SVM, the set of cell-type-specific LMRs is
      further divided into three sets: reliable positive, like positive and likely
      negative, according to their resemblance to a small set of experimentally
      validated enhancers in the VISTA database based on an estimated non-parametric
      density distribution. Then, the prediction model is obtained by solving a
      weighted support vector machine. RESULTS: We demonstrate the performance of
      LMethyR-SVM by using the WGBS DNA methylation profiles derived from the human
      embryonic stem cell type (H1) and the fetal lung fibroblast cell type (IMR90).
      The predicted enhancers are highly conserved with a reasonable validation rate
      based on a set of commonly used positive markers including transcription factors,
      p300 binding and DNase-I hypersensitive sites. In addition, we show evidence that
      the large fraction of the LMethyR-SVM predicted enhancers are not predicted by
      ChromHMM in H1 cell type and they are more enriched for the FANTOM5 enhancers.
      CONCLUSION: Our work suggests that low methylated regions detected from the WGBS
      data are useful as complementary resources to histone modification marks in
      developing models for the prediction of cell-type-specific enhancers.

PMID- 27662490
TI  - Repeated-Sprint Sequences During Female Soccer Matches Using Fixed and Individual
      Speed Thresholds.
AB  - Nakamura, FY, Pereira, LA, Loturco, I, Rosseti, M, Moura, FA, and Bradley, PS.
      Repeated-sprint sequences during female soccer matches using fixed and individual
      speed thresholds. J Strength Cond Res 31(7): 1802-1810, 2017-The main objective
      of this study was to characterize the occurrence of single sprint and repeated
      sprint sequences (RSS) during elite female soccer matches, using fixed (20 km.h)
      and individually based speed thresholds (>90% of the mean speed from a 20-m
      sprint test). Eleven elite female soccer players from the same team participated
      in the study. All players performed a 20-m linear sprint test, and were assessed
      in up to 10 official matches using Global Positioning System technology.
      Magnitude-based inferences were used to test for meaningful differences. Results
      revealed that irrespective of adopting fixed or individual speed thresholds,
      female players produced only a few RSS during matches (2.3 +/- 2.4 sequences
      using the fixed threshold and 3.3 +/- 3.0 sequences using the individually based
      threshold), with most sequences composing of just 2 sprints. Additionally,
      central defenders performed fewer sprints (10.2 +/- 4.1) than other positions
      (fullbacks: 28.1 +/- 5.5; midfielders: 21.9 +/- 10.5; forwards: 31.9 +/- 11.1;
      with the differences being likely to almost certainly associated with effect
      sizes ranging from 1.65 to 2.72), and sprinting ability declined in the second
      half. The data do not support the notion that RSS occurs frequently during soccer
      matches in female players, irrespective of using fixed or individual speed
      thresholds to define sprint occurrence. However, repeated-sprint ability
      development cannot be ruled out from soccer training programs because of its
      association with match-related performance.

PMID- 27662491
TI  - Acute Physiological Responses to Moderate-Load Resistance Exercise in Hypoxia.
AB  - Scott, BR, Slattery, KM, Sculley, DV, Lockhart, C, and Dascombe, BJ. Acute
      physiological responses to moderate-load resistance exercise in hypoxia. J
      Strength Cond Res 31(7): 1973-1981, 2017-This study assessed whether hypoxia
      augments anabolic responses to moderate-load resistance exercise. Fourteen
      trained men performed moderate-load resistance exercise in normoxia (NORM;
      fraction of inspired oxygen [FIO2] = 21%) and moderate-level hypoxia (MH; FIO2 =
      16%). Exercise comprised 3 sets of 10 repetitions of squats and deadlifts at 60%
      of 1 repetition maximum, with 60-second interset rest. Blood lactate (BLa) was
      quantified after each exercise, whereas arterial oxygen saturation and heart rate
      (HR) were assessed after each set. Thigh circumference was measured before and
      after exercise. Muscle activation and oxygenation were monitored by surface
      electromyography (EMG) and near-infrared spectroscopy, respectively. Relative BLa
      concentrations were significantly higher following squats (p = 0.041) and
      deadlifts (p = 0.002) in MH than NORM. Arterial oxygen saturation was lower after
      each set in MH compared with NORM (p < 0.001), although HR and thigh
      circumference were not different between conditions. Integrated EMG was higher in
      MH than in NORM for the squat during several repetitions (p <= 0.032). Measures
      of muscle oxygen status were not significantly different between conditions (p >=
      0.247). The main findings from this study suggest that hypoxia during moderate
      load resistance exercise augments metabolite accumulation and muscle activation.
      However, a significant hypoxic dose was not measured at the muscle, possibly
      because of the moderate level of hypoxia used. The current data support previous
      hypotheses that have suggested hypoxia can augment some physiological responses
      that are important for muscular development, and may therefore provide benefit
      over the equivalent training in normoxia.

PMID- 27662492
TI  - Mycoplasma agalactiae Induces Cytopathic Effects in Infected Cells Cultured In
      Vitro.
AB  - Mycoplasma agalactiae is the etiological agent of the contagious agalactia
      syndrome in sheep and goats and causes significant economic losses worldwide. Yet
      the mechanism of pathogenesis is largely unknown. Even whole-genome sequence
      analysis of its pathogenic type strain did not lead to any conclusions regarding
      its virulence or pathogenicity factors. Although inflammation and tissue
      destruction at the local site of M. agalactiae infection are largely considered
      as effects of the host immune response, the direct effect of the agent on host
      cells is not completely understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the
      effect of M. agalactiae infection on the quality and viability of host cells in
      vitro. Changes in cell morphology including cell elongation, cytoplasm shrinkage
      and membrane blebbing were observed in infected HeLa cells. Chromatin
      condensation and increased caspase-3 cleavage in infected HeLa cells 48 h after
      infection suggests an apoptosis-like phenomenon in M. agalactiae-infected cells.
      In compliance with these results, decreased viability and cell lysis of M.
      agalactiae-infected HeLa cells was also observed. Measurement of the amount of
      LDH released after M. agalactiae infection revealed a time- and dose-dependent
      increase in HeLa cell lysis. A significant decrease in LDH released after
      gentamicin treatment of infected cells confirmed the major role of cytadherent M.
      agalactiae in inducing host cell lysis. This is the first study illustrating M.
      agalactiae's induction of cytopathic effects in infected HeLa cells. Further
      detailed investigation of infected host tissue for apoptotic markers might
      demonstrate the association between M. agalactiae-induced host cell lysis and the
      tissue destruction observed during M. agalactiae natural infection.

PMID- 27662493
TI  - Air quality perception of pedestrians in an urban outdoor Mediterranean
      environment: A field survey approach.
AB  - Perception plays a significant role on people's response to preventive measures.
      In the view of public awareness, the aim of this study was to explore factors
      that affect air quality perception and to reveal its potential patterns. Air
      quality perception of individuals, in terms of dust and overall air quality, was
      examined in relation to air pollutants concentrations, meteorological variables,
      personal characteristics as well as their thermal sensation and health condition.
      The data used were obtained from environmental measurements, in situ and from
      stations, and questionnaire surveys conducted in an outdoor urban Mediterranean
      area, Athens, Greece. The participants were asked to report their air quality
      perception and thermal sensation based on predefined scales. A thermal index,
      Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET), was estimated to obtain an objective
      measure of thermal sensation. Particulate matter (PM10) and nitrogen oxide (NO)
      were associated with dust perception. Nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon monoxide
      (CO) were associated to air quality perception. Age, area of residence, health
      symptoms and thermal sensation also affected the perception of air quality. Dusty
      or poor air quality conditions were more likely to be reported when pollutants'
      concentrations were increased. Younger people, participants residing in the city
      center, experiencing health symptoms or warm thermal sensation showed a trend
      towards reporting more unfavorable air quality conditions.

PMID- 27662494
TI  - Freshwater mussels in an urban watershed: Impacts of anthropogenic inputs and
      habitat alterations on populations.
AB  - The substantial increase in urbanization worldwide has resulted in higher
      emissions of wastewater to riverine systems near urban centers, which often
      impairs aquatic populations and communities. This study examined the effect of
      urbanization on freshwater mussel populations, including Species at Risk in two
      rivers receiving wastewater. The influence of anthropogenic activities was
      assessed in a watershed in the Laurentian Great Lakes basin, one that
      historically supported one of the most diverse mussel faunas in Canada. In the
      Grand River (ON), four sites along a 60km reach spanning from an upstream
      reference site to an urban-impacted downstream area were examined. In the Speed
      River, mussel populations at six sites along a 10km reach, selected to bracket
      specific anthropogenic inputs and structures were assessed. A semi-quantitative
      visual search method revealed that catch per unit effort in the Grand River
      declined by >60% from the upstream reference site to the area downstream of an
      urban center. The size (length) frequency distribution of the most abundant
      species, Lasmigona costata, was significantly (p<=0.008) different upstream of
      the majority of urban inputs (45-130mm) compared to downstream of the cities (85
      115mm). In the Speed River, impoundments and wastewater treatment plants (WWTP)
      reduced both the diversity and catch per effort. Most striking were 84 and 95%
      changes in the number of mussels found on either side of two impoundments, and a
      98% drop in mussels immediately downstream of a WWTP outfall. These population
      level effects of decreased abundance and underrepresentation of smaller mussels
      downstream of the urban area correspond to previously documented impacts at the
      biochemical and whole organism level of biological organization in wild mussels
      at this location. Our results demonstrate that poor water quality and physical
      barriers in urban environments continue to impair susceptible populations and
      communities of aquatic animals.

PMID- 27662495
TI  - Acupuncture Increases the Excitability of the Cortico-Spinal System in Patients
      with Chronic Disorders of Consciousness Following Traumatic Brain Injury.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the immediate effect of acupuncture on cortico spinal
      tract (CST) activity in patients with chronic disorders of consciousness (DOC)
      after traumatic brain injury (TBI) by measuring motor-evoked potential (MEP)
      using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). DESIGN: Changes in several
      variables in the acupuncture session were compared with those in the control
      session without acupuncture in the same patients. SETTING: Chubu Medical Center
      for Prolonged Traumatic Brain Dysfunction, Gifu, Japan. PATIENTS: Fourteen
      patients (mean age +/- standard deviation, 39 +/- 17 years; 12 men) with chronic
      DOC (5 in a vegetative state and 9 in a minimally conscious state) following
      severe TBI. INTERVENTION: Acupuncture treatment was performed at GV 26, Ex-HN 3,
      bilateral LI 4, and ST 36 for 10 minutes. OUTCOME MEASURES: Main outcome measure
      was MEP amplitude. MEP amplitude, measured by using TMS on the primary motor
      cortex, was recorded from the abductor pollicis brevis muscle. MEP recordings
      were performed before acupuncture (baseline), 10 minutes after needle insertion
      (phase 1), and 10 minutes after needle removal (phase 2). As a control, the same
      procedure without acupuncture was performed on another day with the order
      randomized. MEP amplitude and latency were calculated. Evoked F-wave measurements
      were also performed to calculate maximum M-wave amplitude (Mmax), M-wave latency,
      and F-wave latency in the same muscle. Central motor conduction time (CMCT) and
      MEP/Mmax ratio were also calculated from the MEP and F-wave measurement data.
      RESULTS: MEP amplitude and MEP/Mmax were increased significantly in the
      acupuncture session at phases 1 and 2 compared with the control session (p <
      0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.001, respectively). CMCTs were reduced at
      phases 1 and 2 in the acupuncture session compared with the control session, and
      the change at phase 1 was statistically significant (P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS:
      Acupuncture treatment increased the CST activity of patients with chronic DOC
      after severe TBI.

PMID- 27662496
TI  - Acute gastrointestinal bleeding cases presenting to the emergency department are
      associated with age, sex and seasonal and circadian factors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is one of the most common emergencies
      in gastroenterology. The aim of this study was to investigate the association
      between the incidence of GIB and seasonal, circadian and meteorological patterns
      in the emergency department (ED) of a tertiary hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      From January 2007 until December 2012, we retrospectively evaluated patients
      presenting to the ED with respect to the number and location of GIB, season, time
      of day and weather. RESULTS: Of 45 458 patients, 578 (1.3%) presented with a GIB.
      Of these, 62.5% were men compared with 54.7% of all patients in the ED (chi,
      P=0.0002). Patients with GIB were on average 4.4 years older than those without
      GIB (95% confidence interval 2.76-5.98, t-test, P<0.001). In addition, 304
      (52.6%) patients had upper GIB and 138 (23.9%) had lower GIB. In total, 136
      (23.5%) patients required no endoscopy because of initial laboratory and
      circulatory stability. In univariate analysis, meteorological parameters,
      including air temperature, cloud cover, relative humidity, vapour pressure,
      amount of precipitation, sunshine duration and snow height, were each associated
      with an increased risk of acute GIB (all P-values<0.05). In the 6-year study
      period, patients with GIB presented to the ED mainly during the winter months.
      Independent predictors of GIB on multivariate logistic regression were older age,
      male sex, season and daytime, all P less than 0.005. Emergency admissions during
      the night were associated with a 54 and 35% higher risk of GIB compared with
      daytime (8 a.m. to 4 p.m., P=0.0002) and late evening hours (4 p.m. to midnight,
      P=0.0142), respectively. CONCLUSION: Presentation of patients with acute GIB in
      the ED is age and sex specific and shows seasonal and circadian differences in
      distribution, with an increased incidence in winter months and during night-time.
      This should be considered when determining possible emergency endoscopic
      interventions and the availability of emergency endoscopy services.

PMID- 27662497
TI  - Diagnostic accuracy of confocal laser endomicroscopy for the characterization of
      liver nodules.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (pCLE) is a promising new
      imaging technique enabling in-vivo analysis of tissues at the cellular level, in
      real time. The aim of the present study was to prospectively evaluate the
      feasibility and accuracy of indocyanine green-aided pCLE for the diagnosis of
      malignant liver nodules. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From October 2014 to July 2015,
      liver specimens from 30 consecutive patients were analyzed ex vivo using pCLE
      directly after resection, with indocyanine green as contrast agent. The final
      diagnosis was obtained histologically, as per standard of care. In phase 1, a
      pathologist and a physicist established pCLE image criteria to distinguish normal
      parenchyma, malignant nodules, and metastases that had completely responded to
      chemotherapy. In phase 2, a pathologist and a surgeon reviewed selected videos
      retrospectively to assess the effectiveness of these. RESULTS: In phase 1, the
      healthy nodules were characterized by fluorescent hepatocytes with nonfluorescent
      nuclei and the malignant nodules were identified as strongly fluorescent,
      irregular cancer-cell clusters. The extracellular matrix was substantially less
      fluorescent compared with the cancerous clusters of cells. After chemotherapy, a
      very dense and strongly fluorescent fibrosis replaced tubular structures of
      cancerous cells. The retrospective evaluation in phase 2 resulted in 78 and 100%
      sensitivity, 100 and 89% specificity, 90 and 100% positive predictive value, and
      90 and 100% negative predictive value for the surgeon and the pathologist,
      respectively, for the detection of malignant nodules. CONCLUSION: This series
      emphasized that characterization of liver metastases is possible with pCLE, with
      high performance results.

PMID- 27662498
TI  - Nano-Cesium for Anti-Cancer Properties: An Investigation into Cesium Induced
      Metabolic Interference.
AB  - The use of cesium chloride (CsCl) for cancer therapy ("high pH therapy") has been
      theorized to produce anticancer properties by raising intracellular pH to induce
      apoptosis. Although considered as "alternative medicine", little scientific
      evidence supports this theory. Alternatively, cells have no cesium ion (Cs+)
      mediated channels for clearance. Thus, such unstable electrochemical
      distributions have the severe potential to disrupt electrochemical dependent
      cellular processes, such as glucose cotransporters. Hence, a detailed
      investigation of pH changing effects and glucose uptake inhibition are warranted
      as a possible cesium-induced anticancer therapy. We developed and characterized
      cesium nanoparticles (38 +/- 6 nm), termed NanoCs, for nanoparticle-mediated
      internalization of the ion, and compared its treatment to free CsCl. Our
      investigations suggest that neither NanoCs nor CsCl drastically changed the
      intracellular pH, negating the theory. Alternatively, NanoCs lead to a
      significant decrease in glucose uptake when compared to free CsCl, suggesting
      cesium inhibited glucose uptake. An apoptosis assay of observed cell death
      affirms that NanoCs leads tumor cells to initiate apoptosis rather than follow
      necrotic behavior. Furthermore, NanoCs lead to in vivo tumor regression, where
      H&E analysis confirmed apoptotic cell populations. Thus, NanoCs performed pH
      independent anticancer therapy by inducing metabolic stasis.

PMID- 27662499
TI  - Exploration of Structural Frameworks for Reactive and Enantioselective Peptide
      Catalysts by Library Screenings.
AB  - By screening large-scale N-terminal l-prolyl peptide libraries, we explored
      efficient catalysts for asymmetric Michael addition of a malonate to an enal. The
      catalytically active peptides obtained by the screening could be categorized into
      two groups based on the similarity of amino acid sequences. One group of the
      peptides selectively gave an S-product, whereas the other gave an R-product,
      despite all of the peptides having a common N-terminal sequence, Pro-d-Pro.
      Further optimization by second-generation screenings afforded more reactive and
      enantioselective catalysts. It was found that the peptides having a histidine
      residue at the seventh position were good catalysts, and their reaction
      efficiencies were correlated with the abilities of entrapping a substrate into
      resin beads.

PMID- 27662500
TI  - Second Virial Coefficient As Determined from Protein Phase Behavior.
AB  - We quantitatively link the macroscopic phase behavior of protein solutions to
      protein-protein interactions based on a coarse-grained colloidal approach. We
      exploit the extended law of corresponding states and apply the Derjaguin-Landau
      Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory in order to infer the second virial coefficient b2,
      an integral measure of the interaction potential, from the phase behavior,
      namely, cloud-point temperature (CPT) measurements under conditions favoring
      protein crystallization. This determination of b2 yields values that
      quantitatively agree with the results of static light scattering (SLS)
      experiments. The strength of the attractions is quantified in terms of an
      effective Hamaker constant, which accounts for van der Waals attractions as well
      as non-DLVO forces, such as hydration and hydrophobic interactions. Our approach
      based on simple lab experiments to determine the CPT in combination with the DLVO
      theory is expected to facilitate further biophysical research on protein-protein
      interactions in complex solution environments.

PMID- 27662501
TI  - Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus-associated cancers and related diseases.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review discusses the pathogenesis and recent advances in
      the management of Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV)-associated diseases. RECENT
      FINDINGS: KSHV, a gammaherpesvirus, causes several tumors and related diseases,
      including Kaposi sarcoma, a form of multicentric Castleman disease (KSHV-MCD),
      and primary effusion lymphoma. These most often develop in patients infected with
      human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). KSHV inflammatory cytokine syndrome (KICS) is
      a newly described syndrome with high mortality that has inflammatory symptoms
      like MCD but not the pathologic lymph node findings. KSHV-associated diseases are
      often associated with dysregulated human interleukin-6, and KSHV encodes a viral
      interleukin-6, both of which contribute to disease pathogenesis. Treatment of HIV
      is important in HIV-infected patients. Strategies to prevent KSHV infection may
      reduce the incidence of these tumors. Pomalidomide, an immunomodulatory agent,
      has activity in Kaposi sarcoma. Rituximab is active in KSHV-MCD but can cause
      Kaposi sarcoma exacerbation; rituximab plus liposomal doxorubicin is useful to
      treat KSHV-MCD patients with concurrent Kaposi sarcoma. SUMMARY: KSHV is the
      etiological agents of all forms of Kaposi sarcoma and several other diseases.
      Strategies employing immunomodulatory agents, cytokine inhibition, and targeting
      of KSHV-infected cells are areas of active research.

PMID- 27662502
TI  - High Throughput Light Absorber Discovery, Part 2: Establishing Structure-Band Gap
      Energy Relationships.
AB  - Combinatorial materials science strategies have accelerated materials development
      in a variety of fields, and we extend these strategies to enable structure
      property mapping for light absorber materials, particularly in high order
      composition spaces. High throughput optical spectroscopy and synchrotron X-ray
      diffraction are combined to identify the optical properties of Bi-V-Fe oxides,
      leading to the identification of Bi4V1.5Fe0.5O10.5 as a light absorber with
      direct band gap near 2.7 eV. The strategic combination of experimental and data
      analysis techniques includes automated Tauc analysis to estimate band gap
      energies from the high throughput spectroscopy data, providing an automated
      platform for identifying new optical materials.

PMID- 27662503
TI  - Molecular Mechanisms of the Bindings between Non-Amyloid beta Component Oligomers
      and Amylin Oligomers.
AB  - It has been suggested that the connection between amyloidogenic diseases is
      related to the interactions between aggregates of amyloids, which are related to
      type 2 diabetes and Parkinson's disease. Herein, we illustrate the interactions
      between amylin oligomers and non-amyloid beta component (NAC) oligomers. Using
      molecular dynamics simulations and statistical calculations, we studied the
      mechanisms through which NAC oligomers interact with amylin oligomers to form NAC
      amylin hetero-oligomers. Our simulations have shown that there are more than one
      possible pathways, which form the NAC-amylin hetero-oligomers. Our structural
      analyses demonstrate that the interactions in the NAC-amylin hetero-oligomers do
      not affect the structural features of the NAC oligomers, but they do stabilize
      the structures of the amylin oligomers. Taken together, our results strongly
      support the hypothesis that NAC oligomers may interact with amylin oligomers
      through several pathways, of which some pathways are more preferred because of
      the structural stability of the cross-seeding NAC-amylin oligomers.

PMID- 27662504
TI  - Gated Photochromic System of Diarylethene with a Photon-Working Key.
AB  - Upon visible light irradiation, a thermally reversible photochromic acid
      generator merocyanine dye gives a proton to the dimethylamino group of a non
      photochromic diarylethene in acetonitrile. The protonation rendered the non
      photochromic diarylethene photochromic. Thus, the thermally irreversible
      photochromic nature of the diarylethene is activated without any physical contact
      or addition of any compound but only by photoirradiation to the merocyanine dye.

PMID- 27662505
TI  - High-Performance Polymer Solar Cells Realized by Regulating the Surface
      Properties of PEDOT:PSS Interlayer from Ionic Liquids.
AB  - Significant efforts have been dedicated to the interface engineering of organic
      photovoltaic device, suggesting that the performance and aging of the device are
      not only dependent on the active layer, but also governed by the interface with
      electrodes. In this work, controllable interfacial dipole and conductivity have
      been achieved in ionic liquids (ILs) modified poly(3,4
      ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS). We conclude that an
      appropriate interfacial conductivity is as essential as the suitable work
      function for an efficient buffer layer. Through forming favorable dipoles for
      hole transportation and reducing the film resistance by [HOEMIm][HSO4] treatment,
      an averaged performance of 8.64% is obtained for OPVs based on PTB7:PC71BM bulk
      heterojunction with improved stability. However, the improvement of performance
      is inconspicuous for OPVs based on PTB7-Th:PC71BM bulk heterojunction due to the
      incompetent energy level of high concentration ILs-modified PEDOT:PSS. The
      enhanced in-plane conductivity will reduce shunt resistance, and produce a fake
      high short-circuit current density (Jsc) with a lower fill factor. We point out
      that the Jsc can be improved by decreasing series resistance; meanwhile, the
      accompanying reduced shunt resistance has an unfavorable effect on device
      performance.

PMID- 27662506
TI  - Metabolic profiles of planktonic and biofilm cells of Candida orthopsilosis.
AB  - AIM: This study aims to understand which Candida orthopsilosis protein aids
      fungus adaptation upon its switching from planktonic growth to biofilm. MATERIALS
      & METHODS: Ion mobility separation within mass spectrometry analysis combination
      were used. RESULTS: Proteins mapped for different biosynthetic pathways showed
      that selective ribosome autophagy might occur in biofilms. Glucose, used as a
      carbon source in the glycolytic flux, changed to glycogen and trehalose.
      CONCLUSION: Candida orthopsilosis expresses proteins that combine a variety of
      mechanisms to provide yeasts with the means to adjust the catalytic properties of
      enzymes. Adjustment of the enzymes helps modulate the biosynthesis/degradation
      rates of the available nutrients, in order to control and coordinate the
      metabolic pathways that enable cells to express an adequate response to nutrient
      availability.

PMID- 27662507
TI  - Long-term genotoxic effects in the hematopoietic system of prenatally X
      irradiated mice.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the genotoxic effects of prenatal X-irradiation in mice
      and the possible presence of late genomic instability. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Pregnant mice were exposed to 0, 1 or 2 Gy at embryonic day 11.5. Blood smears
      were obtained from pups at birth and on post-natal day 11, 21, 42 and 140.
      Hematological data (diameter of erythrocytes, percentage of reticulocytes and
      Granulocyte-to-Lymphocyte ratio [GLR]) and genotoxicity (micronucleated
      erythrocytes, micronucleated reticulocytes, CREST-positive and negative
      micronuclei) were assessed. RESULTS: Prenatal irradiation caused perinatal
      reticulocytosis (which ended on postnatal day 11) and a dose-dependent increase
      of GLR (indicative of myeloid skewing) on postnatal days 42 and 140. Two
      temporally distinct genotoxic effects were observed: an early, acute damage
      (still detectable at birth and soon after) and a late, long-term damage.
      CONCLUSIONS: Increases in micronuclei frequencies and GLR observed from day 42 on
      are both ascribable to DNA damage. Time of appearance of this late effect may be
      linked to the shift of hematopoiesis from spleen to bone marrow and to cell
      extrinsic factor such as the microenvironment. This study confirms that ionizing
      radiation can induce long-term genotoxic effects in the hematopoietic system and
      shows that prenatal irradiation determines genomic instability in blood-forming
      tissues of adult mice.

PMID- 27662508
TI  - Economic and care considerations of Marfan syndrome.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Marfan syndrome is a rare multisystem disease of the connective
      tissue, which affects multiple organ systems. advances in healthcare have doubled
      the life-expectancy of patients over the past three decades. to date, there is no
      comprehensive review that consolidates economic considerations and care for
      marfan patients. Areas covered: Present research suggests that there may be a
      link between treatment pattern, disease progression and economic costs of Marfan
      syndrome. It indicates that an early detection of the disease and preventive
      interventions achieve a dual aim. From a patient perspective, it may reduce the
      amount of emergency surgery or intervention, and inpatient stays. In addition, it
      slows disease progression, lowers lifestyle restrictions, reduces psychological
      stress, and improves health-related quality of life. Expert commentary: Early
      detection and preventive measures are likely to achieve a dual aim by
      simultaneously containing costs and reducing the number and length of inpatient
      stays.

PMID- 27662509
TI  - Long-term measurements using home audiometry with Bekesy's technique.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the efficacy of fixed-frequency Bekesy's home audiometry to
      assess hearing fluctuation and treatment outcomes in patients with subjectively
      fluctuating hearing loss. DESIGN: SMAPH, a software audiometry program for
      Windows, was installed and calibrated on laptop computers. Bekesy's audiometry
      was carried out daily in the patients' homes, using sound-attenuating earphones.
      STUDY SAMPLE: Seventeen patients with previously or currently subjectively
      fluctuating hearing loss. Five patients received of treatment for their
      conditions during the measurement period. RESULTS: Measurement periods ranged
      from 6 to 60 days. Varying degrees of compliance were seen, some patients
      measuring less than 50% of the days, others measuring every day. Based on their
      long-term measurements the patients were classified into three groups: patients
      with stable recordings, with fluctuating low-frequency hearing loss, or with
      fluctuating high-frequency hearing loss. In the patients with stable recordings,
      significant test-retest differences were seen below 10 dB at frequencies 0.125-8
      kHz. CONCLUSIONS: Home audiometry with Bekesy's technique can be used to evaluate
      disease activity and to monitor hearing results after therapy.

PMID- 27662511
TI  - Molecular Dynamics Study of a Dual-Cation Ionomer Electrolyte.
AB  - The poly(N1222 )x Li1-x [AMPS] ionomer system (AMPS=2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane
      sulfonic acid) with dual cations has previously shown decoupled Li ion dynamics
      from polymer segmental motions, characterized by the glass-transition
      temperature, which can result in a conductive electrolyte material whilst
      retaining an appropriate modulus (i.e. stiffness) so that it can suppress
      dendrite formation, thereby improving safety when used in lithium-metal
      batteries. To understand this ion dynamics behavior, molecular dynamics
      techniques have been used in this work to simulate structure and dynamics in
      these materials. These simulations confirm that the Li ion transport is decoupled
      from the polymer particularly at intermediate N1222+ concentrations. At 50 mol %
      N1222+ concentration, the polymer backbone is more rigid than for higher N1222+
      concentrations, but with increasing temperature Li ion dynamics are more
      significant than polymer or quaternary ammonium cation motions. Herein we suggest
      an ion-hopping mechanism for Li+ , arising from structural rearrangement of ionic
      clusters that could explain its decoupled behavior. Higher temperatures favor an
      aggregated ionic structure as well as enhancing these hopping motions. The
      simulations discussed here provide an atomic-level understanding of ion dynamics
      that could contribute to designing an improved ionomer with fast ion transport
      and mechanical robustness.

PMID- 27662510
TI  - Discriminating Between Fatigue and Sleepiness in the Naval Operational
      Environment.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the similarities and differences between reported levels of
      fatigue and sleepiness as a consequence of working at sea. PARTICIPANTS: 767
      crewmembers of a U.S. Navy ship. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of a survey to
      include questions about demographics, caffeine consumption, sleep adequacy, the
      Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). RESULTS:
      ESS scores (8.41 +/- 4.66) indicated that 32% of the participants had excessive
      daytime sleepiness (ESS score > 10), while approximately 7% had an ESS score of
      16 or more. FSS scores (average FSS = 3.01 +/- 1.37) indicated that 28% of the
      participants had elevated fatigue (FSS score >= 4). Even though ESS and FSS
      scores were correlated (r = 0.39), their association explained only 15% of the
      variability observed. In terms of behavioral and lifestyle patterns, crewmembers
      with elevated fatigue (FSS >= 4) reported getting less exercise than those
      reporting less fatigue. Individuals with excessive sleepiness (ESS > 10) reported
      higher caffeine consumption. Crewmembers with elevated fatigue and comorbid
      sleepiness (FSS >= 4 and ESS > 10) reported receiving less sleep than other crew
      members. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that subjective fatigue and
      subjective sleepiness, as measured by the FSS and ESS scales, are distinct
      constructs and both are consequences of working at sea. The scores on the two
      scales correlate differentially with behavioral and lifestyle patterns of the
      crewmembers.

PMID- 27662512
TI  - Asymmetric zygote division: A mystery starting point of embryogenesis.
AB  - In angiosperm, asymmetric zygote division is critical for embryogenesis. The
      molecular mechanism underlying this process has gained a great attention
      recently. Some players involve in the control of both accurate position and
      correct orientation of zygote division plane have been found, which provide
      useful clues for the extensive investigations. It is getting clear that both
      internal and external factors are involved in this complex regulatory mechanism
      and the asymmetric zygote division seems with great impact in cell fate
      determination and embryo pattern formation.

PMID- 27662513
TI  - Manipulating adenoviral vector ion-exchange chromatography: Hexon versus fiber.
AB  - The serotype specificity of adenovirus ion-exchange chromatography has previously
      been studied using standard particle-based columns, and the hexon protein has
      been reported to determine retention time. In this study, we have submitted
      Adenovirus type 5 recombinants to anion-exchange chromatography using
      methacrylate monolithic supports. Our experiments with hexon-modified adenoviral
      vectors show more precisely that the retention time is affected by the
      substitution of amino acids in hypervariable region 5, which lies within the
      hexon DE1 loop. By exploring the recombinants modified in the fiber protein, we
      have proven the previously predicted chromatographic potential of this surface
      constituent. Modifications that preserve the net charge of the hexon protein, or
      those that cause only a small charge difference in the fiber protein, in addition
      to shortening the fiber shaft, did not change the chromatographic behavior of the
      adenovirus particles. However, modifications that include the deletion of just
      two negatively charged amino acids in the hexon protein, or the introduction of a
      heterologous fiber protein, derived from another serotype, revealed recognizable
      changes in anion-exchange chromatography. This could be useful in facilitating
      chromatography-approach purification by creating targeted capsid modifications,
      thereby shifting adenovirus particles away from particular interfering substances
      present in the crude lysate.

PMID- 27662514
TI  - Role of Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases During Meiotic Resumption From
      Diplotene Arrest in Mammalian Oocytes.
AB  - Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are group of enzymes that hydrolyze
      cyclic nucleotides in wide variety of cell types including encircling granulosa
      cells as well as associated oocytes. One group of PDEs are located in encircling
      granulosa cells and another group get expressed in the oocyte, while few other
      PDEs are expressed in both compartments. The PDE1A, PDE4D, PDE5A, PDE8A, and
      PDE8B are granulosa cell specific PDEs that hydrolyze adenosine 3',5'-cyclic
      monophosphate (cAMP) as well as guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) with
      different affinities. PDE3A, PDE8A as well as PDE9A are expressed in oocyte and
      specifically responsible for the cyclic nucleotide hydrolysis in the oocyte
      itself. Few other PDEs such as PDE7B, PDE10A, and PDE11A are either detected in
      granulosa cells or oocytes. Activation of these PDEs either in encircling
      granulosa cells or in oocyte directly or indirectly reduces intraoocyte cAMP
      level. Reduction of intraoocyte cAMP level modulates phosphorylation status of
      cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (Cdk1) and triggers cyclin B1 degradation that
      destabilizes maturation promoting factor (MPF) and/or increases Cdk1 activity.
      The destabilized MPF and/or increased Cdk1 activity leads to resumption of
      meiosis, which initiates the achievement of meiotic competency in preovulatory
      follicles of several mammalian species. Use of specific PDEs inhibitors block
      cyclic nucleotides hydrolysis that results in increase of intraoocyte cyclic
      nucleotides level, which leads to maintenance of meiotic arrest at diplotene
      stage in vivo as well as in vitro. Thus, cyclic nucleotide PDEs play important
      role in the achievement of meiotic competency by reducing intraoocyte cyclic
      nucleotides level in mammalian oocytes. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 446-452, 2017. (c)
      2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27662516
TI  - Implant Rehabilitation Planning Protocol for the Edentulous Patient According to
      Denture Space, Lip Support, and Smile Line.
AB  - Rehabilitation with implants is a challenge. Having previous evaluation criteria
      is key to establishing the best treatment for the patient. In addition to
      clinical and radiological aspects, the prosthetic parameters must be taken into
      account in the initial workup, since they allow discrimination between fixed and
      removable rehabilitation. We present a study protocol that analyzes three basic
      prosthetic aspects. First, denture space defines the need to replace teeth,
      tissue, or both. Second, lip support focuses on whether or not to include a
      flange. Third, the smile line warns of potential risks in esthetic
      rehabilitation. Combining these parameters allows us to make a decision as to the
      most suitable type of prosthesis. The proposed protocol is useful for assessing
      the prosthetic parameters that influence decision making as to the best-suited
      type of restoration. From this point of view, we think it is appropriate for the
      initial approach to the patient. In any case, other considerations of study may
      amend the proposal.

PMID- 27662515
TI  - The Role of Calcium-Sensing Receptors in Endothelin-1-Dependent Effects on Adult
      Rat Ventricular Cardiomyocytes: Possible Contribution to Adaptive Myocardial
      Hypertrophy.
AB  - Nitric oxide (NO)-deficiency as it occurs during endothelial dysfunction
      activates the endothelin-1 (ET-1) system and increases the expression of receptor
      activity modifying protein (RAMP)-1 that acts as a chaperon for calcium-sensing
      receptors (CaR) that have recently been identified to improve cardiac function.
      Here, we hypothesized that ET-1 increases the cardiac expression of CaR and
      thereby induces an adaptive type of hypertrophy. Expressions of RAMP-1,
      endothelin receptors, and CaR were analyzed by RT-PCR in left ventricular tissues
      of L-NAME-treated rats. Effects of ET-1 on CaR expression and cell function (load
      free cell shortening) were analyzed in adult rat ventricular cardiomyocytes.
      siRNA directed against CaR and RAMP-1 was used to investigate a causal
      relationship. PD142893 and BQ788 were used to dissect the contribution of ETB1 ,
      ETB2 , and ETA receptors. Non-specific NO synthase inhibition with L-Nitro
      arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) caused a cardiac upregulation of ETB receptors and
      CaR suggesting a paracrine effect of ET-1 on cardiomyocytes. Indeed, ET-1 induced
      the expression of CaR in cultured cardiomyocytes. Under these conditions,
      cardiomyocytes increased cell size (hypertrophy) but maintained normal function.
      Inhibition of ETA and ETB1 receptors led to ET-1-dependent reduction in cell
      shortening and attenuated up-regulation of CaR. Down-regulation of RAMP-1 reduced
      CaR responsiveness. In conclusion, ET-1 causes an adaptive type of hypertrophy by
      up-regulation of CaR in cardiomyocytes via ETA and/or ETB1 receptors. J. Cell.
      Physiol. 232: 2508-2518, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27662517
TI  - Metoprolol decreases the plasma exposure of metformin via the induction of liver,
      kidney and muscle uptake in rats.
AB  - Drug interactions are one of the commonest causes of side effects, particularly
      in long-term therapy. The aim of the current study was to investigate the
      possible effects of metoprolol on the pharmacokinetics of metformin in rats and
      to clarify the mechanism of drug interaction. In this study, rats were treated
      with metformin alone or in combination with metoprolol. Plasma, urine and tissue
      concentrations of metformin were determined by HPLC. Western blotting and real
      time qPCR were used to evaluate the expression of rOCTs and rMATE1. The results
      showed that, after single or 7-day repeated administration, the plasma
      concentrations of metformin in the co-administration group were significantly
      decreased compared with that in the metformin group. However, the parameter V/F
      of metformin in the co-administration group was markedly increased compared with
      that in the metformin group. The hepatic, renal and muscular Kp of metformin were
      markedly elevated after co-administration with metoprolol. Consistently,
      metformin uptake in rat kidney slices was significantly induced by metoprolol. In
      addition, multiple administrations of metoprolol significantly reduced the
      expression of rMATE1 in rat kidney as well as the urinary excretion of metformin.
      Importantly, after long-term administration, lactic acid and uric acid levels in
      the co-administration group were increased by 25% and 26%, respectively, compared
      with that in the metformin group. These results indicate that metoprolol can
      decrease the plasma concentration of metformin via the induction of hepatic,
      renal and muscular uptake, and long-term co-administration of metformin and
      metoprolol can cause elevated lactic acid and uric acid levels. Copyright (c)
      2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27662518
TI  - Achieving Pure Deep-Blue Electroluminescence with CIE y<=0.06 via a Rational
      Design Approach for Highly Efficient Non-Doped Solution-Processed Organic Light
      Emitting Diodes.
AB  - Deep-blue fluorescent emitters with Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage
      (CIE) y<=0.06 are urgently needed for high-density storage, full-color displays
      and solid-state lighting. However, developing such emitters with high color
      purity and efficiency in solution-processable non-doped organic light-emitting
      diodes (OLEDs) remains an important challenge. Here, we present the synthesis of
      two new deep-blue fluorescent emitters (AFpTPI and AFmTPI) based on 10-(9,9
      diethyl-9H-fluoren-2-yl)-9,9-dimethyl-9,10-dihydroacridine as a core and 1,3-
      and/or 1,4-phenylene-linked triphenylimidazole (TPI) analogues for non-doped
      solution-processable OLEDs. Their thermal, photophysical, electrochemical, and
      device characteristics are explored, and also strongly supported by density
      functional theory (DFT) study. AFpTPI and AFmTPI exhibit excellent thermal
      stability (~450  degrees C) with high glass transition temperatures (Tg ; 141-152
      degrees C) and deep-blue emission with high quantum yields. Specifically, the
      solution-processed non-doped device with AFpTPI as an emitter exhibits a maximum
      external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 4.56 % with CIE coordinates of (0.15, 0.06),
      which exactly matches the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) blue standard. In
      addition, AFmTPI also displays good efficiency and better color purity (EQE: 3.37
      %; CIE (0.15, 0.05)). To the best of our knowledge, the present work is the first
      report on non-doped solution-processable OLEDs with efficiency close to 5 % and
      CIE y<=0.06.

PMID- 27662519
TI  - Relating fitness to long-term environmental variations in natura.
AB  - Quantifying links between ecological processes and adaptation dynamics in natura
      remains a crucial challenge. Many studies have documented the strength, form and
      direction of selection, and its variations in space and time, but only a few
      managed to link these variations to their proximal causes. This step is, however,
      crucial, if we are to understand how the variation in selective pressure affects
      adaptive allele dynamics in natural settings. We used data from a long-term
      survey (about 30 years) monitoring the adaptation to insecticides of Culex
      pipiens mosquitoes in Montpellier area (France), focusing on three resistance
      alleles of the Ester locus. We used a population genetics model taking temporal
      and spatial variations in selective pressure into account, to assess the
      quantitative relationships between variations in the proximal agent of selection
      (amounts of insecticide sprayed) and the fitness of resistance alleles. The
      response to variations in selective pressure was fast, and the alleles displayed
      different fitness-to-environment relationships: the analyses revealed that even
      slight changes in insecticide doses could induce changes in the strength and
      direction of selection, thus changing the fitness ranking of the adaptive
      alleles. They also revealed that selective pressures other than the insecticides
      used for mosquito control affected the resistance allele dynamics. These fitness
      to-environment relationships, fast responses and continuous evolution limit our
      ability to predict the outcome of adaptive allele dynamics in a changing
      environment, but they clearly contribute to the maintenance of polymorphism in
      natural populations. Our study also emphasizes the necessity of long-term surveys
      in evolutionary ecology.

PMID- 27662520
TI  - Identification of 11p14.1-p15.3 deletion probably associated with short stature,
      relative macrocephaly, and delayed closure of the fontanelles.
AB  - We herein report a de novo hemizygous 9.2-Mb interstitial deletion of chromosome
      11p14.1-15.3 in a 3-year-old Japanese girl with short stature, relative
      macrocephaly, and delayed closure of cranial fontanelles and sutures. She did not
      show either any motor or mental development delay. This deletion involves 25
      genes including NELL1. The loss of the Nell1 function leads to skeletal defects
      in the cranial vault and vertebral column, and overexpression of Nell1 causes
      craniosynostosis in mice. These results imply that short stature and an
      abnormality of membranous ossification could be explained by haploinsufficiency
      of NELL1 on 11p14.1-p15.3. Further studies are needed to clarify the phenotype in
      patients with an 11p14.1-15.3 deletion and the pathogenesis of NELL1. (c) 2016
      Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27662521
TI  - Patterns of antiplatelet drug use after a first myocardial infarction during a 10
      year period.
AB  - AIMS: The aims of the present study were to assess antiplatelet drug use patterns
      after a first myocardial infarction (MI) and to evaluate the determinants of
      antiplatelet nonpersistence. METHODS: The present study was conducted in 4690
      patients from the Utrecht Cardiovascular Pharmacogenetics cohort with a first MI
      between 1986 and 2010, who were followed for a maximum of 10 years. Medication
      use and event diagnosis were obtained from the Dutch PHARMO Record Linkage
      System. Antiplatelet drug users were classified as persistent users (gap between
      prescriptions <=90 days), nonpersistent users (>90-day gap and no refills), and
      restarters (a new prescription after a >90-day gap). The association between
      potential determinants and antiplatelet nonpersistence was analysed using Cox
      regression. RESULTS: The proportions of persistent users decreased from 84.0% at
      the 1-year follow-up to 32.8% at 10 years for any antiplatelet drug, and 77.3% to
      27.5% for aspirin; and 39.0% to 6.4% for clopidogrel at 6 years. Most
      nonpersistent users restarted antiplatelet drugs later, leading to 89.3% overall
      antiplatelet drug users at 10 years after MI. Diabetes (hazard ratio [HR] 0.44;
      0.32-0.60), hypertension (HR 0.77; 0.60-0.99), hypercholesterolaemia (HR 0.49;
      0.39-0.62) and more recent MI diagnosis period (2003-2007: HR 0.69, 0.61-0.79;
      2008-2010: HR 0.38, 0.19-0.77, compared to <= 2002 period) lowered the risk of
      antiplatelet nonpersistence, while vitamin K antagonist (VKA) comedication (HR
      18.97; 16.91-21.28) increased this risk. CONCLUSIONS: A large proportion of
      patients with a first MI still used antiplatelet drugs after 10 years. The
      frequent discontinuations during this time frame are expected to reduce the
      effectiveness of antiplatelet drugs as secondary prevention of cardiovascular
      diseases. Diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, VKA comedication and MI
      diagnosis period were determinants of antiplatelet nonpersistence.

PMID- 27662522
TI  - Dermal fillers: pathophysiology, prevention and treatment of complications.
AB  - Dermal fillers are increasingly used for soft tissue augmentation of the face and
      hands. The widespread use of dermal fillers for rejuvenation has led to a rise in
      reports of associated complications. Although the majority of complications are
      mild and transient, serious and long-lasting complications have been observed.
      This article discusses the key complications including pigmentary changes,
      hypersensitivity reactions, infections, nodule formation, granulomatous
      reactions, vascular occlusion and migration of filler material. A thorough
      literature review was performed in addition to the combined extensive authors'
      (GP and FA) experience. Complications from fillers are increasingly being
      recognized and highlighted in the literature partly reflecting the growth in the
      market. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the filler
      complications with mechanisms of prevention and treatment per complication. A
      thorough understanding of the preventative and management strategies for the
      associated dermal filler complications will help the physician to prepare the
      patient well, and deal with complications that may arise effectively.

PMID- 27662523
TI  - Global population genetic dynamics of a highly migratory, apex predator shark.
AB  - Knowledge of genetic connectivity dynamics in the world's large-bodied, highly
      migratory, apex predator sharks across their global ranges is limited. One such
      species, the tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier), occurs worldwide in warm temperate
      and tropical waters, uses remarkably diverse habitats (nearshore to pelagic) and
      possesses a generalist diet that can structure marine ecosystems through top-down
      processes. We investigated the phylogeography and the global population structure
      of this exploited, phylogenetically enigmatic shark by using 10 nuclear
      microsatellites (n = 380) and sequences from the mitochondrial control region
      (CR, n = 340) and cytochrome oxidase I gene (n = 100). All three marker classes
      showed the genetic differentiation between tiger sharks from the western Atlantic
      and Indo-Pacific ocean basins (microsatellite FST  > 0.129; CR PhiST  > 0.497),
      the presence of North vs. southwestern Atlantic differentiation and the isolation
      of tiger sharks sampled from Hawaii from other surveyed locations. Furthermore,
      mitochondrial DNA revealed high levels of intraocean basin matrilineal population
      structure, suggesting female philopatry and sex-biased gene flow. Coalescent- and
      genetic distance-based estimates of divergence from CR sequences were largely
      congruent (dcorr  = 0.0015-0.0050), indicating a separation of Indo-Pacific and
      western Atlantic tiger sharks <1 million years ago. Mitochondrial haplotype
      relationships suggested that the western South Atlantic Ocean was likely a
      historical connection for interocean basin linkages via the dispersal around
      South Africa. Together, the results reveal unexpectedly high levels of population
      structure in a highly migratory, behaviourally generalist, cosmopolitan ocean
      predator, calling for management and conservation on smaller-than-anticipated
      spatial scales.

PMID- 27662524
TI  - Development of a Suicidal Ideation Detection Tool for Primary Healthcare
      Settings: Using Open Access Online Psychosocial Data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Suicidal patients often visit healthcare professionals in their last
      month before suicide, but medical practitioners are unlikely to raise the issue
      of suicide with patients because of time constraints and uncertainty regarding an
      appropriate approach. INTRODUCTION: A brief tool called the e-PASS Suicidal
      Ideation Detector (eSID) was developed for medical practitioners to help detect
      the presence of suicidal ideation (SI) in their clients. If SI is detected, the
      system alerts medical practitioners to address this issue with a client. The eSID
      tool was developed due to the absence of an easy-to-use, evidence-based SI
      detection tool for general practice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The tool was developed
      using binary logistic regression analyses of data provided by clients accessing
      an online psychological assessment function. Ten primary healthcare professionals
      provided advice regarding the use of the tool. RESULTS: The analysis identified
      eleven factors in addition to the Kessler-6 for inclusion in the model used to
      predict the probability of recent SI. The model performed well across gender and
      age groups 18-64 (AUR 0.834, 95% CI 0.828-0.841, N = 16,703). Healthcare
      professionals were interviewed; they recommended that the tool be incorporated
      into existing medical software systems and that additional resources be supplied,
      tailored to the level of risk identified. CONCLUSION: The eSID is expected to
      trigger risk assessments by healthcare professionals when this is necessary.
      Initial reactions of healthcare professionals to the tool were favorable, but
      further testing and in situ development are required.

PMID- 27662525
TI  - Electronic properties of an exciton in CdTe/CdSe/CdTe/CdSe type-II nano
      heterostructure.
AB  - In this study, we have carried out a detailed theoretical investigation on the
      binding energy of an exciton in type-II CdTe/CdSe core/shell/well/shell (CSWS)
      nanocrystal quantum dot (NCQD) in the strong confinement region. The calculations
      are based on the effective mass approximation, and the coulombic interaction
      between electron and hole is introduced using Hartree approximation. With these
      theoretical basis, the coupled Poisson-Schrodinger equations are solved in a self
      consistent iterative manner. In strong confinement regime, the binding energy
      variation with core radius in type-II NCQD shows a peak. And this peak widens for
      larger well width and inner shell thickness. Our study suggests that, this
      anomalous behavior of exciton binding energy is due to an effect called
      'positional flip of exciton', caused by the faster tunneling of hole to the inner
      layer in comparison with electron. Our results can be applied in laser and
      optoelectronic engineering for designing more efficient optoelectronic devices.

PMID- 27662526
TI  - Review of Teenlink: A health service for children and adolescents of parents with
      substance use.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate Teenlink, a wide-ranging medical and psychological health
      service addressing the needs of children and adolescents in substance-using
      families, who are at increased risk of developmental and psychosocial problems.
      METHODS: Retrospective record review of 124 children, from 92 families seen over
      a 13 year period. RESULTS: Polysubstance use and mental illness were common
      amongst parents. Children often presented with emotional and behavioural
      problems. Teenlink provided parenting skills, individual and family work, medical
      care, case management, advocacy, collaboration and education with adult drug and
      alcohol services. CONCLUSIONS: The chronic and complex nature of parental
      addiction, need for ongoing support and tailored service utilisation, reflected
      the length of engagement.

PMID- 27662527
TI  - Atypical psychotic symptoms and Dandy-Walker variant.
AB  - New-onset psychotic symptoms often respond well to antipsychotic treatment;
      however, symptoms may be difficult to treat when an underlying brain malformation
      is present. Here, we present a case of atypical psychotic symptoms in the context
      of a congenital cerebellar malformation (Dandy-Walker variant). The patient
      ultimately improved with paliperidone palmitate after multiple antipsychotic
      medication trials (both oral and one long-acting injectable) were ineffective.
      Neuroimaging may provide valuable diagnostic and prognostic information in cases
      of new-onset psychosis with atypical features and treatment resistance, even in
      the absence of neurologic signs and symptoms.

PMID- 27662528
TI  - Family Forward: Promoting Family Adaptation Following Pediatric Acquired Brain
      Injury.
AB  - This article describes a new and innovative social work intervention, Family
      Forward, designed to promote early adaptation of the family system after the
      onset of a child's acquired brain injury. Family Forward is integrated into
      inpatient rehabilitation services provided to the injured child and recognizes
      the important role of family in child rehabilitation outcomes and the parallel
      process of recovery for the child and family following an injury. Family Forward
      is informed by clinical practice, existing research in family adaptation after
      pediatric acquired brain injury, the resiliency model of family adjustment and
      adaptation, and family therapy theories and approaches.

PMID- 27662529
TI  - Treatment of traumatic brain injury with 17alpha-ethinylestradiol-3-sulfate in a
      rat model.
AB  - OBJECTIVE 17alpha-ethynylestradiol-3-sulfate (EE-3-SO4) is a highly water-soluble
      synthetic estrogen that has an extended half-life (~ 10 hours) over that of
      naturally occurring estrogen (~ 10 minutes). In this study, EE-3-SO4 was
      evaluated in a lateral fluid percussion-induced traumatic brain injury (TBI)
      model in rats. METHODS A total of 9 groups of Sprague-Dawley rats underwent
      craniectomy. Twenty-four hours later, lateral fluid percussion was applied to 6
      groups of animals to induce TBI; the remaining 3 groups served as sham control
      groups. EE-3-SO4 (1 mg/kg body weight in 0.4 ml/kg body weight) or saline
      (vehicle control) was injected intravenously 1 hour after TBI; saline was
      injected in all sham animals. One day after EE-3-SO4/saline injection,
      intracranial pressure (ICP), cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP), and partial brain
      oxygen pressure (PbtO2) were measured in Groups 1-3 (2 TBI groups and 1 sham
      group), and brain edema, diffusion axonal injury, and cerebral glycolysis were
      assessed in Groups 4-6 using MRI T2 mapping, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and
      FDG-PET imaging, respectively. Four days after dosing, the open-field anxiety of
      animals was assessed in Groups 7-9 by measuring the duration that each animal
      spent in the center area of an open chamber during 4 minutes of monitoring.
      RESULTS EE-3-SO4 significantly lowered ICP while raising CPP and PbtO2, compared
      with vehicle treatment in TBI-induced animals (p < 0.05). The mean size of
      cerebral edema of TBI animals treated with EE-3-SO4 was 25 +/- 3 mm3 (mean +/-
      SE), which was significantly smaller than that of vehicle-treated animals (67 +/-
      6 mm3, p < 0.001). Also, EE-3-SO4 treatment significantly increased the
      fractional anisotropy of the white matter in the ipsilateral side (p = 0.003) and
      cerebral glycolysis (p = 0.014). The mean duration that EE-3-SO4-treated animals
      spent in the center area was 12 +/- 2 seconds, which was significantly longer
      than that of vehicle-treated animals (4 +/- 1 seconds; p = 0.008) but not
      different from that of sham animals (11 +/- 3 seconds; p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS
      These data support the clinical use of EE-3-SO4 for early TBI treatment.

PMID- 27662530
TI  - Approach selection for intrinsic brainstem pathologies.

PMID- 27662531
TI  - Effects of transcranial stimulating electrode montages over the head for lower
      extremity transcranial motor evoked potential monitoring.
AB  - OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine the most effective electrode
      montage to elicit lower-extremity transcranial motor evoked potentials (LE-tMEPs)
      using a minimum stimulation current. METHODS A realistic 3D head model was
      created from T1-weighted images. Finite element methods were used to visualize
      the electric field in the brain, which was generated by transcranial electrical
      stimulation via 4 electrode montage models. The stimulation threshold level of LE
      tMEPs in 52 patients was also studied in a practical clinical setting to
      determine the effects of each electrode montage. RESULTS The electric field in
      the brain radially diffused from the brain surface at a maximum just below the
      electrodes in the finite element models. The Cz-inion electrode montage generated
      a centrally distributed high electric field with a current direction longitudinal
      and parallel to most of the pyramidal tract fibers of the lower extremity. These
      features seemed to be effective in igniting LE-tMEPs. Threshold level recordings
      of LE-tMEPs revealed that the Cz-inion electrode montage had a lower threshold on
      average than the C3-C4 montage, 76.5 +/- 20.6 mA and 86.2 +/- 20.6 mA,
      respectively (31 patients, t = 4.045, p < 0.001, paired t-test). In 23 (74.2%) of
      31 cases, the Cz-inion montage could elicit LE-tMEPs at a lower threshold than C3
      C4. CONCLUSIONS The C3-C4 and C1-C2 electrode montages are the standard for tMEP
      monitoring in neurosurgery, but the Cz-inion montage showed lower thresholds for
      the generation of LE-tMEPs. The Cz-inion electrode montage should be a good
      alternative for LE-tMEP monitoring when the C3-C4 has trouble igniting LE-tMEPs.

PMID- 27662532
TI  - Complication rates, lengths of stay, and readmission rates in "awake" and
      "asleep" deep brain simulation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE As the number of deep brain stimulation (DBS) procedures performed
      under general anesthesia ("asleep" DBS) increases, it is more important to assess
      the rates of adverse events, inpatient lengths of stay (LOS), and 30-day
      readmission rates in patients undergoing these procedures compared with those in
      patients undergoing traditional "awake" DBS without general anesthesia. METHODS
      All patients in an institutional database who had undergone awake or asleep DBS
      procedures performed by a single surgeon between August 2011 and August 2014 were
      reviewed. Adverse events, inpatient LOS, and 30-day readmissions were analyzed.
      RESULTS A total of 490 electrodes were placed in 284 patients, of whom 126
      (44.4%) underwent awake surgery and 158 (55.6%) underwent asleep surgery. The
      most frequent overall complication for the cohort was postoperative mental status
      change (13 patients [4.6%]), followed by hemorrhage (4 patients [1.4%]), seizure
      (4 patients [1.4%]), and hardware-related infection (3 patients [1.1%]). Mean LOS
      for all 284 patients was 1.19 +/- 1.29 days (awake: 1.06 +/- 0.46 days; asleep:
      1.30 +/- 1.67 days; p = 0.08). Overall, the 30-day readmission rate was 1.4% (1
      awake patient, 3 asleep patients). There were no significant differences in
      complications, LOS, and 30-day readmissions between awake and asleep groups.
      CONCLUSIONS Both awake and asleep DBS can be performed safely with low
      complication rates. The authors found no significant differences between the 2
      procedure groups in adverse events, inpatient LOS, and 30-day readmission rates.

PMID- 27662533
TI  - Letter to the Editor: Simpson grading system.

PMID- 27662534
TI  - Early versus late arteriovenous malformation responders after stereotactic
      radiosurgery: an international multicenter study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE The goal of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for arteriovenous
      malformation (AVM) is complete nidus obliteration, thereby eliminating the risk
      of future hemorrhage. This outcome can be observed within the first 18 months,
      although documentation of AVM obliteration can extend to as much as 5 years after
      SRS is performed. A shorter time to obliteration may impact the frequency and
      effect of post-SRS complications and latency hemorrhage. The authors' goal in the
      present study was to determine predictors of early obliteration (18 months or
      less) following SRS for cerebral AVM. METHODS Eight centers participating in the
      International Gamma Knife Research Foundation (IGKRF) obtained institutional
      review board approval to supply de-identified patient data. From a cohort of 2231
      patients, a total of 1398 patients had confirmed AVM obliteration. Patients were
      sorted into early responders (198 patients), defined as those with confirmed
      nidus obliteration at or prior to 18 months after SRS, and late responders (1200
      patients), defined as those with confirmed nidus obliteration more than 18 months
      after SRS. The median clinical follow-up time was 63.7 months (range 7-324.7
      months). RESULTS Outcome parameters including latency interval hemorrhage,
      mortality, and favorable outcome were not significantly different between the 2
      groups. Radiologically demonstrated radiation-induced changes were noted more
      often in the late responder group (376 patients [31.3%] vs 39 patients [19.7%]
      for early responders, p = 0.005). Multivariate independent predictors of early
      obliteration included a margin dose > 24 Gy (p = 0.031), prior surgery (p =
      0.002), no prior radiotherapy (p = 0.025), smaller AVM nidus (p = 0.002), deep
      venous drainage (p = 0.039), and nidus location (p < 0.0001). Basal ganglia,
      cerebellum, and frontal lobe nidus locations favored early obliteration (p =
      0.009). The Virginia Radiosurgery AVM Scale (VRAS) score was significantly
      different between the 2 responder groups (p = 0.039). The VRAS score was also
      shown to be predictive of early obliteration on univariate analysis (p = 0.009).
      For early obliteration, such prognostic ability was not shown for other SRS- and
      AVM-related grading systems. CONCLUSIONS Early obliteration (<= 18 months post
      SRS) was more common in patients whose AVMs were smaller, located in the frontal
      lobe, basal ganglia, or cerebellum, had deep venous drainage, and had received a
      margin dose > 24 Gy.

PMID- 27662535
TI  - Predictors of admission and shunt revision during emergency department visits for
      shunt-treated adult patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension.
AB  - OBJECTIVE Factors associated with emergency department admission and/or shunt
      revision for idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) are unclear. In this
      study, the associations of several factors with emergency department admission
      and shunt revision for IIH were explored. METHODS The authors performed a
      retrospective review of 31 patients (169 total emergency department visits) who
      presented to the emergency department for IIH-related symptoms between 2003 and
      2015. Demographics, comorbidities, symptoms, IIH diagnosis and treatment history,
      ophthalmological examination, diagnostic lumbar puncture (LP), imaging findings,
      and data regarding admission and management decisions were collected.
      Multivariable general linear models regression analysis was performed to assess
      the predictive factors associated with admission and shunt revision. RESULTS
      Thirty-one adult patients with a history of shunt placement for IIH visited the
      emergency department a total of 169 times for IIH-related symptoms, with a median
      of 3 visits (interquartile range 2-7 visits) per patient. Five patients had more
      than 10 emergency department visits. Baseline factors associated with admission
      included male sex (OR 10.47, 95% CI 2.13-51.56; p = 0.004) and performance of an
      LP (OR 3.10, 95% CI 1.31-7.31; p = 0.01). Contrastingly, older age at
      presentation (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.90-0.99; p = 0.01), and a greater number of prior
      emergency department visits (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.89-0.99; p = 0.02) were slightly
      protective against admission. The presence of papilledema (OR 11.62, 95% CI 3.20
      42.16; p < 0.001), Caucasian race (OR 40.53, 95% CI 2.49-660.09 p = 0.009), and
      systemic hypertension (OR 7.73, 95% CI 1.11-53.62; p = 0.03) were independent
      risk factors for shunt revision. In addition, a greater number of prior emergency
      department visits (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.77-0.96; p = 0.009) and older age at
      presentation (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.87-0.99; p = 0.02) were slightly protective
      against shunt revision, while there was suggestive evidence that presence of a
      programmable shunt (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.05-1.14; p = 0.07) was a protective factor
      against shunt revision. Of note, location of the proximal catheter in the
      ventricle or lumbar subarachnoid space was not significantly associated with
      admission or shunt revision in the multivariable analyses. CONCLUSIONS The
      decision to admit a shunt-treated patient from the emergency department for
      symptoms related to IIH is challenging. Knowledge of factors associated with the
      need for admission and/or shunt revision is required. In this study, factors such
      as male sex, younger age at presentation, lower number of prior emergency
      department visits, and performance of a diagnostic LP were independent predictors
      of admission. In addition, papilledema was strongly predictive of the need for
      shunt revision, highlighting the importance of an ophthalmological examination
      for shunt-treated adults with IIH who present to the emergency department.

PMID- 27662536
TI  - The application of T2W SPIR-FLAIR in the diagnosis of hip synovitis in patients
      with spondyloarthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility and accuracy of T2 weighted spectral
      pre-saturation inversion recovery combined with fluid-attenuated inversion
      recovery (T2W SPIR-FLAIR) in the diagnosis of hip synovitis in patients with
      spondyloarthritis (SpA). METHODS: 10 volunteers underwent a T2W SPIR and 4 T2W
      SPIR-FLAIR sequence scans with different inversion times (TIs) to determine the
      optimum TI that could effectively suppress the intra-articular fluid signals. Hip
      MRI including T2W SPIR-FLAIR and enhanced T1 weighted (T1W) SPIR sequences was
      performed in 45 patients with SpA and totally 90 hips were evaluated. McNemar's
      test and Kappa test were used to compare the diagnostic results of synovitis
      between T2W SPIR-FLAIR and enhanced T1W SPIR. RESULTS: A TI of 2100 ms was
      selected as the optimum TI. 32 hips from 17 patients exhibited high signal
      intensity within the articular cavity on both T2W SPIR-FLAIR and enhanced T1W
      SPIR sequences, while only 3 hips showed high signals within the articular cavity
      on T2W SPIR-FLAIR. The remaining 55 hips did not show high signals within the
      articular cavity on both sequences. The T2W SPIR-FLAIR and enhanced T1W SPIR
      sequences had similar values in the diagnosis of hip synovitis (p = 0.25) and a
      high degree of diagnostic consistency (Kappa = 0.929). CONCLUSION: T2W SPIR-FLAIR
      can effectively suppress the intra-articular fluid signals, while retaining the
      signals of thickened synovial membranes and can be used for the diagnosis of hip
      synovitis in patients with SpA. Advances in knowledge: The enhanced T1W SPIR is a
      classic sequence for synovitis diagnosis, but it requires the injection of
      contrast agents. The T2W SPIR-FLAIR and enhanced T1W SPIR sequences had similar
      values in the diagnosis of hip synovitis (p = 0.25) and a high degree of
      diagnostic consistency (Kappa = 0.929).

PMID- 27662537
TI  - The application of mass spectrometry to leukemia drug discovery.

PMID- 27662538
TI  - Traumatic brain injury: The first 15 milliseconds.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The physical events of the first 15 milliseconds of a traumatic brain
      injury are reviewed from computer simulations using finite element calculations
      and applied to observed pathology. METHODS: The impact creates two shock waves;
      one through the brain, another through the skull, both injure the brain
      separately. Two accelerations, anteroposterior and rotary, distort or stretch the
      brain, because of inertia. The two shockwaves are reflected many times within in
      the brain, from boundaries where the density or elasticity changes. RESULTS:
      Overlapping waves form powerful positive or negative pressure nodes. Negative
      waves are more damaging to neurones and blood vessels, so a random pattern of
      scattered neural and capillary necroses develop all over the brain. The skull
      shockwave expands the skull opposite the blow, so creating a damaging negative
      pressure injury to the brain, contre coup contusion. Acceleration (or
      deceleration) follows impact, beginning later and lasting longer. Inertia strains
      the tissue, where the brain is free to move, inflicting characteristic white
      matter injuries. CONCLUSIONS: In the antero-posterior plane, acceleration and
      inertia stretch and tear long tracts to the spine and blood vessels running from
      the brain to the dura. Rotatory accelerations stress the inter-hemispheric
      connections of the brain, especially the corpus callosum, between the
      hemispheres.

PMID- 27662539
TI  - Violent Video Games Exposed: A Blow by Blow Account of Senseless Violence in
      Games.
AB  - Violent video game (VVG) use has repeatedly been found to be associated with
      hostile expectations about others, desensitization to violence, decreased empathy
      and prosocial behavior, and aggressive thoughts and behaviors. Although these
      research findings have been widely publicized, VVGs remain the most extensively
      played games and represent a multi-billion dollar industry. Although VVGs are
      typically rated "mature," indicating they are not suitable for youths, they are
      often purchased for youths. This may be in part because there is currently no
      system available to consumers that thoroughly describes the content of video
      games, and much of the public is unaware of the types of violence that
      characterize game play. The purpose of this paper is to describe the violent
      content of some of the top VVGs, based on sales. For the purposes of this issue,
      acts of senseless, unprovoked violence will be described in detail.

PMID- 27662540
TI  - Shoulder Dystocia: Incidence and Risk Factors.
AB  - Shoulder dystocia complicates ~1% of vaginal births. Although fetal macrosomia
      and maternal diabetes are risk factors for shoulder dystocia, for the most part
      its occurrence remains largely unpredictable and unpreventable.

PMID- 27662541
TI  - Recurrent Shoulder Dystocia: Risk Factors and Counseling.
AB  - A prior history of delivery complicated by shoulder dystocia confers a 6-fold to
      nearly 30-fold increased risk of shoulder dystocia recurrence in a subsequent
      vaginal delivery, with most reported rates between 12% and 17%. Whereas
      prevention of shoulder dystocia in the general population is neither feasible nor
      cost-effective, directing intervention efforts at the particular subgroup of
      women with a prior history of shoulder dystocia has merit. Potentially modifiable
      risk factors and individualized management strategies that may reduce shoulder
      dystocia recurrence and its associated significant morbidities are reviewed.

PMID- 27662542
TI  - Maternal Endogenous Forces and Shoulder Dystocia.
AB  - Childbirth is a complicated biomechanical process that many take for granted.
      However, the delivery forces generated by a mother (uterine contractions and
      maternal pushing) are strong and have a significant effect on the body and
      tissues of the fetus, especially during the second stage of labor. Although most
      infants are born without negative, force-related outcomes, in some infants the
      normal forces of labor cause an injury that can have either temporary or
      permanent sequelae. The biomechanical situation is further complicated when an
      infant's shoulder impacts the maternal pelvis, which provides increased
      resistance and creates added stresses within the neonatal body and tissues.

PMID- 27662543
TI  - Shoulder Dystocia: Quality, Safety, and Risk Management Considerations.
AB  - Shoulder dystocia is a term that evokes terror and fear among many physicians,
      midwives, and health care providers as they recollect at least 1 episode of
      shoulder dystocia in their careers. Shoulder dystocia can result in significant
      maternal and neonatal complications. Because shoulder dystocia is an urgent,
      unanticipated, and uncommon event with potentially catastrophic consequences, all
      practitioners and health care teams must be well-trained to manage this obstetric
      emergency. Preparation for shoulder dystocia in a systematic way, through
      standardization of process, practicing team-training and communication, along
      with technical skills, through simulation education and ongoing quality
      improvement initiatives will result in improved outcomes.

PMID- 27662544
TI  - Criminal justice involvement history is associated with better HIV care continuum
      metrics among a population-based sample of young black MSM.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine how history of criminal justice involvement (CJI) is
      related to HIV care continuum metrics among young black MSM 16-29 years of age.
      DESIGN: Population-based survey. METHODS: From 2013 to 2014, a representative
      sample of young black MSM was generated using respondent-driven sampling (RDS) in
      Chicago (n = 618). HIV antibody/antigen and RNA testing were performed using dry
      blood spots. Factors assessed in the care continuum included HIV testing, HIV
      diagnosis, linkage to care within 6 months, retention in care, adherence to
      antiretrovirals, and viral suppression. RDS-weighted regression models examined
      the associations between history of CJI, including frequency of CJI and durations
      of stay and each of the continuum metrics. RESULTS: A final analytic sample of
      618 participants was generated through RDS chains of up to 13 waves in length and
      with a mean of 2.1 recruits per participant. At enrollment, 40.8% had prior
      history of CJI and 34.6% were HIV seropositive. Of persons reporting HIV
      seropositive status, 58.4% were linked to care, 40.2% were retained in care,
      32.2% were adherent to antiretrovirals, and 24.3% were virally suppressed. Any
      CJI history was associated with the overall care continuum (adjusted odds ratio =
      2.35; 95% confidence interval 1.13-4.88) and was most associated with increased
      retention in care [adjusted odds ratio = 3.72 (1.77-7.84)]. Having one CJI
      experience and detention for only 1 day was associated with better retention in
      care compared with no or more frequent CJI. CONCLUSION: Those with a previous
      history of CJI were more successful in achieving most HIV care continuum metrics.
      Frequent and cycling CJI, however, was detrimental to HIV care.

PMID- 27662545
TI  - Long-term body composition changes in antiretroviral-treated HIV-infected
      individuals.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Body composition impacts physical function and mortality. We compared
      long-term body composition changes after antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation
      in HIV-infected individuals to that in HIV-uninfected controls. DESIGN:
      Prospective observational study. METHODS: We performed dual-energy x-ray
      absorptiometry (DXA) approximately 7.5 years after initial DXA in available HIV
      infected individuals who received DXAs during the randomized treatment trial AIDS
      Clinical Trials Group A5202. For controls, we used DXA results from HIV
      uninfected participants in the Boston Area Community Health/Bone and Women's
      Interagency HIV Study cohorts. Repeated measures analyses compared adjusted body
      composition changes between HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected individuals.
      Multivariable analyses evaluated factors associated with body composition change
      in HIV-infected individuals. RESULTS: We obtained DXA results in 97 HIV-infected
      and 614 HIV-uninfected participants. Compared with controls, HIV-infected
      individuals had greater adjusted lean mass and total, trunk, and limb fat gain
      during the first 96 weeks of ART. Subsequently, HIV-infected individuals lost
      lean mass compared with controls. Total, trunk, and limb fat gains after 96 weeks
      of ART slowed in HIV-infected individuals but remained greater than in controls.
      Lower CD4 T-cell count was associated with lean mass and fat gain during the
      initial 96 weeks of ART, but subsequently no HIV-related characteristic was
      associated with body composition change. CONCLUSION: Consistent with a 'return to
      health effect', HIV-infected individuals, especially those with lower baseline
      CD4 T-cell counts, gained more lean mass and fat during the first 96 weeks of ART
      than HIV-uninfected individuals. Continued fat gain and lean mass loss after 96
      weeks may predispose HIV-infected individuals to obesity-related diseases and
      physical function impairment.

PMID- 27662547
TI  - Initiation of antiretroviral therapy based on the 2015 WHO guidelines.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In 2015, the WHO recommended initiation of antiretroviral therapy
      (ART) in all HIV-positive patients regardless of CD4 cell count. We evaluated the
      cost-effectiveness of immediate versus deferred ART initiation among patients
      with CD4 cell counts exceeding 500cells/MUl in four resource-limited countries
      (South Africa, Nigeria, Uganda, and India). DESIGN: A 5-year Markov model with
      annual cycles, including patients at CD4 cell counts more than 500 cells/MUl
      initiating ART or deferring therapy until historic ART initiation criteria of CD4
      cell counts more than 350 cells/MUl were met. METHODS: The incidence of
      opportunistic infections, malignancies, cardiovascular disease, unscheduled
      hospitalizations, and death, were informed by the START trial results. Risk of
      HIV transmission was obtained from a systematic review. Disability weights were
      based on published literature. Cost inputs were inflated to 2014 US dollars and
      based on local sources. Results were expressed in cost per disability-adjusted
      life years averted and measured against WHO cost-effectiveness thresholds.
      RESULTS: Immediate initiation of ART is associated with a cost per disability
      adjusted life years averted of -$317 [95% confidence interval (CI): -$796-$817]
      in South Africa; -$507 (95% CI: -$765-$837) in Nigeria; -$136 (-$382-$459) in
      Uganda; and -$78 (-$256-$374) in India. The results are largely driven by the
      impact of ART on reducing the risk of new HIV transmissions. CONCLUSIONS: In HIV
      positive patients with CD4 counts above 500 cells/MUl in the four studied
      countries, immediate initiation of ART versus deferred therapy until historic
      eligibility criteria are met is cost-effective and likely even cost-saving over
      time.

PMID- 27662546
TI  - Chronic lung disease in HIV-infected children established on antiretroviral
      therapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Respiratory disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in HIV
      infected children. Despite antiretroviral therapy (ART), children suffer chronic
      symptoms. We investigated symptom prevalence, lung function and exercise capacity
      among older children established on ART and an age-matched HIV-uninfected group.
      DESIGN: A cross-sectional study in Zimbabwe of HIV-infected children aged 6-16
      years receiving ART for over 6 months and HIV-uninfected children attending
      primary health clinics from the same area. METHODS: Standardized questionnaire,
      spirometry, incremental shuttle walk testing, CD4 cell count, HIV viral load and
      sputum culture for tuberculosis were performed. RESULTS: A total of 202 HIV
      infected and 150 uninfected participants (median age 11.1 years in each group)
      were recruited. Median age at HIV diagnosis and ART initiation was 5.5
      (interquartile range 2.8-7.5) and 6.1 (interquartile range 3.6-8.4) years,
      respectively. Median CD4 cell count was 726 cells/MUl, and 79% had HIV viral load
      less than 400 copies/ml. Chronic respiratory symptoms were rare in HIV-uninfected
      children [n = 1 (0.7%)], but common in HIV-infected participants [51 (25%)],
      especially cough [30 (15%)] and dyspnoea [30 (15%)]. HIV-infected participants
      were more commonly previously treated for tuberculosis [76 (38%) vs 1 (0.7%), P <
      0.001], had lower exercise capacity (mean incremental shuttle walk testing
      distance 771 vs 889 m, respectively, P < 0.001) and more frequently abnormal
      spirometry [43 (24.3%) vs 15 (11.5%), P = 0.003] compared with HIV-uninfected
      participants. HIV diagnosis at an older age was associated with lung function
      abnormality (P = 0.025). No participant tested positive for Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis. CONCLUSION: In children, despite ART, HIV is associated with
      significant respiratory symptoms and functional impairment. Understanding
      pathogenesis is key, as new treatment strategies are urgently required.

PMID- 27662548
TI  - In-utero exposure to nelfinavir-ethyl methyl sulfone.
AB  - Ethyl methyl sulfone contained in nelfinavir between 2007 and 2008 accidentally
      exposed embryos and fetuses to a powerful mutagen. We report data for 101 HIV
      uninfected children exposed in utero included in the French prospective national
      cohort. The incidence of malformation was similar to that in the cohort as a
      whole with different drug exposures; no children had developed cancer after 9
      years of follow-up.

PMID- 27662549
TI  - Fixed-dose combination emtricitabine/tenofovir/efavirenz initiated during acute
      HIV infection; 96-week efficacy and durability.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Updated guidelines recommend immediate antiretroviral treatment (ART)
      during acute HIV infection (AHI), but efficacy data on regimens during AHI are
      limited. METHODS: We provide final data on a prospective, single-arm 96-week open
      label study of once-daily emtricitabine/tenofovir/efavirenz initiated during AHI.
      The primary endpoint was the proportion of responders with HIV RNA less than 200
      copies/ml by week 24. We examined time to viral suppression, retention, and CD8
      cell activation through week 96 in relation to baseline characteristics. RESULTS:
      Between January 2005 and December 2011, 92 AHI participants enrolled. Most
      participants (78%) were men who have sex with men (MSM), and 42% were young MSM
      (18-25 years of age). Two participants withdrew leaving 90 patients for analysis.
      Eighty-one (90%) remained on therapy and achieved viral suppression to less than
      200 copies/ml by week 24, and 71 (79%) to less than 50 copies/ml at week 48. The
      median time from ART initiation to suppression less than 200 copies/ml was 65
      days (range 7-523) and to less than 50 copies/ml was 105 days (range 14-523). The
      frequency of immune activation declined from a median of 67% to 16% through week
      96. Retention on study was maintained in 92% of participants at week 48 and in
      83% through week 96. Among 75 participants retained through week 96, 92% were
      suppressed to less than 50 copies/ml. Among 39 young MSM, 79% completed a week 96
      visit and 67% were suppressed at week 96. CONCLUSION: ART during AHI resulted in
      rapid and sustained viral suppression with high rates of retention in care and on
      ART in this cohort including a large proportion of young MSM.

PMID- 27662550
TI  - Concurrency and HIV transmission network characteristics among MSM with recent
      HIV infection.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Sexual partner concurrency is common among MSM and may increase the
      probability of HIV transmission during recent (acute or early) infection. We
      examined the relationship between concurrency and HIV transmission network
      characteristics (proxies for HIV transmission) among MSM with recent HIV
      infection. DESIGN: Observational study integrating behavioral, clinical, and
      molecular epidemiology. METHODS: We inferred a partial HIV transmission network
      using 986 HIV-1 pol sequences obtained from HIV-infected individuals in San
      Diego, California (1996-2015). We further analyzed data from 285 recently HIV
      infected MSM in the network who provided information on up to three sexual
      partners in the past 3 months, including the timing of intercourse with each
      partner. Concurrency was defined as sexual partners overlapping in time. Logistic
      and negative binomial regressions were used to investigate the link between
      concurrency and HIV transmission network characteristics (i.e. clustering and
      degree or number of connections to others in the network) among these MSM.
      RESULTS: Of recently HIV-infected MSM (n = 285), 54% reported concurrent
      partnerships and 54% were connected by at least one putative transmission link to
      others (i.e. clustered) in the network (median degree = 1.0; interquartile range:
      0.0-3.0). Concurrency was positively associated with HIV transmission network
      clustering (adjusted odds ratio = 1.83, 95% confidence interval: 1.08, 3.10) and
      degree (adjusted incidence rate ratio = 1.48, 95% confidence interval: 1.02,
      2.15). CONCLUSION: Our findings provide empirical evidence consistent with the
      hypothesis that concurrency facilitates HIV transmission during recent infection.
      Interventions to mitigate the impact of concurrency on HIV transmission may help
      curb the HIV epidemic among MSM.

PMID- 27662555
TI  - Buy one, get one free? Benefits of certain antiretrovirals against malaria.

PMID- 27662551
TI  - Safety and immunogenicity of a live attenuated pentavalent rotavirus vaccine in
      HIV-exposed infants with or without HIV infection in Africa.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Although many HIV-infected (HIV+) and HIV-exposed but uninfected (HEU)
      infants have received live rotavirus vaccines since the WHO recommended universal
      administration of these vaccines to infants, there has been limited prospective
      information on their safety and immunogenicity in either group of infants.
      DESIGN/METHODS: We performed a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled
      trial of the safety and immunogenicity of oral pentavalent rotavirus vaccine
      (RV5) administered to HIV+ and HEU infants in four African countries. Ninety
      three percent of HIV+ infants were receiving antiretroviral therapy prior to
      vaccination. Participants were followed for safety. Immune responses were
      measured 14 days after three doses of RV5, including serum antirotavirus
      neutralizing and IgA antibodies, IgA antibody in stool, and antirotavirus memory
      B and T-cell FluoroSpot. Shedding of RV5 in stool was monitored. RESULTS: A total
      of 76 HIV+ and 126 HEU infants were enrolled from 2009 to 2013. No significant
      differences were found in adverse event rates, including grade 3 events, between
      RV5 and placebo recipients, for either HIV+ or HEU infants. The proportion of
      antirotavirus IgA responders (at least three-fold increase from baseline) after
      RV5 administration was 81% in both HIV+ and HEU infants, which was approximately
      2.5-fold higher than in placebo recipients (P < 0.001). Neutralizing antibody
      responses to three of five serotypes were significantly higher after RV5
      regardless of HIV status, and those of HIV+ infants were equal or greater than
      responses of HEU infants to all five serotypes. Only one HIV+ RV5 recipient had
      RV5 isolated from stool. CONCLUSION: RV5 was immunogenic in both HIV+ and HEU
      infants and no safety signals were observed.

PMID- 27662556
TI  - Reduced bacterial skin infections in HIV-infected African children randomized to
      long-term cotrimoxazole prophylaxis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether cotrimoxazole prophylaxis prevents common skin
      conditions in HIV-infected children. DESIGN: Open-label randomized controlled
      trial of continuing versus stopping daily cotrimoxazole (post-hoc analysis).
      SETTING: Three sites in Uganda and one in Zimbabwe. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 758
      children aged more than 3 years receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) for more
      than 96 weeks in the ARROW trial were randomized to stop (n = 382) or continue (n
      = 376) cotrimoxazole after median (interquartile range) 2.1(1.8, 2.2) years on
      ART. INTERVENTION: Continuing versus stopping daily cotrimoxazole. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: Nurses screened for signs/symptoms at 6-week visits. This was a
      secondary analysis of ARROW trial data, with skin complaints categorized blind to
      randomization as bacterial, fungal, or viral infections; dermatitis; pruritic
      papular eruptions (PPEs); or others (blisters, desquamation, ulcers, and
      urticaria). Proportions ever reporting each skin complaint were compared across
      randomized groups using logistic regression. RESULTS: At randomization, median
      (interquartile range) age was 7 (4, 11) years and CD4 was 33% (26, 39); 73% had
      WHO stage 3/4 disease. Fewer children continuing cotrimoxazole reported bacterial
      skin infections over median 2 years follow-up (15 versus 33%, respectively; P <
      0.001), with similar trends for PPE (P = 0.06) and other skin complaints (P =
      0.11), but not for fungal (P = 0.45) or viral (P = 0.23) infections or dermatitis
      (P = 1.0). Bacterial skin infections were also reported at significantly fewer
      clinic visits (1.2 versus 3.0%, P < 0.001). Independent of cotrimoxazole,
      bacterial skin infections were more common in children aged 6-8 years, with
      current CD4 cell count less than 500 cells/MUl, WHO stage 3/4, less time on ART,
      and lower socio-economic status. CONCLUSION: Long-term cotrimoxazole prophylaxis
      reduces common skin complaints, highlighting an additional benefit for long-term
      prophylaxis in sub-Saharan Africa.

PMID- 27662559
TI  - Allotransplantation of the Eye: Context and Possible Considerations for a Future
      Guided by Anatomy.

PMID- 27662558
TI  - External Auditory Canal Stenosis After Traumatic Auricular Amputation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The auricles are easily injured or amputated in case of head trauma.
      Inadequate treatment of the external auditory canal (EAC) after auricular injury
      is often seen and can lead to significant complications of the EAC. CASE REPORT:
      The authors report 4 cases of auricular injury or amputations. In all patients
      inadequate first treatment led to stenosis of the EAC. Three patients required
      recanalization of the EAC because of hearing loss and the risk of further
      complications. CONCLUSION: Treatment of auricular injury should consist of (pre
      emptive) packing of the EAC with antibiotic gauzes followed by thorough
      examination of the EAC to prevent canal stenosis and subsequent complications.

PMID- 27662557
TI  - Inequalities by educational level in response to combination antiretroviral
      treatment and survival in HIV-positive men and women in Europe.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Socioeconomic inequality challenges population-level implementation
      of health interventions. We investigated differences by educational level in
      clinical, virological, and immunological responses to combined antiretroviral
      treatment (cART) in HIV-positive men and women in Collaboration of Observational
      HIV Epidemiological Research in Europe, a European collaboration. METHODS: Data
      were pooled from 15 cohorts in eight countries of patients initiating cART in
      1996-2013 with data on educational level categorized in UNESCO/ISCED
      classifications. Kaplan-Meier curves, Cox and piecewise linear mixed models were
      used. RESULTS: Of 24 069 HIV-positive patients, 9% had not completed primary
      education, 32% had completed primary, 44% secondary, and 15% tertiary education.
      Overall, 21% were women, who were overrepresented in lower educational strata.
      During 132 507 person-years of follow-up, 1081 individuals died; cumulative
      mortality decreased with higher educational level (P < 0.001). Over 122 765
      person-years, new AIDS events or death occurred in 2598 individuals; differences
      by education were more marked than for death alone (P < 0.001). Virological
      response was achieved by 67% of patients without completed basic education, 85%
      with completed primary education, 82% with secondary, and 87% with tertiary (P <
      0.001). Patients with higher education had higher CD4 cell count at cART
      initiation and at each time after cART but rate of CD4 cell count recovery did
      not differ. Differences in mortality and clinical responses were similar for men
      and women and were not entirely explained by delayed HIV diagnosis and late cART
      initiation. CONCLUSION: HIV-positive patients with lower educational level had
      worse responses to cART and survival in European countries with universal
      healthcare. To maximize the population impact of cART, Europe needs to decrease
      the socioeconomic divide.

PMID- 27662560
TI  - Cerebral Oximetry During CEA: Is It an Ideal Monitor?

PMID- 27662561
TI  - Global and Cerebral Metabolism and Systemic and Cerebral Oxygenation During and
      After Intraoperative Seizures in a Patient Undergoing Brain Tumor Surgery.

PMID- 27662563
TI  - Locally Acquired Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus Disease, Arkansas, USA.

PMID- 27662562
TI  - Are myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukaemia occurring during the
      course of lymphoma always therapy related?

PMID- 27662564
TI  - Hematocrit Levels, Blood Testing, and Blood Transfusion in Infants After Heart
      Surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether judicious blood testing impacts timing or amount
      of packed RBC transfusions in infants after heart surgery. DESIGN: A
      retrospective study comparing before and after initiation of a quality
      improvement process. SETTING: A university-affiliated cardiac ICU at a tertiary
      care children's hospital. PATIENTS: Infants less than 1 year old with Risk
      Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery category 4, 5, 6, or d-transposition of
      great arteries (Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery 3) consecutively
      treated during 2010 through 2013. INTERVENTION: A quality improvement process
      implemented in 2011 to decrease routine laboratory testing after surgery.
      MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Fifty-two infants preintervention and 214
      postintervention had similar age, weight, proportion of cyanotic lesions, and
      surgical complexity. Infants with single versus biventricular physiology were
      compared separately. The number of laboratory tests per patient adjusted for
      cardiac ICU length of stay (laboratory tests/patient/day) was significantly lower
      in postintervention populations for single and biventricular groups (9 vs 15 and
      10 vs 15, respectively; p < 0.001). The proportion of single ventricle patients
      transfused post- and preintervention was not statistically different (72% vs 90%;
      p = 0.130). Transfusion in the biventricular groups was the same over time (65%
      vs 65%). Time to first transfusion was significantly longer in the
      postintervention single ventricle group (4 vs 1 d; p < 0.001), and was not
      statistically different in the biventricular patients (4 vs 7 d; p = 0.058). The
      median hematocrit level at first transfusion was significantly lower (37% vs 40%;
      p = 0.004) postintervention in the cyanotic population, but did not differ in the
      biventricular group (31% vs 31%; p = 0.840). CONCLUSION: In infants after heart
      surgery, blood testing targeted to individual needs significantly decreased the
      number of blood tests, but did not significantly decrease postoperative blood
      transfusion.

PMID- 27662565
TI  - Short-Term Health-Related Quality of Life of Critically Ill Children Following
      Daily Sedation Interruption.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Our earlier pediatric daily sedation interruption trial showed that
      daily sedation interruption in addition to protocolized sedation in critically
      ill children does not reduce duration of mechanical ventilation, length of stay,
      or amounts of sedative drugs administered when compared with protocolized
      sedation only, but undersedation was more frequent in the daily sedation
      interruption + protocolized sedation group. We now report the preplanned analysis
      comparing short-term health-related quality of life and posttraumatic stress
      symptoms between the two groups. DESIGN: Preplanned prospective part of a
      randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Two tertiary medical-surgical PICUs in the
      Netherlands. PATIENTS: Critically ill children requiring mechanical ventilation.
      INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Eight weeks after a child's
      discharge from the PICU, health-related quality of life was assessed with the
      validated Child Health Questionnaire and, only for children above 4 years old,
      posttraumatic stress was assessed with the Dutch Children's Responses to Trauma
      Inventory. Additionally, health-related quality of life of all study patients was
      compared with Dutch normative data. Of the 113 patients from two participating
      centers in the original study, 96 patients were eligible for follow-up and 64
      patients were included (response rate, 67%). No difference was found with respect
      to health-related quality of life between the two study groups. None of the eight
      children more than 4 years old showed posttraumatic stress symptoms. CONCLUSIONS:
      Daily sedation interruption in addition to protocolized sedation for critically
      ill children did not seem to have an effect on short-term health-related quality
      of life. Also in view of the earlier found absence of effect on clinical outcome,
      we cannot recommend the use of daily sedation interruption + protocolized
      sedation.

PMID- 27662566
TI  - Prediction of Catheter-Associated Thrombosis in Critically Ill Children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We determined whether in critically ill children with an untunneled
      central venous catheter, the risk of catheter-associated deep venous thrombosis
      can be predicted within 24 hours after insertion of the catheter. DESIGN:
      Secondary analysis of two multicenter prospective cohort studies. SETTING: PICUs
      in Northeastern United States. PATIENTS: A total of 175 children admitted to the
      PICU within 24 hours after insertion of an untunneled central venous catheter who
      did not receive anticoagulation were included. Of these, 53 (30.3%) developed
      catheter-associated thrombosis detected with active surveillance with
      ultrasonography. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: We used
      logistic regression (models 1 and 2) and recursive partitioning (models 3 and 4)
      methods to develop risk prediction models with predictors present at any time
      while catheterized (models 1 and 3), or within 24 hours after insertion of the
      catheter (models 2 and 4). Age, recent surgery, catheter in the subclavian vein,
      and blood product transfusion were included in models 1 and 2. Areas under the
      receiver operating characteristic curves were similar for these models (model 1:
      0.80 vs model 2: 0.80; p = 0.44). Except for recent surgery, predictors in model
      1 were identified as partitioning variables for model 3. In addition to the
      predictors in model 2, severity of illness was used in partitioning for model 4.
      The area under the curve of model 3 appeared smaller than that of model 4 (0.75
      vs 0.80; p = 0.08). Groups of children at low, intermediate, and high risks of
      catheter-associated thrombosis were identified using model 4. CONCLUSIONS:
      Critically ill children at high risk of catheter-associated thrombosis can be
      identified within 24 hours after insertion of an untunneled central venous
      catheter.

PMID- 27662567
TI  - Antithrombin Concentrate Use in Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A
      Multicenter Cohort Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe antithrombin concentrate use and to compare thrombotic and
      hemorrhagic outcomes throughout the hospital stay in pediatric subjects who
      received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in a Pediatric Health Information
      System-participating children's hospital. DESIGN: Retrospective, multi-center,
      cohort study. SETTING: Forty-three free-standing children's hospitals
      participating in Pediatric Health Information System. SUBJECTS: Children older
      than or equal to 18 years of age who underwent extracorporeal membrane
      oxygenation between 2003 and 2012. INTERVENTIONS: Subjects were classified as
      receiving antithrombin if they received at least one dose of antithrombin while
      on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:
      International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification
      codes codes were used to identify hemorrhagic and thrombotic complications during
      their hospitalization. Pediatric Health Information System data were analyzed to
      determine hospital-length of stay and in-hospital mortality. A total of 1,931 of
      8,601 eligible subjects (21.5%) received at least one dose of antithrombin during
      their extracorporeal membrane oxygenation course. Antithrombin use during
      extracorporeal membrane oxygenation increased from 2.4% to 51.9% (p < 0.001) over
      the 10-year study period. Subjects who received antithrombin while on
      extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were younger (p = 0.02), had more chronic
      conditions (p < 0.001), and longer hospital stays (p < 0.001). On multivariate
      analysis, antithrombin use was associated with thrombotic events (odds ratio,
      1.55; 95% CI, 1.36-1.77; p < 0.001), hemorrhagic events (odds ratio, 1.27; 95%
      CI, 1.14-1.42; p < 0.001), and longer hospital length of stays (slope
      coefficient, 1.05 d; 95% CI, 1.04-1.06; p < 0.001). No difference was observed in
      mortality (odds ratio, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.89-1.11; p = 0.90). CONCLUSIONS: In this
      multicenter retrospective cohort study, subjects who received antithrombin during
      extracorporeal membrane oxygenation had a higher number of thrombotic and
      hemorrhagic events throughout the hospitalization and longer length of stays
      without an associated difference in mortality. While limitations exist with this
      analysis and results should be interpreted with caution, the fact remains that
      over half of pediatric patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation are
      currently receiving antithrombin without clear benefit, with extra cost, and
      potential harms, there needs to be strong consideration for a clinical trial.

PMID- 27662568
TI  - Evolution by flight and fight: diverse mechanisms of adaptation by actively
      motile microbes.
AB  - Evolutionary adaptation can be achieved by mechanisms accessible to all
      organisms, including faster growth and interference competition, but self
      generated motility offers additional possibilities. We tested whether 55
      populations of the bacterium Myxococcus xanthus that underwent selection for
      increased fitness at the leading edge of swarming colonies adapted by swarming
      faster toward unused resources or by other means. Populations adapted greatly but
      diversified markedly in both swarming phenotypes and apparent mechanisms of
      adaptation. Intriguingly, although many adapted populations swarm intrinsically
      faster than their ancestors, numerous others do not. Some populations evolved
      interference competition toward their ancestors, whereas others gained the
      ability to facultatively increase swarming rate specifically upon direct
      interaction with ancestral competitors. Our results both highlight the diverse
      range of mechanisms by which actively motile organisms can adapt evolutionarily
      and help to explain the high levels of swarming-phenotype diversity found in
      local soil populations of M. xanthus.

PMID- 27662569
TI  - Systemic vasculitis and the eye.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The primary systemic vasculitides represent a spectrum of rare
      but life-threatening conditions that may also affect the eye in various forms.
      This article reviews recently published data on ocular manifestations of systemic
      vasculitis. RECENT FINDINGS: Early diagnosis and timely treatment has led to
      better visual outcomes in giant cell arteritis (GCA). Gene expression from
      orbital tissues could distinguish granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) from
      sarcoidosis and Graves disease, but not from idiopathic orbital inflammation.
      Rituximab was an effective therapeutic option in ocular GPA. An ocular attack
      severity scoring system, flare levels, fluorescein angiography and optical
      coherence tomography parameters have been suggested as predictors of visual
      prognosis in Behcet disease. Efficacy of tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors,
      interferon alpha and anti-interleukin-1 agents was shown in noncontrolled studies
      of ocular Behcet disease. SUMMARY: Widely used fast-track pathway care as well as
      ocular imaging to detect subclinical involvement may enable earlier diagnosis of
      GCA and prevention of permanent visual loss. Orbital inflammation may not remain
      idiopathic with advances in gene expression profiling of orbital tissues. With an
      increased availability and the use of biologic agents, visual prognosis will
      improve in patients with severe ocular complications of systemic vasculitides.

PMID- 27662570
TI  - Infections and vasculitis.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review recent evidence for infection rates in patients with
      systemic vasculitides, the role of specific infectious agents in the pathogenesis
      of vasculitis and recent breakthroughs in the treatment of virus-associated
      vasculitides. RECENT FINDINGS: In well designed recent studies, infections were
      found to be common during the first 6-12 months in patients with anti-neutrophil
      cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)-associated vasculitides (AAV) and giant cell
      arteritis (GCA) and to contribute significantly to increased mortality during
      this period. New therapeutic schemes with lower cyclophosphamide doses and
      shorter corticosteroid courses were associated with decreased infectious rates in
      elderly patients with AAV whereas a prednisone dose greater than 10 mg/day at the
      end of the first year were associated with increased infectious-related mortality
      in patients with GCA. Recently, a potential role for varicella zoster virus in
      GCA pathogenesis has been proposed but more data are needed in order to establish
      a causal relationship. Finally, preliminary data show excellent short-term
      efficacy and safety of the new, interferon-free, oral antiviral agents in the
      treatment of hepatitis C virus-associated cryoglobulinemic vasculitis. SUMMARY:
      Infections continue to be one of the main causes of mortality in patients with
      systemic vasculitides, emphasizing the need for safer immunosuppressive therapies
      and appropriate prophylaxis.

PMID- 27662571
TI  - Daily affect dynamics predict early response in CBT: Feasibility and predictive
      validity of EMA for outpatient psychotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that individual differences in affect
      dynamics during depressed patients' everyday lives allow the prediction of
      treatment outcome and of symptom reoccurrence in remitted patients. In this
      study, we analyze whether understanding patients' affective states and their
      fluctuation patterns helps predict early treatment response (until session 5).
      METHODS: Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) strategies allow in-depth analyses
      of real-time affective states and of their dynamics. Repeated assessments were
      made four times a day during a two-week period to capture real-life affective
      states (positive affect, PA and negative affect, NA) and dynamics (fluctuations
      in NA and PA) before the start of outpatient treatment of 39 patients. Due to the
      nested structure of the data, hierarchical linear models were conducted. RESULTS:
      PA/NA ratios, as well as fluctuations in NA predicted early treatment response,
      even when adjusting for initial impairment. In contrast, mean levels of NA or PA,
      as well as fluctuations in PA did not predict treatment response. LIMITATIONS:
      The time between the EMA assessment and treatment onset varied between patients.
      However, this variation was not associated with early change. CONCLUSIONS: The
      results suggest that pre-treatment affect dynamics could provide valuable
      information for predicting treatment response independent of initial impairment
      levels. Better predictions of early treatment response help to improve treatment
      choices early in the treatment progress.

PMID- 27662572
TI  - Trait-related alterations of N-acetylaspartate in euthymic bipolar patients: A
      longitudinal proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neurochemical changes are responsible for bipolar disorder (BD)
      pathophysiology. Despite current progress in BD research, mood- and trait-related
      alterations in BD continue to elicit further investigation. METHODS: In this
      study, we report a longitudinal proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy study
      evaluating dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (DMPFC) metabolites N-acetylaspartate
      (NAA), creatine plus phosphocreatine (total creatine [tCr]), phosphorylcholine
      plus glycerophosphocholine, myo-inositol, and glutamate plus glutamine levels of
      manic and euthymic adult BD type I patients (n=48) treated with standard
      antimanic medicines, compared to matching healthy controls (n=44). RESULTS: DMPFC
      NAA values and NAA/tCr ratio were significantly lower in euthymic BD patients
      when compared with healthy controls with similar levels of other metabolites in
      all groups, indicating a trait-related NAA abnormality in euthymic BD patients.
      LIMITATIONS: of our study include a relatively low (1.5T) magnetic resonance
      field strength and variable drugs administered to achieve euthymia despite the
      best efforts to standardize the open fashion treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Our study
      contributes to the integrating models of trait-related metabolite alterations
      observed in euthymia since NAA is considered as a marker of neuronal viability
      and mitochondrial energy metabolism. In light of supporting and conflicting
      results reported previously, future studies with longitudinal designs and larger
      patient groups are warranted to better define both state- and trait-related
      cerebral metabolic alterations associated with BD pathophysiology.

PMID- 27662573
TI  - A Broad Set of Chromatin Factors Influences Splicing.
AB  - Several studies propose an influence of chromatin on pre-mRNA splicing, but it is
      still unclear how widespread and how direct this phenomenon is. We find here that
      when assembled in vivo, the U2 snRNP co-purifies with a subset of chromatin
      proteins, including histones and remodeling complexes like SWI/SNF. Yet, an
      unbiased RNAi screen revealed that the outcome of splicing is influenced by a
      much larger variety of chromatin factors not all associating with the
      spliceosome. The availability of this broad range of chromatin factors impacting
      splicing further unveiled their very context specific effect, resulting in either
      inclusion or skipping, depending on the exon under scrutiny. Finally, a direct
      assessment of the impact of chromatin on splicing using an in vitro co
      transcriptional splicing assay with pre-mRNAs transcribed from a nucleosomal
      template, demonstrated that chromatin impacts nascent pre-mRNP in their
      competence for splicing. Altogether, our data show that numerous chromatin
      factors associated or not with the spliceosome can affect the outcome of
      splicing, possibly as a function of the local chromatin environment that by
      default interferes with the efficiency of splicing.

PMID- 27662574
TI  - Positive Selection Drives Rapid Evolution of the meq Oncogene of Marek's Disease
      Virus.
AB  - Marek's disease (MD), caused by Marek's disease virus (MDV), a poultry-borne
      alphaherpesvirus, is a devastating disease of poultry causing an estimated annual
      loss of one billion dollars to poultry producers, worldwide. Despite decades of
      control through vaccination, MDV field strains continue to emerge having
      increased virulence. The evolutionary mechanism driving the emergence of this
      continuum of strains to increased MDV virulence, however, remains largely
      enigmatic. Increase in MDV virulence has been associated with specific amino acid
      changes within the C-terminus domain of Mareks's EcoRI-Q (meq)-encoded
      oncoprotein. In this study, we sought to determine whether the meq gene has
      evolved adaptively and whether past vaccination efforts have had any significant
      effect on the reduction or increase of MDV diversity over time. Our analysis
      suggests that meq is estimated to be evolving at a much faster rate than most
      dsDNA viruses, and is comparable with the evolutionary rate of RNA viruses.
      Interestingly, most of the polymorphisms in meq gene appear to have evolved under
      positive selection and the time of divergence at the meq locus coincides with the
      period during which the poultry industry had undergone transitions in management
      practices including the introduction and widespread use of live attenuated
      vaccines. Our study has revealed that the decades-long use of vaccines did not
      reduce MDV diversity, but rather had a stimulating effect on the emergence of
      field strains with increased genetic diversity until the early 2000s. During the
      years 2004-2005, there was an abrupt decline in the genetic diversity of field
      isolates followed by a recovery from this bottleneck in the year 2010.
      Collectively, these data suggest that vaccination seems to not have had any
      effect on MDV eradication, but rather had a stimulating effect on MDV emergence
      through adaptation.

PMID- 27662576
TI  - Radiation Dose Comparison Between 70 kVp and 100 kVp With Spectral Beam Shaping
      for Non-Contrast-Enhanced Pediatric Chest Computed Tomography: A Prospective
      Randomized Controlled Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this prospective randomized controlled study was to compare
      2 techniques for radiation dose reduction in non-contrast-enhanced pediatric
      chest computed tomography (CT): low peak kilovoltage imaging at 70 kVp and
      spectral beam shaping at 100 kVp using a dedicated tin filter (100-kVp Sn).
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: All chest CT examinations were performed on a third
      generation dual-source CT system (SOMATOM Force; Siemens Healthineers, Germany).
      Fifty children (mean age, 6.8 +/- 5.1 years) were examined using the 100-kVp Sn
      protocol, whereas 25 children received the 70-kVp protocol (mean age, 5.7 +/- 5.2
      years; 2:1 randomization scheme). Radiation metrics and organ doses were compared
      between acquisition techniques using commercially available radiation dose
      analysis software (Radimetrics Inc, Bayer AG, Toronto, Ontario, Canada).
      Objective image quality, expressed by signal-to-noise ratio and subjective image
      quality based on a 4-point scale (1, best; 4, worst image quality), were
      compared. RESULTS: Volume CT dose index and size-specific dose estimate were
      significantly lower in the 100-kVp Sn group compared with the 70-kVp group (0.19
      +/- 0.12 mGy vs 0.81 +/- 0.70 mGy and 0.34 +/- 0.13 mGy vs 1.48 +/- 1.11 mGy; P <
      0.0001 for both). Accordingly, mean effective dose was significantly lower for
      the 100-kVp Sn examinations (0.21 +/- 0.10 mSv) compared with the 70-kVp
      examinations (0.83 +/- 0.49 mSv; P < 0.0001). Calculated organ doses were also
      significantly lower using the 100-kVp Sn protocol when compared with the 70-kVp
      protocol; for example, breast dose was reduced by a factor of 4.3. Signal-to
      noise ratio was slightly superior for 70-kVp images while lung image quality of
      the 100-kVp Sn protocol was preferred in subjective analysis (P = 0.0004).
      CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric chest CT performed at 100 kVp with an additional tin
      filter for spectral shaping significantly reduces radiation dose when compared
      with low peak kilovoltage imaging at 70 kVp and therefore should be preferred in
      non-contrast-enhanced pediatric chest CT examinations, particularly (given the
      improved subjective image quality) when the main focus is evaluation of the lung
      parenchyma.

PMID- 27662577
TI  - Simultaneous Multislice Diffusion-Weighted Imaging of the Kidney: A Systematic
      Analysis of Image Quality.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to implement a protocol for simultaneous
      multislice (SMS) accelerated diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) of the kidneys and
      to perform a systematic analysis of image quality of the data sets. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Ten healthy subjects and 5 patients with renal masses underwent DWI of
      the kidney in this prospective institutional review board-approved study on a 3 T
      magnetic resonance scanner. Simultaneous multislice DWI echo-planar sequences
      (acceleration factors [AFs] 2 and 3) were compared with conventional echo-planar
      DWI as reference standard for each acquisition scheme. The following 3
      acquisition schemes were applied: comparison A, with increased number of
      acquisitions at constant scan time; comparison B, with reduction of acquisition
      time; and comparison C, with increased slice resolution (constant acquisition
      time, increasing number of slices). Interreader reliability was analyzed by
      calculating the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Qualitative image
      quality features were evaluated by 2 independent radiologists on a 5-point Likert
      scale. Quantification accuracy of the apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) and
      signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) were assessed by region of interest analysis.
      Furthermore, lesion conspicuity in the 5 patients was assessed using a 5-point
      Likert scale by 2 independent radiologists. RESULTS: Interreader agreement was
      substantial with an ICC of 0.68 for the overall image quality and an ICC of 0.73
      for the analysis of artifacts. In comparison A, AF2 resulted in increased SNR (P
      < 0.05) by 21% at stable image quality scores (image quality: P = 0.76,
      artifacts: P = 0.21). In comparison B, applying AF2, the scan time could be
      reduced by 46% without significant reduction in qualitative image quality scores
      (P = 0.059) or SNR (P = 0.126). In comparison C, slice resolution could be
      improved by 28% using AF2 with stable image quality scores and SNR. In general,
      AF3 resulted in reduced image quality and SNR. Significantly reduced ADC values
      were observed for AF3 in comparison C (cortex: P = 0.003; medulla: P = 0.001)
      compared with the standard echo-planar imaging sequence. The conventional DWI and
      the SMS DWI with AF2 showed stable lesion conspicuity ([AF1/AF2]: reader 1
      [1.8/1.4] and reader 2 [1.8/1.4]). The lesion conspicuity was lower using AF3
      (reader 1: 2.2 and reader 2: 1.8). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, SMS DWI of the
      kidney is a potential tool to substantially reduce scan time without negative
      effects on SNR, ADC quantification accuracy, and image quality if an AF2 is used.
      Although AF3 results in even higher scan time reduction, a negative impact on
      image quality, SNR, ADC quantification accuracy, and lesion conspicuity must be
      considered.

PMID- 27662575
TI  - Hyperpolarized 129Xenon Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Quantify Regional
      Ventilation Differences in Mild to Moderate Asthma: A Prospective Comparison
      Between Semiautomated Ventilation Defect Percentage Calculation and Pulmonary
      Function Tests.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate ventilation in mild to
      moderate asthmatic patients and age-matched controls using hyperpolarized (HP)
      Xenon magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and correlate findings with pulmonary
      function tests (PFTs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This single-center, Health
      Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant prospective study was
      approved by our institutional review board. Thirty subjects (10 young asthmatic
      patients, 26 +/- 6 years; 3 males, 7 females; 10 older asthmatic patients, 64 +/-
      6 years; 3 males, 7 females; 10 healthy controls) were enrolled. After repeated
      PFTs 1 week apart, the subjects underwent 2 MRI scans within 10 minutes, inhaling
      1-L volumes containing 0.5 to 1 L of Xe. Xe ventilation signal was quantified by
      linear binning, from which the ventilation defect percentage (VDP) was derived.
      Differences in VDP among subgroups and variability with age were evaluated using
      1-tailed t tests. Correlation of VDP with PFTs was tested using Pearson
      correlation coefficient. Reproducibility of VDP was assessed using Bland-Altman
      plots, linear regression (R), intraclass correlation coefficient, and concordance
      correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Ventilation defect percentage was significantly
      higher in young asthmatic patients versus young healthy subjects (8.4% +/- 3.2%
      vs 5.6% +/- 1.7%, P = 0.031), but not in older asthmatic patients versus age
      matched controls (16.8% +/- 10.3% vs 11.6% +/- 6.6%, P = 0.13). Ventilation
      defect percentage was found to increase significantly with age (healthy, P =
      0.05; asthmatic patients, P = 0.033). Ventilation defect percentage was highly
      reproducible (R = 0.976; intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.977; concordance
      correlation coefficient, 0.976) and significantly correlated with FEV1% (r = 
      0.42, P = 0.025), FEF25%-75% (r = -0.45, P = 0.019), FEV1/FVC (r = -0.71, P <
      0.0001), FeNO (r = 0.69, P < 0.0001), and RV/TLC (r = 0.51, P = 0.0067). Bland
      Altman analysis showed a bias for VDP of -0.88 +/- 1.52 (FEV1%, -0.33 +/- 7.18).
      CONCLUSIONS: Xenon MRI is able to depict airway obstructions in mild to moderate
      asthma and significantly correlates with PFTs.

PMID- 27662578
TI  - Per2-Mediated Vascular Dysfunction Is Caused by the Upregulation of the
      Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF).
AB  - Period 2-mutant mice (Per2m/m), which possess a circadian dysfunction,
      recapitulate the retinal vascular phenotype similar to diabetic retinopathy (DR).
      The vascular dysfunction in Per2m/m is associated with an increase in connective
      tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2). At the molecular level, CTGF gene expression is
      dependent on the canonical Wnt/beta-catenin pathway. The nuclear binding of beta
      catenin to a transcription factor, lymphoid enhancer binding protein (Lef)/ T
      cell factor (TCF/LEF), leads to downstream activation of CTGF. For this study, we
      hypothesized that the silencing of Per2 results in nuclear translocation and
      subsequent transactivation of the CTGF gene. To test this hypothesis, we
      performed immunofluorescence labeling for CTGF in retinal sections from wild-type
      (WT) and Per2m/m mice. Human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) were transfected
      with siRNA for Per2, and the protein expression of CTGF and beta-catenin was
      evaluated. The TCF/LEF luciferase reporter (TOPflash) assay was performed to
      validate the involvement of beta-catenin in the activation of CTGF. Per2m/m
      retinas exhibited an increased CTGF immunostaining in ganglion cell layer and
      retinal endothelium. Silencing of Per2 using siRNA resulted in an upregulation of
      CTGF and beta-catenin. The TOPflash assay revealed an increase in luminescence
      for HRECs transfected with Per2 siRNA. Our studies show that loss of Per2 results
      in an activation of CTGF via nuclear entry of beta-catenin. Our study provides
      novel insight into the understanding of microvascular dysfunction in Per2m/m
      mice.

PMID- 27662579
TI  - Monocyte subsets in blood correlate with obesity related response of macrophages
      to biomaterials in vitro.
AB  - Macrophages play a key role in the foreign body response. In this study it was
      investigated whether obesity affects the acute response of macrophages to
      biomaterials in vitro and whether this response is associated with biomarkers in
      blood. CD14 + monocytes were isolated from blood from obese and age and gender
      matched lean persons. Monocyte subsets were determined based on CD14 and CD16 on
      their surface. C-reactive protein (CRP) was measured in peripheral blood. The
      response of monocyte-derived macrophages to polypropylene (PP), polylactic acid
      (PLA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) monofilament, and PET-multifilament
      (mPET) in culture was based on cytokine production. More IL-6 (for PET), less
      CCL18 (all materials) and IL-1ra (for PLA) was produced by macrophages from obese
      patients than lean subjects. Body mass index, serum CRP and to a lesser extend
      percentages of monocyte subtypes correlated with IL-6, TNFalpha, CCL18, and IL
      1ra production. Taken together, monocyte-derived macrophages of obese patients
      respond more pro-inflammatory and less anti-inflammatory to biomaterials than
      macrophages from lean subjects, depending on the material. These results are a
      step towards personalized medicine for the development of a model or even a blood
      test to decide which biomaterial might be suitable for each patient.

PMID- 27662582
TI  - Metal-enhanced fluorescent dye-doped silica nanoparticles and magnetic
      separation: A sensitive platform for one-step fluorescence detection of prostate
      specific antigen.
AB  - The world health organization figures show prostate cancer in developed countries
      has been the second primary cause of cancer mortality following lung cancer for
      the men. So, early and sensitive diagnosis of cancer is very important before it
      spreads out to the other organs of the body. It is well-known that prostate
      specific antigen (PSA) is the most specific and efficient tumor marker for the
      diagnosis of prostate cancer. Herein, we successfully fabricated core-shell
      composite fluorescent nanoparticle Ag@SiO2@SiO2-RuBpy which provide a
      photoluminescence enhancement of up to ~3-fold when the separation distance
      between the surface of silver core and the center of the third RuBpy doped silica
      shell is about 10nm. These core-shell MEF-capable nanoparticles have obvious
      advantages. The interaction between the doped RuBpy molecules in the outer silica
      layer and the silver core, greatly improves the excitation efficiency and
      enhances the fluorescence intensity. Importantly, the presence of silica can
      reduce the self-quenching of RuBpy, which makes larger amounts of RuBpy
      incorporated into the silica shell. In addition, the shell protects the RuBpy
      against collisional quenching and irreversible photodegradation and provides
      abundant hydroxyl for easy conjugation. After that a highly sensitive, specific
      and reliable strategy based on metal-enhanced fluorescence and magnetic
      separation was applied for the detection of PSA in both buffer and serum. The
      process could be rapidly accomplished, in which the immunomagnetic nanospheres
      (IMNs) and immunofluorescent nanoparticles (IFNs) were used to capture and
      identify the target molecules simultaneously. A good linear relationship between
      the fluorescence intensity and the concentration of PSA (0.1-100ng/mL) with a
      detection limit 27pg/mL was obtained.

PMID- 27662581
TI  - Smartphone-based visualized microarray detection for multiplexed harmful
      substances in milk.
AB  - In this paper, we report a sensitive, simple and inexpensive analytical method
      for the immunoassay microarray based on a smartphone in which various harmful
      substances in milk could be assayed. Tetracyclines (TCs) and Quinolones (QNs)
      were selected as the model targets in this study. TCs and QNs antigens were
      immobilized in the microarray and then samples containing free of antibiotics and
      corresponding antibodies as well as AgNPs labeled secondary antibodies were added
      to the microarray. The signal of this competitive format was further amplified by
      silver enhancement technique based on the development reagents and achieved a
      visual dots in the array. The resulting microarray could be detected by the
      smartphone placed in the minicartridge. The limit of detection (LOD) of this
      novel detection platform was 1.51ngmL-1 (TCs) and 1.74ngmL-1 (QNs). To achieve
      one-well quantitative analysis, a series of gradient concentration mouse IgG was
      immobilized in the same well. As a result, an internal standard curve was plotted
      by the signal of different concentrations of mouse IgG. The results showed that a
      quantitative detection of TCs and QNs established were consistent with external
      standard curve. Compared to other methods, this method was superior in terms of
      detection limit, time saving, and one-well quantitative detected with smartphone
      which were simple sample-preparation.

PMID- 27662583
TI  - A surface enhanced Raman scattering quantitative analytical platform for
      detection of trace Cu coupled the catalytic reaction and gold nanoparticle
      aggregation with label-free Victoria blue B molecular probe.
AB  - With development of economy and society, there is an urgent need to develop
      convenient and sensitive methods for detection of Cu2+ pollution in water. In
      this article, a simple and sensitive SERS sensor was proposed to quantitative
      analysis of trace Cu2+ in water. The SERS sensor platform was prepared a common
      gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-SiO2 sol substrate platform by adsorbing HSA, coupling
      with the catalytic reaction of Cu2+-ascorbic acid (H2A)-dissolved oxygen, and
      using label-free Victoria blue B (VBB) as SERS molecular probes. The SERS sensor
      platform response to the AuNP aggregations by hydroxyl radicals (*OH) oxidizing
      from the Cu2+ catalytic reaction, which caused the SERS signal enhancement.
      Therefore, by monitoring the increase of SERS signal, Cu2+ in water can be
      determined accurately. The results show that the SERS sensor platforms owns a
      linear response with a range from 0.025 to 25MUmol/L Cu2+, and with a detection
      limit of 0.008MUmol/L. In addition, the SERS method demonstrated good specificity
      for Cu2+, which can determined accurately trace Cu2+ in water samples, and good
      recovery and accuracy are obtained for the water samples. With its high
      selectivity and good accuracy, the sensitive SERS quantitative analysis method is
      expected to be a promising candidate for determining copper ions in environmental
      monitoring and food safety.

PMID- 27662584
TI  - Generalization of skills between operant control and discrimination of EEG alpha.
AB  - While biofeedback is often said to increase self-control of physiological states
      by increasing awareness of their subjective correlates, relatively few studies
      have analyzed the relationship between control (standard biofeedback) and
      awareness (a discrimination paradigm). We hypothesized that the two skills would
      generalize and facilitate each other for 8-12Hz EEG amplitude (alpha).
      Participants were given 7 sessions of training to either control or discriminate
      Pz alpha followed by 3 sessions of the other paradigm. Another group was given 7
      sessions with time divided equally between the two types of training. The control
      training first group showed significant generalization of skills to the
      discrimination task. However, the reverse was not true, and the combined task
      group did no better in either task than the other two groups. These results
      provide ambivalent support for the role of awareness in biofeedback, and suggest
      possible improvements in the discrimination paradigm.

PMID- 27662580
TI  - Impact of Chronic Stress Protocols in Learning and Memory in Rodents: Systematic
      Review and Meta-Analysis.
AB  - The idea that maladaptive stress impairs cognitive function has been a
      cornerstone of decades in basic and clinical research. However, disparate
      findings have reinforced the need to aggregate results from multiple sources in
      order to confirm the validity of such statement. In this work, a systematic
      review and meta-analyses were performed to aggregate results from rodent studies
      investigating the impact of chronic stress on learning and memory. Results
      obtained from the included studies revealed a significant effect of stress on
      global cognitive performance. In addition, stressed rodents presented worse
      consolidation of learned memories, although no significantly differences between
      groups at the acquisition phase were found. Despite the methodological
      heterogeneity across studies, these effects were independent of the type of
      stress, animals' strains or age. However, our findings suggest that stress yields
      a more detrimental effect on spatial navigation tests' performance. Surprisingly,
      the vast majority of the selected studies in this field did not report
      appropriate statistics and were excluded from the quantitative analysis. We have
      therefore purposed a set of guidelines termed PROBE (Preferred Reporting
      Orientations for Behavioral Experiments) to promote an adequate reporting of
      behavioral experiments.

PMID- 27662585
TI  - Biologically Informed Individual-Based Network Model for Rift Valley Fever in the
      US and Evaluation of Mitigation Strategies.
AB  - Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a zoonotic disease endemic in sub-Saharan Africa with
      periodic outbreaks in human and animal populations. Mosquitoes are the primary
      disease vectors; however, Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) can also spread by
      direct contact with infected tissues. The transmission cycle is complex,
      involving humans, livestock, and multiple species of mosquitoes. The epidemiology
      of RVFV in endemic areas is strongly affected by climatic conditions and
      environmental variables. In this research, we adapt and use a network-based
      modeling framework to simulate the transmission of RVFV among hypothetical cattle
      operations in Kansas, US. Our model considers geo-located livestock populations
      at the individual level while incorporating the role of mosquito populations and
      the environment at a coarse resolution. Extensive simulations show the
      flexibility of our modeling framework when applied to specific scenarios to
      quantitatively evaluate the efficacy of mosquito control and livestock movement
      regulations in reducing the extent and intensity of RVF outbreaks in the United
      States.

PMID- 27662588
TI  - Correction: Measuring Faecal Epi-Androsterone as an Indicator of Gonadal Activity
      in Spotted Hyenas (Crocuta crocuta).
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0128706.].

PMID- 27662587
TI  - Colonic biogeography in health and ulcerative colitis.
AB  - The relevance of biogeography to the distal gut microbiota has been investigated
      in both health and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), however multiple factors,
      including sample type and methodology, microbiota characterization and
      interpersonal variability make the construction of a core model of colonic
      biogeography challenging. In addition, how phylogenetic classification relates to
      immunogenicity and whether consistent alterations in the microbiota are
      associated with ulcerative colitis (UC) remain open questions. This addendum
      seeks to review the human colonic microbiota in health and UC as currently
      understood, in the broader context of the human microbiome.

PMID- 27662586
TI  - Limited prolonged effects of rifaximin treatment on irritable bowel syndrome
      related differences in the fecal microbiome and metabolome.
AB  - Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional disorder and its
      development may be linked, directly and indirectly, to intestinal dysbiosis. Here
      we investigated the interactions between IBS symptoms and the gut microbiome,
      including the relation to rifaximin (1200 mg daily; 11.2 g per a treatment). We
      recruited 72 patients, including 31 with IBS-D (diarrhea), 11 with IBS-C
      (constipation), and 30 with IBS-M (mixed constipation and diarrhea) and 30
      healthy controls (HCs). Of them, 68%, 64%, and 53% patients with IBS-D, IBS-C,
      and IBS-M, respectively, achieved 10-12 week-term improvement after the rifaximin
      treatment. Stool samples were collected before and after the treatment, and fecal
      microbiotic profiles were analyzed by deep sequencing of 16S rRNA, while stool
      metabolic profiles were studied by hydrogen 1-nuclear magnetic resonance ((1)H
      NMR) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Of 26 identified phyla,
      only Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria were
      consistently found in all samples. Bacteroidetes was predominant in fecal samples
      from HCs and IBS-D and IBS-M subjects, whereas Firmicutes was predominant in
      samples from IBS-C subjects. Species richness, but not community diversity,
      differentiated all IBS patients from HCs. Metabolic fingerprinting, using NMR
      spectra, distinguished HCs from all IBS patients. Thirteen metabolites identified
      by GC-MS differed HCs and IBS patients. However, neither metagenomics nor
      metabolomics analyses identified significant differences between patients with
      and without improvement after treatment.

PMID- 27662590
TI  - Knockdown of Serine-Arginine Protein Kinase 1 Inhibits the Growth and Migration
      in Renal Cell Carcinoma Cells.
AB  - The pre-mRNA splicing regulator serine-arginine protein kinase 1 (SRPK1), a
      member of the SR kinase family, plays an essential role in cancer development and
      various pathophysiological processes. However, its expression pattern and
      functions in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remain unknown. Therefore, the aim of
      this study was to assess the role of SRPK1 in RCC. Our data showed that SRPK1 was
      significantly upregulated in human RCC tissues and cell lines. SRPK1 interference
      significantly inhibited the proliferation of RCC cells and inhibited tumor growth
      in vivo. In addition, SRPK1 interference also suppressed migration and invasion
      in RCC cells. A mechanistic study showed that SRPK1 interference inhibited the
      phosphorylation of PI3K and Akt in RCC cells. In conclusion, our findings suggest
      that SRPK1 interference inhibits the growth and invasion of RCC cells through
      suppressing the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Thus, SRPK1 might be a therapeutic
      target for the treatment of RCC.

PMID- 27662591
TI  - Mortality, Disenrollment, and Spending Persistence in Medicaid and CHIP.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Research on spending persistence has not focused on Medicaid and the
      Children's Health Insurance Program (Medicaid/CHIP), which includes a complex and
      growing population. OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY: The objective of the study was to
      describe patterns of expenditure persistence, mortality, and disenrollment among
      nondually eligible Medicaid/CHIP enrollees and identify factors predicting these
      outcomes. RESEARCH DESIGN: The study is based on New Jersey Medicaid/CHIP claims
      data from 2011 to 2014. Descriptive and multinomial regression methods were used
      to characterize persistently extreme spenders, defined as those appearing in the
      top 1% of statewide spending every year, according to demographics, Medicaid/CHIP
      eligibility, nursing facility residence, patient risk scores, and clinical
      diagnostic categories measured in 2011. Similar analyses were done for
      persistently high spenders (ie, always in the top 10% but not always top 1%) as
      well as decedents, disenrollees, and moderate spenders (ie, at least 1 year
      outside of the top 10%). SUBJECTS: Nondually eligible NJ Medicaid/CHIP enrollees
      in 2011. RESULTS: One fourth of extreme spenders in 2011 remained in that
      category throughout 2011-2014. Almost all (89.3%) of the persistently extreme
      spenders were aged, blind, or disabled. Within the aged, blind, or disabled
      population, the strongest predictors of persistently extreme spending were
      diagnoses involving developmental disability, HIV/AIDS, central nervous system
      conditions, psychiatric disorders, type 1 diabetes, and renal conditions.
      Individuals in nursing facilities and those with very high risk scores were more
      likely to die or have persistently high spending than to have persistently
      extreme spending. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights unique features of spending
      persistence within Medicaid/CHIP and provides methodological contributions to the
      broader persistence literature.

PMID- 27662589
TI  - An individual differences analysis of the neurocognitive architecture of the
      semantic system at rest.
AB  - Efficient semantic cognition depends on accessing and selecting conceptual
      knowledge relevant to the current task or context. This study explored the
      neurocognitive architecture that supports this function by examining how
      individual variation in functional brain organisation predicts comprehension and
      semantic generation. Participants underwent resting state functional magnetic
      resonance imaging (fMRI) and, on separate days, performed written synonym
      judgement, and letter and category fluency tasks. We found that better synonym
      judgement for high frequency items was linked to greater functional coupling
      between posterior fusiform and anterior superior temporal cortex (aSTG), which
      might index orthographic-to-semantic access. However, stronger coupling between
      aSTG and ventromedial prefrontal cortex was associated with poor performance on
      the same trials, potentially reflecting greater difficulty in focussing retrieval
      on relevant features for high frequency items that appear in a greater range of
      contexts. Fluency performance was instead linked to variations in the functional
      coupling of the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG); anterior IFG was more coupled to
      regions of primary visual cortex for individuals who were good at category
      fluency, while poor letter fluency was predicted by stronger coupling between
      posterior IFG and retrosplenial cortex. These results show that individual
      differences in functional connectivity at rest predict semantic performance and
      are consistent with a component process account of semantic cognition in which
      representational information is shaped by control processes to fit the current
      requirements, in both comprehension and fluency tasks.

PMID- 27662592
TI  - Maternally Derived Immunity Extends Swine Influenza A Virus Persistence within
      Farrow-to-Finish Pig Farms: Insights from a Stochastic Event-Driven
      Metapopulation Model.
AB  - Swine Influenza A Viruses (swIAVs) have been shown to persist in farrow-to-finish
      pig herds with repeated outbreaks in successive batches, increasing the risk for
      respiratory disorders in affected animals and being a threat for public health.
      Although the general routes of swIAV transmission (i.e. direct contact and
      exposure to aerosols) were clearly identified, the transmission process between
      batches is still not fully understood. Maternally derived antibodies (MDAs) were
      stressed as a possible factor favoring within-herd swIAV persistence. However,
      the relationship between MDAs and the global spread among the different
      subpopulations in the herds is still lacking. The aim of this study was therefore
      to understand the mechanisms induced by MDAs in relation with swIAV spread and
      persistence in farrow-to-finish pig herds. A metapopulation model has been
      developed representing the population dynamics considering two subpopulations
      breeding sows and growing pigs-managed according to batch-rearing system. This
      model was coupled with a swIAV-specific epidemiological model, accounting for
      partial passive immunity protection in neonatal piglets and an immunity boost in
      re-infected animals. Airborne transmission was included by a between-room
      transmission rate related to the current prevalence of shedding pigs. Maternally
      derived partial immunity in piglets was found to extend the duration of the
      epidemics within their batch, allowing for efficient between-batch transmission
      and resulting in longer swIAV persistence at the herd level. These results should
      be taken into account in the design of control programmes for the spread and
      persistence of swIAV in swine herds.

PMID- 27662593
TI  - The Wide Distribution and Change of Target Specificity of R2 Non-LTR
      Retrotransposons in Animals.
AB  - Transposons, or transposable elements, are the major components of genomes in
      most eukaryotes. Some groups of transposons have developed target specificity
      that limits the integration sites to a specific nonessential sequence or a
      genomic region to avoid gene disruption caused by insertion into an essential
      gene. R2 is one of the most intensively investigated groups of sequence-specific
      non-LTR retrotransposons and is inserted at a specific site inside of 28S
      ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. R2 is known to be distributed among at least six
      animal phyla even though its occurrence is reported to be patchy. Here, in order
      to obtain a more detailed picture of the distribution of R2, we surveyed R2 using
      both in silico screening and degenerate PCR, particularly focusing on
      actinopterygian fish. We found two families of the R2C lineage from vertebrates,
      although it has previously only been found in platyhelminthes. We also revealed
      the apparent movement of insertion sites of a lineage of actinopterygian R2,
      which was likely concurrent with the acquisition of a 28S rRNA-derived sequence
      in their 3' UTR. Outside of actinopterygian fish, we revealed the maintenance of
      a single R2 lineage in birds; the co-existence of four lineages of R2 in the
      leafcutter bee Megachile rotundata; the first examples of R2 in Ctenophora,
      Mollusca, and Hemichordata; and two families of R2 showing no target specificity.
      These findings indicate that R2 is relatively stable and universal, while
      differences in the distribution and maintenance of R2 lineages probably reflect
      characteristics of some combination of both R2 lineages and host organisms.

PMID- 27662594
TI  - Morphological Response of Eight Quercus Species to Simulated Wind Load.
AB  - Leaf shape, including leaf size, leaf dissection index (LDI), and venation
      distribution, strongly impacts leaf physiology and the forces of momentum exerted
      on leaves or the canopy under windy conditions. Yet, little has been known about
      how leaf shape affects the morphological response of trees to wind load. We
      studied eight Quercus species, with different leaf shapes, to determine the
      morphological response to simulated wind load. Quercus trees with long elliptical
      leaves, were significantly affected by wind load (P< 0.05), as indicted by
      smaller specific leaf area (SLA), stem base diameter and stem height under windy
      conditions when compared to the control. The Quercus trees with leaves
      characterized by lanceolate or sinuous edges, showed positive morphological
      responses to wind load, such as bigger leaf thickness, larger stem diameter,
      allocation to root biomass, and smaller stem height (P< 0.05). These
      morphological responses to wind can reduce drag and increase the mechanical
      strength of the tree. Leaf dissection index (LDI), an important index of leaf
      shape, was correlated with morphological response to wind load (P< 0.05),
      including differences in SLA, in stem base diameter and in allocation to root
      biomass. These results suggest that trees with higher LDI, such as those with
      more and/or deeper lobes, are better adapted to wind load.

PMID- 27662595
TI  - Commentary: Can We See the Forest for the IVs?: Mendelian Randomization Studies
      with Multiple Genetic Variants.

PMID- 27662596
TI  - Immunosuppressive effect of ASP2408, a novel CD86-selective variant of CTLA4-Ig,
      in rats and cynomolgus monkeys.
AB  - The CTLA4-Ig fusion proteins abatacept and belatacept inhibit CD28-mediated T
      cell activation by binding CD80 (B7-1) and CD86 (B7-2) costimulatory ligands and
      are clinically proven immunosuppressants used for rheumatoid arthritis and renal
      transplantation, respectively. Abatacept and belatacept preferentially bind CD80,
      yet CD86 has been implicated as the dominant ligand for CD28-mediated
      costimulation of T cells. We investigated the immunosuppressive effects of
      ASP2408, a novel CTLA4-Ig with CD86 selectivity and high potency created by
      directed evolution methods. Here we evaluated the effect of ASP2408 in vitro
      using cynomolgus monkey and rat T cell proliferation assays and in vivo using
      cynomolgus monkey tetanus toxoid (TTx) immunization and a rat rheumatoid
      arthritis model. ASP2408 was 290-fold and 21-fold more potent in suppressing in
      vitro monkey T cell proliferation than abatacept and belatacept, respectively.
      ASP2408 inhibited anti-TTx immunological reactions in cynomolgus monkey at a 10
      fold lower dose level than belatacept, through complete CD86 and partial CD80
      receptor occupancies, and also suppressed inflammation in the rat collagen
      induced arthritis model. Overall, improved immunosuppressive potency of ASP2408
      relative to abatacept and belatacept correlated well with improved CD86 binding
      affinity. These results may support the advantage of preferential enhancement of
      CD86 binding affinity to inhibit T cell-mediated immune response and improved
      dosing convenience in humans relative to abatacept or belatacept.

PMID- 27662598
TI  - Epidemiology of eating disorders in Europe: prevalence, incidence, comorbidity,
      course, consequences, and risk factors.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Eating disorders - anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and
      binge eating disorder - affect numerous Europeans. This narrative review
      summarizes European studies on their prevalence, incidence, comorbidity, course,
      consequences, and risk factors published in 2015 and the first half of 2016.
      RECENT FINDINGS: Anorexia nervosa is reported by <1-4%, bulimia nervosa <1-2%,
      binge eating disorder <1-4%, and subthreshold eating disorders by 2-3% of women
      in Europe. Of men, 0.3-0.7% report eating disorders. Incidences of anorexia
      appear stable, whereas bulimia may be declining. Although the numbers of
      individuals receiving treatment have increased, only about one-third is detected
      by healthcare. Over 70% of individuals with eating disorders report comorbid
      disorders: anxiety disorders (>50%), mood disorders (>40%), self-harm (>20%), and
      substance use (>10%) are common. The long-term course of anorexia nervosa is
      favorable for most, but a substantial minority of eating disorder patients
      experience longstanding symptoms and somatic problems. The risk of suicide is
      elevated. Parental psychiatric disorders, prenatal maternal stress, various
      family factors, childhood overweight, and body dissatisfaction in adolescence
      increase the risk of eating disorders. SUMMARY: Eating disorders are relatively
      common disorders that are often overlooked, although they are associated with
      high comorbidity and serious health consequences.

PMID- 27662597
TI  - Probabilistic tractography using Lasso bootstrap.
AB  - Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) can be used for noninvasive imaging
      of white matter tracts. Using fiber tracking, which propagates fiber streamlines
      according to fiber orientations (FOs) computed from dMRI, white matter tracts can
      be reconstructed for investigation of brain diseases and the brain connectome.
      Because of image noise, probabilistic tractography has been proposed to
      characterize uncertainties in FO estimation. Bootstrap provides a nonparametric
      approach to the estimation of FO uncertainties and residual bootstrap has been
      used for developing probabilistic tractography. However, recently developed
      models have incorporated sparsity regularization to reduce the required number of
      gradient directions to resolve crossing FOs, and the residual bootstrap used in
      previous methods is not applicable to these models. In this work, we propose a
      probabilistic tractography algorithm named Lasso bootstrap tractography (LBT) for
      the models that incorporate sparsity. Using a fixed tensor basis and a sparsity
      assumption, diffusion signals are modeled using a Lasso formulation. With the
      residuals from the Lasso model, a distribution of diffusion signals is obtained
      according to a modified Lasso bootstrap strategy. FOs are then estimated from the
      synthesized diffusion signals by an algorithm that improves FO estimation by
      enforcing spatial consistency of FOs. Finally, streamlining fiber tracking is
      performed with the computed FOs. The LBT algorithm was evaluated on simulated and
      real dMRI data both qualitatively and quantitatively. Results demonstrate that
      LBT outperforms state-of-the-art algorithms.

PMID- 27662599
TI  - Density Functional Theory Analysis of Anthraquinone Derivative Hydrogenation over
      Palladium Catalyst.
AB  - A density functional theory (DFT) analysis was conducted on the hydrogenation of
      2-alkyl-anthraquinone (AQ), including 2-ethyl-9,10-anthraquinone (eAQ) and 2
      ethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-9,10-anthraquinone (H4 eAQ), to the corresponding
      anthrahydroquinone (AQH2 ) over a Pd6 H2 cluster. Hydrogenation of H4 eAQ is
      suggested to be more favorable than that of eAQ owing to a higher adsorption
      energy of the reactant (H4 eAQ), lower barrier of activation energy, and smaller
      desorption energy of the target product (2-ethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-9,10
      anthrahydroquinone, H4 eAQH2 ). For the most probable reaction routes, the energy
      barrier of the second hydrogenation step of AQ is circa 8 kcal mol-1 higher than
      that of the first step. Electron transfer of these processes were systematically
      investigated. Facile electron transfer from Pd6 H2 cluster to AQ/AQH intermediate
      favors the hydrogenation of C=O. The electron delocalization over the boundary
      aromatic ring of AQ/AQH intermediate and the electron-withdrawing effect of C=O
      are responsible for the electron transfer. In addition, a pathway of the electron
      transfer is proposed for the adsorption and subsequent hydrogenation of AQ on the
      surface of Pd6 H2 cluster. The electron transfers from the abstracted H atom
      (reactive H) to a neighbor Pd atom (PdH ), and finally goes to the carbonyl group
      through the C4 atom of AQ aromatic ring (C4 ).

PMID- 27662600
TI  - Ambulant management of acute tonsillitis in adult patients, a study on 330
      patients.

PMID- 27662601
TI  - Unexpected Neuroprotective Effects of Loganin on 1-Methyl-4-Phenyl-1,2,3,6
      Tetrahydropyridine-Induced Neurotoxicity and Cell Death in Zebrafish.
AB  - 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6 tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), which induces the
      pathological characteristics of Parkinson's disease in rodents, also specifically
      targets dopaminergic neurons in zebrafish embryos and larvae. Loganin, a
      traditional Chinese drug, was reported to regulate immune function and possess
      anti-inflammatory and anti-shock effects. Here, we investigate the role of
      loganin in MPTP-induced Parkinson-like abnormalities in zebrafish. MPTP treatment
      induced abnormal development, in larvae, such as pericardium edema, increased
      yolk color, yolk sac edema, and retarded yolk sac resorption, as well as defects
      in brain development. Loganin could block MPTP-induced defects, with little
      toxicity to the eggs. Results of whole mount in situ hybridization showed loganin
      prevented the loss of both dopaminergic neurons and locomotor activity, exhibited
      by larvae treated with MPTP. In addition, loganin significantly rescued MPTP
      induced neurotoxicity on PC12 cells, possibly through the suppression of
      PI3K/Akt/mTOR axis and JNK signaling pathways. In conclusion, loganin blocks MPTP
      induced neurotoxicity and abnormal development in zebrafish. J. Cell. Biochem.
      118: 615-628, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27662602
TI  - Role of Protein Kinase G and Reactive Oxygen Species in the Regulation of
      Podocyte Function in Health and Disease.
AB  - Podocytes and their foot processes form an important cellular layer of the
      glomerular barrier involved in the regulation of glomerular permeability.
      Disturbing the function of podocytes plays a central role in the development of
      proteinuria in diabetic nephropathy. Retraction of the podocyte foot processes
      that form slit diaphragms is a common feature of proteinuria; although, the
      correlation between these events in not well understood. Notably, it is unclear
      whether podocyte foot processes are able to regulate slit diaphragm permeability
      and glomerular ultrafiltration. The occurrence of reactive oxygen species
      generation, insulin resistance, and hyperglycemia characterizes early stages of
      type 2 diabetes. Protein kinase G type I alpha (PKGIalpha) is an intracellular
      target for vasorelaxant factors. It is activated in both cGMP-dependent and cGMP
      independent manners. Recently, we demonstrated a relationship between oxidative
      stress, PKGIalpha activation, actin reorganization, and changes in the
      permeability of the filtration barrier. This review discusses how redox imbalance
      affects both the activity of PKGIalpha and PKGI-dependent signaling pathways in
      podocytes. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 691-697, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27662603
TI  - Role of VR1 in the differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells
      into cardiomyocytes associated with Wnt/beta-catenin signaling.
AB  - AIM: Accumulating evidence showed that transient receptor potential channels play
      an important role in the regulation of cardiomyocyte differentiation. The
      vanilloid receptor 1 (VR1) is a member of the transient receptor channel super
      family and is expressed in cardiomyocytes. However, its function in
      cardiomyocytes remains unclear. METHODS: Herein, the aim of this study was to
      investigate the functional role of VR1 in the cardiomyocyte differentiation of
      bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and to elucidate the potential
      molecular mechanisms. RESULTS: Immunofluorescence assay showed that cardiomyocyte
      marker cardiac troponin T (cTnT) was found significantly elevated in
      differentiated BMSCs induced by 5-azacytidine compared with control. Similarly,
      VR1 expression was also found significantly increased in induced BMSCs
      differentiation. Additionally, we examined the role of VR1 in BMSC
      differentiation processes through VR1 siRNAs. We found that the expression of
      cardiomyocyte marker genes, such as alpha-myosin heavy chain (alpha-MHC), alpha
      cardiac actin, and Nkx2.5 (cardiac-specific transcription factor), was
      significantly decreased when VR1 was silenced. Furthermore, we found that
      inhibition of VR1 expression is associated with downregulation of Wnt/beta
      catenin signaling. CONCLUSIONS: To summarize, our data demonstrate important role
      of VR1 in BMSCs differentiation into cardiomyocytes in conjunction of Wnt/beta
      catenin signaling.

PMID- 27662604
TI  - Prognosis of Indirect Composite Resin Cuspal Coverage on Endodontically Treated
      Premolars and Molars: An In Vivo Prospective Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: This prospective clinical study evaluated the success rate of indirect
      composite resin cuspal coverage on endodontically treated molars and premolars
      and the survival rate of the restored teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred
      fifty endodontically treated teeth were restored with total resin cuspal coverage
      and randomly selected for the study. Patients were recalled after 2 to 5 years
      for clinical evaluation. Data were subjected to standard tests of statistical
      correlations using Spearman test. RESULTS: Out of the 150 teeth, 84 were molars
      and 66 were premolars. Of these teeth, 58.7% had mesio-occlusal-distal (MOD)
      cavities, 20.7% had mesio-occlusal (MO), and 20.7% had occlusal-distal (OD). A
      build-up procedure was performed in 51.3% of the teeth, and buccal veneer
      composite resins were placed at the margins of 96.7% of the teeth. Out of the 150
      teeth, 30 (20%) presented margin discoloration, 3 teeth (2%) had restoration
      reparable fractures, 2 teeth (1.3%) had restoration irreparable fractures, and 1
      tooth (0.7%) exhibited secondary recurrent caries. The opposing arch that
      occluded with the treated teeth presented 58% natural teeth (no restoration
      material), 26.7% ceramic crowns, and 15.3% implant-supported ceramic crowns.
      Statistically significant differences (p = 0.018) between irreparable restoration
      fractures and the type of support material present in the opposing arch were
      found. CONCLUSIONS: In a period of up to 5 years, the resin cuspal coverage of
      endodontic treated teeth had a success rate of 96%, while the tooth survival rate
      was 100%. The type of support material on the opposing arch may influence the
      longevity of the restoration of endodontically treated teeth.

PMID- 27662605
TI  - Post-instrumentation pain after the use of either Mtwo or the SAF system: a
      randomized controlled clinical trial.
AB  - AIM: This randomized controlled trial compared the incidence of post
      instrumentation pain associated with Mtwo rotary NiTi files and the self
      adjusting file system following canal shaping and cleaning. METHODOLOGY:
      Following sample size estimation, a total of 130 patients were randomized into
      two groups based on selection criteria [group Mtwo and group SAF (self-adjusting
      file)]. Root canal treatment was carried out in two appointments. The teeth were
      endodontically treated with the appropriate allotted systems following the
      similar clinical parameters. Patients were asked to rate the intensity of pre
      instrumentation and post-instrumentation pain (at 2, 4, 6, 8, 24, 48 h) using the
      VAS score. The Kruskal-Wallis test was carried out for the overall comparisons of
      the two systems. The Friedman test was used to compare between time-points with
      each system. Subgroup analyses for independent variables (gender, pulp status and
      diagnosis) used the Mann-Whitney test and Wilcoxon signed ranks test (P < 0.05).
      RESULTS: No significant difference was found between the two groups with respect
      to post-instrumentation pain. Teeth with pulpal necrosis had significant pain at
      8 h compared with teeth with vital pulps (P = 0.04). Teeth with vital pulps in
      the SAF group had significantly less post-instrumentation pain compared with
      those in the Mtwo group at 6 h (P = 0.042). Patients who had teeth with nonvital
      pulps in the SAF group experienced more post-instrumentation pain at 8 h (P =
      0.017) and 24 h (P = 0.005). CONCLUSION: The incidence of post-instrumentation
      pain at different time intervals in patients undergoing root canal treatment was
      similar for both the self-adjusting file and Mtwo file systems.

PMID- 27662606
TI  - Impact of Anatomy Boot Camp on Students in a Medical Gross Anatomy Course.
AB  - Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (LMU-DCOM)
      offers an optional three-week summer Anatomy Boot Camp course (ABC) to facilitate
      students' transition into medical school and promote retention of anatomy subject
      matter. The pre-matriculation program is a supplemental instruction course that
      utilizes a small group learning format. Boot camp instruction is led by teaching
      assistants and two anatomy professors. Enrollees gain early exposure to Medical
      Gross Anatomy (MGA) course subject matter, which is taught in the fall semester,
      and learn study skills necessary to excel in medical school. No grade is assigned
      for the course, therefore participants can study without the fear of potentially
      affecting grades. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the LMU-DCOM ABC
      course using data from four consecutive summers. Independent two-sample t-tests
      were used to compare ABC to non-ABC students for the following variables:
      incoming grade point average (GPA) and Medical College Admission Test(r)
      (MCAT(r)) scores, MGA written and laboratory practical examination grades, and
      final MGA course grade. Additionally, a 26-question survey was administered to
      2012-2014 boot camp participants. There were no significant differences in
      incoming GPA and MCAT scores. However, boot campers scored significantly higher
      on the first two lecture and laboratory examinations (P < 0.05) for each year of
      the study. Thereafter scores varied less, suggesting a faster head start for boot
      camp participants. Mean MGA final grade was on average 3% higher for the boot
      camp cohort. The survey feedback supports that the ABC course assists with the
      academic and social transition into medical school. Anat Sci Educ 10: 215-223.
      (c) 2016 American Association of Anatomists.

PMID- 27662607
TI  - Is telomere length a molecular marker of past thermal stress in wild fish?
AB  - Telomeres protect eukaryotic chromosomes; variation in telomere length has been
      linked (primarily in homoeothermic animals) to variation in stress, cellular
      ageing and disease risk. Moreover, telomeres have been suggested to function as
      biomarker for quantifying past environmental stress, but studies in wild animals
      remain rare. Environmental stress, such as extreme environmental temperatures in
      poikilothermic animals, may result in oxidative stress that accelerates telomere
      attrition. However, growth, which may depend on temperature, can also contribute
      to telomere attrition. To test for associations between multitissue telomere
      length and past water temperature while accounting for the previous individual
      growth, we used quantitative PCR to analyse samples from 112 young-of-the-year
      brown trout from 10 natural rivers with average water temperature differences of
      up to 6 degrees C (and an absolute maximum of 23 degrees C). We found negative
      associations between relative telomere length (RTL) and both average river
      temperature and individual body size. We found no indication of RTL-temperature
      association differences among six tissues, but we did find indications for
      differences among the tissues for associations between RTL and body size; size
      trends, albeit nonsignificant in their differences, were strongest in muscle and
      weakest in fin. Although causal relationships among temperature, growth,
      oxidative stress, and cross-sectional telomere length remain largely unknown, our
      results indicate that telomere-length variation in a poikilothermic wild animal
      is associated with both past temperature and growth.

PMID- 27662608
TI  - High standards for high dimensional investigations.

PMID- 27662609
TI  - Cationic Platinum(II) sigma-SiH Complexes in Carbon Dioxide Hydrosilation.
AB  - The low-electron-count cationic platinum complex [Pt(ItBu')(ItBu)][BArF ], 1,
      interacts with primary and secondary silanes to form the corresponding sigma-SiH
      complexes. According to DFT calculations, the most stable coordination mode is
      the uncommon eta1 -SiH. The reaction of 1 with Et2 SiH2 leads to the X-ray
      structurally characterized 14-electron PtII species [Pt(SiEt2 H)(ItBu)2 ][BArF ],
      2, which is stabilized by an agostic interaction. Complexes 1, 2, and the hydride
      [Pt(H)(ItBu)2 ][BArF ], 3, catalyze the hydrosilation of CO2 , leading to the
      exclusive formation of the corresponding silyl formates at room temperature.

PMID- 27662610
TI  - Convergence in organ size but not energy metabolism enzyme activities among wild
      Lake Whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis) species pairs.
AB  - The repeated evolution of similar phenotypes by similar mechanisms can be
      indicative of local adaptation, constraints or biases in the evolutionary
      process. Little is known about the incidence of physiological convergence in
      natural populations, so here we test whether energy metabolism in 'dwarf' and
      'normal' Lake Whitefish evolves by similar mechanisms. Prior genomic and
      transcriptomic studies have found that divergence in energy metabolism is key to
      local adaptation in whitefish species pairs, but that distinct genetic and
      transcriptomic changes often underlie phenotypic evolution among lakes. Here, we
      predicted that traits at higher levels of biological organization, including the
      activities of energy metabolism enzymes (the product of enzyme concentration and
      turnover rate) and the relative proportions of metabolically active tissues
      (heart, liver, skeletal muscle), would show greater convergence than genetic and
      transcriptomic variation. We compared four whitefish species pairs and found
      convergence in organ size whereby all dwarf whitefish populations have a higher
      proportion of red skeletal muscle, three have relatively larger livers and two
      have relatively larger ventricles than normal fish. On the other hand, hepatic
      and muscle enzyme activities showed little convergence and were largely dependent
      on lake of origin. Only the most genetically divergent species pair (Cliff Lake)
      displayed white muscle enzyme activities matching results from laboratory-reared
      normal and dwarf whitefish. Overall, these data show convergence in the evolution
      of organ size, but not in the activities of candidate enzymes of energy
      metabolism, which may have evolved mainly as a consequence of demographic or
      ecological differences among lakes.

PMID- 27662611
TI  - Feasibility of BAALC gene expression for detection of minimal residual disease
      and risk stratification in normal karyotype acute myeloid leukaemia.
AB  - High BAALC gene expression has been associated with poor prognosis in
      cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukaemia (CN-AML) and has been suggested as
      a suitable marker for assessing minimal residual disease (MRD). The purpose of
      this study was to substantiate these findings by the analysis of a large data set
      of 632 diagnostic and follow-up samples in 142 intensively treated CN-AML
      patients. Paired diagnostic/relapse samples of 35 patients revealed stable high
      BAALC expression in 89%, irrespective of a high proportion of clonal evolution
      found in 49% of these cases. High BAALC expression, both directly after induction
      chemotherapy and within 3-6 months after induction chemotherapy, correlated
      significantly with shorter event-free survival and overall survival. Moreover, 8
      of 10 patients displaying high BAALC expression levels after completion of
      induction therapy as well as 5 of 5 patients exhibiting high BAALC expression
      levels within 3-6 months after induction chemotherapy experienced relapse with a
      median of 197 and 101 days, respectively, from sampling to relapse. Thus, BAALC
      expression-based MRD detection during therapy may be considered a strategy to
      identify patients at high risk of relapse.

PMID- 27662612
TI  - Avian Influenza Virus H5 Strain with North American and Eurasian Lineage Genes in
      an Antarctic Penguin.

PMID- 27662613
TI  - Is smoking tobacco associated with psychotic experiences across racial categories
      in the United States? Findings from the Collaborative Psychiatric Epidemiological
      Surveys.
AB  - Smoking tobacco has been associated with psychosis, though research has yet to
      fully examine the extent to which this association reaches into the sub-threshold
      range of the psychosis continuum within the US, and whether this association
      persists after accounting for co-occurring disorders. We analyzed data from three
      large racially-diverse surveys of the US population and found that current
      smokers were more likely to report a lifetime psychotic experience when compared
      with never smokers after adjusting for socio-demographics. But after controlling
      for anxiety, mood, and substance use disorders, these effects only remained
      strong and statistically significant for Asian-Americans.

PMID- 27662614
TI  - Adverse childhood experiences and association with health, mental health, and
      risky behavior in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to determine if ACEs impact the health and
      risk behavior burden among Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) adults. METHODS: In
      2013, a cross-sectional study was conducted across KSA to identify the
      retrospective prevalence of ACEs and their association with high risk behaviors
      and chronic diseases. Surveys from 10,156 adults in all 13 Saudi regions were
      obtained using an Arabic version of the WHO ACE-IQ (KSA ACE-IQ). RESULTS:
      Compared to respondents reporting no ACEs, even just one ACE contributed
      significantly to the odds of experiencing diabetes mellitus (OR=1.3), depression
      (OR=1.32), or anxiety (OR=1.79) outcomes. Two ACEs were necessary for
      statistically significant, higher odds to emerge for hypertension (OR=1.46),
      mental illness (OR=1.93), smoking (OR=1.17), alcohol use (OR=1.75), and drug use
      (OR=1.45). Respondents who reported four or more ACEs had greater odds of
      coronary heart disease (OR=1.94), and obesity (OR=2.25). Compared to those
      reporting no ACEs, respondents reporting four or more ACEs had over four times
      the odds of Alcohol or Drug Use, Mental Illness, Depression, and/or Anxiety
      outcomes and more than twice the odds of diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and/or
      smoking outcomes. CONCLUSION: Findings from this analysis underscore the
      potential benefit of providing focused preventative approaches to mitigating ACEs
      in KSA in relation to both the specific and cumulative burden of health and risky
      behavior outcomes.

PMID- 27662615
TI  - Drosophila TDP-43 RNA-Binding Protein Facilitates Association of Sister Chromatid
      Cohesion Proteins with Genes, Enhancers and Polycomb Response Elements.
AB  - The cohesin protein complex mediates sister chromatid cohesion and participates
      in transcriptional control of genes that regulate growth and development.
      Substantial reduction of cohesin activity alters transcription of many genes
      without disrupting chromosome segregation. Drosophila Nipped-B protein loads
      cohesin onto chromosomes, and together Nipped-B and cohesin occupy essentially
      all active transcriptional enhancers and a large fraction of active genes. It is
      unknown why some active genes bind high levels of cohesin and some do not. Here
      we show that the TBPH and Lark RNA-binding proteins influence association of
      Nipped-B and cohesin with genes and gene regulatory sequences. In vitro, TBPH and
      Lark proteins specifically bind RNAs produced by genes occupied by Nipped-B and
      cohesin. By genomic chromatin immunoprecipitation these RNA-binding proteins also
      bind to chromosomes at cohesin-binding genes, enhancers, and Polycomb response
      elements (PREs). RNAi depletion reveals that TBPH facilitates association of
      Nipped-B and cohesin with genes and regulatory sequences. Lark reduces binding of
      Nipped-B and cohesin at many promoters and aids their association with several
      large enhancers. Conversely, Nipped-B facilitates TBPH and Lark association with
      genes and regulatory sequences, and interacts with TBPH and Lark in affinity
      chromatography and immunoprecipitation experiments. Blocking transcription does
      not ablate binding of Nipped-B and the RNA-binding proteins to chromosomes,
      indicating transcription is not required to maintain binding once established.
      These findings demonstrate that RNA-binding proteins help govern association of
      sister chromatid cohesion proteins with genes and enhancers.

PMID- 27662617
TI  - The Value of Median Nerve Sonography as a Predictor for Short- and Long-Term
      Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Prospective Long
      Term Follow-Up Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prognostic value of B-mode and Power Doppler (PD)
      ultrasound of the median nerve for the short- and long-term clinical outcomes of
      patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). METHODS: Prospective study of 135
      patients with suspected CTS seen 3 times: at baseline, then at short-term (3
      months) and long-term (15-36 months) follow-up. At baseline, the cross-sectional
      area (CSA) of the median nerve was measured with ultrasound at 4 levels on the
      forearm and wrist. PD signals were graded semi-quantitatively (0-3). Clinical
      outcomes were evaluated at each visit with the Boston Questionnaire (BQ) and the
      DASH Questionnaire, as well as visual analogue scales for the patient's
      assessment of pain (painVAS) and physician's global assessment (physVAS). The
      predictive values of baseline CSA and PD for clinical outcomes were determined
      with multivariate logistic regression models. RESULTS: Short-term and long-term
      follow-up data were available for 111 (82.2%) and 105 (77.8%) patients,
      respectively. There was a final diagnosis of CTS in 84 patients (125 wrists).
      Regression analysis revealed that the CSA, measured at the carpal tunnel inlet,
      predicted short-term clinical improvement according to BQ in CTS patients
      undergoing carpal tunnel surgery (OR 1.8, p = 0.05), but not in patients treated
      conservatively. Neither CSA nor PD assessments predicted short-term improvement
      of painVAS, physVAS or DASH, nor was any of the ultrasound parameters useful for
      the prediction of long-term clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound assessment
      of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel inlet may predict short-term clinical
      improvement in CTS patients undergoing carpal tunnel release, but long-term
      outcomes are unrelated to ultrasound findings.

PMID- 27662616
TI  - Prognostic factors of overall survival in children and adolescents enrolled in
      dose-finding trials in Europe: An Innovative Therapies for Children with Cancer
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Dose-finding trials are fundamental to develop novel drugs for
      children and adolescents with advanced cancer. It is crucial to maximise
      individual benefit, whilst ensuring adequate assessment of key study end-points.
      We assessed prognostic factors of survival in paediatric phase I trials,
      including two predictive scores validated in adult oncology: the Royal Marsden
      Hospital (RMH) and the MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC) scores. METHODS: Data of
      patients with solid tumours aged <18 years at enrolment in their first dose
      finding trial between 2000 and 2014 at eight centres of the Innovative Therapies
      for Children with Cancer European consortium were collected. Survival
      distributions were compared using log-rank test and Cox regression analyses.
      RESULTS: Overall, 248 patients were evaluated: median age, 11.2 years (range 1.0
      17.9); 46% had central nervous system (CNS) tumours and 54% extra-CNS tumours.
      Complete responses were observed in 2.1%, partial responses in 7.2% and stable
      disease in 25.9%. Median overall survival (OS) was 6.3 months (95% confidence
      interval, 5.2-7.4). Lansky/Karnofsky <=80%, no school/work attendance, elevated
      creatinine and RMH score >=1 correlated with worse OS in the multivariate
      analysis. The RMH and MDACC scores correlated with OS in adolescents (12-17
      years), p = 0.002, but not in children (2-11 years). CONCLUSIONS: Performance
      status of 90-100% and school/work attendance at enrolment are strong indicators
      of longer OS in paediatric phase I trials. Adult predictive scores correlate with
      survival in adolescents. These findings provide a useful orientation about
      potential prognosis and could lead in the future to more paediatric-adapted
      eligibility criteria in early-phase trials.

PMID- 27662619
TI  - Long Noncoding RNA CPS1-IT1 Suppresses Cell Proliferation and Metastasis in Human
      Lung Cancer.
AB  - The long noncoding CPS1 intronic transcript 1 (lncRNA CPS1-IT1) is a recently
      identified tumor suppressor in the lncRNA family of proteins. Whether this lncRNA
      plays any functional role in solid tumors remains largely unknown. The present
      study aimed to investigate the role of lncRNA CPS1-IT1 in human lung cancer.
      Expression of lncRNA CPS1-IT1 was initially assessed in human lung cancer and in
      a series of lung cancer cell lines. The effects of CPS1-IT1 overexpression on
      cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were examined in lung cancer cell
      lines A549 and 95D. It was found that lncRNA CPS1-IT1 was significantly lower in
      cancerous tissues than in noncancerous tissues. lncRNA CPS1-IT1 was
      differentially expressed in lung cancer cell lines and expressed the least in two
      highly invasive cell lines, A549 and 95D. Overexpression of CPS1-IT1 slowed down
      cell proliferation by 35.7% in A549 cells and 30.8% in 95D cells on the fifth
      day. Cell migration was inhibited by 59% in A549 cells and 48% in 95D cells, and
      cell invasion was suppressed by 60% in both cell lines after overexpression of
      CPS1-IT1. While cell apoptosis was induced, CPS1-IT1 overexpression promoted the
      activities of caspase 3 and caspase 9 without affecting that of caspase 8. These
      observations were suggestive of the tumor-suppressive role of lncRNA CPS1-IT1 in
      lung cancer. Our data suggest that CPS1-IT1 may be used as a biomarker for early
      diagnosis and therapeutic targets against lncRNA and may be promising in the
      treatment of lung cancer.

PMID- 27662618
TI  - Indirect CT Venography at 80 kVp with Sinogram-Affirmed Iterative Reconstruction
      Compared to 120 kVp with Filtered Back Projection: Assessment of Image Quality
      and Radiation Dose.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the image quality and radiation dose of indirect computed
      tomographic venography (CTV) using 80 kVp with sinogram-affirmed iterative
      reconstruction (SAFIRE) and 120 kVp with filtered back projection (FBP).
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was approved by our institution
      and informed consent was waived. Sixty-one consecutive patients (M: F = 27: 34,
      mean age 60 +/- 16, mean BMI 23.6 +/- 3.6 kg/m2) underwent pelvic and lower
      extremity CTVs [group A (n = 31, 120 kVp, reconstructed with FBP) vs. group B (n
      = 30, 80 kVp, reconstructed with SAFIRE)]. The vascular enhancement, image noise,
      contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) were compared.
      Subjective image analysis for image quality and noise was performed by two
      radiologists. Radiation dose was compared between the two groups. RESULTS:
      Compared with group A, higher mean vascular enhancement was observed in the group
      B (group A vs. B, 118.8 +/- 15.7 HU vs. 178.6 +/- 39.6 HU, p < 0.001), as well as
      image noise (12.0 +/- 3.8 HU vs. 17.9 +/- 6.1 HU, p < 0.001) and CNR (5.1 +/- 1.9
      vs. 7.6 +/- 3.0, p < 0.001). The SNRs were not significantly different in both
      groups (11.2 +/- 4.8 vs. 10.8 +/- 3.7, p = 0.617). There was no significant
      difference in subjective image quality between the two groups (all p > 0.05). The
      subjective image noise was higher in the group B (p = 0.036 in reader 1, p =
      0.005 in reader 2). The inter-observer reliability for assessing subjective image
      quality was good (ICC 0.746~0.784, p < 0.001). The mean CT dose index volume
      (CTDIvol) and mean dose length product (DLP) were significantly lower in group B
      than group A [CTDIvol, 6.4 +/- 1.3 vs. 2.2 +/- 2.2 mGy (p < 0.001); DLP, 499.1 +/
      116.0 vs. 133.1 +/- 45.7 mGy * cm (p < 0.001)]. CONCLUSIONS: CTV using 80 kVp
      combined with SAFIRE provides lower radiation dose and improved CNR compared to
      CTV using 120 kVp with FBP.

PMID- 27662620
TI  - Metabolic Profiling of Intact Arabidopsis thaliana Leaves during Circadian Cycle
      Using 1H High Resolution Magic Angle Spinning NMR.
AB  - Arabidopsis thaliana is the most widely used model organism for research in plant
      biology. While significant advances in understanding plant growth and development
      have been made by focusing on the molecular genetics of Arabidopsis, extracting
      and understanding the functional framework of metabolism is challenging, both
      from a technical perspective due to losses and modification during extraction of
      metabolites from the leaves, and from the biological perspective, due to random
      variation obscuring how well the function is performed. The purpose of this work
      is to establish the in vivo metabolic profile directly from the Arabidopsis
      thaliana leaves without metabolite extraction, to reduce the complexity of the
      results by multivariate analysis, and to unravel the mitigation of cellular
      complexity by predominant functional periodicity. To achieve this, we use the
      circadian cycle that strongly influences metabolic and physiological processes
      and exerts control over the photosynthetic machinery. High resolution-magic angle
      spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (HR-MAS NMR) was applied to obtain the
      metabolic profile directly from intact Arabidopsis leaves. Combining one- and two
      dimensional 1H HR-MAS NMR allowed the identification of several metabolites
      including sugars and amino acids in intact leaves. Multivariate analysis on HR
      MAS NMR spectra of leaves throughout the circadian cycle revealed modules of
      primary metabolites with significant and consistent variations of their molecular
      components at different time points of the circadian cycle. Since robust
      photosynthetic performance in plants relies on the functional periodicity of the
      circadian rhythm, our results show that HR-MAS NMR promises to be an important
      non-invasive method that can be used for metabolomics of the Arabidopsis thaliana
      mutants with altered physiology and photosynthetic efficiency.

PMID- 27662621
TI  - Reduced Plasmodium Parasite Burden Associates with CD38+ CD4+ T Cells Displaying
      Cytolytic Potential and Impaired IFN-gamma Production.
AB  - : Using a unique resource of samples from a controlled human malaria infection
      (CHMI) study, we identified a novel population of CD4+ T cells whose frequency in
      the peripheral blood was inversely correlated with parasite burden following P.
      falciparum infection. These CD4+ T cells expressed the multifunctional ectoenzyme
      CD38 and had unique features that distinguished them from other CD4+ T cells.
      Specifically, their phenotype was associated with proliferation, activation and
      cytotoxic potential as well as significantly impaired production of IFN-gamma and
      other cytokines and reduced basal levels of activated STAT1. A CD38+ CD4+ T cell
      population with similar features was identified in healthy uninfected
      individuals, at lower frequency. CD38+ CD4+ T cells could be generated in vitro
      from CD38- CD4+ T cells after antigenic or mitogenic stimulation. This is the
      first report of a population of CD38+ CD4+ T cells with a cytotoxic phenotype and
      markedly impaired IFN-gamma capacity in humans. The expansion of this CD38+ CD4+
      T population following infection and its significant association with reduced
      blood-stage parasite burden is consistent with an important functional role for
      these cells in protective immunity to malaria in humans. Their ubiquitous
      presence in humans suggests that they may have a broad role in host-pathogen
      defense. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov clinical trial numbers
      ACTRN12612000814875, ACTRN12613000565741 and ACTRN12613001040752.

PMID- 27662623
TI  - Role and therapeutic potential of CDK12 in human cancers.
AB  - Phosphorylation of the RNA polymerase II C-terminal domain by cyclin-dependent
      kinases (CDKs) is important for productive transcription. Deregulated
      transcription-CDKs have been reported in different human cancers. Until recently
      CDK9 was the only transcription-CDK with a causative role in cancer, but evidence
      is cumulating of the importance of CDK12. This review summarizes the role of
      CDK12 in transcription and RNA processing, in maintaining genomic
      stability/integrity and in tumorigenesis. CDK12 mutations have been reported in
      many cancers and have been suggested as a cause of defective DNA repair in
      ovarian carcinoma. CDK12 may have a role as a new therapeutic target in oncology.

PMID- 27662622
TI  - Variation in Lingual Nerve Course: A Human Cadaveric Study.
AB  - The lingual nerve is a terminal branch of the mandibular nerve. It is varied in
      its course and in its relationship to the mandibular alveolar crest,
      submandibular duct and also the related muscles in the floor of the mouth. This
      study aims to understand the course of the lingual nerve from the molar area
      until its insertion into the tongue muscle. This cadaveric research involved the
      study of 14 hemi-mandibles and consisted of two parts: (i) obtaining
      morphometrical measurements of the lingual nerve to three landmarks on the
      alveolar ridge, and (b) understanding non-metrical or morphological appearance of
      its terminal branches inserting in the ventral surface of the tongue. The mean
      distance between the fourteen lingual nerves and the alveolar ridge was 12.36 mm,
      and they were located 12.03 mm from the lower border of the mandible. These
      distances were varied when near the first molar (M1), second molar (M2) and third
      molar (M3). The lingual nerve coursed on the floor of the mouth for approximately
      25.43 mm before it deviated toward the tongue anywhere between the mesial of M1
      and distal of M2. Thirteen lingual nerves were found to loop around the
      submandibular duct for an average distance of 6.92 mm (95% CI: 5.24 to 8.60 mm).
      Their looping occurred anywhere between the M2 and M3. In 76.9% of the cases the
      loop started around the M3 region and the majority (69.2%) of these looping ended
      at between the first and second molars and at the lingual developmental groove of
      the second molar. It gave out as many as 4 branches at its terminal end at the
      ventral surface of the tongue, with the presence of 2 branches being the most
      common pattern. An awareness of the variations of the lingual nerve is important
      to prevent any untoward complications or nerve injury and it is hoped that these
      findings will be useful for planning of surgical procedures related to the
      alveolar crest, submandibular gland/ duct and surrounding areas.

PMID- 27662625
TI  - The effect of collagen fibril orientation on the biphasic mechanics of articular
      cartilage.
AB  - The highly inhomogeneous distribution of collagen fibrils may have important
      effects on the biphasic mechanics of articular cartilage. However, the effect of
      the inhomogeneity of collagen fibrils has mainly been investigated using
      simplified three-layered models, which may have underestimated the effect of
      collagen fibrils by neglecting their realistic orientation. The aim of this study
      was to investigate the effect of the realistic orientation of collagen fibrils on
      the biphasic mechanics of articular cartilage. Five biphasic material models,
      each of which included a different level of complexity of fibril reinforcement,
      were solved using two different finite element software packages (Abaqus and
      FEBio). Model 1 considered the realistic orientation of fibrils, which was
      derived from diffusion tensor magnetic resonance images. The simplified three
      layered orientation was used for Model 2. Models 3-5 were three control models.
      The realistic collagen orientations obtained in this study were consistent with
      the literature. Results from the two finite element implementations were in
      agreement for each of the conditions modelled. The comparison between the control
      models confirmed some functions of collagen fibrils. The comparison between
      Models 1 and 2 showed that the widely-used three-layered inhomogeneous model can
      produce similar fluid load support to the model including the realistic fibril
      orientation; however, an accurate prediction of the other mechanical parameters
      requires the inclusion of the realistic orientation of collagen fibrils.

PMID- 27662624
TI  - Association between Density of Coronary Artery Calcification and Serum Magnesium
      Levels among Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Agatston score, commonly used to quantify coronary artery
      calcification (CAC), is determined by the plaque area and density. Despite an
      excellent predictability of the Agatston score for cardiovascular events, the
      density of CAC has never been studied in patients with pre-dialysis chronic
      kidney disease (CKD). This study aimed to analyze the CAC density and its
      association with serum mineral levels in CKD. METHODS: We enrolled patients with
      pre-dialysis CKD who had diabetes mellitus, prior cardiovascular disease history,
      elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, or smoking history. The
      average CAC density was calculated by dividing the Agatston score by the total
      area of CAC. RESULTS: The mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 109
      enrolled patients was 35.7 mL/min/1.73 m2. The correlation of the Agatston score
      with density was much weaker than that with the total area (R2 = 0.19, P < 0.001;
      and R2 = 0.99, P < 0.001, respectively). Multivariate analyses showed that serum
      magnesium level was inversely associated with the density, but not with the total
      area, after adjustment for demographics and clinical factors related to
      malnutrition-inflammation-atherosclerosis syndrome and mineral and bone disorders
      including fibroblast growth factor 23 (P = 0.006). This inverse association was
      pronounced among patients with higher serum phosphate levels (P for interaction =
      0.02). CONCLUSION: CAC density was inversely associated with serum magnesium
      levels, particularly in patients with higher serum phosphate levels.

PMID- 27662626
TI  - Critical Role of IRF-3 in the Direct Regulation of dsRNA-Induced Retinoic Acid
      Inducible Gene-I (RIG-I) Expression.
AB  - The cytoplasmic viral sensor retinoic acid-inducible gene-I (RIG-I), which is
      also known as an IFN-stimulated gene (ISG), senses viral RNA to activate
      antiviral signaling. It is therefore thought that RIG-I is regulated in a STAT1
      dependent manner. Although RIG-I-mediated antiviral signaling is indispensable
      for the induction of an appropriate adaptive immune response, the mechanism
      underlying the regulation of RIG-I expression remains elusive. Here, we examined
      the direct regulation of RIG-I expression by interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF
      3), which is an essential molecule for antiviral innate immunity. We initially
      found that RIG-I can be induced by dsRNA in both IFN-independent and IRF-3
      dependent manners. A sequence analysis revealed that the RIG-I gene has putative
      IRF-3-binding sites in its promoter region. Using a combination of cellular,
      molecular biological, and mutational approaches, we first showed that IRF-3 can
      directly regulate the expression of RIG-I via a single IRF-element (IRF-E) site
      in the proximal promoter region of the RIG-I gene in response to dsRNA. IRF-3 is
      considered a master regulator in antiviral signaling for the generation of type I
      interferons (IFNs). Thus, our findings demonstrate that RIG-I expression induced
      by the IRF-3-mediated pathway may serve as a crucial antiviral factor for
      reinforcing a surveillance system against viral invasion through the regulation
      of the cytoplasmic viral sensor RIG-I.

PMID- 27662627
TI  - Arachidonic Acid Metabolite 19(S)-HETE Induces Vasorelaxation and Platelet
      Inhibition by Activating Prostacyclin (IP) Receptor.
AB  - 19(S)-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid (19(S)-HETE) belongs to a family of
      arachidonic acid metabolites produced by cytochrome P450 enzymes, which play
      critical roles in the regulation of cardiovascular, renal and pulmonary
      functions. Although it has been known for a long time that 19(S)-HETE has
      vascular effects, its mechanism of action has remained unclear. In this study we
      show that 19(S)-HETE induces cAMP accumulation in the human megakaryoblastic
      leukemia cell line MEG-01. This effect was concentration-dependent with an EC50
      of 520 nM, insensitive to pharmacological inhibition of COX-1/2 and required the
      expression of the G-protein Gs. Systematic siRNA-mediated knock-down of each G
      protein coupled receptor (GPCR) expressed in MEG-01 followed by functional
      analysis identified the prostacyclin receptor (IP) as the mediator of the effects
      of 19(S)-HETE, and the heterologously expressed IP receptor was also activated by
      19(S)-HETE in a concentration-dependent manner with an EC50 of 567 nM.
      Pretreatment of isolated murine platelets with 19(S)-HETE blocked thrombin
      induced platelets aggregation, an effect not seen in platelets from mice lacking
      the IP receptor. Furthermore, 19(S)-HETE was able to relax mouse mesenteric
      artery- and thoracic aorta-derived vessel segments. While pharmacological
      inhibition of COX-1/2 enzymes had no effect on the vasodilatory activity of 19(S)
      HETE these effects were not observed in vessels from mice lacking the IP
      receptor. These results identify a novel mechanism of action for the CYP450
      dependent arachidonic acid metabolite 19(S)-HETE and point to the existence of a
      broader spectrum of naturally occurring prostanoid receptor agonists.

PMID- 27662629
TI  - Mucosal and lacrimal flaps for endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy: a systematic
      review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Historically dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) has been performed
      externally with very good outcomes. Current literature shows comparable success
      rates between endonasal and external approaches. A common reason for the failure
      of a DCR is the reclosure of the nasolacrimal stoma by granulation tissue and
      synechiae. OBJECTIVE OF REVIEW: A systematic review and critical evaluation of
      the evidence relating to the preservation of nasal mucosal flaps in DCR surgery.
      TYPE OF REVIEW AND EVALUATION METHOD: A systematic review using the consort
      guidance for review of randomised control trials. SEARCH STRATEGY: A search of
      the following evidence-based medicine databases was performed: Cochrane Database
      of Systematic Reviews, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effectiveness,
      Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Ovid, Medline, EMBASE and PubMed.
      The search was limited to English language articles, and the following key words
      were used: Endonasal, Endoscopic, Dacryocystorhinostomy, DCR, Mucosal Flaps,
      between years 1970 and 2015. RESULTS: The best available evidence was level 1B,
      comprising two randomised control trials and three comparative studies included
      in the review. The main outcome measures used were lacrimal irrigation and
      absence of epiphora. Two of the studies demonstrated a statistically significant
      benefit of mucosal sparing either with nasal mucosal flaps or with lacrimal
      flaps. More debridement was needed, and granulation tissue was also seen in the
      groups without mucosal preservation. There was no difference in surgical
      complications between a mucosal and non-mucosal-sparing technique. CONCLUSIONS:
      The overall quality of current evidence is poor, and there does however appear to
      be a trend towards improved outcomes and reduced granulation in groups where
      nasal mucosal and lacrimal flaps were preserved, but this is not clear-cut. There
      was no evidence of increased complication rates with mucosal-sparing techniques.
      We recommend that until further good quality research is available we should be
      performing a mucosal-sparing technique when performing DCR routinely.

PMID- 27662628
TI  - Supramolecular Hemicage Cobalt Mediators for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells.
AB  - A new class of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) using the hemicage cobalt-based
      mediator [Co(ttb)]2+/3+ with the highly preorganized hexadentate ligand
      5,5'',5''''-((2,4,6-triethyl benzene-1,3,5-triyl)tris(ethane-2,1-diyl))tri-2,2'
      bipyridine (ttb) has been fully investigated. The performances of DSSCs
      sensitized with organic D-pi-A dyes utilizing either [Co(ttb)]2+/3+ or the
      conventional [Co(bpy)3 ]2+/3+ (bpy=2,2'-bipyridine) redox mediator are comparable
      under 1000 W m-2 AM 1.5 G illumination. However, the hemicage complexes exhibit
      exceptional stability under thermal and light stress. In particular, a 120-hour
      continuous light illumination stability test for DSSCs using [Co(ttb)]2+/3+
      resulted in a 10 % increase in the performance, whereas a 40 % decrease in
      performance was found for [Co(bpy)3 ]2+/3+ electrolyte-based DSSCs under the same
      conditions. These results demonstrate the great promise of [Co(ttb)]2+/3+
      complexes as redox mediators for efficient, cost-effective, large-scale DSSC
      devices.

PMID- 27662630
TI  - Pathways of root uptake and membrane transport of Cd2+ in the zinc/cadmium
      hyperaccumulating plant Sedum plumbizincicola.
AB  - Uptake and membrane transport of cadmium (Cd) in roots of the hyperaccumulator
      Sedum plumbizincicola X.H. Guo et S.B. Zhou ex L.H. Wu was characterized by
      assessing the impact of various inhibitors and ion channel blockers on Cd
      accumulation as well as the real-time net Cd2+ flux at the roots with application
      of the scanning ion-selective electrode technique. The uncouplers 2,4
      dinitrophenol and P-type adenosine triphosphatase inhibitor Na3 VO4 significantly
      limited Cd2+ uptake and transport kinetics in the root of S. plumbizincicola.
      These findings indicate that Cd is actively taken up into the roots. The Cd
      content in plant was significantly decreased with pretreatments of the Ca2+
      channel blocker La3+ or Gd3+ and the K+ channel blocker tetraethylammonium, as
      well as in the presence of higher concentration of Ca2+ and K+ . These findings
      indicated that uptake of Cd2+ into the root of S. plumbizincicola proceeds
      through ion channels that are permeable to both Ca2+ and K+ as confirmed by the
      direct evidence of real-time net Cd2+ fluxes at the root surface in the
      treatments with ion channel inhibitors, as well as in the presence of elevated
      concentrations of Ca2+ and K+ . In addition, the results suggested a role for
      phytochelatin and protein synthesis in mediating Cd2+ uptake by S.
      plumbizincicola. These findings increase the understanding of Cd2+ uptake and
      membrane transport pathways in roots of the Zn/Cd hyperaccumulator S.
      plumbizincicola. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1038-1046. (c) 2016 SETAC.

PMID- 27662631
TI  - Differences in Activation of HIV-1 Replication by Superinfection With HIV-1 and
      HIV-2 in U1 Cells.
AB  - Macrophages contribute to HIV-1 pathogenesis by forming a viral reservoir that
      serve as a viral source for the infection of CD4 T cells. The relationship
      between HIV-1 latent infection and superinfection in macrophages has not been
      well studied. Using susceptible U1 cells chronically infected with HIV-1, we
      studied the effects of HIV superinfection on latency and differences in
      superinfection with HIV-1 and HIV-2 in macrophages. We found that HIV-1 (MN)
      superinfection displayed increased HIV-1 replication in a time-dependent manner;
      while cells infected with HIV-2 (Rod) initially showed increased HIV-1
      replication, followed by a decrease in HIV-1 RNA production. HIV-1 superinfection
      upregulated/activated NF-KB, NFAT, AP-1, SP-1, and MAPK Erk through
      expression/activation of molecules, CD4, CD3, TCRbeta, Zap-70, PLCgamma1, and
      PKCTheta in T cell receptor-related signaling pathways; while HIV-2
      superinfection initially increased expression/activation of these molecules
      followed by decreased protein expression/activation. HIV superinfection initially
      downregulated HDAC1 and upregulated acetyl-histone H3 and histone H3 (K4), while
      HIV-2 superinfection demonstrated an increase in HDAC1 and a decrease in acetyl
      histone H3 and histone H3 (K4) relative to HIV-1 superinfection. U1 cells
      superinfected with HIV-1 or HIV-2 showed differential expression of proteins, IL
      2, PARP-1, YB-1, and LysRS. These findings indicate that superinfection with HIV
      1 or HIV-2 has different effects on reactivation of HIV-1 replication. HIV-1
      superinfection with high load of viral replication may result in high levels of
      cytotoxicity relative to HIV-2 superinfection. Cells infected with HIV-2 showed
      lower level of HIV-1 replication, suggesting that co-infection with HIV-2 may
      result in slower progression toward AIDS. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 1746-1753, 2017.
      (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27662632
TI  - Impact of stent diameter and length on in-stent restenosis after DES vs BMS
      implantation in patients needing large coronary stents-A clinical and health
      economic evaluation.
AB  - AIMS: The British National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines
      recommend to use drug-eluting stents (DES) instead of bare-metal stents (BMS)
      only in lesions >15 mm in length or in vessels <3 mm in diameter. We analyzed the
      impact of stent length and stent diameter on in-stent restenosis (ISR) in the
      BASKET-PROVE study population and evaluated the cost-effectiveness of DES
      compared to BMS. METHODS/RESULTS: The BASKET-PROVE trial compared DES vs BMS in
      large coronary arteries (>=3 mm). We calculated incremental cost-effectiveness
      ratios (ICERs) and cost-effectiveness acceptability curves with regard to quality
      adjusted life years (QALYs) gained and target lesion revascularizations (TLRs)
      avoided. A total of 2278 patients were included in the analysis. A total of 74
      ISR in 63 patients were observed. In-stent restenosis was significantly more
      frequent in segments treated with a BMS compared to segments treated with a DES
      (5.4% vs 0.76%; P<.001). The benefit of a DES compared to a BMS regarding ISR was
      consistent among the subgroups of stent length >15 mm and <=15 mm, respectively.
      With the use of DES in short lesions, there was only a minimal gain of 0.005 in
      QALYs. At a threshold of 10 000 CHF per TLR avoided, DES had a high probability
      of being cost-effective. CONCLUSION: In the BASKET-PROVE study population, the
      strongest predictor of ISR is the use of a BMS, even in patients in need of
      stents >=3.0 mm and <=15 mm lesion length and DES were cost-effective. This
      should prompt the NICE to reevaluate its recommendation to use DES instead of BMS
      only in vessels <3.0 mm and lesions >15 mm length.

PMID- 27662633
TI  - Radionuclide Assessment of Cardiac Function and Dyssynchrony in Children with
      Idiopathic Ventricular Tachycardia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of idiopathic
      ventricular tachycardia and premature ventricular beats on cardiac function and
      dyssynchrony and to elucidate relationships between data of scintigraphic and
      intracardiac electrophysiology studies (EPSs). METHODS: The study comprised 64
      patients with idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias (VAs; median age of 14 years
      ranging from 8 to 18 years). The control group comprised 20 patients (median age
      of 12 ranging from 7 to 16 years) without cardiac arrhythmias. EPS and
      radiofrequency ablation (RFA) procedure for VA were performed in 21 children
      according to indications. The functional state of both ventricles was assessed by
      gated blood pool single photon emission computer tomography (GBP-SPECT) before
      and after RFA in all patients. RESULTS: Patients with VA had local areas of
      asynchronous myocardial contraction (AMC). Compared with the control group, VA
      patients had significantly higher values of end-diastolic volume, end-systolic
      volume, and lower contractility indices. Negative association was found between
      total numbers of AMC areas and cardiac contractility indices. Ectopic foci
      localization, determined based on EPS data, was associated with AMC areas
      topography based on GBP-SPECT. RFA procedure significantly improved cardiac
      contractility indices; AMC areas completely disappeared or decreased compared
      with the preoperative conditions. CONCLUSION: In VA patients, AMC areas were
      localized mostly in the right ventricle. Comparison of the results of GBP-SPECT
      and EPS studies showed a relationship between AMC localizations and ectopic foci
      topography. The fact that AMC areas disappeared after RFA supports the hypothesis
      stating that the presence of AMC areas is a scintigraphic symptom of ectopic
      focus.

PMID- 27662634
TI  - Control of methylxanthines in the competition horse:
      pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic studies on caffeine, theobromine and theophylline
      for the assessment of irrelevant concentrations.
AB  - Methylxanthines positives in competition samples have challenged doping control
      laboratories and racing jurisdictions since methylxanthines are naturally
      occurring prohibited substances and often constituents of feed. For theobromine,
      an international threshold (renamed in International Residue Limit, IRL) of 2
      ug/mL in urine has been established. On the basis of the data presented herein, a
      threshold or rather an IRL for theobromine in plasma of 0.3 ug/mL was proposed
      and was thereupon approved by the International Federation of Horseracing
      Authorities (IFHA). Official recommendations for reporting caffeine and
      theophylline are still lacking. The aim of the study was to investigate IRLs for
      theobromine in blood and for caffeine and theophylline in blood and urine.
      Therefore, a set of six administrations were carried out including both single
      i.v. and single oral administrations of caffeine, theobromine and theophylline.
      Plasma and urine concentrations were determined using a validated liquid
      chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Applying the Toutain model
      approach an effective plasma concentration (EPC) of caffeine was estimated at
      3.05 ug/mL, irrelevant concentrations in blood (IPC) and urine (IUC) approached 6
      and 12 ng/mL, respectively. EPC of theobromine was calculated with 3.80 ug/mL,
      and irrelevant concentrations of theobromine were determined at 8 ng/mL in plasma
      and at 142 ng/mL in urine. Toutain modelling of the theophylline data produced an
      EPC, IPC, and IUC of 3.20 ug/mL, 6 ng/mL, and 75 ng/mL, respectively. The
      obtained irrelevant concentrations were used to postulate IRLs for theobromine in
      plasma and for caffeine and theophylline in plasma and urine. Copyright (c) 2016
      John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27662635
TI  - Interactions between parental traits, environmental harshness and growth rate in
      determining telomere length in wild juvenile salmon.
AB  - A larger body size confers many benefits, such as increased reproductive success,
      ability to evade predators and increased competitive ability and social status.
      However, individuals rarely maximize their growth rates, suggesting that this
      carries costs. One such cost could be faster attrition of the telomeres that cap
      the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes and play an important role in chromosome
      protection. A relatively short telomere length is indicative of poor biological
      state, including poorer tissue and organ performance, reduced potential longevity
      and increased disease susceptibility. Telomere loss during growth may also be
      accelerated by environmental factors, but these have rarely been subjected to
      experimental manipulation in the natural environment. Using a wild system
      involving experimental manipulations of juvenile Atlantic salmon Salmo salar in
      Scottish streams, we found that telomere length in juvenile fish was influenced
      by parental traits and by direct environmental effects. We found that faster
      growing fish had shorter telomeres and there was a greater cost (in terms of
      reduced telomere length) if the growth occurred in a harsher environment. We also
      found a positive association between offspring telomere length and the growth
      history of their fathers (but not mothers), represented by the number of years
      fathers had spent at sea. This suggests that there may be long-term consequences
      of growth conditions and parental life history for individual longevity.

PMID- 27662636
TI  - The effects of irradiation on the biological and biomechanical properties of an
      acellular porcine superflexor tendon graft for cruciate ligament repair.
AB  - Acellular xenogeneic tissues have the potential to provide 'off-the-shelf' grafts
      for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair. To ensure that such grafts are
      sterile following packaging, it is desirable to use terminal sterilization
      methods. Here, the effects of gamma and electron beam irradiation on the
      biological and biomechanical properties of a previously developed acellular
      porcine superflexor tendon (pSFT) were investigated. Irradiation following
      treatment with peracetic acid was compared to peracetic acid treatment alone and
      the stability of grafts following long-term storage assessed. Irradiation did not
      affect total collagen content or biocompatibility (determined using a contact
      cytotoxicity assay) of the grafts, but slightly increased the amount of denatured
      collagen in and decreased the thermal denaturation temperature of the tissue in a
      dose dependant fashion. Biomechanical properties of the grafts were altered by
      irradiation (reduced ultimate tensile strength and Young's modulus, increased
      failure strain), but remained superior to reported properties of the native human
      ACL. Long term storage at 4 degrees C had no negative effects on the grafts. Of
      all the conditions tested, a dose of minimum 25 kGy of gamma irradiation had
      least effect on the grafts, suggesting that this dose produces a biocompatible
      pSFT graft with adequate mechanical properties for ACL repair. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 2477-2486,
      2017.

PMID- 27662638
TI  - Protein Staining Agents from Cationic and Neutral Luminescent Iridium(III)
      Complexes.
AB  - Seven luminescent iridium(III) complexes were prepared to investigate the
      relationships between chemical structures and properties of protein staining. For
      the first time, the effect of the main ligand, the pi conjugation effect of the
      ancillary ligand, and the charge effect of organometallic complexes on protein
      staining has been revealed. Most importantly, this study gives the first
      experimental evidence of the potential applications of charge-neutral
      organometallic complexes in protein staining, which could open an avenue of
      exploiting novel protein staining agents in the future.

PMID- 27662637
TI  - Major pathogenic mechanisms in vascular dementia: Roles of cellular stress
      response and hormesis in neuroprotection.
AB  - Vascular dementia (VaD), considered the second most common cause of cognitive
      impairment after Alzheimer disease in the elderly, involves the impairment of
      memory and cognitive function as a consequence of cerebrovascular disease.
      Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion is a common pathophysiological condition
      frequently occurring in VaD. It is generally associated with neurovascular
      degeneration, in which neuronal damage and blood-brain barrier alterations
      coexist and evoke beta-amyloid-induced oxidative and nitrosative stress,
      mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammasome- promoted neuroinflammation, which
      contribute to and exacerbate the course of disease. Vascular cognitive impairment
      comprises a heterogeneous group of cognitive disorders of various severity and
      types that share a presumed vascular etiology. The present study reviews major
      pathogenic factors involved in VaD, highlighting the relevance of cerebrocellular
      stress and hormetic responses to neurovascular insult, and addresses these
      mechanisms as potentially viable and valuable as foci of novel neuroprotective
      methods to mitigate or prevent VaD. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27662639
TI  - Genetic basis for rapidly evolved tolerance in the wild: adaptation to toxic
      pollutants by an estuarine fish species.
AB  - Atlantic killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) residing in some urban and
      industrialized estuaries of the US eastern seaboard demonstrate recently evolved
      and extreme tolerance to toxic aryl hydrocarbon pollutants, characterized as
      dioxin-like compounds (DLCs). Here, we provide an unusually comprehensive
      accounting (69%) through quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis of the genetic
      basis for DLC tolerance in killifish inhabiting an urban estuary contaminated
      with PCB congeners, the most toxic of which are DLCs. Consistent with mechanistic
      knowledge of DLC toxicity in fish and other vertebrates, the aryl hydrocarbon
      receptor (ahr2) region accounts for 17% of trait variation; however, QTL on
      independent linkage groups and their interactions have even greater explanatory
      power (44%). QTL interpreted within the context of recently available Fundulus
      genomic resources and shared synteny among fish species suggest adaptation via
      interacting components of a complex stress response network. Some QTL were also
      enriched in other killifish populations characterized as DLC-tolerant and
      residing in distant urban estuaries contaminated with unique mixtures of
      pollutants. Together, our results suggest that DLC tolerance in killifish
      represents an emerging example of parallel contemporary evolution that has been
      driven by intense human-mediated selection on natural populations.

PMID- 27662640
TI  - Comparison of diagnostic accuracies of two- and three-dimensional MR elastography
      of the liver.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of imaging sequence (spin-echo echo-planar
      imaging [EPI] and gradient-echo [GRE]) and postprocessing method (two-dimensional
      [2D] and 3D inversion algorithms) on liver MR elastography (MRE) and to validate
      the diagnostic performance of EPI-MRE3D versus conventional GRE-MRE2D for liver
      fibrosis staging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three MRE methods (EPI-MRE3D , EPI-MRE2D
      , and GRE-MRE2D ) were performed on soft and mildly stiff phantoms and 58
      patients with chronic liver disease using a 3 Tesla clinical MRI scanner, and
      stiffness values were compared among the three methods. A validation study
      comprised 73 patients with histological liver fibrosis (F0-4, METAVIR system).
      Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) and accuracies
      for diagnosing significant fibrosis (F3-4) and cirrhosis (F4) were compared
      between EPI-MRE3D and GRE-MRE2D . RESULTS: Stiffness values of the soft and
      mildly stiff phantoms were 2.4 kPa and 4.0 kPa by EPI-MRE3D ; 2.6 kPa and 4.2 kPa
      by EPI-MRE2D ; and 2.7 kPa and 4.2 kPa by GRE-MRE2D . In patients, EPI-MRE3D
      provided significantly lower stiffness values than other methods (P < 0.001).
      However, there was no significant difference between GRE-MRE2D and EPI-MRE2D (P =
      0.12). The AUCs and accuracies of EPI-MRE3D and GRE-MRE2D were statistically
      equivalent in the diagnoses of significant fibrosis (F3-4) and cirrhosis (F4)
      (all P < 0.005). CONCLUSION: EPI-MRE3D showed modestly lower liver stiffness
      values than conventional GRE-MRE2D . The diagnostic performances of EPI-MRE3D and
      GRE-MRE2D were equivalent for liver fibrosis staging. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 J.
      Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;45:1163-1170.

PMID- 27662643
TI  - Prenatal screening for microcephaly: an update after three decades.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Due to the recent outbreak of Zika virus, there has been a newfound
      interest in fetal and neonatal microcephaly. In 1984, Chervenak et al. proposed
      criteria for the prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of microcephaly as <=3 standard
      deviations (SD) from the mean. Despite improvements in medicine these criteria
      have not been reevaluated in 30 years. OBJECTIVE: To examine how the original
      1984 Chervenak et al. criteria for the diagnosis of fetal microcephaly apply to a
      current population utilizing modern ultrasound equipment and techniques. STUDY
      DESIGN: Retrospective database review of 27,697 ultrasound exams between 18 and
      40 weeks' gestation. Mean and SDs were calculated for each week of gestation from
      18 to 40 completed weeks and these were compared to the 1984 data. RESULTS: There
      is no statistically significant difference in gestational age-specific mean head
      circumference (HC) between the two studied populations. Because the current
      dataset is larger the SD differ. CONCLUSIONS: The 1984 ultrasound criteria for
      microcephaly remain valid. Physicians today have two alternatives: either use the
      3SD cutoff as recommended by Chervenak et al. and endorsed by the Society for
      Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) or develop a new dataset for one's population with
      statistical validation.

PMID- 27662641
TI  - Reduced feeding tube duration with intensity-modulated radiation therapy for head
      and neck cancer: A Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is a technologically
      advanced and resource-intensive method of delivering radiation therapy (RT) and
      is used to minimize toxicity for patients with head and neck cancer (HNC).
      Dependence on feeding tubes is a significant marker of toxicity of RT. The
      objective of this analysis was to compare the placement and duration of feeding
      tube use among patients with HNC from 1999 through 2011. METHODS: The cohort,
      demographics, and cancer-related variables were determined using the linked
      Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database, and claims
      data were used to analyze treatment details. RESULTS: In total, 2993 patients
      were identified. At a median follow-up of 47 months, 54.4% of patients had ever
      had a feeding tube placed. The median duration from feeding tube placement to
      removal was 277 days. On zero-inflated negative binomial regression, patients who
      received IMRT and 3-dimensional RT (3DRT) (non-IMRT) had similar rates of feeding
      tube placement (odds ratio, 1.10; P = .35); however, patients who received 3DRT
      had a feeding tube in place 1.18 times longer than those who received IMRT (P =
      .03). The difference was only observed among patients who received definitive RT;
      patients who underwent surgery and also received adjuvant RT had no statistically
      significant difference in feeding tube placement or duration. CONCLUSIONS:
      Patients with HNC who received definitive IMRT had a significantly shorter
      duration of feeding tube placement than those who received 3DRT. These data
      suggest that there may be significant quality-of-life benefits to IMRT with
      respect to long-term swallowing function in patients with HNC. Cancer
      2017;123:283-293. (c) 2016 American Cancer Society.

PMID- 27662642
TI  - Sperm Binding to Oviduct Epithelial Cells Enhances TGFB1 and IL10 Expressions in
      Epithelial Cells as Well as Neutrophils In Vitro: Prostaglandin E2 As a Main
      Regulator of Anti-Inflammatory Response in the Bovine Oviduct.
AB  - Sperm are allogenic to the female genital tract; however, oviducts provide
      optimal conditions for survival and capacitation of these non-self cells until
      fertilization. Recently, we showed that oviduct-conditioned media and
      prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) suppress sperm phagocytosis by polymorphonuclear
      neutrophils (PMNs) under physiological conditions. We hypothesized that sperm
      binding to bovine oviduct epithelial cells (BOECs) could change the local innate
      immunity via PGE2. As the first step to obtain basic information, sub-confluent
      BOEC monolayers were co-cultured with swim-up sperm for 2 h. BOECs with viable
      bound sperm were cultured for an additional 3, 6, 12, or 24 h. Then, we confirmed
      the impact of the sperm-BOEC binding on both BOECs and PMN gene expression.
      Immunohistochemistry revealed that BOECs strongly express TGFB1 and IL10 in the
      oviduct. Sperm binding to BOECs in culture induced the anti-inflammatory
      cytokines (TGFB1 and IL10) and PGE2 production by BOECs. Exogenous PGE2 in vitro
      suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokine expression (TNF and IL1B) in BOECs.
      Moreover, pre-exposure of PMNs to BOEC-conditioned media suppressed the TNF
      expression, but the BOEC media co-cultured with sperm stimulated PMNs to express
      TGFB1 and IL10, with increasing PGE2 secretion. Of note, exogenous PGE2 led PMNs
      in vitro to decrease their TNF expression and increase anti-inflammatory
      cytokines expression. Our findings strongly suggest that BOECs provide an anti
      inflammatory environment under physiological conditions and the sperm-BOEC
      binding further strengthens this milieu thus suppresses PMNs in the bovine
      oviduct. PGE2 is likely to drive this stable anti-inflammatory environment in the
      oviduct.

PMID- 27662645
TI  - Preface to special issue on "Hormones in normal and pathological pregnancies".

PMID- 27662644
TI  - Neuropharmacological and neurochemical evaluation of N-n-propyl-3
      ethoxyquinoxaline-2-carboxamide (6n): a novel serotonergic 5-HT3 receptor
      antagonist for co-morbid antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like potential using
      traumatic brain injury model in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several preclinical studies have shown that serotonergic 5-HT3
      receptor antagonists play an important role in the management of neuropsychiatric
      disorders, such as depression and anxiety. In the present study the compound "6n"
      (N-n-propyl-3-ethoxyquinoxaline-2-carboxamide), a novel 5-HT3 receptor antagonist
      with an optimal log P (2.52) and pA2 (7.6) value was screened for its neuro
      pharmacological potential in chronic rodent models of depression and anxiety
      named traumatic brain injury (TBI). METHODS: In this model, a 1 cm midline scalp
      incision was made, and the muscles were retracted to expose the skull. A
      stainless steel disc (10 mm in diameter and 3 mm in depth) was placed centrally
      between the lambda and bregma regions. The injury was induced using the impact
      acceleration model of TBI. Specifically, a 400 g metal weight was dropped from a
      height of 1 m guided by a straight pipe, onto the metal disc placed over the
      rat's skull. RESULTS: The behavioral anomalies of the TBI rats were attenuated by
      the chronic treatment of compound 6n (1 and 2 mg/kg, p.o.; 14 days) as observed
      by the modified open field test (ambulation, rearing, and fecal pellet), sucrose
      consumption test (% sucrose consumption), elevated plus maze [% open arm entries
      [OAE] and % time spent in open arm (TSOA)], and marble burying test (numbers). In
      addition, 6n also increased the levels of neurotransmitters (norepinephrine and
      serotonin) and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in TBI rats. CONCLUSIONS:
      The result suggests that compound 6n exhibited antidepressant- and anxiolytic
      like effects in rodent models of depression and anxiety.

PMID- 27662647
TI  - Present and future aspects of dydrogesterone in prevention or treatment of
      pregnancy disorders: an outlook.
AB  - Over time, it became evident that with the use of micronized progesterone and
      dydrogesterone prevention or treatment of pregnancy disorders such as threatened
      miscarriage, recurrent (habitual) miscarriage, preterm labor or preeclampsia
      appears to be possible. The results so far obtained will be delineated and
      concepts of prevention or treatment are suggested with the aim to further explore
      these pregnancy disorders either by prevention or treatment concepts to obtain
      not only benefits to the mother and the fetus, but furthermore this results in
      benefits for lifetime for the individual, for the family and last but not least
      for society. 

PMID- 27662646
TI  - Progesterone in normal and pathological pregnancy.
AB  - Progesterone is an essential hormone in the process of reproduction. It is
      involved in the menstrual cycle, implantation and is essential for pregnancy
      maintenance. It has been proposed and extensively used in the treatment of
      different gynecological pathologies as well as in assisted reproductive
      technologies and in the maintenance of pregnancy. Called "the pregnancy hormone",
      natural progesterone is essential before pregnancy and has a crucial role in its
      maintenance based on different mechanisms such as: modulation of maternal immune
      response and suppression of inflammatory response (the presence of progesterone
      and its interaction with progesterone receptors at the decidua level appears to
      play a major role in the maternal defense strategy), reduction of uterine
      contractility (adequate progesterone concentrations in myometrium are able to
      counteract prostaglandin stimulatory activity as well as oxytocin), improvement
      of utero-placental circulation and luteal phase support (it has been demonstrated
      that progesterone may promote the invasion of extravillous trophoblasts to the
      decidua by inhibiting apoptosis of extravillous trophoblasts). Once the
      therapeutic need of progesterone is established, the key factor is the decision
      of the best route to administer the hormone and the optimal dosage determination.
      Progesterone can be administered by many different routes, but the most utilized
      are oral, the vaginal and intramuscular administration. The main uses of
      progesterone are represented by: threatened miscarriage, recurrent miscarriage
      and preterm birth (in the prevention strategy, as a tocolytic agent and also in
      the maintenance of uterine quiescence). 

PMID- 27662648
TI  - Pharmacogenomics in pain treatment.
AB  - The experience of chronic pain is one of the commonest reasons for seeking
      medical attention, being a major issue in clinical practice. While pain is a
      universal experience, only a small proportion of people who felt pain develop
      pain syndromes. In addition, painkillers are associated with wide inter
      individual variability in the analgesic response. This may be partly explained by
      the presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes encoding molecular
      entities involved in pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. However, uptake of
      this information has been slow due in large part to the lack of robust evidences
      demonstrating clinical utility. Furthermore, novel therapies, including targeting
      of epigenetic changes and gene therapy-based approaches are further broadening
      future options for the treatment of chronic pain. The aim of this article is to
      review the evidences behind pharmacogenetics (PGx) to individualize therapy
      (boosting the efficacy and minimizing potential toxicity) and genes implicated in
      pain medicine, in two parts: (i) genetic variability with pain sensitivity and
      analgesic response; and (ii) pharmacological concepts applied on PGx.

PMID- 27662649
TI  - The impact of CYP4F2, ABCB1, and GGCX polymorphisms on bleeding episodes
      associated with acenocoumarol in Russian patients with atrial fibrillation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oral anticoagulants are commonly used to treat patients with
      thromboembolic pathology. Genetic variations could influence personal response to
      anticoagulant drugs. Acenocoumarol (AC) is a vitamin K antagonist used in
      anticoagulant therapy and as a prophylaxis measure in Europe. In this study, we
      assessed the effect of CYP4F2 rs2108622, ABCB1, and GGCX polymorphisms on the
      safety profile and regime dosing of AC in patients with nonvalvular atrial
      fibrillation. METHODS: Fifty patients aged 40-70 years were included. All
      patients received AC in the dose of 1-6 mg daily with a target international
      normalized ratio of 2.0-3.0. Genotyping for polymorphism markers C3435T for the
      ABCB1 gene, rs2108622 for the CYP4F2 gene, and rs11676382 for the GGCX gene were
      designed using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length
      polymorphism. Statistical analysis was performed using the Fisher exact test and
      the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: We found that CYP4F2 rs2108622 CT carriers
      required a higher AC dose than CC (p=0.0366), and CT and TT carriers required a
      higher AC dose than CC (p=0.0314). CONCLUSIONS: We found that ABCB1 CT and TT
      genotypes are associated with a higher risk of bleeding. No influence of ABCB1
      and GGCX polymorphisms on the doses of AC was established. CYP4F2 could still be
      a genetic factor responsible for the personal variability of AC metabolism.

PMID- 27662650
TI  - Study of Autophagy and Microangiopathy in Sural Nerves of Patients with Chronic
      Idiopathic Axonal Polyneuropathy.
AB  - Twenty-five percent of polyneuropathies are idiopathic. Microangiopathy has been
      suggested to be a possible pathogenic cause of chronic idiopathic axonal
      polyneuropathy (CIAP). Dysfunction of the autophagy pathway has been implicated
      as a marker of neurodegeneration in the central nervous system, but the autophagy
      process is not explored in the peripheral nervous system. In the current study,
      we examined the presence of microangiopathy and autophagy-related structures in
      sural nerve biopsies of 10 patients with CIAP, 11 controls with inflammatory
      neuropathy and 10 controls without sensory polyneuropathy. We did not find any
      significant difference in endoneurial microangiopathic markers in patients with
      CIAP compared to normal controls, though we did find a correlation between basal
      lamina area thickness and age. Unexpectedly, we found a significantly larger
      basal lamina area thickness in patients with vasculitic neuropathy. Furthermore,
      we found a significantly higher density of endoneurial autophagy-related
      structures, particularly in patients with CIAP but also in patients with
      inflammatory neuropathy, compared to normal controls. It is unclear if the
      alteration in the autophagy pathway is a consequence or a cause of the
      neuropathy. Our results do not support the hypothesis that CIAP is primarily
      caused by a microangiopathic process in endoneurial blood vessels in peripheral
      nerves. The significantly higher density of autophagy structures in sural nerves
      obtained from patients with CIAP and inflammatory neuropathy vs. controls
      indicates the involvement of this pathway in neuropathy, particularly in CIAP,
      since the increase in density of autophagy-related structures was more pronounced
      in patients with CIAP than those with inflammatory neuropathy. To our knowledge
      this is the first report investigating signs of autophagy process in peripheral
      nerves in patients with CIAP and inflammatory neuropathy.

PMID- 27662651
TI  - Sequence Based Prediction of Antioxidant Proteins Using a Classifier Selection
      Strategy.
AB  - Antioxidant proteins perform significant functions in maintaining
      oxidation/antioxidation balance and have potential therapies for some diseases.
      Accurate identification of antioxidant proteins could contribute to revealing
      physiological processes of oxidation/antioxidation balance and developing novel
      antioxidation-based drugs. In this study, an ensemble method is presented to
      predict antioxidant proteins with hybrid features, incorporating SSI (Secondary
      Structure Information), PSSM (Position Specific Scoring Matrix), RSA (Relative
      Solvent Accessibility), and CTD (Composition, Transition, Distribution). The
      prediction results of the ensemble predictor are determined by an average of
      prediction results of multiple base classifiers. Based on a classifier selection
      strategy, we obtain an optimal ensemble classifier composed of RF (Random
      Forest), SMO (Sequential Minimal Optimization), NNA (Nearest Neighbor Algorithm),
      and J48 with an accuracy of 0.925. A Relief combined with IFS (Incremental
      Feature Selection) method is adopted to obtain optimal features from hybrid
      features. With the optimal features, the ensemble method achieves improved
      performance with a sensitivity of 0.95, a specificity of 0.93, an accuracy of
      0.94, and an MCC (Matthew's Correlation Coefficient) of 0.880, far better than
      the existing method. To evaluate the prediction performance objectively, the
      proposed method is compared with existing methods on the same independent testing
      dataset. Encouragingly, our method performs better than previous studies. In
      addition, our method achieves more balanced performance with a sensitivity of
      0.878 and a specificity of 0.860. These results suggest that the proposed
      ensemble method can be a potential candidate for antioxidant protein prediction.
      For public access, we develop a user-friendly web server for antioxidant protein
      identification that is freely accessible at http://antioxidant.weka.cc.

PMID- 27662652
TI  - Carbohydrate-Binding Non-Peptidic Pradimicins for the Treatment of Acute Sleeping
      Sickness in Murine Models.
AB  - Current treatments available for African sleeping sickness or human African
      trypanosomiasis (HAT) are limited, with poor efficacy and unacceptable safety
      profiles. Here, we report a new approach to address treatment of this disease
      based on the use of compounds that bind to parasite surface glycans leading to
      rapid killing of trypanosomes. Pradimicin and its derivatives are non-peptidic
      carbohydrate-binding agents that adhere to the carbohydrate moiety of the
      parasite surface glycoproteins inducing parasite lysis in vitro. Notably,
      pradimicin S has good pharmaceutical properties and enables cure of an acute form
      of the disease in mice. By inducing resistance in vitro we have established that
      the composition of the sugars attached to the variant surface glycoproteins are
      critical to the mode of action of pradimicins and play an important role in
      infectivity. The compounds identified represent a novel approach to develop drugs
      to treat HAT.

PMID- 27662653
TI  - High-Grade Salivary-Gland Involvement, Assessed by Histology or Ultrasonography,
      Is Associated with a Poor Response to a Single Rituximab Course in Primary
      Sjogren's Syndrome: Data from the TEARS Randomized Trial.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine whether the severity of salivary-gland involvement,
      assessed using salivary gland ultrasonography [SGUS], histological focus score,
      or the unstimulated whole salivary flow [UWSF], was associated with the response
      to rituximab in patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome [pSS]. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Among the 120 patients with pSS enrolled in the randomised TEARS trial
      of rituximab versus placebo, 35 underwent either centralised minor salivary-gland
      biopsy or SGUS at inclusion. The echostructure of each parotid and submandibular
      gland was graded on a scale of 0 to 4. Histologic minor salivary gland
      involvement was assessed by the focus score. Among rituximab-treated patients
      with available data (n = 14), half met the Sjogren's Syndrome Responder Index
      [SSRI]-30 definition of a response at week 24. RESULTS: The SGUS score correlated
      positively to the focus score [r = 0.61] and negatively to the UWSF [r = -0.68].
      The focus score was not correlated to the UWSF. The median total SGUS grade at
      inclusion was 9 [6-11] in responders versus 16 [11-16] in non-responders [p =
      0.04]. The proportion of SSRI-30 responders was 0% among patients with SGUS grade
      4 and 88% among those with SGUS grade <=3. Low baseline SGUS scores were
      associated with sicca-related outcomes improvement, but not with fatigue or
      biological improvement. Median baseline focus score was 0.3 [0.0-1.3] in the
      responders versus 4.0 [2.7-5.3] in the non-responders [p = 0.02]. Baseline UWSF
      was not associated with the response rate. CONCLUSION: In patients with pSS, the
      highest SGUS grade or a high histological focus score is associated with absence
      of a response to a single rituximab course after 6 months. Further studies,
      including more patients and different treatment strategies, are required to
      confirm the clinical utility of these potential biomarkers in pSS.

PMID- 27662654
TI  - Varenicline and Risk of Self-Harm: A Nested Case-Control Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Smoking remains a serious public health concern. Pharmacotherapy for
      smoking cessation, including bupropion and varenicline, are proven means to
      increase quit rates. Post-marketing reports describing suicidal behaviours have
      raised concerns about the safety of varenicline. However, whether varenicline
      imparts a higher risk of suicide relative to bupropion remains uncertain.
      METHODS: A population-based nested case-control study in Ontario, Canada, from
      April 1, 2011 to March 31, 2015 was conducted. Subjects were residents of Ontario
      aged 18 years and older with publicly funded drug coverage receiving either
      bupropion or varenicline for smoking cessation. We defined cases were those with
      a hospitalization or emergency department visit for suicide or non-fatal self
      harm within 90 days of treatment. For each case, we identified up to fifty
      controls from the same cohort matched on age, sex, history of self-harm, use of
      selected psychotropic medications, alcohol abuse and prior admission to a mental
      health unit. Adjusted odds ratio were used to compare the risk of suicide/self
      harm of varenicline to bupropion. RESULTS: We identified 331 cases and 5,346
      matched-controls. Following adjustment for potential confounders, we found that
      varenicline was not associated with an increased risk of suicide/self-harm
      relative to bupropion (adjusted odds ratio 1.15; 95% confidence interval 0.71 to
      1.87). INTERPRETATION: Treatment with varenicline does not appear to
      significantly increase the risk of suicide or self-harm relative to bupropion.

PMID- 27662656
TI  - Association between Hair Cortisol Concentration and Adiposity Measures among
      Children and Parents from the "Healthy Start" Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies have suggested a direct association between hair
      cortisol concentration (HCC) and Body Mass Index (BMI), as well as other
      adiposity measures. However, these studies have mostly been conducted among adult
      populations. OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between HCC and different
      measures of adiposity among a selected group of children predisposed to obesity
      and their parents. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study based on 363
      children and their parents (301 mothers and 231 fathers) participating in the
      "Healthy Start" study. Linear regression analysis was used to investigate
      associations between HCC and adiposity measures while taking into account
      possible confounding factors. Analyses were performed examining the association
      between HCC and BMI, fat mass and fat free mass index Z-scores, as well as waist
      circumference and waist-hip ratio among the children. Likewise, the association
      between HCC and BMI among the parents was explored. Finally, we examined the
      association between parental HCC and children's adiposity measures. RESULTS: HCC
      was directly associated with a higher BMI among the fathers (0.49 kg/m2 [95% CI:
      0.09, 0.90, P = 0.02] per 100 pg/mg) and the mothers (0.93 kg/m2 [95% CI: 0.24,
      1.61, P = 0.01] per 100 pg/mg). We found no clear evidence of an association
      between HCC and adiposity measures among children. However, a high maternal HCC
      was associated with a high fat mass index and low fat free mass index z-score in
      the offspring (0.14 SD [95% CI: 0.02, 0.26, P = 0.02] and -0.17 SD [95% CI: 
      0.30, -0.05, P = 0.01] per 100 pg/mg, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our study found
      no evidence of an association between HCC and measures of adiposity among
      children predisposed to obesity. However, HCC may be directly associated with BMI
      among men and women, and maternal HCC may be related to a higher fat mass and a
      lower fat free mass among their children.

PMID- 27662655
TI  - NSG Mice Provide a Better Spontaneous Model of Breast Cancer Metastasis than
      Athymic (Nude) Mice.
AB  - Metastasis is the most common cause of mortality in breast cancer patients
      worldwide. To identify improved mouse models for breast cancer growth and
      spontaneous metastasis, we examined growth and metastasis of both estrogen
      receptor positive (T47D) and negative (MDA-MB-231, SUM1315, and CN34BrM) human
      breast cancer cells in nude and NSG mice. Both primary tumor growth and
      spontaneous metastases were increased in NSG mice compared to nude mice. In
      addition, a pattern of metastasis similar to that observed in human breast cancer
      patients (metastases to the lungs, liver, bones, brain, and lymph nodes) was
      found in NSG mice. Furthermore, there was an increase in the metastatic burden in
      NSG compared to nude mice that were injected with MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells
      in an intracardiac experimental metastasis model. This data demonstrates that NSG
      mice provide a better model for studying human breast cancer metastasis compared
      to the current nude mouse model.

PMID- 27662657
TI  - MDM2 and CDK4 amplifications are rare events in salivary duct carcinomas.
AB  - Salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) is an aggressive adenocarcinoma of the salivary
      glands associated with poor clinical outcome. SDCs are known to carry TP53
      mutations in about 50%, however, only little is known about alternative
      pathogenic mechanisms within the p53 regulatory network. Particularly, data on
      alterations of the oncogenes MDM2 and CDK4 located in the chromosomal region
      12q13-15 are limited in SDC, while genomic rearrangements of the adjacent HMGA2
      gene locus are well documented in subsets of SDCs. We here analyzed the
      mutational status of the TP53 gene, genomic amplification of MDM2, CDK4 and HMGA2
      rearrangement/amplification as well as protein expression of TP53 (p53), MDM2 and
      CDK4 in 51 de novo and ex pleomorphic adenoma SDCs.25 of 51 cases were found to
      carry TP53 mutations, associated with extreme positive immunohistochemical p53
      staining levels in 13 cases. Three out of 51 tumors had an MDM2 amplification,
      one of them coinciding with a CDK4 amplification and two with a HMGA2
      rearrangement/amplification. Two of the MDM2 amplifications occurred in the
      setting of a TP53 mutation. Two out of 51 cases showed a CDK4 amplification, one
      synchronously being MDM2 amplified and the other one displaying concurrent low
      copy number increases of both, MDM2 and HMGA2.In summary, we here show that
      subgroups of SDCs display genomic amplifications of MDM2 and/or CDK4, partly in
      association with TP53 mutations and rearrangement/amplification of HMGA2. Further
      research is necessary to clarify the role of chromosomal region 12q13-15
      alterations in SDC tumorigenesis and their potential prognostic and therapeutic
      relevance.

PMID- 27662658
TI  - Synergistic activity of ALK and mTOR inhibitors for the treatment of NPM-ALK
      positive lymphoma.
AB  - ALK-positive Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) represents a subset of Non
      Hodgkin Lymphoma whose treatment benefited from crizotinib development, a dual
      ALK/MET inhibitor. Crizotinib blocks ALK-triggered pathways such as
      PI3K/AKT/mTOR, indispensable for survival of ALK-driven tumors.Despite the
      positive impact of targeted treatment in ALCL, resistant clones are often
      selected during therapy. Strategies to overcome resistance include the design of
      second generation drugs and the use of combined therapies that simultaneously
      target multiple nodes essential for cells survival. We investigated the effects
      of combined ALK/mTOR inhibition. We observed a specific synergistic effect of
      combining ALK inhibitors with an mTOR inhibitor (temsirolimus), in ALK+ lymphoma
      cells. The positive cooperation resulted in an increased inhibition of mTOR
      effectors, compared to single treatments, a block in G0/G1 phase and induction of
      apoptosis. The combination was able to prevent the selection of resistant clones,
      while long-term exposure to single agents led to the establishment of resistant
      cell lines, with either ALK inhibitor or temsirolimus. In vivo, mice injected
      with Karpas 299 cells and treated with low dose combination showed complete
      regression of tumors, while only partial inhibition was obtained in single agents
      treated mice. Upon treatment stop the combination was able to significantly delay
      tumor relapses. Re-challenge of relapsed tumors at a higher dose led to full
      regression of xenografts in the combination group, but not in mice treated with
      lorlatinib alone. In conclusion, our data suggest that the combination of ALK and
      mTOR inhibitors could be a valuable therapeutic option for ALK+ ALCL patients.

PMID- 27662659
TI  - Prognostic role of the lymph node ratio in node positive colorectal cancer: a
      meta-analysis.
AB  - The lymph node ratio (LNR) (i.e. the number of metastatic lymph nodes divided by
      the number of totally resected lymph nodes) has recently emerged as an important
      prognostic factor in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the tumor node metastasis
      (TNM) staging system for colorectal cancer does not consider it as a prognostic
      parameter. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the prognostic
      role of the LNR in node positive CRC. A systematic search was performed in
      PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library for relevant studies up to November 2015.
      As a result, a total of 75,838 node positive patients in 33 studies were included
      in this meta-analysis. Higher LNR was significantly associated with shorter
      overall survival (OS) (HR = 1.91; 95% CI 1.71-2.14; P = 0.0000) and disease free
      survival (DFS) (HR = 2.75; 95% CI: 2.14-3.53; P = 0.0000). Subgroup analysis
      showed similar results. Based on these results, LNR was an independent predictor
      of survival in colorectal cancer patients and should be considered as a parameter
      in future oncologic staging systems.

PMID- 27662660
TI  - Genomic characterization of liver metastases from colorectal cancer patients.
AB  - Metastatic dissemination is the most frequent cause of death of sporadic
      colorectal cancer (sCRC) patients. Genomic abnormalities which are potentially
      characteristic of such advanced stages of the disease are complex and so far,
      they have been poorly described and only partially understood. We evaluated the
      molecular heterogeneity of sCRC tumors based on simultaneous assessment of the
      overall GEP of both coding mRNA and non-coding RNA genes in primary sCRC tumor
      samples from 23 consecutive patients and their paired liver metastases. Liver
      metastases from the sCRC patients analyzed, systematically showed deregulated
      transcripts of those genes identified as also deregulated in their paired primary
      colorectal carcinomas. However, some transcripts were found to be specifically
      deregulated in liver metastases (vs. non-tumoral colorectal tissues) while
      expressed at normal levels in their primary tumors, reflecting either an
      increased genomic instability of metastatic cells or theiradaption to the liver
      microenvironment. Newly deregulated metastatic transcripts included
      overexpression of APOA1, HRG, UGT2B4, RBP4 and ADH4 mRNAS and the miR-3180-3p,
      miR-3197, miR-3178, miR-4793 and miR-4440 miRNAs, together with decreased
      expression of the IGKV1-39, IGKC, IGKV1-27, FABP4 and MYLK mRNAS and the miR-363,
      miR-1, miR-143, miR-27b and miR-28-5p miRNAs. Canonical pathways found to be
      specifically deregulated in liver metastatic samples included multiple genes
      related with intercellular adhesion and the metastatic processes (e.g., IGF1R,
      PIK3CA, PTEN and EGFR), endocytosis (e.g., the PDGFRA, SMAD2, ERBB3, PML and
      FGFR2), and the cell cycle (e.g., SMAD2, CCND2, E2F5 and MYC). Our results also
      highlighted the activation of genes associated with the TGFbeta signaling
      pathway, -e.g. RHOA, SMAD2, SMAD4, SMAD5, SMAD6, BMPR1A, SMAD7 and MYC-, which
      thereby emerge as candidate genes to play an important role in CRC tumor
      metastasis.

PMID- 27662661
TI  - Grp94 in complexes with IgG is a soluble diagnostic marker of gastrointestinal
      tumors and displays immune-stimulating activity on peripheral blood immune cells.
AB  - Glucose-regulated protein94 (Grp94), the most represented endoplasmic reticulum
      (ER)-resident heat shock protein (HSP), is a tumor antigen shared by different
      types of solid and hematological tumors. The tumor-specific feature of Grp94 is
      its translocation from the ER to the cell surface where it displays pro-oncogenic
      functions. This un-physiological location has important implications for both the
      tumor pathology and anti-tumor therapy. We wanted to address the question of
      whether Grp94 could be measured as liquid marker in cancer patients in order to
      make predictions of diagnostic and therapeutic relevance for the tumor. To this
      aim, we performed an in-depth investigation on patients with primary tumors of
      the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, using different methodological approaches to
      detect Grp94 in tumor tissues, plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells
      (PBMCs). Results indicate that Grp94 is not only the antigen highly expressed in
      any tumor tissue and in cells of tumor infiltrates, mostly B lymphocytes, but it
      is also found in the circulation. However, the only form in which Grp94 was
      detected in the plasma of any patients and in B lymphocytes induced to
      proliferate, was that of stable complexes with Immunoglobulin (Ig)G. Using a
      specific immune-enzyme assay to measure plasma Grp94-IgG complexes, we showed
      that Grp94-IgG complexes were significantly increased in cancer patients compared
      to healthy control subjects, serving as diagnostic tumor biomarker. Results also
      demonstrate that the stimulation of patient PBMCs with Grp94-IgG complexes led to
      an increased secretion of inflammatory cytokines that might drive a potentially
      beneficial anti-tumor effect.

PMID- 27662662
TI  - Decreased TRPM7 inhibits activities and induces apoptosis of bladder cancer cells
      via ERK1/2 pathway.
AB  - Transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7) functions as a Mg2+/Ca2+
      permeable channel fused with a kinase domain and regulates various physical
      processes and diseases. However, its effects on pathogenesis of human bladder
      cancer (BCa) has not been clarified yet. Our microarray analysis has suggested
      that calcium signaling pathway is connected with bladder cancer via MAPK pathway.
      Therefore, we aim to investigate the mechanism of TRPM7 in BCa tumorigenesis by
      using BCa tissues compared with normal bladder epithelium tissues, as well as
      using distinct BCa cell lines (EJ, 5637 and T24). We observed increased TRPM7
      expression and dysregulation of proteins involved in Epithelial-Mesenchymal
      Transition (EMT) in BCa tissues. Moreover, knockdown of TRPM7 in BCa cells
      reversed the EMT status, accompanied by increase of reactive oxygen species
      (ROS). Furthermore, TRPM7 deficiency could inhibit BCa cell proliferation,
      migration and invasion, as well as induce p-ERK1/2 and suppress PI3K/AKT at the
      protein level. Downregulation of TRPM7 promoted cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase
      and apoptosis in vitro, which could be recovered by pre-treatment with U0126 to
      deactivate ERK1/2, suggesting a close correlation between TRPM7 and the MAPK
      signaling pathway. Furthermore, a NOD/SCID mouse model transplanted using the BCa
      cells was established, revealing delayed tumor growth by reduced protein activity
      and mRNA transcription of TRPM7 in vivo. Our results suggested TRPM7 might be
      essential for BCa tumorigenesis by interfering BCa cell proliferation, motility
      and apoptosis.

PMID- 27662663
TI  - STC2 promotes the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of colorectal cancer cells
      through AKT-ERK signaling pathways.
AB  - The STC2 protein involves in carcinogenesis and progression of many cancers. It
      remains unclear how STC2 regulates the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)
      process and colorectal cancer (CRC) development. Here we systematically
      investigated STC2-activated early occurrence of EMT and CRC cell migration in
      vitro, clinical associations of STC2 with CRC development and patient survival.
      The secretion and expression level of STC2 were both greatly increased in EMT
      cells and CRC cells compared with the normal epithelial NCM460 cells. And the
      conditioned media from EMT cells stimulated epithelia and colon cancer cells to
      obtain EMT characteristics. STC2 overexpression promoted CRC cell growth and cell
      migration in vitro, and STC2 enhanced tumor growth in a mouse CRC-xenograft
      model. Corresponding to EMT marker expression changes, several critical signaling
      pathway molecules including pERK, pAKT, PI3K and Ras were remarkably increased
      either in NCM460 cells transfected with STC2 plasmids or in cells induced with
      exogenous STC2 protein. However blocking AKT-ERK signaling pathways attenuated
      STC2-activated EMT process. Furthermore the elevated STC2 expressions were also
      confirmed in 77 clinical tumor tissues and sera from CRC patients, and the
      increased STC2 in tumor tissues and sera correlated with tumor pathologic stage
      and poor survival for CRC patients. In conclusion, STC2 promotes CRC
      tumorigenesis and EMT progression through activating ERK/MEK and PI3K/AKT
      signaling pathways. STC2 protein is also a potential tumor biomarker for CRC
      diagnosis and prognosis.

PMID- 27662665
TI  - Metavir and FIB-4 scores are associated with patient prognosis after curative
      hepatectomy in hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma: a
      retrospective cohort study at two centers in China.
AB  - Although Metavir and Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) scores are typically used to assess the
      severity of liver fibrosis, the relationship between these scores and patient
      outcome in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unclear. The aim of this study was
      to evaluate the prognostic value of the severity of hepatic fibrosis in HBV
      related HCC patients after curative resection. We examined the prognostic roles
      of the Metavir and preoperative FIB-4 scores in 432 HBV-HCC patients who
      underwent curative resection at two different medical centers located in western
      (Chongqing) and eastern (Shanghai) China. In the testing set (n = 108), the
      Metavir, FIB-4, and combined Metavir/FIB-4 scores were predictive of overall
      survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). Additionally, they were
      associated with several clinicopathologic variables. In the validation set (n =
      324), the Metavir, FIB-4, and combined Metavir/FIB-4 scores were associated with
      poor prognosis in HCC patients after curative resection. Importantly, in the
      negative alpha-fetoprotein subgroup (<= 20 ng/mL), the FIB-4 index (I vs. II)
      could discriminate between patient outcomes (high or low OS and RFS). Thus
      Metavir, preoperative FIB-4, and combined Metavir/FIB-4 scores are prognostic
      markers in HBV-HCC patients after curative hepatectomy.

PMID- 27662668
TI  - Continuous Blood Viscosity Monitoring System for Cardiopulmonary Bypass
      Applications.
AB  - This paper proposes an algorithm that estimates blood viscosity during
      cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and validates its application in clinical cases. The
      proposed algorithm involves adjustable parameters based on the oxygenator and
      fluid types and estimates blood viscosity based on pressure-flow characteristics
      of the fluid perfusing through the oxygenator. This novel nonlinear model
      requires four parameters that were derived by in vitro experiments. The results
      estimated by the proposed method were then compared with a conventional linear
      model to demonstrate the former's optimal curve fitting. The viscosity (etae)
      estimated using the proposed algorithm and the viscosity (eta) measured using a
      viscometer were compared for 20 patients who underwent mildly hypothermic CPB.
      The developed system was applied to ten patients, and etae was recorded for
      comparisons with hematocrit and blood temperature. The residual sum of squares
      between the two curve fittings confirmed the significant difference, with p <
      0.001. etae and eta showed a very strong correlation with R2 = 0.9537 and p <
      0.001. Regarding the mean coefficient of determination for all cases, the
      hematocrit and temperature showed weak correlations at 0.33 +/- 0.14 and 0.22 +/-
      0.21, respectively. For CPB measurements of all cases, etae was more than 98%
      distributed in the range from 1 to 3 mPa?s. This new system for estimating
      viscosity may be useful for detecting various viscosity-related effects that may
      occur during CPB.

PMID- 27662669
TI  - Linear Subspace Ranking Hashing for Cross-Modal Retrieval.
AB  - Hashing has attracted a great deal of research in recent years due to its
      effectiveness for the retrieval and indexing of large-scale high-dimensional
      multimedia data. In this paper, we propose a novel ranking-based hashing
      framework that maps data from different modalities into a common Hamming space
      where the cross-modal similarity can be measured using Hamming distance. Unlike
      existing cross-modal hashing algorithms where the learned hash functions are
      binary space partitioning functions, such as the sign and threshold function, the
      proposed hashing scheme takes advantage of a new class of hash functions closely
      related to rank correlation measures which are known to be scale-invariant,
      numerically stable, and highly nonlinear. Specifically, we jointly learn two
      groups of linear subspaces, one for each modality, so that features' ranking
      orders in different linear subspaces maximally preserve the cross-modal
      similarities. We show that the ranking-based hash function has a natural
      probabilistic approximation which transforms the original highly discontinuous
      optimization problem into one that can be efficiently solved using simple
      gradient descent algorithms. The proposed hashing framework is also flexible in
      the sense that the optimization procedures are not tied up to any specific form
      of loss function, which is typical for existing cross-modal hashing methods, but
      rather we can flexibly accommodate different loss functions with minimal changes
      to the learning steps. We demonstrate through extensive experiments on four
      widely-used real-world multimodal datasets that the proposed cross-modal hashing
      method can achieve competitive performance against several state-of-the-arts with
      only moderate training and testing time.

PMID- 27662664
TI  - PD-1 mediates functional exhaustion of activated NK cells in patients with Kaposi
      sarcoma.
AB  - Programmed Death-1 (PD-1), an inhibitory receptor expressed by activated
      lymphocytes, is involved in regulating T- and B-cell responses. PD-1 and its
      ligands are exploited by a variety of cancers to facilitate tumor escape through
      PD-1-mediated functional exhaustion of effector T cells. Here, we report that PD
      1 is upregulated on Natural Killer (NK) cells from patients with Kaposi sarcoma
      (KS). PD-1 was expressed in a sub-population of activated, mature CD56dimCD16pos
      NK cells with otherwise normal expression of NK surface receptors. PD-1pos NK
      cells from KS patients were hyporesponsive ex vivo following direct triggering of
      NKp30, NKp46 or CD16 activating receptors, or short stimulation with NK cell
      targets. PD-1pos NK cells failed to degranulate and release IFNgamma, but
      exogenous IL-2 or IL-15 restored this defect. That PD-1 contributed to NK cell
      functional impairment and was not simply a marker of dysfunctional NK cells was
      confirmed in PD-1-transduced NKL cells. In vitro, PD-1 was induced at the surface
      of healthy control NK cells upon prolonged contact with cells expressing
      activating ligands, i.e. a condition mimicking persistent stimulation by tumor
      cells. Thus, PD-1 appears to plays a critical role in mediating NK cell
      exhaustion. The existence of this negative checkpoint fine-tuning NK activation
      highlights the possibility that manipulation of the PD-1 pathway may be a
      strategy for circumventing tumor escape not only from the T cell-, but also the
      NK-cell mediated immune surveillance.

PMID- 27662670
TI  - Gamifying Video Object Segmentation.
AB  - Video object segmentation can be considered as one of the most challenging
      computer vision problems. Indeed, so far, no existing solution is able to
      effectively deal with the peculiarities of real-world videos, especially in cases
      of articulated motion and object occlusions; limitations that appear more evident
      when we compare the performance of automated methods with the human one. However,
      manually segmenting objects in videos is largely impractical as it requires a lot
      of time and concentration. To address this problem, in this paper we propose an
      interactive video object segmentation method, which exploits, on one hand, the
      capability of humans to identify correctly objects in visual scenes, and on the
      other hand, the collective human brainpower to solve challenging and large-scale
      tasks. In particular, our method relies on a game with a purpose to collect human
      inputs on object locations, followed by an accurate segmentation phase achieved
      by optimizing an energy function encoding spatial and temporal constraints
      between object regions as well as human-provided location priors. Performance
      analysis carried out on complex video benchmarks, and exploiting data provided by
      over 60 users, demonstrated that our method shows a better trade-off between
      annotation times and segmentation accuracy than interactive video annotation and
      automated video object segmentation approaches.

PMID- 27662666
TI  - TIM-4 is expressed on invariant NKT cells but dispensable for their development
      and function.
AB  - T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-4 (TIM-4), mainly expressed on antigen presenting
      cells, plays a versatile role in immunoregulation. CD1d-restricted invariant
      natural killer T (iNKT) cells are potent cells involved in the diverse immune
      responses. It was recently reported that recombinant TIM-4 (rTIM-4) alone
      enhanced cytokine production in NKT hybridoma, DN32.D3 cells. Hence, we
      hypothesized that TIM-4 might regulate iNKT cell biology, especially their
      function of cytokine secretion. For the first time, we identified that TIM-4 was
      expressed in thymus iNKT cells, and its expression increased upon iNKT cell
      migration to the secondary lymphoid organs, especially in lymph nodes. Using TIM
      4-deficient mice, we found that lack of TIM-4 did not disturb iNKT cell
      development, maturation, peripheral homeostasis and cytokine secretion. Moreover,
      TIM-4 deficiency did not alter the polarization of iNKT sublineages, including
      NKT1, NKT2 and NKT17. Finally, the mixed bone marrow transfer experiments further
      confirmed normal iNKT cell development and function from TIM-4-deficient bone
      marrow. In conclusion, our data suggest that TIM-4 is expressed on iNKT cells but
      dispensable for their development and function.

PMID- 27662671
TI  - Efficient & Effective Prioritized Matching for Large-Scale Image-Based
      Localization.
AB  - Accurately determining the position and orientation from which an image was
      taken, i.e., computing the camera pose, is a fundamental step in many Computer
      Vision applications. The pose can be recovered from 2D-3D matches between 2D
      image positions and points in a 3D model of the scene. Recent advances in
      Structure-from-Motion allow us to reconstruct large scenes and thus create the
      need for image-based localization methods that efficiently handle large-scale 3D
      models while still being effective, i.e., while localizing as many images as
      possible. This paper presents an approach for large scale image-based
      localization that is both efficient and effective. At the core of our approach is
      a novel prioritized matching step that enables us to first consider features more
      likely to yield 2D-to-3D matches and to terminate the correspondence search as
      soon as enough matches have been found. Matches initially lost due to
      quantization are efficiently recovered by integrating 3D-to-2D search. We show
      how visibility information from the reconstruction process can be used to improve
      the efficiency of our approach. We evaluate the performance of our method through
      extensive experiments and demonstrate that it offers the best combination of
      efficiency and effectiveness among current state-of-the-art approaches for
      localization.

PMID- 27662672
TI  - Data-Driven Methods for the Determination of Anterior-Posterior Motion in PET.
AB  - Physiological motion combined with elongated scanning times in PET leads to image
      degradation and quantification errors. Correction approaches usually require 1-D
      signals that can be obtained with hardware-based or data-driven methods. Most of
      the latter are optimized or limited to capture internal motion along the superior
      inferior (S-I) direction. In this work we present methods for also extracting
      anterior-posterior (A-P) motion from PET data and propose a set of novel
      weighting mechanisms that can be used to emphasize certain lines-of-response
      (LORs) for an increased sensitivity and better signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The
      proper functioning of the methods was verified in a phantom experiment. Further,
      their application to clinical [18F]-FDG-PET data of 72 patients revealed that
      using the weighting mechanisms leads to signals with significantly higher
      spectral respiratory weights, i.e. signals with higher quality. Information about
      multi-dimensional motion is contained in PET data and can be derived with data
      driven methods. Motion models or correction techniques such as respiratory gating
      might benefit from the proposed methods as they allow to describe the three
      dimensional movements of PET-positive structures more precisely.

PMID- 27662674
TI  - A Unified Maximum Likelihood Framework for Simultaneous Motion and $T_{1}$
      Estimation in Quantitative MR $T_{1}$ Mapping.
AB  - In quantitative MR T1 mapping, the spin-lattice relaxation time T1 of tissues is
      estimated from a series of T1 -weighted images. As the T1 estimation is a voxel
      wise estimation procedure, correct spatial alignment of the T1 -weighted images
      is crucial. Conventionally, the T1 -weighted images are first registered based on
      a general-purpose registration metric, after which the T1 map is estimated.
      However, as demonstrated in this paper, such a two-step approach leads to a bias
      in the final T1 map. In our work, instead of considering motion correction as a
      preprocessing step, we recover the motion-free T1 map using a unified estimation
      approach. In particular, we propose a unified framework where the motion
      parameters and the T1 map are simultaneously estimated with a Maximum Likelihood
      (ML) estimator. With our framework, the relaxation model, the motion model as
      well as the data statistics are jointly incorporated to provide substantially
      more accurate motion and T1 parameter estimates. Experiments with realistic Monte
      Carlo simulations show that the proposed unified ML framework outperforms the
      conventional two-step approach as well as state-of-the-art model-based
      approaches, in terms of both motion and T1 map accuracy and mean-square error.
      Furthermore, the proposed method was additionally validated in a controlled
      experiment with real T1 -weighted data and with two in vivo human brain T1 
      weighted data sets, showing its applicability in real-life scenarios.

PMID- 27662673
TI  - Segmentation Based Sparse Reconstruction of Optical Coherence Tomography Images.
AB  - We demonstrate the usefulness of utilizing a segmentation step for improving the
      performance of sparsity based image reconstruction algorithms. In specific, we
      will focus on retinal optical coherence tomography (OCT) reconstruction and
      propose a novel segmentation based reconstruction framework with sparse
      representation, termed segmentation based sparse reconstruction (SSR). The SSR
      method uses automatically segmented retinal layer information to construct layer
      specific structural dictionaries. In addition, the SSR method efficiently
      exploits patch similarities within each segmented layer to enhance the
      reconstruction performance. Our experimental results on clinical-grade retinal
      OCT images demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed SSR
      method for both denoising and interpolation of OCT images.

PMID- 27662675
TI  - Preclinical MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound: A Review of Systems and Current
      Practices.
AB  - Effective preclinical research is a vital component in the development of MRI
      guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) and its translation to clinic. In this review,
      we seek to outline the challenges at hand for effective preclinical research,
      survey different solutions, and underline best practices. Furthermore, we
      summarize efforts to build and characterize dedicated preclinical MRgFUS
      equipment, including lab prototypes and available commercial products. Finally,
      we discuss constraints and considerations specific to using clinical MRgFUS
      equipment in preclinical research. Specifically, we examine additional hardware
      that has been used to adapt clinical MRgFUS equipment to better position,
      constrain, and image preclinical subjects, as well as software solutions that
      have been used to extend the potential and capabilities of clinical devices.

PMID- 27662676
TI  - Investigation and Modeling of an Acoustoelectric Sensor Setup for the
      Determination of the Longitudinal Viscosity.
AB  - We present a two transducer setup suited for the determination of the second
      coefficient of viscosity, sometimes also termed acoustic viscosity. We present
      the basic sensor setup and according models in frequency and time domain allowing
      to extract the acoustic viscosity from the measurement data. We illustrate the
      approach using experimental data obtained with a demonstrator device. The setup,
      which has potential for further miniaturization, is operated in the time domain.
      Unwanted spurious effects and imperfections, such as diffraction, acoustic
      matching losses, and transducer losses, are discussed and according calibration
      and correction strategies are presented.

PMID- 27662677
TI  - LMD Based Features for the Automatic Seizure Detection of EEG Signals Using SVM.
AB  - Achieving the goal of detecting seizure activity automatically using
      electroencephalogram (EEG) signals is of great importance and significance for
      the treatment of epileptic seizures. To realize this aim, a newly-developed time
      frequency analytical algorithm, namely local mean decomposition (LMD), is
      employed in the presented study. LMD is able to decompose an arbitrary signal
      into a series of product functions (PFs). Primarily, the raw EEG signal is
      decomposed into several PFs, and then the temporal statistical and non-linear
      features of the first five PFs are calculated. The features of each PF are fed
      into five classifiers, including back propagation neural network (BPNN), K
      nearest neighbor (KNN), linear discriminant analysis (LDA), un-optimized support
      vector machine (SVM) and SVM optimized by genetic algorithm (GA-SVM), for five
      classification cases, respectively. Confluent features of all PFs and raw EEG are
      further passed into the high-performance GA-SVM for the same classification
      tasks. Experimental results on the international public Bonn epilepsy EEG dataset
      show that the average classification accuracy of the presented approach are equal
      to or higher than 98.10% in all the five cases, and this indicates the
      effectiveness of the proposed approach for automated seizure detection.

PMID- 27662678
TI  - PCE-FR: A Novel Method for Identifying Overlapping Protein Complexes in Weighted
      Protein-Protein Interaction Networks Using Pseudo-Clique Extension Based on Fuzzy
      Relation.
AB  - Identifying overlapping protein complexes in protein-protein interaction (PPI)
      networks can provide insight into cellular functional organization and thus
      elucidate underlying cellular mechanisms. Recently, various algorithms for
      protein complexes detection have been developed for PPI networks. However,
      majority of algorithms primarily depend on network topological feature and/or
      gene expression profile, failing to consider the inherent biological meanings
      between protein pairs. In this paper, we propose a novel method to detect protein
      complexes using pseudo-clique extension based on fuzzy relation (PCE-FR). Our
      algorithm operates in three stages: it first forms the nonoverlapping protein
      substructure based on fuzzy relation and then expands each substructure by adding
      neighbor proteins to maximize the cohesive score. Finally, highly overlapped
      candidate protein complexes are merged to form the final protein complex set.
      Particularly, our algorithm employs the biological significance hidden in protein
      pairs to construct edge weight for protein interaction networks. The experiment
      results show that our method can not only outperform classical algorithms such as
      CFinder, ClusterONE, CMC, RRW, HC-PIN, and ProRank +, but also achieve ideal
      overall performance in most of the yeast PPI datasets in terms of composite score
      consisting of precision, accuracy, and separation. We further apply our method to
      a human PPI network from the HPRD dataset and demonstrate it is very effective in
      detecting protein complexes compared to other algorithms.

PMID- 27662679
TI  - Algorithms for the Majority Rule (+) Consensus Tree and the Frequency Difference
      Consensus Tree.
AB  - This article presents two new deterministic algorithms for constructing consensus
      trees. Given an input of  phylogenetic trees with identical leaf label sets and 
      leaves each, the first algorithm constructs the majority rule (+) consensus tree
      in time, which is optimal since the input size is , and the second one constructs
      the frequency difference consensus tree in time.

PMID- 27662683
TI  - Towards Batteryless Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices-The Swiss Way.
AB  - Energy harvesting devices are widely discussed as an alternative power source for
      todays active implantable medical devices. Repeated battery replacement
      procedures can be avoided by extending the implants life span, which is the goal
      of energy harvesting concepts. This reduces the risk of complications for the
      patient and may even reduce device size. The continuous and powerful contractions
      of a human heart ideally qualify as a battery substitute. In particular, devices
      in close proximity to the heart such as pacemakers, defibrillators or bio signal
      (ECG) recorders would benefit from this alternative energy source. The clockwork
      of an automatic wristwatch was used to transform the hearts kinetic energy into
      electrical energy. In order to qualify as a continuous energy supply for the
      consuming device, the mechanism needs to demonstrate its harvesting capability
      under various conditions. Several in-vivo recorded heart motions were used as
      input of a mathematical model to optimize the clockworks original conversion
      efficiency with respect to myocardial contractions. The resulting design was
      implemented and tested during in-vitro and in-vivo experiments, which
      demonstrated the superior sensitivity of the new design for all tested heart
      motions.

PMID- 27662684
TI  - Design and Optimization of Ultrasonic Wireless Power Transmission Links for
      Millimeter-Sized Biomedical Implants.
AB  - Ultrasound has been recently proposed as an alternative modality for efficient
      wireless power transmission (WPT) to biomedical implants with millimeter (mm)
      dimensions. This paper presents the theory and design methodology of ultrasonic
      WPT links that involve mm-sized receivers (Rx). For given load (RL) and powering
      distance (d), the optimal geometries of transmitter (Tx) and Rx ultrasonic
      transducers, including their diameter and thickness, as well as the optimal
      operation frequency (fc) are found through a recursive design procedure to
      maximize the power transmission efficiency (PTE). First, a range of realistic fcs
      is found based on the Rx thickness constrain. For a chosen fc within the range,
      the diameter and thickness of the Rx transducer are then swept together to
      maximize PTE. Then, the diameter and thickness of the Tx transducer are optimized
      to maximize PTE. Finally, this procedure is repeated for different fcs to find
      the optimal fc and its corresponding transducer geometries that maximize PTE. A
      design example of ultrasonic link has been presented and optimized for WPT to a 1
      mm3 implant, including a disk-shaped piezoelectric transducer on a silicon die.
      In simulations, a PTE of 2.11% at fc of 1.8 MHz was achieved for RL of 2.5
      [Formula: see text] at [Formula: see text]. In order to validate our simulations,
      an ultrasonic link was optimized for a 1 mm3 piezoelectric transducer mounted on
      a printed circuit board (PCB), which led to simulated and measured PTEs of 0.65%
      and 0.66% at fc of 1.1 MHz for RL of 2.5 [Formula: see text] at [Formula: see
      text], respectively.

PMID- 27662685
TI  - Complete Neuron-Astrocyte Interaction Model: Digital Multiplierless Design and
      Networking Mechanism.
AB  - Glial cells, also known as neuroglia or glia, are non-neuronal cells providing
      support and protection for neurons in the central nervous system (CNS). They also
      act as supportive cells in the brain. Among a variety of glial cells, the star
      shaped glial cells, i.e., astrocytes, are the largest cell population in the
      brain. The important role of astrocyte such as neuronal synchronization, synaptic
      information regulation, feedback to neural activity and extracellular regulation
      make the astrocytes play a vital role in brain disease. This paper presents a
      modified complete neuron-astrocyte interaction model that is more suitable for
      efficient and large scale biological neural network realization on digital
      platforms. Simulation results show that the modified complete interaction model
      can reproduce biological-like behavior of the original neuron-astrocyte
      mechanism. The modified interaction model is investigated in terms of digital
      realization feasibility and cost targeting a low cost hardware implementation.
      Networking behavior of this interaction is investigated and compared between two
      cases: i) the neuron spiking mechanism without astrocyte effects, and ii) the
      effect of astrocyte in regulating the neurons behavior and synaptic transmission
      via controlling the LTP and LTD processes. Hardware implementation on FPGA shows
      that the modified model mimics the main mechanism of neuron-astrocyte
      communication with higher performance and considerably lower hardware overhead
      cost compared with the original interaction model.

PMID- 27662686
TI  - Towards a Reduced-Wire Interface for CMUT-Based Intravascular Ultrasound Imaging
      Systems.
AB  - Having intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging capability on guide wires used in
      cardiovascular interventions may eliminate the need for separate IVUS catheters
      and expand the use of IVUS in a larger portion of the vasculature. High frequency
      capacitive micro machined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) arrays should be
      integrated with interface electronics and placed on the guide wire for this
      purpose. Besides small size, this system-on-a-chip (SoC) front-end should connect
      to the back-end imaging system with a minimum number of wires to preserve the
      critical mechanical properties of the guide wire. We present a 40 MHz CMUT array
      interface SoC, which will eventually use only two wires for power delivery and
      transmits image data using a combination of analog-to-time conversion (ATC) and
      an impulse radio ultra-wideband (IR-UWB) wireless link. The proof-of-concept
      prototype ASIC consumes only 52.8 mW and occupies 4.07 [Formula: see text] in a
      0.35- [Formula: see text] standard CMOS process. A rectifier and regulator power
      the rest of the SoC at 3.3 V from a 10 MHz power carrier that is supplied through
      a 2.4 m micro-coax cable with an overall efficiency of 49.1%. Echo signals from
      an 8-element CMUT array are amplified by a transimpedance amplifier (TIA) array
      and down-converted to baseband by quadrature sampling using a 40 MHz clock,
      derived from the power carrier. The ATC generates pulse-width-modulated (PWM)
      samples at 2 * 10 MS/s with 6 bit resolution, while the entire system achieved
      5.1 ENOB. Preliminary images from the prototype system are presented, and
      alternative data transmission and possible future directions towards practical
      implementation are discussed.

PMID- 27662687
TI  - A Flexible, Micro-Lens-Coupled LED Stimulator for Optical Neuromodulation.
AB  - Optogenetics is a fast growing neuromodulation method, which can remotely
      manipulate the specific activities of genetically-targeted neural cells and
      associated biological behaviors with millisecond temporal precision through light
      illumination. Application of optogenetics in neuroscience studies has created an
      increased need for the development of light sources and the instruments for light
      delivery. This paper presents a micro-lens-coupled LED neural stimulator which
      includes a backside reflector and a frontside microlens for light collection and
      collimation. The device structure has been optimized using optical simulation and
      the optimized device is able to increase the volume of excitable tissues by
      70.4%. Device prototypes have been fabricated and integrated based on an
      optimization of the device structure. The measurement results show that the light
      power increases by 99% at an effective penetration depth of 5 000 [Formula: see
      text] by the fabricated device under various voltages of 2.4-3.2 V.

PMID- 27662689
TI  - Breast Histopathological Image Retrieval Based on Latent Dirichlet Allocation.
AB  - In the field of pathology, whole slide image (WSI) has become the major carrier
      of visual and diagnostic information. Content-based image retrieval among WSIs
      can aid the diagnosis of an unknown pathological image by finding its similar
      regions in WSIs with diagnostic information. However, the huge size and complex
      content of WSI pose several challenges for retrieval. In this paper, we propose
      an unsupervised, accurate, and fast retrieval method for a breast
      histopathological image. Specifically, the method presents a local statistical
      feature of nuclei for morphology and distribution of nuclei, and employs the
      Gabor feature to describe the texture information. The latent Dirichlet
      allocation model is utilized for high-level semantic mining. Locality-sensitive
      hashing is used to speed up the search. Experiments on a WSI database with more
      than 8000 images from 15 types of breast histopathology demonstrate that our
      method achieves about 0.9 retrieval precision as well as promising efficiency.
      Based on the proposed framework, we are developing a search engine for an online
      digital slide browsing and retrieval platform, which can be applied in computer
      aided diagnosis, pathology education, and WSI archiving and management.

PMID- 27662691
TI  - Adaptive NN Control Using Integral Barrier Lyapunov Functionals for Uncertain
      Nonlinear Block-Triangular Constraint Systems.
AB  - A neural network (NN) adaptive control design problem is addressed for a class of
      uncertain multi-input-multi-output (MIMO) nonlinear systems in block-triangular
      form. The considered systems contain uncertainty dynamics and their states are
      enforced to subject to bounded constraints as well as the couplings among various
      inputs and outputs are inserted in each subsystem. To stabilize this class of
      systems, a novel adaptive control strategy is constructively framed by using the
      backstepping design technique and NNs. The novel integral barrier Lyapunov
      functionals (BLFs) are employed to overcome the violation of the full state
      constraints. The proposed strategy can not only guarantee the boundedness of the
      closed-loop system and the outputs are driven to follow the reference signals,
      but also can ensure all the states to remain in the predefined compact sets.
      Moreover, the transformed constraints on the errors are used in the previous BLF,
      and accordingly it is required to determine clearly the bounds of the virtual
      controllers. Thus, it can relax the conservative limitations in the traditional
      BLF-based controls for the full state constraints. This conservatism can be
      solved in this paper and it is for the first time to control this class of MIMO
      systems with the full state constraints. The performance of the proposed control
      strategy can be verified through a simulation example.

PMID- 27662692
TI  - Fuzzy Tracking Control for Nonlinear Networked Systems.
AB  - This paper studies the observer-based tracking control problem for discrete-time
      nonlinear networked control systems with parameter uncertainties and unmeasurable
      state variables. A network-induced constraint, i.e., the intermittent measurement
      loss, is considered in the controller design. The uncertain nonlinear system is
      described by an interval type-2 (IT2) fuzzy Takagi-Sugeno model, in which the
      lower and the upper membership functions with corresponding coefficients are used
      to capture and express uncertainties existing in the system. A premise-variables
      independent IT2 fuzzy observer is constructed to estimate the unmeasurable state
      variables, and then a novel IT2 fuzzy tracking controller is designed.
      Furthermore, sufficient criteria are established to guarantee the resulting
      closed-loop system to be stochastically stable. Finally, two examples are
      provided to show the effectiveness of the proposed approach.

PMID- 27662693
TI  - Gr-GDHP: A New Architecture for Globalized Dual Heuristic Dynamic Programming.
AB  - Goal representation globalized dual heuristic dynamic programming (Gr-GDHP)
      method is proposed in this paper. A goal neural network is integrated into the
      traditional GDHP method providing an internal reinforcement signal and its
      derivatives to help the control and learning process. From the proposed
      architecture, it is shown that the obtained internal reinforcement signal and its
      derivatives can be able to adjust themselves online over time rather than a fixed
      or predefined function in literature. Furthermore, the obtained derivatives can
      directly contribute to the objective function of the critic network, whose
      learning process is thus simplified. Numerical simulation studies are applied to
      show the performance of the proposed Gr-GDHP method and compare the results with
      other existing adaptive dynamic programming designs. We also investigate this
      method on a ball-and-beam balancing system. The statistical simulation results
      are presented for both the Gr-GDHP and the GDHP methods to demonstrate the
      improved learning and controlling performance.

PMID- 27662694
TI  - Objective Model Selection for Identifying the Human Feedforward Response in
      Manual Control.
AB  - Realistic manual control tasks typically involve predictable target signals and
      random disturbances. The human controller (HC) is hypothesized to use a
      feedforward control strategy for target-following, in addition to feedback
      control for disturbance-rejection. Little is known about human feedforward
      control, partly because common system identification methods have difficulty in
      identifying whether, and (if so) how, the HC applies a feedforward strategy. In
      this paper, an identification procedure is presented that aims at an objective
      model selection for identifying the human feedforward response, using linear time
      invariant autoregressive with exogenous input models. A new model selection
      criterion is proposed to decide on the model order (number of parameters) and the
      presence of feedforward in addition to feedback. For a range of typical control
      tasks, it is shown by means of Monte Carlo computer simulations that the
      classical Bayesian information criterion (BIC) leads to selecting models that
      contain a feedforward path from data generated by a pure feedback model: "false
      positive" feedforward detection. To eliminate these false-positives, the modified
      BIC includes an additional penalty on model complexity. The appropriate weighting
      is found through computer simulations with a hypothesized HC model prior to
      performing a tracking experiment. Experimental human-in-the-loop data will be
      considered in future work. With appropriate weighting, the method correctly
      identifies the HC dynamics in a wide range of control tasks, without false
      positive results.

PMID- 27662695
TI  - An Investigation on the Accuracy of Truncated DKLT Representation for Speaker
      Identification With Short Sequences of Speech Frames.
AB  - Speaker identification plays a crucial role in biometric person identification as
      systems based on human speech are increasingly used for the recognition of
      people. Mel frequency cepstral coefficients (MFCCs) have been widely adopted for
      decades in speech processing to capture the speech-specific characteristics with
      a reduced dimensionality. However, although their ability to decorrelate the
      vocal source and the vocal tract filter make them suitable for speech
      recognition, they greatly mitigate the speaker variability, a specific
      characteristic that distinguishes different speakers. This paper presents a
      theoretical framework and an experimental evaluation showing that reducing the
      dimension of features by applying the discrete Karhunen-Loeve transform (DKLT) to
      the log-spectrum of the speech signal guarantees better performance compared to
      conventional MFCC features. In particular with short sequences of speech frames,
      with typical duration of less than 2 s, the performance of truncated DKLT
      representation achieved for the identification of five speakers are always better
      than those achieved with the MFCCs for the experiments we performed.
      Additionally, the framework was tested on up to 100 TIMIT speakers with sequences
      of less than 3.5 s showing very good recognition capabilities.

PMID- 27662696
TI  - Adaptive Compressive Tracking via Online Vector Boosting Feature Selection.
AB  - Recently, the compressive tracking (CT) method has attracted much attention due
      to its high efficiency, but it cannot well deal with the large scale target
      appearance variations due to its data-independent random projection matrix that
      results in less discriminative features. To address this issue, in this paper, we
      propose an adaptive CT approach, which selects the most discriminative features
      to design an effective appearance model. Our method significantly improves CT in
      three aspects. First, the most discriminative features are selected via an online
      vector boosting method. Second, the object representation is updated in an
      effective online manner, which preserves the stable features while filtering out
      the noisy ones. Furthermore, a simple and effective trajectory rectification
      approach is adopted that can make the estimated location more accurate. Finally,
      a multiple scale adaptation mechanism is explored to estimate object size, which
      helps to relieve interference from background information. Extensive experiments
      on the CVPR2013 tracking benchmark and the VOT2014 challenges demonstrate the
      superior performance of our method.

PMID- 27662697
TI  - Adults Who Order Sugar-Sweetened Beverages: Sociodemographics and Meal Patterns
      at Fast Food Chains.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Approximately 30% of adults consume sugar-sweetened beverages
      (SSBs) daily, many at fast food restaurants. Researchers examined fast food
      purchases to better understand which consumers order SSBs, particularly large
      SSBs. METHODS: Fast food customers in New York City and New Jersey provided
      receipts and participated in a survey during 2013-2014 (N=11,614). Logistic
      regression analyses predicted three outcomes: ordering no beverage or a non-SSB,
      a small/medium SSB, or a large SSB. Among respondents who ordered a beverage
      (n=3,775), additional analyses predicted number of beverage calories and odds of
      ordering an SSB. Covariates included demographic and behavioral factors. RESULTS:
      Respondents aged 18-29 years were 88% more likely to order a large SSB than a non
      SSB or no beverage, as compared with respondents aged >=50 years (p<0.001). Among
      respondents who purchased a beverage, respondents ordered more beverage calories
      with a large combination meal (+85.13 kcal, p=0.001) or if the restaurant had a
      large cup size >30 ounces (+36.07 kcal, p=0.001). Hispanic and Asian respondents
      were less likely to order a large SSB (AOR=0.49 and 0.52, respectively, both
      p<=0.026) than non-Hispanic white respondents. Odds of ordering a large SSB were
      higher for respondents who ate in the restaurant (AOR=1.66, p<0.001) or stated
      that they chose beverage based on price (AOR=2.02, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Young
      adults and customers of restaurants with a larger cup size were more likely to
      purchase SSBs, and their beverage calories increased with meal size. Increased
      understanding of these factors is an important step toward limiting unhealthy SSB
      consumption.

PMID- 27662699
TI  - Erratum to 'Reconceptualising Risk in Childbirth' [Midwifery 38 (2016) 1-5].

PMID- 27662698
TI  - Healthcare Provider Contact and Pre-exposure Prophylaxis in Baltimore Men Who
      Have Sex With Men.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) safely and effectively prevents HIV
      in populations at high risk, including men who have sex with men (MSM). PrEP
      scale-up depends upon primary care providers and community-based organizations
      (CBOs) sharing PrEP information. This study aimed to determine whether healthcare
      provider or CBO contact was associated with PrEP awareness among Baltimore MSM.
      METHODS: This study used 2014 Baltimore MSM National HIV Behavioral Surveillance
      data, which included data on health care, HIV and sexually transmitted infection
      testing, and receipt of condoms from CBOs. In 2015, associations were estimated
      between healthcare contacts and PrEP awareness through logistic regression models
      controlling for age, race, and education and clustering by venue. Comparative
      analyses were conducted with HIV testing as outcome. RESULTS: There were 401 HIV
      negative participants, of whom 168 (42%) were aware of PrEP. Visiting a
      healthcare provider in the past 12 months, receiving an HIV test from a provider,
      and having a sexually transmitted infection test in the past 12 months were not
      significantly associated with PrEP awareness. PrEP awareness was associated with
      being out to a healthcare provider (OR=2.97, 95% CI=1.78, 4.96, p<0.001); being
      tested for HIV (OR=1.50, 95% CI=1.06, 2.13, p=0.023); and receiving condoms from
      an HIV/AIDS CBO (OR=2.59, 95% CI=1.43, 4.64, p=0.001). By contrast, HIV testing
      was significantly associated with most forms of healthcare contact. CONCLUSIONS:
      PrEP awareness is not associated with most forms of healthcare contact,
      highlighting the need for guidelines and trainings to support provider discussion
      of PrEP with MSM.

PMID- 27662700
TI  - Efficient polymeric material for separation of human hemoglobin.
AB  - In this study, negatively charged acrylic acid was used as a functional ligand to
      synthesise net-poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-acrylic acid) microparticles
      for the removal of hemoglobin having a positively charged Fe2+ ion in the core,
      as an alternative to conventional techniques to achieve a cost effective high
      capacity purification. The characterization of microparticles was performed via
      Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy,
      transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, the Brunauer - Emmett 
      Teller surface area analysis, and swelling test methods. Optimum adsorption
      conditions such as pH, initial hemoglobin concentration, temperature, and
      interaction time were studied batch wise. The highest adsorption capacity of
      microparticles was observed at pH 7.4 as 1276.4 mg hemoglobin/g polymer. The
      reusability of microparticles was also promising with ~5% decrease in the
      adsorption capacity at the end of the five adsorption-desorption cycles.

PMID- 27662702
TI  - Prescribing powers for nurses.
AB  - Common sense demands that district nurses and health visitors be empowered to
      prescribe from a limited list of dressings and products. News that the vast
      majority of MPs support the initiative comes as no surprise. Nurse prescribing
      from a limited list has in fact won favour from the medical, pharmaceutical,
      consumer and nursing lobbies. Senior Government figures are also known to have
      certain sympathies with the measure. It's true to say that virtually all see the
      obvious merits of facilitating community nurses to carry out a more effective
      role. In 1989 the Government's Advisory Report outlined a workable framework for
      nurse prescribing. It included the provision of adequate training for the 28,000
      nurses this legislation would effect. The groundwork has been done. Why then are
      we still waiting for some movement from the Department of Health?

PMID- 27662701
TI  - Immediate Dose-Response Effect of High-Energy Versus Low-Energy Extracorporeal
      Shock Wave Therapy on Cutaneous Microcirculation.
AB  - Elucidation of the precise mechanisms and therapeutic options of extracorporeal
      shock wave therapy (ESWT) is only at the beginning. Although immediate real-time
      effects of ESWT on cutaneous hemodynamics have recently been described, the dose
      response to different ESWT energies in cutaneous microcirculation has never been
      examined. Thirty-nine Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to three groups
      that received either focused high-energy shock waves (group A: total of 1000
      impulses, 10 J) to the lower leg of the hind limb, focused low-energy shock waves
      (group B: total of 300 impulses, 1 J) or placebo shock wave treatment (group C: 0
      impulses, 0 J) using a multimodality shock wave delivery system (Duolith SD-1 T
      Top, Storz Medical, Tagerwilen, Switzerland). Immediate microcirculatory effects
      were assessed with the O2C (oxygen to see) system (LEA Medizintechnik, Giessen,
      Germany) before and for 20 min after application of ESWT. Cutaneous tissue oxygen
      saturation increased significantly higher after high-energy ESWT than after low
      energy and placebo ESWT (A: 29.4% vs. B: 17.3% vs. C: 3.3%; p = 0.003). Capillary
      blood velocity was significantly higher after high-energy ESWT and lower after
      low-energy ESWT versus placebo ESWT (group A: 17.8% vs. group B: -22.1% vs. group
      C: -5.0%, p = 0.045). Post-capillary venous filling pressure was significantly
      enhanced in the high-energy ESWT group in contrast to the low-energy ESWT and
      placebo groups (group A: 25% vs. group B: 2% vs. group C: -4%, p = 0.001). Both
      high-energy and low-energy ESWT affect cutaneous hemodynamics in a standard rat
      model. High-energy ESWT significantly increases parameters of cutaneous
      microcirculation immediately after application, resulting in higher tissue oxygen
      saturation, venous filling pressure and blood velocity, which suggests higher
      tissue perfusion with enhanced oxygen saturation, in contrast to low-energy as
      well as placebo ESWT. Low-energy ESWT also increased tissue oxygen saturation,
      albeit to a lower extent, and decreases both blood velocity and venous filling
      pressure. Low-energy ESWT reduced tissue perfusion, but improved oxygen
      saturation immediately after the application.

PMID- 27662703
TI  - Waiting lists.
AB  - The number of waiting-list operations provided by the health service has fallen
      for the first time for nearly a decade, official figures show.

PMID- 27662704
TI  - MPs give strong backing to nurse prescribing.
AB  - MPs have given their overwhelming support to nurse prescribing, in a new RCN
      opinion poll.

PMID- 27662705
TI  - Rape at nursing home on derelict site.
AB  - New security measures have been introduced at a Watford nurses' home after a
      nurse was raped at knifepoint by a man who climbed into her room through an open
      window last week.

PMID- 27662706
TI  - Present education system is 'unlikely to survive'.
AB  - The current system of community nursing education is inappropriate and unlikely
      to survive, a nursing professor has warned.

PMID- 27662708
TI  - ?
AB  - Nursing Professor Jane Robinson chaired a West Midlands conference to raise
      awareness of the needs of gypsy and traveller communities last week. Health is
      just one area where they experience difficulties, delegates heard. She is
      pictured with Agnes Vranckx, Joint Secretary of the West European Council of
      Gypsies, left, and the Princess Royal, President of the Save the Children Fund.

PMID- 27662707
TI  - Ann Stewart.
AB  - Ann Stewart, English National Board Professional Adviser in Midwifery F.ducation
      and Supervision, who had been a practising midwife since 1954 and served as vice
      president of the Royal College of Midwives, died last week.

PMID- 27662709
TI  - Anti-smoking measures fall short.
AB  - Nurses and parents have welcomed Flealth Secretary William Waldegrave's
      announcement of new' measures to curb tobacco promotion but have warned that a
      total ban on advertising is still needed.

PMID- 27662711
TI  - PNs told to scrutinise GP contract.
AB  - Practice nurses have been told to look very critically at the work they do under
      the GP contract to ensure that the tasks help improve health.

PMID- 27662710
TI  - Appointment.
AB  - Nursing Standard has appointed Elizabeth Munro to its editorial advisory board.
      Ms Munro is currently employed as a community midwifery sister at Simpson
      Memorial Maternity Pavilion in Edinburgh. In addition to her involvement in all
      areas of childbirth and maternity services, she also has a keen interest in
      politics and current affairs.

PMID- 27662713
TI  - A&E nurses 'need trauma care help'.
AB  - Accident and emergency nurses must have access to trauma care training to stem
      Britain's high preventable death toll, a tutor on a pioneering new course urged
      last week.

PMID- 27662712
TI  - Non-psychotic patients 'not helped by CPNs'.
AB  - Community psychiatric nurses are ineffective in solving the problems of non-
      psychotic patients, the first report from a three-year Department of Health
      funded study shows.

PMID- 27662714
TI  - Nupe conference.
AB  - A charterfor nursing advocacy to strengthen the nurse's role in exercising
      accountability and professional responsibility has been called for in a motion to
      be debated at NUPE's national conference at Scarborough in May.

PMID- 27662715
TI  - Nurses 'connive' to cover doctors' mistakes.
AB  - Nurses and midwives are conniving in covering up for doctors' mistakes, a leading
      patient rights advocate claimed at a London ethics conference.

PMID- 27662716
TI  - Detail of contracts still fairly crude'.
AB  - The detail and financial arrangements of many new NHS contracts are still fairly
      crude and nurses need not fear their activities will be restricted by them, the
      Association of British Paediatric Nurses annual conference was told.

PMID- 27662717
TI  - ?
AB  - Looking good: North Manchester Health Authority held open days at clinics and
      health centres last week to promote its new video refraction machine which
      enables early detection of sight problems in children. The event was part of
      Squint Awareness Week which aimed to increase eye testing in children.

PMID- 27662718
TI  - Parliament.
AB  - Cases of food poisoningin England and Wales have almost tripled over the last
      eight years.

PMID- 27662719
TI  - 'NHS gives poor thought to staff caring at home'.
AB  - The NHS is bottom of the league when it comes to offering staff understanding
      over their caring role in the home, a new study has shown.

PMID- 27662722
TI  - ?
AB  - Working together: But not all doctor-nurse working relationships are as
      beneficial to patients as this, says Professor Julia Brooking.

PMID- 27662723
TI  - Research drawn away from the universities.
AB  - University nursing departments are losing out to polytechnics and colleges of
      higher education in the battle to recruit researchers, Tony Butterworth,
      Professor of Community Nursing at the University of Manchester, reported at the
      recent conference.

PMID- 27662721
TI  - Is it time to heal the differences?
AB  - Relationships between doctors and nurses have deteriorated to the point where
      patient care is suffering, a nursing professor has claimed.

PMID- 27662725
TI  - RGN training fails at independent learning.
AB  - The registered general nurse training programme fails to encourage students to
      become independent learners, an assessment by Sue Torkington, Lecturer at the
      East Sussex and West Kent Institute of Nursing, reveals.

PMID- 27662724
TI  - Quality testing the qa instruments.
AB  - A study aiming to validate the quality assurance instruments Qual Pacs, Monitor
      and Senior Monitor is being carried out at the Nursing Research Unit at King's
      College, London.

PMID- 27662726
TI  - Northern Ireland nurses lack knowledge of AIDS.
AB  - Nurses in Northern Ireland have serious gaps in their knowledge of AIDS and
      negative attitudes towards people defined as 'at risk' according to a recent
      study.

PMID- 27662727
TI  - Carers of the elderly need emotional support.
AB  - Respite care facilities are effective in reducing the stress suffered by informal
      carers, but nurses still do not recognise the difficulties faced by people caring
      for the elderly at home, a study has shown.

PMID- 27662728
TI  - Reasons for caesarean delivery are unclear.
AB  - A Glasgow study has shown that 18 per cent of a sample of fifty
      primigravidaewomen who had emergency Caesarean sections were still unsure or
      mistaken on the reasons for their operations three months after the event.

PMID- 27662729
TI  - Infertility treatment and neonatal units.
AB  - Expansion of infertility services should not go ahead without regard for the
      impact on services for newborn babies.

PMID- 27662731
TI  - Lactational amenorrhoea as contraceptive method.
AB  - The lactational amenorrhoea method might offer excellent contraceptive protection
      beyond six months, irrespective of when supplements are introduced.

PMID- 27662730
TI  - Magnesium and chronic fatigue syndrome.
AB  - Magnesium might have a beneficial effect on chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

PMID- 27662733
TI  - Cost-effectiveness of hospital immunisation.
AB  - Opportunistic hospital immunisation of children may not be cost-effective.

PMID- 27662732
TI  - Ultrasound effective in early pregnancy.
AB  - Transvaginal ultrasonography in gynaecological emergencies may produce hospital
      savings, researchers say.

PMID- 27662734
TI  - Coming full circle.
AB  - 'We have succeeded in protecting the health of the nation and the generation on
      which the future of the nation depends.'

PMID- 27662735
TI  - Corporate concerns.
AB  - Sponsorship is the latest spin-off from a market approach to health care that is
      worrying nurses. Despite protests from the United Kingdom Central Council and
      others that sponsorship can compromise a nurse's position and force a breach of
      the Code of Professional Conduct, the health service is not prepared to pass up
      the chance of extra cash.

PMID- 27662736
TI  - Golden opportunities.
AB  - Central Manchester Health Authority has turned nurse specialism into something of
      an art form. They boast among their staff a specialist in rheumatology, one in
      epilepsy and another in urology. The source of these developments, according to
      respiratory care nurse Christine Bell, was the highly successful Manchester
      Diabetes Centre which opened in 1988. The outpatient services manager at
      Manchester Royal Infirmary was so impressed by this work that there was a great
      incentive to expand the idea. When Christine was first interviewed, just over two
      years ago, she and her colleagues were, to some extent, able to decide for
      themselves which areas they wanted to work in. Respiratory medicine had always
      been a particular interest of Christine's, especially the management of asthma,
      where she knew there was a need.

PMID- 27662737
TI  - Calling for bigger CATS.
AB  - I thought it would be helpful to put the record straight in response to G
      Cornfield's letter on credit ratings for students on 'traditional' and Project
      2000 programmes (Project 2000 Paper Tigers, Nursing Standard, April 3).

PMID- 27662738
TI  - Child abuse: your role.
AB  - The handling of the child abuse investigations by social workers is being called
      into question following recent events in Rochdale and the Orkneys.

PMID- 27662739
TI  - Someone's about to learn.
AB  - I have recently written to a number of nursing colleges asking for details of
      their registered general nurse training courses.

PMID- 27662740
TI  - Emergencies welcomed.
AB  - As many readers will know, the annual Royal College of Nursing Congress will soon
      be upon us, and by now copies of the agenda should be finding their way to
      various membership groups.

PMID- 27662742
TI  - ?

PMID- 27662741
TI  - A curfew on women.
AB  - Shortly after I read Christopher Goodall's excellent piece on pornography (A
      Social Disease? Nursing Standard, March 20), the British Safety Council launched
      a code to protect lone women drivers whose cars break down.

PMID- 27662743
TI  - Information exchange.
AB  - I am an enrolled nurse working in haematology clinics.

PMID- 27662744
TI  - Care Staff in Transition Care Staff in Transition P Allen , J Pahl , L Quine Her
      Majesty's Stationery Office 164pp L9.65 0-11-321209-7 [Formula: see text].
AB  - Community care for people with mental handicaps has long been Government policy.
      Care Staff in Transition is a research book which examines the impact on those
      nursing staff making the transition from the once relative security of large,
      long-stay NHS hospitals to local authority community homes - the current trend in
      mental handicap services' philosophy.

PMID- 27662745
TI  - Counselling the coronary patient and partner Counselling the coronary patient and
      partner D R Thompson Scutari Press 122pp L11.95 1-871364-42-6 [Formula: see
      text].
AB  - In one of the latest titles to be added to the RCN 'Research series', David
      Thompson provides an in-depth, highly readable study of a hospital-based
      counselling project. He looks at the monitoring and comparison of 'anxiety,
      depression, satisfaction and knowledge in male coronary patients and their
      spouses'.

PMID- 27662747
TI  - Common legal questionsLegal experts look at some of the most common questions of
      law raised by Nursing Standard readers. This week - understaffing, clinical
      grading, and 'good Samaritan' acts.
AB  - There exists among nurses the widespread and general, fear that they are
      unwittingly exposing themselves to litigation and professional misconduct in
      their daily practice. stems mainly from the facts that they perceive a general
      increase in legal claims against professionals, and that many of them are
      extending their roles. Queries like the following occur as a result.

PMID- 27662749
TI  - Time to tell all.
AB  - Midwives are always bemoaning how badly maligned and misunderstood they are - a
      situation well exemplified by last week's London ethics conference.

PMID- 27662748
TI  - Telephone test call?
AB  - Who do you contact when you get yourself into a twist?

PMID- 27662750
TI  - Ghost-busting gossiper John Naish reveals more haunting hearsay.
AB  - The starched-white ghost of Victorian values stalks nurses' homes once again - in
      the guise of the new National Health Service tenancy agreement.

PMID- 27662751
TI  - Research for a star?
AB  - Research must now be accepted as the cornerstone of nursing practice. In response
      to the call of the Briggs Committee ( 1 ) that 'nursing should be a research
      based profession', nurses have sought to justify both their own existence and to
      raise the status of the profession by scientific study.

PMID- 27662752
TI  - Six months' labour.
AB  - Four Nursing Standard readers have now contacted me to say that they have
      successfully obtained job shares since I began writing this column in September
      1990. Only two of them were women with young children. 'Grace', a 57-year-old
      nurse requested a job share so that she could help her retired older sister care
      for their elderly mother, who required nursing care following an illness.

PMID- 27662753
TI  - Listings.
AB  - Nursing Standard regrets that owing to unprecedented demand we are no longer able
      to take listings over the telephone. We would like to remind our readers that the
      listings section is for use by charitable organisations, unions, professional
      organisations and health authorities to publicise forthcoming events. Your
      listings should contain all relevant details and be posted or faxed to Clare
      Ward, Nursing Standard, Viking House, 17-19 Peterborough Road, Harrow, Middlesex
      HA1 2AX (Fax 081-423 3867).

PMID- 27662754
TI  - Self-locked aptamer probe mediated cascade amplification strategy for highly
      sensitive and selective detection of protein and small molecule.
AB  - In this work, a novel self-locked aptamer probe mediated cascade amplification
      strategy has been constructed for highly sensitive and specific detection of
      protein. First, the self-locked aptamer probe was designed with three functions:
      one was specific molecular recognition attributed to the aptamer sequence, the
      second was signal transduction owing to the transduction sequence, and the third
      was self-locking through the hybridization of the transduction sequence and part
      of the aptamer sequence. Then, the aptamer sequence specific recognized the
      target and folded into a three-way helix junction, leading to the release of the
      transduction sequence. Next, the 3'-end of this three-way junction acted as
      primer to trigger the strand displacement amplification (SDA), yielding a large
      amount of primers. Finally, the primers initiated the dual-exponential rolling
      circle amplification (DE-RCA) and generated numerous G-quadruples sequences. By
      inserting the fluorescent dye N-methyl mesoporphyrin IX (NMM), enhanced
      fluorescence signal was achieved. In this strategy, the self-locked aptamer probe
      was more stable to reduce the interference signals generated by the
      uncontrollable folding in unbounded state. Through the cascade amplification of
      SDA and DE-RCA, the sensitivity was further improved with a detection limit of
      3.8 * 10(-16) mol/L for protein detection. Furthermore, by changing the aptamer
      sequence of the probe, sensitive and selective detection of adenosine has been
      also achieved, suggesting that the proposed strategy has good versatility and can
      be widely used in sensitive and selective detection of biomolecules.

PMID- 27662755
TI  - Hydrogen deuterium exchange mass spectrometry in biopharmaceutical discovery and
      development - A review.
AB  - Protein therapeutics have emerged as a major class of biopharmaceuticals over the
      past several decades, a trend that has motivated the advancement of bioanalytical
      technologies for protein therapeutic characterization. Hydrogen deuterium
      exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) is a powerful and sensitive technique that
      can probe the higher order structure of proteins and has been used in the
      assessment and development of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), antibody-drug
      conjugates (ADCs) and biosimilar antibodies. It has also been used to quantify
      protein-ligand, protein-receptor and other protein-protein interactions involved
      in signaling pathways. In manufacturing and development, HDX-MS can validate
      storage formulations and manufacturing processes for various biotherapeutics.
      Currently, HDX-MS is being refined to provide additional coverage, sensitivity
      and structural specificity and implemented on the millisecond timescale to reveal
      residual structure and dynamics in disordered domains and intrinsically
      disordered proteins. 

PMID- 27662756
TI  - Detecting Alzheimer's disease biomarkers: From antibodies to new bio-mimetic
      receptors and their application to established and emerging bioanalytical
      platforms - A critical review.
AB  - The failure of therapeutic treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients can be
      related to the late onset of symptoms and, consequently, to a delayed
      pharmacological aid to counteract neurodegenerative progression. This is coupled
      to the fact that the diagnosis based on clinical criteria alone introduces high
      misdiagnosis rate. The availability of assessed biomarkers is therefore of
      crucial importance not only to counteract late diagnosis, but also to manage
      patients at high risk of AD development eligible for novel therapies. At the
      present time, amyloid-beta peptides (Abeta1-40 and Abeta1-42 isoforms), alone or
      in combination with Tau protein (total and phosphorylated forms (p-tau))
      constitute reliable AD biomarkers and result highly predictive of progression to
      AD dementia in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), the earliest
      clinical presentation of AD. Improvement of existing diagnostic tools must take
      advantage of innovative bioanalytical approaches. In this review, starting from
      commercially available diagnostic platforms based on antibodies as recognition
      elements, we intended to provide a double point of view on the issue: 1)
      progresses achieved on innovative bioanalytical platforms (mainly sensors and
      biosensors) by using antibodies as consolidated receptors; 2) advance on
      promising bio-mimetic receptors alternative to antibodies in AD research, and
      their applications on conventional or innovative analytical platforms. In
      particular, we first focused on optical- (Propagating and Localized Surface
      Plasmon Resonance, named here SPR and LSPR) and electrochemical (voltammetric and
      impedimetric) transduction principles. Together with bioanalytical assays for AD
      biomarkers quantification, works aimed to investigate and understand their
      behavior, characteristics, and roles will also be considered in the discussion.
      An increasing interest in new emerging biomimetic receptors for AD diagnosis, as
      a promising alternative to antibodies is noticed, thus the description of
      peptides, peptoids, nanobodies, aptamers, and molecularly imprinted polymers and
      their role as recognition elements in different bioanalytical platforms is also
      reviewed. Features and limits are discussed, together with potentialities and
      perspectives of their further applicability to clinical routine AD analysis. 

PMID- 27662757
TI  - Analysis of (210)Pb in water samples with plastic scintillation resins.
AB  - (210)Pb is a radioactive lead isotope present in the environment as member of the
      (238)U decay chain. Since it is a relatively long-lived radionuclide (T1/2 = 22.2
      years), its analysis is of interest in radiation protection and the geochronology
      of sediments and artwork. Here, we present a method for analysing (210)Pb using
      plastic scintillation resins (PSresins) packaged in solid-phase extraction
      columns (SPE cartridge). The advantages of this method are its selectivity, the
      low limit of detection, as well as reductions in the amount of time and reagents
      required for analysis and the quantity of waste generated. The PSresins used in
      this study were composed of a selective extractant (4',4"(5")-Di-tert
      butyldicyclohexano-18-crown-6 in 1-octanol) covering the surface of plastic
      scintillation microspheres. Once the amount of extractant (1:1/4) and medium of
      separation (2 M HNO3) were optimised, PSresins in SPE cartridges were calibrated
      with a standard solution of (210)Pb. (210)Pb could be fully separated from its
      daughters, (210)Bi and (210)Po, with a recovery value of 91(3)% and detection
      efficiency of 44(3)%. Three spiked water samples (one underground and two river
      water samples) were analysed in triplicates with deviations lower than 10%,
      demonstrating the validity of the PS resin method for (210)Pb analysis. 

PMID- 27662758
TI  - Bayesian peak tracking: A novel probabilistic approach to match GCxGC
      chromatograms.
AB  - A novel peak tracking method based on Bayesian statistics is proposed. The method
      consists of assigning (i.e. tracking) peaks from two GCxGC-FID data sets of the
      same sample taken in different conditions. Opposed to traditional (i.e.
      deterministic) peak tracking algorithms, in which the assignment problem is
      solved with a unique solution, the proposed algorithm is probabilistic. In other
      words, we quantify the uncertainty of matching two peaks without excluding other
      possible candidates, ranking the possible peak assignments regarding their
      posterior probability. This represents a significant advantage over existing
      deterministic methods. Two algorithms are presented: the blind peak tracking
      algorithm (BPTA) and peak table matching algorithm (PTMA). PTMA method was able
      to assign correctly 78% of a selection of peaks in a GCxGC-FID chromatogram of a
      diesel sample and proved to be extremely fast. 

PMID- 27662759
TI  - Estimating complicated baselines in analytical signals using the iterative
      training of Bayesian regularized artificial neural networks.
AB  - The present work deals with the development of a new baseline correction method
      based on the comparative learning capabilities of artificial neural networks. The
      developed method uses the Bayes probability theorem for prevention of the
      occurrence of the over-fitting and finding a generalized baseline. The developed
      method has been applied on simulated and real metabolomic gas-chromatography (GC)
      and Raman data sets. The results revealed that the proposed method can be used to
      handle different types of baselines with cave, convex, curvelinear, triangular
      and sinusoidal patterns. For further evaluation of the performances of this
      method, it has been compared with benchmarking baseline correction methods such
      as corner-cutting (CC), morphological weighted penalized least squares (MPLS),
      adaptive iteratively-reweighted penalized least squares (airPLS) and iterative
      polynomial fitting (iPF). In order to compare the methods, the projected
      difference resolution (PDR) criterion has been calculated for the data before and
      after the baseline correction procedure. The calculated values of PDR after the
      baseline correction using iBRANN, airPLS, MPLS, iPF and CC algorithms for the GC
      metabolomic data were 4.18, 3.64, 3.88, 1.88 and 3.08, respectively. The obtained
      results in this work demonstrated that the developed iterative Bayesian
      regularized neural network (iBRANN) method in this work thoroughly detects the
      baselines and is superior over the CC, MPLS, airPLS and iPF techniques. A
      graphical user interface has been developed for the suggested algorithm and can
      be used for easy implementation of the iBRANN algorithm for the correction of
      different chromatography, NMR and Raman data sets. 

PMID- 27662760
TI  - Electrospun Pd nanoparticles loaded on Vulcan carbon/ conductive polymeric ionic
      liquid nanofibers for selective and sensitive determination of tramadol.
AB  - In the present work a sensitive and selective electrochemical sensor was
      fabricated based on a glassy carbon electrode which has been modified with Pd
      nanoparticles loaded on Vulcan carbon/conductive polymeric ionic liquid composite
      nanofibers. The nanostructures were characterized by UV-Vis, FT-IR, FESEM, EDX
      and XRD techniques. The electrochemical study of the modified electrode, as well
      as its efficiency for the electrooxidation of tramadol was described in 0.1 M
      phosphate buffered solution (PBS) (pH 7.0) using cyclic voltammetry, linear sweep
      voltammetry, chronoamperometry and square wave voltammetry as diagnostic
      techniques. It has been found that application of the composite nanofibers result
      in a sensitivity enhancement and a considerable decrease in the anodic
      overpotential, leading to negative shifts about 200 mV in peak potential. The
      results exhibit a linear dynamic range from 0.05 MUM to 200 MUM and a detection
      limit of 0.015 MUM for tramadol. Finally, the modified electrode was used for the
      determination of tramadol in pharmaceutical and biological samples. 

PMID- 27662761
TI  - Turbulence in microfluidics: Cleanroom-free, fast, solventless, and bondless
      fabrication and application in high throughput liquid-liquid extraction.
AB  - This paper addresses an important breakthrough in the deployment of ultra-high
      adhesion strength microfluidic technologies to provide turbulence at harsh flow
      rate conditions. This paper is only, to our knowledge, the second reporting on
      the generation of high flow rate-assisted turbulence in microchannels. This flow
      solves a crucial bottleneck in microfluidics: the generation of high throughput
      homogeneous mixings. We focused on the fabrication of bulky polydimethylsiloxane
      (PDMS) microchips (without any interfaces) rather than the laborious surface
      modifications that were employed in the first reporting about turbulence-assisted
      microfluidics. The fabrication is cleanroom-free, simple, low-cost, fast,
      solventless, and bondless requiring only a laboratory oven. More specifically,
      our method relies on the shaping of a nylon scaffold, cure of PDMS with embedded
      nylon, and removal of this scaffold. The scaffold was obtained by manually
      wrapping nylon threads. The withdrawing out of the scaffold was completed in few
      seconds using only a plier. Such microchannels endured flow rates of up to 60.0
      mL min(-1) with a strikingly low elastic deformation. The importance in producing
      turbulence into microscale channels was successfully shown in liquid-liquid
      extractions. The great energy dissipation rate relative to the turbulence created
      high throughput and efficient extractions in microfluidics for the first time.
      The residence time was only 0.01 s at 25.0 mL min(-1) (total flow rate of the
      immiscible phases). In addition, the partition coefficient determined in a single
      run was similar to that obtained by the conventional batch shake-flask method
      that was realized in triplicate. 

PMID- 27662762
TI  - Identification of triacylglycerol using automated annotation of high resolution
      multistage mass spectral trees.
AB  - High complexity of identification for non-target triacylglycerols (TAGs) is a
      major challenge in lipidomics analysis. To identify non-target TAGs, a powerful
      tool named accurate MS(n) spectrometry generating so-called ion trees is used. In
      this paper, we presented a technique for efficient structural elucidation of TAGs
      on MS(n) spectral trees produced by LTQ Orbitrap MS(n), which was implemented as
      an open source software package, or TIT. The TIT software was used to support
      automatic annotation of non-target TAGs on MS(n) ion trees from a self-built
      fragment ion database. This database includes 19108 simulate TAG molecules from a
      random combination of fatty acids and corresponding 500582 self-built multistage
      fragment ions (MS <= 3). Our software can identify TAGs using a "stage-by-stage
      elimination" strategy. By utilizing the MS(1) accurate mass and referenced RKMD,
      the TIT software can discriminate unique elemental composition candidates. The
      regiospecific isomers of fatty acyl chains will be distinguished using MS(2) and
      MS(3) fragment spectra. We applied the algorithm to the selection of 45 TAG
      standards and demonstrated that the molecular ions could be 100% correctly
      assigned. Therefore, the TIT software could be applied to TAG identification in
      complex biological samples such as mouse plasma extracts. 

PMID- 27662763
TI  - Identification and characterization of isomeric N-glycans of human alfa-acid
      glycoprotein by stable isotope labelling and ZIC-HILIC-MS in combination with
      exoglycosidase digestion.
AB  - In this study, a ZIC-HILIC-MS methodology for the analysis of N-glycan isomers
      was optimized to obtain greater detection sensitivity and thus identify more
      glycan structures in hAGP. In a second step, this method was combined with glycan
      reductive isotope labelling (GRIL) through [(12)C6]/[(13)C6]-aniline and
      exoglycosidase digestion to characterize the different glycan isomers. The GRIL
      method allows the peak areas resulting from two different labelled samples to be
      compared, since neither retention time shifts nor variations in the ionization of
      glycans between these samples are obtained. First, sialic acid linkage
      assignations were performed for most hAGP glycan isomers with alpha2-3 sialidase
      digestion. Bi-, tri- and tetraantennary glycan isomers with different terminal
      sialic acid linkages to galactose (alpha2-3 or alpha2-6) were assigned, and the
      potential of this technique for the structural characterization of isobaric
      isomers was therefore demonstrated. Furthermore, fucose linkage isomers of hAGP
      glycans were also characterized using this isotope-labelling approach in
      combination with alpha1-3,4 fucosidase and beta1-4 galactosidase digestion.
      alpha1-3 antennary fucoses and alpha1-6 core fucosylation were detected in hAGP
      fucosylated glycans. These established methodologies can be extremely useful for
      patho-glycomic studies to characterize glycoproteins of biomedical interest and
      find novel glycan isomers that could be used as biomarkers in cancer research. 

PMID- 27662764
TI  - Paper spray mass spectrometry and PLS-DA improved by variable selection for the
      forensic discrimination of beers.
AB  - Paper spray mass spectrometry (PS-MS) combined with partial least squares
      discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was applied for the first time in a forensic
      context to a fast and effective differentiation of beers. Eight different brands
      of American standard lager beers produced by four different breweries (141
      samples from 55 batches) were studied with the aim at performing a
      differentiation according to their market prices. The three leader brands in the
      Brazilian beer market, which have been subject to fraud, were modeled as the
      higher-price class, while the five brands most used for counterfeiting were
      modeled as the lower-price class. Parameters affecting the paper spray ionization
      were examined and optimized. The best MS signal stability and intensity was
      obtained while using the positive ion mode, with PS(+) mass spectra characterized
      by intense pairs of signals corresponding to sodium and potassium adducts of
      malto-oligosaccharides. Discrimination was not apparent neither by using visual
      inspection nor principal component analysis (PCA). However, supervised
      classification models provided high rates of sensitivity and specificity. A PLS
      DA model using full scan mass spectra were improved by variable selection with
      ordered predictors selection (OPS), providing 100% of reliability rate and
      reducing the number of variables from 1701 to 60. This model was interpreted by
      detecting fifteen variables as the most significant VIP (variable importance in
      projection) scores, which were therefore considered diagnostic ions for this type
      of beer counterfeit. 

PMID- 27662765
TI  - Inner filter effect and the onset of concentration dependent red shift of
      synchronous fluorescence spectra.
AB  - The phenomenon of concentration dependent red shift, often observed in
      synchronous fluorescence spectra (SFS) of monofluorophoric as well as
      multifluorophoric systems at high chromophore concentrations, is known to have
      good analytical advantages. This was previously understood in terms of large
      inner filter effect (IFE) through the introduction of a derived absorption
      spectral profile that closely corresponds to the SFS profile. Using
      representative monofluorophoric and multifluorophoric systems, it is now
      explained how the SF spectral maximum changes with concentration of the
      fluorophore. For dilute solutions of monofluorophores the maximum is unchanged as
      expected. It is shown here that the onset of red shift of SFS maximum of both the
      mono as well as the multifluorophoric systems must occur at the derived
      absorption spectral parameter value of 0.32 that corresponds to the absorbance
      value of 0.87. This value is unique irrespective of the nature of the fluorophore
      under study. For monofluorophoric systems, the wavelength of derived absorption
      spectral maximum and the wavelength of synchronous fluorescence spectral maximum
      closely correspond with each other in the entire concentration range. In
      contrast, for multifluorophoric systems like diesel and aqueous humic acid, large
      deviations were noted that could be explained as to be due to the presence of non
      fluorescing chromophores in the system. This work bridges the entire fluorophore
      concentration range over which the red shift of SFS maximum sets in; and in the
      process it establishes the importance of the derived absorption spectral
      parameter in understanding the phenomenon of concentration dependent red shift of
      SFS maximum. 

PMID- 27662766
TI  - Direct and ultrasensitive optofluidic-based immunosensing assay of aflatoxin M1
      in dairy products using organic solvent extraction.
AB  - Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), a highly toxic secondary metabolite, is present in a wide
      range of dairy products. In this study, we designed a simple, low-cost, reusable,
      and easy-to-operate immunosensing method for ultrasensitive detection of AFM1 in
      dairy products by using a portable evanescent wave-based optofluidic biosensing
      platform (EOBP). The developed method provides the minimum detection limit of 5
      ng/L, which is below the most restrictive standard imposed by the current
      regulations for AFM1 in dairy products. The effect of several organic solvents,
      such as methanol, acetone, and acetonitrile, on the binding reaction of antibody
      antigen in heterogeneous and homogeneous solutions was evaluated. Although the
      effect of organic solvents on the homogeneous binding reaction between antibody
      and antigen is more significant than that of heterogeneous binding reaction
      between antibody in solution and antigen immobilized onto the sensor surface, the
      fluorescence signal detected by EOBP is linearly dependent on AFM1 concentration.
      Therefore, AFM1 can be directly quantified even if the samples contain a certain
      organic solvent concentration. The robustness and stability of AFM1-ovalbumin
      conjugate allow the regeneration of modified biosensor surface for more than 200
      times, thereby achieving a cost-effective and reliable AFM1 determination. The
      proposed method provides a rapid, ultrasensitive, and reliable AFM1 determination
      in dairy products without complicated sample pretreatment process. 

PMID- 27662767
TI  - Small molecule probes finely differentiate between various ds- and ss-DNA and RNA
      by fluorescence, CD and NMR response.
AB  - Two small molecules showed intriguing properties of analytical multipurpose
      probes, whereby one chromophore gives different signal for many different DNA/RNA
      by application of several highly sensitive spectroscopic methods. Dyes revealed
      pronounced fluorescence ratiomeric differentiation between ds-AU-RNA, AT-DNA and
      GC-DNA in approximate order 10:8:1. Particularly interesting, dyes showed
      specific fluorimetric response for poly rA even at 10-fold excess of any other ss
      RNA, and moreover such emission selectivity is preserved in multicomponent ss-RNA
      mixtures. The dyes also showed specific chiral recognition of poly rU in respect
      to the other ss-RNA by induced CD (ICD) pattern in visible range (400-500 nm),
      which was attributed to the dye-side-chain contribution to binding (confirmed by
      absence of any ICD band for reference compound lacking side-chain). Most
      intriguingly, minor difference in the side-chain attached to dye chromophore
      resulted in opposite sign of dye-ICD pattern, whereby differences in NMR NOESY
      contacts and proton chemical shifts between two dye/oligo rU complexes combined
      with MD simulations and CD calculations attributed observed bisignate ICD to the
      dimeric dye aggregate within oligo rU. 

PMID- 27662768
TI  - Magnetic porous carbon nanocomposites derived from metal-organic frameworks as a
      sensing platform for DNA fluorescent detection.
AB  - Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as very fascinating functional
      materials due to their tunable nature and diverse applications. In this work, we
      prepared a magnetic porous carbon (MPC) nanocomposite by employing iron
      containing MOFs (MIL-88A) as precursors through a one-pot thermolysis method. It
      was found that the MPC can absorb selectively single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) probe
      to form MPC/ssDNA complex and subsequently quench the labelled fluorescent dye of
      the ssDNA probe, which is resulted from the synergetic effect of magnetic
      nanoparticles and carbon matrix. Upon the addition of complementary target DNA,
      however, the absorbed ssDNA probe could be released from MPC surface by forming
      double-stranded DNA with target DNA, and accompanied by the recovery of the
      fluorescence of ssDNA probe. Based on these findings, a sensing platform with low
      background signal for DNA fluorescent detection was developed. The proposed
      sensing platform exhibits high sensitivity with detection limit of 1 nM and
      excellent selectivity to specific target DNA, even single-base mismatched
      nucleotide can be distinguished. We envision that the presented study would
      provide a new perspective on the potential applications of MOF-derived
      nanocomposites in biomedical fields. 

PMID- 27662769
TI  - Slug-flow microextraction coupled with paper spray mass spectrometry for rapid
      analysis of complex samples.
AB  - Analysis of trace compounds in small-volume complex samples is of importance for
      forensic, clinical, pharmaceutical, environmental, and life science
      investigation. In this study, we reported the coupling of slug-flow
      microextraction with paper spray mass spectrometry for rapid analysis of trace
      analytes in small volume of complicated biological samples such as whole blood,
      milk, and body fluid, etc. The method is performed by applying a disposable glass
      capillary for rapid extraction of a small amount of complex samples using a small
      amount of organic solvent; the loaded organic solvent was then spotted onto a
      paper triangle and dried out; subsequently, a high voltage and some spray solvent
      were applied onto the paper triangle for mass spectrometric analysis. By using
      the proposed method, high sensitivity and satisfactory precision for quantitative
      analysis of trace macrolide antibiotics in whole bloods and milks as well as
      perfluorinated compounds in individual small organisms have been successfully
      achieved. In addition, investigation of bioaccumulation of perfluorinated
      compounds in individual small organisms has been reached. 

PMID- 27662770
TI  - Enantioselective capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry of amino acids in
      cerebrospinal fluid using a chiral derivatizing agent and volatile surfactant.
AB  - The sensitivity of coupled enantioselective capillary electrophoresis-mass
      spectrometry (CE-MS) of amino acids (AAs) is often hampered by the chiral
      selectors in the background electrolyte (BGE). A new method is presented in which
      the use of a chiral selector is circumvented by employing (+)-1-(9
      fluorenyl)ethyl chloroformate (FLEC) as chiral AA derivatizing agent and ammonium
      perfluorooctanoate (APFO) as a volatile pseudostationary phase for separation of
      the formed diastereomers. Efficient AA derivatization with FLEC was completed
      within 10 min. Infusion experiments showed that the APFO concentration hardly
      affects the MS response of FLEC-AAs and presents significantly less ion
      suppression than equal concentrations of ammonium acetate. The effect of the pH
      and APFO concentration of the BGE and the capillary temperature were studied in
      order to achieve optimized enantioseparation. Optimization of CE-MS parameters,
      such as sheath-liquid composition and flow rate, ESI and MS settings was
      performed in order to prevent analyte fragmentation and achieve sensitive
      detection. Selective detection and quantification of 14 chiral proteinogenic AAs
      was achieved with chiral resolution between 1.2 and 8.6, and limits of detection
      ranging from 130 to 630 nM injected concentration. Aspartic acid and glutamic
      acid were detected, but not enantioseparated. The optimized method was applied to
      the analysis of chiral AAs in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Good linearity (R(2) >
      0.99) and acceptable peak area and electrophoretic mobility repeatability (RSDs
      below 21% and 2.4%, respectively) were achieved for the chiral proteinogenic AAs,
      with sensitivity and chiral resolution mostly similar to obtained for standard
      solutions. Next to l-AAs, endogenous levels of d-serine and d-glutamine could be
      measured in CSF revealing enantiomeric ratios of 4.8%-8.0% and 0.34%-0.74%,
      respectively, and indicating the method's potential for the analysis of low
      concentrations of d-AAs in presence of abundant l-AAs. 

PMID- 27662771
TI  - Dose-Optimized Computed Tomography for Screening and Follow-Up of Solid Pulmonary
      Nodules in Obesity: A Phantom Study.
AB  - To determine the lowest CT radiation dose-level at maintained image-quality and
      high sensitivity for detection of pulmonary-nodules in obesity. Single-energy CT
      with tin-filtration was performed in a chest-phantom with solid pulmonary-nodules
      simulating over-weight and obesity. CTDIvol of the standard-protocol was 0.41
      mGy, subsequent scans were obtained at 1/2 and 1/4 dose-levels. Images were
      reconstructed using FBP and advanced-modeled iterative reconstruction (ADMIRE).
      Noise, image-quality, and sensitivity for nodule-detection were assessed. Noise
      was significantly reduced with ADMIRE (standard-dose: 73%; 1/2 dose: 73%; 1/4
      dose: 71.2%; p < 0.001) compared to FBP. Image-quality was diagnostic for all
      images reconstructed with ADMIRE5. Sensitivity for nodule-detection was 100% at
      1/2 and 1/4 dose-level for the phantom simulating over-weight and 97.37% (1/2
      dose-level) and 81.58% (1/4 dose-level) for the phantom simulating obesity using
      ADMIRE5. In conclusion, single-energy CT with tin-filtration and ADMIRE shows
      potential for dose reduction in a phantom experiment down to 0.1 mGy in over
      weight and 0.21 mGy obese subjects, while image quality and sensitivity for
      detection of solid pulmonary nodules remains high.

PMID- 27662772
TI  - Manganese-induced cadmium stress tolerance in rice seedlings: Coordinated action
      of antioxidant defense, glyoxalase system and nutrient homeostasis.
AB  - The accumulation of cadmium (Cd) alters different physiological and biochemical
      attributes that affect plant growth and yield. In our study, we investigated the
      regulatory role of supplemental manganese (Mn) on hydroponically grown rice
      (Oryza sativa L. cv. BRRI dhan29) seedlings under Cd-stress conditions. Exposure
      of 14-d-old seedlings to 0.3mM CdCl2 for three days caused growth inhibition,
      chlorosis, nutrient imbalance, and higher Cd accumulation. Higher Cd uptake
      caused oxidative stress through lipid peroxidation, loss of plasma membrane
      integrity, and overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and methylglyoxal
      (MG). The exogenous application of 0.3mM MnSO4 to Cd-treated seedlings partly
      recovered Cd-induced water loss, chlorosis, growth inhibition, and nutrient
      imbalance by reducing Cd uptake and its further translocation to the upper part
      of the plant. Supplemental Mn also reduced Cd-induced oxidative damage and lipid
      peroxidation by improved antioxidant defense and glyoxalase systems through
      enhancing ROS and MG detoxification, respectively.

PMID- 27662773
TI  - [King Vision video laryngoscope for severe post burn contracture neck: an
      encouraging experience].
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Managing the airway of post burn contracture of the
      neck has always been challenging to anesthesiologists as it limits the alignment
      of oro-pharyngo-laryngeal axes because of functional and anatomical deformities
      that occur as a result of long standing contractures. Here the role of the King
      Vision video laryngoscope which is the latest in the series of video laryngoscope
      has been evaluated for such patients. CASE REPORT: A 35 year old male patient
      with post burn contracture of neck was scheduled for release of the contracture.
      As the patient had had fixed flexion deformity of the neck we did not attempt the
      conventional laryngoscopy. Instead we opted for King Vision video laryngoscope.
      CONCLUSION: We therefore conclude that King Vision videolaryngoscope can be used
      for difficult airway situations like post burn contracture of neck.

PMID- 27662774
TI  - Quality and developmental rate of embryos produced with sex-sorted and
      conventional semen from superovulated dairy cattle.
AB  - This study investigated the effect of sex-sorted semen compared with conventional
      semen on the outcome of embryo recovery, placing special emphasis on the quality,
      and developmental stage of embryos. Data were analyzed for 443 embryo collections
      with sex-sorted semen (SEX group) and 1528 with conventional semen (CONV group)
      in superovulated dairy heifers and cows. The insemination protocol for
      conventional semen included two inseminations, comprising a total dose of 30
      million sperm passing into the uterine body. For sex-sorted semen, two (30%) to
      three (70%) deep uterine inseminations were performed, the total dose ranging
      from eight to 12 million sperm. The data were analyzed separately for heifers and
      cows. The total number of recovered structures was similar among the groups. The
      number of viable embryos decreased in the SEX groups compared with the CONV (with
      1.4 and 3.2 fewer embryos in heifers and cows, correspondingly, P < 0.001), and
      correspondingly the proportions of unfertilized ova and degenerated embryos
      increased in the SEX groups (P < 0.001). The proportion of unsuccessful
      collections, yielding no transferable embryos, increased in the SEX groups for
      both heifers (from 7.2% to 11.2%, P = 0.025) and cows (from 9.0% to 20.7%, P <
      0.001). Regarding the quality of viable embryos, the quality grades were superior
      in the CONV group compared with the SEX group for heifers (P < 0.001) and cows (P
      < 0.001). The proportion of grade 1 embryos decreased by 6.5 percentage points in
      heifers and 11.9 percentage points in cows when sex-sorted semen was used.
      Correspondingly, the proportions of grade 2 and 3 embryos increased in heifers
      and cows when sexed semen was used. The mean developmental stages of embryo
      collections were numerically slightly lower in the SEX group. In heifers, the
      delay in developmental stage was statistically significant (P = 0.001), but in
      cows, there was only a tendency toward that (P = 0.067). In conclusion, sex
      sorted sperm decreased the transferable embryo yield and increased the risk of a
      recovery yielding no transferable embryos. Furthermore, use of sex-sorted semen
      decreased the proportion of grade 1 embryos. In addition, it also seemed to delay
      embryonic development, although the delay in embryonic development was minimal
      and its biological relevance remains undefined. Despite the compromised embryo
      production, taken into account the optimization of recipient resources, the use
      of sex-sorted semen is advantageous, especially in superovulated heifers, which
      are of most importance in the modern breeding strategies using genomic selection.

PMID- 27662775
TI  - Human factors analysis of the CardioQuick Patch(r): A novel engineering solution
      to the problem of electrode misplacement during 12-lead electrocardiogram
      acquisition.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The CardioQuick Patch(r) (CQP) has been developed to assist
      operators in accurately positioning precordial electrodes during 12-lead
      electrocardiogram (ECG) acquisition. This study describes the CQP design and
      assesses the device in comparison to conventional electrode application. METHODS:
      Twenty ECG technicians were recruited and a total of 60 ECG acquisitions were
      performed on the same patient model over four phases: (1) all participants
      applied single electrodes to the patient; (2) all participants were then re
      trained on electrode placement and on how to use the CQP; (3) participants were
      randomly divided into two groups, the standard group applied single electrodes
      and the CQP group used the CQP; (4) after a one day interval, the same
      participants returned to carry out the same procedure on the same patient
      (measuring intra-practitioner variability). Accuracy was measured with reference
      to pre-marked correct locations using ultra violet ink. NASA-TLK was used to
      measure cognitive workload and the Systematic Usability Scale (SUS) was used to
      quantify the usability of the CQP. RESULTS: There was a large difference between
      the minimum time taken to complete each approach (CQP=38.58s vs. 65.96s). The
      standard group exhibited significant levels of electrode placement error
      (V1=25.35mm+/-29.33, V2=18.1mm+/-24.49, V3=38.65mm+/-15.57, V4=37.73mm+/-12.14,
      V5=35.75mm+/-15.61, V6=44.15mm+/-14.32). The CQP group had statistically greater
      accuracy when placing five of the six electrodes (V1=6.68mm+/-8.53 [p<0.001],
      V2=8.8mm+/-9.64 [p=0.122], V3=6.83mm+/-8.99 [p<0.001], V4=14.90mm+/-11.76
      [p<0.001], V5=8.63mm+/-10.70 [p<0.001], V6=18.13mm+/-14.37 [p<0.001]). There was
      less intra-practitioner variability when using the CQP on the same patient model.
      NASA TLX revealed that the CQP did increase the cognitive workload (CQP
      group=16.51%+/-8.11 vs. 12.22%+/-8.07 [p=0.251]). The CQP also achieved a high
      SUS score of 91+/-7.28. CONCLUSION: The CQP significantly improved the
      reproducibility and accuracy of placing precordial electrodes V1, V3-V6 with
      little additional cognitive effort, and with a high degree of usability.

PMID- 27662776
TI  - Validation of the vessel-specific leads (VSLs) for detection of acute ischemia on
      a dataset with non-ischemic ST-segment deviation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Existing criteria recommended by ACC/ESC for identifying patients
      with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) from the 12-lead ECG perform with
      high specificity (SP) but low sensitivity (SE). In our previous studies, we found
      that the SE of acute ischemia detection can be markedly improved without any loss
      of SP by calculating, from the 12-lead ECG, ST deviation in 3 "optimal" vessel
      specific leads (VSLs). To further validate the method, we evaluated the SP
      performance using a dataset with non-ischemic ST-segment changes. METHODS: 12
      lead ECGs of 100 patients (75 males/25 females, age range 12-83years, average age
      52years) were retrieved from a centralized ECG management system at Skane
      University Hospital, Lund, Sweden. These ECGs were chosen to represent five
      subgroups with various causes of pathological ST deviation, other than acute
      coronary occlusion: a) ventricular preexcitation (n=12), b) acute pericarditis
      (n=26), c) early repolarization syndrome (ERS) (n=14), d) left ventricular
      hypertrophy (LVH) with "strain" (n=26), and e) left bundle branch block (LBBB)
      (n=22). ECGs with inadequate signal quality, heart rate exceeding 120bpm and/or
      atrial flutter were not selected for this study population. Both STEMI criteria
      and VSLs criteria with and without a new augmented LVH-specific derived lead were
      tested. SP, calculated for each subgroup and combined, was used as the
      performance measure for comparison. RESULTS: SP test results for the STEMI
      criteria vs. the VSLs method without the augmented LVH lead were 100% vs. 92%, 4%
      vs. 88%, 29% vs. 100%, 100% vs. 77%, and 64% vs. 68% for the five subgroups with
      preexcitation, pericarditis, ERS, LVH, and LBBB, respectively. For the whole
      group, SP was 57% for the STEMI criteria and 83% for the VSLs criteria; this
      improvement was statistically significant (p<0.001). With the augmented LVH lead,
      SP for the VSLs improved from 77% to 96% for the LVH subgroup and SP for the
      other subgroups remained unchanged. For the whole study group, SP improved from
      83% to 88%. CONCLUSION: Based on these results, we conclude that the VSLs
      criteria are not only more sensitive in detecting acute ischemia but also more
      specific in recognizing patients with non-ischemic ST deviation than the existing
      STEMI criteria. This finding needs to be further corroborated on a larger patient
      population with AMI prevalence typical of the population presenting to the
      emergency room.

PMID- 27662777
TI  - Computer-assisted image processing 12 lead ECG model to diagnose hyperkalemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We sought to develop an improved 12 lead ECG model to diagnose
      hyperkalemia by use of traditional and novel parameters. METHODS: We
      retrospectively analyzed ECGs in consecutive hyperkalemic patients (serum
      potassium (K)>5.3mEq/L) by blinded investigators with normokalemic ECGs as
      internal controls. Potassium levels were modeled using general linear mixed
      models followed by refit with standardized variables. Optimum sensitivity and
      specificity were determined using cut point analysis of ROC-AUC. RESULTS: The
      training set included 236 ECGs (84 patients) and validation set 97 ECGs (23
      patients). Predicted K=(5.2354)+(0.03434*descending T slope)+(-0.2329*T width)+(
      0.9652*reciprocal of new QRS width>100msec). ROC-AUC in the validation set was
      0.78 (95% CI 0.69-0.88). Maximum specificity of the model was 84% for K>5.91 with
      sensitivity of 63%. CONCLUSION: ECG model incorporating T-wave width, descending
      T-wave slope and new QRS prolongation improved hyperkalemia diagnosis over
      traditional ECG analysis.

PMID- 27662778
TI  - [Integration of internet and social networks within health strategies].

PMID- 27662779
TI  - Ocular disposition of treosulfan and its active epoxy-transformers following
      intravenous administration in rabbits.
AB  - Treosulfan (TREO) has an established position in chemotherapy of advanced ovarian
      cancer but has been also applied in uveal melanoma patients. Moreover, it is used
      as an orphan drug for a myeloablative conditioning prior to stem cell
      transplantation. In this paper, biodistribution of prodrug TREO and its active
      monoepoxide (S,S-EBDM) and diepoxide (S,S-DEB) into aqueous humor of the eye was
      studied for the first time. For that purpose, alone TREO and the mixture of TREO,
      S,S-EBDM and S,S-DEB were administered intravenously to New Zealand White
      rabbits. The three analytes were determined in plasma and aqueous humor by
      validated HPLC methods and pharmacokinetic calculations were performed in
      WinNonlin. After the infusion of TREO, the aqueous humor/plasma Cmax ratio and
      area under the curve ratio amounted 0.04 and 0.10 for TREO, and 1.1 and 2.2 for
      S,S-EBDM, respectively. Following the bolus injection of the mixture of the
      prodrug and its epoxides, the aqueous humor/plasma Cmax ratios for TREO, S,S-EBDM
      and S,S-DEB were 0.05, 0.66, and 4.0, respectively. The presented results
      indicate a poor penetration of TREO into the eye, which may impair systemic
      treatment of ocular tumors but is beneficial in terms of a lack of clinically
      relevant ophthalmic adverse effects.

PMID- 27662780
TI  - Metformin prevents glucotoxicity by alleviating oxidative and ER stress-induced
      CD36 expression in pancreatic beta cells.
AB  - AIM/HYPOTHESIS: Cluster determinant 36 (CD36), a fatty acid transporter, was
      reported to have a pivotal role in glucotoxicity-induced beta cell dysfunction.
      However, little is known about how glucotoxicity influences CD36 expression, and
      it is unknown whether this action can be counteracted by metformin. In the
      present study, we showed that metformin counteracts glucotoxicity by alleviating
      oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-induced CD36 expression. METHODS:
      We used primary rat islets as well as INS-1 cells for 72h to 24h with 30mM
      glucose, respectively. Thapsigargin was used as strong ER stressor, and Sulfo-N
      succinimidyl oleate (SSO) and RNA interference were chosen for CD36 inhibition.
      Free fatty acid uptake was measured by radioisotope tracing technique. RESULTS:
      Exposure of isolated rat islets to high glucose (HG) for 3days decreased insulin
      and pancreatic duodenal homeobox1 (Pdx1) mRNA expression, with the suppression of
      glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) along with elevation of reactive
      oxygen species (ROS) levels. Incubation with metformin restored insulin and Pdx1
      mRNA expression with significant improvements in GSIS and decrease in ROS
      production. HG exposure in INS-1 cells increased free fatty acid uptake via
      induction of CD36 along with impaired insulin and Pdx1 mRNA expression. Moreover,
      thapsigargin also increased the induction of CD36 expression. Metformin blocked
      HG- and thapsigargin-induced CD36 expression. In addition, the simultaneous
      inhibition of intracellular ROS production by metformin or CD36 activation by SSO
      or CD36 siRNA significantly decreased the apoptotic response in HG-treated INS-1
      cells. CONCLUSION/INTERPRETATION: In conclusion, metformin conferred protection
      against HG-induced apoptosis of pancreatic beta cells, largely by interfering
      with ROS production, and inhibited the CD36-mediated free fatty acid influx. This
      report provides evidence that the inhibition of CD36 may have potential
      therapeutic effects against hyperglycemia-induced beta cell damage in diabetes.

PMID- 27662782
TI  - Review and analysis of over 40 years of space plant growth systems.
AB  - The cultivation of higher plants occupies an essential role within bio
      regenerative life support systems. It contributes to all major functional aspects
      by closing the different loops in a habitat like food production, CO2 reduction,
      O2 production, waste recycling and water management. Fresh crops are also
      expected to have a positive impact on crew psychological health. Plant material
      was first launched into orbit on unmanned vehicles as early as the 1960s. Since
      then, more than a dozen different plant cultivation experiments have been flown
      on crewed vehicles beginning with the launch of Oasis 1, in 1971. Continuous
      subsystem improvements and increasing knowledge of plant response to the
      spaceflight environment has led to the design of Veggie and the Advanced Plant
      Habitat, the latest in the series of plant growth systems. The paper reviews the
      different designs and technological solutions implemented in higher plant flight
      experiments. Using these analyses a comprehensive comparison is compiled to
      illustrate the development trends of controlled environment agriculture
      technologies in bio-regenerative life support systems, enabling future human long
      duration missions into the solar system. 

PMID- 27662781
TI  - Elevated serum total bilirubin levels are negatively associated with major
      diabetic complications among Chinese senile diabetic patients.
AB  - AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate the association between total bilirubin (TBiL)
      and major diabetic complications among Chinese senile diabetic patients. METHODS:
      A cross-sectional study was conducted in all the cadre sanitariums in Beijing,
      between May 2012 and December 2014. All the diagnoses of diabetic complications
      were extracted from the medical records including chronic kidney disease,
      retinopathy, peripheral vascular disease, coronary heart disease, and ischemic
      stroke. RESULTS: The mean age of the 1839 senile diabetic patients were 87.4+/
      4.0 (80-102years) and mean TBiL level was 13.2+/-6.0MUmol/L. The prevalence of
      chronic kidney disease, retinopathy, peripheral vascular disease, coronary heart
      disease and ischemic stroke was 13.8%, 17.8%, 5.8%, 62.5%, and 44.5%,
      respectively. TBiL level was negatively correlated with age, weight, SBP, TC,
      FBG, 2hPG, diabetic duration and positively correlated with HDL-C. Prevalence of
      all five diseases gradually decreased with the increase of TBiL level (p<0.05).
      Also, number of diabetic complications showed a decreasing trend along with TBiL
      tertiaries. After adjusted age, education, marital status, current smoking,
      current drinking, physical activity >=0.5h/day, BMI, hypertension, dyslipidemia,
      treatment and control status of diabetes, patients with higher TBiL level were at
      significantly decreased ORs for prevalence of major diabetic complications. The
      ORs were 0.97 (95%CI: 0.96-0.99), 0.90 (95%CI: 0.87-0.93), 0.98 (95%CI: 0.97
      0.99), 0.97 (95%CI: 0.95-.99) and 0.98 (95%CI: 0.97-0.99) for chronic kidney
      disease, retinopathy, peripheral vascular disease, coronary heart disease and
      ischemic stroke (p<0.005). Similar results were obtained when TBiL was used as
      tertiary variable. CONCLUSION: Higher TBiL was significantly associated with
      lower prevalence of major diabetic complication among senile diabetic patients,
      and this association was graded with TBiL level and independent of age and
      control status of diabetes.

PMID- 27662783
TI  - Performance in hippocampus- and PFC-dependent cognitive domains are not
      concomitantly impaired in rats exposed to 20cGy of 1GeV/n (56)Fe particles.
AB  - NASA is currently conducting ground based experiments to determine whether the
      radiation environment that astronauts will encounter on deep space missions will
      have an impact on their long-term health and their ability to complete the
      various tasks during the mission. Emerging data suggest that exposure of rodents
      to mission-relevant HZE radiation doses does result in the impairment of various
      neurocognitive processes. An essential part of mission planning is a
      probabilistic risk assessment process that takes into account the likely
      incidence and severity of a problem. To date few studies have reported the impact
      of space radiation in a format that is amenable to PRA, and those that have only
      reported data for a single cognitive process. This study has established the
      ability of individual male Wistar rats to conduct a hippocampus-dependent
      (spatial memory) task and a cortex-dependent (attentional set shifting task) 90
      days after exposure to 20cGy 1GeV/n (56)Fe particles. Radiation-induced
      impairment of performance in one cognitive domain was not consistently associated
      with impaired performance in the other domain. Thus sole reliance upon a single
      measure of cognitive performance may substantially under-estimate the risk of
      cognitive impairment, and ultimately it may be necessary to establish the
      likelihood that mission-relevant HZE doses will impair performance in the three
      or four cognitive domains that NASA considers to be most critical for mission
      success, and build a PRA using the composite data from such studies. 

PMID- 27662784
TI  - Mechanisms of phosphene generation in ocular proton therapy as related to space
      radiation exposure.
AB  - Particle therapy provides an opportunity to study the human response to space
      radiation in ground-based facilities. On this basis, a study of light flashes
      analogous to astronauts' phosphenes reported by patients undergoing ocular proton
      therapy has been undertaken. The influence of treatment parameters on phosphene
      generation was investigated for 430 patients treated for a choroidal melanoma at
      the proton therapy centre of the Institut Curie (ICPO) in Orsay, France, between
      2008 and 2011. 60% of them report light flashes, which are predominantly (74%)
      blue. An analysis of variables describing the patient's physiology, properties of
      the tumour and dose distribution shows that two groups of tumour and beam
      variables are correlated with phosphene occurrence. Physiology is found to have
      no influence on flash triggering. Detailed correlation study eventually suggests
      a possible twofold mechanism of phosphene generation based on (i) indirect
      Cerenkov light in the bulk of the eye due to nuclear interactions and radioactive
      decay and (ii) direct excitation of the nerve fibres in the back of the eye
      and/or radical excess near the retina. 

PMID- 27662785
TI  - Charged particle spectra measured during the transit to Mars with the Mars
      Science Laboratory Radiation Assessment Detector (MSL/RAD).
AB  - The Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) started its 253-day cruise to Mars on November
      26, 2011. During cruise the Radiation Assessment Detector (RAD), situated on
      board the Curiosity rover, conducted measurements of the energetic-particle
      radiation environment inside the spacecraft. This environment consists mainly of
      galactic cosmic rays (GCRs), as well as secondary particles created by
      interactions of these GCRs with the spacecraft. The RAD measurements can serve as
      a proxy for the radiation environment a human crew would encounter during a
      transit to Mars, for a given part of the solar cycle, assuming that a crewed
      vehicle would have comparable shielding. The measurements of radiological
      quantities made by RAD are important in themselves, and, the same data set allow
      for detailed analysis of GCR-induced particle spectra inside the spacecraft. This
      provides important inputs for the evaluation of current transport models used to
      model the free-space (and spacecraft) radiation environment for different
      spacecraft shielding and different times in the solar cycle. Changes in these
      conditions can lead to significantly different radiation fields and, thus,
      potential health risks, emphasizing the need for validated transport codes. Here,
      we present the first measurements of charged particle fluxes inside a spacecraft
      during the transit from Earth to Mars. Using data obtained during the last two
      month of the cruise to Mars (June 11-July 14, 2012), we have derived detailed
      energy spectra for low-Z particles stopping in the instrument's detectors, as
      well as integral fluxes for penetrating particles with higher energies.
      Furthermore, we analyze the temporal changes in measured proton fluxes during
      quiet solar periods (i.e., when no solar energetic particle events occurred) over
      the duration of the transit (December 9, 2011-July 14, 2012) and correlate them
      with changing heliospheric conditions. 

PMID- 27662787
TI  - Simulated sudden increase in geomagnetic activity and its effect on heart rate
      variability: Experimental verification of correlation studies.
AB  - Previous research investigating the potential influence of geomagnetic factors on
      human cardiovascular state has tended to converge upon similar inferences
      although the results remain relatively controversial. Furthermore, previous
      findings have remained essentially correlational without accompanying
      experimental verification. An exception to this was noted for human brain
      activity in a previous study employing experimental simulation of sudden
      geomagnetic impulses in order to assess correlational results that had
      demonstrated a relationship between geomagnetic perturbations and neuroelectrical
      parameters. The present study employed the same equipment in a similar procedure
      in order to validate previous findings of a geomagnetic-cardiovascular dynamic
      with electrocardiography and heart rate variability measures. Results indicated
      that potential magnetic field effects on frequency components of heart rate
      variability tended to overlap with previous correlational studies where low
      frequency power and the ratio between low and high frequency components of heart
      rate variability appeared affected. In the present study, a significant increase
      in these particular parameters was noted during geomagnetic simulation compared
      to baseline recordings. 

PMID- 27662786
TI  - The effects of short-term hypergravity on Caenorhabditis elegans.
AB  - As we seek to recognize the opportunities of advanced aerospace technologies and
      spaceflight, it is increasingly important to understand the impacts of
      hypergravity, defined as gravitational forces greater than those present on the
      earth's surface. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has been established as a
      powerful model to study the effects of altered gravity regimens and has displayed
      remarkable resilience to space travel. In this study, we investigate the effects
      of short-term and defined hypergravity exposure on C. elegans motility, brood
      size, pharyngeal pumping rates, and lifespan. The results from this study advance
      our understanding of the effects of shorter durations of exposure to increased
      gravitational forces on C. elegans, and also contribute to the growing body of
      literature on the impacts of altered gravity regimens on earth's life forms. 

PMID- 27662788
TI  - No evidence for an increase in circulatory disease mortality in astronauts
      following space radiation exposures.
AB  - Previous analysis has shown that astronauts have a significantly lower
      standardized mortality ratio for circulatory disease mortality compared to the
      U.S. population, which is consistent with the rigorous selection process and
      healthy lifestyles of astronauts, and modest space radiation exposures from past
      space missions. However, a recent report by Delp et al. estimated the
      proportional mortality ratio for ages of 55-64 y of Apollo lunar mission
      astronauts to claim a high risk of cardiovascular disease due to space radiation
      compared to the U.S. population or to non-flight astronauts. In this Commentary
      we discuss important deficiencies in the methods and assumptions on radiation
      exposures used by Delp et al. that we judge cast serious doubt on their
      conclusions. 

PMID- 27662789
TI  - National survey to evaluate musuloskeletal health in retired professional ballet
      dancers in the United Kingdom.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To explore the musculoskeletal health of retired professional ballet
      dancers in the United Kingdom (UK). DESIGN: Online national survey. PARTICIPANTS:
      Retired professional ballet dancers living in the UK. METHODS: The survey
      explored: what musculoskeletal injuries or diseases are experienced by retired
      professional ballet dancers; which anatomical regions were affected by
      musculoskeletal injuries or diseases in retired professional ballet dancers;
      whether ballet dancers were forced to retire from professional ballet due to
      musculoskeletal injuries or disease. RESULTS: Forty-six retired ballet dancers
      responded. Thirty-six percent (n = 17) of respondents reported retiring from
      ballet due to musculoskeletal injury. The median age when respondents retired
      from professional ballet was 29 years. The most common issues that caused people
      to retire were hip and back pain (25%; n = 9 respectively), followed by hamstring
      injuries, ankle injuries, cervical spine injuries, and anterior knee pain (13%
      respectively; n = 5). Ninety-one percent (n = 42) reported experiencing muscle
      and joint pain post-retirement. CONCLUSIONS: Musculoskeletal pain and disease was
      a problem for respondents in this study. Further investigation is needed to
      define the problem, so management can be examined. Comparing performance and
      training regimes to injury rates in professional dancers, and then following
      these cohorts into retirement, would increase knowledge on this population.

PMID- 27662790
TI  - Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion influences Lateral Step Down Test scores in
      individuals with chronic ankle instability.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine differences in ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM)
      between three groups of individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) based on
      Lateral Step Down Test quality of movement. The secondary purpose was to quantify
      the relationship between ankle dorsiflexion ROM and Lateral Step Down Test
      scores. DESIGN: Descriptive laboratory study. SETTING: University research
      laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-nine participants with CAI. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: Differences in ankle dorsiflexion ROM between three Lateral Step Down
      Test movement quality groups (good, moderate, poor) was determined using an
      analysis of variance. The relationship between outcome variables was determined
      using a Spearman rank correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Significantly less ankle
      dorsiflexion ROM was observed in individuals with poor movement quality (36.0 +/-
      6.6 degrees ) compared to good (42.3 +/- 6.4 degrees ). Individuals with moderate
      movement quality did not have ankle dorsiflexion ROM (39.1 +/- 6.2 degrees ) that
      was significantly different from either group. There was a negative correlation
      (r = -0.39) between ankle dorsiflexion ROM and Lateral Step Down Test scores.
      CONCLUSIONS: Participants in the poor movement quality group had 6 degrees  less
      ankle dorsiflexion ROM than participants in the good movement quality group.
      While ankle dorsiflexion ROM is associated with Lateral Step Down Test scores
      additional factors likely contribute to movement dysfunction in individuals with
      CAI. TRIAL REGISTRY: This trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov
      (NCT01438905).

PMID- 27662791
TI  - Immune checkpoint blockade: Which switches to hit and how much?

PMID- 27662792
TI  - Altered circulating T follicular helper cell subsets in patients with psoriasis
      vulgaris.
AB  - Circulating T follicular helper (Tfh) cells in the blood are counterparts to
      conventional Tfh cells in germinal centres. Similarly to conventional Tfh cells,
      circulating Tfh cells provide helpful signals for B cells. Circulating Tfh cells
      can be divided into three subpopulations, including Tfh17 (CXCR3-CCR6+), Tfh1
      (CXCR3+CCR6-), and Tfh2 (CXCR3-CCR6-) cells, based on differences in CXCR3 and
      CCR6 expression. Recent studies have demonstrated that alterations in circulating
      Tfh cell subsets have significant effects on the progression of numerous
      autoimmune diseases. To address the role of circulating Tfh cells in psoriasis,
      we used flow cytometry to analyse frequencies of circulating Tfh cell subsets and
      levels of IL-21 receptor (IL-21R) expression on B cells in 32 patients with
      psoriasis vulgaris and 13 sex- and age-matched healthy controls. We observed
      dynamic changes in Tfh17 cell frequency and disease severity in 10 psoriasis
      patients during a 6-month treatment. Our results demonstrate that the frequency
      of Tfh17 cells was significantly increased in psoriasis patients and was
      positively correlated with psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score, a
      marker of disease severity (P<0.05). During the follow-up period, the frequencies
      of Tfh17 cells decreased, and reductions in PASI scores were observed. Moreover,
      IL-21R expression on B cells was significantly increased in patients with
      psoriasis vulgaris (P<0.05). Interestingly, IL-21R levels on B cells were
      correlated with both PASI score and the frequency of Tfh17 cells (P<0.05). In
      conclusion, this study is the first investigation of the distribution of
      circulating Tfh subsets in psoriasis. These results deepen our understanding of
      the immune state of psoriasis patients. Our data also indicate that Tfh17 cells
      may not be good biomarkers for diagnosing psoriasis but may be potential
      biomarkers of disease severity in psoriasis.

PMID- 27662793
TI  - Investigating the addition of collagen and its integrin binding sequence (RGD) to
      glass polyalkenoate: In terms of material and cellular properties to explore a
      more biocompatible method of root caries restoration.
AB  - AIMS: Placement of a restoration to treat root caries disrupts many tissues.
      There is scope for the restorative material to interact with these to augment
      reductions in micro leakage afforded by an adhesive restorative material.
      OBJECTIVES: 1) To investigate the effects of incorporating bioactive molecules
      into a glass polyalkenoate (GPA) 2) To quantify the changes in physical
      properties of the material. METHODS: Biocompatibility of the GPA cement (Chemfil
      Superior, Dentsply De Trey, Konstanz, Germany) in unmodified and modified forms
      was ascertained using cell culture techniques. The optimum concentration of
      bioactive components required to promote cell attachment was determined
      indirectly by quantification and localisation of the fibroblast marker vimentin.
      The properties of surface hardness, compressive strength and adhesive bond
      strength were also determined prior to and following addition of the bio
      additives: collagen type I and a pentapeptide containing Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD).
      RESULTS: Addition of Type I Collagen (100MUg/ml) and RGD (5mg/ml) to ChemFil
      Superior had no statistically significant effect upon the compressive strength
      and bond strength to bovine enamel but significantly (P<0.05) increased the
      materials shore hardness. The addition of RGD to ChemFil Superior increased most
      the expression of vimentin, indicating that the cells had become more
      fibroblastic. This may be indicative of increased synthesis of extracellular
      matrix macromolecules with the potential to foster adhesion of the modified glass
      polyalkenoate to distracted gingival tissues. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest
      that addition of bioactive molecules to GPA cement for subgingival restorations
      has potential clinical applications. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: It is possible to
      envisage that the additions, as described in this paper, could foster the
      attachment of displaced gingival tissues to GPA restorative materials placed
      subgingivally where root caries has been treated. This would offer potential to
      form a seal around the restoration by the attached gingival tissues avoiding a
      periodontal pocket and depriving residual cariogenic bacteria of a nutrient
      supply. Further investigation of the effects upon other similar materials of such
      additions is warranted.

PMID- 27662794
TI  - Oral health-related quality of life and associated factors in a care-dependent
      and a care-independent older population.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine relationships between oral health (OH) factors and general
      health (GH) factors (including physical, mental, and social health domains), and
      oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in a care-independent and a care
      dependent older population. METHODS: Care-independent participants (n=109) were
      recruited from the Nijmegen dental school; care-dependent participants (n=126)
      from residential aged care facilities. Data collected included: OHRQoL (Geriatric
      Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI)), age, gender, socioeconomic status, number
      of teeth and occluding pairs, presence of carious teeth, presence of removable
      dental prostheses, clinically assessed treatment need (CTN), self-reported GH,
      and, only for care-dependent participants: care-dependency level and health
      domain variables: physical, mental (SF-12: Physical and Mental Component Summary
      scores), and social (ENRICHD social support index). Multiple linear regression
      analyses were performed to assess the associations with GOHAI scores. RESULTS:
      Mean GOHAI scores of care-independent (51.6+/-7.4) and care-dependent
      participants (52.1+/-6.7) did not differ significantly despite considerably worse
      OH status of the latter. Regression models revealed significant (p<=0.05)
      associations between GOHAI scores and age, prosthodontic status, and CTN in care
      independent participants (R2=0.19) and only with CTN in care-dependent
      participants. (R2=0.09). Self-reported GH was not significantly associated with
      GOHAI; when substituted by the health domain variables, only social support was
      significantly associated with GOHAI scores. CONCLUSIONS: GOHAI outcomes are
      associated with different variables in care-independent and care-dependent older
      subjects. In care-dependent subjects, GOHAI outcomes are more strongly related to
      social support than to OH factors or other GH factors. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:
      OHRQoL outcomes should not be compared across care-dependent and care-independent
      populations without careful interpretation of these outcomes against specific
      factors that distinguish such populations, like health factors and living
      environment.

PMID- 27662795
TI  - Prolonged Repetitive Head Trauma Induces a Singular Chronic Traumatic
      Encephalopathy-Like Pathology in White Matter Despite Transient Behavioral
      Abnormalities.
AB  - Repetitive mild traumatic brain injury (rmTBI), resulting from insults caused by
      an external mechanical force that disrupts normal brain function, has been linked
      to the development of neurodegenerative diseases, such as chronic traumatic
      encephalopathy and Alzheimer disease; however, neither the severity nor frequency
      of head injury required to trigger adverse behavioral outcomes is well
      understood. In this study, the administration of 30 head impacts using two
      different weights to lightly anesthetized, completely unrestrained mice
      established a paradigm that simulates the highly repetitive nature of sports- and
      military-related head injury. As the number of head impacts increases, the time
      to recover consciousness diminishes; however, both the sensorimotor function and
      behavioral outcomes of impacted mice evolve during the ensuing weeks. Postmortem
      analyses reveal robust Alzheimer disease and chronic traumatic encephalopathy
      like conditions that manifest in a singular manner throughout the white matter
      concomitant with evidence of chronic oligodendrogenesis. Our data suggest that
      latency to recover the righting reflex may be an inadequate measure of injury
      severity and imply that exposure to repeated head impacts may mask the severity
      of an underlying and developing neuropathologic condition that does not manifest
      itself until long after head collisions cease. In addition, our data indicate
      that there is a cumulative and dose-dependent effect of repetitive head impacts
      that induces the neurobehavioral and neuropathologic outcomes seen in humans with
      a history of rmTBI.

PMID- 27662796
TI  - Heme Oxygenase 1 Up-Regulates Glomerular Decay Accelerating Factor Expression and
      Minimizes Complement Deposition and Injury.
AB  - Complement-activation controllers, including decay accelerating factor (DAF), are
      gaining emphasis as they minimize injury in various dysregulated complement
      activation disorders, including glomerulopathies. Heme oxygenase (HO)-1
      overexpression or induction has been shown to attenuate injury in complement
      dependent models of glomerulonephritis. This study investigated whether up
      regulation of DAF by heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) is an underlying mechanism by using
      Hmox-1-deficient rats (Hmox1+/-; Hmox1-/-) or rats with HO-1 overexpression
      targeted to glomerular epithelial cells (GECHO-1), which are particularly
      vulnerable to complement-mediated injury owing to their terminally differentiated
      nature. Constitutively expressed DAF was decreased in glomeruli of Hmox1-/- rats
      and augmented in glomeruli of GECHO-1 rats. In GECHO-1 rats with anti-glomerular
      basement membrane antibody mediated, complement-dependent injury, complement
      component C3 fragment b (C3b) deposition was reduced, whereas proteinuria was
      diminished. In glomeruli of wild-type rats, the natural Hmox substrate, hemin,
      induced glomerular DAF. This effect was attenuated in glomeruli of Hmox1-/- rats
      and augmented in glomeruli of GECHO-1 rats. Hemin analogues differing in either
      metal or porphyrin ring functionalities, acting as competitive Hmox-substrate
      inhibitors, also increased glomerular DAF and reduced C3b deposition after
      spontaneous complement activation. In the presence of a DAF-blocking antibody,
      the reduction in C3b deposition was reversed. These observations establish HO-1
      as a physiologic regulator of glomerular DAF and identify hemin analogues as
      inducers of functional glomerular DAF able to minimize C3b deposition.

PMID- 27662798
TI  - Fibrogenic Signaling Is Suppressed in Hepatic Stellate Cells through Targeting of
      Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CCN2) by Cellular or Exosomal MicroRNA-199a-5p.
AB  - Pathways of liver fibrosis are controlled by connective tissue growth factor
      (CCN2). In this study, CCN2 was identified as a target of miR-199a-5p, which was
      principally expressed in quiescent mouse hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and
      directly suppressed production of CCN2. Up-regulated CCN2 expression in fibrotic
      mouse livers or in activated primary mouse HSCs was associated with miR-199a-5p
      down-regulation. MiR-199a-5p in quiescent mouse HSCs inhibited the activity of a
      wild-type CCN2 3' untranslated region (3'-UTR) but not of a mutant CCN2 3'-UTR
      lacking the miR-199a-5p-binding site. In activated mouse HSCs, CCN2, alpha-smooth
      muscle actin, and collagen 1(alpha1) were suppressed by a miR-199a-5p mimic,
      whereas in quiescent mouse HSCs, the inhibited CCN2 3'-UTR activity was blocked
      by a miR-199a-5p antagomir. CCN2 3'-UTR activity in human HSCs was reduced by a
      miR-199a-5p mimic. MiR-199a-5p was present at higher levels in exosomes from
      quiescent versus activated HSCs. MiR-199a-5p-containing exosomes were shuttled
      from quiescent mouse HSCs to activated mouse HSCs in which CCN2 3'-UTR activity
      was then suppressed. Exosomes from quiescent HSCs caused miR-199a-5p-dependent
      inhibition of CCN2, alpha-smooth muscle actin, or collagen 1(alpha1) in activated
      HSCs in vitro and bound to activated HSCs in vivo. Thus, CCN2 suppression by miR
      199a-5p accounts, in part, for low-level fibrogenic gene expression in quiescent
      HSCs and causes dampened gene expression in activated HSCs after horizontal
      transfer of miR-199a-5p in exosomes from quiescent HSCs.

PMID- 27662800
TI  - A new selective fluorescent probe based on tamoxifen.
AB  - Developing targeted validation probes that can interrogate biology is of interest
      for both chemists and biologists. The synthesis of suitable compounds provides a
      means for avoiding the costly labeling of cells with specific antibodies and the
      bias associated with the interpretation of biological validation experiments. The
      chemotherapeutic agent, tamoxifen has been routinely used in the treatment of
      breast cancer for decades. Once metabolized, the active form of tamoxifen (4
      hydroxytamoxifen) competes with the binding of estrogens to the estrogen
      receptors (ER). Its selectivity in ER modulation makes it an ideal candidate for
      the development of materials to be used as chemical probes. Here we report the
      synthesis of a fluorescent BODIPY(r)FL conjugate of tamoxifen linked through an
      ethylene glycol moiety, and present proof-of-principle results in ER positive and
      ER negative cell lines. Optical microscopy indicates that the fluorescent probe
      binds selectively to tamoxifen sensitive breast cancer cell lines. The compound
      showed no affinity for the tamoxifen resistant breast cancer lines. The
      specificity of the new compound make it a valuable addition to the chemical probe
      tool kit for estrogen receptors.

PMID- 27662801
TI  - Unshared binding sites for Bacillus thuringiensis Cry3Aa and Cry3Ca proteins in
      the weevil Cylas puncticollis (Brentidae).
AB  - Bacillus thuringiensis Cry3Aa and Cry3Ca proteins have been reported to be toxic
      against the African sweetpotato pest Cylas puncticollis. In the present work, the
      binding sites of these proteins in C. puncticollis brush border vesicles suggest
      the occurrence of different binding sites, but only one of them is shared. Our
      results suggest that pest resistance mediated by alteration of the shared Cry
      receptor binding site might not render both Cry proteins ineffective.

PMID- 27662799
TI  - Long-acting reversible contraceptive acceptability and unintended pregnancy among
      women presenting for short-acting methods: a randomized patient preference trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Measures of contraceptive effectiveness combine technology and user
      related factors. Observational studies show higher effectiveness of long-acting
      reversible contraception compared with short-acting reversible contraception.
      Women who choose long-acting reversible contraception may differ in key ways from
      women who choose short-acting reversible contraception, and it may be these
      differences that are responsible for the high effectiveness of long-acting
      reversible contraception. Wider use of long-acting reversible contraception is
      recommended, but scientific evidence of acceptability and successful use is
      lacking in a population that typically opts for short-acting methods. OBJECTIVE:
      The objective of the study was to reduce bias in measuring contraceptive
      effectiveness and better isolate the independent role that long-acting reversible
      contraception has in preventing unintended pregnancy relative to short-acting
      reversible contraception. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a partially randomized
      patient preference trial and recruited women aged 18-29 years who were seeking a
      short-acting method (pills or injectable). Participants who agreed to
      randomization were assigned to 1 of 2 categories: long-acting reversible
      contraception or short-acting reversible contraception. Women who declined
      randomization but agreed to follow-up in the observational cohort chose their
      preferred method. Under randomization, participants chose a specific method in
      the category and received it for free, whereas participants in the preference
      cohort paid for the contraception in their usual fashion. Participants were
      followed up prospectively to measure primary outcomes of method continuation and
      unintended pregnancy at 12 months. Kaplan-Meier techniques were used to estimate
      method continuation probabilities. Intent-to-treat principles were applied after
      method initiation for comparing incidence of unintended pregnancy. We also
      measured acceptability in terms of level of happiness with the products. RESULTS:
      Of the 916 participants, 43% chose randomization and 57% chose the preference
      option. Complete loss to follow-up at 12 months was <2%. The 12-month method
      continuation probabilities were 63.3% (95% confidence interval, 58.9-67.3)
      (preference short-acting reversible contraception), 53.0% (95% confidence
      interval, 45.7-59.8) (randomized short-acting reversible contraception), and
      77.8% (95% confidence interval, 71.0-83.2) (randomized long-acting reversible
      contraception) (P < .001 in the primary comparison involving randomized groups).
      The 12-month cumulative unintended pregnancy probabilities were 6.4% (95%
      confidence interval, 4.1-8.7) (preference short-acting reversible contraception),
      7.7% (95% confidence interval, 3.3-12.1) (randomized short-acting reversible
      contraception), and 0.7% (95% confidence interval, 0.0-4.7) (randomized long
      acting reversible contraception) (P = .01 when comparing randomized groups). In
      the secondary comparisons involving only short-acting reversible contraception
      users, the continuation probability was higher in the preference group compared
      with the randomized group (P = .04). However, the short-acting reversible
      contraception randomized group and short-acting reversible contraception
      preference group had statistically equivalent rates of unintended pregnancy (P =
      .77). Seventy-eight percent of randomized long-acting reversible contraception
      users were happy/neutral with their initial method, compared with 89% of
      randomized short-acting reversible contraception users (P < .05). However, among
      method continuers at 12 months, all groups were equally happy/neutral (>90%).
      CONCLUSION: Even in a typical population of women who presented to initiate or
      continue short-acting reversible contraception, long-acting reversible
      contraception proved highly acceptable. One year after initiation, women
      randomized to long-acting reversible contraception had high continuation rates
      and consequently experienced superior protection from unintended pregnancy
      compared with women using short-acting reversible contraception; these findings
      are attributable to the initial technology and not underlying factors that often
      bias observational estimates of effectiveness. The similarly patterned
      experiences of the 2 short-acting reversible contraception cohorts provide a
      bridge of generalizability between the randomized group and usual-care preference
      group. Benefits of increased voluntary uptake of long-acting reversible
      contraception may extend to wider populations than previously thought.

PMID- 27662802
TI  - Linking ICF components to outcome measures for orthotic intervention for CMC OA:
      A systematic review.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. INTRODUCTION/PURPOSE: The purpose of this study
      was to systematically review outcome measures used for assessment of orthotic
      intervention in the conservative management of thumb carpometacarpal
      osteoarthritis to determine if they characterize International Classification of
      Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) components. The determinants of patient
      satisfaction regarding the orthotic intervention were also extracted from the
      studies. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted. Outcome
      measures in the included studies were linked to the ICF. Determinants of patient
      satisfaction regarding the orthotic intervention were also extracted. RESULTS:
      Nine studies met inclusion criteria. Eight (47.1%) outcomes were linked to body
      structures and functions, 8 (47.1%) to activity limitations and participation
      restrictions, and 1 (5.9%) outcome fell into the nondefinable quality of life
      category. Four studies assessed patient satisfaction. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS:
      This systematic review on orthotic intervention for thumb carpometacarpal
      osteoarthritis found opportunities related to assessment and outcome measures
      when present studies are linked to the ICF. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2a.

PMID- 27662803
TI  - Putative new groups of invertebrate water channels based on the snail Helix
      pomatia L. (Helicidae) MIP protein identification and phylogenetic analysis.
AB  - Water channel proteins, classified as a family of Membrane Intrinsic Proteins
      (MIPs) superfamily, enable rapid movement of water and small uncharged molecules
      through biological membranes. Although water channel proteins are required in
      several important processes characteristic for the animals, such as
      osmoregulation, mucus secretion, or defense against desiccation, molluscs, until
      now, have been very poorly explored in this aspect. Therefore, we decided to
      study MIPs in Helix pomatia L. applied as a model in studies on terrestrial snail
      physiology. Our studies consisted in: the snail organ transcriptome sequencing
      and consecutive bioinformatic analysis of the predicted protein, estimation of
      the encoding transcript expression (qPCR), investigation of the predicted protein
      function in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells, and the phylogenetic
      analysis. We identified six water channel proteins, named HpAQP1 to HpAQP6. All
      of them were proven to transport water, two of them (HpAQP3 and HpAQP4) were also
      shown to be able to transport glycerol, and other two (HpAQP5 and HpAQP6) to
      transport H2O2. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the proteins either fell
      into aquaporins (HpAQP1, HpAQP2 and HpAQP5) or formed new groups of invertebrate
      water channel proteins, not described until now, that we suggest to term
      malacoglyceroporins (HpAQP3 and HpAQP4) and malacoaquaporins (HpAQP6). Thus, the
      classification of animal water channels based on the vertebrate proteins and
      including aquaporin, aquaglyceroporin, S-aquaporin and AQP8-type grades does not
      reflect diversity of these proteins in invertebrates. The obtained results
      provide important data concerning diversity of water channel protein repertoire
      in aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates and should also contribute to the
      improvement of animal water channel classification system.

PMID- 27662804
TI  - Dual effect of F-actin targeted carrier combined with antimitotic drug on
      aggressive colorectal cancer cytoskeleton: Allying dissimilar cell cytoskeleton
      disrupting mechanisms.
AB  - A recent approach to colon cancer therapy is to employ selective drugs with
      specific extra/intracellular sites of action. Alteration of cytoskeletal protein
      reorganization and, subsequently, to cellular biomechanical behaviour during
      cancer progression highly affects the cancer cell progress. Hence, cytoskeleton
      targeted drugs are an important class of cancer therapy agents. We have studied
      viscoelastic alteration of the human colon adenocarcinoma cell line, SW48, after
      treatment with a drug delivery system comprising chitosan as the carrier and
      albendazole as the microtubule-targeting agent (MTA). For the first time, we have
      evaluated the biomechanical characteristics of the cell line, using the
      micropipette aspiration (MA) method after treatment with drug delivery systems.
      Surprisingly, employing a chitosan-albendazole pair, in comparison with both neat
      materials, resulted in more significant change in the viscoelastic parameters of
      cells, including the elastic constants (K1 and K2) and the coefficient of
      viscosity (MU). This difference was more pronounced for cancer cells after 48h of
      the treatment. Microtubule and actin microfilament (F-actin) contents in the cell
      line were studied by immunofluorescent staining. Good agreement was observed
      between the mechanical characteristics results and microtubule/F-actin contents
      of the treated SW48 cell line, which declined after treatment. The results showed
      that chitosan affected F-actin more, while MTA was more effective for
      microtubules. Toxicity studies were performed against two cancer cell lines (SW48
      and MCF10CA1h) and compared to normal cells, MCF10A. The results showed cancer
      selectiveness, safety of formulation, and enhanced anticancer efficacy of the
      CS/ABZ conjugate. This study suggests that employing such a suitable pair of drug
      carriers with dissimilar sites of action, thus allying the different cell
      cytoskeleton disrupting mechanisms, may provide a more efficient cancer therapy
      approach.

PMID- 27662805
TI  - Permeation of topically applied caffeine from a food by-product in cosmetic
      formulations: Is nanoscale in vitro approach an option?
AB  - The aim of the present work was to develop and evaluate the potential of
      nanostructured lipid carriers associated with caffeine extracted from Coffee
      Silverskin (NLC-CS), a food by-product, as a new possible topical therapy of
      cellulitis. Caffeine gain increasing research interest due to their cosmetic
      potential, particularly in gynoid lipodystrophy, commonly known as cellulite. NLC
      CS were prepared via double emulsion technique using polysorbate 60 as surfactant
      and characterized for their morphology, particle size, zeta potential,
      association encapsulation and stability. The in vitro skin permeation studies
      were performed on Franz diffusion cells using pig skin ear as permeation membrane
      and the optimized formulation was compared with a hydroalcoholic solution of
      Coffee silverskin (CS) extract. NLC-CS were within the nanosized range (~200nm),
      with a low polydispersity index (<0.25) and zeta potential values around -30Mv,
      presenting storage stability up to 180days at 25 degrees C/65% relative humidity
      (RH) and 40 degrees C/75% RH. The association efficiency (AE) of caffeine was
      about 30% at production time and after storage period. Cryo-SEM images confirmed
      the spherical shape of NLC-CS. The in vitro skin permeation study demonstrated
      that NLC-CS had a similar skin permeation profile when compared to caffeine in CS
      extract.

PMID- 27662806
TI  - Characterization of candidate intermediates in the Black Box of the ecdysone
      biosynthetic pathway in Drosophila melanogaster: Evaluation of molting activities
      on ecdysteroid-defective larvae.
AB  - Early steps of the biosynthetic pathway of the insect steroid hormone ecdysone
      remains the "Black Box" wherein the characteristic ecdysteroid skeleton is built.
      7-Dehydrocholesterol (7dC) is the precursor of uncharacterized intermediates in
      the Black Box. The oxidation step at C-3 has been hypothesized during conversion
      from 7dC to 3-oxo-2,22,25-trideoxyecdysone, yet 3-dehydroecdysone is undetectable
      in some insect species. Therefore, we first confirmed that the oxidation at C-3
      occurs in the fruitfly, Drosophila melanogaster using deuterium-labeled
      cholesterol. We next investigated the molting activities of candidate
      intermediates, including oxidative products of 7dC, by feeding-rescue experiments
      for Drosophila larvae in which an expression level of a biosynthetic enzyme was
      knocked down by the RNAi technique. We found that the administration of cholesta
      4,7-dien-3-one (3-oxo-Delta4,7C) could overcome the molting arrest of ecdysteroid
      defective larvae in which the expression level of neverland was reduced. However,
      feeding 3-oxo-Delta4,7C to larvae in which the expression levels of shroud and
      Cyp6t3 were reduced inhibited molting at the first instar stage, suggesting that
      this steroid could be converted into an ecdysteroid-antagonist in loss of
      function studies of these biosynthetic enzymes. Administration of the highly
      conjugated cholesta-4,6,8(14)-trien-3-one, oxidized from 3-oxo-Delta4,7C, did not
      trigger molting of ecdysteroid-defective larvae. These results suggest that an
      oxidative product derived from 7dC is converted into ecdysteroids without the
      formation of this stable conjugated compound. We further found that the 14alpha
      hydroxyl moiety of Delta4-steroids is required to overcome the molting arrest of
      larvae in loss of function studies of Neverland, Shroud, CYP6T3 or Spookier,
      suggesting that oxidation at C-14 is indispensable for conversion of these Delta4
      steroids into ecdysteroids via 5beta-reduction.

PMID- 27662807
TI  - Structure-activity relationships of fluorinated dendrimers in DNA and siRNA
      delivery.
AB  - : Fluorinated dendrimers have shown great promise in gene delivery due to their
      high transfection efficacy and low cytotoxicity, however, the structure-activity
      relationships of these polymers still remain unknown. Herein, we synthesized a
      library of fluorinated dendrimers with different dendrimer generations and
      fluorination degrees and investigated their behaviors in both DNA and siRNA
      delivery. The results show that fluorination significantly improves the
      transfection efficacy of G4-G7 polyamidoamine dendrimers in DNA and siRNA
      delivery. Fluorination on generation 5 dendrimer yields the most efficient
      polymers in gene delivery, and the transfection efficacy of fluorinated
      dendrimers depends on fluorination degree. All the fluorinated dendrimers cause
      minimal toxicity on the transfected cells at their optimal transfection
      conditions. This study provides a general and facile strategy to prepare high
      efficient and low cytotoxic gene carriers based on fluorinated polymers.
      STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The structure-activity relationships of fluorinated
      dendrimers in gene delivery is still unknown and the behavior of fluorinated
      dendrimers in siRNA delivery has not yet been investigated. Herein, we
      synthesized a library of fluorinated PAMAM dendrimers with different dendrimer
      generations and fluorination degrees and investigated their behaviors in both DNA
      and siRNA delivery. The results clearly indicate that fluorination significantly
      improves the transfection efficacy of dendrimers in both DNA and siRNA delivery
      without causing additional toxicity. G5 PAMAM dendrimer is best scaffold to
      synthesize fluorinated dendrimers and the transfection efficacy of fluorinated
      dendrimers depends on fluorination degree. This systematic study provides a
      general and facile strategy to prepare high efficient and low cytotoxic gene
      carriers based on fluorinated polymers.

PMID- 27662808
TI  - Rapid fabrication of carbon quantum dots as multifunctional nanovehicles for dual
      modal targeted imaging and chemotherapy.
AB  - : Herein, we synthesized an S, N, and Gd tri-element doped magnetofluorescent
      carbon quantum dots (GdNS@CQDs) within 10min by using a one-pot microwave method.
      Our results showed that these magnetofluorescent GdNS@CQDs have excellent
      fluorescent and magnetic properties. Moreover, GdNS@CQDs exhibited high stability
      at physiological conditions and ionic strength. These magnetofluorescent
      GdNS@CQDs were conjugated with a folic acid, denoted as FA-GdNS@CQDs, for
      targeting dual modal fluorescence/magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The in vitro
      and in vivo studies confirmed the high biocompatibility and low toxicity of FA
      GdNS@CQDs. FA-GdNS@CQDs enhanced the MR response as compared to that for
      commercial Gd-DTPA. The targeting capabilities of FA-GdNS@CQDs were confirmed in
      HeLa and HepG2 cells using in vitro fluorescence and MR dual modality imaging.
      Additionally, an anticancer drug, doxorubicin, was incorporated into the FA
      GdNS@CQDs forming FA-GdNS@CQDs-DOX, which enables targeted drug delivery.
      Importantly, the prepared FA-GdNS@CQDs-DOX showed a high quantity of doxorubicin
      loading capacity (about 80%) and pH-sensitive drug release. The uptake into
      cancer cells and the intracellular location of the FA-GdNS@CQDs were observed by
      confocal laser scanning microscopy. We also successfully demonstrated in vivo
      fluorescence bio imaging of the FA-GdNS@CQDs, using zebrafish as an animal model.
      STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In this manuscript, we reported a facial, rapid, and
      environmental friendly method to fabricate hetero atoms including gadolinium,
      nitrogen, and sulfur doped multi-functional magnetofluorescent carbon quantum
      dots (GdNS@CQDs) nanocomposite. These multifunctional GdNS@CQDs were conjugated
      with a folic acid for targeting dual modal fluorescence/magnetic resonance
      imaging. Additionally, an anticancer drug, doxorubicin, was incorporated into the
      nanocomposite forming FA-GdNS@CQDs-DOX, which enables targeted drug delivery. We
      have developed GdNS@CQDs with integrated functions for simultaneous in vitro cell
      imaging, targeting, and pH-sensitive controlled drug release in HeLa cells.
      Furthermore, we successfully demonstrated the use of this material for in vivo
      fluorescence imaging, using zebrafish as an animal model.

PMID- 27662810
TI  - Proteostasis and SUMO in the heart.
AB  - Heart proteostasis relies on a complex and integrated network of molecular
      processes surveilling organ performance under physiological and pathological
      conditions. For this purpose, cardiac cells depend on the correct function of
      their proteolytic systems, such as the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS),
      autophagy and the calpain system. Recently, the role of protein SUMOylation (an
      ubiquitin-like modification), has emerged as important modulator of cardiac
      proteostasis, which will be the focus of this review.

PMID- 27662811
TI  - Application of an epitope-based allocation system in pediatric kidney
      transplantation.
AB  - Donor-recipient HLA mismatch remains a leading cause for sensitization and graft
      loss in kidney transplantation. HLA compatibility at an epitope level is emerging
      as an improved method of matching compared with current HLA antigen allocation. A
      novel epitope-based allocation approach to prospectively exclude donors with high
      level mismatches was implemented for pediatric KTRs on the DD waiting list.
      Nineteen consecutive transplants were followed for 12 months, including eight DD
      KTRs listed with eplet exclusions, as well as three DD KTRs and eight LD KTRs
      without exclusions. KTRs with eplet exclusions had estimated GFR of 78.5
      mL/min/1.73 m2 , no episodes of rejection, and time to transplant 6.55 months.
      HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-DR antigen mismatches were similar between all groups. KTRs
      with exclusions had significantly lower class II eplet mismatches (20.4) than the
      contemporary DD KTRs without exclusions (63.7) and DD KTRs transplanted in the
      preceding decade (46.9). dnDSAs were identified in two of eight DD KTRs with
      exclusions, two of three DD KTRs without exclusions and five of eight LD KTRs.
      Epitope-based allocation achieved timely access to transplantation, low class II
      eplet mismatches, and low rates of dnDSAs in the first year. This strategy
      requires longer follow-up and larger numbers, but has the potential to reduce
      anti-HLA sensitization and improve both graft survival and opportunities for
      future retransplantation.

PMID- 27662812
TI  - Usefulness of plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin concentration for
      predicting the severity and mortality of patients with community-acquired
      pneumonia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The usefulness of plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin
      (NGAL) concentration for predicting the outcome of community-acquired pneumonia
      (CAP) is unclear. We evaluated the prognostic value of plasma NGAL concentration
      for predicting disease severity in comparison with other widely used biological
      markers of inflammation in patients with CAP. METHODS: NGAL, procalcitonin, and C
      reactive protein concentrations were measured in 362 patients with CAP, who were
      followed for up to 30days. The Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI) and CURB-65 score
      were obtained for all patients. RESULTS: The median plasma NGAL concentration
      increased with CAP severity classified according to the PSI. Plasma NGAL
      concentration was higher in nonsurvivors than in survivors. The AUC for
      predicting mortality was highest for NGAL concentration (0.871), followed by that
      for PSI (0.865) and procalcitonin concentration (0.744). Multivariable logistic
      regression analysis showed that plasma NGAL concentration was an independent
      predictor of hospital mortality in CAP patients. Plasma NGAL concentration
      correlated positively with C-reactive protein and procalcitonin concentrations,
      CURB-65 score, and PSI. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma NGAL concentration is a valuable
      biological marker in the assessment of the severity and prediction of the
      prognosis of patients with CAP in the emergency department.

PMID- 27662809
TI  - Differential regulation of macrophage inflammatory activation by fibrin and
      fibrinogen.
AB  - : Fibrin is a major component of the provisional extracellular matrix formed
      during tissue repair following injury, and enables cell infiltration and
      anchoring at the wound site. Macrophages are dynamic regulators of this process,
      advancing and resolving inflammation in response to cues in their
      microenvironment. Although much is known about how soluble factors such as
      cytokines and chemokines regulate macrophage polarization, less is understood
      about how insoluble and adhesive cues, specifically the blood coagulation matrix
      fibrin, influence macrophage behavior. In this study, we observed that fibrin and
      its precursor fibrinogen elicit distinct macrophage functions. Culturing
      macrophages on fibrin gels fabricated by combining fibrinogen with thrombin
      stimulated secretion of the anti-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-10 (IL-10).
      In contrast, exposure of macrophages to soluble fibrinogen stimulated high levels
      of inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). Macrophages
      maintained their anti-inflammatory behavior when cultured on fibrin gels in the
      presence of soluble fibrinogen. In addition, adhesion to fibrin matrices
      inhibited TNF-alpha production in response to stimulation with LPS and IFN-gamma,
      cytokines known to promote inflammatory macrophage polarization. Our data
      demonstrate that fibrin exerts a protective effect on macrophages, preventing
      inflammatory activation by stimuli including fibrinogen, LPS, and IFN-gamma.
      Together, our study suggests that the presentation of fibrin(ogen) may be a key
      switch in regulating macrophage phenotype behavior, and this feature may provide
      a valuable immunomodulatory strategy for tissue healing and regeneration.
      STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Fibrin is a fibrous protein resulting from blood
      clotting and provides a provisional matrix into which cells migrate and to which
      they adhere during wound healing. Macrophages play an important role in this
      process, and are needed for both advancing and resolving inflammation. We
      demonstrate that culture of macrophages on fibrin matrices exerts an anti
      inflammatory effect, whereas the soluble precursor fibrinogen stimulates
      inflammatory activation. Moreover, culture on fibrin completely abrogates
      inflammatory signaling caused by fibrinogen or known inflammatory stimuli
      including LPS and IFN-gamma. Together, these studies show that the presentation
      of fibrin(ogen) is important for regulating a switch between macrophage pro- and
      anti-inflammatory behavior.

PMID- 27662813
TI  - A further cautionary tale for interpretation of external quality assurance
      results (EQA): Commutability of EQA materials for point-of-care glucose meters.

PMID- 27662814
TI  - Interlaboratory analytical comparison of fatty acid concentrations in serum or
      plasma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are a large number of clinical studies focusing on the
      measurement of individual fatty acids in serum or plasma; however, few studies
      have focused on the interlaboratory comparisons of these measurements. The
      National Institutes of Standards and Technology (NIST), in collaboration with the
      National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements (NIH-ODS) and the
      Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has initiated a quality
      assurance program for assessing and improving the comparability of individual
      fatty acid measurements in serum and plasma. METHODS: This is a performance-based
      study so participants are encouraged to use their laboratory's methods for the
      quantification of the individual fatty acids that they typically measure in the
      unknown serum or plasma samples along with a control material. The control
      materials used to date are SRM 1950 Metabolites in Human Plasma and SRM 2378
      Fatty Acids in Frozen Human Serum. RESULTS: To date, two studies of the Fatty
      Acid Quality Assurance Program (FAQAP) have been completed with 11 and 14
      participants, respectively. The agreement among the laboratories for individual
      fatty acids was within 20% for 70% of the data submitted. Laboratories were also
      requested to run triplicate analyses for each unknown sample. The precision of
      the individual laboratory data was generally good, with relative standard
      deviations <20%. CONCLUSIONS: The results from the first two exercises indicate
      the need for additional assessment of the comparability among laboratories doing
      these measurements. Future studies will be conducted with the goals of increasing
      the number of participating laboratories, increasing awareness of the need to use
      control materials, and improving the comparability among laboratories.

PMID- 27662815
TI  - The Italian multicentre dosimetric study for lesion dosimetry in 223Ra therapy of
      bone metastases: Calibration protocol of gamma cameras and patient eligibility
      criteria.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aims of this work were to explore patient eligibility criteria for
      dosimetric studies in 223Ra therapy and evaluate the effects of differences in
      gamma camera calibration procedures into activity quantification. METHODS:
      Calibrations with 223Ra were performed with four gamma cameras (3/8-inch crystal)
      acquiring planar static images with double-peak (82 and 154keV, 20% wide) and
      MEGP collimator. The sensitivity was measured in air by varying activity, source
      detector distance, and source diameter. Transmission curves were measured for
      attenuation/scatter correction with the pseudo-extrapolation number method,
      varying the experimental setup. 223Ra images of twenty-five patients (69 lesions)
      were acquired to study the lesions visibility. Univariate ROC analysis was
      performed considering visible/non visible lesions on 223Ra images as true
      positive/true negative group, and using as score value the lesion/soft tissue
      contrast ratio (CR) derived from 99mTc-MDP WB scan. RESULTS: Sensitivity was
      nearly constant varying activity and distance (maximum s.d.=2%). Partial volume
      effects were negligible for object area ?960mm2. Transmission curve measurements
      are affected by experimental setup and source size, leading to activity
      quantification errors up to 20%. The ROC analysis yielded an AUC of 0.972 and an
      optimal threshold of CR of 10, corresponding to an accuracy of 92%. CONCLUSION:
      The minimum calibration protocol requires sensitivity and transmission curve
      measurements varying the object size, performing a careful procedure
      standardisation. Lesions with 99mTc-MDP CR higher than 10, not overlapping the GI
      tract, are generally visible on 223Ra images acquired at 24h after the
      administration, and possibly eligible for dosimetric studies.

PMID- 27662816
TI  - Associations of vitamin D with insulin resistance, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and
      metabolic syndrome.
AB  - The aim of this study is to determine the relationships of vitamin D with
      diabetes, insulin resistance obesity, and metabolic syndrome. Intra cellular
      vitamin D receptors and the 1-alpha hydroxylase enzyme are distributed
      ubiquitously in all tissues suggesting a multitude of functions of vitamin D. It
      plays an indirect but an important role in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism as
      reflected by its association with type 2 diabetes (T2D), metabolic syndrome,
      insulin secretion, insulin resistance, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and obesity.
      Peer-reviewed papers, related to the topic were extracted using key words, from
      PubMed, Medline, and other research databases. Correlations of vitamin D with
      diabetes, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome were examined for this
      evidence-based review. In addition to the well-studied musculoskeletal effects,
      vitamin D decreases the insulin resistance, severity of T2D, prediabetes,
      metabolic syndrome, inflammation, and autoimmunity. Vitamin D exerts autocrine
      and paracrine effects such as direct intra-cellular effects via its receptors and
      the local production of 1,25(OH)2D3, especially in muscle and pancreatic beta
      cells. It also regulates calcium homeostasis and calcium flux through cell
      membranes, and activation of a cascade of key enzymes and cofactors associated
      with metabolic pathways. Cross-sectional, observational, and ecological studies
      reported inverse correlations between vitamin D status with hyperglycemia and
      glycemic control in patients with T2D, decrease the rate of conversion of
      prediabetes to diabetes, and obesity. However, no firm conclusions can be drawn
      from current studies, because (A) studies were underpowered; (B) few were
      designed for glycemic outcomes, (C) the minimum (or median) serum 25(OH) D levels
      achieved are not measured or reported; (D) most did not report the use of
      diabetes medications; (E) some trials used too little (F) others used too large,
      unphysiological and infrequent doses of vitamin D; and (G) relative paucity of
      rigorous clinical data on the effects of vitamin D sufficiency on non-calcium
      endpoints. Although a large number of observational studies support improving
      T2D, insulin resistance, obesity, and metabolic syndrome with vitamin D adequacy,
      there is a lack of conclusive evidence from randomized control clinical trials
      that, these disorders are prevented following optimization of serum levels of
      25(OH)D. However, none of the currently conducted clinical studies would resolve
      these issues. Thus, specifically designed, new clinical studies are needed to be
      conducted in well-defined populations, following normalizing the serum vitamin D
      levels in vitamin D deficient prediabetes subjects, to test the hypothesis that
      hypovitaminosis D worsens these disorders and correction would alleviate it.

PMID- 27662817
TI  - Non-musculoskeletal benefits of vitamin D.
AB  - The aim of this study is to determine and critically evaluate the plausible
      relationships of vitamin D with extra-skeletal tissues in humans. Severe vitamin
      D deficiency results in rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults; these
      beneficial effects in the musculoskeletal system and certain physiological
      functions are well understood. Nevertheless, mounting reports support additional
      beneficial effects of vitamin D, outside the musculoskeletal system. This review
      explores the recent advances in knowledge about the non-skeletal effects of
      vitamin D. Peer-reviewed papers were extracted from research databases using key
      words, to assess correlations between vitamin D and extra-skeletal diseases and
      conditions. As per the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic
      Reviews (PRISMA); general interpretations of results are included; taking into
      consideration the broader evidence and implications. This review summarizes
      current knowledge of the effects of vitamin D status on extra-skeletal tissues
      with special attention given to relationships between vitamin D status and
      various diseases commonly affecting adults; the effects of intervention with
      vitamin D and exposure to sunlight. Evidence suggests that vitamin D facilitates
      the regulation of blood pressure; and cardiac; endothelial; and smooth muscle
      cell functions; playing an important role in cardiovascular protection. In
      addition; 1,25(OH)2D improves immunity; subdues inflammation; and reduces the
      incidence and severity of common cancers; autoimmune diseases and infectious
      diseases. Almost all adequately powered; epidemiological and biological studies
      that use; adequate doses of vitamin D supplementation in D-deficient populations
      have reported favorable outcomes. These studies have concluded that optimizing
      25(OH)D status improves the functionality of bodily systems; reduces
      comorbidities; improves the quality of life; and increases survival. Although
      accumulating evidence supports biological associations of vitamin D sufficiency
      with improved physical and mental functions; no definitive evidence exists from
      well-designed; statistically powered; randomized controlled clinical trials.
      Nevertheless, most studies point to significant protective effects of vitamin D
      in humans when the minimum 25(OH)D serum level exceeds 30ng/mL and is maintained
      throughout the year.

PMID- 27662819
TI  - Risk factors of infant anemia in the perinatal period.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Infants are at particular risk of iron-deficiency anemia. We
      investigated changes in the blood count of the mother and infant as well as the
      relationship between them and the relationship between infant nutrition method
      and infant anemia. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included healthy
      neonates born between August 2011 and July 2014 at St Luke's International
      Hospital, Tokyo, Japan. Data from maternal blood samples obtained during late
      pregnancy and those of infants obtained at birth and at the age of 3, 6, and 9
      months were analyzed. Using multivariate logistic regression, we investigated
      nutrition methods, maternal anemia, and other clinically relevant parameters that
      were potential risk factors for infant anemia. RESULTS: In total, data for 3472
      infants and their mothers were analyzed. Nutrition method was the most
      significant risk factor for infant anemia, with risk of future anemia decreasing
      in the following order: exclusive breast-feeding, partial breast-feeding, and
      formula feeding. Furthermore, low umbilical cord blood hemoglobin led to a
      tendency toward anemia in the child. CONCLUSION: Infant nutrition method was the
      most significant factor related to anemia in late infancy. Infants with low
      umbilical cord blood hemoglobin are more likely to develop anemia in late
      infancy.

PMID- 27662818
TI  - Utility of serum anti-cetuximab immunoglobulin E levels to identify patients at a
      high risk of severe hypersensitivity reaction to cetuximab.
AB  - AIM: Cetuximab is an anti-epidermal growth factor receptor antibody used for the
      treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer and head and neck cancer.
      Hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) are associated with cetuximab use. The aim of
      the study was to evaluate the utility of anti-cetuximab immunoglobulin E (IgE)
      detection in order to identify patients at risk of HSR to cetuximab. METHODS: We
      included patients ready to receive a first cetuximab infusion in a prospective
      cohort carried out at nine French centres. Pretreatment anti-cetuximab IgE levels
      were measured. We compared the proportion of severe HSRs in the low anti
      cetuximab IgE levels (<=29 IgE arbitrary units) subgroup with that in a
      historical cohort of 213 patients extracted from a previous study. RESULTS: Of
      the 301 assessable patients (mean age: 60.9 +/- 9.3 years, head-and-neck cancer:
      77%), 66 patients (22%) had high anti-cetuximab IgE levels, and 247 patients
      received cetuximab (including 38 with high anti-cetuximab levels). Severe HSRs
      occurred in eight patients (five grade 3 and three grade 4). The proportion of
      severe HSRs was lower in the low anti-cetuximab IgE levels subgroup vs. the
      historical cohort (3/209 [1.4%] vs. 11/213 [5.2%], odds ratio, 0.27, 95%
      confidence interval, 0.07-0.97), and higher in high vs. low anti-cetuximab IgE
      levels subgroup (5/38 [13.2%] vs. 3/209 [1.4%]; odds ratio, 10.4, 95% confidence
      interval, 2.4-45.6). Patients with severe HSRs had higher anti-cetuximab IgE
      levels than patients without reaction (median, 45 vs. 2 IgE arbitrary units, P =
      0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Detection of pretreatment anti-cetuximab IgE is feasible and
      helpful to identify patients at risk of severe cetuximab-induced HSRs.

PMID- 27662820
TI  - Advanced Glycation Endproducts Impair Endothelial Progenitor Cell Migration and
      Homing via Syndecan 4 Shedding.
AB  - Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are a subtype of bone marrow-derived
      progenitor cells. Stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1)-mediated EPC mobilization
      from bone marrow to areas of ischemia plays an important role in angiogenesis.
      Previous studies have reported that advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs), which
      are important mediators of diabetes-related vascular pathology, may impair EPC
      migration and homing, but the mechanism is unclear. Syndecan-4 (synd4) is a
      ubiquitous heparan sulfate proteoglycan receptor on the cell surface, involved in
      SDF-1-dependent cell migration. The extracellular domain of synd4 (ext-synd4) is
      shed in the context of acute inflammation, but the shedding of ext-synd4 in
      response to AGEs is undefined. Here we investigated changes in ext-synd4 on EPCs
      in response to AGEs, focusing on the influence of impaired synd4 signaling on EPC
      migration and homing. We found decreased full length and increased residue of
      synd4 in cells incubated with AGEs, with concomitant increase in the soluble
      fragment of ext-synd4 in the cell medium. EPCs from patients with type 2 diabetes
      expressed less ext-synd4 as assessed by Western blotting. Flow cytometry analysis
      showed less ext-synd4 on circulating CD34+ peripheral blood mononuclear cells, of
      which EPCs form a subgroup. We then explored the role of synd4 in EPC migration
      and homing. Impaired migration of synd4-deficient EPCs was observed by a 2D
      chemotaxis slide. Furthermore, poor homing of synd4-/- EPCs was observed in a
      mouse model of lower limb ischemia. This study demonstrates that the shedding of
      synd4 from EPCs plays a key role in AGE-mediated dysfunction of EPC migration and
      homing. Stem Cells 2017;35:522-531.

PMID- 27662821
TI  - The effects of different doses of IGF-1 on cartilage and subchondral bone during
      the repair of full-thickness articular cartilage defects in rabbits.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of different doses of insulin-like growth
      factor 1 (IGF-1) on the cartilage layer and subchondral bone (SB) during repair
      of full-thickness articular cartilage (AC) defects. DESIGN: IGF-1-loaded collagen
      membrane was implanted into full-thickness AC defects in rabbits. The effects of
      two different doses of IGF-1 on cartilage layer and SB adjacent to the defect,
      the cartilage structure, formation and integration, and the new SB formation were
      evaluated at the 1st, 4th and 8th week postoperation. Meanwhile, after 1 week
      treatment, the relative mRNA expressions in tissues adjacent to the defect,
      including cartilage and SB were determined by quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT
      PCR), respectively. RESULTS: Different doses of IGF-1 induced different gene
      expression profiles in tissues adjacent to the defect and resulted in different
      repair outcomes. Particularly, at high dose IGF-1 aided cell survival, regulated
      the gene expressions in cartilage layer adjacent defect and altered ECM
      composition more effectively, improved the formation and integrity of neo
      cartilage. While, at low dose IGF-1 regulated the gene expressions in SB more
      efficaciously and subsequently promoted the SB remodeling and reconstruction.
      CONCLUSION: Different doses of IGF-1 induced different responses of cartilage or
      SB during the repair of full-thickness AC defects. Particularly, high dose of IGF
      1 was more beneficial to the neo-cartilage formation and integration, while low
      dose of it was more effective for the SB formation.

PMID- 27662822
TI  - The anti-adipogenic effect of peripheral blood mononuclear cells is absent with
      PCSK9 loss-of-function variants.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of (1) an oral fat load and (2) pro-protein
      convertase subtilisin/kexin type (PCSK) 9 loss-of-function (LOF) variant status
      on the ability of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) to inhibit human
      adipogenesis. METHODS: PBMC from subjects with one or more PCSK9 LOF variants
      versus non-variant controls were compared in the fasting state and after an oral
      fat load. RESULTS: Fasting triglyceride (TG) levels were lower in the LOF variant
      versus non-variant group but rose to the same level after the oral fat load.
      Conditioned medium from PBMC was obtained in fasting (PBMC-CM-F) and 4-h
      postprandial (PBMC-CM-PP) states. PBMC-CM-PP from non-variant controls inhibited
      adipogenesis of human preadipocytes more than did PBMC-CM-F. In contrast, PBMC-CM
      F or -PP from PCSK9 LOF variant subjects had no effect on adipogenesis. After the
      oral fat load, PBMC from PCSK9 LOF variant subjects showed significant increases
      in mRNA levels of interleukin-1beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, sterol
      regulatory element binding protein-1c, CD36, and monocyte chemoattractant protein
      1 (MCP-1), only MCP-1 mRNA levels increased in PBMC from non-variant controls.
      CONCLUSIONS: The absence of anti-adipogenic action of PBMC from PCSK9 LOF variant
      subjects points to a novel role for PCSK9 in PBMC-adipose cell interactions.

PMID- 27662823
TI  - Comparative effects of torasemide and furosemide on gap junction proteins and
      cardiac fibrosis in a rat model of dilated cardiomyopathy.
AB  - Cardiac fibrosis is the major hallmark of adverse cardiac remodeling in chronic
      heart failure (CHF) and its therapeutic targeting might help against cardiac
      dysfunction during chronic conditions. Diuretic agents are potentially useful in
      these cases, but their effects on the cardiac fibrosis pathogenesis are yet to be
      identified. This study was designed to identify and compare the effects of
      diuretic drugs torasemide and furosemide on cardiac fibrosis in a rat model of
      dilated cardiomyopathy induced by porcine cardiac myosin mediated experimental
      autoimmune myocarditis. Gap junction proteins, connexin-43 and N-cadherin,
      expressions were downregulated in the hearts of CHF rats, while torasemide
      treatment has upregulated their expression. Western blotting and
      immunohistochemical analysis for various cardiac fibrosis related proteins as
      well as histopathological studies have shown that both drugs have potential anti
      fibrotic effects. Among them, torasemide has superior efficacy in offering
      protection against adverse cardiac remodeling in the selected rat model of
      dilated cardiomyopathy. In conclusion, torasemide treatment has potential anti
      fibrotic effect in the hearts of CHF rats, possibly via improving the gap
      junction proteins expression and thereby improving the cell-cell interaction in
      the heart. (c) 2016 BioFactors, 43(2):187-194, 2017.

PMID- 27662824
TI  - An anthropological approach to teach and evaluate cultural competence in medical
      students - the application of mini-ethnography in medical history taking.
AB  - PURPOSE: To use mini-ethnographies narrating patient illness to improve the
      cultural competence of the medical students. METHODS: Between September 2013 and
      June 2015, all sixth-year medical students doing their internship at a medical
      center in eastern Taiwan were trained to write mini-ethnographies for one of the
      patients in their care. The mini-ethnographies were analyzed by authors with
      focus on the various aspects of cultural sensitivity and a holistic care
      approach. RESULTS: Ninety-one students handed in mini-ethnographies, of whom 56
      were male (61.5%) and 35 were female (38.5%). From the mini-ethnographies, three
      core aspects were derived: 1) the explanatory models and perceptions of illness,
      2) culture and health care, and 3) society, resources, and health care. Based on
      the qualities of each aspect, nine secondary nodes were classified: expectations
      and attitude about illness/treatment, perceptions about their own prognosis in
      particular, knowledge and feelings regarding illness, cause of illness, choice of
      treatment method (including traditional medical treatments), prejudice and
      discrimination, influences of traditional culture and language, social support
      and resources, and inequality in health care. CONCLUSIONS: Mini-ethnography is an
      effective teaching method that can help students to develop cultural competence.
      It also serves as an effective instrument to assess the cultural competence of
      medical students.

PMID- 27662825
TI  - Addressing Culture, Gender, and Power with Asian American Couples: Application of
      Socio-Emotional Relationship Therapy.
AB  - Asian Americans juggle the intersections of multiple social identities and
      societal discourses as they respond to experiences of immigration,
      marginalization, and patriarchy, integrate collectivist and individualistic
      family values, and form families and intimate relationships. In this study we
      examine what we have learned as we apply Socio-Emotional Relationship Therapy
      (SERT) with heterosexual couples of Asian heritage. SERT begins with
      sociocultural attunement and the assumption that relationships should mutually
      support each partner. Drawing on case examples, we illustrate how we practice
      sociocultural attunement as couples respond to the relational processes that
      comprise the Circle of Care (mutual influence, vulnerability, attunement, and
      shared relational responsibility). We emphasize three key socioemotional themes
      that intersect with gender: (1) intangible loss; (2) quiet fortitude/not
      burdening others; and (3) duty to the family.

PMID- 27662826
TI  - Associations between sarcoidosis clinical course and ANXA11 rs1049550 C/T, BTNL2
      rs2076530 G/A, and HLA class I and II alleles.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A genetic background may be responsible for the different clinical
      courses in sarcoidosis. We analyzed associations between sarcoidosis clinical
      course and HLA class I/II alleles and susceptibility gene SNPs ANXA11 rs1049550
      C/T and BTNL2 rs2076530 G/A in a Portuguese population, investigating possible
      gene-gene interactions. METHODS: We studied 138 unrelated Caucasian sarcoidosis
      patients (78 women, 56.5%; mean age, 37.2 +/- 12.1 years). Disease that persisted
      after 2 years was considered chronic. Samples were genotyped for ANXA11 rs1049550
      C/T and BTNL2 rs2076530 G/A SNPs using TaqMan Real-Time PCR Assays. HLA class
      I/II alleles were typed using PCR sequence-specific primers. RESULTS: Sixty-six
      patients experienced disease resolution and 72 (52%) developed chronic disease.
      Comparison of rs1049550 and rs2076530 allele frequencies showed no significant
      differences. Only the HLA DRB1*03 allele was significantly associated with
      disease resolution (21.2% vs 4.9% for chronic disease; RR = 0.35; P < .01 after
      Bonferroni correction). In the logistic regression models evaluating the
      association between HLA alleles and chronic sarcoidosis adjusted for rs1049550
      and rs2076530, only DRB1*03 was significantly associated with disease resolution.
      No significant interactions were found in any of the logistic regression
      analyses. CONCLUSIONS: In this population of Caucasian patients with sarcoidosis,
      only DRB1*03 was associated with disease resolution after 2 years' follow-up,
      with no significant interactions found for susceptibility gene SNPs ANXA11
      rs1049550 or BTNL2 rs2076530.

PMID- 27662828
TI  - Generation and characterization of a novel transgenic mouse harboring conditional
      nuclear factor-kappa B/RelA knockout alleles.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nuclear Factor-Kappa B (NF-kB) is a family of transcription factors
      that are important in embryonic development, inflammation, epithelial-to
      mesenchymal transition and cancer. The 65 kDa RelA subunit is the major
      transcriptional activator of the NF-kB pathways. Whole-body deficiency of RelA
      leads to massive apoptosis of liver hepatocytes and death in utero. To study the
      role of RelA in physiology and in disease states in a manner that circumvents
      this embryonic lethal phenotype, we have generated a mouse with RelA conditional
      knockout (CKO) alleles containing loxP sites that are deleted by activated Cre
      recombinase. RESULTS: We demonstrate that RelACKO/CKO mice are fertile, do not
      display any developmental defects and can be crossed with Cre-expressing mice to
      delete RelA in a temporal, tissue-specific manner. Our mating of RelACKO/CKO mice
      with Zp3-Cre transgenic led to embryonic lethality of RelA-deficient embryos. In
      contrast, mating of RelACKO/CKO mice with Col1alpha2-CreER mice allowed for the
      generation of double transgenics which could be stimulated with tamoxifen to
      induce fibroblast-specific RelA deletion in adulthood. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our
      collective data, we conclude that this novel RelACKO/CKO mouse allows for
      efficient deletion of RelA in a tissue-specific manner. This RelACKO/CKO mouse
      will be an invaluable tool for deciphering the mechanistic roles of RelA in
      various cells and tissues during development and in disease.

PMID- 27662827
TI  - Barriers and facilitators to the implementation of orthodontic mini implants in
      clinical practice: a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Numerous surveys have shown that orthodontic mini implants (OMIs) are
      underused in clinical practice. To investigate this implementation issue, we
      conducted a systematic review to (1) identify barriers and facilitators to the
      implementation of OMIs for all potential stakeholders and (2) quantify these
      implementation constructs, i.e., record their prevalence. We also recorded the
      prevalence of clinicians in the eligible studies that do not use OMIs. METHODS:
      Methods were based on our published protocol. Broad-spectrum eligibility criteria
      were defined. A barrier was defined as any variable that impedes or obstructs the
      use of OMIs and a facilitator as any variable that eases and promotes their use.
      Over 30 databases including gray literature were searched until 15 January 2016.
      The Joanna Briggs Institute tool for studies reporting prevalence and incidence
      data was used to critically appraise the included studies. Outcomes were
      qualitatively synthesized, and meta-analyses were only conducted when pre-set
      criteria were fulfilled. Three reviewers conducted all research procedures
      independently. We also contacted authors of eligible studies to obtain additional
      information. RESULTS: Three surveys fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Seventeen
      implementation constructs were identified in these studies and were extracted
      from a total of 165 patients and 1391 clinicians. Eight of the 17 constructs were
      scored by more than 50 % of the pertinent stakeholders. Three of these constructs
      overlapped between studies. Contacting of authors clarified various uncertainties
      but was not always successful. Limitations of the eligible studies included (1)
      the small number of studies; (2) not defining the research questions, i.e., the
      primary outcomes; (3) the research design (surveys) of the studies and the
      exclusive use of closed-ended questions; (4) not consulting standards for
      identifying implementation constructs; (5) the lack of pilot testing; (6) high
      heterogeneity; (7) the risk of reporting bias; and (8) additional shortcomings.
      Meta-analyses were not possible because of these limitations. Two eligible
      studies found that respectively 56.3 % (952/1691) and 40.16 % (439/1093) of
      clinicians do not use OMIs. CONCLUSIONS: Notwithstanding the limitations of the
      eligible studies, their findings were important because (1) 17 implementation
      constructs were identified of which 8 were scored by more than 50 % of the
      stakeholders; (2) the various shortcomings showed how to improve on future
      implementation studies; and (3) the underuse of OMIs in the selected studies and
      in the literature demonstrated the need to identify, quantify, and address
      implementation constructs. Prioritizing of future research questions on OMIs with
      all pertinent stakeholders is an important first step and could redirect research
      studies on OMIs towards implementation issues. Patients, clinicians, researchers,
      policymakers, insurance companies, implant companies, and research sponsors will
      all be beneficiaries.

PMID- 27662829
TI  - In the Information Age, do dementia caregivers get the information they need?
      Semi-structured interviews to determine informal caregivers' education needs,
      barriers, and preferences.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Most patients with dementia or cognitive impairment receive care from
      family members, often untrained for this challenging role. Caregivers may not
      access publicly available caregiving information, and caregiver education
      programs are not widely implemented clinically. Prior large surveys yielded broad
      quantitative understanding of caregiver information needs, but do not illuminate
      the in-depth, rich, and nuanced caregiver perspectives that can be gleaned using
      qualitative methodology. METHODS: We aimed to understand perspectives about
      information sources, barriers and preferences, through semi-structured interviews
      with 27 caregivers. Content analysis identified important themes. RESULTS: We
      interviewed 19 women, 8 men; mean age 58.5 years; most adult children (15) or
      spouses (8) of the care recipient. Dementia symptoms often developed insidiously,
      with delayed disease acknowledgement and caregiver self-identification. While
      memory loss was common, behavioral symptoms were most troublesome, often
      initially unrecognized as disease indicators. Emerging themes: 1.) Barriers to
      seeking information often result from knowledge gaps, rather than reluctance to
      assume the caregiver role; 2.) Most caregivers currently receive insufficient
      information. Caregivers are open to many information sources, settings, and
      technologies, including referrals to other healthcare professionals, print
      material, and community and internet resources, but expect the primary care
      provider (PCP) to recommend, endorse, and guide them to specific sources.
      CONCLUSIONS: These findings replicated and expanded on results from previous
      quantitative surveys and, importantly, revealed a previously unrecognized
      essential factor: despite receiving insufficient information, caregivers place
      critical value on their relationship with care recipient PCPs to receive
      recommendations, guidance and endorsement to sources of caregiving information.
      Implications include: 1.) Greater public education is needed to help caregivers
      identify and describe diverse cognitive, functional and behavioral symptoms that
      lead to dementia, and recognize the benefits of early detection in accessing
      information regarding multi-modality management and care; 2.) Improved methods
      are needed for PCPs to detect and manage cognitive and behavioral changes, as
      well as mechanisms that facilitate the busy PCP, either directly or via referral,
      to provide caregiver information, education, support, and services. The critical
      relationship between caregivers and PCPs should not be circumvented but should be
      facilitated to provide more effective guidance regarding dementia caregiver
      needs.

PMID- 27662831
TI  - Difficulties experienced by migrant physicians working in German hospitals: a
      qualitative interview study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With Germany facing a shortage of doctors, hospitals have been
      increasingly recruiting physicians from abroad. Studies in other countries have
      shown that migrant physicians experience various difficulties in their work,
      which might impact the quality of patient care, physician job satisfaction, and,
      accordingly, retention. The experiences of migrant doctors in Germany have not
      been systematically studied so far and will likely differ from experiences
      migrant physicians make in other contexts. A thorough understanding of challenges
      faced by this group, however, is needed to develop adequate support structures-as
      required by the WHO Global Code of Practice on the International Recruitment of
      Health Personnel. METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted to give an overview
      of the multifaceted difficulties migrant physicians might face in German
      hospitals. Twenty semi-structured interviews with foreign-born and foreign
      trained physicians were conducted in German. Participants were recruited via the
      State Chambers of Physicians and snowballing based on a maximum variation
      sampling strategy varying purposefully by source country and medical specialty.
      The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using
      qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: Participants described difficulties
      relating to healthcare institutions, own competencies, and interpersonal
      interactions. Participants experienced certain legal norms, the regulation of
      licensure and application for work, and the organization of the hospital
      environment as inadequate. Most struggled with their lack of setting-specific
      (language, cultural, clinical, and system) knowledge. Furthermore, behaviour of
      patients and co-workers was perceived as discriminating or inadequate for other
      reasons. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to describe the broad range of
      issues migrant physicians experience in Germany. Based on this information,
      institutional actors should devise support structures to ensure quality of care,
      physician wellbeing, and retention. For example, training opportunities should be
      offered where needed to support acquisition of setting-specific knowledge.
      Discrimination experienced by participants calls for better diversity management
      as a leadership task in healthcare institutions. Misinformation practices in
      recruitment could be managed by a voluntary code of ethical conduct. Further
      research is necessary to identify strategies that adequately address diverging
      normative positions between migrant health personnel and their patients and
      colleagues.

PMID- 27662830
TI  - Dying among older adults in Switzerland: who dies in hospital, who dies in a
      nursing home?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Institutional deaths (hospitals and nursing homes) are an important
      issue because they are often at odds with patient preference and associated with
      high healthcare costs. The aim of this study was to examine deaths in
      institutions and the role of individual, regional, and healthcare supply
      characteristics in explaining variation across Swiss Hospital Service Areas
      (HSAs). METHODS: Retrospective study of individuals >=66 years old who died in a
      Swiss institution (hospital or nursing homes) in 2010. Using a two-level logistic
      regression analysis we examined the amount of variation across HSAs adjusting for
      individual, regional and healthcare supply measures. The outcome was place of
      death, defined as death in hospital or nursing homes. RESULTS: In 2010, 41,275
      individuals >=66 years old died in a Swiss institution; 54 % in nursing homes and
      46 % in hospitals. The probability of dying in hospital decreased with increasing
      age. The OR was 0.07 (95 % CI: 0.05-0.07) for age 91+ years compared to those 66
      70 years. Living in peri-urban areas (OR = 1.06 95 % CI: 1.00-1.11) and French
      speaking region (OR = 1.43 95 % CI: 1.22-1.65) was associated with higher
      probability of hospital death. Females had lower probability of death in hospital
      (OR = 0.54 95 % CI: 0.51-0.56). The density of ambulatory care physicians (OR =
      0.81 95 % CI: 0.67-0.97) and nursing homes beds (OR = 0.67 95 % CI: 0.56-0.79)
      was negatively associated with hospital death. The proportion of dying in
      hospital varied from 38 % in HSAs with lowest proportion of hospital deaths to 60
      % in HSAs with highest proportion of hospital deaths (1.6-fold variation).
      CONCLUSIONS: We found evidence for variation across regions in Switzerland in
      dying in hospital versus nursing homes, indicating possible overuse and underuse
      of end of life (EOL) services.

PMID- 27662832
TI  - Nested coevolutionary networks shape the ecological relationships of ticks,
      hosts, and the Lyme disease bacteria of the Borrelia burgdorferi (s.l.) complex.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The bacteria of the Borrelia burgdorferi (s.l.) (BBG) complex
      constitute a group of tick-transmitted pathogens that are linked to many
      vertebrate and tick species. The ecological relationships between the pathogens,
      the ticks and the vertebrate carriers have not been analysed. The aim of this
      study was to quantitatively analyse these interactions by creating a network
      based on a large dataset of associations. Specifically, we examined the relative
      positions of partners in the network, the phylogenetic diversity of the tick's
      hosts and its impact on BBG circulation. The secondary aim was to evaluate the
      segregation of BBG strains in different vectors and reservoirs. RESULTS: BBG
      circulates through a nested recursive network of ticks and vertebrates that
      delineate closed clusters. Each cluster contains generalist ticks with high
      values of centrality as well as specialist ticks that originate nested sub
      networks and that link secondary vertebrates to the cluster. These results
      highlighted the importance of host phylogenetic diversity for ticks in the
      circulation of BBG, as this diversity was correlated with high centrality values
      for the ticks. The ticks and BBG species in each cluster were not significantly
      associated with specific branches of the phylogeny of host genera (R 2 = 0.156, P
      = 0.784 for BBG; R 2 = 0.299, P = 0.699 for ticks). A few host genera had higher
      centrality values and thus higher importance for BBG circulation. However, the
      combined contribution of hosts with low centrality values could maintain active
      BBG foci. The results suggested that ticks do not share strains of BBG, which
      were highly segregated among sympatric species of ticks. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude
      that BBG circulation is supported by a highly redundant network. This network
      includes ticks with high centrality values and high host phylogenetic diversity
      as well as ticks with low centrality values. This promotes ecological sub
      networks and reflects the high resilience of BBG circulation. The functional
      redundancy in BBG circulation reduces disturbances due to the removal of
      vertebrates as it allows ticks to fill other biotic niches.

PMID- 27662833
TI  - DNA in serum extracellular vesicles is stable under different storage conditions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes, microvesicles, and
      apoptotic bodies, can be secreted by most cell types and released in perhaps all
      biological fluids. EVs contain multiple proteins, specific lipids and several
      kinds of nucleic acids such as RNAs and DNAs. Studies have found that EVs contain
      double-stranded DNA and that genetic information has a certain degree of
      consistency with tumor DNA. Therefore, if genes that exist in exosomes are
      stable, we may be able to use EVs genetic testing as a new means to monitor gene
      mutation. METHODS: In this study, EVs were extracted from serum under various
      storage conditions (4  degrees C, room temperature and repeated freeze-thaw). We
      used western blotting to examine the stability of serum EVs. Then, we extracted
      DNA from EVs and tested the concentration changing under different conditions. We
      further assessed the stability of EVs DNA s using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
      and Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: EVs is stable under the conditions of 4  degrees
      C (for 24 h, 72 h, 168 h), room temperature (for 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h) and
      repeated freeze-thaw (after one time, three times, five times). Also, serum DNA
      is mainly present in EVs, especially in exosomes, and that the content and
      function of DNA in EVs is stable whether in a changing environment or not. We
      showed that EVs DNA stayed stable for 1 week at 4  degrees C, 1 day at room
      temperature and after repeated freeze-thaw cycles (less than three times).
      However, DNA from serum EVs after 2 days at room temperature or after five
      repeated freeze-thaw cycles could be used for PCR and sequencing. CONCLUSIONS:
      Serum EVs and EVs DNA can remain stable under different environments, which is
      the premise that EVs could serve as a novel means for genetic tumor detection and
      potential biomarkers for cancer diagnostics and prognostics.

PMID- 27662834
TI  - Age at menarche in Korean adolescents: trends and influencing factors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An increased incidence of central precocious puberty has been
      recently reported in South Korea, which suggests an ongoing downward trend in
      pubertal development in the Korean population. We aimed to verify the trend in
      age at menarche in young Korean women during the last decade and associated
      factors. METHODS: We analyzed a population-based sample of 3409 Korean girls,
      aged 10-18 years, using data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition
      Examination Surveys (KNHANES) II (2001), III (2005), IV (2007-2009), and V (2010
      and 2011). Average age at menarche was studied using the Kaplan-Meier survival
      method and predictors were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards model. The
      percentage of subjects who had experienced menarche at each age level was
      compared by using the Cochran-Armitage test. RESULTS: Overall mean age at
      menarche was 12.7 years. The percentage of subjects who experienced menarche
      before the age of 12 years was 21.4 % in 2001 but increased to 34.6 % in
      2010/2011 (p < 0.01). In addition, the percentage of girls who experienced
      menarche before the age of 14 years increased from 76 % in 2001 to 92 % in
      2010/2011 (p < 0.005). Adolescents whose mothers who had experienced early
      menarche (HR 1.48, 95 % CI [1.22-1.80]), and adolescents who were overweight (HR
      1.24, 95 % CI [1.04-1.49]) were more likely to have experienced menarche.
      Additionally, underweight adolescents (HR 0.27, 95 % CI [0.12-0.60]) and
      adolescents who had a mother having late menarche (HR 0.68, 95 % CI [0.59-0.79])
      were expected to have late menarche. None of the socioeconomic factors assessed
      in our study showed an association with age at menarche. CONCLUSIONS: A downward
      trend in age at menarche was defined in Korean adolescents during the last
      decade. Furthermore, influences of genetic and nutritional parameters on
      individual variance in age at menarche were defined.

PMID- 27662835
TI  - The effect of adenosine monophosphate deaminase overexpression on the
      accumulation of umami-related metabolites in tomatoes.
AB  - KEY MESSAGE: This study highlights the changes in umami-related nucleotide and
      glutamate levels when the AMP deaminase gene was elevated in transgenic tomato.
      Taste is perceived as one of a combination of five sensations, sweet, sour,
      bitter, salty, and umami. The umami taste is best known as a savoury sensation
      and plays a central role in food flavour, palatability, and eating satisfaction.
      Umami flavour can be imparted by the presence of glutamate and is greatly
      enhanced by the addition of ribonucleotides, such as inosine monophosphate (IMP)
      and guanosine monophosphate (GMP). The production of IMP is regulated by the
      enzyme adenosine monophosphate (AMP) deaminase which functions to convert AMP
      into IMP. We have generated transgenic tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) lines over
      expressing AMP deaminase under the control of a fruit-specific promoter. The
      transgenic lines showed substantially enhanced levels of AMP deaminase expression
      in comparison to the wild-type control. Elevated AMP deaminase levels resulted in
      the reduced accumulation of glutamate and increased levels of the umami
      nucleotide GMP. AMP concentrations were unchanged. The effects on the levels of
      glutamate and GMP were unexpected and are discussed in relation to the metabolite
      flux within this pathway.

PMID- 27662836
TI  - Biodegradation of nonionic and anionic surfactants in domestic wastewater under
      simulated sewer conditions.
AB  - The ultimate disposition of chemicals discarded down the drain can be
      substantially impacted by their fate in the sewer, but to date limited data have
      been published on the biodegradability of chemicals in sewer systems. The
      recently established OECD 314 guideline (Simulation tests to assess the
      biodegradability of chemicals discharged in wastewater, 2008) contains a
      simulation method (314A) for evaluating the biodegradation of chemicals in sewage
      under simulated sewer conditions. This research used the OECD 314A method to
      evaluate the rates and pathways of primary and ultimate biodegradation of a suite
      of 14C-labeled homologues representing four classes of high volume surfactants
      including nonionic alkyl ethoxylates (AE), and anionic alkyl ethoxysulfates
      (AES), alkyl sulfate (AS) and linear alkyl benzene sulfonate (LAS). All the
      tested homologues exhibited >97 % loss of parent, formation of metabolites, and
      some level (16-94 %) of CO2 production after being incubated 96-100 h in raw
      domestic wastewater. Comparison of C12E3, C14E3, and C16E3 showed that the first
      order biodegradation rate was affected by alkyl chain length with rates ranging
      from 6.8 h-1 for C12E3 to 0.49 h-1 for C16E3. Conversely, comparison of C14E1,
      C14E3, and C14E9 showed that the number of ethoxy units did not impact the
      biodegradation rate. AES and AS degraded quickly with first order kinetic rates
      of 1.9-3.7 and 41 h-1 respectively. LAS did not exhibit first order decay
      kinetics and primary degradation was slow. Biodegradation pathways were also
      determined. This work shows that biodegradation in the sewer has a substantial
      impact on levels of surfactants and surfactant metabolites that ultimately reach
      wastewater treatment plants.

PMID- 27662837
TI  - Social Anxiety Symptoms in Young Children: Investigating the Interplay of Theory
      of Mind and Expressions of Shyness.
AB  - Children's early onset of social anxiety may be associated with their social
      understanding, and their ability to express emotions adaptively. We examined
      whether social anxiety in 48-month-old children (N = 110; 54 boys) was related
      to: a) a lower level of theory of mind (ToM); b) a lower proclivity to express
      shyness in a positive way (adaptive); and c) a higher tendency to express shyness
      in a negative way (non-adaptive). In addition, we investigated to what extent
      children's level of social anxiety was predicted by the interaction between ToM
      and expressions of shyness. Children's positive and negative expressions of
      shyness were observed during a performance task. ToM was measured with a
      validated battery, and social anxiety was assessed using both parents' reports on
      questionnaires. Socially anxious children had a lower level of ToM, and displayed
      more negative and less positive shy expressions. However, children with a lower
      level of ToM who expressed more positive shyness were less socially anxious.
      Additional results show that children who displayed shyness only in a negative
      manner were more socially anxious than children who expressed shyness only in a
      positive way and children who did not display any shyness. Moreover, children who
      displayed both positive and negative expressions of shyness were more socially
      anxious than children who displayed shyness only in a positive way. These
      findings highlight the importance of ToM development and socio-emotional
      strategies, and their interaction, on the early development of social anxiety.

PMID- 27662838
TI  - Microbial HSP70 peptide epitope 407-426 as adjuvant in tumor-derived
      autophagosome vaccine therapy of mouse lung cancer.
AB  - Tumor-derived autophagome (DRibble) is an effective therapeutic cancer vaccine
      inducing T cell recognition and death of tumor cells in mice. However, the
      potential for improved anti-tumor response still remains. Our previous study
      demonstrated that two repeats of a mycobacterial HSP70407-426 (M2) peptide acted
      as adjuvant in improving anti-tumor efficacy of human umbilical vein endothelial
      cell (HUVEC) vaccine. Here, a DRibble vaccine conjugated with M2 (DRibble-M2) was
      designed as a novel vaccine to enhance anti-tumor activity. Compared with DRibble
      alone, DRibble-M2 vaccination more significantly inhibited the growth of mouse
      Lewis lung cancer both in a subcutaneous tumor model and in a lung metastasis
      model. Higher expression of antigen-specific CTL was induced by DRibble-M2.
      DRibble-M2 induced higher CD83 and CD86 expression in DC2.4 and also improved the
      internalization of DRibble antigen into DC2.4. Our data indicated that DRibble-M2
      is a potential vaccine for clinical cancer therapy.

PMID- 27662839
TI  - Potential role of Shh-Gli1-BMI1 signaling pathway nexus in glioma
      chemoresistance.
AB  - Chemoresistance is a common hurdle for the proper treatment of gliomas. The role
      of Shh-Gli1 signaling in glioma progression has been reported. However, its role
      in glioma chemoresistance has not been well studied yet. In this work, we found
      that Shh-Gli1 signaling regulates the expression of one stem cell marker, BMI1 (B
      cell-specific Moloney murine leukemia virus), in glioma. Interestingly, we also
      demonstrated high expression of MRP1 (multi-drug resistance protein 1) in glioma.
      MRP1 expression was decreased by BMI1 siRNA and Shh-Gli1 cell signaling specific
      inhibitor GANT61 in our experiments. GANT61 very efficiently inhibited cell
      colony growth in glioma cell lines, compared to temozolomide. Moreover, a
      synergic effect of GANT61 and temozolomide drastically decreased the LD50 of
      temozolomide in the cell colony experiments. Therefore, our results suggest that
      there is a potential nexus of Shh-Gli1-BMI1 cell signaling to regulate MRP1 and
      to promote chemoresistance in glioma. Henceforth, our study opens the possibility
      of facing new targets, Gli1 and BMI1, for the effective treatment of glioma
      suppression of chemoresistance with adjuvant therapy of GANT61 and temozolomide.

PMID- 27662840
TI  - NTRK2 is an oncogene and associated with microRNA-22 regulation in human gastric
      cancer cell lines.
AB  - In this study, we examined the roles of neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor
      type 2 (NTRK2) gene in regulating in vitro proliferation and invasion in human
      gastric cancer. Gene expression of NTRK2 was compared between non-carcinoma
      gastric epithelial cells and gastric cancer (GC) cells by quantitative RT-PCR
      (qRT-PCR). NTRK2 was either downregulated or upregulated in MKN-28 and SNU-719
      cells. The effect of NTRK2 downregulation or upregulation on GC in vitro
      development was analyzed by qRT-PCR, western blot, proliferation assay, and
      invasion assay, respectively. The upstream regulator of NTRK2, microRNA-22 (miR
      22), was evaluated by dual-luciferase assay. MiR-22 was then upregulated in MKN
      28 and SNU-719 cells to examine its regulation on NTRK2 and its encoded protein,
      tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB). In miR-22-upregulated MKN-28 and SNU-719
      cells, NTRK2 was further overexpressed to evaluate functional interaction between
      miR-22 and NTRK2 in GC. NTRK2 was aberrantly upregulated in GC cell lines than in
      normal gastric cells. In MKN-28 and SNU-719 cells, NTRK2 downregulation inhibited
      whereas NTRK2 upregulation promoted GC proliferation and invasion in vitro. MiR
      22 was verified to be an inverse upstream regulator of NTRK2. In miR-22
      upregulated MKN-28 and SNU-719 cells, NTRK2 overexpression partially reversed the
      miR-22-induced inhibition on cancer proliferation and invasion. NTRK2 is an
      oncogene and reversely associated with miR-22 in regulating in vitro cancer
      development in GC.

PMID- 27662841
TI  - Insulin-like growth factor-related components and the risk of liver cancer in a
      nested case-control study.
AB  - Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1) is a potent mitogen. IGF-binding protein-3
      (IGFBP3) binds and inhibits IGF1. High circulating IGF1 levels and low IGFBP3
      levels are associated with increased risk of several cancers. We examined
      relationships between serum levels of these factors and hepatoma risk in a case
      control study nested in a prospective cohort study (the Japan Collaborative
      Cohort Study (JACC Study)). A baseline survey was conducted from 1988 to 1990,
      and 39,242 subjects donated blood samples. Participants diagnosed with hepatoma
      by 1997 were considered cases for nested case-control studies. Ninety-one cases
      and 263 sex- and age-matched controls were analyzed. A conditional logistic model
      was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) for the incidence of hepatoma associated
      with serum IGF1 and IGFBP3 levels. Neither IGF1 nor the molar ratio of
      IGF1/IGFBP3 was correlated with hepatoma risk. After adjustment for hepatitis
      viral infection, body mass index, smoking, and alcohol intake, a higher molar
      difference of (IGFBP3 - IGF1) was associated with a decreased hepatoma risk more
      than IGFBP3 alone (p for trend <0.001 and = 0.003, respectively). People in the
      highest quartile had a lower risk (OR = 0.098; 95 % confidence interval = 0.026
      0.368). In subgroup analyses of males and females, the molar difference was
      associated with a decreased hepatoma risk (p for trend <0.05). In non-elderly
      individuals, the difference was inversely correlated with the incidence of
      hepatoma (p for trend <0.01). The molar difference of (IGFBP3 - IGF1) may be
      inversely associated with the incidence of hepatoma.

PMID- 27662842
TI  - Identification of control targets in Boolean molecular network models via
      computational algebra.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many problems in biomedicine and other areas of the life sciences can
      be characterized as control problems, with the goal of finding strategies to
      change a disease or otherwise undesirable state of a biological system into
      another, more desirable, state through an intervention, such as a drug or other
      therapeutic treatment. The identification of such strategies is typically based
      on a mathematical model of the process to be altered through targeted control
      inputs. This paper focuses on processes at the molecular level that determine the
      state of an individual cell, involving signaling or gene regulation. The
      mathematical model type considered is that of Boolean networks. The potential
      control targets can be represented by a set of nodes and edges that can be
      manipulated to produce a desired effect on the system. RESULTS: This paper
      presents a method for the identification of potential intervention targets in
      Boolean molecular network models using algebraic techniques. The approach
      exploits an algebraic representation of Boolean networks to encode the control
      candidates in the network wiring diagram as the solutions of a system of
      polynomials equations, and then uses computational algebra techniques to find
      such controllers. The control methods in this paper are validated through the
      identification of combinatorial interventions in the signaling pathways of
      previously reported control targets in two well studied systems, a p53-mdm2
      network and a blood T cell lymphocyte granular leukemia survival signaling
      network. Supplementary data is available online and our code in Macaulay2 and
      Matlab are available via http://www.ms.uky.edu/~dmu228/ControlAlg . CONCLUSIONS:
      This paper presents a novel method for the identification of intervention targets
      in Boolean network models. The results in this paper show that the proposed
      methods are useful and efficient for moderately large networks.

PMID- 27662843
TI  - QTL mapping of Fusarium head blight resistance in three related durum wheat
      populations.
AB  - KEY MESSAGE: The QTL Fhb1 was successfully introgressed and validated in three
      durum wheat populations. The novel germplasm and the QTL detected will support
      improvement of Fusarium resistance in durum wheat. Durum wheat (Triticum durum
      Desf.) is particularly susceptible to Fusarium head blight (FHB) and breeding for
      resistance is hampered by limited genetic variation within this species. To date,
      resistant sources are mainly available in a few wild relative tetraploid wheat
      accessions. In this study, the effect of the well-known hexaploid wheat (Triticum
      aestivum L.) quantitative trait locus (QTL) Fhb1 was assessed for the first time
      in durum wheat. Three F7-RIL mapping populations of about 100 lines were
      developed from crosses between the durum wheat experimental line DBC-480, which
      carries an Fhb1 introgression from Sumai-3, and the European T. durum cultivars
      Karur, Durobonus and SZD1029K. The RILs were evaluated in field experiments for
      FHB resistance in three seasons using spray inoculation and genotyped with SSR as
      well as genotyping-by-sequencing markers. QTL associated with FHB resistance were
      identified on chromosome arms 2BL, 3BS, 4AL, 4BS, 5AL and 6AS at which the
      resistant parent DBC-480 contributed the positive alleles. The QTL on 3BS was
      detected in all three populations centered at the Fhb1 interval. The Rht-B1 locus
      governing plant height was found to have a strong effect in modulating FHB
      severity in all populations. The negative effect of the semi-dwarf allele Rht-B1b
      on FHB resistance was compensated by combining with Fhb1 and additional
      resistance QTL. The successful deployment of Fhb1 in T. durum was further
      substantiated by assessing type 2 resistance in one population. The efficient
      introgression of Fhb1 represents a significant step forward for enhancing FHB
      resistance in durum wheat.

PMID- 27662844
TI  - Identification of loci controlling forage yield and nutritive value in diploid
      alfalfa using GBS-GWAS.
AB  - KEY MESSAGE: We attempted to identify genomic regions controlling forage yield
      and nutritive value in alfalfa. Several candidate genes and associated genetic
      markers were identified that could potentially be useful for alfalfa breeding to
      more efficiently develop improved cultivars. Alfalfa is one of the most widely
      cultivated forage legumes worldwide and improving alfalfa forage yield and
      nutritive value is a major global breeding goal. Genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS)
      provides cost-effective molecular marker genotyping for genome-wide association
      studies (GWAS). Using more than 15,000 genome-wide single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNP) identified from GBS, we conducted a GWAS to investigate
      forage yield and nutritive value-related traits. We have detected a number of
      associations for all the traits evaluated and a number of associations detected
      were located on the Medicago truncatula genome. The SNP in a coding region of a
      cell wall biosynthesis gene was associated with several cell wall-related traits,
      and we suggest that it may be the causative polymorphism. Two other SNPs residing
      in meristematic development and early growth genes were found to associate with
      the total biomass yield. None of the SNPs associated with regrowth after harvest
      or with spring regrowth were mapped to the M. truncatula genome, possibly
      reflecting the fact that M. truncatula is an annual species related to alfalfa
      that typically has limited ability to regrow. The alleles we identify with the
      major impact on forage yield and nutritive value can be rapidly incorporated into
      our breeding program.

PMID- 27662845
TI  - Body mass index and incidence of thyroid cancer in Korea: the Korean Cancer
      Prevention Study-II.
AB  - PURPOSE: The prevalence of thyroid cancer and obesity has increased worldwide.
      However, their association has remained controversial and few studies have been
      performed in Asia. Our study evaluated the correlation between the incidence of
      thyroid cancer and body mass index (BMI) in Korea. METHODS: This is a multi
      centered, prospective cohort study from the Korean Cancer Prevention Study-II. A
      total of 141,157 individuals between 1994 and 2012, including 1546 newly
      developed thyroid cancer patients, were enrolled. Subjects were divided into four
      groups on the BMI. Person-years, incidence rate, and hazard ratios (HRs) were
      calculated using the Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS: The increasing
      trends of HRs of thyroid cancer in men and women younger than 50 years of age
      were observed as BMI increased (P trend <0.001 in both groups). However, in women
      older than 50 years of age, there was no association between thyroid cancer
      incidence and BMI. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that positive association
      between thyroid cancer incidence and high BMI in men and women under 50 years
      old. Based on these results, we suggest that obese men and women under 50 years
      old are better to be considered for the higher possibility of thyroid cancer
      development, and more efforts are needed to control weight gain.

PMID- 27662846
TI  - Association between GDF5 +104T/C polymorphism and knee osteoarthritis in
      Caucasian and Asian populations: a meta-analysis based on case-control studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease with a complex
      genetic background. Variants in growth differentiation factor 5 (GDF5) have been
      reported to be associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in several ethnic
      populations. The present study aimed to assess the association between the GDF5
      +104T/C polymorphism and the susceptibility of the knee to OA through a meta
      analysis of available case-control studies. METHODS: The PubMed and Science
      Direct citation databases were used to search electronic literature in order to
      identify studies published between January 2007 and July 2016 that evaluated the
      association between the GDF5 +104T/C polymorphism and the susceptibility of the
      knee to OA. Different genetic models were used to assess the pooled and
      stratified data. RESULTS: A positive association was found in all pooled studies
      (OR = 0.808, 95 % CI = 0.754-0.866, p < 0.001). Regarding genotypes, significant
      associations were found using a dominant model (OR = 0.777, 95 % CI = 0.708
      0.852, p < 0.001), a recessive model (OR = 0.723, 95%CI = 0.623-0.839, p <
      0.001), and an additive model (CC vs TT OR = 0.648, 95 % CI = 0.552-0.760, p <
      0.001; CC vs CT OR = 0.801, 95 % CI = 0.685-0.936, p = 0.005). Meta-analysis data
      were stratified by ethnicity, and the GDF5 C allele was found to be positively
      associated with OA of the knee in both Caucasians and Asians, as were the GDF5 TC
      and CC genotypes. In addition, using an additive model, the CC genotype was found
      to be significantly associated with OA of the knee in both Caucasians and Asians
      when comparing CC vs TT genotypes, but not in Caucasians when comparing TT vs CT
      genotypes. CONCLUSIONS: Meta-analysis results indicated that the GDF5 +104T/C
      polymorphism is a protective factor for OA among Caucasian and Asian populations.

PMID- 27662847
TI  - Implantation of the Medtronic Harmony Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Improves
      Right Ventricular Size and Function in an Ovine Model of Postoperative Chronic
      Pulmonary Insufficiency.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pulmonary insufficiency is the nexus of late morbidity and mortality
      after transannular patch repair of tetralogy of Fallot. This study aimed to
      establish the feasibility of implantation of the novel Medtronic Harmony
      transcatheter pulmonary valve (hTPV) and to assess its effect on pulmonary
      insufficiency and ventricular function in an ovine model of chronic postoperative
      pulmonary insufficiency. METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirteen sheep underwent baseline
      cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, surgical pulmonary valvectomy, and
      transannular patch repair. One month after transannular patch repair, the hTPV
      was implanted, followed by serial magnetic resonance imaging and computed
      tomography imaging at 1, 5, and 8 month(s). hTPV implantation was successful in
      11 animals (85%). There were 2 procedural deaths related to ventricular
      fibrillation. Seven animals survived the entire follow-up protocol, 5 with
      functioning hTPV devices. Two animals had occlusion of hTPV with aneurysm of main
      pulmonary artery. A strong decline in pulmonary regurgitant fraction was observed
      after hTPV implantation (40.5% versus 8.3%; P=0.011). Right ventricular end
      diastolic volume increased by 49.4% after transannular patch repair (62.3-93.1
      mL/m2; P=0.028) but was reversed to baseline values after hTPV implantation (to
      65.1 mL/m2 at 8 months, P=0.045). Both right ventricular ejection fraction and
      left ventricular ejection fraction were preserved after hTPV implantation.
      CONCLUSIONS: hTPV implantation is feasible, significantly reduces pulmonary
      regurgitant fraction, facilitates right ventricular volume improvements, and
      preserves biventricular function in an ovine model of chronic pulmonary
      insufficiency. This percutaneous strategy could potentially offer an alternative
      for standard surgical pulmonary valve replacement in dilated right ventricular
      outflow tracts, permitting lower risk, nonsurgical pulmonary valve replacement in
      previously prohibitive anatomies.

PMID- 27662849
TI  - Saturation Binding of Nicotine to Synthetic Neuromelanin Demonstrated by
      Fluorescence Spectroscopy.
AB  - Neuromelanin (NM) has long been considered as an aging pigment, perhaps an
      unavoidable and undesirable byproduct of dopaminergic neural transmission.
      However, NM is carefully packaged into double membrane-bound structures within
      cells of the substantia nigra and other neural tissues, suggesting a beneficial
      function to maintaining these stores. It is well established that NM is able to
      concentrate toxic xenobiotics within pigmented cells due to its unique chemical
      environment. In doing so, such agents may confer susceptibility to Parkinson's
      disease (PD) as illustrated by model PD-inducing neurotoxins such as methyl
      phenyl-pyridinium ion. It is possible that high-affinity binding interactions
      toward NM may contribute to the adverse effects of PD-inducing toxins, as well as
      neuroprotective agents. Here we aim to develop a generalized assay capable of
      elucidating the binding constants of chemical agents to synthetic and natural
      neuromelanins. Toward this end, a model neuromelanin synthesized from dopamine
      and cysteine was prepared according to published procedure. Using a UV/Visible
      spectroscopic assay, we show that dopamine, 6-hydroxy dopamine, and nicotine bind
      to the synthetic neuromelanin, while caffeine did not. More importantly, nicotine
      was further found to induce a fluorescence signal in the presence of NM which was
      used to establish a binding constant estimated at 0.65 mM. Dopamine appears to
      enhance this signal, also in a saturable manner, with an estimated Kd of 0.05 mM
      in our isolated chemical system. In summary, the micro-scale fluorescence assay
      described herein will allow us to overcome many of the problems inherent in the
      study of chemical interaction with NM through traditional spectroscopic means.
      Using a single standardized signal, it should now be possible to rank a number of
      PD-related toxins based on NM-binding affinity and shed further light on this
      important problem.

PMID- 27662848
TI  - Segond fracture: an MR evaluation of 146 patients with emphasis on the avulsed
      bone fragment and what attaches to it.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To re-evaluate the Segond fragment emphasizing those structures that
      attach to the fragment in patients with reported acute/subacute anterior cruciate
      ligament (ACL) injuries, and to clarify the nomenclature used to describe these
      structures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A search of databases of knee MR examinations
      over 4.5 years with reported ACL tears yielded 19,726 studies. Using strict
      exclusion criteria, a total of 146 MR studies with acute/subacute ACL tears were
      re-assessed with respect to the Segond fragment's size, shape, orientation,
      location, displacement, attaching soft tissue structures, and associated osseous
      and/or soft tissue injuries. RESULTS: Segond fractures were present in 1.25 % of
      reported acute/subacute ACL tears. The fragment measured 11.9 * 7.3 * 3.27 mm,
      being thin, ovoid, vertically oriented, situated anterolaterally along the
      proximal tibial epiphysis, posterior to Gerdy's tubercle and inferior to the
      lateral tibial plateau, and displaced up to 6 mm laterally. The attached
      structures were the meniscotibial component of the mid-third lateral capsular
      ligament (mt-MTLCL) in 58.9 %, both the mt-MTLCL and the posterior fibers of the
      ITB (pf-ITB) in 35.6 %, and the pf-ITB in 5.48 % of cases. In no case was there
      an additional attaching structure that did not meet criteria for the mt-MTLCL or
      the pf-ITB. CONCLUSION: The mt-MTLCL most commonly attaches to the Segond
      fragment, but the pf-ITB can also attach to this fragment. In no case was there
      an additional attaching structure that did not meet criteria for the mt-MTLCL or
      the pf-ITB.

PMID- 27662851
TI  - Adenosine A1-Receptors Modulate mTOR Signaling to Regulate White Matter
      Inflammatory Lesions Induced by Chronic Cerebral Hypoperfusion.
AB  - We sought to investigate the role of the adenosine A1 receptors (A1ARs) in white
      matter lesions under chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) and explore the
      potential repair mechanisms by activation of the receptors. A right unilateral
      common carotid artery occlusion (rUCCAO) method was used to construct a CCH
      model. 2-chloro-N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CCPA), a specific agonist of A1ARs, was
      used to explore the biological mechanisms of repair in white matter lesions under
      CCH. The expression of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), phosphorylation of
      mTOR (P-mTOR), myelin basic protein (MBP, a marker of white matter myelination)
      were detected by Western-blot. Pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor
      alpha (TNF-alpha) and anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels
      were determined by ELISA. Compared with the control groups on week 2, 4 and 6, in
      CCPA-treated groups, the ratio of P-mTOR/mTOR, expression of MBP and IL-10
      increased markedly, while the expression of TNF-alpha reduced at week 6. In
      conclusion, A1ARs appears to reduce inflammation in white matter via the mTOR
      signaling pathway in the rUCCAO mice. Therefore, A1ARs may serve as a therapeutic
      target during the repair of white matter lesions under CCH.

PMID- 27662850
TI  - MEKK1 Associated with Neuronal Apoptosis Following Intracerebral Hemorrhage.
AB  - The JNKs have been implicated in a variety of biological functions in mammalian
      cells, including apoptosis and the responses to stress. However, the
      physiological role of these pathways in the intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) has
      not been fully elucidated. In this study, we identified a MAPK kinase kinase
      (MAPKKK), MEKK1, may be involved in neuronal apoptosis in the processes of ICH
      through the activation of JNKs. From the results of western blot,
      immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence, we obtained a significant up
      regulation of MEKK1 in neurons adjacent to the hematoma following ICH. Increasing
      MEKK1 level was found to be accompanied with the up-regulation of p-JNK 3, p53,
      and c-jun. Besides, MEKK1 co-localized well with p-JNK in neurons, indicating its
      potential role in neuronal apoptosis. What's more, our in vitro study, using
      MEKK1 siRNA interference in PC12 cells, further confirmed that MEKK1 might exert
      its pro-apoptotic function on neuronal apoptosis through extrinsic pathway. Thus,
      MEKK1 may play a role in promoting the brain damage following ICH.

PMID- 27662852
TI  - Characteristics of uranium biosorption from aqueous solutions on fungus Pleurotus
      ostreatus.
AB  - Uranium(VI) biosorption from aqueous solutions was investigated in batch studies
      by using fungus Pleurotus ostreatus biomass. The optimal biosorption conditions
      were examined by investigating the reaction time, biomass dosage, pH,
      temperature, and uranium initial concentration. The interaction between fungus
      biomass and uranium was confirmed using Fourier transformed infrared (FT-IR),
      scanning electronic microscopy energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), and X-ray
      photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. Results exhibited that the maximum
      biosorption capacity of uranium on P. ostreatus was 19.95 +/- 1.17 mg/g at pH
      4.0. Carboxylic, amine, as well as hydroxyl groups were involved in uranium
      biosorption according to FT-IR analysis. The pseudo-second-order model properly
      evaluated the U(VI) biosorption on fungus P. ostreatus biomass. The Langmuir
      equation provided better fitting in comparison with Freundlich isotherm models.
      The obtained thermodynamic parameters suggested that biosorption is feasible,
      endothermic, and spontaneous. SEM-EDX and XPS were additionally conducted to
      comprehend the biosorption process that could be described as a complex process
      involving several mechanisms of physical adsorption, chemisorptions, and ion
      exchange. Results obtained from this work indicated that fungus P. ostreatus
      biomass can be used as potential biosorbent to eliminate uranium or other
      radionuclides from aqueous solutions.

PMID- 27662853
TI  - Microbial structure and nitrogen compound conversions in aerobic granular sludge
      reactors with non-aeration phases and acetate pulse feeding.
AB  - A technological system was developed for efficient nitrogen removal from real
      digester supernatant in a single reactor with shortened aeration to increase the
      economical aspects of wastewater treatment. The supernatant (600 mg TKN/L, low
      COD/N ratio of 2.2) was treated in batch reactors with aerobic granules (GSBRs)
      to test how one, two, or three non-aeration phases and acetate pulse feeding in
      the cycle affect the morphological and microbial properties of biomass.
      Introduction of one non-aeration phase in the cycle increased nitrogen removal
      efficiency by 11 % in comparison with constantly aerated GSBR. The additional non
      aeration phases did not diminish the efficiency of ammonia oxidation but did
      favor nitrification to nitrate. Acetate pulse feeding in the reactor with three
      non-aeration phases raised the efficiency of nitrogen removal to 77 %; in
      parallel, the number of denitrifiers possessing nosZ genes and performing
      denitrification to N2 increased. Ammonia was oxidized by aerobic and anaerobic
      ammonia-oxidizing bacteria and heterotrophic nitrifiers (Pseudomonas sp. and
      Alcaligenes faecalis) that coexisted in granules. Azoarcus sp., Rhizobium sp.,
      and Thauera sp. were core genera of denitrifiers in granules. An increase in the
      number of non-aeration phases diminished EPS content in the biomass and granule
      diameters and increased granule density.

PMID- 27662854
TI  - Elemental sulfur in sediments: analytical problems.
AB  - In the paper, a modified method for elemental sulfur (S8) determining using gas
      chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is proposed with estimation
      of selected validation parameters. The aim of this work was a review of problems
      associated with the determination of S8 and selection of the most optimal
      conditions for S8 analysis with GC-MS. The presented studies have shown that the
      temperature of the injector and the chromatographic column during S8
      determination should not exceed 180  degrees C. At temperatures over 180  degrees
      C, the sulfur S8 is decomposed to the other sulfur species such as S2, S3, S4,
      S5, and S6. During decreasing injector and column temperature below 180  degrees
      C the chromatographic peak eluted as S8 is badly extended and asymmetric. To
      minimize the problems of S8 decomposition to other sulfur species during
      chromatographic process also other parameters of the GC-MS have been selected. In
      order to apply the proposed method for real sediments samples, determination of
      sulfur S8 in bottom sediments, collected in the Gulf of Gdansk (southern Baltic
      Sea), has been performed. The concentration of S8 fell in the range from below
      the limit of detection to 0.1432 +/- 0.0095 mg/g d.w. The research has also shown
      that addition of approx. 200 mg of activated copper is effective for removing
      sulfur from bottom sediment extracts.

PMID- 27662855
TI  - Sol-gel synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles: effect of Pluronic P123 on particle's
      morphology and photocatalytic degradation of paraquat.
AB  - We report a facile method to tune TiO2 nanoparticles' morphology by modifying and
      an acid-catalyzed sol-gel synthesis with Pluronic P123. Synthesized particles
      were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, BET analysis, and X-ray
      diffraction spectroscopy. XRD analysis revealed a high anatase content while BET
      measurements showed that porous volume strongly depends on the amount of P123. We
      demonstrate that high amounts of P123 increase particle's aspect-ratio from
      spherical to rod-shape morphology. We evaluated the photocatalytic performances
      for the removal of methyl viologen (paraquat) and found that best performances
      are obtained for the following weight ratio P123/TiO2 = 7.5. Furthermore, P25 is
      less active than synthesized nanoparticles.

PMID- 27662856
TI  - Tetracycline uptake and metabolism by vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides L.
      Nash).
AB  - Environmental contamination by antibiotics not only perturbs the ecological
      balance but also poses a risk to human health by promoting the development of
      multiantibiotic-resistant bacteria. This study focuses on identifying the
      biochemical pathways associated with tetracycline (TC) transformation/degradation
      in vetiver grass that has the potential to be used as a biological remediation
      system in TC-contaminated water sources. A hydroponic experimental setup was used
      with four initial TC concentrations (0, 5, 35, 75 ppm), and TC uptake was
      monitored over a 30-day period. Results show that TC transformation in the media
      occurred during the first 5 days, where a decrease in the parent compound and an
      increase in the concentration of the isomers such as epitetracycline (ETC) and
      anhyrotetracycline (ATC) occurred, and TC disappeared in 20 days in tanks with
      vetiver grass. However, the isomers ETC and ATC remained in the control tanks for
      the duration of the trial. Transformation products of TC in plant tissue were
      analyzed by using ultra HPLC high-resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometery
      (HRMS/MS), which indicates amide hydrolysis of TC in vetiver roots. Metabolic
      profiling revealed that glyoxylate metabolism, TCA cycle, biosynthesis of
      secondary metabolites, tryptophan metabolism, and inositol phosphate metabolism
      were impacted in vetiver root by TC treatment.

PMID- 27662858
TI  - Bioactive and functional properties of protein hydrolysates from fish frame
      processing waste using plant proteases.
AB  - Enzymatic conversion of fish frame waste of threadfin breams (Nemipterus
      japonicus) to protein hydrolysate could be a solution for minimizing the
      pollution issues related to seafood processing operations and a way for the value
      addition to processing by-products. Protein hydrolysates from fish frame waste
      (FW) of thread fin breams (N. japonicus) were prepared and evaluated for
      bioactive properties such as angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory
      activity and antioxidant and functional properties as a function of degree of
      hydrolysis (DH). Two different plant proteases, papain and bromelain, were used
      to prepare fish protein hydrolysates (FPH) and designated as HP (hydrolysates
      prepared using papain) and HB (hydrolysates prepared using bromelain). The ACE
      inhibitory activity of HP samples was higher at 5 and 10 % DH than that of the HB
      samples at DH 15 %, and there was no significant difference (p < 0.05).
      Antioxidant properties (2, 2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl [DPPH] radical scavenging
      activity, ferric reducing power and lipid peroxidation inhibition) of
      hydrolysates increased with increase in DH. The HB samples at DH 15 % had
      significantly higher antioxidant properties than HP samples (p < 0.05). The
      solubility of HP and HB samples was high in a wide range of pH and increased with
      DH. The functional properties of HP and HB samples decreased significantly with
      increase in DH (p < 0.05). The fractionation of the HB-DH 15 % sample yielded
      three peptide fractions with the approximate molecular weight of peptides in the
      range of 7562-812 Da. Relatively, bromelain enzyme is more effective in producing
      the FPH with desirable bioactive and functional properties.

PMID- 27662857
TI  - Assessment of toxic and endocrine potential of substances migrating from selected
      toys and baby products.
AB  - Analysis of literature data shows that there is limited information about the
      harmful biological effects of mixture of compounds from the EDC group that are
      released from the surface of toys and objects intended for children and infants.
      One of the tools that can be used to obtain such information is appropriate
      bioanalytical tests. The aim of this research involved determining whether tests
      that use living organisms as an active element (Vibrio fischeri-Microtox(r),
      Heterocypris incongruens-Ostrocodtoxkit FTM and the XenoScreen YES/YASTM test of
      oestrogenic/androgenic activity) can be a tool for estimating the combined toxic
      effects induced by xenobiotics released from objects intended for children. To
      reproduce the conditions to which objects are exposed during their use, liquids
      with a composition corresponding to that of human bodily fluids (artificial sweat
      and saliva) were used. This research focused on the main parameters influencing
      the intensification of the migration process (temperature, contact time and
      composition of the extraction mixture). The studies aimed to estimate the
      endocrine potential of the extracts showed that compounds released from the
      surface of studied objects exhibit antagonistic androgenic activity. While on the
      basis of the results of Microtox(r) test, one can state that the largest quantity
      of toxic compounds are released in the first 2 h of using the object. The FTIR
      spectra analyses confirmed that no degradation of polymeric material took place.
      On the basis of the results obtained, it was unanimously concluded that contact
      of the object with bodily fluids may result in the release of a large number of
      xenobiotics, which has disadvantageous effects on the metabolic processes of the
      indicator organisms.

PMID- 27662860
TI  - A review of the Texas, USA San Jacinto Superfund site and the deposition of
      polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans in the San Jacinto River and
      Houston Ship Channel.
AB  - The San Jacinto River (SJR) waste pits that lie just under the 1-10 overpass in
      eastern Harris County east of Houston, Texas, USA, were created in the 1960s as
      dumping grounds for paper mill waste. The deposition of this waste led to
      accumulation of highly toxic polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans
      (PCCDDs/PCDFs) over the course of several decades. After abandonment, the waste
      material eventually became submerged under the waters of the SJR, resulting in
      widespread environmental contamination that currently constitutes a significant
      health concern for eastern Harris County communities. The original waste pits
      were rediscovered in 2005, and the San Jacinto waste site is now a designated EPA
      superfund site. The objective of this review then is to discuss the history and
      current state of containment around the San Jacinto waste pits and analyze
      spatial and temporal trends in the PCDD/PCDF deposition through the SJR system
      from the data available. We will discuss the current exposure and health risks
      represented by the Superfund site and the SJR system itself, as well as the
      discovery of liver, kidney, brain (glioma), and retinoblastoma cancer clusters in
      eastern Harris County across multiple census tracts that border the Superfund
      site. We will also cover the two primary management options, containment versus
      removal of the waste from the Superfund and provide recommendations for increased
      monitoring of existing concentrations of polychlorinated waste in the SJR and its
      nearby associated communities.

PMID- 27662859
TI  - Risk assessment and vertical distribution of thallium in paddy soils and uptake
      in rice plants irrigated with acid mine drainage.
AB  - The objective of this paper is to assess the influence of irritating paddy fields
      with acid mine drainage containing thallium (Tl) to rice plant-soil system and
      potential health risks for local residents. Vertical distribution of Tl, pH,
      organic matter (OM), and cation exchange capacity (CEC) in 24 paddy soil profiles
      around Yunfu pyrite mine area was investigated. Rice plant samples were collected
      from the corresponding soil sampling site. The results showed that Tl
      concentrations in paddy soils at 0-60 cm depth range from 3.07 to 9.42 mg kg-1,
      with a mean of 5.74 mg kg-1, which were significantly higher than the background
      value of soil in China (0.58 mg kg-1). On the whole, Tl contents in paddy soil
      profiles increased quickly with soil depth from 0 to 30 cm and decreased slowly
      with soil depth from 30 to 60 cm. The soil Tl content was significant negatively
      correlated with soil pH. The mean content of Tl in the root, stem, leaf, and rice
      was 4.36, 1.83, 2.74, and 1.42 mg kg-1, respectively, which exceeded the proposed
      permissible limits for foods and feedstuffs in Germany. The Tl content in various
      tissues of the rice plants followed the order root > leaf > stem (rice), which
      suggested that most Tl taken up by rice plants retained in the root, and a little
      migrated to the leaf, stem, and rice. Correlation analysis showed that Tl content
      in root was significant positively correlated with Tl content in leaf and rice.
      The ranges of hazard quotient (HQ) values were 4.08~24.50 and 3.84~22.38 for
      males and females, respectively. Males have higher health risk than females in
      the same age group. In childhood age groups (2 to <21 years) and adult age groups
      (21 to <70 years), the highest health risk level was observed in the 11 to 16 age
      group and 21 to 50 age group, respectively. The findings indicated that regular
      irrigation with Tl-bearing acid mine drainage led to considerable contamination
      of Tl in paddy soil and rice plant. Local government should take various measures
      to treat Tl contamination, especially the tailings.

PMID- 27662862
TI  - Antioxidative response of olive to air emissions from tire burning under various
      zinc nutritional treatments.
AB  - Uniform 2-year old seedlings of a commercial olive cultivar (Olea europaea L.,
      cv. Mahzam) were exposed or unexposed to the air pollution from the controlled
      burning of waste tires. The plants were supplied with zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) or
      synthesized Zn(Glycine)2 (Zn-Gly) or unsupplied with Zn. Exposure to air
      pollution resulted in oxidative damage to the olive, as indicated by the higher
      production of malondialdehyde (MDA). Supplement with Zn partly alleviated
      oxidative damage induced by the air emissions on the olive. Leaf concentration of
      MDA was higher at the active period of tire burning than that of the inactive
      one. Exposure to the emissions from tire burning significantly increased leaf
      ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity. Supplement with Zn increased APX activity in
      plants exposed to the air pollution. According to the results, Zn nutrition was
      effective in alleviating oxidative stress induced by air pollution on the olive.
      APX seemed to play a significant role in alleviating oxidative damages induced by
      air emissions from tire burning on the olive; however, the role of other
      antioxidant enzymes should be addressed in future studies.

PMID- 27662861
TI  - Vetiver plantlets in aerated system degrade phenol in illegally dumped industrial
      wastewater by phytochemical and rhizomicrobial degradation.
AB  - This research evaluated the feasibility of using vetiver plantlets (Vetiveria
      zizanioides (L.) Nash) on a floating platform with aeration to degrade phenol
      (500 mg/L) in illegally dumped industrial wastewater (IDIWW). The IDIWW sample
      was from the most infamous illegal dumping site at Nong Nae subdistrict, Phanom
      Sarakham district, Chachoengsao province, Thailand. Laboratory results suggested
      that phenol degradation by vetiver involves two phases: Phase I,
      phytopolymerization and phyto-oxidation assisted by root-produced peroxide (H2O2)
      and peroxidase (POD), followed by phase II, a combination of phase I with
      enhanced rhizomicrobial degradation. The first 360-400 h of phenol degradation
      were dominated by phytopolymerization and phyto-oxidation yielding particulate
      polyphenols (PPP) or particulate organic matter (POM) as by-products, while
      phenol decreased to around 145 mg/L. In Phase II, synergistically, rhizomicrobial
      growth was ~100-folds greater on the roots of the vetiver plantlets than in the
      IDIWW and participated in the microbial degradation of phenol at this lower
      phenol concentration, increasing the phenol degradation rate by more than three
      folds. This combination of phytochemical and rhizomicrobiological processes
      eliminated phenol in IDIWW in less than 766 h (32 days), while without the
      vetiver plantlets, phenol degradation by aerated microbial degradation alone may
      require 235 days. To our knowledge, this is the first that systematically reveals
      the complete phenol degradation mechanism by vetiver plantlets in real aerated
      wastewater.

PMID- 27662863
TI  - An assessment of the effect of contact time on cadmium phytoavailability in a
      pasture soil.
AB  - The length of time cadmium (Cd) is in contact with the soil has been recognised
      as a factor affecting phytoavailability, but the extent of this process is
      currently poorly understood. This study used isotopic dilution techniques (E and
      L values) to determine the effect of contact time on Cd phytoavailability from
      soil collected from a long-term phosphorus (P) fertiliser trial. Cadmium
      phytoavailability was determined in soil that was last fertilised with soluble Cd
      from P fertiliser 17 years prior to sampling (residual plots) and soil that
      received annual applications of P fertiliser until sampling (continuous plots).
      It was found that both E values and L values increased with P fertiliser (viz Cd)
      inputs and were significantly related to each other (r 2 = 0.82 P < 0.005). There
      was however no significant difference (P < 0.05) in the percentage of total Cd
      that was phytoavailable calculated using E values (E%) between the continuous
      (mean 51 %) and the residual plots (mean 51 %). There was also no significant
      difference (P < 0.05) in the percentage of total soil Cd that was phytoavailable
      calculated using L values (L%) between the continuous (mean 77 %) and residual
      plots (mean 87 %). These results suggest that despite Cd being in contact with
      the soil for 17 years, there was no difference in the size of the phytoavailable
      Cd pool compared to recent Cd inputs. This study should be repeated for other
      soil types and factored into any analysis for the long-term implications of
      ongoing Cd accumulation in soil on future landuse.

PMID- 27662864
TI  - Erythema gyratum repens: a pathogenetic mystery and therapeutic challenge.

PMID- 27662865
TI  - Cellular Fractionation and Isolation of Chromatin-Associated RNA.
AB  - In eukaryotic cells, the synthesis, processing, and functions of RNA molecules
      are confined to distinct subcellular compartments. Biochemical fractionation of
      cells prior to RNA isolation thus enables the analysis of distinct steps in the
      lifetime of individual RNA molecules that would be masked in bulk RNA
      preparations from whole cells. Here, we describe a simple two-step differential
      centrifugation protocol for the isolation of cytoplasmic, nucleoplasmic, and
      chromatin-associated RNA that can be used in downstream applications such as qPCR
      or deep sequencing. We discuss various aspects of this fractionation protocol,
      which can be readily applied to many mammalian cell types. For the study of long
      noncoding RNAs and enhancer RNAs in regulation of transcription especially the
      preparation of chromatin-associated RNA can contribute significantly to further
      developments.

PMID- 27662866
TI  - Knockdown of Nuclear-Located Enhancer RNAs and Long ncRNAs Using Locked Nucleic
      Acid GapmeRs.
AB  - The human genome is widely transcribed outside of protein-coding genes, producing
      thousands of noncoding RNAs from different subfamilies including enhancer RNAs.
      Functional studies to determine the role of individual genes are challenging with
      noncoding RNAs appearing to be more difficult to knockdown than mRNAs. One factor
      that may have hindered progress is that the majority of noncoding RNAs are
      thought to be located within the nucleus, where the efficiency of traditional RNA
      interference techniques is debatable. Here we present an alternative RNA
      interference technique utilizing Locked Nucleic Acids, which is able to
      efficiently knockdown noncoding RNAs irrespective of intracellular location.

PMID- 27662867
TI  - Visualization of Enhancer-Derived Noncoding RNA.
AB  - Enhancers are principal regulators that allow spatiotemporal tissue-specific
      control of gene expression. While mounting evidence suggests that enhancer
      derived long noncoding RNAs (long ncRNAs), including enhancer RNAs (eRNAs), are
      an important component of enhancer function, their expression has not been
      broadly analyzed at a single cell level via imaging techniques. This protocol
      describes a method to image eRNA in single cells by in situ hybridization
      followed by tyramide signal amplification (TSA). The procedure can be multiplexed
      to simultaneously visualize both eRNA and protein-coding transcript at the site
      of transcriptional elongation, thereby permitting analysis of dynamics between
      the two transcript species in single cells. Our approach is not limited to eRNAs,
      but can be implemented on other transcripts.

PMID- 27662869
TI  - Mapping Long Noncoding RNA Chromatin Occupancy Using Capture Hybridization
      Analysis of RNA Targets (CHART).
AB  - Capture Hybridization Analysis of RNA Targets (CHART) has recently been developed
      to map the genome-wide binding profile of chromatin-associated RNAs. This
      protocol uses a small number of 22-28 nucleotide biotinylated antisense
      oligonucleotides, complementary to regions of the target RNA that are accessible
      for hybridization, to purify RNAs from a cross-linked chromatin extract. RNA
      chromatin complexes are next immobilized on beads, washed, and specifically
      eluted using RNase H. Associated genomic DNA is then sequenced using high
      throughput sequencing technologies and mapped to the genome to identify RNA
      chromatin associations on a large scale. CHART-based strategies can be applied to
      determine the nature and extent of long noncoding RNA (long ncRNA) association
      with chromatin genome-wide and identify direct long ncRNA transcriptional
      targets.

PMID- 27662868
TI  - UV-RNA Immunoprecipitation (UV-RIP) Protocol in Neurons.
AB  - With the many advances in genome-wide sequencing, it has been discovered that
      much more of the genome is transcribed into RNA than previously appreciated.
      These nonprotein-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) come in many different forms, and they have
      been shown to have a variety of functions within the cell, influencing processes
      such as gene expression, mRNA splicing, and transport, just as a few examples. As
      we delve deeper into studying their mechanisms of action, it becomes important to
      understand how they play these roles, in particular by understanding what
      proteins these ncRNAs interact with. This protocol describes one technique that
      can be used to study this, ultra-violet light cross-linking RNA
      immunoprecipitation (UV-RIP), which uses an antibody to pull down a specific
      protein of interest and then detects RNA that is bound to it. This technique
      utilizes UV light to cross-link the cells, which takes advantage of the fact that
      UV light will only cross-link proteins and nucleic acids that are directly
      interacting. This approach can provide key mechanistic insight into the function
      of these newly identified ncRNAs.

PMID- 27662870
TI  - Detecting Long-Range Enhancer-Promoter Interactions by Quantitative Chromosome
      Conformation Capture.
AB  - Chromosome conformation capture (3C) technology and its derivatives are currently
      the primary methodologies measuring contacts among genomic elements. In fact, the
      lion share of what is currently known about chromosome folding is based on 3C
      related approaches. For example, distal enhancers are commonly in physically
      proximity with their target genes, forming chromatin loops. Additional layers of
      chromatin organization have been described using 3C-based techniques, including
      topological domains (TADs) and sub-TADs. Finally, inter-chromosomal interactions
      have been reported although they are much less frequent. 3C is becoming
      increasingly widespread in its use for understanding genome organization. Here we
      provide a protocol for quantitative 3C using real-time PCR analysis, along with
      essential quality controls and normalization methods.

PMID- 27662871
TI  - Deciphering Noncoding RNA and Chromatin Interactions: Multiplex Chromatin
      Interaction Analysis by Paired-End Tag Sequencing (mChIA-PET).
AB  - Genomic DNA is dynamically associated with protein factors and folded to form
      chromatin fibers. The 3-dimensional (3D) configuration of the chromatin will
      enable the distal genetic elements to come into close proximity, allowing
      transcriptional regulation. Noncoding RNA can mediate the 3D structure of
      chromatin. Chromatin Interaction Analysis by Paired-End Tag Sequencing (ChIA-PET)
      is a valuable and powerful technique in molecular biology which allows the study
      of unbiased, genome-wide de novo chromatin interactions with paired-end tags.
      Here, we describe the standard version of ChIA-PET and a Multiplex ChIA-PET
      version.

PMID- 27662872
TI  - Identification of Transcribed Enhancers by Genome-Wide Chromatin
      Immunoprecipitation Sequencing.
AB  - Recent work has shown that RNA polymerase II-mediated transcription at distal cis
      regulatory elements serves as a mark of highly active enhancers. Production of
      noncoding RNAs at enhancers, termed eRNAs, correlates with higher expression of
      genes that the enhancer interacts with; hence, eRNAs provide a new tool to model
      gene activity in normal and disease tissues. Moreover, this unique class of
      noncoding RNA has diverse roles in transcriptional regulation. Transcribed
      enhancers can be identified by a common signature of epigenetic marks by
      overlaying a series of genome-wide chromatin immunoprecipitation and RNA
      sequencing datasets. A computational approach to filter non-enhancer elements and
      other classes of noncoding RNAs is essential to not cloud downstream analysis.
      Here we present a protocol that combines wet and dry bench methods to accurately
      identify transcribed enhancers genome-wide as well as an experimental procedure
      to validate these datasets.

PMID- 27662873
TI  - Global Run-On Sequencing (GRO-Seq).
AB  - Transcription occurring at gene loci results in accumulation of mature RNA
      molecules (i.e., mRNAs) that can be easily assayed by RT-PCR or RNA sequencing.
      However, the steady-state level of RNA does not accurately mirror transcriptional
      activity per se. In fact, RNA stability plays a major role in determining the
      relative abundance of any given RNA molecule. Here, I describe a protocol of
      Nuclear Run-On assay coupled to deep sequencing to assess real-time transcription
      from engaged RNA polymerase. Mapping nascent transcripts at the genome-wide scale
      provides a reliable measure of transcriptional activity in mammalian cells and
      delivers a high-resolution map of coding and noncoding transcripts that is
      especially useful for annotation and quantification of short-lived RNA molecules.

PMID- 27662875
TI  - Evaluating the Stability of mRNAs and Noncoding RNAs.
AB  - Changes in RNA stability have an important impact in the gene expression
      regulation. Different methods based on the transcription blockage with RNA
      polymerase inhibitors or metabolic labeling of newly synthesized RNAs have been
      developed to evaluate RNA decay rates in cultured cell. Combined with techniques
      to measure transcript abundance genome-wide, these methods have been used to
      reveal novel features of the eukaryotic transcriptome. The stability of protein
      coding mRNAs is in general closely associated to the physiological function of
      their encoded proteins, with short-lived mRNAs being significantly enriched among
      regulatory genes whereas genes associated with housekeeping functions are
      predominantly stable. Likewise, the stability of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) seems to
      reflect their functional role in the cell. Thus, investigating RNA stability can
      provide insights regarding the function of yet uncharacterized regulatory ncRNAs.
      In this chapter, we discuss the methodologies currently used to estimate RNA
      decay and outline an experimental protocol for genome-wide estimation of RNA
      stability of protein-coding and lncRNAs. This protocol details the
      transcriptional blockage of cultured cells with actinomycin D, followed by RNA
      isolation at different time points, the determination of transcript abundance by
      qPCR/DNA oligoarray hybridization, and the calculation of individual transcript
      half-lives.

PMID- 27662874
TI  - Computational Approaches for Mining GRO-Seq Data to Identify and Characterize
      Active Enhancers.
AB  - Transcriptional enhancers are DNA regulatory elements that are bound by
      transcription factors and act to positively regulate the expression of nearby or
      distally located target genes. Enhancers have many features that have been
      discovered using genomic analyses. Recent studies have shown that active
      enhancers recruit RNA polymerase II (Pol II) and are transcribed, producing
      enhancer RNAs (eRNAs). GRO-seq, a method for identifying the location and
      orientation of all actively transcribing RNA polymerases across the genome, is a
      powerful approach for monitoring nascent enhancer transcription. Furthermore, the
      unique pattern of enhancer transcription can be used to identify enhancers in the
      absence of any information about the underlying transcription factors. Here, we
      describe the computational approaches required to identify and analyze active
      enhancers using GRO-seq data, including data pre-processing, alignment, and
      transcript calling. In addition, we describe protocols and computational
      pipelines for mining GRO-seq data to identify active enhancers, as well as known
      transcription factor binding sites that are transcribed. Furthermore, we discuss
      approaches for integrating GRO-seq-based enhancer data with other genomic data,
      including target gene expression and function. Finally, we describe molecular
      biology assays that can be used to confirm and explore further the function of
      enhancers that have been identified using genomic assays. Together, these
      approaches should allow the user to identify and explore the features and
      biological functions of new cell type-specific enhancers.

PMID- 27662876
TI  - A Novel Method to Quantify RNA-Protein Interactions In Situ Using FMTRIP and
      Proximity Ligation.
AB  - RNA binding proteins (RBP) and small RNAs regulate the editing, localization,
      stabilization, translation, and degradation of ribonucleic acids (RNAs) through
      their interactions with specific cis-acting elements within target RNAs. Here, we
      describe a novel method to detect protein-mRNA interactions, which combines FLAG
      peptide modified, multiply-labeled tetravalent RNA imaging probes (FMTRIPs) with
      proximity ligation (PLA), and rolling circle amplification (RCA). This assay
      detects native RNA in a sequence specific and single RNA sensitive manner, and
      PLA allows for the quantification and localization of protein-mRNA interactions
      with single-interaction sensitivity.

PMID- 27662877
TI  - In Silico Promoter Recognition from deepCAGE Data.
AB  - The accurate identification of transcription start regions corresponding to the
      promoters of known genes, novel coding, and noncoding transcripts, as well as
      enhancer elements, is a crucial step towards a complete understanding of state
      specific gene regulatory networks. Recent high-throughput techniques, such as
      deepCAGE or single-molecule CAGE, have made it possible to identify the genome
      wide location, relative expression, and differential usage of transcription start
      regions across hundreds of different tissues and cell lines. Here, we describe in
      detail the necessary computational analysis of CAGE data, with focus on two
      recent in silico methodologies for CAGE peak/profile definition and promoter
      recognition, namely the Decomposition-based Peak Identification (DPI) and the
      PROmiRNA software. We apply both methodologies to the challenging task of
      identifying primary microRNAs transcript (pri-miRNA) start sites and compare the
      results.

PMID- 27662878
TI  - Bioinformatics Pipeline for Transcriptome Sequencing Analysis.
AB  - The development of High Throughput Sequencing (HTS) for RNA profiling (RNA-seq)
      has shed light on the diversity of transcriptomes. While RNA-seq is becoming a de
      facto standard for monitoring the population of expressed transcripts in a given
      condition at a specific time, processing the huge amount of data it generates
      requires dedicated bioinformatics programs. Here, we describe a standard
      bioinformatics protocol using state-of-the-art tools, the STAR mapper to align
      reads onto a reference genome, Cufflinks to reconstruct the transcriptome, and
      RSEM to quantify expression levels of genes and transcripts. We present the
      workflow using human transcriptome sequencing data from two biological replicates
      of the K562 cell line produced as part of the ENCODE3 project.

PMID- 27662879
TI  - CRISPR/Cas9 Genome Editing in Embryonic Stem Cells.
AB  - Targeted mutagenesis is required to evaluate the function of DNA segments across
      the genome. In recent years the CRISPR/Cas9 technology has been widely used for
      functional genome studies and is partially replacing classical homologous
      recombination methods in different aspects. CRISPR/Cas9-derived tools indeed
      allow the production of a wide-range of engineered mutations: from point
      mutations to large chromosomal rearrangements such as deletions, duplications and
      inversions. Here we present a protocol to engineer Embryonic Stem Cells (ESC)
      with desired mutations using transfection of custom-made CRISPR/Cas9 vectors.
      These methods allow the in vivo modeling of congenital mutations and the
      functional interrogation of DNA sequences.

PMID- 27662880
TI  - Targeted Gene Activation Using RNA-Guided Nucleases.
AB  - The discovery of the prokaryotic CRISPR-Cas (clustered regularly interspaced
      short palindromic repeats-CRISPR-associated) system and its adaptation for
      targeted manipulation of DNA in diverse species has revolutionized the field of
      genome engineering. In particular, the fusion of catalytically inactive Cas9 to
      any number of transcriptional activator domains has resulted in an array of
      easily customizable synthetic transcription factors that are capable of achieving
      robust, specific, and tunable activation of target gene expression within a wide
      variety of tissues and cells. This chapter describes key experimental design
      considerations, methods for plasmid construction, gene delivery protocols, and
      procedures for analysis of targeted gene activation in mammalian cell lines using
      CRISPR-Cas transcription factors.

PMID- 27662881
TI  - Quantitative twoplex glycan analysis using 12C6 and 13C6 stable isotope 2
      aminobenzoic acid labelling and capillary electrophoresis mass spectrometry.
AB  - Capillary electrophoresis (CE) offers excellent efficiency and orthogonality to
      liquid chromatographic (LC) separations for oligosaccharide structural analysis.
      Combination of CE with high resolution mass spectrometry (MS) for glycan analysis
      remains a challenging task due to the MS incompatibility of background
      electrolyte buffers and additives commonly used in offline CE separations. Here,
      a novel method is presented for the analysis of 2-aminobenzoic acid (2-AA)
      labelled glycans by capillary electrophoresis coupled to mass spectrometry (CE
      MS). To ensure maximum resolution and excellent precision without the requirement
      for excessive analysis times, CE separation conditions including the
      concentration and pH of the background electrolyte, the effect of applied
      pressure on the capillary inlet and the capillary length were evaluated. Using
      readily available 12/13C6 stable isotopologues of 2-AA, the developed method can
      be applied for quantitative glycan profiling in a twoplex manner based on the
      generation of extracted ion electropherograms (EIE) for 12C6 'light' and 13C6
      'heavy' 2-AA labelled glycan isotope clusters. The twoplex quantitative CE-MS
      glycan analysis platform is ideally suited for comparability assessment of
      biopharmaceuticals, such as monoclonal antibodies, for differential glycomic
      analysis of clinical material for potential biomarker discovery or for
      quantitative microheterogeneity analysis of different glycosylation sites within
      a glycoprotein. Additionally, due to the low injection volume requirements of CE,
      subsequent LC-MS analysis of the same sample can be performed facilitating the
      use of orthogonal separation techniques for structural elucidation or
      verification of quantitative performance.

PMID- 27662882
TI  - Determination of substituted diphenylamines in environmental samples.
AB  - Owing to their stability at high temperature, low biodegradation, low water
      solubility, and low vapor pressure, substituted diphenylamines are used as
      antioxidants in rubber, foamed polymers, and as high-temperature functional
      fluids (e.g., lubricants, gear oils, and hydraulic fluids). There are few
      existing environmental measurements of these substances in any environmental
      medium. In this study, a method was developed for the determination of 10
      substituted diphenylamines in wastewater, biosolids, and sediments using gas
      chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). The substituted
      diphenylamines that were measured were two styrenated diphenylamines isomers,
      three di-styrenated diphenylamine isomers, tert-butyl-diphenylamine, tert-octyl
      diphenylamine, di-tert-butyl-diphenylamine, tert-butyl/tert-octyl-diphenylamine,
      and di-tert-octyl-diphenylamine. The instrument limits of detection (LODs) and
      limits of quantitation (LOQs) were 0.02-0.1 and 0.06-0.3 ng mL-1, respectively.
      Target compounds were spiked into sediment, effluent water, influent water, and
      biosolids at the 100- and 1000-ng levels (N = 6). Analyte recoveries ranged from
      71.5 to 117 % with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 2.12-12.4 %. The method
      was applied to the analysis of influent, effluent, and biosolid samples; the sum
      of substituted diphenylamines were 48.1-713, 1.04-28.5 ngL-1, and 85.3-1184 ngg
      1dw (median: 71.0, 7.30 ngL-1, and 402 ngg-1dw), respectively. Nine sediment
      samples collected in Ontario, Canada contained concentrations of the sum of
      substituted diphenylamines ranging from 1.55 to 897 ngg-1dw.

PMID- 27662883
TI  - Erratum to: Portal vein thrombosis relevance on liver cirrhosis: Italian Venous
      Thrombotic Events Registry.

PMID- 27662885
TI  - Health-related quality of life across all stages of autosomal dominant polycystic
      kidney disease.
AB  - Background: A limited number of studies have assessed health-related quality of
      life (HRQoL) in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Results to
      date have been conflicting and studies have generally focused on patients with
      later stages of the disease. This study aimed to assess HRQoL in ADPKD across all
      stages of the disease, from patients with early chronic kidney disease (CKD) to
      patients with end-stage renal disease. Methods: A study involving cross-sectional
      patient-reported outcomes and retrospective clinical data was undertaken April
      December 2014 in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. Patients were enrolled into
      four mutually exclusive stages of the disease: CKD stages 1-3; CKD stages 4-5;
      transplant recipients; and dialysis patients. Results: Overall HRQoL was
      generally highest in patients with CKD stages 1-3, followed by transplant
      recipients, patients with CKD stages 4-5 and patients on dialysis. Progressive
      disease predominately had an impact on physical health, whereas mental health
      showed less variation between stages of the disease. A substantial loss in
      quality of life was observed as patients progressed to CKD stages 4-5.
      Conclusions: Later stages of ADPKD are associated with reduced physical health.
      The value of early treatment interventions that can delay progression of the
      disease should be considered.

PMID- 27662888
TI  - Examining Mammography Use by Breast Cancer Risk, Race, Nativity, and
      Socioeconomic Status.
AB  - Minority and foreign-born women report lower rates of mammograms compared to non
      Hispanic white, U.S.-born women, even though they have increased risk for
      developing breast cancer. We examine disparities in mammography across breast
      cancer risk groups and determine whether disparities are explained by
      socioeconomic factors. Propensity score methodology was used to classify
      individuals from the 2000, 2005, and 2010 National Health Interview Survey
      according to their risk for developing breast cancer. Logistic regression models
      were used to predict the likelihood of mammography. Compared to non-Hispanic
      white women, Mexicans, Asians and "other" racial/ethnic origins were less likely
      to have undergone a mammogram. After controlling for breast cancer risk,
      socioeconomic status and health care resources, Mexican, Cuban, Dominican,
      Central American, Black, and foreign-born women had an increased likelihood of
      receiving a mammogram. Using propensity scores makes an important contribution to
      the literature on sub-population differences in the use of mammography by
      addressing the confounding risk of breast cancer. While other factors related to
      ethnicity or culture may account for lower breast cancer screening rates in Asian
      and Mexican women, these findings highlight the need to consider risk, in
      addition to socioeconomic factors, that may pose barriers to screening in
      determining mammography disparities.

PMID- 27662884
TI  - Implementation of a Multicenter Biobanking Collaboration for Next-Generation
      Sequencing-Based Biomarker Discovery Based on Fresh Frozen Pretreatment Tumor
      Tissue Biopsies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The discovery of novel biomarkers that predict treatment response in
      advanced cancer patients requires acquisition of high-quality tumor samples. As
      cancer evolves over time, tissue is ideally obtained before the start of each
      treatment. Preferably, samples are freshly frozen to allow analysis by next
      generation DNA/RNA sequencing (NGS) but also for making other emerging systematic
      techniques such as proteomics and metabolomics possible. Here, we describe the
      first 469 image-guided biopsies collected in a large collaboration in The
      Netherlands (Center for Personalized Cancer Treatment) and show the utility of
      these specimens for NGS analysis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Image-guided tumor
      biopsies were performed in advanced cancer patients. Samples were fresh frozen,
      vital tumor cellularity was estimated, and DNA was isolated after macrodissection
      of tumor-rich areas. Safety of the image-guided biopsy procedures was assessed by
      reporting of serious adverse events within 14 days after the biopsy procedure.
      RESULTS: Biopsy procedures were generally well tolerated. Major complications
      occurred in 2.1%, most frequently consisting of pain. In 7.3% of the percutaneous
      lung biopsies, pneumothorax requiring drainage occurred. The majority of samples
      (81%) contained a vital tumor percentage of at least 30%, from which at least 500
      ng DNA could be isolated in 91%. Given our preset criteria, 74% of samples were
      of sufficient quality for biomarker discovery. The NGS results in this cohort
      were in line with those in other groups. CONCLUSION: Image-guided biopsy
      procedures for biomarker discovery to enable personalized cancer treatment are
      safe and feasible and yield a highly valuable biobank. The Oncologist 2017;22:33
      40Implications for Practice: This study shows that it is safe to perform image
      guided biopsy procedures to obtain fresh frozen tumor samples and that it is
      feasible to use these biopsies for biomarker discovery purposes in a Dutch
      multicenter collaboration. From the majority of the samples, sufficient DNA could
      be yielded to perform next-generation sequencing. These results indicate that the
      way is paved for consortia to prospectively collect fresh frozen tumor tissue.

PMID- 27662889
TI  - A Within-Subjects Analysis of Men's Alcohol-Involved and Nonalcohol-Involved
      Sexual Assaults.
AB  - Previous research has determined that alcohol use is frequently associated with
      sexual aggression perpetration. However, little research has examined the
      differences between alcohol-involved and nonalcohol-involved assaults among men
      who are repeat perpetrators of sexual aggression. Eighty men from the community
      who had self-reported perpetration of two or more sexual assaults, including at
      least one assault in which the participant was drinking and one assault in which
      they were sober, were recruited for a within-subjects survey. Data analysis
      examined the differences between participants' most recent alcohol-involved
      assault and their most recent nonalcohol-involved assault. A variety of
      differences were observed between nonalcohol and alcohol-involved assaults
      including the participants' primary appraisals, secondary appraisals, and the
      degree of force they used to obtain unwanted sex. These results provide further
      insight into the effect that alcohol has on perpetration of sexual aggression.
      Limitations and directions for future research are also discussed.

PMID- 27662886
TI  - Heightened early-attentional stimulus orienting and impulsive action in men with
      antisocial personality disorder.
AB  - We tested whether enhanced stimulus orienting operationalized as N1 and P2
      auditory evoked potentials to increasing loudness (50-90 dB clicks) could be
      associated with trait impulsivity (Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, BIS-11),
      impulsive action (commission error on the Immediate Memory Task), or impulsive
      choice (immediate responses on temporal discounting tasks). We measured N1 and P2
      loudness sensitivity in a passive listening task as linear intensity-sensitivity
      slopes in 36 men with antisocial personality disorder with a history of
      conviction for criminal conduct and 16 healthy control men. Across all subjects,
      regression analyses revealed that a steeper P2 slope predicted higher IMT
      commission error/correct detection ratio, and lower stimulus discriminability (A
      prime). These associations were also found within both groups. These
      relationships suggest an association between enhanced early stimulus orienting
      (P2), impulsive action (response inhibition), and impaired signal-noise
      discriminability (A-prime).

PMID- 27662890
TI  - Urinary tract infections in adults.
AB  - A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a collective term for infections that involve
      any part of the urinary tract. It is one of the most common infections in local
      primary care. The incidence of UTIs in adult males aged under 50 years is low,
      with adult women being 30 times more likely than men to develop a UTI.
      Appropriate classification of UTI into simple or complicated forms guides its
      management and the ORENUC classification can be used. Diagnosis of a UTI is based
      on a focused history, with appropriate investigations depending on individual
      risk factors. Simple uncomplicated cystitis responds very well to oral
      antibiotics, but complicated UTIs may require early imaging, and referral to the
      emergency department or hospitalisation to prevent urosepsis may be warranted.
      Escherichia coli remains the predominant uropathogen in acute community-acquired
      uncomplicated UTIs and amoxicillin-clavulanate is useful as a first-line
      antibiotic. Family physicians are capable of managing most UTIs if guided by
      appropriate history, investigations and appropriate antibiotics to achieve good
      outcomes and minimise antibiotic resistance. 

PMID- 27662891
TI  - Gender Difference in the Risk of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy in Patients
      Undergoing Coronary Angiography or Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.
AB  - Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a common complication of coronary
      angiography/percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Identification of high-risk
      patients and optimal periprocedural management are key points to reduce the
      incidence of this iatrogenic complication. We evaluated the impact of gender on
      CIN after coronary angiography/PCI. We enrolled 2851 consecutive patients (730
      females and 1851 males) undergoing coronary angiography/PCI. Baseline clinical
      and procedural characteristics were collected according to gender. CIN was
      defined as an absolute >=0.5mg/dL or a relative >=25% increase in creatinine
      level 24 to 48 hours after the procedure. The incidence of CIN was 12.6% and was
      significantly higher among females (15.6% vs 11.4%, odds ratio (OR) [95%
      confidence interval (CI)] = 1.42 [1.11-1.82]; P = .004), but this result was not
      confirmed at multivariate analysis after correction for all baseline confounders
      (adjusted OR [95% CI] = 1.14 [0.81-1.60]; P = 0.45). In conclusion, we showed
      that female gender is associated with an increased risk of CIN after coronary
      angiography/PCI. However, this finding was not confirmed after correction for
      baseline confounders. Therefore, the higher risk profile rather than female
      gender itself may contribute to the higher occurrence of CIN among women.

PMID- 27662892
TI  - Single-Stage Bipedicle Local Tissue Transfer and Skin Graft for Achilles Tendon
      Surgery Wound Complications.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Achilles tendon and posterior heel wound complications are
      difficult to treat. These typically require soft tissue coverage via
      microvascular free tissue transfer at a tertiary referral center. Here, we
      describe coverage of a series of posterior heel and Achilles wounds via simple,
      local tissue transfer, called a bipedicle fasciocutaneous flap. This flap can be
      performed by an orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeon, without resources of
      tertiary/specialized care or microvascular support. METHODS: Three patients with
      separate pathologies were treated with a single-stage bipedicle fasciocutaneous
      local tissue transfer. Case 1 was a patient with insertional wound breakdown
      after Achilles debridement and repair to the calcaneus. Case 2 was a heel venous
      stasis ulcer with calcaneal exposure in a diabetic patient with vasculopathy.
      Case 3 was a patient with wound breakdown following midsubstance Achilles tendon
      repair. All three cases were treated with a single-stage bipedicle local tissue
      transfer for posterior ankle and heel wound complications. RESULTS: All 3
      patients demonstrated complete healing of the posterior defect, lateral ankle
      skin graft recipient site, and the skin graft donor site after surgery. Case 3
      had a subsequent recurrent ulceration after initial healing. This was superficial
      and healed with local wound care. All patients regained full preoperative range
      of motion and were able to ambulate independently without modified footwear.
      CONCLUSIONS: The bipedicled fasciocutaneous flap described here offers a
      predictable single stage procedure that can be accomplished by an orthopaedic
      foot and ankle surgeon without resources of a tertiary care center for posterior
      foot and ankle defects. This flap can be performed with short operative times and
      can be customized to facilitate defect coverage. The flap is durable to withstand
      local tissue stresses required for early ambulation. Despite its reliability,
      patients require careful follow-up to manage underlying comorbid conditions that
      may complicate wound healing. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level IV: Case series.

PMID- 27662893
TI  - Rethinking primary care's gatekeeper role.

PMID- 27662894
TI  - Evidence-based treatments for youths with severely dysregulated mood: a
      qualitative systematic review of trials for SMD and DMDD.
AB  - The aim of this literature review was to examine the evidence for
      psychotherapeutic and pharmacological treatments in subjects with severely
      dysregulated mood and to identify potential areas for improvements in research
      designs. A literature search was conducted using several databases for published
      (PubMed, PsycINFO) and ongoing (clinical trial registries) studies conducted in
      youths who met NIMH's criteria for Severe Mood Dysregulation (SMD) or the DSM-5
      diagnosis of Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD). Eight completed
      studies were identified: three randomized trials, four open pilot studies and one
      case report. Seven ongoing studies were found in trial registries. The available
      evidence suggests potential efficacy of psychotherapies which have previously
      been developed for internalizing and externalizing disorders. The two main
      pharmacological strategies tested are, first, a monotherapy of psychostimulant or
      atypical antipsychotic such as risperidone, already used in the treatment of
      severe irritability in youths with developmental disorders; and second, the use
      of a serotonergic antidepressant as an add-on therapy in youths treated with
      psychostimulant. Ongoing studies will further clarify the effectiveness of
      psychotherapeutic interventions for DMDD individuals and whether they should be
      given alone or in conjunction with other treatments. The short duration of the
      trials for a chronic disorder, the low number of studies, the lack of placebo or
      active comparator arm, and restrictive inclusion criteria in most of the
      controlled trials dramatically limit the interpretation of the results. Finally,
      future research should be conducted across multiple sites, with standardized
      procedures to measure DMDD symptoms reduction, and include a run-in period to
      limit placebo effect.

PMID- 27662895
TI  - Toward a Mechanistic Understanding of Epileptic Networks.
AB  - Focal epileptic seizures have long been considered to arise from a small
      susceptible brain area and spread through uninvolved regions. In the past decade,
      the idea that focal seizures instead arise from coordinated activity across large
      scale epileptic networks has become widely accepted. Understanding the network
      model's applicability is critical, due to its increasing influence on clinical
      research and surgical treatment paradigms. In this review, we examine the origins
      of the concept of epileptic networks as the nidus for recurring seizures. We
      summarize analytical and methodological elements of epileptic network studies and
      discuss findings from recent detailed electrophysiological investigations. Our
      review highlights the strengths and limitations of the epileptic network theory
      as a metaphor for the complex interactions that occur during seizures. We present
      lines of investigation that may usefully probe these interactions and thus serve
      to advance our understanding of the long-range effects of epileptiform activity.

PMID- 27662897
TI  - TRANSPORTIN1 Promotes the Association of MicroRNA with ARGONAUTE1 in Arabidopsis.
AB  - In Arabidopsis thaliana, microRNAs (miRNAs) are mainly loaded into ARGONAUTE1
      (AGO1) to posttranscriptionally regulate gene expression. We previously found
      that ENHANCED MiRNA ACTIVITY1 (EMA1), an importin beta family protein, negatively
      regulates miRNA loading into AGO1. In this study, through a suppressor screening
      of ema1, we identified another importin beta protein, TRANSPORTIN1 (TRN1), as a
      regulatory component in the miRNA pathway. Mutation of TRN1 did not reduce miRNA
      accumulation, but it impaired miRNA activity. We found that TRN1 interacted with
      AGO1. Mutation of the three conserved residues required for cargo recognition of
      TRN1 reduced its interaction with AGO1 and compromised its function in regulating
      miRNA activity. Intriguingly, TRN1 dysfunction did not change the cytoplasmic
      nuclear distribution of miRNAs and AGO1 but reduced the amount of miRNAs
      associated with AGO1. These results indicate that TRN1 positively regulates miRNA
      activity by promoting the association of miRNAs with AGO1, and they reveal
      opposing roles of two importin beta family proteins in miRNA loading.

PMID- 27662896
TI  - Hypothalamic Dysfunction and Multiple Sclerosis: Implications for Fatigue and
      Weight Dysregulation.
AB  - Signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis are usually attributed to demyelinating
      lesions in the spinal cord or cerebral cortex. The hypothalamus is a region that
      is often overlooked yet controls many important homeostatic functions, including
      those that are perturbed in multiple sclerosis. In this review we discuss how
      hypothalamic dysfunction may contribute to signs and symptoms in people with
      multiple sclerosis. While dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis
      is common in multiple sclerosis, the effects and mechanisms of this dysfunction
      are not well understood. We discuss three hypothalamic mechanisms of fatigue in
      multiple sclerosis: (1) general hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis
      hyperactivity, (2) disordered orexin neurotransmission, (3) abnormal cortisol
      secretion. We then review potential mechanisms of weight dysregulation caused by
      hypothalamic dysfunction. Lastly, we propose future studies and therapeutics to
      better understand and treat hypothalamic dysfunction in multiple sclerosis.
      Hypothalamic dysfunction appears to be common in multiple sclerosis, yet current
      studies are underpowered and contradictory. Future studies should contain larger
      sample sizes and standardize hormone and neuropeptide measurements.

PMID- 27662898
TI  - Characterization of Biosynthetic Pathways for the Production of the Volatile
      Homoterpenes DMNT and TMTT in Zea mays.
AB  - Plant volatiles not only have multiple defense functions against herbivores,
      fungi, and bacteria, but also have been implicated in signaling within the plant
      and toward other organisms. Elucidating the function of individual plant
      volatiles will require more knowledge of their biosynthesis and regulation in
      response to external stimuli. By exploiting the variation of herbivore-induced
      volatiles among 26 maize (Zea mays) inbred lines, we conducted a nested
      association mapping and genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify a set of
      quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for investigating the pathways of volatile terpene
      production. The most significant identified QTL affects the emission of (E)
      nerolidol, linalool, and the two homoterpenes (E)-3,8-dimethyl-1,4,7-nonatriene
      (DMNT) and (E,E)-4,8,12-trimethyltrideca-1,3,7,11-tetraene (TMTT). GWAS
      associated a single nucleotide polymorphism in the promoter of the gene encoding
      the terpene synthase TPS2 with this QTL Biochemical characterization of TPS2
      verified that this plastid-localized enzyme forms linalool, (E)-nerolidol, and
      (E,E)-geranyllinalool. The subsequent conversion of (E)-nerolidol into DMNT maps
      to a P450 monooxygenase, CYP92C5, which is capable of converting nerolidol into
      DMNT by oxidative degradation. A QTL influencing TMTT accumulation corresponds to
      a similar monooxygenase, CYP92C6, which is specific for the conversion of (E,E)
      geranyllinalool to TMTT The DMNT biosynthetic pathway and both monooxygenases are
      distinct from those previously characterized for DMNT and TMTT synthesis in
      Arabidopsis thaliana, suggesting independent evolution of these enzymatic
      activities.

PMID- 27662899
TI  - Nucleosomal signatures impose nucleosome positioning in coding and noncoding
      sequences in the genome.
AB  - In the yeast genome, a large proportion of nucleosomes occupy well-defined and
      stable positions. While the contribution of chromatin remodelers and DNA binding
      proteins to maintain this organization is well established, the relevance of the
      DNA sequence to nucleosome positioning in the genome remains controversial.
      Through quantitative analysis of nucleosome positioning, we show that sequence
      changes distort the nucleosomal pattern at the level of individual nucleosomes in
      three species of Schizosaccharomyces and in Saccharomyces cerevisiae This effect
      is equally detected in transcribed and nontranscribed regions, suggesting the
      existence of sequence elements that contribute to positioning. To identify such
      elements, we incorporated information from nucleosomal signatures into artificial
      synthetic DNA molecules and found that they generated regular nucleosomal arrays
      indistinguishable from those of endogenous sequences. Strikingly, this
      information is species-specific and can be combined with coding information
      through the use of synonymous codons such that genes from one species can be
      engineered to adopt the nucleosomal organization of another. These findings open
      the possibility of designing coding and noncoding DNA molecules capable of
      directing their own nucleosomal organization.

PMID- 27662901
TI  - Myeloperoxidase as a Potential Target in Women With Endometriosis Undergoing IVF.
AB  - As infertility is intimately associated with endometriosis, the levels of
      myeloperoxidase (MPO), a leukocyte enzyme and an oxidative stress marker, were
      determined in a case-control prospective study of 68 women with and without
      endometriosis undergoing in vitro fertilization in the outpatient fertility
      center within a tertiary care academic medical center. Measured values included
      plasma and follicular fluid (FF) concentrations of MPO, plasma estradiol, as well
      as oocyte quality, fertilization, implantation, and pregnancy rates in these
      women. In FF (mean +/- standard error of mean [SEM]), the MPO concentrations
      (ng/mL) for controls were 4.3 +/- 0.37, mild endometriosis (stages I-II) 3.9 +/-
      0.17, and moderate/severe endometriosis (stages III-IV) 16.6 +/- 12.5 ( P <
      0.0143). In FF, among patients supplemented with vitamins E and C, the MPO levels
      decreased significantly only in moderate/severe endometriosis from 25.3 +/- 22.0
      ng/mL to 4.9 +/- 1.61 ng/mL, respectively. Plasma levels of MPO between groups
      did not change. Outcome data revealed a trend toward decreased percentage of
      mature oocytes, implantation rate, and clinical pregnancy rate with severity of
      endometriosis and MPO levels. Myeloperoxidase may be a potential oxidative stress
      target for endometriosis-associated infertility.

PMID- 27662900
TI  - Multiple major disease-associated clones of Legionella pneumophila have emerged
      recently and independently.
AB  - Legionella pneumophila is an environmental bacterium and the leading cause of
      Legionnaires' disease. Just five sequence types (ST), from more than 2000
      currently described, cause nearly half of disease cases in northwest Europe.
      Here, we report the sequence and analyses of 364 L. pneumophila genomes,
      including 337 from the five disease-associated STs and 27 representative of the
      species diversity. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the five STs have
      independent origins within a highly diverse species. The number of de novo
      mutations is extremely low with maximum pairwise single-nucleotide polymorphisms
      (SNPs) ranging from 19 (ST47) to 127 (ST1), which suggests emergences within the
      last century. Isolates sampled geographically far apart differ by only a few
      SNPs, demonstrating rapid dissemination. These five STs have been recombining
      recently, leading to a shared pool of allelic variants potentially contributing
      to their increased disease propensity. The oldest clone, ST1, has spread
      globally; between 1940 and 2000, four new clones have emerged in Europe, which
      show long-distance, rapid dispersal. That a large proportion of clinical cases is
      caused by recently emerged and internationally dispersed clones, linked by
      convergent evolution, is surprising for an environmental bacterium traditionally
      considered to be an opportunistic pathogen. To simultaneously explain recent
      emergence, rapid spread and increased disease association, we hypothesize that
      these STs have adapted to new man-made environmental niches, which may be linked
      by human infection and transmission.

PMID- 27662902
TI  - RHOG-DOCK1-RAC1 Signaling Axis Is Perturbed in DHEA-Induced Polycystic Ovary in
      Rat Model.
AB  - The function of RHOG, a RAC1 activator, was explored in the ovary during ovarian
      follicular development and pathological conditions. With the help of
      immunoblotting and immunolocalization, we determined the expression and
      localization of RHOG in normal (estrous cycle) and polycystic ovaries using
      Sprague Dawley (SD) rat model. Employing polymerase chain reaction and flow
      cytometry, we analyzed the transcript and expression levels of downstream
      molecules of RHOG, DOCK1, and RAC1 in the polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
      ovary along with normal antral follicular theca and granulosa cells after
      dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation. The effect of RHOG knockdown on
      DOCK1, VAV, and RAC1 expression was evaluated in the human ovarian cells (SKOV3),
      theca cells, and granulosa cells from SD rats with the help of flow cytometry.
      Oocyte at secondary follicles along with stromal cells showed optimal expression
      of RHOG. Immunoblotting of RHOG revealed its maximum expression at diestrus and
      proestrus, which was downregulated at estrus stage. Mild immunostaining of RHOG
      was also present in the theca and granulosa cells of the secondary and antral
      follicles. Polycystic ovary exhibited weak immunostaining for RHOG and that was
      corroborated by immunoblotting-based investigations. RHOG effectors DOCK1 and
      ELMO1 were found reduced in the ovary in PCOS condition/DHEA. RHOG silencing
      reduced the expression of DOCK1 and RAC1 in the theca and granulosa cells from SD
      rat antral follicles and that was mirrored in the human ovarian cells.
      Collectively, RHOG can mediate signaling through downstream effectors DOCK1 and
      RAC1 during ovarian follicular development (theca and granulosa cells and
      oocyte), but DHEA downregulated them in the PCOS ovary.

PMID- 27662903
TI  - Insulin Exhibits an Antiproliferative and Hypertrophic Effect in First Trimester
      Human Extravillous Trophoblasts.
AB  - Our aim was to investigate the effect of high levels of glucose, insulin, leptin,
      and tumor necrosis factor alpha, biomarkers of diabetes in pregnancy, in the
      process of placentation, using as a cell model a first trimester extravillous
      human trophoblast cell line (HTR8/SVneo cells). Exposure of HTR8/SVneo cells for
      24 hours to either glucose (20 mmol/L) or leptin (25-100 ng/mL) did not cause
      significant changes in cell proliferation and viability. Tumor necrosis factor
      alpha (24 hours; 10-100 ng/L) caused a small decrease (10%) in cell proliferation
      and an increase (9%) in cell viability; however, both effects disappeared when
      exposure time was increased. Insulin (24 hours; 1-10 nmol/L) caused a
      concentration- and time-dependent decrease (10%-20%) in cell proliferation; the
      effect of insulin (10 nmol/L) was more pronounced after a 48 hours exposure
      (35%). In contrast, exposure to insulin (10 nmol/L; 48 hours) showed no
      significant effect on cell viability, apoptosis, and migration capacity. Insulin
      appears to cause hypertrophy of HTR8/SVneo cells as it reduces the cell mitotic
      index while increasing the culture protein content. The antiproliferative effect
      of insulin seems to involve activation of mammalian target of rapamycin,
      phosphoinositide 3-kinase, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. Finally,
      simvastatin and the polyphenol quercetin potentiated the antiproliferative effect
      of insulin; on the contrary, the polyphenol resveratrol, the polyunsaturated
      fatty acids eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids, and folic acid were not
      able to change it. In conclusion, we show that insulin has an antiproliferative
      and hypertrophic effect on a first trimester extravillous human trophoblast cell
      line. So insulin might affect the process of placentation.

PMID- 27662905
TI  - Fenofibrate Decreases Insulin Clearance and Insulin Secretion to Maintain Insulin
      Sensitivity.
AB  - High fat diet reduces the expression of CEACAM1 (carcinoembryonic antigen-related
      cell adhesion molecule 1), a transmembrane glycoprotein that promotes insulin
      clearance and down-regulates fatty acid synthase activity in the liver upon its
      phosphorylation by the insulin receptor. Because peroxisome proliferator
      activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha) transcriptionally suppresses CEACAM1
      expression, we herein examined whether high fat down-regulates CEACAM1 expression
      in a PPARalpha-dependent mechanism. By activating PPARalpha, the lipid-lowering
      drug fenofibrate reverses dyslipidemia and improves insulin sensitivity in type 2
      diabetes in part by promoting fatty acid oxidation. Despite reducing glucose
      stimulated insulin secretion, fenofibrate treatment does not result in insulin
      insufficiency. To examine whether this is mediated by a parallel decrease in
      CEACAM1-dependent hepatic insulin clearance pathways, we fed wild-type and
      Pparalpha-/- null mice a high fat diet supplemented with either fenofibrate or
      Wy14643, a selective PPARalpha agonist, and examined their effect on insulin
      metabolism and action. We demonstrated that the decrease in insulin secretion by
      fenofibrate and Wy14643 is accompanied by reduction in insulin clearance in wild
      type but not Pparalpha-/- mice, thereby maintaining normoinsulinemia and insulin
      sensitivity despite continuous high fat intake. Intact insulin secretion in L-CC1
      mice with protected hepatic insulin clearance and CEACAM1 levels provides in vivo
      evidence that insulin secretion responds to changes in insulin clearance to
      maintain physiologic insulin and glucose homeostasis. These results also
      emphasize the relevant role of hepatic insulin extraction in regulating insulin
      sensitivity.

PMID- 27662906
TI  - Overlapping Role of Respiratory Supercomplex Factor Rcf2 and Its N-terminal
      Homolog Rcf3 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
AB  - The mitochondrial electron transport chain consists of individual protein
      complexes arranged into large macromolecular structures, termed respiratory chain
      supercomplexes or respirasomes. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae,
      respiratory chain supercomplexes form by association of the bc1 complex with the
      cytochrome c oxidase. Formation and maintenance of these assemblies are promoted
      by specific respiratory supercomplex factors, the Rcf proteins. For these
      proteins a regulatory function in bridging the electron transfer within
      supercomplexes has been proposed. Here we report on the maturation of Rcf2 into
      an N- and C-terminal peptide. We show that the previously uncharacterized Rcf3
      (YBR255c-A) is a homolog of the N-terminal Rcf2 peptide, whereas Rcf1 is
      homologous to the C-terminal portion. Both Rcf3 and the C-terminal fragment of
      Rcf2 associate with monomeric cytochrome c oxidase and respiratory chain
      supercomplexes. A lack of Rcf2 and Rcf3 increases oxygen flux through the
      respiratory chain by up-regulation of the cytochrome c oxidase activity. A double
      gene deletion of RCF2 and RCF3 affects cellular survival under non-fermentable
      growth conditions, suggesting an overlapping role for both proteins in the
      regulation of the OXPHOS activity. Furthermore, our data suggest an association
      of all three Rcf proteins with the bc1 complex in the absence of a functional
      cytochrome c oxidase and identify a supercomplex independent interaction network
      of the Rcf proteins.

PMID- 27662904
TI  - A Novel Conserved Domain Mediates Dimerization of Protein Kinase D (PKD)
      Isoforms: DIMERIZATION IS ESSENTIAL FOR PKD-DEPENDENT REGULATION OF SECRETION AND
      INNATE IMMUNITY.
AB  - Protein kinase D (PKD) isoforms are protein kinase C effectors in signaling
      pathways regulated by diacylglycerol. Important physiological processes
      (including secretion, immune responses, motility, and transcription) are placed
      under diacylglycerol control by the distinctive substrate specificity and
      subcellular distribution of PKDs. Potentially, broadly co-expressed PKD
      polypeptides may interact to generate homo- or heteromultimeric regulatory
      complexes. However, the frequency, molecular basis, regulatory significance, and
      physiological relevance of stable PKD-PKD interactions are largely unknown. Here,
      we demonstrate that mammalian PKDs 1-3 and the prototypical Caenorhabditis
      elegans PKD, DKF-2A, are exclusively (homo- or hetero-) dimers in cell extracts
      and intact cells. We discovered and characterized a novel, highly conserved N
      terminal domain, comprising 92 amino acids, which mediates dimerization of PKD1,
      PKD2, and PKD3 monomers. A similar domain directs DKF-2A homodimerization.
      Dimerization occurred independently of properties of the regulatory and kinase
      domains of PKDs. Disruption of PKD dimerization abrogates secretion of PAUF, a
      protein carried in small trans-Golgi network-derived vesicles. In addition,
      disruption of DKF-2A homodimerization in C. elegans intestine impaired and
      degraded the immune defense of the intact animal against an ingested bacterial
      pathogen. Finally, dimerization was indispensable for the strong, dominant
      negative effect of catalytically inactive PKDs. Overall, the structural integrity
      and function of the novel dimerization domain are essential for PKD-mediated
      regulation of a key aspect of cell physiology, secretion, and innate immunity in
      vivo.

PMID- 27662909
TI  - No trust in trusts.
AB  - 'Our staff are our greatest asset', declared the Guy's and Lewisham Trust in its
      consultation document published in August last year. So why, only weeks into
      Trust status, did it announce massive job cuts? It's difficult to imagine that
      the Chief Executive was completely unaware of the devastating impact such news
      would have on staff morale. Any attempts now to lessen the blow by claiming fewer
      redundancies are futile. Staff and public confidence in Trusts has plummeted.
      People needed to believe that Trusts were a better option. While many nurses had
      reservations about the philosophy of the internal market, they retained an open
      mind about a number of issues related to the reforms. There are few who will
      stand and defend any aspect of the changes now.

PMID- 27662908
TI  - Factors associated with diagnostic discrepancy for left ventricular hypertrophy
      between electrocardiography and echocardiography.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of cardiovascular risk factors, including
      fasting plasma glucose (FPG), on the association between electrocardiographic
      (ECG) and echocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in an elderly
      population. METHODS: We tested cross-sectional associations between
      electrocardiographic and echocardiographic LVH, defining LVH according to the
      Sokolow-Lyon voltage combination, Cornell voltage-duration product, or left
      ventricular mass index (LVMI). Differences between standardized LVMI and Sokolow
      Lyon voltage combination or Cornell voltage-duration product (absolute value/cut
      off value for LVH) were used as outcome variables in order to identify
      explanatory variables associated with diagnostic discrepancies between ECG and
      echocardiography. RESULTS: Of the 1382 subjects included, 77% did not display any
      signs of LVH, 6% had LVH defined by ECG only, 13% had LVH defined by
      echocardiography only, and 5% had LVH on both ECG and echocardiography. Older
      subjects and those with higher blood pressure and RWT were more likely to have a
      relatively greater LVMI on echocardiography than that predicted on ECG (odds
      ratio: 1.65 per 10 years (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.27-2.15), p = .0002,
      odds ratio: 1.17 per 10 mmHg (95% CI: 1.09-1.25), p < .0001, and odds ratio: 1.21
      per 0.10 (95% CI: 1.02-1.42), p = .03). In addition, discrepancy was also seen in
      females and subjects receiving antihypertensive medication (odds ratio: 1.41 (95%
      CI: 1.04-1.89), p = .03 and odds ratio: 1.41 (95% CI: 1.06-1.87), p = .02), but
      FPG did not independently influence discrepancy between ECG and echocardiography.
      CONCLUSION: Age, blood pressure, female sex, greater RWT and use of
      antihypertensive medication were associated with a greater risk of non
      consistency between LVH determined by ECG and echocardiography.

PMID- 27662907
TI  - Polo-like Kinase 1 Regulates Vimentin Phosphorylation at Ser-56 and Contraction
      in Smooth Muscle.
AB  - Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) is a serine/threonine-protein kinase that has been
      implicated in mitosis, cytokinesis, and smooth muscle cell proliferation. The
      role of Plk1 in smooth muscle contraction has not been investigated. Here,
      stimulation with acetylcholine induced Plk1 phosphorylation at Thr-210 (an
      indication of Plk1 activation) in smooth muscle. Contractile stimulation also
      activated Plk1 in live smooth muscle cells as evidenced by changes in
      fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal of a Plk1 sensor. Moreover,
      knockdown of Plk1 in smooth muscle attenuated force development. Smooth muscle
      conditional knock-out of Plk1 also diminished contraction of mouse tracheal
      rings. Plk1 knockdown inhibited acetylcholine-induced vimentin phosphorylation at
      Ser-56 without affecting myosin light chain phosphorylation. Expression of T210A
      Plk1 inhibited the agonist-induced vimentin phosphorylation at Ser-56 and
      contraction in smooth muscle. However, myosin light chain phosphorylation was not
      affected by T210A Plk1. Ste20-like kinase (SLK) is a serine/threonine-protein
      kinase that has been implicated in spindle orientation and microtubule
      organization during mitosis. In this study knockdown of SLK inhibited Plk1
      phosphorylation at Thr-210 and activation. Finally, asthma is characterized by
      airway hyperresponsiveness, which largely stems from airway smooth muscle
      hyperreactivity. Here, smooth muscle conditional knock-out of Plk1 attenuated
      airway resistance and airway smooth muscle hyperreactivity in a murine model of
      asthma. Taken together, these findings suggest that Plk1 regulates smooth muscle
      contraction by modulating vimentin phosphorylation at Ser-56. Plk1 activation is
      regulated by SLK during contractile activation. Plk1 contributes to the
      pathogenesis of asthma.

PMID- 27662911
TI  - NHS Policy board.
AB  - Nurse representation on the NF1S Policy Board is likely to double by the end of
      the year, Health Secretary William Waldegrave has indicated.

PMID- 27662910
TI  - ?
AB  - Major protest: Staff at Guy's Hospital lobbied a meeting of the Trust Management
      Board to discuss job cuts last week. Around 50 staff took part.

PMID- 27662912
TI  - Guy's reduces its job loss figures.
AB  - Guy's Hospital Trust shrank its 600 staff job axe figure last week, announcing
      nine nurse redundancies, 21 lost nursing posts and 19 closed beds.

PMID- 27662914
TI  - Redundancies.
AB  - Staff at Hammersmith Hospital are in dispute over management's refusal to
      disclose the criteria used to identify 37 posts for redundancy.

PMID- 27662913
TI  - 'Steady trickle' of responses to initiative.
AB  - The Royal College of Nursing has received a 'steady trickle' of responses from
      nurses and the public in response to General Secretary Christine Hancock's
      'whistleblow' initiative.

PMID- 27662916
TI  - Surveillance.
AB  - The RCN has lashed out at a cash-starved health authority which paid two private
      investigators to follow a nurse tutor on sick leave for two months.

PMID- 27662915
TI  - ?
AB  - Care team: More than 40 representatives front health and local authorities took
      part in the Care Kaleidoscope project to simulate the Government's new community
      care arrangements. The findings are due to be published by South West Thames
      Region later this month.

PMID- 27662917
TI  - RCN to ballot members.
AB  - The RCN is to ballot its members on whether nursing health care assistants should
      be granted full membership. 'We are now into 1991. We have got to move forward,'
      explained Council member, Stuart Mahon.

PMID- 27662918
TI  - ?
AB  - The RCN launched a new leaflet 'Working with Women' at its Congress in Harrogate.
      The leaflet includes a questionnaire inviting nurses to outline the areas which
      they believe should be priorities for the College's Women's Issues Committee.

PMID- 27662919
TI  - Smith & Nephew awards.
AB  - The Smith & Nephew Foundation has announced the winners of its Primary Care
      Awards, aimed at nurses working in the community to allow them to improve their
      clinical skills and expertise.

PMID- 27662920
TI  - New guidelines deal with abuse by informal carers.
AB  - Nurses must be prepared to offer support to both victim and perpetrator in cases
      of abuse of elderly people, new Royal College of Nursing guidelines advise.

PMID- 27662921
TI  - Testing in prisons to 'enable comparisons'.
AB  - Anonymous HIV testing of prisoners attending prison genito-urinary clinics is
      expected to be introduced shortly, the Prisons Minister Angela Rumbold, revealed
      last week.

PMID- 27662922
TI  - ?
AB  - Peggy Prior of the Work-injured Nurses' Group led the field during a sponsored
      'Jog for Romania' on the final morning of the RCN Congress in Harrogate.

PMID- 27662925
TI  - Staff to meet employers over appeals backlog.
AB  - The Staff Side of the nurses and midwives' negotiating body is to meet management
      on Friday to discuss the huge backlog of clinical grading appeals.

PMID- 27662924
TI  - COHSE welcomes Scottish hotel-class initiative.
AB  - COHSE has welcomed Government calls to introduce 'patient hotels' in Scotland to
      replace hospital facilities.

PMID- 27662926
TI  - Health Care Assistants.
AB  - Congress voted to ensure the proper role and function of the nurse is promoted
      and that health care assistants continue to support that role.

PMID- 27662927
TI  - MP complains of 'poor-quality' business plans.
AB  - Business plans put forward by many of the applicants in the first wave of NHS
      Trusts were so poor that they would not get through a school management
      committee, Labour MP Alice Mahon told a Congress Question Time audience.

PMID- 27662928
TI  - Call for national review of hospital security.
AB  - A national review of hospital security is urgently needed to tackle the growing
      problem of violent attacks on staff and patients, Congress agreed.

PMID- 27662929
TI  - Royal college of nursing congress.
AB  - Health Secretary William Waldegrave's assurances that the Review Body on nurses'
      pay is secure may not be enough to guarantee the future of national pay
      bargaining, Congress decided.

PMID- 27662930
TI  - ?
AB  - The reports of RCN working parties into total quality management, nursing
      leadership and occupational health and safety issues in the European Communities
      were launched.

PMID- 27662931
TI  - Fully resourcing and implementing PREPP.
AB  - Full Government funding to allow the implementation of the Post-registration
      Education and Practice Project (PREPP) was urged by Congress.

PMID- 27662932
TI  - Racial Equality.
AB  - Health care employers are to be urged to adopt racial equality employment
      policies to increase fair recruitment after a resolution was passed unanimously.

PMID- 27662933
TI  - Tackling discrimination in job advertisements.
AB  - Congress wants to stop the discrimination between first- and second-level nurses
      in job advertisements under the clinical grading structure.

PMID- 27662934
TI  - ?
AB  - Nurse and author Winifred Hector was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree
      by City University recently in recognition of her lifetime's contribution to the
      nursing profession. She is pictured with musician Peter Gabriel who was awarded
      an honorary degree at the same Foundation Day ceremony.

PMID- 27662936
TI  - Parliament.
AB  - Labour attacks on the state of the NHS are damaging nursing morale, Health
      Secretary William Waldegrave claimed last week. In response, Shadow Health
      Secretary Robin Cook has dismissed the allegation, claiming that any decline has
      been caused by Government policies.

PMID- 27662937
TI  - ?
AB  - Cheers, John: Man Jordan, South Western Area Liaison Staff Officer for the St
      John Ambulance, was invested into the Order of St John in recognition of her 20
      years service with the organisation. Mrs Jordan works as a Property and Services
      Officer with the Royal College of Nursing.

PMID- 27662939
TI  - World news.
AB  - What's happening in nursing across the globe.

PMID- 27662940
TI  - ?
AB  - Getting the massage: Steve Bird demonstrates a massage therapy chair with nurse
      Emma Reed at the recent International Festival for Mind, Body and Spirit.

PMID- 27662941
TI  - Vitamin E could help reduce heart problems.
AB  - Extra doses of vitamin E could help people on cholesterol-lowering drugs to
      reduce their risk of heart problems, a biochemist at King's College has
      suggested.

PMID- 27662942
TI  - 'No smoking in taxis' boosts HEA campaign.
AB  - The Health Education Authority launched a 'no smoking in taxis' campaign last
      week to mark World No Tobacco Day.

PMID- 27662943
TI  - Menstrual cycles and cancer surgery.
AB  - The long-term outlook for premenopausal women with breast cancer is greatly
      improved if they have their operation in the second half of their menstrual
      cycle, research shows.

PMID- 27662944
TI  - Hospital closures result in anxiety.
AB  - Nurses affected by the closure of large psychiatric hospitals, as patients are
      transferred into the community, experience feelings of grief, anxiety and loss,
      according to recent research.

PMID- 27662945
TI  - Abdominal surgery may result in gallstones.
AB  - Major abdominal surgery might accelerate the formation of gallstones.

PMID- 27662946
TI  - Antiemetic used for schizophrenia.
AB  - Ondansetron, marketed for the treatment of cytotoxic drug-induced emesis, might
      be useful in the treatment of schizophrenia, researchers say.

PMID- 27662947
TI  - Achieving targeted screening rates.
AB  - Opportunistic screening methods are unlikely to achieve desired screening rates
      within acceptable time limits, researchers say.

PMID- 27662948
TI  - Spec-tacular aid to hearing impaired.
AB  - Prototype devices which filter out background noise and could be of use to the
      hearing impaired have been developed.

PMID- 27662949
TI  - Advice needed in use of home nebulisers.
AB  - Home nebulisers are valuable in childhood asthma but parents should be given
      written, as well as verbal, user- instructions, especially in the management of
      severe attacks.

PMID- 27662950
TI  - Parlez-vous Francais?
AB  - 'The Italians are a nation of hypochondriacs, the Germans treat illness the rest
      of Europe has never heard of, and the French are obsessed with the state of their
      livers. Britons swallow more laxatives than the rest of Europe put together, and
      seek treatment for diarrhoea more often than our continental neighbours.'

PMID- 27662951
TI  - Meet the panelLinda Thomas introduces the panel of eight judges who will be
      choosing the winners of the Nursing Standard/ BUPA Nursing Nurse 91 Awards.
AB  - Your entries are flooding in for the prestigious Nursing Standard/ BUVA Nursing
      Nurse 91 Awards. From the quality of the entries we have already received, it
      looks as if the judging panel has a difficult task ahead in identifying this
      year's winners.

PMID- 27662952
TI  - ?
AB  - " Mr Smith's complaining about his food again".

PMID- 27662953
TI  - Super-nurse grounded.
AB  - I would like to thank the Government for the introduction of the 'super-nurse' to
      reduce medical staffs huge work loads.

PMID- 27662954
TI  - No more heroes.
AB  - What is a nurse and what is a super-nurse?

PMID- 27662955
TI  - Definition of roles.
AB  - I was interested to read the letter from David Nance (Nursing Standard May 22)
      concerning the attitude of the unit general manager at Somerset towards
      registered nurses working with mentally handicapped.

PMID- 27662956
TI  - Androgogy rules ok?
AB  - I was surprised by Philip Burnard's article, Students as Adults? (Nursing
      Standard May 22). I checked the year, but yes it was 1991, not 1951.

PMID- 27662957
TI  - ?

PMID- 27662958
TI  - Improving radiotherapy.
AB  - 'Giving information to radiotherapy patients' (Nursing Standard May 15) brought
      back vivid memories of my emotions and experiences of radiotherapy following a
      mastectomy eight years ago.

PMID- 27662959
TI  - Seeking assistance.
AB  - I would like to appeal to all hospitals in the UK for assistance.

PMID- 27662960
TI  - Clinical Nursing Skills and Techniques, 2nd edition A Perry and P Poller Clinical
      Nursing Skills and Techniques, 2nd edition C V Mosby 1,064pp L34.25 0-8016-5493-9
      [Formula: see text].
AB  - Clinical Nursing Skills and Techniques is intended for both qualified and student
      nurse levels as a reference text, and I feel that the book certainly achieves its
      aim. It is an in-depth text with a broad range of subjects in 47 chapters.

PMID- 27662961
TI  - Working in the Operating Theatre B Kumar Working in the Operating Theatre
      Churchill Livingstone 272pp L14.95 0-443-03908-9 [Formula: see text].
AB  - Bakul Kumar aims to provide a 'comprehensive, straightforward text' to meet 'the
      needs of those undertaking studies in anaesthetic and operating department
      nursing, as well as those training as hospital operating department assistants'.
      The subjects include anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, acid-base balance,
      patient care, theatre technique, among others, with multiple choice questions for
      revision purposes.

PMID- 27662965
TI  - Bettering one's self?
AB  - I suppose I should have learned from the fiascos I have experienced in almost
      four ' years of general student nurse training.

PMID- 27662963
TI  - A small step in the right direction.
AB  - We have freed the log jam at last. At RCN Congress in Harrogate last week, Health
      Secretary William Waldegrave announced an 8 per cent increase in Project 2000
      bursaries from September 1991 - an average increase of L320.

PMID- 27662966
TI  - Patti Sheeks.
AB  - Dear Patti, I am a first-year nursing student, and l want to transfer my training
      to another part of the UK. My girlfriend is moving because of her job and I want
      to go with her.

PMID- 27662968
TI  - Just imagine.

PMID- 27662967
TI  - The missing link.
AB  - How effectively do hospital nurses share patient information with their
      professional colleagues who work in the outside community?

PMID- 27662969
TI  - Tradimus MUG SHOTS.

PMID- 27662971
TI  - Working through the cuts.
AB  - It is still hard for many of us to imagine how it might feel to be suddenly told
      you are redundant. It is an impersonal word that falls harshly on the ear:
      meaning surplus to requirements, it suggests an insignificant loss.

PMID- 27662970
TI  - Association between the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, a new marker of systemic
      inflammation, and restless legs syndrome.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Restless legs syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom disease,
      is characterised by abnormal sensations in the legs as well as dysaesthesia.
      Although the aetiology of RLS has not yet been determined, it may be associated
      with systemic inflammation. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a new and
      simple marker indicating systemic inflammation. The present study aimed to
      investigate the relationship between systemic inflammation and RLS through the
      use of the NLR. METHODS: A total of 75 newly diagnosed patients with RLS and 56
      healthy control subjects were included in the study. Baseline NLR was calculated
      by dividing the absolute neutrophil count by the absolute lymphocyte count. The
      NLRs of the two groups were compared. RESULTS: There were no significant
      differences in gender and age between the two groups. The NLR was 1.96 +/- 0.66
      in the patient group and 1.67 +/- 0.68 in the control group (p = 0.005). Receiver
      operating characteristic analysis was performed to determine the cut-off value of
      NLR to predict RLS. The NLR was predictive at 1.58 with a 64% sensitivity and 50%
      specificity (95% confidence interval 0.55-0.74, area under curve 0.648 +/- 0.05).
      The NLR was found to be statistically higher in patients with RLS and may be used
      to predict RLS. CONCLUSION: The aetiology of RLS remains undetermined. The
      present study showed that systemic inflammation may play a role in RLS. However,
      RLS could also be associated with systemic inflammatory diseases. This
      relationship is supported by high NLR values, which are related to chronic
      systemic inflammation.

PMID- 27662972
TI  - Nursing world mourns Robert Tiffany.
AB  - The nursing profession is mourning the loss of Robert Tiffany OBE, Director of
      Patient Services and Chief Nursing Officer at The Royal Marsden Hospital, who
      died in hospital last week, aged 50.

PMID- 27662973
TI  - Nurses must speak plainer language.
AB  - Nurses are the main source of information to patients' families but must learn to
      use language next of kin can understand, a 'Quality Roadshow' conference heard
      last week.

PMID- 27662974
TI  - Nurse to check patients are eating well.
AB  - A trained nurse should be chosen on every ward to make sure patients are eating
      well in hospital, new nutritional guidelines recommend.

PMID- 27662976
TI  - Fawcett-Henesy joins health strategy taskforce.
AB  - Ainna Fawcett-Henesy, Director of Nursing at SE Thames Regional Health Authority,
      is to be nursing's representative on the task force implementing the government's
      health strategy for London.

PMID- 27662975
TI  - RHAs to be retained but will be slimmed down.
AB  - Regional nurses have welcomed Health Secretary Virginia Bottomley's plans to
      retain England's 14 regional health authorities, although the slimmed-down
      regional health authorities will see their workforces cut by more than half.

PMID- 27662977
TI  - Call to end nursing subservience.
AB  - The RCN is calling for amendments to the Mental Health Act to end what it calls
      'nursing's subservience to psychiatry'.

PMID- 27662978
TI  - Nurses work.
AB  - *Four senior nurses are the first to face compulsory redundancy in Scotland,
      after the North Ayrshire Unit announced they were no longer needed.

PMID- 27662980
TI  - 'Sell your cost-effectiveness'.
AB  - Nurses must now grab pivotal roles in the shift towards primary care by selling
      the cost-effectiveness of their health promotion and prevention work, RCN General
      Secretary Christine Hancock declared.

PMID- 27662979
TI  - Student whistleblowers out in the cold.
AB  - The UKCC's recently published student guidelines are a 'major disappointment' as
      they fail to support placement whistleblowers, the RCN Association of Nursing
      Students conference heard last week.

PMID- 27662981
TI  - Mental illness for up to 50 per cent of homeless people.
AB  - As many as half of all homeless people in Britain suffer from significant mental
      illness, a new study has revealed.

PMID- 27662982
TI  - Irish nurse killed in Somalia.
AB  - The murder of Irish nurse Valerie Place, pictured in Baidoa just two hours before
      she was shot by Somalian gunmen last week, has forced aid workers to take steps
      to protect themselves in the war- tom East African republic. Valerie, who had
      been in Somalia since finishing her nurse training at St James Hospital in Dublin
      last September, worked for the Irish humanitarian organisation Concern, which has
      22 other nurses working in the country. Ms Place died when her car came under
      attack on the road outside Mogadishu. Jack Finucane, Head of Concern's Africa
      Division, said volunteers would no longer travel by road in Somalia. Nula
      Corcoran, Principal Tutor at St James Hospital in Dublin, said Valerie was a
      'lovely person, with excellent potential'.

PMID- 27662984
TI  - A need to be 'indispensable'.
AB  - Nurses must lead some of the innovations occurring in the health service and make
      their services indispensable to managers, a leading member of the NHS Management
      Executive said last week. Sarah Waller, head of the NHSME Personnel Development
      Division, told a conference at St George's.

PMID- 27662985
TI  - Paediatric nurse shortage contributes to accident rates.
AB  - Shortages of qualified paediatric nurses contribute to the number of accidents on
      children's wards, a Royal College of Nursing Adviser in Nursing Practice claimed
      last week.

PMID- 27662986
TI  - Tribute for Scotland's NHS Chief Executive.
AB  - A nurses' leader has paid tribute to the work of Scotland's first NHS Chief
      Executive, Don Cruickshank, whose appointment as Director General of
      Telecommunications was announced by Michael Heseltine, President of the Board of
      Trade last week. Mr Cruikshank, who will take up his new post on April 1, 'always
      maintained a lively interest in nursing issues,' RCN Scottish Board Secretary
      June Andrew's told Nursing Standard last week.

PMID- 27662987
TI  - New network to relieve feeling of isolation.
AB  - Feelings of isolation among nurses involved in practice development could be
      curbed with the launch of a new information network. Set up by the King's Fund
      Centre in response to nurses' demands, the Nursing Development Network is open to
      any individuals and units wanting to share information or learn from others, said
      project worker, Pippa Gough at the London launch.

PMID- 27662988
TI  - Parliament.
AB  - Whitehall has been forced to admit the existence of a previously undeclared NHS
      'intelligence' unit now suspected of providing political advice to ministers.

PMID- 27662991
TI  - Disabled children more at risk of abuse.
AB  - Disabled children are at extra risk of sexual and physical abuse, hard-hitting
      new research suggests.

PMID- 27662990
TI  - Reluctance over reporting malpractice.
AB  - Health service staff have become more reluctant to speak to the media about
      malpractice since the introduction of market reforms, a survey by health union
      MSF reveals.

PMID- 27662992
TI  - ?
AB  - Loud appeal: Former England cricket captain David Gower is to become patron of
      the The Macmillion Mile Challenge' in aid of the Macmillan Nurse Appeal, which so
      far has raised L20 million to fund 260 cancer care nurses. From May 8 to 16,
      people all over the country will be invited to cover a mile, and donate L1 to the
      Appeal for each one covered. A similar event last year raised L423,000. David is
      pictured recruiting participants on the pitch in Calcutta during England's recent
      Indian tour.

PMID- 27662993
TI  - CNs must support Primary Health Care Charter.
AB  - Chief Nursing Officer Yvonne Moores has called for community nurses to
      participate in drawing up a Primary Health Care Charter in their workplaces.
      Speaking at a satellite teleconference staged last week, Mrs Moores told 2,000
      community nurses, health visitors and GPs linked up in centres around the country
      they must encourage and support the Primary Care Charter.

PMID- 27662994
TI  - Seen to be above suspicion.
AB  - Nurses must be completely above suspicion in their dealings with commercial
      sponsors and drug firms, according to new NHS Management Executive guidelines.
      Nurses should refuse to accept gifts, turn down hospitality they can not return
      and declare any connection with an outside business which may be seen as clouding
      their professional judgement, the advice says. Responsibility applies to all NHS
      staff, from those who commit resources directly, such as by ordering goods, to
      those involved in discharging patients to residential facilities who may have an
      interest in a private nursing home. The guidelines seem set to become
      increasingly important to nurses, as more take up purchasing positions, some have
      their posts sponsored, and the profession awaits the go-ahead for nurse
      prescribing. The new NHSME advice updates earlier guidelines and puts flesh on
      the bones of the UKCC Code of Professional Conduct.

PMID- 27662995
TI  - Aggression Farrell GA and Gray C Scutari Press 158pp L14.99 1-87 1364 60 4
      [Formula: see text].
AB  - In Aggression: A Nurse's Guide to Therapeutic Management we have a concise,
      intelligent account of the theory of aggressive incidents and what to do about
      them when they occur. The book is designed to improve nurses' knowledge base,
      self-understanding and to offer pointers for action in a practical setting; it
      achieves the aim admirably. The use of Eric Berne's theory of transactional
      analysis (TA) highlights personality traits of both client and nurse, and
      suggestions are put forward as to how TA may be used to aid social interactions.
      Aggression is well-argued, logical and straightforward and, above all, is an
      example of applying theory to practice.

PMID- 27662996
TI  - The Abuse of the Briefly J Pritchard The Abuse of the Briefly jessica kinsley
      174pp L16.95 1-85302-122-9 [Formula: see text].
AB  - J'ackie Pritchard's The Abuse of the Elderly is a brief overview of some of the
      literature on the topic and provides workshop materials which may be used by
      trainers/teachers to explore some of the many issues involved. Given the emphasis
      on utilising people with different skills within a team to undertake health and
      social care, those who come in contact with older people must be aware of the
      need to prevent, detect and deal with elder abuse. This book may be helpful to
      those responsible for delegating aspects of care to others and raise their
      awareness to the possibilities of meeting it and also in the development of
      guidelines as to any action to be taken.

PMID- 27662997
TI  - Assessing interventions, volume 4 Assessing interventions, volume 4 Tudiver F et
      al SAGE pubilcation 246pp L14.50 0-8039-477-2 [Formula: see text].
AB  - Of the 26 contributors to Assessing Interventions: Traditional and Innovative
      Methods, Volume 4, there is only one nursing contributor; the majority of the
      remainder being medical doctors from the USA. Of the 246 pages, just nine are
      used by the nurse contributor, who says little that is new about qualitative
      methods in researching nursing care. The book needs to be read with the primary
      health-care team in mind.. It is divided into four sections. Section One
      considers basic issues in assessing interventions in primary care; the second
      section looks at the application of alternative methodologies - quantitative and
      qualitative. The third section explores specific topics and gives practical
      examples of how research was conducted by the authors and others within their
      disciplines. Section Four presents a panel discussion and considers future
      developments in primary care research. It will be of interest to anyone who may
      be presently involved in the evaluation of patient-centred research. The analysis
      and evaluation throughout the chapters, particularly in the third section, are
      worth having as an addendum to other research texts. Assessing Interventions will
      be of some value to lecturers in nursing, though perhaps not as a main text, but
      its price makes it accessible.

PMID- 27662999
TI  - Effective interaction with patients A Faulkner Effective interaction with
      patients Churchill Livingstone 110pp L8.95 0-443-04226-8 [Formula: see text].
AB  - One of a series for students undertaking Project 2000 courses, Effective
      Interaction with Patients, as an initial text, encourages readers to consider
      many key aspects of communicating with patients and promotes the idea that
      skilled communication is an essential part of effective nursing Ann Faulkner
      deliberately chooses not to discuss theories of effective communication. but
      draws on her considerable experience to provide examples from clinical practice
      to illustrate specific points and demonstrate effective and ineffective types of
      communication. A list of further reading is provided at the end of book, but
      references within the text are sparse. Since there is a growing body of research
      in communication which could have been cited, this lack is disappointing. Many
      nurses are unfamiliar with recent research related to communication; they are
      unlikely to recognise the use made of it, which is embedded in this book. The
      sparse referencing and deceptively easy- to-read style could lead students and
      teachers to dismiss the book as unsuitable for a Project 2000 style of education.
      This would be a pity, as the style of communication described and advocated
      within is one which I believe most patients would welcome receiving in practice.

PMID- 27663000
TI  - Health care research by degrees N Reid Health care research by degrees Blackwell
      Scientific 162pp L13.99 0632-03466-1 [Formula: see text].
AB  - Inadequately understood statistics so often cloud both the argument of the
      researcher and the judgement of the reader. Norma Reid brings a refreshing
      clarity to a complex topic; she takes the mystification and mystique out of
      statistics. Her basic premiss that theory ought to be based on practical utility
      and relevance shines through her text and helps to make the subject accessible co
      clinicians who want to understand the underpinnings of their practice. Research
      methods, particularly qualitative approaches, are sketchily dealt with when
      compared with the wealth of detail on the mechanics of computing. Also, it is
      awkward to find methods and analysis not clearly separated in places (eg, Delphi
      studies), but ample references direct the reader to more expansive sources. Any
      attempt to steer the uninitiated through the minefields of computing is fraught
      with difficulties, and some will be disappointed to find one system used
      exclusively, but, perhaps, it serves as an illustration rather than a course to
      be slavishly followed.

PMID- 27663001
TI  - Community care J Bornat et al Community care Macmillan 346pp L10.99 0-333-58715-4
      [Formula: see text].
AB  - With the implementation of the 'Caring tor People' section of the NHS and
      Community Care Act in April 1993, the publication of this latest addition to Open
      University's library is timely. Community Care: A Reader is produced as a set
      book tor OU's Diploma in Health and Social Welfare. Its merits include: its
      strong focus on the role of informal carers and voluntary organisations; the
      analysis of a wide range of research; the examination of the challenges facing
      carers from ethnic minorities; and the assessment of the development of mutual
      health care. The book's weakness is highlighted in its lack of analysis of the
      general health issues in securing and developing community care.

PMID- 27663002
TI  - The trouble with medicine M Konner The trouble with medicine BBC Books 208pp
      L16.99 0-563-36377-0 [Formula: see text].
AB  - To accompany the BBC television series of the same name, The Trouble with
      Medicine explores the doctor/ patient relationship, hospital medicine, drugs,
      genetic medicine, surgery, mental disorder, life-support and HIV/AIDS. Dr Melvin
      Konner draws on material from the UK, the USA, Austria, Australia, India, and
      Spain to illustrate the development of each chapter's subject, to compare
      different health-care systems, and to raise related ethical issues. It is the
      priorities implicit in Western medical practice which he brings into question -
      particularly the prestige of high-tech acute care which burns up resources
      perhaps better placed in preventive services.

PMID- 27663005
TI  - Watson's medical-surgical nursing J Royle and M Walsh Watson's medical-surgical
      nursing BailliereTindall 1038pp L15.95 0 7020-1515-6 [Formula: see text].
AB  - The fourth edition of Watson's was written to support students in a time when
      nursing is experiencing great change. The previous editions, extensively
      referenced by both learners and qualified ' nurses, became a regular feature of
      many wards and departments.

PMID- 27663004
TI  - Nurse training for mothers Nurse training for mothers M Bond 52pp L3.45 0964-7902
      [Formula: see text].
AB  - Meg Bond's Nurse Training for Mothers is part of a wider Department of Health
      funded research survey into the labour market. She concentrates on the
      availability of part-time RGN courses for mothers. It makes depressing reading
      and illustrates, like a fly set in amber, earlier worries about the demographic
      crisis.

PMID- 27663006
TI  - Support worker gaining T Chandler Support worker gaining Bailliere Tindall 146pp
      L7.50 0-7020-1562.8 [Formula: see text].
AB  - Support Worker Training: A Guide for Health Professionalsi s about the training
      of that new helper - the health care assistant (HCA), or health care support
      worker (HCSW). The novice is guided through the web of information surrounding
      the history of Project 2000 and the conception of the support-worker role.

PMID- 27663008
TI  - Levels of skill in nursing homes.
AB  - There is no relationship between B McCarthy failing to get a job in the NHS and
      the level of skill of nursing home nurses ('Refreshing attitude a succinct
      success', Letters, February 17). It is true we rarely use advanced mechanical or
      electronic gadgetry, but is that nursing? A nurse can recognise patterns on a
      cardiac monitor - but a pigeon can differentiate stimuli on an oscillascope.

PMID- 27663009
TI  - Perfect tuning for work campaign.
AB  - The Nurses work campaign could not have been better timed as far as I am
      concerned: I became unemployed a few weeks ago. Having qualified in 1988, I
      accepted a job in the theatre recovery suite and began to formulate plans for the
      future. I set my sights on a career in district nursing and was advised to seek a
      transfer to any general ward, medical or surgical, for management experience.

PMID- 27663010
TI  - ?
AB  - How dare B McCarthy imply that being 'forced' to work in a nursing home is not a
      'real job' for a nurse and leads to being 'deskilled', whatever that means? I
      agree that each field of nursing requires different skills, but there must also
      be a basic core of skills for each field in which one chooses to work, wherever
      that may be.

PMID- 27663011
TI  - Acknowledging the retired contribution.
AB  - In this European Year of Older People and Solidarity Between Generations, should
      not there be some acknowledgement of those retired ward sisters who battled to
      keep their teams together and run their wards against all odds, almost unaware of
      what was about to hit the NHS.

PMID- 27663012
TI  - ?
AB  - "There aren't any nurses, you have to get one of these the hospital library".

PMID- 27663013
TI  - The NHS has its limitations.
AB  - Virginia Bottomley's announcement about the closure of some London hospitals
      illustrates the effect of the internal market system in the NHS.

PMID- 27663015
TI  - The risk of caring too much?
AB  - Until last week I was employed as an RGN in a private nursing home. I attempted
      to act as patient advocate when questioning the use of certain topical
      applications to pressure areas and superficial sores.

PMID- 27663014
TI  - Improving one's knowledge of ME.
AB  - Having suffered from myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) for some time, I remain
      concerned about the ignorance of medical and nursing staff regarding this
      illness.

PMID- 27663016
TI  - ?
AB  - We welcome all readers' letters, hut reserve the right to edit them and to
      withhold names and addresses - either to protect readers or the journal, or both.

PMID- 27663017
TI  - Fully involving staff in assessments.
AB  - I would refer Jan Fraser ('A kick up the assessment', Tradimus, February 17) to
      Doris Dunn's various writings on an assessment strategy for clinical practice.

PMID- 27663018
TI  - O'Grady-peyton international.
AB  - O'GRADY-PEYTON INTERNATIONAL which has been established since 1981 is one of the
      leading international recruitment agencies operating in the UK and Ireland. Each
      year it recruits close to 400 nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists
      and doctors for hospitals throughout the United States, Middle East and Germany.

PMID- 27663019
TI  - Career listings.

PMID- 27663020
TI  - Experiences of adults with high-care needs and their family members with housing
      and support pathways in Australia.
AB  - PURPOSE: Many adults aged less than 65 years with high-care needs resulting from
      acquired disabilities are unable to access age-appropriate housing and support,
      and reside in residential aged care or live with family members who may struggle
      to navigate the disability support system. This qualitative study aimed to
      investigate the experiences of adults with high-care needs and their family
      members regarding pathways related to housing and support. METHOD: Two in-depth
      semi-structured interviews were conducted six months apart with 21 people aged 18
      to 65 with high-care needs of varying etiology and living in different housing
      settings. Nineteen family members involved in decision-making about housing and
      supports were also interviewed. RESULTS: Thematic data analysis yielded five
      themes: (1) Traveling in different directions; (2) "the fight, the battle and the
      war"; (3) willing but wanting; (4) uncertainty and vulnerability; and (5)
      redefining social roles and relationships. CONCLUSIONS: Current disability policy
      is not satisfying the housing and support requirements of adults with high-care
      needs and their families. The findings provide rigorous, empirical evidence which
      indicate the urgent need to improve access to affordable, individualized housing
      and support packages, including financial, practical and informational support
      for family members involved in caring roles. Implications for Rehabilitation
      Individual preferences are an important consideration in housing and support
      arrangements for younger people with high-care needs alongside needs-based
      solutions. Individualized funding approaches may provide flexibility of care and
      choice in housing and support for people with disability. Family members
      willingly provide substantial informal care, support and advocacy for younger
      people with high needs but perceive their role as a constant "battle". Payment of
      family members in recognition of caring work was perceived as a solution to
      relieve family hardship and ensure optimal care.

PMID- 27663022
TI  - Marine genomics: insights and challenges.

PMID- 27663021
TI  - Structural integrity between executive control and reward regions of the brain
      predicts body fat percentage in chronic dieters.
AB  - Failure to maintain a healthy body weight may reflect a long-term imbalance
      between the executive control and reward systems of the brain. The current study
      examined whether the anatomical connectivity between these two systems predicted
      individual variability in achieving a healthy body weight, particularly in
      chronic dieters. Thirty-six female chronic dieters completed a food-cue
      reactivity task in the scanner. Two regions-of-interest (ROIs) were defined from
      the reactivity task: the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), which engages cognitive
      control and the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), which represents reward value. A
      white matter tract connecting these two ROIs was identified across participants
      using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and probabilistic tractography. Results
      showed a negative relationship between body fat percentage and white matter
      integrity within the identified tract. This suggests that reduced structural
      integrity between the OFC and IFG may be related to self-regulatory problems for
      those who chronically diet to control body weight.

PMID- 27663023
TI  - Innovative Use of Palladium Compounds To Selectively Detect Live
      Enterobacteriaceae in Milk by PCR.
AB  - Ethidium monoazide and propidium monoazide (EMA and PMA) have been used in
      combination with PCR for more than a decade to facilitate the discrimination of
      live and dead bacteria (LD discrimination). These methods, however, require many
      laborious procedures, including the use of a darkroom. Here, we demonstrate an
      innovative use of palladium compounds involving lower limits of detection and
      quantification of targeted live cells, fewer laborious procedures, lower costs,
      and potentially higher-throughput analysis than the use of EMA and PMA. We have
      also recently reported platinum compounds for LD discrimination, but platinum
      compounds carry costs that are 3 times higher because of the requirement for much
      larger amounts for LD discrimination than palladium compounds. Palladium
      compounds can penetrate dead (compromised) but not live bacteria and can be
      chelated primarily by chromosomal DNA and cell wall transmembrane proteins, with
      small amounts of DNA-binding proteins in vivo The new mechanism for palladium
      compounds is obviously different from that of platinum compounds, which primarily
      target DNA. Combining palladium compounds with PCR (Pd-PCR) in water resulted in
      discrimination between live and dead Enterobacteriaceae bacteria that was much
      clearer than that seen with the PMA method. Pd-PCR correlated with reference
      plating or with the currently used PMA-PCR method for pasteurized milk, based on
      EN ISO 16140:2003 validation. Pd-PCR enabled us to specifically detect and assay
      viable Enterobacteriaceae cells at concentrations of 5 to 10 CFU/ml in milk while
      following U.S./EU regulations after a 4.5-h process in a typical laboratory
      exposed to natural or electric light, as specified by U.S./EU
      regulations.IMPORTANCE Ethidium monoazide and propidium monoazide (EMA and PMA)
      facilitate the discrimination of live and dead bacteria (LD discrimination).
      These methods, however, require many laborious procedures, including the use of a
      darkroom. Here, we demonstrate an innovative use of palladium compounds involving
      fewer laborious procedures, lower costs, and potentially higher-throughput
      analysis than the use of EMA and PMA. We have also recently reported platinum
      compounds for LD discrimination, but platinum compounds carry costs that are 3
      times higher because of the requirement for much larger amounts for LD
      discrimination than palladium compounds, which have also a novel reaction
      mechanism different from that of platinum compounds. In view of testing cost,
      palladium compounds are also very useful here compared with platinum compounds.
      Ultimately, the innovative Pd-PCR method may be also substituted for the
      currently used reference plating methods.

PMID- 27663024
TI  - A Clonal Lineage of Fusarium oxysporum Circulates in the Tap Water of Different
      French Hospitals.
AB  - : Fusarium oxysporum is typically a soilborne fungus but can also be found in
      aquatic environments. In hospitals, water distribution systems may be reservoirs
      for the fungi responsible for nosocomial infections. F. oxysporum was previously
      detected in the water distribution systems of five French hospitals. Sixty-eight
      isolates from water representative of all hospital units that were previously
      sampled and characterized by translation elongation factor 1alpha sequence typing
      were subjected to microsatellite analysis and full-length ribosomal intergenic
      spacer (IGS) sequence typing. All but three isolates shared common microsatellite
      loci and a common two-locus sequence type (ST). This ST has an international
      geographical distribution in both the water networks of hospitals and among
      clinical isolates. The ST dominant in water was not detected among 300 isolates
      of F. oxysporum that originated from surrounding soils. Further characterization
      of 15 isolates by vegetative compatibility testing allowed us to conclude that a
      clonal lineage of F. oxysporum circulates in the tap water of the different
      hospitals. IMPORTANCE: We demonstrated that a clonal lineage of Fusarium
      oxysporum inhabits the water distribution systems of several French hospitals.
      This clonal lineage, which appears to be particularly adapted to water networks,
      represents a potential risk for human infection and raises questions about its
      worldwide distribution.

PMID- 27663025
TI  - Crz1p Regulates pH Homeostasis in Candida glabrata by Altering Membrane Lipid
      Composition.
AB  - The asexual facultative aerobic haploid yeast Candida glabrata is widely used in
      the industrial production of various organic acids. To elucidate the
      physiological function of the C. glabrata transcription factor Crz1p (CgCrz1p)
      and its role in tolerance to acid stress, we deleted or overexpressed the
      corresponding gene, CgCRZ1 Deletion of CgCRZ1 resulted in a 60% decrease in the
      dry weight of cells (DCW) and a 50% drop in cell viability compared with those of
      the wild type at pH 2.0. Expression of lipid metabolism-associated genes was also
      significantly downregulated. Consequently, the proportion of C18:1 fatty acids,
      the ratio of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids, and the ergosterol content
      decreased by 30%, 46%, and 30%, respectively. Additionally, membrane integrity,
      fluidity, and H+-ATPase activity were reduced by 45%, 9%, and 50%, respectively.
      In contrast, overexpression of CgCrz1p increased C18:1 and ergosterol contents by
      16% and 40%, respectively. Overexpression also enhanced membrane integrity,
      fluidity, and H+-ATPase activity by 31%, 6%, and 20%, respectively. Moreover, in
      the absence of pH buffering, the DCW and pyruvate titers increased by 48% and
      60%, respectively, compared to that of the wild type. Together, these results
      suggest that CgCrz1p regulates tolerance to acidic conditions by altering
      membrane lipid composition in C. glabrataIMPORTANCE This study provides insight
      into the metabolism of Candida glabrata under acidic conditions, such as those
      encountered during the industrial production of organic acids. We found that
      overexpression of the transcription factor CgCrz1p improved viability, biomass,
      and pyruvate yields at a low pH. Analysis of plasma membrane lipid composition
      indicated that CgCrz1p might play an important role in its integrity and fluidity
      and that it enhanced the pumping of protons in acidic environments. We propose
      that altering the structure of the cell membrane may provide a successful
      strategy for increasing C. glabrata productivity at a low pH.

PMID- 27663026
TI  - Response of germ-free mice to colonization with O. formigenes and altered
      Schaedler flora.
AB  - : Colonization with Oxalobacter formigenes may reduce the risk of calcium oxalate
      kidney stone disease. To improve our limited understanding of host/O.formigenes
      and microbe/O.formigenes interactions, germ-free or altered Schaedler flora (ASF)
      mice were colonized with O.formigenes Germ-free mice were stably colonized with
      O.formigenes suggesting O.formigenes does not require other organisms to sustain
      its survival. Examination of intestinal material indicated no viable O.formigenes
      in the small intestine, ~4 * 106 O.formigenes per 100mg contents in the cecum and
      proximal colon, and ~0.02% of total cecal O. formigenes cells were tightly
      associated to the mucosa. O.formigenes did not alter the overall microbial
      composition of ASF, and ASF did not impact O.formigenes capacity to degrade
      dietary oxalate in the cecum. 24-hour urine and fecal collections within
      metabolic cages in semi-rigid isolators demonstrated that introduction of ASF
      into germ-free mice significantly reduced urinary oxalate excretion. These
      experiments also showed that mono-colonized O.formigenes mice excrete
      significantly more urinary calcium compared to germ-free mice, which may be due
      to degradation of calcium oxalate crystals by O.formigenes and the subsequent
      intestinal absorption of free calcium. In conclusion, the successful
      establishment of defined-flora O.formigenes mouse models should improve our
      understanding of O.formigenes host and microbe interactions. These data support
      the use of O.formigenes as a probiotic that has limited impact on the composition
      of the resident microbiota but providing efficient oxalate degrading function.
      IMPORTANCE: Despite evidence suggesting a lack of O. formigenes colonization is a
      risk factor for calcium oxalate stone formation, little is known about O.
      formigenes biology. This study is the first to utilize germ-free mice to examine
      the response to mono-colonization with O. formigenes and the impact of a defined
      bacterial cocktail, altered Schaedler flora, on O. formigenes colonization. This
      study demonstrates that germ-free mice on their regular diet remain mono
      colonized with O. formigenes, and suggests that further studies with O.
      formigenes gnotobiotic mouse models could improve our understanding of O.
      formigenes biology and host/O. formigenes and microbe/O. formigenes interactions.

PMID- 27663027
TI  - Adaptation of Akkermansia muciniphila to the Oxic-Anoxic Interface of the Mucus
      Layer.
AB  - Akkermansia muciniphila colonizes the mucus layer of the gastrointestinal tract,
      where the organism can be exposed to the oxygen that diffuses from epithelial
      cells. To understand how A. muciniphila is able to survive and grow at this oxic
      anoxic interface, its oxygen tolerance and response and reduction capacities were
      studied. A. muciniphila was found to be oxygen tolerant. On top of this, under
      aerated conditions, A. muciniphila showed significant oxygen reduction capacities
      and its growth rate and yield were increased compared to those seen under strict
      anaerobic conditions. Transcriptome analysis revealed an initial oxygen stress
      response upon exposure to oxygen. Thereafter, genes related to respiration were
      expressed, including those coding for the cytochrome bd complex, which can
      function as a terminal oxidase. The functionality of A. muciniphila cytochrome bd
      genes was proven by successfully complementing cytochrome-deficient Escherichia
      coli strain ECOM4. We conclude that A. muciniphila can use oxygen when it is
      present at nanomolar concentrations.IMPORTANCE This article explains how
      Akkermansia muciniphila, previously described as a strictly anaerobic bacterium,
      is able to tolerate and even benefit from low levels of oxygen. Interestingly, we
      measured growth enhancement of A. muciniphila and changes in metabolism as a
      result of the oxygen exposure. In this article, we discuss similarities and
      differences of this oxygen-responsive mechanism with respect to those of other
      intestinal anaerobic isolates. Taken together, we think that these are valuable
      data that indicate how anaerobic intestinal colonizing bacteria can exploit low
      levels of oxygen present in the mucus layer and that our results have direct
      relevance for applicability, as addition of low oxygen concentrations could
      benefit the in vitro growth of certain anaerobic organisms.

PMID- 27663028
TI  - Two Outer Membrane Proteins Contribute to Caulobacter crescentus Cellular Fitness
      by Preventing Intracellular S-Layer Protein Accumulation.
AB  - Surface layers, or S-layers, are two-dimensional protein arrays that form the
      outermost layer of many bacteria and archaea. They serve several functions,
      including physical protection of the cell from environmental threats. The high
      abundance of S-layer proteins necessitates a highly efficient export mechanism to
      transport the S-layer protein from the cytoplasm to the cell exterior.
      Caulobacter crescentus is unique in that it has two homologous, seemingly
      redundant outer membrane proteins, RsaFa and RsaFb, which together with other
      components form a type I protein translocation pathway for S-layer export. These
      proteins have homology to Escherichia coli TolC, the outer membrane channel of
      multidrug efflux pumps. Here we provide evidence that, unlike TolC, RsaFa and
      RsaFb are not involved in either the maintenance of membrane stability or the
      active export of antimicrobial compounds. Rather, RsaFa and RsaFb are required to
      prevent intracellular accumulation and aggregation of the S-layer protein RsaA;
      deletion of RsaFa and RsaFb led to a general growth defect and lowered cellular
      fitness. Using Western blotting, transmission electron microscopy, and
      transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq), we show that loss of both RsaFa and RsaFb led
      to accumulation of insoluble RsaA in the cytoplasm, which in turn caused
      upregulation of a number of genes involved in protein misfolding and degradation
      pathways. These findings provide new insight into the requirement for RsaFa and
      RsaFb in cellular fitness and tolerance to antimicrobial agents and further our
      understanding of the S-layer export mechanism on both the transcriptional and
      translational levels in C. crescentusIMPORTANCE Decreased growth rate and reduced
      cell fitness are common side effects of protein production in overexpression
      systems. Inclusion bodies typically form inside the cell, largely due to a lack
      of sufficient export machinery to transport the overexpressed proteins to the
      extracellular environment. This phenomenon can conceivably also occur in natural
      systems. As one example of a system evolved to prevent intracellular protein
      accumulation, our study demonstrates that Caulobacter crescentus has two
      homologous outer membrane transporter proteins that are involved in S-layer
      export. This is an interesting case study that demonstrates how bacteria can
      evolve redundancy to ensure adequate protein export functionality and maintain
      high cellular fitness. Moreover, we provide evidence that these two outer
      membrane proteins, although being the closest C. crescentus homologs to TolC in
      E. coli, do not process TolC functionality in C. crescentus.

PMID- 27663029
TI  - Production and Characterization of Neutralizing Antibodies against Bungarus
      multicinctus Snake Venom.
AB  - The venom of the banded krait (Bungarus multicinctus), one of the major venomous
      species in Taiwan, contains neurotoxic venom proteins (B. multicinctus proteins)
      that pose a serious medical problem in tropical and subtropical countries. Even
      though horse-derived serum is an efficient therapy against snake venom, it is
      associated with a high cost and side effects. Therefore, developing a more cost
      effective alternative treatment option is highly envisaged. In this study,
      chickens were immunized with B. multicinctus proteins, and polyclonal
      immunoglobulin Y (IgY) antibodies were purified from eggs. IgY showed a binding
      activity to B. multicinctus proteins that was similar to horse antivenin, and its
      titer in chickens lasted for at least 6 months. We constructed two antibody
      libraries by phage display antibody technology, which contain 1.0 * 107 and 2.9 *
      108 transformants, respectively. After biopanning, a phage-based enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay (ELISA) indicated that specific clones were enriched. Thirty
      randomly selected clones expressing monoclonal single-chain variable-fragment
      (scFv) antibodies were classified into four groups with a short linker and two
      with a long linker. These selected scFv antibodies showed specific binding
      activities to B. multicinctus proteins but not to the venomous proteins of other
      snakes. Most importantly, polyclonal IgY demonstrated a similar neutralization
      efficiency as did horse-derived antivenin in mice that were injected with a
      minimum lethal dosage (MLD) of venom proteins. A mixture of several monoclonal
      anti-B. multicinctus scFv antibodies was also able to partially inhibit the
      lethal effect on mice. We profoundly believe that IgY and scFv antibodies can be
      applied in developing diagnostic agents for wound exudates and as an alternative
      treatment for snakebite envenomation in the future.IMPORTANCE Snake envenomation
      is one of the global medical issues of concern. Horse-derived antivenin is an
      effective way to treat snakebites, but it is costly and occasionally causes
      severe side effects. In this study, we first generated and characterized IgY
      antibodies with neutralization activity in chickens. Subsequently, we generated a
      panel of monoclonal scFv antibodies using phage display antibody technology. A
      mixture of scFv antibodies was able to partially inhibit the lethal effect in
      mice that were injected with lethal dosages of venom proteins and prolong their
      survival time. We believe that chicken-derived IgY and scFv antibodies have great
      potential for the development of diagnostic agents for wound exudates and
      therapeutic agents against snake envenomation in the future.

PMID- 27663030
TI  - Novel Trifunctional Xylanolytic Enzyme Axy43A from Paenibacillus curdlanolyticus
      Strain B-6 Exhibiting Endo-Xylanase, beta-d-Xylosidase, and Arabinoxylan
      Arabinofuranohydrolase Activities.
AB  - The axy43A gene encoding the intracellular trifunctional xylanolytic enzyme from
      Paenibacillus curdlanolyticus B-6 was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli
      Recombinant PcAxy43A consisting of a glycoside hydrolase family 43 and a family 6
      carbohydrate-binding module exhibited endo-xylanase, beta-xylosidase, and
      arabinoxylan arabinofuranohydrolase activities. PcAxy43A hydrolyzed xylohexaose
      and birch wood xylan to release a series of xylooligosaccharides, indicating that
      PcAxy43A contained endo-xylanase activity. PcAxy43A exhibited beta-xylosidase
      activity toward a chromogenic substrate, p-nitrophenyl-beta-d-xylopyranoside, and
      xylobiose, while it preferred to hydrolyze long-chain xylooligosaccharides rather
      than xylobiose. In addition, surprisingly, PcAxy43A showed arabinoxylan
      arabinofuranohydrolase activity; that is, it released arabinose from both singly
      and doubly arabinosylated xylose, alpha-l-Araf-(1->2)-d-Xylp or alpha-l-Araf-(1
      >3)-d-Xylp and alpha-l-Araf-(1->2)-[alpha-l-Araf-(1->3)]-beta-d-Xylp Moreover,
      the combination of PcAxy43A and P. curdlanolyticus B-6 endo-xylanase Xyn10C
      greatly improved the efficiency of xylose and arabinose production from the
      highly substituted rye arabinoxylan, suggesting that these two enzymes function
      synergistically to depolymerize arabinoxylan. Therefore, PcAxy43A has the
      potential for the saccharification of arabinoxylan into simple sugars for many
      applications. IMPORTANCE In this study, the glycoside hydrolase 43 (GH43)
      intracellular multifunctional endo-xylanase, beta-xylosidase, and arabinoxylan
      arabinofuranohydrolase (AXH) from P. curdlanolyticus B-6 were characterized.
      Interestingly, PcAxy43A AXH showed a new property that acted on both the C(O)-2
      and C(O)-3 positions of xylose residues doubly substituted with arabinosyl, which
      usually obstruct the action of xylanolytic enzymes. Furthermore, the studies here
      show interesting properties for the processing of xylans from cereal grains,
      particularly rye arabinoxylan, and show a novel relationship between PcAxy43A and
      endo-xylanase Xyn10C from strain B-6, providing novel metabolic potential for
      processing arabinoxylans into xylose and arabinose.

PMID- 27663031
TI  - Functions and Unique Diversity of Genes and Microorganisms Involved in Arsenite
      Oxidation from the Tailings of a Realgar Mine.
AB  - : The tailings of the Shimen realgar mine have unique geochemical features.
      Arsenite oxidation is one of the major biogeochemical processes that occurs in
      the tailings. However, little is known about the functional and molecular aspects
      of the microbial community involved in arsenite oxidation. Here, we fully
      explored the functional and molecular features of the microbial communities from
      the tailings of the Shimen realgar mine. We collected six samples of tailings
      from sites A, B, C, D, E, and F. Microcosm assays indicated that all of the six
      sites contain both chemoautotrophic and heterotrophic arsenite-oxidizing
      microorganisms; their activities differed considerably from each other. The
      microbial arsenite-oxidizing activities show a positive correlation with soluble
      arsenic concentrations. The microbial communities of the six sites contain 40
      phyla of bacteria and 2 phyla of archaea that show extremely high diversity.
      Soluble arsenic, sulfate, pH, and total organic carbon (TOC) are the key
      environmental factors that shape the microbial communities. We further identified
      114 unique arsenite oxidase genes from the samples; all of them code for new or
      new-type arsenite oxidases. We also isolated 10 novel arsenite oxidizers from the
      samples, of which 4 are chemoautotrophic and 6 are heterotrophic. These data
      highlight the unique diversities of the arsenite-oxidizing microorganisms and
      their oxidase genes from the tailings of the Shimen realgar mine. To the best of
      our knowledge, this is the first report describing the functional and molecular
      features of microbial communities from the tailings of a realgar mine.
      IMPORTANCE: This study focused on the functional and molecular characterizations
      of microbial communities from the tailings of the Shimen realgar mine. We fully
      explored, for the first time, the arsenite-oxidizing activities and the
      functional gene diversities of microorganisms from the tailings, as well as the
      correlation of the microbial activities/diversities with environmental factors.
      The findings of this study help us to better understand the diversities of the
      arsenite-oxidizing bacteria and the geochemical cycle of arsenic in the tailings
      of the Shimen realgar mine and gain insights into the microbial mechanisms by
      which the secondary minerals of the tailings were formed. This work also offers a
      set of unique arsenite-oxidizing bacteria for basic research of the molecular
      regulation of arsenite oxidation in bacterial cells and for the environmentally
      friendly bioremediation of arsenic-contaminated groundwater.

PMID- 27663032
TI  - Clinics in diagnostic imaging (170).
AB  - A 30-year-old woman presented with a six-month history of left posterior heel
      pain. Physical examination revealed a tender, inflamed and indurated posterior
      heel with a visible bony prominence of the posterosuperior aspect of the
      calcaneus. Lateral ankle radiography showed a prominent left posterosuperior
      calcaneal tuberosity and thickening of the distal Achilles tendon outline.
      Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated high-signal inflammatory fluid in the
      retrocalcaneal bursa, increased signal intensity and thickening of the Achilles
      tendon, and prominence of the posterior calcaneus tuberosity with reactive marrow
      oedema. The findings are consistent with Haglund's deformity. The patient
      underwent hind foot surgery after failing a six-month course of conservative
      therapy. There was no further recurrence of symptoms after surgery. The clinical
      and radiological features of Haglund's deformity are described, including a short
      discussion of other causes of hind foot pain. 

PMID- 27663033
TI  - A rare presentation of histologically proven sarcoidosis of the knee: A case
      report and brief review of the literature.
AB  - We here report a patient with histologically proven sarcoidosis of the knee, a
      rare localization of sarcoidosis, which usually presents itself as a pulmonary
      disease. Case reports of radiological images that suggest osseous sarcoidosis of
      the appendicular skeleton are not so rare, however few are histologically proven.
      Since in our patient MRI could not distinguish between sarcoidosis and another
      (possibly malignant) disease, histological proof was obtained through a CT-guided
      biopsy. Imaging and treatment guidelines for extrapulmonary sarcoidosis are
      inexistent, due to lack of randomized trials.

PMID- 27663035
TI  - A Comparison of the Outcomes for Cartilage Defects of the Knee Treated With
      Biologic Resurfacing Versus Focal Metallic Implants.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the results of focal metallic resurfacing with biologic
      procedures in patients more than 35 years of age with isolated, full thickness
      defects of the femoral condyle. METHODS: A total of 61 patients met the selection
      criteria resulting in 30 patients treated with biological procedures, including
      debridement, microfracture, osteochondral autograft transplantation,
      osteochondral allograft, and autologous chondrocyte implantation (BIO group), and
      32 patients treated with focal metallic resurfacing (CAP group). The BIO and CAP
      groups were matched according to treatment location, defect grade and size, and
      age profile. Outcomes included Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index
      (WOMAC), Short Form-12, and satisfaction. The primary combination endpoint was
      determined as a 20% improvement (minimum clinically important difference-20) on
      WOMAC pain and function at 2 years and no additional index lesion-related
      surgical intervention. Safety and effectiveness were also reported. RESULTS:
      Thirty patients in the BIO group (mean age of 44.6, range 35-64) had an average
      follow-up of 2.6 years and 32 patients in the CAP group (mean age 47.9, range 37
      68) were followed for 2.0 years. Fifty-three percent in the BIO group and 75% in
      the CAP group achieved success per the endpoint definition. The mean total WOMAC
      score improved significantly for both groups (BIO: 57-78; P < .001) (CAP: 41-86;
      P < .001). The physical component score (Short Form-12 PCS) improved
      significantly in the CAP group only (30-36.4; P < .001). Good to excellent
      patient satisfaction was achieved by 80% in BIO and 91% in CAP. There were 4
      secondary procedures on the index lesion in the BIO group and 2 in the CAP group.
      CONCLUSIONS: Careful patient selection can achieve high satisfaction rates with
      both biological and focal metal resurfacing procedures for the treatment of
      isolated focal chondral lesions of the femoral condyle in the knee. Focal
      metallic resurfacing results in similar clinical outcomes and provides excellent
      success rates at short-term follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III comparative
      study.

PMID- 27663034
TI  - In Vivo Anterolateral Ligament Length Change in the Healthy Knee During
      Functional Activities-A Combined Magnetic Resonance and Dual Fluoroscopic Imaging
      Analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To measure the in vivo anterolateral ligament (ALL) length change in
      healthy knees during step-up and sit-to-stand motions. METHODS: Eighteen healthy
      knees were imaged using magnetic resonance and dual fluoroscopic imaging
      techniques during a step-up and sit-to-stand motion. The ALL length change was
      measured using the shortest three-dimensional wrapping path, with its femoral
      attachment located slightly anterior-distal (ALL-Claes) or posterior-proximal
      (ALL-Kennedy) to the fibular collateral ligament attachment. The ALL length
      measured from the extended knee position of the non-weight-bearing magnetic
      resonance scan was used as a reference to normalize the length change. RESULTS:
      During the step-up motion (approximately 55 degrees  flexion to full extension),
      both the ALL-Claes and ALL-Kennedy showed a significant decrease in length of
      21.2% (95% confidence interval 18.0-24.4, P < .001) and 24.3% (20.6-28.1, P <
      .001), respectively. During the sit-to-stand motion (approximately 90 degrees 
      flexion to full extension), both the ALL-Claes and ALL-Kennedy showed a
      consistent, significant decrease in length of 35.2% (28.8-42.2, P < .001) and
      39.2% (32.4-46.0, P < .001), respectively. From approximately 90 degrees  to 70
      degrees  of flexion, a decrease in length of approximately 6% was seen; 70
      degrees  of flexion to full extension resulted in an approximately 30% decrease
      in length. CONCLUSIONS: The ALL was found to be a nonisometric structure during
      the step-up and sit-to-stand motion. The length of the ALL was approximately 35%
      longer at approximately 90 degrees  of knee flexion when compared with full
      extension and showed decreasing length at lower flexion angles. Similar ALL
      length change patterns were found with its femoral attachment located slightly
      anterior-distal or posterior-proximal to the fibular collateral ligament
      attachment. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These data suggest that, if performing anatomic
      ALL reconstruction, graft fixation may be performed beyond 70 degrees  flexion to
      reduce the chance of lateral compartment overconstraint. Anatomic ALL
      reconstruction may affect the knee kinematics more in high flexion than at low
      flexion angles.

PMID- 27663036
TI  - James Walter (Walt) Simmons Jr.

PMID- 27663037
TI  - Scaling Hemodialysis Target Dose to Reflect Body Surface Area, Metabolic
      Activity, and Protein Catabolic Rate: A Prospective, Cross-sectional Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Women and small men treated by hemodialysis (HD) have reduced
      survival. This may be due to use of total-body water (V) as the normalizing
      factor for dialysis dosing. In this study, we explored the equivalent dialysis
      dose that would be delivered using alternative scaling parameters matching the
      current recommended minimum Kt/V target of 1.2. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cross
      sectional study. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: 1,500 HD patients on a thrice-weekly
      schedule, recruited across 5 different centers. PREDICTORS: Age, sex, weight,
      race/ethnicity, comorbid condition level, and employment status. OUTCOMES: Kt was
      estimated by multiplying V by 1.2. Kt/body surface area (BSA), Kt/resting energy
      expenditure (REE), Kt/total energy expenditure (TEE) and Kt/normalized protein
      catabolic rate (nPCR) equivalent to a target Kt/V of 1.2 were then estimated by
      dividing Kt by the respective parameters. MEASUREMENTS: Anthropometry, HD
      adequacy details, and BSA were obtained by standard procedures. REE was estimated
      using a novel validated equation. TEE was calculated from physical activity data
      obtained using the Recent Physical Activity Questionnaire. nPCR was estimated
      using a standard formula. RESULTS: Mean BSA was 1.87m2; mean REE, 1,545kcal/d;
      mean TEE, 1,841kcal/d; and mean nPCR, 1.03g/kg/d. For Kt/V of 1.2, there was a
      wide range of equivalent doses expressed as Kt/BSA, Kt/REE, Kt/TEE, and Kt/nPCR.
      The mean equivalent dose was lower in women for all 4 parameters (P<0.001). Small
      men would also receive lower doses compared with larger men. Younger patients,
      those with low comorbidity, those employed, and those of South Asian
      race/ethnicity would receive significantly lower dialysis doses with current
      practice. LIMITATIONS: Cross-sectional study; physical activity data collected by
      an activity questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS: Current dosing practices may risk
      underdialysis in women, men of smaller body size, and specific subgroups of
      patients. Using BSA-, REE-, or TEE-based dialysis prescription would result in
      higher dose delivery in these patients.

PMID- 27663038
TI  - The US Renal Data System "Pie Chart of Death".

PMID- 27663040
TI  - Membranous Lupus Nephritis: The Same, But Different.
AB  - Membranous lupus nephritis (MLN) has a favorable prognosis compared to
      proliferative lupus nephritis (PLN) or combined MLN/PLN, although a significant
      proportion of cases will progress to end-stage kidney disease. There is
      considerable morbidity associated with thrombotic complications and treatment.
      Nondirected care includes renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockade,
      cardiovascular risk management, and antimalarial agents. There may be a role for
      corticosteroid monotherapy in some patients, but this requires further
      investigation. Clinical trials and observational reports have led to different
      immunosuppression regimens for MLN, although high-grade evidence favoring a
      particular agent remains elusive. Established medications used in the treatment
      of PLN, such as mycophenolate, cyclophosphamide, and azathioprine, may also be
      efficacious in MLN, or at least steroid sparing. The calcineurin inhibitors
      appear promising as an alternative treatment in MLN, particularly with emerging
      experimental data supporting their nonimmunologic antiproteinuric effects. There
      is also emerging evidence for "multitargeted therapy" in combined MLN/PLN,
      although the long-term efficacy is still unproved.

PMID- 27663039
TI  - Low-Osmolar Diet and Adjusted Water Intake for Vasopressin Reduction in Autosomal
      Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) affects millions
      of people worldwide. Vasopressin promotes disease progression. STUDY DESIGN: A
      randomized controlled trial with equal (1:1) allocation. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS:
      This trial examined the effect of combining a low-osmolar (low-sodium
      [1,500mg/d], low-protein [0.8g per kilogram of body weight]) diet and adjusted
      water intake on vasopressin secretion in 34 patients with ADPKD. INTERVENTION:
      Participants were randomly assigned to receive a low-osmolar diet followed by
      adjusted water intake to achieve urine osmolality <= 280mOsm/kg water versus no
      intervention for 2 weeks. OUTCOME: The primary outcome of the study was change
      (delta) in copeptin levels and urine osmolality between the intervention and
      control groups from baseline to 2 weeks. MEASUREMENTS: Fasting plasma copeptin
      level, 24-hour urine osmolality, and total solute intake. RESULTS: Baseline
      characteristics of the 2 groups were similar. Mean plasma copeptin levels and
      urine osmolality declined from 6.2+/-3.05 (SD) to 5.3+/-2.5pmol/L (P=0.02) and
      from 426+/-193 to 258+/-117mOsm/kg water (P=0.01), respectively, in the
      intervention group compared to a nonsignificant change in the control group (from
      4.7+/-3.6 to 5.07+/-4pmol/L [P=0.2] and 329+/-159 to 349+/-139mOsm/kg water
      [P=0.3], respectively). The change in copeptin levels (primary outcome) and urine
      osmolality was statistically significant between the intervention and control
      groups (delta copeptin, -0.86+/-1.3 vs +0.39+/-1.2pmol/L [P=0.009]; delta urine
      osmolality, -167+/-264 vs +20+/-80mOsm/kg water [P=0.007], respectively). Total
      urinary solute decreased in only the intervention group and significantly
      differed between groups at week 1 (P=0.03), reducing mean water prescription from
      3.2 to 2.6L/d. LIMITATIONS: Small sample size and short follow-up. CONCLUSIONS:
      We developed a stepwise dietary intervention that led to a significant reduction
      in vasopressin secretion in patients with ADPKD. Furthermore, this intervention
      led to a reduction in water required for vasopressin reduction.

PMID- 27663041
TI  - Magnetic Resonance Imaging Assessment of Kidney Oxygenation and Perfusion During
      Sickle Cell Vaso-occlusive Crises.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Our understanding of the pathophysiologic processes underlying sickle
      cell nephropathy remains incomplete. We performed a pilot study to investigate
      the potential value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the assessment of
      kidney oxygenation and detection of potential changes to tissue perfusion and
      cellular integrity during a vaso-occlusive crisis. STUDY DESIGN: A case-control
      study. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: 10 homozygous patients with sickle cell disease
      (SCD), without kidney disease (based on estimated glomerular filtration rate and
      albuminuria), underwent renal MRI during a vaso-occlusive crisis episode. The
      imaging data obtained were compared with those for a second MRI performed at
      steady state (median, 56 [IQR, 37-72] days after the vaso-occlusive crisis MRI).
      The control group consisted of 10 apparently healthy individuals. MEASUREMENTS:
      Deoxyhemoglobin level assessed by R2* value was calculated using the blood oxygen
      level-dependent technique. The intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted
      imaging technique was used to calculate D, D*, and F parameters. RESULTS: Median
      medullary R2* values on steady-state MRI were significantly higher for patients
      with SCD than for controls (P=0.01) and did not change significantly during the
      vaso-occlusive crisis. No significant differences in median cortical R2* values
      were observed. Both cellular integrity (D) and local perfusion (D* and F) were
      significantly altered in medullary and cortical areas during vaso-occlusive
      crises in comparison to steady state in patients with SCD. These parameters did
      not differ significantly between patients with SCD assessed at steady state and
      the control group. LIMITATIONS: Small sample size, estimation of glomerular
      filtration rate according to CKD-EPI creatinine equation without adjustment for
      race. CONCLUSIONS: Deoxyhemoglobin levels in the medullary area are higher in
      patients with SCD, during vaso-occlusive crises and at steady state, than in
      controls. Alterations to the tissue perfusion and cellular integrity of renal
      parenchyma are a common finding during vaso-occlusive crises that provide
      additional evidence that a vaso-occlusive crisis may be associated with
      subclinical kidney injury detectable on MRI.

PMID- 27663043
TI  - [Sociodemographic and mental health risk factors: Global and local conditions
      according to the Survey results "mental health in the general population" in 18
      international locations].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Mental Health in General Population survey (MHGP) is a socio
      anthropological and epidemiological multicentre research carried out by the WHO
      Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Mental Health (Lille, France).
      It assessed the prevalence of major mental disorders in the general population
      with 15,747 people aged 18 years and above in 18 sites worldwide: 6 European
      sites, 4 sites in the Maghreb, 4 sites in the Indian Ocean, 2 sites in the
      Caribbean and two sites in the Pacific Ocean. OBJECTIVES: To assess the risk of
      the presence of at least one mental disorder in terms of sociodemographic factors
      (gender, age, marital status, family income, education level, professional
      activity, religious practice and social isolation) and location (zone [Europe,
      North Africa, Indian Ocean, Caribbean Islands and the Indian Ocean Islands] and
      "investigation site"). METHODOLOGY: Statistical analysis was performed using data
      collected in 18 international sites of the MHGP survey. Logistic regression was
      used to model the relationship between sociodemographic and geographic factors
      and the presence of at least one disorder (mood disorder, anxiety disorder,
      psychotic disorder, abuse or dependence on alcohol or drugs), evaluated with the
      Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) diagnostic questionnaire.
      RESULTS: The prevalence of mental disorders rates vary among 18 sites, ranging
      from 15.5 % (Andorra) to 60 % (Algiers). The adjusted global epidemiological
      model (18 cluster sites) confirms a decreased level of risk of at least a
      psychiatric pathology due to a favorable sociodemographic "profile": marital
      status (married), family income (higher), age group (60 years and above),
      educational level (university), gender (male), practice of religion (among
      believers), employment (exercised). Analysis at geographical situation's level
      confirms existence of sub socio-geo-demographic models differentiated by ranking
      and levels of variables' modalities. Classification of variables and their
      modalities is clearly differentiated not only between 5 zones, but also within
      each of them depending on the sites that comprise it. This produces
      differentiated models for each of the 18 survey sites. CONCLUSIONS: The impact of
      sociodemographic risk factors on mental health is confirmed regardless of World
      region. However, the implementation of action plans for the prevention of mental
      disorders requires a detailed understanding of people's needs in terms of the
      disorder's prevalence, nature and strength of risk factors, at regional and local
      levels. This observation provides incentives to develop this research axis in
      world francophone and Latin speaking areas. These epidemiological results can be
      refined thanks to the data collected in the MHGP surveys about each mental
      disorder and comorbid conditions, the recourse of populations to assistance or
      care, as well as results of the socio-anthropological axis.

PMID- 27663042
TI  - Non-GFR Determinants of Low-Molecular-Weight Serum Protein Filtration Markers in
      CKD.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Unlike the case with creatinine, conditions affecting the non
      glomerular filtration rate (GFR) determinants of low-molecular-weight serum
      proteins, beta-trace protein (BTP), beta2-microglobulin (B2M), and cystatin C,
      are not well characterized. STUDY DESIGN: Pooled cross-sectional analysis of 3
      studies. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: 3,156 persons with chronic kidney disease from
      the MDRD (Modification of Diet in Renal Disease) Study, AASK (African American
      Study of Kidney Disease and Hypertension), and CRIC (Chronic Renal Insufficiency
      Cohort) Study. PREDICTORS: Demographic and clinical factors hypothesized to be
      associated with non-GFR determinants of the filtration markers, selected from
      literature review and physiologic and clinical considerations. OUTCOMES: Serum
      creatinine, BTP, B2M, and cystatin C levels. RESULTS: In multivariable-adjusted
      errors-in-variables regression models that included adjustment for measured GFR
      (mGFR) and mGFR measurement error, creatinine level had stronger associations
      with male sex, black race, and higher urine creatinine excretion than the other
      filtration markers. BTP was associated less strongly with age, similar in
      direction with sex, and opposite in direction with race than creatinine level.
      Like cystatin C, B2M level was associated less strongly with age, sex, and race
      than creatinine level. BTP, B2M, and cystatin C levels were associated more
      strongly than creatinine level with other factors, including urine protein
      excretion and weight for BTP, smoking and urine protein excretion for B2M, and
      smoking for cystatin C. LIMITATIONS: Findings may not be generalizable to
      populations without chronic kidney disease, and residual confounding with GFR due
      to incomplete adjustment for GFR measurement error. CONCLUSIONS: Like creatinine,
      serum levels of low-molecular-weight proteins are affected by conditions other
      than GFR. Knowledge of these conditions can aid the interpretation of GFR
      estimates and risk using these markers and guide the use of these filtration
      markers in developing GFR estimating equations.

PMID- 27663044
TI  - [Metabolic syndrome and bipolar disorder: Is sleep the missing link?]
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the pathophysiologic mechanisms that may link circadian
      disorder and metabolic syndrome in bipolar disorder (BP). METHOD: A systematic
      review of the literature was conducted from January 2013 to January 2015, using
      the Medline and Cochrane databases, using the keywords "metabolic syndrome",
      "obesity", "leptin" and "circadian disorders", "sleeping disorders" and cross
      referencing them with "bipolar disorder". The following types of publications
      were candidates for review: (i) clinical trials; (ii) studies involving patients
      diagnosed with bipolar disorder; (iii) studies involving patients with sleeping
      disorder; or (iv) data about metabolic syndrome. RESULTS: Forty articles were
      selected. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in BP was significantly higher
      compared to the general population (from 36 to 49% in the USA [Vancampfort,
      2013]), and could be explained by several factors including reduced exercise and
      poor diet, genetic vulnerability, frequent depressive episodes, psychiatric
      comorbidity and psychotropic treatment. This high frequency of metabolic syndrome
      worsens the prognosis of these patients, increasing morbidity and mortality.
      Secondly, patients with BP experienced circadian and sleep disturbance, including
      modification in melatonin secretion. These perturbations are known to persist in
      periods of mood stabilization and are found in patients' relatives. Circadian
      disturbances are factors of relapse in bipolar patients, and they may also have a
      role in the metabolic comorbidities of these patients. Recent studies show that
      in populations of patients with bipolar disorder, a correlation between circadian
      disturbance and metabolic parameters are found. To identify the
      pathophysiological pathway connecting both could lead to a better comprehension
      of the disease and new therapeutics. In the overall population, mechanisms have
      been identified linking circadian and metabolic disorder involving hormones like
      leptin and ghrelin. These hormones are keys to regulation of energy balance in
      the organism, via their action on the hypothalamus, and are also regulated by
      sleep. We have hypothesized that these pathways could be implicated in the
      vulnerability of bipolar patients to metabolic syndrome. This hypothesis is
      supported by several studies showing dysregulation in leptin and ghrelin
      secretion in multiple psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder, as well
      as genetic variations of leptin and ghrelin genes in these diseases. We also
      assume that other mechanisms may be at stake to explain this link, such as
      melatonin dysregulation and inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: Circadian and sleeping
      disorder may have a role in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in BP. Hormones
      like leptin and ghrelin could be the link between these perturbations. Prevention
      and treatment of circadian disorder in BP may greatly reduce the occurrence of
      MetS in these patients. Being aware of this statement and taking care of these
      troubles should be a big step forward for treatment of BP.

PMID- 27663045
TI  - [Predictors of medication non-adherence among a Moroccan sample of patients with
      schizophrenia: A cross sectional study].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Schizophrenia is a chronic, relapsing, mental disorder, and lack of
      adherence is a common and severe problem in such patients leadingto global and
      heavy consequences for patients (relapses, hospitalizations, impaired quality of
      life...), for the family and for society. Improved understanding of the
      underlying reasons will help to form intervention strategies relevant to the
      context. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess medication adherence among stable
      patients suffering from schizophrenia and to identify factors associated with non
      adherence. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of outpatients with
      schizophrenia at the psychiatric hospital Ar-razi of Sale (Maroc). The patients
      were aged over 18, clinically stabilized under the same treatment during the
      three months prior to inclusion. Data (demographic, clinical and therapeutic) was
      collected by a questionnaire developed for this purpose. Assessment of adherence
      and awareness of the disorder (insight) were performed respectively by two
      validated scales: Medication Adherence Rating Scale the (MARS) and scale Q8.
      RESULTS: Fourty percent of schizophrenic patients included in our study were not
      compliant to treatment. Compared to adherent patients, non-adherent patients had
      history of substance use (57.6 % vs. 42.4 %, P<0.05), were less aware of their
      disorder (77.8 % vs. 22.2 %, P<0.01), had significantly more drug intake per day
      (2.4 vs. 1.9, P<0.01), took significantly more tablets per day (2.8 vs. 2.2;
      P<0.05) and complained of significantly more side effects (43.2 vs. 56.8,
      P<0.05). A logistic regression model had shown that only side effects, lack of
      insight, and a history of substances use are significant predictors of poor
      adherence in patients with schizophrenia. CONCLUSION: The results of this work
      should guide our efforts to improve adherence in patients with schizophrenia.
      Waiting for new drugs with fewer side effects and better benefit/risk, some
      strategies would help to improve adherence to treatment. For example:
      implementation of strategies to manage psychoactive substance use, structured
      psycho-educational strategies to improve insight, and training therapists to
      improve the therapeutic alliance should be established.

PMID- 27663046
TI  - [Impact of physical disability and concomitant emotional disturbances on post
      stroke quality of life].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The physical and/or psycho-cognitive changes after stroke may lead
      to a decline in the quality of life (QOL) of patients. The aims of our study were
      to evaluate the QOL of stroke survivors and to investigate its relationships with
      the physical disability degree and the emotional disorders (anxiety and
      depression). METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study, which included 147
      patients, followed for stroke that had occurred over the past year, in the
      outpatient neurology department at the university hospital Habib Bourguiba of
      Sfax (Tunisia). For each patient, we collected socio-demographic characteristics
      and clinical and therapeutic data. The quality of life of our patients was
      assessed using the SF-36 scale. The HAD scale was used to screen for anxiety and
      depression, whereas the modified Rankin scale was used to measure the degree of
      disability. RESULTS: The average age of our patients was 60.58 years. The overall
      mean score of the SF-36 ranged from 20.81 to 89.81 with an average of 55.27.
      Impaired QOL was found in 68% of patients. The study of the dimensional average
      scores revealed that only two dimensions of the SF-36 were not altered: physical
      pain and life and relationship with others. The physical component was slightly
      more altered than the mental component (41.4 and 42.9 respectively). A minimal
      disability was found in 32% of patients, while a moderate and severe disability
      was found in 19% and 21.1% of patients. Anxiety was detected in 55.1% of patients
      and depression in 67.3% of them. Impaired mental component QOL was significantly
      correlated with the presence of anxiety (P=0.008) and depression (P<<0.05). The
      severe degree of disability had a significant negative impact on all areas of QOL
      except that of life and relationships with others. CONCLUSION: It appears from
      our study that among the important effects of stroke is the constant
      deterioration of QOL in its various dimensions. The occurrence of emotional
      disturbances such as anxiety and depression and the degree of physical disability
      seem to be predictors of QOL impairment. Therefore, special attention should be
      given to such patients at higher risk of decline in their QOL.

PMID- 27663047
TI  - Corrigendum re: "Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Prostate Cancer Screening:
      A Pilot Study Within the Goteborg Randomised Screening Trial" [Eur Urol
      2016;70:566-73].

PMID- 27663049
TI  - Re: Christof Bernemann, Thomas J. Schnoeller, Manuel Luedeke, et al. Expression
      of AR-V7 in Circulating Tumour Cells Does Not Preclude Response to Next
      Generation Androgen Deprivation Therapy in Patients with Castration Resistant
      Prostate Cancer. Eur Urol 2017;71:1-3.

PMID- 27663048
TI  - Robot-assisted Level II-III Inferior Vena Cava Tumor Thrombectomy: Step-by-Step
      Technique and 1-Year Outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Level II-III inferior vena cava (IVC) tumor thrombectomy for renal
      cell carcinoma is among the most challenging urologic oncologic surgeries. In
      2015, we reported the initial series of robot-assisted level III caval
      thrombectomy. OBJECTIVE: To describe our University of Southern California
      technique in a step-by-step fashion for robot-assisted IVC level II-III tumor
      thrombectomy. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-five selected patients
      with renal neoplasm and level II-III IVC tumor thrombus underwent robot-assisted
      surgery with a minimum 1-yr follow-up (July 2011 to March 2015). SURGICAL
      PROCEDURE: Our standardized anatomic-based "IVC-first, kidney-last" technique for
      robot-assisted IVC thrombectomy focuses on minimizing the chances of an
      intraoperative tumor thromboembolism and major hemorrhage. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS
      AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Baseline demographics, pathology data, 90-d and 1-yr
      complications, and oncologic outcomes at last follow-up were assessed. RESULTS
      AND LIMITATIONS: Robot-assisted IVC thrombectomy was successful in 24 patients
      (96%) (level III: n=11; level II: n=13); one patient was electively converted to
      open surgery for failure to progress. Median data included operative time of
      4.5h, estimated blood loss was 240ml, hospital stay 4 d; five patients (21%)
      received intraoperative blood transfusion. All surgical margins were negative.
      Complications occurred in four patients (17%): two were Clavien 2, one was
      Clavien 3a, and one was Clavien 3b. All patients were alive at a 16-mo median
      follow-up (range: 12-39 mo). CONCLUSIONS: Robotic IVC tumor thrombectomy is
      feasible for level II-III thrombi. To maximize intraoperative safety and chances
      of success, a thorough understanding of applied anatomy and altered vascular
      collateral flow channels, careful patient selection, meticulous cross-sectional
      imaging, and a highly experienced robotic team are essential. PATIENT SUMMARY: We
      present the detailed operative steps of a new minimally invasive robot-assisted
      surgical approach to treat patients with advanced kidney cancer. This type of
      surgery can be performed safely with low blood loss and excellent outcomes. Even
      patients with advanced kidney cancer could now benefit from robotic surgery with
      a quicker recovery.

PMID- 27663050
TI  - Median Nerve Compression by Radial Head Osteophyte.
AB  - Congenital radial head dislocations are rare, and presentation with late
      complications is even less common. We present a case of a patient who presented
      with symptoms and findings of proximal median nerve compression secondary to
      large osteophytes associated with untreated congenital radial head dislocations.

PMID- 27663051
TI  - Osseous Anatomy of the Distal Radioulnar Joint: An Assessment Using 3-Dimensional
      Modeling and Clinical Implications.
AB  - PURPOSE: Using a novel technique, we assess and describe the distal radioulnar
      joint (DRUJ) anatomy. The purpose of this study was to provide the anatomic
      dimensions of the DRUJ and to evaluate contralateral symmetry. METHODS: Computed
      tomography images of 100 cadaveric forearms were obtained. Three-dimensional
      models of the radius and ulna were generated and evaluated using 3-dimensional
      modeling software. Measurements of the radius of curvature of the sigmoid notch
      (SN) and ulnar head (UH), as well as the length of the SN and volar and dorsal
      lips were performed in the axial and coronal sequences. In addition, mid-coronal
      angular measurements were made of the SN and UH to quantify the obliquity of the
      DRUJ. All coronal measurements were performed with the forearm set to neutral
      rotation. RESULTS: The average ulnar variance was -0.9 +/- 1.8 mm. The radius of
      curvature of the UH (8.2 +/- 1.3 mm) was markedly smaller than that of the SN
      (18.2 +/- 8.5 mm). The length of the SN in coronal sequences increased from volar
      to dorsal by 65%. The mid-coronal angle (DRUJ obliquity) of the SN and UH
      measured 6.0 +/- 9.9 degrees  and 18.0 +/- 9.9 degrees , respectively. A direct
      inverse correlation was demonstrated in the obliquity of the DRUJ and ulnar
      variance. All anatomic measurements were similar when comparing bilateral
      specimens. CONCLUSIONS: The SN length tends to increase in size from volar to
      dorsal. Bilateral specimens from the same individual demonstrate similarities and
      can be cautiously used for comparison. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The relationships and
      measurements demonstrated in this study can be a guide when considering
      reconstructive procedures or dealing with complex fractures involving the DRUJ.

PMID- 27663052
TI  - Keyhole Revascularization for Treatment of Coronal Plane Fracture of the Lunate
      in Kienbock Disease.
AB  - Coronal plane fracture of lunate in Kienbock disease is a challenging problem
      with no proven treatment. We present a technique for the treatment. A
      vascularized bone graft from the distal radius employing the fourth and fifth
      extracompartmental artery pedicles is used as a mechanical support in order to
      enable fracture union. The technical pearls and pitfalls are described and a
      clinical case is presented.

PMID- 27663053
TI  - Incidence and Risk Factors for Volar Wrist Ganglia in the U.S. Military and
      Civilian Populations.
AB  - PURPOSE: To identify the incidence and demographic factors associated with volar
      wrist ganglia in both military and civilian beneficiary populations. METHODS: The
      U.S. Department of Defense Management Analysis and Reporting Tool (M2) accesses a
      comprehensive database of all health care visits by military personnel and their
      dependents. Because there is no specific code for ganglions of the wrist, the
      database was searched for all military personnel and civilian beneficiaries with
      an International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, diagnosis of 727.41
      (ganglion of a joint) or 727.43 (ganglion, unspecified location) between 2009 and
      2014. Two random samples of 1000 patients were selected from both the military
      and the civilian beneficiary cohorts, and their electronic medical records were
      examined to identify those with volar wrist ganglia. The proportion of volar
      wrist ganglia was then applied to the overall population data to estimate the
      total incidence with a 95% confidence interval and 5% margin of error. Unadjusted
      incidence rates and adjusted incidence rate ratios were determined using Poisson
      regression, controlling for age, sex, branch of military service, and military
      seniority. RESULTS: The unadjusted incidence of volar wrist ganglia is 3.72 per
      10,000 person-years (0.04%/y) in female civilian beneficiaries, 1.04 per 10,000
      person-years (0.01%/y) in male civilian beneficiaries, 7.98 per 10,000 person
      years (0.08%/y) in female military personnel, and 3.73 per 10,000 person-years
      (0.04%/y) in male military personnel. When controlled for age, military personnel
      have a 2.5-times increased rate of volar wrist ganglia, and women have a 2.3
      times increased rate. In the military cohort, female sex, branch of service, and
      seniority were significantly associated with the diagnosis of a volar wrist
      ganglion when controlled for age. In the civilian beneficiary cohort, only female
      sex was significant. CONCLUSIONS: Military service members have higher rates of
      volar wrist ganglia diagnoses than their age- and sex-matched civilian
      counterparts. Women are significantly more likely to be diagnosed with a volar
      wrist ganglion, regardless of age or military status. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The
      epidemiology of volar wrist ganglia is poorly defined, and few studies have
      firmly defined demographic factors associated with the diagnosis. We provide the
      overall incidence rate of the diagnosis and report a significant association with
      female sex even when controlled for age.

PMID- 27663055
TI  - Effects on the Distal Radioulnar Joint of Ablation of Triangular Fibrocartilage
      Complex Tears With Radiofrequency Energy.
AB  - PURPOSE: This cadaver study investigated the temperature profile in the wrist
      joint and distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) during radiofrequency energy (RFE)
      application for triangular fibrocartilage complex resection. METHODS: An
      arthroscopic partial resection of the triangular fibrocartilage complex using
      monopolar and bipolar RFE was simulated in 14 cadaver limbs. The temperature was
      recorded simultaneously in the DRUJ and at 6 other anatomic locations of the
      wrist during RFE application. RESULTS: The mean temperature in the DRUJ was 43.3
      +/- 8.2 degrees C for the bipolar system in the ablation mode (60 W) and 30.4 +/-
      3.4 degrees C for the monopolar system in the cut mode (20 W) after 30 seconds.
      The highest measured temperature in the DRUJ was 54.3 degrees C for the bipolar
      system and 68.1 degrees C for the monopolar system. CONCLUSIONS: The application
      of RFE for debridement or resection of the triangular fibrocartilage complex in a
      clinical setting can induce peak temperatures that might cause damage to the
      cartilage of the DRUJ. Bipolar systems produce higher mean temperatures than
      monopolar devices. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: RFE application increases the mean
      temperature in the DRUJ after 30 seconds to a level that may jeopardize cartilage
      tissue.

PMID- 27663054
TI  - Radial to Axillary Nerve Transfers: A Combined Case Series.
AB  - PURPOSE: Loss of active shoulder abduction after brachial plexus or isolated
      axillary nerve injury is associated with a severe functional deficit. The purpose
      of this 2-center study was to retrospectively evaluate restoration of shoulder
      abduction after transfer of a radial nerve branch to the axillary nerve for
      patients after brachial plexus or axillary nerve injury. METHODS: Patients who
      underwent transfer of a radial nerve branch to the anterior branch of the
      axillary nerve between 2004 and 2014 were reviewed. A total of 27 patients with
      an average follow-up of 22 months were included. Outcome measures included pre-
      and postoperative shoulder abduction and triceps strength and active and passive
      shoulder range of motion. RESULTS: Shoulder abduction strength increased after
      surgery in 89% of patients. Average preoperative shoulder abduction was 12
      degrees  compared with 114 degrees  after surgery. Twenty-two of 27 patients
      (81.5%) achieved at least M3 strength, with 17 of 27 patients (62.9%) achieving
      M4 strength. No differences were observed when subgroup analysis was performed
      for isolated nerve transfer versus multiple nerve transfer, mechanism of injury,
      injury level, branch of radial nerve transferred, or time from injury to surgery.
      A negative correlation was found comparing increasing age and both shoulder
      abduction strength and active shoulder abduction. No patients lost triceps
      strength after surgery. There were 4 patients who achieved no significant gain in
      shoulder abduction or deltoid strength and were deemed failures. No postoperative
      complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Transfer of a branch of the radial nerve to
      the anterior branch of the axillary nerve was successful in improving shoulder
      abduction strength and active shoulder motion in the majority of the patients
      with brachial plexus or isolated axillary nerve injury. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

PMID- 27663056
TI  - RYR1-related rhabdomyolysis: A common but probably underdiagnosed manifestation
      of skeletal muscle ryanodine receptor dysfunction.
AB  - Mutations in the skeletal muscle ryanodine receptor (RYR1) gene are associated
      with a wide spectrum of inherited myopathies presenting throughout life.
      Malignant hyperthermia susceptibility (MHS)-related RYR1 mutations have emerged
      as a common cause of exertional rhabdomyolysis, accounting for up to 30% of
      rhabdomyolysis episodes in otherwise healthy individuals. Common triggers are
      exercise and heat and, less frequently, viral infections, alcohol and drugs. Most
      subjects are normally strong and have no personal or family history of malignant
      hyperthermia. Heat intolerance and cold-induced muscle stiffness may be a
      feature. Recognition of this (probably not uncommon) rhabdomyolysis cause is
      vital for effective counselling, to identify potentially malignant hyperthermia
      susceptible individuals and to adapt training regimes. Studies in various animal
      models provide insights regarding possible pathophysiological mechanisms and
      offer therapeutic perspectives.

PMID- 27663057
TI  - Familial amyloid polyneuropathy: When does it stop to be asymptomatic and need a
      treatment?
AB  - Transthyretin familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) is a rare disease with
      autosomal transmission due to point mutation of the transthyretin (TTR) gene. It
      is the most disabling hereditary neuropathy affecting sensory, motor and
      autonomic nerves, and is irreversible and fatal within 7 to 12 years of onset in
      the absence of therapy. Diagnosis is usually delayed for 1-5 years because the
      onset is usually insidious, and a positive family history is lacking in 50% of
      late-onset cases. Penetrance is variable, and depends of the age of the carrier
      and age of onset in family members. Two treatments are available: liver
      transplantation, to suppress the main source of systemic production of mutant
      TTR; and TTR tetramer stabilizer drugs, to avoid the release of highly
      amyloidogenic monomers and oligomers. These therapies are able to stop or slow
      the progression of the disease in its early stages. Genetic counseling is crucial
      to detect carriers at risk of developing the disease. The European network for
      TTR-FAP recommends careful baseline assessment by questionnaire, clinical
      examination and neurophysiological tests, and periodic consultations to detect
      the onset of disease in time to start anti-amyloid therapy after biopsy findings
      of amyloid deposition. A therapeutic educational program is important for
      improving patients' awareness. Patients are considered symptomatic and ill when
      they themselves perceive symptoms or changes, including changes from baseline
      measurements on neurophysiological tests, followed by findings of amyloid
      deposition on biopsy. The most sensitive biopsies are from the labial salivary
      gland and skin.

PMID- 27663059
TI  - Exercise training in metabolic myopathies.
AB  - Metabolic myopathies encompass muscle glycogenoses (GSD) and disorders of muscle
      fat oxidation (FAOD). FAODs and GSDs can be divided into two main clinical
      phenotypes; those with static symptoms related to fixed muscle weakness and
      atrophy, and those with dynamic, exercise-related symptoms that are brought about
      by a deficient supply of ATP. Together with mitochondrial myopathies, metabolic
      myopathies are unique among muscle diseases, as the limitation in exercise
      performance is not solely caused by structural damage of muscle, but also or
      exclusively related to energy deficiency. ATP consumption can increase 50-100
      fold in contracting, healthy muscle from rest to exercise, and testing patients
      with exercise is therefore an appropriate approach to disclose limitations in
      work capacity and endurance in metabolic myopathies. Muscles rely almost
      exclusively on muscle glycogen in the initial stages of exercise and at high work
      intensities. Thus, patients with GSDs typically have symptoms early in exercise,
      have low peak work capacities and develop painful contractures in exercised
      muscles. Muscle relies on fat oxidation at rest and to a great extent during
      prolonged exercise, and therefore, patients with FAODs typically develop symptoms
      later in exercise than patients with GSDs. Due to the exercise-related symptoms
      in metabolic myopathies, patients generally have been advised to shun physical
      training. However, immobility is associated with multiple health issues, and may
      even cause unwanted metabolic adaptations, such as increased dependence on
      glycogen use and a reduced capacity for fatty acid oxidation, which is
      detrimental in GSDs. Training has not been studied systematically in any FAODs
      and in just a few GSDs. However, studies on single bouts of exercise in most
      metabolic myopathies show that particularly moderate intensity aerobic exercise
      is well tolerated in these conditions. Even low-intensity resistance training of
      short duration is tolerated in McArdle disease. Training in patients with FAOD
      potentially can also expand the metabolic bottleneck by increasing expression of
      the defective, but partially functional enzyme. Exercise performance in metabolic
      myopathies can be improved by different fuel supplementations and dietary
      interventions and should be considered as adjunct therapy to exercise training.

PMID- 27663058
TI  - Muscle MRI of facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD): A growing demand and a
      promising approach.
AB  - Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), an inherited and progressive
      muscle disorder, is among the most common hereditary muscle disorders. From a
      clinical vantage point, FSHD is characterized by weakness of the facial, shoulder
      (often with scapular winging), arm (including biceps and triceps) and abdominal
      muscles. Forearm muscles are usually spared and weakness is usually asymmetrical.
      Over the past few decades, muscle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become
      established as a reliable and accurate noninvasive tool for the diagnosis and
      assessment of progression in neuromuscular diseases, showing specific patterns of
      muscle involvement for a number of myopathies. More recently, MRI has been used
      to noninvasively identify quantitative biomarkers, allowing evaluation of the
      natural progression of disease and assessment of therapeutic interventions. In
      the present review, the intention was to present the most significant MRI
      developments related to diagnosis and pattern recognition in FSHD and to discuss
      its capacity to provide outcome measures.

PMID- 27663060
TI  - What have we learned about glycogenosis in recent years?
AB  - The field of glycogenosis has been greatly expanded over the past few years with
      the discovery of new metabolic diseases that have allowed new metabolic pathways
      to be deciphered. Described here are the clinical and pathological features of
      four recently described muscle glycogenoses caused by GYS1, GYG1, RBCK1 and PGM1
      gene mutations. The initial steps of glycogen synthesis are involved in
      deficiencies of glycogenin-1 (GYG1) and muscle glycogen synthase (GYS1).
      Phosphoglucomutase deficiency disrupts two metabolic pathways: the connection
      between galactose and glycogen on the one hand, and glucose metabolism on the
      other. However, the metabolic consequences of mutations in the ubiquitin ligase
      gene RBCK1 are still poorly understood.

PMID- 27663061
TI  - Unified Database for Rejected Image Analysis Across Multiple Vendors in
      Radiography.
AB  - Reject rate analysis has been part of radiography departments' quality control
      since the days of screen-film radiography. In the era of digital radiography, one
      might expect that reject rate analysis is easily facilitated because of readily
      available information produced by the modality during the examination procedure.
      Unfortunately, this is not always the case. The lack of an industry standard and
      the wide variety of system log entries and formats have made it difficult to
      implement a robust multivendor reject analysis program, and logs do not always
      include all relevant information. The increased use of digital detectors
      exacerbates this problem because of higher reject rates associated with digital
      radiography compared with computed radiography. In this article, the authors
      report on the development of a unified database for vendor-neutral reject
      analysis across multiple sites within an academic institution and share their
      experience from a team-based approach to reduce reject rates.

PMID- 27663062
TI  - The cerebellum and language: Persistent themes and findings.
AB  - This special issue brings together a set of articles that focus on the cerebellum
      and language. Contributors were specifically invited from relative newcomers to
      this research topic, as a way to draw attention to perspectives and findings that
      might otherwise be overlooked. This editorial provides an overview of the issue
      from a historical context that draws upon more than 25 years of research on the
      linguistic cerebellum.

PMID- 27663063
TI  - Reliability and validity of a new dexterity questionnaire (DextQ-24) in
      Parkinson's disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with Parkinson's disease exhibit disturbed dexterity.
      Validated self-reported outcomes for dexterity in Parkinson's disease are
      lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the reliability, content and
      construct validity of a new Dexterity Questionnaire 24. METHODS: One hundred and
      three patients with Parkinson's disease completed the Dexterity Questionnaire 24
      (score range 24-96), at baseline and four weeks later. The internal consistency
      was determined. Test-retest reliability was assessed in a subgroup (N = 44).
      Standard error of measurements and the minimal detectable change were defined.
      The construct validity was examined in the whole group (N = 103). Floor and
      ceiling effects were investigated. RESULTS: The internal consistency of the
      Dexterity Questionnaire 24 was high (alpha = 0.91). High test-retest reliability
      was found (Intra Class Correlation Coefficient = 0.91, Confidence interval: 0.84
      0.95). Standard error of measurement was 2.9 and minimal detectable change was 8
      points. (i.e., 11%). Good structural, convergent and divergent validity of the
      Dexterity questionnaire 24 was found (r = 0.73 with Activities of Daily Living
      subscale of the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39, and r = 0.66, and r = 0.50,
      p-values all < 0.0001, respectively with the subscales II and III of the Movement
      Disorders Society-Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale). Low not significant
      correlations were found between the Dexterity Questionnaire 24 and the subscales
      stigma and social support (r = 0.20, and r = 0.14 respectively). No floor or
      ceiling effects were found for the total Dexterity Questionnaire 24. CONCLUSION:
      The Dexterity Questionnaire 24 is valid and reliable for evaluating dexterity in
      patients with Parkinson's disease.

PMID- 27663064
TI  - Is Pupillary Response a Biomarker for Effort and Defeatist Attitudes in Patients
      With Schizophrenia?

PMID- 27663065
TI  - What Are Sleep Spindle Deficits Telling Us About Schizophrenia?

PMID- 27663066
TI  - The Role of the Corpus Callosum in Psychosis.

PMID- 27663067
TI  - Psychiatric Pharmacogenomics: How Close Are We?

PMID- 27663068
TI  - Revisiting the Inverted-U Hypothesis of Working Memory Activation in
      Schizophrenia.

PMID- 27663069
TI  - Adrift in the world of therapeutic apheresis: One center's experience in using
      arterio-venous fistulas during apheresis procedures.
AB  - Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is often an isolated specialty with very little
      research, especially in regard to the mode of access. This lack of information
      drove this attempt at reviewing the use of arterio-venous fistulas (AVF) in TPE,
      and specifically the issue of monitoring the accesses patency. Using a
      Transonic(r), we attempted to obtain a reading, using the Spectra OptiaTM on a
      patient's access. Unfortunately, due to the limitations of the equipment, we were
      unable to get a reading. Our conclusion is that we will have to monitor using
      other approaches, such as physical assessment and ultrasound.

PMID- 27663071
TI  - Endogenous TRPV1 stimulation leads to the activation of the inositol phospholipid
      pathway necessary for sustained Ca2+ oscillations.
AB  - Sensory neuron subpopulations as well as breast and prostate cancer cells express
      functional transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) ion channels;
      however little is known how TRPV1 activation leads to biological responses.
      Agonist-induced activation of TRPV1 resulted in specific spatiotemporal patterns
      of cytoplasmic Ca2+ signals in breast and prostate cancer-derived cells.
      Capsaicin (CAPS; 50MUM) evoked intracellular Ca2+ oscillations and/or
      intercellular Ca2+ waves in all cell lines. As evidenced in prostate cancer Du
      145 cells, oscillations were largely dependent on the expression of functional
      TRPV1 channels in the plasma membrane, phospholipase C activation and on the
      presence of extracellular Ca2+ ions. Concomitant oscillations of the
      mitochondrial matrix Ca2+ concentration resulted in mitochondria energization
      evidenced by increased ATP production. CAPS-induced Ca2+ oscillations also
      occurred in a subset of sensory neurons, yet already at lower CAPS concentrations
      (1MUM). Stimulation of ectopically expressed TRPV1 channels in CAPS-insensitive
      NIH-3T3 cells didn't provoke CAPS-triggered Ca2+ oscillations; rather it resulted
      in low-magnitude, long-lasting elevations of the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration.
      This indicates that sole TRPV1 activation is not sufficient to generate Ca2+
      oscillations. Instead the initial TRPV1-mediated signal leads to the activation
      of the inositol phospholipid pathway. This in turn suffices to generate a
      biologically relevant frequency-modulated Ca2+ signal.

PMID- 27663070
TI  - Gevokizumab in the Treatment of Autoimmune Non-necrotizing Anterior Scleritis:
      Results of a Phase I/II Clinical Trial.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and potential efficacy of gevokizumab, an anti
      interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta) monoclonal antibody, in the treatment of active,
      noninfectious, non-necrotizing anterior scleritis. DESIGN: Phase 1/2, open label,
      nonrandomized, prospective, single-arm pilot trial. METHODS: Eight patients with
      active, noninfectious, non-necrotizing anterior scleritis with a scleral
      inflammatory grade of +1 to +3 in at least 1 eye were enrolled. In 1 patient both
      eyes were enrolled, for a total of 9 eyes (4 eyes with +1, 1 eye with +2, and 4
      eyes with +3). Patients received 1 subcutaneous injection of 60 mg gevokizumab at
      baseline and then every 4 weeks for 12 weeks. Complete physical and ocular
      examinations were performed at each visit. The primary outcome was at least a 2
      step reduction or reduction to grade 0 in scleral inflammation on a 0 to +4 scale
      according to a standardized photographic scleritis grading system by 16 weeks in
      the study eye compared to baseline. Secondary outcomes included changes in visual
      acuity, intraocular pressure, and trends in scleral grading. Participants who met
      the primary outcome were eligible to continue in the study for up to 52 weeks and
      received additional gevokizumab injections every 4 weeks until week 36, followed
      by 2 safety visits at weeks 40 and 52. RESULTS: Seven eyes from 7 patients met
      the primary outcome within a median time of 2 weeks following the first
      gevokizumab injection. No definitive changes in visual acuity or intraocular
      pressure were identified. There were no serious adverse events related to the
      study drug. A total of 43 adverse effects were reported, with 93% described as
      mild, 95% as nonocular, and only 14% deemed possibly caused by the
      investigational treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this small study suggest
      that blockage of IL-1beta using gevokizumab may be beneficial in treating active,
      noninfectious anterior scleritis and that gevokizumab is well tolerated. Larger
      randomized trials are warranted to assess the true efficacy of gevokizumab in the
      treatment of non-necrotizing anterior scleritis.

PMID- 27663072
TI  - Quinolinic acid neurotoxicity: Differential roles of astrocytes and microglia via
      FGF-2-mediated signaling in redox-linked cytoskeletal changes.
AB  - QUIN is a glutamate agonist playing a role in the misregulation of the
      cytoskeleton, which is associated with neurodegeneration in rats. In this study,
      we focused on microglial activation, FGF2/Erk signaling, gap junctions (GJs),
      inflammatory parameters and redox imbalance acting on cytoskeletal dynamics of
      the in QUIN-treated neural cells of rat striatum. FGF-2/Erk signaling was not
      altered in QUIN-treated primary astrocytes or neurons, however cytoskeleton was
      disrupted. In co-cultured astrocytes and neurons, QUIN-activated FGF2/Erk
      signaling prevented the cytoskeleton from remodeling. In mixed cultures
      (astrocyte, neuron, microglia), QUIN-induced FGF-2 increased level failed to
      activate Erk and promoted cytoskeletal destabilization. The effects of QUIN in
      mixed cultures involved redox imbalance upstream of Erk activation. Decreased
      connexin 43 (Cx43) immunocontent and functional GJs, was also coincident with
      disruption of the cytoskeleton in primary astrocytes and mixed cultures. We
      postulate that in interacting astrocytes and neurons the cytoskeleton is
      preserved against the insult of QUIN by activation of FGF-2/Erk signaling and
      proper cell-cell interaction through GJs. In mixed cultures, the FGF-2/Erk
      signaling is blocked by the redox imbalance associated with microglial activation
      and disturbed cell communication, disrupting the cytoskeleton. Thus, QUIN signal
      activates differential mechanisms that could stabilize or destabilize the
      cytoskeleton of striatal astrocytes and neurons in culture, and glial cells play
      a pivotal role in these responses preserving or disrupting a combination of
      signaling pathways and cell-cell interactions. Taken together, our findings shed
      light into the complex role of the active interaction of astrocytes, neurons and
      microglia in the neurotoxicity of QUIN.

PMID- 27663073
TI  - Structural and functional characterisation of the cyanobacterial PetC3 Rieske
      protein family.
AB  - The cyanobacterium Synechocystis PCC 6803 possesses three Rieske isoforms: PetC1,
      PetC2 and PetC3. While PetC1 and PetC2 have been identified as alternative
      subunits of the cytochrome b6f complex (b6f), PetC3 was localized exclusively
      within the plasma membrane. The spatial separation of PetC3 from the
      photosynthetic and respiratory protein complexes raises doubt in its involvement
      in bioenergetic electron transfer. Here we report a detailed structural and
      functional characterization of the cyanobacterial PetC3 protein family indicating
      that PetC3 is not a component of the b6f and the photosynthetic electron
      transport as implied by gene annotation. Instead PetC3 has a distinct function in
      cell envelope homeostasis. Especially proteomic analysis shows that deletion of
      petC3 in Synechocystis PCC 6803 primarily affects cell envelope proteins
      including many nutrient transport systems. Therefore, the observed downregulation
      in the photosynthetic electron transport - mainly caused by photosystem 2
      inactivation - might constitute a stress adaptation. Comprehensive in silico
      sequence analyses revealed that PetC3 proteins are periplasmic lipoproteins
      tethered to the plasma membrane with a subclass consisting of soluble periplasmic
      proteins, i.e. their N-terminal domain is inconsistent with their integration
      into the b6f. For the first time, the structure of PetC3 was determined by X-ray
      crystallography at an atomic resolution revealing significant high similarities
      to non-b6f Rieske subunits in contrast to PetC1. These results suggest that PetC3
      affects processes in the periplasmic compartment that only indirectly influence
      photosynthetic electron transport. For this reason, we suggest to rename
      "Photosynthetic electron transport Chain 3" (PetC3) proteins as "periplasmic
      Rieske proteins" (Prp).

PMID- 27663074
TI  - Genetic analysis of hyperemesis gravidarum reveals association with intracellular
      calcium release channel (RYR2).
AB  - Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG), severe nausea/vomiting in pregnancy (NVP), can cause
      poor maternal/fetal outcomes. Genetic predisposition suggests the genetic
      component is essential in discovering an etiology. We performed whole-exome
      sequencing of 5 families followed by analysis of variants in 584 cases/431
      controls. Variants in RYR2 segregated with disease in 2 families. The novel
      variant L3277R was not found in any case/control. The rare variant, G1886S was
      more common in cases (p = 0.046) and extreme cases (p = 0.023). Replication of
      G1886S using Norwegian/Australian data was supportive. Common variants rs790899
      and rs1891246 were significantly associated with HG and weight loss. Copy-number
      analysis revealed a deletion in a patient. RYR2 encodes an intracellular calcium
      release channel involved in vomiting, cyclic-vomiting syndrome, and is a thyroid
      hormone target gene. Additionally, RYR2 is a downstream drug target of Inderal,
      used to treat HG and CVS. Thus, herein we provide genetic evidence for a pathway
      and therapy for HG.

PMID- 27663075
TI  - CCAAT/enhancer binding protein beta negatively regulates progesterone receptor
      expression in human glioblastoma cells.
AB  - Many progesterone (P4) actions are mediated by its intracellular receptor (PR),
      which has two isoforms (PR-A and PR-B) differentially transcribed from separate
      promoters of a single gene. In glioblastomas, the most frequent and aggressive
      brain tumors, PR-B is the predominant isoform. In an in silico analysis we showed
      putative CCAAT/Enhancer Binding Protein (C/EBP) binding sites at PR-B promoter.
      We evaluated the role of C/EBPbeta in PR-B expression regulation in glioblastoma
      cell lines, which expressed different ratios of PR and C/EBPbeta isoforms (LAP1,
      LAP2, and LIP). ChIP assays showed a significant basal binding of C/EBPbeta,
      specific protein 1 (Sp1) and estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) to PR-B promoter.
      C/EBPbeta knockdown increased PR-B expression and treatment with estradiol (E2)
      reduced C/EBPbeta binding to the promoter and up-regulated PR-B expression. P4
      induced genes were differently regulated when CEBP/beta was silenced. These data
      show that C/EBPbeta negatively regulates PR-B expression in glioblastoma cells.

PMID- 27663077
TI  - Gonadotropin releasing hormone activation of the mTORC2/Rictor complex regulates
      actin remodeling and ERK activity in LbetaT2 cells.
AB  - The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) assembles into two different multi
      protein complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2. The mTORC2 complex is distinct due to the
      unique expression of the specific core regulatory protein Rictor (rapamycin
      insensitive companion of mTOR). mTORC2 has been implicated in regulating actin
      cytoskeletal reorganization but its role in gonadotrope function is unknown.
      Using the gonadotrope-derived LbetaT2 cell line, we find that the GnRH agonist
      buserelin (GnRHa) phosphorylates both mTOR and Rictor. Interestingly, inhibition
      of mTORC2 blunts GnRHa-induced cyto-architectural rearrangements. Coincident with
      blunting of actin reorganization, inhibition of mTORC2 also attenuates GnRHa
      mediated activation of both protein kinase C (PKC) and extracellular signal
      regulated kinase (ERK). Collectively, our data suggests that GnRHa-mediated
      mTORC2 activation is important in facilitating actin reorganization events
      critical for initiating PKC activity and subsequent ERK phosphorylation in the
      gonadotrope-derived LbetaT2 cell line.

PMID- 27663078
TI  - The effects of levonorgestrel on FSH-stimulated primary rat granulosa cell
      cultures through gene expression profiling are associated to hormone and
      folliculogenesis processes.
AB  - Levonorgestrel (LNG), a synthetic progestin, is used in emergency contraception
      (EC). The mechanism is preventing or delaying ovulation at the level of the
      hypothalamic pituitary unit; however, little knowledge exists on LNG effects at
      the ovary. The aim of this study was to identify the effects of LNG on FSH
      induced 17beta-estradiol (E2) production, including LNG-mediated changes on
      global gene expression in rat granulosa cells (GC). Isolated GC from female
      Wistar rats were incubated in vitro in the presence or absence of human FSH and
      progestins. At the end of incubations, culture media and cells were collected for
      E2 and mRNA quantitation. The results showed the ability of LNG to inhibit both
      hFSH-induced E2 production and aromatase gene expression. Microarray analysis
      revealed that LNG treatment affects GC functionality particularly that related to
      folliculogenesis and steroid metabolism. These results may offer additional
      evidence for the mechanisms of action of LNG as EC.

PMID- 27663076
TI  - Ovarian transcriptome associated with reproductive senescence in the long-living
      Ames dwarf mice.
AB  - The aim of the current work was to evaluate the ovarian follicle reserve and the
      ovarian transcriptome in Ames dwarf (df/df) mice. The results suggest a delayed
      ovarian aging in df/df mice compared to normal (N) mice. Although a high number
      of genes were differentially expressed during aging of N mice, only a small
      fraction of these changed with aging in df/df mice. These alterations involved
      more than 500 categorized biological processes. The majority of these biological
      processes, including inflammatory/immune responses, were up-regulated with aging
      in N mice, while old df/df mice were characterized by down-regulation of these
      same processes in comparison to age matched N mice. However, biological processes
      related to DNA damage and repairing were commonly down-regulated with aging in
      both genotypes. In conclusion, delayed ovarian aging in long-living df/df mice
      was associated with reduced expression of genes related to the inflammatory and
      immune responses.

PMID- 27663079
TI  - Secukinumab is superior to ustekinumab in clearing skin of subjects with moderate
      to-severe plaque psoriasis up to 1 year: Results from the CLEAR study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Secukinumab demonstrated superior efficacy to ustekinumab at week 4
      and week 16 of the CLEAR study, with comparable safety, in subjects with moderate
      to-severe plaque psoriasis. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of
      secukinumab and ustekinumab use over 52 weeks. METHODS: Analysis of 52-week data
      from CLEAR, a randomized, double-blind, phase 3b study. RESULTS: Among 676
      randomized subjects, secukinumab demonstrated superiority to ustekinumab at week
      52 in the proportion of subjects with >=90% improvement in Psoriasis Area and
      Severity Index (PASI 90) (76% vs 61% [P < .0001]); PASI 100 responses were 46%
      versus 36% (P = .0103) and Investigator's Global Assessment responses of
      clear/almost clear skin were 80% versus 65% (P < .0001). Subjects on secukinumab
      reported greater reductions in psoriasis-related pain, itching, and scaling, and
      greater improvement across all quality-of-life measures evaluated (Dermatology
      Life Quality Index [DLQI], EuroQoL 5-Dimension Health Questionnaire, Work
      Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire-Psoriasis, and Health
      Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index). At week 52, 72% of subjects on
      secukinumab versus 59% on ustekinumab (P = .0008) reported no impact of skin
      disease on their lives (DLQI 0/1 response). Safety and tolerability was
      comparable. LIMITATIONS: There was no placebo arm. CONCLUSION: In this head-to
      head, double-blind study, secukinumab demonstrated sustained superior efficacy in
      comparison with ustekinumab in clearing skin through week 52, greater improvement
      in quality of life, and a favorable and comparable safety profile.

PMID- 27663080
TI  - S-TEAMS: A Truly Multiprofessional Course Focusing on Nontechnical Skills to
      Improve Patient Safety in the Operating Theater.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Possessing adequate nontechnical skills (NTS) in operating theaters
      is of increasing interest to health care professionals, yet these are rarely
      formally taught. Teams make human errors despite technical expertise and
      knowledge, compromising patient safety. We designed a 1-day, multiprofessional,
      multidisciplinary course to teach, practice, and apply these skills through
      simulation. METHODS: The course, "S-TEAMS," comprised a morning of lectures, case
      studies, and interactive teamworking exercises. The afternoon divided the group
      into multiprofessional teams to rotate around simulated scenarios. During the
      scenarios, teams were encouraged to focus on NTS, including communication
      strategies, situational awareness, and prompts such as checklists. A thorough
      debrief with experienced clinician observers followed. Data was collected through
      self-assessments, immediate and 6-month feedback to assess whether skills
      continued to be used and their effect on safety. FINDINGS: In total, 68 health
      care professionals have completed the course thus far. All participants felt the
      course had a clear structure and that learning objectives were explicit. Overall,
      95% felt the scenarios had good or excellent relevance to clinical practice. Self
      assessments revealed a 55% increase in confidence for "speaking up" in difficult
      situations. Long-term data revealed 97% of the participants continued to use the
      skills, with 88% feeling the course had prevented them from making errors.
      Moreover, 94% felt the course had directly improved patient safety. CONCLUSIONS:
      There is a real demand and enthusiasm for developing NTS within the modern
      theater team. The simple and easily reproducible format of S-TEAMS is sustainable
      and inclusive, and crucially, the skills taught continue to be used in long term
      to improve patient safety and teamworking.

PMID- 27663081
TI  - Finding Value in Surgical Didactics: Longitudinal Resident Feedback From Case
      Based and Traditional Lectures in an Orthopaedic Residency.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate orthopedic resident perceptions of a didactic curriculum
      presented in traditional and case-based formats. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study
      using anonymous web-based survey after each conference evaluating resident
      perceptions of faculty participation, didactic delivery, content, and overall
      conference value. Conferences were structured as primarily case-based or
      traditional lecture. Logistic analysis was performed to determine factors
      predictive of rating a conference as valuable time spent. SETTING: Orthopedic
      residency training program at single institution over an academic year.
      PARTICIPANTS: Orthopedic residents in postgraduate training year 1 to 5 attending
      mandatory didactic conference. RESULTS: Cased-based conferences received higher
      Likert ratings on residents' perception of faculty participation, instructor
      delivery, and improvement in topic understanding when compared to traditional
      lecture-based conferences (p < 0.0001 for each factor). Residents also were more
      likely to rate case-based conferences as valuable time spent (p < 0.0001). In our
      logistic model, factors associated with a negative likelihood of rating a
      conference as valuable were lecture format (odds ratio [OR] = 0.155, 95% CI:
      0.115-0.208), PGY-2 level presenter (OR = 0.288, 95% CI: 0.169-0.490), and PGY-3
      level presenter (OR = 0.433, 95% CI: 0.269-0.696). Timing in the year, surgical
      subspeciality, and conference identity were not significant predictors of
      conference value rating. CONCLUSIONS: Longitudinal resident feedback demonstrates
      highly favorable resident perceptions toward case-based formats in didactic
      sessions. Junior levels residents are not perceived as effective as senior
      residents and faculty in presenting material in either format. These methods
      allow for a dynamic approach to identifying strengths and weaknesses in a
      resident curriculum as a well as a means for more focused and real-time
      improvements.

PMID- 27663082
TI  - An Overview of Cultural Competency Curricula in ACGME-accredited General Surgery
      Residency Programs.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Cultural competency(CC) in surgical residency curricula is not the
      novel idea it was fourteen years ago when the ACGME challenged program directors
      to teach and assess six core competencies. CC is recognized as a component of
      "patient care", "professionalism", and "interpersonal and communication skills."
      The results of five programs (2004-2012) with CC curricula were identified in a
      2013 paper by Ly and Chun. The primary objective of this paper is to provide the
      current status of CC curricula in general surgery residency programs. DESIGN:
      Three sources were used for this study. First, a four question survey on the
      current status of CC education was sent to program directors of ACGME-accredited
      surgery residency programs. Second, the lead authors from five programs
      previously reported in the 2013 paper were interviewed. Third, the survey
      mentioned above was resent to 52 residency programs who implemented New York
      University's (NYU) SPICE program, which has a CC component. PARTICIPANTS:
      Participants for the survey consisted of program directors of ACGME-accredited
      surgery residency programs. The interviews were conducted with the corresponding
      authors from the previous study by Ly and Chun. RESULTS: Of the 256 surveyed,
      nine responded; seven stated that CC is not taught formally at their institution
      while four stated that they do not feel any part of CC curricula is missing from
      their program. Due to the low response rate, we identified and conducted
      interviews with general surgery residency programs with CC curricula. Of the five
      programs contacted, only three remain active and utilize Objective Structured
      Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) to teach cultural competency. One of the three, the
      SPICE program at NYU, has expanded to 52 other residency programs in the US.
      CONCLUSIONS: Although the importance of CC has been identified in general
      surgery, formal curricula and documentation of implementation remains elusive.

PMID- 27663083
TI  - Sequential Participation in a Multi-Institutional Mock Oral Examination Is
      Associated With Improved American Board of Surgery Certifying Examination First
      Time Pass Rate.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine whether sequential participation in a multi
      institutional mock oral examination affected the likelihood of passing the
      American Board of Surgery Certifying Examination (ABSCE) in first attempt.
      DESIGN: Residents from 3 academic medical centers were able to participate in a
      regional mock oral examination in the fall and spring of their fourth and fifth
      postgraduate year from 2011 to 2014. Candidate's highest composite score of all
      mock orals attempts was classified as risk for failure, intermediate, or likely
      to pass. Factors including United States Medical Licensing Examination steps 1,
      2, and 3, number of cases logged, American Board of Surgery In-Training
      Examination performance, American Board of Surgery Qualifying Examination (ABSQE)
      performance, number of attempts, and performance in the mock orals were assessed
      to determine factors predictive of passing the ABSCE. RESULTS: A total of 128
      mock oral examinations were administered to 88 (71%) of 124 eligible residents.
      The overall first-time pass rate for the ABSCE was 82%. There was no difference
      in pass rates between participants and nonparticipants. Of them, 16 (18%)
      residents were classified as at risk, 47 (53%) as intermediate, and 25 (29%) as
      likely to pass. ABSCE pass rate for each group was as follows: 36% for at risk,
      84% for intermediate, and 96% for likely pass. The following 4 factors were
      associated with first-time passing of ABSCE on bivariate analysis: mock orals
      participation in postgraduate year 4 (p = 0.05), sequential participation in mock
      orals (p = 0.03), ABSQE performance (p = 0.01), and best performance on mock
      orals (p = 0.001). In multivariable logistic regression, the following 3 factors
      remained associated with ABSCE passing: ABSQE performance, odds ratio (OR) = 2.9
      (95% CI: 1.3-6.1); mock orals best performance, OR = 1.7 (1.2-2.4); and
      participation in multiple mock oral examinations, OR = 1.4 (1.1-2.7).
      CONCLUSIONS: Performance on a multi-institutional mock oral examination can
      identify residents at risk for failure of the ABSCE. Sequential participation in
      mock oral examinations is associated with improved ABSCE first-time pass rate.

PMID- 27663084
TI  - The Effect of Patient Education on the Perceptions of Resident Participation in
      Surgical Care.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To decipher if patient attitudes toward resident participation in
      their surgical care can be improved with patient education regarding resident
      roles, education, and responsibilities. DESIGN: An anonymous questionnaire was
      created and distributed in outpatient surgery clinics that had residents involved
      with patient care. In total, 3 groups of patients were surveyed, a control group
      and 2 intervention groups. Each intervention group was given an informational
      pamphlet explaining the role, education, and responsibilities of residents. The
      first pamphlet used an analogy-based explanation. The second pamphlet used
      literature citations and statistics. SETTING: Keesler Medical Center, Keesler
      AFB, MS. University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio,
      TX. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 454 responses were collected and analyzed-211 in the
      control group, 118 in the analogy pamphlet group, and 125 in the statistics
      pamphlet group. RESULTS: Patients had favorable views of residents assisting with
      their surgical procedures, and the majority felt that outcomes were the same or
      better regardless of whether they read an informational pamphlet. Of all the
      patients surveyed, 80% agreed or strongly agreed that they expect to be asked
      permission for residents to be involved in their care. Further, 52% of patients
      in the control group agreed or strongly agreed to a fifth-year surgery resident
      operating on them independently for routine procedures compared to 62% and 65% of
      the patients who read the analogy pamphlet and statistics pamphlet, respectively
      (p = 0.05). When we combined the 2 intervention groups compared to the control
      group, this significant difference persisted (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Most
      patients welcome resident participation in their surgical care, but they expect
      to be asked permission for resident involvement. Patient education using an
      information pamphlet describing resident roles, education, and responsibilities
      improved patient willingness to allow a chief resident to operate independently.

PMID- 27663085
TI  - Evidence-based pathology in its second decade: toward probabilistic cognitive
      computing.
AB  - Evidence-based pathology advocates using a combination of best available data
      ("evidence") from the literature and personal experience for the diagnosis,
      estimation of prognosis, and assessment of other variables that impact individual
      patient care. Evidence-based pathology relies on systematic reviews of the
      literature, evaluation of the quality of evidence as categorized by evidence
      levels and statistical tools such as meta-analyses, estimates of probabilities
      and odds, and others. However, it is well known that previously "statistically
      significant" information usually does not accurately forecast the future for
      individual patients. There is great interest in "cognitive computing" in which
      "data mining" is combined with "predictive analytics" designed to forecast future
      events and estimate the strength of those predictions. This study demonstrates
      the use of IBM Watson Analytics software to evaluate and predict the prognosis of
      101 patients with typical and atypical pulmonary carcinoid tumors in which Ki-67
      indices have been determined. The results obtained with this system are compared
      with those previously reported using "routine" statistical software and the help
      of a professional statistician. IBM Watson Analytics interactively provides
      statistical results that are comparable to those obtained with routine
      statistical tools but much more rapidly, with considerably less effort and with
      interactive graphics that are intuitively easy to apply. It also enables analysis
      of natural language variables and yields detailed survival predictions for
      patient subgroups selected by the user. Potential applications of this tool and
      basic concepts of cognitive computing are discussed.

PMID- 27663086
TI  - Immune-checkpoint status in penile squamous cell carcinoma: a North American
      cohort.
AB  - Penile squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is primarily treated by surgical resection.
      Locally advanced and metastatic diseases require a multidisciplinary treatment
      approach. However, mortality and morbidity remain high, and novel molecular and
      immunotherapeutic targets are actively being sought. We investigated the
      expression of immune-checkpoint markers in penile cancers. Fifty-three invasive
      penile SCCs diagnosed between 1985 and 2013 were retrieved from our surgical
      pathology archives. Representative formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded archival
      blocks were used for the construction of 2 high-density tissue microarrays.
      Tissue microarrays were stained with immunohistochemistry for PD-L1, FOXP3, CD8,
      and Ki-67. PD-L1 was investigated using rabbit monoclonal anti-PD-L1 antibody
      (Cell Signaling, Boston, MA; E1L3N, 1:100). Overall, 21 (40%) of 53 penile SCCs
      had positive PD-L1 expression. PD-L1 was expressed by a significant proportion of
      advanced penile SCC. Forty-four percent (15/34) of stage pT2 or more SCC and 38%
      (6/16) of tumors with lymph node metastasis were positive for PD-L1. PD-L1
      expression did not correlate with patient age, tumor location, histologic
      subtype, tumor stage, anatomic depth of invasion, or tumor grade. FOXP3
      expression in tumoral immune cells was found in 26 (49%) of 53 cases. FOXP3
      expression in stromal immune cells correlated with tumor thickness (P = .0086).
      The ratio of CD8/FOXP3 was greater than 1 in 62% of cases in tumor-infiltrating
      immune cells and 34% of cases in stromal immune cells. Our current study is the
      largest to assess expression of PD-L1 in a clinically well-annotated North
      American cohort of penile SCC. Our findings support a rationale for targeting
      immune-checkpoint inhibitor pathways in advanced penile SCC.

PMID- 27663087
TI  - Single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy in geriatric patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Laparoscopy is a surgical approach recommended for the treatment of
      gall bladder disease. It is recommended also in geriatric patients. Recently
      Single Incision Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (SILC) has been proposed to minimize
      surgical trauma, recovery and hospitalization time. However, the results and
      advantages of SILC in the geriatric population have received minimal attention.
      This case series review is focused on the results of SILC in the geriatric
      population. METHODS: The records of 355 patients who had undergone SILC were
      reviewed. This report identifies, in the entire cohort, 40 patients aged 65 years
      or older at the time of surgery who will be the object of this study (geriatric
      series). Clinical outcomes and results were evaluated. Moreover, post-operative
      pain of the geriatric cohort was compared to that of the entire series. RESULTS:
      SILC was successfully completed for 347 out of 355 patients of the entire series,
      with no mortality reported. In total SILC was converted to standard laparoscopy
      in 10 patients (2.2%) but never to open procedure. No significant difference was
      found between the total cohort and the geriatric series in terms of median time
      of operation (61.20 min vs 68.38 min). Post-operative pain was significantly
      lower in geriatric patients. CONCLUSION: SILC is an effective and safe procedure
      for the treatment of gallbladder disease of elderly, also in terms of post
      operative pain and it represents an alternative to the standard laparoscopic
      approach on a routine basis.

PMID- 27663091
TI  - Diversity of small, single-stranded DNA viruses of invertebrates and their
      chaotic evolutionary past.
AB  - A wide spectrum of invertebrates is susceptible to various single-stranded DNA
      viruses. Their relative simplicity of replication and dependence on actively
      dividing cells makes them highly pathogenic for many invertebrates (Hexapoda,
      Decapoda, etc.). We present their taxonomical classification and describe the
      evolutionary relationships between various groups of invertebrate-infecting
      viruses, their high degree of recombination, and their relationship to viruses
      infecting mammals or other vertebrates. They share characteristics of the viruses
      within the various families, including structure of the virus particle, genome
      properties, and gene expression strategy.

PMID- 27663089
TI  - Free microRNA levels in plasma distinguish T-cell mediated rejection from stable
      graft function after kidney transplantation.
AB  - The potential diagnostic value of circulating free miRNAs in plasma compared to
      miRNA expression in blood cells for rejection processes after kidney
      transplantation is largely unknown, but offers the potential for better and
      timely diagnosis of acute rejection. Free microRNA expression of specific blood
      cell markers was measured in 160 plasma samples from kidney transplant patients
      under standard immunosuppressive therapy (steroids+/-mycophenolic acid+/
      calcineurin inhibitor) with stable graft function, urinary tract infection,
      interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy, antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR),
      Borderline (Banff3), tubulo-interstitial (Banff4-I) and vascular rejection
      (Banff4-II/III) applying RT-PCR. The expression levels of specific microRNAs miR
      15B, miR-103A and miR-106A discriminated patients with stable graft function
      significantly (p-values 0.001996, 0.0054 and 0.0019 resp.) from patients with T
      cell mediated rejection (TCMR) and from patients with urinary tract infection (p
      values 0.0001, <0.0001 and 0.0001, resp.). A combined measurement of several
      microRNAs after multivariate logistic regression improved the diagnostic value
      supported by subsequent cross-validation. In conclusion, the measurement of
      circulating microRNAs in plasma from patients with renal transplants
      distinguishes TCMR and urinary tract infection from stable graft function. In
      contrast to miRNA expression measurement in blood cells it does not allow a
      discrimination from ABMR or interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy.

PMID- 27663090
TI  - ABO incompatible renal transplantation following lung transplantation.
AB  - We present management strategies utilised for the first case of an urgent live
      donor ABO incompatible B blood group renal transplant, in a patient with a prior
      A blood group lung transplant for cystic fibrosis. Three years on, renal function
      is excellent and stable, whilst lung function has improved.

PMID- 27663092
TI  - Non-genetic risk factors for cutaneous melanoma and keratinocyte skin cancers: An
      umbrella review of meta-analyses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Skin cancers have a complex disease mechanism, involving both genetic
      and non-genetic risk factors. Numerous meta-analyses have been published claiming
      statistically significant associations between non-genetic risk factors and skin
      cancers without applying a thorough methodological assessment. OBJECTIVE: The
      present study maps the literature on the non-genetic risk factors of skin
      cancers, assesses the presence of statistical biases and identifies the
      associations with robust evidence. METHODS: We searched PubMed up to January 20,
      2016 to identify systematic reviews and meta-analyses of observational studies
      that examined associations between non-genetic factors and skin cancers. For each
      meta-analysis, we estimated the summary effect size by random-effects and fixed
      effects models, the 95% confidence interval and the 95% prediction interval. We
      also assessed the between-study heterogeneity (I2 metric), evidence for small
      study effects and excess significance bias. RESULTS: Forty-four eligible papers
      were identified and included a total of 85 associations. Twenty-one associations
      were significant at P<10-6. Fifty-two associations had large or very large
      heterogeneity. Evidence for small-study effects and excess significance bias was
      found in fifteen and thirteen associations, respectively. Overall, thirteen
      associations (actinic keratosis, serum vitamin D, sunburns, and hair color for
      basal cell carcinoma and density of freckles, eye color, hair color, history of
      melanoma, skin type, sunburns, premalignant skin lesions, common and atypical
      nevi for melanoma) presented high level of credibility. CONCLUSION: The majority
      of meta-analyses on non-genetic risk factors for skin cancers suffered from large
      between-study heterogeneity and small-study effects or excess significance bias.
      The associations with convincing and highly suggestive evidence were mainly
      focused on skin photosensitivity and phenotypic characteristics.

PMID- 27663093
TI  - Exogenous sample contamination. Sources and interference.
AB  - Clinical laboratory medicine is involved in the vast majority of patient care
      pathways. It has been estimated that pathology results inform 60-70% of critical
      patient care decisions. The primary goal of the laboratory is to produce precise
      and accurate results which reflect the true situation in vivo. It is not
      surprising that interference occurs in laboratory analysis given the complexity
      of some of the assays used to perform them. Interference is defined as "the
      effect of a substance upon any step in the determination of the concentration or
      catalytic activity of the metabolite". Exogenous interferences are defined as
      those that derive from outside of the body and are therefore not normally found
      in a specimen and can cause either a positive or negative bias in analytical
      results. Interferences in analysis can come from various sources and can be
      classified as endogenous or exogenous. Exogenous substances could be introduced
      at any point in the sample journey. The laboratory must take responsibility for
      the quality of results produced. It has a responsibility to have processes in
      place to identify and minimise the occurrence and effect contamination and
      interference. To do this well the laboratory needs to work with clinicians and
      manufacturers. Failure to identify an erroneous result could have an impact on
      patient care, patient safety and also on hospital budgets. However it is not
      always easy to recognise interferences. This review summarises the types and
      sources of exogenous interference and some steps to minimise the impact they
      have.

PMID- 27663094
TI  - A new 'golden age' for the antitubercular target InhA.
AB  - The increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis is the main contributing factor in unfavorable outcomes in the
      treatment of tuberculosis. Studies suggest that direct inhibitors of InhA, an
      enoyl-ACP-reductase, might yield promising clinical candidates that can be
      developed into new antitubercular drugs. In this review, we describe the
      application of different hit-identification strategies to InhA, which clearly
      illustrate the druggability of its active site through distinct binding
      mechanisms. We further characterize four classes of InhA inhibitors that show
      novel binding modes, and provide evidence of their successful target engagement
      as well as their in vivo activity.

PMID- 27663095
TI  - Study of tonotopic brain changes with functional MRI and FDG-PET in a patient
      with unilateral objective cochlear tinnitus.
AB  - We studied possible brain changes with functional MRI (fMRI) and
      fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) in a patient with a
      rare, high-intensity "objective tinnitus" (high-level SOAEs) in the left ear of
      10 years duration, with no associated hearing loss. This is the first case of
      objective cochlear tinnitus to be investigated with functional neuroimaging. The
      objective cochlear tinnitus was measured by Spontaneous Otoacoustic Emissions
      (SOAE) equipment (frequency 9689 Hz, intensity 57 dB SPL) and is clearly audible
      to anyone standing near the patient. Functional modifications in primary auditory
      areas and other brain regions were evaluated using 3T and 7T fMRI and FDG-PET. In
      the fMRI evaluations, a saturation of the auditory cortex at the tinnitus
      frequency was observed, but the global cortical tonotopic organization remained
      intact when compared to the results of fMRI of healthy subjects. The FDG-PET
      showed no evidence of an increase or decrease of activity in the auditory
      cortices or in the limbic system as compared to normal subjects. In this patient
      with high-intensity objective cochlear tinnitus, fMRI and FDG-PET showed no
      significant brain reorganization in auditory areas and/or in the limbic system,
      as reported in the literature in patients with chronic subjective tinnitus.

PMID- 27663096
TI  - Anxiety in Youth With Type 1 Diabetes.
AB  - PROBLEM: Mental health conditions are prevalent in youth with type 1 diabetes
      (T1D). Anxiety symptoms and depressive symptoms are highly correlated and are two
      of the most prevalent mental health conditions in youth in the general
      population. The detrimental effect of depressive symptoms in youth with T1D has
      been well documented, but the effects of anxiety symptoms are not well
      understood. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Studies were included if they were published
      between 1990 and 2015, and evaluated anxiety symptoms in a population of youth
      with T1D. SAMPLE: A total of 20 studies were identified from a sample of 338
      papers. RESULTS: Anxiety symptoms were prevalent in youth with T1D. Anxiety
      symptoms were associated with higher glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels,
      poorer self-management and coping behaviors, depressive symptoms, fear of
      hypoglycemia, and lower blood glucose monitoring frequency. State anxiety and
      trait anxiety symptoms affected health outcomes differently. Girls were at a
      higher risk of anxiety symptoms than boys. CONCLUSIONS: Anxiety symptoms in youth
      with T1D have detrimental effects on health outcomes, including self-management,
      quality of life, and HbA1c. IMPLICATIONS: Future research should aim to improve
      our current screening and treatment practices.

PMID- 27663097
TI  - [Standardisation and validation of an HPLC method for determining serum
      posaconazole levels in Colombia].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Colombia currently does not have a specialised service for measuring
      antifungal levels in serum, which is of prime importance for the proper treatment
      and correct management of invasive fungal infections. AIMS: To standardise and
      validate a simple, sensitive, and specific protocol, based on high performance
      liquid chromatography, complying with the parameters recommended by the Food and
      Drug Administration, to detect, identify, and quantify serum concentrations of
      posaconazole. METHODS: A high performance liquid chromatography Agilent series-1
      200 equipment was used with ultraviolet diode array detector and analytical
      column-Eclipse XDB-C18. Posaconazole-SCH56592 (batch IRQ-PAZ-10-X-103) was used
      as the primary control and itraconazole (batch ZR051211PUC921) was used as an
      internal control. The validation was performed taking into account all criteria
      recommended by the Food and Drug Administration (selectivity, calibration curves,
      recovery, accuracy, precision, sensitivity, reproducibility, and stability of the
      sample). RESULTS: The most suitable chromatographic conditions were the
      following: column temperature 25 degrees C, ultraviolet detection at 261nm, 50MUl
      injection volume, flow volume 0.8ml/min, 10min running time, mobile phase of
      acetonitrile:water (70:30), and final retention times of 3.4 and 7.2min for
      posaconazole and itraconazole, respectively, with a wide and reliable
      quantification range (0.125MUg/ml to 16MUg/ml). Using these parameters, the
      method was selective, R2 in the calibration curves was>=0.99, and the percentage
      recovery was 98.7%, with a coefficient of variation less than 10%. The relative
      error for accuracy and the coefficient of variation for precision were less than
      15%, all meeting the acceptance criteria recommended by the Food and Drug
      Administration. CONCLUSIONS: The selectivity and chromatographic purity of the
      obtained signal, as well as the standardised limits of detection and
      quantification, make this method an excellent tool for therapeutic monitoring of
      patients treated with posaconazole.

PMID- 27663099
TI  - Response: Proposing and Meeting the Need for Interdisciplinary Cardio-Oncology
      Subspecialty Training by Sherry-Ann Brown, MD, PhD and Nicole Sandhu, MD, PhD.

PMID- 27663098
TI  - Clinical Correlates and Prognostic Value of Proenkephalin in Acute and Chronic
      Heart Failure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Proenkephalin (pro-ENK) has emerged as a novel biomarker associated
      with both renal function and cardiac function. However, its clinical and
      prognostic value have not been well evaluated in symptomatic patients with heart
      failure. METHODS AND RESULTS: The association between pro-ENK and markers of
      renal function was evaluated in 95 patients with chronic heart failure who
      underwent renal hemodynamic measurements, including renal blood flow (RBF) and
      glomerular filtration rate (GFR) with the use of 131I-Hippuran and 125I
      iothalamate clearances, respectively. The association between pro-ENK and
      clinical outcome in acute heart failure was assessed in another 1589 patients.
      Pro-ENK was strongly correlated with both RBF (P < .001) and GFR (P < .001), but
      not with renal tubular markers. In the acute heart failure cohort, pro-ENK was a
      predictor of death through 180 days, heart failure rehospitalization through 60
      days, and death or cardiovascular or renal rehospitalization through day 60 in
      univariable analyses, but its predictive value was lost in a multivariable model
      when other renal markers were entered in the model. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with
      chronic and acute heart failure, pro-ENK is strongly associated with glomerular
      function, but not with tubular damage. Pro-ENK provides limited prognostic
      information in patients with acute heart failure on top of established renal
      markers.

PMID- 27663101
TI  - [The quest for immunotherapy response biomarkers still goes on].

PMID- 27663100
TI  - Sex-Specific Effects of Adrenergic-Induced Left Ventricular Remodeling in
      Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to determine whether adrenergic-induced left
      ventricular (LV) dilation and eccentric remodeling in pressure-overload
      hypertrophy is sex specific. METHODS AND RESULTS: Chronic beta-adrenoreceptor
      activation was produced in male and female spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs)
      by means of daily administration of isoproterenol (ISO; 0.04 mg/kg daily) from 9
      to 15 months of age. LV chamber dimensions were determined in vivo by means of
      echocardiography and ex vivo in isolated perfused heart preparations. The acute
      hemodynamic response to ISO, the degree of myocardial necrosis and apoptosis, and
      collagen distribution were also assessed. Female SHRs demonstrated inotropic and
      chronotropic responses to ISO similarly to male SHRs. Compared with control
      subjects (saline solution vehicle), following chronic ISO administration, LV end
      diastolic diameter (mm) was increased in male (ISO 7.8 +/- 0.3 vs control 6.6 +/-
      0.2; P < .001) but not in female (ISO 6.3 +/- 0.2 vs control 6.2 +/- 0.2; P =
      .23) SHRs. Similarly, compared with control, ISO administration increased the
      volume intercept of the LV end-diastolic pressure-volume relation (mL) in male
      (ISO 0.31 +/- 0.02 vs control 0.22 +/- 0.01; P < .0001) but not in female (ISO
      0.17 +/- 0.01 vs control 0.17 +/- 0.01; P = 1.00) SHRs. Relative wall thickness
      was also decreased in male SHRs receiving ISO but not in female SHRs receiving
      ISO. Chronic ISO administration increased the percentage of area covered by
      interstitial collagen in male but not in female SHRs. Finally, chronic adrenergic
      stimulation failed to influence LV chamber or myocardial systolic function in
      either male or female SHRs. CONCLUSIONS: Male SHRs are more susceptible to
      adrenergic-induced LV dilation and eccentric LV remodeling than female SHRs.
      These effects are associated with increased collagen deposition. In pressure
      overload hypertrophy, LV dilation and eccentric LV remodeling occur before LV
      dysfunction in male rats.

PMID- 27663102
TI  - Mindfulness meditation for insomnia: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled
      trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Insomnia is a widespread and debilitating condition that affects
      sleep quality and daily productivity. Although mindfulness meditation (MM) has
      been suggested as a potentially effective supplement to medical treatment for
      insomnia, no comprehensively quantitative research has been conducted in this
      field. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis on the findings of related
      randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the effects of MM on insomnia.
      METHODS: Related publications in PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and
      PsycINFO were searched up to July 2015. To calculate the standardized mean
      differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), we used a fixed effect
      model when heterogeneity was negligible and a random effect model when
      heterogeneity was significant. RESULTS: A total of 330 participants in 6 RCTs
      that met the selection criteria were included in this meta-analysis. Analysis of
      overall effect revealed that MM significantly improved total wake time and sleep
      quality, but had no significant effects on sleep onset latency, total sleep time,
      wake after sleep onset, sleep efficiency, total wake time, ISI, PSQI and DBAS.
      Subgroup analyses showed that although there were no significant differences
      between MM and control groups in terms of total sleep time, significant effects
      were found in total wake time, sleep onset latency, sleep quality, sleep
      efficiency, and PSQI global score (absolute value of SMD range: 0.44-1.09, all
      p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that MM may mildly improve some sleep
      parameters in patients with insomnia. MM can serve as an auxiliary treatment to
      medication for sleep complaints.

PMID- 27663103
TI  - The association of work stress with somatic symptoms in Chinese working women: a
      large cross-sectional survey.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: It has been suggested that the relationship between work stress and
      somatic symptoms (e.g., cardiopulmonary, gastrointestinal complaints, general
      pain, and fatigue) is particularly pronounced in women. As evidence from China is
      sparse, we used a large sample of Chinese working women to test those potential
      associations. METHODS: Data were obtained from a cross-sectional study of 6826
      working women in five urban areas in China who were free from major clinical
      disease. The sample was drawn from five occupations (physicians, nurses, school
      teachers, bank employees, and industrial workers). The Effort-Reward Imbalance
      Questionnaire and Patient Health Questionnaire-15 were used to measure work
      stress and somatic symptoms, respectively. Multivariate ordinal logistic
      regression was performed to analyze the associations. RESULTS: 52.6% participants
      reported high work stress in terms of concurrent high effort and low reward. The
      distribution of severity of somatic symptoms covered the full range from minimal
      (37.3%) and low (30.6%), to medium (19.7%) and high (12.4%). The adjusted odds
      ratio of somatic symptoms by high work stress was 2.45 (95% confidence
      interval=2.24-2.68), and all single psychosocial work factors (effort, reward,
      and over-commitment) exerted substantial effects on somatic symptoms (odds
      ratios>2.00). CONCLUSIONS: Work stress is strongly associated with somatic
      symptoms in Chinese working women. Future longitudinal studies and intervention
      studies are needed to understand and improve women's psychosocial work
      environment and their psychosomatic health in China and elsewhere.

PMID- 27663104
TI  - The walk-in clinic model improves access to psychiatry in primary care.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Missed appointments decrease clinic capacity and negatively affect
      health outcomes. The objective of this study was to increase the proportion of
      filled initial psychiatry appointments in an urban, hospital-based primary care
      practice. METHODS: Patients were identified as having a high or low risk of
      missing their initial psychiatry appointments based on prior missed medical
      appointments. High-risk patients were referred to a walk-in clinic instead of a
      scheduled appointment. The primary outcome was ratio of filled appointments to
      booked appointments. We used a statistical process control chart (p chart) to
      measure improvement. Secondary outcomes were percentages of patients from
      historically underserved groups who received an initial psychiatry evaluation
      before and after the intervention. RESULTS: The average ratio of filled to booked
      initial appointments increased from 59% to 77% after the intervention, and the p
      chart confirmed that this change represented special cause variation. No
      statistically significant demographic differences between the patients who
      received psychiatric evaluations before and after the intervention were found.
      CONCLUSIONS: Missed initial psychiatry appointments can be accurately predicted
      by prior missed medical appointments. A referral-based walk-in clinic is feasible
      and does not reduce access to care for historically underserved patient groups.

PMID- 27663105
TI  - Number of teeth predict depressive symptoms in a longitudinal study on patients
      with periodontal disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Periodontal disease is associated with a wide range of psychosocial
      risk-factors. Disease-related tooth-loss has been associated with an increase in
      depressive symptoms in cross-sectional studies. However, while depression is a
      known risk-factor for the outcome of chronic diseases, it remains unclear if
      tooth loss can also predict depressive symptoms over the course of treatment. Aim
      of the current pilot study was to test, to what extend the number of teeth
      predict depressive symptoms several years later. METHODS: Tooth status of 310
      patients with chronic and aggressive periodontitis was evaluated at the beginning
      of a specialized, university based outpatient treatment. We assessed depressive
      symptoms with the Patient Heath Questionnaire (PHQ) on average 13years later.
      Regression analyses were used to relate initial number of teeth to self-reported
      depression scores. RESULTS: Fewer teeth at the beginning of the treatment were
      related to higher scores of depressive symptoms, even when controlling for
      several covariates. CONCLUSIONS: Tooth loss is a potential risk-factor for the
      development of depression in periodontal disease. Further longitudinal studies
      that control for initial depressive symptoms are needed to identify disease
      mechanisms.

PMID- 27663106
TI  - Heart rate variability in the prediction of survival in patients with cancer: A
      systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Although the predictive value of vagal nerve activity, indexed by heart
      rate variability (HRV), has been confirmed in a variety of diseases, its value in
      the prediction of survival in cancer patients still remains controversial. The
      aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the predictive value of HRV in cancer
      patients in an evidence based manner. METHODS: A systematic review and meta
      analysis was conducted through a comprehensive search of the PubMed, EMBASE and
      the Cochrane Central Library databases for all studies regarding HRV, vagal nerve
      activity and cancer. Pooled data of overall survival was analyzed. RESULTS: Six
      studies with 1286 patients were included in our meta analysis. Analysis of the
      pooled data revealed that overall survival was significantly longer in the higher
      HRV group than in the lower HRV group (HR 0.70, 95% CI [0.60, 0.82]; P<0.001,
      I2=27%). CONCLUSION: The current evidence indicates a predictive value of HRV in
      the survival of patients with cancer and higher vagal nerve activity might
      predict longer survival, but the results should be applied with caution
      considering the heterogeneity between included studies.

PMID- 27663107
TI  - The association between personality traits, cognitive reactivity and body mass
      index is dependent on depressive and/or anxiety status.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: A range of biological, social and psychological factors, including
      depression and anxiety disorders, is thought to be associated with higher body
      mass index (BMI). Depression and anxiety disorders are associated with specific
      psychological vulnerabilities, like personality traits and cognitive reactivity,
      that may also be associated with BMI. The relationship between those
      psychological vulnerabilities and BMI is possibly different in people with and
      without depression and anxiety disorders. Therefore, we examined the relationship
      between personality traits, cognitive reactivity and severity of affective
      symptoms with BMI in people with and without depression and anxiety disorders.
      METHODS: Data from 1249 patients with current major depressive and/or anxiety
      disorder and 631 healthy controls were sourced from the Netherlands Study of
      Depression and Anxiety. Linear and logistic regression analyses were used to
      determine the associations between personality traits (neuroticism, extraversion,
      conscientiousness), cognitive reactivity (hopelessness, aggression, rumination,
      anxiety sensitivity), depression and anxiety symptoms with BMI classes (normal:
      18.5-24.9, overweight: 25-29.9, and obese: >=30kg/m(2)) and continuous BMI. Due
      to significant statistical interaction, analyses were stratified for healthy
      individuals and depressed/anxious patients. RESULTS: Personality traits were not
      consistently related to BMI. In patients, higher hopelessness and aggression
      reactivity and higher depression and anxiety symptoms were associated with higher
      BMI. In contrast, in healthy individuals lower scores on hopelessness,
      rumination, aggression reactivity and anxiety sensitivity were associated with
      higher BMI. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that, particularly in people with
      psychopathology, cognitive reactivity may contribute to obesity.

PMID- 27663108
TI  - The association of unipolar depression with thirty-day mortality after
      hospitalization for infection: A population-based cohort study in Denmark.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: While depression is associated with higher risk of death due to
      chronic medical conditions, it is unknown if depression increases mortality
      following serious infections. We sought to determine if pre-existing unipolar
      depression is associated with increased mortality within 30days after
      hospitalization for a serious infection. METHODS: We conducted a population-based
      cohort study of all adults hospitalized for an infection in Denmark between 2005
      and 2013. Pre-existing unipolar depression was ascertained via psychiatrist
      diagnoses or at least two antidepressant prescription redemptions within a six
      month period. Our primary outcome was all-cause mortality within 30days after
      infection-related hospitalization. We also studied death due to infection within
      30days after admission. RESULTS: We identified 589,688 individuals who had a
      total of 703,158 hospitalizations for infections. After adjusting for
      demographics, infectious diagnosis and time since infection, socioeconomic
      factors and comorbidities, pre-existing unipolar depression was associated with
      slightly increased risk of all-cause mortality within 30days after infection
      related hospitalization (Mortality Rate Ratio [MRR]: 1.07, 95% Confidence
      Interval [95% CI]: 1.05, 1.09). The association was strongest among persons who
      initiated antidepressant treatment within one year before the infection (MRR:
      1.30, 95% CI: 1.25, 1.35). Pre-existing unipolar depression was associated with
      increased risk of death due to sepsis (MRR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.17, 1.44), pneumonia
      (MRR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.16, 1.29) and urinary tract infection (MRR: 1.25, 95% CI:
      1.08, 1.44) after adjusting for demographics, infectious diagnosis at admission
      and time since infection. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-existing unipolar depression is
      associated with slightly increased mortality following hospitalization for an
      infection.

PMID- 27663109
TI  - Psychosocial outcomes and counselee satisfaction following genetic counseling for
      hereditary breast and ovarian cancer: A patient-reported outcome study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We investigated the psychosocial consequences of genetic counseling
      and testing (GCT) for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) at follow-up in
      a "real-life" sample of counselees at an Austrian tertiary care center. METHODS:
      The study cohort included counselees who had undergone genetic counseling for
      HBOC and completed a follow-up self-report questionnaire battery on psychosocial
      outcomes (quality of life, psychological distress, satisfaction with counseling
      and decisions). For comparison of distress, we recruited a reference sample of
      breast cancer survivors (BCS; n=665) who had not requested GCT in the same
      setting. RESULTS: Overall, counselees did not exhibit increased levels of anxiety
      and depression when compared to BCS. No specific follow-up deleterious
      psychosocial consequences were detected among the former group. Of the 137
      counselees, 22.6% and 9.8% experienced clinically relevant levels of anxiety and
      depression, respectively, at an average follow-up time of 1.8years. However, both
      anxiety and depression significantly decreased with time and were alike between
      counselees with and without cancer diagnosis. Follow-up cancer worry seems to be
      significantly higher among counselees who had not undergone genetic testing or
      were undecided about it than among counselees who had been tested. CONCLUSION:
      Our results strongly support GCT as part of routine care for patients with HBOC.
      The risk factors of increased distress in specific subgroups of counselees, such
      as recent cancer diagnosis or uncertainty about testing, warrant further
      exploration and specific attention in clinical routines. Particularly, the
      psychological needs of undecided counselees warrant ongoing attention and
      potential follow-ups.

PMID- 27663110
TI  - Avoidance in hypochondriasis.
AB  - The DSM-5 diagnosis of illness anxiety disorder adds avoidance as a component of
      a behavioral response to illness fears - one that was not present in prior DSM
      criteria of hypochondriasis. However, maladaptive avoidance as a necessary or
      useful criterion has yet to be empirically supported. METHODS: 195 individuals
      meeting DSM-IV criteria for hypochondriasis based on structured interview
      completed a variety of self-report and clinician-administered assessments. Data
      on maladaptive avoidance were obtained using the six-item subscale of the
      clinician-administered Hypochondriasis - Yale Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale -
      Modified. To determine if avoidance emerged as a useful indicator in
      hypochondriasis, we compared the relative fit of continuous latent trait,
      categorical latent class, and hybrid factor mixture models. RESULTS: A two-class
      factor mixture model fit the data best, with Class 1 (n=147) exhibiting a greater
      level of severity of avoidance than Class 2 (n=48). The more severely avoidant
      group was found to have higher levels of hypochondriacal symptom severity,
      functional impairment, and anxiety, as well as lower quality of life. CONCLUSION:
      These results suggest that avoidance may be a valid behavioral construct and a
      useful component of the new diagnostic criteria of illness anxiety in the DSM-5,
      with implications for somatic symptom disorder.

PMID- 27663111
TI  - Mental disorder in limb reconstruction: Prevalence, associations and impact on
      work disability.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional survey aimed to assess the prevalence of
      depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and drug and alcohol
      dependence in a limb reconstruction population and examine associations with
      demographic and functional variables. METHODS: As part of routine clinical care,
      data were collected from 566 patients attending a tertiary referral centre for
      limb reconstruction between April 2012 and February 2016. Depression, anxiety,
      post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and alcohol and drug dependence were
      measured using standardised self-report screening tools. RESULTS: 173 patients
      (30.6% CI 26.7-34.4) screened positive for at least one of the mental disorders
      assessed. 110 (19.4% CI 16.2-22.7) met criteria for probable major depression;
      112 (19.9% CI 16.6-23.2) patients met criteria for probable generalised anxiety
      disorder; and 41 (7.6% CI 5.3-9.8) patients met criteria for probable PTSD. The
      prevalence of probable alcohol dependence and probable drug dependence was 1.6%
      (CI 0.6-2.7) and 4.5% (CI 2.7-6.3), respectively. Patients who screened positive
      for depression, anxiety and PTSD reported significantly higher levels of pain,
      fatigue, and functional impairment. Depression and anxiety were independently
      associated with work disability after adjustment for covariates (OR 1.98 (CI 1.08
      3.62) and OR 1.83 (CI 1.04-3.23), respectively). CONCLUSION: The high prevalence
      and adverse associations of probable mental disorder in limb reconstruction
      attest to the need for routine psychological assessment and support. Integrated
      screening and management of mental disorder in this population may have a
      positive impact on patients' emotional, physical and occupational rehabilitation.
      A randomised controlled trial is needed to test this hypothesis.

PMID- 27663112
TI  - Keeping a healthy distance: Self-differentiation and perceived health among ex
      prisoners-of-war's wives.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: War captivity may affect spouses of former-prisoners-of-war (ex-POWs)
      in many ways, including posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and somatic
      difficulties manifested in negative perceived health. This is generally known as
      secondary traumatization. Theory suggests that development of secondary
      traumatization occurs through the relationship with the primary trauma survivor
      Figley (1986) , thus implying that the ability to keep balanced emotional
      distance in the relationship may play a pivotal role. Notwithstanding, the
      contribution of self-differentiation to secondary somatic disturbances remains
      largely uninvestigated. The current study fills this gap. METHODS: Ex-POWs' wives
      (n=143) and control former-combatants' wives (n=102), were assessed prospectively
      30 (T1) and 38 (T2) years after the 1973 Yom Kippur War. Self-differentiation and
      PTSS were assessed at both time-points, while perceived health measures were
      assessed at T2. RESULTS: Wives of ex-POWs endorsed higher PTSS, lower self
      differentiation and negative perceived health, compared to control wives.
      Indirect exposure to war captivity was related to low self-differentiation and
      elevated PTSS, which predicted negative perceived health. Furthermore, self
      differentiation characterized by fusion-with-others fully mediated the relation
      between indirect exposure to war captivity and perceived health, beyond the
      effects of PTSS as a mechanism. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that tendencies
      towards fusion-with-others within the marital relationship, act as a risk factor
      not only for psychological distress but also for somatic distress among secondary
      trauma survivors. Hence, clinical interventions may seek to improve indirect
      trauma survivor's self-differentiation capacities, thus potentially facilitating
      the prevention of secondary somatic distress.

PMID- 27663113
TI  - Correlates and outcomes of worries about hypoglycemia in family members of adults
      with diabetes: The second Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs (DAWN2) study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We examined (a) the demographic and clinical correlates of worries
      about hypoglycemia in adult family members of adults with diabetes, and (b) the
      association of these worries with measures of diabetes support. METHODS: The
      second multinational Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs (DAWN2) study cross
      sectionally surveyed 2057 family members from 17 countries. Participants
      completed questions about demographics, diabetes, and psychosocial functioning,
      including worry about overall and nocturnal hypoglycemia. Analyses included
      hierarchical ordinal and linear regression. RESULTS: Eighty-five percent of
      family members (n=1661) were at least occasionally very worried about the risk of
      hypoglycemic events overall. Correlates of worries about hypoglycemia included
      female gender, higher age and lower education in the family member, younger age
      of the person with diabetes and this person being a parent or another adult
      (versus spouse or partner), insulin or non-insulin injectable treatment, severe
      or non-severe hypoglycemia in the past 12months, and family member recognition of
      hypoglycemia. Elevated worries about hypoglycemia had a significant independent
      association with increased odds of diabetes-related family arguments and family
      member frustration in providing helpful support (OR range 1.60-3.72). High levels
      of worries about hypoglycemia were associated with increased odds of attending
      diabetes-related health-care visits. Worries about hypoglycemia were not
      associated with family member involvement in diabetes care. Similar results were
      found for worries about nocturnal events. CONCLUSION: Worries about hypoglycemia
      were common in family members and were associated with suboptimal diabetes
      support. This issue therefore deserves increased clinician attention.

PMID- 27663114
TI  - Examining internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy for patients with
      chronic kidney disease on haemodialysis: A feasibility open trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Treating depression among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD)
      is imperative because of its high prevalence and health-related costs. However,
      many patients with CKD experience significant barriers to effective face-to-face
      psychological treatments. Internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy (iCBT)
      may help overcome the treatment barriers. The aim of the present study was to
      explore the acceptability and preliminary efficacy of iCBT for depression and
      anxiety among patients with CKD on haemodialysis. METHODS: A single-group open
      trial design involving 22 patients on dialysis and an established iCBT treatment
      for anxiety and depression was employed. The primary outcomes were symptoms of
      depression, anxiety and general psychological distress. The secondary and
      tertiary outcomes were disability, quality of life, kidney disease-related loss
      and kidney disease burden. A generalised estimation equation modelling technique
      was employed. RESULTS: Clinically significant improvements (avg. % of
      improvement) were observed in the primary outcomes of depression (34%), anxiety
      (31%) and general distress (26%), which were maintained or further improved to 3
      month follow-up. Improvements were also observed for quality of life (12%) and
      kidney disease-related loss (30%). However, no improvements in disability and
      kidney disease burden were found. High levels of acceptability were reported and
      relatively little clinician time (99.45min; SD=14.61) was needed to provide the
      treatment. CONCLUSION: The present results provide encouraging support for the
      potential of iCBT as an innovative way of increasing access to effective
      psychological treatment for CKD patients. These results provide much needed
      support for further research in this area. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian and New
      Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12613000103763.

PMID- 27663115
TI  - Prediabetes, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and risk of type 2 diabetes: A
      community-based cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the potential synergistic associations between prediabetes,
      depressive and anxiety symptoms, and the risk of incident type 2 diabetes.
      METHODS: Data were from the Emotional Well-Being, Metabolic Factors and Health
      Status (EMHS) study and included 2486 adults between 40 and 69years without
      diabetes at baseline. Hemoglobin A1c levels and measures of depressive and
      anxiety symptoms were collected at baseline and mutually exclusive groups were
      formed based on the presence/absence of prediabetes and high/low depressive and
      anxiety symptoms. A follow-up telephone interview conducted approximately
      4.6years later inquired about new diabetes diagnoses. RESULTS: 86 participants
      developed diabetes during the follow-up period. After accounting for
      sociodemographic, lifestyle, and metabolic characteristics, participants with
      prediabetes and elevated depressive symptoms had an increased risk of developing
      diabetes compared to those without prediabetes and with low depressive symptoms
      (OR=10.65, 95% CI=4.60, 24.66). The joint effect of prediabetes and depressive
      symptoms on diabetes risk was synergistic (Synergy Index=2.57, 95% CI=1.02,
      6.49). Similar results were found for participants with prediabetes and high
      symptoms of anxiety (OR=8.95, 95% CI=3.54, 22.63), however the joint effect of
      prediabetes and anxiety symptoms did not significantly exceed additive risk after
      adjusting for covariates (Synergy Index=2.39, 95% CI=0.83, 6.87). CONCLUSION: The
      combination of prediabetes and depressive or anxiety symptoms was associated with
      an increased risk of developing diabetes. This study underscores the importance
      of mental health in the progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes.

PMID- 27663116
TI  - Comparison of factor structure models for the Beck Anxiety Inventory among
      cardiac rehabilitation patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Individuals with cardiovascular disease (CVD) experience greater rates
      of distress symptoms, such as anxiety and depressive symptoms, than the general
      population. These psychological outcomes have been linked to greater risk for
      negative outcomes following a cardiac event; however, research examining the
      relationship between specific components of anxiety and outcomes in CVD is
      limited. Further, prior research has not investigated the structure of anxiety
      symptoms in CVD. This study sought to compare previously established one, two,
      and four-factor models of the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) in individuals
      enrolled in cardiac rehabilitation (CR). METHODS: Our sample included 208
      individuals with CVD recruited during enrollment in a phase II CR program.
      Participants completed the BAI at enrollment in CR (Time 1) and again 12weeks
      later at CR completion (Time 2, n=151). RESULTS: Consistent with prior
      literature, 41% of our sample reported at least mild symptoms of anxiety (BAI>8),
      and the BAI proved to be a reliable measure within this sample (alpha=0.89).
      Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) results indicated that a second-order model
      with four first order factors, consisting of cognitive, autonomic, neuromotor,
      and panic components, fit our data well. A multi-group CFA approach supported
      measurement invariance across time. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that
      anxiety following CVD can be evaluated based on cognitive, autonomic, neuromotor,
      and panic components as well as the encompassing anxiety construct.

PMID- 27663117
TI  - Lower maternal serum 25(OH) D in first trimester associated with higher autism
      risk in Chinese offspring.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the association between maternal
      serum vitamin D status in first trimester and risk of ASD at age 3-7years in the
      offspring. METHODS: Using a case-control design, 68 children diagnosed with ASD
      and 68 sex and age matched typically-developing children were included. Archived
      maternal blood samples from the first trimester of pregnancy (11-13weeks
      gestational age) were identified for those participants. Maternal serum levels of
      25 hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH) D], unmetabolized folic acid (FA), vitamin B12,
      homocysteine (HCY) and High Sensitivity C Reactive protein (CRP) were measured
      from those samples. We examined the associations between those factors in
      pregnancy and diagnosis of ASD with logistic regression using SPSS. RESULTS:
      Mothers in autistic group had significantly lower maternal serum levels of 25(OH)
      D than in typically-developing group [19.2(IQR: 15.8-22.9)ng/ml vs. 24.3(19.3
      27.3)ng/ml, P<0.001], with 55.9% and 29.4% being vitamin D deficient,
      respectively (P<0.001). Levels of 25(OH) D increased with decreasing severity of
      ASD as defined by the CARS score (r=-0.302, P<0.001). Maternal first trimester
      serum levels of 25(OH) D in the lower 3 quartiles (quartile 1, 2, 3) (compared to
      the highest quartile) was associated with increased odds of ASD diagnosis in
      offspring [OR (95% CI) Q1: 1.36(0.84-2.58, P=0.25); Q2: 2.68(1.44-4.29, P=0.006);
      Q3:3.99(2.58-7.12, P<0.001)]. CONCLUSIONS: Lower first trimester maternal serum
      levels of 25(OH) D were associated with increased risk of developing autism in
      offspring. If these findings are confirmed, this may present an opportunity for
      prenatal intervention to reduce the risk for ASD.

PMID- 27663118
TI  - Transcranial magnetic stimulation as a treatment for functional (psychogenic)
      upper limb weakness.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: There has been a recent resurgence of interest in physical treatments
      for functional motor disorders (FMD) including Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
      (TMS). This pilot study aimed to test the effectiveness of a single session of
      motor cortex TMS as a treatment for functional upper limb weakness. METHODS: Ten
      subjects with a diagnosis of functional upper limb weakness were randomised to
      immediate (n=7) or delayed (3months) (n=3) TMS treatment. Median age was 35
      (range 23-52) and median symptom duration was 2.3years (range 5months - 20years).
      46-70 single pulses were applied to the motor cortex at 120-150% motor threshold.
      We used a verbal protocol designed to standardized the effects of suggestion.
      Primary outcome measures were self-reported symptom severity, grip strength and
      tapping frequency immediately after treatment, and symptom severity and
      disability (SF-12 and Modified Rankin Scale (MRS)) after 3months. RESULTS: There
      was a small significant reduction in symptom severity immediately after
      treatment, but no improvement in grip strength or tapping frequency and no change
      in symptom severity, SF-12 or MRS 3months after treatment. Small numbers
      precluded comparison of immediate treatment with delayed treatment. Four of eight
      subjects responding to three-month follow-up reported late-onset adverse effects.
      CONCLUSION: This pilot study suggests limited benefits for TMS as a one-off non
      neuromodulatory treatment for stable chronic outpatients. TMS may still have a
      role alongside more intensive multidisciplinary therapy input, or in patients
      with severe deficits where the possibility of normal movement can be hard to
      demonstrate. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02102906.

PMID- 27663119
TI  - Performance of administrative case definitions for depression and anxiety in
      inflammatory bowel disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Comorbid depression and anxiety are common in inflammatory bowel
      disease (IBD), but few population-based estimates of the burden of depression and
      anxiety exist. Methods to support population-based studies are needed. We aimed
      to test the performance of administrative case definitions for depression and
      anxiety in IBD and to understand what the prevalence estimated using such
      definitions reflects. METHODS: We linked administrative (health claims) data from
      the province of Manitoba, Canada with clinical data for 266 persons in the
      Manitoba IBD Cohort Study. We compared the performance of administrative case
      definitions for depression and anxiety with (a) diagnoses of depression and
      anxiety as identified based on the Composite International Diagnostic Interview
      (CIDI), which identifies disorders meeting formal diagnostic criteria, and (b)
      participant report of physician-diagnosed depression or anxiety. RESULTS:
      Administrative definitions for depression showed moderate agreement with the CIDI
      (kappa=0.39-0.42). Agreement was higher with participant report of physician
      diagnosed depression (kappa=0.54). The lifetime prevalence of depression was
      29.3% based on the CIDI, 17.7% based on participant report of physician-diagnosed
      depression, and 21.8-22.5% based on administrative data. Compared to the CIDI,
      administrative definitions for anxiety showed fair agreement (kappa=0.21-0.25).
      The lifetime prevalence of anxiety was 31.2% based on the CIDI, 9.7% based on
      participant report of physician-diagnosed anxiety, and 24.4-31.9% based on
      administrative data. CONCLUSIONS: Administrative data may be used for population
      level surveillance of depression and anxiety in IBD, although they will not
      capture undiagnosed or untreated cases.

PMID- 27663120
TI  - Assessing accuracy of imputation using different SNP panel densities in a multi
      breed sheep population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Genotype imputation is a key element of the implementation of genomic
      selection within the New Zealand sheep industry, but many factors can influence
      imputation accuracy. Our objective was to provide practical directions on the
      implementation of imputation strategies in a multi-breed sheep population
      genotyped with three single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) panels: 5K, 50K and HD
      (600K SNPs). RESULTS: Imputation from 5K to HD was slightly better (0.6 %) than
      imputation from 5K to 50K. Two-step imputation from 5K to 50K and then from 50K
      to HD outperformed direct imputation from 5K to HD. A slight loss in imputation
      accuracy was observed when a large fixed reference population was used compared
      to a smaller within-breed reference (including all 50K genotypes on animals from
      different breeds excluding those in the validation set i.e. to be imputed), but
      only for a few animals across all imputation scenarios from 5K to 50K. However, a
      major gain in imputation accuracy for a large proportion of animals (purebred and
      crossbred), justified the use of a fixed and large reference dataset for all
      situations. This study also investigated the loss in imputation accuracy
      specifically for SNPs located at the ends of each chromosome, and showed that
      only chromosome 26 had an overall imputation (5K to 50K) accuracy for 100 SNPs at
      each end higher than 60 % (r2). Most of the chromosomes displayed reduced
      imputation accuracy at least at one of their ends. Prediction of imputation
      accuracy based on the relatedness of low-density genotypes to those of the
      reference dataset, before imputation (without running an imputation software) was
      also investigated. FIMPUTE V2.2 outperformed BEAGLE 3.3.2 across all imputation
      scenarios. CONCLUSIONS: Imputation accuracy in sheep breeds can be improved by
      following a set of recommendations on SNP panels, software, strategies of
      imputation (one- or two-step imputation), and choice of the animals to be
      genotyped using both high- and low-density SNP panels. We present a method that
      predicts imputation accuracy for individual animals at the low-density level,
      before running imputation, which can be used to restrict genomic prediction only
      to the animals that can be imputed with sufficient accuracy.

PMID- 27663122
TI  - Preface.

PMID- 27663121
TI  - [Patient's preferences for repeat prescriptions in general practice].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The incidence of chronic diseases regularly increases thus focusing
      quality of care as a priority in chronically illness. In 2014, prescription
      renewal was the first reason of outpatient visit in French general practice. In
      fact, the follow-up of chronic disease may be somewhat longer and more complex
      than other standard cares. This work aimed to explore patients' preferences with
      regard to prescription renewal and its variation according to their own illness
      profiles. METHODS: Between June and July 2014, patient perceptions were collected
      through a self-administered questionnaire addressed to adults from 14 French GPs
      offices. RESULTS: In one month, 307 questionnaires were returned. More than two
      third patients (69.7%) evaluated the physician intervention as important as for
      another reason. The prescription was essential or very important for 70%.
      Priority points were those related to share therapeutic options with the
      physician and to obtain more information on their own illness. Older were more
      seeking for information on symptoms and disease than younger (OR=1.14 [1.03
      1.23]). CONCLUSION: Patients are dealing with their own monitoring of chronic
      diseases. They expect more information and they look for shared decisions. The
      term "renewal" does not match their expectations thus leading against patient
      preference: we advocate substituting it to "prescription revaluation".

PMID- 27663123
TI  - Echocardiographic predictors of poor prognosis in congenital diaphragmatic
      hernia.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate
      echocardiographic parameters in relation to the outcomes of isolated left-sided
      congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). METHODS: This multicenter, retrospective,
      observational study was conducted among patients with CDH born between 2006 and
      2010. Patients in this study did not have severe cardiac malformations or
      chromosomal aberrations. Patients with incomplete echocardiographic examinations
      were excluded. In total, 84 patients with left-sided isolated CDH were included
      in this study. The prognostic parameters were obtained from postnatal
      echocardiographic images within 24h after birth. RESULTS: Eight patients died
      before 90days of birth. Univariate analysis showed that the presence of
      continuous right to left shunt at the ductus, left pulmonary artery diameter of
      <2.7mm, right pulmonary artery diameter of <3.3mm, and left ventricular diastolic
      diameter of <10.8mm, were the predictors of poor prognosis. Multivariate logistic
      regression analysis showed that right pulmonary artery diameter of <3.3mm
      (adjusted OR 10.28, 95% C.I.: 1.15-249.19) and left ventricular diastolic
      diameter of <10.8mm (adjusted OR 7.86, 95% C.I.: 1.01-82.82) were predictors of
      poor prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that the predictors of poor
      prognosis associated with CDH include smaller right pulmonary artery and left
      ventricular diastolic diameters. Retrospective Study-Level II.

PMID- 27663124
TI  - Preparing enhanced recovery after surgery for implementation in pediatric
      populations.
AB  - : Standardization in perioperative care has led to major improvements in surgical
      outcomes during the last two decades. Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS)
      programs are one example of a clinical pathway impacting both surgical outcomes
      and efficiency of care, but these programs have not yet been widely adapted for
      surgery in children. In adults, ERAS pathways have been shown to reduce length of
      stay, reduce complication rates, and improve patient satisfaction. These pathways
      improve outcomes through standardization of existing evidence-based best
      practices. Currently, the direct evidence for adapting ERAS pathways to pediatric
      surgery patients is limited. Challenges for implementation of ERAS programs for
      children include lack of direct translatability of adult evidence as well as
      varying levels acceptability of ERAS principles among pediatric providers and
      patients' families. We describe our newly implemented ERAS program for pediatric
      colorectal surgery patients in an era of limited direct evidence and discuss what
      further issues need to be addressed for broader implementation of pediatric ERAS
      pathways. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 5.

PMID- 27663126
TI  - Mild Neurocognitive Disorder: A Model for Accelerated Biological Aging?

PMID- 27663125
TI  - Pediatric patients with traumatic epidural hematoma at low risk for deterioration
      and need for surgical treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although some pediatric patients with small traumatic epidural
      hematoma (EDH) are observed without surgical drainage, clinical practice remains
      variable. OBJECTIVES: Create a prediction rule to identify patients with EDH
      unlikely to fail hospital observation. METHODS: Retrospective review at a level I
      pediatric trauma center between 2003 and 2014. Presenting clinical and
      radiographic features were compared between those successfully to failed
      observation. RESULTS: Two hundred twenty-two patients with EDH whose initial
      management strategy was observation were analyzed; 196 (88%) were successfully
      observed. The group failing observation was more likely to present with altered
      mental status (RR 18.8; 95% CI 8.7-49.6), has larger median bleed thickness
      (observed = 5.6mm versus failed observation = 10.9mm, p<0.01), median bleed
      volume (observed = 2.1ml versus failed observation = 15.7ml, p<0.01), and mass
      effect (RR 3.7; 95% CI 1.8-7.7). No mass effect, EDH volume<15ml, and no
      neurologic deficits predicted patients at low risk of failing observation with a
      positive predictive value of 98% (95% CI 93-99%). There was no difference in
      median discharge Glasgow outcome scores (5 in both groups, p=0.20). CONCLUSION:
      Patients with no mass effect and EDH volume <15ml on initial CT scan and no
      neurologic deficit are at low risk of failing observation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
      Retrospective cohort level I.

PMID- 27663127
TI  - A Promising Combination Therapy for Elders.

PMID- 27663128
TI  - Corrections.

PMID- 27663130
TI  - Continuing neglect of people who inject drugs.

PMID- 27663129
TI  - Maternal immunisation: ethical issues.
AB  - There has been increased interest in the potential of maternal immunisation to
      protect maternal, fetal, and infant health. Maternal tetanus vaccination is part
      of routine antenatal care and immunisation campaigns in many countries, and it
      has played an important part in the reduction of maternal and neonatal tetanus.
      Additional vaccines that have been recommended for routine maternal immunisation
      include those for influenza and pertussis, and other vaccines are being
      developed. Maternal immunisation is controversial since regulators,
      professionals, and the public are often reluctant to accept pharmaceutical
      interventions during pregnancy. So far, little attention has been given to the
      ethics of vaccination during pregnancy. In this Personal View we argue that
      maternal immunisation should be offered in response to concrete, severe risks of
      disease for mother and child, and we explain how this requirement of serious risk
      can be used to guide ethical decision-making about maternal immunisation.

PMID- 27663131
TI  - Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) induces IL-12p40
      production through JNK-AP-1 and NF-kappaB signaling pathways.
AB  - Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) mainly infects
      monocyte/macrophage cells and modulates cytokine production to regulate host
      immune response. IL-12p40 is the basic subunit of IL-12, a heterodimeric
      cytokine, which plays key roles in the cell-mediated immune response. In the
      present study, we demonstrated that PRRSV infection induced IL-12p40 production
      in vitro and in vivo. Subsequently, we showed that inhibitors of p38 MAPK, JNK,
      and NF-kappaB dramatically reduced PRRSV-induced IL-12p40 expression. To further
      characterize the molecular mechanism of IL-12p40 production induced by PRRSV
      infection, we cloned and analyzed the porcine IL-12p40 promoter, in which AP-1
      and NF-kappaB motifs were found. In addition, both JNK-AP-1 and NF-kappaB
      signaling pathways were activated by PRRSV infection. Taken together, these data
      indicate that PRRSV induces IL-12p40 expression through the JNK-AP-1 and NF
      kappaB signaling pathways. Our findings might facilitate our understanding of the
      molecular mechanisms of IL-12 production induced by PRRSV infection.

PMID- 27663132
TI  - Use of focused ultrasonication in activity-based profiling of deubiquitinating
      enzymes in tissue.
AB  - To develop a reproducible tissue lysis method that retains enzyme function for
      activity-based protein profiling, we compared four different methods to obtain
      protein extracts from bovine lung tissue: focused ultrasonication, standard
      sonication, mortar & pestle method, and homogenization combined with standard
      sonication. Focused ultrasonication and mortar & pestle methods were sufficiently
      effective for activity-based profiling of deubiquitinases in tissue, and focused
      ultrasonication also had the fastest processing time. We used focused
      ultrasonicator for subsequent activity-based proteomic analysis of
      deubiquitinases to test the compatibility of this method in sample preparation
      for activity-based chemical proteomics.

PMID- 27663133
TI  - Novel Insights into PML-Dependent Oncosuppression.
AB  - At odds with its nuclear counterpart, extranuclear promyelocytic leukemia
      constitutively inhibits autophagy, hence limiting cancer progression. These data
      raise the interesting possibility that some tumor suppressors have become
      specialized to operate at multiple subcellular compartments for counteracting
      different aspects of the oncogenic process.

PMID- 27663134
TI  - Chronic but not acute immobilization stress stably enhances hippocampal CA1
      metabotropic glutamate receptor dependent Long-Term Depression.
AB  - Acute stress has been shown to facilitate but not increase metabotropic glutamate
      receptor (mGluR) mediated Long-Term Depression (LTD) in the hippocampus. However,
      the effect of chronic stress on mGluR dependent LTD has not been investigated.
      Moreover, whether stress leads to a transient modification LTD threshold or a
      more stable change in synaptic plasticity needs to be addressed. In the present
      study, we have explored the effects of both a ten-day long and a single day
      immobilization stress protocol on mGluR-LTD at the CA3:CA1synapse in the
      hippocampus of adult male Sprague-Dawley rats, a day after applying stress. Bath
      application of the selective group 1 mGluR agonist (S)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine
      (DHPG) promoted robust LTD in hippocampal slices from control (i.e. un-stressed)
      animals. Administration of immobility stress for two hours per day for ten days
      significantly elevated this LTD to a level almost twice that of control, when
      observed 24h following the last stress event. Acute stress i.e. a single day of
      two hours of immobilization, however, failed to significantly enhance LTD, 24h
      later. These results demonstrate for the first time, that repeated exposure to
      stress, but not a single stress event, is required to bring about a stable
      alteration in mGluR mediated synaptic plasticity.

PMID- 27663135
TI  - Disinhibition of neurons of the nucleus of solitary tract that project to the
      superior salivatory nucleus causes choroidal vasodilation: Implications for
      mechanisms underlying choroidal baroregulation.
AB  - Preganglionic neurons in the superior salivatory nucleus (SSN) that mediate
      parasympathetic vasodilation of choroidal blood vessels receive a major
      excitatory input from the baroresponsive part of the nucleus of the solitary
      tract (NTS). This input appears likely to mediate choroidal vasodilation during
      systemic hypotension, which prevents decreases in choroidal blood flow (ChBF) due
      to reduced perfusion pressure. It is uncertain, however, how low blood pressure
      signals to NTS from the aortic depressor nerve (ADN), which fires at a low rate
      during systemic hypotension, could yield increased firing in the NTS output to
      SSN. The simplest hypothesis is that SSN-projecting NTS neurons are under the
      inhibitory control of ADN-receptive GABAergic NTS neurons. As part of evaluating
      this hypothesis, we assessed if SSN-projecting NTS neurons, in fact, receive
      prominent inhibitory input and if blocking GABAergic modulation of them increases
      ChBF. We found that SSN-projecting NTS neuronal perikarya identified by
      retrograde labeling are densely coated with GABAergic terminals, but lightly
      coated with excitatory terminals. We also found that, infusion of the GABA-A
      receptor antagonist GABAzine into NTS increased ChBF. Our results are consistent
      with the possibility that low blood pressure signals from the ADN produce
      vasodilation in choroid by causing diminished activity in ADN-receptive NTS
      neurons that tonically suppress SSN-projecting NTS neurons.

PMID- 27663136
TI  - Inhibition of calcium-permeable and calcium-impermeable AMPA receptors by
      perampanel in rat brain neurons.
AB  - Perampanel is an antiepileptic drug that is used to treat partial-onset seizures
      and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. It is a highly selective AMPA receptor
      allosteric antagonist. However, published data on perampanel activity vary in
      different studies. In the present work we studied the inhibition of native
      calcium-permeable and calcium-impermeable AMPA receptors in rat brain neurons by
      perampanel using whole-cell patch clamp technique. We found that inhibitory
      activity and kinetics of perampanel action do not differ between calcium
      permeable AMPA receptors of rat giant striatum interneurons and calcium
      impermeable receptors of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons (the IC50 value about
      60nM). Also, perampanel caused the same inhibition of steady-state currents
      induced by kainate and glutamate. From the other side perampanel-induced
      inhibition was markedly reduced in the presence of cyclothiazide (IC50 value
      increased to 1.2+/-0.2MUM). We demonstrated that perampanel competes with GYKI
      52466 for binding site.

PMID- 27663138
TI  - Clean hands campaigns: 'There is no such thing as a new idea' (Mark Twain, 1906).

PMID- 27663137
TI  - Neuroprotective effect of mesenchymal stem cell through complement component 3
      downregulation after transient focal cerebral ischemia in mice.
AB  - Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are used in stroke treatment
      despite the poor understanding of its mode of action. The immune suppressive and
      anti-inflammatory properties of MSCs possibly play important roles in regulating
      neuroinflammation after stroke. We investigated whether MSCs reduce the
      inflammatory complement component 3 (C3) levels, thus, providing neuroprotection
      during stroke. Mice were subjected to transient focal cerebral ischemia (tFCI),
      after which MSCs were intravenously injected. The infarct volume of the brain was
      reduced in MSC-injected tFCI mice, and C3 expression was significantly reduced in
      both the brain and the blood. Additionally, the profiles of other inflammatory
      mediators demonstrated neuroprotective changes in the MSCs-treated group. In
      order to analyze the effect of MSCs on neurons during cerebral ischemia, primary
      cortical neurons were co-cultured with MSCs under oxygen-glucose deprivation
      (OGD). Primary neurons co-cultured with MSCs exhibited reduced levels of C3
      expression and increased protection against OGD, indicating that treatment with
      MSCs reduces excessive C3 expression and rescues ischemia-induced neuronal
      damage. Our finding suggests that reduction of C3 expression by MSCs can help to
      ameliorate ischemic brain damage, offering a new neuroprotective strategy in
      stroke therapy.

PMID- 27663139
TI  - Changes in liver stiffness on real-time tissue elastography before and after
      occlusion of spontaneous portosystemic shunts.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study was conducted to evaluate changes in liver stiffness, volume,
      and function before and after occlusion of spontaneous portosystemic shunt.
      MATERIALS & METHODS: Twenty-four patients (13 men and 11 women) with a mean age
      of 68.2 years+/-10.1 (SD) (age range, 49-82 years) underwent percutaneous
      occlusion of spontaneous portosystemic shunt because of gastric varices (n=17) or
      hepatic encephalopathy (n=7) from March 2011 to June 2013. The liver fibrosis
      index indicating liver stiffness was calculated by using ultrasound elastography
      before and after shunt occlusion. Liver volume and liver profile were also
      evaluated. RESULTS: Spontaneous portosystemic shunt occlusion was uneventfully
      performed in all patients. The mean liver fibrosis index was significantly
      decreased from 2.7+/-1.0 before shunt occlusion to 2.0+/-0.9 (P<0.001) at 1
      month, 2.2+/-1.0 at 3 months (P=0.004), and 1.6+/-0.7 at 6 months (P=0.001)
      afterwards. A significant increase in the liver volume was observed from 1035.3+/
      340.1mL before shunt occlusion to 1116.8+/-298.4mL (P=0.006) at 1 month and
      1174.2+/-354.1mL (P<0.001) at 3 months afterwards. Significant improvement in the
      Child-Pugh score was also found at 1 month (6.2+/-1.4, P<0.001), 3 months (6.5+/
      1.1, P=0.022), and 6 months (6.0+/-0.9, P=0.004) after shunt occlusion as
      compared with that (7.2+/-1.9) before. CONCLUSION: The liver stiffness decreases
      along with an increase in liver volume and improvement in liver function after
      spontaneous portosystemic shunt occlusion.

PMID- 27663140
TI  - Selective bilateral renal artery embolization with tris-acryl microspheres in
      focal segmental glomerulosclerosis.

PMID- 27663143
TI  - Willingness of human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients to donate their
      organs for transplantation in Taiwan: a cross-sectional questionnaire survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With the introduction of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART)
      that has significantly improved survival, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
      positive patients may be potential organ donors to HIV-positive recipients in a
      few countries. Organ shortage remains a challenge for organ transplantation in
      Taiwan, where organ donation by HIV-positive patients remains prohibited by law.
      METHODS: We assessed the willingness of organ donation (should they be pronounced
      brain dead, and the ban on HIV-positive organ donation be lifted) among HIV
      positive patients who received regular HIV care at a university hospital in a
      cross-sectional survey between May and August 2015 with the use of an anonymous,
      self-administered questionnaire interview. RESULTS: Of the 1010 participants,
      93.7% were receiving cART with the latest mean CD4 count and plasma HIV RNA load
      of 587 cells/mm3 and 2.73 log10 copies/mL, respectively. Overall, 71.9% were
      willing to donate organs. In multivariate analysis, factors associated with
      willingness to donate organs included college or graduate school diploma (odds
      ratio [OR] 1.571, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.166-2.191), registered
      willingness to donate in the National Health Insurance system (OR 9.430, 95% CI
      1.269-70.051), and knowledge of the information on HIV-positive deceased donors
      (HIVDD) (OR 1.673, 95% CI 1.073-2.608). CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that a
      significant proportion (71.9%) of HIV-positive Taiwanese patients were willing to
      donate their organs. The willingness was associated with a higher education
      level, prior registered willingness to donate organs, and awareness of HIVDD.

PMID- 27663142
TI  - RNA-binding disturbances as a continuum from spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 to
      Parkinson disease.
AB  - CAG triplet expansions in Ataxin-2 gene (ATXN2) cause spinocerebellar ataxia type
      2 and have a role that remains to be clarified in Parkinson's disease (PD). To
      study the molecular events associated with these expansions, we sequenced them
      and analyzed the transcriptome from blood cells of controls and three patient
      groups diagnosed with spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (herein referred to as SCA2c)
      or PD with or without ATXN2 triplet expansions (named SCA2p). The transcriptome
      profiles of these 40 patients revealed three main observations: i) a specific
      pattern of pathways related to cellular contacts, proliferation and
      differentiation associated with SCA2p group, ii) similarities between the SCA2p
      and sporadic PD groups in genes and pathways known to be altered in PD such as
      Wnt, Ephrin and Leukocyte extravasation signaling iii) RNA metabolism
      disturbances with "RNA-binding" and "poly(A) RNA-binding" as a common feature in
      all groups. Remarkably, disturbances of ALS signaling were shared between SCA2p
      and sporadic PD suggesting common molecular dysfunctions in PD and ALS including
      CACNA1, hnRNP, DDX and PABPC gene family perturbations. Interestingly, the
      transcriptome profiles of patients with parkinsonian phenotypes were prevalently
      associated with alterations of translation while SCA2c and PD patients presented
      perturbations of splicing. While ATXN2 RNA expression was not perturbed, its
      protein expression in immortalized lymphoblastoid cells was significantly
      decreased in SCA2c and SCA2p versus control groups assuming post-transcriptional
      biological perturbations. In conclusion, the transcriptome data do not exclude
      the role of ATXN2 mutated alleles in PD but its decrease protein expression in
      both SCA2c and SCA2p patients suggest a potential involvement of this gene in PD.
      The perturbations of "RNA-binding" and "poly(A) RNA-binding" molecular functions
      in the three patient groups as well as gene deregulations of factors not yet
      described in PD but known to be deleterious in other neurological conditions,
      suggest the existence of RNA-binding disturbances as a continuum between
      spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 and Parkinson's disease.

PMID- 27663144
TI  - Expression of SOX10, ABCB5 and CD271 in melanocytic lesions and correlation with
      survival data of patients with melanoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In malignant melanoma (MM), the proteins SOX10, ABCB5 and CD271 are
      strongly expressed, and are associated with tumour-initiating potential and stem
      cell-like properties. AIM: To compare SOX10, ABCB5 and CD271 expression profiles
      in melanocytic naevi and MM at different stages, and to correlate these with
      survival data. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry was performed for SOX10, ABCB5 and
      CD271 expression in common naevi (n = 14), dysplastic naevi (n = 11), primary MM
      (n = 39), lymph node metastases (n = 14) and distant metastases (n = 14). Data
      were assessed using univariate and multivariate statistics. RESULTS: Compared
      with melanocytic naevi, there was significantly higher SOX10 expression in
      primary melanomas, lymph node metastases and distant metastases. ABCB5 had
      significantly higher expression in primary melanomas, lymph node metastases and
      distant metastases compared with melanocytic naevi. CD271 expression was
      significantly increased in dysplatic naevi, lymph node metastases and distant
      metastases. Using multivariate analysis, SOX10 was demonstrated to be a
      significant independent positive predictor for metastatic disease. CONCLUSIONS:
      SOX10, ABCB5 and CD271 proteins are strongly expressed in advanced MM, whereas
      SOX10 appears to be the most suitable marker for independent prediction of
      metastatic disease. Our data indicate that SOX10, ABCB5 and CD271 might play a
      role in MM progression.

PMID- 27663145
TI  - Effectiveness of weekly azathioprine pulse in the treatment of chronic plaque
      psoriasis: an open-label study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Azathioprine is a potent immunosuppressive drug that has been used in
      many immune-mediated diseases. There are a few reports of its use in psoriasis;
      however, azathioprine weekly pulse doses have not been evaluated in this disease.
      AIM: The objective of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of
      weekly oral pulse doses of azathioprine for the treatment of chronic plaque
      psoriasis, and to determine the side effects of this regimen both clinically and
      biochemically. METHODS: In this open-label clinical trial, a 300 mg bolus dose of
      azathioprine was given once every week orally for 24 weeks to patients with
      chronic plaque psoriasis having body surface area involvement of >= 10% and
      Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) of >= 10. Patients were evaluated every
      4 weeks for 24 weeks to determine the response to treatment and any adverse
      effects (AEs), and then followed up for a further period of 12 weeks to determine
      any relapse of the disease. RESULTS: There were 50 patients in the study, of whom
      28 (56%) completed the 24 weeks of treatment and 27 (54%) completed the 12-week
      post-treatment follow-up. Azathioprine 300 mg weekly pulse was effective in
      achieving PASI 75 in 42% of patients, PASI 90 in 36% of patients and PASI 100 in
      22% of patients. In five patients (10%), the therapy had to be withdrawn due to
      AEs. CONCLUSION: Weekly azathioprine pulse appears to be an effective treatment
      for chronic plaque psoriasis, and can be used as an alternative therapy to other
      available therapeutic agents.

PMID- 27663146
TI  - Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and CRH receptor 1 gene expression in
      vitiligo.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vitiligo is a disorder characterized by depigmented patches in the
      skin. Psychological stress can activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis
      in the brain as well as on the peripheral level and aggravate autoimmune skin
      diseases. Skin appendages have dual functions dually as prominent targets and
      sources of the peripheral corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)
      proopiomelanocortin axis. AIM: To assess the role of CRH and CRHR-1 in vitiligo,
      and its possible association with psychological stress. METHODS: In total, 30
      patients with vitiligo and 30 healthy controls were collected from the outpatient
      clinic. Expression of CRH and CRHR-1 was measured by real-time PCR in lesions and
      control skin. RESULTS: A significant increase in CRH and CRHR-1 expression was
      significantly correlated with psychological stress in vitiligo. CONCLUSION: We
      conclude that CRH and CRHR-1 are altered by psychological stress and play an
      important role in the pathogenesis of vitiligo.

PMID- 27663147
TI  - Sweet syndrome: long-term follow-up of 138 patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several studies support a strong association of Sweet syndrome (SS)
      with malignancy. However, only a few studies analysing the clinical features of
      malignancy-associated SS have been published in recent years. AIM: To
      retrospectively study the clinical features of SS that could predict the
      development of associated malignancies and to analyse the development of
      malignant neoplasia during long-term follow-up of patients with SS. METHODS:
      Clinical features of the patients diagnosed with SS syndrome between 1987 and
      2013 at Bellvitge Hospital (Barcelona, Spain) were retrospectively analysed.
      RESULTS: In total, 138 patients were included in the study (66 male, 72 female,
      mean +/- SD age 51.24 +/- 14.11 years). SS was associated with haematological
      malignancy in 31 cases, infection in 23, inflammatory bowel disease in 12,
      inflammatory systemic disease in 8, and solid tumours in 4. It was drug-induced
      in 5 cases and idiopathic in 54. In four patients, an underlying haematological
      disease that was considered related to SS was diagnosed between 4 and 16 months
      after SS presentation. Variables significantly associated with malignancy in
      multivariate logistic regression analysis were age (OR = 1.08 for each increasing
      year, P = 0.01), anaemia (OR = 9.38, P = 0.001), thrombocytopenia (OR = 16.10, P
      < 0.01) and absence of arthralgia (OR = 11.13, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Patients
      with older age, anaemia or thrombocytopenia, and without arthralgia are more
      likely to have malignancy-associated SS. We recommend that patients with SS
      without clear aetiology should be followed up for at least 16 months to exclude a
      possible underlying haematological malignancy.

PMID- 27663148
TI  - Tzanck smear as an accurate and rapid diagnostic tool for cutaneous alternariosis
      in a renal transplant recipient.
AB  - Alternaria species are becoming increasingly important opportunistic pathogens in
      recipients of solid organ transplant, as it has been shown that dissemination
      with systemic involvement is not as rare as previously reported. Therefore, rapid
      and accurate diagnosis is necessary for appropriate patient management. We report
      a patient with renal transplant who developed recurrent cutaneous alternariosis.
      Tzanck smear successfully and very rapidly revealed hyphae and spores in both the
      primary and subsequent lesions. Furthermore, Tzanck smear provided guidance for
      histopathological examination of the second lesion, which failed to disclose the
      fungal elements until additional deeper serial sections were performed. The
      present case emphasizes that the Tzanck smear is a useful clinical tool leading
      to the immediate correct diagnosis even in deep fungal infections. 

PMID- 27663149
TI  - Acral pseudolymphomatous angiokeratoma of children (APACHE)-like eruption in
      adult identical twins.
AB  - Acral pseudolymphomatous angiokeratoma of children (APACHE) is a condition that
      was first described in 1990 in a group of children, but has since been described
      in adults. We present the cases of identical twin patients aged 40 years. The
      first brother presented with an 8-year history of itchy lesions over the left
      ankle and the insteps of both feet. After a diagnostic biopsy, he was treated
      with potent steroids under occlusion for 8 weeks, which resulted in flattening of
      the lesions and resolution of the pruritus. The second twin had a 20-year history
      of a very similar presentation but the lesions were less pronounced; he chose not
      to have treatment. No other family members were affected. Skin biopsies from both
      patients showed similar changes. Within an overall hyperkeratotic and acanthotic
      epidermis, there were focal areas of lichenoid change and epidermal thinning.
      Beneath these areas, there was oedema and nodular aggregates of dense
      inflammatory cell infiltrate, predominantly lymphocytic infiltrate. APACHE has
      not been previously described in twins. 

PMID- 27663141
TI  - Chronic oxidative damage together with genome repair deficiency in the neurons is
      a double whammy for neurodegeneration: Is damage response signaling a potential
      therapeutic target?
AB  - A foremost challenge for the neurons, which are among the most oxygenated cells,
      is the genome damage caused by chronic exposure to endogenous reactive oxygen
      species (ROS), formed as cellular respiratory byproducts. Strong metabolic
      activity associated with high transcriptional levels in these long lived post
      mitotic cells render them vulnerable to oxidative genome damage, including DNA
      strand breaks and mutagenic base lesions. There is growing evidence for the
      accumulation of unrepaired DNA lesions in the central nervous system (CNS) during
      accelerated aging and progressive neurodegeneration. Several germ line mutations
      in DNA repair or DNA damage response (DDR) signaling genes are uniquely
      manifested in the phenotype of neuronal dysfunction and are etiologically linked
      to many neurodegenerative disorders. Studies in our lab and elsewhere revealed
      that pro-oxidant metals, ROS and misfolded amyloidogenic proteins not only
      contribute to genome damage in CNS, but also impede their repair/DDR signaling
      leading to persistent damage accumulation, a common feature in sporadic
      neurodegeneration. Here, we have reviewed recent advances in our understanding of
      the etiological implications of DNA damage vs. repair imbalance, abnormal DDR
      signaling in triggering neurodegeneration and potential of DDR as a target for
      the amelioration of neurodegenerative diseases.

PMID- 27663150
TI  - Spiradenoma causing longitudinal splitting of the nail.
AB  - Longitudinal splitting of the nails can occur as a result of any growth arising
      in the nail matrix. We present a case of a 50-year-old woman who presented with
      an 18-month history of longitudinal splitting of the nail on her right little
      finger, along with pain in the proximal nail fold region, which was extremely
      tender to touch. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an intensely enhancing
      lesion, while colour Doppler imaging revealed hypervascularity within the mass. A
      provisional diagnosis of glomus tumour was considered. Histopathology
      demonstrated presence of a well-circumscribed tumour comprising a dual population
      of cells, which stained negatively with periodic-acid-Schiff. The
      histopathological features were consistent with those of eccrine spiradenoma
      (ES). In this case, glomus tumour was considered as the first differential
      diagnosis, but histopathology confirmed it as an ES. 

PMID- 27663151
TI  - Novel MBTPS2 missense mutation causes a keratosis follicularis spinulosa
      decalvans phenotype: mutation update and review of the literature.
AB  - Keratosis follicularis spinulosa decalvans (KFSD) is an X-linked condition
      characterized by keratotic follicular papules and progressive alopecia, which is
      caused by mutations in the MBTPS2 gene. We carried out a genetic study on a child
      who was suspected clinically to have KFSD. Sanger sequencing was performed to
      detect mutations in the entire coding region of MBTPS2. A novel missense mutation
      (c.599C>T) was identified in the patient, confirming a diagnosis of KFSD. We
      reviewed related cases with MBTPS2 mutations for evidence of genotype-phenotype
      correlations. 

PMID- 27663152
TI  - Acrokeratosis verruciformis of Hopf exhibiting Darier disease-like cytological
      features.
AB  - The relationship between acrokeratosis verruciformis (AVH; also known as Hopf
      disease) and Darier disease (DD) has been debated for several decades. There is
      still substantial controversy over the characterization and association of AVH
      with DD. Certain histopathological features overlapping with those of DD have
      been demonstrated in patients with AVH. Although cytological findings have been
      described in DD, no study has identified the cytological changes in AVH. We
      report a case of AVH exhibiting a DD-like cytological manifestation. The samples
      from the most prominent lesions were examined by split-skin smear test.
      Cytological examination showed acantholytic keratinocytes, dyskeratotic
      acantholytic cells, corps ronds and grains. Histopathological examination showed
      compact hyperkeratosis, hypergranulosis, slight acanthosis, circumscribed
      epidermal elevations resembling church spires, and a cleft in the granular layer
      with several acantholytic cells. Our case indicates that the cytological findings
      of AVH are similar to those of DD. 

PMID- 27663153
TI  - Localized axillary milia en plaque: a rare cutaneous case presentation of
      systemic amyloidosis.
AB  - Systemic AL amyloidosis is known to be associated with plasma cell dyscrasias,
      including multiple myeloma. The cutaneous manifestations of systemic AL
      amyloidosis are varied, but typically include waxy plaques or subcutaneous
      nodules. We report a woman who presented with bilateral eruptions of
      hyperpigmented plaques in her axillae, which were diagnosed as milia en plaque.
      She had a history of multiple myeloma, for which she was under the care of a
      haematologist. This is the first documented case, to our knowledge, of an
      eruption in the axillae being milia en plaque. 

PMID- 27663154
TI  - Cutaneous Mycobacterium abscessus infection following hair transplant.
AB  - A 28-year-old man presented with a 10-day history of scalp nodules. He had
      undergone hair transplantation 2 months previously. Incision and drainage of one
      of the nodules yielded gelatinous material, which was sent for microscopy and
      culture, including low-temperature culture. After 2 weeks of incubation, culture
      of the nodule yielded acid- and alcohol-fast bacilli, which were identified as
      Mycobacterium abscessus, a rapidly growing, nontuberculous mycobacterium, which
      has been reported to cause cutaneous, soft tissue and respiratory infections
      following trauma, surgery or injection with nonsterile needles. A high index of
      suspicion is therefore needed in patients who present with cutaneous infections
      after cosmetic dermatological procedures, including hair transplantation. 

PMID- 27663155
TI  - Two patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type VIII with unexpected hoarseness.
AB  - Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) encompasses a genetically and clinically
      heterogeneous group of connective tissue disorders, characterized by joint
      hypermobility, skin hyperextensibility and tissue fragility. It is a rare
      condition, and inheritance is either autosomal dominant or recessive. Previously
      grouped into 11 different subtypes, with increasing knowledge of the underlying
      molecular defects, it was reclassified in 1997 into 6 major groups, with type
      VIII excluded from this classification. Type VIII EDS is a very rare subtype,
      characterized by severe, early-onset periodontitis, skin fragility and abnormal
      scarring. Voice abnormalities have occasionally been described in other forms of
      the condition, and may be due to defects in the collagen of the vocal ligament.
      We report two cases of patients with EDS type VIII and hoarseness. 

PMID- 27663156
TI  - Isolated linear blaschkoid psoriasis.
AB  - Linear psoriasis (LPs) is considered a rare clinical presentation of psoriasis,
      which is characterized by linear erythematous and scaly lesions along the lines
      of Blaschko. We report the case of a 20-year-old man who presented with
      asymptomatic linear and S-shaped erythematous, scaly plaques on right side of his
      trunk. The plaques were arranged along the lines of Blaschko with a sharp
      demarcation at the midline. Histological examination of a skin biopsy confirmed
      the diagnosis of psoriasis. Topical calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate
      ointments were prescribed for 2 months. A good clinical improvement was achieved,
      with reduction in lesion thickness and scaling. In patients with linear
      erythematous and scaly plaques along the lines of Blaschko, the diagnosis of LPs
      should be kept in mind, especially in patients with asymptomatic lesions of late
      onset. 

PMID- 27663157
TI  - Food allergen-mediated exacerbations of oral lichen planus.
AB  - Erosive oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic autoimmune condition of unknown
      aetiology, characterized by periods of exacerbation and quiescence. Many patients
      with OLP report triggers of flares that overlap with triggers of other oral
      diseases, including oral allergy syndrome (OAS), an IgE-mediated food allergy. We
      report a case that, to our knowledge, is the first reported case of concurrent
      OLP and OAS diagnoses, which provides insight into the triggers of OLP and the
      role of trigger avoidance. A woman in her 60s presented with erosive OLP
      refractory to prednisone and azathioprine. She reported that certain food
      exposures triggered flares of her OLP. She was subsequently diagnosed with
      concurrent OAS, and avoidance of food allergens resulted in a clinically
      significant improvement in her OLP, eventually allowing her to taper off systemic
      treatment altogether. Further studies are needed to pinpoint common triggers and
      examine the role of trigger avoidance as a management strategy for OLP. 

PMID- 27663158
TI  - Anti-apoptotic function of herpes simplex virus -2 latency-associated transcript
      RL1 sequence and screening of its encoded microRNAs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The latency-associated transcript (LAT) gene of herpes simplex virus
      (HSV)-2 is the only detectable viral gene expressed during latent infection in
      neurons. LAT inhibits apoptosis and maintains latency by promoting the survival
      of infected neurons. However, whether LAT functions during HSV-2 infection via
      its encoded RNAs or via its encoded proteins remain unknown. Increasing evidence
      has indicated that LAT is likely to functionally promote the establishment of
      latent infection via LAT-encoded microRNAs (miRNAs). AIM: To explore whether the
      RL1 fragment of the five adjacent miRNAs has an effect on cell apoptosis, then
      provide supporting evidence to elucidate the potential role of these miRNAs and
      to aid screening of their cellular targets. METHODS: A number of techniques,
      including MTT assay, flow cytometry and DNA ladder analysis, were used to verify
      the role of the RL1 fragment and the contribution of the individual miRNAs to the
      anti-apoptotic effect. RESULTS: Five miRNAs (miR-H3, miR-H4-3p, miR-H4-5p, miR
      H24 and miR-H19) were detected by quantitative PCR in PC12 cells stably
      expressing RL1 after pEGFP-RL1 plasmid transfection in vitro. The data indicated
      that expression of HSV-2 LAT RL1 seems to provide protection against apoptosis of
      PC12 cells induced by ActD. Antisense miRNAs specifically inhibiting these five
      miRNAs could efficiently reduce their expression. Transfection of antisense-miR
      H3, antisense-miR-H4-5p and antisense-miR-H19 into PC12 cells stably expressing
      RL1 were able to partly reverse the anti-apoptotic effect of these miRNAs.
      CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that the apoptotic role of the RL1 fragment
      is likely to be related to overexpression of miR-H3, miR-H4-5p and miR-H19 in
      PC12 cells.

PMID- 27663159
TI  - Skin photorejuvenation effects of light-emitting diodes (LEDs): a comparative
      study of yellow and red LEDs in vitro and in vivo.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Red-coloured light-emitting diodes (LEDs) can improve skin
      photorejuvenation and regeneration by increasing cellular metabolic activity.
      AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of visible LEDs with specific wavelengths for
      skin photorejuvenation in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: Normal human dermal
      fibroblasts (HDFs) from neonatal foreskin were cultured and irradiated in vitro
      by LEDs at different wavelengths (410-850 nm) and doses (0-10 J/cm(2) ). In vivo
      experiments were performed on the skin of hairless mice. Expression of collagen
      (COL) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) was evaluated by semi-quantitative
      reverse transcription PCR (semi-qRT-PCR), western blotting and a procollagen type
      I C-peptide enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Haematoxylin and eosin and Masson trichrome
      stains were performed to evaluate histological changes. RESULTS: In HDFs, COL I
      was upregulated and MMP-1 was downregulated in response to LED irradiation at 595
      +/- 2 and 630 +/- 8 nm. In the EIA, a peak result was achieved at a dose of 5
      J/cm(2) with LED at 595 +/- 2 nm. In vivo, COL I synthesis was upregulated in a
      dose-dependent manner to both 595 and 630 nm LED irradiation, and this effect was
      prolonged to 21 days after a single irradiation with a dose of 100 J/cm(2) .
      These histological changes were consistent with the results of semi-qRT-PCR and
      western blots. CONCLUSION: Specific LED treatment with 595 +/- 2 and 630 +/- 8 nm
      irradiation was able to modulate COL and MMPs in skin, with the effects
      persisting for at least 21 days after irradiation. These findings suggest that
      yellow and red LEDs might be useful tools for skin photorejuvenation.

PMID- 27663160
TI  - A sporadic case of Nagashima-type palmoplantar keratosis caused by gene mutation
      in SERPINB7.

PMID- 27663161
TI  - Novel clinical and molecular findings in Chinese families with Hailey-Hailey
      disease: an update.

PMID- 27663162
TI  - Childhood linear IgA bullous dermatosis successfully treated with oral
      nicotinamide.

PMID- 27663163
TI  - Isolation of Bacillus simplex strain from Demodex folliculorum and observations
      about Demodicosis spinulosa.

PMID- 27663164
TI  - Treatment of acquired reactive perforating collagenosis with 308-nm excimer
      laser.

PMID- 27663165
TI  - Bimatoprost in vitiligo.

PMID- 27663166
TI  - Multiple asymptomatic papules.

PMID- 27663167
TI  - Unusual ulcer in an immunocompromised host.

PMID- 27663168
TI  - Dry skin and blistering in childhood.

PMID- 27663169
TI  - An unsual cause of bilateral pigmentation on the upper back.

PMID- 27663170
TI  - An intensely itchy papular eruption.

PMID- 27663172
TI  - The contribution of unsafe blood transfusion to human immunodeficiency virus
      incidence in sub-Saharan Africa: reexamination of the 5% to 10% convention.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Historical estimates have attributed 5% to 10% of new human
      immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to unsafe
      blood transfusions. Although frequently cited, the validity of this statistic is
      uncertain or outdated. Recent estimates suggest blood transfusion's contribution
      to new HIV infections in the region may be much lower. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:
      We searched the peer-reviewed and gray literature for quantitative estimates of
      the specific contribution of unsafe blood transfusion to the proportion of new
      HIV infections occurring in SSA. The sources and methods used to generate
      attribution estimates were evaluated against published country-specific HIV
      prevalence data. RESULTS: Despite multiple secondary citations, a primary
      published source attributing 5% to 10% of new HIV infections to blood
      transfusions in SSA could not be established for the current era. The United
      Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) modes of transmission (MOT) reports
      representing 15 countries suggest that between 0 and 1.1% of new HIV infections
      per year (median, 0.2% or approx. two out of 1000 new infections each year) may
      be attributable to blood transfusions. CONCLUSION: Recent modeled estimates
      suggest that blood transfusions account for a very low proportion of new HIV
      infections in SSA, likely an order of magnitude lower than 5% to 10%. Direct
      quantification of risk is challenging given the paucity of data on the variables
      that impact transfusion-associated HIV. Specifically, data on HIV incidence in
      blood donors, blood bank laboratory test performance, and posttransfusion
      surveillance are lacking. Findings suggest an urgent need for improved
      surveillance and modeling of transfusion-associated HIV transmission in the
      region.

PMID- 27663171
TI  - Concise Review: Lessons from Naive Human Pluripotent Cells.
AB  - The naive state of pluripotency is actively being explored by a number of labs.
      There is some controversy in the field as to the true identity of naive human
      pluripotent cells as they are not exact mirrors of the mouse. The various reports
      published, although in basic agreement, present discrepancies in the
      characterization of the various lines, which likely reflect the etiology of these
      lines. The primary lesson learned from these contributions is that a human naive
      state reflecting the preimplantation human is likely to exist. The essential
      factors that will universally maintain the naive state in human cells in vitro
      are not yet fully understood. These first need to be identified in order to
      describe the definitive characteristics of this state. Comparisons of naive and
      primed human pluripotent cells have also highlighted consistencies between states
      and broadened our understanding of embryonic metabolism, epigenetic change
      required for development, embryonic DNA repair strategies and embryonic
      expression dynamics. Stem Cells 2017;35:35-41.

PMID- 27663173
TI  - Convergence of models of human ventricular myocyte electrophysiology after global
      optimization to recapitulate clinical long QT phenotypes.
AB  - In-silico models of human cardiac electrophysiology are now being considered for
      prediction of cardiotoxicity as part of the preclinical assessment phase of all
      new drugs. We ask the question whether any of the available models are actually
      fit for this purpose. We tested three models of the human ventricular action
      potential, the O'hara-Rudy (ORD11), the Grandi-Bers (GB10) and the Ten Tusscher
      (TT06) models. We extracted clinical QT data for LQTS1 and LQTS2 patients with
      nonsense mutations that would be predicted to cause 50% loss of function in IKs
      and IKr respectively. We also obtained clinical QT data for LQTS3 patients. We
      then used a global optimization approach to improve the existing in silico models
      so that they reproduced all three clinical data sets more closely. We also
      examined the effects of adrenergic stimulation in the different LQTS subsets. All
      models, in their original form, produce markedly different and unrealistic
      predictions of QT prolongation for LQTS1, 2 and 3. After global optimization of
      the maximum conductances for membrane channels, all models have similar current
      densities during the action potential, despite differences in kinetic properties
      of the channels in the different models, and more closely reproduce the
      prolongation of repolarization seen in all LQTS subtypes. In-silico models of
      cardiac electrophysiology have the potential to be tremendously useful in
      complementing traditional preclinical drug testing studies. However, our results
      demonstrate they should be carefully validated and optimized to clinical data
      before they can be used for this purpose.

PMID- 27663175
TI  - Regulating the regulator: Insights into the cardiac protein phosphatase 1
      interactome.
AB  - Reversible phosphorylation of proteins is a delicate yet dynamic balancing act
      between kinases and phosphatases, the disturbance of which underlies numerous
      disease processes. While our understanding of protein kinases has grown
      tremendously over the past decades, relatively little is known regarding protein
      phosphatases. This may be because protein kinases are great in number and
      relatively specific in function, and thereby amenable to be studied in isolation,
      whereas protein phosphatases are much less abundant and more nonspecific in their
      function. To achieve subcellular localization and substrate specificity,
      phosphatases depend on partnering with a large number of regulatory subunits,
      protein scaffolds and/or other interactors. This added layer of complexity
      presents a significant barrier to their study, but holds the key to unexplored
      opportunities for novel pharmacologic intervention. In this review we focus on
      serine/threonine protein phosphatase type-1 (PP1), which plays an important role
      in cardiac physiology and pathophysiology. Although much work has been done to
      investigate the role of PP1 in cardiac diseases including atrial fibrillation and
      heart failure, most of these studies were limited to examining and manipulating
      the catalytic subunit(s) of PP1 without adequately considering the PP1
      interactors, which give specificity to PP1's functions. To complement these
      studies, three unbiased methods have been developed and applied to the mapping of
      the PP1 interactome: bioinformatics approaches, yeast two-hybrid screens, and
      affinity-purification mass spectrometry. The application of these complementary
      methods has the potential to generate a detailed cardiac PP1 interactome, which
      is an important step in identifying novel and targeted pharmacological
      interventions.

PMID- 27663174
TI  - Minocycline attenuates cardiac dysfunction in tumor-burdened mice.
AB  - Cardiovascular dysfunction as a result of tumor burden is becoming a recognized
      complication; however, the mechanisms remain unknown. A murine model of cancer
      cachexia has shown marked increases of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), known
      mediators of cardiac remodeling, in the left ventricle. The extent to which MMPs
      are involved in remodeling remains obscured. To this end a common antibiotic,
      minocycline, with MMP inhibitory properties was used to elucidate MMP involvement
      in tumor induced cardiovascular dysfunction. Tumor-bearing mice showed decreased
      cardiac function with reduced posterior wall thickness (PWTs) during systole,
      increased MMP and collagen expression consistent with fibrotic remodeling.
      Administration of minocycline preserved cardiac function in tumor bearing mice
      and decreased collagen RNA expression in the left ventricle. MMP protein levels
      were unaffected by minocycline administration, with the exception of MMP-9,
      indicating minocycline inhibition mechanisms are directly affecting MMP activity.
      Cancer induced cardiovascular dysfunction is an increasing concern; novel
      therapeutics are needed to prevent cardiac complications. Minocycline is a well
      known antibiotic and recently has been shown to possess MMP inhibitory
      properties. Our findings presented here show that minocycline could represent a
      novel use for a long established drug in the prevention and treatment of cancer
      induced cardiovascular dysfunction.

PMID- 27663177
TI  - Effect of mahanimbine, an alkaloid from curry leaves, on high-fat diet-induced
      adiposity, insulin resistance, and inflammatory alterations.
AB  - Spices and condiments, small but an integral part of the daily diet, are known to
      affect physiological functions. This study evaluated the effects of mahanimbine,
      a major carbazole alkaloid from Murraya koenigii (curry leaves), against
      progression of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced metabolic complications in mice (male
      and female). Mahanimbine at 2 mg/kg (HFD + LD) and 4 mg/kg (HFD + HD) of body
      weight was administered daily along with HFD feeding for 12 weeks. At the end of
      the study, male HFD + LD and HFD + HD groups showed 51.70 +/- 3.59% and 47.37 +/-
      3.73% weight gain, respectively, as compared with 71.02 +/- 6.04% in HFD fed mice
      whereas female HFD + LD and HFD + HD groups showed 24.31 +/- 1.68% and 25.10 +/-
      2.61% weight gain as compared with HFD group with 36.69 +/- 3.60% of weight gain.
      Mahanimbine prevented HFD-induced hyperlipidemia and fat accumulation in adipose
      tissue and liver along with the restricted progression of systemic inflammation
      and oxidative stress. Moreover, mahanimbine treatment improved glucose clearance
      and upregulated the expression of insulin responsive genes in liver and adipose
      tissue. Male and female mice showed different traits in development of HFD
      induced metabolic disturbances; however, mahanimbine treatment exerted similar
      effects in both the sexes. In addition, mahanimbine lowered the absorption of
      dietary fat resulting in dietary fat excretion. In conclusion, daily consumption
      of mahanimbine and thereby curry leaves may alleviate development of HFD-induced
      metabolic alterations. (c) 2016 BioFactors, 43(2):220-231, 2017.

PMID- 27663178
TI  - ICU antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) rounds: the daily activities of an AMS
      service.

PMID- 27663176
TI  - Expression of the phosphodiesterase BifA facilitating swimming motility is partly
      controlled by FliA in Pseudomonas putida KT2440.
AB  - Flagella-mediated motility is an important capability of many bacteria to survive
      in nutrient-depleted and harsh environments. Decreasing the intracellular cyclic
      di-GMP (c-di-GMP) level by overexpression of phosphodiesterase BifA promotes
      flagellar-mediated motility and induces planktonic lifestyle in Pseudomonas. The
      mechanism that regulates expression of bifA gene was poorly studied. Here we
      showed that expression of BifA was partly controlled by flagellar sigma factor
      FliA (sigma28 ) in Pseudomonas putidaKT2440. FliA deletion led to an
      approximately twofold decrease in transcription of bifA. 5' race assay revealed
      two transcription start points in bifA promoter region, with the putative sigma70
      and sigma28 promoter sequences upstream, respectively. Point mutation in sigma28
      promoter region reduced transcriptional activity of the promoter in wild-type
      KT2440, but showed no influence on that in fliA deletion mutant. FliA
      overexpression decreased the intracellular c-di-GMP level in a BifA-dependent
      way, suggesting that FliA was able to modulate the intracellular c-di-GMP level
      and BifA function was required for the modulation. Besides, FliA overexpression
      enhanced swimming ability of wild-type strain, while made no difference to the
      bifA mutant. Our results suggest that FliA acts as a negative regulator to
      modulate the c-di-GMP level via controlling transcription of bifA to facilitate
      swimming motility.

PMID- 27663179
TI  - Clinical outcomes associated with per-operative discontinuation of aspirin in
      patients with coronary artery disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Postoperative state is characterized by increased thrombotic risk by
      virtue of platelet activation. Whether aspirin ameliorates this risk in patients
      with established coronary artery disease undergoing cardiac or noncardiac surgery
      is unknown. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the
      risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and the risk of bleeding in patients
      with early (3-5 or more days before surgery) vs. late discontinuation(<3-5
      days)/no discontinuation of aspirin. METHODS: Multiple databases were searched
      from inception of these databases until March 2015 to identify studies that
      reported discontinuation of aspirin in patients undergoing surgery. The outcomes
      measured were all cause mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction and other
      relevant thrombotic events (MACE) which also may include, fatal and nonfatal MI,
      stent thrombosis and restenosis, stroke, perioperative cardiovascular
      complications (heart failure, MI, VTE, acute stroke) and perioperative bleeding
      during the perioperative period to up to 30 days after surgery. RESULTS: A total
      of 1,018 titles were screened, after which six observational studies met the
      inclusion criteria. Our analysis suggests that there is no difference in MACE
      with planned discontinuation of aspirin (OR = 1.17, 95% CI = 0.76-1.81; P = 0.05;
      I2  = 55%). Early discontinuation of aspirin showed a decreased risk of peri
      operative bleeding (OR 0.82, 95% CI = 0.67-0.99; P = 0.04; I2  = 42%).
      CONCLUSION: Our analysis suggests that planned short-term discontinuation in the
      appropriate clinical setting appears to be safe in the correct clinical setting
      with no increased risk of thrombotic events and with a decreased risk of
      bleeding. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27663181
TI  - Prediction model for mortality in cancer patients with pneumonia: comparison with
      CURB-65 and PSI.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: We aimed to develop a new prediction model of
      mortality in cancer patients with pneumonia and to compare its performance with
      CURB-65 and the Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI). METHODS: Active cancer patients
      who were diagnosed with pneumonia at the Emergency Department (ED) from 7/1/2014
      to 12/31/2014 were consecutively included. Clinical data were collected through a
      medical chart review. The primary outcome was the 28-day mortality, and clinical
      factors were analyzed using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Among a total
      of 218 analyzed patients with a median age of 64.0 years (IQR, 56.8-71.0) and a
      male proportion of 72%, 42 (19.3%) died within 28 days of ED admission. By
      multivariate logistic regression analysis, an ECOG performance status (PS) 3 (OR:
      8.54, 95% CI: 3.42-21.33) or 4 (OR: 13.17, 95% CI: 3.19-54.32), SpO2 <90% (OR:
      3.06, 95% CI: 1.17-8.00), and elevated lactic acid levels (OR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.12
      1.81) were significantly associated with mortality. With these three variables, a
      new prediction model with total scores ranged from 0 to 6 was generated. The area
      under the curve of the new prediction model was 0.840, compared with 0.673 and
      0.586 for CURB-65 and PSI, respectively. CONCLUSION: In cancer patients with
      pneumonia, a poor ECOG PS, SpO2 <90%, and lactic acid elevation are independent
      predictors of mortality. The new prediction model, comprising three predictors,
      performs better in predicting mortality in cancer patients than CURB-65 or PSI.

PMID- 27663182
TI  - Cholesterol 24-hydroxylase: Brain cholesterol metabolism and beyond.
AB  - Dysfunctions in brain cholesterol homeostasis have been extensively related to
      brain disorders. The major elimination pathway of brain cholesterol is its
      hydroxylation into 24 (S)-hydroxycholesterol by the cholesterol 24-hydroxylase
      (CYP46A1). Interestingly, there seems to be an association between CYP46A1 and
      high-order brain functions, in a sense that increased expression of this
      hydroxylase improves cognition, while a reduction leads to a poor cognitive
      performance. Moreover, increasing amount of epidemiological, biochemical and
      molecular evidence, suggests that CYP46A1 has a role in the pathogenesis or
      progression of neurodegenerative disorders, in which up-regulation of this enzyme
      is clearly beneficial. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects are
      poorly understood, which highlights the importance of studies that further
      explore the role of CYP46A1 in the central nervous system. In this review we
      summarize the major findings regarding CYP46A1, and highlight the several
      recently described pathways modulated by this enzyme from a physiological and
      pathological perspective, which might account for novel therapeutic strategies
      for neurodegenerative disorders.

PMID- 27663180
TI  - Clinical Predictors of Hospital Mortality Differ Between Direct and Indirect
      ARDS.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Direct (pulmonary) and indirect (extrapulmonary) ARDS are distinct
      syndromes with important pathophysiologic differences. The goal of this study was
      to determine whether clinical characteristics and predictors of mortality differ
      between direct or indirect ARDS. METHODS: This retrospective observational cohort
      study included 417 patients with ARDS. Each patient was classified as having
      direct (pneumonia or aspiration, n = 250) or indirect (nonpulmonary sepsis or
      pancreatitis, n = 167) ARDS. RESULTS: Patients with direct ARDS had higher lung
      injury scores (3.0 vs 2.8; P < .001), lower Simplified Acute Physiology Score II
      scores (51 vs 62; P < .001), lower Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation
      II scores (27 vs 30; P < .001), and fewer nonpulmonary organ failures (1 vs 2; P
      < .001) compared with patients with indirect ARDS. Hospital mortality was similar
      (28% vs 31%). In patients with direct ARDS, age (OR, 1.29 per 10 years; P = .01;
      test for interaction, P = .03), lung injury scores (OR, 2.29 per point; P = .001;
      test for interaction, P = .058), and number of nonpulmonary organ failures (OR,
      1.67; P = .01) were independent risk factors for increased hospital mortality.
      Preexisting diabetes mellitus was an independent risk factor for reduced hospital
      mortality (OR, 0.47; P = .04; test for interaction, P = .02). In indirect ARDS,
      only the number of organ failures was an independent predictor of mortality (OR,
      2.08; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Despite lower severity of illness and fewer organ
      failures, patients with direct ARDS had mortality rates similar to patients with
      indirect ARDS. Factors previously associated with mortality during ARDS were only
      associated with mortality in direct ARDS. These findings suggest that direct and
      indirect ARDS have distinct features that may differentially affect risk
      prediction and clinical outcomes.

PMID- 27663183
TI  - Lipid fingerprint image accurately conveys human colon cell pathophysiologic
      state: A solid candidate as biomarker.
AB  - Membrane lipids are gaining increasing attention in the clinical biomarker field,
      as they are associated with different pathologic processes such as cancer or
      neurodegenerative diseases. Analyzing human colonoscopic sections by matrix
      assisted laser/desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry imaging
      techniques, we identified a defined number of lipid species changing concomitant
      to the colonocyte differentiation and according to a quite simple mathematical
      expression. These species felt into two lipid families tightly associated in
      signaling: phosphatidylinositols and arachidonic acid-containing lipids. On the
      other hand, an opposed pattern was observed in lamina propria for AA-containing
      lipids, coinciding with the physiological distribution of the immunological
      response cells in this tissue. Importantly, the lipid gradient was accompanied by
      a gradient in expression of enzymes involved in lipid mobilization. Finally, both
      lipid and protein gradients were lost in adenomatous polyps. The latter allowed
      us to assess how different a single lipid species is handled in a pathological
      context depending on the cell type. The strict patterns of distribution in lipid
      species and lipid enzymes described here unveil the existence of fine regulatory
      mechanisms orchestrating the lipidome according to the physiological state of the
      cell. In addition, these results provide solid evidence that the cell lipid
      fingerprint image can be used to predict precisely the physiological and
      pathological status of a cell, reinforcing its translational impact in clinical
      research.

PMID- 27663184
TI  - PPARgamma regulates exocrine pancreas lipase.
AB  - AIM: Pancreatic lipase (triacylglycerol lipase EC 3.1.1.3) is an essential enzyme
      in hydrolysis of dietary fat. Dietary fat, especially polyunsaturated fatty acids
      (PUFA), regulate pancreatic lipase (PNLIP); however, the molecular mechanism
      underlying this regulation is mostly unknown. As PUFA are known to regulate
      expression of proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma), and as we
      identified in-silico putative PPARgamma binding sites within the putative PNLIP
      promoter sequence, we hypothesized that PUFA regulation of PNLIP might be
      mediated by PPARgamma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used in silico bioinformatics
      tools, reporter luciferase assay, PPARgamma agonists and antagonists, PPARgamma
      overexpression in exocrine pancreas AR42J and primary cells to study PPARgamma
      regulation of PNLIP. RESULTS: Using in silico bioinformatics tools we mapped
      PPARgamma binding sites (PPRE) to the putative promoter region of PNLIP. Reporter
      luciferase assay in AR42J rat exocrine pancreas acinar cells transfected with
      various constructs of the putative PNLIP promoter showed that PNLIP transcription
      is significantly enhanced by PPARgamma dose-dependently, reaching maximal levels
      with multi PPRE sites. This effect was significantly augmented in the presence of
      PPARgamma agonists and reduced by PPARgamma antagonists or mutagenesis abrogating
      PPRE sites. Over-expression of PPARgamma significantly elevated PNLIP transcript
      and protein levels in AR42J cells and in primary pancreas cells. Moreover, PNLIP
      expression was up-regulated by PPARgamma agonists (pioglitazone and 15dPGJ2) and
      significantly down-regulated by PPARgamma antagonists in non-transfected rat
      exocrine pancreas AR42J cell line cells. CONCLUSION: PPARgamma transcriptionally
      regulates PNLIP gene expression. This transcript regulation resolves part of the
      missing link between dietary PUFA direct regulation of PNLIP.

PMID- 27663185
TI  - Docosahexaenoyl serotonin, an endogenously formed n-3 fatty acid-serotonin
      conjugate has anti-inflammatory properties by attenuating IL-23-IL-17 signaling
      in macrophages.
AB  - Conjugates of fatty acids and amines, including endocannabinoids, are known to
      play important roles as endogenous signaling molecules. Among these, the
      ethanolamine conjugate of the n-3 poly unsaturated long chain fatty acid (PUFA)
      docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3) (DHA) was shown to possess strong anti
      inflammatory properties. Previously, we identified the serotonin conjugate of
      DHA, docosahexaenoyl serotonin (DHA-5-HT), in intestinal tissues and showed that
      its levels are markedly influenced by intake of n-3 PUFAs. However, its
      biological roles remain to be elucidated. Here, we show that DHA-5-HT possesses
      potent anti-inflammatory properties by attenuating the IL-23-IL-17 signaling
      cascade in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages.
      Transcriptome analysis revealed that DHA-5-HT down-regulates LPS-induced genes,
      particularly those involved in generating a CD4+ Th17 response. Hence, levels of
      PGE2, IL-6, IL-1beta, and IL-23, all pivotal macrophage-produced mediators
      driving the activation of pathogenic Th17 cells in a concerted way, were found to
      be significantly suppressed by concentrations as low as 100-500nM DHA-5-HT.
      Furthermore, DHA-5-HT inhibited the ability of RAW264.7 cells to migrate and
      downregulated chemokines like MCP-1, CCL-20, and gene-expression of CCL-22 and of
      several metalloproteinases. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) suggested
      negative overlap with gene sets linked to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and
      positive overlap with gene sets related to the Nrf2 pathway. The specific
      formation of DHA-5-HT in the gut, combined with increasing data underlining the
      importance of the IL-23-IL-17 signaling pathway in the etiology of many chronic
      inflammatory diseases merits further investigation into its potential as
      therapeutic compound in e.g. IBD or intestinal tumorigenesis.

PMID- 27663187
TI  - Event-triggered reliable control for fuzzy Markovian jump systems with mismatched
      membership functions.
AB  - The problem of event-triggered reliable control for fuzzy Markovian jump system
      (FMJS) with mismatched membership functions (MMFs) is addressed. Based on the
      mode-dependent reliable control and event-triggered communication scheme, the
      stability conditions and control design procedure are formulated. More precisely,
      a general actuator-failure is designed such that the FMJS is reliable in the
      sense of stochastically stable and reduce the utilization of network resources.
      Furthermore, the improved MMFs are introduced to reduce the conservativeness of
      obtained results. Finally, simulation results indicate the effectiveness of the
      proposed methodology.

PMID- 27663188
TI  - Neuro-adaptive backstepping control of SISO non-affine systems with unknown gain
      sign.
AB  - This paper presents two neuro-adaptive controllers for a class of uncertain
      single-input, single-output (SISO) nonlinear non-affine systems with unknown gain
      sign. The first approach is state feedback controller, so that a neuro-adaptive
      state-feedback controller is constructed based on the backstepping technique. The
      second approach is an observer-based controller and K-filters are designed to
      estimate the system states. The proposed method relaxes a priori knowledge of
      control gain sign and therefore by utilizing the Nussbaum-type functions this
      problem is addressed. In these methods, neural networks are employed to
      approximate the unknown nonlinear functions. The proposed adaptive control
      schemes guarantee that all the closed-loop signals are semi-globally uniformly
      ultimately bounded (SGUUB). Finally, the theoretical results are numerically
      verified through simulation examples. Simulation results show the effectiveness
      of the proposed methods.

PMID- 27663186
TI  - Anticholinergic Drug Burden in Noncancer Versus Cancer Patients Near the End of
      Life.
AB  - CONTEXT: Anticholinergic drugs can cause several side effects, impairing
      cognition and quality of life (QOL). Cancer patients are often exposed to
      increasing cumulative anticholinergic load (ACL) as they approach death, but this
      burden has not been examined in patients with nonmalignant diseases. OBJECTIVES:
      To determine ACL and its impact in noncancer versus cancer palliative care
      patients. METHODS: We performed a secondary analysis of 244 subjects enrolled in
      a randomized controlled trial. ACL was quantified with the Anticholinergic Drug
      Scale. We used multivariable regression to calculate the effect of ACL on key
      outcomes, including drowsiness, fatigue, and QOL. Patients were stratified by
      diagnosis, and drugs were grouped as symptom management (SM) or disease
      management (DM). RESULTS: Overall, ACL in cancer and noncancer patients was not
      significantly different (2.6 vs. 2.4; P = 0.23). SM drugs caused greater
      anticholinergic exposure than DM drugs in both cancer and noncancer patients (2.3
      vs. 0.5, and 1.5 vs. 1.3, respectively; both P < 0.05); however, DM drugs exposed
      noncancer patients to relatively more ACL than cancer patients (1.2 vs. 0.6, P <
      0.0001). ACL was associated with worse fatigue (odds ratio, 1.08; CI, 1.002-1.17)
      and worse QOL (odds ratio, 0.89; CI, 0.80-0.98). CONCLUSIONS: ACL is associated
      with worse fatigue and QOL and may not differ significantly between cancer and
      noncancer patients nearing end of life. SM drugs are more responsible for ACL in
      cancer and noncancer patients, although DM drugs contribute significantly to ACL
      in the latter group. We recommend more attention to reducing anticholinergic use
      in all patients with life-limiting illness.

PMID- 27663190
TI  - The Efficacy of Combined Use of Rivaroxaban and Tranexamic Acid on Blood
      Conservation in Minimally Invasive Total Knee Arthroplasty a Double-Blind
      Randomized, Controlled Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tranexamic acid (TXA) was reportedly to decrease postoperative blood
      loss after standard total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, the blood
      conservation effect of TXA in minimally invasive TKA, in particular, receiving a
      direct oral anticoagulant was unclear. The aim of the study was to investigate
      the efficacy of combined use of TXA and rivaroxaban on postoperative blood loss
      in primary minimally invasive TKA. METHODS: In a prospective, randomized,
      controlled trial, 198 patients were assigned to placebo (98 patients, normal
      saline injection) and study group (100 patients, 1g TXA intraoperative injection)
      during primary unilateral minimally invasive TKA. All patients received
      rivaroxaban 10 mg each day for 14 doses postoperatively. Total blood loss was
      calculated from the maximum hemoglobin drop after surgery plus amount of
      transfusion. The transfusion rate and wound complications were recorded in all
      patients. Deep-vein thrombosis was detected by ascending venography of the leg 15
      days postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean total blood loss was lower in the study
      group (1020 mL [95% confidence interval, 960-1080 mL]) compared with placebo
      (1202 mL [95% confidence interval, 1137-1268 mL]) (P < .001). The transfusion
      rate was lower in the study group compared with placebo (1% vs 8.2%, P = .018).
      Postoperative wound hematoma and ecchymosis were higher in placebo than the study
      group (P = .003). There was no symptomatic deep-vein thrombosis or pulmonary
      embolism in either group. CONCLUSION: Systemic administration of TXA can
      effectively reduce the postoperative blood loss which results in lower rate of
      transfusion requirement and wound hematoma in minimally invasive TKA patients
      when rivaroxaban is used for thromboprophylaxis. Rivaroxaban has a high rate of
      bleeding complications when used alone in TKA patients.

PMID- 27663189
TI  - Parental Cognitive Errors Mediate Parental Psychopathology and Ratings of Child
      Inattention.
AB  - We investigate the Depression-Distortion Hypothesis in a sample of 199 school
      aged children with ADHD-Predominantly Inattentive presentation (ADHD-I) by
      examining relations and cross-sectional mediational pathways between parental
      characteristics (i.e., levels of parental depressive and ADHD symptoms) and
      parental ratings of child problem behavior (inattention, sluggish cognitive
      tempo, and functional impairment) via parental cognitive errors. Results
      demonstrated a positive association between parental factors and parental ratings
      of inattention, as well as a mediational pathway between parental depressive and
      ADHD symptoms and parental ratings of inattention via parental cognitive errors.
      Specifically, higher levels of parental depressive and ADHD symptoms predicted
      higher levels of cognitive errors, which in turn predicted higher parental
      ratings of inattention. Findings provide evidence for core tenets of the
      Depression-Distortion Hypothesis, which state that parents with high rates of
      psychopathology hold negative schemas for their child's behavior and
      subsequently, report their child's behavior as more severe.

PMID- 27663191
TI  - Can We Predict Discharge Status After Total Joint Arthroplasty? A Calculator to
      Predict Home Discharge.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Postoperative discharge to a skilled nursing facility after total
      joint arthroplasty (TJA) is associated with increased costs, complications, and
      readmission. The purpose of this study was to identify the risk factors for
      discharge to a location other than home to build a calculator to predict
      discharge disposition after TJA. METHODS: The American College of Surgeons
      National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried from 2011 to
      2013 to identify patients who underwent primary total hip or total knee
      arthroplasty. Risk factors were compared between patients discharging home vs a
      facility. Predictors of facility discharge were converted to discrete values to
      develop a simple numerical calculator. RESULTS: After primary TJA, patients
      discharged to a facility were typically older (70.9 vs 64.3, P < .001), female
      (69.5% vs 55.7%, P < .001), had an elevated American Society of Anesthesiologist
      (ASA) class, and were more likely to be functionally dependent before surgery
      (3.8% vs 1.1%, P < .001). Patient age, preoperative functional status,
      nonelective THA for hip fracture, and ASA class were most predictive of facility
      discharge. After development of a predictive model, scores exceeding 40 and 80
      points resulted in a facility discharge probability of 75% and 99%, respectively.
      CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing TJA, advanced age, elevated ASA class, and
      functionally dependent status before surgery strongly predicted facility
      discharge. Given that facility discharge imposes a significant cost and morbidity
      burden after TJA, patients, surgeons, and hospitals may use this simple
      calculator to target this susceptible patient population.

PMID- 27663192
TI  - Case conference primary-secondary care planning at end of life can reduce the
      cost of hospitalisations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To plan integrated care at end of life for people with either heart
      failure or lung disease, we used a case conference between the patient's general
      practitioner (GP), specialist services and a palliative care consultant
      physician. This intervention significantly reduced hospitalisations and emergency
      department visits. This paper reports estimates of potential savings of reduced
      hospitalisation through end of life case conferences in a pilot study. METHODS:
      We used Australian Refined Diagnosis Related Group codes to obtain data on
      hospitalisations and costs. The Australian health system is a federation: the
      national government is responsible for funding community based care, while state
      and territory governments fund public hospitals. There were 35 case conferences
      for patients with end stage heart failure or lung disease, who were patients of
      the public hospital system, involving 30 GPs in a regional health district.
      RESULTS: The annualised total cost per patient was AUD$90,060 before CC and
      AUD$11,841 after CC. The mean per person cost saving was AUD$41,023 ($25,274
      excluding one service utilisation outlier). For every 100 patients with end of
      life heart failure and lung disease each year, the case conferencing intervention
      would save AUD$4.1 million (AUD$2.5 million excluding one service utilisation
      outlier). CONCLUSIONS: Multidisciplinary case conferences that promote integrated
      care among specialists and GPs resulted in substantial cost savings while
      providing care. Cost shifting between national and state or territory governments
      may impede implementation of this successful health service intervention. An
      integrated model such as ours is very relevant to initiatives to reform national
      health care. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian and New Zealand Controlled Trials
      Register ACTRN12613001377729 : Registered 16/12/2013.

PMID- 27663193
TI  - Genetic mapping of Pinus flexilis major gene (Cr4) for resistance to white pine
      blister rust using transcriptome-based SNP genotyping.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Linkage of DNA markers with phenotypic traits provides essential
      information to dissect clustered genes with potential phenotypic contributions in
      a target genome region. Pinus flexilis E. James (limber pine) is a keystone five
      needle pine species in mountain-top ecosystems of North America. White pine
      blister rust (WPBR), caused by a non-native fungal pathogen Cronartium ribicola
      (J.C. Fisch.), has resulted in mortality in this conifer species and is still
      spreading through the distribution. The objective of this research was to develop
      P. flexilis transcriptome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers using
      RNA-seq analysis for genetic mapping of the major gene (Cr4) that confers
      complete resistance to C. ribicola. RESULTS: Needle tissues of one resistant and
      two susceptible seedling families were subjected to RNA-seq analysis. In silico
      SNP markers were uncovered by mapping the RNA-seq reads back to the de novo
      assembled transcriptomes. A total of 110,573 in silico SNPs and 2,870 indels were
      identified with an average of 3.7 SNPs per Kb. These SNPs were distributed in
      17,041 unigenes. Of these polymorphic P. flexilis unigenes, 6,584 were highly
      conserved as compared to the genome sequence of P. taeda L (loblolly pine). High
      throughput genotyping arrays were designed and were used to search for Cr4-linked
      genic SNPs in megagametophyte populations of four maternal trees by haploid
      segregation analysis. A total of 32 SNP markers in 25 genes were localized on the
      Cr4 linkage group (LG). Syntenic relationships of this Cr4-LG map with the model
      conifer species P. taeda anchored Cr4 on Pinus consensus LG8, indicating that R
      genes against C. ribicola have evolved independently in different five-needle
      pines. Functional genes close to Cr4 were annotated and their potential roles in
      Cr4-mediated resistance were further discussed. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated a
      very effective, low-cost strategy for developing a SNP genetic map of a
      phenotypic trait of interest. SNP discovery through transcriptome comparison was
      integrated with high-throughput genotyping of a small set of in silico SNPs. This
      strategy may be applied to mapping any trait in non-model plant species that have
      complex genomes. Whole transcriptome sequencing provides a powerful tool for SNP
      discovery in conifers and other species with complex genomes, for which
      sequencing and annotation of complex genomes is still challenging. The genic SNP
      map for the consensus Cr4-LG may help future molecular breeding efforts by
      enabling both Cr4 positional characterization and selection of this gene against
      WPBR.

PMID- 27663194
TI  - The dorsolateral striatum selectively mediates extinction of habit memory.
AB  - Previous research has indicated a role for the dorsolateral striatum (DLS) in
      acquisition and retrieval of habit memory. However, the neurobiological
      mechanisms guiding extinction of habit memory have not been extensively
      investigated. The present study examined whether the dorsolateral striatum (DLS)
      is involved in extinction of habit memory in a food-rewarded response learning
      version of the plus-maze in adult male Long-Evans rats (experiment 1). In
      addition, to determine whether the role of this brain region in extinction is
      selective to habit memory, we also examined whether the DLS is required for
      extinction of hippocampus-dependent spatial memory in a place learning version of
      the plus-maze (experiment 2). Following acquisition in either task, rats received
      two days of extinction training, in which the food reward was removed from the
      maze. The number of perseverative trials (a trial in which the rat made the same
      previously reinforced body-turn) and latency to reach the previously correct food
      well were used as measures of extinction. Animals were given immediate post
      training intra-DLS administration of the sodium channel blocker bupivacaine or
      vehicle to determine the effect of DLS inactivation on consolidation of
      extinction memory in each task. In the response learning task, post-training DLS
      inactivation impaired consolidation of extinction memory. Injections of
      bupivacaine delayed 2 h post-training did not affect extinction, indicating a
      time-dependent effect of neural inactivation on consolidation of extinction
      memory in this task. In contrast, post-training DLS inactivation did not impair,
      but instead slightly enhanced, extinction memory in the place learning task. The
      present findings indicate a critical role for the DLS in extinction of habit
      memory in the response learning task, and may be relevant to understanding the
      neural mechanisms through which maladaptive habits in human psychopathologies
      (e.g. drug addiction) may be suppressed.

PMID- 27663195
TI  - Workforce planning and development in times of delivery system transformation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As implementation of the US Affordable Care Act (ACA) advances, many
      domestic health systems are considering major changes in how the healthcare
      workforce is organized. The purpose of this study is to explore the dynamic
      processes and interactions by which workforce planning and development (WFPD) is
      evolving in this new environment. METHODS: Informed by the theory of loosely
      coupled systems (LCS), we use a case study design to examine how workforce
      changes are being managed in Kaiser Permanente and Montefiore Health System. We
      conducted site visits with in-depth interviews with 8 to 10 stakeholders in each
      organization. RESULTS: Both systems demonstrate a concern for the impact of
      change on their workforce and have made commitments to avoid outsourcing and
      layoffs. Central workforce planning mechanisms have been replaced with strategies
      to integrate various stakeholders and units in alignment with strategic growth
      plans. Features of this new approach include early and continuous engagement of
      labor in innovation; the development of intermediary sense-making structures to
      garner resources, facilitate plans, and build consensus; and a whole system
      perspective, rather than a focus on single professions. We also identify seven
      principles underlying the WFPD processes in these two cases that can aid in
      development of a new and more adaptive workforce strategy in healthcare.
      CONCLUSIONS: Since passage of the ACA, healthcare systems are becoming larger and
      more complex. Insights from these case studies suggest that while organizational
      history and structure determined different areas of emphasis, our results
      indicate that large-scale system transformations in healthcare can be managed in
      ways that enhance the skills and capacities of the workforce. Our findings merit
      attention, not just by healthcare administrators and union leaders, but by
      policymakers and scholars interested in making WFPD policies at a state and
      national level more responsive.

PMID- 27663196
TI  - Variation of global DNA methylation levels with age and in autistic children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The change in epigenetic signatures, in particular DNA methylation,
      has been proposed as risk markers for various age-related diseases. However, the
      course of variation in methylation levels with age, the difference in methylation
      between genders, and methylation-disease association at the whole genome level is
      unclear. In the present study, genome-wide methylation levels in DNA extracted
      from peripheral blood for 2116 healthy Chinese in the 2-97 age range and 280
      autistic trios were examined using the fluorescence polarization-based genome
      wide DNA methylation quantification method developed by us. RESULTS: Genome-wide
      or global DNA methylation levels proceeded through multiple phases of variation
      with age, consisting of a steady increase from age 2 to 25 (r = 0.382) and
      another rise from age 41 to 55 to reach a peak level of ~80 % (r = 0.265),
      followed by a sharp decrease to ~40 % in the mid-1970s (age 56 to 75; r = -0.395)
      and leveling off thereafter. Significant gender effect in methylation levels was
      observed only for the 41-55 age group in which methylation in females was
      significantly higher than in males (p = 0.010). In addition, global methylation
      level was significantly higher in autistic children than in age-matched healthy
      children (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The multiphasic nature of changes in global
      methylation levels with age was delineated, and investigation into the factors
      underlying this profile will be essential to a proper understanding of the aging
      process. Furthermore, this first report of global hypermethylation in autistic
      children also illustrates the importance of age-matched controls in
      characterization of disease-associated variations in DNA methylation.

PMID- 27663197
TI  - Efficacy and safety of i.v. sodium benzoate in urea cycle disorders: a
      multicentre retrospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The efficacy and safety of intra-venous (i.v.) sodium benzoate for
      treating acute episodes of hyperammonemia in urea cycle enzyme disorders (UCD) is
      well known. However, published data do not provide a clear picture of the
      benefits and risks of this drug. We report a retrospective multicentre study on
      the use of i.v. sodium benzoate in patients treated for UCD between 2000 and 2010
      in the 6 French reference centres for metabolic diseases. RESULTS: Sixty-one
      patients with UCDs - 22 ornithine transcarbamylase (20 confirmed, 2 suspected),
      18 arginino-succinate synthetase, 15 carbamoyl phosphate synthetase, 3
      arginosuccinate lyase, 1 arginase deficiency, 1 N-acetylglutamate synthetase, 1
      HHH syndrome - required i.v. sodium benzoate over the course of 95 acute episodes
      (NH3 > 100 MUmol/L or high-risk situations, i.e., gastroenteritis, surgery).
      Forty out of 61 patients experienced only one episode of decompensation (neonatal
      coma, 68.6 %). The most frequent cause of late decompensation was infection (55.5
      %). A loading dose of i.v. sodium benzoate (median 250 mg/kg over 2 h) was
      administered for 41/95 acute episodes. The median maintenance dose was 246.1
      mg/kg/day, administered via peripheral venous infusion in all cases except one
      via a central line. The total median duration of i.v. sodium benzoate treatment
      per episode was 2 days (0-13 days). The median durations of hospitalization in
      intensive care and metabolic units were 4 days (0-17 days) and 10 days (0-70
      days), respectively. Eight patients died during the neonatal coma (n = 6) or
      surgery (n = 2). The median plasma ammonium level before treatment was 245.5
      MUmol/L (20.0-2274.0 MUmol/L); it decreased to 40.0 MUmol/L in patients who were
      alive (13.0-181.0 MUmol/L) at the end of treatment with i.v. sodium benzoate. A
      decrease in ammonium level to <= 100 MUmol/L was obtained in 92.8 % of episodes
      (64/69 of the episodes recorded for the 53 surviving patients). Five patients
      required another treatment for hyperammonemia (sodium phenylacetate + sodium
      benzoate, haemofiltration). Eighteen side effects were reported related to the
      i.v. infusion (local diffusion, oedema). CONCLUSION: This 10-year retrospective
      study shows that i.v. sodium benzoate associated with an emergency regimen is an
      effective and safe treatment for acute episodes of UCD.

PMID- 27663198
TI  - Multimorbidity, health and aging in Canada and Australia: a tale of two
      countries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multimorbidity has been recognized as a major public health issue,
      negatively affecting health-related quality of life, including physical,
      functional, mental, emotional, and social domains, as well as increasing health
      care utilization. This exploratory study examines selected health outcomes
      associated with multimorbidity across older age groups/cohorts and gender,
      comparing Canada and Australia. METHODS: Data were drawn from the 2008/09
      Canadian Community Health Survey and the 2009 Australian HILDA survey. Seven
      major chronic conditions were identical across the two data sets, and were
      combined into an additive measure of multimorbidity. OLS and logistic regression
      models were performed within age group (45-54, 55-64, 65-74, 75+) and gender to
      estimate associations between multimorbidity and several health-related outcomes,
      including: loneliness, life satisfaction, perceived health, mobility restriction,
      and hospital stays, adjusting for marital status, education and foreign born
      status. RESULTS: Overall, country-level differences were identified for
      perceptions of loneliness, life satisfaction, and perceived health. Australians
      tended to experience a greater risk of loneliness and lower self-rated health in
      the face of multimorbidity than Canadians, especially among older men. Canadians
      tended to experience lower life satisfaction associated with multimorbidity than
      Australians. No country-level differences were identified for associations
      between multimorbidity and hospital stays or mobility limitations. CONCLUSIONS:
      The associations between multimorbidity and health are similar between the two
      countries but are variable depending on population, age group/cohort, and gender.
      The strongest country-level associations are for indicators of health-related
      quality of life, rather than health care or mobility limitation outcomes.

PMID- 27663199
TI  - Identifying candidates for targeted gait rehabilitation after stroke: better
      prediction through biomechanics-informed characterization.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Walking speed has been used to predict the efficacy of gait training;
      however, poststroke motor impairments are heterogeneous and different
      biomechanical strategies may underlie the same walking speed. Identifying which
      individuals will respond best to a particular gait rehabilitation program using
      walking speed alone may thus be limited. The objective of this study was to
      determine if, beyond walking speed, participants' baseline ability to generate
      propulsive force from their paretic limbs (paretic propulsion) influences the
      improvements in walking speed resulting from a paretic propulsion-targeting gait
      intervention. METHODS: Twenty seven participants >6 months poststroke underwent a
      12-week locomotor training program designed to target deficits in paretic
      propulsion through the combination of fast walking with functional electrical
      stimulation to the paretic ankle musculature (FastFES). The relationship between
      participants' baseline usual walking speed (UWSbaseline), maximum walking speed
      (MWSbaseline), and paretic propulsion (propbaseline) versus improvements in usual
      walking speed (?UWS) and maximum walking speed (?MWS) were evaluated in moderated
      regression models. RESULTS: UWSbaseline and MWSbaseline were, respectively, poor
      predictors of DeltaUWS (R 2  = 0.24) and DeltaMWS (R 2  = 0.01). Paretic
      propulsion * walking speed interactions (UWSbaseline * propbaseline and
      MWSbaseline * propbaseline) were observed in each regression model (R 2 s = 0.61
      and 0.49 for ?UWS and ?MWS, respectively), revealing that slower individuals with
      higher utilization of the paretic limb for forward propulsion responded best to
      FastFES training and were the most likely to achieve clinically important
      differences. CONCLUSIONS: Characterizing participants based on both their walking
      speed and ability to generate paretic propulsion is a markedly better approach to
      predicting walking recovery following targeted gait rehabilitation than using
      walking speed alone.

PMID- 27663200
TI  - Polymorphisms in miR-135a-2, miR-219-2 and miR-211 as well as their interaction
      with cooking oil fume exposure on the risk of lung cancer in Chinese nonsmoking
      females: a case-control study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The associations between microRNAs and lung cancer have received
      increasing attention. This study assess the association between polymorphisms in
      miR-135a-2, miR-219-2 and miR-211 genes and the risk of lung cancer, as well as
      the gene-environment interaction between these polymorphisms and cooking oil fume
      exposure. METHODS: A case-control study featuring 268 cases and 266 controls was
      conducted. The associations of miR-135a-2 rs10459194, miR-219-2 rs10988341 and
      miR-211 rs1514035 polymorphisms with the risk of lung cancer were analyzed. The
      gene-environment interactions were also reported on both additive and
      multiplicative scales. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant
      associations between the single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and lung cancer
      or lung adenocarcinoma. The individuals with both a risk genotype of miRNA SNPs
      and exposure to a risk factor (cooking oil fumes) were at higher risk of lung
      cancer than those with only one of these two risk factors (odd ratios of 2.208,
      1.285 and 1.813 for miR-135a-2 rs10459194; 2.164, 1.209 and 1.806 for miR-219-2
      rs10988341; and 2.122, 1.146 and 1.725 for miR-211 rs1514035, respectively).
      However, the measures of biological interaction indicate that there was no such
      interaction between the three SNPs and exposure to cooking oil fumes on an
      additive scale. Logistic regression models also suggested that the gene
      environment interactions were not statistically significant on a multiplicative
      scale. CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant associations between the
      polymorphisms in miRNAs (miR-26a-1 rs7372209, miR-605 rs2043556 and miR-16-1
      rs1022960) and the risk of lung cancer in the Chinese nonsmoking female
      population. The interactions between these polymorphisms in miRNAs and cooking
      oil fume exposure were also not statistically significant.

PMID- 27663201
TI  - Is radiographic progression in modern rheumatoid arthritis trials still a robust
      outcome? Experience from tofacitinib clinical trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The detection of statistically significant reductions in radiographic
      progression during clinical studies in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
      has become increasingly difficult over the past decade due to early-escape study
      designs and declining rates of progression in control-group patients. We
      investigated the impact of extremes of radiographic data (outliers) and baseline
      prognostic factors on detection of treatment effects, to provide guidance on
      future analysis of joint structural data in RA clinical trials. METHODS: Data
      were from two, phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of
      tofacitinib in adult patients with moderate to severe RA: ORAL Scan (NCT00847613)
      and ORAL Start (NCT01039688). These studies detected significant reductions in
      radiographic progression with tofacitinib 10 mg twice daily (BID) plus background
      methotrexate (ORAL Scan), and with tofacitinib 5 or 10 mg BID as monotherapy
      (ORAL Start). We evaluated mean changes from baseline in van der Heijde modified
      total Sharp score (mTSS) at month 6 and month 12, using analysis of covariance
      (ANCOVA). A trimmed analysis was used to deal with extremes of data. The impact
      of baseline prognostic factors on radiographic progression was evaluated using
      ANCOVA to analyze the mean change from baseline in mTSS for each factor in turn.
      RESULTS: The analysis included data from 720 patients from ORAL Scan and 880
      patients from ORAL Start. Trimmed analyses were unbiased for the true mean
      estimate and enabled us to remove the effect of influential extreme observations
      in the data set. Almost all patients had at least one poor prognostic factor at
      baseline (e.g., high level of disease activity, or positive for rheumatoid
      factor). The strongest predictor of treatment effect was the severity of
      radiographic damage at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: A trimmed analysis can establish
      whether any significant inhibition of structural damage is being driven by
      extremes of data, and should be one of the sensitivity analyses of choice for
      structural data in RA clinical trials. Furthermore, analysis of radiographic data
      based on baseline prognostic factors may reveal increased treatment effects.
      Application of these methods to analysis of radiographic data from clinical
      trials in patients with RA, allows a more complete interpretation of data. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00847613 (registered 17 February 2009) and
      NCT01039688 (registered 23 December 2009).

PMID- 27663202
TI  - Recurrence of second trimester miscarriage and extreme preterm delivery at 16-27
      weeks of gestation with a focus on cervical insufficiency and prophylactic
      cerclage.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to describe recurrence rates of
      second trimester miscarriage and extreme preterm delivery by phenotype and use of
      prophylactic cerclage in a register-based cohort. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We
      included women with a first second trimester miscarriage or extreme preterm
      delivery (16+0 to 27+6 gestational weeks) in Denmark in 1997-2012 (n = 9602) by
      combined use of the Danish Medical Birth Register and the Danish National Patient
      Register. Eight phenotypes were identified by ICD-10 codes in a hierarchy with
      the following sequence: major fetal anomaly, multiple gestation, uterine anomaly,
      placental insufficiency, antepartum bleeding, cervical insufficiency, preterm
      premature rupture of membranes, and intrauterine fetal death. Recurrence rate
      after a second trimester miscarriage/spontaneous delivery in the period was
      calculated based on the register data. In cervical insufficiency outcome was
      stratified by prophylactic cerclage applied <16 weeks of gestation. RESULTS:
      Overall recurrence rate was 7.3% (n = 452), a rate that differed by phenotype
      from <5% (fetal anomaly, multiple gestations, intrauterine fetal death) to 21%
      (cervical insufficiency). In women with cervical insufficiency the recurrence
      rate was 28% without cerclage; vaginal cerclage was associated with a significant
      reduction [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.47; 95% CI 0.29-0.76] and abdominal
      cerclage with an even greater reduction (adjusted OR 0.14; 95% CI 0.03-0.61).
      CONCLUSIONS: The overall recurrence rate of second trimester miscarriage or
      extreme preterm delivery was 7%, but it differed significantly by phenotype. The
      highest rate, 28%, was found in cervical insufficiency, and prophylactic cerclage
      was associated with a significant reduction in recurrence.

PMID- 27663203
TI  - Epidemiology and fungal species distribution of superficial mycoses in Northeast
      Brazil.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Dermatomycoses are superficial fungal infections which affect the
      skin, hair and nails of humans and animals. Male and female patients of all ages
      are affected by this condition. The main etiological agents of dermatomycoses are
      the dermatophytes fungi of the genera Trichophyton, Microsporum and
      Epidermophyton, while the main yeasts belong to the genera Candida, Malassezia
      and Trichosporon. The variation in the distribution of dermatomycoses worldwide
      justify the conduction of epidemiological studies in order to contribute for the
      better understanding of patterns of mycological cutaneous infections. This study
      was conducted from April 2013 to December 2014. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of
      205 patients were evaluated, while 235 clinical specimens were obtained. From our
      positive cases of mycological examination, 73 (64.6%) patients were female, while
      40 (35.4%) were male. Scales from the skin and nails were collected and observed
      at optical microscopy after potassium hydroxide clarification. Cultures were
      performed on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar added chloramphenicol. Identification was
      performed by classic methodology. RESULTS: We found that the glabrous skin was
      the largest source of dermatomycoses (30.11%), followed by toenails (27.4%) and
      fingernails (17.7%). Regarding onychomycosis, the most affected population was
      over 50 years old. Trichophyton rubrum was the dermatophyte fungal species more
      commonly found. Most of the patients with pityriasis versicolor were adults and
      female. Another important fact observed is that Candida parapsilosis was the most
      prevalent species. Finally, a high incidence of T. tonsurans in cases of
      superficial mycoses was observed. CONCLUSION: Our results clearly demonstrate
      peculiarities in terms of etiological agents of dermatophytoses distribution in a
      specific region of Brazil.

PMID- 27663204
TI  - The influence of the control group characteristics for the diagnostic performance
      of 1,3-beta-D-glucan in invasive aspergillosis.

PMID- 27663205
TI  - The effect of inhibition of PP1 and TNFalpha signaling on pathogenesis of SARS
      coronavirus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The complex interplay between viral replication and host immune
      response during infection remains poorly understood. While many viruses are known
      to employ anti-immune strategies to facilitate their replication, highly
      pathogenic virus infections can also cause an excessive immune response that
      exacerbates, rather than reduces pathogenicity. To investigate this dichotomy in
      severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), we developed a
      transcriptional network model of SARS-CoV infection in mice and used the model to
      prioritize candidate regulatory targets for further investigation. RESULTS: We
      validated our predictions in 18 different knockout (KO) mouse strains, showing
      that network topology provides significant predictive power to identify genes
      that are important for viral infection. We identified a novel player in the
      immune response to virus infection, Kepi, an inhibitory subunit of the protein
      phosphatase 1 (PP1) complex, which protects against SARS-CoV pathogenesis. We
      also found that receptors for the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor
      alpha (TNFalpha) promote pathogenesis, presumably through excessive inflammation.
      CONCLUSIONS: The current study provides validation of network modeling approaches
      for identifying important players in virus infection pathogenesis, and a step
      forward in understanding the host response to an important infectious disease.
      The results presented here suggest the role of Kepi in the host response to SARS
      CoV, as well as inflammatory activity driving pathogenesis through TNFalpha
      signaling in SARS-CoV infections. Though we have reported the utility of this
      approach in bacterial and cell culture studies previously, this is the first
      comprehensive study to confirm that network topology can be used to predict
      phenotypes in mice with experimental validation.

PMID- 27663206
TI  - Antiobesity and antihyperglycaemic effects of Adiantum capillus-veneris extracts:
      in vitro and in vivo evaluations.
AB  - CONTEXT: Adiantum capillus-veneris L. (Adiantaceae) hypocholesterolemic activity
      is therapeutically praised. OBJECTIVES: Pharmacological modulation of pancreatic
      triacylglycerol lipase (PL) and alpha-amylase/alpha-glucosidase by A. capillus
      veneris are evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using positive controls (acarbose,
      orlistat, guar gum, atorvastatin, glipizide and metformin) as appropriate, crude
      aqueous extracts (AEs) of A. capillus-veneris aerial parts were tested via a
      combination of in vitro enzymatic (0.24-100 mg/mL), acute in vivo carbohydrate
      tolerance tests (125, 250 or 500 mg/kg body weight [b.wt]) and chronic in vivo
      studies (500 mg/kg b.wt) in high cholesterol diet (HCD) fed Wistar rats. RESULTS:
      Like acarbose, A. capillus-veneris as well as chlorogenic acid, with respective
      IC50 values (mg/mL) of 0.8 +/- 0.0 and 0.2 +/- 0.0, were identified as in vitro
      potent dual inhibitors of alpha-amylase/alpha-glucosidase. Unlike guar gum, A.
      capillus-veneris had no glucose diffusion hindrance capacity. Equivalent to
      orlistat, A. capillus-veneris and its phytoconstituents inhibited PL in vitro
      with an ascending order of PL- IC50 values (MUg/mL): ferulic acid; 0.48 +/- 0.06
      < ellagic acid; 13.53 +/- 1.83 < chlorogenic acid; 38.4 +/- 2.8 < A. capillus
      veneris; 1600 +/- 100. Incomparable to acarbose or metformin and glipizide, A.
      capillus-veneris (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg b.wt) lacked antihyperglycaemic
      efficacies in acute starch- or glucose-evoked postprandial hyperglycaemia
      increments in normoglycaemic overnight fasting rats. Superior to atorvastatin; A.
      capillus-veneris exerted significant antiobesity (p < 0.001) with marked
      triacylglycerol-reducing capacities (p < 0.001) in comparison to rats fed with
      HCD for 10 weeks. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: A. capillus-veneris, modulating
      pancreatic digestive enzymes, may be advocated as a combinatorial diabesity
      prevention/phytotherapy agent.

PMID- 27663207
TI  - Inducing a humoral immune response to pancreatic cancer antigen.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with pancreatic carcinoma have a grim prognosis. Here, we
      examine the induction of an in vitro antibody response of human B cells to
      pancreatic carcinoma antigens. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cells of five cultured
      pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma lines were lysed and their plasma membrane
      fragments isolated in an aqueous two-phase-system. The plasma membrane fragments
      were then added to cultures of isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells from
      healthy volunteers for 14 days to act as a tumor antigen. Also, we added
      combinations of IL-2, IL-4, IL-21, anti-CD40 mAb and varying protein
      concentrations of the plasma membrane fragments to these cultures. We then tested
      characteristics and binding of resulting IgG and IgM against aforementioned tumor
      plasma membrane fragments and their respective cells using ELISAs. RESULTS: The
      combination of IL-2, IL-4 and anti-CD40 mAb elicited IgM production showing
      significant binding (p<0.05) to plasma membrane fragments. PANC-1 antigen and the
      combination of IL-4, IL-21 and anti-CD40 mAb was able to produce a significant
      and specific IgG formation against PANC-1 plasma membrane fragments (p<0.05).
      Tumor antigen, interleukins and anti-CD40 mAb had a significant impact on the
      binding capacity of these antibodies (p<0.05). IgG binding pancreatic carcinoma
      cells was observed when the tumor antigen concentration was increased during
      stimulation (p<0.05). BxPC3 plasma membrane fragments showed inhibitory effects
      on IgG binding BxPC3 antigens (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A human anti-tumor antibody
      formation can be induced in vitro using PANC-1 antigens and B cell stimulating
      agents. This response has the potential to generate antibodies specific to PANC-1
      antigens. PReCIS: The concept presented is novel and a promising approach to
      eliciting a specific B cell response to tumor antigen. The method may prove
      useful in understanding and developing anti-tumor immunity.

PMID- 27663208
TI  - Challenges in evaluating cancer as a clinical outcome in postapproval studies of
      drug safety.
AB  - Pharmaceuticals approved in the United States are largely not known human
      carcinogens. However, cancer signals associated with pharmaceuticals may be
      hypothesized or arise after product approval. There are many study designs that
      can be used to evaluate cancer as an outcome in the postapproval setting. Because
      prospective systematic collection of cancer outcomes from a large number of
      individuals may be lengthy, expensive, and challenging, leveraging data from
      large existing databases are an integral approach. Such studies have the
      capability to evaluate the clinical experience of a large number of individuals,
      yet there are unique methodological challenges involved in their use to evaluate
      cancer outcomes. To discuss methodological challenges and potential solutions,
      the Food and Drug Administration and the National Cancer Institute convened a two
      day public meeting in 2014. This commentary summarizes the most salient issues
      discussed at the meeting.

PMID- 27663210
TI  - [Reply to Letter to the Editor: Aetiological diagnosis in meningitis and
      encephalitis using molecular biology techniques].

PMID- 27663209
TI  - The utility of EMR address histories for assessing neighborhood exposures.
AB  - PURPOSE: Electronic medical records (EMRs) include residential address histories,
      which may alleviate exposure misclassification caused by exclusion of patient
      spatiotemporal location. EMR data are increasingly available but rarely leveraged
      as a measure of cumulative environmental exposure, in part due to limited
      understanding of the validity of EMR-derived address histories. METHODS: We
      compared EMR address histories to self-reported histories among 100 patients of a
      safety-net health care system completing a telephone survey. We assessed
      agreement and compared seven neighborhood-level environmental exposures as
      assessed using both data sources. RESULTS: While 17.1% of respondents did not
      live at the most recent EMR-derived address during the survey, nearly all (98%)
      lived there at some point. For respondents with more than one EMR-derived address
      (N = 64), 87.5% had once lived at the previous EMR address. Of these, 30.4% lived
      at 1 or more additional residences between the two most recent EMR address. For
      all measures, neighborhood-level environmental exposures did not differ when
      using EMR-derived versus self-report addresses. CONCLUSIONS: More recent EMR
      derived addresses are more accurate, and differences compared to self-reported
      addresses in neighborhood-level exposures are negligible. EMR-derived address
      histories are incomplete and likely suffer from collection bias; future research
      should further assess their validity and reliability.

PMID- 27663211
TI  - Recurrent cerebral infarcts secondary to marantic endocarditis in a patient with
      adenocarcinoma of the lung.

PMID- 27663212
TI  - Comparison of serum levels of IL-18 in peripheral blood of patients with type II
      diabetes with nephropathy clinical protests and patients with type II diabetes
      without nephropathy clinical protests.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Interleukin (IL)-18 is a proinflammatory cytokine secreted
      from mononuclear cells. Serum concentration of IL-18 is a strong predictor of
      death in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Recent studies have shown that
      microinflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy as well
      as of cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that the
      serum level of IL-18 is a common predictor of nephropathy and atherosclerosis in
      patients with type 2 diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 69 diabetic patient that
      have documented file in two centers (Ali asghar hospital and dialysis center of
      Imam ali hospital) had selected. 32 patients with type 2 nephropathic diabetes
      and 37 age- and sex-matched control subjects with type 2 diabetes that haven't
      any sign and symptom of nephropathy were enrolled.then take 5 ml blood from
      peripheral veins. Patients with positive CRP were excluded(2 patients in control
      group and 1 patient in case group). We assessed measured serum IL-18 levels in
      all patients. FINDINGS: Serum IL-18 levels were significantly elevated in
      patients with type 2 diabetes with nephropathy as compared with control subjects
      (serum IL-18 261.29+/-20.25 vs. 167.20+/-13.48 pg/ml, P<0.001. the all patients
      in case control have upper level of serum IL-18 vs the control group. DISCUSSION
      AND CONCLUSIONS: Serum levels of IL-18 in nephropathic patient significantly rise
      and Serum levels of IL-18 might be a predictor factor of progression of diabetic
      nephropathy.

PMID- 27663213
TI  - The Impact of Timing of Introduction of Solids on Infant Body Mass Index.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the associations between breastfeeding duration, age at
      solids introduction, and their interaction in relation to infant (age 9-15
      months) above normal body mass index (BMI). STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional,
      population-based study with 3153 infants from Melbourne (2007-2011). Above normal
      BMI (z score > 2, equivalent to >97.7th percentile) defined using the World
      Health Organization standard. RESULTS: Both longer duration of full and any (full
      or partial) breastfeeding were associated with lower odds of above normal BMI
      (eg, aOR, 0.37 [95% CI, 0.22-0.60] for full breastfeeding 4-5 months versus 0-1
      months). Compared with introduction of solids at 5-6 months, both early and
      delayed introduction were associated with increased odds of above normal BMI (aOR
      for 4 months, 1.75 [95% CI, 1.10-2.80] and for >=7 months, 2.64 [95% CI, 1.26
      5.54] versus 6 months). Such associations differ by breastfeeding status at 4
      months (interaction P = .08). Early introduction of solids was associated with
      increased odds of above normal BMI in both infants fully or partially breastfed
      for >=4 months (aOR, 3.66; 95% CI, 1.41-9.51) and those breastfed for <4 months
      (aOR, 3.11; 95% CI, 1.39-6.97). Introduction of solids at >=7 months was
      associated with increased odds of above normal BMI (aOR, 5.79; 95% CI, 1.91
      17.49) among infants breastfed for <4 months only. CONCLUSION: Introduction of
      solids at 5-6 months, compared with either early or delayed introduction, is
      associated with decreased odds of above normal BMI at 1 year of age, regardless
      of infants' breastfeeding status at 4 months. These results may have implications
      for public health guidelines with regard to recommendations about the optimal
      timing of the introduction of solid foods in infancy.

PMID- 27663214
TI  - What the Primary Care Provider Needs to Know to Diagnose and Care for Adolescents
      with Type 1 Diabetes.

PMID- 27663216
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 27663215
TI  - Complications of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Pediatric
      Patients; A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To systematically review risks and summarize reported complication
      rates associated with the performance of endoscopic retrograde
      cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in children during the past 2 decades. STUDY
      DESIGN: A systematic literature search of MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science
      from January 1995 to January 2016 was conducted for observational studies
      published in English. Studies reporting ERCP complications in patients <21 years
      without history of liver transplant or cholecystectomy were included. A summary
      estimate of the proportion of children who experienced complications following
      ERCP was derived via a random effects meta-analysis. RESULTS: Thirty-two studies
      involving 2612 children and 3566 procedures were included. Subjects' ages ranged
      from 3 days to 21 years. Procedures were performed for biliary (54%), pancreatic
      (38%), and other (8%) indications; 56% of ERCPs were interventional. The pooled
      complication rate was 6% (95% CI 4%- 8%). Procedural complications included post
      ERCP pancreatitis (166, 4.7%), bleeding (22, 0.6%), and infections (27, 0.8%).
      The pooled estimate of post-ERCP pancreatitis was 3% (95% CI 0.02-0.05), and
      other complications were 1% (95% CI 0.02-0.05). In the subgroup with neonatal
      cholestasis, the pooled complication rate was 3% (95% CI 0.01-0.07). Adult and
      pediatric gastroenterologists and surgeons performed the ERCPs. Available data
      limited the ability to report differences between pediatric-trained and other
      endoscopists. CONCLUSIONS: Complications associated with pediatric ERCP range
      widely in severity and are reported inconsistently. Our review suggests 6% of
      pediatric ERCPs have complications. Further studies that use systematic and
      standardized methodologies are needed to determine the frequency and risk factors
      for ERCP-related complications.

PMID- 27663218
TI  - American Society for Pain Management Nursing Position Statement: Prescribing and
      Administering Opioid Doses Based Solely on Pain Intensity.

PMID- 27663217
TI  - Human Subject Effects on Torsion Pendulum Oscillations: Further Evidence of
      Mediation by Convection Currents.
AB  - CONTEXT: When a human subject sits beneath a wire mesh, hemispheric torsion
      pendulum (TP) a rapid-onset series of oscillations at frequencies both higher and
      lower than the fundamental frequency of the TP have been consistently observed.
      OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to replicate and extend prior findings that
      suggest the human subject effect on TP behavior is due to subject-generated, heat
      induced convection currents. DESIGN: Effects on pendulum behavior were tested
      after draping an aluminized "space blanket" over the subject and by replacing the
      subject with a thermal mattress pad shaped to approximate the human form.
      SETTING: Experiments were performed in a basic science university research
      laboratory. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Real-time recordings and Fast Fourier
      Transform frequency spectra of pendulum oscillatory movement. RESULTS: The space
      blanket blocked, while the mattress pad mimicked, the human subject induced
      complex array of pendulum oscillations. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support and
      strengthen previous results that suggest the effects of human subjects on
      behavior of a torsion pendulum are mediated by body-heat-induced air convection
      rather than an unknown type of biofield.

PMID- 27663219
TI  - A Note on Veracity.

PMID- 27663220
TI  - Parapharyngeal space primary tumours.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to present our experience
      with the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for parapharyngeal space tumours.
      PATIENTS AND METHOD: This study is a retrospective review of 90 patients
      diagnosed with tumours of the parapharyngeal space and treated surgically between
      1984 and 2015. Patients whose tumours were not primary but invaded the
      parapharyngeal space expanding from another region, tumours originating in the
      deep lobe of the parotid gland and head and neck metastasis were excluded from
      this study. RESULTS: 74% percent of the parapharyngeal space neoplasms were
      benign and 26% were malignant. Pleomorphic adenoma was the most common neoplasm
      (27%), followed by paragangliomas (25%), miscellaneous malignant tumours (16%),
      neurogenic tumours (12%), miscellaneous benign tumours (10%), and malignant
      salivary gland tumours (10%). The transcervical approach was used in 56 cases,
      cervical-transparotid approach in 15 cases, type A infratemporal fossa approach
      in 13 cases, transmandibular approach in 4 cases and transoral approach in 2
      cases. The most common complications were those deriving from nervous injuries.
      CONCLUSIONS: Most parapharyngeal space tumours can be removed surgically with a
      low rate of complications and recurrence. The transcervical approach is the most
      frequently used.

PMID- 27663221
TI  - Ossiculoplasty in chronic otitis media: Surgical results and prognostic factors
      of surgical success.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The goal of ossiculoplasty is to improve hearing.
      Successful ossiculoplasty depends on several factors. This retrospective study
      was carried out to analyze hearing results of ossiculoplasty in ears with chronic
      otitis media (COM) and evaluate clinical outcomes and factors predictive of
      hearing improvement. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We reviewed the results of 153
      patients with COM (with cholesteatoma (COMC) and without cholesteatoma (COMWC))
      who underwent ossiculoplasty between January of 2002 to December of 2011. Several
      potential prognostic factors were evaluated: cholesteatoma present vs absent;
      type of surgical procedure, state of the middle ear mucosa, state of the
      ossicular chain, type of prosthesis. RESULTS: We analyzed 153 ossiculoplasties:
      96 patients presented COMWC and 57 patients presented COMC. The ossiculoplasties
      were performed using autologous ossicles for the most part. All ossiculoplasties
      were carried out in one-stage surgery. In 38% of cases ossiculoplasty was
      combined with mastoidectomy; in the remaining 62% of cases, ossiculoplasty was
      performed without mastoidectomy. Ossiculoplasty was successfully achieved in 113
      patients (74%). The presence of the stapes superstructure and normal mucosa were
      significant predictive factors of surgical success. CONCLUSION: The majority of
      the ossiculoplasties improved hearing status satisfactorily. Multivariate
      analysis should be performed to investigate prognostic factors of favorable short
      term hearing outcomes after ossiculoplasty. Better knowledge of these predictive
      factors may contribute to the surgeon's judgment and the information given to
      patients.

PMID- 27663222
TI  - Diagnostic surprise in a Meniere-like syndrome: Jugular bulb diverticulum.

PMID- 27663223
TI  - Commentary to "Robotic versus open pediatric ureteral reimplantation: Costs and
      complications from a nationwide sample journal of pediatric urology".

PMID- 27663224
TI  - Chemical stability and osteogenic activity of plasma-sprayed boron-modified
      calcium silicate-based coatings.
AB  - In recent years, CaSiO3 bio-ceramic coatings have attracted great attention
      because of their good bioactivity. However, their high degradation rates in
      physiological environment restrict their practical applications. In this work,
      boron-modified CaSiO3 ceramic (Ca11Si4B2O22, B-CS) coating was developed on Ti
      substrates by plasma-spraying technique attempting to obtain enhanced chemical
      stability and osteogenic activity. The B-CS coating possessed significantly
      increased chemical stability due to the introduction of boron and consequently
      the modified crystal structure, while maintaining good bioactivity. Scanning
      electron microscope and immunofluorescence studies showed that better cellular
      adhesion and extinctive filopodia-like processes were observed on the B-CS
      coating. Compared with the pure CaSiO3 (CS) coating, the B-CS coating promoted
      MC3T3-E1 cells attachment and proliferation. In addition, enhanced collagen I
      (COL-I) secretion, alkaline phosphatase activity, and extracellular matrix
      mineralization levels were detected from the B-CS coating. According to RT-PCR
      results, notable up-regulation expressions of mineralized tissue-related genes,
      such as runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), bone sialoprotein and
      osteocalcin, and bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP-7) were observed on the B-CS
      coating compared with the CS coating. The above results suggested that
      Ca11Si4B2O22 coatings possess excellent osteogenic activity and might be a
      promising candidate for orthopedic applications.

PMID- 27663225
TI  - The propensity for tropomyosin twisting in the presence and absence of F-actin.
AB  - A canonical model of muscle alpha-tropomyosin (Tpm1.1), based on molecular
      mechanics and electron microscopy of different contractile states, shows that the
      two-stranded coiled-coiled is pre-bent to present a specific molecular-face to
      the F-actin filament. This conformation is thought to facilitate both filament
      assembly and tropomyosin sliding across actin to modulate myosin-binding.
      However, to bind effectively to actin filaments, the 42 nm-long tropomyosin
      coiled-coil is not strictly canonical. Here, the mid-region of tropomyosin twists
      an additional ~20 degrees  in order to better match the F-actin helix. In
      addition, the N- and C-terminal regions of tropomyosin polymerize head-to-tail to
      form continuous super-helical cables. In this case, 9 to 10 residue-long
      overlapping domains between adjacent molecules untwist relative to each other to
      accommodate orthogonal interactions between chains in the junctional four-helix
      nexus. Extensive molecular dynamics simulations show that the twisting and
      untwisting motions of tropomyosin vary appreciably along tropomyosin length, and
      in particular that substantial terminal domain winding and unwinding occurs
      whether tropomyosin is bound to F-actin or not. The local and regional twisting
      and untwisting do not appear to proceed in a concerted fashion, resembling more
      of a "wringing-type" behavior rather than a rotation.

PMID- 27663226
TI  - Whole-body MRI in patients with Non-bacterial Osteitis: Radiological findings and
      correlation with clinical data.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To correlate clinical findings of Non-bacterial Osteitis (NBO) with
      whole-body MRI (WB-MRI) findings and determine a radiologic index for NBO (RINBO)
      which allows standardized reporting of WB-MRI. METHODS AND MATERIALS: In a
      prospective study, 40 patients with diagnosis of NBO underwent clinical
      examination and WB-MRI in which STIR- and T1- weighted images were assessed for
      NBO-typical lesions. Parameters of interest for RINBO were: number of
      radiologically active lesions (RAL), size of the patients' maximum RAL presence
      of extramedullary and spinal involvement. Results were tested for statistical
      agreement of clinical and MR-based lesion detection. RINBO was tested for
      correlation with clinical activity. RESULTS: 62/95 clinically/radiologically
      active lesions were found in 30/33 patients. In 45 % of the cohort, more active
      lesions were detected by WB-MRI than by clinical examination. RINBO was a
      significant predictor for the presence of clinically active lesions. CONCLUSION:
      WB-MRI is a powerful diagnostic tool for patients with NBO which can reveal
      asymptomatic disease activity. With RINBO a standardized evaluation approach is
      proposed which helps assessing radiologic disease burden and predicts clinical
      disease activity. KEY POINTS: * Whole body MRI is a powerful diagnostic tool for
      patients with non-bacterial Osteitis. * Whole body MRI can reveal asymptomatic
      disease activity. * The radiologic index RINBO offers a standardized evaluation
      approach.

PMID- 27663227
TI  - Real-time fusion of coronary CT angiography with x-ray fluoroscopy during chronic
      total occlusion PCI.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of real
      time fusion of coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) centreline and
      arterial wall calcification with x-ray fluoroscopy during chronic total occlusion
      (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: Patients undergoing CTO
      PCI were prospectively enrolled. Pre-procedural CT scans were integrated with
      conventional coronary fluoroscopy using prototype software. We enrolled 24
      patients who underwent CTO PCI using the prototype CT fusion software, and 24
      consecutive CTO PCI patients without CT guidance served as a control group.
      RESULTS: Mean age was 66 +/- 11 years, and 43/48 patients were men. Real-time CTA
      fusion during CTO PCI provided additional information regarding coronary arterial
      calcification and tortuosity that generated new insights into antegrade wiring,
      antegrade dissection/reentry, and retrograde wiring during CTO PCI. Overall CTO
      success rates and procedural outcomes remained similar between the two groups,
      despite a trend toward higher complexity in the fusion CTA group. CONCLUSIONS:
      This study demonstrates that real-time automated co-registration of coronary CTA
      centreline and calcification onto live fluoroscopic images is feasible and
      provides new insights into CTO PCI, and in particular, antegrade dissection
      reentry-based CTO PCI. KEY POINTS: * Real-time semi-automated fusion of
      CTA/fluoroscopy is feasible during CTO PCI. * CTA fusion data can be toggled
      on/off as desired during CTO PCI * Real-time CT calcium and centreline overlay
      could benefit antegrade dissection/reentry-based CTO PCI.

PMID- 27663228
TI  - Recent expansion of pharmaceutical nanotechnologies and targeting strategies in
      the field of phytopharmaceuticals for the delivery of herbal extracts and
      bioactives.
AB  - Application of pharmaceutical nanotechnology (nanomedicines) for plant actives
      and extracts, is gaining a tremendous growth and interest among the scientists.
      This emerging herbal revolution has headed towards the development of another
      approaches for the delivery of poorly soluble herbal bioactives and plant
      extracts for enhancing their bioavailability and efficacy. In the same context, a
      majority of pharmaceutical nanotechnologies and targeting strategies including
      phytosomes, nanoparticles, hydrogels, microspheres, transferosomes and ethosomes,
      self nano emulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS), self micro emulsifying drug
      delivery systems (SMEDDS) has been applied for the delivery of bioactives and
      plant extracts and were identified and explored. These pharmaceutical
      nanotechnologies have been proven to be the most efficient and reliable delivery
      systems, as these enhance the solubility, absorption, pharmacokinetics,
      bioavailability and provide protection from toxicity. Considering these aspects,
      the present review highlights the present scenario related to the expansion of
      novel herbal formulations utilizing the nanotechnologies and compilation of their
      delivery types and mechanism, methodology, loaded drug, drug size, entrapment
      efficiency of drug, in vivo activity and its application. Moreover, this review
      article provides an understanding of therapeutic efficacy of the herbal medicines
      to be loaded into the novel drug delivery system for various biomedical
      applications.

PMID- 27663230
TI  - Patterns of crop cover under future climates.
AB  - We study changes in crop cover under future climate and socio-economic
      projections. This study is not only organised around the global and regional
      adaptation or vulnerability to climate change but also includes the influence of
      projected changes in socio-economic, technological and biophysical drivers,
      especially regional gross domestic product. The climatic data are obtained from
      simulations of RCP4.5 and 8.5 by four global circulation models/earth system
      models from 2000 to 2100. We use Random Forest, an empirical statistical model,
      to project the future crop cover. Our results show that, at the global scale,
      increases and decreases in crop cover cancel each other out. Crop cover in the
      Northern Hemisphere is projected to be impacted more by future climate than the
      in Southern Hemisphere because of the disparity in the warming rate and
      precipitation patterns between the two Hemispheres. We found that crop cover in
      temperate regions is projected to decrease more than in tropical regions. We
      identified regions of concern and opportunities for climate change adaptation and
      investment.

PMID- 27663229
TI  - Co-release of dicloxacillin and thioridazine from catheter material containing an
      interpenetrating polymer network for inhibiting device-associated Staphylococcus
      aureus infection.
AB  - Approximately half of all nosocomial bloodstream infections are caused by
      bacterial colonization of vascular catheters. Attempts have been made to improve
      devices using anti-adhesive or antimicrobial coatings; however, it is often
      difficult to bind coatings stably to catheter materials, and the low amounts of
      drug in thin-film coatings limit effective long-term release. Interpenetrating
      polymer networks (IPNs) are polymer hybrid materials with unique drug release
      properties. While IPNs have been extensively investigated for use in tablet- or
      capsule-based drug delivery systems, the potential for use of IPNs in drug
      release medical devices remains largely unexplored. Here, we investigated the use
      of silicone-hydrogel IPNs as a catheter material to provide slow anti-bacterial
      drug-release functionality. IPN catheters were produced by the sequential method,
      using supercritical CO2 as a solvent to polymerize and crosslink poly(2
      hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) in silicone elastomer. The design was tested
      against Staphylococcus aureus colonization after loading with dicloxacillin (DCX)
      alone or in combination with thioridazine (TDZ), the latter of which is known to
      synergistically potentiate the antibacterial effect of DCX against both
      methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant S. aureus. The hydrophilic PHEMA
      component allowed for drug loading in the catheters by passive diffusion and
      provided controlled release properties. The drug-loaded IPN material inhibited
      bacterial growth on agar plates for up to two weeks and in blood cultures for up
      to five days, and it withstood 24h of seeding with resilient biofilm aggregates.
      The combined loading of DCX+TDZ enhanced the antibacterial efficiency in static
      in vitro experiments, although release analyses revealed that this effect was due
      to an enhanced loading capacity of DCX when co-loaded with TDZ. Lastly, the IPN
      catheters were tested in a novel porcine model of central venous catheter-related
      infection, in which drug-loaded IPN catheters were found to significantly
      decrease the frequency of infection.

PMID- 27663231
TI  - What is at stake? Status and threats to South China Sea marine fisheries.
AB  - Governance of South China Sea (SCS) fisheries remains weak despite
      acknowledgement of their widespread overexploitation for the past few decades.
      This review incorporates unreported fish catches to provide an improved baseline
      of the current status and societal contribution of SCS marine fisheries, so that
      the socio-economic and ecological consequences of continued fisheries
      unsustainability may be understood. Potential fisheries contribution to food and
      livelihoods include 11-17 million t in fisheries catch and USD 12-22 * 109 in
      fisheries landed value annually in the 2000s, and close to 3 million jobs.
      However, overfishing has resulted in biodiversity and habitat loss, and altered
      ecosystem trophic structures to a 'fished down' state. The present situation
      reiterates the urgency for fisheries policies that simultaneously address
      multiple political, social, economic, and biological dimensions at regional,
      national, and local scales. Importantly, improved cooperation between SCS
      nations, particularly in overcoming territorial disputes, is essential for
      effective regional fisheries governance.

PMID- 27663232
TI  - Backbone modified TBA analogues endowed with antiproliferative activity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The thrombin binding aptamer (TBA) is endowed with antiproliferative
      properties but its potential development is counteracted by the concomitant
      anticoagulant activity. METHODS: Five oligonucleotides (ODNs) based on TBA
      sequence (GGTTGGTGTGGTTGG) and containing l-residues or both l-residues and
      inversion of polarity sites have been investigated by NMR and CD techniques for
      their ability to form G-quadruplex structures. Furthermore, their anticoagulant
      (PT assay) and antiproliferative properties (MTT assay), and their resistance in
      fetal bovine serum have been tested. RESULTS: CD and NMR data suggest that the
      investigated ODNs are able to form right- and left-handed G-quadruplex
      structures. All ODNs do not retain the anticoagulant activity characteristic of
      TBA but are endowed with a significant antiproliferative activity against two
      cancerous cell lines. Their resistance in biological environment after six days
      is variable, depending on the ODN. CONCLUSIONS: A comparison between results and
      literature data suggests that the antiproliferative activity of the TBA analogues
      investigated could depends on two factors: a) biological pathways and targets
      different from those already identified or proposed for other antiproliferative G
      quadruplex aptamers, and b) the contribution of the guanine-based degradation
      products. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: Modified TBA analogues containing l-residues and
      inversion of polarity sites lose the anticoagulant activity but gain
      antiproliferative properties against two cancer cell lines. This article is part
      of a Special Issue entitled "G-quadruplex" Guest Editor: Dr. Concetta Giancola
      and Dr. Daniela Montesarchio.

PMID- 27663234
TI  - Potential role of Apoptosis Inducing Factor in evolutionarily significant
      eukaryote, Dictyostelium discoideum survival.
AB  - Apoptosis Inducing Factor (AIF), a phylogenetically conserved mitochondrial inter
      membrane space flavoprotein has an important role in caspase independent cell
      death. Nevertheless, AIF is also essential for cell survival. It is required for
      mitochondrial organization and energy metabolism. Upon apoptotic stimulation, AIF
      induces DNA fragmentation after its mitochondrio-nuclear translocation. Although
      it executes critical cellular functions in a coordinated manner, the exact
      mechanism still remains obscure. The present study aims to understand AIF's role
      in cell survival, growth and development by its down-regulation in an interesting
      unicellular eukaryote, D. discoideum which exhibits multicellularity upon
      starvation. Constitutive AIF down-regulated (dR) cells exhibited slower growth
      and delayed developmental morphogenesis. Also, constitutive AIF dR cells
      manifested high intracellular ROS, oxidative DNA damage and calcium levels with
      lower ATP content. Interestingly, constitutive AIF dR cells showed amelioration
      in cell growth upon antioxidant treatment, strengthening its role as ROS
      regulator. Under oxidative stress, AIF dR cells showed early mitochondrial
      membrane depolarization followed by AIF translocation from mitochondria to
      nucleus and exhibited necrotic cell death as compared to paraptoptic cell death
      of control cells. Thus, the results of this study provide an exemplar where AIF
      is involved in growth and development by regulating ROS levels and maintaining
      mitochondrial function in D. discoideum, an evolutionarily significant model
      organism exhibiting caspase independent apoptosis.

PMID- 27663233
TI  - Macrophages mediated diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis using fibrin based
      magnetic nanoparticles as MRI contrast agents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A variety of bioimaging tools assists in the diagnosis and evaluation
      of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other osteoarthritis. However, detection of RA
      in the early stages by targeting its macrophages with suitable contrast agents
      will help in arresting the progression of the disease. METHODS: In the present
      study, we investigated the effectiveness of using magnetic fibrin nanoparticles
      (MFNPs) conjugated with folic acid (FA-MFNPs) as a specific contrast agent to
      target the activated macrophages, which overexpress the folate receptors (FR) in
      the knee joints of rats with antigen-induced arthritis (AIA). RESULTS: FA-MFNPs
      were spherical with an average size of 18.3+/-1.6nm. In vitro studies have shown
      effective internalization of FA-MFNPs into the Raw264.7 macrophage cells. In vivo
      studies were carried out by injecting FA-MFNPs intravenously into the arthritic
      rats. The results showed enhanced MR imaging in the synovium of arthritic joints.
      Prussian blue histological staining confirmed uptake of FA-MFNPs by macrophages
      in the synovial tissue. CONCLUSION: The animal experiment results indicate that
      FA-MFNPs can be used as a specific MRI contrast agent in identifying phagocytic
      active macrophages in the synovial joints. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: Blood is the
      precursor source for synthesising the fibrin-based iron oxide (magnetic)
      nanoparticles (MFNPs) with diameters between 12 and 15nm. It has excellent
      superparamagnetic behaviour, biocompatibility, osteogenic potency,
      hemocompatibility, and biodegradable properties. MFNPs-based nanocomposites might
      be a promising contrast agent for bioimaging.

PMID- 27663235
TI  - Apolipoproteins and HDL cholesterol do not associate with the risk of future
      dementia and Alzheimer's disease: the National Finnish population study
      (FINRISK).
AB  - Data on associations of apolipoproteins A-I and B (apo A-I, apo B) and HDL
      cholesterol (HDL-C) with dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are conflicting.
      Our aim was to examine, whether apo B, apoA-I, their ratio, or HDL-C are
      significant, independent predictors of incident dementia and AD in the general
      population free of dementia at baseline. We analyzed the results from two Finnish
      prospective population-based cohort studies in a total of 13,275 subjects aged 25
      to 74 years with mainly Caucasian ethnicity. The follow-up time for both cohorts
      was 10 years. We used Cox proportional hazards regression to evaluate hazard
      ratios (HR) for incident dementia (including AD) (n = 220) and for AD (n = 154).
      Cumulative incidence function (CIF) analysis was also performed to adjust the
      results for competing risks of death. Adjusted for multiple dementia and AD risk
      factors, log-transformed apo A-I, log HDL-C, log apo B, and log apo B/A-I ratio
      were not associated with incident dementia or AD. HDL-C was inversely associated
      with AD risk when adjusted for competing risks but no other statistically
      significant associations were observed in the CIF analyses. Apo A-I, HDL-C, apo
      B, or apo B/A-I ratio were not associated with future dementia or AD. HDL-C was
      inversely associated with incident AD risk when adjusted for competing risks of
      death, but the finding is unlikely to be of clinical relevance. Our study does
      not support the use of these risk markers to predict incident dementia or AD.

PMID- 27663236
TI  - The Effect of Lateralization of Motor Onset and Emotional Recognition in PD
      Patients Using EEG.
AB  - The objective of this research was to investigate the relationship between
      emotion recognition and lateralization of motor onset in Parkinson's disease (PD)
      patients using electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. The subject pool consisted of
      twenty PD patients [ten with predominantly left-sided (LPD) and ten with
      predominantly right-sided (RPD) motor symptoms] and 20 healthy controls (HC) that
      were matched for age and gender. Multimodal stimuli were used to evoke simple
      emotions, such as happiness, sadness, fear, anger, surprise, and disgust.
      Artifact-free emotion EEG signals were processed using the auto regressive
      spectral method and then subjected to repeated ANOVA measures. No group
      differences were observed across behavioral measures; however, a significant
      reduction in EEG spectral power was observed at alpha, beta and gamma frequency
      oscillations in LPD, compared to RPD and HC participants, suggesting that LPD
      patients (inferred right-hemisphere pathology) are impaired compared to RPD
      patients in emotional processing. We also found that PD-related emotional
      processing deficits may be selective to the perception of negative emotions.
      Previous findings have suggested a hemispheric effect on emotion processing that
      could be related to emotional response impairment in a subgroup of PD patients.
      This study may help in clinical practice to uncover potential neurophysiologic
      abnormalities of emotional changes with respect to PD patient's motor onset.

PMID- 27663239
TI  - Retreatment of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy after photodynamic therapy
      combined with intravitreal ranibizumab.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the incidence, risk factors and effect on visual
      improvement of retreatment within 60 months after initial photodynamic therapy
      (PDT) combined with intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) in eyes with treatment-naive
      polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the
      medical records of 61 eyes from 60 patients with PCV, who were followed up for at
      least 12 months after undergoing combination therapy. Retreatment, including
      combination therapy or IVR alone, was administered if residual or recurrent
      exudative changes were present. RESULTS: During the follow-up period (mean 44 +/-
      13 months, median 48 months), 46 eyes (75.4 %) underwent retreatment. Survival
      analysis revealed that the proportions of eyes that were retreatment-free were 59
      % at the 12-month visit, 41 % at the 24 month, 31 % at the 36 month, and 20 % at
      the 60-month visit. The median retreatment-free period was 15.0 [95 % confidence
      interval (CI) 7.4-22.7] months, and the mean period was 24.9 (95 % CI 19.3-30.6)
      months. Cox regression analysis revealed that older age (P = 0.010, hazard ratio
      1.06, CI 1.02-1.11) and male gender (P = 0.043, hazard ratio 2.41, CI 1.03-5.62)
      were associated with retreatment. Visual improvement was significantly better in
      eyes without retreatment compared with those with retreatment at the 12-, 24- and
      48-month visits. CONCLUSIONS: About 80 % of eyes with PCV require retreatment
      within 5 years after combination therapy with PDT and IVR. Retreatment is
      associated with older age and male gender and is related to reduced improvement
      of visual acuity.

PMID- 27663237
TI  - Lipidomics: Techniques, Applications, and Outcomes Related to Biomedical
      Sciences.
AB  - Lipidomics is a newly emerged discipline that studies cellular lipids on a large
      scale based on analytical chemistry principles and technological tools,
      particularly mass spectrometry. Recently, techniques have greatly advanced and
      novel applications of lipidomics in the biomedical sciences have emerged. This
      review provides a timely update on these aspects. After briefly introducing the
      lipidomics discipline, we compare mass spectrometry-based techniques for analysis
      of lipids and summarize very recent applications of lipidomics in health and
      disease. Finally, we discuss the status of the field, future directions, and
      advantages and limitations of the field.

PMID- 27663238
TI  - 123I-mIBG scintigraphy in neuroblastoma: development of a SIOPEN semi
      quantitative reporting ,method by an international panel.
AB  - PURPOSE: A robust method is required to standardise objective reporting of
      diagnostic 123I-mIBG images in neuroblastoma. Prerequisites for an appropriate
      system are low inter- and intra-observer error and reproducibility across a broad
      disease spectrum. We present a new reporting method, developed and tested for
      SIOPEN by an international expert panel. METHOD: Patterns of abnormal skeletal
      123I-mIBG uptake were defined and assigned numerical scores [0-6] based on
      disease extent within 12 body segments. Uptake intensity was excluded from the
      analysis. Data sets from 82 patients were scored independently by six experienced
      specialists as unblinded pairs (pre- and post-induction chemotherapy) and in
      random order as a blinded study. Response was defined as >=50 % reduction in post
      induction score compared with baseline. RESULTS: In total, 1968 image sets were
      reviewed individually. Response rates of 88 % and 82 % were recorded for patients
      with baseline skeletal scores <=23 and 24-48 respectively, compared with 44 %
      response in patients with skeletal scores >48 (p = 0.02). Reducing the number of
      segments or extension scale had a small but statistically negative impact upon
      the number of responses detected. Intraclass correlation coefficients [ICCs]
      calculated for the unblinded and blinded study were 0.95 at diagnosis and 0.98
      and 0.99 post-induction chemotherapy, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The SIOPEN mIBG
      score method is reproducible across the full spectrum of disease in high risk
      neuroblastoma. Numerical assessment of skeletal disease extent avoids subjective
      evaluation of uptake intensity. This robust approach provides a reliable means
      with which to examine the role of 123I mIBG scintigraphy as a prognostic
      indicator in neuroblastoma.

PMID- 27663240
TI  - Incidence and patterns of maxillofacial trauma-a retrospective analysis of 3611
      patients-an update.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Maxillofacial fractures occur in a significant proportion worldwide
      and can occur as an isolated injury or in combination with other severe injuries
      including cranial, spinal, and upper and lower body injuries requiring prompt
      diagnosis with possible emergency interventions. The epidemiology of facial
      fractures varies with regard to injury type, severity, and cause and depends on
      the population studied. Hence, understanding of these factors can aid in
      establishing clinical and research priorities for effective treatment and
      prevention of these injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this present
      retrospective study, we provide a comprehensive overview regarding cranio
      maxillofacial trauma on 3611 patients to assist the clinician in assessment and
      management of this unique highly specialized area of traumatology. A preformed
      pro forma was used to analyze the medical records of patients treated for facial
      trauma in The Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Meenakshi Ammal
      Dental College and Hospital, Chennai. The distribution according to age, gender,
      etiology, type of injury, time interval between accident and treatment, loss of
      consciousness, facial bones involved, pattern of fracture lines, treatment
      offered, and postoperative complications were recorded and evaluated. RESULTS: We
      inferred male patients sustained more injuries mostly in the third decade of age.
      Road traffic accidents were the most common cause of injury. Mandible was the
      most commonly fractured bone in the facial skeleton. Soft tissue injuries
      occurred more in road traffic accidents and upper lip was the commonest site of
      injury. CONCLUSION: Our study provides insights into the epidemiology of facial
      injuries and associated factors and can be useful not only in developing
      prevention strategies but also for grading the existing legal regulations and
      also for framing a more effective treatment protocol.

PMID- 27663241
TI  - Finite element analysis of stress distribution on the mandible and condylar
      fracture osteosynthesis during various clenching tasks.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of clenching tasks
      on the stress and strain of condylar osteosynthesis screws and plates, as well as
      on the stress, strain distribution and displacement on the whole mandible and
      bone surrounding screws. METHODS: Three-dimensional finite element models of the
      mandible, two straight four-hole plates and eight screws were established. Six
      static clenching tasks were simulated in this study: incisal clench (INC),
      intercuspal position (ICP), right unilateral molar clench (RMOL), left unilateral
      molar clench (LMOL), right group function (RGF) and left group function (LGF).
      RESULTS: Based on the simulation of the six clenching tasks, none of the inserted
      screws and plates were broken or bended. For the whole mandibular bone, the
      maximum von Mises stress and von Mises strain observed were yielded by the ICP.
      For the bone surrounding the inserted screws, the maximum von Mises stress and
      von Mises strain were yielded by the LMOL (49.2 MPa and 3795.1 MU). CONCLUSION:
      Clenching tasks had significant effects on the stress distribution on the
      condylar osteosynthesis and the bone surrounding screws. Contralateral occlusion
      task (LMOL) had the maximal results of von Mises stress and strain and healing
      problems could be occur, this result confirms the importance of soft diet after
      surgery.

PMID- 27663242
TI  - Surgical defect coverage in oral submucous fibrosis patients with single-stage
      extended nasolabial flap.
AB  - PURPOSE: Long standing oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is associated with
      involvement of the oral submucosa and the muscles of mastication leading to
      difficulty in mouth opening. Various surgical modalities are mentioned for
      release but each has its own limitations. The aim of the study was to evaluate
      the postoperative mouth opening in patients of OSMF after excision of fibrous
      bands followed by coronoidotomy and surgical defect coverage by extended
      nasolabial flap. METHODS: We evaluated the use of extended nasolabial flaps and
      coronoidectomy in the management of 11 randomly selected patients with
      histologically confirmed oral submucous fibrosis. They all had interincisal
      opening of less than 25 mm and were treated by bilateral release of fibrous
      bands, coronoidectomy or coronoidotomy, and extended grafting with a nasolabial
      flap. RESULT: Their interincisal opening improved significantly from a mean of
      8.68+/-7 mm to a mean of 36.75+/-4.05 mm at 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: The
      procedure was effective in the management of patients with oral submucous
      fibrosis, the main disadvantage being the extraoral scars.

PMID- 27663245
TI  - Calcipotriol/Betamethasone Dipropionate Foam: A Review in Plaque Psoriasis.
AB  - Calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate foam (Enstilar(r)) is a once-daily
      synthetic vitamin D3 analogue and synthetic corticosteroid fixed-dose combination
      foam formulation that is indicated for the topical treatment of plaque psoriasis
      in adults. In randomized, multicentre trials, treatment with
      calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate foam for 4 weeks resulted in greater
      proportions of patients achieving treatment success [of the body (i.e. trunk
      and/or limbs), as assessed by a physician] compared with 4 weeks' treatment with
      the foam vehicle, individual components as foam, or calcipotriol/betamethasone
      dipropionate fixed-dose combination as an ointment, or 8 weeks' treatment with
      the fixed-dose combination as a topical suspension. Treatment with
      calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate foam resulted in significantly lower
      modified psoriasis area and severity index scores and, where assessed, greater
      improvements from baseline to week 4 in itch-related sleep loss and health
      related quality of life than its comparators; results were mixed for patient
      assessed improvements in itch. Overall, adverse events were mostly mild or
      moderate in severity, and the most commonly reported treatment-related adverse
      events were application-site events. Notably, there were no reports of clinically
      relevant effects on calcium homeostasis or the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal
      axis. Calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate foam is a useful new option for
      patients with plaque psoriasis.

PMID- 27663244
TI  - Ultrastructural characterization of Pleistophora macrozoarcidis Nigerelli 1946
      (Microsporidia) infecting the ocean pout Macrozoarces americanus (Perciformes,
      Zoarcidae) from the gulf of Maine, MA, USA.
AB  - Pleistophora macrozoarcidis a microsporidian parasite infecting the muscle tissue
      of the ocean pout Macrozoarces americanus collected from the Gulf of Maine of the
      Atlantic Ocean, MA, USA, was morphologically described on the basis of
      ultrastructural features. Infection was detected as opaque white or rusty brown
      lesions scattered throughout the musculature of the fish mainly in the region
      anterior to anus. Transmission electron microscopy showed that in individual
      parasitized muscle cells, the infection progresses within parasite formed
      vesicles which are in direct contact with muscle cell elements. The earliest
      observed parasitic stages are the globular multinucleated proliferative cells or
      plasmodia limited by a highly tortuous plasmalemma with intervesicular finger
      like digitations projecting into the parasite cytoplasm. These cells divided
      through the invagination of the plasmalemma and the amorphous coat producing
      daughter-cells. Fine electron-dense secretion is deposited on the plasmalemma
      that causes its thickening which is a sign of commencement of the sporogonic
      phase. This phase is carried out by cytokinesis of the sporonts and results in
      the formation of sporoblasts and finally spores. Mature spore has a thin electron
      dense exospore, a thick electron-lucent endospore, and the plasma membrane which
      encloses the spore contents. A single nucleus is centrally located with the
      posterior region containing a posterior vacuole. The majority of spores have 7-13
      coils in 1-2 rows, and a small group of spores had about 23 coils forming two
      rows. Events of polar filament extrusion for penetration of uninfected cells were
      studied. The polaroplast membranes were expanded and occupy most of the length of
      the spore. The coils are dislocated from the sides of the spore to throughout the
      entire sporoplasm. The polar filament everts and extrudes through the polar cap
      with a sufficient force to pierce adjacent sporophorous vesicle walls. After
      eversion, the polar filament is referred to as a polar tubule, as it forms a tube
      through which the sporoplasm travels. It pierces anything in its path and
      deposits the sporoplasm at a new location to begin another infective cycle.

PMID- 27663246
TI  - Mining Health Social Media with Sentiment Analysis.
AB  - With the rapid development of the Internet, more and more users utilize health
      communities (known as forums) to find health-related information, share their
      medical stories and experiences, or interact with other people in the
      communities. In this paper, we propose a framework to analyze the user-generated
      contents in a health community. The proposed framework contains three phases.
      First, we extract medical terms, including conditions, symptoms, treatments,
      effectiveness and side effects to form a virtual document for each question in
      the community. Next, we modify Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) by adding a
      weighted scheme, called conLDA, to cluster virtual documents with similar medical
      term distributions into a conditional topic (C-topic). Finally, we analyze the
      clustered C-topics by sentiment polarities, and physiological and psychological
      sentiment. The experiment results show that conLDA outperforms the original LDA,
      and can cluster relevant medical terms and relevant questions together. The C
      topics clustered by conLDA are more thematic than those clustered by the original
      LDA. The results of sentiment analysis may provide a quick reference and valuable
      insights for patients, caregivers and doctors.

PMID- 27663249
TI  - The value of transient ischemic dilation for detecting restenosis after coronary
      artery revascularization.
AB  - AIM: Transient ischemic dilation (TID) is a marker of severe coronary artery
      disease (CAD). We aimed to assess the incremental value of TID in a cohort of
      patients with known significant CAD who had recurrence of symptoms after
      revascularization. METHODS: We identified in our databases 104 patients who had
      recent coronary revascularization and recurrence of symptoms. 62 patients had PCI
      (75 arteries) and 42 patients had CABG (104 arteries). All had follow-up stress
      SPECT MPI and repeat coronary angiography. Myocardial perfusion findings of
      ischemia and TID were correlated with presence of significant obstructive CAD
      (>70% stenosis). RESULTS: Follow-up stress Tc-99m Sestamibi SPECT MPI revealed
      inducible ischemia in 38 patients (36.5%) and TID > 1.20 in 49 patients (47%).
      Subsequent coronary angiography showed significant obstructive CAD in 44 patients
      (42%). The sensitivity for detecting obstructive CAD was 61% for SPECT MPI alone,
      but increased significantly to 93% by the addition of TID as a diagnostic
      criterion (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In this selected patient cohort with prior
      coronary revascularization, TID is an important marker of obstructive CAD and has
      incremental value over SPECT MPI alone.

PMID- 27663247
TI  - Comparison of clinicopathological features and prognosis of gastric cancer
      located in the lesser and greater curve.
AB  - PURPOSE: Little is known about the features of gastric cancer located in the
      lesser and greater curve. This study aims to investigate the clinicopathological
      features and prognosis of gastric cancer located in the lesser and greater curve.
      PATIENTS: From September 2008 to March 2015, 780 gastric cancer patients were
      enrolled in the present study. The associations between locations and features of
      patients were analyzed. RESULTS: There were 571 male (73.2 %) and 209 female
      (26.8 %) patients. The median age was 56 years (ranged 21-86). There were 684
      tumors located in the lesser curve (87.7 %) and 96 located in the greater curve
      (12.3 %). The incidence of melena was significantly lower in patients with tumors
      located in the lesser curve than that in the greater curve (8.5 vs 15.6 %, P =
      0.024). The median size of tumors in the lesser curve was significantly larger
      than that in the greater curve (5.0 (0.3-15) vs 4.0 cm (0.5-15), P = 0.001). The
      remaining clinicopathological features were comparable between the two groups
      (all P > 0.05). Tumor location was not a risk factor for the prognosis of gastric
      cancer by univariate and multivariate analysis (both P > 0.05). The postoperative
      complications (all P > 0.05) and prognoses (P = 0.279) were comparable between
      tumors located in the lesser and greater curve. CONCLUSIONS: The ratio of gastric
      cancer located in the lesser to greater curve was 7.1:1. Compared with tumors
      located in the greater curve, the incidence of melena was significantly lower and
      the tumor size was significantly larger in tumors located in the lesser curve.
      The prognoses were comparable between tumors located in the lesser and greater
      curve.

PMID- 27663243
TI  - Epigenetic impacts of endocrine disruptors in the brain.
AB  - The acquisition of reproductive competence is organized and activated by steroid
      hormones acting upon the hypothalamus during critical windows of development.
      This review describes the potential role of epigenetic processes, particularly
      DNA methylation, in the regulation of sexual differentiation of the hypothalamus
      by hormones. We examine disruption of these processes by endocrine-disrupting
      chemicals (EDCs) in an age-, sex-, and region-specific manner, focusing on how
      perinatal EDCs act through epigenetic mechanisms to reprogram DNA methylation and
      sex steroid hormone receptor expression throughout life. These receptors are
      necessary for brain sexual differentiation and their altered expression may
      underlie disrupted reproductive physiology and behavior. Finally, we review the
      literature on histone modifications and non-coding RNA involvement in brain
      sexual differentiation and their perturbation by EDCs. By putting these data into
      a sex and developmental context we conclude that perinatal EDC exposure alters
      the developmental trajectory of reproductive neuroendocrine systems in a sex
      specific manner.

PMID- 27663250
TI  - Cardiovascular disease in the literature: A selection of recent original research
      papers.

PMID- 27663252
TI  - Cardiac PET/MRI enters the clinical arena! Finally....

PMID- 27663251
TI  - Prognostic impact of SPECT-MPI after renal transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While renal transplantation is increasingly performed for end-stage
      renal disease, there is a paucity of data on cardiac screening and
      prognostication post-transplant. We determined the prognostic value of SPECT-MPI
      in a cohort who underwent renal transplantation. METHODS: Among 4933 renal
      transplant recipients identified from the Canadian Organ Replacement Register, we
      examined outcomes of patients who underwent SPECT-MPI in Ontario, Canada. We
      determined morbidity and mortality using hospitalization and vital statistics
      registries, according to SPECT-MPI findings. RESULTS: We studied 282 renal
      transplant recipients (median age 46 years [25th, 75th percentile 37, 58]) with
      detailed SPECT-MPI results available, followed for a median of 5.7 (3.3, 7.7)
      years. Among those undergoing SPECT-MPI (66% pharmacologic stress), 41% had an
      abnormal summed stress score (SSS > 0) and 31% demonstrated abnormal summed
      difference score (SDS > 0). Rates of cardiovascular death were 0.4 per 100 person
      years among those with normal stress perfusion (SSS = 0) and 0.4 per 100 person
      years with SDS = 0. After adjusting for age, sex, prior myocardial infarction
      (MI), and cardiac risk factors, an SSS >= 4 conferred increased risk of
      cardiovascular death or cardiovascular hospitalization with adjusted hazard
      ratios of 2.52 (95% CI 1.41, 4.52, P = .002) for SSS 4-6 and 2.61 (95% CI 1.52,
      4.49, P < .001) for SSS >= 7. SDS was a significant predictor of cardiovascular
      death or hospitalization, with adjusted hazard ratios of 2.96 (95% CI 1.72, 5.09,
      P < .001) for SDS 4-6 and 3.26 (95% CI 1.64, 6.50, P < .001) for SDS >= 7.
      CONCLUSION: Among renal transplant recipients, SPECT-MPI predicted risk of
      cardiovascular death and cardiovascular hospitalization events.

PMID- 27663253
TI  - Continuous Gradient Temperature Raman Spectroscopy of Oleic and Linoleic Acids
      from -100 to 50  degrees C.
AB  - We analyzed the unsaturated fatty acids oleic (OA, 18:1n-9) and linoleic (LA,
      18:2n-3), and a 3:1 LA:OA mixture from -100 to 50  degrees C with continuous
      gradient temperature Raman spectroscopy (GTRS). The 20 Mb three-dimensional data
      arrays with 0.2  degrees C increments and first/second derivatives allowed rapid,
      complete assignment of solid, liquid, and transition state vibrational modes. For
      OA, large spectral and line width changes occurred in the solid state gamma to
      alpha transition near -4  degrees C, and the melt (13  degrees C) over a range of
      only 1  degrees C. For LA, major intensity reductions from 200 to 1750 cm-1 and
      some peak shifts marked one solid state phase transition at -50  degrees C. A
      second solid state transition (-33  degrees C) had minor spectral changes. Large
      spectral and line width changes occurred at the melt transition (-7  degrees C)
      over a narrow temperature range. For both molecules, melting initiates at the
      diene structure, then progresses towards the ends. In the 3:1 LA:OA mixture, some
      less intense and lower frequencies present in the individual lipids are weaker or
      absent. For example, modes assignable to C8 rocking, C9H-C10H wagging, C10H-C11H
      wagging, and CH3 rocking are present in OA but absent in LA:OA. Our data quantify
      the concept of lipid premelting and identify the flexible structures within OA
      and LA, which have characteristic vibrational modes beginning at cryogenic
      temperatures.

PMID- 27663255
TI  - Editorial Introduction to the Special Issue on Neuropsychological Interventions.

PMID- 27663254
TI  - Phytosterol Esterification is Markedly Decreased in Preterm Infants Receiving
      Routine Parenteral Nutrition.
AB  - Several studies reported the association between total plasma phytosterol
      concentrations and the parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis (PNAC). To
      date, no data are available on phytosterol esterification in animals and in
      humans during parenteral nutrition (PN). We measured free and esterified sterols
      (cholesterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, and sitosterol) plasma concentrations
      during PN in 16 preterm infants (500-1249 g of birth weight; Preterm-PN), in 11
      term infants (Term-PN) and in 12 adults (Adult-PN). Gas chromatography-mass
      spectrometry was used for measurements. Plasma concentrations of free cholesterol
      (Free-CHO), free phytosterols (Free-PHY) and esterified phytosterols (Ester-PHY)
      were not different among the three PN groups. Esterified cholesterol (Ester-CHO)
      was statistically lower in Preterm-PN than Adult-PN. Preterm-PN had significantly
      higher Free-CHO/Ester-CHO and Free-PHY/Ester-PHY ratios than Adult-PN (Free
      CHO/Ester-CHO: 1.1 +/- 0.7 vs. 0.6 +/- 0.2; Free-PHY/Ester-PHY: 4.1 +/- 2.6 vs.
      1.3 +/- 0.8; *P < 0.05). Free-CHO/Ester-CHO and Free-PHY/Ester-PHY ratios of Term
      PN (Free-CHO/Ester-CHO: 1.1 +/- 0.4; Free-PHY/Ester-PHY: 2.9 +/- 1.7) were not
      different from either Preterm-PN or from Adult-PN. Plasma Free-CHO/Ester-CHO and
      Free-PHY/Ester-PHY were unchanged after 24 h on fat-free PN both in Preterm-PN
      and in Adult-PN. Free-PHY/Ester-PHY did not correlate with phytosterol intake in
      Preterm-PN. Free-PHY/Ester-PHY of Preterm-PN was positively correlated with the
      Free-CHO/Ester-CHO and negatively correlated with gestational age and birth
      weight. In conclusion, PHY were esterified to a lesser extent than CHO in all
      study groups; the esterification was markedly decreased in Preterm-PN compared to
      Adult-PN. The clinical consequences of these findings warrant further
      investigations.

PMID- 27663256
TI  - The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children Fresh
      Start Randomized Controlled Trial: Baseline Participant Characteristics and
      Reliability of Measures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and
      Children (WIC) Fresh Start (WFS) is a randomized controlled trial of nutrition
      education to promote farmers' market fruit and vegetable (F/V) purchases and
      consumption among women enrolled in WIC. OBJECTIVES: To describe the baseline
      characteristics (demographics and F/V intake [including F/V juice]) of WFS
      participants, compare the characteristics with those of WIC participants in New
      Jersey and nationwide, and examine the baseline reliability of study measures.
      DESIGN: Cross-sectional. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING: Seven hundred forty-four women
      served by a New Jersey-based WIC agency located in a densely populated, urban
      area. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Demographic characteristics; newly developed
      measures of farmers' market-related knowledge, attitudes, and skills; and
      validated measures of F/V intake. STATISTICAL ANALYSES: Descriptive statistics to
      characterize the sample. One-sample t and one-sample sign tests to compare the
      characteristics with reference values. For dietary behaviors, comparisons were
      with state and national estimates of the frequency and quantity of F/V intake.
      RESULTS: Participants had a mean age of 28.9+/-6.8 years and were predominantly
      Hispanic (59%), US-born (60%), never married (41%), unemployed (62%), receiving
      assistance other than WIC (70%), and food insecure (55%). Half reported a high
      school education or less. Higher proportions of WFS participants than WIC
      participants nationwide were represented among demographic groups at increased
      risk of inadequate F/V intake. WFS participants consumed more fruit (2.7
      cups/day) but less vegetables (1.4 cups/day) than did women nationwide (1.1 and
      1.4 cups/day, respectively; P<0.01). Although participants consumed recommended
      amounts of fruit, their vegetable intake was below recommended levels. All but
      two of the measures developed for the study had reliability coefficients at or
      above 0.60. CONCLUSIONS: Intervention is warranted to improve participants'
      vegetable intake. Registered dietitian nutritionists should be aware of F/V
      intake differences that may require differential intervention strategies.

PMID- 27663258
TI  - Scoping review of medical assessment units and older people with complex health
      needs.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To explore current knowledge of medical assessment units (MAUs) with
      specific reference to older people with complex needs and to stimulate new topics
      and questions for future policy, research and practice. METHODS: A scoping review
      was conducted using an integrated-latent thematic approach. RESULTS: This review
      provides a unique perspective on MAUs and older people which is framed using four
      themes: efficiency, effectiveness, equity and time. Eighteen articles were
      reviewed. Most (14) articles reported on efficiency and effectiveness while none
      reported explicitly on equity. Time was identified as a fourth, latent theme
      within the literature. CONCLUSION: Findings from this review indicate that future
      policy, research and practice relating to MAUs should focus on older people with
      complex needs, patient-centred metrics and those MAU characteristics most likely
      to deliver positive health outcomes to this particular cohort of patients.

PMID- 27663257
TI  - Advances in Imaging and Automated Quantification of Pulmonary Diseases in Non
      neoplastic Diseases.
AB  - Histological examination has always been the gold standard for the detection and
      quantification of lung remodeling. However, this method has some limitations
      regarding the invasiveness of tissue acquisition. Quantitative imaging methods
      enable the acquisition of valuable information on lung structure and function
      without the removal of tissue from the body; thus, they are useful for disease
      identification and follow-up. This article reviews the various quantitative
      imaging modalities used currently for the non-invasive study of chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and interstitial lung diseases. Some
      promising computer-aided diagnosis methods are also described.

PMID- 27663259
TI  - Increasing spinal 5-HT2A receptor responsiveness mediates anti-allodynic effect
      and potentiates fluoxetine efficacy in neuropathic rats. Evidence for GABA
      release.
AB  - Antidepressants are one of the first line treatments for neuropathic pain but
      their use is limited by the incidence and severity of side effects of tricyclics
      and the weak effectiveness of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
      Serotonin type 2A (5-HT2A) receptors interact with PDZ proteins that regulate
      their functionality and SSRI efficacy to alleviate pain. We investigated whether
      an interfering peptide (TAT-2ASCV) disrupting the interaction between 5-HT2A
      receptors and associated PDZ proteins would improve the treatment of traumatic
      neuropathic allodynia. Tactile allodynia was assessed in spinal nerve ligation
      induced neuropathic pain in rats using von Frey filaments after acute treatment
      with TAT-2ASCV and/or 5-HT2A receptor agonist, alone or in combination with
      repeated treatment with fluoxetine. In vivo microdialysis was performed in order
      to examine the involvement of GABA in TAT-2ASCV/fluoxetine treatment-associated
      analgesia. TAT-2ASCV (100ng, single i.t. injection) improved SNL-induced tactile
      allodynia by increasing 5-HT2A receptor responsiveness to endogenous 5-HT.
      Fluoxetine alone (10mg/kg, five i.p. injections) slightly increased tactile
      thresholds and its co-administration with TAT-2ASCV (100ng, single i.t.
      injection) further enhanced the anti-allodynic effect. This effect depends on the
      integrity of descending serotonergic bulbospinal pathways and spinal release of
      GABA. The anti-allodynic effect of fluoxetine can be enhanced by disrupting 5
      HT2A receptor-PDZ protein interactions. This enhancement depends on 5-HT2A
      receptor activation, spinal GABA release and GABAA receptor activation.

PMID- 27663260
TI  - To fingolimod and beyond: The rich pipeline of drug candidates that target S1P
      signaling.
AB  - Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is an extracellular lipid signaling molecule that
      acts as a selective, high-affinity ligand for a family of five G protein-coupled
      receptors. This signaling system was first identified twenty years ago, and has
      since been shown to regulate a diverse range of physiological processes and
      disease states, such as cardiovascular development, immune function, hypoxic
      responses, and cancer. The therapeutic potential of targeting this system took
      center stage when it was demonstrated that the immune modulator, fingolimod
      (FTY720/Gilenya), exerts it lymphopenic effect by acting on S1P receptors,
      primarily on S1P receptor 1 (S1P1). In 2010, fingolimod became the first oral
      medication approved for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). Since then,
      second-generation S1P receptor modulators have been under development in an
      effort to provide improved safety and efficacy profiles for MS, and to broaden
      their use to other autoimmune indications. Beyond the development of S1P1
      modulators, there has been considerable effort in targeting other components of
      the S1P signaling pathway for the treatment of other diseases, such as
      cardiovascular disease, sepsis, and cancer. This manuscript provides an overview
      of the clinical and preclinical development of drugs targeting S1P signaling.

PMID- 27663261
TI  - Nitrosopersulfide (SSNO-) targets the Keap-1/Nrf2 redox system.
AB  - Nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen sulfide and polysulfides have been proposed to
      contribute to redox signaling by activating the Keap-1/Nrf2 stress response
      system. Nitrosopersulfide (SSNO-) recently emerged as a bioactive product of the
      chemical interaction of NO or nitrosothiols with sulfide; upon decomposition it
      generates polysulfides and free NO, triggering the activation of soluble
      guanylate cyclase, inducing blood vessel relaxation in vitro and lowering blood
      pressure in vivo. Whether SSNO- itself interacts with the Keap-1/Nrf2 system is
      unknown. We therefore sought to investigate the ability of SSNO- to activate Nrf2
      dependent processes in human vascular endothelial cells, and to compare the
      pharmacological effects of SSNO- with those of its precursors NO and sulfide at
      multiple levels of target engagement. We here demonstrate that SSNO- strongly
      increases nuclear levels, binding activity and transactivation activity of Nrf2,
      thereby increasing mRNA expression of Hmox-1, the gene encoding for heme
      oxygenase 1, without adversely affecting cell viability. Under all conditions,
      SSNO- appeared to be more potent than its parent compounds, NO and sulfide. SSNO-
      induced Nrf2 transactivation activity was abrogated by either NO scavenging with
      cPTIO or inhibition of thiol sulfuration by high concentrations of cysteine,
      implying a role for both persulfides/polysulfides and NO in SSNO- mediated Nrf2
      activation. Taken together, our studies demonstrate that the Keap-1/Nrf2 redox
      system is a biological target of SSNO-, enriching the portfolio of bioactivity of
      this vasoactive molecule to also engage in the regulation of redox signaling
      processes. The latter suggests a possible role as messenger and/or mediator in
      cellular sensing and adaptations processes.

PMID- 27663262
TI  - Novel alpha-substituted tropolones promote potent and selective caspase-dependent
      leukemia cell apoptosis.
AB  - Tropolones, such as beta-thujaplicin, are small lead-like natural products that
      possess a variety of biological activities. While the beta-substituted natural
      products and their synthetic analogs are potent inhibitors of human cancer cell
      growth, less is known about their alpha-substituted counterparts. Recently, we
      synthesized a series of alpha-substituted tropolones including 2-hydroxy-7
      (naphthalen-2-yl)cyclohepta-2,4,6-trien-1-one (alpha-naphthyl tropolone). Here,
      we evaluate the antiproliferative mechanisms of alpha-naphthyl tropolone and the
      related alpha-benzodioxinyl analog. The alpha-substituted tropolones inhibit
      growth of lymphocytic leukemia cells, but not healthy blood cells, with nanomolar
      potency. Treatment of leukemia cell lines with the tropolone dose-dependently
      induces apoptosis as judged by staining with annexin V and propidium iodide and
      Western blot analysis of cleaved caspase 3 and 7. Moreover, pre-treatment of
      cells with the caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK inhibited the apoptotic effects of the
      tropolone in two lymphocytic lines. Caspase inhibition also blocked elevated
      histone acetylation caused by the tropolone, indicating that its effects on
      histone acetylation are potentiated by caspases. In contrast, alpha-naphthyl
      tropolone upregulated p53 expression and phosphorylation of Akt and mTOR in a
      manner that was not rescued by caspase inhibition. The effects of tropolone were
      blocked by co-incubation with high levels of free extracellular iron but not by
      pre-loading with iron. Additionally, dose and time dependent reduction in ex vivo
      viability of cells from leukemia patients was observed. Taken together, we
      demonstrate that alpha-substituted tropolones upregulate DNA damage repair
      pathways leading to caspase-dependent apoptosis in malignant lymphocytes.

PMID- 27663264
TI  - Surgical Results of Pure Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal Surgery for 331
      Pituitary Adenomas: A 15-Year Experience from a Single Institution.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to report the results of pure endoscopic
      endonasal transsphenoidal surgery (EETSS) for pituitary adenomas (PAs) and to
      evaluate the efficacy and safety of this procedure. In addition, we tried to
      determine the predicting factors for progression of PAs. METHODS: We reviewed the
      medical records of 331 consecutive patients who underwent pure EETSS of newly
      diagnosed PAs between April 1998 and December 2014. Demographic, endocrinologic,
      and radiologic features and their outcomes, complications, and hospital stay
      durations were retrospectively assessed in these patients. RESULTS: There were
      157 (47.4%) nonfunctioning adenomas and 174 (52.6%) hormone-secreting adenomas.
      Fifty-one (15.4%) complications were present in 39 patients postoperatively. The
      frequent complications were temporary and permanent diabetes insipidus (14 and 3
      cases, respectively), syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (9
      cases), and cerebrospinal fluid leaks (6 cases). There was only 1 death (0.3%)
      related to the procedure in this series. The patient's age (P = 0.047), the tumor
      size (P = 0.003), and the parasellar growth (P <0.001) were associated with the
      occurrence of complications on multivariate analysis. Progression occurred in 92
      (27.8%) patients and the mean time-to-progression was 23.7 months (range, 3.7
      52.4 months) after a mean follow-up period of 68.5 months. In the multivariate
      analysis, the tumor size (P = 0.021), the extent of surgery (P = 0.012), the
      Knosp classification (P = 0.002), and the MIB-1 index (P = 0.019) were associated
      with progression-free survival. The mean duration of hospitalization was 4.4 (+/
      1.6) days. CONCLUSIONS: The pure EETSS of PA provides acceptable and reasonable
      results representing a safe alternative procedure to the traditional
      transsphenoidal microscopic approach.

PMID- 27663263
TI  - Time Course of Symptomatic Recovery After Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery for
      Pituitary Adenoma Apoplexy in the Modern Era.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pituitary tumor apoplexy can result from either hemorrhagic or
      infarctive expansion of pituitary adenomas, and the related mass effect can
      result in compression of critical neurovascular structures. The time course of
      recovery of visual field deficits, headaches, ophthalmoparesis, and pituitary
      dysfunction after endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery has not been well
      established. METHODS: Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for all
      patients who underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary tumor
      apoplexy from April 2008 to November 2014. RESULTS: Of 578 patients who underwent
      transsphenoidal surgery, pituitary tumor apoplexy was identified in 44 patients
      (7.6%). Two patients had prior surgery, leaving 42 patients for final analysis.
      These included infarction-related apoplexy in 7 (14.4%) patients, and hemorrhagic
      apoplexy in 35 (85.6%) patients. Hemorrhagic adenomas had a larger axial tumor
      diameter than patients with infarctive adenomas (4.4 +/- 4.1 cm vs. 1.8 +/- 0.8
      cm; P < 0.01), but were otherwise equivalent. At an average last follow-up of
      2.52 years (range, 0.1-6.7 years), resolution of ophthalmoparesis as a result of
      pituitary tumor apoplexy demonstrated the longest recovery course (range, 2.4 +/-
      2.2 months) compared with visual field deficits (range, 8.0 +/- 9.9 days),
      headaches (range, 1.9 +/- 3.0 days), or pituitary dysfunction (range, 2.0 +/- 1.8
      weeks; P < 0.01). All patients who presented with headaches (n = 37) and/or
      visual disturbances (n = 22) had complete resolution of symptoms at last follow
      up, whereas 83.3% of patients who presented with ophthalmoplegia experienced
      resolution. Endocrinologic dysfunction remained relatively consistent after
      surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery can provide durable
      resolution of symptoms for patients presenting with pituitary tumor apoplexy.
      Recovery from headaches, visual, and pituitary dysfunction may be more rapid
      compared with ophthalmoparesis.

PMID- 27663265
TI  - rapidGSEA: Speeding up gene set enrichment analysis on multi-core CPUs and CUDA
      enabled GPUs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) is a popular method to reveal
      significant dependencies between predefined sets of gene symbols and observed
      phenotypes by evaluating the deviation of gene expression values between cases
      and controls. An established measure of inter-class deviation, the enrichment
      score, is usually computed using a weighted running sum statistic over the whole
      set of gene symbols. Due to the lack of analytic expressions the significance of
      enrichment scores is determined using a non-parametric estimation of their null
      distribution by permuting the phenotype labels of the probed patients.
      Accordingly, GSEA is a time-consuming task due to the large number of required
      permutations to accurately estimate the nominal p-value - a circumstance that is
      even more pronounced during multiple hypothesis testing since its estimate is
      lower-bounded by the inverse number of samples in permutation space. RESULTS: We
      present rapidGSEA - a software suite consisting of two tools for facilitating
      permutation-based GSEA: cudaGSEA and ompGSEA. cudaGSEA is a CUDA-accelerated tool
      using fine-grained parallelization schemes on massively parallel architectures
      while ompGSEA is a coarse-grained multi-threaded tool for multi-core CPUs.
      Nominal p-value estimation of 4,725 gene sets on a data set consisting of 20,639
      unique gene symbols and 200 patients (183 cases + 17 controls) each probing one
      million permutations takes 19 hours on a Xeon CPU and less than one hour on a
      GeForce Titan X GPU while the established GSEA tool from the Broad Institute
      (broadGSEA) takes roughly 13 days. CONCLUSION: cudaGSEA outperforms broadGSEA by
      around two orders-of-magnitude on a single Tesla K40c or GeForce Titan X GPU.
      ompGSEA provides around one order-of-magnitude speedup to broadGSEA on a standard
      Xeon CPU. The rapidGSEA suite is open-source software and can be downloaded at
      https://github.com/gravitino/cudaGSEA as standalone application or package for
      the R framework.

PMID- 27663266
TI  - Barriers to healthcare: Instrument development and comparison between autistic
      adults and adults with and without other disabilities.
AB  - Our objective was to use a community-based participatory research approach to
      identify and compare barriers to healthcare experienced by autistic adults and
      adults with and without other disabilities. To do so, we developed a Long- and
      Short-Form instrument to assess barriers in clinical and research settings. Using
      the Barriers to Healthcare Checklist-Long Form, we surveyed 437 participants (209
      autistic, 55 non-autistic with disabilities, and 173 non-autistic without
      disabilities). Autistic participants selected different and greater barriers to
      healthcare, particularly in areas related to emotional regulation, patient
      provider communication, sensory sensitivity, and healthcare navigation. Top
      barriers were fear or anxiety (35% (n = 74)), not being able to process
      information fast enough to participate in real-time discussions about healthcare
      (32% (n = 67)), concern about cost (30% (n = 62)), facilities causing sensory
      issues 30% ((n = 62)), and difficulty communicating with providers (29% (n =
      61)). The Long Form instrument exhibited good content and construct validity. The
      items combined to create the Short Form had predominantly high levels of
      correlation (range 0.2-0.8, p < 0.001) and showed responsiveness to change. We
      recommend healthcare providers, clinics, and others working in healthcare
      settings to be aware of these barriers, and urge more intervention research to
      explore means for removing them.

PMID- 27663267
TI  - Separation of novel phosphoproteins of Porphyromonas gingivalis using phosphate
      affinity chromatography.
AB  - Phosphorylation of serine, threonine and tyrosine is a central mechanism for
      regulating the structure and function of proteins in both eukaryotes and
      prokaryotes. However, the action of phosphorylated proteins present in
      Porphyromonas gingivalis, a major periodontopathogen, is not fully understood.
      Here, six novel phosphoproteins that possess metabolic activities were
      identified, namely PGN_0004, PGN_0375, PGN_0500, PGN_0724, PGN_0733 and PGN_0880,
      having been separated by phosphate-affinity chromatography. The identified
      proteins were detectable by immunoblotting specific to phosphorylated Ser (P
      Ser), P-Thr, and/or P-Tyr. These results imply that novel phosphorylated proteins
      might play an important role for regulation of metabolism in P. gingivalis.

PMID- 27663268
TI  - Fetal stomach and gallbladder in contact with the bladder wall is a common
      ultrasound sign of stomach-down left congenital diaphragmatic hernia.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to identify sonographic (US) findings that can
      assist in prenatal diagnosis of stomach-down left congenital diaphragmatic hernia
      (CDH), specifically related to positioning of the abdominal contents including
      the stomach, bladder, and gallbladder. METHODS: All US examinations with a
      postnatally confirmed diagnosis of stomach-down left CDH over a 13-year period
      were retrospectively reviewed for abnormal position of the abdominal contents,
      including whether the fetal stomach was in contact with the urinary bladder.
      Normal fetuses that underwent comprehensive US surveys were similarly evaluated
      for comparison in a 2:1 ratio. RESULTS: Twenty-two fetuses with stomach-down left
      CDH were identified in a cohort of 278 fetuses with left CDH. In 15/22 (68.2%)
      cases of stomach-down left CDH, the bladder and stomach walls were in contact.
      Contact of the fetal gallbladder with the fetal bladder wall was also observed
      and was present even more commonly (17/22 cases [77.3%]). There was no case of
      either the stomach or gallbladder in contact with the bladder wall in the normal
      fetal cohort (n = 44). CONCLUSIONS: Recognition of the fetal stomach and/or
      gallbladder in contact with the bladder wall can help in the detection of stomach
      down left CDH. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 45:8-13, 2017.

PMID- 27663269
TI  - How does specialist nursing contribute to HIV service delivery across England?
AB  - This study aimed to examine what specialist nursing contributes to HIV service
      delivery across England and how it could be optimised. A three part multi-method
      qualitative study was undertaken, involving (1) interviews with 19 stakeholders
      representing professional or service user groups; (2) interviews with
      nurse/physician pairs from 21 HIV services; and (3) case studies involving site
      visits to five services. A framework analysis approach was used to manage and
      analyse the data. There was substantial variability in specialist nursing roles
      and the extent of role development. Most hospital-based HIV nurses (13/19) were
      running nurse-led clinics, primarily for stable patients with almost half (6/13)
      also managing more complex patients. Role development was supported by non
      medical prescribing, a robust governance framework and appropriate workload
      allocation. The availability and organisation of community HIV nursing provision
      determined how services supported vulnerable patients to keep them engaged in
      care. Four service models were identified. The study showed that there is scope
      for providing a greater proportion of routine care through nurse-led clinics. HIV
      community nursing can influence health outcomes for vulnerable patients, but
      provision is variable. With limited financial resources, services may need to
      decide how to deploy their specialist nurses for best effect.

PMID- 27663270
TI  - Allosteric Regulation Points Control the Conformational Dynamics of the Molecular
      Chaperone Hsp90.
AB  - Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is an ATP-dependent molecular chaperone responsible
      for the activation, maturation, and trafficking of several hundred client
      proteins in the cell. It is well known that (but not understood how) residues far
      away from Hsp90's nucleotide binding pocket can regulate its ATPase activity, a
      phenomenon called allosteric regulation. Here, the computational design of
      allosteric mutations was combined with in vitro and in vivo experiments to
      unravel nucleotide-responsive hot spots in the regulation of Hsp90. With this
      approach, we identified both activating and inhibiting regulation points and show
      that changes in those amino acids affect the conformational dynamics and ATPase
      activity of Hsp90 in vitro. Our observations that activating mutations loosen and
      inhibiting mutations rigidify the protein explain for the first time how Hsp90
      changes in response to allosteric mutations. Additionally, mutations of these
      allosteric regulation points can be controlled by the interplay with Hsp90 co
      chaperones, thus providing cells with an efficient mechanism of modifying Hsp90's
      intrinsic properties via different layers of regulation. Altogether, our results
      show that a framework for transmitting conformational information exists in the
      Hsp90 structure.

PMID- 27663271
TI  - Structural Insights into the Inhibitory Mechanism of an Antibody against B7-H6, a
      Stress-Induced Cellular Ligand for the Natural Killer Cell Receptor NKp30.
AB  - Antibodies have been shown to block signaling through cell surface receptors
      using several mechanisms. The two most common are binding to the ligand-binding
      site of the receptor and, conversely, binding to the receptor-binding site of the
      ligand. Here, we investigated the inhibitory mechanism of an antibody (17B1.3)
      against human B7-H6, a stress-induced cellular ligand for the natural killer (NK)
      cell receptor NKp30. Binding of this antibody to B7-H6, a transmembrane protein
      expressed on tumor and other stressed cells, but not on normal cells, prevents NK
      cell activation via NKp30. We determined the crystal structure of antibody 17B1.3
      in complex with the ectodomain of B7-H6 to 2.5A resolution. Surprisingly, 17B1.3
      binds to a site on B7-H6 that is completely distinct from the binding site for
      NKp30, such that 17B1.3 does not block the NKp30-B7-H6 interaction. We then asked
      whether 17B1.3 prevents signaling by binding to a putative site for B7-H6
      dimerization. However, structure-based mutations designed to disrupt potential B7
      H6 dimerization through this site did not diminish NKp30-mediated cell
      activation. We conclude that the bulky 17B1.3 antibody most likely acts by
      sterically interfering with close cell-cell contacts at the NK cell-target cell
      interface that are required for NK cell activation. A similar inhibitory
      mechanism may apply to other antibodies, including therapeutic antibodies that
      block signaling through cell surface receptors whose ligands are also cell
      surface proteins.

PMID- 27663273
TI  - Retirement and Changes in Housework: A Panel Study of Dual Earner Couples.
AB  - Objectives: To examine how transitions to retirement influenced the division of
      household labor in dual earner couples. We tested hypotheses about changes (a)
      between a couple's preretirement and postretirement stage and (b) across the
      transitional phase during which both spouses retired. Method: We estimated fixed
      effects models for the effects of the husband's and the wife's retirement on
      changes in their hours and share of routine housework. The data came from 29
      waves of the German Socio-economic Panel Study, comprising N = 31,040 annual
      observations of N = 3,288 dual earner couples aged 45 to 75 years. Results:
      Spouses who retired first performed more housework, whereas their partners who
      continued working performed less. This occurred irrespective of the retirement
      sequence. Husbands who retired first doubled up on their share of housework, but
      never performed more than 40% of a couple's total hours. None of the observed
      shifts were permanent. After both spouses had retired, couples reverted to their
      preretirement division of housework. Discussion: Although the findings on changes
      after retirement support the time availability hypothesis, gender construction
      theories still take precedence in explaining the division of household labor over
      the life course.

PMID- 27663272
TI  - C9orf72 expansion differentially affects males with spinal onset amyotrophic
      lateral sclerosis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The C9orf72 repeat expansion has been reported as a negative
      prognostic factor in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We have examined the
      prognostic impact of the C9orf72 repeat expansion in European subgroups based on
      gender and site of onset. METHODS: C9orf72 status and demographic/clinical data
      from 4925 patients with ALS drawn from 3 prospective ALS registers (Ireland,
      Italy and the Netherlands), and clinical data sets in the UK and Belgium.
      Flexible parametric survival models were built including known prognostic factors
      (age, diagnostic delay and site of onset), gender and the presence of an expanded
      repeat in C9orf72. These were used to explore the effects of C9orf72 on survival
      by gender and site of onset. Individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis was used
      to estimate HRs for results of particular importance. RESULTS: 457 (8.95%) of
      4925 ALS cases carried the C9orf72 repeat expansion. A meta-analysis of C9orf72
      estimated a survival HR of 1.36 (1.18 to 1.57) for those carrying the expansion.
      Models evaluating interaction between gender and C9orf72 repeat expansions
      demonstrated that the reduced survival due to C9orf72 expansion was being driven
      by spinal onset males (HR 1.56 (95% CI 1.25 to 1.96). CONCLUSIONS: This study
      represents the largest combined analysis of the prognostic characteristics of the
      C9orf72 expansion. We have shown for the first time that the negative prognostic
      implication of this variant is driven by males with spinal onset disease,
      indicating a hitherto unrecognised gender-mediated effect of the variant that
      requires further exploration.

PMID- 27663275
TI  - Neurologists win Ig Nobel prize for discovering that scratching the other side
      relieves itching.

PMID- 27663276
TI  - Hydration behaviors of calcium silicate-based biomaterials.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Calcium silicate (CS)-based biomaterials, such as mineral
      trioxide aggregate (MTA), have become the most popular and convincing material
      used in restorative endodontic treatments. However, the commercially available CS
      based biomaterials all contain different minor additives, which may affect their
      hydration behaviors and material properties. The purpose of this study was to
      evaluate the hydration behavior of CS-based biomaterials with/without minor
      additives. METHODS: A novel CS-based biomaterial with a simplified composition,
      without mineral oxides as minor additives, was produced. The characteristics of
      this biomaterial during hydration were investigated using scanning electron
      microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR)
      spectrometry. The hydration behaviors of commercially available gray and white
      MTAs with mineral oxide as minor additives were also evaluated for reference.
      RESULTS: For all three test materials, the XRD analysis revealed similar
      diffraction patterns after hydration, but MTAs presented a significant decrease
      in the intensities of Bi2O3-related peaks. SEM results demonstrated similar
      porous microstructures with some hexagonal and facetted crystals on the outer
      surfaces. In addition, compared to CS with a simplified composition, the FTIR
      plot indicated that hydrated MTAs with mineral oxides were better for the
      polymerization of calcium silicate hydrate (CSH), presenting Si-O band shifting
      to higher wave numbers, and contained more water crystals within CSH, presenting
      sharper bands for O-H bending. CONCLUSION: Mineral oxides might not result in
      significant changes in the crystal phases or microstructures during the hydration
      of CS-based biomaterials, but these compounds affected the hydration behavior at
      the molecular level.

PMID- 27663277
TI  - Rebound thymic hyperplasia following high dose chemotherapy and stem cell
      transplant in three neuroblastoma patients.

PMID- 27663274
TI  - Visualisation of Kiss1 Neurone Distribution Using a Kiss1-CRE Transgenic Mouse.
AB  - Kisspeptin neuropeptides are encoded by the Kiss1 gene and play a critical role
      in the regulation of the mammalian reproductive axis. Kiss1 neurones are found in
      two locations in the rodent hypothalamus: one in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) and
      another in the RP3V region, which includes the anteroventral periventricular
      nucleus (AVPV). Detailed mapping of the fibre distribution of Kiss1 neurones will
      help with our understanding of the action of these neurones in other regions of
      the brain. We have generated a transgenic mouse in which the Kiss1 coding region
      is disrupted by a CRE-GFP transgene so that expression of the CRE recombinase
      protein is driven from the Kiss1 promoter. As expected, mutant mice of both sexes
      are sterile with hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism and do not show the normal rise
      in luteinising hormone after gonadectomy. Mutant female mice do not develop
      mature Graafian follicles or form corpora lutea consistent with ovulatory
      failure. Mutant male mice have low blood testosterone levels and impaired
      spermatogenesis beyond the meiosis stage. Breeding Kiss-CRE heterozygous mice
      with CRE-activated tdTomato reporter mice allows fluorescence visualisation of
      Kiss1 neurones in brain slices. Approximately 80-90% of tdTomato positive
      neurones in the ARC were co-labelled with kisspeptin and expression of tdTomato
      in the AVPV region was sexually dimorphic, with higher expression in females than
      males. A small number of tdTomato-labelled neurones was also found in other
      locations, including the lateral septum, the anterodorsal preoptic nucleus, the
      amygdala, the dorsomedial and ventromedial hypothalamic nuclei, the
      periaquaductal grey, and the mammillary nucleus. Three dimensional visualisation
      of Kiss1 neurones and fibres by CLARITY processing of whole brains showed an
      increase in ARC expression during puberty and higher numbers of Kiss1 neurones in
      the caudal region of the ARC compared to the rostral region. ARC Kiss1 neurones
      sent fibre projections to several hypothalamic regions, including rostrally to
      the periventricular and pre-optic areas and to the lateral hypothalamus.

PMID- 27663278
TI  - Effect of nebivolol treatment during pregnancy on the intrauterine fetal growth,
      mortality and pup postnatal development in the l-NAME-induced hypertensive rats.
AB  - The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of nebivolol vs.
      bisoprolol treatment on the intrauterine fetal growth, mortality and postnatal
      development in Nomega-Nitro-l-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (l-NAME)
      induced hypertensive rats. Hypertension was induced in normotensive pregnant
      Wistar rats by daily administration of l-NAME (100mg/kg/day, in the drinking
      water) for the period of pregnancy. After 9 days of l-NAME treatment, rats with
      systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) more than 140/90mmHg were
      considered hypertensive. Then, some of them were treated from day 11 to day 18 of
      pregnancy with nebivolol (8mg/kg/day) or bisoprolol (10mg/kg/day) via oral
      gavage. SBP, DBP and heart rate (HR) were re-evaluated by tail cuff method on day
      19 of pregnancy and morphometrical or histological studies were performed on day
      20. In addition, the mortality and postnatal development of newborn pups were
      assessed in all groups. The l-NAME administration during pregnancy induced an
      increase in SBP and DBP while HR did not change. Nebivolol or bisoprolol
      treatment completely prevented the elevation of SBP and DBP induced by l-NAME
      with a reduction in HR in pregnant and non-pregnant rats. The intra-uterine fetal
      growth and the postnatal development of newborn rats in nebivolol-treated
      hypertensive group were significantly lower vs. control and higher vs. bisoprolol
      treated group with a higher mortality in the both types of treatments vs. control
      rats. The nebivolol and bisoprolol administration produce adverse effects on
      fetal growth and postnatal development, that limits their therapeutic use in
      females during pregnancy.

PMID- 27663279
TI  - Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase is not involved in the neuroprotection exerted by
      azithromycin against ischemic stroke in mice.
AB  - Repurposing azithromycin has recently emerged as a promising strategy for the
      acute treatment of ischemic stroke. The mechanism of neuroprotection depends on
      the ability of this macrolide to promote polarization of microglia/macrophages
      towards beneficial M2 phenotypes. The immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory
      effects of azithromycin, well documented in chronic inflammatory airway diseases,
      have been ascribed to the inhibition of the transcription factors nuclear factor
      (NF)-kappaB and activator protein (AP)-1. Since these inflammatory transcription
      factors are positively regulated by poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)-1, an
      enzyme actively involved in ischemic brain injury, we have investigated whether
      the neuroprotective properties of azithromycin in ischemic stroke involve
      upstream modulation of PARP-1. Administration of a single dose of this macrolide
      antibiotic upon reperfusion reduced, to a similar extent in wild type and PARP-1
      knockout mice, infarct brain damage produced by transient occlusion of the middle
      cerebral artery. Moreover, we demonstrated the lack of effects of azithromycin on
      PARP-dependent death of HeLa cells, as well as on activity of purified PARP-1 and
      PARP-2. Thus, azithromycin protects mice against ischemic stroke injury through a
      mechanism independent of PARP activation.

PMID- 27663280
TI  - Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic influence of N-palmitoylethanolamine, arachidonyl
      2'-chloroethylamide and WIN 55,212-2 on the anticonvulsant activity of
      antiepileptic drugs against audiogenic seizures in DBA/2 mice.
AB  - We evaluated the effects of ACEA (selective cannabinoid (CB)1 receptor agonist),
      WIN 55,212-2 mesylate (WIN; non-selective CB1 and CB2 receptor agonist) and N
      palmitoylethanolamine (PEA; an endogenous fatty acid of ethanolamide) in DBA/2
      mice, a genetic model of reflex audiogenic epilepsy. PEA, ACEA or WIN
      intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration decreased the severity of tonic-clonic
      seizures. We also studied the effects of PEA, WIN or ACEA after co-administration
      with NIDA-41020 (CB1 receptor antagonist) or GW6471 (PPAR-alpha antagonist) and
      compared the effects of WIN, ACEA and PEA in order to clarify their mechanisms of
      action. PEA has anticonvulsant features in DBA/2 mice mainly through PPAR-alpha
      and likely indirectly on CB1 receptors, whereas ACEA and WIN act through CB1
      receptors. The co-administration of ineffective doses of ACEA, PEA and WIN with
      some antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) was examined in order to identify potential
      pharmacological interactions in DBA/2 mice. We found that PEA, ACEA and WIN co
      administration potentiated the efficacy of carbamazepine, diazepam, felbamate,
      gabapentin, phenobarbital, topiramate and valproate and PEA only also that of
      oxcarbazepine and lamotrigine whereas, their co-administration with levetiracetam
      and phenytoin did not have effects. PEA, ACEA or WIN administration did not
      significantly influence the total plasma and brain levels of AEDs; therefore, it
      can be concluded that the observed potentiation was only of pharmacodynamic
      nature. In conclusion, PEA, ACEA and WIN show anticonvulsant effects in DBA/2
      mice and potentiate the effects several AEDs suggesting a possible therapeutic
      relevance of these drugs and their mechanisms of action.

PMID- 27663281
TI  - Corosolic acid protects hepatocytes against ethanol-induced damage by modulating
      mitogen-activated protein kinases and activating autophagy.
AB  - The reactive oxygen species(ROS)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)
      destroyed autophagy and the reactive oxygen species/mitogen-activated protein
      kinase (MAPK) pathway are considered closely related to ethanol-induced
      hepatocellular injury. Previous work indicated that corosolic acid, the natural
      extracts of leaves of the banaba tree, Lagerstroemia speciosa L., could protect
      the liver against ethanol-induced damage, but the underlying mechanism is
      unclear. In the study we found that corosolic acid significantly inhibited
      ethanol-induced apoptosis, increased level of tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF
      alpha) and reactive oxygen species accumulation in vitro. Corosolic acid
      inhibited ethanol-activated p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase MAPK signaling in BRL
      3A and HepG2 cells as well as in experimental rats. Corosolic acid restored the
      ethanol-suppressed expression of autophagy-related genes, including beclin-1 and
      the ratio of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3II/I (LC3II/I) via AMP
      activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation both in vitro and in vivo. In
      experimental rats, corosolic acid ameliorated the detrimental histopathological
      findings. Corosolic acid may protect the liver against ethanol-induced injury by
      modulation of MAPK signaling and autophagy activation. These findings suggested
      that corosolic acid might be a promising agent in treatment of alcoholic liver
      diseases.

PMID- 27663282
TI  - Allergic rhinitis, rhinoconjunctivitis, and eczema: prevalence and associated
      factors in children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We aim to describe the data collected from India during phase 3 of the
      International study of asthma and allergy in childhood (ISAAC) study. Prevalence,
      severity, and population characteristics associated with rhinitis,
      rhinoconjunctivitis, and eczema were assessed. METHODS: Children from two age
      groups (6-7 and 13-14 years) were included in the study as per the ISAAC
      protocol. The symptoms of allergy and associated features were assessed using a
      questionnaire. RESULTS: The prevalence of allergic rhinitis among the 6-7 years
      age group was 11.3%, while it was 24.4% in the 13-14 years age group. The
      prevalence of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis was 3.9% in the 6-7 years age group
      and 10.9% in the 13-14 years age group. The prevalence of eczema was 2.8% in the
      6-7 years age group and 3.7% in the 13-14 years age group. The passage of trucks
      near home, parental smoking, use of paracetamol, use of antibiotics, cooking with
      firewood, and television watching were associated with allergic rhinitis,
      rhinoconjunctivitis, and eczema. Maternal smoking was the strongest of all the
      associated features for allergic rhinitis, rhinoconjunctivitis, and eczema,
      especially in the 6-7 years age group (odds ratio: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.5-2.4; odds
      ratio: 2.9, 95% CI, 2.2-3.9; and odds ratio: 3.5, 95% CI: 2.6-4.8, respectively).
      CONCLUSION: Allergic conditions like allergic rhinitis, rhinoconjunctivitis, and
      eczema are prevalent among Indian children and are associated with environmental
      tobacco smoke, paracetamol use, antibiotic use, television watching, and outdoor
      and indoor air pollution.

PMID- 27663283
TI  - Travel health attitudes among Turkish business travellers to African countries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The number of international travellers is increasing worldwide.
      Although health risks related to international travel are important and generally
      well-understood, the perception of these risks was unclear among Turkish
      travellers. We aimed to evaluate the attitudes and health risk awareness of
      Turkish travellers travelling to African countries. METHOD: A survey was
      performed of Turkish travellers bound for Africa from Istanbul International
      Ataturk Airport in July 2013. RESULTS: A total of 124 travellers were enrolled in
      the study. Among them, 62.9% had information about their destination but only
      11.3% had looked for information on health problems related to travel and their
      destination. Of all travellers, 53.2% had at least one vaccination before
      travelling. The most commonly administered vaccine was for typhoid. Among the
      travellers, 69.3% and 80.6% had "no idea" about yellow fever vaccination and
      malaria prophylaxis, respectively. A positive correlation was found between a
      higher level of travellers' education and receiving the recommended vaccination
      for the destination. CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed significant gaps in the
      vaccination and chemoprophylaxis uptake of Turkish travellers departing to
      Africa. An awareness and training program should be developed for travellers, as
      well as public health workers, to address health risks related to travel.

PMID- 27663284
TI  - Hajj 2016: Required vaccinations, crowd control, novel wearable tech and the Zika
      threat.

PMID- 27663285
TI  - Interleukin-1beta impedes oligodendrocyte progenitor cell recruitment and white
      matter repair following chronic cerebral hypoperfusion.
AB  - Subcortical ischemic vascular dementia (SIVD) caused by chronic cerebral
      hypoperfusion exhibits progressive white matter and cognitive impairments.
      However, its pathogenetic mechanisms are poorly understood. We investigated the
      role of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and its receptor IL-1 receptor type 1 (IL
      1R1) in an experimental SIVD model generated via right unilateral common carotid
      arteries occlusion (rUCCAO) in mice. We found that IL-1beta expression was
      elevated in the corpus callosum at the early stages after rUCCAO. IL-1 receptor
      antagonist (IL-1Ra), when delivered at an early stage, as well as IL-1R1
      knockout, rescued the downregulation of myelin basic protein (MBP) and improved
      remyelination at the later stage after rUCCAO. Our data suggest that the
      recruitment of OPCs, but not the proliferation or differentiation of OPCs, is the
      only compromised step of remyelination following chronic cerebral ischemia. IL
      1Ra treatment and IL-1R1 knockout had no effect on the oligodendrocyte progenitor
      cell (OPC) proliferation, but did promote the recruitment of newly generated OPCs
      to the corpus callosum, which can be reversed by compensatory expression of IL
      1R1 in the SVZ of IL-1R1 knockout mice. Further, we found that recruited OPCs
      contribute to oligodendrocyte regeneration and functional recovery. In transwell
      assays, IL-1beta inhibited OPC migration through IL-1R1. Moreover, KdPT which can
      enter the brain to block IL-1R1 also showed comparable protection when
      intraperitoneally delivered. Our results suggest that IL-1beta during the early
      stages following chronic cerebral hypoperfusion impedes OPC recruitment via IL
      1R1, which inhibits white matter repair and functional recovery. IL-1R1
      inhibitors may have potential uses in the treatment of SIVD.

PMID- 27663287
TI  - Look into the crystal ball: Can vivid images of the future enhance physical
      health?
AB  - Many impulsive behaviors, unpleasant emotions, and misguided cognitions increase
      the incidence of type 2 diabetes and other conditions. This study tests the
      premise that such risk factors are inversely related to future clarity-the extent
      to which the future seems vivid and certain. Specifically, 211 participants
      completed the measures of future clarity and various determinants of health.
      Future clarity was positively associated with the inclination of participants to
      consume healthy food, abstain from cigarettes, participate in physical activity,
      and experience positive emotions. Future research should examine whether
      interventions designed to help individuals clarify and pursue their aspirations
      could stem lifestyle diseases.

PMID- 27663286
TI  - Acute high-grade acromioclavicular dislocations treated with triple button device
      (MINAR): Preliminary results.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Describe the clinical and radiological results of triple button device
      in the treatment of high-grade AC dislocations (Rockwood, type V) and assess
      whether improves vertical and horizontal stability compared to the techniques
      previously described. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 39
      patients with type V acromioclavicular dislocations treated with Twin Tail
      TightRopeTM system (triple button device). Of the 39 patients, 33 (26 men and 7
      women) were able to participate in clinical and radiographic follow up. At the
      time of surgery, the mean age was 25years+/-7(range, 17-49). All patients
      underwent bilateral-weighted Zanca (CC distance) and Alexander view (AC distance)
      as well as the Constant Score (CS) and Acromioclavicular Joint Instability
      Scoring System (ACJI). Radiological and clinical outcome was assessed during
      routine follow-up examinations preoperatively, postoperatively, 1, 3, 6 months
      and every year after the surgery. The presence of calcification, degenerative
      changes, mobilization of implants and bone resorption were also assessed.
      RESULTS: After a mean follow up of 25+/-4months (range 14-38), the results of the
      Constant (CS) were 94.1+/-5,5 (range 76-100) and test ACJI 87.3+/-9,8 (range 65
      100), showing no significant differences with the uninjured shoulder (CS 95.8+/
      2.5, range 83-100; ACJI 94.1+/-3.7, range 80-100). At final review, we observed
      that preoperative coracoclavicular distance (Zanca View) improved from 21,75+/
      1.97mm to 8,73mm+/-0.75 and the acromioclavicular distance (Alexander View) from
      12,65mm+/-1.99 to 0,35+/-0.3mm. Compared with healthy shoulder, these differences
      were not significant. There was no loss of reduction with this system in the
      vertical plane. 4 patients (12.12%) revealed signs of posterior instability with
      worse clinical test results. The presence of degenerative joint changes (6,06%),
      calcifications (27,2%) or mobilization of the implant (18,18%) was not associated
      with worse clinical outcomes. CONCLUSION: Twin Tail device using minimally
      invasive technique improves stability in the vertical and, specially in the
      horizontal plane relative to the previously described techniques without
      increasing number of complications.

PMID- 27663288
TI  - Psychological factors associated with diabetes self-management among adolescents
      with Type 1 diabetes: A systematic review.
AB  - This review aims to synthesise the literature examining the psychosocial
      variables related to self-management (insulin adherence, non-adherence and
      administration, blood sugar monitoring, dietary behaviour, exercise behaviour) in
      adolescents with type 1 diabetes. A systematic search of three electronic
      databases was carried out and, after the application of eligibility criteria, 21
      articles were assessed for quality prior to data extraction. Numerous
      psychological factors were found to be associated with self-management; however,
      correlations were typically small to moderate. The strongest associations were
      found between social anxiety and diet (among males); greater intrinsic
      motivation, conscientiousness and diet; and extraversion and exercise.

PMID- 27663289
TI  - Reply to Bohleber and colleagues' paper on 'Unconscious phantasy'.

PMID- 27663290
TI  - Comments on Sandler, P.C. (2015). Commentary on "Transformations in Hallucinosis
      and the Receptivity of the Analyst" by Civitarese.

PMID- 27663291
TI  - Commentary on 'The case for neuropsychoanalysis'.

PMID- 27663292
TI  - On the argument for (and against) neuropsychoanalysis.

PMID- 27663293
TI  - How the impact of medication on psychoanalytic theory and treatment refutes Blass
      and Carmeli (2015).

PMID- 27663294
TI  - Response to Kessler, Sandberg, and Busch: The case for and against
      neuropsychoanalysis.

PMID- 27663296
TI  - Impact of hospital case-volume on subarachnoid hemorrhage outcomes: A nationwide
      analysis adjusting for hemorrhage severity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: There have been suggestions that patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage
      (SAH) have a better outcome when treated in high-volume centers. Much of the
      published literature on the subject is limited by an inability to control for
      severity of SAH. METHODS: This is a nationwide retrospective cohort analysis
      using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS). The NIS Subarachnoid Severity Scale
      was used to adjust for severity of SAH in multivariate logistic regression
      modeling. RESULTS: The records of 47 911 414 hospital admissions from the 2006
      2011 NIS samples were examined. There were 11 607 patients who met inclusion
      criteria for the study. Of these, 7787 (67.0%) were treated at a high-volume
      center compared with 3820 (32.9%) treated at a low-volume center. Patients
      treated at high-volume centers compared with low-volume centers were more likely
      to receive endovascular aneurysm control (58.5% vs 51.2%, P=.04), be transferred
      from another hospital (35.4% vs 19.7%, P<.01), be treated in a teaching facility
      (97.3% vs 72.9%, P<.01), and have a longer length of stay (14.9 days
      [interquartile range 10.3-21.7] vs 13.9 days [interquartile range, 8.9-20.1],
      P<.01). After adjustment for all baseline covariates, including severity of SAH,
      treatment in a high-volume center was associated with an odds ratio for death of
      0.82 (95% confidence interval, 0.72-0.95; P<.01) and a higher odds of a good
      functional outcome (odds ratio, 1.16; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.28; P<.01).
      CONCLUSION: After adjustment for severity of SAH, treatment in a high-volume
      center was associated with a lower risk of in-hospital mortality and a higher
      odds of a good functional outcome.

PMID- 27663297
TI  - Precision and improving outcomes in acute kidney injury: Personalizing the
      approach.
AB  - It is now well over a decade since attempts at harmonization of acute renal
      failure into a definable entity termed acute kidney injury. This has led to
      several landmark studies outlining the epidemiology of acute kidney injury,
      particularly in the critically ill, as well as providing insights into the long
      term effects of the syndrome. Despite the introduction of consensus definitions
      and improvement in recognition, this has not been translated into outcome
      benefits as yet. The introduction of novel biomarkers associated with renal
      damage was primarily aimed at aiding early recognition of acute kidney injury. We
      argue that, in the future, using biomarkers may not only alert to acute kidney
      injury but may direct therapy in a personalized fashion rather than a one-size
      fits-all approach.

PMID- 27663298
TI  - Laminin alpha2-secreting fibroblasts enhance the therapeutic effect of skeletal
      myoblast sheets.
AB  - Objectives: Skeletal myoblast sheet (SMB) transplantation, a method used for
      treating failing hearts, results in the secretion of cytokines that improve heart
      function. Enhancing the survival rate of implanted myoblasts should yield more
      continuous and effective therapies. We hypothesized that laminin-211 (merosin), a
      major component of skeletal muscle extracellular matrix (ECM), which mediates
      cell-to-ECM adhesion by binding to alpha -dystroglycan ( alpha DG) on muscle
      cells, could inhibit detachment of implanted myoblasts from host myocardia.
      Methods: Multilayered sheets composed of fibroblasts expressing laminin G-module
      (LG)4-5 of alpha 2 and skeletal myoblasts were transplanted into ischemic
      cardiomyopathy model rats. Animals were divided into four groups: the ligation
      only (Control) group, and those transplanted with SMB alone, with both myoblasts
      and control fibroblast sheets (SMB + normal Fb), or with myoblasts and laminin
      alpha 2 LG4-5-expressing fibroblast sheets (SMB + laminin Fb). Results:
      Quantitative estimation of nebulin mRNA levels indicated that the transplanted
      myoblasts in SMB + laminin Fb group exhibited significantly higher survival rates
      than those in the other groups. Consistent with these findings, the myoblasts in
      SMB + laminin Fb group exhibited elevated expression of growth factors, while SMB
      + laminin Fb rats also showed significant improvements in percent fractional
      shortening (%FS) and left ventricular remodelling, compared to the other groups.
      Conclusions: Laminin secreted by implanted fibroblasts inhibited the detachment
      of implanted myoblasts from grafted myocardia, resulting in more permanent
      therapeutic effects upon myoblast sheet transplantation.

PMID- 27663299
TI  - 2016 ESC Guidelines for the management of atrial fibrillation developed in
      collaboration with EACTS.

PMID- 27663300
TI  - Norms, Attitudes, and Preferences: Responses to a Survey of Teens about Sexually
      Transmitted Infection and Pregnancy Prevention.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess the values and beliefs regarding sexual behavior,
      sexual decision-making, and reproductive health learning preferences among teens
      in Hawaii. DESIGN: Survey regarding teens' knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs
      about sexual behaviors and preferences for learning about reproductive health.
      SETTING: University of Hawaii Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology clinics in
      Honolulu, Hawaii. PARTICIPANTS: Female patients and their male or female
      companions ages 14-19 years. INTERVENTIONS: A 30-question anonymous survey. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome was to describe the norms, attitudes, beliefs,
      and preferences of teens in this setting with regard to sexual health and sexual
      health education. For this, we provide a description of response frequencies and
      a comparison of mean scores across demographic characteristics. RESULTS: We
      analyzed a total of 100 surveys. Teens endorsed more values and norms protective
      against sexually transmitted infection than those protective against pregnancy.
      Younger teens expressed more protective values as a result of the influence of
      perceived parental values, whereas older teens expressed less protective values
      on the basis of the influence of peers. Respondents expressed comfort talking
      with their clinician about sexual health, and also expressed a slight preference
      that their clinicians initiate these conversations. CONCLUSION: The influence of
      parental values and peer norms on sexual behavior must be taken into
      consideration when designing interventions to address adolescent sexual health.
      Additionally, teens' greater concern about the consequences of sexually
      transmitted infection could be leveraged by clinicians to initiate broader
      conversations about sexual health, and a variety of modalities, including online
      resources and in-person conversations, should be used to meet the diversity of
      preferences expressed by teens across demographic groups.

PMID- 27663301
TI  - Laparoscopic Outcomes of Adnexal Surgery in Older Children and Adolescents.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcomes of laparoscopic surgery for the
      treatment of adnexal pathology in older children and adolescents. DESIGN: A
      retrospective cohort review. SETTING: A tertiary academic center in Istanbul,
      Turkey. PARTICIPANTS: Pediatric and adolescent patients aged between 9 and 19
      years (n = 69) who underwent laparoscopic surgery for adnexal pathology from
      January 2005 through September 2015. The patients who were pregnant or with non
      gynecologic pathology detected during surgery were excluded from the study.
      INTERVENTIONS: Patients were divided into 2 groups according to their age. Group
      1 consisted of 31 patients aged between 9 and 16 years and group 2 included 38
      patients aged between 17 and 19 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The indication for
      surgery, procedures performed, anesthesia time, length of hospital stay,
      pathology findings, and complication rates were evaluated. RESULTS: Ovarian
      cystectomy and adnexal detorsion with or without cystectomy were the most
      frequently performed. Ovary-sparing conservative surgery was possible for all
      patients, except those with gonadal dysgenesis and testicular feminization (n =
      6), who underwent laparoscopic gonadectomy. The most common pathologic finding
      was mature cystic teratoma (30.2%), followed by benign paratubal cyst, and simple
      cysts of the ovary. Anesthesia time was shorter in group 2 (P = .018). The
      procedures performed, length of hospital stay, complication rate, and pathology
      findings were not significantly different between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS:
      Laparoscopic surgery can be successfully performed as an efficient, safe, and
      well tolerated procedure for treating a wide variety of adnexal pathology among
      children and young adolescents without any significant variation between
      different age groups.

PMID- 27663302
TI  - Meaningful conversations in living with and treating chronic conditions:
      development of the ICAN discussion aid.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The needs of the growing population of complex patients with multiple
      chronic conditions calls for a different approach to care. Clinical teams need to
      acknowledge, respect, and support the work that patients do and the capacity they
      mobilize to enact this work, and to adapt and self-manage. Tools that enable this
      approach to care are needed. METHODS: Using user-centered design principles, we
      set out to create a discussion aid for use by patients, clinicians, and other
      health professionals during clinical encounters. We observed clinical encounters,
      visited patient homes, and dialogued with patient support groups. We then
      developed and tested prototypes in routine clinical practice. Then we refined a
      final prototype with extensive stakeholder feedback. RESULTS: From this process
      resulted the ICAN Discussion Aid, a tool completed by the patient and reviewed
      during the consultation in which patients classified domains that contribute to
      capacity as sources of burden or satisfaction; clinical demands were also
      classified as sources of help or burden. The clinical review facilitated by ICAN
      generates hypotheses regarding why some treatment plans may be problematic and
      may not be enacted in the patient's situation. CONCLUSION: We successfully
      created a discussion aid to elucidate and share insights about the capacity
      patients have to enact the treatment plan and hypotheses as to why this plan may
      or may not be enacted. Next steps involve the evaluation of the impact of the
      ICAN Discussion Aid on clinical encounters with a variety of health professionals
      and the impact of ICAN-informed treatment plans on patient-important outcomes.

PMID- 27663304
TI  - [Update on molecular classifications and new histological classification of
      bladder cancer].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Comment the new WHO histological classification of tumors of the
      urinary system and male genital organs 2016 and expose the state of art about
      urothelial carcinogenesis and molecular modifications of bladder cancer, with the
      consequences on the treatments. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A systematic review of the
      literature search was performed from the data base PubMed, focused on the
      following keywords: "bladder cancer", "molecular", "subtypes". RESULTS: The new
      WHO histological classification of tumors of the urinary system 2016 confirm the
      importance of pathology in determining the care of patients, especially the
      grade, the histological type and the infiltration, while taking into account the
      difficulties. In 2014, the Cancer Genome Atlas reported genetic modifications of
      bladder cancer. Recently, several studies explored molecular anomalies of bladder
      cancer and elaborated molecular classifications, analyzing their predictive
      value. According to the groups, different molecular subtype had been defined:
      Urobasal A, Urobasal B, genomically unstable, infiltrated, squamous cell
      carcinoma-like and p53-like luminal bladder cancers. This latter subgroup seems
      to be chemoresistant. CONCLUSIONS: The molecular biology and classifications
      allow a better understanding of bladder cancer and could complete in near future
      histological data to improve patient management.

PMID- 27663303
TI  - Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae induces sheep airway epithelial cell apoptosis through
      an ERK signalling-mediated mitochondria pathway.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae (M. ovipneumoniae) is a species of
      Mycoplasma bacteria that specifically infects sheep and goat, causing ovine
      infectious pleuropneumonia. However, the mechanism underlying the pathogen-host
      interaction between M. ovipneumoniae and airway epithelial cells is unknown.
      METHODS: A primary air-liquid interface (ALI) epithelial culture model generated
      from the bronchial epithelial cells of Ningxia Tan sheep (ovis aries) was
      employed to explore the potential mechanism of M. ovipneumoniae-induced cell
      apoptosis by characterizing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS),
      methane dicarboxylic aldehyde (MDA) and anti-oxidative enzymes, as well as the
      mitochondrial membrane potentials, cytochrome C release, and activities of ERK
      and caspase signalling pathways. RESULTS: Increased ROS production and MDA
      concentration with mitochondrial membrane dysfunction and apoptotic cell death
      but decreased expression of the antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), glutathione
      synthetase (GSS), total superoxide dismutaes (T-SOD) and Mn-SOD were observed in
      sheep airway epithelial cells infected with M. ovipneumoniae. Mechanistically,
      the M. ovipneumoniae-induced cell apoptosis and disruption of mitochondrial
      integrity reflected mechanisms by which pathogen-activated mitogen-activated
      protein kinase (MAPK) signalling sequentially led to mitochondrial damage and
      release of Cyt-C into the cytoplasm, which in turn triggered the activation of
      caspase signalling cascade, resulting in the apoptosis of host cells.
      CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that M. ovipneumoniae-induced ROS and MAPK
      signalling-mediated mitochondrial apoptotic pathways might play key roles in the
      pathogenesis of M. ovipneumoniae infection in sheep lungs.

PMID- 27663305
TI  - [An overview of French nurses' habits: Long-term urinary catheterization].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The lengthening of life expectancy associated with multiple
      comorbidities leads physicians and nurses to manage more and more patients with
      long-term urinary catheterization (LTUC). No recommendation is written about the
      management of LTUC patients. To assess the need to publish recommendations and
      tools to help nurses in a better management of LTUC, we conducted a survey of
      theoretical and practical knowledge of French nurses. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Epidemiological prospective study, type of practical studies in a declarative
      fashion, anonymous, made via computerized poll released on the website
      www.infirmiers.com. RESULTS: A total of 1254 registered nurses fulfilled the
      questionnaire. We observed a massive heterogeneity in different aspects of LTUC:
      local care and products used in them, urine bag change rhythm, lubrication of the
      catheter, respect of closed system, the rhythm of catheter change and in the
      management of blocked catheters. In total, 76% of nurses desire a theoretical and
      practical help for LTUC. CONCLUSION: We found a great diversity of knowledge and
      practices in terms of LTUC. In total, 40.67% of nurses realized at least a
      technical error during catheterization. To standardize the management of LTUC, we
      propose to draft recommendations under the aegis of the French Association of
      Urology. This will allow a better education of students, and providing online
      available support.

PMID- 27663307
TI  - [Efficacy and safety of flibanserin "new female Viagra(r)?": Literature review].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In August 2015, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has
      approved Addyi(r) (flibanserin) for treatment of acquired, generalized hypoactive
      sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in pre-menopausal women. We carried out a
      systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of the drug
      in women with HSDD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A systematic literature review from the
      PubMed database search was carried out until April 2016 using the following
      keywords: "HSDD", "flibanserin", "sexual desire" and "ransomised controlled
      trial". RESULTS: We found four randomized double-blind control studies and two
      meta-analyzes and literature reviews. For the comparison of flibanserin with
      placebo, the results were reported in standardized mean difference (SMD).
      Regarding the main criterion "Satisfactory Sexual Event" (SSE), SMD was ranged
      from 0.49 to 1 (P<0.05); "Desire Sexual Score" SMD was ranged from 1.63 to 2.20
      (P<0.05). For the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) desire domain score SMD was
      ranged from 0.03 to 0.4 (P<0.05). Adverse effects were mostly minor: dizziness
      and drowsiness. CONCLUSION: Flibanserin showed a moderate benefit in terms of
      frequency of sex and patient satisfaction. The long-term safety of flibanserin is
      still poorly defined and scientific data concerning this drug are still few.

PMID- 27663306
TI  - [Focus on molecular imaging in prostate cancer].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Prostate cancer is the most frequent cancer in men in France and it
      is a public health issue. This cancer is heterogenous. There is a clinical need
      of an accurate non-invasive imaging method to improve diagnosis, guide the choice
      of therapy and evaluate its efficacy. We undertook to critically review the
      different molecular imaging probes, currently used or in clinical trial. METHOD:
      A systematic review of the literature was performed in Pubmed/Medline database by
      searching for articles in French or English published on PET tracer in prostate
      cancer in clinical application. RESULTS: Several PET tracers are under
      investigation because of the low performance of the FDG in prostate cancer. In
      France, only two new PET tracers have the marketing authorization: the NaF and
      choline, but these tracers have several limitations. The NaF analyses only bone
      metastasis. The choline has changed the recurrence of prostate cancer but is not
      effective for recurrence with low PSA, furthermore its sensitivity is low for the
      detection of lymph nodes metastasis in initial disease. Several tracers in trial
      including the PSMA offer encouraging prospects in initial staging and for
      recurrences. CONCLUSION: An accurate knowledge in molecular biology allowed to
      develop the metabolic imagery. Many new tracers are under evaluation in prostate
      cancer. The indication of each of them needs to be established.

PMID- 27663308
TI  - Health research priority setting in Zambia: a stock taking of approaches
      conducted from 1998 to 2015.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Priority setting in health research is an emerging field. In Zambia,
      like many other African countries, various priority setting activities have been
      undertaken with a view to identify research activities to which the available
      resources can be targeted while at the same time maximising the health impact for
      resource allocation to support evidence-based decision-making. The aim of this
      paper is to document the key elements of the various priority setting activities
      that have been conducted since 1998, identifying the key lessons and providing
      recommendations to improve the process. METHODS: A comprehensive review of the
      previous priority setting activities and processes in Zambia was conducted. Both
      published and unpublished reports were reviewed in order to identify any research
      priority setting processes that have been undertaken in Zambia. We developed a
      framework, based on the priority setting literature, to guide our abstraction and
      synthesis of the literature. RESULT: The earliest record of priority setting was
      conducted in 1998. Various priority setting approaches have been implemented in
      Zambia; ranging from externally driven, once-off activities to locally (in
      country) initiated comprehensive processes. However, there has been no systematic
      national process for priority setting. These priority setting processes in Zambia
      were characterised by limited stakeholder buy-in of the resulting national
      research or programmatic research agenda. Most striking was the lack of linkages
      between the different initiatives. There seems to have been no conscious
      recognition and building on previous priority-setting experiences of previous
      initiatives. CONCLUSION: There were gaps in the priority setting processes,
      stakeholder engagement and application of a defined criterion. There is a need
      for a priority setting framework coupled with local capacity developed across a
      range of stakeholders.

PMID- 27663309
TI  - Antifungal prophylaxis of patients undergoing allogenetic hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation in China: a multicenter prospective observational study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Antifungal prophylaxis is currently regarded as the gold standard in
      situations with allo-genetic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT).
      However, the epidemiological information regarding prophylaxis of invasive fungal
      diseases (IFDs) is not clear in China. METHODS: We report the first large-scale
      (1053 patients) observational study of the prophylaxis and management of IFDs
      among patients with allo-HSCT in China. RESULTS: The incidence rates of IFD after
      primary antifungal prophylaxis (PAP), secondary antifungal prophylaxis (SAP), and
      non-prophylaxis were 22.7 vs. 38.6 vs. 68.6 %, respectively (P = 0.0000). The
      median time from transplantation to IFD was 45 days in PAP patients, 18 days in
      SAP patients, and 12 days in non-prophylaxis patients. Aspergillus spp.
      represents the most common type of fungal infection. Independent risk factors for
      IFD in allo-HSCT patients with PAP were age, having human leukocyte antigen (HLA)
      haploidentical or matched unrelated donor, decreased albumin levels, and the use
      of itraconazole as the prophylactic antifungal agent. Among SAP transplant
      recipients, there was no significant risk factor for IFDs. The incidence rates of
      overall survival (OS) in the PAP, SAP, and no prophylaxis groups were 85.07,
      78.80, and 74.82, respectively (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This observational study
      indicates that prophylaxis of IFD is helpful to reduce the incidence of IFDs and
      improve the OS of patients after allo-HSCT.

PMID- 27663311
TI  - Picture of 'complete contusion'.
AB  - One in five health authorities failed to balance their budgets by the
      Government's April 1 deadline, a national survey revealed on the eve of the NHS
      reforms.

PMID- 27663312
TI  - Unions welcome nurses on health watchdog.
AB  - Nursing unions have welcomed the strong representation for the profession on the
      new health services watchdog, announced last week by Health Secretary, William
      Waldegrave.

PMID- 27663313
TI  - Bank nurses.
AB  - Nurses who 'moonlight'as bank staff in the hospitals where they also have
      fulltime jobs are sometimes working 12 or even 24-hour shifts at a time, it was
      claimed last week.

PMID- 27663310
TI  - Major influence of repetitive elements on disease-associated copy number variants
      (CNVs).
AB  - Copy number variants (CNVs) are important contributors to the human pathogenic
      genetic diversity as demonstrated by a number of cases reported in the
      literature. The high homology between repetitive elements may guide genomic
      stability which will give rise to CNVs either by non-allelic homologous
      recombination (NAHR) or non-homologous end joining (NHEJ). Here, we present a
      short guide based on previously documented cases of disease-associated CNVs in
      order to provide a general view on the impact of repeated elements on the
      stability of the genomic sequence and consequently in the origin of the human
      pathogenic variome.

PMID- 27663315
TI  - ?
AB  - Bygone birth: Staff at Liverpool's oldest maternity hospital, Mill Road, dressed
      in historic style to mark the hospital's centenary. Staff nurse Lindsey Cleworth
      is pictured with one of the newest arrivals, Lawrence Marsden.

PMID- 27663314
TI  - Super-union foresees membership for RCN.
AB  - The Royal College of Nursing may one day be invited 'into the family' created by
      the new public sector 'super-union', COHSE General Secretary Hector MacKenzie
      said last week.

PMID- 27663316
TI  - GP Contracts.
AB  - Practice nurses' time is being wasted because the GP contract requires them to
      offer screening to elderly patients who are already being cared for by district
      nurses, it was claimed last week at the end of the contract's first year.

PMID- 27663318
TI  - ?
AB  - Head case: One of the wax models on display at Guy's Hospital's Gordon Museum in
      London which is under threat of closure through lack of funds.

PMID- 27663317
TI  - Waldegrave says nurses may jump Trust queues.
AB  - Hospital Trusts may allow nurses to jump waiting lists for fast treatment, Health
      Secretary William Waldegrave declared last week.

PMID- 27663319
TI  - National lottery.
AB  - More than half the population are in favour of a national lottery provided it
      raises money for the NHS, a new survey shows.

PMID- 27663320
TI  - Labour market study scheduled for June release.
AB  - The draft report from a major study into the labour market for health care staff
      in London is expected at the end of June, says the Institute of Manpower Studies.
      The report has been commissioned by the King's Fund and will provide the basis of
      a strategy for the future of acute health services in London.

PMID- 27663321
TI  - Twenty-five per cent of appeals successful.
AB  - More than a quarter of clinical grading appeals heard at regional level have been
      upheld, Junior Health Minister Stephen Dorrell told the Commons last w'eek.

PMID- 27663322
TI  - Elderly people missing care reforms information.
AB  - Eighty per cent of the elderly have not heard of the Government's White Paper
      'Care in the Community', according to the results of a study undertaken by the
      National Carers' Survey.

PMID- 27663323
TI  - Energy efficiency targets encouraged.
AB  - The NHS could reduce its energy consumption by 15 per cent through energy
      efficiency measures, the Audit Commission said last week.

PMID- 27663325
TI  - ?
AB  - Nursing staff from the psychiatric hospital on the Greek island of Leros spent
      time at Ottershaw Hospital. Surrey, last week as part of their visit to study
      nursing practice in the UK. Poor conditions at Leros were highlighted in reports
      last year.

PMID- 27663327
TI  - Prior experience plays a part in nursing strategy.
AB  - Assessment of prior experiential learning should form part of any strategy to
      combat the effects of the demographic time bomb on nursing, according to Norman
      Evans, Director of the Learning from Experience Trust, a group set up to help
      people make maximum use of their knowledge and skills.

PMID- 27663326
TI  - Minister gives assurances on nurses' important role.
AB  - Delegates to the second International Mental Handicap Conference in Edinburgh
      have been assured by the Scottish Health Minister that the mental handicap
      nursing profession will continue to play an important role in providing care to
      its clients in a wide range of hospital and community settings.

PMID- 27663328
TI  - Inter-dependent role for the profession.
AB  - The nursing profession is slowly realising that its role is inter-dependent with
      that of medicine, Professor George Castle- dine, Head of the Department of
      Nursing and Community Health at Birmingham Polytechnic, told the conference.

PMID- 27663329
TI  - Nurses' attitudes towards employers must change.
AB  - Nurses' attitudes to their employers and colleagues are contrary to the notions
      proposed in the United Kingdom Central Council's Post Registration Education and
      Practice Project, Royal College of Nursing President Professor June Clarke said
      last week.

PMID- 27663330
TI  - Parliament.
AB  - Nursing is completelyunrepresented on the boards of the new self-governing NHS
      Trusts, Shadow Health Secretary Robin Cook has revealed. His examination of the
      first 57 'opted-out' trusts shows that the overwhelming majority of more than 300
      chairmen and directors have business backgrounds, usually with no NHS connections
      whatsoever.

PMID- 27663331
TI  - World news.
AB  - Philippines Health workers are among more than 50 people who arc reported to have
      'disappeared' in the Philippines last year. Most of them are alleged critics or
      opponents of the government and at least five are believed to have died while in
      custody. Others appear to have been torutured, a report from Amnesty
      International states.

PMID- 27663333
TI  - Parkinson's disease and communication.
AB  - Distress, frustration and anxiety caused by poor communication between nurses and
      patients with Parkinson's disease can worsen symptoms, according to a new
      information pack produced by the Parkinson's Disease Society (PDS).

PMID- 27663334
TI  - ?
AB  - High animal fat consumption may contribute to narrowing of the arteries: fatty
      deposits develop into plaques filled with cholesterol as in this section of human
      aorta. Hardening and thickening of arteries is a major cause of death.

PMID- 27663335
TI  - Educating people to the dangers of CHD.
AB  - Coronary heart disease (CHD) caused over 130,000 deaths in England and Wales in
      1989, and its treatment costs the National Health Service L500 million annually.

PMID- 27663337
TI  - Listings.

PMID- 27663336
TI  - Link between chronic psychosis and 'ecstasy'.
AB  - The drug 'ecstasy' can cause chronic psychosis after heavy use, according to
      researchers at Kings College Hospital and the Maudsley Hospital in south London.

PMID- 27663338
TI  - Nurse turned consumerLearning to live with the devastating effects of emphysema
      led former RCN General Secretary' Trevor Clay to set up a support group. this
      week he takes on the role of president of a new club for people with long-term
      lung problems, breathe easy. Nursing Standard Editor Norah Casey talked to him
      about the condition and the effect it has had on his life and career.
AB  - Every 60 minutes a small alarm sounds on Trevor Clay's watch. 'Time is precious
      to me now. I like to know when each new hour begins,' he tells me, as we drive
      through the hot Californian desert.

PMID- 27663339
TI  - Follow the reader.
AB  - Underfunded libraries are threatening , the very success of Project 2000 courses
      and the crisis is set to worsen after the Government's decision not to inject
      more cash into nursing libraries, a new study reveals.

PMID- 27663340
TI  - Relating practical experiments to theory.
AB  - Integrating theory into practice is not without its difficulties. Often concepts
      derived from the physical and behavioural sciences appear to be unrelated to
      nursing practice and although noted laboriously by student nurses no active
      learning occurs. As nurse education changes not only in curriculum content and
      teaching methodology but in who will do the teaching and in what venue, then the
      importance of ensuring the relevance of theoretical concepts to nursing practice
      will increase.

PMID- 27663341
TI  - Project 2000 paper tigers.
AB  - I am a second-year RMN student, and also the chair of the Learners' Council at my
      school of nursing.

PMID- 27663342
TI  - Don't leave us out in the cold.
AB  - I am currently employed as an auxiliary nurse and have just found out that for
      some strange reason we cannot become RCN members, which I feel is wrong.

PMID- 27663344
TI  - Counselling relief.
AB  - I sighed with relief when I read how counselling helped a nurse resolve 20 years
      of buried grief (Points of View, Nursing Standard February 27). Someone else has
      felt like I have.

PMID- 27663343
TI  - Seal of approval?
AB  - On attending an extended role of the nurse course at Plymouth I was given a
      revised policy of the 1977 guidance (HC(77)22) on 'The extending role of the
      nurse' to find paragraph 5.3 reads as follows.

PMID- 27663345
TI  - St George's reunion.
AB  - I would like to contact nurses from the 1961 set of St George's Hospital, London.

PMID- 27663347
TI  - ?

PMID- 27663346
TI  - Information exchange.
AB  - I am a staff nurse on an outpatients department in I Peterborough, and have just
      completed a counselling ' course. I have been asked to set up a counselling
      service with neurology patients and their carers.

PMID- 27663348
TI  - Nurse's Guide for IV Medications Valerand A and Nurse's Guide for IV Medications
      Deglin J , editors F A Davis 528pp L13.50 0-8036-8840-7 [Formula: see text].
AB  - The giving of intravenous medications can be a minefield for nurses. Nurse's
      Guide for IV Medications, written by nurses and pharmacists specifically for
      nurses, promises much. At first glance, it seems overwhelming with so much
      information crammed into such a small space.

PMID- 27663350
TI  - Keepers Glouberman S Keepers King's Fund 148pp L9.95 1-85551-065-0 [Formula: see
      text].
AB  - The 'keepers' of the title of Sholom Glouberman's revealing book are all workers
      in closed institutions, and through a series of interviews they tell of their
      struggles to avoid becoming no more than part of the furniture in their places of
      work.

PMID- 27663351
TI  - Giaxo competition.
AB  - Get writing now for this year's Glaxo/ Nursing Standard Student Essay award,
      which will include a special prize of free attendance at the RCN Cancer Nursing
      Society's annual conference in York.

PMID- 27663352
TI  - Patti Sheeks.
AB  - Dear Patti, I am writing for your opinion on PREPP. The United Kingdom Central
      Council's Post- Registration Education and Practice Project, which is now out for
      consultation.

PMID- 27663354
TI  - Epidemiological aspects of rotavirus and adenovirus in hospitalized children with
      diarrhea: a 5-year survey in Beijing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diarrhea caused by viruses is a global problem among young children.
      We investigated two of the most important agents, rotavirus and adenovirus, to
      provide epidemiological evidence for a better understanding of their role among
      children with acute diarrhea. METHODS: A total of 3147 hospitalized children were
      enrolled in the study during 2010 ~ 2014. Antigen testing for rotavirus and DNA
      testing for adenovirus were performed on stool specimens collected from
      participants. RESULTS: There were 1985 cases of community-acquired diarrhea (CAD)
      and 1162 cases of hospital-acquired diarrhea (HAD). A total of 692 cases (22.0 %)
      were positive for rotavirus. Rotavirus was detected in more children with HAD
      than in those with CAD (24.6 %; 286/1162 vs. 20.5 %; 406/1985). A total of 324
      cases (10.3 %) were adenovirus positive. There was a significant difference
      between the CAD group and HAD group (9.5 %; 188/1985 vs. 11.7 %; 136/1162: chi 2
      = 3.957, p = 0.047). Co-infection was found in only 35 children (1.11 %), and the
      co-infection rate was similar between the CAD and HAD groups (chi 2 = 1.174, p =
      0.279). There was no association between sex and the detection rate of these
      viruses. The positive rate was significantly different for rotavirus among CAD
      cases (chi 2 = 27.979, p < 0.001) and for adenovirus (chi 2 = 34.362, p < 0.001)
      in the five age groups. Compared with the other four age groups (15.8-19.8 %),
      the prevalence of rotaviruses was highest among children aged 12-24 months (28.6
      %). Adenovirus was detected in 3.6 % of neonates compared with 5.8 % of infants
      from 1 to 6 months old; this increased to 12.0-13.8 % in children over 6 months
      of age. In HAD cases, age differences were not found for rotavirus and
      adenovirus. Seasonal variation of rotavirus was observed, with peaks in November
      and December and with through in July and August; however, no clear seasonal
      pattern was found for adenovirus. CONCLUSION: Detection rates for rotavirus and
      adenovirus were significantly higher in children with HAD than those with CAD,
      but co-infection was very low. A high prevalence of rotavirus was identified in
      neonates with diarrhea. Vaccination for rotavirus gastroenteritis should be
      considered in neonates.

PMID- 27663353
TI  - Characterization of Irreversible Electroporation Ablation with a Validated
      Perfused Organ Model.
AB  - PURPOSE: To develop and validate a perfused organ model for characterizing
      ablations for irreversible electroporation (IRE)-based therapies. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Eight excised porcine livers were mechanically perfused with a modified
      phosphate-buffered saline solution to maintain viability during IRE ablation. IRE
      pulses were delivered using 2 monopolar electrodes over a range of parameters,
      including voltage (1,875-3,000 V), pulse length (70-100 usec), number of pulses
      (50-600), electrode exposure (1.0-2.0 cm), and electrode spacing (1.5-2.0 cm).
      Organs were dissected, and treatment zones were stained with triphenyl
      tetrazolium chloride to demonstrate viability and highlight the area of ablation.
      Results were compared with 17 in vivo ablations performed in canine livers and 35
      previously published ablations performed in porcine livers. RESULTS: Ablation
      dimensions in the perfused model correlated well with corresponding in vivo
      ablations (R2 = 0.9098) with a 95% confidence interval of < 2.2 mm. Additionally,
      the validated perfused model showed that the IRE ablation zone grew
      logarithmically with increasing pulse numbers, showing small difference in
      ablation size over 200-600 pulses (3.2 mm +/- 3.8 width and 5.2 mm +/- 3.9
      height). CONCLUSIONS: The perfused organ model provides an alternative to animal
      trials for investigation of IRE treatments. It may have an important role in the
      future development of new devices, algorithms, and techniques for this therapy.

PMID- 27663355
TI  - Brain imaging and cognition in young narcoleptic patients.
AB  - The relationship between functional brain images and performances in narcoleptic
      patients and controls is a new field of investigation. We studied 71 young, type
      1 narcoleptic patients and 20 sex- and age-matched control individuals using
      brain positron emission tomography (PET) images and neurocognitive testing.
      Clinical investigation was carried out using sleep-wake evaluation
      questionnaires; a sleep-wake study was conducted with actigraphy,
      polysomnography, multiple sleep latency test (MSLT), and blood tests (with human
      leukocyte antigen typing). The continuous performance test (CPT) and Wisconsin
      card sorting test (WCST) were administered on the same day as the PET study. PET
      data were analyzed using Statistical Parametric Mapping (version 8) software.
      Correlation of brain imaging and neurocognitive function was performed by
      Pearson's correlation. Statistical analyses (Student's t-test) were conducted
      with SPSS version-18. Seventy-one narcoleptic patients (mean age: 16.15 years, 41
      boys (57.7%)) and 20 controls (mean age: 15.1 years, 12 boys (60%)) were studied.
      Results from the CPT and WCST showed significantly worse scores in narcoleptic
      patients than in controls (P < 0.05). Compared to controls, narcoleptic patients
      presented with hypometabolism in the right mid-frontal lobe and angular gyrus (P
      < 0.05) and significant hypermetabolism in the olfactory lobe, hippocampus,
      parahippocampus, amygdala, fusiform, left inferior parietal lobe, left superior
      temporal lobe, striatum, basal ganglia and thalamus, right hypothalamus, and pons
      (P < 0.05) in the PET study. Changes in brain metabolic activity in narcoleptic
      patients were positively correlated with results from the sleepiness scales and
      performance tests. Young, type 1 narcoleptic patients face a continuous cognitive
      handicap. Our imaging cognitive test protocol can be useful for investigating the
      effects of treatment trials in these patients.

PMID- 27663356
TI  - Evaluation of upper extremity neurorehabilitation using technology: a European
      Delphi consensus study within the EU COST Action Network on Robotics for
      Neurorehabilitation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The need for cost-effective neurorehabilitation is driving investment
      into technologies for patient assessment and treatment. Translation of these
      technologies into clinical practice is limited by a paucity of evidence for cost
      effectiveness. Methodological issues, including lack of agreement on assessment
      methods, limit the value of meta-analyses of trials. In this paper we report the
      consensus reached on assessment protocols and outcome measures for evaluation of
      the upper extremity in neurorehabilitation using technology. The outcomes of this
      research will be part of the development of European guidelines. METHODS: A
      rigorous, systematic and comprehensive modified Delphi study incorporated
      questions and statements generation, design and piloting of consensus
      questionnaire and five consensus experts groups consisting of clinicians,
      clinical researchers, non-clinical researchers, and engineers, all with working
      experience of neurological assessments or technologies. For data analysis, two
      major groups were created: i) clinicians (e.g., practicing therapists and medical
      doctors) and ii) researchers (clinical and non-clinical researchers (e.g.
      movement scientists, technology developers and engineers). RESULTS: Fifteen
      questions or statements were identified during an initial ideas generation round,
      following which the questionnaire was designed and piloted. Subsequently,
      questions and statements went through five consensus rounds over 20 months in
      four European countries. Two hundred eight participants: 60 clinicians (29 %), 35
      clinical researchers (17 %), 77 non-clinical researchers (37 %) and 35 engineers
      (17 %) contributed. At each round questions and statements were added and others
      removed. Consensus (>=69 %) was obtained for 22 statements on i) the perceived
      importance of recommendations; ii) the purpose of measurement; iii) use of a
      minimum set of measures; iv) minimum number, timing and duration of assessments;
      v) use of technology-generated assessments and the restriction of clinical
      assessments to validated outcome measures except in certain circumstances for
      research. CONCLUSIONS: Consensus was reached by a large international
      multidisciplinary expert panel on measures and protocols for assessment of the
      upper limb in research and clinical practice. Our results will inform the
      development of best practice for upper extremity assessment using technologies,
      and the formulation of evidence-based guidelines for the evaluation of upper
      extremity neurorehabilitation.

PMID- 27663357
TI  - Salivary DNA methylation panel to diagnose HPV-positive and HPV-negative head and
      neck cancers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a heterogeneous
      group of tumours with a typical 5 year survival rate of <40 %. DNA methylation in
      tumour-suppressor genes often occurs at an early stage of tumorigenesis, hence
      DNA methylation can be used as an early tumour biomarker. Saliva is an ideal
      diagnostic medium to detect early HNSCC tumour activities due to its proximity to
      tumour site, non-invasiveness and ease of sampling. We test the hypothesis that
      the surveillance of DNA methylation in five tumour-suppressor genes (RASSF1alpha,
      p16 INK4a , TIMP3, PCQAP/MED15) will allow us to diagnose HNSCC patients from a
      normal healthy control group as well as to discriminate between Human
      Papillomavirus (HPV)-positive and HPV-negative patients. METHODS: Methylation
      specific PCR (MSP) was used to determine the methylation levels of RASSF1alpha,
      p16 INK4a , TIMP3 and PCQAP/MED15 in DNA isolated from saliva. Statistical
      analysis was carried out using non-parametric Mann-Whitney's U-test for
      individually methylated genes. A logistic regression analysis was carried out to
      determine the assay sensitivity when combing the five genes. Further, a five-fold
      cross-validation with a bootstrap procedure was carried out to determine how well
      the panel will perform in a real clinical scenario. RESULTS: Salivary DNA
      methylation levels were not affected by age. Salivary DNA methylation levels for
      RASSF1alpha, p16 INK4a , TIMP3 and PCQAP/MED15 were higher in HPV-negative HNSCC
      patients (n = 88) compared with a normal healthy control group (n = 122)
      (sensitivity of 71 % and specificity of 80 %). Conversely, DNA methylation levels
      for these genes were lower in HPV-positive HNSCC patients (n = 45) compared with
      a normal healthy control group (sensitivity of 80 % and specificity of 74 %),
      consistent with the proposed aetiology of HPV-positive HNSCCs. CONCLUSIONS:
      Salivary DNA tumour-suppressor methylation gene panel has the potential to detect
      early-stage tumours in HPV-negative HNSCC patients. HPV infection was found to
      deregulate the methylation levels in HPV-positive HNSCC patients. Large-scale
      double-blinded clinical trials are crucial before this panel can potentially be
      integrated into a clinical setting.

PMID- 27663358
TI  - Unused opioid analgesics and drug disposal following outpatient dental surgery: A
      randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Individuals who abuse prescription opioids often use leftover pills
      that were prescribed for friends or family members. Dental surgery has been
      identified as a common source of opioid prescriptions. We measured rates of used
      and unused opioids after dental surgery for a pilot program to promote safe drug
      disposal. METHODS: We conducted a randomized controlled trial of opioid use
      patterns among patients undergoing surgical tooth extraction at a university
      affiliated oral surgery practice. The primary objective was to describe opioid
      prescribing and consumption patterns, with the number of unused opioid pills
      remaining on postoperative day 21 serving as the primary outcome. The secondary
      aim was to measure the effect of a behavioral intervention (informing patients of
      a pharmacy-based opioid disposal program) on the proportion of patients who
      disposed or reported intent to dispose of unused opioids. (NCT02814305) Results:
      We enrolled 79 patients, of whom 72 filled opioid prescriptions. On average,
      patients received 28 opioid pills and had 15 pills (54%) left over, for a total
      of 1010 unused pills among the cohort. The behavioral intervention was associated
      with a 22% absolute increase in the proportion of patients who disposed or
      reported intent to dispose of unused opioids (Fisher's exact p=0.11). CONCLUSION:
      Fifty-four percent of opioids prescribed in this pilot study were not used. The
      pharmacy-based drug disposal intervention showed a robust effect size but did not
      achieve statistical significance. Dentists and oral surgeons could potentially
      reduce opioid diversion by moderately reducing the quantity of opioid analgesics
      prescribed after surgery.

PMID- 27663359
TI  - Rheumatology training experience across Europe: analysis of core competences.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this project was to analyze and compare the educational
      experience in rheumatology specialty training programs across European countries,
      with a focus on self-reported ability. METHOD: An electronic survey was designed
      to assess the training experience in terms of self-reported ability, existence of
      formal education, number of patients managed and assessments performed during
      rheumatology training in 21 core competences including managing specific
      diseases, generic competences and procedures. The target population consisted of
      rheumatology trainees and recently certified rheumatologists across Europe. The
      relationship between the country of training and the self-reported ability or
      training methods for each competence was analyzed through linear or logistic
      regression, as appropriate. RESULTS: In total 1079 questionnaires from 41
      countries were gathered. Self-reported ability was high for most competences,
      range 7.5-9.4 (0-10 scale) for clinical competences, 5.8-9.0 for technical
      procedures and 7.8-8.9 for generic competences. Competences with lower self
      reported ability included managing patients with vasculitis, identifying crystals
      and performing an ultrasound. Between 53 and 91 % of the trainees received formal
      education and between 7 and 61 % of the trainees reported limited practical
      experience (managing <=10 patients) in each competence. Evaluation of each
      competence was reported by 29-60 % of the respondents. In adjusted multivariable
      analysis, the country of training was associated with significant differences in
      self-reported ability for all individual competences. CONCLUSION: Even though
      self-reported ability is generally high, there are significant differences
      amongst European countries, including differences in the learning structure and
      assessment of competences. This suggests that educational outcomes may also
      differ. Efforts to promote European harmonization in rheumatology training should
      be encouraged and supported.

PMID- 27663360
TI  - Determination of linear and cyclic volatile methylsiloxanes in blood of turtles,
      cormorants, and seals from Canada.
AB  - We measured the concentrations of linear and cyclic volatile methylsiloxanes
      (VMS) concentrations in the blood plasma of turtles, cormorants, and seals
      collected from Canadian freshwater and marine ecosystems. A modified quick, easy,
      cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) method was developed to quantify
      the levels of linear and cyclic VMS in the plasma samples. The cyclic VMS of
      hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane (D3), octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4),
      decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5), and dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane (D6) were
      present in the plasma of all three species. Linear VMS compounds were observed
      only in seal plasma from one contaminated site. There was no statistically
      significant difference among species and locations for D3, D4, and D6
      concentrations. Average D5 concentrations ranged from 0.143 to 7.39ngg-1; these
      concentrations appeared to be associated with diffuse/urban sources. Snapping
      turtles, cormorants, and seals all exhibited elevated D5 concentrations in
      contaminated sites relative to the reference sites. Our data indicate that local
      urban sources of VMS contributed significantly to the observed D5 concentrations
      in free-ranging wildlife. The presence of cyclic VMS in the plasma of the three
      species from Canada demonstrates that these chemicals are ubiquitous in aquatic
      biological systems. This finding raises concerns regarding their persistence in
      freshwater and marine environments. To the best of our knowledge, this study
      reports the first measurements of VMS compounds in the plasma of reptiles, birds,
      and mammals.

PMID- 27663362
TI  - Imaging Findings of Intraluminal Duodenal Duplication Cyst in a Pediatric
      Patient.

PMID- 27663361
TI  - 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine Inhibits the Proliferation of Lung Fibroblasts in Neonatal
      Rats Exposed to Hyperoxia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A persistent increase in the number of lung fibroblasts (LFs) is
      found in the interstitium of the lungs of infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia
      (BPD), which leads to lung fibrosis. P16 methylation plays an important role in
      the pathogenesis of BPD. 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza-CdR) is a major
      methyltransferase-specific inhibitor. This study investigated the effects of 5
      aza-CdR on LFs in vitro from a hyperoxia-induced lung fibrosis model in newborn
      rats. METHODS: Methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western
      blotting were performed to determine P16 gene methylation status and protein
      expression after LFs were treated with 0 MUmol/L, 0.5 MUmol/L, 1.0 MUmol/L, and
      5.0 MUmol/L 5-aza-CdR for 120 hours. Proliferation was assessed by an MTT assay
      after LFs were treated with 0 MUmol/L, 0.5 MUmol/L, 1.0 MUmol/L, and 5.0 MUmol/L
      5-aza-CdR for 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, 96 hours, and 120 hours. At the final
      time point, cells were also analyzed by flow cytometry to identify any change in
      their cell cycle profiles. RESULTS: A methylated P16 gene promoter was detected
      in hyperoxia LFs. Following treatment with 5-aza-CdR, partial methylation and
      demethylation was detected. The expression protein's level of the P16 gene was
      significantly higher in the 5.0 MUmol/L 5-aza-CdR-treated group compared with
      that in the control group (p < 0.01). The cell growth rate at each tested time
      point was lower in the 5-aza-CdR-treated group compared with that in the control
      group after 72 hours (p < 0.01). Flow cytometry revealed that the cells in the
      1.0 MUmol/L and 5.0 MUmol/L 5-aza-CdR-treated groups were apparently arrested in
      the G0/G1 phase and that the number of cells in the S phase was significantly
      lower than the control group (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: 5-aza-CdR inhibits the
      growth of the LFs in hyperoxia-induced neonatal BPD rats in vitro by
      demethylating the P16 gene.

PMID- 27663363
TI  - Experimental elevation of wildlife testosterone using silastic tube implants.
AB  - Testosterone (T) is a key androgen that mediates vertebrate molecular, cellular,
      and behavioral processes. Its manipulation is therefore of interest to a vast
      number of researchers studying animal behavior and reproduction, among others.
      Here, the usage of silastic implants across wildlife species is reviewed, and a
      method to manipulate rock hyrax (Procavia capensis) testosterone levels using
      silastic implants is presented. Using a series of in-vitro and in-vivo
      experiments, the secretion patterns of silastic tubes and silastic glue were
      tested and were surprisingly found to be similar. In addition, we studied
      endogenous T levels in wild-captured rock hyraxes (Procavia capensis), and using
      T implants succeeded in elevating T to the maximal physiological concentrations
      recorded during the mating period. The number of implants that were inserted was
      the only predictor of T levels, and seven 20mm implants were found to be the
      optimal dose. Implants induced sexual behaviors in the non-reproductive period.
      The duration of time that the implants were in the hyrax was the only significant
      factor that influenced the amount of T left over in the implant once it was
      removed. All together we affirm that T implants may offer a versatile tool for
      wildlife behavioral research by elevating T levels in the non-breeding period to
      maximal breeding levels. 

PMID- 27663364
TI  - Periparturient immunosuppression and strategies to improve dairy cow health
      during the periparturient period.
AB  - Common health problems observed during peripartum include milk fever, mastitis,
      fatty liver disease, ketosis, dystocia, retained placenta, metritis,
      hypomagnesaemia and abomasal displacements. The increased incidence of health
      problems observed during the periparturient period can be partly attributed to
      suboptimal immune responses. Factors contributing to decreased periparturient
      immunity include the act of parturition itself, impaired leukocytic activity,
      effects of colostrogenesis and lactogenesis, and associated hypocalcemia and
      negative energy balance. Nutritional and other management strategies represent a
      relevant short-term strategy aimed at improving the health and welfare of the
      transitioning cow. Additionally, it is important to consider improving the health
      of dairy herds through the genetic selection of animals with enhanced robustness
      by identifying those with superior disease resistance or resilience in the face
      of infection. As a consequence these animals are better able to cope with the
      production and environmental stresses. These may provide long-term selection
      strategies for improving the health and welfare of the transitioning cow
      particularly when combined with sound management practices, allowing dairy cattle
      to reach their full genetic potential. 

PMID- 27663365
TI  - Efficacy of allogeneic mesenchymal stem cell administration in a model of acute
      ischemic kidney injury in cats.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in
      a model of ischemic acute kidney injury (AKI). STUDY DESIGN: Randomized
      controlled trial. ANIMALS: Adult, purpose-bred research cats (n=15) and a
      historical reference group (n=3). METHODS: Cats underwent unilateral, in vivo,
      warm renal ischemia, then intravenous administration of 4 million adipose-derived
      MSCs, bone marrow-derived MSCs, or fibroblasts (n=5/treatment) 1h after
      reperfusion. Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen concentrations were
      measured at baseline and days 1 and 6. Urine specific gravity, urine protein to
      urine creatinine ratio, and glomerular filtration rate were measured at baseline
      and day 6. Both kidneys were harvested on day 6; histopathology was described and
      scored and smooth muscle actin was quantified with histomorphometry. A 2-way
      ANOVA was used to compare time and treatment. Chi square analysis was used to
      determine the % of cats with at least International Renal Interest Society (IRIS)
      Grade 1 AKI. RESULTS: Time, but not treatment, had a significant effect on renal
      function. No difference was noted in % of cats with IRIS AKI. Significantly fewer
      mitotic figures were observed in ischemic kidneys that received bone-marrow
      derived MSCs vs. fibroblasts. No differences in smooth muscle actin staining were
      noted. CONCLUSIONS: This study did not support the use of allogeneic MSCs in AKI
      in the regimen described here. Type of renal injury, MSC dose, allogenicity,
      duration, and route or timing of administration could influence the efficacy
      MSCs.

PMID- 27663366
TI  - Investigating the potential role of vitamin E in modulating the immunosuppressive
      effects of tylvalosin and florfenicol in broiler chickens.
AB  - Tylvalosin (TVS) is a third-generation macrolide drug used for prophylaxis and
      treatment of mycoplasma, however; it is supposed to possess an immunosuppressive
      effect. In the current study, the immunosuppressive effect of TVS and florfenicol
      (FFC) and the potential immunomodulatory role of Vit E were investigated. The
      experiment included one day old chick groups treated with either TVS, FFC, Vit E,
      TVS/Vit E, FFC/Vit E and control non-treated group. Chicks were vaccinated with
      inactivated H9N2 avian influenza (AI) vaccine and humoral antibody titers to
      viral antigen as well as innate immunity (serum lysozyme activity and nitric
      oxide levels) were evaluated. Total and differential leucocytic counts, serum
      liver enzymes level, blood leucocytic DNA damage and cellular area percentages
      within the lymphoid organs were also screened. Treatment with TVS and FFC
      significantly decreased immune response of chickens while treatment with Vit E
      improved the humoral immune response at 4 and 5weeks post-vaccination. Vit E also
      significantly increased the cellular immune response. The combination of Vit E
      with either TVS or FFC modulated their immunosuppressive effect and resulted in
      mild immunostimulatory effects. TVS alone induced a genotoxic effect on chickens'
      blood leucocytes and the genotoxicity was inhibited by combination of TVS with
      Vit E. Histopathology revealed that chickens treated with either TVS or FFC
      exhibited toxic effect on the lymphatic tissues. 

PMID- 27663367
TI  - Pathogenesis of highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome
      virus in Chinese Tibetan swine.
AB  - Highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (HP-PRRSV)
      was first characterized in 2006 in China, and it causes great economic losses to
      the Chinese swine production industry. A China Landrace pig, the Tibetan pig,
      which has striking phenotypic and physiological differences from lowland pigs, is
      mainly distributed in the Tibetan highlands of China. The susceptibility of the
      Tibetan pig to HP-PRRSV has not been reported. In this study, 15 4-week-old
      Tibetan piglets were divided into three groups, and their susceptibility to HP
      PRRSV was examined in the highland region. Five pigs in group 1 were inoculated
      intranasally with HP-PRRSV strain BB0907. At 2days post-inoculation, five other
      pigs were introduced into this group and then removed to a separated room to
      serve as contact group 2. Meanwhile, five pigs in group 3 were mock infected and
      used as controls. The results showed that the pigs in the inoculated and contact
      groups showed high fevers and clear clinical signs, including depression,
      anorexia, lethargy, sticky eye secretions, and hind limb paralysis, with high
      mortality. The main symptom was interstitial pneumonia. Viremia appeared on days
      4 to 14 post-infection. HP-PRRSV infection resulted in inflammatory responses
      within the first week of infection, as evidenced by the expression of tumor
      necrosis factor alpha, interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, and IL-10. All the data
      indicate that the Tibetan pig is susceptible to HP-PRRSV infection. Thus, it is
      necessary to investigate and prevent PRRSV infections in the highland region in
      China. 

PMID- 27663368
TI  - Feed exposure to FB1 can aggravate pneumonic damages in pigs provoked by P.
      multocida.
AB  - The possible interaction between Pasteurella multocida and the mycotoxin
      fumonisin B1 (FB1), recognised as one of the most often food/feed contaminant,
      was studied with the aim to evaluate whether and how FB1 can influence and/or
      complicate the development and severity of various pathological damages provoked
      by Pasteurella multocida in some internal organs of pigs. Heavier lung pathology
      was seen in pigs experimentally infected with Pasteurella multocida, when the
      same were exposed to 20ppm dietary levels of fumonisin B1 (FB1) as was assessed
      by gross pathology, pathomorphological examinations, clinical biochemistry and
      some immunological investigations. The most typical damages in FB1 treated pigs
      were the strong oedema in the lung and the slight oedema in the other internal
      organs and mild degenerative changes in the kidneys, whereas the typical
      pathomorphological findings in pigs infected with Pasteurella multocida was
      broncho-interstitial pneumonia. FB1 was found to aggravate pneumonic changes
      provoked by P. multocida in the cranial lobes of the lung and to complicate
      pneumonic damages with interstitial oedema in the lung. No macroscopic damages
      were observed in the pigs infected only with Pasteurella multocida. It can be
      concluded that the feed intake of FB1 in pigs may complicate or exacerbate the
      course of P. multocida serotype A infection. 

PMID- 27663369
TI  - In vitro investigations into the use of antimicrobials in combination to maintain
      efficacy of fluoroquinolones in poultry.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine if apramycin, colistin or lincomycin
      spectinomycin, in combination with enrofloxacin, was able prevent the emergence
      of mutants with reduced susceptibility to fluoroquinolone antibiotics in vitro.
      MICs were determined for enrofloxacin alone and in combination for panels of
      Campylobacter (n=37), Escherichia coli (n=52) and Salmonella (n=52) isolates. MIC
      results suggested that apramycin, colistin and lincomycin-spectinomycin worked in
      an additive/indifferent way when each was combined with enrofloxacin. Apramycin
      was considered the most promising antibiotic for combination-therapy in
      conjunction with enrofloxacin, and further evaluations (MBCs, MPCs and time-kill
      curves) were performed for this combination for selected isolates. Results
      suggest combination-therapy of enrofloxacin with apramycin increases the
      efficacy, as well as decreasing the emergence and survival of bacteria with
      mutational resistance to fluoroquinolone antibiotics. Such combination-therapy,
      minimising the development of mutational resistance, may have relevance for
      Campylobacter, E. coli and Salmonella infections in poultry. 

PMID- 27663370
TI  - Circulating strains of variant infectious bursal disease virus may pose a
      challenge for antibiotic-free chicken farming in Canada.
AB  - Antibiotic-free and safe animal products are most desirable among consumers.
      However, ensuring safe poultry products is a challenging task when the chicken
      immune system is compromised. Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) causes
      immunosuppression and predisposes chickens to secondary infections. Breeder
      vaccination against IBDV is routinely practiced for producing chicks with
      maternally-derived antibody (MAb) to prevent infection in newly hatched chicks.
      The majority of IBDV circulating in Canadian farms are variant strains (vIBDV).
      Whether circulating vIBDV strains are immunosuppressive in chicks or are amenable
      to current vaccine regimens has not previously been tested through challenge
      studies. In this study, one-day-old broiler chicks (n=240) carrying MAb were
      obtained from broiler breeders vaccinated with commercial IBDV vaccines. In the
      first set of experiments (n=40/group), at six days post-hatch, one group was
      challenged with a Canadian field isolate, vIBDV (strain-SK09) (3*10(3) EID50).
      The second and the third groups (controls) were inoculated with non
      immunosuppressive IBDV D-78 (10*10(3) TCID50) and saline, respectively.
      Histopathological examination on days 14 and 30 post-challenge revealed that
      despite the high level of MAb, vIBDV (SK09) caused severe bursal damage in
      chicks. Another set of experiments with treatment groups as above, demonstrated
      that pre-exposure of chicks with vIBDV (SK09) caused immunosuppression resulting
      in significantly higher mortality and disease severity in chicks challenged with
      a virulent strain of Escherichia coli (E. coli). Our data provide evidence that
      IBDV strains circulating in Canada are immunosuppressive, not amenable to current
      anti-IBDV vaccination strategy, and a potential threat to antibiotic-free chicken
      farming. 

PMID- 27663371
TI  - Effects of administration of a local anaesthetic and/or an NSAID and of docking
      length on the behaviour of piglets during 5h after tail docking.
AB  - In many countries, piglets are tail docked to prevent tail biting. The aim of
      this study was 1) to evaluate the efficacy of a local anaesthetic and/or NSAID to
      reduce pain caused by tail docking; and 2) to examine interactions with docking
      length. This was examined in 295 piglets docked by hot iron cautery 2-4days after
      birth and based on behaviour during docking as well as the following 5h. The
      study involved three main factors: local anaesthetic (Lidocain), NSAID
      (Meloxicam) and docking length. Either 100%, 75%, 50% or 25% of the tails were
      left on the body of the piglets. Irrespective of the tail length, tail docking
      led to signs of procedural pain, which could be reduced by administration of
      Lidocain. Preemptive use of Meloxicam did not affect the signs of procedural
      pain. The results show that tail docking led to behavioural changes throughout
      the 5h observation period indicating that effects of this management routine are
      more persistent than earlier suggested, and suggesting that docking length may
      influence the post-surgical behaviour of piglets. By use of the present sites of
      injection and dosages, neither local anaesthetic nor NSAID had marked effects on
      post-surgical behavioural changes induced by tail docking. Hence, if tail docking
      is to be performed, more research is needed in order to develop practical methods
      for on-farm piglet pain relief. 

PMID- 27663372
TI  - Evaluation of qPCR and phase I and II antibodies for detection of Coxiella
      burnetii infection in cattle.
AB  - Diagnosis of Q fever in cattle is not easy due to the need to test the samples by
      both serological and molecular methods. Aim of this study was to evaluate qPCR,
      and phase I and II antibodies for detection of C. burnetii infection in cattle. A
      total of 187 bovine blood and vaginal swabs, and 97 milk samples, were tested.
      Limitations of serological tests were that the available indirect enzyme linked
      immunosorbent assay (iELISA) could lose positive results if antibody titres were
      low; or phase II antibodies were present. The highest level of correlation
      between iELISA and complement fixation test (CFT) was noted with the antigen
      specific phase I antibodies. Neither the mode of shedding nor its intensity
      correlated with phase I and II antibodies, but positive results in CFT mixed
      phase and shedding in vaginal mucous did correlate, and showed the highest
      correlation. Antigenic diversity, and variability could be crucial in laboratory
      diagnosis of Q fever. 

PMID- 27663373
TI  - Texture analysis of B-mode ultrasound images to stage hepatic lipidosis in the
      dairy cow: A methodological study.
AB  - Hepatic lipidosis is the most diffused hepatic disease in the lactating cow. A
      new methodology to estimate the degree of fatty infiltration of the liver in
      lactating cows by means of texture analysis of B-mode ultrasound images is
      proposed. B-mode ultrasonography of the liver was performed in 48 Holstein
      Friesian cows using standardized ultrasound parameters. Liver biopsies to
      determine the triacylglycerol content of the liver (TAGqa) were obtained from
      each animal. A large number of texture parameters were calculated on the
      ultrasound images by means of a free software. Based on the TAGqa content of the
      liver, 29 samples were classified as mild (TAGqa<50mg/g), 6 as moderate
      (50mg/g<TAGqa>100mg/g) and 13 as severe (TAG>100mg/g) in steatosis. Stepwise
      linear regression analysis was performed to predict the TAGqa content of the
      liver (TAGpred) from the texture parameters calculated on the ultrasound images.
      A five-variable model was used to predict the TAG content from the ultrasound
      images. The regression model explained 83.4% of the variance. An area under the
      curve (AUC) of 0.949 was calculated for <50mg/g vs >50mg/g of TAGqa; using an
      optimal cut-off value of 72mg/g TAGpred had a sensitivity of 86.2% and a
      specificity of 84.2%. An AUC of 0.978 for <100mg/g vs >100mg/g of TAGqa was
      calculated; using an optimal cut-off value of 89mg/g, TAGpred sensitivity was
      92.3% and specificity was 88.6%. Texture analysis of B-mode ultrasound images may
      therefore be used to accurately predict the TAG content of the liver in lactating
      cows. 

PMID- 27663374
TI  - Potential probiotics from Indian major carp, Cirrhinus mrigala. Characterization,
      pathogen inhibitory activity, partial characterization of bacteriocin and
      production of exoenzymes.
AB  - The study explored antagonistic activity of the cellular components of potential
      probiotic bacteria from mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala) against fish pathogens with a
      basic insight of the chemical nature of the antagonistic compound. Totally 208
      autochthonous gut bacteria were isolated, of which 22 strains revealed antagonism
      towards >=2 of the six common fish pathogens. Zones of inhibition (halo diameter)
      were presented as score and the four most promising strains were selected as
      putative probiotics based on the cumulative score assigned. Further, evaluation
      of different cellular components exhibited bactericidal activity against the fish
      pathogens. Verification of other probiotic properties revealed that each of the
      selected strains produced diverse extra-cellular enzymes. The selected strains
      grew better in intestinal mucus than skin mucus, were resistant to diluted bile
      juice (2-20%) and safe for the target fish. The extracellular product used as
      crude bacteriocin revealed thermostability (up to 90 degrees C) and activity over
      wide pH range (4-9). Partial loss of activity through treatment with proteinase-K
      and trypsin indicated proteinaceous nature of the antibacterial compound produced
      by the probiotic strains. 16S rRNA partial gene sequencing revealed that the four
      strains CM1FG7, CM1HG5, CM3FG19 and CM3HG10 were similar to Bacillus
      stratosphericus (KM277362), Bacillus aerophilus (KM277363), Bacillus
      licheniformis (KM277364) and Solibacillus silvestris (KM277365), respectively. 

PMID- 27663375
TI  - Bovine P-selectin mediates leukocyte adhesion and is highly polymorphic in dairy
      breeds.
AB  - Bovine P-selectin (SELP) mediates leukocyte rolling and primes leukocyte adhesion
      to endothelium, both essential for leukocyte recruitment to an infection site. We
      investigated SELP-mediated adhesion between bovine peripheral blood leukocytes
      (PBLs) and cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells pre-activated with
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We examined gene polymorphism for bovine selectins
      SELP, l-selectin (SELL) and E-selectin (SELE) and compared their SNP frequency
      between five dairy breeds (Holstein, Friesian, Jersey, Ayrshire and Brown Swiss).
      LPS treatment caused a rapid (10min) and slower (4h) enhancement of PBL adhesion
      (P<0.01). Antibody blocking of SELP inhibited LPS induced cell adhesion. SELP was
      highly polymorphic, with 9 of the 13 SNPs in its exons, whereas only three
      synonymous SNPs in SELL and one in SELE. The resulting amino acid changes for the
      three missense SELP SNP were located in the lectin domain and in two consensus
      repeat (CR) regions, CR2 and CR5. The Val475Met variant locus in the CR4 and CR5
      linking region was very close to a predicted N-acetyl-d-glucosamine glycosylation
      site, which is likely to influence SELP function. The AA genotype was under
      represented, only being found in 1% of 373 heifers genotyped from the 5 breeds
      (P=0.056), suggesting that AA homozygous animals carrying the Val475Met
      substitution for SELP may have compromised development. Our study thus confirmed
      that SELP mediates the attachment of PBL to endothelium and provides novel
      evidence that its high polymorphism is likely to affect biological function. This
      may potentially influence leukocyte migration and fertility, both key to
      successful performance in dairy cows. 

PMID- 27663376
TI  - Identification and function analysis of the host cell protein that interacted
      with Orf virus Bcl-2-like protein ORFV125.
AB  - Orf virus (ORFV) causes contagious ecthyma, a non-systemic skin disease in sheep
      and goat. Bioinformatics analysis showed that ORFV125 has Bcl-2-like homologous
      domain and 3D structurally, it is generally known that Bcl-2 protein is known to
      be a key protein to control cell apoptosis. Maybe ORFV125 act as a Bcl-2-like
      manner to control cell apoptosis, but its exact function isn't very clear. So in
      this study, we use yeast two-hybrid system to identity the putative host cell
      protein interacting partners of ORFV125, and meanwhile using the data obtained
      from the Gene Ontology, Uniprot, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes
      databases to analysis the functions and pathways associated with them. Finally,
      five host proteins were shown to be interacted with ORFV125, including cytochrome
      b (cytb) gene, GUCY2C, BIRC5, GTF3C6 and SERBP1, we also found that BIRC5 has
      complex biological functions, can inhibit apoptosis, promote cell transformation
      and are involved in mitosis, and the interaction network of BIRC5 and ORFV125
      were constructed. These findings provide a foundation to better understand the
      biology of the interactions between ORFV125 and the host proteins with which it
      directly interacts with and resultant downstream events. 

PMID- 27663378
TI  - Significant mucosal sIgA production after a single oral or parenteral
      administration using in vivo CD40 targeting in the chicken.
AB  - Many pathogens enter the host through mucosal surfaces and spread rapidly via the
      circulation. The most effective way to prevent disease is to establish mucosal
      and systemic immunity against the pathogen. However, current vaccination programs
      in poultry industry require repeated administrations of live-attenuated virus or
      large amounts (10 to 100MUg) of antigen together with adjuvant to induce specific
      secretory IgA immune responses at the mucosal effector sites. In the present
      study, we show that a single administration of 0.4MUg of oligopeptide complexed
      with an agonistic anti-chicken CD40 (chCD40) monoclonal antibody (Mab)
      effectively targets antigen-presenting cells of the bird's mucosa-associated
      lymphoid tissue in vivo, and induces peptide-specific secretory IgA (sIgA) in the
      trachea 7days post administration. Anti-chCD40 Mab-peptide complex was
      administered once to four-week old male Leghorns via various mucosal routes
      (orally, via cloacal drinking, or oculo-nasally) or via subcutaneous (s.c.)
      immunization. Immunization through any of the three mucosal induction routes
      induced significant peptide-specific mucosal sIgA responses 7 and 14days after
      immunization. Interestingly, s.c. injection of the complex also induced mucosal
      sIgA. Our data suggest in vivo targeting of CD40 as a potential adjuvant
      platform, particularly for the purpose of enhancing and speeding up mucosal
      vaccine responses in chickens, and potentially other food animals. This is the
      first study able to elicit specific sIgA immune responses in remote mucosal sites
      with a single administration of only 0.4MUg of antigen. 

PMID- 27663377
TI  - Expression and localization of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family in buffalo
      ovarian follicle during different stages of development and modulatory role of
      FGF2 on steroidogenesis and survival of cultured buffalo granulosa cells.
AB  - The present study investigated the expression and localization of FGF and its
      functional receptors in the follicle of buffalo and the treatment of FGF2 on mRNA
      expression of CYP19A1 (aromatase), PCNA, and BAX (BCL-2 associated X protein) in
      cultured buffalo granulosa cells (GCs). Follicles were classified into four
      groups based on size and E2 level in follicular fluid (FF): F1, 4-6mm diameter,
      E2<0.5ng/ml of FF; F2, 7-9mm, E2=0.5-5ng/ml; F3, 10-13mm, E2=5-40ng/ml; F4,
      >14mm, E2>180ng/ml. The qPCR studies revealed that the mRNA expression of FGF1,
      FGF2 and FGF7 were maximum (P<0.05) in theca interna (TI) whereas the transcripts
      of FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR2IIIB and FGFR2IIIC were up-regulated (P<0.05) in GCs of F4
      follicles. Protein expression of most members were maximum (P<0.05) in F4
      follicles except FGFR3 and FGFR4. All members were localized in GC and TI with a
      stage specific immunoreactivity. Primary culture of GCs with treatment of FGF2 at
      different dose-time combinations revealed that the mRNA expression and
      immunoreactivity of CYP19A1 and PCNA were maximum (P<0.05) whereas BAX was
      minimum (P<0.05) with 200ng/ml at 72h of incubation. The findings indicate that
      FGF family members are expressed in a regulated manner in buffalo ovarian
      follicles during different stages of development where FGF2 may promote
      steroidogenesis and GC survival through autocrine and paracrine manner. 

PMID- 27663379
TI  - Association between vitamin D supplementation and severity of tuberculosis in
      wild boar and red deer.
AB  - Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic disease affecting humans and other mammal species.
      Severity of TB caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis in humans seems to be
      influenced by nutritional factors like vitamin D3 intake. However, this
      relationship has been scarcely studied in cattle and other mammals infected with
      Mycobacterium bovis. The aim of this work was to assess if wildlife reservoirs of
      M. bovis show different levels of TB severity depending on the level of vitamin D
      found in serum after supplementation with vitamin D3. Forty hunted wildlife
      mammals were included in this study: 20 wild boar and 20 red deer. Ten wild boar
      and ten red deer had been supplemented with a vitamin D3-enriched food, whereas
      the remaining animals had received no supplementation. TB diagnosis was carried
      out in each animal based on microbiological isolation of M. bovis. Animals
      infected with M. bovis were then classified as animals with localized or
      generalized TB depending on the location and dissemination of the lesions.
      Furthermore, serum levels of vitamin D2 and D3 were determined in each animal to
      evaluate differences not only between supplemented and non-supplemented animals
      but also between those with localized and generalized TB. Levels of vitamin D3
      found in both, supplemented wild boar and red deer, were significantly higher
      than those found in the non-supplemented animals. Interestingly, higher levels of
      vitamin D3 were observed in animals suffering localized TB when compared to
      animals with generalized TB suggesting that vitamin D3 concentration correlates
      negatively with TB severity in these wildlife reservoirs. 

PMID- 27663380
TI  - Seroprevalence of respiratory viral pathogens of indigenous calves in Western
      Kenya.
AB  - Most studies of infectious diseases in East African cattle have concentrated on
      gastro-intestinal parasites and vector-borne diseases. As a result, relatively
      little is known about viral diseases, except for those that are clinically
      symptomatic or which affect international trade such as foot and mouth disease,
      bluetongue and epizootic haemorrhagic disease. Here, we investigate the
      seroprevalence, distribution and relationship between the viruses involved in
      respiratory disease, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus (IBR), bovine
      parainfluenza virus Type 3 (PIV3) and bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) in East
      African Shorthorn Zebu calves. These viruses contribute to the bovine respiratory
      disease complex (BRD) which is responsible for major economic losses in cattle
      from intensive farming systems as a result of pneumonia. We found that calves
      experience similar risks of infection for IBR, PIV3, and BVDV with a
      seroprevalence of 20.9%, 20.1% and 19.8% respectively. We confirm that positive
      associations exist between IBR, PIV3 and BVDV; being seropositive for any one of
      these three viruses means that an individual is more likely to be seropositive
      for the other two viruses than expected by chance. 

PMID- 27663381
TI  - Isolation, characterization and evaluation of probiotic lactic acid bacteria for
      potential use in animal production.
AB  - In livestock production, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are the most common
      microorganisms used as probiotics. For such use, these bacteria must be correctly
      identified and characterized to ensure their safety and efficiency. In the
      present study, LAB were isolated from broiler excreta, where a fermentation
      process was used. Nine among sixteen isolates were identified by biochemical and
      molecular (sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene) methods as Lactobacillus crispatus
      (n=1), Lactobacillus pentosus (n=1), Weissella cibaria (n=1), Pediococcus
      pentosaceus (n=2) and Enterococcus hirae (n=4). Subsequently, these bacteria were
      characterized for their growth capabilities, lactic acid production, acidic pH
      and bile salts tolerance, cell surface hydrophobicity, antimicrobial
      susceptibility and antagonistic activity. Lactobacillus pentosus strain LB-31,
      which showed the best characteristics, was selected for further analysis. This
      strain was administered to broilers and showed the ability of modulating the
      immune response and producing beneficial effects on morpho-physiological,
      productive and health indicators of the animals. 

PMID- 27663382
TI  - Variability in Flow-Imaging Microscopy Measurements and Considerations for
      Biopharmaceutical Development.
AB  - Flow-imaging microscopy is widely used in the biopharmaceutical industry to
      characterize populations of subvisible (1-100 MUm) particles due to high
      sensitivity and the ability to discriminate different particle morphologies. The
      present work provides a comprehensive assessment of the capabilities of flow
      imaging microscopy by exploring the impacts of a variety of factors on the
      observed variability of these measurements. A novel graphical presentation is
      proposed to facilitate both determination of expected levels and detection of
      potential atypical results. Data collected across different products and
      container-closure systems illustrate that a substantial amount of historical
      experience is typically required to adequately define the expected levels of
      subvisible particles for any specific system. It is also shown, however, that an
      appropriate level of control can be demonstrated without the need to pool large
      numbers of containers or perform replicate measurements.

PMID- 27663383
TI  - A Comprehensive Evaluation of Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NanoSight) for
      Characterization of Proteinaceous Submicron Particles.
AB  - Nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) has attracted great interest for application
      in the field of submicron particle characterization for biopharmaceuticals. It
      has the virtue of direct sample visualization and particle-by-particle tracking,
      but the complexity of method development has limited its routine applicability.
      We systematically evaluated data collection and processing parameters as well as
      sample handling methods using shake-stressed protein samples. The camera shutter
      and gain were identified as the key factors influencing NTA results. We also
      demonstrated that sample filtration was necessary for NTA analysis if there were
      high numbers of micron particles, whereas the choice of filter membrane was
      critical for data quality. Sample dilution into corresponding formulation buffer
      did not affect particle size distributions in our study. Finally, NTA analysis
      exhibited excellent repeatability in intraday comparison of multiple measurements
      on the same sample and interday comparison on different batches of samples.
      Shaking-induced protein aggregation could also be sensitively monitored by NTA.
      In conclusion, NTA analysis can be used as a robust stability-indicating method
      for the characterization of proteinaceous submicron particles and thereby
      complement other analytical methods, provided that consistent sample handling and
      parametric settings are established for the specific case study.

PMID- 27663384
TI  - In Vitro Release Mechanisms of Doxorubicin From a Clinical Bead Drug-Delivery
      System.
AB  - The release rate of doxorubicin (DOX) from the drug-delivery system (DDS), DC
      Bead, was studied by 2 miniaturized in vitro methods: free-flowing and sample
      reservoir. The dependencies of the release mechanisms on in vitro system
      conditions were investigated experimentally and by theoretical modeling. An
      inverse relationship was found between release rates and bead size, most likely
      due to the greater total surface area. The release rates correlated positively
      with temperature, release medium volume, and buffer strength, although the
      release medium volume had larger effect than the buffer strength. The sample
      reservoir method generated slower release rates, which described the in vivo
      release profile more accurately than the free-flowing method. There was no
      difference between a pH of 6.3 or 7.4 on the release rate, implying that the
      slightly acidic tumor microenvironment is less importance for drug release. A
      positive correlation between stirring rate and release rate for all DDS sizes was
      observed, which suggests film controlled release. Theoretical modeling
      highlighted the influence of local equilibrium of protonation, self-aggregation,
      and bead material interactions of DOX. The theoretical release model might
      describe the observed larger sensitivity of the release rate to the volume of the
      release medium compared to buffer strength. A combination of miniaturized in
      vitro methods and theoretical modeling are useful to identify the important
      parameters and processes for DOX release from a micro gel-based DDS.

PMID- 27663385
TI  - [Facial linear scleroderma associated with neurological abnormalities relating to
      microangiopathy].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Linear scleroderma is a fibrotic disease affecting the skin and
      sometimes the deeper tissues. We describe a case of scleroderma associated with
      neurological anomalies not previously reported in the literature. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: A 16-year-old male patient presented in 2009 for hemifacial linear
      scleroderma. Treatment with methotrexate for 14 months resulted in stabilization
      of the disease. In 2013, we noted worsening of the patient's skin lesions as well
      as homolateral ptosis. Head MRI revealed unilateral hemispherical signal
      abnormalities with T2 hypersignal in the basal gangliaand punctate foci of T2*
      hyposignal corresponding to microbleeds. In 2014 and 2015, the patient presented
      three brief episodes of right hemicorpus paresthesia (with temporary aphasia
      followed by headache during the first episode). The head MRI showed worsening of
      the anomalies, suggesting progressing cerebral microangiopathy. DISCUSSION:
      Clinicians may not always be familiar with the neurological abnormalities
      associated with localized facial scleroderma even if such abnormalities are not
      uncommon (their exact prevalence is unknown). Clinical signs vary but, in most
      cases, the radiological features are calcifications and hyperintense foci of
      white matter lesions in T2. As far as we are aware, there have been no reports to
      date of microbleeding as observed in our patient. The worsening with time of
      these neurological anomalies of unknown origin does not appear to be correlated
      with the dermatological lesions. It is important for dermatologists be aware of
      these complications of facial linear scleroderma.

PMID- 27663386
TI  - Eligibility of real-life patients with COPD for inclusion in trials of inhaled
      long-acting bronchodilator therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Management guidelines of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
      are mainly based on results of randomised controlled trials (RCTs), but some
      authors have suggested limited representativeness of patients included in these
      trials. No previous studies have applied the full range of selection criteria to
      a broad COPD patient population in a real-life setting. METHODS: We identified
      all RCTs of inhaled long-acting bronchodilator therapy, during 1999-2013, at
      ClinicalTrials.gov and translated trial selection criteria into definitions
      compatible with electronic medical records. Eligibility was calculated for each
      RCT by applying these criteria to a uniquely representative, well-characterised
      population of patients with COPD from the Optimum Patient Care Research Database
      (OPCRD). RESULTS: Median eligibility of 36 893 patients with COPD for
      participation in 31 RCTs was 23 % (interquartile range 12-38). Two studies of
      olodaterol showed the highest eligibility of 55 and 58 %. Conversely, the lowest
      eligibility was observed in two studies that required a history of exacerbations
      in the past year (3.5 and 3.9 %). For the patient subgroup with modified Medical
      Research Council score >=2, the overall median eligibility was 27 %. CONCLUSIONS:
      By applying an extensive range of RCT selection criteria to a large,
      representative COPD patient population, this study highlights that the
      interpretation of results from RCTs must take into account that RCT participants
      are variably, but generally more representative of patients in the community than
      previously believed.

PMID- 27663389
TI  - Immunovirotherapy with measles virus strains in combination with anti-PD-1
      antibody blockade enhances antitumor activity in glioblastoma treatment.
AB  - Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary malignant brain tumor
      and has a dismal prognosis. Measles virus (MV) therapy of GBM is a promising
      strategy due to preclinical efficacy, excellent clinical safety, and its ability
      to evoke antitumor pro-inflammatory responses. We hypothesized that combining
      anti- programmed cell death protein 1 (anti-PD-1) blockade and MV therapy can
      overcome immunosuppression and enhance immune effector cell responses against
      GBM, thus improving therapeutic outcome. Methods: In vitro assays of MV infection
      of glioma cells and infected glioma cells with mouse microglia +/- aPD-1 blockade
      were established to assess damage associated molecular pattern (DAMP) molecule
      production, migration, and pro-inflammatory effects. C57BL/6 or athymic mice
      bearing syngeneic orthotopic GL261 gliomas were treated with MV, aPD-1, and
      combination treatment. T2* weighted immune cell-specific MRI and fluorescence
      activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis of treated mouse brains was used to
      examine adaptive immune responses following therapy. Results: In vitro, MV
      infection induced human GBM cell secretion of DAMP (high-mobility group protein
      1, heat shock protein 90) and upregulated programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1).
      MV infection of GL261 murine glioma cells resulted in a pro-inflammatory response
      and increased migration of BV2 microglia. In vivo, MV+aPD-1 therapy
      synergistically enhanced survival of C57BL/6 mice bearing syngeneic orthotopic
      GL261 gliomas. MRI showed increased inflammatory cell influx into the brains of
      mice treated with MV+aPD-1; FACS analysis confirmed increased T-cell influx
      predominantly consisting of activated CD8+ T cells. Conclusions: This report
      demonstrates that oncolytic measles virotherapy in combination with aPD-1
      blockade significantly improves survival outcome in a syngeneic GBM model and
      supports the potential of clinical/translational strategies combining MV with
      alphaPD-1 therapy in GBM treatment.

PMID- 27663391
TI  - Pharmacists' barriers and facilitators on implementing a post-discharge home
      visit.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Introducing a post-discharge community pharmacist home visit can
      secure continuity of care and prevent drug-related problems. Currently, this type
      of pharmaceutical care is not standard practice and implementation is
      challenging. Mapping the factors influencing the implementation of this new form
      of care is crucial to ensure successful embedding. OBJECTIVE: To explore which
      barriers and facilitators influence community pharmacists' adoption of a post
      discharge home visit. METHODS: A mixed methods study was conducted with community
      pharmacists who had recently participated in a study that evaluated the
      effectiveness of a post-discharge home visit in identifying drug-related
      problems. Four focus groups were held guided by a topic guide based on the
      framework of Greenhalgh et al. After the focus groups, major barriers and
      facilitators were formulated into statements and presented to all participants in
      a scoring list to rank for relevance and feasibility in daily practice. RESULTS:
      Twenty-two of the eligible 26 pharmacists participated in the focus groups.
      Twenty pharmacists (91%) returned the scoring list containing 21 statements. Most
      of these statements were perceived as both relevant and feasible by the
      responding pharmacists. A small number scored high on relevance but low on
      feasibility, making these potential important barriers to overcome for broad
      implementation. These were the necessity of dedicated time for performing
      pharmaceutical care, implementing the home visit in pharmacists' daily routine
      and an adequate reimbursement fee for the home visit. CONCLUSIONS: The key to
      successful implementation of a post-discharge home visit may lay in two
      facilitators which are partly interrelated: changing daily routine and
      reimbursement. Reimbursement will be a strong incentive, but additional efforts
      will be needed to reprioritize daily routines.

PMID- 27663390
TI  - Feasibility, phase I, and phase II studies of tandutinib, an oral platelet
      derived growth factor receptor-beta tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in patients with
      recurrent glioblastoma.
AB  - Background: Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) signaling is important in
      gliomagenesis and PDGF receptor-beta is expressed on most endothelial cells in
      glioblastoma specimens. Methods: We report the results of feasibility, phase I,
      and phase II studies of tandutinib (MLN518), an orally bioavailable inhibitor of
      type III receptor tyrosine kinases including PDGF receptor-beta, Fms-like
      tyrosine kinase 3, and c-Kit in patients with recurrent glioblastoma. Results: In
      an initial feasibility study, 6 patients underwent resection for recurrent
      glioblastoma after receiving tandutinib 500mg twice daily for 7 days. The mean
      ratio of tandutinib concentration in brain tumor-to-plasma was 13.1+/-8.9 in 4 of
      the 6 patients. In the phase I study, 19 patients were treated at 500, 600, and
      700mg twice daily dose levels. The maximum tolerated dose was found to be 600mg
      twice daily, and 30 patients were treated with this dose in the phase II study.
      The trial was closed after interim analysis, as the prespecified goal of patients
      alive and progression-free survival at 6 months was not achieved. Biomarker
      studies suggested that tandutinib treatment could lead to vascular disruption
      rather than normalization, which was associated with rapid progression.
      Conclusions: Tandutinib readily distributed into the brain following oral
      administration and achieved concentrations within the tumor that exceed the
      corresponding concentration in plasma. The phase II study was closed at interim
      analysis due to lack of efficacy, although this study was not enriched for
      glioblastomas with alterations of the PDGF pathway.

PMID- 27663388
TI  - Spinal column chordoma: prognostic significance of clinical variables and T
      (brachyury) gene SNP rs2305089 for local recurrence and overall survival.
AB  - Background: Chordomas are rare, locally aggressive bony tumors associated with
      poor outcomes. Recently, the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2305089 in
      the T (brachyury) gene was strongly associated with sporadic chordoma
      development, but its clinical utility is undetermined. Methods: In 333 patients
      with spinal chordomas, we identified prognostic factors for local recurrence-free
      survival (LRFS) and overall survival and assessed the prognostic significance of
      the rs2305089 SNP. Results: The median LRFS was 5.2 years from the time of
      surgery (95% CI: 3.8-6.0); greater tumor volume (>=100cm3) (hazard ratio [HR] =
      1.99, 95% CI: 1.26-3.15, P = .003) and Enneking inappropriate resections (HR =
      2.35, 95% CI: 1.37-4.03, P = .002) were independent predictors of LRFS. The
      median overall survival was 7.0 years (95% CI: 5.8-8.4), and was associated with
      older age at surgery (HR = 1.11 per 5-year increase, 95% CI: 1.02-1.21, P = .012)
      and previous surgical resection (HR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.03-2.89, P = .038). One
      hundred two of 109 patients (93.6%) with available pathologic specimens harbored
      the A variant at rs2305089; these patients had significantly improved survival
      compared with those lacking the variant (P = .001), but there was no association
      between SNP status and LRFS (P = .876). Conclusions: The ability to achieve a
      wide en bloc resection at the time of the primary surgery is a critical
      preoperative consideration, as subtotal resections likely complicate later
      management. This is the first time the rs2305089 SNP has been implicated in the
      prognosis of individuals with chordoma, suggesting that screening all patients
      may be instructive for risk stratification.

PMID- 27663392
TI  - Community-dwelling older people's attitudes towards deprescribing in Canada.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While there is evidence that supervised withdrawal of inappropriate
      medications might be beneficial for individuals with polypharmacy, little is
      known about their attitudes towards deprescribing. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to
      describe the situation among older community-dwelling Canadians. METHODS: A self
      administered survey was adapted from the Patients' Attitudes Towards
      Deprescribing questionnaire and distributed to 10 community pharmacies and 2
      community centers. The participants rated their agreement on statements about
      polypharmacy/deprescribing on a 5-point, Likert-type scale. Correlations between
      the desire to have medications deprescribed and survey items were evaluated using
      Spearman's Rho and Goodman and Kurska's gamma rank correlations. RESULTS: From
      the 129 participants, 63% were women [median age: 76 (IQR:71-80); median number
      medication: 6 (IQR: 3-8)]. A proportion of 50.8% (95%CI: 41.6%-60.0%) expressed
      the desire to reduce their number of medications. This desire was strongly
      correlated with the individuals' feeling of taking a large number of medications
      and moderately correlated with the belief that some of the medications were no
      longer needed or that they were experiencing side effects. CONCLUSIONS: The
      results show that older individuals in the community are eager to undertake
      deprescribing, especially if they have a large number of medications, are
      experiencing side effects or feel some medications are no longer necessary.

PMID- 27663393
TI  - Prostate-specific antigen vs. magnetic resonance imaging parameters for assessing
      oncological outcomes after high intensity-focused ultrasound focal therapy for
      localized prostate cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Focal therapy for localized prostate cancer has the potential for
      oncological control without the side effects of radical therapies. However, there
      is currently no validated method for monitoring treatment success. We assessed
      the diagnostic performance of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) parameters and MRI
      compared to histological outcomes following focal therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      Patients from 3 Ethics Review Board approved prospective studies of focal high
      intensity-focused ultrasound (HIFU) (Sonablate 500) for localized prostate cancer
      (T1c-T3a, Gleason grade<=4+3, and PSA<=20). Post-HIFU PSA nadir, 6-month PSA, PSA
      density, and early (<3wk) and late (6mo) MRI (T2-weighted, dynamic contrast
      enhanced+/-diffusion-weighted) was assessed for predictive accuracy of cancer on
      postoperative biopsy, using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and
      sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive estimates. ROC
      areas for MRI and PSA were compared. Calculations for statistical significance
      (P<=0.05) were obtained in a subset of patients comparing area under ROC for 6
      month MRI and PSA criteria, across 4 different histological definitions of
      disease significance. RESULTS: Of 118 men, 111 underwent at least 1 postoperative
      biopsy (median 6 cores), with an overall positive biopsy rate of 37% (41/118),
      over a mean follow-up period of 716 days post-HIFU. Areas under ROC for early and
      late MRI were (depending on definition of significant disease) 0.65 to 0.76 and
      0.77 to 0.85, respectively, with sensitivity, specificity, and negative
      predictive values of 68% to 91%, 52% to 55%, and 85% to 98% (early MRI), and 63%
      to 80%, 67% to 73%, and 86% to 97% (late MRI). The area under the ROC curve was
      statistically significantly higher for late MRI than 6 months and nadir PSA for
      residual disease >3mm or any Gleason 4 tumor. CONCLUSIONS: Early and late MRI
      performed better than PSA measurements in the detection of residual tumor after
      focal therapy.

PMID- 27663394
TI  - Modulating Immunosuppression in the Intrapleural Space of Malignant Pleural
      Mesothelioma and Predictive Biomarkers to Guide Treatment Decisions.

PMID- 27663395
TI  - Whole Brain Radiotherapy for Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer with EGFR
      Mutations-Why and When?

PMID- 27663396
TI  - Are Liquid Biopsies Ready for Prime Time of Clinical Applications?

PMID- 27663397
TI  - Exosomal Proteins in Lung Cancer: The Last Frontier in Liquid Biopsies.

PMID- 27663399
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 27663398
TI  - Comment on the Proposals for the Revision of the N Descriptors in the Forthcoming
      Eighth Edition of the TNM Classification for Lung Cancer.

PMID- 27663400
TI  - Response of Malignant Thymoma to Sorafenib.

PMID- 27663401
TI  - A Case of Lung Adenocarcinoma Resistant to Crizotinib Harboring a Novel EML4-ALK
      Variant, Exon 6 of EML4 Fused to Exon 18 of ALK.

PMID- 27663402
TI  - Prognostic and Predictive Value of KRAS Mutation in NSCLC.

PMID- 27663403
TI  - Response to Yamamoto et al.

PMID- 27663404
TI  - Extensive Acquired Telangiectasias: Comparison of Generalized Essential
      Telangiectasia and Cutaneous Collagenous Vasculopathy.
AB  - The late development of symmetrical, ascending telangiectasias over an extensive
      area of the skin with no associated systemic manifestations is a common
      presentation of generalized essential telangiectasia (GET). It was recently
      suggested that cutaneous collagenous vasculopathy (CCV) is clinically identical
      to GET but that the 2 conditions can be distinguished by their distinctive
      histopathologic findings. We present 2 patients, both women, with multiple
      telangiectasias and describe the histopathologic findings that led to the
      diagnoses of GET and CCV. Dermoscopic findings in both cases were similar, except
      that the older telangiectasias in the patient with CCV were violaceous and
      distributed in a tortuous, serpentine pattern. During follow-up 12 years for the
      woman with GET and 42 years for the woman with CCV we saw that in GET the lesions
      remained stable in appearance whereas in CCV there was progressive darkening and
      morphological changes eventually resulting in superficial varicose veins.

PMID- 27663405
TI  - Relapse of morphea during Nivolumab therapy for lung adenocarcinoma.

PMID- 27663406
TI  - The impacts of decentralisation on health-related equity: A systematic review of
      the evidence.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Decentralised governance of health care has been widely adopted
      globally over the past three decades. But despite being implemented as a
      management strategy across many health systems, its impact on health equity is
      yet unclear. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic literature review of the
      implications of decentralised governance of health care on equity in health,
      health care and health financing. METHODS: A systematic search of CINAHL,
      EconLit, Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane database of
      systematic reviews was conducted. Articles that met the inclusion criteria
      examined entire health systems and the relationship between implementing
      decentralised governance and health-related equity. The quality of reporting of
      the included studies was assessed using a 10-point quality rating tool. RESULTS:
      Out of 808 articles identified, 9 met the inclusion criteria. The included
      studies were mostly explorative and used a range of quantitative techniques to
      analyse the relationship between variables of interest. The review found that
      depending on context, decentralisation could either lead to equity gains or
      exacerbate inequities. The impact of decentralisation on inequities in health and
      health care depends on pre-existing socio-economic disparities and financial
      barriers to access. While decentralisation can lead to inequities in health
      financing between sub-national jurisdictions, this is minimised with substantial
      central government transfers and cross subsidisation. CONCLUSION: The
      implications of decentralised governance of health systems on health-related
      equity are varied and depend on pre-existing socio-economic and organisational
      context, the form of decentralisation implemented and the complementary
      mechanisms implemented alongside decentralisation.

PMID- 27663407
TI  - Arabidopsis Responds to Alternaria alternata Volatiles by Triggering Plastid
      Phosphoglucose Isomerase-Independent Mechanisms.
AB  - Volatile compounds (VCs) emitted by phylogenetically diverse microorganisms
      (including plant pathogens and microbes that do not normally interact
      mutualistically with plants) promote photosynthesis, growth, and the accumulation
      of high levels of starch in leaves through cytokinin (CK)-regulated processes. In
      Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) plants not exposed to VCs, plastidic
      phosphoglucose isomerase (pPGI) acts as an important determinant of
      photosynthesis and growth, likely as a consequence of its involvement in the
      synthesis of plastidic CKs in roots. Moreover, this enzyme plays an important
      role in connecting the Calvin-Benson cycle with the starch biosynthetic pathway
      in leaves. To elucidate the mechanisms involved in the responses of plants to
      microbial VCs and to investigate the extent of pPGI involvement, we characterized
      pPGI-null pgi1-2 Arabidopsis plants cultured in the presence or absence of VCs
      emitted by Alternaria alternata We found that volatile emissions from this fungal
      phytopathogen promote growth, photosynthesis, and the accumulation of plastidic
      CKs in pgi1-2 leaves. Notably, the mesophyll cells of pgi1-2 leaves accumulated
      exceptionally high levels of starch following VC exposure. Proteomic analyses
      revealed that VCs promote global changes in the expression of proteins involved
      in photosynthesis, starch metabolism, and growth that can account for the
      observed responses in pgi1-2 plants. The overall data show that Arabidopsis
      plants can respond to VCs emitted by phytopathogenic microorganisms by triggering
      pPGI-independent mechanisms.

PMID- 27663408
TI  - Comparative Analysis of Light-Harvesting Antennae and State Transition in
      chlorina and cpSRP Mutants.
AB  - State transitions in photosynthesis provide for the dynamic allocation of a
      mobile fraction of light-harvesting complex II (LHCII) to photosystem II (PSII)
      in state I and to photosystem I (PSI) in state II. In the state I-to-state II
      transition, LHCII is phosphorylated by STN7 and associates with PSI to favor
      absorption cross-section of PSI. Here, we used Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana)
      mutants with defects in chlorophyll (Chl) b biosynthesis or in the chloroplast
      signal recognition particle (cpSRP) machinery to study the flexible formation of
      PS-LHC supercomplexes. Intriguingly, we found that impaired Chl b biosynthesis in
      chlorina1-2 (ch1-2) led to preferentially stabilized LHCI rather than LHCII,
      while the contents of both LHCI and LHCII were equally depressed in the cpSRP43
      deficient mutant (chaos). In view of recent findings on the modified state
      transitions in LHCI-deficient mutants (Benson et al., 2015), the ch1-2 and chaos
      mutants were used to assess the influence of varying LHCI/LHCII antenna size on
      state transitions. Under state II conditions, LHCII-PSI supercomplexes were not
      formed in both ch1-2 and chaos plants. LHCII phosphorylation was drastically
      reduced in ch1-2, and the inactivation of STN7 correlates with the lack of state
      transitions. In contrast, phosphorylated LHCII in chaos was observed to be
      exclusively associated with PSII complexes, indicating a lack of mobile LHCII in
      chaos Thus, the comparative analysis of ch1-2 and chaos mutants provides new
      evidence for the flexible organization of LHCs and enhances our understanding of
      the reversible allocation of LHCII to the two photosystems.

PMID- 27663409
TI  - A NAC Transcription Factor Represses Putrescine Biosynthesis and Affects Drought
      Tolerance.
AB  - Arginine decarboxylase (ADC)-mediated putrescine biosynthesis plays an important
      role in plant stress responses, but the transcriptional regulation of ADC in
      response to abiotic stress is not well understood. We isolated a NAM, ATAF1/2,
      and CUC (NAC) domain-containing transcription factor, PtrNAC72, from trifoliate
      orange (Poncirus trifoliata) by yeast one-hybrid screening. PtrNAC72, localized
      to the nucleus, binds specifically to the promoter of PtADC and acts as a
      transcriptional repressor. PtrNAC72 expression was induced by cold, drought, and
      abscisic acid. ADC messenger RNA abundance and putrescine levels were decreased
      in transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana nudicaulis) plants overexpressing PtrNAC72 but
      increased, compared with the wild type, in an Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana)
      transfer DNA insertion mutant, nac72 While transgenic tobacco lines
      overexpressing PtrNAC72 were more sensitive to drought, plants of the Arabidopsis
      nac72 mutant exhibited enhanced drought tolerance, consistent with the
      accumulation of reactive oxygen species in the tested genotypes. In addition,
      exogenous application of putrescine to the overexpression lines restored drought
      tolerance, while treatment with d-arginine, an ADC inhibitor, compromised the
      drought tolerance of nac72 Taken together, these results demonstrate that
      PtrNAC72 is a repressor of putrescine biosynthesis and may negatively regulate
      the drought stress response, at least in part, via the modulation of putrescine
      associated reactive oxygen species homeostasis.

PMID- 27663410
TI  - phenoSeeder - A Robot System for Automated Handling and Phenotyping of Individual
      Seeds.
AB  - The enormous diversity of seed traits is an intriguing feature and critical for
      the overwhelming success of higher plants. In particular, seed mass is generally
      regarded to be key for seedling development but is mostly approximated by using
      scanning methods delivering only two-dimensional data, often termed seed size.
      However, three-dimensional traits, such as the volume or mass of single seeds,
      are very rarely determined in routine measurements. Here, we introduce a device
      named phenoSeeder, which enables the handling and phenotyping of individual seeds
      of very different sizes. The system consists of a pick-and-place robot and a
      modular setup of sensors that can be versatilely extended. Basic biometric traits
      detected for individual seeds are two-dimensional data from projections, three
      dimensional data from volumetric measures, and mass, from which seed density is
      also calculated. Each seed is tracked by an identifier and, after phenotyping,
      can be planted, sorted, or individually stored for further evaluation or
      processing (e.g. in routine seed-to-plant tracking pipelines). By investigating
      seeds of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), rapeseed (Brassica napus), and
      barley (Hordeum vulgare), we observed that, even for apparently round-shaped
      seeds of rapeseed, correlations between the projected area and the mass of seeds
      were much weaker than between volume and mass. This indicates that simple
      projections may not deliver good proxies for seed mass. Although throughput is
      limited, we expect that automated seed phenotyping on a single-seed basis can
      contribute valuable information for applications in a wide range of wild or crop
      species, including seed classification, seed sorting, and assessment of seed
      quality.

PMID- 27663412
TI  - Challenges and Outcomes of Posterior Wall Isolation for Ablation of Atrial
      Fibrillation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The left atrial posterior wall (PW) often contains sites required for
      maintenance of atrial fibrillation (AF). Electrical isolation of the PW is an
      important feature of all open surgeries for AF. This study assessed the ability
      of current ablation techniques to achieve PW isolation (PWI) and its effect on
      recurrent AF. METHODS AND RESULTS: Fifty-seven consecutive patients with
      persistent or high-burden paroxysmal AF underwent catheter ablation, which was
      performed using an endocardial-only (30) or a hybrid endocardial-epicardial
      procedure (27). The catheter ablation lesion set included pulmonary vein antral
      isolation and a box lesion on the PW (roof and posterior lines). Success in
      creating the box lesion was assessed as electrical silence of the PW (voltage
      <0.1 mV) and exit block in the PW with electrical capture. Cox proportional
      hazards models were used for analysis of AF recurrence. PWI was achieved in 21
      patients (36.8%), more often in patients undergoing hybrid ablation than
      endocardial ablation alone (51.9% versus 23.3%, P=0.05). Twelve patients
      underwent redo ablation. Five of 12 had a successful procedural PWI, but all had
      PW reconnection at the redo procedure. Over a median follow-up of 302 days, 56.1%
      of the patients were free of atrial arrhythmias. No parameter including
      procedural PWI was a statistically significant predictor of recurrent atrial
      arrhythmias. CONCLUSIONS: PWI during catheter ablation for AF is difficult to
      achieve, especially with endocardial ablation alone. Procedural achievement of
      PWI in this group of patients was not associated with a reduction in recurrent
      atrial arrhythmias, but reconnection of the PW was common.

PMID- 27663413
TI  - Ventricular-Arterial Function and Coupling in the Adult Fontan Circulation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In adult Fontan patients, ventricular or arterial dysfunction may
      impact homeostasis of the Fontan circulation and predispose to heart failure. We
      sought to characterize ventricular-arterial (VA) properties in adult Fontan
      patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: Adult Fontan patients (n=170), including those
      with right (SRV, n=57) and left (SLV, n=113) dominant ventricular morphology,
      were compared to age, sex, and body size matched controls (n=170). Arterial
      function, load-insensitive measures of contractility, VA coupling, diastolic
      function, and ventricular efficiency were assessed. Compared to controls, Fontan
      patients had similar arterial (Ea), but lower end-systolic ventricular (Ees),
      elastance, preload recruitable stroke work and peak power index, impaired VA
      coupling, eccentric remodeling, reduced ventricular efficiency and increased
      diastolic stiffness (P<0.05 for all). Ventricular efficiency declined steeply
      with higher heart rate in Fontan, but not control, patients. Among Fontan
      patients (n=123) and controls (n=162) with preserved cardiac index (CI; >=2.5
      L/min per m2), Fontan patients had worse contractility than controls, but CI was
      preserved owing to relative tachycardia, lower afterload, and eccentric
      remodeling. However, 25% of Fontan patients had reduced CI and were distinguished
      from those with preserved CI by less-eccentric remodeling and worse diastolic
      function, rather than more-impaired contractility. CONCLUSIONS: Adult Fontan
      patients have contractile and diastolic dysfunction with normal afterload,
      impaired VA coupling, and reduced ventricular efficiency with heightened
      sensitivity to heart rate. Maintenance of CI is dependent on lower afterload,
      eccentric remodeling, and relative preservation of diastolic function. These data
      contribute to our understanding of circulatory physiology in adult Fontan
      patients.

PMID- 27663414
TI  - Factors Associated With Initial Prasugrel Versus Clopidogrel Selection for
      Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary
      Intervention: Insights From the Treatment With ADP Receptor Inhibitors:
      Longitudinal Assessment of Treatment Patterns and Events After Acute Coronary
      Syndrome (TRANSLATE-ACS) Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Few studies have examined how antiplatelet therapies are selected
      during the routine care of acute myocardial infarction patients, particularly
      relative to the patient's estimated mortality and bleeding risks. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: We examined patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction treated
      with percutaneous coronary intervention at 233 US hospitals in the TRANSLATE-ACS
      observational study from April 2010 to October 2012. We developed a multivariable
      logistic regression model to identify factors associated with prasugrel
      selection. Prasugrel use rates and associated 1-year risk-adjusted major adverse
      cardiovascular events and Global Utilization of Streptokinase and t-PA for
      Occluded Coronary Arteries (GUSTO) moderate/severe bleeding outcomes were also
      examined in relation to predicted mortality and bleeding using the validated
      Acute Coronary Treatment and Intervention Outcomes (ACTION) risk prediction
      scores. Among 11 969 patients, 3123 (26%) received prasugrel at the time of
      percutaneous coronary intervention. The strongest factors associated with
      prasugrel use included cardiogenic shock (odds ratio [OR] 1.68, 95% CI 1.25
      2.26), drug-eluting stent use (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.31-1.62), and ST-segment
      elevation myocardial infarction presentation (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.12-1.35). Older
      age (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.0.53-0.61), dialysis (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.32-0.96), prior
      history of stroke/transient ischemic attack (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.38-0.73), and
      interhospital transfer (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.46-0.55) were associated with lowest
      prasugrel selection. Prasugrel was used less often than clopidogrel in patients
      at higher predicted bleeding risk (21.9% versus 29.7%, P<0.001). Yet
      paradoxically, prasugrel was also less likely than clopidogrel to be used in
      patients with higher predicted mortality risk (21.1% versus 30.2%, P<0.001).
      Adjusted bleeding and outcomes events were similar among those receiving
      prasugrel and clopidogrel in the 4 subgroups of patients based on bleeding risk
      and ischemic benefits. CONCLUSIONS: In community practice, prasugrel use may be
      driven more by bleeding risk rather than ischemic benefit. This may result in
      underutilization of higher potency ADP receptor inhibitor among patients more
      likely to derive ischemic benefit.

PMID- 27663411
TI  - A Rice Ca2+ Binding Protein Is Required for Tapetum Function and Pollen
      Formation.
AB  - In flowering plants, successful male reproduction requires the sophisticated
      interaction between somatic anther wall layers and reproductive cells. Timely
      degradation of the innermost tissue of the anther wall layer, the tapetal layer,
      is critical for pollen development. Ca2+ is a well-known stimulus for plant
      development, but whether it plays a role in affecting male reproduction remains
      elusive. Here we report a role of Defective in Exine Formation 1 (OsDEX1) in rice
      (Oryza sativa), a Ca2+ binding protein, in regulating rice tapetal cell
      degradation and pollen formation. In osdex1 anthers, tapetal cell degeneration is
      delayed and degradation of the callose wall surrounding the microspores is
      compromised, leading to aborted pollen formation and complete male sterility.
      OsDEX1 is expressed in tapetal cells and microspores during early anther
      development. Recombinant OsDEX1 is able to bind Ca2+ and regulate Ca2+
      homeostasis in vitro, and osdex1 exhibited disturbed Ca2+ homeostasis in tapetal
      cells. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that OsDEX1 may have a conserved function
      in binding Ca2+ in flowering plants, and genetic complementation of pollen wall
      defects of an Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) dex1 mutant confirmed its
      evolutionary conservation in pollen development. Collectively, these findings
      suggest that OsDEX1 plays a fundamental role in the development of tapetal cells
      and pollen formation, possibly via modulating the Ca2+ homeostasis during pollen
      development.

PMID- 27663416
TI  - Newer P2Y12 Inhibitors: How Does the Interventional Cardiologist Choose?

PMID- 27663415
TI  - Effectiveness of N-Acetylcysteine for the Prevention of Contrast-Induced
      Nephropathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled
      Trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Conflicting results have been obtained in trials that have evaluated
      the prophylactic efficacy of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) pretreatment in the
      prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN). In this meta-analysis of
      randomized controlled trials, we aimed to assess the effectiveness of NAC
      treatment for the prevention of CIN. METHODS AND RESULTS: PubMed, EMBASE, and the
      Cochrane Library were electronically searched from inception to January 2016 for
      all relevant studies. The weighted relative risk (RR) and corresponding 95% CI
      for incident CIN were estimated using random effects models. Standard methods for
      assessing statistical heterogeneity and publication bias were used. The study
      included 11 480 participants and 1653 cases of CIN. The incidence of CIN was
      12.8% in the NAC group versus 16.0% in the control group (RR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.66
      0.88, P=0.0002). In the patients undergoing coronary angiography, the incidence
      of CIN in the NAC group versus the control group was 13.7% versus 17.2% (RR:
      0.74, 95% CI: 0.63-0.87, P=0.0002); in those undergoing peripheral angiography,
      the incidence was 6.4% versus 5.8% (RR: 1.00, 95% CI: 0.42-2.40, P=1.00); in
      those undergoing computed tomography, the incidence was 7.7% versus 14.8% (RR:
      0.51, 95% CI: 0.29-0.89, P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis showed an
      inverse and significant association between NAC supplementation and risk of CIN
      in patients undergoing coronary angiography and computed tomography, while a
      protective role for NAC in patients undergoing peripheral angiography was not
      obvious.

PMID- 27663417
TI  - Portal hypertension in children: High-risk varices, primary prophylaxis and
      consequences of bleeding.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Primary prophylaxis of bleeding is debated for children with
      portal hypertension because of the limited number of studies on its safety and
      efficacy, the lack of a known endoscopic pattern carrying a high-risk of bleeding
      for all causes, and the assumption that the mortality of a first bleed is low. We
      report our experience with these issues. METHODS: From 1989 to 2014, we managed
      1300 children with portal hypertension. Endoscopic features were recorded; high
      risk varices were defined as: grade 3 esophageal varices, grade 2 varices with
      red wale markings, or gastric varices. Two hundred forty-six children bled
      spontaneously and 182 underwent primary prophylaxis. The results of primary
      prophylaxis were reviewed as well as bleed-free survival, overall survival and
      life-threatening complications of bleeding. RESULTS: High-risk varices were found
      in 96% of children who bled spontaneously and in 11% of children who did not
      bleed without primary prophylaxis (p<0.001), regardless of the cause of portal
      hypertension. Life-threatening complications of bleeding were recorded in 19% of
      children with cirrhosis and high-risk varices who bled spontaneously. Ten-year
      probabilities of bleed-free survival after primary prophylaxis in children with
      high-risk varices were 96% and 72% for non-cirrhotic causes and cirrhosis
      respectively. Ten-year probabilities of overall survival after primary
      prophylaxis were 100% and 93% in children with non-cirrhotic causes and cirrhosis
      respectively. CONCLUSION: In children with portal hypertension, bleeding is
      linked to the high-risk endoscopic pattern reported here. Primary prophylaxis of
      bleeding based on this pattern is fairly effective and safe. LAY SUMMARY: In
      children with liver disease, the risk of bleeding from varices in the esophagus
      is linked to their large size, the presence of congestion on their surface and
      their expansion into the stomach but not to the child's age nor to the cause of
      portal hypertension. Prevention of the first bleed in children with high-risk
      varices can be achieved by surgery or endoscopic treatment, and decreases
      mortality and morbidity.

PMID- 27663418
TI  - Non-invasive estimation of HVPG by combined structural and hemodynamic evaluation
      of portal hypertension using quantitative magnetic resonance imaging.

PMID- 27663419
TI  - Inhibiting poly ADP-ribosylation increases fatty acid oxidation and protects
      against fatty liver disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: To date, no pharmacological therapy has been approved for non
      alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of the present study was to
      evaluate the therapeutic potential of poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP)
      inhibitors in mouse models of NAFLD. METHODS: As poly ADP-ribosylation
      (PARylation) of proteins by PARPs consumes nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide
      (NAD+), we hypothesized that overactivation of PARPs drives NAD+ depletion in
      NAFLD. Therefore, we assessed the effectiveness of PARP inhibition to replenish
      NAD+ and activate NAD+-dependent sirtuins, hence improving hepatic fatty acid
      oxidation. To do this, we examined the preventive and therapeutic benefits of the
      PARP inhibitor (PARPi), olaparib, in different models of NAFLD. RESULTS: The
      induction of NAFLD in C57BL/6J mice using a high-fat high-sucrose (HFHS)-diet
      increased PARylation of proteins by PARPs. As such, increased PARylation was
      associated with reduced NAD+ levels and mitochondrial function and content, which
      was concurrent with elevated hepatic lipid content. HFHS diet supplemented with
      PARPi reversed NAFLD through repletion of NAD+, increasing mitochondrial
      biogenesis and beta-oxidation in liver. Furthermore, PARPi reduced reactive
      oxygen species, endoplasmic reticulum stress and fibrosis. The benefits of PARPi
      treatment were confirmed in mice fed with a methionine- and choline-deficient
      diet and in mice with lipopolysaccharide-induced hepatitis; PARP activation was
      attenuated and the development of hepatic injury was delayed in both models.
      Using Sirt1hep-/- mice, the beneficial effects of a PARPi-supplemented HFHS diet
      were found to be Sirt1-dependent. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides a novel and
      practical pharmacological approach for treating NAFLD, fueling optimism for
      potential clinical studies. LAY SUMMARY: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
      (NAFLD) is now considered to be the most common liver disease in the Western
      world and has no approved pharmacological therapy. PARP inhibitors given as a
      treatment in two different mouse models of NAFLD confer a protection against its
      development. PARP inhibitors may therefore represent a novel and practical
      pharmacological approach for treating NAFLD.

PMID- 27663421
TI  - Serum uric acid as prognostic marker of coronary heart disease (CHD).
AB  - BACKGROUND: A substantial body of epidemiological and experimental evidence
      suggests the significance of serum uric acid as an important and independent risk
      factor of cardio vascular and renal diseases especially in patients with diabetes
      mellitus, hypertension. Hyperuricemia is a risk factor of coronary heart disease.
      Several studies showed positive association between hyperuricemia and CHD risk
      factors. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the serum uric acid levels in patients with
      diabetes and hypertension, which helps in understanding its role as prognostic
      marker of coronary heart disease. METHOD: The study was conducted in population
      of Wadi-Al Dawasir (K.S.A.) aged 20-80 years through random sampling from October
      2012 to June 2013. It included 250 samples and the cases were categorized into
      diabetic and hypertensive. In the cases, purely hypertensive were 52, diabetic
      were 57 and mixed group included both diabetic and hypertensive patients 65.
      Fasting blood was collected to analyze lipid profile which included (total
      cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein)
      and serum uric acid in association with age and heredity was also studied.
      Patient demographics were recorded. RESULTS: The study revealed significant
      association of serum uric acid (p<0.014*) and total cholesterol (p<0.007**)
      triglycerides (p<0.009**) low density lipoprotein (p<0.044*) in hypertensive
      group. Serum uric acid levels in the mixed group patients with diabetes and
      hypertension reported serum uric acid (p<0.0037), total cholesterol (p<0.089+)
      proved to have increased risk of coronary heart disease. When compared to
      controls (non-diabetic p<0.529) and (non-hypertensive p<0.021*) with respect to
      serum uric acid levels show the magnitude of risk to coronary heart disease. With
      progressing age the association of lipid profile and serum uric acid reported
      (p<0.001**) in diabetics. CONCLUSION: Significant correlations were found between
      serum uric acid and risk factors for CHD. This is first study of its kind in this
      region of K.S.A., which helps the community to understand the role of serum uric
      acid in coronary heart disease, justifies the objective of research in taking
      preventive measures to combat the deleterious effect of coronary heart disease.
      Prevention and early detection of elevated uric acid in both hypertensive and
      diabetic patients could serve as effective investigative tool in reducing
      coronary heart disease.

PMID- 27663422
TI  - CcpNmr AnalysisAssign: a flexible platform for integrated NMR analysis.
AB  - NMR spectroscopy is an indispensably powerful technique for the analysis of
      biomolecules under ambient conditions, both for structural- and functional
      studies. However, in practice the complexity of the technique has often
      frustrated its application by non-specialists. In this paper, we present CcpNmr
      version-3, the latest software release from the Collaborative Computational
      Project for NMR, for all aspects of NMR data analysis, including liquid- and
      solid-state NMR data. This software has been designed to be simple, functional
      and flexible, and aims to ensure that routine tasks can be performed in a
      straightforward manner. We have designed the software according to modern
      software engineering principles and leveraged the capabilities of modern graphics
      libraries to simplify a variety of data analysis tasks. We describe the process
      of backbone assignment as an example of the flexibility and simplicity of
      implementing workflows, as well as the toolkit used to create the necessary
      graphics for this workflow. The package can be downloaded from www.ccpn.ac.uk/v3
      software/downloads and is freely available to all non-profit organisations.

PMID- 27663420
TI  - New Insights into Protein Hydroxylation and Its Important Role in Human Diseases.
AB  - Protein hydroxylation is a post-translational modification catalyzed by 2
      oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases. The hydroxylation modification can take
      place on various amino acids, including but not limited to proline, lysine,
      asparagine, aspartate and histidine. A classical example of this modification is
      hypoxia inducible factor alpha (HIF-alpha) prolyl hydroxylation, which affects
      HIF-alpha protein stability via the Von-Hippel Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor
      pathway, a Cullin 2-based E3 ligase adaptor protein frequently mutated in kidney
      cancer. In addition to protein stability regulation, protein hydroxylation may
      influence other post-translational modifications or the kinase activity of the
      modified protein (such as Akt and DYRK1A/B). In other cases, protein
      hydroxylation may alter protein-protein interaction and its downstream signaling
      events in vivo (such as OTUB1, MAPK6 and eEF2K). In this review, we highlight the
      recently identified protein hydroxylation targets and their pathophysiological
      roles, especially in cancer settings. Better understanding of protein
      hydroxylation will help identify novel therapeutic targets and their regulation
      mechanisms to foster development of more effective treatment strategies for
      various human cancers.

PMID- 27663424
TI  - Testosterone may increase rat anterior cruciate ligament strength.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Women are more likely than men to injure the anterior cruciate
      ligament (ACL). Human and animal trials have linked circulating estradiol to
      injury rate and ligament strength. Fewer studies have examined the role of
      testosterone. The purpose of this study was to determine if male rats with normal
      testosterone levels would have stronger ACLs than castrated rats. METHODS: Eight
      castrated (group C) and eight normal (group N) 12-week-old, male Sprague-Dawley
      rats were used for the study. Mean testosterone levels were 0.14ng/mL (95% CI:
      0.10 to 0.17) in group C and 3.54ng/mL (95% CI: 1.32 to 5.76) in group N. After
      euthanasia, ACL cross-sectional area was calculated, and a servohydraulic
      material testing unit was used to measure ligament properties. RESULTS: Specimens
      from both groups had similar cross-sectional area, but N specimens showed greater
      mean load-to-failure (34.5N [95% CI: 31.6 to 37.4] vs 29.2N [95% CI: 27.9 to
      30.6]) and ultimate stress (38.7MPa [95% CI: 34.1 to 43.3] vs 31.8MPa [95% CI:
      29.8 to 33.8]). Mean energy was 27.7mJ (95% CI: 23.1 to 32.2) in the N group and
      23.4mJ (95% CI: 18.2 to 28.6) in the C group. CONCLUSIONS: Rats with normal
      circulating testosterone had higher ACL load-to-failure and ultimate stress,
      indicating that testosterone may influence ACL strength and the injury rate of
      the ligament.

PMID- 27663425
TI  - Intraepithelial lymphocytes subsets in different forms of celiac disease.
AB  - AIM: The enumeration of intraepithelial lymphocytes subsets (total, gammadelta,
      and CD3(-) IELs) by flow cytometry (FCM), named as IEL lymphogram, constitutes a
      useful tool for celiac disease (CD) diagnosis. The aim of this study was to
      quantify IELs by FCM and their diagnostic value to differentiate active, silent
      and potential CD. METHODS: Prospective study of 60 active and 20 silent CD
      patients, and 161 controls in which duodenal biopsy and IEL quantification by FCM
      was performed. RESULTS: Active and silent CD patients had significant higher
      levels of both total and gammadelta IELs than absent CD patients (P < 0.0001 and
      P < 0.0001, P = 0.012 and P < 0.011; respectively). Active and silent CD patients
      had significant lower levels of CD3(-) IELs than absent CD patients (P < 0.047
      and P < 0.009, respectively). Moreover, they were lower in silent than in active
      CD patients (P = 0.002). Changes of IELs subsets were more marked in children
      than adults active CD. The optimal IEL lymphogram cut off values for active CD
      diagnosis were: >=10, >=15 and <=9 %, and with better performance characteristics
      for silent CD: >= 11, >=10 and <=5 %. CONCLUSION: The evaluation of IELs subsets
      by FCM is useful to confirm diagnosis of active and silent CD.

PMID- 27663423
TI  - Robotic and open partial nephrectomy for localized renal tumors larger than 7 cm:
      a single-center experience.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare perioperative outcomes between robotic partial nephrectomy
      and open partial nephrectomy for localized >7 cm tumors. METHODS: We identified
      patients in our institutional review boards approved database who underwent
      robotic partial nephrectomy or open partial nephrectomy for treatment of renal
      tumors >7 cm in size between January 2009 and August 2015. The operative
      postoperative outcomes and complications were compared between groups. RESULTS:
      The number of patients with >7 cm renal tumors treated at our center with robotic
      partial nephrectomy and open partial nephrectomy were 54 and 56, respectively.
      Patients' demographics and tumor characteristics were similar between groups.
      Likewise, there were no significant difference between the groups in duration of
      operation, positive surgical margin rates and incidence of malignant disease
      rates. Median ischemia time was lower in robotic partial nephrectomy group (31.5
      vs. 35 min., p = 0.02). Patients undergoing robotic partial nephrectomy had
      significantly lower intraoperative blood transfusion rates (9.4 vs. 30.4 %, p =
      0.008) and shorter length of hospital stay (3.5 vs. 5.3 days, p < 0.001). The
      incidence of overall complications (robotic arm, 18.5 % vs. open arm, 28.6 %, p =
      0.26) and major complications (robotic arm, 3.7 % vs. open arm, 12.5 %, p = 0.16)
      was comparable between the two groups. The readmission rate within 30-days after
      discharge was higher in open partial nephrectomy group (p = 0.03). There was no
      difference in the median percentage estimated glomerular filtration rate
      preservation and chronic kidney disease upstaging between groups. CONCLUSIONS:
      Localized renal tumors >7 cm and amenable to partial nephrectomy can be
      considered suitable for robotic approach.

PMID- 27663427
TI  - Prevalence, co-occurrence, and clustering of health-risk behaviors among people
      with different socio-economic trajectories: A population-based study.
AB  - Only a few previously published studies have investigated the co-occurrence and
      clustering of health-risk behaviors in people with different socio-economic
      trajectories from childhood to adulthood. This study was based on data collected
      through the Stockholm County Council's public health surveys. We selected the
      24,241 participants aged 30 to 65years, who responded to a postal questionnaire
      in 2010. Information on parents' and participants' educational levels was used
      for classification of four socio-economic trajectories, from childhood to
      adulthood: the 'stable high', the 'upwardly mobile', the 'downwardly mobile', and
      the 'stable low'. Information on daily smoking, risky drinking, physical
      inactivity, and poor diet was used for assessment of health-risk behaviors: their
      prevalence, co-occurrence, and clustering. We found all health-risk behaviors to
      be more prevalent among women and men with a downwardly mobile or stable low
      socio-economic trajectory. Accordingly, having three or four co-occurring health
      risk behaviors were much more likely (up to 4 times, in terms of odds ratios) in
      these groups as compared to the women and men with an upwardly mobile or a stable
      high socio-economic trajectory. However, clustering of the health-risk behaviors
      was not found to be stronger in those with a downwardly mobile or stable low
      socio-economic trajectory. Thus, the fact that women and men with a
      disadvantageous socio-economic career were found to have co-occurring health-risk
      behaviors more often than people with an advantageous socio-economic career
      seemed to be generated by differences in prevalence of the health-risk behaviors,
      not by differences in clustering of the behaviors.

PMID- 27663426
TI  - Impact of physical activity category on incidence of cardiovascular disease:
      Results from the 10-year follow-up of the ATTICA Study (2002-2012).
AB  - The aim of the study was to examine the effects of physical activity (PA) level
      on 10-year cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence, taking into consideration
      several clinical and lifestyle risk factors along with the potential moderating
      role of gender. An analysis was undertaken on data from the ATTICA prospective
      cohort study (10-year follow-up, 2002-2012), which followed a Greek adult
      population (aged 18-89years). A total n=317 of fatal and nonfatal CVD events
      occurred among the 2020 participants. After adjusting for the lifestyle and
      clinical risk factors as potential confounders, odds ratio (ORs) of CVD risk of
      individuals who reported being sufficiently active and highly active were
      decreased by 58% (95% CI: 0.30, 0.58) and 70% (95% CI: 0.15, 0.56), when compared
      to those who were inactive/insufficiently active, respectively. Men had nearly
      two-fold increase in risk of CVD (95% CI: 1.62, 2.18) versus women. Stratified
      analysis by gender, revealed that sufficiently active men, had 52% (95% CI: 0.24,
      0.97) reduced risk of CVD incidence when compared to inactive males, while, for
      women, the role of PA lost significance following adjusting for lifestyle
      factors. The current data suggests a beneficial effect of even moderate physical
      activity levels on 10-year incidence of CVD, reinforcing the importance of
      physically activity, especially for men.

PMID- 27663428
TI  - GIS-measured walkability, transit, and recreation environments in relation to
      older Adults' physical activity: A latent profile analysis.
AB  - An infrequently studied question is how diverse combinations of built environment
      (BE) features relate to physical activity (PA) for older adults. We derived
      patterns of geographic information systems- (GIS) measured BE features and
      explored how they accounted for differences in objective and self-reported PA,
      sedentary time, and BMI in a sample of older adults. Senior Neighborhood Quality
      of Life Study participants (N=714, aged 66-97years, 52.1% women, 29.7%
      racial/ethnic minority) were sampled in 2005-2008 from the Seattle-King County,
      WA and Baltimore, MD-Washington, DC regions. Participants' home addresses were
      geocoded, and net residential density, land use mix, retail floor area ratio,
      intersection density, public transit density, and public park and private
      recreation facility density measures for 1-km network buffers were derived.
      Latent profile analyses (LPAs) were estimated from these GIS-based measures. In
      multilevel regression models, profiles were compared on accelerometer-measured
      moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and sedentary time and self-reported PA, adjusting
      for covariates and clustering. Analyses were conducted in 2014-2015. LPAs yielded
      three profiles: low walkability/transit/recreation (L-L-L); mean
      walkability/transit/recreation (M-M-M); and high walkability/transit/recreation
      (H-H-H). Three PA outcomes were more favorable in the HHH than the LLL profile
      group (difference of 7.2min/day for MVPA, 97.8min/week for walking for errands,
      and 79.2min/week for walking for exercise; all ps<0.02). The most and least
      activity-supportive BE profiles showed greater differences in older adults' PA
      than did groupings based solely on a 4-component walkability index, suggesting
      that diverse BE features are important for healthy aging.

PMID- 27663431
TI  - "Can we walk?" Environmental supports for physical activity in India.
AB  - India is currently facing a non-communicable disease epidemic. Physical activity
      (PA) is a preventative factor for non-communicable diseases. Understanding the
      role of the built environment (BE) to facilitate or constrain PA is essential for
      public health interventions to increase population PA. The objective of this
      study was to understand BEs associations with PA occurring in two major life
      domains or life areas-travel and leisure-in urban India. Between December 2014
      and April 2015, in-person surveys were conducted with participants (N=370;
      female=47.2%) in Chennai, India. Perceived BE characteristics regarding
      residential density, land use mix-diversity, land use mix-access, street
      connectivity, infrastructure for walking and bicycling, aesthetics, traffic
      safety, and safety from crime were measured using the adapted Neighborhood
      Environment Walkability Scale-India (NEWS-India). Self-reported PA was measured
      the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. High residential density was
      associated with greater odds of travel PA (aOR=1.9, 95% CI=1.2, 3.2). Land use
      mix-diversity was positively related to travel PA (aOR=2.1, 95%CI=1.2, 3.6), but
      not associated with leisure or total PA. The aggregate NEWS-India score predicted
      a two-fold increase in odds of travel PA (aOR=1.9, 95% CI=1.1, 3.1) and a 40%
      decrease in odds of leisure PA (aOR=0.6, 95% CI=0.4, 1.0). However, the
      association of the aggregated score with leisure PA was not significant. Results
      suggest that relationships between BE and PA in low-and-middle income countries
      may be context-specific, and may differ markedly from higher income countries.
      Findings have public health implications for India suggesting that caution should
      be taken when translating evidence across countries.

PMID- 27663429
TI  - The interaction between systemic inflammation and psychosocial stress in the
      association with cardiac troponin elevation: A new approach to risk assessment
      and disease prevention.
AB  - We have previously shown that there is a complex and dynamic biological
      interaction between acute mental stress and acute release of inflammatory factors
      into the blood stream in relation to heart disease. We now hypothesize that the
      presence of chronic psychosocial stress may modify the weight of single test
      results for inflammation as a predictor of heart disease. Using a cross-sectional
      design, 500 participants free from heart disease drawn from the Whitehall II
      study in UK in 2006-2008 were tested for plasma fibrinogen as an inflammatory
      factor, financial strain as a marker of chronic psychosocial stress, coronary
      calcification measured using computed tomography, and for plasma high-sensitivity
      cardiac troponin T (HS-CTnT) as a marker of cardiac risk. Fibrinogen
      concentration levels above the average were associated with a 5-fold increase in
      the odds of HS-CTnT positivity only among individuals with financial strain
      (N=208, OR=4.73, 95%CI=1.67 to 13.40, P=0.003). Fibrinogen was in fact not
      associated with HS-CTnT positivity in people without financial strain despite the
      larger size of that subsample (n=292, OR=0.84, 95%CI=0.42 to 1.67, P=0.622). A
      test for interaction on the full sample (N=500) showed a P value of 0.010 after
      adjusting for a range of demographics, health behaviours, traditional
      cardiovascular risk factors, psychosocial stressors, inflammatory cytokines, and
      coronary calcification. In conclusion, elevated fibrinogen seems to be cardio
      toxic only when is combined with financial strain. Chronic psychosocial stress
      may modify the meaning that we should give to single test results for
      inflammation. Further research is needed to confirm our results.

PMID- 27663430
TI  - Suicide in older men: The health in men cohort study (HIMS).
AB  - Suicide rates are high in later life, particularly among older men. Mood
      disorders are known risk factors, but the risk of suicide associated with poor
      physical health remains unclear. We completed a cohort study of a community
      representative sample of 38,170 men aged 65-85 in 1996 who were followed for up
      to 16years. Data on suicide attempts and completion were obtained from the
      Western Australia Data Linkage System, as was information about medical and
      mental health diagnoses. 240 (0.6%) participants had a recorded history of past
      suicide attempt, most commonly by poisoning (85%). Sixty-nine men died by suicide
      during follow up (0.3% of all deaths), most often by hanging (50.7%). Age
      adjusted competing risk regression showed that past suicide attempt was not a
      robust predictor of future suicide completion (sub-hazard ratio, SHR=1.58, 95%
      CI=0.39, 6.42), but bipolar (SHR=7.82, 95% CI=3.08, 19.90), depressive disorders
      (SHR=2.26, 95% CI=1.14, 4.51) and the number of health systems affected by
      disease (SHR for 3-4 health systems=6.02, 95% CI=2.69, 13.47; SHR for >=5 health
      systems=11.18, 95% CI=4.89, 25.53) were. The population fraction of suicides
      attributable to having 5 or more health systems affected by disease was 79% (95%
      CI=57%, 90%), and for any mood disorder (bipolar or depression) it was 17% (95%
      CI=3%, 28%). Older Australian men with multiple health morbidities have the
      highest risk of death by suicide, even after taking into account the presence of
      mood disorders. Improving the overall health of the population may be the most
      effective way of decreasing the rates of suicide in later life.

PMID- 27663432
TI  - Waist circumference, body mass index and waist-height ratio: Are two indices
      better than one for identifying hypertension risk in older adults?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate if the combination of Waist Circumference (WC) and Body
      Mass Index (BMI) or Waist to Height Ratio (WHtR) and BMI measures is superior to
      the separate indicators in identifying hypertension risk in older adults from
      southern Brazil. METHOD: This cross-sectional study analyzed data from the second
      wave (2013/14) of a population- and household-based survey carried out with 1197
      older adults (778 women). Hypertension (i.e., outcome) was identified by self
      report. The independent variables were body mass index (BMI>=27kg/m2), waist
      circumference (WC>=88cm for women and WC>=102cm for men), waist/height ratio
      (WHtR>=0.5), and the combined indexes BMI+WC (BMI>=27kg/m2+WC>=88cm for women and
      WC>=102cm for men) and BMI+WHtR (BMI>=27kg/m2+WHtR>=0.5). The associations were
      explored using binary logistic regression. RESULTS: The results showed sex
      differences in all study characteristics. In women, all indicators were
      associated with the outcome, after adjustments (age, race/color, marital status,
      schooling, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and diabetes). WHtR
      was the indicator most strongly associated with hypertension (OR=2.97; 95% CI
      1.58 to 5.59). For men, only BMI and the combined indicators were associated with
      hypertension. Combined measures of BMI+WHtR showed a stronger association with
      the outcome (OR=2.68; IC95% 1.62 to 4.44). CONCLUSION: The associated indicators
      differed between the sexes. The combination of BMI+WC and BMI+WHtR using current
      cut-off points may provide an improved measure of hypertension risk.

PMID- 27663434
TI  - Prognostic value of endocrine treatment-related symptoms in patients with breast
      cancer: a meta-analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Endocrine therapy is associated with improved disease-free survival
      (DFS) in hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, but it is also associated with
      many adverse events. The aim of this study was to clarify the association between
      endocrine treatment-related symptoms and treatment efficacy in patients receiving
      adjuvant endocrine therapy. METHOD: EMBASE, Web of Science, PubMed, and CENTRAL
      databases were searched for studies that compared treatment efficacy between
      patients in whom adverse events did and did not occur during hormone therapy.
      Hazard ratios (HRs) and associated 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) for DFS and
      overall survival were estimated and pooled using random-effects models. RESULTS:
      Of 4665 citations identified, ten studies incorporating 32,192 patients were
      included in the meta-analysis. The presence of endocrine treatment-related
      symptoms was associated with improved DFS (HR 0.76; 95 % CI 0.68-0.85). Similar
      results were observed in patients with vasomotor symptoms (HR 0.76; 95 % CI 0.66
      0.87) or musculoskeletal symptoms (HR 0.75; 95 % CI 0.60-0.94), in patients
      taking an aromatase inhibitor (HR 0.69; 95 % CI 0.57-0.85) or tamoxifen (HR 0.74;
      95 % CI 0.60-0.93), and in patients with symptoms at 3-month (HR 0.74; 95 % CI
      0.66-0.83), 6-month (HR 0.80; 95 % CI 0.66-0.96), or 12-month follow-up visits
      (HR 0.75; 95 % CI 0.68-0.83). However, no significant difference in overall
      survival was observed between patients with or without endocrine treatment
      related symptoms (HR 0.82; 95 % CI 0.60-1.11). Sensitivity analysis excluding
      studies with heterogeneous factors yielded consistent results. No evidence of
      publication bias was observed. CONCLUSION: In our meta-analysis, endocrine
      treatment-related symptoms were shown to correlate with superior DFS and may
      therefore be useful in predicting treatment efficacy in patients with breast
      cancer receiving hormone therapy.

PMID- 27663435
TI  - Treatment with aromatase inhibitors and markers of cardiovascular disease.
AB  - PURPOSE: The cardiovascular effects of estrogen deprivation induced by aromatase
      inhibitors are unknown. We carried out a cross-sectional study to evaluate the
      effect of estrogen deprivation induced by aromatase inhibitors on markers of
      cardiovascular risk. METHODS: We enrolled 410 postmenopausal women: 200
      consecutive breast cancer patients treated with aromatase inhibitors for a median
      of 53 months (range 23-122) and 210 volunteer controls. Carotid intima-media
      thickness, presence of carotid stenosis, and presence of abdominal aortic
      aneurism were evaluated through an ultrasound examination. RESULTS: Average
      carotid intima-media thickness was 0.97 +/- 0.02 mm and 1.08 +/- 0.02 mm for
      breast cancer group and control group, respectively (p < 0.005). The incidence of
      carotid stenosis in the two groups was similar: 24.2 % in the breast cancer group
      and 28.6 % in the control group (OR 0.80; 95 % CI 0.51-1.25; p = 0.32). No
      aneurismatic dilatation of the aorta was recorded. Average abdominal aortic
      diameter was 14.9 +/- 2.4 mm in the breast cancer group and 15.0 +/- 2.4 mm in
      the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed no association between treatment
      with aromatase inhibitors for five or less years and increased carotid intima
      media thickness and higher prevalence of carotid stenosis or abdominal aortic
      aneurism. The lack of impact on these markers suggests that cardiovascular risk
      is not increased by treatment with aromatase inhibitors.

PMID- 27663437
TI  - Portal vein thrombus and infiltrative HCC: a pictoral review.
AB  - Infiltrative hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can be overlooked on imaging.
      Radiologists should have a high index of suspicion for this entity in patients
      with chronic liver disease. Careful evaluation of the portal vein may help the
      radiologist diagnose infiltrative HCC, due to the high association (68%-100%) of
      portal vein tumor thrombus with this condition. This article will review the
      imaging findings of infiltrative HCC, particularly its association with portal
      vein thrombus, and describe imaging pitfalls and mimickers.

PMID- 27663436
TI  - Impact of androgen receptor expression in fluoxymesterone-treated estrogen
      receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer refractory to contemporary hormonal
      therapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate survival outcome in patients
      with hormone receptor (HR)-positive (+) metastatic breast cancer (MBC) who
      received fluoxymesterone after disease progression while receiving contemporary
      hormonal therapy, as well as the association between estrogen receptor
      (ER)/androgen receptor (AR) status and survival outcome in these patients.
      METHODS: We retrospectively identified 103 patients treated with fluoxymesterone
      for HR + MBC from 2000 to 2014 and with at least one previous hormonal therapy in
      a metastatic setting. RESULTS: A median of 3 (range 1-10) hormonal therapies
      (aromatase inhibitors, tamoxifen, and/or fulvestrant) were received before
      fluoxymesterone; 33 patients discontinued fluoxymesterone before progression
      because of physician decision or adverse events including toxicity in 14
      patients. Of the remaining 70 patients, 2 (3 %) had complete response, 7 (10 %)
      partial response, and 21 (30 %) stable disease for at least 6 months, yielding a
      clinical benefit rate of 43 %. The median PFS was 3.9 months (95 % CI 3.2-5.3
      months). Multivariate analysis revealed no significant association between PFS
      and the type or number of prior systemic treatments. All 39 patients who had
      archived tumor slides available for AR staining had ER + carcinoma; 10 had >=1 %
      but <10 %, 18 had >=10 %, and 11 had no AR nuclear expression. AR positivity with
      various cutoffs (i.e. any AR + cells, >=1 % AR + cells, or >=10 % AR + cells) was
      not significantly associated with survival outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Fluoxymesterone
      can be considered for patients whose ER + MBC progresses on contemporary hormonal
      therapy, regardless of the level of AR expression.

PMID- 27663438
TI  - Health and Environmental Risks from Lead-based Ammunition: Science Versus Socio
      Politics.

PMID- 27663439
TI  - Histologic purity of signet ring cell carcinoma is a favorable risk factor for
      lymph node metastasis in poorly cohesive, submucosa-invasive early gastric
      carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prediction of biologic behavior of poorly cohesive early gastric
      carcinoma (EGC) is an important issue in the selection of the treatment modality.
      To elucidate the risk factors for lymph node metastasis (LNM) of poorly cohesive
      EGC, we focused on the histologic purity of the poorly cohesive component and
      evaluated the impact of this factor on LNM. METHODS: We divided poorly cohesive
      EGC into (1) pure signet ring cell (SRC) carcinoma, which was defined as composed
      only of signet ring cells or poorly cohesive cells and (2) mixed SRC carcinoma,
      defined as poorly cohesive carcinoma with minor tubular components. We reviewed
      the clinicopathologic features, including age, sex, location, size, depth,
      lymphovascular invasion (LVI), LNM, ulceration, and intestinal metaplasia between
      the two groups in a large series of poorly cohesive, submucosa-invasive EGC (n =
      317). RESULTS: LNM was found in 58 cases (18.3 %). Mixed SRC carcinoma histologic
      type (p < 0.001), larger tumor size (more than 2 cm) (p = 0.012), and the
      presence of LVI (p < 0.001) were associated with LNM. Pure SRC carcinomas
      accounted for 56.2 % (178/317) of the cases. Fourteen pure SRC carcinomas (7.8 %)
      showed LNM, whereas 44 mixed SRC carcinomas (31.9 %) exhibited LNM (p < 0.001).
      On multivariate logistic regression, the presence of LVI (odds ratio 6.737; 95 %
      confidence interval 2.714-16.720; p < 0.001) and mixed SRC carcinoma histologic
      type (odds ratio 4.674; 95 % confidence interval 2.370-9.216; p < 0.001) were
      independent predictors of LNM in poorly cohesive, submucosa-invasive EGC.
      CONCLUSIONS: The presence of a tubular component in SRC carcinoma was a risk
      factor for LNM in poorly cohesive, submucosa-invasive EGC. On the basis of this
      finding, we propose that the presence of a minor tubular component or the purity
      of the poorly cohesive/SRC carcinoma component should be reported in daily
      pathologic practice.

PMID- 27663440
TI  - Rapid bioremediation of Alizarin Red S and Quinizarine Green SS dyes using
      Trichoderma lixii F21 mediated by biosorption and enzymatic processes.
AB  - In this study, a newly isolated ascomycete fungus Trichoderma lixii F21 was
      explored to bioremediate the polar [Alizarin Red S (ARS)] and non-polar
      [Quinizarine Green SS (QGSS)] anthraquinone dyes. The bioremediation of ARS and
      QGSS by T. lixii F21 was found to be 77.78 and 98.31 %, respectively, via
      biosorption and enzymatic processes within 7 days of incubation. The maximum
      biosorption (ARS = 33.7 % and QGSS = 74.7 %) and enzymatic biodegradation (ARS =
      44.1 % and QGSS = 23.6 %) were observed at pH 4 and 27  degrees C in the presence
      of glucose and yeast extract. The laccase and catechol 1,2-dioxygenase produced
      by T. lixii F21 were involved in the molecular conversions of ARS and QGSS to
      phenolic and carboxylic acid compounds, without the formation of toxic aromatic
      amines. This study suggests that T. lixii F21 may be a good candidate for the
      bioremediation of industrial effluents contaminated with anthraquinone dyes.

PMID- 27663441
TI  - Characterization of neutrophils and macrophages from ex vivo-cultured murine bone
      marrow for morphologic maturation and functional responses by imaging flow
      cytometry.
AB  - Neutrophils and macrophages differentiate from common myeloid progenitors in the
      bone marrow, where they undergo nuclear morphologic changes during maturation.
      During this process, both cell types acquire critical innate immune functions
      that include phagocytosis of pathogens, and for neutrophils the release of
      nuclear material called nuclear extracellular traps (NETs). Primary cells used to
      study these functions are typically purified from mature mouse tissues, but bone
      marrow-derived ex vivo cultures provide more abundant numbers of progenitors and
      functionally mature cells. Routine analyses of these cells use conventional
      microscopy and flow cytometry, which present limitations; microscopy is laborious
      and subjective, whereas flow cytometry lacks spatial resolution. Here we describe
      methods to generate enriched populations of neutrophils or macrophages from
      cryopreserved mouse bone marrow cultured ex vivo, and to use imaging flow
      cytometry that combines the resolution of microscopy with flow cytometry to
      analyze cells for morphologic features, phagocytosis, and NETosis.

PMID- 27663442
TI  - Correlation of HIF-1alpha/HIF-2alpha expression with FDG uptake in lung
      adenocarcinoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Hypoxia is a key element involved in the development and progression
      of tumors. HIF-1alpha may transiently induce and mediate the response to acute
      and severe hypoxia, while HIF-2alpha may induce a longer response and may control
      the response to chronic and moderate hypoxia. Hypoxia increases the cellular
      uptake of FDG. Therefore, HIF may play an important role in the process of the
      cellular uptake of FDG. The aim of this study was to compare HIF-1alpha/HIF
      2alpha expression with FDG uptake, Glut-1 expression, and prognosis in the
      patients with lung adenocarcinoma and to investigate the role of HIF-1alpha/HIF
      2alpha in the uptake of FDG in lung adenocarcinoma. METHODS: In the current work,
      we compared the immunohistochemical expression of HIF-1alpha and HIF-2alpha in
      surgical specimens of 44 patients with lung adenocarcinoma. The relationships
      between HIF-alpha expression and Glut-1 expression, FDG uptake, and
      clinicopathological factors, including prognosis, were analyzed. RESULTS: There
      was a marginal association between HIF-1alpha and HIF-2alpha expressions (P =
      0.076). We found a significant correlation between HIF-2alpha expression and FDG
      uptake (P = 0.0001). HIF-1alpha expression showed a marginal association with FDG
      uptake (P = 0.066). FDG uptake correlated more significantly with HIF-2alpha
      expression than with HIF-1alpha expression. A significant correlation was noticed
      between Glut-1 expression and both HIF-1alpha and HIF-2alpha expressions (P =
      0.005 and P = 0.003, respectively). Univariate analysis of disease-free survival
      demonstrated that FDG uptake and HIF-2alpha expression, but not HIF-1alpha
      expression, were related to recurrence (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: FDG uptake
      correlated more significantly with HIF-2alpha expression than with HIF-1alpha
      expression, and both FDG uptake and HIF-2alpha expression, but not HIF-1alpha
      expression was correlated with post-operative recurrence in the patients with
      lung adenocarcinoma. These results suggest that both FDG uptake and HIF-2alpha
      expression may represent a more aggressive phenotype and that HIF-2alpha may play
      a more important role than HIF-1alpha in the uptake of FDG in lung
      adenocarcinoma.

PMID- 27663443
TI  - A Watershed Analysis of Seasonal Concentration- and Loading-based Results for
      Escherichia coli in Inland Waters.
AB  - Fecal indicator bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, are frequently monitored in
      recreational waterbodies as indicators of potential fecal pathogen presence and
      exposure. The present watershed analysis investigated the influence of season on
      E. coli concentration (MPN/100 mL) and loading (MPN/day) measurements for inland
      waters at baseflow conditions. The master dataset collected during 2007-2012 for
      three watersheds included 896 E. coli (Colilert) samples with simultaneous flow
      taken for a subset (39 %) of samples. The outcomes for grouped watersheds were
      reflected in most cases for individual watersheds. Concentration- and loading
      based results were highest in summer and spring, and lowest in the winter and
      fall, respectively. The comparison of these two measurement techniques
      (concentration and loading) highlight the impact of flow data during baseflow
      conditions for inland waters and reveal that caution should be used when
      inferring one method's results from another.

PMID- 27663445
TI  - Bioaccumulation of Uranium and Thorium by Lemna minor and Lemna gibba in Pb-Zn-Ag
      Tailing Water.
AB  - This study focused on the ability of Lemna minor and Lemna gibba to remove U and
      Th in the tailing water of Keban, Turkey. These plants were placed in tailing
      water and individually fed to the reactors designed for these plants. Water and
      plant samples were collected daily from the mining area. The plants were ashed at
      300 degrees C for 1 day and analyzed by ICP-MS for U and Th. U was accumulated as
      a function of time by these plants, and performances between 110 % and 483 % for
      L. gibba, and between 218 % and 1194 % for L. minor, were shown. The highest Th
      accumulations in L. minor and L. gibba were observed at 300 % and 600 %
      performances, respectively, on the second day of the experiment. This study
      indicated that both L. gibba and L. minor demonstrated a high ability to remove U
      and Th from tailing water polluted by trace elements.

PMID- 27663444
TI  - Fate of Potential Contaminants Due to Disposal of Olive Mill Wastewaters in
      Unprotected Evaporation Ponds.
AB  - The disposal of olive mill wastewaters (OMW) in shallow and unprotected
      evaporation ponds is a common, low-cost management practice, followed in
      Mediterranean countries. So far, the fate of potential soil pollutants in areas
      located near evaporation ponds is not adequately documented. This study
      investigates the extent in which the long-term disposal of OMW in evaporation
      ponds can affect the soil properties of the area located outside the evaporation
      pond and assesses the fate of the pollution loads of OMW. Four soil profiles
      situated outside and around the down slope side of the disposal area were
      excavated. The results showed considerable changes in concentration of soil
      phenols at the down-site soil profiles, due to the subsurface transport of the
      OMW. In addition, excessive concentrations of NH4+, PO43- and phenols were
      recorded in liquid samples taken from inside at the bottom of the soil profiles.
      It is concluded that unprotected evaporation ponds located in light texture soils
      pose a serious threat to favour soil and water pollution.

PMID- 27663446
TI  - Investigation on the Performance of Chemically Modified Aquatic Macrophytes
      Salvinia molesta for the Micro-Solid Phase Preconcentration of Cd(II) On-Line
      Coupled to FAAS.
AB  - In this study, a new method for the preconcentration of cadmium ions using
      modified aquatic macrophytes - Salvinia molesta as biosorbent in an on-line
      preconcentration system coupled to flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS)
      was developed. The method is based on preconcentration of 20.0 mL sample at pH
      3.75 through 35.0 mg of biosorbent at 10.0 mL min-1 and subsequent elution with
      0.5 mol L-1 HNO3. A preconcentration factor of 31-fold, linear dynamic range from
      5.0 to 70.0 ug L-1 (r = 0.9996) and detection and quantification limits of 0.15
      and 0.51 ug L-1 were obtained. The characterization of the biosorbent chemically
      modified with NaOH and citric acid, was performed through FTIR and SEM
      measurements. The method precision was found to be 3.97 % and 1.48 % for 5.0 and
      60.0 ug L-1 Cd(II) solutions, respectively. The applicability of method was
      checked by analysis of different kind of water samples and certified reference
      material.

PMID- 27663447
TI  - Australian Gay Men Describe the Details of Their HIV Infection Through a Cross
      Sectional Web-Based Survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With emerging opportunities for preventing human immunodeficiency
      virus (HIV) transmission, it remains important to identify those at greatest risk
      of infection and to describe and understand the contexts in which transmissions
      occur. Some gay and bisexual men with recently diagnosed HIV infection are
      initially unable to identify high-risk behaviors that would explain their HIV
      infection. We explored whether Web-based data collection could assist them in
      identifying the circumstances of their infection. OBJECTIVE: To assess the
      capacity of a Web-based survey to collect reliable self-report data on the event
      to which gay and bisexual men ascribe their HIV infection. METHODS: The HIV
      Seroconversion Study included a Web-based survey of gay and bisexual men with
      recently diagnosed HIV infection in Australia. Participants were asked if they
      could identify and describe the event they believe led to their infection. Men
      were also asked about their sexual and other risk practices during the 6 months
      before their diagnosis. RESULTS: Most (403/506, 79.6%) gay and bisexual men with
      newly diagnosed HIV infection were able to identify and describe the
      circumstances that likely led to their infection. Among those who were initially
      unable to identify possible exposure events, many could nonetheless provide
      sensible information that ostensibly explained their seroconversion. Free-text
      responses allowed men to provide more detailed and contextual information,
      whereas questions about the totality of their sexual behavior before diagnosis
      provided opportunities for men to describe their sexual risk behavior in general.
      Overall, 84.0% indicated having engaged in condomless anal intercourse before
      their HIV diagnosis, including 71.8% in the receptive position. CONCLUSIONS: This
      study demonstrates the effectiveness of using Internet-based technologies to
      capture sensitive information about the circumstances in which HIV infection
      occurs among gay and bisexual men. By providing a range of opportunities for
      relaying experience, this research reveals some of the complexity in how
      individuals come to understand and explain their HIV infection. These findings
      may assist in obtaining detailed sexual history in the clinical setting.

PMID- 27663448
TI  - Low Pressure Tolerance by Methanogens in an Aqueous Environment: Implications for
      Subsurface Life on Mars.
AB  - The low pressure at the surface of Mars (average: 6 mbar) is one potentially
      biocidal factor that any extant life on the planet would need to endure. Near
      subsurface life, while shielded from ultraviolet radiation, would also be exposed
      to this low pressure environment, as the atmospheric gas-phase pressure increases
      very gradually with depth. Few studies have focused on low pressure as inhibitory
      to the growth or survival of organisms. However, recent work has uncovered a
      potential constraint to bacterial growth below 25 mbar. The study reported here
      tested the survivability of four methanogen species (Methanothermobacter wolfeii,
      Methanosarcina barkeri, Methanobacterium formicicum, Methanococcus maripaludis)
      under low pressure conditions approaching average martian surface pressure (6
      mbar - 143 mbar) in an aqueous environment. Each of the four species survived
      exposure of varying length (3 days - 21 days) at pressures down to 6 mbar. This
      research is an important stepping-stone to determining if methanogens can
      actively metabolize/grow under these low pressures. Additionally, the recently
      discovered recurring slope lineae suggest that liquid water columns may connect
      the surface to deeper levels in the subsurface. If that is the case, any organism
      being transported in the water column would encounter the changing pressures
      during the transport.

PMID- 27663449
TI  - Effects of Glycine, Water, Ammonia, and Ammonium Bicarbonate on the
      Oligomerization of Methionine.
AB  - The abiotic oligomerization of amino acids may have created primordial, protein
      like biological catalysts on the early Earth. Previous studies have proposed and
      evaluated the potential of diagenesis for the amino acid oligomerization,
      simulating the formation of peptides that include glycine, alanine, and valine,
      separately. However, whether such conditions can promote the formation of
      peptides composed of multiple amino acids remains unclear. Furthermore, the
      chemistry of pore water in sediments should affect the oligomerization and
      degradation of amino acids and oligomers, but these effects have not been studied
      extensively. In this study, we investigated the effects of water, ammonia,
      ammonium bicarbonate, pH, and glycine on the oligomerization and degradation of
      methionine under high pressure (150 MPa) and high temperature conditions (175 
      degrees C) for 96 h. Methionine is more difficult to oligomerize than glycine and
      methionine dimer was formed in the incubation of dry powder of methionine.
      Methionine oligomers as long as trimers, as well as methionylglycine and
      glycylmethionine, were formed under every condition with these additional
      compounds. Among the compounds tested, the oligomerization reaction rate was
      accelerated by the presence of water and by an increase in pH. Ammonia also
      increased the oligomerization rate but consumed methionine by side reactions and
      resulted in the rapid degradation of methionine and its peptides. Similarly,
      glycine accelerated the oligomerization rate of methionine and the degradation of
      methionine, producing water, ammonia, and bicarbonate through its decomposition.
      With Gly, heterogeneous dimers (methionylglycine and glycylmethionine) were
      formed in greater amounts than with other additional compounds although smaller
      amount of these heterogeneous dimers were formed with other additional compounds.
      These results suggest that accelerated reaction rates induced by water and co
      existing reactive compounds promote the oligomerization of less reactive amino
      acids during diagenesis and enhance the formation of peptides composed of
      multiple amino acids.

PMID- 27663450
TI  - Prebiotic Synthesis of Glycine from Ethanolamine in Simulated Archean Alkaline
      Hydrothermal Vents.
AB  - Submarine hydrothermal vents are generally considered as the likely habitats for
      the origin and evolution of early life on Earth. In recent years, a novel
      hydrothermal system in Archean subseafloor has been proposed. In this model,
      highly alkaline and high temperature hydrothermal fluids were generated in basalt
      hosted hydrothermal vents, where H2 and CO2 could be abundantly provided. These
      extreme conditions could have played an irreplaceable role in the early evolution
      of life. Nevertheless, sufficient information has not yet been obtained for the
      abiotic synthesis of amino acids, which are indispensable components of life, at
      high temperature and alkaline condition. This study aims to propose a new method
      for the synthesis of glycine in simulated Archean submarine alkaline vent
      systems. We investigated the formation of glycine from ethanolamine under
      conditions of high temperature (80-160  degrees C) and highly alkaline solutions
      (pH = 9.70). Experiments were performed in an anaerobic environment under mild
      pressure (0.1-8.0 MPa) at the same time. The results suggested that the formation
      of glycine from ethanolamine occurred rapidly and efficiently in the presence of
      metal powders, and was favored by high temperatures and high pressures. The
      experiment provides a new pathway for prebiotic glycine formation and points out
      the phenomenal influence of high-temperature alkaline hydrothermal vents in
      origin of life in the early ocean.

PMID- 27663451
TI  - A randomized comparison between intravenous and perineural dexamethasone for
      ultrasound-guided axillary block.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This randomized double-blinded trial compared the effect of
      intravenous and perineural dexamethasone (8 mg) on the duration of motor block
      for ultrasound (US)-guided axillary brachial plexus block (AXB). METHODS:
      Patients undergoing upper limb surgery with US-guided AXB were randomly allocated
      to receive preservative-free dexamethasone (8 mg) via intravenous (n = 75) or
      perineural (n = 75) administration. The local anesthetic agent, 1% lidocaine 
      0.25% bupivacaine (30 mL) with epinephrine 5 ug.mL-1, was identical in all
      subjects. Operators and patients were blinded to the nature of the intravenous
      and perineural injectate. A blinded observer assessed the block success rate
      (i.e., a minimal sensorimotor composite score of 14 out of 16 points at 30 min),
      block onset time, as well as the presence of surgical anesthesia.
      Postoperatively, the blinded observer contacted all patients with successful
      blocks to record the duration of motor block (primary outcome), sensory block,
      and postoperative analgesia. RESULTS: No intergroup differences were observed in
      terms of success rate, surgical anesthesia, and block onset time. Compared to
      intravenous administration, perineural dexamethasone provided longer mean (SD)
      durations for motor block [17.5 (4.6) hr vs 12.8 (4.5) hr; mean difference, 4.6
      hr; 95% confidence interval [CI], -6.21 to -3.08; P < 0.001], sensory block [17.7
      (5.1) hr vs 13.7 (5.0) hr; mean difference, 4.0 hr; 95% CI, -5.77 to -2.27; P <
      0.001], and postoperative analgesia [21.1 (4.6) hr vs 17.1 (4.6) hr; mean
      difference, 4.0 hr; 95% CI, -5.70 to -2.30; P < 0.001]. CONCLUSION: Compared to
      intravenous dosing, perineural dexamethasone (8 mg) results in longer durations
      of sensorimotor block and postoperative analgesia for ultrasound-guided axillary
      block. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov number, NCT02629835.

PMID- 27663452
TI  - Perceptions of purpose, value, and process of the mini-Clinical Evaluation
      Exercise in anesthesia training.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Workplace-based assessment is integral to programmatic assessment
      in a competency-based curriculum. In 2013, one such assessment, a mini-Clinical
      Evaluation Exercise (mini-CEX) with a novel "entrustability scale", became
      compulsory for over 1,200 Australia and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists
      (ANZCA) trainees. We explored trainees' and supervisors' understanding of the
      mini-CEX, their experience with the assessment, and their perceptions of its
      influence on learning and supervision. METHODS: We conducted semi-structured
      telephone interviews with anesthesia supervisors and trainees and performed an
      inductive thematic analysis of the verbatim transcripts. RESULTS: Eighteen
      supervisors and 17 trainees participated (n = 35). Interrelated themes concerned
      the perceived purpose of the mini-CEX, its value in trainee learning and
      supervision, and the process of performing the assessment. While few participants
      saw the mini-CEX primarily as an administrative burden, most focused on its
      potential for facilitating trainee improvement and reported positive impacts on
      the quantity and quality of feedback, trainee learning, and supervision. Finding
      time to schedule assessments and deliver timely feedback proved to be difficult
      in busy clinical workplaces. Views on case selection were divided and driven by
      contrasting goals - i.e., receiving useful feedback on challenging cases or
      receiving a high score by choosing lenient assessors or easy cases. Whether
      individual mini-CEXs were summative or formative was subject to intense debate,
      while the intended summative use of multiple mini-CEXs in programmatic assessment
      was poorly understood. CONCLUSION: Greater clarity of purpose and consistency of
      time commitment are necessary to embed the mini-CEX in the culture of the
      workplace, to realize the full potential for trainee learning, and to reach
      decisions on trainee progression.

PMID- 27663453
TI  - Respiratory self-gated 3D UTE for lung imaging in small animal MRI.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate retrospective respiratory gating of three-dimensional
      ultrashort echo time (3D UTE) lung acquisition in free-breathing rats using k
      space center self gating signal (DC-SG) and 3D image-based SG (3D-Img-SG).
      METHODS: Seven rats were investigated with a quasi-random 3D UTE protocol. Low
      resolution time-resolved sliding-window images were reconstructed with a 3D
      golden-angle radial sparse parallel (GRASP) reconstruction to extract a 3D-Img-SG
      signal, whereas DC-SG was extracted from the center of k-space. Both signals were
      sorted into 10 respiratory bins. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and normalized
      signal intensity (NSI) in lung parenchyma, image sharpness, and lung volume
      changes were studied in the resulting images to show feasibility of the method.
      An algorithm for bulk movement identification and removal was implemented.
      RESULTS: Three-dimensional Img-SG allows reconstruction of different respiratory
      stages in all acquired datasets, showing clear differences in diaphragm position
      and significantly different lung volumes, SNR, and NSI in lung parenchyma.
      Improved sharpness in expiration images was observed compared to ungated images.
      DC-SG did not result in clear different diaphragm position in all cases. Bulk
      motion removal improved final image sharpness. CONCLUSION: Low-resolution 3D
      GRASP reconstruction allowed for extraction of an effective gating signal for 3D
      Img-SG. The DC-SG method did not work in cases for which respiratory frequencies
      were inconsistent. Magn Reson Med 78:739-745, 2017. (c) 2016 International
      Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

PMID- 27663456
TI  - Probable metronidazole induced serum sickness-like reaction in a paediatric
      patient.
AB  - WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Metronidazole (MTZ) is a commonly prescribed
      antibiotic and is generally well tolerated. To our knowledge, there has been only
      one case report linking MTZ with serum sickness-like reaction (SSLR). CASE
      SUMMARY: We report a probable case of SSLR following the administration of MTZ in
      a paediatric patient. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: Serum sickness-like reaction
      may be associated with MTZ therapy, and this type of adverse drug reaction may be
      underreported in the literature. A prior case report and evaluation with the
      Naranjo algorithm indicating a 'probable' adverse drug reaction provide evidence
      to support this conclusion.

PMID- 27663454
TI  - Mice engrafted with human hematopoietic stem cells support a human myeloid cell
      inflammatory response in vivo.
AB  - Mice engrafted with human CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (CD34+ 
      HSPCs) have been used to study human infection, diabetes, sepsis, and burn,
      suggesting that they could be highly amenable to characterizing the human
      inflammatory response to injury. To this end, human leukocytes infiltrating
      subcutaneous implants of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) sponges were analyzed in
      immunodeficient NSG mice reconstituted with CD34+ -HSPCs. It was reported that
      human CD45+ (hCD45+ ) leukocytes were present in PVA sponges 3 and 7 days
      postimplantation and could be localized within the sponges by
      immunohistochemistry. The different CD45+ subtypes were characterized by flow
      cytometry and the profile of human cytokines they secreted into PVA wound fluid
      was assessed using a human-specific multiplex bead analyses of human IL-12p70,
      TNFalpha, IL-10, IL-6, IL1beta, and IL-8. This enabled tracking the functional
      contributions of HLA-DR+ , CD33+ , CD19+ , CD62L+ , CD11b+ , or CX3CR1+ hCD45+
      infiltrating inflammatory leukocytes. PCR of cDNA prepared from these cells
      enabled the assessment and differentiation of human, mouse, and uniquely human
      genes. These findings support the hypothesis that mice engrafted with CD34+ 
      HSPCs can be deployed as precision avatars to study the human inflammatory
      response to injury.

PMID- 27663455
TI  - P2X7R-dependent regulation of glycogen synthase kinase 3beta and claudin-18 in
      alveolar epithelial type I cells of mice lung.
AB  - The purinergic receptor P2X7 represents an ATP-gated ionotropic receptor with a
      selective localization in alveolar epithelial type I cells of the lung. Despite
      the involvement of the receptor in inflammatory processes of the lung, it is not
      established whether this receptor plays a specific role in the alveolar
      epithelial cell biology. There is evidence that P2X7 receptor influences Wnt/beta
      catenin signalling pathways in alveolar epithelial cells under conditions of
      injury. Here, we investigated the expression of GSK-3beta, a potent protein
      kinase involved in alveolar epithelial barrier functions, and of tight junction
      molecules occludin, claudin-4 and claudin-18 in wild-type and P2X7-/- mice.
      Western blot analysis, immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time RT-PCR
      revealed a remarkable increase in claudin-18 mRNA and protein in lungs of P2X7-/-
      mice animals. Furthermore, alveolar epithelial cells from P2X7-/- animals showed
      decreased levels of GSK-3beta protein and its inactive form GSK-3beta (pS9).
      Conversely, claudin-18 knockout mice exhibited decreased P2X7 mRNA transcript
      abundance as measured by mRNA expression microarray and quantitative PCR. Our
      data are consistent with the hypothesis that P2X7R contributes to alveolar
      epithelial barrier function through effects on GSK-3beta. Furthermore, these data
      suggest a potential reciprocal regulation of claudin-18 and P2X7R in the alveolar
      epithelium.

PMID- 27663457
TI  - Exposure-QT analysis for sonidegib (LDE225), an oral inhibitor of the hedgehog
      signaling pathway, for measures of the QT prolongation potential in healthy
      subjects and in patients with advanced solid tumors.
AB  - PURPOSE: Sonidegib prevents activation of the Hedgehog signal transduction
      pathway. This PK-QT analysis has been performed to test for potential
      prolongation of the QT/QTc interval during extended use, and to understand the
      exposure-QT relationship for sonidegib in patients and in healthy volunteers
      (HV). METHODS: A pooled analysis of the change in QT interval corrected for heart
      rate according to Fridericia's formula was conducted across four patient studies
      from a total of 341 patients (n = 211, 102, 21, and 7 from the phase II pivotal
      study A2201, study X2101, study X1101, and study B2209, respectively), and across
      four healthy volunteer studies from a total of 204 healthy volunteers (n = 146,
      36, 16, and 6 from study A2114, study A1102, study A2108, and study A2110,
      respectively). A PK/ECG subgroup of 62 patients from the pivotal study A2201 was
      also analyzed to assess the QT prolongation risk at steady-state exposures.
      Sonidigib PK and ECG data were matched to determine the change from baseline in
      QTcF using a linear mixed-effect model. RESULTS: Clinical data indicate sonidegib
      does not cause QTc prolongation. DeltaQTcF at steady-state concentrations for
      both 200 and 800-mg doses were all below 5 ms. The highest mean DeltaQTcF at
      steady state was -3.9 ms at week 17 pre-dose in the sonidegib 200-mg group and
      2.7 ms at 2-h post-dose in the sonidegib 800-mg group. The upper one-sided 95 %
      confidence interval of the estimated DeltaQTcF at steady-state concentrations
      from the linear mixed-effect models were all <10 ms. No cases of ventricular
      arrhythmia or torsades de pointes and no deaths associated with QT prolongation
      have been reported in the sonidegib clinical development program. CONCLUSIONS:
      Based on these analyses, there is no evidence of QT prolongation associated with
      sonidegib 200 or 800 mg in solid tumor patients and HV.

PMID- 27663458
TI  - Combinatorial identification of DNA methylation patterns over age in the human
      brain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: DNA methylation plays a key role in developmental processes, which is
      reflected in changing methylation patterns at specific CpG sites over the
      lifetime of an individual. The underlying mechanisms are complex and possibly
      affect multiple genes or entire pathways. RESULTS: We applied a multivariate
      approach to identify combinations of CpG sites that undergo modifications when
      transitioning between developmental stages. Monte Carlo feature selection
      produced a list of ranked and statistically significant CpG sites, while rule
      based models allowed for identifying particular methylation changes in these
      sites. Our rule-based classifier reports combinations of CpG sites, together with
      changes in their methylation status in the form of easy-to-read IF-THEN rules,
      which allows for identification of the genes associated with the underlying
      sites. CONCLUSION: We utilized machine learning and statistical methods to
      discretize decision class (age) values to get a general pattern of methylation
      changes over the lifespan. The CpG sites present in the significant rules were
      annotated to genes involved in brain formation, general development, as well as
      genes linked to cancer and Alzheimer's disease.

PMID- 27663461
TI  - Lymph Node Dissection is Not Associated with Improved Survival among Patients
      Undergoing Cytoreductive Nephrectomy for Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: A
      Propensity Score Based Analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: The oncologic benefit of lymph node dissection for patients undergoing
      cytoreductive nephrectomy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma is uncertain.
      Therefore, we evaluated the association of lymph node dissection with oncologic
      outcomes among patients undergoing cytoreductive nephrectomy. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: We identified 305 patients treated with cytoreductive nephrectomy for
      metastatic renal cell carcinoma between 1990 and 2010, of whom 188 (62%)
      underwent lymph node dissection. Several propensity score techniques were used to
      evaluate cancer specific and all cause mortality. Internally predicted
      probabilities for pN1 disease were estimated using logistic regression. RESULTS:
      Overall 74 (24%) patients had pN1 disease and median followup was 8.5 years (IQR
      5.6-10.7). After propensity score adjustment there were no significant
      differences in clinicopathological features according to whether lymph node
      dissection was performed. In the overall cohort lymph node dissection was not
      significantly associated with cancer specific or all cause mortality using any of
      the propensity score techniques. Moreover, lymph node dissection was not
      associated with survival outcomes in patients at increased risk for pN1 disease,
      including patients with preoperative radiographic lymphadenopathy (cN1) or across
      increasing probability thresholds for pN1 disease from 0.20 to 0.80. Nodal
      metastases were associated with more aggressive primary tumor features and
      significantly shorter cancer specific survival. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients
      undergoing cytoreductive nephrectomy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma, lymph
      node dissection was not associated with improved oncologic outcomes in the
      overall cohort, for patients with preoperative radiographic lymphadenopathy or
      across increasing probability thresholds for pN1 disease. These findings suggest
      that lymph node dissection at cytoreductive nephrectomy does not confer an
      oncologic benefit by cytoreduction of nodal metastases. The presence of nodal
      metastases is associated with more aggressive tumor biology.

PMID- 27663460
TI  - Adherence to National Comprehensive Cancer Network(r) Guidelines for Testicular
      Cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Testicular cancer is the most common malignancy among young men and well
      established treatment guidelines exist to optimize outcomes. We characterized
      errors in the management of testicular cancer observed among patients seen at 3
      referral centers in the United States. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively
      reviewed data from 593 patients presenting with testicular cancer to 3 academic
      medical centers from 2007 to 2016. Nonguideline directed care was defined as
      management differing from National Comprehensive Care Network guideline
      recommendations. Cases of nonguideline directed care were systematically
      described. Patient and tumor characteristics were compared between guideline
      directed care and nonguideline directed care. Multivariable logistic regression
      was used to identify predictors of nonguideline directed care, and Cox regression
      modeling was used to assess the association between nonguideline directed care
      and relapse-free survival. RESULTS: Nonguideline directed care was identified in
      177 of 593 (30%) patients. Inappropriate imaging (44%) and overtreatment (40%)
      were the most common classifications. Misdiagnosis (24%) and under treatment
      (16%) occurred relatively frequently, while inappropriate treatment (6%) was
      rare. Multivariable Cox regression modeling controlling for race, tumor stage and
      tumor histology identified nonguideline directed care as a significant predictor
      of relapse (HR 2.49, 95% CI 1.61-3.85, p <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Nonguideline
      directed care of patients with testicular cancer is common, most frequently in
      the form of inappropriate imaging and overtreatment. Nonguideline directed care
      leads to delayed definitive therapy, unnecessary morbidity and higher rates of
      relapse.

PMID- 27663459
TI  - Variation in Guideline Concordant Active Surveillance Followup in Diverse Urology
      Practices.
AB  - PURPOSE: We examined the frequency of followup prostate specific antigen testing
      and prostate biopsy among men treated with active surveillance in the academic
      and community urology practices comprising MUSIC (Michigan Urological Surgery
      Improvement Collaborative). MATERIALS AND METHODS: MUSIC is a consortium of 42
      practices that maintains a prospective clinical registry with validated clinical
      data on all patients diagnosed with prostate cancer at participating sites. We
      identified all patients in MUSIC practices who entered active surveillance and
      had at least 2 years of continuous followup. After determining the frequency of
      repeat prostate specific antigen testing and prostate biopsy, we calculated rates
      of concordance with NCCN Guidelines(r) recommendations (ie at least 3 prostate
      specific antigen tests and 1 surveillance biopsy) collaborative-wide and across
      individual practices. RESULTS: We identified 513 patients who entered active
      surveillance from January 2012 through September 2013 and had at least 2 years of
      followup. Among the 431 men (84%) who remained on active surveillance for 2 years
      132 (30.6%) underwent followup surveillance testing at a frequency that was
      concordant with NCCN(r) (National Comprehensive Cancer Network(r))
      recommendations. At the practice level, the median rate of guideline concordant
      followup was 26.5% (range 10% to 67.5%, p <0.001). Among patients with discordant
      followup, the absence of followup biopsy was common and not significantly
      different across practices (median rate 82.0%, p = 0.35). CONCLUSIONS: Among
      diverse community and academic practices in Michigan, there is wide variation in
      the proportion of men on active surveillance who meet guideline recommendations
      for followup prostate specific antigen testing and repeat biopsy. These data
      highlight the need for standardized active surveillance pathways that emphasize
      the role of repeat surveillance biopsies.

PMID- 27663462
TI  - Moral Values Congruence and Miners' Policy Following Behavior: The Role of
      Supervisor Morality.
AB  - Ethical culture construction is beneficial to maximize policy following behavior
      (PFB) and avoid accidents of coal miners in an economic downturn. This paper
      examines the congruence between coal mine ethical culture values (ECVs) and
      miners' moral values (MVs) and the relationship with PFB. To shed light on this
      relationship, supervisor moral values (SMVs) act as a key moderator. We build on
      the initial structure of values to measure ECVs, MVs, and SMVs. At the same time,
      available congruence was defined to describe the relationship between the two
      values. Drawing upon a survey of 267 miners in Chinese large state-owned coal
      mining enterprises, results revealed that ECVs-MVs congruence had a linear
      relationship with intrinsic PFB (IPFB) and a non-linear relationship with
      extrinsic PFB. These findings demonstrate that SMVs had a moderating effect on
      the relationship between ECVs-MVs congruence and extrinsic PFB. Thus, we
      continued to calculate the available congruence scope in tested enterprises.
      Furthermore, this study gives relative management proposals and suggestions to
      improve miners' moral standards and to reduce coal mine accidents.

PMID- 27663463
TI  - Patients With a History of Idiopathic Deep Venous Thrombosis Have Long-Term
      Increased Levels of Inflammatory Markers and Markers of Endothelial Damage.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Although the role of inflammation in DVT has been investigated in
      different studies, there is no definite answer as to whether increased systemic
      inflammation is the cause or the consequence of DVT. AIM: To follow inflammatory
      parameters in a cohort of patients with idiopathic DVT. METHODS: Out of 49
      patients with an acute idiopathic DVT, which were investigated four months after
      an acute episode (DEVTA 1), 43 patients were included in the follow-up study
      investigating inflammatory markers and hemostatic markers of endothelial damage
      five years after an acute DVT (DEVTA 2). A control group consisted of 43 sex and
      age matched healthy subjects (CONTROLS). RESULTS: The levels of inflammatory
      markers were significantly higher in DEVTA 2 in comparison to CONTROLS: tumor
      necrosis factor alpha 2.0 pg/mL (1.1-2.3) vs 1.3 pg/mL (0.8-1.9), p < .001, high
      sensitivity C-reactive protein 3.2 mg/L (1.5-5.2) vs 1.7 mg/L (0.9-3.0), p =
      .008, interleukin-6 (IL-6) 2.7 pg/mL (2.0-3.5) vs 2.1 pg/mL (1.5-2.6), p = .025,
      IL-8 5.0 pg/mL (3.6-7.3) vs 2.4 pg/mL (1.8-2.8), p < .001. IL-10 was
      significantly decreased (0.9 pg/mL (0.7-1.8) vs 1.8 (1.5-2.2), p < .001. Most of
      the proinflammatory markers remained elevated in the DEVTA 2 in comparison to
      DEVTA 1. Markers of endothelial damage were higher in DEVTA 2 in comparison to
      CONTROLS and higher than in DEVTA 1. CONCLUSION: Patients with idiopathic DVT
      have long-term increased inflammatory markers and markers of endothelial damage.
      These findings favor the hypothesis that inflammation is a cause and not merely a
      consequence of acute DVT.

PMID- 27663465
TI  - Eikenella corrodens bone and hip joint infection. A case report and literature
      review.
AB  - : Eikenella corrodens (EC) is a human commensal microorganism of the mouth flora.
      This bacterium is rarely reported in bone and joint infections in children, but
      the consequences on the joint function can be devastating and irreversible. We
      report the case of septic arthritis of the hip following an oral wound in a 12
      year-old boy. The progression of the condition was favorable with no
      complications or pain observed after antibiotic treatment. Clinical and
      radiological examinations showed a satisfactory outcome at 6 months with no sign
      of recurrence or complication (growth disorder). Children's osteomyelitis and
      arthritis caused by EC have been mostly reported after human bites or extremity
      pricks. This slow-growing organism is rarely diagnosed but should be considered
      as a potential pathogenetic agent and treated aggressively, especially since the
      antibiotic therapy is simple and achieves good results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level
      IV.

PMID- 27663464
TI  - [Childhood postinfectious erythema multiforme].
AB  - Postinfectious erythema multiforme is an uncommon skin disease in childhood that
      can have a strong impact, especially in infants if there is involvement of the
      mucous membranes. The lesion is targeted (central bullous lesions with three
      concentric circles). Its diagnosis is typically made clinically. Atypical forms
      are the highly inflammatory, mainly bullous type, with exclusive involvement of
      the mucous membrane, or recurrent erythema multiforme. The diagnosis of erythema
      multiforme is frequently suspected in children with urticaria multiforme.
      Kawasaki disease and toxic epidermal necrolysis may have a target-like skin
      aspect with mucosal involvement, and should be considered when planning
      treatment. The two major infectious etiologies in children are Mycoplasma
      pneumoniae and Herpes simplex. More recently, postvaccination erythema multiforme
      has been reported with the majority of vaccines used in pediatric practice. The
      prognosis is usually good but requires observation of the mucosal involvement
      because of the risk of serious complications. The treatment of erythema
      multiforme is essentially symptomatic, with etiology-related treatment.

PMID- 27663466
TI  - Blastomycosis infection in an adolescent patient with Hodgkin lymphoma.

PMID- 27663467
TI  - Expressed var gene repertoire and variant surface antigen diversity in a
      shrinking Plasmodium falciparum population.
AB  - The var gene-encoded erythrocyte membrane protein-1 of Plasmodium falciparum
      (PfEMP-1) is the main variant surface antigen (VSA) expressed on infected
      erythrocytes. The rate at which antibody responses to VSA expressed by
      circulating parasites are acquired depends on the size of the local VSA
      repertoire and the frequency of exposure to new VSA. Because parasites from areas
      with declining malaria endemicity, such as the Amazon, typically express a
      restricted PfEMP-1 repertoire, we hypothesized that Amazonians would rapidly
      acquire antibodies to most locally circulating VSA. Consistent with our
      expectations, the analysis of 5878 sequence tags expressed by 10 local P.
      falciparum samples revealed little PfEMP-1 DBL1alpha domain diversity. Among the
      most commonly expressed DBL1alpha types, 45% were shared by two or more
      independent parasite lines. Nevertheless, Amazonians displayed major gaps in
      their repertoire of anti-VSA antibodies, although the breadth of anti-VSA
      antibody responses correlated positively with their cumulative exposure to
      malaria. We found little antibody cross-reactivity even when testing VSA from
      related parasites expressing the same dominant DBL1alpha types. We conclude that
      variant-specific immunity to P. falciparum VSAs develops slowly despite the
      relatively restricted PfEMP-1 repertoire found in low-endemicity settings.

PMID- 27663468
TI  - Identification and typing of free-living Acanthamoeba spp. by MALDI-TOF MS
      Biotyper.
AB  - Over the years, the potential pathogenicity of Acanthamoeba for humans and
      animals has gained increasing attention from the scientific community. More than
      24 species belong to this genus, however only some of them are causative agents
      of keratitis and encephalitis in humans. Due to technical difficulties in
      diagnosis, these infections are likely to be under-detected. The introduction of
      18S rDNA amplification for the identification of Acanthamoeba has dramatically
      enhanced diagnosis performances, but the attestation of genotyping requires
      supplementary sequencing-based procedures. In this study, 15 Acanthamoeba strains
      were collected and grown on nutrient agar media. Each strain was genotyped by end
      point PCR assay for the amplification of the 18S rDNA gene and the genotype was
      assigned by sequencing analysis through neighbor joining phylogenetic tree. In
      order to optimize standardization of the MALDI-TOF MS assay, we established the
      collection time point at the cystic phase. Two strains of each genotype were
      randomly chosen to customize the biotyper database. For all strains, 24 spectral
      measurements were acquired and submitted to identification and cluster analysis
      of spectra. The obtained results highlighted the correct identification of
      Acanthamoeba strains and the overlapping of spectra dendrogram clusters to the
      18S genotype assignations. In conclusion, the MALDI-TOF MS Biotyper revealed the
      capability to identify and genotype the Acanthamoeba strains, providing a new
      frontier in the diagnostic identification of amaebae and in taxonomic and
      phylogenetic studies.

PMID- 27663469
TI  - Synergistic effect of rSAG1 and rGRA2 antigens formulated in PLGA microspheres in
      eliciting immune protection against Toxoplasama gondii.
AB  - There is still no human vaccine against Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), as one of
      the most successful parasites. In present study, we designed a subunit vaccine
      composed of recombinant SAG1 (rSAG1) and recombinant GRA2 (rGRA2) proteins. In
      order to improve the induced immune responses, rSAG1 and rGRA2 were adsorbed on
      Poly (DL-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres (MS) prepared by double
      emulsion solvent evaporation method. BALB/c mice were subcutaneously vaccinated
      by rSAG1-adsorbed PLGA MS (rSAG1-PLGA), rGRA2-adsorbed PLGA MS (rGRA2-PLGA), and
      the mixture of both formulations (rSAG1/rGRA2-PLGA), twice with a 3-week
      interval. PLGA MS characteristics, protein release, cellular and humoral immune
      responses, and protection against acute toxoplasmosis were evaluated. All
      vaccinated mice induced significantly partial protection and longer survival
      times associated with higher IFN-gamma/IL-10 ratio and higher amount of
      Toxoplasma-specific IgG antibodies compared to control groups. Interestingly, the
      synergistic effect of rSAG1 and rGRA2 in eliciting more potent cellular and
      humoral responses and consequently higher protection in comparison to single
      antigen was confirmed. This study introduces the mixture of rSAG1 and rGRA2
      (derived from different stages of Toxoplasma life-cycle) formulated in PLGA MS as
      a promising candidate in vaccine development against T. gondii.

PMID- 27663470
TI  - A Case-Control Study: Infectious Burden Increased the Occurrence of Vascular
      Cognitive Impairment No Dementia.

PMID- 27663472
TI  - Dramatic acceleration of reproductive aging, contraction of biochemical fecundity
      and healthspan-lifespan implications of opioid-induced endocrinopathy-FSH/LH
      ratio and other interrelationships.
AB  - Whilst disturbances of female reproductive hormones and function are commonplace
      in opioid dependence, their pathophysiological interrelationships are not well
      understood. Hormonal levels in females were compared in 77 opioid dependent
      patients (ODP) and 148 medical controls (MC) including 205 and 364 repeat
      studies. Significant changes in FSH, LH, oestradiol, testosterone and SBG were
      noted including power functions with age. The FSH/LH was lower in ODP (P=0.0150)
      and the ratio inversion point occurred at 28.06+/-9.36v. 46.26+/-4.76years,
      implying a 58% reduction in fertility duration. FSH has been shown to induce
      ovarian failure and GnRH (controlling LH and FSH) has been shown to regulate
      longevity systemically. This implies that, far from being benign, these findings
      explicate the adverse experience of female compared to male ODP, exacerbate
      opioid-dependent aging amongst females, and informs the care of opioid dependent
      women, particularly relating to the choice, dose and duration of agonist or
      antagonist therapy.

PMID- 27663473
TI  - Observation-based metrics for residential dampness and mold with dose-response
      relationships to health: A review.
AB  - An important proportion of respiratory illness is considered attributable to
      residential dampness or mold (D/M). Developing health-protective D/M guidelines
      has been challenging, in part because unhealthy levels of indoor D/M cannot be
      defined using available microbiological measurements. This review paper explores
      reported multilevel, observation-based (eg visual or olfactory) D/M metrics for
      potential in defining unhealthy levels of residential D/M. For many of the 33
      multilevel residential D/M metrics identified, health risks generally increased
      as observed D/M increased. Although some metrics seemed too complex for practical
      use, simple metrics had among the strongest associations with health outcomes.
      Available findings suggest the feasibility of setting observation-based D/M
      thresholds to trigger remedial action, using further improved D/M metrics without
      microbiological measurements (at least until the actual dampness-related agents
      that cause illness are better quantified). Additional data would allow setting
      health-protective D/M thresholds more precisely. Also, metrics could better
      reflect hidden D/M by more strongly emphasizing mold odor, which has demonstrated
      strong associations with health effects.

PMID- 27663471
TI  - Zinc deficiency reduces fertility in C. elegans hermaphrodites and disrupts
      oogenesis and meiotic progression.
AB  - Zinc is necessary for successful gametogenesis in mammals; however the role of
      zinc in the gonad function of non-mammalian species has not been investigated.
      The genetic tractability, short generation time, and hermaphroditic reproduction
      of the nematode C. elegans offer distinct advantages for the study of impaired
      gametogenesis as a result of zinc deficiency. However the phenotypic reproductive
      effects arising from zinc restriction have not been established in this model. We
      therefore examined the effect of zinc deficiency on C. elegans reproduction by
      exposing worms to the zinc chelator N,N,N',N'-tetrakis (2-pyridylmethyl)ethane
      1,2-diamine (TPEN). Treatment began at the early larval stage and continued until
      reproductive senescence. TPEN treatment reduced the total number of progeny
      produced by C. elegans hermaphrodites compared with control subjects, with the
      largest difference in output observed 48h after larval stage 4. At this time
      point, zinc deficient worms displayed fewer embryos in the uterus and
      disorganized oocyte development when observed under DIC microscopy. DAPI staining
      revealed impaired oogenesis and chromosome dynamics with an expanded region of
      pachytene stage oocytes extending into the proximal arm of the gonad. This
      phenotype was not seen in control or zinc-rescue subjects. This study
      demonstrates that reproduction in C. elegans is sensitive to environmental
      perturbations in zinc, indicating that this is a good model for future studies in
      zinc-mediated subfertility. Aberrant oocyte development and disruption of the
      pachytene-diplotene transition indicate that oogenesis in particular is affected
      by zinc deficiency in this model.

PMID- 27663474
TI  - Theory and practice of clinical pharmacodynamics in oncology drug development.
AB  - The clinical development of molecularly targeted cancer therapies is enhanced by
      proof of mechanism of action as well as proof of concept, which relate molecular
      pharmacodynamics to efficacy via changes in cancer cell biology and physiology
      resulting from drug action on its intended target. Here, we present an
      introduction to the field of clinical pharmacodynamics, its medical and
      laboratory aspects, and its practical incorporation into clinical trials. We also
      describe key success factors that are useful for judging the quality of clinical
      pharmacodynamic studies, including biopsy quality and suitability, specimen
      handling, assay fitness-for-purpose, and reagent quality control. This
      introduction provides not only context for the following articles in this issue,
      but also an appreciation of the role of well-conducted clinical pharmacodynamic
      studies in oncology drug development.

PMID- 27663476
TI  - Establishing proof of mechanism: Assessing target modulation in early-phase
      clinical trials.
AB  - Since modulation of the putative target and the observed anti-tumor effects form
      the basis for the clinical development of a molecularly targeted therapy, early
      phase clinical trials should be designed to demonstrate proof-of-mechanism in
      tissues of interest. In addition to establishing safety and the maximum tolerated
      dose, first-in-human clinical trials should be designed to demonstrate target
      modulation, define the proposed mechanism of action, and evaluate pharmacokinetic
      pharmacodynamic relationships of a new anti-cancer agent. Assessing target
      modulation in paired tumor biopsies in patients with solid tumors presents
      multiple challenges, including procedural issues such as patient safety, ethical
      considerations, and logistics of sample handling and processing. In addition, the
      availability of qualified biomarker assay technologies, resources to conduct such
      studies, and real-time analysis of samples to detect inter-species differences
      that may affect the determination of optimal sampling time points must be taken
      into account. This article provides a discussion of the challenges that confront
      the practical application of pharmacodynamic studies in early-phase clinical
      trials of anti-cancer agents.

PMID- 27663475
TI  - Critical parameters in targeted drug development: the pharmacological audit
      trail.
AB  - The Pharmacological Audit Trail (PhAT) comprises a set of critical questions that
      need to be asked during discovery and development of an anticancer drug. Key
      aspects include: (1) defining a patient population; (2) establishing
      pharmacokinetic characteristics; (3) providing evidence of target engagement,
      pathway modulation, and biological effect with proof of concept pharmacodynamic
      biomarkers; (4) determining intermediate biomarkers of response; (5) assessing
      tumor response; and (6) determining how to overcome resistance by combination or
      sequential therapy and new target/drug discovery. The questions asked in the PhAT
      should be viewed as a continuum and not used in isolation. Different drug
      development programmes derive different types of benefit from these questions.
      The PhAT is critical in making go-no-go decisions in the development of currently
      studied drugs and will continue to be relevant to discovery and development of
      future generations of anticancer agents.

PMID- 27663477
TI  - Translating pharmacodynamic biomarkers from bench to bedside: analytical
      validation and fit-for-purpose studies to qualify multiplex immunofluorescent
      assays for use on clinical core biopsy specimens.
AB  - Multiplex pharmacodynamic (PD) assays have the potential to increase sensitivity
      of biomarker-based reporting for new targeted agents, as well as revealing
      significantly more information about target and pathway activation than single
      biomarker PD assays. Stringent methodology is required to ensure reliable and
      reproducible results. Common to all PD assays is the importance of reagent
      validation, assay and instrument calibration, and the determination of suitable
      response calibrators; however, multiplex assays, particularly those performed on
      paraffin specimens from tissue blocks, bring format-specific challenges adding a
      layer of complexity to assay development. We discuss existing multiplex
      approaches and the development of a multiplex immunofluorescence assay measuring
      DNA damage and DNA repair enzymes in response to anti-cancer therapeutics and
      describe how our novel method addresses known issues.

PMID- 27663478
TI  - Promise and limits of the CellSearch platform for evaluating pharmacodynamics in
      circulating tumor cells.
AB  - Circulating tumor cells (CTCs), which are captured from blood with anti
      epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) antibodies, have established prognostic
      value in specific epithelial cancers, but less is known about their utility for
      assessing patient response to molecularly targeted agents via measurement of
      pharmacodynamic (PD) endpoints. We discuss the use of CellSearch (Janssen
      Diagnostics, LLC, Raritan, NJ) CTC isolation technology for monitoring PD
      response in early phase trials. We present representative data from three
      clinical trials with the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor veliparib
      (ABT-888) suggesting that CTCs can be used to measure PD effects. However, while
      often leading to hypothesis-generating information, our experience points to the
      difficulty in obtaining sufficient EpCAM-expressing CTCs from patients with
      advanced disease to reach statistically significant conclusions about PD effects
      from each trial. Overall, the level of phenotypic heterogeneity observed in
      specimens from patients with advanced carcinomas suggests caution in the use of
      cell-surface differentiation marker-based methods for isolating CTCs.

PMID- 27663480
TI  - The root causes of pharmacodynamic assay failure.
AB  - Robust pharmacodynamic assay results are valuable for informing go/no-go
      decisions about continued development of new anti-cancer agents and for
      identifying combinations of targeted agents, but often pharmacodynamic results
      are too incomplete or variable to fulfill this role. Our experience suggests that
      variable reagent and specimen quality are two major contributors to this problem.
      Minimizing all potential sources of variability in procedures for specimen
      collection, processing, and assay measurements is essential for meaningful
      comparison of pharmacodynamic biomarkers across sample time points. This is
      especially true in the evaluation of pre- and post-dose tumor biopsies, which
      suffer from high levels of tumor insufficiency due to variations in biopsy
      collection techniques and significant specimen heterogeneity within and across
      patients. Developing methods to assess heterogeneous biopsies is necessary in
      order to evaluate a majority of tumor biopsies collected for pharmacodynamic
      biomarker studies. Improved collection devices and standardization of methods are
      being sought in order to improve the tumor content and quality of tumor biopsies.
      In terms of reagent variability, we have found that stringent initial reagent
      qualification and quality control of R&D-grade reagents is critical to minimize
      lot-to-lot variability and prevent assay failures, especially for clinical
      pharmacodynamic questions, which often demand assay performance that meets or
      exceeds clinical diagnostic assay standards. Rigorous reagent specifications and
      use of appropriate assay quality control methodologies help to ensure consistency
      between assay runs, laboratories and trials to provide much needed
      pharmacodynamic insights into the activity of investigational agents.

PMID- 27663479
TI  - Using reverse-phase protein arrays as pharmacodynamic assays for functional
      proteomics, biomarker discovery, and drug development in cancer.
AB  - The majority of the targeted therapeutic agents in clinical use target proteins
      and protein function. Although DNA and RNA analyses have been used extensively to
      identify novel targets and patients likely to benefit from targeted therapies,
      these are indirect measures of the levels and functions of most therapeutic
      targets. More importantly, DNA and RNA analysis is ill-suited for determining the
      pharmacodynamic effects of target inhibition. Assessing changes in protein levels
      and function is the most efficient way to evaluate the mechanisms underlying
      sensitivity and resistance to targeted agents. Understanding these mechanisms is
      necessary to identify patients likely to benefit from treatment and to develop
      rational drug combinations to prevent or bypass therapeutic resistance. There is
      an urgent need for a robust approach to assess protein levels and protein
      function in model systems and across patient samples. While "shot gun" mass
      spectrometry can provide in-depth analysis of proteins across a limited number of
      samples, and emerging approaches such as multiple reaction monitoring have the
      potential to analyze candidate markers, mass spectrometry has not entered into
      general use because of the high cost, requirement of extensive analysis and
      support, and relatively large amount of material needed for analysis. Rather,
      antibody-based technologies, including immunohistochemistry, radioimmunoassays,
      enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), and more recently protein arrays,
      remain the most common approaches for multiplexed protein analysis. Reverse-phase
      protein array (RPPA) technology has emerged as a robust, sensitive, cost
      effective approach to the analysis of large numbers of samples for quantitative
      assessment of key members of functional pathways that are affected by tumor
      targeting therapeutics. The RPPA platform is a powerful approach for identifying
      and validating targets, classifying tumor subsets, assessing pharmacodynamics,
      and identifying prognostic and predictive markers, adaptive responses and
      rational drug combinations in model systems and patient samples. Its greatest
      utility has been realized through integration with other analytic platforms such
      as DNA sequencing, transcriptional profiling, epigenomics, mass spectrometry, and
      metabolomics. The power of the technology is becoming apparent through its use in
      pathology laboratories and integration into trial design and implementation.

PMID- 27663481
TI  - Pharmacodynamic analyses in a multi-laboratory network: lessons from the poly(ADP
      ribose) assay.
AB  - Clinical pharmacodynamic assays need to meet higher criteria for sensitivity,
      precision, robustness, and reproducibility than those expected for research-grade
      assays because of the long duration of clinical trials and the potentially
      unpredictable number of laboratories running the assays. This report describes
      the process of making an immunoassay based on commercially available reagents
      "clinically ready". The assay was developed to quantify poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR)
      levels as a marker of PAR polymerase inhibitor activity for a proof-of-concept
      phase 0 clinical trial at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and subsequent
      clinical trials. In this publication, we retrospectively examine the measures
      taken to validate the published PAR immunoassay and outline key lessons learned
      during the development and implementation of these procedures at both internal
      and external clinical trial sites; these measures included optimizing PAR
      measurements in tumor biopsies and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs),
      reagent qualification, analytical validation and assay quality control,
      instrument qualification and method quality control, and support for external
      laboratories.

PMID- 27663482
TI  - Immuno-pharmacodynamics for evaluating mechanism of action and developing
      immunotherapy combinations.
AB  - Immunotherapy has become a major modality of cancer treatment, with multiple new
      classes of immunotherapeutics recently entering the clinic and obtaining market
      approval from regulatory agencies. While the promise of these therapies is great,
      so is the number of possible combinations not only with each other but also with
      small molecule therapeutics. Furthermore, the observation of unusual dose
      response relationships suggests a critical dependency of drug effectiveness on
      the dosage regimen (dose and schedule). Clinical pharmacodynamic (PD) biomarkers
      will be useful endpoints for confirming drug mechanism of action, evaluating
      combination therapies for synergy or antagonism, and identifying optimal dosage
      regimens. In contrast to conventional PD in which drug action occurs entirely
      within a single target cell (ie, is self-contained within the malignant cell),
      immunotherapy involves a complex mechanism of action with sequential steps that
      propagate through multiple cell types, both normal and malignant. Its
      intercellular pharmacology begins with molecular target engagement either on an
      immune effector cell or a malignant cell, followed by stimulatory biochemical and
      biological signals in immune effector cells, and then finally ends with
      activation of cell death mechanisms in malignant cells lying within a certain
      distance from the activated effector cells (immune cell-tumor cell proximity).
      Evaluating such "trans-cellular pharmacology," in which different steps of drug
      action are distributed across multiple cell types, requires novel microscopy and
      image analysis tools capable of quantifying PD-biomarker responses, mapping the
      responses onto the cellular geography of the tumor using phenotypic biomarkers to
      identify specific cell types, and finally analyzing the spatial relationships
      between biomarkers in the context of each cell's biological role. We have termed
      this form of nearest neighbor image analysis of drug action "proximity PD
      microscopy," to indicate the importance of the location of the PD-biomarker
      response within the cellular landscape of a tumor specimen. We discuss herein the
      major modes of immunotherapy, and lay out a blueprint for using PD assessment to
      optimize dosage regimens of single agents and guide development of combination
      immunotherapy regimens, using PD1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibition as a case
      study.

PMID- 27663484
TI  - Functional crosstalk between WNT signaling and tyrosine kinase signaling in
      cancer: Seminars in Oncology, Vol 42, No 6, December 2015, pp 820-831.

PMID- 27663485
TI  - Psychiatrist who was cleared by first tribunal is struck off.

PMID- 27663483
TI  - Pharmacodynamic endpoints as clinical trial objectives to answer important
      questions in oncology drug development.
AB  - Analyzing the molecular interplay between malignancies and therapeutic agents is
      rarely a straightforward process, but we hope that this special issue of Seminars
      has highlighted the clinical value of such endeavors as well as the relevant
      theoretical and practical considerations. Here, we conclude with both an overview
      of the various high-value applications of clinical pharmacodynamics (PD) in
      developmental therapeutics and an outline of the framework for incorporating PD
      analyses into the design of clinical trials. Given the increasingly recognized
      importance of determining and administering the biologically effective dose (BED)
      and schedule of targeted agents, we explain how clinical PD biomarkers specific
      to the agent mechanism of action (MOA) can be used for the development of
      pharmacodynamics-guided biologically effective dosage regimens (PD-BEDR) to
      maximize the efficacy and minimize the toxicity of targeted therapies. In
      addition, we discuss how MOA-based PD biomarker analyses can be used both as
      patient selection diagnostic tools and for designing novel drug combinations
      targeting the specific mutational signature of a given malignancy. We also
      describe the role of PD analyses in clinical trials, including for MOA
      confirmation and dosage regimen optimization during phase 0 trials as well as for
      correlating molecular changes with clinical efficacy when establishing proof-of
      concept in phase I/II trials. Finally, we outline the critical technological
      developments that are needed to enhance the quality and quantity of future
      clinical PD data collection, broaden the types of molecular questions that can be
      answered in the clinic, and, ultimately, improve patient outcomes.

PMID- 27663486
TI  - The use of pain relief during labor among migrant obstetric populations.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify patterns in intrapartum analgesia use in the migrant
      obstetric population. METHODS: A retrospective analysis included all deliveries
      with neonates above 500g in weight at a university hospital in Dublin, Ireland
      between 2009 and 2013. Analgesia was classified as neuraxial or non-neuraxial.
      Parturients were excluded owing to missing data, elective cesarean deliveries,
      and the use of analgesia during treatment for obstetric complications. RESULTS:
      There were 36 689 deliveries included in the present study. Increased odds of not
      using neuraxial analgesia during delivery were observed among migrant parturients
      from North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Far East, India, and Eastern Europe
      compared with western Europe (all P<0.05). Increased odds of not receiving any
      analgesia during delivery were demonstrated among parturients from North Africa,
      Sub-Saharan Africa, the Far East, North America, Eastern Europe, and India
      compared with western Europe (all P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Disparities exist in the
      use of intrapartum analgesia between migrant and western European populations in
      Ireland. Migrants from Africa were the least likely to use any analgesia. The
      reasons for this are speculative but could be influenced by expectations of care
      in the region of origin.

PMID- 27663487
TI  - In vitro complement activation, adherence to red blood cells and induction of
      mononuclear cell cytokine production by four strains of Aggregatibacter
      actinomycetemcomitans with different fimbriation and expression of leukotoxin.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The periodontal pathogen Aggregatibacter
      actinomycetemcomitans has been proposed as pro-atherogenic, and complement
      mediated adherence to red blood cells (RBCs) may facilitate its systemic spread.
      We investigated the ability of four strains of A. actinomycetemcomitans with
      differential expression of leukotoxin A (LtxA) and fimbriae to activate
      complement, adhere to RBCs and elicit cytokine responses by mononuclear cells
      (MNCs). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans serotype b
      strains HK 921, HK 1651, HK 2092 and HK 2108 were fluorescence-labeled, incubated
      with human whole blood cells in the presence of autologous serum, and assessed
      for RBC adherence by flow cytometry and for capacity to induce cytokine
      production by cytometric bead array analysis. The levels of IgG to A.
      actinomycetemcomitans serotype b were quantified by ELISA, as was consumption of
      complement. RESULTS: The JP2 clone variants HK 1651 and, to a lesser extent, HK
      2092, consumed complement efficiently, while HK 2108 (= strain Y4) consumed
      complement poorly. Nonetheless, the four tested strains adhered equally well to
      RBCs in the presence of autologous serum, without causing RBC lysis. The JP2
      clone variant HK 2092, selectively lacking LtxA production, induced higher
      production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6 and
      IL-10 by MNCs than did the other three strains, while the four strains induced
      similar production of IL-12p70. RBCs facilitated the HK 2092-induced production
      of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta, and IL-6 was enhanced by RBCs, and this facilitation
      could be counteracted by blockade of complement receptor 3 (CD11b/CD18).
      CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that the JP2 clone of A. actinomycetemcomitans, most
      closely resembled by the variant HK 1651, activates complement well, while strain
      Y4, represented by HK 2108, activates complement poorly. However, all strains of
      A. actinomycetemcomitans adhere to RBCs and, when capable of producing LtxA,
      prevent production of inflammatory cytokines by MNCs. This "immunologically
      silent" immune adherence may facilitate systemic spread and atherogenesis.

PMID- 27663489
TI  - The Value of Neonatal Neurocritical Care.

PMID- 27663490
TI  - A Cerebral Infarction in a Girl With Sturge-Weber Syndrome.

PMID- 27663491
TI  - Clinical spectrum of yellow phosphorous poisoning in a tertiary care centre in
      South India: a case series.
AB  - Rodenticides such as yellow phosphorus are highly toxic compounds which are
      commonly used for pest control. Reports of yellow phosphorus poisoning from
      tropical nations is scanty. In this retrospective study, we report the clinical
      features, mortality and predictors of mortality among nine patients at a tertiary
      care centre in south India. Yellow phosphorus consumption was common among a
      younger age group of patients. The mean duration of presentation after
      consumption was five days. The most common clinical manifestations seen were
      abdominal pain and vomiting followed by a depressed sensorium. Features of acute
      liver failure including coagulopathy were seen in all patients. Despite all
      patients receiving supportive therapy, a poor outcome or death resulted in the
      majority. Early referral to a tertiary care centre, meticulous monitoring and
      supportive measures are key elements of patient management as there are no
      specific antidotes available at present. Increase in public and physician
      awareness to the toxin and implementation of preventive policies is of utmost
      importance.

PMID- 27663492
TI  - MELAS syndrome presenting with seizure and deafness in a Malawian boy.

PMID- 27663488
TI  - Association Between Prolonged Seizures and Malignant Middle Cerebral Artery
      Infarction in Children With Acute Ischemic Stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Malignant middle cerebral artery infarct syndrome is a potentially
      fatal complication of stroke that is poorly understood in children. We studied
      the frequency, associated characteristics, and outcomes of this condition in
      children. METHODS: Children, aged two months to 18 years with acute middle
      cerebral artery infarct diagnosed at our center between January 2005 and December
      2012 were studied. Associations with malignant middle cerebral artery infarct
      syndrome were sought, including age, seizures, neurological deficit severity
      (Pediatric National Institute of Health Stroke Severity Score), stroke etiology,
      fever, blood pressure, blood glucose, infarct location, infarct volume (modified
      pediatric Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score), and arterial
      occlusion. Death and neurological outcomes were determined. RESULTS: Among 66
      children with middle cerebral artery stroke, 12 (18%) developed malignant middle
      cerebral artery infarct syndrome, fatal in three. Prolonged seizures during the
      first 24 hours (odds ratio, 25.51; 95% confidence interval, 3.10 to 334.81; P =
      0.005) and a higher Pediatric National Institute of Health Stroke Severity Score
      (odds ratio, 1.22; 95% confidence interval, 1.08 to 1.45; P = 0.006) were
      independently associated with malignant middle cerebral artery infarct syndrome.
      All children aged greater than two years with a Pediatric National Institute of
      Health Stroke Severity Score >=8 and initial seizures >=5 minutes duration
      developed malignant middle cerebral artery infarct syndrome (100%). CONCLUSIONS:
      Malignant middle cerebral artery infarct syndrome affects nearly one in five
      children with acute middle cerebral artery stroke. Children with higher Pediatric
      National Institute of Health Stroke Severity Scores and prolonged initial
      seizures are at greatly increased risk for malignant middle cerebral artery
      infarct syndrome. Children with middle cerebral artery infarcts warrant intensive
      neuroprotective management and close monitoring to enable early referral for
      hemicraniectomy surgery.

PMID- 27663493
TI  - Biospark: scalable analysis of large numerical datasets from biological
      simulations and experiments using Hadoop and Spark.
AB  - : Data-parallel programming techniques can dramatically decrease the time needed
      to analyze large datasets. While these methods have provided significant
      improvements for sequencing-based analyses, other areas of biological informatics
      have not yet adopted them. Here, we introduce Biospark, a new framework for
      performing data-parallel analysis on large numerical datasets. Biospark builds
      upon the open source Hadoop and Spark projects, bringing domain-specific features
      for biology. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION: Source code is licensed under the
      Apache 2.0 open source license and is available at the project website:
      https://www.assembla.com/spaces/roberts-lab-public/wiki/Biospark CONTACT:
      eroberts@jhu.eduSupplementary information: Supplementary data are available at
      Bioinformatics online.

PMID- 27663495
TI  - An accessibility-incorporated method for accurate prediction of RNA-RNA
      interactions from sequence data.
AB  - MOTIVATION: RNA-RNA interactions via base pairing play a vital role in the post
      transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Efficient identification of
      targets for such regulatory RNAs needs not only discriminative power for positive
      and negative RNA-RNA interacting sequence data but also accurate prediction of
      interaction sites from positive data. Recently, a few studies have incorporated
      interaction site accessibility into their prediction methods, indicating the
      enhancement of predictive performance on limited positive data. RESULTS: Here we
      show the efficacy of our accessibility-based prediction model RactIPAce on newly
      compiled datasets. The first experiment in interaction site prediction shows that
      RactIPAce achieves the best predictive performance on the newly compiled dataset
      of experimentally verified interactions in the literature as compared with the
      state-of-the-art methods. In addition, the second experiment in discrimination
      between positive and negative interacting pairs reveals that the combination of
      accessibility-based methods including our approach can be effective to discern
      real interacting RNAs. Taking these into account, our prediction model can be
      effective to predict interaction sites after screening for real interacting RNAs,
      which will boost the functional analysis of regulatory RNAs. AVAILABILITY AND
      IMPLEMENTATION: The program RactIPAce along with data used in this work is
      available at https://github.com/satoken/ractip/releases/tag/v1.0.1 CONTACT: :
      ykato@rna.med.osaka-u.ac.jp or shingo@i.kyoto-u.ac.jpSupplementary information:
      Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

PMID- 27663494
TI  - A generative model for the behavior of RNA polymerase.
AB  - MOTIVATION: Transcription by RNA polymerase is a highly dynamic process involving
      multiple distinct points of regulation. Nascent transcription assays are a
      relatively new set of high throughput techniques that measure the location of
      actively engaged RNA polymerase genome wide. Hence, nascent transcription is a
      rich source of information on the regulation of RNA polymerase activity. To fully
      dissect this data requires the development of stochastic models that can both
      deconvolve the stages of polymerase activity and identify significant changes in
      activity between experiments. RESULTS: We present a generative, probabilistic
      model of RNA polymerase that fully describes loading, initiation, elongation and
      termination. We fit this model genome wide and profile the enzymatic activity of
      RNA polymerase across various loci and following experimental perturbation. We
      observe striking correlation of predicted loading events and regulatory chromatin
      marks. We provide principled statistics that compute probabilities reminiscent of
      traveler's and divergent ratios. We finish with a systematic comparison of RNA
      Polymerase activity at promoter versus non-promoter associated loci. AVAILABILITY
      AND IMPLEMENTATION: Transcription Fit (Tfit) is a freely available, open source
      software package written in C/C ++ that requires GNU compilers 4.7.3 or greater.
      Tfit is available from GitHub (https://github.com/azofeifa/Tfit). CONTACT:
      robin.dowell@colorado.eduSupplementary information: Supplementary data are
      available at Bioinformatics online.

PMID- 27663496
TI  - FBB: a fast Bayesian-bound tool to calibrate RNA-seq aligners.
AB  - MOTIVATION: Despite RNA-seq reads provide quality scores that represent the
      probability of calling a correct base, these values are not probabilistically
      integrated in most alignment algorithms. Based on the quality scores of the
      reads, we propose to calculate a lower bound of the probability of alignment of
      any fast alignment algorithm that generates SAM files. This bound is called Fast
      Bayesian Bound (FBB) and serves as a canonical reference to compare alignment
      results across different algorithms. This Bayesian Bound intends to provide
      additional support to the current state-of-the-art aligners, not to replace them.
      RESULTS: We propose a feasible Bayesian bound that uses quality scores of the
      reads to align them to a genome of reference. Two theorems are provided to
      efficiently calculate the Bayesian bound that under some conditions becomes the
      equality. The algorithm reads the SAM files generated by the alignment algorithms
      using multiple command option values. The program options are mapped into the FBB
      reference values, and all the aligners can be compared respect to the same
      accuracy values provided by the FBB. Stranded paired read RNA-seq data was used
      for evaluation purposes. The errors of the alignments can be calculated based on
      the information contained in the distance between the pairs given by Theorem 2,
      and the alignments to the incorrect strand. Most of the algorithms (Bowtie,
      Bowtie 2, SHRiMP2, Soap 2, Novoalign) provide similar results with subtle
      variations. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION: Current version of the FBB software
      is provided at https://bitbucket.org/irenerodriguez/fbb CONTACT:
      rhuerta@ucsd.eduSupplementary information: Supplementary data are available at
      Bioinformatics online.

PMID- 27663497
TI  - AcCNET (Accessory Genome Constellation Network): comparative genomics software
      for accessory genome analysis using bipartite networks.
AB  - : AcCNET (Accessory genome Constellation Network) is a Perl application that aims
      to compare accessory genomes of a large number of genomic units, both at
      qualitative and quantitative levels. Using the proteomes extracted from the
      analysed genomes, AcCNET creates a bipartite network compatible with standard
      network analysis platforms. AcCNET allows merging phylogenetic and functional
      information about the concerned genomes, thus improving the capability of current
      methods of network analysis. The AcCNET bipartite network opens a new perspective
      to explore the pangenome of bacterial species, focusing on the accessory genome
      behind the idiosyncrasy of a particular strain and/or population. AVAILABILITY
      AND IMPLEMENTATION: AcCNET is available under GNU General Public License version
      3.0 (GPLv3) from http://sourceforge.net/projects/accnet CONTACT: :
      valfernandez.vf@gmail.comSupplementary information: Supplementary data are
      available at Bioinformatics online.

PMID- 27663498
TI  - Robust classification of single-cell transcriptome data by nonnegative matrix
      factorization.
AB  - MOTIVATION: Single-cell transcriptome data provide unprecedented resolution to
      study heterogeneity in cell populations and present a challenge for unsupervised
      classification. Popular methods, like principal component analysis (PCA), often
      suffer from the high level of noise in the data. RESULTS: Here we adapt
      Nonnegative Matrix Factorization (NMF) to study the problem of identifying
      subpopulations in single-cell transcriptome data. In contrast to the conventional
      gene-centered view of NMF, identifying metagenes, we used NMF in a cell-centered
      direction, identifying cell subtypes ('metacells'). Using three different
      datasets (based on RT-qPCR and single cell RNA-seq data, respectively), we show
      that NMF outperforms PCA in identifying subpopulations in an accurate and robust
      way, without the need for prior feature selection; moreover, NMF successfully
      recovered the broad classes on a large dataset (thousands of single-cell
      transcriptomes), as identified by a computationally sophisticated method. NMF
      allows to identify feature genes in a direct, unbiased manner. We propose novel
      approaches for determining a biologically meaningful number of subpopulations
      based on minimizing the ambiguity of classification. In conclusion, our study
      shows that NMF is a robust, informative and simple method for the unsupervised
      learning of cell subtypes from single-cell gene expression data. AVAILABILITY AND
      IMPLEMENTATION: https://github.com/ccshao/nimfa CONTACTS: c.shao@Dkfz
      Heidelberg.de or t.hoefer@Dkfz-Heidelberg.deSupplementary information:
      Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

PMID- 27663499
TI  - FastRFS: fast and accurate Robinson-Foulds Supertrees using constrained exact
      optimization.
AB  - Motivation: The estimation of phylogenetic trees is a major part of many
      biological dataset analyses, but maximum likelihood approaches are NP-hard and
      Bayesian MCMC methods do not scale well to even moderate-sized datasets.
      Supertree methods, which are used to construct trees from trees computed on
      subsets, are critically important tools for enabling the statistical estimation
      of phylogenies for large and potentially heterogeneous datasets. Supertree
      estimation is itself NP-hard, and no current supertree method has sufficient
      accuracy and scalability to provide good accuracy on the large datasets that
      supertree methods were designed for, containing thousands of species and many
      subset trees. Results: We present FastRFS, a new method based on a dynamic
      programming method we have developed to find an exact solution to the Robinson
      Foulds Supertree problem within a constrained search space. FastRFS has excellent
      accuracy in terms of criterion scores and topological accuracy of the resultant
      trees, substantially improving on competing methods on a large collection of
      biological and simulated data. In addition, FastRFS is extremely fast, finishing
      in minutes on even very large datasets, and in under an hour on a biological
      dataset with 2228 species. Availability and Implementation: FastRFS is available
      on github at https://github.com/pranjalv123/FastRFS. Contact:
      warnow@illinois.edu. Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available
      at Bioinformatics online.

PMID- 27663500
TI  - FoldAtlas: a repository for genome-wide RNA structure probing data.
AB  - : Most RNA molecules form internal base pairs, leading to a folded secondary
      structure. Some of these structures have been demonstrated to be functionally
      significant. High-throughput RNA structure chemical probing methods generate
      millions of sequencing reads to provide structural constraints for RNA secondary
      structure prediction. At present, processed data from these experiments are
      difficult to access without computational expertise. Here we present FoldAtlas, a
      web interface for accessing raw and processed structural data across thousands of
      transcripts. FoldAtlas allows a researcher to easily locate, view, and retrieve
      probing data for a given RNA molecule. We also provide in silico and in vivo
      secondary structure predictions for comparison, visualized in the browser as
      circle plots and topology diagrams. Data currently integrated into FoldAtlas are
      from a new high-depth Structure-seq data analysis in Arabidopsis thaliana,
      released with this work. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION: The FoldAtlas website
      can be accessed at www.foldatlas.com Source code is freely available at
      github.com/mnori/foldatlas under the MIT license. Raw reads data are available
      under the NCBI SRA accession SRP066985. CONTACT: yiliang.ding@jic.ac.uk or
      matthew.norris@jic.ac.ukSupplementary information: Supplementary data are
      available at Bioinformatics online.

PMID- 27663503
TI  - DDAH1-V3 transcript might act as miR-21 sponge to maintain balance of DDAH1-V1 in
      cultured HUVECs.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether microRNA (miRNA) miR-21 regulates
      dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase 1 (DDAH1) expression through binding 3'
      UTR region directly in human umbilical venous endothelial cells (HUVECs) and to
      explore whether DDAH1-V2/V3 transcripts can function as microRNA sponge, thereby
      modulating DDAH1-V1 expression. METHODS: The DDAH1 3'-UTR containing miR-21
      recognizing sequence was cloned into PmirGLO dual-luciferase miRNA target
      expression plasmid to construct PmirGLO-miR-21. The plasmid and miR-21 (at
      concentrations of 25, 50, 100 nM, respectively) or negative control (100 nM) were
      co-transfected into HUVECs, luciferase activity was detected at 24 h. HUVECs were
      incubated with 2 MUg/ml Actinomycin D for the indicated time after miR-21 (25 nM)
      transfection, half-lives of DDAH1 mRNA were determined. HUVECs were transfected
      with PmirGLO-miR-21 alone or co-transfected with miR-21 for 24 h, DDAH1
      transcripts mRNA, eNOS activity and DDAH1 protein expression were determined.
      RESULTS: MiR-21 decreased luciferase activity of PmirGLO-miR-21 in a dose
      dependent manner (P < 0.05 for 25 nM miR-21, P < 0.01 for 50 nM and 100 nM miR
      21), and miR-21 inhibitor increased reporter activity of PmirGLO-miR-21 and mRNA
      expression of all three DDAH1 transcript variants significantly (P < 0.05,
      respectively). The degree of increase in endogenous DDAH1 mRNA expression by miR
      21 inhibitor was more obvious for DDAH1-V3. Overexpression of miR-21 decreased
      mRNA expression and mRNA half-life time of all DDAH1 transcripts significantly (P
      < 0.05), and DDAH1-V2 displayed significantly decreased half-life time than DDAH1
      V1 and -V3 with or without miR-21 transfection (P < 0.05, respectively). MiR-21
      (100 nM) decreased DDAH1 protein expression and eNOS activity significantly (P <
      0.05), which was reversed by PmirGLO-miR-21 transfection (P < 0.05). Transfection
      of PmirGLO-miR-21 alone increased intracellular miR-21 expression by
      approximately 5.6-fold, but only showed a trend of increase in DDAH1 protein
      expression. CONCLUSION: Our results confirmed DDAH1 3'-UTR as a target for miR
      21, and endogenous miR-21 showed increased inhibitory effect on DDAH1-V3
      transcript. DDAH1 3'-UTR, especially for DDAH1-V3, may function as miR-21 sponge
      to regulate DDAH1 protein expression. Modulation of miR-21-DDAH1 interaction may
      provide a new approach for tackling cardiovascular diseases.

PMID- 27663502
TI  - LD Hub: a centralized database and web interface to perform LD score regression
      that maximizes the potential of summary level GWAS data for SNP heritability and
      genetic correlation analysis.
AB  - MOTIVATION: LD score regression is a reliable and efficient method of using
      genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary-level results data to estimate the
      SNP heritability of complex traits and diseases, partition this heritability into
      functional categories, and estimate the genetic correlation between different
      phenotypes. Because the method relies on summary level results data, LD score
      regression is computationally tractable even for very large sample sizes.
      However, publicly available GWAS summary-level data are typically stored in
      different databases and have different formats, making it difficult to apply LD
      score regression to estimate genetic correlations across many different traits
      simultaneously. RESULTS: In this manuscript, we describe LD Hub - a centralized
      database of summary-level GWAS results for 173 diseases/traits from different
      publicly available resources/consortia and a web interface that automates the LD
      score regression analysis pipeline. To demonstrate functionality and validate our
      software, we replicated previously reported LD score regression analyses of 49
      traits/diseases using LD Hub; and estimated SNP heritability and the genetic
      correlation across the different phenotypes. We also present new results obtained
      by uploading a recent atopic dermatitis GWAS meta-analysis to examine the genetic
      correlation between the condition and other potentially related traits. In
      response to the growing availability of publicly accessible GWAS summary-level
      results data, our database and the accompanying web interface will ensure maximal
      uptake of the LD score regression methodology, provide a useful database for the
      public dissemination of GWAS results, and provide a method for easily screening
      hundreds of traits for overlapping genetic aetiologies. AVAILABILITY AND
      IMPLEMENTATION: The web interface and instructions for using LD Hub are available
      at http://ldsc.broadinstitute.org/ CONTACT: jie.zheng@bristol.ac.ukSupplementary
      information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

PMID- 27663501
TI  - Improved methods for multi-trait fine mapping of pleiotropic risk loci.
AB  - MOTIVATION: Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified thousands of
      regions in the genome that contain genetic variants that increase risk for
      complex traits and diseases. However, the variants uncovered in GWAS are
      typically not biologically causal, but rather, correlated to the true causal
      variant through linkage disequilibrium (LD). To discern the true causal
      variant(s), a variety of statistical fine-mapping methods have been proposed to
      prioritize variants for functional validation. RESULTS: In this work we introduce
      a new approach, fastPAINTOR, that leverages evidence across correlated traits, as
      well as functional annotation data, to improve fine-mapping accuracy at
      pleiotropic risk loci. To improve computational efficiency, we describe an new
      importance sampling scheme to perform model inference. First, we demonstrate in
      simulations that by leveraging functional annotation data, fastPAINTOR increases
      fine-mapping resolution relative to existing methods. Next, we show that jointly
      modeling pleiotropic risk regions improves fine-mapping resolution compared to
      standard single trait and pleiotropic fine mapping strategies. We report a
      reduction in the number of SNPs required for follow-up in order to capture 90% of
      the causal variants from 23 SNPs per locus using a single trait to 12 SNPs when
      fine-mapping two traits simultaneously. Finally, we analyze summary association
      data from a large-scale GWAS of lipids and show that these improvements are
      largely sustained in real data. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION: The fastPAINTOR
      framework is implemented in the PAINTOR v3.0 package which is publicly available
      to the research community http://bogdan.bioinformatics.ucla.edu/software/paintor
      CONTACT: gkichaev@ucla.eduSupplementary information: Supplementary data are
      available at Bioinformatics online.

PMID- 27663504
TI  - BCL-2 system analysis identifies high-risk colorectal cancer patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The mitochondrial apoptosis pathway is controlled by an interaction of
      multiple BCL-2 family proteins, and plays a key role in tumour progression and
      therapy responses. We assessed the prognostic potential of an experimentally
      validated, mathematical model of BCL-2 protein interactions (DR_MOMP) in patients
      with stage III colorectal cancer (CRC). DESIGN: Absolute protein levels of BCL-2
      family proteins were determined in primary CRC tumours collected from n=128
      resected and chemotherapy-treated patients with stage III CRC. We applied DR_MOMP
      to categorise patients as high or low risk based on model outputs, and compared
      model outputs with known prognostic factors (T-stage, N-stage, lymphovascular
      invasion). DR_MOMP signatures were validated on protein of n=156 patients with
      CRC from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) project. RESULTS: High-risk stage III
      patients identified by DR_MOMP had an approximately fivefold increased risk of
      death compared with patients identified as low risk (HR 5.2, 95% CI 1.4 to 17.9,
      p=0.02). The DR_MOMP signature ranked highest among all molecular and
      pathological features analysed. The prognostic signature was validated in the
      TCGA colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) cohort (HR 4.2, 95% CI 1.1 to 15.6, p=0.04).
      DR_MOMP also further stratified patients identified by supervised gene expression
      risk scores into low-risk and high-risk categories. BCL-2-dependent signalling
      critically contributed to treatment responses in consensus molecular subtypes 1
      and 3, linking for the first time specific molecular subtypes to apoptosis
      signalling. CONCLUSIONS: DR_MOMP delivers a system-based biomarker with
      significant potential as a prognostic tool for stage III CRC that significantly
      improves established histopathological risk factors.

PMID- 27663506
TI  - Response and legislative changes after the Kiss nightclub tragedy in Santa
      Maria/RS/Brazil: Learning from a large-scale burn disaster.
AB  - PURPOSE: A major fire occurred on January 27, 2013, at 02:30 at Kiss nightclub in
      the city of Santa Maria, State of Rio Grande do Sul, in Southern Brazil. In this
      retrospective report, we aimed to describe the nightclub fire event, its
      immediate consequences, and evaluated its impact on legislation. Our objective
      was to disseminate the lessons we learned from this large-scale nightclub fire
      disaster. METHODS: We conducted a literature review in PubMed and Lilacs database
      from 2013 to 2015 related to the nightclub Kiss, Santa Maria, fire, burns, and
      similar events worldwide over the past 15 years. We searched in the general press
      and online media information sites, and seeking legislation about this topic at
      the federal level in Brazil. We reported on the legislation changes that resulted
      from this nightclub fire. RESULTS: Current federal legislation on fire prevention
      and the scope of public safety, including night clubs and discos, states is the
      duty of the state and everyone's responsibility, pursuant to Article 144 of the
      Federal Constitution of Brazil. Thus, the federal union, individual states and
      municipalities have the power to legislate on fire prevention, and especially to
      ensure the security of the population. A state law called "Law Kiss", was passed
      in 2014, establishing standards on safety, prevention and protection against fire
      in buildings and areas of fire risk in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. On a
      national level, a law of prevention and fire fighting in Brazil was also drafted
      after the Santa Maria disaster (Law project no. 4923, 2013). Currently, this bill
      is still awaiting sanction before it can take effect. CONCLUSION: As we push for
      enactment of the national law of prevention and fire fighting in Brazil, we will
      continue emphasizing fire prevention, fire protection, fire fighting, means of
      escape and proper management. All similar events in this and other countries
      remind us that similar tragedies may occur anywhere, and that the analysis of
      facts, previous mistakes, during and after the incident are crucial to our
      understanding, and will help us lessen the chance of future occurrences.

PMID- 27663505
TI  - The gastric acid pocket is attenuated in H. pylori infected subjects.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Gastric acid secretory capacity in different anatomical regions,
      including the postprandial acid pocket, was assessed in Helicobacter pylori
      positive and negative volunteers in a Western population. DESIGN: We studied 31
      H. pylori positive and 28 H. pylori negative volunteers, matched for age, gender
      and body mass index. Jumbo biopsies were taken at 11 predetermined locations from
      the gastro-oesophageal junction and stomach. Combined high-resolution pH metry
      (12 sensors) and manometry (36 sensors) was performed for 20 min fasted and 90
      min postprandially. The squamocolumnar junction was marked with radio-opaque
      clips and visualised radiologically. Biopsies were scored for inflammation and
      density of parietal, chief and G cells immunohistochemically. RESULTS: Under
      fasting conditions, the H. pylori positives had less intragastric acidity
      compared with negatives at all sensors >1.1 cm distal to the peak lower
      oesophageal sphincter (LES) pressure (p<0.01). Postprandially, intragastric
      acidity was less in H. pylori positives at sensors 2.2, 3.3 and 4.4 cm distal to
      the peak LES pressure (p<0.05), but there were no significant differences in more
      distal sensors. The postprandial acid pocket was thus attenuated in H. pylori
      positives. The H. pylori positives had a lower density of parietal and chief
      cells compared with H. pylori negatives in 10 of the 11 gastric locations
      (p<0.05). 17/31 of the H. pylori positives were CagA-seropositive and showed a
      more marked reduction in intragastric acidity and increased mucosal inflammation.
      CONCLUSIONS: In population volunteers, H. pylori positives have reduced
      intragastric acidity which most markedly affects the postprandial acid pocket.

PMID- 27663507
TI  - Does end-tidal capnography confirm tracheal intubation in fresh-frozen cadavers?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Life-like end-tidal capnography (ETCO2) waveforms have been
      demonstrated in recently deceased and fresh-frozen cadavers following tracheal
      intubation, offering potential for high fidelity airway simulation training. As
      the mechanism for carbon dioxide production is not fully understood, it is
      possible that oesophageal intubation may also generate a capnograph. Our aim was
      to measure ETCO2 levels following (1) oesophageal and (2) tracheal intubation in
      fresh-frozen cadavers, and to observe the size, shape and duration of any
      capnographic waveform. METHODS: Four fresh frozen cadavers underwent oesophageal
      intubation by an emergency medicine specialist with confirmation by a second
      specialist. Hand ventilation with room air via a self-inflating resuscitation bag
      was provided at 12 breaths per minute for 2 min or until ETCO2 was zero for 10
      consecutive breaths. ETCO2 and waveform morphology were examined and video
      recorded. The oesophagus was then extubated and the process was repeated for
      tracheal intubation. RESULTS: In no case was oesophageal ETCO2 detected. For two
      cadavers, life-like ETCO2 waveforms were achieved immediately after tracheal
      intubation, with maximum ETCO2 achieved by the second breath. In these cases
      waveform morphology was normal and persistent. CONCLUSIONS: Cadaveric oesophageal
      intubation did not result in a capnography waveform, simulating live patients.
      When present, ETCO2 following tracheal intubation showed normal morphology which
      was sustained for 2 min. However, ETCO2 was not present following tracheal
      intubation in all cadavers. These results represent instrumentation on the
      cadavers for the first time after thawing and further work should assess the
      repeatability of the findings with subsequent intubations.

PMID- 27663509
TI  - Cirugia Espanola increases its impact factor: Reflections on the necessary
      evolution of the journal.

PMID- 27663508
TI  - Computer-assisted client assessment survey for mental health: patient and health
      provider perspectives.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The worldwide rise in common mental disorders (CMDs) is posing
      challenges in the provision of and access to care, particularly for immigrant,
      refugee and racialized groups from low-income backgrounds. eHealth tools, such as
      the Interactive Computer-Assisted Client Assessment Survey (iCCAS) may reduce
      some barriers to access. iCCAS is a tablet-based, touch-screen self-assessment
      completed by clients while waiting to see their family physician (FP) or nurse
      practitioner (NP). In an academic-community initiative, iCCAS was made available
      in English and Spanish at a Community Health Centre in Toronto through a mixed
      method trial. METHODS: This paper reports the perspectives of clients in the
      iCCAS group (n = 74) collected through an exit survey, and the perspectives of 9
      providers (four FP and five NP) gathered through qualitative interviews. Client
      acceptance of the tool was assessed for cognitive and technical dimensions of
      their experience. They rated twelve items for perceived Benefits and Barriers and
      four questions for the technical quality. RESULTS: Most clients reported that the
      iCCAS completion time was acceptable (94.5 %), the touch-screen was easy to use
      (97.3 %), and the instructions (93.2 %) and questions (94.6 %) were clear.
      Clients endorsed the tool's Benefits, but were unsure about Barriers to
      information privacy and provider interaction (mean 4.1, 2.6 and 2.8, respectively
      on a five-point scale). Qualitative analysis of the provider interviews
      identified five themes: challenges in Assessing Mental Health Services, such as
      case complexity, time, language and stigma; the Tool's Benefits, including non
      intrusive prompting of clients to discuss mental health, and facilitation of
      providers' assessment and care plans; the Tool's Integration into everyday
      practice; Challenges for Use (e.g. time); and Promoting Integration Effectively,
      centered on the timing of screening, setting readiness, language diversity, and
      technological advances. CONCLUSIONS: Participant clients and providers perceived
      iCCAS as an easy and useful tool for mental health assessments at the Community
      Health Centre and similar settings. The findings are anticipated to inform
      further work in this area. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT02023957 ;
      Registered retrospectively 12 Dec. 2013.

PMID- 27663511
TI  - Comparison of cancer cells in 2D vs 3D culture reveals differences in AKT-mTOR
      S6K signaling and drug responses.
AB  - Three-dimensional (3D) cancer models are used as preclinical systems to mimic
      physiologic drug responses. We provide evidence for strong changes of
      proliferation and metabolic capacity in three dimensions by systematically
      analyzing spheroids of colon cancer cell lines. Spheroids showed relative lower
      activities in the AKT, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and S6K (also known
      as RPS6KB1) signaling pathway compared to cells cultured in two dimensions. We
      identified spatial alterations in signaling, as the level of phosphorylated RPS6
      decreased from the spheroid surface towards the center, which closely coordinated
      with the tumor areas around vessels in vivo These 3D models displayed augmented
      anti-tumor responses to AKT-mTOR-S6K or mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)
      pathway inhibition compared to those in 2D models. Inhibition of AKT-mTOR-S6K
      resulted in elevated ERK phosphorylation in 2D culture, whereas under these
      conditions, ERK signaling was reduced in spheroids. Inhibition of MEK1 (also
      known as MAP2K1) led to decreased AKT-mTOR-S6K signaling in 3D but not in 2D
      culture. These data indicate a distinct rewiring of signaling in 3D culture and
      during treatment. Detached tumor-cell clusters in vessels, in addition to
      circulating single tumor cells, play a putative role in metastasis in human
      cancers. Hence, the understanding of signaling in spheroids and the responses in
      the 3D models upon drug treatment might be beneficial for anti-cancer therapies.

PMID- 27663510
TI  - Characterization of proteome dynamics during growth in oleate reveals a new
      peroxisome-targeting receptor.
AB  - To optimally perform the diversity of metabolic functions that occur within
      peroxisomes, cells must dynamically regulate peroxisome size, number and content
      in response to the cell state and the environment. Except for transcriptional
      regulation little is known about the mechanisms used to perform this complicated
      feat. Focusing on the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we used complementary high
      content screens to follow changes in localization of most proteins during growth
      in oleate. We found extensive changes in cellular architecture and identified
      several proteins that colocalized with peroxisomes that had not previously been
      considered peroxisomal proteins. One of the newly identified peroxisomal
      proteins, Ymr018w, is a protein with an unknown function that is similar to the
      yeast and human peroxisomal targeting receptor Pex5. We demonstrate that Ymr018w
      is a new peroxisomal-targeting receptor that targets a subset of matrix proteins
      to peroxisomes. We, therefore, renamed Ymr018w, Pex9, and suggest that Pex9 is a
      condition-specific targeting receptor that enables the dynamic rewiring of
      peroxisomes in response to metabolic needs. Moreover, we suggest that Pex5-like
      receptors might also exist in vertebrates.

PMID- 27663512
TI  - Trends and Regional Variation in Hospital Mortality, Length of Stay and Cost in
      Hospital of Ischemic Stroke Patients in Alberta Accompanying the Provincial
      Reorganization of Stroke Care.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the trends and regional variation of
      stroke hospital care in 30-day in-hospital mortality, hospital length of stay
      (LOS), and 1-year total hospitalization cost after implementation of the Alberta
      Provincial Stroke Strategy. METHODS: New ischemic stroke patients (N = 7632)
      admitted to Alberta acute care hospitals between 2006 and 2011 were followed for
      1 year. We analyzed in-hospital mortality with logistic regression, LOS with
      negative binomial regression, and the hospital costs with generalized gamma model
      (log link). The risk-adjusted results were compared over years and between zones
      using observed/expected results. RESULTS: The risk-adjusted mortality rates
      decreased from 12.6% in 2006/2007 to 9.9% in 2010/2011. The regional variations
      in mortality decreased from 8.3% units in 2008/2009 to 5.6 in 2010/2011. The LOS
      of the first episode dropped significantly in 2010/2011 after a 4-year slight
      increase. The regional variation in LOS was 15.5 days in 2006/2007 and decreased
      to 10.9 days in 2010/2011. The 1-year hospitalization cost increased initially,
      and then kept on declining during the last 3 years. The South and Calgary zones
      had the lowest costs over the study period. However, this gap was diminishing.
      CONCLUSIONS: After implementation of the Alberta Provincial Stroke Strategy, both
      mortality and hospital costs demonstrated a decreasing trend during the later
      years of study. The LOS increased slightly during the first 4 years but had a
      significant drop at the last year. In general, the regional variations in all 3
      indicators had a diminishing trend.

PMID- 27663513
TI  - Phosphate uptake kinetics and tissue-specific transporter expression profiles in
      poplar (Populus * canescens) at different phosphorus availabilities.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Phosphorus (P) is a major plant nutrient. It is transported into and
      allocated inside plants by four families of phosphate transporters (PHT1 to PHT4)
      with high or low affinity to phosphate. Here, we studied whole-plant P uptake
      kinetics and expression profiles of members of the PHT families under high,
      intermediate and low P availability in the woody crop poplar (Populus *
      canescens) in relation to plant performance. RESULTS: Poplars exhibited strong
      growth reduction and increased P use efficiency in response to lower P
      availabilities. The relative P uptake rate increased with intermediate and
      decreased with low P availability. This decrease was not energy-limited because
      glucose addition could not rescue the uptake. The maximum P uptake rate was more
      than 13-times higher in P-starved than in well-supplied poplars. The Km for whole
      root uptake ranged between 26 MUM and 20 MUM in poplars with intermediate and low
      P availability, respectively. In well-supplied plants, only low uptake rate was
      found. The minimum concentration for net P uptake from the nutrient solution was
      1.1 MUM. All PHT1 members studied showed significant up-regulation upon P
      starvation and were higher expressed in roots than leaves, with the exception of
      PtPHT1;3. PtPHT1;1 and PtPHT1;2 showed root- and P starvation-specific
      expression. Various members of the PHT2, PHT3 and PHT4 families showed higher
      expression in leaves than in roots, but were unresponsive to P deprivation. Other
      members (PtPHT3;1, PtPHT3;2, PtPHT3;6, PtPHT4;6 to PtPHT4;8) exhibited higher
      expression in roots than in leaves and were in most cases up-regulated in
      response to P deficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Expression profiles of distinct members of
      the PHT families, especially those of PHT1 were linked with changes in P uptake
      and allocation at whole-plant level. The regulation was tissue-specific with
      lower P responsiveness in leaves than in roots. Uptake efficiency for P increased
      with decreasing P availability, but could not overcome a threshold of about 1 MUM
      P in the nutrient solution. Because the P concentrations in soil solutions are
      generally in the lower micro-molar range, even below the apparent Km-values, our
      findings suggest that bare-rooted poplars are prone to suffer from P limitations
      in most environments.

PMID- 27663516
TI  - The unexpected complexity of bacterial genomes.
AB  - Gene organization and control are described by models conceived in the 1960s.
      These models explain basic gene regulatory mechanisms and underpin current genome
      annotation. However, such models struggle to explain recent genome-scale
      observations. For example, accounts of RNA synthesis initiating within genes,
      widespread antisense transcription and non-canonical DNA binding by gene
      regulatory proteins are difficult to reconcile with traditional thinking. As a
      result, unexpected observations have often been dismissed and downstream
      consequences ignored. In this paper I will argue that, to fully understand the
      biology of bacterial chromosomes, we must embrace their hidden layers of
      complexity.

PMID- 27663515
TI  - Immune biomarkers of treatment failure for a patient on a phase I clinical trial
      of pembrolizumab plus radiotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pembrolizumab is a monoclonal antibody that is designed against
      programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1). Pembrolizumab and other immunocheckpoint
      blocking monoclonal antibodies work by modulating a patient's own immune system
      to increase anti-tumor activity. While immunocheckpoint blockade has shown
      promising results, only 20-40 % of patients experience objective clinical
      benefit. Differences in individual tumor biology and the presence multiple immune
      checkpoints present a challenge for treatment. Because radiotherapy has
      immunomodulatory effects on the tumor microenvironment, it has the potential to
      synergize with immunotherapy and augment tumor response. NCT02318771 is a phase 1
      clinical trial designed to investigate the immunomodulatory effects of radiation
      therapy in combination with pembrolizumab. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient is a 64
      year-old male with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma, Fuhrman grade 4,
      pathologically staged as T3 N0. Metastatic disease was well controlled for
      several years with sunitinib. Following disease progression, he was switched to
      axitinib. When disease progression continued, the patient was enrolled in
      NCT02318771, a phase 1 clinical trial combining radiotherapy and pembrolizumab.
      The patient experienced unusually rapid disease progression during treatment,
      which was confirmed by repeated CT scans to rule out pseudoprogression. Tissue
      biopsies and peripheral blood draws were obtained before, during, and after
      treatment. Samples were analyzed to provide plausible rationale for rapid
      treatment failure. CONCLUSIONS: Biomarker analysis demonstrated an absence of
      TILs, which may be a cause of treatment failure as pembrolizumab works through T
      cell-dependent mechanisms. Furthermore, the presence of other non-redundant
      immune checkpoints in the periphery and tumor microenvironment presents a
      treatment challenge. Additionally, the radiation dose and fractionation schedule
      may have played a role in treatment failure as these factors play a role in the
      effect radiotherapy on the tumor microenvironment as well as the potential for
      synergy with immunotherapy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: An Exploratory Study to
      Investigate the Immunomodulatory Activity of Radiation Therapy (RT) in
      Combination With MK-3475 in Patients With Recurrent/Metastatic Head and Neck,
      Renal Cell Cancer, Melanoma and Lung Cancer, NCT02318771 .

PMID- 27663514
TI  - Inhibition of complement improves graft outcome in a pig model of kidney
      autotransplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) induced immune response is a
      critical issue in transplantation. Complement and contact system activation are
      among its key mechanisms. STUDY DESIGN: We investigated the benefits of pre
      reperfusion treatment with recombinant human C1INH (rhC1INH), inhibitor of both
      complement and contact activation, in a pig model of kidney autotransplantation,
      subjecting the organ to 60 min warm ischemia prior to 24 h static preservation to
      maximize damage. RESULTS: Serum creatinine measurement showed that treated
      animals recovered glomerular function quicker than the Vehicle group. However, no
      difference was observed in tubular function recovery, and elevated level of
      urinary NGal (Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin) and plasma AST
      (Aspartate Aminotransferase) were detected, indicating that treatment did not
      influence IRI-mediated tubular cell necrosis. Regarding chronic graft outcome,
      rhC1INH significantly prevented fibrosis development and improved function.
      Immunohistochemistry and western blot showed decreased invasion by macrophages
      and T lymphocytes, and reduction of epithelial to mesenchymal transition. We
      determined the effect of treatment on complement activation with
      immunofluorescence analyses at 30 min post reperfusion, showing an inhibition of
      C4d deposition and MBL staining in treated animals. CONCLUSIONS: In this model,
      the inhibition of complement activation by rhC1INH at reperfusion, while not
      completely counteracting IRI, limited immune system activation, significantly
      improving graft outcome on the short and long term.

PMID- 27663517
TI  - Utilizing health analytics in improving the performance of healthcare services: A
      case study on a tertiary care hospital.
AB  - Among the most common and chronic problems in the healthcare system worldwide is
      the crowding of emergency rooms (ER); leading to many serious complications. King
      Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center utilized health analytics methods
      to identify areas of deficiency and suggest potential improvements to ER
      performance. The project implemented solutions and monitored two indicators; ER
      length of stay (LOS), reflecting efficiency, and percentage of patients leaving
      without treatment, reflecting effectiveness of the ER. A retrospective analysis
      of 26,948 ER encounters in 2014 was done in January 2015. Analytics techniques
      were used to suggest process redesign based on results. Two recommendations were
      implemented; a Fast-Track for lower acuity ER patients and an internal waiting
      area, for those patients who can stay vertical and spare an ER bed. 32.8% of ER
      patients had lower acuity levels and less than 0.5% of them were admitted to the
      hospital. After implementing the two solutions, the total ER LOS was reduced from
      20h in 2014 to less than 12h in 2016; 40% improvement. The percentages of
      patients left without being seen stayed around 3.5%, while the percentages of
      patients left before complete treatment was significantly reduced from 13.5% in
      2014 to 5.5% in 2016. Consequently, the total percentage of patients left without
      treatment was reduced from 17% in 2014 to 9% in 2016, with 50% improvement. All
      other factors were the same, including numbers of ER visits, Patient Acuity
      Level, working staff, working hours, and the count of ER beds. Health analytics
      methods can be used to identify areas of deficiency, potential improvements, and
      recommend effective solutions to positively enhance ER performance. More
      solutions should be examined such as team triaging, patients palmar scanning, and
      placing a physician in triage. Additionally, more indicators should be monitored,
      such as the effectiveness of ER treatment-including the rates of revisits.

PMID- 27663518
TI  - Enhancing outpatient clinics management software by reducing patients' waiting
      time.
AB  - The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) gives great attention to improving the quality
      of services provided by health care sectors including outpatient clinics. One of
      the main drawbacks in outpatient clinics is long waiting time for patients-which
      affects the level of patient satisfaction and the quality of services. This
      article addresses this problem by studying the Outpatient Management Software
      (OMS) and proposing solutions to reduce waiting times. Many hospitals around the
      world apply solutions to overcome the problem of long waiting times in outpatient
      clinics such as hospitals in the USA, China, Sri Lanka, and Taiwan. These clinics
      have succeeded in reducing wait times by 15%, 78%, 60% and 50%, respectively.
      Such solutions depend mainly on adding more human resources or changing some
      business or management policies. The solutions presented in this article reduce
      waiting times by enhancing the software used to manage outpatient clinics
      services. Both quantitative and qualitative methods have been used to understand
      current OMS and examine level of patient's satisfaction. Five main problems that
      may cause high or unmeasured waiting time have been identified: appointment type,
      ticket numbering, doctor late arrival, early arriving patient and patients'
      distribution list. These problems have been mapped to the corresponding OMS
      components. Solutions to the above problems have been introduced and evaluated
      analytically or by simulation experiments. Evaluation of the results shows a
      reduction in patient waiting time. When late doctor arrival issues are solved,
      this can reduce the clinic service time by up to 20%. However, solutions for
      early arriving patients reduces 53.3% of vital time, 20% of the clinic time and
      overall 30.3% of the total waiting time. Finally, well patient-distribution lists
      make improvements by 54.2%. Improvements introduced to the patients' waiting time
      will consequently affect patients' satisfaction and improve the quality of health
      care services.

PMID- 27663520
TI  - Early outcome of degenerated self-expandable sutureless aortic prostheses treated
      with transcatheter valve implantation: A pilot series.

PMID- 27663519
TI  - Emergence of human caliciviruses among diarrhea cases in southwest China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute diarrhea is one of the most serious problems in global public
      health that causes considerable morbidity and mortality worldwide. Human
      caliciviruses (HuCV) including norovirus (NoV, genogroup GI and GII) and
      sapovirus (SaV), is a leading cause of acute sporadic diarrhea in individuals
      across all age groups. However, few studies had been conducted clarifying the
      characteristics of HuCV in diarrhea cases across all age groups in China. Our
      study was aimed at assessing the HuCV-related diarrhea burden and NoV genotypes
      distribution in southwest China. METHODS: The study was conducted in four
      hospitals in Kunming city, Yunnan province, from June 2014 to July 2015. Stool
      specimens were collected from 1,121 diarrhea cases and 319 healthy controls in
      outpatient departments. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)
      was used to detect NoV (GI, GII) and SaV. Sequencing was applied to confirm the
      three viral infections and phylogenetic analysis was performed to determine their
      genotypes. A structured questionnaire was used to record the demographic
      information and clinical symptoms of subjects. RESULTS: HuCV was detected at an
      11.0 % infection rate in 1,121 diarrhea cases and at 3.4 % rate in 319 non
      diarrhea subjects (p < 0.0001, OR = 3.5, 95 % CI 1.8-6.5). The prevalence of the
      NoV genogroup GII and genotype GII.4 in diarrhea cases was significantly higher
      than that found in healthy controls (p < 0.0001, p = 0.018, respectively). NoV
      GII (n = 118, 10.5 %) was the most common HuCV subtype in diarrhea cases,
      followed by SaV (n = 3, 0.3 %) and NoV GI (n = 2, 0.2 %). Of 118 NoV GII strains
      isolated from diarrhea patients. GII.4 (n = 55, 46.6 %) was the predominant
      strain, followed by GII.3 (n = 28, 23.7 %), GII.12 (n = 25, 21.2 %), GII.17 (n =
      8, 6.8 %), and GII.5 (n = 2, 1.7 %). Of the 55 GII.4 strains, the GII.4 Sydney
      2012 variant had absolutely predominant prevalence (n = 52, 94.5 %), followed by
      the NoV GII.4-2006b variant (n = 3, 5.5 %). The GII.4 Orleans 2009 variant was
      not found in diarrhea cases of the study. CONCLUSIONS: NoV GII was the major
      genogroup and GII.4 was the most predominant strain detected in diarrhea
      patients. The GII.17 is an emergent variant in sporadic diarrhea and might become
      the predominant strain in diarrhea cases in the near future. Rapid, accurate
      detection kits need to be developed to help us find and treat NoV-associated
      diarrhea in clinical settings in a timely manner.

PMID- 27663521
TI  - Evaluating the stented bovine jugular vein graft valve (Melody) for mitral valve
      replacement: New echocardiographic criteria to evaluate novel techniques.

PMID- 27663522
TI  - Are attempts at regulating flow through systemic-to-pulmonary arterial shunts
      still valid?

PMID- 27663523
TI  - Rethinking the gold standard of correction for paravalvular leak: Why correct
      when you can prevent?

PMID- 27663524
TI  - Quantifying dimensions of physical behavior in chronic pain conditions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic pain, defined as persistent or recurrent pain lasting longer
      than 3 months, is a frequent condition affecting an important percent of
      population worldwide. Pain chronicity can be caused by many different factors and
      is a frequent component of many neurological disorders. An important aspect for
      clinical assessment and design of effective treatment and/or rehabilitation
      strategies is to better understand the impact of pain on domains of functioning
      in everyday life. The aim of this study was to identify the objectively
      quantifiable features of physical functioning in daily life and to evaluate their
      effectiveness to differentiate behavior among subjects with different pain
      conditions. METHOD: Body worn sensors were used to record movement data during
      five consecutive days in 92 subjects. Sensor data were processed to characterize
      the physical behavior in terms of type, intensity, duration and temporal pattern
      of activities, postures and movements performed by subjects in daily life.
      Metrics quantifying these features were subsequently used to devise composite
      scores using a factor analysis approach. The severity of clinical condition was
      assessed using a rating of usual pain intensity on a 10-cm visual analog scale.
      The relationship between pain intensity and the estimated metrics/composite
      scores was assessed using multiple regression and discriminant analysis. RESULTS:
      According to the factor analysis solution, two composite scores were identified,
      one integrating the metrics quantifying the amount and duration of activity
      periods, and the other the metrics quantifying complexity of temporal patterns,
      i.e., the diversity of body movements and activities, and the manner in which
      they are organized throughout time. All estimated metrics and composite scores
      were significantly different between groups of subjects with clinically different
      pain levels. Moreover, analysis revealed that pain intensity seemed to have a
      more significant impact on the overall physical behavior, as it was quantified by
      a global composite score, whereas the type of chronic pain appeared to influence
      mostly the complexity of the temporal pattern. CONCLUSION: The methodology
      described could be informative for the design of objective outcome measures in
      chronic pain management/rehabilitation programs.

PMID- 27663525
TI  - Risk factors for pneumothorax in advanced and/or metastatic soft tissue sarcoma
      patients during pazopanib treatment: a single-institute analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: After the approval of pazopanib for the treatment of soft tissue
      sarcoma (STS), pneumothorax was reported as an unexpected adverse event during
      pazopanib treatment. The incidence and risk factors of pneumothorax during
      pazopanib treatment for STSs have not been established yet. METHODS: We
      retrospectively reviewed the cases of all of the STS patients treated with
      pazopanib between November 2012 and December 2014 at our institute and evaluated
      the prevalence, incidence, treatment details and risk factors for pneumothorax in
      the STS patients during pazopanib treatment. RESULTS: A total of 58 patients were
      enrolled; 45 of them had lung and/or pleural lesions at the start of pazopanib
      treatment. During the median follow-up time of 219 days (range 23-659), 13
      pneumothorax events occurred in six patients; the prevalence and incidence of
      pneumothorax were 10.3 % and 0.56 per treatment-year, respectively. The median
      onset of pneumothorax was day 115 (range 6-311). No patients died of
      pneumothorax, but pazopanib was interrupted in 10 events and chest drainage was
      performed in eight events. Pazopanib continuation or restart after the recovery
      from pneumothorax was conducted after 9 of the 13 events. The median progression
      free survival of patients with and without pneumothorax events were 144 and 128
      days (p = 0.89) and the median overall survival periods were 293 and 285 days (p
      = 0.69), respectively. By logistic regression analyses, the maximum diameter of
      the lung metastases >= 30 mm (OR 13.3, 95 % CI 1.1-155.4, p = 0.039) and a
      history of pneumothorax before the pazopanib induction (OR 16.6, 95 % CI 1.1
      256.1, p = 0.045) were significantly predictive of pneumothorax. CONCLUSIONS: In
      our retrospective analysis, pneumothorax was observed in 10.3 % of 58 STS
      patients during pazopanib treatment. The diameter of the lung metastases and a
      history of pneumothorax could be useful for evaluating the risk of pneumothorax
      in pazopanib treatment.

PMID- 27663526
TI  - Evaluation of functional rehabilitation physiotherapy protocol in the
      postoperative patients with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction through
      clinical prognosis: an observational prospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to evaluate the evolution of patients
      subject to physical treatment based on guidelines of functional rehabilitation
      after surgery anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. METHODS: This is a
      prospective study of 177 patients with anterior cruciate ligament injury, who
      underwent surgery and physical therapy guideline conducted in an orthopedic
      clinic in Sao Paulo, southeastern Brazil. The clinical evolution of patients was
      made according to Lysholm and IKDC questionnaire on the 1st day after surgery
      with 30, 90 and 180 days of treatment. RESULTS: There was statistically
      significant increase in the gross values of Lysholm and IKDC questionnaires
      during the treatment (p < 0.001), which indicates progressive gain of function.
      According to the scores obtained from the IKDC, it can be observed that in stage
      1 the average progress was 53.5 %, falling to 50 % in stage 2, and 26.1 % in
      stage 3. As to Lysholm score, it started with 87.7 %, falling to 62.6 % in the
      second stage and 7 % in the third stage, both statistically significant (p <
      0.001). The rehabilitation-oriented functional objectives priority is to quickly
      get the exercises to gain breadth, strength and proprioception, optimizing and
      improving the integration of the athlete back to sport. CONCLUSION: Synthesizing
      the gradual gain of function and according to clinical outcomes assessed by IKDC
      and Lysholm, the functional guideline presented may be considered an alternative
      for rehabilitation of patients in postoperative anterior cruciate ligament.

PMID- 27663528
TI  - G-Quadruplexes in DNA Replication: A Problem or a Necessity?
AB  - DNA replication is a highly regulated process that ensures the correct
      duplication of the genome at each cell cycle. A precise cell type-specific
      temporal program controls the duplication of complex vertebrate genomes in an
      orderly manner. This program is based on the regulation of both replication
      origin firing and replication fork progression. G-quadruplexes (G4s), DNA
      secondary structures displaying noncanonical Watson-Crick base pairing, have
      recently emerged as key controllers of genome duplication. Here we discuss the
      various means by which G4s affect this fundamental cellular process.

PMID- 27663527
TI  - Plasmodium vivax msp-3alpha polymorphisms: analysis in the Indian subcontinent.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Plasmodium vivax is the most widely distributed human malaria
      parasite and accounts for approximately the same number of malaria cases as
      Plasmodium falciparum in India. Compared with P. falciparum, P. vivax is
      difficult to eradicate because of its tendency to cause relapses, which impacts
      treatment and control strategies. The genetic diversity of these parasites,
      particularly of the merozoite surface protein-3 alpha (msp-3alpha) gene, can be
      used to help develop a potential vaccine. The present study aimed to investigate
      the genetic diversity of P. vivax using the highly polymorphic antigen gene msp
      3alpha and to assess the suitability of using this gene for population genetic
      studies of P. vivax isolates and was carried out in 2004-06. No recent study has
      been reported for MSP 3alpha in the recent decade in India. Limited reports are
      available on the genetic diversity of the P. vivax population in India; hence,
      this report aimed to improve the understanding of the molecular epidemiology of
      the parasite by studying the P. vivax msp-3alpha (Pvmsp-3alpha) marker from P.
      vivax field isolates from India. METHODS: Field isolates were collected from
      different sites distributed across eight states in India. A total of 182 blood
      samples were analysed by a nested polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment
      length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique using the HhaI and AluI restriction
      enzymes to determine genetic msp-3alpha variation among clinical P. vivax
      isolates. RESULTS: Based on the length variants of the PCR products of Pvmsp
      3alpha gene, three allele sizes, Type A (1.8 kb), Type B (1.5 kb) and Type C (1.2
      kb) were detected among the 182 samples. Type A PCR amplicon was more predominant
      (75.4 %) in the samples compared with the Type B (14.3 %) and Type C (10.0 %)
      polymorphisms. Among all of the samples analysed, 8.2 % were mixed infections
      detected by PCR alone. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis
      involving the restriction enzymes AluI and HhaI generated fragment sizes that
      were highly polymorphic and revealed substantial diversity at the nucleotide
      level. CONCLUSIONS: The present study is the first extensive study in India using
      the Pvmsp-3alpha marker. The results indicated that Pvmps-3alpha, a polymorphic
      genetic marker of P. vivax, exhibited considerable variability in infection
      prevalence in field isolates from India. Additionally, the mean multiplicity of
      infection observed at all of the study sites indicated that P. vivax is highly
      diverse in nature in India, and Pvmsp-3alpha is likely an effective and promising
      epidemiological marker.

PMID- 27663529
TI  - Assessment of Comorbidity Burden and its Association With Functional
      Rehabilitation Outcome After Stroke or Hip Fracture: A Systematic Review and Meta
      Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A well-grounded functional prognosis during triage for rehabilitation
      is important, especially in older patients who experience the burden of
      comorbidity. However, it remains unclear what impact comorbidity has on
      functional outcome after rehabilitation. AIM: To investigate the associations
      between comorbidity indexes and functional outcome after inpatient stroke or hip
      fracture rehabilitation. Furthermore, to identify which method of comorbidity
      assessment best reveals this relationship. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta
      analysis. METHODS: An extensive search in PubMed, EMBASE, COCHRANE, Web of
      Science, and CINAHL of cited references and gray literature was carried out on
      March 4, 2016. This meta-analysis was conducted in agreement with the guidelines
      for Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses. Studies
      were included if participants were adult patients with a stroke or hip fracture,
      participants received inpatient rehabilitation, comorbidity was assessed with a
      valid index, and functional status was an outcome measure. Two reviewers
      independently extracted data; according to the predefined data extraction plan,
      included studies were independently evaluated on risk of bias. RESULTS: Twenty
      studies were eligible for review, and 7 studies were included in the meta
      analysis. The pooled correlation between comorbidity and functional status at
      discharge was -0.43 [-0.69; -0.06]. Presence and strength of correlations
      differed between comorbidity indexes. Charlson index: range = 0.0 to -0.88 and 0%
      1% explained variance (%var). Cumulative illness rating scale (CIRS) total or
      cumulative: range = -0.02 to -0.34 and unknown %var. CIRS-severity index: range =
      -0.25 to -0.40 and 12-16 %var. Comorbidity-severity index: range = -0.39 and 
      0.47 and 5 %var. Liu index: range = -0.28 to -0.50 and 4-7 %var. When the index
      contained a severity weighting, the associations were more evident. CONCLUSIONS:
      An association between comorbidity burden and functional outcome exists, albeit
      modest. Assessment of severity weighted comorbidity is preferred for estimating
      the functional prognosis after stroke and hip fracture rehabilitation.

PMID- 27663531
TI  - Modification of aftertaste with a menthol mouthwash reduces food wanting, liking,
      and ad libitum intake of potato crisps.
AB  - This research investigated the effect of modifying the aftertaste of potato
      crisps on (1) temporal sensory perception and (2) appetite using three mouthwash
      conditions (no mouthwash, a water mouthwash, and a menthol mouthwash). For the
      sensory study, 17 screened female subjects were trained on the Temporal Dominance
      of Sensations (TDS) methodology. Subjects undertook TDS to monitor all sensory
      attributes during the mastication of a 2 g crisp until swallowing (at 20s), then
      conducted the mouthwash, and then continued the TDS task to monitor aftertaste
      until 90s. For the appetite study, 36 subjects (18 male, 18 female) completed 100
      mm Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) for desire, liking, hunger, and thirst, followed
      by an ad libitum eating task. For the VAS scales testing, subjects chewed and
      swallowed a 2 g crisp, and then immediately conducted the mouthwash before
      completing the VAS scales. For the ad libitum task, subjects were given 12 min to
      consume as many crisps as they desired on a plate (up to 50 g). Every three
      minutes they were required to conduct a mouthwash. TDS results showed that in
      comparison with no mouthwash, the water mouthwash significantly reduced
      aftertaste attributes such as savoury, salty, and fatty mouthcoating, and the
      menthol mouthwash significantly increased aftertaste attributes of cooling,
      minty, and tingly. The water mouthwash did not influence desire and liking of
      crisps, or hunger and thirst. The water mouthwash did not influence ad libitum
      intake of the crisps over a 12 min period. The menthol mouthwash significantly
      reduced desire and liking of the crisps, as well as hunger and thirst.
      Furthermore, the menthol mouthwash significantly reduced ad libitum crisp intake
      by 29% over the 12 min period.

PMID- 27663532
TI  - Commentary: Does Mandibular Distraction Vector Influence Airway Volumes and
      Outcome?

PMID- 27663530
TI  - LL-37 but Not 25-Hydroxy-Vitamin D Serum Level Correlates with Healing of Venous
      Leg Ulcers.
AB  - Human cathelicidin, LL-37, is small antimicrobial peptide, which reveals also
      some immunomodulatory and proangiogenic properties and, therefore, may promote
      wound healing. The expression of LL-37 is controlled by various factors,
      including vitamin D. Thus, any disturbances in vitamin D level may influence LL
      37 production and, possibly, affect wound healing. Since deficiency of vitamin D
      was identified as a common problem in the population, this proof of concept study
      aimed to verify the relationship between serum levels of LL-37, vitamin D, and
      healing rate of venous leg ulcers. The study involved small group (n = 19) of
      patients with venous leg ulcers. Apart from non-venous ulcer aethiology,
      compression intolerance, active vein thrombosis, and wound infection, the
      exclusion criteria concerned also kidney insufficiency. The results of the
      analysis of wound healing rates were correlated with patients' serum levels of
      25(OH) vitamin D and LL-37. In addition, serum levels of pro-inflammatory
      cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, and TNF) were analyzed. We have found strong association
      between serum concentrations of LL-37 and the healing rates in patients with leg
      ulcers. Despite the fact that 25(OH) vitamin D levels in all patients were below
      the normal range, they did not show any correlation with healing rates.
      Furthermore, no association was observed between serum levels of 25(OH) vitamin D
      and LL-37. No significant correlation between tested pro-inflammatory cytokines
      and healing rate, LL-37, or 25(OH) vitamin D levels was also observed. Regardless
      of small study group, our results suggest that the assessment of serum
      concentration of LL-37, but not 25-hydroxy vitamin D, may help in predicting the
      wound healing efficacy. Moreover, this assessment may be useful in pre-selection
      of patients, which could benefit from local treatment with exogenous LL-37.

PMID- 27663533
TI  - Dynamic Evaluation of Lavage Efficacy in Upper Compartment of the
      Temporomandibular Joint.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the most efficient
      temporomandibular joint (TMJ) lavage technique for complete irrigation and
      removal of synovial fluid. The corresponding total lavage fluid volume needed
      also was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three-dimensional TMJ lavage models
      of the classic double- and single-needle techniques with modified cannula sizes
      (diameters, 2.4 and 0.8 mm) were generated based on a constructed upper
      compartment model. Models were integrated with 2-phase flow models to predict
      fractional fluid volume (alpha value) changes of lavage saline and synovial fluid
      within the upper compartment of the TMJ. Fluid flow diagrams, velocity vectors,
      and intra-articular pressure data were collected and compared among the models.
      Models were validated by clinical synovial fluid concentration analyses, with
      vitamin B12 used as an internal standard. RESULTS: In all 8 models, lavage fluid
      initially gathered around the inflow portal, with a stable mixture of synovial
      and lavage fluids eventually being established in the compartment. Use of the
      double-needle technique with a large inflow portal resulted in thorough lavage
      (alpha = 100%). When the single-needle or Shepard cannula technique was used,
      some areas within the upper compartment remained devoid of brisk flow. The 2.4-mm
      inflow model coupled with a 0.8-mm outflow portal resulted in a stably and
      persistently high intra-articular pressure (>2.7 * 104 Pa). A minimum volume of
      109 mL of lavage fluid was necessary for complete replacement of synovial fluid
      by saline. CONCLUSIONS: When a 2.4-mm inflow portal needle was applied, a lavage
      rate of 100% was obtained with a minimum lavage volume of 109 mL. Using a small
      inflow portal could lead to inadequate flow, residual synovial fluid, and,
      ultimately, treatment failure.

PMID- 27663535
TI  - Sialosis, Gout Induced or Idiopathic? Case Report.
AB  - Sialosis is observed in relation to diabetes, alcoholism, and malnutrition. An
      assumed relation between gout and sialosis is probably based on confusion that
      originated from the therapeutic use of phenylbutazone for gout and the
      sialadenitis that the medication caused. This report describes a case of sialosis
      in a patient with a longstanding history of gout that was idiopathic in origin.

PMID- 27663534
TI  - Is There an Association Between Temporomandibular Joint Effusion and Arthralgia?
AB  - PURPOSE: The literature on joint effusion (JE) and its association with clinical
      and radiologic variables in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) is
      inconsistent and is characterized by multiple methodologic limitations. The
      primary aim of this investigation was to evaluate the association between
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) identified JE and temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
      arthralgia. The secondary aim of this investigation was to determine the
      association between JE and other clinical and MRI-identified soft tissue
      characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was
      conducted. Clinical and soft tissue imaging assessments were carried out
      according to the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders guidelines.
      The dependent variable was JE and the primary independent variable was
      arthralgia. The secondary independent variables were TMJ pain-associated
      characteristics and MRI-identified variables. When applicable, Pearson chi2 or t
      test was used to determine the statistical associations between JE and clinical
      characteristics and between JE and MRI-identified variables. Furthermore,
      generalized estimating equation (GEE) modeling was conducted to determine which
      of the independent clinical and MRI-identified variables were associated with JE.
      RESULTS: Data for 158 participants, representing 312 joints, were extracted. The
      mean age of the female sample (59.4%) was 31 +/- 11.1 years and that of the male
      sample (40.6%) was 29.8 +/- 9.7 years. No association was found between JE and
      arthralgia. However, statistically significant associations were found between JE
      and lateral disc rotation (P = .001) and between JE and disc position in the
      coronal and sagittal planes (P = .001). The GEE model suggested that disc
      displacement with reduction (odds ratio = 2.5) was a statistically relevant
      contributing factor for JE in the absence of degenerative joint disease.
      CONCLUSION: Results associated JE with the position of the disc in the sagittal
      plane. No association was found between JE and arthralgia or TMJ pain-associated
      clinical characteristics in patients with TMDs.

PMID- 27663536
TI  - The Use of Sequential VEGF- and BMP2-Releasing Biodegradable Scaffolds in Rabbit
      Mandibular Defects.
AB  - PURPOSE: Promising developments have materialized in reconstructive surgical
      procedures with the applications of tissue engineering. In our study, we used
      tissue scaffolds fabricated from polylactic acid-polyethylene glycol (PLLA-PEG)
      copolymers to ensure different release rates of selective growth factors
      recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 [rhBMP-2] and vascular endothelial
      growth factor (rhVEGF165) in the repair of mandibular bone defects. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: In our experimental study, 54 New Zealand rabbits were used. The rabbits
      were separated into 4 groups: group I (control group), PLLA-PEG scaffold only;
      group II, PLLA-PEG scaffold plus rhBMP-2 application; group III, PLLA-PEG
      scaffold plus VEGF165 application; and group IV, PLLA-PEG scaffold plus rhBMP-2
      and VEGF165 applications. The rabbits were killed at 4 and 8 weeks
      postoperatively, and histopathologic and immunohistochemical assessments were
      performed. RESULTS: The greatest bone volume was observed in rhBMP-2-containing
      groups, the greatest vessel volume was observed in VEGF165-containing groups;
      however, the scaffold containing rhBMP-2 and VEGF165 provided the best outcomes
      in conjunction with increased remodeling of the new bone. CONCLUSIONS: The use of
      polymer tissue scaffolds that release rhVEGF165 and rhBMP-2 in coordination and
      mimic the natural healing process in the regeneration of especially complex
      tissues, such as bone, is a promising treatment alternative in the field of
      reconstructive surgery.

PMID- 27663537
TI  - Evaluation of Sialendoscopy-Assisted Treatment of Submandibular Gland Stones.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficiency
      of sialendoscopy-assisted operations in the treatment of submandibular gland
      stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data from 8 patients with sialolithiasis who
      underwent sialendoscopy from August 2015 to January 2016 at the Department of
      Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Stomatology, China Medical University
      (Shenyang, China) were retrospectively reviewed. All the patients had undergone
      preoperative technetium-99m pertechnetate salivary gland scintigraphy. The
      results revealed that the salivary glands exhibited normal or slightly reduced
      uptake and excretion dysfunction. Computed tomography examinations revealed
      stones located in the intraductal area near the glands or in the branches that
      could not be removed owing to their deep locations within the mouth. Therefore,
      an endoscope was inserted, the stones were located intraductally using
      sialendoscopy, and a transcervical incision was made to remove the stones and
      preserve the submandibular gland. RESULTS: The stones were completely removed,
      and the submandibular gland was preserved in all cases. The patients recovered
      well postoperatively, and no complications developed. CONCLUSIONS: Our results
      suggest that sialendoscopy-assisted sialolithectomy is an effective and safe
      surgical technique for the removal of proximal and intraglandular submandibular
      gland stones. The patients' quality of life had obviously improved
      postoperatively.

PMID- 27663538
TI  - Whole-Arch Single-Stage Free Flap Reconstruction and Rehabilitation of the
      Mandible: A Case Report and Technical Considerations on a New Technique.
AB  - The purpose of this report is to describe the techniques used in the
      reconstruction of a complete angle-to-angle mandibular defect in the absence of
      any remaining mandibular teeth. Because no remaining dental or occlusal landmarks
      remain in such a case, additional challenges must be considered.

PMID- 27663539
TI  - Postoperative Delirium Following Orthognathic Surgery in a Young Patient.
AB  - Delirium is an organic mental syndrome with acute onset characterized by diffuse
      brain dysfunction and neural activity disorganization. It is usually related to
      cognition and perception changes, decreased level of consciousness, and
      disorganization of thoughts that are unrelated to previous dementia. Occurrence
      is more frequent in patients with previous degenerative disease and elderly
      patients, especially those older than 85 years. Although the pathophysiology is
      not totally known, studies have shown that, among the main factors that lead to
      delirium, the drugs used for general anesthesia induction are the most relevant
      (hypnotics, anticholinergic drugs, and H2 receptor blockers), especially those
      used in long surgical procedures. This report describes the case of a 24-year-old
      woman with a noncontributory medical and psychological history. She underwent
      bimaxillary orthognathic surgery with a total general anesthesia time of 7 hours.
      Postoperatively, she developed agitation, confusion, and delirium. After a
      psychiatry consult and discussion with the anesthesia team, the diagnosis of
      psychotic break owing to late postoperative delirium was established.

PMID- 27663540
TI  - p16 Immunohistochemistry Is a Useful Diagnostic Adjunct in Cases of Metastatic
      Cervical Carcinoma of Unknown Origin.
AB  - PURPOSE: Metastatic cervical carcinoma of unknown primary (MCCUP) is increasing
      in frequency owing in part to rising human papillomavirus (HPV)-driven
      oropharyngeal carcinoma. Identifying the primary site is valuable, because it is
      associated with increased survival and decreased morbidity. HPV-positive cervical
      nodal disease focuses attention on the oropharynx for directed biopsy
      examinations, including tonsillectomy. When the primary is small, carcinoma might
      not be apparent by traditional hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining alone.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: This report describes 2 cases of p16-positive MCCUP in
      which a small primary carcinoma was not readily identified in surgical specimens
      using H&E staining. RESULTS: Additional evaluation of the specimens with p16
      immunohistochemistry (IHC) showed carcinoma in these 2 cases. CONCLUSIONS: When
      H&E staining does not show carcinoma in cases of MCCUP, p16 IHC should be
      considered given the high prevalence of HPV-positive MCCUP and the potential for
      identification of a small primary tumor that might otherwise be missed with H&E
      staining.

PMID- 27663542
TI  - Serum fasting GLP-1 and GLP-2 associate with intestinal adaptation in pediatric
      onset intestinal failure.
AB  - AIM: Glukagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1) and -2 (GLP-2), produced by intestinal L
      cells, are key hormones regulating intestinal transit, secretion, absorption, and
      mucosal growth. We evaluated naive fasting serum GLP-1 and GLP-2 levels in
      pediatric intestinal failure (IF). METHODS: Fifty-five IF patients with median
      age 4.2 (IQR 1.3-12) years and 47 matched healthy controls underwent measurement
      of fasting serum GLP-1 and GLP-2. RESULTS: Serum GLP-2 [19.9 (13.8-27.9) vs 11.6
      (7.0-18.6) ng/mL, P < 0.001], but not GLP-1 [6.1 (4.0-15.7) vs 6.4 (3.9-10.7)
      ng/mL, P = 0.976], levels were increased in IF patients. Serum GLP-2
      concentrations were higher in patients with small bowel-colic continuity [21.1
      (15.0-30.7) ng/mL] compared to patients with an endostomy [10.4 (6.6-17.9) ng/mL,
      P = 0.028], whereas no association with preservation of ileum or ileocecal valve
      was observed. During PN delivery, GLP-2 inversely associated with remaining small
      bowel length (r = -0.500, P = 0.041) and frequency of PN infusions (r = -0.549, P
      = 0.042). Serum GLP-1 levels were lower in patients receiving PN currently [4.1
      (2.8-5.1)] compared to patients, who had weaned off PN [6.5 (5.1-21.1), P =
      0.005], and correlated positively with duration of PN (r = 0.763, P = 0.002) and
      negatively with percentage parenteral energy requirement (r = -0.716, P = 0.006).
      CONCLUSIONS: In pediatric IF, serum GLP-2 levels increase in patients with small
      bowel-colic continuity proportionally to the length of resected small intestine.
      Increase in serum GLP-1 and GLP-2 levels paralleled reducing requirement for
      parenteral support. These findings support regulation of intestinal adaption by
      GLP-2 and GLP-1 in children with IF.

PMID- 27663541
TI  - Caffeine alters glutamate-aspartate transporter function and expression in rat
      retina.
AB  - l-Glutamate and l-aspartate are the main excitatory amino acids (EAAs) in the
      Central Nervous System (CNS) and their uptake regulation is critical for the
      maintenance of the excitatory balance. Excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs)
      are widely distributed among central neurons and glial cells. GLAST and GLT1 are
      expressed in glial cells, whereas excitatory amino acid transporter 3/excitatory
      amino acid carrier 1 (EAAT3/EAAC1) is neuronal. Different signaling pathways
      regulate glutamate uptake by modifying the activity and expression of EAATs. In
      the present work we show that immature postnatal day 3 (PN3) rat retinas
      challenged by l-glutamate release [3H]-d-Aspartate linked to the reverse
      transport, with participation of NMDA, but not of non-NMDA receptors. The amount
      of [3H]-d-Aspartate released by l-glutamate is reduced during retinal
      development. Moreover, immature retinae at PN3 and PN7, but not PN14, exposed to
      a single dose of 200 or 500MUM caffeine or the selective A2A receptor (A2AR)
      antagonist 100nM ZM241385 decreased [3H]-d-Aspartate uptake. Caffeine also
      selectively increased total expression of EAAT3 at PN7 and its expression in
      membrane fractions. However, both EAAT1 and EAAT2 were reduced after caffeine
      treatment in P2 fraction. Addition of 100nM DPCPX, an A1 receptor (A1R)
      antagonist, had no effect on the [3H]-d-Aspartate uptake. [3H]-d-Aspartate
      release was dependent on both extracellular sodium and Dl-TBOA, but not calcium,
      implying a transporter-mediated mechanism. Our results suggest that in the
      developing rat retina caffeine modulates [3H]-d-Aspartate uptake by blocking
      adenosine A2AR.

PMID- 27663543
TI  - Assessing the relationship between a body shape index and mortality in a group of
      middle-aged men.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Recently, a new anthropometric parameter emerged, namely A
      Body Shape Index (ABSI), which appears to be a major risk factor for mortality in
      the American and British populations. To the best of our knowledge, the
      relationship between ABSI and mortality was not studied previously in the middle
      aged Chinese men. Therefore, we assessed the relationship based on a 15-year
      prospective study. METHODS: In an urban community of Chengdu, 780 middle-aged
      Chinese men were included in 1992 and followed up for 15 years. RESULTS: During
      the follow-up, 29 subjects died (mortality rate: 3.7%), and ABSI tended to be
      linearly associated with mortality. The subjects could be categorized into five
      groups by the quintiles of baseline ABSI, as follows: the first quintile (Q1),
      the second quintile (Q2), the third quintile (Q3), the fourth quintile (Q4) and
      the fifth quintile (Q5). Across the quintiles, the mortality rates were 3.8%,
      5.3%, 3.0%, 4.7% and 1.9% in Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 and Q5, respectively (ptrend =
      0.386). With the highest quintile (Q5) as reference, univariate and multivariate
      Cox regression analyses presented that ABSI was not associated with mortality.
      CONCLUSIONS: ABSI, a new anthropometric parameter, might not be associated with
      mortality in the middle-aged Chinese men. Further studies are needed to explore
      the specificities of ABSI in different populations.

PMID- 27663544
TI  - Modulation of microRNAs by curcumin in pancreatic cancer.

PMID- 27663545
TI  - Design, synthesis, crystal structure, biological evaluation and molecular docking
      studies of carbazole-arylpiperazine derivatives.
AB  - Subtype-selective alpha1-adrenoceptor (AR) antagonists display optimum
      therapeutic efficacies for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
      In this study, we designed and synthesized novel carbazole-arylpiperazines
      derivatives (1 and 2) on the basis of the proposed pharmacophore model for alpha1
      AR antagonists. Structural properties were investigated using single-crystal X
      ray diffraction analysis. Comparison of crystal structures with ligand-based
      pharmacophore models revealed that the two agents may possess antagonistic
      effects on alpha1D subtype. Tissue functional assay in vitro showed that compound
      2 exerted strong antagonistic activity on alpha1B-AR (pA2 7.13) with a poor
      selectivity for alpha1A and alpha1D subtypes. Compound 1 exhibited enhanced
      antagonistic effect on alpha1D subtype (pA2 7.06) and excellent selectivity for
      alpha1D over alpha1B (alpha1D/alpha1B ratio=79.4). To illustrate the relationship
      between antagonistic activity and chemical structure, molecular docking studies
      were performed using the homology models of alpha1 receptors. Binding mechanism
      indicated that small hydrophobic substituents attached to the arylpiperazine
      moiety were essential for rational design of alpha1D-selective antagonists.

PMID- 27663546
TI  - Analysis of quinolinequinone reactivity, cytotoxicity, and anti-HIV-1 properties.
AB  - We have analyzed a set of quinolinequinones with respect to their reactivities,
      cytotoxicities, and anti-HIV-1 properties. Most of the quinolinequinones were
      reactive with glutathione, and several acted as sulfhydryl crosslinking agents.
      Quinolinequinones inhibited binding of the HIV-1 matrix protein to RNA to varying
      degrees, and several quinolinequinones showed the capacity to crosslink HIV-1
      matrix proteins in vitro, and HIV-1 structural proteins in virus particles.
      Cytotoxicity assays yielded quinolinequinone CC50 values in the low micromolar
      range, reducing the potential therapeutic value of these compounds. However, one
      compound, 6,7-dichloro-5,8-quinolinequinone potently inactivated HIV-1,
      suggesting that quinolinequinones may prove useful in the preparation of
      inactivated virus vaccines or for other virucidal purposes.

PMID- 27663547
TI  - Thioflavones as novel neuroprotective agents.
AB  - Oxidative stress is associated with the pathology of neurodegenerative diseases.
      Identification of small molecules capable of protecting against oxidative stress
      is therefore of significant importance. In this context, a library of 76 hydroxy
      flavones, methoxy flavones and their 4-thio analogues has been evaluated for
      neuroprotection against H2O2-induced oxidative stress. This revealed the
      synthetic 7,8-dihydroxy 4-thioflavones as neuroprotective compounds, with 14d and
      18d showing highest neuroprotective effects at lower concentrations (0.3MUM).
      Neuroprotection was found to be mediated via activation of the anti-apoptotic
      cell survival proteins of the ERK1/2 and PI3K/Akt pathways. Structure-activity
      relationship analysis revealed the B-ring phenyl group as essential for greater
      neuroprotection. Replacing the 4-CO moiety with a 4-CS moiety also generally
      enhanced neuroprotection.

PMID- 27663548
TI  - Design, synthesis, and structure-activity relationship of novel and effective
      apixaban derivatives as FXa inhibitors containing 1,2,4-triazole/pyrrole
      derivatives as P2 binding element.
AB  - Four series of novel and potent FXa inhibitors possessing the 1,2,4-triazole
      moiety and pyrrole moiety as P2 binding element and
      dihydroimidazole/tetrahydropyrimidine groups as P4 binding element were designed,
      synthesized, and evaluated for their anticoagulant activity in human and rabbit
      plasma in vitro. Most compounds showed moderate to excellent activity. Compounds
      14a, 16, 18c, 26c, 35a, and 35b were further examined for their inhibition
      activity against human FXa in vitro and rat venous thrombosis in vivo. The most
      promising compound 14a, with an IC50 (FXa) value of 0.15MUM and 99% inhibition
      rate, was identified for further evaluation as an FXa inhibitor.

PMID- 27663549
TI  - Identification of 5,6-dihydroimidazo[2,1-b]thiazoles as a new class of
      antimicrobial agents.
AB  - In an effort to develop novel antimicrobial agents against drug-resistant
      bacterial infections, 5,6-dihydroimidazo[2,1-b]thiazole compounds were
      synthesized and tested for their antimicrobial activity. Eight compounds
      comprised by two sub-scaffolds were identified as hits against methicillin
      resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). These hits were modified at 6-position by
      replacing (S)-6 to (R)-6 configuration and the (R)-isomers increased their
      antimicrobial activities by two-fold. The most active compound showed a MIC90
      value of 3.7MUg/mL against MRSA in a standard microdilution bacterial growth
      inhibitory assay. This compound protected wax moth worms against MRSA at a dose
      of 5* MIC using a worm infectious model. This compound also exhibited inhibition
      of DNA gyrase activity in a DNA gyrase supercoil assay, suggesting the 5,6
      dihydroimidazo[2,1-b]thiazoles may target DNA gyrase for the antimicrobial
      action.

PMID- 27663550
TI  - Improving properties of Hanji by coating chitosan-silver nanoparticle solution.
AB  - A chitosan-silver nanoparticle solution (CSNS) was applied as a coating material
      to Hanji (Korean traditional paper), and the properties of the coated paper were
      investigated as a function of the dilution ratio. The required CSNS was first
      prepared from AgNO3 (30mmol) by utilizing chitosan as a reducing and stabilizing
      agent via ultrasonication. The as-prepared CSNS was diluted to various ratios
      (undiluted, 1/10, 1/100, and 1/1000) and applied to Hanji by a dip-coating
      method. The tensile, burst, oil resistance, and antibacterial properties of the
      coated Hanji against Escherichia coli were evaluated. Among the various dilution
      ratios, the maximum level of dilution that can positively influence the tensile,
      burst, oil resistance, and antibacterial properties of Hanji was identified as
      1/10, 1/100, 1/10 and 1/1000 of the pure CSNS, respectively. These findings are
      significant because a specific property of Hanji can be economically improved by
      changing the dilution ratio.

PMID- 27663551
TI  - Stimuli-sensitive hollow spheres from chitosan-graft-beta-cyclodextrin for
      controlled drug release.
AB  - In this paper, sensitive polymeric hollow spheres self-assembled from chitosan
      grafted-beta-cyclodextrin (CS-g-CD) and sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) were
      prepared for controlled release of doxorubicin (DOX). The assemblies were formed
      by electrostatic interactions between positively charged amino group in CS-g-CD
      and negatively charged phosphate in TPP. The hollow spheres with diameters about
      100nm were confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and laser particle
      analyzer. The microspheres with hollow cavity were beneficial to improve the drug
      loading capacity for DOX with entrapment efficiency above 60%. The cumulative
      release of DOX from CS-g-CD/TPP hollow microspheres increased with the decrease
      of pH and the increase of temperature or ionic strength. At 37  degrees C and pH
      5.2, the maximum drug release was above 90% with a continuous release rate. In
      vitro cytotoxicity tests indicate that drug loaded hollow spheres exhibited
      evidently inhibition against cancer cells. These sensitive polymeric hollow
      spheres are expected to be used in biomedical field as potential carrier.

PMID- 27663552
TI  - Cross-linked chitosan/sepiolite composite for the adsorption of methylene blue
      and reactive orange 16.
AB  - Cross-linked chitosan/sepiolite composite was prepared from sepiolite clay and
      chitosan, and was cross-linked using epichlorohydrin. Among the various weight
      ratio percentage of chitosan and sepiolite clay composites, CS50SP50 was selected
      as the best adsorbent for both methylene blue (MB) and reactive orange 16 (RO
      16). At an optimum adsorbent dosage of 0.2g/100mL, the effects of initial dye
      concentration (25-400mg/L) and pH (3-11) on MB and RO 16 adsorption onto CS50SP50
      composite were studied. Monolayer adsorption capacities of CS50SP50 composite for
      MB and RO 16 were 40.986mg/g and 190.965mg/g, respectively at 30 degrees C.
      Freundlich, Langmuir and Temkin isotherms applied on the adsorption data for both
      the dyes reveal that data fitted best for Freundlich model. For both the dyes
      pseudo-second-order kinetics were found to describe the adsorption process better
      than pseudo-first-order kinetics. The adsorption capacity of CS50SP50 composite
      for both the dyes was found better compared to previous studies thus making it
      potentially low-cost adsorbent for removal of both cationic and reactive dyes.

PMID- 27663553
TI  - Communicating about cigarette smoke constituents: an experimental comparison of
      two messaging strategies.
AB  - Federal law now requires FDA to disseminate information on chemicals in cigarette
      smoke, but it is unclear how best to do so. In a 2 * 2 between-subjects
      experiment, participants received a message about chemicals in cigarette smoke
      (e.g., "Cigarette smoke has benzene.") along with an additional randomly assigned
      messaging strategy: a "found-in" (e.g., "This is found in gasoline."), a health
      effect (e.g., "This causes heart disease."), both, or neither. Participants were
      U.S. probability phone samples of 5000 adults and 1123 adolescents, and an online
      convenience sample of 4130 adults. Adding a health effect elicited greater
      discouragement from wanting to smoke cigarettes (all p < .05) as did adding a
      found-in (all p < .05). However, including both messaging strategies added little
      or nothing above including just one. These findings can help the FDA and other
      agencies develop effective and parsimonious messages about cigarette smoke
      constituents.

PMID- 27663554
TI  - A test of the first course (Emergency Medicine) that is globally available for
      credit and for free.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The WHO has called for the use of computer-aided education to train
      millions of additional health providers. We herein address this appeal with the
      first globally available, free, accredited, computer-aided, and peer and mentor
      guided course. METHODS: The intervention studied was NextGenU.org's first course,
      "Emergency Medicine (EM) for Senior Medical Students", required for the
      graduating Classes of 2013 at the University of Missouri (UM) and the U.S.
      Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS). Control groups were
      the Class of 2012 at USUHS, and students nationally in the Class of 2013.
      RESULTS: As of July 2016, there were over 4,000 registered "NextGenUsers" in 145
      countries. USUHS NextGenUsers (n=167) averaged 80.3% vs. USUHS control students'
      80.9% (n=163, p=0.4) on the Society of Academic EM (SAEM) exam, vs. 71.4%
      nationally (n=415, p<0.0001). UM NextGenUsers (n=35) averaged 71.2% on the SAEM
      exam vs. 71.4% nationally (n=415, p=0.8). Both EM Clerkship Directors reported
      good student satisfaction with these asynchronous, competency-based, site
      agnostic readings. CONCLUSIONS: This novel model of a free, accredited course is
      becoming widely used, and has performed as well as some of the world's most
      resourced courses.

PMID- 27663555
TI  - Successful carbon dioxide angiography guided endovascular thrombectomy of the
      superficial femoral artery in a young patient with critical limb ischemia.
AB  - Currently, the treatment of thromboembolic ischemia of the lower extremities
      includes percutaneous rotational thrombectomy and aspiration devices. However,
      the standard approach for endovascular treatment requires the administration of
      iodine contrast agents, which is problematic in patients with pre-existing renal
      disease and diabetes. Herein, we describe a case of a CO2 angiography guided
      endovascular thrombectomy of the superficial femoral artery (SFA) in a young
      patient with critical limb ischemia. Mechanical thrombectomy using the Rotarex
      system, catheter aided aspiration and subsequent stent placement in the SFA was
      entirely guided using CO2 angiography.

PMID- 27663557
TI  - Traumatic basilar artery entrapment with patency of pontine perforators and
      absence of significant brainstem infarction: report of an unusual case.
AB  - We report a rare case of entrapment of the basilar artery into the sphenoid bone
      caused by a longitudinal fracture of the clivus. Using high resolution three
      dimensional flat panel angiography, we show preservation of the basilar artery
      perforators in spite of severe stenosis of the entrapped segment of the basilar
      artery. There were no obvious signs and symptoms of posterior fossa stroke
      clinically or radiographically as far as could be assessed under given clinical
      circumstances.

PMID- 27663556
TI  - Gas-Phase Analysis of the Complex of Fibroblast GrowthFactor 1 with Heparan
      Sulfate: A Traveling Wave Ion Mobility Spectrometry (TWIMS) and Molecular
      Modeling Study.
AB  - Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) regulate several cellular developmental
      processes by interacting with cell surface heparan proteoglycans and
      transmembrane cell surface receptors (FGFR). The interaction of FGF with heparan
      sulfate (HS) is known to induce protein oligomerization, increase the affinity of
      FGF towards its receptor FGFR, promoting the formation of the HS-FGF-FGFR
      signaling complex. Although the role of HS in the signaling pathways is well
      recognized, the details of FGF oligomerization and formation of the ternary
      signaling complex are still not clear, with several conflicting models proposed
      in literature. Here, we examine the effect of size and sulfation pattern of HS
      upon FGF1 oligomerization, binding stoichiometry and conformational stability,
      through a combination of ion mobility (IM) and theoretical modeling approaches.
      Ion mobility-mass spectrometry (IMMS) of FGF1 in the presence of several HS
      fragments ranging from tetrasaccharide (dp4) to dodecasaccharide (dp12) in length
      was performed. A comparison of the binding stoichiometry of variably sulfated dp4
      HS to FGF1 confirmed the significance of the previously known high-affinity
      binding motif in FGF1 dimerization, and demonstrated that certain tetrasaccharide
      length fragments are also capable of inducing dimerization of FGF1. The degree of
      oligomerization was found to increase in the presence of dp12 HS, and a general
      lack of specificity for longer HS was observed. Additionally, collision cross
      sections (CCSs) of several FGF1-HS complexes were calculated, and were found to
      be in close agreement with experimental results. Based on the (CCSs) a number of
      plausible binding modes of 2:1 and 3:1 FGF1-HS are proposed. Graphical Abstract
      ?.

PMID- 27663558
TI  - Stroke prevention by endovascular treatment of carotid and vertebral artery
      dissections.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Endovascular intervention for cervical carotid artery dissection
      (CAD) and vertebral artery dissection (VAD) may be indicated in specific
      circumstances. OBJECTIVE: To review our institutional experience with
      endovascular treatment of cervical dissections over the past 20 years to examine
      indications for treatment, interventional methods, and outcomes. METHODS:
      Retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database to identify patients
      with extracranial dissection who underwent endovascular intervention between
      January 1996 and January 2016. Demographic data and details of procedures,
      outcomes, and complications were extracted. RESULTS: Of 116 patients [93 CAD, 23
      VAD; mean age 44.9 years (range 5-76 years)], 104 underwent stent placement; 11,
      coil occlusion of the parent artery; and 1, stenting with contralateral vessel
      occlusion. The cohorts were well matched for age, sex, dissection etiology, and
      admission and follow-up modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores. Patients with CAD had
      significantly more stent placements (p<0.001), failure of medical therapy
      (p=0.004), and interventions for enlarging pseudoaneurysms (p=0.01) or
      thromboembolic events (p=0.004). Patients with VAD had significantly more
      interventions for traumatic occlusion with recanalization (p<0.001). Dissections
      were spontaneous (n=67), traumatic (n=36), or iatrogenic (n=13). Traumatic
      dissections in patients with CAD were associated with poor admission mRS scores
      (p=0.01). Six of 67 (9.0%) patients with spontaneous dissection reported recent
      chiropractic manipulation. Mean follow-up was 3.5 years (range 1-146 months).
      Permanent morbidity/mortality was 3.4%, including two deaths. Over a follow-up
      period of 364 patient-years, 1 stroke occurred (0.27% per year). At last follow
      up, 41 previously disabled patients [CAD, 31/93 (33.3%); VAD, 10/23 (43.5%)] were
      no longer disabled; no patient reported worsened disability. CONCLUSIONS:
      Patients with CAD and VAD differ significantly in presentation, indications for
      treatment, and treatment methods. Endovascular treatment of CAD and VAD has low
      procedural morbidity and is associated with a low incidence of future stroke.

PMID- 27663559
TI  - CT angiography-based collateral flow and time to reperfusion are strong
      predictors of outcome in endovascular treatment of patients with stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Collateral flow (CF) is an effective predictor of outcome in acute
      ischemic stroke (AIS) with potential to sustain the ischemic penumbra. However,
      the clinical prognostic value of CF in patients with AIS undergoing mechanical
      thrombectomy has not been clearly established. We evaluated the relationship of
      CF with clinical outcomes in patients with large artery anterior circulation AIS
      treated with mechanical thrombectomy. METHODS: Baseline collaterals of patients
      with AIS (n=135) undergoing mechanical thrombectomy were independently evaluated
      by CT angiography (CTA) and conventional angiography and dichotomized into poor
      and good CF. Multivariable analyses were performed to evaluate the predictive
      effect of CF on outcome and the effect of time to reperfusion on outcome based on
      adequacy of the collaterals. RESULTS: Evaluation of CF was consistent by both CTA
      and conventional angiography (p<0.0001). A higher rate of patients with good
      collaterals had good functional outcome at 3-month follow-up compared with those
      with poor collaterals (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0-2: 60% vs 10%, p=0.0001).
      Patients with poor collaterals had a significantly higher mortality rate (mRS 6:
      45% vs 8%, p=0.0001). Multivariable analyses showed that CF was the strongest
      predictor of outcome. Time to reperfusion had a clear effect on favorable outcome
      (mRS <=2) in patients with good collaterals; in patients with poor collaterals
      this effect was only seen when mRS <=3 was considered an acceptable outcome.
      CONCLUSIONS: CTA is a valid tool for assessing the ability of CF to predict
      clinical outcome in patients with AIS treated with mechanical thrombectomy.
      Limiting time to reperfusion is of definite value in patients with good
      collaterals and also to some extent in those with poor collaterals.

PMID- 27663560
TI  - The effect of pathologic venous valve on neighboring valves: fluid-structure
      interactions modeling.
AB  - Understanding the hemodynamics surrounding the venous valve environment is of a
      great importance for prosthetic valves design. The present study aims to evaluate
      the effect of leaflets' stiffening process on the venous valve hemodynamics,
      valve's failure on the next proximal valve hemodynamics and valve's failure in a
      secondary daughter vein on the healthy valve hemodynamics in the main vein when
      both of these valves are distal to a venous junction. Fully coupled, two-way
      fluid-structure interaction computational models were developed and employed. The
      sinus pocket region experiences the lowest fluid shear stress, and the base
      region of the sinus side of the leaflet experiences the highest tissue stress.
      The leaflets' stiffening increases the tissue stress the valve is experiencing in
      a very low fluid shear region. A similar effect occurs with the proximal healthy
      valve as a consequence of the distal valve's failure and with the mother vein
      valve as a consequence of daughter vein valve's failure. Understanding the
      described mechanisms may be helpful for elucidating the venous valve stiffness
      function relationship in nature, the reasons for a retrograde development of
      reflux and the relationship between venous valves located near venous junctions,
      and for designing better prosthetic valves and for improving their positioning.

PMID- 27663561
TI  - Pharmacists' guide to the management of organ donors after brain death.
AB  - PURPOSE: This article reviews organ donor pathophysiology as it relates to
      medication use with the goal of maximizing the successful procurement and
      transplantation of donor organs. SUMMARY: The number of patients requiring organ
      transplantation continues to grow, yet organ donation rates remain flat, making
      it critical to appropriately manage each organ donor in order to ensure viability
      of all transplantable organs. The care given to one organ donor is tantamount to
      the care of several transplant recipients. Aggressive donor management ensures
      that the largest number of organs can be successfully procured and improves the
      organs' overall quality. Hospital pharmacists are responsible for processing
      orders and preparing the medications outlined in donor management algorithms
      developed by their respective medical systems. It is important that pharmacists
      understand the details of the medications used in these protocols in order to
      critically evaluate each medication order and appropriately manage the donor.
      Typical medications used in organ donors after brain death include medications
      for blood pressure management and fluid resuscitation, medications necessary for
      electrolyte management, blood products, vasopressors, hormone replacement
      therapy, antiinfectives, anticoagulants, paralytics, and organ preservation
      solutions. CONCLUSION: It is essential to provide optimal pharmacotherapy for
      each organ donor to ensure organ recovery and donation. Typical medications used
      in organ donors include agents for blood pressure management and fluid
      resuscitation, medications necessary for electrolyte management, blood products,
      vasopressors, hormone replacement therapy, antiinfectives, anticoagulants,
      paralytics, and organ preservation solutions.

PMID- 27663562
TI  - Expanding care through a layered learning practice model.
AB  - PURPOSE: The outcomes of a patient-centered layered learning practice model
      (LLPM) in which the clinical specialist acted as the attending pharmacist and
      managed a pharmacy team to provide direct patient care were evaluated. METHODS:
      Two 30-day evaluations were conducted on the acute care malignant hematology and
      medical oncology services of the University of North Carolina Medical Center in
      2011. The primary objective of this study was to design an LLPM that used a team
      to expand the pharmacist care services offered. The primary outcome was the
      frequency of pharmacy team encounters at discharge (medication reconciliation and
      counseling), termed the discharge capture rate. RESULTS: During the study months,
      42 and 78 malignant hematology and medical oncology patients were eligible for
      study inclusion, respectively. The overall discharge capture rate was 51%. Sixty
      one patients received discharge medication reconciliation services during patient
      counseling. Patients included in the malignant hematology group received a mean
      of 11 prescriptions at discharge, compared with 9.83 in the medical oncology
      group. Means of 1.26 and 2.1 medication-related problems per patient were
      identified in the malignant hematology and medical oncology studies,
      respectively, during discharge medication reconciliation. The overall mean face
      time spent per patient was 21.3 minutes. CONCLUSION: Patients in malignant
      hematology and medical oncology services were counseled and provided discharge
      medication reconciliation by a pharmacy student or resident whose activities were
      managed and reviewed by an attending pharmacist using an LLPM, resulting in an
      improvement in all clinical outcomes and measures.

PMID- 27663563
TI  - Expression and purification of tau protein and its frontotemporal dementia
      variants using a cleavable histidine tag.
AB  - Recombinant tau protein is widely used to study the biochemical, cellular and
      pathological aspects of tauopathies, including Alzheimer's disease and
      frontotemporal dementia with Parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17 (FTPD-17). Pure
      tau in high yield is a requirement for in vitro evaluation of the protein's
      physiological and toxic functions. However, the preparation of recombinant tau is
      complicated by the protein's propensity to aggregate and form truncation
      products, necessitating the use of multiple, time-consuming purification methods.
      In this study, we investigated parameters that influence the expression of wild
      type and FTPD-17 pathogenic tau, in an attempt to identify ways to maximise
      expression yield. Here, we report on the influence of the choice of host strain,
      induction temperature, duration of induction, and media supplementation with
      glucose on tau expression in Escherichia coli. We also describe a straightforward
      process to purify the expressed tau proteins using immobilised metal affinity
      chromatography, with favourable yields over previous reports. An advantage of the
      described method is that it enables high yield production of functional
      oligomeric and monomeric tau, both of which can be used to study the biochemical,
      physiological and toxic properties of the protein.

PMID- 27663565
TI  - Initial Treatment of Unresectable Neuroendocrine Tumor Liver Metastases with
      Transarterial Chemoembolization using Streptozotocin: A 20-Year Experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The majority of patients with neuroendocrine tumor liver metastases
      (NELM) present with multifocal disease and are not surgical candidates. We
      present our 20-year experience with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) using
      streptozotocin (STZ) in patients with initially unresectable NELM. METHODS:
      Patients with unresectable NELM treated with TACE using STZ at a single
      institution from 1995 to 2015 were identified after institutional board approval.
      Imaging was independently reviewed by a radiologist to evaluate for RECIST 1.1
      responses. RESULTS: Ninety-one patients with NELM who underwent 474 TACE
      treatments during the past 20 years were identified. Median age was 62 years, and
      54 % of the patients were females. Median number of TACE treatments per patient
      was four (range 1-22). TACE treatment with STZ was very well tolerated with 10.3
      % of treatments being associated with side effects, predominantly transient,
      including hyper/hypotension, bradycardia, or postembolization syndrome. Median
      overall survival from the start of TACE was 44 months (5-year OS from TACE 40.8 %
      and 5-year PFS 20.3 %), and 54 % of the patients who had carcinoid syndrome
      reported improved symptoms after TACE treatments. Age, grade, liver tumor burden,
      and ability to undergo multiple TACE treatments were independent predictors of
      overall survival in multivariable analysis. Chromogranin A levels >115 ng/ml were
      associated with worse overall survival (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with
      unresectable NELM, TACE with STZ is well tolerated with minimal toxicity and can
      lead to diminished carcinoid syndrome and long-term survival. This is a novel,
      conservative approach for the initial treatment of unresectable NELM.

PMID- 27663564
TI  - How Did We Obtain Complete Remission in Patients Who Had Metastatic Renal Cancer
      in the Era of Targeted Therapies?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The management of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) has been
      transformed by the use of targeted therapies, ablative therapies and improved
      surgical techniques. The objective of this study was to identify therapeutic
      strategies that resulted in complete remission (CR) and to assess survival of
      patients in CR. METHODS: In a prospective database, we included all patients
      treated for mRCC at a university hospital between 2007 and 2015. CR was defined
      as the absence of metastasis after a full-body computed tomographic scan.
      RESULTS: We treated 77 patients with mRCC and experienced a CR in 22 (29 %)
      patients. Patients in CR had, respectively, synchronous and metachronous
      metastases in 7 (32 %) and 15 (68 %) cases and unique and multiple metastases in
      4 (18 %) and 18 (82 %) cases. All patients were treated with cytoreductive
      nephrectomy and 21 (96 %) had metastasectomy or percutaneous ablation of their
      metastases. One patient had a CR after systemic treatment with sunitinib. After a
      median (range) follow-up since metastatic diagnosis of 35 (1-89) months, 12
      patients (55 %) had disease recurrence. The median (range) duration of CR before
      recurrence was 14 (1-39) months. After recurrence, a new CR was obtained in 7
      patients (58 %). At the end of follow-up, 16 patients (73 %) were still in CR, 5
      (23 %) were undergoing medical treatment, and 1 patient died during the
      postoperative course. CONCLUSIONS: In the era of targeted-therapies, CRs were
      obtained with multimodal treatment of metastatic kidney cancer. All patients in
      CR had a nephrectomy and almost all of them had multiple metastasectomies.

PMID- 27663566
TI  - Sentinel Lymph Node Genes to Predict Prognosis in Node-Positive Melanoma
      Patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: Melanoma patients with a single microscopically-positive sentinel lymph
      node (SLN) are classified as stage III and are often advised to undergo expensive
      and substantially toxic adjuvant therapy. However, the 5-year survival rate for
      these patients, with or without adjuvant therapy, varies from 14 to 85 %,
      representing a heterogeneous biological population with a variable prognosis. We
      aimed to identify an SLN gene signature to aid in risk stratification of patients
      with tumor-positive SLNs. METHODS: Microarray experiments were performed to
      screen SLN genes in recurrence (N = 39) versus non-recurrence (N = 58) groups in
      the training dataset. Quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain
      reaction (RT-PCR) assay was applied to confirm the expression of selected SLN
      genes, which were further verified using an independent validation cohort (N =
      30). Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was calculated
      to evaluate prognostic accuracy of the selected SLN gene panel, and the
      prognostic value of our SLN gene signature was also compared with the current
      American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system. RESULTS: We identified
      two SLN genes (PIGR and TFAP2A) that provided high prognostic accuracy in SLN
      positive melanoma patients (AUC = 0.864). These two SLN genes, along with
      clinicopathological features, can differentiate the high- and low-risk groups in
      node-positive melanoma patients in this cohort. CONCLUSION: The two SLN genes,
      when combined with clinicopathological features, may offer a new tool for
      personalized patient risk assessment.

PMID- 27663568
TI  - Trends in Neoadjuvant Endocrine Therapy Use and Impact on Rates of Breast
      Conservation in Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer: A National Cancer Data
      Base Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The American College of Surgeons Oncology Group Z1031 trial
      demonstrated that neoadjuvant endocrine therapy (NET) increased breast-conserving
      surgery (BCS) rates for postmenopausal patients with clinical tumor stage 2-4c
      estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. We evaluated national trends in NET use
      in relation to the conduct of the Z1031 trial and the impact of NET on the rates
      of BCS. METHODS: Using the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB), we identified all
      cT2-4c hormone receptor (HR)-positive breast cancer patients age >=50 years from
      2004 to 2012. The time intervals of pre-Z1031 (2004-2006), during Z1031 (2007
      2009), and post-Z1031 (2010-2012) were examined, and adjusted analyses were
      performed using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 77,272 patients,
      2294 (3.0 %) received NET. Clinical T-stage distribution was 66,885 (86.6 %) for
      cT2, 7318 (9.5 %) for cT3, and 3069 (4.0 %) for cT4a-c. A small but statistically
      significant increase in NET use was noted, from 2.7 % pre-Z1031 to 3.2 % post
      Z1031; the adjusted odds ratio (OR) for NET was 1.28 [95 % confidence interval
      (CI) 1.13-1.45; p < 0.001] for post-Z1031 versus pre-Z1031. NET use varied by
      clinical T stage, increasing from 1.8 % pre-Z1031 to 2.4 % post-Z1031 in cT2
      patients (p < 0.001) and from 6.3 % pre-Z1031 to 7.4 % post-Z1031 in cT3 patients
      (p = 0.02). Patients receiving NET were more likely to undergo BCS compared with
      patients undergoing primary surgery (46.4 vs. 43.9 %; p = 0.02) with an adjusted
      OR of 1.60 (95 % CI 1.46-1.75; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: NET use has increased
      slowly since the Z1031 trial; however, overall use remains low. NET significantly
      increased the rates of BCS in patients with HR-positive clinical T2-4c breast
      cancer. Clinicians should consider NET use for patients with HR-positive breast
      cancer interested in BCS.

PMID- 27663567
TI  - Poor Prognosis After Second Locoregional Recurrences in the CALOR Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Isolated locoregional recurrences (ILRRs) of breast cancer confer a
      significant risk for the development of distant metastasis. Management practices
      and second ILRR events in the Chemotherapy as Adjuvant for LOcally Recurrent
      breast cancer (CALOR) trial were investigated. METHODS: In this study, 162
      patients with ILRR were randomly assigned to receive postoperative chemotherapy
      or no chemotherapy. Descriptive statistics characterize outcomes according to
      local therapy and the influence of hormone receptor status on subsequent
      recurrences. Competing risk regression models, Kaplan-Meier estimates, and Cox
      proportional hazards models were used to evaluate associations between treatment,
      site of second recurrence, and outcome. RESULTS: The median follow-up period was
      4.9 years. Of the 98 patients who received breast-conserving primary surgery 89
      had an ipsilateral-breast tumor recurrence. Salvage mastectomy was performed for
      73 patients and repeat lumpectomy for 16 patients. Another eight patients had
      nodal ILRR, and one patient had chest wall ILRR. Among 64 patients whose primary
      surgery was mastectomy, 52 had chest wall/skin ILRR, and 12 had nodal ILRR. For
      15 patients, a second ILRR developed a median of 1.6 years (range 0.08-4.8 years)
      after ILRR. All second ILRRs occurred for patients with progesterone receptor
      negative ILRR. Death occurred for 7 (47 %) of 15 patients with a second ILRR and
      19 (51 %) of 37 patients with a distant recurrence. As shown in the multivariable
      analysis, the significant predictors of survival after either a second ILRR or
      distant recurrence were chemotherapy for the primary cancer (hazard ratio [HR],
      3.55; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 1.15-10.9; p = 0.03) and the interval
      (continuous) from the primary surgery (HR, 0.87; 95 % CI, 0.75-1.00; p = 0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: Second ILRRs represented about one third of all recurrence events
      after ILRR, and all were PR-negative. These second ILRRs and distant metastases
      portend an unfavorable outcome.

PMID- 27663569
TI  - Loss of Anti-HER-3 CD4+ T-Helper Type 1 Immunity Occurs in Breast Tumorigenesis
      and is Negatively Associated with Outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We previously demonstrated a progressive loss of the anti-human
      epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) CD4+ T-helper type 1 (Th1) response
      during HER2pos breast tumorigenesis. This loss is associated with residual
      disease following neoadjuvant therapy and increased risk of recurrence. In this
      study, we assessed the fate of anti-HER3 Th1 immunity during breast
      tumorigenesis. METHODS: Peripheral blood from 131 subjects, including healthy
      donors (HDs), patients with benign breast disease (BD), ductal carcinoma in situ
      (DCIS) and invasive breast cancer (IBC), was collected. Interferon (IFN)-gammapos
      immune responses to four HER3-derived major histocompatibility complex (MHC)
      class II promiscuous peptides were tested via enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      (ELISPOT) assays, and three immune response parameters were compared: anti-HER3
      (i) responsivity, or proportion of subjects responding to at least one peptide;
      (ii) repertoire, or number of responding peptides; and (iii) cumulative response,
      or summed peptide response. RESULTS: A significant decline in anti-HER3 Th1
      response was observed going from HDs to IBC patients; patients with triple
      negative breast cancer (TNBC) demonstrated the lowest responses. HDs had
      significantly higher Th1 responses versus estrogen receptor (ER)pos IBC and TNBC
      patients across all three immune parameters; HER2pos IBC patients displayed
      responses similar to HDs and BDs. Patients with recurrent breast cancer and
      residual disease following neoadjuvant therapy demonstrated significantly lower
      anti-HER3 Th1 immunity compared with patients without recurrence or with a
      pathologic complete response to neoadjuvant therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Anti-HER3 CD4+
      Th1 responses decline during breast tumorigenesis, particularly in TNBC. Attempts
      to immunologically restore depressed responses in vulnerable subgroups may help
      mitigate recurrence.

PMID- 27663570
TI  - Professional Use of Social Media by Pharmacists: A Qualitative Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Social media is frequently used by consumers and health care
      professionals; however, our knowledge about its use in a professional capacity by
      pharmacists is limited. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to investigate the professional
      use of social media by pharmacists. METHODS: In-depth semistructured interviews
      were conducted with practicing pharmacists (N=31) from nine countries. Interviews
      were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analyzed. RESULTS:
      Wikipedia, YouTube, and Facebook were the main social media platforms used.
      Professional use of social media included networking with peers, discussion of
      health and professional topics, accessing and sharing health and professional
      information, job searching, and professional promotion. Wikipedia was the
      participants' first choice when seeking information about unfamiliar topics, or
      topics that were difficult to search for. Very few pharmacy-related contributions
      to Wikipedia were reported. YouTube, a video-sharing platform, was used for self
      education. University lectures, "how-to" footage, and professionally made videos
      were commonly watched. No professional contribution was made to YouTube.
      Facebook, a general social networking site, was used for professional networking,
      promotion of achievements, and job advertisements. It also afforded engagement in
      professional discussions and information sharing among peers. CONCLUSIONS:
      Participants used social media in a professional capacity, specifically for
      accessing and sharing health and professional information among peers.
      Pharmacists, as medicines experts, should take a leading role in contributing to
      health information dissemination in these user-friendly virtual environments, to
      reach not only other health care professionals but also health consumers.

PMID- 27663571
TI  - Imaging of the thoracic and lumbar spine in a high volume level 1 trauma center:
      are reformatted images of the spine essential for screening in blunt trauma?
AB  - Reformatted CTs of the thoracic and lumbar spine (CT T/L) from CTs of the chest,
      abdomen, and pelvis (CT body) may be performed for screening the thoracolumbar
      spine in patients sustaining blunt trauma. The purpose of this study was to
      determine whether there was a difference in the rate of detection of spinal
      fractures on CTs of the body compared to the reformatted T/L spine. A secondary
      endpoint was to evaluate whether cases dictated by trainees improved fracture
      detection rate. We reviewed the records of 250 consecutive blunt trauma patients
      that received CTs of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis (CT body) with concurrent CT
      T/L reformats. Each report was reviewed to determine if there was a thoracolumbar
      fracture and whether a trainee had been involved in interpreting the CT body. If
      a fracture was identified on either report, then the number, type, and location
      of each fracture was documented. Sixty-nine fractures, from a total of 38
      patients, were identified on either the CT of the body or the CT T/L. Sensitivity
      for CT body interpretations was 94 % (95 % CI: 86-98 %) compared to a 97 % (95 %
      CI: 89-100 %) sensitivity for the CT T/L (p > 0.5). Although the sensitivity was
      97 % (95 % CI: 88-100 %) when a trainee was involved in interpreting the body CT,
      there was no statistically significant improvement. The results suggest that with
      careful scrutiny most spine fractures can be diagnosed on body CT images without
      the addition of spine reformats. The most commonly missed finding is an isolated
      non-displaced transverse process fracture, which does not require surgical
      intervention and does not alter clinical management. The results suggest that
      thin section reformats do not need to be routinely ordered in screening blunt
      trauma patients, unless a bony abnormality is identified on the thicker section
      body CT images.

PMID- 27663573
TI  - High-flow nasal cannula therapy and apnea time in laryngeal surgery.
AB  - In small children, high-flow nasal cannula therapy may prolong apnea time even
      when an inspiratory oxygen fraction below 100% is used. This will be beneficial
      in prolonged intubation attempts, but especially during procedures requiring
      prolonged apnea time, leading to fewer airway manipulations and markedly enhanced
      surgical conditions.

PMID- 27663572
TI  - Cost Effectiveness of Naloxegol for Opioid-Induced Constipation in the UK.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is the most common
      adverse effect reported in patients receiving opioids to manage pain. Initial
      treatment with laxatives provides inadequate response in some patients. Naloxegol
      is a peripherally acting u-opioid receptor antagonist used to treat patients with
      inadequate response to laxative(s) (laxative inadequate responder [LIR]). A cost
      effectiveness model was constructed from the UK payer perspective to compare oral
      naloxegol 25 mg with placebo in non-cancer LIR patients receiving opioids for
      chronic pain, and a scenario analysis of naloxegol 25 mg with rescue laxatives
      compared with placebo with rescue laxatives in the same patient population.
      METHODS: The model comprised a decision tree for the first 4 weeks of treatment,
      followed by a Markov model with a 4-week cycle length and the following states:
      'OIC', 'non-OIC (on treatment)', 'non-OIC (untreated)' and 'death'. Two phase III
      trials with a follow-up period of 12 weeks provided data on treatment efficacy,
      transition probabilities, adverse event frequency and patient utility. Resource
      utilisation data were sourced from a UK-based burden of illness study and
      physician surveys. A UK National Health Service and Personal Social Service
      perspective was adopted; costs and health-related quality of life gains were
      discounted at a rate of 3.5 %. The model was run over a time horizon of 5 years,
      reflecting the average period of opioid use. RESULTS: Naloxegol has an
      incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of L10,849 per quality-adjusted life-year
      gained versus placebo, and L11,179 when rescue laxatives are made available in
      both arms (2014 values). Model outcomes were only sensitive to variations in
      utility inputs. However, the probabilistic sensitivity analyses indicate that
      naloxegol has a 91 % probability of being cost effective at a L20,000 threshold
      when compared with placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Naloxegol is likely a cost-effective
      treatment option for LIR patients with OIC. This assessment should be supported
      by further work on the utility of patients with OIC, including how utility varies
      with more granular measures of OIC.

PMID- 27663574
TI  - Individual in Context: The Role of Impulse Control on the Association between the
      Home, School, and Neighborhood Developmental Contexts and Adolescent Delinquency.
AB  - Social ecological theories and decades of supporting research suggest that
      contexts exert a powerful influence on adolescent delinquency. Individual traits,
      such as impulse control, also pose a developmental disadvantage to adolescents
      through increasing risk of delinquency. However, such individual differences may
      also predispose some youth to struggle more in adverse environments, but also to
      excel in enriched environments. Despite the prominence of impulse control in both
      developmental and criminological literatures, researchers are only beginning to
      consider impulse control as an individual characteristic that may affect
      developmental outcomes in response to environmental input. Using a racially
      diverse (Latino 46 %; Black 37 %; White 15 %; other race 2 %) sample of 1,216
      first-time, male, juvenile offenders from the longitudinal Crossroads Study, this
      study examined key interactions between baseline impulse control and the home,
      school, and neighborhood contexts in relation to delinquency within the following
      6 months. The results indicated that even after accounting for prior delinquency,
      youth in more negative home, school, and neighborhood contexts engaged in the
      same amount of delinquency in the following 6 months regardless of their level of
      impulse control. However, the effects of positive home, school, and neighborhood
      contexts on delinquency were stronger for youth with moderate or high impulse
      control and minimally affected youth with low impulse control. The findings
      suggest two risk factors for delinquency: low impulse control as a dispositional
      vulnerability that operates independently of developmental context, and a second
      that results from a contextual vulnerability.

PMID- 27663576
TI  - Racial/Ethnic Differences in Perceptions of School Climate and Its Association
      with Student Engagement and Peer Aggression.
AB  - Research indicates that a positive school climate is associated with higher
      levels of student engagement and lower rates of peer aggression. However, less
      attention has been given to whether such findings are consistent across
      racial/ethnic groups. The current study examined whether Black, Hispanic, and
      White high school students differed in their perceptions of school climate,
      student engagement, and peer aggression as measured by the Authoritative School
      Climate survey. In addition, the study tested whether the associations between
      school climate and both student engagement and peer aggression varied as a
      function of racial/ethnic group. The sample consisted of 48,027 students in
      grades 9-12 (51.4 % female; 17.9 % Black, 10.5 % Hispanic, 56.7 % White, and 14.9
      % other) attending 323 high schools. Regression models that contrasted
      racial/ethnic groups controlled for the nesting of students within schools and
      used student covariates of parent education, student gender, and percentage of
      schoolmates sharing the same race/ethnicity, as well as school covariates of
      school size and school percentage of students eligible for free- or reduced-price
      meals. Perceptions of school climate differed between Black and White groups, but
      not between Hispanic and White groups. However, race/ethnicity did not moderate
      the associations between school climate and either engagement or peer aggression.
      Although correlational and cross-sectional in nature, these results are
      consistent with the conclusion that a positive school climate holds similar
      benefits of promoting student engagement and reducing victimization experiences
      across Black, Hispanic, and White groups.

PMID- 27663575
TI  - Reciprocal Relationships between Teacher Ratings of Internalizing and
      Externalizing Behaviors in Adolescents with Different Levels of Cognitive
      Abilities.
AB  - Are internalizing and externalizing behavior problems interrelated via mutually
      reinforcing relationships (with each behavior leading to increases over time in
      levels of the other behavior) or mutually suppressing relationships (with each
      behavior leading to decreases over time in levels of the other behavior)? Past
      research on the directionality of these relationships has led to ambiguous
      results, particularly in adolescence. Furthermore, the extent to which prior
      results will generalize to adolescents with low levels of cognitive abilities
      remains unknown. This second limit is particularly important, given that these
      adolescents are known to present higher levels of externalizing and internalizing
      behaviors than their peers with average-to-high levels of cognitive abilities,
      and that the mechanisms involved in the reciprocal relationships between these
      two types of behaviors may differ across both populations. This study examines
      the directionality of the longitudinal relationships between externalizing and
      internalizing behavior problems as rated by teachers across three measurement
      waves (corresponding to Grades 8-10) in matched samples of 138 adolescents (34.78
      % girls) with low levels of cognitive abilities and 556 adolescents (44.88 %
      girls) with average-to-high levels of cognitive abilities. The results showed
      that the measurement structure was fully equivalent across time periods and
      groups of adolescents, revealing high levels of developmental stability in both
      types of problems, and moderately high levels of cross-sectional associations.
      Levels of both internalizing and externalizing behaviors were higher among
      adolescents with low levels of cognitive abilities relative to those with average
      to-high levels of cognitive abilities. Finally, the predictive analyses revealed
      negative reciprocal longitudinal relationships (i.e., mutually suppressing
      relationships) between externalizing and internalizing problems, a result that
      was replicated within samples of adolescents with low, and average-to-high levels
      of cognitive ability.

PMID- 27663577
TI  - A Call for a Science of Engagement: Comment on Rus and Cameron.

PMID- 27663579
TI  - Relationship between xerostomia and psychotropic drugs in patients with
      schizophrenia: evaluation using an oral moisture meter.
AB  - WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Patients with schizophrenia are most commonly
      treated with antipsychotic medications, often with the addition of anxiolytics.
      This study used an oral moisture meter to evaluate xerostomia in patients with
      schizophrenia taking typical and atypical antipsychotics, anxiolytics and non
      psychotropic medications. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with schizophrenia
      according to ICD-10 criteria in the Department of Psychiatry, Kitasato University
      East, and affiliated hospitals were studied. All patients were on psychotropic
      medications. Patients with diseases associated with xerostomia, such as Sjogren's
      syndrome I, were excluded. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: A total of 127 patients were
      enrolled. Mean oral moisture was 27.81 +/- 2.27% (normal, >=30.0%). A significant
      association was observed between objective oral moisture and the subjective sense
      of dry mouth. Multivariate analysis revealed a negative correlation between the
      number of antipsychotics and, especially, anxiolytics, and the degree of oral
      moisture. Drug dosages themselves were not significantly correlated with dry
      mouth. These findings suggest that objective oral moisture measurements show
      decreased moisture in patients on these medications and that the degree of
      moisture shows a greater negative correlation with the number, as opposed to the
      dosages, of psychotropic drugs administered. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSIONS: When
      patients with schizophrenia visit a dental clinic, it is important for the
      dentist to accurately assess the degree of oral moisture and to determine the
      medications being taken. Based on these findings of the association of
      polypharmacy with xerostomia, dentists are encouraged to inform the psychiatrist
      of the need to actively manage patients' xerostomia.

PMID- 27663578
TI  - Just-in-Time Adaptive Interventions (JITAIs) in Mobile Health: Key Components and
      Design Principles for Ongoing Health Behavior Support.
AB  - Background: The just-in-time adaptive intervention (JITAI) is an intervention
      design aiming to provide the right type/amount of support, at the right time, by
      adapting to an individual's changing internal and contextual state. The
      availability of increasingly powerful mobile and sensing technologies underpins
      the use of JITAIs to support health behavior, as in such a setting an
      individual's state can change rapidly, unexpectedly, and in his/her natural
      environment. Purpose: Despite the increasing use and appeal of JITAIs, a major
      gap exists between the growing technological capabilities for delivering JITAIs
      and research on the development and evaluation of these interventions. Many
      JITAIs have been developed with minimal use of empirical evidence, theory, or
      accepted treatment guidelines. Here, we take an essential first step towards
      bridging this gap. Methods: Building on health behavior theories and the extant
      literature on JITAIs, we clarify the scientific motivation for JITAIs, define
      their fundamental components, and highlight design principles related to these
      components. Examples of JITAIs from various domains of health behavior research
      are used for illustration. Conclusions: As we enter a new era of technological
      capacity for delivering JITAIs, it is critical that researchers develop
      sophisticated and nuanced health behavior theories capable of guiding the
      construction of such interventions. Particular attention has to be given to
      better understanding the implications of providing timely and ecologically sound
      support for intervention adherence and retention.

PMID- 27663580
TI  - What's new in surgical treatment of infective endocarditis?

PMID- 27663581
TI  - Erratum to: Visit to intensive care of 2050.

PMID- 27663582
TI  - Amelioration of salvianolic acid C on aortic structure in apolipoprotein E
      deficient mice treated with angiotension II.
AB  - AIMS: Aortic aneurysm is a disastrous vascular disease with high morbidity and
      mortality. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), especially MMP-9, is implicated in
      the development of aortic aneurysm, but the effective MMP inhibitors are far from
      development. To develop new candidate compound for aortic aneurysm therapy, we
      evaluated the effects of salvianolic acid C (SalC) against the formation of
      aortic aneurysm. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Aortic aneurysm was induced by
      implantation of angiotension II (AngII) minipump in apolipoprotein E-deficient
      (ApoE-/-) mice. MMPs activity was evaluated by enzyme kinetic analysis in vitro
      and in-gel gelatin zymography in vivo. The formation of aortic aneurysm was
      confirmed based on aortic maximum diameter. Hematoxylin and eosin stain was used
      to evaluate aortic structure, picrosirius red stain was for collagen deposition,
      and orcein stain was for elastin fragmentation. Macrophage infiltration was
      detected by CD68 immunohistochemistry. KEY FINDINGS: Firstly, SalC showed
      significant inhibition on the activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Aortic aneurysm was
      defined as >50% increase in maximum diameter of aorta, and the down-regulated
      tendency of 20mg/kg SalC against formation of aortic aneurysm was detected. Also,
      22.2% rupture was detected in ApoE-/- mice, while no rupture of aortic aneurysm
      was found with 20mg/kg SalC treatment. Then, SalC was detected to maintain the
      integrity of aortic structure and protect elastin against fragmentation. Finally,
      SalC considerably inhibited infiltration of macrophage in the injury site of
      aorta. SIGNIFICANCE: SalC significantly ameliorated the progression of aortic
      aneurysm in ApoE-/- mice, and held great potential for aortic aneurysm therapy.

PMID- 27663584
TI  - Recognizing the elbow prosthesis on conventional radiographs.
AB  - The objective of this study was to make an overview that can be useful in
      determining which type and brand of prosthesis a patient has when visiting the
      emergency department or outpatient clinic with a periprosthetic fracture,
      dislocation, or implant failure. The commonly used prostheses in Europe are opted
      for this list. The radiographs used for this list are obtained either from the
      company or from our own patients. This list contains the Coonrad/Morrey total
      elbow prosthesis, the Nexel total elbow prosthesis, the GSB III Elbow Prosthesis,
      the iBP Total Elbow System, the Discovery Elbow System, the NESimplavit Elbow
      System, the Latitude Elbow prosthesis, the Solar Elbow, and the Souter
      Strathclyde total elbow. The characteristics of each prosthesis are described.

PMID- 27663583
TI  - Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Induces Cell Survival and the Migration of
      Murine Adult Hippocampal Precursor Cells During Differentiation In Vitro.
AB  - The generation of new neurons during adulthood involves local precursor cell
      migration and terminal differentiation in the dentate gyrus. These events are
      influenced by the hippocampal microenvironment. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor
      (BDNF) is relevant for hippocampal neuronal development and behavior.
      Interestingly, studies that have been performed in controlled in vitro systems
      that involve isolated precursor cells that were derived from the dentate gyrus
      (AHPCs) have shown that BDNF induces the activation of the TrkB receptor and,
      consequentially, might activate signaling pathways that favor survival and
      neuronal differentiation. Based on the fact that the cellular events of AHPCs
      that are induced by single factors can be studied in this controlled in vitro
      system, we investigated the ability of BDNF and the involvement of protein kinase
      C (PKC), as one of the TrkB-downstream activated signaling proteins, in the
      regulation of migration, here reflected by motility, of AHPCs. Precursor cells
      were cultured following a concentration-response curve (1-640 ng/ml) for 24 or 96
      h. We found that BDNF favored cell survival without altering the viability under
      culture proliferative conditions of the AHPCs. Concomitantly, glial- and neuronal
      differentiated precursor cells increased as a consequence of survival promoted by
      BDNF. Additionally, pharmacological approaches showed that BDNF (40 ng/ml)
      induced migration of AHPCs was blocked with the compounds K252a and GF109203x,
      which prevent the activation of TrkB and PKC, respectively. The results indicate
      that in the in vitro migration of differentiated AHPCs it is involved the BDNF
      and TrkB cascade. Our results provide additional information about the mechanism
      by which BDNF impacts adult neurogenesis in the hippocampus.

PMID- 27663585
TI  - The Change in Facial Emotion Recognition Ability in Inpatients with Treatment
      Resistant Schizophrenia After Electroconvulsive Therapy.
AB  - People with schizophrenia have impairments in emotion recognition along with
      other social cognitive deficits. In the current study, we aimed to investigate
      the immediate benefits of ECT on facial emotion recognition ability. Thirty-two
      treatment resistant patients with schizophrenia who have been indicated for ECT
      enrolled in the study. Facial emotion stimuli were a set of 56 photographs that
      depicted seven basic emotions: sadness, anger, happiness, disgust, surprise,
      fear, and neutral faces. The average age of the participants was 33.4 +/- 10.5
      years. The rate of recognizing the disgusted facial expression increased
      significantly after ECT (p < 0.05) and no significant changes were found in the
      rest of the facial expressions (p > 0.05). After the ECT, the time period of
      responding to the fear and happy facial expressions were significantly shorter (p
      < 0.05). Facial emotion recognition ability is an important social cognitive
      skill for social harmony, proper relation and living independently. At least, the
      ECT sessions do not seem to affect facial emotion recognition ability negatively
      and seem to improve identifying disgusted facial emotion which is related with
      dopamine enriched regions in brain.

PMID- 27663586
TI  - AZ1366: An Inhibitor of Tankyrase and the Canonical Wnt Pathway that Limits the
      Persistence of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells Following EGFR Inhibition.
AB  - Purpose: The emergence of EGFR inhibitors such as gefitinib, erlotinib, and
      osimertinib has provided novel treatment opportunities in EGFR-driven non-small
      cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, most patients with EGFR-driven cancers treated
      with these inhibitors eventually relapse. Recent efforts have identified the
      canonical Wnt pathway as a mechanism of protection from EGFR inhibition and that
      inhibiting tankyrase, a key player in this pathway, is a potential therapeutic
      strategy for the treatment of EGFR-driven tumors.Experimental Design: We
      performed a preclinical evaluation of tankyrase inhibitor AZ1366 in combination
      with multiple EGFR-inhibitors across NSCLC lines, characterizing its antitumor
      activity, impingement on canonical Wnt signaling, and effects on gene expression.
      We performed pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiling of AZ1366 in mice and
      evaluated its therapeutic activity in an orthotopic NSCLC model.Results: In
      combination with EGFR inhibitors, AZ1366 synergistically suppressed proliferation
      of multiple NSCLC lines and amplified global transcriptional changes brought
      about by EGFR inhibition. Its ability to work synergistically with EGFR
      inhibition coincided with its ability to modulate the canonical Wnt pathway.
      Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiling of AZ1366-treated orthotopic tumors
      demonstrated clinically relevant serum drug levels and intratumoral target
      inhibition. Finally, coadministration of an EGFR inhibitor and AZ1366 provided
      better tumor control and improved survival for Wnt-responsive lung cancers in an
      orthotopic mouse model.Conclusions: Tankyrase inhibition is a potent route of
      tumor control in EGFR-dependent NSCLC with confirmed dependence on canonical Wnt
      signaling. These data strongly support further evaluation of tankyrase inhibition
      as a cotreatment strategy with EGFR inhibition in an identifiable subset of EGFR
      driven NSCLC. Clin Cancer Res; 23(6); 1531-41. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27663587
TI  - Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres in Primary Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
      Is Associated with Aggressive Clinical Behavior and Poor Survival.
AB  - Purpose: Alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT), a telomerase-independent
      telomere maintenance mechanism, is strongly associated with ATRX and DAXX
      alterations and occurs frequently in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
      (PanNET).Experimental Design: In a Korean cohort of 269 surgically resected
      primary PanNETs and 19 sporadic microadenomas, ALT status and nuclear ATRX and
      DAXX protein expression were assessed and compared with clinicopathologic
      factors.Results: In PanNETs, ALT or loss of ATRX/DAXX nuclear expression was
      observed in 20.8% and 19.3%, respectively, whereas microadenomas were not
      altered. ALT-positive PanNETs displayed a significantly higher grade, size, and
      pT classification (all, P < 0.001). ALT also strongly correlated with
      lymphovascular (P < 0.001) and perineural invasion (P = 0.001) and the presence
      of lymph node (P < 0.001) and distant metastases (P = 0.002). Furthermore,
      patients with ALT-positive primary PanNETs had a shorter recurrence-free survival
      [HR = 3.38; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.83-6.27; P < 0.001]. Interestingly,
      when limiting to patients with distant metastases, those with ALT-positive
      primary tumors had significantly better overall survival (HR = 0.23; 95% CI, 0.08
      0.68; P = 0.008). Similarly, tumors with loss of ATRX/DAXX expression were
      significantly associated with ALT (P < 0.001), aggressive clinical behavior, and
      reduced recurrence-free survival (P < 0.001). However, similar to ALT, when
      limiting to patients with distant metastases, loss of ATRX/DAXX expression was
      associated with better overall survival (P = 0.003).Conclusions: Both primary ALT
      positive and ATRX/DAXX-negative PanNETs are independently associated with
      aggressive clinicopathologic behavior and displayed reduced recurrence-free
      survival. In contrast, ALT activation and loss of ATRX/DAXX are both associated
      with better overall survival in patients with metastases. Therefore, these
      biomarkers may be used as prognostic markers depending on the context of the
      disease. Clin Cancer Res; 23(6); 1598-606. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27663588
TI  - Radiological Image Traits Predictive of Cancer Status in Pulmonary Nodules.
AB  - Purpose: We propose a systematic methodology to quantify incidentally identified
      pulmonary nodules based on observed radiological traits (semantics) quantified on
      a point scale and a machine-learning method using these data to predict cancer
      status.Experimental Design: We investigated 172 patients who had low-dose CT
      images, with 102 and 70 patients grouped into training and validation cohorts,
      respectively. On the images, 24 radiological traits were systematically scored
      and a linear classifier was built to relate the traits to malignant status. The
      model was formed both with and without size descriptors to remove bias due to
      nodule size. The multivariate pairs formed on the training set were tested on an
      independent validation data set to evaluate their performance.Results: The best 4
      feature set that included a size measurement (set 1), was short axis, contour,
      concavity, and texture, which had an area under the receiver operator
      characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.88 (accuracy = 81%, sensitivity = 76.2%,
      specificity = 91.7%). If size measures were excluded, the four best features (set
      2) were location, fissure attachment, lobulation, and spiculation, which had an
      AUROC of 0.83 (accuracy = 73.2%, sensitivity = 73.8%, specificity = 81.7%) in
      predicting malignancy in primary nodules. The validation test AUROC was 0.8
      (accuracy = 74.3%, sensitivity = 66.7%, specificity = 75.6%) and 0.74 (accuracy =
      71.4%, sensitivity = 61.9%, specificity = 75.5%) for sets 1 and 2,
      respectively.Conclusions: Radiological image traits are useful in predicting
      malignancy in lung nodules. These semantic traits can be used in combination with
      size-based measures to enhance prediction accuracy and reduce false-positives.
      Clin Cancer Res; 23(6); 1442-9. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27663589
TI  - BIRC6 Targeting as Potential Therapy for Advanced, Enzalutamide-Resistant
      Prostate Cancer.
AB  - Purpose: Enzalutamide resistance has emerged as a major problem in the management
      of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Research on therapy resistance of
      CRPCs has primarily focused on the androgen receptor pathway. In contrast, there
      is limited information on antiapoptotic mechanisms that may facilitate the
      treatment resistance. The inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAP) family is well
      recognized for its role in promoting treatment resistance of cancers by
      inhibiting drug-induced apoptosis. Here, we examined whether BIRC6, an IAP family
      member, has a role in enzalutamide resistance of CRPCs and could provide a
      therapeutic target for enzalutamide-resistant CRPC.Experimental Design: Use of
      enzalutamide-resistant CRPC models: (i) the transplantable, first high-fidelity
      LTL-313BR patient-derived enzalutamide-resistant CRPC tissue xenograft line
      showing primary enzalutamide resistance, (ii) MR42D and MR49F CRPC
      cells/xenografts showing acquired enzalutamide resistance. Specific BIRC6
      downregulation in these models was produced using a BIRC6-targeting antisense
      oligonucleotide (ASO-6w2). Gene expression was determined by qRT-PCR and gene
      expression profiling. Molecular pathways associated with growth inhibition were
      assessed via gene enrichment analysis.Results: Of eight IAPs examined, BIRC6 was
      the only one showing elevated expression in both enzalutamide-resistant CRPC
      models. Treatment with ASO-6w2 markedly suppressed growth of LTL-313BR xenografts
      and increased tumor apoptosis without inducing major host toxicity. Pathway
      enrichment analysis indicated that GPCR and matrisome signaling were the most
      significantly altered pathways. Furthermore, ASO-6w2 inhibited expression of
      prosurvival genes that were upregulated in the LTL-313BR line.Conclusions:BIRC6
      targeting inhibited the growth of enzalutamide-resistant CRPC models and may
      represent a new option for clinical treatment of advanced, enzalutamide-resistant
      prostate cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 23(6); 1542-51. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27663590
TI  - Prognostic Utility of a New mRNA Expression Signature of Gleason Score.
AB  - PURPOSE: Gleason score strongly predicts prostate cancer mortality; however,
      scoring varies among pathologists, and many men are diagnosed with intermediate
      risk Gleason score 7. We previously developed a 157-gene signature for Gleason
      score using a limited gene panel. Using a new whole-transcriptome expression
      dataset, we verified the previous signature's performance and developed a new
      Gleason signature to improve lethal outcome prediction among men with Gleason
      score 7. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: We generated mRNA expression data from prostate
      tumor tissue from men in the Physicians' Health Study and Health Professionals
      Follow-Up Study (N = 404) using the Affymetrix Human Gene 1.0 ST microarray. The
      Prediction Analysis for Microarrays method was used to develop a signature to
      distinguish high (>=8) versus low (<=6) Gleason score. We evaluated the
      signature's ability to improve prediction of lethality among men with Gleason
      score 7, adjusting for 3 + 4/4 + 3 status, by quantifying the area under the
      receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC). RESULTS: We identified a 30
      gene signature that best distinguished Gleason score <=6 from >=8. The AUC to
      predict lethal disease among Gleason score 7 men was 0.76 [95% confidence
      interval (CI), 0.67-0.84] compared with 0.68 (95% CI, 0.59-0.76) using 3 + 4/4 +
      3 status alone (P = 0.0001). This signature was a nonsignificant (P = 0.09)
      improvement over our previous signature (AUC = 0.72). CONCLUSIONS: Our new 30
      gene signature improved prediction of lethality among men with Gleason score 7.
      This signature can potentially become a useful prognostic tool for physicians to
      improve treatment decision making. Clin Cancer Res; 23(1); 81-87. (c)2016 AACRSee
      related commentary by Yin et al., p. 6.

PMID- 27663591
TI  - Co-clinical Assessment of Tumor Cellularity in Pancreatic Cancer.
AB  - Purpose: Tumor heterogeneity is a hallmark of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
      (PDAC). It determines tumor biology including tumor cellularity (i.e., amount of
      neoplastic cells and arrangement into clusters), which is related to the
      proliferative capacity and differentiation and the degree of desmoplasia among
      others. Given the close relation of tumor differentiation with differences in
      progression and therapy response or, e.g., the recently reported protective role
      of tumor stroma, we aimed at the noninvasive detection of PDAC groups, relevant
      for future personalized approaches. We hypothesized that histologic differences
      in PDAC tissue composition are detectable by the noninvasive diffusion weighted-
      (DW-) MRI-derived apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) parameter.Experimental
      design: PDAC cellularity was quantified histologically and correlated with the
      ADC parameter and survival in genetically engineered mouse models and human
      patients.Results: Histologic analysis showed an inverse relationship of tumor
      cellularity and stroma content. Low tumor cellularity correlated with a
      significantly prolonged mean survival time (PDAClow = 21.93 months vs. PDACmed =
      12.7 months; log-rank P < 0.001; HR = 2.23; CI, 1.41-3.53). Multivariate analysis
      using the Cox regression method confirmed tumor cellularity as an independent
      prognostic marker (P = 0.034; HR = 1.73; CI, 1.04-2.89). Tumor cellularity showed
      a strong negative correlation with the ADC parameter in murine (r = -0.84; CI, 
      0.90- -0.75) and human (r = -0.79; CI, -0.90 to -0.56) PDAC and high preoperative
      ADC values correlated with prolonged survival (ADChigh = 41.7 months; ADClow =
      14.77 months; log rank, P = 0.040) in PDAC patients.Conclusions: This study
      identifies high tumor cellularity as a negative prognostic factor in PDAC and
      supports the ADC parameter for the noninvasive identification of PDAC groups.
      Clin Cancer Res; 23(6); 1461-70. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27663592
TI  - Selective Targeting of Cyclin E1-Amplified High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer by
      Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 2 and AKT Inhibition.
AB  - Purpose: Cyclin E1 (CCNE1) amplification is associated with primary treatment
      resistance and poor outcome in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC). Here, we
      explore approaches to target CCNE1-amplified cancers and potential strategies to
      overcome resistance to targeted agents.Experimental Design: To examine dependency
      on CDK2 in CCNE1-amplified HGSC, we utilized siRNA and conditional shRNA gene
      suppression, and chemical inhibition using dinaciclib, a small-molecule CDK2
      inhibitor. High-throughput compound screening was used to identify selective
      synergistic drug combinations, as well as combinations that may overcome drug
      resistance. An observed relationship between CCNE1 and the AKT pathway was
      further explored in genomic data from primary tumors, and functional studies in
      fallopian tube secretory cells.Results: We validate CDK2 as a therapeutic target
      by demonstrating selective sensitivity to gene suppression. However, we found
      that dinaciclib did not trigger amplicon-dependent sensitivity in a panel of HGSC
      cell lines. A high-throughput compound screen identified synergistic combinations
      in CCNE1-amplified HGSC, including dinaciclib and AKT inhibitors. Analysis of
      genomic data from TCGA demonstrated coamplification of CCNE1 and AKT2
      Overexpression of Cyclin E1 and AKT isoforms, in addition to mutant TP53,
      imparted malignant characteristics in untransformed fallopian tube secretory
      cells, the dominant site of origin of HGSC.Conclusions: These findings suggest a
      specific dependency of CCNE1-amplified tumors for AKT activity, and point to a
      novel combination of dinaciclib and AKT inhibitors that may selectively target
      patients with CCNE1-amplified HGSC. Clin Cancer Res; 23(7); 1862-74. (c)2016
      AACR.

PMID- 27663593
TI  - MGD011, A CD19 x CD3 Dual-Affinity Retargeting Bi-specific Molecule Incorporating
      Extended Circulating Half-life for the Treatment of B-Cell Malignancies.
AB  - Purpose: CD19, a B-cell lineage-specific marker, is highly represented in B-cell
      malignancies and an attractive target for therapeutic interventions. MGD011 is a
      CD19 x CD3 DART bispecific protein designed to redirect T lymphocytes to
      eliminate CD19-expressing cells. MGD011 has been engineered with a modified human
      Fc domain for improved pharmacokinetic (PK) properties and designed to cross
      react with the corresponding antigens in cynomolgus monkeys. Here, we report on
      the preclinical activity, safety and PK properties of MGD011.Experimental Design:
      The activity of MGD011 was evaluated in several in vitro and in vivo models. PK,
      safety and pharmacodynamic activity was also assessed in dose-escalation and
      repeat-dose studies of MGD011 administered once weekly in cynomolgus
      monkeys.Results: MGD011 mediated killing of human B-cell lymphoma lines by human
      or cynomolgus monkey PBMCs as well as autologous B-cell depletion in PBMCs from
      both species. MGD011-mediated killing was accompanied by target-dependent T-cell
      activation and expansion, cytokine release and upregulation of perforin and
      granzyme B. MGD011 demonstrated antitumor activity against localized and
      disseminated lymphoma xenografts reconstituted with human PBMCs. In cynomolgus
      monkeys, MGD011 displayed a terminal half-life of 6.7 days; once weekly
      intravenous infusion of MGD011 at doses up to 100 MUg/kg, the highest dose
      tested, was well tolerated and resulted in dose-dependent, durable decreases in
      circulating B cells accompanied by profound reductions of B lymphocytes in
      lymphoid organs.Conclusions: The preclinical activity, safety and PK profile
      support clinical investigation of MGD011 as a therapeutic candidate for the
      treatment of B-cell malignancies. Clin Cancer Res; 23(6); 1506-18. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27663595
TI  - Bringing Blood-Based Molecular Testing to the Clinic.
AB  - In cancer, plasma-derived cell-free DNA can be used for detection of oncogenic
      aberrations relevant for treatment selection. A cell-free DNA-based test for EGFR
      mutations has been approved as an alternative to tumor tissue analysis in lung
      cancer. Testing for other aberrations, including copy number alterations,
      continues to be investigated. Clin Cancer Res; 22(22); 5400-2. (c)2016 AACRSee
      related article by Chicard et al., p. 5564.

PMID- 27663594
TI  - Platinum-Based Chemotherapy Induces Methylation Changes in Blood DNA Associated
      with Overall Survival in Patients with Ovarian Cancer.
AB  - Purpose: DNA damage repair can lead to epigenetic changes. DNA mismatch repair
      proteins bind to platinum DNA adducts and at sites of DNA damage can recruit the
      DNA methylating enzyme DNMT1, resulting in aberrant methylation. We hypothesised
      that DNA damage repair during platinum-based chemotherapy may cause aberrant DNA
      methylation in normal tissues of patients such as blood.Experimental Design: We
      used Illumina 450k methylation arrays and bisulphite pyrosequencing to
      investigate methylation at presentation and relapse in blood DNA from patients
      with ovarian cancer enrolled in the SCOTROC1 trial (n = 247) and in a cohort of
      ovarian tumor DNA samples collected at first relapse (n = 46). We used an ovarian
      cancer cell line model to investigate the role of the DNA mismatch repair gene
      MLH1 in platinum-induced methylation changes.Results: Specific CpG methylation
      changes in blood at relapse are observed following platinum-based chemotherapy
      and are associated with patient survival, independent of other clinical factors
      [hazard ratio, 3.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.8-7.6, P = 2.8 * 10-4]. Similar
      changes occur in ovarian tumors at relapse, also associated with patient survival
      (hazard ratio, 2.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-6.8, P = 0.048). Using an
      ovarian cancer cell line model, we demonstrate that functional mismatch repair
      increases the frequency of platinum-induced methylation.Conclusions: DNA
      methylation in blood at relapse following chemotherapy, and not at presentation,
      is informative regarding survival of patients with ovarian cancer. Functional DNA
      mismatch repair increases the frequency of DNA methylation changes induced by
      platinum. DNA methylation in blood following chemotherapy could provide a
      noninvasive means of monitoring patients' epigenetic responses to treatment
      without requiring a tumor biopsy. Clin Cancer Res; 23(9); 2213-22. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27663596
TI  - How to Deal with Interval-Censored Data Practically while Assessing the
      Progression-Free Survival: A Step-by-Step Guide Using SAS and R Software.
AB  - We describe how to estimate progression-free survival while dealing with interval
      censored data in the setting of clinical trials in oncology. Three procedures
      with SAS and R statistical software are described: one allowing for a
      nonparametric maximum likelihood estimation of the survival curve using the EM
      ICM (Expectation and Maximization-Iterative Convex Minorant) algorithm as
      described by Wellner and Zhan in 1997; a sensitivity analysis procedure in which
      the progression time is assigned (i) at the midpoint, (ii) at the upper limit
      (reflecting the standard analysis when the progression time is assigned at the
      first radiologic exam showing progressive disease), or (iii) at the lower limit
      of the censoring interval; and finally, two multiple imputations are described
      considering a uniform or the nonparametric maximum likelihood estimation (NPMLE)
      distribution. Clin Cancer Res; 22(23); 5629-35. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27663597
TI  - Identification of Keratin 19-Positive Cancer Stem Cells Associating Human
      Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission
      Tomography.
AB  - Purpose: The current lack of tools for easy assessment of cancer stem cells (CSC)
      prevents the development of therapeutic strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma
      (HCC). We previously reported that keratin 19 (K19) is a novel HCC-CSC marker and
      that PET with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) is an effective method for
      predicting postoperative outcome in hepatocellular carcinoma. Herein, we examined
      whether K19+ HCC-CSCs can be tracked using 18F-FDG-PET.Experimental Design: K19
      and glucose transporter-1 (GLUT1) expression was evaluated by IHC in 98
      hepatocellular carcinoma patients who underwent 18F-FDG-PET scans before primary
      tumor resection. Standardized uptake values (SUV) for primary tumors and tumor-to
      nontumor SUV ratios (TNR) were calculated using FDG accumulation levels, and
      values were compared among K19+/K19- patients. Using hepatocellular carcinoma
      cell lines encoding with a K19 promoter-driven enhanced GFP, 18F-FDG uptake and
      GLUT1 expression were examined in FACS-isolated K19+/K19- cells.Results: In
      hepatocellular carcinoma patients, K19 expression was significantly correlated
      with GLUT1 expression and FDG accumulation. ROC analyses revealed that among
      preoperative clinical factors, TNR was the most sensitive indicator of K19
      expression in hepatocellular carcinoma tumors. In hepatocellular carcinoma cells,
      FACS-isolated K19+ cells displayed significantly higher 18F-FDG uptake than K19-
      cells. Moreover, gain/loss-of-function experiments confirmed that K19 regulates
      18F-FDG uptake through TGFbeta/Smad signaling, including Sp1 and its downstream
      target GLUT1.Conclusions:18F-FDG-PET can be used to predict K19 expression in
      hepatocellular carcinoma and should thereby aid in the development of novel
      therapeutic strategies targeting K19+ HCC-CSCs. Clin Cancer Res; 23(6); 1450-60.
      (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27663599
TI  - Pharmacokinetically Guided Dosing of Oral Drugs: True Precision Oncology?
AB  - Higher plasma concentrations of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), such as
      pazopanib, are associated with improved clinical outcomes. However, TKI
      pharmacokinetics exhibit significant interpatient variability, resulting in
      inconsistent and unpredictable plasma drug levels. An individualized dosing
      approach based on patient pharmacokinetics data and toxicity can potentially
      optimize plasma concentrations of pazopanib. Clin Cancer Res; 22(23); 5626-8.
      (c)2016 AACRSee related article by Verheijen et al., p. 5738.

PMID- 27663598
TI  - Overexpression of Functional SLC6A3 in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma.
AB  - Purpose: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is derived from a tissue with a remarkable
      capacity for vectorial transport. We therefore performed an unbiased exploration
      of transporter proteins in normal kidney and kidney cancer to discover novel
      clinical targets.Experimental Design: Using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)
      database, we investigated differences in membrane transporter expression in clear
      cell RCC (ccRCC) and normal kidney. We identified the dopamine transporter SLC6A3
      as a specific biomarker for ccRCC. To investigate the functionality of SLC6A3, we
      used a [3H]-dopamine uptake assay on ccRCC cells. We further explored the effect
      of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) proteins on SLC6A3 expression by introducing
      siRNA in ccRCC cells and by hypoxic treatment of nonmalignant cells.Results: We
      show that ccRCC expresses very high transcript levels of SLC6A3 in contrast to
      normal kidney tissue and other tumor types, which do not express appreciable
      levels of this transporter. Importantly, we demonstrate that the elevated
      expression of SLC6A3 in ccRCC cells is associated with specific uptake of
      dopamine. By targeting the expression of HIF-1alpha and HIF-2alpha, we could show
      that SLC6A3 expression is primarily influenced by HIF-2alpha and that hypoxia can
      induce SLC6A3 expression in normal renal cells.Conclusions: We conclude that the
      dopamine transporter SLC6A3 constitutes a novel biomarker that is highly specific
      for ccRCC. We further postulate that the protein can be exploited for diagnostic
      or therapeutic purposes for detection or treatment of ccRCC. Clin Cancer Res;
      23(8); 2105-15. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27663601
TI  - Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Stage II Colon Cancer: Practice Patterns and
      Effectiveness in the General Population.
AB  - AIMS: Although guidelines do not recommend adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) for stage
      II colon cancer, many state that ACT may be considered in high-risk disease. Here
      we describe practice patterns and outcomes associated with ACT in the general
      population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All cases of colon cancer diagnosed in Ontario
      2002-2008 were identified using the Ontario Cancer Registry, which was linked to
      electronic treatment records. Pathology reports were obtained for a 25% random
      sample of cases. High-risk disease was defined as: T4 tumours, <12 lymph nodes,
      poorly differentiated histology, lymphovascular invasion. Modified Poisson
      regression was used to evaluate factors associated with ACT. The Cox proportional
      hazards model was used to explore the association between ACT and cancer-specific
      (CSS) and overall survival. RESULTS: The study population included 2488 patients
      with stage II colon cancer; 1175 (47%) with high-risk disease. ACT was delivered
      to 18% of all patients and 24% of patients with high-risk disease. ACT rates were
      higher among younger patients (51% age 20-49 years versus 16% age 70-79, P <
      0.001) and varied considerably across geographic regions (range 10-39%, P <
      0.001). Among all patients with stage II colon cancer, ACT was not associated
      with improved CSS (hazard ratio 1.41, 95% confidence interval 1.09-1.82) or
      overall survival (hazard ratio 1.16, 95% confidence interval 0.94-1.42).
      Stratified survival analysis for patients with high-risk disease did not show
      benefit to ACT (CSS hazard ratio 1.14, 95% confidence interval 0.84-1.55; overall
      survival hazard ratio 1.02, 95% confidence interval 0.79-1.31). CONCLUSION: ACT
      use varies across age groups and geographic regions. ACT is not associated with
      improved survival among patients with stage II colon cancer including those with
      high-risk disease.

PMID- 27663602
TI  - Lead Contamination and Source Characterization in Soils Around a Lead-Zinc
      Smelting Plant in a Near-Urban Environment in Baoji, China.
AB  - Economic reforms in China since 1978 have promoted nationwide socioeconomic
      advancement but led to a considerable amount of environmental pollution. The
      distribution and sources of Pb in a typical peri-urban industrial part of Baoji,
      China, were assessed by determining the Pb contents and isotopic compositions in
      52 topsoil samples from the study area. The topsoil samples were polluted
      averagely with 40.88 mg Pb kg-1, was 1.86 times higher than the Pb content of
      local background soil (22.04 mg kg-1). Pb isotopic compositions were determined
      by analyzing samples prepared using total digestion and acid extraction methods.
      Radiogenic isotopes contributed more to the Pb concentrations in the acid
      extracts than in the total digests. This was shown by the 207/206Pb and 208/206Pb
      ratios, which were 0.845-0.88 and 2.088-2.128, respectively, in the acid extracts
      and 0.841-0.875 and 2.086-2.125, respectively, in the total digests. This
      indicates that anthropogenic sources of Pb could be identified more sensitively
      in acid extracts than in total digests. The Pb isotope ratios showed that burning
      coal and smelting ore are the predominant anthropogenic sources of Pb in the
      study area, i.e., a lead-zinc smelter and a coking plant are major sources of Pb
      in the study area.

PMID- 27663600
TI  - Sequence-Specific Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Phase I/Ib Study of
      Olaparib Tablets and Carboplatin in Women's Cancer.
AB  - Purpose: Our preclinical studies showed that the PARP inhibitor, olaparib, prior
      to carboplatin attenuated carboplatin cytotoxicity. We evaluated sequence
      specific pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects, safety, and activity of the
      combination.Experimental Design: Eligible patients had metastatic or recurrent
      women's cancer. Olaparib tablets were introduced (100 or 200 mg twice daily, days
      1-7) in a 3 + 3 dose escalation with carboplatin AUC4 or 5 every 21 days, up to
      eight cycles, followed by olaparib 300 mg twice daily maintenance. Patients were
      randomly assigned to starting schedule: cohort A (olaparib days 1-7, carboplatin
      on day 8) or B (carboplatin on day 1, olaparib days 2-8) during cycle 1. Patients
      received the reversed scheme in cycle 2. Blood was collected for olaparib
      pharmacokinetics, platinum-DNA adducts, comet assay, and PAR concentrations. The
      primary objectives were to examine schedule-dependent effects on olaparib
      pharmacokinetics and platinum-DNA adducts.Results: A total of 77 (60 ovarian, 14
      breast, and 3 uterine cancer) patients were treated. Dose-limiting toxicity was
      thrombocytopenia and neutropenia, defining olaparib 200 mg twice daily +
      carboplatin AUC4 as the MTD. Olaparib clearance was increased approximately 50%
      when carboplatin was given 24 hours before olaparib. In vitro experiments
      demonstrated carboplatin preexposure increased olaparib clearance due to
      intracellular olaparib uptake. Quantities of platinum-DNA adducts were not
      different as a function of the order of drug administration. Responses included 2
      CRs and 31 PRs (46%) with a higher RR in BRCA mutation carriers compared with
      nonmutation carriers (68% vs. 19%).Conclusions: Tablet olaparib with carboplatin
      is a safe and active combination. Carboplatin preexposure causes intracellular
      olaparib accumulation reducing bioavailable olaparib, suggesting carboplatin
      should be administered prior to olaparib. Clin Cancer Res; 23(6); 1397-406.
      (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27663603
TI  - Wilms tumor accompanied by premature chromatid separation.

PMID- 27663605
TI  - Levodopa Effect on Basal Ganglia Motor Circuit in Parkinson's Disease.
AB  - AIMS: To investigate the effects of levodopa on the basal ganglia motor circuit
      (BGMC) in Parkinson's disease (PD). METHODS: Thirty PD patients with asymmetrical
      bradykinesia and 30 control subjects were scanned using resting-state functional
      MRI. Functional connectivity of the BGMC was measured and compared before and
      after levodopa administration in patients with PD. The correlation between
      improvements in bradykinesia and changes in BGMC connectivity was examined.
      RESULTS: In the PD-off state (before medication), the posterior putamen and
      internal globus pallidus (GPi) had decreased connectivity while the subthalamic
      nucleus (STN) had enhanced connectivity within the BGMC relative to control
      subjects. Levodopa administration increased the connectivity of posterior putamen
      and GPi-related networks but decreased the connectivity of STN-related networks.
      Improvements in bradykinesia were correlated with enhanced connectivity of the
      posterior putamen-cortical motor pathway and with decreased connectivity of the
      STN-thalamo-cortical motor pathway. CONCLUSION: In PD patients with asymmetrical
      bradykinesia, levodopa can partially normalize the connectivity of the BGMC with
      a larger effect on the more severely affected side. Moreover, the beneficial
      effect of levodopa on bradykinesia is associated with normalization of the
      striato-thalamo-cortical motor and STN-cortical motor pathways. Our findings
      inform the neural mechanism of levodopa treatment in PD.

PMID- 27663604
TI  - Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunts With Covered Stents Increase
      Transplant-Free Survival of Patients With Cirrhosis and Recurrent Ascites.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: There is controversy over the ability of transjugular
      intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) to increase survival times of patients
      with cirrhosis and refractory ascites. The high rate of shunt dysfunction with
      the use of uncovered stents counteracts the benefits of TIPS. We performed a
      randomized controlled trial to determine the effects of TIPS with stents covered
      with polytetrafluoroethylene in these patients. METHODS: We performed a
      prospective study of 62 patients with cirrhosis and at least 2 large-volume
      paracenteses within a period of at least 3 weeks; the study was performed at 4
      tertiary care centers in France from August 2005 through December 2012. Patients
      were randomly assigned to groups that received covered TIPS (n = 29) or large
      volume paracenteses and albumin as necessary (LVP+A, n = 33). All patients
      maintained a low-salt diet and were examined at 1 month after the procedure then
      every 3 months until 1 year. At each visit, liver disease-related complications,
      treatment modifications, and clinical and biochemical variables needed to
      calculate Child-Pugh and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease scores were recorded.
      Doppler ultrasonography was performed at the start of the study and then at 6 and
      12 months after the procedure. The primary study end point was survival without a
      liver transplant for 1 year after the procedure. RESULTS: A higher proportion of
      patients in the TIPS group (93%) met the primary end point than in the LVP+A
      group (52%) (P = .003). The total number of paracenteses was 32 in the TIPS group
      vs 320 in the LVP+A group. Higher proportions of patients in the LVP+A group had
      portal hypertension-related bleeding (18% vs 0%; P = .01) or hernia-related
      complications (18% vs 0%; P = .01) than in the TIPS group. Patients in LVP+A
      group had twice as many days of hospitalization (35 days) as the TIPS group (17
      days) (P = .04). The 1-year probability of remaining free of encephalopathy was
      65% for each group. CONCLUSIONS: In a randomized trial, we found covered stents
      for TIPS to increase the proportion of patients with cirrhosis and recurrent
      ascites who survive transplantation-free for 1 year, compared with patients given
      repeated LVP+A. These findings support TIPS as the first-line intervention in
      such patients. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT00222014.

PMID- 27663607
TI  - Permanent His-bundle pacing in patients with prosthetic cardiac valves.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Conduction disease is not uncommon after prosthetic valve (PV)
      surgery. The feasibility of His-bundle pacing (HBP) in this patient population is
      not well studied. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to report our
      experience with permanent HBP in patients undergoing pacemaker implantation after
      PV surgery. METHODS: Permanent HBP was attempted in patients with AV conduction
      disease after PV surgery referred for pacemaker implantation. Conduction disease
      was characterized as AV nodal vs infranodal. Feasibility, relationship of HBP
      lead to PVs, and HBP characteristics were recorded. RESULTS: Thirty patients (47%
      men, age 74 +/- 12 years, left ventricular ejection fraction 49% +/- 11%) with AV
      conduction disease (100% patients; 14 with infranodal block; right bundle branch
      block 9, left bundle branch block 5, intraventricular conduction delay 1)
      underwent HBP. PVs included aortic valve replacement (AVR) in 8 patients
      (infranodal block 6 patients), tricuspid valve (TV) ring with mitral valve
      replacement or repair (MVR) in 10 patients (AV nodal block 9 patients),
      transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in 4 patients (infranodal block 4
      patients), and MVR alone in 6 patients. HBP was successful in 28 patients (93%)
      (selective HBP 50%). His bundle (HB) recruitment was unsuccessful in 2 patients
      with TAVR. AVR/TAVR and TV ring served as anatomic landmarks for localizing the
      HB. Successful sites of HBP were posterior and inferior to AVR/TAVR and distal
      and septal to the TV ring. Baseline QRSd improved from 124 +/- 32 ms to 118 +/-
      20 ms (P = .39). HBP threshold at implant was 1.45 +/- 1 V at 1 ms. CONCLUSION:
      Permanent HBP was feasible in 93% of patients with PVs. Patients with AVR/TAVR
      predominantly developed infranodal block compared to AV nodal block in patients
      with TV ring/MVR. Location of PV might serve as a landmark for identifying the
      site of the HB.

PMID- 27663606
TI  - A novel approach for left ventricular lead placement in cardiac resynchronization
      therapy: Intraprocedural integration of coronary venous electroanatomic mapping
      with delayed enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Placing the left ventricular (LV) lead at a site of late electrical
      activation remote from scar is desired to improve cardiac resynchronization
      therapy (CRT) response. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to integrate
      coronary venous electroanatomic mapping (EAM) with delayed enhancement cardiac
      magnetic resonance (DE-CMR) enabling LV lead guidance to the latest activated
      vein remote from scar. METHODS: Eighteen CRT candidates with focal scar on DE-CMR
      were prospectively included. DE-CMR images were semi-automatically analyzed.
      Coronary venous EAM was performed intraprocedurally and integrated with DE-CMR to
      guide LV lead placement in real time. Image integration accuracy and electrogram
      parameters were evaluated offline. RESULTS: Integration of EAM and DE-CMR was
      achieved using 8.9 +/- 2.8 anatomic landmarks and with accuracy of 4.7 +/- 1.1 mm
      (mean +/- SD). Maximal electrical delay ranged between 72 and 197ms (57%-113% of
      QRS duration) and was heterogeneously located among individuals. In 12 patients,
      the latest activated vein was located outside scar, and placing the LV lead in
      the latest activated vein remote from scar was accomplished in 10 patients and
      prohibited in 2 patients. In the other 6 patients, the latest activated vein was
      located in scar, and targeting alternative veins was considered. Unipolar
      voltages were on average lower in scar compared to nonscar (6.71 +/- 3.45 mV vs
      8.18 +/- 4.02 mV [median +/- interquartile range), P <.001) but correlated weakly
      with DE-CMR scar extent (R -0.161, P <.001) and varied widely among individual
      patients. CONCLUSION: Integration of coronary venous EAM with DE-CMR can be used
      during CRT implantation to guide LV lead placement to the latest activated vein
      remote from scar, possibly improving CRT.

PMID- 27663608
TI  - Comparative Temporal Expression Analysis of MicroRNAs and Their Target Genes in
      Contrasting Wheat Genotypes During Osmotic Stress.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important nonprotein-coding genes involved in almost all
      biological processes during biotic and abiotic stresses in plants. To investigate
      the miRNA-mediated plant response to drought stress, two drought-tolerant (C-306
      and NI-5439) and two drought-sensitive (HUW-468 and WL-711) wheat genotypes were
      exposed to 25 % PEG 6000 for 1, 12 and 24 h. Temporal expression patterns of 12
      drought-responsive miRNAs and their corresponding nine targets were monitored by
      quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The results showed differential expression
      of miRNAs and their targets with varying degree of upregulation and
      downregulation in drought-sensitive genotypes. Likewise, in drought-tolerant
      wheat genotypes, maximum accumulation of miR393a and miR397a was observed at 1 h
      of stress. In addition, nearly perfect negative correlation was observed in four
      miRNA and target pairs (miR164-NAC, miR168a-AGO, miR398-SOD and miR159a-MYB)
      across all the temporal period studied which could be a major player during
      drought response in wheat. We, for the first time, validated the presence of
      miR529a and miR1029 in wheat. These findings gives a clue for temporal and
      variety-specific differential regulation of miRNAs and their targets in wheat in
      response to osmotic shock and could help in defining the potential roles of
      miRNAs in plant adaptation to osmotic stress in future.

PMID- 27663609
TI  - Silencing of Target Chitinase Genes via Oral Delivery of dsRNA Caused Lethal
      Phenotypic Effects in Mythimna separata (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).
AB  - Mythimna separata walker (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a polyphagous, migratory
      corn pest. Outbreak of M. separata has led to severe damage to corn production
      recently in China. RNAi (RNA interference) is a gene silencing technology applied
      both in model and non-model organisms, and it is especially useful for the latter
      in which the reverse genetic research tools are not available. RNAi approach was
      broadly investigated in many plant pathogens and was used for the generation of
      anti-pest transgenic plants. We are proposing to use this technology to silence
      M. separata endogenous genes, thereby, providing a biocontrol method for this
      insect. Feeding of dsRNAs for target Chitinase genes resulted in substantial
      decreases of their transcript levels in M. separata. Furthermore, silencing of
      target Chitinase genes led to phenotypic effects such as reduced body weight and
      increased mortality. Our study provided both reverse genetic research tool and
      potential control strategy for this insect species.

PMID- 27663610
TI  - Is nicotine replacement really ineffective? A reply to Stanley and Massey.

PMID- 27663611
TI  - Mode of delivery affected questionnaire response rates in a birth cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Cohort studies must collect data from their participants as
      economically as possible, while maintaining response rates. This randomized
      controlled trial investigated whether offering a choice of online or paper
      questionnaires resulted in improved response rates compared with offering online
      first. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Eligible participants were young people in the
      Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) study (born April 1,
      1991, to December 31, 1992, in the Avon area). After exclusions, 8,795
      participants were randomized. The "online first" group were invited to complete
      the questionnaire online. The "choice" group were also sent a paper questionnaire
      and offered a choice of completion method. The trial was embedded within routine
      data collection. The main outcome measure was the number of questionnaires
      returned. Data on costs were also collected. RESULTS: Those in the "online first"
      arm of the trial were less likely to return a questionnaire [adjusted odds ratio:
      0.90; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.82, 0.99]. The "choice" arm was more
      expensive (mean difference per participant L0.71; 95% CI: L0.65, L0.76). It cost
      an extra L47 to have one extra person to complete the questionnaire in the
      "choice" arm. CONCLUSION: Offering a choice of completion methods (paper or
      online) for questionnaires in ALSPAC increased response rates but was more
      expensive than offering online first.

PMID- 27663612
TI  - A comparative evaluation between aluminium and titanium dioxide microparticles
      for blasting the surface titanium dental implants: an experimental study in
      rabbits.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare, through biomechanical and
      histological analysis, the aluminium (AlO2) and titanium dioxide (TiO2)
      microparticles for blasting during the sandblasting acid surface treatment in
      titanium dental implants using a rabbit tibia model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty
      eight commercially available titanium dental implants were divided into two test
      groups (n = 24 per group): implants with surface treated by AlO2 followed by acid
      etching as control group (Con group) and implants with surface treated by TiO2
      followed by acid etching as test group (Test group). The implants were randomly
      installed in both tibias of eight rabbits and block samples were removed 4 and 8
      weeks after implantation. Resonance Frequency Analyses were performed immediately
      after the implantation and at 8 weeks. Twelve implants of each group were removed
      to measure the reverse torque. The remaining implants were used for histological
      analysis. The data were compared using statistical tests (alpha = 0.05). RESULTS:
      In comparing the implant stability quotient at the two time points, no
      significant statistical differences were found (P > 0.05), as well as in the
      removal torque test at 8 weeks after implant placement, no found significant
      difference between the two groups was tested. Histomorphometric analysis showed a
      high degree of bone organization in all samples with no significant difference
      between groups in the bone-to-implant contact (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Within the
      limitations of this study, the results indicate that the media of surface
      blasting (AlO2 or TiO2 microparticles) did not show significant differences in
      the tested parameters for assessing the osseointegration of the implants.

PMID- 27663613
TI  - One-Year Review of the SCREEN (Skin Cancer Post-Transplant) Clinic.
AB  - The Skin Cancer Post-Transplant (SCREEN) Clinic is a skin-cancer screening clinic
      that is fully integrated into the renal transplantation clinic at St Paul's
      Hospital in Vancouver, British Columbia. The purpose of this review was to
      determine characteristics of patients most at risk for skin cancer, to specify
      types and locations of skin cancers diagnosed, and to identify areas for patient
      and physician education. Transplant patients (91% renal; 5% heart) screened by a
      dermatologist during a 12-month period were stratified into low-, medium-, and
      high-risk groups based on detailed history and skin examination. In total, 118
      skin cancers were diagnosed. White males were found to be most at risk. Squamous
      cell carcinoma accounted for the majority of tumours, over 25% of which
      demonstrated invasion. Forty-two percent of patients used only 1 to 2 bottles of
      sunscreen per year, and sun-protective practices were limited. With this
      information, we have identified potential target areas for patient and physician
      education.

PMID- 27663614
TI  - How Effective Is Supplemental Intraseptal Anesthesia in Patients with Symptomatic
      Irreversible Pulpitis?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have reported high levels of success with
      intraseptal injection for various dental procedures but provide limited
      information on the use of the injection during endodontic treatment. Therefore,
      the purpose of this prospective study was to determine the anesthetic efficacy of
      the supplemental intraseptal technique in mandibular posterior teeth diagnosed
      with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis when the conventional inferior alveolar
      nerve (IAN) block failed. METHODS: One hundred patients with a diagnosis of
      symptomatic irreversible pulpitis in a mandibular posterior tooth were recruited.
      Following profound lip numbness after the administration of the conventional IAN
      block, endodontic treatment was initiated. Patients still experiencing moderate
      to severe pain during treatment were administered mesial and distal supplemental
      intraseptal injections using 0.7 mL 4% articaine with 1:000,000 epinephrine
      administered with a computer-controlled local anesthetic delivery unit. Success
      was defined as the ability to perform endodontic access and instrumentation with
      mild to no pain. RESULTS: Success with the IAN block was achieved in 25% of
      patients. Supplemental intraseptal injections provided success in 29% of
      patients. CONCLUSIONS: Supplemental intraseptal injections achieved profound
      pulpal anesthesia in 29% of patients when the IAN block failed. This low level of
      success would not provide predictable levels of anesthesia for patients requiring
      emergency endodontic treatment for symptomatic irreversible pulpitis in
      mandibular posterior teeth.

PMID- 27663615
TI  - Triple Antibiotic Polymer Nanofibers for Intracanal Drug Delivery: Effects on
      Dual Species Biofilm and Cell Function.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Root canal disinfection and the establishment of an intracanal
      microenvironment conducive to the proliferation/differentiation of stem cells
      play a significant role in regenerative endodontics. This study was designed to
      (1) investigate the antimicrobial efficacy of triple antibiotic-containing
      nanofibers against a dual-species biofilm and (2) evaluate the ability of dental
      pulp stem cells (DPSCs) to adhere to and proliferate on dentin upon nanofiber
      exposure. METHODS: Seven-day-old dual-species biofilm established on dentin
      specimens was exposed for 3 days to the following: saline (control), antibiotic
      free nanofibers (control), and triple antibiotic-containing nanofibers or a
      saturated triple antibiotic paste (TAP) solution (50 mg/mL in phosphate buffer
      solution). Bacterial viability was assessed using the LIVE/DEAD assay (Molecular
      Probes, Inc, Eugene, OR) and confocal laser scanning microscopy. For
      cytocompatibility studies, dentin specimens after nanofiber or TAP (1 g/mL in
      phosphate buffer solution) exposure were evaluated for cell adhesion and
      spreading by actin-phalloidin staining. DPSC proliferation was assessed on days
      1, 3, and 7. Statistics were performed, and significance was set at the 5% level.
      RESULTS: Confocal laser scanning microscopy showed significant bacterial death
      upon antibiotic-containing nanofiber exposure, differing significantly (P < .05)
      from antibiotic-free fibers and the control (saline). DPSCs showed enhanced
      adhesion/spreading on dentin specimens treated with antibiotic-containing
      nanofibers when compared with its TAP counterparts. The DPSC proliferation rate
      was similar on days 1 and 3 in antibiotic-free nanofibers, triple antibiotic
      containing nanofibers, and TAP-treated dentin. Proliferation was higher (9-fold)
      on dentin treated with antibiotic-containing nanofibers on day 7 compared with
      TAP. CONCLUSIONS: Triple antibiotic-containing polymer nanofibers led to
      significant bacterial death, whereas they did not affect DPSC attachment and
      proliferation on dentin.

PMID- 27663616
TI  - Osteoprotegerin-Knockout Mice Developed Early Onset Root Resorption.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Recent studies indicate that the osteoprotegerin (OPG)/RANKL/RANK
      pathway takes part in root resorption. However, the relationship between OPG and
      root resorption is vague. The purpose of our study was to investigate the role of
      OPG in root resorption. METHODS: The first molars of the mandibles of
      osteoprotegerin-knockout (Opg-KO) mice and wild-type (WT) mice were evaluated by
      micro-computed tomography, histology, and immunohistochemistry at 4, 6, 26, and
      52 weeks. To detect the activity of the osteoclasts, we induced bone marrow
      macrophages into osteoclast-like cells from Opg-KO mice and wild-type mice in
      vitro and then compared their osteoclast activities. To evaluate the cementum
      quality, an osteoclast-cementum co-culture model was established in vitro.
      RESULTS: In Opg-KO mice, root resorption began at the age of 4 weeks. At 6 weeks
      the cementum damage extended to the coronal and apical regions, and at 52 weeks
      the damage reached the predentin. At all observed stages, more tartrate-resistant
      acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive cells were found on the surface of cementum in
      Opg-KO mice. In vitro, the mRNA levels of cathepsin K, TRAP, matrix
      metalloproteinase-9, and matrix metalloproteinase-1, as well as the protein
      expression of nuclear factor of activated T cell 1 and TRAP, increased
      significantly in osteoclast-like cells from Opg-KO mice. In addition, the
      cementum resorption pits of Opg-KO mice were larger when co-cultured with
      osteoclast-like cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that loss of OPG led
      to root resorption via increasing activation of osteoclasts and reducing
      mineralization of cementum.

PMID- 27663617
TI  - Biocompatibility Evaluation of EndoSequence Root Repair Paste in the Connective
      Tissue of Rats.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the subcutaneous connective
      tissue response to EndoSequence root repair paste (Brasseler, Savannah, GA)
      compared with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). METHODS: Thirty-six Wistar rats
      each received 3 sterile tubes, containing 1 of the tested materials and control.
      The animals were killed 1, 3 and 6 weeks after implantation. The specimens were
      evaluated histologically for type of inflammation, intensity and extent of
      inflammatory cells, foreign body reaction, fibrous capsule thickness,
      perivascular fragments, calcific deposits and vascular congestion. RESULTS:
      EndoSequence provoked severe inflammation after 1 week, which was significantly
      different from MTA and control (P ? .05), with fragmented particles and foreign
      body reaction. MTA showed tissue-tolerance features almost comparable to control.
      CONCLUSIONS: EndoSequence was significantly more irritating than MTA and control
      at 1 and 3 weeks in terms of severity and extent of inflammation. After 6 weeks
      it displayed more biocompatible characteristics.

PMID- 27663618
TI  - Scouting Ability of 4 Pathfinding Instruments in Moderately Curved Molar Canals.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Glide path preparation has been recommended as a mandatory clinical
      step to ensure the safe usage of nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary instruments. This
      study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and fracture rate of 4 pathfinding NiTi
      rotary instruments in mechanically negotiating moderately curved molar canals.
      METHODS: Moderately curved maxillary (n = 120) and mandibular (n = 120) molars
      were randomly distributed into 4 experimental groups (n = 60, 30 maxillary and 30
      mandibular molars) according to the instrument used for glide path preparation:
      ScoutRace 10/.02 (FKG Dentaire, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland) (800 rpm and 1
      Ncm torque), ProDesign 25/.01 (Easy Equipamentos Odontologicos, Belo Horizonte,
      MG, Brazil) (350 rpm and 1-Ncm torque), Mtwo 10/.04 (VDW, Munich, Germany) (280
      rpm and 1.2 Ncm torque), or ProGlider 16/.02 (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues,
      Switzerland) (300 rpm and 5-Ncm torque). The instrument fracture rate and the
      absolute and percentage frequencies of molars in which the pathfinding
      instruments reached the full working length in all root canals according to tooth
      and canal types were recorded and statistically compared using the Pearson's chi
      square test (alpha = 5%). RESULTS: The highest and lowest frequency of reached
      the full working length canals were observed in the ScoutRace (68.3%) and
      ProDesign (38.3%) groups (P < .05), respectively, whereas the Mtwo (58.3%) and
      ProGlider (51.6%) groups showed intermediate results (P > .05). The ProGlider
      group showed the highest percentage frequency of instrument separation (11.6%)
      followed by the Mtwo (8.3%), ScoutRace (3.3%), and ProDesign (3.3%) groups (P <
      .05). CONCLUSIONS: ScoutRace performed more efficiently and with less instrument
      breakage than the other systems. ProDesign was the least efficient, and ProGlider
      exhibited the highest rate of instrument breakage among the systems tested.

PMID- 27663619
TI  - Gait abnormalities before and after total hip arthroplasty differ in men and
      women.
AB  - This study tested the hypothesis that men and women have different preoperative
      and postoperative gait impairment relative to sex-matched healthy controls, and
      that the extent of gait improvement after total hip arthroplasty (THA) is
      different between men and women. A group of 124 THA subjects was identified from
      a motion analysis data repository; age and BMI-matched male and female control
      groups were then identified from the same repository. Dynamic sagittal plane hip
      range of motion (HROM) and peak 3D external moments at subjects' normal walking
      speeds were analyzed. Each hypotheses was tested using linear regression models,
      to adjust for potential confounding effects of walking speed. Preoperatively, the
      THA vs. control group differences in the HROM and peak adduction moments were
      larger in women than they were in men (p=0.007). The THA group vs. control group
      difference in the peak external rotation moment was larger in men (p=0.004).
      After surgery, HROM increased more in women than in men (p=0.020). However, peak
      adduction moment decreased in men but increased in women (-0.11+/-0.93 vs. 0.28+/
      1.3%BWH, p=0.045). Accordingly, postoperatively the THA group vs. control group
      differences in the peak external rotation moment remained larger in men than in
      women (p=0.016). There were no other sex-specific differences (p=0.072-0.876).
      This study suggests that men and women have slightly different patterns of gait
      recovery after THA and may benefit from sex-specific rehabilitation strategies.
      These differences also underscore the importance of accounting for sex in
      biomechanical studies.

PMID- 27663620
TI  - Influence of intramuscular fiber orientation on the Achilles tendon curvature
      using three-dimensional finite element modeling of contracting skeletal muscle.
AB  - Tendon curvature plays a key role in mechanical gain (amplifying the joint
      excursion relative to fiber length change) during joint motion, but the mechanism
      remains unresolved. A three-dimensional finite element (FE) model was used to
      investigate the influence of intramuscular fiber orientation upon the curvature
      pattern of the Achilles tendon during active muscular contraction. Two simulation
      models, with fiber pennation angles of theta = 25 degrees  and 47 degrees  were
      tested for the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. A smaller pennation angle (25
      degrees ) of the soleus muscle fibers was accompanied by a large change in
      curvature whereas a larger pennation angle (47 degrees ) of the soleus muscle was
      accompanied by small effects. These results suggest that the fiber pennation
      angle determines the curvature of the tendon, and the magnitude of the curvature
      varies along the length of the aponeurosis. Such FE modeling has the potential of
      determining changes in force output consequent to changes in intramuscular fiber
      orientation arising from resistance training or unloading, and provides mechanism
      for predicting the risk of Achilles tendon ruptures.

PMID- 27663622
TI  - The effect of six degree of freedom loading sequence on the in-vitro compressive
      properties of human lumbar spine segments.
AB  - The complex, direction-dependent, poro-viscoelastic properties of the
      intervertebral disc (disc) suggest that investigations of the six degree of
      freedom (6DOF) behaviour may be susceptible to inter-test variation in mechanical
      response if the disc does not return to initial conditions between loading
      directions. No studies have quantified the effects of sequential multi
      directional loading on the consistency of the compressive response of the disc
      throughout a 6DOF testing protocol. Therefore, the objective of this study was to
      determine the effect of 6DOF loading on the compressive properties (stiffness and
      phase angle) of human discs, as evaluated by a reference compression test
      performed after each single DOF test. Fourteen intact human functional spinal
      units (FSU) were tested in each of +/-6DOFs (shear directions followed by bending
      and compression) across four orders of magnitude loading frequencies (0.001-1Hz),
      followed by reference compression tests while subjected to physiological preload,
      hydration, and body temperature conditions in a hexapod robot. Repeated measures
      ANOVA revealed significant within-subjects effects between the reference
      compression tests for modulus (p<0.001), stiffness (p<0.001), and phase angle
      (p=0.008). Significant post-hoc pairwise comparisons were initially seen between
      the control and other reference compression tests for stiffness and modulus after
      the shear DOFs, however, no significant differences were present after the final
      reference compression test compared to control. More pronounced effects were seen
      for stiffness in comparison to modulus and phase angle. These effects may be due
      to three potentials factors, which include the sequence of testing, the cohort of
      degenerative specimens, and/or cumulative creep due to the constant application
      of a follower load. While the sequence of test directions was chosen to minimise
      the biphasic effect, there may be other sequences, which could result in minimal
      changes in compressive properties.

PMID- 27663621
TI  - Impact of P2RX7 ablation on the morphological, mechanical and tissue properties
      of bones in a murine model of duchenne muscular dystrophy.
AB  - Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an inherited, lethal disorder characterised
      by progressive muscle degeneration and associated bone abnormalities. We have
      previously demonstrated that P2RX7 purinergic receptors contribute to the
      pathogenesis of DMD, and found that P2RX7 ablation alleviated the severity of the
      disease. In this work we have used a dystrophic mdx mouse crossed with the global
      P2RX7 receptor to generate a knockout mouse (mdx/P2X7-/-), and compared its
      morphometric, mechanical and tissue properties against those of mdx, as well as
      the wild type (WT) and the P2RX7 knockout (P2X7-/-). Micro-computed tomography
      (uCT), three-point bending testing, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and nano
      indentation were utilised in the study. The bones were analysed at approximately
      4 weeks of age to examine the impact of P2RX7 ablation on the bone properties
      during the acute disease phase, before muscle wasting is fully developed. The
      results show that P2RX7 purinoceptor ablation has produced improvement or
      significant improvement in some of the morphological, the mechanical and the
      tissue properties of the dystrophic bones examined. Specifically, although the
      ablation produced smaller bones with significantly lower total cross-section area
      (Tt.Ar) and Second Moment of Area (SMA), significantly higher cortical bone area
      (Ct.Ar), cortical area fraction (Ct.Ar/Tt.Ar) and trabecular bone volume fraction
      (BV/TV) are found in the mdx/P2X7-/- mice than in any other types. Further, the
      mdx/P2X7-/- bones have relatively higher average flexural strength, work-to
      fracture and significantly higher strain to failure compared with those of mdx,
      suggesting greater resistance to fracture. Indentation modulus, elasticity and
      creep are also significantly improved in the knockout cortical bones over those
      of mdx. These findings seem to suggest that specific pharmacological blockade of
      P2RX7 may improve dystrophic bones, with a potential for therapeutic application
      in the treatment of the disease.

PMID- 27663623
TI  - Interleukin-12 modulates the immunomodulatory properties of human periodontal
      ligament cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The cytokine interleukin 12 (IL-12) has been implicated
      as a potent stimulator of tissue degradation in the pathogenesis of several
      inflammatory diseases, including periodontitis. In patients with periodontitis,
      an increased level of IL-12 is found in serum and gingival crevicular fluid. As
      inflammatory cytokines have been demonstrated to induce activation of the
      immunomodulatory properties of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), this study aimed to
      investigate the influence of IL-12 on these properties in human periodontal
      ligament (hPDL) cells. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Human PDL cells were isolated from
      periodontal tissue and incubated with 0-10 ng/mL of IL-12 for 24 h. The levels of
      expression of interferon gamma (IFN-gamma), indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and
      human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G), as well as of the stem cell markers, CD73,
      CD90 and CD105, were assessed by quantitative PCR. The level of IFN-gamma protein
      was measured by ELISA, and IDO activity was measured by activity assay. The
      participation of IFN-gamma in the expression of IDO and HLA-G was analyzed using
      neutralizing antibody against IFN-gamma. RESULTS: IL-12 upregulated the
      expression of IFN-gamma in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, IL-12 induced the
      expression of the immunomodulatory proteins IDO and HLA-G via an IFN-gamma
      dependent pathway, as indicated by experiments using an IFN-gamma neutralizing
      antibody. Addition of exogenous IFN-gamma upregulated the expression of HLA-G and
      IDO. Expression of the stem cell markers CD73, CD90 and CD105, as well as the
      pluripotent markers Nanog homeobox, octamer-binding transcription factor 4 and
      SRY-box 2, were also upregulated in IL-12-treated hPDL cells. Finally, IL-12
      inhibited osteogenic differentiation of the hPDL cells and preserved the self
      clonal expansion property of these cells, as assessed by Alizarin Red S staining
      and the colony-forming unit assay. CONCLUSION: Expression of IL-12 during
      periodontitis may play an important role in the control of the inflammatory
      response via the induction of immunosuppressive molecules by hPDL cells. We
      hypothesize that this immunomodulatory property of IL-12 will serve as a
      protective mechanism to preserve a population of stem cells under inflammatory
      conditions.

PMID- 27663624
TI  - Intentional gaze shift to neglected space: a compensatory strategy during
      recovery after unilateral spatial neglect.
AB  - Unilateral spatial neglect is a common neurological syndrome following
      predominantly right hemispheric stroke. While most patients lack insight into
      their neglect behaviour and do not initiate compensatory behaviours in the early
      recovery phase, some patients recognize it and start to pay attention towards the
      neglected space. We aimed to characterize visual attention capacity in patients
      with unilateral spatial neglect with specific focus on cortical processes
      underlying compensatory gaze shift towards the neglected space during the
      recovery process. Based on the Behavioural Inattention Test score and presence or
      absence of experience of neglect in their daily life from stroke onset to the
      enrolment date, participants were divided into USN+??+ (do not compensate, n =
      15), USN+ (compensate, n = 10), and right hemisphere damage groups (no neglect, n
      = 24). The patients participated in eye pursuit-based choice reaction tasks and
      were asked to pursue one of five horizontally located circular objects flashed on
      a computer display. The task consisted of 25 trials with 4-s intervals, and the
      order of highlighted objects was randomly determined. From the recorded eye
      tracking data, eye movement onset and gaze shift were calculated. To elucidate
      the cortical mechanism underlying behavioural results, electroencephalagram
      activities were recorded in three USN+??+, 13 USN+ and eight patients with right
      hemisphere damage. We found that while lower Behavioural Inattention Test scoring
      patients (USN+??+) showed gaze shift to non-neglected space, some higher scoring
      patients (USN+) showed clear leftward gaze shift at visual stimuli onset.
      Moreover, we found a significant correlation between Behavioural Inattention Test
      score and gaze shift extent in the unilateral spatial neglect group (r = -0.62, P
      < 0.01). Electroencephalography data clearly demonstrated that the extent of
      increase in theta power in the frontal cortex strongly correlated with the
      leftward gaze shift extent in the USN+??+ and USN+ groups. Our results revealed a
      compensatory strategy (continuous attention to the neglected space) and its
      neural correlates in patients with unilateral spatial neglect. In conclusion,
      patients with unilateral spatial neglect who recognized their own neglect
      behaviour intentionally focused on the neglected space as a compensatory strategy
      to avoid careless oversight.

PMID- 27663625
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 27663626
TI  - Classifying medial rectus muscle attachment in consecutive exotropia.

PMID- 27663627
TI  - Clinical factors associated with moderate hyperopia in preschool children with
      normal stereopsis and visual acuity.
AB  - A total of 117 children 3-5 years of age with moderate hyperopia in at least one
      eye, age-normal unaided visual acuity, age-normal stereoacuity, no significant
      anisometropia or astigmatism, and no strabismus were enrolled in a 3-year
      randomized clinical trial to compare visual outcomes and ocular alignment in
      children assigned to immediate glasses or to observation and glasses if
      deterioration of visual acuity, stereoacuity, or alignment occurred. Pearson
      correlation coefficients were calculated to evaluate relationships among baseline
      characteristics. We found a moderate association between higher amounts of
      uncorrected hyperopia and greater accommodative lag (n = 57; R = 0.31; 95% CI,
      0.05-0.53). Higher amounts of hyperopia were weakly associated with worse
      uncorrected distance visual acuity (n = 117; R = 0.24; 95% CI, 0.06-0.41), and
      better stereoacuity was weakly associated with better uncorrected near acuity (n
      = 99; R = 0.24; 95% CI, 0.04-0.42).

PMID- 27663628
TI  - Clinical significance of high levels of survivin and transforming growth factor
      beta-1 proteins in aqueous humor and serum of retinoblastoma patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic values of survivin and
      transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-B1) expression in aqueous humor and serum
      of retinoblastoma (RB) in comparison to the conventional RB marker lactate
      dehydrogenase (LDH) and to elucidate a possible correlation between them and the
      clinicopathological features of the disease. METHODS: This prospective,
      comparative study included 88 newly diagnosed children with RB and 80 age-matched
      controls with ophthalmic conditions other than tumors prepared for intraocular
      surgeries. Concentrations of survivin, TGF-B1, and LDH were measured in serum and
      aqueous humor before and 6 months after completion of therapy. RESULTS: High
      serum and aqueous humor concentrations of the three proteins were detected in RB
      patients before treatment compared to the control group (P < 0.01), with a
      significant reduction of serum concentrations after treatment (P < 0.01). For the
      highest sensitivity and specificity, the optimal cutoff values of serum and
      aqueous survivin were 12.9 pg/ml and 25.2 pg/mg, with a significant positive
      correlation between aqueous survivin and RB staging and presence of optic nerve
      infiltration (r = 0.43, P = 0.04); the best cutoff values of serum and aqueous
      TGF-B1, 370.7 pg/ml and 39.8 pg/mg, with a significant positive correlation
      between aqueous TGF-B1 and poor differentiation of the tumor (r = 0.69, P =
      0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of serum and
      aqueous humor survivin and TGF-B1 proteins make them promising markers for early
      detection and follow-up of RB patients.

PMID- 27663629
TI  - Comparison of augmented and nonaugmented modified Knapp procedure for the
      treatment of nonrestrictive double elevator palsies.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare surgical results of augmented and nonaugmented modified Knapp
      procedure, for the treatment of nonrestrictive double elevator palsies (DEP).
      METHODS: The medical records of patients with congenital DEP were reviewed
      retrospectively. Patients were divided into three treatment groups: standard
      transposition (group A), Foster transposition (group B), and resection
      transposition (group C). Pre- and postoperative vertical deviation in primary
      position, ocular motility, and binocular vision were compared. RESULTS: Thirty
      patients were enrolled. The pre- and postoperative deviations in group A were
      34.7Delta +/- 8.6Delta and 6.5Delta +/- 6.5Delta; in group B, 38.6Delta +/-
      14.6Delta and 5.7Delta +/- 9.3Delta; and in group C, 43.1Delta +/- 10.3Delta and
      8.5Delta +/- 6.1Delta. The corrected vertical deviation of group B (32.9Delta +/-
      5.7Delta) and group C (34.6Delta +/- 5.0Delta) were greater than that of group A
      (28.1Delta +/- 3.6Delta; P = 0.03, 0.002). The pre- and postoperative measures of
      upgaze in group A were -3.7 and -1.8; in group B, -4.0 and -1.3; and in group C, 
      3.6 and -2.0. The average improved upgaze in group B (2.6 +/- 0.5) was
      statistically significantly better than that in group A (1.9 +/- 0.6) and group C
      (1.5 +/- 0.5; P = 0.03, 0.002). There was no significant difference in the
      surgical effect on downgaze in three groups (P > 0.05). The surgical outcome was
      satisfactory in 19 (63.3%) patients with preoperative vertical devation of
      <=40Delta. CONCLUSIONS: All transpositions are reasonably effective in treating
      vertical deviations of <35Delta without obviously limiting downgaze in DEP.
      Augmented procedures could correct greater vertical deviation of 30Delta-40Delta.
      The Foster transposition demonstrates the strongest effect in improving upgaze.

PMID- 27663630
TI  - Exotropic Duane syndrome with synergistic divergence and no mutations in COL25A1.
AB  - Typical Duane retraction syndrome, a common form of congenital cranial
      dysinnervation disorder (CCDD), is rarely due to a monogenic mutation. However,
      the unusual form of exotropic Duane syndrome with synergistic divergence was
      recently associated with bi-allelic mutations in the gene COL25A1, raising the
      possibility that this particular Duane syndrome phenotype could be a monogenic
      recessive CCDD. To explore this possibility, we tested 4 consecutive unrelated
      subjects with the diagnosis for COL25A1 mutations. None harbored pathogenic
      variants, evidence that exotropic Duane syndrome with synergistic divergence is
      notspecifically caused by mutations in the gene.

PMID- 27663631
TI  - Usefulness of the plasma glucose concentration-to-HbA1c ratio in predicting
      clinical outcomes during acute illness with extreme hyperglycaemia.
AB  - AIMS: To evaluate the correlation between the plasma glucose-to-glycated
      haemoglobin ratio (GAR) and clinical outcome during acute illness. METHODS: This
      retrospective observational cohort study enrolled 661 patients who visited the
      emergency department of our hospital between 1 July 2008 and 30 September 2010
      with plasma glucose concentrations>500mg/dL. Systolic blood pressure, heart rate,
      white blood cells, neutrophils, haematocrit, blood urea nitrogen, serum
      creatinine, liver function and plasma glucose concentration were recorded at the
      initial presentation to the emergency department. Data on glycated haemoglobin
      over the preceding 6 months were reviewed from our hospital database. The glucose
      to-HbA1c ratio (GAR) was calculated as the plasma glucose concentration divided
      by glycated haemoglobin. RESULTS: The GAR of those who died was significantly
      higher than that of the survivors (81.0+/-25.9 vs 67.6+/-25.0; P<0.001). There
      was a trend towards a higher 90-day mortality rate in patients with higher GARs
      (log-rank test P<0.0001 for trend). On multivariate Cox regression analysis, the
      GAR was significantly related to 90-day mortality (hazard ratio [HR] for 1
      standard deviation [SD] change: 1.41, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.22-1.63;
      P<0.001), but not to plasma glucose (HR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.70-1.13; P=0.328). Rates
      of intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mechanical ventilator use were also
      higher in those with higher GARs. CONCLUSION: GAR independently predicted 90-day
      mortality, ICU admission and use of mechanical ventilation. It was also a better
      predictor of patient outcomes than plasma glucose alone in patients with
      extremely high glucose levels.

PMID- 27663632
TI  - The effects of stress on the dorsal raphe nucleus of the reticular formation and
      its role in the aetiology of disparate medical and neuropsychiatric disorders.

PMID- 27663633
TI  - Response to "Data Interpretation on the Use of Double-Lumen Tube Versus Bronchial
      Blocker for One-Lung Ventilation".

PMID- 27663634
TI  - Recurrent Asystole After Neostigmine in a Heart Transplant Recipient With End
      Stage Renal Disease.

PMID- 27663635
TI  - Quantification of all 209 PCB congeners in blood-Can indicators be used to
      calculate the total PCB blood load?
AB  - Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a substance group of 209 theoretically
      possible compounds. The human body burden of PCBs is commonly calculated based on
      so-called indicator congeners such as PCB 138, PCB 153 and PCB 180, which are
      analyzed in human blood. The German "Human Biomonitoring (HBM) Commission"
      assumes that the sum of these indicator congeners multiplied by a factor of 2
      represents the total PCB burden. This norm is based on data obtained from
      exposure studies after dietary intake. Data from indoor air shows a different
      congener pattern, which might lead to a relatively higher intake of lower
      chlorinated PCBs by inhalation. In two independent studies with adult
      participants from two regions in Germany, we measured all 209 PCB congeners in 44
      whole blood and 42 plasma samples. Participants from the whole blood study group
      had additional exposure to PCBs via indoor air. With our analytical method, 141
      individual PCB congeners, 27 coeluted pairs of PCB congeners and 2 records of 3
      and 4 coeluted PCBs could be determined. Thus, 172 analysis results were reported
      per sample. In the whole blood samples, 50 congeners showed values below the
      limit of quantification (LOQ), whereas 94 congeners could not be detected in any
      of plasma samples. Total PCB concentrations (Sigma 209 PCB congeners, incl. 1/2
      LOQ) in the whole blood samples ranged from 99 to 2152ng PCB/g lipid (Median:
      454ng/g lipid; 95th Percentile: 1404ng/g lipid). The sum of all 209 measured PCB
      (incl. 1/2 LOQ) in plasma samples showed levels between 52 and 933ng PCB/g lipid
      (Median: 226ng/g lipid; 95th Percentile: 642ng/g lipid). Our results show that
      the burden of PCBs on the human body is caused mainly by the three highly
      chlorinated indicator congeners PCB 138, PCB 153 and PCB 180. In median
      approximately 50% of the total PCB content in human whole blood or plasma samples
      can be attributed to these congeners. Total PCB, calculated by multiplying the
      sum of the three indicator congeners by 2, showed a strong and highly significant
      correlation to the sum of all 209 measured congeners for each sample. A slightly
      stronger correlation in the whole blood samples could be achieved by choosing six
      indicator congeners, including the lower chlorinated congeners (PCB 28, 52 and
      101) into the calculation. Although this difference is very small, it must be
      considered that higher PCB levels in indoor air than those measured in the
      present study might be associated with a higher burden of indoor-air-related
      congeners in exposed individuals. For precautionary reasons, it could therefore
      be recommended that the assessment of individuals exposed to PCB via indoor air
      should be carried out based on the sum of the 6 indicator congeners PCB 28, PCB
      52, PCB 101, PCB 138, PCB 153 and PCB 180 multiplied by a factor of 2.

PMID- 27663636
TI  - Human biomonitoring in Israel: Recent results and lessons learned.
AB  - The use of human biomonitoring (HBM) as a tool for environmental health policy
      and research is developing rapidly in Israel. Despite challenges in securing
      political and financial support for HBM, the Ministry of Health has initiated
      national HBM studies and has utilized HBM data in environmental health policy
      decision making. Currently, the Ministry of Health is collecting urine samples
      from children and adults in the framework of the National Health and Nutrition
      Study (MABAT), with the goal of ongoing surveillance of population exposure to
      pesticides and environmental tobacco smoke, and of combining HBM data with data
      on diet and health behavior. In academic research studies in Israel, biomarkers
      are used increasingly in environmental epidemiology, including in three active
      birth cohort studies on adverse health effects of phthalates, brominated flame
      retardants, and organophosphate pesticides. Future Ministry of Health goals
      include establishing HBM analytical capabilities, developing a long term national
      HBM plan for Israel and participating in the proposed HBM4EU project in order to
      improve data harmonization. One of the lessons learned in Israel is that even in
      the absence of a formal HBM program, it is possible to collect meaningful HBM
      data and use it in an ad hoc fashion to support environmental health policy.

PMID- 27663638
TI  - PET imaging approaches for inflammatory lung diseases: Current concepts and
      future directions.
AB  - Inflammatory lung disease is one of the most common clinical scenarios, and yet,
      it is often poorly understood. Inflammatory lung disorders, such as chronic
      obstructive pulmonary diseases, which are causing significant mortality and
      morbidity, have limited therapeutic options. Recently, new treatments have become
      available for pulmonary fibrosis. This review article will describe the new
      insights that are starting to be gained from positron emission tomography (PET)
      methods, by targeting molecular processes using dedicated radiotracers.
      Ultimately, this should aid in deriving better pathophysiological classification
      of these disorders, which will ultimately result in better evaluation of novel
      therapies.

PMID- 27663639
TI  - Editorial Comment.

PMID- 27663637
TI  - Germline variants in ETV6 underlie reduced platelet formation, platelet
      dysfunction and increased levels of circulating CD34+ progenitors.
AB  - Variants in ETV6, which encodes a transcription repressor of the E26
      transformation-specific family, have recently been reported to be responsible for
      inherited thrombocytopenia and hematologic malignancy. We sequenced the DNA from
      cases with unexplained dominant thrombocytopenia and identified six likely
      pathogenic variants in ETV6, of which five are novel. We observed low repressive
      activity of all tested ETV6 variants, and variants located in the E26
      transformation-specific binding domain (encoding p.A377T, p.Y401N) led to reduced
      binding to corepressors. We also observed a large expansion of megakaryocyte
      colony-forming units derived from variant carriers and reduced proplatelet
      formation with abnormal cytoskeletal organization. The defect in proplatelet
      formation was also observed in control CD34+ cell-derived megakaryocytes
      transduced with lentiviral particles encoding mutant ETV6. Reduced expression
      levels of key regulators of the actin cytoskeleton CDC42 and RHOA were measured.
      Moreover, changes in the actin structures are typically accompanied by a rounder
      platelet shape with a highly heterogeneous size, decreased platelet arachidonic
      response, and spreading and retarded clot retraction in ETV6 deficient platelets.
      Elevated numbers of circulating CD34+ cells were found in p.P214L and p.Y401N
      carriers, and two patients from different families suffered from refractory
      anemia with excess blasts, while one patient from a third family was successfully
      treated for acute myeloid leukemia. Overall, our study provides novel insights
      into the role of ETV6 as a driver of cytoskeletal regulatory gene expression
      during platelet production, and the impact of variants resulting in platelets
      with altered size, shape and function and potentially also in changes in
      circulating progenitor levels.

PMID- 27663640
TI  - Author Reply.

PMID- 27663641
TI  - Editorial Comment.

PMID- 27663643
TI  - Practice patterns for complex situations in the management of rectal cancer: A
      multidisciplinary inter-group national survey.
AB  - GOAL: To report the current clinical practice of French physicians for rectal
      cancer in various complex settings. METHODS: Nineteen clinical situations and
      four surveillance modalities were proposed to a panel of experts via 11 learned
      societies. The answers of 48 experts and the impact of colorectal specialists on
      therapeutic options were compared to those of other participants. RESULTS: A
      total of 722 physicians [surgeons=319 (44%), gastro-intestinal oncologists=305
      (42%), radiotherapists=98 (14%)] participated in this study. The mean number of
      answers per question was 500. A consensus was reached in 19 clinical situations.
      Approaches according to specialty were similar in most situations. In seven
      settings, the therapeutic strategy differed significantly (interval between the
      end of chemo-radiation and surgery, attitude based on response of neo-adjuvant
      therapy, treatment of usT1N0 or pT1sm2 tumors after endoscopic resection,
      adjuvant therapy for pT3N1 tumors, interval to protective stoma closure, and
      schedule of follow-up surveillance). There was disagreement between experts and
      non-experts with regard to three management plans (contra-indications for neo
      adjuvant chemo-radiation therapy, strategy according to response to neo-adjuvant
      therapy, and date of protective stoma closure). CONCLUSION: This survey provides
      an overview of current practice of a selected group of French physicians. Sound
      knowledge of the current literature and case-by-case discussion with a group of
      experts from each involved specialty during a multidisciplinary conference are
      essential. Certain complex cases should be presented to expert centers to
      validate the therapeutic approach.

PMID- 27663644
TI  - Distribution, sources, and ecological risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic
      hydrocarbons in surface sediments from the Nantong Coast, China.
AB  - The distribution, sources, and ecological risk assessment of 16 polycyclic
      aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surface sediments from the Nantong coast in China
      were investigated. The results indicated that the total concentrations of the 16
      PAHs in the surface sediments from the study area ranged from 1.4 to 87.1ngg-1 dw
      (mean value 19.9ngg-1 dw), which were generally low compared to the adjacent
      offshore area and other coastal zones around the world. The selected PAH ratios
      and the principal components analysis for each site showed that petroleum
      combustion and petrogenic pollution (mainly caused by petroleum spills) were the
      dominant PAHs sources in the surface sediments of the coast. The ecological risk
      assessment indicated that most of the individual PAHs had few negative effects in
      this area.

PMID- 27663642
TI  - Breast cancer screening attendance in two Swiss regions dominated by
      opportunistic or organized screening.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Switzerland, the French-speaking region has an organized breast
      cancer (BC) screening program; in the German-speaking region, only opportunistic
      screening until recently had been offered. We evaluated factors associated with
      attendance to breast cancer screening in these two regions. METHODS: We analyzed
      the data of 50-69 year-old women (n = 2769) from the Swiss Health Survey 2012.
      Factors of interest included education level, place of residence, nationality,
      marital status, smoking history, alcohol consumption, physical activity, diet,
      self-perceived health, history of chronic diseases and mental distress, visits to
      medical doctors and cervical and colorectal cancer screening. Outcome measures
      were dichotomized into <=2 years since most recent mammography versus >2 years or
      never. RESULTS: In the German- and French-speaking regions, mammography
      attendance within the last two years was 34.9 % and 77.8 %, respectively. In the
      French region, moderate alcohol consumption (adjusted OR 2.01, 95 % CI 1.28-3.15)
      increased screening attendance. Compared to those with no visit to a physician
      during the recent year, women in both regions with such visits attended
      statistically significantly more often BC screening (1-5 times vs. no visit:
      German (adjusted OR 3.96, 95 % CI 2.58-6.09); French: OR 7.25, 95 % CI 4.04
      13.01). Non-attendance to cervical screening had a negative effect in both the
      German (adjusted OR 0.44, 95 % CI 0.25-0.79) and the French region (adjusted OR
      0.57, 95 % CI 0.35-0.91). The same was true for colorectal cancer screening
      (German (adjusted OR 0.66, 95 % CI 0.52-0.84); French: OR 0.52, 95 % CI 0.33
      0.83). No other factor was associated with BC screening and none of the tests of
      interaction comparing the two regions revealed statistically significant results.
      CONCLUSION: The effect of socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle, health
      factors and screening behavior other than mammography on non-attendance to BC
      screening did not differ between the two regions with mainly opportunistic and
      organized screening, respectively, and did not explain the large differences in
      attendance between regions. Other potential explanations such as public promotion
      of attendance for BC screening, physicians' recommendations regarding mammography
      participation or women's beliefs should be further investigated.

PMID- 27663645
TI  - Distribution variation of heavy metals in maricultural sediments and their
      enrichment, ecological risk and possible source-A case study from Zhelin bay in
      Southern China.
AB  - The study characterized the enrichment, ecological risk and possible source of
      heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn) in sediments from a typical
      mariculture bay. The concentrations of the metals were analyzed in sediments
      collected from Zhelin bay. The distribution variation was examined during the
      past decade, which had an increase tendency till 2011. The enrichment factor and
      geoaccumulation indices suggested Pb, As, Cu and Zn were minor enrichment and
      unpolluted to moderately polluted, and Ni at cage mariculture area was moderately
      severe enrichment and strongly polluted. This area had medium to high ecological
      risk, especially at the northwest coastal area of semi-closed bay, with high
      medium to high ecological risk. Correlation and principal component analyses
      indicated that most of heavy metals, especially for As, Pb and Ni, primarily
      resulted from the combustion of gasoline and diesel fuel and the ship protective
      layer.

PMID- 27663647
TI  - A case of low success of blind vaccination campaigns against myxomatosis and
      rabbit haemorrhagic disease on survival of adult European wild rabbits.
AB  - Vaccination campaigns against myxomatosis and rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD)
      are commonly used in translocation programs conducted for the purpose of
      recovering wild European rabbit populations in Iberian Mediterranean ecosystems.
      In most cases rabbits are vaccinated 'blind' (i.e. without assessing their prior
      immunological status) for economic and logistic reasons. However, there is
      conflicting evidence on the effectiveness of such an approach. We tested whether
      blind vaccination against myxomatosis and rabbit haemorrhagic disease improved
      rabbit survival in a rabbit translocation program where wild rabbits were kept in
      semi-natural conditions in three enclosures. We conducted nine capture sessions
      over two years (2008-2010) and used the information collected to compare the
      survival of vaccinated (n=511) versus unvaccinated (n=161) adult wild rabbits
      using capture-mark-recapture analysis. Average monthly survival was no different
      for vaccinated versus unvaccinated individuals, both in the period between
      release and first capture (short-term) and after the first capture onward (long
      term). Rabbit survival was lower in the short term than in the long term
      regardless of whether rabbits were vaccinated or not. Lower survival in the short
      term could be due to the stress induced by the translocation process itself (e.g.
      handling stress). However, we did not find any overall effect of vaccination on
      survival which could be explained by two non-exclusive reasons. First,
      interference of the vaccine with the natural antibodies in the donor population.
      Due to donor populations have high density of rabbits with, likely, high
      prevalence of antibodies as a result of previous natural exposure to these
      diseases. Second, the lack of severe outbreaks during the study period. Based on
      our findings we argue that blind vaccination of adult rabbits in translocation
      programs may be often mostly ineffective and unnecessarily costly. In particular,
      since outbreaks are hard to predict and vaccination of rabbits with natural
      antibodies is ineffective, it is crucial to assess the immunological status of
      the donor population before translocating adult rabbits.

PMID- 27663646
TI  - Leptin decreases the expression of low-density lipoprotein receptor via PCSK9
      pathway: linking dyslipidemia with obesity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies have suggested that people with obesity showed
      elevated serum levels of leptin as well as lipid dysfunction and proprotein
      convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) played an important role in the
      regulation of lipid metabolism recently. The aim of this study was to determine
      if leptin participated in regulating the uptake of low-density lipoproteins (LDL)
      in hepatocytes via PCSK9. METHODS: HepG2 cells were treated with human
      recombinant leptin. The impact of leptin on cellular low density lipoprotein
      receptor (LDLR) and PCSK9 protein levels was determined by Western blot. Dil-LDL
      uptake assay was performed to examine the LDLR function. Specific small
      interfering RNAs (siRNAs) were used to interfere the expressions of target
      proteins. RESULTS: The expression of LDLR and LDL uptake could be significantly
      down-regulated by leptin treatment while the expressions of PCSK9 and hepatocyte
      nuclear factor 1alpha (HNF1alpha) were enhanced in HepG2 cells. Furthermore,
      inhibition of PCSK9 or HNF1alpha expression by siRNAs rescued the reduction of
      LDLR expression and LDL uptake by leptin. We found that leptin activated the p38
      mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) signaling pathway. Moreover, the
      changes of the expressions of HNF1alpha, PCSK9, LDLR, and LDL uptake induced by
      leptin could be blocked by p38MAPK inhibitor (SB203580). Additionally, leptin
      attenuated the up-regulation of LDLR caused by atorvastatin in HepG2 cells.
      CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicated firstly that leptin reduced LDLR levels in
      hepatocyte via PCSK9 pathway, suggesting that PCSK9 might be a alternative target
      for dyslipidemia in the obesity.

PMID- 27663648
TI  - Do we need new prokinetics to reduce enteral feeding intolerance during critical
      illness?
AB  - Gastrointestinal feeding intolerance and critical illness-associated gastric
      motility dysfunction are common. Although recent guidelines recommend not
      interrupting gastric feeding when gastric residual volume (GRV) is lower than 500
      mL or to completely abandon measurement of GRV, it may seem that the relevance of
      prokinetics is reduced.In patients at risk for aspiration and in multimodal
      strategies to enhance feeding performance, however, use of prokinetics is still
      advocated. Metoclopramide and erythromycin are commonly used promotility agents,
      although with relevant side effects.Potential targets for new agents and early
      study results are addressed.

PMID- 27663649
TI  - Throat culture positivity rate and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of beta
      hemolytic streptococci in children on secondary prophylaxis for rheumatic heart
      disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Among children diagnosed to have chronic rheumatic valvular heart
      disease (RHD) in Ethiopia, many have been observed to develop recurrence of
      rheumatic fever (RF) despite secondary prophylaxis. This study determined the
      throat culture positivity rate and drug susceptibility pattern of beta hemolytic
      streptococci (BHS) isolated from children attending a specialized cardiac clinic
      in Ethiopia. METHODS: Throat swabs were collected from 233 children receiving
      benzathine penicillin injection as secondary prophylaxis for RHD and cultured.
      The bacterial isolates were characterized using Matrix Assisted Laser
      Desorption/Ionization-Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. Drug
      susceptibility was tested with the Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. Anti
      streptolysin O (ASO) titers were determined using ASO latex reagents. RESULTS:
      The throat culture positivity rate for BHS was 24 % (56/233). Among the BHS
      bacterial strains isolated, four were characterized as S. pyogenes and another
      four as S. dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis (Lancefield group A, C and G). All BHS
      were susceptible to penicillin except one isolate of S. agalactiae. Among 233
      children enrolled, 46(19.7 %) showed increased ASO titer. Children who received
      antibiotic prophylaxis within 2-weeks of last injection had significantly lower
      BHS throat culture positivity rate than those injected every 4-weeks (p = 0.02).
      Children who missed at least one prophylaxis within the last 6 months had a
      higher BHS culture positivity rate than those who did not miss any (p = 0.0003).
      CONCLUSIONS: The presence of groups A, C and G streptococci in the throat of
      children under secondary prophylaxis for RHD and increased ASO titer suggests
      failure of the regimen. This calls for further investigation into the causes of
      inadequate prophylaxis (including bioavailability of drugs used, optimal duration
      and patient compliance) and intervention.

PMID- 27663650
TI  - Rib fractures and their association With solid organ injury: higher rib fractures
      have greater significance for solid organ injury screening.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to identify patients with rib injuries
      who were at risk for solid organ injury. METHODS: A retrospective chart review
      was performed of all blunt trauma patients with rib fractures during the period
      from July 2007 to July 2012. Data were analyzed for association of rib fractures
      and solid organ injury. RESULTS: In all, 1,103 rib fracture patients were
      identified; 142 patients had liver injuries with 109 (77%) associated right rib
      fractures. Right-sided rib fractures with highest sensitivity for liver injury
      were middle rib segment (5 to 8) and lower segment (9 to 12) with liver injury
      sensitivities of 68% and 43%, respectively (P < .001); 151 patients had spleen
      injuries with 119 (79%) associated left rib fractures. Left middle segment rib
      fractures and lower segment rib fractures had sensitivities of 80% and 63% for
      splenic injury, respectively (P < .003). CONCLUSIONS: Rib fractures higher in the
      thoracic cage have significant association with solid organ injury. Using rib
      fractures from middle plus lower segments as indication for abdominal screening
      will significantly improve rib fracture sensitivity for identification of solid
      organ injury.

PMID- 27663651
TI  - Conscious status predicts mortality among patients with isolated traumatic brain
      injury in administrative data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Outcome studies in trauma using administrative data traditionally
      employ anatomy-based definitions of injury severity; however, physiologic
      factors, including consciousness, may correlate with outcomes. We examined
      whether accounting for conscious status in administrative data improved mortality
      prediction among patients with moderate to severe TBI. METHODS: Patients meeting
      Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for TBI in the 2006
      to 2011 Nationwide Emergency Department Sample were identified. Patients were
      dichotomized as having no/brief loss of consciousness (LOC) vs extended LOC
      greater than 1 hour using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth
      Revision (ICD-9) fifth digit modifiers. Receiver operating curves compared the
      ability of logistic regression to predict mortality in models that included LOC
      vs models that did not. RESULTS: Overall, 98,397 individuals met criteria, of
      whom 25.8% had extended LOC. In univariate analysis, AIS alone predicted
      mortality in 69.6% of patients (area under receiver operating characteristic
      curve .696, 95% CI .689 to .702), extended LOC alone predicted mortality in 76.8%
      (AUROC .768, 95% CI .764 to .773), and a combination of AIS and extended LOC
      predicted mortality in 82.6% of cases (AUROC .826, 95% CI .821 to .830). Similar
      differences were observed in best-fit models. CONCLUSIONS: Accounting for LOC
      along with anatomical measures of injury severity improves mortality prediction
      among patients with moderate/severe TBI in administrative datasets. Further work
      is warranted to determine whether other physiological measures may also improve
      prediction across a variety of injury types.

PMID- 27663652
TI  - Amino acid substitutions involved in the adaptation of a novel highly pathogenic
      H5N2 avian influenza virus in mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: H5N2 avian influenza viruses (AIVs) can infect individuals that are
      in frequent contact with infected birds. In 2013, we isolated a novel reassortant
      highly pathogenic H5N2 AIV strain [A/duck/Zhejiang/6DK19/2013(H5N2) (6DK19)] from
      a duck in Eastern China. This study was undertaken to understand the adaptive
      processes that led enhanced replication and increased virulence of 6DK19 in
      mammals. 6DK19 was adapted to mice using serial lung-to-lung passages (10
      passages total). The virulence of the wild-type virus (WT-6DK19) and mouse
      adapted virus (MA-6DK19) was determined in mice. The whole-genome sequences of MA
      6DK19 and WT-6DK19 were compared to determine amino acid differences. FINDINGS:
      Amino acid changes were identified in the MA-DK19 PB2 (E627K), PB1 (I181T), HA
      (A150S), NS1 (seven amino acid extension "WRNKVAD" at the C-terminal), and NS2
      (E69G) proteins. Survival and histology analyses demonstrated that MA-6DK19 was
      more virulent in mice than WT-6DK19. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that these
      substitutions are involved in the enhanced replication efficiency and virulence
      of H5N2 AIVs in mammals. Continuing surveillance for H5N2 viruses in poultry that
      are carrying these mutations is required.

PMID- 27663653
TI  - Completed Sonographic Anatomic Surveys: The Exception Rather Than the Rule.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine how often fetal organ systems are imaged completely and
      whether this rate varies by hospital. METHODS: All initial sonographic anatomic
      examinations between 16 and 24 weeks from 3 hospitals (perinatal designation
      levels I-III) from January 2012 through December 2013 were identified in their
      obstetric and gynecologic anatomic survey report databases, focusing on 36
      anatomic fields. Structures were grouped into regions: brain, face, spine, heart,
      abdomen, and extremities. Rates of complete visualization of each structure,
      structure grouping, and the total were calculated and compared by chi2 testing.
      RESULTS: From 7211 examinations (2578 from level I, 986 from level II, and 3647
      from level III), the completion rate was 16.8% (I, 20.6%; II, 20.0%; and III,
      13.2%; P < .00001). Brain and extremity imaging was complete 85% of the time or
      more but spine only 62.4% (sacrum consistently lowest). Completeness rates varied
      significantly (P< .00001) for the face (28.1%-64.4%, due to low rates of clearing
      lips at level III, and level I not clearing profiles), heart (37.3%-56.1%, level
      I < II < III), and abdomen (65.2%-85.7%, due to lower rates of clearing kidneys
      at level I). Completion of both the heart and spine was 32.0% (I, 23.0%; II,
      25.4%; and III, 40.2%; P < .00001). CONCLUSIONS: With a comprehensive reporting
      system, completion rates for full anatomic sonograms are low. Facial, cardiac,
      and spinal structures are least complete, and follow-up examinations often remain
      incomplete. Completion benchmarks would be helpful because "incomplete" studies
      lead to repeated examinations that increase health care costs.

PMID- 27663654
TI  - Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome: Percutaneous Tendon Fenestration Versus
      Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection for Treatment of Gluteal Tendinosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare ultrasound-guided
      percutaneous tendon fenestration to platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection for
      treatment of greater trochanteric pain syndrome. METHODS: After Institutional
      Review Board approval was obtained, patients with symptoms of greater
      trochanteric pain syndrome and ultrasound findings of gluteal tendinosis or a
      partial tear (<50% depth) were blinded and treated with ultrasound-guided
      fenestration or autologous PRP injection of the abnormal tendon. Pain scores were
      recorded at baseline, week 1, and week 2 after treatment. Retrospective clinic
      record review assessed patient symptoms. RESULTS: The study group consisted of 30
      patients (24 female), of whom 50% were treated with fenestration and 50% were
      treated with PRP. The gluteus medius was treated in 73% and 67% in the
      fenestration and PRP groups, respectively. Tendinosis was present in all
      patients. In the fenestration group, mean pain scores were 32.4 at baseline, 16.8
      at time point 1, and 15.2 at time point 2. In the PRP group, mean pain scores
      were 31.4 at baseline, 25.5 at time point 1, and 19.4 at time point 2.
      Retrospective follow-up showed significant pain score improvement from baseline
      to time points 1 and 2 (P< .0001) but no difference between treatment groups (P=
      .1623). There was 71% and 79% improvement at 92 days (mean) in the fenestration
      and PRP groups, respectively, with no significant difference between the
      treatments (P >.99). CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that both ultrasound-guided
      tendon fenestration and PRP injection are effective for treatment of gluteal
      tendinosis, showing symptom improvement in both treatment groups.

PMID- 27663655
TI  - Sonoelastography of Musculoskeletal Soft Tissue Masses: A Pilot Study of
      Quantitative Evaluation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate quantitative sonoelastography of benign and malignant
      musculoskeletal soft tissue masses. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study of
      50 patients from a specialist sarcoma center who had extremity soft tissue masses
      referred for biopsy. After consent, the quantitative shear wave velocity (meters
      per second) was measured in longitudinal and transverse planes (3 readings in
      each plane and mean calculated). All masses subsequently underwent biopsy,
      excision, or both, with the histologic diagnosis taken as the reference standard.
      At a subsequent sitting, all anonymized B-mode sonograms were scored
      independently by 2 radiologists as benign or malignant with agreement by
      consensus if necessary. RESULTS: Of the 50 masses, 15 were malignant and 35
      benign. Nine masses had incomplete velocity readings. Intraclass correlation
      coefficients for intra-reader reliability of velocity measurements were highly
      repeatable. There was preliminary evidence that the longitudinal shear wave
      velocity of malignant masses was on average 30% slower than that of benign masses
      (P< .10). Longitudinal and transverse shear wave measurements were moderately
      associated with each other (P = .003). There was no evidence that shear wave
      velocity varied with patient age, sex, or mass volume. For B-mode assessment of
      malignancy, sensitivity (Wilson 90% confidence interval) was 73.3% (52.1%,
      87.4%), and specificity was 77.1% (63.8%, 86.6%). Interobserver agreement was
      substantial (kappa= 0.86). Four of 15 malignant masses (26.6%) were incorrectly
      classified as benign on B-mode assessment (all grade 1 liposarcomas).
      CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that shear wave velocity measurement is
      reproducible and that malignant masses may have slower longitudinal shear wave
      velocities than benign masses. The sample size of this pilot study precludes
      adjusted analysis but should form the basis for larger study designs.

PMID- 27663656
TI  - Liver and Spleen Stiffness Measurements by Point Shear Wave Elastography via
      Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse: Intraobserver and Interobserver Variability and
      Predictors of Variability in a US Population.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Measurements of liver stiffness and spleen stiffness are useful
      noninvasive ways to assess fibrosis and portal hypertension in patients with
      chronic liver disease. One method for assessing stiffness is by point shear wave
      elastography via acoustic radiation force impulse imaging (ARFI). Its advantage
      is that sites where stiffness is measured are visualized sonographically.
      However, its reliability has not been well established, and all studies done to
      date evaluating the use of ARFI in chronic liver disease have been performed
      outside the United States. We aimed to characterize the intraobserver and
      interobserver variability of ARFI-measured liver and spleen stiffness. METHODS:
      Two hepatologists evaluated unselected hepatology outpatients with ARFI.
      Exclusions were hepatocellular carcinoma, ascites, a surgical shunt or
      transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, portal thrombosis, and cholestatic
      disease. Each operator obtained 20 measurements from the right liver lobe and
      spleen. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated. RESULTS: A
      total of 177 patients were included: median age, 61 years; 85% male; and 43%
      obese. Intraobserver ICCs were the same for both observers for liver stiffness
      (0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.85-0.92) and spleen stiffness (0.72; 95%
      CI, 0.61-0.80). Interobserver agreement was excellent for liver stiffness (ICC,
      0.85; 95% CI, 0.76-0.90) but not as good for spleen stiffness (ICC, 0.73; 95% CI,
      0.60-0.83). A body mass index of 30 kg/m2 or greater, waist circumference of
      greater than 105 cm, and skin-to-capsule distance of 2 cm or greater negatively
      affected the ICC for liver stiffness; small spleen size negatively affected the
      ICC for spleen stiffness. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this article is the
      first report of ARFI findings in a US population with chronic liver disease.
      Liver stiffness reproducibility was excellent, particularly in nonobese patients.
      Spleen stiffness reproducibility was excellent in those with larger spleens and
      therefore may be most useful in patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension.

PMID- 27663657
TI  - Effects of Cigarette Smoking on Elastographic Strain Ratio Measurements of
      Patellar and Achilles Tendons.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore the sonographic and
      elastographic properties of patellar and Achilles tendons in smoking and
      nonsmoking otherwise healthy adults. METHODS: We conducted a level 3 case-control
      analytical study. Smoking and nonsmoking volunteers (>18 years) without
      musculoskeletal system disorders were included in the study. Demographic
      characteristics and smoking habits (pack-years) were recorded. Proximal, middle,
      and distal third thicknesses of the patellar and Achilles tendons were measured
      by B-mode sonography. Strain ratio measurements of the same regions were measured
      by real-time ultrasound elastography. RESULTS: A total of 69 participants (57
      male and 12 female; mean age +/- SD, 35.5 +/- 7.8 years) were evaluated in the
      study. Smoking (n = 35) and nonsmoking (n = 34) groups had no significant
      differences in terms of age, body mass index, sex, and activity level (all P >
      .05). Proximal, middle, and distal thirds of the patellar and Achilles tendons
      were significantly thinner in the smoking group (all P < .05). Furthermore,
      strain ratio measurements in the same regions were significantly lower in the
      smoking group (all P< .05). Patellar tendon thicknesses and strain ratios had
      negative correlations with the smoking amount (all P < .05). CONCLUSIONS:
      Thickness and strain ratio measurements of patellar and Achilles tendons were
      reduced (thinner and harder tendons) in smokers. Clinical implications of these
      morphologic and elastographic changes should be investigated in future studies.

PMID- 27663659
TI  - Effects of an integrated neighborhood approach on older people's (health-related)
      quality of life and well-being.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Integrated neighborhood approaches (INAs) are increasingly advocated
      to reinforce formal and informal community networks and support community
      dwelling older people. They aim to augment older people's self-management
      abilities and engage informal networks before seeking professional support. INAs'
      effectiveness however remains unknown. We evaluated an INA's effects on older
      people's (health-related) quality of life (HRQoL) and well-being in Rotterdam.
      METHODS: We used a matched quasi-experimental design comparing INA with "usual"
      care and support. Community-dwelling frail older (70+ years) people and frailty-
      and gender-matched control subjects (n = 186 each) were followed over a 1-year
      period (measurements at baseline and 6 and 12 months). Primary outcomes were
      HRQoL (EQ-5D-3L, SF-20) and well-being [social production function instrument for
      the level of well-being (SPF-IL)]. The effect of INA was analysed using an
      "intention to treat" and an "as treated" approach. RESULTS: The results indicated
      that pre-intervention participants had lower incomes and were significantly
      older, more often single, less educated and more likely to have >=1 disease than
      control subjects; they had lower well-being, physical functioning, role
      functioning, and mental health. Generalized linear mixed modelling of repeated
      measurements revealed no substantial difference in well-being or HRQoL between
      the intervention and control group after 1 year. The small differences we did
      find in the intention to treat group though were in favour of the control
      subjects (SF-20 = 6.98, 95 % confidence interval [CI] = 2.45-11.52; SPF-IL = .09,
      95 % CI = .01-.17). However, the difference in well-being (SPF-IL) disappeared in
      the as treated analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of effects of INA highlights the
      complexity of integrated care and support initiatives. Barriers associated with
      meeting the complex, varied needs of frail older people, and those related to
      dynamic political and social climates challenge initiative effectiveness. Trial
      registration The research was supported with a grant provided by the Netherlands
      Organisation for Health Research and Development (ZonMw, project number
      314030201) as part of the National Care for the Elderly Programme.

PMID- 27663658
TI  - Development of an efficient strategy to improve HPV immunization coverage in
      Japan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Japan, new HPV immunizations have dropped dramatically after
      repeated adverse media reports and a June 2013 temporary suspension of the
      government's recommendation for the vaccine. The aim of the present study was to
      develop an efficient strategy to improve HPV immunization coverage across Japan.
      METHODS: We conducted an internet survey in Japan of mothers of 12-16 year-old
      girls who were unvaccinated as of May, 2015. The goal was to gather behavioral
      information from the mothers to develop a strategy for improving Japanese HPV
      immunization coverage. RESULTS: Valid survey answers were obtained from 2060
      mothers. The survey found that a hypothetical restart of a governmental
      recommendation for the vaccine would induce 4.1 % of all the mothers surveyed to
      be more likely to encourage vaccination of their daughters, without any other
      preconditions. This initial result would be followed by a moderate spread of
      vaccinations to these daughters' close friends and acquaintances, hypothetically
      resulting in a total vaccination rate of 21.0 % of the targeted age-eligible
      girls. As a second critical step for improving vaccinations, an educational
      information sheet integrating the concepts of behavioral economics for changing
      behaviors was found to be significantly effective for persuading mothers with
      poorer decision-making facilities, who would otherwise prefer to wait to first
      see the vaccination of other girls of the same age as their daughter.
      CONCLUSIONS: Following what we foresee as the inevitable restart of the Japanese
      government's recommendation for receiving the HPV vaccine, we expect to first see
      vaccinations occurring in a very small group of girls, the daughters of the most
      willing mothers, which will be roughly 4 % of those eligible for government paid
      vaccinations. This will be followed by the spread of vaccinations outward through
      these girls' circle of friends and acquaintances, and, finally, to the daughters
      of the most skeptical mothers, those who would await the return of new vaccine
      safety results from a large group of similarly-aged girls. As a critical step in
      improving HPV vaccine coverage in Japan, an educational information sheet that
      integrates the concepts of behavioral economics for changing behaviors can be
      employed to persuade mothers with poor decision-making facilities.

PMID- 27663660
TI  - MicroRNA-215 suppresses cell proliferation, migration and invasion of colon
      cancer by repressing Yin-Yang 1.
AB  - Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide with
      rising incidence. MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that implicate in multiple
      physiological or pathological processes. The aberrant expression of miRNA-215
      (miR-215) has been illustrated in various types of cancers. However, the
      expression of miR-215 in human colon cancer and the biological roles of it remain
      largely unknown. We conducted this study to explore the expression and the
      function of miR-215 in human colon cancer. The results showed that miR-215 was
      remarkably downregulated in colon cancer tissues and cell lines. Overexpression
      of miR-215 by miR-215 mimic significantly inhibited colon cancer cell
      proliferation, migration and invasion while knockdown of miR-215 by miR-215
      inhibitor exerted reverse effects. Furthermore, we newly identified Yin-Yang
      1(YY1) as a direct target of miR-215 which could rescue the effects of miR-215 on
      colon cancer cells. In summary, our investigation revealed that miR-215 was
      downregulated in colon cancer and it suppressed colon cancer cell proliferation,
      migration and invasion by directly targeting YY1.

PMID- 27663661
TI  - Lysosome-associated membrane proteins-1 and -2 (LAMP-1 and LAMP-2) assemble via
      distinct modes.
AB  - Lysosome-associated membrane proteins 1 and 2 (LAMP-1 and LAMP-2) have a large,
      heavily glycosylated luminal domain composed of two subdomains, and are the most
      abundant protein components in lysosome membranes. LAMP-1 and LAMP-2 have
      distinct functions, and the presence of both proteins together is required for
      the essential regulation of autophagy to avoid embryonic lethality. However, the
      structural aspects of LAMP-1 and LAMP-2 have not been elucidated. In the present
      study, we demonstrated that the subdomains of LAMP-1 and LAMP-2 adopt the unique
      beta-prism fold, similar to the domain structure of the dendritic cell-specific
      LAMP (DC-LAMP, LAMP-3), confirming the conserved aspect of this family of
      lysosome-associated membrane proteins. Furthermore, we evaluated the effects of
      the N-domain truncation of LAMP-1 or LAMP-2 on the assembly of LAMPs, based on
      immunoprecipitation experiments. We found that the N-domain of LAMP-1 is
      necessary, whereas that of LAMP-2 is repressive, for the organization of a
      multimeric assembly of LAMPs. Accordingly, the present study suggests for the
      first time that the assembly modes of LAMP-1 and LAMP-2 are different, which may
      underlie their distinct functions.

PMID- 27663662
TI  - The power of OMICs.
AB  - Over the past two decades, the field of systems biology, which encompasses the
      numerous, widely popular "OMICs" approaches, has driven many significant advances
      in biomedical research, enabling researchers to generate huge datasets at
      multiple levels of biological organization. Despite such successes, some
      scientists still think that "OMICs"-based research introduces a lot of chaos into
      the biomedical field and claim that the resultant data are often not reproducible
      and do not reveal deep mechanistic aspects of biological processes. In this
      editorial, I argue the following: first, that "OMICs" technologies have improved
      significantly to yield much better datasets; and second, that follow-up studies
      on components identified in "OMICs" analyses have yielded many valuable
      biological insights.

PMID- 27663663
TI  - Overexpression of SOX18 correlates with accelerated cell growth and poor
      prognosis in human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
AB  - Transcription factor SOX18 has been proved to play a significant role in
      carcinogenesis. However, no investigation was performed about the expression of
      SOX18 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). In our work, we found that the
      PDAC tissues had higher level of SOX18 mRNA and protein expression than matched
      non-tumor pancreatic tissues and high level of SOX18 protein indicated poor
      prognosis for PDAC patients. After knockdown of SOX18 gene in PANC-1 and SW1990
      cell lines, which showed higher expression level of SOX18 among five PDAC cell
      lines, the abilities of proliferation, migration and invasion were inhibited and
      the tumor growth was suppressed in vivo. In addition, the flow cytometry results
      indicated that down-regulation of SOX18 induced G1/S phase arrest. Furthermore,
      we found that the expression of cyclin D1, c-myc and MMP-7, three tumorigenesis
      promoters, was inhabited with downregulation of SOX18. In conclusion, our study
      reveals that SOX18 plays a significant role in promoting the growth of PDAC, and
      might serve as a promising target for PDAC therapy.

PMID- 27663664
TI  - Overexpression of ZIC5 promotes proliferation in non-small cell lung cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has become the leading cause of
      cancer-related deaths. It is therefore urgent that we identify new molecular
      targets to help cure NSCLC patients. Here, we identified ZIC5 as a potential
      novel oncogene. METHODS: We detected the expression of ZIC5 in tumor and normal
      tissues of NSCLC patients using quantitative real-time PCR and explored its
      clinical appearance. We then knocked down ZIC5 to observe changes in NSCLC cell
      proliferation and metastasis. Nude mouse xenograft models were established to
      measure ZIC5's function in vivo. RESULTS: Our results revealed that ZIC5 was
      expressed at dramatically higher levels in NSCLC tumor tissues than in normal
      tissues. High levels of ZIC5 expression were associated with a higher primary
      tumor grade. ZIC5 expression was significantly inhibited by small interfering
      RNA. After silencing ZIC5, the metastatic capacity of NSCLC cells was clearly
      lower. Knocking down ZIC5 significantly inhibited the proliferation of NSCLC
      cells, causing the cell cycle to be arrested in G2 phase. Xenograft tumor models
      showed that knocking down ZIC5 also inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Q-PCR and
      western blot analysis revealed that ZIC5 expression was closely associated with
      CCNB1 and CDK1 complex expression, while other cell cycle-related genes showed no
      significant correlation with ZIC5. CONCLUSIONS: Our experiment show that ZIC5 is
      highly upregulated in NSCLC tumor tissues and suggest that ZIC5 may act as an
      oncogene by influencing CCNB1 and CDK1 complex expression. ZIC5 may therefore be
      a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for NSCLC patients.

PMID- 27663665
TI  - A conserved glycine residue in the C-terminal region of human ATG9A is required
      for its transport from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi apparatus.
AB  - ATG9A is the only polytopic protein of the mammalian autophagy-related protein
      family whose members regulate autophagosome formation during macroautophagy. At
      steady state, ATG9A localizes to several intracellular sites, including the Golgi
      apparatus, endosomes and the plasma membrane, and it redistributes towards
      autophagosomes upon autophagy induction. Interestingly, the transport of yeast
      Atg9 to the pre-autophagosomal structure depends on its self-association, which
      is mediated by a short amino acid motif located in the C-terminal region of the
      protein. Here, we investigated whether the residues that align with this motif in
      human ATG9A (V515-C519) are also required for its trafficking in mammalian cells.
      Interestingly, our findings support that human ATG9A self-interacts as well, and
      that this process promotes transport of ATG9A molecules through the Golgi
      apparatus. Furthermore, our data reveal that the transport of ATG9A out of the ER
      is severely impacted after mutation of the conserved V515-C519 motif.
      Nevertheless, the mutated ATG9A molecules could still interact with each other,
      indicating that the molecular mechanism of self-interaction differs in mammalian
      cells compared to yeast. Using sequential amino acid substitutions of glycine 516
      and cysteine 519, we found that the stability of ATG9A relies on both of these
      residues, but that only the former is required for efficient transport of human
      ATG9A from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi apparatus.

PMID- 27663666
TI  - Advancing the use of noncoding RNA in regulatory toxicology: Report of an ECETOC
      workshop.
AB  - The European Centre for the Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals (ECETOC)
      organised a workshop to discuss the state-of-the-art research on noncoding RNAs
      (ncRNAs) as biomarkers in regulatory toxicology and as analytical and therapeutic
      agents. There was agreement that ncRNA expression profiling data requires careful
      evaluation to determine the utility of specific ncRNAs as biomarkers. To advance
      the use of ncRNA in regulatory toxicology, the following research priorities were
      identified: (1) Conduct comprehensive literature reviews to identify possibly
      suitable ncRNAs and areas of toxicology where ncRNA expression profiling could
      address prevailing scientific deficiencies. (2) Develop consensus on how to
      conduct ncRNA expression profiling in a toxicological context. (3) Conduct
      experimental projects, including, e.g., rat (90-day) oral toxicity studies, to
      evaluate the toxicological relevance of the expression profiles of selected
      ncRNAs. Thereby, physiological ncRNA expression profiles should be established,
      including the biological variability of healthy individuals. To substantiate the
      relevance of key ncRNAs for cell homeostasis or pathogenesis, molecular events
      should be dose-dependently linked with substance-induced apical effects. Applying
      a holistic approach, knowledge on ncRNAs, 'omics and epigenetics technologies
      should be integrated into adverse outcome pathways to improve the understanding
      of the functional roles of ncRNAs within a regulatory context.

PMID- 27663667
TI  - The temporal window of valuation is constricted among adolescent smokers.
AB  - Healthy decisions are associated with valuation of the future whereas unhealthy
      decisions are associated with devaluation of the future. Comparisons of future
      discounting of delayed rewards in adolescent smokers and non-smokers have been
      equivocal and past discounting of monetary gains has not been reported in
      adolescents. Here, adolescents completed future and past delay discounting tasks.
      A mixed-model analysis of covariance using a model with the lowest Bayesian
      Information Criterion revealed that adolescents discount the past more than the
      future and smokers discount more than non-smokers. These results suggest that
      adolescent smokers have a constricted temporal window, which may lead to
      disadvantageous decisions.

PMID- 27663668
TI  - Delay discounting of gains and losses, glycemic control and therapeutic adherence
      in type 2 diabetes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Delay discounting is the tendency to prefer smaller, sooner rewards to
      larger, later ones. Poor adherence in type 2 diabetes could be partially
      explained by a discounted value of health, as a function of delay. Delay
      discounting can be described with a hyperbolic model characterized by a
      coefficient, k. The higher k, the less future consequences are taken into account
      when making decisions. This study aimed to determine whether k would be
      correlated with glycated hemoglobin and adherence in type 2 diabetes. METHODS:
      Ninety-three patients were recruited in two diabetology departments. Delay
      discounting coefficients were measured with a computerized task. HbA1c was
      recorded and adherence was assessed by questionnaires. Potential socio
      demographic and clinical confounding factors were collected. RESULTS: There was a
      positive correlation between delay discounting of gains and HbA1c (r=0.242,
      P=0.023). This association remained significant after adjusting for potential
      confounding factors (F=4.807, P=0.031, eta2=0.058). This association was
      partially mediated by adherence to medication (beta=0.048, 95% CI [0.004-0.131]).
      CONCLUSIONS: Glycemic control is associated with delay discounting in patients
      suffering from type 2 diabetes. Should these findings be replicated with a
      prospective design, they could lead to new strategies to improve glycemic control
      among these patients.

PMID- 27663669
TI  - Natural acquired group B Streptococcus capsular polysaccharide and surface
      protein antibodies in HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected children.
AB  - Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a major cause of invasive disease in young infants
      and also in older immunocompromised individuals, including HIV-infected persons.
      We compared naturally acquired antibody titres to GBS polysaccharide and surface
      protein antigens in HIV-uninfected and HIV-infected children aged 4-7 years. A
      multiplex Luminex immunoassay was used to measure IgG concentrations against GBS
      capsular polysaccharides (CPS) for serotypes Ia, Ib, III and V; and also
      extracellular localizing proteins which included cell-wall anchored proteins:
      Fibrinogen binding surface Antigen (FbsA), GBS Immunogenic Bacterial Adhesin
      (BibA), Surface immunogenic protein (Sip), gbs0393, gbs1356, gbs1539, gbs0392;
      and lipoproteins gbs0233, gbs2106 and Foldase PsrA. HIV-infected children (n=68)
      had significantly lower IgG GMT compared to HIV-uninfected (n=77) children
      against CPS of serotype Ib (p=0.012) and V (p=0.0045), and surface proteins Sip
      (p<0.001) and gbs2106 (p=0.0014). IgG GMT against GBS surface proteins: FbsA,
      gbs1539, gbs1356, gbs0392, gbs0393 and Foldase PsrA were significantly higher in
      HIV-infected children (p<0.004). Moreover, amongst HIV infected children, IgG GMT
      to GBS surface proteins were higher in those with CD4+ lymphocyte counts
      <500cell/MUL compared to those who had CD4+ lymphocyte count ?500cell/MUL with
      the exception of Sip. The increased susceptibility to invasive GBS disease in HIV
      infected individuals could be due to the lower serotype specific capsular
      antibody and possibly due to lower antibody to some of the GBS proteins such as
      Sip and gbs2106.

PMID- 27663670
TI  - Breastfeeding linked to the reduction of both rotavirus shedding and IgA levels
      after Rotarix(r) immunization in Mexican infants.
AB  - We examined potential risk factors on vaccine virus shedding and antibody
      seroresponse to human rotavirus vaccine (Rotarix) in Mexican infants. Two doses
      of Rotarix were administered to infants during the first two visits for their
      routine childhood immunization (~8 and 15weeks of age) in Mexico City. Infant's
      characteristics and socioeconomic indicators were obtained, including history of
      long-term feeding practices (exclusively/predominantly breastfed and
      exclusively/predominantly non-breastfed). Two serum specimens were collected, one
      during the second rotavirus vaccine visit and one 7weeks later. Stool specimens
      were collected between days 4-7 after each of the two rotavirus vaccine doses.
      Rotavirus IgA and IgG titers in serum were determined by enzyme immunoassays
      (EIA) and rotavirus shedding in stool was assessed by EIA and confirmed by RT
      PCR. The overall rotavirus IgA geometric mean titers (GMT) increased
      significantly post dose 2 from post dose 1 [176 (95%CI: 113-273) to 335 (238
      471); p=0.020). Infants who were exclusively/predominantly breastfed were less
      likely to shed vaccine virus in stool than those who were formula-fed (22% vs.
      43%, p=0.016). Infants who were breastfed had lower rotavirus IgA titers than
      those who were formula-fed after dose 1 [GMT: 145 (84-250) vs. 267 (126-566)
      p=0.188] and dose 2 [236 (147-378) vs.578 (367-910), p=0.007]. Infants who shed
      vaccine virus post dose 1 had significantly higher serum IgA GMT than those who
      did not shed [425 (188-965) vs. 150 (84-266), p=0.038]. Breastfeeding was linked
      with the reduction of both stool vaccine shedding, and IgA seroresponse. The
      reduced rotavirus replication in the gut and shedding after dose 1 may explain in
      part the lower IgA response in serum.

PMID- 27663671
TI  - Mono- and quadri-subtype virus-like particles (VLPs) containing H10 subtype
      elicit protective immunity to H10 influenza in a ferret challenge model.
AB  - Avian-origin influenza represents a global public health concern. In 2013, the
      H10N8 virus caused documented human infections for the first time. Currently,
      there is no approved vaccine against H10 influenza. Recombinant virus-like
      particles (VLPs) represent a promising vaccine approach. In this study, we
      evaluated H10 VLPs containing hemagglutinin from H10N8 virus as an experimental
      vaccine in a ferret challenge model. In addition, we evaluated quadri-subtype
      VLPs co-localizing H5, H7, H9 and H10 subtypes. Both vaccines elicited serum
      antibody that reacted with the homologous H10 derived from H10N8 virus and cross
      reacted with the heterologous H10N1 virus. Quadri-subtype vaccine also elicited
      serum antibody to the homologous H5, H7, and H9 antigens and cross-reacted with
      multiple clades of H5N1 virus. After heterologous challenge with the H10N1 virus,
      all vaccinated ferrets showed significantly reduced titers of replicating virus
      in the respiratory tract indicating protective effect of vaccination with either
      H10 VLPs or with quadri-subtype VLPs.

PMID- 27663673
TI  - MOZ (KAT6A) is essential for the maintenance of classically defined adult
      hematopoietic stem cells.
AB  - Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are conventionally thought to be at the apex of a
      hierarchy that produces all mature cells of the blood. The quintessential
      property of these cells is their ability to reconstitute the entire hematopoietic
      system of hemoablated recipients. This characteristic has enabled HSCs to be used
      to replenish the hematopoietic system of patients after chemotherapy or
      radiotherapy. Here, we use deletion of the monocytic leukemia zinc finger gene
      (Moz/Kat6a/Myst3) to examine the effects of removing HSCs. Loss of MOZ in adult
      mice leads to the rapid loss of HSCs as defined by transplantation. This is
      accompanied by a reduction of the LSK-CD48-CD150+ and LSK-CD34-Flt3- populations
      in the bone marrow and a reduction in quiescent cells in G0 Surprisingly, the
      loss of classically defined HSCs did not affect mouse viability, and there was no
      recovery of the LSK-CD48-CD150+ and LSK-CD34-Flt3- populations 15 to 18 months
      after Moz deletion. Clonal analysis of myeloid progenitors, which produce short
      lived granulocytes, demonstrate that these are derived from cells that had
      undergone recombination at the Moz locus up to 2 years earlier, suggesting that
      early progenitors have acquired extended self-renewal. Our results establish that
      there are essential differences in HSC requirement for steady-state blood cell
      production compared with the artificial situation of reconstitution after
      transplantation into a hemoablated host. A better understanding of steady-state
      hematopoiesis may facilitate the development of novel therapies engaging
      hematopoietic cell populations with previously unrecognized traits, as well as
      characterizing potential vulnerability to oncogenic transformation.

PMID- 27663672
TI  - Type I interferon causes thrombotic microangiopathy by a dose-dependent toxic
      effect on the microvasculature.
AB  - Many drugs have been reported to cause thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA), yet
      evidence supporting a direct association is often weak. In particular, TMA has
      been reported in association with recombinant type I interferon (IFN) therapies,
      with recent concern regarding the use of IFN in multiple sclerosis patients.
      However, a causal association has yet to be demonstrated. Here, we adopt a
      combined clinical and experimental approach to provide evidence of such an
      association between type I IFN and TMA. We show that the clinical phenotype of
      cases referred to a national center is uniformly consistent with a direct dose
      dependent drug-induced TMA. We then show that dose-dependent microvascular
      disease is seen in a transgenic mouse model of IFN toxicity. This includes
      specific microvascular pathological changes seen in patient biopsies and is
      dependent on transcriptional activation of the IFN response through the type I
      interferon alpha/beta receptor (IFNAR). Together our clinical and experimental
      findings provide evidence of a causal link between type I IFN and TMA. As such,
      recombinant type I IFN therapies should be stopped at the earliest stage in
      patients who develop this complication, with implications for risk mitigation.

PMID- 27663674
TI  - Human CalDAG-GEFI deficiency increases bleeding and delays alphaIIbbeta3
      activation.
AB  - Affinity regulation of integrin alphaIIbbeta3 for fibrinogen by inside-out
      signaling plays a critical role in hemostasis. Calcium and diacylglycerol (DAG)
      regulated guanine nucleotide exchange factor I (CalDAG-GEFI) was identified as a
      Rap1-activating molecule, and its role in inside-out alphaIIbbeta3 activation was
      established in CalDAG-GEFI-deficient mice. However, little information regarding
      CalDAG-GEFI in human platelets is available. Here, we report a 16-year-old girl
      with CalDAG-GEFI deficiency who has been suffering from severe bleeding tendency.
      Although talin and kindlin-3 were normally detected, CalDAG-GEFI was undetectable
      in her platelets by western blotting. Genetic analysis revealed compound
      heterozygous CalDAG-GEFI mutations, Lys309X and Leu360del, which were responsible
      for CalDAG-GEFI deficiency. The functional analysis demonstrated impaired
      alphaIIbbeta3 activation by various agonists except for phorbol myristate
      acetate, normal calcium mobilization, and impaired Rap1 activation, which were
      consistent with the phenotype of CalDAG-GEFI-deficient mice. Despite substantial
      alphaIIbbeta3 activation at high agonist concentrations, she had severe bleeding
      tendency. Further functional analysis demonstrated markedly delayed alphaIIbbeta3
      activation velocity and decreased shear-induced thrombus formation. Contrary to
      CalDAG-GEFI-deficient mice, which showed integrin-dependent neutrophil functional
      abnormality, neutrophil beta2 integrin activation was not impaired in the
      patient. Our results demonstrate the critical role of CalDAG-GEFI in rapid
      alphaIIbbeta3 activation of human platelets.

PMID- 27663675
TI  - Cardiac involvement in Erdheim-Chester disease: an MRI study.

PMID- 27663676
TI  - The Slav-cleft: A three-center study of the outcome of treatment of cleft lip and
      palate. Part 1: Craniofacial morphology.
AB  - Results of a comparison of the outcomes of treatment of cleft lip and palate can
      be affected by growth characteristics of populations from which subjects with the
      clefts are derived. Moreover, conventional cephalometric techniques used in cleft
      studies for analysis of facial morphology provide only a partial description of
      shape and are confounded by biases regarding the reference structures. In this
      retrospective comparison, craniofacial morphology of preadolescent patients with
      unilateral cleft lip and palate treated in Warsaw (n = 35, age = 10.6 years, SD =
      1.2), Prague (n = 38, age = 11.6 years, SD = 1.4), and Bratislava (n = 26, age =
      10.5 years, SD = 1.6) were evaluated on cephalograms with the cephalometric
      method used in the Eurocleft study and geometric morphometrics. We found that
      patients treated in Warsaw showed slightly more favorable outcomes than in Prague
      and Bratislava. The differences were related primarily to the position of
      maxillary alveolar process, cranial base, mandibular angle, and soft tissues.
      Although no association between a component of treatment protocol and the outcome
      was found, it is possible that organizational factors such as participation of
      high-volume, experienced surgeons contributed to these results.

PMID- 27663677
TI  - Implant-prosthetic rehabilitation of hemimaxillectomy defects with CAD/CAM
      suprastructures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with hemimaxillectomy defects after tumor surgery can
      alternatively be rehabilitated with dental obturators or microvascular flaps.
      When general medical or oncologic conditions do not permit microvascular surgery,
      dental obturators are the only solution, yet retention for edentulous patients is
      often poor. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether CAD/CAM suprastructures
      supported by implants placed in both residual alveolar ridges and contralateral
      zygomatic bone could enhance obturator stability and improve functional outcomes.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five edentulous patients with class IId hemimaxillectomy
      defects were included in the study. Implant-retained reconstructions were planned
      to support cross-arch CAD/CAM milled suprastructures. Patients had to rate their
      restorations on a 100-mm visual analogue scale before and after treatment.
      Additional evaluation was performed using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP
      EDENT) questionnaire. RESULTS: In the 5 patients, 7 conventional implants were
      placed in the remaining zygomatic bone and 16 in the remaining contralateral
      alveolar ridge. After 4 months of submerged healing, CAD/CAM suprastructures were
      fabricated that connected all respective implants with each other. All of the
      prosthetic restorations were removable and bar-retained. They all achieved good
      defect closure and showed significant improvements concerning general
      satisfaction (p = 0.0343), stability (p < 0.0001), ability to chew (p = 0.0077),
      esthetics (p = 0.0173) and foreign body sensation (p = 0.0207). According to the
      OHIP-EDENT questionnaire (p = 0.0036) the improvements were significant. During
      the observation period of 29.4 months, no mechanical or biological complications
      occurred. CONCLUSION: The CAD/CAM suprastructures improved retention in all
      treated patients without any complications.

PMID- 27663679
TI  - Molecular characterization of a bactericidal permeability-increasing
      protein/lipopolysaccharide-binding protein from black rockfish (Sebastes
      schlegelii): Deciphering its putative antibacterial role.
AB  - Bactericidal permeability-increasing protein (BPI)/lipopolysaccharide (LPS)
      binding proteins (LBPs) are well-known proteins that play an indispensable role
      in host antimicrobial defense. Herein, we report a homolog of BPI/LBP from black
      rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii) (designated as RfBPI/LBP) and characterize its
      structural and functional features at the molecular level. We identified the
      putative complete open reading frame (1422 bp) of RfLBP that encodes a 474 amino
      acid protein with a predicted molecular mass of ~51.5 kDa. The primary protein
      sequence of RfBPI/LBP contains domain features of BPI/LBP family proteins and
      shares significant sequence consistency with its homologs. Our phylogenetic
      analysis clearly demonstrated the vertebrate ancestral origin of RfBPI/LBP,
      further reinforcing its evolutionary relationship with teleostean homologs.
      Recombinant RfBPI/LBP demonstrated in vitro LPS-binding activity and
      antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, but not against Streptococcus
      iniae. Moreover, RfBPI/LBP exhibited temporal transcriptional activation against
      pathogens and pathogen-associated molecular patterns. Collectively, our findings
      suggest that RfBPI/LBP plays an essential role in host antimicrobial defense,
      plausibly through selective eradication of invading bacteria.

PMID- 27663680
TI  - Molecular characterisation, evolution and expression analysis of g-type lysozymes
      in Ciona intestinalis.
AB  - Lysozyme is an important defense molecule of the innate immune system. Known for
      its bactericidal properties, lysozyme catalyzes the hydrolysis of b-(1,4)
      glycosidic bonds between the N-acetyl glucosamine and N-acetyl muramic acid in
      the peptidoglycan layer of bacterial cell walls. In this study, the complete
      coding sequence of four g-type lysozymes were identified in Ciona intestinalis.
      Phylogenetic analysis and modelling supported the hypothesis of a close
      relationship with the vertebrate g-type lysozymes suggesting that the C.
      intestinalis g-type lysozyme genes (CiLys-g1, Cilys-g2, CiLys-g3, CiLys-g4) share
      a common ancestor in the chordate lineage. Protein motif searches indicated that
      C. intestinalis g-type lysozymes contain a GEWL domain with a GXXQ signature,
      typical of goose lysozymes. Quantitative Real-Time PCR analysis results showed
      that transcripts are expressed in various tissues from C. intestinalis. In order
      to determine the involvement of C. intestinalis g-type lysozymes in immunity,
      their expression was analyzed in the pharynx, showing that transcripts were
      significantly up-regulated in response to a challenge with lipopolysaccharide
      (LPS). These data support the view that CiLys g-type are molecules with potential
      for immune defense system against bacterial infection.

PMID- 27663678
TI  - Cost effectiveness of intermittent screening followed by treatment versus
      intermittent preventive treatment during pregnancy in West Africa: analysis and
      modelling of results from a non-inferiority trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Emergence of high-grade sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) resistance in
      parts of Africa has led to growing concerns about the efficacy of intermittent
      preventive treatment of malaria during pregnancy (IPTp) with SP. The incremental
      cost-effectiveness of intermittent screening and treatment (ISTp) with artemether
      lumefantrine (AL) as an alternative strategy to IPTp-SP was estimated followed by
      a simulation of the effects on cost-effectiveness of decreasing efficacy of IPTp
      SP due to SP resistance. The analysis was based on results from a multi-centre,
      non-inferiority trial conducted in West Africa. METHODS: A decision tree model
      was analysed from a health provider perspective. Model parameters for all trial
      countries with appropriate ranges and distributions were used in a probabilistic
      sensitivity analysis. Simulations were performed in hypothetical cohorts of 1000
      pregnant women who received either ISTp-AL or IPTp-SP. In addition a cost
      consequences analysis was conducted. Trial estimates were used to calculate
      disability-adjusted-life-years (DALYs) for low birth weight and severe/moderate
      anaemia (both shown to be non-inferior for ISTp-AL) and clinical malaria
      (inferior for ISTp-AL). Cost estimates were obtained from observational studies,
      health facility costings and public procurement databases. Results were
      calculated as incremental cost per DALY averted. Finally, the cost-effectiveness
      changes with decreasing SP efficacy were explored by simulation. RESULTS:
      Relative to IPTp-SP, delivering ISTp-AL to 1000 pregnant women cost US$ 4966.25
      more (95 % CI US$ 3703.53; 6376.83) and led to a small excess of 28.36 DALYs (95
      % CI -75.78; 134.18), with LBW contributing 81.3 % of this difference. The
      incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was -175.12 (95 % CI -1166.29; 1267.71)
      US$/DALY averted. Simulations show that cost-effectiveness of ISTp-AL increases
      as the efficacy of IPTp-SP decreases, though the specific threshold at which ISTp
      AL becomes cost-effective depends on assumptions about the contribution of bed
      nets to malaria control, bed net coverage and the willingness-to-pay threshold
      used. CONCLUSIONS: At SP efficacy levels currently observed in the trial settings
      it would not be cost-effective to switch from IPTp-SP to ISTp-AL, mainly due to
      the substantially higher costs of ISTp-AL and limited difference in outcomes. The
      modelling results indicate thresholds below which IPT-SP efficacy must fall for
      ISTp-AL to become a cost-effective option for the prevention of malaria in
      pregnancy.

PMID- 27663681
TI  - The effect of telepsychiatric modalities on reduction of readmissions in
      psychiatric settings: A systematic review.
AB  - Introduction Telepsychiatric modalities are used widely in the treatment of many
      mental illnesses. It has also been proposed that telepsychiatric modalities could
      be a way to reduce readmissions. The purpose of the study was to conduct a
      systematic review of the literature on the effects of telepsychiatric modalities
      on readmissions in psychiatric settings. Methods We conducted a systematic
      literature search in MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Cochrane, PsycINFO and Joanna
      Briggs databases in October 2015. Inclusion criteria were (a) patients with a
      psychiatric diagnosis, (b) telepsychiatric interventions and (c) an outcome
      related to readmission. Results The database search identified 218 potential
      studies, of which eight were eligible for the review. Studies were of varying
      quality and there was a tendency towards low-quality studies (five studies) which
      found positive outcomes regarding readmission, whereas the more methodological
      sound studies (three studies) found no effect of telepsychiatric modalities on
      readmission rates. Discussion Previous studies have proven the effectiveness of
      telepsychiatric modalities in the treatment of various mental illnesses. However,
      in the present systematic review we were unable to find an effect of
      telepsychiatric modalities on the rate of readmission. Some studies found a
      reduced rate of readmissions, but the poor methodological quality make the
      findings questionable. At the present time there is no evidence to support the
      use of telepsychiatry due to heterogeneous interventions, heterogeneous patient
      groups and lack of high-quality studies.

PMID- 27663682
TI  - Asking different questions: research priorities to improve the quality of care
      for every woman, every child.

PMID- 27663683
TI  - Human adenosine deaminases ADA1 and ADA2 bind to different subsets of immune
      cells.
AB  - At sites of inflammation and tumor growth, the local concentration of
      extracellular adenosine rapidly increases and plays a role in controlling the
      immune responses of nearby cells. Adenosine deaminases ADA1 and ADA2 (ADAs)
      decrease the level of adenosine by converting it to inosine, which serves as a
      negative feedback mechanism. Mutations in the genes encoding ADAs lead to
      impaired immune function, which suggests a crucial role for ADAs in immune system
      regulation. It is not clear why humans and other mammals possess two enzymes with
      adenosine deaminase activity. Here, we found that ADA2 binds to neutrophils,
      monocytes, NK cells and B cells that do not express CD26, a receptor for ADA1.
      Moreover, the analysis of CD4+ T-cell subset revealed that ADA2 specifically
      binds to regulatory T cells expressing CD39 and lacking the receptor for ADA1.
      Also, it was found that ADA1 binds to CD16- monocytes, while CD16+ monocytes
      preferably bind ADA2. A study of the blood samples from ADA2-deficient patients
      showed a dramatic reduction in the number of lymphocyte subsets and an increased
      concentration of TNF-alpha in plasma. Our results suggest the existence of a new
      mechanism, where the activation and survival of immune cells is regulated through
      the activities of ADA2 or ADA1 anchored to the cell surface.

PMID- 27663684
TI  - Identification and characterization of a fusarium head blight resistance gene
      TaACT in wheat QTL-2DL.
AB  - Fusarium head blight (FHB) resistance in wheat is considered to be polygenic in
      nature. Cell wall fortification is one of the best resistance mechanisms in wheat
      against Fusarium graminearum which causes FHB. Metabolomics approach in our study
      led to the identification of a wide array of resistance-related (RR) metabolites,
      among which hydroxycinnamic acid amides (HCAAs), such as coumaroylagmatine and
      coumaroylputrescine, were the highest fold change RR metabolites in the rachis of
      a resistant near-isogenic line (NIL-R) upon F. graminearum infection. Placement
      of these metabolites in the secondary metabolic pathway led to the identification
      of a gene encoding agmatine coumaroyl transferase, herein referred to as TaACT,
      as a candidate gene. Based on wheat survey sequence, TaACT was located within a
      FHB quantitative trait loci on chromosome 2DL (FHB QTL-2DL) between the flanking
      markers WMC245 and GWM608. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that TaACT shared
      closest phylogenetic relationship with an ACT ortholog in barley. Sequence
      analysis of TaACT in resistant and susceptible NILs, with contrasting levels of
      resistance to FHB, led to the identification of several single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) and two inversions that may be important for gene function.
      Further, a role for TaACT in FHB resistance was functionally validated by virus
      induced gene silencing (VIGS) in wheat NIL-R and based on complementation studies
      in Arabidopsis with act mutant background. The disease severity, fungal biomass
      and RR metabolite analysis confirmed TaACT as an important gene in wheat FHB QTL
      2DL, conferring resistance to F. graminearum.

PMID- 27663685
TI  - Imaging complement by phase-plate cryo-electron tomography from initiation to
      pore formation.
AB  - Phase plates in cryo-electron tomography (cryoET) improve contrast, increasing
      the ability to discern separate molecules and molecular complexes in dense
      biomolecular environments. Here, we applied this new technology to the activation
      of the human complement system. Binding of C1 to antigen-antibody complexes
      initiates a cascade of proteolytic events that deposits molecules onto adjacent
      surfaces and terminates with the formation of membrane-attack-complex (MAC) pores
      in the targeted membranes. We imaged steps in this process using a Volta phase
      plate mounted on a Titan Krios equipped with a Falcon-II direct electron
      detector. The data show patches of single-layer antibodies on the surface and C1
      bound to antibody platforms, with ca. ~4% of instances where C1r and C1s
      proteases have dissociated from C1, and potentially instances of C1 transiently
      interacting with its substrate C4 or product C4b. Next, extensive deposition of
      C4b and C3b molecules is apparent, although individual molecules cannot always be
      properly distinguished with the current methods. Observations of MAC pores
      include formation of both single and composite pores, and instances of potential
      soluble-MAC dissociation upon failure of membrane insertion. Overall, application
      of the Volta phase plate cryoET markedly improved the contrast in the tomograms,
      which allowed for individual components to be more readily interpreted. However,
      variability in the phase shift induced by the phase-plate during the course of an
      experiment, together with incomplete sampling during tomogram acquisition,
      limited the interpretability of the resulting tomograms. Our studies exemplify
      the potential in studying molecular processes with complex spatial topologies by
      phase-plate cryoET.

PMID- 27663687
TI  - Altered differentiation of enteric neural crest-derived cells from endothelin
      receptor-B null mouse model of Hirschsprung's disease.
AB  - PURPOSE: Hirschsprung's disease (HD) is caused by a failure of enteric neural
      crest-derived cells (ENCC) to colonize the bowel, resulting in an absence of the
      enteric nervous system (ENS). Previously, we developed a Sox10 transgenic version
      of the Endothelin receptor-B (Ednrb) mouse to visualize ENCC with the green
      fluorescent protein, Venus. The aim of this study was to isolate Sox10-Venus+
      cells, which are differentiated neurons and glial cells in the ENS, and analyze
      these cells using Sox10-Venus mice gut. METHODS: The mid-and hindgut of Sox10
      Venus+/Ednrb +/+ and Sox10-Venus+/Ednrb -/- at E13.5 and E15.5 were dissected and
      cells were dissociated. Sox10-Venus+ cells were then isolated. Expression of
      PGP9.5 and GFAP were evaluated neurospheres using laser scanning microscopy.
      RESULTS: 7 days after incubation, Sox10-Venus+ cells colonized the neurosphere.
      There were no significant differences in PGP9.5 expressions on E13.5 and E15.5.
      GFAP was significantly increased in HD compared to controls on E15.5 (P < 0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest increased glial differentiation causes an
      imbalance in ENCC lineages, leading to a disruption of normal ENS development in
      this HD model. Isolation of ENCC provides an opportunity to investigate the ENS
      with purity and might be a useful tool for modeling cell therapy approaches to
      HD.

PMID- 27663688
TI  - Rectal mucosal/submucosal biopsy under general anesthesia ensures optimum
      diagnosis of bowel motility disorders.
AB  - PURPOSE: We reviewed all rectal mucosal/submucosal biopsies (RMSBx) performed
      between 1986 and 2015 focusing on specimen quality, incidence of complications
      during and after biopsy, and parental satisfaction. METHODS: From 1986 to 2004,
      RMSBx were performed without general anesthesia (GA) (N-GA; n = 98) and from 1995
      to 2015 were performed under GA (GA; n = 525). In GA cases, some sections were
      stained intraoperatively and examined by a pathologist and pediatric surgeon
      immediately to identify ganglion cells. RESULTS: Mean ages at RMSBx were similar
      (2.7 vs. 2.5 years; p = NS). There were significantly more inadequate specimens
      in N-GA [18/98 (18.4 %) vs. 0/525 (0 %); p < 0.0001]. Incidence of rectal
      bleeding requiring transfusion was significantly lower in GA [0/525 (0 %) versus
      2/98 (2.0 %); p = 0.024]. Parents of GA subjects willingly consented to RMSBx
      when told GA would facilitate diagnosis. Incidentally, RMSBx was more expensive
      in GA (US$1320 versus US$294; using Y120 = US$1). CONCLUSION: RMSBx performed
      under GA are safe and all specimens obtained included submucosa appropriate for
      optimum diagnosis in all the cases.

PMID- 27663689
TI  - Downregulation of Forkhead box F1 gene expression in the pulmonary vasculature of
      nitrofen-induced congenital diaphragmatic hernia.
AB  - PURPOSE: High mortality and morbidity in infants born with congenital
      diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) are attributed to pulmonary hypoplasia and pulmonary
      hypertension (PH). Forkhead box (Fox) transcription factors are known to be
      crucial for cell proliferation and homeostasis. FoxF1 is essential for lung
      morphogenesis, vascular development, and endothelial proliferation. Mutations in
      FoxF1 and also the Fox family member FoxC2 have been identified in neonates with
      PH. In human and experimental models of arterial PH, the Fox protein FoxO1 was
      found to be downregulated. We hypothesized that Fox expression is altered in the
      lungs of the nitrofen-induced CDH rat model and investigated the expression of
      FoxF1, FoxC2, and FoxO1. METHODS: Following ethical approval (Rec 913b), time
      pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats received nitrofen or vehicle on gestational day
      (D9). Fetuses were sacrificed on D21, inspected for CDH and divided into CDH (n =
      11) and control group (n = 11). Gene expression of FoxF1, FoxC2, and FoxO1 was
      evaluated with qRT-PCR. Detected alterations of mRNA levels were subsequently
      assessed on the protein level by performing western blot analysis and laser
      scanning confocal microscopy. RESULTS: The relative mRNA level of FoxF1 was
      significantly downregulated in CDH lungs compared to controls (FoxF1 CDH 1.047 +/
      0.108, FoxF1 Ctrl 1.419 +/- 0.01, p = 0.014). Relative mRNA levels of FoxC2 and
      FoxO1 were not found to be altered between the experimental groups (FoxC2 CDH
      30.74 +/- 8.925, FoxC2 Ctrl 27.408 +/- 7.487, p = 0.776; FoxO1 CDH 0.011 +/-
      0.002, FoxO1 Ctrl 0.011 +/- 0.001, p = 0.809). On the protein level, western
      blotting demonstrated a reduced pulmonary protein expression of FoxF1 in CDH
      lungs. Confocal microscopy showed a markedly diminished expression of FoxF1 in
      the pulmonary vasculature of CDH lungs compared to controls. CONCLUSION: Our
      study demonstrates a strikingly reduced expression of FoxF1 in the pulmonary
      vasculature of nitrofen-induced CDH. Altered FoxF1 gene expression during
      embryogenesis may participate in vascular maldevelopment resulting in PH in this
      animal model.

PMID- 27663690
TI  - Subset selective search on the basis of color and preview.
AB  - In the preview paradigm observers are presented with one set of elements (the
      irrelevant set) followed by the addition of a second set among which the target
      is presented (the relevant set). Search efficiency in such a preview condition
      has been demonstrated to be higher than that in a full-baseline condition in
      which both sets are simultaneously presented, suggesting that a preview of the
      irrelevant set reduces its influence on the search process. However, numbers of
      irrelevant and relevant elements are typically not independently manipulated.
      Moreover, subset selective search also occurs when both sets are presented
      simultaneously but differ in color. The aim of the present study was to
      investigate how numbers of irrelevant and relevant elements contribute to preview
      search in the absence and presence of a color difference between subsets. In two
      experiments it was demonstrated that a preview reduced the influence of the
      number of irrelevant elements in the absence but not in the presence of a color
      difference between subsets. In the presence of a color difference, a preview
      lowered the effect of the number of relevant elements but only when the target
      was defined by a unique feature within the relevant set (Experiment 1); when the
      target was defined by a conjunction of features (Experiment 2), search efficiency
      as a function of the number of relevant elements was not modulated by a preview.
      Together the results are in line with the idea that subset selective search is
      based on different simultaneously operating mechanisms.

PMID- 27663691
TI  - Can We Foster a Culture of Peer Support and Promote Mental Health in Adolescence
      Using a Web-Based App? A Control Group Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adolescence with its many transitions is a vulnerable period for the
      development of mental illnesses. Establishing effective mental health promotion
      programs for this age group is a challenge crucial to societal health. Programs
      must account for the specific developmental tasks that adolescents face.
      Considering peer influence and fostering adolescent autonomy strivings is
      essential. Participation in a program should be compelling to young people, and
      their affinity to new technologies offers unprecedented opportunities in this
      respect. OBJECTIVE: The Companion App was developed as a Web-based app giving
      adolescents access to a peer mentoring system and interactive, health-relevant
      content to foster a positive peer culture among adolescents and thereby
      strengthen social support and reduce stress. METHODS: In a control group study
      design, a group of employed (n=546) and unemployed (n=73) adolescents had access
      to the Companion App during a 10-month period. The intervention was evaluated
      using a combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches. Linear mixed
      effects models were used to analyze changes in chronic stress levels and
      perception of social support. Monthly feedback on the app and qualitative
      interviews at the end of the study allowed for an in-depth exploration of the
      adolescents' perception of the intervention. RESULTS: Adolescents in the
      intervention group did not use the Companion App consistently. The intervention
      had no significant effect on chronic stress levels or the perception of social
      support. Adolescents reported endorsing the concept of the app and the
      implementation of a peer mentoring system in particular. However, technical
      difficulties and insufficiently obvious benefits of using the app impeded more
      frequent usage. CONCLUSIONS: The Companion Project implemented a theory-driven
      and innovative approach to mental health promotion in adolescence, taking into
      account the specifics of this developmental phase. Particularities of the
      implementation context, technical aspects of the app, and insufficient incentives
      may have played considerable roles concerning the difficulties of the Companion
      Project to establish commitment. However, adopting peer mentoring as a strategy
      and using an app still seems to us a promising approach in mental health
      promotion in adolescents. Future projects should be careful to invest enough
      resources into the technical development of an app and consider a large use of
      incentives to establish commitment. When targeting risk groups, such as
      unemployed adolescents, it may be expedient to use more structured approaches
      including face-to-face support.

PMID- 27663692
TI  - How Does Cholecystectomy Influence Recurrence of Idiopathic Acute Pancreatitis?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Idiopathic acute pancreatitis is diagnosed in approximately 10-30 %
      of cases of acute pancreatitis. While there is evidence to suggest that the cause
      in many of these patients is microlithiasis, this fact has not been translated
      into a resource efficient treatment strategy that is proven to reduce recurrence
      rates. The aim of this study was to examine the value of prophylactic
      cholecystectomy following an episode of acute pancreatitis in patients with no
      history of alcohol abuse and no stones found on ultrasound. METHODS: This was a
      retrospective study of 2236 patients who presented to a regional Australian
      hospital. Patients were included when diagnosed with acute pancreatitis with no
      confirmed cause. Recurrence of acute pancreatitis was compared between those that
      did and did not undergo cholecystectomy. RESULTS: One hundred ninety-five
      consecutive patients met the study definition of "idiopathic" acute pancreatitis.
      33.8 % (66/195) underwent cholecystectomy. The patients who had cholecystectomy
      had a recurrence rate of 19.7 % (13/66) whereas, of those managed expectantly,
      42.8 % (68/159) had at least one recurrence of acute pancreatitis (P = 0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: Following an episode of acute pancreatitis with no identifiable
      cause, in patients fit for surgery, cholecystectomy should be considered to
      reduce the risk of recurrent episodes of pancreatitis.

PMID- 27663693
TI  - Transcatheter Arterial Embolization for Hepatic Arterial Injury Related to
      Percutaneous Transhepatic Portal Intervention.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the usefulness of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE)
      for the hepatic arterial injury related to percutaneous transhepatic portal
      intervention (PTPI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-four patients, 32 males and 22
      females with a median age of 68 years (range 43-82 years), underwent PTPI. The
      procedures consisted of 33 percutaneous transhepatic portal vein embolizations,
      19 percutaneous transhepatic variceal embolizations, and 2 percutaneous
      transhepatic portal venous stent placements. Two patients with gastric varices
      underwent percutaneous transhepatic variceal embolization twice because of
      recurrence. Therefore, the total number of procedures was 56. Among them, hepatic
      arterial injury occurred in 6 PTPIs in 5 patients, and TAE was performed. We
      assessed technical success, complications related to TAE, and clinical outcome.
      Technical success was defined as the disappearance of findings due to hepatic
      arterial injury on digital subtraction angiography. RESULTS: As hepatic arterial
      injuries, 4 extravasations and 2 arterioportal shunts developed. All TAEs were
      performed successfully. The technical success rate was 100 %. Complication of TAE
      occurred in 5 of 6 TAEs; 3 were focal liver infarction, not requiring further
      treatment, and 2 were biloma that required percutaneous drainage. Five TAEs in 4
      patients were performed immediately after the PTPI, and these 4 patients were
      alive. However, one TAE was performed 10 h later, and the patient died due to
      multiple organ failure 2 months later although TAE was successful. CONCLUSION:
      TAE is a useful treatment for hepatic arterial injury related to PTPI. However,
      it should be performed at an early stage.

PMID- 27663694
TI  - Mainstream capnography system for nonintubated children in the postanesthesia
      care unit: Performance with changing flow rates, and a comparison to side stream
      capnography.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Monitoring of exhaled carbon dioxide (CO2 ) in nonintubated
      patients is challenging. We compared the precision of a mainstream mask
      capnography to side stream sampling nasal cannula capnography. In addition, we
      compared the effect of gas flow rates on the measured exhaled CO2 between
      mainstream mask and side stream nasal cannula capnography. METHODS: A mainstream
      mask capnography system (cap-ONE) was tested. Children (weight of 7-40 kg, ASA 1
      2) following anesthesia for minor procedures were assigned randomly to side
      stream or mainstream sampling groups. The side stream group wore a nasal cannula
      with CO2 side port (NC). In the postanesthesia care unit, O2 flow was started at
      5 l.min-1 , reduced to 2 and then 0.25 l.min-1 every 3 min. Capnogram analysis
      measuring heights of all the waveforms was performed for continuous 120 s from
      the end of recording at each O2 flow rate for each group. RESULTS: Fifty-eight
      children were enrolled and 39 were analyzed (18 side stream NC and 21 mainstream
      mask). There were two mouth breathing children excluded from study in side stream
      NC group due to failure to capture measurable CO2 waveforms. Peak CO2 values
      measured by mainstream mask system were normally (Gaussian) distributed with
      smaller standard deviation (sd) at each O2 flow than were those measured by side
      stream NC system which demonstrated irregular distributions with larger sd. Peak
      CO2 values measurement was less affected by a change in flow rate in mainstream
      mask group than in side stream NC group (P = 0.04 in 5-0.25 l.min-1 O2 flow
      change). CONCLUSION: A new mainstream mask system (cap-ONE) performed with
      greater precision than side stream NC monitoring regardless of mouth breathing.
      Measurement of peak CO2 values by mainstream mask system showed normal
      distribution with smaller standard deviation (sd) and was less affected by O2
      flow change in predictable fashion.

PMID- 27663695
TI  - A cost or a benefit? Counterintuitive effects of diet quality and cadmium in
      Lymnaea stagnalis.
AB  - Diet quality can have a strong impact on organismal fitness although diet quality
      is infrequently considered as a factor in toxicity tests. The purpose of this
      study was to assess how diets differing in nutritional content affect sensitivity
      to Cd as measured by several sublethal responses related directly to
      bioenergetics. We evaluated feeding rate, growth rate, behavior and macronutrient
      content in the pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis exposed to Cd and fed two different
      diets. Hatchlings were fed either lettuce or high-caloric pellets, and exposed to
      5, 10, and 20 ug/L Cd for 12 days. Length and weight were measured at the
      beginning and end of the test. The amount of food eaten and behavior were
      determined every two days. Total lipids, proteins and carbohydrates were
      biochemically measured at test end. For the second part of the study, snails were
      fed either lettuce or pellets for 2 weeks and then exposed to high challenge
      concentrations of Cd. Growth coefficients based on length and weight were
      significantly higher for snails fed pellets. In addition, snails exposed to Cd
      had significantly smaller growth coefficients than those in the control for both
      diets. Total carbohydrates and lipids were higher for snails fed pellets while
      the protein content was not significantly affected by Cd or diets. Even though
      snails fed pellets grew significantly faster, contrary to expectations they were
      significantly more sensitive to Cd compared to those fed lettuce. This study
      provides evidence that a bioenergetics-based approach can been used to better
      understand how diet can affect the ecotoxicity of chemical stressors to
      freshwater gastropods.

PMID- 27663696
TI  - The association between follicle stimulating hormone and glutathione peroxidase
      activity is dependent on abdominal obesity in postmenopausal women.
AB  - PURPOSE: Menopause is frequently associated with an increase in visceral fat,
      thus modifying redox status by promoting oxidative damage and decreasing
      antioxidant defense systems. It is known that at higher concentrations estradiol
      has some antioxidant properties, while its decline in postmenopause is associated
      with pro-oxidant effects. However, the role of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
      in antioxidant defense in postmenopausal women is still not well elucidated.
      Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the potential complex association between
      visceral obesity, FSH and enzymatic antioxidant defense as measured by
      glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in postmenopausal women. METHODS: A total of 150
      postmenopausal women (mean age 56.6 +/- 4.8 years), among them 50 normal weight
      and 100 overweight/obese, were included. GPx activity, FSH, luteinizing hormone,
      estradiol, total testosterone, cardiometabolic and anthropometric parameters,
      were determined. RESULTS: With increasing tertiles of serum FSH levels,
      significant increase in GPx activity (P = 0.005) was found. Also, the highest
      number of overweight/obese subjects were in the group with the lowest FSH values
      (chi 2 = 14.9, P < 0.001). After multiple linear regression analysis, the
      relationship between GPx and FSH disappeared, whereas only higher waist
      circumference (beta = -0.218, P = 0.045) predicted lower FSH level (adjusted R 2
      = 0.227). CONCLUSION: Higher GPx activity is associated with higher FSH level,
      but abdominal obesity may be the underlying determinant of this relationship.

PMID- 27663697
TI  - Placement of a microdialysis catheter during laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery
      to assess anastomotic leak.

PMID- 27663698
TI  - A systematic review of the management of anal fistula in infants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fistula-in-ano (FIA) in infants differs, in several ways, from FIA in
      adults. The current review aims to assess FIA in infants less than 2 years old
      and to illustrate the outcome of different treatment modalities described in the
      literature. METHODS: An organized search of the English literature over the past
      25 years was conducted according to the preferred reporting items for systematic
      reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. Electronic databases and Google Scholar
      were searched for articles focusing on management of FIA in infants. RESULTS:
      Fourteen studies were eligible for this review. Variables analyzed comprised
      patient characteristics, type of FIA, methods of treatment, recurrence, and
      postoperative complications. The studies included comprised total of 490 infants,
      89 % of them less than 1 year old. Most patients (97.5 %) were males with a
      median age of 7 months. Around 20 % of patients with FIA underwent conservative
      treatment initially, and 73 % of them achieved complete resolution. Surgery was
      performed on 86 % of the infants. Fistulotomy accounted for 65 % of the
      procedures performed and was associated with a higher recurrence rate than
      fistulectomy (6.6 vs. 1.1 %, respectively). Complications of surgical management
      occurred in 2.6 % of the patients. FIA typically occurs in male infants, mainly
      under 1 year of age. Almost all fistulae in this age group are low. CONCLUSIONS:
      The majority of the studies reviewed evaluated surgical treatment of FIA.
      However, the few studies that employed conservative treatment reported complete
      resolution of FIA in most infants. Fistulotomy was the most commonly performed
      surgery for FIA and was associated with fewer complications, yet a higher
      recurrence rate than fistulectomy.

PMID- 27663699
TI  - Integrating Entropy-Based Naive Bayes and GIS for Spatial Evaluation of Flood
      Hazard.
AB  - Regional flood risk caused by intensive rainfall under extreme climate conditions
      has increasingly attracted global attention. Mapping and evaluation of flood
      hazard are vital parts in flood risk assessment. This study develops an
      integrated framework for estimating spatial likelihood of flood hazard by
      coupling weighted naive Bayes (WNB), geographic information system, and remote
      sensing. The north part of Fitzroy River Basin in Queensland, Australia, was
      selected as a case study site. The environmental indices, including extreme
      rainfall, evapotranspiration, net-water index, soil water retention, elevation,
      slope, drainage proximity, and density, were generated from spatial data
      representing climate, soil, vegetation, hydrology, and topography. These indices
      were weighted using the statistics-based entropy method. The weighted indices
      were input into the WNB-based model to delineate a regional flood risk map that
      indicates the likelihood of flood occurrence. The resultant map was validated by
      the maximum inundation extent extracted from moderate resolution imaging
      spectroradiometer (MODIS) imagery. The evaluation results, including mapping and
      evaluation of the distribution of flood hazard, are helpful in guiding flood
      inundation disaster responses for the region. The novel approach presented
      consists of weighted grid data, image-based sampling and validation, cell-by-cell
      probability inferring and spatial mapping. It is superior to an existing spatial
      naive Bayes (NB) method for regional flood hazard assessment. It can also be
      extended to other likelihood-related environmental hazard studies.

PMID- 27663700
TI  - Divergent cAMP signaling differentially regulates serotonin-induced spinal motor
      plasticity.
AB  - Spinal metabotropic serotonin receptors encode transient experiences into long
      lasting changes in motor behavior (i.e. motor plasticity). While interactions
      between serotonin receptor subtypes are known to regulate plasticity, the
      significance of molecular divergence in downstream G protein coupled receptor
      signaling is not well understood. Here we tested the hypothesis that distinct
      cAMP dependent signaling pathways differentially regulate serotonin-induced
      phrenic motor facilitation (pMF); a well-studied model of spinal motor
      plasticity. Specifically, we studied the capacity of cAMP-dependent protein
      kinase A (PKA) and exchange protein activated by cAMP (EPAC) to regulate 5-HT2A
      receptor-induced pMF within adult male rats. Although spinal PKA, EPAC and 5-HT2A
      each elicit pMF when activated alone, concurrent PKA and 5-HT2A activation
      interact via mutual inhibition thereby blocking pMF expression. Conversely,
      concurrent EPAC and 5-HT2A activation enhance pMF expression reflecting additive
      contributions from both mechanisms. Thus, we demonstrate that distinct downstream
      cAMP signaling pathways enable differential regulation of 5-HT2A-induced pMF.
      Conditional activation of independent signaling mechanisms may explain experience
      amendable changes in plasticity expression (i.e. metaplasticity), an emerging
      concept thought to enable flexible motor control within the adult central nervous
      system.

PMID- 27663702
TI  - Radiographic assessment of degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis: is MRI superior
      to CT?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the reliability and dependability of magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI) and computerized tomography (CT) in the assessment of lumbar spinal
      stenosis and correlate the qualitative assessment to both a quantitative
      assessment and functional outcome measures. Multiple studies have addressed the
      issue of CT and MRI imaging in lumbar spinal stenosis. None showed superiority of
      one modality. METHODS: We performed a standardized qualitative and quantitative
      review of CT and MRI scans of 54 patients. Intra-observer and inter-observer
      reliability was determined between three reviewer using Kappa coefficient.
      Agreement between the two modalities was analyzed. ODI and SF-36 outcomes were
      correlated with the imaging assessments. RESULTS: Almost perfect intra-observer
      reliability for MRI was achieved by the two expert reviewers (kappa = 0.91 for
      surgeon and kappa = 0.92 for neuro-radiologist). For CT, substantial intra
      observer agreement was found for the surgeon (kappa = 0.77) while the neuro
      radiologist was higher (kappa = 0.96). For both CT and MRI the standardized
      qualitative assessment used by the two expert reviewers had a better inter
      observer reliability than that between the expert reviewers and the general
      reporting radiologist, who did not utilize a standardized assessment system. When
      the qualitative assessment was compared directly, CT overestimated the degree of
      stenosis 20-35 % of the time (p < 0.05) while MRI overestimated the degree of
      stenosis 2-11 % of the time (p < 0.05). No correlation was found between
      qualitative and quantitative analysis with functional status. CONCLUSIONS: This
      study directly demonstrates that MRI is a more reliable tool than CT, but neither
      correlates with functional status. Both experience of the reader and the
      standardization of a qualitative assessment are influential to the reliability.

PMID- 27663701
TI  - Structure and symmetry inform gating principles of ionotropic glutamate
      receptors.
AB  - Ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) transduce signals derived from release of
      the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate from pre-synaptic neurons into
      excitation of post-synaptic neurons on a millisecond time-scale. In recent years,
      the elucidation of full-length iGluR structures of NMDA, AMPA and kainate
      receptors by X-ray crystallography and single particle cryo-electron microscopy
      has greatly enhanced our understanding of the interrelationships between receptor
      architecture and gating mechanism. Here we briefly review full-length iGluR
      structures and discuss the similarities and differences between NMDA receptors
      and non-NMDA iGluRs. We focus on distinct conformations, including ligand-free,
      agonist-bound active, agonist-bound desensitized and antagonist-bound
      conformations as well as modulator and auxiliary protein-bound states. These
      findings provide insights into structure-based mechanisms of iGluR gating and
      modulation which together shape the amplitude and time course of the excitatory
      postsynaptic potential. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled
      'Ionotropic glutamate receptors'.

PMID- 27663704
TI  - A Novel Intestine Model Apparatus for Drug Dissolution Capable of Simulating the
      Peristaltic Action.
AB  - A novel dissolution apparatus has been proposed as an alternative apparatus for
      dissolution testing. In this study, we evaluated the performance of the new
      intestine model for simulating the peristaltic action (IMSPA), generating the
      movement that closely mimics peristaltic contractions of the small intestine. Two
      polyethylene oxide matrix tablet formulations, containing a model drug belonging
      to class III of the Biopharmaceutics Classification System, were tested.
      Dissolution was also performed in the USP2 apparatus. The release profiles were
      further compared to the in vivo data to evaluate the in vivo relevance of the new
      apparatus. The results demonstrated that the novel apparatus showed good
      discriminatory power between different polyethylene oxide formulations. Moreover,
      a better relation to the in vivo data was established by the IMSPA as compared to
      the USP2 apparatus. In conclusion, the model parameters were efficiently
      controlled to ensure the dissolution conditions crucial for evaluating the in
      vivo release performance of the tested formulations.

PMID- 27663705
TI  - Effect of organic loading rate on dark fermentative hydrogen production in the
      continuous stirred tank reactor and continuous mixed immobilized sludge reactor
      from waste pastry hydrolysate.
AB  - Waste pastry (6%, w/v) was hydrolyzed by the produced glucoamylase and protease
      to obtain the glucose (19.8g/L) and free amino nitrogen (179mg/L) solution. Then,
      the effect of organic loading rate (OLR) (8-40kgCOD/(m3d)) on dark fermentative
      hydrogen production in the continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) and continuous
      mixed immobilized sludge reactor (CMISR) from waste pastry hydrolysate was
      investigated and compared. The maximum hydrogen production rate of CSTR
      (277.76mL/(hL)) and CMISR (320.2mL/(hL)) were achieved at OLR of 24kgCOD/(m3d)
      and 32kgCOD/(m3d), respectively. Carbon recovery ranged from 75.2-84.1% in the
      CSTR and CMISR with the balance assumed to be converted to biomass. One gram
      waste pastry could produce 0.33g (1.83mmol) glucose which could be further
      converted to 79.24mL (3.54mmol) hydrogen in the CMISR or 91.66mL (4.09mmol)
      hydrogen in the CSTR. This is the first study which reports dark fermentative
      hydrogen production from waste pastry.

PMID- 27663703
TI  - A Call to Revisit the Prenatal Period as a Focus for Action Within the
      Reproductive and Perinatal Care Continuum.
AB  - Objectives The broad maternal and child health community has witnessed increased
      attention to the entire continuum of reproductive and perinatal health concerns
      over the past few years. However, both recent discouraging trends in prenatal
      care access and utilization and a renewed understanding of prenatal care as a
      critical anchor of the reproductive/perinatal health continuum for women who do
      get pregnant demand a new effort to focus on the prenatal period as a gateway for
      maternal and infant health. Methods This commentary: describes the Medicaid
      expansions and the momentum for universal access to prenatal care of the 1980
      1990s; examines the pivot away from this goal and its aftermath; provides a
      rationale for why renewed attention to prenatal care and the prenatal period is
      essential; and, explores the potential focus of an updated prenatal care agenda.
      Conclusion We conclude that increasing women's access to high quality prenatal
      care will require substantial effort at the clinical, community, policy, and
      system levels. Only when attention is paid to all phases of the
      reproductive/perinatal health continuum with an emphasis on continuity between
      all periods, and on the social determinants that affect health and well-being,
      will our nation be able to ensure the health of all women across the life course
      (whether or not they ever become mothers), while simultaneously fulfilling our
      nation's promise that all children-no matter their income or race/ethnicity-will
      have the opportunity to be born well.

PMID- 27663706
TI  - Assessment of health-care waste management in a humanitarian crisis: A case study
      of the Gaza Strip.
AB  - Health-care waste management requires technical, financial and human resources,
      and it is a challenge for low- and middle income countries, while it is often
      neglected in protracted crisis or emergency situations. Indeed, when health,
      safety, security or wellbeing of a community is threatened, solid waste
      management usually receives limited attention. Using the Gaza Strip as the case
      study region, this manuscript reports on health-care waste management within the
      context of a humanitarian crisis. The study employed a range of methods including
      content analyses of policies and legislation, audits of waste arisings, field
      visits, stakeholder interviews and evaluation of treatment systems. The study
      estimated a production from clinics and hospitals of 683kg/day of hazardous waste
      in the Gaza Strip, while the total health-care waste production was 3357 kg/day.
      A number of challenges was identified including lack of clear definitions and
      regulations, limited accurate data on which to base decisions and strategies and
      poor coordination amongst key stakeholders. Hazardous and non-hazardous waste was
      partially segregated and treatment facilities hardly used, and 75% of the
      hazardous waste was left untreated. Recommendations for mitigating these
      challenges posed to patients, staff and the community in general are suggested.
      The outputs are particularly useful to support decision makers, and re-organize
      the system according to reliable data and sound assumptions. The methodology can
      be replicated in other humanitarian settings, also to other waste flows, and
      other sectors of environmental sanitation.

PMID- 27663707
TI  - A review on automated sorting of source-separated municipal solid waste for
      recycling.
AB  - A crucial prerequisite for recycling forming an integral part of municipal solid
      waste (MSW) management is sorting of useful materials from source-separated MSW.
      Researchers have been exploring automated sorting techniques to improve the
      overall efficiency of recycling process. This paper reviews recent advances in
      physical processes, sensors, and actuators used as well as control and autonomy
      related issues in the area of automated sorting and recycling of source-separated
      MSW. We believe that this paper will provide a comprehensive overview of the
      state of the art and will help future system designers in the area. In this
      paper, we also present research challenges in the field of automated waste
      sorting and recycling.

PMID- 27663708
TI  - A degradation model for high kitchen waste content municipal solid waste.
AB  - Municipal solid waste (MSW) in developing countries has a high content of kitchen
      waste (KW), and therefore contains large quantities of water and non
      hollocellulose degradable organics. The degradation of high KW content MSW cannot
      be well simulated by the existing degradation models, which are mostly
      established for low KW content MSW in developed countries. This paper presents a
      two-stage anaerobic degradation model for high KW content MSW with degradations
      of hollocellulose, sugars, proteins and lipids considered. The ranges of the
      proportions of chemical compounds in MSW components are summarized with the
      recommended values given. Waste components are grouped into rapidly or slowly
      degradable categories in terms of the degradation rates under optimal water
      conditions for degradation. In the proposed model, the unionized VFA inhibitions
      of hydrolysis/acidogenesis and methanogenesis are considered as well as the pH
      inhibition of methanogenesis. Both modest and serious VFA inhibitions can be
      modeled by the proposed model. Default values for the parameters in the proposed
      method can be used for predictions of degradations of both low and high KW
      content MSW. The proposed model was verified by simulating two laboratory
      experiments, in which low and high KW content MSW were used, respectively. The
      simulated results are in good agreement with the measured data of the
      experiments. The results show that under low VFA concentrations, the pH
      inhibition of methanogenesis is the main inhibition to be considered, while the
      inhibitions of both hydrolysis/acidogenesis and methanogenesis caused by
      unionized VFA are significant under high VFA concentrations. The model is also
      used to compare the degradation behaviors of low and high KW content MSW under a
      favorable environmental condition, and it shows that the gas potential of high KW
      content MSW releases more quickly.

PMID- 27663709
TI  - An arsenate-reducing and alkane-metabolizing novel bacterium, Rhizobium
      arsenicireducens sp. nov., isolated from arsenic-rich groundwater.
AB  - A novel arsenic (As)-resistant, arsenate-respiring, alkane-metabolizing bacterium
      KAs 5-22T, isolated from As-rich groundwater of West Bengal was characterized by
      physiological and genomic properties. Cells of strain KAs 5-22T were Gram-stain
      negative, rod-shaped, motile, and facultative anaerobic. Growth occurred at
      optimum of pH 6.0-7.0, temperature 30  degrees C. 16S rRNA gene affiliated the
      strain KAs 5-22T to the genus Rhizobium showing maximum similarity (98.4 %) with
      the type strain of Rhizobium naphthalenivorans TSY03bT followed by (98.0 %
      similarity) Rhizobium selenitireducens B1T. The genomic G + C content was 59.4
      mol%, and DNA-DNA relatedness with its closest phylogenetic neighbors was 50.2 %.
      Chemotaxonomy indicated UQ-10 as the major quinone; phosphatidylethanolamine,
      phosphatidylglycerol, and diphosphatidylglycerol as major polar lipids; C16:0,
      C17:0, 2-OH C10:0, 3-OH C16:0, and unresolved C18:1 omega7C/omega9C as
      predominant fatty acids. The cells were found to reduce O2, As5+, NO3-, SO42- and
      Fe3+ as alternate electron acceptors. The strain's ability to metabolize dodecane
      or other alkanes as sole carbon source using As5+ as terminal electron acceptor
      was supported by the presence of genes encoding benzyl succinate synthase (bssA
      like) and molybdopterin-binding site (mopB) of As5+ respiratory reductase (arrA).
      Differential phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, genotypic as well as physiological
      properties revealed that the strain KAs 5-22T is separated from its nearest
      recognized Rhizobium species. On the basis of the data presented, strain KAs 5
      22T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Rhizobium, for which
      the name Rhizobium arsenicireducens sp. nov. is proposed as type strain (=LMG
      28795T=MTCC 12115T).

PMID- 27663710
TI  - Contributing factors and outcomes of treatment refusal in pediatric oncology in
      Germany.

PMID- 27663712
TI  - Proceedings of the RAMI Section of OtoRhinoLaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (ORL
      HNS) Winter Meeting, Friday 11th December 2015, Education and Research Centre,
      Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Adelaide Road, Dublin 2.

PMID- 27663713
TI  - Proceedings of the RAMI Section of OtoRhinoLaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (ORL
      HNS) Spring Meeting, Saturday 23rd April 2016, Sheraton Hotel, Athlone, Co.
      Westmeath.

PMID- 27663711
TI  - Prevalence of celiac disease in Indian children with type 1 diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients are at an increased risk of having
      celiac disease (CD). We evaluated the prevalence and clinical profile of CD in
      children and adolescents with T1D and reviewed the Indian literature to determine
      prevalence and reasons for variability. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study,
      subjects with T1D were prospectively evaluated with a demographic and
      gastrointestinal (GI) questionnaire, human IgA-tissue transglutaminase (IgA
      tTGA), and endoscopic duodenal biopsy in serology positive patients. Studies
      evaluating prevalence of CD in T1D from India were reviewed. RESULTS: Fourteen
      (13.6 %) of the 103 (52 boys, 13 years [2-20]) T1D patients were IgA-tTGA (182 U
      [47-300]) positive and 3.8 % (4/103) had villous atrophy on histology. Subjects
      with T1D and CD (n = 4) were younger at onset of T1D (32.5 +/- 12.6 vs. 110.5 +/-
      53.8 months; p < 0.005) and more often had GI symptoms (pain abdomen [2/4 vs.
      6/89; p = 0.01], stool frequency of 2-3/day [3/4 vs. 38/89; p = 0.004]) than
      screen negative T1D (n = 89). Growth and glycemic control were not different
      between the groups. In the 7 Indian studies involving 915 children and adults,
      13.8 % (8 % to 17.8 %) T1D were serology positive. Prevalence of CD was reported
      as 6.9 % (2.3 % to 11.1 %), but only 3.1 % (2.3 % to 4.2 %) had villous atrophy
      on histology. CONCLUSIONS: Potential CD and CD were present in 13.6 % and 3.8 %
      children with T1D respectively. T1D with CD have onset of diabetes at younger age
      and were more often symptomatic than screen negative T1D.

PMID- 27663715
TI  - Endoscopic submucosal resection of gastric subepithelial lesions smaller than 20
      mm: a comparison of saline solution-assisted snare and cap band mucosectomy
      techniques.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Application of endoscopic submucosal resection (ESMR) in the
      management of gastric subepithelial lesions (GSLs) less than 20 mm is gradually
      increasing because it allows diagnosis and treatment at the same operative
      session. In this study, we compare and evaluate the benefits of ESMR with an
      endoscopic cap band mucosectomy technique or saline solution-assisted snare
      technique in GSLs smaller than 20 mm. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis
      of a prospectively maintained database used at 2 academic tertiary care centers.
      A total of 63 patients (34 females, mean age 52 years) with endoscopically
      resected GSLs were included in this study. RESULTS: The mean tumor size
      determined by EUS was 12.3 mm (range, 5-20 mm). Sixty-seven percent of the GSLs
      were localized in the antrum in all groups. The endoscopic cap band mucosectomy
      technique was used to resect 32 (50.8%) GSLs, whereas 31 (49.2%) were resected
      with the saline solution-assisted snare technique. The en bloc resection rates
      were 97% for the saline solution-assisted snare technique and 100% for the
      endoscopic cap band mucosectomy. Intraoperative bleeding occurred in 1 of 31
      patients (3.2%) when ESMR was performed with the saline solution-assisted snare
      technique. Postoperative bleeding was seen in 1 of 32 patients (3.1%) who
      underwent the endoscopic cap band mucosectomy technique. CONCLUSIONS: In GSLs
      smaller than 20 mm, ESMR with saline solution-assisted snare or endoscopic cap
      band mucosectomy techniques is safe, the adverse event rate is low, accurate
      diagnosis is achieved, and treatment with en bloc resection is provided in a
      single session. Given similar success and adverse event rates, saline solution
      assisted ESMR may be the preferred technique because of its lower cost
      advantages.

PMID- 27663716
TI  - Distinct endoscopic characteristics of sessile serrated adenoma/polyp with and
      without dysplasia/carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Sessile serrated adenoma/polyp (SSA/P) is a colorectal polyp
      that has malignant potential. However, the dysplastic components within an SSA/P
      can be difficult to detect. This study aimed to clarify the endoscopic
      characteristics of SSA/P with advanced histology. METHODS: We examined 462
      endoscopically or surgically resected lesions that were pathologically diagnosed
      as SSA/P, including 414 without and 41 with cytologic dysplasia, and 7 with
      invasive carcinoma. We retrospectively studied the clinicopathologic and
      endoscopic characteristics and performed pit pattern analysis. RESULTS: A
      stepwise increase in the size of the SSA/P series was identified along with their
      dysplastic progression, although 19 of 48 (39.6%) SSA/Ps with dysplasia/carcinoma
      were <=10 mm in size. Most lesions were covered with a mucus cap.
      Macroscopically, (semi)pedunculated morphology, double elevation, central
      depression, and reddishness were found more frequently in SSA/P with cytologic
      dysplasia and invasive carcinoma ([semi]pedunculated morphology, 17.1%/28.6%;
      double elevation, 63.4%/57.1%; central depression, 9.8%/28.6%; reddishness,
      39.0%/85.7%) than in those without dysplasia (4.6%, 4.6%, 3.9%, and 3.4%,
      respectively). Furthermore, the presence of at least 1 of these 4 markers had
      high sensitivity (91.7%) for identifying the dysplasia/carcinoma within a SSA/P,
      with a specificity of 85.3%. In the pit pattern analysis, all SSA/Ps without
      dysplasia exhibited type II pit pattern only, whereas 94.4% of SSA/Ps with
      dysplasia/carcinoma showed type II in addition to type IIIL, IV, VI, or VN pit
      patterns. CONCLUSIONS: In an SSA/P series, endoscopic characteristics, including
      (semi)pedunculated morphology, double elevation, central depression, and
      reddishness, in addition to the use of magnifying endoscopy, may be useful to
      accurately diagnose advanced histology within an SSA/P.

PMID- 27663714
TI  - Long-term outcomes of per-oral endoscopic myotomy in patients with achalasia with
      a minimum follow-up of 2 years: an international multicenter study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has shown promising
      safety and efficacy in short-term studies. However, long-term follow-up data are
      very limited. The aims of this study were to assess (1) clinical outcome of
      patients with a minimum post-POEM follow-up of 2 years and (2) factors associated
      with long-term clinical failure after POEM. METHODS: A retrospective chart review
      was performed that included all consecutive patients with achalasia who underwent
      POEM with a minimum follow-up of 2 years at 10 tertiary-care centers. Clinical
      response was defined by a decrease in Eckardt score to 3 or lower. RESULTS: A
      total of 205 patients (45.8% men; mean age, 49 years) were followed for a median
      of 31 months (interquartile range, 26-38 months). Of these, 81 patients (39.5%)
      had received previous treatment for achalasia before POEM. Clinical success was
      achieved in 98% (185/189), 98% (142/144), and 91% (187/205) of patients with
      follow-up within 6 months, at 12 months, and >=24 months, respectively. Of 185
      patients with clinical response at 6 months, 11 (6%) experienced recurrent
      symptoms at 2 years. History of previous pneumatic dilation was associated with
      long-term treatment failure (odds ratio, 3.41; 95% confidence interval, 1.25
      9.23). Procedure-related adverse events occurred in 8.2% of patients and only 1
      patient required surgical intervention. Abnormal esophageal acid exposure and
      reflux esophagitis were documented in 37.5% and 18% of patients, respectively.
      However, these rates are simply a reference number among a very selective group
      of patients. CONCLUSIONS: POEM is safe and provides high initial clinical success
      and excellent long-term outcomes. Among patients with confirmed clinical response
      within 6 months, 6% had recurrent symptoms by 2 years.

PMID- 27663717
TI  - Phytosterols and Dementia.
AB  - As the aging of the world's population is becoming increasingly serious, dementia
      related diseases have become a hot topic in public health research. In recent
      years, human epidemiological studies have focused on lipid metabolism disorders
      and dementia. The efficacy of phytosterol intake as a cholesterol-lowering agent
      has been demonstrated. Phytosterols directly serve as ligands of the nuclear
      receptors, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), activating
      Sirtuin 1 (SIRT-1), which are involved in the regulation of lipid metabolism and
      the pathogenesis of dementia. Moreover, phytosterols mediate cell and membrane
      cholesterol efflux or beta amyloid (Abeta) metabolism, which have preventative
      and therapeutic effects on dementia. Additionally, incorporation of plant sterols
      in lipid rafts can effectively reduce dietary fat and alter the dietary
      composition of fiber, fat and cholesterol to regulate appetite and calories.
      Overall, the objectives of this review are to explore whether phytosterols are a
      potentially effective target for the prevention of dementia and to discuss a
      possible molecular mechanism by which phytosterols play a role in the
      pathogenesis of dementia via the PPARs-SIRT-1 pathway.

PMID- 27663720
TI  - The role of mouse 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase 1 paralogs.
AB  - The interferon-induced oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS) family is one of the most
      important immune response proteins to the viral infection. The OAS protein binds
      dsRNA and is activated to produce 2',5'-oligoadenylates, which lead to the
      activation of latent form of RNase L, resulting in degradation of cellular and
      viral RNA and inhibition of viral replication. In mice, the Oas gene family
      locates on chromosome 5. The mouse Oas gene locus undergoes a recent series of
      duplication event, leading to the presence of eight paralogs of Oas1 genes (Oas1a
      through Oas1h) that forms Oas gene cluster with the Oas2, Oas3 and two OasL
      (OasL1 and OasL2) genes. Previous studies demonstrated that the mouse Oas1b gene
      conferred resistance to the flavivirus infection in mice; however, the antiviral
      activity of other mouse Oas1 gene family is still unknown. Therefore, in the
      present study, we have evaluated the mouse Oas1 paralogs regarding the enzymatic
      activity and antiviral activity against the two neurotropic flaviviruses, West
      Nile virus and tick-borne encephalitis virus. The mouse Oas1 genes were cloned
      from C57BL/6J (B6) as well as the Oas1b derived from feral mouse strain, MSM. The
      obtained results demonstrated that only Oas1a and Oas1g showed enzymatic
      activity. Although MSM-derived Oas1b showed antiviral activity to both viruses,
      all B6-derived OAS paralogs did not show antiviral activity. These results
      suggest that Oas1a and Oas1g play a role in potentiating viral RNA-induced
      interferon response in the cell, whereas the Oas1b works as a specific anti
      flavivirus factor unless it is mutated. However, the role of other paralogs is
      unknown and should wait for further investigation.

PMID- 27663719
TI  - Comparative genome and evolutionary analysis of naturally occurring Beilong virus
      in brown and black rats.
AB  - Recently, we reported the presence of Beilong virus in spleen and kidney samples
      of brown rats and black rats, suggesting that these rodents could be natural
      reservoirs of Beilong virus. In this study, four genomes of Beilong virus from
      brown rats and black rats were sequenced. Similar to the Beilong virus genome
      sequenced from kidney mesangial cell line culture, those of J-virus from house
      mouse and Tailam virus from Sikkim rats, these four genomes from naturally
      occurring Beilong virus also contain the eight genes (3'-N-P/V/C-M-F-SH-TM-G-L
      5'). In these four genomes, the attachment glycoprotein encoded by the G gene
      consists of 1046 amino acids; but for the original Beilong virus genome sequenced
      from kidney mesangial cell line, the G CDS was predicted to be prematurely
      terminated at position 2205 (TGG->TAG), resulting in a 734-amino-acid truncated G
      protein. This phenomenon of a lack of nonsense mutation in naturally occurring
      Beilong viruses was confirmed by sequencing this region of 15 additional rodent
      samples. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the cell line and naturally occurring
      Beilong viruses were closely clustered, without separation into subgroups. In
      addition, these viruses were further clustered with J-virus and Tailam virus,
      with high bootstrap supports of >90%, forming a distinct group in
      Paramyxoviridae. Brown rats and black rats are natural reservoirs of Beilong
      virus. Our results also supports that the recently proposed genus, Jeilongvirus,
      should encompass Beilong virus, J-virus and Tailam virus as members.

PMID- 27663721
TI  - G+C content differs in conserved and variable amino acid residues of flaviviruses
      and other evolutionary groups.
AB  - Flaviviruses are small RNA viruses that exhibit genetic and ecological diversity
      and a wide range of G+C content (GC%). We discovered that, amongst flaviviruses,
      the GC% of nucleotides encoding conserved amino acid (AA) residues was
      consistently higher than that of nucleotides encoding variable AAs. This
      intriguing phenomenon was also identified for a wide range of other viruses, and
      some non-viral evolutionary groups. Here, we analyse the possible mechanisms
      underlying this imbalanced nucleotide content (in particular the role of the
      specific G content and the AA composition in flaviviral genomes) and discuss its
      evolutionary implications. Our findings suggest that one of the most simple
      characteristics of the genetic code (i.e., the G or G+C content of codons) is
      linked with the evolutionary behavior of the corresponding encoded AAs.

PMID- 27663718
TI  - Genetic variation near IRS1 is associated with adiposity and a favorable
      metabolic profile in U.S. Hispanics/Latinos.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Associations of IRS1 genetic variation with adiposity and metabolic
      profile in U.S. Hispanic/Latino individuals of diverse backgrounds were examined.
      METHODS: Previously genome-wide association study-identified IRS1 variants
      (rs2943650, rs2972146, rs2943641, and rs2943634) as related to body fat
      percentage (BF%) and multiple metabolic traits were tested among up to 12,730
      adults (5,232 men; 7,515 women) from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of
      Latinos. RESULTS: The C-allele (frequency = 26%) of rs2943650 was significantly
      associated with higher BF% overall (beta = 0.34 +/- 0.11% per allele; P = 0.002)
      and in women (beta = 0.41 +/- 0.14% per C-allele; P = 0.003), but not in men
      (beta = 0.28 +/- 0.18% per C-allele; P = 0.11), though there was no significant
      sex difference. Using the inverse normal-transformed data to compare effect
      sizes, it was found that the association with BF% was stronger in Hispanic/Latino
      women than that previously reported in European women (beta = 0.054 +/- 0.018SD
      vs. beta = 0.008 +/- 0.011SD per C-allele; P = 0.03). The BF%-increasing allele
      of rs2943650 was significantly associated with lower levels of fasting insulin,
      homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, hemoglobin A1c, and
      triglycerides and higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed and extended previous findings of IRS1
      variation associated with increased adiposity but a favorable metabolic profile
      in U.S. Hispanics/Latinos, with a relatively stronger genetic effect on BF% in
      Hispanic/Latino women compared with European women.

PMID- 27663722
TI  - Fluctuations in glucose levels induce glial toxicity with glutamatergic,
      oxidative and inflammatory implications.
AB  - Astrocytes are dynamic cells that maintain brain homeostasis by regulating
      neurotransmitter systems, antioxidant defenses, inflammatory responses and energy
      metabolism. Astroglial cells are also primarily responsible for the uptake and
      metabolism of glucose in the brain. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a pathological
      condition characterized by hyperglycemia and is associated with several changes
      in the central nervous system (CNS), including alterations in glial function.
      Classically, excessive glucose concentrations are used to induce experimental
      models of astrocyte dysfunction; however, hypoglycemic episodes may also cause
      several brain injuries. The main focus of the present study was to evaluate how
      fluctuations in glucose levels induce cytotoxicity. The culture medium of
      astroglial cells was replaced twice as follows: (1) from 6mM (control) to 12mM
      (high glucose), and (2) from 12mM to 0mM (glucose deprivation). Cell viability,
      mitochondrial function, oxidative/nitrosative stress, glutamate metabolism,
      inflammatory responses, nuclear factor kappaB (NFkappaB) transcriptional activity
      and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) levels were assessed. Our in
      vitro experimental model showed that up and down fluctuations in glucose levels
      decreased cell proliferation, induced mitochondrial dysfunction, increased
      oxidative/nitrosative stress with consequent cellular biomolecular damage,
      impaired glutamate metabolism and increased pro-inflammatory cytokine release.
      Additionally, activation of the NFkappaB and p38 signaling pathways were putative
      mechanisms of the effects of glucose fluctuations on astroglial cells. In
      summary, for the first time, we show that changes in glucose concentrations, from
      high-glucose levels to glucose deprivation, exacerbate glial injury.

PMID- 27663724
TI  - Zirconia abutments for single-tooth implant restorations: a 10- to 11-year follow
      up study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical outcome of custom-made zirconia abutments
      for implant-supported single-tooth restorations 10-11 years after insertion.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study comprises a clinical examination of 23 patients
      with 30 restorations placed 10-11 years ago. Oral surgeons placed the implants.
      The prosthodontic treatment was provided at a prosthodontic specialist clinic.
      The restoration was either an all-ceramic crown for cementation or a screw
      retained one-piece restoration with the veneering porcelain baked directly to the
      zirconia abutment. Besides the clinical and radiographic examination at the 10-
      to 11-year follow-up, the patients' records were scrutinized regarding clinical
      and radiographic data from insertion of the restoration up to the last visit at
      the clinic. RESULTS: The zirconia abutments performed well. Both technical and
      biological complications were rare; most patients were in general extremely
      satisfied with the restorations. No all-ceramic crowns fractured during the
      observation period. One implant was lost after 51/2 years in service. There were
      no significant differences for changes in any of the soft tissue registrations or
      the peri-implant marginal bone level between the conventional two-piece abutment
      crown restoration and the one-piece restoration. The peri-implant bone level
      changes from placement to the clinical examination 10-11 years later were small
      (mean 0.26 mm, SD 0.6 mm). CONCLUSIONS: Zirconia abutments for single-implant
      crowns demonstrated excellent technical and biological results over 10-11 years
      of function, and most patients were extremely satisfied with the aesthetics and
      the function of their single-implant restorations.

PMID- 27663723
TI  - Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting and Percutaneous Coronary Intervention after
      Kawasaki Disease: The Pediatric Canadian Series.
AB  - Coronary artery (CA) aneurysms are serious complications of Kawasaki disease (KD)
      responsible for ischemic events. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and
      coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) are reported with limited data on
      indications and comparative efficacy. Retrospective multicenter comparison of CA
      intervention following KD is performed in this study. Twenty two cases were
      available from 5 centers, of whom 11 underwent CABG, 10 PCI and 1 systemic
      thrombolysis. Age at intervention (8.3 +/- 3.9 vs 11.3 +/- 4.9 years, p = 0.14)
      and interval from diagnosis (5.6 +/- 4.1 vs 6.5 +/- 4.7 years, p = 0.64) were
      similar between CABG and PCI. Interventions were based on angiography in 15
      patients or cardiac event in 7, with no difference between CABG and PCI (p =
      0.24). Patients with CABG were more likely to undergo multivessel intervention
      (73 vs 10 %, p = 0.006). None of the patients needed reintervention after CABG,
      compared to 6 after PCI and 1 after systemic thrombolysis (p = 0.004). Signs of
      ischemia on stress testing or MIBI were present in 15 patients before
      intervention and persisted in 9 patients following last intervention, in a
      significantly higher proportion after CABG than PCI (80 vs 17 %, p = 0.01). In
      this series, CABG, which mostly involved multivessel intervention, was superior
      to PCI. Nevertheless, larger-scale studies may help define patient selection
      criteria for a beneficial PCI approach.

PMID- 27663726
TI  - Inverse liquid chromatography as a tool for characterisation of the surface layer
      of ceramic biomaterials.
AB  - The novel technique for ceramic biomaterials surface characterisation was
      proposed. The examined bone substitute materials were two orthophosphates:
      hydroxyapatite, beta-tricalcium phosphate and the mixture of these two - biphasic
      calcium phosphate. The aim of this work was characterisation of the ceramic
      biomaterials surface expressed via the values of parameters e, s, a, b, v
      considered in linear free energy relationship. The values of these parameters
      reflect the ability of stationary phase to occur in different types of
      interactions. The sorption phenomena occurring on the bone substitute materials
      surface are responsible for the process of the multiplication of the osteoblasts.
      Thus the detailed description of this phenomena may contribute to the better
      understanding of bone loss regeneration mechanism. The data required for
      characterisation by using LFER model was collected by means of inverse liquid
      chromatography with the use of five different mobile phases: 98% ethanol,
      ethanol/water (50/50), water, 0.2M NaCl and SBF. The determination of the ceramic
      orthophosphates surface properties in SBF solution allowed to observe the
      behaviour of biomaterials in "natural environment" - in living organism.

PMID- 27663725
TI  - A trait stacking system via intra-genomic homologous recombination.
AB  - MAIN CONCLUSION: A gene targeting method has been developed, which allows the
      conversion of 'breeding stacks', containing unlinked transgenes into a 'molecular
      stack' and thereby circumventing the breeding challenges associated with
      transgene segregation. A gene targeting method has been developed for converting
      two unlinked trait loci into a single locus transgene stack. The method utilizes
      intra-genomic homologous recombination (IGHR) between stably integrated target
      and donor loci which share sequence homology and nuclease cleavage sites whereby
      the donor contains a promoterless herbicide resistance transgene. Upon crossing
      with a zinc finger nuclease (ZFN)-expressing plant, double-strand breaks (DSB)
      are created in both the stably integrated target and donor loci. DSBs flanking
      the donor locus result in intra-genomic mobilization of a promoterless selectable
      marker-containing donor sequence, which can be utilized as a template for
      homology-directed repair of a concomitant DSB at the target locus resulting in a
      functional selectable marker via nuclease-mediated cassette exchange (NMCE). The
      method was successfully demonstrated in maize using a glyphosate tolerance gene
      as a donor whereby up to 3.3 % of the resulting progeny embryos cultured on
      selection medium regenerated plants with the donor sequence integrated into the
      target locus. The process could be extended to multiple cycles of trait stacking
      by virtue of a unique intron sequence homology for NMCE between the target and
      the donor loci. This is the first report that describes NMCE via IGHR, thereby
      enabling trait stacking using conventional crossing.

PMID- 27663727
TI  - Separation and quantification of silver nanoparticles and silver ions using
      reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography coupled to inductively
      coupled plasma mass spectrometry in combination with isotope dilution analysis.
AB  - A reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography coupled to an inductively
      coupled plasma mass spectrometer (HPLC-ICP-MS) approach in combination with
      isotope dilution analysis (IDA) for the separation and parallel quantification of
      nanostructured and ionic silver (Ag) is presented. The main focus of this work
      was the determination of the ionic Ag concentration. For a sufficient
      stabilization of the ions without dissolving the nanoparticles (NPs), the eluent
      had to be initially optimized. The determined Ag ion concentration was in a good
      agreement with results obtained using ultrafiltration. Further, the mechanism of
      the NP separation in the HPLC column was investigated. Typical size exclusion
      effects were found by comparing results from columns with different pore sizes.
      Since the recovery rates decreased with increasing Ag NP size and large Ag NPs
      did not elute from the column, additional interactions of the particles with the
      stationary phase were assumed. Our results reveal that the presented method is
      not only applicable to Ag NPs, but also to gold and polystyrene NPs. Finally, IDA
      HPLC-ICP-MS experiments in single particle mode were performed to determine the
      particle cut-off size. The comparison with conventional spICP-MS experiments
      resulted in a similar diameter and particle size distribution.

PMID- 27663728
TI  - Designing monoclonal antibody fragment-based affinity resins with high binding
      capacity by thiol-directed immobilisation and optimisation of pore/ligand size
      ratio.
AB  - Monoclonal antibody (mAb) based affinity resins usually suffer from low binding
      capacity, most probably as a result of steric hindrance by the large 150kDa size
      of the mAb and a random immobilisation approach. The present work investigates
      the influence of a variety of factors on dynamic binding capacity (DBC) such as
      pore/ligand size ratio, accessibility of ligand and ligand density. The effect of
      pore/ligand size ratio was investigated using Fab and scFv fragments on various
      resins with different pore sizes. The accessibility of the ligand was
      investigated by a site-directed immobilisation approach, where three C-terminal
      tags, PPKPPK, FLAGTM and Cys, were introduced into the Fab fragments for
      immobilisation on resins via amino-, carboxyl- and thiol-groups, respectively.
      The scFv fragments were tagged at the C-terminal only with FLAGTM to enable a
      straight forward purification procedure, and were immobilised to resins via amino
      and carboxyl-groups. The target protein had a molecular weight (MW) of 50kDa. A
      3-fold higher dynamic binding capacity at 100% breakthrough (DBC100%) was
      observed for Fab wild-type (wt) on CNBr-activated Sepharose 4 FF relative to mAb
      on same resin at the same ligand density. However, no major difference in DBC100%
      was observed between Fab wt and scFv immobilised on CNBr-activated Sepharose 4 FF
      at the same ligand density. Thus, further increase of pore/ligand size ratio from
      Fab to scFv on a resin with average pore size of 300A, did not seem to be
      beneficial. Among the tested tags, only the C-terminal Cys tag proved to site
      direct the ligands during immobilisation as it allowed the DBC100% to increase
      1.6-fold as compared to Fab wt immobilised via amino-groups on CNBr-activated
      Sepharose 4 FF and Actigel ALD Superflow at the same ligand density. The
      influence of ligand density was investigated by selecting immobilised Fab Cys on
      Sulfhydryl-reactive resin. Increasing ligand density from 0.103 to 0.202MUmol/mL
      resulted in the same utilisation yield (82-85%), whereas a further increase in
      ligand density from 0.202 to 0.328MUmol/mL resulted in a 20%-unit decrease in
      utilisation yield and less steep breakthrough curve, suggesting steric hindrance
      in the pores of the resin. In addition, site-directed affinity ligands resulted
      in a more pronounced, sigmoid-shaped breakthrough curve, leading to more
      efficient use of capacity. The highest DBC100% was obtained for Fab Cys on
      Sulfhydryl-reactive resin and scFv on Actigel ALD Superflow; 11mg/mL and 10mg/mL,
      respectively, as compared to the DBC100% of 0.8mg/mL for mAb on CNBr-activated
      Sepharose 4 FF. Pore/ligand size ratio of 3, which was achieved for Fab ligands
      on the studied resins, was shown to be feasible for capturing a protein in MW of
      50kDa. Totally, a 13.8-fold improvement in DBC100% was achieved with the Fab
      based affinity resin coupled via the C-terminal Cys as compared to the mAb-based
      affinity resin.

PMID- 27663729
TI  - Visualizing small differences using subtractive chromatographic analysis.
AB  - Subtraction of chromatograms coming from two different samples collected under
      identical conditions can highlight small variations, serving as a useful tool for
      visualizing differences between experimental and control groups. While the basis
      for this general approach has been known for decades, the technique is seldom
      used in modern chromatographic analysis. We report an investigation into the
      application of subtractive chromatographic analysis in several areas of
      pharmaceutical research where detection of small differences between samples is
      important. Our investigation found that elimination of artifacts caused by peak
      misalignment was often necessary, especially for extremely sharp chromatographic
      peaks obtained in rapid injection MISER chromatography. Alignment of individual
      peaks prior to subtraction, combined with fast detector sampling rates, or data
      interpolation in cases where this is not possible, was found to afford convenient
      visualization of small differences (~1%) among samples, suggesting potential
      utility in high throughput screening of process adsorbents or other applications
      in pharmaceutical research and development.

PMID- 27663730
TI  - Genetic drivers of vulnerability and resistance in relapsed acute lymphoblastic
      leukemia.

PMID- 27663732
TI  - Residential emissions in Beijing: About 400 * 104 t.

PMID- 27663731
TI  - Improved i.p. drug delivery with bioadhesive nanoparticles.
AB  - The i.p. administration of chemotherapy in ovarian and uterine serous carcinoma
      patients by biodegradable nanoparticles may represent a highly effective way to
      suppress peritoneal carcinomatosis. However, the efficacy of nanoparticles loaded
      with chemotherapeutic agents is currently hampered by their fast clearance by
      lymphatic drainage. Here, we show that a unique formulation of bioadhesive
      nanoparticles (BNPs) can interact with mesothelial cells in the abdominal cavity
      and significantly extend the retention of the nanoparticles in the peritoneal
      space. BNPs loaded with a potent chemotherapeutic agent [epothilone B (EB)]
      showed significantly lower systemic toxicity and higher therapeutic efficacy
      against i.p. chemotherapy-resistant uterine serous carcinoma-derived xenografts
      compared with free EB and non-BNPs loaded with EB.

PMID- 27663733
TI  - Tightening the connection between transposable element mobilization and aging.

PMID- 27663734
TI  - Microvilli set the stage for T-cell activation.

PMID- 27663735
TI  - Neurotensin stimulates sortilin and mTOR in human microglia inhibitable by
      methoxyluteolin, a potential therapeutic target for autism.
AB  - We had reported elevated serum levels of the peptide neurotensin (NT) in children
      with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Here, we show that NT stimulates primary
      human microglia, the resident immune cells of the brain, and the immortalized
      cell line of human microglia-SV40. NT (10 nM) increases the gene expression and
      release (P < 0.001) of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1beta and chemokine (C-X-C
      motif) ligand 8 (CXCL8), chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2), and CCL5 from
      human microglia. NT also stimulates proliferation (P < 0.05) of microglia-SV40.
      Microglia express only the receptor 3 (NTR3)/sortilin and not the NTR1 or NTR2.
      The use of siRNA to target sortilin reduces (P < 0.001) the NT-stimulated
      cytokine and chemokine gene expression and release from human microglia.
      Stimulation with NT (10 nM) increases the gene expression of sortilin (P <
      0.0001) and causes the receptor to be translocated from the cytoplasm to the cell
      surface, and to be secreted extracellularly. Our findings also show increased
      levels of sortilin (P < 0.0001) in the serum from children with ASD (n = 36),
      compared with healthy controls (n = 20). NT stimulation of microglia-SV40 causes
      activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling kinase, as shown
      by phosphorylation of its substrates and inhibition of these responses by drugs
      that prevent mTOR activation. NT-stimulated responses are inhibited by the
      flavonoid methoxyluteolin (0.1-1 MUM). The data provide a link between sortilin
      and the pathological findings of microglia and inflammation of the brain in ASD.
      Thus, inhibition of this pathway using methoxyluteolin could provide an effective
      treatment of ASD.

PMID- 27663736
TI  - Rational design of a Kv1.3 channel-blocking antibody as a selective
      immunosuppressant.
AB  - A variable region fusion strategy was used to generate an immunosuppressive
      antibody based on a novel "stalk-knob" structural motif in the ultralong
      complementary-determining region (CDR) of a bovine antibody. The potent Kv1.3
      channel inhibitory peptides Moka1-toxin and Vm24-toxin were grafted into
      different CDRs of the humanized antibodies BVK and Synagis (Syn) using both beta
      sheet and coiled-coil linkers. Structure-activity relationship efforts led to
      generation of the fusion protein Syn-Vm24-CDR3L, which demonstrated excellent
      selectivity and potency against effector human memory T cells (subnanomolar to
      picomolar EC50 values). This fusion antibody also had significantly improved
      plasma half-life and serum stability in rodents compared with the parent Vm24
      peptide. Finally, this fusion protein showed potent in vivo efficacy in the
      delayed type hypersensitivity in rats. These results illustrate the utility of
      antibody CDR fusions as a general and effective strategy to generate long-acting
      functional antibodies, and may lead to a selective immunosuppressive antibody for
      the treatment of autoimmune diseases.

PMID- 27663737
TI  - Integrated analysis of phenome, genome, and transcriptome of hybrid rice
      uncovered multiple heterosis-related loci for yield increase.
AB  - Hybrid rice is the dominant form of rice planted in China, and its use has
      extended worldwide since the 1970s. It offers great yield advantages and has
      contributed greatly to the world's food security. However, the molecular
      mechanisms underlying heterosis have remained a mystery. In this study we
      integrated genetics and omics analyses to determine the candidate genes for yield
      heterosis in a model two-line rice hybrid system, Liang-you-pei 9 (LYP9) and its
      parents. Phenomics study revealed that the better parent heterosis (BPH) of yield
      in hybrid is not ascribed to BPH of all the yield components but is specific to
      the BPH of spikelet number per panicle (SPP) and paternal parent heterosis (PPH)
      of effective panicle number (EPN). Genetic analyses then identified multiple
      quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for these two components. Moreover, a number of
      differentially expressed genes and alleles in the hybrid were mapped by
      transcriptome profiling to the QTL regions as possible candidate genes. In
      parallel, a major QTL for yield heterosis, rice heterosis 8 (RH8), was found to
      be the DTH8/Ghd8/LHD1 gene. Based on the shared allelic heterozygosity of RH8 in
      many hybrid rice cultivars, a common mechanism for yield heterosis in the present
      commercial hybrid rice is proposed.

PMID- 27663738
TI  - Inferring interaction partners from protein sequences.
AB  - Specific protein-protein interactions are crucial in the cell, both to ensure the
      formation and stability of multiprotein complexes and to enable signal
      transduction in various pathways. Functional interactions between proteins result
      in coevolution between the interaction partners, causing their sequences to be
      correlated. Here we exploit these correlations to accurately identify, from
      sequence data alone, which proteins are specific interaction partners. Our
      general approach, which employs a pairwise maximum entropy model to infer
      couplings between residues, has been successfully used to predict the 3D
      structures of proteins from sequences. Thus inspired, we introduce an iterative
      algorithm to predict specific interaction partners from two protein families
      whose members are known to interact. We first assess the algorithm's performance
      on histidine kinases and response regulators from bacterial two-component
      signaling systems. We obtain a striking 0.93 true positive fraction on our
      complete dataset without any a priori knowledge of interaction partners, and we
      uncover the origin of this success. We then apply the algorithm to proteins from
      ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter complexes, and obtain accurate predictions
      in these systems as well. Finally, we present two metrics that accurately
      distinguish interacting protein families from noninteracting ones, using only
      sequence data.

PMID- 27663739
TI  - O-fucosylated glycoproteins form assemblies in close proximity to the nuclear
      pore complexes of Toxoplasma gondii.
AB  - Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasite that causes disseminated
      infections in fetuses and immunocompromised individuals. Although gene regulation
      is important for parasite differentiation and pathogenesis, little is known about
      protein organization in the nucleus. Here we show that the fucose-binding Aleuria
      aurantia lectin (AAL) binds to numerous punctate structures in the nuclei of
      tachyzoites, bradyzoites, and sporozoites but not oocysts. AAL also binds to
      Hammondia and Neospora nuclei but not to more distantly related apicomplexans.
      Analyses of the AAL-enriched fraction indicate that AAL binds O-linked fucose
      added to Ser/Thr residues present in or adjacent to Ser-rich domains (SRDs).
      Sixty-nine Ser-rich proteins were reproducibly enriched with AAL, including
      nucleoporins, mRNA-processing enzymes, and cell-signaling proteins. Two
      endogenous SRDs-containing proteins and an SRD-YFP fusion localize with AAL to
      the nuclear membrane. Superresolution microscopy showed that the majority of the
      AAL signal localizes in proximity to nuclear pore complexes. Host cells modify
      secreted proteins with O-fucose; here we describe the O-fucosylation pathway in
      the nucleocytosol of a eukaryote. Furthermore, these results suggest O
      fucosylation is a mechanism by which proteins involved in gene expression
      accumulate near the NPC.

PMID- 27663740
TI  - Symplastic signaling instructs cell division, cell expansion, and cell polarity
      in the ground tissue of Arabidopsis thaliana roots.
AB  - Cell-to-cell communication is essential for the development and patterning of
      multicellular organisms. In plants, plasmodesmata (PD) provide direct routes for
      intercellular signaling. However, the role that PD-mediated signaling plays in
      plant development has not been fully investigated. To gain a comprehensive view
      of the role that symplastic signaling plays in Arabidopsis thaliana, we have
      taken advantage of a synthetic allele of CALLOSE SYNTHASE3 (icals3m) that
      inducibly disrupts cell-to-cell communication specifically at PD. Our results
      show that loss of symplastic signaling to and from the endodermis has very
      significant effects on the root, including an increase in the number of cell
      layers in the root and a misspecification of stele cells, as well as ground
      tissue. Surprisingly, loss of endodermal signaling also results in a loss of
      anisotropic elongation in all cells within the root, similar to what is seen in
      radially swollen mutants. Our results suggest that symplastic signals to and from
      the endodermis are critical in the coordinated growth and development of the
      root.

PMID- 27663741
TI  - Saliva protein biomarkers to detect oral squamous cell carcinoma in a high-risk
      population in Taiwan.
AB  - Most cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) develop from visible oral
      potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs). The latter exhibit heterogeneous
      subtypes with different transformation potentials, complicating the early
      detection of OSCC during routine visual oral cancer screenings. To develop
      clinically applicable biomarkers, we collected saliva samples from 96 healthy
      controls, 103 low-risk OPMDs, 130 high-risk OPMDs, and 131 OSCC subjects. These
      individuals were enrolled in Taiwan's Oral Cancer Screening Program. We
      identified 302 protein biomarkers reported in the literature and/or through in
      house studies and prioritized 49 proteins for quantification in the saliva
      samples using multiple reaction monitoring-MS. Twenty-eight proteins were
      successfully quantified with high confidence. The quantification data from non
      OSCC subjects (healthy controls + low-risk OPMDs) and OSCC subjects in the
      training set were subjected to classification and regression tree analyses,
      through which we generated a four-protein panel consisting of MMP1, KNG1, ANXA2,
      and HSPA5. A risk-score scheme was established, and the panel showed high
      sensitivity (87.5%) and specificity (80.5%) in the test set to distinguish OSCC
      samples from non-OSCC samples. The risk score >0.4 detected 84% (42/50) of the
      stage I OSCCs and a significant portion (42%) of the high-risk OPMDs. Moreover,
      among 88 high-risk OPMD patients with available follow-up results, 18 developed
      OSCC within 5 y; of them, 77.8% (14/18) had risk scores >0.4. Our four-protein
      panel may therefore offer a clinically effective tool for detecting OSCC and
      monitoring high-risk OPMDs through a readily available biofluid.

PMID- 27663744
TI  - Periodontal manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease: emerging epidemiologic
      and biologic evidence.
AB  - Inflammatory bowel disease and periodontitis are both described as a
      disproportionate mucosal inflammatory response to a microbial environment in
      susceptible patients. Moreover, these two conditions share major environmental
      and lifestyle-related risk factors. Despite this intriguing pathogenic parallel,
      large-scale studies and basic research have only recently considered periodontal
      outcomes as relevant data. There are mounting and consistent arguments, from
      recent epidemiologic studies and animal models, that these two conditions might
      be related. This article is a comprehensive and critical up-to-date review of the
      current evidence and future prospects in understanding the biologic and
      epidemiologic relationships between periodontal status and inflammatory bowel
      disease.

PMID- 27663743
TI  - Oriented collagen fibers direct tumor cell intravasation.
AB  - In this work, we constructed a Collagen I-Matrigel composite extracellular matrix
      (ECM). The composite ECM was used to determine the influence of the local
      collagen fiber orientation on the collective intravasation ability of tumor
      cells. We found that the local fiber alignment enhanced cell-ECM interactions.
      Specifically, metastatic MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells followed the local fiber
      alignment direction during the intravasation into rigid Matrigel (~10 mg/mL
      protein concentration).

PMID- 27663742
TI  - Elevated ERK/p90 ribosomal S6 kinase activity underlies audiogenic seizure
      susceptibility in fragile X mice.
AB  - Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common heritable cause of intellectual
      disability and a leading genetic form of autism. The Fmr1 KO mouse, a model of
      FXS, exhibits elevated translation in the hippocampus and the cortex. ERK
      (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) and mTOR (mechanistic target of
      rapamycin) signaling regulate protein synthesis by activating downstream targets
      critical to translation initiation and elongation and are known to contribute to
      hippocampal defects in fragile X. Here we show that the effect of loss of fragile
      X mental retardation protein (FMRP) on these pathways is brain region specific.
      In contrast to the hippocampus, ERK (but not mTOR) signaling is elevated in the
      neocortex of fragile X mice. Phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6, typically a
      downstream target of mTOR, is elevated in the neocortex, despite normal mTOR
      activity. This is significant in that S6 phosphorylation facilitates translation,
      correlates with neuronal activation, and is altered in neurodevelopmental
      disorders. We show that in fragile X mice, S6 is regulated by ERK via the
      "alternative" S6 kinase p90-ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK), as evidenced by the site
      of elevated phosphorylation and the finding that ERK inhibition corrects elevated
      RSK and S6 activity. These findings indicate that signaling networks are altered
      in the neocortex of fragile X mice such that S6 phosphorylation receives aberrant
      input from ERK/RSK. Importantly, an RSK inhibitor reduces susceptibility to
      audiogenic seizures in fragile X mice. Our findings identify RSK as a therapeutic
      target for fragile X and suggest the therapeutic potential of drugs for the
      treatment of FXS may vary in a brain-region-specific manner.

PMID- 27663745
TI  - Exposure to Amphetamines Leads to Development of Amphetamine Type Stimulants
      Associated Cardiomyopathy (ATSAC).
AB  - With rapidly rising prevalence of exposure to Amphetamine Type Stimulants (ATS),
      novel insights into cardiotoxic effects of this substance are being presented in
      the literature and remarkably ATS Associated Cardiomyopathy (ATSAC) is emerging
      as a novel cardiovascular condition with its distinctive pathogenesis, risk
      factors, clinical features and prognosis. A comprehensive systematic review was
      performed to explore and analyze the current evidence on the association between
      ATS exposure and development of cardiomyopathy, biological mechanisms involved in
      pathogenesis of ATSAC, risk factors, clinical features and course of patients
      with ATSAC. Several animal studies, case reports, case series and case-control
      studies support the association between ATS exposure and ATSAC. Oxidative stress,
      accelerated apoptosis, increased p53 activity, cardiomyocyte necrosis, perfusion
      defects, fatty acid toxicity, altered gene expression, abnormal cardiac protein
      synthesis and function in addition to defects in intracellular calcium hemostasis
      present themselves as likely mechanisms of cardiotoxicity in ATSAC. Majority of
      patients with ATSAC were found to be male, young and presented late with severe
      dilated cardiomyopathy. Female ATS users predominantly develop Takotsubo type of
      ATSAC and in particular its atypical basal variant. Overall, cessation of ATS
      exposure seems to be associated with some degree of reversibility and recovery in
      ATSAC sufferers.

PMID- 27663746
TI  - Salami Publishing.

PMID- 27663747
TI  - Pathologic fracture of the distal humerus due to a textiloma.

PMID- 27663748
TI  - Transient motor paresis caused by herpes zoster.

PMID- 27663749
TI  - Open reduction and internal fixation of capitellar fracture through anterolateral
      approach with headless double- threaded compression screws: a series of 16
      patients.

PMID- 27663750
TI  - Response to: Open reduction and internal fixation of capitellar fracture through
      anterolateral approach with headless double-threaded compression screws: a series
      of 16 patients.

PMID- 27663751
TI  - Associations Between Maltreatment History and Severity of Substance Use Behavior
      in Youth in Foster Care.
AB  - Substance use (SU) in youth remains a significant public health concern and a
      risk factor for morbidity and mortality in adolescents. The present study offers
      examination of the association between severity and chronicity of maltreatment
      history and SU in youth in foster care. Two hundred and ten (48% female) foster
      youth with a mean age of 12.71 years ( SD = 2.95 years) completed surveys using
      an audio-computer-assisted self-interview program. Results revealed 31% of
      participants reported past-year SU, and substance users had a mean CRAFFT score
      of 3.43 ( SD = 1.90). Reported age of SU onset was 11.08 years ( SD = 2.21
      years). The SU measurement model demonstrated excellent fit in this sample.
      Accounting for both youth age and youth placement type, the structural model with
      maltreatment predicting SU severity demonstrated strong model fit with a
      significant path between maltreatment and SU. Youth in residential facilities and
      older youth had higher rates of use than those residing in traditional foster
      home environments and younger youth. Findings provide additional support for the
      link between maltreatment experiences and SU severity in foster youth and suggest
      the need for screening and intervention services appropriate for this high-risk
      population.

PMID- 27663752
TI  - Systematic engineering of TCA cycle for optimal production of a four-carbon
      platform chemical 4-hydroxybutyric acid in Escherichia coli.
AB  - To address climate change and environmental problems, it is becoming increasingly
      important to establish biorefineries for the production of chemicals from
      renewable non-food biomass. Here we report the development of Escherichia coli
      strains capable of overproducing a four-carbon platform chemical 4-hybroxybutyric
      acid (4-HB). Because 4-HB production is significantly affected by aeration level,
      genome-scale metabolic model-based engineering strategies were designed under
      aerobic and microaerobic conditions with emphasis on oxidative/reductive TCA
      branches and glyoxylate shunt. Several different metabolic engineering strategies
      were employed to develop strains suitable for fermentation both under aerobic and
      microaerobic conditions. It was found that microaerobic condition was more
      efficient than aerobic condition in achieving higher titer and productivity of 4
      HB. The final engineered strain produced 103.4g/L of 4-HB by microaerobic fed
      batch fermentation using glycerol. The aeration-dependent optimization strategy
      of TCA cycle will be useful for developing microbial strains producing other
      reduced derivative chemicals of TCA cycle intermediates.

PMID- 27663753
TI  - Biotherapies in systemic lupus erythematosus: New targets.
AB  - Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with a polymorphic
      presentation. The variability in the clinical expression and severity of SLE
      makes new treatments both essential and challenging to develop. Several
      biotherapies targeting different pathophysiological pathways have been developed
      over the past 15 years. The results of Phase II trials were encouraging but
      rarely borne out by Phase III trials. Recent data, which are discussed in detail
      in this review, allowed belimumab - a monoclonal antibody against BLyS (B
      lymphocyte stimulator) - to become the first biotherapy approved for use in SLE.
      Other molecules targeting B cells include the two anti-BLyS antibodies tabalumab
      and blisibimod; atacicept, which targets both BLyS and APRIL (a proliferation
      inducing ligand); and the monoclonal antibody to CD22 epratuzumab. The rekindling
      of interest in the B-cell pathway has also driven new clinical research into
      rituximab, a monoclonal antibody targeting CD20 with evaluations of new
      strategies. A new and promising approach is the use of inhibitors of the type 1
      interferon (IFN) pathway, of which the most promising is anifrolumab, a
      monoclonal antibody targeting the type 1 IFN receptor. In this review, we discuss
      study findings and their clinical relevance, present the most promising targets,
      and analyze possible explanations to negative results, such as inappropriate
      patient selection and treatment response criteria or the erratic use of high-dose
      glucocorticoid therapy.

PMID- 27663754
TI  - Infectious risk associated to orthopaedic surgery for rheumatoid arthritis
      patients treated by anti-TNFalpha.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Although biotherapy has greatly improved the prognosis of RA many
      patients have still recourse to an orthopaedic surgery. The current
      recommendation for scheduled surgery is to discontinue administration of the
      biological agent two to six weeks before surgery. Reinitiating anti-TNF therapy
      is proposed when the patient has healed. We wanted to know whether patients
      treated with anti-TNFalpha were exposed to an infectious risk undergoing a
      surgical procedure and if discontinuation of anti-TNFalpha therapy altered the
      risk of surgical infection. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of the
      literature in PubMed, Embase and Cochrane until March 2014. We selected studies
      that reported post-operative infections by comparing patients treated with anti
      TNFalpha to patients treated with csDMARD without biological treatment, or
      patients who continued anti-TNFalpha therapy to the patients who discontinued
      treatment prior to surgery. RESULTS: A first meta-analysis of 12 studies
      evaluating postoperative infection risk in patients treated with anti-TNFalpha
      showed that the postoperative infection risk doubled (RR=1.81 [1.31-2.50]). Seven
      studies were grouped into a second meta-analysis to evaluate the benefit of the
      preventive discontinuation of anti-TNFalpha. Discontinuation of treatment did not
      alter the post-operative infection risk significantly: RR=0.69 [0.39-1.21].
      CONCLUSION: This study showed that patients treated with anti-TNFalpha were more
      at risk of post-operative infection undergoing orthopaedic surgery. Preventive
      discontinuation of anti-TNFalpha does not seem to change this risk.

PMID- 27663757
TI  - Multi-imaging modalities of intraosseous schwannoma of the scapula.

PMID- 27663756
TI  - RGTA(r)-based matrix therapy - A new branch of regenerative medicine in
      locomotion.
AB  - Matrix therapy is an innovative, minimally invasive approach in the field of
      regenerative medicine, that aims to promote tissue regeneration by reconstructing
      the cellular microenvironment following tissue injury. This approach has
      significant therapeutic potential in the treatment of pathologies characterized
      by tissue inflammation and damage, or following injury, conditions which can be
      incapacitating and cost-consuming. Heparan sulfate mimics, termed ReGeneraTing
      Agents (RGTA(r)s) have emerged as a unifying approach to treat these diverse
      pathologies. Today, skin and corneal healing topical products have already been
      used in clinics, demonstrating a proof of concept in humans. In this review, we
      present key evidence that RGTA(r)s regenerate damaged tissue in bone, muscle,
      tendon and nerve, with astonishing results. In animal models of bone surgical
      defects and inflammatory bone loss, RGTA(r) induced healing of injured bones by
      controlling inflammation and bone resorption, and stimulated bone formation by
      coordinating vascularization, recruitment and differentiation of competent cells
      from specific niches, restoring tissue quality to that of uninjured tissue,
      evoking true regeneration. In models of muscle injury, RGTA(r) had marked effects
      on healing speed and quality, evidenced by increased muscle fiber density,
      maturation, vascularization and reduced fibrosis, more mature motor endplates and
      functional recovery. Applications merging RGTA(r)-based matrix therapy and cell
      therapy, combining Extra-Cellular Matrix reconstruction with cells required for
      optimal tissue repair show significant promise. Hence restoration of the proper
      microenvironment is a new paradigm in regenerative medicine. Harnessing the
      potential of RGTA(r) in this brave, new vision of regenerative therapy will
      therefore be the focus of future studies.

PMID- 27663758
TI  - Nontraumatic tumoral calcinosis.

PMID- 27663755
TI  - Pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory T cells in giant cell arteritis.
AB  - Giant cell arteritis is an autoimmune disease defined by explicit tissue tropism
      to the walls of medium and large arteries. Pathognomic inflammatory lesions are
      granulomatous in nature, emphasizing the functional role of CD4T cells and
      macrophages. Evidence for a pathogenic role of antibodies and immune complexes is
      missing. Analysis of T cell populations in giant cell arteritis, both in the
      tissue lesions and in the circulation, has supported a model of broad, polyclonal
      T cell activation, involving an array of functional T cell lineages. The
      signature of T cell cytokines produced by vasculitic lesions is typically
      multifunctional, including IL-2, IFN-gamma, IL-17, IL-21, and GM-CSF, supportive
      for a general defect in T cell regulation. Recent data describing the lack of a
      lymph node-based population of anti-inflammatory T cells in giant cell arteritis
      patients offers a fresh look at the immunopathology of this vasculitis. Due to
      defective CD8+NOX2+ regulatory T cells, giant cell arteritis patients appear
      unable to curtail clonal expansion within the CD4T cell compartment, resulting in
      widespread CD4T cell hyperimmunity. Why unopposed expansion of committed CD4
      effector T cells would lead to invasion of the walls of medium and large arteries
      needs to be explored in further investigations.

PMID- 27663759
TI  - High-Dose Hypofractionated Radiation Therapy for Noncompressive Vertebral
      Metastases in Combination With Zoledronate: A Phase 1 Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Hypofractionated stereotactic radiation therapy (HSRT) for
      vertebral metastases gives good results in terms of local control but increases
      the risk of fracture in the treated volume. Preclinical and clinical studies have
      shown that zoledronate not only reduces the risk of fracture and stimulates
      osteoclastic remodeling but also increases the immune response and
      radiosensitivity. This study aimed to evaluate the tolerability and effectiveness
      of zoledronate in association with radiation therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We
      conducted a multicenter phase 1 study that combined HSRT (3 * 9 Gy) and
      zoledronate in patients with vertebral metastasis (NCT01219790). The principal
      objective was the absence of spinal cord adverse reactions at 1 year. The
      secondary objectives were acute tolerability, the presentation of a bone event,
      local tumor control, pain control, progression-free survival, and overall
      survival. RESULTS: Thirty patients (25 male, 5 female), median age 66 years, who
      were followed up for a median period of 19.2 months, received treatment for 49
      vertebral metastases. A grade 3 acute mucosal adverse event occurred in 1 patient
      during the treatment and in 2 more at 1 month. No late neurologic adverse events
      were reported at 1 year. The mean pain scores diminished significantly at 1 month
      (1.35; P=.0125) and 3 months (0.77; P<.0001) compared with pain scores at study
      entry (2.49). Vertebral collapse in the irradiated zone occurred in 1 (2%)
      treated vertebra. Control of local disease was achieved in 94% of irradiated
      patients (3 local recurrences). CONCLUSION: The combination of zoledronate and
      HSRT in the treatment of vertebral metastasis is well tolerated and seems to
      reduce the rate of vertebral collapse, effectively relieve pain, and achieve good
      local tumor control with no late neurologic adverse effects.

PMID- 27663760
TI  - Multinational Prospective Study of Patient-Reported Outcomes After Prostate
      Radiation Therapy: Detailed Assessment of Rectal Bleeding.
AB  - PURPOSE: The new short Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite for Clinical
      Practice (EPIC-CP) patient-reported health-related quality of life (HRQOL) tool
      has removed the rectal bleeding question from the previous much longer version,
      EPIC-26. Herein, we assess the impact of losing the dedicated rectal bleeding
      question in 2 independent prospective multicenter cohorts. METHODS AND MATERIALS:
      In a prospective multicenter test cohort (n=865), EPIC-26 patient-reported HRQOL
      data were collected for 2 years after treatment from patients treated with
      prostate radiation therapy from 2003 to 2011. A second prospective multicenter
      cohort (n=442) was used for independent validation. A repeated-effects model was
      used to predict the change from baseline in bowel summary scores from longer EPIC
      instruments using the change in EPIC-CP bowel summary scores with and without
      rectal bleeding scores. RESULTS: Two years after radiation therapy, 91% of
      patients were free of bleeding, and only 2.6% reported bothersome bleeding
      problems. Correlations between EPIC-26 and EPIC-CP bowel scores were very high
      (r2=0.90-0.96) and were statistically improved with the addition of rectal
      bleeding information (r2=0.94-0.98). Considering all patients, only 0.2% of
      patients in the test cohort and 0.7% in the validation cohort reported bothersome
      bleeding and had clinically relevant HRQOL changes missed with EPIC-CP. However,
      of the 2.6% (n=17) of men with bothersome rectal bleeding in the test cohort,
      EPIC-CP failed to capture 1 patient (6%) as experiencing meaningful declines in
      bowel HRQOL. CONCLUSIONS: Modern prostate radiation therapy results in
      exceptionally low rates of bothersome rectal bleeding, and <1% of patients
      experience bothersome bleeding and are not captured by EPIC-CP as having
      meaningful HRQOL declines after radiation therapy. However, in the small subset
      of patients with bothersome rectal bleeding, the longer EPIC-26 should strongly
      be considered, given its superior performance in this patient subset.

PMID- 27663761
TI  - Contemporary Trends in Radiation Oncology Resident Research.
AB  - PURPOSE: To test the hypothesis that recent resident research productivity might
      be different than a decade ago, and to provide contemporary information about
      resident scholarly activity. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We compiled a list of
      radiation oncology residents from the 2 most recent graduating classes (June 2014
      and 2015) using the Association of Residents in Radiation Oncology annual
      directories. We queried the PubMed database for each resident's first-authored
      publications from postgraduate years (PGY) 2 through 5, plus a 3-month period
      after residency completion. We abstracted corresponding historical data for 2002
      to 2007 from the benchmark publication by Morgan and colleagues (Int J Radiat
      Oncol Biol Phys 2009;74:1567-1572). We tested the null hypothesis that these 2
      samples had the same distribution for number of publications using the Wilcoxon
      rank-sum test. We explored the association of demographic factors and publication
      number using multivariable zero-inflated Poisson regression. RESULTS: There were
      334 residents publishing 659 eligible first-author publications during residency
      (range 0-17; interquartile range 0-3; mean 2.0; median 1). The contemporary and
      historical distributions were significantly different (P<.001); contemporary
      publication rates were higher. Publications accrued late in residency (27% in PGY
      4, 59% in PGY-5), and most were original research (75%). In the historical
      cohort, half of all articles were published in 3 journals; in contrast, the top
      half of contemporary publications were spread over 10 journals-most commonly
      International Journal of Radiation Oncology * Biology * Physics (17%), Practical
      Radiation Oncology (7%), and Radiation Oncology (4%). Male gender, non-PhD
      status, and larger residency size were associated with higher number of
      publications in the multivariable analysis. CONCLUSION: We observed an increase
      in first-author publications during training compared with historical data from
      the mid-2000s. These contemporary figures may be useful to medical students
      considering radiation oncology, current residents, training programs, and
      prospective employers.

PMID- 27663763
TI  - Priors in perception: Top-down modulation, Bayesian perceptual learning rate, and
      prediction error minimization.
AB  - I discuss top-down modulation of perception in terms of a variable Bayesian
      learning rate, revealing a wide range of prior hierarchical expectations that can
      modulate perception. I then switch to the prediction error minimization framework
      and seek to conceive cognitive penetration specifically as prediction error
      minimization deviations from a variable Bayesian learning rate. This approach
      retains cognitive penetration as a category somewhat distinct from other top-down
      effects, and carves a reasonable route between penetrability and impenetrability.
      It prevents rampant, relativistic cognitive penetration of perception and yet is
      consistent with the continuity of cognition and perception.

PMID- 27663762
TI  - Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Inhibition With Rapamycin Mitigates Radiation
      Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in a Murine Model.
AB  - PURPOSE: Radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis (RIPF) is a late toxicity of
      therapeutic radiation. Signaling of the mammalian target of rapamycin drives
      several processes implicated in RIPF, including inflammatory cytokine production,
      fibroblast proliferation, and epithelial senescence. We sought to determine if
      mammalian target of rapamycin inhibition with rapamycin would mitigate RIPF.
      METHODS AND MATERIALS: C57BL/6NCr mice received a diet formulated with rapamycin
      (14 mg/kg food) or a control diet 2 days before and continuing for 16 weeks after
      exposure to 5 daily fractions of 6 Gy of thoracic irradiation. Fibrosis was
      assessed with Masson trichrome staining and hydroxyproline assay. Cytokine
      expression was evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.
      Senescence was assessed by staining for beta-galactosidase activity. RESULTS:
      Administration of rapamycin extended the median survival of irradiated mice
      compared with the control diet from 116 days to 156 days (P=.006, log-rank test).
      Treatment with rapamycin reduced hydroxyproline content compared with the control
      diet (irradiation plus vehicle, 45.9 +/- 11.8 MUg per lung; irradiation plus
      rapamycin, 21.4 +/- 6.0 MUg per lung; P=.001) and reduced visible fibrotic foci.
      Rapamycin treatment attenuated interleukin 1beta and transforming growth factor
      beta induction in irradiated lungs compared with the control diet. Type II
      pneumocyte senescence after irradiation was reduced with rapamycin treatment at
      16 weeks (3-fold reduction at 16 weeks, P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Rapamycin protected
      against RIPF in a murine model. Rapamycin treatment reduced inflammatory cytokine
      expression, extracellular matrix production, and senescence in type II
      pneumocytes.

PMID- 27663764
TI  - The countermovement jump to monitor neuromuscular status: A meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this meta-analysis was to compare
      countermovement jump (CMJ) performance in studies that reported the highest value
      as opposed to average value for the purposes of monitoring neuromuscular status
      (i.e., fatigue and supercompensation). The secondary aim was to determine the
      sensitivity of the dependent variables. DESIGN: Systematic review with meta
      analysis. METHODS: The meta-analysis was conducted on the highest or average of a
      number of CMJ variables. Multiple literature searches were undertaken in Pubmed,
      Scopus, and Web of Science to identify articles utilizing CMJ to monitor training
      status. Effect sizes (ES) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated
      using the mean and standard deviation of the pre- and post-testing data. The
      coefficient of variation (CV) with 95% CI was also calculated to assess the level
      of instability of each variable. Heterogeneity was assessed using a random
      effects model. RESULTS: 151 articles were included providing a total of 531 ESs
      for the meta-analyses; 85.4% of articles used highest CMJ height, 13.2% used
      average and 1.3% used both when reporting changes in CMJ performance. Based on
      the meta-analysis, average CMJ height was more sensitive than highest CMJ height
      in detecting CMJ fatigue and supercompensation. Furthermore, other CMJ variables
      such as peak power, mean power, peak velocity, peak force, mean impulse, and
      power were sensitive in tracking the supercompensation effects of training.
      CONCLUSIONS: The average CMJ height was more sensitive than highest CMJ height in
      monitoring neuromuscular status; however, further investigation is needed to
      determine the sensitivity of other CMJ performance variables.

PMID- 27663765
TI  - Potentially missed acute pericarditis: atypical pericarditis.

PMID- 27663766
TI  - ED triage pain protocol reduces time to receiving analgesics in patients with
      painful conditions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies suggest that collaborative nursing protocols initiated in
      triage improve emergency department (ED) throughput and decrease time to
      treatment. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study is to determine if an ED triage
      pain protocol improves time to provision of analgesics. METHODS: Retrospective
      data abstracted via electronic medical record of patients at a safety net
      facility with 67 000 annual adult visits. Patients older than 18 years who
      presented to the ED between March 1, 2011, and May 31, 2013, with 1 of 6
      conditions were included: back pain, dental pain, extremity trauma, sore throat,
      ear pain, or pain from an abscess. A 3-month orientation to an ED nurse-initiated
      pain protocol began on March 1, 2012. Nurses administered oral analgesics per
      protocol, beginning with acetaminophen or ibuprofen and progressing to oxycodone.
      Preimplementation and postimplementation analyses examined differences in time to
      analgesics. Multivariable analysis modeled time to analgesics as a function of
      patient factors. RESULTS: Over a 27-month period, 23 409 patients were included:
      13 112 received pain medications and 10 297 did not. A total of 12 240 (52%) were
      male, 12 578 (54%) were African American, and 7953 (34%) were white, with a mean
      (SD) age of 39 years (13 years). The pain protocol was used in 1002 patients.
      There was a significant change in mean time (minutes) to provision of analgesics
      between preimplementation (238) and postimplementation (168) (P < .0001). Linear
      regression showed the protocol-delivered medications to younger patients and of
      lower acuity in a reduced time. Variables not related to time to provision of
      medication included sex, payer, and race. CONCLUSION: Emergency department triage
      pain protocol decreased time to provision of pain medications and did so without
      respect to payer category, sex, or race.

PMID- 27663767
TI  - Microstructure and mechanics of human resistance arteries.
AB  - Vascular diseases such as diabetes and hypertension cause changes to the
      vasculature that can lead to vessel stiffening and the loss of vasoactivity. The
      microstructural bases of these changes are not presently fully understood. We
      present a new methodology for stain-free visualization, at a microscopic scale,
      of the morphology of the main passive components of the walls of unfixed
      resistance arteries and their response to changes in transmural pressure. Human
      resistance arteries were dissected from subcutaneous fat biopsies, mounted on a
      perfusion myograph, and imaged at varying transmural pressures using a multimodal
      nonlinear microscope. High-resolution three-dimensional images of elastic fibers,
      collagen, and cell nuclei were constructed. The honeycomb structure of the
      elastic fibers comprising the internal elastic layer became visible at a
      transmural pressure of 30 mmHg. The adventitia, comprising wavy collagen fibers
      punctuated by straight elastic fibers, thinned under pressure as the collagen
      network straightened and pulled taut. Quantitative measurements of fiber
      orientation were made as a function of pressure. A multilayer analytical model
      was used to calculate the stiffness and stress in each layer. The adventitia was
      calculated to be up to 10 times as stiff as the media and experienced up to 8
      times the stress, depending on lumen diameter. This work reveals that pressure
      induced reorganization of fibrous proteins gives rise to very high local strain
      fields and highlights the unique mechanical roles of both fibrous networks. It
      thereby provides a basis for understanding the micromechanical significance of
      structural changes that occur with age and disease.

PMID- 27663768
TI  - The chromatin-binding protein Smyd1 restricts adult mammalian heart growth.
AB  - All terminally differentiated organs face two challenges, maintaining their
      cellular identity and restricting organ size. The molecular mechanisms
      responsible for these decisions are of critical importance to organismal
      development, and perturbations in their normal balance can lead to disease. A
      hallmark of heart failure, a condition affecting millions of people worldwide, is
      hypertrophic growth of cardiomyocytes. The various forms of heart failure in
      human and animal models share conserved transcriptome remodeling events that lead
      to expression of genes normally silenced in the healthy adult heart. However, the
      chromatin remodeling events that maintain cell and organ size are incompletely
      understood; insights into these mechanisms could provide new targets for heart
      failure therapy. Using a quantitative proteomics approach to identify muscle
      specific chromatin regulators in a mouse model of hypertrophy and heart failure,
      we identified upregulation of the histone methyltransferase Smyd1 during disease.
      Inducible loss-of-function studies in vivo demonstrate that Smyd1 is responsible
      for restricting growth in the adult heart, with its absence leading to cellular
      hypertrophy, organ remodeling, and fulminate heart failure. Molecular studies
      reveal Smyd1 to be a muscle-specific regulator of gene expression and indicate
      that Smyd1 modulates expression of gene isoforms whose expression is associated
      with cardiac pathology. Importantly, activation of Smyd1 can prevent pathological
      cell growth. These findings have basic implications for our understanding of
      cardiac pathologies and open new avenues to the treatment of cardiac hypertrophy
      and failure by modulating Smyd1.

PMID- 27663769
TI  - Fluid mechanics of human fetal right ventricles from image-based computational
      fluid dynamics using 4D clinical ultrasound scans.
AB  - There are 0.6-1.9% of US children who were born with congenital heart
      malformations. Clinical and animal studies suggest that abnormal blood flow
      forces might play a role in causing these malformation, highlighting the
      importance of understanding the fetal cardiovascular fluid mechanics. We
      performed computational fluid dynamics simulations of the right ventricles, based
      on four-dimensional ultrasound scans of three 20-wk-old normal human fetuses, to
      characterize their flow and energy dynamics. Peak intraventricular pressure
      gradients were found to be 0.2-0.9 mmHg during systole, and 0.1-0.2 mmHg during
      diastole. Diastolic wall shear stresses were found to be around 1 Pa, which could
      elevate to 2-4 Pa during systole in the outflow tract. Fetal right ventricles
      have complex flow patterns featuring two interacting diastolic vortex rings,
      formed during diastolic E wave and A wave. These rings persisted through the end
      of systole and elevated wall shear stresses in their proximity. They were
      observed to conserve ~25.0% of peak diastolic kinetic energy to be carried over
      into the subsequent systole. However, this carried-over kinetic energy did not
      significantly alter the work done by the heart for ejection. Thus, while
      diastolic vortexes played a significant role in determining spatial patterns and
      magnitudes of diastolic wall shear stresses, they did not have significant
      influence on systolic ejection. Our results can serve as a baseline for future
      comparison with diseased hearts.

PMID- 27663770
TI  - Association of CYP2C19 variants and epoxyeicosatrienoic acids on patients with
      microvascular angina.
AB  - Categorization as a cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C19 poor metabolizer (PM) is reported
      to be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Epoxyeicosatrienoic
      acids (EETs) are metabolites of arachidonic acid by CYP2C19 epoxygenases and anti
      inflammatory properties, especially in microvascular tissues. We examined the
      association of CYP2C19 polymorphisms and EETs on microvascular angina (MVA)
      caused by coronary microvascular dysfunction. We examined CYP2C19 genotypes in
      patients with MVA (n = 71) and healthy subjects as control (n = 71). MVA was
      defined as the absence of coronary artery stenosis and epicardial spasms and the
      presence of inversion of lactic acid levels between intracoronary and coronary
      sinuses in acetylcholine-provocation test or the adenosine-triphosphate-induced
      coronary flow reserve ratio was below 2.5. CYP2C19 PM have two loss-of-functon
      alleles (*2, *3). We measured serum dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acid (DHET) as
      representative EET metabolite. MVA group showed significantly higher CYP2C19 PM
      incidence (35% vs. 16%; P = 0.007) and high sense C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)
      levels (0.127 +/- 0.142 vs. 0.086 +/- 0.097 mg/dl; P = 0.043) than those of
      controls. Moreover, in MVA group, hs-CRP levels in CYP2C19 PM were significantly
      higher than that of non-PM (0.180 +/- 0.107 vs. 0.106 +/- 0.149 mg/dl, P =
      0.045). Multivariate analysis indicated that smoking, hypertension, high hs-CRP,
      and CYP2C19 PM are predictive factors for MVA. In MVA group, DHET levels for
      CYP2C19 PM were significantly lower than that of non-PM [10.9 +/- 1.64 vs. 14.2
      +/- 5.39 ng/ml, P = 0.019 (11,12-DHET); 15.2 +/- 4.39 vs. 17.9 +/- 4.73 ng/ml, P
      = 0.025 (14,15-DHET)]. CYP2C19 variants are associated with MVA. The decline of
      EET-based defensive mechanisms owing to CYP2C19 variants may affect coronary
      microvascular dysfunction.

PMID- 27663773
TI  - Evolution of Cilia.
AB  - Anton van Leeuwenhoek's startling microscopic observations in the 1600s first
      stimulated fascination with the way that cells use cilia to generate currents and
      to swim in a fluid environment. Research in recent decades has yielded deep
      knowledge about the mechanical and biochemical nature of these organelles but
      only opened a greater fascination about how such beautifully intricate and
      multifunctional structures arose during evolution. Answers to this evolutionary
      puzzle are not only sought to satisfy basic curiosity, but also, as stated so
      eloquently by Dobzhansky (Am Zool 4: 443 [1964]), because "nothing in biology
      makes sense except in the light of evolution." Here I attempt to summarize
      current knowledge of what ciliary organelles of the last eukaryotic common
      ancestor (LECA) were like, explore the ways in which cilia have evolved since
      that time, and speculate on the selective processes that might have generated
      these organelles during early eukaryotic evolution.

PMID- 27663771
TI  - Oh, the places you'll go! My many colored serotonin (apologies to Dr. Seuss).
AB  - Serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] has a truly fascinating history in the
      cardiovascular world. Discovered in the blood, 5-HT has long been appropriately
      regarded as a vasoconstrictor. A multitude of in vitro studies of isolated
      vessels support that addition of 5-HT causes vascular contraction. In only a few
      cases was 5-HT a vasodilator. Moreover, the potency and threshold of 5-HT causing
      contraction is increased in arteries from hypertensive vs. normotensive subjects,
      both animal and human. As such, we and others have hypothesized that 5-HT would
      contribute to hypertension by elevating arterial tone. In stark contrast to these
      decades of findings, we observed that a chronic infusion of 5-HT into conscious
      rats caused a reduction in blood pressure and nearly normalized blood pressure of
      experimentally hypertensive rats. Going back to the early work of Irvine Page,
      one of the scientists who discovered 5-HT, reveals an early recognized but never
      understood ability of 5-HT to reduce systemic blood pressure. Our laboratory, in
      collaboration with colleagues around the world, has dedicated itself to
      understanding the mechanisms of 5-HT-induced reduction in blood pressure. This
      manuscript takes you through a brief history of the discovery of 5-HT, in vitro
      serotonergic pharmacology of blood vessels, in vivo work with 5-HT and our
      studies that suggests the venous vasculature, potentially in combination with
      small arterioles, may be important to the actions of 5-HT in reducing blood
      pressure. 5-HT has certainly ended up in a place I never expected it to go.

PMID- 27663772
TI  - The Plant Circadian Clock: From a Simple Timekeeper to a Complex Developmental
      Manager.
AB  - The plant circadian clock allows organisms to anticipate the predictable changes
      in the environment by adjusting their developmental and physiological traits. In
      the last few years, it was determined that responses known to be regulated by the
      oscillator are also able to modulate clock performance. These feedback loops and
      their multilayer communications create a complex web, and confer on the clock
      network a role that exceeds the measurement of time. In this article, we discuss
      the current knowledge of the wiring of the clock, including the interplay with
      metabolism, hormone, and stress pathways in the model species Arabidopsis
      thaliana We outline the importance of this system in crop agricultural traits,
      highlighting the identification of natural alleles that alter the pace of the
      timekeeper. We report evidence supporting the understanding of the circadian
      clock as a master regulator of plant life, and we hypothesize on its relevant
      role in the adaptability to the environment and the impact on the fitness of most
      organisms.

PMID- 27663775
TI  - Sudden sensorineural hearing loss due to an osteolytic lesion.

PMID- 27663774
TI  - Alternative Watson-Crick Synthetic Genetic Systems.
AB  - In its "grand challenge" format in chemistry, "synthesis" as an activity sets out
      a goal that is substantially beyond current theoretical and technological
      capabilities. In pursuit of this goal, scientists are forced across uncharted
      territory, where they must answer unscripted questions and solve unscripted
      problems, creating new theories and new technologies in ways that would not be
      created by hypothesis-directed research. Thus, synthesis drives discovery and
      paradigm changes in ways that analysis cannot. Described here are the products
      that have arisen so far through the pursuit of one grand challenge in synthetic
      biology: Recreate the genetics, catalysis, evolution, and adaptation that we
      value in life, but using genetic and catalytic biopolymers different from those
      that have been delivered to us by natural history on Earth. The outcomes in
      technology include new diagnostic tools that have helped personalize the care of
      hundreds of thousands of patients worldwide. In science, the effort has generated
      a fundamentally different view of DNA, RNA, and how they work.

PMID- 27663776
TI  - [Severe pulmonary hypertension secondary to hyperthyroidism].

PMID- 27663777
TI  - The assessment of status of tobacco smoking among urban primary schoolchildren in
      Madagascar.
AB  - The prevalence of tobacco smoking among adolescents aged 13-15 years old in
      Madagascar was previously reported to be higher than the average in other African
      regions. A preventive approach is urgently needed to avoid the initiation of
      early tobacco smoking. Therefore, the aims of this study were to evaluate the
      status of tobacco smoking among primary schoolchildren in Madagascar and explore
      the factors associated with initiation of tobacco smoking in the young. This
      study was conducted in the Mahajanga region of Madagascar. Three primary schools
      in this region and children of both genders between the ages of nine to 12 years
      old were randomly selected and approached to participate in this study. A self
      administered questionnaire modified from the Global Youth Tobacco Survey Core
      Questionnaire 2007 was used to assess the status of tobacco smoking among primary
      schoolchildren. A total of 150 schoolchildren (14.0%) declared that they had
      smoked tobacco, with 30% starting to smoke tobacco at the age of seven or
      younger. The prevalence of tobacco smoking was lower among schoolchildren with
      non-smoking parents (p < 0.001) or non-smoking close friends (p < 0.001).
      Furthermore, schoolchildren's antismoking intention (p < 0.001) and their
      knowledge about the harmfulness of tobacco (p = 0.009) had significant effects on
      the prevalence of tobacco smoking. The results of this study indicate that
      tobacco smoking among schoolchildren in Madagascar may be influenced by peers, or
      parents, as well as smoking intention and knowledge about the harmfulness of
      tobacco use.

PMID- 27663778
TI  - Biological Identity of Nanoparticles In Vivo: Clinical Implications of the
      Protein Corona.
AB  - Despite the advances in biomedical applications of nanoparticle (NP) and numerous
      publications, few NPs have made it to clinical trials and even fewer have reached
      clinical practice. This wide gap between bench discoveries and clinical
      applications is mainly because of our limited understanding of the biological
      identity of NPs. In physiological environments, NPs are coated by a 'protein
      corona' (PC), critically affecting physiological and therapeutic responses. To
      date, nearly all studies attempting to characterize the PC have been conducted in
      vitro. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of the in vivo PC. We
      also discuss recent developments of quantitative models to predict biological
      interactions and how they offer new opportunities for the clinical translation of
      NPs.

PMID- 27663779
TI  - The role of middle managers in tobacco control after a national smoke-free
      hospital campus ban.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Much of the recent health services research on tobacco control
      implementation has explored general views and perceptions of health professionals
      and has rarely taken into account middle management's perspectives. We state that
      middle managers may facilitate the implementation of smoke-free campus bans and
      thereby improve their effectiveness. The aim of this study was to assess middle
      managers' behaviors to enforce a new national smoke-free hospital campus ban, to
      evaluate their perceptions of the level of compliance of the new regulation, and
      to explore their attitudes towards how smoking affects the work environment.
      METHODS: We used a cross-sectional survey, conducted online to evaluate middle
      managers of a general hospital in Catalonia, Spain. Close-ended and open-ended
      questions were included. Results were analyzed by using quantitative and
      qualitative methods. The managers' open opinions to the proposed topics were
      assessed using UCINET, and a graph was generated in NetDraw. RESULTS: Sixty-three
      of the invited managers (78.7 %) participated in the survey. 87.2 % of them
      agreed that the hospital complied with the smoke-free campus ban and 79.0 %
      agreed that managers have an important role in enforcing the ban. They also
      perceived that smoking disturbs the dynamics of work, is a cause of conflict
      between smokers and non-smokers, and harms both the professional and the
      organization images. However, 96.8 % of respondents have never given out fines or
      similar measures and their active role in reminding others of the policy was
      limited; in addition, 68.2 % considered that hospitals should provide tobacco
      cessation treatments. Smoker middle managers were more likely than non-smokers to
      perceive that smoking has little impact on work. CONCLUSIONS: Middle managers
      play a limited role in controlling tobacco consumption; smokers are less prone to
      think that smoking disturbs work dynamics than non-smokers. Tailored training and
      clear proceedings for middle managers could encourage more active roles.

PMID- 27663780
TI  - Predicting spatial dynamics of infectious disease: Causes and consequences:
      Comment on "Pattern transitions in spatial epidemics: Mechanisms and emergent
      properties" by Gui-Quan Sun et al.

PMID- 27663781
TI  - Current and Former Smokers' Use of Electronic Cigarettes for Quitting Smoking: An
      Exploratory Study of Adolescents and Young Adults.
AB  - Background: This exploratory study examines the prevalence and predictors of
      current and former smokers' use of electronic (e-) cigarettes for smoking
      cessation among a sample of adolescent and young adult established smokers.
      Methods: We conducted school-wide surveys in two middle (n = 1166) and four high
      schools (n = 3614) in fall 2013 and one public college (n = 625) in spring 2014.
      We analyzed data from 189 established smokers (reported smoking 100 cigarettes in
      their lifetime) who also reported ever-use of e-cigarettes (50.7% female, 89.4%
      White race, Mage 18.3 [SD = 2.8]). We further classified participants as current
      smokers (reported past-month cigarette smoking) and former smokers (no past-month
      smoking). Adjusted logistic regression assessed associations of using e
      cigarettes to quit smoking with demographic, cigarette and e-cigarette use
      patterns, e-cigarette flavor preference, and risk perception variables. Results:
      Overall, 41.8% of the sample reported that they "have used an e-cigarette to quit
      smoking." In adjusted models, older age, White race, higher e-cigarette
      frequency, and preference for using a combination of e-cigarette flavors
      predicted increased odds of having used e-cigarettes to quit smoking (p < .05).
      Using e-cigarettes to quit smoking was not associated with current or former
      cigarette smoking status or perceptions that "e-cigarettes help people quit
      smoking" or "e-cigarettes are safer than quit smoking medications." Conclusions:
      Adolescents and young adults who report more frequent e-cigarette use and
      preference for using flavor combinations are more likely to use e-cigarettes for
      smoking cessation. Future studies are needed to determine whether e-cigarette use
      leads to tobacco abstinence in youth smokers. Implications: Among young
      established smokers, more frequent e-cigarette use and preference for using
      flavors mixed together, but not perceptions of harmfulness of e-cigarettes or
      comparative safety of e-cigarettes compared with cigarettes or other smoking
      cessation medications or helpfulness of e-cigarettes in quitting smoking, are
      associated with using e-cigarettes for smoking cessation.

PMID- 27663782
TI  - Using Experimental Auctions to Examine Demand for E-Cigarettes.
AB  - Background: E-cigarettes are the latest in a line of potentially reduced exposure
      products that have garnered interest among smokers. Methods: In this paper, we
      use experimental auctions to estimate smokers' demand for e-cigarettes and to
      assess the impact of advertisements on willingness to pay. These are actual
      auctions, with winners and losers, which means hypothetical biases often seen in
      surveys are minimized. Results: We find smokers have positive demand for e
      cigarettes, and that the print advertisements used in our study had greater
      effectiveness than video ads (b = 2.00, p < .05) in terms of increasing demand
      for disposable e-cigarettes. Demand was greater for reusable versus disposable e
      cigarettes. In multivariate models, demand for e-cigarettes was higher among non
      white participants and among smokers willing to pay more for cigarettes.
      Conclusions: Our findings suggest that cigarette smokers are interested in e
      cigarettes as alternatives to traditional products, particularly for reusable
      forms, and that this demand can be influenced by messaging/advertising.
      Implications: Given these reduced harm products are appealing, if smokers are
      able to switch completely to e-cigarettes, there is a good chance for accrual of
      significant harm reduction.

PMID- 27663783
TI  - A Novel Tobacco Use Phenotype Suggests the 15q25 and 19q13 Loci May be
      Differentially Associated With Cigarettes per Day and Tobacco-Related Problems.
AB  - Introduction: Tobacco use is associated with variation at the 15q25 gene cluster
      and the cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes CYP2A6 and CYP2B6. Despite the variety of
      outcomes associated with these genes, few studies have adopted a data-driven
      approach to defining tobacco use phenotypes for genetic association analyses. We
      used factor analysis to generate a tobacco use measure, explored its incremental
      validity over a simple indicator of tobacco involvement: cigarettes per day
      (CPD), and tested both phenotypes in a genetic association study. Methods: Data
      were from the University of California, San Francisco Family Alcoholism Study (n
      = 1942) and a Native American sample (n = 255). Factor analyses employed a broad
      array of tobacco use variables to establish the candidate phenotype.
      Subsequently, we conducted tests for association with variants in the nicotinic
      acetylcholine receptor and CYP genes. We explored associations with CPD and our
      measure. We then examined whether the variants most strongly associated with our
      measure remained associated after controlling for CPD. Results: Analyses
      identified one factor that captured tobacco-related problems. Variants at 15q25
      were significantly associated with CPD after multiple testing correction
      (rs938682: p = .00002, rs1051730: p = .0003, rs16969968: p = .0003). No
      significant associations were obtained with the tobacco use phenotype; however,
      suggestive associations were observed for variants in CYP2B6 near CYP2A6
      (rs45482602: ps = .0082, .0075) and CYP4Z2P (rs10749865: ps = .0098, .0079).
      Conclusions: CPD captures variation at 15q25. Although strong conclusions cannot
      be drawn, these finding suggest measuring additional dimensions of problems may
      detect genetic variation not accounted for by smoking quantity. Replication in
      independent samples will help further refine phenotype definition efforts.
      Implications: Different facets of tobacco-related problems may index unique
      genetic risk. CPD, a simple measure of tobacco consumption, is associated with
      variants at the 15q25 gene cluster. Additional dimensions of tobacco problems may
      help to capture variation at 19q13. Results demonstrate the utility of adopting a
      data-driven approach to defining phenotypes for genetic association studies of
      tobacco involvement and provide results that can inform replication efforts.

PMID- 27663784
TI  - Causes and consequences of delays in treatment-withdrawal from PVS patients: a
      case study of Cumbria NHS Clinical Commissioning Group v Miss S and Ors [2016]
      EWCOP 32.
AB  - Life-extending treatment, in the form of artificial nutrition and hydration, is
      often provided to people in permanent vegetative states (PVS) in England and
      Wales for many years, even when their family believes the patient would not want
      it and despite the fact that no court in the UK has ever found in favour of
      continuing such treatment for a patient with a confirmed PVS diagnosis. The first
      half of this article presents a close analysis of the recent case of Cumbria NHS
      Clinical Commissioning Group v Miss S and Ors [2016] EWCOP 32. It examines the
      causes of delay in bringing this case to court and reaching a final judgment. It
      draws not only on the published judgment, but also on the two authors'
      involvement in supporting the family (before, during and subsequent to the court
      hearings) as a result of their academic and policy-related work in this area.
      This includes conversations with the family and with members of the clinical and
      legal teams, and observations in court. The second part of the article draws out
      the ethical and practical implications of the findings for theory and policy and
      suggests ways forward in relation to (a) the provision and inspection of care for
      these patients; (b) legal practice in relation to 'best interests' and (c) the
      perceived requirement under English law for a court application before life
      prolonging treatment can be withdrawn from PVS patients-even in the absence of
      any 'in principle' opposition.

PMID- 27663786
TI  - A model for sea lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) dynamics in a seasonally changing
      environment.
AB  - Sea lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) are a significant source of monetary losses on
      salmon farms. Sea lice exhibit temperature-dependent development rates and
      salinity-dependent mortality, but to date no deterministic models have
      incorporated these seasonally varying factors. To understand how environmental
      variation and life history characteristics affect sea lice abundance, we derive a
      delay differential equation model and parameterize the model with environmental
      data from British Columbia and southern Newfoundland. We calculate the lifetime
      reproductive output for female sea lice maturing to adulthood at different times
      of the year and find differences in the timing of peak reproduction between the
      two regions. Using a sensitivity analysis, we find that sea lice abundance is
      more sensitive to variation in mean annual water temperature and mean annual
      salinity than to variation in life history parameters. Our results suggest that
      effective sea lice management requires consideration of site-specific temperature
      and salinity patterns and, in particular, that the optimal timing of production
      cycles and sea lice treatments might vary between regions.

PMID- 27663787
TI  - Information content of household-stratified epidemics.
AB  - Household structure is a key driver of many infectious diseases, as well as a
      natural target for interventions such as vaccination programs. Many theoretical
      and conceptual advances on household-stratified epidemic models are relatively
      recent, but have successfully managed to increase the applicability of such
      models to practical problems. To be of maximum realism and hence benefit, they
      require parameterisation from epidemiological data, and while household
      stratified final size data has been the traditional source, increasingly time
      series infection data from households are becoming available. This paper is
      concerned with the design of studies aimed at collecting time-series epidemic
      data in order to maximize the amount of information available to calibrate
      household models. A design decision involves a trade-off between the number of
      households to enrol and the sampling frequency. Two commonly used epidemiological
      study designs are considered: cross-sectional, where different households are
      sampled at every time point, and cohort, where the same households are followed
      over the course of the study period. The search for an optimal design uses
      Bayesian computationally intensive methods to explore the joint parameter-design
      space combined with the Shannon entropy of the posteriors to estimate the amount
      of information in each design. For the cross-sectional design, the amount of
      information increases with the sampling intensity, i.e., the designs with the
      highest number of time points have the most information. On the other hand, the
      cohort design often exhibits a trade-off between the number of households sampled
      and the intensity of follow-up. Our results broadly support the choices made in
      existing epidemiological data collection studies. Prospective problem-specific
      use of our computational methods can bring significant benefits in guiding future
      study designs.

PMID- 27663785
TI  - Using age-stratified incidence data to examine the transmission consequences of
      pertussis vaccination.
AB  - Pertussis is a highly infectious respiratory disease that has been on the rise in
      many countries worldwide over the past several years. The drivers of this
      increase in pertussis incidence remain hotly debated, with a central and long
      standing hypothesis that questions the ability of vaccines to eliminate pertussis
      transmission rather than simply modulate the severity of disease. In this paper,
      we present age-structured case notification data from all provinces of Thailand
      between 1981 and 2014, a period during which vaccine uptake rose substantially,
      permitting an evaluation of the transmission impacts of vaccination. Our analyses
      demonstrate decreases in incidence across all ages with increased vaccine uptake 
      an observation that is at odds with pertussis case notification data in a number
      of other countries. To explore whether these observations are consistent with a
      rise in herd immunity and a reduction in bacterial transmission, we analyze an
      age-structured model that incorporates contrasting hypotheses concerning the
      immunological and transmission consequences of vaccines. Our results lead us to
      conclude that the most parsimonious explanation for the combined reduction in
      incidence and the shift to older age groups in the Thailand data is vaccine
      induced herd immunity.

PMID- 27663788
TI  - Estimates of the risk of large or long-lasting outbreaks of Middle East
      respiratory syndrome after importations outside the Arabian Peninsula.
AB  - We quantify outbreak risk after importations of Middle East respiratory syndrome
      outside the Arabian Peninsula. Data from 31 importation events show strong
      statistical support for lower transmissibility after early transmission
      generations. Our model projects the risk of >=10, 100, and 500 transmissions as
      11%, 2%, and 0.02%, and >=1, 2, 3, and 4 generations as 23%, 14%, 0.9%, and
      0.05%, respectively. Our results suggest tempered risk of large, long-lasting
      outbreaks with appropriate control measures.

PMID- 27663789
TI  - Linking the seroresponse to infection to within-host heterogeneity in antibody
      production.
AB  - A recently published model for the serum antibody response to infection appeared
      well suited for use in statistical analyses of longitudinal serological data. The
      published model assumed exponential decay with fixed rates for pathogen and serum
      antibody kinetics, ignoring any within-host heterogeneity in the seroresponse. A
      bi-exponential model shows that there is rapid initial decay followed by a
      prolonged period of persistent low serum antibody concentrations. We propose a
      small modification of the decay model that greatly increases its flexibility by
      allowing for non-exponential antibody decay. The modified model produces power
      functions that may be interpreted as a mixture of exponential decay curves, with
      a mixing distribution representing the relative contribution of many centres of
      antibody production to the serum antibody concentration. Fitting the power
      function decay model to observed longitudinal data for pertussis shows improved
      goodness of fit compared to the exponential decay model, with estimates for the
      shape parameter (r=2.2; 95% CI (1.7-2.8)) that differ from exponential shape
      (r=1). The power function decay model predicts more persistent antibody
      concentrations in the long term (symptomatic threshold reached >30 years after
      infection) which, when used in biomarker studies, will lead to lower estimates of
      seroconversion rates compared to exponential antibody decay.

PMID- 27663790
TI  - Dengue serotype immune-interactions and their consequences for vaccine impact
      predictions.
AB  - Dengue is one of the most important and wide-spread viral infections affecting
      human populations. The last few decades have seen a dramatic increase in the
      global burden of dengue, with the virus now being endemic or near-endemic in over
      100 countries world-wide. A recombinant tetravalent vaccine candidate (CYD-TDV)
      has recently completed Phase III clinical efficacy trials in South East Asia and
      Latin America and has been licensed for use in several countries. The trial
      results showed moderate-to-high efficacies in protection against clinical
      symptoms and hospitalisation but with so far unknown effects on transmission and
      infections per se. Model-based predictions about the vaccine's short- or long
      term impact on the burden of dengue are therefore subject to a considerable
      degree of uncertainty. Furthermore, different immune interactions between
      dengue's serotypes have frequently been evoked by modelling studies to underlie
      dengue's oscillatory dynamics in disease incidence and serotype prevalence. Here
      we show how model assumptions regarding immune interactions in the form of
      antibody-dependent enhancement, temporary cross-immunity and the number of
      infections required to develop full immunity can significantly affect the
      predicted outcome of a dengue vaccination campaign. Our results thus re-emphasise
      the important gap in our current knowledge concerning the effects of previous
      exposure on subsequent dengue infections and further suggest that intervention
      impact studies should be critically evaluated by their underlying assumptions
      about serotype immune-interactions.

PMID- 27663791
TI  - Reduced acute neuroinflammation and improved functional recovery after traumatic
      brain injury by alpha-linolenic acid supplementation in mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adequate consumption of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) is vital
      for normal development and functioning of the central nervous system. The long
      chain n-3 PUFAs docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid are anti
      inflammatory and neuroprotective in the models of central nervous system injury
      including traumatic brain injury (TBI). In the present study, we tested whether a
      higher brain DHA status in a mouse model on an adequate dietary alpha-linolenic
      acid (ALA) leads to reduced neuroinflammation and improved spontaneous recovery
      after TBI in comparison to a moderately lowered brain DHA status that can occur
      in humans. METHODS: Mice reared on diets with differing ALA content were injured
      by a single cortical contusion impact. Change in the expression of inflammatory
      cytokines was measured, and cellular changes occurring after injury were analyzed
      by immunostaining for macrophage/microglia and astrocytes. Behavioral studies
      included rotarod and beam walk tests and contextual fear conditioning. RESULTS:
      Marginal supply (0.04 %) of ALA as the sole dietary source of n-3 PUFA from early
      gestation produced reduction of brain DHA by 35 % in adult offspring mice in
      comparison to the mice on adequate ALA diet (3.1 %). The DHA-depleted group
      showed significantly increased TBI-induced expression of pro-inflammatory
      cytokines TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6 in the brain as well as slower functional
      recovery from motor deficits compared to the adequate ALA group. Despite the
      reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, adequate ALA diet did not
      significantly alter either microglia/macrophage density around the contusion site
      or the relative M1/M2 phenotype. However, the glial fibrillary acidic protein
      immunoreactivity was reduced in the injured cerebral cortex of the mice on
      adequate ALA diet, indicating that astrocyte activation may have contributed to
      the observed differences in cellular and behavioral responses to TBI.
      CONCLUSIONS: Increasing the brain DHA level even from a moderately DHA-depleted
      state can reduce neuroinflammation and improve functional recovery after TBI,
      suggesting possible improvement of functional outcome by increasing dietary n-3
      PUFA in human TBI.

PMID- 27663792
TI  - Suture Annuloplasty Significantly Improves the Durability of Bicuspid Aortic
      Valve Repair.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Isolated repair of the regurgitant bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) has
      yielded suboptimal durability, with annular dilatation being important risk
      factor for recurrent aortic regurgitation. We hypothesized that adding a suture
      annuloplasty (SA) should lead to improved repair stability. METHODS: Between July
      1999 and September 2014, 268 patients (mean age, 41 +/- 13 years, 249 male)
      underwent isolated BAV repair. From January 2009 to September 2014, 164
      consecutive patients (study group) underwent SA using either braided polyester (n
      = 37) or expanded polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) (n = 127). Patients who underwent
      surgery prior to January 2009 served as controls (n = 104). All patients were
      followed (98.9% complete, 1 week to 181 months). RESULTS: Annular size was larger
      in the study group (p < 0.001) and age was lower (p < 0.001). There were no
      differences between the groups regarding other clinical data. Hospital mortality
      was 0.7% (n = 2), 10-year survival was 94.2%. Thirty-six patients required valve
      related reoperations (8 days to 94 months postoperatively; controls = 32, study =
      4). Complications related to SA (ventricular septal defect, interference with
      coronary artery) occurred in 6 (3.7%) patients, in 4 (10.8%) patients with
      polyester SA and in 2 (1.6%) patients with PTFE. In the control group freedom
      from reoperation at 5 and 10 years was 73.2% and 63.7%, respectively. With SA, 5
      year stability was significantly improved to 92.6% (p = 0.0006); it was 96.7% for
      PTFE versus 83.5% for polyester SA (p = 0.0132). CONCLUSIONS: Annular dilatation
      is a risk factor for failure after repair of regurgitant BAV. Its elimination
      through the use of SA significantly improves repair stability. With PTFE as
      material for SA optimal repair stability and minimal local complications are
      achieved.

PMID- 27663793
TI  - Cavity Wall Thickness in Solitary Cavitary Lung Adenocarcinomas Is a Prognostic
      Indicator.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although cavitary lung cancers typically show thick-walled cavities
      on radiology, thin-walled cancers have recently been reported. However, the
      prognostic and pathologic differences between thin-walled and thick-walled
      variants are unclear. We reviewed detailed histologic features and survival
      outcomes of cavitary pulmonary adenocarcinomas to assess pathologic attributes,
      focusing particularly on cavity wall thickness. METHODS: We studied 132 patients
      diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma involving cavitary formation, as determined
      with high-resolution computed tomography or histology, between 1998 and 2007.
      Using receiver-operating characteristics curve analysis, we established a cutoff
      value for cavity wall thickness based on disease-specific survival. Cavitary
      adenocarcinomas were grouped into thick-walled or thin-walled types according to
      this cutoff, as measured by computed tomography. RESULTS: The thick-walled group
      comprised lung adenocarcinoma patients with a cavity wall thickness of greater
      than 4 mm (n = 65); the thin-walled group comprised patients with a cavity wall
      thickness of 4 mm or less (n = 67). The thick-walled group had a higher frequency
      of solid predominant tumors (p < 0.01), vascular invasion (p < 0.001), lymphatic
      invasion (p < 0.01), necrosis (p < 0.001), obstructive pneumonia (p < 0.01),
      intracavity abscess (p < 0.01), and bronchiolar obstruction (p = 0.02). Lepidic
      predominant (p = 0.09) and papillary predominant patterns (p = 0.08) were more
      common in the thin-walled group. Multivariate analysis revealed cavity wall
      thickness to be an independent prognostic factor (p = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: The
      pathologic and prognostic implications of thick-walled cavities versus thin
      walled cavities in lung carcinoma patients, defined according to our cutoff, were
      found to be distinct.

PMID- 27663794
TI  - The interaction effects of risk factors for hypertension in adults: a cross
      sectional survey in Guilin, China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prevalence of hypertension in adults is increasing each year and
      has become a main public health issue worldwide. We must consider the impact of
      both individual factors and interactions among these factors on hypertension in
      adults. This study was designed to elucidate the clinical and metabolic
      characteristics of the prevalence of hypertension in adults and to explore the
      risk factors and interactions among these factors in adults with hypertension.
      METHODS: We used overall random sampling to conduct a cross-sectional survey of
      6660 individuals undergoing a health check from July to November 2012, the
      subjects were aged 20 to 89 years, including 3480 men and 3180 women. The survey
      content included a questionnaire, anthropometry, laboratory measurements, and
      liver Doppler ultrasonography. The clinical and metabolic characteristics were
      compared between the cases (adult hypertensive patients) and the controls
      (normotensives). The classification tree model and the non-conditional logistic
      regression were used to analyze the interactions of risk factors for hypertension
      in adults. RESULTS: In total, 1623 adult hypertensive patients (940 men and 683
      women) were detected. The results showed that adult hypertensive patients were
      older and had higher levels of systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure,
      body mass index, fasting plasma glucose, uric acid, triglycerides, total
      cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and prevalence of non-alcoholic
      fatty liver disease (P < 0.001). The classification tree model comprising 5
      layers, 39 nodes, and 20 terminal nodes showed that two variables, age and BMI,
      were closely related to hypertension in adults. The area under the receiver
      operating characteristic curve for classification tree model was 81.6 % (95 % CI:
      80.6 % ~ 82.5 %). Both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses
      revealed that advanced age and high BMI had a significant positive interaction in
      terms of hypertension in adults. After controlling for confounding factors, the
      percentage of attributed interaction was 47.62 %. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed
      that age, BMI, UA, TG, and TC were closely associated with the risk of
      hypertension in adults, and the positive interaction effect between advanced age
      and high BMI was an important risk factor for the prevalence of hypertension in
      adults.

PMID- 27663796
TI  - Bipolar Disorder and Early Affective Trauma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bipolar disorder is a chronic psychiatric disease with a high
      prevalence and is a major psychosocial and medical burden. The exact etiological
      pathways of bipolar disorder are not fully understood. Genetic factors are known
      to play an important role in the etiology of bipolar disorder. However, high
      rates of discordance among identical twins and a growing body of evidence that
      environmental factors such as early stress can influence the onset and course of
      psychiatric diseases underline the importance of additional etiological
      mechanisms of bipolar disorders. There has been little investigation about early
      trauma in bipolar disorder. The aim of this study was to review the literature on
      the association between early traumatic interactions like child neglect,
      mistreatment, abuse or early parental separation and the occurrence of bipolar
      disorder in adulthood or impact on the course of the disease. METHODS: Studies
      investigating associations between child neglect, mistreatment, abuse or early
      parental separation and occurrence of bipolar disorder in adulthood or impact on
      the course of the disease were searched in the Pubmed database. More than 700
      articles were sorted independently by two of the authors using predefined
      criteria. Only research articles, reviews and meta-analyses were selected for
      this review. RESULTS: 53 articles met the inclusion criteria. To date, four
      systematic reviews partially addressed our research question. Early trauma is
      more frequently found in the past of bipolar patients than in the general
      population. Studies support a harmful effect of childhood trauma on the course of
      bipolar disease, with more anxious, depressive or psychotic symptoms, an early
      age of onset and a worse prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: Early trauma is more often found
      in the past of bipolar adult patients than the general population and studies
      support a harmful effect of childhood trauma on the course of bipolar disease,
      with more anxious, depressive or psychotic symptoms, an early age of onset and a
      worse prognosis. In further studies attention should be paid to the age of trauma
      occurrence and the definition of trauma. The findings also support the importance
      of additional psychoanalytic oriented psychotherapy for the treatment of bipolar
      disorder.

PMID- 27663797
TI  - An approach to treat bipolar disorders mixed states.
AB  - Very often clinicians meet great difficulties in making a correct diagnosis of
      mood disorders which they are assessing, above all when mixed states are present:
      this because the patients mainly focus on their own symptoms of depressive
      uneasiness; mixed symptoms can insidiously infiltrate into the mood and life of
      the patients causing a chronic and worsening clinical state. It is essential not
      to forget that the depression is only one phase of a broader bipolar mood
      disorder, and this has to be the illness to be treated by psychiatrists and,
      generally, by clinicians managing an appropriate polytherapy with mood
      stabilisers and antidepressants.

PMID- 27663798
TI  - Risk and efficacy in cognitive functions in Bipolar Disorder II with atypical
      antipsychotic augmentation.
AB  - BD-II has been consistently associated with cognitive dysfunction across a broad
      range of cognitive domains. Atypical antipsychotic drugs, or SGAs are effective
      antipsychotics in these diseases, often in combination with antidepressants and
      mood stabilizers. Data on the possible effect of antipsychotics on neuro
      cognition are rare and conflicting. The main objective of our study was to assess
      the effectiveness and possible risks to cognitive function in a group of
      inpatients affected by BD-II. Forty-five inpatients with Bipolar II Disorder (DSM
      5) were included in a two-year observational study. They were treated with sodium
      valproate as a mood stabiliser, atypical antipsychotics and SSRIs. The utilized
      SGA augmentation were quetiapine (n=13); aripiprazole (n=10); olanzapine (n=11);
      asenapine (n=11). All inpatients were administered some psychopathological scales
      and evaluated for neuropsychological variables (for example, attention, verbal
      memory domains, etc.). After two years of treatment with SGAs, there has been no
      significant reduction of previous levels. In particularly, quetiapine and
      asenapine groups showed a better performance in learning task, short-term task
      and recognition tasks, in accordance with previous studies. Our small
      observational study shown that atypical antipsychotics cause an improvement in
      symptoms in BD, and particularly BD II. In particular, they do not induce
      significant alterations in overall cognitive performance generally. On the
      contrary, some SGAs, such as quetiapine and asenapine, seem to demonstrate a not
      statistically significant mild improvement in cognition.

PMID- 27663799
TI  - Should Assessment for Bipolar Disorder and mixed affective state be a standard
      part of assessment for suicide risk?
AB  - The risk of suicide is high amongst individuals with bipolar affective disorder
      and mixed affective state. Research has shown that the suicide risk increases
      during both rapid-cycling and mixed affective states in bipolar. This article
      reviews the recent research of patients with bipolar and mixed affective state
      and suicide risk and highlights the reasons and potential benefits of factoring
      the potential risks into the assessment for suicide risk.

PMID- 27663800
TI  - Cardiovascular diseases in Patients with Bipolar disease: Pragmatic Management.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bipolar disorder (BD), also known as manic-depressive illness, is a
      condition characterized by unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and
      the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. Bipolar disorder is known to be a
      chronic and disabling disease associated with higher incidence of obesity,
      diabetes, metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemias, hypertension and tobacco use which
      all together are known risk factors for the development of Cardiovascular
      diseases. With this research we wish to collect evidence to show how
      Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) affect Patients with Bipolar disease, the burden it
      can have in patients lives, to understand how this problem has been assessed so
      far and present suggestions that may improve the health care of these patients.
      METHODS: Our study is a literature based research. CONCLUSION: With our study we
      concluded that patients with BD are at higher risk of CVD and at an earlier age
      compared with the general population. Also, there is a lack of proper monitoring
      and consideration of the cardiovascular risk factors in patients with Bipolar
      disorder whether by primary care physicians or psychiatrists even though it plays
      a critical role in the general outcome of this patients and also leads to
      increase in mortality and morbidity rates.

PMID- 27663795
TI  - PRKCQ promotes oncogenic growth and anoikis resistance of a subset of triple
      negative breast cancer cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The protein kinase C (PKC) family comprises distinct classes of
      proteins, many of which are implicated in diverse cellular functions. Protein
      tyrosine kinase C theta isoform (PRKCQ)/PKCtheta, a member of the novel PKC
      family, may have a distinct isoform-specific role in breast cancer. PKCtheta is
      preferentially expressed in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) compared to
      other breast tumor subtypes. We hypothesized that PRKCQ/PKCtheta critically
      regulates growth and survival of a subset of TNBC cells. METHODS: To elucidate
      the role of PRKCQ/PKCtheta in regulating growth and anoikis resistance, we used
      both gain and loss of function to modulate expression of PRKCQ. We enhanced
      expression of PKCtheta (kinase-active or inactive) in non-transformed breast
      epithelial cells (MCF-10A) and assessed effects on epidermal growth factor (EGF)
      independent growth, anoikis, and migration. We downregulated expression of
      PKCtheta in TNBC cells, and determined effects on in vitro and in vivo growth and
      survival. TNBC cells were also treated with a small molecule inhibitor to assess
      requirement for PKCtheta kinase activity in the growth of TNBC cells. RESULTS:
      PRKCQ/PKCtheta can promote oncogenic phenotypes when expressed in non-transformed
      MCF-10A mammary epithelial cells; PRKCQ/PKCtheta enhances anchorage-independent
      survival, growth-factor-independent proliferation, and migration. PKCtheta
      expression promotes retinoblastoma (Rb) phosphorylation and cell-cycle
      progression under growth factor-deprived conditions that typically induce cell
      cycle arrest of MCF-10A breast epithelial cells. Proliferation and Rb
      phosphorylation are dependent on PKCtheta-stimulated extracellular signal-related
      kinase (Erk)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity. Enhanced Erk/MAPK
      activity is dependent on the kinase activity of PKCtheta, as overexpression of
      kinase-inactive PKCtheta does not stimulate Erk/MAPK or Rb phosphorylation or
      promote growth-factor-independent proliferation. Downregulation of PRKCQ/PKCtheta
      in TNBC cells enhances anoikis, inhibits growth in 3-D MatrigelTM cultures, and
      impairs triple-negative tumor xenograft growth. AEB071, an inhibitor of PKCtheta
      kinase activity, also inhibits growth and invasive branching of TNBC cells in 3-D
      cultures, further supporting a role for PKCtheta kinase activity in triple
      negative cancer cell growth. CONCLUSIONS: Enhanced PRKCQ/PKCtheta expression can
      promote growth-factor-independent growth, anoikis resistance, and migration.
      PRKCQ critically regulates growth and survival of a subset of TNBC. Inhibition of
      PKCtheta kinase activity may be an attractive therapeutic approach for TNBC, a
      subtype in need of improved targeted therapies.

PMID- 27663801
TI  - Does the increased rate of schizophrenia diagnosis in African-Caribbean men in
      the UK shown by the AESOP study reflect cultural bias in healthcare?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The UK-based AESOP study conducted over a two-year period in three
      UK sites simultaneously (London, Nottingham, and Bristol), is the largest study
      to date to conduct a first contact case-control study of psychosis. The study
      found that rates of schizophrenia were markedly elevated in both African
      Caribbean and Black African people, in both sexes and across all age groups.
      SUBJECTS AND METHODS: English language literature published up to 2016 was
      searched. The initial search included: PubMed, The Cochrane Library, and Web of
      Science. A second search was conducted using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and
      keywords. Studies selected for retrieval were assessed by two independent
      reviewers. RESULTS: The search yielded eight results, all of which supported the
      conclusion of an increased incidence of schizophrenia in Black African and Black
      Caribbean population in the AESOP study. CONCLUSION: England is a multicultural
      landscape; multiplicity of cultures makes diagnosis difficult. The lessons we
      must learn from the AESOP study is the need for transcultural training and the
      removal of blinding to ethnicity when a large epidemiological study is conducted 
      psychiatrists need to be cognisant of cultures and aware of the context of
      symptoms.

PMID- 27663803
TI  - Psychopathological characteristics of patients with first-episode psychosis and
      chronic schizophrenia: a descriptive comparison.
AB  - Only few studies have compared the psychopathological features in first episode
      psychosis (FEP) and chronic schizophrenia (CS) patients. The aim of our study was
      to compare sociodemographic and clinical aspects of FEP and CS inpatients using
      the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Brief Psychiatric Rating
      Scale (BPRS) in order to better characterize FEP. We did not find significant
      socio-demographic differences between the two groups apart from age and
      nationality. About PANSS we found that conceptual disorganization, poor rapport
      and lack of insight items scores were significantly higher in patients with FEP.
      Related to BPRS the items of somatic concerns, grandiosity and motor
      hyperactivity were significantly higher in the CS group; uncooperativeness was
      significantly higher in FEP group. Our study offers a characterization of FEP
      patients that confirms evidence and adds some information from the current
      literature. FEP patients seem to be more uncooperative with a worse interpersonal
      empathy and insight into the illness than CS patients; this could reduce their
      compliance with the treatment.

PMID- 27663802
TI  - An update on: meta-analysis of medical and non-medicaltreatments of the prodromal
      phase of psychotic illness in at risk mental states.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There are now many existing studies which assess the treatments
      available for 'at risk mental states', as patients who are believed to be in the
      prodromal phase of psychotic illness are referred to. However, concerns regarding
      side effects of possible treatments remain. We here conduct a meta-analysis of
      the studies available up to July 2016. The aim of this study is to decide what
      would be the best treatment for 'at high risk patients'. RESULTS: 18 studies were
      selected for inclusion; 12 showed significance, 5 did not and one tended towards
      significance. Both antipsychotic medication and psychological intervention show
      mixed results with cognitive behavioral therapy and olanzapine/amisulpride coming
      out on top. Omega 3 poly-unsaturated acid also shows promising and consistent
      results. DISCUSSION: Treatments appear promising but a balance needs to be kept
      between adverse events and effectiveness of preventing psychosis. CONCLUSION: It
      is necessary to search further for treatments in order to identify effective
      treatments with fewer adverse side-effects in this phase of psychotic illness.

PMID- 27663804
TI  - The role of selective estrogen receptor modulators in the treatment of
      schizophrenia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gender differences in schizophrenia have been recognized for a long
      time and it has been widely accepted that sex steroid hormones, especially
      estradiol, are strongly attributed to this fact. Two hypotheses regarding
      estradiol action in psychoses gained special research attention - the estrogen
      protection hypothesis and hypoestrogenism hypothesis. A growing number of studies
      have shown benefits in augmenting antipsychotic treatment with estrogens or
      selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERM). METHODS: This review is focused on
      the role of selective estrogen receptor modulators in the treatment of
      schizophrenic patients. In order to achieve this result PubMed was searched using
      the following terms: schizophrenia, raloxifene, humans. We reviewed only
      randomized, placebo-controlled studies. RESULTS: Raloxifene, a selective estrogen
      receptor modulator was identified as useful to improve negative, positive, and
      general psychopathological symptoms, and also cognitive functions. All reviewed
      studies indicated improvement in at least one studied domain. Augmentation with
      raloxifene was found to be a beneficial treatment strategy for chronic
      schizophrenia both in female and male patients, however potential side effects (a
      small increase in the risk of venous thromboembolism and endometrial cancer)
      should be carefully considered. CONCLUSIONS: SERMs could be an effective
      augmentation strategy in the treatment of both men women with schizophrenia,
      although further research efforts are needed to study potential long-term side
      effects.

PMID- 27663805
TI  - Understanding the prevalence of 'legal high' misuse in early adulthood.
AB  - With the recent introduction of the Psychoactive Substances Bill in the United
      Kingdom, it is a useful time to retrospectively review the patterns of prevalence
      of the psychoactive products known as 'Legal Highs'. There has been emerging
      research and rapidly expanding political, public and media attention and
      awareness, yet comparatively little scientific discourse on the psychological
      aspects driving their consumption, beyond simply their legal status. This paper
      focuses on their usage patterns in the particularly vulnerable, but often
      neglected period of young adulthood between the ages of 16-24, focussing on their
      prevalence, trends in pharmacology and psychological aspects of their usage and
      propensity for addiction. There is a greater skew of usage to young adulthood in
      legal highs than that seen in classical drugs of abuse. Although there are still
      significant research questions to be tackled, it is suggested that the
      interaction of legal high incentive value and their perception with aspects of
      enhanced risk taking in young adulthood, particularly impulsivity and sensation
      seeking, are of key significance, as opposed to any clear pharmacological
      mechanism for differing prevalence. While there is much further research to be
      performed on the contents and pharmacology of legal highs, the reasons for
      potentially lower levels of addiction are also discussed.

PMID- 27663806
TI  - Gaming as a Therapeutic Tool in Adolescence. Experience of Institutional Therapy
      of CThA, UCL, Brussels, Belgium.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This work presents the experience of an Emancipatory action research
      led at the Therapeutic Center for Adolescents (CThA) at Saint Luc's Clinics
      (UCL). SUBJECT AND METHODS: This research focuses on the practice effects of
      "Pixels" and "Passerelle" workshops at CThA. It is about the use of video games
      as a therapeutic tool, mobilizing of the symptomatology of the teenager. RESULTS:
      "Pixels" workshops use playing according to three specific forms: the paper role
      play game, the video game, and the cards playing game. Their specificity is that
      the participative adult shows a regressive ability strong enough to play with
      teenagers and is very careful to not interpret what takes place within.
      CONCLUSIONS: "Passerelle" workshops demonstrate the link between the teenager's
      mind and the use of his own virtual avatar. It allows to evolve from a "play
      together" to a "talk together", a moment of symbolization and of being able to
      stand back in regards to his or her own recreational activities. As a discussion,
      this clinical illustration of Karl recovering from depression and dependency.
      This setting for speech allowed him to evolve into an impulse mood and to
      reconnect emotionally.

PMID- 27663807
TI  - New perspectives in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
AB  - Mental and behavioural problems during childhood and adolescence are a serious
      public concern and are increasing actually and in the next 10 years. In Belgium,
      policymakers have reorganize mental health care for children and adolescents in
      care circuits and care network that include and support intersectoral
      collaborations. They also support creation of mobile out-reach team for crisis
      and assertive care to help patient and their families in the least restrictive
      environment possible. Specific programs are developed for double diagnosis and
      disabled children but also juvenile offenders with psychiatric problems. The care
      network should also assure a rapid liaison function to the first line
      professionals.

PMID- 27663808
TI  - News in early intervention in autism.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental
      trouble which prevents the child from socio-communicative interaction, and
      learning from his environment. Non-medical early intervention attempts to improve
      prognosis. We will review the main current hypothesis, intervention models and
      scientific supports about early intervention. METHODS: We conducted a search of
      the literature published on Medline between 2010 and 2015 related to intervention
      models provided to children with ASD aged less than 3 years. Data were extracted
      from systematic reviews and recent randomized controlled trials with moderate to
      high GRADE quality of evidence. RESULTS: Early intervention refers to brain
      plasticity theory. With the epidemiological studies of infant "at risk" there is
      an attempt to intervene earlier before full syndrome is present. Interventions
      tend to follow more on a developmental hierarchy of socio-communicative skills
      and to focus on the dyadic relation between the child and the caregivers to
      improve the core autistic symptoms. Over the last 6 years, there's been news and
      fine-tuned ways about early intervention, and more and more systematic
      evaluation. CONCLUSION: However, there are only few interventions which were
      evaluated in trial with a strong GRADE recommendation and all of them have
      methodological concerns. It is important to be cautious in recommendations for
      mental health politic, even if it is important to improve access to services for
      all children and their families, hence finance and design rigorous project in
      research.

PMID- 27663809
TI  - The Child "after": between maternal Depression and Transmission of the
      traumatism.
AB  - Born a little time after the death of his sister, our patient, Antoine, 13 years
      old, was suffering from severe obsessional compulsive disorders, which needed
      care in the hospital and adapted treatment. We tried to know if what we were led
      to observe by this adolescent could be explained by works and thoughts around the
      notion of substitute child. Building our thought on various theoretical
      approaches, including neurosciences, we tried to think the psychopathological
      signs of this patient by two ways. One is about the birth and the growth in the
      presence of depressed parents, and this since the pregnancy. The other one is
      about the necessity to deal with the traumatic story of the family, met by the
      parents, who are still facing it, that leads to the question of the transmission
      of the traumatism from the mother to the baby. Using the notion of maternal
      primary care, we proposed the term 'the child after', which appeared to us more
      able to represent the dynamic and the place really given to these children. This
      term could mean the question of an undone grief, a traumatism without
      temporality, and a relation between the mother and the child which seems to be
      uncertain because of the investment of the child as an impossible reparation of
      an unscarred loss.

PMID- 27663810
TI  - Stigma in Malta; A Mediterranean Perspective.
AB  - The aim of this paper to describe what Transcultural Psychiatry is. It attempts
      to describe stigma in Malta and how it comes about that the Mental Hospital in
      Malta is named for Our Lady of Mount Carmel and finally attempt to put Mount
      Carmel Hospital and its dedication within Maltese Culture and the culture of the
      Mediterranean. The paper demonstrates that to understand this, it is necessary to
      employ History, Anthropology, Theology, among other issues. Doing this also
      suggests that Malta has undergone a process of 'normalisation' regarding
      treatment of Mental Health Problems.

PMID- 27663811
TI  - Are SSRIs responsible for precipitating suicidal ideation in teenagers with
      'subsyndromal' bipolar affective disorder who have been misdiagnosed with
      unipolar depression?
AB  - Concerns have recently been raised about a possible link between suicidal
      ideation and the use of SSRIs in teenagers diagnosed with unipolar depression,
      such that the USA FDA and UK CSM have issued warnings regarding the use of SSRIs
      in adolescents with depression. We investigated this phenomenon first by
      recognizing that the initial presentation of unipolar and bipolar depression may
      only differ in subtle ways and with the result being that a significant number of
      patients are misdiagnosed at the expense of patient outcomes. This is especially
      pertinent as patients with bipolar disorder have increased lifetime rates of
      suicide as compared with those patients with unipolar depression. The normal
      developmental trajectory of bipolar disorder often involves recurrent depressive
      episodes in early adolescence before the development of hypomanic/manic episodes.
      Therefore, a misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder as unipolar depression in teenagers
      could explain the failure of SSRIs to adequately treat depressive episodes. A
      suboptimal response to SSRIs and so a lack of control of the depression is a risk
      factor for suicide. One reason for this suboptimal response is the markedly
      different neurotransmission involved in bipolar depression as compared to the
      neurotransmitter systems operated on by SSRIs. In bipolar disorder, dopamine is
      the principal neurotransmitter disrupted and we marshal structural,
      pharmacological and biochemical evidence to support this claim. One important
      strand of evidence involves polymorphisms in D1 and D2 dopamine receptors being
      implicated in the pathogenesis of bipolar affective disorder. Serotonin
      neurotransmission is affected by SSRIs, however the role of serotonin in bipolar
      disorder is much more ambiguous. The conclusion we arrive at is that the link
      between suicidality and SSRI use in adolescents diagnosed with unipolar
      depression may in fact be due to inappropriate treatment of misdiagnosed bipolar
      disorder that has yet to manifest with hypomanic/manic symptoms.

PMID- 27663813
TI  - Childhood obesity: global issues.
AB  - The eating disorders are a group of situations which are very complex that
      include abnormal feeding patterns, too much worry about the physical aspect, no
      real perception of the body image and a strong link between all these factors and
      the levels of self-esteem (Fairburn & Harrison 2003, Sigel 2008, American Academy
      of Pediatrics 2010, Dalle Grave 2011). From the '50s of the previous century we
      had a continuous increase of the Eating Disorders (Dalle Grave 2011). Indeed, in
      the National Program of the Prevention is stated that: "The spread of the eating
      disorders is very fast and relevant; there is no other disease with the same
      propagation and that looks like a real social epidemic" (The Ministry of Health
      2010). At the same time, there was a reduction of the time of onset (Favaro et
      al. 2009) with cases of girls 8/9 years old, before having their first period
      (Dalla Ragione 2012). This means that the pediatricians should pay more attention
      to the eating disorders because there is a big delay in the diagnosis that can
      have a negative impact on the therapy to apply and on the prognosis (American
      Academy of Pediatrics 2010). Overweight and eating disorders are the main
      problems of public health among adolescents and many works show a direct link
      between eating disorders and child obesity (Babio et al. 2009). In the case of
      children, the diagnosis is very complex, especially during the early adolescence
      (-12 years) due to the large heterogeneity of the somatic expressions that make
      difficult a precise nosographic study. Therefore, it is necessary that the
      pediatrician has a good knowledge about the eating disorders in order to identify
      them quickly and to start a multidisciplinary path and to promote an improvement
      in the long term.

PMID- 27663812
TI  - Social attitude towards mentally ill in comparison to experts' opinions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In modern psychiatry, deinstitutionalization of mentally ill became
      an essential part of improving state of being of those affected. Integration in
      community, despite obvious benefits, led to increase in social distance and
      rejection towards mentally ill. Social stigma affects different life domains of
      those afflicted, and therefore it is crucial to introduce methods to deal with
      it. Our objective was to assess and compare psychiatrists' and public attitudes
      and beliefs about mentally ill people. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Comparison of two
      samples, one including 107 psychiatrists and second including 708 individuals of
      the general population. Obtained outcomes were collated with similar studies
      available in literature. OUTCOMES: The psychiatrists' attitude was more positive
      in comparison to the general population. Both groups agree that programs raising
      public awareness are important, and should be intensified. 41% of general
      population and 13% of respondents from experts' group think of negative
      associations with mentally ill. CONCLUSIONS: Conception of utilizing mental
      health experts as the opinion leaders should be carefully thought through.
      Although awareness of social distance and stigma improved both among
      psychiatrists and general population since 2005 (Wciorka & Wciorka 2006, Lauber
      2004), still there are areas that needs enhancement. Fear present in both groups,
      probably caused by inter allia image of mental illness in news reports
      (Angermeyer 2001), is one of such areas.

PMID- 27663814
TI  - The social networks: new challenge or new addiction?
AB  - The reality of Social networks provides a fascinating and enhancing opportunity
      to understand the issues and life dynamics of generations of pre-adolescents and
      adolescents; This study has matured over three years of work in the schools of
      Campania (southern Italy), observing all the provinces, with a predominance of
      those of the Neapolitan territory. It has been found that the language of the
      boys finds its maximal expression in using social media to share, exhibit, and
      tell their experience of living every day their daily lives, with a high
      probability of encountering very interesting pitfalls and dangers... because they
      are "children" of a period when to exhibit themselves is in accordance with
      current fashion. These dangers and pitfalls are amplified by simply sharing, and
      sharing this work with professionals has helped to better monitor some contexts
      and difficulties which have emerged with difficulty and have helped to shed light
      on more specific and authentic issues regarding this reality.

PMID- 27663815
TI  - Assessment and management of major depressive disorder in older adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Major depression disorder (MDD) is one of the most common mental
      disorders world-wide and is prevalent throughout the lifespan, with prevalence
      estimates of 1-5% in those 65 years of age and older. METHODS: The aim of this
      mini-review is to briefly summarize clinically relevant topics within the domain
      of later-life MDD. RESULTS: The mini-review presents an overview of epidemiology,
      complications of late life MDD, risk factors and clinical presentation, clinical
      assessment, general issues relevant to the treatment of the older adult with MDD,
      drug treatments, discussion of how medical complexity affects drug treatment and
      other treatment modalities. CONCLUSION: The mini-review concludes with a short
      discussion of clinical and research implications. Treatment of depression in the
      geriatric population is a complex endeavor and clinicians often are faced with
      medical, social, and environmental issues which can impede the treatment process.
      Antidepressant drugs, particularly the SSRI and SNRI antidepressants are helpful,
      but dosing titration needs to be considered against the backdrop of comorbidity
      and concomitant medications. Psychotherapy and other approaches are additional
      avenues to consider in the older individuals with MDD. Future research in
      particular needs to address older people with more extensive medical complexity
      as well as the "oldest-old", individuals in their 80's and beyond.

PMID- 27663816
TI  - Investigative and therapeutic uses of Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in
      Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
AB  - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neuropsychiatric
      disorder that affects children and young adults. It results in significant
      impairment of their educational, social and occupational functioning and is
      associated economic societal burden. Whilst there are effective medications (such
      as methylphenidate) as well as some psychobehavioural therapies that can help
      with management of symptoms of ADHD, the former can have significant cardiac side
      effects, which limit their use. For number of patients these treatment options
      lack efficacy or are not acceptable. There is need to improve our understanding
      of neurobiology of ADHD as well as explore other treatment options. Transcranial
      magnetic stimulation (TMS) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation
      (rTMS) are safe and non-invasive investigative and therapeutic tools
      respectively. In this short paper, I will explore the potential role of TMS and
      rTMS in further improving our understanding of the neurobiology of ADHD as well
      as possible treatment option.

PMID- 27663817
TI  - CBT/DBT skills training for adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
      (ADHD).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with
      marked impairments in familial, social, and professional functioning. Although
      stimulant treatments can be effective in adult ADHD, some patients will respond
      poorly or not at all to medication. Previous studies demonstrated that cognitive
      behavioural therapy- (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy- (DBT) oriented
      interventions are effective in reducing the burden of the disease, which is
      mainly marked by depression, interpersonal difficulties, low self-esteem, and low
      quality of life. In order to determine the effectiveness of this intervention, we
      assessed the benefits of a CBT/DBT programme to reduce residual symptoms and help
      patients improve their quality of life. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 49 ADHD-patients,
      poor responders to medication, were enrolled in a one-year programme where they
      received individual therapy, associated with weekly sessions of group therapy
      with different modules: Mindfulness, Emotion Regulation, Interpersonal
      Effectiveness and Distress Tolerance, Impulsivity/Hyperactivity and Attention.
      Each subject was assessed at baseline, at months 3 and 6, and at the end of the
      treatment for ADHD severity (ASRS v1.1), depression severity (BDI-II),
      hopelessness (BHS), mindfulness skills (KIMS), anger expression and control
      (STAXI), impulsivity (BIS-11), quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF), and social
      functioning (QFS). The 49 ADHD patients were compared with 13 ADHD subjects on a
      waiting list. Linear mixed models were used to measure response to treatment.
      RESULTS: Overall, the psychotherapeutic treatment was associated with significant
      improvements in almost all dimensions. The most significant changes were observed
      for BDI-II (b=-0.30; p<0.0001), ASRS total score (b=-0.16; p<0.0001), and KIMS
      AwA (b=0.21; p<0.0001), with moderate to large effect sizes. Compared with the
      waiting list controls, ADHD patients showed a better, albeit non-significant,
      pattern of response. CONCLUSIONS: Individual and structured psycho-educational
      DBT/CBT groups support existing data suggesting that a structured
      psychotherapeutic approach is useful for patients who respond partially or not at
      all to drug therapy.

PMID- 27663818
TI  - Epidemiology of Serious Mental Illness in Malta - Consequences for developing a
      new psychiatric hospital and community psychiatry.
AB  - Mental Health Services in Malta are presently at crossroads, because they are in
      the stage of increasing and strengthening the community services and considering
      closing the main psychiatric inpatient facility and replacing it with a new
      hospital. For proper planning of such changes, and ideal approach is that of
      basing these plans on results of population based epidemiological findings on
      rate of mental illness and required care. Such studies are strongly recommended,
      and this approach has already been used in Malta a couple of years ago prior to
      establishing inpatient care for Eating Disorders. In absence of such studies,
      this paper proposes ways how to use findings from available research and data to
      use as basis for such proper service plans.

PMID- 27663819
TI  - The new functional identity: a body that thinks, a mind that feels - Frontiers
      and unexplored territories of the "Body and Mind zone".
AB  - For a long time, terms like "mind" and "emotion" have rarely been taken into
      account, not even mentioned in the medical texts. The latest scientific
      researches, including the studies of Candace Pert, on the contrary, have
      emphasized that the entire body thinks, because every single cell hears, and
      feels emotions. The international researcher has discovered the endocrines and a
      vast number of neuropeptides, that work as an "information network" that
      interconnects the entire body, the "psychic" molecules are transmitted and
      travel, communicating information as in a circular and recursive body - mind
      mechanism. This is a sort of body and mind functional identity, which is
      different in each person, because each person is a unique universe, and the body
      is the place where mind and body meet in a unique and unrepeatable alchemy. So,
      if it is true that only in the body the secret of its potential for development
      and transformation is well hidden, it is also true that this secret is unique for
      each of us. Then, the strategic therapy becomes 'tailor-made', and the knowledge
      of the body component is essential to unlock behavior patterns and planning new
      ones, in order to improve relationships and the quality of life, and enhance the
      sense of well-being. People are not as simple containers which merely record
      external incitements, on the contrary, they are able to evaluate and weigh what
      happens around. Depending on the meaning attributed to each stimulus, a stress
      response of different magnitude and duration is activated, this can be considered
      functional or dysfunctional. Many recent studies, in fact, states that there is a
      significant correlation between the coping strategy chosen and the onset of a
      disease. According to the theory of 'psychogenic tumor', for example, anyone can
      potentially develop cancer, but only those who do not have the psychological
      strength to resist disease get sick. No matter what is the theoretical framework
      and the conclusion adopted, we go towards a consensus of considering body and
      mind as a part of a unique and complex functional identity. As a consequence of
      this completely new approach on how to consider the wellbeing and health,
      researchers suggest that the goal of a satisfactory physical and mental balance
      can be achieved through a transversal approach to the various disciplines
      (psychotherapy, surgical, nutritionist, medical aesthetics and medicine in
      general). According to this bio-psycho-social approach, each person should be
      approached in his entirety, bodily and psychological; each individual should be
      'hosted' in a sort of 'Body and Mind' zone, where the entire body is able to
      think.

PMID- 27663820
TI  - Implementation of the MOTEK CAREN system in behavioural therapy for patients with
      anxiety disorders.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) is becoming a more and more
      popular treatment method for patients suffering from anxiety disorders. One of
      the VRET methods, wchich could be used for this group of patients is MOTEK CAREN
      system, however, so far no studies have been published on its implementation in
      psychiatric disorders. SUBJECT AND METHODS: Presented here is a case of a 45 year
      old woman suffering from anxiety disorders, who underwent a series of four
      subsequent trainings with the use of MOTEK CAREN system repeted once a week. Data
      from the system were collected on the work of muscles, joints, reactions of the
      ground, etc. Blood pressure, pulse and salivary cortisol level were measured
      before and after each training. The level of state and trait anxiety was each
      time measured with the STAI inventory. RESULTS: The changes of the values of
      heart rate, blood pressure and salivary cortisol suggest that all trainings we
      stressful events for the patients, as they were not observed in the control
      session. But the gradual decrease in the levels of salivary cortisol and axiety
      as state after subsequent trainings may be signs of a gradual adaptation of the
      patient to the stressful situation. A lower cadence during the trainings compared
      to the control session was observed, however the speed of the cadence increased
      with each session. CONCLUSIONS: Ttrainings with the MOTEK CAREN system can be
      promising in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Of course in order to draw more
      evidence based conclusions this observations must be confirmed on a larger sample
      of patients.

PMID- 27663821
TI  - Liaison psychiatry and bariatric surgery: double standards. What are the
      possibilities for the systematization of the pre-operative psychiatric assessment
      in Belgium?
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the context of health care in Belgium, the psychological or
      psychiatric opinion of a multidisciplinary team is required in the assessment of
      bariatric surgery candidates. In clinical practice, a wide variety of liaison
      psychiatry assessment methods exist. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: On the basis of a post
      operative psychiatric comorbidity case report and a literature review on "liaison
      psychiatry and bariatric surgery" we aim to identify opportunities for the
      systematization of bariatric pre-surgery psychiatric evaluation. RESULTS: The
      bariatric pre-surgery evaluation must be rigorous and founded on evidence-based
      medicine. On this basis, specific psychiatric criteria may be defined and
      researched in assessments. The issue remains for psychiatric comorbidities that
      develop after surgery and for which a preventive framework should be sustained in
      the liaison psychiatry approach. CONCLUSIONS: The aim of the research is to
      support an improved systematization of the psychological assessments of pre
      operative bariatric surgery candidates. We believe that systematic evaluation
      tools should be defined for the identification of possible absolute or relative
      contra-indications and that a preventive approach to post-operative psychiatric
      disorders should be included in this assessment.

PMID- 27663822
TI  - Thinking of psychiatric disorders as "normal" illness. Data from a questionnaire
      on social stigma: a multicenter study.
AB  - Prejudice and stigma about mental illness is still present in society. Patients
      suffer both from the disease, and from the marginalization behavior exhibited by
      others towards them and their families. Psychiatric professionals may also become
      ill and suffer for the same reason. The authors of this international multicenter
      study have set themselves the question of whether there may be prejudice and/or
      stigma among psychiatric professionals towards their suffering colleagues, among
      patients towards nursing staff affected by the same disease and between patients
      themselves. Using two standardized questionnaires which have been tested, but
      have not been used before they have studied 207 mental health professionals and
      407 patients, of Italian, Belgian, Hungarian and Croatian nationalities. The
      results show that there are in fact prejudices among Mental Health Professionals
      about colleagues suffering from mental illness because they responded that such
      persons cannot treat well patients with their own pathology. However Mental
      Health Professionals do not demonstrate behaviors which are not frankly
      marginalizing or stigmatizing towards colleagues suffering from mental illness.
      On the other hand, among patients the prevailing view was that psychiatric
      professionals who suffer from mental illness, can better understand the sick,
      because they are also suffering. This is in analogy with the Jungian theory of
      the "wounded healer" in the myth of the centaur Chiron. Patients did not
      demonstate rejection or marginalization behavior towards other sick patients.
      Finally both the professionals and the patients tend to be cautious in relating
      to healthy persons and tend not to disclose their suffering for fear of being
      misjudged or marginalized.

PMID- 27663823
TI  - Social welfare in Mental Health Department for a Good clinical practice.
AB  - The National Plan of Action for Mental Health (PANSM), approved by the Conference
      of Regions has been from January 24 2013, being implemented by the Department of
      Mental Health Services. It requires a reorganization of the same, the functional
      the adoption of a methodology based on the Necessity of Working for projects
      which are Intervention-specific and differentiated, based on the evaluation of
      the need and patients and the implementation of care pathways. This implies a
      systemic approach by of the team, rather than a segmental working mode. Thus
      change is necessary in the work culture of the teams, and from the State Regions
      Conference November 13 2014, has emerged the need to share, among all
      stakeholders, good practices and the development of Clinical Management Tools so
      that standards of care can be defined to ensure quality, together with the
      measurement of Processes and Outcomes.

PMID- 27663824
TI  - Drugs in Alzheimer's disease Dementia: An overview of current pharmacological
      management and future directions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's dementia is one of the most significant health burdens of
      the modern age in both industrialised and non-industrialised nations as it is a
      major cause of morbidity and functional impairment in the elderly. Currently
      there are no cures for progressive dementias, including Alzheimer's disease, and
      no treatments that would modify their progress. Intervention involves
      pharmacological treatment to temporarily relieve the symptoms, including three
      cholinesterase inhibitors and a noncompetitive NMDA antagonist, and the efficacy
      of these is widely debated. While our understanding of the underlying pathology
      of Alzheimer's continues to grow, we have yet to fully elucidate the mechanisms
      that drive neuronal loss in this condition. Any truly disease-modifying treatment
      must be developed to target these pathological pathways. METHODS: An extensive
      analysis of the available literature is presented here, including a number of
      trials, meta-analyses and reviews, with the aim of assessing current management,
      establishing best practice and summarising the future of dementia care. RESULTS:
      The efficacy of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors remains controversial due to
      uncertainty over what change is considered clinically significant. Any derived
      benefit seems to be independent of dementia severity and donepezil is the most
      cost-effective for Alzheimer's dementia. Memantine potentially influences the
      underlying pathological processes in Alzheimer's disease and may be more
      effective in moderate to severe Alzheimer's dementia. The role of combination
      therapy remains uncertain. Future therapies are aimed at modulating the disease
      process by using chemical agents to inhibit amyloid and tau deposition. None have
      been approved clinically. CONCLUSIONS: Current pharmacological therapy for
      Alzheimer's dementia is very limited and primarily aims at achieving symptom
      control. A major limitation is our lack of knowledge of the underlying pathology
      and it is only by better understanding the disease process that we can optimize
      therapeutic agents that modify disease progression.

PMID- 27663825
TI  - Pharmacogenetics: does a personal therapy exist?
AB  - Pharmacogenetics is a powerful tool to improve drug response and to maximize
      therapeutic efficacy and safety using genetic information of each individual.
      This review collects the available literature understanding the influence of
      heritability on an individual's drug metabolism.

PMID- 27663826
TI  - Neurocognitive management of the primary negative symptoms of schizophrenia: a
      role of atypical antipsychotics.
AB  - Patients with schizophrenia have profound and disabling cognitive deficits while
      negative symptoms represent a separate symptom domain, with respect to
      depression, neurocognition, and social cognition. Particularly, primary negative
      symptoms of schizophrenia represent a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, In
      this study we try to evaluate the cognitive symptoms in 51 primary negative
      schizophrenic inpatients by the administration of simple, fast and understandable
      scales (MMSE, DSST, EpiTrack, PANSS cognitive factor). We also evaluate the
      correlation with some SGAs (aripiprazole, quetiapine, olanzapine, paliperidone).
      Our results support the evidence of the use of simple, rapid and acceptable
      scales for cognitive evaluation in clinical practice. Overall data indicate no
      statistically significant variations of the negative symptomatology in all the
      examined sample, although a reduction of the statistical averages in each group
      is observed (paliperidone and olanzapine, particularly).

PMID- 27663827
TI  - Treatment of Depression in patients with Osteoarthritis: the importance of an
      early diagnosis and the role of Duloxetine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) also called degenerative joint disease is the
      most common chronic condition of the joints that just in 2004, caused moderate to
      severe disability in 43.4 million of people. OA in Western populations is one of
      the most frequent causes of joint pain, loss of function and disability in
      adults. In the U.S. it is the second most common cause of work disability in men
      over 50 years of age, following ischaemic heart disease, and accounts for a
      higher number of hospitalizations when compared with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
      each year. This condition is associated with chronic pain (which can be severe in
      many cases) and long term inflammatory processes which all together represent
      conditions that are known to be associated with depression. Depression is among
      the most burdensome disorders worldwide having affected just in 2010 15.4 million
      adults worldwide. Depression is associated with increase of symptom burden,
      greater level of functional impairment and increased risk of both disease
      complications and mortality. With this research we wished to put in evidence the
      importance of an early diagnosis of Depression in patients with osteoarthritis by
      using PHQ9 and suggest Duloxetine as an antidepressant that can be helpful in the
      management of not only pain but also depression in OA patients. METHODS: Our
      study is a literature based research. CONCLUSION: Early Diagnosis of depression
      of patients with osteoarthritis appears to be crucial for improving the outcomes
      of patients with OA and that can be easily and efficiently done with PHQ9.
      Duloxetine presents itself as an ally in the fight against the evolution of
      depression in patients with OA and should be considered even in mild to moderate
      states of depression.

PMID- 27663828
TI  - Megadose bromazepam dependence.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Benzodiazepines (BZDs) are among the most widely prescribed drugs in
      developed countries. Since BZDs can produce tolerance and dependence even in a
      short time, their use is recommended for a very limited time. However, these
      recommendations have been largely disregarded. The chronic use of BZDs causes a
      number of serious side effects, i.e. cognitive impairment, falls, traffic
      accidents, dependence and tolerance. METHODS: We present the case of a 37 years
      old woman taking daily doses of 220 mg of bromazepam. The patient's anxiety,
      depression and cognitive status were evaluated with a battery of questionnaires.
      A sleep laboratory test was performed in search of sleep apneas and sleepiness
      during the day. A Cerebral PET SCAN was executed in search of altered cerebral
      metabolism. RESULTS: Blood concentrations of bromazepam reached 7800 MUg/L.
      Questionnaire evaluations showed significant depression and anxiety but only
      moderate cognitive impairment. Oxygen saturation was normal throughout the Sleep
      lab test, respiratory events were very few and sleepiness was moderate with an
      average latency of 9 minutes. Brain cortical glucose consumption was
      homogeneously slightly reduced. CONCLUSIONS: With doses of bromazepan reaching 15
      times the toxic dose, anxiety remained high. Cognition, sleepiness, respiratory
      sleep events and brain metabolism remained remarkably close to normal.

PMID- 27663829
TI  - Comparison of components of the depression of hospitalized patients admitted
      through the emergency department or consultations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In a previous study, we investigated the risk of admission to
      emergency (ER) of depressed patients prior to their hospitalization in psychiatry
      in comparison with hospitalized patients transferred from the consultations
      department (Cdpt). In the present study, we compare among the same patients
      variables affecting the intensity of depression in each group. METHOD: All
      patients with Major depressive disorder admitted in our department through
      emergencies (N=146) or consultations (N=2172) between January 1, 2010 and
      December 31, 2012 were included in an open study. They completed the Beck
      Depression Inventory (BDI), analogical visual scales about stress levels (in
      professional, social, family, married life, over the past year and the past
      month), the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control and the Olson Family
      Adaptation and Cohesion Scale and the Ways of coping. RESULTS: The depression
      (t=1.438; p=0.90) is similar in both samples. Although some variables such as
      gender, internality, coping mechanisms and stress factors influence the intensity
      of depression in both groups of patients (linear regression p<0.000, r=0.593),
      other factors play a role only in either one or the other group. The factors of
      patients' age, number of children, elements of family dynamics, couple life, and
      the belief in luck do influence the intensity of depression only in patients
      hospitalized through Cdpt (linear regression p<0.000, r=0.366). The intensity of
      depression of patients admitted through ER, is specifically dependent on the
      number of collateral factors (p=0.045, r=0.304), the number of living relatives
      (p=0.036, r=0.276) and the belief in the power of others (p=0.022, r=-0.16).
      CONCLUSIONS: Although Both samples are comparable in terms of intensity of
      depression, patients admitted through the Cdpt are more dependent on the quality
      of family relationships whereas those coming from emergencies are most influenced
      by their concrete social and family situation. Alongside these specific variables
      it remains that stress and coping mechanisms account for the largest percentage
      of variance of the intensity of depression.

PMID- 27663830
TI  - Evaluation of the cortisol concentrations in patients with schizophrenia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPAA) plays a pivotal role
      in response to a range of external and internal factors often described as a
      "stress". Growing evidence in a literature, suggest various dysregulations of
      HPAA, in course of numerous mental disorders. Patients with schizophrenia and
      bipolar disorder seem to have elevated basal cortisol secretion, what might be
      caused by the diminution of glucocorticoid receptors' amount. It was of the
      interest if the cortisol concentrations in patients with diagnosed schizophrenia
      who underwent treatment, differs from healthy individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Two groups of participants were included into the study. First group (study)
      consisted of 10 patients with diagnosed schizophrenia and control group which
      included 38 healthy individuals. Study was divided into two stages, first one
      (pilot) included only control group, and utilized cortisol concentrations
      measurement from saliva, blood and 24h urine sample. Second part (main study)
      involved both groups although focused on a salivary cortisol concentrations.
      RESULTS: A mean salivary cortisol concentration in patients with schizophrenia
      who underwent treatment was significantly lower in comparison with healthy
      individuals. CONCLUSIONS: Obtained results indicate that patients who underwent a
      treatment, and does not present notable clinical signs of schizophrenia may have
      moderately lowered levels of salivary cortisol. This may be a reflection of
      relenting psychotic symptoms as well as a direct effect of atypical antipsychotic
      drugs on a HPA axis activity.

PMID- 27663831
TI  - Immunity, coping and depression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: On the one hand, this psycho-immunological theory makes it possible
      to forge links between immunity and depression. On the other hand, we know that
      coping strategies are an important variable in the model of vulnerability to
      depression. Our study weighs the influence of cellular immunity and coping
      strategies on the severity of depression. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: 498 inpatients
      with major depressive disorder were enrolled in an open-label trial. In addition
      to a socio-demographic questionnaire, they answered a Cousson's coping test and
      the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). RESULTS: In terms of immunity, there are
      correlations between the BDI and percentages of CD8 (p=0.000; r=0.163), CD19
      (p=0.046; r=0.090), CD16&56 (p=0.011; r=0.282), ratio CD4/CD8 (p=0.003; r=
      0.135). A linear regression model for immune variables explained 25% of the BDI.
      In terms of coping, there is a correlation between severity of depression and ea
      (escape avoidance) (p=0.000; r=0.218), pr (positive reappraisal) (p=0.000; r=
      0.265) and pps (planful problem solving) (p=0.000; r=-0.296). However, there is
      no correlation between the severity of depression and d (distancing). A linear
      model for coping strategies explained 12% of the BDI. Finally, there are
      correlations between distancing and CD8 (p=0.005; r=-0.119), CD19 (p=0.017; r=
      0.102) and CD 16&56 (p=0.029; r=-0.227) but also CD3 (p=0.008; r=-0.114) and CD4
      (p=0.027; r=-0.095) but not between those immune variables and the other coping
      strategies. In this case, a linear regression for distancing explained 10.3% of
      immune variables. CONCLUSION: Every coping strategy has an impact on depression.
      But not in the same way. Ea, pps and pr strategies influence directly the risk of
      depression while distancing influences the immune variables themselves. Knowing
      that those variables impact the risk of depression, distancing has then an
      indirect effect on depression.

PMID- 27663832
TI  - Depression, family and immunity: influence of humoral immunity on family
      relationships and on the severity of depression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous study shows that cellular immunity and family relationships
      are each correlated with the severity of depression and suggests that the psycho
      immunological theory should look at the relation between immunity and family
      life. The aim of the present study based on the same sample is to investigate if
      similar correlations exist with humoral immunity. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: 498
      inpatients with major depressive disorder were enrolled in an open-label trial.
      In addition to a socio- demographic questionnaire, they completed Olsen's FACES
      III and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). We performed a classic blood test, a
      plasma cortisol assay at 8 a.m., 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. and a dexamethasone
      suppression test (Carroll test). Electrophoresis is used for separation and
      quantification of serum proteins. RESULTS: There is no correlation between
      humoral immunity and the severity of depression. We found a correlation between
      cohesion of the family of the origin and beta-globulins (r=-0.147; p=0.016), and
      C4 (r=0.124; p=0.039). Between adaptability of the family of the origin and
      cortisol levels at 8 a.m. (r=0.122; p=0.008). We showed a correlation between
      both C4 (r=-0.263; p=0.000) and beta-globulins (r=-0.148; p=0.013) with CD8.
      There is a correlation between cortisol at 8 a.m. and CD4 (r=-0.095; p=0.033).
      CONCLUSIONS: Humoral immunity has no correlation with depression but has multiple
      interactions with cellular immunity which is correlate with the severity of the
      depression. The psycho-immunological theory is reinforced. It is quite original
      to find correlation between the family functioning and C4 or beta-globulins while
      the link with cortisol strengthens some studies about psychological stress,
      cortisol and immunity. Future studies should examine which kind of family or
      relation are implicated and how the family functioning and immunity could be
      connected.

PMID- 27663833
TI  - Ways of coping and multidimensional health locus of control in hospitalized
      depressed patients admitted through the emergency department or consultations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In a previous study, we compared the family relationships of patients
      hospitalized in a psychiatry unit from either psychiatric consultations or after
      passing emergency room (E.R.). The intensity of depression was statistically
      comparable in both groups. What distinguishes patients transiting emergencies is
      that their families and couples are more cohesive and adaptable. In this study,
      we compare both groups in terms of coping mechanisms and multidimensional health
      locus of control (MHLC). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: All patients (N=2172) with a major
      depressive disorder admitted to our department between 01/01/2010 and 31/12/2012
      are included in an open study. They completed the Beck's Depression Inventory,
      the Olson's Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scale, visual analogue scales of
      stress, the ways of coping checklist, and the MHLC scale. RESULTS: Patients
      admitted through emergencies are found to have less belief in chance (CHLC)
      (t=2.488; p=0.014), distance themselves more from their problems (t=-2.187;
      p=0.03), but reappropriate them less positively (t=2.355; p=0.019) than those
      admitted through consultations. A logistic regression model including variables
      identified in the previous study (adaptability in the original family and the
      couple's lived stress) gives a risk factor (odds ratio) of 14.7 which means that
      a patient who would combine the different risk factors would be 14.7 times more
      likely to go through emergency. CONCLUSIONS: How to explain that depressive
      patients with more favorable factors considered: to believe less in chance,
      distancing from their problems, and having a better family support, are more
      likely to go to the E.R.? We make the suggestion that those factors exactly
      slowed down patients in their care application at first, allowing the depression
      to worsen. It is only once they would have depleted their reserves that they
      would reach the emergency room on their own initiative or encouraged by their
      families, themselves overwhelmed by the situation. Further study should take into
      account the duration of the episode before arrival at the hospital.

PMID- 27663834
TI  - Depression, gender and cellular immunity: influence of gender and severity of
      depression on the cellular immunity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Exposure to stress modifies the humoral and cellular immunity by the
      activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. On one hand, this psycho
      immunological theory allows the analyse of links between immunity and depression.
      On the other hand, the correlation between the immune response, the clinical
      expression in major depressive disorder (MDD) and the gender was proven. Our
      analysis evaluates the influence of the gender and the level of depression
      severity on the cellular immune response associated with it. SUBJECTS AND METHOD:
      549 patients with MDD were enrolled in an open-ended survey. In addition to a
      socio-demographic questionnaire, they completed the Beck Depression Scale (BDS).
      Flow cytometry was used to assess lymphocyte subsets. RESULTS: On average, the
      intensity of the depression (ID) among women is higher by 2.9 points (t=2.379*).
      In terms of immunity, there are correlations between this ID and absolute values
      of CD3 (r=-0.127***), CD4 (r=-0.189***), CD8 (r=0.089*) and CD16 and 56
      (r=0.129*). In terms of gender, there are significant differences for the
      percentage of total lymphocytes (m=37.84, w=35.59; t=2.646***), CD3 (m=2.08,
      w=1.9; t=2.676*), CD4 (m=1.44, w=1.3; t =2.522*), CD8 (m=0.62, w=0.57; t=2.182*).
      A linear regression model including both variables supports the existence of
      these differences in the percentage of total lymphocytes (Adjusted R2=0.025***)
      and CD8 (Adjusted R2=0.012*). CONCLUSIONS: If the link between depression and the
      cellular immune response is a known fact, our study proves that women have a
      stronger immune response than men in terms of percentage of total lymphocytes
      mobilized and cytotoxic lymphocytes. The volume of natural killer lymphocytes is
      independent of the gender but connected to the ID. Based on those results, psycho
      immunological theories could potentially be rethought in the light of immunity
      being at least partially dependent of the gender.

PMID- 27663835
TI  - Towards Process-based Range Modeling of Many Species.
AB  - Understanding and forecasting species' geographic distributions in the face of
      global change is a central priority in biodiversity science. The existing view is
      that one must choose between correlative models for many species versus process
      based models for few species. We suggest that opportunities exist to produce
      process-based range models for many species, by using hierarchical and inverse
      modeling to borrow strength across species, fill data gaps, fuse diverse data
      sets, and model across biological and spatial scales. We review the statistical
      ecology and population and range modeling literature, illustrating these modeling
      strategies in action. A variety of large, coordinated ecological datasets that
      can feed into these modeling solutions already exist, and we highlight organisms
      that seem ripe for the challenge.

PMID- 27663836
TI  - What is a Trophic Cascade?
AB  - Few concepts in ecology have been so influential as that of the trophic cascade.
      Since the 1980s, the term has been a central or major theme of more than 2000
      scientific articles. Despite this importance and widespread usage, basic
      questions remain about what constitutes a trophic cascade. Inconsistent usage of
      language impedes scientific progress and the utility of scientific concepts in
      management and conservation. Herein, we offer a definition of trophic cascade
      that is designed to be both widely applicable yet explicit enough to exclude
      extraneous interactions. We discuss our proposed definition and its implications,
      and define important related terms, thereby providing a common language for
      scientists, policy makers, conservationists, and other stakeholders with an
      interest in trophic cascades.

PMID- 27663837
TI  - Development and validation of a novel single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) panel
      for genetic analysis of Blastomyces spp. and association analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping is increasingly being
      utilized for molecular typing of pathogens and is cost-effective, especially for
      large numbers of isolates. The goals of this study were 1) to develop and
      validate a SNP assay panel for genetic analysis of Blastomyces spp., 2) ascertain
      whether microsatellite genotyping and the SNP genotyping with the developed panel
      resolve identical genetic groups, and 3) explore the utility of SNPs for
      examining phylogenetic and virulence questions in humans. METHODS: Three hundred
      sixty unique Blastomyces spp. isolates previously genotyped with microsatellite
      markers were genotyped with the MassARRAY(r) SNP genotyping system (Agena
      BioscienceTM, San Diego, CA), for a custom panel of 28 SNPs. Clinical
      presentation data was analyzed for association with SNP variants. RESULTS: Three
      hundred twenty-three Blastomyces spp. isolates (90 %) were successfully genotyped
      by SNP analysis, with results obtained for at least 27 of 28 assays. For 99.7 %
      of isolates tested by both genotyping methods, microsatellite genetic group
      assignment correlated with species assignment based on internal transcribed
      spacer 2 (ITS2) genotyping, with Group 1 (Gr 1) being equivalent to B.
      gilchristii and Group 2 (Gr 2) being equivalent to B. dermatitidis. Thirteen
      isolates were genetic hybrids by one or both methods of genotyping and were
      difficult to assign to a particular genetic group or species. Fifteen SNP loci
      showed significantly different alleles in cases of pulmonary vs disseminated
      disease, at a p-value of <0.01 or less. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the largest
      genotyping study of Blastomyces spp. isolates and presents a new method for
      genetic analysis with which to further explore the relationship between the
      genetic diversity in Blastomyces spp. and clinical disease presentation. We
      demonstrated that microsatellite Gr 1 is equivalent to B. gilchristii and Gr 2 is
      equivalent to B. dermatitidis. We also discovered potential evidence of
      infrequent recombination between the two Blastomyces spp. Several Blastomyces
      spp. SNPs were identified as associated with dissemination or pulmonary disease
      presentation, but additional work is needed to examine virulence SNPs separately
      within B. dermatitidis and B. gilchristii.

PMID- 27663838
TI  - Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs): Ancient compounds that represent novel weapons in
      the fight against bacteria.
AB  - Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are short peptidic molecules produced by most
      living creatures. They help unicellular organisms to successfully compete for
      nutrients with other organisms sharing their biological niche, while AMPs form
      part of the immune system of multicellular creatures. Thus, these molecules
      represent biological weapons that have evolved over millions of years as a result
      of an escalating arms race for survival among living organisms. All AMPs share
      common features, such as a small size, with cationic and hydrophobic sequences
      within a linear or cyclic structure. AMPs can inhibit or kill bacteria at
      micromolar concentrations, often by non-specific mechanisms; hence the appearance
      of resistance to these antimicrobials is rare. Moreover, AMPs can kill antibiotic
      resistant bacteria, including insidious microbes such as Acinetobacter baumannii
      and the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. This review gives a detailed
      insight into a selection of the most prominent and interesting AMPs with
      antibacterial activity. In the near future AMPs, due to their properties and
      despite their ancient origin, should represent a novel alternative to antibiotics
      in the struggle to control pathogenic microorganisms and maintain the current
      human life expectancy.

PMID- 27663840
TI  - Identification of a novel canine parvovirus type 2c in Taiwan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Taiwan has been considered free from canine parvovirus type 2c (CPV
      2c) based on the last report of canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) surveillance.
      However, since January 2015, the first report of CPV-2c in a puppy has occurred
      in Taiwan. There is currently limited information about the CPV-2c variant in
      Taiwan. In the present study, we characterized the previously unidentified CPV-2c
      variant and investigated the distribution of CPV-2 variants in Taiwan. METHODS:
      During January 2014 to April 2016, fecal or rectal swab samples from 99 dogs with
      suspected CPV-2 infection in Taiwan were collected. Eighty-eight were identified
      as being either CPV-2a, -2b or -2c variants positive by real-time PCR and
      sequence analysis. RESULTS: Sequence analysis of the 88 isolates confirmed CPV-2c
      as the dominant variant (54.6 %), followed by CPV-2b (26.1 %) and CPV-2a (19.3
      %). Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the recent CPV-2c variants are
      similar to the Chinese CPV-2c strain but can be considered as novel Asian CPV-2c
      isolates. CONCLUSION: The present study provides evidence for the existence of a
      novel CPV-2c variant in Taiwan.

PMID- 27663839
TI  - RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, 3,7-dimethyl-1,6-nonadien-3-ol, CAS
      Registry Number 10339-55-6.
AB  - The use of this material under current conditions is supported by existing
      information. This material was evaluated for genotoxicity, repeated dose
      toxicity, developmental and reproductive toxicity, local respiratory toxicity,
      phototoxicity/photoallergenicity, skin sensitization, as well as environmental
      safety. Data from the suitable read across analog linalool (CAS # 78-70-6) show
      that this material is not genotoxic nor does it have skin sensitization potential
      and also provided a MOE > 100 for the local respiratory endpoint. The repeated
      dose, developmental and reproductive toxicity endpoints were completed using
      nerolidol (isomer unspecified, CAS # 7212-44-4) as a suitable read across analog,
      which provided a MOE > 100. The phototoxicity/photoallergenicity endpoint was
      completed based on suitable UV spectra. The environmental endpoint was completed
      as described in the RIFM Framework.

PMID- 27663841
TI  - Exogenous apelin changes alpha and beta myosin heavy chain mRNA expression and
      improves cardiac function in PTU-induced hypothyroid rats.
AB  - The most important conditions associated with hypothyroidism is the cardiac
      dysfunction. Apelin is an endogenous ligand, involved in energy storage and
      metabolism which improves cardiac contractility. This study was done to evaluate
      the effects of apelin, l-Thyroxin (T4) or a combination of both, on cardiac
      function and mRNA expression of two contractile proteins, alpha and beta myosin
      heavy chain (alpha-MHC and beta-MHC), in 6-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU)-induced
      hypothyroid rats. Forty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into five groups:
      Ctrl (Control), and 4 hypothyroid groups (H, HA, HT, and HAT). The Hypothyroid
      (H) group received 0.05% PTU in the drinking water for six weeks; the next 3
      groups, along with PTU, received apelin (HA, 200MUg/kg/day, ip), T4 (HT,
      20MUg/kg/day, gavage), or a combination of both drugs (HAT) for the last 2weeks
      (weeks 5 and 6). TSH and T4 were measured using ELISA kit. Isolated hearts of
      animals were perfused in Langendorff apparatus and left ventricular developed
      pressure, cardiac contractility, heart rate, rate pressure product and perfusion
      pressure were assessed using PowerLab ADInstruments. In addition alpha-MHC and
      beta-MHC mRNA expression were evaluated by RT-PCR method in heart tissue. Apelin
      alone or accompanied by T4 significantly increased cardiac contractility and
      performance as compared to hypothyroid group. Apelin also significantly increased
      the alpha-MHC mRNA expression and in the presence of T4 significantly decreased
      beta-MHC mRNA expression. It seems that apelin alone may improve cardiac function
      in hypothyroid rats via genomic pathways.

PMID- 27663842
TI  - Anthropic influences on the sedimentation rates of lakes situated in different
      geographic areas.
AB  - The aim of this study is to determine the effects of natural and anthropic events
      occurring in the last 30 years in the catchment areas of four Romanian lakes (St.
      Anna Lake, Red Lake, Varsolt Lake and Matita Lake) originating from four
      different geomorphologic areas. A total of eleven sediment cores have been
      processed for age and sedimentation rate determination using the 210Pb dating
      method. Total 210Pb was measured via alpha spectrometry by 210Po using PIPS
      detectors, while supported 210Pb was measured by 226Ra using HPGe detectors. Ages
      and sedimentation rates were calculated using the CRS model. The values of the
      sedimentation rates have grown multiply in the last three decades: 2.66 times in
      case of the St. Anna Lake (from 0.06 +/- 0.01 g/cm2y to 0.16 +/- 0.02 g/cm2y), up
      to 6.72 times in case of Red Lake (0.36 +/- 0.04 g/cm2y to 2.42 +/- 0.36 g/cm2y),
      4.02 times in case of Varsolt Lake (04 g/cm2y to 1.53 +/- 0.18 g/cm2y) and up to
      16.18 times in case of Matita Lake (0.27 +/- 0.03 g/cm2y to 4.37 +/- 0.32).

PMID- 27663843
TI  - Barriers, enablers and challenges to initiating end-of-life care in an Australian
      intensive care unit context.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients admitted to Australian intensive care units are often
      critically unwell, and present the challenge of increasing mortality due to an
      ageing population. Several of these patients have terminal conditions, requiring
      withdrawal of active treatment and commencement of end-of-life (EOL) care.
      OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to explore the perspectives and experiences
      of physicians and nurses providing EOL care in the ICU. In particular, perceived
      barriers, enablers and challenges to providing EOL care were examined. METHODS:
      An interpretative, qualitative inquiry was selected as the methodological
      approach, with focus groups as the method for data collection. The study was
      conducted in Melbourne, Australia in a 24-bed ICU. Following ethics approval
      intensive care physicians and nurses were recruited to participate. Focus group
      discussions were discipline specific. All focus groups were audio-recorded then
      transcribed for thematic data analysis. RESULTS: Five focus groups were conducted
      with 11 physicians and 17 nurses participating. The themes identified are
      presented as barriers, enablers and challenges. Barriers include conflict between
      the ICU physicians and external medical teams, the availability of education and
      training, and environmental limitations. Enablers include collaboration and
      leadership during transitions of care. Challenges include communication and
      decision making, and expectations of the family. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      emphasised that positive communication, collaboration and culture are vital to
      achieving safe, high quality care at EOL. Greater use of collaborative
      discussions between ICU clinicians is important to facilitate improved decisions
      about EOL care. Such collaborative discussions can assist in preparing patients
      and their families when transitioning from active treatment to initiation of EOL
      care. Another major recommendation is to implement EOL care leaders of nursing
      and medical backgrounds, and patient support coordinators, to encourage
      clinicians to communicate with other clinicians, and with family members about
      plans for EOL care.

PMID- 27663844
TI  - Regulatory Forum Opinion Piece: Review-Toxicological Pathology Profile and
      Regulatory Expectations for Nonclinical Development of Insulins and Insulin
      Analogues.
AB  - The toxicological profile of insulins is exclusively due to exaggerated
      pharmacology resulting in hypoglycemic findings. Insulin analogues displaying
      modifications and aimed at improving pharmacokinetics do not induce different
      toxicity. The main target is the brain displaying neuronal necrosis. Wallerian
      degeneration of nerves occurs rarely after severe hypoglycemia. These findings
      are of potential human relevance; nevertheless, these changes are induced in
      normoglycemic animals whereas diabetic patients suffer from hyperglycemia.
      Therefore, it is usually not difficult to achieve a therapeutic window for
      subsequent use in patients. Based upon this and in the absence of classical
      toxicity, there has been no scientific need for diabetic animal models. A greater
      challenge is the mitogenicity already inherent with regular insulin. Thus, the
      focus for preclinical safety evaluation of analogues is to demonstrate that
      modifications in regular insulin do not result in enhanced mitogenicity. The
      approaches used to assess the mitogenic potential of insulin analogues have
      changed over time driven by scientific progression and changes within the
      regulatory environment. Therefore, in vitro and in vivo evaluation of cell
      proliferation has become common practice, and to date there has been no evidence
      that the mitogenic potential of insulin analogues may be increased compared to
      regular insulin.

PMID- 27663846
TI  - Tofacitinib for the treatment of tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitor refractory
      esophageal Crohn's disease: a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Esophageal Crohn's disease is reported as a rare manifestation,
      although its prevalence may be underestimated because upper endoscopies are not
      routinely performed in asymptomatic adults. Tofacitinib, an oral janus kinase
      inhibitor, is a new biologic that has shown promise in the treatment of
      ulcerative colitis and may be effective in the treatment of Crohn's disease
      according to phase 2 trials. We report the first case of esophageal Crohn's
      disease successfully treated with tofacitinib in a patient with worsening
      symptoms despite maintenance therapy with a tumor necrosis factor-alpha
      inhibitor. CASE PRESENTATION: A 67-year-old Caucasian woman presented with new
      dysphagia and had findings of esophageal Crohn's disease on endoscopy. The dosage
      of her current biologic therapy-adalimumab-was increased in frequency, without
      improvement. Our patient was started on tofacitinib and demonstrated an
      improvement in symptoms, with a repeat endoscopy showing resolution of the
      previous lesions. CONCLUSION: Esophageal Crohn's disease is likely underdiagnosed
      but is an important consideration in a patient with new symptoms of dysphagia and
      known Crohn's disease. Tofacitinib, while a novel agent, could have a role in the
      treatment of esophageal Crohn's disease that does not improve with
      intensification of the current biologic therapy. It provides a different
      mechanism in patients who become refractory to maintenance therapy.

PMID- 27663845
TI  - High muscular fitness has a powerful protective cardiometabolic effect in adults:
      influence of weight status.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Low levels of muscular fitness (MF) are recognized as an important
      marker of nutritional status and a predictor of metabolic complications,
      cardiovascular disease and death, however, the relationship between MF, body mass
      index (BMI) and the subsequent cardiometabolic protective effects has been less
      studied among Latin American populations. This study identified an association
      between MF and the cardiometabolic risk score index (CMRSI) and the lipid
      metabolic cardiovascular risk index (LMCRI) in a wide sample of university
      students grouped according to their BMI. METHODS: Six thousand ninety five
      healthy males (29.6 +/- 11.7 year-old) participated in the study. Absolute
      strength was measured using a T.K.K. analogue dynamometer (handgrip), and the
      participant's strength was then calculated relative to their body mass (MF/BM).
      The LMCRI was derived from the levels of triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein
      cholesterol (LDL-c), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), and glucose
      levels in a blood sample. The CMRSI was calculated by summing the standardized
      residuals (z-score) for waist circumference, total cholesterol, LDL-c,
      triglycerides, HDL-c, and median blood pressure. Subjects were divided into six
      subgroups according to BMI (normal vs. overweight/obese) and MF/BM tertiles
      (unfit, average, fit). RESULTS: The group of participants with low and moderate
      levels of MF/BM showed higher CMRSI values independent of BMI (P < 0.001). The
      group with normal BMI and high MF/BM had the highest levels of cardiometabolic
      protection. All overweight/obese BMI groups had significantly higher LMCRI values
      independent of the level of MF/BM (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Participants with
      high MF/BM showed reduced cardiometabolic risk, which increased significantly
      when they were within normal parameters.

PMID- 27663849
TI  - Application of a framework for the selection of an appropriate occupational
      exposure limit for manganese.
AB  - Occupational exposure limits (OELs) serve as benchmarks for the interpretation of
      workplace exposures within a health risk context. Different organizations derive
      OELs for many chemicals, including manganese. OELs recommended by different
      organizations can vary quantitatively, which can present a challenge to
      occupational hygienists or other risk managers that need to select a value for
      decision-making purposes. In this article, we illustrate the application of a
      previously-developed OEL selection framework to demonstrate the decisions that
      would be required to select the most appropriate OEL for various manganese
      exposure scenarios. The framework helped to identify the need to focus an
      evaluation on three quantitatively similar values-the ACGIH TLV, SCOEL IOELV, and
      DFG MAK. These values were compared with regulatory standards and considered for
      their relevance and reliability. The OEL selection framework was a useful tool in
      guiding the selection process for manganese OELs.

PMID- 27663848
TI  - Structure-activity relationship for the anticonvulsant effects of organic
      solvents.
AB  - Several organic solvents have anticonvulsant or convulsant actions depending on
      the dose and exposure time. To study if there is a structure-activity
      relationship for organic solvents as anticonvulsant agents we subjected
      independent groups of mice to a single 30-min exposure session to inhale n
      hexane, cyclohexane, benzene (8000ppm each), toluene (500-6000ppm), m-xylene
      (1000-6000ppm), ethylbenzene (500-4000ppm) or propylbenzene (500-4000ppm).
      Immediately after, animals were injected i.p. with 90mg/kg pentylenetetrazol
      (PTZ) and re-exposed to the same solvent for another 30min. During this time, the
      occurrence of seizures and death was recorded. n-Hexane and cyclohexane had no
      anticonvulsant effect. Benzene and alkylbenzenes delayed the onset of PTZ-induced
      seizures. In addition, all four alkylbenzenes decreased the number of animals
      that seized. Propylbenzene and ethylbenzene were equally effective, but more
      potent than toluene and m-xylene to block PTZ actions. In the second part of the
      study we exposed independent groups of mice to 8000ppm n-hexane, cyclohexane
      (solvents without effect in the PTZ experiment), 8000ppm benzene or 6000ppm
      toluene, m-xylene, ethylbenzene or propylbenzene following the same experimental
      protocol (i.e. 30-min exposure, injection, 30-min re-exposure), but using
      120mg/kg NMDA as the convulsant agent. All aromatic compounds prevented NMDA
      lethal effects, but only benzene and toluene decreased the percentage of animals
      that seized. Taken together, our data suggest that the benzene ring alone or
      substituted with alkyl groups is necessary for the anticonvulsant effect of acute
      solvent exposure against seizures and/or death produced by PTZ or NMDA.

PMID- 27663850
TI  - Adult lead exposure increases blood-retinal permeability: A risk factor for
      retinal vascular disease.
AB  - Low-to-moderate level developmental and adult lead exposure produces retinal
      dysfunction and/or degeneration in humans and experimental animals. Although high
      level in vivo or in vitro lead disrupts blood-brain-barrier tight junctions and
      increases its permeability, the blood-retinal-barrier (BRB) has not been
      examined. There were four overall goals. First, generate environmentally relevant
      dose-response models of short-term lead exposure in adult rats. Second, assess
      retinal histology and functional integrity of the BRB. Third, investigate the
      transmembrane proteins occludin and claudin-5 as targets mediating the increased
      BRB permeability. Fourth, examine the contribution of the PI3K-Akt signaling
      pathway as a mechanism underlying increased BRB permeability. Young adult rats
      were given water, 0.01% or 0.02% lead drinking solutions for six weeks. In
      control, 0.01% and 0.02% groups the six week mean blood [Pb] were 1, 12.5 and
      19MUg/dl, respectively. We employed histology, stereology, quantitative image
      analysis, immunoblots and densitometry, and pharmacology techniques. Major
      findings were that adult lead exposure produced dose-dependent 1) decreases in
      outer and inner nuclear layer thickness, 2) increases in BRB permeability, 3)
      decreases in occludin and claudin-5 expression, 4) increases in pAkt (Ser473),
      but not pAkt (Thr308), expression, and 5) wortmannin partially or completely
      blocked the increased BRB permeability and changes in protein expression. These
      results indicate that lead-induced increases in PI3K-Akt signaling partially
      underlie the increased BRB permeability and advance our knowledge about lead
      induced retinotoxicity. Furthermore, they suggest that environmental and
      occupational lead exposures are risk factors for increased BRB permeability in
      diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetes and stroke.

PMID- 27663851
TI  - Changes in mental state and behaviour in Huntington's disease.
AB  - Changes in mental state and behaviour have been acknowledged in Huntington's
      disease since the original monograph in 1872 provided evidence of disinhibition
      and impaired social cognition. Behavioural problems can manifest before obvious
      motor symptoms and are frequently the most disabling part of the illness.
      Although pharmacological treatments are used routinely for psychiatric
      difficulties in Huntington's disease, the scientific evidence base for their use
      is somewhat sparse. Moreover, effective treatments for apathy and cognitive
      decline do not currently exist. Understanding the social cognitive impairments
      associated with Huntington's disease can assist management, but related
      therapeutic interventions are needed. Future research should aim to design rating
      scales for behaviour and mental state in Huntington's disease that can detect
      change in clinical trials. Generally, communication and understanding of
      behaviour and mental state in Huntington's would be enhanced by a clear
      conceptual framework that unifies ideas around movement, cognition, emotion,
      behaviour, and mental state, reflecting both the experience of the patient and
      their underlying neuropathology.

PMID- 27663847
TI  - Acute exposure to a Mn/Zn ethylene-bis-dithiocarbamate fungicide leads to
      mitochondrial dysfunction and increased reactive oxygen species production in
      Caenorhabditis elegans.
AB  - Mn/Zn ethylene-bis-dithiocarbamate (Mn/Zn-EBDC) fungicides are among some the
      most widely-used fungicides in the world. Although they have been available for
      over 50 years, little is known about their mechanism of action in fungi, or their
      potentially toxic mechanisms in humans. To determine if exposure of
      Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) to a representative fungicide (Manzate; MZ)
      from this group inhibits mitochondria or produces reactive oxygen species (ROS),
      we acutely (30min) exposed worms to various MZ concentrations. Initial oxygen
      consumption studies showed an overall statistically significant decrease in
      oxygen consumption associated with addition of Complex I- and/or II-substrate in
      treatment groups compared to controls (*p<0.05). In order to better characterize
      the individual complex activity, further studies were completed that specifically
      assessed Complex II or Complex IV. Data indicated that neither of these two
      complexes were targets of MZ treatment. Results from tetramethylrhodamine ethyl
      ester (proton gradient) and ATP assays showed statistically significant
      reductions in both endpoints (*p<0.05, **p<0.01, respectively). Additional
      studies were completed to determine if MZ treatment also resulted in increased
      ROS production. These assays provided evidence that hydrogen peroxide, but not
      superoxide or hydroxyl radical levels were statistically significantly increased
      (*p<0.05). Taken together, these data indicate exposure of C. elegans to MZ
      concentrations to which humans are exposed leads to mitochondrial inhibition and
      concomitant hydrogen peroxide production. Since mitochondrial inhibition and
      increased ROS are associated with numerous neurodegenerative diseases, we suggest
      further studies to determine if MZ catalyzes similar toxic processes in mammals.

PMID- 27663852
TI  - Over-passage of epithelioma papulosum cyprini (EPC) cells increased viral
      hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) replication.
AB  - Vaccines based on inactivated or attenuated viruses can be a way to prevent viral
      hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) disease, and the efficiency of viral
      production is a critical factor that can determine the practical use of developed
      vaccines in aquaculture farms. To know the effects of epithelioma papulosum
      cyprini (EPC) cells over-subculture on VHSV replication, the VHSV titer produced
      from high-passage EPC cells (subcultured more than 200 times in our laboratory)
      was compared to the titer produced from low-passage EPC cells (subcultured 5-15
      times). Furthermore, to know whether immune factors are involved in VHSV titers,
      differences not only in the expression of Mx1 and ISG15 genes but also in the
      apoptosis progression by VHSV infection between high- and low-passage EPC cells
      were analyzed. The VHSV titers from high-passage EPC cells were significantly
      higher than titers from low-passage EPC cells, suggesting that the changed
      properties of EPC cells by over-subculture were favorable for VHSV proliferation.
      The DNA laddering of high-passage EPC cells by VHSV infection took a longer time
      than that of low-passage EPC cells, suggesting that over-subculture might delay
      apoptosis in VHSV infected EPC cells, and the delay of apoptosis by over
      subculture can be thought as one of the factors that increased VHSV titers in
      high-passage EPC cells. The increased folds of Mx1 and ISG15 genes in high
      passage EPC cells were significantly lower than those in low-passage EPC cells
      when exposed to either poly (I:C) or VHSV. However, the expression levels of Mx1
      and ISG15 genes of high-passage EPC cells that were not stimulated with poly I:C
      or VHSV were almost equal to or higher than the expression levels of low-passage
      EPC cells that were exposed to poly (I:C) or VHSV. This result suggests that high
      passage EPC cells were already in an excited state in type I interferon responses
      without any stimulants. The full open reading frame (ORF) sequences of Mx1 gene
      between high- and low-passage EPC cells were completely same. However, there were
      some differences in the amino acids sequences of ISG15 gene between high- and low
      passage EPC cells, suggesting that ISG15-mediated pathways might be different
      between high- and low-passage EPC cells, which might influence on the replication
      of VHSV. The present results showed that the changed properties of EPC cells by
      over-subculture were favorable for VHSV proliferation.

PMID- 27663853
TI  - Live recombinant Lactococcus lactis vaccine expressing immobilization antigen (i
      Ag) for protection against Ichthyophthirius multifiliis in goldfish.
AB  - The parasite Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ich) has been reported in various
      freshwater fishes worldwide and results in severe losses to both food and
      aquarium fish production. Lactobacillus strains have a number of properties that
      make them attractive candidates as delivery vehicles for the presentation to the
      mucosa of compounds with pharmaceutical interest, in particular vaccines. Here,
      the present study was conducted to evaluate a live recombinant Lactococcus lactis
      vaccine expressing immobilization antigen (IAG-52X) in protection against I.
      multifiliis. A 1266 bp gene fragment containing a potential antigenic epitope of
      the 48 kDa immobilization antigen of I. multifiliis was assembled from six
      synthetic ohgonucleotides and cloned into pSIP409 and electrotransformed into
      Lactobacillus plantarum NC8. The recombinant vaccine candidate was then orally
      fed into goldfish. The expression of immune-related genes: complement component 3
      (C3), MHC I, IgM gene in blood from goldfish at different time points after
      immunization were evaluated. Immunized fish were than challenged with a lethal
      dose of infectious I. multifiliis. The cumulative mortality and relative
      percentage survival (RPS) were also determined. Our results showed that the
      antibody level in the blood and skin of the immunized fish was statistically
      significant (P < 0.05) in relation to the control groups. Goldfish orally
      immunized with NC8-pSIP409- IAG-52X had high serum antibody titers that ranged
      from 32 to 256 after 28d post immunization, while fish fed with NC8-pSIP409 or
      PBS had no detectable immobilizing antibody response. Expression of IgM, C3, MHC
      I genes in the group immunized with IAG-52X were significantly (P < 0.05) up
      regulated as compared with control group, indicating that different immune cells
      were actively involved in cellular immune response. The results showed that the
      average survival rate of fish orally immunized with 108 and 106NC8-pSIP409-IAG
      52X was 60% and 50% respectively. Therefore, NC8-pSIP409-IAG-52X could become a
      promising oral vaccine candidate against I. multifiliis.

PMID- 27663854
TI  - Characterization of a hemocyte homeostasis-associated-like protein (HHAP) in the
      freshwater crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus.
AB  - Hemocyte homeostasis-associated-like protein (HHAP) in the freshwater crayfish
      Pacifastacus leniusculus has a distinct role from that of its homolog PmHHAP in
      the shrimp Penaeus monodon. Knockdown of PlHHAP in vitro using double-stranded
      RNA (dsRNA) had no effect on the cell morphology of hematopoietic tissue (HPT)
      cells. The total hemocyte number and caspase activity were unchanged after PlHHAP
      knockdown in vivo, in contrast to the results found in shrimp. Moreover,
      suppression of PlHHAP both in vitro and in vivo did not change the mRNA levels of
      some genes involved in hematopoiesis and hemocyte homeostasis. Interestingly,
      bacterial count and scanning electron microscope revealed that depletion of
      PlHHAP in intestine by RNAi resulted in higher number of bacteria in the crayfish
      intestine. Together, these results suggest that PlHHAP is not involved in
      hemocyte homeostasis in the crayfish P. leniusculus but appears to affect the
      bacterial number in the intestine through an unknown mechanism. Since PlHHAP has
      different functions from PmHHAP, we therefore named it HHAP-like protein.

PMID- 27663855
TI  - Most mild chronic kidney disease is benign, GP study finds.

PMID- 27663856
TI  - Rapid screening for antibiotic resistance elements on the RNA transcript, protein
      and enzymatic activity level.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The emerging threat posed by antibiotic resistance has affected
      public health systems all over the world. Surveillance of resistant bacteria in
      clinical settings and identifying them in mixed cultures is of paramount
      importance and can contribute to the control of their spreading. Culture
      independent monitoring approaches are highly desirable, since they yield results
      much faster than traditional susceptibility testing. However, many rapid
      molecular methods like PCR only detect the sole presence of a potential
      resistance gene, do not provide information regarding efficient transcription,
      expression and functionality and, in addition, cannot assign resistance genes to
      species level in mixed cultures. METHODS: By using plasmid-encoded TEM beta
      lactamase mediated ampicillin resistances as a proof of principle system, we (1)
      developed a fluorescence in situ hybridization-test (FISH) capable to detect the
      respective mRNAs, (2) implemented an immunofluorescence test to identify the
      corresponding proteins and (3) compared these two microscopic tests with an
      established colorimetric nitrocefin assay to assess the enzymatic activity.
      RESULTS: All three methods proved to be suitable for the testing of antibiotic
      resistance, but only FISH and immunofluorescence were able to differentiate
      between susceptible and resistant bacteria on the single cell level and can be
      combined with simultaneous species identification. CONCLUSIONS: Fluorescence in
      situ hybridization and immunofluorescence tests are promising techniques in
      susceptibility testing since they bridge the gap between the slow, but accurate
      and sound cultural methods and molecular detection methods like PCR with much
      less functional relevance.

PMID- 27663857
TI  - [The most important current guideline recommendations on the topic urolithiasis :
      A brief comparison].
AB  - For the development of patient-specific therapies the guidelines offer the
      physician a valuable catalogue of possible treatment options. They are based on
      the current level of knowledge and urological research, but also let some space
      for individual treatment at the same time. In this article, the current
      guidelines of several urological associations on the topic of urolithiasis
      regarding recommendations are described and the differences are highlighted.

PMID- 27663858
TI  - Can transcutaneous near infrared spectroscopy detect severe hepatic ischemia: a
      juvenile porcine model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vascular complications following pediatric liver transplantation
      occur in 8-10% of cases, and no continuous, non-invasive monitoring for this
      problem exists. Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) allows non-invasive,
      continuous, transcutaneous assessment of hemoglobin oxygenation (StO2 ) 1-4 cm
      below the skin surface. AIMS: We hypothesized that transcutaneous NIRS would be
      able to detect severe hepatic ischemia, and tested this in an animal model using
      15-20 kg and 5-7 kg juvenile pigs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Direct liver surface
      and transcutaneous hepatic tissue hemoglobin oxygen saturation (StO2 ) were
      measured during occlusions of the hepatic artery and portal vein. Changes in
      hepatic delivery of oxygen (HepDO2 ) were calculated for each ischemic challenge
      and compared to changes in direct liver surface (DirHepStO2 ) and transcutaneous
      liver StO2 measurements (CutHepStO2 ). RESULTS: In the 15-20 kg animals during
      complete occlusion, CutHepStO2 decreased by 6.0(+/-4.9)%, whilst DirHepStO2
      decreased by 83.7(+/-7.2)%. In the 5-7 kg animals during complete occlusion,
      CutHepStO2 decreased by 27.4(+/-8.5)%, whilst DirHepStO2 decreased by 82.8(+/
      4.6)%. CONCLUSION: Transcutaneous hepatic StO2 monitoring cannot reliably detect
      severe hepatic ischemia in a juvenile porcine model, although a stronger and
      potentially useful signal is seen in 5-7 kg pigs. Trials of this technology
      should be currently restricted to situations where the organ is less than 1 cm
      from the skin surface, corresponding to infants of <10 kg.

PMID- 27663859
TI  - Simulation Modeling to Interpret the Captures of Moths in Pheromone-Baited Traps
      Used for Surveillance of Invasive Species: the Gypsy Moth as a Model Case.
AB  - When pheromone traps are used for detection of an invasive pest and then
      delimitation of its distribution, an unresolved issue is the interpretation of
      failure to capture any target insects. Is a population present but not detected,
      a so-called false negative? Using the gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) as an
      exemplar, we modeled the probability of males being captured in traps deployed at
      densities typical for surveillance (1 per 2.6 km2 or 1 per mi2) and delimitation
      (up to 49 per 2.6 km2). The simulations used a dynamic wind model generating a
      turbulent plume structure and varying wind direction, and a behavior model based
      on the documented maneuvers of gypsy moths during plume acquisition and along
      plume navigation. Several strategies of plume acquisition using Correlated Random
      Walks were compared to ensure that the generated dispersions over three days were
      not either overly clumped or ranged many km. Virtual moths were released into
      virtual space with patterns mimicking prior releases of gypsy moth males in
      Massachusetts at varying distance from a baited trap. In general, capture rates
      of virtual and real moths at varying trap densities were similar. One application
      of this approach was to estimate through bootstrapping the probabilities of not
      detecting populations having densities ranging from 1 to 100 moths per 2.6 km2
      and using traps that varied from 25 to 100 % in their efficiencies of capture.
      Low-level populations (e.g., 20-30 per 2.6 km2) often were not detected with one
      trap per 2.6 km2, especially when traps had low efficiencies.

PMID- 27663861
TI  - Lipid raft-associated stomatin enhances cell fusion.
AB  - Membrane fusions that occur during vesicle transport, virus infection, and tissue
      development, involve receptors that mediate membrane contact and initiate fusion
      and effectors that execute membrane reorganization and fusion pore formation.
      Some of these fusogenic receptors/effectors are preferentially recruited to lipid
      raft membrane microdomains. Therefore, major constituents of lipid rafts, such as
      stomatin, may be involved in the regulation of cell-cell fusion. Stomatin
      produced in cells can be released to the extracellular environment, either
      through protein refolding to pass across lipid bilayer or through exosome
      trafficking. We report that cells expressing more stomatin or exposed to
      exogenous stomatin are more prone to undergoing cell fusion. During
      osteoclastogenesis, depletion of stomatin inhibited cell fusion but had little
      effect on tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase production. Moreover, in stomatin
      transgenic mice, increased cell fusion leading to enhanced bone resorption and
      subsequent osteoporosis were observed. With its unique molecular topology,
      stomatin forms molecular assembly within lipid rafts or on the appositional
      plasma membranes, and promotes membrane fusion by modulating fusogenic protein
      engagement.-Lee, J.-H., Hsieh, C.-F., Liu, H.-W., Chen, C.-Y., Wu, S.-C., Chen,
      T.-W., Hsu, C.-S., Liao, Y.-H., Yang, C.-Y., Shyu, J.-F., Fischer, W. B., Lin, C.
      H. Lipid raft-associated stomatin enhances cell fusion.

PMID- 27663863
TI  - Bird brains: Does absolute size matter?
AB  - Kabadayi, Taylor, von Bayern, and Osvath (2016, Royal Society Open Science, 3,
      160104) recently showed that among birds, absolute brain size predicts
      performance on a motor self-control task thought to be important for cognition.
      However, birds performed at an equivalent level to much larger-brained primates,
      opening up the debate about brain size and cognition.

PMID- 27663860
TI  - Role of angiotensin II type 1a receptor in renal injury induced by
      deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt hypertension.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the in vivo role of angiotensin II type
      1a (AT1a) receptor in renal damage as a result of hypertension by using
      transgenic mice with AT1a receptor gene disruption. Transgenic mice that express
      human liver-type fatty acid binding protein (L-FABP) with or without disruption
      of the AT1a receptor gene (L-FABP+/- AT1a-/-, and L-FABP+/- AT1a+/+,
      respectively) were used with urinary L-FABP as an indicator of tubulointerstitial
      damage. Those female mice were administered subcutaneously deoxycorticosterone
      acetate (DOCA)-salt tablets plus drinking water that contained 1% saline for 28 d
      after uninephrectomy. In L-FABP+/- AT1a+/+ mice that received DOCA-salt
      treatment, hypertension was induced and slight expansion of glomerular area,
      glomerular sclerosis, and tubulointerstitial damage were observed. In L-FABP+/-
      AT1a-/- mice that received DOCA-salt treatment, hypertension was similarly
      induced and the degree of glomerular damage was significantly more severe than in
      L-FABP+/- AT1a+/+-DOCA mice. Urinary L-FABP levels were significantly higher in L
      FABP+/- AT1a-/--DOCA mice compared with those in L-FABP+/- AT1a+/+-DOCA mice.
      Hydralazine treatment significantly attenuated renal damage that was found in L
      FABP+/- AT1a-/--DOCA mice along with a reduction in blood pressure. In summary,
      activation of the AT1a receptor may contribute to maintenance of the glomerular
      structure against hypertensive renal damage.-Hisamichi, M., Kamijo-Ikemori, A.,
      Sugaya, T., Ichikawa, D., Natsuki, T., Hoshino, S., Kimura, K., Shibagaki, Y.
      Role of angiotensin II type 1a receptor in renal injury induced by
      deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt hypertension.

PMID- 27663862
TI  - Prediction of the efficacy of immunotherapy by measuring the integrity of cell
      free DNA in plasma in colorectal cancer.
AB  - We previously reported a phase II study of a cancer vaccine using five novel
      peptides recognized by HLA-A*2402-restricted CTL in combination with oxaliplatin
      containing chemotherapy (FXV study) as first-line therapy for patients with
      metastatic colorectal cancer and demonstrated the safety and promising potential
      of our five-peptide cocktail. The objective of this analysis was to identify
      predictive biomarkers for identifying patients who are likely to receive a
      clinical benefit from immunochemotherapy. Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in
      plasma has been reported to be a candidate molecular biomarker for the efficacy
      of anticancer therapy. Unlike uniformly truncated small-sized DNA released from
      apoptotic normal cells, DNA released from necrotic cancer cells varies in size.
      The integrity of plasma cfDNA (i.e. the ratio of longer fragments [400 bp] to
      shorter fragments [100 bp] of cfDNA), may be clinically useful for detecting
      colorectal cancer progression. We assessed plasma samples collected from 93
      patients prior to receiving immunochemotherapy. The cfDNA levels and integrity
      were analyzed by semi-quantitative real-time PCR. Progression-free survival was
      significantly better in patients with a low plasma cfDNA integrity value than in
      those with a high value (P = 0.0027). Surprisingly, in the HLA-A*2402-matched
      group, patients with a low plasma cfDNA integrity value had significantly better
      progression-free survival than those with a high value (P = 0.0015). This
      difference was not observed in the HLA-A*2402-unmatched group. In conclusion, the
      integrity of plasma cfDNA may provide important clinical information and may be a
      useful predictive biomarker of the outcome of immunotherapy in metastatic
      colorectal cancer.

PMID- 27663864
TI  - Part I--Comparing Noncancer Chronic Human Health Reference Values: An Analysis of
      Science Policy Choices.
AB  - The goal of this study was to systematically evaluate the choices made in
      deriving a chronic oral noncancer human health reference value (HHRV) for a given
      chemical by different organizations, specifically those from the U.S.
      Environmental Protection Agency, Health Canada, RIVM (the Netherlands), and the
      U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. This analysis presents a
      methodological approach for comparing both the HHRVs and the specific choices
      made in the process of deriving an HHRV across these organizations. Overall,
      across the 96 unique chemicals and 171 two-way organizational comparisons, the
      HHRV agreed approximately 26% of the time. A qualitative method for identifying
      the primary factors influencing these HHRV differences was also developed, using
      arrays of HHRVs across organizations for the same chemical. The primary factors
      identified were disagreement on the critical or principal study and differential
      application of the total uncertainty factor across organizations. Of the cases
      where the total UF was the primary factor influencing HHRV disagreement, the
      database UF had the greatest influence.

PMID- 27663865
TI  - Visual information about object size and object position are retained differently
      in the visual brain: Evidence from grasping studies.
AB  - Many experiments have examined how the visual information used for action control
      is represented in our brain, and whether or not visually-guided and memory-guided
      hand movements rely on dissociable visual representations that are processed in
      different brain areas (dorsal vs. ventral). However, little is known about how
      these representations decay over longer time periods and whether or not different
      visual properties are retained in a similar fashion. In three experiments we
      investigated how information about object size and object position affect
      grasping as visual memory demands increase. We found that position information
      decayed rapidly with increasing delays between viewing the object and initiating
      subsequent actions - impacting both the accuracy of the transport component
      (lower end-point accuracy) and the grasp component (larger grip apertures) of the
      movement. In contrast, grip apertures and fingertip forces remained well-adjusted
      to target size in conditions in which positional information was either
      irrelevant or provided, regardless of delay, indicating that object size is
      encoded in a more stable manner than object position. The findings provide
      evidence that different grasp-relevant properties are encoded differently by the
      visual system. Furthermore, we argue that caution is required when making
      inferences about object size representations based on alterations in the grip
      component as these variations are confounded with the accuracy with which object
      position is represented. Instead fingertip forces seem to provide a reliable and
      confound-free measure to assess internal size estimations in conditions of
      increased visual uncertainty.

PMID- 27663866
TI  - Upregulated microRNA-224 promotes ovarian cancer cell proliferation by targeting
      KLLN.
AB  - Human epithelial ovarian cancer is a complex disease, with low 5-yr survival rate
      largely due to the terminal stage at diagnosis in most patients. MicroRNAs play
      critical roles during epithelial ovarian cancer progression in vivo and have also
      been shown to regulate characteristic of ovarian cancer cell line in vitro.
      Alterative microRNA-224 (microRNA-224) expression affects human epithelial
      ovarian cancer cell survival, apoptosis, and metastasis. However, people know
      little about the effects of microRNA-224 on epithelial ovarian cancer cell
      proliferation. In the current study, we found that the microRNA-224 expression
      level of human syngeneic epithelial ovarian cancer cells HO8910 (low metastatic
      ability) was lower than that of HO8910PM (high metastatic ability). Furthermore,
      microRNA-224 was confirmed to target KLLN in HO8910 and HO8910PM. The known KLLN
      downstream target cyclin A was regulated by microRNA-224 in HO8910 and HO8910PM.
      In addition, overexpression of microRNA-224 enhanced the proliferation abilities
      of HO8910 and knockdown of microRNA-224 suppressed the proliferation abilities of
      HO8910PM by KLLN-cyclin A pathway. Our results provide new data about microRNAs
      and their targets involved in proliferation of epithelial ovarian cancer cells by
      modulating the downstream signaling.

PMID- 27663867
TI  - A neural marker of medical visual expertise: implications for training.
AB  - Researchers have identified a component of the EEG that discriminates visual
      experts from novices. The marker indexes a comprehensive model of visual
      processing, and if it is apparent in physicians, it could be used to investigate
      the development and training of their visual expertise. The purpose of this study
      was to determine whether a neural marker of visual expertise-the enhanced N170
      event-related potential-is apparent in the EEGs of physicians as they interpret
      diagnostic images. We conducted a controlled trial with 10 cardiologists and 9
      pulmonologists. Each participant completed 520 trials of a standard visual
      processing task involving the rapid evaluation of EKGs and CXRs-indicating-lung
      disease. Ostensibly, each participant is expert with one type of image and
      competent with the other. We collected behavioral data on the participants'
      expertise with EKGs and CXRs and electrophysiological data on the magnitude,
      latency, and scalp location of their N170 ERPs as they interpreted the two types
      of images. Cardiologists demonstrated significantly more expertise with EKGs than
      CXRs, and this was reflected in an increased amplitude of their N170 ERPs while
      reading EKGs compared to CXRs. Pulmonologists demonstrated equal expertise with
      both types of images, and this was reflected in equal N170 ERP amplitudes for
      EKGs and CXRs. The results suggest provisionally that visual expertise has a
      similar substrate in medical practice as it does in other domains that have been
      studied extensively. This provides support for applying a sophisticated body of
      literature to questions about training and assessment of visual expertise among
      physicians.

PMID- 27663869
TI  - Thermophoresis of cyclic oligosaccharides in polar solvents.
AB  - Cyclodextrins are cyclic oligosaccharides which are interesting as drug delivery
      systems, because they can be used as containers for pharmaceutical substances. We
      studied the Ludwig-Soret effect of [Formula: see text]-, [Formula: see text]-,
      [Formula: see text]- and methyl-[Formula: see text]-cyclodextrin in water and
      formamide by infrared thermal diffusion forced Rayleigh scattering (IR-TDFRS). In
      water the Soret coefficient, S T, of [Formula: see text]-, [Formula: see text]-
      and [Formula: see text]-cyclodextrin increases with increasing temperature and
      shows a sign change from negative to positive around T = 35  degrees  C, while S
      T of methyl-[Formula: see text]-cyclodextrin is positive in the entire
      investigated temperature. In formamide S T-values of all cyclodextrins coincide
      and show a slight decrease with temperature. We discuss the obtained results and
      relate the S T-values to the different hydrogen bonding capabilities of the
      cyclodextrins and the used solvents. It turns out that the change of S T with
      temperature correlates with the partition coefficient, logP, which indicates that
      more hydrophilic substances show a more pronounced temperature sensitivity of S
      T. Additionally we obtained a surprising result measuring the refractive index
      contrast factor with temperature, [Formula: see text] of cyclodextrins in
      formamide, which might be explained by a complex formation between cyclodextrins
      and formamide.

PMID- 27663870
TI  - Flexible helical yarn swimmers.
AB  - We investigate the motion of a flexible Stokesian flagellar swimmer realised as a
      yarn made of two intertwined elastomer fibres, one active, that can reversibly
      change its length in response to a local excitation causing transition to the
      nematic state or swelling, and the other one, a passive isotropic elastomer with
      identical mechanical properties. A propagating chemical wave may provide an
      excitation mechanism ensuring a constant length of the excited region. Generally,
      the swimmer moves along a helical trajectory, and the propagation and rotation
      velocity are very sensitive to the ratio of the excited region to the pitch of
      the yarn, as well as to the size of a carried load. External excitation by a
      moving actuating beam is less effective, unless the direction of the beam is
      adjusted to rotation of the swimmer.

PMID- 27663868
TI  - Creation of a Virtual Anatomy System based on Chinese Visible Human data sets.
AB  - PURPOSE: Human anatomy learning confronts many difficulties, including the lack
      of anatomical specimens and limitations in anatomical dissection techniques that
      can destroy and change the shape and position of anatomic structures. A Virtual
      Anatomy System can help to overcome these difficulties. METHODS: Based on the
      high-resolution thin-sectional anatomical images of the Chinese Visible Human
      data set, we created a Virtual Anatomical System, including nearly all male and
      female anatomical structures. RESULTS: With this system, medical students can
      freely observe the detailed anatomical information of the coronal, sagittal, and
      transverse sections through a 3D-reconstructed realistic model on a personal
      computer in the local network. CONCLUSIONS: This Virtual Anatomy System is an
      easy and direct way for students to learn and understand the shape and the
      relationship of anatomic structures, which can also make the anatomy learning
      more interesting. Furthermore, it can help students synthetically master the
      anatomical knowledge.

PMID- 27663871
TI  - Shared decision-making in multiple sclerosis.
AB  - In a healthcare environment that is trying to achieve better clinical outcomes
      and patient satisfaction, shared decision-making is a well-established concept
      that is gaining more interest. Multiple sclerosis is a preference-sensitive
      condition and provides the opportunity to implement decision aids at various
      decision points in the disease process. Literature about patient education and
      outcomes of shared decision aids in multiple sclerosis has been growing over the
      last decade. In this topical review, we present an overview of the current
      literature on shared decision-making in multiple sclerosis. While limitations to
      the generalizability and applicability of decision aids exist, there is evidence
      that decision aids and shared decision-making can be valuable tools in the
      clinical care of multiple sclerosis patients.

PMID- 27663872
TI  - Negative interaction between smoking and EBV in the risk of multiple sclerosis:
      The EnvIMS study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Results from previous studies on a possible interaction between
      smoking and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) are
      conflicting. OBJECTIVES: To examine the interaction between smoking and
      infectious mononucleosis (IM) in the risk of MS. METHODS: Within the case-control
      study on Environmental Factors In Multiple Sclerosis (EnvIMS), 1904 MS patients
      and 3694 population-based frequency-matched healthy controls from Norway, Italy,
      and Sweden reported on prior exposure to smoking and history of IM. We examined
      the interaction between the two exposures on the additive and multiplicative
      scale. RESULTS: Smoking and IM were each found to be associated with an increased
      MS risk in all three countries, and there was a negative multiplicative
      interaction between the two exposures in each country separately as well as in
      the pooled analysis ( p = 0.001). Among those who reported IM, there was no
      increased risk associated with smoking (odds ratio (OR): 0.95, 95% confidence
      interval (CI): 0.66-1.37). The direction of the estimated interactions on the
      additive scale was consistent with a negative interaction in all three countries
      (relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI): -0.98, 95% CI: -2.05-0.15, p =
      0.09). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate competing antagonism, where the two
      exposures compete to affect the outcome.

PMID- 27663873
TI  - Is Langerhans cell histiocytosis a neoplasia?

PMID- 27663875
TI  - Exposure to toxicants in soil and bottom ash deposits in Agbogbloshie, Ghana:
      human health risk assessment.
AB  - Recycling of e-waste using informal or crude techniques poses serious health risk
      not only to the workers but also to the environment as whole. It is against this
      background that this paper sought to measure health risk faced by informal e
      waste workers from exposure to toxicants such as lead, cadmium, chromium, copper,
      arsenic, tin, zinc and cobalt via oral and dermal contact with bottom ash and
      soil. Using random sampling techniques, 3 separate sites each (where burning and
      manual dismantling of e-wastes are usually carried) were identified, and a total
      of 402 samples were collected. The samples were analysed using standard methods
      for chemical analysis prescribed by the American Water Works Association (AWWA).
      Concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, As, Sn, Zn and Co in bottom ash samples from
      location ASH1 are 5388 +/- 0.02 mg/kg (Pb), 2.39 +/- 0.01 mg/kg (Cd), 42 +/- 0.05
      mg/kg (Cr), 7940 +/- 0.01 mg/kg (Cu), 20 +/- 0.07 mg/kg (As), 225 +/- 0.04 mg/kg
      (Sn), 276 +/- 0.04 mg/kg (Zn) and 123 +/- 0.04 mg/kg (Co), while concentrations
      of the aforementioned toxicants in soil samples at location ASG1 are as follows:
      1685 +/- 0.14 mg/kg (Pb), 26.89 +/- 0.30 mg/kg (Cd), 36.86 +/- 0.02 mg/kg (Cr),
      1427 +/- 0.08 mg/kg (Cu), 1622 +/- 0.12 mg/kg (As), 234 +/- 0.25 mg/kg (Sn), 783
      +/- 0.31 mg/kg (Zn) and 135 +/- 0.01 mg/kg (Co); used as input parameters in
      assessing health risk faced by workers. The results of cancer health risk faced
      by e-waste workers due to accidental ingestion of As in bottom ash at ASH1 is 4.3
      * 10-3 (CTE) and 6.5 * 10-2 (RME), i.e. approximately 4 out of 1000 e-waste
      workers are likely to suffer from cancer-related diseases via central tendency
      exposure (CTE parameters), and 7 out of every 100 e-waste worker is also likely
      to suffer from cancer cases by reasonable maximum exposure (RME) parameters,
      respectively. The cancer health risk results for the other sampling sites were
      found to have exceeded the acceptable USEPA cancer risk value of 1 * 10-4 to 1 *
      10-6 (i.e. 1 case of cancer per every 10,000 people to 1 case of cancer per every
      1,000,000 people). The non-cancer health risk results for all the toxicants were
      higher in all the locations for both adult and children working the e-waste site.
      From the findings of this study, the government of Ghana has to immediately put
      in place policies that would address the safety of the e-waste workers as well as
      protect the environment.

PMID- 27663874
TI  - Relationships for mercury and selenium in muscle and ova of gravid freshwater
      fish.
AB  - At high concentrations, mercury (Hg) is toxic to vertebrates, causing
      neurological, behavioral, and teratological dysfunction. Selenium (Se) not only
      is an essential element but also has a high affinity for Hg, binding to organic
      methyl mercury at a molar ratio of Se/Hg of 1:1. Ratios of <1 increase risk of Hg
      toxicity. For gravid fish, low concentrations of Se in ova could increase
      potential for Hg toxicity, compromising embryonic development and fitness of fry.
      Mercury and selenium concentrations and ratios were investigated in the muscle
      and ovaries of six species from five families of fish to assess potential for
      risk to ecological fitness. Molar ratios of Se/Hg in muscle were typically >18
      for lower trophic level species but <=2 for piscivores. For all species combined,
      the concentrations of Hg in ova were significantly related to concentrations of
      Hg in muscle. Concentrations of Se in ova versus muscle showed a similar
      significant relationship that was independent of muscle Hg concentration. Mean
      ova molar Se/Hg ratios were high, ranging from 69 to 955 for the 6 species.
      However, a declining relationship between the ova Se/Hg molar ratio and the
      muscle concentration of Hg for all species combined suggests that development of
      ova and fry might be compromised for those piscivores with the highest muscle Hg
      concentrations because of Hg-related Se deficiency.

PMID- 27663876
TI  - Rapid decadal evolution in the groundwater arsenic content of Kolkata, India and
      its correlation with the practices of her dwellers.
AB  - Increasing arsenic contamination in the groundwater is one of the biggest
      environmental challenges that the Bengal delta is facing today. Groundwater is
      still the main source of water for a large number of population in this region
      and therefore, significant presence of toxic arsenic has a direct consequence on
      human lives here. Moreover, arsenic also enters into the food chain through the
      consumed agricultural products grown in this area. Therefore, acquiring knowledge
      about the ever-changing map of arsenic contamination and employing adequate
      protective measures are of utmost importance. Here, we present a comprehensive
      municipal ward-wise map of the arsenic content of the shallow groundwater table
      of Kolkata-the most important and highly population dense city of the delta.
      Comparison with previously available data reveals a rapid change and the grim
      situation for the city. Our study suggests that it should be an immediate task of
      the administration to extend treated water service to the whole population of the
      city for direct consumption, and artificial recharge and maximum rainwater
      replenishment need to be taken up with utmost urgency to avoid intrusion of
      toxicity in biological food chains via agricultural products. We hope our study
      would drive the city planners to reconsider the existing urbanization and
      development plans of all the cities, placed over arsenic-contaminated groundwater
      aquifers.

PMID- 27663877
TI  - Differential BPA levels in sewage wastewater effluents from metro Detroit
      communities.
AB  - The endocrine disruptor Bisphenol A (BPA) is ubiquitous in both aquatic and
      surface sediment environments because it is continuously released into sewage
      wastewater effluent. The measurement of BPA at wastewater treatment plants is
      rarely performed even though the United States Environmental Protection Agency
      (EPA) states that current levels of environmental BPA could be a threat to
      aquatic organisms. Therefore, the aims of this study were to measure BPA levels
      in sewage wastewater at different collection points over a 1-year period and to
      compare the levels of BPA to 8-isoprostane, a human derived fatty acid, found in
      sewage wastewater. We analyzed pre-treated sewage samples collected from three
      source points located in different communities in the metropolitan Detroit area
      provided by the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department. Human urine samples were
      also used in the study. BPA and 8-isoprostane were measured using ELISA kits from
      Detroit R&D, Inc. BPA levels from the same collection point oscillated more than
      10-fold over 1 year. Also, BPA levels fluctuated differentially at each
      collection point. Highly fluctuating BPA values were confirmed by LC/MS/MS. The
      concentration of BPA in sewage wastewater was ~100-fold higher than the
      concentration of 8-isoprostane, while urinary concentration was ~20-fold higher.
      Thus, BPA levels discharged into the sewage network vary among communities, and
      differences are also observed within communities over time. The difference in BPA
      and 8-isoprostane levels suggest that most of the BPA discharged to sewage
      wastewater might be derived from industries rather than from human urine.
      Therefore, the continuous monitoring of BPA could account for a better regulation
      of BPA release into a sewage network.

PMID- 27663879
TI  - Response to comments on "Microsurgical decompression for central lumbar spinal
      stenosis: a single-center observational study".

PMID- 27663878
TI  - Assessment of heavy metal pollution risks in Yonki Reservoir environmental
      matrices affected by gold mining activity.
AB  - This study reports the heavy metal (Hg, Cd, Cr, Cu, and Pb) contamination risks
      to and safety of two species of fresh water fish (tilapia, Oreochromis
      mossambicus and carp, Cyprinus carpio) that are farmed in the Yonki Reservoir in
      the Eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea (PNG). The upper reaches of the
      reservoir are affected by alluvial and large-scale gold mining activities. We
      also assessed heavy metal levels in the surface waters and sediments and in
      selected aquatic plant species from the reservoir and streams that intersect the
      gold mining areas. The water quality was acceptable, except for the Cr
      concentration, which exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) standard for
      water contamination. The sediments were contaminated with Cd and Cu in most of
      the sampling stations along the upstream waters and the reservoir. The Cd
      concentration in the sediments exceeded the US Environmental Protection Agency's
      Sediment Quality Guideline (SQG) values, and the geoaccumulation index (Igeo)
      values indicated heavy to extreme pollution. In addition, the Cd, Cu, and Pb
      concentrations in aquatic plants exceeded the WHO guidelines for these
      contaminants. Between the fish species, tilapia accumulated significantly higher
      (P < 0.05) Cu in their organ tissues than carp, confirming the bioaccumulation of
      some metals in the aquatic fauna. The edible muscles of the fish specimens had
      metal concentrations below the maximum permissible levels established by
      statutory guidelines. In addition, a human health risk assessment, performed
      using the estimated weekly intake (EWI) values, indicated that farmed fish from
      the Yonki Reservoir are safe for human consumption.

PMID- 27663880
TI  - Gamma Knife radiosurgery for cervical spine lesions: expanding the indications in
      the new era of Icon.

PMID- 27663881
TI  - Does corticosterone mediate predator-induced responses of larval Hylarana indica?
AB  - Prey-predator interactions have been studied extensively in terms of
      morphological and behavioural responses of prey to predation risk using diverse
      model systems. However, the underlying physiological changes associated with
      morphological, behavioural or life historical responses have been rarely
      investigated. Herein, we studied the effect of chronic predation risk on larval
      growth and metamorphosis of Hylarana indica and the underlying physiological
      changes in prey tadpoles. In the first experiment, tadpoles were exposed to a
      caged predator from Gosner stage 25-42 to record growth and metamorphosis.
      Further, whole body corticosterone (CORT) was measured to determine the
      physiological changes underlying morphological and life historical responses of
      these prey tadpoles. Surprisingly, tadpoles experiencing continuous predation
      risk grew and developed faster and metamorphosed at a larger size. Interestingly,
      these tadpoles had significantly lower CORT levels. In the second experiment,
      tadpoles were exposed to predation risk (PR) or PR+CORT from stage 25-42 to
      determine the role of CORT in mediating predator-induced responses of H. indica.
      Tadpoles facing continuous predation risk grew and developed faster and
      metamorphosed at a larger size reinforcing the results of the first experiment.
      However, when CORT was administered along with predation risk, tadpoles grew and
      developed slowly leading to delayed metamorphosis. Interestingly, growth and
      metamorphic traits of tadpoles exposed to PR+CORT were comparable to those of the
      control group indicating that exogenous CORT nullified the positive effect of
      predation risk. Apparently, CORT mediates predator-induced morphological
      responses of H. indica tadpoles by regulating their physiology.

PMID- 27663882
TI  - Prolactin and cortisol regulate branchial claudin expression in Japanese medaka.
AB  - Several gill claudin (Cldn) tight junction proteins in Japanese medaka are
      regulated by salinity (cldn10 paralogs and cldn28b), while others are
      constitutively expressed (cldn27a, cldn28a and cldn30c). The role of the
      endocrine system in this regulation has yet to be understood. The in vitro
      effects of cortisol and prolactin on cldn expression in gill explant cultures
      were investigated in medaka. ncc2b and cftr were used as markers of specific
      ionocytes associated with freshwater- and seawater-acclimation, respectively.
      Concentration-response experiments were performed by overnight incubation with 0,
      0.1, 1 and 10MUgmL-1 cortisol or 0, 0.01, 0.1 and 1MUgmL-1 ovine prolactin.
      Cortisol significantly up-regulated cftr, ncc2b, cldn10 paralogs, cldn27a and
      cldn30c from 1.2- to 5-fold control levels at 10MUgmL-1. Cortisol had no effect
      on cldn28a and cldn28b. Prolactin had a concentration-dependent effect,
      decreasing expression of cftr (1MUgmL-1, 2.2-fold) while increasing ncc2b (from
      0.1MUgmL-1, 6-7-fold). Prolactin up-regulated expression of 3 cldns: cldn28b (0.1
      and 1MUgmL-1), cldn10c and cldn10f (1MUgmL-1), with up to 2-, 2.5- and 2-fold of
      control level, respectively. A combination experiment with both hormones showed
      that they act in synergy on cldn28b and have an additive effect on cftr, ncc2b,
      cldn10c and cldn10f. Our results showed that cortisol and prolactin are essential
      to maintain the expression of specific branchial claudins. This work also
      provides evidence that both hormones act directly on gill of medaka to modulate
      determinants of paracellular ion movement.

PMID- 27663883
TI  - Neuropeptide Y in the brain of Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis tadpoles responds to
      hypoxic stress.
AB  - Neuropeptide Y (NPY) has emerged as a novel peptide to antagonize various
      physiological consequences of stress within a mammalian brain. Hypoxia induced
      neuropeptide Y release in mammalian systems is well established. However, the
      possible role of NPY in regulating the effects of oxygen variation in lower
      vertebrates has not been investigated. We have studied the distribution and neuro
      anatomical expression of NPY in the brain of Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis tadpoles,
      exposed to normal and reduced oxygen levels using immunohistochemistry. Animals
      exposed to hypoxia (<2mg/ml) exhibited a significant amplification of NPY
      immunoreactivity throughout the brain. Increased NPY-ir perikarya appeared in all
      the sub-divisions of pallium, septum and preoptic area of telencephalon;
      suprachiasmatic nucleus, central and lateral thalamus, infundibulum and habenular
      regions of diencephalon; and nucleus cerebella and medulla of rhombencephalon.
      Most of these regions form the stress and anxiety regulating centers of a
      vertebrate brain and some of the parallel regions also respond to respiratory
      reflexes in mammals. Hence, our results suggest NPY induced modulation of hypoxia
      in Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis tadpoles.

PMID- 27663884
TI  - Clown's view as respicio: looking respectfully to and after people with dementia.
AB  - Clowns seem suspect when it comes to respect. The combination of clowning and
      people with dementia may seem especially suspicious. In this argument, I take
      potential concerns about clowning in dementia care as an opportunity to explore
      the meaning of a respectful approach of people with dementia. Our word 'respect'
      is derived from the Latin respicio, meaning 'looking back' or 'seeing again', as
      well as 'looking after' or 'having regard' for someone or something. I build upon
      this double meaning of respicio by examining how simultaneously we look to and
      after people with dementia. I do so empirically by studying how miMakkus clowns
      in their practice learn to look with new eyes to people and things around them. I
      call this clown's view and differentiate it from the predominant way of observing
      people in dementia care. I argue that respicio comes in two guises, each of which
      merges specific forms of looking to and looking after the other. By making
      conventional, solidified ways of seeing the other fluid again, clowns remind us
      of the value that comes with a veiled way of paying respect to people with
      dementia.

PMID- 27663886
TI  - High-fat diet-induced downregulation of anorexic leukemia inhibitory factor in
      the brain stem.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: High-fat diet (HFD) is known to induce low-grade hypothalamic
      inflammation. Whether inflammation occurs in other brain areas remains unknown.
      This study tested the effect of short-term HFD on cytokine gene expression and
      identified leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) as a responsive cytokine in the brain
      stem. Thus, functional and cellular effects of LIF in the brain stem were
      investigated. METHODS: Male rats were fed chow or HFD for 3 days, and then gene
      expression was analyzed in different brain regions for IL-1beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha,
      and LIF. The effect of intracerebroventricular injection of LIF on chow intake
      and body weight was also tested. Patch clamp recording was performed in the
      nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS). RESULTS: HFD increased pontine TNF-alpha mRNA
      while downregulating LIF in all major parts of the brain stem, but not in the
      hypothalamus or hippocampus. LIF injection into the cerebral aqueduct suppressed
      food intake without conditioned taste aversion, suggesting that LIF can induce
      anorexia via lower brain regions without causing malaise. In the NTS, a key brain
      stem nucleus for food intake regulation, LIF induced acute changes in neuronal
      excitability. CONCLUSIONS: HFD-induced downregulation of anorexic LIF in the
      brain stem may provide a permissive condition for HFD overconsumption. This may
      be at least partially mediated by the NTS.

PMID- 27663887
TI  - Function of membranous lysyl-tRNA synthetase and its implication for
      tumorigenesis.
AB  - Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (ARSs) are essential enzymes that conjugate specific
      amino acids to their cognate tRNAs for protein synthesis. Besides their catalytic
      activity, recent studies have uncovered many additional functions of these
      enzymes through their interactions with diverse cellular factors. Among human
      ARSs, cytosolic lysyl-tRNA synthetase (KRS) is often highly expressed in cancer
      cells and tissues, and facilitates cancer cell migration and invasion through the
      interaction with the 67kDa laminin receptor on the plasma membrane. Specific
      modulation of this interaction by small molecule inhibitors has revealed a new
      way to control metastasis. Here, we summarize the pro-metastatic functions of KRS
      and their patho-physiological implications.

PMID- 27663885
TI  - miRNA-429 Inhibits Astrocytoma Proliferation and Invasion by Targeting BMI1.
AB  - Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most common primary brain cancer in adults, is
      usually the most lethal type of brain tumor. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of
      small, non-coding RNA molecules that deeply involves with the regulation of gene
      expression and cellular processes, including proliferation, apoptosis, migration
      and invasion. The objective of the study is to investigate the effect of miRNA
      429 on human glioblastoma tissues and cell lines. miRNA-429 expressions in human
      glioblastoma, normal brain tissue samples, and human malignant glioma cell lines
      (U87, U251 and LN229) were compared using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR
      and western blot methods. U251 cell lines were transfected with miRNA-429 mimics,
      and then the effects of miRNA-429 on cell proliferation and invasion were
      investigated by CCK8 and Transwell invasion assay, respectively. It was found
      that miRNA-429 expression was significantly reduced in the examined Glioblastoma
      samples and human glioma cell lines. Overexpression of miRNA-429 inhibited
      Glioblastoma cell proliferation and invasion. Additionally, the present study
      also showed that BMI1 was a functional target of miRNA-429. Overexpression of
      BMI1 undermined the inhibition effect of miRNA-429 in glioblastoma and U251 cell
      lines. The current study demonstrated that miRNA-429, as a tumor suppressor gene,
      was capable of negatively regulating the expression of BMI1 in U251 cells.

PMID- 27663888
TI  - Proteomic study of hepatocellular carcinoma using a novel modified aptamer-based
      array (SOMAscanTM) platform.
AB  - Vascular invasion is a pathological hallmark of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC),
      associated with poor prognosis; it is strongly related to the early recurrence
      and poor survival after curative resection. In order to determine the proteomic
      backgrounds of HCC carcinogenesis and vascular invasion, we employed a novel
      modified aptamer-based array (SOMAscan) platform. SOMAscan is based on the Slow
      Off-rate Modified Aptamers (SOMAmers), which rely on the natural 3D folding of
      single-stranded DNA-based protein affinity reagents. Currently, the expression
      level of 1129 proteins can be assessed quantitatively. Correlation matrix
      analysis showed that the overall proteomic features captured by SOMAscan differ
      between tumor and non-tumor tissues. Non-tumor tissues were shown to have more
      homogeneous proteome backgrounds than tumor tissues. A comparative study
      identified 68 proteins with differential expression between tumor and non-tumor
      tissues, together with eight proteins associated with vascular invasion. Gene
      Ontology analysis showed that the extracellular space and extracellular region
      proteins were predominantly detected. Network analysis revealed the linkage of
      seven proteins, AKT1, MDM2, PTEN, FGF1, MAPK8, PRKCB, and FN1, which were
      categorized as the components of "Pathways in cancer" in pathway analysis. The
      results of SOMAscan analysis were not concordant with those obtained by western
      blotting; only the determined FN1 levels were concordant between the two
      platforms. We demonstrated that the proteome captured by SOMAscan includes the
      proteins relevant to carcinogenesis and vascular invasion in HCC. The identified
      proteins may serve as candidates for the future studies of disease mechanisms and
      clinical applications.

PMID- 27663889
TI  - What are the structural features that drive partitioning of proteins in aqueous
      two-phase systems?
AB  - Protein partitioning in aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs) represents a
      convenient, inexpensive, and easy to scale-up protein separation technique. Since
      partition behavior of a protein dramatically depends on an ATPS composition, it
      would be highly beneficial to have reliable means for (even qualitative)
      prediction of partitioning of a target protein under different conditions. Our
      aim was to understand which structural features of proteins contribute to
      partitioning of a query protein in a given ATPS. We undertook a systematic
      empirical analysis of relations between 57 numerical structural descriptors
      derived from the corresponding amino acid sequences and crystal structures of 10
      well-characterized proteins and the partition behavior of these proteins in 29
      different ATPSs. This analysis revealed that just a few structural
      characteristics of proteins can accurately determine behavior of these proteins
      in a given ATPS. However, partition behavior of proteins in different ATPSs
      relies on different structural features. In other words, we could not find a
      unique set of protein structural features derived from their crystal structures
      that could be used for the description of the protein partition behavior of all
      proteins in all ATPSs analyzed in this study. We likely need to gain better
      insight into relationships between protein-solvent interactions and protein
      structure peculiarities, in particular given limitations of the used here crystal
      structures, to be able to construct a model that accurately predicts protein
      partition behavior across all ATPSs.

PMID- 27663890
TI  - Toxicology of deoxynivalenol and its acetylated and modified forms.
AB  - Mycotoxins are the most frequently occurring natural contaminants in human and
      animal diet. Among them, deoxynivalenol (DON), produced by Fusarium, is one of
      the most prevalent and thus represents an important health risk. Recent detection
      methods revealed new mycotoxins and new molecules derivated from the "native"
      mycotoxins. The main derivates of DON are the acetylated forms produced by the
      fungi (3- and 15-acetyl-DON), the biologically "modified" forms produced by the
      plant (deoxynivalenol-3-beta-D-glucopyranoside), or after bacteria transformation
      (de-epoxy DON, 3-epi-DON and 3-keto-DON) as well as the chemically "modified"
      forms (norDON A-C and DON-sulfonates). High proportions of acetylated and
      modified forms of DON co-occur with DON, increasing the exposure and the health
      risk. DON and its acetylated and modified forms are rapidly absorbed following
      ingestion. At the molecular level, DON binds to the ribosome, induces a ribotoxic
      stress leading to the activation of MAP kinases, cellular cell-cycle arrest and
      apoptosis. The toxic effects of DON include emesis and anorexia, alteration of
      intestinal and immune functions, reduced absorption of the nutrients as well as
      increased susceptibility to infection and chronic diseases. In contrast to DON,
      very little information exists concerning the acetylated and modified forms; some
      can be converted back to DON, their ability to bind to the ribosome and to induce
      cellular effects varies according to the toxin. Except for the acetylated forms,
      their toxicity and impact on human and animal health are poorly documented.

PMID- 27663891
TI  - Dioxin-like rather than non-dioxin-like PCBs promote the development of
      endometriosis through stimulation of endocrine-inflammation interactions.
AB  - Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) contain 209 congeners with various structure
      activities. Exposure to PCBs was related to disorders of female reproduction.
      Endometriosis (EM) is an estrogen- and inflammation-dependent disease with high
      prevalence and severe health outcomes. Epidemiological studies have shown the
      effects of PCBs exposure on EM in regard to various structures of PCBs. However,
      little evidence is available from the toxicology considering the structure of
      PCBs. In the study, environmentally relevant concentrations of PCBs were used to
      treat primary cultured endometrial cells and an EM mouse model. Dioxin-like
      CB126, but not non-dioxin-like CB153, significantly enhanced 17beta-estradiol
      (E2) biosynthesis in a dose-dependent manner. Among the genes related to estrogen
      metabolism, the level of 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 7 (HSD17B7) showed
      significant increase following CB126 exposure. We further found that CB126
      exposure decreased the methylation of the HSD17B7 promoter. Elevated expression
      of HSD17B7 was observed in the eutopic endometrium of EM patients. CB126 rather
      than CB153 triggered the inflammatory response by directly stimulating the
      secretion of inflammatory factors and indirectly reducing the level of lipoxin A4
      (LXA4). Furthermore, the inflammation enhanced the expression of HSD17B7.
      Antagonism of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) diminished the effects induced
      by CB126. In vivo, the PCB-treated EM mouse model confirmed that CB126 rather
      than CB153 increased the levels of both E2 and inflammatory factors in peritoneal
      fluid and promoted the development of endometriotic lesions. In all, CB126, but
      not CB153, triggered EM development by stimulating estrogen biosynthesis,
      inflammation and their interactions and that these effects were mediated by the
      AhR receptor.

PMID- 27663892
TI  - Role of EhRab7A in phagocytosis of type 1 fimbriated E. coli by Entamoeba
      histolytica.
AB  - Entamoeba histolytica, the causative agent of amoebic colitis and liver abscess
      in human, ingests the intestinal bacteria and variety of host cells. Phagocytosis
      of bacteria by the amebic trophozoite has been reported to be important for the
      virulence of the parasite. Here, we set out to characterize different stages of
      phagocytosis of type 1 E. coli and investigated the role of a set of amoebic Rab
      GTPases in the process. The localizations of the Rab GTPases during different
      stages of the phagocytosis were investigated using laser scanning confocal
      microscopy and their functional relevance were determined using fluorescence
      activated cell sorter based assay as well as colony forming unit assay. Our
      results demonstrate that EhRab7A is localized on the phagosomes and involved in
      both early and late stages of type 1 E. coli phagocytosis. We further showed that
      the E. coli or RBC containing phagosomes are distinct from the large endocytic
      vacuoles in the parasite which are exclusively used to transport human
      holotransferrin and low density lipoprotein. Remarkably, type 1 E. coli uptake
      was found to be insensitive to cytochalasin D treatment, suggesting that the
      initial stage of E. coli phagocytosis is independent of the formation of actin
      filaments.

PMID- 27663893
TI  - Improved Efficacy of Neoadjuvant Compared to Adjuvant Immunotherapy to Eradicate
      Metastatic Disease.
AB  - : Immunotherapy has recently entered a renaissance phase with the approval of
      multiple agents for the treatment of cancer. Immunotherapy stands ready to join
      traditional modalities, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone
      therapy, as a pillar of cancer treatment. Although immunotherapy has begun to
      have success in advanced cancer treatment, its scheduling and efficacy with
      surgery to treat earlier stages of cancer and prevent distant metastases have not
      been systematically examined. Here, we have used two models of spontaneously
      metastatic breast cancers in mice to illustrate the significantly greater
      therapeutic power of neoadjuvant, compared with adjuvant, immunotherapies in the
      context of primary tumor resection. Elevated and sustained peripheral tumor
      specific immune responses underpinned the outcome, and blood sampling of tumor
      specific CD8+ T cells immediately prior to and post surgery may provide a
      predictor of outcome. These data now provide a strong rationale to extensively
      test and compare neoadjuvant immunotherapy in humans. SIGNIFICANCE: We
      demonstrate the significantly greater therapeutic efficacy of neoadjuvant,
      compared with adjuvant, immunotherapies to eradicate distant metastases following
      primary tumor resection. Elevated and sustained peripheral tumor-specific immune
      responses underpinned the outcome, and blood sampling of tumor-specific CD8+ T
      cells immediately prior to and post surgery may provide a predictor of outcome.
      Cancer Discov; 6(12); 1382-99. (c)2016 AACR.See related commentary by Melero et
      al., p. 1312This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1293.

PMID- 27663900
TI  - Measuring a hidden population: A novel technique to estimate the population size
      of women with sexual violence-related pregnancies in South Kivu Province,
      Democratic Republic of Congo.
AB  - Successive sampling (SS)-population size estimation (PSE) is a technique used to
      estimate the sizes of hidden populations using data collected in respondent
      driven sampling (RDS) surveys. We assess past estimations and use new data from
      an RDS survey to calculate a new PSE. In 2012, 852 adult women in South Kivu
      Province, Democratic Republic of Congo, who self-identified as survivors of
      sexual violence, resulting in a pregnancy, since the start of the war (in 1996)
      were sampled using RDS. We used imputed visibility, enrollment order, and prior
      estimates for PSE using SS-PSE in RDS Analyst. Prior estimates varied between
      Congolese local experts and researchers. We calculated the PSE of women with a
      sexual violence-related pregnancy in South Kivu using researchers' priors to be
      approximately 17,400. SS-PSE is an effective method for estimating the population
      sizes of hidden populations, useful for providing evidence for services and
      resource allocation. SS-PSE is beneficial because population sizes can be
      calculated after conducting the survey and do not rely on separate studies or
      additional data (as in network scale-up, multiplier, and capture-recapture
      methods).

PMID- 27663899
TI  - Role of KEAP1/NRF2 and TP53 Mutations in Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma Development
      and Radiation Resistance.
AB  - : Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) pathogenesis remains incompletely
      understood, and biomarkers predicting treatment response remain lacking. Here, we
      describe novel murine LSCC models driven by loss of Trp53 and Keap1, both of
      which are frequently mutated in human LSCCs. Homozygous inactivation of Keap1 or
      Trp53 promoted airway basal stem cell (ABSC) self-renewal, suggesting that
      mutations in these genes lead to expansion of mutant stem cell clones. Deletion
      of Trp53 and Keap1 in ABSCs, but not more differentiated tracheal cells, produced
      tumors recapitulating histologic and molecular features of human LSCCs,
      indicating that they represent the likely cell of origin in this model. Deletion
      of Keap1 promoted tumor aggressiveness, metastasis, and resistance to oxidative
      stress and radiotherapy (RT). KEAP1/NRF2 mutation status predicted risk of local
      recurrence after RT in patients with non-small lung cancer (NSCLC) and could be
      noninvasively identified in circulating tumor DNA. Thus, KEAP1/NRF2 mutations
      could serve as predictive biomarkers for personalization of therapeutic
      strategies for NSCLCs. SIGNIFICANCE: We developed an LSCC mouse model involving
      Trp53 and Keap1, which are frequently mutated in human LSCCs. In this model,
      ABSCs are the cell of origin of these tumors. KEAP1/NRF2 mutations increase
      radioresistance and predict local tumor recurrence in radiotherapy patients. Our
      findings are of potential clinical relevance and could lead to personalized
      treatment strategies for tumors with KEAP1/NRF2 mutations. Cancer Discov; 7(1);
      86-101. (c)2016 AACR.This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p.
      1.

PMID- 27663902
TI  - Bempedoic Acid (ETC-1002): an Investigational Inhibitor of ATP Citrate Lyase.
AB  - Bempedoic acid (ETC-1002), a novel therapeutic approach for low-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering, inhibits ATP citrate lyase (ACL), an
      enzyme involved in fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis. Although rodent studies
      suggested potential effects of ACL inhibition on both fatty acid and cholesterol
      synthesis, studies in humans show an effect only on cholesterol synthesis. In
      phase 2 studies, ETC-1002 reduced LDL-C as monotherapy, combined with ezetimibe,
      and added to statin therapy, with LDL-C lowering most pronounced when ETC-1002
      was combined with ezetimibe in patients who cannot tolerate statins. Whether
      clinically relevant favorable effects on other cardiometabolic risk factors such
      as hyperglycemia and insulin resistance occur in humans is unknown and requires
      further investigation. Promising phase 2 results have led to the design of a
      large phase 3 program to gain more information on efficacy and safety of ETC-1002
      in combination with statins and when added to ezetimibe in statin-intolerant
      patients.

PMID- 27663901
TI  - Open Versus Endovascular or Hybrid Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Repair.
AB  - Thoracic aortic aneurysms are associated with significant morbidity and
      mortality. There are multiple underlying etiologies, including genetic
      abnormalities, that have important implications in their natural history. The
      variable histologic, anatomic, and clinical presentations necessitate careful
      consideration of available treatment options. Surgical repair of these aneurysms
      has been the mainstay of treatment; however, these approaches can carry a
      relatively high risk of morbidity and mortality. Endovascular approaches have now
      become first-line therapy for descending thoracic aneurysms, and with
      advancements in graft technology, endovascular approaches are being increasingly
      employed for hybrid repairs of the aortic arch and even the ascending aorta.
      However, to date, clinical outcomes from randomized trials and long-term follow
      up are limited. As technology continues to advance, there is the potential for
      further integration of surgical and endovascular treatments so that patients have
      the best opportunity for a favorable outcome.

PMID- 27663904
TI  - An agenda for knowledge-oriented research on bilingualism in children with
      developmental disorders.

PMID- 27663903
TI  - Mindful creativity matters: trajectories of reported functioning after severe
      traumatic brain injury as a function of mindful creativity in patients'
      relatives: a multilevel analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present investigation was to examine the
      association of mindful creativity with the trajectory of recovery (emotional,
      interpersonal, cognitive, and total functioning) of patients with severe TBI.
      METHODS: This was drawn from a subsample of an adult prospective cohort study on
      severe TBI in Switzerland; patients and their relatives were assessed at 3, 6,
      and 12 months (patients N = 176, relatives N = 176). Predictor measures were
      assessed using Mindful Creativity Scale-short form and time (trajectory of
      functioning of the patient over time). Outcome measures were assessed using
      Patient Competency Rating Scale for Neuro-rehabilitation (PCRS-NR; measuring
      emotional, interpersonal, cognitive, and total functioning post-injury). All
      measures were assessed at each time point. Mixed linear models were run
      separately for ages >50 and <=50 (i.e., bimodal distribution). RESULTS: Patients'
      mindful creativity showed no significant association with patients' functioning
      across time in any of the models. In all age groups, interpersonal functioning
      decreased across time (slope>50 = -4.66, p = .037; slope<=50 = -7.19, p = .007).
      Interestingly, in age group <=50, interpersonal functioning increased when
      looking at relative mindful creativity by time (slope = 1.69, p = .005).
      Additionally, relatives mindful creativity was significantly associated with
      patients' functioning in age group <=50: (a) patients' total functioning (slope =
      0.18, p = .03) and (b) cognitive functioning (slope = 0.72, p = .020).
      CONCLUSIONS: Relatives' mindful creativity was significantly associated with
      patients' functioning after severe TBI. Implications for treatment and future
      research are discussed.

PMID- 27663905
TI  - Matrix metalloproteinase-8 activity in gingival crevicular fluid: development of
      a novel assay.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a role in
      regulating turnover and metabolism of connective tissues in health but they have
      also been implicated in a wide variety of pathological conditions, including
      periodontal disease. MMP-8 has been extensively studied in periodontal health and
      disease using ELISA, although this technique is limited by its inability to
      determine enzyme activity. The aim was to develop an assay specifically to
      measure MMP-8 activity and to demonstrate its use in the analysis of gingival
      crevicular fluid samples. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A specific antibody was used to
      coat black 96-well microtitre plates to capture MMP-8 selectively. The activity
      of bound MMP-8 was measured using a fluorogenic substrate. Gingival crevicular
      fluid samples, from healthy and periodontally diseased sites, were collected
      using PerioPaper strips and tested for MMP-8 activity. RESULTS: Significantly
      higher MMP-8 activity was demonstrated in gingival crevicular fluid from
      periodontally diseased sites compared with healthy sites that exhibited basal or
      no MMP-8 activity. No cross-reactivity with other MMPs was noted. CONCLUSION: We
      show, for the first time, that MMP-8 activity can be specifically detected and
      quantified in gingival crevicular fluid samples. Measurement of MMP-8 activity
      could prove to be useful in monitoring periodontal disease progression.

PMID- 27663906
TI  - Fungal infections of the lung in children.
AB  - Fungal infections of the lungs are relatively common and potentially life
      threatening conditions in immunocompromised children. The role of imaging in
      children with lung mycosis is to delineate the extension of pulmonary
      involvement, to assess response to therapy, and to monitor for adverse sequelae
      such as bronchiectasis and cavitation. The aim of this paper is to show imaging
      findings in a series of patients with fungal pneumonia from two tertiary
      children's hospitals, to discuss differential diagnoses and to show how imaging
      findings can vary depending on the host immune response.

PMID- 27663907
TI  - Horseradish peroxidase-assisted approach to decolorize and detoxify dye
      pollutants in a packed bed bioreactor.
AB  - In this study, horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was covalently immobilized on the
      calcium-alginate support using glutaraldehyde (GA) as a cross-linking reagent for
      detoxification and degradation of synthetic dyes. Immobilization procedure
      furnished significant immobilization efficiency (86.27 +/- 3.43%) along with
      apparent and relative activity of 24.39 +/- 1.03 U/g and 84.97 +/- 3.54%,
      respectively, for immobilized-HRP. In comparison to free-state, immobilized-HRP
      catalyzed the substrate oxidation reaction in a slightly acidic and wider
      temperature range, with an optimum at 60  degrees C. After 10 and 60 min of
      incubation at 60  degrees C, the immobilized-HRP displayed 99.0% and 89.0% of
      residual activities, whereas the free counterpart retained only 34.0% and 18.0%
      of residual activities, respectively. Moreover, the immobilized-HRP showed
      potential efficiency for the decolorization of dyes in sequential dye
      decolorizing batch reactions. Cytotoxicity analysis using a plant bioassay and
      acute test demonstrated that the Ca-alginate immobilized-HRP may effectively be
      used for detoxification of dyes and has a great potential for large-scale
      environmental remediation.

PMID- 27663908
TI  - Hitting is male, giving is female: automatic imitation and complementarity during
      action observation.
AB  - Is somebody going to hurt us? We draw back. The present study investigates using
      behavioral measures the interplay between imitative and complementary actions
      activated while observing female/male hands performing different actions. Female
      and male participants were required to discriminate the gender of biologically
      and artificially colored hands that displayed both individual (grasping) and
      social (giving and punching) actions. Biological hands evoked automatic
      imitation, while hands of different gender activated complementary mechanisms.
      Furthermore, responses reflected gender stereotypes: giving actions were more
      associated to females, punching actions to males. Results have implications for
      studies on social stereotyping, and for research on action observation, showing
      that the mirror neuron system resonates in both an imitative and complementary
      fashion.

PMID- 27663909
TI  - Epidemiology, microbiology, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of candidemia
      in internal medicine wards-a retrospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The clinical characteristics of internal medicine ward (IMW) patients
      with candidemia are unclear. The aim of this study was to define the clinical
      characteristics of candidemic IMW patients and to study the incidence, species
      distribution, and outcomes of these patients compared to surgical and intensive
      care unit (ICU) candidemic patients. METHODS: A retrospective cohort of
      candidemic patients in IMWs, general surgery wards, and an ICU at Beilinson
      Hospital during the period 2007-2014 was analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 118
      patients with candidemia were identified in six IMWs, two general surgery wards,
      and one ICU in the hospital. Candida albicans was the leading causative agent
      (41.1%). Higher proportions of Candida parapsilosis and Candida tropicalis
      isolates were observed in the IMW patients. IMW patients were significantly
      older, with poorer functional capacity, and had more frequently been exposed to
      antibiotic therapy within 90 days, in particular beta-lactam-beta-lactamase
      inhibitor combinations and cephalosporins. At onset of candidemia, a
      significantly lower number of IMW patients were mechanically ventilated (p<0.01);
      these patients did not have central line catheters comparable to ICU and surgical
      patients (p<0.001). They were less likely to receive adequate antifungal therapy
      within 48h, and this was the only significant predictor of survival in these
      patients (p=0.028): hazard ratio 3.7 (95% confidence interval 1.14-12.5) for
      therapy delayed to >48h. CONCLUSIONS: IMW candidemic patients account for a
      substantial proportion of candidemia cases and have unique characteristics and
      high mortality rates.

PMID- 27663911
TI  - Characteristics of retractions related to faked peer reviews: an overview.
AB  - A faked peer review is a novel cause for retraction. We reviewed the
      characteristics of papers retracted due to a faked peer review. All papers
      retracted due to faked peer reviews were identified by searching the Retraction
      Watch website and by conducting a manual search. All identified papers were
      confirmed in published journals. The information of retracted papers was
      collected, which primarily included publisher, journal, journal impact factor,
      country, as well as publication and retraction year. Overall, 250 retracted
      papers were identified. They were published in 48 journals by six publishers. The
      top 5 journals included the Journal of Vibration and Control (24.8%), Molecular
      Biology Reports (11.6%), Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology (8.0%), Tumour
      Biology (6.8%) and European Journal of Medical Research (6.4%). The publishers
      included SAGE (31%), Springer (26%), BioMed Central (18%), Elsevier (13%),
      Informa (11%) and LWW (1%). A minority (4%) of retracted papers were published in
      Science Citation Index (SCI) journals with an impact factor of >5. A majority
      (74.8%) of retracted papers were written by Chinese researchers. In terms of the
      publication year, the retracted papers were published since 2010, and the number
      of retracted papers peaked in 2014 (40.8%). In terms of the retraction year, the
      retractions started in 2012, and the number of retractions peaked in 2015
      (59.6%). The number of papers retracted due to faked peer reviews differs largely
      among journals and countries. With the improvement of the peer review mechanism
      and increased education about publishing ethics, such academic misconduct may
      gradually disappear in future.

PMID- 27663912
TI  - [How I do... laparoscopic segmentary ureterectomy].

PMID- 27663910
TI  - Wide spread of OXA-23-producing carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii
      belonging to clonal complex II in different hospitals in Lebanon.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the molecular epidemiology of Acinetobacter baumannii
      strains isolated from different hospitals in Lebanon. METHODS: A total of 119 non
      duplicate Acinetobacter strains were identified using matrix-assisted laser
      desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and partial
      rpoB gene sequencing. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed by disc
      diffusion method and all identified carbapenem-resistant isolates were
      investigated by PCR assays for the presence of the carbapenemase-encoding genes.
      Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE)
      were used for molecular typing. RESULTS: Of the 119 A. baumannii isolates, 76.5%
      were resistant to carbapenems. The most common carbapenemase was the OXA-23-type,
      found in 82 isolates. The study of population structure using MLST revealed the
      presence of 30 sequence types (STs) including 18 new ones, with ST2 being the
      most commonly detected, accounting for 61% of the isolates typed. PFGE performed
      on all strains of ST2 identified a major cluster of 53 isolates, in addition to
      three other minor clusters and ten unique profiles. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      highlights the wide dissemination of highly related OXA-23-producing carbapenem
      resistant A. baumannii belonging to the international clone II in Lebanon. Thus,
      appropriate infection control measures are recommended in order to control the
      geographical spread of this clone in this country.

PMID- 27663913
TI  - [Simulation' benefits in obstetrical emergency: Which proof level?]
AB  - Simulation in obstetrical emergency is in expansion. The important economic and
      human cost in simulation needs a real evaluation about enhancement in technical
      and non-technical skills, maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. We
      present a literature review of the results published on the subject in shoulder
      dystocia, post-partum haemorrhage, eclampsia and cord prolaps with a selection of
      publications with high evidence level or positive impact of training on
      obstetrical emergencies. There are few publications with a positive impact of
      training on obstetrical emergencies. Some publications from 10years by the same
      obstetrical team for training and shoulder dystocia reveal a 75% reduction in
      brachial plexus injury after 4years of training, and 100% reduction in permanent
      injury after a decade of training. Only one publication is in accordance with a
      reduction of severe post-partum haemorrhage with training. For all obstetrical
      emergencies, crew resource management (communication, self-confidence...) and
      team training are improved.

PMID- 27663914
TI  - [Controversies in tubal sterilization].

PMID- 27663916
TI  - Psoriasis Induced by Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Agents: A Comprehensive
      Review of the Literature.
AB  - Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibitors revolutionized the management
      of patients affected by autoimmune diseases such as inflammatory bowel diseases,
      rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and psoriasis.
      The biologic agents targeted to block TNF-alpha such as infliximab, adalimumab,
      certulizumab pegol, etanercept, and golimumab, have a good safety profile;
      however, with increasing, broader, and prolonged use, patients could be exposed
      to an increased risk of adverse reactions including a wide spectrum of
      dermatological conditions of different etiology and morphology. Among these, of
      particular interest is the development of skin immune-mediated diseases that seem
      to be the consequence of the paradoxical inflammation induced by anti-TNF-alpha
      therapy. The majority of these lesions are identified as psoriasiform with three
      main morphologies and different frequency: pustular psoriasis, signs of
      psoriasis, and guttate; although erythrodermic or inverted psoriasis, among
      others, may be observed with less frequency. The increased incidence of these
      dermatological immune-mediated lesions highlight the importance of the skin as a
      main target of the side effect of anti-TNF-alpha agents, while the
      immunopathogenetic hypothesis of these paradoxical effects are quite intriguing.
      The aim of this review is to collect and to analyze existing knowledge to better
      understand the pathogenetic mechanism of these complications and suggest new
      fields of investigation, improve therapeutic strategies of autoimmune diseases,
      and prevent and/or better address such complications. 

PMID- 27663915
TI  - Underlying Mechanisms that Restore Spermatogenesis on Transplanting Healthy Niche
      Cells in Busulphan Treated Mouse Testis.
AB  - Very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) exist among spermatogonial stem
      cells and survive chemotherapy in both mice and human testes because of their
      relatively quiescent nature. Our earlier study revealed that inter-tubular
      transplantation of niche (Sertoli or bone marrow derived mesenchymal) cells can
      restore spermatogenesis from endogenous surviving VSELs. Present study was
      undertaken to delineate the effect of busulphan on testicular stem/germ/Sertoli
      cells and to comprehend the underlying mechanisms of how transplanted niche cells
      restore spermatogenesis. Ploidy analysis showed an increase in diploid cells on
      D7 and VSELs (2-6 MUm; LIN-/CD45-/SCA-1+) were detected at all time-points
      studied and were maximum on D15 after busulphan treatment. They were visualized
      in cell smears, expressed nuclear NANOG and SOX2 and BrdU uptake on D15 suggested
      they were proliferating in response to stress induced by busulphan. Verapamil
      sensitive side population detected comprised SCA-1 positive stem cells (5 +/-
      0.02 % in normal and 8.6 +/- 2.02 % in chemoablated testis). Adverse effects of
      busulphan on Sertoli cells by transcriptome analysis included altered expression
      of Gdnf, Scf, Fgf, Bmp4, androgen binding protein, components of blood-testis
      barrier and also stem cells related signaling pathways including Wnt. GFP
      positive transplanted cells aligned themselves as 'neo-tubules' and were
      visualized adjacent to 'native' germ cells depleted tubules. 'Neo-tubules'
      provide paracrine support to endogenous VSELs to undergo spermatogenesis.
      Quantitative analysis was done to track proliferation (PCNA) and differentiation
      (MVH) of stem cells by immuno-localization studies at different time intervals.
      Results provide an alternative strategy to restore spermatogenesis in cancer
      survivors from endogenous stem cells which needs to be further researched.

PMID- 27663917
TI  - Treatment Options for Pediatric Psoriasis.
AB  - Psoriasis is a multifactorial inflammatory papulosquamous disease affecting 0.5%
      to 2% of the pediatric population. Pediatric psoriasis, presenting similar to
      adult psoriasis, significantly reduces patient quality of life, often requiring
      an individualized treatment approach for each patient. Combination and rotational
      therapy are helpful in reducing toxicity and maximizing efficacy. Patients with
      mild and limited disease severity respond well to topical treatment with steroids
      or vitamin D analogues, unlike moderate and severe psoriasis where sufficient
      remission is rarely achieved. Therefore phototherapy, systemic immunomodulators,
      or biologic agents are the next line of treatment to be considered. There is
      limited data available on the use and long-term safety of biologics in the
      pediatric population. Biologic agents must be administered by experienced
      dermatologists, only in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis who are
      intolerant or refractory to other systemic conventional disease-modifying
      treatment or phototherapy, or if those treatments are contraindicated. 

PMID- 27663919
TI  - Cardiovascular Comorbidities in Patients with Psoriasis: Risk Profile Including
      Carotide Ultrasonography Assessed in Hospital-based Case Control Study.
AB  - Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease, and its comorbidities have attracted
      serious interest in recent years. The evidence that psoriasis is associated with
      systemic inflammation and significantly higher incidence of cardiovascular risk
      factors has already been described. The results of published studies are highly
      variable, the conclusions are ambiguous, and further epidemiological studies are
      needed for validation of published data. Therefore, we initiated a project aimed
      at identifying the association with cardiovascular risk factors, including early
      stages of atherosclerosis, that represent important comorbidities in patients
      with psoriasis. We carried out a hospital-based case-control study on 189
      patients with chronic plaque psoriasis enrolled as cases. The control group
      consisted of 378 patients with other skin diseases complying with the same
      exclusion criteria who were recruited to the study as the controls. All
      participants underwent physical examination, blood tests, and measuring of blood
      pressure and waist circumference. Furthermore, we evaluated carotid intima-media
      thickness (CIMT) in a subset of 117 cases and controls (matched 1:2) with no
      history of cardiovascular disease. The results showed higher prevalence of
      hypertension, hyperlipidemia, waist circumference, weight, body-mass index (BMI),
      and C-reactive protein (CRP) level in patients with psoriasis than in controls.
      These parameters have been clearly demonstrated to be risk factors for the
      development of cardiovascular diseases. The associations between psoriasis and
      diastolic blood pressure, BMI value, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
      cholesterol were statistically significant in the binary data logistic model as
      well. CIMT was not significantly higher in patients compared with controls. 

PMID- 27663918
TI  - Cardiovascular Risk Evaluation through Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Analysis in
      Patients with Psoriasis before and after 12 Weeks of Etanercept Therapy: A
      Preliminary Prospective Study.
AB  - The association between psoriasis and cardiovascular diseases has been indicated
      by epidemiological studies. The sub-inflammatory systemic state that
      characterizes both psoriasis and atherosclerosis has been proposed as the link
      between these conditions; it cannot, however, explain the increased incidence of
      sudden cardiac death reported in young patients with severe psoriasis without
      common cardiovascular risk factors. In a previous study, we reported higher
      levels of autonomic dysregulation in patients with psoriasis, concluding that the
      prevalence of the sympathetic arm over the parasympathetic could increase
      cardiovascular risk. Objective of this study was to assess the influence of
      etanercept on autonomic cardiovascular regulation in young patients with moderate
      to-severe psoriasis without cardiovascular risk factors. Five-minute ECG
      recordings were collected at rest before and after 12 weeks of therapy with
      etanercept in 19 young patients with psoriasis without cardiovascular risk
      factors. The Cardiolab CE pocket PC ECG system was used for linear methods of
      heart rate variability (HRV) analysis. No significant change in HRV analysis
      parameters was apparent after 12 weeks of etanercept therapy. Our data suggest
      that treatment with etanercept in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis does
      not affect cardiovascular autonomic regulation and cardiovascular risk. 

PMID- 27663920
TI  - Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection and HPV Vaccination: Assessing the Level of
      Knowledge among Students of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Tirgu
      Mures, Romania.
AB  - Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, a causative factor for cervical cancer,
      remains a topic of great interest. About 80% of sexually active women are at risk
      of acquiring an HPV infection at some point in life, the peak incidence of
      infection having been identified in young women. The aim of the study was to
      assess the knowledge and attitudes of medical students about sexually transmitted
      diseases, HPV infection, HPV vaccinations, and student sexual behavior. A
      transversal study was conducted using a questionnaire on students on the 1st and
      6th year at the Faculty of Medicine of Tirgu Mures University, Romania. The study
      resulted in 522 fully completed questionnaires. The percentage of students who
      had heard about HPV was 82.1% in the 1st year and 99.1% in the 6th year of
      medical school, but the level of knowledge was different: 62% of senior students
      had a good or very good level of knowledge, whereas 55.1% of first year students
      had little knowledge on the topic. About 75% of 6th year students would vaccinate
      their child against HPV, compared with only 52.4% of 1st year students (P<0.001).
      The level of knowledge about HPV infection among students in their first year of
      medical school is rather low, significantly lower compared to 6th year students,
      which suggests acquiring some basic information in this area since the first year
      of college or even high school. 

PMID- 27663921
TI  - Dermoscopy of Nodular Melanoma: Review of the Literature and Report of 3 Cases.
AB  - Nodular melanoma is the most aggressive subtype of melanoma, with rapid growth
      rate and metastatic potential. It is usually diagnosed at a locally advanced
      stage (Breslow thickness <2 mm) and is therefore associated with a poor
      prognosis. Nodular melanoma often does not fit the classic clinical ABCD
      criteria, but rather the EFG rule or 3 Cs criteria. Missing the diagnosis of
      nodular melanoma is a dermatologist's worst nightmare, especially since nodular
      melanomas can have a non-alarming clinical appearance and imitate a wide range of
      benign lesions. All evolving nodular lesions, despite their size, symmetry, and
      color, which cannot be confidently diagnosed as benign, should be excised in
      order to rule out nodular melanoma. Almost all melanoma-specific dermoscopic
      criteria are described in context of superficial spreading melanoma. Thus,
      physicians are not familiar and aware enough of dermoscopic features for early
      detection of nodular melanomas. Herein we present 3 cases of nodular melanomas
      from our Department and give a review of the current literature. 

PMID- 27663922
TI  - Prevalence of Candida Species in Patients with Psoriasis.
AB  - Investigation of Candida yeast prevalence in patients with psoriasis has been
      performed with the aim of determining their possible role as a trigger factor in
      the pathogenic process of this disease. The purpose of our study was to
      investigate the prevalence of Candida species on the skin of intertriginous areas
      and psoriasis lesions as well as the prevalence of Candida species in the stool
      of patients with psoriasis. This study also examines a possible correlation
      between the severity of psoriasis and prevalence of isolated Candida species. The
      patients with psoriasis were divided into two groups according to the clinical
      type of psoriasis; a group with plaque psoriasis (PP) and psoriasis inversa (PI)
      (G1) and a group with psoriasis erythrodermica (PE) and psoriasis pustulosa (PPS)
      (G2). The group of patients with PP and PI (G1) was divided according to score on
      the Psoriasis Area Severity Index test (PASI) according to severity of disease
      into the clinical subgroup with PASI <50 and another subgroup with PASI >50.
      Mycological analysis of skin samples in patients of the clinical group with PP
      and PI showed a statistically significant difference as well as correlation
      between the results of isolated specimens of Candida species from the skin of
      intertriginous areas and psoriasis lesions, the clinical form of psoriasis, and
      the PASI score. 

PMID- 27663923
TI  - PUVA-induced Bullous Pemphigoid in Psoriasis.
AB  - The association between psoriasis vulgaris and bullous pemphigoid is due to the
      still unclear autoimmune process. The common disease site is the dermo-epidermal
      junction or basal membrane zone (BMZ), with specific alterations for both
      diseases. Photochemotherapy (PUVA) is one of the therapeutic modalities for
      psoriasis and can trigger production of autoantibodies against antigens in the
      BMZ in patients with subclinical bullous pemphigoid. Furthermore, PUVA therapy
      can alter the immunological milieu and hence can contribute to the expression of
      bullous pemphigoid in patients with psoriasis. We observed a bullous eruption
      compatible with bullous pemphigoid in a psoriatic patient treated with PUVA. We
      speculate that the cumulative dose of PUVA sufficient for triggering blister
      formation is individually determined. 

PMID- 27663924
TI  - Mycosis Fungoides Associated with Kaposi's Sarcoma, T-cell Rich B-cell Lymphoma,
      and T-cell Lymphoma with Angioimmunoblastic Features.
AB  - A patient with mycosis fungoides (MF), Kaposi's sarcoma, T-cell rich B-cell
      lymphoma, and T-cell lymphoma with angioimmunoblastic features is described. The
      appearance of multiple malignancies in this patient may have been caused by
      previous exposure to radiation in the Chernobyl accident and/or systemic
      chemotherapy for the initial T-cell rich B-cell lymphoma which he underwent. 

PMID- 27663925
TI  - Acupuncture as a Complementary Method of Traditional Psoriasis Treatment: Myth or
      Reality?
AB  - Dear Editor, the practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine described
      psoriasis some 2000 years ago (1). Psoriasis vulgaris is a common, chronic
      inflammatory skin disease whose worldwide prevalence ranges from 0.1-3% (2,3).
      Understanding the role of the immune system in psoriasis and the interplay
      between the innate and adaptive immune system has helped to manage this complex
      disease, which affects patients far beyond the skin changes themselves (2). In
      addition to the usual and widely accepted methods of treatment of psoriasis,
      including topical therapies, phototherapy, and conventional and biological
      systemic therapies, data can be found in the literature that suggest a favorable
      effect of acupuncture on the course of psoriasis (4,5). Despite that, this
      complementary method of traditional treatment of various diseases is not yet
      widely accepted worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO),
      acupuncture has been an officially recognized method of treatment for more than
      50 diseases from 1979 (5). At the Department of Neurology at the University
      Hospital Center Zagreb, acupuncture has been used since 2011 for the treatment of
      various types of headaches, trigeminal neuralgia, and spinal pain syndromes. We
      report the case of a patient with a known history of psoriasis who was treated
      for chronic migraines with acupuncture. The 49-year-old female patient was
      examined for headache of a pulsating character that she had had for 16 years. The
      headache was mainly located on the left side of head and accompanied by nausea,
      vomiting, and both photophobia and phonophobia, and there was a worsening of
      symptoms upon exertion. The headaches were occurring once a week with an average
      duration of 2-3 continuous days. The patient also had frequent mild headaches.
      Additionally, the patient was diagnosed with psoriasis at the age of 29 and was
      occasionally treated with phototherapy. Systemic therapy for psoriasis had not
      been given to the patient thus far. After the clinical evaluation and considering
      the medical history and clinical findings, the diagnosis of chronic migraine was
      established and prophylactic therapy with dual antidepressant was introduced. On
      follow-up examinations, a reduction in the frequency and intensity of migraine
      headaches was observed. After one year there was a progression of symptoms, and
      treatments with acupuncture were started. Stainless steel filiform needles of 25
      mm in length were inserted perpendicularly into points on the head, arm, and legs
      and retained for 30 minutes. The treatment was administered once a day for 10
      days with an interval of 2-3 days between treatments. The patient showed
      significant improvement for a period of 6 months after the acupuncture treatment,
      which is why the treatment with acupuncture was repeated. The patient stated that
      very soon after the beginning of each acupuncture treatment, she had noticed a
      significant improvement regarding psoriatic lesions as a "side effect". On the
      first day of acupuncture, extensive erythematosquamous plaques were noticed on
      the skin of the dorsum of the feet (Figure 1), palms, and elbows. It is important
      to emphasize that the patient did not use any specific topical antipsoriatic
      therapies during the acupuncture treatment, but only bland emollients. During the
      third week of treatment, a significant improvement was observed, or according to
      the patient, "she has not had such a good skin for a long time" (Figure 2). The
      improvement of the clinical status can be explained by overlapping acupuncture
      points used in the treatment of pain syndromes and psoriasis or to the holistic
      effect of acupuncture. In recent years, several high-quality evidence-based
      Western medicine guidelines have been developed for the treatment of psoriasis
      (6,7). In addition to that modern approach, several studies confirmed the
      effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of psoriasis. The recent review by
      Coyle et al. (4) indicates promising evidence of the efficacy of acupuncture for
      psoriasis treatment with an increasing number of people achieving clinical and
      statistical improvements. Furthermore, Wang et al. (8) have recently published
      the protocol for a systematic review which aims to assess the effectiveness and
      safety of acupuncture for patients with psoriasis. In acupuncture, hair-thin
      needles are inserted into the skin, releasing natural pain killers such as
      adenosine, endorphins, and serotonin into the body. It is known that patients
      with psoriatic arthritis can benefit from the treatment. Some patients may be
      concerned that acupuncture needles could worsen a skin flare-up but an
      acupuncturist uses sterile needles to prevent any risk to flaring skin. The
      advantage of acupuncture is that it is a very safe alternative medicine treatment
      and is not likely to interfere with any existing psoriasis treatment. It is
      important to note that acupuncture is a 5000-year-old alternative medicine
      treatment and that it has been officially recognized by the WHO for more than
      three decades (5). After achieving clinical improvement and regression of
      psoriatic plaques during the acupuncture for headache, the authors reviewed the
      literature and found reports about possible benefits of treating psoriasis with
      acupuncture. Therefore, the purpose of this letter and case study is to raise
      awareness and inform dermatologists about the different and until now under
      explored possibilities of acupuncture in treating psoriasis. 

PMID- 27663926
TI  - Tinea on a Tattoo.
AB  - In the last twenty years, the prevalence of individuals with tattoos in the
      general population has increased in Europe (1) as well as in Australia (2) and
      the United States of America (3). A series of complications such as acute
      inflammatory reactions, allergic contact dermatitis (4,5), photoinduced,
      lichenoid, and granulomatous reactions (6, 7), pseudolymphoma (8),
      pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia (9), skin infections (6), and skin cancers (10)
      may occur on tattoos. Infectious complications on tattoos include bacterial
      infections (pyoderma, leprosy, syphilis, cutaneous tuberculosis, mycobacteriosis)
      (11-14), viral infections (molluscum contagiosum, warts, herpes simplex,
      hepatitis B and C) (15-17), and fungal infections (sporotrichosis,
      dermatophytosis) (18,19). We present the case of a 29-year-old immunocompetent
      female patient who was consulted for the development of an erythematous-squamous
      placard that appeared on a tattoo about 18 days after tattooing. Dermatological
      examination revealed a circular, erythematous, scaly plaque, with centrifugal
      growth and central resolution, presenting an active, raised, erythematous,
      vesiculopustular edge, giving the appearance of tinea corporis. The lesion's
      starting point was on the tattoo in two colors located on the middle third of the
      left calf and subsequently evolved to beyond the surface of tattoo (Figure 1). No
      other skin, scalp, or nail lesions were observed. Mycological examination of the
      material obtained by scraping of the scales and the vesicles from the edges and
      the surface of the plaque revealed numerous hyphae on direct microscopy
      examination, and white, flat colonies with a cottony surface and radial grooves
      developed in Sabouraud dextrose agar culture (Figure 2). Spindle-shaped, thick
      walled macroconidia and a few pyriform microconidia were observed on microscopic
      examinations of the colonies. Based on macroscopic and microscopic
      characteristics, Microsporum canis was identified. Gram stain and bacterial
      culture results were negative. Patient history revealed the presence of a pet dog
      that was diagnosed with mycosis, the etiologic agent being M. canis. After 21
      days of treatment with oral terbinafine (250 mg/day) and topical application of
      terbinafine 1% cream once a day, the lesion disappeared and mycological
      examination (direct microscopy and culture) was negative. In the case of tattoos,
      cutaneous inoculation of a dermatophyte may occur after 1-3 weeks of tattooing,
      corresponding to the healing phase of the tattoo application. Dermatophyte
      inoculation can be done by direct contact with an infected person or animal or,
      exceptionally, by telluric contamination. Despite the increasing number of
      tattooed people, there are only a few published cases of dermatophytosis arising
      on tattoos (19,20). Ammirati reported dermatophyte infection caused by
      Trichophyton tonsurans that occurred two weeks after tattooing, clinically
      presenting as concentric annular lesions with active vesiculopustular edges which
      progressively included the entire tattoo (19). Similarly, in our case the
      infection with M. canis occurred during the healing phase, the dermatophyte
      lesion occurring after 18 days from tattoo application by direct contact with the
      dog parasitized with M. canis. In conclusion, dermatophyte infection of tattoos
      remains possible, although rare. 

PMID- 27663927
TI  - Paid and Unpaid Online Recruitment for Health Interventions in Young Adults.
AB  - PURPOSE: There is a growing need to identify new and innovative approaches to
      recruit representative samples of young adults in health intervention research.
      The current study used a data set of screening information from an online well
      being intervention trial of young adults, to investigate cost-effectiveness of
      different recruitment strategies and whether the clinical and demographic
      characteristics of participants differed depending on paid or unpaid online
      recruitment sources. METHODS: Data were collected from 334 18- to 25-year-old
      Australians. The study was advertised through a variety of paid and unpaid online
      recruitment channels (e.g., Google, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, recruitment
      agency), with response rates to different recruitment channels tracked using
      unique Web links. Well-being of participants was measured using the Mental Health
      Continuum Short Form. Analyses consisted of independent t tests and chi2 tests.
      RESULTS: Overall, unpaid recruitment channels had a considerably higher yield
      than paid recruitment channels. Of paid recruitment channels, a recruitment
      agency and paid Facebook advertisements attracted the largest number of
      individuals. This study also found differences between paid and unpaid online
      recruitment channels with regard to the well-being and mood of participants.
      CONCLUSIONS: Although the success of online recruitment channels is likely
      subject to a complex interplay between the number of exposures, the targeted
      sample, the wording, and placement of the advertisement, as well as study
      characteristics, our study demonstrated that unpaid recruitment channels are more
      effective than paid channels and that paid and unpaid channels may result in
      samples with different characteristics.

PMID- 27663928
TI  - Rural Inequalities in the Australian Burden of Ischaemic Heart Disease: A
      Systematic Review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To summarise all available evidence on the differences in burden of
      ischaemic heart disease (IHD) between metropolitan and rural communities of
      Australia. METHODS: Systematic review of peer-reviewed literature published
      between 1990 and 2014. Search terms were derived from the four major topics: (1)
      rural; (2) ischaemic heart disease; (3) Australia; and (4) burden of disease.
      Terms were adapted for six databases and two independent researchers screened
      results. Studies were included if they compared outcomes related to IHD in adults
      aged 18 years and over, between (at least) two areas of differing remoteness, at
      the same point in time. RESULTS: Twenty studies were included and presented data
      collected between 1969 and 2010. Seventeen studies showed a clear disparity in
      IHD outcomes between major cities and regional and remote areas, with a
      consistently higher burden observed outside major cities. Among Aboriginal and
      Torres Strait Islander populations, fewer differences were observed and some IHD
      outcomes were not associated with remoteness. CONCLUSIONS: Populations outside of
      major cities in Australia bear a disproportionately high burden of ill health due
      to IHD, yet the majority of the rural populations are yet to be investigated in
      terms of burden of disease outcomes from IHD. IMPLICATIONS: Remoteness is a key
      determinant of IHD burden in Australia. The reasons for increased IHD burden in
      rural compared to metropolitan communities of Australia are poorly understood,
      which has implications for the design of targeted interventions to reduce
      geographical inequalities.

PMID- 27663929
TI  - An institutional study of time delays for symptomatic carotid endarterectomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess time delays between first
      cerebrovascular symptoms and carotid endarterectomy (CEA) at a single center and
      to systematically evaluate causes of these delays. METHODS: Consecutive adult
      patients who underwent CEAs between January 2010 and September 2011 at a single
      university-affiliated center (Centre Hospitalier de l'Universite Montreal-Hotel
      Dieu Hospital, Montreal) were identified from a clinical database and operative
      records. Covariates of interest were extracted from electronic medical records.
      Timing and nature of the first cerebrovascular symptoms were also documented. The
      first medical contact and pathway of referral were also assessed. When possible,
      the ABCD2 score (age, blood pressure, clinical features, duration of symptoms,
      and diabetes) was calculated to calculate further risk of stroke. The
      nonparametric Wilcoxon test was used to assess differences in time intervals
      between two variables. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to assess differences in
      time intervals in comparing more than two variables. A multivariate linear
      regression analysis was performed using covariates that were determined to be
      statistically significant in our sensitivity analyses. RESULTS: The cohort
      consisted of 111 patients with documented symptomatic carotid stenosis undergoing
      surgical intervention. Thirty-nine percent of all patients were operated on
      within 2 weeks from the first cerebrovascular symptoms. The median time between
      the occurrence of the first neurologic symptom and the CEA procedure was 25
      (interquartile range [IQR], 11-85) days. The patient-dependent delay, defined as
      the median delay between the first neurologic symptom and the first medical
      contact, was 1 (IQR, 0-14) day. The medical-dependent delay was defined as the
      time interval between the first medical contact and CEA. This included the delay
      between the first medical contact and the request for surgery consultation
      (median, 3 [IQR, 1-10] days). The multivariate regression model demonstrated that
      the emergency physician as referral source (P = .0002) was statistically
      significant for reducing CEA delay. Patients who were investigated as an
      outpatient (P = .02), first medical contact with a general practitioner (P =
      .0002), and hospital center I as referral center (P = .045) were also found to be
      statistically significant to extend CEA delay when the model was adjusted over
      all covariates. In this center, there was no correlation between ABCD2 risk score
      and waiting time for surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of our cohort falls short
      of the recommended 2-week interval to perform CEA. Factors contributing to
      reduced CEA delay were presentation to an emergency department, in-patient
      investigations, and a stroke center where a vascular surgeon is available.

PMID- 27663930
TI  - Estimating the excess lifetime risk of radiation induced secondary malignancy
      (SMN) in pediatric patients treated with craniospinal irradiation (CSI):
      Conventional radiation therapy versus helical intensity modulated radiation
      therapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To quantify the risk of radiation-induced second malignancies (SMN) in
      pediatric patients receiving craniospinal irradiation (CSI) either with 3
      dimensional conformal radiation therapy (Conv CSI) or tomotherapy helical
      intensity modulated radiation therapy (Tomo CSI). METHODS AND MATERIALS: A novel
      predictive model that accounts for short- and long-term carcinogenesis was
      incorporated into our institutional treatment planning system to quantify the
      lifetime risk of SMN in incidentally irradiated organs. Five pediatric patients
      previously treated with CSI were studied. For each case, Conv CSI and Tomo CSI
      plans were computed. The excess absolute number of SMN was computed for each plan
      for each patient. For female patients, age was varied to assess its impact.
      RESULTS: Tomo CSI has a much higher risk than Conv CSI for breast cancer. Tomo
      has a slightly increased risk for the lung, and conventional has a slightly
      higher risk for the thyroid. Both techniques have intermediate risks to the
      pancreas and stomach, and lesser risks to the bladder and rectum. For the breast,
      the magnitude of the absolute risks varied with age: 14.2% versus 7.4% (Tomo vs
      Conv) age 5; 16.9% versus 7.6% age 10, and 18.6% versus 8.0% age 15. CONCLUSIONS:
      Tomo has a higher risk for inducing breast and lung second cancers, and when
      using Tomo-based intensity modulated radiation therapy, care should be taken to
      avoid incidental radiation to the breast. When planning CSI, one needs to balance
      these cancer risks against other normal tissue effects.

PMID- 27663931
TI  - Long-term results on the efficacy of argon plasma coagulation for patients with
      chronic radiation proctitis after conventionally fractionated, dose-escalated
      radiation therapy for prostate cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study was designed to assess the efficacy and outcomes of argon
      plasma coagulation (APC) in the management of chronic radiation proctitis after
      conventionally fractionated, dose-escalated radiation therapy (>=7560 cGy).
      METHODS AND MATERIALS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts on all patients
      treated with external beam radiation therapy (minimum dose, 7560 cGy) for
      histologically confirmed prostate cancer at our institution from 2003 to 2011.
      Five hundred patients met these criteria; of these, 35 patients (7.0%) developed
      radiation proctitis necessitating intervention with APC. Indications for APC
      treatment were either the need for blood transfusions resulting from proctitis
      related anemia or refractory bleeding despite medical management. RESULTS: The
      median follow-up from the completion of radiation treatment was 78 months (range,
      19-129) and the median follow up from the most recent APC treatment was 56 months
      (range, 3-112). Fifteen men (42.9%) needed blood transfusions because of
      proctitis-related anemia. For 19 patients (54.3%), bleeding was controlled after
      1 or 2 treatments. Eventual bleeding control was obtained in 30 patients (85.7%).
      The median number of sessions per patient was 2 (range, 1-13). Post-APC
      ulceration was noted in 8 cases (22.9%). Two patients (5.7%) developed
      colovesicular fistulas, with 1 patient dying from this complication. A short
      interval between treatments (<=35 days) was associated with an increased risk of
      ulcer or fistula formation. CONCLUSIONS: APC is an effective treatment for
      patients with medically refractive radiation proctitis after dose-escalated
      radiation therapy, frequently controlling bleeding after only one or two
      sessions. However, rectal ulceration is a common complication, along with a small
      risk of life-threatening toxicity.

PMID- 27663932
TI  - Online patient information from radiation oncology departments is too complex for
      the general population.
AB  - PURPOSE: Nearly two-thirds of cancer patients seek information about their
      diagnosis online. We assessed the readability of online patient education
      materials found on academic radiation oncology department Web sites to determine
      whether they adhered to guidelines suggesting that information be presented at a
      sixth-grade reading level. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The Association of American
      Medical Colleges Web site was used to identify all academic radiation oncology
      departments in the United States. One-third of these department Web sites were
      selected for analysis using a random number generator. Both general information
      on radiation therapy and specific information regarding various radiation
      modalities were collected. To test the hypothesis that the readability of these
      online educational materials was written at the recommended grade level, a panel
      of 10 common readability tests was used. A composite grade level of readability
      was constructed using the 8 readability measures that provide a single grade
      level output. RESULTS: A mean of 5605 words (range, 2058-12,837) from 30
      department Web sites was collected. Using the composite grade level score, the
      overall mean readability level was determined to be 13.36 (12.83-13.89),
      corresponding to a collegiate reading level. This was significantly higher than
      the target sixth-grade reading level (middle school, t (29) = 27.41, P < .001).
      CONCLUSIONS: Online patient educational materials from academic radiation
      oncology Web sites are significantly more complex than recommended by the
      National Institutes of Health and the Department of Health and Human Services. To
      improve patients' comprehension of radiation therapy and its role in their
      treatment, our analysis suggests that the language used in online patient
      information should be simplified to communicate the information at a more
      appropriate level.

PMID- 27663934
TI  - Here/In This Issue and There/Abstract Thinking: The Neurobiology of Comorbidity.

PMID- 27663933
TI  - Palliative radiation therapy for bone metastases: Update of an ASTRO Evidence
      Based Guideline.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose is to provide an update the Bone Metastases Guideline
      published in 2011 based on evidence complemented by expert opinion. The update
      will discuss new high-quality literature for the 8 key questions from the
      original guideline and implications for practice. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A
      systematic PubMed search from the last date included in the original Guideline
      yielded 414 relevant articles. Ultimately, 20 randomized controlled trials, 32
      prospective nonrandomized studies, and 4 meta-analyses/pooled analyses were
      selected and abstracted into evidence tables. The authors synthesized the
      evidence and reached consensus on the included recommendations. RESULTS:
      Available literature continues to support pain relief equivalency between single
      and multiple fraction regimens for bone metastases. High-quality data confirm
      single fraction radiation therapy may be delivered to spine lesions with
      acceptable late toxicity. One prospective, randomized trial confirms both
      peripheral and spine-based painful metastases can be successfully and safely
      palliated with retreatment for recurrence pain with adherence to published dosing
      constraints. Advanced radiation therapy techniques such as stereotactic body
      radiation therapy lack high-quality data, leading the panel to favor its use on a
      clinical trial or when results will be collected in a registry. The panel's
      conclusion remains that surgery, radionuclides, bisphosphonates, and
      kyphoplasty/vertebroplasty do not obviate the need for external beam radiation
      therapy. CONCLUSION: Updated data analysis confirms that radiation therapy
      provides excellent palliation for painful bone metastases and that retreatment is
      safe and effective. Although adherence to evidence-based medicine is critical,
      thorough expert radiation oncology physician judgment and discretion regarding
      number of fractions and advanced techniques are also essential to optimize
      outcomes when considering the patient's overall health, life expectancy,
      comorbidities, tumor biology, anatomy, previous treatment including prior
      radiation at or near current site of treatment, tumor and normal tissue response
      history to local and systemic therapies, and other factors related to the
      patient, tumor characteristics, or treatment.

PMID- 27663935
TI  - In Their Own Words: Immigration and Pediatric Mental Health in 2016.

PMID- 27663936
TI  - Machine Learning: A Primer for Child Psychiatrists.

PMID- 27663937
TI  - Intravenous Immunoglobulin Is Not an Effective Treatment for Pediatric Autoimmune
      Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated With Streptococcal Infection Obsessive
      Compulsive Disorder.

PMID- 27663938
TI  - The Genetics of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Failure or Learning
      Process?

PMID- 27663939
TI  - Long-Term Outcomes of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Conduct
      Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and conduct disorder
      (CD) are common externalizing disorders. Despite previous research demonstrating
      that both are longitudinally associated with adverse outcomes, there have been no
      systematic reviews examining all of the available evidence linking ADHD and CD
      with a range of health and psychosocial outcomes. METHOD: Electronic databases
      (EMBASE, Medline, and PsycINFO) were searched for studies published from 1980 up
      to March 2015. Published cohort and case-control studies were included if they
      reported a longitudinal association between ADHD or CD and adverse outcomes with
      a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Outcomes with sufficient data were pooled in a
      random effects meta-analysis to give overall odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding
      95% CIs. RESULTS: Of the 278 studies assessed, 114 met inclusion criteria and 98
      were used in subsequent meta-analyses. ADHD was associated with adverse outcomes
      including academic achievement (e.g. failure to complete high school; odds ratio
      [OR] = 3.7, 95% CIs 2.0-7.0), other mental and substance use disorders (e.g.
      depression; OR = 2.3, 1.5-3.7), criminality (e.g. arrest; OR = 2.4, 1.5-3.8), and
      employment (e.g., unemployment; OR = 2.0, 1.0-3.9). CD was associated with
      outcomes relating to academic achievement (e.g. failure to complete high school;
      OR = 2.7, 1.5-4.7), other mental and substance use disorders (e.g., illicit drug
      use; OR = 2.1, 1.7-2.6), and criminality (e.g. violence; OR = 3.5, 2.3-5.3).
      CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that ADHD and CD are associated with
      disability beyond immediate health loss. Although the analyses could not
      determine the mechanisms behind these longitudinal associations, they demonstrate
      the importance of addressing ADHD and CD early in life so as to potentially avert
      a wide range of future adverse outcomes.

PMID- 27663940
TI  - Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: Early Treatment Responses of Selective
      Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Clomipramine in Pediatric Obsessive-Compulsive
      Disorder.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We conducted a meta-analysis to examine the following: the time course
      of response to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and clomipramine
      in pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD); whether higher doses of SSRIs
      are associated with an improved response in pediatric OCD; differences in
      efficacy among SSRI agents; differences in efficacy between SSRIs and
      clomipramine; and whether the time course and magnitude of response to SSRIs are
      different in pediatric and adult patients with OCD. METHOD: We searched PubMed
      and CENTRAL for randomized controlled trials comparing SSRIs (or clomipramine) to
      placebo for the treatment of pediatric OCD and using the Children's Yale-Brown
      Obsessive-Compulsive Scale as an outcome. We extracted weekly symptom data from
      trials to characterize the trajectory of pharmacological response to SSRIs.
      Pooled estimates of treatment effect were calculated based on weighted mean
      differences between the treatment and placebo groups. RESULTS: Nine trials
      involving 801 children with OCD were included in this meta-analysis. A
      logarithmic model indicating that the greatest benefits occurred early in
      treatment best fit the longitudinal data for both clomipramine and SSRIs.
      Clomipramine was associated with a greater measured benefit compared to placebo
      than SSRIs. There was no evidence for a relationship between SSRI dosing and
      treatment effect, although data were limited. Adults and children with OCD
      demonstrated a similar degree and time course of response to SSRIs in OCD.
      CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the greatest incremental treatment gains
      in pediatric OCD occur early in SSRI treatment (similar to adults with OCD and
      children and adults with major depression).

PMID- 27663941
TI  - Randomized, Controlled Trial of Intravenous Immunoglobulin for Pediatric
      Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated With Streptococcal Infections.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with
      streptococcal infections (PANDAS) are hypothesized to occur as a result of cross
      reactive antibodies produced in response to group A streptococcal infections.
      Previous research suggests that immunomodulatory therapies, such as intravenous
      immunoglobulin (IVIG), may lead to rapid and sustained symptom improvement in
      patients with PANDAS. METHOD: A total of 35 children meeting criteria for PANDAS
      and moderate to severe obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) were enrolled in a
      randomized-entry, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 6-week trial of IVIG (1
      g/kg/day on 2 consecutive days), followed by optional open-label treatment for
      nonresponders, with follow-up at 12 and 24 weeks. Primary outcome measures were
      the Children's Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (CY-BOCS) and the Clinical
      Global Impressions-Improvement (CGI-I) rating. "Responders" were defined, a
      priori, by a >= 30% decrease in CY-BOCS total score, and a "much" or "very much"
      improved rating on CGI-I. RESULTS: During the double-blind phase, the mean
      decrease in CY-BOCS score was 24% +/- 31% in the IVIG group (n = 17) and 12% +/-
      27% in the placebo group (n = 18), with six responders in the IVIG group (35%)
      versus four (22%) in the placebo group; these differences were not statistically
      significant. Twenty-four participants met criteria for nonresponse to double
      blind infusion and received open-label IVIG at week 6. Among all participants,
      the mean CY-BOCS improvement from baseline was 55% +/- 33% at week 12 and 62% +/-
      33% at week 24. CONCLUSION: IVIG was safe and well tolerated. Between-group
      differences were smaller than anticipated, and the double-blind comparison failed
      to demonstrate superiority of IVIG over placebo. The observed open-label
      improvements indicate that future trials would benefit from larger sample sizes
      designed in part to aid in the identification of biomarkers predictive of a
      positive response to immunotherapy. Future investigations focused on the natural
      history of PANDAS are also warranted. Clinical trial registration information
      Intravenous Immunoglobulin for PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric
      Disorders Associated With Streptococcal Infections); http://clinicaltrials.gov/;
      NCT01281969ZIAMH002666.

PMID- 27663943
TI  - Age and DRD4 Genotype Moderate Associations Between Stimulant Treatment History
      and Cortex Structure in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been associated
      with dopaminergic imbalance and subtle volume decreases in the brain. Stimulants
      acutely enhance dopaminergic neurotransmission. Long-term effects of prolonged
      manipulation of the dopaminergic system on brain structure remain poorly
      understood; they could be beneficial or unfavorable and could be moderated by
      common genetic variants and/or age. METHOD: In a large observational ADHD cohort
      study (N = 316), the effects of cumulative stimulant treatment, genotype (for
      DAT1 haplotype and DRD4 variants), and treatment-by-genotype interactions on
      striatal, frontal, and hippocampal volumes and their interactions with age were
      evaluated. RESULTS: No main effects of treatment were found. Associations between
      treatment and bilateral frontal and left hippocampal volume depended on DRD4
      genotype and age. At a younger age and lower treatment levels, but not at a
      younger age and higher treatment levels, carriers of the DRD4 7R allele showed
      decreased frontal cortex volumes. At an older age, carriers and non-carriers
      showed smaller frontal volumes irrespective of treatment history. Left
      hippocampal volume was similar to that in controls at average treatment levels
      and increased with treatment only in carriers of the DRD4 risk allele and at a
      younger age. No interaction effects were found in the striatum. CONCLUSION:
      Carriers of the DRD4 risk allele at a younger age might be sensitive to cortical
      remodeling after stimulant treatment. The cross-sectional nature of this study
      warrants cautious interpretation of age effects. The present findings, although
      of small effect size, might ultimately contribute to optimal care for individuals
      with ADHD.

PMID- 27663942
TI  - Atomoxetine and Parent Training for Children With Autism and Attention
      Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A 24-Week Extension Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The authors previously reported on a 2-by-2 randomized clinical trial
      of individual and combined treatment with atomoxetine (ATX) and parent training
      (PT) for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and behavioral
      noncompliance in 128 5- to 14-year-old children with autism spectrum disorder. In
      the present report, they describe a 24-week extension of treatment responders and
      nonresponders. METHOD: One-hundred seventeen participants from the acute trial
      (91%) entered the extension; 84 of these were in 2 subgroups: "treatment
      responders" (n = 43) from all 4 groups in the acute trial, seen monthly for 24
      weeks, and "placebo nonresponders" (n = 41), treated with open-label ATX for 10
      weeks. Participants originally assigned to PT continued PT during the extension;
      the remainder served as controls. Primary outcome measurements were the parent
      rated Swanson, Nolan and Pelham ADHD scale and the Home Situations Questionnaire.
      RESULTS: Sixty percent (26 of 43) of treatment responders in the acute trial,
      including 68% of responders originally assigned to ATX, still met the response
      criteria at the end of the extension. The response rate of placebo nonresponders
      treated with 10-week open-label ATX was 37% (15 of 41), similar to the acute
      trial. Children receiving open-label ATX + PT were significantly more likely to
      be ADHD responders (53% versus 23%) and noncompliance responders (58% versus 14%)
      than those receiving open-label ATX alone. CONCLUSION: Most ATX responders
      maintained their responses during the extension. PT combined with ATX in the open
      label trial appeared to improve ADHD and noncompliance outcomes more than ATX
      alone. Clinical trial registration information-Atomoxetine, Placebo and Parent
      Management Training in Autism (Strattera); http://clinicaltrials.gov;
      NCT00844753.

PMID- 27663944
TI  - Relative Immaturity in Childhood and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
      Symptoms From Childhood to Early Adulthood: Exploring Genetic and Environmental
      Overlap Across Development.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been linked to
      immaturity relative to peers in childhood, yet it is unclear how such immaturity
      is associated with ADHD across development. This longitudinal twin study examined
      the genetic and environmental contributions to the association between parents'
      perception of their child's immaturity relative to peers (RI) in childhood and
      ADHD symptoms across development. METHOD: 1,302 twin pairs from the Swedish Twin
      Study of Child and Adolescent Development were followed prospectively from
      childhood to early adulthood. Parent ratings of RI were collected at 8 to 9 years
      and parent and self-ratings of ADHD symptoms were collected at 8 to 9, 13 to 14,
      16 to 17, and 19 to 20 years using the Child Behavior Checklist Attention
      Problems scale. In addition, ADHD symptoms corresponding to DSM criteria were
      used for sensitivity analysis. Analyses were conducted using longitudinal
      structural equation modeling with multiple raters. RESULTS: RI-related etiologic
      factors, predominantly influenced by genes, explained 10-14% of the variance in
      ADHD symptoms from 8 to 9 up to 16 to 17 years. The influence of these RI-related
      factors on ADHD symptoms attenuated to 4% by 19 to 20 years of age. The remaining
      variance in ADHD symptoms was primarily explained by genetic factors independent
      of RI, which remained relatively stable across development, explaining 19% to 30%
      of the variance in ADHD symptoms from 13 to 14 up to 19 to 20 years. CONCLUSION:
      The results show that RI is significantly associated with ADHD symptoms,
      particularly during childhood and adolescence, and that the association is
      primarily explained by a shared genetic liability. Nevertheless, the magnitude of
      associations across development was modest, highlighting that RI is merely one
      aspect contributing to the complex etiology of ADHD symptoms.

PMID- 27663947
TI  - Fun and Games.

PMID- 27663948
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 27663946
TI  - Withdrawn/Depressed Behaviors and Error-Related Brain Activity in Youth With
      Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The pathophysiology of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) involves
      increased activity in corticostriatal circuits connecting the anterior cingulate
      cortex with other brain regions. The error-related negativity (ERN) is a negative
      deflection in the event-related potential after an incorrect response that is
      believed to reflect anterior cingulate cortex activity. This study examined the
      relation of the ERN to OCD symptom dimensions and other childhood symptom
      dimensions. METHOD: The ERN, correct response negativity, and accuracy were
      measured during a flanker task to assess performance monitoring in 80 youth with
      a lifetime diagnosis of OCD and 80 matched healthy comparison participants
      ranging from 8 to 18 years old. The relation of the ERN to OCD symptom dimension
      scores and Child Behavior Checklist Syndrome Scale scores was examined in
      multiple linear regression analyses. RESULTS: Accuracy was significantly
      decreased and ERN amplitude was significantly increased in patients compared with
      controls. ERN amplitude in patients was significantly correlated with accuracy,
      but not with OCD symptom dimensions, severity, comorbidity, or treatment. In a
      multiple linear regression analysis using age, accuracy, OCD, and Child Behavior
      Checklist Syndrome Scale scores as predictors of ERN amplitude, the ERN had
      significant associations only with Withdrawn/Depressed Scale scores and accuracy.
      CONCLUSION: An enlarged ERN is a neural correlate of pediatric OCD that is
      independent of OCD symptom expression and severity. The finding of lower accuracy
      in pediatric cases requires replication. The relation between an enhanced ERN and
      withdrawn/depressed behaviors warrants further research in youth with OCD and
      other internalizing disorders.

PMID- 27663949
TI  - Bioactive benzofuran-chalcanes as potential NQO1 inducers from Millettia pulchra
      (Benth) kurzvar-laxior (Dunn) Z.Wei.
AB  - Five chalcanes ((alpha'R)-2, alpha'-dimethoxy-furano-[4", 5'': 3', 4'] chalcane,
      (alpha'R, betaR)-2', alpha', beta-trimethoxy-furano-[4", 5'': 3', 4'] chalcane,
      (alpha'S, betaR)-2', alpha', beta-trimethoxy-furano-[4", 5'': 3', 4'] chalcane,
      (alpha'R, betaR)-2', beta-dimethoxy-alpha'-hydroxyethoxy-furano-[4", 5'': 3', 4']
      chalcane, (alpha'S, betaR)-2', beta-dimethoxy-alpha'-hydroxyethoxy-furano-[4",
      5'': 3', 4'] chalcane) and a flavonoid glycoside (3', 7-dihydroxy-6-methoxy-4',
      5'-methylenedioxyisoflavone 6-O-beta-D- glucopyranoside), together with 15 known
      components, were isolated from the leaves of Millettia pulchra (Benth) Kurzvar
      laxior (Dunn) Z. Wei, a traditional Zhuang medicine. Their chemical structures
      were established by extensive analysis of NMR, mass spectrometry and ECD spectra.
      Furthermore compounds (alpha'R, betaR)-2', beta-dimethoxy-alpha'-hydroxyethoxy
      furano-[4", 5'': 3', 4'] chalcane, (alpha'S, betaR)-2', beta-dimethoxy-alpha'
      hydroxyethoxy-furano-[4", 5'': 3', 4'] chalcane, quercetin, methyl 2-O-beta-D
      glucopyranosylbenzoate, 6,7-dimethoxy-3',4'-methylenedioxyisoflavone and
      lyoniresinol were suggested to be potential chemopreventive agents because of
      their significant activity in inducing NQO1 ([NAD(P)H quinine oxidoreductase 1],
      a phase II metabolism enzyme).

PMID- 27663950
TI  - Multiple training interventions significantly improve reproducibility of PET/CT
      based lung cancer radiotherapy target volume delineation using an IAEA study
      protocol.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To assess the impact of a standardized delineation
      protocol and training interventions on PET/CT-based target volume delineation
      (TVD) in NSCLC in a multicenter setting. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Over a one-year
      period, 11 pairs, comprised each of a radiation oncologist and nuclear medicine
      physician with limited experience in PET/CT-based TVD for NSCLC from nine
      different countries took part in a training program through an International
      Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) study (NCT02247713). Teams delineated gross tumor
      volume of the primary tumor, during and after training interventions, according
      to a provided delineation protocol. In-house developed software recorded the
      performed delineations, to allow visual inspection of strategies and to assess
      delineation accuracy. RESULTS: Following the first training, overall concordance
      indices for 3 repetitive cases increased from 0.57+/-0.07 to 0.66+/-0.07. The
      overall mean surface distance between observer and expert contours decreased from
      -0.40+/-0.03cm to -0.01+/-0.33cm. After further training overall concordance
      indices for another 3 repetitive cases further increased from 0.64+/-0.06 to
      0.80+/-0.05 (p=0.01). Mean surface distances decreased from -0.34+/-0.16cm to 
      0.05+/-0.20cm (p=0.01). CONCLUSION: Multiple training interventions improve
      PET/CT-based TVD delineation accuracy in NSCLC and reduce interobserver
      variation.

PMID- 27663951
TI  - Radiotherapy induced dermatitis is a strong predictor for late fibrosis in head
      and neck cancer. The development of a predictive model for late fibrosis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine if the severity of radiodermatitis at the end of
      radio(chemo)therapy (R(C)T) for head and neck cancer (HNC) is a predictive factor
      for late fibrosis of the neck and to find a model to predict neck fibrosis
      grade?2 (fibrosis RTOG2-4) at 6months following R(C)T for HNC. MATERIAL/METHODS:
      161 patients were prospectively included. We correlated radiodermatitis at the
      end of RCT, age, sex, T/N stage, tumor site, concomitant chemotherapy, upfront
      neck dissection, neo-adjuvant chemotherapy, accelerated RT, smoking, alcohol
      consumption, HPV status and the dose prescribed to the elective neck with
      fibrosis RTOG2-4 6months after the end of treatment. RESULTS: Radiodermatitis at
      the end of R(C)T ?grade 3 proved to be associated with the incidence of fibrosis
      RTOG2-4 at 6months (p<0.01). Furthermore, upfront neck dissection (p<0.01),
      increasing N stage (p<0.01) and tumor site (p=0.02) are significantly associated
      in univariate analysis with fibrosis RTOG2-4 at 6months of follow-up. Upfront
      neck dissection and radiodermatitis grade?3 at the end of R(C)T were identified
      by our multivariate model. Additionally, increasing N stage was selected as an
      independent predictor variable. The AUC for this model was 0.92. CONCLUSION: A
      model for the prediction of fibrosis RTOG2-4 following R(C)T for head and neck
      cancer is presented with an AUC of 0.92. Interestingly, radiodermatitis grade?3
      at the end of R(C)T is associated with RTOG2-4 fibrosis at 6months.

PMID- 27663952
TI  - Kilovoltage intrafraction monitoring for real-time image guided adaptive
      radiotherapy reduces total dose for lung SABR.
AB  - This study presents estimation of typical kV fluoroscopic imaging doses for image
      guided real-time adaptive radiotherapy. For a cohort of 10 lung SABR patients the
      estimated imaging dose to ipsi-lateral lung with real-time adaptation is 9.9
      15.1cGy, which is less than the extra lung dose from treatment with potentially
      larger ITV-based PTV approach.

PMID- 27663945
TI  - A Genome-Wide Association Meta-Analysis of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity
      Disorder Symptoms in Population-Based Pediatric Cohorts.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to elucidate the influence of common
      genetic variants on childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
      symptoms, to identify genetic variants that explain its high heritability, and to
      investigate the genetic overlap of ADHD symptom scores with ADHD diagnosis.
      METHOD: Within the EArly Genetics and Lifecourse Epidemiology (EAGLE) consortium,
      genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and ADHD symptom scores were
      available for 17,666 children (<13 years of age) from nine population-based
      cohorts. SNP-based heritability was estimated in data from the three largest
      cohorts. Meta-analysis based on genome-wide association (GWA) analyses with SNPs
      was followed by gene-based association tests, and the overlap in results with a
      meta-analysis in the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC) case-control ADHD
      study was investigated. RESULTS: SNP-based heritability ranged from 5% to 34%,
      indicating that variation in common genetic variants influences ADHD symptom
      scores. The meta-analysis did not detect genome-wide significant SNPs, but three
      genes, lying close to each other with SNPs in high linkage disequilibrium (LD),
      showed a gene-wide significant association (p values between 1.46 * 10(-6) and
      2.66 * 10(-6)). One gene, WASL, is involved in neuronal development. Both SNP-
      and gene-based analyses indicated overlap with the PGC meta-analysis results with
      the genetic correlation estimated at 0.96. CONCLUSION: The SNP-based heritability
      for ADHD symptom scores indicates a polygenic architecture, and genes involved in
      neurite outgrowth are possibly involved. Continuous and dichotomous measures of
      ADHD appear to assess a genetically common phenotype. A next step is to combine
      data from population-based and case-control cohorts in genetic association
      studies to increase sample size and to improve statistical power for identifying
      genetic variants.

PMID- 27663953
TI  - Autosomal dominant hypocalcaemia: A novel mutation.

PMID- 27663954
TI  - Building better health.

PMID- 27663955
TI  - Renoprotection in LEADER and EMPA-REG OUTCOME.

PMID- 27663957
TI  - Strengthening of information systems and research to tackle HIV and non
      communicable diseases.

PMID- 27663956
TI  - SGLT2 inhibitors: beta blockers for the kidney?

PMID- 27663958
TI  - Research digest: weight loss to prevent and treat diabetes.

PMID- 27663961
TI  - Palliative care in Dutch hospitals: a rapid increase in the number of expert
      teams, a limited number of referrals.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Palliative care expert teams in hospitals have positive effects on
      the quality of life and satisfaction with care of patients with advanced disease.
      Involvement of these teams in medical care is also associated with substantial
      cost savings. In the Netherlands, professional standards state that each hospital
      should have a palliative care team by 2017. We studied the number of hospitals
      that have a palliative care team and the characteristics of these teams. METHODS:
      In April 2015, questionnaires were mailed to key palliative care professionals in
      all general, teaching and academic hospitals in the Netherlands. Out of 92
      hospitals, 74 responded (80 %). RESULTS: Seventy-seven percent of all
      participating hospitals had a palliative care team. Other services, such as
      outpatient clinics (22 %), palliative care inpatient units (7 %), and palliative
      day care facilities (4 %) were relatively scarce. The mean number of disciplines
      that were represented in the teams was 6,5. The most common disciplines were
      nurses (72 %) and nurse practitioners (54 %), physicians specialized in internal
      medicine (90 %) or anaesthesiology (75 %), and spiritual caregivers (65 %). In
      most cases, the physicians did not have labeled hours available for their work as
      palliative care consultant, whereas nurses and nurse practitioners did. Most
      teams (77 %) were only available during office hours. Twenty-six percent of the
      teams could not only be consulted by healthcare professionals but also by
      patients or relatives. The annual number of consultations for inpatients per year
      ranged from 2 to 680 (median: 77). On average, teams were consulted for 0.6 % of
      all patients admitted to the hospitals. CONCLUSION: The number of Dutch hospitals
      with a palliative care team is rapidly increasing. There are substantial
      differences between teams regarding the disciplines represented in the teams, the
      procedures and the number of consultations. The development of quality standards
      and adequate staffing of the teams could improve the quality and effectiveness of
      the teams.

PMID- 27663960
TI  - Recurrence of coronary arteriovenous fistulae in a rare case of bilateral right
      coronary and circumflex artery arteriovenous fistulae to the pulmonary artery.

PMID- 27663962
TI  - Identification of Potential Key Long Non-Coding RNAs and Target Genes Associated
      with Pneumonia Using Long Non-Coding RNA Sequencing (lncRNA-Seq): A Preliminary
      Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND This study aimed to identify the potential key long non-coding RNAs
      (lncRNAs) and target genes associated with pneumonia using lncRNA sequencing
      (lncRNA-seq). MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 9 peripheral blood samples from
      patients with mild pneumonia (n=3) and severe pneumonia (n=3), as well as
      volunteers without pneumonia (n=3), were received for lncRNA-seq. Based on the
      sequencing data, differentially expressed lncRNAs (DE-lncRNAs) were identified by
      the limma package. After the functional enrichment analysis, target genes of DE
      lncRNAs were predicted, and the regulatory network was constructed. RESULTS In
      total, 99 DE-lncRNAs (14 upregulated and 85 downregulated ones) were identified
      in the mild pneumonia group and 85 (72 upregulated and 13 downregulated ones) in
      the severe pneumonia group, compared with the control group. Among these DE
      lncRNAs, 9 lncRNAs were upregulated in both the mild and severe pneumonia groups.
      A set of 868 genes were predicted to be targeted by these 9 DE-lncRNAs. In the
      network, RP11-248E9.5 and RP11-456D7.1 targeted the majority of genes. RP11
      248E9.5 regulated several genes together with CTD-2300H10.2, such as QRFP and
      EPS8. Both upregulated RP11-456D7.1 and RP11-96C23.9 regulated several genes,
      such as PDK2. RP11-456D7.1 also positively regulated CCL21. CONCLUSIONS These
      novel lncRNAs and their target genes may be closely associated with the
      progression of pneumonia.

PMID- 27663965
TI  - Increasing Universal Lipid Screening Among 9- to 11-Year-Old Children Through a
      Quality Improvement Initiative.
AB  - In 2011, the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute recommended universal lipid
      screening (ULS) in 9- to 11-year-old children. This study aimed to determine
      whether a quality improvement (QI) initiative increased ULS. Data were abstracted
      from the electronic medical record to compare screening behaviors 1 year
      preimplementation and postimplementation. A focus group was conducted to examine
      physicians' attitudes. In preimplementation and postimplementation years, the
      number of 9- to 11-year-olds seen for well-child checks were 356 and 357,
      respectively. The first and second phases of the intervention were associated
      with a 64.3% ( P < .001) and 2.3% ( P = .75) increase in ordering, respectively.
      The rate of abnormal results was similar (21.4% vs 20.1%, P = .91). Physicians
      reported "some benefits" to screening but expressed concerns about cost
      effectiveness and impact. The QI initiative resulted in high rates of ULS.
      Nonetheless, physicians continue to question the impact of screening on long-term
      health. More research on the benefits, costs, and outcomes of ULS is needed.

PMID- 27663964
TI  - A 10-Year Review of Necrotizing Fasciitis in the Pediatric Population: Delays to
      Diagnosis and Management.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the promptness and appropriateness of management in
      pediatric cases of necrotizing fasciitis (NF). METHODS: A retrospective chart
      review examined cases of pediatric NF treated at a pediatric tertiary care center
      over a 10-year period. RESULTS: Twelve patients were identified over the 10-year
      period. The median (25th to 75th centile) times to appropriate antibiotic
      administration, infectious disease consults, surgical consults and debridement
      surgeries were 2.6 (2.1-3.2), 7.7 (3.4-24.4), 4.6 (1.7-21.0), and 22.1 (10.3
      28.4) hours following assessment at triage. The initial antibiotic(s)
      administered covered the causative organism in 9 of 12 cases. The median (25th to
      75th centile) length of hospital stay was 21 (14.0-35.5) days. CONCLUSIONS: The
      large variability in the care of these patients speaks to the range of their
      presenting symptomatology. The lack of a standardized approach to the pediatric
      patient with suspected NF results in delays in management and suboptimal
      antibiotic choice.

PMID- 27663963
TI  - c-Rel is dispensable for the differentiation and functional maturation of M cells
      in the follicle-associated epithelium.
AB  - M cells reside within the follicle-associated epithelium (FAE) overlying the gut
      associated lymphoid tissues. These unique phagocytic epithelial cells enable the
      mucosal immune system to sample antigens within the lumen of the intestine. The
      differentiation of M cells from uncommitted precursors in the FAE is dependent on
      the production of receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL) by
      subepithelial stromal cells. The ligation of a variety of cell surface receptors
      activates the nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) family of transcription factors
      which in-turn induce the transcription of multiple target genes. RANKL
      stimulation can stimulate the nuclear translocation of the NF-kappaB subunit c
      Rel. We therefore used c-Rel-deficient mice to determine whether the
      differentiation and functional maturation of M cells in the Peyer's patches was
      dependent on c-Rel. Our data show that c-Rel-deficiency does not influence the
      expression of RANKL or RANK in Peyer's patches, or the induction of M-cell
      differentiation in the FAE. RANKL-stimulation in the differentiating M cells
      induces the expression of SpiB which is essential for their subsequent
      maturation. However, SpiB expression in the FAE was also unaffected in the
      absence of c-Rel. As a consequence, the functional maturation of M cells was not
      impaired in the Peyer's patches of c-Rel-deficient mice. Although our data showed
      that the specific expression of CCL20 and ubiquitin D in the FAE was not impeded
      in the absence of c-Rel, the expression of ubiquitin D was dramatically reduced
      in the B cell-follicles of c-Rel-deficient mice. Coincident with this, we also
      observed that the status of follicular dendritic cells in the B cell-follicles
      was dramatically reduced in Peyer's patches from c-Rel-deficient mice. Taken
      together, our data show that c-Rel is dispensable for the RANKL-mediated
      differentiation and functional maturation of M cells.

PMID- 27663966
TI  - Payments to Pediatricians in the Sunshine Act.
AB  - Under the Sunshine Act, pharmaceutical and product industry payments to
      physicians are reported in a public database. We sought to characterize payments
      received by pediatricians in the first full year of disclosures in 2014. We used
      the National Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Open Payment files to
      identify pediatricians who received payments. Payment characteristics were
      stratified, and descriptive statistical analysis was performed, including mean,
      median, and ranges of payments. Between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2014,
      35 697 pediatricians received payments amounting to $30 031 960. General
      pediatricians received the majority of payments (71%). Median payment was $15
      (interquartile range = $12-$24), mostly in the form of noncash items and services
      (84%). Significant diversity was observed in median payments among specialty
      providers. In conclusion, 42% of US pediatricians received industry payments in
      2014. These data provide a foundation for future research regarding the influence
      of the Sunshine Act on pediatric clinical practices.

PMID- 27663967
TI  - Interactive effects of AM251 and baclofen on synaptic plasticity in the rat
      dentate gyrus.
AB  - Long-term potentiation (LTP), a form of synaptic plasticity, is considered to be
      a critical cellular mechanism that underlies learning and memory. Cannabinoid CB1
      and metabotropic GABAB receptors display similar pharmacological effects and co
      localize in certain brain regions. In this study, we examined the effects of co
      administration of the CB1 and GABAB antagonists AM251 and baclofen, respectively,
      on LTP induction in the rat dentate gyrus (DG). Male Wistar rats were
      anesthetized with urethane. A stimulating electrode was placed in the lateral
      perforant path (PP), and a bipolar recording electrode was inserted into the DG
      until maximal field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) were observed.
      LTP was induced in the hippocampal area by high-frequency stimulation (HFS) of
      the PP. fEPSPs and population spikes (PS) were recorded at 5, 30, and 60min after
      HFS in order to measure changes in the synaptic responses of DG neurons. Our
      results showed that HFS coupled with administration of AM251 and baclofen
      increased both PS amplitude and fEPSP slope. Furthermore, co-administration of
      AM251 and baclofen elicited greater increases in PS amplitude and fEPSP slope.
      The results of the present study suggest that CB1 receptor activation in the
      hippocampus mainly modifies synapses onto GABAergic interneurons located in the
      DG. Our results further suggest that, when AM251 and baclofen are administered
      simultaneously, AM251 can alter GABA release and thereby augment LTP through
      GABAB receptors. These results suggest that functional crosstalk between
      cannabinoid and GABA receptors regulates hippocampal synaptic plasticity.

PMID- 27663968
TI  - Transarterial regional hypothermia provides robust neuroprotection in a rat model
      of permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion with transient collateral
      hypoperfusion.
AB  - The robust neuroprotective effects of transarterial regional hypothermia have
      been demonstrated in the typical transient middle cerebral artery occlusion
      (tMCAO) model, but have not yet been tested in other ischemic stroke models, even
      though clinical ischemic conditions are diverse. In order to clarify these
      effects in a different ischemic stroke model, we employed a rat model of
      permanent MCAO (pMCAO) with transient collateral hypoperfusion (tCHP), which was
      achieved by direct MCA ligation through craniotomy and 1-h bilateral common
      carotid artery occlusion at the beginning of pMCAO. The infusion of 20ml/kg of 4
      degrees C cold saline (CS) or 37 degrees C warm saline (WS) into the ipsilateral
      internal carotid artery (ICA) was performed for 15min in intra- or post-tCHP.
      Neurological scores, infarct/edema volumes, and neuronal apoptosis and reactive
      gliosis were compared between the CS and WS groups and a non-infusion control
      group after 48h of reperfusion. Although brain temperatures were only reduced by
      2-3 degrees C for 15min, the CS group had significantly better neurological
      scores, smaller infarct/edema volumes, and less penumbral neuronal apoptosis and
      reactive gliosis than the control and WS groups. The post-tCHP CS group exhibited
      prominent neuroprotective effects, even though infarct volumes and neuronal
      apoptosis were reduced less than those in the intra-tCHP CS group. In conclusion,
      we demonstrated the neuroprotective effects of transarterial regional hypothermia
      in an ischemic model of pMCAO with tCHP. Even though MCAO is persistent, cold
      infusion via the ICA is neuroprotective for the penumbra, suggesting the wider
      therapeutic application of this therapy.

PMID- 27663969
TI  - Stress-based animal models of depression: Do we actually know what we are doing?
AB  - Depression is one of the leading causes of disability and a significant health
      concern worldwide. Much of our current understanding on the pathogenesis of
      depression and the pharmacology of antidepressant drugs is based on pre-clinical
      models. Three of the most popular stress-based rodent models are the forced
      swimming test, the chronic mild stress paradigm and the learned helplessness
      model. Despite their recognizable advantages and limitations, they are associated
      with an immense variability due to the high number of design parameters that
      define them. Only few studies have reported how minor modifications of these
      parameters affect the model phenotype. Thus, the existing variability in how
      these models are used has been a strong barrier for drug development as well as
      benchmark and evaluation of these pre-clinical models of depression. It also has
      been the source of confusing variability in the experimental outcomes between
      research groups using the same models. In this review, we summarize the known
      variability in the experimental protocols, identify the main and relevant
      parameters for each model and describe the variable values using characteristic
      examples. Our view of depression and our efforts to discover novel and effective
      antidepressants is largely based on our detailed knowledge of these testing
      paradigms, and requires a sound understanding around the importance of individual
      parameters to optimize and improve these pre-clinical models.

PMID- 27663970
TI  - Magnetic resonance spectroscopic analysis of neurometabolite changes in the
      developing rat brain at 7T.
AB  - We utilized proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy to evaluate the metabolic
      profile of the hippocampus and anterior cingulate cortex of the developing rat
      brain from postnatal days 14-70. Measured metabolite concentrations were modeled
      using linear, exponential, or logarithmic functions and the time point at which
      the data reached plateau (i.e. when the portion of the data could be fit to
      horizontal line) was estimated and was interpreted as the time when the brain has
      reached maturity with respect to that metabolite. N-acetyl-aspartate and myo
      inositol increased within the observed period. Gluthathione did not vary
      significantly, while taurine decreased initially and then stabilized.
      Phosphocreatine and total creatine had a tendency to increase towards the end of
      the experiment. Some differences between our data and the published literature
      were observed in the concentrations and dynamics of phosphocreatine, myo
      inositol, and GABA in the hippocampus and creatine, GABA, glutamine, choline and
      N-acetyl-aspartate in the cortex. Such differences may be attributed to
      experimental conditions, analysis approaches and animal species. The latter is
      supported by differences between in-house rat colony and rats from Charles River
      Labs. Spectroscopy provides a valuable tool for non-invasive brain neurochemical
      profiling for use in developmental neurobiology research. Special attention needs
      to be paid to important sources of variation like animal strain and commercial
      source.

PMID- 27663971
TI  - Functional modulation of strychnine-sensitive glycine receptors in rat
      hippocampal pyramidal neurons by amyloid-beta protein (1-42).
AB  - Amyloid-beta peptide (Abeta) is considered a key protein in the pathogenesis of
      Alzheimer's disease because of its neurotoxicity, resulting in impaired synaptic
      function and memory. On the other hand, it was demonstrated that low (picomolar)
      concentrations of Abeta enhance synaptic plasticity and memory, suggesting that
      in the healthy brain, physiological Abeta concentrations are necessary for normal
      cognitive functions. In the present study, we found that Abeta (1-42) in
      concentrations of 10 pM - 100nM enhanced desensitization of the glycine-activated
      current in isolated CA3 pyramidal neurons and also reversibly suppressed its peak
      amplitude during short (600ms) co-application with agonist. The effect was most
      prominent at low glycine concentrations. When glycine receptors were activated by
      other receptor agonists - taurine and beta-alanine, the changes of current
      kinetics and amplitudes induced by Abeta had a similar character. When Abeta (100
      pM) was added to the bath solution, it caused, besides acceleration of
      desensitization, more pronounced reduction of peak current amplitude. This effect
      developed slowly, during a few minutes, and was more prominent at saturating
      concentrations of agonists. The results suggest that Abeta interacts with glycine
      receptors through three different mechanisms - by enhancing receptor
      desensitization, by rapid inhibition of the receptor, and also by means of a
      slowly developing inhibition of the amplitude of the current, possibly through
      intracellular mechanisms. The observed changes in the activity of glycine
      receptors induced by Abeta can lead to suppression of the tonic inhibition of
      hippocampal neurons mediated by extrasynaptic glycine receptors.

PMID- 27663972
TI  - In utero methoxychlor exposure increases rat fetal Leydig cell number but
      inhibits its function.
AB  - The objective of the present study is to determine whether in utero exposure to
      methoxychlor (MXC) affects rat fetal Leydig cell number, cell size, or functions.
      Pregnant Sprague Dawley dams were gavaged with corn oil (control, 0mg/kg/day MXC)
      or MXC at doses of 10, 50, or 100mg/kg/day from gestational day (GD) 12 to 21.
      The results show that MXC increased fetal Leydig cell numbers dose-dependently
      from 95+/-8*103 cells/testis (control, mean+/-SEM) to 101+/-6, 148+/-22, and
      168+/-21*103 cells/testis, at the doses of 10, 50, and 100mg/kg, respectively.
      The increase of Leydig cell number by MXC was contributed by the increase of
      single cell population of Leydig cells, which increased from 21+/-2% of the
      control to 31+/-4%, 39+/-3%, or 40+/-4% at the doses of 10, 50 or 100mg/kg,
      respectively. Quantitative PCR results show that MXC increased Lhcgr expression
      at dose of 10mg/kg and Scarb1 and Cyp11a1 mRNA levels at doses of 50 and
      100mg/kg. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated the increase of CYP11A1
      protein level from the dose of 10mg/kg. However, at the highest dose (100mg/kg)
      MXC reduced the testicular testosterone level and MXC (1MUM) in vitro treatment
      also inhibited androgen production from isolated fetal Leydig cells. In
      conclusion, our findings indicate that at low dose MXC may increase fetal Leydig
      cell numbers and the expressions of some steroidogenic enzymes, but at high dose
      it reduces the testicular testosterone level leading to reproductive tract
      malformations in the male offspring.

PMID- 27663973
TI  - Andrographolide induces Nrf2 and heme oxygenase 1 in astrocytes by activating p38
      MAPK and ERK.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Andrographolide is the major labdane diterpenoid originally isolated
      from Andrographis paniculata and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and
      antioxidative effects. However, there is a dearth of studies on the potential
      therapeutic utility of andrographolide in neuroinflammatory conditions. Here, we
      aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying andrographolide's effect on the
      expression of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in
      primary astrocytes. METHODS: Measurements of the effects of andrograholide on
      antioxidant HO-1 and its transcription factor, Nrf2, include gene expression,
      protein turnover, and activation of putative signaling regulators. RESULTS:
      Andrographolide potently activated Nrf2 and also upregulated HO-1 expression in
      primary astrocytes. Andrographolide's effects on Nrf2 seemed to be biphasic, with
      acute (within 1 h) reductions in Nrf2 ubiquitination efficiency and turnover
      rate, followed by upregulation of Nrf2 mRNA between 8 and 24 h. The acute
      regulation of Nrf2 by andrographolide seemed to be independent of Keap1 and
      partly mediated by p38 MAPK and ERK signaling. CONCLUSIONS: These data provide
      further insights into the mechanisms underlying andrographolide's effects on
      astrocyte-mediated antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory responses and support the
      further assessment of andrographolide as a potential therapeutic for neurological
      conditions in which oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are implicated.

PMID- 27663974
TI  - Evaluation of the sensitizing potential of food proteins using two mouse models.
AB  - The current methodology to identify allergenic food proteins is effective in
      identifying those that are likely to cross-react with known allergens. However,
      most assays show false positive results for low/non-allergens. Therefore, an ex
      vivo/in vitro DC-T cell assay and an in vivo mouse model were used to distinguish
      known allergenic food proteins (Ara h 1, beta-Lactoglobulin, Pan b 1, bovine
      serum albumin, whey protein isolate) from low/non allergenic food proteins (soy
      lipoxygenase, gelatin, beef tropomyosin, rubisco, Sola t 1). CD4+ T cells from
      protein/alum-immunized mice were incubated with corresponding protein-pulsed bone
      marrow-derived DC and analyzed for cytokine release. All known allergens induced
      Th2 responses in vitro, whereas soy lipoxygenase, gelatin or beef tropomyosin did
      not. Sola t 1 and rubisco induced a more generalized T cell response due to
      endotoxin contamination, indicating the endotoxin-sensitivity of the DC-T assay.
      To analyze responses in vivo, mice were orally sensitized on days 0 and 7. Known
      allergens induced IgE and mMCP-1 release upon oral challenge at day 16, whereas
      the low/non-allergens did not. Both the DC-T cell assay and the mouse model were
      able to distinguish 5 known allergens from 5 low/non-allergens and may be useful
      to identify novel allergenic food proteins.

PMID- 27663975
TI  - Prevention of adhesions in the temporomandibular joint by the use of chitosan
      membrane in goats.
AB  - We evaluated the effects of chitosan membrane, a highly absorbable and viscous
      material, in the prevention of intra-articular adhesions after anchoring of the
      disc in the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) of six adult goats (12 joints). To
      simulate anterior displacement of the disc and TMJ trauma, we cut off the
      retrodiscal attachment and damaged the surface of the condylar bone, then
      randomly divided the goats into two groups: the control group (n=2) and the
      experimental group (n=4). In the experimental group we covered the condylar
      surfaces on both sides of the animals with chitosan membranes. Those in the
      control group had operations and no special treatment. We took magnetic resonance
      images (MRI) of all the animals before the operation and at three and six months
      postoperatively, and measured the interincisal opening and strength at the same
      time. We counted the number of adhesions macroscopically, and evaluated the
      adhesive tissues, cartilage, and subchondral bony changes histologically and
      immunohistochemically. Measurements of the interincisal opening and strength were
      significantly better in the experimental group than in the controls (p<0.05).
      Macroscopic evaluation (using a specific adhesion scoring system) showed a
      significant difference in the formation of adhesions between the groups (p<0.05).
      Although MRI showed no significant difference between the groups, the
      histological and immunohistochemical observations supported the hypothesis that
      chitosan membrane could prevent intra-articular adhesions. It seems to inhibit
      the formation of adhesions effectively and promote repair of the cartilage. It
      may therefore be considered a promising absorbable biomaterial to prevent
      adhesions after operations on the TMJ.

PMID- 27663976
TI  - Importance of knowing what drugs the patient has taken in the referral pathway
      for suspected cancer.

PMID- 27663977
TI  - Novel regional age-associated DNA methylation changes within human common disease
      associated loci.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Advancing age progressively impacts on risk and severity of chronic
      disease. It also modifies the epigenome, with changes in DNA methylation, due to
      both random drift and variation within specific functional loci. RESULTS: In a
      discovery set of 2238 peripheral-blood genome-wide DNA methylomes aged 19-82
      years, we identify 71 age-associated differentially methylated regions within the
      linkage disequilibrium blocks of the single nucleotide polymorphisms from the NIH
      genome-wide association study catalogue. This included 52 novel regions, 29
      within loci not covered by 450 k or 27 k Illumina array, and with enrichment for
      DNase-I Hypersensitivity sites across the full range of tissues. These age
      associated differentially methylated regions also show marked enrichment for
      enhancers and poised promoters across multiple cell types. In a replication set
      of 2084 DNA methylomes, 95.7 % of the age-associated differentially methylated
      regions showed the same direction of ageing effect, with 80.3 % and 53.5 %
      replicated to p < 0.05 and p < 1.85 * 10-8, respectively. CONCLUSION: By
      analysing the functionally enriched disease and trait-associated regions of the
      human genome, we identify novel epigenetic ageing changes, which could be useful
      biomarkers or provide mechanistic insights into age-related common diseases.

PMID- 27663979
TI  - eRegistries: governance for electronic maternal and child health registries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The limited availability of maternal and child health data has
      limited progress in reducing mortality and morbidity among pregnant women and
      children. Global health agencies, leaders, and funders are prioritizing
      strategies that focus on acquiring high quality health data. Electronic maternal
      and child health registries (eRegistries) offer a systematic data collection and
      management approach that can serve as an entry point for preventive, curative and
      promotive health services. Due to the highly sensitive nature of reproductive
      health information, careful consideration must be accorded to privacy, access,
      and data security. In the third paper of the eRegistries Series, we report on the
      current landscape of ethical and legal governance for maternal and child health
      registries in developing countries. METHODS: This research utilizes findings from
      two web-based surveys, completed in 2015 that targeted public health officials
      and health care providers in 76 countries with high global maternal and child
      mortality burden. A sample of 298 public health officials from 64 countries and
      490 health care providers from 59 countries completed the online survey. Based on
      formative research in the development of the eRegistries Governance Guidance
      Toolkit, the surveys were designed to investigate topics related to maternal and
      child health registries including ethical and legal issues. RESULTS: According to
      survey respondents, the prevailing legal landscape is characterized by inadequate
      data security safeguards and weak support for core privacy principles.
      Respondents from the majority of countries indicated that health information from
      medical records is typically protected by legislation although legislation
      dealing specifically or comprehensively with data privacy may not be in place.
      Health care provider trust in the privacy of health data at their own facilities
      is associated with the presence of security safeguards. CONCLUSION: Addressing
      legal requirements and ensuring that privacy and data security of women's and
      children's health information is protected is an ethical responsibility that must
      not be ignored or postponed, particularly where the need is greatest. Not only
      are the potential harm and unintended consequences of inaction serious for
      individuals, but they could impact public trust in health registries leading to
      decreased participation and compromised data integrity.

PMID- 27663978
TI  - CXCL13 rather than IL-31 is a potential indicator in patients with hepatocellular
      carcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the expression and role of serum CXC chemokine ligand 13
      (CXCL13) and cytokine IL-31 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. METHODS:
      A case-control study including preoperative serum samples of 78 patients with
      HCC, 78 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and 36 healthy controls (HCs) was
      conducted. The levels of serum CXCL13 and IL-31 were measured by enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assays. The correlation of serum cytokines and clinical
      characteristics, laboratory parameters were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS:
      Serum CXCL13, rather than IL-31, was significantly higher in patients with HCC
      compared with CHB patients or healthy controls. Moreover, there were no
      statistical differences between CHB patients and healthy controls. Serum CXCL13
      was further increased in patients with large tumor size, metastasis and advanced
      HCC (TNM III-IV Stage). On correlation analysis, the levels of serum CXCL13 were
      related to HB, ALB, CHE, INR and Child-Pugh scores. The area under the ROC curve
      values for combination of CXCL13 and AFP was 0.938, whose sensitivity and
      specificity was 82.8% and 100%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicated
      that CXCL13 rather than IL-31 may have clinical values of diagnosis and prognosis
      in HCC.

PMID- 27663980
TI  - Optimizing detection and analysis of slow waves in sleep EEG.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Analysis of individual slow waves in EEG recording during sleep
      provides both greater sensitivity and specificity compared to spectral power
      measures. However, parameters for detection and analysis have not been widely
      explored and validated. NEW METHOD: We present a new, open-source, Matlab based,
      toolbox for the automatic detection and analysis of slow waves; with adjustable
      parameter settings, as well as manual correction and exploration of the results
      using a multi-faceted visualization tool. RESULTS: We explore a large search
      space of parameter settings for slow wave detection and measure their effects on
      a selection of outcome parameters. Every choice of parameter setting had some
      effect on at least one outcome parameter. In general, the largest effect sizes
      were found when choosing the EEG reference, type of canonical waveform, and
      amplitude thresholding. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD: Previously published
      methods accurately detect large, global waves but are conservative and miss the
      detection of smaller amplitude, local slow waves. The toolbox has additional
      benefits in terms of speed, user-interface, and visualization options to compare
      and contrast slow waves. CONCLUSIONS: The exploration of parameter settings in
      the toolbox highlights the importance of careful selection of detection METHODS:
      The sensitivity and specificity of the automated detection can be improved by
      manually adding or deleting entire waves and or specific channels using the
      toolbox visualization functions. The toolbox standardizes the detection
      procedure, sets the stage for reliable results and comparisons and is easy to use
      without previous programming experience.

PMID- 27663983
TI  - The Inherited p53 Mutation in the Brazilian Population.
AB  - A common criticism of studying rare diseases is the often-limited relevance of
      the findings to human health. Here, we review ~15 years of research into an
      unusual germline TP53 mutation (p.R337H) that began with its detection in
      children with adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), a remarkably rare childhood cancer
      that is associated with poor prognosis. We have come to learn that the p.R337H
      mutation exists at a very high frequency in Southern and Southeastern Brazil,
      occurring in one of 375 individuals within a total population of ~100 million.
      Moreover, it has been determined that carriers of this founder mutation display
      variable tumor susceptibility, ranging from isolated cases of pediatric ACC to Li
      Fraumeni or Li-Fraumeni-like (LFL) syndromes, thus representing a significant
      medical issue for this country. Studying the biochemical and molecular
      consequences of this mutation on p53 tumor-suppressor activity, as well as the
      putative additional genetic alterations that cooperate with this mutation, is
      advancing our understanding of how p53 functions in tumor suppression in general.
      These studies, which originated with a rare childhood tumor, are providing
      important information for guiding genetic counselors and physicians in treating
      their patients and are already providing clinical benefit.

PMID- 27663985
TI  - Workplace bullying and the association with suicidal ideation/thoughts and
      behaviour: a systematic review.
AB  - The established links between workplace bullying and poor mental health provide a
      prima facie reason to expect that workplace bullying increases the risk of
      suicidal ideation (thoughts) and behaviours. Until now, there has been no
      systematic summary of the available evidence. This systematic review summarises
      published studies reporting data on workplace bullying and suicidal ideation, or
      behaviour. The review sought to ascertain the nature of this association and
      highlight future research directions. 5 electronic databases were searched. 2
      reviewers independently selected the articles for inclusion, and extracted
      information about study characteristics (sample, recruitment method, assessment
      and measures) and data reporting the association of workplace bullying with
      suicidal ideation and behaviour. 12 studies were included in the final review-8
      reported estimates of a positive association between workplace bullying and
      suicidal ideation, and a further 4 provided descriptive information about the
      prevalence of suicidal ideation in targets of bullying. Only 1 non-representative
      cross-sectional study examined the association between workplace bullying and
      suicidal behaviour. The results show an absence of high-quality epidemiological
      studies (eg, prospective cohort studies, which controlled for workplace
      characteristics and baseline psychiatric morbidity). While the available
      literature (predominantly cross-sectional) suggests that there is a positive
      association between workplace bullying and suicidal ideation, the low quality of
      studies prevents ruling out alternative explanations. Further longitudinal,
      population-based research, adjusting for potential covariates (within and outside
      the workplace), is needed to determine the level of risk that workplace bullying
      independently contributes to suicidal ideation and behaviour.

PMID- 27663984
TI  - Comparison of illegal drug use pattern in Taiwan and Korea from 2006 to 2014.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Illegal drug use has long been a global concern. Taiwan and Korea are
      geographically adjacent and both countries have experienced the illegal use
      problems of methamphetamine, a predominant prototype of New Psychoactive
      Substances (NPS). NPS, a term coined by the United Nations Office on Drugs and
      Crime (UNODC) in recent years, have not been scrutinized for their safety and may
      become a new threat to public health and security worldwide. To conduct evidence
      based drug policy, it is imperative to estimate the trend and pattern of illegal
      drug use. Therefore, this study aims to analyze and compare the current status of
      drug-related seizures, arrests and illegal drug use, with a focus on
      methamphetamine and NPS, between Taiwan and Korea. METHODS: Data of illegal drug
      (including NPS)-related seizures and arrests were collected via anti-drug related
      agencies of both countries from 2006 through 2014.Since listing of NPS as
      controlled substances was a result of NPS abuse liability through official
      evaluation, the items of controlled NPS were used as an indicator of emerging
      use. These data obtained from Taiwan and Korea was then compared. RESULTS: The
      results showed that while methamphetamine remained as a predominant drug in both
      Taiwan and Korea for decades, different illegal drug use patterns have been
      observed in these two countries. In Taiwan, the major illegal drugs were
      methamphetamine, heroin, and ketamine, whereas in Korea those were
      methamphetamine and cannabis. By comparison of per capita illicit drug seizures,
      the illegal drug use situation in Taiwan was at a higher stake than that in
      Korea. In terms of NPS use, ketamine has been a major drug in Taiwan, but it was
      seldom found in Korea. Besides ketamine, the major type of NPS was synthetic
      cathinones in Taiwan whereas it was synthetic cannabinoids and phenethylamines in
      Korea. The difference in the numbers of controlled NPS items between Taiwan (23)
      and Korea (93) may be due to the implementation of temporary control on NPS in
      Korea since 2011. CONCLUSION: While the problem of methamphetamine still lingers,
      NPS have emerged as a new issue in both countries. However, the NPS pattern was
      different between Taiwan and Korea. Although the controlled NPS items in Taiwan
      were far less than those in Korea, the quantity of total NPS seizures, especially
      with ketamine, was much larger in Taiwan than in Korea. Different NPS pattern may
      also imply they were from different sources. Factors other than geographical
      proximity, such as drug policy and availability and accessibility to drugs,
      should be taken into account for the current status of illegal drug use in Korea
      and Taiwan.

PMID- 27663982
TI  - Approved Glycopeptide Antibacterial Drugs: Mechanism of Action and Resistance.
AB  - The glycopeptide antimicrobials are a group of natural product and semisynthetic
      glycosylated peptides that show antibacterial activity against Gram-positive
      organisms through inhibition of cell-wall synthesis. This is achieved primarily
      through binding to the d-alanyl-d-alanine terminus of the lipid II bacterial cell
      wall precursor, preventing cross-linking of the peptidoglycan layer. Vancomycin
      is the foundational member of the class, showing both clinical longevity and a
      still preferential role in the therapy of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
      aureus and of susceptible Enterococcus spp. Newer lipoglycopeptide derivatives
      (telavancin, dalbavancin, and oritavancin) were designed in a targeted fashion to
      increase antibacterial activity, in some cases through secondary mechanisms of
      action. Resistance to the glycopeptides emerged in delayed fashion and occurs via
      a spectrum of chromosome- and plasmid-associated elements that lead to structural
      alteration of the bacterial cell-wall precursor substrates.

PMID- 27663981
TI  - Reengineering the Tumor Microenvironment to Alleviate Hypoxia and Overcome Cancer
      Heterogeneity.
AB  - Solid tumors consist of cancer cells and stromal cells, including resident and
      transiting immune cells-all ensconced in an extracellular matrix (ECM)-nourished
      by blood vessels and drained by lymphatic vessels. The microenvironment
      constituents are abnormal and heterogeneous in morphology, phenotype, and
      physiology. Such irregularities include an inefficient tumor vascular network
      comprised of leaky and compressed vessels, which impair blood flow and oxygen
      delivery. Low oxygenation in certain tumor regions-or focal hypoxia-is a mediator
      of cancer progression, metastasis, immunosuppression, and treatment resistance.
      Thus, repairing an abnormal and heterogeneous microenvironment-and hypoxia in
      particular-can significantly improve treatments of solid tumors. Here, we
      summarize two strategies to reengineer the tumor microenvironment (TME)-vessel
      normalization and decompression-that can alleviate hypoxia. In addition, we
      discuss how these two strategies alone and in combination with each other-or
      other therapeutic strategies-may overcome the challenges posed by cancer
      heterogeneity.

PMID- 27663986
TI  - Associations among rotating night shift work, sleep and skin cancer in Nurses'
      Health Study II participants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Night shift work and sleep duration have been associated with breast
      and other cancers. Results from the few prior studies of night shift work and
      skin cancer risk have been mixed and not fully accounted for other potentially
      important health-related variables (eg, sleep characteristics). This study
      evaluated the relationship between rotating night shift work and skin cancer risk
      and included additional skin cancer risk factors and sleep-related variables.
      METHODS: The current study used data from 74 323 Nurses' Health Study (NHS) II
      participants. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate multivariable
      adjusted HRs and 95% CIs for skin cancers across categories of shift work and
      sleep duration. RESULTS: Over 10 years of follow-up, 4308 basal cell carcinoma
      (BCC), 334 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and 212 melanoma cases were identified.
      Longer duration of rotating night shifts was associated with a linear decline in
      risk of BCC (HR=0.93, 95% CI 0.90 to 0.97 per 5-year increase). Shift work was
      not significantly associated with either melanoma (HR=1.02, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.21)
      or SCC (HR=0.92, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.06). A short sleep duration (<=6 hours per day)
      was associated with lower risks of melanoma (HR=0.68, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.98) and
      BCC (HR=0.93, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.00) compared with the most common report of 7
      hours. SCC was not associated with duration of sleep (HR=0.94, 95% CI 0.83 to
      1.06). CONCLUSIONS: Longer duration of rotating night shift work and shorter
      sleep duration were associated with lower risk of some skin cancers. Further
      research is needed to confirm and identify the mechanisms underlying these
      associations.

PMID- 27663988
TI  - Fully-integrated framework for the segmentation and registration of the spinal
      cord white and gray matter.
AB  - The spinal cord white and gray matter can be affected by various pathologies such
      as multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or trauma. Being able to
      precisely segment the white and gray matter could help with MR image analysis and
      hence be useful in further understanding these pathologies, and helping with
      diagnosis/prognosis and drug development. Up to date, white/gray matter
      segmentation has mostly been done manually, which is time consuming, induces a
      bias related to the rater and prevents large-scale multi-center studies.
      Recently, few methods have been proposed to automatically segment the spinal cord
      white and gray matter. However, no single method exists that combines the
      following criteria: (i) fully automatic, (ii) works on various MRI contrasts,
      (iii) robust towards pathology and (iv) freely available and open source. In this
      study we propose a multi-atlas based method for the segmentation of the spinal
      cord white and gray matter that addresses the previous limitations. Moreover, to
      study the spinal cord morphology, atlas-based approaches are increasingly used.
      These approaches rely on the registration of a spinal cord template to an MR
      image, however the registration usually doesn't take into account the spinal cord
      internal structure and thus lacks accuracy. In this study, we propose a new
      template registration framework that integrates the white and gray matter
      segmentation to account for the specific gray matter shape of each individual
      subject. Validation of segmentation was performed in 24 healthy subjects using
      T2*-weighted images, in 8 healthy subjects using diffusion weighted images
      (exhibiting inverted white-to-gray matter contrast compared to T2*-weighted), and
      in 5 patients with spinal cord injury. The template registration was validated in
      24 subjects using T2*-weighted data. Results of automatic segmentation on T2*
      weighted images was in close correspondence with the manual segmentation (Dice
      coefficient in the white/gray matter of 0.91/0.71 respectively). Similarly, good
      results were obtained in data with inverted contrast (diffusion-weighted image)
      and in patients. When compared to the classical template registration framework,
      the proposed framework that accounts for gray matter shape significantly improved
      the quality of the registration (comparing Dice coefficient in gray matter:
      p=9.5*10-6). While further validation is needed to show the benefits of the new
      registration framework in large cohorts and in a variety of patients, this study
      provides a fully-integrated tool for quantitative assessment of white/gray matter
      morphometry and template-based analysis. All the proposed methods are implemented
      in the Spinal Cord Toolbox (SCT), an open-source software for processing spinal
      cord multi-parametric MRI data.

PMID- 27663987
TI  - Decoding information about dynamically occluded objects in visual cortex.
AB  - During dynamic occlusion, an object passes behind an occluding surface and then
      later reappears. Even when completely occluded from view, such objects are
      experienced as continuing to exist or persist behind the occluder even though
      they are no longer visible. The contents and neural basis of this persistent
      representation remain poorly understood. Questions remain as to whether there is
      information maintained about the object itself (i.e. its shape or identity) or
      non-object-specific information such as its position or velocity as it is tracked
      behind an occluder, as well as which areas of visual cortex represent such
      information. Recent studies have found that early visual cortex is activated by
      "invisible" objects during visual imagery and by unstimulated regions along the
      path of apparent motion, suggesting that some properties of dynamically occluded
      objects may also be neurally represented in early visual cortex. We applied
      functional magnetic resonance imaging in human subjects to examine
      representations within visual cortex during dynamic occlusion. For gradually
      occluded, but not for instantly disappearing objects, there was an increase in
      activity in early visual cortex (V1, V2, and V3). This activity was spatially
      specific, corresponding to the occluded location in the visual field. However,
      the activity did not encode enough information about object identity to
      discriminate between different kinds of occluded objects (circles vs. stars)
      using MVPA. In contrast, object identity could be decoded in spatially-specific
      subregions of higher-order, topographically organized areas such as ventral,
      lateral, and temporal occipital areas (VO, LO, and TO) as well as the
      functionally defined LOC and hMT+. These results suggest that early visual cortex
      may only represent the dynamically occluded object's position or motion path,
      while later visual areas represent object-specific information.

PMID- 27663989
TI  - Whole brain MP2RAGE-based mapping of the longitudinal relaxation time at 9.4T.
AB  - Mapping of the longitudinal relaxation time (T1) with high accuracy and precision
      is central for neuroscientific and clinical research, since it opens up the
      possibility to obtain accurate brain tissue segmentation and gain myelin-related
      information. An ideal, quantitative method should enable whole brain coverage
      within a limited scan time yet allow for detailed sampling with sub-millimeter
      voxel sizes. The use of ultra-high magnetic fields is well suited for this
      purpose, however the inhomogeneous transmit field potentially hampers its use. In
      the present work, we conducted whole brain T1 mapping based on the MP2RAGE
      sequence at 9.4T and explored potential pitfalls for automated tissue
      classification compared with 3T. Data accuracy and T2-dependent variation of the
      adiabatic inversion efficiency were investigated by single slice T1 mapping with
      inversion recovery EPI measurements, quantitative T2 mapping using multi-echo
      techniques and simulations of the Bloch equations. We found that the prominent
      spatial variation of the transmit field at 9.4T (yielding flip angles between 20%
      and 180% of nominal values) profoundly affected the result of image segmentation
      and T1 mapping. These effects could be mitigated by correcting for both flip
      angle and inversion efficiency deviations. Based on the corrected T1 maps, new,
      'flattened', MP2RAGE contrast images were generated, that were no longer affected
      by variations of the transmit field. Unlike the uncorrected MP2RAGE contrast
      images acquired at 9.4T, these flattened images yielded image segmentations
      comparable to 3T, making bias-field correction prior to image segmentation and
      tissue classification unnecessary. In terms of the T1 estimates at high field,
      the proposed correction methods resulted in an improved precision, with test
      retest variability below 1% and a coefficient-of-variation across 25 subjects
      below 3%.

PMID- 27663993
TI  - Attachment, Development, and Mental Health in Abused and Neglected Preschool
      Children in Foster Care: A Meta-Analysis.
AB  - A proper preparation for foster parents to care for abused and neglected children
      includes effective training and initial diagnostics in order to plan individual
      treatment. Hence, a basic knowledge about the main psychosocial and developmental
      problems associated with abuse and neglect and their prevalence in foster
      children is needed. For this purpose, a systematical literature review and a
      series of meta-analyses were conducted. A total of 25 studies reporting data on
      development ( n = 4,033), mental health ( n = 726), and attachment ( n = 255) of
      foster children in preschool age met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analyses
      indicated prevalence rates of approximately 40% for developmental, mental health
      problems, and insecure attachment. Rates of disorganized attachment were
      estimated to 22%. These findings outline the necessity of an initial trauma
      oriented diagnostics and trainings for foster parents that address foster
      children's development, mental health, and disorganized attachment.

PMID- 27663992
TI  - Searching for better animal models of BPD: a perspective.
AB  - There have been many efforts to develop good animal models of bronchopulmonary
      dysplasia (BPD) to better understand the pathophysiology and mechanisms
      underlying development of BPD as well as to test potential strategies for its
      prevention and treatment. This Perspectives summarizes the features of common
      animal models of BPD and the strengths and limitations of such models. Potential
      optimal approaches to development of animal models are indicated, with the
      underlying concepts that require emphasis.

PMID- 27663991
TI  - Correction of lung inflammation in a F508del CFTR murine cystic fibrosis model by
      the sphingosine-1-phosphate lyase inhibitor LX2931.
AB  - Progressive lung disease with early onset is the main cause of mortality and
      morbidity in cystic fibrosis patients. Here we report a reduction of sphingosine
      1-phosphate (S1P) in the lung of unchallenged Cftrtm1EUR F508del CFTR mutant
      mice. This correlates with enhanced infiltration by inducible nitric oxide
      synthase (iNOS)-expressing granulocytes, B cells, and T cells. Furthermore, the
      ratio of macrophage-derived dendritic cells (MoDC) to conventional dendritic
      cells (cDC) is higher in mutant mouse lung, consistent with unprovoked
      inflammation. Oral application of a S1P lyase inhibitor (LX2931) increases S1P
      levels in mutant mouse tissues. This normalizes the lung MoDC/cDC ratio and
      reduces B and T cell counts. Lung granulocytes are enhanced, but iNOS expression
      is reduced in this population. Although lung LyC6+ monocytes are enhanced by
      LX2931, they apparently do not differentiate to MoDC and macrophages. After
      challenge with bacterial toxins (LPS-fMLP) we observe enhanced levels of
      proinflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha, KC, IFNgamma, and IL-12 and the inducible
      mucin MUC5AC in mutant mouse lung, evidence of deficient resolution of
      inflammation. LX2931 does not prevent transient inflammation or goblet cell
      hyperplasia after challenge, but it reduces MUC5AC and proinflammatory cytokine
      levels toward normal values. We conclude that lung pathology in homozygous mice
      expressing murine F508del CFTR, which represents the most frequent mutation in CF
      patients, is characterized by abnormal behavior of infiltrating myeloid cells and
      delayed resolution of induced inflammation. This phenotype can be partially
      corrected by a S1P lyase inhibitor, providing a rationale for therapeutic
      targeting of the S1P signaling pathway in CF patients.

PMID- 27663994
TI  - Stereodynamics of some pyridoxine derivatives.
AB  - The conformational properties of three pyridoxine derivatives were studied by 1 H
      dynamic NMR spectroscopy. Conformational exchange caused by a rotation of 2
      nytrophenyl group around one single C-C bond, of 2,4-dinitrophenyl substituent
      around two single C-O bonds, and twist-twist transformations of the seven
      membered ketal cycle was observed by NMR experiments at low temperatures.
      Meanwhile, the conformational exchange of the acetal ring remains fast in the NMR
      timescale even at 198 K. The energy barriers for all observed conformational
      exchange processes were determined by the lineshape analysis of dynamic NMR
      spectra. The activation barriers of the 2-nitrophenyl group rotation were almost
      the same for all studied compounds, about 40-41 kJ/mol. The energy barriers of
      the conformational exchange processes of the 2,4-nitrophenyl group and the ketal
      cycle increased significantly up to 10 kJ/mol in comparison with previously
      studied compounds with similar structure. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons,
      Ltd.

PMID- 27663995
TI  - A web-based group course intervention for 15-25-year-olds whose parents have
      substance use problems or mental illness: study protocol for a randomized
      controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Depending on the definitions used, between 5 and 20 % of all Swedish
      children grow up with at least one parent suffering from alcohol problems, while
      6 % have at least one parent who has received inpatient psychiatric care,
      conditions that may affect the children negatively. Nine out of ten Swedish
      municipalities therefore provide support resources, but less than 2 % of these
      children are reached by such support. Delivering intervention programs via the
      Internet is a promising strategy. However, web-based programs targeting this at
      risk group of children are scarce. We have previously developed a 1.5-h-long web
      based self-help program, Alcohol & Coping, which appears to be effective with
      regards to adolescents' own alcohol consumption. However, there is a need for a
      more intense program, and therefore we adapted Kopstoring, a comprehensive Dutch
      web-based psycho-educative prevention program, to fit the Swedish context. The
      purpose of the program, which in Swedish has been called Grubbel, is to
      strengthen protective factors, such as coping skills and psychological well
      being, prevent the development of psychological disorders, and reduce alcohol
      consumption. METHODS/DESIGN: The aim of the current study is to evaluate the
      effectiveness of Grubbel, which targets 15-25-year-olds whose parents have
      substance use problems and/or mental illness. Specific research questions relate
      to the participants' own coping strategies, mental health status and substance
      use. The study was initiated in the spring of 2016 and uses a two-armed RCT
      design. Participants will be recruited via social media and also through existing
      agencies that provide support to this target group. The assessment will consist
      of a baseline measurement (t0) and three follow-ups after six (t1), 12 (t2), and
      24 months (t3). Measures include YSR, CES-DC, Ladder of Life, Brief COPE, AUDIT
      C, and WHOQOL-BREF. DISCUSSION: Studies have revealed that the majority of
      children whose parents have substance use or mental health problems are not
      reached by the existing support. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop,
      implement, and evaluate novel intervention programs and disseminate successful
      programs to a broader audience. This study, investigating the effects of a web
      based intervention, therefore makes an important contribution to this field of
      research. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN10099247 . Retrospectively registered on
      August 31, 2016.

PMID- 27663996
TI  - Skin metastases of cervical cancer: two case reports and review of the
      literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although cervix carcinoma is one of the most common malignancies in
      women, hematogenous metastases are relatively not common. Cutaneous metastases,
      in particular, are unusual even at an advanced stage of disease. Their presence
      is a predictor of poor prognosis. CASE PRESENTATION: Case 1: A 63-year-old
      postmenopausal Moroccan woman was diagnosed as having cervical squamous cell
      carcinoma. She was treated with radical concurrent chemotherapy and radiation
      therapy followed by low-dose brachytherapy. Six months after finishing the
      therapy, multiple skin nodules appeared on her abdomen and chest wall. An
      excision biopsy was performed and showed metastatic squamous cell carcinoma. Her
      disease progressed and she died before completing her fourth course of palliative
      chemotherapy. Case 2: A 48-year-old Moroccan woman was diagnosed as having
      cervical squamous cell carcinoma; she was treated with concurrent chemoradiation.
      Before a planned high-dose brachytherapy, she noticed many nodular lesions on her
      arms, thighs, and chest wall. An excision biopsy was performed and showed
      metastatic squamous cell carcinoma. She then underwent a series of imaging
      examinations, including computed tomography of her chest, abdomen, and pelvis,
      and a whole body bone scan that showed disseminated disease involving her lungs
      and bones. She died after two courses of palliative chemotherapy, 2 months after
      the appearance of the skin lesions. CONCLUSION: We report two cases to illustrate
      a rare localization of metastasis from cervical carcinoma that is highly
      aggressive requiring early detection and aggressive management.

PMID- 27663997
TI  - Bile duct adenoma in patient with chronic hepatitis C: As a benign neoplasm by
      pathological and imaging studies.

PMID- 27663990
TI  - Regulation of pulmonary endothelial barrier function by kinases.
AB  - The pulmonary endothelium is the target of continuous physiological and
      pathological stimuli that affect its crucial barrier function. The regulation,
      defense, and repair of endothelial barrier function require complex biochemical
      processes. This review examines the role of endothelial phosphorylating enzymes,
      kinases, a class with profound, interdigitating influences on endothelial
      permeability and lung function.

PMID- 27663998
TI  - Response on 'comparing concentration-based (AOT40) and stomatal uptake (PODY)
      metrics for ozone risk assessment to European forests'.

PMID- 27664000
TI  - Dementia strategy has not cut antipsychotic prescribing in care homes, study
      finds.

PMID- 27663999
TI  - Bibliometric analysis of global scientific research on carbapenem resistance
      (1986-2015).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial resistance is a global public health challenge and
      carbapenem resistance, in particular, is considered an urgent global health
      threat. This study was carried out to give a bibliometric overview of literature
      on carbapenem resistance. In specific, number of publications, top productive
      countries and institutes, highly cited articles, citation analysis, co
      authorships, international collaboration, top active authors, and journals
      publishing articles on carbapenem resistance were analyzed and discussed.
      METHODS: Specific keywords pertaining to carbapenem resistance were used in
      Scopus database. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of retrieved data were
      presented using appropriate bibliometric indicators and visualization maps.
      RESULTS: A total of 2617 journal articles were retrieved. The average number of
      citations per article was of 21.47. The growth of publications showed a dramatic
      increase from 2008 to 2015. Approximately 9 % of retrieved articles on carbapenem
      resistance were published in Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy journal.
      Retrieved articles were published by 102 different countries. The United States
      of America (USA) contributed most with 437 (16.70 %) articles followed by China
      with 257 (9.82 %) articles. When productivity was stratified by population size,
      Greece ranked first followed by France. Greece also ranked first when data were
      stratified by gross domestic product (GDP). Asian countries have lesser
      international collaboration compared with other countries in the top ten list.
      Five of top ten productive institutes were Europeans (France, the UK, Greece,
      Italy, and Switzerland) and two were Asians (China and South Korea). Other active
      institutes included an Israeli and a Brazilian institute. Four of the top ten
      cited articles were published in Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy journal
      and two were published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases. CONCLUSION: There was a
      dramatic increase in number of publications on carbapenem resistance in the past
      few years. These publications were produced from different world regions
      including Asia, Europe, Middle East, and Latin America. International
      collaboration needs to be encouraged particularly for researchers in Asia.
      Molecular biology and epidemiology dominated the theme of the top ten cited
      articles on carbapenem resistance. This bibliometric study will hopefully help
      health policy makers in planning future research and allocating funds pertaining
      to carbapenem resistance.

PMID- 27664001
TI  - Comparative Human Health Impact Assessment of Engineered Nanomaterials in the
      Framework of Life Cycle Assessment.
AB  - For safe innovation, knowledge on potential human health impacts is essential.
      Ideally, these impacts are considered within a larger life-cycle-based context to
      support sustainable development of new applications and products. A
      methodological framework that accounts for human health impacts caused by
      inhalation of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) in an indoor air environment has
      been previously developed. The objectives of this study are as follows: (i)
      evaluate the feasibility of applying the CF framework for NP exposure in the
      workplace based on currently available data; and (ii) supplement any resulting
      knowledge gaps with methods and data from the life cycle approach and human risk
      assessment (LICARA) project to develop a modified case-specific version of the
      framework that will enable near-term inclusion of NP human health impacts in life
      cycle assessment (LCA) using a case study involving nanoscale titanium dioxide
      (nanoTiO2 ). The intent is to enhance typical LCA with elements of regulatory
      risk assessment, including its more detailed measure of uncertainty. The proof-of
      principle demonstration of the framework highlighted the lack of available data
      for both the workplace emissions and human health effects of ENMs that is needed
      to calculate generalizable characterization factors using common human health
      impact assessment practices in LCA. The alternative approach of using intake
      fractions derived from workplace air concentration measurements and effect
      factors based on best-available toxicity data supported the current case-by-case
      approach for assessing the human health life cycle impacts of ENMs. Ultimately,
      the proposed framework and calculations demonstrate the potential utility of
      integrating elements of risk assessment with LCA for ENMs once the data are
      available.

PMID- 27664002
TI  - Stop vasodepressor drugs in reflex syncope: a randomised controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Most elderly patients affected by reflex vasodepressor syncope take
      one or more hypotensive drugs. The role of these drugs in causing syncope has not
      yet been established. We hypothesised that recurrence of syncope and presyncope
      can be reduced by discontinuing/reducing vasoactive therapy without increasing
      the risk of cardiovascular and neurological events. METHODS: This randomised,
      parallel, prospective, trial was conducted from January 2014 to March 2016 in
      four general hospitals. Of 328 initially screened participants, 58 patients (mean
      (SD) age 74+/-11 years) affected by vasodepressor reflex syncope, which was
      reproduced by tilt testing (n=54) or carotid sinus massage (n=4), were randomised
      to stop/reduce vasoactive therapy or to continue it. Primary end point was
      recurrence of syncope, presyncope or adverse events (defined as stroke, cerebral
      transient ischaemic attacks, worsening heart failure, myocardial infarction).
      RESULTS: Of 58 patients who were randomised, 55 completed the trial. After 1
      month, systolic blood pressure was significantly higher in the 'stop/reduce'
      group than in the 'continue' group, in both supine (141+/-13 mm Hg vs 128+/-14 mm
      Hg; p=0.004) and standing (133+/-13 mm Hg vs 122+/-15 mm Hg; p=0.02) positions.
      During a mean follow-up of 13+/-7 months, the primary combined end point occurred
      in seven 'stop/reduce' patients (23%): three had syncope, three had presyncope
      and one had heart failure. Conversely, it occurred in 13 'continue' patients
      (54%): 10 had syncope, 2 had presyncope and 1 had cerebral transient ischaemic
      attack. The log-rank p value was 0.02 and the HR was 0.37 (95% CI 0.15 to 0.91).
      CONCLUSIONS: Recurrence of syncope and presyncope can be reduced by
      discontinuing/reducing vasoactive therapy in most elderly patients affected by
      reflex vasodepressor syncope. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01509534; EudraCT2013
      004364-63; Results.

PMID- 27664003
TI  - Early surgery versus watchful waiting for asymptomatic severe aortic valve
      stenosis: a hot topic for the past 20 years.

PMID- 27664004
TI  - 77-year-old female with syncope.
AB  - CLINICAL INTRODUCTION: A 77-year-old female was referred for evaluation of an
      episode of syncope while eating breakfast. There was no history of fall, syncope,
      prodrome, dyspnoea, chest discomfort or palpitations. Medical history was notable
      for hyperlipidaemia and treated hypertension. Blood pressure was 140/90 mm Hg,
      pulse 85  beats per minute (BPM). No murmurs were present on cardiac examination.
      ECG revealed normal sinus rhythm with left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy (see
      online supplementary figure S1). Holter monitor demonstrated rare premature
      ventricular complexes (<1% of beats), without heart block or ventricular
      tachycardia. Transthoracic echocardiogram is shown in figure 1. QUESTION: Which
      of the following is the explanation for the flow indicated by the yellow arrow?
      Aortic stenosisCoronary artery flow, indicative of coronary fistulaHypertrophic
      cardiomyopathy with apical pouchHypertensive heart diseaseMitral stenosis.

PMID- 27664005
TI  - Is long-standing pulmonary regurgitation that deleterious? Some lessons from the
      past.

PMID- 27664006
TI  - Choline supplementation alleviates fluoride-induced testicular toxicity by
      restoring the NGF and MEK expression in mice.
AB  - Fluoride is known to cause male reproductive toxicity, and the elucidation of its
      underlying mechanisms is an ongoing research focus in reproductive toxicology and
      epidemiology. Choline, an essential nutrient, has been extensively studied for
      its benefits in nervous system yet was rarely discussed for its prospective
      effect in male reproductive system. This study aims to explore the potential
      protective role of choline against NaF-induced male reproductive toxicity via
      MAPK pathway. The male mice were administrated by 150mg/L NaF in drinking water,
      5.75g/kg choline in diet, and their combination respectively from maternal
      gestation to postnatal 15weeks. The results showed that fluoride exposure reduced
      body weight growth, lowered sperm count and survival percentages, altered
      testicular histology, down-regulated the mRNA expressions of NGF, Ras, Raf, and
      MEK genes in testes, as well as significantly decreased the expressions of both
      NGF and phosphor-MEK proteins in testes. Examination of data from choline-treated
      mice revealed that choline supplementation ameliorated these fluoride-induced
      changes. Taken together, our findings suggest that choline supplementation
      alleviates fluoride-induced testicular toxicity by restoring the NGF and phosphor
      MEK expression. The suitable dosage and supplementation periods of choline await
      further exploration.

PMID- 27664008
TI  - Dietary flavonoid derivatives enhance chemotherapeutic effect by inhibiting the
      DNA damage response pathway.
AB  - Flavonoids are the most common group of polyphenolic compounds and abundant in
      dietary fruits and vegetables. Diet high in vegetables or dietary flavonoid
      supplements is associated with reduced mortality rate for patients with breast
      cancer. Many studies have been proposed for mechanisms linking flavonoids to
      improving chemotherapy efficacy in many types of cancers, but data on this issue
      is still limited. Herein, we report on a new mechanism through which dietary
      flavonoids inhibit DNA damage checkpoints and repair pathways. We found that
      dietary flavonoids could inhibit Chk1 phosphorylation and decrease clonogenic
      cell growth once breast cancer cells receive ultraviolet irradiation, cisplatin,
      or etoposide treatment. Since the ATR-Chk1 pathway mainly involves response to
      DNA replication stress, we propose that flavonoid derivatives reduce the side
      effect of chemotherapy by improving the sensitivity of cycling cells. Therefore,
      we propose that increasing intake of common dietary flavonoids is beneficial to
      breast cancer patients who are receiving DNA-damaging chemotherapy, such as
      cisplatin or etoposide-based therapy.

PMID- 27664009
TI  - Offspring Socioeconomic Status and Parent Mortality Within a Historical
      Population.
AB  - Considering a network approach to health determinants, we test the hypothesis
      that benefits of high socioeconomic status (SES) may be transmitted up the
      generational ladder from offspring to parents. Studies that examine own SES and
      own health outcomes, or SES of parents and outcomes of young or adolescent
      children, are common. Those that investigate SES of offspring and their
      association with parental health are rare. Employing data from a historical
      population of individuals extracted from a comprehensive population database that
      links demographic and vital records across generations, this study tests the
      hypothesis that higher offspring SES associates with lower parental mortality
      after controlling for parental SES. The sample includes 29,972 individuals born
      between 1864 and 1883 whose offspring were born between 1886 and 1920. SES is
      operationalized using Nam-Powers occupational status scores divided into
      quartiles and a category for farmers. Models assess mortality risk after age 40.
      Included is a test for whether effects are proportional across parents who died
      younger and older. Estimated life expectancies across categories of offspring SES
      conditioned on parental SES are calculated to illustrate specifically how
      differences in SES relate to differences in years lived. Results indicate a
      longevity penalty for those whose offspring have low SES and a longevity dividend
      for those with high-SES offspring. The influence of offspring attributes on well
      being of parents points to fluid and myriad linkages between generations.

PMID- 27664007
TI  - Downregulation of NEDD9 by apigenin suppresses migration, invasion, and
      metastasis of colorectal cancer cells.
AB  - Apigenin is a natural flavonoid which possesses multiple anti-cancer properties
      such as anti-proliferation, anti-inflammation, and anti-metastasis in many types
      of cancers including colorectal cancer. Neural precursor cell expressed
      developmentally downregulated 9 (NEDD9) is a multi-domain scaffolding protein of
      the Cas family which has been shown to correlate with cancer metastasis and
      progression. The present study investigates the role of NEDD9 in apigenin
      inhibited cell migration, invasion, and metastasis of colorectal adenocarcinoma
      DLD1 and SW480 cells. The results show that knockdown of NEDD9 inhibited cell
      migration, invasion, and metastasis and that overexpression of NEDD9 promoted
      cell migration and invasion of DLD1 cells and SW4890 cells. Apigenin treatment
      attenuated NEDD9 expression at protein level, resulting in reduced
      phosphorylations of FAK, Src, and Akt, leading to inhibition on cell migration,
      invasion, and metastasis of both DLD1 and SW480 cells. The present study has
      demonstrated that apigenin inhibits cell migration, invasion, and metastasis
      through NEDD9/Src/Akt cascade in colorectal cancer cells. NEDD9 may function as a
      biomarker for evaluation of cancer aggressiveness and for selection of
      therapeutic drugs against cancer progression.

PMID- 27664010
TI  - Response of anodic bacterial community to the polarity inversion for
      chloramphenicol reduction.
AB  - Chloramphenicol (CAP) is a frequently detected environmental pollutant. In this
      study, an electroactive biofilm for CAP reduction was established by initially in
      the anode and then inverting to the cathode. The established biocathode could
      enhance the reduction of CAP to the nitro-group reduced CAP (AMCl2) and further
      dechlorinated form (AMCl), both had lost the antibacterial activity. The
      phylogenetic diversity of the acclimated biofilm was decreased after the polar
      inversion. Proportions of functional bacterial genera, including Geobacter,
      Desulfovibrio and Pseudomonas responsible for the bidirectional electron transfer
      and nitroaromatics reduction, had increased 28%, 104% and 43% in the cathode. The
      relatively high abundances (over 50%) of Geobacter in anode and cathode were
      rarely detected for the nitroaromatics reduction. This study provides new
      insights into the electroactive biofilm structure improvement by the polarity
      inversion strategy for refractory antibiotics degradation.

PMID- 27664013
TI  - Suicidal Behavior Among People Living with HIV (PLHIV) in Medical Care in Estonia
      and Factors Associated with Receiving Psychological Treatment.
AB  - People living with HIV (PLHIV) have higher rates of suicidal behavior than the
      general population. This study assessed suicidal behavior (ideation and/or
      attempts, ever and in the past 12 months) among PLHIV receiving outpatient HIV
      medical care in Estonia and associations between suicidal behavior and
      psychological treatment. The cross-sectional study collected data from January to
      November 2013 using a self-report questionnaire. Eight hundred PLHIV
      participated, 39 % (n = 306) of whom had been suicidal. Lifetime prevalence was
      36 % for suicidal ideation and 20 % for attempts. Younger age, incarceration,
      having ever abused alcohol and also injected drugs, having lived with HIV for
      more than 10 years, and being depressed were associated with lifetime suicidal
      behavior. Suicidal behavior within the past 12 months was reported by 20 % (n =
      156) of respondents. Of these, 27 % received psychological treatment (counseling
      and/or psychotherapy), 20 % had taken antidepressants, and 49 % sedatives.
      Individuals perceiving a need for treatment were significantly more likely to
      receive psychological treatment when experiencing suicidal behavior (OR 25.65, 95
      % CI 2.92-225.47). In conclusion, suicidal behavior is frequent among PLHIV but
      psychological treatment is not often received. One of the barriers to treatment
      is patients' lack of perceived need for help.

PMID- 27664012
TI  - Prostaglandin D2 effects and DP1 /DP2 receptor distribution in guinea pig urinary
      bladder out-flow region.
AB  - The proximal urethra and urinary bladder trigone play important roles in
      continence. We have previously shown that PGD2 is released from guinea pig
      bladder urothelium/suburothelium and can inhibit detrusor contractile responses.
      We presently wished to investigate PGD2 actions in guinea pig out-flow region and
      the distribution of DP1 /DP2 receptors. The effects of PGD2 on urothelium-intact
      trigone and proximal urethra contractility were studied in organ bath
      experiments. Expression of DP1 /DP2 receptor proteins was analysed by western
      blot. Immunohistochemistry was used to identify distribution of DP1 /DP2
      receptors. PGD2 in a dose-dependent manner inhibited trigone contractions induced
      by electrical field stimulation (EFS) and inhibited spontaneous contractions of
      the proximal urethra. PGD2 was equally (trigone) or slightly less potent
      (urethra) compared with PGE2 . Expression of DP1 and DP2 receptors was found in
      male guinea pig bladder trigone, neck and proximal urethra. In the trigone and
      proximal urethra, DP1 receptors were found on the membrane of smooth muscle cells
      and weak immunoreactivty was observed in the urothelium. DP2 receptors were
      distributed more widespread, weakly and evenly in the urothelium and smooth
      muscles. Inhibitory effects by PGD2 on motor activity of guinea pig trigone and
      proximal urethra are consistent with finding DP1 and DP2 receptors located in the
      urothelium and smooth muscle cells of the trigone and proximal urethra, and PGD2
      may therefore be a modulator of the bladder out-flow region, possibly having a
      function in regulation of micturition and a role in overactive bladder syndrome.

PMID- 27664011
TI  - Mutant IDH1 and thrombosis in gliomas.
AB  - Mutant isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) is common in gliomas, and produces D-2
      hydroxyglutarate (D-2-HG). The full effects of IDH1 mutations on glioma biology
      and tumor microenvironment are unknown. We analyzed a discovery cohort of 169
      World Health Organization (WHO) grade II-IV gliomas, followed by a validation
      cohort of 148 cases, for IDH1 mutations, intratumoral microthrombi, and venous
      thromboemboli (VTE). 430 gliomas from The Cancer Genome Atlas were analyzed for
      mRNAs associated with coagulation, and 95 gliomas in a tissue microarray were
      assessed for tissue factor (TF) protein. In vitro and in vivo assays evaluated
      platelet aggregation and clotting time in the presence of mutant IDH1 or D-2-HG.
      VTE occurred in 26-30 % of patients with wild-type IDH1 gliomas, but not in
      patients with mutant IDH1 gliomas (0 %). IDH1 mutation status was the most
      powerful predictive marker for VTE, independent of variables such as GBM
      diagnosis and prolonged hospital stay. Microthrombi were far less common within
      mutant IDH1 gliomas regardless of WHO grade (85-90 % in wild-type versus 2-6 % in
      mutant), and were an independent predictor of IDH1 wild-type status. Among all 35
      coagulation-associated genes, F3 mRNA, encoding TF, showed the strongest inverse
      relationship with IDH1 mutations. Mutant IDH1 gliomas had F3 gene promoter
      hypermethylation, with lower TF protein expression. D-2-HG rapidly inhibited
      platelet aggregation and blood clotting via a novel calcium-dependent,
      methylation-independent mechanism. Mutant IDH1 glioma engraftment in mice
      significantly prolonged bleeding time. Our data suggest that mutant IDH1 has
      potent antithrombotic activity within gliomas and throughout the peripheral
      circulation. These findings have implications for the pathologic evaluation of
      gliomas, the effect of altered isocitrate metabolism on tumor microenvironment,
      and risk assessment of glioma patients for VTE.

PMID- 27664014
TI  - Regulation of Soluble Phosphate on the Ability of Phytate Mineralization and beta
      Propeller Phytase Gene Expression of Pseudomonas fluorescens JZ-DZ1, a Phytate
      Mineralizing Rhizobacterium.
AB  - Phytate-mineralizing rhizobacteria (PMR) play an important role in providing
      phosphorus for the sustainable plant growth. It is important to investigate the
      ability of PMR to produce phytase under different phosphate levels for its
      application. The effects of different concentrations of soluble phosphate on the
      ability of phytate mineralization of Pseudomonas fluorescens JZ-DZ1, a phytate
      mineralizing rhizobacterium, were investigated in both solid and liquid media.
      The results on solid media showed that halo zone width gradually reduced with
      concentrations of soluble phosphate increasing from 0.05 to 20 mM, indicating the
      reduction of the ability of phytate mineralization. The results were consistent
      with the quantitative detection of phytase activity from the overall trend. An
      1866-bp beta-propeller phytase (BPP) gene (phyPf) was cloned from the strain, and
      the deduced amino acid sequence of phyPf shared 98 % of identity with a known BPP
      from Pseudomonas sp. BS10-3 (AJF36073.1). The results of relative real-time
      quantitative PCR assay showed that the expression of phyPf was induced by a low
      concentration (0.1 mM) of soluble phosphate, suggesting that BPP secretion was
      regulated by gene phyPf. The BPP-harboring bacterium P. fluorescens JZ-DZ1 with
      low phosphate-inducible ability of phytate mineralization could be potentially
      applied to promote phosphorus uptake for plants in the future.

PMID- 27664016
TI  - Plant Cell Imaging Based on Nanodiamonds with Excitation-Dependent Fluorescence.
AB  - Despite extensive work on fluorescence behavior stemming from color centers of
      diamond, reports on the excitation-dependent fluorescence of nanodiamonds (NDs)
      with a large-scale redshift from 400 to 620 nm under different excitation
      wavelengths are so far much fewer, especially in biological applications. The
      fluorescence can be attributed to the combined effects of the fraction of sp(2)
      hybridized carbon atoms among the surface of the fine diamond nanoparticles and
      the defect energy trapping states on the surface of the diamond. The excitation
      dependent fluorescent NDs have been applied in plant cell imaging for the first
      time. The results reported in this paper may provide a promising route to
      multiple-color bioimaging using NDs. 

PMID- 27664017
TI  - Fabrication of Continuous Microfibers Containing Magnetic Nanoparticles by a
      Facile Magneto-Mechanical Drawing.
AB  - A facile method termed magneto-mechanical drawing is used to produce polymer
      composite microfibers. Compared with electrospinning and other fiber spinning
      methods, magneto-mechanical drawing uses magnetic force generated by a permanent
      magnet to draw droplets of polymer/magnetic nanoparticle suspensions, leading to
      fabrication of composite microfibers. In addition, because of the rotating
      collector, it is easy to control the fiber assembly such as fibrous array in
      parallel or crossed fibrous structure. The general applicability of this method
      has also been proved by spinning different polymers and magnetic nanoparticles.
      The resultant fibers exhibit good superparamagnetic behavior at room temperature
      and ultrahigh stretchability (~443.8 %). The results indicate that magneto
      mechanical drawing is a promising technique to fabricate magnetic and stretchable
      microfibers and devices. 

PMID- 27664015
TI  - Deletion of pilA, a Minor Pilin-Like Gene, from Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri
      Influences Bacterial Physiology and Pathogenesis.
AB  - Type IV pili (Tfp) are widely distributed adhesins of bacterial surfaces. In
      plant pathogenic bacteria, Tfp are involved in host colonization and
      pathogenesis. Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xcc) is the phytopathogen
      responsible for citrus canker disease. In this work, three Tfp structural genes,
      fimA, fimA1, and pilA from Xcc were studied. A pilA mutant strain from Xcc
      (XccDeltapilA) was constructed and differences in physiological features, such as
      motilities, adhesion, and biofilm formation, were observed. A structural study of
      the purified Tfp fractions from Xcc wild-type and Xcc?pilA showed that pilins are
      glycosylated in both strains and that FimA and FimA1 are the main structural
      components of the pili. Furthermore, smaller lesion symptoms and reduced
      bacterial growth were produced by Xcc?pilA in orange plants compared to the wild
      type strain. These results indicate that the minor pilin-like gene, pilA, is
      involved in Tfp performance during the infection process.

PMID- 27664018
TI  - A Nanofluidic Biosensor Based on Nanoreplica Molding Photonic Crystal.
AB  - A nanofluidic biosensor based on nanoreplica molding photonic crystal (PC) was
      proposed. UV epoxy PC was fabricated by nanoreplica molding on a master PC wafer.
      The nanochannels were sealed between the gratings on the PC surface and a taped
      layer. The resonance wavelength of PC-based nanofluidic biosensor was used for
      testing the sealing effect. According to the peak wavelength value of the sensor,
      an initial label-free experiment was realized with R6g as the analyte. When the
      PC-based biosensor was illuminated by a monochromatic light source with a
      specific angle, the resonance wavelength of the sensor will match with the light
      source and amplified the electromagnetic field. The amplified electromagnetic
      field was used to enhance the fluorescence excitation result. The enhancement
      effect was used for enhancing fluorescence excitation and emission when matched
      with the resonance condition. Alexa Fluor 635 was used as the target dye excited
      by 637-nm laser source on a configured photonic crystal enhanced fluorescence
      (PCEF) setup, and an initial PCEF enhancement factor was obtained. 

PMID- 27664019
TI  - Restricted vs. unrestricted wheel running in mice: Effects on brain, behavior and
      endocannabinoids.
AB  - Beneficial effects of voluntary wheel running on hippocampal neurogenesis,
      morphology and hippocampal-dependent behavior have widely been studied in
      rodents, but also serious side effects and similarities to stereotypy have been
      reported. Some mouse strains run excessively when equipped with running wheels,
      complicating the comparability to human exercise regimes. Here, we investigated
      how exercise restriction to 6h/day affects hippocampal morphology and metabolism,
      stereotypic and basal behaviors, as well as the endocannabinoid system in wheel
      running C57BL/6 mice; the strain most commonly used for behavioral analyses and
      psychiatric disease models. Restricted and unrestricted wheel running had similar
      effects on immature hippocampal neuron numbers, thermoregulatory nest building
      and basal home-cage behaviors. Surprisingly, hippocampal gray matter volume,
      assessed with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging at 9.4 Tesla, was only increased in
      unrestricted but not in restricted runners. Moreover, unrestricted runners showed
      less stereotypic behavior than restricted runners did. However, after blockage of
      running wheels for 24h stereotypic behavior also increased in unrestricted
      runners, arguing against a long-term effect of wheel running on stereotypic
      behavior. Stereotypic behaviors correlated with frontal glutamate and glucose
      levels assessed by 1H-MR spectroscopy. While acute running increased plasma
      levels of the endocannabinoid anandamide in former studies in mice and humans, we
      found an inverse correlation of anandamide with the daily running distance after
      long-term running. In conclusion, although there are some diverging effects of
      restricted and unrestricted running on brain and behavior, restricted running
      does not per se seem to be a better animal model for aerobic exercise in mice.

PMID- 27664020
TI  - Moderately degenerated lumbar motion segments: Are they truly unstable?
AB  - The two main load bearing tissues of the intervertebral disc are the nucleus
      pulposus and the annulus fibrosus. Both tissues are composed of the same basic
      components, but differ in their organization and relative amounts. With
      degeneration, the clear distinction between the two tissues disappears. The
      changes in biochemical content lead to changes in mechanical behaviour of the
      intervertebral disc. The aim of the current study was to investigate if well
      documented moderate degeneration at the biochemical and fibre structure level
      leads to instability of the lumbar spine. By taking into account biochemical and
      ultrastructural changes to the extracellular matrix of degenerating discs, a set
      of constitutive material parameters were determined that described the individual
      tissue behaviour. These tissue biomechanical models were then used to simulate
      dynamic behaviour of the degenerated spinal motion segment, which showed
      instability in axial rotation, while a stabilizing effect in the other two
      principle bending directions. When a shear load was applied to the degenerated
      spinal motion segment, no sign of instability was found. This study found that
      reported changes to the nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus matrix during
      moderate degeneration lead to a more stable spinal motion segment and that such
      biomechanical considerations should be incorporated into the general
      pathophysiological understanding of disc degeneration and how its progress could
      affect low back pain and its treatments thereof.

PMID- 27664021
TI  - Effects of a meal replacement system alone or in combination with phentermine on
      weight loss and food cravings.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of phentermine combined with a meal replacement
      program on weight loss and food cravings and to investigate the relationship
      between food cravings and weight loss. METHODS: In a 12-week randomized, double
      blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 77 adults with obesity received either
      phentermine or placebo. All participants were provided Medifast(r) meal
      replacements, were instructed to follow the Take Shape for Life(r) Optimal Weight
      5&1 Plan for weight loss, and received lifestyle coaching in the Habits of Health
      program. The Food Craving Inventory and the General Food Cravings State and Trait
      Questionnaires were used to measure food cravings. RESULTS: The phentermine group
      lost 12.1% of baseline body weight compared with 8.8% in the placebo group.
      Cravings for all food groups decreased in both groups; however, there was a
      greater reduction in cravings for fats and sweets in the phentermine group
      compared with the placebo group. Percent weight loss correlated significantly
      with reduced total food cravings (r = 0.332, P = 0.009), cravings for sweets (r =
      0.412, P < 0.000), and state food cravings (r = 0.320, P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS:
      Both phentermine combined with a meal replacement program and meal replacements
      alone significantly reduced body weight and food cravings; however, the addition
      of phentermine enhanced these effects.

PMID- 27664023
TI  - Extended wear therapeutic contact lens fabricated from timolol imprinted
      carboxymethyl chitosan-g-hydroxy ethyl methacrylate-g-poly acrylamide as a
      onetime medication for glaucoma.
AB  - An extended wear therapeutic contact lens (TCL) for the sustained delivery of
      timolol maleate (TML) was fabricated based on molecular imprinting technique. The
      designed TCL comprised of a TML imprinted copolymer of carboxymethyl chitosan-g
      hydroxy ethyl methacrylate-g-polyacrylamide (CmCS-g-HEMA-g-pAAm) embedded onto a
      poly HEMA matrix (pHEMA). Successful reloading of TML onto the lens was monitored
      using a simple and novel UV-Visible spectrophotometric method which showed an
      excellent reloading capacity of 6.53MUgTML/TCL. The in vitro drug release profile
      in lacrimal fluid after each cycle was fitted onto Higuchi model of drug release
      suggesting diffusion release mechanism with no polymer degradation. Also, the TML
      release kinetics indicated a sustained drug delivery which can effectively
      achieve the therapeutic index of TML leading to a onetime medication for
      glaucoma. Biological activity of eluted drug after each cycle and cell viability
      of the TCL were verified using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,3-bis(2
      methoxynitro-5-sulfophenyl)-5-(phenylaminocarbonyl)-2H-tetrazolium hydroxide
      (XTT) assay, respectively.

PMID- 27664022
TI  - Different effects of blue and red light-emitting diodes on antioxidant responses
      in the liver and ovary of zebrafish Danio rerio.
AB  - The present study assessed the effects of a white fluorescent bulb (the control)
      and two different light-emitting diodes (blue LEDs, LDB; red, LDR) on growth,
      morphology, and oxidative stress in the liver and ovary of zebrafish for 5 weeks.
      Growth maintained relatively constant under LDB condition, but was reduced under
      LDR condition. In the liver, hepatosomatic index (HSI) and protein carbonylation
      (PC) increased under LDR condition, whereas lipid peroxidation (LPO) declined and
      HSI remained unchanged under LDB condition. The decrease in oxidative damage by
      LDB could be attributed to the up-regulated levels of mRNA, protein, and activity
      of Cu/Zn-SOD and CAT. A failure to activate the activity of both enzymes may
      result in the enhanced PC levels under LDR condition, though both genes were up
      regulated at transcriptional and translational levels. In the ovary, although
      gonadosomatic index sharply increased under LDR condition, LPO and PC
      dramatically accumulated. The increase in oxidative damage by LDR might result
      from the down-regulated levels of protein and activity of Cu/Zn-SOD and CAT,
      though both genes were up-regulated at a transcriptional level. Furthermore, a
      sharp increase in expression of transcription factor Nrf2 that targets
      antioxidant genes was observed in the liver but not in the ovary under LDB and
      LDR conditions. In conclusion, our data demonstrated a positive effect of LDB and
      negative effect of LDR on fish antioxidant defenses, emphasizing the potentials
      of LDB as an effective light source in fish farming.

PMID- 27664024
TI  - Freezing and glass transitions upon cooling and warming and ice/freeze
      concentration-solution morphology of emulsified aqueous citric acid.
AB  - Although freeze-induced phase separation and the ice/FCS (freeze-concentration
      solution) morphology of aqueous solutions play an important role in fields
      ranging from life sciences and biotechnology to geophysics and high-altitude ice
      clouds, their understanding is far from complete. Herein, using differential
      scanning calorimetry (DSC) and optical cryo-microscope (OC-M), we have studied
      the freezing and glass transition behavior and the ice/FCS morphology of
      emulsified 10-60wt% CA (citric acid) solutions in the temperature region of
      ~308and153K. We have obtained a lot of new result which are understandable and
      unclear. The most essential understandable results are as follows: (i) similar to
      bulk CA/H2O, emulsified CA/H2O also freezes upon cooling and warming and (ii) the
      ice/FCS morphology of frozen drops smaller than ~3-4MUm is less ramified than
      that of frozen bulk solutions. Unclear results, among others, are as follows: (i)
      in contrast to bulk solutions, which produce one freezing event, emulsified
      CA/H2O produces two freezing events and (ii) in emulsions, drop concentration is
      not uniform. Our results demonstrate that DSC thermograms and OC-M images/movies
      are mutually supplementary and allow us to extract important information which
      cannot be gained when DSC and OC-M techniques are used alone.

PMID- 27664025
TI  - If We Would Only Ask: How Henrietta Lacks Continues to Teach Us About Perceptions
      of Research and Genetic Research Among African Americans Today.
AB  - BACKGROUND: African Americans are under-represented in research, and there are
      perceptions of unwillingness among African Americans to participate in research.
      We explored barriers to African American research participation. METHODS: We
      conducted a cross-sectional survey to explore knowledge and beliefs regarding
      medical and genetic research among adults (n = 169) at urban community events.
      Descriptive data were summarized by frequencies for survey responses. RESULTS:
      Only 13 % of respondents had ever been approached for research; 93 % of those who
      had been approached for research had participated. Eighty-six percent of those
      who had previous research experience indicated willingness to participate again
      vs. only 30 % among those with no research experience. Seventy-four percent had
      altruistic views of research; 28 % were concerned about truthfulness of
      researchers; 52 % feared incidental discoveries. CONCLUSION: African Americans
      have favorable views of research; however, few are being engaged in studies.
      Effective interventions to address identified barriers may improve participation
      and lead to better health outcomes among African Americans.

PMID- 27664026
TI  - Fatality risks for nosocomial outbreaks of Middle East respiratory syndrome
      coronavirus in the Middle East and South Korea.
AB  - Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) was first isolated in
      2012. The largest known outbreak outside the Middle East occurred in South Korea
      in 2015. As of 29 June 2016, 1769 laboratory-confirmed cases (630 deaths; 35.6 %
      case fatality rate [CFR]) had been reported from 26 countries, particularly in
      the Middle East. However, the CFR for hospital outbreaks was higher than that of
      family clusters in the Middle East and Korea. Here, we compared the mortality
      rates for 51 nosocomial outbreaks in the Middle East and one outbreak of MERS-CoV
      in South Korea. Our findings showed the CFR in the Middle East was much higher
      than that in South Korea (25.9 % [56/216] vs. 13.8 % [24/174], p = 0.003).
      Infected individuals who died were, on average, older than those who survived in
      both the Middle East (64 years [25-98] vs. 46 years [2-85], p = 0.000) and South
      Korea (68 years [49-82] vs. 53.5 years [16-87], p = 0.000). Similarly, the co
      morbidity rates for the fatal cases were statistically higher than for the
      nonfatal cases in both the Middle East (64.3 % [36/56] vs. 28.1 % [45/160], p =
      0.000) and South Korea (45.8 % [11/24] vs. 12.0 % [18/150], p = 0.000). The
      median number of days from onset to confirmation of infection in the fatal cases
      was longer than that for survivors from the Middle East (8 days [1-47] vs. 4 days
      [0-14], p = 0.009). Thus, older age, pre-existing concurrent diseases, and
      delayed confirmation increase the odds of a fatal outcome in nosocomial MERS-CoV
      outbreaks in the Middle East and South Korea.

PMID- 27664027
TI  - G45R on nonstructural protein 1 of influenza A virus contributes to virulence by
      increasing the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in mice.
AB  - Nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) is a multifunctional protein that is a viral
      replication enhancer and virulence factor. In this study, we investigated the
      effect of the amino acid substitution G45R on the NS1 of A/Puerto Rico/8/1934
      (H1N1) (G45R/NS1) on viral virulence and host gene expression in a mouse model
      and the human lung cell line A549. The G45R/NS1 virus had increased virulence by
      inducing an earlier and robust proinflammatory cytokine response in mice. Mice
      infected with the G45R/NS1 virus lost more body weight and had lower survival
      rates than mice infected with the wild type (WT/NS1) virus. Replication of the
      G45R/NS1 virus was higher than that of the WT/NS1 virus in vitro, but the
      replication of both viruses was similar in mouse lungs. In A549 cells, the
      majority of G45R/NS1 protein was localized in the cytoplasm whereas the majority
      of WT/NS1 protein was localized in the nucleus. Microarray analysis revealed that
      A549 cells infected with the G45R/NS1 virus had higher expression of genes
      encoding proteins associated with the innate immune response and cytokine
      activity than cells infected with the WT/NS1 virus. These data agree with
      cytokine production observed in mouse lungs. Our findings suggest that G45R on
      NS1 protein contributes to viral virulence by increasing the expression of
      inflammatory cytokines early in infection.

PMID- 27664028
TI  - A simple real-time polymerase chain reaction assay using SYBR Green for hepatitis
      C virus genotyping.
AB  - Detection of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) genome is crucial for diagnosis of HCV
      infection and for monitoring the efficacy of HCV treatment. Thus, we aimed to
      develop a convenient screening test for common HCV genotypes based on melting
      curve analysis with PCR. Serum samples were drawn from 124 patients with known
      HCV infection confirmed to be antibody and HCV RNA positive. A characteristic
      melting curve was obtained by monitoring the fluorescence as the temperature
      increased through the melting point of the PCR product. Results were compared
      with those obtained by the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP)
      genotyping method. The melting curve analysis indicated that the different
      genotypes had discrete melting points (P < 0.0001): 90.43 +/- 0.065 degrees for
      genotype 1 (n = 35), 90.21 +/- 0.064 degrees for genotype 2 (n = 18), 90.62 +/-
      0.045 degrees for genotype 3 (n = 29) and 90.84 +/- 0.130 degrees for genotype 4
      (n = 42). The genotype was determined for all samples using the newly developed
      method as well as RFLP, and the two systems produced concordant results. The
      sensitivity of the assay was 91.4 % for genotype 1, 83.3 % for genotype 2, 93.1 %
      for genotype 3, and 85.7 % for genotype 4. Genotypes detected by melting curve
      analysis significantly correlated with those detected by RFLP (r = 0.946, P <
      0.0001) with a strong linear relationship (r 2 = 0.895). This melting curve
      analysis is a rapid, convenient and low-cost screening test for differentiation
      of HCV genotypes 1-4.

PMID- 27664029
TI  - Recombination between G2 and G6 strains of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus
      (RHDV) in China.
AB  - Rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) is an acute fatal disease caused by the
      lagovirus rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV), which was first reported in
      1984 in China. Genetic characterization of RHDV has demonstrated that two
      different genogroups (G2 and G6) are present in China. To gain a better
      understanding of the molecular evolution of RHDV, we searched for recombination
      events by analyzing all full-length RHDV capsid VP60 sequences of Chinese
      isolates belonging to the genogroups 2 and 6. Our results revealed a recombinant
      origin for the NanBu/China/2011 isolate. This recombination event occurred
      between G2 and G6 strains with two breakpoints located at nucleotide positions
      393 and 1079 of the VP60 sequence. Phylogenetically, the NanBu/China/2011 strain
      clustered with genogroup G6 in the entire capsid gene sequence except in the
      fragment between nucleotides 394 and 1078, where it clustered with genogroup G2.
      As the consequences of the presence of a G2/G6 recombinant strain in China are
      unpredictable, the circulation of RHDV in the populations should be carefully
      monitored.

PMID- 27664030
TI  - Glucose deprivation induced upregulation of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase
      modulates virulence in Leishmania donovani.
AB  - Various physiological stimuli trigger the conversion of noninfective Leishmania
      donovani promastigotes to the infective form. Here, we present the first evidence
      of the effect of glucose starvation, on virulence and survival of these
      parasites. Glucose starvation resulted in a decrease in metabolically active
      parasites and their proliferation. However, this was reversed by supplementation
      of gluconeogenic amino acids. Glucose starvation induced metacyclogenesis and
      enhanced virulence through protein kinase A regulatory subunit (LdPKAR1) mediated
      autophagy. Glucose starvation driven oxidative stress upregulated the antioxidant
      machinery, culminating in increased infectivity and greater parasitic load in
      primary macrophages. Interestingly, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (LdPEPCK),
      a gluconeogenic enzyme, exhibited the highest activity under glucose starvation
      to regulate growth of L. donovani by alternatively utilising amino acids.
      Deletion of LdPEPCK (Deltapepck) decreased virulent traits and parasitic load in
      primary macrophages but increased autophagosome formation in the mutant
      parasites. Furthermore, Deltapepck parasites failed to activate the Pentose
      Phosphate Pathway shunt, abrogating NADPH/NADP+ homoeostasis, conferring
      increased susceptibility towards oxidants following glucose starvation. In
      conclusion, this study showed that L. donovani undertakes metabolic
      rearrangements via gluconeogenesis under glucose starvation for acquiring
      virulence and its survival in the hostile environment.

PMID- 27664031
TI  - C-terminal region of Mad2 plays an important role during mitotic spindle
      checkpoint in fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe.
AB  - The mitotic arrest deficiency 2 (Mad2) protein is an essential component of the
      spindle assembly checkpoint that interacts with Cdc20/Slp1 and inhibit its
      ability to activate anaphase promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C). In bladder
      cancer cell line the C-terminal residue of the mad2 gene has been found to be
      deleted. In this study we tried to understand the role of the C-terminal region
      of mad2 on the spindle checkpoint function. To envisage the role of C-terminal
      region of Mad2, we truncated 25 residues of Mad2 C-terminal region in fission
      yeast S.pombe and characterized its effect on spindle assembly checkpoint
      function. The cells containing C-terminal truncation of Mad2 exhibit sensitivity
      towards microtubule destabilizing agent suggesting perturbation of spindle
      assembly checkpoint. Further, the C-terminal truncation of Mad2 exhibit reduced
      viability in the nda3-KM311 mutant background at non-permissive temperature.
      Truncation in mad2 gene also affects its foci forming ability at unattached
      kinetochore suggesting that the mad2-?CT mutant is unable to maintain spindle
      checkpoint activation. However, in response to the defective microtubule, only
      brief delay of mitotic progression was observed in Mad2 C-terminal truncation
      mutant. In addition we have shown that the deletion of two beta strands of Mad2
      protein abolishes its ability to interact with APC activator protein Slp1/Cdc20.
      We purpose that the truncation of two beta strands (beta7 and beta8) of Mad2
      destabilize the safety belt and affect the Cdc20-Mad2 interaction leading to
      defects in the spindle checkpoint activation.

PMID- 27664032
TI  - Aberrant expression of plasma microRNA-33a in an atherosclerosis-risk group.
AB  - In order to investigate whether plasma microRNA-33a (miR-33a) can be a biomarker
      for the early detection of atherosclerosis and to reexamine the assumption that
      miR-33a represses the expression of ABCA1, we compared the expression levels of
      miR-33a and ATP-binding cassette A1 (ABCA1) using human plasma and supernatants
      of macrophage cultured media. We first separated ample number of plasma samples
      from left-over whole blood samples based on the criteria for normal or
      dyslipidemia, and stored them at -20  degrees C until use. Then we selected 18
      plasma samples for each normal, athero-risk and treated group using a metabolic
      disease cohort in which candidate subjects have participated. For classifying
      into three groups, we primarily relied on the records of physicians' comments,
      prescriptions, treatment history, lipid profiles and test results from medical
      equipment aimed at the diagnosis for atherosclerosis or cardiovascular disease.
      After collecting the final 54 plasma samples, we analyzed and compared the
      expression levels of miR-33a and ABCA1 at the plasma levels. In the comparison of
      plasma levels of the three groups, the miR-33a expression level of athero-risk
      group was 5.01-fold higher than that of normal group. Meanwhile, in the culture
      of foam cells transfected with anti-miR-33a oligonucleotides, the miR-33a level
      significantly decreased, while ABCA1 level significantly increased. The results
      suggest that enhanced expression of miR-33a might induce cholesterol accumulation
      and aggravate inflammation in vessel walls by suppressing the expression of ABCA1
      in macrophages. Thus, plasma miR-33a can be considered as a candidate biomarker
      of atherosclerosis.

PMID- 27664033
TI  - Altered Resting-State Signals in Patients with Acute Stroke In or Under the
      Thalamus.
AB  - Previous studies have suggested that cortical functional reorganization is
      associated with motor recovery after stroke and that normal afferent sensory
      information is very important in that process. In this study, we selected
      patients who had a stroke in or under the thalamus, with potentially impaired
      afferent sensory information and analyzed the differences between these patients
      and healthy controls at three levels: brain regions, the functional connectivity
      between brain areas, and the whole-brain functional network. Compared with
      healthy controls, regional homogeneities in the left middle temporal gyrus
      decreased and functional connectivity between the left middle temporal gyrus and
      the stroke area increased in the patients. However, there was no significant
      change in the whole-brain functional network. By focusing on stroke located in or
      under the thalamus, our study contributes to wider inquiries into understanding
      and treating stroke.

PMID- 27664034
TI  - Clinicopathologic features and prognosis of primary gastrointestinal stromal
      tumor patients under 35 years of age: A 10-year retrospective study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST)
      clinicopathologic characteristics in young adults. METHODS: Clinicopathologic
      data from GIST patients under 35 years diagnosed at our hospital from January
      2005 to December 2014 were retrospectively collected. RESULTS: Thirty-one (5.3%,
      31/585) patients were included; 17 (54.8%) were female. The most common
      presentation and primary tumor site were gastrointestinal bleeding (n = 18,
      58.1%) and the small intestine (n = 13, 41.9%), respectively. Fifteen (48.4%)
      GISTs were classified as having a high relapse risk; two (6.4%), intermediate;
      nine (29.0%), low; and five (16.1%), very low. All patients underwent tumor
      resection. With a median follow-up of 51 months for 20 (64.5%) patients, 12 (60%)
      were given imatinib methylate as adjuvant therapy. One (5%) patient died of
      peritoneal GIST dissemination, four (20%) developed abdominal recurrences, two
      (10%) had hepatic metastasis, and thirteen (65%) were disease free. The 5-year
      disease-free survival rate was 51.2%. CONCLUSIONS: GISTs rarely occur in young
      adults. The most common location is the small intestine. A slight female
      predominance was observed in the current study. Adjuvant therapy longer than the
      recommended duration may be beneficial for GISTs with a high relapse risk.
      Combined targeted therapy and surgery is appropriate for recurrent and metastatic
      GISTs in select patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;114:977-981. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27664036
TI  - Facilitators and inhibitors in developing professional values in nursing
      students.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Values are the basis of nursing practice, especially in making
      decisions about complicated ethical issues. Despite their key role in nursing,
      little information exists on the factors affecting their development and
      manifestation in nursing students. OBJECTIVE: This study identifies and describes
      the facilitators and inhibitors of the development and manifestation of
      professional values based on the experiences of nursing students and instructors
      and nurses. RESEARCH DESIGN: Data were collected through 29 semi-structured
      interviews and two focus group interviews in 2013-2015 and were analyzed using
      the conventional content analysis method of Elo and Kyngas. Participants and
      research context: In total, 18 nursing undergraduates, five nursing instructors,
      and five nurses from Shiraz University of Medical Sciences and one of the
      teaching hospitals in Shiraz were selected through purposive sampling. Ethical
      considerations: The research was approved by the Ethics Committee of Shiraz
      University of Medical Sciences and the teaching hospital examined. FINDINGS: The
      findings consisted of two categories: personal and environmental factors.
      Personal factors consisted of the two subcategories of personal stimuli (work
      experience and past relationships, inner beliefs and acting on values, belief in
      God and a divine worldview) and personal inhibitors (the lack of professional
      motivation and enthusiasm, negative emotions). Environmental factors consisted of
      the two subcategories of environmental stimuli (cooperation, order and
      discipline) and environmental inhibitors (unfavorable work environment, society's
      negative attitude toward nursing, the violation of rights). DISCUSSION AND
      CONCLUSION: Given the impact of personal and environmental factors on the
      development and manifestation of professional values in nursing students, it is
      upon the education authorities to take account of them in their planning, and
      nursing managers are also recommended to further address these factors in their
      development of a proper work environment, provision of standard facilities and
      removal of barriers.

PMID- 27664037
TI  - Ethics support in community care makes a difference for practice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Through the Norwegian ethics project, ethics activities have been
      implemented in the health and care sector in more than 200 municipalities.
      OBJECTIVES: To study outcomes of the ethics activities and examine which factors
      promote and inhibit significance and sustainability of the activities. RESEARCH
      DESIGN: Two online questionnaires about the municipal ethics activities.
      Participants and research context: A total of 137 municipal contact persons for
      the ethics project answered the first survey (55% response rate), whereas 217
      ethics facilitators responded to the second survey (33% response rate). Ethical
      considerations: Based on informed consent, the study was approved by the Data
      Protection Official of the Norwegian Social Science Data Services. FINDINGS:
      Around half of the respondents found the ethics project to have been highly
      significant for daily professional practice. Outcomes include better handling of
      ethical challenges, better employee cooperation, better service quality, and
      better relations to patients and next of kin. Factors associated with
      sustainability and/or significance of the activities were sufficient support from
      stakeholders, sufficient available time, and ethics facilitators having
      sufficient knowledge and skills in ethics and access to supervision. DISCUSSION:
      This study shows that ethics initiatives can be both sustainable and significant
      for practice. There is a need to create regional or national structures for
      follow-up and develop more comprehensive ethics training for ethics facilitators.
      CONCLUSION: It is both possible and potentially important to implement clinical
      ethics support activities in community health and care services systematically on
      a large scale. Future ethics initiatives in the community sector should be
      designed in light of documented promoting and inhibiting factors.

PMID- 27664035
TI  - Pioglitazone induces cell growth arrest and activates mitochondrial apoptosis in
      human uterine leiomyosarcoma cells by a peroxisome proliferator-activated
      receptor gamma-independent mechanism.
AB  - The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) agonists,
      thiazolidinediones, including pioglitazone (PIO) exhibit anti-tumour activities
      in cancer cells. The present study investigates the effects of PIO on cell
      proliferation and apoptosis in SK-UT-1 cells, a human uterine leiomyosarcoma cell
      line, and human uterine smooth muscle cells (HUtSMC). The proliferation and
      viability of SK-UT-1 cells treated with vehicle or PIO were assessed by cell
      counting and WST-1 assay. The activity of MEK/ERK and p38 MAPK signalling
      pathways and the expression of p53, the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, p21,
      Bax, Bad and Bim proteins and cleaved caspase-3 were analysed by Western
      blotting. Quiescent SK-UT-1 cells intensively proliferate and display high levels
      of phosphorylated, activated MEK1/2, ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK. PIO (10 or 25 MUM)
      induced time- and dose-dependently cell-growth arrest, reduced the cell numbers
      and effectively suppressed the over-activated MEK/ERK and p38 MAPK signalling
      pathways as evidenced by the abolished levels of phosphorylated MEK1/2, ERK1/2
      and p38 MAPK. PIO activated the intrinsic apoptotic pathway, i.e. up-regulated
      the p53, p21, Bax and Bad proteins and cleaved caspase-3. PIO also reduced cell
      numbers of highly proliferative SK-UT-1 cells cultured in growth medium. The anti
      proliferative and pro-apoptotic actions of PIO were not PPARgamma dependent and
      exclusive for SK-UT-1 cells as PIO did not interfere with the proliferation of
      HUtSMC. The pronounced anti-tumorigenic effects of PIO in SK-UT-1 cells address
      an important issue about the relevance of the PPARgamma agonist in the treatment
      of the human uterine leiomyosarcoma.

PMID- 27664038
TI  - Effect of Planned Follow-up on Married Women's Health Beliefs and Behaviors
      Concerning Breast and Cervical Cancer Screenings.
AB  - The objective of this study was to identify the effect of planned follow-up
      visits on married women's health beliefs and behaviors concerning breast and
      cervical cancer screenings. The study was conducted using the single-group pre
      test/post-test and quasi-experimental study designs. The sample of the study
      included 153 women. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the
      Health Belief Model (HBM) Scale for Breast Cancer Screening, the HBM Scale for
      Cervical Cancer Screening, and a Pap smear test. Data were collected using the
      aforementioned tools from September 2012 to March 2013. Four follow-up visits
      were conducted, nurses were educated, and telephone reminders were utilized.
      Friedman's test, McNemar's test, and descriptive statistics were used for data
      analyzing. The frequency of performing breast self-examination (BSE) at the last
      visit increased to 84.3 % compared to the pre-training. A statistically
      significant difference was observed between the pre- and post-training median
      values in four subscales except for the subscale of perceived seriousness of
      cervical cancer under "the Health Belief Model Scale for Cervical Cancer and the
      Pap Smear Test" (p < 0.001). The rate of performing BSE significantly increased
      after the training and follow-up visits. Also, the rate of having a Pap smear
      significantly increased after the follow-up visits.

PMID- 27664041
TI  - Racial/Ethnic Residential Segregation, Obesity, and Diabetes Mellitus.
AB  - Persistent racial/ethnic disparities in obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus seen
      in the US are likely due to a combination of social, biological, and
      environmental factors. A growing number of studies have examined the role of
      racial/ethnic residential segregation with respect to these outcomes because this
      macro-level process is believed to be a fundamental cause of many of the factors
      that contribute to these disparities. This review provides an overview of
      findings from studies of racial/ethnic residential segregation with obesity and
      diabetes published between 2013 and 2015. Findings for obesity varied by
      geographic scale of the segregation measure, gender, ethnicity, and racial
      identity (among Hispanics/Latinos). Recent studies found no association between
      racial/ethnic residential segregation and diabetes prevalence, but higher
      segregation of Blacks was related to higher diabetes mortality. Implications of
      these recent studies are discussed as well as promising areas of future research.

PMID- 27664040
TI  - Integrated Cardio-Respiratory Control: Insight in Diabetes.
AB  - Autonomic dysfunction is a frequent and relevant complication of diabetes
      mellitus, as it is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. In
      addition, it is today considered as predictive of the most severe diabetic
      complications, like nephropathy and retinopathy. The classical methods of
      screening are the cardiovascular reflex tests and were originally interpreted as
      evidence of nerve damage. A more modern approach, based on the integrated control
      of cardiovascular and respiratory function, reveals that these abnormalities are
      to a great extent functional, at least in the early stage of the disease, thus
      suggesting new potential interventions. Therefore, this review aims to go further
      investigating how the imbalance of the autonomic nervous system is altered and
      can be influenced in many chronic pathologies through a global view of cardio
      respiratory and metabolic interactions and how the same mechanisms are applicable
      to diabetes.

PMID- 27664039
TI  - Sleep Duration and Diabetes Risk: Population Trends and Potential Mechanisms.
AB  - Sleep is important for regulating many physiologic functions that relate to
      metabolism. Because of this, there is substantial evidence to suggest that sleep
      habits and sleep disorders are related to diabetes risk. In specific,
      insufficient sleep duration and/or sleep restriction in the laboratory, poor
      sleep quality, and sleep disorders such as insomnia and sleep apnea have all been
      associated with diabetes risk. This research spans epidemiologic and laboratory
      studies. Both physiologic mechanisms such as insulin resistance, decreased
      leptin, and increased ghrelin and inflammation and behavioral mechanisms such as
      increased food intake, impaired decision-making, and increased likelihood of
      other behavioral risk factors such as smoking, sedentary behavior, and alcohol
      use predispose to both diabetes and obesity, which itself is an important
      diabetes risk factor. This review describes the evidence linking sleep and
      diabetes risk at the population and laboratory levels.

PMID- 27664042
TI  - The Expanding Role of Natural Killer Cells in Type 1 Diabetes and Immunotherapy.
AB  - Treatments for autoimmune diseases including type 1 diabetes (T1D) are aimed at
      resetting the immune system, especially its adaptive arm. The innate immune
      system is often ignored in the design of novel immune-based therapies. There is
      increasing evidence for multiple natural killer (NK) subpopulations, but their
      role is poorly understood in autoimmunity and likely is contributing to the
      controversial role reported for NKs. In this review, we will summarize NK subsets
      and their roles in tolerance, autoimmune diabetes, and immunotherapy.

PMID- 27664045
TI  - Shigellosis murine model established by intraperitoneal and intranasal route of
      administration: a comparative comprehension overview.
AB  - Shigellosis, a major cause of mortality and morbidity, requires development of
      effective intervention strategy for which animal model mimicking human pathology
      is essential. Among various animal models for shigellosis, mice being more
      convenient have been used wherein intraperitoneal and intranasal routes are
      preferred. With the aim to comprehend the comparative pathophysiological
      indicators, we have examined relatively high and low dose of Shigella flexneri
      administered through intraperitoneal and intranasal routes in mice.
      Characterization of these two models along with the resulting pathophysiology of
      shigellosis adds to our understanding and offers suitable models appropriate to
      the objectives of the study.

PMID- 27664044
TI  - Hyponatremia and bone disease.
AB  - Hip fractures represent a serious health risk in the elderly, causing substantial
      morbidity and mortality. There is now a considerable volume of literature
      suggesting that chronic hyponatremia increases the adjusted odds ratio (OR) for
      both falls and fractures in the elderly. Hyponatremia appears to contribute to
      falls and fractures by two mechanisms. First, it produces mild cognitive
      impairment, resulting in unsteady gait and falls; this is probably due to the
      loss of glutamate (a neurotransmitter involved in gait function) as an osmolyte
      during brain adaptation to chronic hyponatremia. Second, hyponatremia directly
      contributes to osteoporosis and increased bone fragility by inducing increased
      bone resorption to mobilize sodium stores in bone. Low extracellular sodium
      directly stimulates osteoclastogenesis and bone resorptive activity through
      decreased cellular uptake of ascorbic acid and the induction of oxidative stress;
      these effects occur in a sodium level-dependent manner. Hyponatremic patients
      have elevated circulating arginine-vasopressin (AVP) levels, and AVP acting on
      two receptors expressed in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, Avpr1alpha and Avpr2, can
      increase bone resorption and decrease osteoblastogenesis. Should we be screening
      for low serum sodium in patients with osteoporosis or assessing bone mineral
      density (BMD) in patients with hyponatremia? The answers to these questions have
      not been established. Definitive answers will require randomized controlled
      studies that allocate elderly individuals with mild hyponatremia to receive
      either active treatment or no treatment for hyponatremia, to determine whether
      correction of hyponatremia prevents gait disturbances and changes in BMD, thereby
      reducing the risk of fractures. Until such studies are conducted, physicians
      caring for elderly patients must be aware of the association between hyponatremia
      and bone disorders. As serum sodium is a readily available, simple, and
      affordable biochemical measurement, clinicians should look for hyponatremia in
      elderly patients, especially in those receiving medications that can cause
      hyponatremia. Furthermore, elderly patients with an unsteady gait and/or
      confusion should be evaluated for the presence of mild hyponatremia, and if
      present, treatment should be initiated. Finally, elderly patients presenting with
      an orthopedic injury should have serum sodium checked and hyponatremia corrected,
      if present.

PMID- 27664046
TI  - Hypoxia and inflammatory bowel disease.
AB  - Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a general term to describe inflammatory
      diseases of the gastrointestinal tract such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative
      colitis. IBD affects approximately 1 in 200 individuals and exerts a significant
      health and quality of life burden on patients. Surgical intervention can be
      curative in ulcerative colitis but there is currently no cure for Crohn's
      disease. Since this is the case, and the fact that patients are often diagnosed
      at a young age, IBD exerts a significant financial burden on the health care
      system, and society as a whole. The underlying pathology of IBD is complex and
      involves a combination of genetic, environmental and microbial factors.
      Regardless of the underlying causes of the condition, this disease is universally
      characterized by disruption to the protective epithelial barrier separating the
      intestinal lumen above from the mucosal immune system below. Once this barrier
      becomes compromised a sequence of events ensues, that can occur in repetitive
      cycles to ensure long-term and serious damage to the gut. The role of hypoxia and
      hypoxia-dependent signalling pathways are increasingly appreciated to play a role
      in the physiology and pathophysiology of the intestine. The intestinal epithelium
      normally exists in a state of physiological hypoxia, with additional tissue
      hypoxia a feature of active inflammatory disease. Furthermore, recent pre
      clinical animal studies have clearly supported the rationale for
      pharmacologically manipulating the oxygen-sensitive hypoxia-inducible factor
      (HIF) pathway in models of IBD. Thus, this review will discuss the contribution
      of hypoxia sensitive pathways in the pathology of IBD. Finally we will discuss
      the emerging evidence for manipulation of hypoxia-sensitive pathways in the
      treatment of IBD.

PMID- 27664043
TI  - Restoring Regulatory T Cells in Type 1 Diabetes.
AB  - Genetic and cellular studies of type 1 diabetes in patients and in the nonobese
      diabetic mouse model of type 1 diabetes point to an imbalance between effector T
      cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs) as a driver of the disease. The imbalance
      may arise as a consequence of genetically encoded defects in thymic deletion of
      islet antigen-specific T cells, induction of islet antigen-specific thymic Tregs,
      unfavorable tissue environment for peripheral Treg induction, and failure of
      islet antigen-specific Tregs to survive in the inflamed islets secondary to
      insufficient IL-2 signals. These understandings are the foundation for
      rationalized design of new therapeutic interventions to restore the balance by
      selectively targeting effector T cells and boosting Tregs.

PMID- 27664048
TI  - Celebration of the 50th anniversary of IgE discovery.

PMID- 27664047
TI  - Three-base periodicity of sites of sequence variation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
      and Staphylococcus aureus core genomes.
AB  - The three-base periodicity property is characteristic of protein-coding
      sequences. Here, we report on three-base periodicity of sequence variation in the
      core genome of bacteria. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) syntenies were
      extracted from pairwise genome alignments of 41 Staphylococcus aureus or 20
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. The length of fragment pairs with identical
      nucleotides at all SNP positions showed a length-dependent overrepresentation of
      multiples of three nucleotides at corresponding codon positions of the AT-rich S.
      aureus and the GC-rich P. aeruginosa. Three-base SNP periodicity seems to be a
      characteristic feature of the tightly arranged bacterial core genome.

PMID- 27664049
TI  - The Relative Abundance and Transcriptional Activity of Marine Sponge-Associated
      Microorganisms Emphasizing Groups Involved in Sulfur Cycle.
AB  - During the last decades, our knowledge about the activity of sponge-associated
      microorganisms and their contribution to biogeochemical cycling has gradually
      increased. Functional groups involved in carbon and nitrogen metabolism are well
      documented, whereas knowledge about microorganisms involved in the sulfur cycle
      is still limited. Both sulfate reduction and sulfide oxidation has been detected
      in the cold water sponge Geodia barretti from Korsfjord in Norway, and with
      specimens from this site, the present study aims to identify extant versus active
      sponge-associated microbiota with focus on sulfur metabolism. Comparative
      analysis of small subunit ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene (DNA) and transcript
      (complementary DNA (cDNA)) libraries revealed profound differences. The
      transcript library was predominated by Chloroflexi despite their low abundance in
      the gene library. An opposite result was found for Acidobacteria. Proteobacteria
      were detected in both libraries with representatives of the Alpha- and
      Gammaproteobacteria related to clades with presumably thiotrophic bacteria from
      sponges and other marine invertebrates. Sequences that clustered with sponge
      associated Deltaproteobacteria were remotely related to cultivated sulfate
      reducing bacteria. The microbes involved in sulfur cycling were identified by the
      functional gene aprA (adenosine-5'-phosphosulfate reductase) and its transcript.
      Of the aprA sequences (DNA and cDNA), 87 % affiliated with sulfur-oxidizing
      bacteria. They clustered with Alphaproteobacteria and with clades of deep
      branching Gammaproteobacteria. The remaining sequences clustered with sulfate
      reducing Archaea of the phylum Euryarchaeota. These results indicate an active
      role of yet uncharacterized Bacteria and Archaea in the sponge's sulfur cycle.

PMID- 27664053
TI  - D-Phenylalanine inhibits biofilm development of a marine microbe,
      Pseudoalteromonas sp. SC2014.
AB  - D-Amino acids have been reported to be able to inhibit biofilm formation or
      disperse existing biofilms of many microbes; in some cases this is due to growth
      inhibition as an unspecific effect. In this work, six different D-amino acids
      were tested for their inhibitory effects on biofilm development and bacterial
      growth of Pseudoalteromonas sp. SC2014, a marine microbe involved in
      microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). Experimental results indicated that
      D-phenylalanine (D-Phe) inhibited biofilm formation effectively at concentrations
      that did not affect cell growth, whereas the other D-amino acids either showed
      little effect or inhibited biofilm formation while inhibiting bacterial growth.
      Further studies found that D-Phe could inhibit bacterial accumulation on the
      surface of 316L stainless steel, and prevent bacteria from forming a multilayer
      biofilm. It was also suggested that D-Phe could promote the disassembly of an
      established multilayer biofilm but have little effect on the remaining monolayer
      adherent cells. For the first time, it was found that a D-amino acid could
      effectively inhibit biofilm formation of an MIC-involved microbe. This might
      supply a new insight into how MIC could be mitigated.

PMID- 27664051
TI  - An Okinawan-based Nordic diet improves anthropometry, metabolic control, and
      health-related quality of life in Scandinavian patients with type 2 diabetes: a
      pilot trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Our hypothesis was that a modified diet would improve blood glucose
      control with beneficial impact on weight management and overall health in
      established diabetes. OBJECTIVE: This prospective interventional study
      investigated the clinical effect of an Okinawan-based Nordic diet on
      anthropometry, metabolic control, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in
      Scandinavian type 2 diabetes patients. DESIGN: Food was prepared and delivered to
      30 type 2 diabetes patients. Clinical information along with data on HRQoL, blood
      samples, and urine samples were collected during 12 weeks of diet interventions,
      with follow-up 16 weeks after diet completion. RESULTS: After 12 weeks of dietary
      intervention, a reduction in body weight (7%) (p<0.001), body mass index
      (p<0.001), and waist circumference (7.0 cm) (p<0.001) was seen. Improved levels
      of proinsulin (p=0.005), insulin (p=0.011), and fasting plasma glucose (p<0.001)
      were found already after 2 weeks; these improved levels remained after 12 weeks
      when lowered levels of C-peptide (p=0.015), triglycerides (p=0.009), total
      cholesterol (p=0.001), and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (p=0.041) were
      also observed. Insulin resistance homeostasis model assessment for insulin
      resistance was lowered throughout the study, with a 20% reduction in hemoglobin
      A1c levels (p<0.001) at week 12, despite reduced anti-diabetes treatment. Lowered
      systolic blood pressure (9.6 mmHg) (p<0.001), diastolic blood pressure (2.7 mmHg)
      (p<0.001), and heart and respiratory rates (p<0.001) were accompanied by
      decreased cortisol levels (p=0.015) and improvement in HRQoL. At follow-up,
      increased levels of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol were found (p=0.003).
      CONCLUSION: This interventional study demonstrates a considerable improvement of
      anthropometric and metabolic parameters and HRQoL in Scandinavian type 2 diabetes
      patients when introducing a modified Okinawan-based Nordic diet, independently of
      exercise or other interventions. Through these dietary changes, anti-diabetes
      treatment could be decreased or cancelled.

PMID- 27664050
TI  - Co-expression of p16 and p53 characterizes aggressive subtypes of ductal
      intraepithelial neoplasia.
AB  - In the USA alone, approximately 61,000 new diagnoses of ductal intraepithelial
      neoplasia 1c-3 (DIN) are made each year. Around 10-20 % of the patients develop a
      recurrence, about 50 % of which are invasive. Prior studies have shown that
      invasive breast carcinomas positive for p16 or p53 have a higher frequency of
      recurrence and a more aggressive course; however, the co-expression of these
      markers across the entire spectrum of DIN and its potential correlation with
      grade of the lesions has not been studied previously. Immunohistochemical
      staining for p16 and p53 was evaluated on 262 DIN lesions from 211 cases
      diagnosed between 1991 and 2008. The lesions ranged from DIN1b (atypical
      intraductal hyperplasia) to DIN3 (DCIS, grade 3) and included 45 cases with
      associated invasive carcinoma. Frequency of staining for both p16 and p53
      increased with increasing grade of DIN. Strong co-expression was found
      exclusively in higher grade DIN lesions (DIN2 and DIN3) particularly those
      associated with periductal stromal fibrosis and lymphocytic infiltrate. Strong co
      expression was seen in 8 of 12 DIN3 lesions (67 %) associated with invasive
      carcinoma. In conclusion, co-expression of p16 and p53 increases with advancing
      grade of DIN and is maximal in high grade DIN lesions associated with invasive
      carcinoma, indicating a more aggressive phenotype. A distinctive variant of DIN
      with periductal fibrosis and lymphocytic infiltrate invariably falls into the
      high-grade category, based on either morphology or marker expression. Co
      expression of p16/p53 may be of help in distinguishing between high-grade and low
      grade DIN lesions.

PMID- 27664052
TI  - Molecular and Functional Characterization of a Cohort of Spanish Patients with
      Ataxia-Telangiectasia.
AB  - Ataxia-telangiectasia is a multisystemic disease with severe neurological
      affectation, immunodeficiency and telangiectasia. The disorder is caused by
      alterations in the ATM gene, whose size and complexity make molecular diagnosis
      difficult. We designed a target-enrichment next-generation sequencing strategy to
      characterize 28 patients from several regions of Spain. This approach allowed us
      to identify gene variants affecting function in 54 out of the 56 alleles
      analyzed, although the two unresolved alleles belong to brothers. We found 28 ATM
      gene mutations, of which 10 have not been reported. A total of 171 gene variants
      not affecting function were also found, of which 22 are reported to predispose to
      disease. Interestingly, all Roma (Spanish Gypsies) patients are homozygous for
      the same mutation and share the H3 ATM haplotype, which is strong evidence of a
      founder effect in this population. In addition, we generated a panel of 27
      primary T cell lines from A-T patients, which revealed significant expression of
      ATM in two patients and traces of the protein in nine more. None of them retained
      residual ATM activity, and almost all T cell lines show increased or intermediate
      radiosensitivity.

PMID- 27664054
TI  - Preparation and evaluation of MS2 bacteriophage-like particles packaging
      hepatitis E virus RNA.
AB  - Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the pathogen causing hepatitis E (HE). It arouses
      global public health concern since it is a zoonotic disease. The objective of
      this letter is to report a cost-effective internal control prepared for
      monitoring procedures of HEV reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR detection. A selected
      conserved HEV RNA fragment was integrated into the downstream of the truncated
      MS2 bacteriophage genome based on Armored RNA technology. The resulting MS2-HEV
      gene harbored by the pET-28b-MS2-HEV plasmid was transformed into E. coli
      BL21(DE3) for expression analysis by SDS-PAGE. The expression products were
      purified and concentrated by ultrasonication and ultrafiltration separation. The
      morphology and stability properties of the virus-like particles (VLPs) were
      evaluated by electron microscopy scanning and nuclease challenges, respectively.
      SDS-PAGE results showed that the constructed MS2-HEV gene expressed efficiently
      and the purity of the VLPs was highly consistent with the result in electron
      microscopy. Stability evaluation results demonstrated that the prepared VLPs
      exhibited strong resistance to DNase I and RNase A attacks and also performed
      long-lasting protection of coated HEV RNA for at least 4 months at -20 degrees C.
      These data revealed that the prepared VLPs meet the basic requirements of use as
      internal control material in the HEV RNA amplification assay.

PMID- 27664056
TI  - The transcriptional factor TtsI is involved in a negative regulation of swimming
      motility in Mesorhizobium loti MAFF303099.
AB  - Mesorhizobium loti MAFF303099 has a functional Type III secretion system (T3SS)
      that is involved in the determination of competitiveness for legume nodulation.
      Here we demonstrate that the transcriptional factor TtsI, which positively
      regulates T3SS genes expression, is involved in a negative regulation of M. loti
      swimming motility in soft-agar. Conditions that induce T3SS expression affect
      flagella production. The same conditions also affect promoter activity of M. loti
      visN gene, a homolog to the positive regulator of flagellar genes that has been
      described in other rhizobia. Defects in T3SS complex assembly at membranes
      limited the negative regulation of motility by the expression of TtsI.

PMID- 27664057
TI  - The emerging problems of Klebsiella pneumoniae infections: carbapenem resistance
      and biofilm formation.
AB  - Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic pathogen that commonly causes
      nosocomial infections in the urinary tract, respiratory tract, lung, wound sites
      and blood in individuals with debilitating diseases. Klebsiella pneumoniae is
      still a cause of severe pneumonia in alcoholics in Africa and Asia, and the
      predominant primary pathogen of primary liver abscess in Taiwan and Southeast
      Asia, particularly in Asian and Hispanic patients, and individuals with diabetes
      mellitus. In the United States and Europe, K. pneumoniae infections are most
      frequently associated with nosocomial infections. The emergence of antibiotic
      resistant strains of K. pneumoniae worldwide has become a cause of concern where
      extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) and carbapenemase-producing strains
      have been isolated with increasing frequency. The pathogen's ability to form
      biofilms on inserted devices such as urinary catheter has been proposed as one of
      the important mechanisms in nosocomially acquired and persistent infections,
      adding to the increased resistance to currently used antibiotics. In this review,
      infections caused by K. pneumoniae, antibiotic resistance and formation of
      biofilm will be discussed.

PMID- 27664058
TI  - Incidence of diverse dsRNA mycoviruses in Trichoderma spp. causing green mold
      disease of shiitake Lentinula edodes.
AB  - A total of 315 fungal isolates causing green mold disease were collected from
      contaminated artificial logs and sawdust bags used for cultivating shiitake
      Lentinula edodes in Korea and were analyzed for the presence of double-stranded
      RNA (dsRNA). dsRNA, which was purified using dsRNA-specific chromatography and
      verified by dsRNA-specific RNaseIII digestion, was detected in 32 isolates. The
      molecular taxonomy of dsRNA-infected isolates indicated that all isolates
      belonged to the Trichoderma spp.. The number and size of dsRNAs varied among
      isolates and the band patterns could be categorized into 15 groups. Although
      there were seven dsRNA groups observed in multiple isolates, eight groups were
      found to occur in single isolates. The most common dsRNA group, group VI, which
      contained a band of 10 kb, occurred in 10 isolates encompassing three species of
      Trichoderma Partial sequence analysis of two selected dsRNA groups revealed a
      high degree of similarity to sequences of a RNA-dependent RNA polymerase,
      hypothetical protein, and polyprotein genes of other hypoviruses such as
      Macrophomina phaseolina hypovirus 1, Trichoderma hypovirus, and Fusarium
      graminearum hypovirus 2, respectively, indicating the occurrence of mycoviruses
      in Trichoderma spp.. Northern blot analysis suggested that many different
      mycoviruses, which have not been identified yet, exist in Trichoderma.

PMID- 27664055
TI  - Transcriptomic analysis of the highly efficient oil-degrading bacterium
      Acinetobacter venetianus RAG-1 reveals genes important in dodecane uptake and
      utilization.
AB  - The hydrocarbonoclastic bacterium Acinetobacter venetianus RAG-1 has attracted
      substantial attention due to its powerful oil-degrading capabilities and its
      potential to play an important ecological role in the cleanup of alkanes. In this
      study, we compare the transcriptome of the strain RAG-1 grown in dodecane, the
      corresponding alkanol (dodecanol), and sodium acetate for the characterization of
      genes involved in dodecane uptake and utilization. Comparison of the
      transcriptional responses of RAG-1 grown on dodecane led to the identification of
      1074 genes that were differentially expressed relative to sodium acetate. Of
      these, 622 genes were upregulated when grown in dodecane. The highly upregulated
      genes were involved in alkane catabolism, along with stress response. Our data
      suggest AlkMb to be primarily involved in dodecane oxidation. Transcriptional
      response of RAG-1 grown on dodecane relative to dodecanol also led to the
      identification of permease, outer membrane protein and thin fimbriae coding genes
      potentially involved in dodecane uptake. This study provides the first model for
      key genes involved in alkane uptake and metabolism in A. venetianus RAG-1.

PMID- 27664059
TI  - Pharmacy use by dual-eligible non-elderly veterans with private healthcare
      insurance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Utilization of private sector healthcare services among dual enrolled
      veterans with private healthcare insurance plans (PHIP) has not been well
      characterized. Concurrent use of Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and non-VHA
      pharmacies may increase risk for adverse outcomes. Thus, the objectives of this
      study were to determine the extent to which dual VHA-PHIP enrollees obtain
      medications through VHA and non-VHA pharmacies and to characterize medications
      obtained through non-VHA pharmacies. METHODS: This observational study used
      merged administrative data from VHA and a predominant regional PHIP to select
      veterans < 65 years of age, residing in two Midwestern US states, and
      simultaneously enrolled in both VHA and the PHIP during fiscal years (FY) 2001
      2010. Primary outcome measures included counts of prescriptions dispensed from
      VHA and non-VHA pharmacies, and frequencies of medications dispensed by non-VHA
      pharmacies based on PHIP claims. RESULTS: Of 5783 veterans who filled >= 1
      prescription in FY10, 2935 (50.8 %) used non-VHA pharmacies exclusively, 1165
      (20.2 %) used VHA pharmacies exclusively and 1683 (29.1 %) were dual users.
      Health services utilization was higher for dual users compared to exclusive users
      of either VHA or non-VHA pharmacies across multiple measures, including total
      prescriptions, outpatient encounters, and inpatient admissions. The most common
      medications dispensed by non-VHA pharmacies, by proportion of veterans treated,
      were hydrocodone (20.9 %), amoxicillin (18.5 %), simvastatin (17.5 %),
      azithromycin (17.4 %), and lisinopril (15.1 %). Antidepressants comprised 3 of 10
      most common medications dispensed by VHA, but none of the most common medications
      dispensed to exclusive non-VHA pharmacy users. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings align
      with VHA-Medicare dual enrolled veterans where only a minority of veterans used
      VHA services exclusively. Younger veterans relied disproportionately on VHA for
      mental health medications.

PMID- 27664063
TI  - GRK2 targeted knock-down results in spontaneous hypertension, and altered
      vascular GPCR signaling.

PMID- 27664062
TI  - Ease of Use of the Insulin Glargine 300 U/mL Pen Injector in Insulin-Naive People
      With Type 2 Diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla-300) contains the same active
      ingredient as glargine 100 U/mL (Gla-100), and provides the same number of units
      in one-third of the volume. The SoloSTAR(r) injector pen has been modified to
      ensure accurate administration of this reduced volume and to improve user
      experience. METHODS: Insulin- and pen-naive adults with type 2 diabetes (T2DM)
      inadequately controlled with oral antihyperglycemic drugs, who had glycated
      hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels of 7.0-11.0 % (53-97 mmol/mol) were studied. They
      received once-daily Gla-300 in this 4-week, multicenter, open-label, single-arm
      study (NCT02227212). Ease of use/ease of learning (the primary endpoint),
      glycemic control, safety, and reliability of the disposable (prefilled) Gla-300
      injector pen (secondary endpoints) were evaluated. RESULTS: At week 4, 95.0% of
      40 participating subjects assessed the pen as excellent/good and none as
      poor/very poor; 97.5% would recommend it to others. Total Diabetes Treatment
      Satisfaction Questionnaire scores were stable throughout the study. Mean (SD)
      fasting plasma glucose levels decreased from 166.1 (35.0) mg/dL at baseline to
      124.2 (41.1) mg/dL at week 4. No product technical complaints (PTCs) or adverse
      events (AEs) related to PTCs were reported. The number of subjects experiencing
      hypoglycemic events of any kind and the incidence of AEs were low. No serious AEs
      were reported. CONCLUSIONS: The Gla-300 injector pen is easy to use and easy to
      learn to use, with demonstrable reliability and high degrees of acceptance and
      treatment satisfaction. Once-daily Gla-300 basal insulin treatment was well
      tolerated and effective in pen- and insulin-naive adult T2DM subjects.

PMID- 27664064
TI  - Multiple cyclin kinase inhibitors promote bile acid-induced apoptosis and
      autophagy in primary hepatocytes via p53-CD95-dependent signaling.

PMID- 27664066
TI  - Distinct requirements for 5'-monophosphate-assisted RNA cleavage by Escherichia
      coli RNase E and RNase G.

PMID- 27664065
TI  - Role of the JP45-calsequestrin complex on calcium entry in slow twitch skeletal
      muscles.

PMID- 27664067
TI  - The transcription factor SPDEF suppresses prostate tumor metastasis.

PMID- 27664068
TI  - CXCL12-induced neurotoxicity critically depends on NMDA receptor-gated and L-type
      Ca2+ channels upstream of p38 MAPK.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The chemokine receptor CXCR4 (CD184) and its natural ligand CXCL12
      contribute to many physiological processes, including decisions about cell death
      and survival in the central nervous system. In addition, CXCR4 is a co-receptor
      for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 and mediates the neurotoxicity of the
      viral envelope protein gp120. However, we previously observed that CXCL12 also
      causes toxicity in cerebrocortical neurons but the cellular mechanism remained
      incompletely defined. METHODS: Primary neuronal-glial cerebrocortical cell
      cultures from rat were exposed to a neurotoxicity-inducing CXCL12 concentration
      for different times and the activity of the stress-associated mitogen-activated
      protein kinase p38 (p38 MAPK) was assessed using an in vitro kinase assay.
      Neurotoxicity of CXCL12 and cellular localization of p38 MAPK was analyzed by
      immunofluorescence microscopy. Pharmacological inhibition of NMDA-type glutamate
      receptor-gated ion channels (NMDAR) of L-type Ca2+ channels was employed during
      12- and 24-h exposure to neurotoxic amounts of CXCL12 to study the effects on
      active p38 MAPK and neuronal survival by Western blotting and microscopy,
      respectively. Neurotoxicity of CXCL12 was also assessed during pharmacological
      inhibition of p38 MAPK. RESULTS: Here, we show that a neurotoxic amount of CXCL12
      triggers a significant increase of endogenous p38 MAPK activity in
      cerebrocortical cells. Immunofluorescence and Western blotting experiments with
      mixed neuronal-glial and neuron-depleted glial cerebrocortical cells revealed
      that the majority of active/phosphorylated p38 MAPK was located in neurons.
      Blockade of NMDAR-gated ion channels or L-type Ca2+ channels both abrogated an
      increase of active p38 MAPK and toxicity of CXCL12 in cerebrocortical neurons.
      Inhibition of L-type Ca2+ channels with nimodipine kept the active kinase at
      levels not significantly different from baseline while blocking NMDAR with MK-801
      strongly reduced phosphorylated p38 MAPK below baseline. Finally, we confirmed
      that directly blocking p38 MAPK also abrogated neurotoxicity of CXCL12.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our findings link CXCL12-induced neuronal death to the regulation of
      NMDAR-gated ion channels and L-type Ca2+ channels upstream of p38 MAPK
      activation.

PMID- 27664070
TI  - The use of relative incidence ratios in self-controlled case series studies: an
      overview.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The self-controlled case series (SCCS) is a useful design for
      investigating associations between outcomes and transient exposures. The SCCS
      design controls for all fixed covariates, but effect modification can still
      occur. This can be evaluated by including interaction terms in the model which,
      when exponentiated, can be interpreted as a relative incidence ratio (RIR): the
      change in relative incidence (RI) for a unit change in an effect modifier.
      METHODS: We conducted a scoping review to investigate the use of RIRs in
      published primary SCCS studies, and conducted a case-study in one of our own
      primary SCCS studies to illustrate the use of RIRs within an SCCS analysis to
      investigate subgroup effects in the context of comparing whole cell (wcp) and
      acellular (acp) pertussis vaccines. Using this case study, we also illustrated
      the potential utility of RIRs in addressing the healthy vaccinee effect (HVE) in
      vaccine safety surveillance studies. RESULTS: Our scoping review identified 122
      primary studies reporting an SCCS analysis. Of these, 24 described the use of
      interaction terms to test for effect modification. 21 of 24 studies reported
      stratum specific RIs, 22 of 24 reported the p-value for interaction, and less
      than half (10 of 24) reported the estimate of the interaction term/RIR, the
      stratum specific RIs and interaction p-values. Our case-study demonstrated that
      there was a nearly two-fold greater RI of ER visits and admissions following wcp
      vaccination relative to acp vaccination (RIR = 1.82, 95 % CI 1.64-2.01), where RI
      estimates in each subgroup were clearly impacted by a strong healthy vaccinee
      effect. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated in our scoping review that calculating RIRs
      is not a widely utilized strategy. We showed that calculating RIRs across time
      periods is useful for the detection of relative changes in adverse event rates
      that might otherwise be missed due to the HVE. Many published studies of vaccine
      associated adverse events could have missed/underestimated important safety
      signals masked by the HVE. With further development, our application of RIRs
      could be an important tool to address the HVE, particularly in the context of
      self-controlled study designs.

PMID- 27664071
TI  - Compassion interventions: The programmes, the evidence, and implications for
      research and practice.
AB  - PURPOSE: Over the last 10-15 years, there has been a substantive increase in
      compassion-based interventions aiming to improve psychological functioning and
      well-being. METHODS: This study provides an overview and synthesis of the
      currently available compassion-based interventions. What do these programmes
      looks like, what are their aims, and what is the state of evidence underpinning
      each of them? RESULTS: This overview has found at least eight different
      compassion-based interventions (e.g., Compassion-Focused Therapy, Mindful Self
      Compassion, Cultivating Compassion Training, Cognitively Based Compassion
      Training), with six having been evaluated in randomized controlled trials, and
      with a recent meta-analysis finding that compassion-based interventions produce
      moderate effect sizes for suffering and improved life satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS:
      Although further research is warranted, the current state of evidence highlights
      the potential benefits of compassion-based interventions on a range of outcomes
      that clinicians can use in clinical practice with clients. PRACTITIONER POINTS:
      There are eight established compassion intervention programmes with six having
      RCT evidence. The most evaluated intervention to date is compassion-focused
      therapy. Further RCTs are needed in clinical populations for all compassion
      interventions. Ten recommendations are provided to improve the evidence-base of
      compassion interventions.

PMID- 27664069
TI  - Relationship between bone mineral density and dietary intake of beta-carotene,
      vitamin C, zinc and vegetables in postmenopausal Korean women: a cross-sectional
      study.
AB  - Objective To examine the relationship between nutritional intake and bone mineral
      density (BMD) in postmenopausal Korean women. Methods Dietary intake was recorded
      in postmenopausal Korean women using a semiquantitative questionnaire. The
      frequency of consumption of various food groups and nutrient intake were
      calculated. BMD T-scores were measured at the lumbar spine, femoral neck and
      total hip using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Associations between T-scores
      and dietary intake were analysed using partial correlation coefficients and
      multiple linear regression analysis. Results A total of 189 postmenopausal women
      were included in the study. beta-Carotene intake was positively correlated with
      the lumbar spine T-score. Sodium and vitamin C intake were positively associated
      and folate intake negatively associated with the femoral neck T-score. Sodium,
      zinc and vitamin C intake were positively correlated and potassium intake was
      negatively correlated with the total hip T-score. Vegetable intake showed a
      positive association with the femoral neck and total hip T-scores. Conclusion In
      postmenopausal Korean women, beta-carotene, vitamin C, zinc and sodium intakes
      were positively associated with bone mass. Furthermore, frequency of vegetable
      consumption was positively associated with femoral neck and total hip T-scores.

PMID- 27664072
TI  - Exploring methods the for selection and integration of stakeholder views in the
      development of core outcome sets: a case study in reconstructive breast surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The development and use of core outcome sets (COSs) in trials may
      improve data synthesis and reduce outcome reporting bias. The selection of
      outcomes in COSs is informed by views of key stakeholders, yet little is known
      about the role and influence of different stakeholders' views during COS
      development. We report an exploratory case study examining how stakeholder
      selection and incorporation of stakeholders' views may influence the selection of
      outcomes for a COS in reconstructive breast surgery (RBS). We also make
      recommendations for future considerations. METHODS: Key stakeholder groups and
      subgroups were identified from the literature and expert opinion by the COS
      management group. They included health care professionals, subdivided by
      profession (breast and plastic surgeons, specialist nurses and psychologists) and
      patients, subdivided according to type of surgery received, timing of
      reconstruction, time since surgery and patient age. All participated in a survey
      in which they were asked to prioritise outcomes. Outcomes were prioritised using
      a 9-point scale from 1 (not important) to 9 (extremely important). The proportion
      of (1) all participants, ignoring stakeholder group (single heterogeneous panel
      analysis), (2) 'professional' and 'patient' groups separately (two heterogeneous
      panels), ignoring prespecified subgroups and (3) each participant subgroup
      separately (multiple homogeneous panel analysis) rating each item 'extremely
      important' was summarised and compared to explore how selection and integration
      of stakeholder views may influence outcome prioritisation. RESULTS: There were
      many overlaps between items rated as most important by all groups. Specific
      stakeholders, however, prioritised specific concerns and a broader range of
      outcomes were prioritised when the subgroups were considered separately. For
      example, two additional outcomes were prioritised when patient and professional
      groups were considered separately and eight additional outcomes were identified
      when the views of the individual subgroups were explored. In general, patient
      subgroups preferentially valued additional clinical outcomes, including unplanned
      surgery, whereas professional subgroups prioritised additional psychosocial
      issues including body image. CONCLUSION: Stakeholder groups value different
      outcomes. Selection of groups, therefore, is important. Our recommendations for
      robust and transparent stakeholder selection and integration of stakeholder views
      may aid future COS developers in the design and conduct of their studies and
      improve the validity and value of future COS.

PMID- 27664073
TI  - Midbrain hemiatrophy and nigral rarefaction in a patient with hemiparkinsonism
      hemiatrophy syndrome.

PMID- 27664074
TI  - An integrated general practice and pharmacy-based intervention to promote the use
      of appropriate preventive medications among individuals at high cardiovascular
      disease risk: protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are responsible for significant
      morbidity, premature mortality, and economic burden. Despite established evidence
      that supports the use of preventive medications among patients at high CVD risk,
      treatment gaps remain. Building on prior evidence and a theoretical framework, a
      complex intervention has been designed to address these gaps among high-risk,
      under-treated patients in the Australian primary care setting. This intervention
      comprises a general practice quality improvement tool incorporating clinical
      decision support and audit/feedback capabilities; availability of a range of CVD
      polypills (fixed-dose combinations of two blood pressure lowering agents, a
      statin +/- aspirin) for prescription when appropriate; and access to a pharmacy
      based program to support long-term medication adherence and lifestyle
      modification. METHODS: Following a systematic development process, the
      intervention will be evaluated in a pragmatic cluster randomized controlled trial
      including 70 general practices for a median period of 18 months. The 35 general
      practices in the intervention group will work with a nominated partner pharmacy,
      whereas those in the control group will provide usual care without access to the
      intervention tools. The primary outcome is the proportion of patients at high CVD
      risk who were inadequately treated at baseline who achieve target blood pressure
      (BP) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels at the study end. The
      outcomes will be analyzed using data from electronic medical records, utilizing a
      validated extraction tool. Detailed process and economic evaluations will also be
      performed. DISCUSSION: The study intends to establish evidence about an
      intervention that combines technological innovation with team collaboration
      between patients, pharmacists, and general practitioners (GPs) for CVD
      prevention. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry
      ACTRN12616000233426.

PMID- 27664075
TI  - Coagulation at the crossroads of the communicable/non-communicable disease dyad:
      The case of pneumonia.

PMID- 27664076
TI  - Thermocline deepening boosts ecosystem metabolism: evidence from a large-scale
      lake enclosure experiment simulating a summer storm.
AB  - Extreme weather events can pervasively influence ecosystems. Observations in
      lakes indicate that severe storms in particular can have pronounced ecosystem
      scale consequences, but the underlying mechanisms have not been rigorously
      assessed in experiments. One major effect of storms on lakes is the
      redistribution of mineral resources and plankton communities as a result of
      abrupt thermocline deepening. We aimed at elucidating the importance of this
      effect by mimicking in replicated large enclosures (each 9 m in diameter, ca. 20
      m deep, ca. 1300 m3 in volume) a mixing event caused by a severe natural storm
      that was previously observed in a deep clear-water lake. Metabolic rates were
      derived from diel changes in vertical profiles of dissolved oxygen concentrations
      using a Bayesian modelling approach, based on high-frequency measurements.
      Experimental thermocline deepening stimulated daily gross primary production
      (GPP) in surface waters by an average of 63% for >4 weeks even though thermal
      stratification re-established within 5 days. Ecosystem respiration (ER) was
      tightly coupled to GPP, exceeding that in control enclosures by 53% over the same
      period. As GPP responded more strongly than ER, net ecosystem productivity (NEP)
      of the entire water column was also increased. These protracted increases in
      ecosystem metabolism and autotrophy were driven by a proliferation of inedible
      filamentous cyanobacteria released from light and nutrient limitation after they
      were entrained from below the thermocline into the surface water. Thus,
      thermocline deepening by a single severe storm can induce prolonged responses of
      lake ecosystem metabolism independent of other storm-induced effects, such as
      inputs of terrestrial materials by increased catchment run-off. This highlights
      that future shifts in frequency, severity or timing of storms are an important
      component of climate change, whose impacts on lake thermal structure will
      superimpose upon climate trends to influence algal dynamics and organic matter
      cycling in clear-water lakes.

PMID- 27664077
TI  - Exercise-Enhanced, Ultrasound-Guided Anterior Scalene Muscle/Pectoralis Minor
      Muscle Blocks Can Facilitate the Diagnosis of Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
      in the High-Performance Overhead Athlete.

PMID- 27664078
TI  - A Framework for Assessing Uncertainty Associated with Human Health Risks from MSW
      Landfill Leachate Contamination.
AB  - Landfilling is a cost-effective method, which makes it a widely used practice
      around the world, especially in developing countries. However, because of the
      improper management of landfills, high leachate leakage can have adverse impacts
      on soils, plants, groundwater, aquatic organisms, and, subsequently, human
      health. A comprehensive survey of the literature finds that the probabilistic
      quantification of uncertainty based on estimations of the human health risks due
      to landfill leachate contamination has rarely been reported. Hence, in the
      present study, the uncertainty about the human health risks from municipal solid
      waste landfill leachate contamination to children and adults was quantified to
      investigate its long-term risks by using a Monte Carlo simulation framework for
      selected heavy metals. The Turbhe sanitary landfill of Navi Mumbai, India, which
      was commissioned in the recent past, was selected to understand the fate and
      transport of heavy metals in leachate. A large residential area is located near
      the site, which makes the risk assessment problem both crucial and challenging.
      In this article, an integral approach in the form of a framework has been
      proposed to quantify the uncertainty that is intrinsic to human health risk
      estimation. A set of nonparametric cubic splines was fitted to identify the
      nonlinear seasonal trend in leachate quality parameters. LandSim 2.5, a landfill
      simulator, was used to simulate the landfill activities for various time slices,
      and further uncertainty in noncarcinogenic human health risk was estimated using
      a Monte Carlo simulation followed by univariate and multivariate sensitivity
      analyses.

PMID- 27664079
TI  - Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised trials of perioperative
      outcomes comparing robot-assisted versus open radical cystectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With the introduction of robotic surgery, whether the robot-assisted
      radical cystectomy (RARC) could reduce the perioperative morbidity compared with
      Open radical cystectomy (ORC) was unknown. METHODS: Studies reported RARC were
      reviewed based on all randomized controlled trials (RCTs), which focused on the
      efficacy of RARC versus ORC. RESULTS: Of the 201 studies from preliminary
      screening, four RCTs were included. By pooling these studies, there were
      significant differences in comparison of operative time (p = 0.007), estimated
      blood loss (EBL) (p < 0.001) and time to diet (p < 0.001) between the RARC group
      and ORC groups. There was no significant difference regarding perioperative
      complications (Clavien 2-5, Clavien 3-5), length of stay (LOS), positive surgical
      margins (PSM) and lymph node positive. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis presented
      evidence for a benefit of EBL, time to diet, similar perioperative complications
      and oncological outcomes, but a longer operative time in RARC. It is noted that
      RARC was considered as a comparable surgical procedure to ORC.

PMID- 27664080
TI  - Depletion of the Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein in Embryonic Stem Cells
      Alters the Kinetics of Neurogenesis.
AB  - Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common form of inherited intellectual
      disability and a leading cause of autism. FXS is due to the silencing of the
      Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP), an RNA binding protein mainly
      involved in translational control, dendritic spine morphology and synaptic
      plasticity. Despite extensive studies, there is currently no cure for FXS. With
      the purpose to decipher the initial molecular events leading to this pathology,
      we developed a stem-cell-based disease model by knocking-down the expression of
      Fmr1 in mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Repressing FMRP in ESCs increased the
      expression of amyloid precursor protein (APP) and Ascl1. When inducing neuronal
      differentiation, betaIII-tubulin, p27kip1 , NeuN, and NeuroD1 were upregulated,
      leading to an accelerated neuronal differentiation that was partially compensated
      at later stages. Interestingly, we observed that neurogenesis is also accelerated
      in the embryonic brain of Fmr1-knockout mice, indicating that our cellular model
      recapitulates the molecular alterations present in vivo. Importantly, we rescued
      the main phenotype of the Fmr1 knockdown cell line, not only by reintroducing
      FMRP but also by pharmacologically targeting APP processing, showing the role of
      this protein in the pathophysiology of FXS during the earliest steps of
      neurogenesis. Our work allows to define an early therapeutic window but also to
      identify more effective molecules for treating this disorder. Stem Cells
      2017;35:374-385.

PMID- 27664081
TI  - Noninvasive in-vivo tracing and imaging of transplanted stem cells for liver
      regeneration.
AB  - Terminal liver disease is a major cause of death globally. The only ultimate
      therapeutic approach is orthotopic liver transplant. Because of the innate
      defects of organ transplantation, stem cell-based therapy has emerged as an
      effective alternative, based on the capacity of stem cells for multilineage
      differentiation and their homing to injured sites. However, the disease etiology,
      cell type, timing of cellular graft, therapeutic dose, delivery route, and choice
      of endpoints have varied between studies, leading to different, even divergent,
      results. In-vivo cell imaging could therefore help us better understand the fate
      and behaviors of stem cells to optimize cell-based therapy for liver
      regeneration. The primary imaging techniques in preclinical or clinical studies
      have consisted of optical imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, radionuclide
      imaging, reporter gene imaging, and Y chromosome-based fluorescence in-situ
      hybridization imaging. More attention has been focused on developing new or
      modified imaging methods for longitudinal and high-efficiency tracing. Herein, we
      provide a descriptive overview of imaging modalities and discuss recent advances
      in the field of molecular imaging of intrahepatic stem cell grafts.

PMID- 27664082
TI  - Association of metabolic syndrome with various anthropometric and atherogenic
      parameters in the Kazakh population in China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the association of the metabolic
      syndrome (MetS) with various anthropometric and atherogenic parameters in adult
      Kazakh population in China. METHODS: Four thousand ninety-four Kazakhs were
      recruited since 2007 to 2010. MetS and its components were confirmed according to
      IDF criteria. Area under the curve (AUC) of each variable was compared.
      Sensitivity (Sen), specificity (Spe), shortest distance in receiver's operating
      characteristic curve (ROC) and cutoff of each variable to diagnose MetS were
      calculated. RESULTS: 28.6 % of men and 31.0 % of women had MetS in the Kazakh
      population. In men, WHtR had the highest AUC value 0.821, followed by BMI
      (0.801), TG/HDL-C (0.792), WHR (0.776) and BAI (0.666). In women, WHtR also had
      the highest AUC value (0.835), following by BMI (0.789), WHR (0.778), TG/HDL-C
      (0.778) and BAI (0.751). WHtR had the shortest ROC distance that was 0.37 and the
      optimal cutoff was 0.55 in men. In women, WHtR also had the shortest ROC distance
      of 0.35 and the optimal cutoff was 0.54. CONCLUSION: WHtR is the best predictor
      of MetS in both Kazakh men and women according to the IDF criteria.

PMID- 27664084
TI  - David Oliver: Reducing delays in hospitals.

PMID- 27664083
TI  - Composition and Chemical Variability of Cleistopholis patens Trunk Bark Oil from
      Cote d'Ivoire.
AB  - The chemical composition of trunk bark oil from Cleistopholis patens (Benth.)
      Engl. & Diels, growing wild in Cote d'Ivoire, has been investigated by GC (FID)
      in combination with retention indices, GC/MS and 13 C-NMR. Moreover, one oil
      sample has been subjected to CC and all the fractions analyzed by GC (RI) and 13
      C-NMR. In total, 61 components have been identified, including various
      sesquiterpene esters scarcely found in essential oils. 13 C-NMR was particularly
      efficient for the identification of a component not eluted on GC and for the
      quantification of heat-sensitive compounds. Then, 36 oil samples, isolated from
      trunk bark harvested in six Ivoirian forests have been analyzed. The content of
      the main components varied drastically from sample to sample: (E)-beta
      caryophyllene (0.4 - 69.1%), beta-pinene (0 - 57%), alpha-phellandrene (0 -
      33.2%), alpha-pinene (0.1 - 30.6%), beta-elemol (0.1 - 29.9%), germacrene D (0 -
      25.4%), juvenile hormone III (0 - 22.9%), germacrene B (0 - 20.6%) and sabinene
      (tr-20.3%). Statistical analysis, hierarchical clustering and principal
      components analysis, carried out on the 36 compositions evidenced a fair chemical
      variability of the stem bark oil of this species. Indeed, three clusters have
      been distinguished: the composition of group I (ten samples) was dominated by
      beta-pinene and alpha-pinene, group II (nine samples) was represented by alpha
      phellandrene and p-cymene and group III (16 samples) by beta-elemol. A sample
      displayed an atypical composition dominated by (E)-beta-caryophyllene.

PMID- 27664085
TI  - Trends in Laboratory Rotavirus Detection: 2003 to 2014.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We assessed the impact of rotavirus vaccination at national and state
      levels by evaluating the change in rotavirus antigen detection after vaccination
      licensure. We examined herd immunity in an unlikely vaccinated cohort and waning
      immunity with aging in a likely vaccinated cohort. We proposed a new approach to
      estimate the length of season by contrasting with what is recently reported by
      the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. METHODS: We analyzed 11-year
      results of rotavirus testing (n = 276 342) conducted at Quest Diagnostics, a
      national clinical reference laboratory, spanning from September 2003 to August
      2014. An enzyme immunoassay was used to test children's stool specimens for the
      presence of rotavirus antigen; results were reported as not detected or detected.
      RESULTS: Nationally, there was a significant reduction in the number of positive
      results (82.4%) and positivity rate (73.3%) after vaccination availability. The
      reductions were seen in all major states, although with geographic variability.
      The declining positivity rate in unlikely vaccinated children suggests herd
      immunity. Among those who were likely vaccinated, the positivity rate was higher
      in older children, indicating potential waning immunity with aging. Seasonal
      outbreaks continued in the postvaccine period, with peaks in alternating years.
      Seasons were longer in the postvaccine period than the prevaccine period.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show a marked reduction in rotavirus detection
      throughout the nation after vaccine licensure, consistent with herd immunity.
      Postvaccine effectiveness may wane with aging. Seasons appear to be longer in the
      postvaccine period.

PMID- 27664087
TI  - Current Roles and Perceived Needs of Pediatric Hospital Medicine Fellowship
      Graduates.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Pediatric hospitalists report the need for additional training in
      clinical and nonclinical domains. Pediatric hospital medicine (PHM) fellowships
      seek to provide this training and produce leaders in the field. Our objective is
      to describe current roles and perceived training needs of PHM fellowship
      graduates. METHODS: In 2014, all PHM fellowship graduates were asked to complete
      a Web-based survey. Survey questions addressed demographics, past training,
      current roles, and training needs in clinical care, research, education, and
      administration. Associations between fellowship experiences and outcomes were
      examined. RESULTS: Fifty-one of 61 eligible individuals completed the survey.
      Average duration as a pediatric hospitalist was 5 years. Ninety percent completed
      pediatric categorical residency, whereas 10% completed an Internal Medicine
      Pediatrics Residency. Most respondents completed a 1- (38%) or 2-year (46%)
      fellowship program. Ninety-six percent of respondents currently work in academic
      environments. The perceived need for additional clinical training was low, except
      procedures (44%). Nearly all teach medical students and pediatric residents,
      reporting adequate training in variety of teaching strategies. The majority of
      respondents conduct research, most commonly quality improvement (QI; 67%) and
      education (52%). Two-thirds are first authors on at least 1 peer-reviewed
      article. Research training needs include QI methodology (44%), biostatistics
      (43%), and obtaining funding (54%). A considerable number of respondents have
      academic leadership positions. CONCLUSIONS: PHM fellowship graduates are academic
      hospitalists with diverse responsibilities. Despite a short average career span,
      many have achieved leadership roles and been academically productive. Future
      curriculum development should focus on procedures, QI, and research training.

PMID- 27664086
TI  - Respiratory Morbidity After Childhood Burns: A 10-Year Follow-up Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The systemic responses triggered by burns and
      resuscitative measures may cause pulmonary damage and edema in the acute phase.
      These effects may occur in the absence of inhalation injury. Currently, there is
      a paucity of data on the recovery of the respiratory system postburn. This study
      aimed to examine 10-year hospital service use for respiratory morbidity in
      children with cutaneous burns and no smoke inhalation injury. METHODS: A
      population-based longitudinal study with 10-year follow-up using linked hospital
      and death from Western Australia for children <5 years when hospitalized for a
      first burn injury (n = 5290) between 1980 and 2012 and a frequency matched
      noninjury comparison cohort, randomly selected from Western Australia's birth
      registrations (n = 27 061). Multivariate negative binomial and Cox proportional
      hazards regression models were used to generate adjusted incidence rate ratios
      (IRR) and hazard ratios, respectively. RESULTS: After adjustment for demographic
      factors and preexisting health status, the burn cohort had higher rates of
      admissions for influenza and viral pneumonia (IRR, 1.78; 95% confidence interval
      [CI], 1.10-2.87), bacterial pneumonia (IRR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.06-1.70), and other
      respiratory infections (IRR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.43-1.90. No significant difference
      was found for other upper respiratory tract conditions (IRR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.98
      1.23) or chronic lower respiratory diseases (IRR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.80-1.23)
      compared with the uninjured cohort. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrated
      increased respiratory infection admissions after burns. These outcomes suggest
      that immune changes triggered by a burn injury may persist in some children for
      at least 10 years after wound healing.

PMID- 27664088
TI  - Water-Soluble Osmium Complexes Suitable for use in Luminescence-Based, Hydrogel
      Supported Sensors.
AB  - Osmium transition metal complexes are of particular interest in luminescence
      based sensing applications because of their longer wavelength absorptions and
      emissions, relative to similar ruthenium and rhenium complexes, that allow for
      inexpensive excitation and minimize interferences from autofluorescence when the
      sensor is used in biological samples. Reported here are the photophysical
      properties of a series of water-soluble osmium complexes suitable for use in
      hydrogel-based sensors: [Os(bpy)2(sulf-dpp)]Cl2, [Os(phen)2(sulf-dpp)]Cl2,
      [Os(dpp)2(sulf-dpp)]Cl2, and [Os(CO)2Cl2(sulf-dpp)], where bpy is 2,2'
      bipyridine, phen is 1,10-phenanthroline, dpp is 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline,
      and sulf-dpp is bathophenanthrolinedisulfonic acid disodium salt. The family of
      complexes showed minimal oxygen quenching, making them particularly well-suited
      for sensing applications in which oxygen concentration varies. Luminescence
      anisotropy was found to depend more significantly on net dipole moment than
      hydrodynamic radius of the molecule, and, as expected, excited state lifetime and
      luminescence anisotropy were highly dependent on the local environment of the
      reporter molecule. Results obtained for hydrogel-based relative humidity sensors
      containing [Os(CO)2Cl2(sulf-dpp)] and [Os(bpy)2(sulf-dpp)]Cl2 complexes highlight
      the significant potential for this class of compounds in a hydrogel-supported
      luminescence-based sensing approach.

PMID- 27664089
TI  - Pure motor hemiparesis due to occlusion of the internal carotid artery.

PMID- 27664090
TI  - Estimated serum vitamin D status, vitamin D intake, and risk of incident alopecia
      areata among US women.
AB  - Studies have identified increased prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients
      with alopecia areata (AA), an autoimmune disease characterized by hair loss, but
      none have prospectively examined vitamin D status and incident AA. In 55,929
      women in the Nurses' Health Study (NHS), we prospectively evaluated the
      association between estimated vitamin D status, derived from a prediction model
      incorporating lifestyle determinants of serum vitamin D, and self-reported
      incident AA. We evaluated dietary, supplemental, and total vitamin D intake as
      additional exposures. Using Cox proportional hazards models, we calculated age
      adjusted and multivariate hazard ratios (HR) to evaluate risk of AA. We
      identified 133 cases of AA over a follow-up of 12 years. The age-adjusted HR
      between top vs. bottom quartiles for serum vitamin D score was 0.94 (95 % CI 0.60
      1.48) and the corresponding multivariate HR was 1.08 (95 % CI 0.68-1.73). There
      was no significant association between dietary, supplemental, or total vitamin D
      intake and incident AA. This study does not support a preventive role for vitamin
      D in the risk of developing AA.

PMID- 27664091
TI  - Wide distribution range of rhizobial symbionts associated with pantropical sea
      dispersed legumes.
AB  - To understand the geographic distributions of rhizobia that associated with
      widely distributed wild legumes, 66 nodules obtained from 41 individuals
      including three sea-dispersed legumes (Vigna marina, Vigna luteola, and Canavalia
      rosea) distributed across the tropical and subtropical coastal regions of the
      world were studied. Partial sequences of 16S rRNA and nodC genes extracted from
      the nodules showed that only Bradyrhizobium and Sinorhizobium were associated
      with the pantropical legumes, and some of the symbiont strains were widely
      distributed over the Pacific. Horizontal gene transfer of nodulation genes were
      observed within the Bradyrhizobium and Sinorhizobium lineages. BLAST searches in
      GenBank also identified records of these strains from various legumes across the
      world, including crop species. However, one of the rhizobial strains was not
      found in GenBank, which implies the strain may have adapted to the littoral
      environment. Our results suggested that some rhizobia, which associate with the
      widespread sea-dispersed legume, distribute across a broad geographic range. By
      establishing symbiotic relationships with widely distributed rhizobia, the
      pantropical legumes may also be able to extend their range much further than
      other legume species.

PMID- 27664092
TI  - Novosphingobium profundi sp. nov. isolated from a deep-sea seamount.
AB  - A marine bacterial strain, F72T, was isolated from a solitary scleractinian
      coral, collected in Yap seamounts in the Pacific Ocean. Strain F72T is a Gram
      negative, light-yellow-pigmented, motile, rod-shaped bacterium. Phylogenetic
      analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain F72T is related to
      the genus Novosphingobium and has high 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities with
      the type strains of Novosphingobium pentaromativorans US6-1T (97.7 %),
      Novosphingobium panipatense SM16T (97.6 %), Novosphingobium mathurense SM117T
      (97.2 %) and Novosphingobium barchaimii LL02T (97.1 %). Ubiquinone Q-10 was
      detected as the dominant quinone. The predominant cellular fatty acids were
      C18:1omega7c and C17:1omega6c. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain F72T was
      63.4 mol %. The polar lipids profile contained phosphatidylglycerol,
      diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine,
      phosphatidylcholine, sphingoglycolipid and one uncharacterized lipid. Strain F72T
      shared DNA relatedness of 25 % with N. pentaromativorans JCM 12182T, 31 % with N.
      panipatense DSM 22890T, 21 % with N. mathurense DSM 23374T and 26 % with N.
      barchaimii DSM 25411T. Combined data from phenotypic, phylogenetic and DNA-DNA
      relatedness studies demonstrated that the strain F72T is a representative of a
      novel species of the genus Novosphingobium, for which we propose the name
      Novosphingobium profundi sp. nov. (type strain F72T = KACC 18566T = CGMCC
      1.15390T).

PMID- 27664093
TI  - Smc5/6 complex regulates Sgs1 recombination functions.
AB  - The family of RecQ helicases is evolutionary conserved from bacteria to humans
      and play key roles in genome stability. The budding yeast RecQ helicase Sgs1 has
      been implicated in several key processes during the repair of DNA damage by
      homologous recombination as part of the STR complex (Sgs1-Top3-Rmi1). Limited
      information on how is Sgs1 recruited and regulated at sites of damage is
      available. Recently, we and others have uncover a direct link between the Smc5/6
      complex and Sgs1. Most roles of Sgs1 during recombination, including DNA end
      resection, Holiday junction dissolution, and crossover suppression, are regulated
      through Mms21-dependent SUMOylation. Smc5/6 first acts as a recruiting platform
      for STR and then SUMOylates STR components to regulate their function.
      Importantly, the assembly of STR is totally independent of Smc5/6. Here, we
      provide a brief overview of STR regulation by Smc5/6.

PMID- 27664094
TI  - MicroRNA-463-3p/ABCG4: A new axis in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) is known to be essential
      in the control of metabolic fuel homeostasis, though the molecular mechanisms
      involved remain unclear. METHODS: MicroRNA (miRNA)-463-3p and ATP-binding
      cassette A4 (ABCG4) expression was analyzed by real-time PCR, and the potential
      role of miRNA-463-3p or ABCG4 was evaluated by overexpressing or silencing such
      miRNA or genes. RESULTS: The miRNA-463-3p inhibited GSIS without affecting cell
      viability. Further, mechanistic studies demonstrated that ABCG4 was a direct
      target of microRNA-463-3p and, to this effect, that ABCG4 played an important
      role in GSIS. The targeting was relevant in pancreatic islet beta-cells, where
      GSIS through the miRNA-463-3p/ABCG4 axis was observed. Interestingly, in type 2
      diabetes human pancreatic islets, expression of miRNA-463-3p and insulin was
      upregulated and ABCG4 downregulated compared with nondiabetic controls, and their
      expression levels were closely correlated. CONCLUSIONS: The findings collectively
      establish a link between GSIS and the miRNA-463-3p/ABCG4 axis and represent a
      promising target for future diabetes mellitus treatments.

PMID- 27664096
TI  - Cross-reactions in specific Brachyspira spp. PCR assays caused by "Brachyspira
      hampsonii" isolates: implications for detection.
AB  - An emerging novel spirochete in swine, provisionally designated "Brachyspira
      hampsonii," has been detected worldwide. It has been associated with swine
      dysentery and cannot be differentiated from B. hyodysenteriae, the classical
      etiologic agent of this disease, using standard phenotypic methods. We evaluated
      cross-reactions of "B. hampsonii" isolates recovered from avian species in some
      of the currently available species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
      assays for the identification of swine Brachyspira species. Ten avian "B.
      hampsonii" isolates recovered from wild waterfowl were used. No false-positive
      results were recorded with a B. pilosicoli-specific PCR based on the
      amplification of a fragment of the 16S rRNA gene. However, the percentage of
      false-positive results varied, with a range of 10-80%, in the evaluated B.
      hyodysenteriae-specific assays based on the amplification of the 23S rRNA, nox,
      and tlyA genes. Similarly, results of the B. intermedia-specific PCR assays
      yielded poor specificity, with up to 80% of the "B. hampsonii" isolates tested
      giving false-positive results. Finally, 2 "B. hampsonii" avian isolates yielded a
      positive result in a B. innocens- and B. murdochii-specific PCR. This result
      should be interpreted very cautiously as these 2 isolates could represent a
      recombinant genotype.

PMID- 27664095
TI  - Impact of Intragastric Balloon Before Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass on Patients
      with Super Obesity: a Randomized Multicenter Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Super obese patients are recommended to lose weight before bariatric
      surgery. The effect of intragastric balloon (IGB)-induced weight loss before
      laparoscopic gastric bypass (LGBP) has not been reported. The aim of this
      prospective randomized multicenter study was to compare the impact of
      preoperative 6-month IGB with standard medical care (SMC) in LGBP patients.
      METHODS: Patients with BMI >45 kg/m2 selected for LGBP were included and
      randomized to receive either SMC or IGB. After 6 months (M6), the IGB was removed
      and LGBP was performed in both groups. Postoperative follow-up period was 6
      months (M12). The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients requiring ICU
      stay >24 h; secondary criteria were weight changes, operative time,
      hospitalization stay, and perioperative complications. RESULTS: Only 115 patients
      were included (BMI 54.3 +/- 8.7 kg/m2), of which 55 underwent IGB insertion. The
      proportion of patients who stayed in ICU >24 h was similar in both groups (P =
      0.87). At M6, weight loss was significantly greater in the IGB group than in the
      SMC group (P < 0.0001). Three severe complications occurred during IGB removal.
      Mean operative time for LGBP was similar in both groups (P = 0.49). Five patients
      had 1 or more surgical complications, all in the IGB group (P = 0.02). Both
      groups had similar hospitalization stay (P = 0.59) and weight loss at M12 (P =
      0.31). CONCLUSION: IGB insertion before LGBP induced weight loss but did not
      improve the perioperative outcomes or affect postoperative weight loss.

PMID- 27664097
TI  - Elaeophora in the meninges of a Malayan sambar (Rusa unicolor equina).
AB  - An adult nematode was grossly identified in the meninges of a Malayan sambar
      (Rusa unicolor equina), with numerous microfilariae associated with encephalitis
      and vasculitis on histopathology. The nematode was confirmed to be Elaeophora
      schneideri by sequencing a portion of the 18S rRNA gene. Our report highlights
      the potential for aberrant migration of E. schneideri in exotic deer species and
      the use of advanced testing to specifically identify this metazoan parasite,
      avoiding misidentification of Parelaphostrongylus tenuis.

PMID- 27664098
TI  - Identification of Fusarium solani species complex from infected zebrafish (Danio
      rerio).
AB  - Although Fusarium sp. infections have been reported in aquatic invertebrates,
      studies of Fusarium spp. as fish pathogens remain very limited. In our study, a
      fungus was isolated from diseased zebrafish (Danio rerio). DNA sequence analysis
      of the fungus, based on a partial region of the translation elongation factor
      1alpha gene (EF-1alpha), the internal transcribed spacer region and domains D1
      and D2 of the large subunit of the ribosomal RNA gene (ITS plus LSU), and the RNA
      polymerase II subunit gene (RPB2), showed 99.9-100% homology to Fusarium solani
      species complex sequences. Multilocus sequence typing analysis based on 3-locus
      haplotypes (EF-1alpha, ITS plus LSU, and RPB2) suggests that the isolated strain
      was type 3+4-P. Challenge experiments showed that this organism could be
      pathogenic to zebrafish, but usually does not infect healthy subjects under
      normal circumstances.

PMID- 27664100
TI  - What volume of seeds can a chimpanzee carry in its body?
AB  - Great apes are important seed dispersers with large bodies, able to swallow large
      seeds and travel long distances. Although there have been several studies
      investigating seed dispersal quality [sensu Schupp (Vegetatio 107/108:15-29,
      1993)] by chimpanzees, there is little information on the volume of seeds they
      can carry in their bodies. When a relatively fresh corpse of a mature female
      chimpanzee was found at Mahale, Tanzania, we took advantage of the rare
      opportunity to investigate the total weight and cubic volume of seeds recovered
      from the corpse. The seeds contained in the corpse weighed 258.8 g (dry weight)
      and measured 489.4 cm3. The volume of seeds was 14.7 % of the previously reported
      capacity of the digestive tract of a chimpanzee in captivity. We also indirectly
      estimated the volume of seeds from the values of observed seed volume in feces,
      the reported number of defecations per day, and the seed passage time. The
      estimated volume was significantly lower than the observed seed volume,
      suggesting that the number of defecations per day is underestimated because it
      may not include nighttime defecation.

PMID- 27664099
TI  - The bacteriophage-derived transcriptional regulator, LscR, activates the
      expression of levansucrase genes in Pseudomonas syringae.
AB  - Synthesis of the exopolysaccharide levan occurs in the bacterial blight pathogen
      of soybean, Pseudomonas syringae pv. glycinea PG4180, when this bacterium
      encounters moderate to high concentrations of sucrose inside its host plant. The
      process is mediated by the temperature-dependent expression and secretion of two
      levansucrases, LscB and LscC. Previous studies showed the importance of a
      prophage-associated promoter element in driving the expression of levansucrase
      genes. Herein, heterologous screening for transcriptional activators revealed
      that the prophage-borne transcriptional regulator, LscR, from P. syringae
      mediates expression of levansucrase. A lscR-deficient mutant was generated and
      exhibited a levan-negative phenotype when grown on a sucrose-rich medium. This
      phenotype was confirmed by zymographic analysis and Western blots which
      demonstrated absence of levansucrase in the supernatant and total cell lysates.
      Transcriptional analysis showed a down-regulation of expression levels of
      levansucrase and glycosyl hydrolase genes in the lscR-deficient mutant.
      Ultimately, a direct binding of LscR to the promoter region of levansucrase was
      demonstrated using electrophoretic mobility shift assays allowing to conclude
      that a bacteriophage-derived regulator dictates expression of bacterial genes
      involved in in planta fitness.

PMID- 27664101
TI  - Natural course of mild Graves' orbitopathy: is it a chronic remitting or a
      transient disease?
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: The natural course of Graves' orbitopathy (GO) has been poorly
      documented. The aim of this review is to provide current knowledge regarding the
      natural course of mild GO, trying to address the issue of whether and to what
      extent it constitutes a chronic remitting or transient disease. METHODS: We
      systematically searched PubMed for English language publications until August
      2016 under the following terms: "Graves' orbitopathy" OR "Graves' ophthalmopathy"
      OR "thyroid eye disease" AND "natural course" OR "natural history". RESULTS: Few
      studies have investigated the course of mild orbital disease in patients with GO.
      Large controlled trials are lacking and data can be extracted mainly from small
      retrospective and some prospective studies, after excluding patients who had
      received radioiodine for thyrotoxicosis or surgical treatment for GO. In general,
      more than half of GO patients may show spontaneous improvement in their clinical
      features, whereas no safe conclusions can be drawn with regard to complete
      resolution, with percentages ranging from 6 to 58 %. CONCLUSIONS: The question
      whether mild GO is a remitting, albeit chronic disease, or even a transient event
      in the course of Graves' disease, remains currently unanswered.

PMID- 27664103
TI  - Development of a mother and baby unit contraception assessment tool.
AB  - Unplanned pregnancies are a unique, yet significant risk factor in perinatal
      mental health. Our aim was to create an assessment tool to assess mother's views
      on contraception as part of the discharge planning process. We used a
      quantitative-qualitative approach. A clinician-guided questionnaire was completed
      by patients prior to their discharge from hospital and analysed using Microsoft
      Excel. Semi-structured interviews were used to explore views regarding family
      planning in greater depth. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim onto
      Microsoft Word. Emerging themes were identified using a grounded theory thematic
      analysis approach. Eighteen inpatients were assessed at the Bethlem Mother and
      Baby Unit over a 4-month period (May-August 2015). Half of the women stated that
      the pregnancy was unplanned. The most common contraception methods used were
      condoms, followed by no method/natural cycle technique. Forty-four percent felt
      unsure of contraception options available and were keen for further advice and
      referral to family planning services. Interestingly, almost all the women
      interviewed stated that their experience of perinatal mental illness had changed
      their views on having more children. The contraception assessment tool is a
      short, simple questionnaire that can be adopted across inpatient and community
      settings. In cooperating family, planning into the discharge care plan could be
      protective in preventing future unplanned pregnancies in women at high risk of
      perinatal mental illness relapse. Performing the assessment also provided an
      added opportunity for psycho-education regarding reproductive health and
      medication use during the perinatal period. The tool also encouraged liaison with
      GPs and local family planning services.

PMID- 27664102
TI  - Follicular fluid PlGF/sFlt-1 ratio and soluble receptor for advanced glycation
      end-products correlate with ovarian sensitivity index in women undergoing A.R.T.
AB  - PURPOSE: Considering potential roles of soluble receptor for advanced glycation
      end products (sRAGE) and placental growth factor (PlGF) in ovarian function and
      embryo implantation, in the present study we have evaluated the association of
      these factors and also PlGF/sFlt-1 ratio with the ovarian response and
      implantation rate by dividing patients according to the OSI. METHODS: In a cross
      sectional study, 90 infertile women who were undergoing ICSI cycle using long
      protocol were recruited. The patients were divided according to ovarian
      sensitivity index (OSI). ICSI cycle outcomes were evaluated for each patient and
      PlGF, sFlt-1 and sRAGE levels of follicular fluid were assayed using commercial
      ELISA kits. RESULTS: Follicular fluid (FF) sRAGE levels and PlGF/sFlt-1 ratio
      were statistically greater in high-responder women than other responders (p <
      0.05). Positive correlations were obtained between sRAGE level with the number of
      oocytes, follicles and OSI level. sRAGE levels with cutoff value of 4.83 (ng/ml)
      for evaluating the pregnancy outcome showed 81.8 % sensitivity and 60.7 %
      specificity. Furthermore, there were positive associations between PlGF/sFlt-1
      ratio with the number of oocytes, embryos and OSI level. CONCLUSION: In
      conclusion, the results of current study supported that good ovarian response is
      independent of pregnancy outcome. Our results showed that FF levels of sRAGE and
      PlGF/sFlt-1 ratio could be used as markers for determining the high-responder
      women. Also, FF sRAGE levels could be a good predictor for ART outcome.

PMID- 27664105
TI  - Autologous intrauterine transfusion in a case of anti-U.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Minor red blood cell antibodies are becoming a more common cause of
      hemolytic disease of the newborn. Anti-U are a rare alloantibody found almost
      exclusively in people of black descent. There is limited experience to guide the
      management of pregnancies complicated by anti-U. Furthermore, there is often no
      suitable cross-matched blood available for transfusion of a patient with anti-U.
      CASE REPORT: A 21-year-old P0G1 presented at 25 weeks' gestation with D- disease
      in pregnancy. She had a significant indirect antiglobulin test titer of 512. Anti
      U were identified and no suitable cross-matched blood was available. Maternal
      blood was prepared for autologous intrauterine fetal transfusion. Two such
      transfusions were performed. RESULTS: A healthy fetus delivered at 32 weeks that
      did not require phototherapy or an exchange transfusion. CONCLUSION: Autologous
      transfusion of prepared maternal blood provides a safe option for intrauterine
      fetal therapy in pregnancies complicated by rare alloantibodies.

PMID- 27664104
TI  - Association of physical activity and sedentary behavior with depression and
      anxiety symptoms during pregnancy in a multiethnic cohort of Asian women.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate associations of physical activity
      (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) with depression and anxiety symptoms during
      pregnancy among Chinese, Malay, and Indian women. METHODS: Women answered PA and
      SB (sitting time and television time) interview questions and self-completed the
      Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory
      (STAI) questionnaires, at week 26-28 gestation. Sufficient levels of PA (>=600MET
      minutes/week) and higher sitting time (>=7 h/day) were determined. Associations
      of PA and SB with probable antenatal depression (EPDS-score >=15), higher state
      anxiety (score >=42), and higher trait anxiety (score >=43) were determined by
      logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Among the 1144 pregnant women included in
      the study, 7.3, 22.5, and 23.6 % had probable antenatal depression, higher state
      anxiety, and higher trait anxiety symptoms, respectively. In the adjusted models,
      women with sufficient level of PA were less likely to have probable antenatal
      depression (OR 0.54, 95 % CI 0.31-0.94, p = 0.030) and higher trait anxiety
      symptoms (OR 0.68, 95 % CI 0.48-0.94, p = 0.022). PA was not associated with
      state anxiety symptoms. SB was not associated with any of the investigated
      outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Sufficient PA was associated with a reduced likelihood of
      probable antenatal depression and trait anxiety symptoms. Further investigation
      of these findings is warranted to determine cause-effect relationships and
      identify potential preventive strategies.

PMID- 27664108
TI  - Cost-Effectiveness of High Dose Hemodialysis in Comparison to Conventional In
      Center Hemodialysis in the Netherlands.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In the Netherlands, the current standard of care for treating
      patients with end-stage renal disease is three sessions of in-center hemodialysis
      (conventional ICHD). However, the literature indicates that high dose
      hemodialysis (high dose HD) may provide better health outcome such as survival
      and quality of life. The objective of this study was to determine the cost
      effectiveness of high dose HD, both in-center and at home, in comparison to
      conventional ICHD from a Dutch payer's perspective over a 5 year period.
      Additionally, the cost-effectiveness of conventional HD at home in comparison to
      conventional ICHD will be analysed. METHODS: A Markov model was developed
      assuming 28-day treatment cycles and was populated with data from Dutch and
      international renal registries, official tariffs and medical literature.
      Univariable and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to test the
      robustness of the results. RESULTS: Using publicly available tariffs from the
      Dutch Healthcare Authority (Nederlandse Zorgautoriteit) of 2015, doing high dose
      ICHD instead of conventional ICHD shows an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio
      (ICER) of ?275,747 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. In contrast, the
      ICER of high dose HD at home in comparison to conventional ICHD is ?3248 per
      gained QALY. The final analysis shows that conventional HD at home is less costly
      per patient (-?3063) than conventional ICHD and results in health benefit
      improvement (+0.249 QALYs), and is therefore regarded as cost saving. CONCLUSION:
      Treating dialysis patients with conventional HD at home shows to be cost saving
      in comparison to conventional ICHD. However, the magnitude of clinical benefit of
      high dose HD at home is over two times greater than the clinical benefit of
      conventional HD at home. According to our analysis, from a payer's perspective,
      high dose HD should be offered as a home therapy to obtain its clinical benefits
      in a cost-effective manner. Future research should consider our findings
      alongside societal factors, such as patient preference, monitoring cost for the
      home patient, productivity loss and capacity. FUNDING: Baxter BV, The
      Netherlands.

PMID- 27664106
TI  - Diagnostic Values and Limitations of (1,3)-beta-D-Glucans and Galactomannan
      Assays for Invasive Fungal Infection in Patients Admitted to Pediatric Intensive
      Care Unit.
AB  - The relationship among (1,3)-beta-D-glucans (BG), galactomannan (GM), and the
      risk of developing invasive fungal infections (IFI) has been observed in adult
      ICU and in children with hematological malignancies. Only scant data evaluated
      the value of BG/GM assays for diagnosis of IFI in patients with nonhematological
      diseases in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). In this study, we assessed the
      diagnostic value of these markers for IFI in PICU. The records of 230 patients
      were retrospectively evaluated. Out of 117 patients (7 proven, 23 probable, and
      87 cases without evidence of IFI) performed GM and BG assays. The results showed
      many factors were associated with false-positive test results. Patients who aged
      over 3 years had higher levels of GM and BG than younger infants. The levels of
      BG were higher in subjects with dairy, human blood products, antibiotics, and
      corticosteroids therapy than in cases without these treatments. Unlike BG assay,
      GM assay was less susceptible to above-mentioned factors expect blood products.
      The levels of BG and GM in IFI cases were dramatically higher than in controls.
      The diagnostic performance of these assays showed that GM assay had better
      results when compared with BG assay. On the whole, negative predictive value in
      both GM and BG assays was dramatically higher than other diagnostic parameters.
      In conclusion, BG assay was highly susceptible to many factors, and GM assay
      could be useful for diagnosis of IFI for its high sensitivity, but the over
      benefit of this assay limited in its inadequate specificity. The comparative
      advantage of BG and BG assays lied in excluding IFI in non-hematological PICU
      patients.

PMID- 27664107
TI  - A Retrospective Claims Database Study on Drug Utilization in Japanese Patients
      with Crohn's Disease Treated with Adalimumab or Infliximab.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic and progressive disease in which
      the long-term management is important. This study sought to assess treatment
      persistence and dose escalation in the maintenance phase with adalimumab (ADA) or
      infliximab (IFX) in a Japanese real-world setting. METHODS: A retrospective
      analysis was conducted using the Japan Medical Data Center database. CD patients
      with either ADA or IFX prescriptions between January 2012 and February 2015 were
      included. Outcomes of interest were (1) failure in the induction phase (defined
      as switch or discontinuation) and (2) persistence in the maintenance phase
      (defined as the absence of switch or discontinuation over 12 months since
      maintenance initiation). RESULTS: Overall, 133 patients (53 ADA; 80 IFX) were
      included. Of them, treatment failed in 26 patients (19.6%) in the induction
      phase. During the induction phase, there was a trend towards fewer treatment
      failures with ADA than IFX (88.7% vs. 75.0%; p = 0.051). Of those who completed
      induction, 64 patients (33 ADA; 31 IFX) had at least 12 months of valid insurance
      enrolment after the initiation of maintenance and 13 (5 ADA; 8 IFX) had either
      switch or discontinuation within 12 months after the initiation of maintenance.
      Probabilities of switch or discontinuation over 12 months after the maintenance
      date were 15.2% and 20.9% for ADA and IFX groups, respectively (p-log rank =
      0.7764). CONCLUSION: Japanese patients have a high primary response to anti-tumor
      necrosis factor therapy in the real-world setting, in line with the results of
      clinical trials. This initial therapeutic advantage can be lost during the
      maintenance phase, leading to dose escalation, treatment switch, or
      discontinuation. This study suggests that those events occurred in comparable
      proportions of patients treated with either ADA or IFX. However, these findings
      should be considered with caution given the retrospective nature and small size
      of the study. FUNDING: Abbvie GK, Tokyo, Japan.

PMID- 27664109
TI  - A Review of Daclatasvir Drug-Drug Interactions.
AB  - : The treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been revolutionized in
      recent years by the development of direct-acting antiviral regimens that do not
      contain peginterferon (pegIFN) and/or ribavirin (RBV). While direct-acting
      antiviral-based regimens have been shown to be greatly superior to pegIFN/RBV
      based regimens in terms of efficacy and safety, they have a greater
      susceptibility to drug-drug interactions (DDIs). Daclatasvir (DCV)-the benchmark
      pangenotypic nonstructural protein 5A inhibitor-has been shown to be efficacious
      and generally well tolerated in partnership with other HCV direct-acting
      antivirals, including sofosbuvir, asunaprevir (ASV), and ASV plus beclabuvir. DCV
      may be the object of a DDI via the induction or inhibition of cytochrome P450
      (CYP) 3A4 and/or P-glycoprotein (P-gp) by the concomitant medication, or the
      precipitant of a DDI via DCV-based induction/inhibition of CYP 3A4 or inhibition
      of P-gp, organic anion transporting polypeptide 1B1/B3, and/or breast cancer
      resistance protein. This article presents an overview of the drug interaction
      studies conducted during the clinical development of DCV, the findings of these
      studies that led to the guidance on concomitant medication use and dosage along
      with any required DCV dose modifications, and the use of the known metabolic
      pathway of DCV to guide concomitant dosing where direct drug-drug studies have
      not been conducted. The robust characterization of the DCV clinical pharmacology
      program has demonstrated that DCV has few or no clinically relevant DDIs with
      medications with which it is likely to be co-administered, and the majority of
      DDIs that do occur can be predicted and easily managed. FUNDING: Bristol-Myers
      Squibb.

PMID- 27664110
TI  - Loss of Msp1p in Schizosaccharomyces pombe induces a ROS-dependent nuclear
      mutator phenotype that affects mitochondrial fission genes.
AB  - Mitochondria continually fuse and divide to dynamically adapt to changes in
      metabolism and stress. Mitochondrial dynamics are also required for mitochondrial
      DNA (mtDNA) integrity; however, the underlying reason is not known. In this
      study, we examined the link between mitochondrial fusion and mtDNA maintenance in
      Schizosaccharomyces pombe, which cannot survive without mtDNA, by screening for
      suppressors of the lethality induced by loss of the dynamin-related large GTPase
      Msp1p. Our findings reveal that inactivation of Msp1p induces a ROS-dependent
      nuclear mutator phenotype that affects mitochondrial fission genes involved in
      suppressing mitochondrial fragmentation and mtDNA depletion. This indicates that
      mitochondrial fusion is crucial for maintaining the integrity of both
      mitochondrial and nuclear genetic information. Furthermore, our study suggests
      that the primary roles of Msp1p are to organize mitochondrial membranes, thus
      making them competent for fusion, and maintain the integrity of mtDNA.

PMID- 27664112
TI  - Plasma levels of trastuzumab in gastric cancer: Case report.
AB  - Introduction The use of trastuzumab with a fluoropyrimidine and platinum compound
      is currently the standard first-line treatment of patients with metastatic HER2
      positive gastric cancer, but it appears that serum levels of trastuzumab
      determine the clinical effectiveness of this treatment, affecting progression
      free survival and overall survival. Case report We report the case of a patient
      with metastatic HER2-positivegastric cancer, receiving XELOX (fluoropyrimidine
      and oxaliplatin) plus trastuzumab at standard doses, who presented sub
      therapeutic serum levels during the first two treatment cycles and rapid disease
      progression (progression-free survival = 5.6 months). Discussion This case
      reveals a possible cause of poor effectiveness of trastuzumab treatment for
      metastatic gastric cancer in some patients, namely low circulating levels of the
      drug. It highlights the importance of monitoring as a possible tool for
      individual dose adjustment to optimize this therapy.

PMID- 27664111
TI  - Electro-physiological changes in the brain induced by caffeine or glucose nasal
      spray.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: A direct link between the mouth cavity and the brain for glucose
      (GLUC) and caffeine (CAF) has been established. The aim of this study is to
      determine whether a direct link for both substrates also exist between the nasal
      cavity and the brain. METHODS: Ten healthy male subjects (age 22 +/- 1 years)
      performed three experimental trials, separated by at least 2 days. Each trial
      included a 20-s nasal spray (NAS) period in which solutions placebo (PLAC), GLUC,
      or CAF were provided in a double-blind, randomized order. During each trial, four
      cognitive Stroop tasks were performed: two familiarization trials and one pre-
      and one post-NAS trial. Reaction times and accuracy for different stimuli
      (neutral, NEUTR; congruent, CON; incongruent INCON) were determined.
      Electroencephalography was continuously measured throughout the trials. During
      the Stroop tasks pre- and post-NAS, the P300 was assessed and during NAS, source
      localization was performed using standardized low-resolution brain
      electromagnetic tomography (sLORETA). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: NAS activated the
      anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). CAF-NAS also increased theta and beta activity
      in frontal cortices. Furthermore, GLUC-NAS increased the beta activity within the
      insula. GLUC-NAS also increased the P300 amplitude with INCON (P = 0.046) and
      reduced P300 amplitude at F3-F4 and P300 latency at CP1-CP2-Cz with NEUTR (P =
      0.001 and P = 0.016, respectively). The existence of nasal bitter and sweet taste
      receptors possibly induce these brain responses. CONCLUSION: Greater cognitive
      efficiency was observed with GLUC-NAS. CAF-NAS activated cingulate, insular, and
      sensorymotor cortices, whereas GLUC-NAS activated sensory, cingulate, and insular
      cortices. However, no effect on the Stroop task was found.

PMID- 27664113
TI  - An Exercise in Extrapolation: Clinical Management of Atypical CML, MDS/MPN
      Unclassifiable, and MDS/MPN-RS-T.
AB  - According to the recently published 2016 World Health Organization (WHO)
      classification of myeloid malignancies, myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative
      neoplasms (MDS/MPN) include atypical chronic myeloid leukemia (aCML), MDS/MPN
      unclassifiable (MDS/MPN-U), chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML), juvenile
      myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML), and MDS/MPN ring sideroblasts with thrombocytosis
      (MDS/MPN-RS-T). MDS/MPN-RS-T was previously a provisional category known as
      refractory anemia with ring sideroblasts with thrombocytosis (RARS-T) which has
      now attained a distinct designation in the 2016 WHO classification. In this
      review, we focus on biology and management of aCML, MDS/MPN-U, and MDS/MPN-RS-T.
      There is considerable overlap between these entities which we attempt to further
      elucidate in this review. We also discuss recent advances in the field of
      molecular landscape that further defines and characterizes this heterogeneous
      group of disorders. The paucity of clinical trials available secondary to unclear
      pathogenesis and rarity of these diseases makes the management of these entities
      clinically challenging. This review summarizes some of the current knowledge of
      the molecular pathogenesis and suggested treatment guidelines based on the
      available data.

PMID- 27664116
TI  - On the relationship between medical ethics and medical professionalism.

PMID- 27664114
TI  - Computational imaging analysis of fibrin matrices with the inclusion of
      erythrocytes from homozygous SS blood reveals agglomerated and amorphous
      structures.
AB  - Sickle cell disease is a single point mutation disease that is known to alter the
      coagulation system, leading to hypercoagulable plasma conditions. These
      hypercoagulable conditions can lead to complications in the vasculature, caused
      by fibrin clots that form undesirably. There is a need to understand the
      morphology and structure of fibrin clots from patients with sickle cell disease,
      as this could lead to further discovery of treatments and life-saving therapies.
      In this work, a computational imaging analysis method is presented to evaluate
      fibrin agglomeration in the presence of erythrocytes (RBCs) homozygous for the
      sickle cell mutation (SS). Numerical algorithms were used to determine
      agglomeration of fibrin fibers within a matrix with SS RBCs to test the
      hypothesis that fibrin matrices with the inclusion of SS RBCs possess a more
      agglomerated structure than native fibrin matrices with AA RBCs. The numerical
      results showed that fibrin structures with SS RBCs displayed an overall higher
      degree of agglomeration as compared to native fibrin structures. The
      computational algorithm was also used to evaluate fibrin fiber overlap
      (aggregation) and anisotropy (orientation) in normal fibrin matrices compared to
      fibrin matrices polymerized around SS RBCs; however, there was no statistical
      difference. Ultrasound measurements of stiffness revealed rigid RBCs in the case
      of samples derived from homozygous SS blood, and densely evolving matrices, when
      compared to normal fibrin with the inclusion of AA RBCs. An agglomeration model
      is suggested to quantify the fibrin aggregation/clustering near RBCs for both
      normal fibrin matrices and for the altered structures. The results of this work
      are important in the sense that the understanding of aggregation and morphology
      in fibrin clots with incorporation of RBCs from persons living with sickle cell
      anemia may elucidate the complexities of comorbidities and other disease
      complications.

PMID- 27664117
TI  - Report from the national data guardian for health and care.

PMID- 27664118
TI  - Two-phase vesicles: a study on evolutionary and stationary models.
AB  - In the current article, the dynamic evolution of two-phase vesicles is presented
      as an extension to a previous stationary model and based on an equilibrium of
      local forces. In the simplified model, ignoring the effects of membrane inertia,
      a dynamic equilibrium between the membrane bending potential and local fluid
      friction is considered in each phase. The equilibrium equations at the domain
      borders are completed by extended introduction of membrane section reactions. We
      show that in some cases, the results of stationary and evolutionary models are in
      agreement with each other and also with experimental observations, while in
      others the two models differ markedly. The value of our approach is that we can
      account for unresponsive points of uncertainty using our equations with the local
      velocity of the lipid membranes and calculating the intermediate states (shapes)
      in the consequent evolutionary, or response, path.

PMID- 27664119
TI  - Structural and functional alterations in the prefrontal cortex after post-weaning
      social isolation: relationship with species-typical and deviant aggression.
AB  - Although the inhibitory control of aggression by the prefrontal cortex (PFC) is
      the cornerstone of current theories of aggression control, a number of human and
      laboratory studies showed that the execution of aggression increases PFC
      activity; moreover, enhanced activation was observed in aggression-related
      psychopathologies and laboratory models of abnormal aggression. Here, we
      investigated these apparently contradictory findings in the post-weaning social
      isolation paradigm (PWSI), an established laboratory model of abnormal
      aggression. When studied in the resident-intruder test as adults, rats submitted
      to PWSI showed increased attack counts, increased share of bites directed towards
      vulnerable body parts of opponents (head, throat, and belly) and reduced social
      signaling of attacks. These deviations from species-typical behavioral
      characteristics were associated with a specific reduction in the thickness of the
      right medial PFC (mPFC), a bilateral decrease in dendritic and glial density, and
      reduced vascularization on the right-hand side of the mPFC. Thus, the early
      stressor interfered with mPFC development. Despite these structural deficits,
      aggressive encounters enhanced the activation of the mPFC in PWSI rats as
      compared to controls. A voxel-like functional analysis revealed that
      overactivation was restricted to a circumscribed sub-region, which contributed to
      the activation of hypothalamic centers involved in the initiation of biting
      attacks as shown by structural equation modeling. These findings demonstrate that
      structural alterations and functional hyperactivity can coexist in the mPFC of
      rats exposed to early stressors, and suggest that the role of the mPFC in
      aggression control is more complex than suggested by the inhibitory control
      theory.

PMID- 27664120
TI  - Reduced DNA methylation of FKBP5 in Cushing's syndrome.
AB  - FKBP5 encodes a co-chaperone of HSP90 protein that regulates intracellular
      glucocorticoid receptor sensitivity. When it is bound to the glucocorticoid
      receptor complex, cortisol binds with lower affinity to glucocorticoid receptor.
      Cushing's syndrome is associated with memory deficits, smaller hippocampal
      volumes, and wide range of cognitive impairments. We aimed at evaluating blood
      DNA methylation of FKBP5 and its relationship with memory and hippocampal volumes
      in Cushing's syndrome patients. Polymorphism rs1360780 in FKBP5 has also been
      assessed to determine whether genetic variations can also govern CpG methylation.
      Thirty-two Cushing's syndrome patients and 32 matched controls underwent memory
      tests, 3-Tesla MRI of the brain, and DNA extraction from total leukocytes. DNA
      samples were bisulfite treated, PCR amplified, and pyrosequenced to assess a
      total of 41CpG-dinucleotides in the introns 1, 2, 5, and 7 of FKBP5.
      Significantly lower intronic FKBP5 DNA methylation in CS patients compared to
      controls was observed in ten CpG-dinucleotides. DNA methylation at these CpGs
      correlated with left and right HV (Intron-2-Region-2-CpG-3: LHV, r = 0.73, p =
      0.02; RHV, r = 0.58, p = 0.03). Cured and active CS patients showed both lower
      methylation of intron 2 (92.37, 91.8, and 93.34 %, respectively, p = 0.03 for
      both) and of intron 7 (77.08, 73.74, and 79.71 %, respectively, p = 0.02 and p <
      0.01) than controls. Twenty-two subjects had the CC genotype, 34 had the TC
      genotype, and eight had the TT genotype. Lower average DNA methylation in intron
      7 was observed in the TT subjects compared to CC (72.5vs. 79.5 %, p = 0.02) and
      to TC (72.5 vs. 79.0 %, p = 0.03). Our data demonstrate, for the first time, a
      reduction of intronic DNA methylation of FKBP5 in CS patients.

PMID- 27664122
TI  - Organizational Capabilities for Integrating Care: A Review of Measurement Tools.
AB  - The success of integrated care interventions is highly dependent on the internal
      and collective capabilities of the organizations in which they are implemented.
      Yet, organizational capabilities are rarely described, understood, or measured
      with sufficient depth and breadth in empirical studies or in practice. Assessing
      these capabilities can contribute to understanding why some integrated care
      interventions are more effective than others. We identified, organized, and
      assessed survey instruments that measure the internal and collective
      organizational capabilities required for integrated care delivery. We conducted
      an expert consultation and searched Medline and Google Scholar databases for
      survey instruments measuring factors outlined in the Context and Capabilities for
      Integrating Care Framework. A total of 58 instruments were included in the review
      and assessed based on their psychometric properties, practical considerations,
      and applicability to integrated care efforts. This study provides a bank of
      psychometrically sound instruments for describing and comparing organizational
      capabilities. Greater use of these instruments across integrated care
      interventions and studies can enhance standardized comparative analyses and
      inform change management. Further research is needed to build an evidence base
      for these instruments and to explore the associations between organizational
      capabilities and integrated care processes and outcomes.

PMID- 27664121
TI  - Molecular insights into substrate recognition and catalytic mechanism of the
      chaperone and FKBP peptidyl-prolyl isomerase SlyD.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Peptidyl-prolyl isomerases (PPIases) catalyze cis/trans isomerization
      of peptidyl-prolyl bonds, which is often rate-limiting for protein folding. SlyD
      is a two-domain enzyme containing both a PPIase FK506-binding protein (FKBP)
      domain and an insert-in-flap (IF) chaperone domain. To date, the interactions of
      these domains with unfolded proteins have remained rather obscure, with
      structural information on binding to the FKBP domain being limited to complexes
      involving various inhibitor compounds or a chemically modified tetrapeptide.
      RESULTS: We have characterized the binding of 15-residue-long unmodified peptides
      to SlyD from Thermus thermophilus (TtSlyD) in terms of binding thermodynamics and
      enzyme kinetics through the use of isothermal titration calorimetry, nuclear
      magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and site-directed mutagenesis. We show that the
      affinities and enzymatic activity of TtSlyD towards these peptides are much
      higher than for the chemically modified tetrapeptides that are typically used for
      activity measurements on FKBPs. In addition, we present a series of crystal
      structures of TtSlyD with the inhibitor FK506 bound to the FKBP domain, and with
      15-residue-long peptides bound to either one or both domains, which reveals that
      substrates bind in a highly adaptable fashion to the IF domain through beta
      strand augmentation, and can bind to the FKBP domain as both types VIa1 and VIb
      like cis-proline beta-turns. Our results furthermore provide important clues to
      the catalytic mechanism and support the notion of inter-domain cross talk.
      CONCLUSIONS: We found that 15-residue-long unmodified peptides can serve as
      better substrate mimics for the IF and FKBP domains than chemically modified
      tetrapeptides. We furthermore show how such peptides are recognized by each of
      these domains in TtSlyD, and propose a novel general model for the catalytic
      mechanism of FKBPs that involves C-terminal rotation around the peptidyl-prolyl
      bond mediated by stabilization of the twisted transition state in the hydrophobic
      binding site.

PMID- 27664123
TI  - Trends in the use of oral contraceptives among adolescents and young women in
      Spain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We aimed to determine the prevalence of consumption of oral
      contraceptives (OCs) among adolescents and young women living in Spain and to
      identify the factors associated with this consumption. METHODS: We performed a
      cross-sectional study on the consumption of OCs by women aged 15-30 years
      residing in Spain. We used secondary individualized data from the 2006 (n = 2513)
      and 2012 (n = 1530) Spanish National Health Surveys. The dependent variable was
      the use of OCs in the previous 2 weeks. Independent variables included
      sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidity, lifestyle, and healthcare resource
      utilization. The prevalence of OC consumption was analysed by investigating the
      changes observed between 2006 and 2012. We used multivariate logistic regression
      to identify the independent factors associated with OC use in each year. RESULTS:
      In 2006, 14.42 % of women reported using OCs; this percentage dropped to 10.21 %
      in 2012 (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed an association between OC use
      and visits to the gynaecologist (AOR, 5.60 [95 % CI, 2.93-10.73] in 2006; and
      AOR, 3.55 [95 % CI, 1.30-9.73] in 2012), Pap smear tests (AOR, 1.8 [95 % CI, 1.23
      2.87] in 2006; and AOR, 2.42 [95 % CI, 1.30-4.51] in 2012), and smoking in 2006
      (AOR, 1.42 [95 % CI, 1.04-1.93]). CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant decrease
      in OC use from 2006 to 2012 among adolescents and young women living in Spain. In
      the present study, consumers of OCs were women who visited a gynaecologist more
      often and complied more with preventive measures such as Pap smear testing. Also,
      women who reported having used OCs were more likely to smoke than the rest of the
      study population, although the smoking habit is a risk factor for thrombotic
      events in women who take OCs.

PMID- 27664124
TI  - Description and initial evaluation of incorporating electronic follow-up of study
      participants in a longstanding multisite cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate a pilot program that
      allowed Chicago field center participants of the Coronary Artery Risk Development
      in Young Adults (CARDIA) study to submit follow-up information electronically
      (eCARDIA). METHODS: Chicago field center participants who provided email
      addresses were invited to complete contact information and follow-up
      questionnaires on medical conditions electronically in 2012-2013.
      Sociodemographic characteristics were compared between those who did and did not
      complete follow-up electronically. The number of participant contacts by CARDIA
      staff needed before follow-up was completed was also evaluated. RESULTS: Blacks
      and low socioeconomic position individuals were less likely to complete follow-up
      using the electronic questionnaire. Participants who used the electronic
      questionnaire for follow-up needed fewer contacts (e.g., median 1 contact
      compared with 3for contact information follow-up), but they also needed fewer
      contacts prior to eCARDIA (median 1 before and after eCARDIA). CONCLUSIONS:
      Findings suggest other approaches will be needed to maintain contact and elicit
      follow-up information from harder-to-reach individuals.

PMID- 27664126
TI  - Epicure: a European epidemiological study of patients with an advanced or
      metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma (UC) having progressed to a platinum-based
      chemotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Platinum-based systemic chemotherapy is considered the backbone for
      management of advanced urothelial carcinomas. However there is a lack of real
      world data on the use of such chemotherapy regimens, on patient profiles and on
      management after treatment failure. METHODS: Fifty-one randomly selected
      physicians from 4 European countries registered 218 consecutive patients in
      progression or relapse following a first platinum-based chemotherapy. Patient
      characteristics, tumor history and treatment regimens, as well as the
      considerations of physicians on the management of urothelial carcinoma were
      recorded. RESULTS: A systemic platinum-based regimen had been administered as the
      initial chemotherapy in 216 patients: 15 in the neoadjuvant setting, 61 in
      adjuvant therapy conditions, 137 in first-line advanced setting and 3 in other
      conditions. Of these patients, 76 (35 %) were initially considered as cisplatin
      unfit, mainly because of renal impairment (52 patients). After platinum failure,
      renal impairment was observed in 44 % of patients, ECOG Performance Status >= 2
      in 17 %, hemoglobinemia < 10 g/dL in 16 %, hepatic metastases in 13 %. 80 % of
      these patients received further anticancer therapy. Immediately after failure of
      adjuvant/neoadjuvant chemotherapy, most subsequent anticancer treatments were
      chemotherapy doublets (35/58), whereas after therapy failure in the advanced
      setting most patients receiving further anticancer drugs were treated with a
      single agent (80/114). After first progression to chemotherapy, treatment
      decisions were mainly driven by Performance Status and prior response to
      chemotherapy (>30 % patients). The most frequent all-settings second anticancer
      therapy regimen was vinflunine (70 % of single-agent and 42 % of all subsequent
      treatments), the main reasons evoked by physicians (>1 out of 4) being survival
      benefit, safety and phase III evidence. CONCLUSION: In this daily practice
      experience, a majority of patients with urothelial carcinoma previously treated
      with a platinum-based therapy received a second chemotherapy regimen, most often
      a single agent after an initial chemotherapy in the advanced setting and
      preferably a cytotoxic combination after a neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy.
      Performance Status and prior response to chemotherapy were the main drivers of
      further treatment decisions.

PMID- 27664125
TI  - Adult ADHD and Comorbid Somatic Disease: A Systematic Literature Review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To systematically review, synthesize, and appraise available evidence,
      connecting adult ADHD with somatic disease. METHOD: Embase, Psychinfo, and
      Medline databases were searched for studies published from 1994 to 2015
      addressing adult ADHD and somatic comorbidity. Somatic conditions were classified
      according to International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) codes. Levels of
      evidence were graded as inconclusive, tentative, or well documented. RESULTS:
      Most of the 126 studies included in the qualitative synthesis were small and of
      modest quality. Obesity, sleep disorders, and asthma were well-documented
      comorbidities in adult ADHD. Tentative evidence was found for an association
      between adult ADHD and migraine and celiac disease. In a large health registry
      study, cardiovascular disease was not associated with adult ADHD. CONCLUSION:
      There are few large systematic studies using standardized diagnostic criteria
      evaluating adult ADHD and somatic comorbidities. Significant associations are
      found between adult ADHD and several somatic diseases, and these are important to
      consider when assessing and treating either adult ADHD or the somatic diseases.

PMID- 27664128
TI  - Erratum to: 'Integrating evidence-based practices for increasing cancer
      screenings in safety net health systems: a multiple case study using the
      Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research'.

PMID- 27664129
TI  - A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of fluoride varnish
      in preventing dental caries of Sjogren's syndrome patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sjogren's syndrome (SS) patients are prone to caries development due
      to reduction of salivary flow. Topical fluoride is commonly prescribed for caries
      prevention. METHODS: In this 24-month randomized, double-blind, placebo
      controlled clinical trial, SS patients were randomly assigned to receive either
      fluoride varnish or placebo gel quarterly. Development and arrest of caries at
      the coronal and root surfaces were recorded at 12-month and 24-month and compared
      to that of the baseline. Effect of fluoride varnish on oral Candida and
      lactobacilli colonization was explored by comparing baseline oral microbiological
      assessments to data obtained at 12-month and 24-month. RESULTS: Seventy-eight SS
      patients (mean age = 50 years, 2 men) completed this trial. At 24-month, the mean
      new coronal enamel caries were 1.6 surfaces in both groups, and new dentin caries
      were 1.4 and 2.7 surfaces in the fluoride and placebo group respectively (p >
      0.05). Mean arrested caries were 0.6 and 0.7 surfaces for fluoride and placebo
      groups respectively and that of root caries were 0.3 and 0.1 surfaces (p > 0.05).
      The mean oral Candida count was reduced by 30 % in the fluoride group but
      increased 61 % in the placebo group while no change in oral lactobacilli counts
      in both groups at 24 months (p > 0.05). SS patients receiving fluoride varnish
      were significantly less likely to develop dentin caries (p < 0.05). In contrast,
      those with high baseline DMFS scores (p = 0.05), harbored mixed Candida species
      (p < 0.05), or unstimulated whole saliva at low pH (p < 0.01) were significantly
      more likely to develop dentin caries. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this randomized
      clinical trial did not provide clear evidence to support or refute that quarterly
      applications of fluoride varnish can prevent development of dental caries in
      people with Sjogren's syndrome. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was
      retrospectively registered at the ISRCTN registry ( ISRCTN85164658 ) on 9 Sept
      2016 and was funded by the Research Grant Council of Hong Kong.

PMID- 27664127
TI  - Arbovirosis and potential transmission blocking vaccines.
AB  - Infectious diseases caused by arboviruses (viruses transmitted by arthropods) are
      undergoing unprecedented epidemic activity and geographic expansion. With the
      recent introduction of West Nile virus (1999), chikungunya virus (2013) and Zika
      virus (2015) to the Americas, stopping or even preventing the expansion of
      viruses into susceptible populations is an increasing concern. With a few
      exceptions, available vaccines protecting against arboviral infections are
      nonexistent and current disease prevention relies on vector control
      interventions. However, due to the emergence of and rapidly spreading insecticide
      resistance, different disease control methods are needed. A feasible method of
      reducing emerging tropical diseases is the implementation of vaccines that
      prevent or decrease viral infection in the vector. These vaccines are designated
      'transmission blocking vaccines', or TBVs. Here, we summarize previous TBV work,
      discuss current research on arboviral TBVs and present several promising TBV
      candidates.

PMID- 27664132
TI  - CCGs to get L6 a patient to extend general practice opening hours.

PMID- 27664130
TI  - The environment ontology in 2016: bridging domains with increased scope, semantic
      density, and interoperation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Environment Ontology (ENVO; http://www.environmentontology.org/
      ), first described in 2013, is a resource and research target for the
      semantically controlled description of environmental entities. The ontology's
      initial aim was the representation of the biomes, environmental features, and
      environmental materials pertinent to genomic and microbiome-related
      investigations. However, the need for environmental semantics is common to a
      multitude of fields, and ENVO's use has steadily grown since its initial
      description. We have thus expanded, enhanced, and generalised the ontology to
      support its increasingly diverse applications. METHODS: We have updated our
      development suite to promote expressivity, consistency, and speed: we now develop
      ENVO in the Web Ontology Language (OWL) and employ templating methods to
      accelerate class creation. We have also taken steps to better align ENVO with the
      Open Biological and Biomedical Ontologies (OBO) Foundry principles and
      interoperate with existing OBO ontologies. Further, we applied text-mining
      approaches to extract habitat information from the Encyclopedia of Life and
      automatically create experimental habitat classes within ENVO. RESULTS: Relative
      to its state in 2013, ENVO's content, scope, and implementation have been
      enhanced and much of its existing content revised for improved semantic
      representation. ENVO now offers representations of habitats, environmental
      processes, anthropogenic environments, and entities relevant to environmental
      health initiatives and the global Sustainable Development Agenda for 2030.
      Several branches of ENVO have been used to incubate and seed new ontologies in
      previously unrepresented domains such as food and agronomy. The current release
      version of the ontology, in OWL format, is available at
      http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/envo.owl . CONCLUSIONS: ENVO has been shaped into
      an ontology which bridges multiple domains including biomedicine, natural and
      anthropogenic ecology, 'omics, and socioeconomic development. Through continued
      interactions with our users and partners, particularly those performing data
      archiving and sythesis, we anticipate that ENVO's growth will accelerate in 2017.
      As always, we invite further contributions and collaboration to advance the
      semantic representation of the environment, ranging from geographic features and
      environmental materials, across habitats and ecosystems, to everyday objects in
      household settings.

PMID- 27664133
TI  - Targeting Immune Checkpoints in Hematologic Malignancies.
AB  - The use of antibodies that target immune checkpoint molecules on the surface of T
      lymphocytes and/or tumor cells has revolutionized our approach to cancer therapy.
      Cytotoxic-T-lymphocyte antigen (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD
      1) are the two most commonly targeted immune checkpoint molecules. Although the
      role of antibodies that target CTLA-4 and PD-1 has been established in solid
      tumor malignancies and Food and Drug Administration approved for melanoma and non
      small cell lung cancer, there remains a desperate need to incorporate immune
      checkpoint inhibition in hematologic malignancies. Unlike solid tumors, a number
      of considerations must be addressed to appropriately employ immune checkpoint
      inhibition in hematologic malignancies. For example, hematologic malignancies
      frequently obliterate the bone marrow and lymph nodes, which are critical immune
      organs that must be restored for appropriate response to immune checkpoint
      inhibition. On the other hand, hematologic malignancies are the quintessential
      immune responsive tumor type, as proven by the success of allogeneic stem cell
      transplantation (allo-SCT) in hematologic malignancies. Also, sharing an immune
      cell lineage, malignant hematologic cells often express immune checkpoint
      molecules that are absent in solid tumor cells, thereby offering direct targets
      for immune checkpoint inhibition. A number of clinical trials have demonstrated
      the potential for immune checkpoint inhibition in hematologic malignancies before
      and after allo-SCT. The ongoing clinical studies and complimentary immune
      correlatives are providing a growing body of knowledge regarding the role of
      immune checkpoint inhibition in hematologic malignancies, which will likely
      become part of the standard of care for hematologic malignancies.

PMID- 27664131
TI  - Application and comparison of different implanted ports in malignant tumor
      patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The current study aims to compare the application and convenience of
      the upper arm port with the other two methods of implanted ports in the jugular
      vein and the subclavian vein in patients with gastrointestinal cancers. METHODS:
      Currently, the standard of practice is placement of central venous access via an
      internal jugular vein approach. Perioperative time, postoperative complications,
      and postoperative comfort level in patients receiving an implanted venous port in
      the upper arm were retrospectively compared to those in the jugular vein and the
      subclavian vein from April 2013 to November 2014. RESULTS: Three hundred thirty
      four patients are recruited for this analysis, consisting of 107 in the upper arm
      vein group, 70 in the jugular vein group, and 167 in the subclavian vein group.
      The occurrence of catheter misplacement in the upper arm vein is higher than that
      in the other two groups (13.1 vs. 2.9 vs. 5.4 %, respectively, P = 0.02), while
      the other complications in the perioperative period were not significantly
      different. The occurrence of transfusion obstacle of the upper arm vein group is
      significantly lower than that of the jugular and subclavian groups (0.9 vs. 7.1
      vs. 7.2 %, P = 0.01). The occurrence of thrombus is also lower than that of other
      two groups (0.9 vs. 4.3 vs. 3.6 %, P = 0.03). Regarding the postoperative
      comfort, the influences of appearance (0 vs. 7.1 vs. 2.9 %, P = 0.006) and sleep
      (0.9 vs. 4.2 vs. 10.7 %, P = 0.003) are significantly better than those of the
      jugular and subclavian vein groups. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to the jugular and the
      subclavian vein groups, the implanted venous port in the upper arm vein has fewer
      complications and more convenience and comfort, and might be a superior novel
      choice for patients requiring long-term chemotherapy or parenteral nutrition.

PMID- 27664135
TI  - HSV presence in brains of individuals without dementia: the TASTY brain series.
AB  - Herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 affects a majority of the population and recent
      evidence suggests involvement in Alzheimer's disease aetiology. We investigated
      the prevalence of HSV type 1 and 2 in the Tampere Autopsy Study (TASTY) brain
      samples using PCR and sero-positivity in plasma, and associations with
      Alzheimer's disease neuropathology. HSV was shown to be present in human brain
      tissue in 11/584 (1.9%) of samples in the TASTY cohort, of which six had
      Alzheimer's disease neuropathological amyloid beta (Abeta) aggregations.
      Additionally, serological data revealed 86% of serum samples tested were IgG
      positive for HSV. In conclusion, we report epidemiological evidence of the
      presence of HSV in brain tissue free from encephalitis symptoms in a cohort most
      closely representing the general population (a minimum prevalence of 1.9%).
      Whereas 6/11 samples with HSV DNA in the brain tissue had Abeta aggregations,
      most of those with Abeta aggregations did not have HSV present in the brain
      tissue.

PMID- 27664136
TI  - Causal Learning in Gambling Disorder: Beyond the Illusion of Control.
AB  - Causal learning is the ability to progressively incorporate raw information about
      dependencies between events, or between one's behavior and its outcomes, into
      beliefs of the causal structure of the world. In spite of the fact that some
      cognitive biases in gambling disorder can be described as alterations of causal
      learning involving gambling-relevant cues, behaviors, and outcomes, general
      causal learning mechanisms in gamblers have not been systematically investigated.
      In the present study, we compared gambling disorder patients against controls in
      an instrumental causal learning task. Evidence of illusion of control, namely,
      overestimation of the relationship between one's behavior and an uncorrelated
      outcome, showed up only in gamblers with strong current symptoms. Interestingly,
      this effect was part of a more complex pattern, in which gambling disorder
      patients manifested a poorer ability to discriminate between null and positive
      contingencies. Additionally, anomalies were related to gambling severity and
      current gambling disorder symptoms. Gambling-related biases, as measured by a
      standard psychometric tool, correlated with performance in the causal learning
      task, but not in the expected direction. Indeed, performance of gamblers with
      stronger biases tended to resemble the one of controls, which could imply that
      anomalies of causal learning processes play a role in gambling disorder, but do
      not seem to underlie gambling-specific biases, at least in a simple, direct way.

PMID- 27664134
TI  - Pharmacological treatment and BBB-targeted genetic therapy for MCT8-dependent
      hypomyelination in zebrafish.
AB  - Hypomyelination is a key symptom of Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome (AHDS), a
      psychomotor retardation associated with mutations in the thyroid-hormone (TH)
      transporter MCT8 (monocarboxylate transporter 8). AHDS is characterized by severe
      intellectual deficiency, neuromuscular impairment and brain hypothyroidism. In
      order to understand the mechanism for TH-dependent hypomyelination, we developed
      an mct8 mutant (mct8-/-) zebrafish model. The quantification of genetic markers
      for oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) and mature oligodendrocytes revealed
      reduced differentiation of OPCs into oligodendrocytes in mct8-/- larvae and
      adults. Live imaging of single glial cells showed that the number of
      oligodendrocytes and the length of their extensions are reduced, and the number
      of peripheral Schwann cells is increased, in mct8-/- larvae compared with wild
      type. Pharmacological analysis showed that TH analogs and clemastine partially
      rescued the hypomyelination in the CNS of mct8-/- larvae. Intriguingly,
      triiodothyronine (T3) treatment rescued hypomyelination in mct8-/- embryos before
      the maturation of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), but did not affect
      hypomyelination in older larvae. Thus, we expressed Mct8-tagRFP in the
      endothelial cells of the vascular system and showed that even relatively weak
      mosaic expression completely rescued hypomyelination in mct8-/- larvae. These
      results suggest potential pharmacological treatments and BBB-targeted gene
      therapy that can enhance myelination in AHDS and possibly in other TH-dependent
      brain disorders.

PMID- 27664138
TI  - Efficacy of adjunctive mitomycin C in transcanalicular diode laser
      dacryocystorhinostomy.
AB  - The objective of the study was to compare the success rate of transcanalicular
      laser dacryocystorhinostomy (TCL-DCR) with or without the use of adjunctive
      mitomycin C (MMC) in cases with primary nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO).
      This retrospective study was comprised of 68 patients with uncomplicated primary
      NLDO. There were two groups in the study: the Group 1 (n = 35) patients underwent
      TCL-DCR surgery with MMC and the Group 2 (n = 33) patients underwent TCL-DCR
      surgery without MMC. All patients had bicanalicular silicone tube intubation. The
      main outcome measures were patent osteotomy as visualized endoscopically and
      patent nasolacrimal irrigation. The follow-up period was 12 months. All patients
      had unilateral TCL-DCR with silicone tube intubation. Six months following
      surgery, the silicone tubes were removed. At the final evaluation, success rates
      were 80 % in Group 1 and 78.8 % in Group 2. There was no statistically
      significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.52). No complications
      related to MMC usage were recorded during the study period. Intraoperative use of
      MMC has no beneficial effect on the success rate in TCL-DCR.

PMID- 27664137
TI  - The Role of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Ovarian Cancer.
AB  - Ovarian cancer is the most fatal tumor of female's reproductive system, and
      several genetics and environmental factors are involved in its development.
      Various studies have already identified some suitable biomarkers to facilitate
      the early detection, the prognosis evaluation, and the assessment of treatment
      response. However, the aim of this review is to investigate the role of long non
      coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in tumorigenesis process of ovarian cancer and their
      potential applications as ovarian cancer biomarkers. We performed an online
      literature search of the MEDLINE/PubMed databases using the keywords, including
      ovarian cancer, lncRNA, and biomarker. We found that several lncRNAs have been
      shown to be deregulated in ovarian cancer and the specific mechanism of their
      enrollment in ovarian cancer has been defined for a few of them. In addition,
      expression profiling has revealed an association between lncRNAs and patients'
      survival, metastasis potential, as well as treatment response. Expression
      profiling and methylation analysis of lncRNAs in ovarian cancer may lead to the
      identification of novel biomarkers that can help in the classification of
      patients based on prognosis and treatment response.

PMID- 27664139
TI  - Validity and reliability of the Short Form 36 Health Surveys (SF-36) among
      patients with spondyloarthritis in Singapore.
AB  - The Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) is a popular health-related quality of
      life (HrQoL) tool. However, few studies have assessed its psychometric properties
      in patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA). We therefore aimed to assess the
      reliability and validity of the SF-36 in patients with SpA in Singapore. Cross
      sectional data from a registry of 196 SpA patients recruited from a dedicated
      tertiary referral clinic in Singapore from 2011 to 2014 was used. Analyses were
      guided by the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement
      INstruments framework. Internal consistency reliability was assessed using
      Cronbach's alpha. Construct validity was assessed through 33 a priori hypotheses
      by correlations of the eight subscales and two summary scores of SF-36 with other
      health outcomes. Known-group construct validity was assessed by comparison of the
      means of the subscales and summary scores of the SF-36 of SpA patients and the
      general population of Singapore using student's t tests. Among 196 patients (155
      males (79.0 %), median (range) age: 36 (17-70), 166 Chinese (84.6 %)), SF-36
      scales showed high internal consistency ranging from 0.88 to 0.90. Convergent
      construct validity was supported as shown by fulfillment of all hypotheses.
      Divergent construct validity was supported, as SF-36 MCS was not associated with
      PGA, pain and HAQ. Known-group construct validity showed SpA patients had lower
      scores of 3.8-12.5 when compared to the general population at p < 0.001. This
      study supports the SF-36 as a valid and reliable measure of HrQoL for use in
      patients with SpA at a single time point.

PMID- 27664140
TI  - Fibromyalgia is associated to receiving chronic medications beyond
      appropriateness: a cross-sectional study.
AB  - The objectives of this study are to describe appropriateness and drug treatment
      of comorbidities in fibromyalgia (FM). Cross-sectional study of a group of
      patients. Number of drugs, indication, duration and appropriateness of
      prescriptions were evaluated. Patients were classified as: group 1, (FM/FM)
      previous FM diagnosis and fulfilling criteria; group 2, (noFM/noFM) other
      diagnosis and not fulfilling criteria; and group 3, (noFM/FM) other diagnosis but
      fulfilling criteria. Drugs were classified into drugs for nervous system,
      analgesics/NSAID and drugs for other comorbidities. Appropriateness was evaluated
      following clinical therapeutic guidelines. A total of 159 patients were included
      in the study and classified into group 1, with 59 patients; group 2, with 67
      patients; and group 3, with 33 patients. Group 1 received a greater number of
      different drugs and for a longer period of time, there were less severe
      comorbidities and more unjustified treatments. No difference was found between
      the other two groups. Major opioids were only consumed in group 1. Also, in group
      1, 45.8 % of patients were attended in psychiatry versus 15.6 % in group 3 and 3
      % in group 2. The number of somatic symptoms correlated significantly with the
      number of drugs. Nervous system treatments were of shorter duration than other
      drug treatments. There was no difference in severe comorbidities. Comorbidities
      in FM are similar to those of other patients, but they receive more drugs and for
      a longer period of time. Drugs for nervous system comorbidities are introduced
      later, when other somatic symptoms are already treated. In patients with FM the
      treatments for mild comorbidities are not well justified.

PMID- 27664142
TI  - Applications of indocyanine green in robotic urology.
AB  - Indocyanine green is a fluorescent molecule with wide ranging applications in
      minimally invasive urological surgery. This article explores the utility of ICG
      assisted intraoperative fluorescence in robotic urology.

PMID- 27664141
TI  - Benchmarking Family Therapy for Adolescent Behavior Problems in Usual Care:
      Fidelity, Outcomes, and Therapist Performance Differences.
AB  - This study evaluated whether community therapists delivering family therapy for
      adolescent behavior problems in usual care achieved performance benchmarks
      established in controlled trials for treatment fidelity and outcomes, with
      particular focus on individual differences in therapist performance. The study
      contained N = 38 adolescents (50 % male; mean age 15 years) whose self-reported
      race/ethnicity was Hispanic (74 %), African American (11 %), multiracial (11 %),
      and other (4 %). Clients were treated by 13 therapists in one community mental
      health clinic that delivered family therapy as the routine standard of care.
      Therapists provided self-report data on adherence to core family therapy
      techniques; these scores were inflation-adjusted based on concordance with
      observer reports. Results showed that community therapists surpassed the fidelity
      benchmark for core family therapy techniques established by research therapists
      during a controlled trial. Regarding change in client functioning at 6-month
      follow-up, community therapists were equivalent to the benchmark for
      internalizing symptoms and superior for externalizing symptoms and delinquent
      acts. Community therapists also demonstrated a high degree of performance
      uniformity: Each one approximated the fidelity benchmark, and only two produced
      relatively weak outcomes on any of the client change indicators. Caveats for
      interpreting therapist performance data, given the small sample size, are
      described. Recommendations are made for developing therapist-report fidelity
      measures and utilizing statistical process control methods to diagnose therapist
      differences and enhance quality assurance procedures.

PMID- 27664143
TI  - Improved transoral surgical tool design by CT measurements of the oral cavity and
      pharynx.
AB  - The majority of head and neck cancers arise from the oral cavity and oropharynx.
      Many of these lesions will be amenable to surgical resection using transoral
      approaches including transoral robotic surgery (TORS). To develop and control
      TORS tools, precise dimensions of the oral cavity and pharynx are desirable. CT
      angiograms of 76 patients were analyzed. For the oral cavity, only the maximum
      length and width were measured, while for the pharynx, the width, length, and
      areas of the airway were all measured and the volume calculated. A prototype TORS
      tool was developed and tested based on the findings and dimensions. The design
      modification of the tool is in progress. The mean male oral cavity width and
      length were 93.3 +/- 4.3 and 77.0 +/- 7.2 mm, respectively, and the mean male
      pharyngeal width, length, area, and volume were 26.5 +/- 7.2 mm, 16.2 +/- 8.8 mm,
      325 +/- 149 mm2, and 28,440 +/- 14,100 mm3, respectively, while the mean female
      oral cavity width and length were 84.5 +/- 12.9 and 71.0 +/- 6.3 mm,
      respectively, and the mean female pharyngeal width, length, area, and volume were
      24.8 +/- 5.6 mm, 13.7 +/- 3.2 mm, 258 +/- 98 mm2, and 17,660 +/- 7700 mm3,
      respectively. The developed TORS tool was tested inside the oral cavity of an
      intubation mannequin. These data will also be used to develop an electronic no-go
      cone-shape tunnel to improve the safety of the surgical field. Reporting the oral
      cavity and pharyngeal dimensions is important for design of TORS tools and
      creating control zones for the workspace of the tool inside the oral cavity.

PMID- 27664145
TI  - The Primates 2016 Most-Cited Paper Award is conferred upon the following authors:
      M. F. Jaman and M. A. Huffman, G. Hanya et al., and M. LaFleur et al.

PMID- 27664144
TI  - Self-Reported Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease by Sex and Disease Duration.
AB  - Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease with a wide range of
      symptom presentations. The purpose of this research was to compare self-reported
      motor and non-motor symptoms of PD by sex and disease duration. This study was a
      cross-sectional descriptive survey in community-dwelling people with PD. A total
      of 141 participants (64.6% response rate; 59.6% men; Mage = 69.7 years) were
      included. Males reported more rigidity, speech problems, sexual dysfunction,
      memory problems, and socializing problems than females. The number of motor
      symptoms in three groups divided by increments of 5 years was significantly
      increased. Postural instability, freezing, off periods, dyskinesia, speech
      problems, and hallucinations/psychosis were significantly increased as the
      disease duration increased. Thorough assessment of motor and non-motor symptoms
      could decrease the risk of inadequate symptom management. Provision of
      information regarding PD symptoms at each stage may help people with PD and their
      caregivers in planning their future care and life.

PMID- 27664148
TI  - Developments and current approaches in the treatment of pterygium.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess and compare the studies conducted in the literature with
      recurrence rates and the summary of the justified treatment approaches be
      presented. METHOD: Pterygium, a fibrovascular tissue that proceeds from the
      bulbar conjunctiva towards the cornea, is quite a commonly seen ocular surface
      deterioration. The treatment is performed through a surgical excision, and the
      frequent recurrence of this disorder, despite the developments of today, is the
      major problem experienced in the wake of the surgery. There are various treatment
      methods applied for the prevention of recurrence; yet, there is no definite view
      as to what treatment is the most effective one. Since the recurrent pterygium
      cases are more aggressive than the primary pterygium, it is of great importance
      to determine the treatment method in which recurrence rate is the lowest. In
      different studies seen in the literature, there is difficulty in comparing the
      results due to the fact that the follow-up periods, recurrence criteria and the
      doses and durations of the medications administered differ from one another.
      CONCLUSION: When the literature is reviewed, the bare sclera technique is not
      used due to the high rate of recurrence, whereas successful results can be
      achieved through the conjunctival autograft technique. Lower recurrence rates
      have been reported along with the administration of mitomycin C, 5-FU and other
      agents that were used as an adjuvant treatment.

PMID- 27664149
TI  - reply to the letter to the editor 'Possible determinants of VSL#3 probiotic
      failure in preventing gastrointestinal adverse events associated with dacomitinib
      in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer enrolled in ARCHER-1042
      trial' by Ceccarelli et al.

PMID- 27664150
TI  - Occupational exposure to metals and risk of meningioma: a multinational case
      control study.
AB  - The aim of the study was to examine associations between occupational exposure to
      metals and meningioma risk in the international INTEROCC study. INTEROCC is a
      seven-country population-based case-control study including 1906 adult meningioma
      cases and 5565 population controls. Incident cases were recruited between 2000
      and 2004. A detailed occupational history was completed and job titles were coded
      into standard international occupational classifications. Estimates of mean
      workday exposure to individual metals and to welding fumes were assigned based on
      a job-exposure-matrix. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals
      (CIs) were estimated using conditional logistic regression. Although more
      controls than cases were ever exposed to metals (14 vs. 11 %, respectively),
      cases had higher median cumulative exposure levels. The ORs for ever vs. never
      exposure to any metal and to individual metals were mostly greater than 1.0, with
      the strongest association for exposure to iron (OR 1.26, 95 % CI 1.0-1.58). In
      women, an increased OR of 1.70 (95 % CI 1.0-2.89) was seen for ever vs never
      exposure to iron (OR in men 1.19, 95 % CI 0.91-1.54), with positive trends in
      relation with both cumulative and duration of exposure. These results remained
      after consideration of other occupational metal or chemical co-exposures. In
      conclusion, an apparent positive association between occupational exposure to
      iron and meningioma risk was observed, particularly among women. Considering the
      fact that meningioma is a hormone dependent tumor, the hypothesis that an
      interaction between iron and estrogen metabolism may be a potential mechanism for
      a carcinogenic effect of iron should be further investigated.

PMID- 27664152
TI  - Endovascular Treatment of Thrombosis and Embolism.
AB  - Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a common disorder with a significant mortality
      rate. Successful endovascular treatment of acute DVT is most likely to be
      achieved in patients with recently formed thrombus, (<10-14 days) with acute
      iliofemoral DVT. Endovascular treatment options include: Catheter-directed
      thrombolysis (CDT), pharmacomechanical catheter-directed thrombolysis (PCDT),
      percutaneous aspiration thrombectomy (PAT), vena cava filter protection, venous
      balloon dilatation and venous stent implantation. Current practice shows strong
      clinical tendency for the use of PCDT with or without other endovascular methods
      and an individualized approach for each DVT patient. PMT has not received general
      acceptance because of the associated risk of PE and damage to venous valves
      caused by thrombectomy devices. PAT is most commonly used as an adjunctive
      endovascular technique like balloon maceration to fragment thrombus, balloon
      angioplasty, stent implantation and vena cava filter placement. Interventional
      endovascular therapies for DVT have the potential to provide PE protection and
      prevention of PTS. Patient centered individualized approach for endovascular DVT
      treatment is recommended to optimize the ideal clinical result.Acute stroke is
      the leading cause of death for people above the age of 60 and the fifth leading
      cause in people aged 15-59. Mortality during the first 30 days of ischemic stroke
      is 20 % and 30 % of survivors will remain permanently disabled. Acute stroke
      patients within the therapeutic window must receive IVrtPA unless there is a
      contraindication. In case of contraindication to IVrtPA or for patients out of
      the therapeutic window for thrombolytics, standart of care is the intraarterial
      treatment. Patients have to be transferred to a comprehensive stroke center with
      capacity of dedicated neurovascular imaging and interventional neuroradiology.
      Noncontrast head CT that is used to rule out hemorrhage is followed by imaging
      studies dedicated to show if there is reasonable penumbra to save. Intraarterial
      thrombolysis has the main advantage of extended therapy window, earlier and more
      efficient recanalization and less risk of hemorrhage due to lower doses of
      thrombolytics. Mechanical thrombectomy has several advantages over IV/IA
      fibrinolysis including faster recanalization and less risk of hemorrhage
      especially in large artery occlusions. ASA guidelines recommend choosing stent
      retrievers over other devices for mechanical thrombectomy. Better recanalization
      rates and less infarct volume after mechanical thrombectomy result in higher
      numbers of functionally independent patients compared with other treatments. Two
      landmark studies that were published recently, SWIFT PRIME and MR CLEAN, showed
      that IA treatment especially with the new stent retrievers lead to a significant
      increase in functional recovery and independence in daily life after an acute
      stroke.Cerebral venous and sinus thrombosis (CVST) comprises nearly 0.5-1 % of
      all stroke cases. CVST causes different neurological deficits depending on the
      sinus/cortical vein involved. CVST may cause death and dependency in 13.4 % of
      patients. CT/CT venography and MR/MR venography can be effectively used to
      diagnose and to follow up CVT cases. Anticoagulation with heparin is the most
      widely accepted therapy to prevent the expansion of the thrombus. Patients
      deteriorating despite heparinization and patients presenting with very severe
      neurological deficits must receive endovascular treatment. Endovascular methods
      include intrasinus infusion of thrombolytics or heparin, balloon angioplasty,
      mechanical thrombectomy or a combination of different techniques. There is a
      higher rate or recanalization with endovascular methods compared to other medical
      therapies.

PMID- 27664151
TI  - Radiotherapy induces an immediate inflammatory reaction in malignant glioma: a
      clinical microdialysis study.
AB  - The knowledge of response to radiation in the immuno-microenvironment of high
      grade gliomas is sparse. In vitro results have indicated an inflammatory response
      of myeloid cells after irradiation. Therefore, microdialysis was used to verify
      whether this is operative in tumor tissue and brain adjacent to tumor (BAT) after
      clinical radiotherapy of patients with high grade glioma. Stereotactic biopsies
      and implantation of microdialysis catheters in tumor tissue and BAT were
      performed in eleven patients with high-grade glioma. The patients were given
      daily radiation fractions of 2-3.4 Gy. Microdialysis samples were collected
      before radiotherapy and during the first five days of radiation. Cytokines,
      glucose metabolites, glutamate and glycerol were analyzed. Immunohistochemistry
      was performed to detect macrophages (CD68) and monocytes (CD163) as well as IL-6,
      IL-8 and MCP-1. A significant increase of IL-8, MCP-1 and MIP-1a were detected in
      tumor tissue already after the first dose of radiation and increased further
      during 5 days of radiation. IL-6 did also increase but after five fractions of
      radiation. In BAT, the cytokine response was modest with significant increase of
      IL-8 after third dose of radiation. We found a positive correlation between
      baseline IL-8 and IL-6 microdialysis levels in tumor tissue and survival. Glucose
      metabolites or glycerol and glutamate did not change during radiation. In all
      tumors staining for macrophages was demonstrated. IL-6 was found in viable tumor
      cells while MCP-1 was demonstrated in macrophages or tumor matrix. Our findings
      suggest that radiation induces a rapid enhancement of the prevailing inflammation
      in high-grade glioma tissue. The microdialysis technique is feasible for this
      type of study and could be used to monitor metabolic changes after different
      interventions.

PMID- 27664153
TI  - Self-adhesive resin cements: pH-neutralization, hydrophilicity, and hygroscopic
      expansion stress.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to investigate the relationship
      between pH-neutralization, hydrophilicity, and free hygroscopic expansion stress
      of self-adhesive resin cements (SARCs) after storage in artificial saliva.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: The SARCs RelyX Unicem Automix 2 (RX2, 3 M ESPE), iCEM
      (iCEM, Heraeus) and Maxcem Elite (MCE, Kerr) were under investigation in this
      study. Cylinders (height * diameter, 6 * 4mm) were prepared from each material
      and stored in artificial saliva (7d at 37  degrees C). Cylinder height was
      measured at baseline and after 7 days. After storage, the compression modulus was
      measured to calculate the free hygroscopic expansion stress. For pH
      neutralization and hydrophilicity assessment, disks (height * diameter, 1 * 1.5
      mm) were prepared, covered with electrolyte, and monitored over 24 h at 37 
      degrees C. Hydrophilicity was assessed using the static sessile drop technique at
      baseline and at different time intervals up to 24 h. Data were analyzed using one
      way ANOVA and post hoc Student-Newman-Keuls test (S-N-K, alpha = 0.05). RESULTS:
      After 24 h, RX2 (pH24h 4.68) had a significantly higher (p < 0.05) pH-value than
      MCE (pH24h 4.2) and iCEM (pH24h 3.23). iCEM showed the significantly highest
      hydrophilicity (p < 0.05) after 24 h (theta24h 85.02 degrees ), while MCE
      resulted lower (theta24h 113.01 degrees ) in comparison with RX2 (theta24h 108.11
      degrees ). The resulting hygroscopic expansion stress of iCEM (29.15 MPa) was
      significantly higher (p < 0.05) compared to RX2 (14.5 MPa) and MCE (21.02 MPa).
      CONCLUSIONS: The material with lowest pH-neutralization capacity displayed higher
      hydrophilicity after 24 h and higher hygroscopic expansion stress after 7 days
      compared to those with high pH-neutralization. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Remnant
      hydrophilicity due to low pH-neutralization of SARCs could lead to cement
      interface stress build-up and long-term failure of silicate ceramic restorations.

PMID- 27664154
TI  - Use of an over-the-scope clipping device for closure of a jejuno-sigmoid fistula:
      a case report with long-term follow-up.
AB  - The over-the-scope clip (OTSC) system is a new technology that enables closure of
      fistulae which cannot be closed with a conventional clip. A 57-year-old woman had
      long-term hypoalbuminemia, edema and general malaise. Peroral double-balloon
      endoscopy (DBE) showed a jejuno-sigmoid fistula and blind loop syndrome of the
      jejunum and ileum, because ingested food bypassed the ileum through the fistula.
      She was advised to undergo surgical closure of the fistula, but she refused the
      procedure. For 7 years following DBE, repeat courses of antibiotics were required
      to treat bacterial overgrowth due to blind loop syndrome. The fistula was
      successfully closed using the OTSC system from the sigmoid colon side. The
      patient's symptoms and quality of life improved. Two years after closure,
      hypoalbuminemia, edema and general malaise developed again due to dislocation of
      the OTSC. She then accepted surgical closure of the fistula, because she had
      experienced improvement after closure using the OTSC. Her quality of life
      improved again following surgery. OTSC application can demonstrate the
      improvement expected after surgical closure of a fistula, and may convince a
      patient of the benefits of surgical closure.

PMID- 27664155
TI  - Extracellular vesicles are present in mouse lymph and their level differs in
      atherosclerosis.
AB  - The lymphatic system works in close collaboration with the cardiovascular system
      to preserve fluid balance throughout the body and is essential for the
      trafficking of antigen-presenting cells and lymphocytes to lymphoid organs.
      Recent findings have associated lymphatic dysfunction with the pathogenesis of
      cardiovascular-related diseases such as atherosclerosis, inflammation and
      obesity. Whether lymphatic dysfunction is a cause or a consequence of these
      diseases, as well as how, is under intensive investigation. Extracellular
      vesicles (EVs) are submicron vesicles released by diverse cell types upon
      activation or apoptosis and are considered important biomarkers for several
      inflammatory diseases. Thus, it is critical to characterize the presence of EVs
      in various biological tissues and fluids to delineate their origins and,
      subsequently, their functions. In the past few years, new techniques allowing the
      quantitative and qualitative analysis of EVs have emerged, thus facilitating the
      onset of studies bridging these vesicles to the lymphatic system. Using several
      state-of-the-art approaches, this article reports the presence of diverse EVs
      inclusively derived from red blood cells and platelets in lymph of healthy
      animals. Our results suggest that lymph from atherosclerotic mice displays a
      higher concentration of EVs, bringing forward the concept that EVs contained in
      lymph could either be a biomarker for lymphatic dysfunction or, conversely, for
      inflammatory disease progression. 

PMID- 27664156
TI  - Role of circadian gene Clock during differentiation of mouse pluripotent stem
      cells.
AB  - Biological rhythms controlled by the circadian clock are absent in embryonic stem
      cells (ESCs). However, they start to develop during the differentiation of
      pluripotent ESCs to downstream cells. Conversely, biological rhythms in adult
      somatic cells disappear when they are reprogrammed into induced pluripotent stem
      cells (iPSCs). These studies indicated that the development of biological rhythms
      in ESCs might be closely associated with the maintenance and differentiation of
      ESCs. The core circadian gene Clock is essential for regulation of biological
      rhythms. Its role in the development of biological rhythms of ESCs is totally
      unknown. Here, we used CRISPR/CAS9-mediated genetic editing techniques, to
      completely knock out the Clock expression in mouse ESCs. By AP, teratoma
      formation, quantitative real-time PCR and Immunofluorescent staining, we did not
      find any difference between Clock knockout mESCs and wild type mESCs in
      morphology and pluripotent capability under the pluripotent state. In brief,
      these data indicated Clock did not influence the maintaining of pluripotent
      state. However, they exhibited decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis.
      Furthermore, the biological rhythms failed to develop in Clock knockout mESCs
      after spontaneous differentiation, which indicated that there was no
      compensational factor in most peripheral tissues as described in mice models
      before (DeBruyne et al., 2007b). After spontaneous differentiation, loss of CLOCK
      protein due to Clock gene silencing induced spontaneous differentiation of mESCs,
      indicating an exit from the pluripotent state, or its differentiating ability.
      Our findings indicate that the core circadian gene Clock may be essential during
      normal mESCs differentiation by regulating mESCs proliferation, apoptosis and
      activity.

PMID- 27664158
TI  - Giving feedback to medical students and trainees: rules and realities.

PMID- 27664157
TI  - Frequent use of colistin-based drug treatment to eliminate extended-spectrum beta
      lactamase-producing Escherichia coli in backyard chicken farms in Thai Binh
      Province, Vietnam.
AB  - Reports of livestock infections with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing
      Escherichia coli (ESBL-E) are increasing. Based on interviews conducted over a 6
      month period, we found that veterinarians in the Vietnamese province of Thai Binh
      prefer to prescribe colistin-based drugs (CBD) in chicken farms. We aimed to
      clarify whether CBD use selects for strains of colistin-resistant ESBL-E. With
      the cooperation of seven local households, we detected ESBL-E in chickens' feces
      after treating chickens with CBD. Phylogenetic groupings and the presence of CTX
      M/AmpC genes were determined, and the multi-antibiotic susceptibility of isolates
      was analyzed. Our results showed that ESBL-E presented in seven chickens' feces
      from two households. Seventy-two percent of ESBL-E isolates harbored CTX-M9 and
      the phylogenetic group A; the colistin minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of
      all isolated ESBL-E ranged from 0.064 to 1 MUg mL-1. Moreover, ESBL-E isolates
      were used to experimentally select for colistin resistance, and the effect of
      commercial CBD on ESBL-E was investigated. The results showed that an ESBL-E
      strain with a colistin MIC of 4 MUg mL-1 was able to grow in media with CBD.
      Although CBD treatment was effective, in vitro experiments demonstrated that ESBL
      E can easily acquire colistin resistance. Therefore, restrictions on colistin use
      are necessary to prevent the emergence of colistin-resistant bacteria.

PMID- 27664159
TI  - L-Ribose isomerase and mannose-6-phosphate isomerase: properties and applications
      for L-ribose production.
AB  - L-Ribose is a synthetic L-form monosaccharide. It is a building block of many
      novel nucleotide analog anti-viral drugs. Bio-production of L-ribose relies on a
      two-step reaction: (i) conversion of L-arabinose to L-ribulose by the catalytic
      action of L-arabinose isomerase (L-AI) and (ii) conversion of L-ribulose to L
      ribose by the catalytic action of L-ribose isomerase (L-RI, EC 5.3.1.B3) or
      mannose-6-phosphate isomerase (MPI, EC 5.3.1.8, alternately named as
      phosphomannose isomerase). Between the two enzymes, L-RI is a rare enzyme that
      was discovered in 1996 by Professor Izumori's group, whereas MPI is an essential
      enzyme in metabolic pathways in humans and microorganisms. Recent studies have
      focused on their potentials for industrial production of L-ribose. This review
      summarizes the applications of L-RI and MPI for L-ribose production.

PMID- 27664160
TI  - Enzymatic liquefaction of agarose above the sol-gel transition temperature using
      a thermostable endo-type beta-agarase, Aga16B.
AB  - The main carbohydrate of red macroalgae is agarose, a heterogeneous
      polysaccharide composed of D-galactose and 3,6-anhydro-L-galactose. When
      saccharifying agarose by enzymes, the unique physical properties of agarose,
      namely the sol-gel transition and the near-insolubility of agarose in water,
      limit the accessibility of agarose to the enzymes. Due to the lower accessibility
      of agarose to enzymes in the gel state than to the sol state, it is important to
      prevent the sol-gel transition by performing the enzymatic liquefaction of
      agarose at a temperature higher than the sol-gel transition temperature of
      agarose. In this study, a thermostable endo-type beta-agarase, Aga16B,
      originating from Saccharophagus degradans 2-40T, was characterized and introduced
      in the liquefaction process. Aga16B was thermostable up to 50  degrees C and
      depolymerized agarose mainly into neoagarooligosaccharides with degrees of
      polymerization 4 and 6. Aga16B was applied to enzymatic liquefaction of agarose
      at 45  degrees C, which was above the sol-gel transition temperature of 1 % (w/v)
      agarose (~35  degrees C) when cooling agarose. This is the first systematic
      demonstration of enzymatic liquefaction of agarose, enabled by determining the
      sol-gel temperature of agarose under specific conditions and by characterizing
      the thermostability of an endo-type beta-agarase.

PMID- 27664161
TI  - Environmental risk factors for sudden infant death syndrome in Japan.
AB  - : While the prevalence of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) has decreased
      worldwide, this decline has plateaued recently. Strategies are needed to resume
      the constant decrease of SIDS in Japan. A prospective electrocardiographic
      screening program for infants was performed between July 2010 and March 2011.
      Parents of 4319 infants were asked about environmental factors related to SIDS
      through questionnaires at a one-month medical checkup and one year. Parental
      awareness of prone position, smoke exposure, and breast feeding as environmental
      factors were 81.4 %, 69.0 %, and 47.8 %, respectively. The prevalence of laying
      infants exclusively in a supine position was 96.7 %. At the one-month medical
      checkup, smoking prevalence was 41.7 % in fathers and 2.1 % in mothers. Maternal
      smoking prevalence was significantly increased at one year after (p < 0.001).
      Multivariate regression analysis showed that risk factors for new or continued
      maternal smoking habits were maternal smoking habits at one month (p < 0.001),
      paternal smoking habits one year later (p < 0.001), and younger maternal age (p =
      0.02). CONCLUSION: Most parents already avoid laying infants in the prone
      position, and parental smoking is still a SIDS risk concern in Japan. Smoking
      cessation programs should be further implemented for parents to decrease risks of
      SIDS in Japan. What is Known: * The prevalence of sudden infant death syndrome
      (SIDS) has decreased worldwide, however, this decline has plateaued recently.
      What is New: * Most infants were laid sleeping in the supine position (96.7 %)
      and were fed breast milk or a mix of expressed milk and formula (92.7 %), and 2.1
      % of mothers smoked at the one-month medical checkup. * Maternal smoking
      prevalence significantly increased from the one-month medical checkup to one year
      later, and smoking mothers were more likely to feed infants by formula rather
      than breast milk. * Independent risk factors for new or continued maternal
      smoking habits included younger maternal age, maternal smoking habits at one
      month, and paternal smoking habits one year later.

PMID- 27664162
TI  - Reply to: mitochondrial diabetes in Germany and Austria.

PMID- 27664165
TI  - Clarity is needed on plans for digital NHS, says think tank.

PMID- 27664164
TI  - Plasticity of tumor cell invasion: governance by growth factors and cytokines.
AB  - Tumor cell migration, the basis for metastatic dissemination, is an adaptive
      process which depends upon coordinated cell interaction with the environment,
      influencing cell-matrix and cell-cell adhesion, cytoskeletal dynamics and
      extracellular matrix remodeling. Growth factors and cytokines, released within
      the reactive tumor microenvironment and their intracellular effector signals
      strongly impact mechanocoupling functions in tumor cells and thereby control the
      mode and extent of tumor invasion, including collective and single-cell migration
      and their interconversions. Besides their role in controlling tumor cell growth
      and survival, cytokines and growth factors thus provide complex orchestration of
      the metastatic cascade and tumor cell adaptation to environmental challenge. We
      here review the mechanisms by which growth factors and cytokines control the
      reciprocal interactions between tumor cells and their microenvironment, and the
      consequences for the efficacy and plasticity of invasion programs and metastasis.

PMID- 27664163
TI  - Prevention of Cyclophilin D-Mediated mPTP Opening Using Cyclosporine-A Alleviates
      the Elevation of Necroptosis, Autophagy and Apoptosis-Related Markers Following
      Global Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion.
AB  - The mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) is a complex channel of the
      inner membrane, the opening of which leads to mitochondrial swelling and
      dissipation of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Here, we aimed to evaluate
      the role of the cyclophilin D (CypD) as a prominent mediator of mPTP, on
      necroptosis and autophagy as well as apoptosis, beyond the global cerebral
      ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. We showed that while cerebral I/R injury is
      accompanied by loss of MMP, mitochondrial swelling and programmed cell death,
      pretreatment with cyclosporine-A (CsA) as a potent inhibitor of CypD, led to
      partial but significant reduction in necroptosis markers, RIP1 and RIP3 as well
      as activity of glutamate-ammonia ligase (GLUL) and glutamate dehydrogenase 1
      (GLUD1), downstream enzymes of RIP3. Administration of CsA also partially
      decreased autophagy associated proteins. Furthermore, we demonstrated that
      Bax/Bcl-2 ratio as well as caspase-3 activation, as the executioner of apoptosis,
      noticeably decreased by CsA pretreatment. Taken together, our results suggest
      that the CypD alongside the apoptosis regulation plays a partial role in inducing
      necroptosis and autophagy.

PMID- 27664166
TI  - Percutaneous Triple and Double Osteotomies for the Treatment of Hallux Valgus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Percutaneous surgery to correct deformities of the forefoot presents
      the advantages of using a minimal incision, which involves less soft tissue
      damage and less risk of wound complications. For severe deformities, percutaneous
      techniques have not been proven as effective. We propose a technique for the
      treatment of severe hallux valgus. METHODS: In a sample of 52 feet operated on 48
      patients, we performed a double percutaneous osteotomy (closure proximal
      osteotomy and a distal Akin) or triple when a Reverdin-Isham osteotomy was added.
      We measured preoperatively the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS)
      score at the 1-year and 2-year follow-up, as well as the values of hallux valgus
      angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), distal metatarsal articular ankle
      (DMAA), and shortening and elevation of the first metatarsal. The presence of
      metatarsalgia was recorded before and after the surgery. RESULTS: HVA, IMA, and
      DMAA improved from 39.3 +/- 7.1, 17.0 +/- 2.0, and 16 +/- 8.7 to 11.2 +/- 6.2,
      8.4 +/- 3.4, and 8.3 +/- 6.2, respectively. In 5 cases (10%), there was an
      elevation of the distal metatarsal bone, but only in 2 cases did a transfer
      metatarsalgia develop. There were no significant correlations between the amount
      of shortening and the presence of postoperative metatarsalgia. Scores on the
      AOFAS scale improved from 47.6 +/- 5.6 to 89.7 +/- 10.1 points. CONCLUSION: The
      results are comparable to those reported with other more established techniques.
      Transfer metatarsalgia did not correlate with lifting or shortening of the
      metatarsal. We indicate the percutaneous technique for IMA above 15 degrees and
      increased DMAA or congruent joints. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective
      case series.

PMID- 27664167
TI  - Relationship of Prolonged Operative Time and Comorbidities With Complications
      After Geriatric Ankle Fractures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The incidence of geriatric ankle fractures has increased during the
      last few decades. In contrast to younger patients, increased complication rates
      have been observed. Thus, the goal of the present study was to identify risk
      factors for perioperative complications following open reduction and internal
      fixation of geriatric ankle fractures. METHODS: Two hundred thirty-seven patients
      over the age of 65 years (mean, 72.5 +/- 6.1 years) treated for ankle fractures
      in our institution between 2004 and 2014 were included. Complications associated
      with operative treatment as well as complications requiring revision surgery were
      analyzed. In a multivariate analysis, risk factors were determined. RESULTS: In
      68 patients (28.7%), 74 complications were documented. The most common
      complications were impaired wound healing and operative site infections. The
      multivariate analysis revealed that the operative time was the only independent
      risk factor for the development of a complication. The operative time as well as
      the presence of an open fracture represented risk factors for needing revision
      surgery. Comorbidities did not influence the development of complications.
      CONCLUSION: The operative management of geriatric ankle fractures was associated
      with a high complication rate. In the present study, the operative time was the
      only modifiable factor for the development of a complication that required
      revision surgery. During preoperative preparation, we believe that perfusion of
      the affected limb should be optimized to reduce the incidence of wound
      complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

PMID- 27664168
TI  - Performance evaluation of multiplex PCR including Aspergillus-not so simple!
AB  - Multiplex PCRs have been designed for including species other than Aspergillus
      fumigatus for the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis, such as microarrays,
      liquid-phase array, and electrospray-ionization mass spectrometry (PCR/ESI MS).
      These methods are based on the selection of multiple primers to amplify different
      species with the specificity checked by hybridization to a probe or by base
      composition of the amplicon for the PCR/ESI MS. When testing complex samples such
      as respiratory specimens, some clinically relevant species can be missed. Indeed,
      it is impossible to design primers able to amplify all the known fungal species
      with the same efficiency. Therefore, the best amplified species may not be the
      most clinically relevant. Multiplex assays have also been proposed to detect A.
      fumigatus DNA and azole resistance. Since the gene responsible for azole
      resistance is single copy and the gene used for detection is multicopy, only the
      high fungal loads can be evaluated. Thus, although interesting for investigating
      mycobiome, the multiplex assays should be used with cautious for the diagnosis of
      IA or the detection of resistance. For the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis,
      validated quantitative PCRs specifically targeting A. fumigatus or a limited set
      of species to increase sensitivity is a safer option.

PMID- 27664169
TI  - A fucose specific lectin from Aspergillus flavus induced interleukin-8 expression
      is mediated by mitogen activated protein kinase p38.
AB  - Aspergillus flavus is an ubiquitous, opportunistic fungus responsible to cause
      invasive fungal allergic diseases, including bronchopulmonary invasive
      aspergillosis in persons with altered immune function. Lectins have been
      implicated as interaction mediators between the pathogenic fungi and human host.
      We isolated L-fucose specific lectin from A. flavus (FFL) and purified it to
      homogeneity with a combination of ion exchange and hydrophobic interaction
      chromatography methods. Its hemagglutination activity was significantly inhibited
      by 125 MUM L-fucose as compared to other sugars and sugar derivatives. We, then
      used human cell line L-132, and U937 cell line to explore the possible
      cytotoxicity and proinflammatory effect of this fucose-specific lectin. The
      lectin induced the expression of proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-8 (IL-8) in
      a dose-dependent manner, and it was found to be associated with the p38 mitogen
      activated protein kinase (MAPK). The p38MAPK signalling pathway regulates the
      transcription factor activator protein-1 (AP-1) activity, which is the
      integration point of many signals that can differentially affect the expression
      and transcriptional activity of a cell. We observed activation of c-Jun, a
      critical component of the AP-1 complex, mediated by p38MAPK upon the FFL
      treatment in L-132 cells. Finally, inhibition of p38MAPK by a specific inhibitor
      attenuates the c-Jun, suggesting the p38MAPK involvement in the c-Jun activation,
      which in turn transcriptionally activates the induction of IL-8 in response to
      the lectin. Thus, this study showed a potential lectin-mediated mechanism to
      modulate the immune response during host-fungus interactions.

PMID- 27664172
TI  - 2016 Year in Review.

PMID- 27664171
TI  - Comparison Between Quality of Care Provided by Trained Feeding Assistants and
      Certified Nursing Assistants During Between-Meal Supplementation in Long-Term
      Care Settings.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to compare the quality of feeding assistance
      provided by trained non-nursing staff with care provided by certified nursing
      assistants (CNAs). Research staff provided an 8-hr training course that met
      federal and state requirements to non-nursing staff in five community long-term
      care facilities. Trained staff were assigned to between-meal supplement and/or
      snack delivery for 24 weeks. Using standardized observations, research staff
      measured feeding assistance care processes between meals across all study weeks.
      Trained staff, nurse aides, and upper level staff were interviewed at 24 weeks to
      assess staff perceptions of program impact. Trained staff performed significantly
      better than CNAs for 12 of 13 care process measures. Residents also consumed
      significantly more calories per snack offer from trained staff ( M = 130 +/- 126
      [ SD] kcal) compared with CNAs ( M = 77 +/- 94 [ SD] kcal). The majority of staff
      reported a positive impact of the training program.

PMID- 27664170
TI  - Induction of cyclooxygenase-2 gene by Candida albicans through EGFR, ERK, and p38
      pathways in human urinary epithelium.
AB  - In the present data, we found that Candida albicans (C. albicans) caused bladder
      epithelial cell morphology alteration, cell damage, and inflammatory responses,
      including cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) gene and protein expression as well as
      prostaglandin E2 accumulation. In addition, the molecular pathway underlying C.
      albicans-induced urothelial COX-2 gene expression was examined. Among MAPK
      pathways, phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38, and JNK each increased following C.
      albicans infection for 12 h. However, C. albicans-induced COX-2 protein
      expression was inhibited by specific inhibitors of ERK and p38 (U0126 and
      SB203580) but not by JNK inhibitor SP600125. Additional evidence came from the
      increased amount of phosphorylated RSK that is the mutual downstream molecule of
      ERK1/2 and p38. Furthermore, phosphorylation of RSK protein was reduced by the
      ERK and p38 inhibitor, suggesting that the urothelial COX-2 gene was induced
      majorly though the ERK/p38-RSK pathway by C. albicans infection. We also found
      transcription factor CREB-1 showed increased binding to the COX-2 gene promoter
      by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Next, we used receptor inhibitors
      including Toll-like receptor (TLR)-Myd88 inhibitor ST2825, Dectin-Syk inhibitor
      Syk inhibitor, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor PD168393 to
      identify which one was the main target associated with C. albicans binding. The
      results revealed that it was EGFR, recognized by C. albicans, that mostly
      mediated the ERK/p38-RSK pathway activation to induce COX-2 gene expression, but
      this was not the case for TLRs and Dectin receptors. In summary, these results
      demonstrated the EGFR-ERK/p38-RSK-CREB-1 pathway was involved significantly in
      the C. albicans-induced COX-2 expression in human urothelium.

PMID- 27664173
TI  - Prime time to resuscitate clinical medicine and kill diagnostic greed?
AB  - Modern healthcare faces the challenges of rising costs, increasing expectations
      of patients and changing disease patterns. Physicians practise medicine in an era
      of easy availability and access to a plethora of modern and sometimes expensive
      diagnostic aids. The powerful utility of clinical skills cannot be underestimated
      nor lost. The physician has a powerful platform to encourage the rational use of
      tests, prevent wasteful overutilisation and ensure that tests do not cause more
      harm than benefit in physical, emotional or financial terms. Diagnostic skills
      should not be substituted by diagnostic greed. It is possible to do more for the
      patient rather than to the patient. 

PMID- 27664174
TI  - Avoiding alert fatigue in pulmonary embolism decision support: a new method to
      examine 'trigger rates'.
AB  - A clinical decision support system (CDSS) is integrated into the electronic
      health record (EHR) and allows physicians to easily use a clinical decision
      support (CDS) tool. However, often CDSSs are integrated into the EHR with poor
      adoption rates. One reason for this is secondary to 'trigger fatigue'. Therefore,
      we developed a new and innovative usability process named 'sensitivity and
      specificity trigger analysis' (SSTA) as part of our larger project around a
      pulmonary embolism decision support tool. SSTA will enable programmers to examine
      optimal trigger rates prior to the integration of a CDS tool into the EHR, by
      using a formal method of analysis. We performed a retrospective chart review. The
      outcome of interest was physician ordering of a CT angiography (CTA). Phrases
      that signify common symptoms associated with pulmonary embolism were assessed as
      possible triggers for the CDSS tool. We then analysed each trigger's ability to
      predict physician ordering of a CTA. We found that the most sensitive way to
      trigger the Pulmonary Embolism CDS tool while still maintaining a high
      specificity was by combining 1 or more pertinent symptoms with 1 or more elements
      of the Wells criteria. This study explored a unique methodology, SSTA, used to
      limit inaccurate triggering of a CDS tool prior to integration into the EHR. This
      methodology can be applied to other studies aiming to decrease triggering rates
      and increase adoption rates of previously validated CDSS tools.

PMID- 27664175
TI  - Determination of a single, universal threshold for caesarean section rate is not
      the way forward.

PMID- 27664176
TI  - Private sector participation in domestic waste management in informal settlements
      in Lagos, Nigeria.
AB  - Lagos is one of the fastest growing cities in Africa, which is grappling with the
      challenges of poorly managed urbanisation. With an estimated population of about
      17.5 million, solid waste management is one of the most pressing environmental
      challenges currently faced in the city. It is estimated that more than
      9071847.4kg of urban waste is generated every day in the city. The city lacks the
      capacity to deal with such magnitude of waste. Consequently, the city has
      involved the private sector (private sector participation) in its waste
      management drive. This article examines the effectiveness of this public-private
      sector collaboration model in waste management in informal settlements in Lagos
      using empirical data. Major findings of the article include the irregularity of
      waste collection owing to a poor road network, an inadequate transport
      infrastructure and the desire to maximise profit, as well as poor waste handling
      and disposal methods by the private sector participation operators who are not
      chosen based on competence and capacity to perform. Another major finding is the
      lack of cooperation from residents evidenced in non-payment of bills and poor
      packaging of wastes, resulting in wastes being littered. The article concludes on
      the need to restructure the scheme through proper sensitisation of residents,
      selection of operators with demonstrable delivery capacity and provision of a
      well-maintained road network to facilitate access of operators to settlements.

PMID- 27664177
TI  - Novel method of vulnerability assessment of simple landfills area using the
      multimedia, multipathway and multireceptor risk assessment (3MRA) model, China.
AB  - Vulnerability assessment of simple landfills was conducted using the multimedia,
      multipathway and multireceptor risk assessment (3MRA) model for the first time in
      China. The minimum safe threshold of six contaminants (benzene, arsenic (As),
      cadmium (Cd), hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)], divalent mercury [Hg(II)] and
      divalent nickel [Ni(II)]) in landfill and waste pile models were calculated by
      the 3MRA model. Furthermore, the vulnerability indexes of the six contaminants
      were predicted based on the model calculation. The results showed that the order
      of health risk vulnerability index was As > Hg(II) > Cr(VI) > benzene > Cd >
      Ni(II) in the landfill model, whereas the ecology risk vulnerability index was in
      the order of As > Hg(II) > Cr(VI) > Cd > benzene > Ni(II). In the waste pile
      model, the order of health risk vulnerability index was benzene > Hg(II) > Cr(VI)
      > As > Cd and Ni(II), whereas the ecology risk vulnerability index was in the
      order of Hg(II) > Cd > Cr(VI) > As > benzene > Ni(II). These results indicated
      that As, Hg(II) and Cr(VI) were the high risk contaminants for the case of a
      simple landfill in China; the concentration of these in soil and groundwater
      around the simple landfill should be strictly monitored, and proper mediation is
      also recommended for simple landfills with a high concentration of contaminants.

PMID- 27664178
TI  - Loss of a Trans-Splicing nad1 Intron from Geraniaceae and Transfer of the
      Maturase Gene matR to the Nucleus in Pelargonium.
AB  - The mitochondrial nad1 gene of seed plants has a complex structure, including
      four introns in cis or trans configurations and a maturase gene (matR) hosted
      within the final intron. In the geranium family (Geraniaceae), however,
      sequencing of representative species revealed that three of the four introns,
      including one in a trans configuration and another that hosts matR, were lost
      from the nad1 gene in their common ancestor. Despite the loss of the host intron,
      matR has been retained as a freestanding gene in most genera of the family,
      indicating that this maturase has additional functions beyond the splicing of its
      host intron. In the common ancestor of Pelargonium, matR was transferred to the
      nuclear genome, where it was split into two unlinked genes that encode either its
      reverse transcriptase or maturase domain. Both nuclear genes are transcribed and
      contain predicted mitochondrial targeting signals, suggesting that they express
      functional proteins that are imported into mitochondria. The nuclear localization
      and split domain structure of matR in the Pelargonium nuclear genome offers a
      unique opportunity to assess the function of these two domains using transgenic
      approaches.

PMID- 27664179
TI  - Draft Genome Sequence of an Aflatoxigenic Aspergillus Species, A. bombycis.
AB  - Aspergillus bombycis was first isolated from silkworm frass in Japan. It has been
      reportedly misidentified as A. nomius due to their macro-morphological and
      chemotype similarities. We sequenced the genome of the A. bombycis Type strain
      and found it to be comparable in size (37 Mb), as well as in numbers of predicted
      genes (12,266), to other sequenced Aspergilli. The aflatoxin gene cluster in this
      strain is similar in size and the genes are oriented the same as other B- + G
      aflatoxin producing species, and this strain contains a complete but
      nonfunctional gene cluster for the production of cyclopiazonic acid. Our findings
      also showed that the A. bombycis Type strain contains a single MAT1-2 gene
      indicating that this species is likely heterothallic (self-infertile). This draft
      genome will contribute to our understanding of the genes and pathways necessary
      for aflatoxin synthesis as well as the evolutionary relationships of
      aflatoxigenic fungi.

PMID- 27664180
TI  - Transcriptional Interference Promotes Rapid Expression Divergence of Drosophila
      Nested Genes.
AB  - Nested genes are the most common form of protein-coding overlap in eukaryotic
      genomes. Previous studies have shown that nested genes accumulate rapidly over
      evolutionary time, typically via the insertion of short young duplicate genes
      into long introns. However, the evolutionary relationship between nested genes
      remains unclear. Here, I compare RNA-seq expression profiles of nested, proximal
      intra-chromosomal, intermediate intra-chromosomal, distant intra-chromosomal, and
      inter-chromosomal gene pairs in two Drosophila species. I find that expression
      profiles of nested genes are more divergent than those of any other class of
      genes, supporting the hypothesis that concurrent expression of nested genes is
      deleterious due to transcriptional interference. Further analysis reveals that
      expression profiles of derived nested genes are more divergent than those of
      their ancestral un-nested orthologs, which are more divergent than those of un
      nested genes with similar genomic features. Thus, gene expression divergence
      between nested genes is likely caused by selection against nesting of genes with
      insufficiently divergent expression profiles, as well as by continued expression
      divergence after nesting. Moreover, expression divergence and sequence
      evolutionary rates are elevated in young nested genes and reduced in old nested
      genes, indicating that a burst of rapid evolution occurs after nesting. Together,
      these findings suggest that similarity between expression profiles of nested
      genes is deleterious due to transcriptional interference, and that natural
      selection addresses this problem both by eradicating highly deleterious nestings
      and by enabling rapid expression divergence of surviving nested genes, thereby
      quickly limiting or abolishing transcriptional interference.

PMID- 27664181
TI  - Genome-wide association study of plasma resistin levels identified rs1423096 and
      rs10401670 as possible functional variants in the Japanese population.
AB  - Resistin is a cytokine inducing insulin resistance in mice. We previously
      identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at -420 (rs1862513) and -358
      (rs3219175) located in the human resistin gene (RETN) promoter as strong
      determinants for circulating resistin in the Japanese population. The objective
      was to identify additional functional variants for circulating resistin. We
      conducted a genome-wide association study in 448 Japanese subjects. A peak
      association signal was found on chromosome 19 where RETN is located. The top-hit
      SNP was SNP -358 G>A, followed by rs1423096 C>T, SNP -420 C>G, and rs10401670 C>T
      (P = 5.39*10-47, 1.81*10-22, 2.09*10-16, and 9.25*10-15, respectively). Meta
      analysis including another two independent general Japanese populations showed
      that circulating resistin was most strongly associated with SNP-358, followed by
      SNP-420, rs1423096, and rs10401670. Rs1423096 and rs10401670 were located in the
      3'-region of RETN and were in strong linkage disequilibrium. Although these SNPs
      were also in linkage disequilibrium with the promoter SNPs, conditional and
      haplotype association analyses identified rs1423096 and rs10401670 as independent
      determinants for circulating resistin. Functionally, nuclear proteins
      specifically recognized T but not C at rs10401670 as evidenced by an
      electrophoretic mobility shift assay. The promoter activity of a luciferase
      reporter with T at either rs1423096 or rs10401670 was lower than that with C in
      THP-1 human monocytes. Therefore, rs1423096 and rs10401670, in addition to SNP
      420 and SNP-358, were identified as possible functional variants affecting
      circulating resistin by the genome-wide search in the Japanese population.

PMID- 27664182
TI  - Effects of dietary forage and calf starter on ruminal pH and transcriptomic
      adaptation of the rumen epithelium in Holstein calves during the weaning
      transition.
AB  - We investigated the relationship between ruminal pH and transcriptomic adaptation
      of the rumen epithelium (RE) of calves fed calf starter with and without forage
      during the weaning transition. Holstein calves were assigned to groups fed calf
      starter either with forage (HAY group, n = 3) or without forage (CON group, n =
      4). Ruminal pH was measured continuously, and rumen fluid and epithelium were
      collected 3 wk after weaning. mRNA expression profiles of the RE were examined by
      one-color microarray. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were investigated
      using the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA). Mean and maximum ruminal pH were
      significantly (P < 0.05) higher, and the duration of pH < 5.8 during 1 day was
      significantly (P < 0.05) shorter, in the HAY group. The proportion of ruminal
      acetate and the acetate-to-propionate ratio were significantly (P < 0.05) lower
      in the CON group. DEGs encoding transcription regulators (SREBP1), insulin-like
      growth factor binding proteins (IGFBP7 and CTGF), ketogenic enzymes (HMGCL, BDH1,
      and BDH2), and a transporter (SLC16A3) were identified (P < 0.05) between the two
      groups. A growth factor (TGFB1) and signaling pathway (EGF and EGFR) were
      activated as upstream regulators. These results suggest that dietary forage
      alleviates ruminal acidosis, and the decrease in ruminal pH may damage the RE,
      leading to changes in gene expression to repair the damage. Furthermore, rumen
      development may be regulated by growth factor (TGFB1) and signaling pathways (EGF
      and IGFBP) for adaptation to feeding on calf starter with and without forage
      during the weaning transition.

PMID- 27664184
TI  - States, Nations, Health Policy, and Nursing.

PMID- 27664185
TI  - Burns from e-cigarettes and other electronic nicotine delivery systems.

PMID- 27664183
TI  - Microbial short chain fatty acid metabolites lower blood pressure via endothelial
      G protein-coupled receptor 41.
AB  - Short chain fatty acid (SCFA) metabolites are byproducts of gut microbial
      metabolism that are known to affect host physiology via host G protein-coupled
      receptor (GPCRs). We previously showed that an acute SCFA bolus decreases blood
      pressure (BP) in anesthetized mice, an effect mediated primarily via Gpr41. In
      this study, our aims were to identify the cellular localization of Gpr41 and to
      determine its role in BP regulation. We localized Gpr41 to the vascular
      endothelium using RT-PCR: Gpr41 is detected in intact vessels (with endothelium)
      but is absent from denuded vessels (without endothelium). Furthermore, using
      pressure myography we confirmed that SCFAs dilate resistance vessels in an
      endothelium-dependent manner. Since we previously found that Gpr41 mediates a
      hypotensive response to acute SCFA administration, we hypothesized that Gpr41
      knockout (KO) mice would be hypertensive. Here, we report that Gpr41 KO mice have
      isolated systolic hypertension compared with wild-type (WT) mice; diastolic BP
      was not different between WT and KO. Older Gpr41 KO mice also exhibited elevated
      pulse wave velocity, consistent with a phenotype of systolic hypertension;
      however, there was no increase in ex vivo aorta stiffness (measured by mechanical
      tensile testing). Plasma renin concentrations were also similar in KO and WT
      mice. The systolic hypertension in Gpr41 KO is not salt sensitive, as it is not
      significantly altered on either a high- or low-salt diet. In sum, these studies
      suggest that endothelial Gpr41 lowers baseline BP, likely by decreasing active
      vascular tone without altering passive characteristics of the blood vessels, and
      that Gpr41 KO mice have hypertension of a vascular origin.

PMID- 27664186
TI  - Restriction of FODMAP in the management of bloating in irritable bowel syndrome.
AB  - Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional bowel disorder. Up to 96%
      of IBS patients experience bloating, resulting in poor response to conventional
      therapies and high consultation rates. Many IBS patients report that food
      triggers symptoms, particularly diets with poorly absorbed, short-chain
      carbohydrates, and restrict intake of certain foods to control their symptoms.
      IBS patients are especially susceptible to an attack due to visceral
      hypersensitivity. An emerging therapeutic strategy excludes fermentable
      oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAP) from the
      diet. There is evidence supporting the efficacy of a low FODMAP diet in improving
      symptoms of bloating in IBS patients. Individualised, structured dietary guidance
      may benefit those with persistent troublesome symptoms despite traditional
      therapies. In view of the multifactorial aetiology of the condition, it is
      probably best to use a multipronged approach, involving combination therapies, to
      address bloating in IBS patients. 

PMID- 27664187
TI  - Tamoxifen citrate-loaded poly(d,l) lactic acid nanoparticles: Evaluation for
      their anticancer activity in vitro and in vivo.
AB  - The optimization of tamoxifen citrate entrapment and its release from
      biodegradable poly(d,l) lactic acid nanoparticles are prepared by modified
      spontaneous emulsification solvent diffusion method. Since the addition of
      tamoxifen citrate induces the formation of drug crystals from nanoparticle
      suspension the influence of several parameters on tamoxifen citrate encapsulation
      was investigated. In vitro studies for cytotoxicity, DNA ladder, and the
      expression of Bcl-2-Bax expression were also investigated for MCF-7 and MDA-MB
      231 cells after the addition of tamoxifen citrate alone and tamoxifen citrate
      poly(d,l) lactic acid-nanoparticles (encapsulated tamoxifen citrate). From
      results, it was noticed that the size and zeta potential of the drug loaded
      nanoparticles were not differed much in their physicochemical properties from
      drug free counterparts. The drug-loaded and drug-free nanoparticles exhibited
      size of in between 271.4 and 282.7 nm and zeta potential of -34 to -27.4 mV,
      respectively. There was significant increase in drug incorporation in the
      particles noticed in dichloromethane + methanol system in comparison to acetone +
      methanol and ethyl acetate + methanol systems. The drug was partly released from
      the nanoparticles after 48 h of incubation at 37C. From Fourier transform
      infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry data demonstrated
      drug-polymer characteristics within the nanoparticles and unincorporated drug
      that appeared in the form of crystals from polarized microscopic study. MCF-7 and
      MDA-MB-231 cells were more sensitive to tamoxifen citrate-poly(d,l) lactic acid
      nanoparticles than tamoxifen citrate alone. DNA ladder and the expression of Bax
      to Bcl-2 ratio were much higher in tamoxifen citrate encapsulated in
      nanoparticles than that in tamoxifen citrate alone. These results demonstrated
      the feasibility of encapsulation of tamoxifen citrate and its enhanced efficiency
      in vitro and in vivo studies.

PMID- 27664188
TI  - Phylogenomics of Lophotrochozoa with Consideration of Systematic Error.
AB  - Phylogenomic studies have improved understanding of deep metazoan phylogeny and
      show promise for resolving incongruences among analyses based on limited numbers
      of loci. One region of the animal tree that has been especially difficult to
      resolve, even with phylogenomic approaches, is relationships within
      Lophotrochozoa (the animal clade that includes molluscs, annelids, and flatworms
      among others). Lack of resolution in phylogenomic analyses could be due to
      insufficient phylogenetic signal, limitations in taxon and/or gene sampling, or
      systematic error. Here, we investigated why lophotrochozoan phylogeny has been
      such a difficult question to answer by identifying and reducing sources of
      systematic error. We supplemented existing data with 32 new transcriptomes
      spanning the diversity of Lophotrochozoa and constructed a new set of
      Lophotrochozoa-specific core orthologs. Of these, 638 orthologous groups (OGs)
      passed strict screening for paralogy using a tree-based approach. In order to
      reduce possible sources of systematic error, we calculated branch-length
      heterogeneity, evolutionary rate, percent missing data, compositional bias, and
      saturation for each OG and analyzed increasingly stricter subsets of only the
      most stringent (best) OGs for these five variables. Principal component analysis
      of the values for each factor examined for each OG revealed that compositional
      heterogeneity and average patristic distance contributed most to the variance
      observed along the first principal component while branch-length heterogeneity
      and, to a lesser extent, saturation contributed most to the variance observed
      along the second. Missing data did not strongly contribute to either. Additional
      sensitivity analyses examined effects of removing taxa with heterogeneous branch
      lengths, large amounts of missing data, and compositional heterogeneity. Although
      our analyses do not unambiguously resolve lophotrochozoan phylogeny, we advance
      the field by reducing the list of viable hypotheses. Moreover, our systematic
      approach for dissection of phylogenomic data can be applied to explore sources of
      incongruence and poor support in any phylogenomic data set. [Annelida;
      Brachiopoda; Bryozoa; Entoprocta; Mollusca; Nemertea; Phoronida; Platyzoa;
      Polyzoa; Spiralia; Trochozoa.].

PMID- 27664189
TI  - Exercise training increases protein O-GlcNAcylation in rat skeletal muscle.
AB  - Protein O-GlcNAcylation has emerged as an important intracellular signaling
      system with both physiological and pathophysiological functions, but the role of
      protein O-GlcNAcylation in skeletal muscle remains elusive. In this study, we
      tested the hypothesis that protein O-GlcNAcylation is a dynamic signaling system
      in skeletal muscle in exercise and disease. Immunoblotting showed different
      protein O-GlcNAcylation pattern in the prototypical slow twitch soleus muscle
      compared to fast twitch EDL from rats, with greater O-GlcNAcylation level in
      soleus associated with higher expression of the modulating enzymes O-GlcNAc
      transferase (OGT), O-GlcNAcase (OGA), and glutamine fructose-6-phosphate
      amidotransferase isoforms 1 and 2 (GFAT1, GFAT2). Six weeks of exercise training
      by treadmill running, but not an acute exercise bout, increased protein O
      GlcNAcylation in rat soleus and EDL There was a striking increase in O
      GlcNAcylation of cytoplasmic proteins ~50 kDa in size that judged from mass
      spectrometry analysis could represent O-GlcNAcylation of one or more key
      metabolic enzymes. This suggests that cytoplasmic O-GlcNAc signaling is part of
      the training response. In contrast to exercise training, postinfarction heart
      failure (HF) in rats and humans did not affect skeletal muscle O-GlcNAcylation
      level, indicating that aberrant O-GlcNAcylation cannot explain the skeletal
      muscle dysfunction in HF Human skeletal muscle displayed extensive protein O
      GlcNAcylation that by large mirrored the fiber-type-related O-GlcNAcylation
      pattern in rats, suggesting O-GlcNAcylation as an important signaling system also
      in human skeletal muscle.

PMID- 27664190
TI  - Sex differences in adult rat insulin and glucose responses to arginine:
      programming effects of neonatal separation, hypoxia, and hypothermia.
AB  - Acute neonatal hypoxia, a common stressor, causes a spontaneous decrease in body
      temperature which may be protective. There is consensus that hypothermia should
      be prevented during acute hypoxia in the human neonate; however, this may be an
      additional stress with negative consequences. We hypothesize that maintaining
      body temperature during hypoxia in the first week of postnatal life alters the
      subsequent insulin, glucose, and glucagon secretion in adult rats. Rat pups were
      separated from their dam daily from postnatal days (PD) 2-6 for the following 90
      min experimental treatments: (1) normoxic separation (control), (2) hypoxia (8%
      O2) allowing spontaneous hypothermia, (3) normoxic hypothermia with external
      cold, and (4) exposure to 8% O2 while maintaining body temperature using external
      heat. An additional normoxic non-separated control group was performed to
      determine if separation per se changed the adult phenotype. Plasma insulin,
      glucose, and glucagon responses to arginine stimulation were evaluated from PD105
      to PD133. Maternal separation (compared to non-separated neonates) had more
      pronounced effects on the adult response to arginine compared to the hypoxic,
      hypothermic, and hypoxic-isothermic neonatal treatments. Adult males exposed to
      neonatal maternal separation had augmented insulin and glucose responses to
      arginine compared to unseparated controls. Additionally, neonatal treatment had a
      significant effect on body weight gain; adults exposed to neonatal maternal
      separation were significantly heavier. Female adults had significantly smaller
      insulin and glucose responses to arginine regardless of neonatal treatment.
      Neonatal maternal separation during the first week of life significantly altered
      adult beta-cell function in a sexually dimorphic manner.

PMID- 27664191
TI  - The Social Feedback Hypothesis and Communicative Development in Autism Spectrum
      Disorder: A Response to Akhtar, Jaswal, Dinishak, and Stephan (2016).

PMID- 27664192
TI  - On Social Feedback Loops and Cascading Effects in Autism: A Commentary on
      Warlaumont, Richards, Gilkerson, and Oller (2014).

PMID- 27664193
TI  - Pediatric Central Neurocytoma.
AB  - Central neurocytomas are well-differentiated tumors of neuronal origin. These are
      relatively uncommon in the pediatric population. Anaplastic features reflected by
      brisk mitotic activity, microvascular proliferation, necrosis, and MIB-1 labeling
      index >2% or 3% have been proposed to indicate aggressive behavior. Because of
      its rarity, there is paucity of data regarding the histologic spectrum and
      outcome of central neurocytomas in children. With this short series, we describe
      our observations of the clinicopathologic characteristics and outcome of this
      tumor in children over a 5-year period.

PMID- 27664194
TI  - Cognitive Function and Heat Shock Protein 70 in Children With Temporal Lobe
      Epilepsy.
AB  - We conducted the present study to examine cognitive function and serum heat shock
      protein 70 levels among children with temporal lobe epilepsy. The Stanford-Binet
      Intelligence Test was carried out to examine cognitive function in 30 children
      with temporal lobe epilepsy and 30 controls. Serum heat shock protein 70 levels
      were determined with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The epilepsy group had
      significantly lower cognitive function testing scores and significantly higher
      serum heat shock protein 70 levels than the control group; there were significant
      negative correlations between serum heat shock protein 70 levels and short-term
      memory and composite scores. Children with uncontrolled seizures had
      significantly lower verbal reasoning scores and significantly higher serum heat
      shock protein 70 levels than children with controlled seizures. Children with
      temporal lobe epilepsy have cognitive dysfunction and elevated levels of serum
      heat shock protein 70, which may be considered a stress biomarker.

PMID- 27664195
TI  - Neurocognitive Profiles in Childhood Absence Epilepsy.
AB  - Although neuropsychological studies have demonstrated specific cognitive
      impairments in children with childhood absence epilepsy (CAE), the potential role
      of the frontal lobe in these cognitive deficits remains unclear. We therefore
      evaluated cognitive functions related to and unrelated to the functionality of
      the frontal lobe in childhood absence epilepsy patients and control subjects.
      Thirty-seven childhood absence epilepsy patients and 37 age- and gender-matched
      healthy control subjects were recruited and assessed using a computerized
      neuropsychological test battery. Childhood absence epilepsy patients, especially
      a drug-naive subgroup, showed cognitive deficits in reasoning, visual attention,
      and executive function, which are typical cognitive functions of the frontal
      lobe. In contrast, treated childhood absence epilepsy patients only exhibited
      cognitive deficits in visual attention. There were no significant between-group
      differences for other cognitive tests. Our findings suggest that frontal lobe
      related cognitive deficits represent the characteristic neuropsychological
      profile associated with childhood absence epilepsy.

PMID- 27664196
TI  - In ovo validation model to assess the efficacy of commercial prebiotics on
      broiler performance and oxidative stability of meat.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of in ovo injection of 2
      different prebiotics, DiNovo (DN; Laminaria spp., extract containing laminarin
      and fucoidan) and Bi2tos (BI; non-digestive trans-galactooligosaccharides from
      milk lactose digested with Bifidobacterium bifidum NCIMB 41171), on growth,
      slaughter traits, intramuscular fat percentage (IF) and muscle fiber diameter,
      and lipid oxidation of meat in chickens reared under commercial conditions,
      following an in ovo trial protocol. On d 12 of embryonic incubation, 350,560 Ross
      308 eggs were randomly divided into 3 experimental groups and automatically
      injected in ovo with: physiological saline (control group), BI at dose of 3.5
      mg/embryo and DN at dose of 0.88 mg/embryo. Hatched chicks (males and females)
      were allocated dependent on treatment group into 3 poultry houses on each farm (3
      farms in total) with a stocking density of 21.2 to 21.5 chicks/m2 At 42 d of age,
      14 randomly chosen birds (7 males and 7 females), per each treatment from each
      farm, were individually weighed and slaughtered. The results showed no
      significant differences of final number of chickens/chicken house, mortality, BW
      per treatment, stocking density (kg/m2), feed intake, feed conversion rate (FCR),
      and European Broiler Index among 3 experimental groups. Treatments with BI and DN
      were associated with slight increases (P > 0.05) in average BW and a minor
      improvement (P > 0.05) of FCR in BI group. Slaughtered chickens from DN and BI
      treated groups had significantly increase of BW, carcass weight, carcass yield,
      and breast muscle weight compared with the control group. IF and muscle fiber
      diameter were similar among groups. Males had significantly higher slaughter
      traits compared to females, except for breast muscle yield. The prebiotic
      treatments led to a higher lipid oxidation in meat, even if the detected TBA
      reactive substances were below the critical value recognized for meat
      acceptability. In conclusion, in ovo administration of prebiotics was associated
      with improvements in a number of parameters of relevance to commercial poultry
      production.

PMID- 27664197
TI  - Effect of zinc imprinting and replacing inorganic zinc with organic zinc on early
      performance of broiler chicks.
AB  - The goal of this study was to determine the effects of feeding a zinc (Zn)
      deficient diet to broiler chicks for 96 h post-hatch followed by feeding diets
      with different Zn sources and supplemental levels (5 to 21 d) on the growth
      performance, tissue, and excreta Zn content. At the start of the study, four
      hundred 20-day-old male broiler chicks were divided into two groups. One group
      was fed a corn soybean meal based diet containing 25 mg of Zn/kg (imprinting
      diet, ID). The second group was fed the basal diet supplemented with 40 mg of
      Zn/kg from Zn oxide (ZnO) (non-imprinting diet, NID). Both groups were fed these
      diets for 96 h. At d 5, chicks from each group were randomly assigned to the
      dietary treatments consisting of the basal diet alone or the basal diet
      supplemented with 8 or 40 mg/kg Zn as ZnO or Zn proteinate. Main effects of post
      hatch Zn ID were observed on feed intake and G:F. ID decreased (P < 0.05) feed
      intake and improved (P < 0.05) the gain to feed ratio (G:F) of 14 and 21 d old
      chicks compared to G:F of chicks fed NID. Additionally, G:F for 14 and 21 d was
      improved (P < 0.05) by interaction of Zn source * level. Furthermore, at d 21
      chicks fed the ID had a lower (P < 0.05) Zn content in the tibia ash and excreta,
      and a higher (P < 0.05) Zn content in the pancreas tissue compared to chicks fed
      NID. These results suggest that Zn imprinting can affect body Zn stores and early
      performance.

PMID- 27664199
TI  - Effect of different amylases on the utilization of cornstarch in broiler
      chickens.
AB  - This study compared the effect of different amylases on the utilization of
      cornstarch in broiler chickens fed a corn-based diet. Three-day-old Arbor Acres
      plus male chickens were randomly divided into 7 treatments and fed a diet
      supplemented with different sources and concentrations of amylase: 1,500 U/kg and
      3,000 U/kg alpha-1,4 amylase from Aspergillus oryzae (alpha-amylase A); 480 U/kg
      and 960 U/kg alpha-1,4 amylase from Bacillus subtilis (alpha-amylase B); 200 U/kg
      and 400 U/kg alpha-1,6 isoamylase from B. subtilis; and the control. The
      experimental period comprised 11 d, during which performance, nutrient
      digestibility, digestive enzyme activity, intestinal morphology, and glucose
      transporter transcription of the chickens were evaluated. The results indicated
      that 1,500 U/kg alpha-amylase improved the digestibility of energy and decreased
      the feed conversion rate compared to alpha-1,6 isoamylase (P < 0.05).
      Supplemental 400 U/kg alpha-1,6 isoamylase decreased ileal digestibility of
      amylopectin and total starch (P < 0.05) compared to 200 U/kg alpha-1,6
      isoamylase, alpha-amylase A, alpha-amylase B, and the control (P < 0.05).
      Supplemental alpha-1,6 isoamylase decreased (P < 0.05) insulin content.
      Supplemental 3,000 U/kg alpha-amylase A and alpha-1,6 isoamylase increased (P <
      0.05) the relative weight of the liver. In addition, 3,000 U/kg alpha-amylase A,
      480 U/kg alpha-amylase B, and alpha-1,6 isoamylase decreased the V:C in the
      duodenum and ileum. alpha-amylase A increased sucrase activity in the jejunum (P
      < 0.05), whereas 400 U/kg alpha-1,6 isoamylase reduced maltase activity in the
      duodenum (P < 0.05). Furthermore, 3,000 U/kg alpha-amylase A and alpha-amylase B
      decreased (P < 0.05) sodium/glucose cotransporter 1 (SGLT1) mRNA expression in
      the duodenum and jejunum. However, 200 U/kg alpha-1,6 isoamylase increased
      glucose transporter 2 (GLUCT2) in the duodenum (P < 0.05). These results suggest
      that exogenous amylase affects the digestibility of starch by affecting
      disaccharidase activity in the intestine, nutrient requirements for intestinal
      maintenance by the V:C, and nutrient absorption and metabolism via GLU
      transporter mRNA expression. Different sources and concentrations of amylases had
      varying effects on broilers.

PMID- 27664198
TI  - Effect of supplemental fermented Ginkgo biloba leaves at different levels on
      growth performance, meat quality, and antioxidant status of breast and thigh
      muscles in broiler chickens.
AB  - The present study was conducted to investigate the influence of dietary
      supplementation with different levels of fermented Ginkgo biloba leaves (FGBL) on
      growth performance, slaughter performance, meat quality, antioxidant enzyme
      capacity, and free radical scavenging activities of muscles in broiler chickens.
      A total of 648 one-d-old broiler chickens were randomly allocated into six
      dietary treatments, including control group (CON group: basal diet), FGBL1,
      FGBL2, FGBL3, FGBL4, and FGBL5 groups (basal diet containing 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, 4.5,
      and 5.5 g/kg FGBL, respectively). Body weight gain and feed intake were recorded
      at 1, 21, and 42 d. At 42 d, 2 birds from each replicate were slaughtered. The
      results indicated that 3.5 g/kg FGBL diet significantly increased (P < 0.05) ADFI
      and ADG in 1 to 42 d and ADFI in 22 to 42 d compared with the CON group. In 1 to
      21 d, 4.5 g/kg FGBL diet improved (P < 0.05) ADFI and ADG. With dietary FGBL
      increasing, the feed: gain ratio (F/G) in 1 to 21 d was significantly decreased
      (P < 0.05). However, birds fed with 5.5 g/kg FGBL had a higher (P < 0.05) F/G
      compared with other groups in 22 to 42 d and 1 to 42 d. In addition, FGBL3 and
      FGBL4 showed lower (P < 0.05) L* value in breast muscle, cooking loss in thigh
      muscle and lower 24 h and 48 h drip loss in both breast and thigh muscles than
      those of other groups. Furthermore, birds in the FGBL3 and FGBL4 groups increased
      (P < 0.05) the activity of total superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant
      capability in muscles, and the scavenging activities of 2,2?-azino-bis (3
      ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic) acid radical, OH*, and O2*- in thigh muscle,
      decreased (P < 0.05) malondialdehyde concentration in thigh muscle, as compared
      to the CON group. In conclusion, FGBL had the potential to improve the growth
      performance, meat quality and antioxidant status of broiler chickens. The optimal
      dose in the present study of FGBL in broiler diets was from 3.5 to 4.5 g/kg.

PMID- 27664201
TI  - Characterisation and quantification of changes in odorants from litter headspace
      of meat chickens fed diets varying in protein levels and additives.
AB  - The effect of dietary crude protein (CP) and additives on odor flux from meat
      chicken litter was investigated using 180 day-old Ross 308 male chicks randomly
      allocated to five dietary treatments with three replicates of 12 birds each. A 5
      * 3 factorial arrangement of treatments was employed. Factors were: diet (low CP,
      high CP, high CP+antibiotic, high CP+probiotic, high CP+saponin) and age (15, 29,
      35 days). The antibiotic used was Zn bacitracin, the probiotic was a blend of
      three Bacillus subtilis strains and the saponin came from a blend of Yucca and
      Quillaja. Odorants were collected from litter headspace with a flux hood and
      measured using selective ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS). Litter
      moisture, water activity (Aw), and litter headspace odorant concentrations were
      correlated. The results showed that low CP group produced lower flux of dimethyl
      amine, trimethyl amine, H2S, NH3, and phenol in litter compared to high CP group
      (P < 0.05). Similarly, high CP+probiotic group produced lower flux of H2S (P <
      0.05) and high CP+saponin group produced lower flux of trimethylamine and phenol
      in litter compared to high CP group (P < 0.05). The dietary treatments tended (P
      = 0.065) to have higher flux of methanethiol in high CP group compared to others.
      There was a diet * age interaction for litter flux of diacetyl, 3-hydroxy-2
      butanone (acetoin), 3-methyl-1-butanol, 3-methylbutanal, ethanethiol, propionic
      acid, and hexane (P < 0.05). Concentrations of diacetyl, acetoin, propionic acid,
      and hexane in litter were higher from low CP group compared to all other
      treatments on d 35 (P < 0.05) but not on d 15 and 29. A high litter moisture
      increased water activity (P < 0.01) and favored the emissions of methyl
      mercaptan, hydrogen sulfide, dimethyl sulfide, ammonia, trimethyl amine, phenol,
      indole, and 3-methylindole over others. Thus, the low CP diet, Bacillus subtilis
      based probiotic and the blend of Yucca/Quillaja  saponin were effective in
      reducing the emissions of some key odorants from meat chicken litter.

PMID- 27664200
TI  - Leucine and valine supplementation of low-protein diets for broiler chickens from
      21 to 42 days of age.
AB  - The objective of this study was to determine the requirements and interactions
      between the standardized ileal digestible (SID) Leu and Val levels in low-protein
      diets, and their effects on performance, serum characteristics, carcass yield and
      diameter of muscle fibers of broiler chickens from d 21 to 42 posthatch. A total
      of 1,500 21-day-old Cobb 500 male broiler chickens were distributed in a
      completely randomized design in a 5 * 5 factorial arrangement for a total of 25
      treatments with 3 replicates of 20 birds each. Treatments consisted of 5 SID Leu
      levels (1.0, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, or 1.8%) and 5 SID Val levels (0.52, 0.67, 0.82,
      0.97, or 1.12%). At 42 d of age, there was interaction (P < 0.05) between the SID
      levels of Leu and Val on feed intake and weight gain. There was a quadratic
      effect (P < 0.05) of Leu and Val levels on feed conversion, with minimal point
      estimated at the levels of 1.19 and 0.86%, respectively. Dietary Leu
      supplementation reduced linearly (P < 0.05) serum concentrations of triglycerides
      and beta-hydroxybutyrate. Dietary Leu increased (P <= 0.05) the fiber diameters
      of the pectoralis major muscle and breast yield at the levels of 1.24 and 1.13%,
      respectively, while the thigh yield was improved with the level of 0.71% Val.
      Abdominal fat decreased linearly (P < 0.05) with increasing levels of dietary Leu
      and Val. The SID Leu and Val levels needed to optimize weight gain and feed
      conversion in low-CP diets for broiler chickens from d 21 to 42 posthatch were
      estimated at 1.15 and 0.86%, and 1.19 and 0.86%, respectively. The
      supplementation of Leu and Val can reduce the abdominal fat deposition in birds
      fed low-CP diets during the grower phase. Leu and Val interactions can influence
      the performance but not the serum characteristics, carcass yield and diameter of
      muscle fibers of broilers fed low-protein diets. Therefore, it is necessary to
      consider the dietary Leu content to estimate the ideal level of Val in low-CP
      diets for optimum broiler performance.

PMID- 27664202
TI  - Constitutive heterochromatin in chromosomes of duck hybrids and goose hybrids.
AB  - Constitutive heterochromatin is a highly condensed fraction of chromatin in
      chromosomes. It is characterized by a high degree of polymorphism.
      Heterochromatin is located in the centromeric, telomeric, and interstitial parts
      of chromosomes. We used the CBG ( C: banding using B: arium hydroxide by G:
      iemsa) staining technique to identify heterochromatin in chromosomes. Analysis of
      karyotypes of F1 hybrids resulting from intergeneric hybridization of ducks (A.
      platyrhynchos * C. moschata) and interspecific crosses of geese (A. anser * A.
      cygnoides) were used to compare the karyotypes of 2 species of duck and 2 species
      of geese, as well as to compare the hybrids with the parent species. The
      localization of C-bands and their size were determined. In the duck hybrid,
      greater amounts of heterochromatin were noted in the homologous chromosomes from
      the duck A. platyrhynchos than in the chromosomes from the duck C. moschata. In
      the goose hybrid more heterochromatin was observed in the homologous chromosomes
      from the goose A. cygnoides than in the chromosomes from the goose A. anser.
      Comparison of chromosomes from the duck hybrid with chromosomes of the ducks A.
      platyrhynchos and C. moschata revealed nearly twice as much constitutive
      heterochromatin in the chromosomes of the hybrid. When chromosomes from the goose
      hybrid were compared with those of the geese A. anser and A. cygnoides,
      differences in the average content of heterochromatin were observed on only a few
      chromosomes.

PMID- 27664203
TI  - Roles of Chondrocytes in Endochondral Bone Formation and Fracture Repair.
AB  - The formation of the mandibular condylar cartilage (MCC) and its subchondral bone
      is an important but understudied topic in dental research. The current concept
      regarding endochondral bone formation postulates that most hypertrophic
      chondrocytes undergo programmed cell death prior to bone formation. Under this
      paradigm, the MCC and its underlying bone are thought to result from 2 closely
      linked but separate processes: chondrogenesis and osteogenesis. However, recent
      investigations using cell lineage tracing techniques have demonstrated that many,
      perhaps the majority, of bone cells are derived via direct transformation from
      chondrocytes. In this review, the authors will briefly discuss the history of
      this idea and describe recent studies that clearly demonstrate that the direct
      transformation of chondrocytes into bone cells is common in both long bone and
      mandibular condyle development and during bone fracture repair. The authors will
      also provide new evidence of a distinct difference in ossification orientation in
      the condylar ramus (1 ossification center) versus long bone ossification
      formation (2 ossification centers). Based on our recent findings and those of
      other laboratories, we propose a new model that contrasts the mode of bone
      formation in much of the mandibular ramus (chondrocyte-derived) with
      intramembranous bone formation of the mandibular body (non-chondrocyte-derived).

PMID- 27664204
TI  - The definition of IVM is clear-variations need defining.
AB  - Oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) is currently defined as the maturation in vitro
      of immature cumulus-oocyte complexes collected from antral follicles. This is the
      original definition as first described by Pincus and Enzmann and then by Edwards
      many decades ago, and this clear and unambiguous definition has served us well
      ever since. In an attempt to clarify apparent differences among clinicians, the
      following revised definition of IVM was recently proposed: 'The retrieval of
      oocytes from small and intermediate sized follicles in an ovary before the
      largest follicle has surpassed 13 mm in mean diameter'. As such, this proposed
      definition should encompass the use of hCG triggering. To change the clear and
      long-serving definition of IVM to fit varying clinical practices requires a
      compelling justification based on solid scientific and clinical grounds. We are
      of the opinion that the proposed revised definition of IVM is counterintuitive as
      it includes protocols that are intended to mature oocytes in vivo The proposed
      definitions are cumbersome and indeed further complicate the situation. It is not
      scientifically rational to base the definition on follicular size, and the
      definition ignores the vast corporate knowledge acquired from the many decades
      and >6000 publications in animal research that universally practices IVM as per
      the existing definition. Furthermore, such a definition can lead to false results
      in interpreting the follow-up of children conceived using IVM. Hence, we see no
      rationale to change the existing definition of IVM. However, we agree that
      variations on IVM require alternative nomenclature-these definitions need to be
      intuitive and need to clearly distinguish themselves from the existing long
      standing definition of IVM. This would help to clarify the recent confusion
      within the clinical ART community as to what is and what is not, IVM.

PMID- 27664205
TI  - IUI and IVF for unexplained subfertility: where did we go wrong?
AB  - IUI is a first-line treatment for couples with unexplained or mild male
      subfertility and has become one of the most widely used fertility-enhancing
      treatments. The results of a recent trial comparing IVF to IUI, demonstrating
      similar live birth rates, have been used to build a case supporting the
      effectiveness of IUI. Yet, this conclusion might be somewhat premature, as the
      superiority of neither IUI nor IVF over no treatment has ever been proven. The
      evidence on the effectiveness and safety of IUI and IVF has been evaluated in two
      Cochrane reviews which both suggested that there is insufficient evidence to
      conclude that IUI or IVF is effective compared to sexual intercourse in couples
      with unexplained subfertility. Recommendations for clinical practice have been
      given in the most recent National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
      fertility guideline that advises not to offer IUI any longer and suggests 2 years
      of sexual intercourse followed by IVF. This recommendation has generated an
      ongoing debate, with only 4% of all gynecologists in the UK discontinuing the use
      of IUI. We feel that it is high time to provide proper scientific evidence for
      the effectiveness of IUI, or lack thereof, and invite the medical community to
      start RCTs comparing IUI to sexual intercourse.

PMID- 27664207
TI  - Population trends and live birth rates associated with common ART treatment
      strategies.
AB  - STUDY QUESTION: Have ART live birth rates improved in Australia over the last 12
      years? SUMMARY ANSWER: There were striking improvements in per-cycle live birth
      rates observed for frozen/thaw embryo transfers, blastocyst transfer and single
      embryo transfer (SET), while live birth rates following ICSI were lower than IVF
      for non-male factor infertility in most years. WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN: ART and
      associated techniques have become the predominant treatment of infertility over
      the past 30 years in most developed countries. However, there are differences in
      ART laboratory and clinical practices, and success rates worldwide. Australia has
      one of the highest ART utilization rates and lowest multiple birth rates in the
      world, thus providing a unique setting to investigate the contribution of common
      ART strategies in an unrestricted population of patients to ART success rates.
      STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: A retrospective cohort study of 585 065 ART
      treatment cycles performed in Australia between 2002 and 2013 using the
      Australian and New Zealand Assisted Reproduction Database (ANZARD). PARTICIPANTS
      MATERIALS, SETTING, METHOD: An unrestricted population of all women who underwent
      autologous ART treatment between 2002 and 2013. Visual descriptive analysis was
      used to assess the trends in ART procedures by the calendar years. Adjusted odds
      ratios (aORs) of a live birth for four common ART techniques were calculated
      after controlling for important confounders including female age, infertility
      diagnosis, stage of the embryo (blastocyst versus cleavage stage), type of embryo
      (fresh versus thawed), fertilization method (IVF versus ICSI) and number of
      embryos transferred (SET versus multiple embryos). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF
      CHANCE: The overall live birth rate per embryo transfer increased from 19.2% in
      2002 to 23.3% in 2013 (21.9-24.3% for fresh embryo transfers and 14.6-23.3% for
      frozen/thaw embryo transfers). This occurred concurrently with an increase in SET
      from 29.7% to 78.9%, and an increase in the average age of women undergoing
      treatment from 35.0 to 35.9 years. Individuals who had a frozen/thaw embryo
      transfer cycle in 2002 had 43% (aOR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.53-0.61) reduced odds of a
      live birth compared with a fresh embryo transfer cycle. This contrasted with 16%
      (aOR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.80-0.98) reduced odds of a live birth from frozen/thaw
      embryo transfer cycles in 2013. In 2013, the odds of blastocyst transfer
      resulting in a live birth were more than twice as great as for cleavage stage
      transfer (aOR 2.01, 95% CI: 1.92-2.11). The adjusted odds of live birth per SET
      compared with multiple embryo transfer increased significantly over the last 12
      years, from a 38% reduced odds of a live birth follow SET in 2002 (aOR: 062, 95%
      CI: 0.57-0.67) compared to an 8% reduced odds in 2013 (aOR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.87
      0.98). The aOR of a live birth using ICSI compared to IVF in non-male factor
      patients was lower in most years bringing into question its widespread use.
      LIMITATION, REASONS FOR CAUTION: This is a retrospective cohort analysis and
      cannot confirm causality. High-level evidence on the effectiveness of particular
      ART techniques, particularly ICSI and blastocyst culture, requires prospective
      randomized controlled trials or detailed statistical analysis using large-scale
      data that counts for fertilization failure, embryo loss, prognostic factors and
      cycle characteristics. WIDER IMPLICATION OF THE FINDINGS: The most striking
      improvements in ART success rates in Australia have been observed for frozen/thaw
      embryo transfers, blastocyst transfer and SET. Further studies of the role of
      ICSI in non-male factor infertility and blastocyst transfer success rates that
      take into account embryo loss are needed. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: No
      funding was received to undertake this study. The authors declare that they do
      not have competing interests with this study. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NA.

PMID- 27664206
TI  - Assessment of 'one-step' versus 'sequential' embryo culture conditions through
      embryonic genome methylation and hydroxymethylation changes.
AB  - STUDY QUESTION: In comparison to in vivo development, how do different conditions
      of in vitro culture ('one step' versus 'sequential medium') impact DNA
      methylation and hydroxymethylation in preimplantation embryos? SUMMARY ANSWER:
      Using rabbit as a model, we show that DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation are
      both affected by in vitro culture of preimplantation embryos and the effect
      observed depends on the culture medium used. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Correct
      regulation of DNA methylation is essential for embryonic development and DNA
      hydroxymethylation appears more and more to be a key player. Modifications of the
      environment of early embryos are known to have long term effects on adult
      phenotypes and health; these probably rely on epigenetic alterations. STUDY
      DESIGN SIZE, DURATION: The study design we used is both cross sectional (control
      versus treatment) and longitudinal (time-course). Each individual in vivo
      experiment used embryos flushed from the donor at the 2-, 4-, 8-, 16- or morula
      stage. Each stage was analyzed in at least two independent experiments. Each
      individual in vitro experiment used embryos flushed from donors at the 1-cell
      stage (19 h post-coitum) which were then cultured in parallel in the two tested
      media until the 2-, 4-, 8- 16-cell or morula stages. Each stage was analyzed in
      at least three independent experiments. In both the in vivo and in vitro
      experiments, 4-cell stage embryos were always included as an internal reference.
      PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Immunofluorescence with antibodies
      specific for 5-methylcytosine (5meC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmeC) was used
      to quantify DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation levels in preimplantation
      embryos. We assessed the expression of DNA methyltransferases (DNMT), of ten
      eleven translocation (TET) dioxigenases and of two endogenous retroviral
      sequences (ERV) using RT-qPCR, since the expression of endogenous retroviral
      sequences is known to be regulated by DNA methylation. Three repeats were first
      done for all stages; then three additional repetitions were performed for those
      stages showing differences or tendencies toward differences between the different
      conditions in the first round of quantification. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF
      CHANCE: The kinetics of DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation were modified in
      in vitro cultured embryos, and the observed differences depended on the type of
      medium used. These differences were statistically significant. In addition, the
      expression of TET1 and TET2 was significantly reduced in post-embryonic genome
      activation (EGA) embryos after in vitro culture in both tested conditions.
      Finally, the expression of two retroviral sequences was analyzed and found to be
      significantly affected by in vitro culture. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION: Our
      study remains mostly descriptive as no direct link can be established between the
      epigenetic changes observed and the expression changes in both effectors and
      targets of the studied epigenetic modifications. The results we obtained suggest
      that gene expression could be affected on a large scale, but this remains to be
      confirmed. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Our results are in agreement with
      the literature, showing that DNA methylation is sensitive to in vitro culture. As
      we observed an effect of both tested culture conditions on the tested epigenetic
      marks and on gene expression, we cannot conclude which medium is potentially
      closest to in vivo conditions. However, as the observed effects are different,
      additional studies may provide more information and potential recommendations for
      the use of culture media in assisted reproductive technology. STUDY
      FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: This work was supported by an 'AMP diagnostic
      prenatal et diagnostic genetique' 2012 grant from the French Agence de la
      Biomedecine. This study was performed within the framework of ANR LABEX 'REVIVE'
      (ANR-10-LABX-73). Authors are members of RGB-Net (TD 1101) and Epiconcept (FA
      1201) COST actions. The authors declare that there is no competing interest.

PMID- 27664208
TI  - Factors associated with ovarian function recovery after chemotherapy for breast
      cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - STUDY QUESTION: Which factors related to patient, treatment or disease are
      associated with ovarian function recovery after chemotherapy in premenopausal
      women with breast cancer? SUMMARY ANSWER: Younger age and GnRH agonist (GnRHa)
      administration during chemotherapy were significantly associated with menses
      recovery, but this recovery was less likely in patients exposed to taxanes. WHAT
      IS ALREADY KNOWN: To date, published meta-analyses have only assessed GnRHa
      administration as a possible factor for ovarian function recovery, and their
      results were conflicting. Current guidelines present distinct recommendations
      regarding the use of GnRHa for fertility preservation (FP) in women with breast
      cancer. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: A systematic review and meta-analysis of
      published studies in the English, Portuguese, French or Spanish languages (1990
      2015), ongoing trials or completed trials (1990-2015) and conference proceedings
      (2000-2015) were performed. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: We searched
      the MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS, Scielo, Toxline and DART databases, online trial
      registries and conference proceedings. Studies were eligible if they included
      premenopausal women with early breast cancer treated with chemotherapy, reported
      ovarian function recovery data and identified factor(s) associated with recovery.
      Two authors independently screened the studies, extracted data and assessed the
      risk of bias. An odds ratio (OR) was estimated from the number of recovery
      events. A meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model. MAIN RESULTS
      AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Fifteen articles were included. Five different factors
      were analysed: younger age and baseline levels of anti-Mullerian hormone (patient
      related factors), co-administration of GnRHa, addition of taxanes to
      anthracycline-based chemotherapy and addition of endocrine therapy to
      chemotherapy (treatment-related factors). Menses recovery was the most used
      marker. Younger age (<=40 years) and exposure to GnRHa were positively associated
      with menses recovery (OR 6.07 and 2.03, respectively) but exposure to taxanes
      adversely affected recovery (OR 0.49). Significant heterogeneity among studies
      was found. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: A general limitation of the included
      studies is the use of menses as the main recovery marker. Regarding GnRHa, the
      substantial heterogeneity and conflicting results limit the interpretation of our
      results. Studies that use additional markers and have a longer follow-up are
      needed. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: The decision for using chemotherapy
      regimens with taxanes must take into account their potential adverse effects on
      female fertility. Considering the conflicting results regarding GnRHa agonist
      use, other fertility preservation strategies should also be considered. STUDY
      FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: No external funding was received. There are no
      conflicts of interest to declare. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: This review was
      registered at PROSPERO (CRD42015013494).

PMID- 27664209
TI  - Novel circulating placental markers prokineticin-1, soluble fms-like tyrosine
      kinase-1, soluble endoglin and placental growth factor and association with late
      miscarriage.
AB  - STUDY QUESTION: Are novel circulating placental markers prokineticin-1 (PK-1),
      soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1), soluble endoglin (sEng) and
      placental growth factor (PlGF) associated with late miscarriage in asymptomatic
      first trimester pregnant women? SUMMARY ANSWER: Increased serum sFlt-1 or PlGF,
      but not sEng or PK-1, were significantly associated with reduced miscarriage risk
      after adjustment for age, BMI, gestational age, smoking and blood pressure. WHAT
      IS KNOWN ALREADY: Abnormal placental development is observed in two-thirds of
      miscarriages. Identifying women at high risk of late miscarriage could help
      diagnose potentially treatable causes of miscarriage such as infection,
      thrombosis or immunological disease. Recently, the circulating placental markers
      PK-1, sFlt-1, sEng and PlGF have been identified; however, it is not known if
      circulating levels of these markers are associated with late miscarriage. STUDY
      DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: A single-centre observational cohort study with
      prospectively collected data was carried out at a tertiary care centre 2010-2012,
      in 993 asymptomatic pregnant women. Plasma PK-1, and serum sEng, sFlt-1 and PlGF
      were measured once in each patient during the antenatal booking visit, and
      pregnancy outcome was monitored prospectively. Less than 1% of patients were lost
      to follow-up. Multiples of median (MOM) levels were calculated to adjust for
      gestational age. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Nine-hundred and
      ninety-three asymptomatic pregnant women attending antenatal clinic for a routine
      booking antenatal appointment were recruited to the study, of whom 12 were lost
      to follow-up and excluded from analysis. Of the cohort, 50 of the remaining 981
      women suffered late miscarriage. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Gestation
      adjusted sEng, sFlt-1 and PlGF levels were 11% (P < 0.01), 36% (P < 0.001) and
      30% (P < 0.001), respectively, lower in women who later suffered miscarriage
      compared with unaffected pregnancies, while PK-1 did not differ significantly.
      Logistic regression modelling suggested that increased sFlt-1 (odds ratio (OR)
      0.15 95% confidence interval [0.08-0.26], P = 0.0001) and PlGF (OR 0.02 [0.01
      0.05], P = 0.0001), but not sEng, were associated with reduced miscarriage risk
      after adjustment for age, BMI, gestational age, smoking and blood pressure. The
      combination of sFlt-1 and PlGF did not improve the diagnostic accuracy beyond the
      use of sFlt-1. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: First trimester levels of sFlt-1
      and PlGF, but not sEng or PK-1, were associated with late miscarriage risk in
      asymptomatic women. However, a new prospective study is now required to
      investigate the utility of these markers to predict early (<10 weeks) and late
      miscarriage, as well as to predict other complications of pregnancy. WIDER
      IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Our data suggest that circulating sFlt-1 and PlGF,
      but not sEng or PK-1, are independently associated with late miscarriage risk in
      asymptomatic pregnant women attending their antenatal visit. Therefore, sFlt-1
      and PlGF may represent novel markers of placental viability. These data further
      our understanding of placental function, and have important potential
      implications for utilizing novel hormonal markers to detect adverse clinical
      outcomes during pregnancy. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: The authors have no
      competing interests. The Section of Investigative Medicine is funded by grants
      from the MRC, BBSRC, NIHR, an Integrative Mammalian Biology (IMB) Capacity
      Building Award, an FP7-HEALTH-2009-241592 EuroCHIP grant and is supported by the
      NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre Funding Scheme. This project was funded
      by an NIHR grant (reference: CDF-2009-02-05). The following authors are also
      funded as follows: CNJ is supported by an NIHR Clinical Lectureship and AMS/
      Wellcome Starter Grant for Clinical Lecturers. AA and ANC are supported by NIHR
      academic clinical lectureships. CI-E is supported by an Imperial College
      Healthcare NHS Trust Charity Research Fellowship. WSD is supported by an NIHR
      Career Development Fellowship. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Q0406/80.

PMID- 27664210
TI  - Comparison of small intestinal submucosa graft with split-thickness skin graft
      for cervicovaginal reconstruction of congenital vaginal and cervical aplasia.
AB  - STUDY QUESTION: What is the difference in vaginal-length gain and resumption of
      menstruation following cervicovaginal reconstruction using split-thickness skin
      (STS) graft versus small intestinal submucosa (SIS) graft for patients with
      congenital vaginal and cervical aplasia? SUMMARY ANSWER: No difference was found
      in the number of patients who resumed menstruation between the two groups;
      however, significantly greater vaginal-length gain was found in the STS group.
      WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN: Hysterectomy and vaginoplasty are typically recommended
      for patients without a cervix or without a sufficient cervix to avoid
      postoperative re-obstruction. Advances in surgical techniques have enabled the
      use of autologous tissues or heterologous biological grafts for reconstructive
      procedures, allowing patients undergoing these procedures to preserve the
      possibility of conception. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: This was a retrospective
      study of 26 women who were diagnosed with congenital vaginal and cervical aplasia
      with a functional endometrial cavity and underwent cervicovaginal reconstruction
      using STS or SIS grafts between January 2012 and October 2015 at the Obstetrics
      and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
      PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHOD: 15 women underwent cervicovaginal
      reconstruction using SIS graft and 11 underwent cervicovaginal reconstruction
      using STS graft. Clinical characteristics, perioperative data, resumption of
      menstruation, vaginal stenosis, length of the neovagina, vaginal-length gain,
      stricture of the cervix and body image were postoperatively assessed. MAIN
      RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: At a median follow-up of 21 (2-46) months, all
      but one of the patients experienced relief of abdominal pain and resumed
      menstruation. Re-obstruction of the cervix occurred in only one patient in the
      SIS group. The SIS group reported significantly higher body image scores and
      cosmetic satisfaction. Although the two groups had a similar vaginal length
      before surgery, the vaginal-length gain was significantly greater in the STS
      group (4.9 +/- 1.7 cm in the SIS group versus 7.5 +/- 0.7 cm in the STS group, P
      = 0.004) and the neovagina length at 6 months post-operation was significantly
      shorter in the SIS group (6.5 +/- 0.7 cm in SIS the group versus 8.0 +/- 0.5 cm
      in the STS group, P < 0.0001). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Due to a lack of
      long-term follow-up, patient satisfaction with sex life, pregnancy rates and
      outcomes after the two approaches require further evaluation. WIDER IMPLICATIONS
      OF THE FINDINGS: Combined laparoscopic and vaginal cervicovaginal reconstruction
      using SIS or STS graft is a safe and effective treatment for preserving uterus
      function in women with congenital vaginal and cervical aplasia. However, SIS
      graft must still be improved to achieve satisfactory vaginal length. STUDY
      FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: This study was supported by the Chinese National
      Nature Sciences Foundation (grant number 81471416) and the National Key Clinical
      Faculty Construction Program of China. No competing interests are declared. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION NUMBER: N/A.

PMID- 27664211
TI  - Do ARTs affect the incidence of monozygotic twinning?
AB  - STUDY QUESTION: Does the manipulation of gametes or embryos during ARTs increase
      the risk for monozygotic twinning (MZT)? SUMMARY ANSWER: Frozen embryo transfer
      (ET) is associated with a lower MZT rate, while blastocyst culture is associated
      with an increased risk of monozygotic pregnancy. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY:
      Monozygotic twins have a higher risk for perinatal complications. Although an
      increased incidence of monozygotic pregnancies after ART has been previously
      reported, data regarding the possible impact of different laboratory procedures
      are conflicting. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: All clinical pregnancies after
      single ET carried out in our centre between 2004 and 2013 (n = 6096) were
      retrospectively analysed for the incidence of MZT. The effect of different
      laboratory procedures on the incidence of MZT was evaluated.
      PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: The following ART risk factors were
      assessed: maternal age, type of ET (fresh versus frozen), zona pellucida (ZP)
      manipulation (specifically, ICSI, embryo biopsy and assisted hatching), use of
      donor oocytes, embryo stage at time of ET (cleavage, compaction, early or
      advanced blastocyst) and culture media. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: The
      overall MZT rate was 2.2% (136/6096). Frozen ET was associated with a significant
      reduction in MZT incidence (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.48, 95% CI 0.29-0.80),
      while blastocyst transfer (early or advanced blastocyst) was associated with a
      significant increase in MZT risk (aOR 2.70, 95% CI 1.36-5.34; aOR 2.05, 95% CI
      1.29-3.26, respectively). No significant differences were found between the MZT
      and singleton (non-MZT) groups regarding maternal age, the use of different ZP
      manipulation techniques, not type of culture media used. LIMITATION, REASONS FOR
      CAUTION: This study is limited by its retrospective nature and the fact that
      monozygosity was not confirmed by genetic testing. Furthermore, since monozygotic
      pregnancy is a rare event, other ART parameters that may influence its incidence
      could not be assessed during our analysis. WIDER IMPLICATION OF THE FINDINGS: Our
      findings warrant future studies designed to investigate the association between
      specific ART procedures and MZT, namely the potential risk of blastocyst transfer
      to increase MZT. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: No external funding was used
      for this study. There are no conflicts of interest.

PMID- 27664212
TI  - P-values and reproductive health: what can clinical researchers learn from the
      American Statistical Association?

PMID- 27664213
TI  - Should we individualize lipid profiling in women with polycystic ovary syndrome?
AB  - STUDY QUESTION: Is it necessary to monitor lipid profiles in all young women with
      polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? SUMMARY ANSWER: Lipid profiling is required
      when women with PCOS develop type 2 diabetes (T2D) or hypertension, but rarely
      changes clinical care before the age of 35 years. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: PCOS
      consensus statements and guidelines recommend that women with PCOS should be
      screened for dyslipidaemia every second year or annually. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE,
      DURATION: Women from Denmark, Norway, Finland and Sweden, who had participated in
      research projects or clinical trials or in whom lipid profiles had been
      determined routinely as part of clinical care since 2000 were included.
      PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: One thousand three hundred and twenty
      seven women with PCOS (Rotterdam criteria) were included. Based on individual
      cardiovascular risk score and lipid levels, treatment level was guided by the
      European Society of Cardiology and the European Atherosclerosis Society Task
      Force for the management of dyslipidaemias. Change in clinical care was defined
      as need to (i) immediately start statin treatment or (ii) consider statin
      treatment if life-style intervention fails. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE:
      All in all, 74 (5.6%) women with PCOS should immediately start statin treatment,
      and statin treatment should be considered in 33 women (2.5%). Among women with
      T2D, 27/28 (96.4%) should initiate statin treatment and the corresponding number
      for women with hypertension was 42/57 (73.7%). In PCOS women who had not yet
      developed T2D or hypertension, lipid profiling only changed clinical care in 28
      (2.3%). This number was further reduced to 12 (1.2%) in women below the age of 35
      years, and to zero in normal-weight women below the age of 35 years. LIMITATIONS,
      REASONS FOR CAUTION: Findings can only be generalized to countries with low
      cardiovascular mortality rates. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Lipid
      profiling is required when women with PCOS develop T2D or hypertension. However,
      lipid profiling rarely changes the clinical care of low risk PCOS patients before
      the age of 35, especially in the normal-weight women. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING
      INTERESTS: The Academy of Finland, Sigrid Juselius Foundation and the Nordic
      Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology. There are no conflicts of interest to be
      declared.

PMID- 27664214
TI  - No common denominator: a review of outcome measures in IVF RCTs.
AB  - STUDY QUESTION: Which outcome measures are reported in RCTs for IVF? SUMMARY
      ANSWER: Many combinations of numerator and denominator are in use, and are often
      employed in a manner that compromises the validity of the study. WHAT IS KNOWN
      ALREADY: The choice of numerator and denominator governs the meaning, relevance
      and statistical integrity of a study's results. RCTs only provide reliable
      evidence when outcomes are assessed in the cohort of randomised participants,
      rather than in the subgroup of patients who completed treatment. STUDY DESIGN,
      SIZE, DURATION: Review of outcome measures reported in 142 IVF RCTs published in
      2013 or 2014. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Trials were identified by
      searching the Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Specialised Register. English
      language publications of RCTs reporting clinical or preclinical outcomes in peer
      reviewed journals in the period 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2014 were eligible.
      Reported numerators and denominators were extracted. Where they were reported, we
      checked to see if live birth rates were calculated correctly using the entire
      randomised cohort or a later denominator. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE:
      Over 800 combinations of numerator and denominator were identified (613 in no
      more than one study). No single outcome measure appeared in the majority of
      trials. Only 22 (43%) studies reporting live birth presented a calculation
      including all randomised participants or only excluding protocol violators. A
      variety of definitions were used for key clinical numerators: for example, a
      consensus regarding what should constitute an ongoing pregnancy does not appear
      to exist at present. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Several of the included
      articles may have been secondary publications. Our categorisation scheme was
      essentially arbitrary, so the frequencies we present should be interpreted with
      this in mind. The analysis of live birth denominators was post hoc. WIDER
      IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: There is massive diversity in numerator and
      denominator selection in IVF trials due to its multistage nature, and this causes
      methodological frailty in the evidence base. The twin spectres of outcome
      reporting bias and analysis of non-randomised comparisons do not appear to be
      widely recognised. Initiatives to standardise outcome reporting, such as
      requiring all effectiveness studies to report live birth or cumulative live
      birth, are welcome. However, there is a need to recognise that early outcomes of
      treatment, such as stimulation response or embryo quality, may be appropriate
      choices of primary outcome for early phase studies. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING
      INTERESTS: J.W. is funded by a Doctoral Research Fellowship from the National
      Institute for Health Research. The views expressed in this publication are those
      of the authors and not necessarily those of the NHS, the National Institute for
      Health Research or the Department of Health. J.W. also declares that publishing
      research is beneficial to his career. J.W. and A.V. are statistical editors, and
      M.S. is Information Specialist, for the Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group,
      although the views expressed here are not necessarily those of the group. D.R.B.
      is funded by the NHS as Scientific Director of a clinical IVF service. The
      authors declare no other conflicts of interest.

PMID- 27664215
TI  - A longitudinal study investigating the role of decisional conflicts and regret
      and short-term psychological adjustment after IVF treatment failure.
AB  - STUDY QUESTION: What is the relationship between decisional conflict, decisional
      regret and psychological well-being in women following unsuccessful IVF cycles?
      SUMMARY ANSWER: The mediating effect of decisional regret on the relationship
      between decisional conflict and fertility-related quality of life (FRQOL) has
      been found to be moderated by the availability (versus absence) of frozen embryos
      after an unsuccessful IVF cycle. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Infertility treatment is
      marked by its open-ended nature. Stresses in treatment decision-making could be
      aggravated by a culture which honours families through procreation. While studies
      have investigated treatment-related decision-making among infertile women, little
      is known about the mental health consequences of decisional conflict and
      decisional regret following an unsuccessful IVF cycle. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE,
      DURATION: A study was conducted over a 3-month period with infertile women who
      had recently experienced a failed IVF cycle (T0). Decisional conflict when they
      decided on terminating or continuing treatment (T1) and decisional regret 3
      months later (T2) were measured. Participants reported their levels of
      depression, anxiety and FRQOL at three time points. A total of 151 participants
      completed all time points (attrition rate: 39%). The average age of participants
      was 37.2 years, and they had had 1.1 cycles (range: 0-8) on average at the time
      of study intake. The duration of the study was 2 years. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS,
      SETTING, METHODS: Participants were infertile women who were not pregnant
      following an IVF cycle recruited from a university-affiliated assisted
      reproduction centre. Following the notification of a negative pregnancy result,
      patients were invited to complete measures of FRQOL, depression and anxiety
      across three time points and decisional conflict and decisional regret at T1 and
      T2 respectively. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Decisional regret partially
      mediated the effect of decisional conflict on overall and treatment-specific
      FRQOL (P < 0.05). The mediation by decisional regret was present only among
      participants who had no remaining frozen embryos after their unsuccessful IVF
      cycle (P < 0.05). LIMITATIONS, REASON FOR CAUTION: Self-selection bias at
      recruitment remains a concern. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Our results
      show for the first time how mental health implications of decisional conflict may
      vary among patients with different clinical characteristics (i.e. availability of
      frozen embryos), despite their common experience of an unsuccessful IVF cycle.
      Healthcare professionals should be aware of the psychological ramifications of
      treatment decision-making difficulties, as well as individual differences in
      adjustment to unsuccessful treatment. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: The
      study was funded by the Hong Kong University Grant Council-General Research Fund
      (HKU740613) and the authors have no conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION
      NUMBER: HKU Clinical Trials Registry (Trial registration number: HKUCTR-1680).

PMID- 27664216
TI  - The prevalence and phenotypic features of polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic
      review and meta-analysis.
AB  - STUDY QUESTION: What is the reported overall prevalence of polycystic ovary
      syndrome (PCOS) according to the criteria of the National Institutes of Health
      (NIH), Rotterdam or the Androgen Excess and PCOS Society (AE-PCOS Society)?
      SUMMARY ANSWER: The reported overall prevalence of PCOS (95% CI) according to
      diagnostic criteria of the NIH, Rotterdam and the AE-PCOS Society is 6% (5-8%, n
      = 18 trials), 10% (8-13%, n = 15 trials) and 10% (7-13%, n = 10 trials),
      respectively. WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN: PCOS is the most common endocrine disorder
      among women of reproductive age. Although many studies have investigated the
      prevalence of PCOS, there are discrepancies in their results, in part due to the
      use of various definitions of the syndrome and its subphenotypes, differences
      between study cohorts, ethnicities, and types of recruitment and sampling. STUDY
      DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed on
      all published studies that have reported the prevalence of PCOS according to at
      least one subset of diagnostic criteria. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING,
      METHODS: To identify relevant studies based on the PRISMA statement, PubMed and
      Ovid databases were searched up to September 2015 by two blind investigators
      using the terms 'PCOS', 'polycystic ovarian disease', 'Stein Leventhal syndrome',
      'Androgen Excess Society', 'National Institute of Health', 'Rotterdam',
      'ESHRE/ASRM', 'criteria' and 'prevalence'. Articles that represented the
      prevalence of PCOS according to at least one subset of diagnostic criteria were
      included. Exclusion criteria were a focus on adolescent subjects, an absence of
      data on prevalence, inappropriate design or non-English reporting. An appraisal
      tool to evaluate the methodological quality of the available studies was
      generated by the authors. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: A total of 55
      reports remained following screening of the abstracts and text for the subject of
      the study. Of these, 24 articles were eligible and evaluated for qualitative and
      quantitative synthesis. Since heterogeneity was observed among studies, a random
      effects model was used to estimate the prevalence and its 95% CI. The proportions
      of PCOS prevalence (95% CI) according to the diagnostic criteria of NIH,
      Rotterdam and AE-PCOS Society were 6% (5-8%, n = 18 trials), 10% (8-13%, n = 15
      trials) and 10% (7-13%, n = 10 trials), respectively. When only unselected
      population studies were included, the given rates were 6% (5-8%, n = 3 trials),
      9% (7-12%, n = 6 trials) and 10% (7-14%, n = 3 trials). The respective
      proportions for hirsutism, hyperandrogenaemia, polycystic ovaries (PCO) and oligo
      anovulation were 13% (8-20%, n = 14 trials), 11% (8-15%, n = 9 trials), 28% (22
      35%, n = 12 trials) and 15% (12-18%, n = 19 trials), respectively. LIMITATIONS,
      REASONS FOR CAUTION: The effects of ethnic differences, particularly, on the
      presence or severity of hirsutism cannot be ruled out in any way. In addition,
      there was a lack of standardization in defining phenotypes of the syndrome and
      selection bias was evident in most of the studies regarding recruitment of the
      cohorts. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Geographical differences in
      frequencies of the components of the syndrome, such as oligo-anovulation and
      clinical/biochemical androgen excess, must be taken into account in the
      development and implementation of regional diagnostic and precision treatment
      strategies. Further efforts and resources are required to increase
      standardization of the methods and comparability of the study results on
      prevalence and phenotypic characterization of PCOS around the globe. STUDY
      FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: No funding to declare. The authors have no conflicts
      of interest to declare. REGISTRATION NUMBER: None.

PMID- 27664217
TI  - Immediate versus delayed insertion of an etonogestrel releasing implant at
      medical abortion-a randomized controlled equivalence trial.
AB  - STUDY QUESTION: Does a progestin releasing subdermal contraceptive implant affect
      the efficacy of medical abortion if inserted at the same visit as the
      progesterone receptor modulator, mifepristone, at medical abortion? SUMMARY
      ANSWER: A etonogestrel releasing subdermal implant inserted on the day of
      mifepristone did not impair the efficacy of the medical abortion compared with
      routine insertion at 2-4 weeks after the abortion. WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN: The
      etonogestrel releasing subdermal implant is one of the most effective long acting
      reversible contraceptive methods. The effect of timing of placement on the
      efficacy of mifepristone and impact on prevention of subsequent unintended
      pregnancy is not known. STUDY DESIGN SIZE, DURATION: This multicentre, randomized
      controlled, equivalence trial with recruitment between 13 October 2013 and 17
      October 2015 included a total of 551 women with pregnancies below 64 days
      gestation opting for the etonogestrel releasing subdermal implant as postabortion
      contraception. Women were randomized to either insertion at 1 hour after
      mifepristone intake (immediate) or at follow-up 2-4 weeks later (delayed
      insertion). An equivalence design was used due to advantages for women such as
      fewer visits to the clinic with immediate insertion. The primary outcome was the
      percentage of women with complete abortion not requiring surgical intervention
      within 1 month. Secondary outcomes included insertion rates, pregnancy and repeat
      abortion rates during 6 months follow-up. Analysis was per protocol and by
      intention to treat. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Women aged 18 years
      and older who had requested medical termination of a pregnancy up to 63 days of
      gestation and opted for an etonogestrel releasing contraceptive implant were
      recruited in outpatient family planning clinics in six hospitals in Sweden and
      Scotland. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Efficacy of medical abortion was
      259/275 (94.2%) in the immediate insertion group and 239/249 (96%) in the routine
      insertion group with a risk difference of 1.8% (95% CI -0.4 to 4.1%), which was
      within the +/-5% margin of equivalence. The insertion rate was 275/277 (98.9%) in
      the immediate group compared to 187/261 (71.6%) women in the routine group (P <
      0.001). At 6 months of follow-up significantly fewer women in the immediate group
      had become pregnant again (2/277, 0.8%) compared to the routine group (10/261,
      3.8%) P = 0.018. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: For the main outcome loss to
      follow-up data was minimized through access to patient records. Efforts were made
      to reduce loss to follow-up also for secondary outcomes. The results of the
      sensitivity analysis did not differ from the intention to treat or per protocol
      analysis. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Guidelines on postabortion
      contraception should be amended to include insertion of the etonogestrel
      releasing implant at the time of mifepristone intake for medical abortion up to
      and including a gestation of 63 days. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: This
      study was funded by the Swedish Research Council (2012-2844), Stockholm City
      County and Karolinska Institutet (ALF). The contraceptive implants were provided
      by Merck and supplied by MSD Sweden. HKK and KGD have received honorariums for
      giving lectures for MSD/Merck and have participated in the national (HKK and KGD)
      and international (KGD) medical advisory boards for MSD/Merck. The other authors
      have nothing to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ClinicalTrials number
      NCT01920022. TRIAL REGISTRATION DATE: 06 August 2013. DATE OF FIRST PATIENT'S
      ENROLMENT: 13 October 2013.

PMID- 27664218
TI  - Autologous menstrual blood-derived stromal cells transplantation for severe
      Asherman's syndrome.
AB  - STUDY QUESTION: Does autologous transplantation of menstrual blood-derived
      stromal cells (menSCs) regenerate endometrium to support pregnancy in patients
      with severe Asherman's syndrome (AS)? SUMMARY ANSWER: Autologous menSCs
      transplantation significantly increases endometrial thickness (ET) for women with
      severe AS. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: AS is a major cause of secondary infertility in
      women. Cell transplantation has been tried in a few clinical cases with
      encouraging results. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: In this experimental, non
      controlled and prospective 3-year clinical study involving seven patients with
      AS, autologous menSCs were isolated and cultured from menstrual blood of each
      patient within ~2 weeks and then transplanted back into their uterus. Endometrial
      growth and pregnancy were assessed after cell therapy. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS,
      SETTING, METHOD: Infertile women, aged 20-40 years, diagnosed with severe AS
      (Grade III-V) by hysteroscopy and with menstrual fluid were recruited at the
      Shengjing Hospital affiliated to China Medical University. Autologous menSCs
      transplantation was conducted followed by HRT. Endometrial thickness was
      monitored with frozen embryo transfer (FET) as needed. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE
      OF CHANCE: We successfully cultured menSCs from seven patients and transferred
      the autologous cells back to their uterus. Our results showed that the ET was
      significantly (P = 0.0002) increased to 7 mm in five women, which ensured embryo
      implantation. Four patients underwent FET and two of them conceived successfully.
      One patient had spontaneous pregnancy after second menSCs transplantation.
      LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Limited sample size, lack of rigorous controls
      or knowledge of underlying mechanism. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS:
      Autologous menSCs transplantation is a potential option for treating women with
      severe AS. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: This study was supported by
      Liaoning Provincial Science and Technology Program. The sponsor and authors
      declare no conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Registered in the
      Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR-ONB-15007464).

PMID- 27664219
TI  - A novel method for crosstalk analysis of biological networks: improving accuracy
      of pathway annotation.
AB  - Analyzing gene expression patterns is a mainstay to gain functional insights of
      biological systems. A plethora of tools exist to identify significant enrichment
      of pathways for a set of differentially expressed genes. Most tools analyze gene
      overlap between gene sets and are therefore severely hampered by the current
      state of pathway annotation, yet at the same time they run a high risk of false
      assignments. A way to improve both true positive and false positive rates (FPRs)
      is to use a functional association network and instead look for enrichment of
      network connections between gene sets. We present a new network crosstalk
      analysis method BinoX that determines the statistical significance of network
      link enrichment or depletion between gene sets, using the binomial distribution.
      This is a much more appropriate statistical model than previous methods have
      employed, and as a result BinoX yields substantially better true positive and
      FPRs than was possible before. A number of benchmarks were performed to assess
      the accuracy of BinoX and competing methods. We demonstrate examples of how BinoX
      finds many biologically meaningful pathway annotations for gene sets from cancer
      and other diseases, which are not found by other methods. BinoX is available at
      http://sonnhammer.org/BinoX.

PMID- 27664220
TI  - Long-range correlations in the mechanics of small DNA circles under topological
      stress revealed by multi-scale simulation.
AB  - It is well established that gene regulation can be achieved through activator and
      repressor proteins that bind to DNA and switch particular genes on or off, and
      that complex metabolic networks determine the levels of transcription of a given
      gene at a given time. Using three complementary computational techniques to study
      the sequence-dependence of DNA denaturation within DNA minicircles, we have
      observed that whenever the ends of the DNA are constrained, information can be
      transferred over long distances directly by the transmission of mechanical stress
      through the DNA itself, without any requirement for external signalling factors.
      Our models combine atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) with coarse-grained
      simulations and statistical mechanical calculations to span three distinct
      spatial resolutions and timescale regimes. While they give a consensus view of
      the non-locality of sequence-dependent denaturation in highly bent and
      supercoiled DNA loops, each also reveals a unique aspect of long-range
      informational transfer that occurs as a result of restraining the DNA within the
      closed loop of the minicircles.

PMID- 27664223
TI  - Erratum: Utilisation of the falciform ligament pedicle flap as an alternative
      approach for the repair of a perforated gastric ulcer.

PMID- 27664224
TI  - Erratum: Prevascular femoral hernia and its relation with inferior epigastric
      vessels: a rare presentation of the femoral hernia sac.

PMID- 27664225
TI  - Non-tuberculous mycobacteria mimic of MDR-TB infection in Pott's disease.
AB  - A 34 year-old woman presented with history of progressive back pain which was
      diagnosed as Pott's disease with recurrent paravertebral abscess, and had
      received a total of 23 months of antitubercular treatment for lumbar infection.
      The patient was non-responsive to treatment and was referred to a higher centre
      where the infection was finally identified as non-tuberculous mycobacterium
      (Mycobacterium fortuitum) by genotypic testing. The drugs were initiated
      according to results of drug susceptibility testing by the broth microdilution
      method. We describe here an unusual case of M. fortuitum infection that presented
      as Pott's disease identified by molecular test which was followed by treatment
      and successful cure of the disease.

PMID- 27664222
TI  - A Pap1-Oxs1 signaling pathway for disulfide stress in Schizosaccharomyces pombe.
AB  - We describe a Pap1-Oxs1 pathway for diamide-induced disulfide stress in
      Schizosaccharomyces pombe, where the nucleocytoplasmic HMG protein Oxs1 acts
      cooperatively with Pap1 to regulate transcription. Oxs1 and Pap1 form a complex
      when cells are exposed to diamide or Cd that causes disulfide stress. When
      examined for promoters up-regulated by diamide, effective Pap1 binding to these
      targets requires Oxs1, and vice versa. With some genes, each protein alone
      enhances transcription, but the presence of both exerts an additive positive
      effect. In other genes, although transcription is induced by diamide, Oxs1 or
      Pap1 plays a negative role with full de-repression requiring loss of both
      proteins. In a third class of genes, Oxs1 positively regulates expression, but in
      its absence, Pap1 plays a negative role. The Oxs1-Pap1 regulatory interaction
      appears evolutionarily conserved, as heterologous (human, mouse and Arabidopsis)
      Oxs1 and Pap1-homologues can bind interchangeably with each other in vitro, and
      at least in the fission yeast, heterologous Oxs1 and Pap1-homologues can
      substitute for S. pombe Oxs1 and Pap1 to enhance stress tolerance.

PMID- 27664226
TI  - Enoxaparin-induced hepatotoxicity: an under-recognised complication of enoxaparin
      therapy.
AB  - Low-molecular-weight heparins including enoxaparin are commonly used for
      anticoagulation as prophylaxis and treatment for deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
      Prescribers of enoxaparin monitor for common side effects, such as bleeding and
      thrombocytopenia, but hepatotoxicity, a less common and under-reported adverse
      effect, may be overlooked. This report describes a case of enoxaparin-induced
      hepatotoxicity in a 57-year-old man who was started on the drug for a DVT. Within
      3 days of taking enoxaparin, elevated transaminases were noted, and the drug was
      discontinued after 6 days. Similar to other published reports, the patient's
      transaminases peaked 1 day after discontinuation of the drug and then trended
      down to normal over 32 days.

PMID- 27664227
TI  - Cardiac tamponade as a manifestation of severe dermatomyositis.
AB  - In connective tissue disorders, the incidence of pericardial disease and
      pericardial effusion can be up to 58%, and if untreated, it can lead to cardiac
      tamponade which can be fatal. Physicians must have a high index of suspicion for
      this disease as diagnosis can be delayed while evaluating more common causes of
      tachycardia and hypotension in the immunosuppressed (ie, sepsis). We present a 55
      year-old woman with a severe case of dermatomyositis, marked by significant
      weight loss, a bedridden state and hallmark cutaneous findings. On evaluation of
      interstitial lung disease, a pericardial effusion was incidentally noted. Serial
      examination revealed increasing fluid accumulation and progressive tachycardia,
      and diagnosis of cardiac tamponade was made on echocardiography. After initial
      pericardiocentesis, the effusion rapidly re-accumulated requiring a pericardial
      window. In severe presentations of rheumatic disease, cardiac tamponade should be
      considered as a cause of tachycardia, with or without associated hypotension.

PMID- 27664228
TI  - Management of postvitrectomy retinal detachment due to multiple laser-induced
      retinal holes.
AB  - A 25-year-old man presented with retinal detachment in his right eye 20 days
      after pars plana vitrectomy, epiretinal membrane peeling and endolaser assisted
      panretinal photocoagulation performed for non-resolving vitreous haemorrhage
      secondary to Eales disease. Inferior retina of the right eye showed multiple
      (around 120) retinal holes in relation to the previous photocoagulation marks.
      The patient was managed with repeat vitrectomy, endolaser and silicone oil
      infusion. The aetiology of multiple holes, precautions to prevent them and their
      management are described.

PMID- 27664229
TI  - Rare case of Corynebacterium striatum septic arthritis.
AB  - Corynebacterium species are aerobic, Gram-positive bacilli that are commensal
      organisms of skin and mucosal membranes. Although its pathogenicity is well
      established, Corynebacterium striatum is frequently isolated in cultures and
      generally regarded as a contaminant. Rarely, this bacterium causes septic
      arthritis. We present a case of right shoulder joint septic arthritis due to C.
      striatum in a lung-transplant recipient with end-stage renal disease. A brief
      review of the literature regarding C. striatum septic arthritis is also a part of
      this report.

PMID- 27664230
TI  - Faecal microbiota transplantation for recurring Clostridium difficile infection
      in a patient with Crohn's disease and ileorectal anastomosis.
AB  - Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is increasingly being used to treat
      refractory and recurring Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). Although FMT
      appears to be safe and highly effective in patients with a preserved colon and
      immunocompetence, its use in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who
      are on immunomodulating therapies is controversial. In particular, patients who
      have undergone colectomy may have different treatment responses to FMT. In this
      case report, we describe the successful use of FMT in a female patient aged 19
      years with Crohn's disease who underwent ileorectal anastomosis following
      colectomy. She had recurrent CDIs that were refractory to metronidazole, pulse
      tapered vancomycin and fidaxomicin treatments. She underwent 2 FMTs, which were
      performed via sigmoidoscopy; her mother served as a donor. Follow-up was
      conducted for 12 months and indicated sustained remission of CDI.

PMID- 27664231
TI  - Miliarial gout: a rare presentation of extensive cutaneous tophi.
AB  - Gout is a systemic disorder characterized by hyperuricemia and recurrent
      arthritis, most involvement of ankles, midfoot joint and first
      metatarsophalangeal joint, with monosodium urate crystals deposition in synovial
      fluid and other tissues. We present a case of 53-year-old male, who had several
      nontender, white-yellow papules and plaques over his elbows, knees and arms with
      chalk-like substances and crust on inflammatory base wax and wane in the past 2
      years. Upon histopathology examination of the skin lesions, it reported as
      intradermal urate tophi and miliarial gout was diagnosed. This case highlights
      the importance of considering unusual cutaneous tophi in the differential
      diagnosis of deposition disorders.

PMID- 27664233
TI  - 'Cold cuts' added to the circadian smorgasbord of regulatory mechanisms.
AB  - In mammals, rhythms in body temperature help to entrain and synchronize circadian
      rhythms throughout the organism, and the cold-inducible RNA-binding protein
      (CIRBP) is one of the mediators of these daily temperature changes. Cirbp mRNA
      expression is regulated by the daily subtle rhythms in body temperature, and a
      new study by Gotic and colleagues (pp. 2005-2017) reveals a surprising and novel
      mechanism that involves temperature-dependent enhancement of splicing efficiency.

PMID- 27664232
TI  - Effectiveness of cardiogoniometry compared with exercise-ECG test in diagnosing
      stable coronary artery disease in women.
AB  - Aims: To investigate the effectiveness of cardiogoniometry, a novel, non-invasive
      method, in diagnosing coronary artery disease (CAD) in women and compare it with
      exercise-ECG test, by using coronary angiography as a reference method. Methods:
      It was a single-centre, case-series study including consecutive female patients
      with stable angina pectoris (AP) undergoing coronary angiography. Exercise-ECG
      test, done according to the Bruce protocol, and cardiogoniometry were obtained
      prior to coronary angiography. Clinically significant CAD has been defined as one
      or more coronary lesions with >70% stenosis. Results: Study included 114
      consecutive female patients with median age of 64.0 (58.0-71.0) years, out of
      which 32 (28.1%) had CAD. Cardiogoniometry yielded a total accuracy of 74.6% with
      a sensitivity of 75.0% (95% CI 56.6-88.5) and specificity of 74.4% (95% CI 63.6
      83.4). Exercise-ECG test yielded a total accuracy of 45.1% with a sensitivity of
      68.1% (95% CI 42.7-83.6) and specificity 36.6% (95% CI 25.2-50.3).
      Cardiogoniometry showed higher accuracy than exercise-ECG test ( P < 0.001).
      Pathological cardiogoniometry was associated with almost nine times higher risk
      for CAD (OR 8.7, 95%CI 3.4-22.3, P < 0.001), which remained significant after
      adjustment for age, and hypokinesia. Conclusion: Cardiogoniometry is a non
      invasive, easy-to-use and free-of-risk method which showed high effectiveness in
      diagnosing stable CAD in women and superior to exercise-ECG test.
      Cardiogoniometry could be introduced as a part of the diagnostic algorithm of
      screening women for stable CAD and is suitable for use in the primary setting,
      especially in women unable to undergo stress-testing.

PMID- 27664234
TI  - Pancreatic fibroblasts smoothen their activities via AKT-GLI2-TGFalpha.
AB  - Pancreatic stromal fibroblasts provide structural support. Activated fibroblasts
      are critical in the tumor microenvironment. In this issue of Genes & Development,
      Liu and colleagues (pp. 1943-1955) unravel the finding that depletion of
      Smoothened (Smo) in pancreatic stromal fibroblasts results in AKT activation and
      noncanonical GLI2 activation with subsequent TGFalpha secretion, activation of
      EGFR in pancreatic epithelial cells, and augmentation of acinar-ductal
      metaplasia. Additionally, Smo-mediated signaling has proproliferative effects on
      pancreatic tumor cells.

PMID- 27664235
TI  - Recent insights into the function of autophagy in cancer.
AB  - Macroautophagy (referred to here as autophagy) is induced by starvation to
      capture and degrade intracellular proteins and organelles in lysosomes, which
      recycles intracellular components to sustain metabolism and survival. Autophagy
      also plays a major homeostatic role in controlling protein and organelle quality
      and quantity. Dysfunctional autophagy contributes to many diseases. In cancer,
      autophagy can be neutral, tumor-suppressive, or tumor-promoting in different
      contexts. Large-scale genomic analysis of human cancers indicates that the loss
      or mutation of core autophagy genes is uncommon, whereas oncogenic events that
      activate autophagy and lysosomal biogenesis have been identified. Autophagic
      flux, however, is difficult to measure in human tumor samples, making functional
      assessment of autophagy problematic in a clinical setting. Autophagy impacts
      cellular metabolism, the proteome, and organelle numbers and quality, which alter
      cell functions in diverse ways. Moreover, autophagy influences the interaction
      between the tumor and the host by promoting stress adaptation and suppressing
      activation of innate and adaptive immune responses. Additionally, autophagy can
      promote a cross-talk between the tumor and the stroma, which can support tumor
      growth, particularly in a nutrient-limited microenvironment. Thus, the role of
      autophagy in cancer is determined by nutrient availability, microenvironment
      stress, and the presence of an immune system. Here we discuss recent developments
      in the role of autophagy in cancer, in particular how autophagy can promote
      cancer through suppressing p53 and preventing energy crisis, cell death,
      senescence, and an anti-tumor immune response.

PMID- 27664236
TI  - Cullin3-KLHL25 ubiquitin ligase targets ACLY for degradation to inhibit lipid
      synthesis and tumor progression.
AB  - Increased lipid synthesis is a key characteristic of many cancers that is
      critical for cancer progression. ATP-citrate lyase (ACLY), a key enzyme for lipid
      synthesis, is frequently overexpressed or activated in cancer to promote lipid
      synthesis and tumor progression. Cullin3 (CUL3), a core protein for the CUL3-RING
      ubiquitin ligase complex, has been reported to be a tumor suppressor and
      frequently down-regulated in lung cancer. Here, we found that CUL3 interacts with
      ACLY through its adaptor protein, KLHL25 (Kelch-like family member 25), to
      ubiquitinate and degrade ACLY in cells. Through negative regulation of ACLY, CUL3
      inhibits lipid synthesis, cell proliferation, and xenograft tumor growth of lung
      cancer cells. Furthermore, ACLY inhibitor SB-204990 greatly abolishes the
      promoting effect of CUL3 down-regulation on lipid synthesis, cell proliferation,
      and tumor growth. Importantly, low CUL3 expression is associated with high ACLY
      expression and poor prognosis in human lung cancer. In summary, our results
      identify CUL3-KLHL25 ubiquitin ligase as a novel negative regulator for ACLY and
      lipid synthesis and demonstrate that decreased CUL3 expression is an important
      mechanism for increased ACLY expression and lipid synthesis in lung cancer. These
      results also reveal that negative regulation of ACLY and lipid synthesis is a
      novel and critical mechanism for CUL3 in tumor suppression. 

PMID- 27664238
TI  - Cap-independent translation by DAP5 controls cell fate decisions in human
      embryonic stem cells.
AB  - Multiple transcriptional and epigenetic changes drive differentiation of
      embryonic stem cells (ESCs). This study unveils an additional level of gene
      expression regulation involving noncanonical, cap-independent translation of a
      select group of mRNAs. This is driven by death-associated protein 5
      (DAP5/eIF4G2/NAT1), a translation initiation factor mediating IRES-dependent
      translation. We found that the DAP5 knockdown from human ESCs (hESCs) resulted in
      persistence of pluripotent gene expression, delayed induction of differentiation
      associated genes in different cell lineages, and defective embryoid body
      formation. The latter involved improper cellular organization, lack of
      cavitation, and enhanced mislocalized apoptosis. RNA sequencing of polysome
      associated mRNAs identified candidates with reduced translation efficiency in
      DAP5-depleted hESCs. These were enriched in mitochondrial proteins involved in
      oxidative respiration, a pathway essential for differentiation, the significance
      of which was confirmed by the aberrant mitochondrial morphology and decreased
      oxidative respiratory activity in DAP5 knockdown cells. Further analysis
      identified the chromatin modifier HMGN3 as a cap-independent DAP5 translation
      target whose knockdown resulted in defective differentiation. Thus, DAP5-mediated
      translation of a specific set of proteins is critical for the transition from
      pluripotency to differentiation, highlighting the importance of cap-independent
      translation in stem cell fate decisions. 

PMID- 27664237
TI  - Superenhancer reprogramming drives a B-cell-epithelial transition and high-risk
      leukemia.
AB  - IKAROS is required for the differentiation of highly proliferative pre-B-cell
      precursors, and loss of IKAROS function indicates poor prognosis in precursor B
      cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). Here we show that IKAROS regulates
      this developmental stage by positive and negative regulation of superenhancers
      with distinct lineage affiliations. IKAROS defines superenhancers at pre-B-cell
      differentiation genes together with B-cell master regulators such as PAX5, EBF1,
      and IRF4 but is required for a highly permissive chromatin environment, a
      function that cannot be compensated for by the other transcription factors.
      IKAROS is also highly enriched at inactive enhancers of genes normally expressed
      in stem-epithelial cells. Upon IKAROS loss, expression of pre-B-cell
      differentiation genes is attenuated, while a group of extralineage transcription
      factors that are directly repressed by IKAROS and depend on EBF1 relocalization
      at their enhancers for expression is induced. LHX2, LMO2, and TEAD-YAP1, normally
      kept separate from native B-cell transcription regulators by IKAROS, now
      cooperate directly with them in a de novo superenhancer network with its own feed
      forward transcriptional reinforcement. Induction of de novo superenhancers
      antagonizes Polycomb repression and superimposes aberrant stem-epithelial cell
      properties in a B-cell precursor. This dual mechanism of IKAROS regulation
      promotes differentiation while safeguarding against a hybrid stem-epithelial-B
      cell phenotype that underlies high-risk B-ALL.

PMID- 27664239
TI  - Corrigendum: The epidermis coordinates auxin-induced stem growth in response to
      shade.

PMID- 27664240
TI  - Reply to Bordoni et al.

PMID- 27664241
TI  - HIV Medicine Residency Training: Experience From Mississippi.

PMID- 27664243
TI  - ESMO Guidelines Committee.

PMID- 27664242
TI  - The Different Roles of Interleukin 7 and Interleukin 18 in Affecting Lymphoid
      Hematopoietic Progenitor Cells and CD4 Homeostasis in Naive Primary and Chronic
      HIV-Infected Patients.

PMID- 27664245
TI  - Metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for
      diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.

PMID- 27664246
TI  - Prevention and screening in BRCA mutation carriers and other breast/ovarian
      hereditary cancer syndromes: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for cancer
      prevention and screening.

PMID- 27664247
TI  - Management of febrile neutropaenia: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines.

PMID- 27664248
TI  - 2016 MASCC and ESMO guideline update for the prevention of chemotherapy- and
      radiotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting and of nausea and vomiting in advanced
      cancer patients.

PMID- 27664250
TI  - appendix 2: Cutaneous melanoma (2): eUpdate published online September 2016
      (http://www.esmo.org/Guidelines/Melanoma).

PMID- 27664249
TI  - appendix 1: Cutaneous melanoma (1): eUpdate published online September 2016
      (www.esmo.org/Guidelines/Melanoma).

PMID- 27664251
TI  - appendix 3: Neuroendocrine tumours: eUpdate published online September 2016
      (www.esmo.org/Guidelines/Neuroendocrine-Tumours).

PMID- 27664252
TI  - appendix 4: Metastatic colorectal cancer (1): eUpdate published online September
      2016 (www.esmo.org/Guidelines/Gastrointestinal-Cancers).

PMID- 27664253
TI  - appendix 5: Metastatic colorectal cancer (2): eUpdate published online August
      2016 (www.esmo.org/Guidelines/Gastrointestinal-Cancers).

PMID- 27664254
TI  - appendix 6: Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: eUpdate published online September
      2016 (http://www.esmo.org/Guidelines/Haematological-Malignancies).

PMID- 27664255
TI  - appendix 7: Ovarian cancer: eUpdate published online September 2016
      (http://www.esmo.org/Guidelines/Gynaecological-Malignancies).

PMID- 27664256
TI  - appendix 8: Prostate cancer: eUpdate published online September 2016
      (http://www.esmo.org/Guidelines/Genitourinary-Cancers).

PMID- 27664257
TI  - The ESMO Guidelines Committee would like to publish the following corrections to
      manuscripts published in 2015.

PMID- 27664258
TI  - ESMO Guidelines Committee Disclosures.

PMID- 27664259
TI  - Biliary cancer: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and
      follow-up.

PMID- 27664260
TI  - Gastric cancer: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and
      follow-up.

PMID- 27664261
TI  - Oesophageal cancer: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment
      and follow-up.

PMID- 27664262
TI  - Renal cell carcinoma: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment
      and follow-up.

PMID- 27664263
TI  - Newly diagnosed and relapsed follicular lymphoma: ESMO Clinical Practice
      Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.

PMID- 27664265
TI  - Photo Quiz: Skin Lesions from a Returning Traveler.

PMID- 27664264
TI  - Long-term cardiovascular outcome following fetal anaemia and intrauterine
      transfusion: a cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare long-term cardiovascular outcomes in survivors of fetal
      anaemia and intrauterine transfusion with those of non-anaemic siblings. DESIGN:
      Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Auckland, New Zealand. PARTICIPANTS: Adults
      who received intrauterine transfusion for anaemia due to rhesus disease (exposed)
      and their unexposed sibling(s). EXPOSURE: Fetal anaemia requiring intrauterine
      transfusion. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Anthropometry, blood pressure, lipids, heart
      rate variability and cardiac MRI, including myocardial perfusion. RESULTS:
      Exposed participants (n=95) were younger than unexposed (n=92, mean+/-SD 33.7+/
      9.3 vs 40.1+/-10.9 years) and born at earlier gestation (34.3+/-1.7 vs 39.5+/-2.1
      weeks). Exposed participants had smaller left ventricular volumes (end-diastolic
      volume/body surface area, difference between adjusted means -6.1, 95% CI -9.7 to 
      2.4 mL/m2), increased relative left ventricular wall thickness (difference
      between adjusted means 0.007, 95% CI 0.001 to 0.012 mm.m2/mL) and decreased
      myocardial perfusion at rest (ratio of geometric means 0.86, 95% CI 0.80 to
      0.94). Exposed participants also had increased low frequency-to-high frequency
      ratio on assessment of heart rate variability (ratio of geometric means 1.53, 95%
      CI 1.04 to 2.25) and reduced high-density lipoprotein concentration (difference
      between adjusted means -0.12, 95% CI -0.24 to 0.00 mmol/L). CONCLUSIONS: This
      study provides the first evidence in humans that cardiovascular development is
      altered following exposure to fetal anaemia and intrauterine transfusion, with
      persistence of these changes into adulthood potentially indicating increased risk
      of cardiovascular disease. These findings are relevant to the long-term health of
      intrauterine transfusion recipients, and may potentially also have implications
      for adults born preterm who were exposed to anaemia at a similar postconceptual
      age.

PMID- 27664267
TI  - Closing the Brief Case: Dyspnea in a Profoundly Immunocompromised Man.

PMID- 27664266
TI  - The Brief Case: Dyspnea in a Profoundly Immunocompromised Man.

PMID- 27664268
TI  - Answer to October 2016 Photo Quiz.

PMID- 27664271
TI  - EGFR gene copy number as a predictive/biomarker for patients with non-small-cell
      lung cancer receiving tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment: a systematic review
      and meta-analysis.
AB  - Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene copy number has been proposed as a
      candidate biomarker for predicting treatment response to EGFR tyrosine kinase
      inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer
      (NSCLC). MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases were searched
      until October 21, 2015 using the following search terms: lung neoplasms/lung
      cancer/non-small cell lung cancer/NSCLC, EGFR, gene amplification, copy number,
      erlotinib, gefitinib, tyrosine-kinase inhibitor/TKI, predictor. 17 studies were
      included in the analysis with a total of 2047 patients. The overall analysis
      found that increased EGFR gene copy number was associated with higher overall
      response rate (ORR), overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS; p
      values <=0.008) compared with patients without a high EGFR gene copy number.
      Subgroup analysis found that in a population of patients who were primarily
      Caucasian, a higher EGFR gene copy number was also associated with increased ORR,
      OS, and PFS (p values <=0.018). The results were similar in a population of Asian
      patients, except that a higher EGFR gene copy number was not associated with
      improved OS (p=0.248). Sensitivity analysis indicated that no one study overly
      influenced the results and that the findings are robust. The result of the
      analysis found that EGFR gene copy number was associated with increased OS and
      PFS, supporting the idea that EGFR gene copy number is a biomarker for response
      to EGFR-TKI therapy in patients with advanced NSCLC.

PMID- 27664272
TI  - The IBD Disability Index should become a Major Secondary Endpoint in Clinical
      Practice and in Clinical Trials.

PMID- 27664270
TI  - Alternative splicing of basic chitinase gene PR3b in the low-nicotine mutants of
      Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. Burley 21.
AB  - Two unlinked semi-dominant loci, A (NIC1) and B (NIC2), control nicotine and
      related alkaloid biosynthesis in Burley tobaccos. Mutations in either or both
      loci (nic1 and nic2) lead to low nicotine phenotypes with altered environmental
      stress responses. Here we show that the transcripts derived from the pathogenesis
      related (PR) protein gene PR3b are alternatively spliced to a greater extent in
      the nic1 and nic2 mutants of Burley 21 tobacco and the nic1nic2 double mutant.
      The alternative splicing results in a deletion of 65 nucleotides and introduces a
      premature stop codon into the coding region of PR3b that leads to a significant
      reduction of PR3b specific chitinase activity. Assays of PR3b splicing in F2
      individuals derived from crosses between nic1 and nic2 mutants and wild-type
      plants showed that the splicing phenotype is controlled by the NIC1 and NIC2
      loci, even though NIC1 and NIC2 are unlinked loci. Moreover, the transcriptional
      analyses showed that the splicing patterns of PR3b in the low-nicotine mutants
      were differentially regulated by jasmonate (JA) and ethylene (ET). These data
      suggest that the NIC1 and NIC2 loci display differential roles in regulating the
      alternative splicing of PR3b in Burley 21. The findings in this study have
      provided valuable information for extending our understanding of the broader
      effects of the low-nicotine mutants of Burley 21 and the mechanism by which JA
      and ET signalling pathways post-transcriptionally regulate the activity of PR3b
      protein.

PMID- 27664273
TI  - Identification of Research Priorities for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Nursing in
      Europe: a Nurses-European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation Delphi Survey.
AB  - Background: Robust research evidence should inform clinical practice of
      inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] specialist nurses, but such research is
      currently very limited. With no current agreement on research priorities for IBD
      nursing, this survey aimed to establish topics to guide future IBD nursing
      research across Europe. Methods: An online modified Delphi survey with nurse and
      allied health professional members of the Nurses European Crohn's and Colitis
      Organisation [n = 303] was conducted. In Round One, participants proposed topics
      for research. In Round Two, research topics were rated on a 1-9 scale and
      subsequently synthesised to create composite research questions. In Round Three,
      participants selected their top five research questions, rating these on a 1-5
      scale. Results: Representing 13 European countries, 88, 90 and 58 non-medical
      professionals, predominantly nurses, responded to Rounds One, Two and Three,
      respectively. In Round One, 173 potential research topics were suggested. In
      Rounds Two And Three, responders voted for and prioritised 125 and 44 questions,
      respectively. Round Three votes were weighted [rank of 1 = score of 5],
      reflecting rank order. The top five research priorities were: interventions to
      improve self-management of IBD; interventions for symptoms of frequency, urgency
      and incontinence; the role of the IBD nurse in improving patient outcomes and
      quality of life; interventions to improve IBD fatigue; and care pathways to
      optimise clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction. Conclusions: The prioritised
      list of topics gives clear direction for future IBD nursing research. Conducting
      this research has potential to improve clinical practice and patient-reported
      outcomes.

PMID- 27664274
TI  - Fluoxetine for Maintenance of Remission and to Improve Quality of Life in
      Patients with Crohn's Disease: a Pilot Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial.
AB  - Background and Aims: Previous studies have shown that antidepressants reduce
      inflammation in animal models of colitis. The present trial aimed to examine
      whether fluoxetine added to standard therapy for Crohn's disease [CD] maintained
      remission, improved quality of life [QoL] and/or mental health in people with CD
      as compared to placebo. Methods: A parallel randomized double-blind placebo
      controlled trial was conducted. Participants with clinically established CD, with
      quiescent or only mild disease, were randomly assigned to receive either
      fluoxetine 20 mg daily or placebo, and followed for 12 months. Participants
      provided blood and stool samples and completed mental health and QoL
      questionnaires. Immune functions were assessed by stimulated cytokine secretion
      [CD3/CD28 stimulation] and flow cytometry for cell type. Linear mixed-effects
      models were used to compare groups. Results: Of the 26 participants, 14 were
      randomized to receive fluoxetine and 12 to placebo. Overall, 14 [54%]
      participants were male. The mean age was 37.4 [SD=13.2] years. Fluoxetine had no
      effect on inflammatory bowel disease activity measured using either the Crohn's
      Disease Activity Index [F(3, 27.5)=0.064, p=0.978] or faecal calprotectin [F(3,
      32.5)=1.08, p=0.371], but did have modest effects on immune function. There was
      no effect of fluoxetine on physical, psychological, social or environmental QoL,
      anxiety or depressive symptoms as compared to placebo [all p>0.05]. Conclusions:
      In this small pilot clinical trial, fluoxetine was not superior to placebo in
      maintaining remission or improving QoL. [ID: ACTRN12612001067864.].

PMID- 27664276
TI  - Role of diffusion-weighted MRI in the differential diagnosis of endometrioid and
      non-endometrioid cancer of the uterus.
AB  - Background Many publications have examined the relationship between apparent
      diffusion coefficient (ADC) values and tumor grade in endometrial cancer.
      Nevertheless, none were designed to evaluate according to the histopathological
      type of endometrioid and non-endometrioid tumors. Purpose To evaluate the role of
      diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in the differential diagnosis of endometrioid
      and non-endometrioid cancer of the uterus, by comparing them with contrast
      enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. Material and Methods
      Institutional review board approval and informed consent were obtained. The MRI
      findings of 63 patients with endometrial cancer were retrospectively evaluated
      and divided into four groups: Grades I, II, and III endometrioid tumors, and non
      endometrioid tumors. ADC values, DWI quotients ( b = 1000 s/mm2), and post
      contrast signal intensities between lesions and the myometrium (b1000q-Cq values)
      were evaluated. The one-way-ANOVA, student's t-test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and
      receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were used for statistical
      evaluation. Results Mean ADC values were 0.86 +/- 0.14 in Grade I, 0.80 +/- 0.7
      in Grade II, 0.71 +/- 0.14 in Grade III for endometrioid tumors, and 0.70 +/-
      0.12 in non-endometrioid tumors. There was a significant difference in ADC values
      between Grade I and Grade III ( P = 0.006), and non-endometrioid tumors ( P =
      0.003). The difference was also significant between Grades I + II and Grade III (
      P = 0.009), and non-endometrioid tumors ( P = 0.004). Besides, there was a
      significant difference between endometrioid and non-endometrioid tumors ( P =
      0.022). However, when considering b1000q (F = 0.640, P = 0.593) and Cq (chi2 =
      6.233; P = 0.101), no significant difference was detected among the groups.
      Conclusion The difference in ADC values between the endometrioid and non
      endometrioid tumors was statistically significant. However, the difference in DWI
      and contrast-enhancement findings were not statistically significant.
      Furthermore, the mean ADC values had an inverse relationship with tumor grade in
      the endometrioid cancer group.

PMID- 27664275
TI  - Accuracy of Faecal Calprotectin and Neutrophil Gelatinase B-associated Lipocalin
      in Evaluating Subclinical Inflammation in UlceRaTIVE Colitis-the ACERTIVE study.
AB  - Background and Aims: Mucosal healing and histological remission are different
      targets for patients with ulcerative colitis, but both rely on an invasive
      endoscopic procedure. This study aimed to assess faecal calprotectin and
      neutrophil gelatinase B-associated lipocalin as biomarkers for disease activity
      in asymptomatic ulcerative colitis patients. Methods: This was a multicentric
      cross-sectional study including 371 patients, who were classified according to
      their endoscopic and histological scores. These results were evaluated alongside
      the faecal levels of both biomarkers. Results: Macroscopic lesions [i.e.
      endoscopic Mayo score >=1] were present in 28% of the patients, and 9% had active
      disease according to fht Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity.
      Moreover, 21% presented with histological inflammation according to the Geboes
      index, whereas 15% and 5% presented with focal and diffuse basal plasmacytosis,
      respectively. The faecal levels of calprotectin and neutrophil gelatinase B
      associated lipocalin were statistically higher for patients with endoscopic
      lesions and histological activity. A receiver operating characteristic-based
      analysis revealed that both biomarkers were able to indicate mucosal healing and
      histological remission with an acceptable probability, and cut-off levels of 150
      250 MUg/g for faecal calprotectin and 12 MUg/g for neutrophil gelatinase B
      associated lipocalin were proposed. Conclusions: Faecal calprotectin and
      neutrophil gelatinase B-associated lipocalin levels are a valuable addition for
      assessment of disease activity in asymptomatic ulcerative colitis patients.
      Biological levels of the analysed biomarkers below the proposed thresholds can
      rule out the presence of macroscopic and microscopic lesions with a probability
      of 75-93%. However, caution should be applied whenever interpreting positive
      results, as these biomarkers present consistently low positive predictive values.

PMID- 27664277
TI  - Pudendal nerve and branch neuropathy: magnetic resonance neurography evaluation.
AB  - Pudendal neuralgia is being increasingly recognized as a cause of chronic pelvic
      pain, which may be related to nerve injury or entrapment. Due to its complex
      anatomy and branching patterns, the pudendal nerve abnormalities are challenging
      to illustrate. High resolution 3 T magnetic resonance neurography is a promising
      technique for the evaluation of peripheral neuropathies. In this article, the
      authors discuss the normal pudendal nerve anatomy and its variations, technical
      considerations of pudendal nerve imaging, and highlight the normal and abnormal
      appearances of the pudendal nerve and its branches with illustrative case
      examples.

PMID- 27664278
TI  - Single focus on breast magnetic resonance imaging: diagnosis based on kinetic
      pattern and patient age.
AB  - Background Because of its small size, a focus in breast magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI) must be evaluated on the basis of characteristics other than
      morphologic features. Patient-related factors including patient age, in
      conjunction with lesion-related factors, could be useful for decision-making.
      Purpose To assess the probability of malignant foci based on both lesion- and
      patient-related factors, and to propose a relevant decision-making method.
      Material and Methods Foci in our breast MRI database dating from April 2006 to
      June 2013 were retrospectively identified and analyzed. A Fisher's exact test or
      a Mann-Whitney U test were performed for univariate analyses, and factors that
      showed a significant association with outcome in the univariate analyses were
      subjected to multivariate analysis using a logistic regression model. A decision
      tree was then drawn using the significant predictors confirmed by multivariate
      analysis. Results In total, 184 foci (168 benign, 16 malignant) in 184 patients
      were analyzed in our study. The presence of a washout pattern and older age were
      found to be significant predictors of malignancy ( P < 0.0001; odds ratio [OR],
      17.8; P = 0.021; OR, 1.1, respectively). The main decisive node on the decision
      tree was the presence of a washout pattern, followed by whether the patient's age
      was >63 years. Conclusion An enhancing focus showing a washout pattern,
      especially in older patients, may warrant immediate biopsy rather than short
      interval follow-up.

PMID- 27664279
TI  - JAK2 Disease-Risk Variants Are Gain of Function and JAK Signaling Threshold
      Determines Innate Receptor-Induced Proinflammatory Cytokine Secretion in
      Macrophages.
AB  - JAK2 genetic variants are associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and
      JAK inhibitors are being evaluated for therapy targeting immune-mediated
      diseases, including IBD. As JAK pathway-mediated cytokine regulation varies
      across cell types and stimulation conditions, we examined how JAK signaling and
      IBD-associated JAK2 variants regulate distinct acute and chronic microbial
      product exposure outcomes in human myeloid cells, consistent with the conditions
      of initial entry and ongoing intestinal tissue residence, respectively.
      Macrophages from controls and ulcerative colitis patients carrying the IBD-risk
      rs10758669 CC genotype showed increased JAK2 expression and nucleotide-binding
      oligomerization domain 2-induced JAK2 phosphorylation relative to AA carriers.
      Interestingly, the threshold of JAK2 expression and signaling determined pattern
      recognition receptor (PRR)-induced outcomes; whereas anti-inflammatory cytokines
      progressively decreased with lower JAK2 expression, proinflammatory cytokines
      switched from decreased to increased secretion below a certain JAK2 expression
      threshold. Low JAK2-expressing rs10758669 AA macrophages were above this
      threshold; consequently, both PRR-induced pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines
      were decreased. However, relative to rs10758669 CC risk carriers, AA carrier
      macrophages switched to increased nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 2
      induced proinflammatory cytokines at lower therapeutically used JAK inhibitor
      doses. Importantly, JAK inhibitors increased proinflammatory cytokines secreted
      by peripheral macrophages following chronic PRR stimulation and by human
      intestinal myeloid cells following exposure to intestinal pathogens.
      Mechanistically, the decreased response to and secretion of autocrine/paracrine
      IL-10, IL-4, IL-22 and thymic stromal lymphopoietin regulated these JAK-dependent
      outcomes in myeloid cells. Taken together, the JAK signaling threshold determines
      whether PRR-induced pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines are reciprocally
      regulated in myeloid cells; consideration of JAK2 genotype and targeting of
      specific cell types might improve JAK-targeted therapy in immune-mediated
      diseases.

PMID- 27664280
TI  - TAP-Dependent and -Independent Peptide Import into Dendritic Cell Phagosomes.
AB  - Cross-presentation of phagocytosed Ags by MHC class I (MHC-I) molecules is
      thought to involve transport of cytosolic peptides into dendritic cell
      phagosomes, mediated by TAP transporters recruited from the endoplasmic
      reticulum. However, because pure and tightly sealed phagosomes are difficult to
      obtain, direct evidence for peptide transport into phagosomes has remained
      limited. Moreover, the parameters determining peptide uptake by, and survival in,
      phagosomes remain little characterized. In this study, we monitored peptide
      import into phagosomes by flow cytometry using two types of fluorescent reporter
      peptides, one of which directly bound to intraphagosomal beads. We observed that
      a peptide with high TAP affinity is imported into phagosomes in a TAP- and ATP
      dependent manner, as expected. However, surprisingly, import of the OVA peptide
      SIINFEKL, a CD8+ T cell epitope frequently used to study cross-presentation, is
      ATP-dependent but substantially TAP-independent. The half-life of both reporter
      peptides is shortened by enhanced phagosome maturation triggered by TLR
      signaling. Conversely, formation of complexes with MHC-I molecules enhances
      peptide accumulation in phagosomes. Collectively, these results confirm that TAP
      can import peptides into phagosomes, but they suggest that some peptides,
      including the popular SIINFEKL, can enter phagosomes also via a second unknown
      energy-dependent mechanism. Therefore, the frequently reported TAP dependence of
      cross-presentation of phagocytosed OVA may principally reflect a requirement for
      recycling MHC-I molecules rather than SIINFEKL import into phagosomes via TAP.

PMID- 27664281
TI  - Dok-1 and Dok-2 Regulate the Formation of Memory CD8+ T Cells.
AB  - Diverse signals received by CD8+ T cells are integrated to achieve the required
      magnitude of cell expansion and the appropriate balance of effector/memory CD8+ T
      cell generation. Notably, the strength and nature of TCR signaling influence the
      differentiation and functional capacity of effector and memory CD8+ T cells. Dok
      1 and Dok-2, the two members of the Dok family expressed in T cells, negatively
      regulate TCR signaling in vitro. However, the role of Dok proteins in modulating
      T cell function in vivo has not yet studied. We studied the function of Dok-1 and
      Dok-2 proteins in the regulation of the CD8+ T cell response to vaccinia virus
      infection. Comparison of responses to vaccinia virus expressing OVA peptide
      SIINFEKL by wild-type and Dok-1/2-/- CD8+ OT-I cells showed that the absence of
      Dok-1 and Dok-2 slightly reduced the magnitude of virus-specific effector CD8+ T
      cell expansion. This was not due to reduced proliferation or enhanced apoptosis
      of effector CD8+ T cells. Dok-1/2-deficient effector CD8+ T cells showed
      increased cell surface TCR expression following virus infection in vivo and
      increased expression of granzyme B and TNF upon stimulation with peptide Ag ex
      vivo. Finally, Dok-1/2-deficient effector CD8+ T had a severe defect in survival
      that resulted in impaired generation of memory CD8+ T cells. These results reveal
      the critical involvement of Dok-1 and Dok-2 in a negative-feedback loop that
      prevents overactivation of CD8+ T cells and promotes memory formation.

PMID- 27664283
TI  - Erratum for Kavanagh et al., A Perspective on How the United States Fell behind
      Northern Europe in the Battle against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus
      aureus.

PMID- 27664282
TI  - Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection in a Child with Cystic
      Fibrosis.
AB  - We describe a pediatric cystic fibrosis patient who developed a pulmonary
      exacerbation due to two multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa
      isolates. In addition to these MDR organisms, the case was further complicated by
      beta-lactam allergy. Despite the MDR phenotype, both isolates were susceptible to
      an antimicrobial combination.

PMID- 27664286
TI  - Great Advances in Retina: Past, Present, and Future.

PMID- 27664285
TI  - Electroacupuncture pretreatment induces rapid tolerance to bupivacaine
      cardiotoxicity in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that electroacupuncture (EA) protects against
      arrhythmia and myocardial injury induced by myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion.
      However, to our knowledge, it remains unknown whether EA could alleviate
      bupivacaine-induced cardiotoxicity. Therefore, we aimed to explore the effect of
      EA pretreatment on bupivacaine-induced cardiac arrest and outcomes of
      cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in rats. METHODS: 24 adult male Sprague
      Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups: EA (n=12), and minimal
      acupuncture (MA) (n=12). Rats in both groups were needled at bilateral PC6, ST36,
      and ST40. Needles in the EA group were electrically stimulated for 60 min. ECG
      and invasive arterial blood pressure measurements were recorded. Two hours after
      EA or MA, 10 mg/kg bupivacaine was infused intravenously at a rate of 5 mg/kg/min
      in all rats. Rats suffering cardiac arrest were immediately subjected to CPR. At
      the end of the experiment, arterial blood samples were taken from surviving rats
      for blood gas analysis. RESULTS: The time from bupivacaine infusion until 20%
      prolongation of the QRS and QT interval, and the time to cardiac arrest, were
      notably increased among the rats pretreated with EA. Moreover, EA pretreatment
      significantly improved mean arterial pressure and heart rate at all monitored
      points after bupivacaine infusion. The proportion of animals surviving was higher
      in the EA group (9/12) than the MA group (3/12) at the end of experiment
      (p=0.039). CONCLUSIONS: Tolerance to bupivacaine-induced cardiotoxicity appeared
      to be increased following EA pre-treatment. The mechanism of action underlying
      the effects of EA on bupivacaine-induced cardiotoxicity requires further
      investigation.

PMID- 27664287
TI  - Stem Cell Treatment: Think Twice If They Ask for Payment.

PMID- 27664288
TI  - Historical Perspectives on the Management of Macular Degeneration, Diabetic
      Retinopathy, and Retinal Detachment: Personal Reminiscences.
AB  - We were challenged and delighted when Dr. Sharon Solomon, guest editor of this
      Retina Supplement, invited us to reminisce about caring for patients with common
      retinal disorders before there was access to the diagnostic and therapeutic tools
      that are readily available today. We agreed to confine our remarks to 3 common,
      but serious, conditions: age-related macular degeneration (Dr. Fine), diabetic
      retinopathy (Dr. Goldberg), and retinal detachment (Dr. Tasman). Each of us
      completed our ophthalmology training about half a century ago. At that time, a
      patient who received any 1 of the 3 diagnoses was at considerable risk of severe
      and irreversible loss of vision. Most readers today will have little if any
      experience in evaluating and treating such patients without access to a plethora
      of diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, including intravenous fluorescein
      angiography, laser photocoagulation, optical coherence tomography, ophthalmic
      ultrasound, angioinhibitory drugs, vitrectomy, intraocular gases, and many
      others. We are both pleased and privileged that each of us has practiced our
      profession long enough to enjoy what the enormous technological developments of
      the past half century, as described in this article, have meant for our patients.

PMID- 27664289
TI  - Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Agents in the Treatment of Retinal
      Disease: From Bench to Bedside.
AB  - The association of retinal hypoxia with retinal neovascularization has been
      recognized for decades, causing Michaelson to postulate in 1948 that a factor
      secreted by hypoxic retina was involved. The isolation of vascular endothelial
      growth factor (VEGF), characterization of its angiogenic activity, and
      demonstration that its expression was increased in hypoxic tissue made it a prime
      candidate. Intraocular levels of VEGF are elevated in patients with retinal or
      iris neovascularization, and VEGF-specific antagonists markedly suppress retinal
      neovascularization in mice and primates with ischemic retinopathy. Vascular
      endothelial growth factor antagonists also suppress choroidal neovascularization,
      and transgenic expression of VEGF in the retina of mice causes subretinal
      neovascularization. Clinical trials using a VEGF antagonist that blocks all
      isoforms of VEGF-A in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration
      (nAMD) demonstrated dramatic benefit. Similar results have been obtained with 2
      other VEGF antagonists. Retinal hypoxia also contributes to diabetic macular
      edema (DME), and because of the absence of good animal models, small clinical
      trials were used to test the role of VEGF. The results clearly implicated VEGF as
      a major contributor to DME and have been confirmed by several large multicenter
      trials. A similar strategy demonstrated that VEGF is a major contributor to
      macular edema resulting from retinal vein occlusion, also confirmed in
      multicenter trials. Secondary outcomes in these large clinical trials have shown
      that VEGF inhibition improves retinal hemorrhages, retinal vessel closure, and
      progression of nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. Anti-VEGF agents also
      provide therapeutic benefits in proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Thus, the
      development of VEGF antagonists has revolutionized the treatment of nAMD,
      diabetic retinopathy, and other ischemic retinopathies, but in many patients, the
      upregulation of VEGF is prolonged. Although the molecular signaling by which
      hypoxia and some other insults lead to upregulation of VEGF has been elucidated,
      it has not yet led to a treatment that reliably reduces the production of VEGF,
      necessitating continued neutralization by repeated intraocular injections of VEGF
      antagonists in many patients. The next horizon in the evolution of anti-VEGF
      therapy is the development of longer-acting agents or delivery platforms that
      provide sustained neutralization with fewer injections.

PMID- 27664290
TI  - The Bionic Eye: A Quarter Century of Retinal Prosthesis Research and Development.
AB  - This article describes the history of visual prostheses, with emphasis on the
      development of the Argus II retinal prosthesis system (Second Sight Medical
      Products, Inc., Sylmar, CA). A brief overview of cortical electrical stimulation
      in the blind is provided, followed by an account of the design and development of
      retinal stimulation equipment at the Duke Eye Center in the late 1980s; the first
      human intraoperative tests there and the subsequent 8 years of tests at the
      Wilmer Eye Institute; the transfer of the project to the Doheny Eye Institute at
      the University of Southern California and the founding of Second Sight Medical
      Products; and the development and clinical trials of the Argus I and Argus II
      systems. In a series of vignettes, we pay tribute to the many colleagues and
      patient volunteers without whose help the work would not have been possible.

PMID- 27664291
TI  - Gene Therapy and Stem Cell Transplantation in Retinal Disease: The New Frontier.
AB  - Gene and cell therapies have the potential to prevent, halt, or reverse diseases
      of the retina in patients with currently incurable blinding conditions. Over the
      past 2 decades, major advances in our understanding of the pathobiologic basis of
      retinal diseases, coupled with growth of gene transfer and cell transplantation
      biotechnologies, have created optimism that previously blinding retinal
      conditions may be treatable. It is now possible to deliver cloned genes safely
      and stably to specific retinal cell types in humans. Preliminary results testing
      gene augmentation strategies in human recessive diseases suggest promising safety
      and efficacy profiles, including improved visual function outcomes over extended
      periods. Additional gene-based strategies under development include approaches to
      autosomal dominant disease ("gain of function"), attempts to deliver genes
      encoding therapeutic proteins with proven mechanisms of action interfering with
      specific disease pathways, and approaches that could be used to render retinal
      cells other than atrophied photoreceptors light sensitive. In the programs that
      are the furthest along-pivotal regulatory safety and efficacy trials studying
      individuals with retinal degeneration resulting from RPE65 mutations-initial
      results reveal a robust safety profile and clinically significant improvements in
      visual function, thereby making this program a frontrunner for the first approved
      gene therapy product in the United States. Similar to gene therapy, progress in
      regenerative or stem cell-based transplantation strategies has been substantial.
      It is now possible to deliver safely stem cell-derived, terminally
      differentiated, biologically and genetically defined retinal pigment epithelium
      (RPE) to the diseased human eye. Although demonstration of clinical efficacy is
      still well behind the gene therapy field, multiple programs investigating
      regenerative strategies in RPE disease are beginning to enroll subjects, and
      initial results suggest possible signs of efficacy. Stem cells capable of
      becoming other retinal cell types, such as photoreceptors, are on the cusp of
      clinical trials. Stem cell-derived transplants can be delivered to precise target
      locations in the eye, and their ability to ameliorate, reverse, regenerate, or
      neuroprotect against disease processes can be assessed. Results from these
      studies will provide foundational knowledge that may lead to clinically
      significant therapies for currently untreatable retinal disease.

PMID- 27664293
TI  - Studying nuclear functions of aminoacyl tRNA synthetases.
AB  - Aminoacyl tRNA synthetases (AARSs) are best known for their essential role in
      translation in the cytoplasm. The concept that AARSs also exist in the nucleus
      started to draw attention around the turn of the new millennium, when
      aminoacylated tRNAs were first found in the nuclei of Xenopus oocytes. It is now
      expected that all cytoplasmic AARSs are present in the nucleus. In addition to
      tRNA aminoacylation, nuclear AARSs were found to regulate a spectrum of
      biological processes and responses, with many AARSs functioning through
      regulation at the level of gene transcription. In this paper, we focus on
      describing methods that have been successfully implemented to study AARSs in
      transcriptional regulation. These include a cell fractionation assay to detect
      nuclear localization, an in vitro DNA-cellulose pull-down assay to determine DNA
      binding capacity, and a chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-DNA deep sequencing
      assay to identify DNA binding sites. Application of these methods would expand
      our understanding of AARS functions and reveal critical insights on the
      coordination of gene transcription and translation.

PMID- 27664294
TI  - Multiple objects detection in biological images using a marked point process
      framework.
AB  - The marked point process framework has been successfully developed in the field
      of image analysis to detect a configuration of predefined objects. The goal of
      this paper is to show how it can be particularly applied to biological imagery.
      We present a simple model that shows how some of the challenges specific to
      biological data are well addressed by the methodology. We further describe an
      extension to this first model to address other challenges due, for example, to
      the shape variability in biological material. We finally show results that
      illustrate the MPP framework using the "simcep" algorithm for simulating
      populations of cells.

PMID- 27664292
TI  - Simultaneous detection of the subcellular localization of RNAs and proteins in
      cultured cells by combined multicolor RNA-FISH and IF.
AB  - Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and immunofluorescence (IF) are
      sensitive techniques used for detecting nucleic acids and proteins in cultured
      cells. However, these techniques are rarely applied together, and standard
      protocols are not readily compatible for sequential application on the same
      specimen. Here, we provide a user-friendly step-by-step protocol to perform
      multicolor RNA-FISH in combination with IF to simultaneously detect the
      subcellular localization of distinct RNAs and proteins in cultured cells. We
      demonstrate the use of our protocol by analyzing changes in the subcellular
      distribution of RNAs and proteins in cells exposed to a variety of stress
      conditions.

PMID- 27664295
TI  - Chemerin processing in the myocardium: A mechanism in search of a function.

PMID- 27664296
TI  - No significant effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) found on
      simple motor reaction time comparing 15 different simulation protocols.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Research exploring the behavioral impact of transcranial direct
      current stimulation (tDCS) over M1 has produced homogenous results. The most
      common explanations to address this homogeneity concerns the differential impact
      of varied tDCS parameters (such as stimulation intensity or electrode montage).
      To explore this, we systematically examined the effects of 15 different tDCS
      protocols on a well-elucidated neurobehavioral system: simple visual motor
      reaction time (smRT). METHODS: For the initial phase of this study, 150 healthy
      participants were randomly assigned to one of 5 experimental groups (2mA anodal,
      2mA cathodal, 1mA anodal, 1mA cathodal, or sham) across 3 different conditions
      (orbitofrontal, bilateral, or extracephalic reference electrode location). The
      active electrode was always placed over M1 and tDCS lasted for 20min. Starting
      ~5min prior to stimulation and running continuously for ~30min, participants were
      repeatedly presented with a visual cue centered on a computer monitor and asked
      to press a response button as quickly as possible at stimulus onset (stimuli
      number: 100 pre-, 400 during-, and 100-post stimulation - interstimulus interval:
      1-3s). Ex-gaussian distribution curves, miss, and error rates were determined for
      each normalized batch of 100 RTs and compared using a two-way ANOVA. As the
      largest group differences were seen with 2mA anodal (compared to sham)
      stimulation using an orbitofrontal montage, an additional 60 healthy participants
      were recruited to further test for significance in this condition. RESULTS: No
      significant impact of tDCS was seen on any parameter of smRT distribution, error
      rate, or miss rate, regardless of polarity, stimulation intensity, electrode
      montage, or stimulation-to-task relationship. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest
      that tDCS over M1 might not have a predictable or reliable effect on short
      duration smRT. Our results raise interesting questions regarding the mechanisms
      by which tDCS might modulate more complex motor behaviors. Additional research
      utilizing multiple tDCS protocols as undertaken here will help address and
      clarify these concerns.

PMID- 27664297
TI  - Influence of subthalamic deep-brain stimulation on cognitive action control in
      incentive context.
AB  - Subthalamic nucleus deep-brain stimulation (STN-DBS) is an effective treatment in
      Parkinson's disease (PD), but can have cognitive side effects, such as increasing
      the difficulty of producing appropriate responses when a habitual but
      inappropriate responses represent strong alternatives. STN-DBS also appears to
      modulate representations of incentives such as monetary rewards. Furthermore,
      conflict resolution can be modulated by incentive context. We therefore used a
      rewarded Simon Task to assess the influence of promised rewards on cognitive
      action control in 50 patients with PD, half of whom were being treated with STN
      DBS. Results were analyzed according to the activation-suppression model. We
      showed that STN-DBS (i) favored the expression of motor impulsivity, as measured
      with the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, (ii) facilitated the expression of
      incentive actions as observed with a greater increase in speed according to
      promised reward in patients with versus without DBS and (iii) may increase
      impulsive action selection in an incentive context. In addition, analysis of
      subgroups of implanted patients suggested that those who exhibited the most
      impulsive action selection had the least severe disease. This may indicate that
      patients with less marked disease are more at risk of developing impulsivity
      postoperatively. Finally, in these patients, incentive context increased the
      difficulty of resolving conflict situations. As a whole, the current study
      revealed that in patients with PD, STN-DBS affects the cognitive processes
      involved in conflict resolution, reward processing and the influence of promised
      rewards on conflict resolution.

PMID- 27664301
TI  - ?

PMID- 27664300
TI  - Triclosan loaded electrospun nanofibers based on a cyclodextrin polymer and
      chitosan polyelectrolyte complex.
AB  - This work focuses on the relevance of antibacterial nanofibers based on a
      polyelectrolyte complex formed between positively charged chitosan (CHT) and an
      anionic hydroxypropyl betacyclodextrin (CD)-citric acid polymer (PCD) complexing
      triclosan (TCL). The study of PCD/TCL inclusion complex and its release in
      dynamic conditions, a cytocompatibility study, and finally the antibacterial
      activity assessment were studied. The fibers were obtained by electrospinning a
      solution containing chitosan mixed with PCD/TCL inclusion complex. CHT/TCL and
      CHT-CD/TCL were also prepared as control samples. The TCL loaded nanofibers were
      analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transformed Infrared
      spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). Nanofibers stability and
      swelling behavior in aqueous medium were pH and CHT:PCD weight ratio dependent.
      Such results confirmed that CHT and PCD interacted through ionic interactions,
      forming a polyelectrolyte complex. A high PCD content in addition to a thermal
      post treatment at 90 degrees C were necessary to reach a nanofibers stability
      during 15days in soft acidic conditions, at pH=5.5. In dynamic conditions (USP IV
      system), a prolonged release of TCL with a reduced burst effect was observed on
      CHT-PCD polyelectrolyte complex based fibers compared to CHT-CD nanofibers. These
      results were confirmed by a microbiology study showing prolonged antibacterial
      activity of the nanofibers against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.
      Such results could be explained by the fact that the stability of the
      polyelectrolyte CHT-PCD complex in the nanofibers matrix prevented the diffusion
      of the PCD/triclosan inclusion complex in the supernatant, on the contrary of the
      similar system including cyclodextrin in its monomeric form.

PMID- 27664298
TI  - NMDAR dependent intracellular responses associated with cocaine conditioned place
      preference behavior.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the intracellular responses associated
      with the acquisition and expression of cocaine-context associations. ERK
      (extracellular regulated kinase), CREB (cAMP responsive element binding protein),
      FosB and DeltaFosB proteins were of particular interest due to their involvement
      in cocaine reward and in synaptic plasticity underlying learning and memory. We
      used the conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm, which employs a Pavlovian
      conditioning procedure to establish an association between a drug-paired
      environment and the drug's rewarding effects, to study the role of these
      signaling pathways in cocaine-context associations. N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor
      (NMDAR) antagonism prior to cocaine administration during conditioning blocked
      the acquisition of cocaine CPP and reduced Nucleus Accumbens (NAc) phosphorylated
      ERK (pERK) and phosphorylated CREB (pCREB) levels following the CPP test (drug
      free). We also show that cocaine-induced increases in Caudate Putamen (CPu) FosB
      and DeltaFosB levels are decreased after MK-801 pre-treatment during
      conditioning. In addition, our results provide evidence for the involvement of
      striatal SIRT (Silent Information Regulator of Transcription) proteins in cocaine
      CPP. These results will aid in the advancement of general knowledge about the
      molecular formation and retrieval of cocaine-associated memories that can be used
      in the future when designing treatments for cocaine addiction that target both
      prevention and relapse.

PMID- 27664302
TI  - ?

PMID- 27664299
TI  - Intermittent treatment with haloperidol or quetiapine does not disrupt motor and
      cognitive recovery after experimental brain trauma.
AB  - Traumatic brain injury (TBI)-induced agitation and aggression pose major
      obstacles to clinicians in the acute hospital and rehabilitation settings. Thus,
      management of these symptoms is crucial. Antipsychotic drugs (APDs) are a common
      treatment approach for alleviating these symptoms. However, previous preclinical
      TBI studies have indicated that daily and chronic administration of these drugs
      (e.g., haloperidol; HAL) can exacerbate cognitive and motor deficits. Quetiapine
      (QUE) is an atypical APD that differs from many typical APDs, such as HAL, in its
      relatively rapid dissociation from the D2 receptor. The goal of this study was to
      test the hypotheses that intermittent HAL and QUE would not hinder recovery of
      cognitive and motor function following TBI and that daily QUE would also not
      impair functional recovery, which would be in contrast to HAL. Seventy
      anesthetized male rats received either a controlled cortical impact or sham
      injury and were then randomly assigned to TBI and sham groups receiving HAL
      (0.5mg/kg) or QUE (10mg/kg) intraperitoneally once per day or once every other
      day and compared to each other and vehicle (VEH) controls. Motor function was
      assessed by beam balance/walk tests on post-operative days 1-5 and cognitive
      function was evaluated with a Morris water maze task on days 14-19. No
      differences were revealed among the sham groups in any task, and hence the data
      were pooled. No overall differences were detected among the TBI groups,
      regardless of treatment or administration paradigm [p>0.05], but all were
      impaired vs. SHAM controls [p<0.05]. The SHAM controls also performed
      significantly better in the cognitive test vs. all TBI groups [p<0.05]. Moreover,
      the TBI+continuous HAL group performed worse than the TBI+continuous VEH,
      TBI+continuous QUE, and TBI+intermittent QUE groups [p<0.05], which did not
      differ from one another. Overall, the data suggest that QUE does not exacerbate
      TBI-induced cognitive and motor deficits, which supports the hypothesis. QUE may
      prove useful as an alternative APD treatment for management of agitation and
      aggression after clinical TBI. HAL may also be safe, but only if used sparingly.

PMID- 27664303
TI  - [Emergency medical aid in a paediatrics context].
AB  - In France, the organisation of aid involves the intervention of the emergency
      medical services (Samu), which coordinate the medical regulation platforms for
      site 15 and the mobile emergency and intensive care services (Smur). Since they
      were created, the Samu have been tirelessly adapting their response to the
      various characteristics of pre-hospital assignments. Pre- and inter-hospital
      paediatrics has seen the development of specialised teams with the aim of
      providing effective aid which is adapted to the youngest and most vulnerable
      patients.

PMID- 27664304
TI  - [Paediatric mobile emergency and intensive care services, objectives and
      missions].
AB  - The paediatric mobile emergency and intensive care service care teams have
      expertise in taking care of children in life-threatening circumstances. At the
      Robert-Debre Hospital in Paris, the paediatric Smur is multi-skilled,
      specialising particularly in transporting neonates and infants with severe
      cardiac or respiratory difficulties. The pathologies handled are very varied and
      include both neonatal pathologies and trauma pathologies in older children.

PMID- 27664305
TI  - [Teamwork in a paediatric mobile emergency and intensive care service].
AB  - A paediatric mobile emergency and intensive care service team comprises several
      professionals with complementary skills. The cohesion of a team, as well as the
      listening and communication skills of each of its members, allow it to respond in
      the best possible way to emergency situations. Feedback sessions on practice and
      simulation exercises enhance teamwork.

PMID- 27664306
TI  - [Neonatal transport characteristics].
AB  - Neonatal transport is necessary where a neonate is transferred between two care
      units. It provides all the skills of a dedicated team, representing a real mobile
      neonatal intensive care unit. Informing and involving the families is essential
      during this transport, which can be a source of stress for the child and its
      family.

PMID- 27664307
TI  - [The mobile paediatric circulatory support unit].
AB  - A mobile paediatric circulatory support unit has been set up within the
      paediatric and neonatal intensive care service at the Armand-Trousseau Hospital
      in Paris (AP-HP, 75). It is in place for situations of refractory respiratory
      and/or circulatory failure and can intervene in a radius of several hundred
      kilometres, in order to establish long-term extracorporeal circulation. In this
      delicate context, transporting children requires specific skills, coordination
      between all intervening parties and faultless organisation.

PMID- 27664308
TI  - [Managing pain in paediatric Smur].
AB  - The mobile emergency and intensive care service's handling of a child includes
      the assessment and treatment of pain. It is also essential to take anxiety into
      consideration. The relationship of trust established with the child and its
      family allows the stress and pain felt in emergency situations to be limited.

PMID- 27664309
TI  - [The mobile emergency and intensive care service, a place of transition for
      families].
AB  - When the mobile emergency and intensive care service (Smur) intervenes with a
      child, the parents are in a completely unknown and anxiety-generating situation.
      The care team helps families to find their place, depending on the medical
      context and health status of the child. The intervention of the Smur therefore
      represents a place of transition for the parents.

PMID- 27664310
TI  - [Restraint in paediatric care].
AB  - Restraint in general, and particularly when giving paediatric care, is a
      sensitive subject. This practice continues to appear often as a solution when
      children are disorientated or struggle during care. However, it is generally
      traumatic for the different care agents: the child, the parent and the care
      giver. Reflection on this subject has been carried out after exchanges with
      professionals about the use of restraint with children aged 2-4 during paediatric
      emergency care.

PMID- 27664311
TI  - [Nursing coordination for adolescents and young adults in oncology].
AB  - The medical-psycho-socio-educational characteristics of adolescents and young
      adults affected by cancer require adapted management. Dedicated programmes and
      life spaces, as well as the availability of a mobile and transversal
      multidisciplinary team allow care to be customised. In this context, the
      coordinating nurse is an essential linchpin in the care team.

PMID- 27664312
TI  - Cognitive function and health literacy are independently associated with heart
      failure knowledge.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Determine the relationship between cognitive function and health
      literacy in heart failure (HF) knowledge in patients with HF. BACKGROUND: HF
      requires extensive, complex treatment; thus, cognition and health literacy may
      contribute to understanding and self-management of HF. METHODS: Participants were
      330 HF outpatients. Health literacy was assessed using the Medical Term
      Recognition Test and the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine. Global
      cognitive function was screened with the Modified Mini-Mental Status Examination.
      HF knowledge was assessed with the Dutch Heart Failure Knowledge Scale (DHFKS).
      RESULTS: Health literacy (beta = .26, p < .001) and cognition (beta = .36, p <
      .001) were related to DHFKS. Both scores were independently associated with DHFKS
      (health literacy: beta = .13, p = .044 and cognition: beta = .30, p < .001).
      CONCLUSIONS: Impairments in health literacy and cognition were independently
      associated with reduced HF knowledge. Interventions should address both factors
      to be maximally effective.

PMID- 27664314
TI  - Constitutive Kit activity triggers B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia-like
      disease in mice.
AB  - Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood malignancy and,
      in most cases, is of pro- or pre-B cell origin (B-ALL). The receptor tyrosine
      kinase KIT is expressed by hematopoietic stem and precursor cells. Gain-of
      function mutations of KIT cause systemic mastocytosis, which is characterized by
      abnormal accumulations of mast cells. We previously reported a mouse model of
      mastocytosis based on conditional expression of a constitutively active Kit
      protein. Half of these animals developed leukemic disease of B-lineage origin.
      Herein, we report that this condition bears striking similarities to human B-ALL.
      The immuno-phenotype of the leukemic cells was compatible with a pro-B-cell
      origin, as was the finding of immunoglobulin heavy-chain gene rearrangements in
      all cases, whereas light-chain loci were mostly not rearranged. Leukemogenesis
      was independent of pre-B-cell receptor expression. Primary leukemic cells and
      permanent cell lines derived from these were serially transplantable and rapidly
      killed the recipients. In a few animals, the leukemia was of T-cell origin with
      abnormal CD4/8 double-positive T-cell precursors dominating in the circulation.
      In summary, we report a novel ALL mouse model that may prove useful for in vivo
      drug testing and identification of novel oncogenic mutations and principles.

PMID- 27664313
TI  - Specific needs, concerns, strategies and advice of caregivers after coronary
      artery bypass surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe concerns, needs, strategies and advice of coronary artery
      bypass (CABG) caregivers during the first 3 months post-surgery. BACKGROUND:
      Nearly 400,000 patients underwent CABG surgery in 2010. While caregiving demand
      and difficulty has been investigated in early (4-8 weeks), mid (3 month), and
      later (6-12 months) recovery, no studies have explored early-to-mid concerns in
      depth. METHODS: In this qualitative study, a purposive sample of CABG partners
      participated in structured interviews. Themes for burden concerns, needs and
      strategies were derived using constant comparative analysis. RESULTS: One global
      theme 'knowing what I'm supposed to be doing' emerged. Specific themes related to
      medications, mobility, symptom monitoring, memory, appetite, emotional spirits,
      and finances. CONCLUSIONS: The resounding need for a dedicated caregiver program
      to prepare partners for their role, including what to expect, warrants
      exploration. Future research should validate these concerns in more diverse
      samples so interventions can be targeted to better support caregivers.

PMID- 27664316
TI  - A new fluorescence-based method for characterizing in vitro aerosol exposure
      systems.
AB  - Knowledge of how an in vitro aerosol exposure system delivers a test aerosols to
      the biological test system is among the most crucial prerequisites for the
      interpretation of exposure experiments and relies on detailed exposure system
      characterization. Although various methods for this purpose exist, many of them
      are time consuming, require extensive instrumentation, or offer only limited
      ability to assess the performance of the system under experimental settings. We
      present the development and evaluation of a new, highly robust and sensitive
      fluorometry-based method for assessing the particle size specific delivery of
      liquid aerosols. Glycerol aerosols of different mean particle sizes and narrow
      size distributions, carrying the fluorophore disodium fluorescein, were generated
      in a condensation monodisperse aerosol generator. Their detailed characterization
      confirmed their stability and the robustness and reproducibility of their
      generation. Test exposures under relevant experimental settings in the
      Vitrocell(r) 24/48 aerosol exposure system further confirmed their feasibility
      for simulating exposures and the high sensitivity of the method. Potential
      applications of the presented method range from the experimental confirmation of
      computationally simulated particle dynamics, over the characterization of in
      vitro aerosol exposure systems, to the detailed description of aerosol delivery
      in test systems of high complexity.

PMID- 27664315
TI  - A novel mechanism of functional cooperativity regulation by thiol redox status in
      a dimeric inorganic pyrophosphatase.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inorganic PPases are essential metal-dependent enzymes that convert
      pyrophosphate into orthophosphate. This reaction is quite exergonic and provides
      a thermodynamic advantage for many ATP-driven biosynthetic reactions. We have
      previously demonstrated that cytosolic PPase from R. microplus embryos is an
      atypical Family I PPase. Here, we explored the functional role of the cysteine
      residues located at the homodimer interface, its redox sensitivity, as well as
      structural and kinetic parameters related to thiol redox status. METHODS: In this
      work, we used prokaryotic expression system for recombinant protein
      overexpression, biochemical approaches to assess kinetic parameters, ticks
      embryos and computational approaches to analyze and predict critical amino acids
      as well as physicochemical properties at the homodimer interface. RESULTS:
      Cysteine 339, located at the homodimer interface, was found to play an important
      role in stabilizing a functional cooperativity between the two catalytic sites,
      as indicated by kinetics and Hill coefficient analyses of the WT-rBmPPase. WT
      rBmPPase activity was up-regulated by physiological antioxidant molecules such as
      reduced glutathione and ascorbic acid. On the other hand, hydrogen peroxide at
      physiological concentrations decreased the affinity of WT-rBmPPase for its
      substrate (PPi), probably by inducing disulfide bridge formation. CONCLUSIONS:
      Our results provide a new angle in understanding redox control by disulfide bonds
      formation in enzymes from hematophagous arthropods. The reversibility of the down
      regulation is dependent on hydrophobic interactions at the dimer interface.
      GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study is the first report on a soluble PPase where
      dimeric cooperativity is regulated by a redox mechanism, according to cysteine
      redox status.

PMID- 27664317
TI  - The unusual redox properties of C-type oxidases.
AB  - Cytochrome cbb3 (also known as C-type) oxidases belong to the family of heme
      copper terminal oxidases which couple at the end of the respiratory chain the
      reduction of molecular oxygen into water and the pumping of protons across the
      membrane. They are expressed most often at low pressure of O2 and they exhibit a
      low homology of sequence with the cytochrome aa3 (A-type) oxidases found in
      mitochondria. Their binuclear active site comprises a high-spin heme b3
      associated with a CuB center. The protein also contains one low-spin heme b and 3
      hemes c. We address here the redox properties of cbb3 oxidases from three
      organisms, Rhodobacter sphaeroides, Vibrio cholerae and Pseudomonas stutzeri by
      means of electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques. We show that the redox
      potential of the heme b3 exhibits a relatively low midpoint potential, as in
      related cytochrome c-dependent nitric oxide reductases. Potential implications
      for the coupled electron transfer and proton uptake mechanism of C-type oxidases
      are discussed.

PMID- 27664318
TI  - Methyl isobutyl ketone-induced hepatocellular carcinogenesis in B6C3F1 mice: A
      constitutive androstane receptor (CAR)-mediated mode of action.
AB  - In a National Toxicology Program (NTP) chronic inhalation study with methyl
      isobutyl ketone (MIBK), increases in hepatocellular adenomas and hepatocellular
      adenomas and carcinomas (combined) were observed in male and female B6C3F1 mice
      at 1800 ppm. A DNA reactive Mode-of-Action (MOA) for this liver tumor response is
      not supported by the evidence as MIBK and its major metabolites lack genotoxicity
      in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Constitutive androstane receptor (CAR)
      nuclear receptor-mediated activation has been hypothesized as the MOA for MIBK
      induced mouse liver tumorigenesis. To further investigate the MOA for MIBK
      induced murine liver tumors, male and female B6C3F1, C57BL/6, and CAR/PXR
      Knockout (KO) mice were exposed to either 0 or 1800 ppm MIBK for 6 h/day, 5
      days/week for a total of 10 days. On day 1, mice were implanted with osmotic mini
      pumps containing 5-Bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) 1 h following exposure and
      humanely euthanized 1-3 h following the final exposure. B6C3F1 and C57BL/6 mice
      had statistically significant increases in liver weights compared to controls
      that corresponded with hepatocellular hypertrophy and increased mitotic figures.
      Hepatocellular proliferation data indicated induction of S-phase DNA synthesis in
      B6C3F1 and C57BL/6 mice exposed to 1800 ppm MIBK compared to control, and no
      increase was observed in MIBK exposed CAR/PXR KO mice. Liver gene expression
      changes indicated a maximally-induced Cyp2b10 (CAR-associated) transcript and a
      slight increase in Cyp3a11(PXR-associated) transcript in B6C3F1 and C57BL/6 mice
      exposed to 1800 ppm MIBK compared to controls, but not in Cyp1a1 (AhR-associated)
      or Cyp4a10 (PPAR-alpha-associated) transcripts. CAR/PXR KO mice exposed to 1800
      ppm MIBK showed no evidence of activation of AhR, CAR, PXR or PPAR-alpha nuclear
      receptors via their associated transcripts. MIBK induced hepatic effects are
      consistent with a phenobarbital-like MOA where the initiating events are
      activation of the CAR and PXR nuclear receptors and resultant hepatocellular
      proliferation leading to rodent liver tumors.

PMID- 27664320
TI  - The effect of time changes in diagnosing lung cancer type on its recorded
      distribution, with particular reference to adenocarcinoma.
AB  - Among lung cancers, a substantial shift over time has occurred in the recorded
      frequency of adenocarcinoma (AdC) relative to that of squamous cell carcinoma
      (SqCC). This is evident in many countries, and also in those who have never
      smoked. We attempted to address the extent to which this increase is real, or an
      artefact of changing diagnostic practices. We reviewed studies re-evaluating
      diagnoses using more up-to-date criteria, and studies applying standard criteria
      to cases collected over a long period. We also describe changes to
      classifications, and factors affecting diagnostic accuracy and consistency. While
      the four main types have long remained essentially unchanged, successive WHO
      classifications differ in how tumours are ascribed to these types. Despite
      refinement of classifications and technological advances, the decision is
      ultimately the pathologist's. In 11 studies, 189/1212(15.6%) originally diagnosed
      AdCs were reclassified as non-AdC on review, whereas 541/1564(34.6%) of non-AdCs
      were reclassified as AdC, increasing AdCs by 30%. Studies examining trends in the
      proportion of AdC were conflicting; three showing a declining trend, seven no
      trend, and six some increase. Some studies find lepidic (bronchioloalveolar)
      carcinoma, but not other AdC sub-types, increased. The rising AdC/SqCC ratio
      results at least partly from diagnostic changes.

PMID- 27664319
TI  - Arsenic trioxide mediates HAPI microglia inflammatory response and the secretion
      of inflammatory cytokine IL-6 via Akt/NF-kappaB signaling pathway.
AB  - Arsenic is a widely distributed toxic metalloid in around the world. Inorganic
      arsenic species are deemed to affect astrocytes functions and to cause neuron
      apoptosis. Microglia are the key cell type involved in innate immune responses in
      CNS, and microglia activation has been linked to inflammation and neurotoxicity.
      In this study, using ELISA and reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR), we showed that
      Arsenic trioxide up-regulated the expression and secretion of IL-6 in a dose
      dependent manner and a time-dependent manner in cultured HAPI microglia cells.
      These pro-inflammatory responses were inhibited by the Akt blocker, LY294002.
      Further, Arsenic trioxide exposure could induce phospho rylationand degradation
      of IkBalpha, and the translocation of NF-kappaB p65 from the cytosol to the
      nucleus in this HAPI microglia cell line. Thus, the NF-kB signaling pathway can
      be activated after Arsenic trioxide treatment. Besides, Akt blocker LY294002 also
      obviously attenuated NF-kB activation and transnuclear induced by Arsenic
      trioxide. In concert with these results, we highlighted that the secretion of pro
      inflammatory cytokine and NF-kB activation induced by Arsenic trioxide can be
      mediated by elevation of p-Akt in HAPI microglia cells.

PMID- 27664321
TI  - Polymeric nanocapsules as a technological alternative to reduce the toxicity
      caused by meloxicam in mice.
AB  - This study determined whether meloxicam in nanocapsules modifies stomach and
      liver damage caused by free meloxicam in mice. Male Swiss mice were treated with
      blank nanocapsules or meloxicam in nanocapsules or free meloxicam (10 mg/kg,
      intragastrically, daily for five days). On the seventh day, blood was collected
      to determine biochemical markers (glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, glutamic
      pyruvic transaminase, total bilirubin, unconjugated bilirubin, albumin and
      alkaline phosphatase). Stomachs and livers were removed for histological
      analysis. There was no significant difference in the biochemical markers in the
      plasma of mice. Meloxicam in nanocapsules did not have an ulcerogenic potential
      in the stomach or cause lipid peroxidation in the stomach and liver. Free
      meloxicam increased the ulcerogenic potential in the stomach and lipid
      peroxidation in the stomach and liver. Meloxicam in nanocapsules caused less
      histological changes than free meloxicam. In conclusion, polymeric nanocapsules
      can represent a technological alternative to reduce the toxicity caused by
      meloxicam.

PMID- 27664322
TI  - Testing in artificial sweat - Is less more? Comparison of metal release in two
      different artificial sweat solutions.
AB  - Metal release from materials immersed in artificial sweat can function as a
      measure of potential skin exposure. Several artificial sweat models exist that,
      to various degree, mimic realistic conditions. Study objective was to evaluate
      metal release from previously examined and well characterized materials in two
      different artificial sweat solutions; a comprehensive sweat model intended for
      use within research, based on the composition of human sweat; and the artificial
      sweat, EN1811, intended for testing compliance with the nickel restriction in
      REACH. The aim was to better understand whether there are advantages using either
      of the sweat solutions in bio-elution testing of materials. Metal release in two
      different artificial sweat solutions was compared for discs of a white gold alloy
      and two hard metals, and a rock drilling insert of tungsten carbide at 1 h, 24 h,
      1 week and 1 month. The released amount of metal was analysed by means of
      inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Similar levels of released metals
      were measured from test materials in the two different artificial sweat
      solutions. For purposes in relation to legislations, it was concluded that a
      metal release test using a simple artificial sweat composition may provide
      results that sufficiently indicate the degree of metal release at skin contact.

PMID- 27664323
TI  - Subacute toxicity evaluation of KR-33493, FAF1 inhibitor for a new anti
      parkinson's disease agent, after oral administration in rats and dogs.
AB  - KR33493, a newly developed FAS-associated factor 1 (FAF1) inhibitor for
      Parkinson's disease, is being evaluated in a Phase I clinical trial. In the
      present study, the subchronic toxicity of KR33493 in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats and
      beagle dogs was investigated at various oral doses for 28 and 14 days,
      respectively. During the study, food consumption, body weights, organ weights,
      gross findings, and mortality were examined; and ophthalmoscopy,
      electrocardiography, hematology, serum biochemistry, urinalysis, histopathology,
      and toxicokinetics were performed. In rats, weight gain decreased in both sexes
      at 500 mg/kg/day, with no significant differences. In dogs, some significant
      differences compared with the control were found during the trial; however, at
      the end of recovery periods, these were no longer observed and there was no dose
      correlation. Some histopathological findings were observed, but these were
      considered as incidental changes. Since no other significant changes were
      observed, doses above 500 and 1000 mg/kg KR33493 in rat and dogs, respectively,
      caused no observed adverse effects. Therefore, based on these results, the Phase
      1 clinical trial for KR33493 was approved by the Korean Food & Drug
      Administration.

PMID- 27664324
TI  - Critical elements for human health risk assessment of less than lifetime
      exposures.
AB  - Less than lifetime exposure has confronted risk assessors as to how to interpret
      the risks for human health in case a chronic health-based limit is exceeded.
      Intermittent, fluctuating and peak exposures do not match with the basis of the
      chronic limit values possibly leading to conservative outcomes. This paper
      presents guidance on how to deal with human risk assessment of less than lifetime
      exposure. Important steps to be considered are characterization of the human
      exposure situation, evaluation whether the human less than lifetime exposure
      scenario corresponds to a non-chronic internal exposure: toxicokinetic and
      toxicodynamic considerations, and, finally, re-evaluation of the risk assessment.
      Critical elements for these steps are the mode of action, Haber's rule, and
      toxicokinetics (ADME) amongst others. Previous work for the endpoints non
      genotoxic carcinogenicity and developmental toxicity is included in the guidance.
      The guidance provides a way to consider the critical elements, without setting
      default factors to correct for the less than lifetime exposure in risk
      assessment.

PMID- 27664326
TI  - Early Natural Killer Cell Reconstitution Predicts Overall Survival in T Cell
      Replete Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.
AB  - Early immune reconstitution plays a critical role in clinical outcome after
      allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Natural killer (NK)
      cells are the first lymphocytes to recover after transplantation and are
      considered powerful effector cells in HSCT. We aimed to evaluate the clinical
      impact of early NK cell recovery in T cell-replete transplant recipients. Immune
      reconstitution was studied in 298 adult patients undergoing HSCT for acute
      myeloid leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and myelodysplastic syndrome from
      2005 to 2013. In multivariate analysis NK cell numbers on day 30 (NK30) > 150
      cells/uL were independently associated with superior overall survival (hazard
      ratio, .79; 95% confidence interval, .66 to .95; P = .01). Cumulative incidence
      analyses showed that patients with NK30 > 150 cells/uL had significantly less
      transplant-related mortality (TRM), P = .01. Patients with NK30 > 150 cells/uL
      experienced significantly lower numbers of life-threatening bacterial infections
      as well as viral infections, including cytomegalovirus. No association was
      observed in relation to relapse. These results suggest an independent protective
      effect of high early NK cell reconstitution on TRM that translates into improved
      overall survival after T cell-replete HSCT.

PMID- 27664325
TI  - A Prospective Study of Alemtuzumab as a Second-Line Agent for Steroid-Refractory
      Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease in Pediatric and Young Adult Allogeneic
      Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.
AB  - We describe a single-center prospective study of alemtuzumab as a second-line
      agent for steroid-refractory (SR) acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) in
      pediatric and young adult allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant
      recipients. Alemtuzumab was administered for grades II to IV aGVHD if patients
      did not improve within 5 days or worsened within 48 hours after corticosteroids.
      Interim analyses of alemtuzumab levels and response were performed after every 5
      patients enrolled, resulting in 3 dosing cohorts, as follows: (1) .2 mg/kg
      alemtuzumab subcutaneously on days 1 to 5 (maximum of 31 mg over 5 days) and .2
      mg/kg/dose (not exceeding 10 mg/dose) on days 15, 22, and 29; (2) .2 mg/kg
      alemtuzumab subcutaneously on days 1 to 5 (maximum of 43 mg over 5 days) and .2
      mg/kg/dose on day 7, 10, 15, 22, and 29; and (3) .2 mg/kg subcutaneously on days
      1 to 5 and .2 mg/kg/dose on day 7, 10, 15, and 22. Alemtuzumab levels were
      assessed before starting alemtuzumab and at days 1, 3, 6, 10, and 14 and weekly
      until day 99, where day 1 was the day of first alemtuzumab dose. Fifteen patients
      (median age, 10 years; range, 1.4 to 27) received alemtuzumab for grades II (6%),
      III (74%), and IV (20%) SR-aGVHD. The overall response rate was 67%, with
      complete response (CR) in 40%, partial response (PR) in 27%, and no response in
      33%. The median day 6 alemtuzumab level was 2.79 ug/mL (interquartile range, 1.34
      to 4.89) in patients with CR compared with .62 ug/mL (interquartile range, .25 to
      1.45) in patients with PR + no response (P < .05). Ninety percent (n = 9) of
      patients with a CR or PR reduced corticosteroid doses within 8 weeks from first
      alemtuzumab dose. Side effects included fever (26%) and transient
      thrombocytopenia (53%). Asymptomatic viremias occurred in all patients but
      invasive viral disease occurred in 2 patients. One patient developed Epstein-Barr
      virus-post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorder. Eighty percent (n = 12)
      of patients were alive at 6 months, of whom 53% (n = 8) were free of GVHD whereas
      13% (n = 2) developed chronic GVHD. Alemtuzumab is an effective second-line agent
      for children and young adults with SR-aGVHD. Higher alemtuzumab levels are
      associated with CR. A real-time dose adjusted alemtuzumab study is needed to
      further optimize the dose of alemtuzumab in aGVHD.

PMID- 27664327
TI  - Nanoparticles-in-film for the combined vaginal delivery of anti-HIV microbicide
      drugs.
AB  - Combining two or more antiretroviral drugs in one medical product is an
      interesting but challenging strategy for developing topical anti-HIV
      microbicides. We developed a new vaginal delivery system comprising the
      incorporation of nanoparticles (NPs) into a polymeric film base - NPs-in-film -
      and tested its ability to deliver tenofovir (TFV) and efavirenz (EFV). EFV-loaded
      poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) NPs were incorporated alongside free TFV into fast
      dissolving films during film manufacturing. The delivery system was characterized
      for physicochemical properties, as well as genital distribution, local and
      systemic 24h pharmacokinetics (PK), and safety upon intravaginal administration
      to mice. NPs-in-film presented suitable technological, mechanical and
      cytotoxicity features for vaginal use. Retention of NPs in vivo was enhanced both
      in vaginal lavages and tissue when associated to film. PK data evidenced that
      vaginal drug levels rapidly decreased after administration but NPs-in-film were
      still able to enhance drug concentrations of EFV. Obtained values for area-under
      the-curve for EFV were around one log10 higher than those for the free drugs in
      aqueous vehicle (phosphate buffered saline). Film alone also contributed to
      higher and more prolonged local drug levels as compared to the administration of
      TFV and EFV in aqueous vehicle. Systemic exposure to both drugs was low. NPs-in
      film was found to be safe upon once daily vaginal administration to mice, with no
      significant genital histological changes or major alterations in
      cytokine/chemokine profiles being observed. Overall, the proposed NPs-in-film
      system seems to be an interesting delivery platform for developing combination
      vaginal anti-HIV microbicides.

PMID- 27664329
TI  - Optimization of in vivo DNA delivery with NickFect peptide vectors.
AB  - As the field of gene therapy progresses, an increasingly urgent need has arisen
      for efficient and non-toxic vectors for the in vivo delivery of nucleic acids.
      Cell-penetrating peptides (CPP) are very efficient transfection reagents in
      vitro, however, their application in vivo needs improvement. To enhance in vivo
      transfection we designed various CPPs based on previous knowledge of
      internalization studies and physiochemical properties of NickFect (NF)
      nanoparticles. We show that increment of the helicity of these Transportan10
      analogues improves the transfection efficiency. We rationally design by modifying
      the net charge and the helicity of the CPP a novel amphipathic alpha-helical
      peptide NF55 for in vivo application. NF55 condenses DNA into stable
      nanoparticles that are resistant to protease degradation, promotes endosomal
      escape, and transfects the majority of cells in a large cell population. We
      demonstrate that NF55 mediates DNA delivery in vivo with gene induction
      efficiency that is comparable to commercial transfection reagents. In addition to
      gene induction in healthy mice, NF55/DNA nanoparticles showed promising tumor
      transfection in various mouse tumor models, including an intracranial
      glioblastoma model. The efficiency of NF55 to convey DNA specifically into tumor
      tissue increased even further after coupling a PEG2000 to the peptide via a
      disulphide-bond. Furthermore, a solid formulation of NF55/DNA displayed an
      excellent stability profile without additives or special storage conditions.
      Together, its high transfection efficacy and stability profile make NF55 an
      excellent vector for the delivery of DNA in vivo.

PMID- 27664331
TI  - Extracellular vesicles in food: Experimental evidence of their secretion in grape
      fruits.
AB  - In the last decade, the number of studies related with extracellular vesicles
      (EVs) has dramatically grown since their role as key part of intercellular
      communication has been confirmed. EVs, as transporter of distinct bioactive
      molecules, can take part in different physiological mechanisms and have been
      gaining attention as potential tools with a wide range of therapeutic effects.
      Whereas a high number of studies have been published related to mammalian derived
      EVs, including products as food source, the existence of EVs in plants still is
      controversial. Recent descriptions of vesicles derived from edible plants show
      that they might contain pharmacological active molecules. In this context, EVs
      from food are attracting increasing interest due to their relevance in modulating
      cellular processes (involved in health and disease), as well as therapeutic
      vehicles. The present work aims to summarize the current knowledge on exosomes in
      foods, actually limited to only four FAO groups (Milk, Starchy roots and tubers,
      Nuts and seeds, and Fruits). In addition, we have further characterized EVs
      isolated from grape berry juice by classical differential centrifugation, and
      described a preliminary dissection of their secretion in vivo.

PMID- 27664330
TI  - Exosomal proteins as prostate cancer biomarkers in urine: From mass spectrometry
      discovery to immunoassay-based validation.
AB  - Exosomes have recently appeared as a novel source of non-invasive cancer
      biomarkers since tumor-specific molecules can be found in exosomes isolated from
      biological fluids. We have previously analyzed the proteome of urinary exosomes
      by mass spectrometry, and identified proteins differentially expressed in
      prostate cancer patients compared to healthy males. Since mass spectrometry is so
      far not commonly used in clinical laboratories, we have here investigated whether
      antibody-based methods such as Western blot or ELISA can be used to validate the
      use of the identified proteins as prostate cancer biomarkers. Western blot
      experiments designed to detect flotillin 2, TMEM256, Rab3B and LAMTOR1 showed
      that the level of these proteins was higher in urinary exosomes from prostate
      cancer patients compared to healthy males. Furthermore, a receiver operating
      characteristic curve of flotillin 2 in samples from 16 controls and 16 patients
      showed an area under the curve of 0.91, and 88% sensitivity at a threshold set to
      give 94% specificity. In addition, ELISA-based detection of flotillin 2 and PARK7
      showed that the combination of these proteins was able to distinguish prostate
      cancer patients and healthy controls with 68% sensitivity and 93% specificity.
      Several promising biomarkers identified by mass spectrometry could not be
      evaluated by Western blot or ELISA due to their low exosomal amount and/or lack
      of good antibodies. In conclusion, our results show that several urinary exosomal
      proteins identified as prostate cancer biomarkers by mass spectrometry have a
      high diagnostic value also when analyzed by immunology-based methods, thus
      bringing these biomarkers closer to a potential clinical use.

PMID- 27664328
TI  - In vitro potency, in vitro and in vivo efficacy of liposomal alendronate in
      combination with gammadelta T cell immunotherapy in mice.
AB  - Nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates (N-BP), including zoledronic acid (ZOL) and
      alendronate (ALD), have been proposed as sensitisers in gammadelta T cell
      immunotherapy in pre-clinical and clinical studies. Therapeutic efficacy of N-BPs
      is hampered by their rapid renal excretion and high affinity for bone. Liposomal
      formulations of N-BP have been proposed to improve accumulation in solid tumours.
      Liposomal ALD (L-ALD) has been suggested as a suitable alternative to liposomal
      ZOL (L-ZOL), due to unexpected mice death experienced in pre-clinical studies
      with the latter. Only one study so far has proven the therapeutic efficacy of L
      ALD, in combination with gammadelta T cell immunotherapy, after intraperitoneal
      administration of gammadelta T cell resulting in delayed growth of ovarian cancer
      in mice. This study aims to assess the in vitro efficacy of L-ALD, in combination
      with gammadelta T cell immunotherapy, in a range of cancerous cell lines, using L
      ZOL as a comparator. The therapeutic efficacy was tested in a pseudo-metastatic
      lung mouse model, following intravenous injection of gammadelta T cell, L-ALD or
      the combination. In vivo biocompatibility and organ biodistribution studies of L
      N-BPs were undertaken simultaneously. Higher concentrations of L-ALD (40-60MUM)
      than L-ZOL (3-10MUM) were required to produce a comparative reduction in cell
      viability in vitro, when used in combination with gammadelta T cells. Significant
      inhibition of tumour growth was observed after treatment with both L-ALD and
      gammadelta T cells in pseudo-metastatic lung melanoma tumour-bearing mice after
      tail vein injection of both treatments, suggesting that therapeutically relevant
      concentrations of L-ALD and gammadelta T cell could be achieved in the tumour
      sites, resulting in significant delay in tumour growth.

PMID- 27664332
TI  - Nasal drug absorption from powder formulations: The effect of three types of
      hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC).
AB  - Despite the numerous advantages of powder formulations, few studies have
      described their nasal drug absorption. The first aim of this study was to compare
      the drug absorption from powder formulation with that from a liquid formulation
      in rats. Since pharmaceutical excipients are usually added to most powder
      formulations, the second aim of the study was to investigate the effect of
      hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) on nasal drug absorption from the powder. Three
      types of HPC with different polymerization degrees were used: HPC(SL), HPC(M),
      and HPC(H). The model drugs were warfarin (BCS Class I), piroxicam (BCS Class
      II), and sumatriptan (BCS Class III). The absorption of these model drugs in the
      powder form was higher than that from the solution. All HPCs failed to enhance
      warfarin absorption, while the piroxicam absorption was enhanced only by HPC(M).
      Sumatriptan absorption was not enhanced by HPC(SL), but by HPC(M) and HPC(H). The
      differences in nasal absorption of the three model drugs promoted by HPCs depend
      on the permeability and solubility of the drug. Moreover, the nasal retention of
      different formulations was increased by HPCs. Because HPCs showed no toxic effect
      on the nasal epithelium. These findings indicate that powder formulations
      supplemented with HPC are a valuable and promising approach to increase the nasal
      absorption of highly soluble and poorly permeable drugs.

PMID- 27664333
TI  - Large-scale study of herd-level risk factors for bovine brucellosis in Brazil.
AB  - Bovine brucellosis is an important zoonosis caused by Brucella abortus that
      negatively impacts livestock productivity. In 2001, Brazil launched a new
      national program aimed at eradicating animal brucellosis that included large
      scale studies of the prevalence and risk factors to support strategic decision
      making. These studies were implemented by the animal health authorities and were
      underpinned by the scientific coordination of the University of Sao Paulo and the
      University of Brasilia. The state-level results were published and revealed
      important differences in herd prevalence among regions. The risk factors varied
      across states and did not clearly explain the observed spatial disease spread.
      This study used a consolidated herd-level database of 14 states and 17,100 herds,
      from the prevalence surveys' data, to gain insights into herd profiles and cattle
      production practices that might be associated with the risk of brucellosis. At
      the time of data collection, the study area comprised just over 56 million bovine
      females aged over 24 months and approximately 1.8 million herds. After an
      exploratory univariable analysis, all factors with p<=0.20 were included in a
      multiple logistic regression model, using the design-based method in order to
      take herd sampling weights into account. The number of females in the herd
      markedly increased the risk of infection; compared with smaller herds (less than
      30 females), the odds ratio was 3.42 [CI 95% 2.98-3.91] for herds with 31 to 100
      females, 5.68 [4.92-6.55] for herds with 101 to 400 females, and 13.14 [10.94
      15.78] for herds with more than 400 females. The risk was higher for extensive
      cattle production farms (OR=1.23 [1.07-1.42]) and for farms that purchased
      replacement stock from cattle traders (OR=1.27 [1.08-1.47]) or directly from
      other farms (OR=1.19 [1.07-1.32]). The exclusive use of artificial insemination
      (OR=0.57 [0.4-0.81]) and regular veterinary support (OR=0.68 [0.6-0.77]) appeared
      to be protective factors. These findings are consistent with the regional
      prevalence trends observed in the study and provide key guidance for the planning
      of the national effort to control and eradicate brucellosis. High vaccination
      coverage of heifers is recommended, especially when targeted to areas where large
      scale extensive cattle production predominates. The smaller, more intensive
      herds, are good candidates for disease accreditation schemes.

PMID- 27664334
TI  - Molecular typing of isolates obtained from aborted foetuses in Brucella-free
      Holstein dairy cattle herd after immunisation with Brucella abortus RB51 vaccine
      in Egypt.
AB  - Bovine brucellosis is endemic in Egypt in spite of application of surveillance
      and control measures. An increase of abortions was reported in a Holstein dairy
      cattle herd with 600 animals in Damietta governorate in Egypt after immunisation
      with Brucella (B.) abortus RB51 vaccine. Twenty one (10.6%) of 197 vaccinated
      cows aborted after 3 months. All aborted cows had been tested seronegative for
      brucellosis in the past 3 years. B. abortus was isolated from four foetuses.
      Conventional biochemical and bacteriological identification and polymerase chain
      reaction (PCR) confirmed two B. abortus biovar (bv.) 1 smooth and two B. abortus
      rough strains. None of the B. abortus isolates were identified as RB51.
      Genotyping analysis by multiple locus of variable number tandem repeats analysis
      based on 16 markers (MLVA-16) revealed two different profiles with low genetic
      diversity. B. abortus bv1 was introduced in the herd and caused abortions.

PMID- 27664335
TI  - Erroneous HbA1c results in a patient with elevated HbC and HbF.
AB  - BACKGROUND: HbA1c is used in the diagnosis and monitoring of diabetes mellitus
      (DM). Interference from hemoglobin variants is a well-described phenomenon,
      particularly with HPLC-based methods. While immunoassays may generate more
      reliable HbA1c results in the presence of some variants, these methods are
      susceptible to negative interference from high concentrations of HbF. We report a
      case where an accurate HbA1c result could not be obtained by any available method
      due to the presence of a compound hemoglobinopathy. METHODS: HbA1c was measured
      by HPLC, immunoassay, and capillary electrophoresis. Hemoglobinopathy
      investigation consisted of a CBC, hemoglobin fractionation by HPLC and
      electrophoresis, and molecular analysis. RESULTS: HbA1c analysis by HPLC and
      capillary electrophoresis gave no result. Analysis by immunoassay yielded HbA1c
      results of 5.9% (Siemens DCA 2000+) and 5.1% (Roche Integra), which were
      inconsistent with other markers of glycemic control. Hemoglobinopathy
      investigation showed HbC with the hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin-2
      Ghana deletion. CONCLUSION: Reliable HbA1c results may be unobtainable in the
      presence of some hemoglobinopathies. HPLC and capillary electrophoresis alerted
      the laboratory to the presence of an unusual hemoglobinopathy. Immunoassays
      generated falsely low results without warning, which could lead to missed
      diagnoses and under treatment of patients with DM.

PMID- 27664336
TI  - UPLC-MS/MS determination of florfenicol and florfenicol amine antimicrobial
      residues in tilapia muscle.
AB  - Despite the benefits to fish farmers, the use of antimicrobials in aquaculture
      has concerned consumers and competent authorities. The indiscriminate use of such
      substances promotes the emergence of resistant microorganisms, decreases the
      effectiveness of treatments, and causes possible toxic effects in humans. In
      Brazil, florfenicol is the only antimicrobial registered for use in aquaculture
      and is often used in tilapia in cage creation. Thus, this study aimed to develop
      a method for determination of florfenicol residues and its metabolite florfenicol
      amine in tilapia fillet by UPLC-MS/MS. Analytes were extracted with ethyl
      acetate, followed by liquid-liquid partition clean-up with hexane and SPE. The
      sorbents C18, phenyl and HLB-Oasis were evaluated by SPE. Phenyl sorbent showed
      the best results, and the extraction conditions were optimized in the sample
      matrix with fractional factorial design 24-1. The analytes were separated on a
      C18 chromatographic column (50*2.1mm*1.7MUm) using water (A) and acetonitrile (B)
      as mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.3mLmin-1 with a linear gradient (in% B): 0
      2.0min: 20%; 2.0-2.5min: increase to 90%; 2.5-3.5min: 90%; 3.0-3.5min: decrease
      to 20%; 4.0-5.0min: 20%. The analytes were monitored in a MS/MS triple quadrupole
      system by MRM mode with transitions at m/z 356.1>336.1 (florfenicol) and m/z
      248.1>130.1 (florfenicol amine). The optimized method was validated obtaining LOQ
      values of 3 and 25ngg-1 for florfenicol and florfenicol amine, respectively,
      precision between 20 and 36%, absolute extraction efficiency between 38 and 80%,
      and adequate linearity. The method was applied to samples intended for human
      consumption, and within the 15 evaluated samples, only one showed florfenicol
      residue at 30ngg-1, which is below the maximum residue limit established in
      Brazil.

PMID- 27664337
TI  - Patient knowledge regarding radiation exposure from spinal imaging.
AB  - BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Spine surgeons employ a high volume of imaging in the
      diagnosis and evaluation of spinal pathology. However, little is known regarding
      patients' knowledge of the radiation exposure associated with these imaging
      techniques. PURPOSE: To characterize spine patients' knowledge regarding
      radiation exposure from various imaging modalities. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: A cross
      sectional survey study. PATIENT SAMPLE: One hundred patients at their first
      clinic visit with a single spine surgeon at an urban institution. OUTCOME
      MEASURES: The primary outcome was patient estimate of radiation dose for various
      common spinal imaging modalities as compared with true dose. METHODS: An
      electronic survey was administered to all new patients before their first
      appointment with a single spinal surgeon. The survey asked patients to estimate
      how many chest x-rays (CXRs) worth of radiation were equivalent to various common
      spinal imaging modalities. Patient estimates were compared to true effective
      radiation doses determined from the literature. The survey also asked patients
      whether they would consider avoiding types of imaging modalities out of concern
      for excessive radiation exposure. RESULTS: Patients accurately approximated the
      radiation associated with two views of the cervical spine, with a median estimate
      of 3.5 CXRs, compared with an actual value of 4.7 CXRs. However, patients
      underestimated the dose for computed tomography (CT) scans of the cervical spine
      (2.0 CXRs vs. 145.3 CXRs), two views of the lumbar spine (3.0 CXRs vs. 123.3
      CXRs), and CT scans of the lumbar spine (2.0 CXRs vs. 638.3 CXRs). The majority
      of patients believed that there is at least some radiation exposure associated
      with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The percent of patients who would consider
      forgoing imaging recommend by their surgeon out of concern for radiation exposure
      was 14% for x-rays, 13% for CT scans, and 9% for MRI. CONCLUSION: These results
      demonstrate a lack of patient understanding regarding radiation exposure
      associated with common spinal imaging techniques. These data suggest that
      patients might benefit from increased counseling and/or educational materials
      regarding radiation exposure before undergoing diagnostic imaging of the cervical
      or lumbar spine.

PMID- 27664338
TI  - An unusual cause of cervical kyphosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Acute fixed cervical kyphosis may be a rare presentation of
      conversion disorder, psychogenic dystonia, and potentially as a side effect from
      typical antipsychotic drugs. Haldol has been associated with acute dystonic
      reactions. In some cases, rigid deformities ensue. We are reporting a case of a
      fixed cervical kyphosis after the use of Haldol. PURPOSE: To present a case of a
      potential acute dystonic reaction temporally associated with Haldol ingestion
      leading to fixed cervical kyphosis. STUDY DESIGN: This is a case report. METHODS:
      A patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder presented to the emergency room several
      times with severe neck pain and stiffness. The neck appeared fixed in flexion
      with extensive osteophyte formation over a 3-month period. RESULTS: The patient's
      condition was resolved by a posterior-anterior-posterior surgical approach. It
      corrected the patient's cervical curvature from 88 degrees  to 5 degrees .
      CONCLUSIONS: Acute dystonic reactions have the potential to apply enough pressure
      on bone to cause rapid osteophyte formation.

PMID- 27664339
TI  - Quiescent pluripotent stem cells reside within murine peripheral nerves that can
      be stimulated to proliferate by recombinant human bone morphogenic protein 2 or
      by nerve trauma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The clinical use of recombinant human bone morphogenic protein 2
      (rhBMP-2, Infuse) has been associated with nerve-related complications including
      new-onset sciatica, and retrograde ejaculation. PURPOSE: To better understand the
      interaction of rhBMP-2 and peripheral nerves with the intent of making procedures
      safer. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Using a mouse model to examine the direct effect of
      diluted rhBMP-2 (Infuse) on murine sciatic nerves. METHODS: Animal studies were
      approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Balb/c mouse sciatic
      nerves were surgically exposed and 60 ng (in 10 uL) of rhBMP-2 was applied to the
      nerve. In separate experiments, the sciatic nerves were subjected to mechanical
      compression using forceps (and not exposed to rhBMP-2). The third group of mice
      received direct injection of the same amount of rhBMP-2, or sterile saline as a
      control, into the hamstring area of the posterior thigh without surgery. Mouse
      limbs with intact sciatic nerve were collected at 24, 48, or 72 hours after
      treatment for histology processing. A separate set of identically treated sciatic
      nerves were retrieved from mice at the same time points and cells were isolated
      by collagenase and trypsin digestion. The isolated cells were cultured in a stem
      cell medium containing 20% knockout serum and human leukemia inhibitory factor.
      Immunohistochemical or immunofluorescent cell stains against KLF4, Sox2, c-Myc,
      and Oct4 were performed on the mouse tissue sections and cell culture slides. In
      addition, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to quantify the
      mRNA expression profiles of the stem cell marker genes in cultured cells.
      RESULTS: Profound morphological changes of the mouse sciatic nerves were noted
      after exposure to rhBMP-2, with a rapid and robust cell proliferation within the
      nerves followed by migration of these cells into surrounding tissue.
      Immunohistochemical stain revealed strong nuclear stains of KLF4, Sox2, Oct4, and
      c-Myc on the overwhelming majority of these proliferating cells in the nerve.
      Intramuscular injections of rhBMP-2 or willful physical compression of the nerves
      showed similar cell proliferation effects as the direct application of Infuse to
      the sciatic nerve. The cells in stem cell culture medium grew steadily without
      feeder cells and appeared fairly uniform. They were adherent to substrate and
      were motile. Double fluorescent staining on the cells indicated colocalizationof
      all pairs of the four stem cell markers in the cell nuclei. Real-time PCR
      confirmed the strong mRNA expressions of KLF4, Sox2, Oct4, and c-Myc in these
      isolated cells. CONCLUSION: Exposure to BMP-2 causes a marked proliferation of
      previously quiescent cells within peripheral nerves. These cells simultaneously
      express KLF4, Sox2, Oct4, and c-Myc, the transcription factors that confer
      embryonic pluripotency. Work described in the companion paper reveals some of the
      differentiation capacity of the cells and their likely clinical significance. In
      addition, the effects of direct exposure of nerves to rhBMP-2 as described here
      should clearly illuminate the mechanism of BMP-2-related nerve complications. We
      would suggest that the use of this agent in proximity to known neural structures
      should only be done with extreme caution.

PMID- 27664340
TI  - Independent predictors of a clinically significant improvement after lumbar
      fusion surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Multiple studies have determined minimum clinically important
      difference (MCID) thresholds for EuroQOL-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) scores in lumbar
      fusion patients. However, a comprehensive understanding of predictors for a
      clinically significant improvement (CSI) postoperatively does not exist. PURPOSE:
      To determine medical, radiographic, and surgical predictors for obtaining a CSI
      following lumbar fusion surgery. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective review of
      patients who underwent instrumented lumbar fusion. PATIENT SAMPLE: We included
      patients who underwent lumbar fusion for any indication between 2008 and 2013.
      OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcome measures included preoperative and postoperative EQ-5D
      Index scores. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of patients who received
      a lumbar fusion for any indication were retrospectively reviewed to identify
      patient medical and surgical characteristics. A blinded reviewer assessed
      radiographs for each patient to examine sagittal alignment following fusion.
      Multivariable logistic regression was used to model the achievement of a CSI
      based on two commonly cited MCID values. RESULTS: A total of 231 patients fit the
      inclusion criteria; 58% exceeded an MCID value for an EQ-5D score of 0.100, and
      16% exceeded an MCID value of 0.390. Statistically significant independent
      predictors of not obtaining a CSI for an MCID threshold of 0.100 included a
      higher preoperative EQ-5D score (odds ratio [OR]=44.8) and L5-S1 fusion (OR=3.3).
      For an MCID value of 0.390, a higher preoperative EQ-5D score (OR=2,080.8) and a
      diagnosis of depression (OR=7.1) were predictive of not achieving a CSI, whereas
      spondylolisthesis (OR=4.1) was predictive of obtaining a CSI postoperatively. For
      both MCID values, patients who achieved a CSI had better postoperative quality of
      life (QOL) scores for all metrics measured, despite worse QOL scores
      preoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to use a combination of
      medical, surgical, and postoperative sagittal balance variables as determinants
      for the achievement of a CSI after lumbar fusion. The awareness of these
      predictors may allow for better patient selection and surgical approach to
      decrease the probability of acquiring a poor outcome postoperatively.

PMID- 27664341
TI  - Disparities in reportable quality metrics by insurance status in the primary
      spine neoplasm population.
AB  - BACKGROUND CONTEXT: The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) defines
      "adverse quality events" as the incidence of certain complications such as
      postsurgical hematoma or iatrogenic pneumothorax during an inpatient stay.
      Patient safety indicators (PSI) are a means to measure the incidence of these
      adverse events. When adverse events occur, reimbursement to the hospital
      decreases. The incidence of adverse quality events among patients hospitalized
      for primary spinal neoplasms is unknown. Similarly, it is unclear what the impact
      of insurance status is on adverse care quality among this patient population.
      PURPOSE: We aimed to determine the incidence of PSI among patients admitted with
      primary spinal neoplasms, and to determine the association between insurance
      status and the incidence of PSI in this population. STUDY DESIGN: This is a
      retrospective cohort study. PATIENT SAMPLE: We included all patients, 18 years
      and older, in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) who were hospitalized for
      primary spine neoplasms from 1998 to 2011. OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence of PSI
      from 1998 to 2011 served as outcome variable. METHODS: The NIS was queried for
      all hospitalizations with a diagnosis of primary spinal neoplasm during the
      inpatient episode from 1998 to 2011. Incidence of PSI was determined using
      publicly available lists of International Classification of Diseases, Ninth
      Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) diagnosis codes. Logistic regression
      models were used to determine the effect of primary payer status on PSI
      incidence. All comparisons were made between privately insured patients and
      Medicaid or self-pay patients. RESULTS: We identified 6,095 hospitalizations in
      which a primary spinal neoplasm was recorded during the inpatient episode. We
      excluded patients younger than 18 years and those with "other" or "missing"
      primary insurance status, leaving 5,880 patients for analysis. After adjusting
      for patient demographics and hospital characteristics, Medicaid or self-pay
      patients had significantly greater odds of experiencing one or more PSI (odds
      ratio [OR] 1.81 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11-2.95) relative to privately
      insured patients. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients hospitalized for primary spinal
      neoplasms, primary payer status predicts the incidence of PSI, an indicator of
      adverse health-care quality used to determine hospital reimbursement by the CMS.
      As reimbursement continues to be intertwined with reportable quality metrics,
      identifying vulnerable populations is critical to improving patient care.

PMID- 27664342
TI  - What is the optimal cutoff value of the axis-line-angle technique for evaluating
      trunk imbalance in coronal plane?
AB  - BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Accurately evaluating the extent of trunk imbalance in the
      coronal plane is significant for patients before and after treatment. We
      preliminarily practiced a new method, axis-line-angle technique (ALAT), for
      evaluating coronal trunk imbalance with excellent intra-observer and
      interobserver reliability. Radiologists and surgeons were encouraged to use this
      method in clinical practice. However, the optimal cutoff value of the ALAT for
      determination of the extent of coronal trunk imbalance has not been calculated up
      to now. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the cutoff value of
      the ALAT that best predicts a positive measurement point to assess coronal
      balance or imbalance. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: A retrospective study at a university
      affiliated hospital was carried out. PATIENT SAMPLE: A total of 130 patients with
      C7-central sacral vertical line (CSVL) >0 mm and aged 10-18 years were recruited
      in this study from September 2013 to December 2014. OUTCOME MEASURES: Data were
      analyzed to determine the optimal cutoff value of the ALAT measurement. METHODS:
      The C7-CSVL and ALAT measurements were conducted respectively twice on plain film
      within a 2-week interval by two radiologists. The optimal cutoff value of the
      ALAT was analyzed via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Comparison
      variables were performed with chi-square test between the C7-CSVL and ALAT
      measurements for evaluating trunk imbalance. Kappa agreement coefficient method
      was used to test the intra-observer and interobserver agreement of C7-CSVL and
      ALAT. RESULTS: The ROC curve area for the ALAT was 0.82 (95% confidence interval:
      0.753-0.894, p<.001). The maximum Youden index was 0.51, and the corresponding
      cutoff point was 2.59 degrees . No statistical difference was found between the
      C7-CSVL and ALAT measurements for evaluating trunk imbalance (p>.05). Intra
      observer agreement values for the C7-CSVL measurements by observers 1 and 2 were
      0.79 and 0.91 (p<.001), respectively, whereas intra-observer agreement values for
      the ALAT measurements were both 0.89 by observers 1 and 2 (p<.001). The
      interobserver agreement values for the first and second measurements with the C7
      CSVL were 0.78 and 0.85 (p<.001), respectively, whereas the interobserver
      agreement values for the first and second measurements with the ALAT were 0.91
      and 0.88 (p<.001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The newly developed ALAT provided
      an acceptable optimal cutoff value for evaluating trunk imbalance in the coronal
      plane with a high level of intra-observer and interobserver agreement, which
      suggests that the ALAT is suitable for clinical use.

PMID- 27664343
TI  - Unusual presentation of osteoblastoma as vertebra plana-a case report and review
      of literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Osteoblastoma is rare and accounts for 3% of all benign tumors and 1%
      of all bone tumors. The spine is the most common site of occurrence, constituting
      32% to 45% of all osteoblastomas. It has a strong predilection for the posterior
      elements, most often occurring in the lumbar spine. METHOD: In this case report,
      we describe an unusual presentation of spinal osteoblastoma presenting as
      thoracic T9 vertebra plana in a 20-year-old female. She presented with discomfort
      over the midback with unsteadiness of gait. The patient underwent detailed
      investigations including computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging,
      and CT-guided biopsy. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of vertebra
      plana due to spinal osteoblastoma in the English literature. RESULT: The patient
      successfully underwent posterior decompression of T9 with laminectomy followed by
      minimally invasive surgery posterior instrumentation from T7 to T11.
      Histopathology of the intraoperative specimen was consistent with osteoblastoma.
      The patient had an uneventful postoperative recovery and no evidence of tumor
      recurrence could be demonstrated on positron emission tomography scan at 15
      months' follow-up. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the differential diagnosis for
      vertebra plana is extensive and we add spinal osteoblastoma as another etiology
      to the existing list. Diagnosis and treatment of vertebra plana involve
      multimodality radiological imaging, and careful histological and surgical
      evaluation to identify the underlying etiology.

PMID- 27664344
TI  - Leapfrogging into new territory: How Mascarene ridged frogs diversified across
      Africa and Madagascar to maintain their ecological niche.
AB  - The Mascarene ridged frog, Ptychadena mascareniensis, is a species complex that
      includes numerous lineages occurring mostly in humid savannas and open forests of
      mainland Africa, Madagascar, the Seychelles, and the Mascarene Islands. Sampling
      across this broad distribution presents an opportunity to examine the genetic
      differentiation within this complex and to investigate how the evolution of
      bioclimatic niches may have shaped current biogeographic patterns. Using model
      based phylogenetic methods and molecular-clock dating, we constructed a time
      calibrated molecular phylogenetic hypothesis for the group based on mitochondrial
      16S rRNA and cytochrome b (cytb) genes and the nuclear RAG1 gene from 173
      individuals. Haplotype networks were reconstructed and species boundaries were
      investigated using three species-delimitation approaches: Bayesian generalized
      mixed Yule-coalescent model (bGMYC), the Poisson Tree Process model (PTP) and a
      cluster algorithm (SpeciesIdentifier). Estimates of similarity in bioclimatic
      niche were calculated from species-distribution models (maxent) and multivariate
      statistics (Principal Component Analysis, Discriminant Function Analysis).
      Ancestral-area reconstructions were performed on the phylogeny using
      probabilistic approaches implemented in BioGeoBEARS. We detected high levels of
      genetic differentiation yielding ten distinct lineages or operational taxonomic
      units, and Central Africa was found to be a diversity hotspot for these frogs.
      Most speciation events took place throughout the Miocene, including "out-of
      Africa" overseas dispersal events to Madagascar in the East and to Sao Tome in
      the West. Bioclimatic niche was remarkably well conserved, with most species
      tolerating similar temperature and rainfall conditions common to the Central
      African region. The P. mascareniensis complex provides insights into how
      bioclimatic niche shaped the current biogeographic patterns with niche
      conservatism being exhibited by the Central African radiation and niche
      divergence shaping populations in West Africa and Madagascar. Central Africa,
      including the Albertine Rift region, has been an important center of
      diversification for this species complex.

PMID- 27664345
TI  - A multilocus phylogeny of Podoctidae (Arachnida, Opiliones, Laniatores) and
      parametric shape analysis reveal the disutility of subfamilial nomenclature in
      armored harvestman systematics.
AB  - The taxonomy and systematics of the armored harvestmen (suborder Laniatores) are
      based on various sets of morphological characters pertaining to shape, armature,
      pedipalpal setation, and the number of articles of the walking leg tarsi. Few
      studies have tested the validity of these historical character systems in a
      comprehensive way, with reference to an independent data class, i.e., molecular
      sequence data. We examined as a test case the systematics of Podoctidae, a family
      distributed throughout the Indo-Pacific. We tested the validity of the three
      subfamilies of Podoctidae using a five-locus phylogeny, and examined the
      evolution of dorsal shape as a proxy for taxonomic utility, using parametric
      shape analysis. Here we show that two of the three subfamilies, Ibaloniinae and
      Podoctinae, are non-monophyletic, with the third subfamily, Erecananinae,
      recovered as non-monophyletic in a subset of analyses. Various genera were also
      recovered as non-monophyletic. As first steps toward revision of Podoctidae, the
      subfamilies Erecananinae Roewer, 1912 and Ibaloniinae Roewer, 1912 are
      synonymized with Podoctinae Roewer, 1912 new synonymies, thereby abolishing
      unsubstantiated subfamilial divisions within Podoctidae. We once again synonymize
      the genus Paralomanius Goodnight & Goodnight, 1948 with Lomanius Roewer, 1923
      revalidated. We additionally show that eggs carried on the legs of male
      Podoctidae are not conspecific to the males, falsifying the hypothesis of
      paternal care in this group.

PMID- 27664346
TI  - Phylogeographic structure across one of the largest intact tropical savannahs:
      Molecular and morphological analysis of Australia's iconic frilled lizard
      Chlamydosaurus kingii.
AB  - The spectacular threat display of the savannah specialist Australo-Papuan frilled
      lizards has made them one of the world's most iconic reptiles. They are
      increasingly used as a model system for research in evolutionary biology and
      ecology but little is known of their population structure. Their distribution
      across northern Australia and southern New Guinea also provides an opportunity to
      examine biogeographic patterns as they relate to the large-scale movement of
      savannah habitat during the Plio/Pleistocene and the associated increase in
      aridity. We generated sequence data for one mitochondrial and four nuclear DNA
      loci (5052 base pairs) for 83 frilled lizards sampled throughout their range. We
      also quantified body proportion variation for 279 individuals. Phylogenetic
      analyses based on maximum likelihood and Bayesian species-tree methods revealed
      three shallow clades that replace each other across the monsoon tropics. We found
      the expected pattern of male biased sexual size dimorphism in both maximum body
      size and head size but there was no sexual dimorphism in overall body shape or in
      frill size, relative to head size, supporting the hypothesis that the frill is
      used primarily as a threat display rather than a sexual display. The genetic
      clades are broadly consistent with known clinal variation in frill color that
      gradually shifts from west to east (red, orange, yellow/white) but otherwise show
      little morphological differentiation in body proportion measures. The
      biogeographic breaks between clades occur at the Carpentaria Gap and the lowlands
      surrounding the Ord River, and our ecological niche modeling predicts lower
      habitat suitability for C. kingii in these regions. While this biogeographic
      pattern is consistent with numerous other taxonomic groups in northern Australia,
      the overall low genetic diversity in frilled lizards across the entire monsoon
      tropics and southern New Guinea contrasts starkly to patterns seen in other
      terrestrial vertebrates. Extremely low intra-clade genetic diversity over vast
      geographic areas is indicative of recent gene flow that would likely have been
      facilitated by widespread savannah during interglacials, or alternatively may
      reflect population bottlenecks induced by extreme aridity during Pleistocene
      glacials. The shallow divergence between Australian and New Guinean samples is
      consistent with recent connectivity between Australia and New Guinea that would
      have been possible via a savannah corridor across the Torres Strait. Based on our
      molecular and morphological data, we do not support taxonomic recognition of any
      of the frilled lizard clades and instead consider C. kingii a single species with
      shallow phylogeographic structure and clinal variation in frill color.

PMID- 27664347
TI  - Range size heritability and diversification patterns in the liverwort genus
      Radula.
AB  - Why some species exhibit larger geographical ranges than others, and to what
      extent does variation in range size affect diversification rates, remains a
      fundamental, but largely unanswered question in ecology and evolution. Here, we
      implement phylogenetic comparative analyses and ancestral area estimations in
      Radula, a liverwort genus of Cretaceous origin, to investigate the mechanisms
      that explain differences in geographical range size and diversification rates
      among lineages. Range size was phylogenetically constrained in the two sub-genera
      characterized by their almost complete Australasian and Neotropical endemicity,
      respectively. The congruence between the divergence time of these lineages and
      continental split suggests that plate tectonics could have played a major role in
      their present distribution, suggesting that a strong imprint of vicariance can
      still be found in extant distribution patterns in these highly mobile organisms.
      Amentuloradula, Volutoradula and Metaradula species did not appear to exhibit
      losses of dispersal capacities in terms of dispersal life-history traits, but
      evidence for significant phylogenetic signal in macroecological niche traits
      suggests that niche conservatism accounts for their restricted geographic ranges.
      Despite their greatly restricted distribution to Australasia and Neotropics
      respectively, Amentuloradula and Volutoradula did not exhibit significantly lower
      diversification rates than more widespread lineages, in contrast with the
      hypothesis that the probability of speciation increases with range size by
      promoting geographic isolation and increasing the rate at which novel habitats
      are encountered. We suggest that stochastic long-distance dispersal events may
      balance allele frequencies across large spatial scales, leading to low genetic
      structure among geographically distant areas or even continents, ultimately
      decreasing the diversification rates in highly mobile, widespread lineages.

PMID- 27664348
TI  - Perceptual Learning of Facial Expressions.
AB  - Perceptual learning is a phenomenon in which intensive training for a perceptual
      task may lead to significant improvement in the task performance. So far, the
      characteristics of the perceptual learning of facial expressions have not been
      investigated. In the current study, we trained subjects to distinguish facial
      expressions. With eight days of training, the subjects' discrimination
      performance improved significantly, and this improvement was generalized to faces
      with the same expression but different gender as the trained face. In the second
      experiment, we further examined the transfer of the learning effect between faces
      with different expression intensities. We found that the learning effect of
      happiness can be transferred from the high-intensity face to the low-intensity
      face, but the reverse was not true. Importantly, in all experiments, we measured
      the performance immediately after training and one month after training. The
      results showed that all learning effects and transfers were able to persist for
      at least one month, which implied that these findings revealed the long-term
      mechanisms of training. These results revealed the characteristics of facial
      expression learning and shed light on the mechanisms of perceptual learning for
      high-level vision.

PMID- 27664349
TI  - Binocular functional architecture for detection of contrast-modulated gratings.
AB  - Combination of signals from the two eyes is the gateway to stereo vision. To gain
      insight into binocular signal processing, we studied binocular summation for
      luminance-modulated gratings (L or LM) and contrast-modulated gratings (CM). We
      measured 2AFC detection thresholds for a signal grating (0.75c/deg, 216ms) shown
      to one eye, both eyes, or both eyes out-of-phase. For LM and CM, the carrier
      noise was in both eyes, even when the signal was monocular. Mean binocular
      thresholds for luminance gratings (L) were 5.4dB better than monocular thresholds
      - close to perfect linear summation (6dB). For LM and CM the binocular advantage
      was again 5-6dB, even when the carrier noise was uncorrelated, anti-correlated,
      or at orthogonal orientations in the two eyes. Binocular combination for CM
      probably arises from summation of envelope responses, and not from summation of
      these conflicting carrier patterns. Antiphase signals produced no binocular
      advantage, but thresholds were about 1-3dB higher than monocular ones. This is
      not consistent with simple linear summation, which should give complete
      cancellation and unmeasurably high thresholds. We propose a three-channel model
      in which noisy monocular responses to the envelope are binocularly combined in a
      contrast-weighted sum, but also remain separately available to perception via a
      max operator. Vision selects the largest of the three responses. With in-phase
      gratings the binocular channel dominates, but antiphase gratings cancel in the
      binocular channel and the monocular channels mediate detection. The small
      antiphase disadvantage might be explained by a subtle influence of background
      responses on binocular and monocular detection.

PMID- 27664350
TI  - The saccadic size-latency phenomenon explored: Proximal target size is a
      determining factor in the saccade latency.
AB  - Saccade latencies are known to increase for targets presented close to fixation.
      Recently, it was shown that not only target eccentricity, but the size of a
      proximal saccade target also plays a crucial role: latencies increase rapidly
      with increasing target size. Interestingly, these latency increases are greater
      than those typically found for other supra-threshold manipulations of target
      properties. Here we evaluate to what extent this phenomenon is distinct from
      known delays in saccade initiation and whether the phenomenon is truly related to
      the size of a proximal target. In Experiment 1 we focus on the importance of the
      required amplitude. Employing a saccade adaptation paradigm we find that the
      required amplitude is not a determining factor. Focusing on the role of size, in
      Experiment 2, we find that while latency increases are strongest for targets
      elongated in the direction of the fovea, elongations perpendicular to this
      direction also lead to an increase in latencies. Finally, in Experiment 3 we
      verify that the latency increases are driven by the properties of the saccade
      target rather than visual input in general. Together these experiments provide
      converging evidence that the current phenomenon is both novel and a consequence
      of the relation between proximal target size and its eccentricity.

PMID- 27664351
TI  - The effects of monocular viewing on hand-eye coordination during sequential
      grasping and placing movements.
AB  - The contribution of binocular vision to the performance of reaching and grasping
      movements has been examined previously using single reach-to-grasp movements.
      However, most of our daily activities consist of more complex action sequences,
      which require precise temporal linking between the gaze behaviour and manual
      action phases. Many previous studies found a stereotypical hand-eye coordination
      pattern, such that the eyes move prior to the reach initiation. Moving the eyes
      to the target object provides information about its features and location, which
      can facilitate the predictive control of reaching and grasping. This temporal
      coordination pattern has been established for the performance of sequential
      movements performed during binocular viewing. Here we manipulated viewing
      condition and examined the temporal hand-eye coordination pattern during the
      performance of a sequential reaching, grasping, and placement task. Fifteen
      participants were tested on a sequencing task while eye and hand movements were
      recorded binocularly using a video-based eyetracker and a motion capture system.
      Our results showed that monocular viewing disrupted the temporal coordination
      between the eyes and the hand during the place-to-reach transition phase.
      Specifically, the gaze shift was delayed during monocular compared to binocular
      viewing. The shift in gaze behaviour may be due to increased uncertainty
      associated with the performance of the placement task because of increased
      vergence error during monocular viewing, which was evident in all participants.
      These findings provide insight into the role of binocular vision in predictive
      control of sequential reaching and grasping movements.

PMID- 27664352
TI  - Go-getters and procrastinators: Investigating individual differences in visual
      cognition across university semesters.
AB  - University-based psychological research typically relies on the participation of
      undergraduate students for data collection. Using this particular sample brings
      with it several possible issues, including the self-scheduling done by the
      participants. Research on performance between students who sign up early versus
      late in the semester has been inconsistent. Some research report benefits for
      early participant semesters, while others find no differences between the two
      groups. Anecdotally, it seems that the former holds true, as many researchers
      worry about the data collected late in the semester, sometimes opting for more
      motivated earlier participants in the next semester. The purpose of our study was
      to examine for the effect of time of semester across a well-known set of visual
      cognition tasks. To do so, participants completed canonical versions of a rapid
      serial visual presentation task, a flanker task, an additional singleton paradigm
      task, a multiple object tracking task and a visual working memory task. These
      tasks were chosen as typical measures of executive control, temporal selectivity,
      visual working memory capacity, resistance to distraction, and attentional
      capacity. Crucially, we correlated task performance with time of semester
      students chose to participate. Our results demonstrate that there were no
      significant differences in any of the tasks across semester timing. Furthermore,
      our findings support the validity of cognitive research relying on the system of
      recruiting undergraduate students from volunteer pools where students can self
      select the time of the semester they undertake the experiments.

PMID- 27664353
TI  - Geometrical features underlying the perception of collinearity.
AB  - The magnitude of the Poggendorff bias in perceived collinearity was measured with
      a 2AFC task and roving pedestal, and was found to be in the region of 6-8deg,
      within the range of previous estimates. Further measurements dissected the bias
      into several components: (1) The small (~1deg) repulsion of the orientation of
      the pointer from the parallel, probably localized in the part of the line near
      the intersection (2) A small (<1deg) location bias affecting the intersection of
      pointers and inducing lines; and (3) A larger (>1deg) bias in the orientation of
      virtual lines crossing the gap between two parallels, towards the orientation of
      the parallels, or equivalently (4) An orthogonal bias in actively constructing a
      virtual line across the gap. We conclude that orientation repulsion by itself is
      an inadequate explanation of the Poggendorff effect, and that a full explanation
      must take account of the way in which observers construct virtual lines in visual
      space in order to carry out elementary geometrical tasks such as extrapolation.

PMID- 27664354
TI  - ?

PMID- 27664355
TI  - ?

PMID- 27664356
TI  - [Information and communication technology and health of the elderly].
AB  - New technologies offer many advantages, especially in terms of animation in
      elderly care homes. Consoles and digital tablets used without any medical
      implication were the subject of a literature review on their impact on the health
      of the elderly..

PMID- 27664357
TI  - [Robotics and improvement of the quality of geriatric care].
AB  - New technologies offer innovations to improve the care of the elderly with
      Alzheimer's or and other forms of dementia. Robots, endowed with features such as
      monitoring of physiological parameters, cognitive training or occupational
      therapy, have appeared. They are not, however, intended to replace humans. Still
      underutilized, these robots are in development, much like the digital literacy of
      the elderly.

PMID- 27664359
TI  - [Connected home, monitoring and improved care].
AB  - New technologies offer a new approach to healthcare management that benefits the
      patient, especially at home: better living spaces, improved safety and
      preservation of communication. Professionals concerned and family caregivers
      should be trained in these new technologies to discover and explore everyday
      their possibilities and uses.

PMID- 27664358
TI  - [Neuropsychiatric disorders and technological solutions].
AB  - Innovative new tools today allow better clinical evaluation. Indeed, new
      information and communication technology is particularly interesting for the
      screening, monitoring and management of neuropsychiatric disorders of the
      elderly. A personalised approach to patients can further enhance their adherence
      and involvement.

PMID- 27664360
TI  - [Serious game, a link between institution and home].
AB  - Serious game is a personal innovative technology to facilitate learning and
      social interaction. It can be used in a patient's home or in an institution. This
      training tool can also be developed for health professionals, especially
      accommodation facilities for the elderly. The objective is to integrate knowledge
      and know-how.

PMID- 27664361
TI  - [Pain in mental health in the elderly].
AB  - Consideration of pain in mental health proves fundamental in psychiatry, a
      fortiori psychogeriatrics. The elderly person is often confronted with a painful
      existential situation and the experience of physical pain that go unheard. This
      algic component of somatic origin is still, like moral pain, too trivialized,
      because of becoming elderly too fast. The culture of the fight against pain needs
      to be developed further as well as the practical training of doctors and
      caregivers.

PMID- 27664362
TI  - [Announcement of the death of a loved one to a geriatric inpatient].
AB  - A geriatric inpatient may learn of the death of a loved one. The medical team
      must assess what is the kindest way to announce it to the patient who is already
      fragile. It will address the patient's relationship with the loved one, the right
      to information, and the position of the family. Accompanying the patient through
      this ordeal is also important. This delicate issue needs the reflection of the
      team.

PMID- 27664363
TI  - [Antibiotic prescription usage and assessment in geriatric patients].
AB  - Due to the high risk of infection, the geriatric population is regularly
      subjected to antibiotics. Faced with bacterial resistance, particularly among
      elderly dependent patients, it is essential to promote proper use and correct
      prescription of antibiotics. A study evaluated antibiotic prescription in a
      geriatric hospital with 598 beds and highlighted the importance of collaboration
      between geriatricians and infectious disease specialists.

PMID- 27664365
TI  - ?

PMID- 27664364
TI  - [Role of the nurse in the prevention of dependence].
AB  - Preventing frailty in elderly people to delay their dependency is one of the main
      missions of the Gerontopole, a centre of expertise for gerontology, in Toulouse.
      The proposed actions are simple to put in place and the nurses are autonomous in
      carrying out assessments. Nursing expertise has also been developed within the
      centre.

PMID- 27664366
TI  - ?

PMID- 27664367
TI  - Modifying interpretation biases in body dysmorphic disorder: Evaluation of a
      brief computerized treatment.
AB  - Individuals meeting diagnostic criteria for body dysmorphic disorder (BDD; N =
      40) were enrolled in a randomized, four-session trial comparing interpretation
      bias modification (IBM) training designed to target social evaluation- and
      appearance-related interpretation biases with a placebo control training
      condition (PC). Sessions took place over the course of two weeks (two sessions
      per week). Analyses indicated that, relative to the PC condition, IBM led to a
      significant increase in benign biases and reduction in threat biases at post
      treatment. IBM also led to greater reductions in BDD symptoms compared to PC,
      though this effect was present at high but not low levels of pre-treatment BDD
      symptoms. Additionally, compared to PC, IBM led to lower urge to check and lower
      fear in response to an in vivo appearance-related stressor (having their picture
      taken from different angles), though the latter effect was present only among
      those reporting elevated fear at pre-treatment. The effects of treatment on
      interpretation biases and BDD symptoms were largely maintained at a one-month
      follow-up assessment. Moderated-mediation analyses showed that change in threat
      bias mediated the effect of condition on post-treatment symptoms for individuals
      high in pre-treatment BDD symptoms. The current study provides preliminary
      support for the efficacy of IBM for BDD.

PMID- 27664368
TI  - One pot oxidative dehydration - oxidation of polyhydroxyhexanal oxime to
      polyhydroxy oxohexanenitrile: A versatile methodology for the facile access of
      azasugar alkaloids.
AB  - A unique oxidative dehydration-oxidation of polyhydroxy-oxime (7) to the
      corresponding ketonitrile (8) in one pot is reported for the first time in
      carbohydrate literature. Key ketonitrile intermediate (8) upon palladium
      hydroxide mediated cascade reaction afforded 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) 1b in
      moderate diastereoselectivity. The cascade reaction involves the conversion of
      nitrile to amine, heteroannulation, reduction of the imine and subsequent
      debenzylation to furnish the azasugars. This oxidative dehydration-oxidation and
      reductive heteroannulation methodology is successfully utilized for the total
      synthesis of 1-deoxynojirimycin (1b), miglitol (2) and miglustat (3).

PMID- 27664369
TI  - Impairment of decision making associated with disruption of phase-locking in the
      anterior cingulate cortex in viscerally hypersensitive rats.
AB  - Visceral hypersensitivity (VH) is a key factor of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
      Previous studies have identified an enhanced response of anterior cingulate
      cortex (ACC) to colorectal distension in VH rats, which can be observed up to
      7weeks following colonic anaphylaxis, independent of colonic inflammation. The
      induction of VH produces a change in the ability to induce subsequent synaptic
      plasticity at the ACC circuitry. In clinical practice, a positive link between
      IBS and cognitive impairments has been noted for years, but no animal model has
      been reported. Decision-making is a valuable model for monitoring higher-order
      cognitive functions in animals, which depends on the integrated function of
      several sub-regions of the ACC and amygdala. Using rat gambling task (RGT) in the
      present study, we observed an impairment of decision-making behavior in VH rats.
      Electrophysiological study showed a reduction of long-term potentiation in the
      basolateral amygdala (BLA)-ACC synapses in VH rats. Multiple-electrode array
      recordings of local field potential (LFP) in both BLA and ACC were also performed
      in freely behaving rats. Spike-field coherence (SFC) analysis revealed chronic
      visceral pain led to disruption of ACC spike timing and BLA local theta
      oscillation. Finally, cross-correlation analysis revealed that VH was associated
      with suppressed synchronization of theta oscillation between the BLA and ACC,
      indicating reduced neuronal communications between these two regions under the VH
      state. The present results demonstrate that functional disturbances in BLA-ACC
      neural circuitry may be relevant causes for the deficits in decision-making in
      chronic pain state.

PMID- 27664370
TI  - Evidence of metabolic microevolution of the limpet Nacella concinna to naturally
      high heavy metal levels in Antarctica.
AB  - The gastropod Nacella concinna is the most conspicuous macroinvertebrate of the
      intertidal zone of the Antarctic Peninsula and adjacent islands. Naturally high
      levels of copper and cadmium in coastal marine ecosystems are accumulated in N.
      concinna tissues. We aimed to study the effects of metal cations on N. concinna
      arginase in the context of possible adaptive microevolution. Gills and muscle had
      the highest argininolytic activity, which was concentrated in the cytosol in both
      tissues. Gills had the highest levels of arginase and may be involved in the
      systemic control of l-arginine levels. The relatively high argininolytic activity
      of the N. concinna muscular foot, with KM=25.3+/-3.4mmolL-1, may be involved in
      the control of l-arginine levels during phosphagen breakdown. N. concinna
      arginases showed the following preferences for metal cations: Ni2+>Mn2+>Co2+>Cu2+
      in muscle and Mn2+>Cu2+ in gills. Cu2+ activation is a unique characteristic of
      N. concinna arginases, as copper is a potent arginase inhibitor. Cu2+ partly
      neutralized N. concinna arginase inhibition by Cd2+, worked synergistically in
      muscle arginase activation by Co2+ and neutralized muscle arginase activation by
      Ni2+. Mn2+ was able to activate muscle arginase in the presence of Fe3+ and Pb2+.
      The selection of arginases that are activated by Cu2+ and resistant to inhibition
      by Cd2+ in the presence of Cu2+ over evolutionary timescales may have favored N.
      concinna occupation of copper- and cadmium-rich niches.

PMID- 27664371
TI  - Effect of diet on carboxylesterase activity of tadpoles (Rhinella arenarum)
      exposed to chlorpyrifos.
AB  - An outdoor microcosm was performed with tadpoles (Rhinella arenarum) exposed to
      125MUgL-1 chlorpyrifos and fed two types of food, i.e., lettuce (Lactuca sativa)
      and a formulated commercial pellet. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and
      carboxylesterase (CbE) activities were measured in liver and intestine after 10
      days of pesticide exposure. Non-exposed tadpoles fed lettuce had an intestinal
      AChE activity almost two-fold higher than that of pellet-fed tadpoles. No
      significant differences were observed, however, in liver AChE activity between
      diets. Likewise, intestinal CbE activity - measured using two substrates, i.e. 1
      naphthyl acetate (1-NA) and 4-nitrophenyl valerate (4-NPV) - was higher in
      tadpoles fed lettuce than in those fed pellets. However, the diet-dependent
      response of liver CbE activity was opposite to that in the intestine.
      Chlorpyrifos caused a significant inhibition of both esterase activities, which
      was tissue- and diet-specific. The highest inhibition degree was found in the
      intestinal AChE and CbE activities of lettuce-fed tadpoles (42-78% of controls)
      compared with pellet-fed tadpoles (<60%). Although chlorpyrifos significantly
      inhibited liver CbE activity of the group fed lettuce, this effect was not
      observed in the group fed pellets. In general, intestinal CbE activity was more
      sensitive to chlorpyrifos inhibition than AChE activity. This finding, together
      with the high levels of basal CbE activity found in the intestine, may be
      understood as a detoxification system able to reduce intestinal OP uptake.
      Moreover, the results of this study suggest that diet is a determinant factor in
      toxicity testing with tadpoles to assess OP toxicity, because it modulates levels
      of this potential detoxifying enzyme activity.

PMID- 27664372
TI  - Deformable regions of interest with multiple points for tissue tracking in
      echocardiography.
AB  - By tracking echocardiography images more accurately and stably, we can better
      assess myocardial functions. In this paper, we propose a new tracking method with
      deformable Regions of Interest (ROIs) aiming at rational pattern matching. For
      this purpose we defined multiple tracking points for an ROI and regarded these
      points as nodes in the Meshfree Method to interpolate displacement fields. To
      avoid unreasonable distortion of the ROI caused by noise and perturbation in echo
      images, we introduced a stabilization technique based on a nonlinear strain
      energy function. Examples showed that the combination of our new tracking method
      and stabilization technique provides competitive and stable tracking.

PMID- 27664373
TI  - How to map and ablate left ventricular summit arrhythmias.

PMID- 27664374
TI  - Direct visualization to facilitate left ventricular summit ablation: Seeing is
      believing!

PMID- 27664375
TI  - Expression profiles and hormonal regulation of tobacco expansin genes and their
      involvement in abiotic stress response.
AB  - Changes in the expression levels of tobacco expansin genes NtEXPA1, NtEXPA4,
      NtEXPA5, and NtEXPA6 were studied in different organs of tobacco (Nicotiana
      tabacum L.) as well as in response to phytohormone and stress treatments. It was
      shown that NtEXPA1, NtEXPA4 and NtEXPA5 transcripts were predominantly expressed
      in the shoot apices and young leaves, but almost absent in mature leaves and
      roots. The NtEXPA6 mRNA was found at high levels in calluses containing a large
      number of undifferentiated cells, but hardly detectable in the leaves of
      different ages and roots. In young leaves, expression levels of NtEXPA1, NtEXPA4
      and NtEXPA5 genes were induced by cytokinins, auxins and gibberellins. Cytokinins
      and auxins were also found to increase NtEXPA6 transcripts in young leaves but to
      the much lower levels than the other expansin mRNAs. Expression analysis
      demonstrated that brassinosteroid phytohormones were able either to up-regulate
      or to down-regulate expression of different expansins in leaves of different
      ages. Furthermore, transcript levels of NtEXPA1, NtEXPA4, and NtEXPA5 genes were
      increased in response to NaCl, drought, cold, heat, and 10MUM abscisic acid (ABA)
      treatments but reduced in response to more severe stresses, i.e. cadmium,
      freezing, and 100MUM ABA. In contrast, no substantial changes were found in
      NtEXPA6 transcript level after all stress treatments. In addition, we examined
      the involvement of tobacco expansins in the regulation of abiotic stress
      tolerance by transgenic approaches. Transgenic tobacco plants with constitutive
      expression of NtEXPA1 and NtEXPA5 exhibited improved tolerance to salt stress:
      these plants showed higher growth indices after NaCl treatment and minimized
      water loss by reducing stomatal density. In contrast, NtEXPA4-silenced plants
      were characterized by a considerable growth reduction under salinity and enhanced
      water loss. Our findings indicate that expression levels of all studied tobacco
      expansins genes are modulated by plant hormones whereas NtEXPA1, NtEXPA4, and
      NtEXPA5 expansins may be involved in the regulation of stress tolerance in
      tobacco plants.

PMID- 27664376
TI  - p53 and p16Ink4a/p19Arf Loss Promotes Different Pancreatic Tumor Types from PyMT
      Expressing Progenitor Cells.
AB  - In human studies and mouse models, the contributions of p53 and p16Ink4a/p19Arf
      loss are well established in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Although
      loss of functional p53 pathway and loss of Ink4a/Arf in human pancreatic acinar
      cell carcinoma (PACC) and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PanNET) are
      identified, their direct roles in tumorigenesis of PACC and PanNET remain to be
      determined. Using transgenic mouse models expressing the viral oncogene polyoma
      middle T antigen (PyMT), we demonstrate that p53 loss in pancreatic Pdx1+
      progenitor cells results in aggressive PACC, whereas Ink4a/Arf loss results in
      PanNETs. Concurrent loss of p53 and Ink4a/Arf resembles loss of p53 alone,
      suggesting that Ink4a/Arf loss has no additive effect to PACC progression. Our
      results show that specific tumor suppressor genotypes provocatively influence the
      tumor biological phenotypes in pancreatic progenitor cells. Additionally, in a
      mouse model of beta-cell hyperplasia, we demonstrate that p53 and Ink4a/Arf play
      cooperative roles in constraining the progression of PanNETs.

PMID- 27664377
TI  - Current application of exhaled nitric oxide in clinical practice.

PMID- 27664378
TI  - Linking impaired skin barrier function to esophageal allergic inflammation via IL
      33.

PMID- 27664380
TI  - Binding interaction of ramipril with bovine serum albumin (BSA): Insights from
      multi-spectroscopy and molecular docking methods.
AB  - The binding interaction between a typical angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor
      (ACEI), ramipril, and a transport protein, bovine serum albumin (BSA), was
      studied in vitro using UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, steady-state fluorescence
      spectroscopic titration, synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy, three dimensional
      fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism and molecular docking under the
      imitated physiological conditions (pH=7.4). The experimental results suggested
      that the intrinsic fluorescence of BSA was quenched by ramipril thought a static
      quenching mechanism, indicating that the stable ramipril-BSA complex was formed
      by the intermolecular interaction. The number of binding sites (n) and binding
      constant of ramipril-BSA complex were about 1 and 3.50*104M-1 at 298K,
      respectively, suggesting that there was stronger binding interaction of ramipril
      with BSA. The thermodynamic parameters together with molecular docking study
      revealed that both van der Waal's forces and hydrogen bonding interaction
      dominated the formation of the ramipril-BSA complex and the binding interaction
      of BSA with ramipril is enthalpy-driven processes due to |DeltaH degrees
      |>|TDeltaS degrees | and DeltaG degrees <0. The spatial distance between ramipril
      and BSA was calculated to be 3.56nm based on Forster's non-radiative energy
      transfer theory. The results of the competitive displacement experiments and
      molecular docking confirmed that ramipril inserted into the subdomain IIA (site
      I) of BSA, resulting in a slight change in the conformation of BSA but BSA still
      retained its secondary structure alpha-helicity.

PMID- 27664381
TI  - Moderate high or low maternal protein diets change gene expression but not the
      phenotype of skeletal muscle from porcine fetuses.
AB  - The aim of our study was to characterize the immediate phenotypic and adaptive
      regulatory responses of fetuses to different in utero conditions reflecting
      inadequate maternal protein supply during gestation. The gilts fed high- (250%
      above control) or low- (50% under control) protein diets isoenergetically
      adjusted at the expense of carbohydrates from the day of insemination until the
      fetuses were collected at day 64 or 94 of gestation. We analyzed body
      composition, histomorphology, biochemistry, and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression
      of fetal skeletal muscle. Both diets had only marginal effects on body
      composition and muscular cellularity of fetuses including an unchanged total
      number of myofibers. However, mRNA expression of myogenic regulatory factors
      (MYOG, MRF4, P <= 0.1), IGF system (IGF1, IGF1R, P <= 0.05) and myostatin
      antagonist FST (P = 0.6, in males only) was reduced in the fetal muscle exposed
      to a maternal low-protein diet. As a result of excess protein, MYOD, MYOG, IGF1R,
      and IGFBP5 mRNA expression (P <= 0.05) was upregulated in fetal muscle.
      Differences in muscular mRNA expression indicate in utero regulatory adaptive
      responses to maternal diet. Modulation of gene expression immediately contributes
      to the maintenance of an appropriate fetal phenotype that would be similar to
      that observed in the control fetuses. Moreover, we suggest that the modified gene
      expression in fetal skeletal muscle can be viewed as the origin of developmental
      muscular plasticity involved in the concept of fetal programming.

PMID- 27664383
TI  - Autoimmunity-Basics and link with periodontal disease.
AB  - Autoimmune reactions reflect an imbalance between effector and regulatory immune
      responses, typically develop through stages of initiation and propagation, and
      often show phases of resolution (indicated by clinical remissions) and
      exacerbations (indicated by symptomatic flares). The fundamental underlying
      mechanism of autoimmunity is defective elimination and/or control of self
      reactive lymphocytes. Periodontal diseases are characterized by inflammatory
      conditions that directly affect teeth-supporting structures, which are the major
      cause of tooth loss. Several studies have demonstrated the involvement of
      autoimmune responses in periodontal disease. Evidence of involvement of
      immunopathology has been reported in periodontal disease. Bacteria in the dental
      plaque induce antibody formation. Autoreactive T-cells, natural killer cells,
      ANCA, heat shock proteins, autoantibodies, and genetic factors are reported to
      have an important role in the autoimmune component of periodontal disease. The
      present review describes the involvement of autoimmune responses in periodontal
      diseases and also the mechanisms underlying these responses.

PMID- 27664382
TI  - A miRNA target network putatively involved in follicular atresia.
AB  - In a previous microarray study, we identified a subset of micro RNAS (miRNAs),
      which expression was distinctly higher in atretic than healthy follicles of
      cattle. In the present study, we investigated the involvement of those miRNAs in
      granulosa and theca cells during atresia. Reverse Transcription-quantitative
      Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) confirmed that miR-21-5p/-3p, miR-150, miR
      409a, miR-142-5p, miR-378, miR-222, miR-155, and miR-199a-5p were expressed at
      higher levels in atretic than healthy follicles (9-17 mm, classified based on
      steroidogenic capacity). All miRNAs except miR-21-3p and miR-378 were expressed
      at higher levels in theca than granulosa cells. The expression of 13 predicted
      miRNA targets was determined in follicular cells by RT-qPCR, revealing
      downregulation of HIF1A, ETS1, JAG1, VEGFA, and MSH2 in either or both cell types
      during atresia. Based on increases in miRNA levels simultaneous with decreases in
      target levels in follicular cells, several predicted miRNA target interactions
      were confirmed that are putatively involved in follicular atresia, namely miR
      199a-5p/miR-155-HIF1A in granulosa cells, miR-155/miR-222-ETS1 in theca cells,
      miR-199a-5p-JAG1 in theca cells, miR-199a-5p/miR-150/miR-378-VEGFA in granulosa
      and theca cells, and miR-155-MSH2 in theca cells. These results offer novel
      insight on the involvement of miRNAs in follicle development by identifying a
      miRNA target network that is putatively involved in follicle atresia.

PMID- 27664385
TI  - Assessment of anoxia tolerance and photoperiod dependence of GABAergic polarity
      in the pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis.
AB  - The pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis is reported to be anoxia-tolerant and if the
      tolerance mechanism is similar to that of the anoxia-tolerant painted turtle,
      GABA should play an important role. A potentially confounding factor
      investigating the role of GABA in anoxia tolerance are reports that GABA has both
      inhibitory and excitatory effects within L. stagnalis central ganglion. We
      therefore set out to determine if seasonality or photoperiod has an impact on: 1)
      the anoxia-tolerance of the intact pond snail, and 2) the response of isolated
      neuroganglia cluster F neurons to exogenous GABA application. L. stagnalis
      maintained on a natural summer light cycle were unable to survive any period of
      anoxic exposure, while those maintained on a natural winter light cycle survived
      a maximum of 4h. Using intracellular sharp electrode recordings from pedal
      ganglia cluster F neurons we show that there is a photoperiod dependent shift in
      the response to GABA. Snails exposed to a 16h:8h light:dark cycle in an
      environmental chamber (induced summer phenotype) exhibited hyperpolarizing
      inhibitory responses and those exposed to a 8h:16h light:dark cycle (induced
      winter phenotype) exhibited depolarizing excitatory responses to GABA
      application. Using gramicidin-perforated patch recordings we also found a
      photoperiod dependent shift in the reversal potential for GABA. We conclude that
      the opposing responses of L. stagnalis central neurons to GABA results from a
      shift in intracellular chloride concentration that is photoperiod dependent and
      is likely mediated through the relative efficacy of cation chloride co
      transporters. Although the physiological ramifications of the photoperiod
      dependent shift are unknown this work potentially has important implications for
      the impact of artificial light pollution on animal health.

PMID- 27664384
TI  - Prognostic factors of macrophage activation syndrome, at the time of diagnosis,
      in adult patients affected by autoimmune disease: Analysis of 41 cases collected
      in 2 rheumatologic centers.
AB  - Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a rare, life-threatening disease in which
      early diagnosis and aggressive therapeutic strategy may improve the outcome. Due
      to its rarity, epidemiologic data are still lacking. Hyperferritinemia is
      frequently associated with MAS and might modulate the cytokine storm, which is
      involved in the development of multiple organ failure. In this paper, we
      investigated clinical data, treatments, and outcome of a homogeneous cohort of 41
      adult MAS patients, complicating autoimmune rheumatic diseases. MAS-related death
      occurred in 17 patients (42.5%) during the follow-up, and older age and increased
      serum ferritin levels, at the time of diagnosis, were significantly associated
      with mortality. In conclusion, adult MAS is associated with high mortality rate.
      Some clinical features at diagnosis may be predictive of MAS-associated death.

PMID- 27664386
TI  - Structural elucidation of the impurities in Enzalutamide bulk drug and the
      development, validation of corresponding HPLC method.
AB  - As the first approved androgen receptor(AR) signalling inhibitor, Enzalutamide
      was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as an anticancer drug used to
      treat castration-resistant prostate cancer in 2012. In this manuscript, six
      potential impurities of Enzalutamide including process impurities and degradation
      products were studied. The structures of six impurities obtained by synthesis
      were characterized and confirmed by IR, NMR and MS techniques. In addition, an
      efficient chromatographic method to separate and quantify these impurities was
      developed, which achieved on Inertsil ODS-3 column (250mm*4.6mm,5MUm) in gradient
      mode with a mixture of acetonitrile and the ammonium acetate buffer (10mM, pH
      adjusted to 4.0 with glacial acetic acid). The method was validated with respect
      to specificity, precision, accuracy, and sensitivity and satisfactory result was
      achieved. The method was demonstrated to be applicable in routine quality control
      and stability evaluation of Enzalutamide.

PMID- 27664387
TI  - Association between lifetime alcohol consumption and prostate cancer risk: A case
      control study in Montreal, Canada.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Alcohol intake may increase the risk of prostate cancer (PCa). Many
      previous studies harbored important methodological limitations. METHODS: We
      conducted a population-based case-control study of PCa comprising 1933 cases and
      1994 controls in Montreal, Canada. Lifetime alcohol consumption was elicited, by
      type of beverage, during in-person interviews. Odds ratios (OR) and 95%
      confidence intervals (CI) assessed the association between alcohol intake and PCa
      risk, adjusting for potential confounders and considering the subjects' PCa
      screening history. RESULTS: We observed a weak, non-significant positive
      association between high consumption of total alcohol over the lifetime and risk
      of high-grade PCa (OR=1.18, 95% CI 0.81-1.73). Risk estimates were more
      pronounced among current drinkers (OR=1.40, 95%CI 1.00-1.97), particularly after
      adjusting for the timing of last PCa screening (OR=1.52, 95%CI 1.07-2.16). These
      associations were largely driven by beer consumption. The OR for high-grade PCa
      associated with high beer intake was 1.37 (95%CI 1.00-1.89); it was 1.49 (95%CI
      0.99-2.23) among current drinkers and 1.68 (95% CI 1.10-2.57) after adjusting for
      screening recency. High cumulative consumption of spirits was associated with a
      lower risk of low-grade PCa (OR=0.75, 95%CI 0.60-0.94) but the risk estimate no
      longer achieved statistical significance when restricting to current users. No
      association was found for wine consumption. CONCLUSION: Findings add to the
      accumulating evidence that high alcohol consumption increases the risk of high
      grade PCa. This association largely reflected beer intake in our population, and
      was strengthened when taking into account PCa screening history.

PMID- 27664388
TI  - Treatment delays, race, and outcomes in head and neck cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Patient race has been shown to predict for differences in outcomes and
      has been attributed to socioeconomic factors such as social support and access to
      healthcare. In head and neck cancer (HNC), a disease without recommended
      screening, we sought to investigate the association between race, treatment
      delays and outcome. METHODS: Records of 1802 patients with non-metastatic
      squamous cell HNC treated between 1998 and 2013 were retrospectively assessed
      from an institutional database. Patient demographics, tumor and treatment
      characteristics, and patient outcomes were abstracted from the chart. Differences
      between groups were assessed via logistic regression multivariate analysis (MVA).
      Outcomes including locoregional control (LRC) and overall survival (OS) were then
      estimated via Kaplan-Meier and Cox-regression MVA. RESULTS: Median follow up was
      34 months. Patient races included white (n=1671, 93%), black (n=80, 4%), Asian
      (n=18, 1%), and other (n=33, 2%). On logistic regression MVA, Black patients were
      less likely to be married (39% vs. 63%; OR 0.5 95%CI 0.30-0.83, p=0.007) or be
      currently employed (43% vs. 61%; OR 0.44 95%CI 0.26-0.74, p=0.002) when compared
      to non-blacks. Black patients were also younger (54 vs. 59 years, p=0.001), more
      likely to present with advanced tumor stage (T4: 48% vs. 25%), and more often had
      >45days elapsed from diagnosis to treatment initiation (DTI) (61% vs. 49%,
      p=0.028). Delays in treatment, such as delayed diagnosis (advanced disease
      presentation) and delays in DTI>45days were also associated with marital and
      employment status. Black patients were associated with a lower 3-year LRC rate
      (65% vs. 81%, p<0.001) and OS rate (43% vs. 69%, p<0.001), compared to non-black
      patients. Patients with >45days DTI had a detriment in 3-year LRC (77% vs. 83%,
      p=0.002) and OS (66% vs. 69%, p=0.009). On Cox MVA, black race was independently
      prognostic for worse LRC (HR 1.62 95%CI 1.04-2.51, p=0.033) and OS (HR 1.55 95%CI
      1.15-2.08, p=0.004) vs. non-blacks. CONCLUSION: Black race is independently
      prognostic for LRC and OS. Delays in HNC treatment, such as more advanced tumor
      stage presentation and delays in treatment initiation, may be attributed to
      socioeconomic factors such as employment status and social support. Efforts to
      accommodate these factors may expedite treatment, in hopes of improving the race
      related outcome disparity in HNC.

PMID- 27664389
TI  - Prevalence of prothrombin G20210A mutation in patients with atrial fibrillation:
      A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PMID- 27664379
TI  - Caveolins and caveolae in ocular physiology and pathophysiology.
AB  - Caveolae are specialized, invaginated plasma membrane domains that are defined
      morphologically and by the expression of signature proteins called, caveolins.
      Caveolae and caveolins are abundant in a variety of cell types including vascular
      endothelium, glia, and fibroblasts where they play critical roles in
      transcellular transport, endocytosis, mechanotransduction, cell proliferation,
      membrane lipid homeostasis, and signal transduction. Given these critical
      cellular functions, it is surprising that ablation of the caveolae organelle does
      not result in lethality suggesting instead that caveolae and caveolins play
      modulatory roles in cellular homeostasis. Caveolar components are also expressed
      in ocular cell types including retinal vascular cells, Muller glia, retinal
      pigment epithelium (RPE), conventional aqueous humor outflow cells, the corneal
      epithelium and endothelium, and the lens epithelium. In the eye, studies of
      caveolae and other membrane microdomains (i.e., "lipid rafts") have lagged behind
      what is a substantial body of literature outside vision science. However,
      interest in caveolae and their molecular components has increased with
      accumulating evidence of important roles in vision-related functions such as
      blood-retinal barrier homeostasis, ocular inflammatory signaling, pathogen entry
      at the ocular surface, and aqueous humor drainage. The recent association of
      CAV1/2 gene loci with primary open angle glaucoma and intraocular pressure has
      further enhanced the need to better understand caveolar functions in the context
      of ocular physiology and disease. Herein, we provide the first comprehensive
      review of literature on caveolae, caveolins, and other membrane domains in the
      context of visual system function. This review highlights the importance of
      caveolae domains and their components in ocular physiology and pathophysiology
      and emphasizes the need to better understand these important modulators of
      cellular function.

PMID- 27664390
TI  - Transient Factor V deficiency associated with Factor V-immunoglobulin complexes
      but without evidence of a classical inhibitor.

PMID- 27664391
TI  - Early thrombin formation capacity in trauma patients and association with venous
      thromboembolism.
AB  - : Incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in adult trauma patients is high
      despite mechanical and pharmacologic prophylaxis. We hypothesized that thrombin
      formation capacity as measured by calibrated automated thrombogram (CAT) is
      increased early in hospitalization and is associated with the development of VTE.
      METHODS: We conducted a prospective study in adult, critically ill trauma
      patients. Plasma was generated from whole blood samples collected within the
      first 3days of hospital admission. CAT was used to determine lag time, thrombin
      peak, time to thrombin peak, endogenous thrombin potential (ETP), and velocity
      index in plasma samples from patients, and in control samples of platelet-poor,
      pooled normal plasma. RESULTS: There were 35 trauma patients and 35 controls
      included in this pilot analysis. Patients were a mean (SD) age of 45 (19) years,
      and 23 (66%) were male. The most common mechanism of injury was motor vehicle
      crash followed by falls, and the median (IQR) injury severity score was 17 (12
      27). Three patients (8.6%) had deep vein thrombosis (DVT) confirmed by Doppler
      ultrasound on median hospital day 7. Compared to control samples, patients had
      significantly longer lag times (3.1min vs. 2.7min, p=0.02) and significantly
      higher ETP (1136nM*min vs. 1019nM*min, p=0.007), peak thrombin generation (239nM
      vs. 176nM, p<0.001), and velocity index (108nM/min vs. 57nM/min, p<0.001) (Fig.
      1). There was no difference in the time to peak thrombin generation between the
      two groups (5.5min vs. 5.7min, p=0.22). In the 3 patients with VTE compared to
      controls, lag times were shorter and velocity index was higher while ETP and peak
      thrombin generation were similar. There were no statistically significant
      differences in thrombin generation parameters in patients with or without VTE,
      but lag time was numerically shorter, and thrombin peak, time to peak and area
      under-the-curve (ETP) were numerically lower in patients with DVT. CONCLUSIONS:
      We observed a thrombin generation profile in critically ill trauma patients
      consistent with an early hypercoagulable state; however, thrombin generation
      parameters did not discriminate patients with VTE.

PMID- 27664392
TI  - Systemic treatment and management approaches for medullary thyroid cancer.
AB  - Although rare, medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) exemplifies the value that ever
      expanding knowledge of molecular pathways and mechanisms brings to managing
      challenging cancers. Although surgery can be curative for MTC in many patients, a
      substantial proportion of patients present with locoregional or distant
      metastatic disease. Once distant disease occurs, treatment options are limited,
      and conventional cancer treatments such as cytotoxic chemotherapy are of minimal
      benefit. Biomarkers such as calcitonin and carcinoembryonic antigen are important
      correlates of disease burden as well as predictors of disease progress, including
      recurrence and survival. MTC is either sporadic (~75%) or inherited (~25%) as an
      autosomal dominant disease. Regardless, germline and somatic mutations,
      particularly in the rearranged during transfection (RET) proto-oncogene, are key
      factors in the neoplastic process. Gain-of-function RET mutations result in
      overactive proteins that lead to abnormal activation of downstream signal
      transduction pathways, resulting in ligand-independent growth and resistance to
      apoptotic stimuli. Specific RET mutation variants have been found to correlate
      with phenotype and natural history of MTC with some defects portending a more
      aggressive clinical course. Greater understanding of the consequence of the
      aberrant signaling pathway has fostered the development of targeted therapies.
      Two small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors, vandetanib and cabozantinib, are
      currently available as approved agents for the treatment of advanced or
      progressive MTC and provide significant increases in progression-free survival.
      Since there have been no head-to-head comparisons, clinicians often select
      between these agents on the basis of familiarity, patient characteristics,
      comorbidities, and toxicity profile.

PMID- 27664393
TI  - Improving outcomes for older women with gynaecological malignancies.
AB  - The incidence of most gynaecological malignancies rises significantly with
      increasing age. With an ageing population, the proportion of women over the age
      of 65 with cancer is expected to rise substantially over the next decade.
      Unfortunately, survival outcomes are much poorer in older patients and evidence
      suggests that older women with gynaecological cancers are less likely to receive
      current standard of care treatment options. Despite this, older women are under
      represented in practice changing clinical studies. The evidence for efficacy and
      tolerability is therefore extrapolated from a younger; often more fit population
      and applied to in every day clinical practice to older patients with co
      morbidities. There has been significant progress in the development of geriatric
      assessment in oncology to predict treatment outcomes and tolerability however
      there is still no clear evidence that undertaking a geriatric assessment improves
      patient outcomes. Clinical trials focusing on treating older patients are
      urgently required. In this review, we discuss the evidence for treatment of
      gynaecological cancers as well as methods of assessing older patients for
      therapy. Potential biomarkers of ageing are also summarised.

PMID- 27664394
TI  - Improvement in survival end points of patients with metastatic renal cell
      carcinoma through sequential targeted therapy.
AB  - Survival of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) has improved
      since the advent of targeted therapy. Approved agents include the multi-targeted
      tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) sunitinib, sorafenib, axitinib, pazopanib,
      cabozantinib, and lenvatinib (approved in combination with everolimus), the anti
      VEGF monoclonal antibody bevacizumab, the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)
      inhibitors everolimus and temsirolimus, and the programmed death-1 (PD-1)
      targeted immune checkpoint inhibitor nivolumab. The identification of predictive
      and prognostic factors of survival is increasing, and both clinical predictive
      factors and pathology-related prognostic factors are being evaluated. Serum-based
      biomarkers and certain histologic subtypes of RCC, as well as clinical factors
      such as dose intensity and the development of some class effect adverse events,
      have been identified as predictors of survival. Expression levels of microRNAs,
      expression of chemokine receptor 4, hypermethylation of certain genes, VEGF
      polymorphisms, and elevation of plasma fibrinogen or d-dimer have been shown to
      be prognostic indicators of survival. In the future, prognosis and treatment of
      patients with mRCC might be based on genomic classification, especially of the 4
      most commonly mutated genes in RCC (VHL, PBRM1, BAP1, and SETD2). Median overall
      survival has improved for patients treated with a first-line targeted agent
      compared with survival of patients treated with first-line interferon-alpha, and
      results of clinical trials have shown a survival benefit of sequential treatment
      with targeted agents. Prognosis of patients with mRCC will likely improve with
      optimization and individualization of current sequential treatment with targeted
      agents.

PMID- 27664395
TI  - Pediatric chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy: A systematic review of
      current knowledge.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The dramatic increase in the number of childhood cancer survivors
      over the last 60years has made monitoring and minimising long term side effects
      of cancer treatment increasingly important. Chemotherapy induced peripheral
      neuropathy (CIPN) has been described with many commonly used chemotherapy agents.
      This article provides a critical overview of pediatric CIPN, its incidence,
      clinical manifestations, late effects, and recent advances in understanding of
      risk factors and pharmacogenomics as well as evaluating current assessment
      strategies and treatment approaches. METHODS: Neurotoxicity data was
      systematically collated from Medline, Embase and Pubmed and analysed for quality,
      relevance and originality in three stages prior to inclusion. Quality scoring was
      done using the QUALSYST assessment tool. RESULTS: A total of 61 studies met
      inclusion criteria. Peripheral neuropathy is common and may be long lasting with
      characteristics specific to each chemotherapy agent. There is significant
      variability in reported incidence and natural history, related to challenges in
      clinical assessment and diagnosis. Emerging risk factors for CIPN include
      treatment factors such as dose, duration and concurrent medication and patient
      factors such as age and inherited susceptibilities. Recent identification of
      individual genetic variations has advanced understanding of pathomechanisms and
      may direct future treatment approaches. CONCLUSION: While these studies guide
      suggestions for current clinical practice, further systematic research with
      development of strategies for amelioration and prevention of CIPN is necessary.
      Standardised assessment protocols and objective outcomes measures of CIPN
      applicable to patients of different ages are critical to enabling the development
      of novel treatments and facilitation of future clinical trials and treatment
      individualisation.

PMID- 27664396
TI  - [18F]JNJ42259152 binding to phosphodiesterase 10A, a key regulator of medium
      spiny neuron excitability, is altered in the presence of cyclic AMP.
AB  - Phosphodiesterase 10A (PDE10A) is a key regulator of medium spiny neuron
      excitability. Therefore, it plays an important role in the regulation of motor,
      reward, and cognitive processes. Despite the interest in PDE10A as a drug and
      positron emission tomography (PET) imaging target, little is known about the
      regulation of PDE10A enzymatic activity. This study aimed to further investigate
      the role of cAMP in the regulation of PDE10A activity and PDE10A PET imaging.
      Using [18 F]JNJ42259152 as radioligand, we investigated alterations in PDE10A
      binding secondary to changes in cAMP levels. An in vitro striatum homogenate
      binding assay was developed to determine KD and Bmax of [18 F]JNJ42259152.
      Homogenate binding was assessed after addition of increasing concentrations of
      exogenous cAMP (1, 10, and 100 MUM). Rats were treated using JNJ49137530 and
      rolipram to induce in vivo alterations of cAMP. The effect of the induced cAMP
      alterations on PDE10A binding was assessed by comparing [18 F]JNJ42259152
      microPET studies after treatment to microPET studies acquired at baseline
      conditions prior to treatment. In vitro binding affinity of [18 F]JNJ42259152 was
      higher in the presence of cAMP compared to baseline conditions (KD  = 3.17 +/-
      0.91 nM with 10 MUM cAMP vs. KD  = 6.62 +/- 0.7 nM at baseline). Inhibition of
      PDE4 using rolipram significantly increased [18 F]JNJ42259152 binding (BPND  =
      2.61 +/- 0.50 vs. 1.91 +/- 0.36 at baseline). Administration of the PDE2
      inhibitor JNJ49137530 significantly increased PDE10A binding potential (BPND  =
      2.74 +/- 0.22 vs. 2.05 +/- 0.16 at baseline). Our data indicate an important role
      for cAMP in the regulation of PDE10A activity. Additionally, our data show a
      profound interaction between several PDEs in striatum.

PMID- 27664397
TI  - Unilateral hip osteoarthritis: The effect of compensation strategies and anatomic
      measurements on frontal plane joint loading.
AB  - In order to reduce pain caused by the affected hip joint, unilateral hip
      osteoarthritis patients (HOAP) adopt characteristic gait patterns. However, it is
      unknown if the knee and hip joint loading in the non-affected (limbnon-affected )
      and the affected (limbaffected ) limb differ from healthy controls (HC) and which
      gait parameters correlate with potential abnormal joint loading. Instrumented 3D
      gait analysis was performed on 18 HOAP and 18 sex, age, and height matched HC.
      The limbnon-affected showed greater first and second peak external hip adduction
      moments (first HAM: +15%, p = 0.014; second HAM: +15%, p = 0.021, respectively),
      than seen in HC. In contrast, the second peak external knee adduction moment
      (KAM) in the limbaffected is reduced by about 23% and 30% compared to the limbnon
      affected and HC, respectively. Furthermore, our patients showed characteristic
      gait compensation strategies including reduced peak vertical forces (pvF), a
      greater foot progression angle (FPA), and reduced knee range of motion (ROM) in
      the limbaffected . The limbaffected was 5.6 +/- 3.8 mm shorter than the limbnon
      affected . Results of stepwise regression analyses showed that increased first
      pvF explain 16% of first HAM alterations, whereas knee ROM and FPA explain 39% of
      second KAM alterations. We therefore expect an increased rate of progression of
      OA in the hip joint of the limbnon-affected and suggest that the shift in the
      medial-to-lateral knee joint load distribution may impact the rate of progression
      of OA in the limbaffected . The level of evidence is III. (c) 2016 Orthopaedic
      Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:1764-1773,
      2017.

PMID- 27664398
TI  - Efficacy and role of inulin in mitigation of enteric sulfur-containing odor in
      pigs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The efficacy and role of inulin in the mitigation of enteric sulfur
      containing odor gases hydrogen sulfide (H2 S) and methyl mercaptan (CH3 SH) in
      pigs were examined in this study. Twelve Duroc * Landrace * Yorkshire male
      finisher pigs (60.7 +/- 1.9 kg), housed individually in open-circuit respiration
      chambers, were randomly assigned to two dietary groups, namely basal diet
      (control) and basal diet supplemented with 1% (w/w) inulin. At the end of the 45
      day experiment, pigs were slaughtered and volatile fatty acid (VFA)
      concentration, sulfate radical (SO42- ) concentration, population of sulfate
      reducing bacteria (SRB) and expression of methionine gamma-lyase (MGL) gene were
      determined in contents from the caecum, colon (two segments) and rectum.
      Metabonomic analysis was used to compare differences in biochemical composition,
      and the Illumina MiSeq procedure to investigate differences in bacterial
      components, in the different parts of the large intestine between inulin
      supplemented and inulin-free (control) groups. RESULTS: Inulin decreased (P <
      0.05) the average daily enteric H2 S and CH3 SH production by 12.4 and 12.1%
      respectively. The concentrations of acetate, propionate and butyrate in the large
      intestinal content were significantly increased (P < 0.05) with inulin treatment,
      whereas valerate concentration and MGL mRNA expression decreased (P < 0.05). The
      growth of Lactobacillus, Butyrivibrio, Pseudobutyrivibrio, Bifidobacterium and
      Clostridium butyricum was stimulated, while that of Desulfovibrio, the dominant
      SRB, was inhibited, and there was an accumulation of SO42- in the large
      intestinal content of the inulin-supplemented pigs, suggesting that inulin
      mitigates H2 S generation from the SO42- reduction pathway by reducing the growth
      of SRB. CONCLUSION: The results showed that inulin mitigates CH3 SH generation
      via three methionine degradation metabolic pathways and H2 S generation from two
      cysteine degradation metabolic pathways, thus resulting in increased synthesis of
      these two sulfur-containing amino acids in the pig large intestine. (c) 2016
      Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID- 27664400
TI  - Phylogeographic past and invasive presence of Arion pest slugs in Europe.
AB  - Arion vulgaris (syn. A. lusitanicus) is the most destructive pest slug in Europe.
      The species has been regarded a classic case of an ongoing biological invasion
      with negative economic and ecological impact in many European countries, but this
      status has recently been contested. In this study, we assessed mitochondrial and
      autosomal genetic diversity in populations of A. vulgaris across the entire
      distribution range in order to characterize its evolutionary history.
      Mitochondrial diversity in A. vulgaris was strongly reduced compared with the
      closely related and largely codistributed noninvasive species A. rufus and A.
      ater, indicating a very rapid spread of A. vulgaris through Europe. Autosomal
      diversity assessed in 632 individuals from 32 populations decreased towards
      eastern and northern Europe which is consistent with the reported expansion of
      the species towards these regions in the last decades. Demographic simulations
      supported very recent population founding events in most of the European range.
      The short periods between the first detection of A. vulgaris in different
      countries and only a very weak association of genetic structuring among
      populations with geographical distances suggest a human contribution in the
      ongoing expansion of the slug. We propose that this contribution may ultimately
      prevent the exact localization of the debated region of origin of A. vulgaris.
      However, the reclassification of A. vulgaris as noninvasive would be premature.
      Without counter measures, the Eastern and Northern European countries can expect
      to see this biological invasion continued in the future.

PMID- 27664399
TI  - In silico prediction and in vitro and in vivo validation of acaricide fluazuron
      as a potential inhibitor of FGFR3 and a candidate anticancer drug for bladder
      carcinoma.
AB  - Bladder carcinoma (BC) is the ninth most common cause of cancer worldwide.
      Surgical resection and conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy will ultimately
      fail due to tumor recurrence and resistance. Thus, the development of novel
      treatment is urgently needed. Fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) is an
      important and well-established target for BC treatment. In this study, we
      utilized the free and open-source protein-ligand docking software idock to
      prospectively identify potential inhibitors of FGFR3 from 3,167 worldwide
      approved small-molecule drugs using a repositioning strategy. Six high-scoring
      compounds were purchased and tested in vitro. Among them, the acaricide drug
      fluazuron exhibited the highest antiproliferative effect in human BC cell lines
      RT112 and RT4. We further demonstrated that fluazuron treatment significantly
      increased the percentage of apoptosis cells, and decreased the phosphorylation
      level of FGFR3 and its downstream proteins FRS2-alpha, AKT, and ERK. We also
      investigated the anticancer effect of fluazuron in vivo in BALB/C nude mice
      subcutaneously xenografted with RT112 cells. Our results showed that oral
      treatment with fluazuron (80 mg/kg) significantly inhibited tumor growth. These
      results suggested for the first time that fluazuron is a potential inhibitor of
      FGFR3 and a candidate anticancer drug for the treatment of BC.

PMID- 27664402
TI  - Rehabilitation Trends After Lower Extremity Amputations in Canada.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The heterogeneity of medical complications that lead to amputation
      has resulted in a diverse patient population with differing rehabilitation needs;
      however, the rehabilitation trends for patients with lower extremity amputations
      across Canada have not been studied previously. OBJECTIVE: To describe trends in
      rehabilitation after lower extremity amputations and the factors affecting
      rehabilitation length of stay in Canada. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort analysis.
      SETTING: Canadian inpatient rehabilitation facilities that received persons with
      lower extremity amputations discharged from academic or community hospitals.
      PARTICIPANTS: Patients underwent lower extremity amputations between 2006 and
      2009 for nontraumatic indications and were then discharged to a rehabilitation
      facility. Patients were identified from the Canadian Institute for Health
      Information's Discharge Abstract Database that includes hospital admissions
      across Canada except Quebec. INTERVENTIONS: Inpatient rehabilitation after lower
      extremity amputations. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Length of stay, discharge
      destination, and change in total and motor function scores. RESULTS: The analysis
      included 5342 persons who underwent lower extremity amputations, 1904 of whom
      were transferred to a rehabilitation facility (36%). Patients most commonly
      underwent single below-knee (74%) and above-knee (17%) amputations. The duration
      of rehabilitation varied by whether the amputation was performed by a vascular
      (median = 36 days), orthopedic (median = 38 days), or general surgeon (median =
      35 days). The overall median length of stay was 36 days. Most patients (72%)
      subsequently were discharged home and 9% were readmitted to hospital. Predictors
      of longer rehabilitation included amputation by an orthopedic surgeon (beta =
      5.0, P <= .01), older age (beta = 0.2, P <= .01), and a history of ischemic heart
      disease (beta = 3.8, P = .03) or congestive heart failure (beta = 5, P = .04).
      Patients who spent <7 days in hospital were significantly more likely to have a
      shorter rehabilitation stay (beta = -4, P = .03). Advanced patient age was the
      only predictor for hospital readmission (odds ratio = 1.03, P <= .01).
      CONCLUSIONS: Rehabilitation length of stay in Canada after lower extremity
      amputation varies by the type of surgeon performing the amputation. Advanced age,
      undergoing surgery in the province of Manitoba, and having a history of ischemic
      heart disease or congestive heart failure predict a longer rehabilitation stay. A
      shorter perioperative hospitalization period (<7 days) predicts a shorter
      rehabilitation duration. Future studies are needed to explore these issues and to
      optimize the delivery of rehabilitation services to Canadians after lower
      extremity amputation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

PMID- 27664401
TI  - Prioritizing Systemic Corticosteroid Treatments to Mitigate Relapse in Adults
      With Acute Asthma: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: While systemic corticosteroids (SCS) are widely used to prevent
      relapse in adults with acute asthma discharged from the emergency department, the
      most effective route of administration is unclear. The objective of this review
      was to examine the effectiveness of SCS in adults and to identify the most
      effective route of SCS to preventing relapse. METHODS: A search was conducted to
      identify randomized controlled trials comparing the effectiveness of
      intramuscular (IM) or oral (PO) short-course or long-course corticosteroids to
      prevent relapse in adults with acute asthma. Two independent reviewers judged
      study relevance, inclusion, and risk of bias. Pooled statistics were calculated
      as risk ratios (RR) and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and
      credibility intervals (CrI) using a random-effects model. A Bayesian network meta
      analysis was performed for indirect comparisons of SCS to placebo. Probability of
      best (PB) analysis was reported for comparisons between the routes of
      administration. RESULTS: Thirteen studies of moderate quality were included. Four
      studies compared SCS to placebo, in which SCS significantly reduced relapse (RR =
      0.43; 95% CI = 0.25 to 0.74). In the network meta-analysis, a significant
      reduction in relapse within 10 days of discharge was found in adults receiving IM
      (OR = 0.21; 95% CrI = 0.05 to 0.73) and PO long-course (OR = 0.31; 95% CrI = 0.09
      to 0.95) corticosteroids. Relapse rates between PO short-course corticosteroids
      and placebo were not statistically significantly different (OR = 0.37; 95% CrI =
      0.04 to 3.38). PB analysis favored IM corticosteroids (62%) followed by PO short
      course (20.3%) and PO long-course (14.1%) corticosteroids. CONCLUSIONS: The
      network analysis identified IM corticosteroids and PO long-course corticosteroids
      as the most effective strategies to prevent relapse among adults with acute
      asthma, compared to PO short-course corticosteroids. The lack of significant
      findings with PO short-course corticosteroids is likely due to the paucity of
      research. Further comparative studies are required to determine the safety and
      effectiveness of briefer PO SCS treatment options in adults.

PMID- 27664403
TI  - Evaluating the Functionality and Usability of Two Novel Wheelchair Anti-Rollback
      Devices for Ramp Ascent in Manual Wheelchair Users With Spinal Cord Injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Difficulty ascending ramps and inclines with a manual wheelchair
      adversely affects the everyday mobility and overall quality of life of manual
      wheelchair users. Currently, various anti-rollback devices are available to
      assist manual wheelchair users to ascend ramps and inclines. However, these
      devices have 2 main shortcomings: restriction to backward motion limiting
      recovery from an overturning wheelchair, which is a safety concern; and
      difficulty in engaging/disengaging the device while on the ramp. OBJECTIVE: To
      evaluate the functionality and usability of 2 novel wheelchair anti-rollback
      devices developed to address these shortcomings (prototypes "Wheel" and "Brake").
      DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: Rehabilitation research facility. PARTICIPANTS:
      Twelve adult participants with chronic spinal cord injury. METHODS: Participants
      completed training and tested with both the wheelchair anti-rollback devices on a
      7.3-m-long ramp. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Number of stops, perceived physical
      exertion, pain, and ease of use of these devices as participants maneuvered their
      wheelchairs up a 7.3-m ramp were assessed. Participants also evaluated their
      satisfaction with the usability of both the devices using the Quebec User
      Evaluation of Satisfaction With Assistive Technology (QUEST 2.0). RESULTS: Both
      prototypes evaluated overcame the limitations of the existing anti-rollback
      devices. Nonparametric statistical tests showed that participants rated both
      prototypes similarly for the overall functional and usability aspects. However,
      the participants' satisfactory rating were higher for the prototype "Brake" than
      for the prototype "Wheel" based on a functional aspect (ie, engaging/disengaging
      easiness), and higher for Wheel than for Brake, based on a usability aspect
      (prototype size). CONCLUSIONS: The qualitative and quantitative outcomes of this
      investigation, based on the usability and functional evaluations, provided useful
      information for the improvement in the design of both anti-rollback devices,
      which may allow manual wheelchair users to manage ramp ascent more safely and
      easily. Further evaluations with a different SCI population is recommended. LEVEL
      OF EVIDENCE: IV.

PMID- 27664404
TI  - The Craig Hospital Eye Evaluation Rating Scale (CHEERS).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oculomotor deficits in smooth pursuit, saccades, vestibular-ocular
      reflex (VOR), vergence, and fixation are common problems seen after moderate to
      severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). No scale currently exists to rate all of
      these together. The Craig Hospital Eye Evaluation Rating Scale (CHEERS) was
      designed to systematically quantify frequency and severity of eye movement
      deficits in TBI. OBJECTIVE: To assess the intra- and interrater reliability of a
      new rating scale for detecting the presence and degree of 5 oculomotor
      abnormalities after TBI. DESIGN: A reliability study. SETTING: This was an
      institution-based study at Craig Rehabilitation Hospital. PARTICIPANTS: English
      speaking patients between ages 18 and 65 years with a primary diagnosis of
      moderate to severe mechanical TBI and who were not blind in either eye were
      eligible. METHODS: Between October 2013 and March 2014, a total of 11 TBI
      patients and 9 non-TBI controls were enrolled in the study. The median age was 30
      years (range, 18-74 years) for subjects and 52 years (range, 28-63 years) for
      controls. All patients were male, and 8 of 9 controls were female. Eye movements
      (fixation, smooth pursuit, saccade, convergence, and vestibular-ocular reflex)
      were recorded for each on digital video. They were rated on 2 separate occasions
      by each of the 2 raters. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Inter- and intrarater
      reliability tests. RESULTS: Median elapsed time between the first and second
      ratings was 7 days (range, 5-44 days). Intrarater agreement was very strong
      (Spearman rho >= 0.900) for pursuit, saccades, and VOR for both raters, and
      strong (Spearman rho >= 0.710) for vergence and fixation. The interrater
      agreement for detecting presence of any oculomotor abnormality was substantial
      (unweighted kappa = 0.63). The interrater concordance on the full range of scale
      scoring was strongest on the VOR test (weighted kappa = 0.98), was substantial
      for vergence, pursuit, saccades, and total score (weighted kappa > 0.60), and was
      moderate for fixation. For TBI patients, every eye movement rated was found to be
      more abnormal than compared to those in the controls. CONCLUSIONS: CHEERS is a
      reliable scale for assessing and quantifying oculomotor deficits commonly
      observed in moderate to severe TBI. Further studies to validate the scale's
      utility in outcome prediction, and its applicability to broader brain injury
      populations, are warranted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

PMID- 27664405
TI  - Activity Limitation Stages Are Associated With Risk of Hospitalization Among
      Medicare Beneficiaries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Activity limitation stages based on activities of daily living (ADLs)
      and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) are associated with 3-year
      mortality in elderly Medicare beneficiaries, yet their associations with
      hospitalization risk in this population have not been studied. OBJECTIVE: To
      examine the independent association of activity limitation stages with risk of
      hospitalization within a year among Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 years and
      older. DESIGN: Cohort study. SETTING: Community. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 9447
      community-dwelling elderly Medicare beneficiaries from the Medicare Current
      Beneficiary Survey for years 2005-2009. METHODS: Stages were derived for ADLs and
      IADLs separately. Associations of stages with time to first hospitalization and
      time to recurrent hospitalizations within a year were assessed with Cox
      proportional hazards models, with which we accounted for baseline
      sociodemographics, smoking status, comorbidities, and the year of survey entry.
      MAIN OUTCOMES: Time to first hospitalization and time to recurrent
      hospitalizations within 1 year. PRINCIPLE FINDINGS: The adjusted risk of first
      hospitalization increased with greater activity limitation stages (except stage
      III). The hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for ADL stages I-IV compared
      with stage 0 (no limitations) were 1.49 (1.36-1.63), 1.61 (1.44-1.80), 1.54 (1.35
      1.76), and 2.06 (1.61-2.63), respectively. The pattern for IADL stages was
      similar. For recurrent hospitalizations, activity limitation stages were
      associated with the risk of the first hospitalization but not with subsequent
      hospitalizations. CONCLUSION: Activity limitation stages are associated with the
      risk of first hospitalization in the subsequent year among elderly Medicare
      beneficiaries. Stages capture clinically interpretable profiles of ADL and IADL
      functionality and describe preserved functions and activity limitation in an
      aggregated measure. Stage can inform interventions to ameliorate disability and
      thus reduce the risk of a subsequent hospitalization in this population. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: IV.

PMID- 27664406
TI  - Nonadherence to psoriasis medication as an outcome of limited coping resources
      and conflicting goals: findings from a qualitative interview study with people
      with psoriasis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Medication nonadherence is known to limit the effectiveness of
      available therapies; however, little is known specifically about medication
      adherence in people with psoriasis. Medicines self-management can feel onerous to
      those with dermatological conditions due to the nature of therapies prescribed
      and many individuals with psoriasis experience additional challenges such as
      physical and psychological comorbidities that place significant additional
      demands on individuals and may undermine adherence. Viewing nonadherence to
      medication as an outcome of limited personal coping resources and conflicting
      goals may help to explain medication nonadherence. OBJECTIVES: To explore
      individuals' perspectives of their psoriasis, medication and its management.
      METHODS: Twenty people with psoriasis were recruited from community samples in
      England and interviewed in-depth about their perceptions of their psoriasis,
      medication, and adherence to medication and self-management advice. Data were
      analysed using Framework Analysis. RESULTS: Participants reported that adhering
      to recommended treatment regimens conflicted with the management of the physical
      and psychological demands of living with psoriasis. Medication usage was viewed
      as a source of unresolved emotional distress and, for some, resulted in poor self
      reported adherence, which included medication overuse, underuse and rejection of
      prescribed therapies. Perceived lack of engagement by clinicians with
      participants' self-management difficulties was viewed as an additional source of
      stress and distress. CONCLUSIONS: Adhering to medication in psoriasis can be an
      additional source of considerable emotional distress. We interpreted some
      episodes of nonadherence to psoriasis medication as rational attempts by
      individuals to minimize distress and to gain control over their life.

PMID- 27664408
TI  - Selenocysteine detection and bioimaging in living cells by a colorimetric and
      near-infrared fluorescent turn-on probe with a large stokes shift.
AB  - Selenocysteine (Sec) has emerged as an important sensing target in recent years.
      In this paper, a colorimetric and near-infrared fluorescent turn-on probe for Sec
      was developed. This probe features a remarkable large Stokes shift (146nm) and
      shows a rapid, highly selective detection process for Sec with obvious
      colorimetric and near-infrared fluorescent (Em 706nm with Ex 560nm) turn-on
      responses. In addition, this probe can be used to quantitatively detect Sec with
      high sensitivity with a detection limit of 62nM over a wide linear range (0.2
      80MUM). Moreover, it was further demonstrated that this NIR fluorescent probe can
      be employed to image both exogenous and endogenous Sec in living cells,
      indicating that this probe has great potential for biological applications.

PMID- 27664407
TI  - Anti-adipogenic and antiviral effects of l-carnitine on hepatitis C virus
      infection.
AB  - Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been reported to hijack fatty acid metabolism in
      infected hepatocytes, taking advantage of lipid droplets for virus assembly. In
      this study, we analyzed the anti-HCV activity of l-carnitine, a substance
      involved in the transport of fatty acids into mitochondria. JFH-1 or HCV replicon
      transfected Huh7.5.1 cells were treated with or without l-carnitine to examine
      its anti-HCV effects. The effects of l-carnitine on HCV entry, HCV-induced
      adipogenesis and lipid droplet formation, and HCV-induced oxidative stress were
      examined. Treatment of JFH-1-infected cells with l-carnitine inhibited HCV
      propagation in a concentration-dependent manner. In contrast, l-carnitine had no
      anti-HCV activity in the HCV replicon system, which is lacking viral assembly. In
      addition, l-carnitine did not affect HCV entry. However, l-carnitine treatment
      decreased intracellular lipid droplets, which are crucial for HCV assembly in JFH
      1-infected cells. The expression level of CPT-1 was decreased in JFH-1-infected
      cells, and l-carnitine treatment restored this expression. HCV-infected cells
      exhibited increased production of reactive oxygen species and glutathione
      oxidation. l-carnitine decreased oxidative stress induced by JFH-1-infection, as
      shown by glutathione/glutathione disulfide assays and MitoSOX staining. l
      carnitine exhibited anti-HCV activity, possibly by inhibiting HCV assembly and
      through its anti-adipogenic activity in HCV-infected cells. Moreover, l-carnitine
      has antioxidant properties in HCV-infected hepatocytes. Overall, these results
      indicated that l-carnitine may be an effective adjunctive agent in antiviral
      therapies to treat chronic hepatitis C. J. Med. Virol. 89:857-866, 2017. (c) 2016
      Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27664409
TI  - A portable and multiplexed bioelectronic sensor using human olfactory and taste
      receptors.
AB  - A multiplexed bioelectronic sensor was developed for the purpose of rapid, on
      site, and simultaneous detection of various target molecules. Olfactory and taste
      receptors were produced in Escherichia coli, and the reconstituted receptors were
      immobilized onto a multi-channel type carbon nanotube field-effect transistor.
      This device mimicked the human olfactory/taste system and simultaneously measured
      the conductance changes with high sensitivity and selectivity following treatment
      with various odor and taste molecules commonly known to be indicators of food
      contamination. Various pattern recognition of odorants and tastants was available
      with a customized platform for the simultaneous measurement of electrical
      signals. The simple portable bioelectronic device was suitable for efficient
      monitoring of food freshness and is expected to be used as a rapid on-site
      sensing platform with various applications.

PMID- 27664411
TI  - High-throughput identification of telomere-binding ligands based on the
      fluorescence regulation of DNA-copper nanoparticles.
AB  - Formation of the G-quadruplex in the human telomeric DNA is an effective way to
      inhibit telomerase activity. Therefore, screening ligands of G-quadruplex has
      potential applications in the treatment of cancer by inhibit telomerase activity.
      Although several techniques have been explored for screening of telomeric G
      quadruplexes ligands, high-throughput screening method for fast screening
      telomere-binding ligands from the large compound library is still urgently
      needed. Herein, a label-free fluorescence strategy has been proposed for high
      throughput screening telomere-binding ligands by using DNA-copper nanoparticles
      (DNA-CuNPs) as a signal probe. In the absence of ligands, human telomeric DNA
      (GDNA) hybridized with its complementary DNA (cDNA) to form double stranded DNA
      (dsDNA) which can act as an efficient template for the formation of DNA-CuNPs,
      leading to the high fluorescence of DNA-CuNPs. In the presence of ligands, GDNA
      folded into G-quadruplex. Single-strdanded cDNA does not support the formation of
      DNA-CuNP, resulting in low fluorescence of DNA-CuNPs. Therefore, telomere-binding
      ligands can be high-throughput screened by monitoring the change in the
      fluorescence of DNA-CuNPs. Thirteen traditional chinese medicines were screened.
      Circular dichroism (CD) measurements demonstrated that the selected ligands could
      induce single-stranded telomeric DNA to form G-quadruplex. The telomere repeat
      amplification protocol (TRAP) assay demonstrated that the selected ligands can
      effectively inhibit telomerase activity. Therefore, it offers a cost-effective,
      label-free and reliable high-throughput way to identify G-quadruplex ligands,
      which holds great potential in discovering telomerase-targeted anticancer drugs.

PMID- 27664410
TI  - Multiplexed immunochromatographic test strip for time-resolved chemiluminescent
      detection of pesticide residues using a bifunctional antibody.
AB  - A novel bifunctional antibody (BfAb) that could recognize methyl parathion and
      imidacloprid simultaneously was prepared by a hybrid hybridomas technique. Using
      the BfAb as the sole recognition reagent, a multiplexed immunochromatographic
      test strip based on a time-resolved chemiluminescence (CL) strategy was developed
      for quantitative detection of pesticide residues. Horseradish peroxidase (HRP)
      and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were used as the CL probes to label the haptens of
      methyl parathion and imidacloprid, respectively. After the labeled haptens
      competed with methyl parathion and imidacloprid to bind with the BfAb immobilized
      on the test strip, the two CL reactions catalyzed by the enzymes were triggered
      simultaneously by coreactants injection. Due to the distinct CL kinetics
      characteristics of HRP and ALP, the signals for methyl parathion and imidacloprid
      detections were collected at 2.5s and 300s, respectively. The linear ranges for
      methyl parathion and imidacloprid were both 0.1-250ngmL-1, with detection limits
      of 0.058ngmL-1 (S/N=3). The whole assay process could be accomplished within
      22min. The detection results for spiked traditional Chinese medicine samples
      demonstrated its application potential. The proposed method provided a low-cost,
      facile and rapid tool for multiplexed screening of pesticide residues using
      single antibody.

PMID- 27664412
TI  - Rapid biosensing tools for cancer biomarkers.
AB  - The present review critically discusses the latest developments in the field of
      smart diagnostic systems for cancer biomarkers. A wide coverage of recent
      biosensing approaches involving aptamers, enzymes, DNA probes, fluorescent
      probes, interacting proteins and antibodies in vicinity to transducers such as
      electrochemical, optical and piezoelectric is presented. Recent advanced
      developments in biosensing approaches for cancer biomarker owes much credit to
      functionalized nanomaterials due to their unique opto-electronic properties and
      enhanced surface to volume ratio. Biosensing methods for a plenty of cancer
      biomarkers has been summarized emphasizing the key principles involved.

PMID- 27664413
TI  - Quantum dots-labeled strip biosensor for rapid and sensitive detection of
      microRNA based on target-recycled nonenzymatic amplification strategy.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been proved to be potential biomarkers in early cancer
      diagnosis. It is of great significance for rapid and sensitive detection of
      miRNAs, particularly with point-of-care (POC) diagnosis. Herein, it is the first
      time to construct quantum dots (QDs)-labeled strip biosensor based on target
      recycled nonenzymatic amplification strategy for miRNA detection. In the system,
      QDs were served as bright, photostable signal labels, which endow this biosensor
      with good detection efficiency. Moreover, a target-recycled amplification
      strategy relies on sequence-specific hairpins strand displacement process without
      the assistance of enzymes, was introduced to further improve the sensitivity.
      Meanwhile eliminating the requirement of environment-susceptible enzyme protein
      makes it easy to preserve and enhances the stability and reproducibility of this
      sensor. Benefiting from these outstanding characteristics, this platform
      exhibited a good detection sensitivity range from 2fmol to 200fmol with a limit
      of 200amol, using only 20MUL of sample within 80min. The assay was also 10-fold
      more sensitive than that with a conventional colloidal gold-based test strip for
      miRNA detection. Additionally, the analysis of miRNA in various tumor cell
      extracts was in accordance with the performance of quantitative realtime
      polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Clinical tumor samples were also tested, and
      16 of 20 samples gave out positive signals, which demonstrated the practical
      application capacity of the biosensor. Therefore, the proposed biosensor holds
      great promise for potential POC applications and early cancer diagnosis.

PMID- 27664414
TI  - PCOS remains a diagnosis of exclusion: a concise review of key endocrinopathies
      to exclude.
AB  - Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogenous disorder associated with
      clinical, endocrine and ultrasonographic features that can also be encountered in
      a number of other diseases. It has traditionally been suggested that prolactin
      excess, enzymatic steroidogenic abnormalities and thyroid disorders need to be
      excluded before a diagnosis of PCOS is made. However, there is paucity of data
      regarding the prevalence of PCOS phenotype in some of these disorders, whereas
      other endocrine diseases that exhibit PCOS-like features may elude diagnosis and
      proper management if not considered. This article reviews the data of currently
      included entities that exhibit a PCOS phenotype and those that potentially need
      to be looked for, and attempts to identify specific features that distinguish
      them from idiopathic PCOS.

PMID- 27664415
TI  - Abnormal vocal cord movement in patients with and without airway obstruction and
      asthma symptoms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Abnormal vocal cord movements can cause laryngeal extrathoracic
      airway obstruction (often called vocal cord dysfunction - VCD) leading to asthma
      like symptoms. These aberrant movements are characteristically present during
      inspiration and termed paradoxical vocal cord movement (PVCM). We have reported
      PVCM in up to 40% of severe asthmatics, but it is not known if PVCM is detectable
      in all patients with asthma-like symptoms and if the condition is more often
      associated with abnormal lung function. OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that PVCM is
      frequently associated with asthma symptoms accompanied by airflow limitation.
      Studies examined whether PVCM is solely linked to experiencing asthma symptoms,
      or if PVCM is related to airflow limitation and/or other disease characteristics.
      METHODS: Patients with asthma symptoms were recruited from general practice and
      severe asthma clinics (n = 155). Pulmonary function measurements were conducted,
      asthma control and Nijmegen (dysfunctional breathing) questionnaires were
      administered and skin prick testing was carried out. PVCM was quantified using
      dynamic 320-slice computerized tomography of the larynx. Groups were divided into
      patients with FEV1 >= 80% predicted or FEV1 < 80% predicted and FEV1 /FVC < 0.7.
      ATS/ERS definitions of severity were also applied and evaluated. Detection of
      PVCM in the groups was compared and analyses performed to identify features
      associated with PVCM. RESULTS: Overall (n = 155), PVCM was detected in 42 cases
      (27.1%). Patients with FEV1 < 80% predicted had PVCM more often (25/68, 36.8%)
      than individuals with normal spirometry (17/87, 19.5%; P = 0.016). PVCM was
      associated with older age (P = 0.003) and with Nijmegen scores > 20 (P = 0.04).
      Patients with FEV1 < 80% predicted plus Nijmegen scores > 20 were more likely to
      have PVCM (OR = 9.3, P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Paradoxical
      vocal cord movement is more often associated with asthma symptoms accompanied by
      airflow limitation and dysfunctional breathing. Further studies are needed to
      determine whether PVCM is induced by dysfunctional breathing practices and/or
      airway obstruction. How PVCM links with symptomatic asthma and VCD also requires
      evaluation.

PMID- 27664416
TI  - Cerebrospinal fluid dynamics at the lumbosacral level in patients with spinal
      stenosis: A pilot study.
AB  - Spinal stenosis is a common degenerative condition. However, how neurogenic
      claudication develops has not been clearly elucidated. Moreover, cerebrospinal
      fluid physiology at the lumbosacral level has not received adequate attention.
      This study was conducted to compare cerebrospinal fluid hydrodynamics at the
      lumbosacral spinal level between patients with spinal stenosis and healthy
      controls. Twelve subjects (four patients and eight healthy controls; 25-77 years
      old; seven males) underwent phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging to quantify
      cerebrospinal fluid dynamics. The cerebrospinal fluid flow velocities were
      measured at the L2 and S1 levels. All subjects were evaluated at rest and after
      walking (to provoke neurogenic claudication in the patients). The caudal peak
      flow velocity in the sacral spine (-0.25 +/- 0.28 cm/s) was attenuated compared
      to that in the lumbar spine (-0.93 +/- 0.46 cm/s) in both patients and controls.
      The lumbar caudal peak flow velocity was slower in patients (-0.65 +/- 0.22 cm/s)
      than controls (-1.07 +/- 0.49 cm/s) and this difference became more pronounced
      after walking (-0.66 +/- 0.37 cm/s in patients, -1.35 +/- 0.52 cm/s in controls;
      p = 0.028). The sacral cerebrospinal fluid flow after walking was barely
      detectable in patients (caudal peak flow velocity: -0.09 +/- 0.03 cm/s).
      Cerebrospinal fluid dynamics in the lumbosacral spine were more attenuated in
      patients with spinal stenosis than healthy controls. After walking, the patients
      experiencing claudication did not exhibit an increase in the cerebrospinal fluid
      flow rate as the controls did. Altered cerebrospinal fluid dynamics may partially
      explain the pathophysiology of spinal stenosis. (c) 2016 Orthopaedic Research
      Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:104-112, 2017.

PMID- 27664418
TI  - Chronic Stress and Negative Marital Quality Among Older Couples: Associations
      With Waist Circumference.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: More than a third of the U.S. population of older adults is obese. The
      present study tests the Dyadic Biopsychosocial Model of Marriage and Health,
      which hypothesizes that, among married couples, individual and partner chronic
      stress predicts increased waist circumference and these links are exacerbated in
      negative quality marriages. METHOD: Participants were from the nationally
      representative longitudinal Health and Retirement Study (HRS). A total of 2,042
      married individuals (in 1,098 married couples) completed psychosocial and waist
      circumference assessments in 2006 and 2010. Analyses examined whether negative
      marital quality and chronic stress in Wave 1 (2006) were associated with changes
      in waist circumference over time. RESULTS: Actor-partner interdependence models
      revealed that greater partner stress, rather than individuals' own reports of
      stress, was associated with increased waist circumference over time. Higher
      perceived negative marital quality among husbands and lower negative marital
      quality among wives exacerbated the positive link between partner stress and
      waist circumference. DISCUSSION: Consistent with the Dyadic Biopsychosocial Model
      of Marriage and Health, partner stress has direct associations with waist
      circumference among couples and this link is moderated by negative marital
      quality. Thus, dyadic perceptions of stress and negative marital quality are
      important to consider for understanding marriage and obesity.

PMID- 27664419
TI  - Bacterial flagellar capping proteins adopt diverse oligomeric states.
AB  - Flagella are crucial for bacterial motility and pathogenesis. The flagellar
      capping protein (FliD) regulates filament assembly by chaperoning and sorting
      flagellin (FliC) proteins after they traverse the hollow filament and exit the
      growing flagellum tip. In the absence of FliD, flagella are not formed, resulting
      in impaired motility and infectivity. Here, we report the 2.2 A resolution X-ray
      crystal structure of FliD from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the first high-resolution
      structure of any FliD protein from any bacterium. Using this evidence in
      combination with a multitude of biophysical and functional analyses, we find that
      Pseudomonas FliD exhibits unexpected structural similarity to other flagellar
      proteins at the domain level, adopts a unique hexameric oligomeric state, and
      depends on flexible determinants for oligomerization. Considering that the
      flagellin filaments on which FliD oligomers are affixed vary in protofilament
      number between bacteria, our results suggest that FliD oligomer stoichiometries
      vary across bacteria to complement their filament assemblies.

PMID- 27664420
TI  - Lysosomal membrane glycoproteins bind cholesterol and contribute to lysosomal
      cholesterol export.
AB  - LAMP1 and LAMP2 proteins are highly abundant, ubiquitous, mammalian proteins that
      line the lysosome limiting membrane, and protect it from lysosomal hydrolase
      action. LAMP2 deficiency causes Danon's disease, an X-linked hypertrophic
      cardiomyopathy. LAMP2 is needed for chaperone-mediated autophagy, and its
      expression improves tissue function in models of aging. We show here that human
      LAMP1 and LAMP2 bind cholesterol in a manner that buries the cholesterol 3beta
      hydroxyl group; they also bind tightly to NPC1 and NPC2 proteins that export
      cholesterol from lysosomes. Quantitation of cellular LAMP2 and NPC1 protein
      levels suggest that LAMP proteins represent a significant cholesterol binding
      site at the lysosome limiting membrane, and may signal cholesterol availability.
      Functional rescue experiments show that the ability of human LAMP2 to facilitate
      cholesterol export from lysosomes relies on its ability to bind cholesterol
      directly.

PMID- 27664421
TI  - Upregulation of neurovascular communication through filamin abrogation promotes
      ectopic periventricular neurogenesis.
AB  - Neuronal fate-restricted intermediate progenitors (IPs) are derived from the
      multipotent radial glia (RGs) and serve as the direct precursors for cerebral
      cortical neurons, but factors that control their neurogenic plasticity remain
      elusive. Here we report that IPs' neuron production is enhanced by abrogating
      filamin function, leading to the generation of periventricular neurons
      independent of normal neocortical neurogenesis and neuronal migration. Loss of
      Flna in neural progenitor cells (NPCs) led RGs to undergo changes resembling
      epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) along with exuberant angiogenesis that
      together changed the microenvironment and increased neurogenesis of IPs. We show
      that by collaborating with beta-arrestin, Flna maintains the homeostatic
      signaling between the vasculature and NPCs, and loss of this function results in
      escalated Vegfa and Igf2 signaling, which exacerbates both EMT and angiogenesis
      to further potentiate IPs' neurogenesis. These results suggest that the
      neurogenic potential of IPs may be boosted in vivo by manipulating Flna-mediated
      neurovascular communication.

PMID- 27664422
TI  - Editor's Highlight: Screening ToxCast Prioritized Chemicals for PPARG Function in
      a Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Model of Adipogenesis.
AB  - The developmental origins of obesity hypothesis posits a multifaceted
      contribution of factors to the fetal origins of obesity and metabolic disease.
      Adipocyte hyperplasia in gestation and early childhood may result in
      predisposition for obesity later in life. Rodent in vitro and in vivo studies
      indicate that some chemicals may directly affect adipose progenitor cell
      differentiation, but the human relevance of these findings is unclear. The
      nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG) is the
      master regulator of adipogenesis. Human adipose-derived stem cells (hASC)
      isolated from adipose tissue express endogenous isoforms of PPARG and represent a
      biologically relevant cell-type for evaluating activity of PPARG ligands. Here, a
      multi-endpoint approach based on a phenotypic adipogenesis assay was applied to
      screen a set of 60 chemical compounds identified in ToxCast Phase I as PPARG
      active (49) or inactive (11). Chemicals showing activity in the adipogenesis
      screen were further evaluated in a series of 4 orthogonal assays representing 7
      different key events in PPARG-dependent adipogenesis, including gene
      transcription, protein expression, and adipokine secretion. An siRNA screen was
      also used to evaluate PPARG-dependence of the adipogenesis phenotype. A universal
      concentration-response design enabled inter-assay comparability and
      implementation of a weight-of-evidence approach for bioactivity classification.
      Collectively, a total of 14/49 (29%) prioritized chemicals were identified with
      moderate-to-strong activity for human adipogenesis. These results provide the
      first integrated screening approach of prioritized ToxCast chemicals in a human
      stem cell model of adipogenesis and provide insight into the capacity of PPARG
      activating chemicals to modulate early life programming of adipose tissue.

PMID- 27664423
TI  - From the Cover: PhIP/DSS-Induced Colon Carcinogenesis in CYP1A-Humanized Mice and
      the Possible Role of Lgr5+ Stem Cells.
AB  - In the past decades, experimental rodent models developed to study the
      pathogenesis of human colorectal cancer (CRC) generally employed synthetic
      chemical carcinogens or genetic manipulation. Our lab, in order to establish a
      more physiologically relevant CRC model, recently developed a colon
      carcinogenesis model induced by the meat-derived dietary carcinogen, 2-amino-1
      methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP), and promoted by dextran sodium
      sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in the cytochrome P450 1A-humanized (hCYP1A) mice.
      The resulting colon tumors shared many histologic and molecular features of human
      colon cancer. In this study, we characterized the early stages of PhIP/DSS
      induced colon carcinogenesis. We found that PhIP/DSS treatments caused rapid
      destruction of the colon mucosa with severe inflammation, followed by the
      presence of reactive changes and low-grade dysplastic lesions, and then
      manifestation of high-grade dysplastic lesions and finally adenocarcinomas.
      Molecular analysis of the early time-points (ie, days 1, 3, 7, 11, 14, and 21
      after DSS exposure) indicates Ctnnb1/beta-catenin mutations and beta-catenin
      nuclear accumulation in the high-grade dysplastic lesions, but not low-grade
      dysplastic lesions or adjacent normal tissues. In addition, we investigated the
      role of Lgr5+ colon stem cells in the PhIP/DSS-induced colon carcinogenesis and
      found the presence of Lgr5-enhance green fluorescent protein-expressing cells
      amidst some ulcerated mucosa, high-grade dysplastic lesions and adenocarcinomas,
      suggesting a possible role of Lgr5+ stem cells in this dietary carcinogen
      induced, inflammation-promoted colon carcinogenesis model. Overall, the findings
      suggest that PhIP/DSS-induced colon carcinogenesis is likely initiated by
      dominant active Ctnnb1/beta-catenin mutation in residual epithelial cells, which
      when promoted by colitis, developed into high-grade dysplasia and adenocarcinoma.

PMID- 27664425
TI  - Can mitomycin facilitate endoscopic dilatation treatment of benign oesophageal
      stricture?
AB  - A best evidence topic in cardiothoracic surgery was written according to a
      structured protocol. The question addressed was 'Can mitomycin facilitate
      endoscopic dilatation treatment of benign esophageal stricture (mainly including
      caustic and anastomotic esophageal stricture)?' Altogether, 115 papers were found
      using the reported search, of which 6 represented the best evidence to answer the
      clinical question, which included 1 randomized controlled trial, 1 systematic
      review and 4 cohort studies. The authors, journal, date and country of
      publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes and results of
      these papers are tabulated. Mytomicin was topically applied as an adjunct to
      endoscopic dilatation with a concentration of 0.1-1 mg/ml in those included
      studies. Most of the studies reported that topical application of mitomycin could
      augment the effect of endoscopic dilatation treatment to achieve less dilatation
      number and significant improvement of dysphagia in patients suffering benign
      oesophageal stricture, and would not increase the risk of complications. These
      satisfying adjunct effects were observed in both child patients and adult
      patients. Therefore, we conclude that mitomycin can serve as a useful adjunct to
      endoscopic dilatation for benign oesophageal stricture. On the basis of our
      evidence, we strongly believe that topical application of mitomycin would augment
      the efficacy of endoscopic dilatation of benign oesophageal stricture.

PMID- 27664424
TI  - Pooled analysis for surgical treatment for isolated adrenal metastasis and non
      small cell lung cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This systematic review and pooled analysis investigated outcomes and
      prognostic factors in Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who underwent
      surgical treatment for an isolated adrenal metastasis and the primary NSCLC.
      METHODS: A literature search of PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases was
      conducted for relevant retrospective studies in patients with NSCLC and isolated
      adrenal metastatic lesions treated with lobectomy or pneumonectomy and
      adrenalectomy. Outcome measures were overall, 1-, 2- and 5-year survival rates
      stratified by synchronous versus metachronous adrenal metastasis and according to
      lymph node status, pathology and relative location of the metastasis to the
      primary tumour. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were generated and differences in
      survival were assessed by a log-rank test. RESULTS: Thirteen studies involving 98
      patients were included in this analysis. The median overall survival was 18
      months, and the 1-, 2- and 5-year survival rates were 66.5, 40.5 and 28.2%,
      respectively. Patients with metachronous adrenal metastasis had a significantly
      better prognosis than patients with synchronous adrenal metastasis (P < 0.05).
      Patients classified as negative for lymph node metastasis had a significantly
      better prognosis than patients classified as positive for lymph node metastasis
      (P < 0.05). Pathology (squamous carcinoma versus adenocarcinoma) and the relative
      location of the metastasis to the primary tumour (ipsilateral adrenal metastasis
      or contralateral adrenal metastasis) had no significant influence on prognosis.
      CONCLUSIONS: NSCLC patients with isolated adrenal metastasis undergoing surgical
      treatment for the primary tumour and adrenal metastasis could achieve a
      significant survival benefit, especially if they have metachronous adrenal
      metastasis or are negative for lymph node metastasis.

PMID- 27664426
TI  - The totally thoracoscopic maze procedure for the treatment of atrial
      fibrillation.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to update the current evidence regarding the
      efficacy and safety of the totally thoracoscopic maze (TT-maze) procedure for the
      treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). Fourteen studies published between 2011
      and 2016 and comprising 1171 patients were included as follows: 545 (46%)
      patients had paroxysmal AF (pAF), 268 (23%) persistent AF (persAF) and 358 (31%)
      longstanding persistent AF (LSPAF). Fixed- and random-effect models were used to
      calculate the pooled overall freedom from atrial arrhythmias. The 1- and 2-year
      pooled overall antiarrhythmic drug (AAD) free (off-AAD) success rates were 78%
      (95% confidence interval (CI): 72-83%, n = 13) and 77% (95% CI: 64-86%, n = 6),
      respectively. The 1- and 2-year pooled on-AAD success rates were 84% (95% CI: 78
      89%, n = 5) and 85% (95% CI: 78-90%, n = 3), respectively. Subanalysis regarding
      the different types of AF revealed a 1-year pooled off-AAD success rate of 81%
      (95% CI: 73-86%, n = 7) for pAF, 63% (95% CI: 57-69%, n = 5) for persAF and 67%
      (95% CI: 52-79%, n = 3) for LSPAF. The overall in-hospital complication rate was
      <3% (n = 36). We conclude that the TT-maze is an effective strategy for the
      treatment of AF with maintained efficacy at the 2-year follow-up. Furthermore,
      the TT-maze has demonstrated similar efficacy to the Cox Maze IV procedure at the
      midterm follow-up with a lower complication rate. Extended follow-up research is
      needed to determine whether the high success rates after TT-maze will be stable
      over time.

PMID- 27664427
TI  - Is the Ross procedure a riskier operation? Perioperative outcome comparison with
      mechanical aortic valve replacement in a propensity-matched cohort.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare perioperative outcomes in young
      adults following isolated Ross procedure versus mechanical aortic valve
      replacement (AVR) in a high-volume centre. METHODS: From 2007 to 2015, 337
      elective isolated mechanical AVRs and 137 Ross procedures were performed in young
      adults (<65 years) at our centre. Using a 1:1 propensity score match analysis,
      140 patients were included in the study (n = 70 in each group). Perioperative
      outcomes were defined using STS guidelines. The primary outcome was operative
      mortality. RESULTS: Median age was 52 [14] years and EuroSCORE II was 1.0 [0.4]%.
      There were no mortalities in the two groups. There were no differences in the
      incidence of myocardial injury (0% overall) and neurological complications (0.7%
      overall). Three (4%) reinterventions for bleeding were required in the Ross
      cohort versus six (9%) in the mechanical AVR cohort (P = 0.49). A significant
      increase in serum creatinine (>2-fold increase) was more commonly observed after
      the Ross procedure (11 vs 1%; P = 0.03), but there was no significant difference
      in the rate of temporary dialysis. Twenty-seven patients (39%) required >=1 blood
      product transfusion in the Ross group, whereas 21 patients (31%) did so in the
      mechanical AVR group (P = 0.47). Median hospital length of stay was similar in
      both the groups (6 days). CONCLUSIONS: There are no differences in mortality or
      major perioperative outcomes in adults undergoing an isolated Ross procedure or
      mechanical AVR.

PMID- 27664428
TI  - Influence of lead apron shielding on absorbed doses from cone-beam computed
      tomography.
AB  - The aim of the present work was to investigate absorbed and to calculate
      effective doses (EDs) in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). The study was
      conducted using examination protocols with and without lead apron shielding. A
      full-body male RANDO(r) phantom was loaded with 110 GR200A thermoluminescence
      dosemeter chips at 55 different sites and set up in two different CBCT systems
      (CS 9500(r), ProMax(r) 3D). Two different protocols were performed: the phantom
      was set up (1) with and (2) without a lead apron. No statistically significant
      differences in organ and absorbed doses from regions outside the primary beam
      could be found when comparing results from exposures with and without lead apron
      shielding. Consequently, calculating the ED showed no significant differences
      between the examination protocols with and without lead apron shielding. For the
      ProMax(r) 3D with shielding, the ED was 149 uSv, and for the examination protocol
      without shielding 148 uSv (SD = 0.31 uSv). For the CS 9500(r), the ED was 88 and
      86 uSv (SD = 0.95 uSv), respectively, with and without lead apron shielding. The
      results revealed no statistically significant differences in the absorbed doses
      between examination with and without lead apron shielding, especially in organs
      outside the primary beam.

PMID- 27664429
TI  - Conversion Coefficients for Proton Beams using Standing and Sitting Male Hybrid
      Computational Phantom Calculated in Idealized Irradiation Geometries.
AB  - The aim of this study was the calculation of conversion coefficients for absorbed
      doses per fluence (DT/Phi) using the sitting and standing male hybrid phantom
      (UFH/NCI) exposure to monoenergetic protons with energy ranging from 2 MeV to 10
      GeV. Sex-averaged effective dose per fluence (E/Phi) using the results of DT/Phi
      for the male and female hybrid phantom in standing and sitting postures were also
      calculated. Results of E/Phi of UFH/NCI standing phantom were also compared with
      tabulated effective dose conversion coefficients provided in ICRP publication
      116. To develop an exposure scenario implementing the male UFH/NCI phantom in
      sitting and standing postures was used the radiation transport code MCNPX. Whole
      body irradiations were performed using the recommended irradiation geometries by
      ICRP publication 116 antero-posterior (AP), postero-anterior (PA), right and left
      lateral, rotational (ROT) and isotropic (ISO). In most organs, the conversion
      coefficients DT/Phi were similar for both postures. However, relative differences
      were significant for organs located in the lower abdominal region, such as
      prostate, testes and urinary bladder, especially in the AP geometry. Results of
      effective dose conversion coefficients were 18% higher in the standing posture of
      the UFH/NCI phantom, especially below 100 MeV in AP and PA. In lateral geometry,
      the conversion coefficients values below 20 MeV were 16% higher in the sitting
      posture. In ROT geometry, the differences were below 10%, for almost all
      energies. In ISO geometry, the differences in E/Phi were negligible. The results
      of E/Phi of UFH/NCI phantom were in general below the results of the conversion
      coefficients provided in ICRP publication 116.

PMID- 27664430
TI  - A METHOD TO IMPROVE DOSE ASSESSMENT BY RECONSTRUCTION OF THE COMPLETE ISOTOPES
      INVENTORY.
AB  - Radiation shielding assessments may underestimate the expected dose if some
      isotopes at trace level are not considered in the isotopes inventory of the
      shielded radioactive materials. Indeed, information about traces is not often
      available. Nevertheless, the activation of some minor isotopic traces may
      significantly contribute to the dose build-up. This paper presents a new method
      (Isotopes Inventory Reconstruction-IIR) estimating the concentration of the minor
      isotopes in the irradiated material at the beginning of the cooling period. The
      method requires the solution of the inverse problem describing the irradiated
      material's decay. In a mixture of an irradiated uranium-plutonium oxide shielded
      by a set-up made of stainless-steel, porous polyethylene plaster and lead methyl
      methacrylate, the comparison between different methods proves that the IIR-method
      allows better assessment of the dose than other approximate methods.

PMID- 27664431
TI  - The Mayak Worker Dosimetry System (MWDS-2013): Internal Dosimetry Results.
AB  - The distribution of calculated internal doses has been determined for 8043 Mayak
      Production Associate (Mayak PA) workers. This is a subset of the entire cohort of
      25 757 workers, for whom monitoring data are available. Statistical
      characteristics of point estimates of accumulated doses to 17 different tissues
      and organs and the uncertainty ranges were calculated. Under the MWDS-2013
      dosimetry system, the mean accumulated lung dose was 185 +/- 594 mGy (geometric
      mean = 28 mGy; geometric standard deviation = 9.32; median value = 31 mGy;
      maximum value = 8980 mGy). The ranges of relative standard uncertainty were from
      40 to 2200% for accumulated lung dose, from 25-90% to 2600-3000% for accumulated
      dose to different regions of respiratory tract, from 13-22% to 2300-2500% for
      systemic organs and tissues. The Mayak PA workers accumulated internal plutonium
      lung dose is shown to be close to log normal. The accumulated internal plutonium
      dose to systemic organs was close to a log triangle. The dependency of
      uncertainty of accumulated absorbed lung and liver doses on the dose estimates
      itself is also shown. The accumulated absorbed doses to lung, alveolar
      interstitial region, liver, bone surface cells and red bone marrow calculated
      both with MWDS-2013 and MWDS-2008 have been compared. In general, the accumulated
      lung doses increased by a factor of 1.8 in median value, while the accumulated
      doses to systemic organs decreased by factor of 1.3-1.4 in median value. For the
      cases with identical initial data, accumulated lung doses increased by a factor
      of 2.1 in median value, while accumulated doses to systemic organs decreased by 8
      13% in median value. For the cases with both identical initial data and all of
      plutonium activity in urine measurements above the decision threshold,
      accumulated lung doses increased by a factor of 2.7 in median value, while
      accumulated doses to systemic organs increased by 6-12% in median value.

PMID- 27664432
TI  - OPTIMISATION OF PATIENT DOSE AND IMAGE QUALITY IN ENDOSCOPIC RETROGRADE
      CHOLANGIOPANCREATOGRAPHY: A PHANTOM-BASED EVALUATION.
AB  - A phantom-based study is presented aiming to optimise patient dose and image
      quality (IQ) in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography procedures,
      utilising a fluoroscopy system equipped with a flat panel detector. The patient
      thickness was simulated with various polymethyl methacrylate slabs, whilst IQ was
      evaluated using the Leeds test object. The main factors evaluated were phantom
      thickness, distance between phantom and detector, field of view and pulse rate.
      For all these factors, the dosemetric indices, entrance surface air kerma (ESAK)
      rate and ESAK per pulse, as well as the IQ parameters, signal-to-noise ratio and
      high contrast spatial resolution, were measured. Based on these measurements, the
      figure of merit (FOM) was estimated. The FOM and ESAK rate values indicated the
      optimum combination of the factors evaluated which could provide adequate
      clinical information, assuring minimum patient dose.

PMID- 27664433
TI  - Preparation of New Scintillation Imaging Material Composed of Scintillator-Silica
      Fine Powders and its Imaging of Tritium.
AB  - A new scintillation imaging material [scintillator-silica fine powder (FP)] was
      prepared using silica FPs and scintillator-encapsulating silica nanoparticles
      (NPs) (scintillator-silica NPs). The wt% values of scintillator-silica NPs on the
      scintillator-silica FPs were 38, 43, 36 and 44%. Scintillation images of 3H,
      63Ni, 35S, 33P, 204Tl, 89Sr and 32P dropped on the scintillator-silica FPs were
      obtained at about 37 kBq per 0.1-10 ul with a charge-coupled device (CCD) imager
      for a 5 min exposure. In particular, high-intensity CCD images of 35S were
      selectively obtained using the 2.25, 4.77 and 10 um silica FPs with scintillator
      silica NPs owing to the residual S of dimethyl sulfoxide in the preparation.
      Scintillation images of 3H at 1670 +/- 9 Bq/0.5 ul and 347 +/- 6 Bq/0.5 ul
      dropped in a 2 mm hole on the scintillator-silica FPs (6.78 and 10 um) were also
      obtained using the CCD imager for a 2 h exposure.

PMID- 27664434
TI  - RADIOLOGICAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT FOR THE EXPERIMENTAL AREA OF A HYPER-INTENSE LASER
      WITH PEAK-POWER OF 1PW-CETAL.
AB  - Ultra-high intensity lasers in use are connected with ionizing radiation sources
      that raise a real concern in relation to installations, personnel, population and
      environment protection. The shielding of target areas in these facilities has to
      be evaluated from the conceptual stage of the building design. The sizing of the
      protective concrete walls was determined using computer codes such as Fluka. For
      the experiments to be carried out in the facility of the Center for Advanced
      Laser Technologies (CETAL), both proton beams with the energy of 100 MeV and
      electron beams with 300 MeV energy were considered to calculate the dimensions of
      structural shielding and to establish technical solutions fulfilling the
      radiation protection constraints imposed by the National Commission for Nuclear
      Activities Control.

PMID- 27664435
TI  - RADON MIGRATION IN SOIL AND ITS RELATION TO TERRESTRIAL GAMMA RADIATION IN
      DIFFERENT LOCATIONS OF THE GREEK EARLY WARNING SYSTEM NETWORK.
AB  - Radon concentration as function of the soil depth was measured during the years
      (2011-2015), in a location of the Aristotle University campus. Radium
      distribution in soil was found constant. On the contrary, as expected, radon
      concentration increases with soil depth. The experimental distribution was
      reproduced by solving the general transport equation (diffusion and advection).
      From the general radon migration (diffusion and advection) equation it was
      indirectly deduced, from the measured radon profile in the soil, the radon
      exhalation rate from the soil (26.7 +/- 4.5 Bq m-2 h-1). In the same location,
      during 2010-2015, 113 direct radon exhalation measurements were performed and
      give an average value for the 6 years of 21.1 +/- 3 Bq m-2 h-1. The comparison
      between the radon exhalation rates deduced by the indirect and direct method
      indicates the validity of the diffusion advection model predictions concerning
      the radon exhalation rate from soil. The relation between radon migration in soil
      and terrestrial gamma radiation was studied. In particular, in the present study
      was investigated the correlation between gamma radiation 1 m above soil and radon
      exhalation in six locations of the Greek early warning system network. A positive
      correlation between gamma dose rate in air and radon exhalation rate from soil
      was found.

PMID- 27664436
TI  - Efficient secretory expression of recombinant proteins in Escherichia coli with a
      novel actinomycete signal peptide.
AB  - In well-established heterologous hosts, such as Escherichia coli, recombinant
      proteins are usually intracellular and frequently found as inclusion bodies
      especially proteins possessing high rare codon content. In this study, successful
      secretory expression of three hydrolases, in a constructed inducible or
      constitutive system, was achieved by fusion with a novel signal peptide (Kp-SP)
      from an actinomycete. The signal peptide efficiently enabled extracellular
      protein secretion and also contributed to the active expression of the
      intracellular recombinant proteins. The thermophilic alpha-amylase gene of
      Bacillus licheniformis was fused with Kp-SP. Both recombinants, carrying
      inducible and constitutive plasmids, showed remarkable increases in extracellular
      and intracellular amylolytic activity. Amylase activity was observed to be > 10
      fold in recombinant cultures with the constitutive plasmid, pBSPPc, compared to
      that in recombinants lacking Kp-SP. Further, the signal peptide enabled efficient
      secretion of a thermophilic cellulase into the culture medium, as demonstrated by
      larger halo zones and increased enzymatic activities detected in both constructs
      from different plasmids. For heterologous proteins with a high proportion of rare
      codons, it is difficult to obtain high expression in E. coli owing to the codon
      bias. Here, the fusion of an archaeal homologue of the amylase encoding gene,
      FSA, with Kp-SP resulted in > 5-fold higher extracellular activity. The
      successful extracellular expression of the amylase indicated that the signal
      peptide also contributed significantly to its active expression and signified the
      potential value of this novel and versatile signal peptide in recombinant protein
      production.

PMID- 27664437
TI  - Recombinant production, purification and characterization of vessel dilator in E.
      coli.
AB  - Vessel dilator is a 3.9-KDa potent anticancer peptide and a valuable candidate in
      the treatment of conditions such as congestive heart failure and acute renal
      failure amongst others. Here we report the recombinant production of vessel
      dilator in Escherichia coli. Three different synthetic ORF's dubbed VDI, VDII and
      VDIII, each encoding a trimmer of the vessel dilator peptide attached to a His
      tag sequence at their C- terminal, were synthesized and placed in pET21c
      expression vectors. The highest yield, following expression in E. coli BL21
      (DE3), was recorded with VDII that carried the shortest fusion partner.
      Subsequent to the initial capture of the fusion protein by a Ni affinity column,
      the vessel dilator monomers were cleaved by trypsin treatment, and further
      purified to at least 90% homogeneity by anion exchange chromatography. De-novo
      sequencing and in vivo anticancer activity tests were used to verify the peptide
      sequence and its biological activity, respectively. The final yield was estimated
      to be approximately 15 mg of the purified vessel dilator per gram wet weight of
      the bacterial cells.

PMID- 27664438
TI  - Computationally Designed Armadillo Repeat Proteins for Modular Peptide
      Recognition.
AB  - Armadillo repeat proteins (ArmRPs) recognize their target peptide in extended
      conformation and bind, in a first approximation, two residues per repeat. Thus,
      they may form the basis for building a modular system, in which each repeat is
      complementary to a piece of the target peptide. Accordingly, preselected repeats
      could be assembled into specific binding proteins on demand and thereby avoid the
      traditional generation of every new binding molecule by an independent selection
      from a library. Stacked armadillo repeats, each consisting of 42 aa arranged in
      three alpha-helices, build an elongated superhelical structure. Here, we analyzed
      the curvature variations in natural ArmRPs and identified a repeat pair from
      yeast importin-alpha as having the optimal curvature geometry that is
      complementary to a peptide over its whole length. We employed a symmetric in
      silico design to obtain a uniform sequence for a stackable repeat while
      maintaining the desired curvature geometry. Computationally designed ArmRPs
      (dArmRPs) had to be stabilized by mutations to remove regions of higher
      flexibility, which were identified by molecular dynamics simulations in explicit
      solvent. Using an N-capping repeat from the consensus-design approach, two
      different crystal structures of dArmRP were determined. Although the experimental
      structures of dArmRP deviated from the designed curvature, the insertion of the
      most conserved binding pockets of natural ArmRPs onto the surface of dArmRPs
      resulted in binders against the expected peptide with low nanomolar affinities,
      similar to the binders from the consensus-design series.

PMID- 27664439
TI  - Making Sense of the Yeast Sphingolipid Pathway.
AB  - Sphingolipids (SL) and their metabolites play key roles both as structural
      components of membranes and as signaling molecules. Many of the key enzymes and
      regulators of SL metabolism were discovered using the yeast Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae, and based on the high degree of conservation, a number of mammalian
      homologs were identified. Although yeast continues to be an important tool for SL
      research, the complexity of SL structure and nomenclature often hampers the
      ability of new researchers to grasp the subtleties of yeast SL biology and
      discover new modulators of this intricate pathway. Moreover, the emergence of
      lipidomics by mass spectrometry has enabled the rapid identification of SL
      species in yeast and rendered the analysis of SL composition under various
      physiological and pathophysiological conditions readily amenable. However, the
      complex nomenclature of the identified species renders much of the data
      inaccessible to non-specialists. In this review, we focus on parsing both the
      classical SL nomenclature and the nomenclature normally used during mass
      spectrometry analysis, which should facilitate the understanding of yeast SL data
      and might shed light on biological processes in which SLs are involved. Finally,
      we discuss a number of putative roles of various yeast SL species.

PMID- 27664440
TI  - Harsh environments and the evolution of multi-player cooperation.
AB  - The game-theoretic model in this paper provides micro-foundations for the effect
      a harsher environment on the probability of cooperation among multiple players.
      The harshness of the environment is alternatively measured by the degree of
      complementarity between the players' cooperative efforts in producing a public
      good, and by the number of attacks on an existing public good that the players
      can collectively defend, where it is shown that these two measures of the degree
      of adversity facing the players operate in a similar fashion. We show that the
      effect of the degree of adversity on the probability of cooperation is
      monotonous, and has an opposite sign for smaller and for larger cooperation
      costs. For intermediate cooperation costs, we show that the effect of a harsher
      environment on the probability of cooperation is hill-shaped.

PMID- 27664442
TI  - Freeze dried extracts of Bidens biternata (Lour.) Merr. and Sheriff. show
      significant antidiarrheal activity in in-vivo models of diarrhea.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE OF THE STUDY: Diarrhea remains one of the main
      killers of children aged below five years. Traditional antidiarrheal remedies
      form a potentially viable source of novel low cost efficacious treatments in low
      resource settings. There is therefore a pressing need to scientifically evaluate
      these remedies. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to investigate the in vivo and
      in vitro antidiarrheal activity of freeze dried Bidens biternata, a herb used in
      traditional Ayurvedic medicine in the management of diarrhea. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: In the castor oil test, twenty (20) adult Sprague-Dawley rats were
      randomized to a negative control (normal saline, n=5), a positive control (5mg/kg
      loperamide, n=5), and two test groups. The low dose test group received 200mg/kg
      Bidens biternata extract (n=5) while the high dose test group received 400mg/kg
      B. biternata extract (n=5). Castor oil (4ml/kg) was then administered to the
      animals one hour after administration of the respective treatments after which
      the total mass of fecal output excreted after four (4) hours was determined. In
      the charcoal meal test fifteen (15) Sprague Dawley rats were randomized to a
      control group (normal saline 5ml/kg orally, n=5), a positive control group
      (atropine sulfate 0.1mg/kg i.p., n=5) and a test group (400mg/kg B. biternata
      extract, n=5). Charcoal meal was then administered via oral gavage to each rat
      thirty (30) minutes after the administration of the various treatments. The
      distance covered by the charcoal meal from the pylorus was then determined after
      sacrifice of the animals thirty minutes after the meal. In the enteropooling test
      twenty (20) Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to a control group (5% v/v
      ethanol in normal saline, n=5), a positive control group (5mg/kg loperamide, n=5)
      and a test group (400mg/kg B. biternata extract, n=5). For each group
      prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) (100MUg/kg) was administered immediately after the
      treatments. The animals were then sacrificed half an hour later and the volume of
      the small intestine contents determined. The effects of different concentrations
      of B. biternata extract (0.5. 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 5.0mg/ml) on jejunal contraction
      were investigated and a dose-response curve constructed using the experimental
      data after which The ED50 dose was determined. The effect of tamsulosin (alpha1
      adrenergic blocker), yohimbine (alpha2 adrenergic blocker), propranolol (beta
      adrenergic blocker) and naloxone (MU opioid blocker) on the contractile activity
      of the extract were also investigated. The experimental data were expressed as
      mean+/-standard error of mean (SEM) and then analyzed using one-way ANOVA
      followed by Tukey's post hoc test in cases of significance (set at p<0.05).
      RESULTS: The freeze dried extracts of B. biternata had significant antidiarrheal
      effects in the castor oil induced diarrhea model (p<0.01) with the highest
      activity being observed at the 400mg/kg dosage level (1.66+/-0.81g vs. 4.54+/
      0.51g control, p=0.01). B. biternata extract had significant effects on
      intestinal motility in the charcoal meal test compared to the control group
      (43.61+/-4.42% vs. 60.54+/-3.33%: p<0.05). B. biternata extract had a significant
      effect on PGE2 induced enteropooling (3.06+/-0.07ml vs. 4.74+/-0.10ml; p<0.001).
      The freeze dried extracts of B. biternata had a significant negative effect on
      the contractility of the isolated rabbit jejunum (p<0.001). The effects of the
      extract were significantly attenuated by tamsulosin (53.94+/-4.20% vs. 80.57+/
      4.09%; p<0.01) and naloxone (53.94+/-4.20% vs. 73.89+/-7.26%; p<0.05). Yohimbine
      (p>0.05) and propranolol (p>0.05) however did not have any significant effect on
      the contractile activity of the extract. CONCLUSIONS: The freeze dried extract of
      B. biternata possess significant antidiarrheal activity in both in vitro and in
      vivo models which appears to be mediated by modulating both the intestinal
      motility as well as the secretory activity. The results of this study also
      validate its traditional use as an antidiarrheal remedy.

PMID- 27664443
TI  - The DD Check App for prevention and control of digital dermatitis in dairy herds.
AB  - Digital dermatitis (DD) is the most important infectious claw disease in the
      cattle industry causing outbreaks of lameness. The clinical course of disease can
      be classified using 5 clinical stages. M-stages represent not only different
      disease severities but also unique clinical characteristics and outcomes.
      Monitoring the proportions of cows per M-stage is needed to better understand and
      address DD and factors influencing risks of DD in a herd. Changes in the
      proportion of cows per M-stage over time or between groups may be attributed to
      differences in management, environment, or treatment and can have impact on the
      future claw health of the herd. Yet trends in claw health regarding DD are not
      intuitively noticed without statistical analysis of detailed records. Our
      specific aim was to develop a mobile application (app) for persons with less
      statistical training, experience or supporting programs that would standardize M
      stage records, automate data analysis including trends of M-stages over time, the
      calculation of predictions and assignments of Cow Types (i.e., Cow Types I-III
      are assigned to cows without active lesions, single and repeated cases of active
      DD lesions, respectively). The predictions were the stationary distributions of
      transitions between DD states (i.e., M-stages or signs of chronicity) in a class
      structured multi-state Markov chain population model commonly used to model
      endemic diseases. We hypothesized that the app can be used at different levels of
      record detail to discover significant trends in the prevalence of M-stages that
      help to make informed decisions to prevent and control DD on-farm. Four data sets
      were used to test the flexibility and value of the DD Check App. The app allows
      easy recording of M-stages in different environments and is flexible in terms of
      the users' goals and the level of detail used. Results show that this tool
      discovers trends in M-stage proportions, predicts potential outbreaks of DD, and
      makes comparisons among Cow Types, signs of chronicity, scorers or pens. The DD
      Check App also provides a list of cows that should be treated augmented by
      individual Cow Types to help guide treatment and determine prognoses. Producers
      can be proactive instead of reactive in controlling DD in a herd by using this
      app. The DD Check App serves as an example of how technology makes knowledge and
      advice of veterinary epidemiology widely available to monitor, control and
      prevent this complex disease. 

PMID- 27664441
TI  - Terpene glycoside component from Moutan Cortex ameliorates diabetic nephropathy
      by regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress-related inflammatory responses.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Multiple lines of evidences have suggested that
      endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related inflammatory responses play a critical
      role in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Moutan Cortex (MC), the
      root bark of Paeonia suffruticosa Andr., is a well-known traditional Chinese
      medicine (TCM), which has been used clinically for treating inflammatory diseases
      in China. The findings from our previous research suggested that terpene
      glycoside (TG) component of MC possessed favorable anti-inflammatory properties
      in curing DN. However, the underlying mechanisms of MC-TG for treating DN are
      still unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY: To explore the role of ER stress-related
      inflammatory responses in the progression of DN, and to investigate the
      underlying protective mechanisms of MC-TG in kidney damage. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: DN rats and advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) induced HBZY-1 cell
      dysfunction were established to evaluate the protective effect of MC-TG on
      ameliorating renal injury. Evaluation of pathological lesions was performed by
      Masson staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Interleukin-6 (IL-6),
      monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), glucose regulated protein 78
      (GRP78/Bip), as well as spliced X box binding protein 1(XBP-1(s)) levels in rat
      serum were detected by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Furthermore,
      western blotting (WB) was applied to detect the protein expressions including IL
      6, MCP-1, intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), GRP78/Bip, XBP-1 (s),
      phosphorylated inositol-requiring enzyme-1alpha (p-IRE1alpha), cleaved activating
      transcription factor 6 (ATF6), phosphorylated PKR-like endoplasmic reticulum
      kinase (p-PERK), and phosphorylated nuclear factor kappaB p65 (p-NF-kappaB p65)
      in vivo and in vitro. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was carried out to determine the
      phosphorylation of IRE1alpha and NF-kappaB p65 in kidney tissues. RESULTS:
      Pretreatment with MC-TG could markedly improve renal insufficiency and pathologic
      changes. It could down-regulate ER stress-related factors GRP78/Bip, XBP-1(s)
      levels, and also reduce the pro-inflammatory molecules IL-6, MCP-1, and ICAM-1
      expressions. Furthermore, a significant decrease in phosphorylation of IRE1alpha
      and NF-kappaB p65 by the treatment of MC-TG. CONCLUSIONS: These findings
      indicated that MC-TG ameliorated ER stress-related inflammation in the
      pathogenesis of DN, wherein the protective mechanism might be associated with the
      inhibition of IRE1/NF-kappaB activation. Thus, MC-TG might be a potential
      therapeutic candidate for the prevention and treatment of DN.

PMID- 27664444
TI  - "Who's been a good dog?" - Owner perceptions and motivations for treat giving.
AB  - Complex relationships commonly exist between owners and their companion animals,
      particularly around feeding behaviour with an owner's affection or love for their
      animal most pronounced through the provision of food. It is notable that the pet
      food market is experiencing strong year-on-year growth in sales of dog and cat
      treats. Recognising the impact of treat giving in pet nutrition, the objective of
      the study was to investigate owner attitudes and motivations towards feeding
      treats (shop bought and other) to their dogs. A researcher-mediated questionnaire
      consisting of both quantitative and qualitative questions was used to interview
      dog owners (n=280) at two locations: an out-of-town retail park and a country
      park in the East Midlands. Owners almost unanimously viewed the word 'treat'
      within a nutritional context, as opposed to a new toy or other pleasure. The
      majority (96%) of owners interviewed reported feeding treats to their dog, with
      69% feeding shop-bought treats on a daily basis. A wide range of treats was
      reportedly given by owners and the majority of owners interviewed fed multiple
      treat types. No association was found between owner age and frequency of shop
      bought treats fed (P=0.659) nor between owner age and frequency of food given to
      the dog from the owner's plate (P=0.083). A wide range of foods which would not
      be considered balanced for the animal's nutritional requirements was viewed as a
      treat by some dog owners. A range of positive and negative views around the
      feeding of treats were expressed by dog owners, with some citing beneficial
      effects while others were clearly aware of the association between treat feeding
      and potential weight gain/obesity. Owner views included themes around positive
      reinforcement and responsibility but also reflected relational aspects of the
      human-animal bond. The results of the study show that treat giving is commonplace
      in feeding regimes and that treats are embedded in the feeding behaviour of many
      dog owners. However, the different views expressed around the motivations for,
      and feeding of, dog treats, reinforce the need to better understand owner
      psychology linked to this area, and the role this may play in the growing pet
      obesity epidemic. 

PMID- 27664445
TI  - Broken biosecurity? Veterinarians' framing of biosecurity on dairy farms in
      England.
AB  - There is seen to be a need for better biosecurity - the control of disease spread
      on and off farm - in the dairy sector. Veterinarians play a key role in
      communicating and implementing biosecurity measures on farm, and little research
      has been carried out on how veterinarians see their own and farmers' roles in
      improving biosecurity. In order to help address this gap, qualitative interviews
      were carried out with 28 veterinarians from Royal College of Veterinary Surgeon
      farm accredited practices in England. The results were analysed using a social
      ecology framework and frame analysis to explore not only what barriers vets
      identified, but also how vets saw the problem of inadequate biosecurity as being
      located. Veterinarians' frames of biosecurity were analysed at the individual,
      interpersonal and contextual scales, following the social ecology framework,
      which see the problem in different ways with different solutions. Farmers and
      veterinarians were both framed by veterinarians as individualised groups lacking
      consistency. This means that best practice is not spread and veterinarians are
      finding it difficult to work as a group to move towards a "predict and prevent"
      model of veterinary intervention. But diversity and individualism were also
      framed as positive and necessary among veterinarians to the extent that they can
      tailor advice to individual farmers. Veterinarians saw their role in educating
      the farmer as not only being about giving advice to farmers, but trying to
      convince the farmer of their perspective and values on disease problems. Vets
      felt they were meeting with limited success because vets and farmers may be
      emphasising different framings of biosecurity. Vets emphasise the individual and
      interpersonal frames that disease problems are a problem on farm that can and
      should be controlled by individual farmers working with vets. According to vets,
      farmers may emphasise the contextual frame that biosecurity is largely outside of
      their control on dairy farms because of logistical, economic and geographical
      factors, and so some level of disease on dairy farms is not entirely unexpected
      or controllable. There needs to be a step back within the vet-farmer relationship
      to realise that there may be different perspectives at play, and within the wider
      debate to explore the question of what a biosecure dairy sector would look like
      within a rapidly changing agricultural landscape. 

PMID- 27664446
TI  - Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis detection in animals, food, water and
      other sources or vehicles of human exposure: A scoping review of the existing
      evidence.
AB  - Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis is the etiologic agent of Johne's
      disease in ruminants and is hypothesized to be an infectious cause of Crohn's
      disease, as well as some other human diseases. Due to key knowledge gaps, the
      potential public health impact of M. paratuberculosis is unknown. This scoping
      review aims to identify and characterised the evidence on potential sources and
      vehicles of M. paratuberculosis exposure for humans to better understand how
      exposure is likely to occur. Evidence from 255 primary research papers is
      summarized; most examined the prevalence or concentration of M. paratuberculosis
      in animals (farmed domestic, pets and wildlife) (n=148), food for human
      consumption (62) (milk, dairy, meat, infant formula) or water (drinking and
      recreational) and the environment (farm, pasture and areas affected by runoff
      water) (20). The majority of this research has been published since 2000 (Figure-
      abstract). Nine case-control studies examining risk factors for Crohn's disease
      highlighted significant associations with the consumption of processed meats and
      cheese, while direct contact with ruminants, high risk occupations (farmer,
      veterinarian), milk consumption and water source were factors not associated with
      the disease and/or M. paratuberculosis exposure status. Molecular epidemiology
      studies demonstrated strain-sharing between species. Produce and seafood were the
      only previously suggested sources of human exposure for which there was no
      supporting evidence identified in this scoping review. The results of this review
      indicate that ruminant populations from around the globe are infected with M.
      paratuberculosis and many non-ruminant species have also been found to carry or
      be infected with M. paratuberculosis. Several potential sources for human
      exposure to M. paratuberculosis were identified; however there remain important
      gaps in quantitative information on the prevalence and concentration of M.
      paratuberculosis in contaminated sources of exposure. This information is
      critical to understanding the risk of exposure, opportunities for risk mitigation
      interventions and modelling exposures to distill the importance of various
      sources of human exposure to M. paratuberculosis including direct contact with
      animals and the environment as well as consumption of contaminated foods and
      water. Results of this study may be used to prioritize future research and to
      support evidence-informed decision-making on the M. paratuberculosis issue. 

PMID- 27664447
TI  - A retrospective epidemiological analysis of risk factors for a primary necropsy
      diagnosis of bovine respiratory disease.
AB  - Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is a multifactorial disease and the primary
      cause of both bovine morbidity and mortality in Ireland. The risk factors
      associated with a primary necropsy diagnosis of BRD among cattle in the
      traditional (non-feedlot) husbandry systems prevalent in Ireland have not been
      investigated previously. The aim of this case-control study was to investigate
      those risk factors among cattle of all ages over an 8 year period. A total of
      3,090 BRD cases and 5,236 controls were matched by submitting veterinary
      practitioner. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to examine
      the association of selected animallevel, herd-level and environmental risk
      factors with case or control status using a conditional logistical regression
      model. Male cattle aged more than 31 days were significantly more likely to
      record a primary necropsy diagnosis of BRD than female cattle. Older cattle of
      both sexes were at increased odds of a BRD necropsy diagnosis than younger calves
      with the exception of female cattle aged greater than 165 days. The risk of a
      primary necropsy diagnosis of BRD increased with increasing herd size and
      decreased with increasing time in days since the last animal movement into the
      submitting herd. There were significantly reduced odds of a primary necropsy
      diagnosis of BRD in the summer (June to August) when compared with the autumn
      (September to November). These findings identify significant risk factors for a
      necropsy diagnosis of BRD under non-feedlot-type husbandry conditions. 

PMID- 27664448
TI  - Enhanced surveillance of shellfish mortality to improve early detection and
      investigation of outbreaks of exotic or emerging infectious diseases: An example
      of a mass mortality outbreak of mussels, France 2014.
AB  - This paper explores the relevance and feasibility of enhanced surveillance of
      mussel-related mortality based on regular telephone interviews of a key informant
      in a farming community. Based on qualitative analyses of data collected through
      semi-structured interviews, this method of participatory disease surveillance
      enabled the retrieval of high quality data during an outbreak of mussel mortality
      which occurred in Pertuis Charentais, France, in 2014. The findings illustrated
      that such an enhanced surveillance approach compared with the institutional
      shellfish health surveillance system could improve the early detection of
      outbreaks of mussel mortality by one week. This approach enabled a detailed
      description of the outbreak, showing higher incidence proportion in the Northern
      water bodies. It also captured relevant data for hypothesis generation for
      further outbreak investigations, integrating a global view of the health and
      disturbance of the coastal marine ecosystem. However, to be effective and
      sustainable, this flexible approach requires a pre-existing knowledge of the
      structure of the information network of the farmers' community. Such a community
      based enhanced surveillance could increase the reactivity of the entire system to
      enable the earliest possible and most appropriate interventions to protect
      shellfish populations against exotic or emerging infectious diseases. This would
      also help to improve the vigilance of mussel farmers and foster their commitment,
      which is an essential element for sustainable shellfish health surveillance. 

PMID- 27664449
TI  - Cost-benefit analysis of foot and mouth disease control in Ethiopia.
AB  - Foot and mouth disease (FMD) occurs endemically in Ethiopia. Quantitative
      insights on its national economic impact and on the costs and benefits of control
      options are, however, lacking to support decision making in its control. The
      objectives of this study were, therefore, to estimate the annual costs of FMD in
      cattle production systems of Ethiopia, and to conduct an ex ante cost-benefit
      analysis of potential control alternatives. The annual costs of FMD were assessed
      based on production losses, export losses and control costs. The total annual
      costs of FMD under the current status quo of no official control program were
      estimated at 1354 (90% CR: 864-2042) million birr. The major cost (94%) was due
      to production losses. The costs and benefits of three potential control
      strategies: 1) ring vaccination (reactive vaccination around outbreak area
      supported by animal movement restrictions, 2) targeted vaccination (annual
      preventive vaccination in high risk areas plus ring vaccination in the rest of
      the country), and 3) preventive mass vaccination (annual preventive vaccination
      of the whole national cattle population) were compared with the baseline scenario
      of no official control program. Experts were elicited to estimate the influence
      of each of the control strategies on outbreak incidence and number of cases per
      outbreak. Based on these estimates, the incidence of the disease was simulated
      stochastically for 10 years. Preventive mass vaccination was epidemiologically
      the most efficient control strategy by reducing the national outbreak incidence
      below 5% with a median time interval of 3 years, followed by targeted vaccination
      strategy with a corresponding median time interval of 5 years. On average, all
      evaluated control strategies resulted in positive net present values. The ranges
      in the net present values were, however, very wide, including negative values.
      The targeted vaccination strategy was the most economic strategy with a median
      benefit cost ratio of 4.29 (90%CR: 0.29-9.63). It was also the least risky
      strategy with 11% chance of a benefit cost ratio of less than one. The study
      indicates that FMD has a high economic impact in Ethiopia. Its control is
      predicted to be economically profitable even without a full consideration of
      gains from export. The targeted vaccination strategy is shown to provide the
      largest economic return with a relatively low risk of loss. More studies to
      generate data, especially on production impact of the disease and effectiveness
      of control measures are needed to improve the rigor of future analysis. 

PMID- 27664450
TI  - Correlations between peripheral parasite load and common clinical and laboratory
      alterations in dogs with visceral leishmaniasis.
AB  - Intensity of peripheral parasite infection has an important role in the
      transmission of Leishmania spp. from one host to another. As parasite load
      quantification is still an expensive procedure to be used routinely in
      epidemiological surveillance, the use of surrogate predictors may be an important
      asset in the identification of dogs with high transmitting ability. The present
      study examined whether common clinical and laboratory alterations can serve as
      predictors of peripheral parasitism in dogs naturally infected with Leishmania
      spp. Thirty-seven dogs were examined in order to establish correlations between
      parasite load (PL) in multiple peripheral tissues and common clinical and
      laboratory findings in canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL). Quantitative
      polymerase chain reaction was employed to determine PL in conjunctival swabs, ear
      skin, peripheral blood and buffy coat. Additionally, a series of hematological,
      biochemical and oxidative stress markers were quantified. Correlations between
      net peripheral infection and severity of clinical alterations and variation in
      laboratory parameters were assessed through a new analytical approach, namely
      Compressed Parasite Load Data (CPLD), which uses dimension reduction techniques
      from multivariate statistics to summarize PL across tissues into a single
      variable. The analysis revealed that elevation in PL is positively correlated
      with severity of clinical sings commonly observed in CVL, such as skin lesions,
      ophthalmic alterations, onycogriphosis, popliteal lymphadenomegaly and low body
      mass. Furthermore, increase in PL was found to be followed by intensification of
      non-regenerative anemia, neutrophilia, eosinopenia, hepatic injury and oxidative
      imbalance. These results suggest that routinely used clinical and laboratory
      exams can be predictive of intensity of peripheral parasite infection, which has
      an important implication in the identification of dogs with high transmitting
      ability. 

PMID- 27664451
TI  - Risk assessment and management of brucellosis in the southern greater Yellowstone
      area (I): A citizen-science based risk model for bovine brucellosis transmission
      from elk to cattle.
AB  - Livestock producers and state wildlife agencies have used multiple management
      strategies to control bovine brucellosis in the Greater Yellowstone Area (GYA).
      However, spillover from elk to domestic bison and cattle herds continues to
      occur. Although knowledge is increasing about the location and behavior of elk in
      the SGYA, predicting spatiotemporal overlap between elk and cattle requires
      locations of livestock operations and observations of elk contact by producers.
      We queried all producers in a three-county area using a questionnaire designed to
      determine location of cattle and whether producers saw elk comingle with their
      animals. This information was used to parameterize a spatially-explicit risk
      model to estimate the number of elk expected to overlap with cattle during the
      brucellosis transmission risk period. Elk-cattle overlap was predicted in areas
      further from roads and forest boundaries in areas with wolf activity, with higher
      slopes, lower hunter densities, and where the cost-distance to feedgrounds was
      very low or very high. The model was used to estimate the expected number of
      years until a cattle reactor will be detected, under alternative management
      strategies. The model predicted cattle cases every 4.28 years in the highest risk
      herd unit, a higher prediction than the one case in 26 years we have observed.
      This difference likely indicates that ongoing management strategies are at least
      somewhat effective in preventing potential elk-cattle brucellosis transmission in
      these areas. Using this model, we can infer the expected effectiveness of various
      management strategies for reducing the risk of brucellosis spillover from elk to
      cattle. 

PMID- 27664452
TI  - Ostertagia spp., rumen fluke and liver fluke single- and poly-infections in
      cattle: An abattoir study of prevalence and production impacts in England and
      Wales.
AB  - This study aims at investigating the occurrence, risk factors and production
      impacts on beef carcass parameters of three of the most important cattle helminth
      infections in England and Wales. Abomasa, reticulorumens and livers from healthy
      cattle were collected and examined post-mortem quarterly over a one year period
      in an abattoir in South-West England. Specific viscera from 974 cattle were
      collected, examined and scored for Ostertagia spp., adult rumen fluke and liver
      fluke lesions/presence. A total of 89%, 25% and 29% of the carcasses had
      lesions/presence of Ostertagia spp., rumen fluke and liver fluke, respectively,
      and 39% had presence of helminth co-infection. Animal demographic and carcass
      parameters associated with helminth infections were investigated using multilevel
      multinomial and multilevel linear mixed models respectively. After adjusting for
      other factors, significant differences in the distribution of helminth infections
      were observed among cattle by type of breed, animal category (cow, heifer, steer
      and young bull), age, season and concurrent helminth infections. Compared to
      carcasses free of helminths, carcasses presenting solely Ostertagia Spp. lesions
      or adult rumen fluke had significantly lower cold carcass weight (coef.: -30.58 [
      50.92;-10.24] and -50.34 [-88.50;-12.18]) and fat coverage (coef.: -3.28 [-5.56;
      1.00] and -5.49 [-10.28;-0.69]) and carcasses presenting solely liver fluke
      lesions had significantly lower conformation grade (coef.: -3.65 [-6.98;-0.32]).
      Presence of helminth poly-infections was negatively associated with cold carcass
      weight. 

PMID- 27664453
TI  - Risk factors associated with contagious caprine pleuro-pneumonia in goats in
      pastoral areas in the Rift Valley region of Kenya.
AB  - A cross-sectional study to determine risk factors associated with sero-prevalence
      of contagious caprine pleuro-pneumonia (CCPP) in goats was carried out between
      the months of March, 2014 and March, 2015 in Pokot East, Turkana West and Kajiado
      Central Sub-counties. A semi-structured questionnaire focusing on risk factors
      for CCPP was completed for each flock whose serum samples were collected. A
      logistic regression model was developed to assess the association between the
      risk factors and CCPP sero-positivity. Of the 54 flocks, 49 (90.7%) presented at
      least one sero-positive animal. Two hundred and four of the 432 goats tested sero
      positive at monoclonal antibody based competitive Enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent
      assay (c-ELISA), hence a sero-prevalence of 47.2% (95% CI=42.5- 51.9). Previous
      exposure of flocks to CCPP (p<0.001, OR=52.8; CI=6.45, 432), distant sources of
      veterinary drugs (p<0.001, OR=6.17; CI=3.41, 11.1), movement of goats to dry
      season feeding areas (p<0.001, OR=4.31; CI=2.39, 7.75) and markets as a source of
      new introductions to the flock (p=0.033, OR=1.86; CI=1.05, 3.27) were identified
      as risk factors significantly associated with CCPP sero-prevalence. The findings
      provide further evidence supporting the high prevalence and endemic state of the
      disease in pastoral flocks and hence there is need for adequate measures to be
      put in place to control the disease effectively. 

PMID- 27664454
TI  - The epidemiological and economic effects from systematic depopulation of
      Norwegian marine salmon farms infected with pancreas disease virus.
AB  - Pancreas disease (PD) is a viral disease associated with significant economic
      losses in Scottish, Irish, and Norwegian marine salmon aquaculture. In this
      paper, we investigate how disease-triggered harvest strategies (systematic
      depopulation of infected marine salmon farms) towards PD can affect disease
      dynamics and salmon producer profits in an endemic area in the southwestern part
      of Norway. Four different types of disease-triggered harvest strategies were
      evaluated over a four-year period (2011-2014), each scenario with different
      disease-screening procedures, timing for initiating the harvest interventions on
      infected cohorts, and levels of farmer compliance to the strategy. Our approach
      applies a spatio-temporal stochastic model for simulating the spread of PD in the
      separate scenarios. Results from these simulations were then used in cost-benefit
      analyses to estimate the net benefits of different harvest strategies over time.
      We find that the most aggressive strategy, in which infected farms are harvested
      without delay, was most efficient in terms of reducing infection pressure in the
      area and providing economic benefits for the studied group of salmon producers.
      On the other hand, lower farm compliance leads to higher infection pressure and
      less economic benefits. Model results further highlight trade-offs in strategies
      between those that primarily benefit individual producers and those that have
      collective benefits, suggesting a need for institutional mechanisms that address
      these potential tensions. 

PMID- 27664455
TI  - Custom fabrication of biomass containment devices using 3-D printing enables
      bacterial growth analyses with complex insoluble substrates.
AB  - Physiological studies of recalcitrant polysaccharide degradation are challenging
      for several reasons, one of which is the difficulty in obtaining a reproducibly
      accurate real-time measurement of bacterial growth using insoluble substrates.
      Current methods suffer from several problems including (i) high background noise
      due to the insoluble material interspersed with cells, (ii) high consumable and
      reagent cost and (iii) significant time delay between sampling and data
      acquisition. A customizable substrate and cell separation device would provide an
      option to study bacterial growth using optical density measurements. To test this
      hypothesis we used 3-D printing to create biomass containment devices that allow
      interaction between insoluble substrates and microbial cells but do not interfere
      with spectrophotometer measurements. Evaluation of materials available for 3-D
      printing indicated that UV-cured acrylic plastic was the best material, being
      superior to nylon or stainless steel when examined for heat tolerance,
      reactivity, and ability to be sterilized. Cost analysis of the 3-D printed
      devices indicated they are a competitive way to quantitate bacterial growth
      compared to viable cell counting or protein measurements, and experimental
      conditions were scalable over a 100-fold range. The presence of the devices did
      not alter growth phenotypes when using either soluble substrates or insoluble
      substrates. We applied biomass containment to characterize growth of Cellvibrio
      japonicus on authentic lignocellulose (non-pretreated corn stover), and found
      physiological evidence that xylan is a significant nutritional source despite an
      abundance of cellulose present.

PMID- 27664456
TI  - Going from Darkness to Gray Zones of Knowledge: The Role of Biomarkers on Major
      Adverse Cardiovascular Events after Carotid Interventions.

PMID- 27664457
TI  - Disgust evoked by strong wormwood bitterness influences the processing of visual
      food cues in women: An ERP study.
AB  - The perception of intense bitterness is associated with disgust and food
      rejection. The present cross-modal event-related potential (ERP) study
      investigated whether a bitter aftertaste is able to influence affective ratings
      and the neuronal processing of visual food cues. We presented 39 healthy normal
      weight women (mean age: 22.5 years) with images depicting high-caloric meat
      dishes, high-caloric sweets, and low-caloric vegetables after they had either
      rinsed their mouth with wormwood tea (bitter group; n = 20) or water (control
      group; n = 19) for 30s. The bitter aftertaste of wormwood enhanced fronto-central
      early potentials (N100, N200) and reduced P300 amplitudes for all food types
      (meat, sweets, vegetables). Moreover, meat and sweets elicited higher fronto
      central LPPs than vegetables in the water group. This differentiation was absent
      in the bitter group, which gave lower arousal ratings for the high-caloric food.
      We found that a minor intervention ('bitter rinse') was sufficient to induce
      changes in the neuronal processing of food images reflecting increased early
      attention (N100, N200) as well as reduced affective value (P300, LPP). Future
      studies should investigate whether this intervention is able to influence eating
      behavior.

PMID- 27664458
TI  - An examination of the startle response during upper limb stretch perturbations.
AB  - Unexpected presentation of a startling auditory stimulus (SAS>120 decibels) in a
      reaction time (RT) paradigm results in the startle reflex and an early release
      (<100ms) of the preplanned motor response (StartReact effect). Mechanical
      perturbations applied to the upper limbs elicit short- (M1) and long-latency (M2)
      stretch reflexes and have also been shown to initiate intended motor responses
      early (<100ms). Ravichandran et al. (2013) recently proposed that unexpected
      delivery of a perturbation could also elicit a startle response and therefore the
      StartReact effect may be responsible for the early trigger of a preplanned
      response. To investigate this further, we examined startle incidence, RT, and
      stretch reflex modulation for both expected and unexpected perturbations. In
      Experiment 1, participants performed active (ACT) and passive (DNI) conditions to
      an expected large perturbation (similar to previous studies examining M2). The
      startle response was not observed; however, the perturbation still elicited the
      voluntary response at short latency (<100ms) and goal-dependent modulation of the
      M2 response was observed. In Experiment 2, participants performed ACT and DNI
      conditions to a weak auditory stimulus or a small wrist perturbation. On
      unexpected trials we probed startle circuitry with a large perturbation or SAS.
      The SAS consistently elicited a startle response in both ACT and DNI conditions,
      but startle-like activity was only observed on 17.4% of ACT perturbation probe
      trials. Our findings suggest that while unexpected upper limb perturbations can
      be startling, startle triggering of the preplanned voluntary response is not the
      primary mechanism responsible for goal-dependent modulation of the M2 response.

PMID- 27664459
TI  - Immunohistochemical investigation of the internal structure of the mouse
      subiculum.
AB  - The subiculum is the output component of the hippocampal formation and holds a
      key position in the neural circuitry of memory. Previous studies have
      demonstrated the subiculum's connectivity to other brain areas in detail;
      however, little is known regarding its internal structure. We investigated the
      cytoarchitecture of the temporal and mid-septotemporal parts of the subiculum
      using immunohistochemistry. The border between the CA1 region and subiculum was
      determined by both cytoarchitecture and zinc transporter 3 (ZnT3)
      immunoreactivity (IR), whereas the border between the subiculum and presubiculum
      (PreS) was partially indicated by glutamate receptor 1 (GluR1)-IR. The subiculum
      was divided into proximal and distal subfields based on cytoarchitecture and
      immunohistochemistry for calbindin (CB), nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and Purkinje
      cell protein 4 (PCP4). The proximal subiculum (defined here as subiculum 2) was
      composed of five layers: the molecular layer (layer 1), the medium-sized
      pyramidal cell layer (layer 2) that contained NOS- and PCP4-positive neurons, the
      large pyramidal cell layer (layer 3) characterized by the accumulation of ZnT3-
      (more proximally) and vesicular glutamate transporter 2-positive (more distally)
      boutons, layer 4 containing polymorphic cells, and the deepest layer 5 composed
      of PCP4-positive cells with long apical dendrites that reached layer 1. The
      distal subiculum (subiculum 1) consisting of smaller neurons did not show these
      features. Quantitative analyses of the size and numerical density of somata
      substantiated this delineation. Both the proximal-distal division and five
      layered structure in the subiculum 2 were confirmed throughout the temporal two
      thirds of the subiculum. These findings will provide a new structural basis for
      hippocampal investigations.

PMID- 27664460
TI  - The impact of l-dopa on attentional impairments in a rat model of Parkinson's
      disease.
AB  - Attentional deficits including difficulty in switching attention between tasks or
      rules, sustaining attention, and selectively attending to specific stimuli are
      commonly seen in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). While these deficits are
      frequently reported, it is unclear how traditional dopamine replacement therapy
      such as l-dopa affects these deficits. In a rat model of PD in which dopamine is
      unilaterally depleted with a 6-hydroxydopamine infusion to the medial forebrain
      bundle, we first examined the impact of acute and chronic l-dopa treatment on
      attention switching as modeled by disengagement behavior (i.e. the ability to
      disengage from an on-going behavior such as eating or drinking to attend to
      perioral stimulation). Then, in a separate experiment, we evaluated the effects
      of l-dopa treatment on selective and sustained attention deficits using a five
      choice task. Our data suggest that the l-dopa dose necessary to recover motor
      function can successfully restore attention switching behavior (i.e.
      disengagement behavior), but further worsens performance in the selective and
      sustained attention task. Furthermore, this same dose was responsible for
      inducing dyskinesias in rats given chronic daily injections. Taken together,
      these findings demonstrate that dopamine replacement therapy may not be
      sufficient for treating all types of attentional dysfunction occurring in PD.

PMID- 27664461
TI  - Alterations in membrane trafficking and pathophysiological implications in
      lysosomal storage disorders.
AB  - Lysosomal storage disorders are a heterogeneous group of more than 50 distinct
      inborn metabolic diseases affecting about 1 in 5000 to 7000 live births. The
      diseases often result from mutations followed by functional deficiencies of
      enzymes or transporters within the acidic environment of the lysosome, which
      mediate the degradation of a wide subset of substrates, including
      glycosphingolipids, glycosaminoglycans, cholesterol, glycogen, oligosaccharides,
      peptides and glycoproteins, or the export of the respective degradation products
      from the lysosomes. The progressive accumulation of uncleaved substrates occurs
      in multiple organs and finally causes a broad spectrum of different pathologies
      including visceral, neurological, skeletal and hematologic manifestations.
      Besides deficient lysosomal enzymes and transporters other defects may lead to
      lysosomal storage disorders, including activator defects, membrane defects or
      defects in modifier proteins. In this review we concentrate on four different
      lysosomal storage disorders: Niemann-Pick type C, Fabry disease, Gaucher disease
      and Pompe disease. While the last three are caused by defective lysosomal
      hydrolases, Niemann-Pick type C is caused by the inability to export LDL-derived
      cholesterol out of the lysosome. We want to emphasise potential implications of
      membrane trafficking defects on the pathology of these diseases, as many
      mutations interfere with correct lysosomal protein trafficking and alter cellular
      lipid homeostasis. Current therapeutic strategies are summarised, including
      substrate reduction therapy as well as pharmacological chaperone therapy which
      directly aim to improve folding and lysosomal transport of misfolded mutant
      proteins.

PMID- 27664462
TI  - Dieting to Disordered Restricting.

PMID- 27664463
TI  - Males With Restrictive Eating Disorders: Barriers to Their Care.

PMID- 27664464
TI  - Expanding Adolescent Depression Prevention Through Simple Communication
      Technologies.

PMID- 27664465
TI  - From Advocacy to Action in Global Adolescent Health.
AB  - In May 2016, The Lancet published a report titled, "Our Future: A Lancet
      Commission on Adolescent Health and Wellbeing," the culmination of three years of
      work from a geographically diverse interdisciplinary group. The report argued
      that healthy growth across adolescence and young adulthood shapes life course and
      intergenerational trajectories so that health investments yield a "triple
      dividend." With current global interest in adolescent health at an unprecedented
      level, it outlines three next steps to advance from advocacy to effective action:
      (1) there is a pressing need for comprehensive and integrated strategies,
      inclusive of, but extending beyond, sexual and reproductive health, and HIV; (2)
      interventions should address both adolescent health service coverage and
      determinants of health that lie in sectors such as education, justice, transport,
      and industry and employment, as well as families and local communities; and (3)
      scale-up of responses will require not only investments in country-level
      capacities for measuring need and responding with evidence-based practice but
      also the establishment of processes for accountability and meaningful youth
      engagement. 

PMID- 27664466
TI  - International Youth Justice Systems: Promoting Youth Development and Alternative
      Approaches: A Position Paper of the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine.
AB  - Youth incarceration is an international public health concern among developed and
      developing countries. Worldwide, youth are held in incarceration, detention, and
      other secure settings that are inappropriate for their age and developmental
      stages, jeopardizing their prosocial development, and reintegration into society.
      Youth incarceration lacks evidence and cost-effectiveness. The well-being of
      youth is a key indicator of the welfare of families, communities, and society at
      large; therefore, the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine (SAHM) supports
      a paradigm shift in the role of the justice system as it relates to treatment of
      youth. SAHM recommends justice systems focus greater attention and resources on
      identifying and reducing the antecedents of high-risk and criminal behaviors,
      recognizing the rights and freedom of young persons, and prioritizing the well
      being of youth over punitive measures that may harm and disrupt healthy
      adolescent development. SAHM supports the following positions: (1) incarceration
      is a last option for selected offenders who have committed the most serious
      violent crimes and are unable to remain safely in the community; (2) youth
      justice policies, programs, and practices affecting youth be evidence based and
      trauma informed; (3) youth justice policies, programs, and practices must
      incorporate research and ongoing program evaluation; (4) youth justice policies
      shall protect the privacy and dignity of children younger than 18 years; and (5)
      health care professionals and media will promote positive portrayals of youth in
      healthy relationships within their communities and reduce representations and
      images of youth that are negative, violent, deviant, and threatening.

PMID- 27664467
TI  - Long-term survival and vitality outcomes of permanent teeth following deep caries
      treatment with step-wise and partial-caries-removal: A Systematic Review.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: A systematic review was performed to compare the long-term survival
      of deep dentine caries-affected permanent teeth treated with partial-caries
      removal (PCR) versus similar teeth treated with stepwise-caries-removal
      techniques (SWT). DATA: Clinical studies investigating long-term PCR and SWT
      outcomes in unrestored permanent teeth with deep dentine caries were evaluated.
      Failures were defined as loss of pulp vitality or restorative failures following
      treatment. SOURCES: PubMed, Web of Science, Dentistry and Oral Sciences Source,
      and Central databases were systematically searched. STUDY SELECTION: From 136
      potentially relevant articles, 9 publications utilizing data from 5 studies (2
      RCTs, and 3 observational case-series) reporting outcomes for 426 permanent teeth
      over two to ten years were analyzed. Regarding restorative failures, >88% success
      at two years for both techniques was reported. For loss of pulp vitality,
      observational studies reported >96% vitality at two years for each technique,
      while one RCT reported significantly higher vitality (p<0.05) at three years for
      PCR (96%) compared to SWT (83%). Risk of bias was high in all studies.
      CONCLUSION: Successful vitality and restorative outcomes for both PCR and SWT
      have been demonstrated at two years and beyond in permanent teeth with deep
      dentine caries. Partial-caries-removal may result in fewer pulpal complications
      over a three year period than SWT, although claims of a therapeutic advantage are
      based on very few, limited-quality studies. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Partial-caries
      removal and SWT are deep caries management techniques that reduce pulp exposure
      risk. Permanent teeth with deep dentine caries treated with either technique have
      a high likelihood for survival beyond two years.

PMID- 27664468
TI  - Novel non-invasive reinforcement of MOD cavities on endodontically treated teeth.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the biomechanical influence of reconnecting the buccal
      and lingual walls of endodontically treated lower molar with a large MOD cavity.
      METHODS: 3D models were created from a micro-CT scan of an extracted intact lower
      human molar. Finite element analysis was then used to compare the stress
      distribution and displacement of the structures between different models:
      Unrestored MOD on ETT (Unrest), MOD on ETT restored with composite resin (Norm),
      MOD on ETT reinforced with a non-invasive ring (Ring) and intact tooth as the
      control (Int). RESULTS: This study showed that the Unrest model presented the
      highest stress values at the cervical level. The non-invasive Ring model showed
      the lowest stress values at the cervical level, and the lowest deflection of the
      cusps. CONCLUSIONS: Mechanically reconnecting the remaining tooth structures has
      a direct positive effect on stress distribution and deformation of the remaining
      structures. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Reinforcing ETT in a non-invasive direct approach
      is efficient in terms of preserving sound tooth structures, reducing the time of
      treatment and eliminating the laboratory steps required to create the
      restorations.

PMID- 27664469
TI  - PARPing for balance in the homeostasis of poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation.
AB  - Despite more than 50 years of research, the vast majority of the biology of
      poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation (PARylation) still remains a gross mystery. Originally
      described to be a part of the DNA repair machinery, poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) is
      synthesized immediately by poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs, also known as
      ARTDs) upon DNA damage and then rapidly removed by degrading enzymes. PAR
      provides a delicate and spatiotemporal interaction scaffold for numerous target
      proteins. Thus, the multifaceted PARylation system, consisting of PAR itself and
      its synthesizers and erasers, plays diverse roles in the DNA damage response
      (DDR), in DNA repair, transcription, replication, chromatin remodelling,
      metabolism and cell death. In this review, we summarize the current understanding
      of the biology of PARylation, focusing on the functionality and the activities of
      the PARPs' founding member PARP1/ARTD1, which is modulated by a variety of
      posttranslational modifications. We also discuss the homeostasis of PAR - a
      process which is maintained by the balance of PAR synthesizers and erasers. We
      aim to sensitize the scientific community to the complexity of PAR homeostasis.
      Finally, we provide some perspective on how future research could try to
      disentangle the biology of PARylation - perhaps the most sophisticated, but still
      intricate posttranslational modification described to date.

PMID- 27664470
TI  - REV-ERBalpha Activates C/EBP Homologous Protein to Control Small Heterodimer
      Partner-Mediated Oscillation of Alcoholic Fatty Liver.
AB  - The small heterodimer partner (SHP) nuclear receptor is an important regulator of
      nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. However, little is known about the role of SHP
      in alcoholic fatty liver. In this study, we used a modified chronic ethanol-binge
      model to examine cyclic alterations of lipid metabolism in wild-type (WT) and Shp
      /- mice over a 24-hour period after binge. The serum and hepatic lipid profiles,
      as well as the expression of lipid synthesis genes and markers of endoplasmic
      reticulum stress, exhibited distinct variations in WT and Shp-/- mice in response
      to ethanol diet plus ethanol binge (ED+E) and control diet plus maltose binge.
      ED+E induced steatosis in WT mice, which correlated with a marked up-regulation
      of activating transcription factor 4 protein (ATF4) but down-regulation of C/EBP
      homologous protein (CHOP) and sterol regulatory element-binding transcription
      factor 1c protein (SREBP-1c). On the contrary, the control diet plus maltose
      binge caused lipid accumulation in Shp-/- mice, which was accompanied by a sharp
      elevation of CHOP, SREBP-1c, and REV-ERBalpha proteins but a diminished ATF4. REV
      ERBalpha activated CHOP promoter activity and gene transcription, which were
      inhibited by SHP. Knockdown Rev-Erbalpha in Shp-/- mice prevented steatosis
      induced by ED+E. Our study revealed a critical role of SHP and REV-ERBalpha in
      controlling rhythmic CHOP expression in alcoholic fatty liver.

PMID- 27664472
TI  - Future Perspectives on Pathogenesis of Lupus Nephritis: Facts, Problems, and
      Potential Causal Therapy Modalities.
AB  - Divergent incommensurable models have been developed to explain the pathogenesis
      of lupus nephritis. Most contemporary models favor a central role for anti
      chromatin antibodies. How they exert their pathogenic effect has, however,
      endorsed conflicts that at least for now preclude insight into definitive
      pathogenic pathways. The following paradigms are contemporarily in conflict with
      each other: i) the impact of anti-double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) antibodies that
      cross-react with inherent renal antigens, ii) the impact of anti-dsDNA antibodies
      targeting exposed chromatin in glomeruli, and iii) the impact of relative
      antibody avidity for dsDNA, chromatin fragments, or cross-reacting antigens.
      Aside from these three themes, the pathogenic role of T cells in lupus nephritis
      is not clear. These different models should be tested through a collaboration
      between scientists belonging to the different paradigms. If it turns out that
      there are different pathogenic pathways in lupus nephritis, the emerging
      pathogenic mechanism(s) may be encountered with new individual causal therapy
      modalities. Today, therapy is still unspecific and far from interfering with the
      cause(s) of the disorder. This review attempts to describe what we know about
      processes that may cause lupus nephritis and how such basic processes may be
      affected if we can specifically interrupt them. Secondary inflammatory
      mechanisms, cytokine signatures, activation of complement, and other contributors
      to inflammation will not be discussed herein; rather, the events that trigger
      these factors will be discussed.

PMID- 27664473
TI  - Distinguishing the Signals From the Noise: Can Epidemiologic Studies Inform Our
      Understanding of Glomerular Disease?

PMID- 27664471
TI  - Death Receptor 3 Promotes Chemokine-Directed Leukocyte Recruitment in Acute
      Resolving Inflammation and Is Essential for Pathological Development of
      Mesothelial Fibrosis in Chronic Disease.
AB  - Death receptor 3 (DR3; TNFRSF25) and its tumor necrosis factor-like ligand TL1A
      (TNFSF15) control several processes in inflammatory diseases through the
      expansion of effector T cells and the induction of proinflammatory cytokines from
      myeloid and innate lymphoid cells. Using wild-type (DR3+/+) and DR3-knockout (DR3
      /-) mice, we show that the DR3/TL1A pathway triggers the release of multiple
      chemokines after acute peritoneal inflammation initiated by a single application
      of Staphylococcus epidermidis supernatant, correlating with the infiltration of
      multiple leukocyte subsets. In contrast, leukocyte infiltration was not DR3
      dependent after viral challenge with murine cytomegalovirus. DR3 expression was
      recorded on connective tissue stroma, which provided DR3-dependent release of
      chemokine (C-C motif) ligand (CCL) 2, CCL7, CXCL1, and CXCL13. CCL3, CCL4, and
      CXCL10 production was also DR3 dependent, but quantitative RT-PCR showed that
      their derivation was not stromal. In vitro cultures identified resident
      macrophages as a DR3-dependent source of CCL3. Whether DR3 signaling could
      contribute to a related peritoneal pathology was then tested using multiple
      applications of S. epidermidis supernatant, the repetitive inflammatory episodes
      of which lead to peritoneal membrane thickening and collagen deposition. Unlike
      their DR3+/+ counterparts, DR3-/- mice did not develop fibrosis of the
      mesothelial layer. Thus, this work describes both a novel function and essential
      requirement for the DR3/TL1A pathway in acute, resolving, and chronic
      inflammation in the peritoneal cavity.

PMID- 27664474
TI  - CKD and Cardiovascular Events: Unraveling the Disparities Among Minorities.

PMID- 27664475
TI  - Spironolactone in Dialysis: What's Old Is New Again.

PMID- 27664476
TI  - Quiz Page October 2016: Severe Hypokalemia, Metabolic Alkalosis, and Malignancy.

PMID- 27664477
TI  - AJKD Atlas of Renal Pathology: Alport Syndrome.

PMID- 27664478
TI  - AJKD Atlas of Renal Pathology: Thin Basement Membrane Lesion.

PMID- 27664479
TI  - AJKD Atlas of Renal Pathology: Idiopathic Nodular Sclerosis.

PMID- 27664480
TI  - AJKD Atlas of Renal Pathology: Acute Pyelonephritis.

PMID- 27664481
TI  - AJKD Atlas of Renal Pathology: Chronic Pyelonephritis.

PMID- 27664483
TI  - Role of Regulatory T-cells in Different Clinical Expressions of Helicobacter
      pylori Infection.
AB  - Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) colonization induces vigorous innate and specific
      immune responses; however, the infection does not disappear and a chronic active
      gastritis continues if left untreated. It has been shown that the topographical
      pattern and immune response of gastritis are the main reasons for the bacteria
      persistence and the clinical outcome. Gastritis due to H. pylori is caused by a
      complicated interaction among a variety of T cell subsets. Regulatory T (Treg)
      cells suppressing the immune response of antigen-specific T-cells have recently
      been demonstrated to play a key role in chronic inflammation by immunologic
      tolerance. Treg cells have been identified as the major regulatory component of
      the adaptive immune response and being involved in H. pylori-related inflammation
      and bacterial persistence. There have been many controversies over the role of
      Treg cells in H. pylori infection. Many studies have shown that the local Treg
      response protects the gastric mucosa from intensified inflammation and tissue
      damage, and the risk of H. pylori-associated diseases has an inverse correlation
      with Treg accumulation, even if the decrease in the inflammatory response is
      recognized by Treg it causes increase in bacterial density. This paper reviews
      the role of Treg in different clinical expressions of H. pylori infection.

PMID- 27664482
TI  - AJKD Atlas of Renal Pathology: Malakoplakia.

PMID- 27664484
TI  - Opposite Function of ERalpha and ERbeta in Controlling 17beta-Estradiol-mediated
      Osteogenesis in Osteoblasts.
AB  - Estrogen receptor plays critical roles in osteogenesis but the underlying
      mechanism remains unclear. In order to determine the effect of ERalpha and ERbeta
      on several critical factors in regulating osteogenesis in human osteoblasts. Cell
      based assy, RT-PCR and immunoblot analyses were used in the research. Both RT-PCR
      and immunoblot showed that gene expression of OPG, MBP2, TGF-beta, RUNX2, IGF-1
      was significantly reduced while expression of RANKL was drastically increased
      after shRNA-based depletion of ERalpha in MG-63 osteoblasts. Surprisingly, 17beta
      estradiol (E2) treatment led to remarkably reduced RANKL compared with that in E2
      untreated cells. In contrast, ERbeta plays an opposite role in regulating gene
      expression of OPG, MBP2, TGF-beta, RUNX2, IGF-1 and RANKL. However, double
      depletion of ERalpha and ERbeta could not rescue the gene expression of these
      factors in vitro. Our results provide a novel mechanism of estrogen receptor in
      controlling osteogenesis in human cells as well as a potential clinic therapeutic
      target in human osteoporosis.

PMID- 27664485
TI  - Efficacious In Vitro and In Vivo Effects of Dihydrosphingosine-Ethambutol
      Analogues Against Susceptible and Multi-drug-resistant Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major worldwide health problem in
      part due to the lack of new drugs and the emergence of multidrug-resistant
      strains (MDR). The aim of this study was to select anti-tuberculosis drug
      candidates from a collection of 69 synthetic sphingosine-ethambutol analogues
      through in vitro and in vivo evaluations. METHODS: The 69 compounds were
      evaluated in vitro against two Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains, a drug
      susceptible (H37Rv) and a MDR clinical isolate (CIBIN-99). Four selected
      compounds, those that exhibited the highest potency in vitro, were tested in vivo
      using a model of progressive TB in BALB/c mice infected with the drug susceptible
      strain, either alone or combined with conventional chemotherapy, as well as in
      mice infected with the MDR strain. The acute toxicity was evaluated on male and
      female adult BALB/c mice. RESULTS: Ten of the evaluated compounds resulted more
      potent in vitro than ethambutol. The experimental compound 2b (2-aminopalmitol
      benzyl ether) was the most efficacious and also showed additive effects in
      combination with conventional chemotherapy. It did not exhibit toxicity (LD50
      >2000 mg/kg). CONCLUSIONS: Compound 2b can be considered as a new drug candidate
      to continue its development against M. tuberculosis MDR strains.

PMID- 27664486
TI  - Tumor Growth and Cell Proliferation Rate in Human Oral Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Oral squamous cell cancer (SCC) has a high rate of morbidity
      and an overall 5-year survival rate for patients of 50%, statistics that have not
      changed in the last half century. A better understanding of the biological nature
      of this aggressive disease is mandatory. The two most studied human oral cancer
      cell lines-SCC-15 and SCC-25-share some biological characteristics but differ in
      others and may serve as a platform for further oral SCC analysis. We compared
      their basic carcinogenic characteristics, cellular proliferation rate and tumor
      growth, and discussed results according to available data from the literature and
      our own previous studies. METHODS: We examined doubling time both in vitro and in
      vivo of the SCC-15 and SCC-25 cell lines. After seeding the exact same number of
      cells in a six-well dish we counted them daily. To confirm doubling time
      differences in cells, we progressed to an in vivo model in nude mice using male 9
      to 10-week-old BALB/c-nu/nu mice. RESULTS: In both models (in vitro and in vivo)
      SCC-15 multiplied faster than SCC-25 cell line. In vivo the difference was more
      than double and in vitro this change was 24%. CONCLUSION: Both SCC-15 and SCC-25
      cell lines are suitable for further exploration of the oral carcinogenesis
      process. Based on our currently presented results and on the available
      literature, it seems that SCC-15 has an increased potential for local tumor
      growth and cell proliferation, whereas SCC-25 has a higher potential for invasion
      and metastasis.

PMID- 27664487
TI  - Budesonide Attenuates Ventilator-induced Lung Injury in a Rat Model of
      Inflammatory Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are
      particularly susceptible to ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). This study
      investigated the effect of budesonide on VILI in a rat model of inflammatory
      ARDS. METHODS: Forty eight rats were randomized into three groups (n = 16 each):
      sham group (S), endotoxin/ventilation group (LV),
      endotoxin/ventilation/budesonide group (LVB). Rats in the S group received
      anesthesia only. Rats in the LV and LVB groups received endotoxin to simulate
      ARDS and were mechanically ventilated for 4 h (tidal volume 30 mL/kg). Rats in
      the LVB group received budesonide 1 mg, and rats in the LV group received saline
      in airway. PaO2/FiO2, lung wet-to-dry weight ratios, inflammatory factors in
      serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), histopathologic analysis of lung
      tissue, and survival were examined. RESULTS: PaO2/FiO2 was significantly
      increased in rats in the LVB group compared to the LV group. Total cell count,
      macrophages, and neutrophils in BALF, and levels of intercellular adhesion
      molecule (ICAM)-1, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1beta, and
      IL-8 in BALF and serum were significantly decreased in rats in the LVB group
      compared to the LV group, whereas levels of IL-10 in BALF and serum were
      significantly increased. Histopathological changes of lung injury and apoptosis
      were reduced, and survival was increased in rats in the LVB group compared to the
      LV group. CONCLUSIONS: Budesonide ameliorated VILI in a rat model of inflammatory
      ARDS.

PMID- 27664488
TI  - Site-specific Hypermethylation of RUNX3 Predicts Poor Prognosis in Gastric
      Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Methylation status of RUNX3 remains largely unknown in
      gastric cancer (GC). The aim of this study was to prognostically evaluate the
      methylation level of CpG sites within RUNX3 promoter region in GC. METHODS: Using
      pyrosequencing, we quantitatively explored the methylation status of 8 CpG sites
      within RUNX3 promoter region for 76 gastric cancer and 24 normal gastric tissues.
      We then analyzed the association between methylation level of each CpG site and
      clinicopathological characteristics and outcomes in the cohort. RESULTS:
      Methylation of RUNX3 promoter was significantly higher in GC than normal
      subjects. Overall methylation level was closely associated with tumor invasion
      and TNM stage. Positive associations were found between hypermethylation of the
      following concerned sites and variables: site -1392, -1397, -1403, -1415 and
      tumor invasion, as well as TNM stage; site -1392 and lymph node metastasis along
      with number of lymph node metastases; site -1415 and cancer recurrence; site 
      1403, -1415 and cancer-related deaths. In multivariate analysis, tumor invasion
      was correlated with sites -1392 and -1397. Lymph node metastasis was associated
      with site -1392. Most importantly, methylation of site -1415 was associated with
      poor survival by using Cox survival regression. CONCLUSION: Analysis of RUNX3
      gene promoter by quantitative pyrosequencing suggested methylation status of
      RUNX3 is different in normal and tumor tissues. RUNX3 methylation level is
      associated with GC, especially the methylation at site -1415 contributes to the
      poor prognosis in GC. Thus, RUNX3 methylation may serve as a valuable diagnostic
      and prognostic biomarker in GC.

PMID- 27664489
TI  - Novel Multiplex Fluorescent PCR-Based Method for HLA Typing and Preimplantational
      Genetic Diagnosis of beta-Thalassemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Thalassemia is curable by bone marrow transplantation;
      however, finding suitable donors with defined HLA combination remains a major
      challenge. Cord blood stem cells with preselected HLA system through
      preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) proved very useful for resolving scarce
      HLA-matched bone marrow donors. METHODS: A thalassemia trait couple with an
      affected child was included in this study. We used informative STR markers at the
      HLA and beta globin loci to develop a single cell multiplex fluorescent PCR
      protocol. The protocol was extensively optimized on single lymphocytes isolated
      from the couple's peripheral blood. The optimized protocol was applied on single
      blastomeres biopsied from day 3 cleavage stage IVF embryos of the couple.
      RESULTS: Four IVF embryos biopsied on day 3 and a single blastomere of each were
      provided for genetic diagnosis of combined beta-thalassemia mutations and HLA
      typing. Of these, one embryo was diagnosed as homozygous normal for the
      thalassemia mutation and HLA matched with the existing affected sibling.
      CONCLUSION: The optimized protocol worked well in PGD clinical cycle for
      selection of thalassemia-unaffected embryos with the desired HLA system.

PMID- 27664490
TI  - Prognostic Significance of Serum CD26 Concentration in Patients with Esophageal
      Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most common
      cancers in developing countries. The aim of the study was to determine the
      association between serum CD26 concentration and outcome of patients with ESCC.
      METHODS: A total of 183 patients with ESCC and 254 healthy controls were
      selected. Blood samples were obtained from the participants. The serum level of
      CD26 was detected using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. All
      patients were followed for 4 years unless they died of ESCC during the follow-up
      period. RESULTS: Compared with the controls, serum CD26 levels in the patients
      decreased at admission (p <0.001), recovered to normal 1 month after resection (p
      = 0.087), and declined again at the time of tumor relapse (p <0.001). During the
      follow-up period, 107 patients died of ESCC and 76 patients survived.
      Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the low serum level of
      CD26 (<530 pg/mL) was associated with poor prognosis in the patients (OR: 5.42,
      95% CI: 2.91-8.41). Survival analysis also suggested that the patients with high
      serum level of CD26 (>=530 pg/mL) had a survival advantage compared with the
      patients with low serum level of CD26 (<530 pg/mL) (p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Serum
      CD26 concentration might be an independent prognostic indicator in patients with
      ESCC. It might be also useful to detect recurrent tumor in postoperative
      patients.

PMID- 27664491
TI  - Resveratrol Supplementation and Oxidative/Anti-Oxidative Status in Patients with
      Ulcerative Colitis: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-controlled Pilot Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Oxidative stress is involved in both pathogenesis and
      exacerbation of ulcerative colitis (UC). This study was designed to evaluate
      whether resveratrol, an excellent anti-oxidant agent, can help in treatment of UC
      and its related oxidative stress. METHODS AND RESULTS: Fifty six patients with
      active mild to moderate disease were randomized to receive either 500 mg/day
      resveratrol capsules or the same amount of placebo for 6 weeks. Before and after
      the intervention, disease activity, quality of life, and oxidative stress were
      assessed using the Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index Questionnaire (SCCAIQ),
      Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire-9 (IBDQ-9), and serum level of
      malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total anti-oxidant
      capacity (TAC), respectively. Serum SOD (122.28 +/- 11.55 to 125.77 +/- 10.97)
      and TAC (9.87 +/- 1.51-11.97 +/- 1.61) increased, whereas serum MDA (5.62 +/-
      1.18-3.42 +/- 1.01) decreased significantly in resveratrol group (p <0.001).
      Moreover, resveratrol supplementation significantly decreased disease activity
      and increased the quality of life (p <0.001). CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that
      500 mg/day resveratrol supplementation can improve the disease activity and
      quality of life in patients with UC at least partially through reduction of
      oxidative stress. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal dosage of
      supplementation for these patients.

PMID- 27664492
TI  - Low Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Levels Are Associated with Low Bone Mineral
      Density in Femoral Neck in Elderly Women.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: To determine the relationship between thyroid stimulating
      hormone (TSH) and bone mineral density (BMD) in elderly women. METHODS: This is a
      retrospective cross-sectional population cohort study of women aged >=65 years.
      All 1097 subjects had no overt thyroid dysfunction, 47 had subclinical
      hyperthyroidism and 100 had subclinical hypothyroidism. Overall, 167 had normal
      BMD, 594 had osteopenia and 336 had osteoporosis. RESULTS: The femoral neck (FN)
      BMD was lower in women with lower TSH, with a high prevalance of osteoporosis and
      osteopenia (p = 0.036).The prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia was
      significantly low in the lowest quartile compared with the third quartile (p =
      0.023) and the fourth quartile (p = 0.002), and the second low quartile, compared
      with the fourth quartile (p = 0.028). The differences were not significant among
      subclinical hyperthyroid, subclinical hypothyroid and euthyroid women. Low TSH
      was related to low BMDs at FN by multiple logistic regression analysis corrected
      for age and BMI. TSH in the lower two quartiles were independently related to
      osteoporosis (OR: 1.960, p = 0.023 and OR: 1.800, p = 0.037) and osteopenia (OR:
      2.108, p = 0.005 and OR: 1.723, p = 0.030). Low TSH quartile (beta: 0.007, p =
      0.013) predicting low BMDs at FN. CONCLUSION: Low TSH was independently related
      to decreased BMDs at FN in elderly women without overt thyroid dysfunction.

PMID- 27664493
TI  - Association of rs1122608 with Coronary Artery Disease and Lipid Profile: A Meta
      analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: It has been reported that rs1122608 adjacent to low-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol receptor (LDLR) locus is associated with the risk of
      coronary artery disease (CAD) and blood lipid profile in the Caucasian
      population. Due to the contradictory results in the Asian population, we
      conducted a meta-analysis to systematically summarize and clarify the association
      between rs1122608 with CAD risk and lipid profile. METHODS: A systematic search
      regarding studies on the association of rs1122608 with CAD risk and lipid profile
      was conducted in databases including PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library. Odds
      ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were used to pool the effect
      size. RESULTS: A total of five case-control studies were included in this study.
      A statistically significant association was identified between rs1122608-G allele
      and CAD risk in overall analysis (OR = 2.09, 95% CI 1.48-2.97) and in both Asian
      (OR = 1.82, 95% CI 1.04-3.18) and Caucasian subgroups (OR = 2.31, 95% CI 1.48
      3.60). The rs1122608-G allele was associated with increased triglyceride (TG)
      level (OR = 1.25, 95% CI 1.03-1.52), but not with total cholesterol (TC), high
      density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), or LDL cholesterol level. Moreover, the
      rs1122608-G allele is associated with increased CAD risk in the Asian male
      population (OR = 3.37, 95% CI 1.51-9.86) but not in the Asian female population.
      CONCLUSIONS: The rs1122608 is associated with the risk of CAD and TG level. The
      rs1122608-G allele was a significant risk factor of CAD in the Asian male
      population but not in the Asian female population.

PMID- 27664494
TI  - Clinical Importance of Pentraxin 3 in Autoimmune Diseases.

PMID- 27664495
TI  - Response: Clinical Importance of Pentraxin 3 in Autoimmune Diseases.

PMID- 27664497
TI  - From birth plan to birth partnership: enhancing communication in childbirth.
AB  - Birth plans were developed with the intention of enhancing a woman's prepared
      decision-making in the labor and delivery process and to offer obstetric care
      providers with important details about those decisions. Through the use of birth
      plans, women can reflect on their values and choices regarding what care
      practices and interventions they do and do not want in birth; they can
      communicate these values in advance to their care providers. However, birth plans
      are often ineffective at accomplishing their goals for a number of reasons. They
      may reflect outdated concerns about routine practices or overly emphasize minor
      matters. Many popular pregnancy websites offer birth plans that use checklist
      formats, and women who use these are not counseled about which options may
      require or preclude other options. Some women may have inappropriately rosy
      expectations of how their labor and delivery processes will progress or have
      received poor advice. The use of a birth plan may invoke hostility from hospital
      staff members who may disregard the plans and look down on the women who make
      them. An alternative approach to the use of birth plans to enhance a woman's
      participation and informed consent in the birth process is the birth partnership,
      in which women and their obstetric care providers take time to discuss thoroughly
      the choices to be made in birth in advance to have those choices best reflect the
      values of the woman giving birth. Meeting to discuss values and choices before
      labor offers the opportunity for mutual education between provider and patient
      about the choices to be made and the values that inform those choices. Effective
      communication and working to build mutual trust can serve as preventive measures
      to avoid many conflicts that arise in the birth process.

PMID- 27664496
TI  - All the darkness we don't see.
AB  - Trafficking of women and children for sexual exploitation is the fastest growing
      criminal enterprise in the world. This is a public health crisis; as physicians
      who have direct contact with victims, we have a unique opportunity to intervene.
      The authors developed a specialty clinic for survivors of sex trafficking in 2013
      at an academic medical center in New York City. Twenty of the 24 women seen in
      the Survivor Clinic saw a physician while being trafficked. Sex trafficking
      violates basic human rights, which include the rights to bodily integrity,
      dignity, health, and freedom from violence and torture. The stories of the
      patients seen in the Survivor Clinic bear witness to the health consequences of
      commercial sexual exploitation and reinforce the previous literature on the rates
      of physical and psychologic harms of trafficking. Health consequences of
      trafficking include traumatic brain injuries, drug addiction, depression, and
      neglect of chronic health conditions. All physicians, but gynecologists
      especially, need more education about the prevalence and dynamics of trafficking
      and how to assess and intervene on behalf of survivors.

PMID- 27664498
TI  - Enhancement of liposome mediated gene transfer by adding cholesterol and
      cholesterol modulating drugs.
AB  - Cholesterol is an important cell membrane component and has been used as co-lipid
      for cationic liposome to enhance gene delivery. However, the role of cholesterol
      in transfection efficiency has not been fully understood. In this study,
      transfection efficiency of liposome was measured after cholesterol was added to
      the cell culture medium. As a result, addition of cholesterol increased
      transfection efficiency of several liposomes consisting of different lipid
      components in various cells (AGS, CHO, COS7 and, MCF7). Furthermore, treatment of
      cells with cholesterol modulating drugs, imipramine and U18666A, also increased
      transfection efficiency of liposomes. To elucidate the role of added cholesterol
      in gene transfer, endocytotic mechanism was studied and also revealed that adding
      cholesterol in culture media induced participation of caveolae-mediated
      endocytosis and micropinocytosis in CHO cell. Therefore, the results of this work
      suggest that modulation of intracellular cholesterol can be an important method
      to enhance gene delivery.

PMID- 27664500
TI  - Mixed DPPC/POPC Monolayers: All-atom Molecular Dynamics Simulations and Langmuir
      Monolayer Experiments.
AB  - To elucidate the consequences of the saturated-unsaturated nature of lipid
      surface films, monolayers formed by an equimolar mixture of 1-palmitoyl-2-oleyl
      sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC) and 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3
      phosphocholine (DPPC) lipids are investigated in a wide range of surface
      pressures. As such mixtures share some features with naturally-occurring
      surfactants, for example the lung surfactant, the systems are studied at the
      temperature relevant for human body. All-atom molecular dynamics simulations and
      Langmuir trough experiments are employed. The binary lipid mixture is compared
      with the corresponding one-component systems. Atomistic-level alterations of
      monolayer molecular properties upon lateral compression are scrutinized. These
      involve elevation of lateral ordering of lipid chains, modulation of chain and
      headgroup orientation, and reduction of lipid hydration. The presence of the
      unsaturated POPC in the DPPC/POPC mixture reduces the liquid expanded-liquid
      condensed coexistence region and moderates the phase transition. Simulations
      predict that nanoscale lipid de-mixing occurs with small transient DPPC clusters
      emerging due to local fluctuations of the lateral lipid arrangement. A vertical
      sorting of lipids induced by lateral compression is also observed, with DPPC
      transferred toward the water phase. Both the conformational lipid alterations due
      to monolayer compression as well as the existence of lateral dynamic
      inhomogeneities of the lipid film are potentially pertain to dynamic and non
      homogeneous lipid interfacial systems.

PMID- 27664499
TI  - Stability of an amphipathic helix-hairpin surfactant peptide in liposomes.
AB  - Surfactant protein B (SP-B; 79 residues) is a member of the saposin superfamily
      and plays a pivotal role in lung function. The N- and C-terminal regions of SP-B,
      cross-linked by two disulfides, were theoretically predicted to fold as charged
      amphipathic helices, suggesting participation in surfactant activities. Previous
      studies with oxidized Super Mini-B (SMB), a construct based on the N- and C
      regions of SP-B (i.e., residues 1-25 and 63-78) joined with a designer turn (
      PKGG-) and two disulfides, indicated that freshly prepared SMB in lipids folded
      as a surface active, alpha-helix-hairpin. Because other peptides modeled on alpha
      helical SP domains lost helicity and surfactant activity on storage, experiments
      were here performed on oxidized SMB in surfactant liposomes stored at ~2-8
      degrees C for <=5.5years. Captive bubble surfactometry confirmed low minimum
      surface tensions for fresh and stored SMB preparations. FTIR spectroscopy of
      fresh and stored SMB formulations showed secondary structures compatible with the
      peptide folding as alpha-helix-hairpin. A homology (I-TASSER) model of oxidized
      SMB demonstrated a globular protein, exhibiting a core of hydrophobic residues
      and a surface of polar residues. Since mass spectroscopy indicated that the
      disulfides were maintained on storage, the stability of SMB may be partly due to
      the disulfides bringing the N- and C-alpha-helices closer. Mass spectroscopy of
      stored SMB preparations showed some methionine oxidation, and also partial
      deacylation of surfactant phospholipids to form lyso-derivatives. However, the
      stable conformation and activity of stored SMB surfactant suggest that the active
      helix-hairpin resists these chemical changes which otherwise may lead to
      surfactant inhibition.

PMID- 27664501
TI  - DMSO-induced perturbation of thermotropic properties of cholesterol-containing
      DPPC liposomes.
AB  - Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a universal solvent widely used in many fields, from
      basic research to industrial applications. At low concentration, it is the most
      important cryoprotectant agent against cellular damage caused during a freeze
      thaw cycle. Although the effects of this cosolvent on the physico-chemical
      properties of a lipid bilayer have been extensively studied with both in vitro
      and in vivo experiments, the molecular mechanism of cryopreservation is not
      completely understood. Cholesterol (Chol) represents one of the essential cell
      membrane component and is fundamental to maintain the integrity and fluidity of
      the membrane. Here we report a study on the effect of DMSO on the stability of
      Chol-containing model membranes. We investigated the effect of DMSO on thermal
      stability of model membranes formed by dipalmitoylphospatidylcholine (DPPC) and
      DPPC/Chol by means of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and
      Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) measurements. It is well known that
      cholesterol reduces the thermal stability of DPPC vesicles and also the pre
      transition is abolished. Our results show that DMSO induces a stabilization of
      the lipid bilayer of DPPC liposomes increasing both the pre- and main transition
      temperatures. In DPPC/Chol liposomes a similar thermal stabilization was observed
      for the main transition indicating that DMSO is capable to stabilize the lipid
      bilayer even in the presence of the sterol. Moreover, by direct inspection of the
      hydration degree of the lipid bilayers, we evidenced the role played by DMSO on
      the thermal stability of the membrane as connected to the hydration of the polar
      head groups.

PMID- 27664502
TI  - An extensive simulation study of lipid bilayer properties with different head
      groups, acyl chain lengths, and chain saturations.
AB  - Previous MD simulations of six phosphocholine (PC) lipid bilayers demonstrated
      the accuracy of the CHARMM36 force field (C36FF) for PC bilayer simulation at
      varied temperatures (BBA-Biomembranes, 1838 (2014): 2520-2529). In this work, we
      further examine the accuracy of C36FF over a wide temperature range for a broader
      range of lipid types such as various head groups (phosphatidic acid (PA), PC,
      phosphoethanolamine (PE), phosphoglycerol (PG), and phosphoserine (PS)), and
      tails (saturated, mono-, mixed- and poly-unsaturated acyl chains with varied
      chain lengths). The structural properties (surface area per lipid (SA/lip),
      overall bilayer thickness, hydrophobic thickness, headgroup-to-headgroup
      thickness, deuterium order parameter (SCD), and spin-lattice relaxation time
      (T1)) obtained from simulations agree well with nearly all available experimental
      data. Our analyses indicate that PS lipids have the most inter-lipid hydrogen
      bonds, while PG lipids have the most intra-lipid hydrogen bonds, which play the
      main role in their low SA/lip in PS lipids and low thicknesses in PG lipids,
      respectively. PS, PE, and PA lipids have the largest contact clusters with on
      average 5-8 lipids per cluster, while PC and PG have clusters of 4 lipids based
      on a cutoff distance of 6.5A. PS lipids have much slower lipid wobble (i.e.,
      higher correlation time) than other head groups at a given temperature as the
      hydrogen bonded network significantly reduces a lipid's mobility, and the rate of
      lipid wobble increases dramatically as temperature increases. These in-depth
      analyses facilitate further understanding of lipid bilayers at the atomic level.

PMID- 27664503
TI  - 2016 European Guidelines on cardiovascular disease prevention in clinical
      practice: The Sixth Joint Task Force of the European Society of Cardiology and
      Other Societies on Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Clinical Practice
      (constituted by representatives of 10 societies and by invited experts) Developed
      with the special contribution of the European Association for Cardiovascular
      Prevention & Rehabilitation (EACPR).

PMID- 27664504
TI  - Survival analysis for high-dimensional, heterogeneous medical data: Exploring
      feature extraction as an alternative to feature selection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In clinical research, the primary interest is often the time until
      occurrence of an adverse event, i.e., survival analysis. Its application to
      electronic health records is challenging for two main reasons: (1) patient
      records are comprised of high-dimensional feature vectors, and (2) feature
      vectors are a mix of categorical and real-valued features, which implies varying
      statistical properties among features. To learn from high-dimensional data,
      researchers can choose from a wide range of methods in the fields of feature
      selection and feature extraction. Whereas feature selection is well studied,
      little work focused on utilizing feature extraction techniques for survival
      analysis. RESULTS: We investigate how well feature extraction methods can deal
      with features having varying statistical properties. In particular, we consider
      multiview spectral embedding algorithms, which specifically have been developed
      for these situations. We propose to use random survival forests to accurately
      determine local neighborhood relations from right censored survival data. We
      evaluated 10 combinations of feature extraction methods and 6 survival models
      with and without intrinsic feature selection in the context of survival analysis
      on 3 clinical datasets. Our results demonstrate that for small sample sizes -
      less than 500 patients - models with built-in feature selection (Cox model with
      l1 penalty, random survival forest, and gradient boosted models) outperform
      feature extraction methods by a median margin of 6.3% in concordance index (inter
      quartile range: [-1.2%;14.6%]). CONCLUSIONS: If the number of samples is
      insufficient, feature extraction methods are unable to reliably identify the
      underlying manifold, which makes them of limited use in these situations. For
      large sample sizes - in our experiments, 2500 samples or more - feature
      extraction methods perform as well as feature selection methods.

PMID- 27664505
TI  - Building interpretable predictive models for pediatric hospital readmission using
      Tree-Lasso logistic regression.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Quantification and early identification of unplanned readmission risk
      have the potential to improve the quality of care during hospitalization and
      after discharge. However, high dimensionality, sparsity, and class imbalance of
      electronic health data and the complexity of risk quantification, challenge the
      development of accurate predictive models. Predictive models require a certain
      level of interpretability in order to be applicable in real settings and create
      actionable insights. This paper aims to develop accurate and interpretable
      predictive models for readmission in a general pediatric patient population, by
      integrating a data-driven model (sparse logistic regression) and domain knowledge
      based on the international classification of diseases 9th-revision clinical
      modification (ICD-9-CM) hierarchy of diseases. Additionally, we propose a way to
      quantify the interpretability of a model and inspect the stability of alternative
      solutions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The analysis was conducted on >66,000 pediatric
      hospital discharge records from California, State Inpatient Databases, Healthcare
      Cost and Utilization Project between 2009 and 2011. We incorporated domain
      knowledge based on the ICD-9-CM hierarchy in a data driven, Tree-Lasso
      regularized logistic regression model, providing the framework for model
      interpretation. This approach was compared with traditional Lasso logistic
      regression resulting in models that are easier to interpret by fewer high-level
      diagnoses, with comparable prediction accuracy. RESULTS: The results revealed
      that the use of a Tree-Lasso model was as competitive in terms of accuracy
      (measured by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve-AUC) as the
      traditional Lasso logistic regression, but integration with the ICD-9-CM
      hierarchy of diseases provided more interpretable models in terms of high-level
      diagnoses. Additionally, interpretations of models are in accordance with
      existing medical understanding of pediatric readmission. Best performing models
      have similar performances reaching AUC values 0.783 and 0.779 for traditional
      Lasso and Tree-Lasso, respectfully. However, information loss of Lasso models is
      0.35 bits higher compared to Tree-Lasso model. CONCLUSIONS: We propose a method
      for building predictive models applicable for the detection of readmission risk
      based on Electronic Health records. Integration of domain knowledge (in the form
      of ICD-9-CM taxonomy) and a data-driven, sparse predictive algorithm (Tree-Lasso
      Logistic Regression) resulted in an increase of interpretability of the resulting
      model. The models are interpreted for the readmission prediction problem in
      general pediatric population in California, as well as several important
      subpopulations, and the interpretations of models comply with existing medical
      understanding of pediatric readmission. Finally, quantitative assessment of the
      interpretability of the models is given, that is beyond simple counts of selected
      low-level features.

PMID- 27664506
TI  - META-GLARE: A meta-system for defining your own computer interpretable guideline
      system-Architecture and acquisition.
AB  - CONTEXT: Several different computer-assisted management systems of computer
      interpretable guidelines (CIGs) have been developed by the Artificial
      Intelligence in Medicine community. Each CIG system is characterized by a
      specific formalism to represent CIGs, and usually provides a manager to acquire,
      consult and execute them. Though there are several commonalities between most
      formalisms in the literature, each formalism has its own peculiarities.
      OBJECTIVE: The goal of our work is to provide a flexible support to the extension
      or definition of CIGs formalisms, and of their acquisition and execution engines.
      Instead of defining "yet another CIG formalism and its manager", we propose META
      GLARE (META Guideline Acquisition, Representation, and Execution), a "meta"
      system to define new CIG systems. METHOD AND MATERIALS: In this paper, META
      GLARE, a meta-system to define new CIG systems, is presented. We try to capture
      the commonalities among current CIG approaches, by providing (i) a general
      manager for the acquisition, consultation and execution of hierarchical graphs
      (representing the control flow of actions in CIGs), parameterized over the types
      of nodes and of arcs constituting it, and (ii) a library of different elementary
      components of guidelines nodes (actions) and arcs, in which each type definition
      involves the specification of how objects of this type can be acquired, consulted
      and executed. We provide generality and flexibility, by allowing free
      aggregations of such elementary components to define new primitive node and arc
      types. RESULTS: We have drawn several experiments, in which we have used META
      GLARE to build a CIG system (Experiment 1 in Section 8), or to extend it
      (Experiments 2 and 3). Such experiments show that META-GLARE provides a useful
      and easy-to-use support to such tasks. For instance, re-building the Guideline
      Acquisition, Representation, and Execution (GLARE) system using META-GLARE
      required less than one day (Experiment 1). CONCLUSIONS: META-GLARE is a meta
      system for CIGs supporting fast prototyping. Since META-GLARE provides
      acquisition and execution engines that are parametric over the specific CIG
      formalism, it supports easy update and construction of CIG systems.

PMID- 27664507
TI  - Prediction of lung cancer incidence on the low-dose computed tomography arm of
      the National Lung Screening Trial: A dynamic Bayesian network.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Identifying high-risk lung cancer individuals at an early disease
      stage is the most effective way of improving survival. The landmark National Lung
      Screening Trial (NLST) demonstrated the utility of low-dose computed tomography
      (LDCT) imaging to reduce mortality (relative to X-ray screening). As a result of
      the NLST and other studies, imaging-based lung cancer screening programs are now
      being implemented. However, LDCT interpretation results in a high number of false
      positives. A set of dynamic Bayesian networks (DBN) were designed and evaluated
      to provide insight into how longitudinal data can be used to help inform lung
      cancer screening decisions. METHODS: The LDCT arm of the NLST dataset was used to
      build and explore five DBNs for high-risk individuals. Three of these DBNs were
      built using a backward construction process, and two using structure learning
      methods. All models employ demographics, smoking status, cancer history, family
      lung cancer history, exposure risk factors, comorbidities related to lung cancer,
      and LDCT screening outcome information. Given the uncertainty arising from lung
      cancer screening, a cancer state-space model based on lung cancer staging was
      utilized to characterize the cancer status of an individual over time. The models
      were evaluated on balanced training and test sets of cancer and non-cancer cases
      to deal with data imbalance and overfitting. RESULTS: Results were comparable to
      expert decisions. The average area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver
      operating characteristic (ROC) for the three intervention points of the NLST
      trial was higher than 0.75 for all models. Evaluation of the models on the
      complete LDCT arm of the NLST dataset (N=25,486) demonstrated satisfactory
      generalization. Consensus of predictions over similar cases is reported in
      concordance statistics between the models' and the physicians' predictions. The
      models' predictive ability with respect to missing data was also evaluated with
      the sample of cases that missed the second screening exam of the trial (N=417).
      The DBNs outperformed comparison models such as logistic regression and naive
      Bayes. CONCLUSION: The lung cancer screening DBNs demonstrated high
      discrimination and predictive power with the majority of cancer and non-cancer
      cases.

PMID- 27664508
TI  - Efficient processing of multiple nested event pattern queries over multi
      dimensional event streams based on a triaxial hierarchical model.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: For efficient and sophisticated analysis of complex event patterns
      that appear in streams of big data from health care information systems and
      support for decision-making, a triaxial hierarchical model is proposed in this
      paper. METHODS AND MATERIAL: Our triaxial hierarchical model is developed by
      focusing on hierarchies among nested event pattern queries with an event concept
      hierarchy, thereby allowing us to identify the relationships among the
      expressions and sub-expressions of the queries extensively. We devise a cost
      based heuristic by means of the triaxial hierarchical model to find an optimised
      query execution plan in terms of the costs of both the operators and the
      communications between them. According to the triaxial hierarchical model, we can
      also calculate how to reuse the results of the common sub-expressions in multiple
      queries. By integrating the optimised query execution plan with the reuse
      schemes, a multi-query optimisation strategy is developed to accomplish efficient
      processing of multiple nested event pattern queries. RESULTS: We present
      empirical studies in which the performance of multi-query optimisation strategy
      was examined under various stream input rates and workloads. Specifically, the
      workloads of pattern queries can be used for supporting monitoring patients'
      conditions. On the other hand, experiments with varying input rates of streams
      can correspond to changes of the numbers of patients that a system should manage,
      whereas burst input rates can correspond to changes of rushes of patients to be
      taken care of. The experimental results have shown that, in Workload 1, our
      proposal can improve about 4 and 2 times throughput comparing with the relative
      works, respectively; in Workload 2, our proposal can improve about 3 and 2 times
      throughput comparing with the relative works, respectively; in Workload 3, our
      proposal can improve about 6 times throughput comparing with the relative work.
      CONCLUSION: The experimental results demonstrated that our proposal was able to
      process complex queries efficiently which can support health information systems
      and further decision-making.

PMID- 27664509
TI  - A mixed-ensemble model for hospital readmission.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: A hospital readmission is defined as an admission to a hospital within
      a certain time frame, typically thirty days, following a previous discharge,
      either to the same or to a different hospital. Because most patients are not
      readmitted, the readmission classification problem is highly imbalanced.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: We developed a hospital readmission predictive model,
      which enables controlling the tradeoff between reasoning transparency and
      predictive accuracy, by taking into account the unique characteristics of the
      learned database. A boosted C5.0 tree, as the base classifier, was ensembled with
      a support vector machine (SVM), as a secondary classifier. The models were
      induced and validated using anonymized administrative records of 20,321 inpatient
      admissions, of 4840 Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) patients, at the Veterans
      Health Administration (VHA) hospitals in Pittsburgh, from fiscal years (FY) 2006
      through 2014. RESULTS: The SVM predictions are characterized by greater
      sensitivity values (true positive rates) than are the C5.0 predictions, for a
      wider range of cut off values of the ROC curve, depending on a predefined
      confidence threshold for the base C5.0 classifier. The total accuracy for the
      ensemble ranges from 81% to 85%. Different predictors, including comorbidities,
      lab values, and vitals, play different roles in the two models. CONCLUSIONS: The
      mixed-ensemble model enables easy and fast exploratory knowledge discovery of the
      database, and a control of the classification error for positive readmission
      instances. Implementation of this ensembling method for predicting all-cause
      hospital readmissions of CHF patients allows overcoming some of the limitations
      of the classifiers considered individually, and of other traditional ensembling
      methods. It also increases the classification accuracy for positive readmission
      instances, particularly when strong predictors are not available.

PMID- 27664510
TI  - Quality of Life Research: More Than Ever.

PMID- 27664513
TI  - Editorial Comment.

PMID- 27664511
TI  - Symptoms and Signs of Heart Failure at Admission and Discharge and Outcomes in
      the Sub-Saharan Acute Heart Failure (THESUS-HF) Registry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Symptoms and signs of heart failure (HF) are the most common reasons
      for admission to hospital for acute HF (AHF) and are used routinely throughout
      admission to assess the severity of disease and response to therapy. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: The data were collected in The Sub-Saharan Africa Survey on Heart
      Failure (THESUS-HF) study, a prospective, multicenter, observational survey of
      AHF from 9 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. A total of 1006 patients, >=12 years
      of age, hospitalized for AHF were recruited. Symptoms and signs of HF and changes
      in dyspnea and well-being, relative to admission, were assessed at entry and on
      days 1, 2, and 7 (or on discharge if earlier) and included oxygen saturation,
      degree of edema and rales, body weight, and level of orthopnea. The patient
      determined dyspnea and general well-being, whereas the physician determined
      symptoms and signs of HF, as well as improvements in vital sign measurement,
      throughout the admission. After multivariable adjustment, baseline rales and
      changes to day 7 or discharge in general well-being predicted death or HF
      hospitalization through day 60, and baseline orthopnea, edema, rales, oxygen
      saturation, and changes to day 7 or on discharge in respiratory rate and general
      well-being were predictive of death through day 180. CONCLUSIONS: In AHF patients
      in sub-Saharan Africa, symptoms and signs of HF improve throughout admission, and
      simple assessments, including edema, rales, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate,
      and asking the patient about general well-being, are valuable tools in patients'
      clinical assessment.

PMID- 27664512
TI  - Submucosal Tunneling Endoscopic Septum Division: A Novel Technique for Treating
      Zenker's Diverticulum.

PMID- 27664514
TI  - Editorial Comment.

PMID- 27664515
TI  - Zinc availability during germline development impacts embryo viability in
      Caenorhabditis elegans.
AB  - Zinc is an essential metal that serves as a cofactor in a variety of cellular
      processes, including meiotic maturation. Cellular control of zinc uptake,
      availability and efflux is closely linked to meiotic progression in rodent and
      primate reproduction where large fluctuations in zinc levels are critical at
      several steps in the oocyte-to-embryo transition. Despite these well-documented
      roles of zinc fluxes during meiosis, only a few of the genes encoding key zinc
      receptors, membrane-spanning transporters, and downstream signaling pathway
      factors have been identified to date. Furthermore, little is known about
      analogous roles for zinc fluxes in the context of a whole organism. Here, we
      evaluate whether zinc availability regulates germline development and oocyte
      viability in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, an experimentally flexible
      model organism. We find that similar to mammals, mild zinc limitation in C.
      elegans profoundly impacts the reproductive axis: the brood size is significantly
      reduced under conditions of zinc limitation where other physiological functions
      are not perturbed. Zinc limitation in this organism has a more pronounced impact
      on oocytes than sperm and this leads to the decrease in viable embryo production.
      Moreover, acute zinc limitation of isolated zygotes prevents extrusion of the
      second polar body during meiosis and leads to aneuploid embryos. Thus, the zinc
      dependent steps in C. elegans gametogenesis roughly parallel those described in
      meiotic-to-mitotic transitions in mammals.

PMID- 27664516
TI  - Neohesperidin suppresses osteoclast differentiation, bone resorption and
      ovariectomised-induced osteoporosis in mice.
AB  - Excessive bone resorption by osteoclasts plays an important role in osteoporosis.
      Bone loss occurs in ovariectomised (OVX) mice in a similar manner to that in
      humans, so this model is suitable for evaluating potential new therapies for
      osteoporosis. Neohesperidin (NE) is a flavonoid compound isolated from citrus
      fruits. Its role in bone metabolism is unknown. In this study we found that
      neohesperidin inhibits osteoclast differentiation, bone resorption and the
      expression of osteoclast marker genes, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase and
      cathepsin K. In addition, neohesperidin inhibited receptor activator of NF-kappaB
      ligand (RANKL)-induced activation of NF-kappaB, and the degradation of inhibitor
      of kappa B-alpha (IkappaBalpha). Furthermore, neohesperidin inhibited RANKL
      induction of nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) and calcium oscillations.
      In vivo treatment of ovariectomised mice with neohesperidin protected against
      bone loss in mice. The results suggest neohesperidin has anti-osteoclastic
      effects in vitro and in vivo and possesses therapeutic potential as a natural
      anti-catabolic treatment in osteoporosis.

PMID- 27664517
TI  - The metabolic fate and receptor interaction of 16alpha-hydroxyprogesterone and
      its 5alpha-reduced metabolite, 16alpha-hydroxy-dihydroprogesterone.
AB  - 16alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (16OHP4) is not well characterised in terms of
      metabolism and receptor interaction. We therefore investigated its metabolism by
      adrenal CYP11B and peripheral steroidogenic enzymes, SRD5A and AKR1C2. UHPLC
      MS/MS analyses identified novel steroids: the biosynthesis of 4-pregnen
      11beta,16alpha-diol-3,20-dione catalysed by CYP11B2; the 5alpha-reduction of the
      latter and 16OHP4 catalysed by SRD5A yielding 5alpha-pregnan-11beta,16alpha-diol
      3,20-diovne and 5alpha-pregnan-16alpha-ol-3,20-dione (16OH-DHP4); and 16OH-DHP4
      converted by AKR1C2 to 5alpha-pregnan-3alpha,16alpha-diol-20-one. Receptor
      studies showed 16OHP4, 16OH-DHP4, progesterone and dihydroprogesterone (DHP4)
      were weak partial AR agonists; 16OHP4, 16OH-DHP4 and DHP4 exhibited weak partial
      agonist activity towards PR-B with DHP4 also exhibiting partial agonist activity
      towards PR-A. Data showed that while the 5alpha-reduction of P4 decreased PR
      activation significantly, 16OHP4 and 16OH-DHP4 exhibited comparable receptor
      activation. Although the clinical relevance of 16OHP4 remains unclear the
      elevated 16OHP4 levels characteristic of 21OHD, CAH, PCOS, prostate cancer,
      testicular feminization syndrome and cryptorchidism likely contribute towards
      these clinical conditions, inducing receptor-activated target genes.

PMID- 27664518
TI  - The role of AMH and its receptor SNP in the pathogenesis of PCOS.
AB  - The etiology of polycystic ovaries syndrome (PCOS) is unknown. Studies probing
      the role of genetic variants of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and its type II
      receptor (AMHR2) in the pathogenesis of PCOS have yielded inconsistent results.
      Thus, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the role of
      genetic variants of AMH/AMHR2 in the pathogenesis of PCOS. A systematic search of
      electronic databases was performed. Statistical analysis was performed using the
      Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (Version 3). Pooled Odds Ratios (OR) (95%
      confidence intervals) were determined to assess the association between genetic
      variants of AMH/AMHR2 and PCOS. Five studies, involving a total of 2042 PCOS
      cases and 1071 controls, were included in the meta-analysis. Single nucleotide
      polymorphisms of AMH and AMHR2 did not appear to confer a heightened risk for
      PCOS (OR: 0.954, 95% CI: 0.848-1.073; P = 0.435; and OR: 1.074, 95% CI: 0.875
      1.318; P = 0.494, respectively). In this study, genetic variants of AMH or AMHR2
      were not found to be associated with a higher risk for PCOS.

PMID- 27664519
TI  - NADPH oxidase-2 does not contribute to beta-cell glucotoxicity in cultured
      pancreatic islets from C57BL/6J mice.
AB  - High glucose-induced oxidative stress and increased NADPH oxidase-2 (NOX2)
      activity may contribute to the progressive decline of the functional beta-cell
      mass in type 2 diabetes. To test that hypothesis, we characterized, in islets
      from male NOX2 knockout (NOX2-KO) and wild-type (WT) C57BL/6J mice cultured for
      up to 3 weeks at 10 or 30 mmol/l glucose (G10 or G30), the in vitro effects of
      glucose on cytosolic oxidative stress using probes sensing glutathione oxidation
      (GRX1-roGFP2), thiol oxidation (roGFP1) or H2O2 (roGFP2-Orp1), on beta-cell
      stimulus-secretion coupling events and on beta-cell apoptosis. After 1-2 days of
      culture in G10, the glucose stimulation of insulin secretion (GSIS) was ~1.7-fold
      higher in NOX2-KO vs. WT islets at 20-30 mmol/l glucose despite similar rises in
      NAD(P)H and intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) and no differences in
      cytosolic GRX1-roGFP2 oxidation. After long-term culture at G10, roGFP1 and
      roGFP2-Orp1 oxidation and beta-cell apoptosis remained low, and the glucose
      induced rises in NAD(P)H, [Ca2+]i and GSIS were similarly preserved in both islet
      types. After prolonged culture at G30, roGFP1 and roGFP2-Orp1 oxidation increased
      in parallel with beta-cell apoptosis, the glucose sensitivity of the NADPH,
      [Ca2+]i and insulin secretion responses increased, the maximal [Ca2+]i response
      decreased, but maximal GSIS was preserved. These responses were almost identical
      in both islet types. In conclusion, NOX2 is a negative regulator of maximal GSIS
      in C57BL/6J mouse islets, but it does not detectably contribute to the in vitro
      glucotoxic induction of cytosolic oxidative stress and alterations of beta-cell
      survival and function.

PMID- 27664520
TI  - Degradation of ciprofloxacin by 280 nm ultraviolet-activated persulfate:
      Degradation pathway and intermediate impact on proteome of Escherichia coli.
AB  - In this study, the degradation of ciprofloxacin (CIP) was explored using
      ultraviolet activated persulfate (UV/PS) with 280 nm ultraviolet light-emitting
      diodes (UV-LEDs), and the toxicological assessment of degrading intermediates was
      performed using iTRAQ labeling quantitative proteomic technology. The
      quantitative mass spectrum results showed that 280 nm UV/PS treatment had a high
      transformation efficiency of CIP ([CIP] = 3 MUM, [S2O82-] = 210 MUM, apparent
      rate constants 0.2413 min-1). The high resolution mass spectrum analyses
      demonstrated that the primary intermediates included C15H16FN3O3 (m/z 306.1248)
      and C17H18FN3O4 (m/z 348.1354). The former one was formed by the cleavage of
      piperazine ring, while the later one was generated by the addition of a hydroxyl
      on the quinolone backbone. The toxicological assessment demonstrated that 56 and
      110 proteins had significant up regulations and down regulations, respectively,
      in the Escherichia coli exposed to degraded CIP compared to untreated CIP. The
      majority of up-regulated proteins, such as GapA, SodC, were associated with
      primary metabolic process rather than responses to stress and toxic substance,
      inferring that the moderate UV/PS treatment can reduce the antibacterial activity
      of CIP by incomplete mineralization. Consequently, these results provided a novel
      insight into the application of UV-LED/PS treatment as a promising removal
      methodology for quinolones.

PMID- 27664521
TI  - Weather dependent dynamics of the herbicides florasulam, carfentrazone-ethyl,
      fluroxypyr-meptyl and fluroxypyr in wheat fields through field studies and
      computational simulation.
AB  - A dynamic model of dynamiCROP was applied to study environmental fate and
      behavior of four herbicides in wheat including florasulam, carfentrazone-ethyl,
      fluroxypyr-meptyl, and fluroxypyr. Meantime, their residue in wheat and
      dissipation half-lives in plant determined by field trials using QuEChERS liquid
      chromatography tandem mass spectrometry were used to verify modelling results.
      The combination of experimental verification and modelling prediction deciphered
      the fate of four pesticides in wheat field ecosystem. Besides, temperature
      difference of 3  degrees C only resulted in lower than 15% half-life difference.
      By quantifying the contribution of temperature, the predominant role of rain on
      pesticide dissipation was highlighted for the first time, namely higher
      precipitation leaded to faster degradation and vice versa.

PMID- 27664522
TI  - Characteristics of water and ion exchange of Elodea nuttallii cells at high
      concentrations of lanthanides.
AB  - Changes of diffusive permeability of membranes of Elodea nuttallii cells
      following a short-term (60 min) treatment with high concentrations of lanthanides
      were recorded by the 1H NMR-diffusometry and conductometry methods. The 1-h
      infiltration of segments of Elodea nuttallii internodes in 10 mM solutions of
      nitrates of La, Nd and Lu resulted in the increased leakage of electrolytes from
      cells, but has no effect on a water diffusive permeability of membranes. In
      samples subjected to a 30 min pretreatment with a water channel inhibitor HgCl2
      the water diffusive permeability of membranes (Pd) drops down under the influence
      of lanthanides, as well as an outcome of electrolytes. To explain the observed
      effects the change of spontaneous curvature of membrane lipid layer has been
      taken into consideration. The interaction of lanthanides with lipids of
      plasmalemma leads to the negative spontaneous curvature of lipid layer at which
      membrane channels are unclosed. Blocking of the ionic and water channels by
      mercury ions compensate the effect of change of spontaneous curvature of lipid
      layer.

PMID- 27664523
TI  - Post-deposition early-phase migration and retention behavior of radiocesium in a
      litter-mineral soil system in a Japanese deciduous forest affected by the
      Fukushima nuclear accident.
AB  - The fate of radiocesium (137Cs) derived from the Fukushima nuclear accident and
      associated radiation risks are largely dependent on its migration and retention
      behavior in the litter-soil system of Japanese forest ecosystems. However, this
      behavior has not been well quantified. We established field lysimeters in a
      Japanese deciduous broad-leaved forest soon after the Fukushima nuclear accident
      to continuously monitor the downward transfer of 137Cs at three depths: the
      litter-mineral soil boundary and depths of 5 cm and 10 cm in the mineral soil.
      Observations were conducted at two sites within the forest from May 2011 to May
      2015. Results revealed similar temporal and depth-wise variations in 137Cs
      downward fluxes for both sites. The 137Cs downward fluxes generally decreased
      year by year at all depths, indicating that 137Cs was rapidly leached from the
      forest-floor litter layer and was then immobilized in the upper (0-5 cm) mineral
      soil layer through its interaction with clay minerals. The 137Cs fluxes also
      showed seasonal variation, which was in accordance with variations in the
      throughfall and soil temperature at the sites. There was no detectable 137Cs flux
      at a depth of 10 cm in the mineral soil in the third and fourth years after the
      accident. The decreased inventory of mobile (or bioavailable) 137Cs observed
      during early stages after deposition indicates that the litter-soil system in the
      Japanese deciduous forest provides only a temporary source for 137Cs recycling in
      plants.

PMID- 27664524
TI  - Assessment of the mutagenic, recombinogenic and carcinogenic potential of
      fipronil insecticide in somatic cells of Drosophila melanogaster.
AB  - Fipronil (FP) is an insecticide that belongs to the phenylpyrazole chemical
      family and is used to control pests by blocking GABA receptor at the entrance
      channel of the chlorine neurons. The aim of this study was to evaluate the
      mutagenic, recombinogenic and carcinogenic potential of FP. The mutagenic and
      recombinogenic effects were evaluated using the somatic mutation and
      recombination test (SMART) on wing cells of Drosophila melanogaster. Third instar
      larvae from standard (ST) and high bioactivation (HB) crosses were treated with
      different concentrations of FP (0.3, 0.7, 1.5 or 3.0 * 10-5 mM). The results
      showed mutagenic effects at all concentrations tested in the HB cross; and all
      concentrations tested in the ST cross, except at concentration of 0.7 * 10-5 mM.
      The carcinogenic effect of FP was assayed through the test for detection of
      epithelial tumor (warts) in D. melanogaster. Third instar larvae from wts/TM3
      virgin females mated to mwh/mwh males were treated with different concentrations
      of FP (0.3, 0.7, 1.5 or 3.0 * 10-5 mM). All these concentrations induced a
      statistically significant increase in tumor frequency. In conclusion, FP proved
      to be mutagenic, recombinogenic and carcinogenic in somatic cells of D.
      melanogaster.

PMID- 27664525
TI  - One-pot hydrothermal synthesis of Zinc ferrite/reduced graphene oxide as an
      efficient electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction.
AB  - Fabrication of low-cost and efficient electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction
      reaction (ORR) is highly desirable. Herein, Zinc ferrite/reduced graphene oxide
      (ZnFe2O4/rGO) is prepared by a quite simple and environmentally benign approach
      and applied as a high performance ORR electrocatalyst for the first time. The
      surface morphology and chemical composition of ZnFe2O4/rGO are characterized by
      scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray
      diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and
      Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Cyclic voltammetry, linear sweep
      voltammetry and chronoamperometry are used to evaluate the electrochemical
      activities and stabilities of ZnFe2O4/rGO catalysts in alkaline media. Among
      ZnFe2O4/rGO with different mass ratios, the catalyst with 69.8wt% ZnFe2O4 (called
      ZnFe2O4/rGO (3)) has the best catalytic activities and it shows much superior
      methanol tolerance and better durability than the commercial Pt/C catalyst. Due
      to the synergistic effect, the ZnFe2O4/rGO (3) nanohybrid exhibits high ORR
      catalytic performance and durability, which follows a desirable four electron
      transfer mechanism in alkaline media. Therefore, it may be a highly competitive
      catalyst for fuel cells and metal-air batteries.

PMID- 27664526
TI  - Thermo-responsive triblock copolymer phase transition behaviour in imidazolium
      based ionic liquids: Role of the effect of alkyl chain length of cations.
AB  - Different biophysical techniques such as fluorescence spectroscopy, dynamic light
      scattering (DLS), viscosity (eta) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR)
      spectroscopy have been carried out to characterize the effect of imidazolium
      based ionic liquids (ILs) on the thermo-responsive triblock copolymer,
      poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(propylene glycol)-block-poly-(ethylene glycol)
      (PEG-PPG-PEG). In addition, to demonstrate the distinct morphological changes of
      various self-assembled morphologies, we further employed field emission scanning
      electron microscope (FESEM). To investigate the effect of alkyl chain length of
      the cation, concentration of the ILs and the related Hofmeister series on the
      phase behaviour of PEG-PPG-PEG, we used a series of ILs possessing same Cl- anion
      and a set of cation [Cnmim]+ with increasing alkyl chain length of cation such as
      1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Emim][Cl]), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium
      chloride ([Bmim][Cl]), 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Hmim][Cl]) and 1
      decyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Dmim][Cl]). The critical micellization
      temperature (CMT) of the copolymer in the presence of well hydrated cations is
      directly correlated to their hydration. The overall specific ranking of ILs in
      decreasing the CMT of PEG-PPG-PEG in aqueous solution was
      [Emim][Cl]>[Bmim][Cl]>[Hmim][Cl]>[Dmim][Cl]. The trend of these ILs followed the
      well-known Hofmeister series of cations of ILs. The present study provides
      important information about the solution properties that can be helpful to tune
      the IL or temperature-sensitive copolymer CMT and micelle shapes which are
      crucial for understanding the drug delivery mechanisms.

PMID- 27664527
TI  - Enhanced adsorption of the cationic dyes in the spherical CuO/meso-silica nano
      composite and impact of solution chemistry.
AB  - In this study, the spherical mesoporous silica (meso-silica MCM-41) and that
      inorganically modified with CuO (CuO/MCM-41 nano composite) were synthesized and
      characterized. It was demonstrated that CuO were successfully loaded in the
      synthesized nano composite CuO/MCM-41. Importantly, the loaded CuO had a
      significant enhancement effect on the adsorption of Crystal violet and Methylene
      blue. Adsorption kinetic of the tested cationic dyes in the synthesized materials
      fitted the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Weber's intra-particle diffusion
      model well. According to the Langmuir isotherm model, the maximum adsorption
      capacities (Qmax) of the CuO/MCM-41 towards Crystal violet and Methylene blue
      increased to 52.9 and 87.8mg/g, while those of the pure MCM-41 were 46.2 and
      65.7mg/g, respectively. Due to the surface charge of CuO and the protonation of
      the dye molecules, the electrostatic forces between the loaded CuO and the
      organic cationic dyes contributed to the enhancement effect. Additionally, the
      presented results indicated that the adsorption of the cationic dyes in the
      CuO/MCM-41 depended on pH and ion strength of the solution but insignificantly on
      the coexisted humic acid due to the mesoporous character of CuO/MCM-41 nano
      composite.

PMID- 27664528
TI  - Phosphate uptake studies of cross-linked chitosan bead materials.
AB  - A systematic experimental study is reported that provides a molecular based
      understanding of cross-linked chitosan beads and their adsorption properties in
      aqueous solution containing phosphate dianion (HPO42-) species. Synthetically
      modified chitosan using epichlorohydrin and glutaraldehyde cross-linkers result
      in surface modified beads with variable hydrophile-lipophile character and
      tunable HPO42- uptake properties. The kinetic and thermodynamic adsorption
      properties of cross-linked chitosan beads with HPO42- species were studied in
      aqueous solution. Complementary structure and physicochemical characterization of
      chitosan beads via potentiometry, Raman spectroscopy, DSC, and dye adsorption
      measurements was carried out to establish structure-property relationships. The
      maximum uptake (Qm) of bead systems with HPO42- at equilibrium was 52.1mgg-1;
      whereas, kinetic uptake results for chitosan bead/phosphate systems are
      relatively rapid (0.111-0.113min-1) with an intraparticle diffusion rate-limiting
      step. The adsorption process follows a multi-step pathway involving inner- and
      outer-sphere complexes with significant changes in hydration. Phosphate uptake
      strongly depends on the composition and type of cross-linker used for preparation
      of chitosan beads. The adsorption isotherms and structural characterization of
      bead systems illustrate the role of surface charge, hydrophile-lipophile balance,
      adsorption site accessibility, and hydration properties of the chitosan bead
      surface.

PMID- 27664529
TI  - Smart magnetic ionic liquid-based Pickering emulsions stabilized by amphiphilic
      Fe3O4 nanoparticles: Highly efficient extraction systems for water purification.
AB  - This study presents the general method to formulate magnetically responsive ionic
      liquid (IL)-based Pickering emulsions that are stabilized by amphiphilic Fe3O4
      nanoparticles. The magnetic nanoparticle stabilizer (MN-CHOL) was synthesized
      using the surface-initiated ATRP method with further modification that uses a
      specially designed cholesteryl derivative, and characterized by FT-IR, XPS, TGA,
      and magnetization measurements. It is confirmed that the resulting MN-CHOL shows
      a stronger interfacial activity, efficiently emulsifying C4mim [PF6] and water,
      and resultantly forming stable Pickering emulsions without the help of any co
      surfactant. Due to its super paramagnetism and high saturation magnetization, MN
      CHOL attached on the IL interface enables droplets of IL to be moved very
      conveniently on their target for as many times by an external magnetic field
      without demulsification, indicating high controllability and excellent stability.
      The resulting Pickering emulsion is a good extraction system that efficiently
      separates chlorobenzene, phenol, and methyl orange from aqueous solution.
      Subsequently, the simple magnetic separation was applied, to produce purified
      water due as a result of the rapid removal of organic pollutants from
      contaminated water.

PMID- 27664530
TI  - Emotional and behavioral difficulties in children growing up homeless in Paris.
      Results of the ENFAMS survey.
AB  - PURPOSE: Children growing up in homeless families are disproportionately more
      likely to experience health and psychological problems. Our objective was to
      describe social, environmental, individual and family characteristics associated
      with emotional and behavioral difficulties among homeless children living in the
      Paris region. METHODS: Face-to-face interviews with a representative sample of
      homeless families were conducted by bilingual psychologists and interviewers
      between January and May 2013 (n=343 children ages 4-13 years). Mothers reported
      children's emotional and behavioral difficulties (Strength and Difficulties
      Questionnaire [SDQ]), family socio-demographic characteristics, residential
      mobility, and parents' and children's physical and mental health. Children were
      interviewed regarding their perception of their living arrangements, friendships
      and school experiences. We studied children's SDQ total score in a linear
      regression framework. RESULTS: Homeless children had higher SDQ total scores than
      children in the general population of France, (mean total score=11.3 vs 8.9,
      P<0,001). In multivariate analyses, children's difficulties were associated with
      parents' region of birth (beta=1.74 for Sub-Saharan Africa, beta=0.60 for Eastern
      Europe, beta=3.22 for other countries, P=0.020), residential mobility (beta=0.22,
      P=0.012), children's health (beta=3.49, P<0.001) and overweight (beta=2.14,
      P=0.007), the child's sleeping habits (beta=2.82, P=0.002), the mother's suicide
      risk (beta=4.13, P<0.001), the child's dislike of the family's accommodation
      (beta=3.59, P<0.001) and the child's experience of bullying (beta=3.21, P=0.002).
      CONCLUSIONS: Children growing up homeless experience high levels of psychological
      difficulties which can put them at risk for poor mental health and educational
      outcomes long-term. Access to appropriate screening and medical care for this
      vulnerable yet underserved group are greatly needed.

PMID- 27664531
TI  - Brief self-compassion meditation training for body image distress in young adult
      women.
AB  - Self-compassion interventions may be uniquely suited to address body image
      distress (BID), as change-based strategies may have limited utility in a cultural
      context that so highly values appearance. The current study evaluated a version
      of an Internet-based self-compassion training, which had previously shown
      promising results, but was limited by high attrition. The intervention period was
      reduced from three weeks to one week in the present study to improve retention.
      Eighty undergraduate women endorsing body image concerns were randomized to
      either self-compassion meditation training or a waitlist control group. Results
      suggest that brief exposure to the basic tenets of self-compassion holds promise
      for improving aspects of self-compassion and BID. Attrition was minimal, but
      compliance with meditation practice instructions during the week was low. Efforts
      are needed to improve engagement, but this approach has the potential to be an
      acceptable and cost effective method to reduce BID.

PMID- 27664532
TI  - Altered exposure-related reshaping of body appreciation in adolescent patients
      with anorexia nervosa.
AB  - Several studies suggest a relation between repeated exposure to extremely thin
      bodies in media and the perceptual and emotional disturbances of body
      representation in anorexia nervosa (AN). In this study, we utilized an exposure
      paradigm to investigate how perceptual experience modulates body appreciation in
      adolescents with AN as compared to healthy adolescents. Twenty AN patients and 20
      healthy controls were exposed to pictures of thin or round models and were then
      required to express liking judgments about bodies of variable weight. Brief
      exposure to round models increased the liking judgments of round bodies but not
      those of thin bodies in healthy adolescents. Furthermore, exposure to round
      models increased the liking judgments of both thin and round bodies in
      adolescents with AN. Patients did not show any change of liking judgments after
      exposure to thin models. These results point to weak norm-based reshaping of body
      appreciation in AN patients.

PMID- 27664533
TI  - Responses to Crizotinib Can Occur in High-Level MET-Amplified Non-Small Cell Lung
      Cancer Independent of MET Exon 14 Alterations.
AB  - Activation of the MET proto-oncogene (MET) highly sensitive to MET inhibition has
      recently been described in NSCLC through two mechanisms: high-level amplification
      of the MNNG HOS Transforming gene (MET) (usually expressed relative to the
      chromosome 7 centromere [CEP7] when using fluorescence in situ hybridization) and
      exon 14 alterations. As partial overlap of these biomarkers occurs, whether one
      is purely a surrogate for the other or both can represent true oncogenic driver
      states continues to be explored. Cases of MET inhibitor-sensitive NSCLC harboring
      exon 14 alterations without coincident amplification have already been described.
      Here we report two cases of MET inhibitor-sensitive NSCLC harboring high-level
      MET amplification (MET/CEP7 ratio >=5) without coincident exon 14 alterations,
      suggesting that these two methods of MET activation can produce independent MET
      addicted states in NSCLC. Molecular profiling designed to capture all cases of
      potentially MET-addicted NSCLC should address both activation mechanisms.

PMID- 27664534
TI  - A Harmonization Study for the Use of 22C3 PD-L1 Immunohistochemical Staining on
      Ventana's Platform.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Immunotherapy is a novel treatment for lung cancer. Pembrolizumab
      (Merck Sharp and Dohme, Kenilworth, NJ) is a monoclonal antibody against
      programmed cell death 1 that has been approved for use with NSCLC together with a
      companion diagnostic by Dako (Carpinteria, CA). Ventana's BenchMark XT (Ventana
      Medical Systems, Tucson, AZ) is a widely used immunohistochemical (IHC) platform.
      However, data on its reliability and reproducibility with the 22C3 antibody are
      scant. METHODS: We performed a comprehensive calibration of 22C3 programmed cell
      death ligand 1 (PD-L1) staining on the BenchMark XT platform using Dako's
      prediluted 22C3 anti-PD-L1 primary antibody with two of Ventana's detection
      systems. Forty-one random cases of NSCLC were then independently evaluated by two
      pathologists. Each case was scored using Dako- or Ventana-stained slides. The
      scores obtained with the two 22C3 Ventana assays were compared with those
      obtained using the Dako 22C3 IHC platform. RESULTS: The Dako IHC platform
      stratified eight, seven, and 26 cases as being strongly positive, weakly
      positive, and negative for PD-L1, respectively, whereas 36 of 41 cases (87.8%)
      had the same results with Ventana's UltraView 22C3 protocol (Pearson's
      correlation score 0.91, p < 0.0001). Moreover, 35 of 41 cases (85.3%) had the
      same results with Ventana's OptiView 22C3 protocol (Pearson's correlation score
      0.89, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrate that the
      same PD-L1 IHC algorithm can be reliably applied to Ventana's BenchMark XT
      platform. Furthermore, we were able to detect all of the strongly positive cases
      with high interobserver and intraobserver agreement by using the Ventana
      platform. These findings suggest that the Ventana platform can be used to
      stratify patients for pembrolizumab-based immunotherapy.

PMID- 27664535
TI  - Treatment of multiple myeloma with monoclonal antibodies and the dilemma of false
      positive M-spikes in peripheral blood.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To characterize the effect of three humanized IgG kappa monoclonal
      antibodies (daratumumab, isatuximab, and elotuzumab) on the interpretation of
      results generated by protein electrophoresis, immunofixation, free light chain,
      and heavy/light chain assays performed on human serum. METHODS: Healthy volunteer
      serum and serum from multiple myeloma patients were supplemented with clinically
      relevant concentrations of each of the three monoclonal antibodies. These
      specimens then underwent analysis via serum protein electrophoresis,
      immunofixation, serum free light chain quantification, heavy/light chain
      quantification, total IgG, and total protein. In addition, serum specimens from
      patients who had undergone treatment with elotuzumab for multiple myeloma
      underwent similar analysis. RESULTS: Addition of the study drugs to serum from
      both the healthy donor as well as multiple myeloma patients resulted in a visible
      and quantifiable M-protein on SPEP and a visible IgGkappa band by IFE. Increases
      were also noted in total IgG, IgGkappa, and IgGkappa/IgGlambda-ratios. Analysis
      of serum from multiple myeloma patients receiving study drug showed similar
      findings with an additional IgGkappa band and quantifiable M-protein with similar
      migration patterns in specimens drawn after administration. CONCLUSION: The
      treatment of multiple myeloma patients with monoclonal antibodies results in a
      visible and quantifiable M-protein that has the potential to falsely indicate
      poor response to therapy.

PMID- 27664536
TI  - DICER1 hotspot mutations in ovarian Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors: a potential
      association with androgenic effects.
AB  - Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors (SLCTs) are representative of androgenic ovarian
      tumors, and they show diverse histologic differentiation, including heterologous
      differentiation. Genetically, SLCTs are characterized by the presence of DICER1
      mutations. In the present study, we analyzed the correlation between somatic
      DICER1 hotspot mutations and clinicopathological features in 10 ovarian SLCTs.
      Six of the 10 (60%) SLCTs harbored a DICER1 hotspot mutation. Five of the 6
      DICER1-mutated SLCT patients showed androgenic manifestations, including
      amenorrhea and hirsutism, and 4 of the 6 were associated with the significant
      elevation of serum testosterone. In contrast, none of the 4 DICER1 wild-type SLCT
      patients showed virilization. The patient age at diagnosis was lower in those
      with DICER1-mutated SLCTs (average, 24.7; range, 17-43) than in those with DICER1
      wild-type tumors (average, 64.8; range, 47-77). Histologically, heterologous
      differentiation was found in 4 SLCTs, all of which were DICER1 mutant.
      Heterologous components included gastrointestinal-type mucinous epithelium (n=3),
      carcinoid (n=1), and rhabdomyosarcoma (n=1). In the latter, the
      rhabdomyosarcomatous component was dominant to the SLCT component. In summary,
      DICER1 hotspot mutations are closely associated with androgenic effects in
      ovarian SLCTs. It is suggested that DICER1 mutations are involved in the
      dysregulation of sex hormone synthesis in SLCT patients. Somatic DICER1 hotspot
      mutations are more common in SLCT patients during the reproductive years than in
      those during the postreproductive years. DICER1 hotspot mutations may support the
      pathological diagnosis of SLCTs in cases wherein the heterologous component
      overwhelms and masks the SLCT component.

PMID- 27664538
TI  - Residential proximity to urban centres, local-area walkability and change in
      waist circumference among Australian adults.
AB  - Consistent associations have been observed between macro-level urban sprawl and
      overweight/obesity, but whether residential proximity to urban centres predicts
      adiposity change over time has not been established. Further, studies of local
      area walkability and overweight/obesity have generated mixed results. This study
      examined 4-year change in adults' waist circumference in relation to proximity to
      city centre, proximity to closest suburban centre, and local-area walkability.
      Data were from adult participants (n=2080) of a cohort study on chronic
      conditions and health risk factors in Adelaide, Australia. Baseline data were
      collected in 2000-03 with a follow-up in 2005-06. Multilevel regression models
      examined in 2015 the independent and joint associations of the three
      environmental measures with change in waist circumference, accounting for socio
      demographic covariates. On average, waist circumference rose by 1.8cm over
      approximately 4years. Greater distance to city centre was associated with a
      greater increase in waist circumference. Participants living in distal areas
      (20km or further from city centre) had a greater increase in waist circumference
      (mean increase: 2.4cm) compared to those in proximal areas (9km or less, mean
      increase: 1.2cm). Counterintuitively, living in the vicinity of a suburban centre
      was associated with a greater increase in adiposity. Local-area walkability was
      not significantly associated with the outcome. Residential proximity to city
      centre appears to be protective against excessive increases in waist
      circumference. Controlled development and targeted interventions in the urban
      fringe may be needed to tackle obesity. Additional research needs to assess
      behaviours that mediate relationships between sprawl and obesity.

PMID- 27664539
TI  - News media coverage of U.S. Ebola policies: Implications for communication during
      future infectious disease threats.
AB  - The Ebola outbreak of 2014-2015 raised concerns about the disease's potential
      spread in the U.S. and received significant news media coverage. Prior research
      has shown that news media coverage of policy options can influence public opinion
      regarding those policies, as well as public attitudes toward the broader social
      issues and target populations addressed by such policies. To assess news media
      coverage of Ebola policies, the content of U.S.-focused news stories (n=1262)
      published between July 1 and November 30, 2014 from 12 news sources was analyzed
      for 13 policy-related messages. Eight-two percent of news stories mentioned one
      or more policy-related messages. The most frequently appearing policy-related
      messages overall were those about isolation (47%) and quarantine (40%). The least
      frequently mentioned policy-related message described dividing potentially
      exposed persons into distinct groups based on their level of Ebola risk in order
      to set different levels of restrictions (5%). Message frequency differed
      depending on whether news sources were located in an area that experienced an
      Ebola case or controversy, by news sources' political ideological perspective,
      and by type of news source (print and television). All policy-related messages
      showed significant increases in frequency after the first case of Ebola was
      diagnosed in the U.S. on September 30, 2014, with the exception of messages
      related to isolation, which showed a significant decrease. Results offer insight
      into how the news media covers policies to manage emerging disease threats.

PMID- 27664540
TI  - Molecular cloning and characterization of unfolded protein response genes from
      large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) and their expression in response to
      dietary fatty acids.
AB  - The unfolded protein response (UPR) is a mechanism to cope with perturbed
      endoplasmic reticulum (ER) functions or accumulation of unfolded protein in the
      ER in eukaryotic cells. Furthermore, the UPR also participates in a number of
      physiological and pathological processes, such as nutrient sensing, lipid
      synthesis, and inflammatory response. In this study, four UPR-related genes
      (GRP78/BiP, ATF6alpha, XBP1 and CHO) were isolated characterized from large
      yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea), and their expression in response to dietary
      lipid sources (various fatty acids) such as fish oil (FO), palmic acid (PA),
      olive oil (OO), sunflower oil (SO), and perilla oil (PO), were examined following
      feeding. The results showed that the four UPR-related proteins contained highly
      conserved functional domains and had the closest phylogenetic relationships with
      other fishes. Additionally, these genes were ubiquitously expressed in large
      yellow croaker, as in zebrafish and medaka. Moreover, GRP78, ATF6alpha and
      spliced XBP1 (XBP1s) mRNA levels in the liver, not in adipose tissue, were
      significantly increased in the SO group compared to the other groups (P<0.05).
      These results indicated that dietary SO activated UPR, and the activation of UPR
      might provide a mechanism to improve ER function, but probably stimulated lipid
      synthesis and caused inflammatory response in the liver of large yellow croaker.

PMID- 27664537
TI  - Targeted next-generation sequencing of CIC-DUX4 soft tissue sarcomas demonstrates
      low mutational burden and recurrent chromosome 1p loss.
AB  - Gene fusions between CIC and DUX4 define a rare class of soft tissue sarcomas
      poorly understood at the molecular level. Previous karyotyping and fluorescence
      in situ hybridization studies support chromosome 8 trisomy as a recurrent
      alteration; however, other driving alterations are largely unknown. Thus, we
      analyzed 11 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded CIC-DUX4 sarcoma tissue samples
      (including 3 sample pairs) using targeted Ion Torrent-based multiplexed
      polymerase chain reaction next-generation sequencing to characterize potential
      somatic driver alterations in 409 genes. Although we did not identify recurrent
      somatic mutations (point mutations or insertions/deletions), copy number analysis
      showed recurrent, broad copy number alterations, including gain of chromosome 8
      and loss of 1p. In one sample pair (untreated primary and local recurrence
      resections), we identified similar copy number profiles and a somatic ARID1A
      R963X nonsense mutation exclusively in the local recurrence sample. In another
      sample pair (pre- and post-radiation treatment specimens), we observed single
      copy loss of chromosome 7q exclusively in the posttreatment recurrence sample,
      supporting it as an acquired event after radiation treatment. In the last sample
      pair (near-concurrent, postchemotherapy primary and distant metastasis),
      molecular profiles were highly concordant, consistent with limited intertumoral
      heterogeneity. In summary, next-generation sequencing identified limited somatic
      driver mutations in CIC-DUX4 sarcomas. However, we identified novel, recurrent
      copy number alterations, including chromosome 1p, which is also the locus of
      ARID1A. Additional functional work and assessment of larger cohorts are needed to
      determine the biological and clinical significance of the alterations identified
      herein.

PMID- 27664542
TI  - Effect of chloride on the formation of volatile disinfection byproducts in
      chlorinated swimming pools.
AB  - Chloride can accumulate in chlorinated swimming pool water. Although substantial
      efforts have been made to examine the effects of halide ions on the formation of
      volatile disinfection byproducts (DBPs), most have focused on bromide. The
      effects of chloride ion concentration on the formation of volatile DBPs in
      swimming pools remain largely unstudied. In this study, chlorination of typical
      precursors and body fluid analogue (BFA) were investigated with variable chloride
      concentration and pH. The formation of three volatile DBPs (NCl3, CHCl3 and
      CNCHCl2) was observed to be linearly correlated with chloride concentration, both
      in bench experiments and in actual swimming pool water samples. Free chlorine
      consumption was also observed to increase with chloride concentration. These
      behaviors appear to be attributable to shifts in speciation of free chlorine,
      with higher chloride resulting in higher concentration of molecular chlorine
      (Cl2), which is much more reactive than HOCl. The results of this work suggest
      that changes in pool management strategies to promote low chloride concentration
      could be important for control of volatile DBPs in pools and to economize free
      chlorine usage.

PMID- 27664541
TI  - Mechanically enhanced PES electrospun nanofiber membranes (ENMs) for
      microfiltration: The effects of ENM properties on membrane performance.
AB  - The application of electrospun nanofiber membranes (ENMs) as microfilters for the
      process of water purification requires the substrate to possess suitable
      strength, permeability, and a smooth surface. Therefore, the fiber homogeneity,
      inter-fiber adhesion, and surface roughness of the ENMs must be carefully
      controlled. Concurrently, an understanding of the ENMs' rejection mechanism for
      contaminants is necessary for the effective application of ENMs. In this study,
      we demonstrate the fabrication of polyethersulfone (PES) ENMs, which are useful
      for water purification as water treatment membranes. An optimum fabrication
      condition that can significantly improve the mechanical property and surface
      roughness of the PES membrane is also illustrated. This technique induces the
      solvent remaining on the fiber's surface after the electrospinning process, and
      the mechanical properties and surface roughness of the membrane are improved by
      the solvent-induced fusion of the fiber. The fabricated PES ENMs also show higher
      clean water productivity. Additionally, we show that a particulate contaminant in
      water is mainly rejected on the ENM surface by using a water filtration test.
      Based on our conclusions, we suggest the appropriate ENM regeneration method and
      confirm that the fabricated ENMs show excellent regeneration ability.

PMID- 27664544
TI  - The weak fundamental NH-stretching transition in amines.
AB  - Absolute intensities of NH-stretching fundamental and overtone transitions of gas
      phase aniline, methylamine, ethylamine, cyclopropylamine, methylethylamine,
      diethylamine and pyrrolidine have been measured with long path length
      conventional absorption spectroscopy. To support the assignments of NH-stretching
      transitions, transition frequencies and intensities were calculated with the
      local mode model using ab initio calculated local mode parameters and dipole
      moment functions obtained at the CCSD(T)-F12a/VDZ-F12 level of theory. For
      aniline, the absolute intensities of the NH-stretching transitions show the
      typical decrease of approximately an order of magnitude for each successive
      vibrational excitation. For methylamine, ethylamine, cyclopropylamine,
      methylethylamine, diethylamine and pyrrolidine, the observed absolute intensities
      of the fundamental NH-stretching transition is weak and of similar strength or
      even weaker than the corresponding first overtone transition. Characteristic for
      the amines with a normal fundamental intensity is a conjugated double bond next
      to the amine group.

PMID- 27664543
TI  - Beyond feast and famine: Selecting a PHA accumulating photosynthetic mixed
      culture in a permanent feast regime.
AB  - Currently, the feast and famine (FF) regime is the most widely applied strategy
      to select for polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) accumulating organisms in PHA production
      systems with mixed microbial cultures. As an alternative to the FF regime, this
      work studied the possibility of utilizing a permanent feast regime as a new
      operational strategy to select for PHA accumulating photosynthetic mixed cultures
      (PMCs). The PMC was selected in an illuminated environment and acetate was
      constantly present in the mixed liquor to guarantee a feast regime. During steady
      state operation, the culture presented low PHA accumulation levels, likely due to
      low light availability, which resulted in most of the acetate being used for
      biomass growth (Yx/s of 0.64 +/- 0.18 Cmol X/Cmol Acet). To confirm the light
      limitation on the PMC, SBR tests were conducted with higher light availability,
      at similar levels as would be expectable from natural sunlight. In this case, the
      Yx/s reduced to 0.11 +/- 0.01 Cmol X/Cmol Acet and the culture presented a PHB
      production yield on acetate of 0.67 +/- 0.01 Cmol PHB/Cmol Acet, leading to a
      maximum PHB content of 60%. Unlike other studied PMCs, the PMC was capable of
      simultaneous growth and PHB accumulation continuously throughout the cycle. Thus
      far, 60% PHA content is the maximum value ever reported for a PMC, a result that
      prospects the utilization of feast regimes as an alternative strategy for the
      selection of PHA accumulating PMCs. Furthermore, the PMC also presented high
      phosphate removal rates, delivering an effluent that complies with phosphate
      discharge limits. The advantages of selecting PMCs under a permanent feast regime
      are that no aeration inputs are required; it allows higher PHA contents and
      phosphate removal rates in comparison to FF-operated PMC systems; and it
      represents a novel means of integrating wastewater treatment with resource
      recovery in the form of PHA.

PMID- 27664545
TI  - Colorimetric detection of glucose based on gold nanoparticles coupled with silver
      nanoparticles.
AB  - We have coupled gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to
      assemble a plasmonic sensing platform for colorimetric detection of glucose. In
      this system, small AuNPs (~4nm) can act as glucose oxidase (GOD) mimic enzyme to
      catalytically oxidize glucose in the presence of oxygen, producing hydrogen
      peroxide, which dissolves AgNPs to lead the color changes. Glucose can be
      detected not only by naked eyes (from yellow to red) but also by
      spectrophotometer in the concentration range of 5-70MUM, with detection limit of
      3MUM. More importantly, we found that l-cysteine added in the system can markedly
      improve the selectivity for the detection of glucose. The proposed method was
      used to application for the detection of glucose in human serum with satisfactory
      results. This system is simple and low cost without using any enzymes and organic
      chromogenic agents.

PMID- 27664546
TI  - Raising awareness of the importance of funding for tuberculosis small-molecule
      research.
AB  - Tuberculosis (TB) drug discovery research is hampered by several factors, but as
      in many research areas, the available funding is insufficient to support the
      needs of research and development. Recent years have seen various large
      collaborative efforts involving public-private partnerships, mimicking the
      situation during the golden age of antibiotic drug discovery during the 1950s and
      1960s. The large-scale collaborative efforts funded by the European Union (EU)
      are now subject to diminishing financial support. As a result, TB researchers are
      increasingly looking for novel forms of funding, such as crowdfunding, to fill
      this gap. Any potential solution will require a careful reassessment of the
      incentives to encourage additional organizations to provide funding.

PMID- 27664547
TI  - Shame, trauma, temperament and psychopathology: Construct validity of the
      Experience of Shame Scale.
AB  - Although Experience of Shame Scale (ESS) is used in clinical research and it
      covers psychiatrically relevant dimensions of chronic shame, characterological
      (CS), behavioral (BS) and bodily (BoS) respectively, its factor structures were
      not confirmed on clinical sample. The goals of our research were to examine the
      factor structure of the Hungarian version of ESS, in addition, to analyze the
      associations between factors of ESS and different types of predictors, such as
      clinical status, gender, age, school years, early abuse history, general
      psychopathology (GSI), and temperament dimensions by using a series of
      confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) with covariates in a large clinical and
      matched healthy sample. Psychiatric inpatients (N=148) and healthy control
      subjects (N=148) participated in this cross-sectional questionnaire study. In
      both samples, the degree of fit was adequate. The final CFA with covariates model
      showed significant and positive associations between CS and clinical status and
      education respectively, between CS, BS, BoS and frequency of verbal abuse,
      between CS and BoS and GSI and between CS and BS and harm avoidance and in
      addition we found negative associations between each of the shame factors and
      age. Our results support the psychiatric validity of the ESS construct.

PMID- 27664548
TI  - Impact of cognitive-behavioral group therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder on
      family accommodation: A randomized clinical trial.
AB  - The aim of this study was to assess the impact of cognitive-behavioral group
      therapy (CBGT) with the brief involvement of family members on family
      accommodation and to identify predictors of family accommodation reduction
      (patient and family member characteristics). This randomized clinical trial
      assessed 98 pairs of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and their
      family members: 52 (53.1%) were allocated to the intervention group (12 CBGT
      sessions - two with the family member), and 46 (46.9%) to a waiting list (control
      group). Symptom severity and family accommodation were assessed before and after
      CBGT. There was significant improvement of OCD symptoms and family accommodation
      scores after CBGT in the intervention group vs. the control group. The following
      variables were significant predictors of family accommodation reduction after
      multivariate analysis: patient characteristics - absence of comorbid unipolar
      disorder, lower obsession score, and higher education level; family member
      characteristics - higher hoarding score. The model explained 47.2% of the
      variance in family accommodation scores after treatment. CBGT for patients with
      OCD and the brief involvement of family members contributed to reduce family
      accommodation. Both patient and family member characteristics were predictors of
      family accommodation reduction. This finding can help qualify CBGT protocols.

PMID- 27664549
TI  - Assessment of attachment in psychosis: A psychometric cause for concern.
AB  - Attachment has recently been proposed as a key developmental construct in
      psychosis, in particular with respect to interpersonal functioning and social
      cognition. The current study examined the latent structure of the self-report
      Psychosis Attachment Measure (PAM) and its relationship to lower-level perceptual
      and higher-order inferential social cognitive processes. The PAM was administered
      to 138 psychiatrically stable outpatients with schizophrenia alongside a battery
      of symptom, social cognitive, and functional measures. PAM responses were
      analyzed using latent variable measurement models, which did not yield evidence
      of the coherent two-dimensional structure predicted by previous literature. A
      unidimensional subscale comprising 6 of the 16 original PAM items possessed the
      strongest psychometric properties. This subscale was generally uncorrelated with
      social cognitive measures and showed weak correlations with some symptoms
      measures and with community functioning. These results suggest that either the
      PAM may not measure attachment in psychosis or it may measure only attachment
      anxiety but demonstrate little construct validity in this population. These
      results tell a cautionary tale regarding making theoretical inferences on the
      basis of measures without coherent latent structure. Attachment measures with
      stronger psychometric properties will help clarify putative relationships between
      attachment and social cognitive processes in psychosis.

PMID- 27664551
TI  - Longitudinal changes in psychological distress in a cohort of people who inject
      drugs in Melbourne, Australia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous research into psychological distress among people who inject
      drugs (PWID) is predominantly cross-sectional; we determined longitudinal
      predictors of change in psychological distress among a cohort of PWID. METHOD: We
      examined Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) scores from 564 PWID (66%
      male) enrolled in the Melbourne Injecting Drug User Cohort Study. Gender
      stratified linear models with fixed effects for each participant were used to
      examine correlates of change in individual K10 scores. Further linear regressions
      of adjusted K10 scores were used to measure correlations between demographic
      variables. RESULTS: Participants reported higher K10 scores (higher psychological
      distress) than the general Australian population (mean K10 scores 23.4 (95%CI
      22.6-24.2) and 14.5 (95%CI 14.3-14.7) respectively). The cohort's mean K10 score
      did not significantly differ over time, but individual variations were common.
      Women reported higher K10 scores than men (mean baseline K10 scores 25.2 (95%CI
      23.9-26.6) and 22.4 (95%CI 21.5-23.3) respectively), however no significant
      differences remained after controlling for temporal factors. Key predictors of
      increases in K10 scores were being the victim of an assault in the past six
      months (P<0.001 for women and men) and intentionally overdosing in the past 12
      months (P=.010 for women and P<0.001 for men). CONCLUSIONS: PWID experience
      higher levels of psychological distress than the general population. Temporal
      rather than individual factors may account for the higher levels of psychological
      distress reported among women. Interventions to reduce rates of assault and/or
      intentional overdose should be explored to reduce high levels of psychological
      distress among PWID.

PMID- 27664550
TI  - Central nervous system infection following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: Here, we described the clinical characteristics and
      outcomes of central nervous system (CNS) infections occurring after allogeneic
      hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) in a single institution over
      the previous 6 years. METHODS: Charts of 353 consecutive allogeneic transplant
      recipients were retrospectively reviewed for CNS infection. RESULTS: A total of
      17 cases of CNS infection were identified at a median of 38 days (range, 10-1028
      days) after allo-HSCT. Causative pathogens were human herpesvirus-6 (n=6),
      enterococcus (n=2), staphylococcus (n=2), streptococcus (n=2), varicella zoster
      virus (n=1), cytomegalovirus (n=1), John Cunningham virus (n=1), adenovirus
      (n=1), and Toxoplasma gondii (n=1). The cumulative incidence of CNS infection was
      4.1% at 1 year and 5.5% at 5 years. CONCLUSION: Multivariate analysis revealed
      that high-risk disease status was a risk factor for developing CNS infection
      (p=.02), and that overall survival at 3 years after allo-HSCT was 33% in patients
      with CNS infection and 53% in those without CNS infection (p=.04).

PMID- 27664552
TI  - Cost-effectiveness of center-based compulsory rehabilitation compared to
      community-based voluntary methadone maintenance treatment in Hai Phong City,
      Vietnam.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In Vietnam, two dominant approaches for heroin treatment are center
      based compulsory rehabilitation (CCT), funded by the Vietnamese government and
      community-based voluntary methadone maintenance treatment (MMT), funded primarily
      by international donors. Recent reduction in international funding requires more
      efficient allocation of government funding for public health programs. A cost
      effectiveness analysis comparing two approaches provides a useful source of
      evidence to inform the government about funding reallocation. METHODS: The study
      was a combined retrospective and prospective, non-randomized cohort comparison
      over three years of CCT and MMT in Vietnam, conducted between 2012 and 2014,
      involving 208 CCT participants and 384 MMT participants with heroin dependence.
      The primary end-point was drug-free days over three years. Total costs, including
      both program and participant personal costs were measured and cost-effectiveness
      compared. Mixed effects regression analyses were used to analyze effectiveness
      data and non-parametric bootstrapping method was used to compare cost
      effectiveness. RESULTS: Over three years, MMT costed on average VND85.73 million
      (US$4108) less than CCT (95% CI: -VND76.88 million, -VND94.59 million). On
      average, a MMT participant had 344.20 more drug-free days compared to a CCT
      participant (p<0.001). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for MMT was 
      VND0.25 million (US$11.99) (95% CI: -VND0.34 million, -VND0.19 million) per drug
      free day suggesting MMT is the more cost effective alternative. CONCLUSIONS:
      Compared to CCT, MMT is both less expensive and more effective in achieving drug
      free days. If the government of Vietnam invests in MMT instead of CCT, it is
      potentially a cost-saving strategy for reducing illicit drug use among heroin
      dependent individuals.

PMID- 27664553
TI  - Use of and reasons for using multiple other tobacco products in daily and
      nondaily smokers: Associations with cigarette consumption and nicotine
      dependence.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Use of other tobacco products (OTPs) among smokers is increasing.
      Little is known about types of OTP used and the reasons for use, and how OTP use
      and reasons for use correlate with smoking patterns and nicotine dependence in
      daily and nondaily smokers. This paper addresses these gaps in the literature.
      METHODS: 656 daily smokers and 203 nondaily smokers provided information on their
      use of different OTPs (hookah, e-cigarettes, chew/snuff, snus, cigars,
      dissolvables), and reasons for using OTPs (e.g., "to cut down on smoking"), as
      well as their cigarette consumption and nicotine dependence. Logistic regression
      models assessed the association of smoking status with OTP use (ever and current)
      and reasons for use. Within each smoking group, separate logistic regression
      models examined the associations of OTP use and reasons for use with cigarette
      consumption and nicotine dependence. RESULTS: Compared to daily smokers, nondaily
      smokers were more likely to use hookah and cigars, less likely to use
      dissolvables, and less likely to endorse using OTPs to reduce their smoking.
      Among non-daily smokers, nicotine dependence was associated with a higher
      likelihood of current OTP use (OR=1.04 [95% CI 1.01-1.07]; p<0.05), whereas
      cigarette consumption was not. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest OTP use in nondaily
      smokers does not correlate with less frequent smoking, but may correlate with
      higher nicotine dependence. Use of combustible OTPs among nondaily smokers may
      offset any potential benefits achieved through less frequent cigarette
      consumption. Providers should explicitly address OTP use when discussing
      cigarette cessation and reduction.

PMID- 27664554
TI  - Variants of opioid system genes are associated with non-dependent opioid use and
      heroin dependence.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Heroin addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disease. Genetic
      factors are involved in the development of drug addiction. The aim of this study
      was to determine whether specific variants in genes of the opioid system are
      associated with non-dependent opioid use and heroin dependence. METHODS: Genetic
      information from four subject groups was collected: non-dependent opioid users
      (NOD) [n=163]; opioid-dependent (OD) patients in methadone maintenance treatment
      (MMT) [n=143]; opioid-dependent MMT-resistant patients in heroin-assisted
      treatment (HAT) [n=138]; and healthy controls with no history of opioid use (HC)
      [n=153]. Eighty-two variants in eight opioid system genes were studied. To
      establish the role of these genes in (a) non-dependent opioid use, and (b) heroin
      dependence, the following groups were compared: HC vs. NOD; HC vs. OD (MMT+HAT);
      and NOD vs. OD (MMT+HAT). RESULTS: Five unique SNPs in four genes showed
      nominally significant associations with non-dependent opioid use and heroin
      dependence. The association of the delta opioid receptor (OPRD1) intronic SNP
      rs2236861 with non-dependent opioid use (HC vs. NOD) remained significant after
      correction for multiple testing (OR=0.032; pcorrected=0.015). This SNP exhibited
      a significant gene-gene interaction with prepronociceptin (PNOC) SNP rs2722897
      (OR=5.24; pcorrected=0.041) (HC vs. NOD). CONCLUSIONS: This study identifies
      several new and some previously reported associations of variants with heroin
      dependence and with non-dependent opioid use, an important and difficult to
      obtain group not extensively studied previously. Further studies are warranted to
      confirm and elucidate the potential roles of these variants in the vulnerability
      to illicit drug use and drug addiction.

PMID- 27664555
TI  - Drug-eluting balloon versus standard percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in
      infrapopliteal arterial disease: A meta-analysis of randomized trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Drug-eluting balloon (DEB) and standard percutaneous transluminal
      angioplasty (PTA) are commonly used endovascular therapeutic procedures for the
      revascularization of infrapopliteal arterial occlusive disease. However, which
      procedure is more beneficial for patients is unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: We
      performed a meta-analysis, searching PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central
      Register of Controlled Trials, ISI Web of Knowledge, and relevant websites
      without language or publication date restrictions for randomized trials that
      compared DEB with PTA in patients with infrapopliteal arterial occlusive disease.
      The keywords were "drug-eluting balloon," "angioplasty," "infrapopliteal,"
      "tibial arteries," and "below the knee". We selected late lumen loss, target
      lesion revascularization, binary restenosis, major adverse event as the outcomes
      of this meta-analysis. Based on the inclusion criteria, we identified 4
      prospective randomized trials. One-year outcomes did not show any significant
      differences between the DEB and PTA groups, respectively: target lesion
      revascularization (14.6% versus 22.1%; OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.45-1.14, P = 0.15),
      binary restenosis (33.3% versus 62.9%; OR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.04-3.73, P = 0.42),
      late lumen loss (MD, -0.52; 95% CI, -1.52 to 0.48, P = 0.31), major adverse event
      (29.0% versus 38.8%; OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.24-1.95, P = 0.48). CONCLUSIONS: For
      infrapopliteal arterial occlusive disease, DEB has the same one-year benefits as
      PTA. There is insufficient evidence to support the superiority of either method.
      Further large-scale prospective randomized trials should produce more reliable
      results.

PMID- 27664556
TI  - Minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy: A comprehensive review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While an increasing number of open procedures are now routinely
      performed laparoscopically or robotically, minimally invasive
      pancreaticoduodenectomy (MIPD) remains one of the most challenging operations in
      abdomen. The aim of this study is to evaluate the current status and development
      of MIPD. METHODS: Embase, Medline, and PubMed databases were searched to identify
      studies up to and including Feb 2016 using the keywords "laparoscopic", or
      "laparoscopy", or "hand-assisted", or "minimally invasive", or "robotic", or "da
      vinci" combined with "pancreaticoduodenectomy", or "duodenopancreatectomy",
      "Whipple", or "pancreatic resection". Articles written in English with more than
      10 cases were included for review. RESULTS: Thirty-two articles representing 2209
      patients were included for review. The weighted average operative time and
      intraoperative blood loss was 427.3 min and 289.4 mL respectively. A total of 375
      patients required conversion to open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD), with an
      overall conversion rate of 17.8%. The postoperative severe complications (the
      Clavien-Dindo Classification >= III) occurred in 3.8%-33.0% patients, with an
      overall severe morbidity of 14.3%. Particularly, the overall incidence of
      clinically significant postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) was 8.0%. There
      were 26 perioperative death cases in total, with an overall postoperative
      mortality rate of 2.3%. The weighted average number of collected lymph nodes was
      17.9, and R0 resection ranged from 60.0% to 100.0%. Comparisons between MIPD and
      OPD showed that MIPD increased operative time, decreased intraoperative blood
      loss and shortened the length of hospital stay, but the overall morbidity and
      mortality were comparable. CONCLUSIONS: MIPD is technically feasible and safe in
      highly selected patients and can offer acceptable oncological outcomes. But
      concerns such as long-term outcomes, cost-effectiveness analysis, and learning
      curve analysis should be fully demonstrated before the popularization of this
      challenging procedure.

PMID- 27664557
TI  - Credentialing in surgical specialities: Recommendations by the Association of
      Surgeons in Training.
AB  - The General Medical Council (GMC) has conducted a consultation process on its
      proposals for "credentialing" in postgraduate medical practice in the UK. It has
      been suggested that these may be used to provide formal accreditation of a
      doctor's competency in a certain area of practice. There are 5 main issues being
      consulted upon: (a) the time point in a doctor's career at which credentialing
      should be undertaken, (b) the scope of practice that should be included in
      credentials and whether this should include any competency already accredited by
      a Certificate of Completion of Training, (c) the funding source for the
      credentialing process, (d) the bodies that are entitled to award a credential,
      and (e) who exactly should be eligible for a credential. The Association of
      Surgeons in Training has commented on each issue and made recommendations to the
      GMC. One area of practice that has already begun a regulation process is Cosmetic
      Surgery, in response to the lack of defined standards and a clear training
      pathway. Both the GMC and Royal College of Surgeons of England have now published
      standards in this area and will come into effect in 2016. The impact of these on
      surgical training is discussed.

PMID- 27664558
TI  - The evolving use of ECMO: The impact of the CESAR trial.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: To compare characteristics and outcomes of patients receiving
      extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy as well as medical research
      activities related to ECMO before and after release of preliminary results of the
      CESAR trial. METHODS: We assessed trends in EMCO use among adults, patient and
      institutional characteristics, in-hospital mortality, peri-procedural
      complications and resource use before and after first quarter of 2008 in
      Nationwide Inpatient Sample Database. Literature review was conducted to evaluate
      publications related to adult ECMO during the same time period. RESULTS: Overall,
      8389 patients received ECMO therapy between 2001 and 2011. ECMO use remained
      stable between 2001 and 2007 and increased significantly from 2008 to 2011.
      Comparing time periods before and after first quarter of 2008, patients on ECMO
      in later years were more likely to be older (Before vs. After: (age 65+) 18.9%
      vs. 23.1%) and have two or more comorbidities (43.6% vs. 52.3%). After adjusting
      for patient and institutional characteristics, in-hospital mortality was
      comparable for the two time periods (Odds Ratio 0.76, 95% CI 0.55-1.05). Between
      2001 and 2011, 652 adult ECMO related English literature were identified,
      published in 181 English journals and by investigators from 31 countries. There
      was a significant increase in number of publications after 2008. CONCLUSION: The
      presence of the CESAR trial was associated with significant increase in the
      utilization of ECMO in clinical practice and in the research activities related
      to ECMO. Moreover, ECMO has since been used in patients of older age and higher
      comorbidities, but with no increase in in-hospital mortality followed.

PMID- 27664559
TI  - Nomogram for 5-year relapse-free survival of a patient with advanced gastric
      cancer after surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prognoses vary substantially among patients with advanced gastric
      cancer following curative surgery. The aim of the current study was to develop
      and verify the validity of a novel nomogram that predicts the probability of 5
      year relapse-free survival (RFS) in patients who underwent curative resection for
      stage II/III gastric cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A nomogram to predict 5-year
      RFS following surgical resection of gastric cancer was constructed based on the
      data of patients who underwent surgery for primary gastric carcinoma at three
      institutions in Japan in January 2001-December 2006. Multivariate analysis using
      a Cox proportional hazards regression model was performed, and the nomogram's
      predictive accuracy (discrimination) and the agreement between observed outcomes
      and predictions (calibration) were evaluated by internal validation. RESULTS:
      Multivariate analyses revealed that age at operation, depth of tumor, tumor
      location, lymph node classification, and presence of combined resection were
      significant prognostic factors for RFS. In the internal validation,
      discrimination of the developed nomogram for 5-year RFS was superior to that of
      the American Joint Committee on Cancer TNM classification (concordance indices of
      0.80 versus 0.67; P < 0.001). Moreover, calibration appeared to be accurate.
      Based on these results, we have created free software to more easily predict 5
      year RFS. CONCLUSION: We developed and validated a nomogram to predict 5-year RFS
      after curative surgery for stage II/III gastric cancer. This tool will be useful
      for the assessing a patient's individual recurrence risk when considering
      additional therapy in clinical practice.

PMID- 27664560
TI  - Patient-reported adverse events after hernia surgery and socio-economic status: A
      register-based cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to assess how socio-economic
      background influences perception of an adverse postoperative event after hernia
      surgery, and to see if this affects the pattern of seeking healthcare advice
      during the early postoperative period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients aged
      15 years or older with a primary unilateral inguinal or femoral hernia repair
      recorded in the Swedish Hernia Register (SHR) between November 1 and December 31,
      2002 were sent a questionnaire inquiring about adverse events. Data on civil
      status, income, level of education and ethnic background were obtained from
      Statistics Sweden. RESULTS: Of the 1643 patients contacted, 1440 (87.6%)
      responded: 1333 (92.6%) were men and 107 (7.4%) women, mean age was 59 years.
      There were 203 (12.4%) non-responders. Adverse events were reported in the
      questionnaire by 390 (27.1%) patients. Patients born in Sweden and patients with
      high income levels reported a significantly higher incidence of perceived adverse
      events (p < 0.05). Patients born in Sweden and females reported more events
      requiring healthcare contact. There was no association between registered and
      self-reported outcome and civil status or level of education. CONCLUSION: We
      detected inequalities related to income level, gender and ethnic background. Even
      if healthcare utilization is influenced by socio-economic background, careful
      information of what may be expected in the postoperative period and how adverse
      events should be managed could lead to reduced disparity and improved quality of
      care in the community at large.

PMID- 27664561
TI  - Dosage effects of extracorporeal shockwave therapy in early hip necrosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study investigated the effects of different dosages of
      extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) in early osteonecrosis of the femoral
      head (ONFH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-three patients (42 hips) were randomly
      divided into three groups. Group A (10 patients with 16 hips) received 2000
      impulses of ESWT at 24 Kv to the affected hip. Group B (11 patients with 14 hips)
      and Group C (12 patients with 12 hips) received 4000 and 6000 impulses of ESWT
      respectively. The evaluations included clinical assessment, radiographs, dynamic
      contrast-enhanced MRI for microcirculation (Ktrans) and plasma volume (Vp), and
      blood tests for biomarker analysis (NO3, VEGF, BMP-2, osteocalcin, TNF-alpha, IL
      6, substance P, CGRP, DKK-1 and IGF). RESULTS: Significant differences of pain
      and Harris hip scores were noticed between Group A and C in 6 months after ESWT
      (all P < 0.05). The pain score decreased, but not Harris hip score improved over
      the observation time period from 6 to 24 months. Total hip arthroplasty was
      performed in 3 patients (4 hips) in Group A, but none in Groups B and C. Group C
      showed significant changes in serum biomarkers for angiogenesis, osteogenesis,
      anti-inflammation, pain threshold and tissue regeneration between one week and
      one month after treatment (all P < 0.05). However, no significant changes in the
      infarction volume in image studies were noted in all groups (all P > 0.05). The
      post-treatment Ktrans and Vp in the peri-necrotic areas of Group B and C were
      significantly greater than pre-treatment data (both P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: High
      dosage ESWT is more effective in early stage ONFH. The systemic beneficial
      effects of ESWT may ultimately enhance angiogenesis with improvement of
      microcirculation of the peri-necrotic areas, that in turn, can improve
      subchondral bone remodeling and prevent femoral head collapse.

PMID- 27664562
TI  - Narrative skills in deaf children who use spoken English: Dissociations between
      macro and microstructural devices.
AB  - Previous research has highlighted that deaf children acquiring spoken English
      have difficulties in narrative development relative to their hearing peers both
      in terms of macro-structure and with micro-structural devices. The majority of
      previous research focused on narrative tasks designed for hearing children that
      depend on good receptive language skills. The current study compared narratives
      of 6 to 11-year-old deaf children who use spoken English (N=59) with matched for
      age and non-verbal intelligence hearing peers. To examine the role of general
      language abilities, single word vocabulary was also assessed. Narratives were
      elicited by the retelling of a story presented non-verbally in video format.
      Results showed that deaf and hearing children had equivalent macro-structure
      skills, but the deaf group showed poorer performance on micro-structural
      components. Furthermore, the deaf group gave less detailed responses to
      inferencing probe questions indicating poorer understanding of the story's
      underlying message. For deaf children, micro-level devices most strongly
      correlated with the vocabulary measure. These findings suggest that deaf
      children, despite spoken language delays, are able to convey the main elements of
      content and structure in narrative but have greater difficulty in using
      grammatical devices more dependent on finer linguistic and pragmatic skills.

PMID- 27664563
TI  - Long- and short-term diabetes mellitus type 1 modify young and elder rat salivary
      glands morphology.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In this study we performed a temporal analysis of the effects of
      Diabetes Mellitus on morphology and laminin deposition in salivary glands of
      young (2 months-old) and aging (12 months-old) male Wistar rats, using
      immunohistochemistry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The animals were divided in control
      and diabetic (Streptozotocin induced) groups and euthanized after short and long
      term diabetes induction. RESULTS: Short-term induction led to vacuolization of
      parotid acinar cells and increased laminin deposition in both animal ages. In
      young rats, no difference was observed between short or long-term diabetes
      regarding laminin deposition, but parotid acinar cells vacuolization was more
      discrete after long-term diabetes. A slight decrease of submandibular gland
      convoluted granular ducts was observed in young and elder diabetic animal ages.
      In diabetic aging rats was observed an increase of laminin content only in the
      parotid gland. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that some Diabetes Mellitus
      effects on salivary glands are not progressive over time, possibly due to the
      existence of adaptive mechanisms in response to chronic hyperglycemia. They also
      show that the duration of the disease was more relevant to the morphological
      effects than the age, although it is known that aging per se affects salivary
      gland morphology and function.

PMID- 27664565
TI  - Drinking motives and PTSD-related alcohol expectancies among combat veterans.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Combat veterans are at increased risk for PTSD and alcohol misuse,
      and expectancies and motives for drinking may help explain the link between these
      comorbid issues. This investigation explored the relationships between PTSD
      symptoms, PTSD-related alcohol expectancies, motives for drinking, and alcohol
      consumption/misuse. METHOD: 67 veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation
      Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn (OEF/OIF/OND) participated in this project. We
      examined correlations between PTSD severity, alcohol misuse, drinking motives,
      PTSD alcohol expectancies, and tested models of mediation and moderation.
      RESULTS: Coping-anxiety drinking motives and positive PTSD-related alcohol
      expectancies were associated with alcohol misuse and alcohol-related
      consequences, but not with consumption. Each PTSD symptom cluster was associated
      with positive and negative PTSD alcohol expectancies, and coping-anxiety was
      specifically related to reexperiencing and avoidance. Drinking to cope mediated
      the relationship between PTSD symptoms and hazardous drinking. Moderation
      analyses showed that a positive relationship between PTSD severity and hazardous
      drinking existed among those with moderate and higher levels of positive PTSD
      alcohol expectancies. DISCUSSION: Our findings point to surprising, and in some
      cases complex, relationships between PTSD and alcohol use. Although related, PTSD
      alcohol expectancies and drinking motives seem to function differently in the
      relationship between PTSD and alcohol misuse.

PMID- 27664564
TI  - The role of mindfulness as approach-based coping in the PTSD-substance abuse
      cycle.

PMID- 27664566
TI  - Enhanced phase contrast transfer using ptychography combined with a pre-specimen
      phase plate in a scanning transmission electron microscope.
AB  - The ability to image light elements in both crystalline and noncrystalline
      materials at near atomic resolution with an enhanced contrast is highly
      advantageous to understand the structure and properties of a wide range of beam
      sensitive materials including biological specimens and molecular hetero
      structures. This requires the imaging system to have an efficient phase contrast
      transfer at both low and high spatial frequencies. In this work we introduce a
      new phase contrast imaging method in a scanning transmission electron microscope
      (STEM) using a pre-specimen phase plate in the probe forming aperture, combined
      with a fast pixelated detector to record diffraction patterns at every probe
      position, and phase reconstruction using ptychography. The phase plate
      significantly enhances the contrast transfer of low spatial frequency
      information, and ptychography maximizes the extraction of the phase information
      at all spatial frequencies. In addition, the STEM probe with the presence of the
      phase plate retains its atomic resolution, allowing simultaneous incoherent Z
      contrast imaging to be obtained along with the ptychographic phase image. An
      experimental image of Au nanoparticles on a carbon support shows high contrast
      for both materials. Multislice image simulations of a DNA molecule shows the
      capability of imaging soft matter at low dose conditions, which implies potential
      applications of low dose imaging of a wide range of beam sensitive materials.

PMID- 27664568
TI  - Osteomalacia induced by long-term low-dose adefovir dipivoxil: Clinical
      characteristics and genetic predictors.
AB  - CONTEXT: Adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) was an important cause of adult-onset
      hypophosphatemic osteomalacia. However, its clinical characteristics and
      mechanisms have not been well defined. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was
      to summarize the clinical characteristics of ADV-induced osteomalacia and to
      explore the association between ADV-associated tubulopathy and polymorphisms in
      genes encoding drug transporters. DESIGN, SETTING, PATIENTS, AND MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURE: Seventy-six affected patients were clinically studied. The SLC22A6 and
      ABCC2 genes were screened and compared with healthy people from the HapMap.
      RESULTS: Hypophosphatemia, high serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels,
      hypouricemia, nondiabetic glycosuria, proteinuria, metabolic acidosis and high
      bone turnover markers were the main metabolic characteristics. Fractures and
      pseudofractures occurred in 39 patients. Stopping ADV administration,
      supplementing calcitriol and calcium was effective during the follow-up period.
      Single SNP analysis revealed a higher percentage of the G/A genotype at c.2934 in
      exon 22 of the ABCC2 gene (rs3740070) in patients than in healthy people (12% [7
      of 58 patients] vs. 0% [0 of 45 patients]; P=0.017), while there was no subject
      with homozygosity for the A allele at c.2934. CONCLUSIONS: ADV can be nephrotoxic
      at a conventional dosage. The G/A genotype at c.2934 of the ABCC2 gene may be a
      predictor of patients at greater risk for developing ADV-associated tubulopathy.
      Larger case-control studies are needed to further verify this finding.

PMID- 27664567
TI  - Immature myeloid cells are critical for enhancing bone fracture healing through
      angiogenic cascade.
AB  - Bone fractures heal with overlapping phases of inflammation, cell proliferation,
      and bone remodeling. Osteogenesis and angiogenesis work in concert to control
      many stages of this process, and when one is impaired it leads to failure of bone
      healing, termed a nonunion. During fracture repair, there is an infiltration of
      immune cells at the fracture site that not only mediate the inflammatory
      responses, but we hypothesize they also exert influence on neovasculature. Thus,
      further understanding the effects of immune cell participation throughout
      fracture healing will reveal additional knowledge as to why some fractures heal
      while others form nonunions, and lead to development of novel therapeutics
      modulating immune cells, to increase fracture healing and prevent nonunions.
      Using novel femoral segmental and critical-size defect models in mice, we
      identified a systemic and significant increase in immature myeloid cell (IMC)
      infiltration during the initial phase of fracture healing until boney union is
      complete. Using gemcitabine to specifically ablate the IMC population, we
      confirmed delayed bone healing. Further, adoptive transfer of IMC increased bone
      growth in a nonunion model, signifying the role of this unique cell population in
      fracture healing. We also identified IMC post-fracture have the ability to
      increase endothelial cell migration, and tube formation, signaling the essential
      communication between the immune system and angiogenesis as a requirement for
      proper bone healing. Based on this data we propose that IMC may play a
      significant role in fracture healing and therapeutic targeting of IMC after
      fracture would minimize the chances of eventual nonunion pathology.

PMID- 27664569
TI  - High-school predictors of university achievement: Youths' self-reported
      relationships with parents, beliefs about success, and university aspirations.
AB  - Associations between youths' reported relationships with their parents, beliefs
      about how success is attained, educational aspirations, and university completion
      were examined. Data come from the German Socioeconomic Panel. At age 17, youth (n
      = 3284) reported on their relationships with their parents, beliefs about
      success, and educational aspirations. University completion was assessed up to
      eight years later. At age 17, perceptions of parental warmth and interest in
      youths' academics were associated with beliefs that success is due to merit
      (positively) and that success is due to external factors or dominance over others
      (negatively). Beliefs that success is due to merit and external factors were
      associated with educational aspirations positively and negatively respectively.
      Educational aspirations positively predicted university completion up to eight
      years later. Relationships with parents had stronger associations with
      achievement when parents completed a university degree; beliefs about success had
      stronger associations with aspirations when parents did not.

PMID- 27664570
TI  - Azithromycin modulates immune response of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells
      and CD4+ T cells.
AB  - Azithromycin (AZM) is a macrolide antibiotic that exhibits anti-inflammatory
      activity aside from its antimicrobial effect, a feature that may ameliorate
      certain inflammatory disorders and prevent graft-versus-host disease in patients
      receiving stem cell transplantation. In the present study, we investigated the
      ability of AZM to influence the function of human monocyte-derived dendritic
      cells (DCs) and CD4+ T cells. We found that AZM down-regulated CD80, CD86, and
      HLA-DR expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated DCs and suppressed
      interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, IL-12, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha production in
      these cells. In addition, AZM increased endocytosis and/or expression of Toll
      like receptor (TLR)2, TLR4, and TLR9 in DCs and suppressed anti-CD3/CD28-induced
      CD4+ T cell proliferation and interferon-gamma production, an effect that was
      synergistic with dexamethasone. Finally, AZM suppressed DC-induced allogeneic T
      cell proliferation and cytokine production. Our study demonstrates that AZM
      modulates DC and CD4+ T cell function and may be of therapeutic benefit in
      various inflammatory disorders.

PMID- 27664571
TI  - Preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio is a more valuable prognostic factor
      than platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio for nonmetastatic rectal cancer.
AB  - Several combinations of inflammatory factors, including neutrophil-to- lymphocyte
      ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), have been reported to be
      prognostic factors in various malignant tumors, including colorectal cancer
      (CRC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of NLR and PLR
      for patients with rectal cancer (RC) who underwent curative surgery. Data from
      patients who underwent curative resection for RC were retrospectively reviewed.
      The cutoff for NLR and PLR was defined as 2.3 and 144 by receiver operating
      characteristic (ROC) curve. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS)
      were assessed using Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariable Cox regression model was
      used to evaluate the independent prognostic significance of variables. A total of
      140 patients were eligible in the study. High NLR (>2.3) and high PLR (>144) both
      predicted lower OS and DFS according to Kaplan-Meier method. But in the
      multivariable Cox regression model, only the high NLR retained significance for
      reduced OS and DFS. According to Chi-square test, patients with higher NLR had
      larger tumor size and higher pN-stage. While PLR was only associated with the pN
      stage. High preoperative NLR was shown to be a negative independent prognostic
      factor in patients undergoing resection for nonmetastatic RC. It may be helpful
      as a factor to guide the postoperative therapies.

PMID- 27664572
TI  - The changing face of cardiovascular disease 2000-2012: An analysis of the world
      health organisation global health estimates data.
AB  - The pattern and global burden of disease has evolved considerably over the last
      two decades, from primarily communicable, maternal, and perinatal causes to non
      communicable disease (NCD). Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has become the single
      most important and largest cause of NCD deaths worldwide at over 50%. The World
      Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 17.6 million people died of CVD
      worldwide in 2012. Proportionally, this accounts for an estimated 31.43% of
      global mortality, with ischaemic heart disease (IHD) accounting for approximately
      7.4 million deaths, 13.2% of the total. IHD was also the greatest single cause of
      death in 2000, accounting for an estimated 6.0 million deaths. The global burden
      of CVD falls, principally, on the low and middle-income (LMI) countries,
      accounting for over 80% of CVD deaths. Individual populations face differing
      challenges and each population has unique health burdens, however, CVD remains
      one of the greatest health challenges both nationally and worldwide.

PMID- 27664573
TI  - Acute thrombotic left main coronary artery; treatment with low dose slow infusion
      tPA.

PMID- 27664574
TI  - End-stage renal disease patients on chronic maintenance hemodialysis in a
      hospitalized acute heart failure cohort: Prevalence, clinical characteristics,
      therapeutic options, and mortality.

PMID- 27664575
TI  - Does a blue crab putative insulin-like peptide binding protein (ILPBP) play a
      role in a virus infection?
AB  - Insulin-like peptides (ILPs) have regulatory roles in reproduction, development
      and metabolism in invertebrates. The mode of ILP actions has not been well
      studied in invertebrates in regard to the role of binding partners, i.e., ILP
      binding protein (ILPBP). In this study, the full-length cDNA of Callinectes
      sapidus ILPBP (Cas-ILPBP, 960 bp) has been isolated using RACE cloning, having
      short 5' and 3' UTRs of 30 and 162 bp, respectively. The predicted precursor of
      Cas-ILPBP (255 aa) contains, in order a signal peptide (23 aa), an insulin-like
      growth factor (IGF) binding (IB) domain (79 aa), a kazal-type serine protease
      inhibitor (KI) domain (36 aa) and an immunoglobulin (Ig) domain (101 aa).
      Phylogenetic analysis shows that Cas-ILPBP is grouped with the ILPBPs of other
      crustacean species, and it shares the closest relationship with the ILPBP from
      another crab species, Scylla paramamosain. Transcripts of Cas-ILPBP are found in
      all examined tissues, with the highest levels in the nervous tissues (eyestalk
      ganglia, brain and thoracic ganglia complex) and followed by midgut, the
      pericardial organ, abdominal muscle and the heart. As Cas-ILPBP contains a
      putative Ig domain, it is hypothesized that this protein may be involved in
      immunity, particularly in the adult females infected with a reo-like virus
      (CsRV1). The expression levels of Cas-ILPBP are examined in several tissues
      (hemocytes, midgut, eyestalk ganglia) from the animals carrying varying levels of
      CsRV1 at 17 and 23  degrees C water temperatures. Cas-ILPBP levels in the midgut
      are most significantly affected by high levels of CsRV1 infection. Reduction in
      Cas-ILPBP levels in the midguts is noted from the animals infected with high
      levels of CsRV1 that show reduced or stop feeding activity, indicating that it
      may play an important role in midgut functions such as digestion and nutrient
      absorption.

PMID- 27664576
TI  - Cystathionine metabolic enzymes play a role in the inflammation resolution of
      human keratinocytes in response to sub-cytotoxic formaldehyde exposure.
AB  - Low-level formaldehyde exposure is inevitable in industrialized countries.
      Although daily-life formaldehyde exposure level is practically impossible to
      induce cell death, most of mechanistic studies related to formaldehyde toxicity
      have been performed in cytotoxic concentrations enough to trigger cell death
      mechanism. Currently, toxicological mechanisms underlying the sub-cytotoxic
      exposure to formaldehyde are not clearly elucidated in skin cells. In this study,
      the genome-scale transcriptional analysis in normal human keratinocytes (NHKs)
      was performed to investigate cutaneous biological pathways associated with daily
      life formaldehyde exposure. We selected the 175 upregulated differentially
      expressed genes (DEGs) and 116 downregulated DEGs in NHKs treated with 200MUM
      formaldehyde. In the Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis of the 175
      upregulated DEGs, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) unfolded protein response (UPR)
      was identified as the most significant GO biological process in the formaldeyde
      treated NHKs. Interestingly, the sub-cytotoxic formaldehyde affected NHKs to
      upregulate two enzymes important in the cellular transsulfuration pathway,
      cystathionine gamma-lyase (CTH) and cystathionine-beta-synthase (CBS). In the
      temporal expression analysis, the upregulation of the pro-inflammatory DEGs such
      as MMP1 and PTGS2 was detected earlier than that of CTH, CBS and other ER UPR
      genes. The metabolites of CTH and CBS, l-cystathionine and l-cysteine, attenuated
      the formaldehyde-induced upregulation of pro-inflammatory DEGs, MMP1, PTGS2, and
      CXCL8, suggesting that CTH and CBS play a role in the negative feedback
      regulation of formaldehyde-induced pro-inflammatory responses in NHKs. In this
      regard, the sub-cytotoxic formaldehyde-induced CBS and CTH may regulate
      inflammation fate decision to resolution by suppressing the early pro
      inflammatory response.

PMID- 27664577
TI  - Characterization of acquired paclitaxel resistance of breast cancer cells and
      involvement of ABC transporters.
AB  - Development of taxane resistance has become clinically very important issue. The
      molecular mechanisms underlying the resistance are still unclear. To address this
      issue, we established paclitaxel-resistant sublines of the SK-BR-3 and MCF-7
      breast cancer cell lines that are capable of long-term proliferation in 100nM and
      300nM paclitaxel, respectively. Application of these concentrations leads to cell
      death in the original counterpart cells. Both sublines are cross-resistant to
      doxorubicin, indicating the presence of the MDR phenotype. Interestingly,
      resistance in both paclitaxel-resistant sublines is circumvented by the second
      generation taxane SB-T-1216. Moreover, we demonstrated that it was not possible
      to establish sublines of SK-BR-3 and MCF-7 cells resistant to this taxane. It
      means that at least the tested breast cancer cells are unable to develop
      resistance to some taxanes. Employing mRNA expression profiling of all known
      human ABC transporters and subsequent Western blot analysis of the expression of
      selected transporters, we demonstrated that only the ABCB1/PgP and ABCC3/MRP3
      proteins were up-regulated in both paclitaxel-resistant sublines. We found up
      regulation of ABCG2/BCRP and ABCC4 proteins only in paclitaxel-resistant SK-BR-3
      cells. In paclitaxel-resistant MCF-7 cells, ABCB4/MDR3 and ABCC2/MRP2 proteins
      were up-regulated. Silencing of ABCB1 expression using specific siRNA increased
      significantly, but did not completely restore full sensitivity to both paclitaxel
      and doxorubicin. Thus we showed a key, but not exclusive, role for ABCB1 in
      mechanisms of paclitaxel resistance. It suggests the involvement of multiple
      mechanisms in paclitaxel resistance in tested breast cancer cells.

PMID- 27664579
TI  - Comparison of Times to Ureteral Efflux after Administration of Sodium Fluorescein
      and Phenazopyridine.
AB  - PURPOSE: There is currently a national shortage of indigo carmine. In efforts to
      identify the most efficient aid for visualizing ureteral efflux intraoperatively
      we investigated the time to excretion of phenazopyridine vs a newly identified
      alternative, sodium fluorescein. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed prospectively
      collected data on a cohort of women who underwent pelvic reconstructive surgery
      in 2015. Per provider preference patterns a number of patients were administered
      200 mg phenazopyridine orally with a sip of water 1 hour prior to the start of
      operative time. Other patients were given 0.5 ml 10% sodium fluorescein
      intravenously in the operating room. In all cases time was measured between the
      administration of the agent and the visualization of color changes consistent
      with agent efflux in an indwelling catheter, which was placed at the start of the
      operation. Differences in excretion times between the groups were compared with
      the Wilcoxon rank sum test. RESULTS: Seven women received phenazopyridine and 5
      received sodium fluorescein. Mean excretion time was significantly longer in the
      phenazopyridine group compared to the sodium fluorescein group (81.9 vs 5.1
      minutes, p = 0.0057). Median excretion time for phenazopyridine was 70 minutes
      (range 59 to 127) and for sodium fluorescein it was 5 minutes (range 3 to 9).
      CONCLUSIONS: Sodium fluorescein is excreted significantly faster in the operating
      room compared to phenazopyridine. Depending on the cost of these agents at an
      institution, in addition to the desire to decrease operative time, this may
      impact practice patterns and agent selection.

PMID- 27664578
TI  - Upper Urinary Tract Carcinoma In Situ: Current Knowledge, Future Direction.
AB  - PURPOSE: Carcinoma in situ of the urinary tract is a high grade form of nonmuscle
      invasive urothelial cancer. Our understanding of this entity in the upper tract
      is poor, and case management remains challenging due to knowledge gaps regarding
      the definition, diagnosis, treatment options and followup of the disease. We
      reviewed the available literature for similarities and differences between
      bladder and upper tract carcinoma in situ, and herein summarize the best
      available data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed PubMed(r) and MEDLINETM
      databases from January 1976 through September 2014. The PRISMA (Preferred
      Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement was used to
      screen publications. All authors participated in the development of a consensus
      definition of disease. RESULTS: A total of 61 publications were found suitable
      for this review. All studies were retrospective. Compared to bladder carcinoma in
      situ, upper tract carcinoma in situ appears to have lower progression rates and
      improved survival. All available studies demonstrate topical therapy to be
      effective in treating upper tract carcinoma in situ, with decreased recurrence
      rates compared to bladder carcinoma in situ. Highlighted areas of current
      knowledge gaps include variable definitions of disease, methods of drug delivery
      and ideal treatment course. Improving methods for detection may allow easier
      diagnosis and more effective treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the available data,
      organ preserving therapy with topical agents is an alternative to radical surgery
      in select patients with upper tract carcinoma in situ, although this method has
      not been evaluated in prospective trials. A paradigm shift regarding detection
      and treatment is needed to improve care and allow better renal preservation. A
      consensus definition of the disease is offered, and several areas of major
      knowledge gaps and opportunities for future research are identified.

PMID- 27664580
TI  - Tolerability of Repeat Use of Blue Light Cystoscopy with Hexaminolevulinate for
      Patients with Urothelial Cell Carcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: Hexaminolevulinate hydrochloride with blue light cystoscopy is approved
      by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as an adjunct to white light cystoscopy
      for the detection of urothelial cell carcinoma. In this study we examined the
      tolerability of the repeat use of white light cystoscopy with blue light
      cystoscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of all
      patients who underwent white light cystoscopy with blue light cystoscopy using
      hexaminolevulinate hydrochloride during a 34-month period at 2 institutions. We
      compared the incidence of adverse events after initial and subsequent procedures.
      We grouped, graded and assigned the degree of attribution for all adverse events.
      RESULTS: A total of 180 patients underwent 269 white light cystoscopy with blue
      light cystoscopy procedures. Of those 180 patients 118 (65%) underwent white
      light cystoscopy with blue light cystoscopy only 1 time. The other 62 (35%)
      patients underwent white light cystoscopy with blue light cystoscopy 2 or more
      times, including 43 (24%) 2 times and 19 (10%) 3 or more times. We noted 89
      adverse events out of 269 procedures (33%), of which 66 (74%) occurred after the
      first white light cystoscopy with blue light cystoscopy; 14 (16%) after the
      second time and 9 (10%) after the third time or more. We found no statistically
      significant difference in adverse events between those patients undergoing 1 vs 2
      or more white light cystoscopy with blue light cystoscopy procedures (p=0.134).
      We observed 1 grade 3 adverse event and no grade 4 or 5 adverse events. None of
      the adverse events were classified as probably or definitely related to
      hexaminolevulinate hydrochloride. CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective study we
      found no statistically significant difference in the frequency or the grade of
      adverse events between first and repeat use of white light cystoscopy with blue
      light cystoscopy using hexaminolevulinate hydrochloride.

PMID- 27664581
TI  - Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging with Concurrent Urodynamic Testing
      Identifies Brain Structures Involved in Micturition Cycle in Patients with
      Multiple Sclerosis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction, which is common in patients
      with multiple sclerosis, has a significant impact on quality of life. In this
      study we sought to determine brain activity processes during the micturition
      cycle in female patients with multiple sclerosis and neurogenic lower urinary
      tract dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We report brain activity on functional
      magnetic resonance imaging and simultaneous urodynamic testing in 23 ambulatory
      female patients with multiple sclerosis. Individual functional magnetic resonance
      imaging activation maps at strong desire to void and at initiation of voiding
      were calculated and averaged at Montreal Neuroimaging Institute. Areas of
      significant activation were identified in these average maps. Subgroup analysis
      was performed in patients with elicitable neurogenic detrusor overactivity or
      detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia. RESULTS: Group analysis of all patients at strong
      desire to void yielded areas of activation in regions associated with executive
      function (frontal gyrus), emotional regulation (cingulate gyrus) and motor
      control (putamen, cerebellum and precuneus). Comparison of the average change in
      activation between previously reported healthy controls and patients with
      multiple sclerosis showed predominantly stronger, more focal activation in the
      former and lower, more diffused activation in the latter. Patients with multiple
      sclerosis who had demonstrable neurogenic detrusor overactivity and detrusor
      sphincter dyssynergia showed a trend toward distinct brain activation at full
      urge and at initiation of voiding respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We successfully
      studied brain activation during the entire micturition cycle in female patients
      with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction and multiple sclerosis using a
      concurrent functional magnetic resonance imaging/urodynamic testing platform.
      Understanding the central neural processes involved in specific parts of
      micturition in patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction may
      identify areas of interest for future intervention.

PMID- 27664582
TI  - Nerve growth factor-induced plasticity in medial prefrontal cortex interneurons
      of aged Wistar rats.
AB  - The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) has been identified as a critical center for
      working and long-term memory. In this study, we have examined the expression of
      neuropeptide Y (NPY) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) in mPFC
      interneurons and the density of the mPFC cholinergic and dopaminergic innervation
      in cognitively-impaired aged Wistar rats. We also tested the possibility that the
      potential age-related changes might rely on insufficient neurotrophic support.
      The total number of NPY- and VIP-immunoreactive neurons and the density of
      vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT)- and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)
      immunoreactive varicosities were estimated using stereological methods. The
      number of NPY-immunoreactive neurons was significantly reduced in aged rats,
      whereas the number of VIP-immunoreactive neurons was unaltered. The decreased
      expression of NPY was fully reversed by intracerebroventricular administration of
      nerve growth factor. No differences in the density of VAChT- and TH
      immunoreactive varicosities were found among all groups. Our results indicate
      that the reduced expression of NPY in the mPFC of aged rats can be ascribed to
      the age-associated loss of neurotrophic support, and raise the possibility that
      these changes might contribute for the cognitive decline that occurs during non
      pathological aging.

PMID- 27664583
TI  - Functions of synapse adhesion molecules neurexin/neuroligins and
      neurodevelopmental disorders.
AB  - Neurexins and neuroligins are two distinct families of single-pass transmembrane
      proteins localized at pre- and postsynapses, respectively. They trans
      synaptically interact with each other and induce synapse formation and
      maturation. Common variants and rare mutations, including copy number variations,
      short deletions, and single or small nucleotide changes in neurexin and
      neuroligin genes have been linked to the neurodevelopmental disorders, such as
      autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). In this review, we summarize the structure and
      basic synaptic function of neurexins and neuroligins, followed by behaviors and
      synaptic phenotypes of knock-in and knock-out mouse of these family genes. From
      the studies of these mice, it turns out that the effects of neurexins and
      neuroligins are amazingly neural circuit dependent, even within the same brain
      region. In addition, neurexins and neuroligins are commonly involved in the
      endocannabinoid signaling. These finding may provide not only insight into
      understanding the pathophysiology, but also the concept for strategy of
      therapeutic intervention for ASDs.

PMID- 27664584
TI  - microRNAs target SRSF7 splicing factor to modulate the expression of osteopontin
      splice variants in renal cancer cells.
AB  - SRSF7 is a SR splicing factor involved in the regulation of splicing and mRNA
      export of cancer-related genes. The mechanisms regulating the expression of SRSF7
      are unknown. This study shows that SRSF7 expression in cancer cells is regulated
      by microRNAs: short, non-coding RNAs that bind to 3'UTR of target genes and
      downregulate their expression. We show that microRNAs miR-30a-5p and miR-181a-5p
      together with SRSF7 form regulatory feedback loop in which the expression of
      microRNAs is recurrently regulated by its target. Finally, we demonstrate that
      silencing of SRSF7 affects the expression of osteopontin splice variants and
      decreases proliferation rate of renal cancer cells.

PMID- 27664585
TI  - Characterization of a novel acquired der(1)del(1)(p13p31)t(1;15)(q42;q15) in a
      high risk t(12;21)-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
AB  - The t(12;21)(p13;q22) with ETV6-RUNX1 fusion occurs in 25% of cases of B-cell
      precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL); and is generally associated
      with favorable prognosis. However, 15-20% of the t(12;21)-positive cases are
      associated with high-risk disease due to for example slow early responses to
      therapy. It is well-known that development of overt leukemia in t(12;21)-positive
      ALL requires secondary chromosomal aberrations although the full spectrum of
      these cytogenetic alterations is yet unsettled, and also, how they may be
      associated with disease outcome. This report describes the case of an adolescent
      male with t(12;21)-positive ALL who displayed a G-banded karyotype initially
      interpreted as del(1)(p22p13) and del(15)(q15). The patient was treated according
      to NOPHO standard risk protocol at diagnosis, but had minimal residual disease
      (MRD) at 6,4% on day 29 as determined by flow cytometric immunophenotyping.
      Because of MRD level>0.1% he was then assigned as a high risk patient and
      received intensified chemotherapy accordingly. Further molecular cytogenetic
      studies and oligo-based aCGH (oaCGH) analysis characterized the acquired complex
      structural rearrangements on chromosomes 1 and 15, which can be described as
      der(1)del(1)(p13.1p31.1)t(1;15)(q42;q15) with concurrent deletions at 1q31.2
      q31.3, 1q42.12-q43, and 15q15.1-q15.3. The unbalanced complex rearrangements have
      not been described previously. Extended locus-specific FISH analyses showed that
      the three deletions were on the same chromosome 1 homologue that was involved in
      the t(1;15), and that the deletion on chromosome 15 also was on the same
      chromosome 15 homologue as involved in the t(1;15). Together these findings show
      the great importance of the combined usage of molecular cytogenetic analyses and
      oaCGH analysis to enhance characterization of apparently simple G-banded
      karyotypes, and to provide a more complete spectrum of secondary chromosomal
      aberrations in high risk t(12;21)-positive BCP-ALLs.

PMID- 27664586
TI  - Meeting report for Odd Pols 2016: Ann Arbor 2.0.
AB  - The Tenth International Conference on Transcription by RNA Polymerases I, III, IV
      and V (the 'Odd Pols') was held June 24-28, 2016 at the University of Michigan,
      Ann Arbor, USA and organized by David Engelke, Deborah Johnson, Richard Maraia,
      Lawrence Rothblum, David Schneider, Andrzej Wierzbicki and Astrid Engel. The
      organizers are grateful for the support from the Rackham Graduate School of the
      University of Michigan for providing the meeting venue. The environment provided
      a great background with unexpected encounters with fireflies, free live music and
      a festive fireworks display. The meeting was composed of eleven oral sessions and
      a poster session. The keynote speaker, Dave Engelke, opened the meeting with his
      presentation entitled "A personal history of pol III transcription - how we got
      here from the 'good old days'." The meeting drew attendees from sixteen countries
      that shared their research discoveries. Here we present some of the highlights
      from the meeting using summaries provided by the participants.

PMID- 27664587
TI  - The evolutionary divergence of STAT transcription factor in different Anopheles
      species.
AB  - Anopheles mosquito transmits Plasmodium, the malaria causing parasite. Different
      species of Anopheles mosquito dominate in a particular geographical location and
      are capable of transmitting specific strains of Plasmodium. It is important to
      understand the biology of different anophelines to control the parasite
      transmission. STAT is an evolutionary conserved transcription factor that
      regulates the parasite development in African malaria vector Anopheles gambiae.
      Unlike Drosophila and Aedes aegypti, where a single STAT gene plays an important
      role in immunity, An. gambiae contains one evolutionary conserved STAT-A and
      another retro-duplicated, introns-less STAT-B gene. To find out whether other
      species of Anopheles also have two STATs, the available genomic data of different
      anophelines were used to annotate their STATs through in silico analyses. Our
      results revealed that Indian malaria vector An. stephensi genome contains two
      STATs, AsSTAT-A and AsSTAT-B genes. These genes were cloned and confirmed by
      sequencing. Both AsSTATs were found to be expressed in different development
      stages of mosquito. However, the relative mRNA levels of evolutionary conserved
      AsSTAT-A gene were always higher than the retroduplicated AsSTAT-B gene. STAT
      pathway was activated upon Plasmodium berghei infection, indicated its role in
      immunity. Furthermore, comparative in silico analysis of eighteen Anopheles
      species revealed that five species: An. sinensis, An. albimanus, An. darlingi,
      An. dirus andAn. farauti do not contain STAT-B gene in their genome.
      Interestingly, thirteen species of the subgenus Anopheles and Cellia that contain
      both STATs were also mutually diverged. This consequence leads to sequence
      variability in some significant protein motifs within the STAT-B genes.
      Phylogenetic analyses indicated that an independent, lineage-specific duplication
      occurred in the subgenus Cellia after the diversification of series Neomyzomyia
      from its last common ancestor. In An. atroparvus (subgenus Anopheles), STAT gene
      underwent recent lineage-specific duplication and give rise to a highly similar
      STAT-B gene. This suggested that the genetic divergence in various Anopheles
      species might appeared due to their adaptations to the altered environmental
      conditions or pathogen encounters.

PMID- 27664588
TI  - Influence of glucagon-like peptide 2 on energy homeostasis.
AB  - Glucagon like peptide-2 (GLP-2) is a gastrointestinal hormone released from
      enteroendocrine L-type cells together with glucagon like peptide-1 in response to
      dietary nutrients. GLP-2 acts through a specific receptor, the GLP-2 receptor,
      mainly located in the gut and in the brain. Classically, GLP-2 is considered a
      trophic hormone involved in the maintenance of intestinal epithelial morphology
      and function. This role has been targeted for therapies promoting repair and
      adaptive growth of the intestinal mucosa. Recently, GLP-2 has been shown to exert
      beneficial effects on glucose metabolism specially in conditions related to
      increased uptake of energy, such as obesity. Several actions of GLP-2 are related
      to a positive energy balance: GLP-2 increases not only the absorptive surface,
      but also expression and activity of epithelial brush-border nutrient transporters
      and digestive enzymes, intestinal blood flow, postprandial chylomicron secretion
      and it inhibits gastrointestinal motility, providing the opportunity to increase
      absorption of nutrients. Other actions, including anorexigenic effects, appear in
      opposition to the energy intake. In this review, we discuss the GLP-2 functions
      related to energy homeostasis. GLP-2 could be considered an hormone causing
      positive energy balance, which, however has the role to mitigate the metabolic
      dysfunctions associated with hyper-adiposity.

PMID- 27664589
TI  - Structure prediction and functional analysis of a non-permutated lectin from
      Dioclea grandiflora.
AB  - Legume lectins have been widely studied and applied for many purposes in the last
      few decades, but many of their physiological aspects remain elusive. The
      Diocleinae legume subtribe, which includes intensively explored lectins, such as
      ConA, presents an unusual and extensive post-translational process which results
      in minor alterations in protein structure, in turn making its function elusive.
      Despite previous reports about Diocleinae precursor activity, no structural or
      functional analyses have ever been carried out to understand the impacts of post
      translational processing relative to lectin structure and binding specificity.
      Here we analyzed the functionality of a non glycosylated, recombinantly expressed
      lectin precursor from Dioclea grandiflora through inhibition assays,
      corroborating the experimental data with structural information generated by
      molecular modeling, docking calculations and molecular dynamics simulations. We
      demonstrate that Diocleinae precursors are active and share the same carbohydrate
      specificity as mature lectins. At the same time, however, subtle structural
      alterations were detected and mostly result in an "incomplete" functionality of
      the precursor, as consequence of an immature binding site and an unstructured
      tetramer interface, affecting carbohydrate binding and oligomer formation,
      respectively.

PMID- 27664591
TI  - Evidence and Evidence Gaps in Adolescent Health.

PMID- 27664590
TI  - Macrophages activate iNOS signaling in adventitial fibroblasts and contribute to
      adventitia fibrosis.
AB  - A large amount of NO is generated through the inducible nitric oxide synthase
      (iNOS) pathway from the vascular adventitia in various vascular diseases.
      However, it is currently not fully understood how the iNOS signaling pathway is
      activated. In the present study, this question was addressed in the context of
      adventitial cellular interactions. A rat model of acute hypertension in the
      contralateral carotid arteries was established through transverse aortic
      constriction (TAC) surgery. In this model, activated macrophages were found
      surrounded by a large quantity of iNOS-expressing adventitial fibroblasts (AFs),
      suggesting a possible causal relationship between macrophages and iNOS activation
      of the neighboring AFs. In an in vitro model, a macrophage-like cell line RAW
      264.7 was first activated by LPS treatment. The supernatant was then harvested
      and applied to treat primary rat AFs. iNOS in AFs was activated robustly by the
      supernatant treatment but not by LPS itself. Treating AFs with interleukin-1beta
      (IL-1beta) also activated iNOS signaling, suggesting that the IL-1beta pathway
      might be a possible mediator. As a consequence of the iNOS activation, total
      protein nitration and S-nitrosylation significantly increased in those AFs.
      Additionally, increased deposition of type I and type III collagens was observed
      in both in vitro and in vivo models. The collagen deposition was partially
      restored by an iNOS inhibitor, 1400 W. These findings highlight the importance of
      iNOS signaling during vascular inflammation, and advance our understanding of its
      activation through a cellular interaction perspective.

PMID- 27664592
TI  - Improving Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health: A Systematic Review of
      Potential Interventions.
AB  - Adolescents have special sexual and reproductive health needs (whether or not
      they are sexually active or married). This review assesses the impact of
      interventions to improve adolescent sexual and reproductive health (including the
      interventions to prevent female genital mutilation/cutting [FGM/C]) and to
      prevent intimate violence. Our review findings suggest that sexual and
      reproductive health education, counseling, and contraceptive provision are
      effective in increasing sexual knowledge, contraceptive use, and decreasing
      adolescent pregnancy. Among interventions to prevent FGM/C, community
      mobilization and female empowerment strategies have the potential to raise
      awareness of the adverse health consequences of FGM/C and reduce its prevalence;
      however, there is a need to conduct methodologically rigorous intervention
      evaluations. There was limited and inconclusive evidence for the effectiveness of
      interventions to prevent intimate partner violence. Further studies with rigorous
      designs, longer term follow-up, and standardized and validated measurement
      instruments are required to maximize comparability of results. Future efforts
      should be directed toward scaling-up evidence-based interventions to improve
      adolescent sexual and reproductive health in low- and middle-income countries,
      sustain the impacts over time, and ensure equitable outcomes.

PMID- 27664594
TI  - Adolescent Health and Well-Being: Background and Methodology for Review of
      Potential Interventions.
AB  - Owing to child survival initiatives around the world in the 1970s and 1980s, a
      dramatic rise in the population of adolescents has been seen, especially in the
      developing countries. A quarter of world's population in 2012 comprised
      adolescents and young adults; of these, 90% lived in low- and middle-income
      countries. More recently, there has been a consensus on investing in adolescent
      health and development for the success of post-2015 developmental agenda. In this
      series of articles, we aimed to assess various interventions identified in our
      conceptual framework to evaluate their effectiveness in improving adolescent
      health. We took a systematic approach to consolidate the existing evidence. This
      article is an introductory article detailing the background, conceptual
      framework, and methodology used for synthesizing evidence, followed by seven
      articles summarizing evidence on interventions for sexual/reproductive health,
      nutrition, immunization, mental health, substance abuse, and accidents/injury.
      The concluding article of the series summarizes the findings of the all the
      previous articles in the series and the relevance of the evidence for action in
      the post-2015 Millennium Development Goals era along with evidence gaps and
      future research priorities.

PMID- 27664593
TI  - Interventions to Improve Adolescent Nutrition: A Systematic Review and Meta
      Analysis.
AB  - Adequate adolescent nutrition is an important step for optimal growth and
      development. In this article, we systematically reviewed published studies till
      December 2014 to ascertain the effectiveness of interventions to improve
      adolescent nutrition. We found one existing systematic review on interventions to
      prevent obesity which we updated and conducted de novo reviews for micronutrient
      supplementation and nutrition interventions for pregnant adolescents. Our review
      findings suggest that micronutrient supplementation among adolescents
      (predominantly females) can significantly decrease anemia prevalence (relative
      risk [RR]: .69; 95% confidence interval [CI]: .62-.76) while interventions to
      improve nutritional status among "pregnant adolescents" showed statistically
      significant improved birth weight (standard mean difference: .25; 95% CI: .08
      .41), decreased low birth weight (RR: .70; 95% CI: .57-.84), and preterm birth
      (RR: .73; 95% CI: .57-.95). Interventions to promote nutrition and prevent
      obesity had a marginal impact on reducing body mass index (standard mean
      difference: -.08; 95% CI: -.17 to .01). However, these findings should be
      interpreted with caution due to significant statistical heterogeneity.

PMID- 27664595
TI  - Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Interventions to Improve Access and
      Coverage of Adolescent Immunizations.
AB  - Vaccination strategies are among the most successful and cost-effective public
      health strategies for preventing disease and death. Until recently, most of the
      existing immunization programs targeted infants and children younger than 5 years
      which have successfully resulted in reducing global infant and child mortality.
      Adolescent immunization has been relatively neglected, leaving a quarter of
      world's population underimmunized and hence vulnerable to a number of preventable
      diseases. In recent years, a large number of programs have been launched to
      increase the uptake of different vaccines in adolescents; however, the
      recommended vaccination coverage among the adolescent population overall remains
      very low, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Adolescent vaccination
      has received significantly more attention since the advent of the human
      papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in 2006. However, only half of the adolescent girls
      in the United States received a single dose of HPV vaccine while merely 43% and
      33% received two and three doses, respectively. We systematically reviewed
      literature published up to December 2014 and included 23 studies on the
      effectiveness of interventions to improve immunization coverage among
      adolescents. Moderate-quality evidence suggested an overall increase in
      vaccination coverage by 78% (relative risk: 1.78; 95% confidence interval: 1.41
      2.23). Review findings suggest that interventions including implementing
      vaccination requirement in school, sending reminders, and national permissive
      recommendation for adolescent vaccination have the potential to improve
      immunization uptake. Strategies to improve coverage for HPV vaccines resulted in
      a significant decrease in the prevalence of HPV by 44% and genital warts by 33%;
      however, the quality of evidence was low. Analysis from single studies with low-
      or very low-quality evidence suggested significant decrease in varicella deaths,
      measles incidence, rubella susceptibility, and incidence of pertussis while the
      impact was nonsignificant for incidence of mumps with their respective vaccines.
      Further rigorous evidence is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of strategies
      to improve immunization uptake among adolescents from low- and middle-income
      countries.

PMID- 27664596
TI  - Interventions for Adolescent Mental Health: An Overview of Systematic Reviews.
AB  - Many mental health disorders emerge in late childhood and early adolescence and
      contribute to the burden of these disorders among young people and later in life.
      We systematically reviewed literature published up to December 2015 to identify
      systematic reviews on mental health interventions in adolescent population. A
      total of 38 systematic reviews were included. We classified the included reviews
      into the following categories for reporting the findings: school-based
      interventions (n = 12); community-based interventions (n = 6); digital platforms
      (n = 8); and individual-/family-based interventions (n = 12). Evidence from
      school-based interventions suggests that targeted group-based interventions and
      cognitive behavioral therapy are effective in reducing depressive symptoms
      (standard mean difference [SMD]: -.16; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -.26 to 
      .05) and anxiety (SMD: -.33; 95% CI: -.59 to -.06). School-based suicide
      prevention programs suggest that classroom-based didactic and experiential
      programs increase short-term knowledge of suicide (SMD: 1.51; 95% CI: .57-2.45)
      and knowledge of suicide prevention (SMD: .72; 95% CI: .36-1.07) with no evidence
      of an effect on suicide-related attitudes or behaviors. Community-based creative
      activities have some positive effect on behavioral changes, self-confidence, self
      esteem, levels of knowledge, and physical activity. Evidence from digital
      platforms supports Internet-based prevention and treatment programs for anxiety
      and depression; however, more extensive and rigorous research is warranted to
      further establish the conditions. Among individual- and family-based
      interventions, interventions focusing on eating attitudes and behaviors show no
      impact on body mass index (SMD: -.10; 95% CI: -.45 to .25); Eating Attitude Test
      (SMD: .01; 95% CI: -.13 to .15); and bulimia (SMD: -.03; 95% CI: -.16 to .10).
      Exercise is found to be effective in improving self-esteem (SMD: .49; 95% CI: .16
      .81) and reducing depression score (SMD: -.66; 95% CI: -1.25 to -.08) with no
      impact on anxiety scores. Cognitive behavioral therapy compared to waitlist is
      effective in reducing remission (odds ratio: 7.85; 95% CI: 5.31-11.6).
      Psychological therapy when compared to antidepressants have comparable effect on
      remission, dropouts, and depression symptoms. The studies evaluating mental
      health interventions among adolescents were reported to be very heterogeneous,
      statistically, in their populations, interventions, and outcomes; hence, meta
      analysis could not be conducted in most of the included reviews. Future trials
      should also focus on standardized interventions and outcomes for synthesizing the
      exiting body of knowledge. There is a need to report differential effects for
      gender, age groups, socioeconomic status, and geographic settings since the
      impact of mental health interventions might vary according to various contextual
      factors.

PMID- 27664598
TI  - Interventions to Prevent Unintentional Injuries Among Adolescents: A Systematic
      Review and Meta-Analysis.
AB  - Globally, every day, ~2,300 children and adolescents succumb to unintentional
      injuries sustained from motor vehicle collisions, drowning, poisoning, falls,
      burns, and violence. The rate of deaths due to motor vehicle injuries in
      adolescents is 10.2 per 100,000 adolescents. We systematically reviewed published
      evidence to identify interventions to prevent unintentional injuries among
      adolescents aged 11-19 years. We defined unintentional injuries as a subset of
      injuries for which there was no evidence of predetermined intent, and the
      definition included motor vehicle injuries, suffocation, drowning, poisoning,
      burns, falls, and sports and recreation. Thirty-five studies met study
      eligibility criteria. The included studies focused on interventions to prevent
      motor vehicle injuries and sports-related injuries. Results suggest that
      possession of a graduated driver license (GDL) significantly reduced road
      accidents by 19% (relative risk [RR]: .81; 95% confidence interval [CI]: .75-.88;
      n = 5). There was no impact of GDL programs on incidence of injuries (RR: .78;
      95% CI: .57-1.06; n = 2), helmet use (RR: 1.0; 95% CI: .98-1.02; n = 3), and seat
      belt use (RR: .99; 95% CI: .97-1.0; n = 3). Sports-related injury prevention
      interventions led to reductions in the incidence of injuries (RR: .66; 95% CI:
      .53-.82; n = 15), incidence of injury per hour of exposure (RR: .63; 95% CI: .47
      .86; n = 5), and injuries per number of exposures (RR: .79; 95% CI: .70-.88; n =
      4). Subgroup analysis according to the type of interventions suggests that
      training +/- education and the use of safety equipment had significant impacts on
      reducing the incidence of injuries. We did not find any study focusing on
      interventions to prevent suffocation, drowning, poisoning, burns, and falls in
      the adolescent age group. The existing evidence is mostly from high-income
      countries, limiting the generalizability of these findings for low- and middle
      income countries. Studies evaluating these interventions need to be replicated in
      a low- and middle-income country-context to evaluate effectiveness with
      standardized outcome measures.

PMID- 27664599
TI  - Adolescent Health Interventions: Conclusions, Evidence Gaps, and Research
      Priorities.
AB  - Adolescent health care is challenging compared to that of children and adults,
      due to their rapidly evolving physical, intellectual, and emotional development.
      This paper is the concluding paper for a series of reviews to evaluate the
      effectiveness of interventions for improving adolescent health and well-being. In
      this paper, we summarize the evidence evaluated in the previous papers and
      suggest areas where there is enough existing evidence to recommend implementation
      and areas where further research is needed to reach consensus. Potentially
      effective interventions for adolescent health and well-being include
      interventions for adolescent sexual and reproductive health, micronutrient
      supplementation, nutrition interventions for pregnant adolescents, interventions
      to improve vaccine uptake among adolescents, and interventions for substance
      abuse. Majority of the evidence for improving immunization coverage, substance
      abuse, mental health, and accidents and injury prevention comes from high-income
      countries. Future studies should specifically be targeted toward the low- and
      middle-income countries with long term follow-up and standardized and validated
      measurement instruments to maximize comparability of results. Assessment of
      effects by gender and socioeconomic status is also important as there may be
      differences in the effectiveness of certain interventions. It is also important
      to recognize ideal delivery platforms that can augment the coverage of proven
      adolescent health-specific interventions and provide an opportunity to reach hard
      to-reach and disadvantaged population groups.

PMID- 27664597
TI  - Interventions for Adolescent Substance Abuse: An Overview of Systematic Reviews.
AB  - Many unhealthy behaviors often begin during adolescence and represent major
      public health challenges. Substance abuse has a major impact on individuals,
      families, and communities, as its effects are cumulative, contributing to costly
      social, physical, and mental health problems. We conducted an overview of
      systematic reviews to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions to prevent
      substance abuse among adolescents. We report findings from a total of 46
      systematic reviews focusing on interventions for smoking/tobacco use, alcohol
      use, drug use, and combined substance abuse. Our overview findings suggest that
      among smoking/tobacco interventions, school-based prevention programs and family
      based intensive interventions typically addressing family functioning are
      effective in reducing smoking. Mass media campaigns are also effective given that
      these were of reasonable intensity over extensive periods of time. Among
      interventions for alcohol use, school-based alcohol prevention interventions have
      been associated with reduced frequency of drinking, while family-based
      interventions have a small but persistent effect on alcohol misuse among
      adolescents. For drug abuse, school-based interventions based on a combination of
      social competence and social influence approaches have shown protective effects
      against drugs and cannabis use. Among the interventions targeting combined
      substance abuse, school-based primary prevention programs are effective. Evidence
      from Internet-based interventions, policy initiatives, and incentives appears to
      be mixed and needs further research. Future research should focus on evaluating
      the effectiveness of specific interventions components with standardized
      intervention and outcome measures. Various delivery platforms, including digital
      platforms and policy initiative, have the potential to improve substance abuse
      outcomes among adolescents; however, these require further research.

PMID- 27664600
TI  - Parathyroid carcinoma in tertiary hyperparathyroidism.
AB  - Parathyroid carcinoma is a rare disease of unknown etiology. This study presents
      a case of parathyroid carcinoma in a patient with tertiary hyperparathyroidism.
      Despite a successful kidney transplantation, the intact parathyroid hormone
      (iPTH) level of the patient was elevated consistently and could not be controlled
      by medical therapy. Due to the development of tertiary hyperparathyroidism with
      bone pain and osteoporosis, subtotal parathyroidectomy was performed 4 months
      after the kidney transplantation. Histological evaluation revealed that one of
      four parathyroid lesions was a parathyroid carcinoma, while the others were
      diffuse hyperplasia. Postoperative laboratory studies indicated a decreased level
      of iPTH. A positron emission tomography-computed tomography performed 6 months
      after the operation revealed no evidence of local recurrence or distant
      metastasis. 

PMID- 27664601
TI  - Kinetics of the incorporation of the main phenolic compounds into the lignan
      macromolecule during flaxseed development.
AB  - The main flax lignan, secoisolariciresinol diglucoside, is stored in a
      macromolecule containing other ester-bound phenolic compounds. In this study, NMR
      and HPLC-UV analyses were performed on flaxseeds harvested at different
      developmental stages to identify and quantify the main phenolic compounds
      produced during seed development. Extraction was carried out with or without
      alkaline hydrolysis to determine if these molecules accumulate in the lignan
      macromolecule and/or in a free form. Monolignol glucosides accumulate in a free
      form up to 9.85mg/g dry matter at the early developmental stages. Hydroxycinnamic
      acid glucosides and flavonoid accumulate (up to 3.18 and 4.07mg/g dry matter,
      respectively) in the later developmental stages and are ester-bound in the lignan
      macromolecule. Secosiolariciresinol diglucoside accumulates (up to 28.65mg/g dry
      matter) in the later developmental stages in both forms, mainly ester-bound in
      the lignan macromolecule and slightly in a free form. 

PMID- 27664602
TI  - Effects of chemical and enzymatic modifications on starch-linoleic acid complex
      formation.
AB  - This study investigated the complexation yield and physicochemical properties of
      soluble and insoluble starch complexes with linoleic acid when a beta-amylase
      treatment was applied to acetylated and debranched potato starch. The degree of
      acetylation was generally higher in the soluble complexes than in the insoluble
      ones. The insoluble complexes from the acetylated starch displayed the V-type
      pattern, whereas, the soluble complexes displayed a mixture of either the A-/V
      type or the B-/V-type pattern. Acetylation decreased onset and peak melting
      temperatures for the insoluble complexes, whereas no melting endotherm was
      observed in the soluble complexes. Acetylation substantially increased the amount
      of complexed linoleic acid in the insoluble complexes, but had little positive
      effect on the formation of the soluble complexes. The beta-amylase treatment
      significantly increased the complexed linoleic content in both soluble and
      insoluble complexes for the low acetylated starch, but not for the high
      acetylated starch. 

PMID- 27664603
TI  - Systematic functional analysis and application of a cold-active serine protease
      from a novel Chryseobacterium sp.
AB  - Psychrotolerant bacteria isolated from natural and artificially cold environments
      were screened for synthesis of cold-active protease. The strain IMDY showing the
      highest protease production at 5 degrees C was selected and phylogenetic analysis
      revealed that IMDY as novel bacterium with Chryseobacterium soli(T) as its
      nearest neighbor. Classical optimization enhanced the protease production from
      18U/mg to 26U/mg and the enzyme was found to be active at low temperature,
      activity enhanced by CaCl2, inhibited by PMSF, stable against NaCl, and its
      activity retained in the presence of surfactants, organic solvents and
      detergents. On testing, the meat tenderization, myofibril fragmentation, pH, and
      TBA values were favorable in IMDY-protease treated meat compared to control. SDS
      profiling and SEM analysis also showed tenderization in meat samples. Hence, this
      study proposes to consider the cold-active protease from Chryseobacterium sp.
      IMDY as a pertinent candidate to develop potential applications in food
      processing industry. 

PMID- 27664604
TI  - Impact of solid state fermentation on nutritional, physical and flavor properties
      of wheat bran.
AB  - To improve the nutritional, physical and flavor properties of wheat bran, yeast
      and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were used for fermenting wheat bran in solid
      state. Appearance properties, nutritional properties, microstructure, hydration
      properties and flavor of raw bran and fermented bran were evaluated. After
      treatments, water extractable arabinoxylans were 3-4 times higher than in raw
      bran. Total dietary fiber and soluble dietary fiber increased after solid state
      fermentation. Over 20% of phytic acid was degraded. Microstructure changes and
      protein degradation were observed in fermented brans. Water holding capacity and
      water retention capacity of fermented brans were improved. Results suggest that
      solid state fermentation is an effective way to improve the properties of wheat
      brans. 

PMID- 27664605
TI  - Applications of computational chemistry to the study of the antiradical activity
      of carotenoids: A review.
AB  - A summary of the various quantum chemical analyses that have been employed to
      evaluate the free radical scavenger capacity of carotenoid molecules are
      tabulated in this review and the most important observations are discussed. These
      molecules are able to interact with reactive oxygen species through singlet
      oxygen scavenging, electron transfer, hydrogen atom abstraction and radical
      adduct formation. Most studies employ density functional theory to compare the
      antiradical capacity of different carotenoids with the ones that are most
      explored theoretically, such as lycopene and beta-carotene. A significant number
      of these applications have been directed towards understanding the electron
      transfer mechanism, and a useful tool called the FEDAM (full-electron donor
      acceptor map) was developed to better evaluate this mechanism. Important aspects
      that may affect the radical scavenging capacity of carotenoids, such as
      synergistic effects and solubility, are sometimes overlooked, and a greater
      number of such compounds should be explored. 

PMID- 27664606
TI  - Effects of 24-epibrassinolide on enzymatic browning and antioxidant activity of
      fresh-cut lotus root slices.
AB  - Fresh-cut lotus root slices were treated with 80nM 24-epibrassinolide (EBR) and
      then stored at 4 degrees C for 8days to investigate the effects on cut surface
      browning. The results showed that EBR treatment reduced cut surface browning in
      lotus root slices and alleviated membrane lipid peroxidation as reflected by low
      malondialdehyde content and lipoxygenase activity. EBR treatment inhibited the
      activity of phenylalanine ammonia lyase and polyphenol oxidase, and subsequently
      decreased phenolics accumulation and soluble quniones formation. The treatment
      also stimulated the activity of peroxidase, catalase and ascorbate peroxidase and
      delayed the loss of ascorbic acid, which would help prevent membrane lipid
      peroxidation, as a consequence, reducing decompartmentation of enzymes and
      substrates causing enzymatic browning. These results indicate that EBR treatment
      is a promising attempt to control browning at cut surface of fresh-cut lotus root
      slices. 

PMID- 27664607
TI  - Binding thermodynamics of synthetic dye Allura Red with bovine serum albumin.
AB  - The interaction between Allura Red and bovine serum albumin (BSA) was studied in
      vitro at pH 7.4. The fluorescence quenching was classified as static quenching
      due to the formation of AR-BSA complex, with binding constant (K) ranging from
      3.26+/-0.09 to 8.08+/-0.0610(4)L.mol(-1), at the warfarin binding site of BSA.
      This complex formation was driven by increasing entropy. Isothermal titration
      calorimetric measurements also showed an enthalpic contribution. The Allura Red
      diffusion coefficient determined by the Taylor-Aris technique corroborated these
      results because it reduced with increasing BSA concentration. Interfacial tension
      measurements showed that the AR-BSA complex presented surface activity, since
      interfacial tension of the water-air interface decreased as the colorant
      concentration increased. This technique also provided a complexation
      stoichiometry similar to those obtained by fluorimetric experiments. This work
      contributes to the knowledge of interactions between BSA and azo colorants under
      physiological conditions. 

PMID- 27664608
TI  - Inhibition of cyclodextrins on alpha-galactosidase.
AB  - This work successfully investigated the effects of different influential factors
      and hydrophobic cavities of cyclodextrins (CDs) on alpha-galactosidase (alpha
      Gal) by detecting alpha-Gal activity. The highest inhibitory concentration of
      three kinds of CDs (alpha-, beta-, and gamma-CD) on alpha-Gal was 10mM. Moreover,
      the highest inhibition of alpha-Gal was obtained under the following conditions:
      reaction time of 90min, temperature of 30 degrees C, and pH 6.0. Compared with
      other CDs, beta-CD showed more ability to interact with alpha-Gal due to its
      appropriate cavity geometric dimensions. From circular dichroism and nuclear
      magnetic resonance it was observed that beta-CD changed the secondary structure
      of alpha-Gal and formed a hydrogen bond with this enzyme. 

PMID- 27664609
TI  - Monitoring protein glycation by electrospray ionization (ESI) quadrupole time-of
      flight (Q-TOF) mass spectrometer.
AB  - In this study electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight (ESI-Q-TOF) mass
      spectrometry was used to investigate protein glycation. The glycated species of
      cytochrome C, lysozyme, and beta-casein formed during glycation with d-glucose
      were identified and monitored in binary systems heated at 70 degrees C under dry
      and aqueous conditions. Cytochrome C had multiple charges in non-glycated state,
      primarily changing from +13 to +17 positive charges, whereas beta-casein had
      charge states up to +30. Upon heating with glucose at 70 degrees C in aqueous
      state, attachment of one glucose molecule onto proteins was observed in each
      charge state. However, heating in dry state caused much more glucose attachment,
      leading to the formation of multiple glycoforms of proteins. By using ESI-QTOF-MS
      technique, formation of glycated cytochrome C containing up to 12 glucose
      moieties were observed, while glycated species containing 6 and 8 glucose
      moieties were observed for lysozyme and beta-casein, respectively in various
      heating conditions. 

PMID- 27664610
TI  - Physiological development of cagaita (Eugenia dysenterica).
AB  - It was evaluated the physiological aspects of the cagaita (Eugenia dysenterica)
      development, from anthesis to ripening. The fruits have been subjected to
      physical and chemical analysis during the fruit life cycle. The total fruit
      development comprised 37days. There was a steady increase in the total mass of
      the fruits and significant increase in transverse and longitudinal diameter,
      adjusting the double sigmoidal behavior in response to changes in the time. From
      the 23rd DAA, it was observed the beginning of loss of firmness, increase in
      total and soluble pectin content and a decrease in starch content. It occurred
      degradation of total chlorophyll and unmasking of carotenoids from 31st days
      after anthesis. A decrease in pH and, therefore, increase in acidity, low soluble
      solids content. The sucrose content was extremely low during the cycle. At the
      end of development, the respiratory and ethylene production peak was observed,
      suggesting climacteric behavior. 

PMID- 27664611
TI  - Characterization of the glucansucrase GTF180 W1065 mutant enzymes producing
      polysaccharides and oligosaccharides with altered linkage composition.
AB  - Exopolysaccharides produced by lactic acid bacteria are extensively used for food
      applications. Glucansucrase enzymes of lactic acid bacteria use sucrose to
      catalyze the synthesis of alpha-glucans with different linkage compositions, size
      and physico-chemical properties. Crystallographic studies of GTF180-DeltaN show
      that at the acceptor binding sites +1 and +2, residue W1065 provides stacking
      interactions to the glucosyl moiety. However, the detailed functional roles of
      W1065 have not been elucidated. We performed random mutagenesis targeting residue
      W1065 of GTF180-DeltaN, resulting in the generation of 10 mutant enzymes that
      were characterized regarding activity and product specificity. Characterization
      of mutant enzymes showed that residue W1065 is critical for the activity of
      GTF180-DeltaN. Using sucrose, and sucrose (donor) plus maltose (acceptor) as
      substrates, the mutant enzymes synthesized polysaccharides and oligosaccharides
      with changed linkage composition. The stacking interaction of an aromatic residue
      at position 1065 is essential for polysaccharide synthesis. 

PMID- 27664613
TI  - Effect of post-harvest treatment on bioactive phytochemicals of Thai black rice.
AB  - Because black rice is rich in antioxidants, appropriate methods of post-harvest
      treatment are necessary for maintaining these bioactive phytochemicals. Drying
      methods, storage temperatures, storage duration, and packaging methods affected
      the contents of some bioactive compounds in the two varieties of Thai black rice
      used in this research. Sun drying reduces the loss of anthocyanins and gamma
      oryzanols more than does hot air drying. Glutinous black rice stored as paddy at
      cool room temperature retains more anthocyanins, gamma-oryzanols, and vitamin E
      than does paddy stored at room temperature. Nylon/LLDPE pouches containing N2 are
      the most suitable packaging for preserving the key aroma compound 2-acetyl-1
      pyrroline (2AP), total phenolic, and anthocyanin contents of unpolished aromatic
      black rice. These pouches also retard the formation of some common off-flavor
      compounds. 

PMID- 27664612
TI  - Salting-out extraction of allicin from garlic (Allium sativum L.) based on
      ethanol/ammonium sulfate in laboratory and pilot scale.
AB  - Salting-out extraction (SOE) based on lower molecular organic solvent and
      inorganic salt was considered as a good substitute for conventional polymers
      aqueous two-phase extraction (ATPE) used for the extraction of some bioactive
      compounds from natural plants resources. In this study, the ethanol/ammonium
      sulfate was screened as the optimal SOE system for the extraction and preliminary
      purification of allicin from garlic. Response surface methodology (RSM) was
      developed to optimize the major conditions. The maximum extraction efficiency of
      94.17% was obtained at the optimized conditions for routine use: 23% (w/w)
      ethanol concentration and 24% (w/w) salt concentration, 31g/L loaded sample at 25
      degrees C with pH being not adjusted. The extraction efficiency had no obvious
      decrease after amplification of the extraction. This ethanol/ammonium sulfate SOE
      is much simpler, cheaper, and effective, which has the potentiality of scale-up
      production for the extraction and purification of other compounds from plant
      resources. 

PMID- 27664614
TI  - Changes of phenolic-acids and vitamin E profiles on germinated rough rice (Oryza
      sativa L.) treated by high hydrostatic pressure.
AB  - This study was performed to investigate changes in the phenolic acid and vitamin
      E profiles of germinated rough rice following high hydrostatic pressure treatment
      (HPT). Rough rice was germinated at 37 degrees C for two days and subjected to
      0.1, 10, 30, 50, and 100MPa pressures for 24h. The total phenolic acid content
      increased from 85.37MUg/g at 0.1MPa to 183.52MUg/g at 100MPa. The highest gallic
      acid (4.29MUg/g), catechin (9.55MUg/g), p-coumaric acid (8.36MUg/g), ferulic acid
      (14.99MUg/g), salicylic acid (14.88MUg/g), naringin (6.18MUg/g), trans-cinnamic
      acid (45.23MUg/g), and kaempferol (40.95MUg/g) contents occurred in the sample
      treated at 100MPa after germination. The maximum vitamin E content of about 2.56
      (BG) and 4.34mg/100g (AG) were achieved at 30MPa. These result suggest that a
      combination of HPT and germination are efficient method for enhancement of
      functionality in rough rice, and clarify the influence of HPT conditions on the
      vitamin E and phenolic acid in germination rough rice. 

PMID- 27664615
TI  - Method for the isolation of citric acid and malic acid in Japanese apricot
      liqueur for carbon stable isotope analysis.
AB  - A method for detecting the undeclared addition of acidic ingredients is required
      to control the authenticity of Japanese apricot liqueur. We developed an
      analytical procedure that minimizes carbon isotope discrimination for measurement
      of the delta(13)C values of citric and malic acid isolated from Japanese apricot
      liqueur. Our results demonstrated that freeze-drying is preferable to nitrogen
      spray-drying, because it does not significantly affect the delta(13)C values of
      citric acid and results in smaller isotope discrimination for malic acid. Both
      0.1% formic acid and 0.2% phosphoric acid are acceptable HPLC mobile phases for
      the isolation of citric and malic acid, although the delta(13)C values of malic
      acid exhibited relatively large variation compared with citric acid following
      isolation using either mobile phase. The developed procedure allows precise
      delta(13)C measurements of citric and malic acid isolated from Japanese apricot
      liqueur. 

PMID- 27664617
TI  - Bioactives-retained non-glutinous noodles from nixtamalized Dent and Flint maize.
AB  - Nixtamalization is a well-known pre-treatment technique in the tortilla industry.
      Nixtamalized maize (nixtamal) is known for its modified physicochemical as well
      as nutritional attributes. In the present study, two types of nixtamalization
      processes (traditional and ecological) were employed for the development of whole
      grain-maize-based noodles using Dent and Flint maize genotypes. Results showed
      that ecological nixtamalization had resulted in better cooking and textural
      qualities of noodles compared to the one prepared traditionally. Dent maize
      noodles from traditional and ecological nixtamalization had lower retention of
      phenolics (40 and 64%, respectively) whereas, Flint maize noodles retained 50 and
      66% phenolics, respectively. Dent maize noodles had undergone phenolics loss of 5
      6% on cooking while those of Flint maize lost only 2%. Ecological nixtamalization
      maintained the pH of the cooking liquor within an acidic-neutral range and
      yielded noodle with higher retention of phenolics whereas, the traditional
      process negatively affected the antioxidant compounds and their properties. 

PMID- 27664616
TI  - A UHPLC method for the simultaneous analysis of biogenic amines, amino acids and
      ammonium ions in beer.
AB  - This paper reports a novel UHPLC method for simultaneously quantifying nine
      biogenic amines, 21 amino acids, and ammonium ions, in beer. Precision values of
      standard curves slopes were lower than 3.4% and recovery was between 85% and
      106%, indicating the absence of matrix effect. Linear calibration curves were
      obtained for analyte concentrations between two and four orders of magnitude
      (R(2)>0.996). Repeatability tests returned mean variations of 3.2% and 0.5% for
      beer and a standard solution, respectively. Sensitivity ranged between 0.03mg/L
      and 0.63mg/L for the biogenic amines, and 0.05mg/L and 5.19mg/L for other
      compounds. Original data on the habitual presence of ethanolamine in beers are
      presented. The method allows for more samples to be assayed per unit time, it
      uses less solvent than other techniques and therefore reduces costs and the
      associated waste. It could be a valuable tool for monitoring the safety and
      quality of beers. 

PMID- 27664618
TI  - Inhibitory effects of propyl gallate on membrane lipids metabolism and its
      relation to increasing storability of harvested longan fruit.
AB  - Effects of propyl gallate on membrane lipids metabolism and its relation to
      storability of harvested longan fruits were studied. The results showed that the
      propyl gallate-treated longans maintained lower activities of pericarp
      phospholipase D (PLD), lipase and lipoxygenase (LOX) than those in control
      fruits. Such treatments could maintain higher levels of pericarp unsaturated
      fatty acids (USFAs), higher pericarp indices of unsaturated fatty acids (IUFA),
      and higher pericarp ratio of unsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids
      (U/S) than those in control fruits. Furthermore, propyl gallate also delayed
      color changes of pericarp in the harvested longans. Therefore, the postharvest
      treatments of longan fruits with propyl gallate for increasing storability of
      longan fruits might be explained by a decrease in activities of PLD, lipase and
      LOX, and an the increased unsaturation of fatty acids, which could delay membrane
      lipids metabolism and maintain cell membrane characteristics. 

PMID- 27664619
TI  - Impact of d-limonene synthase up- or down-regulation on sweet orange fruit and
      juice odor perception.
AB  - Citrus fruits are characterized by a complex mixture of volatiles making up their
      characteristic aromas, being the d-limonene the most abundant one. However, its
      role on citrus fruit and juice odor is controversial. Transgenic oranges
      engineered for alterations in the presence or concentration of few related
      chemical groups enable asking precise questions about their contribution to
      overall odor, either positive or negative, as perceived by the human nose. Here,
      either down- or up-regulation of a d-limonene synthase allowed us to infer that a
      decrease of as much as 51 times in d-limonene and an increase of as much as 3.2
      times in linalool in juice were neutral for odor perception while an increase of
      only 3 times in ethyl esters stimulated the preference of 66% of the judges. The
      ability to address these questions presents exciting opportunities to understand
      the basic principles of selection of food. 

PMID- 27664620
TI  - High resolution magic angle spinning NMR spectroscopy reveals that pectoralis
      muscle dystrophy in chicken is associated with reduced muscle content of anserine
      and carnosine.
AB  - Increased incidences of pectoralis muscle dystrophy are observed in commercial
      chicken products, but the muscle physiological causes for the condition remain to
      be identified. In the present study a high-resolution magic angle spinning (HR
      MAS) proton ((1)H) NMR spectroscopic examination of intact pectoralis muscle
      samples (n=77) were conducted to explore metabolite perturbations associated with
      the muscle dystrophy condition for the very first time. Both in chicken with an
      age of 21 and 31days, respectively, pectoralis muscle dystrophy was associated
      with a significantly lower content of anserine (p=0.034), carnosine (p=0.019) and
      creatine (p=0.049). These findings must be considered intriguing as they
      corroborate that characteristic muscle di-peptides composed of beta-alanine and
      histidine derivatives such as anserine are extremely important in homeostasis of
      contractile muscles as a results of their role as buffering, anti-oxidative, and
      anti-glycation capacities. 

PMID- 27664621
TI  - Impact of starch-based emulsions on the antibacterial efficacies of nisin and
      thymol in cantaloupe juice.
AB  - The use of antimicrobial compounds to prevent foodborne pathogens from
      contaminating fresh-cut produce has received broad attentions; however, the
      applications of these compounds are hindered by their rapid depletion in foods.
      To prolong their efficacies, the use of delivery systems is essential. In this
      study, oil-in-water emulsions formed using starch octenyl succinate (starch-OS)
      were used to stabilize nisin and thymol in cantaloupe juice-containing fluid.
      Listeria monocytogenes V7 and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium were used
      as model pathogens to evaluate the antimicrobial activities of nisin and thymol
      formulations in cantaloupe juice. The results showed that the emulsions had much
      greater capability to retain nisin and thymol over the storage and displayed much
      greater effect to inhibit Listeria and Salmonella than non-emulsion, aqueous
      formulations. Starch-OS based emulsions not only retained nisin and thymol
      activities separately, but also exhibited their cooperative antibacterial
      effects. 

PMID- 27664622
TI  - Protein markers for discrimination of meat species in raw beef, pork and poultry
      and their mixtures.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to find discrimination markers for four major meat
      species such as beef, pork, chicken and duck. Myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic
      proteins isolated from each meat type were analyzed by one-dimensional gel
      electrophoresis and some proteins were identified through LC-MS/MS analysis. We
      confirmed that troponin I (TnI), enolase 3, l-lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and
      triose-phosphate isomerase (TPI) could be useful markers for discrimination of
      mammals from poultry due to their different electrophoretic mobility. Tropomyosin
      1 and carbonic anhydrase 3 were observed as muscle fiber type-related proteins
      and these could also be markers to distinguish mammals from poultry. Species
      specific peptides identified by LC-MS/MS spectra allow the identification of each
      species regardless of the same protein. Therefore, it is easy to discriminate
      between mammals and poultry by comparing the electrophoretic mobility of TnI,
      enolase 3, LDH, TPI and CA3, and each species could be identified through LC
      MS/MS analysis. 

PMID- 27664623
TI  - Metabolome based volatiles profiling in 13 date palm fruit varieties from Egypt
      via SPME GC-MS and chemometrics.
AB  - Dates (Phoenix dactylifera L.) are distributed worldwide as major food complement
      providing a source of sugars and dietary fiber as well as macro- and
      micronutrients. Although phytochemical analyses of date fruit non-volatile
      metabolites have been reported, much less is known about the aroma given off by
      the fruit, which is critical for dissecting sensory properties and quality
      traits. Volatile constituents from 13 date varieties grown in Egypt were profiled
      using SPME-GCMS coupled to multivariate data analysis to explore date fruit aroma
      composition and investigate potential future uses by food industry. A total of 89
      volatiles were identified where lipid-derived volatiles and phenylpropanoid
      derivatives were the major components of date fruit aroma. Multivariate data
      analyses revealed that 2,3-butanediol, hexanal, hexanol and cinnamaldehyde
      contributed the most to classification of different varieties. This study
      provides the most complete map of volatiles in Egyptian date fruit, with Siwi and
      Sheshi varieties exhibiting the most distinct aroma among studied date varieties.

PMID- 27664624
TI  - Multi-class method for the determination of nitroimidazoles, nitrofurans, and
      chloramphenicol in chicken muscle and egg by dispersive-solid phase extraction
      and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.
AB  - This study describes the development of a multiresidue method for the efficient
      identification and quantification of nitroimidazoles, nitrofurans, and
      chloramphenicol in chicken and egg. After derivatization of nitrofuran
      metabolites, dispersive-solid phase extraction was used for the extraction of
      target analytes. An optimization strategy involved the selection of sorbents and
      extraction solutions for dispersive-solid phase extraction in order to achieve
      acceptably high recoveries and reduce co-extractives in the final extracts.
      Analytes were determined by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem
      mass spectrometry, in one single injection with a chromatographic run time of
      7.5min. Mean recoveries ranged from 86.4% to 116.7% and interday precision was
      lower than 18%. The limits of quantification were between 0.1 and 0.5MUg/kg,
      which were satisfactory to support surveillance monitoring. Finally, the method
      was applied to real samples, and metabolite of furazolidone, metronidazole and
      its metabolite, dimetridazole and its metabolite were detected in both chicken
      and egg samples. 

PMID- 27664625
TI  - Determination of acrylamide in dried fruits and edible seeds using QuEChERS
      extraction and LC separation with MS detection.
AB  - Acrylamide is a carcinogenic and neurotoxic process contaminant that is generated
      from food components during heat treatment, while it is absent in raw foodstuffs.
      Its level in food arouses great concern. A method for acrylamide extraction and
      determination in dried fruits (dried prunes and raisins) and edible seeds
      (almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, pine nuts, pistachios, and walnuts) using a
      QuEChERS-LC-ESI-MS-Triple Quadrupole approach was set up. Linearity, sensitivity,
      accuracy, and precision of the method were satisfactory. Dried prunes and peanuts
      were the only samples appreciably contaminated, 14.7-124.3 and 10.0-42.9MUg/kg,
      respectively, as a consequence of the drying process. In fact, prunes are dried
      at 70-80 degrees C for a quite long time (24-36h), while peanuts undergo a
      roasting process at 160-180 degrees C for 25-30min. The relative standard
      deviations, accuracy, LOD, and LOQ show that the method provides a reliable
      approach to acrylamide determination in different matrices. 

PMID- 27664626
TI  - Tea polyphenol epigallocatechin gallate inhibits Escherichia coli by increasing
      endogenous oxidative stress.
AB  - The antibacterial effects of tea polyphenol epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a
      common phytochemical with a number of potential health benefits, are well known.
      However, the mechanism of its bactericidal action remains unclear. Using E. coli
      as a model organism, it is argued here that H2O2 synthesis by EGCG is not
      attributed to its inhibitory effects. In contrast, the bactericidal action of
      EGCG was a result of increased intracellular reactive oxygen species and blunted
      adaptive oxidative stress response in E. coli due to the co-administration of
      antioxidant N-acetylcysteine, and not on account of exogenous catalase.
      Furthermore, we noted a synergistic bactericidal effect for EGCG when combined
      with paraquat. However, under anaerobic conditions, the inhibitory effect of EGCG
      was prevented. In conclusion, EGCG caused an increase in endogenous oxidative
      stress in E. coli, thereby inhibiting its growth, and hence the use of EGCG as a
      prooxidant is supported by this study. 

PMID- 27664627
TI  - Use of sacrificial anode technology to mitigate non-enzymic Maillard browning.
AB  - Experiments were performed to examine the effects of Maillard browning induced in
      the presence of metallic elements. The rate of brown pigment formation was shown
      to be reduced in model Maillard reactions performed in the presence of
      electropositive metals. Experiments involved reactions of d-xylose, d-arabinose
      and d-ribose with glycine, alpha-l- or beta-alanine and l-valine in pH 7.0
      phosphate buffer at ca. 100 degrees C. "Browning" measured spectrophotometrically
      at 420nm was significantly lower (compared with controls) in selected reactions
      containing elemental Mg, Al, Mn and Sn particles. It was hypothesized that the
      metals acted in sacrificial anode redox fashion to reduce or eliminate
      dehydroreductones believed to be key Maillard intermediates ultimately leading to
      less browning. 

PMID- 27664628
TI  - Influence of cooking conditions on organoleptic and health-related properties of
      artichokes, green beans, broccoli and carrots.
AB  - Colour, pigments, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were
      investigated in artichokes, green beans, broccoli and carrots cooked under
      different conditions. Domestic induction hobs with temperature control were used
      to evaluate the effect of boiling, sous-vide cooking and water immersion cooking
      at temperatures below 100 degrees C on the properties of each vegetable. Sous
      vide cooking preserved chlorophyll, carotenoids, phenolic content and antioxidant
      activity to a greater extent than boiling for all of the vegetables tested and
      retained colour better, as determined by a(*). A reduction of only 10-15 degrees
      C in the cooking temperature was enough to improve the properties of the samples
      cooked by water immersion, except for green beans. Artichokes and carrots
      suffered pronounced losses of antioxidant activity during boiling (17.0 and 9.2%
      retention, respectively), but the stability of this parameter significantly
      increased with sous-vide cooking (84.9 and 55.3% retention, respectively). 

PMID- 27664629
TI  - The cadmium and lead content of the grain produced by leading Chinese rice
      cultivars.
AB  - The cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) content in both white and wholemeal flour milled
      from 110 leading rice cultivars was assessed. The white flour Cd content ranged
      from <0.0025 to 0.2530mg/kg (geometric mean (GM)=0.0150mg/kg), while its Pb
      content ranged from <0.0250 to 0.3830mg/kg (GM=0.0210mg/kg). The indica types
      took up higher amounts of Cd and Pb than did the japonica types. Although the
      heavy metal content of wholemeal flour tended to higher than that of white flour,
      nevertheless 84.5% (Cd) and 95.4% (Pb) of the entries were compliant with the
      national maximum allowable concentration of 0.2000mg/kg of each contaminant. An
      analysis of the Cd content in the white flour of three indica type cultivars
      grown in two consecutive years at two locations indicated that Cd content may be
      significantly affected by the conditions prevailing in the growing season. 

PMID- 27664630
TI  - QuEChERS-based extraction with dispersive solid phase extraction clean-up using
      PSA and ZrO2-based sorbents for determination of pesticides in bovine milk
      samples by HPLC-DAD.
AB  - In this study, a quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe (QuEChERS)
      extraction technique was adapted to develop a simple sample treatment for multi
      residue pesticide analysis in milk samples. The proposed method is based on
      liquid-liquid partitioning with acetonitrile followed by dispersive solid phase
      extraction clean-up using primary secondary amine along with zirconia-coated
      silica particles for extract purification. Identification and quantification of
      30 pesticides was conducted via high performance liquid chromatography with diode
      array detection (HPLC-DAD). Recoveries were from 70 to 100% for the vast majority
      of the analytes, with relative standard deviations less than 20% being observed.
      HPLC-DAD provided suitable linearity, precision and accuracy. For 28 of 30
      analytes in the study method limit of quantification values (mLOQs) comply with
      the most recent European Union guidelines for the maximum residue levels (MRLs)
      in milk. Negligible matrix effect was observed due to efficient extract clean-up
      with ZrO2-based sorbents. 

PMID- 27664631
TI  - Understanding leaf membrane protein extraction to develop a food-grade process.
AB  - Leaf membrane proteins are an underutilised protein fraction for food
      applications. Proteins from leaves can contribute to a more complete use of
      resources and help to meet the increasing protein demand. Leaf protein extraction
      and purification is applied by other disciplines, such as proteomics. Therefore,
      this study analysed proteomic extraction methods for membrane proteins as an
      inspiration for a food-grade alternative process. Sugar beet leaves were
      extracted with two proteomic protocols: solvent extraction and Triton X-114 phase
      partitioning method. Extraction steps contributed to protein purity and/or to
      selective fractionation, enabling the purification of specific proteins. It was
      observed that membrane proteins distributed among different solvents, buffers and
      solutions used due to their physicochemical heterogeneity. This heterogeneity
      does not allow a total membrane protein extraction by a unique method or even
      combinations of processing steps, but it enables the creation of different
      fractions with different physicochemical properties useful for food applications.

PMID- 27664632
TI  - Identification of predominant aroma components of raw, dry roasted and oil
      roasted almonds.
AB  - Volatile components of raw, dry roasted and oil roasted almonds were isolated by
      solvent extraction/solvent-assisted flavor evaporation and predominant aroma
      compounds identified by gas chromatography-olfactometry (GCO) and aroma extract
      dilutions analysis (AEDA). Selected odorants were quantitated by GC-mass
      spectrometry and odor-activity values (OAVs) determined. Results of AEDA
      indicated that 1-octen-3-one and acetic acid were important aroma compounds in
      raw almonds. Those predominant in dry roasted almonds were methional, 2- and 3
      methylbutanal, 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline and 2,3-pentanedione; whereas, in oil roasted
      almonds 4-hydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furanone, 2,3-pentanedione, methional and 2
      acetyl-1-pyrroline were the predominant aroma compounds. Overall, oil roasted
      almonds contained a greater number and higher abundance of aroma compounds than
      either raw or dry roasted almonds. The results of this study demonstrate the
      importance of lipid-derived volatile compounds in raw almond aroma. Meanwhile, in
      dry and oil roasted almonds, the predominant aroma compounds were derived via the
      Maillard reaction, lipid degradation/oxidation and sugar degradation. 

PMID- 27664633
TI  - Rare earth elements and (87)Sr/(86)Sr isotopic characterization of Indian Basmati
      rice as potential tool for its geographical authenticity.
AB  - The increasing demand for premium priced Indian Basmati rice (Oryza sativa) in
      world commodity market causing fraudulent activities like adulteration,
      mislabelling. In order to develop authentication method for Indian Basmati rice,
      (87)Sr/(86)Sr ratios and REEs composition of Basmati rice, soil and water samples
      were determined and evaluated their ability as geographical tracer in the present
      study. In addition, the possible source of Sr in rice plant has also been
      examined. Basmati rice samples (n=82) showed (87)Sr/(86)Sr ratios in the range
      0.71143-0.73448 and concentrations of 10 REEs (La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy,
      Er, Yb) in ppb levels. Statistical analysis showed strong correlation between
      (87)Sr/(86)Sr ratios of rice, silicate and carbonate fractions of soil. Good
      correlation and closeness of (87)Sr/(86)Sr of rice with water indicate its uptake
      in rice from water. Rice grown in southern Uttar Pradesh contains higher
      (87)Sr/(86)Sr compared to other region of Indo-Gangetic Plain due to higher
      (87)Sr/(86)Sr of the Ganga compared to other rivers. (87)Sr/(86)Sr ratios can be
      used as a tracer for differentiating Indian Basmati rice from the other country
      originated rice samples. 

PMID- 27664634
TI  - Nutritional value of duckweeds (Lemnaceae) as human food.
AB  - Duckweeds have been consumed as human food since long. Species of the duckweed
      genera, Spirodela, Landoltia, Lemna, Wolffiella and Wolffia were analysed for
      protein, fat, and starch contents as well as their amino acid and fatty acid
      distribution. Protein content spanned from 20% to 35%, fat from 4% to 7%, and
      starch from 4% to 10% per dry weight. Interestingly, the amino acid distributions
      are close to the WHO recommendations, having e.g. 4.8% Lys, 2.7% Met+Cys, and
      7.7% Phe+Tyr. The content of polyunsaturated fatty acids was between 48 and 71%
      and the high content of n3 fatty acids resulted in a favourable n6/n3 ratio of
      0.5 or less. The phytosterol content in the fastest growing angiosperm, W.
      microscopica, was 50mgg(-1) lipid. However, the content of trace elements can be
      adjusted by cultivation conditions. Accordingly, W. hyalina and W. microscopica
      are recommended for human nutrition. 

PMID- 27664635
TI  - Synchronous front-face fluorescence spectroscopy for authentication of the
      adulteration of edible vegetable oil with refined used frying oil.
AB  - Synchronous front-face fluorescence spectroscopy has been developed for the
      discrimination of used frying oil (UFO) from edible vegetable oil (EVO), the
      estimation of the using time of UFO, and the determination of the adulteration of
      EVO with UFO. Both the heating time of laboratory prepared UFO and the
      adulteration of EVO with UFO could be determined by partial least squares
      regression (PLSR). To simulate the EVO adulteration with UFO, for each kind of
      oil, fifty adulterated samples at the adulterant amounts range of 1-50% were
      prepared. PLSR was then adopted to build the model and both full (leave-one-out)
      cross-validation and external validation were performed to evaluate the
      predictive ability. Under the optimum condition, the plots of observed versus
      predicted values exhibited high linearity (R(2)>0.96). The root mean square error
      of cross-validation (RMSECV) and root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP)
      were both lower than 3%. 

PMID- 27664636
TI  - Spices in the management of diabetes mellitus.
AB  - Diabetes mellitus (DM) remains a major health care problem worldwide both in
      developing and developed countries. Many factors, including age, obesity, sex,
      and diet, are involved in the etiology of DM. Nowadays, drug and dietetic
      therapies are the two major approaches used for prevention and control of DM.
      Compared to drug therapy, a resurgence of interest in using diet to manage and
      treat DM has emerged in recent years. Conventional dietary methods to treat DM
      include the use of culinary herbs and/or spices. Spices have long been known for
      their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic properties. This review
      explores the anti-diabetic properties of commonly used spices, such as cinnamon,
      ginger, turmeric, and cumin, and the use of these spices for prevention and
      management of diabetes and associated complications. 

PMID- 27664637
TI  - First identification of three p-menthane lactones and their potential precursor,
      menthofuran, in red wines.
AB  - The p-menthane lactones constitute a family of powerful odorants, including the
      isomers of mintlactone and menthofurolactone that occur naturally in peppermint
      oil, known for their potent, mint-like olfactory properties. These lactones are
      closely related to the monoterpene-limonene secondary biotransformation and
      menthofuran has been identified as their common precursor in Mentha species.
      Using targeted GC-olfactometry and GC-MS analyses, together with quantification
      methods, we were able to demonstrate, for the first time, the presence of the
      diastereoisomers of these p-menthane lactones, as well as their common precursor,
      menthofuran, in red wines. In addition, we linked the presence of those lactones
      to interesting odorant zones, reminiscent of mint, detected in the studied wine.
      Although these p-menthane lactones may contribute individually to mint and
      coconut odors, sensory studies suggested for the first time that their
      combination at the levels found in the red wine studied resulted in a significant
      accentuation of freshness and mint notes. 

PMID- 27664638
TI  - Pyrethroid residue determination in organic and conventional vegetables using
      liquid-solid extraction coupled with magnetic solid phase extraction based on
      polystyrene-coated magnetic nanoparticles.
AB  - A detection method using polystyrene-coated magnetic nanoparticles based
      extraction technique coupled to HPLC was developed for trace amount of
      pyrethroids residue detection in vegetable matrixes. The recoveries for five
      kinds of commonly used pyrethroids were in the range of 91.6%-116.2%. The
      sensitivity and precision of the method were satisfactory with the limits of
      detection and limits of quantification in the range of 0.0200-0.0392ngg(-1) and
      0.072-0.128ngg(-1), respectively. The intra-day and inter-day relative standard
      deviations for the recoveries of the analytes were lower than 6.8% and 10.7%,
      respectively. The nanoparticles can be washed and recycled after use. The results
      indicate that the developed method was efficient, fast, economical and
      environmentally friendly. The method was successfully applied to detect the
      pyrethroids residue in ten pairs of commonly consumed organic and conventional
      fresh vegetables in Singapore. Pyrethroids residue was detected in four kinds of
      conventional vegetables and one kind of organic vegetable. 

PMID- 27664639
TI  - Mass-based metabolomic analysis of soybean sprouts during germination.
AB  - We investigated the metabolite profile of soybean sprouts at 0, 1, 2, 3, and
      4days after germination using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and
      liquid chromatography-MS (LC-MS) to understand the relationship between
      germination and nutritional quality. Data were analyzed by partial least squares
      discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), and sprout samples were separated successfully
      using their PLS-DA scores. Fifty-eight metabolites, including macromolecular
      derivatives related to energy production, amino acids, myo-inositol metabolites,
      phytosterols, antioxidants, isoflavones, and soyasaponins, contributed to the
      separation. Amino acids, myo-inositol metabolites, isoflavone aglycones, B
      soyasaponins, antioxidants, and phytosterols, associated with health benefits
      and/or taste quality, increased with germination time while isoflavone glycosides
      and DDMP soyasaponins decreased. Based on these metabolites, the metabolomic
      pathway associated with energy production in soybean sprouts is suggested. Our
      data suggest that sprouting is a useful processing step to improve soybean
      nutritional quality, and metabolomic analysis is useful in understanding
      nutritional change during sprouting. 

PMID- 27664640
TI  - Magnetic solid-phase extraction based on graphene oxide for the determination of
      lignans in sesame oil.
AB  - Graphene oxide was fabricated by a simple method and applied to magnetic solid
      phase extraction. In a pretreatment procedure before the sesamol, sesamin and
      sesamolin in sesame oil were detected by high performance liquid chromatography.
      Several parameters affecting the extraction efficiency were investigated,
      including the type and volume of desorption solvent, desorption time and the
      amount of sorbent. Under the optimized conditions, the detection limits of
      sesamol, sesamin, and sesamolin were 0.05MUg/g, 0.02MUg/g, and 0.02MUg/g,
      respectively. The limits of quantification were all 0.2MUg/g. The average
      recoveries of sesamol, sesamin, and sesamolin were 84.55%, 85.47%, 86.83%,
      respectively and their relative standard deviations were 1.23%, 1.33%, and 0.84%,
      respectively. 

PMID- 27664641
TI  - Electroanalytical tools for antioxidant evaluation of red fruits dry extracts.
AB  - Red fruits are rich sources of antioxidant compounds with recognized health
      benefits. Since they are perishable, dried extracts emerge as more durable
      products and their quality control must include antioxidant capacity assays. In
      this study, the redox behavior of commercial dried products obtained from camu
      camu, acai, acerola and cranberry red fruits was evaluated by electroanalytical
      approaches. The antioxidant potential was determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1
      picrylhydrazyl free radical assay and the electrochemical index concept. The
      total phenol content was estimated by using a laccase based biosensor. A
      significant correlation was found between all methods and literature data. The
      voltammetric profile (cyclic, differential and square wave) obtained for each
      type of dried extract showed distinguishable features that were correlated with
      their main major markers, being also useful for identification purposes. The
      electrochemical methods were cheaper and more practical for evaluation of
      antioxidant properties and total phenol content in dried powders obtained from
      different red fruits. 

PMID- 27664642
TI  - Enrichment of caffeic acid in peanut sprouts and evaluation of its in vitro
      effectiveness against oxidative stress-induced erythrocyte hemolysis.
AB  - The profile of caffeic acid in tissues of peanut sprouts and its antioxidant
      activity in erythrocyte-based assays were investigated. Caffeic acid was found to
      accumulate in the epicotyl-plumule (reached 2097.13+/-96MUg/g DW on day 10 after
      peanut germination). It was purified by semipreparative high-performance liquid
      chromatography. The purified caffeic acid showed noticeable protective effects on
      human erythrocytes against 2,2'-azobis-(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH)
      induced hemolysis. It also contributed to maintenance of normal morphological
      features and inhibited malondialdehyde formation and the lactate dehydrogenase
      release in erythrocytes under oxidative stress. Further analysis revealed that
      caffeic acid effectively inhibited AAPH-induced free-radical production and
      maintained the normal metabolism of the erythrocytic redox system, including
      superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione. Our work showed
      that caffeic acid, which is greatly enriched in peanut sprout, can effectively
      protect erythrocytes from oxidative damage. These results provide valuable
      information for the use of peanut sprouts as a functional food. 

PMID- 27664643
TI  - Changes in the antigenicity and allergenicity of ovalbumin in chicken egg white
      by N-acetylglucosaminidase.
AB  - Ovalbumin (OVA), an (hen) egg allergen, is one of the most abundant glycoprotein
      allergens associated with IgE-mediated hypersensitivity through the T-helper type
      2 immune response. The effect of deglycosylation of the N-terminal glycan in OVA
      on allergenicity and antigenicity after N-acetylglucosaminidase treatment was
      studied. N-acetylglucosaminidase-treated OVA (N-OVA) evaluated using an enzyme
      linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. N-OVA significantly (p<0.05) OVA
      specific IgE and histamine levels. In addition, N-OVA decreased the antigenicity
      of OVA 1000-fold. These results suggest that the degree of allergenicity and
      antigenicity reduced with deglycosylation of N-terminal glycan in OVA. 

PMID- 27664644
TI  - Development of HPLC-ELSD method for determination of maltodextrin in raw milk.
AB  - An analytical method was developed and validated for the determination of
      maltodextrin in raw milk, using high-performance liquid chromatography with
      evaporative light scattering detection. Maltodextrin content was evaluated in
      adulterated raw milk using a Supelcosil LC-NH2 (25cm*4.6mm) column and isocratic
      elution (68% of acetonitrile). Validation parameters exhibited adequate
      linearity, with relative standard deviation values between 0.74 and 2.16% (n=10)
      for repeatability and 0.11-19.39% (n=5) for intermediate precision. Limits of
      detection and quantification were 0.78 and 1.56mg.mL(-1), respectively, and
      recovery rates were between 91 and 93% for three levels. The application of this
      method shows that maltodextrin concentrations found in adulterated samples are
      lower than expected, which may be related to the quality of the commercial
      maltodextrin used. The method proposed proved to be simple and appropriate for
      the determination of maltodextrin in raw milk, with detection down to
      adulteration levels of 1%. 

PMID- 27664645
TI  - Determination of 2-alkylcyclobutanones in ultraviolet light-irradiated fatty
      acids, triglycerides, corn oil, and pork samples: Identifying a new source of 2
      alkylcyclobutanones.
AB  - Previous studies have established that 2-alkylcyclobutanones (2-ACBs) are unique
      radiolytic products in lipid-containing foods that could only be formed through
      exposure to ionizing radiation, but not by any other means of physical/heat
      treatment methods. Therefore, 2-ACBs are currently the marker molecules required
      by the European Committee for Standardization to be used to identify foods
      irradiated with ionizing irradiation. Using a spectrum of state-of-the-art
      analytical instruments, we present in this study for the first time that the
      generation of 2-ACBs was also possible when fatty acids and triglycerides are
      exposed to a non-ionizing, short-wavelength ultraviolet (UV-C) light source. An
      irradiation dosage-dependent formation of 2-ACBs was also observed in UV-C
      irradiated fatty acids, triglycerides, corn oil, and pork samples. With UV-C
      irradiation becoming an increasingly common food treatment procedure, it is
      anticipated that the results from this study will alert food scientists and
      regulatory officials to a potential new source for 2-ACBs. 

PMID- 27664646
TI  - Application of mesoporous silica materials for the immobilization of polyphenol
      oxidase.
AB  - The ability of a number of mesoporous silica materials (SBA-15, SBA-3, and MCM
      48) to immobilize polyphenol oxidase (PPO) at different pH has been tested. Pore
      size and volume are the structural characteristics with higher influence on the
      PPO immobilization. Mesoropous material SBA-15 adsorbs a larger quantity of PPO
      at pH 4.00 and offers an inhibition of enzymatic activity close the 50% in apple
      extracts. 

PMID- 27664647
TI  - Polyphenolic composition and antioxidant activity of acai (Euterpe oleracea
      Mart.) from Colombia.
AB  - Berries of Colombian Euterpe oleracea Mart. were analyzed for total phenolic
      content (TPC), anthocyanin (ACN) content, and antioxidant activity. Additionally,
      reversed-phase ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array
      detection (RP-UHPLC-PDA) and heated electrospray ionization (HESI) multistage
      mass spectrometry (MS(n)) were used to determine the composition of phenolic
      compounds. Anthocyanin content was 0.57+/-0.39mg cyanidin-3-glucoside/g fresh
      weight (FW) and TPC was 6.07+/-2.17mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g FW. The ABTS
      radical scavenging activity was 3.1+/-1.3MUmol Trolox equivalents (TE)/100g FW,
      whereas the DPPH value was 2693.1+/-332.8MUmol TE/100g FW. Overall, results show
      that Colombian acai has a more diverse polyphenolic profile and higher
      antioxidant activity than Brazilian acai. This information could be useful in
      authentification procedures to differentiate Brazilian acai from Colombian acai
      when used as an alternative for the supply of this fruit during the time of
      shortage in Brazil. 

PMID- 27664648
TI  - Spectroscopy reveals that ethyl esters interact with proteins in wine.
AB  - Impairment of wine aroma after vinification is frequently associated to bentonite
      treatments and this can be the result of protein removal, as recently
      demonstrated for ethyl esters. To evaluate the existence of an interaction
      between wine proteins and ethyl esters, the effects induced by these fermentative
      aroma compounds on the secondary structure and stability of VVTL1, a Thaumatin
      like protein purified from wine, was analyzed by Synchrotron Radiation Circular
      Dichroism (SRCD) spectroscopy. The secondary structure of wine VVTL1 was not
      strongly affected by the presence of selected ethyl esters. In contrast, VVTL1
      stability was slightly increased by the addition of ethyl-octanoate, -decanoate
      and -dodecanoate, but decreased by ethyl-hexanoate. This indicates the existence
      of an interaction between VVTL1 and at least some aroma compounds produced during
      fermentation. The data suggest that proteins removal from wine by bentonite can
      result in indirect removal of at least some aroma compounds associated with them.

PMID- 27664649
TI  - Geoclimatic, morphological, and temporal effects on Lebanese olive oils
      composition and classification: A (1)H NMR metabolomic study.
AB  - Two hundred and thirty-four Lebanese olive samples were collected from different
      regions and the corresponding oils were analysed by (1)H NMR spectroscopy. The
      variables obtained, related to fatty acids and minor components, were used as
      inputs in univariate and multivariate analyses aiming to characterize and
      classify the oils according to geographical, morphological, and temporal factors.
      Samples were sorted according to the colour, size, and shape of olives, which
      allowed statistically significant classifications to be achieved. A sequential
      strategy was developed to discriminate among samples from different altitudes and
      latitudes. Following this strategy, obvious trends and classifications were
      obtained at subregional level. Furthermore, the shift in the harvest date within
      a range of three weeks was considered and its effect on the classification models
      was investigated. Likewise, the harvest year effect was evaluated; the
      precipitation level in April and May had a significant impact on the
      characteristics of the oils. 

PMID- 27664651
TI  - Chemical, mechanical and sensory monitoring of hot air- and infrared-roasted
      hazelnuts (Corylus avellana L.) during nine months of storage.
AB  - Roasted hazelnuts can be consumed as whole nuts, or as an ingredient in the
      confectionary and bakery industries and are highly appreciated for their typical
      taste, aroma and crunchy texture. In this work, two hazelnut types (TGT, Ordu)
      from two harvests were roasted using two different systems (hot air, infrared) at
      different time/temperature combinations, and the evolution of oxidative
      stability, the total phenolic content (TPC), the antioxidant capacity, the
      mechanical and acoustic properties and the sensory perception were determined
      during storage. The results showed that the oxidative stability was increased by
      roasting hazelnuts at 120 degrees C for 40min with hot air system. Similar
      overall trends were not found for the TPC, the antioxidant capacity and the
      mechanical-acoustic properties. However, for the maintenance of high antioxidant
      activity, a storage time of 6months at 4 degrees C is recommended. The two
      roasting systems gave hazelnuts with significant sensory differences only at high
      roasting temperature. 

PMID- 27664650
TI  - Evaluation of volatile compounds from Chinese dwarf cherry (Cerasus humilis
      (Bge.) Sok.) germplasms by headspace solid-phase microextraction and gas
      chromatography-mass spectrometry.
AB  - The types and amounts of volatiles in denucleated fruit of 30 Chinese dwarf
      cherry germplasms were determined by headspace solid-phase microextraction and
      gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to assess the genotypic variation. Eighty
      five volatiles were identified; hexyl acetate, 4-penten-1-yl acetate, prenyl
      acetate, (Z)-pent-2-enyl hexanoate, geranyl acetate, n-butyl acetate, (3Z)-3,7
      dimethylocta-1,3,6-triene, geraniol, pent-2-enyl butanoate, ethyl caprylate,
      butyl hexanoate, and linalool were the main volatiles. The type and content of
      volatile varied with genotype. Red fruits had the most abundant aroma and
      vinicolor fruits exhibited the least. Principal component analysis clustered the
      30 Chinese dwarf cherry germplasms into four groups: (1) 2 germplasms (NM2 and
      HN3) had high ester content, (2) 24 germplasms (BJ1-BJ6, HB1, HB2, HN1, HN2, NM1,
      NM3, SX1, SX2, SX4-SX6, SX8-SX10, SX12, SX13, SX15, and SX16) contained mainly
      esters, lactones, and terpenes, (3) 2 germplasms (SX11 and SX14) had high ester
      and lactone content, and (4) 2 germplasms (SX3 and SX7) had high ester and
      terpene content. 

PMID- 27664652
TI  - Influence of juice processing factors on quality of black chokeberry pomace as a
      future resource for colour extraction.
AB  - Aronia melanocarpa berries are a rich source of anthocyanins and its pomace, a by
      product of juice processing, could be efficiently used for extraction of natural
      colours for the food industry. This study evaluated the influence blanching,
      freezing, maceration temperatures (2 degrees C, 50 degrees C) and enzyme
      treatments before juice pressing on the yield and anthocyanin composition of both
      juice and pomace. Total anthocyanin levels in pomace were affected mostly by
      enzyme treatment followed by maceration temperature. The pre-heating of the mash
      prior to processing increased juice yield and retention of anthocyanins in the
      pomace. Cold maceration of frozen berries without enzyme addition gave the
      highest concentrations of anthocyanins in the pomace, and both cold and hot
      maceration of fresh unblanched berries with enzyme the lowest. The results
      support future exploitation of natural colours from pomace side streams of
      Aronia, thus increasing competitiveness of Aronia berry production. 

PMID- 27664653
TI  - Sudan dyes in adulterated saffron (Crocus sativus L.): Identification and
      quantification by (1)H NMR.
AB  - Saffron, the dried red stigmas of Crocus sativus L., is considered as one of the
      most expensive spices worldwide, and as such, it is prone to adulteration. This
      study introduces an NMR-based approach to identify and determine the adulteration
      of saffron with Sudan I-IV dyes. A complete (1)H and (13)C resonance assignment
      for Sudan I-IV, achieved by two-dimensional homonuclear and heteronuclear NMR
      experiments, is reported for the first time. Specific different proton signals
      for the identification of each Sudan dye in adulterated saffron can be utilised
      for quantitative (1)H NMR (qHNMR), a well-established method for quantitative
      analysis. The quantification of Sudan III, as a paradigm, was performed in
      varying levels (0.14-7.1g/kg) by considering the NMR signal occurring at
      8.064ppm. The high linearity, accuracy and rapidity of investigation enable high
      resolution (1)H NMR spectroscopy to be used for evaluation of saffron
      adulteration with Sudan dyes. 

PMID- 27664654
TI  - Mineral composition of pulp and production of the yellow passion fruit with
      organic and conventional fertilizers.
AB  - The use of organic foods has been increased in the world. Organic fertilizers,
      like cattle manure, have emerged as an important component of the organic system
      production. The production, mass, size, and mineral composition of passion fruit
      pulp were evaluated when treated with a mineral fertilizer (control) (MIN) or
      cattle manure at a single dose equivalent to potassium fertilizer (ORG) or double
      dose (2*ORG). The production and the numbers of fruits of plants treated with MIN
      and 2*ORG was higher than with ORG. The level of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P),
      zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu) in the fruit pulp was similar with all
      three fertilizers, but the calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) was higher with ORG
      and 2*ORG. The number and weight of the fruits of passion fruit treated with
      2*ORG were similar to those with MIN fertilizer, but they contained more Ca and
      Mg. 

PMID- 27664655
TI  - Melatonin and derived l-tryptophan metabolites produced during alcoholic
      fermentation by different wine yeast strains.
AB  - Melatonin is a neurohormone involved in the regulation of circadian rhythms in
      humans. Evidence has recently been found of its occurrence in wines and its role
      in the winemaking process. The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is consequently
      thought to be important in Melatonin synthesis, but limited data and reference
      texts are available on this synthetic pathway. This paper aims to elucidate
      whether the synthetic pathway of Melatonin in Saccharomyces and non-Saccharomyces
      strains involves these intermediates. To this end, seven commercial strains
      comprising Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Red Fruit, ES488, Lalvin QA23, Uvaferm BC,
      and Lalvin ICV GRE) and non-Saccharomyces (Torulaspora delbrueckii and
      Metschnikowia pulcherrima) were monitored, under controlled fermentation
      conditions, in synthetic must, for seven days. Samples were analysed using a
      UHPLC-HRMS system (Qexactive). Five out of the seven strains formed Melatonin
      during the fermentation process: three S. cerevisiae strains and the two non
      Saccharomyces. Additionally, other compounds derived from l-tryptophan occurred
      during fermentation. 

PMID- 27664656
TI  - Isotopic ratio analysis of cattle tail hair: A potential tool in building the
      database for cow milk geographical traceability.
AB  - The potential for the isotopic ratio analysis of cattle tail hair in determining
      the geographical origin of raw cow milk in Peninsular Malaysia had been
      investigated in this research using exploratory visualization. A significant
      positive correlation (p<0.0001) (n=54) was noticed between delta(13)C and
      delta(15)N in milk with that of hair which indicated that these matrices could be
      used in tracing the geographical origin of animal produce and tissues, and there
      is a possibility that hair could be used as a substitute in building the database
      for the geographical traceability of milk. It was also observed that both hair
      and milk isotopic ratio correlations exhibited separation between the northern
      and southern regions. The accuracy of using isotopic ratio in determining
      geographical discrimination had been clearly demonstrated when several commercial
      milk samples from the same regions under the study were correctly assigned to the
      appropriate geographical clusters. 

PMID- 27664657
TI  - Characterization and geographical discrimination of commercial Citrus spp. honeys
      produced in different Mediterranean countries based on minerals, volatile
      compounds and physicochemical parameters, using chemometrics.
AB  - The objective of the present study was: i) to characterize Mediterranean citrus
      honeys based on conventional physicochemical parameter values, volatile
      compounds, and mineral content ii) to investigate the potential of above
      parameters to differentiate citrus honeys according to geographical origin using
      chemometrics. Thus, 37 citrus honey samples were collected during harvesting
      periods 2013 and 2014 from Greece, Egypt, Morocco, and Spain. Conventional
      physicochemical and CIELAB colour parameters were determined using official
      methods of analysis and the Commission Internationale de l' Eclairage
      recommendations, respectively. Minerals were determined using ICP-OES and
      volatiles using SPME-GC/MS. Results showed that honey samples analyzed, met the
      standard quality criteria set by the EU and were successfully classified
      according to geographical origin. Correct classification rates were 97.3% using 8
      physicochemical parameter values, 86.5% using 15 volatile compound data and 83.8%
      using 13 minerals. 

PMID- 27664658
TI  - Determination of nickel in hydrogenated fats and selected chocolate bars in Czech
      Republic.
AB  - Nickel is a metal that can be present in products containing hardened edible
      oils, possibly as leftover catalyst from the vegetable oil hardening process.
      Nickel may cause toxic effects including the promotion of cancer and contact
      allergy. In this work, nickel content was determined in hydrogenated vegetable
      fats and confectionery products, made with these fats, available on the Czech
      market using newly developed method combining microwave digestion and graphite
      furnace AAS. While concentrations of 0.086+/-0.014mg.kg(-1) or less were found in
      hydrogenated vegetable fats, the Ni content in confectionery products was
      significantly higher, varying between 0.742+/-0.066 and 3.141+/-0.217mg.kg(-1).
      Based on an average consumer basket, daily intake of nickel from vegetable fats
      is at least twice as low as intake from confectionery products. Based on results,
      the levels of nickel in neither vegetable fats nor confectionery products, do not
      represent a significant health risk. 

PMID- 27664659
TI  - An efficient method for decoloration of polysaccharides from the sprouts of Toona
      sinensis (A. Juss.) Roem by anion exchange macroporous resins.
AB  - An efficient decoloration method for polysaccharides from the sprouts of Toona
      sinensis (A. Juss.) Roem (PSTS) by anion exchange macroporous resins (AEMR) was
      investigated in the present paper. The results suggested that D941 resin offered
      better decoloration efficiency than other tested resins. Based on single-factor
      experiments, the optimal decoloration parameters of D941 resin were obtained as
      follows: temperature of 45 degrees C, sample initial concentration of 30mg/ml, pH
      value of 8.5, static decoloration time of 90min, dynamic decoloration processing
      volume of 5.5BV with the flow rate of 2BV/h. Decoloration ratio, PSTS recovery
      ratio and selectivity coefficient were 91.94+/-1.23%, 90.05+/-2.35% and 10.92+/
      0.63, respectively. Most of pigment impurities were successfully removed from
      PSTS solutions after treated by D941 resin, and there was no significant
      difference in carbohydrate concentration, characteristic groups and molecular
      weight. Compared with H2O2 oxidation and activated carbon adsorption, this
      developed method is superior. 

PMID- 27664660
TI  - Fluorescence spectroscopy and principal component analysis of soy protein
      hydrolysate fractions and the potential to assess their antioxidant capacity
      characteristics.
AB  - The potential of intrinsic fluorescence and principal component analysis (PCA) to
      characterize the antioxidant capacity of soy protein hydrolysates (SPH) during
      sequential ultrafiltration (UF) and nanofiltration (NF) was evaluated. SPH was
      obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis of soy protein isolate. Antioxidant capacity was
      measured by Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) and Folin Ciocalteau
      Reagent (FCR) assays together with fluorescence excitation-emission matrices
      (EEM). PCA of the fluorescence EEMs revealed two principal components (PC1
      tryptophan, PC2-tyrosine) that captured significant variance in the fluorescence
      spectra. Regression models between antioxidant capacity and PC1 and PC2 displayed
      strong linear correlations for NF fractions and a weak linear correlation for UF
      fractions. Clustering of UF and NF fractions according to ORACFPCA and FCRFPCA
      was observed. The ability of this method to extract information on contributions
      by tryptophan and tyrosine amino acid residues to the antioxidant capacity of SPH
      fractions was demonstrated. 

PMID- 27664661
TI  - Protein breakdown and release of beta-casomorphins during in vitro gastro
      intestinal digestion of sterilised model systems of liquid infant formula.
AB  - Protein modifications occurring during sterilisation of infant formulas can
      affect protein digestibility and release of bioactive peptides. The effect of
      glycation and cross-linking on protein breakdown and release of beta-casomorphins
      was evaluated during in vitro gastro-intestinal digestion (GID) of six sterilised
      model systems of infant formula. Protein degradation during in vitro GID was
      evaluated by SDS-PAGE and by measuring the nitrogen content of ultrafiltration
      (3kDa) permeates before and after in vitro GID of model IFs. Glycation strongly
      hindered protein breakdown, whereas cross-linking resulting from beta-elimination
      reactions had a negligible effect. Only beta-casomorphin 7 (beta-CM7) was
      detected (0.187-0.858mgL(-1)) at the end of the intestinal digestion in all
      untreated IF model systems. The level of beta-CM7 in the sterilised model systems
      prepared without addition of sugars ranged from 0.256 to 0.655mgL(-1). The
      release of this peptide during GID was hindered by protein glycation. 

PMID- 27664662
TI  - Phenolics, antioxidant capacity and bioaccessibility of chicory varieties
      (Cichorium spp.) grown in Turkey.
AB  - In this study, the changes in phenolics, anthocyanin, antioxidant capacity, and
      bioaccessibility of chicory varieties (Cichorium spp.) in Turkey were
      investigated. A total of 19 phenolic standards were screened in the chicory
      varieties studied and the most abundant compounds in the samples, extracted with
      methanol, were phenolic acids, syringic (2.54mg/kg) and trans-ferulic acid
      (1.85mg/kg), whilst (+)-catechin was the major flavanol. The highest flavanol
      content using either methanol or ethanol was determined in the green chicory
      samples (0.62mg/kg). The red chicory variety had higher anthocyanin (12.80mg/kg),
      and contained more phenolics, extractable (8855.50mg GAE/100g) and hydrolysable
      (7005.51mg GAE/100g), than the other varieties. Also, the antioxidant capacities
      in this variety, as measured using the CUPRAC assay (570.54 and 425.14MUmol
      Trolox/g dw, respectively), had a wider range of difference than was found in the
      other assays used. Total phenolics were more bioaccessible from the white chicory
      variety (61.48%). However, the bioaccessibility of antioxidants was higher in the
      green chicory variety. 

PMID- 27664663
TI  - Varietal classification and antioxidant activity prediction of Osmanthus fragrans
      Lour. flowers using UPLC-PDA/QTOF-MS and multivariable analysis.
AB  - This study was aimed to classify the varieties and predict the antioxidant
      activity of Osmanthus fragrans flowers by UPLC-PDA/QTOF-MS and multivariable
      analysis. The PLS-DA model successfully classified the four varieties based on
      both the 21 identified compounds and the effective compounds. For the antioxidant
      activity prediction, PLS performed well to predict the antioxidant activity of O.
      fragrans flowers. Furthermore, acteoside, suspensaside A, ligustroside,
      forsythoside A, phillygenin and caffeic acid were selected as effective compounds
      by UVE-SPA for prediction. On the basis of effective compounds, PLS, MLR and PCR
      were applied to establish the calibration models. The UVE-SPA-MLR model was the
      optimal method to predict the antioxidant activity values with Rp of 0.9200,
      0.9010 and 0.8905 for DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays, respectively. The results
      revealed that the UPLC-PDA/QTOF-MS combined with chemometrics could be a new
      method to classify the varieties and predict the antioxidant activity of O.
      fragrans flowers. 

PMID- 27664664
TI  - Inhibitory effect of chlorogenic acid on digestion of potato starch.
AB  - The effect of the chlorogenic acid isomer 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid (5-CQA) on
      digestion of potato starch by porcine pancreatic alpha amylase (PPAA) was
      investigated using isolated starch and cooked potato tuber as substrates. In
      vitro digestion was performed on five varieties of potato with varying phenolic
      content. Co- and pre-incubation of PPAA with 5-CQA significantly reduced PPAA
      activity in a dose dependent manner with an IC50 value of about 2mgmL(-1).
      Lineweaver-Burk plots indicated that 5-CQA exerts a mixed type inhibition as km
      increased and Vmax decreased. The total polyphenol content (TPC) of peeled tuber
      tissue ranged from 320.59 to 528.94mg 100g(-1)dry weight (DW) in raw tubers and
      282.03-543.96mg 100g(-1)DW in cooked tubers. With the exception of Desiree, TPC
      and 5-CQA levels decreased after cooking. Principle component analysis indicated
      that digestibility is affected by multiple factors including phenolic, dry matter
      and starch content. 

PMID- 27664666
TI  - Preparation of SERS-active substrates based on graphene oxide/silver
      nanocomposites for rapid zdetection of l-Theanine.
AB  - A kind of graphene oxide/silver (GO/Ag) nanocomposites with high Surface enhanced
      Raman scattering (SERS) activity were fabricated via a facile and green liquid
      phase reduction method. The synthesized materials were characterized in detail
      using various microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. In this method, the GO
      sheets worked as a holder which makes silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) aggregate to a
      particular morphology, and under a suitable dosage of silver ions, well-dispersed
      AgNPs on the surface of GO were obtained, which could generate more "hot spots"
      of SERS. Moreover, SERS technique based on the obtained GO/Ag nanocomposites was
      used as an effective way to detect l-Theanine. The detection limit was estimated
      to be as low as 10(-7)M, and a multivariate linear regression model for the
      concentration of l-Theanine was established. The optimal fitting equation is
      Y=5.6765+0.0307X1458-0.0267X1251. 

PMID- 27664665
TI  - Comparison of gravimetric, creamatocrit and esterified fatty acid methods for
      determination of total fat content in human milk.
AB  - The gravimetric method is considered the gold standard for measuring the fat
      content of human milk. However, it is labor intensive and requires large volumes
      of human milk. Other methods, such as creamatocrit and esterified fatty acid
      assay (EFA), have also been used widely in fat analysis. However, these methods
      have not been compared concurrently with the gravimetric method. Comparison of
      the three methods was conducted with human milk of varying fat content.
      Correlations between these methods were high (r(2)=0.99). Statistical differences
      (P<0.001) were observed in the overall fat measurements and within each group
      (low, medium and high fat milk) using the three methods. Overall, stronger
      correlation with lower mean (4.73g/L) and percentage differences (5.16%) was
      observed with the creamatocrit than the EFA method when compared to the
      gravimetric method. Furthermore, the ease of operation and real-time analysis
      make the creamatocrit method preferable. 

PMID- 27664667
TI  - Digestibility and antigenicity of beta-lactoglobulin as affected by heat, pH and
      applied shear.
AB  - Processing induced conformational changes can modulate digestibility of food
      allergens and thereby their antigenicity. Effect of different pH (3, 5, 7),
      temperature (room temperature, 120 degrees C) and shear (0s(-1), 1000s(-1)) on
      simulated gastrointestinal digestibility of beta-lg and post digestion antigenic
      characteristics have been studied. At all pH levels unheated beta-lg showed
      resistance to peptic digestion with high antigenic value while it was fairly
      susceptible to pancreatin with moderate reduction in antigenicity. Heating at 120
      degrees C significantly improved both peptic and pancreatic digestion attributed
      to structural alterations that resulted in much lower antigenicity; the level of
      reduction being pH dependant. The lowest antigenicity was recorded at pH 5.
      Shearing (1000s(-1)) had a minor impact reducing digestibility and thereby
      enhancing antigenicity of unheated beta-lg at pH 5 and 7 slightly; however in
      conjunction with heating (120 degrees C) it reduced antigenicity further
      irrespective of the pH. Overall, treatment at pH 5, 120 degrees C and 1000s(-1)
      could potentially reduce post digestion antigenicity of beta-lg. 

PMID- 27664668
TI  - Extraction and determination of arsenic species in leafy vegetables: Method
      development and application.
AB  - Extraction of arsenic (As) species in leafy vegetables was investigated by
      different combinations of methods and extractants. The extracted As species were
      separated and determined by HPLC-ICP-MS method. The microwave assisted method
      using 1% HNO3 as the extractant exhibited satisfactory efficiency (>90%) at 90
      degrees C for 1.5h. The proposed method was applied for extracting As species
      from real leafy vegetables. Thirteen cultivars of leafy vegetables were collected
      and analyzed. The predominant species in all the investigated vegetable samples
      were As(III) and As(V). Moreover, both As(III) and As(V) concentrations were
      positive significant (p<0.01) correlated with total As (tAs) concentration.
      However, the percentage of As(V) reduced with tAs concentration increasing
      probably due to the conversion and transformation of As(V) to As(III) after
      uptake. The hazard quotient results indicated no particular risk to 94.6% of
      local consumers. Considerably carcinogenic risk by consumption of the leafy
      vegetables was observed. 

PMID- 27664669
TI  - Potential of different mechanical and thermal treatments to control off-flavour
      generation in broccoli puree.
AB  - The aim of this study was scientifically investigate the impact of the sequence
      of different thermo-mechanical treatments on the volatile profile of differently
      processed broccoli puree, and to investigate if any relationship persists between
      detected off-flavour changes and microstructural changes as a function of
      selected process conditions. Comparison of the headspace GC-MS fingerprinting of
      the differently processed broccoli purees revealed that an adequate combination
      of processing steps allows to reduce the level of off-flavour volatiles.
      Moreover, applying mechanical processing before or after the thermal processing
      at 90 degrees C determines the pattern of broccoli tissue disruption, resulting
      into different microstructures and various enzymatic reactions inducing volatile
      generation. These results may aid the identification of optimal process
      conditions generating a reduced level of off-flavour in processed broccoli. In
      this way, broccoli can be incorporated as a food ingredient into mixed food
      products with limited implications on sensorial consumer acceptance. 

PMID- 27664670
TI  - Protein-transitions in and out of the dough matrix in wheat flour mixing.
AB  - Sequential protein behavior in the wheat dough matrix under continuous mixing and
      heating treatment has been studied using Mixolab-dough samples from two
      Australian wheat cultivars, Westonia and Wyalkatchem. Size exclusion high
      performance liquid chromatography (SE-HPLC) and two-dimensional gel
      electrophoresis (2-DGE) analysis indicated that 32min (80 degrees C) was a
      critical time point in forming large protein complexes and loosing extractability
      of several protein groups like y-type high molecular weight glutenin subunits
      (HMW-GSs), gamma-gliadins, beta-amylases, serpins, and metabolic proteins with
      higher mass. Up to 32min (80 degrees C) Westonia showed higher protein
      extractability compared to Wyalkatchem although it was in the opposite direction
      thereafter. Twenty differentially expressed proteins could be assigned to
      chromosomes 1D, 3A, 4A, 4B, 4D, 6A, 6B, 7A and 7B. The results expanded the range
      of proteins associated with changes in the gluten-complex during processing and
      provided targets for selecting new genetic variants associated with altered
      quality attributes of the flour. 

PMID- 27664671
TI  - Ultrasound-assisted extraction of natural antioxidants from the flower of
      Limonium sinuatum: Optimization and comparison with conventional methods.
AB  - Natural antioxidants are widely used as dietary supplements or food additives. An
      optimized method of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) was proposed for the
      effective extraction of antioxidants from the flowers of Limonium sinuatum and
      evaluated by response surface methodology. In this study, ethanol concentration,
      ratio of solvent to solid, ultrasonication time and temperature were investigated
      and optimized using a central composite rotatable design. The optimum extraction
      conditions were as follows: ethanol concentration, 60%; ratio of solvent to
      solid, 56.9:1mL/g; ultrasonication time, 9.8min; and temperature, 40 degrees C.
      Under the optimal UAE conditions, the experimental values (483.01+/
      15.39MUmolTrolox/gDW) matched with those predicted (494.13MUmolTrolox/gDW) within
      a 95% confidence level. In addition, the antioxidant activities of UAE were
      compared with those of conventional maceration and Soxhlet extraction methods,
      and the ultrasound-assisted extraction could give higher yield of antioxidants
      and markedly reduce the extraction time. 

PMID- 27664672
TI  - A functional natural deep eutectic solvent based on trehalose: Structural and
      physicochemical properties.
AB  - In this study, the natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) based on trehalose and
      choline chloride have been prepared to enhance the protein thermostability. The
      results of fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and (1)H nuclear magnetic
      resonance spectroscopy suggested that there were intensive hydrogen-bonding
      interactions between trehalose and choline chloride in TCCL3-DES and TCCL3-DES75.
      The physicochemical properties of TCCL3-DES and TCCL3-DES75 were investigated in
      the temperature range of 293.15-363.15K. Our results revealed that the
      thermostability of lysozyme, a model protein used in this study was dramatically
      increased in TCCL3-DES75, as evidenced by the disappearance of the denaturing
      peak from their Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) traces. The results of
      circular dichroism (CD) experiments further demonstrated that the lysozyme in
      TCCL3-DES75 unfolded partially at 90 degrees C and recovered to the initial
      structure at 20 degrees C. The study suggests that TCCL3-DES75 might be a
      potential solvent for stabilizing proteins. 

PMID- 27664673
TI  - Chemometric evaluation of trace metals in Prunus persica L. Batech and Malus
      domestica from Minicevo (Serbia).
AB  - The samples of spatial soils and different organs of Prunus persica L. Batech and
      Malus domestica were analyzed by methods such as inductively coupled plasma
      optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA), One
      way ANOVA, and calculation of biological accumulation factors (BAFs) with the aim
      of investigating whether these methods may help in the evaluation of trace metals
      in plants, as well as in the estimation of plant bioaccumulation potentials. ICP
      OES provided accurate data on present concentrations of Cu, Zn, Pb, As, Cd, and
      Ni which showed that most concentrations were in normal ranges, except in some
      cases for Cu, Zn, and As. HCA illustrated nicely various specifics in the
      distribution of metals in both investigated systems plant-soil. One-way ANOVA
      pointed successfully on the existing statistical differences between metal
      concentrations. Calculated BAFs showed that both plants had very low accumulation
      rates for all elements; they acted as metal excluders. 

PMID- 27664675
TI  - The addition of rosehip oil to Aloe gels improves their properties as postharvest
      coatings for maintaining quality in plum.
AB  - The effect of Aloe vera gel (AV) and Aloe arborescens gel (AA) alone or in
      combination with rosehip oil (RO) at 2% on ethylene production, respiration rate,
      quality parameters, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity during plum
      postharvest storage was studied. Coated plums showed a delay in ethylene
      production and respiration rate at 20 degrees C and during cold storage and
      subsequent shelf life, the main effect being observed for those fruits coated
      with AA+RO. Quality parameters such as softening, colour and maturity index was
      also delayed during storage by the use of the coatings, which led to a 2-fold
      increase in plum storability. Accumulation of bioactive compounds was also
      delayed although at the end of the experiment the content of bioactive compounds
      was higher than those found for control fruits at the estimated shelf life. The
      most effective coating for maintaining plum quality and bioactive compounds was
      AA+RO. 

PMID- 27664674
TI  - A potential food biopreservative, CecXJ-37N, non-covalently intercalates into the
      nucleotides of bacterial genomic DNA beyond membrane attack.
AB  - The antibacterial activities and mechanism of an amide-modified peptide CecXJ-37N
      were investigated in this study. CecXJ-37N showed small MICs (0.25-7.8MUM)
      against eight harmful strains common in food industry. The alpha-helix proportion
      of CecXJ-37N increased by 11-fold in prokaryotic membrane comparable
      environments; cytotoxicity studies demonstrated the MHC was significantly higher
      than that of non-amidated isoform. Moreover, CecXJ-37N possessed stronger
      capacities to resist trypsin and pepsin hydrolysis within two hours. Flow
      cytometry and scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that CecXJ-37N induced
      pore-formation, morphological changes, and lysed E. coli cells. Fluorescence
      microscopy indicated that CecXJ-37N penetrated E. coli membrane and accumulated
      in cytoplasm. Further ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy suggested that CecXJ-37N
      changed the action mode of parental peptide interacting with bacterial genome
      from outside binding to a tightly non-covalent intercalation into nucleotides.
      Overall, this study suggested that amide-modification enhanced antimicrobial
      activity and reduced the cytotoxicity, thus could be potential strategies for
      developing novel food preservatives. 

PMID- 27664676
TI  - Ultrasonication of reconstituted whole milk and its effect on acid gelation.
AB  - Ultrasonication (US) of whole milk at 22.5kHz and 50W homogenized fat globules.
      Extended US without temperature control (attaining >90 degrees C at longest
      times), or with control at temperatures ?60 degrees C caused denaturation of the
      whey proteins and aggregation of the fat globules and proteins. Acidification of
      US milk produced gels with increased firmness and reduced gelation times compared
      to untreated milk. Below 60 degrees C, US of milk produced acid gels with very
      high firmness without whey protein denaturation; the firmness was similar to gels
      from heated whole milk. Extensive US without temperature control or with control
      at ?60 degrees C decreased acid gel firmness compared to shorter times or lower
      temperatures. Higher acid gel firmness could be achieved by subjecting the milk
      to separate heat (80 degrees C/30min) and US treatment (at 20 degrees C) before
      acidification when compared with either heating or US alone. This was independent
      of the order of heating and US treatment. 

PMID- 27664677
TI  - Effect of hydroxytyrosol and olive leaf extract on 1,2-dicarbonyl compounds,
      hydroxymethylfurfural and advanced glycation endproducts in a biscuit model.
AB  - The antiglycative activity of hydroxytyrosol (HT) and olive leaf extract (OLE)
      was investigated in wheat-flour biscuits. Quercetin (QE) and gallic acid (GA)
      were used as reference of antiglycative activity of phenolic compounds. HT, OLE,
      QE and GA were added in the range of 0.25-0.75% (w/w). Samples were compared
      against a control recipe baked at 180 degrees C/20min. HT biscuit was able to
      inhibit efficiently the formation of hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and 3
      deoxyglucosone (3-DG), as well as reduced the formation of overall free
      fluorescent AGEs and pentosidine. The inhibition of the 3-DG and HMF formation
      was directly and significantly correlated under controlled baking conditions.
      However, samples formulated with OLE exerted similar antiglycative capacity
      against pentosidine and Nepsilon-carboxyethyl-lysine, although the amount of HT
      in the biscuit was 100-fold lower than the biscuit formulated with HT.
      Methylglyoxal, 3-DG, and glyoxal were the predominant 1,2-dicarbonyl compounds
      after baking but only 3-DG was significantly reduced by HT. 

PMID- 27664678
TI  - Natural variation in folate levels among tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)
      accessions.
AB  - Folate content was estimated in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) accessions using
      microbiological assay (MA) and by LC-MS. The MA revealed that in red-ripe fruits
      folate levels ranged from 4 to 60MUg/100g fresh weight. The LC-MS estimation of
      red-ripe fruits detected three folate forms, 5-CH3-THF, 5-CHO-THF, 5,10-CH(+)THF
      and folate levels ranged from 14 to 46MUg/100g fresh weight. In mature green and
      red ripe fruit, 5-CH3-THF was the most abundant folate form. Comparison of LC-MS
      with MA revealed that MA inaccurately estimates folate levels. The accumulation
      of folate forms and their distribution varied among accessions. The single
      nucleotide polymorphism was examined in the key genes of the folate pathway to
      understand its linkage with folate levels. Despite the significant variation in
      folate levels among tomato accessions, little polymorphism was found in folate
      biosynthesis genes. Our results indicate that variation in folate level is
      governed by a more complex regulation at cellular homeostasis level. 

PMID- 27664679
TI  - A precise and efficient detection of Beta-Cyfluthrin via fluorescent molecularly
      imprinted polymers with ally fluorescein as functional monomer in agricultural
      products.
AB  - In this study, an effective and precise fluorescent molecularly imprinted
      polymers (FMIPs) for the determination of Beta-Cyfluthrin (BC) was synthesized
      via precipitation polymerization with SiO2 as the carrier, BC as the target
      molecule, ally fluorescein as the functional monomer, trimethylolpropane
      trimethacrylate (TRIM) as the crosslinker. Moreover, the characteristic of
      material has been measured by FTIR, TEM, SEM, TGA, LSCM and fluorescence
      spectrophotometer. Average diameter and shell thickness of as-synthesized
      microspheres were 300nm and 50nm, respectively. An excellent linear relationship
      of SiO2-MPTMS@FMIPs with a correlation coefficient of 0.9919 could be gained
      covering a wide concentration range of 10.11-80nM described by the Stern-Volmer
      equation. The limit of detection (LOD) was evaluated with the equation
      LOD=3sigma/S and was found to be 10.11nM. The study demonstrated that SiO2
      MPTMS@FMIPs could improve the determination for BC and illustrated the good
      prospects of SiO2-MPTMS@FMIPs for BC detection in agricultural products. 

PMID- 27664680
TI  - Development of molecular imprinted column-on line-two dimensional liquid
      chromatography for selective determination of clenbuterol residues in biological
      samples.
AB  - A novel method coupling molecular imprinted monolithic column with two
      dimensional liquid chromatography was developed and validated for the analysis of
      clenbuterol in pork liver and swine urine samples. The polymers were
      characterized by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nitrogen
      adsorption desorption analyses, frontal analysis and the adsorption of
      selectivity. The results indicated that the imprinted columns were well prepared
      and possessed high selectivity adsorption capacity. Subsequently, the MIMC-2D-LC
      (molecular imprinted monolithic column-two dimensional liquid chromatography)
      method was developed for the selective analysis of clenbuterol in practical
      samples. The accuracy ranged from 94.3% to 99.7% and from 93.7% to 99.6% for
      liver and urine, respectively. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of
      repeatability was lower than 8.6% for both analyses. The limit of detections was
      16ng.mL(-1) for liver and 25ng.mL(-1) for urine, respectively. Compared with the
      reported methods, the disturbance of endogenous impurity could be avoided by the
      2D-LC method. 

PMID- 27664681
TI  - Influence of hydrogenated oil as cocoa butter replacers in the development of
      sugar-free compound chocolates: Use of inulin as stabilizing agent.
AB  - The effect of the addition of inulin as a surfactant or stability agent on white
      compound chocolate sweetened with sucralose and Stevia was studied. Samples were
      stored at 7, 15 and 30 degrees C during 100days and the influence of inulin on
      rheological properties, sensorial attributes, shelf-life, physical properties
      such as melting, crystallization and blooming were analyzed. The shelf-life of
      the compound chocolate with the incorporation of inulin was higher than the
      control sample without replacement. Compound chocolate with inulin at 10%w/w
      showed a dense matrix structure, reducing the size and number of fat crystals
      formed during storage; furthermore they presented higher values of brightness and
      WI. This chocolate also showed less fracturability and improved thermal
      properties. DSC studies revealed increased values of onset and peak temperatures
      and enthalpy of melting of the polymorphic form V, at higher storage
      temperatures, achieving greater stability against degradation processes. 

PMID- 27664682
TI  - Reaction of zearalenone and alpha-zearalenol with allyl isothiocyanate,
      characterization of reaction products, their bioaccessibility and bioavailability
      in vitro.
AB  - This study investigates the reduction of zearalenone (ZEA) and alpha-zearalenol
      (alpha-ZOL) on a solution model using allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) and also
      determines the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of the reaction products
      isolated and identified by MS-LIT. Mycotoxin reductions were dose-dependent, and
      ZEA levels decreased more than alpha-ZOL, ranging from 0.2 to 96.9% and 0 to
      89.5% respectively, with no difference (p?0.05) between pH 4 and 7. Overall,
      simulated gastric bioaccessibility was higher than duodenal bioaccessibility for
      both mycotoxins and mycotoxin-AITC conjugates, with duodenal fractions
      representing ?63.5% of the original concentration. Simulated bioavailability of
      reaction products (alpha-ZOL/ZEA-AITC) were lower than 42.13%, but significantly
      higher than the original mycotoxins. The cytotoxicity of alpha-ZOL and ZEA in
      Caco-2/TC7 cells was also evaluated, with toxic effects observed at higher levels
      than 75MUM. Further studies should be performed to evaluate the toxicity and
      estrogenic effect of alpha-ZOL/ZEA-AITC. 

PMID- 27664683
TI  - Speciation of chromium in bread and breakfast cereals.
AB  - Bread and breakfast cereals are a major constituents of the human diet, yet their
      Cr(VI) content is not known. Chromium(VI) was determined in these products by
      high resolution continuum source atomic absorption spectrometer (HR-CS AAS) after
      leaching Cr(VI) with 0.10molL(-1) Na2CO3. The results showed that 33-73% of total
      Cr (58.17+/-5.12MUgkg(-1)-156.1+/-6.66MUgkg(-1)) in bread exist as Cr(VI) and the
      highest total Cr content was found in brown bread. It was shown that Cr(III) is
      oxidized to Cr(VI) during toasting of bread. Chromium(VI) content in breakfast
      cereals ranged between 20.4+/-4MUgkg(-1) and 470.4+/-68MUgkg(-1). Therefore, it
      can be concluded that bread and breakfast cereals contains Cr(VI) which does not
      exceed maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) of 0.003mgkg(-1)bw(-1)day(-1)
      through daily consumption of half a bowl (65g) of breakfast cereal and four
      slices of toasted (122g) or untoasted bread (160g). 

PMID- 27664684
TI  - Application of matrix solid-phase dispersion followed by GC-MS/MS to the analysis
      of emerging contaminants in vegetables.
AB  - A multiresidue method for the determination of 17 emerging contaminants in
      vegetables was developed based on ultrasound-assisted matrix solid-phase
      dispersion (MSPD). The analysis was performed using isotope dilution gas
      chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. In the development of the MSPD
      procedure, different parameters such as sonication and the type of sorbent or
      extraction solvent were assayed. Manual and in situ derivatization was assayed
      and the chromatographic response was higher when the reaction takes place in the
      injection port. The limits of detection obtained for the studied compounds were
      in the range of 0.1-0.4ngg(-1) for the different vegetables analyzed. The
      developed method was applied to vegetables obtained from several local markets.
      At least one of the organophosphates was detected in the analyzed samples at
      levels ranging from 0.6 to 4.6ngg(-1) and bisphenol A was detected in all the
      samples at concentration up to 16ngg(-1). 

PMID- 27664685
TI  - Improvement of texture and sensory properties of cakes by addition of potato peel
      powder with high level of dietary fiber and protein.
AB  - Demand for health oriented products such as low calories and high fiber product
      is increasing. The aim of the present work was to determine the effect of the
      addition of potato peel powders as protein and dietary fiber source on the
      quality of the dough and the cake. Powders obtained from the two types of peel
      flour showed interesting water binding capacity and fat absorption capacity.
      Potato peel flours were incorporated in wheat flours at different concentration.
      The results showed that peel powders additionally considerably improved the
      Alveograph profile of dough and the texture of the prepared cakes. In addition
      color measurements showed a significant difference between the control dough and
      the dough containing potato peels. The replacement of wheat flour with the potato
      powders reduced the cake hardness significantly and the L(*) and b(*) dough color
      values. The increased consumption of cake enriched with potato peel fiber is
      proposed for health reasons. The study demonstrated that protein/fiber-enriched
      cake with good sensory quality could be produced by the substitution of wheat
      flour by 5% of potato peel powder. In addition and technological point of view,
      the incorporation of potato peel powder at 5% increase the dough strength and
      elasticity-to-extensibility ratio (P/L). 

PMID- 27664686
TI  - Effects of high pressure modification on conformation and gelation properties of
      myofibrillar protein.
AB  - The effects of high pressure (HP) treatment (100-500MPa) on conformation and
      gelation properties of myofibrillar protein (MP) were investigated. As pressure
      increased (0.1-500MPa), alpha-helix and beta-sheet changed into random coil and
      beta-turn, proteins unfolded to expose interior hydrophobic and sulfhydryl
      groups, therefore surface hydrophobicity and formation of disulfide bonds were
      strengthened. At 200MPa, protein solubility and gel hardness reached their
      maximum value, particle size had minimum value, and gel microstructure was dense
      and uniform. DSC data showed that actin and myosin completely denatured at 300MPa
      and 400MPa, respectively. Rheological modulus (G' and G") of HP-treated MP
      decreased as pressure increased during thermal gelation. Moderate HP treatment
      (?200MPa) strengthened gelation properties of MP, while stronger HP treatment
      (?300MPa) weakened the gelation properties. 200MPa was the optimum pressure level
      for modifying MP conformation to improve its gelation properties. 

PMID- 27664687
TI  - Application of analytical methods in authentication and adulteration of honey.
AB  - Honey is synthesized from flower nectar and it is famous for its tremendous
      therapeutic potential since ancient times. Many factors influence the basic
      properties of honey including the nectar-providing plant species, bee species,
      geographic area, and harvesting conditions. Quality and composition of honey is
      also affected by many other factors, such as overfeeding of bees with sucrose,
      harvesting prior to maturity, and adulteration with sugar syrups. Due to the
      complex nature of honey, it is often challenging to authenticate the purity and
      quality by using common methods such as physicochemical parameters and more
      specialized procedures need to be developed. This article reviews the literature
      (between 2000 and 2016) on the use of analytical techniques, mainly NMR
      spectroscopy, for authentication of honey, its botanical and geographical origin,
      and adulteration by sugar syrups. NMR is a powerful technique and can be used as
      a fingerprinting technique to compare various samples. 

PMID- 27664688
TI  - Double enzymatic hydrolysis preparation of heme from goose blood and
      microencapsulation to promote its stability and absorption.
AB  - Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide.
      This deficiency could be solved by preparing stable, edible, and absorbable iron
      food ingredients using environmentally friendly methods. This study investigated
      enzymatic hydrolysis and microencapsulation process of goose blood. The
      physicochemical properties, stabilities of the microencapsulated goose blood
      hydrolysate (MGBH) and a supplement for rats with IDA were also evaluated. The
      results showed that the synergetic hydrolytic action of neutrase and alkaline
      protease significantly increased the heme-releasing efficiency. The heme was then
      microencapsulated using sodium caseinate, maltodextrin and carboxymethyl
      cellulose (CMC) as the edible wall material, and the encapsulation efficiency of
      the product reached 98.64%. Meanwhile, favorable thermal, storage and light
      stabilities were observed for the microencapsulation. It was found that MGBH can
      significantly improve the body weight and hematological parameters of IDA Wistar
      rat. 

PMID- 27664689
TI  - The polyphenolics and carbohydrates as indicators of botanical and geographical
      origin of Serbian autochthonous clones of red spice paprika.
AB  - Spice peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) var. Lemeska and Lakosnicka paprika were
      investigated to evaluate their polyphenolic and carbohydrate profiles and
      antioxidant activity. A total of forty-nine polyphenolics were identified using
      ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled to LTQ OrbiTrap mass
      analyzer. Twenty-five of them were quantified using available standards, while
      the other compounds were confirmed by exact mass search of their deprotonated
      molecule [M-H](-) and its MS(4) fragmentation. Thirteen carbohydrates were
      quantified using high-performance anion exchange chromatography (HPAEC) with
      pulsed amperometric detection (PAD). Radical scavenging activity (RSA) ranged
      from 17.32 to 48.34mmol TE (Trolox equivalent)/kg DW (dry weight) and total
      phenolics content (TPC) was ranged between 7.03 and 14.92g GAE (gallic acid
      equivalents)/kg DW. To our best knowledge, five polyphenolic compounds were for
      the first time tentatively identified in paprika: 5-O-p-coumaroylquinic acid,
      luteolin 7-O-(2"-O-pentosyl-4"-O-hexosyl)hexoside, quercetin 3-O-(2"-O
      hexosyl)rhamnoside, isorhamnetin 3-O-[6"-O-(5-hydroxyferuloyl)hexoside]-7-O
      rhamnoside, and luteolin 7-O-[2"-O-(5'"-O-sinapoyl)pentosyl-6"-O
      malonyl]hexoside. 

PMID- 27664691
TI  - Quality preservation of deliberately contaminated milk using thyme free and
      nanoemulsified essential oils.
AB  - The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of either a solution of
      Thymus capitatus essential oil or its nanoemulsion on the quality of milk
      contaminated by bacteria. After 24h of S. aureus inoculation, bacterial growth
      reached 202*10(3)CFU/ml in the presence of the essential oil while it was limited
      to 132*10(3)CFU/ml when treated with nanoemulsion. The reduction of antioxidant
      capacity of milk treated with essential oil was higher when treated with
      nanoemulsion. Moreover, free essential oil was more efficient in protecting
      proteins from degradation than the nanoemulsion. For instance, after 24h of E.
      hirae contamination, 26% of the total proteins were consumed in the presence of
      nano-encapsulated essential oil, while only 14% of the initial content was
      consumed when free essential oil was added. Concerning milk acidity increase and
      the inhibition of peroxide production, no statistical differences have been
      recorded between the use of free essential oil or its nano-emulsion. In
      conclusion, bulk or nano-encapsulated T. capitatus essential oil preserve milk
      quality and can extend its shelf life. 

PMID- 27664690
TI  - CYP2D6 and CYP2A6 biotransform dietary tyrosol into hydroxytyrosol.
AB  - The dietary phenol tyrosol has been reported to be endogenously transformed into
      hydroxytyrosol, a potent antioxidant with multiple health benefits. In this work,
      we evaluated whether tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and cytochrome P450s (CYPs)
      catalyzed this process. To assess TH involvement, Wistar rats were treated with
      alpha-methyl-L-tyrosine and tyrosol. Tyrosol was converted into hydroxytyrosol
      whilst alpha-methyl-L-tyrosine did not inhibit the biotransformation. The role of
      CYP was assessed in human liver microsomes (HLM) and tyrosol-to-hydroxytyrosol
      conversion was observed. Screening with selective enzymatic CYP inhibitors
      identified CYP2A6 as the major isoform involved in this process. Studies with
      baculosomes further demonstrated that CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 could transform tyrosol
      into hydroxytyrosol. Experiments using human genotyped livers showed an
      interindividual variability in hydroxytyrosol formation and supported findings
      that CYP2D6 and CYP2A6 mediated this reaction. The dietary health benefits of
      tyrosol-containing foods remain to be evaluated in light of CYP pharmacogenetics.

PMID- 27664692
TI  - Continuous statistical modelling for rapid detection of adulteration of extra
      virgin olive oil using mid infrared and Raman spectroscopic data.
AB  - The main objective of this work was to develop a novel dimensionality reduction
      technique as a part of an integrated pattern recognition solution capable of
      identifying adulterants such as hazelnut oil in extra virgin olive oil at low
      percentages based on spectroscopic chemical fingerprints. A novel Continuous
      Locality Preserving Projections (CLPP) technique is proposed which allows the
      modelling of the continuous nature of the produced in-house admixtures as data
      series instead of discrete points. The maintenance of the continuous structure of
      the data manifold enables the better visualisation of this examined
      classification problem and facilitates the more accurate utilisation of the
      manifold for detecting the adulterants. The performance of the proposed technique
      is validated with two different spectroscopic techniques (Raman and Fourier
      transform infrared, FT-IR). In all cases studied, CLPP accompanied by k-Nearest
      Neighbors (kNN) algorithm was found to outperform any other state-of-the-art
      pattern recognition techniques. 

PMID- 27664693
TI  - Oxidation of edible animal fats. Comparison of the performance of different
      quantification methods and of a proposed new semi-objective colour scale-based
      method.
AB  - The agreement among the results determined for the main parameters used in the
      evaluation of the fat auto-oxidation was investigated in animal fats (butter fat,
      subcutaneous pig back-fat and subcutaneous ham fat). Also, graduated colour
      scales representing the colour change during storage/ripening were developed for
      the three types of fat, and the values read in these scales were correlated with
      the values observed for the different parameters indicating fat oxidation. In
      general good correlation among the values of the different parameters was
      observed (e.g. TBA value correlated with the peroxide value: r=0.466 for butter
      and r=0.898 for back-fat). A reasonable correlation was observed between the
      values read in the developed colour scales and the values for the other
      parameters determined (e.g. values of r=0.320 and r=0.793 with peroxide value for
      butter and back-fat, respectively, and of r=0.767 and r=0.498 with TBA value for
      back-fat and ham fat, respectively). 

PMID- 27664694
TI  - Milk from cows grazing on cool-season pastures provides an enhanced profile of
      bioactive fatty acids compared to those grazed on a monoculture of pearl millet.
AB  - The demand for dairy products from grass-fed cows is driven, in part, by their
      more desirable fatty acid (FA) profile, containing more n-3 FA and conjugated
      linoleic acids (CLA) than conventionally produced dairy products. This study
      investigated the effects of pearl millet (PM) vs. cool-season pasture (CSP) on
      animal performance and milk FA in a grazing system. Eight Holstein dairy cows
      were used in a repeated measures design with four-week periods. Forage type had
      no effect on animal performance (estimated dry matter intake, milk production,
      fat, or protein). The contents of CLA and n-3 FA in a serving of whole milk
      (3.25% fat) increased when cows grazed CSP compared to PM. A serving of whole
      milk from cows grazing PM had a higher content of saturated FA and branched-chain
      FA. In conclusion, the contents of various bioactive FA were higher in milk fat
      of cows grazing a CSP compared to PM. 

PMID- 27664695
TI  - A comprehensive approach for milk adulteration detection using inherent bio
      physical properties as 'Universal Markers': Towards a miniaturized adulteration
      detection platform.
AB  - This paper proposes a novel milk quality detection approach based on utilization
      of inherent biophysical properties as 'markers' for adulteration. Unlike the
      traditional adulterant-specific approaches, this method is generic and universal.
      It exploits the change in innate milk properties, such as electrical conductivity
      and pH, upon addition of adulterants as a transduction mechanism for detecting
      milk adulteration. In this work, adulteration with more than 10 commercially
      known hazardous adulterants is detected by monitoring the changes in milk
      electrical conductivity and pH. The electrical parameters for pure milk were
      standardized using AC impedance-spectroscopy with glassy carbon working electrode
      and platinum counter/reference electrode at a potential of 0.3V and in the
      frequency range of 1Hz-1MHz. The experiments were repeated using gold-electrodes
      fabricated on glass-substrate as a first step towards developing a miniaturized
      platform. The concept of a 'unified-universal-marker' for successful prediction
      of adulteration is accentuated in this work. 

PMID- 27664696
TI  - Combination of 1H NMR and chemometrics to discriminate manuka honey from other
      floral honey types from Oceania.
AB  - Manuka honey is a product produced essentially in New Zealand, and has been
      widely recognised for its antibacterial properties and specific taste. In this
      study, 264 honeys from New Zealand and Australia were analysed using proton NMR
      spectroscopy coupled with chemometrics. Known manuka markers, methylglyoxal and
      dihydroxyacetone, have been characterised and quantified, together with a new NMR
      marker, identified as being leptosperin. Manuka honey profiling using 1H NMR is
      shown to be a possible alternative to chromatography with the added advantage
      that it can measure methylglyoxal (MGO), dihydroxyacetone (DHA) and leptosperin
      simultaneously. By combining the information from these three markers, we
      established a model to estimate the proportion of manuka in a given honey.
      Markers of other botanical origins were also identified, which makes 1H NMR a
      convenient and efficient tool, complementary to pollen analysis, to control the
      botanical origin of Oceania honeys. 

PMID- 27664697
TI  - Comparison of phytochemical profiles, antioxidant and cellular antioxidant
      activities of different varieties of blueberry (Vaccinium spp.).
AB  - Numerous reports have demonstrated that the consumption of fruits and vegetables
      is beneficial for the human health. Blueberries, in particular, are rich in
      phytochemicals including free and bound forming. Phytochemical profiles of 14
      varieties of blueberry were compared in this study. 12 compounds were analyzed
      and had significant changes in blueberry fruits. Total antioxidant activities in
      different blueberry varieties varied about 2.6times by oxygen radical absorbance
      capacity (ORAC) assay, and 2times by peroxyl radical scavenging capacity (PSC)
      assay. The cellular antioxidant activities (CAA) in different varieties varied
      about 3.9times without phosphate buffer saline (PBS) wash, and 4.7times with PBS
      wash by CAA assay. Blueberry extracts had potent antiproliferative activities
      against HepG2 human liver cancer cells, indicating the potential protective
      benefits associated with their use as functional foods. The anti-proliferative
      activity was observed to be dose-dependent in blueberry extracts. 

PMID- 27664699
TI  - Corrigendum to "Saffron authentication based on liquid chromatography high
      resolution tandem mass spectrometry and multivariate data analysis" [Food Chem.
      204 (2016) 201-209].

PMID- 27664698
TI  - Accumulation of guaiacol glycoconjugates in fruit, leaves and shoots of Vitis
      vinifera cv. Monastrell following foliar applications of guaiacol or oak extract
      to grapevines.
AB  - Previous studies have shown that volatile compounds present within a vineyard
      during the growing season can be absorbed by grapevines, assimilated within
      grapes, and then released during fermentation to influence the final aroma of
      wine. For example, the accumulation of volatile phenols in glycoconjugate forms
      following grapevine exposure to bushfire smoke, and their subsequent release
      during winemaking. This study investigated the accumulation of guaiacol
      glycoconjugates in the fruit, shoots and leaves of Monastrell grapevines
      following foliar applications (at veraison) of either an aqueous solution of
      guaiacol or an aqueous oak extract. Fruit, shoot and leaf samples were then
      collected at 3 time points between veraison and maturity, and analysed by gas
      chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-tandem mass
      spectrometry, to quantify guaiacol and its glycoconjugates, respectively.
      Guaiacol glycoconjugates were observed in fruit and leaves in particular,
      demonstrating glycosylation occurred after grapevine treatment; however,
      different glycoconjugate profiles were apparent. 

PMID- 27664701
TI  - Ocular Hypotony in Patients With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis-Associated
      Uveitis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To analyze occurrence, risk factors, and course of ocular hypotony (OH)
      in juvenile idiopathic arthritis-associated uveitis (JIAU). DESIGN: Cohort study.
      METHODS: Epidemiologic and ophthalmologic data at baseline and during follow-up
      of JIAU patients with and without ocular hypotony were evaluated. RESULTS: OH
      developed in 57 of the 365 JIAU patients during the follow-up (mean 4.5 +/- 3.5
      years). In 40 patients with follow-up >=12 months, OH was unrelated to previous
      ocular surgery: risk factors at baseline (univariate logistic regression
      analysis) included longer total duration of uveitis (odds ratio [OR] 1.13, P <
      .001), bilateral uveitis (OR 3.51, P = .009), low visual acuity (OR 5.1, P =
      .001), high laser-flare (LF) values (OR 1.74, P = .01), and presence of posterior
      synechiae (OR 3.28, P = .004). Increased anterior chamber (AC) cell and LF values
      were observed within 3 months prior to onset of transient (<=3 months; 37.5%) or
      persistent OH (>3 months; 62.5%). AC cell and LF values decreased within 3 months
      after onset of transient OH, while LF levels remained elevated >=12 months in
      persistent OH. Optic disc edema and epiretinal membrane formation was found more
      frequently after OH onset. CONCLUSIONS: OH was observed in 15.6% of JIAU
      patients. Longer total uveitis duration, bilateral uveitis, low visual acuity,
      high AC flare and LF grades, and presence of posterior synechiae at baseline were
      risk factors for subsequent OH. Burden of OH might be improved with
      immunosuppression.

PMID- 27664700
TI  - Radiation protective effects of baclofen predicted by a computational drug
      repurposing strategy.
AB  - Exposure to ionizing radiation causes damage to living tissues; however, only a
      small number of agents have been approved for use in radiation injuries.
      Radioprotector is the primary countermeasure to radiation injury and none
      radioprotector has indeed reached the drug development stage. Repurposing the
      long list of approved, non-radioprotective drugs is an attractive strategy to
      find new radioprotective agents. Here, we applied a computational approach to
      discover new radioprotectors in silico by comparing publicly available gene
      expression data of ionizing radiation-treated samples from the Gene Expression
      Omnibus (GEO) database with gene expression signatures of more than 1309 small
      molecule compounds from the Connectivity Map (cmap) dataset. Among the best
      compounds predicted to be therapeutic for ionizing radiation damage by this
      approach were some previously reported radioprotectors and baclofen (P<0.01), a
      chemical that was not previously used as radioprotector. Validation using a cell
      based model and a rodent in vivo model demonstrated that treatment with baclofen
      reduced radiation-induced cytotoxicity in vitro (P<0.01), attenuated bone marrow
      damage and increased survival in vivo (P<0.05). These findings suggest that
      baclofen might serve as a radioprotector. The drug repurposing strategy by
      connecting the GEO data and cmap can be used to identify known drugs as potential
      radioprotective agents.

PMID- 27664702
TI  - Axial Length Measurement Failure Rates With Biometers Using Swept-Source Optical
      Coherence Tomography Compared to Partial-Coherence Interferometry and Optical Low
      Coherence Interferometry.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare a new swept-source optical coherence tomography (SSOCT)-based
      biometer (OA-2000) with the IOLMaster v5.4 (partial-coherence interferometry) and
      Aladdin (optical low-coherence interferometry) biometers in terms of axial length
      measurement and failure rate in eyes with cataract. DESIGN: Reliability study.
      METHODS: A total of 377 eyes of 210 patients were scanned with the 3 biometers in
      a random order. For each biometer, the number of unobtainable axial length
      measurements was recorded and grouped as per the type and severity of cataract
      based on the Lens Opacities Classification System III by the same experienced
      ophthalmologist. The Bland-Altman limits-of-agreement (LoA) method was used to
      assess the agreement in axial length measurements between the 3 biometers.
      RESULTS: The failure rate was 0 eyes (0%) with the OA-2000, 136 eyes (36.07%)
      with the IOLMaster, and 51 eyes (13.53%) with the Aladdin. chi2 analyses
      indicated a significant difference in failure rate between all 3 devices (P <
      .001). Logistic regression analysis highlighted a statistically significant trend
      of higher failure rates with increasing severity of nuclear, cortical, and
      posterior subcapsular cataracts. Bland-Altman statistics indicated small mean
      differences and narrow LoA (OA-2000 vs IOLMaster -0.09 to 0.08 mm; OA-2000 vs
      Aladdin -0.10 to 0.07 mm; IOLMaster vs Aladdin -0.05 to 0.04 mm). CONCLUSIONS:
      The OA-2000, a new SSOCT-based biometer, outperformed both the IOLMaster and
      Aladdin biometers in very advanced cataracts of various morphologies. The use of
      SSOCT technology may be the reason for the improved performance of the OA-2000
      and may lead to this technology becoming the gold standard for the measurement of
      axial length.

PMID- 27664703
TI  - Cyclic ADP-ribose and IP3 mediate abscisic acid-induced isoflavone accumulation
      in soybean sprouts.
AB  - In this study, the roles of ABA-cADPR-Ca2+ and ABA-IP3-Ca2+ signaling pathways in
      UV-B-induced isoflavone accumulation in soybean sprouts were investigated.
      Results showed that abscisic acid (ABA) up regulated cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR)
      and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) levels in soybean sprouts under UV-B
      radiation. Furthermore, cADPR and IP3, as second messengers of UV-B-triggered
      ABA, induced isoflavone accumulation by up-regulating proteins and genes
      expression and activity of isoflavone biosynthetic-enzymes (chalcone synthase,
      CHS; isoflavone synthase, IFS). After Ca2+ was chelated by EGTA, isoflavone
      content decreased. Overall, ABA-induced cADPR and IP3 up regulated isoflavone
      accumulation which was mediated by Ca2+ signaling via enhancing the expression of
      proteins and genes participating in isoflavone biosynthesis in soybean sprouts
      under UV-B radiation.

PMID- 27664704
TI  - Real-time imaging of mast cell degranulation in vitro and in vivo.
AB  - Mast cells undergo degranulation in response to various stimuli and rapidly
      release pre-formed mediators present in secretory granules, leading to immediate
      type allergic reactions. Mast cell degranulation is commonly detected and
      quantified in vitro by measuring histamine or beta-hexosaminidase released to
      culture medium. However, this type of assay cannot monitor degranulation of
      individual cells in real time, and it is not suitable for in vivo detection of
      degranulation. At the aim of real time imaging of mast cell degranulation at
      single cell level, we here developed a fluorescent protein-based indicator of
      degranulation, designated immuno-pHluorin (impH). When expressed in mast cells,
      impH is located in the membrane of secretory granules and non-fluorescent under
      homeostatic conditions while it turns fluorescent following degranulation, due to
      the pH change inside of granules during exocytosis. impH enabled us to detect
      polarized degranulation within one single cell when mast cells were stimulated
      via the small area of cell surface. Transplantation of impH-expressing mast cells
      into mast cell-deficient mice demonstrated that impH could function as a real
      time indicator of degranulation in vivo. Thus, impH is a useful tool for imaging
      of mast cell activation and degranulation in vitro and in vivo, and may be
      applied for screening of reagents regulating mast cell degranulation.

PMID- 27664705
TI  - Autophagy stimulated proliferation of porcine PSCs might be regulated by the
      canonical Wnt signaling pathway.
AB  - Porcine pancreatic stem cells (PSCs) are one kind of the potential cells for
      treatment of human diabetes. Autophagy is a highly conserved cellular degradation
      process in which it helps to maintain the balance between the synthesis,
      degradation and subsequent recycling of cellular components. However, how
      autophagy contributes to PSCs has not yet been investigated. Here, we established
      GFP-LC3 transfected porcine PSC lines in which the accumulation of autophagosomes
      can be efficiently visualized to evaluate the autophagic activity. Moreover, we
      observed that starved PSCs which showed increased autophagic activity exhibited
      an increased tendency to proliferate through the results of BrdU, flow cytometry
      and western blotting. Furthermore, increased expression of active beta-catenin
      after inducing autophagy indicated that it might be the canonical Wnt signaling
      that autophagy activated to exert the function on the stimulation of PSCs
      proliferation. Collectively, these results demonstrated that autophagy stimulated
      proliferation of PSCs might be regulated by the canonical Wnt signaling pathway.
      Our results for the first time shed light on a role of autophagy for stimulating
      the proliferation of porcine PSCs.

PMID- 27664706
TI  - Perivascular adipose tissue alleviates inflammatory factors and stenosis in
      diabetic blood vessels.
AB  - Adipose tissue can modulate disease processes in a depot-specific manner.
      However, the functional properties of perivascular adipocytes, and their
      influence on the pathophysiology of blood vessel walls, remain to be determined.
      In this study, we aimed to investigate whether perivascular adipose tissue could
      have an ameliorative effect on blood vessels damaged in diabetes. Using in vitro
      coculture, and in vivo transplantation model simulating diabetic angioplasty
      induced injury, we showed that perivascular adipose tissue has an important
      function in protecting blood vessels from high glucose impairment. Levels of
      inflammatory cytokines, including intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 and
      osteopontin, were markedly reduced, whereas that of endothelial nitric-oxide
      synthase was markedly elevated in vascular walls. These depot-specific
      differences in blood vessels exposed to high levels of glucose were demonstrable
      both in vivo, with transplanted adipose tissues, and in vitro, when vascular
      endothelial cells were cocultured with adipocytes. In addition, intimal
      hyperplasia was also decreased by transplanted perivascular adipose tissue after
      balloon injury combined with hyperglycemia. We conclude that perivascular
      adipocytes can reduce inflammation in blood vessels and promote the normal
      function of endothelium, which could afford a new therapeutic strategy in
      vascular walls damaged by diabetes.

PMID- 27664707
TI  - Identification and analysis of the metacaspase gene family in tomato.
AB  - Metacaspases play critical roles in developmentally regulated and environmentally
      induced programmed cell death in plants. In this study, we systematically
      identified and analyzed metacaspase gene family in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum).
      The results illustrated that tomato possesses eight metacaspase genes (SlMC1-8)
      located on chromosomes 1, 3, 5, 9, and 10. SlMC1-6 belonged to type I
      metacaspases and had 5 exon/4 intron structures. SlMC7 and 8 were type II
      metacaspases and had 2 and 3 exons, respectively. Expression analysis revealed
      distinct expression patterns of SlMCs in various tomato tissues. Cis-regulatory
      element prediction showed that there were many hormone- and stress-related cis
      regulatory elements in SlMCs promoter regions. Quantitative real-time PCR
      analysis further demonstrated that most of the SlMCs were regulated by drought,
      cold, salt, methyl viologen, and ethephon treatments. This study provides
      insights into the characteristics of SlMC genes and laid the foundation for
      further functional analysis of these genes in tomato.

PMID- 27664708
TI  - Research Waste in Atopic Eczema Trials-Just the Tip of the Iceberg.
AB  - Clinical trials often continue to be undertaken even though the effectiveness of
      the intervention under consideration has already been demonstrated. In addition,
      vehicle- or placebo-controlled studies predominate over head-to-head comparisons,
      although the latter would be more informative for clinicians in guiding patient
      management. This creates research waste, and both investigators and funders are
      to blame. Wilkes et al. used a network analysis approach to show duplication of
      effort in trials assessing topical calcineurin inhibitors and corticosteroids as
      treatment options for atopic eczema. Unfortunately, this is just the tip of the
      research waste iceberg.

PMID- 27664709
TI  - New Insights into the Molecular Distinction of Dysplastic Nevi and Common
      Melanocytic Nevi-Highlighting the Keratinocyte-Melanocyte Relationship.
AB  - Mitsui et al. approach the problem of differentiating dysplastic nevi from common
      melanocytic nevi through a molecular lens. Whereas most of the literature on this
      topic shines the spotlight toward melanocytes, the focus of this paper is shifted
      to the tumor microenvironment. Using microarrays, reverse transcriptase-PCR, and
      immunohistochemistry, their results emphasize the role of keratinocyte dysplasia
      within dysplastic nevi.

PMID- 27664710
TI  - NRAS, NRAS, Which Mutation Is Fairest of Them All?
AB  - In 28% of melanomas, NRAS is mutated in one of two hotspots: G12 or Q61.
      Phosphoproteomic analysis of primary human melanocytes transduced with G12 and
      Q61 showed different phosphorylation events in the phosphoinositide 3-kinase
      (PI3K) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. Surprisingly,
      NRAS(G12) modulates the PI3K pathway and overexpresses the kinase PIM2, whereas
      NRAS(Q61) is associated with the MAPK pathway and overexpression of CK2alpha.

PMID- 27664711
TI  - Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists-A New Sprinkle of Salt and Youth.
AB  - Skin atrophy and impaired cutaneous wound healing are the recognized side effects
      of topical glucocorticoid (GC) therapy. Although GCs have high affinity for the
      glucocorticoid receptor, they also bind and activate the mineralocorticoid
      receptor. In light of this, one can speculate that some of the GC-mediated side
      effects can be remedied by blocking activation of the mineralocorticoid receptor.
      Indeed, according to Nguyen et al., local inhibition of the mineralocorticoid
      receptor via antagonists (spironolactone, canrenoate, and eplerenone) rescues GC
      induced delayed epithelialization and accelerates wound closure in diabetic
      animals by targeting epithelial sodium channels and stimulating keratinocyte
      proliferation. These findings suggest that the use of mineralocorticoid receptor
      antagonists coupled with GC therapy may be beneficial in overcoming at least some
      of the GC-mediated side effects.

PMID- 27664715
TI  - Research Techniques Made Simple: Laser Capture Microdissection in Cutaneous
      Research.
AB  - In cutaneous research, we aim to study the molecular signature of a diseased
      tissue. However, such a study is met with obstacles due to the inherent
      heterogeneous nature of tissues because multiple cell types reside within a
      tissue. Furthermore, there is cellular communication between the tissue and the
      neighboring extracellular matrix. Laser capture microdissection is a powerful
      technique that allows researchers to isolate cells of interest from any tissue
      using a laser source under microscopic visualization, thereby circumventing the
      issue of tissue heterogeneity. Target cells from fixed preparations can be
      extracted and examined without disturbing the tissue structure. In live cultures,
      a subpopulation of cells can be extracted in real time with minimal disturbance
      of cellular communication and molecular signatures. Here we describe the basic
      principles of the technique, the different types of laser capture
      microdissection, and the subsequent downstream analyses. This article will also
      discuss how the technique has been employed in cutaneous research, as well as
      future directions.

PMID- 27664712
TI  - Expanding the Mutation Spectrum of Ichthyosis with Confetti.
AB  - Ichthyosis with confetti is a rare, autosomal dominant disorder caused by
      frameshift mutations in KRT10 or KRT1 and characterized by the development of
      white, genetically revertant macules in red, diseased skin. All cases result from
      mutations affecting the tail domains of keratin-10 or keratin-1, and Suzuki et
      al. expand the mutation spectrum for ichthyosis with confetti caused by mutations
      in KRT1, showing that a polyarginine frameshift in the keratin-1 tail can also
      cause this disorder.

PMID- 27664716
TI  - Impairment of decision making and disruption of synchrony between basolateral
      amygdala and anterior cingulate cortex in the maternally separated rat.
AB  - There is considerable evidence to suggest early life experiences, such as
      maternal separation (MS), play a role in the prevalence of emotional
      dysregulation and cognitive impairment. At the same time, optimal decision making
      requires functional integrity between the amygdala and anterior cingulate cortex
      (ACC), and any dysfunction of this system is believed to induce decision-making
      deficits. However, the impact of MS on decision-making behavior and the
      underlying neurophysiological mechanisms have not been thoroughly studied. As
      such, we consider the impact of MS on the emotional and cognitive functions of
      rats by employing the open-field test, elevated plus-maze test, and rat gambling
      task (RGT). Using multi-channel recordings from freely behaving rats, we assessed
      the effects of MS on the large scale synchrony between the basolateral amygdala
      (BLA) and the ACC; while also characterizing the relationship between neural
      spiking activity and the ongoing oscillations in theta frequency band across the
      BLA and ACC. The results indicated that the MS rats demonstrated anxiety-like
      behavior. While the RGT showed a decrease in the percentage of good decision
      makers, and an increase in the percentage of poor decision-makers.
      Electrophysiological data revealed an increase in the total power in the theta
      band of the LFP in the BLA and a decrease in theta power in the ACC in MS rats.
      MS was also found to disrupt the spike-field coherence of the ACC single unit
      spiking activity to the ongoing theta oscillations in the BLA and interrupt the
      synchrony in the BLA-ACC pathway. We provide specific evidence that MS leads to
      decision-making deficits that are accompanied by alteration of the theta band LFP
      in the BLA-ACC circuitries and disruption of the neural network integrity. These
      observations may help revise fundamental notions regarding neurophysiological
      biomarkers to treat cognitive impairment induced by early life stress.

PMID- 27664717
TI  - Orexin receptor expression in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and hypothalamic
      pituitary-gonadal axes of free-living European beavers (Castor fiber L.) in
      different periods of the reproductive cycle.
AB  - Orexins are hypothalamic neuropeptides acting via two G protein-coupled receptors
      in mammals: orexin receptor 1 (OX1R) and orexin receptor 2 (OX2R). In European
      beavers, which are seasonally breeding animals, the presence and functions of
      orexins and their receptors remain unknown. Our study aimed to determine the
      expression of OXR mRNAs and the localization of OXR proteins in hypothalamic
      pituitary-adrenal/gonadal (HPA/HPG) axes in free-living beavers. The expression
      of OXR genes (OX1R, OX2R) and proteins was found in all analysed tissues during
      three periods of beavers' reproductive cycle (April, July, November). The
      expression of OXR mRNAs in the beaver HPA axis varied seasonally (P<0.05). The
      levels of OX1R mRNA also differed between the sexes (P<0.05). In the mediobasal
      hypothalamus, OX1R transcript content increased in pregnant females in April
      (P<0.05) and OX2R expression increased in males in July (P<0.05). In the
      pituitary and adrenals, OX1R mRNA levels were relatively constant in females and
      peaked in July in males (P<0.05), whereas the OX2R was most highly expressed in
      males in November and in females in April (P<0.05). In gonads, OX1R expression
      did not fluctuate between seasons or sexes, but transcript levels were elevated
      in the testes in November and in the ovaries in July (P<0.05). In turn, OX2R mRNA
      levels varied between the sexes (P<0.05) and were higher in females (July and
      November) than in males (P<0.05). The circannual variations in OXR mRNA levels in
      HPA and HPG axes suggest that the expression of these receptors is associated
      with sex-specific changes in beavers' reproductive activity and their
      environmental adaptations.

PMID- 27664718
TI  - Differential expression of pectolytic enzyme genes in Xanthomonas citri subsp.
      citri and demonstration that pectate lyase Pel3 is required for the formation of
      citrus canker.
AB  - Bacterial canker, caused by Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xcc), is one of the
      most destructive diseases of citrus. The pectolytic enzymes produced by
      phytobacteria are important virulence factors involved in tissue maceration,
      electrolyte loss and cell death of host plants. In this study, the promoter
      activity of the pectolytic enzyme genes pel1, pel2, pel3, pglA, and peh-1 were
      investigated in Xcc XW19 strain using the beta-glucuronidase (GUS) gene as a
      reporter. GUS activity expressed under the control of the pel1, pel3, pglA, and
      peh-1 gene promoters positively correlated with bacterial growth. These gene
      promoters displayed high GUS activity in the presence of sodium polypectate. In
      addition, the four genes were induced in XVM2 minimal medium. However, only pel1
      was subjected to catabolite repression by glucose. GUS activity was significantly
      enhanced in the XW19-derived reporter strains after they were inoculated into the
      leaves of Mexican lime and grapefruit, suggesting the involvement of the pel1,
      pel3, pglA, and peh-1 genes in XW19 pathogenesis. The pel3 promoter produced the
      highest GUS activity under all test conditions, whereas no GUS activity was
      detected using the pel2 promoter in vitro and in planta. In comparison with wild
      type Xcc, a pel3 mutant generated from Xcc XW19 using unmarked mutagenesis
      displayed reduced growth and induced smaller canker lesions on the leaves of
      Mexican lime, demonstrating that Pel3 of Xcc strain XW19 is a virulence factor. 

PMID- 27664719
TI  - Adenylyl cyclase is required for cAMP production, growth, conidial germination,
      and virulence in the citrus green mold pathogen Penicillium digitatum.
AB  - Penicillium digitatum is the causative agent of green mold decay on citrus fruit.
      The cAMP-mediated signaling pathway plays an important role in the transduction
      of extracellular signals and has been shown to regulate a wide range of
      developmental processes and pathogenicity in fungal pathogens. We cloned and
      characterized a Pdac1 gene of P. digitatum, which encodes a polypeptide similar
      to fungal adenylyl cyclases. Using a loss-of-function mutation in the Pdac1 gene
      we demonstrated a critical requirement for hyphal growth and conidial
      germination. Deletion of Pdac1 resulted in decreased accumulation of cAMP and
      down-regulation of genes encoding a G protein alpha subunit, both catalytic and
      regulatory subunits of PKA, and two transcriptional regulators StuA and Som1.
      Fungal mutants lacking Pdac1 produced abundant conidia, which failed to germinate
      effectively and displayed an elevated sensitivity to heat treatment. Pdac1 mutant
      failed to utilize carbohydrates effectively and thus displayed severe growth
      retardation on rich and synthetic media. Slow growth seen in the Pdac1 mutants
      could be due to a defect in nutrient sensing and acquisition. Quantitative RT-PCR
      analysis revealed that Pdac1 was primarily expressed at the early stage of
      infection. Fungal pathogenicity assayed on citrus fruit revealed that P.
      digitatum strains impaired for Pdac1 delayed lesion formation. Our results
      highlight important regulatory roles of adenylyl cyclase-mediated cAMP production
      in P. digitatum and provide insights into the critical role of cAMP in fungal
      growth, development and virulence. 

PMID- 27664720
TI  - Phosphatidylcholine affects the secretion of the alkaline phosphatase PhoA in
      Pseudomonas strains.
AB  - Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 and Pseudomonas sp. 593 use the
      phosphatidylcholine synthase pathway (Pcs-pathway) for the biosynthesis of
      phosphatidylcholine (PC). Both bacterial strains contain the phoA and lapA genes
      encoding alkaline phosphatases (ALP) and display strong ALP activities. The PhoA
      and LapA enzymes are thought to be independently secreted via the Xcp and Hxc
      type II secretion system (T2SS) subtypes, in which the Hxc system may act as a
      complementary mechanism when the Xcp pathway becomes limiting. Inactivation of
      the pcs gene in both bacteria abolished PC synthesis and resulted in
      approximately 50% less ALP activity in the cell-free culture. Analysis by western
      blotting showed that LapA protein content in the wild type and the pcs- mutant
      was unchanged in the cytoplasmic, periplasmic or extracellular protein fractions.
      In contrast, the PhoA protein in the pcs- mutant was less prevalent among
      extracellular proteins but was more abundant in the periplasmic protein fraction
      compared to the wild type. Semi- quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR showed
      that phoA, lapA and 12 xcp genes were equally expressed at the transcriptional
      level in both the wild types and the pcs- mutants. Our results demonstrate that
      the absence of PC in bacterial membrane phospholipids does not interfere with the
      transcription of the phoA and lapA genes but primarily affects the export of PhoA
      from the cytoplasm to the extracellular environment via the Xcp T2SS. 

PMID- 27664721
TI  - Bacillus velezensis RC 218 as a biocontrol agent to reduce Fusarium head blight
      and deoxynivalenol accumulation: Genome sequencing and secondary metabolite
      cluster profiles.
AB  - Bacillus subtilis RC 218 was originally isolated from wheat anthers as a
      potential antagonist of Fusarium graminearum, the causal agent of Fusarium head
      blight (FHB). It was demonstrated to have antagonist activity against the plant
      pathogen under in vitro and greenhouse assays. The current study extends
      characterizing B. subtilis RC 218 with a field study and genome sequencing. The
      field study demonstrated that B. subtilis RC 218 could reduce disease severity
      and the associated mycotoxin (deoxynivalenol) accumulation, under field
      conditions. The genome sequencing allowed us to accurately determine the taxonomy
      of the strain using a phylogenomic approach, which places it in the Bacillus
      velezensis clade. In addition, the draft genome allowed us to use bioinformatics
      to mine the genome for potential metabolites. The genome mining allowed us to
      identify 9 active secondary metabolites conserved by all B. velezensis strains
      and one additional secondary metabolite, the lantibiotic ericin, which is unique
      to this strain. This study represents the first confirmed production of ericin by
      a B. velezensis strain. The genome also allowed us to do a comparative genomics
      with its closest relatives and compare the secondary metabolite production of the
      publically available B. velezensis genomes. The results showed that the diversity
      in secondary metabolites of strains in the B. velezensis clade is driven by
      strains making different antibacterials. 

PMID- 27664722
TI  - Endophytic and rhizosphere bacteria associated with the roots of the halophyte
      Salicornia europaea L. - community structure and metabolic potential.
AB  - The main objective of our study was to assess density and diversity of
      rhizosphere (R) and endophytic (E) microorganisms associated with the halophyte
      S. europaea. Microorganisms were isolated from two saline sites (S1: 55dSm(-1),
      anthropogenic origin; S2: 112dSm(-1), natural salinity) located in central Poland
      and compared with microbial populations in the soil (S) using culture-independent
      (phospholipid fatty acids analysis, PLFA) and culture-dependent techniques. The
      endophytic and rhizosphere bacteria were identified and screened for nifH and
      acdS genes, and their metabolic properties were assessed. Strains with the
      potential to promote plant growth were selected for further study. PLFA analysis
      revealed that Gram-negative bacteria were dominant at both saline test sites; the
      total microbial biomass depended on the site (S1<S2) and the zone of isolation
      (R>E>S). In contrast, culture-dependent techniques revealed that Gram-positive
      bacteria (Actinobacteria and Firmicutes) were dominant (S1: E-77.3%, R-86.3% and
      S2: E-59.1%, R-87.5%). Proteobacteria were observed in the rhizosphere at the
      lowest frequency (S1: 13.7% and S2: 12.5%). Greater salinity decreased the range
      and specificity of metabolic activity among the endophytes. These conditions also
      resulted in a broader spectrum of metabolic abilities in rhizobacteria; however,
      these metabolic processes were present at lower levels. 

PMID- 27664723
TI  - Phytogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles, optimization and evaluation of in
      vitro antifungal activity against human and plant pathogens.
AB  - An attempt was made to synthesis of biocompatible silver nanoparticles from ten
      different Cassia spp. Among them, Cassia roxburghii aqueous leaf extract
      supported the synthesis of highly efficient and stable AgNPs. The synthesis of
      AgNPs was optimized at different physico-chemical condition and highly stable
      AgNPs were synthesized with 1.0mL of C. roxburghii leaf extract, pH 7.0, 1.0mM
      AgNO3 and at 37 degrees C. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized by XPS, DLS
      and ZETA potential. DLS and ZETA potential analysis, the average AgNPs size was
      35nm and the zeta potential was -18.3mV. The AgNPs exhibit higher antifungal
      activity when compared with the conventional antifungal drug amphotericin B
      against all the tested human fungal pathogens such as Aspergillus niger,
      Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium sp., Candida albicans and
      the plant pathogens such as Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium oxysporum and Curvularia
      sp. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis showed distinct structural
      changes in the cell membranes of C. albicans upon AgNPs treatment. These results
      suggest that phytosynthesized AgNPs could be used as effective growth inhibitors
      in controlling various human and plant diseases caused by fungi. 

PMID- 27664724
TI  - Significance of hyphae formation in virulence of Candida tropicalis and
      transcriptomic analysis of hyphal cells.
AB  - Recently, the proportion of Candida tropicalis in clinical isolates has
      significantly increased. Some C. tropicalis strains colonize the skin or mucosal
      surfaces as commensals; others trigger invasive infection. To date, the
      pathogenicity of C. tropicalis has not been thoroughly researched. This study
      reports several virulence factors, including biofilm and hyphae formation,
      proteinase, phospholipase, lipase and hemolytic activity, in 52 clinical isolates
      of C. tropicalis collected from five hospitals in four provinces of China. Some
      C. tropicalis tended to produce more hyphae than others in the same circumstance.
      Six C. tropicalis strains with different morphologies were injected into mice via
      the tail vein, and the survival proportions and fungal burdens of the strains
      were evaluated. Hyphal production by C. tropicalis was associated with stronger
      virulence. RNA sequencing revealed that C. tropicalis with more hyphae up
      regulated several genes involved in morphological differentiation and oxidative
      response, including IF2, Atx1, and Sod2. It appears that hyphal formation plays a
      vital role in the pathogenicity of C. tropicalis, and interacts with the
      oxidative stress response to strengthen the organism's virulence. 

PMID- 27664725
TI  - Do cultural conditions induce differential protein expression: Profiling of
      extracellular proteome of Aspergillus terreus CM20.
AB  - The present study reports the diversity in extracellular proteins expressed by
      the filamentous fungus, Aspergillus terreus CM20 with respect to differential
      hydrolytic enzyme production profiles in submerged fermentation (SmF) and solid
      state fermentation (SSF) conditions, and analysis of the extracellular proteome.
      The SSF method was superior in terms of increase in enzyme activities resulting
      in 1.5-3 fold enhancement as compared to SmF, which was explained by the
      difference in growth pattern of the fungus under the two culture conditions. As
      revealed by zymography, multiple isoforms of endo-beta-glucanase, beta
      glucosidase and xylanase were expressed in SSF, but not in SmF. Extracellular
      proteome profiling of A. terreus CM20 under SSF condition using liquid
      chromatography coupled tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) identified 63
      proteins. Functional classification revealed the hydrolytic system to be composed
      of glycoside hydrolases (56%), proteases (16%), oxidases and dehydrogenases (6%),
      decarboxylases (3%), esterases (3%) and other proteins (16%). Twenty families of
      glycoside hydrolases (GH) (1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 28, 30, 32, 35, 43,
      54, 62, 67, 72, 74 and 125), and one family each of auxiliary activities (AA7)
      and carbohydrate esterase (CE1) were detected, unveiling the vast diversity of
      synergistically acting biomass-cleaving enzymes expressed by the fungus.
      Saccharification of alkali-pretreated paddy straw with A. terreus CM20 proteins
      released high amounts of glucose (439.63+/-1.50mg/gds), xylose (121.04+/
      1.25mg/gds) and arabinose (56.13+/-0.56mg/gds), thereby confirming the potential
      of the enzyme cocktail in bringing about considerable conversion of
      lignocellulosic polysaccharides to sugar monomers. 

PMID- 27664726
TI  - Role of ppGpp in Pseudomonas aeruginosa acute pulmonary infection and virulence
      regulation.
AB  - During infection, bacteria might generate adaptive responses to facilitate their
      survival and colonization in the host environment. The alarmone guanosine 5'
      triphosphate-3'-diphosphate (ppGpp), the levels of which are regulated by the
      RelA and SpoT enzymes, plays a critical role in mediating bacterial adaptive
      responses and virulence. However, the mechanism by which ppGpp regulates
      virulence-associated traits in Pseudomonas aeruginosa is poorly understood. To
      investigate the regulatory role of ppGpp, the ppGpp-deficient strain DeltaRS
      (relA and spoT gene double mutant) and the complemented strain DeltaRS(++)
      (complemented with relA and spoT genes) were constructed. Herein, we reported
      that the DeltaRS strain showed decreased cytotoxicity towards A549 human alveolar
      adenocarcinoma cell lines and led to reduced mortality, lung edema and
      inflammatory cell infiltration in a mouse model of acute pneumonia compared to
      wild-type PAO1 and the complemented strain DeltaRS(++). Subsequent analyses
      demonstrated that the DeltaRS strain displayed reduced T3SS expression, decreased
      levels of elastase activity, pyocyanin, pyoverdin and alginate, and inhibited
      swarming and biofilm formation compared to PAO1 and the complemented strain
      DeltaRS(++). In addition, the results demonstrate that ppGpp-mediated regulation
      of T3SS, virulence factor production, and swarming occurs in a quinolone quorum
      sensing system-dependent manner. Taken together, these results suggest that ppGpp
      is required for virulence regulation in P. aeruginosa, providing new clues for
      the development of interference strategies against bacterial infection. 

PMID- 27664727
TI  - Overexpression of a pathway specific negative regulator enhances production of
      daunorubicin in bldA deficient Streptomyces peucetius ATCC 27952.
AB  - The dnrO gene is the first regulator to be activated in the daunorubicin (DNR)
      biosynthesis pathway of Streptomyces peucetius ATCC 27952. DnrO is known for its
      self-repression capability while it activates rest of the DNR biosynthesis
      pathway through cascades of regulatory events. S. peucetius was found to contain
      no functional copy of bldA-tRNA while a detailed examination of dnrO codons
      reveals the presence of TTA codon, which is rarely encoded by bldA-tRNA.
      Therefore, for evaluating the role of dnrO in DNR production, multiple engineered
      strains of S. peucetius were generated by heterologously expressing bldA, dnrO
      and combination of bldA and dnrO. Using these strains, the effects of
      heterologously expressed bldA and overexpressed dnrO were evaluated on pathway
      specific regulators, mycelial densities and production of DNR. The results showed
      that the transcription level of dnrO and master regulator dnrI, was found to be
      elevated in bldA containing strain in comparison to dnrO overexpressed strain.
      The bldA containing strain produces 45.7% higher DNR than bldA deficient wild
      type strain from culture broth with OD600 of 1.45 at 72h. Heterologous expression
      of bldA-tRNA is accounted for increased transcription levels of the DNR pathway
      specific regulators and enhanced DNR production. 

PMID- 27664728
TI  - Volatile organic compounds produced by Pseudomonas fluorescens WR-1 restrict the
      growth and virulence traits of Ralstonia solanacearum.
AB  - The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by soil microbes have a
      significant role in the control of plant diseases and plant growth promotion. In
      this study, we examined the effect of VOCs produced by Pseudomonas fluorescens
      strain WR-1 on the growth and virulence traits of tomato wilt pathogen Ralstonia
      solanacearum. The VOCs produced by P. fluorescens WR-1 exhibited concentration
      dependent bacteriostatic effect on the growth of R. solanacearum on agar medium
      and in infested soil. The VOCs of P. fluorescens WR-1 also significantly
      inhibited the virulence traits of R. solanacearum. The proteomics analysis showed
      that the VOCs of P. fluorescens WR-1 downregulated cellular proteins of R.
      solanacearum related to the antioxidant activity, virulence, inclusion body
      proteins, carbohydrate and amino acid synthesis and metabolism, protein folding
      and translation, methylation and energy transfer, while the proteins involved in
      the ABC transporter system, detoxification of aldehydes and ketones, protein
      folding and translation were upregulated. This study revealed the significance of
      VOCs of P. fluorescens WR-1 to control the tomato wilt pathogen R. solanacearum.
      Investigation of the modes of action of biocontrol agents is important to better
      comprehend the interactions mediated by VOCs in nature to design better control
      strategies for plant pathogens. 

PMID- 27664729
TI  - Indentification of vincamine indole alkaloids producing endophytic fungi isolated
      from Nerium indicum, Apocynaceae.
AB  - Vincamine, a monoterpenoid indole alkaloid which had been marketed as nootropic
      drugs for the treatment of cerebral insufficiencies, is widely found in plants of
      the Apocynaceae family. Nerium indicum is a plant belonging to the Apocynaceae
      family. So, the purpose of this research was designed to investigate the
      vincamine alkaloids producing endophytic fungi from Nerium indicum, Apocynaceae.
      11 strains of endophytic fungi, isolated from the stems and roots of the plant,
      were grouped into 5 genera on the basis of morphological characteristics. All
      fungal isolates were fermented and their extracts were preliminary screened by
      Dragendorff's reagent and thin layer chromatography (TLC). One isolated strain
      CH1, isolated from the stems of Nerium indicum, had the same Rf value (about
      0.56) as authentic vincamine. The extracts of strain CH1 were further analyzed by
      high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatograph-mass
      spectrometry (LC-MS), and the results showed that the strain CH1 could produce
      vincamine and vincamine analogues. The acetylcholinesterase (AchE) inhibitory
      activity assays using Ellman's method revealed that the metabolites of strain CH1
      had significant AchE inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 5.16MUg/mL. The
      isolate CH1 was identified as Geomyces sp. based on morphological and molecular
      identification, and has been deposited in the China Center for Type Culture
      Collection (CCTCCM 2014676). This study first reported the natural compounds
      tabersonine and ethyl-vincamine from endophytic fungi CH1, Geomyces sp. In
      conclusion, the fungal endophytes from Nerium indicum can be used as alternative
      source for the production of vincamine and vincamine analogues. 

PMID- 27664731
TI  - Royal Jelly: An ancient remedy with remarkable antibacterial properties.
AB  - Royal Jelly (RJ), a honeybee hypopharyngeal gland secretion of young nurse and an
      exclusive nourishment for bee queen, has been used since ancient times for care
      and human health and it is still very important in traditional and folkloristic
      medicine, especially in Asia within the apitherapy. Recently, RJ and its protein
      and lipid components have been subjected to several investigations on their
      antimicrobial activity due to extensive traditional uses and for a future
      application in medicine. Antimicrobial activities of crude Royal Jelly,
      Royalisin, 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid, Jelleines, Major Royal Jelly Proteins
      against different bacteria have been reported. All these beehive products showed
      antimicrobial activities that lead their potential employment in several fields
      as natural additives. RJ and its derived compounds show a highest activity
      especially against Gram positive bacteria. The purpose of this Review is to
      summarize the results of antimicrobial studies of Royal Jelly following the
      timescale of the researches. From the first scientific applications to the
      isolation of the single components in order to better understand its application
      in the past years and propose an employment in future studies as a natural
      antimicrobial agent. 

PMID- 27664730
TI  - Transcriptome sequencing analysis of novel sRNAs of Kineococcus radiotolerans in
      response to ionizing radiation.
AB  - Kineococcus radiotolerans is a Gram-positive, radio-resistant bacterium isolated
      from a radioactive environment. The small noncoding RNAs (sRNAs) in bacteria are
      reported to play roles in the immediate response to stress and/or the recovery
      from stress. The analysis of K. radiotolerans transcriptome sequencing results
      can identify these sRNAs in a genome-wide detection, using RNA sequencing (RNA
      seq) by the deep sequencing technique. In this study, the raw data of radiation
      exposed samples (RS) and control samples (CS) were acquired separately from the
      sequencing platform. There were 217 common sRNA candidates in the two samples
      screened in the genome-wide scale by bioinformatics analysis. There were 43
      differentially expressed sRNA candidates, including 28 up-regulated and 15 down
      regulated ones. The down-regulated sRNAs were selected for the sRNA target
      prediction, of which 12 sRNAs that may modulate the genes related to the
      transcription regulation and DNA repair were considered as the candidates
      involved in the radio-resistance regulation system. 

PMID- 27664732
TI  - Identification of genes associated with asexual reproduction in Phyllosticta
      citricarpa mutants obtained through Agrobacterium tumefaciens transformation.
AB  - Phyllosticta citricarpa is the epidemiological agent of Citrus Black Spot (CBS)
      disease, which is responsible for large economic losses worldwide. CBS is
      characterized by the presence of spores (pycnidiospores) in dark lesions of
      fruit, which are also responsible for short distance dispersal of the disease.
      The identification of genes involved in asexual reproduction of P. citricarpa can
      be an alternative for directional disease control. We analyzed a library of
      mutants obtained through Agrobacterium tumefaciens transformation system, looking
      for alterations in growth and reproductive structure formation. Two mutant
      strains were found to have lost the ability to form pycnidia. The flanking T-DNA
      insertion regions were identified on P. citricarpa genome by using blast analysis
      and further gene prediction. The predicted genes containing the T-DNA insertions
      were identified as Spindle Poison Sensitivity Scp3, Ion Transport protein, and
      Cullin Binding proteins. The Ion Transport and Cullin Binding proteins are known
      to be correlated with sexual and asexual reproduction in fungi; however, the
      exact mechanism by which these proteins act on spore formation in P. citricarpa
      needs to be better characterized. The Scp3 proteins are suggested here for the
      first time as being associated with asexual reproduction in fungus. This protein
      is associated with microtubule formation, and as microtubules play an essential
      role as spindle machinery for chromosome segregation and cytokinesis, insertions
      in this gene can lead to abnormal formations, such as that observed here in P.
      citricarpa. We suggest these genes as new targets for fungicide development and
      CBS disease control, by iRNA. 

PMID- 27664733
TI  - Antagonist effects of Bacillus spp. strains against Fusarium graminearum for
      protection of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum).
AB  - Bacillus species are attractive due to their potential use in the biological
      control of fungal diseases. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain BLB369, Bacillus
      subtilis strain BLB277, and Paenibacillus polymyxa strain BLB267 were isolated
      and identified using biochemical and molecular (16S rDNA, gyrA, and rpoB)
      approaches. They could produce, respectively, (iturin and surfactin), (surfactin
      and fengycin), and (fusaricidin and polymyxin) exhibiting broad spectrum against
      several phytopathogenic fungi. In vivo examination of wheat seed germination,
      plant height, phenolic compounds, chlorophyll, and carotenoid contents proved the
      efficiency of the bacterial cells and the secreted antagonist activities to
      protect Tunisian durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum) cultivar Om
      Rabiia against F. graminearum fungus. Application of single bacterial culture
      medium, particularly that of B. amyloliquefaciens, showed better protection than
      combinations of various culture media. The tertiary combination of B.
      amyloliquefaciens, B. subtilis, and P. polymyxa bacterial cells led to the
      highest protection rate which could be due to strains synergistic or
      complementary effects. Hence, combination of compatible biocontrol agents could
      be a strategic approach to control plant diseases. 

PMID- 27664734
TI  - Bifidobacteria-Insight into clinical outcomes and mechanisms of its probiotic
      action.
AB  - The invasion of pathogens causes a disruption of the gut homeostasis. Innate
      immune responses and those triggered by endogenous microbiota form the first line
      of defence in our body. Pathogens often successfully overcome the resistances
      offered, calling for therapeutic intervention. Conventional strategy involving
      antibiotics might eradicate pathogens, but often leave the gut uncolonised and
      susceptible to recurrences. Probiotic supplements are useful alternatives.
      Bifidobacterium is one of widely studied probiotic genus, effective in restoring
      gut homeostasis. Mechanisms of probiotic action of bifidobacteria are several,
      often with strain-specificity. Analysis of streamlined literature reports reveal
      that although most studies report the probiotic aspect of bifidobacteria,
      sporadic documented contradictory results exist, challenging its therapeutic
      application and prompting studies to unambiguously establish the strain
      associated probiotic activity and negate adverse effects prior to its clinical
      administration. Multi-strain/combinatorial therapy possibly relies on a
      combination of underlying operating mechanisms, each contributing towards
      enhanced probiotic efficacy, understanding which could help in developing
      customised formulations against targeted pathogens. Bifidogenic activity is also
      mediated by surface-associated structural components such as exopolysaccharides,
      lipoteichoic acids along with metabolites and bifidocins. This highlights scope
      for developing advanced structural therapeutic strategy which might be pivotal in
      replacing intact cell probiotics therapy. 

PMID- 27664735
TI  - Screening and modes of action of antagonistic bacteria to control the fungal
      pathogen Phaeomoniella chlamydospora involved in grapevine trunk diseases.
AB  - The antagonistic activity of 46 bacterial strains isolated from Bordeaux
      vineyards were evaluated against Phaeomoniella chlamydospora, a major grapevine
      pathogen involved in Esca. The reduction of the necrosis length of stem cuttings
      ranged between 31.4% and 38.7% for the 8 most efficient strains. Two in planta
      trials allowed the selection of the two best strains, Bacillus pumilus (S32) and
      Paenibacillus sp. (S19). Their efficacy was not dependent on application method;
      co-inoculation, prevention in the wood and soil inoculation were tested. The
      involvement of antibiosis by the secretion of diffusible and/or volatile
      compounds in the antagonistic capacity of these two strains was assessed in
      vitro. Volatile compounds secreted by B. pumilus (S32) and Paenibacillus sp.
      (S19) were identified by gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS). The
      volatile compounds 1-octen-3-ol and 2,5-dimethyl pyrazine were obtained
      commercially and tested, and they showed strong antifungal activity against P.
      chlamydospora, which suggested that these compounds may play an important role in
      the bacterial antagonistic activity in planta. Furthermore, the expression of 10
      major grapevine defense genes was quantified by real-time polymerase chain
      reaction, which demonstrated that the two strains significantly affected the
      grapevine transcripts four days after their application on the plants. High
      expression levels of different genes associated with P. chlamydospora infection
      in B. pumilus pre-treated plants suggests that this strain induces systemic
      resistance in grapevine. For the first time, we demonstrated the ability of two
      bacterial strains, B. pumilus and Paenibacillus sp., isolated from grapevine
      wood, to control P. chlamydospora via direct and/or indirect mechanisms. 

PMID- 27664736
TI  - Novel strategy to detect and locate periodontal pathogens: The PNA-FISH
      technique.
AB  - PURPOSE: We aim to develop peptic nucleic acid (PNA) probes for the
      identification and localization of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomintans and
      Porphyromonas gingivalis in sub-gingival plaque and gingival biopsies by
      Fluorescence in situ Hybridization (FISH). METHODS: A PNA probe was designed for
      each microorganism. The PNA-FISH method was optimized to allow simultaneous
      hybridization of both microorganisms with their probe (PNA-FISH multiplex). After
      being tested on representative strains of P. gingivalis and A.
      actinomycetemcomitans, the PNA-FISH method was then adapted to detect
      microorganisms in the subgingival plaque and gingival samples, collected from
      patients with severe periodontitis. RESULTS: The best hybridization conditions
      were found to be 59 degrees C for 150min for both probes (PgPNA1007 and
      AaPNA235). The in silico sensitivity and specificity was both 100% for PgPNA1007
      probe and 100% and 99.9% for AaPNA235 probe, respectively. Results on clinical
      samples showed that the PNA-FISH method was able to detect and discriminate
      target bacteria in the mixed microbial population of the subgingival plaque and
      within periodontal tissues. CONCLUSION: This investigation presents a new highly
      accurate method for P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans detection and co
      location in clinical samples, in just few hours. With this technique we were able
      to observe spatial distribution of these species within polymicrobial communities
      in the periodontal pockets and, for the first time with the FISH method, in the
      organized gingival tissue.

PMID- 27664737
TI  - Microbial communities associated with Antarctic snow pack and their
      biogeochemical implications.
AB  - Snow ecosystems represent a large part of the Earth's biosphere and harbour
      diverse microbial communities. Despite our increased knowledge of snow microbial
      communities, the question remains as to their functional potential, particularly
      with respect to their role in adapting to and modifying the specific snow
      environment. In this work, we investigated the diversity and functional
      capabilities of microorganisms from 3 regions of East Antarctica, with respect to
      compounds present in snow and tested whether their functional signature reflected
      the snow environment. A diverse assemblage of bacteria (Proteobacteria,
      Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Deinococcus-Thermus, Planctomycetes,
      Verrucomicrobia), archaea (Euryarchaeota), and eukarya (Basidiomycota,
      Ascomycota, Cryptomycota and Rhizaria) were detected through culture-dependent
      and -independent methods. Although microbial communities observed in the three
      snow samples were distinctly different, all isolates tested produced one or more
      of the following enzymes: lipase, protease, amylase, beta-galactosidase,
      cellulase, and/or lignin modifying enzyme. This indicates that the snow pack
      microbes have the capacity to degrade organic compounds found in Antarctic snow
      (proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, lignin), thus highlighting their potential to
      be involved in snow chemistry. 

PMID- 27664738
TI  - Comparative genome analysis of the oleaginous yeast Trichosporon fermentans
      reveals its potential applications in lipid accumulation.
AB  - In this work, Trichosporon fermentans CICC 1368, which has been shown to
      accumulate cellular lipids efficiently using industry-agricultural wastes, was
      subjected to preliminary genome analysis, yielding a genome size of 31.3 million
      bases and 12,702 predicted protein-coding genes. Our analysis also showed a high
      degree of gene duplications and unique genes compared with those observed in
      other oleaginous yeasts, with 3-4-fold more genes related to fatty acid
      elongation and degradation compared with those in Rhodosporidium toruloides NP11
      and Yarrowia lipolytica CLIB122. Phylogenetic analysis with other oleaginous
      microbes suggested that the lipogenic capacity of T. fermentans was obtained
      during evolution after the divergence of genera. Thus, our study provided the
      first draft genome and comparative analysis of T. fermentans, laying the
      foundation for its genetic improvement to facilitate cost-effective lipid
      production. 

PMID- 27664739
TI  - Organic acid mediated repression of sugar utilization in rhizobia.
AB  - Rhizobia are a class of symbiotic diazotrophic bacteria which utilize C4 acids in
      preference to sugars and the sugar utilization is repressed as long as C4 acids
      are present. This can be manifested as a diauxie when rhizobia are grown in the
      presence of a sugar and a C4 acid together. Succinate, a C4 acid is known to
      repress utilization of sugars, sugar alcohols, hydrocarbons, etc by a mechanism
      termed as Succinate Mediated Catabolite Repression (SMCR). Mechanism of
      catabolite repression determines the hierarchy of carbon source utilization in
      bacteria. Though the mechanism of catabolite repression has been well studied in
      model organisms like E. coli, B. subtilis and Pseudomonas sp., mechanism of SMCR
      in rhizobia has not been well elucidated. C4 acid uptake is important for
      effective symbioses while mutation in the sugar transport and utilization genes
      does not affect symbioses. Deletion of hpr and sma0113 resulted in the partial
      relief of SMCR of utilization of galactosides like lactose, raffinose and maltose
      in the presence of succinate. However, no such regulators governing SMCR of
      glucoside utilization have been identified till date. Though rhizobia can utilize
      multitude of sugars, high affinity transporters for many sugars are yet to be
      identified. Identifying high affinity sugar transporters and studying the
      mechanism of catabolite repression in rhizobia is important to understand the
      level of regulation of SMCR and the key regulators involved in SMCR. 

PMID- 27664741
TI  - Unraveling the predator-prey relationship of Cupriavidus necator and Bacillus
      subtilis.
AB  - Cupriavidus necator is a non-obligate bacterial predator of Gram-negative and
      Gram-positive bacteria. In this study, we set out to determine the conditions,
      which are necessary to observe predatory behavior of C. necator. Using Bacillus
      subtilis as a prey organism, we confirmed that the predatory performance of C.
      necator is correlated with the available copper level, and that the killing is
      mediated, at least in part, by secreted extracellular factors. The predatory
      activity depends on the nutrition status of C. necator, but does not require a
      quorum of predator cells. This suggests that C. necator is no group predator.
      Further analyses revealed that sporulation enables B. subtilis to avoid predation
      by C. necator. In contrast to the interaction with predatory myxobacteria,
      however, an intact spore coat is not required for resistance. Instead resistance
      is possibly mediated by quiescence. 

PMID- 27664740
TI  - Bacillus amyloliquefaciens SB14 from rhizosphere alleviates Rhizoctonia damping
      off disease on sugar beet.
AB  - The use of biocontrol strains recently has become a popular alternative to
      conventional chemical treatments. A set of bacteria isolated from sugar beet
      rhizosphere and from roots and shoots of apple and walnut were evaluated for
      their potential to control sugar beet seedling damping-off caused by R. solani AG
      4 and AG2-2.The results of in vitro assays concluded that three isolates, SB6,
      SB14, SB15, obtained from rhizosphere of sugar beet and five isolates, AP2, AP4,
      AP6, AP7, AP8, obtained from shoots and roots of apple were the most effective
      antagonists that inhibited the mycelial growth of both R. solani isolates.
      Combination of several biochemical tests and partial sequencing of 16S rRNA and
      gyrBgenes revealed that eight efficient bacterial isolates could be assigned to
      the genus Bacillus and all could tolerate high temperatures and salt
      concentrations in their vegetative growth. The potential biocontrol activity of
      the eight bacterial antagonists were tested in greenhouse condition. The results
      indicated that four strains,B. amyloliquefaciens SB14, B. pumilus SB6,B.
      siamensis AP2 and B. siamensisAP8 exerted a significant influence on controlling
      of seedling damping-off and performed significantly better than others.However,
      the treatment of the seeds with bacteria was most effective when the isolate SB14
      was used, which significantly controlled damping-off disease by 58% caused by R.
      solani AG-4 and by 52.5% caused by R. solani AG-2-2. This indicates that the use
      of beneficial bacterial native to the host plant may increase the success rate in
      screening biocontrols, because these microbes are likely to be better adapted to
      their host and its associated environmental conditions than are strains isolated
      from other plant species grown in different environmental conditions. We can
      infer from the results reported here that sugar beet plantsmay recruitbeneficial
      microbes to the rhizosphere to help them solve context-specific challenges. 

PMID- 27664742
TI  - Utilization of physiological and taxonomic fluorescent probes to study
      Lactobacilli cells and response to pH challenge.
AB  - pH stress is recognized as an important feature for Lactobacillus in relation to
      lifestyle and commercial utility. Hence, this study aims to investigate the cell
      function of Lactobacilli cells subjected to pHs between 7.0 and 2.0. For this
      purpose, the Lactobacilli isolates of vegetable origin were first hybridized with
      fluorescent oligonucleotide rRNA probes for detecting Lactobacillus species.
      Then, cells were exposed to pH stress and labelled with fluorescent probes,
      carboxyfluorescein diacetate (CFDA) and propidium iodine (PI), which provided the
      insight into esterase activity and membrane integrity of cells. Among isolates,
      fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) enabled us to specifically detect L.
      plantarum and L. brevis. Interestingly, FCM analysis revealed that at pHs between
      7.0 and 4.0 the cell membrane was intact, while after the exposure at pH 3.0, and
      2.0 became perturbed or impaired. Finally, L. brevis and L. plantarum differed
      from each other in fluorescence labeling behaviour and culturability. However,
      the results showed that the same standard protocol for labeling enables
      discrimination of subpopulations of tested species. Depending on the species, the
      substantial culturability loss was observed at pH 3.0 and 2.0. These results
      suggest that the taxonomic and physiological fluorescent probes could be suitable
      for in situ detection of specific bacteria and rapid assessment of the
      physiological status of cells. 

PMID- 27664744
TI  - Mycoplasmal lipoprotein p37 binds human protein HER2.
AB  - Mycoplasmas are a group of microbes that can cause human diseases. The
      mycoplasmal lipoprotein p37 promotes cancer metastasis, at least in part, by
      interacting with EGFR. In this study, we show that the p37 lipoprotein binds
      another member of the EGFR family, HER2, through the HER2 extracellular domain.
      The binding of p37-HER2 promotes phosphorylation of HER2 and activates the
      downstream signaling molecule Erk1/2. Because the HER2 signaling pathway
      contributes to breast tumor metastasis, our results imply that the mycoplasmal
      lipoprotein p37 may also be involved in breast cancer metastasis. This study
      contributes to our understanding of mycoplasmal lipoprotein p37 function and its
      potential involvement in tumorigenesis. 

PMID- 27664743
TI  - Evaluation of in vitro and in vivo nematicidal potential of a multifunctional
      streptomycete, Streptomyces hydrogenans strain DH16 against Meloidogyne
      incognita.
AB  - The present work demonstrated the nematicidal potential of Streptomyces
      hydrogenans strain DH16 (a strain with strong antagonism against fungal
      phytopathogens and insect pest) against Meloidogyne incognita. The culture
      supernatant and solvent extract significantly inhibited egg hatching (almost
      100%) along with J2 mortality of more than 95% after 96h. The nematicidal
      activity of 10-(2,2-dimethyl-cyclohexyl)-6,9-dihydroxy-4,9-dimethyl-dec-2-enoic
      acid methyl ester (SH2; a new antifungal compound) purified from this
      streptomycete was also evaluated using different concentrations. The juvenile
      mortality of the nematode increased with increasing concentration and exposure
      time and reached the maximum (95%) after 96h at concentration of 100MUg/ml. After
      160h of incubation, egg hatch of 16% was observed at concentration of 100MUg/ml
      as compared to control where 100% egg hatching was achieved. However, at the
      highest concentration of the compound (200MUg/ml), 100% J2 mortality and 0% egg
      hatching were observed after 72 and 160h of incubation, respectively. In vivo pot
      experiments further revealed the nematicidal potential of S. hydrogenans where
      soil drenching with its culture supernatant and cells effectively controlled root
      galls, egg masses in nematode infested tomato plants and at the same time
      promoted the growth of tomato plants. Additionally, in the absence of nematodes,
      soil drenching with culture supernatant and cells significantly enhanced the
      various agronomic traits of plants as compared to control plants. Thus, the
      outcomes of the current study endorse the potential of S. hydrogenans strain DH16
      and its metabolites to be developed as safe nematicidal and plant growth
      promoting agents. 

PMID- 27664745
TI  - Biocontrol and plant growth promoting activities of a Streptomyces corchorusii
      strain UCR3-16 and preparation of powder formulation for application as
      biofertilizer agents for rice plant.
AB  - Streptomyces corchorusii strain UCR3-16, obtained from rice rhizospheric soils
      showed antifungal activities against 6 major rice fungal pathogens by diffusible
      and volatile compounds production. The strain was found positive for production
      of fungal cell wall degrading enzymes such as chitinase, beta-1,3-glucanase, beta
      1,4-glucanase, lipase and protease. The strain was also positive for plant growth
      promoting traits. It produced up to 30.5MUg/ml of IAA and solubilized a
      significant amount of inorganic phosphate (up to 102MUg/ml). It also produced 69%
      siderophore units. The strain also produced ammonia and gave positive result for
      ACC deaminase activity. Highest vigor index of inoculated seedlings was observed
      when rice seeds were treated with cell suspension of UCR3-16 corresponding to
      4.5*10(8)cfu/ml. Bioinoculant-treated seeds also showed similar results under
      pathogen challenged conditions. In pot trial experiments, UCR3-16-treated rice
      plants showed significantly increased growth and grain yield production. Powder
      formulation of the strain was developed using talcum and corn starch as carriers
      and the shelf-lives were monitored. Talcum formulation showed higher cell-count
      than corn starch even after 6 months of storage, and optimum condition for
      storage of the powder formulation were found to be at 4 degrees C. Pot trial
      experiments using talcum powder formulation also showed significant positive
      effects on growth of rice plants. Field trial using talcum powder formulation
      also exhibited significant enhancement in shoot length and weight of shoot and
      root, and total grain yield and weight of grains in rice plants. Talcum
      formulation also significantly reduced the sheath blight disease in rice leaves. 

PMID- 27664746
TI  - Bacterial polyhydroxyalkanoates: Still fabulous?
AB  - Bacterial polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are polyesters accumulated as carbon and
      energy storage materials under limited growth conditions in the presence of
      excess carbon sources. They have been developed as biomaterials with unique
      properties for the past many years being considered as a potential substitute for
      conventional non-degradable plastics. Due to the increasing concern towards
      global climate change, depleting petroleum resource and problems with an
      utilization of a growing number of synthetic plastics, PHAs have gained much more
      attention from industry and research. These environmentally friendly microbial
      polymers have great potential in biomedical, agricultural, and industrial
      applications. However, their production on a large scale is still limited. This
      paper describes the backgrounds of PHAs and discussed the current state of
      knowledge on the polyhydroxyalkanoates. Ability of bacteria to convert different
      carbon sources to PHAs, the opportunities and challenges of their introduction to
      global market as valuable renewable products have been also discussed. 

PMID- 27664748
TI  - Transcriptomic analysis for elucidating the physiological effects of 5
      aminolevulinic acid accumulation on Corynebacterium glutamicum.
AB  - 5-Aminolevulinic acid (ALA), the committed intermediate of the heme biosynthetic
      pathway, attracts close attention among researchers because of its potential
      applications to cancer treatment and agriculture. Overexpression of heterologous
      hemA and hemL, which encode glutamyl-tRNA reductase and glutamate-1-semialdehyde
      aminotransferase, respectively, in Corynebacterium glutamicum produces ALA,
      although whether ALA accumulation causes unintended effects on the host is
      unknown. Here we used an integrated systems approach to compare global
      transcriptional changes induced by the expression of hemA and hemL. Metabolic
      pathway such as glycolysis was inhibited, but tricarboxylic acid cycle, pentose
      phosphate pathway, and respiratory metabolism were stimulated. Moreover, the
      transcriptional levels of certain genes involved in heme biosynthesis were up
      regulated, and the data implicate the two-component system (TCS) HrrSA was
      involved in the regulation of heme synthesis. With these understandings, it is
      proposed that ALA accumulation stimulates heme synthesis pathway and respiratory
      metabolism. Our study illuminates the physiological effects of overexpressing
      hemA and hemL on the phenotype of C. glutamicum and contributes important
      insights into the regulatory mechanisms of the heme biosynthetic pathways. 

PMID- 27664747
TI  - The DNA-mimic antirestriction proteins ArdA ColIB-P9, Arn T4, and Ocr T7 as
      activators of H-NS-dependent gene transcription.
AB  - The antirestriction proteins ArdA ColIb-P9, Arn T4 and Ocr T7 specifically
      inhibit type I and type IV restriction enzymes and belong to the family of DNA
      mimic proteins because their three-dimensional structure is similar to the double
      helical B-form DNA. It is proposed that the DNA-mimic proteins are able to bind
      nucleoid protein H-NS and alleviate H-NS-silencing of the transcription of
      bacterial genes. Escherichia coli lux biosensors were constructed by inserting H
      NS-dependent promoters into a vector, thereby placing each fragment upstream of
      the promoterless Photorhabdus luminescens luxCDABE operon. It was demonstrated
      that the DNA-mimic proteins ArdA, Arn and Ocr activate the transcription of H-NS
      dependent promoters of the lux operon of marine luminescent bacteria (mesophilic
      Aliivibrio fischeri and psychrophilic Aliivibrio logei), and the dps gene from E.
      coli. It was also demonstrated that the ArdA antirestriction protein, the genes
      of which are located on transmissive plasmids ColIb-P9, R64, PK101, decreases
      levels of H-NS silencing of the PluxC promoter during conjugation in the
      recipient bacteria. 

PMID- 27664750
TI  - Bacterial community analysis of an industrial wastewater treatment plant in
      Colombia with screening for lipid-degrading microorganisms.
AB  - The operation of wastewater treatment technologies depends on a combination of
      physical, chemical and biological factors. Microorganisms present in wastewater
      treatment plants play essential roles in the degradation and removal of organic
      waste and xenobiotic pollutants. Several microorganisms have been used in
      complementary treatments to process effluents rich in fats and oils. Microbial
      lipases have received significant industrial attention because of their
      stability, broad substrate specificity, high yields, and regular supply, as well
      as the fact that the microorganisms producing them grow rapidly on inexpensive
      media. In Colombia, bacterial community studies have focused on populations of
      cultivable nitrifying, heterotrophic and nitrogen-fixing bacteria present in
      constructed wetlands. In this study, culture-dependent methods, culture
      independent methods (TTGE, RISA) and enzymatic methods were used to estimate
      bacterial diversity, to monitor temporal and spatial changes in bacterial
      communities, and to screen microorganisms that presented lipolytic activity. The
      dominant microorganisms in the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) examined in this
      study belonged to the phyla Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes. The
      enzymatic studies performed indicated that five bacterial isolates and three
      fungal isolates possessed the ability to degrade lipids; additionally, the
      Serratia, Kosakonia and Mucor genera presented lipase-mediated
      transesterification activity. The implications of these findings in regard to
      possible applications are discussed later in this paper. Our results indicate
      that there is a wide diversity of aerobic Gram-negative bacteria inhabiting the
      different sections of the WWTP, which could indicate its ecological condition,
      functioning and general efficiency. 

PMID- 27664749
TI  - Bio-protective microbial agents from rhizosphere eco-systems trigger plant
      defense responses provide protection against sheath blight disease in rice (Oryza
      sativa L.).
AB  - Sheath blight of rice (Oryza sativa L.) caused by Rhizoctonia solani is a major
      disease and attempts are being made to develop microbe based technologies for
      biocontrol of this pathogen. However, the mechanisms of biocontrol are not fully
      understood and still require indepth study in the backdrop of emerging concepts
      in biological systems. The present investigation was aimed at deciphering the
      mechanisms of biocontrol of sheath blight of rice employing Pseudomonas
      fluorescens and Trichoderma harzianum as model agents for biocontrol. Initially
      25, 5 and 5 strains of P. fluorescens, T. viride and T. harzianum, respectively,
      were screened for their biocontrol potential. Out of which, six strains with
      higher value of percent inhibition of fungal mycelium in dual plate assay were
      selected. The role of P. fluorescens, T. viride and T. harzianum were
      investigated in induction and bioaccumulation of natural antioxidants, defence
      related biomolecules and other changes in plant which lead not only to growth
      promotion but also protection from pathogenic stress conditions in rice. The two
      most promising strains, P. fluorescens PF-08 and T. harzianum UBSTH-501 selected
      on the basis of in planta evaluation, when applied individually or in
      combination, significantly enhanced the accumulation of defence-related
      biomolecules, enzymes and exhibited biocontrol potential against R. solani. A
      modified/newly developed delivery system was applied for the first time in the
      experiments involving inoculation of plants with both bioagents, viz. P.
      fluorescens PF-08 and T. harzianum UBSTH-501. Results suggested that application
      of P. fluorescens PF-08 and T. harzianum UBSTH-501 alone or in combination, not
      only helps in control of the disease but also increases plant growth along with
      reduction in application of toxic chemical pesticides. 

PMID- 27664751
TI  - An autophagy gene, HoATG5, is involved in sporulation, cell wall integrity and
      infection of wounded barley leaves.
AB  - The endophytic fungus Harpophora oryzae is a beneficial endosymbiont isolated
      from wild rice. H. oryzae can not only promote rice growth and biomass
      accumulation but also protect rice roots from invasion by its close relative
      Magnaporthe oryzae. Autophagy is a highly evolutionary conserved process from
      lower to higher eukaryotic organisms, and is involved in the maintenance of
      normal cell differentiation and development. In this study, we isolated a gene
      (HoATG5) which encodes an essential protein required for autophagy from the
      beneficial endophyte fungus H. oryzae. Using targeted gene replacement, a
      DeltaHoATG5 mutant was generated and used to investigate the biological functions
      of autophagy in H. oryzae. We found that the autophagic process was blocked in
      the HoATG5 deletion mutant. The mutant showed increased vegetative growth and
      sporulation, and was sensitive to nutrient starvation. The DeltaHoATG5 mutant
      lost its ability to penetrate and infect the wounded barley leaves. These results
      provide new knowledge to elaborate the molecular machinery of autophagy in
      endophytic fungi. 

PMID- 27664752
TI  - Corrigendum to "Evaluation of acrylamide-removing properties of two Lactobacillus
      strains under simulated gastrointestinal conditions using a dynamic system"
      [Microbiol. Res. 190 (September) (2016) 19-26].

PMID- 27664753
TI  - Next-Generation Sequencing in Cancer Diagnostics.
AB  - This commentary highlights the article by Misyura et al that underscores the use
      of next-generation sequencing platforms for detection and verification of somatic
      variants.

PMID- 27664755
TI  - T-cell immunometabolism against cancer.
AB  - T cells play critical roles in host defenses against cancer. External signals
      prompt activation of naive T cells, triggering modulation of their immune
      functions. Emerging evidence reveals that distinct metabolic changes impact the
      immune functions of naive and effector T cells, including CD4+ and CD8+ T cells.
      Since T cells appear to be key players in tumor progression, it is important to
      elucidate whether and how T-cell metabolic reprogramming might alter their impact
      on cancer progression. Here we briefly review the available knowledge regarding T
      cells in relation to cancer, focusing on the metabolic reprogramming of T cells
      and how this influences tumor progression. Emerging insights in this field are
      improving our understanding of the functional role of T-cell metabolic
      reprogramming in cancer. Further research could provide a critical foundation for
      new treatments targeting cancer metabolism.

PMID- 27664756
TI  - Groundwater vulnerability indices conditioned by Supervised Intelligence
      Committee Machine (SICM).
AB  - This research presents a Supervised Intelligent Committee Machine (SICM) model to
      assess groundwater vulnerability indices of an aquifer. SICM uses Artificial
      Neural Networks (ANN) to overarch three Artificial Intelligence (AI) models:
      Support Vector Machine (SVM), Neuro-Fuzzy (NF) and Gene Expression Programming
      (GEP). Each model uses the DRASTIC index, the acronym of 7 geological,
      hydrological and hydrogeological parameters, which collectively represents
      intrinsic (or natural) vulnerability and gives a sense of contaminants, such as
      nitrate-N, penetrating aquifers from the surface. These models are trained to
      modify or condition their DRASTIC index values by measured nitrate-N
      concentration. The three AI-techniques often perform similarly but have
      differences as well and therefore SICM exploits the situation to improve the
      modeled values by producing a hybrid modeling results through selecting better
      performing SVM, NF and GEP components. The models of the study area at Ardabil
      aquifer show that the vulnerability indices by the DRASTIC framework produces
      sharp fronts but AI models smoothen the fronts and reflect a better correlation
      with observed nitrate values; SICM improves on the performances of three AI
      models and cope well with heterogeneity and uncertain parameters.

PMID- 27664754
TI  - The EP1/EP3 receptor agonist 17-pt-PGE2 acts as an EP4 receptor agonist on
      endothelial barrier function and in a model of LPS-induced pulmonary
      inflammation.
AB  - Endothelial dysfunction is a hallmark of inflammatory conditions. We recently
      demonstrated that prostaglandin (PG)E2 enhances the resistance of pulmonary
      endothelium in vitro and counteracts lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced pulmonary
      inflammation in vivo via EP4 receptors. The aim of this study was to investigate
      the role of the EP1/EP3 receptor agonist 17-phenyl-trinor-(pt)-PGE2 on acute lung
      inflammation in a mouse model. In LPS-induced pulmonary inflammation in mice, 17
      pt-PGE2 reduced neutrophil infiltration and inhibited vascular leakage. These
      effects were unaltered by an EP1 antagonist, but reversed by EP4 receptor
      antagonists. 17-pt-PGE2 increased the resistance of pulmonary microvascular
      endothelial cells and prevented thrombin-induced disruption of endothelial
      junctions. Again, these effects were not mediated via EP1 or EP3 but through
      activation of the EP4 receptor, as demonstrated by the lack of effect of more
      selective EP1 and EP3 receptor agonists, prevention of these effects by EP4
      antagonists and EP4 receptor knock-down by siRNA. In contrast, the aggregation
      enhancing effect of 17-pt-PGE2 in human platelets was mediated via EP3 receptors.
      Our results demonstrate that 17-pt-PGE2 enhances the endothelial barrier in vitro
      on pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells, and accordingly ameliorates the
      recruitment of neutrophils, via EP4 receptors in vivo. This suggests a beneficial
      effect of 17-pt-PGE2 on pulmonary inflammatory diseases.

PMID- 27664757
TI  - An improved method for estimating GHG emissions from onshore oil and gas
      exploration and development in China.
AB  - Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from oil and gas exploration and development are
      major contributors to emission inventories in oil and natural gas (ONG) systems.
      For the developing countries, including China, studies of this aspect of the
      industry, being at an early stage, lack a unified method of calculation, and this
      leads to varied projections of national emissions. In this paper, progress is
      reported on direct measurement of CH4 and CO2 emissions along the oil and gas
      value chain, for four oil and gas fields. An improved calculation method
      (classification calculation method), which considers the production status of
      each type of oil and gas field in China, is proposed for the first time in this
      study. Based on in situ measurement, it is used to estimate the national CH4 and
      CO2 emissions from the process of petroleum exploration and development. The
      results showed that CH4 and CO2 emissions in 2013 were 73.29*104 and
      20.32*104tonnes, respectively (in CO2 equivalent: 1559.36*104tonnes). Compared
      with the results (731.52*104tonnes of CH4, 1031.55*104tonnes of CO2,
      16,393.48*104tonnes of CO2 equivalent) in 2013 determined by the Tier 1 method of
      the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the carbon emissions from
      field measurement method were much lower than that of IPCC method, which
      indicated that carbon emissions of ONG systems in China were severely overrated
      by IPCC. Hence, the GHG emission results reported herein could fundamentally
      improve the knowledge and understanding of GHG emissions from ONG exploration and
      development in China.

PMID- 27664758
TI  - Study of the water transportation characteristics of marsh saline soil in the
      Yellow River Delta.
AB  - One-dimensional soil column water infiltration and capillary adsorption water
      tests were conducted in the laboratory to study the water transportation
      characteristics of marsh saline soil in the Yellow River Delta, providing a
      theoretical basis for the improvement, utilization and conservation of marsh
      saline soil. The results indicated the following: (1) For soils with different
      vegetation covers, the cumulative infiltration capacity increased with the depth
      of the soil layers. The initial infiltration rate of soils covered by Suaeda and
      Tamarix chinensis increased with depth of the soil layers, but that of bare soil
      decreased with soil depth. (2) The initial rate of capillary rise of soils with
      different vegetation covers showed an increasing trend from the surface toward
      the deeper layers, but this pattern with respect to soil depth was relatively
      weak. (3) The initial rates of capillary rise were lower than the initial
      infiltration rates, but infiltration rate decreased more rapidly than capillary
      water adsorption rate. (4) The two-parameter Kostiakov model can very well
      simulate the changes in the infiltration and capillary rise rates of wetland
      saline soil. The model simulated the capillary rise rate better than it simulated
      the infiltration rate. (5) There were strong linear relationships between
      accumulative infiltration capacity, wetting front, accumulative capillary
      adsorbed water volume and capillary height.

PMID- 27664759
TI  - Risk assessment of airborne pesticides in a Mediterranean region of Spain.
AB  - A risk assessment strategy based on the quantitative target analysis and semi
      quantitative retrospective screening determination of pesticides in PM10 has been
      developed. The proposed methodology was applied to 345 real samples from nine
      stations of a Mediterranean area in Spain, and the risk was assessed for adult,
      children and infants. Forty pesticides were detected with average concentrations
      ranging from 8 to 30,000pgm-3. Each station showed its specific pesticide
      profile, which is linked to the different types of crops around each station. For
      adults, children and infants the estimated chronic inhalation risk, expressed as
      Hazard Quotient (HQ), was <1 for all pesticides. The cumulative exposure for
      organophosphates, neonicotinoids, benzimidazoles, carbamates, micro-organism and
      triazoles pesticides (HI, Hazard Index) were <1 for the three groups of
      populations assessed. For infants, the cancer risk estimated for the detected
      pesticides classified as possible and potential carcinogens were lower than 1.0 E
      06, except for carbendazim and hexythiazox.

PMID- 27664760
TI  - Effects of organic amendment on soil aggregation and microbial community
      composition during drying-rewetting alternation.
AB  - The alternation of drying and rewetting events could dramatically affect the
      biological and structural properties of soil and consequently influence nutrient
      transformation. To examine whether organic amendments could improve the
      resistance and resilience of microbial function (extracellular enzyme
      activities), community composition (phospholipid fatty acids), and soil structure
      to drying-rewetting alternation, cropland soils with or without wheat-straw
      amendment were allowed to desiccate in a microcosm for two months, followed by
      moist incubation for five weeks, and continuously moist treatments were
      maintained at 50% water holding capacity during the entire period, as a control
      treatment. Straw amendment increased microbial biomass, extracellular enzyme
      activities, the relative abundance of fungal groups, dissolved organic carbon,
      and proportion of large macroaggregates (>2000MUm), but decreased mineral
      nitrogen and available phosphorus. The drying-rewetting treatment increased
      microbial biomass carbon and beta-glucosidase activities by 10% and 13% in straw
      amended soils, respectively, but not in unamended soils, and decreased the urease
      and alkaline phosphomonoesterase activities by >15% in unamended soils, but not
      in amended soils. The contents of fungi, actinomycetes, Pseudomonas spp., and
      Bacillus spp. decreased with drying, and more so with the subsequent rewetting,
      but recovered by the end of the experiment. The drying-rewetting treatment caused
      a decrease in the nitrate content in both soils (>10%) and an increase in the
      macroaggregates of straw-amended soils (~8%). These results indicated that
      improved soil aggregation, as a result of straw amendment, protected microbial
      communities from drought stress and that nutrient acquisition promoted the post
      rewetting colonization of heterotrophic communities characterized by hydrolase
      production, which consequently facilitated aggregate re-formation. Thus, straw
      amendment positively contributed to aggregate turnover and to both microbial and
      enzymatic responses to drying-rewetting events, which suggests that straw
      amendment is favorable to maintain soil function under conditions of increasing
      rainfall variability.

PMID- 27664761
TI  - Solar ultraviolet doses and vitamin D in a northern mid-latitude.
AB  - Solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation is one of the most important factors in the
      development of skin cancer in human, solar erythema and skin aging. Nevertheless,
      numerous studies have shown the benefits of UV solar radiation in moderate doses,
      such as the reduction of blood pressure and mental health, treatment of various
      diseases, and the synthesis of vitamin D in the skin. This paper analyses data
      from solar ultraviolet erythemal (UVER) irradiance in W/m2 measured in a northern
      mid-latitude as Valencia (Spain) for the period 2003-2010. To estimate effective
      solar UV radiation in the production of vitamin D (UVD) we used the relationship
      proposed by McKenzie et al. (2009). It was obtained for one month for each season
      the minimum exposure time needed around solar noon and at 9 UTC and 15 UTC
      (Coordinated Universal Time) to obtain the recommended daily dose of 1000IU.
      Also, it has been calculated time for erythema induction around solar noon for
      the same months. The median UVER daily dose during the summer months was
      4000J/m2day, and 700J/m2day in winter. With regard to UVD, the median UVD daily
      dose in summer season was 7700J/m2day, and in winter it was 1000J/m2day. Around
      noon in January it takes more than two hours of solar exposure to obtain the
      recommended daily dose of vitamin D, whereas the rest of the year range between
      7min on July and 31min on October. For the same months around noon, exposure
      times to produce erythema were obtained, these being of higher value to the
      previous. The results show that it is difficult to obtain the recommended vitamin
      D doses in winter in a northern mid-latitude, as the human body is almost
      entirely covered in this season.

PMID- 27664762
TI  - Impact of a thermokarst lake on the soil hydrological properties in permafrost
      regions of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China.
AB  - The formation of thermokarst lakes can degrade alpine meadow ecosystems through
      changes in soil water and heat properties, which might have an effect on the
      regional surface water and groundwater processes. In this study, a typical
      thermokarst lake was selected in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP), and the
      ecological index (SL) was used to divide the affected areas into extremely
      affected, severely affected, medium-affected, lightly affected, and non-affected
      areas, and soil hydrological properties, including saturated hydraulic
      conductivity and soil water-holding capacity, were investigated. The results
      showed that the formation of a thermokarst lake can lead to the degradation of
      alpine meadows, accompanied by a change in the soil physiochemical and
      hydrological properties. Specifically, the soil structure turned towards loose
      soil and the soil nutrients decreased from non-affected areas to severely
      affected areas, but the soil organic matter and available potassium increased
      slightly in the extremely affected areas. Soil saturated hydraulic conductivity
      showed a 1.7- to 4.1-fold increase in the lake-surrounding areas, and the highest
      value (401.9cmd-1) was detected in the severely affected area. Soil water-holding
      capacity decreased gradually during the transition from the non-affected areas to
      the severely affected areas, but it increased slightly in the extremely affected
      areas. The principal component analysis showed that the plant biomass was vital
      to the changes in soil hydrological properties. Thus, the vegetation might serve
      as a link between the thermokarst lake and soil hydrological properties. In this
      particular case, it was concluded that the thermokarst lake adversely affected
      the regional hydrological services in the alpine ecosystem. These results would
      be useful for describing appropriate hydraulic parameters with the purpose of
      modeling soil water transportation more accurately in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

PMID- 27664763
TI  - Impact of agricultural practices on groundwater quality in intensive irrigated
      area of Chtouka-Massa, Morocco.
AB  - The Plio-Quaternary aquifer of Chtouka is located in Southwestern of Morocco. The
      intensive agricultural activity in Chtouka basin requires the mobilization of 94%
      of fresh water resources for irrigation. This overexploitation, along with the
      succession of drought years, sea water intrusion and various sources of
      pollution, affected the quality and availability of groundwater resources.
      Several sampling campaigns were carried out in different sites of the study area
      in order to investigate the spatial variation of groundwater quality. The
      temporal evolution of groundwater level shows that the water table was subjected
      to a gradual decline during the last decade, indicating an intensive exploitation
      mainly in irrigated areas. In the Southern part around Belfaa and the irrigated
      area along Massa River, nitrate concentrations exceed 50mg/L, which is the
      threshold set by the World Health Organization, while in the northern part around
      Biougra and Ait Amira, the nitrate concentration is mostly below 50mg/L
      indicating a relative good groundwater quality. This finding can be explained by
      the improvement of agricultural practices, particularly the conversion of flood
      and sprinkler irrigation to drip irrigation (80% of the total irrigated area) in
      most of the developed farms in this part of the study area. Moreover, the
      exploitation of groundwater from the deep aquifer, due to the increasing water
      demand in the region, can also explain the low chemical concentrations since the
      deep aquifer is not affected by anthropogenic pollutants or marine intrusion.
      Stable isotopes (18O and 2H) highlight the different origins of groundwater,
      indicating the complexity of the aquifer system path flows, which is attributable
      to the intensive exploitation and irrigation water return.

PMID- 27664764
TI  - Effects of charge and surface defects of multi-walled carbon nanotubes on the
      disruption of model cell membranes.
AB  - The direct contact between multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and cell
      membranes causes membrane disruption, potentially leading to cytotoxicity.
      However, the role of electrostatic forces and MWCNT properties is still open to
      debate. In this study, the influences of charge and MWCNT surface defects on
      membrane disruption were investigated by microscopy and a quartz crystal
      microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D). Positively/negatively charged
      giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) and supported lipid bilayers (SLBs) were made
      as model cell membranes. Negatively charged MWCNTs disrupted the GUVs containing
      positively charged lipids, which confirmed the electrostatically mediated
      interaction. However, the mass loss was detected from the negatively charged SLBs
      after MWCNT exposure, which suggests the extraction of phospholipids. The defect
      degree of MWCNTs correlated with their adhesion amount on the membranes. Both the
      oxygenated functional groups and unoxidized dangling carbon bonds were active
      sites for MWCNT-membrane interactions. The MWCNTs were observed to be engulfed
      inside the GUVs. The results clearly demonstrate that phospholipid extraction by
      MWCNTs could occur in electrostatically repulsive conditions, and MWCNT defects
      were active binding sites whether or not they were oxygenated. Our findings
      should be helpful in the design and safe applications of carbon nanomaterials.

PMID- 27664765
TI  - Categorizing chlordecone potential degradation products to explore their
      environmental fate.
AB  - Chlordecone (C10Cl10O; CAS number 143-50-0) has been used extensively as an
      organochlorine insecticide but is nowadays banned and listed on annex A in The
      Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). Although
      experimental evidences of biodegradation of this compound are scarce, several
      dechlorination products have been proposed by Dolfing et al. (2012) using Gibbs
      free energy calculations to explore different potential transformation routes. We
      here present the results of an in silico classification (TyPol - Typology of
      Pollutants) of chlordecone transformation products (TPs) based on statistical
      analyses combining several environmental endpoints and structural molecular
      descriptors. Starting from the list of putative chlordecone TPs and considering
      available data on degradation routes of other organochlorine compounds, we used
      different clustering strategies to explore the potential environmental behaviour
      of putative chlordecone TPs from the knowledge on their molecular descriptors.
      The method offers the possibility to focus on TPs present in different classes
      and to infer their environmental fate. Thus, we have deduced some hypothetical
      trends for the environmental behaviour of TPs of chlordecone assuming that TPs,
      which were clustered away from chlordecone, would have different environmental
      fate and ecotoxicological impact compared to chlordecone. Our findings suggest
      that mono- and di-hydrochlordecone, which are TPs of chlordecone often found in
      contaminated soils, may have similar environmental behaviour in terms of
      persistence.

PMID- 27664766
TI  - Mitigation of saltwater intrusion by 'integrated fresh-keeper' wells combined
      with high recovery reverse osmosis.
AB  - Most countermeasures to mitigate saltwater intrusion in coastal, karstic or
      fractured aquifers are hindered by anisotropy, high transmissivities and complex
      dynamics. A coupled strategy is introduced here as a localized remedy to protect
      shallow freshwater reserves while utilizing the deeper intercepted brackish
      water. It is a double sourcing application where fresh-keeper wells are installed
      at the bottom of a deepened borehole of selected salinized wells, and then
      supported by high recovery RO desalination. The RO design has <1kWh/m3 energy
      consumption, and up to 96% recovery in addition to low scaling propensity without
      use of any anti-scalant. A feasibility study is presented as an example for a
      salinizing, brackish well (TDS ~1600mg/L) in the Damour coastal aquifer in
      Lebanon. The concept is expected to produce ca. 1000m3/d of freshwater from this
      well by pumping 250m3/d of fresh groundwater from the top well screen and 800m3/d
      of brackish groundwater (to be later desalinized) from the fresh-keeper well
      screen below. Cost analysis shows that the capital cost could be returned back in
      1 to 4years depending on the choice of produced water (bottled or tap) and
      available market. As an alternative, water from the RO plant could be blended
      with lower quality water, for instance untreated brackish groundwater (if
      unpolluted), to supply 3 more volumes for domestic use. The usage of brackish
      groundwater from integrated fresh-keeper wells thus serves 3 purposes: production
      of high quality drinking water, financial gain and mitigation of water stress by
      overpumping.

PMID- 27664767
TI  - SIMSWASTE-AD - A modelling framework for the environmental assessment of
      agricultural waste management strategies: Anaerobic digestion.
AB  - On-farm anaerobic digestion (AD) has been promoted due to its improved
      environmental performance, which is based on a number of life cycle assessments
      (LCA). However, the influence of site-specific conditions and practices on AD
      performance is rarely captured in LCA studies and the effects on C and N cycles
      are often overlooked. In this paper, a new model for AD (SIMSWASTE-AD) is
      described in full and tested against a selection of available measured data. Good
      agreement between modelled and measured values was obtained, reflecting the model
      capability to predict biogas production (r2=0.84) and N mineralization (r2=0.85)
      under a range of substrate mixtures and operational conditions. SIMSWASTE-AD was
      also used to simulate C and N flows and GHG emissions for a set of scenarios
      exploring different AD technology levels, feedstock mixtures and climate
      conditions. The importance of post-digestion emissions and its relationship with
      the AD performance have been stressed as crucial factors to reduce the net GHG
      emissions (-75%) but also to enhance digestate fertilizer potential (15%). Gas
      tight digestate storage with residual biogas collection is highly recommended
      (especially in temperate to warm climates), as well as those operational
      conditions that can improve the process efficiency on degrading VS (e.g.
      thermophilic range, longer hydraulic retention time). Beyond the effects on the
      manure management stage, SIMSWASTE-AD also aims to help account for potential
      effects of AD on other stages by providing the C and nutrient flows. While
      primarily designed to be applied within the SIMSDAIRY modelling framework, it can
      also interact with other models implemented in integrated approaches. Such system
      scope assessments are essential for stakeholders and policy makers in order to
      develop effective strategies for reducing GHG emissions and environmental issues
      in the agriculture sector.

PMID- 27664768
TI  - Gene expression analysis during the induction and patterning of the conjunctival
      papillae in the chick embryonic eye.
AB  - The induction and patterning of the conjunctival papillae (i.e. epithelial
      thickenings of the conjunctiva required for the induction of the underlying,
      neural crest-derived scleral ossicles) is complex. It takes place over a period
      of two days and follows a defined spatiotemporal sequence. In this study, we
      investigated the spatial and temporal expression pattern of four genes over seven
      morphological stages of development of these papillae. We show that beta-catenin
      is expressed during the pre-patterning of the epithelium prior to papilla
      induction and second that beta-catenin, Ednrb and Inhba are expressed during the
      induction and patterning of the conjunctival papillae. Furthermore, we identified
      two genes, beta-catenin and Prox1, that may be involved in the induction of the
      underlying scleral bones. These data provide an excellent baseline for future
      studies, setting the stage for functional studies aimed at examining the role of
      these genes in the patterning of the scleral ossicle system. This study also
      outlines the similarities between the conjunctival papillae and other placodes
      and may provide insights into the evolution and development of the conjunctival
      papillae.

PMID- 27664769
TI  - SYP-5, a novel HIF-1 inhibitor, suppresses tumor cells invasion and angiogenesis.
AB  - Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) plays an essential role in carcinogenesis. The
      overexpression of HIF-1 induced by hypoxia is closely associated with metastasis,
      poor prognosis and high mortality. In this study, a novel HIF-1 inhibitor SYP-5
      was first observed by the luciferase reporter assay. Western blots results showed
      SYP-5 inhibited hypoxia-induced upregulation of HIF-1. Moreover, the proteins of
      vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2
      that are targets of HIF-1, were down-regulated by SYP-5. Furthermore, in the tube
      formation assay, SYP-5 suppressed angiogenesis induced by hypoxia and VEGF in
      vitro. Additionally, using Transwell and RTCA assays, we found that SYP-5 also
      retarded the Hep3B and Bcap37 cells migration and invasion induced by hypoxia and
      FBS. Last, we also detected the upstream pathways related to HIF-1 and found both
      PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK were involved in the SYP-5 mediated invasive inhibition of
      Bcap37 cells. These results indicates that SYP-5 inhibits tumor cell migration
      and invasion, as well as tumor angiogenesis, which are mediated by suppressing
      PI3K/AKT- and MAPK/ERK-dependent HIF-1 pathway. It suggests that SYP-5 might be a
      potential HIF-1 inhibitor as an anticancer agent.

PMID- 27664770
TI  - In vivo cardiac nano-imaging: A new technology for high-precision analyses of
      sarcomere dynamics in the heart.
AB  - The cardiac pump function is a result of a rise in intracellular Ca2+ and the
      ensuing sarcomeric contractions [i.e., excitation-contraction (EC) coupling] in
      myocytes in various locations of the heart. In order to elucidate the heart's
      mechanical properties under various settings, cardiac imaging is widely performed
      in today's clinical as well as experimental cardiology by using echocardiogram,
      magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography. However, because these common
      techniques detect local myocardial movements at a spatial resolution of ~100 MUm,
      our knowledge on the sub-cellular mechanisms of the physiology and
      pathophysiology of the heart in vivo is limited. This is because (1) EC coupling
      occurs in the MUm partition in a myocyte and (2) cardiac sarcomeres generate
      active force upon a length change of ~100 nm on a beat-to-beat basis. Recent
      advances in optical technologies have enabled measurements of intracellular Ca2+
      dynamics and sarcomere length displacements at high spatial and temporal
      resolution in the beating heart of living rodents. Future studies with these
      technologies are warranted to open a new era in cardiac research.

PMID- 27664772
TI  - Regenerative peripheral neuropathic pain: novel pathological pain, new
      therapeutic dimension.
AB  - After peripheral nerve damage, injured or stressed primary sensory neurons (PSNs)
      transmitting pathological pain (pathopain) sensitize central nervous system (CNS)
      neural circuits and determine behavioral phenotypes of peripheral neuropathic
      pain (PNP). Therefore, phenotypic profiling of pathopain-transmitting PSNs is
      vital for probing and discovering PNP conditions. Following peripheral nerve
      injuries (PNIs), PNP might be potentially transmitted by distinct classes of
      damaged or stressed PSNs, such as axotomized PSNs without regeneration (axotomy
      non-regenerative neurons), axotomized PSNs with accurate regeneration (axotomy
      regenerative neurons), and spared intact PSNs adjacent to axotomized neurons
      (axotomy-spared neurons). Both axotomy-non-regenerative neurons and axotomy
      spared neurons have been definitely shown to participate in specific PNP
      transmission. However, whether axotomy-regenerative neurons could transmit PNP
      with unique features has remained unclear. Recent studies in rodent models of
      axonotmesis have clearly demonstrated that axotomy-regenerative neurons alone
      transmit persistent pathological pain with unique behavioral phenotypes. In this
      review, we exclusively review this novel category of PNP, reasonably term it
      'regenerative peripheral neuropathic pain', and finally discuss its potential
      clinical significance as a new therapeutic dimension for PNIs beyond nerve
      regeneration.

PMID- 27664773
TI  - Neuropharmacological evaluation of a novel 5-HT3 receptor antagonist (4
      benzylpiperazin-1-yl)(3-methoxyquinoxalin-2-yl) methanone (6g) on
      lipopolysaccharide-induced anxiety models in mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: 5-HT3 receptor antagonists play a key role in the management of
      psychiatric disorders such as, depression and anxiety. They may act through
      modulation of serotonergic transmission. In the present study, a novel and
      potential 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, 6g (4-benzylpiperazin-1-yl)(3
      methoxyquinoxalin-2-yl) methanone, which exhibited good log P (3.08) and pA2
      (7.5) values was screened for its anxiolytic property in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)
      induced anxiety models. METHODS: LPS, an endotoxin, present in the cell wall of
      Gram negative bacteria was injected 0.83 mg/kg, i.p. as a single dose to induce
      anxiety-like symptoms in mice. Compound 6g (1 and 2 mg/kg, p.o.) and standard
      fluoxetine (FLX) (20 mg/kg, p.o.) were injected to treatment groups for 7 days
      and evaluated in various behavioral paradigms such as elevated plus maze (EPM),
      light and dark (L/D) test, and open field test (OFT). Their effects on serotonin
      levels in mice brain were also examined. RESULTS: The results showed that LPS
      induced anxiety-like symptoms in mice, as indicated by a significantly decreased
      percentage open arm entries and percentage time spent in open arms in EPM;
      decreased time spent in light area and number of transition between chambers in
      L/D test; decreased ambulation and rearing scores in OFT. Compound 6g (1 and 2
      mg/kg, p.o., 7 days) and FLX treatment (20 mg/kg, p.o., 7 days) reversed the LPS
      induced behavioral changes and significantly affected all the behavioral
      parameters mentioned above. In addition 6g (1 and 2 mg/kg, p.o., 7 days) and FLX
      treatment (20 mg/kg, p.o., 7 days) increased the levels of serotonin in mice
      brain. CONCLUSIONS: Compound 6g produced anxiolytic-like effects in various
      anxiety paradigms in LPS-treated mice as well as restored the decreased serotonin
      levels in mice brain.

PMID- 27664771
TI  - Contested moral landscapes: Negotiating breastfeeding stigma in breastmilk
      sharing, nighttime breastfeeding, and long-term breastfeeding in the U.S. and the
      U.K.
AB  - Recent public health breastfeeding promotion efforts have galvanized media
      debates about breastfeeding in wealthy, Euro-American settings. A growing body of
      research demonstrates that while breastfeeding is increasingly viewed as
      important for health, mothers continue to face significant structural and
      cultural barriers. Concerns have been raised about the moralizing aspects of
      breastfeeding promotion and its detrimental effects on those who do not
      breastfeed. Far less, however, is known about the moral experiences of those who
      pursue breastfeeding. This study draws together research on breastmilk sharing
      (2012-2016) and nighttime breastfeeding from the U.S. (2006-2009), and long-term
      breastfeeding from the U.K. (2008-2009) from three ethnographic projects to
      address this gap. Comparative analysis of these cases reveals that while
      breastfeeding is considered ideal infant nutrition, aspects of its practice
      continue to evoke physical and moral danger, even when these practices are
      implemented to facilitate breastfeeding. Breastmilk sharing to maintain exclusive
      breastmilk feeding, nighttime breastfeeding and bedsharing to facilitate
      breastfeeding, and breastfeeding beyond the accepted duration are considered
      unnecessary, unhealthy, harmful or even deadly. The sexual connotations of
      breastfeeding enhance the morally threatening qualities of these practices. The
      cessation of these "problematic" breastfeeding practices and their replacement
      with formula-feeding or other foods is viewed as a way to restore the normative
      social and moral order. Mothers manage the stigmatization of these breastfeeding
      practices through secrecy and avoidance of health professionals and others who
      might judge them, often leading to social isolation. Our findings highlight the
      divide between perceptions of the ideal of breastfeeding and its actual practice
      and point to the contested moral status of breastfeeding in the U.S. and the U.K.
      Further comparative ethnographic research is needed to illuminate the lived
      social and moral experiences of breastfeeding, and inform initiatives to
      normalize and support its practice without stigmatizing parents who do not
      breastfeed.

PMID- 27664774
TI  - Stoichiometry determination of macromolecular membrane protein complexes.
AB  - Gaining knowledge of the structural makeup of protein complexes is critical to
      advance our understanding of their formation and functions. This task is
      particularly challenging for transmembrane protein complexes, and grows ever more
      imposing with increasing size of these large macromolecular structures. The last
      10 years have seen a steep increase in solved high-resolution membrane protein
      structures due to both new and improved methods in the field, but still most
      structures of large transmembrane complexes remain elusive. An important first
      step towards the structure elucidation of these difficult complexes is the
      determination of their stoichiometry, which we discuss in this review. Knowing
      the stoichiometry of complex components not only answers unresolved structural
      questions and is relevant for understanding the molecular mechanisms of
      macromolecular machines but also supports further attempts to obtain high
      resolution structures by providing constraints for structure calculations.

PMID- 27664776
TI  - Consensus numbering system for the rifampicin resistance-associated rpoB gene
      mutations in pathogenic mycobacteria.
AB  - The rpoB gene codes for the RNA polymerase beta subunit, which is the target of
      rifampicin, an essential drug in the treatment of tuberculosis and other
      mycobacterial infections. This gene is present in all bacteria, but its length
      and nucleotide sequence vary between bacterial species, including mycobacteria.
      Mutations in the rpoB gene alter the structure of this protein and cause drug
      resistance. To describe the resistance-associated mutations, the scientific and
      medical communities have been using, since 1993, a numbering system based on the
      Escherichia coli sequence annotation. Using E. coli reference for describing
      mutations in mycobacteria leads to misunderstandings, particularly with the
      increasing use of whole genome sequencing, which brought an alternative numbering
      system based on the Mycobacterium tuberculosis rpoB sequence. We propose using a
      consensus numbering system for the reporting of resistance mutations based on the
      reference genomes from the species interrogated (such as strain H37Rv for M.
      tuberculosis). This manuscript provides the necessary figures and tables allowing
      researchers, microbiologists and clinicians to easily convert other annotation
      systems into one common language.

PMID- 27664777
TI  - Methanobrevibacter smithii and Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron cultivated from a
      chronic paravertebral muscle abscess.

PMID- 27664778
TI  - Detection of parvovirus B19 DNA in blood: Viruses or DNA remnants?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Parvovirus B19 (B19V) DNA can be detected in blood over a long period
      after acute infection. Several reports associate the presence of B19V DNA with
      disease, irrespective of timing of the initial B19V infection. OBJECTIVES: This
      study aims to analyze the properties of B19V DNA in blood, differentiating
      between bare, non-infectious strands of DNA and B19V DNA in viable virions. STUDY
      DESIGN: Ten blood donors with asymptomatic acute B19V infection were followed and
      sampled up to 22 months after infection. The samples were treated with and
      without an endonuclease and tested for B19V DNA, to distinguish between DNA in
      virions and naked DNA. RESULTS: In the acute phase of infection, high levels of
      B19V DNA were detected, concurrent with B19V IgM antibodies. B19V DNA apparently
      was encapsidated, as indicated by resistance to endonuclease degradation.
      Subsequently, B19V DNA remained detectable for more than one year in all donors
      at low levels (<105 IU/mL). Approximately 150days after infection B19V DNA became
      degradable by an endonuclease, indicating that this concerned naked DNA. In some
      donors a second endonuclease-resistant peak occurred. DISCUSSION: Detection of
      B19V DNA in blood by PCR does not necessarily imply that B19V replication takes
      place and that infectious B19V virions are present. We propose that remnant B19V
      DNA strands can be released from tissues without active replication. This finding
      urges to reconsider an assumed role of B19V infection mainly based on B19V DNA
      detection in blood, a much debated subject in clinical syndromes such as
      myocarditis and arthritis.

PMID- 27664775
TI  - The proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT-SLC46A1) and the syndrome of systemic
      and cerebral folate deficiency of infancy: Hereditary folate malabsorption.
AB  - The proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT-SLC46A1) is the mechanism by which
      folates are absorbed across the brush-border membrane of the small intestine. The
      transporter is also expressed in the choroid plexus and is required for transport
      of folates into the cerebrospinal fluid. Loss of PCFT function, as occurs in the
      autosomal recessive disorder "hereditary folate malabsorption" (HFM), results in
      a syndrome characterized by severe systemic and cerebral folate deficiency.
      Folate-receptor alpha (FRalpha) is expressed in the choroid plexus, and loss of
      function of this protein, as also occurs in an autosomal recessive disorder,
      results solely in "cerebral folate deficiency" (CFD), the designation for this
      disorder. This paper reviews the current understanding of the functional and
      structural properties and regulation of PCFT, an electrogenic proton symporter,
      and contrasts PCFT properties with those of the reduced folate carrier (RFC), an
      organic anion antiporter, that is the major route of folate transport to systemic
      tissues. The clinical characteristics of HFM and its treatment, based upon the
      thirty-seven known cases with the clinical syndrome, of which thirty have been
      verified by genotype, are presented. The ways in which PCFT and FRalpha might
      interact at the level of the choroid plexus such that each is required for folate
      transport from blood to cerebrospinal fluid are considered along with the
      different clinical presentations of HFM and CFD.

PMID- 27664779
TI  - Discourse comprehension in L2: Making sense of what is not explicitly said.
AB  - Using ERPs, we tested whether L2 speakers can integrate multiple sources of
      information (e.g., semantic, pragmatic information) during discourse
      comprehension. We presented native speakers and L2 speakers with three-sentence
      scenarios in which the final sentence was highly causally related, intermediately
      related, or causally unrelated to its context; its interpretation therefore
      required simple or complex inferences. Native speakers revealed a gradual N400
      like effect, larger in the causally unrelated condition than in the highly
      related condition, and falling in-between in the intermediately related
      condition, replicating previous results. In the crucial intermediately related
      condition, L2 speakers behaved like native speakers, however, showing extra
      processing in a later time-window. Overall, the results show that, when reading,
      L2 speakers are able to process information from the local context and prior
      information (e.g., world knowledge) to build global coherence, suggesting that
      they process different sources of information to make inferences online during
      discourse comprehension, like native speakers.

PMID- 27664780
TI  - Fine structure of antennal sensilla of the spittlebug Philaenus spumarius L.
      (Insecta: Hemiptera: Aphrophoridae). I. Chemoreceptors and thermo
      /hygroreceptors.
AB  - The meadow spittlebug, Philaenus spumarius (L.) (Hemiptera: Cercopoidea:
      Aphrophoridae), is a polyphagous species that transmits Xylella fastidiosa, a
      bacterium associated with "Olive Quick Decline Syndrome" in Southern Italy. In
      this study, the morphology and the ultrastructure of the antennal sensilla of P.
      spumarius were investigated. The antennae consist of three segments: a basal
      scape, a pedicel and a flagellum composed of a basal enlargement (ampulla) and a
      long segment (filament). The pedicel bears a single campaniform sensillum while
      the ampulla houses twelve coeloconic sensilla and three large basiconic sensilla.
      These latter sensilla show a smooth multiporous external cuticular wall and a
      total number of 27 sensory neurons per sensillum. The coeloconic sensilla belong
      to two morphologically distinct types: double-walled and single-walled sensilla.
      The sensory peg of the double-walled sensilla is smooth at the base and distally
      has a grooved cuticular surface with pores organized in spoke channels between
      each ridge. Three sensory neurons enter the lumen while at the basal level,
      before entering the peg, a fourth sensory neuron is found. The single-walled
      sensilla show an aporous thick cuticular wall and two sensory neurons entering
      the sensillar lumen, with a third neuron ending at the sensillum base.

PMID- 27664781
TI  - Distribution of the obligate endosymbiont Blochmannia floridanus and expression
      analysis of putative immune genes in ovaries of the carpenter ant Camponotus
      floridanus.
AB  - The bacterial endosymbiont Blochmannia floridanus of the carpenter ant Camponotus
      floridanus contributes to its hosts' ontogeny via nutritional upgrading during
      metamorphosis. This primary endosymbiosis is essential for both partners and
      vertical transmission of the endosymbionts is guaranteed by bacterial infestation
      of oocytes. Here we present a detailed analysis of the presence and localisation
      of B. floridanus in the ants' ovaries obtained by FISH and TEM analyses. The most
      apical part of the germarium harbouring germ-line stem cells (GSCs) is not
      infected by the bacteria. The bacteria are detectable for the first time in lower
      parts of the germarium when cystocytes undergo the 4th and 5th division and B.
      floridanus infects somatic cells lying under the basal lamina surrounding the
      ovarioles. With the beginning of cystocyte differentiation, the endosymbionts are
      exclusively transported from follicle cells into the growing oocytes. This
      infestation of the oocytes by bacteria very likely involves exocytosis
      endocytosis processes between follicle cells and the oocytes. Nurse cells were
      never found to harbour the endosymbionts. Furthermore we present first gene
      expression data in C. floridanus ovaries. These data indicate a modulation of
      immune gene expression which may facilitate tolerance towards the endosymbionts
      and thus may contribute to their transovarial transmission.

PMID- 27664789
TI  - Microbial dynamics of indicator microorganisms on fresh tomatoes in the supply
      chain from Mexico to the USA.
AB  - Quality and safety of fresh produce are important to public health and
      maintaining commerce between Mexico and USA. While preventive practices can
      reduce risks of contamination and are generally successful, the variable
      environment of the supply chain of fresh produce can be suitable for introduction
      or proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms. As routine surveillance of these
      pathogens is not practical, indicator microorganisms are used to assess the
      sanitary conditions of production and handling environments. An opportunity
      exists to use indicators on fresh produce to measure how handling and transport
      from field to market may affect microbial populations that contribute to their
      quality or safety. The objective was to quantify indicator microorganisms on
      tomatoes sampled along the supply chain during the harvest year, in order to
      observe the levels and changes of populations at different locations. Roma
      tomatoes (n=475) were taken from the same lots (n=28) at four locations of the
      postharvest supply chain over five months: at arrival to and departure from the
      packinghouse in Mexico, at the distribution center in Texas, and at retail in
      USA. Samples were analyzed individually for four microbial populations: aerobic
      plate count (APC), total coliforms (TC), generic Escherichia coli, and yeasts and
      molds (YM). APC population differed (p<0.05) from 1.9+/-1.1, 1.7+/-1.1, 2.3+/-1.1
      and 3.5+/-1.4logCFU/g at postharvest, packing, distribution center and
      supermarket, respectively. TC populations were <1logCFU/g at postharvest,
      increased at packing (0.7+/-1.0logCFU/g), decreased in distribution (0.4+/
      0.8logCFU/g) and increased in supermarkets (1.4+/-1.5logCFU/g). Generic E. coli
      was not identified from coliform populations in this supply chain. YM populations
      remained <1logCFU/g, with the exception of 1.1+/-1.3logCFU/g at supermarkets and
      tomatoes were not visibly spoiled. The levels reported from this pilot study
      demonstrated the dynamics within populations as influenced by time and conditions
      in one supply chain during a harvest year, while the large variances in some
      locations indicate opportunities for improvement. Overall, packinghouse and
      supermarket locations were identified as crucial points to control microbial
      safety risks.

PMID- 27664782
TI  - Changes in tarsal morphology and attachment ability to rough surfaces during
      ontogenesis in the beetle Gastrophysa viridula (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae).
AB  - Insects live in a three-dimensional space, and need to be able to attach to
      different types of surfaces in a variety of environmental and behavioral
      contexts. Adult leaf beetles possess great attachment ability due to their hairy
      attachment pads. In contrast, their larvae depend on smooth pads to attach to the
      same host plant. We tested friction forces generated by larvae and adults of dock
      leaf beetles Gastrophysa viridula on different rough surfaces, and found that
      adults generate much higher attachment to various substrates than larvae, but are
      more susceptible to completely losing attachment ability on surfaces with
      "critical" roughness. Furthermore, sex-specific setal morphology has the effect
      that attachment forces of male adults are generally higher than those of females
      when adjusted for body weight. The results are discussed in the context of
      development, ecology, and changing behavioral strategies of successive life
      stages.

PMID- 27664790
TI  - Oligosaccharides containing an alpha-(1->2) (glucosyl/xylosyl)-fructosyl linkage
      as inducer molecules of trichothecene biosynthesis for Fusarium graminearum.
AB  - Fructo-oligosaccharides containing a sucrose unit are reported as carbon sources
      necessary for trichothecene production by Fusarium graminearum. Here we
      demonstrate that trichothecene production is induced when at least 100MUM sucrose
      is added to a culture medium containing 333mM glucose in a 24-well plate. When
      glucose, the main carbon source of the medium, was replaced with galactose,
      maltose, or sorbitol, the addition of 100MUM sucrose could no longer induce
      trichothecene production. However, replacing half the amount of each carbon
      source with glucose restored the trichothecene production-inducing activity of
      sucrose. Detailed investigations with media containing various concentrations of
      galactose and glucose as carbon sources suggested that operation of the galactose
      catabolic pathway for energy conservation affected trichothecene biosynthesis
      induction by sucrose. Trichothecene production was also induced by 100MUM of
      either raffinose or xylosucrose in axenic liquid culture medium containing
      glucose as the major carbon source. These results demonstrate that sucrose
      derivatives are not necessary as a carbon source for inducing trichothecene
      biosynthesis, and that the minimum structural requirement for sugars to function
      as trichothecene production-inducer molecules is to contain an alpha-(1->2)
      (glucosyl/xylosyl)-fructosyl linkage.

PMID- 27664791
TI  - Donepezil promotes differentiation of neural stem cells into mature
      oligodendrocytes at the expense of astrogenesis.
AB  - Oligodendrocytes are the myelin-forming cells of the central nervous system.
      Oligodendrocyte loss and failure of myelin development result in serious human
      disorders, including multiple sclerosis. Previously, using oligodendrocyte
      progenitor cells, we have shown that donepezil, which is an acetylcholinesterase
      inhibitor developed for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, stimulates myelin
      gene expression and oligodendrocyte differentiation. Here, we aimed to analyze
      the effects of donepezil on primary mouse embryonic neural stem cells (NSCs).
      Donepezil treatment led to impaired self-renewal ability and increased apoptosis.
      These effects appeared to be mediated through the Akt/Bad signaling pathway.
      Using neurosphere differentiation analysis, we observed that donepezil leads to
      reduced numbers of astrocytes and increased numbers of oligodendrocytes and
      neurons. Consistent with this finding, mRNA and protein levels for the
      oligodendrocyte markers myelin-associated glycoprotein, 2', 3'-cyclic-nucleotide
      3'-phosphodiesterase (CNPase), and myelin basic protein, as well as the neuronal
      marker beta-tubulin type III (Tuj1) were up-regulated. In contrast, the
      expression of the astrocyte marker glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was
      down-regulated by donepezil in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Moreover,
      donepezil increased oligodendrocyte differentiation, resulting in a reduction in
      the differentiation of NSCs into astrocytes, by suppressing the activation of
      signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), SMAD1/5/9, and the
      downstream target gene GFAP, even under astrocyte-inducing conditions. These
      results suggest that efficient differentiation of NSCs into oligodendrocytes by
      donepezil may indicate a novel therapeutic role for this drug in promoting repair
      in demyelinated lesions in addition to its role in preventing astrogenesis.

PMID- 27664792
TI  - Economic viability of Stratified Medicine concepts: An investor perspective on
      drivers and conditions that favour using Stratified Medicine approaches in a cost
      contained healthcare environment.
AB  - RATIONALE: Stratified Medicine (SM) is becoming a natural result of advances in
      biomedical science and a promising path for the innovation-based
      biopharmaceutical industry to create new investment opportunities. While the use
      of biomarkers to improve R&D efficiency and productivity is very much
      acknowledged by industry, much work remains to be done to understand the drivers
      and conditions that favour using a stratified approach to create economically
      viable products and to justify the investment in SM interventions as a
      stratification option. CONCEPT: In this paper we apply a decision analytical
      methodology to address the economic attractiveness of different SM development
      options in a cost-contained healthcare environment. For this purpose, a
      hypothetical business case in the oncology market has been developed considering
      four feasible development scenarios. CONCLUSIONS: The article outlines the
      effects of development time and time to peak sales as key economic value drivers
      influencing profitability of SM interventions under specific conditions. If
      regulatory and reimbursement challenges can be solved, decreasing development
      time and enhancing early market penetration would most directly improve the
      economic attractiveness of SM interventions. Appropriate tailoring of highly
      differentiated patient subgroups is the prerequisite to leverage potential
      efficiency gains in the R&D process. Also, offering a better targeted and hence
      ultimately more cost-effective therapy at reimbursable prices will facilitate
      time to market access and allow increasing market share gains within the targeted
      populations.

PMID- 27664793
TI  - The Celebration of 40 years of structural biology at Aarhus University as seen
      through the eyes of a translationalist.
AB  - Over the past 50 years, both Brian Clark and I have worked on tRNA, Brian more
      successfully than I. Our common interests have established collaborations and the
      training of Aarhus University students in my laboratory. As part of my
      rejuvenation plan, I have returned to Aarhus and participated in teaching a
      course in protein synthesis about every five years, beginning in 1990. It has
      been through this close contact with both Brian and the numerous faculty of the
      structural biology group that I have been able to witness and appreciate the
      great strides they have made, both in building a world class department and in
      the ground breaking discoveries that went with them. While much of the success of
      the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics reflects the individual
      accomplishments of many, the growth of the department is largely a reflection of
      the dogged determination of Brian to develop one of the most modern and
      competitive departments in Denmark, if not in Europe (sort of reminds one of
      Winston Churchill). This retrospective highlights our parallel paths in tRNA and
      protein synthesis research and Brian's influence in establishing world renowned
      research in Aarhus.

PMID- 27664794
TI  - MC1R variants affect the expression of melanocortin and melanogenic genes and the
      association between melanocortin genes and coloration.
AB  - The melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) gene influences coloration by altering the
      expression of genes acting downstream in the melanin synthesis. MC1R belongs to
      the melanocortin system, a genetic network coding for the ligands that regulate
      MC1R and other melanocortin receptors controlling different physiological and
      behavioural traits. The impact of MC1R variants on these regulatory melanocortin
      genes was never considered, even though MC1R mutations could alter the influence
      of these genes on coloration (e.g. by decreasing MC1R response to melanocortin
      ligands). Using barn owl growing feathers, we investigated the differences
      between MC1R genotypes in the (co)expression of six melanocortin and nine
      melanogenic-related genes and in the association between melanocortin gene
      expression and phenotype (feather pheomelanin content). Compared to the MC1R
      rufous allele, responsible for reddish coloration, the white allele was not only
      associated with an expected lower expression of melanogenic-related genes (TYR,
      TYRP1, OCA2, SLC45A2, KIT, DCT) but also with a lower MC1R expression and a
      higher expression of ASIP, the MC1R antagonist. More importantly, the expression
      of PCSK2, responsible for the maturation of the MC1R agonist, alpha-melanocyte
      stimulating hormone, was positively related to pheomelanin content in MC1R white
      homozygotes but not in individuals carrying the MC1R rufous allele. These
      findings indicate that MC1R mutations not only alter the expression of
      melanogenic-related genes but also the association between coloration and the
      expression of melanocortin genes upstream of MC1R. This suggests that MC1R
      mutations can modulate the regulation of coloration by the pleiotropic
      melanocortin genes, potentially decoupling the often-observed associations
      between coloration and other phenotypes.

PMID- 27664796
TI  - Fully porous 3D printed titanium femoral stem to reduce stress-shielding
      following total hip arthroplasty.
AB  - Current hip replacement femoral implants are made of fully solid materials which
      all have stiffness considerably higher than that of bone. This mechanical
      mismatch can cause significant bone resorption secondary to stress shielding,
      which can lead to serious complications such as peri-prosthetic fracture during
      or after revision surgery. In this work, a high strength fully porous material
      with tunable mechanical properties is introduced for use in hip replacement
      design. The implant macro geometry is based off of a short stem taper-wedge
      implant compatible with minimally invasive hip replacement surgery. The implant
      micro-architecture is fine-tuned to locally mimic bone tissue properties which
      results in minimum bone resorption secondary to stress shielding. We present a
      systematic approach for the design of a 3D printed fully porous hip implant that
      encompasses the whole activity spectrum of implant development, from concept
      generation, multiscale mechanics of porous materials, material architecture
      tailoring, to additive manufacturing, and performance assessment via in vitro
      experiments in composite femurs. We show that the fully porous implant with an
      optimized material micro-structure can reduce the amount of bone loss secondary
      to stress shielding by 75% compared to a fully solid implant. This result also
      agrees with those of the in vitro quasi-physiological experimental model and the
      corresponding finite element model for both the optimized fully porous and fully
      solid implant. These studies demonstrate the merit and the potential of tuning
      material architecture to achieve a substantial reduction of bone resorption
      secondary to stress shielding. (c) 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published
      by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:1774-1783, 2017.

PMID- 27664795
TI  - Development of pea protein-based bioplastics with antimicrobial properties.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the present work, bioplastics from renewable polymers were studied
      in order to reduce the huge generation of plastic wastes, causing an
      environmental problem that continues owing to the increasing demand for plastic
      products. RESULTS: Bioplastics with much better antimicrobial properties, in
      particular against Gram-positive bacteria, were obtained with the addition of
      nisin to the initial protein/plasticizer mixture. However, the addition of nisin
      produces more rigid but less deformable bioplastics (higher Young's modulus but
      lower strain at break). CONCLUSION: The results obtained are useful to
      demonstrate the antimicrobial properties of pea protein-based bioplastics by
      adding nisin and make them suitable as potential candidates to replace
      conventional plastics in food packaging. (c) 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID- 27664797
TI  - First-Year Waitlist Hospitalization and Subsequent Waitlist and Transplant
      Outcome.
AB  - Frailty is associated with inferior survival and increased resource requirements
      among kidney transplant candidates, but assessments are time-intensive and costly
      and require direct patient interaction. Waitlist hospitalization may be a proxy
      for patient fitness and could help those at risk of poor outcomes. We examined
      United States Renal Data System data from 51 111 adult end-stage renal disease
      patients with continuous Medicare coverage who were waitlisted for transplant
      from January 2000 to December 2011. Heavily admitted patients had higher
      subsequent resource requirements, increased waitlist mortality and decreased
      likelihood of transplant (death after listing: 1-7 days: hazard ratio [HR] 1.24,
      95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20-1.28; 8-14 days: HR 1.49, 95% CI 1.42-1.56;
      >=15 days: HR 2.07, 95% CI 1.99-2.15; vs. 0 days). Graft and recipient survival
      was inferior, with higher admissions, although survival benefit was preserved. A
      model including waitlist admissions alone performed better (C statistic 0.76, 95%
      CI 0.74-0.80) in predicting postlisting mortality than estimated posttransplant
      survival (C statistic 0.69, 95% CI 0.67-0.73). Although those with a heavy burden
      of admissions may still benefit from kidney transplant, less utility is derived
      from allografts placed in this population. Current kidney allocation policy,
      which is based in part on longevity matching, could be significantly improved by
      consideration of hospitalization records of transplant candidates.

PMID- 27664798
TI  - Assessment of Right Ventricular Strain by Computed Tomography Versus
      Echocardiography in Acute Pulmonary Embolism.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Right ventricular strain (RVS) identifies patients at risk of
      hemodynamic deterioration from pulmonary embolism (PE). Our hypothesis was that
      chest computed tomography (CT) can provide information about RVS analogous to
      transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and that RVS on CT is associated with
      adverse outcomes after PE. METHODS: Consecutive emergency department patients
      with acute PE were prospectively enrolled and clinical, biomarker, and imaging
      data were recorded. CTs were overread by two radiologists. We compared diagnoses
      of RVS on CT (defined as right ventricle:left ventricle ratio >= 0.9 or
      interventricular septal bowing) to echocardiography (defined as right ventricular
      hypokinesis, right ventricular dilatation, or interventricular septal bowing). We
      calculated the test characteristics (with 95% confidence interval) of CT and TTE
      for a composite outcome of severe clinical deterioration,
      thrombolysis/thrombectomy, or death within 5 days. RESULTS: A total of 298
      patients were enrolled; 274 had CT and 118 had formal TTE. Of the 104 patients
      who had both CT and TTE, the mean (+/-SD) age was 58 (+/-17) years; 50 (48%) were
      female and 88 (85%) were Caucasian. Forty-two (40%) had RVS by TTE and 75 (72%)
      had RVS by CT. CT and TTE agreed on the presence or absence of RVS in 61 (59%)
      cases (kappa = 0.24). Using TTE as criterion standard, the test characteristics
      of CT for RVS were as follows: sensitivity = 88%, specificity = 39%, positive
      predictive value = 49%, and negative predictive value = 83%. Fourteen (13%)
      patients experienced severe clinical deterioration or required hospital-based
      intervention within 5 days. This occurred in 30% of patients with RVS on both TTE
      and CT, 20% of patients with RVS on TTE alone, 3% of patients with RVS on CT
      alone, and 4% of patients without RVS on either modality. CONCLUSIONS: In acute
      PE, CT is highly sensitive but only moderately specific for RVS compared to TTE.
      RVS on both CT and TTE predicts more events than either modality alone. TTE
      confers additional positive prognostic value compared to CT in predicting post-PE
      clinical deterioration.

PMID- 27664800
TI  - Incidental finding of a true human tail in an adult: a case report.
AB  - True human tails are rare vestigial structures that are typically removed in
      childhood. Here a case is presented in which an inconspicuous sacrococcygeal tail
      was incidentally discovered in late adulthood. A 56-year-old man with no
      significant past medical history presented to a dermatology clinic with a chief
      complaint of a hyperpigmented lesion on his central back. However, on full body
      skin exam, a separate flesh-colored 0.7 cm * 0.5 cm appendage was discovered in
      the midline sacrococcygeal region. This lesion had been present and unchanged
      since childhood. This particular lesion was removed via shave biopsy. Microscopic
      exam found it to be consistent with a diagnosis of a true human tail. There were
      no apparent involved spinal cord structures, and no further treatment was thought
      to be necessary. Human tails are congenital anomalies associated with occult
      spinal lesions in about 50% of cases. Therefore, it is in these patients' best
      interest to thoroughly evaluate for spinal cord involvement prior to biopsy.
      There is a relative lack of literature published on the topic, and a greater
      awareness of human tails would be helpful to ensure their inclusion in a
      differential diagnosis for persistent sacrococcygeal lesions in patients of any
      age.

PMID- 27664799
TI  - Hepatitis E virus seroprevalence among farmers, veterinarians and control
      subjects in Jilin province, Shandong province and Inner Mongolia Autonomous
      Region, China.
AB  - China is commonly considered to be a HEV-endemic region but limited
      epidemiological data for HEV among farmers and veterinarians are available. Thus,
      a case-control study was carried out to detect the seroprevalence and assess
      potential risk factors associated with the acquisition of HEV infection by
      farmers and veterinarians in China from July 2013 to May 2015. Three hundred
      veterinarians and 600 farmers recruited from Jilin province, Shandong province,
      and Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and 600 control subjects matched by gender,
      age, and residence were detected for the presence of anti-HEV IgG and IgM
      antibodies using enzyme immunoassays. The seroprevalences of HEV infection in
      farmers, veterinarians, and control subjects were 34.8%, 26.7%, and 20.2%,
      respectively. Farmers (P < 0.001) and veterinarians (P = 0.027) have
      significantly higher seroprevalence than control subjects. The highest
      seroprevalence of HEV infection was detected in swine farmers (49.1%) and the
      lowest seroprevalence was found in cattle farmers (26.5%). In veterinarians, farm
      animal veterinarians have a higher seroprevalence than pet veterinarians, but the
      difference was not significant (P > 0.05). Residence area, contact with swine and
      exposure with soil were significantly associated with HEV infection in the study
      farmers; contact with swine and source of drinking water were significantly
      associated with HEV infection in the study veterinarians. These results implied
      the high prevalence of HEV and the considerable potential for the dissemination
      of HEV infection in farmers and veterinarians in China. J. Med. Virol. 89:872
      877, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27664801
TI  - Is the unbound concentration of atazanavir of interest in therapeutic drug
      monitoring?
AB  - To date, therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is carried out with antiretrovirals
      and is usually based on total concentrations (Ct ). However, for some patients,
      TDM does not reflect efficacy or the avoidance of toxicity as is the case for
      atazanavir (ATV), a HIV protease inhibitor. As the unbound concentration (Cu ) is
      the pharmacological active form, the aim of the study was to evaluate the value
      of Cu and the unbound fraction (fu , fu = Cu /Ct ) for the TDM of ATV. The
      variability of Cu and the corresponding fu of ATV was explored in 43 patients
      treated with ATV for an average of 13.5 months. Cu was determined by coupling
      ultrafiltration and liquid chromatography. As ATV is highly bound to alpha-1 acid
      glycoprotein (AAG), the correlation between fu and AAG was also evaluated. The
      viral load was monitored to evaluate the patients' virologic response, while
      total plasma bilirubin and unconjugated plasma bilirubin were used as biomarkers
      of ATV toxicity. Median trough Cu and Ct were 37.9 MUg/L (Interquartile range
      (IQR) 20.6-94.9 MUg/L) and 628.6 MUg/L (IQR 362.7-1078.1 MUg/L), respectively. fu
      , Cu and Ct showed high variability, but the fu variability was not correlated
      with the AAG level. The unbound concentration and fraction were unrelated to the
      virologic response (P = 0.21 and P = 0.65 for Cu and fu , respectively) nor to
      the unconjugated bilirubin (Pearson correlation coefficient (rho), rho = 0.22; P
      = 0.17 for Cu ). Neither total nor unbound concentrations of ATV fully explained
      hyperbilirubinaemia or virologic failure. From this study, we conclude that
      unbound ATV did not appear to be more relevant than Ct .

PMID- 27664802
TI  - Influence of Late Vascular Inflammation on Long-Term Outcomes Among Patients
      Undergoing Implantation of Drug Eluting Stents: Role of C-Reactive Protein.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Elevation of C-reactive protein (CRP) as a marker of vascular
      inflammation at a late phase of drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation may predict
      subsequent major adverse cardiac events (MACE). METHODS AND RESULTS: In 1234
      consecutive patients undergoing DES implantation, CRP was measured both before
      (baseline) and 8 to 12 months after (late phase) stenting, and the relationship
      between elevation of CRP (>2.0 mg/L) and subsequent MACE (all cause death,
      nonfatal myocardial infarction, target lesion revascularization, and other
      additional revascularization) was assessed. As results, CRP was elevated in 38.0%
      of patients at baseline and in 23.6% during late phase (P<0.0001), and hazard
      ratio (HR) for MACE was 1.52 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.21-1.93,
      P=0.0004) at baseline versus 4.00 (95% CI 3.16-5.05, P<0.0001) in late phase. By
      multivariable analysis, late-phase CRP elevation (HR 3.60, 95% CI: 2.78-4.68,
      P<0.0001), chronic kidney disease (CKD) (HR 1.41, 95% CI: 1.10-1.84, P=0.01), and
      number of diseased segments (HR 1.19, 95% CI: 1.08-1.30, P=0.0002) were positive
      predictors of MACE, whereas statin use (HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.50-0.87, P=0.003) was a
      negative predictor. Propensity score-matched analysis also confirmed the effect
      of late-phase CRP on MACE (HR 3.39, 95% CI 2.52-4.56, P<0.0001). In prediction of
      the late-phase CRP elevation, CKD (odds ratio [OR] 1.71, 95% CI 1.24-2.36,
      P=0.001) and baseline CRP elevation (OR 3.48, 95% CI 2.55-4.74, P<0.0001) were
      positive predictors, whereas newer generation DES (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.41-0.84,
      P=0.003) and statin therapy (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.47-0.97, P=0.03) were negative
      predictors. CONCLUSIONS: Monitoring the late-phase CRP may be helpful to identify
      a high-risk subset for MACE among patients undergoing DES implantation.

PMID- 27664803
TI  - Left Internal Mammary Artery Versus Coronary Stents: Impact on Downstream
      Coronary Stenoses and Conduit Patency.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The study compared downstream coronary and conduit disease
      progression in the left anterior descending coronary artery treated with coronary
      artery bypass grafting using the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) versus
      percutaneous coronary intervention with bare metal stent (BMS) or drug eluting
      stent (DES). METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 12 301 consecutive patients
      underwent isolated primary coronary revascularization, of which 2386 met our
      inclusion criteria (Percutaneous coronary intervention, n=1450; coronary artery
      bypass grafting, n=936). Propensity score analysis matched 628 patients, of which
      468 were treated to the left anterior descending with coronary artery bypass
      grafting with LIMA (n=314), percutaneous coronary intervention with BMS (n=94),
      and DES (n=60). Coronary angiograms were analyzed by quantitative coronary
      angiography (QCA; n=433). Cumulative downstream coronary and conduit disease
      progression were estimated by Kaplan-Meier method and effect of treatment type by
      Cox proportional hazard models. Patients treated with LIMA had significantly
      lower risk of downstream coronary disease progression at follow-up angiogram
      compared with BMS and DES (hazard ratio [HR] [95% CI], 0.34; [0.20-0.59];
      P=0.0002; and HR [95% CI], 0.39; [0.20-0.79]; P=0.01, respectively). LIMA was
      associated with a lower risk of conduit disease progression compared to BMS and
      DES (HR [95% CI], 0.18; [0.12-0.28]; P<0.001; and HR [95% CI], 0.27; [0.16-0.46];
      P<0.001, respectively). BMS was associated with higher HR for downstream coronary
      and conduit disease progression compared with DES, but the difference did not
      reach statistical significance (HR [95% CI], 1.13; [0.57-2.36]; P=0.73; and HR
      [95% CI], 1.46; [0.88-2.50]; P=0.14, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: LIMA grafting to
      left anterior descending is associated with significantly lower risk of
      downstream coronary and conduit disease progression compared to percutaneous
      coronary intervention with BMS and DES.

PMID- 27664804
TI  - Metabolic Signature of Remote Ischemic Preconditioning Involving a Cocktail of
      Amino Acids and Biogenic Amines.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) is an attractive therapeutic
      procedure for protecting the heart against ischemia/reperfusion injury. Despite
      evidence of humoral mediators transported through the circulation playing a
      critical role, their actual identities so far remain unknown. We sought to
      identify plasmatic RIPC-induced metabolites that may play a role. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: Rat plasma samples from RIPC and control groups were analyzed using a
      targeted metabolomic approach aimed at measuring 188 metabolites. Principal
      component analysis and orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis
      were used to identify the metabolites that discriminated between groups. Plasma
      samples from 50 patients subjected to RIPC were secondarily explored to confirm
      the results obtained in rats. Finally, a combination of the metabolites that were
      significantly increased in both rat and human plasma was injected prior to
      myocardial ischemia/reperfusion in rats. In the rat samples, 124 molecules were
      accurately quantified. Six metabolites (ornithine, glycine, kynurenine, spermine,
      carnosine, and serotonin) were the most significant variables for marked
      differentiation between the RIPC and control groups. In human plasma, analysis
      confirmed ornithine decrease and kynurenine and glycine increase following RIPC.
      Injection of the glycine and kynurenine alone or in combination replicated the
      protective effects of RIPC seen in rats. CONCLUSIONS: We have hereby reported
      significant variations in a cocktail of amino acids and biogenic amines after
      remote ischemic preconditioning in both rat and human plasma. CLINICAL TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01390129.

PMID- 27664805
TI  - Trends in Transient Ischemic Attack Hospitalizations in the United States.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a major predictor of subsequent
      stroke. No study has assessed nation-wide trends in hospitalization for TIA in
      the United States. METHODS AND RESULTS: Temporal trends in hospitalization for
      TIA (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision code 435.0-435.9)
      from 2000 to 2010 were assessed among adults aged >=25 years using the Nationwide
      Inpatient Sample. Age-, sex-, and race/ethnic-specific TIA hospitalization rates
      were calculated using the weighted number of hospitalizations as the numerator
      and the US population as the denominator. Age-adjusted rates were standardized to
      the 2000 US Census population. From 2000 to 2010, age-adjusted TIA
      hospitalization rates decreased from 118 to 83 per 100 000 (overall rate
      reduction, -29.7%). Age-specific TIA hospitalization rates increased for
      individuals aged 24 to 44 years (10-11 per 100 000), but decreased for
      individuals aged 45 to 64 (74 to 65 per 100 000), 65 to 84 (398 to 245 per 100
      000), and >=85 years (900 to 619 per 100 000). Blacks had the highest age
      adjusted yearly hospitalization rates, followed by Hispanics and whites (124, 82,
      and 67 per 100 000 in 2010). Rates slightly increased for blacks, but decreased
      for Hispanics and whites. Compared to women, age-adjusted TIA hospitalization
      rates were lower and declined more steeply in men (132 to 89 per 100 000 versus
      134 to 97 per 100 000). CONCLUSIONS: Although overall TIA hospitalizations have
      decreased in the United States, the reduction has been more pronounced among
      older individuals, men, whites, and Hispanics. These findings highlight the need
      to target risk-factor control among women, blacks, and individuals aged <45
      years.

PMID- 27664806
TI  - BubR1 Insufficiency Results in Decreased Macrophage Proliferation and Attenuated
      Atherogenesis in Apolipoprotein E-Deficient Mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Budding uninhibited by benzimidazole-related 1 (BubR1), a cell cycle
      related protein, is an essential component of the spindle checkpoint that
      regulates cell division. BubR1 insufficiency causes early aging-associated
      vascular phenotypes. We generated low-BubR1-expressing mutant (BubR1L/L) and
      apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE-/-) mice (BubR1L/L-ApoE-/- mice) to investigate
      the effects of BubR1 on atherosclerosis. METHODS AND RESULTS: Eight-week-old male
      BubR1L/L-ApoE-/- mice and age-matched ApoE-/- mice were used in this study.
      Atherosclerotic lesion development after being fed a high-cholesterol diet for 12
      weeks was inhibited in BubR1L/L-ApoE-/- mice compared with ApoE-/- mice, and was
      accompanied by decreased accumulation of macrophages. To address the relative
      contribution of BubR1 on bone marrow-derived cells compared with non-bone marrow
      derived cells, we performed bone marrow transplantation in ApoE-/- and BubR1L/L
      ApoE-/- mice. Decreased BubR1 in bone marrow cells and non-bone marrow-derived
      cells decreased the atherosclerotic burden. In vitro assays indicated that
      decreased BubR1 expression impaired proliferation, but not migration, of bone
      marrow-derived macrophages. CONCLUSIONS: BubR1 may represent a promising new
      target for regulating atherosclerosis.

PMID- 27664807
TI  - Endothelial Function and Arterial Stiffness Relate to Functional Outcomes in
      Adolescent and Young Adult Fontan Survivors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fontan survivors demonstrate diminished vascular function and
      functional outcomes, but the relationships between these measures have not been
      established. METHODS AND RESULTS: We performed a cross-sectional study of 60
      Fontan survivors (52% male) with a mean age of 13.9+/-4.1 years and mean Fontan
      duration of 9.9+/-4.2 years. Multimodality assessment of endothelial function
      (reactive hyperemia index and flow-mediated dilation) and arterial stiffness
      (augmentation index and baseline pulse amplitude) was performed with peripheral
      arterial tonometry and brachial flow-mediated dilation. Aerobic capacity was
      determined using cardiopulmonary exercise testing; mean peak and percentage of
      predicted oxygen consumption (VO2) were 27.8+/-7.6 mL/kg per minute and 71.0+/
      21.2%, respectively. Quality of life and physical activity were assessed using
      the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) and the Physical Activity
      Questionnaire. Vascular measures served as predictor variables, whereas
      functional measures served as outcome variables. In all cases, worse vascular
      measures were associated with worse functional measures. Flow-mediated dilation
      derived reactive hyperemia index (P<0.05) was positively associated with VO2 at
      anaerobic threshold. Peripheral arterial tonometry-derived baseline pulse
      amplitude (P<0.05) was negatively associated with the ratio of minute ventilation
      to carbon dioxide at anaerobic threshold. Flow-mediated dilation-derived reactive
      hyperemia index and peripheral arterial tonometry-derived augmentation index
      (P<0.05) were positively and negatively associated, respectively, with peak VO2.
      Maximum flow-mediated dilation (P<0.05) was positively associated with Physical
      Activity Questionnaire score. Peripheral arterial tonometry-derived augmentation
      index and baseline pulse amplitude (P<0.05) were negatively associated with
      parent-reported PedsQL total and physical heath summary scores. CONCLUSIONS:
      Increased arterial stiffness and decreased endothelial function are associated
      with lower aerobic capacity, physical activity, and quality of life in adolescent
      and young adult Fontan survivors. Understanding the cause-effect relationship
      between vascular function and functional outcomes is an important next step.

PMID- 27664809
TI  - Finding lost genes in GWAS via integrative-omics analysis reveals novel sub
      networks associated with preterm birth.
AB  - Maternal genome influences associate with up to 40% of spontaneous preterm births
      (PTB). Multiple genome wide association studies (GWAS) have been completed to
      identify genetic variants associated with PTB. Disappointingly, no highly
      significant SNPs have replicated in independent cohorts so far. We developed an
      approach combining protein-protein interaction (PPI) network data with tissue
      specific gene expression data to "find" SNPs of modest significance to identify
      candidate genes of functional importance that would otherwise be overlooked. This
      approach is based on the assumption that "high-ranking" SNPs falling short of
      genome wide significance may nevertheless indicate genes that have substantial
      biological value in understanding PTB. We mapped highly-ranked candidate SNPs
      from a meta-analysis of PTB-GWAS to coding genes and developed a PPI network
      enriched with PTB-SNP carrying genes. This network was scored with gene
      expression data from term and preterm myometrium to identify subnetworks of PTB
      SNP associated genes coordinately expressed with labour onset in myometrial
      tissue. Our analysis consistently identified significant sub-networks associated
      with the interacting transcription factors MEF2C and TWIST1, genes not previously
      associated with PTB, both of which regulate processes clearly relevant to birth
      timing. Other genes in the significant sub-networks were also associated with
      inflammatory pathways, as well as muscle function and ion channels. Gene
      expression level dysregulation was confirmed for eight of these networks by qRT
      PCR in an independent set of term and pre-term subjects. Our method identifies
      novel genes dysregulated in PTB and provides a generalized framework to identify
      GWAS SNPs that would otherwise be overlooked.

PMID- 27664810
TI  - Timing matters: Endogenous cortisol mediates benefits from early-day
      psychotherapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: No simple way to augment fear extinction has been established.
      Cortisol has shown to enhance memory extinction and preliminary evidence suggest
      that extinction learning maybe more successful in the morning when cortisol is
      high. The aim was to determine whether exposure sessions conducted earlier in the
      day are associated with superior therapeutic gains in extinction-based
      psychotherapy. We also examined the role of cortisol levels as a mediator between
      time of day and therapeutic gains. METHOD: Participants were 24 individuals
      meeting DSM-IV criteria for panic disorder with agoraphobia. Participants
      received 3 weekly in-vivo exposure sessions, yielding 72 total sessions for
      analysis of time of day effects. Session start times were evenly distributed
      across the day. The outcome measures were reductions in panic symptom severity
      (avoidance behaviors, threat misappraisal, perceived control, and panic disorder
      symptom severity). RESULTS: Sessions starting earlier in the day were associated
      with superior therapeutic gains by the next therapy session. Earlier sessions
      were also associated with higher pre-exposure cortisol levels, which in turn were
      related to greater clinical improvement by the next session. Cortisol thus was
      found to mediate the effect of time of day on subsequent outcome, providing a
      link between earlier exposure sessions and greater clinical improvement.
      CONCLUSION: The data suggest that early-day extinction-based therapy sessions
      yield better outcomes than later-day sessions, partly due to the enhancing effect
      of higher cortisol levels.

PMID- 27664811
TI  - De novo assembly and characterization of the ovarian transcriptome reveal
      mechanisms of the final maturation stage in Chinese scallop Chlamys farreri.
AB  - The objective of the present study was to characterize the pattern of gene
      expression at the last stage of ovarian maturation in Chlamys farreri. Dynamic
      transcriptomic analysis of ovaries was performed at four time points prior to
      ovulation, using the Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform. A total of 174,928 unigenes
      were obtained, among which 42,534 were annotated according to bioinformatics
      databases, such as NT, NR, Swiss-Prot, KOG, GO, and KEGG. Results from the
      transcriptome analysis revealed a time-dependent pattern of global
      transcriptional responses. When compared to the 0 d library, 99, 152, and 3248
      differently expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained in the 3, 10, and 21 d
      libraries, respectively. Those three libraries shared only 10 DEGs, the majority
      of which were time-specific. Pairwise comparisons of each profile demonstrated
      that DEGs were related to hormone metabolism and receptors, cell division,
      gametogenesis, and vitellogenesis pathways. Notably, when adjacent sampling time
      point groups were compared, the only DEG throughout the experimental period was
      related to the G protein-coupled receptor signaling pathway. The present study
      provides the first dynamic transcriptomic analysis of C. farreri for evaluation
      of the molecular basis of gonadal maturation.

PMID- 27664812
TI  - Mental health and psychosocial interventions for children and adolescents in
      street situations in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review.
AB  - This article reviews the available quantitative literature on mental health and
      psychosocial interventions among children and adolescents in street situations
      (CASS) in low- and middle-income countries (LAMIC). PRISMA standards for
      systematic reviews were used to search five databases as well as grey literature.
      There were four inclusion criteria; studies had to involve a description of an
      external (i.e. outside of the home) mental health or psychosocial
      intervention/treatment, must be focused in LAMIC, must be focused on CASS, and
      must empirically evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention described. A
      quality assessment tool was used to assess the risk of bias in included articles.
      Five studies were included. A multidisciplinary care approach was significant in
      reducing psychological distress, substance use and improving sleeping
      arrangements (p<0.001, n=400). Residency step programmes were on average 52%
      successful in reintegrating children back into communities (n=863). Resilience
      training significantly increased psychological well-being components (p<0.001,
      n=60). Emotional regulation training had a beneficial improvement in emotional
      regulation. FORNET (Forensic Offender Rehabilitation Narrative Exposure Therapy)
      (n=32) reduced the number of self-reported offenses committed [t(19.26)=1.81,
      p=0.043]. There are not enough credible studies available to develop a firm
      conclusion on the effectiveness of mental health and psychosocial interventions
      delivered to CASS in LAMIC. The limited amount of studies, inconsistent outcome
      measures, interventions and imperfect study designs maintain that this is an area
      in need of greater attention and research focus.

PMID- 27664813
TI  - Mechanical characterization of sequentially layered photo-clickable thiol-ene
      hydrogels.
AB  - Multi-layer hydrogels are promising for tissue engineering due to the ability to
      control the local properties within each layer. However, the interface that forms
      between each layer has the potential to affect the performance of the hydrogel.
      The goals of this study were to characterize how the interface forms via its
      thickness and mechanical properties, identify its impact on the overall hydrogel
      properties, and provide new insights into how to control the interface. A photo
      clickable poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogel was used to form bilayer hydrogels that
      were sequentially polymerized in a step-and-repeat process. Different processing
      conditions were studied: the time (0-20min) before initiating polymerization of
      the second layer (soak time, ts) and the hydrogel crosslink density (the same,
      less crosslinked, or more crosslinked) of the first layer as compared to the
      second layer. Interface thickness was characterized by confocal microscopy,
      monomer transport by Fickian diffusion, single and bilayer hydrogel mechanics by
      bulk moduli measurements, and interface moduli measurements using AFM,
      nanoindentation, and strain mapping. The interface thickness ranged from ~70 to
      600MUm (1-10% of total height) depending on processing conditions, but did not
      affect the bulk hydrogel modulus. Analysis of monomer transport revealed that
      convection, due to changes in hydrogel swelling, and diffusion contribute to
      interface thickness. Nanomechanical analysis of bilayer hydrogels formed from
      soft (75kPa) and stiff (250kPa) layers showed a gradient in elastic modulus
      across the interface, which corresponded to strain maps. In summary, this work
      identifies that diffusive and convective transport of monomers across the
      interface controls its thickness and that a mechanically robust interface forms,
      which does not affect the hydrogel modulus. By controlling the processing
      conditions, the thickness of the interface can be tuned without affecting the
      mechanical properties of the bulk hydrogel.

PMID- 27664815
TI  - Invited essay: Cognitive influences on the psychological immune system.
AB  - The construct of the psychological immune system is described and analysed. The
      direct and indirect cognitive influences on the system are discussed, and the
      implications of adding a cognitive construal to the influential model of a
      behavioural immune system are considered. The psychological immune system has two
      main properties: defensive and healing. It encompasses a good amount of health
      related phenomena that is outside the scope of the behavioural model or the
      biological immune system. Evidence pertaining to the psychological immune system
      includes meta-analyses of the associations between psychological variables such
      as positive affect/wellbeing and diseases and mortality, and associations between
      wellbeing and positive health. The results of long-term prospective studies are
      consistent with the conclusions drawn from the meta-analyses. Laboratory
      investigations of the effects of psychological variables on the biological immune
      system show that negative affect can slow wound-healing, and positive affect can
      enhance resistance to infections, for example in experiments involving the
      introduction of the rhinovirus and the influenza A virus. A number of problems
      concerning the assessment of the functioning of the psychological immune system
      are considered, and the need to develop techniques for determining when the
      system is active or not, is emphasized. This problem is particularly challenging
      when trying to assess the effects of the psychological immune system during a
      prolonged psychological intervention, such as a course of resilience training.

PMID- 27664816
TI  - "What I believe is true": Belief-confirming reasoning bias in social anxiety
      disorder.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Research shows that people tend to consider believable
      conclusions as valid and unbelievable conclusions as invalid (belief bias). When
      applied to anxiogenic beliefs, this belief bias could well hinder the correction
      of dysfunctional convictions. Previous work has shown that high socially anxious
      students indeed display such fear-confirming, belief biased, reasoning. A
      critical next question is whether these findings translate to a clinical
      population of people with social anxiety disorder (SAD). We test whether (i)
      patients with SAD show belief bias with regard to SAD-relevant themes, (ii) this
      belief bias is specific for SAD patients or can also be found in panic disorder
      (PD) patients, (iii) differential belief bias effects in SAD are restricted to
      social anxiety concerns or are also evident in the context of reasoning with
      neutral themes. METHOD: 45 SAD patients, 24 PD patients, and 45 non-symptomatic
      controls (NSCs) completed a syllogistic belief bias task with SAD-relevant and
      neutral content. RESULTS: SAD patients displayed belief bias for social anxiety
      related materials, while the PD group and the NSC group did not. Yet, the
      difference between SAD and PD was not significant. All groups showed similar
      belief bias effects for neutral content. LIMITATIONS: Content of the belief bias
      task was not tailored to idiosyncratic beliefs. The study lacked power to detect
      medium or small differences. CONCLUSIONS: SAD patients showed concern-congruent
      belief biased interference effects when judging the logical validity of social
      anxiety relevant syllogisms. Such concern-relevant belief bias may contribute to
      the persistence of anxiogenic beliefs.

PMID- 27664817
TI  - Stove checking behaviour in people with OCD vs. anxious controls.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: A growing body of research suggests that the
      repetition of an action degrades memory for that action, as well as confidence
      that is has been done correctly. This has important implications for
      understanding the compulsive repetition of actions characteristic of obsessive
      compulsive disorder (OCD). At this time, though, much of the research has been
      conducted on analogue or nonclinical OCD samples in comparison to healthy
      controls and often using virtual, as opposed to actual, threat stimuli.
      Furthermore, although it has been argued that people with OCD are overly
      attentive to threat stimuli, the research on actual attention to threat is scant.
      METHODS: People with a principal diagnosis of OCD (n = 30) and people with a
      clinically significant diagnosis of an anxiety disorder, but no OCD (n = 18)
      completed measures of memory confidence and responsibility and then underwent a
      stove-checking task in a functioning kitchen while wearing a portable eye
      tracking device. Pre- and post-task ratings of harm and responsibility were
      taken, along with post-task ratings of memory and certainty. RESULTS: People with
      OCD did not exhibit poorer memory confidence than the anxious control (AC) group,
      but did report greater trait and state responsibility for harm. The OCD group
      checked longer than did the AC group and check duration predicted post-task
      ratings of harm, but to the same extent in both groups. People with OCD attended
      to threat items less than did the AC group. Greater visual attention to the stove
      during the checking period was associated with greater post-task ratings of
      responsibility and harm and with less certainty in and memory for the check - but
      only for the AC group. LIMITATIONS: The sample size was modest, women were over
      represented and problems with the eye tracking device reduced the amount of
      reliable data available for analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Compulsions are complex
      actions that are mediated by many trait, state and contextual factors. People
      with OCD may be able to circumvent self-perpetuating checking processes under
      certain circumstances. Future research should explore the factors that determine
      whether or not self-perpetuating mechanisms are activated.

PMID- 27664818
TI  - Playing the computer game Tetris prior to viewing traumatic film material and
      subsequent intrusive memories: Examining proactive interference.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Visuospatial working memory (WM) tasks performed
      concurrently or after an experimental trauma (traumatic film viewing) have been
      shown to reduce subsequent intrusive memories (concurrent or retroactive
      interference, respectively). This effect is thought to arise because, during the
      time window of memory consolidation, the film memory is labile and vulnerable to
      interference by the WM task. However, it is not known whether tasks before an
      experimental trauma (i.e. proactive interference) would also be effective.
      Therefore, we tested if a visuospatial WM task given before a traumatic film
      reduced intrusions. Findings are relevant to the development of preventative
      strategies to reduce intrusive memories of trauma for groups who are routinely
      exposed to trauma (e.g. emergency services personnel) and for whom tasks prior to
      trauma exposure might be beneficial. METHODS: Participants were randomly assigned
      to 1 of 2 conditions. In the Tetris condition (n = 28), participants engaged in
      the computer game for 11 min immediately before viewing a 12-min traumatic film,
      whereas those in the Control condition (n = 28) had no task during this period.
      Intrusive memory frequency was assessed using an intrusion diary over 1-week and
      an Intrusion Provocation Task at 1-week follow-up. Recognition memory for the
      film was also assessed at 1-week. RESULTS: Compared to the Control condition,
      participants in the Tetris condition did not report statistically significant
      difference in intrusive memories of the trauma film on either measure. There was
      also no statistically significant difference in recognition memory scores between
      conditions. LIMITATIONS: The study used an experimental trauma paradigm and
      findings may not be generalizable to a clinical population. CONCLUSIONS: Compared
      to control, playing Tetris before viewing a trauma film did not lead to a
      statistically significant reduction in the frequency of later intrusive memories
      of the film. It is unlikely that proactive interference, at least with this task,
      effectively influences intrusive memory development. WM tasks administered during
      or after trauma stimuli, rather than proactively, may be a better focus for
      intrusive memory amelioration.

PMID- 27664819
TI  - Comparisons of eye movements and matched changing visual input.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: During EMDR trauma therapy, performing EM taxes WM,
      and simultaneously recalled memories become less vivid. It has been proposed that
      this WM occupation results from CVI which occurs during EM. This study sought to
      compare the effects of EM on memory to a task presenting identical visual
      stimulus to stationary eyes.. METHOD: In Study 1, participants recorded RT while
      performing two tasks: EM, and a task with visually identical images displayed on
      screen. In Study 2, these same tasks were performed while simultaneously
      recalling negative emotional memories. RESULTS: Study 1 found RT was slowest in
      the EM condition, while RT in the CVI condition was still slower than in the
      control condition. Study 2 found decreases in memory vividness and emotionality
      after EM, while after CVI there was a small decrease in negativity which was not
      greater than in the control.. LIMITATIONS: Neither study included EM with no
      visual input; conclusions cannot be made about the effect of motor movement on WM
      taxation or recall. As neither study was conducted with trauma patients, it is
      unknown if the observed effects would be comparable in the population for which
      EMDR is intended. CONCLUSIONS: Performing EM taxes more WM resources and has
      greater impact on both memory vividness and emotionality than matched CVI. This
      demonstrates that the effects observed in EMDR treatment are the result of more
      than occupying WM systems with visual stimuli alone..

PMID- 27664820
TI  - Usefulness of quality indicators for antibiotic use: case study for the
      Netherlands.
AB  - Quality problem: Inappropriate antibiotic use drives development of antimicrobial
      resistance. Worldwide, guideline adherence for antibiotic treatment of infectious
      disease is far from optimal. Insight in prescribing quality is pivotal for
      healthcare professionals and policy makers to intervene appropriately. Initial
      assessments: European countries uniformly monitor antibiotic use, which is
      reported yearly by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
      Unfortunately, this has not had enough impact to decrease prescribing and
      resistance levels. Choice of solution: Quality indicators (QIs) could provide
      better insight in prescribing quality and enable benchmarking to other countries;
      this could trigger action to improve antimicrobial prescribing. European
      Surveillance of Antimicrobial Consumption (ESAC) proposed 12 antibiotic QIs.
      Implementation: Trends in use of antibiotic subgroups and the 12 ESAC QI values
      were determined for Dutch primary care (2004-2013); outcomes were compared to
      other European countries. Dutch antibiotic use is low within the European
      context. Nitrofurantoin use is higher than the European average, use of small
      spectrum antibiotics lowers. Use of macrolides, quinolones and
      amoxicillin/clavulanate declined, which was not supported by the broad/narrow QI
      results. Evaluation: QIs expressing antibiotic subgroup use in Defined Daily
      Doses/1000 inhabitants/day, particularly small-spectrum and non-first choices,
      provide proper insight in prescribing quality and are useful for benchmarking
      purposes. QIs measuring percentages were not considered useful. The broad/narrow
      ratio could be more informative when adjusted to national guidelines, or when
      more antibiotic subgroups are included based on better European consensus.
      Lessons learnt: Benchmarking the above mentioned Dutch QI values to other
      countries provides direction for three specific strategies to further improve
      Dutch antibiotic prescribing practice.

PMID- 27664822
TI  - The application of the Global Trigger Tool: a systematic review.
AB  - Purpose: This study describes the use of, and modifications and additions made
      to, the Global Trigger Tool (GTT) since its first release in 2003, and summarizes
      its findings with respect to counting and characterizing adverse events (AEs).
      Data sources: Peer-reviewed literature up to 31st December 2014. Study selection:
      A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting
      Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. Data extraction: Two
      authors extracted and compiled the demographics, methodologies and results of the
      selected studies. Results of data synthesis: Of the 48 studies meeting the
      eligibility criteria, 44 collected data from inpatient medical records and four
      from general practice records. Studies were undertaken in 16 countries. Over half
      did not follow the standard GTT protocol regarding the number of reviewers used.
      'Acts of omission' were included in one quarter of studies. Incident reporting
      detected between 2% and 8% of AEs that were detected with the GTT. Rates of AEs
      varied in general inpatient studies between 7% and 40%. Infections, problems with
      surgical procedures and medication were the most common incident types.
      Conclusion: The GTT is a flexible tool used in a range of settings with varied
      applications. Substantial differences in AE rates were evident across studies,
      most likely associated with methodological differences and disparate reviewer
      interpretations. AE rates should not be compared between institutions or studies.
      Recommendations include adding 'omission' AEs, using preventability scores for
      priority setting, and re-framing the GTT's purpose to understand and characterize
      AEs rather than just counting them.

PMID- 27664821
TI  - The effect of a short educational intervention on the use of urinary catheters: a
      prospective cohort study.
AB  - Objective: To assess the effectiveness of implementation of evidence-based
      recommendations to reduce catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs).
      Design: Prospective cohort study, conducted in 2010-12, with a before and after
      design. Setting: A major referral university hospital. Participants: Data were
      collected before (n = 244) and 1 year after (n = 255) the intervention for
      patients who received urinary catheters. Intervention: The intervention comprised
      two elements: (i) aligning doctors' and nurses' knowledge of indications for the
      use of catheters and (ii) an educational effort consisting of three 30- to 45
      minute sessions on evidence-based practice regarding catheter usage for nursing
      personnel on 17 medical and surgical wards. Main Outcome Measures: The main
      outcome measures were the proportion of (i) admitted patients receiving urinary
      catheters during hospitalization, (ii) catheters inserted without indication,
      (iii) inpatient days with catheter and (iv) the incidence of CAUTIs per 1000
      catheter days. Secondary outcome measures were the proportion of (i) catheter
      days without appropriate indication and (ii) patients discharged with a catheter.
      Results: There was a reduction in the proportion of inpatient days with a
      catheter, from 44% to 41% (P = 0.006). There was also a reduction in the
      proportion of catheter days without appropriate indication (P < 0.001) and
      patients discharged with a catheter (P = 0.029). The majority of catheters were
      inserted outside the study wards. Conclusions: A short educational intervention
      was feasible and resulted in significant practice improvements in catheter usage
      but no reduction of CAUTIs. Other measures than CAUTI may be more sensitive to
      detecting important practice changes.

PMID- 27664824
TI  - Perceived social isolation is associated with altered functional connectivity in
      neural networks associated with tonic alertness and executive control.
AB  - Perceived social isolation (PSI), colloquially known as loneliness, is associated
      with selectively altered attentional, cognitive, and affective processes in
      humans, but the neural mechanisms underlying these adjustments remain largely
      unexplored. Behavioral, eye tracking, and neuroimaging research has identified
      associations between PSI and implicit hypervigilance for social threats.
      Additionally, selective executive dysfunction has been evidenced by reduced
      prepotent response inhibition in social Stroop and dichotic listening tasks.
      Given that PSI is associated with pre-attentional processes, PSI may also be
      related to altered resting-state functional connectivity (FC) in the brain.
      Therefore, we conducted the first resting-state fMRI FC study of PSI in healthy
      young adults. Five-minute resting-state scans were obtained from 55 participants
      (31 females). Analyses revealed robust associations between PSI and increased
      brain-wide FC in areas encompassing the right central operculum and right
      supramarginal gyrus, and these associations were not explained by depressive
      symptomatology, objective isolation, or demographics. Further analyses revealed
      that PSI was associated with increased FC between several nodes of the cingulo
      opercular network, a network known to underlie the maintenance of tonic
      alertness. These regions encompassed the bilateral insula/frontoparietal opercula
      and ACC/pre-SMA. In contrast, FC between the cingulo-opercular network and right
      middle/superior frontal gyrus was reduced, a finding associated with diminished
      executive function in prior literature. We suggest that, in PSI, increased within
      network cingulo-opercular FC may be associated with hypervigilance to social
      threat, whereas reduced right middle/superior frontal gyrus FC to the cingulo
      opercular network may be associated with diminished impulse control.

PMID- 27664823
TI  - The role of masculinity in men's help-seeking for depression: A systematic
      review.
AB  - AIM: Conformity to traditional masculine gender norms may deter men's help
      seeking and/or impact the services men engage. Despite proliferating research,
      current evidence has not been evaluated systematically. This review summarises
      findings related to the role of masculinity on men's help-seeking for depression.
      METHOD: Six electronic databases were searched using terms related to
      masculinity, depression and help-seeking. Titles and abstracts were reviewed and
      data systematically extracted and examined for methodological quality. RESULTS:
      Of 1927 citations identified, 37 met inclusion criteria. Seventeen (46%) studies
      reported qualitative research; eighteen (49%) employed quantitative methods, and
      two (5%) mixed methods. Findings suggest conformity to traditional masculine
      norms has a threefold effect on men experiencing depression, impacting: i) their
      symptoms and expression of symptoms; ii) their attitudes to, intention, and,
      actual help-seeking behaviour; and, iii) their symptom management. CONCLUSION:
      Results demonstrate the problematic impact of conformity to traditional masculine
      norms on the way men experience and seek help for depression. Tailoring and
      targeting clinical interventions may increase men's service uptake and the
      efficacy of treatments. Future research examining factors associated with men's
      access to, and engagement with depression care will be critical to increasing
      help-seeking, treatment uptake, and effectual self-management among men
      experiencing depression.

PMID- 27664825
TI  - Selective interhemispheric circuits account for a cardinal bias in spontaneous
      activity within early visual areas.
AB  - Ongoing brain activity exhibits patterns resembling neural ensembles co-activated
      by stimulation or task performance. Such patterns have been attributed to the
      brain's functional architecture, e.g. selective long-range connections. Here, we
      directly investigate the contribution of selective connections between
      hemispheres to spontaneous and evoked maps in cat area 18 close to the 17/18
      border. We recorded voltage-sensitive dye imaging maps and spiking activity while
      manipulating interhemispheric input by reversibly deactivating corresponding
      contralateral areas. During deactivation, spontaneous maps continued to be
      generated with similar frequency and quality as in the intact network but a
      baseline cardinal bias disappeared. Consistently, neurons preferring either
      horizontal (HN) or vertical (VN), as opposed to oblique contours, decreased their
      resting state activity. HN decreased their rates also when stimulated visually.
      We conclude that structured spontaneous maps are primarily generated by thalamo-
      and/or intracortical connectivity. However, selective long-range connections
      through the corpus callosum - in perpetuation of the long-range intracortical
      network - contribute to a cardinal bias, possibly, because they are stronger or
      more frequent between neurons preferring horizontal and/or cardinal contours. As
      those contours are easier perceived and appear more frequently in natural
      environment, long-range connections might provide visual cortex with a grid for
      probabilistic grouping operations in a larger visual scene.

PMID- 27664826
TI  - Neural bases of the adaptive mechanisms associated with reciprocal partner
      choice.
AB  - In our society, partner choice is often reciprocal and, therefore, compromising
      one's choice may be adaptive depending on one's own market price. To reveal the
      neural mechanisms underlying this adaptive process, functional magnetic resonance
      imaging (fMRI) was performed on 27 male subjects during virtual partner choice
      tasks involving a dance-partner choice or a part-time job choice. Following the
      evaluation of a rival, the subjects chose a partner either in the face of
      competition with a rival (reciprocal choice condition) or during no competition
      (nonreciprocal condition). Irrespective of the type of partner choice situation,
      the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) and right temporoparietal junction (TPJ)
      were specifically activated during reciprocal partner choice. The PCC was also
      activated during the evaluation of a rival relative to the self, which indicates
      the involvement of this region in the processing of one's own market price.
      Activation in the right TPJ was related to the individual tendency to avoid
      choosing a higher-value candidate when the rival-value was high in the reciprocal
      choice condition, which indicates that this region plays a role in market
      adaptive strategy. Taken together with extant anatomical knowledge, the two
      component neurobiological structure underlying the adaptive mechanism of partner
      choice identified in this study seems to represent the hierarchical evolution of
      the human socio-cognitive system.

PMID- 27664827
TI  - Predicting symptom severity in autism spectrum disorder based on cortical
      thickness measures in agglomerative data.
AB  - Machine learning approaches have been widely used for the identification of
      neuropathology from neuroimaging data. However, these approaches require large
      samples and suffer from the challenges associated with multi-site, multi-protocol
      data. We propose a novel approach to address these challenges, and demonstrate
      its usefulness with the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange (ABIDE) database. We
      predict symptom severity based on cortical thickness measurements from 156
      individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from four different sites. The
      proposed approach consists of two main stages: a domain adaptation stage using
      partial least squares regression to maximize the consistency of imaging data
      across sites; and a learning stage combining support vector regression for
      regional prediction of severity with elastic-net penalized linear regression for
      integrating regional predictions into a whole-brain severity prediction. The
      proposed method performed markedly better than simpler alternatives, better with
      multi-site than single-site data, and resulted in a considerably higher cross
      validated correlation score than has previously been reported in the literature
      for multi-site data. This demonstration of the utility of the proposed approach
      for detecting structural brain abnormalities in ASD from the multi-site, multi
      protocol ABIDE dataset indicates the potential of designing machine learning
      methods to meet the challenges of agglomerative data.

PMID- 27664828
TI  - Neurovascular unit remodelling in the subacute stage of stroke recovery.
AB  - Brain plasticity following focal cerebral ischaemia has been observed in both
      stroke survivors and in preclinical models of stroke. Endogenous neurovascular
      adaptation is at present incompletely understood yet its potentiation may improve
      long-term functional outcome. We employed longitudinal MRI, intracranial array
      electrophysiology, Montoya Staircase testing, and immunofluorescence to examine
      function of brain vessels, neurons, and glia in addition to forelimb skilled
      reaching during the subacute stage of ischemic injury progression. Focal ischemic
      stroke (~100mm3 or ~20% of the total brain volume) was induced in adult Sprague
      Dawley rats via direct injection of endothelin-1 (ET-1) into the right sensori
      motor cortex, producing sustained impairment in left forelimb reaching ability.
      Resting perfusion and vascular reactivity to hypercapnia in the peri-lesional
      cortex were elevated by approximately 60% and 80% respectively seven days
      following stroke. At the same time, the normal topological pattern of local field
      potential (LFP) responses to peripheral somatosensory stimulation was abolished
      and the average power of spontaneous LFP activity attenuated by approximately 50%
      relative to the contra-lesional cortex, suggesting initial response attenuation
      within the peri-infarct zone. By 21 days after stroke, perilesional blood flow
      resolved, but peri-lesional vascular reactivity remained elevated. Concomitantly,
      the LFP response amplitudes increased with distance from the site of ET-1
      injection, suggesting functional remodelling from the core of the lesion to its
      periphery. This notion was further buttressed by the lateralization of
      spontaneous neuronal activity: by day 21, the average ipsi-lesional power of
      spontaneous LFP activity was almost twice that of the contra-lesional cortex.
      Over the observation period, the peri-lesional cortex exhibited increased
      vascular density, along with neuronal loss, astrocytic activation, and
      recruitment and activation of microglia and macrophages, with neuronal loss and
      inflammation extending beyond the peri-lesional cortex. These findings highlight
      the complex relationship between neurophysiological state and behaviour and
      provide evidence of highly dynamic functional changes in the peri-infarct zone
      weeks following the ischemic insult, suggesting an extended temporal window for
      therapeutic interventions.

PMID- 27664829
TI  - Activity/rest cycle and disturbances of structural backbone of cerebral networks
      in aging.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Although aging is associated with alterations of both activity/rest
      cycle and brain structure, few studies have evaluated associations between these
      processes. The aim of this study was to examine relationship between
      activity/rest cycle quality and brain structural integrity in aging subjects by
      exploring both grey and white matter compartments. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty
      eight elderly subjects (76+/-0.5 years; 41% female) without dementia, sleep
      disorders and medications were included in the analysis. Actigraphy was used to
      measure parameters of activity/rest cycle (24-h amplitude, 24-h fragmentation and
      24-h stability) and sleep (total sleep time and sleep fragmentation) over a
      minimal period of 5 days. Whole brain linear regression analyses were performed
      on grey matter volumes maps using voxel based morphometry and on white matter
      integrity using tract based statistics analyses. RESULTS: A lower 24-h amplitude
      and a higher sleep fragmentation were independently associated with a reduction
      of white matter integrity in models including age and gender as covariates. The
      association between 24-h amplitude and white matter integrity decreased but
      remained significant in a model accounted for sleep fragmentation, indicating a
      specific effect of 24-h cycle disturbances. No association with grey matter
      volumes was observed. CONCLUSION: In elderly, not only sleep but also 24-h cycle
      disturbances were associated with altered structural connectivity. This
      alteration of structural backbone networks related to activity/rest cycle
      disturbances in aging might constitute a cerebral frailty factor for the
      development of cognitive impairment.

PMID- 27664831
TI  - Algal toxins and producers in the marine waters of Qatar, Arabian Gulf.
AB  - Harmful Algal Bloom species are ubiquitous and their blooms occur in the Arabian
      Gulf. In this study, two cruises were performed in 2012 and 2013 to collect
      phytoplankton samples from 4 sites in the Arabian Gulf. Toxin analyses of
      phytoplankton samples for 32 algal toxins from 5 different toxin groups were
      conducted on the samples using both enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and
      liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Results demonstrated,
      for the first time, the presence of paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs), diarrhetic
      shellfish toxin (DST), amnesic shellfish toxin (AST), cyclic imines (CIs) and
      polyether-lactone toxins in freeze-dried phytoplankton samples. Four
      Vulcanodinium rugosum cultures were established from field samples and these
      proved to contain between 603 and 981 ng pinnatoxin (PnTx) H per mg dry weight in
      addition to being positive for portimine. These strains from Qatar clustered with
      strains from Japan and Florida based on large subunit rRNA and rRNA internal
      transcribed spacer gene sequences.

PMID- 27664832
TI  - Anxiolytic-like effect of a novel peptide isolated from the venom of the social
      wasp Synoeca surinama.
AB  - Pathological anxiety is among the most common psychiatric illnesses, but current
      treatment is highly limited. In this study, we investigated the potential
      anxiolytic-like effects of a peptide isolated from Synoeca surinama venom. Rats
      treated with this peptide spent more time exploring the open arms of elevated
      plus maze, which indicates an anxiolytic-like profile for this peptide. This
      study is the first to show the pharmacological use of S. surinama venom in the
      treatment of anxiety.

PMID- 27664830
TI  - g-Ratio weighted imaging of the human spinal cord in vivo.
AB  - The fiber g-ratio is defined as the ratio of the inner to the outer diameter of
      the myelin sheath. This ratio provides a measure of the myelin thickness that
      complements axon morphology (diameter and density) for assessment of
      demyelination in diseases such as multiple sclerosis. Previous work has shown
      that an aggregate g-ratio map can be computed using a formula that combines axon
      and myelin density measured with quantitative MRI. In this work, we computed g
      ratio weighted maps in the cervical spinal cord of nine healthy subjects. We
      utilized the 300mT/m gradients from the CONNECTOM scanner to estimate the
      fraction of restricted water (fr) with high accuracy, using the CHARMED model.
      Myelin density was estimated using the lipid and macromolecular tissue volume
      (MTV) method, derived from normalized proton density (PD) mapping. The
      variability across spinal level, laterality and subject were assessed using a
      three-way ANOVA. The average g-ratio value obtained in the white matter was
      0.76+/-0.03, consistent with previous histology work. Coefficients of variation
      of fr and MTV were respectively 4.3% and 13.7%. fr and myelin density were
      significantly different across spinal tracts (p=3*10-7 and 0.004 respectively)
      and were positively correlated in the white matter (r=0.42), suggesting shared
      microstructural information. The aggregate g-ratio did not show significant
      differences across tracts (p=0.6). This study suggests that fr and myelin density
      can be measured in vivo with high precision and that they can be combined to
      produce a g-ratio-weighted map robust to free water pool contamination from
      cerebrospinal fluid or veins. Potential applications include the study of early
      demyelination in multiple sclerosis, and the quantitative assessment of
      remyelination drugs.

PMID- 27664833
TI  - Sinapic acid mitigates gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity and associated
      oxidative/nitrosative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation in rats.
AB  - AIMS: In this study, the renoprotective functions of sinapic acid (SA), a
      polyphenol, on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity and the pathway that mediates
      this function were examined. MAIN METHODS: Kidney function markers (serum urea,
      uric acid, creatinine, LDH, and gamma-GGT) and histopathological examinations of
      the kidney were used to evaluate gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity. Oxidative
      stress markers (lipid peroxidation and total protein), renal nitrosative stress
      (nitric oxide), antioxidant enzymes (catalase and NP-SH), inflammation markers
      (NF-kappaB [p65], TNF-alpha, IL-6, and myeloperoxidase [MPO]), and apoptotic
      markers (caspase 3, Bax, and Bcl-2) were also assessed. KEY FINDINGS: SA (10 and
      20mg/kg) pretreatment along with gentamicin restored kidney function, upregulated
      antioxidant levels, and downregulated lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide levels,
      resulting in significant decreases in oxidative and nitrosative stress.
      Gentamicin promoted the upregulation of renal cytokines (TNF-alpha and IL-6),
      nuclear NF-kappaB (p65) expression, NF-kappaB-DNA binding activity, and MPO
      activity were significantly down regulated upon SA pretreatment. Furthermore, SA
      pretreatment downregulated caspase 3 and Bax protein expressions and upregulated
      Bcl-2 protein expression. SA pretreatment also mitigated the magnitude of
      histological damage and reduced neutrophil infiltration in renal tubules.
      SIGNIFICANCE: These outcomes indicated that SA pretreatment mitigates renal
      impairment and structural injuries via the downregulation of
      oxidative/nitrosative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in the kidney.

PMID- 27664834
TI  - Changes in Relatives' Perspectives on Quality of Death, Quality of Care, Pain
      Relief, and Caregiving Burden Before and After a Region-Based Palliative Care
      Intervention.
AB  - CONTEXT: A region-based palliative care intervention (Outreach Palliative Care
      Trial of Integrated Regional Model Study) increased home death, access to
      specialist palliative care, quality of care, and quality of death and dying.
      OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to examine changes in palliative care
      outcomes in different care settings (hospitals, palliative care units, and home)
      and obtain insights into how to improve region-level palliative care. METHODS:
      The intervention program was implemented from April 2008 to March 2011. Two
      bereavement surveys were conducted before and after intervention involving 4228
      family caregivers of deceased cancer patients. Family-perceived quality of care
      (range 1-6), quality of death and dying (1-7), pain relief (1-7), and caregiver
      burden (1-7) were measured. RESULTS: Response rates were 69% (preintervention)
      and 66% (postintervention), respectively. Family-perceived quality of care
      (adjusted mean 4.89, 95% CI 4.54-5.23) and quality of death and dying (4.96, 4.72
      5.20) at home were the highest and sustained throughout the study. Palliative
      care units were at the intermediate level between home and hospitals. In
      hospitals, both quality of care and quality of death and dying were low at
      baseline but significantly improved after intervention (quality of care: 4.24,
      4.13-4.34 to 4.43, 4.31-4.54, P = 0.002; quality of death and dying: 4.22, 4.09
      4.36 to 4.36, 4.22-4.50, P = 0.012). Caregiver burden did not significantly
      increase after intervention, regardless of place of death. CONCLUSIONS: The dual
      strategies of transition of place of death to home and improving quality of care
      in hospitals should be recognized as important targets for improving region-level
      palliative care.

PMID- 27664836
TI  - Search for KPNA7 cargo proteins in human cells reveals MVP and ZNF414 as novel
      regulators of cancer cell growth.
AB  - Karyopherin alpha 7 (KPNA7) belongs to a family of nuclear import proteins that
      recognize and bind nuclear localization signals (NLSs) in proteins to be
      transported to the nucleus. Previously we found that KPNA7 is overexpressed in a
      subset of pancreatic cancer cell lines and acts as a critical regulator of growth
      in these cells. This characteristic of KPNA7 is likely to be mediated by its
      cargo proteins that are still mainly unknown. Here, we used protein affinity
      chromatography in Hs700T and MIA PaCa-2 pancreatic cancer cell lines and
      identified 377 putative KPNA7 cargo proteins, most of which were known or
      predicted to localize to the nucleus. The interaction was confirmed for two of
      the candidates, MVP and ZNF414, using co-immunoprecipitation, and their transport
      to the nucleus was hindered by siRNA based KPNA7 silencing. Most importantly,
      silencing of MVP and ZNF414 resulted in marked reduction in Hs700T cell growth.
      In conclusion, these data uncover two previously unknown human KPNA7 cargo
      proteins with distinct roles as novel regulators of pancreatic cancer cell
      growth, thus deepening our understanding on the contribution of nuclear transport
      in cancer pathogenesis.

PMID- 27664835
TI  - Polymorphisms in Cytokine Genes Are Associated With Higher Levels of Fatigue and
      Lower Levels of Energy in Women After Breast Cancer Surgery.
AB  - CONTEXT: Little is known about the phenotypic and molecular characteristics
      associated with changes over time in fatigue and lack of energy in patients with
      breast cancer. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to identify subgroups (i.e.,
      latent classes) of women with distinct fatigue and energy trajectories; evaluate
      for differences in phenotypic characteristics between the latent classes for
      fatigue and energy; and evaluate for associations between polymorphisms in genes
      for pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, their receptors, and their
      transcriptional regulators and latent class membership. METHODS: Patients were
      enrolled before and followed for six months after breast cancer surgery. Latent
      class analyses were done to identify subgroups of patients with distinct fatigue
      and energy trajectories. Candidate gene analyses were done to identify cytokine
      genes associated with these two symptoms. RESULTS: For both fatigue and lack of
      energy, two distinct latent classes were identified. Phenotypic characteristics
      associated with the higher fatigue class were younger age, higher education,
      lower Karnofsky Performance Status score, higher comorbidity, higher number of
      lymph nodes removed, and receipt of chemotherapy (CTX). Polymorphisms in
      interleukin (IL) 1beta and IL10 were associated with membership in the higher
      fatigue class. Phenotypic characteristics associated with the lower energy class
      included: a lower Karnofsky Performance Status score and a higher comorbidity
      score. A polymorphism in IL1R1 was associated with membership in the lower energy
      class. CONCLUSION: Within each latent class, the severity of fatigue and
      decrements in energy were relatively stable over the first six months after
      breast cancer surgery. Distinct phenotypic characteristics and genetic
      polymorphisms were associated with membership in the higher fatigue and lower
      energy classes.

PMID- 27664837
TI  - Insights into the epigenetic mechanisms involving histone lysine methylation and
      demethylation in ischemia induced damage and repair has therapeutic implication.
AB  - Cerebral ischemic stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability
      worldwide. Therapeutic interventions to minimize ischemia-induced neural damage
      are limited due to poor understanding of molecular mechanisms mediating complex
      pathophysiology in stroke. Recently, epigenetic mechanisms mostly histone lysine
      (K) acetylation and deacetylation have been implicated in ischemic brain damage
      and have expanded the dimensions of potential therapeutic intervention to the
      systemic/local administration of histone deacetylase inhibitors. However, the
      role of other epigenetic mechanisms such as histone lysine methylation and
      demethylation in stroke-induced damage and subsequent recovery process is
      elusive. Here, we established an Internal Carotid Artery Occlusion (ICAO) model
      in CD1 mouse that resulted in mild to moderate level of ischemic damage to the
      striatum, as suggested by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), TUNEL and
      histopathological staining along with an evaluation of neurological deficit score
      (NDS), grip strength and rotarod performance. The molecular investigations show
      dysregulation of a number of histone lysine methylases (KMTs) and few of histone
      lysine demethylases (KDMs) post-ICAO with significant global attenuation in the
      transcriptionally repressive epigenetic mark H3K9me2 in the striatum.
      Administration of Dimethyloxalylglycine (DMOG), an inhibitor of KDM4 or JMJD2
      class of histone lysine demethylases, significantly ameliorated stroke-induced
      NDS by restoring perturbed H3K9me2 levels in the ischemia-affected striatum.
      Overall, these results highlight the novel role of epigenetic regulatory
      mechanisms controlling the epigenetic mark H3K9me2 in mediating the stroke
      induced striatal damage and subsequent repair following mild to moderate cerebral
      ischemia.

PMID- 27664838
TI  - Human cytomegalovirus infection and vascular disease risk: A meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection has been associated with the
      acceleration of vascular disease. Numbers studies were conducted to analyze the
      association between HCMV infection and risk of vascular disease, but no clear
      consensus had been reached. The aim of this study was to confirm this
      relationship precisely by doing a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS:
      We identified relevant studies through a search of PubMed and Embase. Studies
      were eligible for inclusion if they fulfilled all of the following selection
      criteria: (1) evaluating the association between HCMV infection and vascular
      disease; (2) case-control studies or nested case-control studies; (3) and supply
      the numbers (or percentage) of positivity for HCMV infection in cases and
      controls, respectively. Data were extracted and analyzed independently by two
      investigators. Ultimately, We included data from 68 studies, which altogether
      enrolled 12027 cases and 15386 controls from 24 countries. RESULTS: HCMV IgG was
      detected 7376 in 10611 cases, HCMV IgM was detected 153 in 1486 cases and HCMV
      DNA was detected 654 in 2139 cases. Overall, people exposed to HCMV infection had
      higher risk than those not exposed for vascular disease (OR 1.70 [95% CI 1.43
      2.03] IgG-based HCMV tests, 2.88 [95% CI 1.87-4.43] IgM-based HCMV tests and 2.56
      [95% CI 1.46-4.49 PCR-based HCMV tests]). HCMV infection was clearly identified
      as a risk factor for vascular disease in Asian group, Caucasian group and other
      group, especially Asian group(OR 1.86 [95% CI 1.33-2.60] IgG-based HCMV tests,
      3.57 [95% CI 1.94-6.60] IgM-based HCMV tests and 4.09 [95% CI 3.10-5.40 PCR-based
      HCMV tests]). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis suggested that HCMV infection is
      associated with an increased risk for vascular disease.

PMID- 27664840
TI  - Risk assessment in combustion toxicology: Should carbon dioxide be recognized as
      a modifier of toxicity or separate toxicological entity?
AB  - To characterize the accumulated hazards associated with the inhalation of gases
      typical of combustion products, a time-integrated value known as the fractional
      effective dose (FED) is used. This FED is maintained by the International
      Organization for Standardization (ISO) and made publicly available as the
      Standard ISO 13571. The current FED calculation related to asphyxiant gases is
      based on non-human primate data to estimate the 50% probability of humans to be
      incapacitated or not being able to execute any escape paradigm from fires. The
      objective of this paper was to compare two to calculate FEDs of the most common
      mixture of asphyxiant fire gases CO, HCN, and CO2. The first was based on the
      current ISO 13571 (draft) standard, the alternative second method applied the
      conceptual principles established for the derivation of Acute Emergency Response
      Planning Guideline values. The alternative approach applied one third of the non
      lethal threshold concentration (LC01) as the most suitable and robust Point of
      Departure (POD) to estimate the threshold characterizing 'impairment of escape'
      in the absence of post-exposure mortality. The hyperventilation correction factor
      for CO2 of ISO 13571 was replaced by a separate term that accounts for the
      inherent acute toxicity of CO2. This analysis supports the conclusion that the
      current ISO 13571 standard misjudges the impact of the acute toxicity elicited by
      concentrations of CO2 exceeding ~6%. While underestimating the hazards
      attributable to CO2, the hyperventilation adjustment factor suggested by this
      standard is biased to markedly overestimate the hazards assigned to CO and HCN in
      fire effluents.

PMID- 27664839
TI  - Prime-boost therapeutic vaccination in mice with DNA/DNA or DNA/Fowlpox virus
      recombinants expressing the Human Papilloma Virus type 16 E6 and E7 mutated
      proteins fused to the coat protein of Potato virus X.
AB  - The therapeutic antitumor potency of a prime-boost vaccination strategy was
      explored, based on the mutated, nontransforming forms of the E6 (E6F47R) and E7
      (E7GGG) oncogenes of Human Papilloma Virus type 16 (HPV16), fused to the Potato
      virus X (PVX) coat protein (CP) sequence. Previous data showed that CP fusion
      improves the immunogenicity of tumor-associated antigens and may thus increase
      their efficacy. After verifying the correct expression of E6F47RCP and E7GGGCP
      inserted into DNA and Fowlpox virus recombinants by Western blotting and
      immunofluorescence, their combined use was evaluated for therapy in a pre
      clinical mouse model of HPV16-related tumorigenicity. Immunization protocols were
      applied using homologous (DNA/DNA) or heterologous (DNA/Fowlpox) prime-boost
      vaccine regimens. The humoral immune responses were determined by ELISA, and the
      therapeutic efficacy evaluated by the delay in tumor appearance and reduced tumor
      volume after inoculation of syngeneic TC-1* tumor cells. Homologous DNA/DNA
      genetic vaccines were able to better delay tumor appearance and inhibit tumor
      growth when DNAE6F47RCP and DNAE7GGGCP were administered in combination. However,
      the heterologous DNA/Fowlpox vaccination strategy was able to delay tumor
      appearance in a higher number of animals when E6F47RCP and in particular E7GGGCP
      were administered alone.

PMID- 27664841
TI  - IL28B gene variants and glucose metabolism in Type 2 Diabetes.
AB  - Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) develops, when beta-cell insulin response fails to
      compensate for insulin resistance. Recent studies reported associations between
      the IL28B polymorphisms (rs12979860 and rs8099917) and T2D development in
      Hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients. To identify possible association with T2D
      independent from virus infection, we investigated both IL28B polymorphisms in T2D
      patients and healthy controls (HC). No association was found comparing the
      genotype and allele frequencies of both IL28B polymorphisms between T2D patients
      and HC. However, higher glucose levels were found in T2D patients carrying the
      IL28B CT/TT rs12979860 and GT/GG rs8099917 HCV risk genotypes compared to those
      with the protective CC and TT genotype (p=0.06 and p=0.02, respectively).
      Moreover, T2D patients with CT/TT rs12979860 HCV risk genotypes possessed
      significantly higher HbA1c levels than CC carriers (p=0.04). In conclusion, the
      IL28B HCV risk genotypes may influence glucose homeostasis in T2D patients
      without HCV.

PMID- 27664842
TI  - 14-bp ins/del polymorphism and +3142C>G SNP of the HLA-G gene have a significant
      impact on acute rejection after liver transplantation.
AB  - Expression of human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) has been associated with
      increased graft survival and decreased rejection episodes. It has been described
      that the HLA-G 14-base pair (bp) insertion/deletion (ins/del) (rs66554220) and
      +3142C>G (rs1063320) gene polymorphisms modify the expression level of HLA-G. The
      aim of the study was to investigate whether these HLA-G polymorphisms have an
      impact on acute rejection after liver transplantation. In total, 146 liver
      transplant recipients (57 with acute rejection and 89 without acute rejection)
      and 99 corresponding liver donors were genotyped for both polymorphisms. In liver
      transplantation the 14-bp ins/ins and the +3142GG genotypes are more frequent in
      recipients without rejection compared to recipients with rejection (3.5% vs.
      31.5%, p=<0.001; 12.3% vs. 41.6%, p=<0.001) demonstrating an association with
      protection from acute rejection. In contrast, in liver donors we could not reveal
      an association. We conclude that 14-bp ins/ins and +3142GG genotypes of HLA-G in
      liver transplant recipients are of importance for prediction of acute rejection
      after liver transplantation. Thus genotyping of liver recipients for both
      polymorphisms might be useful to stratify liver transplant recipients according
      to the risk of acute liver transplant rejection.

PMID- 27664843
TI  - Antibodies against HLA-DP recognize broadly expressed epitopes.
AB  - HLA matching and avoidance of pre-transplant donor-specific antibodies are
      important in selection of donors for solid organ transplant. Solid phase testing
      with single antigen beads allows resolution of antibody reactivity to the level
      of the allele. Single antigen bead testing results at a large transplant center
      were reviewed to identify selective reactivity patterns of anti-HLA antibodies.
      Many HLA-DP antibodies were identified in the context of other HLA antibodies,
      but some sera had antibodies against only HLA-DP. B cell flow crossmatch testing
      was positive for 2 out of 9 sera with HLA-DP antibodies. Many patterns of
      reactivity corresponded to epitopes in hypervariable regions C and F of DPB1, but
      some matched epitopes in other regions or DPA1. Through analysis of single
      antigen bead testing from a large number of patients, we report that anti-HLA-DP
      antibodies predominantly recognize broadly cross-reactive epitopes. The United
      Network for Organ Sharing has mandated HLA-DP typing on all deceased kidney
      donors, and HLA-DP epitopes should be considered as the major antigens for
      avoidance of pre-transplant donor-specific antibodies.

PMID- 27664844
TI  - Age-specific differences in prognostic significance of rhythm conversion from
      initial non-shockable to shockable rhythm and subsequent shock delivery in out-of
      hospital cardiac arrest.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early rhythm conversion from an initial non-shockable to a shockable
      rhythm and subsequent shock delivery in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac
      arrest (OHCA) has been associated with favourable neurological outcome (Cerebral
      Performance Category score 1 or 2; CPC 1-2). We hypothesized that the prognostic
      significance of rhythm conversion and subsequent shock delivery differs by age
      and time from initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by emergency
      medical service (EMS) providers to first defibrillation (shock delivery time).
      METHODS: We analysed 430,443 OHCA patients with an initial non-shockable rhythm
      using a prospective Japanese Utstein-style database from 2011 to 2014. The
      primary endpoint was 1-month CPC 1-2. RESULTS: Multivariate logistic regression
      revealed that rhythm conversion and subsequent shock delivery is positively
      associated with 1-month CPC 1-2: the adjusted odds ratio was 6.09 (95% confidence
      interval: 3.65-9.75) for shock delivery time <10min and 3.34 (2.58-4.27) for 10
      19min in patients aged 18-64 years, and 3.16 (1.45-6.09) for <10min and 2.17
      (1.51-3.03) for 10-19min in patients aged 65-74 years. However, it is negatively
      associated with 1-month CPC 1-2 for shock delivery time of 20-59min in patients
      aged 75-84 years (0.55; 0.27-0.98) and >=85 years (0.17; 0.03-0.53). CONCLUSIONS:
      Early rhythm conversion from an initial non-shockable to a shockable rhythm and
      subsequent shock delivery is associated with increased odds of 1-month CPC 1-2 in
      OHCA patients aged 18-74 years but not in those aged >=75 years.

PMID- 27664845
TI  - Large upper eyelid coloboma repair: a one-stage, one-site technique.
AB  - Current techniques for repairing large eyelid colobomas require preparation of
      other tissue sites and occasionally more than one procedure. We present a
      technique that requires only one procedure and is limited to the colobomatous
      eyelid; in addition, it is specifically designed to help avoid postoperative
      astigmatic and obstructive amblyopia. Outcomes are demonstrated in 3 cases of
      hemifacial microsomia. Large colobomas on the upper eyelid can be successfully
      and aesthetically repaired with only one procedure, incising only the
      congenitally abnormal eyelid.

PMID- 27664846
TI  - Progressive idiopathic tractional corectopia with iris thinning.
AB  - A 2-month-old boy presented with an irregular left pupil. Over the course of 3
      months, progressive pupil ovalization, corectopia, and ballooning of the thinned
      superior iris tissue caused obstruction of the visual axis. Because of concern
      for deprivational amblyopia, a sectoral pupilloplasty and sphincterotomies were
      performed, restoring pupil shape and clearing the visual axis. On postoperative
      examinations, the pupil remained round, the visual axis clear, and visual acuity
      of the left eye improved. Findings and clinical course suggested the diagnosis of
      idiopathic tractional corectopia, a rare congenital disorder of unknown cause
      that may lead to isolated unilateral progressive corectopia and visual axis
      obstruction. Patients should receive regular follow-up examinations.

PMID- 27664847
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 27664848
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 27664849
TI  - Factors influencing time to case registration for youth with type 1 and type 2
      diabetes: SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The development of a sustainable pediatric diabetes surveillance system
      for the United States requires a better understanding of issues related to case
      ascertainment. METHODS: Using the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth registry, we
      examined whether time from diabetes diagnosis to case registration differed by
      diabetes type, patient demographics, and the type of provider reporting the case
      to the study. Plots for time from diagnosis to registration were developed, and
      differences by key variables were examined using the log-rank test. RESULTS:
      Compared with time to registration for type 1 cases, it took 2.6 (95% confidence
      interval [CI], 2.5-2.6) times longer to register 50% of type 2 diabetes cases,
      and 2.3 (95% CI, 2.0-2.5) times longer to register 90% of type 2 cases. For type
      1 diabetes cases, a longer time to registration was associated with older age,
      minority race/ethnicity, and cases, where the referring provider was not an
      endocrinologist. For type 2 diabetes cases, older age, non-Hispanic white
      race/ethnicity, and cases reported by providers other than an endocrinologist
      took longer to identify and register. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the
      need for continued childhood diabetes surveillance to identify future trends and
      influences on changes in prevalence and incidence.

PMID- 27664851
TI  - Amyloid beta precursor protein regulates neuron survival and maturation in the
      adult mouse brain.
AB  - The amyloid-beta precursor protein (APP) is a transmembrane protein that is
      widely expressed within the central nervous system (CNS). While the pathogenic
      dysfunction of this protein has been extensively studied in the context of
      Alzheimer's disease, its normal function is poorly understood, and reports have
      often appeared contradictory. In this study we have examined the role of APP in
      regulating neurogenesis in the adult mouse brain by comparing neural stem cell
      proliferation, as well as new neuron number and morphology between APP knockout
      mice and C57bl6 controls. Short-term EdU administration revealed that the number
      of proliferating EdU+ neural progenitor cells and the number of PSA-NCAM+
      neuroblasts produced in the SVZ and dentate gyrus were not affected by the life
      long absence of APP. However, by labelling newborn cells with EdU and then
      following their fate over-time, we determined that ~48% more newly generated EdU+
      NeuN+ neurons accumulated in the granule cell layer of the olfactory bulb and
      ~57% more in the dentate gyrus of young adult APP knockout mice relative to
      C57bl6 controls. Furthermore, proportionally fewer of the adult-born olfactory
      bulb granule neurons were calretinin+. To determine whether APP was having an
      effect on neuronal maturation, we administered tamoxifen to young adult Nestin
      CreERT2::Rosa26-YFP and Nestin-CreERT2::Rosa26-YFP::APP-knockout mice,
      fluorescently labelling ~80% of newborn (EdU+) NeuN+ dentate granule neurons
      formed between P75 and P105. Our analysis of their morphology revealed that
      neurons added to the hippocampus of APP knockout mice have shorter dendritic
      arbors and only half the number of branch points as those generated in C57bl6
      mice. We conclude that APP reduces the survival of newborn neurons in the
      olfactory bulb and hippocampus, but that it does not influence all neuronal
      subtypes equally. Additionally, APP influences dentate granule neuron maturation,
      acting as a robust regulator of dendritic extension and arborisation.

PMID- 27664852
TI  - Physico-chemical characteristics and primary structure of an affinity-purified
      alpha-D-galactose-specific, jacalin-related lectin from the latex of mulberry
      (Morus indica).
AB  - An alpha-D-galactose specific lectin belonging to the family of jacalin-related
      lectins (JRL) has been purified by affinity chromatography on cross-linked guar
      gum. Mass spectrometric data revealed that the protein harbors two chains like
      all the members of galactose-specific jacalin-related lectins (gJRL). De novo
      sequencing of proteolytic peptides demonstrated that the heavier chain consists
      of 133 amino acids and the lighter chain comprises of 21 or 24 amino acids. The
      heavier chain contains one N-glycosylation site (Asn47) occupied with either
      pauci-mannose type [GlcNAc2(Fuc)Man3(Xyl)] or complex type
      [GlcNAc2(Fuc)Man3(Xyl)GlcNAc(Fuc)Gal] N-glycans. Circular dichroism spectroscopy
      indicated that the secondary structure of the lectin is predominantly made up of
      beta-sheets, and differential scanning calorimetry revealed a thermal
      denaturation temperature of 77.6  degrees C. MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)
      2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) cell viability assays on MCF-7 and MDCK cells
      showed that the lectin is highly cytotoxic towards both cell lines when dosed at
      micromolar concentrations, suggesting that it may play a role in the defense
      mechanism of the plant.

PMID- 27664850
TI  - Birth weight was longitudinally associated with cardiometabolic risk markers in
      mid-adulthood.
AB  - PURPOSE: Birth weight (BW) is associated with risk of cardiovascular (CV)
      disease. The findings from studies examined the association of BW with metabolic
      markers of CV risk were inconsistent and controversial. We examined the
      association of BW with insulin resistance and blood lipids using repeated
      measures up to mid-adulthood. METHODS: Data from seven screenings of the Bogalusa
      Heart Study-a longitudinal study of cardiovascular risk factors in Bogalusa, LA
      are analyzed using generalized estimation equations method. Participants with
      birth data and at least one measurement of study outcomes between 18 and 44 years
      (n = 2,034) were included. RESULTS: BW is inversely associated with insulin
      resistance, triglycerides, and total cholesterol (P < .01 for all). For 1-kg
      decrease in BW, insulin resistance increased by 2.3 units, 95% confidence
      interval (CI) = 0.7-3.9; triglycerides by 8.7 mg per dL, 95% CI = 4.9-12.4, and
      total cholesterol by 5.4 mg per dL, 95% CI = 1.8-9.1. The association of body
      mass with adult blood lipids levels is weaker in persons with low versus normal
      BW. CONCLUSIONS: The study provides strong evidence of an inverse relationship of
      BW with adulthood cardiometabolic risk profile. Persons born with low BW are
      maybe less responsive to preventive interventions aiming at weight reduction.

PMID- 27664853
TI  - IinQ attenuates systemic inflammatory responses via selectively impairing the
      Myddosome complex formation upon TLR4 ligation.
AB  - A specific small-molecule inhibitor of the TLR4 signaling complex upstream of the
      IKK would likely provide therapeutic benefit for NF-kappaB-mediated inflammatory
      disease. We previously identified brazilin as a selective upstream IKK inhibitor
      targeting the Myddosome complex. In this study, using a cell-based ubiquitination
      assay for IRAK1 and a chemical library comprising a series of structural
      analogues of brazilin, a novel small molecule, 2-hydroxy-5,6-dihydroisoindolo[1,2
      a]isoquinoline-3,8-dione (IinQ), was identified as a selective and potent
      inhibitor of IRAK1-dependent NF-kappaB activation upon TLR4 ligation. In RAW264.7
      macrophages, IinQ drastically suppressed activation of upstream IKK signaling
      events including membrane-bound IRAK1 ubiquitination and IKK phosphorylation by
      the TLR4 ligand, resulting in reduced expression of proinflammatory mediators
      including IL-6, TNF-alpha, and nitric oxide. Interestingly, IinQ did not suppress
      NF-kappaB activation via the TLR3 ligand, DNA damaging agents, or a protein
      kinase C activator, indicating IinQ is specific for TLR4 signaling. Analysis of
      upstream signaling events further confirmed that IinQ disrupts the MyD88-IRAK1
      TRAF6 complex formation induced by LPS treatment, without affecting TLR4
      oligomerization. Moreover, intravenous administration of IinQ significantly
      reduced lethality and attenuated systemic inflammatory responses in an in vivo
      mouse model of endotoxin shock following LPS challenge. Thus, IinQ represents a
      novel class of brazilin analogues with improved potency and specificity toward
      disruption of Myddosome complex formation in TLR4 signaling, indicating that IinQ
      may be a promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment of systemic
      inflammatory diseases.

PMID- 27664854
TI  - Standardization of the homogeneous mobility shift assay protocol for evaluation
      of anti-infliximab antibodies. Application of the method to Crohn's disease
      patients treated with infliximab.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The availability of a quantitative method to measure anti-infliximab
      (IFX) antibodies (ATI) would facilitate the implementation of therapeutic drug
      monitoring in clinical decision-making. Our aim was to standardize the
      homogeneous mobility shift assay (HMSA) used in the measure of ATI levels.
      METHODS: In this prospective longitudinal multicenter study, 50 IFX-treated
      Crohn's disease (CD) patients were followed up for 54weeks. During this period
      360 human serum samples were analysed. Monomeric ATI levels were measured by a
      quantitative HMSA-method using an anti-IFX calibrator. IFX trough levels measured
      by ELISA were correlated with ATI levels. RESULTS: Using HMSA and a pure anti
      idiotypic monoclonal antibody specific for IFX (anti-IFX calibrator), we measured
      the levels of monomeric ATI generated in Crohn's disease patients treated with
      IFX. Anti-IFX calibrator allowed to quantify monomeric antibodies against IFX
      with a low limit of quantification (3nM). The threshold level of ATI in order to
      classify the immunogenicity of the patients was 10nM. We observed that 24%
      (12/50) of IFX-treated patients developed ATI (>10nM) during the observation
      period (54weeks). Serum concentration of ATI higher than 10nM dramatically
      increased the probability (OR=51.1; 95% CI: 20.4-128.0; p<0.0001) of presenting
      low levels of IFX (?1.5nM) in serum, as observed in some CD patients treated with
      standard doses of the drug. CONCLUSIONS: The HMSA-method described here allows an
      accurate quantification of ATI concentration in international units (IU) and
      therefore it could be useful in the study of the relationship between ATI
      concentration, infliximab level and the clinical response to the drug.

PMID- 27664856
TI  - Lethal Necrotizing Cellulitis Caused by ESBL-Producing E. Coli after Laparoscopic
      Intestinal Vaginoplasty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The absence of a functional vagina has a negative effect on the
      quality of life of women. Multiple surgical procedures have been described for
      vaginal reconstruction in these patients. CASE: We present a case of an 18-year
      old transgender woman, who underwent laparoscopic intestinal vaginoplasty as
      vaginal reconstruction, and subsequently developed septic shock and multiple
      organ failure on the basis of an extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing
      Escherichia coli. A severe progression of the necrotizing fasciitis was lethal,
      despite repeated surgical debridement, intravenous antibiotic use, and supportive
      care at the intensive care unit. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION: Although vaginal
      reconstruction has a positive influence on the quality of life in transgender
      women, physicians and patients need to be aware of serious complications that
      might arise.

PMID- 27664855
TI  - Comparative analysis of the anti-chikungunya virus activity of novel bryostatin
      analogs confirms the existence of a PKC-independent mechanism.
AB  - Previously, we reported that salicylate-based analogs of bryostatin protect cells
      from chikungunya virus (CHIKV)-induced cell death. Interestingly, 'capping' the
      hydroxyl group at C26 of a lead bryostatin analog, a position known to be crucial
      for binding to and modulation of protein kinase C (PKC), did not abrogate the
      anti-CHIKV activity of the scaffold, putatively indicating the involvement of a
      pathway independent of PKC. The work detailed in this study demonstrates that
      salicylate-derived analog 1 and two capped analogs (2 and 3) are not merely
      cytoprotective compounds, but act as selective and specific inhibitors of CHIKV
      replication. Further, a detailed comparative analysis of the effect of the non
      capped versus the two capped analogs revealed that compound 1 acts both at early
      and late stages in the chikungunya virus replication cycle, while the capped
      analogs only interfere with a later stage process. Co-dosing with the PKC
      inhibitors sotrastaurin and Go6976 counteracts the antiviral activity of compound
      1 without affecting that of capped analogs 2 and 3, providing further evidence
      that the latter elicit their anti-CHIKV activity independently of PKC.
      Remarkably, treatment of CHIKV-infected cells with a combination of compound 1
      and a capped analog resulted in a pronounced synergistic antiviral effect. Thus,
      these salicylate-based bryostatin analogs can inhibit CHIKV replication through a
      novel, yet still elusive, non-PKC dependent pathway.

PMID- 27664857
TI  - Determining antigen specificity of a monoclonal antibody using genome-scale
      CRISPR-Cas9 knockout library.
AB  - An essential step in monoclonal antibody (mAb) development is the
      characterization and final identification of the specific target antigen and its
      epitope. Antibody validation is rather straightforward when immunization is
      carried out with peptide or purified protein, but is more difficult when whole
      cells or other complex antigens are used for the immunization. Determining
      antigen specificity of a mAb is further complicated, when reactivity of an
      antibody is not detected in Western blotting and/or immunoprecipitation assay. In
      addition to protein-based methods used for antibody characterization, a number of
      gene-based techniques, such as cDNA expression or short-interfering RNA (siRNA)
      knockdown have been applied for validation of antibodies with restricted
      reactivities. Earlier we have generated, characterized, but not identified the
      BF4 mAb that specifically stains viral biofilms on the surface of the Human T
      lymphotropic Virus Type I (HTLV-1) infected T cells. In this study, using the
      recently developed genome-scale CRISPR-Cas9 knockout (GeCKO) library vectors, we
      have established the CEM T- and the Raji B cell lines with pooled libraries.
      After immunofluorescent staining of these cells, negative cell sorting, and guide
      RNA (gRNA) sequencing, we have identified BF4 as an anti-CD82 mAb. A deep
      sequence analysis of GeCKO library transferred to the cells shows that the chance
      to succeed in the selection of antibody-negative cells and, therefore, to
      identify a mAb depends on the quality of cell library preparation. We believe
      that the described method is applicable for identification of many other
      hybridomas and represents a good alternative to the current protein- and gene
      based methods used for mAb validation.

PMID- 27664858
TI  - Old chemotherapy makes a comeback: dual alkylator therapy for pediatric high
      grade glioma.

PMID- 27664866
TI  - Nivolumab-Induced Colitis Treated by Infliximab.

PMID- 27664860
TI  - Tumor treating fields: a novel treatment modality and its use in brain tumors.
AB  - Tumor treating fields (TTFields) are low-intensity electric fields alternating at
      an intermediate frequency (200kHz), which have been demonstrated to block cell
      division and interfere with organelle assembly. This novel treatment modality has
      shown promise in a variety of tumor types. It has been evaluated in randomized
      phase 3 trials in glioblastoma (GBM) and demonstrated to prolong progression-free
      survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) when administered together with standard
      maintenance temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy in patients with newly diagnosed GBM.
      TTFields are continuously delivered by 4 transducer arrays consisting each of 9
      insulated electrodes that are placed on the patient's shaved scalp and connected
      to a portable device. Here we summarize the preclinical data and mechanism of
      action, the available clinical data, and further outlook of this treatment
      modality in brain tumors and other cancer indications.

PMID- 27664867
TI  - Combined motor point associative stimulation (MPAS) and transcranial direct
      current stimulation (tDCS) improves plateaued manual dexterity performance.
AB  - Motor point associative stimulation (MPAS) in hand muscles is known to modify
      motor cortex excitability and improve learning rate, but not plateau of
      performance, in manual dexterity tasks. Central stimulation of motor cortex, such
      as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), can have similar effects if
      accompanied by motor practice, which can be difficult and tiring for patients.
      Here we asked whether adding tDCS to MPAS could improve manual dexterity in
      healthy individuals who are already performing at their plateau, with no motor
      practice during stimulation. We hypothesized that MPAS could provide enough
      coordinated muscle activity to make motor practice unnecessary, and that this
      combination of stimulation techniques could yield improvements even in subjects
      at or near their peak. If so, this approach could have a substantial effect on
      patients with impaired dexterity, who are far from their peak. MPAS was applied
      for 30min to two right hand muscles important for manual dexterity. tDCS was
      simultaneously applied over left sensorimotor cortex. The motor cortex
      input/output (I/O) curve was assessed with transcranial magnetic stimulation
      (TMS), and manual dexterity was assessed with the Purdue Pegboard Test. Compared
      to sham or cathodal tDCS combined with MPAS, anodal tDCS combined with MPAS
      significantly increased the plateau of manual dexterity. This result suggests
      that MPAS has the potential to substitute for motor practice in mediating a
      beneficial effect of tDCS on manual dexterity.

PMID- 27664868
TI  - Electroacupuncture alleviates nerve injury after cerebra ischemia in rats through
      inhibiting cell apoptosis and changing the balance of MMP-9/TIMP-1 expression.
AB  - Accumulating evidence demonstrates that acupuncture and electroacupuncture (EA)
      can exert a neuroprotective role for cerebral ischemia, but their precise
      mechanism remains largely unknown. Therefore, in this study, the effects of EA
      stimulation on cerebral ischemia reperfusion and its neuroprotective mechanisms
      were investigated. A rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was
      developed, and EA stimulation (2Hz, 1mA) at Baihui and Siguan acupoints was
      applied 30min after MCAO and then once daily for 7 consecutive days. The results
      indicated that EA stimulation significantly reduced the cerebral infarct area and
      neurological deficit scores, decreased the number of apoptotic cells, up
      regulated Bcl-2 protein expression, and down-regulated Bax protein expression. EA
      stimulation resulted in a significant increase of proliferative cells in the
      cerebral tissues. Additionally, EA stimulation significantly down-regulated the
      expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase -9 (MMP-9) mRNA and protein, and
      simultaneously up-regulated the expression levels of tissue inhibitor of
      metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) mRNA and protein, which resulted in an imbalance of
      MMP-9/TIMP-1expression, although it did not significantly change MMP-2 and TIMP-2
      expression. These findings indicate that EA stimulation at Baihui and Siguan
      acupoints exerts a neuroprotective role against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion
      injury, which is probably associated with the inhibition of apoptosis and
      altering the balance of MMP-9/TIMP-1 expression.

PMID- 27664869
TI  - Development of a 20-MHz wide-bandwidth PMN-PT single crystal phased-array
      ultrasound transducer.
AB  - In this study, a 20-MHz 64-element phased-array ultrasound transducer with a one
      wavelength pitch is developed using a PMN-30%PT single crystal and double
      matching layer scheme. High piezoelectric (d33>1000pC/N) and electromechanical
      coupling (k33>0.8) properties of the single crystal with an optimized fabrication
      process involving the photolithography technique have been demonstrated to be
      suitable for wide-bandwidth (?70%) and high-sensitivity (insertion loss ?30dB)
      phased-array transducer application. A -6dBbandwidth of 91% and an insertion loss
      of 29dBfor the 20-MHz 64-element phased-array transducer were achieved. This
      result shows that the bandwidth is improved comparing with the investigated high
      frequency (?20MHz) ultrasound transducers using piezoelectric ceramic and single
      crystal materials. It shows that this phased-array transducer has potential to
      improve the resolution of biomedical imaging, theoretically. Based on the
      hypothesis of resolution improvement, this phased-array transducer is capable for
      small animal (i.e. mouse and zebrafish) studies.

PMID- 27664870
TI  - Draft genome sequence of a CTX-M-15-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae sequence type
      340 (clonal complex 258) isolate from a food-producing animal.
AB  - Klebsiella pneumoniae carrying blaCTX-M-15 have been widely disseminated in
      hospital settings. In this regard, most clinically important strains belong to
      clonal complex 28 (CC258), which includes sequence type 340 (ST340). In this
      study, we present the draft genome sequence of a CTX-M-15-producing ST340 K.
      pneumoniae strain isolated from a food-producing animal in Brazil.

PMID- 27664871
TI  - Insurance status and race affect treatment and outcome of traumatic brain injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is increasing evidence that race and socioeconomic factors
      affect patient outcomes after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Our goal was to
      assess the effect of race, ethnicity and insurance status on hospital length of
      stay, procedures performed, mortality, and discharge disposition after TBI.
      METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study using the National Trauma Data
      Bank (2002-2012) to analyze patients aged 14-89 y with one of five closed head
      injuries. Univariate regressions identified demographic and injury
      characteristics that were significant predictors of outcomes. These variables
      were then included in multivariate regression models. RESULTS: We analyzed
      187,354 TBI patients. The sample was 78% white, 9% black, 9% Hispanic, 3% Asian,
      and 1% native American, and included 42% Medicare, 30% private insurance, 12%
      uninsured, 8% other insurance, and 8% Medicaid. Compared with white patients,
      black and Hispanic patients were more likely to have a TBI procedure (blacks odds
      ratio [OR] = 1.19, P < 0.001; Hispanics OR = 1.33, P < 0.001), had longer
      hospital stays (blacks coeff = 1.02, P < 0.001; Hispanics coeff = 0.61, P <
      0.001), were less likely to die in the hospital (blacks OR = 0.90, P = 0.006;
      Hispanics OR = 0.90, P = 0.007), and more (black OR = 1.09, P = 0.001) or less
      likely (Hispanic OR = 0.76, P < 0.001) to be discharged to rehabilitation.
      Compared with the privately insured, the uninsured were less likely to have a TBI
      procedure (OR = 0.90, P = 0.001), had longer hospital stays (coeff = 0.24, P <
      0.001), were more likely to die in the hospital (OR = 1.37, P < 0.001), and less
      likely to be discharged to rehabilitation (OR = 0.53, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS:
      Race/ethnicity and insurance status significantly affect TBI patient outcomes,
      even after controlling for demographic and injury characteristics.

PMID- 27664872
TI  - Early endocrine attending surgeon presence increases operating room efficiency.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Preincision operating room (OR) preparation varies greatly. Cases
      requiring exacting preoperative setup may be more sensitive to inconsistent team
      members and trainees. Leadership and oversight by the surgeon may facilitate a
      timely start. The study hypothesized that early attending presence in the OR
      expedites surgery start time, improving efficiency, and decreasing cost. METHODS:
      Prospective data collection of endocrine surgery cases at an urban teaching
      hospital was performed. Time points recorded in minutes. Cost/min of OR time was
      $54. Patients classified as in the OR <=10 min before attending arrival or >10
      min before attending arrival. RESULTS: A total of 227 cases (166 thyroid, 54
      parathyroid, 10 adrenal) were performed over 14 mo. Of the patients, 128 were in
      the OR <=10 min before attending arrival, and 99 patients were >10 min (3 +/- 3
      min versus 35 +/- 14 min, P < 0.01). The <=10 min procedures started sooner after
      patient arrival in OR (40 +/- 11 versus 63 +/- 19, P < 0.01) which equated to
      $1202 of savings before incision. Although attending time in the OR before
      incision was equivalent between groups for adrenal and parathyroid, time to
      incision was shorter in the <=10 min groups, saving $2416 +/- 477 and $1458 +/-
      244, respectively (P < 0.01). Attending time in OR before thyroidectomy was 13
      min longer in <=10 min than >10 min (P < 0.01), but incisions were made 20 min
      sooner (P < 0.01) equating to $1076 +/- 120 in savings. CONCLUSIONS: Early
      attending presence in the OR shortens time to incision. For parathyroid and
      adrenal cases, this does not require additional surgeon time. In ORs without
      consistent teams, early attending presence in the OR improves efficiency and
      yields significant cost savings.

PMID- 27664873
TI  - The identification of risk factors for venous thromboembolism in gastrointestinal
      oncologic surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine the incidence and factors
      associated with occurrence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients undergoing
      major gastrointestinal (GI) surgery for malignancy. METHODS: The American College
      of Surgeon's National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, Participant User File
      database was queried from 2005 to 2012 to study major GI operations performed for
      cancer. Predictors of VTE and their relation to survival were studied. RESULTS:
      In 79,300 patients, the incidence of deep venous thrombosis was 1.7%, and
      pulmonary embolism was 0.9% during the 30-d postoperative period. The highest
      rate of VTE occurred after esophagectomy (5.9%) followed by pancreatectomy
      (3.2%), hepatectomy (3.2%), gastrectomy (2.5%), enterectomy (2.3%), colectomy,
      and proctectomy (2.0%). On multivariate analysis, disseminated cancer, age >= 80
      y, body mass index > 35 kg/m(2), functional status, post operative sepsis,
      pulmonary dysfunction, and longer operative time were associated with occurrence
      of VTE. Occurrence of VTE was associated with mortality on multivariate analysis
      (odds ratio 2.4, 95% confidence interval 2.0-3.0, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS:
      Absolute incidence of VTE after major GI surgery is low but is associated with
      significant mortality and postoperative complications. Disseminated cancer, post
      operative sepsis, longer operative time, and increased body mass index >35
      kg/m(2) further increased the risk of VTE in patients undergoing surgery for
      malignancy. Surveillance strategies should be implemented for those cancer
      patients who have multiple risk factors for VTE.

PMID- 27664874
TI  - A laparoscopic technique of partial hepatectomy in the rat.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic partial hepatectomy is an increasingly applied technique
      in the treatment of liver tumors and in living donor transplantation. There is a
      need for establishing an animal model that would facilitate experimental research
      on the technique. The aim of the present study was to describe a safe and
      efficient laparoscopic technique of 70% partial hepatectomy in the rat. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Twenty-four male Wistar rats underwent either laparoscopic (group
      LAP-HEP) or open resection of the median and left lateral hepatic lobes (group
      HEP). In group LAP-HEP, a 5-mm Hg pneumoperitoneum was established. Three 5-mm
      trocars were introduced in the abdominal cavity. A self-made pretied ligature
      loop was used to ligate en bloc the pedicles of the hepatic lobes to be resected.
      A self-made sterile elastic specimen retrieval bag facilitated extraction of the
      resected liver tissue. In group HEP, the same liver lobes were resected by
      ligation of their pedicles after midline laparotomy. RESULTS: The percentage of
      resected liver parenchyma did not differ between groups. All animals returned to
      normal feeding activity by 48 h postoperation and had no complications.
      CONCLUSIONS: A simple, cost-effective, safe, and efficient laparoscopic technique
      for 70% partial hepatectomy in the rat was described.

PMID- 27664875
TI  - Ex-vivo oxygenated perfusion of free flaps during ischemia time: a feasibility
      study in a porcine model and preliminary results.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Under ideal circumstances, creation of the anastomosis during free
      flap transfer is a routine task and can be performed under short ischemia time.
      However, vessels may be in suboptimal state due to atherosclerosis, radiotherapy
      or trauma, increasing difficulties regarding receptor vessel identification, and
      anastomosis which in turn may lead to lengthening of ischemia time resulting in
      postoperative wound problems or even flap loss. In the current pilot study, a
      modified heart-lung machine was assembled to achieve continuous oxygenated
      extracoporeal perfusion using porcine myocutaneous rectus abdominis flaps, aimed
      at minimizing tissue damage occurring during ischemia time. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Different pilot test groups with n = 2 were created, including
      oxygenated perfusion with heparinized autologous blood or organ preservation
      solutions. Control groups included short flush with preservation solution
      followed by cold storage. RESULTS: Flaps were successfully attached to the
      modified heart-lung machine while maintaining stable flow throughout the 24-h
      experiments. Flaps undergoing continuous oxygenated perfusion with preservation
      solutions showed minimal or no signs of cell necrosis during the 24-h experiment,
      in contrast to using heparinized autologous blood or flushing and cold storage.
      CONCLUSIONS: The use of a modified heart-lung machine for oxygenated perfusion of
      free flaps provides new possibilities to minimize tissue damage during ischemia
      time, and further study of its use is warranted.

PMID- 27664877
TI  - Evaluating the effectiveness of a mock oral educational program.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To obtain board certification, the American Board of Surgery requires
      graduates of general surgery training programs to pass both the written
      qualifying examination (QE) and the oral certifying examination (CE). In 2015,
      the pass rates for the QE and CE were 80% and 77%, respectively. In the 2011-2012
      academic year, the University of Wisconsin instituted a mandatory, faculty-led,
      monthly CE preparation educational program (CE prep) as a supplement to their
      existing annual mock oral examination. We hypothesized that the implementation of
      these sessions would improve the first-time pass rate for residents taking the
      ABS CE at our institution. Secondary outcomes studied were QE pass rate,
      correlation with American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination (ABSITE) and
      mock oral examination scores, cost, and type of study materials used, perception
      of examination difficulty, and applicant preparedness. METHODS: A sixteen
      question survey was sent to 57 of 59 residents who attended the University of
      Wisconsin between the years of 2007 and 2015. Email addresses for two former
      residents could not be located. De-identified data for the ABSITE and first-time
      pass rates for the QE and CE examination were retrospectively collected and
      analyzed along with survey results. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS
      version 22 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). P values < 0.05 were considered significant.
      RESULTS: Survey response rate was 77.2%. Of the residents who have attempted the
      CE, first-time pass rate was 76.0% (19 of 25) before the implementation of the
      formal CE Prep and 100% (22 of 22) after (P = 0.025). Absolute ABSITE score, and
      mock oral annual examination grades were significantly improved after the CE Prep
      was initiated (P values < 0.001 and 0.003, respectively), however, ABSITE
      percentile was not significantly different (P = 0.415). ABSITE raw score and
      percentile, as well as mock oral annual examination scores were significantly
      associated with passing the QE (0.032, 0.027, and 0.020, respectively), whereas
      mock oral annual examination scores alone were associated with passing the CE (P
      = 0.001). Survey results showed that residents perceived the CE to be easier than
      the annual mock oral after the institution of the CE prep course (P = 0.036),
      however, there was no difference in their perception of preparedness. Overall,
      applicants felt extremely prepared for the CE (4.70 +/- 0.5, Likert scale 1-5).
      CONCLUSIONS: Formal educational programs instituted during residency can improve
      resident performance on the ABS certifying examination. The institution of a
      formal, faculty-led monthly CE preparation educational program at the University
      of Wisconsin has significantly improved the first-time pass rate for the ABS CE.
      Mock oral annual examination scores were also significantly improved.
      Furthermore, ABSITE scores correlate with QE pass rates, and mock oral annual
      examination scores correlate with pass rates for both QE and CE.

PMID- 27664876
TI  - Barriers to efficiency in robotic surgery: the resident effect.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Robotic surgery offers advantages over conventional operative
      approaches but may also be associated with higher costs and additional risks.
      Analyzing surgical flow disruptions (FDs), defined as "deviations from the
      natural progression of an operation," can help target training techniques and
      identify opportunities for improvement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two robotic
      surgery operations were observed over a 6-wk period at one 900-bed surgical
      center. FDs were recorded in detail and classified into one of 11 different
      categories. Procedure type, robot model, and resident involvement were also
      recorded. Linear regression analyses were used to evaluate the effects of these
      parameters on FDs and operative duration. RESULTS: Twenty-one prostatectomies,
      eight sacrocolpopexies, and three nephrectomies were observed. The mean number of
      FDs was 48.2 (95% confidence interval [CI] 38.6-54.8 FDs), and mean operative
      duration was 163 min (95% CI 148-179 min). Each FD added 2.4 min (P = 0.025) to a
      case's total operative duration. The number and rate of FDs were significantly
      affected by resident involvement (P = 0.008 and P = 0.006, respectively).
      Resident cases demonstrated mostly training, equipment, and robot switch FDs,
      whereas nonresident cases demonstrated mostly equipment, instrument changes, and
      external factor FDs. CONCLUSIONS: Although the FDs encountered in resident
      training are more frequent, they may not significantly increase operative
      duration. Other FDs, such as equipment or external factors, may be more
      impactful. Limiting these specific FDs should be the focus of performance
      improvement efforts.

PMID- 27664878
TI  - Innate lymphoid cells: a paradigm for low SSI in cleft lip repair.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cleft lip and palate reconstructions demonstrate significantly lower
      surgical site infection rates compared with clean-contaminated cases, prompting
      investigation into the pathophysiology causing this discrepancy. Recent studies
      have identified a new group of innate lymphocytes called innate lymphoid cells
      (ILCs), located in barrier surfaces of the skin, airways, and intestine. Our
      objectives were to explore for the first time the presence of ILCs in the
      vermillion of neonates and young children undergoing cleft lip reconstruction and
      characterize their composition by measuring the three classes of ILCs. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Lip tissue samples were collected from 13 subjects undergoing
      vermillion resection during cleft lip reconstructive surgery. Preparative,
      transmission electron microscopy, and analytical flow cytometry were performed.
      The functionality of ILCs was tested in terms of their capacity to produce type 1
      (IFN-gamma/TNF-alpha), type 2 (IL-5/IL-13), and type 3 (IL-17/IL-22) cytokines.
      Data were analyzed using Student t test or the analysis of variance to establish
      significance (P < 0.05) among groups for all other data. RESULTS: All three
      classes of ILCs were detected and visualized in the tissue samples. In all
      samples, the level of ILC2 subset was significantly higher than the other two ILC
      subsets (P < 0.01), followed by the ILC1 subset, which was present in
      significantly higher levels than the ILC3 subset (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our
      data place ILCs for the first time in the interface of oral mucosal immunity,
      tissue microenvironment, and homeostasis during and after tissue development,
      possibly explaining lower infection rates in cleft lip or palate reconstructions.

PMID- 27664879
TI  - Readmission after major surgery: effect of the postdischarge environment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although uncoordinated postdischarge care has been associated with
      poor clinical outcomes, the effect of discharge to a low healthcare resource area
      (LHRA) on readmission remains undetermined. We sought to assess how the quality
      of discharge area health resources impact readmission following major surgery.
      METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed by linking Maryland state data
      for 2012-2015 to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Area Health
      Resource File. Patients undergoing one of 11 common surgical procedures were
      identified. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess the effect
      of discharge area health resource quality on readmission. RESULTS: A total of
      76,747 patients were identified of which 9.4% were discharged to a high
      healthcare resource area (HHRA), whereas 81.9% of patients were discharged to an
      LHRA. Perioperative morbidity and length of stay were comparable between HHRA
      versus LHRA patients (both P > 0.05). Among all patients, 30-d and 90-d
      readmission was 6.5% and 12.4%, respectively. On multivariable analysis,
      discharge to LHRA was independently associated with a 19% (odds ratio = 1.19; 95%
      CI, 1.01-1.41; P = 0.043) and 18% (odds ratio = 1.18; 95% CI, 1.04-1.33; P =
      0.010) greater odds of 30-d and 90-day readmission, respectively. CONCLUSIONS:
      Patients discharged to an area characterized by LHRA were more likely to be
      readmitted at 30 d and 90 d following index discharge.

PMID- 27664880
TI  - Prophylactic versus symptomatic Ladd procedures for pediatric malrotation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intestinal malrotation can lead to volvulus resulting in necrosis,
      sepsis, and death. For symptomatic patients, treatment includes the Ladd
      procedure. However, debate remains regarding the timing and need for intervention
      for asymptomatic infants. We evaluated our experience with Ladd procedures
      including a clinical practice of prophylactic surgery for asymptomatic patients.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of pediatric patients undergoing
      the Ladd procedure was performed. Prophylactic Ladd procedures were identified as
      those occurring before any malrotation-related symptoms. Results were analyzed
      with student t test, Mann-Whitney U, and chi-squared tests. RESULTS: From 2011
      2014, 42 patients (prophylactic = 19, symptomatic = 23) underwent the Ladd
      procedure. The median age (IQR, interquartile range) of patients was 9.6 (3.9-18)
      mo and 18 (2.4-52) mo for prophylactic and symptomatic patients, respectively (P
      = 0.38). In patients who underwent symptomatic Ladd procedures, nine (39%) had
      volvulus and one (4.3%) had bowel necrosis at time of surgery. No prophylactic
      Ladd procedure patients required reoperation, whereas six (26%) symptomatic
      patients required malrotation-related reoperations (P = 0.02). Median (IQR) days
      to full enteral feeds were 5.0 d (3.3-6.8) versus 7.4 (5.0-11; P = 0.11), whereas
      median days to discharge were 8.0 d (6.1-11) versus 11 d (7.5-32) until discharge
      (P = 0.09) for prophylactic and symptomatic patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS:
      Although symptomatic patients represent sicker children, the postoperative
      complications appear to be higher. For infants with known malrotation,
      prophylactic operations may be beneficial and should be considered. A larger,
      prospective study to demonstrate effectiveness and generalizability for
      prophylactic Ladd procedure is warranted.

PMID- 27664881
TI  - Postoperative acute care use after freestanding ambulatory surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surgical procedures in the United States are increasingly performed
      in the ambulatory setting, including freestanding ambulatory surgery centers
      (ASCs). However, there is a lack of research and tracking of surgical outcomes in
      this setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed data from a state all-payer
      claims database to produce a retrospective cohort study on the rate of acute care
      use (emergency department [ED] visits and inpatient admissions) within 7 d after
      operations performed in freestanding ASCs in South Carolina. Two-level
      reliability-adjusted generalized linear mixed models accounting for random
      facility-level effects were used to adjust for patient-level and facility-level
      characteristics. RESULTS: A total of 1,328,708 procedures were performed in 86
      freestanding ASCs in South Carolina from 2006-2013. The overall rate of
      postoperative acute care per 1000 procedures within 7 d was 17.3 (95% confidence
      interval [CI], 15.3-19.5). Patient characteristics associated with the highest
      postoperative acute care use within 7 d included Medicaid insurance (adjusted
      odds ratio [aOR], 1.79; 95% CI, 1.70-1.90), lowest median household income (aOR,
      1.36; 95% CI, 1.30-1.43), and preoperative Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score
      3+ (aOR, 4.14; 95% CI, 3.95-4.34). Total charges for postoperative ED visits (n =
      14,682) and inpatient admissions (n = 8945) within 7 d were approximately $51.4
      and $361.1 million, respectively from 2006-2013. CONCLUSIONS: Acute care use
      within 7 d was commonly >=10 per 1000 procedures performed in freestanding ASCs
      in South Carolina. These measures may be targets for quality and cost improvement
      and innovation. Patients at risk for acute care utilization may benefit from
      improvements in postoperative follow-up after procedures in ASCs.

PMID- 27664882
TI  - The effect of ionized collagen for preventing postoperative adhesion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Collagen exhibits ideal multifactorial action for preventing tissue
      adhesions. This study examined the efficacy of ionized collagen in preventing
      tissue adhesion after surgical procedures. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Ionized collagen
      was prepared using the esterification technique of natural collagen. Three forms
      of collagen materials (membrane, film, and gel) were compared with three
      commercialized materials (oxidized regenerated cellulose membrane [OC membrane],
      hyaluronic acid and carboxymethylcellulose film, and gel [HC film and HC gel]) in
      a rat cecum abrasion model. Antiadhesive activity and histologic findings were
      assessed. RESULT: The incidence of adhesion was reduced significantly in all test
      groups compared to the sham-operated control group (100% in control, 14.3% in
      collagen membrane, 63.6% in collagen film, 25.0% in collagen gel, 55.6% in OC
      membrane, 75% in HC film, and 83.3% in HC gel). All collagen materials of the
      three forms exhibited a significant reduction in adhesion grade compared with the
      sham operation, whereas no significant difference was found among these three
      different forms. The collagen membrane showed significantly less adhesion grade,
      less inflammation and more regenerative features compared to widely used
      conventional materials. CONCLUSIONS: This preclinical investigation indicated
      that ionized collagen materials readily formed clinically suitable shapes for
      easy handling without the need for any complex processing and effectively reduced
      postoperative tissue adhesion profiles compared to conventional antiadhesive
      agents.

PMID- 27664884
TI  - Effects of Myrtus communis extract treatment in bile duct ligated rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of our study was to investigate the antifibrotic and
      antioxidant effects of Myrtus communis subsp. communis (MC) extract against liver
      injury and fibrosis occurring in rats with biliary obstruction. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: The rats were randomized into four groups (n = 8). Control group (C), MC
      administrated group (MC), the bile duct ligation (BDL), and BDL + MC groups. MC
      was administered at a dose of 50 mg/kg a day orally for 28 days. In blood
      samples, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate
      aminotransferase levels, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-1beta
      measurement were measured. Oxidative injury was examined by measuring luminol and
      lucigenin chemiluminescence, malondialdehyde and glutathione levels, superoxide
      dismutase and myeloperoxidase activities. Transforming growth factor-beta and
      hydroxyproline levels were measured for analyzing fibrosis. The hepatic injury
      was also analyzed microscopically. RESULTS: Plasma total bilirubin, direct
      bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, tumor necrosis
      factor-alpha, and interleukin-1beta levels were found significantly high in the
      BDL group, while these values significantly decreased in the BDL group treated
      with MC. On the other hand, the glutathione and superoxide dismutase values
      significantly decreased in the BDL group compared to the control group but
      increased markedly in BDL + MC group compared to the BDL group. Malondialdehyde
      levels, myeloperoxidase activity, tissue luminol, lucigenin, transforming growth
      factor-beta, and hydroxyproline levels when compared with the control group
      increased dramatically in the BDL group and reduced the MC + BDL group.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that MC protects the liver tissues against
      oxidative damage following BDL via its radical scavenging and antioxidant
      activities, which appear to involve the inhibition of tissue neutrophil
      infiltration.

PMID- 27664883
TI  - Global microRNA profiling for diagnostic appraisal of melanocytic Spitz tumors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Melanoma skin cancer remains the leading cause of skin cancer-related
      deaths. Spitz lesions represent a subset of melanocytic skin lesions
      characterized by epithelioid or spindled melanocytes organized in nests. These
      lesions occupy a spectrum ranging from benign Spitz and atypical Spitz lesions
      all the way to malignant Spitz tumors. Appropriate management is reliant on
      accurate diagnostic classification, yet this effort remains challenging using
      current light microscopic techniques. The discovery of novel biomarkers such as
      microRNAs (miR) may ultimately be a useful diagnostic adjunct for the evaluation
      of Spitz lesions. miR expression profiles have been suggested for non-Spitz
      melanomas but have yet to be ascribed to Spitz lesions. We hypothesized that
      distinct miR expression profiles would be associated with different lesions along
      the Spitz spectrum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: RNAs extracted from paraffin-embedded,
      formalin-fixed tissues of 11 resected skin lesions including benign nevi (n = 2),
      benign Spitz lesions (n = 3), atypical Spitz lesions (n = 3), and malignant Spitz
      tumors (n = 3) were analyzed by the NanoString platform for simultaneous
      evaluation of over 800 miRs in each patient sample. RESULTS: Benign Spitz lesions
      had increased expression of miR-21-5p and miR-363-3p compared with those of
      benign nevi. Malignant Spitz lesions exhibited overexpression of miR-21-5p, miR
      155-5p, and miR-1283 relative to both benign nevi and benign Spitz tumors.
      Notably, atypical Spitz tumors had increased expression of miR-451a and decreased
      expression of miR-155-5p expression relative to malignant Spitz lesions.
      Conversely, atypical Spitz lesions had increased expression of miR-21-5p, miR-34a
      5p, miR-451a, miR-1283, and miR-1260a relative to benign Spitz tumors.
      CONCLUSIONS: Overall, distinct miR profiles are suggested among Spitz lesions of
      varying malignant potential with some similarities to non-Spitz melanoma tumors.
      This work demonstrates the feasibility of this analytic method and forms the
      basis for further validation studies.

PMID- 27664886
TI  - Assessing surgeon behavior change after anastomotic leak in colorectal surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recency effect suggests that people disproportionately value events
      from the immediate past when making decisions, but the extent of this impact on
      surgeons' decisions is unknown. This study evaluates for recency effect in
      surgeons by examining use of preventative leak testing before and after
      colorectal operations with anastomotic leaks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective
      cohort of adult patients (>=18 y) undergoing elective colorectal operations at
      Washington State hospitals participating in the Surgical Care and Outcomes
      Assessment Program (2006-2013). The main outcome measure was surgeons' change in
      leak testing from 6 mo before to 6 mo after an anastomotic leak occurred.
      RESULTS: Across 4854 elective colorectal operations performed by 282 surgeons at
      44 hospitals, there was a leak rate of 2.6% (n = 124). The 40 leaks (32%) in
      which the anastomosis was not tested occurred across 25 surgeons. While the
      ability to detect an overall difference in use of leak testing was limited by
      small sample size, nine (36%) of 25 surgeons increased their leak testing by 5%
      points or more after leaks in cases where the anastomosis was not tested.
      Surgeons who increased their leak testing more frequently performed operations
      for diverticulitis (45% versus 33%), more frequently began their cases
      laparoscopically (65% versus 37%), and had longer mean operative times (195 +/-
      99 versus 148 +/- 87 min), all P < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: Recency effect was
      demonstrated by only one-third of eligible surgeons. Understanding the extent to
      which clinical decisions may be influenced by recency effect may be important in
      crafting quality improvement initiatives that require clinician behavior change.

PMID- 27664887
TI  - Prognostic impact of carcinoembryonic antigen and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 in
      stage IV colorectal cancer patients after R0 resection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen (pre-CEA) and
      carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (pre-CA 19-9) are reportedly prognostic indicators for
      colorectal cancer (CRC), the prognostic roles of postoperative CEA (post-CEA) and
      CA 19-9 (post-CA 19-9) shortly after surgery have not been clarified in patients
      with curatively resected stage IV CRC. The aim of this study was to evaluate the
      predictive abilities of post-CEA and post-CA 19-9. METHODS: A total of 129
      consecutive patients who had stage IV CRC and underwent R0 resection were
      retrospectively analyzed. Pre-CEA and post-CEA and CA 19-9 levels were measured
      within 1 mo before and 3 mo after surgery, respectively. Relapse-free survival
      (RFS) and overall survival were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and
      multivariate analysis was performed using the Cox proportional hazards model.
      RESULTS: Pre-CEA was elevated (>=5.0 ng/mL) in 73.6% of the patients and remained
      elevated after surgery in 32.7% of the patients. Elevated post-CA 19-9 (>=50
      U/mL) was observed in 9.5% of the patients. Neither elevated pre-CEA nor elevated
      pre-CA 19-9 was significantly associated with RFS but both elevated post-CEA and
      elevated post-CA 19-9 were associated with markedly reduced RFS (P = 0.0002 and P
      = 0.0004, respectively). When considered in combination, post-CEA and post-CA 19
      9 significantly stratified RFS and was an independent predictive factor for
      recurrence (P = 0.0035), as was lymphatic invasion (P = 0.0015). Post-CA 19-9 was
      the only evident independent predictive factor for overall survival (P = 0.0336).
      CONCLUSIONS: In patients with stage IV CRC who underwent curative resection, the
      combination of post-CEA and post-CA 19-9 at 3 mo after surgery was a potent
      prognostic indicator for recurrence.

PMID- 27664885
TI  - Age and preexisting conditions as risk factors for severe adverse events and
      failure to rescue after injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Failure to rescue (FTR: the conditional probability of death after
      complication) has been studied in trauma cohorts, but the impact of age and
      preexisting conditions (PECs) on risk of FTR is not well known. We assessed the
      relationship between age and PECs on the risk of experiencing serious adverse
      events (SAEs) subsequent FTR in trauma patients with the hypothesis that
      increased comorbidity burden and age would be associated with increased FTR.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort analysis at an urban
      level 1 trauma center in Pennsylvania. All patients aged >=16 y with minimum
      Abbreviated Injury Scale score >=2 from 2009 to 2013 were included. Univariate
      logistic regression models for SAE and FTR were developed using age, PECs,
      demographics, and injury physiology. Variables found to be associated with the
      end point of interest (P <= 0.2) in univariate analysis were included in separate
      multivariable logistic regression models for each outcome. RESULTS: SAE occurred
      in 1136 of 7533 (15.1 %) patients meeting inclusion criteria (median age 42
      [interquartile range 26-59], 53% African-American, 72% male, 79% blunt, median
      ISS 10 [interquartile range 5-17]). Of those who experienced an SAE, 129 of 1136
      patients subsequently died (FTR = 11.4%). Development of SAE and FTR was
      associated with age >= 70 y (odds ratio 1.58-1.78, 95% confidence interval 1.13
      2.82). Renal disease was the only preexisting condition associated with both SAE
      and FTR. CONCLUSIONS: Trauma patients with renal disease are mostly at increased
      risk for both SAE and FTR, but other PECs associated with SAE are not necessarily
      those associated with FTR. Future interventions designed to reduce FTR events
      should target this high-risk cohort.

PMID- 27664888
TI  - Frozen section analysis in the post-Bethesda era.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The utility of frozen section (FS) for indeterminate thyroid nodules
      is controversial. In 2009, the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid
      Cytopathology was established to further subcategorize indeterminate fine-needle
      aspiration results (follicular lesions, FL) into Bethesda category 3 (BC3) and
      Bethesda category 4 (BC4). We hypothesize that FS will have less utility in the
      evaluation of BC3 lesions when compared to BC4. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of
      479 patients who underwent thyroid lobectomy from January 2008 to July 2014 were
      retrospectively reviewed. Patients without appropriate Bethesda categorization
      were excluded. A total of 135 patients (65 FL, 45 BC3, 25 BC4) comprised the
      study groups. The sensitivity and specificity of FS within these three categories
      were determined. RESULTS: In the FL group, 6 of 65 patients were found to have
      thyroid cancer. Three were identified on frozen section (FS) resulting in a
      sensitivity and specificity of 50% and 100%, respectively. Thus, FS changed the
      operation in 3 of 65 cases (4.6%). In the BC3 group, 5 of 45 patients were found
      to have cancer. One was identified on FS resulting in a sensitivity and
      specificity of 20% and 100%, respectively. Thus, FS changed the operation in 1 of
      45 patients (2.2%). In the BC4 group, 4 of 25 patients were found to have cancer.
      Two were identified on FS resulting in a sensitivity and specificity of 50% and
      100% respectively. Thus, FS changed the operation in 2 of 25 patients (8%).
      CONCLUSIONS: There is improved utility of FS in BC 4 patients as 8% avoided
      reoperation. However, this benefit hinges on surgeon practice regarding the
      management of differentiated thyroid cancer >1 cm and <4 cm.

PMID- 27664889
TI  - Preoperative cancer cachexia and short-term outcomes following surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cancer cachexia is an important measure of physiologic reserve
      associated with worse survival and represents an actionable factor for the cancer
      population. However, the incidence of cachexia in surgical cancer patients and
      its impact on postoperative outcomes are currently unknown. METHODS: A
      prospective cohort study enrolling patients having elective cancer surgery (2012
      2014) at a Veterans Affairs tertiary referral center. Preoperative cancer
      cachexia (weight loss >=5% over 6-mo period before surgery) was the predictor of
      interest. The primary outcome was 60-d postoperative complications (VA Surgical
      Quality Improvement Program). Patients were grouped by body mass index (BMI)
      category (<25, 25-29.9, >=30), and interaction between cachexia and BMI was
      tested for the primary outcome. Multivariate logistic regression was used to
      examine the association between preoperative cachexia and postoperative
      complications. RESULTS: Of 253 patients, 16.6% had preoperative cachexia, and
      51.8% developed >= 1 postoperative complications. Complications were more common
      in cachectic patients (64.3% versus 49.3%, P = 0.07). This association varied by
      BMI category, and interaction analysis was significant for those with normal or
      underweight BMI (BMI < 25, P = 0.03). After multivariate modeling, in patients
      with normal or underweight BMI, preoperative cachexia was associated with higher
      odds of postoperative complications (odds ratios, 5.08 [95% confidence intervals,
      1.18-21.88]; P = 0.029). Additional predictors of complications included major
      surgery (3.19 [1.24-8.21], P = 0.01), ostomy (4.43 [1.68-11.72], P = 0.003), and
      poor baseline performance status (2.31 [1.05-5.08], P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS:
      Cancer cachexia is common in surgical patients, and is an important predictor of
      postoperative complications, though its effect varies by BMI. As a modifiable
      predictor of worse outcomes, future studies should examine the role of cachexia
      treatment before cancer surgery.

PMID- 27664890
TI  - Recovery and convalescence after laparoscopic surgery for appendicitis: A
      longitudinal cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Information about predictors for the duration of convalescence and
      the overall general wellbeing after laparoscopic surgery for suspected
      appendicitis is missing in the scientific literature. We aimed to describe and
      identify predictors for the duration of convalescence and the quality of recovery
      for patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for suspected appendicitis. METHODS:
      A prospective cohort of adult patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for
      suspected appendicitis was performed between July 2014 and December 2014.
      Patients completed a QoR-15 questionnaire six times during the 30-d postoperative
      period. Time until resumption of recreational and occupational activities was
      recorded. Potential predictors for the duration of convalescence and the quality
      of recovery measured by the QoR-15 score were identified. RESULTS: A total of 108
      patients were included, and 95 patients were eligible for analysis. The median
      duration of convalescence was 13 d. Disease, depressive mood, level of
      recreational activities, age, and pain at rest on the first postoperative day
      were significant predictors of the duration of convalescence. Gender,
      postoperative complications, disease, and anxiety were significant predictors of
      the quality of recovery during the 30-d postoperative period. A 10% increase in
      the QoR-15 score increased the hazard ratio of 1.24 (95% confidence interval,
      1.08-1.43, P = 0.002) for ending the period of convalescence. CONCLUSIONS:
      Duration of convalescence after laparoscopic surgery for appendicitis seems long.
      Psychological factors, demographical factors, and perioperative outcomes were
      important predictors for the quality of recovery and the duration of
      convalescence. Increased quality of recovery is associated with a shorter period
      of convalescence.

PMID- 27664891
TI  - Long-term central venous access in a pediatric leukemia population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Central venous access devices (CVADs) play an important role in the
      management of pediatric oncology patients; unfortunately, they are also
      associated with potentially serious complication rates. We hypothesized that,
      despite the significantly different disease courses typical of acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia and acute myelogenous leukemia, there would be
      identifiable risk factors for premature CVAD removal. METHODS: We retrospectively
      studied clinical characteristics and procedure records for all patients admitted
      with a leukemia diagnosis at our institution from May 2009 to July 2014. RESULTS:
      Our observed perioperative complication rate was 6%; over 70% of lines had at
      least one long-term complication (thrombosis, catheter-related bloodstream
      infection, or unexplained line malfunction). Obesity (odds ratio [OR], 6.9; 95%
      CI, 1.62-29.43), preoperative dosage of packed red blood cells (in mL/kg; OR,
      3.13; 1.07-9.21), bloodstream infection (OR, 5.75; 1.69-19.56) were associated
      with increased risk of premature catheter removal; unexplained malfunction was
      associated with a lower risk (OR, 0.28; 0.09-0.93). CONCLUSIONS: Obesity, the
      preoperative dosage of packed red blood cells, the presence of a bloodstream
      infection, and unexplained line malfunction are significant predictors of
      premature CVAD removal in a pediatric leukemia population.

PMID- 27664892
TI  - Effects of hydrogen sulfide on cognitive dysfunction and NR2B in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (hepatic I/R) has been found to induce
      cognitive dysfunction. The NR2B subunit of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors
      is a major factor in memory and learning processes, and hydrogen sulfide (H2S)
      may modulate this NMDA receptor. Therefore, in this study, sodium hydrosulfide
      (NaHS, a donor of H2S) was administered in an animal model of hepatic I/R to
      investigate the effects of H2S on cognitive impairment and expression of NR2B.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: NaHS (5 mg/kg) or normal saline was administered
      intraperitoneally once a day for 11 consecutive days, during which a rat model of
      70% hepatic I/R was established on the fourth day. Cognitive function was
      evaluated using a Morris water maze, mRNA and protein levels of the NR2B subunit
      were detected in the hippocampus by RT-PCR and Western blotting. All these tests
      were performed on postoperative days 1, 3, 5, and 7. RESULTS: Cognitive
      dysfunction was detected in the hepatic I/R group, and this dysfunction was
      associated with a decrease in the mRNA and protein levels of the NR2B subunit of
      the NMDA receptors in the hippocampus. In contrast, treatment with NaHS
      significantly ameliorated the impairment of cognitive function caused by hepatic
      I/R, and an increase in mRNA and protein levels of the NR2B subunit was detected
      in the corresponding hippocampus tissues. CONCLUSIONS: The present data suggest
      that H2S exerts a protective effect on hepatic I/R-induced cognitive impairment,
      and this effect may be associated with the NR2B subunit of the NMDA receptors.
      H2S may represent a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of postoperative
      cognitive dysfunction after liver surgery.

PMID- 27664893
TI  - Strength and histology of a nanofiber scaffold in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Full-thickness soft tissue defects from congenital absence or
      traumatic loss are difficult to surgically manage. Healing requires cell
      migration, organization of an extracellular matrix, inflammation, and wound
      coverage. PLCL (70:30 lactide:caprolactone, Purac), poly(propylene glycol)
      nanofibrous scaffolds enhance cell infiltration in vitro. This study compares
      strength and tissue ingrowth of aligned and unaligned nanofibrous scaffolds to
      absorbable and permanent meshes. We hypothesize that PLCL nanofibrous grafts will
      provide strength necessary for physiological function while serving as a scaffold
      to guide native tissue regeneration in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Abdominal
      wall defects were created in 126 rats followed by underlay implantation of
      Vicryl, Gore-Tex, aligned, or unaligned PLCL Nanofiber mesh. Specimens were
      harvested at 2, 6, and 12 wk for strength testing and 2, 12, and 24 wk for
      histopathologic evaluation. Specimens were graded for cellular infiltration,
      multinucleated giant cells (MNG), vascularity, and tissue organization. Mean
      scores were compared and analyzed with non-parametric testing. RESULTS: The PLCL
      grafts maintained structural integrity until at least 12 wk and exhibited
      substantial tissue replacement at 24 wk. At 12 wk, only the aligned PLCL had
      persistent cellular infiltration of the graft, whereas both aligned and unaligned
      PLCL grafts showed the presence of MNG. The presence of MNGs decreased in the
      aligned PLCL graft by 24 wk. CONCLUSIONS: The aligned PLCL nanofiber mesh offers
      early strength comparable to Gore-Tex but breaks down and is replaced with
      cellular ingrowth creating a favorable option in management of complex surgical
      wounds or native soft tissue defects.

PMID- 27664894
TI  - Periadventitial adipose tissue modulates the effect of PROLI/NO on neointimal
      hyperplasia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Periadventitial delivery of nitric oxide (NO) inhibits neointimal
      hyperplasia; however, the effect of periadventitial adipose tissue on the
      efficacy of NO at inhibiting neointimal hyperplasia has not been studied. The aim
      of our study was to assess the effect of NO in the presence and absence of
      periadventitial adipose tissue. We hypothesized that removal of periadventitial
      adipose tissue will increase neointimal formation and that NO will be more
      effective at inhibiting neointimal hyperplasia. METHODS: The effect of NO on 3T3
      fibroblasts, adventitial fibroblast (AF), and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC)
      proliferation was assessed by (3)H-thymidine incorporation in adipocyte
      conditioned or regular media. The rat carotid artery balloon injury model was
      performed on male Sprague-Dawley rats. Before balloon injury, periadventitial
      adipose tissue was removed (excised model) or remained intact (intact model).
      Treatment groups included injury or injury with periadventitial application of
      PROLI/NO. Adiponectin receptor (AR) levels were assessed via immunofluorescence.
      RESULTS: Adipocyte-conditioned media had an antiproliferative effect on 3T3 and
      AF and a proproliferative effect on VSMC in vitro. Interestingly, NO was less
      effective at inhibiting 3T3 and AF proliferation and more effective at inhibiting
      VSMC proliferation in adipocyte-conditioned media. In vivo, the excised group
      showed increased neointimal hyperplasia 2 wk after surgery compared with the
      intact group. NO reduced neointimal hyperplasia to a greater extent in the
      excised group compared with the intact group. Although NO inhibited or had no
      impact on AR levels in the intact group, NO increased AR levels in media and
      adventitia of the excised group. CONCLUSIONS: These data show that
      periadventitial adipose tissue plays a role in regulating the arterial injury
      response and the efficacy of NO treatment in the vasculature.

PMID- 27664895
TI  - A comparison of initial lactate and initial base deficit as predictors of
      mortality after severe blunt trauma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: After injury, base deficit (BD) and lactate are common measures of
      shock. Lactate directly measures anaerobic byproducts, whereas BD is calculated
      and multifactorial. Although recent studies suggest superiority for lactate in
      predicting mortality, most were small or analyzed populations with heterogeneous
      injury severity. Our objective was to compare initial BD with lactate as
      predictors of inhospital mortality in a large cohort of blunt trauma patients all
      presenting with hemorrhagic shock. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Glue Grant
      multicenter prospective cohort database was queried; demographic, injury, and
      physiologic parameters were compiled. Survivors, early deaths (<=24 h), and late
      deaths were compared. Profound shock (lactate >= 4 mmol/L) and severe traumatic
      brain injury subgroups were identified a priori. Chi-square, t-test, and analysis
      of variance were used as appropriate for analysis. Multivariable logistic
      regression and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis
      assessed survival predictors. P < 0.05 was significant. RESULTS: A total of 1829
      patients met inclusion; 289 (15.8%) died. Both BD and lactate were higher for
      nonsurvivors (P < 0.00001). After multivariable regression, both lactate (odds
      ratio [OR] 1.17; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12-1.23; P < 0.00001) and BD (OR
      1.04; 95% CI: 1.01-1.07; P < 0.005) predicted overall mortality. However, when
      excluding early deaths (n = 77), only lactate (OR 1.12 95% CI: 1.06-1.19; P <
      0.0001) remained predictive but not BD (OR 1.00 95% CI: 0.97-1.04; P = 0.89). For
      the shock subgroup, (n = 915), results were similar with lactate, but not BD,
      predicting both early and late deaths. Findings also appear independent of
      traumatic brain injury severity. CONCLUSIONS: After severe blunt trauma, initial
      lactate better predicts inhospital mortality than initial BD. Initial BD does not
      predict mortality for patients who survive >24 h.

PMID- 27664896
TI  - Intensive care unit admission predicts hospital readmission in pediatric trauma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hospital readmission in adult trauma is associated with significant
      morbidity, mortality, and resource utilization. In this study, we examine
      pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission as a risk factor for hospital
      readmission in pediatric trauma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective
      cohort study of patients aged 1 through 19 y in the Pediatric Health Information
      System database discharged with a trauma diagnosis. Patient and clinical
      variables included demographics, payer status, length of stay, chronic comorbid
      conditions, presence of mechanical ventilation, all-patient refined diagnosis
      related group and calculated severity of illness, and discharge disposition. The
      main outcome variable was hospital readmission within 30 d of discharge. Odds
      ratios (ORs) were calculated in both univariate and multivariate analyses with
      corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: During the 5-year study
      period, 90,467 patients were admitted with a trauma diagnosis, of which 16,279
      (18.0%) were admitted to the PICU. Hospital readmissions occurred in 3.1% of
      patients. On univariate analysis, patients admitted to the PICU on the first day
      of hospital admission (direct PICU admission), and those first admitted to the
      PICU after the day of hospital admission (delayed PICU admission), had 2-3 times
      the risk of hospital readmission compared with those never admitted to the PICU
      (4.8% versus 7.2% versus 2.7%, respectively, P < 0.001). On multivariate
      analysis, controlling for demographic and clinical variables, the adjusted ORs
      for hospital readmission in patients with direct and delayed PICU admission were
      1.34 (95% CI 1.20-1.50) and 1.88 (95% CI 1.50-2.35) versus no PICU admission,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: PICU admission, either direct or delayed, during
      hospitalization for trauma care is an independent risk factor for hospital
      readmission within 30 d of discharge. Further risk stratification may help focus
      resources on high-risk patients to improve clinical outcomes and reduce
      readmissions.

PMID- 27664897
TI  - Erythropoietin-activated mesenchymal stem cells promote healing ulcers by
      improving microenvironment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation is an effective treatment
      therapy for ischemic ulcers. However, in high-glucose microenvironment, the
      original inflammation-inhibiting function of MSCs leads to turns into secreting
      large amounts of inflammatory mediators, such as tumor necrosis factor alpha, for
      example, which decreases their capacity and becomes poor quality stem cells over
      inflammation cells for diabetic foot ulcers repair in the healing of diabetic
      foot ulcers. Erythropoietin (EPO) is an anti-inflammatory, proangiogenic
      cytokine. It is unclear whether EPO-activated MSCs with biomaterials can promote
      the effective healing of diabetic foot ulcers. METHODS: Cultivated MSCs in MSC-L,
      MSC-H, EPO-G, Akt-G, and mTOR-G, then separated the supernatant-conditioned
      medium of these groups to stimulate human umbilical vein endothelial cells on
      proliferation and migration experiments; a new type of biomaterial planted with
      the EPO-activated MSCs was applied to the diabetic foot ulcers of the C57 mice.
      RESULTS: In vitro experiments showed that EPO could stimulate MSCs to secrete
      vascular endothelial growth factor in high-glucose microenvironment. More
      importantly, EPO could reduce the damage to MSCs by high-glucose
      microenvironment, promote their proliferation and migration functions, and
      inhibit the high-glucose-induced MSCs from secreting the inflammatory mediator
      tumor necrosis factor alpha. In vivo experiments showed greater angiogenesis in
      EPO-MSC group than in control group, ulcer healing in EPO-MSC group was
      significantly better than that in control group, and MSCs partially
      differentiated into endothelial cells. EPO-activated MSCs could inhibit the
      monocyte invasion of localized diabetic foot ulcers. CONCLUSIONS: Our results
      indicate that EPO-activated MSCs can promote the effective healing of diabetic
      foot ulcers. The mechanism is that EPO can change stem cells from excessive
      inflammation into general inflammation and improved diabetic foot ulcers
      inflammatory microenvironment.

PMID- 27664898
TI  - Comparison between metallic stent and transanal decompression tube for malignant
      large-bowel obstruction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The short-term safety and efficacy of a self-expandable metallic
      colonic stent (SEMS) insertion followed by elective surgery, "bridge to surgery
      (BTS)", for malignant large-bowel obstruction (MLBO) have been well described
      comparing with emergency surgery. The aim of this study was to compare short-term
      outcomes of endoscopic decompression using a SEMS versus a transanal
      decompression tube (TDT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2005 to November
      2014, a total of 101 patients with MLBO underwent surgery at our single
      institution were retrospectively identified. Among them, 73 patients who
      underwent preoperative complete insertion of a decompression device (TDT, n = 45;
      SEMS, n = 28) were finally included in this study. Six patients with incomplete
      insertion of a decompression device (TDT, n = 5; SEMS, n = 1) were also excluded.
      The primary endpoints of this study were the postoperative morbidity and
      mortality rates. The secondary endpoints were decompression-related outcomes.
      Additionally, propensity score matched (PSM) analysis was conducted in short-term
      outcomes between the groups. RESULTS: The SEMS group had significantly higher
      proportion of right-sided tumor and bigger tumor size compared with those of the
      TDT group. The SEMS group had a significantly higher proportion of patients who
      underwent laparoscopic surgery, and consequently, a longer surgical duration than
      did the TDT group. Higher rates of insertion failure and perforation were
      recognized in the TDT group than in the SEMS group (10.0% versus 3.6% and 8.9%
      versus 0.0%, respectively), although these differences were not statistically
      significant (P = 0.406 and 0.291, respectively). The two groups showed similar
      occurrences of anastomotic leakage, bowel obstruction, overall complications, and
      mortality. Compared with the TDT group, the SEMS group had a significantly lower
      rate of surgical site infection (24.4% versus 3.6%, respectively; P = 0.023 and P
      = 0.025 after PSM) and a shorter length of hospital stay (median, 21 d
      [interquartile range, 18-29 d] versus 38 d [interquartile range, 28-45 d],
      respectively; P = 0.015 and P = 0.003 after PSM). Solid food intake after
      decompression and preoperative temporary discharge occurred only in the SEMS
      group. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative SEMS insertion for MLBO is effective with at
      least equivalent short-term outcomes and superior preoperative quality of life
      compared with decompression using TDT.

PMID- 27664899
TI  - Multidisciplinary approach to decrease pediatric trauma undertriage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Trauma activation and/or leveling criteria are designed to balance
      the potential harm to individual patients from undertriage (UT) of severe
      injuries versus overutilization of resources from overtriage (OT) of lesser
      injuries. The American College of Surgeons (ACS) recommends an acceptable UT rate
      <=5% and OT 25%-50%. To improve UT or OT, an intervention was performed to (1)
      improve accuracy in following established leveling criteria and (2) modify
      activation criteria in an evidence-based manner to better identify severely
      injured children. METHODS: Results from a prospective, interventional process
      improvement study performed at an ACS-verified level I pediatric trauma center
      are reported. The baseline period included all pediatric trauma patients who met
      registry inclusion criteria for 2010. The intervention period included two
      consecutive 3-mo periods in 2011-2012; phase I of the study involved moving the
      leveling responsibility from emergency department physicians to the nursing care
      team leaders. Phase II of the study implemented revised leveling criteria.
      Sustainability was assessed by evaluating data from 2014. RESULTS: In phase I,
      accuracy in assigned trauma activation level improved from 70% to 99%. UT
      decreased 10%-8%, and OT decreased 37.5%-33.3%. In phase II, UT decreased 8%
      5.1%, and OT increased 33%-40%. Adherence to the activation criteria remained
      stable (95%). For 2014, UT was 5.3% and OT was 18.2% demonstrating
      sustainability. CONCLUSIONS: Shifting trauma leveling responsibilities to nursing
      care team leaders improved accuracy. Revising the activation criteria to include
      Center for Disease Control and ACS guidelines, as well as tailoring the
      activation criteria to the program-specific population, further reduced UT rates
      in a sustainable fashion.

PMID- 27664900
TI  - The role of computed tomography angiography in the detection of aerodigestive
      tract injury following penetrating neck injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to audit our experience with computed
      tomography angiography (CTA) for the detection of aerodigestive tract injury
      (ADTI) following penetrating neck injury (PNI) and to assess the significance of
      deep surgical emphysema on CTA. METHODS: A prospectively maintained trauma
      registry at the Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Trauma Service, Pietermaritzburg,
      South Africa was retrospectively interrogated. The data of all patients with PNI
      investigated with CTA over a 4-y period were reviewed. All findings of deep
      surgical emphysema were correlated to an aggregate standard of reference for ADTI
      as demonstrated by results from clinical examination, surgical neck exploration,
      endoscopy or contrasted swallow to determine the sensitivity, specificity,
      positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of this
      finding. RESULTS: A total of 383 patients underwent a CTA for PNI. A total of 94
      vascular injuries were identified on 78 positive CTA studies. The sensitivity and
      specificity of CTA in detecting a vascular injury were 94.4% and 96.7%. Of the
      383 patients investigated a total of 38 patients were diagnosed with digestive
      tract injury (DTI), and all of these patients were found to have deep surgical
      emphysema on CTA, except for one patient with a clinically insignificant oral
      cavity injury. Another 126 patients also had deep surgical emphysema on CTA but
      no DTI. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of deep surgical emphysema for
      the diagnosis of confirmed DTI in PNI were therefore 97.4%, 63.5%, 22.7%, and
      99.5%, respectively. The sensitivity and NPV were, however, 100% when clinically
      insignificant injuries were excluded. Including patients with confirmed airway
      injuries and excluding all patients with pneumothoraces yielded a sensitivity,
      specificity, PPV, and NPV of 94.1%, 71.9%, 30.0%, and 98.9%, respectively, for
      the identification of ADTI. When excluding surgically irrelevant injuries, the
      sensitivity and NPV were again both 100%. CONCLUSIONS: CTA for PNI has a high
      sensitivity and specificity for demonstrating vascular injury. The absence of
      deep surgical emphysema in the deep cervical fascial planes virtually excludes
      surgically significant ADTI. The presence of deep surgical emphysema is
      nonspecific but warrants further investigation.

PMID- 27664901
TI  - Leukocyte filtration and postoperative infections.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Leukocyte filtration has been hypothesized to reduce the risk of
      postoperative infections by alleviating the immunosuppressive effect of whole
      blood. However, the literature regarding the clinical efficacy of leukocyte
      filtration remains conflicted. This meta-analysis investigates the impact of
      allogeneic and autologous leukocyte-filtered blood transfusions on the incidence
      of postoperative infections in adult surgical patients. METHODS: A comprehensive
      literature search of PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Central Registry of
      Controlled trials (1966-2016) was completed for all published randomized
      controlled trials. Postoperative infections under "as-per-protocol" (APP) and
      "intention-to-treat" (ITT), length of stay, and mortality were analyzed. RESULTS:
      Sixteen randomized controlled trials involving 6586 randomized (ITT) patients
      (4615 APP patients) in various clinical settings were evaluated. The leukocyte
      filtered blood group demonstrated an overall 26% risk reduction in postoperative
      infections when analyzed by APP (relative risk [RR] = 0.74; 95% confidence
      interval [CI, 0.60-0.92]; P = 0.007) and a 22% risk reduction when analyzed by
      ITT (RR = 0.78; 95% CI [0.65-0.94]; P = 0.009). Leukocyte-filtered blood was also
      associated with a significant reduction in length of stay (standardized
      difference of mean [SDM] = -0.74; 95% CI [-1.32 to -0.15]; P = 0.014) and all
      cause mortality (RR = 0.74; 95% CI [0.57-0.95]; P = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS:
      Leukocyte-filtered blood transfusions are associated with significantly lower
      postoperative infection rates in both the APP and ITT populations. Leukocyte
      filtration also shortens length of stay and decreases all-cause mortality in
      surgical patients and should be considered in all surgical patients.

PMID- 27664902
TI  - Host sphingosine kinase 1 worsens pancreatic cancer peritoneal carcinomatosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are no effective treatments for pancreatic cancer peritoneal
      carcinomatosis (PC) or cancer dissemination in abdominal cavity. Sphingosine-1
      phosphate (S1P), a bioactive lipid mediator produced by sphingosine kinases
      (SphK1 and SphK2), plays critical roles in cancer progression. We reported that
      SphK1, but not SphK2, is responsible for S1P export from breast cancer cells and
      recently discovered that S1P is linked to inflammation and cancer in colitis
      associated cancer progression. Given the fact that inflammation is known to be
      essential for the establishment and progression of PC, we hypothesized that SphK1
      in the host animals is involved in progression of pancreatic cancer PC. METHODS:
      Murine pancreatic adenocarcinoma panc02-luc cells were intraperitoneally injected
      into wildtype or SphK1 knockout (KO) mice to generate a syngeneic PC model. Cell
      proliferation and apoptosis were determined by Ki67 and TUNEL staining,
      respectively. RESULTS: All the animals developed panc02-luc PC. SphK1 KO mice
      developed significantly less tumor burden, less total tumor weight, and fewer
      number of PC nodules at 14 d after implantation. Histologically, less
      inflammatory cell infiltration and less cancer cell proliferation were observed
      in the tumors. There was no difference in apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: Our results
      raise an intriguing possibility that S1P generated by SphK1 in the host promotes
      pancreatic cancer PC progression by stimulation of proliferation of cancer cells.

PMID- 27664903
TI  - VNTR diversity in Yersinia pestis isolates from an animal challenge study reveals
      the potential for in vitro mutations during laboratory cultivation.
AB  - Underlying mutation rates and other evolutionary forces shape the population
      structure of bacteria in nature. Although easily overlooked, similar forces are
      at work in the laboratory and may influence observed mutations. Here, we
      investigated tissue samples and Yersinia pestis isolates from a rodent laboratory
      challenge with strain CO92 using whole genome sequencing and multi-locus variable
      number tandem repeat (VNTR) analysis (MLVA). We identified six VNTR mutations
      that were found to have occurred in vitro during laboratory cultivation rather
      than in vivo during the rodent challenge. In contrast, no single nucleotide
      polymorphism (SNP) mutations were observed, either in vivo or in vitro. These
      results were consistent with previously published mutation rates and the
      calculated number of Y. pestis generations that occurred during the in vitro
      versus the in vivo portions of the experiment. When genotyping disease outbreaks,
      the potential for in vitro mutations should be considered, particularly when
      highly variable genetic markers such as VNTRs are used.

PMID- 27664904
TI  - Optical monitoring of retinal respiration in real time: 670 nm light increases
      the redox state of mitochondria.
AB  - Mitochondria play a key role in ageing and disease. Their membrane potentials and
      ATP production decline with age and this is associated with progressive
      inflammation, cell loss and death. Here we use broadband Near-Infrared
      Spectroscopy (NIRS) to non-invasively measure in-vivo changes in aged retinal
      mitochondrial respiration following exposure to 670 nm, which improves
      mitochondrial performance and reduces inflammation. Low power NIR light was shone
      into the eye via a fibre optic and the reflection monitored to measure signature
      changes in the oxidation of cytochrome c oxidase (COX) in complex IV of the
      electron transport chain. Changes in retinal haemodynamics and oxygenation were
      also recorded simultaneously with COX by measuring changes in oxygenated and
      deoxygenated haemoglobin (Delta[HbO2] and Delta[HHb]). Retinae of aged rats
      exposed to 670 nm for 5 mins showed consistent progressive increases in oxidation
      of COX 5 mins post exposure. This remained significantly greater than baseline
      for up to 2 h. This was not seen when retinae were exposed to 420 nm light of the
      same power or when no light was applied. 670 nm exposure significantly increased
      total haemoglobin concentration (Delta[HbT] = Delta[HbO2] +Delta[HHb]) but not
      haemoglobin difference (Delta[HbDiff] = Delta[HbO2] -Delta[HHb]). There were no
      changes in blood metrics in association with 420 nm light or when no light
      exposure was given. Hence, brief 670 nm exposure that is associated with reduced
      inflammation has a significant positive impact on the redox state of COX in aged
      retinae. The relative redox state of retinal COX may provide a valuable biomarker
      in ageing and macular degeneration where declining mitochondrial function is
      implicated.

PMID- 27664905
TI  - Axonal protection by thioredoxin-1 with inhibition of interleukin-1beta in TNF
      induced optic nerve degeneration.
AB  - Interleukin (IL)-1beta, a proinflammatory cytokine, is a key mediator in several
      acute and chronic neurological diseases. Thioredoxin-1 (TRX1) acts as an
      antioxidant and plays a protective role in certain neurons. We examined whether
      exogenous TRX1 exerts axonal protection and affects IL-1beta levels in tumor
      necrosis factor (TNF)-induced optic nerve degeneration in rats. Immunoblot
      analysis showed that IL-1beta was upregulated in the optic nerve after
      intravitreal injection of TNF. Treatment with recombinant human (rh) TRX1 exerted
      substantial protective effects against TNF-induced axonal loss. The increase in
      the IL-1beta level in the optic nerve was abolished by rhTRX1. Treatment with
      rhTRX1 also significantly inhibited increased glial fibrillary acidic protein
      (GFAP) levels induced by TNF. Immunohistochemical analysis showed substantial
      colocalization of IL-1beta and GFAP in the optic nerve after TNF injection. These
      results suggest that IL-1beta is upregulated in astrocytes in the optic nerve
      after TNF injection and that exogenous rhTRX1 exerts axonal protection with an
      inhibitory effect on IL-1beta.

PMID- 27664906
TI  - Dr. Hugh Hampton Young's Impact on Venereal Disease During World War I: The
      Chaste of American Soldiers.

PMID- 27664907
TI  - In search of best practice for postpartum depression screening: is once enough?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Postpartum depression (PPD) causes significant morbidity in
      postpartum women and their newborns. Universal screening is mandated in many
      states despite little information on optimal interval and frequency of screening.
      OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine whether the early
      Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score (done within 96h after
      delivery) is predictive of the late EPDS score (done at outpatient postpartum
      visit). STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective cohort study selected 256 women
      delivered at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, NJ in 2013. All patients who
      presented to the office during the postpartum period completed the EPDS
      questionnaire, in accordance to our usual practice. The delivery and outpatient
      records were reviewed for demographic data, EPDS scores and outcomes. Three
      groups of EPDS scoring were analyzed: <10 (low risk for PPD), 10-13 (borderline
      risk for PPD), and >=14 (high risk for PPD). Early and late EPDS scores were
      compared using Pearson Chi Square test. The relationship between scores was
      calculated using the Spearman Rho Correlation test. Assuming the EPDS groups
      would not change, a sample of 200 was needed with 80% power and 5% alpha-error.
      RESULTS: EPDS scores remained the same or improved in 92.2% (189/205) of women.
      The 16 women whose scores worsened were more likely to have had a diagnosis of
      prior psychiatric illness (50% vs 16.4%, p=0.003) and/or a diagnosis of fetal
      anomaly (12.5 vs 1.6%, p=0.05). An early EPDS score of <10 had a 92.7%
      probability of maintaining low risk screening (EPDS <10) at a later time.
      CONCLUSIONS: In low risk women, there is good correlation between early and late
      EPDS scores and so these women may not need to be rescreened. Therefore, we
      should redirect the limited available resources from screening low risk women
      multiple times, towards provision of follow-up care for the smaller number of
      women at highest risk. We propose that "women know your number" (EPDS prior to
      discharge); and providers re-screen only those women who score positive on PAP10,
      which stands for Psychiatry history, Anomaly, Preterm delivery, and EPDS score of
      10 or more.

PMID- 27664909
TI  - Iris Recognition Technology (or, Musings While Going through Airport Security).

PMID- 27664908
TI  - A genetic cluster of patients with variant xeroderma pigmentosum with two
      different founder mutations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a rare human syndrome associated with
      hypersensitivity to sunlight and a high frequency of skin tumours at an early
      age. We identified a community in the state of Goias (central Brazil), a sunny
      and tropical region, with a high incidence of XP (17 patients among approximately
      1000 inhabitants). OBJECTIVES: To identify gene mutations in the affected
      community and map the distribution of the affected alleles, correlating the
      mutations with clinical phenotypes. METHODS: Functional analyses of DNA repair
      capacity and cell-cycle responses after ultraviolet exposure were investigated in
      cells from local patients with XP, allowing the identification of the mutated
      gene, which was then sequenced to locate the mutations. A specific assay was
      designed for mapping the distribution of these mutations in the community.
      RESULTS: Skin primary fibroblasts showed normal DNA damage removal but abnormal
      DNA synthesis after ultraviolet irradiation and deficient expression of the
      Poleta protein, which is encoded by POLH. We detected two different POLH
      mutations: one at the splice donor site of intron 6 (c.764 +1 G>A), and the other
      in exon 8 (c.907 C>T, p.Arg303X). The mutation at intron 6 is novel, whereas the
      mutation at exon 8 has been previously described in Europe. Thus, these mutations
      were likely brought to the community long ago, suggesting two founder effects for
      this rare disease. CONCLUSIONS: This work describes a genetic cluster involving
      POLH, and, particularly unexpected, with two independent founder mutations,
      including one that likely originated in Europe.

PMID- 27664910
TI  - Epicapsular Stars.

PMID- 27664911
TI  - Pigmented Paravenous Retinochoroidal Atrophy.

PMID- 27664912
TI  - Merkel Cell Carcinoma of the Eyelid.

PMID- 27664913
TI  - Antimony Intraocular Foreign Body with an Intact Electroretinogram.

PMID- 27664914
TI  - Re: Cheng et al.: Amiodarone-associated optic neuropathy: a nationwide study
      (Ophthalmology 2015;122:2553-9).

PMID- 27664915
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 27664916
TI  - Re: Clark et al.: Intravitreal aflibercept for macular edema following branch
      retinal vein occlusion: 52-week results of the VIBRANT Study (Ophthalmology
      2016;123:330-6).

PMID- 27664917
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 27664918
TI  - Re: Panarelli et al.: A retrospective comparison of primary Baerveldt
      implantation versus trabeculectomy with mitomycin C (Ophthalmology 2016;123:789
      95).

PMID- 27664919
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 27664920
TI  - Re: Lambert SR: Should glasses be prescribed for all children with moderate
      hyperopia? (Ophthalmology 2016;123:676-8).

PMID- 27664921
TI  - Polyphenolic-polysaccharide conjugates of Sanguisorba officinalis L. with
      anticoagulant activity mediated mainly by heparin cofactor II.
AB  - A macromolecular complex has been isolated from the dried flowering parts of
      medicinal plant Sanguisorba officinalis L. (So) by multi-step extraction
      procedure, including that with extraction by organic solvents to degrease the
      plant material, then with hot alkali, followed by neutralization, partitioning
      with organic solvents and dialysis. The complex was purified by size-exclusion
      chromatography into five fractions labeled as So1-So5. Individual fractions
      differed in the chemical composition and molecular weight distribution patterns.
      In vitro anticoagulant activity tests showed in all fractions more or less
      important inhibition of plasma clots, however, So3 and So4 were the most active.
      The anticoagulant activity of So3 was even more significant than that of the
      unfractionated complex So. These S. officinalis conjugates were able to inhibit
      mainly the activity of thrombin when they were mediated by heparin cofactor II,
      but what was unexpected they were the non-direct inhibitors of factor Xa,
      mediated by antitrombin, where such mechanism of action is typical for a highly
      sulphated glycosaminoglycans.

PMID- 27664922
TI  - Purification of polyphenol oxidase from borage (Trachystemon orientalis L.) by
      using three-phase partitioning and investigation of kinetic properties.
AB  - In this study a Polyphenol oxidase from borage plant was purified with 3.59-fold
      enrichment in the specific activity and 68.75% recovery of the total activity by
      using three-phase partitioning purification technique for the first time. Its
      molecular weight was found around 80kDa with sodium dodecyl sulfate
      polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The optimum pH and temperature values of the
      enzyme for the used four substrates ranged between the pH 5.0-7.5 and 5-30
      degrees C. The kcat/Km values showed that the enzyme has the greatest reactivity
      toward caffeic acid among the substrates used. Ascorbic acid, l-cysteine and
      sodium metabisulfite markedly inhibited borage polyphenol oxidase activity.

PMID- 27664923
TI  - Lipid functionalized biopolymers: A review.
AB  - Lipids are the main source of energy and widely used for various applications. In
      this review, the modification of lipids by using them in combination with other
      biomaterials like natural and synthetic polymers is elaborated. These new blends
      have characteristic features of both polymers and are characterized by different
      techniques (NMR, DSC, TGA, IR and Raman spectroscopy etc.) to understand their
      structure, properties and functional behavior. Lipids are hydrophobic, have anti
      oxidant and anti-bacterial properties and thus impart hydrophobicity and
      flexibility to the polymers. While the polymers, on the other hand, make the
      lipids tougher. Properties of few polymers such as starch, polyethylene protein
      and chitosan that have brittleness, low combustion rate and hydrophobicity, are
      improved by incorporation of lipids ultimately increased their flexibility,
      combustion rate and hydrophobicity respectively. This review article is also
      focused on emerging fields for the applications of these composite materials. The
      most notable application of composite materials are in the field of paint
      industry.

PMID- 27664924
TI  - Fabrication and characterization of carboxylated starch-chitosan bioactive
      scaffold for bone regeneration.
AB  - This study offers new bioactive composite scaffolds from carboxylated starch
      chitosan for bone regeneration. In order to introduce COOH groups into the
      scaffolds, chitosan was first dissolved in citric acid and then mixed with
      different amounts of starch. Various characterization techniques were used to
      analyze the structure, morphology, compressive strength, and apatite
      mineralization of the composites, which were compared to pure chitosan scaffolds.
      The results indicated that chitosan scaffolds showed the highest pore size and
      porosity, while no apatite deposition was observed even after 14days of soaking
      in simulated body fluid. For composite samples, the pore size and porosity
      decreased as the starch content increased. In spite of such decrease, the pore
      size measurements were in the optimal range for bone regeneration. The bone-like
      apatite mineralization, compressive strength, carboxyl content, and swelling
      ratio of the composites increased with additional starch. Cell culture
      experiments demonstrated that higher starch content can enhance proliferation,
      ALP activity, and mineralization of osteoblast-like cells (MG63).

PMID- 27664925
TI  - Swelling behavior of cross-linked dextran hydrogels and preliminary Gliclazide
      release behavior.
AB  - In this study, dextran (Dex) has been cross-linked with epichlorohydrin (Ech) to
      yield cross-linked hydrogels. These gels were characterized by Fourier transform
      infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, Thermogravimetric
      analysis (TGA), and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The water absorption
      behavior of gels was studied in simulating gastric fluid (SGF) and simulating
      intestinal fluid (SIF) at 37 degrees C. The data was interpreted by various
      kinetic models. The swelling was found to be totally diffusion controlled. The
      equilibrium data was also used to calculate network parameters. The antidiabetic
      drug Gliclazide (Glz) was loaded to the gels and its release was investigated in
      the media of varying pH, to mimic transition from mouth to colon. Finally, the in
      vivo study on "Albino Wistar rats" was carried out to investigate the efficiency
      of the formulations. The drug-loaded hydrogel was found to be quite effective in
      reducing the glucose level at lower administration frequency as compared to the
      plain drug.

PMID- 27664926
TI  - Is there correlation between Abeta-heme peroxidase activity and the peptide
      aggregation state? A literature review combined with hypothesis.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder
      characterized by aggregation of amyloid-beta (Abeta) peptide, formation of
      neurofibrillary tangles, synaptic loss and neuronal cell death, and is manifested
      clinically by progressive cognitive dysfunction and memory loss. Disease
      pathogenesis is mainly linked to the formation of Abeta insoluble or soluble
      oligomeric assemblies. Binding of heme to Abeta has been suggested as the origin
      of the heme deficiency, peroxidase activity, as well as some oxidative stress
      mediated AD pathologies, and then differential affinity of heme for human and
      rodent Abeta peptide has been proposed to account for the susceptibility of
      humans to AD. This review highlights whether there is any dependency of
      peroxidase activity of heme-bound Abeta on the Abeta aggregation state or not,
      with focusing on emerging role of heme in neurodegeneration. Here, several lines
      of evidence supporting existing contradictory conjectures are discussed.

PMID- 27664927
TI  - Application of chitosan and chitosan nanoparticles for the control of Fusarium
      head blight of wheat (Fusarium graminearum) in vitro and greenhouse.
AB  - Fusarium head blight (FHB) disease caused by Fusarium graminearum is one of the
      most important diseases of wheat in humid and warm areas. This disease
      significantly reduces yield as well as seed quality. The aim of this work was to
      evaluate the possibility of control of FHB by chitosan (CS) and chitosan
      nanoparticles (CS/NPs). In vitro, the application of various concentrations of CS
      and CS/NPs showed significant inhibition of both radial mycelial growth and
      number of colonies formed against F. graminearum. The application of 1000 and
      5000ppm concentration of CS and CS/NPs produced maximum inhibition of radial
      mycelial growth in comparison to the control, respectively. The microscopic
      examination, of treated F. graminearum with the CS and CS/NPs, showed dehydration
      and deformation in mycelial growth and some hyphae were collapsed. The maximum
      percentage reduction number of colonies was observed in 5000ppm concentration of
      both CS and CS/NPs. To test the effect of CS and CS/NPs on spore germination,
      four concentrations were used for 4 and 24h incubation. The 24h incubation of F.
      graminearum spores with a 5000ppm solution of CS greatly reduced the number of
      germinating spores. In greenhouse trials, the disease severity percentage was low
      when CS and CS/NPs were applied before fungus inoculation on the plants and
      1000ppm concentration. The spores of F. graminearum germinated on the anther,
      hyphae penetrated into anther and colonized the palea, lemma and glume after 24
      and 72 hpi, respectively. Wherease, the spikelets treated with CS and CS/NPs were
      infected slowly. Light microscopy and TEM observations indicated that mycelium
      penetrated into the cells through stoma and transited to other cells by cell wall
      or plasmodesmata. Mycelial growth caused conidia into cells but CS and CS/NPs
      prevented of it's growth. Results showed that CS and CS/NPs could be a useful
      biological pesticide for controlling FHB.

PMID- 27664928
TI  - Effect of crosslinker on drug delivery properties of curcumin loaded starch
      coated iron oxide nanoparticles.
AB  - Aminated starch coated iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles loaded with curcumin
      were synthesized via coprecipitation technique. The nanoparticles were
      crosslinked by using three different crosslinkers: glutaraldehyde, genipin and
      citric acid and the effect of crosslinking on different properties of the
      nanoparticles was evaluated. Characterisation of the nanoparticles was done with
      FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy) and XRD (X-Ray Diffraction).
      Magnetic property study using VSM (Vibrating Sample Magnetometer) showed their
      superparamagnetic nature. Morphology of the nanoparticles was studied by SEM
      (Scanning Electron Microscopy) and TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy). Zeta
      potential values showed that crosslinking imparted stability to the system.
      Crosslinking also enhanced drug loading and encapsulation efficiency of the
      system. Swelling and in vitro studies of the nanoparticles showed that the
      release of drug was dependent on time, crosslinker nature, crosslinker
      concentration and pH of the medium. The aminated starch coated nanoparticles also
      showed good mucoadhesive character. The cell viability assessment by MTT study
      revealed their compatibility with human lymphocytes cells and their considerable
      cell growth inhibiting properties with MCF7 and HepG2 cells. The nanoparticles
      showed good internalization in HepG2 cells along with considerable ROS formation.

PMID- 27664929
TI  - Effects of the components in rice flour on thermal radical generation under
      microwave irradiation.
AB  - The relationships between radical generation under microwave irradiation and the
      components of various types of rice flour were investigated. Electron
      paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy was used to characterize the radicals
      found in rice flour samples. The EPR spectra revealed that several types of
      radical (carbon-centered, tyrosyl and semiquinone) were localized in the starch
      and protein fractions of the rice flour. The signal intensity of the free
      radicals was observed to increase exponentially with increasing microwave power
      and residence time. The rice bran samples exhibited the greatest free radical
      signal intensity, followed by the brown rice samples and the white rice samples.
      This finding was consistent for both the native and the microwaved samples. The
      ratio of rice starch to rice protein also played an important role in the
      generation of radicals.

PMID- 27664931
TI  - What is the Research Agenda in Ventilator-associated Pneumonia?

PMID- 27664930
TI  - Higher incidence of Zika in adult women than adult men in Rio de Janeiro suggests
      a significant contribution of sexual transmission from men to women.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The recent emergence of Zika in Brazil and its association with an
      increased rate of congenital malformations has raised concerns over its impact on
      the birth rate in the country. Using data on the incidence of Zika in 2015-2016
      and dengue in 2013 and 2015-2016 for the city of Rio de Janeiro (population 6.4
      million), a massive increase of Zika in women compared to men was documented.
      METHODS: The age-adjusted incidence was compared between men and women. A
      negative binomial Poisson generalized linear model was fitted to the Zika
      incidence data to determine the significance of sexual transmission
      statistically. RESULTS: Even after correcting for the bias due to the systematic
      testing of pregnant women for Zika, there were found to be 90% more registered
      cases per 100000 women than men in the sexually active age group (15-65 years);
      this was not the case for age groups <15 years and >65 years. Assuming that
      infected men transmit the disease to women in their semen, but that the converse
      is not true, some extra incidence in women is to be expected. An alternate
      hypothesis would be that women visit doctors more often than men. To test this,
      the incidence of dengue fever was compared in men and women in 2015 and in 2013
      (before Zika reached Rio de Janeiro): in both years, women were 30% more likely
      to be reported with dengue. CONCLUSION: Women in the sexually active age group
      are far more likely to get Zika than men (+90% increase); sexual transmission is
      the most probable cause. Women in the 15-65 years age group are also 30% more
      likely to be reported with dengue than men, which is probably due to women being
      more careful with their health.

PMID- 27664932
TI  - MicroRNA 182 inhibits CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg differentiation in experimental
      autoimmune encephalomyelitis.
AB  - MicroRNA 182 has been found to have a distinct contribution in the clonal
      expansion of activated- and functioning of specialized-helper T cells. In this
      study we knocked down microRNA 182 in vivo and induced experimental autoimmune
      encephalomyelitis (EAE) to determine the influences of microRNA 182 in the Treg
      cells functional specialization through Foxo1 dependent pathway in the peripheral
      lymphoid organs. Down-regulation of microRNA 182 significantly increased the
      proportions of Foxp3+ T cells in the peripheral lymph nodes and spleen. In vivo
      study verified a positive correlation between microRNA 182 levels and symptom
      severity of EAE, and a negative correlation between microRNA 182 and the
      transcriptional factor Foxp3. In vitro polarization study also confirmed the
      contribution of Foxo1 in microRNA 182 mediated down-regulation of Foxp3+ T cells.
      Together, our results provide evidence that during the development of EAE,
      microRNA 182 repressed Treg cells differentiation through the Foxo1 dependent
      pathway.

PMID- 27664933
TI  - An emerging role for eotaxins in neurodegenerative disease.
AB  - Eotaxins are C-C motif chemokines first identified as potent eosinophil
      chemoattractants. They facilitate eosinophil recruitment to sites of inflammation
      in response to parasitic infections as well as allergic and autoimmune diseases
      such as asthma, atopic dermatitis, and inflammatory bowel disease. The eotaxin
      family currently includes three members: eotaxin-1 (CCL11), eotaxin-2 (CCL24),
      and eotaxin-3 (CCL26). Despite having only ~30% sequence homology to one another,
      each was identified based on its ability to bind the chemokine receptor, CCR3.
      Beyond their role in innate immunity, recent studies have shown that CCL11 and
      related molecules may directly contribute to degenerative processes in the
      central nervous system (CNS). CCL11 levels increase in the plasma and
      cerebrospinal fluid of both mice and humans as part of normal aging. In mice,
      these increases are associated with declining neurogenesis and impaired cognition
      and memory. In humans, elevated plasma levels of CCL11 have been observed in
      Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, and
      secondary progressive multiple sclerosis when compared to age-matched, healthy
      controls. Since CCL11 is capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier of normal
      mice, it is plausible that eotaxins generated in the periphery may exert
      physiological and pathological actions in the CNS. Here, we briefly review known
      functions of eotaxin family members during innate immunity, and then focus on
      whether and how these molecules might participate in the progression of
      neurodegenerative diseases.

PMID- 27664934
TI  - Impaired Akt phosphorylation in B-cells of patients with common variable
      immunodeficiency.
AB  - Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a heterogeneous group of primary
      immunodeficiency characterized by recurrent infections. We evaluated whether
      defective PI3K/Akt/FoxO pathway could influence B-cell fate. Determination of B
      cell subsets in CVD patients and healthy donors (HDs) were performed using flow
      cytometry. We evaluated mRNA and protein expression of PI3K, Akt and FoxO using
      real-time PCR and flow cytometry, respectively. Moreover, phosphorylated Akt
      (pAkt) expression in B-cells has been measured by flowcytometry. We identified a
      significant reduction in the percentage of marginal zone like B-cells, memory B
      cells (total, switched and unswitched) and plasmablasts in patients, as these
      decreased B-cell subsets had a significant negative correlation with increased
      apoptosis in patients. Surprisingly, we identified decreased pAkt expression in B
      cells of patients than HDs. We described for the first time impaired pAkt
      expression in B-cells of CVID patients that had a significant correlation with
      antibody response to the vaccine and worse clinical complications.

PMID- 27664935
TI  - Influenza virus NS1 protein binds cellular DNA to block transcription of
      antiviral genes.
AB  - Influenza NS1 protein is an important virulence factor that is capable of binding
      double-stranded (ds) RNA and inhibiting dsRNA-mediated host innate immune
      responses. Here we show that NS1 can also bind cellular dsDNA. This interaction
      prevents loading of transcriptional machinery to the DNA, thereby attenuating IAV
      mediated expression of antiviral genes. Thus, we identified a previously
      undescribed strategy, by which RNA virus inhibits cellular transcription to
      escape antiviral response and secure its replication.

PMID- 27664936
TI  - Quantitative assessment of gadolinium deposition in dentate nucleus using
      quantitative susceptibility mapping.
AB  - PURPOSE: Gadolinium deposition in dentate nucleus (DN) has been reported after
      serial administration of gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs). Gadolinium
      complexes have paramagnetic properties; therefore, we evaluated susceptibility
      changes of gadolinium deposition in DN using quantitative susceptibility mapping
      (QSM) for patients after serial administration of GBCAs. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      In all, 48 patients with brain tumors, who had had serial GBCA administrations
      (GBCA group), and 48 healthy volunteers without any history of GBCA
      administrations (non-GBCA group) were enrolled in this study. Susceptibility
      values in DN on QSM and DN-to-cerebellum signal intensity ratios on unenhanced T1
      -weighted images (T1 ratios) on 3T were analyzed. The relationship between the
      number of times of GBCA administrations and susceptibility values or T1 ratios
      were evaluated in the GBCA group. RESULTS: Susceptibility values at DN in the
      GBCA group were 0.107 +/- 0.029 ppm, and significantly higher than those of the
      non-GBCA group (0.079 +/- 0.025 ppm) (P < 0.0001). T1 ratios in DN of the GBCA
      group were 1.059 +/- 0.070, and also significantly higher than that of the non
      GBCA group (0.993 +/- 0.016) (P < 0.0001). Spearman rank correlation coefficients
      between susceptibility values and the number of times of linear GBCA
      administration showed a modest significant correlation (rho = 0.45, P = 0.0015).
      There was good correlation between T1 ratios and the number of times of linear
      GBCA administration, as reported previously (rho = 0.76, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION:
      Susceptibility values on QSM in DN of the GBCA group, after serial administration
      of GBCAs, were significantly higher than those of the non-GBCA group. Evidence
      Level: 3 J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;45:1352-1358.

PMID- 27664937
TI  - Comparative proteome analysis of egg yolk plasma proteins during storage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Physical changes such as chicken egg white thinning and egg yolk
      flattening occur during storage, implying a decline in egg quality. To reveal the
      deteriorative process related to chicken egg internal quality, a comparative
      proteomic method was used in this study to analyze the alterations in egg yolk
      plasma proteins at different storage times (0, 20 and 40 days) under an ambient
      temperature of 22 +/- 2  degrees C. RESULTS: Using two-dimensional
      electrophoresis followed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of
      flight tandem mass spectrometry, 33 protein spots representing 12 proteins were
      identified with significant (P < 0.05) alterations in abundance at different
      storage times. The proteins that showed significant changes in abundance included
      serum albumin, vitellogenin fragments, IgY chains, ovalbumin, ovoinhibitor,
      alpha2 -macroglobulin-like protein 1-like, hemopexin, transthyretin,
      apolipoprotein A-I and beta2 -glycoprotein I precursor. Accelerating degradation
      for most egg yolk plasma proteins was observed after prolonged storage (from day
      20 to day 40). CONCLUSION: It is likely that the increased degradation of
      protease inhibitors such as ovoinhibitor and alpha2 -macroglobulin-like protein 1
      like during prolonged storage lead to an imbalance of protease and antiprotease
      in egg yolk, which may play a key role in the degradation of egg yolk proteins.
      These findings will provide an insight into the effects of storage on egg yolk
      protein changes and give a deeper understanding of the deteriorative process of
      chicken egg yolk. (c) 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID- 27664938
TI  - In vivo and in vitro effects of selected antioxidants on rabbit meat microbiota.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary vitamin E or
      EconomasETM supplementation on the growth of several background/pathogenic
      bacteria on rabbit carcasses and hamburgers during refrigerated storage. For
      51days, 270 New Zealand rabbits received either a basal diet, or experimental
      diets enriched with 100 or 200mg/kg of vitamin E or EconomasETM. The bacteria
      studied were Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas, Enterobacteriaceae,
      Escherichia coli, coagulase-positive staphylococci, plus both mesophilic and
      psychrotrophic aerobes. The growth of Listeria monocytogenes on contaminated
      patties was evaluated through a challenge test. The potential protective or
      antimicrobial effect of vitamin E or EconomasETM on Listeria monocytogenes or
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa was assessed in vitro. Diet did not influence the
      concentrations of bacteria found on rabbit carcasses and developing on
      hamburgers. Vitamin E (in vivo and in vitro) and EconomasETM in vivo had a
      protective antioxidant role, while EconomasETM in vitro had strong antibacterial
      activity against Listeria monocytogenes, but not against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

PMID- 27664939
TI  - Formation and maturation of the murine meniscus.
AB  - Meniscal injuries are commonplace, but current surgical repair procedures do not
      prevent degenerative joint changes that occur after meniscal injury and often
      lead to osteoarthritis. Successful tissue regeneration in adults often
      recapitulates events that occur during embryogenesis, suggesting that
      understanding the regulatory pathways controlling these early processes may
      provide clues for developing strategies for tissue repair. While the mouse is now
      widely used to study joint diseases, detailed knowledge of the basic biology of
      murine meniscus is not readily available. Here, we examine meniscal morphogenesis
      in mice from embryonic day 13.5 (E13.5) to 6 months of age using histology, in
      situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry. We find that the meniscus is a
      morphologically distinct structure at E16 when it begins to regionalize. At
      birth, the meniscus has a distinguishable inner, avascular, round chondrocyte
      cell region, an outer, vascularized, fibroblast cell region, and a surface
      superficial zone. Maturation begins at 2 weeks of age when the meniscus expresses
      type I collagen, type II collagen, type X collagen, and MMP-13 in specific
      patterns. By 4 weeks of age, small areas of ossification are detected in the
      anterior meniscal horn, a common feature seen in rodents. Maturation appears
      complete at 8 weeks of age, when the meniscus resembles the adult structure
      complete with ossifying tissue that contains bone marrow like areas. Our results
      provide, the first systematic study of mouse meniscal development and will be a
      valuable tool for analyzing murine models of knee joint formation and disease.
      (c) 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J
      Orthop Res 35:1683-1689, 2017.

PMID- 27664941
TI  - Bronchiolitis: More Evidence, Fewer Interventions-Shifting Paradigms With
      Evidence-based Diagnostics.

PMID- 27664940
TI  - Long-Term Follow-up of a Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating a Mobile Health
      Intervention for Self-Management in Lung Transplant Recipients.
AB  - Mobile health interventions may help transplant recipients follow their complex
      medical regimens. Pocket Personal Assistant for Tracking Health (Pocket PATH) is
      one such intervention tailored for lung transplant recipients. A randomized
      controlled trial showed Pocket PATH's superiority to usual care for promoting the
      self-management behaviors of adherence, self-monitoring and communication with
      clinicians during posttransplant year 1. Its long-term impact was unknown. In
      this study, we examined associations between Pocket PATH exposure during year 1
      and longer term clinical outcomes-mortality and bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome
      (BOS)-among 182 recipients who survived the original trial. Cox regression
      assessed whether (a) original group assignment and (b) performance of self
      management behaviors during year 1 predicted time to outcomes. Median follow-up
      was 5.7 years after transplant (range 4.2-7.2 years). Pocket PATH exposure had no
      direct effect on outcomes (p-values >0.05). Self-monitoring was associated with
      reduced mortality risk (hazard ratio [HR] 0.45; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.22
      0.91; p = 0.027), and reporting abnormal health indicators to clinicians was
      associated with reduced risks of mortality (HR 0.15; 95% CI 0.04-0.65; p = 0.011)
      and BOS (HR 0.27; 95% CI 0.08-0.86; p = 0.026), regardless of intervention group
      assignment. Although Pocket PATH did not have a direct impact on long-term
      outcomes, early improvements in self-management facilitated by Pocket PATH may be
      associated with long-term clinical benefit.

PMID- 27664942
TI  - Pre-mRNA splicing repression triggers abiotic stress signaling in plants.
AB  - Alternative splicing (AS) of precursor RNAs enhances transcriptome plasticity and
      proteome diversity in response to diverse growth and stress cues. Recent work has
      shown that AS is pervasive across plant species, with more than 60% of intron
      containing genes producing different isoforms. Mammalian cell-based assays have
      discovered various inhibitors of AS. Here, we show that the macrolide
      pladienolide B (PB) inhibits constitutive splicing and AS in plants. Also, our
      RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data revealed that PB mimics abiotic stress signals
      including salt, drought and abscisic acid (ABA). PB activates the abiotic stress-
      and ABA-responsive reporters RD29A::LUC and MAPKKK18::uidA in Arabidopsis
      thaliana and mimics the effects of ABA on stomatal aperture. Genome-wide analysis
      of AS by RNA-seq revealed that PB perturbs the splicing machinery and leads to a
      striking increase in intron retention and a reduction in other forms of AS.
      Interestingly, PB treatment activates the ABA signaling pathway by inhibiting the
      splicing of clade A PP2C phosphatases while still maintaining to some extent the
      splicing of ABA-activated SnRK2 kinases. Taken together, our data establish PB as
      an inhibitor and modulator of splicing and a mimic of abiotic stress signals in
      plants. Thus, PB reveals the molecular underpinnings of the interplay between
      stress responses, ABA signaling and post-transcriptional regulation in plants.

PMID- 27664943
TI  - Detection of poliovirus infection in children with acute gastroenteritis in
      Chiang Mai, Thailand.
AB  - Poliovirus (PV) is typically transmitted by the fecal-oral route, which means
      that the risk of infection and virus distribution could be achieved by exposure
      to the virus contaminated in food and water. The aim of this study was to
      determine the occurrence of PV strains by detecting the virus in pediatric
      patients who admitted to the hospitals with diarrhea in Chiang Mai, Thailand
      during 2010-2015. By applying a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction
      and nucleotide sequencing analysis of 1,300 stool specimens collected from
      pediatric patients, PVs were detected at 0.61% (8 out of 1,300 specimens). Among
      eight PV positive samples, mixed infection with norovirus or human bocavirus was
      detected in one each out of eight cases. All PV strains detected in this study
      were characterized further by phylogenetic analysis of 343 bp of the 5' UTR and
      315 bp of the partial VP1 sequences. The results revealed that eight PV strains
      detected in the present study two of each were PV1 and PV2, and four were PV3
      serotypes of the Sabin vaccine strains. The data demonstrated the presence of
      PV1, PV2, and PV3 Sabin vaccine strains in children with acute gastroenteritis in
      Chiang Mai, Thailand. J. Med. Virol. 89:775-781, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27664945
TI  - Neuronal energy consumption: biophysics, efficiency and evolution.
AB  - Electrical and chemical signaling within and between neurons consumes energy.
      Recent studies have sought to refine our understanding of the processes that
      consume energy and their relationship to information processing by coupling
      experiments with computational models and energy budgets. These studies have
      produced insights into both how neurons and neural circuits function, and why
      they evolved to function in the way they do.

PMID- 27664944
TI  - Microinfarcts in an older population-representative brain donor cohort (MRC
      CFAS): Prevalence, relation to dementia and mobility, and implications for the
      evaluation of cerebral Small Vessel Disease.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Microinfarcts, small ischaemic foci common in ageing brain, are
      associated with dementia and gait dysfunction. We determined their relationship
      with dementia, mobility and cerebrovascular disease in an older population
      representative brain donor cohort. These data on microinfarcts were evaluated in
      relation to pathological assessments of clinically significant cerebral small
      vessel disease (SVD). METHODS: Microinfarcts were assessed in the MRC Cognitive
      Function and Ageing Study (n = 331). Nine brain areas were staged according to
      the number of areas affected. RESULTS: 36% of brains showed at least 1
      microinfarct. Higher cortical microinfarct stage was associated with dementia at
      death (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.02; 1.96, P = 0.038), whilst cortical and subcortical
      microinfarct stages were associated with impaired mobility (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.05
      1.74; P 0.018) and falls (OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.11-3.43; P = 0.02). Adding data on
      microinfarcts to a definition of SVD, based on white matter lesions (WMLs),
      lacunes and significant arteriosclerosis, were assessed by comparing area under
      ROC curve (AUC) with and without microinfarcts. SVD was significantly related to
      dementia status with or without inclusion of microinfarcts. Modelling potential
      pathological definitions of SVD to predict dementia or impaired mobility
      indicated optimal prediction using combined assessment of WMLs, lacunes and
      microinfarcts. CONCLUSION: Cortical (dementia) and subcortical microinfarcts
      (impaired mobility) are related to diverse clinical outcomes. Optimal
      pathological assessment of significant SVD in brain ageing is achieved based on
      WMLs, lacunes and microinfarcts and may not require subjective assessment of the
      extent and severity of arteriosclerosis.

PMID- 27664946
TI  - Type 2 Diabetes and Risk of Hip Fractures and Non-Skeletal Fall Injuries in the
      Elderly: A Study From the Fractures and Fall Injuries in the Elderly Cohort
      (FRAILCO).
AB  - Questions remain about whether the increased risk of fractures in patients with
      type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is related mainly to increased risk of falling or to bone
      specific properties. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the risk of
      hip fractures and non-skeletal fall injuries in older men and women with and
      without T2DM. We included 429,313 individuals (aged 80.8 +/- 8.2 years [mean +/-
      SD], 58% women) from the Swedish registry "Senior Alert" and linked the data to
      several nationwide registers. We identified 79,159 individuals with T2DM (45%
      with insulin [T2DM-I], 41% with oral antidiabetics [T2DM-O], and 14% with no
      antidiabetic treatment [T2DM-none]) and 343,603 individuals without diabetes.
      During a follow-up of approximately 670,000 person-years, we identified in total
      36,132 fractures (15,572 hip fractures) and 20,019 non-skeletal fall injuries. In
      multivariable Cox regression models where the reference group was patients
      without diabetes and the outcome was hip fracture, T2DM-I was associated with
      increased risk (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) [95% CI] 1.24 [1.16-1.32]), T2DM-O
      with unaffected risk (1.03 [0.97-1.11]), and T2DM-none with reduced risk (0.88
      [0.79-0.98]). Both the diagnosis of T2DM-I (1.22 [1.16-1.29]) and T2DM-O (1.12
      [1.06-1.18]) but not T2DM-none (1.07 [0.98-1.16]) predicted non-skeletal fall
      injury. The same pattern was found regarding other fractures (any, upper arm,
      ankle, and major osteoporotic fracture) but not for wrist fracture. Subset
      analyses revealed that in men, the risk of hip fracture was only increased in
      those with T2DM-I, but in women, both the diagnosis of T2DM-O and T2DM-I were
      related to increased hip fracture risk. In conclusion, the risk of fractures
      differs substantially among patients with T2DM and an increased risk of hip
      fracture was primarily found in insulin-treated patients, whereas the risk of non
      skeletal fall injury was consistently increased in T2DM with any diabetes
      medication. (c) 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

PMID- 27664947
TI  - Ad E1A 243R oncoprotein promotes association of proto-oncogene product MYC with
      the NuA4/Tip60 complex via the E1A N-terminal repression domain.
AB  - The adenovirus E1A 243R oncoprotein targets TRRAP, a scaffold protein that
      assembles histone acetyltransferase (HAT) complexes, such as the NuA4/Tip60
      complex which mediates transcriptional activity of the proto-oncogene MYC and
      helps determine the cancer cell phenotype. How E1A transforms cells through TRRAP
      remains obscure. We performed proteomic analysis with the N-terminal
      transcriptional repression domain of E1A 243R (E1A 1-80) and showed that E1A 1-80
      interacts with TRRAP, p400, and three other members of the NuA4 complex - DMAP1,
      RUVBL1 and RUVBL2 - not previously shown to associate with E1A 243R. E1A 1-80
      interacts with these NuA4 components and MYC through the E1A TRRAP-targeting
      domain. E1A 243R association with the NuA4 complex was demonstrated by co
      immunoprecipitation and analysis with DMAP1, Tip60, and MYC. Significantly, E1A
      243R promotes association of MYC/MAX with the NuA4/Tip60 complex, implicating the
      importance of the MYC/NuA4 pathway in cellular transformation by both MYC and
      E1A.

PMID- 27664948
TI  - Overexpression of long noncoding RNA, NEAT1 promotes cell proliferation, invasion
      and migration in endometrial endometrioid adenocarcinoma.
AB  - Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as important modulators in the
      biological processes and tumorigenesis. However, whether lncRNAs are involved in
      endometrial endometrioid adenocarcinoma (EEC) remains unclear. In the present
      study, we explored the expression pattern, clinical significance and biological
      function of nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) in EEC. The expression
      levels of NEAT1 were elevated in EEC tissues and cell lines, and higher
      expression levels of NEAT1 were positively correlated with FIGO stage and lymph
      node metastasis. Overexpression of NEAT1 in HEC-59 cells transfected with pGCMV
      NEAT1 promotes cell growth, colony formation ability as well as invasive and
      migratory ability; while knock-down of NEAT1 in HEC-59 cells by siNEAT1
      transfection exhibited the opposite effects. Flow cytometry analysis showed that
      overexpression of NEAT1 led to an increase in S-phase cells and attenuated cell
      apoptosis, and knock-down of NEAT1 induced G0/G1 arrest and also induced cell
      apoptosis in HEC-59 cells. Tumor metastasis real-time PRC array showed that six
      metastasis-related genes (c-myc, insulin like growth factor 1(IGF1), matrix
      metallopeptidase 2 (MMP-2) and matrix metallopeptidase 7(MMP-7) were up
      regulated, and Cadherin 1 and TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitor 2 were down
      regulated) in NEAT1-overexpressing HEC-59 cells. Further qRT-PCR and western blot
      results confirmed that c-myc, IFG1, MMP-2 and MMP-7 were dys-regulated by NEAT1.
      Together, our data underscore the significance of NEAT1 in EEC development, and
      NEAT1 may a potential therapeutic target for EEC.

PMID- 27664949
TI  - Doxorubicin-loaded nanocarriers: A comparative study of liposome and
      nanostructured lipid carrier as alternatives for cancer therapy.
AB  - Nowadays cancer is one of the most common causes of deaths worldwide.
      Conventional antitumor agents still present various problems related to
      specificity for tumor cells often leading to therapeutic failure. Nanoscale
      particles are considered potential alternative to direct access of drugs into
      tumor cells, therefore increasing the drug accumulation and performance. The aim
      of this study was to evaluate the antitumor activity of doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded
      nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) versus liposomes against a breast cancer
      animal experimental model. NLC-DOX and liposomes-DOX were successfully prepared
      and characterized. Tumor-bearing mice were divided into five groups (blank-NLC,
      blank-liposome, DOX, NLC-DOX, liposome-DOX). Each animal received by the tail
      vein four doses of antitumoral drugs (total dose, 16mg/kg), every 3 days.
      Antitumor efficacy was assessed by measuring 1) tumor volume, calculating the
      inhibitory ratio (TV-IR, see after) and 2) acquiring scintigraphic images of the
      tumor using doxorubicin radiolabeled with technetium-99m as an imaging tumor
      probe. Liposome-DOX and free DOX did not showed differences in the tumor mean
      volume, whereas NLC-DOX proved to be the best treatments in controlling the tumor
      growth. NLC-DOX showed an inhibition ration (TV-IR) of 73.5% while free DOX and
      liposome-DOX decreased TV-RI of 48.8% and 68.0%, respectively. Tumor was clearly
      visualized in controls, DOX, and liposome-DOX groups. Yet, regarding the NLC-DOX
      group, tumor was barely identified by the image, indicating antitumor efficacy.
      Moreover, both NLC and liposomes proved to be able to delay the occurrence of
      lung metastasis. In conclusion, results of this study indicated that NLC-DOX
      might be an alternative strategy to achieve an efficient antitumor activity.

PMID- 27664950
TI  - Anticonvulsant and neuroprotective effects of apelin-13 on pentylenetetrazole
      induced seizures in male rats.
AB  - Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder with no effective treatment or cure.
      Neuropeptide apelin is an endogenous ligand of angiotensin receptor-like 1 (APJ).
      It has been shown that apelin has protective and anti-neurodegenerative
      properties. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of apelin-13 on
      pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced rat model of seizure. Adult male Wistar rats
      were divided into the experimental groups as follows: control group receiving
      PTZ; apelin-treated group which received apelin-13 before PTZ; apelin+F13A
      treated group which received apelin-13 plus the apelin receptor antagonist (F13A)
      before PTZ; apelin+naloxone group which received apelin-13+naloxone before PTZ.
      Behavioral scoring was used to access seizure. The expression level of APJ was
      measured by western blotting. Neuronal degeneration, apoptosis and astrocyte
      activation were evaluated by vanadium acid fuchsin (VAF) staining and
      immunohistochemistry. Our data demonstrated that apelin-13 pretreatment
      significantly inhibited seizure threshold (p<0.001) and tonic-clonic latency
      (p<0.001) compared with the control group. In addition, PTZ-induced up-regulation
      of APJ was attenuated by apelin-13 treatment. Histological and
      immunohistochemical findings also showed that apelin-13 could protect cortical
      neurons against PTZ-induced neuroinflammation and apoptosis. In conclusion,
      apelin-13 has anticonvulsive and neuroprotective properties against PTZ-induced
      seizure in rats and provided a new pharmacological aspect of the neuropeptide
      apelin.

PMID- 27664951
TI  - The influence of maternal smoking on transferrin sialylation and fetal biometric
      parameters.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Transferrin is a glycosylated protein responsible for transporting
      iron, an essential metal responsible for proper fetal development. Tobacco is a
      heavily used xenobiotic having a negative impact on the human body and pregnancy
      outcomes. Aims of this study was to examine the influence of tobacco smoking on
      transferrin sialic acid residues and their connection with fetal biometric
      parameters in women with iron-deficiency. METHODS: The study involved 173 samples
      from pregnant women, smokers and non-smokers, iron deficient and not. Transferrin
      sialylation was determined by capillary electrophoresis. The cadmium (Cd) level
      was measured by atomic absorption and the sialic acid concentration by the
      resorcinol method. RESULTS: Women with iron deficiencies who smoked gave birth
      earlier than non-smoking, non-iron-deficient women. The Cd level, but not the
      cotinine level, was positively correlated with transferrin sialylation in the
      blood of iron-deficient women who smoked; 3-, 4-, 5- and 6-sialoTf correlated
      negatively with fetal biometric parameters in the same group. CONCLUSION: It has
      been shown the relationship between Cd from tobacco smoking and fetal biometric
      parameters observed only in the iron deficient group suggests an additive effect
      of these two factors, and indicate that mothers with anemia may be more
      susceptible to Cd toxicity and disturbed fetal development.

PMID- 27664952
TI  - Influence of silver and titanium dioxide nanoparticles on in vitro blood-brain
      barrier permeability.
AB  - An in vitro blood-brain barrier (BBB) model being composed of co-culture with
      endothelial (bEnd.3) and astrocyte-like (ALT) cells was established to evaluate
      the toxicity and permeability of Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs; 8nm) and TiO2
      nanoparticles (TiO2NPs; 6nm and 35nm) in normal and inflammatory central nervous
      system. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was pre-treated to simulate the inflammatory
      responses. Both AgNPs and Ag ions can decrease transendothelial electrical
      resistance (TEER) value, and cause discontinuous tight junction proteins (claudin
      5 and zonula occludens-1) of BBB. However, only the Ag ions induced inflammatory
      cytokines to release, and had less cell-to-cell permeability than AgNPs, which
      indicated that the toxicity of AgNPs was distinct from Ag ions. LPS itself
      disrupted BBB, while co-treatment with AgNPs and LPS dramatically enhanced the
      disruption and permeability coefficient. On the other hand, TiO2NPs exposure
      increased BBB penetration by size, and disrupted tight junction proteins without
      size dependence, and many of TiO2NPs accumulated in the endothelial cells were
      observed. This study provided the new insight of toxic potency of AgNPs and
      TiO2NPs in BBB.

PMID- 27664954
TI  - AT2 Receptors: Potential Therapeutic Targets for Hypertension.
AB  - The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is arguably the most important and best
      studied hormonal system in the control of blood pressure (BP) and the
      pathogenesis of hypertension. The RAS features its main effector angiotensin II
      (Ang II) acting via its 2 major receptors, angiotensin type-1(AT1R) and type-2
      (AT2R). In general, AT2Rs oppose the detrimental actions of Ang II via AT1Rs.
      AT2R activation induces vasodilation and natriuresis, but its effects to lower BP
      in hypertension have not been as clear as anticipated. Recent studies, however,
      have demonstrated that acute and chronic AT2R stimulation can induce natriuresis
      and lower BP in the Ang II infusion model of experimental hypertension. AT2R
      activation induces receptor recruitment from intracellular sites to the apical
      plasma membranes of renal proximal tubule cells via a bradykinin, nitric oxide,
      and cyclic guanosine 3',5' monophosphate signaling pathway that results in
      internalization and inactivation of sodium (Na+) transporters Na+-H+ exchanger-3
      and Na+/K+ATPase. These responses do not require the presence of concurrent AT1R
      blockade and are effective both in the prevention and reversal of hypertension.
      This review will address the role of AT2Rs in the control of BP and Na+ excretion
      and the case for these receptors as potential therapeutic targets for
      hypertension in humans.

PMID- 27664953
TI  - Associations of the Serum/Glucocorticoid Regulated Kinase Genes With BP Changes
      and Hypertension Incidence: The Gensalt Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Single-marker and novel gene-based methods were employed to examine
      the associations of the serum/glucocorticoid regulated kinases (SGK) gene family
      with longitudinal blood pressure (BP) changes and hypertension incidence in a
      family-based cohort study. METHODS: Totally, 1,768 Chinese participants from the
      Genetic Epidemiology Network of Salt Sensitivity (GenSalt) follow-up study were
      included in the current analyses. Nine BP measures were obtained at each of 3
      visits during the GenSalt follow-up study. Mixed-model and Gene-based analyses
      were used to examine the associations of the SGK gene family with longitudinal BP
      phenotypes. Bonferroni correction was applied to account for multiple testing.
      RESULTS: After an average 7.2-year follow-up, 32.2% (513) of participants free of
      hypertension at baseline developed hypertension. Four novel SNPs in the SGK1 gene
      were predictive of the longitudinal BP phenotypes. The major alleles of SGK1
      rs1763498 and rs114414980 conferred 2.9- and 2.5-fold increased risks of
      hypertension development, respectively (P = 1.0*10-4 and 6.0*10-4, respectively).
      In addition, the major allele of SGK1 rs229133 was significantly associated with
      0.4mm Hg larger annual increases in systolic BP (P = 4.2*10-4), while the major
      allele of rs6924468 was significantly associated with 0.2mm Hg smaller annual
      increases in diastolic BP (P = 4.2*10-4). Gene-based analyses revealed an
      association of the SGK1 gene with risk of hypertension development (P = 7.4*10
      3). No evidence for the SGK2 and SGK3 genes was found. CONCLUSIONS: The findings
      of the current study suggest that the SGK1 gene may play a role in long-term BP
      regulation and hypertension incidence.

PMID- 27664956
TI  - Chronic stress accelerates the development of endometriosis in mouse through
      adrenergic receptor beta2.
AB  - STUDY QUESTION: Does chronic stress in mice accelerate the development of
      endometriosis, and, if so, through what mechanism? SUMMARY ANSWER: Exposure to
      chronic stress accelerates the development of endometriosis and exacerbates the
      endometriosis-associated generalized hyperalgesia, most likely through activation
      of the adrenoceptor beta2 (ADRB2) and cAMP responsive element-binding protein
      (CREB). WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Women with endometriosis tend to have higher
      levels of psychological stress, which is known to impact negatively on health in
      general and to promote tumor growth and metastasis in particular. Exposure to
      chronic stress before and after the induction of endometriosis is reported to
      increase lesion sizes in rodents, but it is unclear whether adrenoceptors are
      involved or not in the stress-promoted development of endometriosis. STUDY
      DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: Three independent, prospective, randomized mouse
      experimentations. A total of 184 virgin female Balb/C mice were used.
      PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: In Experiment 1, the mice were randomly
      divided into four groups: the control group, which received no stress; the
      before, after and both groups, which received immobilization stress before, after
      and both before and after the induction of endometriosis, respectively. In
      Experiment 2, mice were randomly divided into four groups one day after the
      induction of endometriosis: phosphate buffer saline (PBS) and propranolol (PROP)
      groups, which received the mini-pump containing, respectively, PBS only and
      propranolol (a non-selective ADRB antagonist) but no stress, STR+PROP and STR+PBS
      groups, which received stress and the mini-pump containing, respectively,
      propranolol and PBS. The immobilization stress started after the insertion of
      mini-pumps. In Experiment 3, mice were induced with endometriosis. Three days
      after the induction, they were randomly divided into four groups: control, ADRAa,
      ADRB2a, and ADRBa, which received the mini-pump containing solution only,
      metaraminol (a non-specific alpha adrenoceptor agonist), tebutaline (a specific
      ADRB2 agonist), or isoproterenol (a non-specific ADRB agonist), respectively. In
      all three experiments, the bodyweight and hotplate latency were evaluated before
      sacrifice 14 days after the induction. In all experimentations, the lesion weight
      was evaluated and the harvested ectopic endometrial tissue samples were subjected
      to immunohistochemistry analysis of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF),
      CD31-positive microvessels, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA),
      phosphorylated CREB, ADRB1, ADRB2, ADRB3, adrenergic receptor alpha1 (ADRA1) and
      ADRA2. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Exposure to chronic stress
      accelerated the development of endometriosis and exacerbated the endometriosis
      associated generalized hyperalgesia. This promotional effect is likely to be
      mediated through the systemic activation of the sympatho-adreno-medullary (SAM)
      axis, which results in subsequent release of catecholamines. The surging
      catecholamines may activate ADRB2 and CREB, yielding increased angiogenesis and
      cellular proliferation in ectopic endometrium in mice with induced endometriosis.
      In addition, beta adrenergic receptor blockade completely abolished the
      promotional effect of chronic stress, likely through suppression of ADRB2 and
      CREB activation, thus suppressing angiogenesis and proliferation. Moreover, a non
      specific adrenergic beta agonist and a specific adrenergic beta2 agonist, but not
      non-specific adrenergic alpha agonist, acted similarly to chronic stress,
      accelerating the development of endometriosis and exacerbating the generalized
      hyperalgesia in mice with pre-existing endometriosis. LARGE SCALE DATA: NA.
      LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: This study is limited by the use of
      immunohistochemistry analyses only and the lack of molecular data. WIDER
      IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: The present study provides the experimental
      evidence that chronic stress can promote the development of endometriosis through
      the activation of ADRB2. Given ADRB2 is also expressed in human endometriosis and
      appears to be functional, and in light of recent awareness that adrenergic
      signaling plays critical roles in tumorigenesis, it is likely that adrenergic
      signaling may play important roles in the development of endometriosis and is
      potentially a target for intervention. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: This
      research was supported in part by grants (81270676,  81471434 and 81530040  to
      S.W.G.;  81370695 and 81671436  to X.S.L.) from the National Natural Science
      Foundation of China, and grant (2013ZYJB0019 to X.S.L.) from Shanghai Municipal
      Commission of Health and Family Planning. None of the authors has anything to
      disclose.

PMID- 27664955
TI  - Pregnancy outcome in women with endometriosis achieving pregnancy with IVF.
AB  - STUDY QUESTION: Are women with endometriosis who conceive with IVF at increased
      risk of preterm birth? SUMMARY ANSWER: Women with endometriosis who conceive with
      IVF do not face an increased risk of preterm birth. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: The
      eutopic endometrium of women with endometriosis has been repeatedly shown to
      present molecular and cellular alterations. On this basis, it has been
      hypothesized that pregnancy outcome may be altered in affected women. However, to
      date, available evidence from epidemiological studies is scanty and conflicting.
      Data tended to be partly consistent only for an increased risk of preterm birth
      and placenta previa. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: Retrospective matched case
      control study of women achieving an IVF singleton pregnancy progressing beyond 12
      weeks' gestation. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Women achieving IVF
      singleton pregnancies that progressed beyond 12 weeks' gestation at two
      infertility units were reviewed. Cases were women with a history of surgery for
      endometriosis and/or with a sonographic diagnosis of the disease at the time of
      the IVF cycle. Controls were women without current or past evidence of
      endometriosis who were matched to cases by age (+/- 6 months), type of cycle
      (fresh or frozen cycle) and study period. Male factor and unexplained infertility
      were the most common diagnoses in the control group. Two hundred and thirty-nine
      women with endometriosis and 239 controls were selected. The main outcome of the
      study was the rate of preterm birth (birth < 37 weeks' gestation) regardless of
      the cause. Secondary analyses were performed for the most common obstetrical
      complications. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: The rate of preterm birth was
      similar in the two study groups (14% and 14%, respectively, p = 0.89). The rate
      of live birth and the incidence of hypertensive disorders, gestational diabetes,
      small and large for gestational age newborns and neonatal problems also did not
      differ. In contrast, placenta previa was more common in women with endometriosis
      than controls (6% versus 1%, respectively; p = 0.006): The adjusted odds ratio
      was 4.8 (95% confidence interval: 1.4-17.2). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: As
      for all observational studies, confounders cannot be totally excluded. Moreover,
      the retrospective study design exposes the findings to some inaccuracies. For
      example, the independent role of adenomyosis could not be reliably assessed
      because this diagnosis is complex and would necessitate a prospective
      recruitment. Second, the selection of controls may also be a matter of concern
      because some affected women may have been erroneously included in this group.
      Third, even if the sample size is significant, it is insufficient for robust
      subgroup analyses. Finally, it is mandatory to point out that our conclusions are
      valid for IVF pregnancies only, and specific data from properly designed studies
      are required to support any inference for natural pregnancies. WIDER IMPLICATIONS
      OF THE FINDINGS: The results of our study suggest that women with endometriosis
      conceiving with IVF can be reassured regarding the risk of preterm birth. The
      observed association with placenta previa requires further investigation and may
      open a new avenue of research. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: No external
      funding was used for this study. None of the authors have any conflict of
      interest to declare.

PMID- 27664957
TI  - Identification of successive flowering phases highlights a new genetic control of
      the flowering pattern in strawberry.
AB  - The genetic control of the switch between seasonal and perpetual flowering has
      been deciphered in various perennial species. However, little is known about the
      genetic control of the dynamics of perpetual flowering, which changes abruptly at
      well-defined time instants during the growing season. Here, we characterize the
      perpetual flowering pattern and identify new genetic controls of this pattern in
      the cultivated strawberry. Twenty-one perpetual flowering strawberry genotypes
      were phenotyped at the macroscopic scale for their course of emergence of
      inflorescences and stolons during the growing season. A longitudinal analysis
      based on the segmentation of flowering rate profiles using multiple change-point
      models was conducted. The flowering pattern of perpetual flowering genotypes
      takes the form of three or four successive phases: an autumn-initiated flowering
      phase, a flowering pause, and a single stationary perpetual flowering phase or
      two perpetual flowering phases, the second one being more intense. The genetic
      control of flowering was analysed by quantitative trait locus mapping of
      flowering traits based on these flowering phases. We showed that the occurrence
      of a fourth phase of intense flowering is controlled by a newly identified locus,
      different from the locus FaPFRU, controlling the switch between seasonal and
      perpetual flowering behaviour. The role of this locus was validated by the
      analysis of data obtained previously during six consecutive years.

PMID- 27664958
TI  - 3D deformation field in growing plant roots reveals both mechanical and
      biological responses to axial mechanical forces.
AB  - Strong regions and physical barriers in soils may slow root elongation, leading
      to reduced water and nutrient uptake and decreased yield. In this study, the
      biomechanical responses of roots to axial mechanical forces were assessed by
      combining 3D live imaging, kinematics and a novel mechanical sensor. This system
      quantified Young's elastic modulus of intact poplar roots (32MPa), a rapid <0.2
      mN touch-elongation sensitivity, and the critical elongation force applied by
      growing roots that resulted in bending. Kinematic analysis revealed a multiphase
      bio-mechanical response of elongation rate and curvature in 3D. Measured critical
      elongation force was accurately predicted from an Euler buckling model,
      indicating that no biologically mediated accommodation to mechanical forces
      influenced bending during this short period of time. Force applied by growing
      roots increased more than 15-fold when buckling was prevented by lateral bracing
      of the root. The junction between the growing and the mature zones was identified
      as a zone of mechanical weakness that seemed critical to the bending process.
      This work identified key limiting factors for root growth and buckling under
      mechanical constraints. The findings are relevant to crop and soil sciences, and
      advance our understanding of root growth in heterogeneous structured soils.

PMID- 27664959
TI  - Orthographic and Phonological Representations in the Fusiform Cortex.
AB  - Mental and neural representations of words are at the core of understanding the
      cognitive and neural mechanisms of reading. Despite extensive studies, the nature
      of visual word representation remains highly controversial due to methodological
      limitations. In particular, it is unclear whether the fusiform cortex contains
      only abstract orthographic representation, or represents both lower and higher
      level orthography as well as phonology. Using representational similarity
      analysis, we integrated behavioral ratings, computational models of reading and
      visual object recognition, and neuroimaging data to examine the nature of visual
      word representations in the fusiform cortex. Our results provided clear evidence
      that the middle and anterior fusiform represented both phonological and
      orthographic information. Whereas lower level orthographic information was
      represented at every stage of the ventral visual stream, abstract orthographic
      information was increasingly represented along the posterior-to-anterior axis.
      Furthermore, the left and right hemispheres were tuned to high- and low-frequency
      orthographic information, respectively. These results help to resolve the long
      standing debates regarding the role of the fusiform in reading, and have
      significant implications for the development of psychological, neural, and
      computational theories of reading.

PMID- 27664960
TI  - The Large-Scale Organization of Object-Responsive Cortex Is Reflected in Resting
      State Network Architecture.
AB  - Neural responses to visually presented objects have a large-scale spatial
      organization across the cortex, related to the dimensions of animacy and object
      size. Most proposals about the origins of this organization point to the
      influence of differential connectivity with other cortical regions as the key
      organizing force that drives distinctions in object-responsive cortex. To explore
      this possibility, we used resting-state functional connectivity to examine the
      relationship between stimulus-evoked organization of objects, and distinctions in
      functional network architecture. Using a data-driven analysis, we found evidence
      for three distinct whole-brain resting-state networks that route through object
      responsive cortex, and these naturally manifest the tripartite structure of the
      stimulus-evoked organization. However, object-responsive regions were also highly
      correlated with each other at rest. Together, these results point to a nested
      network architecture, with a local interconnected network across object
      responsive cortex and distinctive subnetworks that specifically route these key
      object distinctions to distinct long-range regions. Broadly, these results point
      to the viability that long-range connections are a driving force of the large
      scale organization of object-responsive cortex.

PMID- 27664963
TI  - Where does TMS Stimulate the Motor Cortex? Combining Electrophysiological
      Measurements and Realistic Field Estimates to Reveal the Affected Cortex
      Position.
AB  - Much of our knowledge on the physiological mechanisms of transcranial magnetic
      stimulation (TMS) stems from studies which targeted the human motor cortex.
      However, it is still unclear which part of the motor cortex is predominantly
      affected by TMS. Considering that the motor cortex consists of functionally and
      histologically distinct subareas, this also renders the hypotheses on the
      physiological TMS effects uncertain. We use the finite element method (FEM) and
      magnetic resonance image-based individual head models to get realistic estimates
      of the electric field induced by TMS. The field changes in different subparts of
      the motor cortex are compared with electrophysiological threshold changes of 2
      hand muscles when systematically varying the coil orientation in measurements. We
      demonstrate that TMS stimulates the region around the gyral crown and that the
      maximal electric field strength in this region is significantly related to the
      electrophysiological response. Our study is one of the most extensive comparisons
      between FEM-based field calculations and physiological TMS effects so far, being
      based on data for 2 hand muscles in 9 subjects. The results help to improve our
      understanding of the basic mechanisms of TMS. They also pave the way for a
      systematic exploration of realistic field estimates for dosage control in TMS.

PMID- 27664964
TI  - Balancing the 2 Hemispheres in Simple Calculation: Evidence From Direct Cortical
      Electrostimulation.
AB  - How do the parietal lobes contribute to simple calculation? Clinical and
      neuroimaging methods, which are based mainly on correlational evidence, have
      provided contrasting results so far. Here we used direct cortical
      electrostimulation during brain surgery to causally infer the role of the left
      and right parietal lobes in simple calculation. Stimulation provoked errors for
      addition and multiplication in different parietal areas on both hemispheres.
      Crucially, an innovative qualitative error analysis unveiled the functional
      contrast of the 2 parietal lobes. Right or left stimulation led to different
      types of substitution errors in multiplication, unveiling the function of the
      more active hemisphere. While inhibition of the left hemisphere led mainly to
      approximation errors, right hemisphere inhibition enhanced retrieval within a
      stored repertory. These results highlight the respective roles of each hemisphere
      in the network: rote retrieval of possible solutions by the left parietal areas
      and approximation to the correct solution by the right hemisphere. The bilateral
      orchestration between these functions guarantees precise calculation.

PMID- 27664961
TI  - Prenatal Maternal Cortisol Has Sex-Specific Associations with Child Brain Network
      Properties.
AB  - Elevated maternal cortisol concentrations have the potential to alter fetal
      development in a sex-specific manner. Female brains are known to show adaptive
      behavioral and anatomical flexibility in response to early-life exposure to
      cortisol, but it is not known how these sex-specific effects manifest at the
      whole-brain structural networks. A prospective longitudinal study of 49 mother
      child dyads was conducted with serial assessments of maternal cortisol levels
      from 15 to 37 gestational weeks. We modeled the structural network of typically
      developing children (aged 6-9 years) and examined its global connectome
      properties, rich-club organization, and modular architecture. Network segregation
      was susceptible only for girls to variations in exposure to maternal cortisol
      during pregnancy. Girls generated more connections than boys to maintain
      topologically capable and efficient neural circuits, and this increase in neural
      cost was associated with higher levels of internalizing problems. Maternal
      cortisol concentrations at 31 gestational weeks gestation were most strongly
      associated with altered neural connectivity in girls, suggesting a sensitive
      period for the maternal cortisol-offspring brain associations. Our data suggest
      that girls exhibit an adaptive response by increasing the neural network
      connectivity necessary for maintaining homeostasis and efficient brain function
      across the lifespan.

PMID- 27664965
TI  - Distinct Corticostriatal and Intracortical Pathways Mediate Bilateral Sensory
      Responses in the Striatum.
AB  - Individual striatal neurons integrate somatosensory information from both sides
      of the body, however, the afferent pathways mediating these bilateral responses
      are unclear. Whereas ipsilateral corticostriatal projections are prevalent
      throughout the neocortex, contralateral projections provide sparse input from
      primary sensory cortices, in contrast to the dense innervation from motor and
      frontal regions. There is, therefore, an apparent discrepancy between the
      observed anatomical pathways and the recorded striatal responses. We used
      simultaneous in vivo whole-cell and extracellular recordings combined with focal
      cortical silencing, to dissect the afferent pathways underlying bilateral sensory
      integration in the mouse striatum. We show that unlike direct corticostriatal
      projections mediating responses to contralateral whisker deflection, responses to
      ipsilateral stimuli are mediated mainly by intracortical projections from the
      contralateral somatosensory cortex (S1). The dominant pathway is the callosal
      projection from contralateral to ipsilateral S1. Our results suggest a functional
      difference between the cortico-basal ganglia pathways underlying bilateral
      sensory and motor processes.

PMID- 27664962
TI  - N-Methyl d-Aspartate Receptor Expression Patterns in the Human Fetal Cerebral
      Cortex.
AB  - N-methyl d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs), a subtype of glutamate receptor, have
      important functional roles in cellular activity and neuronal development. They
      are well-studied in rodent and adult human brains, but limited information is
      available about their distribution in the human fetal cerebral cortex. Here we
      show that 3 NMDAR subunits, NR1, NR2A, and NR2B, are expressed in the human
      cerebral cortex during the second trimester of gestation, a period of intense
      neurogenesis and synaptogenesis. With increasing fetal age, expression of the
      NMDAR-encoding genes Grin1 (NR1) and Grin2a (NR2A) increased while Grin2b (NR2B)
      expression decreased. The protein levels of all 3 subunits paralleled the changes
      in gene expression. On cryosections, all 3 subunits were expressed in
      proliferative ventricular and subventricular zones, in radial glia, and in
      intermediate progenitor cells, consistent with their role in the proliferation of
      cortical progenitor cells and in the determination of their respective fates. The
      detection of NR1, NR2A, and NR2B in both glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons of
      the cortical plate suggests the involvement of NMDARs in the maturation of human
      cortical neurons and in early synapse formation. Our results and previous studies
      in rodents suggest that NMDAR expression in the developing human brain is
      evolutionarily conserved.

PMID- 27664966
TI  - Neural Population Decoding Reveals the Intrinsic Positivity of the Self.
AB  - People are motivated to hold favorable views of themselves, which manifests as a
      positivity bias when evaluating their own performance and abilities. However, it
      remains an open question whether positive affect is an essential component of
      people's self-concept. Prior functional neuroimaging research demonstrated that
      similar regions of the brain support positive affect and self-referential
      processing, although a direct test of their shared representation has yet to be
      examined. Here we use functional magnetic resonance imaging in conjunction with
      multivariate pattern analysis in a cross-domain neural population decoding
      paradigm. We found that a multivariate pattern classifier model trained to
      dissociate neural responses to viewing positively and negatively valenced images
      can dissociate thinking about oneself from a close friend during a lexical trait
      judgment task commonly used in the study of self-referential processing. Cross
      domain classification accuracy was found to be highest in the ventral medial
      prefrontal cortex (vMPFC), a region previously implicated in both self
      referential processing and positive affect. These results show that brain
      responses during self-referential processing can be decoded from multi-voxel
      activation patterns in the vMPFC when viewing positively valenced material,
      thereby providing evidence that positive affect may be a central component of the
      mental representation of the self.

PMID- 27664967
TI  - Comparison of In Vivo and Ex Vivo MRI of the Human Hippocampal Formation in the
      Same Subjects.
AB  - Multiple techniques for quantification of hippocampal subfields from in vivo MRI
      have been proposed. Linking in vivo MRI to the underlying histology can help
      validate and improve these techniques. High-resolution ex vivo MRI can provide an
      intermediate modality to map information between these very different imaging
      modalities. This article evaluates the ability to match information between in
      vivo and ex vivo MRI in the same subjects. We perform rigid and deformable
      registration on 10 pairs of in vivo (3 T, 0.4 * 0.4 * 2.6 mm3) and ex vivo (9.4
      T, 0.2 * 0.2 * 0.2 mm3) scans, and describe differences in MRI appearance between
      these modalities qualitatively and quantitatively. The feasibility of using this
      dataset to validate in vivo segmentation is evaluated by applying an automatic
      hippocampal subfield segmentation technique (ASHS) to in vivo scans and comparing
      SRLM (stratum/radiatum/lacunosum/moleculare) surface to manual tracing on
      corresponding ex vivo scans (and in 2 cases, histology). Regional increases in
      thickness are detected in ex vivo scans adjacent to the ventricles and were not
      related to scanner, resolution differences, or susceptibility artefacts.
      Satisfactory in vivo/ex vivo registration and subvoxel accuracy of ASHS
      segmentation of hippocampal SRLM demonstrate the feasibility of using this
      dataset for validation, and potentially, improvement of in vivo segmentation
      methods.

PMID- 27664969
TI  - Long-term adherence to topical psoriasis treatment can be abysmal: a 1-year
      randomized intervention study using objective electronic adherence monitoring.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Most people with psoriasis have limited disease that could be treated
      with topicals, but topical efficacy is limited by low short-term adherence.
      Psoriasis is a chronic disease, and long-term adherence is an even bigger
      problem. OBJECTIVES: To determine how well medication is used in the long-term
      topical treatment of psoriasis and to assess the potential of an internet-based
      reporting intervention to improve treatment adherence and outcomes. METHODS: An
      investigator-blinded, prospective study evaluated topical fluocinonide adherence
      in 40 patients with mild-to-moderate psoriasis over 12 months. Subjects were
      randomized in a 1 : 1 ratio to standard-of-care or internet-based reporting
      group. Adherence was objectively monitored with Medication Event Monitoring
      System(r) caps. RESULTS: Fifty per cent of subjects discontinued the treatment.
      Greater adherence was seen in the intervention group compared with the standard
      of-care group (50% vs. 35%, P = 0.08). Psoriasis Area and Severity Index improved
      more in the intervention group at month 1 (1.61 vs. -0.12, P = 0.003), month 3
      (2.50 vs. 0.79, P = 0.025) and month 12 (3.32 vs. 0.34, P = 0.038) than in the
      standard-of-care group. CONCLUSIONS: This study likely underestimates the
      challenge of long-term adherence, as adherence tends to be better in research
      studies than in clinical practice. This study also did not fully account for
      primary nonadherence. Adherence to topical treatment is low in the short term and
      decreased further in the long term, a considerable challenge for dermatologists
      to address. A reporting intervention may be one of the ways we can improve our
      patients' treatment outcomes.

PMID- 27664968
TI  - Prefrontal Volume Mediates Effect of COMT Polymorphism on Interference Resolution
      Capacity in Healthy Male Adults.
AB  - There exist gender differences in the modulation of catechol-O-methyltransferase
      (COMT) Val158Met polymorphism on cognitive performance; however, the underlying
      gene-anatomy-cognition pathways remain unknown. Here we hypothesize that
      prefrontal volume may mediate the modulation of COMT Val158Met polymorphism on
      interference resolution capacity in a gender-dependent manner. In 261 healthy
      young human subjects (143 males and 118 females), a 2-way analysis of variance
      showed a COMT * gender interaction (P = 0.023) on interference resolution
      capacity. Val/Val subjects performed worse in Stroop interference test than
      Met/Met subjects only in males (P = 0.028). Voxel-wise analysis in the whole
      brain also exhibited a COMT * gender interaction on gray matter volume (GMV) in
      the left lateral frontal pole (FP). Val/Val male individuals exhibited
      significantly decreased GMV in the left lateral FP than Val/Met (P = 0.003) and
      Met/Met (P = 0.006) male carriers. Mediation analysis revealed that the GMV of
      the left lateral FP mediated the association between COMT polymorphism and
      interference resolution in males. These findings provide a gene-anatomy-cognition
      pathway to describe how COMT Val158Met polymorphism affects interference
      resolution capacity via modulating the prefrontal GMV in healthy male subjects.

PMID- 27664970
TI  - Intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging for characterizing focal
      hepatic lesions: Correlation with lesion enhancement.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the value of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) parameters
      for characterizing focal hepatic lesions, and to assess the correlation between
      IVIM parameters and arterial nodule enhancement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We
      retrospectively evaluated 161 lesions (91 hepatocellular carcinomas [HCCs], 27
      intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas [IHCCs], 20 hemangiomas, 9 combined
      hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinomas, 9 metastases, and 5 other tumors) in 161
      patients (105 men and 56 women; mean age, 56.4 years). Diffusion-weighted imaging
      was performed using nine b-values (0-900 s/mm2 ) at 1.5T. Apparent diffusion
      coefficient (ADC), molecular diffusion coefficient (Dslow ), perfusion fraction
      (f), and perfusion-related diffusion coefficient (Dfast ) were compared among the
      hepatic lesions using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Receiver-operating
      characteristic analysis was performed to assess diagnostic performance. The
      enhancement fraction (EF) and the relative enhancement (RE) of the hepatic
      lesions on arterial phase gadoxetic acid-enhanced images were correlated with the
      IVIM parameters using Spearman's test. RESULTS: For the differentiation of
      hemangiomas from malignant tumors, Dslow showed the largest area under the curve
      (0.933) among all parameters. Although ADC did not show any difference among
      malignant lesions (P >= 0.28), HCCs showed a significantly lower Dslow than IHCC
      (P < 0.001) and a higher f than did IHCC (P < 0.001) and metastasis (P = 0.027);
      f had a significant positive correlation with EF (r = 0.420, P < 0.001) and RE (r
      = 0.264, P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: IVIM parameters are more helpful in
      characterizing malignant hepatic lesions than ADC; f may reflect the extent and
      degree of hepatic nodule enhancement in the arterial phase, and may allow for
      differentiation of HCC from IHCC and metastasis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 J. MAGN.
      RESON. IMAGING 2017;45:1589-1598.

PMID- 27664971
TI  - Characterization of peptides from common bean protein isolates and their
      potential to inhibit markers of type-2 diabetes, hypertension and oxidative
      stress.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diabetes and hypertension are diseases affecting a high proportion of
      the world population; the use of food-based products such as common bean peptides
      may contribute to reduce the risk of complications associated to chronic
      diseases. The aim was to produce and characterize peptides from common bean
      protein isolates and evaluate their potential to inhibit markers of type-2
      diabetes, hypertension and oxidative stress. RESULTS: Mexican black and Brazilian
      Carioca bean isolated proteins were characterized after pepsin/pancreatin
      digestion. Also, four synthesized pure peptides, originally found in these beans,
      were evaluated. Bean protein digests and pure peptides exerted dipeptidyl
      peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) inhibition (IC50 = 0.03-0.87 mg dry weight (DW) mL-1 ).
      Lineweaver-Burk plots and computational modeling showed competitive inhibition of
      DPP-IV. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition ranged from IC50 = 0.09 to
      0.99 mg DW mL-1 , and alpha-glucosidase inhibition ranged from 36.3 to 50.1% mg-1
      DW. Carioca Perola bean digested proteins presented the highest antioxidant
      capacity (269.3 mmol L-1 Trolox equivalent g-1 DW) as the peptide KTYGL (P >
      0.05) with the most potent DPP-IV and ACE inhibition. CONCLUSION: Peptides from
      common bean have antidiabetic and antihypertensive potential regardless of their
      antioxidant capacity. (c) 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID- 27664972
TI  - Relationships between varus-valgus laxity of the severely osteoarthritic knee and
      gait, instability, clinical performance, and function.
AB  - Increased varus-valgus laxity has been reported in individuals with knee
      osteoarthritis (OA) compared to controls. However, the majority of previous
      investigations may not report truly passive joint laxity, as their tests have
      been performed on conscious participants who could be guarding against motion
      with muscle contraction during laxity evaluation. The purpose of this study was
      to investigate how a measure of passive knee laxity, recorded when the
      participant is under anesthesia, is related to varus-valgus excursion during
      gait, clinical measures of performance, perceived instability, and self-reported
      function in participants with severe knee OA. We assessed passive varus-valgus
      knee laxity in 29 participants (30 knees) with severe OA, as they underwent total
      knee arthroplasty (TKA). Participants also completed gait analysis, clinical
      assessment of performance (6-min walk (6 MW), stair climbing test (SCT),
      isometric knee strength), and self-reported measures of function (perceived
      instability, Knee injury, and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) a median of 18
      days before the TKA procedure. We observed that greater passive varus-valgus
      laxity was associated with greater varus-valgus excursion during gait (R2  =
      0.34, p = 0.002). Significant associations were also observed between greater
      laxity and greater isometric knee extension strength (p = 0.014), farther 6 MW
      distance (p = 0.033) and shorter SCT time (p = 0.046). No relationship was
      observed between passive varus-valgus laxity and isometric knee flexion strength,
      perceived instability, or any KOOS subscale. The conflicting associations between
      laxity, frontal excursion during gait, and functional performance suggest a
      complex relationship between laxity and knee cartilage health, clinical
      performance, and self-reported function that merits further study. (c) 2016
      Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
      35:1644-1652, 2017.

PMID- 27664973
TI  - Metabolic profile of injured human spinal cord determined using surface
      microdialysis.
AB  - The management of patients having traumatic spinal cord injury would benefit from
      understanding and monitoring of spinal cord metabolic states. We hypothesized
      that the metabolism of the injured spinal cord could be visualized using Kohonen
      self-organizing maps. Sixteen patients with acute, severe spinal cord injuries
      were studied. Starting within 72 h of the injury, and for up to a week, we
      monitored the injury site hourly for tissue glucose, lactate, pyruvate,
      glutamate, and glycerol using microdialysis as well as intraspinal pressure and
      spinal cord perfusion pressure. A Kohonen map, which is an unsupervised, self
      organizing topology-preserving neural network, was used to analyze 3366 h of
      monitoring data. We first visualized the different spinal cord metabolic states.
      Our data show that the injured cord assumes one or more of four metabolic states.
      On the basis of their metabolite profiles, we termed these states near-normal,
      ischemic, hypermetabolic, and distal. We then visualized how patients'
      intraspinal pressure and spinal cord perfusion pressure affect spinal cord
      metabolism. This revealed that for more than 60% of the time, spinal cord
      metabolism is patient-specific; periods of high intraspinal pressure or low
      perfusion pressure are not associated with specific spinal cord metabolic
      patterns. Finally, we determined relationships between spinal cord metabolism and
      neurological status. Patients with complete deficits have shorter periods of near
      normal spinal cord metabolic states (7 +/- 4% vs. 58 +/- 12%, p < 0.01, mean +/-
      standard error) and more variable injury site metabolic responses (metabolism
      spread in 70 +/- 11 vs. 40 +/- 6 hexagons, p < 0.05), compared with patients who
      have incomplete neurological deficits. We conclude that Kohonen maps allow us to
      visualize the metabolic responses of the injured spinal cord and may thus aid us
      in treating patients with acute spinal cord injuries.

PMID- 27664974
TI  - Kidney Transplantation From a Donor With Sickle Cell Disease.
AB  - In the United States, >100 000 patients are waiting for a kidney transplant.
      Given the paucity of organs available for transplant, expansion of eligibility
      criteria for deceased donation is of substantial interest. Sickle cell disease
      (SCD) is viewed as a contraindication to kidney donation, perhaps because SCD
      substantially alters renal structure and function and thus has the potential to
      adversely affect multiple physiological processes of the kidney. To our
      knowledge, transplantation from a donor with SCD has never been described in the
      literature. In this paper, we report the successful transplantation of two
      kidneys from a 37-year-old woman with SCD who died from an intracranial
      hemorrhage. Nearly 4 mo after transplant, both recipients are doing well and are
      off dialysis. The extent to which kidneys from donors with SCD can be safely
      transplanted with acceptable outcomes is unknown; however, this report should
      provide support for the careful expansion of kidneys from donors with SCD without
      evidence of renal dysfunction and with normal tissue architecture on
      preimplantation biopsies.

PMID- 27664975
TI  - Incidence of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in a New Zealand population of
      chronic lymphocytic leukaemia patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is associated with an increased
      incidence and aggressiveness of skin cancers, particularly cutaneous squamous
      cell carcinoma (cSCC), but little is known about cSCC incidence in Australasian
      CLL patients. AIM: In this retrospective study, we analysed the incidence of cSCC
      in patients seen at a tertiary hospital in New Zealand (NZ). METHODS: We
      retrospectively assessed the clinical history and histology data of CLL patients
      (n = 371) who presented to the Haematology Department, Christchurch Hospital, NZ
      during the period 1996-2015. Baseline characteristics, incidence of second
      cancers, treatment details and overall survival were analysed. RESULTS: During
      follow-up (median = 11.8 years), 221 second cancers were recorded in 88 patients.
      Of these cancers, 185 were cSCC, removed from 61 patients. In 56% of these
      patients, >1 cSCC was removed, and the majority of cSCC occurred following the
      treatment for CLL. The cumulative incidence of a first cSCC was 11% at 5 years,
      whereas the cumulative incidence of a subsequent cSCC was 88% at 5 years. The
      incidence of cSCC in male patients was threefold higher than that reported for
      the general NZ population. CONCLUSION: NZ CLL patients have a high incidence of
      cSCC relative to the levels observed in the general population, which are
      themselves among the highest in the world. The careful monitoring of CLL patients
      is warranted, particularly those who have a progressive disease or have had a
      first cSCC removed.

PMID- 27664976
TI  - Genome scan reveals selection acting on genes linked to stress response in wild
      pearl millet.
AB  - Uncovering genomic regions involved in adaption is a major goal in evolutionary
      biology. High-throughput sequencing now makes it possible to tackle this
      challenge in nonmodel species. Yet, despite the increasing number of methods
      targeted to specifically detect genomic footprints of selection, the complex
      demography of natural populations often causes high rates of false positive in
      gene discoveries. The aim of this study was to identify climate adaptations in
      wild pearl millet populations, Cenchrus americanus ssp. monodii. We focused on
      two climate gradients, one in Mali and one in Niger. We used a two-step strategy
      to limit false-positive outliers. First, we considered gradients as biological
      replicates and performed RNA sequencing of four populations at the extremities.
      We combined four methods-three based on differentiation among populations and one
      based on diversity patterns within populations-to identify outlier SNPs from a
      set of 87 218 high-quality SNPs. Among 11 155 contigs of pearl millet reference
      transcriptome, 540 exhibited selection signals as evidenced by at least one of
      the four methods. In a second step, we genotyped 762 samples in 11 additional
      populations distributed along the gradients using SNPs from the detected contigs
      and random SNPs as control. We further assessed selection on this large data set
      using a differentiation-based method and a method based on correlations with
      environmental variables based. Four contigs displayed consistent signatures
      between the four extreme and 11 additional populations, two of which were linked
      to abiotic and biotic stress responses.

PMID- 27664977
TI  - miR-370 suppresses HBV gene expression and replication by targeting nuclear
      factor IA.
AB  - Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major health problem worldwide. The roles
      of microRNAs in the regulation of HBV expression are being increasingly
      recognized. In this study, we found that overexpression of miR-370 suppressed HBV
      gene expression and replication in Huh7 cells, whereas antisense knockdown of
      endogenous miR-370 enhanced HBV gene expression and replication in Huh7 cells and
      HepG2.2.15 cells. Further, we identified the transcription factor nuclear factor
      IA (NFIA) as a new host target of miR-370. Overexpression and knockdown studies
      showed that NFIA stimulated HBV gene expression and replication. Importantly,
      overexpression of NFIA counteracted the effect of miR-370 on HBV gene expression
      and replication. Further mechanistic studies showed that miR-370 suppressed HBV
      replication and gene expression by repressing HBV Enhancer I activity, and one of
      the NFIA binding site in the Enhancer I element was responsible for the
      repressive effect of miR-370 on HBV Enhancer I activity. Altogether, our results
      demonstrated that miR-370 suppressed HBV gene expression and replication through
      repressing NFIA expression, which stimulates HBV replication via direct
      regulation on HBV Enhancer I activities. Our findings may provide a new antiviral
      strategy for HBV infection. J. Med. Virol. 89:834-844, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27664978
TI  - Early, focal changes in cartilage cellularity and structure following surgically
      induced meniscal destabilization in the mouse.
AB  - Post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) is an accelerated form of osteoarthritic
      cartilage degeneration affecting approximately 20-50% of patients experiencing
      joint injury. Currently PTOA is incurable; to better understand the etiology of
      PTOA and to develop rational anti-osteoarthritic therapies, it is critical to
      understand the spatiotemporal initiation and the progression of PTOA. In this
      study, we employed semi-quantitative histological scoring and quantitative damage
      analysis to examine disease progression in the murine destabilization of the
      medial meniscus (DMM) model of PTOA from early (3 days) through late- (112 days)
      disease timepoints. We observed significant, progressive articular cartilage (AC)
      cellular, and structural changes in the medial compartments of injured joints as
      early as 3 days. Spatially within the joint, cartilage damage (erosions) were
      observed anteriorly at 84 days. Furthermore, a drastic loss in chondrocyte number
      (by 3 days), surface damage (at 7 days), and cartilage erosion (at 84 days) was
      found to co-localize to the specific region of the medial tibial plateau AC that
      experienced a change in meniscal coverage due to meniscal extrusion following
      DMM. Taken together, these results suggest that DMM-mediated extrusion of the
      medial meniscus leads to rapid, spatially dependent changes in AC cellularity and
      structure, and precipitates the focal degeneration of cartilage associated with
      PTOA. Importantly, this study suggests that joint instability injuries may
      trigger immediate (<3 days) processes within a small population of chondrocytes
      that directs the initiation and progression of PTOA, and that development of
      chondroprotective strategies for preventing and/or delaying PTOA-related
      cartilage degeneration are best targeted toward these immediately early processes
      following joint injury. (c) 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:537-547, 2017.

PMID- 27664980
TI  - Alternative clamp loaders/unloaders.
AB  - Each time a cell duplicates, the whole genome must be accurately copied and
      distributed. The enormous amount of DNA in eukaryotic cells requires a high level
      of coordination between polymerases and other DNA and chromatin-interacting
      proteins to ensure timely and accurate DNA replication and chromatin formation.
      PCNA forms a ring that encircles the DNA. It serves as a processivity factor for
      DNA polymerases and as a landing platform for different proteins that interact
      with DNA and chromatin. It thus serves as a signaling hub and influences the rate
      and accuracy of DNA replication, the r-formation of chromatin in the wake of the
      moving fork and the proper segregation of the sister chromatids. Four different,
      conserved, protein complexes are in charge of loading/unloading PCNA and similar
      molecules onto DNA. Replication factor C (RFC) is the canonical complex in charge
      of loading PCNA, the replication clamp, during S-phase. The Rad24, Ctf18 and Elg1
      proteins form complexes similar to RFC, with particular functions in the cell's
      nucleus. Here we summarize our current knowledge about the roles of these
      important factors in yeast.

PMID- 27664979
TI  - Determinants of longitudinal health-related quality-of-life change in children
      with asthma from low-income families: a report from the PROMIS(r) Pediatric
      Asthma Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: How the longitudinal asthma control status and other socio
      demographic factors influence the changes of health-related quality of life
      (HRQOL) among asthmatic children, especially from low-income families, has not
      been fully investigated. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to describe the
      trajectories of asthma-specific HRQOL over 15 months and examine the effect of
      asthma control status on HRQOL by taking socio-demographic factors into
      consideration. METHODS: A total of 229 dyads of asthmatic children and their
      parents enroled in public insurance programs were recruited for assessing asthma
      control status and HRQOL over four time points of assessment. Asthma control
      status was measured using the Asthma Control and Communication Instrument, and
      asthma-specific HRQOL was assessed using the Patient-Reported Outcomes
      Measurement Information System's Pediatric Asthma Impact Scale. Latent growth
      models (LGMs) were applied to examine the trajectory of HRQOL and the factors
      contributing to the changes of HRQOL. RESULTS: Unconditional LGM revealed that
      HRQOL was improved over time. Conditional LGM suggested that accounting for
      asthma control and participants' socio-demographic factors, the variation in the
      initial level of HRQOL was significant, yet the rate of change was not.
      Conditional LGM also revealed that poorly controlled asthma status was associated
      with poor HRQOL at each time point (P's < 0.05). Lower parental education was
      associated with lower baseline HRQOL (P < 0.05). Hispanic children had a larger
      increase in HRQOL over time (P < 0.01) than non-Hispanic White children.
      CONCLUSIONS: Vulnerable socio-demographic characteristics and poorly controlled
      asthma status affect HRQOL in children. This finding encourages interventions to
      improve asthma control status and HRQOL in minority children.

PMID- 27664982
TI  - Medical decisions are independent of cognitive impairment in amyotrophic lateral
      sclerosis.

PMID- 27664981
TI  - Associations between education and brain structure at age 73 years, adjusted for
      age 11 IQ.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate how associations between education and brain structure
      in older age were affected by adjusting for IQ measured at age 11. METHODS: We
      analyzed years of full-time education and measures from an MRI brain scan at age
      73 in 617 community-dwelling adults born in 1936. In addition to average and
      vertex-wise cortical thickness, we measured total brain atrophy and white matter
      tract fractional anisotropy. Associations between brain structure and education
      were tested, covarying for sex and vascular health; a second model also covaried
      for age 11 IQ. RESULTS: The significant relationship between education and
      average cortical thickness (beta = 0.124, p = 0.004) was reduced by 23% when age
      11 IQ was included (beta = 0.096, p = 0.041). Initial associations between longer
      education and greater vertex-wise cortical thickness were significant in
      bilateral temporal, medial-frontal, parietal, sensory, and motor cortices.
      Accounting for childhood intelligence reduced the number of significant vertices
      by >90%; only bilateral anterior temporal associations remained. Neither
      education nor age 11 IQ was significantly associated with total brain atrophy or
      tract-averaged fractional anisotropy. CONCLUSIONS: The association between years
      of education and brain structure ~60 years later was restricted to cortical
      thickness in this sample; however, the previously reported associations between
      longer education and a thicker cortex are likely to be overestimates in terms of
      both magnitude and distribution. This finding has implications for understanding,
      and possibly ameliorating, life-course brain health.

PMID- 27664984
TI  - Closing in on an infectious etiology of motor neuron disease.

PMID- 27664983
TI  - HIV-associated motor neuron disease: HERV-K activation and response to
      antiretroviral therapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether there is activation of human endogenous
      retrovirus K (HERV-K) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in HIV infection and
      whether it might respond to treatment with antiretroviral drugs. METHODS: In this
      case series, we present 5 patients with HIV infection who subsequently developed
      motor neuron disease involving both upper and lower motor neurons. We monitored
      HERV-K levels in plasma of 4 of these patients. RESULTS: Three patients who
      received antiretroviral therapy had reversal of symptoms within 6 months of onset
      of neurologic symptoms and the other 2 had slow neurologic progression over
      several years. Three patients in whom the levels were measured at onset of
      neurologic symptoms showed elevated HERV-K levels that responded to optimization
      of antiretroviral therapy for CNS penetration. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, motor neuron
      disease in individuals with HIV infection may a treatable entity, but early
      treatment with CNS-penetrating antiretroviral therapy may be necessary.
      Monitoring of HERV-K levels may help guide treatment.

PMID- 27664986
TI  - CADASIL, CARASIL, CARASAL: The linguistic subtleties of cerebral small vessel
      disease.

PMID- 27664985
TI  - Therapeutic coma for status epilepticus: Differing practices in a prospective
      multicenter study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to analyze and compare the use of therapeutic coma (TC)
      for refractory status epilepticus (SE) across different centers and its effect on
      outcome. METHODS: Clinical data for all consecutive adults (>16 years) with SE of
      all etiologies (except postanoxic) admitted to 4 tertiary care centers belonging
      to Harvard Affiliated Hospitals (HAH) and the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire
      Vaudois (CHUV) were prospectively collected and analyzed for TC details,
      mortality, and duration of hospitalization. RESULTS: Two hundred thirty-six SE
      episodes in the CHUV and 126 in the HAH were identified. Both groups were
      homogeneous in demographics, comorbidities, SE characteristics, and Status
      Epilepticus Severity Score (STESS); TC was used in 25.4% of cases in HAH vs 9.75%
      in CHUV. After adjustment, TC use was associated with younger age, lower Charlson
      Comorbidity Index, increasing SE severity, refractory SE, and center (odds ratio
      11.3 for HAH vs CHUV, 95% confidence interval 2.47-51.7). Mortality was
      associated with increasing Charlson Comorbidity Index and STESS, etiology, and
      refractory SE. Length of stay correlated with STESS, etiology, refractory SE, and
      use of TC (incidence rate ratio 1.6, 95% confidence interval 1.22-2.11).
      CONCLUSIONS: Use of TC for SE treatment seems markedly different between centers
      from the United States and Europe, and did not affect mortality considering the
      whole cohort. However, TC may increase length of hospital stay and related costs.
      CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: This study provides Class III evidence that for
      patients with SE, TC does not significantly affect mortality. The study lacked
      the precision to exclude an important effect of TC on mortality.

PMID- 27664987
TI  - Hand postures in primary and secondary generalized tonic-clonic seizures.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and identify the frequency of hand postures during
      generalized convulsions in patients with genetic generalized epilepsy (GGE),
      localization-related epilepsy (LRE), and nonepileptic attacks (NEA). METHODS: We
      retrospectively analyzed 98 consecutive videos of generalized convulsions in 62
      patients who were admitted for diagnostic video-EEG monitoring. Demographics were
      recorded, and hand postures were subdivided into fanning, fisting, index-finger
      pointing (IFP), clawing, and flaccid posturing. Hand postures were then compared
      between patients with GGE, LRE, and NEA for each stage of the convulsion and for
      the whole event. RESULTS: In patients with LRE, 96% had IFP, where fanning
      occurred in 91.3% of GGE (and only at onset), and the flaccid hand posture
      occurred in 56.0% of NEA. Fisting, fanning, and IFP postures all occurred
      significantly more frequently during epileptic seizures than during NEA (74.0% vs
      32.0%, p = 0.0003; 60.3% vs 20.0%, p = 0.0005; 83.6% vs 12.0%, p < 0.0001). The
      claw hand posture was present only during NEA, and the flaccid posture occurred
      significantly more frequently during NEA than during epileptic seizures (56.0% vs
      15.1%, p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Distinct ictal hand or finger posturing is
      present in patients with GGE, LRE, and NEA. The presence of any fisting, fanning,
      clawing, IFP, or flaccid hand posturing can help distinguish epileptic seizures
      from NEA. IFP suggests LRE while fanning with evolution suggests GGE. Overall,
      hand posturing during seizures provides unique information and aids in the
      differential diagnosis and classification of epilepsy.

PMID- 27664988
TI  - Role of anesthetics in treating status epilepticus: One more piece in the puzzle.

PMID- 27664989
TI  - Cathepsin A-related arteriopathy with strokes and leukoencephalopathy (CARASAL).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To characterize the clinical and MRI features of 2 families with adult
      onset dominant leukoencephalopathy and strokes and identify the underlying
      genetic cause. METHODS: We applied MRI pattern recognition, whole-exome
      sequencing, and neuropathology. RESULTS: Based on brain imaging, 13 family
      members of 40 years or older from 2 families were diagnosed with the disease; in
      11 family members of the same age, MRI was normal. In the affected family
      members, MRI showed a leukoencephalopathy that was disproportionately severe
      compared to the clinical disease. The clinical picture was dominated by ischemic
      and hemorrhagic strokes, slow and late cognitive deterioration, and therapy
      resistant hypertension. With whole-exome sequencing, we identified one variant
      shared by both families and segregating with the disease: c.973C>T in CTSA.
      Haplotype analysis revealed a shared 1,145-kb interval encompassing the CTSA
      variant on chromosome 20q13.12, suggesting a common ancestor. Brain autopsy of 3
      patients showed a leukoencephalopathy that was disproportionately extensive
      compared to the vascular abnormalities. CTSA encodes cathepsin A. Recessive CTSA
      mutations cause galactosialidosis. One of the numerous cathepsin A functions is
      to degrade endothelin-1. In the patients, striking endothelin-1 immunoreactivity
      was found in white matter astrocytes, correlating with increased numbers of
      premyelinating oligodendrocyte progenitors. This finding supports a role for
      endothelin-1 in the leukoencephalopathy through inhibition of oligodendrocyte
      progenitor maturation. CONCLUSIONS: CARASAL (cathepsin A-related arteriopathy
      with strokes and leukoencephalopathy) is a novel hereditary adult-onset cerebral
      small vessel disease. It is of interest that, next to the cerebral vascular
      abnormalities, endothelin-1 may have a role in the pathogenesis of the extensive
      leukoencephalopathy.

PMID- 27664990
TI  - beta-Amyloid Burden Predicts Lower Extremity Performance Decline in Cognitively
      Unimpaired Older Adults.
AB  - Background: Motor slowing is associated with risk of Alzheimer's disease. Whether
      beta-amyloid (Abeta) burden is associated with motor decline, independent of
      cognitive decline, is unknown. Methods: About 59 cognitively unimpaired older
      participants had baseline PET-PiB scans and repeated measures of lower (usual
      gait speed, 400-m time, Health ABC Physical Performance Battery (HABCPPB) score,
      total standing balance time) and upper (mean tapping time) extremity performance
      during a mean follow-up of 4.7 years. Linear mixed effect models examined the
      relationship between baseline Abeta burden and motor decline, adjusting for age,
      sex, body mass index, cardiovascular risk, APOE E4 status, memory decline,
      depressive symptoms, ankle-arm index, processing speed, executive function, and
      cerebrovascular disease. Results: Higher mean cortical Abeta burden was
      associated with greater declines in gait speed and HABCPPB score and a greater
      increase in 400-m time. Higher Abeta of putamen was associated with declines in
      all lower extremity measures, including balance. Higher Abeta of dorsolateral
      prefrontal cortex and lateral temporal lobe was associated with declines of gait
      speed and 400-m time, and of precuneus with a greater increase in 400-m time.
      Associations remained similar after further adjustment. Conclusions: In
      cognitively unimpaired older adults, Abeta burden overall and in specific brain
      regions are risk factors for lower extremity motor decline, independent of memory
      function. These findings provide the first empirical evidence that Abeta burden
      is a risk factor for mobility decline in older adults.

PMID- 27664991
TI  - Activity of VT-1129 against Cryptococcus neoformans clinical isolates with high
      fluconazole MICs.
AB  - Although antifungal drug resistance in the human fungal pathogen Cryptococcus
      neoformans is relatively uncommon, fluconazole-resistant strains are problematic
      for preemptive treatment of cryptococcal antigenemia or during cryptococcal
      meningitis consolidation therapy. We analyzed activity of the experimental
      antifungal VT-1129 on 51 clinical Cryptococcus neoformans isolates previously
      screened for fluconazole resistance; with an emphasis on fluconazole dose
      dependent (MIC 16-32 MUg/ml) or resistant (MIC >= 64 MUg/ml) isolates. Overall,
      the VT-1129 geometric mean MIC was 0.027 MUg/ml. The VT-1129 MIC50 was 0.05
      MUg/ml and 0.25 MUg/ml for dose-dependent (n = 27) and resistant isolates (n =
      6), respectively. These data suggest VT-1129 shows potential for use against
      fluconazole-resistant Cryptococcus.

PMID- 27664992
TI  - Transcript levels of the Aspergillus fumigatus Cdc42 module, polarisome, and
      septin genes show little change from dormancy to polarity establishment.
AB  - Aspergillus fumigatus is the most common airborne pathogen causing fatal mycoses
      in immunocompromised patients. During the first 8 hours of development A.
      fumigatus conidia break dormancy, expand isotopically, establish an axis of
      polarity, and begin to extend germ tubes in a polar manner. The transition from
      isotropic to polar growth is critical for tissue invasion and pathogenesis. In
      the current work, we used two-color microarrays to examine the A. fumigatus
      transcriptome during early development, focusing on the isotropic to polar
      switch. The most highly regulated transcripts in the isotropic to polar switch
      did not include known polarity genes. Transcripts encoding the Cdc42 module,
      polarisome components, and septins, known to be critical players in polarity,
      showed relatively steady levels during the isotropic to polar switch. Indeed,
      these transcripts were present in dormant conidia, and their levels changed
      little from dormancy through germ tube emergence. Not only did the isotropic to
      polar switch show little change in the expression of key polarity genes of the
      Cdc42 module, polarisome, and septins, it also showed the lowest overall levels
      of both up- and downregulation in early development.

PMID- 27664993
TI  - Type 1 diabetes in children is not a predisposing factor for oral yeast
      colonization.
AB  - Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) is considered a risk factor associated with oral
      yeast infections. The aim of this study was to evaluate the yeast oral carriage
      (in saliva and mucosal surface) of children with T1D and potential relation with
      host factors, particularly the subset of CD4+ T cells. Yeasts were quantified and
      identified in stimulated saliva and in cheek mucosal swabs of 133 diabetic T1D
      and 72 healthy control subjects. Salivary lymphocytes were quantified using flow
      cytometry. The presence of yeasts in the oral cavity (60% of total patients) was
      not affected by diabetes, metabolic control, duration of the disease, salivary
      flow rate or saliva buffer capacity, by age, sex, place of residence, number of
      daily meals, consumption of sweets or frequency of tooth brushing. Candida
      albicans was the most prevalent yeast species, but a higher number of yeast
      species was isolated in nondiabetics. T1D children with HbA1c <= 7.5
      (metabolically controlled) presented higher number of CD4+ T salivary subsets
      when compared with the other groups of children (non-diabetic and
      nonmetabolically controlled) and also presented the highest number of individuals
      without oral yeast colonization. In conclusion, T1D does not predisposes for
      increased oral yeast colonization and a higher number of salivary CD4+T cells
      seems to result in the absence of oral colonization by yeasts.

PMID- 27664994
TI  - Prevalence of azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus in the environment of
      Thailand.
AB  - Occurrence of azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus (ARAF) in the environment is
      an emerging problem worldwide, likely impacting on patient treatment. Several
      resistance mutations are thought to have initially arisen through triazole-based
      fungicide use in agriculture and subsequently being propagated in a similar
      manner. Here we investigated the prevalence of ARAF in the environment of
      Thailand and characterized their susceptibility profiles toward clinically used
      azole compounds along with underlying resistance mutations. Three hundred and
      eight soil samples were collected and analyzed, out of which 3.25% (n = 10) were
      positive for ARAF. All isolates obtained were resistant to itraconazole (MIC >= 8
      MUg/ml), two showed additional increased MIC values toward posaconazole (MIC =
      0.5 MUg/ml), and one other toward voriconazole (MIC = 2 MUg/ml). Sequencing of
      the respective cyp51A genes revealed that eight of the isolates carried the
      TR34/L98H allele and those two with elevated MIC values to posaconazole the G54R
      substitution. Although a clear correlation between the use of triazole-based
      fungicides and isolation of ARAF strains from agricultural lands could not be
      established for Thailand, but this study clearly demonstrates the spread of
      globally observed ARAF strains to the environment of South East Asia.

PMID- 27664995
TI  - Prevalence and Impact of Long-term Use of Nicotine Replacement Therapy in UK Stop
      Smoking Services: Findings From the ELONS Study.
AB  - Background: Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) was licensed for harm reduction in
      the United Kingdom in 2005, and guidance to UK Stop-Smoking Services (SSS) to
      include long-term partial or complete substitution of cigarettes with NRT was
      issued in 2013. Yet, NRT prevalence data and data on changes in biomarkers
      associated with long-term NRT use among SSS clients are scarce. Methods: SSS
      clients abstinent 4 weeks postquit date were followed up at 12 months. At
      baseline standard sociodemographic, smoking and SSS use characteristics were
      collected and of those eligible, 60.6% (1047/1728) provided data on smoking
      status and NRT use at follow-up. A subsample also provided saliva samples at
      baseline and of those eligible, 36.2% (258/712) provided follow-up samples.
      Saliva was analyzed for cotinine (a metabolite of nicotine) and alpha-amylase (a
      stress biomarker). Results: Among those who had used NRT during their initial
      quit attempt (61.5%, 95% CI 58.4%-64.6%), 6.0% (95% CI 4.3%-8.3%) were still
      using NRT at 1 year, significantly more ex-smokers than relapsed smokers (9.5%
      vs. 3.7%; p = .005). In adjusted analysis, NRT use interacted with smoking status
      to determine change in cotinine, but not alpha-amylase, levels (Wald chi2 (1) =
      13.0, p < .001): cotinine levels remained unchanged in relapsed smokers and ex
      smokers with long-term NRT use but decreased in ex-smokers without long-term NRT
      use. Conclusions: Long-term NRT use is uncommon in SSS clients, particularly
      among relapsed smokers. Its use is associated with continued high intake of
      nicotine among ex-smokers but does not increase nicotine intake in smokers. It
      does not appear to affect stress response. Implications: Little is known about
      the long-term effects of NRT. Given an increasing shift towards harm reduction in
      tobacco control, reducing the harm from combustible products by partial or
      complete substitution with noncombustible products, more data on long-term use
      are needed. This study shows that in the context of SSS, clients rarely use
      products for up to a year and that NRT use does not affect users' stress
      response. Ex-smokers using NRT long-term can completely replace nicotine from
      cigarettes with nicotine from NRT; long-term NRT use by continuing smokers does
      not increase nicotine intake. Long-term NRT appears to be a safe and effective
      way to reduce exposure to combustible nicotine.

PMID- 27664996
TI  - Reconstruction of Internal and External Exposures of Fukushima Residents.
AB  - After the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident, the internal and
      external exposures of the residents have been very important issues and concerns.
      Fukushima prefectural government and Fukushima medical university have been
      performing the Fukushima Health Management Survey, and the external exposures of
      the residents have been estimated in the survey by using NIRS external dose
      estimation system. The doses of 66.3% residents were >1 mSv, and 94.8 % were >2
      mSv. For estimating internal exposures of the residents, thyroid measurements,
      whole body counter measurements and simulation have been applied. These three
      approach estimations showed that the 90 percentile of thyroid equivalent doses
      were 10-30 mSv for 1-year-old baby and were 10-20 mSv or less for adults. 

PMID- 27664997
TI  - The First Meeting of the WHO Guideline Development Group for the Revision of the
      WHO 1999 Guidelines for Iodine Thyroid Blocking.
AB  - The meeting held in May 2014 in Wurzburg, Germany, discussed the scope of the
      revision of the 1999 WHO guidelines for iodine thyroid blocking (ITB) by
      following the WHO handbook for guideline development. This article describes the
      process and methods of developing the revised, evidence-based WHO guidelines for
      ITB following nuclear and radiological accidents, the results of the kick-off
      meeting as well as further steps taken to complete the revision. 

PMID- 27664998
TI  - Capabilities for Clinical Management of Radiation Injuries of the Nikiforov
      Russian Center of Emergency and Radiation Medicine (EMERCOM of Russia).
AB  - This article presents an overview of the capabilities for clinical management of
      radiation injuries available at the Nikiforov Russian Center of Emergency and
      Radiation Medicine (NRCERM) of the Ministry of the Russian Federation for Civil
      Defense, Emergencies and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters
      (EMERCOM). NRCERM is a federal state budgetary institution and the Russian
      Federation's head organization for providing medical assistance for persons
      overexposed to ionizing radiation, responders to radiation emergencies and people
      evacuated from radiation contaminated areas. As the WHO Collaborating Center for
      Treatment and Rehabilitation of Accident Recovery Workers of Nuclear and Other
      Disasters and a member of the WHO Radiation Emergency Medical Preparedness and
      Assistance Network (REMPAN), NRCERM is prepared to provide assistance and
      technical support in case of a radiation accident. For this purpose, NRCERM
      hospitals are equipped with technologically advanced facilities and possess well
      trained specialist staff. 

PMID- 27665000
TI  - When opposites lead to the same: a direct comparison of explicit and implicit
      disgust regulation via fMRI.
AB  - Cognitive reappraisal and placebo administration constitute two different
      approaches for modulating one's own emotional state. Whereas reappraisal is an
      explicit (effortful) type of self-regulation, placebo treatment initiates
      implicit processes of affective control. The brain mechanisms underlying these
      processes have not been directly compared with each other up until now; doing
      this enables the identification of distinct and shared neuronal features. We
      conducted a functional magnetic resonance imaging study with 45 women, who were
      presented with disgusting and neutral images in a block design, at three
      experimental sessions, over 3 consecutive days. They were asked to passively view
      the images in one session, engage in reappraisal in another, and in another
      session they received a placebo pill: a disgust-reducing 'anti-nausea drug'.
      Relative to passive viewing, both reappraisal and placebo treatment effectively
      reduced the experienced disgust intensity. In the placebo condition, this
      reduction was associated with decreased activation of the insula and the
      dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). In contrast, reappraisal induced
      increased activation in both regions. Furthermore, both regulation strategies
      were associated with opposite patterns of connectivity in a network encompassing
      the amygdala, the insula and the DLPFC. Only placebo administration led to a
      reduced coupling in this network.

PMID- 27664999
TI  - Oxytocin conditions trait-based rule adherence.
AB  - Rules, whether in the form of norms, taboos or laws, regulate and coordinate
      human life. Some rules, however, are arbitrary and adhering to them can be
      personally costly. Rigidly sticking to such rules can be considered maladaptive.
      Here, we test whether, at the neurobiological level, (mal)adaptive rule adherence
      is reduced by oxytocin-a hypothalamic neuropeptide that biases the biobehavioural
      approach-avoidance system. Participants (N = 139) self-administered oxytocin or
      placebo intranasally, and reported their need for structure and approach
      avoidance sensitivity. Next, participants made binary decisions and were given an
      arbitrary rule that demanded to forgo financial benefits. Under oxytocin,
      participants violated the rule more often, especially when they had high need for
      structure and high approach sensitivity. Possibly, oxytocin dampens the need for
      a highly structured environment and enables individuals to flexibly trade-off
      internal desires against external restrictions. Implications for the treatment of
      clinical disorders marked by maladaptive rule adherence are discussed.

PMID- 27665001
TI  - Redox Dysregulation in Schizophrenia Revealed by in vivo NAD+/NADH Measurement.
AB  - Balance between the redox pair of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotides (oxidized
      NAD+ and reduced NADH), reflects the oxidative state of cells and the ability of
      biological systems to carry out energy production. A growing body of evidence
      suggests that an "immuno-oxidative" pathway including oxidative stress,
      mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and cell-mediated immune response
      may contribute to disruptions in brain activity in schizophrenia (SZ). The aim of
      this study is to assess possible redox imbalance in SZ patients by using a novel
      in vivo 31P MRS technique. The participants included 40 healthy controls, 21
      chronic SZ, 13 first-episode (FE) SZ, and 18 FE bipolar disorder (BD) patients
      (as a psychiatric control group). All participants initially underwent structural
      imaging at a 3 Tesla (3 T) and 31P MRS measurements were performed on a 4 T MR
      scanner. NAD+ and NADH components were determined by nonlinear least-square
      fitting of the model simulated spectra; these incorporated prior chemical shift
      and coupling constant information to in vivo resonances obtained from 31P MRS
      experiments. We found a significant reduction in the NAD+/NADH ratio in
      chronically ill SZ patients compared to a matched healthy control group, and in
      FE SZ patients compared to both a matched FE BD patient group and a matched
      healthy control group. These findings provide evidence for redox imbalance in the
      brain in all phases of SZ, potentially reflecting oxidative stress.

PMID- 27665003
TI  - The effects of electrical stunning voltage on meat quality, plasma parameters,
      and protein solubility of broiler breast meat.
AB  - This study was designed to compare the effects of different stunning voltages of
      pulsed direct current on meat quality of broilers. For this purpose, plasma
      parameters, blood loss, carcass damage, and meat water holding capacity, color,
      shear force, pH, and protein solubility were analyzed. A total of 400 broilers
      were divided into 5 treatment groups and stunned with 5, 15, 25, 35, and 45 V at
      750 Hz and 10 s, respectively. Blood samples were collected immediately after
      cutting the neck. Pectoralis major muscles were removed from the carcass after
      chilling and placed on ice. Breast muscle pH and meat color were determined at
      both 2 and 24 h postmortem. Dripping loss, cooking loss, pressing loss, and
      cooked breast meat shear values were determined after 24 h postmortem. The 5 V
      treatment significantly increased (P < 0.05) blood plasma corticosterone and
      lactate concentration compared with the other groups. The carcass damage of
      wings, Pectoralis major, and Pectoralis minor was significant in the 5, 35, and
      45 V groups. The pH of 2 h postmortem in the 5 and 45 V groups was significantly
      lower (P < 0.05) than in the 15 and 25 V groups. In the 5 and 45 V groups, the
      protein solubility and shear force value were significantly lower (P < 0.05) and
      dripping loss was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the other groups.

PMID- 27665002
TI  - Housing First Improves Adherence to Antipsychotic Medication Among Formerly
      Homeless Adults With Schizophrenia: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial.
AB  - Adherence to antipsychotic medication is a significant challenge among homeless
      patients. No experimental trials have investigated the impact of Housing First on
      adherence among patients with schizophrenia. We investigated whether Housing
      First in congregate and scattered-site configurations resulted in superior
      adherence compared to usual care. Adult participants (n = 165) met criteria for
      homelessness, schizophrenia, and initiation of antipsychotic pharmacotherapy
      prior to recruitment to an unblinded, 3-arm randomized controlled trial in
      Vancouver, Canada. Randomization arms were: congregate Housing First (CHF) with
      on-site supports (including physician and pharmacy services); scattered-site
      Housing First (SHF) with Assertive Community Treatment; or treatment as usual
      (TAU) consisting of existing services. Participants were followed for an average
      of 2.6 years. Adherence to antipsychotic medication was measured using the
      medication possession ratio (MPR), and 1-way ANOVA was used to compare outcomes
      between the 3 conditions. Data were drawn from comprehensive pharmacy records.
      Prior to randomization, mean MPR among participants was very low (0.44-0.48).
      Mean MPR in the follow-up period was significantly different between study arms
      (P < .001) and approached the guideline threshold of 0.80 in SHF. Compared to
      TAU, antipsychotic adherence was significantly higher in SHF but not in CHF. The
      results demonstrate that further implementation of SHF is indicated among
      homeless people with schizophrenia, and that urgent action is needed to address
      very low levels of antipsychotic adherence in this population (trial
      registration: ISRCTN57595077).

PMID- 27665005
TI  - Effects of low-protein diets on growth performance and carcass yield of growing
      White Pekin ducks.
AB  - A dose-response experiment with 6 analyzed dietary crude protein (CP) levels
      (13.54, 14.37, 14.71, 16.04, 16.61, and 17.22%) was conducted to investigate the
      effects of low-protein diets on growth performance and carcass yield of growing
      White Pekin ducks from 14 to 35 d of age. All diets were formulated to contain a
      similar dietary energy level and the standardized ileal digestible amino acid
      profile including lysine, methionine, threonine, tryptophan, arginine,
      isoleucine, valine, and glycine. A total of 288 14-day-old male White Pekin ducks
      were divided into 6 experimental treatments and each treatment contained 8
      replicate pens of 6 birds. Ducks were raised in wire-floor pens from 14 to 35 d
      of age. At 35 d of age, the weight gain, feed intake, feed/gain, and the yield of
      carcass, breast meat, leg meat, and abdominal fat of ducks from each pen were
      measured. As dietary CP decreased from 17.22 to 13.54%, weight gain and feed
      intake were not affected (P > 0.05) but feed/gain increased when dietary CP
      decreased to 13.54% (P < 0.05). On the other hand, the yield of carcass, leg
      meat, and breast meat was not influenced by reducing dietary CP (P > 0.05) but
      the abdominal fat increased when dietary CP was 13.54% (P < 0.05). Based on
      broken-line regression, the 14.81 and 14.94% were the minimum dietary CP to keep
      the feed/gain and abdominal fat similar to the ducks fed with 17.22% CP diets,
      respectively. In summary, with crystalline amino acid supplementation based on a
      similar standardized ileal digestible amino acid profile, it was possible to
      formulate the low-protein diets containing about 15% CP for Pekin ducks without
      adverse effects on their growth performance and carcass yield.

PMID- 27665004
TI  - Traits of eggshells and shell membranes of translucent eggs.
AB  - Translucent eggshells negatively affect the appearance of eggs and decrease their
      economic value. Translocation and accumulation of water from the contents to the
      shells of eggs are frequent occurrences. Causes of translucent eggshell formation
      have been investigated, but the primary reason is uncertain. In previous studies,
      scientists have found that the thickness of the eggshell membrane was
      significantly different between translucent and opaque eggs. However, there are
      some conflicts among studies. We performed 2 experiments with 3 breeding flocks
      of chickens to target the reasons for egg translucence. In experiment 1, eggs of
      1,024 Brown-Egg Dwarf Layers (DWL) were used. Approximately 1,600 eggs were
      collected over 2 consecutive days. They were stored for 3 days, and then 120
      translucent and 120 opaque eggs were selected for measurement of egg quality
      traits and weight loss over several weeks. In experiment 2, we used DWL and White
      Leghorn pure line (WLL) for assessment of eggshell ultrastructure and membrane
      traits. We chose 120 translucent and 120 opaque eggs from 3,500 DWL eggs and 125
      translucent and 125 opaque eggs from 5,028 WLL eggs. The results are as follows:
      (1) translucent eggs had greater eggshell strength and lower ultimate failure
      stress of shell membrane than opaque eggs in both DWL and WLL groups, (2)
      translucent eggs had thicker shells and thinner shell membranes than opaque eggs
      in DWL, (3) no significant differences were found in either gas pore or bubble
      pore traits between translucent and opaque eggs in either line, and (4) no
      significant differences were detected in internal egg quality or weight loss
      between translucent and opaque eggs in either line. In summary, the present study
      suggests that variations in both eggshells and shell membrane structures are
      implicated in the formation of translucent eggs.

PMID- 27665006
TI  - Effects of dietary vitamin E type on the growth performance and antioxidant
      capacity in cyclophosphamide immunosuppressed broilers.
AB  - Reactive oxygen species and free radicals play multiple roles in some immune
      pathological events. Vitamin E, as a very potent antioxidant, perhaps deceases
      the potentially negative effects of such oxidative stress to prevent immune
      pathological damage to broilers. Therefore, the current study investigated the
      effects of dietary natural (D-alpha-tocopherol) and synthetic (DL-alpha
      tocopherol acetate) vitamin E on the growth performance and antioxidant capacity
      in cyclophosphamide (CY) immunosuppressed broilers. 192 one-day-old male Arbor
      Acre broilers were randomly distributed into 4 groups: 1) non-CY-challenged
      control; 2) CY-challenged control; 3) CY-challenged group+20 IU DL-alpha
      tocopherol acetate per kg feed; and 4) CY-challenged group+20 IU D-alpha
      tocopherol per kg feed. The maize-soybean basal diet in the control group
      contained alpha-tocopherol (7.12 mg/kg). Broilers were intramuscularly injected
      with 80 mg/kg body weight of CY or sterile saline at 16, 17, and 18 d of age. CY
      decreased (P < 0.05) the average daily gain and average daily feed intake, but
      vitamin E did not alter the growth performance of broilers before or after CY
      injection (P > 0.05). The decreased absolute weight of the spleen, thymus and
      bursa, serum interleukin 2 (IL-2), and interleukin 6 (IL-2) concentrations in CY
      treated broilers were alleviated by vitamin E (P < 0.05) . The decreased relative
      weight (g/kg body weight) of the bursa in the CY-treated broilers was increased
      by natural vitamin E (P < 0.05). The CY-induced increases in malondialdehyde
      (MDA) content and decreases in total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), glutathione,
      vitamin C, and alpha-tocopherol levels, and total superoxide dismutase and
      glutathione peroxidase activities in both serum and the liver were attenuated by
      vitamin E (P < 0.05). Additionally, natural vitamin E increased alpha-tocopherol
      and T-AOC levels and decreased MDA content in the liver of CY-treated broilers (P
      < 0.05) when compared to the synthetic form. In summary, both synthetic and
      natural vitamin E supplementation improved lymphoid organ weights, serum IL-2 and
      IL-6 levels, and antioxidant capacity of immunosuppressed broilers induced by CY.
      Especially, natural vitamin E was superior to the synthetic form and enhanced
      alpha-tocopherol and T-AOC levels, reduced MDA concentration in the liver, and
      alleviated the immune damage of the bursa.

PMID- 27665007
TI  - Population dynamics and antimicrobial resistance of the most prevalent poultry
      associated Salmonella serotypes.
AB  - Salmonella spp. is the most predominant bacterial cause of foodborne
      gastroenteritis in humans. Due to the risk of human infection associated with
      poultry products and the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance, Salmonella also
      poses a significant challenge to commercial poultry production. During the last
      decade (2002 to 2012), the 12 most prevalent poultry-associated Salmonella
      serotypes (MPPSTs) were frequently and consistently isolated from poultry
      products in the United States. These MPPSTs and their percent prevalence in
      poultry products include Kentucky (4%), Enteritidis (2%) Heidelberg (2%),
      Typhimurium (2%), S. I 4,[5],12:i:- (0.31%), Montevideo (0.20%), Infantis (0.16%)
      Schwarzengrund (0.15%), Hadar (0.15%), Mbandaka (0.13%), Thompson (0.12%), and
      Senftenberg (0.04%). All MPPSTs except Kentucky are among the top 30 clinically
      significant serotypes that cause human illnesses in the United States. However
      with the exception of a few widely studied serotypes such as S. Enteritidis and
      Typhimurium, the ecology and epidemiology of the majority of MPPSTs still remain
      poorly investigated. Published data from the United States suggests that MPPSTs
      such as Heidelberg, Typhimurium, Kentucky, and Sentfenberg are more likely to be
      multi-drug resistant (MDR, >=3 antimicobial classes) whereas Enteritidis,
      Montevideo, Schwarzengrund, Hadar, Infantis, Thompson, and Mbandaka are generally
      pan-susceptible or display resistance to fewer antimicobials. In contrast, the
      majority of MPPSTs isolated globally have been reported to display MDR phenotype.
      There also appears to be an international spread of a few MDR serotypes including
      Kentucky, Schwarzengrund, Hadar, Thomson, Sentfenberg, and Enteritidis, which may
      pose significant challenges to the public health. The current knowledge gaps on
      the ecology, epidemiology, and antimicrobial resistance of MPPSTs are discussed.

PMID- 27665008
TI  - Effects of dietary fats on egg quality and lipid parameters in serum and yolks of
      Shan Partridge Duck.
AB  - The effects of different dietary fats with variable levels of polyunsaturated
      fatty acids (PUFAs) on egg quality of Shan Partridge Duck, serum, and yolk lipid
      parameters were examined in this study. A flock of 585 optimal produced ducks
      were selected and diets enriched with 0.5%, 1%, or 2% fish oil (F)/flaxseed oil
      (FL)/rapeseed oil (R)/tallow (T) plus basal diet were supplied through a 28-d
      period. Supplemental fat source and fat level had no effects on egg qualities.
      Proportions of yolk total cholesterol (TC), saturated fatty acids (SFAs),
      monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) were reduced (P < 0.001), while
      polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-6
      PUFAs), omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), Docosahexaenoic Acid
      (DHA), and Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) were increased by fish oil, flaxseed oil,
      or rapeseed oil. Effects of supplementation increasing DHA and EPA were detected
      in F, FL, and R. Compared with C, fish oil significantly increased low-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in serum, flaxseed oil significantly reduced TC
      and increased very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), rapeseed oil
      significantly reduced TC and LDL-C in serum and increased VLDL-C, tallow
      significantly increased LDL-C. It is concluded that unsaturated fatty acids rich
      diets (fish oil, flaxseed oil, and rapeseed oil) might increase yolk PUFAs,
      reduce yolk cholesterol, and change serum lipid parameters without evident effect
      on egg qualities.

PMID- 27665009
TI  - Effects of dietary octacosanol supplementation on laying performance, egg
      quality, serum hormone levels, and expression of genes related to the
      reproductive axis in laying hens.
AB  - This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary octacosanol
      supplementation on laying performance, egg quality, serum hormone levels, and
      gene expression related to reproductive axis in laying hens to confirm the
      reproduction-promoting function of octacosanol. In total, 360 Hy-Line Brown (67
      wk-old) laying hens were randomly assigned to one of three treatments with 0, 5,
      and 10 mg octacosanol (extracted from rice bran, purity >92%)/kg feed. The
      feeding trial lasted for 10 weeks. The results showed that the dietary addition
      of 5 and 10 mg/kg octacosanol improved feed efficiency by 4.9% and 3.4% (P <
      0.01), increased the albumen height by 20.5% and 13.3% (P < 0.01), the Haugh unit
      score by 12.9% and 8.7% (P < 0.01), and the eggshell strength by 39.5% and 24.5%
      (P < 0.01), respectively, compared with the control diet. Dietary octacosanol
      addition significantly affected serum triiodothyronine, estradiol, follicle
      stimulating hormone levels (P < 0.05), and progesterone and luteinizing hormone
      level (P < 0.01). Compared with the control, dietary addition of octacosanol at 5
      mg/kg promoted the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) mRNA expression
      in different-sized follicles, and significantly increased the FSHR mRNA
      expression of granulosa cells from the F2 and F3 follicles (P < 0.05). Dietary
      supplementation with both 5 and 10 mg/kg octacosanol promoted the mRNA expression
      of luteinizing hormone receptor and prolactin receptor in different-sized
      follicles, and significantly up-regulated the expression levels in F1 granulosa
      cells (P < 0.05). The ovarian weight was significantly increased with the dietary
      addition of 5 mg/kg octacosanol (P < 0.05). The numbers of small yellow follicles
      and large white follicles were increased with the addition of dietary 5 and 10
      mg/kg octacosanol (P < 0.01). This study provides evidence that octacosanol has
      the capacity to improve reproductive performance, indicating that it is a
      potentially effective feed additive in egg production.

PMID- 27665010
TI  - Sexing chick mRNA: A protocol based on quantitative real-time polymerase chain
      reaction.
AB  - The accurate identification of sex in birds is important for research on avian
      sex determination and differentiation. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based
      methods have been widely applied for the molecular sexing of birds. However,
      these methods have used genomic DNA. Here, we present the first sexing protocol
      for chick mRNA based on real-time quantitative PCR. We demonstrate that this
      method can accurately determine sex using mRNA from chick gonads and other
      tissues, such as heart, liver, spleen, lung, and muscle. The strategy of this
      protocol also may be suitable for other species in which sex is determined by the
      inheritance of sex chromosomes (ZZ male and ZW female).

PMID- 27665011
TI  - Evaluation of genetic diversity of Saudi native chicken populations using
      microsatellite markers.
AB  - The present study was conducted to evaluate the genetic diversity and
      relationships of 5 Saudi native chicken populations and a White Leghorn (L)
      strain as an exotic breed, using 25 microsatellite markers. According to
      morphological appearance and plumage color and pattern, they were classified into
      black (BL), black-barred (BR), dark brown (DB), light brown (LB), and gray (G)
      breeds. Twenty-five microsatellite markers were chosen based on the degree of
      polymorphism reported in the previous literature. The results revealed that all
      studied markers exhibited a varied percentage of polymorphism among native
      chicken populations. However, there were 81 polymorphic loci out of 109 loci.
      Based on cluster analysis, 3 main clusters of chicken populations were
      identified. Two clusters comprised native chicken breeds, while the L strain set
      the third one. Higher similarity was found between either black and gray
      populations (BL and G) or brown populations (LB and DB). They had a closer
      relationship to each other. Genetic distance between each couple was 0.11 and
      0.12, respectively. The productive results revealed that the black breed had
      significantly (P < 0.0001) lighter body weight at sexual maturity compared to the
      other breeds. There was no significant difference between light and dark brown
      breeds for most productive traits. The genetic diversity we found among Saudi
      chicken populations may be of interest for improving productive performance and
      adaptability.

PMID- 27665012
TI  - Biodetoxification of aflatoxin B1 in cottonseed meal by fermentation of
      Cellulosimicrobium funkei in duckling diet.
AB  - Two experiments were conducted to optimize the fermentation of cottonseed meal by
      Cellulosimicrobium funkei (C. funkei) for the ability of the bacteria to degrade
      aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and then to evaluate the bacterial detoxification in
      ducklings. In experiment 1, the fermentation of cottonseed meal by C. funkei was
      improved by changing the inoculation amounts by 10% (108 cfu/mL), using a 1:0.5
      material to water ratio at 35 degrees C temperature for a 144 h reaction
      duration, which resulted in an 83.4% biodegradation of AFB1. In experiment 2, 112
      one-day-old male Cherry Valley ducklings were randomly allocated to 4
      experimental groups with 4 replicates of 7 birds each. For a period of 2 wk the
      controls received a base duckling diet (BD), a second group received a base diet
      contaminated with 10% AFB1 cottonseed meal (96.8 MUg AFB1/kg), a third group was
      fed a base diet added with 5% unfermented and 5% fermented AFB1-contaminated
      cottonseed meal (57.0 MUg AFB1/kg), and the fourth group was fed a base diet
      added with 10% AFB1-contaminated fermented cottonseed meal (16.0 MUg AFB1/kg).
      The growth performance, relative organ weights, and serum biochemistry were
      analyzed. The results showed that the feed conversion ratio in the second group
      was lower than that of the controls at wk one and 2 (P < 0.05). Also, after 2 wk,
      group 2 ducklings had increased relative weights of the liver, kidneys, and
      spleen, increased activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate
      aminotransferase (AST), increased concentration of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and
      creatinine (Crt), and decreased relative weight of Fabricius bursa (P < 0.05). In
      addition, the concentrations of total protein (TP) and albumin (ALB) in serum
      were also significantly higher at weeks one and 2 (P < 0.05). These alterations
      were attenuated or prevented when 5 or 10% fermented cottonseed meal substituted
      equal amounts of unfermented cottonseed meal in the diet. In conclusion,
      fermentation of AFB1-contaminated feed materials by C. funkei offers a new
      strategy to reduce the negative effects of aflatoxicosis in ducklings.

PMID- 27665013
TI  - Genetic evaluation of egg production curve in Thai native chickens by random
      regression and spline models.
AB  - The objective of this research is to investigate appropriate random regression
      models with various covariance functions, for the genetic evaluation of test-day
      egg production. Data included 7,884 monthly egg production records from 657 Thai
      native chickens (Pradu Hang Dam) that were obtained during the first to sixth
      generation and were born during 2007 to 2014 at the Research and Development
      Network Center for Animal Breeding (Native Chickens), Khon Kaen University.
      Average annual and monthly egg productions were 117 +/- 41 and 10.20 +/- 6.40
      eggs, respectively. Nine random regression models were analyzed using the Wilmink
      function (WM), Koops and Grossman function (KG), Legendre polynomials functions
      with second, third, and fourth orders (LG2, LG3, LG4), and spline functions with
      4, 5, 6, and 8 knots (SP4, SP5, SP6, and SP8). All covariance functions were
      nested within the same additive genetic and permanent environmental random
      effects, and the variance components were estimated by Restricted Maximum
      Likelihood (REML). In model comparisons, mean square error (MSE) and the
      coefficient of detemination (R2) calculated the goodness of fit; and the
      correlation between observed and predicted values [Formula: see text] was used to
      calculate the cross-validated predictive abilities. We found that the covariance
      functions of SP5, SP6, and SP8 proved appropriate for the genetic evaluation of
      the egg production curves for Thai native chickens. The estimated heritability of
      monthly egg production ranged from 0.07 to 0.39, and the highest heritability was
      found during the first to third months of egg production. In conclusion, the
      spline functions within monthly egg production can be applied to breeding
      programs for the improvement of both egg number and persistence of egg
      production.

PMID- 27665014
TI  - Nutrients central to maintaining intestinal absorptive efficiency and barrier
      integrity with fowl.
AB  - The small intestinal mucosa acts to recover nutrients from the lumen while
      providing a barrier against potential hazards. Its unstirred water layer (USWL)
      at the lumen interface involves membrane associated mucin linearly protruding
      from underlying microvilli that entangles secretory mucin released from local
      goblet cells. Both mucin sources are dominated by repetitive O-glycosylated areas
      dependant on threonine, serine, glycine, and proline. Secretory mucin differs
      from membrane attached mucin by further employing multiple cystines that
      interconnect these areas into a net-like molecular sieve. All of the glycosylated
      areas have ionizable acidic groups credited with reducing pH from that in the
      lumen to create a micro environment favoring enzymes finalizing digestion while
      optimizing nutrient terms for absorption. Erosion of the USWL and/or abuse of the
      membrane due to lumen threats require continuous repair. The aforementioned amino
      acids are necessary in substantial amounts while vitamin B6 collaborates with
      vitamin A as meaningful cofactors for mucin synthesis. Marginal inadequacies of
      these nutrients during inordinate demand are expected to impair mucin
      replacement. In turn, marginal increases in feed conversion likely occur while
      fostering the probability of necrotic enteritis together with gizzard erosions.
      Abuse of the absorptive membrane is of particular concern from fatty acid
      hydroperoxides because of their continual presence in feed and inability of the
      USWL to provide protection. These hydroperoxides threaten membrane integrity by
      their inclusion in micelles during digestive events with fat thereby permitting
      transit through the USWL. Once coalesced with membrane phospholipids, structural
      aberrations are visualized as interfering with nutrient recovery while enabling
      leakage of cell contents to potentiate wet excreta. Inclusion of dietary vitamin
      E along with vitamin A into micelles with fatty acid hydroperoxides provides
      relief by quenching further peroxidation. Assuring cystine, threonine, glycine,
      and serine that are directly available as such together with vitamins A, E, and
      B6 represents one approach toward optimizing maintenance of the intestinal
      mucosa.

PMID- 27665015
TI  - Additive effects of fibroblast growth factor 23 neutralization and dietary
      phytase on chick calcium and phosphorus metabolism.
AB  - Phytase hydrolyzes phytate rendering phosphorus available for intestinal
      absorption, while systemic neutralization of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF
      23), using anti-FGF-23 antibody, has been shown to increase phosphate retention.
      Hence, neutralization of FGF-23 should be additive with phytase in reducing
      dietary non-phytate phosphorus (nPP) needs in chickens fed plant-based diets rich
      in phytic acid. This study was designed to test the additive effects of
      maternally derived anti-FGF-23 antibody and dietary phytase on the performance of
      chicks fed a low nPP diet from one to 14 d. Single Comb White Leghorn laying hens
      were vaccinated with either an adjuvant control or a synthetic FGF-23 peptide
      (GMNPPPYS). Chicks from vaccinated hens with control or anti-FGF-23 maternal
      antibodies were fed either a diet containing 0.2% nPP and 0.9% calcium with or
      without 500 unit phytase per kg of diet (2 * 2 factorial with main effects of
      antibody type and phytase addition, n = 15 pens of chicks/treatment). A
      significant interaction between dietary phytase and maternally derived anti-FGF
      23 antibody on growth and feed efficiency was observed (P <= 0.05), in which
      chicks receiving either phytase or maternally derived anti-FGF-23 antibody had
      improved body weight gain (21 or 15%, respectively) and feed efficiency (16 or
      18%, respectively) as compared to chicks with control antibody and not fed
      phytase. Both phytase and maternally derived anti-FGF-23 antibody independently
      increased (P <= 0.05) plasma phosphate (11 and 11%, respectively) and percent
      tibiotarsus ash (13 and 11%, respectively). Significant main effects and the lack
      of an interaction supported an additive effect of phytase and anti-FGF-23
      antibody on plasma phosphate and percent tibiotarsus ash. Feeding phytase to
      chicks fed 0.2% nPP increased plasma FGF-23 levels by 22% (P <= 0.05); however,
      no effects of anti-FGF-23 antibody on plasma FGF-23 levels were observed. In
      conclusion, dietary phytase and presence of anti-FGF-23 antibody have an additive
      effect on plasma phosphate and tibiotarsus ash in chicks fed low nPP diets. Data
      support that phytase and anti-FGF-23 antibody increase phosphate utilization by
      different mechanisms.

PMID- 27665016
TI  - Effect of white striping myopathy on breast muscle (Pectoralis major) protein
      turnover and gene expression in broilers.
AB  - WS: A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of white striping ( ) of broiler
      breast muscle ( Pectoralis major ) on protein turnover and gene expression of
      genes related to protein degradation and fatty acid synthesis. A total of 560 day
      old male broiler chicks Cobb 500 were allocated in a total of 16 pens, 35 chicks
      per pen. A completely randomized design was conducted with a 2 * 3 factorial
      arrangement (2 scores: severe and normal, and 3 breast meat samples sites). At d
      60, 20 birds were randomly selected, euthanized, and scored for white striping.
      Scoring was either normal ( , no WS) or severe ( ). Also, the same day, 17 birds
      (16 infused, one control) were randomly selected and infused with a solution of
      15 N Phen 40% ( ). Breast muscle tissue was taken for gene expression analysis of
      the following genes: MuRF1, atrogin-1, IGF-1, insulin receptor ( ), fatty acid
      synthetase, and acetyl CoA carboxylase ( ). Each bird was humanely euthanized
      after 10 minutes of infusion and scored for WS (NORM or SEV). Samples of the
      breast muscle ( Pectoralis major ) were taken at different layers (3 samples per
      bird: ventral, medial, dorsal), along with a sample of excreta for 3
      methylhistidine analysis. Out of the 16 breast samples taken, only 10 were
      selected for analysis based on the WS score (5 NORM and 5 SEV). No significant
      differences ( P > 0.05) were found in fractional synthesis rate ( ) between SEV
      WS, NORM and sample sites for breast meat. However, fractional breakdown rate ( )
      was significantly higher in birds with SEV WS compared to NORM (8.2 and 4.28,
      respectively, P < 0.0001). Birds with SEV WS showed significantly higher ( P <
      0.05) relative expression of MuRF1 and slightly higher ( P = 0.07) relative
      expression of atrogin-1 than the NORM birds. These birds also showed lower ( P <
      0.05) relative expression of IGF-1 than NORM birds. Further studies are needed to
      better understand why birds with severe white striping are degrading more
      muscular protein and mobilizing more fat.

PMID- 27665017
TI  - Lipid oxidation and color changes of goose meat stored under vacuum and modified
      atmosphere conditions.
AB  - The objective of the work was to investigate the color and lipid oxidation
      changes of goose breast meat packaged in vacuum and modified atmosphere (MA)
      conditions consisting of 80% O2, 20% CO2, and stored in refrigerated conditions
      at 4 degrees C. Color stability was monitored by determining total heme pigments
      concentration; relative concentration of myoglobin, oxymyoglobin, and
      metmyoglobin; parameters of color L*, a*, b*, and sensory evaluation of the
      surface color. Lipid stability was measured by determining thiobarbituric acid
      reactive substances (TBARS). The samples were examined in 24 h after slaughter
      (unpacked muscles) and on d 4, 7, 9, 11 of storage (muscles packed in vacuum and
      in MA). Through the time of storage, samples packed in MA had higher TBARS values
      in comparison to the meat packed in vacuum. For samples packed in two types of
      atmospheres, the total pigments concentration decreased gradually within 11 d of
      storage. It was observed that relative metmyoglobin concentration increased
      whereas relative oxymyoglobin concentration decreased in total heme pigments in
      the MA stored muscle. The relative concentration of all three myoglobin forms
      sample packed in vacuum remained unchanged. The color parameters (L*, a*, b*) did
      not change for 11 d of storage for the vacuum packed meat. The value of the color
      parameter a* decreased and the value of the color parameters L* and b* increased
      in the samples packaged in MA. The data prove that if you store goose meat in MA
      (consisting of 80% O2, 20% CO2) or vacuum, the unchanged surface color is
      preserved for 9 and 11 day, respectively.Vacuum appears to be a better method as
      regards the maintaining of lipid stability in goose meat.

PMID- 27665018
TI  - Application of loop-mediated isothermal amplification with propidium monoazide
      treatment to detect live Salmonella in chicken carcasses.
AB  - Raw chicken products are major causes of human foodborne salmonellosis worldwide.
      In particular, there is a significant risk of human exposure to Salmonella
      originating from the chicken slaughtering process. Controlling the contamination
      of chicken carcasses by Salmonella has been a considerable challenge in chicken
      slaughtering facilities and involves routine microbiological monitoring using
      reliable detection methods. Simple and rapid detection methods, particularly
      those capable of determining cell viability, will significantly facilitate
      routine monitoring of Salmonella Here, we report an invA-based loop-mediated
      isothermal amplification method coupled with a simple propidium monoazide
      treatment (PMA-LAMP) for simple and rapid detection and quantification of viable
      Salmonella in rinse water of chicken carcasses. In this study, PMA-LAMP
      consistently gave negative results for isopropanol-killed Salmonella with
      concentrations up to 8.0 * 106 CFU/reaction. The detection limit of PMA-LAMP was
      8.0 * 101 CFU/reaction with viable Salmonella in both pure culture and rinse
      water of chicken carcasses, and 10-fold lower than a conventional polymerase
      chain reaction coupled with PMA (PMA-PCR) targeting invA There was a high
      correlation (R2 = 0.99 to 0.976) between LAMP time threshold (TT) values and
      viable Salmonella with a quantification range of 1.0 * 103 to 1.0 * 108 CFU/mL in
      pure culture and rinse water of chicken carcasses. The PMA-LAMP assay took less
      than 2 h to detect Salmonella contaminated in test samples. Therefore, this
      simple and rapid method will be a very useful tool to detect live Salmonella
      contamination of chicken carcasses without pre-enrichment at the slaughterhouse
      where sanitizing treatments are commonly used.

PMID- 27665019
TI  - Cross-sectional association between muscle strength and self-reported physical
      function in 195 hip osteoarthritis patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate associations between strength of
      selected hip and knee muscles and self-reported physical function, and their
      clinical relevance, in men and women with hip osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: Cross
      sectional data from 195 participants with symptomatic hip OA were used. Peak
      isometric torque of hip extensors, flexors, and abductors, and knee extensors
      were measured, along with physical function using the Western Ontario and
      McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index questionnaire. Separate linear
      regressions in men and women were used to determine the association between
      strength and physical function accounting for age, pain, and radiographic disease
      severity. Subsequently, magnitudes of strength associated with estimates of
      minimal clinically important improvement (MCII) in physical function were
      estimated according to severity of difficulty with physical function. RESULTS:
      For men, greater strength of the hip extensors, hip flexors and knee extensors
      were each associated with better physical function. For women, greater muscle
      strength of all tested muscles were each associated with better physical
      function. For men and women, increases in muscle strength between 17-32%, 133
      223%, and 151-284% may be associated with estimates of MCII in physical function
      for those with mild, moderate, and severe physical dysfunction, respectively.
      CONCLUSION: Greater isometric strength of specific hip and thigh muscle groups
      may be associated with better self-reported physical function in men and women.
      In people with mild physical dysfunction, an estimate of MCII in physical
      function may be associated with attainable increases in strength. However, in
      patients with more severe dysfunction, greater and perhaps unattainable strength
      increases may be associated with an estimate of MCII in physical function.
      Longitudinal studies are required to validate these observations.

PMID- 27665020
TI  - The Conundrum of Heterogeneities in Life History Studies.
AB  - What causes interindividual variation in fitness? Evidence of heritability of
      latent individual fitness traits has resparked a debate about the causes of
      variation in life histories in populations: neutralism versus empirical
      adaptationism. This debate about the processes underlying observed variation pits
      neutral stochastic demographic processes against evolutionarily relevant
      differences among individual fitness traits. Advancing this debate requires
      careful consideration of differences among inference approaches used by
      proponents of each hypothesis. Here we draw parallels between several disciplines
      focusing on processes generating variation in individuals' life-course, and we
      contrast methodologies to disentangle these processes. We draw on other
      disciplines to clarify terminology, risks of flawed inference, and expand the
      panel of hypotheses and formalizations of processes generating variation in life
      histories.

PMID- 27665022
TI  - Overproduction of nitric oxide intensifies brain infarction and cerebrovascular
      damage through reduction of claudin-5 and ZO-1 expression in striatum of ischemic
      brain.
AB  - Nitric oxide (NO) overproduction has been demonstrated from different NO-synthase
      overexpression or hyperactivity after brain ischemia. Here, we examined the
      effects of inhibition of NO overproduction on brain infarction, cerebrovascular
      damage and expression of claudin-5 and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) in striatum of
      ischemic brain. The experiment was performed in three groups of rats; sham,
      control ischemia and ischemic treatment. Brain ischemia was induced by 60min of
      middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) followed by 24h of reperfusion. Treated
      rats received L-NAME 30min before induction of ischemia (1mg/kg, i.p.). Infarct
      volume and histopathological changes of ischemic striatum were assessed by TTC
      and LFB staining methods, respectively. Ultimately, quantitative RT-PCR was used
      for assessment of claudins-5 and ZO-1 expression. MCAO in the control group
      induced infarction (135+/-25mm3) at large areas of striatum in accompany with
      neuronal damages, whereas L-NAME significantly reduced infarction (87+/-16mm3)
      and neuronal injuries. The mRNA of ZO-1 and claudin-5 decreased in ischemic
      striatum, whereas inhibition of NO overproduction by L-NAME attenuated this
      reduction for these genes. Our findings indicated that NO overproduction after
      brain ischemia plays a crucial role in neuronal damage especially at striatal
      regions. Hence, inhibition of excessive NO production may save striatal
      cerebrovascular integrity of ischemic brain.

PMID- 27665023
TI  - Natural killer cells in malignant hematology: A primer for the non-immunologist.
AB  - Natural killer cells were first described over 40years ago, but the last 15years
      has shown tremendous progress in our understanding of their biology and our
      ability to manipulate them for clinical therapeutic effect. Despite the increased
      understanding by clinicians and scientists investigating these cells, their
      biology remains a confusing subject for many because of the wide array of
      receptors, complex interactions, multiple models of predicting function, and
      contradictory data in the literature. While they are microscopically
      indistinguishable from T cells and share many of the same effector functions,
      their mechanisms of target recognition are completely distinct from yet
      complimentary to T cells. In this review we provide a basic understanding of NK
      cell biology and HLA recognition as compared and contrasted to T cells using a
      metaphor of border patrol and passports. We conclude with a summary of the
      evidence for NK cell effects in hematologic malignancies and describe new
      advances in NK cell immunotherapy aimed at improving these effects.

PMID- 27665021
TI  - A Rare Case of S310F Somatic ERBB2 Mutation in a HER2-Nonamplified Breast Cancer.

PMID- 27665024
TI  - BCR-ABL (Ph)-like acute leukemia-Pathogenesis, diagnosis and therapeutic options.
AB  - Recent comprehensive genetic studies revealed numerous genetic aberrations
      underlying a group of high-risk leukemias that share a specific activated kinase
      gene expression pattern. These ALLs were first recognized by the expression
      profile similar to that of Philadelphia chromosome-positive ALL and currently can
      be sub-classified by the main aberrantly activated kinase in the leukemic cells.
      We herein review the biological mechanisms and diagnostic and clinical challenges
      presented by these leukemias.

PMID- 27665025
TI  - Hoarding disorder and the legal system: A comparative analysis of South African
      and Dutch law.
AB  - Hoarding is an internationally recognised disability. Those who suffer from
      hoarding behaviour can be comfortably brought within the definition of disability
      found in the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and should be
      provided with "reasonable accommodation" where doing so does not place an
      unjustified burden on others. However, hoarding also poses a threat to public
      health, and hoarders' behaviour may infringe on the rights of their neighbours
      and landlords. Thus, through their behaviour, hoarders may ultimately come into
      conflict with various areas of law, including neighbour law, housing law as well
      as administrative law. This article examines how hoarding may be addressed by the
      law in both South Africa and the Netherlands. It seeks to answer to what extent
      hoarders are provided with "reasonable accommodation" when their behaviour brings
      them into conflict of the law in these two jurisdictions. It also takes
      cognisance of the need to balance the provision of "reasonable accommodation"
      with the rights of neighbours and landlords. Finally, it seeks to assess which of
      the two jurisdictions provides the most balanced approach to handling hoarding,
      in light of the need for therapeutic jurisprudence.

PMID- 27665026
TI  - Reliability and validity of the DSM-IV-TR and proposed DSM-5 criteria for
      pedophilia: Implications for the ICD-11 and the next DSM.
AB  - We tested the inter-rater reliability and criterion-related validity of the DSM
      IV-TR pedophilia diagnosis and proposed DSM-5 pedohebephilia diagnosis in a
      sample of 79 men who had committed child pornography offenses, contact sexual
      offenses against children, or who were referred because of concerns about whether
      they had a sexual interest in children. Participants were evaluated by two
      independent psychiatrists with an interview and questionnaire regarding
      demographic characteristics, sexual history, and self-reported sexual interests;
      they also completed phallometric and visual reaction time testing. Kappa was .59
      for ever meeting DSM-IV-TR criteria for pedophilia and .52 for ever meeting the
      proposed DSM-5 criteria for pedohebephilia. Ever meeting DSM-IV-TR diagnosis was
      significantly related to self-reported index of sexual interest in children
      (highest AUC=.81, 95% CI=.70-.91, p<.001) and to indices of sexual interest in
      children from phallometric testing (AUC=.70; 95% CI=.52-.89; p<.05) or a
      computerized assessment based on visual reaction time and self-report (AUC=.75;
      95% CI=.62-.88; p<.005). Ever meeting the proposed DSM-5 "diagnosis" was
      similarly related to self-report (AUC=.84, 95% CI=.74-.94, p<.001) and to the two
      objective indices, with AUCs of .69 (95% CI=.53-.85; p<.05) and .77 (95% CI=.64
      .89; p<.001), respectively. Because the pDSM-5 criteria did not produce
      significantly better reliability or validity results and users are more familiar
      with the current DSM-5 criteria, we believe these results suggest the revision of
      DSM-5 and development of ICD-11 could benefit from drawing on the current DSM-5
      criteria, which are essentially the same as DSM-IV-TR except for a distinction
      between having a paraphilia (the interest) and a paraphilic disorder (the
      paraphilia plus clinically significant distress or impairment).

PMID- 27665027
TI  - Size, density and cholesterol load of HDL predict microangiopathy, coronary
      artery disease and beta-cell function in men with T2DM.
AB  - The role of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) as modifiable risk
      factor for cardiovascular (CV) disease is increasingly debated, notwithstanding
      the finding that small-dense and dysfunctional HDL are associated with the
      metabolic syndrome and T2DM. In order to better clarify the epidemiological risk
      related to HDL of different size/density, without resorting to direct measures,
      it would seem appropriate to adjust HDL-C to the level of its main apolipoprotein
      (apoA-I), thereby providing an [HDL-C/apoA-I] ratio. The latter allows not only
      to estimate an average size for HDLs, but also to derive indices on particle
      number, cholesterol load, and density. So far, the potential usefulness of this
      ratio in diabetes is barely addressed. To this end, we sorted 488 male patients
      with T2DM according to [HDL-C/apoA-I] quartiles (Q), to determine how the ratio
      relates to cardiometabolic risk, beta-cell function, glycaemic control, and micro
      and macrovascular complications. Five lipid parameters were derived from the
      combined determination of HDL-C and apoA-I, namely HDL size; particle number;
      cholesterol load/particle; apoA-I/particle; and particle density. An unfavorable
      cardiometabolic profile characterized patients from QI and QII, in which HDLs
      were pro-atherogenic, denser and apoA-I-depleted. By contrast, QIII patients had
      an [HDL-C/apoA-I] ratio close to that of non-diabetic controls. QIV patients had
      better than average HDL size and composition, and in those patients whose [HDL
      C/apoA-I] ratio was above normal, a more favorable phenotype was observed
      regarding lifestyle, anthropometry, metabolic comorbidities, insulin sensitivity,
      MetS score/severity, glycaemic control, and target-organ damage pregalence in
      small or large vessels. In conclusion, [HDL-C/apoA-I] and the resulting indices
      of HDL composition and functionality predict macrovascular risk and beta-cell
      function decline, as well as overall microangiopathic risk, suggesting that this
      ratio could serve both in cardiometabolic assessment and as biomarker of vascular
      complications.

PMID- 27665028
TI  - Muscle development in healthy children evaluated by bioelectrical impedance
      analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to use bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to
      generate a new muscle density index (MDI), the MDI_BIA, to evaluate muscle
      development, and to demonstrate the changes that occur in the BIA-based muscle
      cross-sectional area index (MCAI_BIA) that accompany growth. We also sought to
      determine the traceability of chronological changes in the MDI_BIA and MCAI_BIA.
      METHODS: Healthy children (n=112) aged 8.68+/-3.16years (0.33-14.00years)
      underwent bioelectrical impedance (BI) measurements of their upper arms, thighs,
      and lower legs. The MDI_BIA and MCAI_BIA were calculated, and cross-sectional
      investigations were conducted into the changes in these indices that accompanied
      growth. Data collected after 1.10+/-0.08years from 45 participants determined the
      traceability of the chronological changes in the MDI_BIA and MCAI_BIA. RESULTS:
      The MDI_BIA and MCAI_BIA were significantly positively correlated with age and
      height at all locations (P<0.01). The relationships between the locations and the
      MDI_BIA and MCAI_BIA differed, indicating that these indices evaluated the
      muscles from different perspectives. Except for the upper arm MDI_BIA, both
      indices at all locations regardless of age, showed significant chronological
      increases after an average period of 1.10years. CONCLUSIONS: The MDI_BIA and
      MCAI_BIA were significantly correlated with age and height in healthy children,
      and they showed significant chronological increases. Hence, these indices could
      be used to represent muscle development and muscle mass increases. BIA is non
      invasive, convenient, and economical and it may be useful in evaluating muscle
      development and muscle cross-sectional areas in children.

PMID- 27665029
TI  - Seasonal influenza vaccination among Chinese health care workers.
AB  - We conducted a study to examine the knowledge, attitudes, and opinions of health
      care workers (HCWs) and the factors associated with receipt of influenza
      vaccination in HCWs during August 2015 in 3 hospitals in Jiangsu Province, China.
      Among the 173 doctors and 220 nurses included in this study, the proportions who
      received vaccination for the 2014-2015 season were 14% and 13%, respectively.
      Ninety-eight percent of doctors and 99% of nurses maintained their vaccination
      practice over 4 seasons.

PMID- 27665030
TI  - Utility of electronic hand hygiene counting devices for measuring physicians'
      hand hygiene adherence applied to outpatient settings.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Our objectives were to evaluate the utility of electronic hand
      hygiene counting devices in outpatient settings and the impact of results
      feedback on physicians' hand hygiene behaviors. METHODS: We installed 130
      electronic hand hygiene counting devices in our redesigned outpatient department.
      We remotely monitored physicians' hand hygiene practices during outpatient
      examinations and calculated the adherence rate as follows: number of hand hygiene
      counts divided by the number of outpatients examined multiplied by 100. Physician
      individual adherence rates were also classified into 4 categories. RESULTS: Two
      hundred and eighty physicians from 28 clinical departments were monitored for 3
      months. The overall hand hygiene adherence rate was 10.7% at baseline, which
      improved significantly after feedback to 18.2% in the third month. Of the
      clinical departments, 78.6% demonstrated significant improvement in hand hygiene
      compliance. The change in the percentage of physicians in each category before
      and after feedback were as follows: very low (84.3% to 72.1%), low (8.6% to
      14.3%), moderate (2.9% to 8.9%), and high (4.3% to 4.6%), from the first to third
      month, respectively. Based on category assessment, 17.1% of physicians were
      classified as responders. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians' adherence to hand hygiene
      practices during outpatient examinations was successfully monitored remotely
      using electronic counting devices. Audit and feedback of adherence data may have
      a positive impact on physicians' hand hygiene compliance.

PMID- 27665031
TI  - Impact and feasibility of an emergency department-based ventilator-associated
      pneumonia bundle for patients intubated in an academic emergency department.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) has been linked to emergency
      department (ED) intubation and length of stay (LOS). We assessed VAP prevalence
      in ED intubated patients, feasibility of ED VAP prevention, and effect on VAP
      rates. METHODS: This was a quality improvement initiative using a pre/post
      design. Phase 1 (PRE1) comprised patients before intensive care unit (ICU) bundle
      deployment. Phase 2 (PRE2) occurred after ICU but before ED deployment. Phase 3
      (POST) included patients received VAP prevention starting at ED intubation. Log
      rank test for equality and Cox regression using a Breslow method for ties were
      performed. Bundle compliance was reported as percentages. Number needed to treat
      (NNT) was calculated by ventilator day. RESULTS: PRE1, PRE2, and POST groups were
      composed of 195, 192, and 153 patients, respectively, with VAP rates of 22
      (11.3%), 11 (5.7%), and 6 (3.9%). Log-rank test showed significant reduction in
      VAP (chi2 = 9.16, P = .0103). The Cox regression hazard ratio was 1.38 for the
      Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score (P = .001), and the hazard ratio was 0.26 for
      the VAP bundle (P = .005). Bundle compliance >50% for head-of-bed elevation, oral
      care, subglottic suctioning, and titrated sedation improved significantly with
      introduction of a registered nurse champion. NNT varied from 7 to 11.
      CONCLUSIONS: VAP was common for ED intubated patients. ED-based VAP prevention is
      feasible. We demonstrate significant reduction in VAP rates, which should be
      replicated in a multicenter study.

PMID- 27665032
TI  - Characteristics of national and statewide health care-associated infection
      surveillance programs: A qualitative study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are many well-established national health care-associated
      infection surveillance programs (HAISPs). Although validation studies have
      described data quality, there is little research describing important
      characteristics of large HAISPs. The aim of this study was to broaden our
      understanding and identify key characteristics of large HAISPs. METHODS: Semi
      structured interviews were conducted with purposively selected leaders from
      national and state-based HAISPs. Interview data were analyzed following an
      interpretive description process. RESULTS: Seven semi-structured interviews were
      conducted over a 6-month period during 2014-2015. Analysis of the data generated
      5 distinct characteristics of large HAISPs: (1) triggers: surveillance was
      initiated by government or a cooperative of like-minded people, (2) purpose: a
      clear purpose is needed and determines other surveillance mechanisms, (3) data
      measures: consistency is more important than accuracy, (4) processes: a balance
      exists between the volume of data collected and resources, and (5) implementation
      and maintenance: a central coordinating body is crucial for uniformity and
      support. CONCLUSIONS: National HAISPs are complex and affect a broad range of
      stakeholders. Although the overall goal of health care-associated infection
      surveillance is to reduce the incidence of health care-associated infection,
      there are many crucial factors to be considered in attaining this goal. The
      findings from this study will assist the development of new HAISPs and could be
      used as an adjunct to evaluate existing programs.

PMID- 27665033
TI  - A parainfluenza virus type 3 outbreak at a residential aged care facility: The
      role of microbiologic testing in early identification and antimicrobial
      stewardship.
AB  - We report an outbreak of parainfluenza 3, which had an attack rate of 30%, in a
      residential care facility in Melbourne, Australia. One-fifth of affected
      residents required hospitalization, but there were no deaths. The outbreak
      demonstrated the value of active surveillance and early microbiologic testing and
      the urgent need for antimicrobial stewardship programs in the aged care setting.

PMID- 27665034
TI  - Epidemiology and economic impact of health care-associated infections and cost
      effectiveness of infection control measures at a Thai university hospital.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Data on clinical and economic impact of health care-associated
      infections (HAIs) from resource limited countries are limited. We aimed to
      determine epidemiology and economic impact of HAIs and cost-effectiveness of
      infection prevention and control measures in a resource-limited setting. METHODS:
      A retrospective cohort study was conducted among hospitalized patients at Siriraj
      Hospital, Thailand. Results from the cohort were subsequently used to conduct
      cost-effective analysis (CEA) to compare the comprehensive implementation of
      individualized bundling infection control measures (IBICMs) with regular
      infection control care. RESULTS: From February-May 2013, there were 515
      hospitalizations (497 patients) with 7,848 hospitalization days. Cumulative
      incidence of HAIs was 23.30%, and the incidence rate of HAIs was 18.66 +/- 44.19
      per 1,000 hospitalization days. Hospital mortality among those with and without
      HAIs was 33.33% and 20.00%, respectively (P < .001). The adjusted cost
      attributable to HAIs was $704.72 +/- $226.73 (P < .001). CEA identified IBICMs as
      a non-dominated strategy, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of 
      $20,444.62 per life saved. CONCLUSIONS: HAI is significantly related with higher
      hospital mortality, longer length of stay, and higher hospitalization costs.
      IBICMs were confirmed to be cost-effective at Siriraj Hospital. Implementing this
      intervention could improve care quality and save costs.

PMID- 27665035
TI  - Could we predict airborne Aspergillus contamination during construction work?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aspergillus fumigatus is a major opportunistic pathogen causing
      nosocomial infection. Hospital outbreaks of invasive aspergillosis have been
      associated with demolition and building construction. This study was designed to
      examine the impact of meteorologic factors and different periods of work on
      outdoor fungal airborne concentrations. METHODS: The study was conducted at
      Necker Enfants Malades Hospital, a 650-bed teaching care hospital recently
      involved in a large construction program, including renovation, construction, and
      demolition. During the work phases, prospective external air samplings were
      performed 3 times a week, and meteorologic parameters were collected every day.
      RESULTS: Two hundred and one samples were collected. Aspergillus spp were found
      in 80.1% of samples, with a median concentration of 16 colony forming units
      (CFU)/m3. A significant increase in the colony count of molds occurred after
      demolition. In the multivariate analysis, factors associated with overall fungi
      concentration were the type of work construction and temperature. Elevated
      Aspergillus spp concentrations (>20 CFU/m3) were associated with higher
      temperature. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings underline the importance of environmental
      surveillance. According to our results we suggest that demolition work should be
      performed during the winter and fall seasons.

PMID- 27665036
TI  - Dazed and Confused: Medical Cannabis in Alzheimer Disease.

PMID- 27665037
TI  - Paediatrician perceptions of patient referral and discharge.
AB  - Objective The aim of the present study was to determine the factors involved in
      the decision of paediatric specialists to discharge patients back to their
      primary care provider following referral. Return of patients to primary care,
      when medically appropriate, is essential to provide efficient care to children
      given the limited workforce of paediatric subspecialists in Australia. Methods
      Data were compiled from a self-completed mail survey of all paediatricians in
      five specialties at two children's hospitals in Melbourne (n=81). Analysis
      involved frequency distributions and descriptive analyses, followed by bivariate
      analyses to determine the differences, if any, among respondents based on the
      demographic variables collected. Results The response rate was 91%. Most
      paediatricians (73%) believed that at least sometimes referrals were for a
      condition general practitioners (GPs) should be able to manage themselves.
      However, only 36% reported that they frequently or almost always provided the
      referring GP with information on how to care for the particular condition without
      a referral. Concerns regarding whether a patient would receive required care
      following discharge were felt to be important by most paediatricians. Further,
      many paediatricians reported that their discharge decision is affected by
      concerns it would be too complicated to arrange for a GP to take over the care of
      a patient. Conclusions Understanding the factors involved in the referral process
      and the decision to discharge patients from speciality care clinics to primary
      care is essential to develop strategies to address long waiting times. Ensuring
      appropriate referral of children involves the participation of GPs, parents and
      specialists. What is known about the topic? Most paediatric subspecialists
      practice in paediatric hospitals, where there is a sufficient volume of patients
      requiring their services. There have been reports across Australia of increased
      referrals to general and subspecialist paediatricians, with subsequent increases
      in waiting times and difficulties accessing timely care for children. There are
      anecdotal reports of inappropriate referrals to paediatric subspecialty clinics.
      What does this paper add? There is broad sentiment among paediatric specialists
      that they receive many referrals from GPs without either a clear rationale for
      the referral and/or sufficient information regarding the clinical history of the
      patient. Few paediatricians report contacting the referring GP to obtain
      additional information. Paediatricians believe parents are a frequent driver of
      both necessary and unnecessary referrals. What are the implications for
      practitioners? Understanding the factors involved in the referral process and the
      decision to discharge patients from speciality care clinics to primary care is
      essential to develop strategies to address long waiting times.

PMID- 27665039
TI  - Parental Decision-Making Preferences in Neonatal Intensive Care.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore how characteristics of medical decisions influence parents'
      preferences for control over decisions for their seriously ill infants. STUDY
      DESIGN: In qualitative interviews, parents of infants in the neonatal intensive
      care unit (NICU) were asked to consider all medical decisions they could recall,
      and were prompted with decisions commonly encountered in the NICU. For each
      decision, parents were asked detailed questions about who made each decision,
      whom they would have preferred to make the decision, and why. Using standard
      qualitative methods, responses were coded and organized such that decision-level
      characteristics could be analyzed according to preferred decision-making role.
      RESULTS: Parents identified 2 factors that were associated with a preference to
      delegate decisions to the medical team (high degree of urgency, high level of
      required medical expertise) and 4 factors associated with a preference to retain
      parental control (high perceived risk, high personal experience with the
      decision, involvement of foreign bodily fluids, and similarity to decisions that
      they perceived as part of the normal parental role). CONCLUSIONS: Characteristics
      of decisions influence preferences for control over medical decisions among
      parents of patients in the NICU. These insights may guide improvements in
      physician-parent communication and consent.

PMID- 27665038
TI  - Body fat distribution in Parkinson's disease: An MRI-based body fat
      quantification study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There is some evidence that Parkinson's Disease (PD) patients have
      lower body weight and lower fat mass when compared to healthy subjects and that
      lower body weight and fat mass influence disease risk and progression. It remains
      unclear, however, if weight loss of fat mass loss occurs only in a subgroup of
      patients and whether fat distribution is altered during PD. The aim of this study
      was to prospectively investigate adipose tissue content and distribution in PD
      patients. METHODS: The body fat composition of PD patients (N = 54) was compared
      with age matched healthy controls (N = 55) using a magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI)-based method. A longitudinal MRI scan was acquired in 25 PD patients after
      a mean follow up period of 12 months. RESULTS: The volume of total body fat as
      well as of visceral fat showed no difference between PD patients and healthy
      controls at baseline or at follow up. However, PD patients displayed decreased
      subcutaneous fat tissue (p = 0.01) and a higher visceral to subcutaneous fat
      ratio as compared to controls (p = 0.004). After follow up, 16 PD patients did
      not lose weight, while 9 PD patients lost between 0.5 and 10 kg. CONCLUSION: Fat
      distribution is altered in PD patients, with an increased ratio of visceral to
      subcutaneous fat.

PMID- 27665040
TI  - Risk of Ventricular Arrhythmias and Association with Ondansetron.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the use of ondansetron in a tertiary care pediatric
      health system, assess the incidence of ventricular tachyarrhythmia within 24
      hours of ondansetron, and identify the characteristics of children experiencing a
      ventricular tachyarrhythmia after ondansetron, to identify potential risk
      factors. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective chart review identified children <=18
      years of age who received ondansetron within 24 hours prior to a ventricular
      tachyarrhythmia. Those identified were evaluated for other diagnoses, concomitant
      medication use, electrolyte abnormalities, or underlying conduction abnormalities
      that may have contributed to the arrhythmia. RESULTS: A total of 199 773 doses of
      ondansetron were administered to 37 794 patients over 58 009 visits. Average dose
      was 0.13 mg/kg/dose (range 0.005-0.86 mg/kg/dose). Seven patients received
      ondansetron within 24 hours prior to a ventricular arrhythmia. All 7 patients had
      underlying congenital cardiac conduction abnormalities (n = 3) or other major
      cardiac diagnoses (n = 4). In clinical review, torsades de pointes was found in
      only 1 of the 7 patients. CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective study found the risk of
      ventricular arrhythmia within 24 hours after ondansetron administration was 3 in
      100 000 patients treated annually (0.003%). Children with major cardiac
      conditions could be considered for electrocardiogram screening and continuous
      cardiac monitoring while receiving ondansetron. Our findings do not support
      recommendations for electrocardiogram screening or continuous monitoring of other
      pediatric populations receiving ondansetron.

PMID- 27665041
TI  - Hospitalization Cost Model of Pediatric Surgical Treatment of Chiari Type 1
      Malformation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To develop a cost model for hospitalization costs of surgery among
      children with Chiari malformation type 1 (CM-1) and to examine risk factors for
      increased costs. STUDY DESIGN: Data were extracted from the US National
      Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project 2009 Kids' Inpatient Database. The study
      cohort was comprised of patients aged 0-20 years who underwent CM-1 surgery.
      Patient charges were converted to costs by cost-to-charge ratios. Simple and
      multivariable generalized linear models were used to construct cost models and to
      determine factors associated with increased hospital costs of CM-1 surgery.
      RESULTS: A total of 1075 patients were included. Median age was 11 years (IQR 5
      16 years). Payers included public (32.9%) and private (61.5%) insurers. Median
      wage-adjusted cost and length-of-stay for CM-1 surgery were US $13 598 (IQR $10
      475-$18 266) and 3 days (IQR 3-4 days). Higher costs were found at freestanding
      children's hospitals: average incremental-increased cost (AIIC) was US $5155 (95%
      CI $2067-$8749). Factors most associated with increased hospitalization costs
      were patients with device-dependent complex chronic conditions (AIIC $20 617, 95%
      CI $13 721-$29 026) and medical complications (AIIC $13 632, 95% CI $7163-$21
      845). Neurologic and neuromuscular, metabolic, gastrointestinal, and other
      congenital genetic defect complex chronic conditions were also associated with
      higher hospital costs. CONCLUSIONS: This study examined cost drivers for surgery
      for CM-1; the results may serve as a starting point in informing the development
      of financial risk models, such as bundled payments or prospective payment systems
      for these procedures. Beyond financial implications, the study identified
      specific risk factors associated with increased costs.

PMID- 27665042
TI  - High-Grade Myxoid Liposarcoma (Round Cell Variant) in a Dog.
AB  - A 10-year-old, neutered male, Basset hound had a 26 * 21 * 21 cm infiltrative
      mass on the left abdominal wall that did not extend into the peritoneal cavity
      based on radiographs and abdominal computed tomography. Cytological examination
      revealed moderate numbers of neoplastic round cells, which frequently contained
      numerous round, clear, cytoplasmic vacuoles. Histologically, the tumour was
      composed of two morphologically distinct cell populations forming a continuum of
      heterogeneously differentiated cells. The primary spindle-shaped population
      formed streams with abundant, lightly eosinophilic, alcian blue-positive, myxoid
      matrix. The second population was arranged in sheets and had a round cell
      appearance. Scattered within both populations were neoplastic cells containing
      variably sized, intracytoplasmic, osmium tetroxide-positive vacuoles (lipid).
      Multifocal large pools of mucin formed pseudocysts, and numerous small
      capillaries were present throughout the neoplasm. According to the current World
      Health Organization veterinary classification of liposarcomas, this neoplasm had
      morphological features of both the myxoid and pleomorphic variants of
      liposarcoma; however, it was analogous to the recently defined high-grade myxoid
      liposarcoma in man. Myxoid liposarcoma with round cells has not been described
      previously in dogs. This case highlights the need to potentially re-evaluate the
      current classification of liposarcomas in animals.

PMID- 27665043
TI  - Association of Lower Quarter Y-Balance Test with lower extremity injury in NCAA
      Division 1 athletes: an independent validation study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine if the Lower Quarter Y-Balance Test (LQYBT) is
      predictive of lower extremity injury in NCAA Division 1 athletes. DESIGN:
      Prospective cohort, therapy. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred eighty-nine NCAA Division
      1 athletes participated in the study and underwent a preparticipation screen that
      included the LQYBT. Maximal reach distances were recorded in each direction and
      normalized to leg length. A composite score was calculated by summing the three
      normalized reach distances and dividing by three times leg length. Side to side
      asymmetry was calculated as the lesser of the two composite scores, divided by
      the greater of the two composite scores, multiplied by 100. Injuries for the
      following season were tracked and recorded; LQYBT scores were compared between
      injured and non-injured athletes. RESULTS: In our sample, 90 [59 female, 31 male]
      of the 189 athletes participating suffered a lower extremity injury. No
      significant differences were found between injured and non-injured athletes for
      reach distance, normalized reach distance, normalized composite reach distance,
      or normalized composite percent score (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The LQYBT does not
      appear to predict general lower extremity injury in a diverse population of NCAA
      D1 athletes. These results are in direct conflict with previous findings
      suggesting the LQYBT is predictive of injury suggesting its utility as an injury
      risk screening tool in a general collegiate athletic population should continue
      to be questioned.

PMID- 27665044
TI  - Growth and photosynthetic limitation analysis of the Cd-accumulator Salicornia
      ramosissima under excessive cadmium concentrations and optimum salinity
      conditions.
AB  - Cadmium (Cd) is a non-essential element for plants, and its excess impairs plant
      performance. Physiological impacts of Cd excess are well known in non-tolerant
      plants, however this information is scarce for Cd-tolerant plants. A glasshouse
      experiment was designed to investigate the effect of five different Cd levels (0,
      0.05, 0.20, 0.65 and 1.35 mM Cd) on the growth, photosynthetic apparatus (PSII
      chemistry), gas exchange characteristics, photosynthetic pigments profiles, water
      relations and nutritional balance of the Cd-accumulator Salicornia ramosissima.
      Ours results confirmed the accumulation capacity of S. ramosissima, as indicated
      the bioaccumulation factor (BC) greater than 1.0 for all Cd levels. Furthermore,
      after 21 days of treatment S. ramosissima growth was not highly affected by Cd.
      Total photosynthetic limitation increased from 38% at 0.05 mM Cd to 70% at 1.35
      mM Cd. CO2 diffusion restriction imposed the main contribution to total
      photosynthetic limitation. Mesophyll conductance reduction was of major
      importance (with between 69 and 86%), followed by stomatal conductance (with
      between 9 and 20%). Maximum carboxylation rate (Vc,max), remained stable until
      0.2 mM Cd, and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (Fv/Fm, qP) and pigments
      concentrations were not significantly decreased by increased Cd supply. Finally,
      S. ramosissima water relations (intrinsic water use efficiency and relative water
      content) and nutritional level did not highly vary between Cd treatments. Thus,
      our finding suggested that Cd tolerance S. ramosissima is in certain degree
      supported by the tolerance of its carbon assimilation enzyme (RuBisCO) and with
      the high functionality and integrity of the PSII reaction center under Cd excess.

PMID- 27665047
TI  - Editorial commentary: Anti-glycemic drugs and heart failure-A new era.

PMID- 27665045
TI  - Proteomic comparison of near-isogenic barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) germplasm
      differing in the allelic state of a major senescence QTL identifies numerous
      proteins involved in plant pathogen defense.
AB  - Senescence is the last developmental phase of plant tissues, organs and, in the
      case of monocarpic senescence, entire plants. In monocarpic crops such as barley,
      it leads to massive remobilization of nitrogen and other nutrients to developing
      seeds. To further investigate this process, a proteomic comparison of flag leaves
      of near-isogenic late- and early-senescing barley germplasm was performed.
      Protein samples at 14 and 21 days past anthesis were analyzed using both two
      dimensional gel-based and label-free quantitative mass spectrometry-based
      ('shotgun') proteomic techniques. This approach identified >9000 barley proteins,
      and one-third of them were quantified. Analysis focused on proteins that were
      significantly (p < 0.05; difference >=1.5-fold) upregulated in early-senescing
      line '10_11' as compared to late-senescing variety 'Karl', as these may be
      functionally important for senescence. Proteins in this group included family 1
      pathogenesis-related proteins, intracellular and membrane receptors or co
      receptors (NBS-LRRs, LRR-RLKs), enzymes involved in attacking pathogen cell walls
      (glucanases), enzymes with possible roles in cuticle modification, and enzymes
      involved in DNA repair. Additionally, proteases and elements of the ubiquitin
      proteasome system were upregulated in line '10_11', suggesting involvement of
      nitrogen remobilization and regulatory processes. Overall, the proteomic data
      highlight a correlation between early senescence and upregulated defense
      functions. This correlation emerges more clearly from the current proteomic data
      than from a previously performed transcriptomic comparison of 'Karl' and '10_11'.
      Our findings stress the value of studying biological systems at both the
      transcript and protein levels, and point to the importance of pathogen defense
      functions during developmental leaf senescence.

PMID- 27665048
TI  - Sudden cardiac death: A reappraisal.
AB  - Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is still among the leading causes of death in women
      and men, accounting for over 50% of all fatal cardiovascular events in the United
      States. Two arrhythmia mechanisms of SCD can be distinguished as follows:
      shockable rhythms (ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular
      tachycardia) and non-shockable rhythms including asystole or pulseless electrical
      activity. The overall prognosis of cardiac arrest due to shockable rhythms is
      significantly better. While the majority of SCDs is attributed to coronary artery
      disease or other structural heart disease, no obvious cause can be identified in
      5% of all events, and those events are labeled as sudden unexplained deaths
      (SUD). Those unexplained events are typically caused by rare hereditary
      electrical disorders or arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathies. A systematic approach to
      the diagnosis of cardiac arrest followed by tailored therapy based on etiology
      has emerged in the last 10-15 years, with significant changes of medical practice
      and risk management of cardiac arrest victims. The aim of this review is to
      summarize our contemporary understanding of SCD/SUD in adults and to discuss
      current concepts of management and secondary prevention in cardiac arrest
      victims. A full discussion of the topic of primary prevention of SCD is beyond
      the scope of this article.

PMID- 27665049
TI  - Serum TGF-beta1: A Potential Biomarker for Early Detection of Hepatocellular
      Carcinoma.

PMID- 27665051
TI  - Glucagon-secretion inhibition using somatostatin: An old hormone for the
      treatment of diabetes-associated pancreatectomy.

PMID- 27665052
TI  - Short-term effect of severe hypoglycaemia on glycaemic control in the Diabetes
      Control and Complications Trial.

PMID- 27665050
TI  - Human Serum Metabolites Associate With Severity and Patient Outcomes in Traumatic
      Brain Injury.
AB  - Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and disability worldwide,
      especially in children and young adults. TBI is an example of a medical condition
      where there are still major lacks in diagnostics and outcome prediction. Here we
      apply comprehensive metabolic profiling of serum samples from TBI patients and
      controls in two independent cohorts. The discovery study included 144 TBI
      patients, with the samples taken at the time of hospitalization. The patients
      were diagnosed as severe (sTBI; n=22), moderate (moTBI; n=14) or mild TBI (mTBI;
      n=108) according to Glasgow Coma Scale. The control group (n=28) comprised of
      acute orthopedic non-brain injuries. The validation study included sTBI (n=23),
      moTBI (n=7), mTBI (n=37) patients and controls (n=27). We show that two medium
      chain fatty acids (decanoic and octanoic acids) and sugar derivatives including
      2,3-bisphosphoglyceric acid are strongly associated with severity of TBI, and
      most of them are also detected at high concentrations in brain microdialysates of
      TBI patients. Based on metabolite concentrations from TBI patients at the time of
      hospitalization, an algorithm was developed that accurately predicted the patient
      outcomes (AUC=0.84 in validation cohort). Addition of the metabolites to the
      established clinical model (CRASH), comprising clinical and computed tomography
      data, significantly improved prediction of patient outcomes. The identified 'TBI
      metabotype' in serum, that may be indicative of disrupted blood-brain barrier, of
      protective physiological response and altered metabolism due to head trauma,
      offers a new avenue for the development of diagnostic and prognostic markers of
      broad spectrum of TBIs.

PMID- 27665053
TI  - Should patients with early breast cancer still be offered the choice of breast
      conserving surgery or mastectomy?
AB  - Breast conserving therapy (BCT) for breast cancer aims to achieve long-term local
      disease control with reduced local morbidity. BCT has similar long-term survival
      outcomes to mastectomy in patients with early breast cancer and recent studies
      have reported similar rates of recurrence compared with mastectomy. An increasing
      number of studies have shown improved overall survival among women treated with
      BCT regardless of cancer phenotype compared with mastectomy. Despite BCT being at
      least equivalent in outcome to mastectomy many women with small breast cancers
      continue to be treated by mastectomy and several studies in the last decade have
      shown a trend of increasing numbers of unilateral and bilateral mastectomies. The
      advent of increasingly effective neoadjuvant treatment has allowed even more
      women to have breast conservation. Not only has neoadjuvant therapy been shown to
      increase the rates of BCT, it does so without increasing in breast recurrence
      rates. Patients who are suitable for BCT should be advised that BCT is the best
      treatment option for them. They should be informed that not only does it confer
      at least equivalent survival and local recurrence rates but that compared with
      mastectomy it has the advantages of less complications, better quality of life
      and many less operations if reconstructive surgery is performed. It may no longer
      be appropriate to offer women suitable for BCT the choice of mastectomy or BCT.

PMID- 27665054
TI  - Regarding: "The dosimetric impact of image guided radiation therapy by
      intratumoral fiducial markers".

PMID- 27665055
TI  - Morphokinetics of human blastocyst expansion in vitro.
AB  - Time-lapse imaging offers new tools to study dynamic processes of development
      such as blastocyst formation and expansion. This study quantitatively describes
      expansion in human blastocysts from donated oocytes. Measurements of hourly
      interval rate of changes in the blastocoel cross-sectional area revealed
      oscillatory pulses having 2-4 h periodicities. Two types of oscillations were
      distinguished. An E-Type ('expansion') had positive peak and positive or slightly
      negative trough interval rate of change values, and these characterized most of
      the expansion period. A C-type ('contraction') represented an infrequent but
      notable contraction of the blastocoel with loss of blastocoel fluid. These were
      reversible within 2-4 h in both groups and followed by further expansion.
      Therefore, oscillatory pulses are an intrinsic property of the trophectoderm. The
      zona seems to variably dampen the amplitude of these pulses. Expansion kinetics
      were compared between blastocysts with known positive (KID+) or negative (KID-)
      implantation outcomes. Regression analysis suggests that expansion may be
      relatively restricted in KID- embryos blastulating at relatively later times.
      These data extend observations in other mammalian systems and may provide
      information useful for clinical selection algorithms.

PMID- 27665056
TI  - Commentary re: Causes and estimated incidences of sex-chromosome misdiagnosis in
      preimplantation genetic diagnosis of aneuploidy.

PMID- 27665057
TI  - Subfertility factors rather than assisted conception factors affect cognitive and
      behavioural development of 4-year-old singletons.
AB  - Research on cognitive and behavioural development of children born after assisted
      conception is inconsistent. This prospective study aimed to explore underlying
      causal relationships between ovarian stimulation, in-vitro procedures,
      subfertility components and child cognition and behaviour. Participants were
      singletons born to subfertile couples after ovarian stimulation IVF (n = 63),
      modified natural cycle IVF (n = 53), natural conception (n = 79) and singletons
      born to fertile couples (reference group) (n = 98). At 4 years, cognition
      (Kaufmann-ABC-II; total IQ) and behaviour (Child Behavior Checklist; total
      problem T-score) were assessed. Causal inference search algorithms and structural
      equation modelling was applied to unravel causal mechanisms. Most children had
      typical cognitive and behavioural scores. No underlying causal effect was found
      between ovarian stimulation and the in-vitro procedure and outcome. Direct
      negative causal effects were found between severity of subfertility (time to
      pregnancy) and cognition and presence of subfertility and behaviour. Maternal age
      and maternal education acted as confounders. The study concludes that no causal
      effects were found between ovarian stimulation or in-vitro procedures and
      cognition and behaviour in childrenaged 4 years born to subfertile couples.
      Subfertility, especially severe subfertility, however, was associated with worse
      cognition and behaviour.

PMID- 27665058
TI  - A location-to-segmentation strategy for automatic exudate segmentation in colour
      retinal fundus images.
AB  - The automatic exudate segmentation in colour retinal fundus images is an
      important task in computer aided diagnosis and screening systems for diabetic
      retinopathy. In this paper, we present a location-to-segmentation strategy for
      automatic exudate segmentation in colour retinal fundus images, which includes
      three stages: anatomic structure removal, exudate location and exudate
      segmentation. In anatomic structure removal stage, matched filters based main
      vessels segmentation method and a saliency based optic disk segmentation method
      are proposed. The main vessel and optic disk are then removed to eliminate the
      adverse affects that they bring to the second stage. In the location stage, we
      learn a random forest classifier to classify patches into two classes: exudate
      patches and exudate-free patches, in which the histograms of completed local
      binary patterns are extracted to describe the texture structures of the patches.
      Finally, the local variance, the size prior about the exudate regions and the
      local contrast prior are used to segment the exudate regions out from patches
      which are classified as exudate patches in the location stage. We evaluate our
      method both at exudate-level and image-level. For exudate-level evaluation, we
      test our method on e-ophtha EX dataset, which provides pixel level annotation
      from the specialists. The experimental results show that our method achieves 76%
      in sensitivity and 75% in positive prediction value (PPV), which both outperform
      the state of the art methods significantly. For image-level evaluation, we test
      our method on DiaRetDB1, and achieve competitive performance compared to the
      state of the art methods.

PMID- 27665059
TI  - Drug-drug interactions between immunosuppressants and antidiabetic drugs in the
      treatment of post-transplant diabetes mellitus.
AB  - Post-transplant diabetes mellitus is a frequent complication of solid organ
      transplantation that generally requires treatment with lifestyle interventions
      and antidiabetic medication. A number of demonstrated and potential
      pharmacokinetic drug-drug interactions (DDIs) exist between commonly used
      immunosuppressants and antidiabetic drugs, which are comprehensively summarized
      in this review. Cyclosporine (CsA) itself inhibits the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4
      enzyme and a variety of drug transporters. As a result, it increases exposure to
      repaglinide and sitagliptin, will likely increase the exposure to nateglinide,
      glyburide, saxagliptin, vildagliptin and alogliptin, and could theoretically
      increase the exposure to gliquidone and several sodium-glucose transporter (SGLT)
      2 inhibitors. Currently available data, although limited, suggest that these
      increases are modest and, particularly with regard to gliptins and SGLT-2
      inhibitors, unlikely to result in hypoglycemia. The interaction with repaglinide
      is more pronounced but does not preclude concomitant use if repaglinide dose is
      gradually titrated. Mycophenolate mofetil and azathioprine do not engage in DDIs
      with any antidiabetic drug. Although calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) and mammalian
      target of rapamycin inhibitors (mTORi) are intrinsically prone to DDIs, their
      disposition is not influenced by metformin, pioglitazone, sulfonylureas (except
      possibly glyburide) or insulin. An effect of gliptins on the disposition of CNIs
      and mTORi is unlikely, but has not been definitively ruled out. Based on their
      disposition profiles, glyburide and canagliflozin could affect CNI and mTORi
      disposition although this requires further study. Finally, delayed gastric
      emptying as a result of glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists seems to have a limited,
      but not necessarily negligible effect on CNI disposition.

PMID- 27665060
TI  - Towards an evaluation framework for Laboratory Information Systems.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Laboratory testing and reporting are error-prone and redundant due
      to repeated, unnecessary requests and delayed or missed reactions to laboratory
      reports. Occurring errors may negatively affect the patient treatment process and
      clinical decision making. Evaluation on laboratory testing and Laboratory
      Information System (LIS) may explain the root cause to improve the testing
      process and enhance LIS in supporting the process. This paper discusses a new
      evaluation framework for LIS that encompasses the laboratory testing cycle and
      the socio-technical part of LIS. METHODOLOGY: Literature review on discourses,
      dimensions and evaluation methods of laboratory testing and LIS. A critical
      appraisal of the Total Testing Process (TTP) and the human, organization,
      technology-fit factors (HOT-fit) evaluation frameworks was undertaken in order to
      identify error incident, its contributing factors and preventive action pertinent
      to laboratory testing process and LIS. RESULT: A new evaluation framework for LIS
      using a comprehensive and socio-technical approach is outlined. Positive
      relationship between laboratory and clinical staff resulted in a smooth
      laboratory testing process, reduced errors and increased process efficiency
      whilst effective use of LIS streamlined the testing processes. CONCLUSION: The
      TTP-LIS framework could serve as an assessment as well as a problem-solving tool
      for the laboratory testing process and system.

PMID- 27665061
TI  - The allosteric citalopram binding site differentially interferes with neuronal
      firing rate and SERT trafficking in serotonergic neurons.
AB  - Citalopram is a clinically applied selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor for
      antidepressant pharmacotherapy. It consists of two enantiomers, S-citalopram
      (escitalopram) and R-citalopram, of which escitalopram exerts the antidepressant
      therapeutic effect and has been shown to be one of the most efficient
      antidepressants, while R-citalopram antagonizes escitalopram via an unknown
      molecular mechanism that may depend on binding to a low-affinity allosteric
      binding site of the serotonin transporter. However, the precise mechanism of
      antidepressant regulation of the serotonin transporter by citalopram enantiomers
      still remains elusive. Here we investigate escitalopram's acute effect on (1)
      serotonergic neuronal firing in transgenic mice that express the human serotonin
      transporter without and with a mutation that disables the allosteric binding
      site, and (2) regulation of the serotonin transporter's cell surface localization
      in stem cell-derived serotonergic neurons. Our results demonstrate that
      escitalopram inhibited neuronal firing less potently in the mouse line featuring
      a mutation that abolishes the function of the allosteric binding site and induced
      serotonin transporter internalization independently of the allosteric binding
      site mechanism. Furthermore, citalopram enantiomers dose-dependently induced
      serotonin transporter internalization. In conclusion, this study provides new
      insight into antidepressant effects exerted by citalopram enantiomers in presence
      and absence of a functional allosteric binding site.

PMID- 27665062
TI  - The association of antipsychotic medication and lithium with brain measures in
      patients with bipolar disorder.
AB  - There is evidence that brain structure is abnormal in patients with bipolar
      disorder. Lithium intake appears to 'normalise' global and local brain volumes,
      but effects of antipsychotic medication on brain volume or cortical thickness are
      less clear. Here, we aim to disentangle disease-specific brain deviations from
      those induced by antipsychotic medication and lithium intake using a large
      homogeneous sample of patients with bipolar disorder type I. Magnetic resonance
      imaging brain scans were obtained from 266 patients and 171 control subjects.
      Subcortical volumes and global and focal cortical measures (volume, thickness,
      and surface area) were compared between patients and controls. In patients, the
      association between lithium and antipsychotic medication intake and global,
      subcortical and cortical measures was investigated. Patients showed significantly
      larger lateral and third ventricles, smaller total brain, caudate nucleus, and
      pallidum volumes and thinner cortex in some small clusters in frontal, parietal
      and cingulate regions as compared with controls. Lithium-free patients had
      significantly smaller total brain, thalamus, putamen, pallidum, hippocampus and
      accumbens volumes compared to patients on lithium. In patients, use of
      antipsychotic medication was related to larger third ventricle and smaller
      hippocampus and supramarginal cortex volume. Patients with bipolar disorder show
      abnormalities in total brain, subcortical, and ventricle volume, particularly in
      the nucleus caudate and pallidum. Abnormalities in cortical thickness were
      scattered and clusters were relatively small. Lithium-free patients showed more
      pronounced abnormalities as compared with those on lithium. The associations
      between antipsychotic medication and brain volume are subtle and less pronounced
      than those of lithium.

PMID- 27665064
TI  - Revisiting the understanding of "transactional sex" in sub-Saharan Africa: A
      review and synthesis of the literature.
AB  - In sub-Saharan Africa, young women ages 15-24 have more than twice the risk of
      acquiring HIV as their male counterparts. A growing body of epidemiological
      evidence suggests that the practice of "transactional sex" may contribute to this
      disparity. Over the last 15 years, the social sciences have contributed
      significantly to understanding the meaning of and motivations for this practice.
      The findings from these studies are rich, but varied, rendering lessons difficult
      to navigate for intervention and further research. We therefore contribute a
      historically-grounded, comprehensive literature review on the nature and
      motivations for women's participation in transactional sex in sub-Saharan Africa.
      Drawing from over 300 studies (through 2014), we distill three prominent
      paradigms observed in the literature that we review toward presenting a unified
      conceptualization of the practice. "Sex for basic needs," the first paradigm,
      positions women as victims in transactional sexual relationships, with
      implications for interventions that protect girls from exploitation. In contrast,
      the "sex for improved social status" paradigm positions women as sexual agents
      who engage in transactional sex toward attaining a middle-class status and
      lifestyle. Finally, a third paradigm, "sex and material expressions of love,"
      draws attention to the connections between love and money, and the central role
      of men as providers in relationships. We find important commonalities in the
      structural factors that shape the three paradigms of transactional sex including
      gender inequality and processes of economic change. We suggest that there are
      three continua stretching across these paradigms: deprivation, agency, and
      instrumentality. This review proposes a definition of transactional sex and
      discusses implications for research and interventions aiming to reduce young
      women's risk of HIV through such relationships. We consider the consequences of
      drawing from too narrow an understanding of the practice, and highlight the
      benefits of a broader conceptualization.

PMID- 27665063
TI  - Hitchhiking: A Non-Canonical Mode of Microtubule-Based Transport.
AB  - The long-range movement of organelles, vesicles, and macromolecular complexes by
      microtubule-based transport is crucial for cell growth and survival. The
      canonical view of intracellular transport is that each cargo directly recruits
      molecular motors via cargo-specific adaptor molecules. Recently, a new paradigm
      called 'hitchhiking' has emerged: some cargos can achieve motility by interacting
      with other cargos that have already recruited molecular motors. In this way,
      cargos are co-transported together and their movements are directly coupled.
      Cargo hitchhiking was discovered in fungi. However, the observation that
      organelle dynamics are coupled in mammalian cells suggests that this paradigm may
      be evolutionarily conserved. We review here the data for hitchhiking and discuss
      the biological significance of this non-canonical mode of microtubule-based
      transport.

PMID- 27665065
TI  - Does persistent HIV replication explain continued lymphoma incidence in the era
      of effective antiretroviral therapy?
AB  - Non-Hodgkin lymphomas are highly increased in incidence in individuals infected
      with HIV, and this continues to be the case in spite of highly effective combined
      antiretroviral therapy (cART). New evidence has demonstrated that while
      successful virtual recovery of CD4 counts and elimination of HIV from peripheral
      blood can be achieved with cART, viral replication can still occur in lymphoid
      tissues. In addition, recent studies have suggested that adipose tissue provides
      an additional reservoir for HIV-infected macrophages and T lymphocytes even in
      the context of successful cART therapy. In this review article, we discuss
      possible mechanisms leading to the development of lymphoma in the cART era.

PMID- 27665066
TI  - A hybrid method for evaluating enterprise architecture implementation.
AB  - Enterprise Architecture (EA) implementation evaluation provides a set of methods
      and practices for evaluating the EA implementation artefacts within an EA
      implementation project. There are insufficient practices in existing EA
      evaluation models in terms of considering all EA functions and processes, using
      structured methods in developing EA implementation, employing matured practices,
      and using appropriate metrics to achieve proper evaluation. The aim of this
      research is to develop a hybrid evaluation method that supports achieving the
      objectives of EA implementation. To attain this aim, the first step is to
      identify EA implementation evaluation practices. To this end, a Systematic
      Literature Review (SLR) was conducted. Second, the proposed hybrid method was
      developed based on the foundation and information extracted from the SLR, semi
      structured interviews with EA practitioners, program theory evaluation and
      Information Systems (ISs) evaluation. Finally, the proposed method was validated
      by means of a case study and expert reviews. This research provides a suitable
      foundation for researchers who wish to extend and continue this research topic
      with further analysis and exploration, and for practitioners who would like to
      employ an effective and lightweight evaluation method for EA projects.

PMID- 27665068
TI  - Dissecting stem cell differentiation using single cell expression profiling.
AB  - Many assumptions about the way cells behave are based on analyses of populations.
      However, it is now widely recognized that even apparently pure populations can
      display a remarkable level of heterogeneity. This is particularly true in stem
      cell biology where it hinders our understanding of normal development and the
      development of strategies for regenerative medicine. Over the past decade
      technologies facilitating gene expression analysis at the single cell level have
      become widespread, providing access to rare cell populations and insights into
      population structure and function. Here we review the contributions of single
      cell biology to understanding stem cell differentiation so far, both as a new
      methodology for defining cell types and a tool for understanding the complexities
      of cellular decision-making.

PMID- 27665067
TI  - Results from a psychometric assessment of a new tool for measuring evidence-based
      decision making in public health organizations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In order to better understand how to improve evidence-based decision
      making (EBDM) in state health departments, measurement tools are needed to
      evaluate changes in EBDM. The purpose of this study was to test the psychometric
      properties of a new measurement tool to assess EBDM in public health practice
      settings. METHODS: A questionnaire was developed, pilot-tested and refined in an
      iterative process with the input of public health practitioners with the aim of
      identifying a set of specific measures representing different components of EBDM.
      Data were collected in a national survey of state health department chronic
      disease practitioners. The final dataset (n=879) for psychometric testing was
      comprised of 19 EBDM items that were first examined using exploratory factor
      analysis, and then confirmatory factor analysis. RESULTS: The final model from
      confirmatory factor analysis includes five latent factors representing components
      of EBDM: capacity for evaluation, expectations and incentives for EBDM, access to
      evidence and resources for EBDM, participatory decision making, and leadership
      support and commitment. CONCLUSIONS: This study addresses the need for
      empirically tested and theory-aligned measures that may be used to assess the
      extent to which EBDM is currently implemented, and further, to gauge the success
      of strategies to improve EBDM, in public health settings. This EBDM measurement
      tool may help identify needed supports for enhanced capacity and implementation
      of effective strategies.

PMID- 27665070
TI  - Development of a Tool to Measure Nurse Clinical Judgment During Maternal
      Mortality Case Review.
AB  - National task forces have been charged to reduce maternal mortality rates. To do
      so, they must identify the role of the nurse in accomplishing this goal, but the
      specific assessments and interventions for which only nurses are responsible have
      yet to be defined. Clinical judgment, which is the ability to notice, interpret,
      and respond to potential problems, is a core nurse function. Nurse clinical
      judgment can be evaluated during chart review with new available tools.

PMID- 27665069
TI  - Bacterial diversity analysis of pork longissimus lumborum following long term
      ohmic cooking and water bath cooking by amplicon sequencing of 16S rRNA gene.
AB  - The bacterial ecology of long term ohmic- (LTOH) and water bath- (WB) cooked pork
      longissimus lumborum during refrigerated storage was investigated by culture
      dependent and amplicon sequencing of 16S rRNA gene. High bacterial diversity was
      observed in both LTOH- and WB-cooked meat, and the diversity decreased with
      prolonged storage, however, it was more complex in LTOH-cooked meat compared with
      WB treated ones. Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Enterococcus and Lactococcus were the
      most prevalent genera in the first two weeks and were replaced by Carnobacterium
      by the end of storage. Brevundimonas, Bacteroidaceae, Lactobacillaceae,
      uncultured Clostridiales Family_XIII, Alcaligenaceae and Micrococcales were more
      abundant in LTOH-cooked meat, while only Moraxellaceae were more abundant in WB
      cooked samples. The different abundances may have resulted from the reaction of
      bacteria to different heating mechanisms. Overall, LTOH-cooked meat has a similar
      shelf-life with shorter processing time compared to WB treated ones.

PMID- 27665071
TI  - Inhibition of return shortens perceived duration of a brief visual event.
AB  - We investigated the influence of attentional inhibition on the perceived duration
      of a brief visual event. Although attentional capture by an exogenous cue is
      known to prolong the perceived duration of an attended visual event, it remains
      unclear whether time perception is also affected by subsequent attentional
      inhibition at the location previously cued by an exogenous cue, an attentional
      phenomenon known as inhibition of return. In this study, we combined spatial
      cuing and duration judgment. After one second from the appearance of an
      uninformative peripheral cue either to the left or to the right, a target
      appeared at a cued side in one-third of the trials, which indeed yielded
      inhibition of return, and at the opposite side in another one-third of the
      trials. In the remaining trials, a cue appeared at a central box and one second
      later, a target appeared at either the left or right side. The target at the
      previously cued location was perceived to last shorter than the target presented
      at the opposite location, and shorter than the target presented after the central
      cue presentation. Therefore, attentional inhibition produced by a classical
      paradigm of inhibition of return decreased the perceived duration of a brief
      visual event.

PMID- 27665072
TI  - The role of bullying in depressive symptoms from adolescence to emerging
      adulthood: A growth mixture model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The present study sought to identify trajectories of depressive
      symptoms in adolescence and emerging adulthood using a school-based sample of
      adolescents assessed over a five-year period. The study also examined whether
      bully and cyberbully victimization and perpetration significantly predicted
      depressive symptom trajectories. METHOD: Data from a sample of 1042 high school
      students were examined. The sample had a mean age of 15.09 years (SD=.79), was
      56.0% female, and was racially diverse: 31.4% Hispanic, 29.4% White, and 27.9%
      African American. Data were examined using growth mixture modeling. RESULTS: Four
      depressive symptoms trajectories were identified, including those with a mild
      trajectory of depressive symptoms, an increasing trajectory of depressive
      symptoms, an elevated trajectory of depressive symptoms, and a decreasing
      trajectory of depressive symptoms. Results indicated that bully victimization and
      cyberbully victimization differentially predicted depressive symptoms
      trajectories across adolescence, though bully and cyberbully perpetration did
      not. LIMITATIONS: Limitations include reliance on self-reports of bully
      perpetration and a limited consideration of external factors that may impact the
      course of depression. CONCLUSIONS: These findings may inform school personnel in
      identifying students' likely trajectory of depressive symptoms and determining
      where depression prevention and treatment services may be needed.

PMID- 27665073
TI  - Effects of prenatal and postnatal maternal emotional stress on toddlers'
      cognitive and temperamental development.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Maternal stress is associated with impairments in the
      neurodevelopment of offspring; however, the effects of the timing of exposure to
      maternal stress on a child's neurodevelopment are unclear. METHODS: In 2010, we
      studied 225 mother-child pairs in Shanghai, recruiting mothers in mid-to-late
      pregnancy and monitoring offspring from birth until 30 months of age. Maternal
      stress was assessed prenatally (at 28-36 weeks of gestation) and postnatally (at
      24-30 months postpartum) using the Symptom-Checklist-90-Revised Scale (SCL-90-R)
      and Life-Event-Stress Scale to evaluate mothers' emotional stress and life event
      stress levels, respectively. Children's cognition and temperament were assessed
      at 24-30 months of age using the Gesell Development Scale and Toddler Temperament
      Scale, respectively. Multi-variable linear regression models were used to
      associate prenatal and postnatal stress with child cognitive and temperamental
      development. RESULTS: Maternal prenatal and postnatal Global Severity Index (GSI)
      of SCL-90-R were moderately correlated (ICC r=0.30, P<0.001). After adjusting for
      relevant covariates, the increase in prenatal GSI was associated with decreases
      in toddlers' gross motor, fine motor, adaptive and social behavior development
      independently of postnatal GSI, while the increase in postnatal GSI was
      associated with changes in multiple temperament dimensions independently of
      prenatal GSI. The effects of prenatal and postnatal depression scores of SCL-90-R
      were similar to those of GSI. LIMITATION: Relatively small sample size.
      CONCLUSIONS: Compared with postnatal exposure, children's cognitive development
      may be more susceptible to prenatal exposure to maternal emotional stress,
      whereas temperamental development may be more affected by postnatal exposure to
      maternal emotional stress compared with prenatal exposure.

PMID- 27665074
TI  - Autophagy in MCF-7 cancer cells induced by copper complexes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Autophagy plays an important role in cancer cells. Targeting
      autophagy in cancer can provide new opportunities for drug development. METHODS:
      In this study we tested four Schiff base Cu(II) complexes against human breast
      cancer cells (MCF-7) and human non-cancerous cells (HEK-293T). We have tested
      their cytotoxic effect by evaluating IC50 using MTT test. To detect morphological
      changes of the actin fibers we have used fluorescent microscopy. To determine the
      type of cell death we used electrophoretic analysis and western blot analysis
      (protein LC3). RESULTS: IC50 values of the complexes increased with time of their
      influence, indicating acquired resistance of MCF-7 to the complexes. Healthy
      cells HEK-293T were not sensitive to the Cu(II) complexes. Compared with the
      control cells (cells without Cu(II) complexes) which were without morphological
      changes of actin fibers, Cu(II) complexes induced condensation and asymmetric
      conformational changes in actin filaments. To examine the type of cell death
      induced by the Cu(II) complexes we treated MCF-7 cells with Cu(II) complexes (1,
      10, 50 and 100MUmol/L) during a 72h incubation period. By electrophoresis we have
      not detected any DNA fragmentation. To determine whether Cu(II) complexes induced
      autophagy or necrotic cell death we used the western blot analysis. MCF-7 cells
      influenced with tested Cu(II) complexes produced LC3 protein after their 72h
      incubation indicating autophagy in MCF-7 cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS: Tested Schiff
      base copper (II) complexes have antiproliferative activity against cancer cells
      but not against healthy cells. They have induced autophagy in the cancer cell
      line MCF-7.

PMID- 27665075
TI  - Green synthesis of palladium nanoparticles mediated by black tea leaves (Camellia
      sinensis) extract: Catalytic activity in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol and
      Suzuki-Miyaura coupling reaction under ligand-free conditions.
AB  - The present study was conducted to synthesize palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs)
      through a facile and green route using non-toxic and renewable natural black tea
      leaves (Camellia sinensis) extract, as the reducing and stabilizing agent. The as
      prepared Pd@B.tea NPs catalyst was characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, X-ray
      diffraction (XRD), fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), field
      emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy
      (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The Pd@B.tea NPs catalyst
      could be used as an efficient and heterogeneous catalyst for Suzuki coupling
      reactions between phenylboronic acid and a range of aryl halides (X=I, Br, Cl)
      and also the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) using sodium borohydride in an
      environmental friendly medium. Excellent yields of products were obtained with a
      wide range of substrates and the catalyst was recycled 7 times without any
      significant loss of its catalytic activity.

PMID- 27665076
TI  - Monolayers of poly(amido amine) dendrimers on mica - In situ streaming potential
      measurements.
AB  - The deposition of poly(amido amine) dendrimers on mica at various pHs was studied
      by the atomic force microscopy (AFM) and in situ streaming potential
      measurements. Bulk characteristics of dendrimers were acquired by using the
      dynamic light scattering (DLS) and the laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV). The
      hydrodynamic radius derived from DLS measurements was 5.2nm for the ionic
      strength of 10-2M and pH range 4-10. The electrophoretic mobility, the zeta
      potential and the number of electrokinetic charges per molecule were derived as a
      function of pH from the LDV measurements. It was revealed that the dendrimers are
      positively charged for pH up to 10. This promoted their deposition on negatively
      charged mica substrate whose kinetics was quantitatively evaluated by direct AFM
      imaging and streaming potential measurements interpreted in terms of the
      electrokinetic model. The desorption kinetics of dendrimers under flowing
      conditions from monolayers of various coverage was also studied. It was revealed
      that dendrimer deposition was partially reversible for pH above 5.8. The acid
      base properties of the dendrimer monolayers deposited on mica were characterized.

PMID- 27665077
TI  - Carbon disulfide mediated self-assembly of Laccase and iron oxide nanoparticles
      on gold surfaces for biosensing applications.
AB  - A simple one-step methodology was explored to prepare enzyme-modified
      nanostructured electrodes for the development of biosensing interfaces. Magnetite
      type nanoparticles conjugated with Laccase were immobilized on gold surfaces.
      This approach relies on the reaction between carbon disulfide and amine groups of
      biomolecules to form dithiocarbamate (DTC) moieties, as well as on the strong
      affinity between sulfur species and metals. Special emphasis was given to
      demonstrate DTC formation in aqueous solution and further attachment to iron
      oxide nanoparticles and to gold electrodes. UV-visible spectroscopy confirmed the
      functionalization of nanoparticles by DTC using a model secondary amine (N
      hexylmethylamine). The direct attachment of modified iron oxide nanoparticles
      (with ca. 20 or 40nm mean sizes) to gold electrodes was investigated using the
      hormone epinephrine, with well-known electrochemical properties. A high amount of
      immobilized epinephrine and a facilitated redox conversion was observed for
      modified electrodes containing iron oxide nanoparticles. The success of this
      simple and robust method was confirmed by X-ray photoelectronic spectroscopy.
      Finally, the catalytic activity of modified gold with iron oxide nanoparticles
      and Laccase was evaluated toward 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6
      sulfonic acid diammonium salt (ABTS). Chronoamperometric studies revealed a
      significant catalytic activity of immobilized Laccase in the presence of the
      nanoparticles, in particular for the largest ones (40nm), with a sensitivity for
      ABTS oxidation of 100mAM-1cm-2.

PMID- 27665079
TI  - Neurologic sequelae associated with delayed identification of iatrogenic skull
      base injury during endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Skull base injury is an infrequent complication during endoscopic
      sinus surgery (ESS). We hypothesize that late recognition and repair of CSF leaks
      during ESS is associated with increased neurologic morbidity. METHODOLOGY: A
      retrospective review was performed of patients with skull base injury during ESS
      at a tertiary center from 1999-2015. The study population was separated into
      early (less than 72 hrs) and late (more than 72 hrs) intervention groups. Study
      parameters included time to diagnosis, imaging, site of injury, type of repair,
      neurologic complications, and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Seventeen patients were
      studied. The primary surgical interventions included ESS and balloon sinuplasty.
      Mean latency from primary surgery to presentation to our facility was 11 days.
      The most common injury site was the cribriform plate and the mean defect size 4.5
      mm. Late diagnosis was associated with increased total neurologic complications
      and increased rates of postoperative meningitis. No neurologic complications
      occurred in patients diagnosed intraoperatively. All patients underwent
      successful endoscopic repair. CONCLUSION: Skull base injury is a rare but major
      complication following both balloon sinuplasty and traditional primary ESS. Early
      diagnosis and endoscopic repair may prevent neurologic morbidity in these
      patients.

PMID- 27665078
TI  - Transplantation of tissue engineering neural network and formation of neuronal
      relay into the transected rat spinal cord.
AB  - Severe spinal cord injury (SCI) causes loss of neural connectivity and permanent
      functional deficits. Re-establishment of new neuronal relay circuits after SCI is
      therefore of paramount importance. The present study tested our hypothesis if co
      culture of neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) gene-modified Schwann cells (SCs, NT-3-SCs) and
      TrkC (NT-3 receptor) gene-modified neural stem cells (NSCs, TrkC-NSCs) in a
      gelatin sponge scaffold could construct a tissue engineering neural network for
      re-establishing an anatomical neuronal relay after rat spinal cord transection.
      Eight weeks after transplantation, the neural network created a favorable
      microenvironment for axonal regeneration and for survival and synaptogenesis of
      NSC-derived neurons. Biotin conjugates of cholera toxin B subunit (b-CTB, a
      transneuronal tracer) was injected into the crushed sciatic nerve to label spinal
      cord neurons. Remarkably, not only ascending and descending nerve fibers, but
      also propriospinal neurons, made contacts with b-CTB positive NSC-derived
      neurons. Moreover, b-CTB positive NSC-derived neurons extended their axons making
      contacts with the motor neurons located in areas caudal to the injury/graft site
      of spinal cord. Further study showed that NT-3/TrkC interactions activated the
      PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and PI3K/AKT/CREB pathway affecting synaptogenesis of NSC
      derived neurons. Together, our findings suggest that NT-3-mediated TrkC signaling
      plays an essential role in constructing a tissue engineering neural network thus
      representing a promising avenue for effective exogenous neuronal relay-based
      treatment for SCI.

PMID- 27665080
TI  - Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, childhood adversity and adolescent
      nonsuicidal self-injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Whereas childhood adversity (CA) and the hypothalamus-pituitary
      adrenal (HPA) axis have been suggested to play a major role in the etiology of
      non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), no study has thus far investigated both its
      associations and interactions with adolescent NSSI. METHOD: We investigated CA
      (antipathy, neglect, physical, psychological, and sexual abuse) and indices of
      HPA axis activity (salivary and hair cortisol) in a clinical sample of 26
      adolescents engaging in NSSI and 26 age- and gender-matched healthy controls
      (HC). We used standardized interviews for the assessment of CA (CECA), NSSI
      (SITBI-G), and axis I diagnoses (MINI-KID). Salivary cortisol sampling was
      surveyed using a monitoring system and instructed via telephone calls. RESULTS:
      Adolescents engaging in NSSI exhibited significantly higher cortisol awakening
      responses compared to HC. No differences were found with respect to the diurnal
      slope or hair cortisol. In the presence of CA, healthy adolescents showed flatted
      diurnal cortisol slopes while those engaging in NSSI exhibited significantly
      steeper ones. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that adolescents engaging in
      NSSI may exhibit a stronger cortisol awakening response, potentially in
      expectation of strain. However, elevated cortisol levels may not be maintained
      throughout the day, especially among adolescents with a history of CA.

PMID- 27665081
TI  - Differential effects of oxytocin on social sensitivity in two distinct breeds of
      dogs (Canis familiaris).
AB  - Dogs have been proven to show several human-analogue social behaviors, and recent
      research raises the possibility that the oxytocin system is related to these.
      However, despite dogs' general tendency to excel in the domain of social
      cognition, there is increasing evidence that dogs' ability to utilize human
      signals may vary with breed. Moreover, breeds may show differences not only in
      their 'inborn' communicative abilities, but also in their learning skills related
      to these. The aim of the present study was to explore breed differences and breed
      specific effects of oxytocin administration on different aspects of social
      responsiveness. Dogs from two markedly different breeds, Border Collies
      (cooperative workers) and Siberian Huskies (independent workers) were tested.
      After having received intranasal administration of oxytocin or placebo, subjects
      participated in three behavioral tests measuring social responsiveness. Our
      results show that there are several behavioral differences between the two breeds
      and also that there are differential effects of the oxytocin treatment. Border
      Collies were in general more susceptible to the 'social' effects of oxytocin
      compared to Siberian Huskies: after oxytocin administration they (1) looked more
      at the experimenter in the 'Unreachable food' situation, (2) looked more at the
      owner and shifted their gaze more between the sound source and the owner in a
      potentially dangerous situation, and (3) looked longer at the experimenter's eyes
      in the 'Tolerance of prolonged eye contact' test. These findings suggest that
      selection for enhanced cooperative abilities, possibly complemented by the effect
      of different social environments the two breeds experience, affects dogs'
      performance in several behavioral tests and that the neurohormonal background
      differently modulates social behavior in different working breeds.

PMID- 27665082
TI  - Preparation and characterization of chitosan based injectable hydrogels enhanced
      by chitin nano-whiskers.
AB  - The objective of current study was to prepare an injectable hydrogel with great
      mechanical properties and biological compatibility, which could be more suitable
      to be applied as tissue engineering scaffold. Chitin nano-whiskers (CNWs) were
      introduced into chitosan/beta-glycerophosphate disodium salt (CS/GP) injectable
      hydrogel. The effects of CNWs contents and gelation temperatures on gelation
      speed and mechanical properties of the composite hydrogels were characterized and
      discussed. The maximum values of tensile strength and elongation at break were
      both more than 4 times larger than that of neat CS/GP hydrogel. The gelation time
      of injectable hydrogel with 5% CNWs content (formed at 37 degrees C) was 25
      seconds, which was much shorter than that (6038 seconds) of the neat CS/GP
      hydrogel. In combination with results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
      (FT-IR), it was proved that CNWs functioned as a cross-linker through hydrogen
      bond interaction in the gel formation process, which might be the main reason for
      mechanical enhancement. Meanwhile, gels formed with higher CNWs content and
      gelation temperature had lower equilibrium swelling ratio and drug release rate.
      Cytotoxicity of hydrogel in vitro was studied by MTT method with a result of
      indicating a good biocompatibility of CNWs enhanced hydrogel.

PMID- 27665083
TI  - Mechanical response of 3D Insert(r) PCL to compression.
AB  - 3D polymeric scaffolds are increasingly used for in vitro experiments aiming to
      mimic the environment found in vivo, to support for cellular growth and to induce
      differentiation through the application of external mechanical cues. In research,
      experimental results must be shown to be reproducible to be claimed as valid and
      the first clause to ensure consistency is to provide identical initial
      experimental conditions between trials. As a matter of fact, 3D structures
      fabricated in batch are supposed to present a highly reproducible geometry and
      consequently, to give the same bulk response to mechanical forces. This study
      aims to measure the overall mechanical response to compression of commercially
      available 3D Insert PCL scaffolds (3D PCL) fabricated in series by fuse
      deposition and evaluate how small changes in the architecture of scaffolds affect
      the mechanical response. The apparent elastic modulus (Ea) was evaluated by
      performing quasi-static mechanical tests at various temperatures showing a
      decrease in material stiffness from 5MPa at 25 degrees C to 2.2MPa at 37 degrees
      C. Then, a variability analysis revealed variations in Ea related to the
      repositioning of the sample into the testing machine, but also consistent
      differences comparing different scaffolds. To clarify the source of the
      differences measured in the mechanical response, the same scaffolds previously
      undergoing compression, were scanned by micro computed tomography (MUCT) to
      identify any architectural difference. Eventually, to clarify the contribution
      given by differences in the architecture to the standard deviation of Ea, their
      mechanical response was qualitatively compared to a compact reference material
      such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). This study links the geometry, architecture
      and mechanical response to compression of 3D PCL scaffolds and shows the
      importance of controlling such parameters in the manufacturing process to obtain
      scaffolds that can be used in vitro or in vivo under reproducible conditions.

PMID- 27665085
TI  - Determination of the in situ mechanical behavior of ankle ligaments.
AB  - The mechanical behavior of ankle ligaments at the structural level can be
      characterized by force-displacement curves in the physiologic phase up to the
      initiation of failure. However, these properties are difficult to characterize in
      vitro due to the experimental difficulties in replicating the complex geometry
      and non-uniformity of the loading state in situ. This study used a finite element
      parametric modeling approach to determine the in situ mechanical behavior of
      ankle ligaments at neutral foot position for a mid-sized adult foot from
      experimental derived bony kinematics. Nine major ankle ligaments were represented
      as a group of fibers, with the force-elongation behavior of each fiber element
      characterized by a zero-force region and a region of constant stiffness. The zero
      force region, representing the initial tension or slackness of the whole ligament
      and the progressive fiber uncrimping, was identified against a series of quasi
      static experiments of single foot motion using simultaneous optimization. A range
      of 0.33-3.84mm of the zero-force region was obtained, accounting for a relative
      length of 6.7+/-3.9%. The posterior ligaments generally exhibit high-stiffness in
      the loading region. Following this, the ankle model implemented with in situ
      ligament behavior was evaluated in response to multiple loading conditions and
      proved capable of predicting the bony kinematics accurately in comparison to the
      cadaveric response. Overall, the parametric ligament modeling demonstrated the
      feasibility of linking the gross structural behavior and the underlying bone and
      ligament mechanics that generate them. Determination of the in situ mechanical
      properties of ankle ligaments provides a better understanding of the nonlinear
      nature of the ankle joint. Applications of this knowledge include functional
      ankle joint mechanics and injury biomechanics.

PMID- 27665086
TI  - A cluster analysis of early onset in common anxiety disorders.
AB  - Early onset is regarded as an important characteristic of anxiety disorders,
      associated with higher severity. However, previous findings diverge, as
      definitions of early onset vary and are often unsubstantiated. We objectively
      defined early onset in social phobia, panic disorder, agoraphobia, and
      generalised anxiety disorder, using cluster analysis with data gathered in the
      general population. Resulting cut-off ages for early onset were <=22 (social
      phobia), <=31 (panic disorder), <=21 (agoraphobia), and <=27 (generalised anxiety
      disorder). Comparison of psychiatric comorbidity and general wellbeing between
      subjects with early and late onset in the general population and an outpatient
      cohort, demonstrated that among outpatients anxiety comorbidity was more common
      in early onset agoraphobia, but also that anxiety- as well as mood comorbidity
      were more common in late onset social phobia. A major limitation was the
      retrospective assessment of onset. Our results encourage future studies into
      correlates of early onset of psychiatric disorders.

PMID- 27665084
TI  - Characterizing white matter tissue in large strain via asymmetric indentation and
      inverse finite element modeling.
AB  - Characterizing the mechanical properties of white matter is important to
      understand and model brain development and injury. With embedded aligned axonal
      fibers, white matter is typically modeled as a transversely isotropic material.
      However, most studies characterize the white matter tissue using models with a
      single anisotropic invariant or in a small-strain regime. In this study, we
      combined a single experimental procedure - asymmetric indentation - with inverse
      finite element (FE) modeling to estimate the nearly incompressible transversely
      isotropic material parameters of white matter. A minimal form comprising three
      parameters was employed to simulate indentation responses in the large-strain
      regime. The parameters were estimated using a global optimization procedure based
      on a genetic algorithm (GA). Experimental data from two indentation
      configurations of porcine white matter, parallel and perpendicular to the axonal
      fiber direction, were utilized to estimate model parameters. Results in this
      study confirmed a strong mechanical anisotropy of white matter in large strain.
      Further, our results suggested that both indentation configurations are needed to
      estimate the parameters with sufficient accuracy, and that the indenter-sample
      friction is important. Finally, we also showed that the estimated parameters were
      consistent with those previously obtained via a trial-and-error forward FE method
      in the small-strain regime. These findings are useful in modeling and
      parameterization of white matter, especially under large deformation, and
      demonstrate the potential of the proposed asymmetric indentation technique to
      characterize other soft biological tissues with transversely isotropic
      properties.

PMID- 27665087
TI  - As we fall asleep we forget about the future: A quantitative linguistic analysis
      of mentation reports from hypnagogia.
AB  - We present a quantitative study of mental time travel to the past and future in
      sleep onset hypnagogia. Three independent, blind judges analysed a total of 150
      mentation reports from different intervals prior to and after sleep onset. The
      linguistic tool for the mentation report analysis grounds on established
      grammatical and cognitive-semantic theories, and proof of concept has been
      provided in previous studies. The current results indicate that memory for the
      future, but not for the past, decreases in sleep onset - thereby supporting
      preliminary physiological evidence at the level of brain function. While recent
      memory research emphasizes similarities in the cognitive and physiological
      processes of mental time travel to the past and future, the current study
      explores a state of consciousness which may serve to dissociate between the two.

PMID- 27665088
TI  - Feasibility and reliability of using an exoskeleton to emulate muscle
      contractures during walking.
AB  - Contracture is a permanent shortening of the muscle-tendon-ligament complex that
      limits joint mobility. Contracture is involved in many diseases (cerebral palsy,
      stroke, etc.) and can impair walking and other activities of daily living. The
      purpose of this study was to quantify the reliability of an exoskeleton designed
      to emulate lower limb muscle contractures unilaterally and bilaterally during
      walking. An exoskeleton was built according to the following design criteria:
      adjustable to different morphologies; respect of the principal lines of muscular
      actions; placement of reflective markers on anatomical landmarks; and the ability
      to replicate the contractures of eight muscles of the lower limb unilaterally and
      bilaterally (psoas, rectus femoris, hamstring, hip adductors, gastrocnemius,
      soleus, tibialis posterior, and peroneus). Sixteen combinations of contractures
      were emulated on the unilateral and bilateral muscles of nine healthy
      participants. Two sessions of gait analysis were performed at weekly intervals to
      assess the reliability of the emulated contractures. Discrete variables were
      extracted from the kinematics to analyse the reliability. The exoskeleton did not
      affect normal walking when contractures were not emulated. Kinematic reliability
      varied from poor to excellent depending on the targeted muscle. Reliability was
      good for the bilateral and unilateral gastrocnemius, soleus, and tibialis
      posterior as well as the bilateral hamstring and unilateral hip adductors. The
      exoskeleton can be used to replicate contracture on healthy participants. The
      exoskeleton will allow us to differentiate primary and compensatory effects of
      muscle contractures on gait kinematics.

PMID- 27665089
TI  - Tyrosine phosphorylation modulates mitochondrial chaperonin Hsp60 and delays
      rotavirus NSP4-mediated apoptotic signaling in host cells.
AB  - Phosphoproteomics-based platforms have been widely used to identify post
      translational dynamics of cellular proteins in response to viral infection. The
      present study was undertaken to assess differential tyrosine phosphorylation
      during early hours of rotavirus (RV) SA11 infection. Heat shock proteins (Hsp60)
      were found to be enriched in the data set of RV-SA11 induced differentially
      tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins at 2 hr post infection (hpi). Hsp60 was further
      found to be phosphorylated by an activated form of Src kinase on 227th tyrosine
      residue, and tyrosine phosphorylation of mitochondrial chaperonin Hsp60
      correlated with its proteasomal degradation at 2-2.5hpi. Interestingly,
      mitochondrial Hsp60 positively influenced translocation of the rotaviral
      nonstructural protein 4 to mitochondria during RV infections. Phosphorylation and
      subsequent transient degradation of mitochondrial Hsp60 during early hours of RV
      SA11 infection resulted in inhibition of premature import of nonstructural
      protein 4 into mitochondria, thereby delaying early apoptosis. Overall, the study
      highlighted one of the many strategies rotavirus undertakes to prevent early
      apoptosis and subsequent reduced viral progeny yield.

PMID- 27665090
TI  - Subtelomeric Copy Number Variations: The Importance of 4p/4q Deletions in
      Patients with Congenital Anomalies and Developmental Disability.
AB  - The most prevalent structural variations in the human genome are copy number
      variations (CNVs), which appear predominantly in the subtelomeric regions.
      Variable sizes of 4p/4q CNVs have been associated with several different
      psychiatric findings and developmental disability (DD). We analyzed 105 patients
      with congenital anomalies (CA) and developmental and/or intellectual disabilities
      (DD/ID) using MLPA subtelomeric specific kits (P036 /P070) and 4 of them using
      microarrays. We found abnormal subtelomeric CNVs in 15 patients (14.3%),
      including 8 patients with subtelomeric deletions at 4p/4q (53.3%). Additional
      genomic changes were observed at 1p36, 2q37.3, 5p15.3, 5q35.3, 8p23.3, 13q11,
      14q32.3, 15q11.2, and Xq28/Yq12. This indicates the prevalence of independent
      deletions at 4p/4q, involving PIGG, TRIML2, and FRG1. Furthermore, we identified
      15 genes with changes in copy number that contribute to neurological development
      and/or function, among them CRMP1, SORCS2, SLC25A4, and HELT. Our results
      highlight the association of genes with changes in copy number at 4p and 4q
      subtelomeric regions and the DD phenotype. Cytogenomic characterization of
      additional cases with distal deletions should help clarifying the role of
      subtelomeric CNVs in neurological diseases.

PMID- 27665091
TI  - A Randomized Trial on the Efficacy of Topical Anesthesia for Pain Reduction
      during Frame Placement for Gamma Knife Radiosurgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Frame application for gamma knife radiosurgery (GKR) may be
      perceived as painful by patients. This study was designed to assess the efficacy
      of EMLA (2.5% lidocaine/2.5% prilocaine) in pain reduction. METHODS: This was a
      prospective, randomized, and controlled trial approved by our institutional
      review board. Fifty-four patients undergoing outpatient GKR were divided into
      EMLA and placebo groups. Prior to frame placement, EMLA/placebo was applied to
      the patient's forehead. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used to measure pain
      during 4 intervals: frontal injections, occipital injections, frontal screw
      insertion, and overall discomfort. This study was designed to observe a
      difference of 1.0 on the VAS at a power of 95%. RESULTS: VAS for EMLA versus
      placebo for frontal injections (5.2 +/- 2.7 vs. 5.7 +/- 2.0, respectively; p <
      0.45), back injections, (6.5 +/- 2.2 vs. 5.9 +/- 2.3, respectively; p < 0.30),
      frontal pins (4.6 +/- 2.7 vs. 4.6 +/- 2.2, respectively; p < 0.99), and overall
      discomfort (p < 0.29) were not significantly different. A comparison between back
      and frontal injections for EMLA (6.54 vs. 5.19, respectively; p < 0.16) and
      placebo (5.89 vs. 5.68, respectively; p < 0.69) showed no significant difference
      between group and location (p < 0.21). CONCLUSION: Application of EMLA did not
      significantly reduce pain when used preoperatively for frame fixation. EMLA is no
      longer used as part of our routine for patients undergoing GKR.

PMID- 27665092
TI  - Wolff: straight not curved.
AB  - It was 140 years ago that George von Meyer presented his anatomical diagrams of
      human bones to a meeting in Zurich. There he was told by Prof. Karl Culmann that
      the trabecular lines shown within the diagram of the upper femur closely
      resembled those lines of force which Culmann had determined with Graphic Statics
      to be passing through a curved, loaded Fairbairn crane. This drew the attention
      of Julius Wolff, who used this as the basis for his 'Trajectorial theory' which
      was widely accepted and, to date, has been the underlying basis for all
      biomechanical investigations of this region. Following Wolff and Culmann, the
      upper femur is considered to be a curved structure and is investigated as such.
      Unfortunately, this concept is wrong. The upper femur is not curved but is
      angular. It is formed by the junction of two straight bones, the femoral neck and
      the femoral shaft, as may be simply seen as the neck/shaft angle constructed on
      the antero-posterior radiograph of any normal femur. The internal trabecular bone
      forms only part of the load bearing structure of the femoral neck. The
      configuration of this trabecular substance in this region suggests that it is
      related specifically to the force present during flexion and extension movements
      of the hip joint. This being so, combined with the delayed timing of the
      appearance of the trabecular columns, it must be questioned as to whether the
      remodelling of the upper femur is in response to one or to two distinct forces.

PMID- 27665093
TI  - An anterior cruciate ligament injury does not affect the neuromuscular function
      of the non-injured leg except for dynamic balance and voluntary quadriceps
      activation.
AB  - PURPOSE: The function of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) patients' non
      injured leg is relevant in light of the high incidence of secondary ACL injuries
      on the contralateral side. However, the non-injured leg's function has only been
      examined for a selected number of neuromuscular outcomes and often without
      appropriate control groups. We measured a broad array of neuromuscular functions
      between legs of ACL patients and compared outcomes to age, sex, and physical
      activity matched controls. METHODS: Thirty-two ACL-deficient patients (208 +/-
      145 days post-injury) and active and less-active controls (N = 20 each)
      participated in the study. We measured single- and multi-joint neuromuscular
      function in both legs in each group and expressed the overall neuromuscular
      function in each leg by calculating a mean z-score across all neuromuscular
      measures. A group by leg MANOVA and ANOVA were performed to examine group and leg
      differences for the selected outcomes. RESULTS: After an ACL injury, duration (
      4.3 h/week) and level (Tegner activity score of -3.9) of sports activity
      decreased and was comparable to less-active controls. ACL patients showed
      bilateral impairments in the star excursion balance test compared to both control
      groups (P <= 0.004) and for central activation ratio compared to active controls
      (P <= 0.002). There were between-leg differences within each group for maximal
      quadriceps and hamstring strength, voluntary quadriceps activation, star
      excursion balance test performance, and single-leg hop distance (all P < 0.05),
      but there were no significant differences in quadriceps force accuracy and
      variability, knee joint proprioception, and static balance. Overall neuromuscular
      function (mean z-score) did not differ between groups, but ACL patients' non
      injured leg displayed better neuromuscular function than the injured leg (P <
      0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Except for poorer dynamic balance and reduced quadriceps
      activation, ACL patients had no bilateral neuromuscular deficits despite
      reductions in physical activity after injury. Therapists can use the non-injured
      leg as a reference to assess the injured leg's function for tasks measured in the
      present study, excluding dynamic balance and quadriceps activation.
      Rehabilitation after an ACL injury should be mainly focused on the injured leg.
      LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

PMID- 27665094
TI  - Outcome reporting following navigated high tibial osteotomy of the knee: a
      systematic review.
AB  - PURPOSE: This systematic review evaluates radiographic and clinical outcome
      reporting following navigated high tibial osteotomy (HTO). Conventional HTO was
      used as a control to compare outcomes and furthermore investigate the quality of
      evidence in studies reporting outcomes for navigated HTO. It was hypothesized
      that navigated HTO will show superior clinical and radiographic outcomes compared
      to conventional HTO. METHODS: Two independent reviewers searched PubMed, Ovid
      (MEDLINE), EMBASE, and Cochrane databases for studies reporting outcomes
      following navigated HTO. Titles, abstracts, and full-text were screened in
      duplicate using an a priori inclusion and exclusion criteria. Descriptive
      statistics were calculated using Minitab (r) statistical software. Methodological
      Index for Nonrandomized Studies (MINORS) and Cochrane Risk of Bias Scores were
      used to evaluate methodological quality. RESULTS: Thirty-four studies which
      involved 2216 HTOs were analysed in this review, 1608 (72.6 %) navigated HTOs and
      608 (27.4 %) conventional HTOs. The majority of studies were of level IV evidence
      (16). Clinical outcomes were reported in knee and function scores or range of
      motion comparisons. Postoperative clinical and functional scores were improved by
      navigated HTO although it is not demonstrated if there is significant improvement
      compared to conventional HTO. Most common clinical outcome score reported was
      Lysholm scores (6) which report postoperative scores of 87.8 (standard deviation
      5.9) and 88.8 (standard deviation 5.9) for conventional and navigation-assisted
      HTO, respectively. Radiographic outcomes reported commonly were weight-bearing
      mechanical axis, coronal plane angle, and posterior tibial slope angle in the
      sagittal plane. Studies have shown HTO gives significant correction of mechanical
      alignment and navigated HTO produces significantly less change in posterior
      tibial slope postoperatively compared to conventional. The mean MINORS for the 17
      non-comparative studies was 9/16, and 15/24 for the 14 non-randomized comparative
      studies. CONCLUSION: Navigation HTO results in improved mechanical axis alignment
      and demonstrates significantly better control over the tibial slope angle change
      postoperatively compared to conventional methods; however, these improvements
      have not yet been reflected in clinical outcome scores. Overall the studies
      report HTO does create significantly improved knee scores and functions compared
      to patients' preoperative ratings regardless of technique. Future studies on HTO
      outcomes need to focus on consistency of outcome reporting. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
      IV.

PMID- 27665096
TI  - Using preoperative unsupervised cluster analysis of chronic rhinosinusitis to
      inform patient decision and endoscopic sinus surgery outcome.
AB  - The purpose of this study is to use unsupervised cluster methodology to identify
      phenotype and mucosal eosinophilia endotype subgroups of patients with medical
      refractory chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), and evaluate the difference in quality
      of life (QOL) outcomes after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) between these
      clusters for better surgical case selection. A prospective cohort study included
      131 patients with medical refractory CRS who elected ESS. The Sino-Nasal Outcome
      Test (SNOT-22) was used to evaluate QOL before and 12 months after surgery.
      Unsupervised two-step clustering method was performed. One hundred and thirteen
      subjects were retained in this study: 46 patients with CRS without nasal polyps
      and 67 patients with nasal polyps. Nasal polyps, gender, mucosal eosinophilia
      profile, and prior sinus surgery were the most discriminating factors in the
      generated clusters. Three clusters were identified. A significant clinical
      improvement was observed in all clusters 12 months after surgery with a reduction
      of SNOT-22 scores. There was a significant difference in QOL outcomes between
      clusters; cluster 1 had the worst QOL improvement after FESS in comparison with
      the other clusters 2 and 3. All patients in cluster 1 presented CRSwNP with the
      highest mucosal eosinophilia endotype. Clustering method is able to classify CRS
      phenotypes and endotypes with different associated surgical outcomes.

PMID- 27665097
TI  - Para-CS pacing maneuver: further evidence of left atrionodal connections.

PMID- 27665095
TI  - Platelet-rich plasma in tendon-related disorders: results and indications.
AB  - PURPOSE: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is currently the most exploited strategy in
      the clinical practice to provide a regenerative stimulus for tendon healing. The
      aim of the present study was to systematically review the available evidence on
      the treatment of the main tendon disorders where PRP is currently applied.
      METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed on the use of PRP as
      a treatment for tendinopathies focusing on the following sites: Achilles tendon,
      patellar tendon, rotator cuff tendons, and lateral elbow tendons. The following
      inclusion criteria for relevant articles were used: clinical trials written in
      English language up to 21 June 2016 on the use of PRP in the conservative or
      surgical treatment of the aforementioned tendinopathies. RESULTS: The research
      identified the following clinical trials dealing with the application of PRP in
      the selected tendons: 19 papers on patellar tendon (6 being RCTs: 4 dealing with
      PRP conservative application and 2 surgical), 24 papers on Achilles tendon (4
      RCTs: 3 conservative and 1 surgical), 29 on lateral elbow tendons (17 RCTs, all
      conservative), and 32 on rotator cuff (22 RCTs: 18 surgical and 3 conservative).
      CONCLUSION: Patellar tendons seem to benefit from PRP injections, whereas in the
      Achilles tendon, PRP application is not indicated neither as a conservative
      approach nor as a surgical augmentation. Lateral elbow tendinopathy showed an
      improvement in most of the high-level studies, but the lack of proven superiority
      with respect to the more simple whole-blood injections still questions its use in
      the clinical practice. With regard to rotator cuff pathology, the vast majority
      of surgical RCTs documented a lack of beneficial effects, whereas there is still
      inconclusive evidence concerning its conservative application in rotator cuff
      disorders. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Systematic review of level I-IV trials, Level IV.

PMID- 27665098
TI  - Predictors of intraoperative electrosurgery-induced implantable cardioverter
      defibrillator (ICD) detection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the USA, the number of people needing implantable cardioverter
      defibrillators (ICDs) has grown dramatically. Many ICD recipients will need to
      undergo a surgical procedure at some point following ICD implantation. Most
      surgeries involve the use of electrocautery. Currently, the effects of
      electrocautery-induced electromagnetic interference (EI-EMI) on ICDs are poorly
      understood. The aim of this study was to study EI-EMI using prospectively
      collected clinical data. METHODS: We analyzed prospectively collected ICD data
      from patients undergoing a surgical procedure at Mayo Clinic between 2011 and
      2012. Information on clinical, device history, device interrogation pre- and post
      surgery, and surgical information were collected for all patients. ICDs were
      programmed with detections on and therapies off. The patients were then
      categorized into two groups: those with EI-EMI inappropriate arrhythmia detection
      and those without detection. The stored electrograms were reviewed. Clinical and
      device parameters were analyzed to identify predictors of EI-EMI. RESULTS: Of 103
      patients studied, bipolar cautery did not induce EI-EMI (0/11 cases), whereas
      monopolar cautery resulted in noise detection in 11/92 procedures. Among 11
      inappropriate episodes of detection, 10 had surgery at chest, neck, and upper
      extremity sites with cautery current across the ICD lead tip; 1 had abdominal
      surgery; and none had back or low extremity surgery. On average, the near-field
      electrogram amplitude values were greater than the far-field amplitude values.
      CONCLUSIONS: EI-EMI does not occur when bipolar cautery or monopolar cautery is
      used below the hips with the dispersive ground pad applied to the lower
      extremities. In contrast to external EMI, EI-EMI may be larger on near-field than
      far-field electrograms.

PMID- 27665099
TI  - Cost-effectiveness of drug monitoring of anti-TNF therapy in inflammatory bowel
      disease and rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of anti-TNF is increasingly used to
      manage inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The cost
      effectiveness of this strategy is debated. METHODS: All studies comparing the
      cost-effectiveness of a TDM-based strategy and an empirical dose management of
      anti-TNF in IBD or RA were screened. Studies were identified through the MEDLINE
      electronic database (up to July 2016), and annual international meeting abstracts
      were also manually reviewed. RESULTS: Seven studies were included: two randomized
      controlled trials (RCTs) enrolling 332 patients [247 Crohn's disease (CD) and 85
      ulcerative colitis (UC)] and five modeling approaches. Four studies included only
      CD patients, one included both CD and UC patients, and two included only RA
      patients. Three studies compared the cost-effectiveness of the two strategies in
      patients with secondary infliximab (IFX) failure (dose-escalation strategy), one
      in patients in remission on optimized IFX (de-escalation strategy), one in
      patients starting adalimumab, and two in patients with clinical response to
      maintenance anti-TNF therapy. The two RCTs demonstrated that a TDM strategy led
      to major cost savings, ranging from 28 to 34 %. The three modeling approaches
      with regard to CD patients demonstrated cost savings ranging from $5396 over a 1
      year period to ?13,130 per patient at 5 years of follow-up. A TDM strategy also
      led to major cost savings in the two modeling approaches in RA patients.
      CONCLUSIONS: Available evidence indicates that a TDM strategy leads to major cost
      savings related to anti-TNF therapy in both IBD and RA patients, with no negative
      impact on efficacy.

PMID- 27665100
TI  - Hepatitis B core-related antigen: a strong indicator for cessation of
      nucleos(t)ide analog therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

PMID- 27665101
TI  - Combined aspirin and anticoagulant therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation.
AB  - The combined use of aspirin and oral anticoagulant therapy in patients with
      atrial fibrillation (AF) and stable coronary artery disease (CAD) has been
      questioned due to an increased risk of major bleeding with little to no benefit
      in preventing ischemic events. (1) To better understand patterns and indications
      for combined antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy and identify patients who
      might reasonably be treated with oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy alone. (2) To
      perform an updated literature review regarding the use of combined antiplatelet
      and OAC therapy in patients with AF and stable CAD. Retrospective review.
      Patients within the University of Cincinnati Health System with a diagnosis of
      non-valvular AF, excluding those with acute coronary syndrome or
      revascularization within the last 12 months. Numbers and indications for combined
      antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy and sequence of events leading to the
      initiation of each. Of 948 patients receiving OAC, 430 (45 %) were receiving
      concomitant OAC and aspirin. Among patients receiving combined antiplatelet and
      anticoagulant therapy, 49 and 42 % of patients respectively, had CAD or DM. In a
      more detailed analysis including chart review of 219 patients receiving combined
      OAC and aspirin, 27 % had a diagnosis of CAD and 14 % had a diagnosis of DM prior
      to the development of AF. These patients were initially treated with aspirin.
      Warfarin was added when they subsequently developed AF but aspirin wasn't
      discontinued. A surprisingly large proportion of patients (22.8 %) had no obvious
      indication for dual therapy. Prior myocardial infarction, CAD, vascular disease
      and DM (among others) increase the likelihood of receiving combined antiplatelet
      and anticoagulant therapy among patients with AF. A literature review suggests
      this may lead to increased major bleeding with little benefit in decreasing
      either AF-related stroke or cardiovascular events.

PMID- 27665102
TI  - Intracellular calcium oscillations in strongly metastatic human breast and
      prostate cancer cells: control by voltage-gated sodium channel activity.
AB  - The possible association of intracellular Ca2+ with metastasis in human cancer
      cells is poorly understood. We have studied Ca2+ signaling in human prostate and
      breast cancer cell lines of strongly versus weakly metastatic potential in a
      comparative approach. Intracellular free Ca2+ was measured using a membrane
      permeant fluorescent Ca2+-indicator dye (Fluo-4 AM) and confocal microscopy.
      Spontaneous Ca2+ oscillations were observed in a proportion of strongly
      metastatic human prostate and breast cancer cells (PC-3M and MDA-MB-231,
      respectively). In contrast, no such oscillations were observed in weakly/non
      metastatic LNCaP and MCF-7 cells, although a rise in the resting Ca2+ level could
      be induced by applying a high-K+ solution. Various parameters of the oscillations
      depended on extracellular Ca2+ and voltage-gated Na+ channel activity. Treatment
      with either tetrodotoxin (a general blocker of voltage-gated Na+ channels) or
      ranolazine (a blocker of the persistent component of the channel current)
      suppressed the Ca2+ oscillations. It is concluded that the functional voltage
      gated Na+ channel expression in strongly metastatic cancer cells makes a
      significant contribution to generation of oscillatory intracellular Ca2+
      activity. Possible mechanisms and consequences of the Ca2+ oscillations are
      discussed.

PMID- 27665103
TI  - A noninvasive swallowing measurement system using a combination of respiratory
      flow, swallowing sound, and laryngeal motion.
AB  - : The assessment of swallowing function is important for the prevention of
      aspiration pneumonia. We developed a new swallowing monitoring system that uses
      respiratory flow, swallowing sound, and laryngeal motion. We applied this device
      to 11 healthy volunteers and 10 patients with dysphagia. Videofluoroscopy (VF)
      was conducted simultaneously with swallowing monitoring using our device. We
      measured laryngeal rising time (LRT), the time required for the larynx to elevate
      to the highest position, and laryngeal activation duration (LAD), the duration
      between the onset of rapid laryngeal elevation and the time when the larynx
      returned to the lowest position. In addition, we evaluated the coordination
      between swallowing and breathing. We found that LAD was correlated with a VF
      derived parameter, pharyngeal response duration (PRD) in healthy subjects (LAD:
      959 +/- 259 ms vs. PRD: 1062 +/- 149 ms, r = 0.60); however, this correlation was
      not found in the dysphagia patients. LRT was significantly prolonged in patients
      (healthy subjects: 320 +/- 175 ms vs. PATIENTS: 465 +/- 295 ms, P < 0.001, t
      test). Furthermore, frequency of swallowing immediately after inspiration was
      significantly increased in patients. Therefore, the new device may facilitate the
      assessment of some aspects of swallowing dysfunction.

PMID- 27665104
TI  - Systemic inflammation is associated with the density of immune cells in the tumor
      microenvironment of gastric cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the prognostic nutritional
      index (PNI) are markers of systemic inflammation known to be useful prognostic
      indicators of malignancy. However, little evidence has defined the influence of
      inflammation on the tumor microenvironment. METHODS: Two hundred eighty-eight
      patients who underwent curative surgery for gastric cancer were included.
      Preoperative peripheral blood samples were used to analyze the NLR and PNI. The
      optimal cutoff levels for the NLR and PNI were defined by receiver operating
      characteristic curve analysis for survival (NLR = 2.7, PNI = 47.7). The densities
      of specific immune cells (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+) within the tumor microenvironment
      were measured in tumor microarrays by immunohistochemical analysis. RESULTS: Two
      hundred thirty-five patients (81.6 %) had a low NLR and 53 patients (18.4 %) had
      a high NLR. One hundred seventeen patients (40.6 %) had a low PNI and 171
      patients (59.4 %) had a high PNI. CD3+ and CD8+ immune cell density were not
      associated with the NLR and PNI. However, in the high-NLR group compared with the
      low-NLR group, CD4+ immune cell density was significantly decreased (P < 0.001).
      Similarly, the density of CD4+ immune cells was also significantly decreased in
      the low-PNI group compared with the high-PNI group (P = 0.007). A high NLR and a
      low PNI were correlated with worse overall survival in multivariate analysis (P =
      0.028 and P = 0.002 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The NLR and PNI are associated
      with the density of CD4+ immune cells in the tumor microenvironment, which leads
      to prognostic values of systemic inflammation in gastric cancer.

PMID- 27665105
TI  - Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors and Parameters of Sarcopenia: Relation
      to Muscle Mass, Strength and Function: Data from the Berlin Aging Study-II (BASE
      II).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pharmacological options for the treatment of sarcopenia currently do
      not exist. However, off-label treatment options of some established drugs have
      been suggested. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess differences in
      various muscle and physical performance parameters in relation to the intake of
      angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors in a cohort of community-dwelling
      older people. METHODS: Eight hundred and thirty-eight participants from the
      Berlin Aging Study-II (BASE-II) were included. Appendicular lean mass was
      assessed with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and related to height and body
      mass index. Muscle strength was measured by grip strength and related to muscle
      mass (arm muscle quality) and functional status was assessed via the timed "Up
      and Go" test. RESULTS: Users of ACE inhibitors had higher lean mass related to
      height but significantly lower lean mass related to body mass index (p = 0.001
      for women and p < 0.0001 for men). Moreover, they exhibited lower arm muscle
      quality (p = 0.032 for women and p = 0.031 for men) and reported difficulties in
      climbing stairs more often than non-users (p = 0.014 for women and p = 0.004 for
      men). After adjustment for confounders, there were no significant differences
      regarding lean mass, arm muscle quality and the timed "Up and Go" test according
      to the use of ACE inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS: In BASE-II, no positive relationship
      was found between the intake of ACE inhibitors and lean mass, strength, muscle
      quality or function. Moreover, remarkable differences between parameters of
      absolute and relative lean mass in relation to the use of ACE inhibitors became
      evident. Fat mass proved to be an important confounder and therefore muscle mass
      cannot be viewed irrespectively of whole body composition.

PMID- 27665106
TI  - Phenosafranin inhibits nuclear localization of transglutaminase 2 without
      affecting its transamidase activity.
AB  - Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) localizes to the nucleus and induces apoptosis through a
      crosslinking inactivation of Sp1 in JHH-7 cells treated with acyclic retinoid. We
      screened an inhibitor suppressing transamidase activity in the nucleus without
      affecting transamidase activity itself. Phenosafranin was found to inhibit
      nuclear localization of EGFP-tagged TG2 and dose-dependently reduce nuclear
      transamidase activity without affecting the activity in a tube. We concluded that
      phenosafranin was a novel TG2 inhibitor capable of suppressing its nuclear
      localization.

PMID- 27665108
TI  - Laser use in direct pulp capping: A meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The authors of this study evaluated the effects of lasers on the
      outcome of direct pulp capping by means of a meta-analysis. TYPES OF STUDIES
      REVIEWED: The authors completed a literature search on PubMed, Cochrane Library,
      Embase, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure, as well as a manual search
      of the reference lists of all identified articles since the introduction of
      lasers in endodontics in 1971 through May 30, 2016. The authors systematically
      evaluated the studies that met the inclusion criteria and performed a meta
      analysis. RESULTS: The authors selected 5 studies about 4 laser systems (carbon
      dioxide; diode; erbium,chromium:yttrium-selenium-gallium-garnet; and
      erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet) from the 510 articles to be included in this meta
      analysis. Using a fixed-effects model, they found no significant heterogeneity
      between these studies (chi2 = 0.83, P = .99, I2 = 0%). Their results showed that
      the success rate (89.9%) of the laser groups was higher than that of 67.2% of the
      control groups, and the difference was statistically significant (risk ratio,
      1.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.23-1.49; P < .00001). CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICAL
      IMPLICATIONS: On the basis of the limited evidence, the use of lasers effectively
      improved the prognosis of direct pulp capping treatment for permanent teeth.

PMID- 27665107
TI  - Leptin as a Mediator of Obesity-Induced Hypertension.
AB  - Hypertension and associated cardiovascular diseases represent the most common
      health complication of obesity and the leading cause of morbidity and mortality
      in overweight and obese patients. Emerging evidence suggests a critical role for
      the central nervous system particularly the brain action of the adipocyte-derived
      hormone leptin in linking obesity and hypertension. The preserved ability of
      leptin to cause cardiovascular sympathetic nerve activation despite the
      resistance to the metabolic actions of the hormone appears essential in this
      pathological process. This review describes the evidence supporting the
      neurogenic bases for obesity-associated hypertension with a particular focus on
      the neuronal and molecular signaling pathways underlying leptin's effects on
      sympathetic nerve activity and blood pressure.

PMID- 27665111
TI  - Design of a Secure Authentication and Key Agreement Scheme Preserving User
      Privacy Usable in Telecare Medicine Information Systems.
AB  - Authentication and key agreement schemes play a very important role in enhancing
      the level of security of telecare medicine information systems (TMISs). Recently,
      Amin and Biswas demonstrated that the authentication scheme proposed by Giri et
      al. is vulnerable to off-line password guessing attacks and privileged insider
      attacks and also does not provide user anonymity. They also proposed an improved
      authentication scheme, claiming that it resists various security attacks.
      However, this paper demonstrates that Amin and Biswas's scheme is defenseless
      against off-line password guessing attacks and replay attacks and also does not
      provide perfect forward secrecy. This paper also shows that Giri et al.'s scheme
      not only suffers from the weaknesses pointed out by Amin and Biswas, but it also
      is vulnerable to replay attacks and does not provide perfect forward secrecy.
      Moreover, this paper proposes a novel authentication and key agreement scheme to
      overcome the mentioned weaknesses. Security and performance analyses show that
      the proposed scheme not only overcomes the mentioned security weaknesses, but
      also is more efficient than the previous schemes.

PMID- 27665112
TI  - Semantically Enriched Data Access Policies in eHealth.
AB  - Internet of Things (IoT) requires novel solutions to facilitate autonomous,
      though controlled, resource access. Access policies have to facilitate
      interactions between heterogeneous entities (devices and humans). Here, we focus
      our attention on access control in eHealth. We propose an approach based on
      enriching policies, based on well-known and widely-used eXtensible Access Control
      Markup Language, with semantics. In the paper we describe an implementation of a
      Policy Information Point integrated with the HL7 Security and Privacy Ontology.

PMID- 27665109
TI  - Gene expression noise is affected differentially by feedback in burst frequency
      and burst size.
AB  - Inside individual cells, expression of genes is stochastic across organisms
      ranging from bacterial to human cells. A ubiquitous feature of stochastic
      expression is burst-like synthesis of gene products, which drives considerable
      intercellular variability in protein levels across an isogenic cell population.
      One common mechanism by which cells control such stochasticity is negative
      feedback regulation, where a protein inhibits its own synthesis. For a single
      gene that is expressed in bursts, negative feedback can affect the burst
      frequency or the burst size. In order to compare these feedback types, we study a
      piecewise deterministic model for gene expression of a self-regulating gene.
      Mathematically tractable steady-state protein distributions are derived and used
      to compare the noise suppression abilities of the two feedbacks. Results show
      that in the low noise regime, both feedbacks are similar in term of their noise
      buffering abilities. Intriguingly, feedback in burst size outperforms the
      feedback in burst frequency in the high noise regime. Finally, we discuss various
      regulatory strategies by which cells implement feedback to control burst sizes of
      expressed proteins at the level of single cells.

PMID- 27665110
TI  - Characterization and Low-Resolution Structure of an Extremely Thermostable
      Esterase of Potential Biotechnological Interest from Pyrococcus furiosus.
AB  - Enzymes isolated from extremophiles often exhibit superior performance and
      potential industrial applications. There are several advantages performing
      biocatalysis at elevated temperatures, including enhanced reaction rates,
      increased substrate solubility and decreased risks of contamination. Furthermore,
      thermophilic enzymes usually exhibit high resistance against many organic
      solvents and detergents, and are also more resistant to proteolytic attack. In
      this study, we subcloned and characterized an esterase from the hyperthermophilic
      archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus (Pf_Est) that exhibits optimal activity around 80 
      degrees C using naphthol-derived substrates and p-nitrophenyl palmitate (pNPP).
      According to the circular dichroism spectra, the secondary structure of P.
      furiosus esterase, which is predominantly formed by a beta-sheet structure, is
      very stable, even after incubation at 120 degrees C. We performed SAXS to
      determine the low-resolution structure of Pf_Est, which is monomeric in solution
      at 80  degrees C and has a molecular weight of 28 kDa. The Km and V max values
      for this esterase acting on pNPP were 0.53 mmol/L and 6.5 * 10-3 U, respectively.
      Pf_Est was most active in the immiscible solvents and retained more than 50 % in
      miscible solvents. Moreover, Pf_Est possesses transesterification capacity,
      presenting better results when isobutanol was used as an acyl acceptor (2.69 +/-
      0.14 * 10-2 MUmol/min mg) and the highest hydrolytic activity toward olive oil
      among different types of oils testes in this study. Collectively, these
      biophysical and catalytic properties are of interest for several biotechnological
      applications that require harsh conditions, including high temperature and the
      presence of organic solvents.

PMID- 27665113
TI  - Hypergraph Based Feature Selection Technique for Medical Diagnosis.
AB  - The impact of internet and information systems across various domains have
      resulted in substantial generation of multidimensional datasets. The use of data
      mining and knowledge discovery techniques to extract the original information
      contained in the multidimensional datasets play a significant role in the
      exploitation of complete benefit provided by them. The presence of large number
      of features in the high dimensional datasets incurs high computational cost in
      terms of computing power and time. Hence, feature selection technique has been
      commonly used to build robust machine learning models to select a subset of
      relevant features which projects the maximal information content of the original
      dataset. In this paper, a novel Rough Set based K - Helly feature selection
      technique (RSKHT) which hybridize Rough Set Theory (RST) and K - Helly property
      of hypergraph representation had been designed to identify the optimal feature
      subset or reduct for medical diagnostic applications. Experiments carried out
      using the medical datasets from the UCI repository proves the dominance of the
      RSKHT over other feature selection techniques with respect to the reduct size,
      classification accuracy and time complexity. The performance of the RSKHT had
      been validated using WEKA tool, which shows that RSKHT had been computationally
      attractive and flexible over massive datasets.

PMID- 27665114
TI  - Long-Term Follow-Up after Phrenic Nerve Reconstruction for Diaphragmatic
      Paralysis: A Review of 180 Patients.
AB  - Background Phrenic nerve reconstruction has been evaluated as a method of
      restoring functional activity and may be an effective alternative to diaphragm
      plication. Longer follow-up and a larger cohort for analysis are necessary to
      confirm the efficacy of this procedure for diaphragmatic paralysis. Methods A
      total of 180 patients treated with phrenic nerve reconstruction for chronic
      diaphragmatic paralysis were followed for a median 2.7 years. Assessment
      parameters included: 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) physical
      functioning survey, spirometry, chest fluoroscopy, electrodiagnostic evaluation,
      a five-item questionnaire to assess specific functional issues, and overall
      patient-reported outcome. Results Overall, 134 males and 46 females with an
      average age of 56 years (range: 10-79 years) were treated. Mean baseline percent
      predicted values for forced expiratory volume in 1 second, forced vital capacity,
      vital capacity, and total lung capacity, were 61, 63, 67, and 75%, respectively.
      The corresponding percent improvements in percent predicted values were: 11, 6,
      9, and 13% (p <= 0.01; <= 0.01; <= 0.05; <= 0.01). Mean preoperative SF-36
      physical functioning survey scores were 39%, and an improvement to 65% was
      demonstrated following surgery (p <= 0.0001). Nerve conduction latency, improved
      by an average 23% (p <= 0.005), and there was a corresponding 125% increase in
      diaphragm motor amplitude (p <= 0.0001). A total of 89% of patients reported an
      overall improvement in breathing function. Conclusion Long-term assessment of
      phrenic nerve reconstruction for diaphragmatic paralysis indicates functional
      correction and symptomatic relief.

PMID- 27665115
TI  - Improved kinetic model for the transcutaneous measurement of glomerular
      filtration rate in experimental animals.
AB  - Transcutaneous measurement of the glomerular filtration rate (tGFR) is now
      frequently used in animal studies. tGFR allows consecutive measurements on the
      same animal, including multiple measurements on a daily basis, because no blood
      sampling is required. Here we derive and validate a novel kinetic model for the
      description of transcutaneously measured FITC-Sinistrin excretion kinetics. In
      contrast to standard 1- to 3-compartment models, our model covers the complete
      kinetic, including injection and distribution of the tracer in the plasma
      compartment. Because the model describes the complete progression of the
      measurement, it allows further refinement by correcting for baseline shifts
      observed occasionally during measurement. Possible reasons for shifts in the
      background signal include photo bleaching of the skin, autofluorescence, changes
      of physiological state of the animals during the measurements, or effects arising
      from the attachment of the measurement device. Using the new 3-compartment
      kinetic model with modulated baseline (tGFR3cp.b.m), tGFR measurements in rats
      can reach comparable precision as those from GFR measurements assessed using a
      gold standard technique based on constant infusion of a tracer. Moreover, the
      variability of simultaneous (parallel) measurements, as well as repeated tGFR
      measurements in the same animals, showed higher precision when tGFR3cp.b.m was
      compared with the 1-compartment tGFR1cp model.

PMID- 27665116
TI  - Ultrasound-based imaging methods of the kidney-recent developments.
AB  - In recent years, several novel ultrasound (US)-based techniques have emerged for
      kidney diagnostic imaging, including tissue stiffness assessment with
      elastography, Ultrasensitive Doppler techniques, and contrast-enhanced
      ultrasonography to assess renal microvascularization. Renal elastography has
      become available with the development of noninvasive quantitative techniques,
      following the rapidly growing field of liver fibrosis diagnosis. With the
      increased incidence of chronic kidney disease, noninvasive diagnosis of renal
      fibrosis can be of critical value. However, it is difficult to simply extend the
      application of US elastography from one organ to the other due to anatomic and
      technical issues. Today, renal elastography appears to be a promising application
      that, however, still requires optimization and validation. New ultrasensitive
      Doppler techniques improve the detection of slow blood flow and can be used alone
      or after administration of US contrast agents. These microbubble-based agents are
      extremely well tolerated and can be administered even in cases of impaired renal
      function. Despite the lack of approval, they improve the characterization of
      atypical renal masses, complex cystic renal masses, and peripheral vascular
      disorders. Dynamic contrast-enhanced US is based on quantification of the signal
      intensity from region of interest and mathematical fits of the time-intensity
      curves. Perfusion-related parameters can be extracted for the monitoring of
      vascular changes in the renal parenchyma and in tumors in order to evaluate drug
      response. This estimation of renal perfusion depends on many parameters that
      should be kept constant for follow-up studies, and, when possible, an internal
      reference should be used to normalize the measurements.

PMID- 27665117
TI  - Cocaine and cannabinoids in the atmosphere of Northern Europe cities, comparison
      with Southern Europe and wastewater analysis.
AB  - This study reports the first investigation of atmospheric illicit drug
      concentrations in Northern Europe using measurements of cocaine and cannabinoids
      in Amsterdam, London and Stockholm. Further, these measurements were compared to
      those made in Rome to explore the geographical and inter-city variability. Co
      located measurements of atmospheric particulate mass and PAHs were used to help
      describe and interpret the illicit drug measurements with respect to atmospheric
      dispersion. Cocaine concentrations ranged from 0.03 to 0.14ng/m3 in Amsterdam,
      from 0.02 to 0.33ng/m3 in London and were below quantification limit (3pg/m3) in
      Stockholm. Cannabinol was the only cannabinoid molecule detected in the three
      cities. During this campaign, London reported the highest concentrations of
      cocaine and meaningful differences were detected between the urban background and
      city centre London sites. Mean cocaine concentrations measured in Amsterdam
      during March 2011 were also compared with those measured simultaneously in eight
      Italian cities. The cocaine concentration in Amsterdam was comparable to that
      measured at an urban background in Milan and at a densely populated site in
      Florence. Although correlating atmospheric concentrations directly with drug
      prevalence is not possible using current data, links between concentrations of
      cocaine and estimates of abuse prevalence assessed by the more routinely used
      wastewater analysis were also examined. A statistically significant correlation
      was found between the two sets of data (R2=0.66; p=0.00131). Results confirmed
      that meteorology, population rate and habits of consumption influence the
      atmospheric concentrations of drugs. If these confounding factors were better
      controlled for, the techniques described here could became an easy and cost
      effective tool to index the impact of cocaine abuse in the area; especially where
      local hot spots need to be identified.

PMID- 27665118
TI  - Governance and networks for health co-benefits of climate change mitigation:
      Lessons from two Indian cities.
AB  - Health has been the main driver for many urban environmental interventions,
      particularly in cases of significant health problems linked to poor urban
      environmental conditions. This paper examines empirically the links between
      climate change mitigation and health in urban areas, when health is the main
      driver for improvements. The paper aims to understand how systems of urban
      governance can enable or prevent the creation of health outcomes via continuous
      improvements in the environmental conditions in a city. The research draws on
      cases from two Indian cities where initiatives were undertaken in different
      sectors: Surat (waste) and Delhi (transportation). Using the literature on
      network effectiveness as an analytical framework, the paper compares the cases to
      identify the possible ways to strengthen the governance and policy making process
      in the urban system so that each intervention can intentionally realize multiple
      impacts for both local health and climate change mitigation in the long term as
      well as factors that may pose a threat to long-term progress and revert back to
      the previous situation after initial achievements.

PMID- 27665119
TI  - Epigenetic regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes in lipopolysaccharide 
      stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells from broilers.
AB  - Inflammatory response which can be mediated by inflammatory genes, can be induced
      by pathogenic microorganisms, be associated with enteric diseases and the loss of
      growth performance in broilers. The understanding of epigenetic regulation of
      inflammatory genes could help explain the response to infection of microorganisms
      and inhibit the reaction of inflammation in broilers. This study investigated the
      effect of histone acetylation by histone deacetylases (HDAC) inhibitors
      trichostain A (TSA) and DNA methylation by demethylation agent 5-Aza-2'
      deoxycytidine (AZA) and methyl donor methionine (Met) and folic acid (FA) on the
      expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated
      peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from healthy broilers. The results
      showed that the mRNA expression of IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha can be down
      regulated by pre-treatment of TSA in LPS-stimulated broiler PBMC. The expression
      of pro-inflammatory cytokines related with the expression of HDAC7 and HDAC10
      which can influence histone acetylation, and may also be affected by increasing
      the acetylation of non-histone proteins. The demethylation by AZA increased the
      expression of IL-6 and TNF-alpha in LPS-stimulated broiler PBMC. The addition of
      FA and Met decreased the expression of DNA methyltransferases (DNMT)1 and DNMT3a,
      while the Met also down-regulated the expression of IL-6 and TNF-alpha in LPS
      stimulated cells. In addition, the Met administration increased the methylation
      of -191 CpG site (up-stream from transcription start site) of IL-6 and -419 CpG
      site of TNF-alpha. This study indicated that the expression of pro-inflammatory
      cytokines is regulated by protein acetylation. Demethylation also increased the
      expression of IL-6 and TNF-alpha, which can be regulated by Met through
      increasing the promoter methylation. These results may have implications for
      controlling inflammation by epigenetic regulation in broilers.

PMID- 27665120
TI  - Algal growth and utilization of phosphorus studied by combined mono-culture and
      co-culture experiments.
AB  - Phosphorus (P) plays a critical role in algal growth; therefore, a better
      understanding of P availability is essential to control harmful algal blooms.
      Three algae species, Microcystis aeruginosa, Chlorella pyrenoidosa, and
      Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata, were mono-cultured and co-cultured on three
      types of P substrates, dissolved inorganic P (DIP), phosphomonoesters glucose-6
      phosphate (G-6-P) and beta-glycerol phosphate (beta-glycerol-P), and phosphonate
      (glyphosate), to explore their growth and P utilization. All three species could
      utilize dissolved organic P (DOP) to sustain their growth, whereas DIP was their
      preferred P substrate in both culture types. Algae could regulate the P uptake
      capacity under different P conditions, and the added P could be rapidly
      accumulated at the beginning of the culture and slowly utilized during the
      subsequent life cycle. M. aeruginosa exhibited wider P selectivity and could
      utilize all three P substrates, whereas the other two species could only use
      phosphomonoester (G-6-P and beta-glycerol-P) in the mono-cultures. However, in
      the co-cultures, the relative bioavailability of DOP for M. aeruginosa and C.
      pyrenoidosa was enhanced, and M. aeruginosa might contribute to the growth of C.
      pyrenoidosa and P. subcapitata when fed with glyphosate. The three species showed
      an intrinsic ability to produce alkaline phosphatase (AP), and AP activity (APA)
      was regulated by Pi stress. However, high APA did not necessarily lead to high Pi
      release and algal growth on unfavorable substrates. Although M. aeruginosa was
      not superior in growth rate in the mono-cultures, it showed a better P
      accumulation ability and maintained stable growth on different P substrates.
      Moreover, it was a good competitor, suppressing the thriving growth of the other
      species in co-cultures. Overall, the findings indicated the strategic flexibility
      of P utilization by algae and the strong competitive ability of M. aeruginosa in
      Pi-limited and DOP-enriched natural waters.

PMID- 27665121
TI  - The potential ecological risk of multiwall carbon nanotubes was modified by the
      radicals resulted from peroxidase-mediated tetrabromobisphenol A reactions.
AB  - Extensive studies have been conducted on the environmental degradation of
      multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), but primarily focused on the extent and rate
      of MWCNTs mineralization. Few studies have explored possible structural changes
      that may occur to MWCNTs during natural or engineered processes. We
      systematically examined MWCNTs in oxidative coupling reactions in the presence of
      a common contaminant tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA). MWCNTs was modified by the
      radicals of TBBPA resulting from peroxidase-mediated coupling reaction.
      Interactions between TBBPA radicals and MWCNTs were definitely confirmed by
      analyzing the characteristic mass spectrometry response of bromine in TBBPA and
      the structures of MWCNTs. After reaction with TBBPA radicals for 60 min, the
      content of bromine contained in MWCNTs was 6.84(+/-0.12)%, a quantity equivalent
      to a 501.65(+/-2.19) mg loading of TBBPA per gram MWCNTs. Modified MWCNTs had
      better stability and smaller sizes than that of MWCNTs and TBBPA-adsorbed MWCNTs.
      Assessment using zebrafish embryos revealed that the modified MWCNTs passed
      through the chorion and entered the embryo inducing acute toxicity, while the
      MWCNTs/TBBPA-adsorbed MWCNTs was trapped by chorion. These findings indicated
      that MWCNTs was modified in peroxidase-mediated coupling reactions, and suggested
      that such modifications may have an influence on the ecological risks of MWCNTs.

PMID- 27665122
TI  - Whole exome sequencing identifies a homozygous nonsense variation in ALMS1 gene
      in a patient with syndromic obesity.
AB  - In the present study we report on genetic analysis in a patient with
      developmental delay, truncal obesity and vision problem, to find the causative
      mutation. Whole exome sequencing was performed on genomic DNA extracted from
      whole blood of the patient which revealed a homozygous nonsense variant
      (c.2816T>A) in exon 8 of ALMS1 gene that results in a stop codon and premature
      truncation at codon 939 (p.L939Ter) of the protein. The mutation was confirmed by
      Sanger sequencing. Exome sequencing was helpful in establishing diagnosis of
      Alstrom syndrome in this patient. This case highlights the utility of exome
      sequencing in clinical practice.

PMID- 27665123
TI  - Amelanotic iris melanoma.

PMID- 27665124
TI  - From science to action: Principles for undertaking environmental research that
      enables knowledge exchange and evidence-based decision-making.
AB  - Effective conservation requires knowledge exchange among scientists and decision
      makers to enable learning and support evidence-based decision-making. Efforts to
      improve knowledge exchange have been hindered by a paucity of empirically
      grounded guidance to help scientists and practitioners design and implement
      research programs that actively facilitate knowledge exchange. To address this,
      we evaluated the Ningaloo Research Program (NRP), which was designed to generate
      new scientific knowledge to support evidence-based decisions about the management
      of the Ningaloo Marine Park in north-western Australia. Specifically, we
      evaluated (1) outcomes of the NRP, including the extent to which new knowledge
      informed management decisions; (2) the barriers that prevented knowledge exchange
      among scientists and managers; (3) the key requirements for improving knowledge
      exchange processes in the future; and (4) the core capacities that are required
      to support knowledge exchange processes. While the NRP generated expansive and
      multidisciplinary science outputs directly relevant to the management of the
      Ningaloo Marine Park, decision-makers are largely unaware of this knowledge and
      little has been integrated into decision-making processes. A range of barriers
      prevented efficient and effective knowledge exchange among scientists and
      decision-makers including cultural differences among the groups, institutional
      barriers within decision-making agencies, scientific outputs that were not
      translated for decision-makers and poor alignment between research design and
      actual knowledge needs. We identify a set of principles to be implemented
      routinely as part of any applied research program, including; (i) stakeholder
      mapping prior to the commencement of research programs to identify all
      stakeholders, (ii) research questions to be co-developed with stakeholders, (iii)
      implementation of participatory research approaches, (iv) use of a knowledge
      broker, and (v) tailored knowledge management systems. Finally, we articulate the
      individual, institutional and financial capacities that must be developed to
      underpin successful knowledge exchange strategies.

PMID- 27665125
TI  - Selection of native plants with phytoremediation potential for highly
      contaminated Mediterranean soil restoration: Tools for a non-destructive and
      integrative approach.
AB  - The aim of this study was to develop an effective and non-destructive method for
      the selection of native Mediterranean plants with phytoremediation potential
      based on their spontaneous recovery capacities. The study site consisted in a
      mixed contaminated soils (As, Cu, Pb, Sb, Zn) in the vicinity of a former lead
      smelting factory abandoned since 1925 in the Calanques National Park (Marseille,
      southeastern France). We developed an integrated characterization approach that
      takes into account topsoil metal(loid)s (MM) contamination, plant community
      composition and structure and mesologic parameters without using destructive
      methods. From a statistical selection of significant environmental descriptors,
      plant communities were described and interpreted as the result of spontaneous
      recovery under multiple stresses and local conditions (both natural and
      anthropogenic). We collected phytoecological and MM topsoil data using field
      monitoring and geographic information system (GIS) on a pollution hotspot where
      natural plant communities occur. The results of the multivariate analysis
      performed between species and descriptors indicated that a century of MM
      pollution pressure produced a significant correlation with plant community
      dynamics in terms of composition, diversity and structure, leading to the co
      occurrence of different plant succession stages. Thus, these successions seemed
      linked to the variability of anthropogenic disturbance regimes within the study
      site. We recorded high topsoil contamination heterogeneity at the scale both of
      the plot and of the whole study area that suggested a heterogeneous MM
      distribution pattern dependent on the source of contaminants and site
      environmental variability. We identified 4 spontaneous plant communities co
      occurring through a MM contamination gradient that could be used later from
      degraded to reference communities to define ecological restoration target
      combined to phytoremediation applications with respect to local conditions. Our
      results suggested that some of the native plant species such as Coronilla juncea
      and Globularia alypum might be tolerant to high mixed MM soil concentrations and
      they could thus be used for phytostabilization purposes in polluted Mediterranean
      areas in regard to their life-traits. Our non-destructive methodology led both to
      the selection of tolerant native plant species and communities and identification
      of highly polluted priority intervention areas through the study site where
      phytostabilization should be implemented. Furthermore, by analyzing succession
      dynamics linked to contamination patterns throughout the area and spontaneous
      recovery of native tolerant vegetation, our methodology opens up broad
      perspectives and research fields for ecological restoration for Mediterranean
      protected and contaminated areas based on ecosystem trajectories and new
      approaches for the integrative management of polluted soils.

PMID- 27665126
TI  - Pre-invasion economic assessment of invasive species prevention: A putative
      ambrosia beetle in Southeastern loblolly pine forests.
AB  - Invasive wood borers vectoring pathogenic fungi have nearly exterminated several
      North American tree species, and it is unclear whether landscape dominant trees,
      such as pines, will face similar threats in the future. This paper explores the
      economic impacts of a hypothetical arrival of a destructive ambrosia beetle "X"
      (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) that infests loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) forests
      in the Southeastern United States. We develop an economic framework for pre
      invasion assessment that incorporates fluctuating economic and environmental
      conditions for a representative loblolly pine stand and biological assumptions
      from the ongoing laurel wilt epidemic. Assuming an initial annual probability of
      arrival of a pine infesting ambrosia beetle to be between 0.04 and 0.07, we
      determine that, on average, the timber economic benefits for a forest landowner
      are $5325.3 ha-1, with a harvest time of 17.8 years. Our results indicate that an
      increase in enforcement consistent with an international phytosanitary standard
      that partially prevents the arrival of ambrosia beetles (30% arrival reduction)
      would have a strong, positive impact for forest landowners. On average, economic
      revenues increase to $6116.4 ha-1 and the harvest age is extended to 19 years. On
      average, the economic losses for forest landowners with no control of ambrosia
      beetle X would be $791 ha-1, with a harvest time reduction of 1.2 years. The
      upper-bound regional cost savings from pine-dominated forestry would be roughly
      $4.6 billion dollars if invasion preventative measures are in place. These
      benefits vastly outweigh the cost of programs that reduce the expected arrival of
      exotic ambrosia beetles.

PMID- 27665127
TI  - Global and Targeted Proteomics of Prostate Cancer Cell Secretome: Combination of
      2-Dimensional Image-Converted Analysis of Liquid Chromatography and Mass
      Spectrometry and In Silico Selection Selected Reaction Monitoring Analysis.
AB  - Prostate-specific antigen is currently the only protein biomarker routinely used
      as a diagnostic tool for early detection and treatment monitoring of prostate
      cancer. However, it remains questionable whether prostate-specific antigen-based
      screening can sensitively and selectively identify the presence and progression
      status of primary and metastatic prostate cancers. Hence, the purpose of this
      study was to identify potential biomarker candidates in the secretome of primary
      and metastatic prostate cancer cells by using a combination of global and
      targeted proteomics. Quantitative comparisons among secretome proteins derived
      from androgen-responsive primary cancer cells (P-22Rv1), androgen-irresponsive
      bone metastatic cancer cells (M-PC-3), and noncancerous prostate cells (N-PNT2)
      were performed using 2-dimensional image-converted analysis of liquid
      chromatography and mass spectrometry followed by in silico selection selected
      reaction monitoring analysis. Mediator of RNA polymerase II transcription subunit
      13-like, insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 2, and hepatocyte growth
      factor were identified as highly secreted proteins from P-22Rv1 cells compared
      with N-PNT2 cells. Prostate-associated microseminoprotein, proactivator
      polypeptide, collagen-alpha-1 (VI) chain, and neuropilin-1 were identified as
      predominantly secreted proteins in M-PC-3 cells compared with N-PNT2 cells. These
      proteins in biological fluids are considered to be candidate biomarkers of
      primary and/or metastatic prostate cancer.

PMID- 27665128
TI  - Single-step Coprocessing of Cohesive Powder via Mechanical Dry Coating for Direct
      Tablet Compression.
AB  - This study aims at testing the feasibility of a single-step coating process to
      produce a powder formulation of active and inactive ingredients for direct
      compression. A cohesive ibuprofen powder was coprocessed with a coating material,
      a binder (polyvinylpyrrolidone K25), and a superdisintegrant (crospovidone).
      Magnesium stearate (MgSt), l-leucine, and silica were selected as coating
      materials (1% w/w). A coprocessed powder without any coating material was
      employed as a control. Coating with MgSt, l-leucine, or silica produced
      significantly improved powder flow in comparison to the control batch. Robust
      tablets were produced from the processed powders for each coating material. The
      tablets compacted using the coated powders with MgSt or l-leucine also exhibited
      significantly lower tablet ejection forces than the control batch, demonstrating
      their lubrication effect. Furthermore, the disintegration time and dissolution
      rates of these tablets made of the formulations coprocessed with lubricants were
      enhanced, even for those coated with the hydrophobic material such as MgSt that
      has been previously reported to inhibit dissolution. However, the tablets made
      with silica-coated powders would not disintegrate. This study indicated the
      feasibility of a single-step dry coating process to produce powders with both
      flow-aid and lubrication effects, which are suitable for direct compression.

PMID- 27665129
TI  - Mitigating Cocrystal Physical Stability Liabilities in Preclinical Formulations.
AB  - Poor aqueous solubility of a majority of new small molecule chemical entities is
      a significant challenge in drug discovery since considerably high exposures are
      often required to enable pharmacokinetic, pharmacology, and toxicology studies.
      Pharmaceutical cocrystals have received considerable attention in recent years
      owing to their potential to improve the physicochemical properties and in vivo
      performance of poorly soluble drugs. However, physical instability in
      supersaturated solution/suspension formulations is a major concern for their use
      in preclinical studies. This review will present an overview of the thermodynamic
      and kinetic contributions impacting physical stability of cocrystals in
      preclinical formulations with a focus on the role of surfactants, polymeric
      excipients, and pH. Finally, the in vivo performance of cocrystals will be
      discussed. The article will conclude with a perspective on strategies to develop
      physically stable preclinical cocrystal formulations.

PMID- 27665130
TI  - Associations between milk protein concentration at various stages of lactation
      and reproductive performance in dairy cows.
AB  - Milk protein concentration has been positively associated with a range of
      measures of reproductive performance in dairy cows. These beneficial associations
      are most likely due to factors affecting both milk protein concentration and
      reproductive performance possibly being mediated, in part, by energy balance
      during early lactation. However, it is likely that factors other than energy
      balance are also involved in these relationships. A retrospective single cohort
      study was conducted using subsets of data collected from 74 dairy herds with
      seasonal or split calving patterns. Associations between milk protein
      concentration at various stages of lactation and reproductive performance in
      Holstein dairy cows were assessed using random effects logistic regression and
      survival analysis with milk protein concentration during the cow's breeding
      period fitted as a time-varying covariate. The beneficial associations between
      milk protein concentration and each of the 4 selected indices for measuring
      reproductive performance were evident when milk protein concentration was derived
      for each 30-d period from calving up to 300d in milk. For the first 150d of
      lactation the adjusted odds ratios were highest from 31 to 60d and only slightly
      lower for all periods up to 150d of lactation. Estimated associations for 31 to
      60d were stronger than for 0 to 30d. In addition, milk protein concentration
      during a cow's breeding period was positively associated with the subsequent
      daily hazard of conception, even after adjusting for milk protein concentration
      in the cow's first or second month of lactation. Milk protein concentrations from
      0 to 30d of lactation were less closely correlated with concentrations measured
      at subsequent 30-d intervals; correlations were closer between other periods in
      lactation. These results indicate that the association between milk protein
      concentration and reproductive performance is partly due to factors other than
      the extent of negative energy balance in early lactation. However, it is possible
      that energy balance accounts for some of the relationship as the magnitude and
      direction of energy balance can vary within and between cows throughout
      lactation. Factors determining milk protein concentration during the first 30d of
      lactation are not identical to the causes of milk protein concentration later in
      lactation, and some of the latter causes of milk protein concentration may be
      more closely related to the underlying mechanisms contributing to the milk
      protein concentration-reproductive performance relationship. Milk protein
      concentrations from a single test day from any day of lactation predict
      subpopulations of cows with differing average reproductive performance; milk
      protein concentrations measured after 30d of lactation are more useful than
      concentrations measured in the first 30d for identifying these subpopulations.
      Further research is required to identify the causes of these associations.

PMID- 27665131
TI  - Associations between milk protein concentration, milk yield, and reproductive
      performance in dairy cows.
AB  - Milk protein concentration in dairy cows has been positively associated with a
      range of measures of reproductive performance. It was possible that these
      associations were due to confounding by milk volume. A retrospective single
      cohort study was conducted using data collected from 74 dairy herds with seasonal
      or split calving patterns. Associations between milk protein concentration and
      reproductive performance in Holstein dairy cows were assessed using random
      effects logistic regression. The key finding from this study was that the
      associations between milk protein concentration in early lactation and
      reproductive performance were not due to confounding by milk yield. Associations
      between milk protein concentration and reproductive performance were weaker at
      higher early lactation milk yields, but positive associations were evident at all
      milk volumes assessed. The second major finding was that increases in milk yield
      were associated with improved proportions of cows pregnant by wk 6 and 21 at low
      to moderate milk protein concentrations but with decreases in these reproductive
      measures at high milk protein concentrations. Thus, no simple relationship is
      present between milk yield and reproductive performance; effects of milk yield
      depend on milk protein concentration. These results indicate that mechanisms
      causing the associations between milk protein concentration and reproductive
      performance may be linked to milk yield but these mechanisms operate over a wide
      range of milk yields (<2,000 to >=5,000kg in the first 120d of lactation).
      Further research is required to identify the causes of these associations.

PMID- 27665132
TI  - Multivariate factor analysis of detailed milk fatty acid profile: Effects of
      dairy system, feeding, herd, parity, and stage of lactation.
AB  - We investigated the potential of using multivariate factor analysis to extract
      metabolic information from data on the quantity and quality of milk produced
      under different management systems. We collected data from individual milk
      samples taken from 1,158 Brown Swiss cows farmed in 85 traditional or modern
      herds in Trento Province (Italy). Factor analysis was carried out on 47
      individual fatty acids, milk yield, and 5 compositional milk traits (fat,
      protein, casein, and lactose contents, somatic cell score). According to a
      previous study on multivariate factor analysis, a variable was considered to be
      associated with a specific factor if the absolute value of its correlation with
      the factor was >=0.60. The extracted factors were representative of the following
      12 groups of fatty acids or functions: de novo fatty acids, branched fatty acid
      milk yield, biohydrogenation, long-chain fatty acids, desaturation, short-chain
      fatty acids, milk protein and fat contents, odd fatty acids, conjugated linoleic
      acids, linoleic acid, udder health, and vaccelenic acid. Only 5 fatty acids
      showed small correlations with these groups. Factor analysis suggested the
      existence of differences in the metabolic pathways for de novo short- and medium
      chain fatty acids and Delta9-desaturase products. An ANOVA of factor scores
      highlighted significant effects of the dairy farming system (traditional or
      modern), season, herd/date, parity, and days in milk. Factor behavior across
      levels of fixed factors was consistent with current knowledge. For example,
      compared with cows farmed in modern herds, those in traditional herds had higher
      scores for branched fatty acids, which were inversely associated with milk yield;
      primiparous cows had lower scores than older cows for de novo fatty acids,
      probably due to a larger contribution of lipids mobilized from body depots on
      milk fat yield. The statistical approach allowed us to reduce a large number of
      variables to a few latent factors with biological meaning and able to represent
      groups of fatty acids with a common origin and function. Multivariate factor
      analysis would therefore be a valuable tool for studying the influence of
      different production environments and individual animal factors on milk fatty
      acid composition, and for developing nutritional strategies able to manipulate
      the milk fatty acid profile according to consumer demand.

PMID- 27665133
TI  - Retention payoff-based cost per day open regression equations: Application in a
      user-friendly decision support tool for investment analysis of automated estrus
      detection technologies.
AB  - Assessing the economic implications of investing in automated estrus detection
      (AED) technologies can be overwhelming for dairy producers. The objectives of
      this study were to develop new regression equations for estimating the cost per
      day open (DO) and to apply the results to create a user-friendly, partial budget,
      decision support tool for investment analysis of AED technologies. In the
      resulting decision support tool, the end user can adjust herd-specific inputs
      regarding general management, current reproductive management strategies, and the
      proposed AED system. Outputs include expected DO, reproductive cull rate, net
      present value, and payback period for the proposed AED system. Utility of the
      decision support tool was demonstrated with an example dairy herd created using
      data from DairyMetrics (Dairy Records Management Systems, Raleigh, NC), Food and
      Agricultural Policy Research Institute (Columbia, MO), and published literature.
      Resulting herd size, rolling herd average milk production, milk price, and feed
      cost were 323 cows, 10,758kg, $0.41/kg, and $0.20/kg of dry matter, respectively.
      Automated estrus detection technologies with 2 levels of initial system cost
      (low: $5,000 vs. high: $10,000), tag price (low: $50 vs. high: $100), and estrus
      detection rate (low: 60% vs. high: 80%) were compared over a 7-yr investment
      period. Four scenarios were considered in a demonstration of the investment
      analysis tool: (1) a herd using 100% visual observation for estrus detection
      before adopting 100% AED, (2) a herd using 100% visual observation before
      adopting 75% AED and 25% visual observation, (3) a herd using 100% timed
      artificial insemination (TAI) before adopting 100% AED, and (4) a herd using 100%
      TAI before adopting 75% AED and 25% TAI. Net present value in scenarios 1 and 2
      was always positive, indicating a positive investment situation. Net present
      value in scenarios 3 and 4 was always positive in combinations using a $50 tag
      price, and in scenario 4, the $5,000, $100, and 80% combination. Overall, the
      payback period ranged from 1.6 yr to greater than 10 yr. Investment analysis
      demonstration results were highly dependent on assumptions, especially AED system
      initial investment and labor costs. Dairy producers can use herd-specific inputs
      with the cost per day open regression equations and the decision support tool to
      estimate individual herd results.

PMID- 27665134
TI  - Influence of raw milk quality on processed dairy products: How do raw milk
      quality test results relate to product quality and yield?
AB  - This article provides an overview of the influence of raw milk quality on the
      quality of processed dairy products and offers a perspective on the merits of
      investing in quality. Dairy farmers are frequently offered monetary premium
      incentives to provide high-quality milk to processors. These incentives are most
      often based on raw milk somatic cell and bacteria count levels well below the
      regulatory public health-based limits. Justification for these incentive payments
      can be based on improved processed product quality and manufacturing efficiencies
      that provide the processor with a return on their investment for high-quality raw
      milk. In some cases, this return on investment is difficult to measure. Raw milks
      with high levels of somatic cells and bacteria are associated with increased
      enzyme activity that can result in product defects. Use of raw milk with somatic
      cell counts >100,000cells/mL has been shown to reduce cheese yields, and higher
      levels, generally >400,000 cells/mL, have been associated with textural and
      flavor defects in cheese and other products. Although most research indicates
      that fairly high total bacteria counts (>1,000,000 cfu/mL) in raw milk are needed
      to cause defects in most processed dairy products, receiving high-quality milk
      from the farm allows some flexibility for handling raw milk, which can increase
      efficiencies and reduce the risk of raw milk reaching bacterial levels of
      concern. Monitoring total bacterial numbers in regard to raw milk quality is
      imperative, but determining levels of specific types of bacteria present has
      gained increasing importance. For example, spores of certain spore-forming
      bacteria present in raw milk at very low levels (e.g., <1/mL) can survive
      pasteurization and grow in milk and cheese products to levels that result in
      defects. With the exception of meeting product specifications often required for
      milk powders, testing for specific spore-forming groups is currently not used in
      quality incentive programs in the United States but is used in other countries
      (e.g., the Netherlands).

PMID- 27665135
TI  - Short communication: Relationship between serum cortisol concentration and
      defensive behavioral responses of dairy cows exposed to natural infestation by
      stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans.
AB  - The aim of this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of natural infestation
      by Stomoxys calcitrans on the behavioral and adrenocortical responses of dairy
      cattle. Twenty Holstein cows randomly selected were individually sprayed with
      insecticide once every 7d, whereas no insecticide was applied to the other 20
      animals. The average number of flies per cow was estimated daily, and the
      frequency of fly-avoidance behaviors was measured daily; plasma cortisol
      concentration was measured each morning. No flies were ever counted on the
      treated cows at any time during the experiment, whereas an average of 17.13+/
      1.14 (+/-standard error) flies/d were recorded on untreated cows. Tail movement
      was the most frequent behavior displayed, with stamps or kicks showing the
      highest increment rate (41.2*) when fly population increased from zero to greater
      than 51 flies/cow. Cortisol concentration increased to a maximum of 56.81+/
      39.53ng/mL with 26 to 30 flies/cow per day. Coefficients of determination between
      the number of flies, cortisol concentration, tail movements, and stamps or kicks
      were 0.73, 0.78, and 0.81, respectively. The multiple correlation coefficient was
      0.90, with 81% of the variation in cortisol concentration explainable by
      variation in the number of flies per cow and the frequency of fly-avoidance
      behaviors. It was concluded that plasma cortisol concentration is linearly
      related to a combination of the number of flies and the frequency of fly
      dislodging behaviors, producing a maximum response before reaching maximum fly
      loads.

PMID- 27665136
TI  - Is reticular temperature a useful indicator of heat stress in dairy cattle?
AB  - The present study investigated whether reticular temperature (RT) in dairy cattle
      is a useful indicator of heat stress considering the effects of milk yield and
      water intake (WI). In total, 28 Holstein-Friesian dairy cows raised on 3 farms in
      Lower Saxony, Germany, were studied from March to December 2013. During the
      study, RT and barn climate parameters (air temperature, relative humidity) were
      measured continuously and individual milk yield was recorded daily. Both the
      daily temperature-humidity index (THI) and the daily median RT per cow were
      calculated. Additionally, the individual WI (amount and frequency) of 10 cows
      during 100d of the study was recorded on 1 farm. Averaged over all farms, daily
      THI ranged between 35.4 and 78.9 with a mean (+/-standard deviation) of 60.2 (+/
      8.7). Dairy cows were on average (+/-standard deviation) 110.9d in milk (+/-79.3)
      with a mean (+/-standard deviation) milk yield of 35.2kg/d (+/-9.1). The RT was
      affected by THI, milk yield, days in milk, and WI. Up to a THI threshold of 65,
      RT remained constant at 39.2 degrees C. Above this threshold, RT increased to
      39.3 degrees C and further to 39.4 degrees C when THI >=70. The correlation
      between THI >=70 and RT was 0.22, whereas the coefficient ranged between r=-0.08
      to +0.06 when THI <70. With increasing milk yield, RT decreased slightly from
      39.3 degrees C (<30kg/d) to 39.2 degrees C (>=40kg/d). For daily milk yields of
      >=40kg, the median RT and daily milk yield were correlated at r=-0.18. The RT was
      greater when dairy cows yielded >=30kg/d and THI >=70 (39.5 degrees C) compared
      with milk yields <30kg and THI <70 (39.3 degrees C). The WI, which averaged (+/
      standard deviation) 11.5 l (+/-5.7) per drinking bout, caused a mean decrease in
      RT of 3.2 degrees C and was affected by the amount of WI (r=0.60). After WI, it
      took up to 2h until RT reached the initial level before drinking. In conclusion,
      RT increased when the THI threshold of 65 was exceeded. A further increase was
      noted when THI >=70. Nevertheless, the effects of WI and milk yield have to be
      considered carefully when RT is used to detect hyperthermia in dairy cattle.

PMID- 27665137
TI  - Practices for the disbudding and dehorning of dairy calves by veterinarians and
      dairy producers in Ontario, Canada.
AB  - Disbudding and dehorning dairy calves is very common, despite the introduction of
      polled genetics to most dairy breeds. Appropriate pain-control practices for
      these procedures affect both calf welfare and public perception of the dairy
      industry. Previously published work has shown that North American dairy producers
      have not widely adopted use of these medications for disbudding or dehorning.
      However, since the last published work examining these practices in Canada,
      changes regarding awareness, availability, and future requirements for pain
      control have occurred in the industry. With this in mind, online and telephone
      surveys of both veterinarians (n=238) and dairy producers (n=603) in Ontario,
      Canada, were conducted in the fall of 2014 with a goal of describing current
      disbudding and dehorning practices and examining factors associated with the
      adoption of pain control use. Approximately three-quarters of dairy producers
      reported performing disbudding or dehorning themselves, whereas the remainder
      used a veterinarian or technician. Almost all (97%) of the veterinarians surveyed
      reported using local anesthetic, 62% used sedation, and 48% used a nonsteroidal
      anti-inflammatory drug. Producer use of local anesthetic was 62%, 38% used
      sedation and 24% used a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Seventy-eight
      percent of veterinarian disbudding or dehorning was done before 8wk of age,
      whereas 64% of dairy producers performed this procedure before 8wk of age.
      Seventy-two percent of veterinarians and 63% of producers reported changing their
      disbudding or dehorning practices over the past 10 yr; of producers that changed
      their practices, 73% cited their herd veterinarian as influential. The use of
      pain control described in these surveys is higher than previously reported in
      Ontario. Identification of factors associated with best practices, or the lack of
      adoption of these practices, may help veterinarians target appropriate
      educational opportunities for their dairy clients.

PMID- 27665138
TI  - Cheesemaking in highland pastures: Milk technological properties, cream, cheese
      and ricotta yields, milk nutrients recovery, and products composition.
AB  - Summer transhumance of dairy cows to high Alpine pastures is still practiced in
      many mountainous areas. It is important for many permanent dairy farms because
      the use of highland pastures increases milk production and high-priced typical
      local dairy products often boost farm income. As traditional cheese- and ricotta
      making procedures in Alpine pastures are central to this dairy system, the
      objective of this study was to characterize the quality and efficiency of
      products and their relationships with the quality and availability of grass
      during the grazing season. The milk from 148 cows from 12 permanent farms reared
      on a temporary farm located in Alpine pastures was processed every 2wk during the
      summer (7 cheesemakings from late June to early September). During each
      processing, 11 dairy products (4 types of milk, 2 by-products, 3 fresh products,
      and 2 ripened cheeses) were sampled and analyzed. In addition, 8 samples of fresh
      forage from the pasture used by the cows were collected and analyzed. At the
      beginning of the pasture season the cows were at 233+/-90d in milk, 2.4+/-1.7
      parities, and produced 23.6+/-5.7kg/d of milk. The milk yield decreased with the
      move from permanent to temporary farms and during the entire summer transhumance,
      but partly recovered after the cows returned to the permanent farms. Similar
      trends were observed for the daily yields of fat, protein, casein, lactose, and
      energy, as we found no large variations in the quality of the milk, with the
      exception of the first period of Alpine pasture. The somatic cell counts of milk
      increased during transhumance, but this resulted from a concentration of cells in
      a lower quantity of milk rather than an increase in the total number of cells
      ejected daily from the udder. We noted a quadratic trend in availability of
      forage (fresh and dry matter weight per hectare), with a maximum in late July.
      The quality of forage also varied during the summer with a worsening of chemical
      composition. The evening milk (before and after natural creaming), the whole
      morning milk, and the mixed vat milk had different chemical compositions,
      traditional coagulation properties, and curd-firming modeling parameters. These
      variations over the pasture season were similar to the residual variations with
      respect to chemical composition, and much lower with respect to coagulation and
      curd-firming traits. Much larger variations were noted in cream, cheese, and
      ricotta yields, as well as in nutrient recoveries in curd during the pasture
      season. The protein content of forage was correlated with some of the coagulation
      and curd-firming traits, the ether extract of forage was positively correlated
      with milk fat content and cheese yields, and fiber fractions of forage were
      unfavorably correlated with some of the chemical and technological traits.
      Traditional cheese- and ricotta-making procedures showed average cream, cheese,
      and ricotta yields of 6.3, 14.2, and 4.9%, respectively, and an overall recovery
      of almost 100% of milk fat, 88% of milk protein, and 60% of total milk solids.

PMID- 27665139
TI  - Factors affecting milking speed in Murciano-Granadina breed goats.
AB  - Milk flow during the first minute of milking was analyzed using data from 1,132
      Murciano-Granadina breed goats belonging to 17 herds. During the individual
      lactations, 2 test days were scheduled for recording several milk flow traits,
      total milk, milk composition (fat and protein percentages), and somatic cell
      count. Average lag time from teatcup attachment to arrival of milk at the milk
      claw (T0) was 4.9 s and at the milk meter (T1) was 15.8 s. Average milk flow
      after 30 s (MF0.5) was 0.29kg/30 s (0 to 1.1kg/30 s) and milk flow at 60 s or
      milking speed (MF1) was 0.67kg/min (0.1 to 2.1kg/min). Repeatabilities of T0, T1,
      MF0.5, and MF1 were 0.45, 0.58, 0.62, and 0.68, respectively. The MF1 showed high
      phenotypic correlation withT1(-0.63) and MF0.5 (0.90), medium values withT0(
      0.42) and total milk (0.22), and very low values (-0.04 to -0.12) with fat,
      protein, and somatic cell count. We found no differences between flows during the
      first 3 lactations, with a reduction as the lactation number increased. Months in
      milk since parturition affected MF1, being highest in the first 3mo (0.67
      0.71kg/min) and decreasing until the end of lactation (0.58kg/min). The effect of
      herd-test day was significant for all traits. Inclusion of all these effects for
      the analysis of milk flow traits is considered necessary.

PMID- 27665140
TI  - A correlation consistency based multivariate alarm thresholds optimization
      approach.
AB  - Different alarm thresholds could generate different alarm data, resulting in
      different correlations. A new multivariate alarm thresholds optimization
      methodology based on the correlation consistency between process data and alarm
      data is proposed in this paper. The interpretative structural modeling is adopted
      to select the key variables. For the key variables, the correlation coefficients
      of process data are calculated by the Pearson correlation analysis, while the
      correlation coefficients of alarm data are calculated by kernel density
      estimation. To ensure the correlation consistency, the objective function is
      established as the sum of the absolute differences between these two types of
      correlations. The optimal thresholds are obtained using particle swarm
      optimization algorithm. Case study of Tennessee Eastman process is given to
      demonstrate the effectiveness of proposed method.

PMID- 27665141
TI  - Ultrasonic bone localization algorithm based on time-series cumulative kurtosis.
AB  - The design and optimization of protective equipment and devices such as
      exoskeletons and prosthetics have the potential to be enhanced by the ability of
      accurately measure the positions of the bones during movement. Existing
      technologies allow a quite precise measurement of motion-mainly by using
      coordinate video-cameras and skin-mounted markers-but fail in directly measuring
      the bone position. Alternative approaches, as fluoroscopy, are too invasive and
      not usable during extended lapses of time, either for cost or radiation exposure.
      An approach to solve the problem is to combine the skin-glued markers with
      ultrasound technology in order to obtain the bone position by measuring at the
      same time the marker coordinates in 3D space and the depth of the echo from the
      bone. Given the complex structure of the bones and the tissues, the echoes from
      the ultrasound transducer show a quite complex structure as well. To reach a good
      accuracy in determining the depth of the bones, it is of paramount importance the
      ability to measure the time-of-flight (TOF) of the pulse with a high level of
      confidence. In this paper, the performance of several methods for determining the
      TOF of the ultrasound pulse has been evaluated when they are applied to the
      problem of measuring the bone depth. Experiments have been made using both simple
      setups used for calibration purposes and in real human tissues to test the
      performance of the algorithms. The results show that the method used to process
      the data to evaluate the time-of-flight of the echo signal can significantly
      affect the value of the depth measurement, especially in the cases when the
      verticality of the sensor with respect to the surface causing the main echo
      cannot be guaranteed. Finally, after testing several methods and processing
      algorithms for both accuracy and repeatability, the proposed cumulative kurtosis
      algorithm was found to be the most appropriate in the case of measuring bone
      depths in vivo with ultrasound sensors at frequencies around 5MHz.

PMID- 27665142
TI  - Adaptive integral LOS path following for an unmanned airship with uncertainties
      based on robust RBFNN backstepping.
AB  - This paper investigates the path following control problem for an unmanned
      airship in the presence of unknown wind and uncertainties. The backstepping
      technique augmented by a robust adaptive radial basis function neural network
      (RBFNN) is employed as the main control framework. Based on the horizontal
      dynamic model of the airship, an improved adaptive integral line-of-sight (LOS)
      guidance law is first proposed, which suits any parametric paths. The guidance
      law calculates the desired yaw angle and estimates the wind. Then the controller
      is extended to cope with the airship yaw tracking and velocity control by
      resorting to the augmented backstepping technique. The uncertainties of the
      dynamics are compensated by using the robust RBFNNs. Each robust RBFNN utilizes
      an nth-order smooth switching function to combine a conventional RBFNN with a
      robust control. The conventional RBFNN dominates in the neural active region,
      while the robust control retrieves the transient outside the active region, so
      that the stability range can be widened. Stability analysis shows that the
      controlled closed-loop system is globally uniformly ultimately bounded.
      Simulations are provided to validate the effectiveness of the proposed control
      approach.

PMID- 27665143
TI  - Extended observer based on adaptive second order sliding mode control for a fixed
      wing UAV.
AB  - This paper addresses the design of attitude and airspeed controllers for a fixed
      wing unmanned aerial vehicle. An adaptive second order sliding mode control is
      proposed for improving performance under different operating conditions and is
      robust in presence of external disturbances. Moreover, this control does not
      require the knowledge of disturbance bounds and avoids overestimation of the
      control gains. Furthermore, in order to implement this controller, an extended
      observer is designed to estimate unmeasurable states as well as external
      disturbances. Additionally, sufficient conditions are given to guarantee the
      closed-loop stability of the observer based control. Finally, using a full 6
      degree of freedom model, simulation results are obtained where the performance of
      the proposed method is compared against active disturbance rejection based on
      sliding mode control.

PMID- 27665144
TI  - Output feedback control for a class of nonlinear systems with actuator
      degradation and sensor noise.
AB  - This paper investigates the output feedback control problem of a class of
      nonlinear systems with sensor noise and actuator degradation. Firstly, by using
      the descriptor observer approach, the origin system is transformed into a
      descriptor system. On the basis of the descriptor system, a novel Proportional
      Derivative (PD) observer is developed to asymptotically estimate sensor noise and
      system state simultaneously. Then, by designing an adaptive law to estimate the
      effectiveness of actuator, an adaptive observer-based controller is constructed
      to ensure that system state can be regulated to the origin asymptotically.
      Finally, the design scheme is applied to address a flexible joint robot link
      problem.

PMID- 27665145
TI  - Development of a low cost test rig for standalone WECS subject to electrical
      faults.
AB  - In this paper, a contribution to the development of low-cost wind turbine (WT)
      test rig for stator fault diagnosis of wind turbine generator is proposed. The
      test rig is developed using a 2.5kW, 1750 RPM DC motor coupled to a 1.5kW, 1500
      RPM self-excited induction generator interfaced with a WT mathematical model in
      LabVIEW. The performance of the test rig is benchmarked with already proven wind
      turbine test rigs. In order to detect the stator faults using non-stationary
      signals in self-excited induction generator, an online fault diagnostic technique
      of DWT-based multi-resolution analysis is proposed. It has been experimentally
      proven that for varying wind conditions wavelet decomposition allows good
      differentiation between faulty and healthy conditions leading to an effective
      diagnostic procedure for wind turbine condition monitoring.

PMID- 27665147
TI  - Bioactive composites containing TEGDMA-functionalized calcium phosphate
      particles: Degree of conversion, fracture strength and ion release evaluation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the strength and ion release of experimental composites
      containing TEGDMA-functionalized calcium phosphate particles. METHODS: Seven
      composites containing equal parts (in mols) of BisGMA and TEGDMA and 60vol% of
      fillers were manipulated. Filler phase was constituted by silanized barium glass
      and 0% (control), 10% or 20% (volume) of dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DPCD)
      particles, either non-functionalized or functionalized with two different TEDGMA
      contents. DCPD particles were synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction
      (XRD), elemental analysis, surface area and dynamic light scattering. Composites
      were tested for degree of conversion (DC) by near-FTIR. Biaxial flexural strength
      (BFS) was determined after 24h and 28days in water. Calcium and phosphate release
      after 7days was assessed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission
      spectrometry (ICP-OES). Data were analyzed by ANOVA/Tukey test (alpha:5%).
      RESULTS: XRD confirmed the crystalline structure corresponding to DCPD. Elemental
      analysis revealed particles with zero, 14% or 22% TEGDMA, with similar D50
      (around 19MUm) and surface areas from 3.5 to 11.4m2/g. The presence of DCPD did
      not reduce DC. After 24h, functionalization (both 14% and 22% TEGDMA) improved
      composite strength in comparison to non-functionalized DCPD, both at 10% and 20%
      levels. After 28days, BFS of materials containing 10% functionalized DCPD were
      statistically similar to the control containing only barium glass. Among
      composites containing 10% DCPD, particle functionalization with 14% TEGDMA did
      not jeopardize ion release. SIGNIFICANCE: At 10vol%, the use of TEGDMA
      functionalized CaP particles improved composite strength in relation to non
      functionalized particles, while maintaining similar ion release levels.

PMID- 27665146
TI  - Influence of nanogel additive hydrophilicity on dental adhesive mechanical
      performance and dentin bonding.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the influence of hydrophilicity of reactive nanogels on the
      mechanical performance of dental adhesives and microtensile bond strength (MUTBS)
      to dentin after 24h or 3 months of aging. METHODS: A series of three nanogels
      were synthesized: NG1-IBMA/UDMA; NG2-HEMA/BisGMA; NG3-HEMA/TE-EGDMA. The nanogels
      were dispersed in solvent, HEMA or BisGMA/HEMA. The degree of conversion (DC) of
      the materials was measured and the flexural modulus of these polymers was
      evaluated in dry or wet conditions. For MUTBS analysis, a model adhesive was used
      without nanogel (control) or with the incorporation of nanogels. MUTBS was
      evaluated after storage in distilled water for 24h or 3 months. The analysis of
      the fracture was performed after MUTBS testing. Data were analyzed using ANOVA
      and Tukey's test (alpha=0.05). RESULTS: Water significantly increased the modulus
      of NG1 and NG2 dispersed in solvent, while significantly decreased the stiffness
      of NG3. All polymers dispersed in HEMA and BisGMA/HEMA had significantly lower
      modulus when stored in water. NG2 showed the highest DC in solvent and
      BisGMA/HEMA. In HEMA, NG1 and NG3 produced the highest DC. After three months,
      NG2 showed the best MUTBS. The MUTBS of NG2-containing adhesive resin
      significantly increased after 3 months, while storage had no effect in the
      control group, NG1 and NG3. SIGNIFICANCE: The more hydrophobic IBMA/UDMA nanogel
      showed higher bulk material mechanical property results, but the best dentin bond
      strength values, and notably strength values that improved upon storage, were
      obtained with the amphiphilic nanogel based on BisGMA/HEMA.

PMID- 27665148
TI  - Screening for lung cancer: Does MRI have a role?
AB  - While the inauguration of national low dose computed tomographic (LDCT) lung
      cancer screening programs has started in the USA, other countries remain
      undecided, awaiting the results of ongoing trials. The continuous technical
      development achieved by stronger gradients, parallel imaging and shorter echo
      time has made lung magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) an interesting alternative to
      CT. For the detection of solid lesions with lung MRI, experimental and clinical
      studies have shown a threshold size of 3-4mm for nodules, with detection rates of
      60-90% for lesions of 5-8mm and close to 100% for lesions of 8mm or larger. From
      experimental work, the sensitivity for infiltrative, non-solid lesions would be
      expected to be similarly high as that for solid lesions, but the published data
      for the MRI detection of lepidic growth type adenocarcinoma is sparse. Moreover,
      biological features such as a longer T2 time of lung cancer tissue, tissue
      compliance and a more rapid uptake of contrast material compared to granulomatous
      diseases, in principle should allow for the multi-parametric characterization of
      lung pathology. Experience with the clinical use of lung MRI is growing. There
      are now standardized protocols which are easy to implement on current scanner
      hardware configurations. The image quality has become more robust and currently
      ongoing studies will help to further contribute experience with multi-center,
      multi-vendor and multi-platform implementation of this technology. All of the
      required prerequisites have now been achieved to allow for a dedicated
      prospective large scale MRI based lung cancer screening trial to investigate the
      outcomes from using MRI rather than CT for lung cancer screening. This is driven
      by the hypothesis that MRI would reach a similarly high sensitivity for the
      detection of early lung cancer with fewer false positive exams (better
      specificity) than LDCT. The purpose of this review article is to discuss the
      potential role of lung MRI for the early detection of lung cancer from a
      technical point of view and to discuss a few of the possible scenarios for lung
      cancer screening implementation using this imaging modality. There is little
      doubt that MRI could play a significant role in lung cancer screening, but how
      and when will depend on the threshold needed for positive screens (e.g. lesion
      volume and required diagnostic accuracy), cost-effectiveness and improved patient
      outcomes from a reduction in the need to follow up benign nodules. Potential
      applications range from lung MRI as the first choice screening modality to the
      role of an ad hoc on site test for the detailed evaluation of a subgroup of
      positive screening results.

PMID- 27665149
TI  - Spirostanol glycosides with hemostatic and antimicrobial activities from Trillium
      kamtschaticum.
AB  - Ten spirostanol glycosides, trillikamtosides A-J, together with eleven known
      analogues, were isolated from the hemostatic fraction of the 75% aqueous EtOH
      extract of the whole herbs of Trillium kamtschaticum. Their structures were
      established by extensive spectroscopic data analysis and chemical methods. The
      aglycones of three of these compounds had unique 3beta,17alpha-dihydroxy
      spirostanes featuring a double bond between C-4 and C-5, while two others
      represent a rare class of spirostanol glycosides which possess a 5(6 -> 7) abeo
      steroidal aglycone. All the compounds were evaluated for their hemostatic and
      antimicrobial activities. Three of the spirostanol glycosides exhibited induced
      platelet aggregation at a concentration of 300 MUg/mL with maximal induced
      platelet aggregation rates of 72%, 71%, and 62% in rabbits, respectively, and
      their EC50 values were 492.7, 203.3, and 109.8 MUM. Five of the spirostanol
      glycosides showed an anti-Candida albicans effect with MIC values of 21.1, 10.6,
      8.8, 21.6, and 11.0 MUM, respectively.

PMID- 27665151
TI  - [Epidemiology: Data from France and USA].
AB  - Epidemiological data on the incidence, the survival and the prognostic factors of
      cardiac arrest (CA) are often heterogeneous. However, recent advances in
      methodology and research have improved the knowledge on that topic. The
      generation of registries in United States and France, in particular, improved
      significantly the characterization and the transatlantic comparability of
      provided data. The main information of these registries confirmed the high
      incidence of cardiac arrest and highlighted an overall survival better than
      previous published. The assessment of characteristics of patients and pre- and in
      hospital interventions supports the consistent influence of identified prognostic
      factors in United States and France as well. Advantages of these registries rely
      on the development of large database and quality of information. However, some
      data are limited by volunteering collection, incompletion and/or restriction on
      defined communities, avoiding any generalization. Nevertheless, these collections
      of data represent an outstanding resource for descriptive and analytic
      interpretation of outcome in cardiac arrest setting. They also represent a
      necessary source for origin of randomized clinical trials, representing solely
      the high level of evidence for application of management strategy.

PMID- 27665150
TI  - Effect of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and diet-induced weight loss on diabetic
      kidney disease in the Zucker diabetic fatty rat.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reductions in urinary protein excretion after Roux-en-Y gastric
      bypass (RYGB) surgery in patients with diabetic kidney disease have been reported
      in multiple studies. OBJECTIVES: To determine the weight loss dependence of the
      effect of RYGB on urinary protein excretion by comparing renal outcomes in Zucker
      diabetic fatty rats undergoing either gastric bypass surgery or a sham operation
      with or without weight matching. SETTING: University laboratories. METHODS:
      Zucker diabetic fatty rats underwent surgery at 18 weeks of age. A subgroup of
      sham operated rats were weight matched to RYGB operated rats by restricting food
      intake. Urinary protein excretion was assessed at baseline and at postoperative
      weeks 4 and 12. Renal histology and macrophage-associated inflammation were
      assessed at postoperative week 12. RESULTS: Progressive urinary protein excretion
      was attenuated by both RYGB and diet-induced weight loss, albeit to a lesser
      extent by the latter. Both weight loss interventions produced equivalent
      reductions in glomerulomegaly, glomerulosclerosis, and evidence of renal
      macrophage infiltration. CONCLUSION: Weight loss per se improves renal structure
      and attenuates renal inflammatory responses in an experimental animal model of
      diabetic kidney disease. Better glycemic control post-RYGB may in part explain
      the greater reductions in urinary protein excretion after gastric bypass surgery.

PMID- 27665152
TI  - Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration Among Adolescent Males in Disadvantaged
      Neighborhoods Globally.
AB  - PURPOSE: Intimate partner violence (IPV) affects one in three women globally,
      with adolescent and young adult women at highest risk. Less is known about IPV
      perpetration. We compare the prevalence and correlates of IPV perpetration among
      15- to 19-year-old adolescent males in Baltimore (United States), Johannesburg
      (South Africa), Delhi (India), and Shanghai (China). METHODS: A cross-sectional
      survey was conducted in 2013 with males aged 15-19 recruited via respondent
      driven sampling from disadvantaged neighborhoods in four cities: Baltimore
      (United States), New Delhi (India), Johannesburg (South Africa), and Shanghai
      (China); total n = 751 ever-partnered men. We describe the prevalence of past
      year physical and sexual IPV perpetration and evaluate associations with gender
      norm attitudes, mental health, substance use, victimization experiences, and
      demographic factors. RESULTS: Past-year physical or sexual IPV perpetration
      ranged from 9% in Shanghai to 40% in Johannesburg. Factors associated with past
      year perpetration across multiple sites included: binge drinking (Johannesburg
      adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.8, Baltimore AOR = 6.7, and Shanghai AOR = 3.2),
      depressive symptoms (Johannesburg AOR = 2.4 and Shanghai AOR = 2.2),
      victimization in the home (Baltimore AOR = 2.5, Shanghai AOR = 2.7, and
      Johannesburg AOR = 1.7), and community violence victimization (Baltimore AOR =
      7.0, Delhi AOR = 4.1, and Johannesburg AOR = 2.8). Equitable gender norm
      attitudes were protective against IPV perpetration in Johannesburg and Shanghai.
      Demographic factors (e.g., age, employment, and education) were inconsistently
      associated with IPV perpetration across sites. CONCLUSIONS: Past-year IPV
      perpetration was prevalent with differences identified across settings. Findings
      suggest the need to scale up evidence-based interventions targeting adolescents
      in disadvantaged urban communities in order to address many modifiable factors
      associated with IPV perpetration in this study.

PMID- 27665153
TI  - Long-Acting Reversible Contraception Counseling and Use for Older Adolescents and
      Nulliparous Women.
AB  - PURPOSE: The majority of pregnancies during adolescence are unintended, and few
      adolescents use long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) due in part to health
      care providers' misconceptions about nulliparous women's eligibility for the
      intrauterine device. We examined differences in LARC counseling, selection, and
      initiation by age and parity in a study with a provider's LARC training
      intervention. METHODS: Sexually active women aged 18-25 years receiving
      contraceptive counseling (n = 1,500) were enrolled at 20 interventions and 20
      control clinics and followed for 12 months. We assessed LARC counseling and
      selection, by age and parity, with generalized estimated equations with robust
      standard errors. We assessed LARC use over 1 year with Cox proportional hazards
      models with shared frailty for clustering. RESULTS: Women in the intervention had
      increased LARC counseling, selection, and initiation, with similar effects among
      older adolescent and nulliparous women, and among young adult and parous women.
      Across study arms, older adolescents were as likely as young adults to receive
      LARC counseling (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = .85; 95% confidence interval [CI]:
      .63-1.15), select LARC (aOR = .86; 95% CI: .64-1.17), and use LARC methods
      (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = .94; 95% CI: .69-1.27). Nulliparous women were
      less likely to receive counseling (aOR = .57; 95% CI: .42-.79) and to select LARC
      (aOR = .53; 95% CI: .37-.75) than parous women, and they initiated LARC methods
      at lower rates (aHR = .65; 95% CI: .48-.90). Nulliparous women had similar rates
      of implant initiation but lower rates of intrauterine device initiation (aHR =
      .59; 95% CI: .41-.85). CONCLUSIONS: Continued efforts should be made to improve
      counseling and access to LARC methods for nulliparous women of all ages.

PMID- 27665154
TI  - The effect of ambient exposure to PM2.5 on the transfusion usage of blood
      components and adverse transfusion reactions in the haze weather.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Accumulating evidence has shown that ambient exposure to PM2.5,
      especially in the haze weather, increased the risk of various diseases. However,
      the association of air pollution status with blood transfusion utilization and
      the prevalence and severity of adverse transfusion reactions remain to be
      clarified. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data of monthly transfusion usage of blood
      components, adverse transfusion reactions, as well as PM2.5 and PM10 levels from
      2013 to 2015 were obtained. RESULTS: During the study interval, both PM2.5 and
      PM10 levels were significantly increased in the haze weather when compared with
      the non-haze weather. The utilization of total blood components per patient-month
      in the haze weather was prone to be increased when compared with that in the non
      haze weather (13.28 +/- 1.66 vs. 12.33 +/- 1.30, p = 0.068). The usage of RBC
      products per patient-month in the haze weather was significantly increased when
      compared with that in the non-haze weather (4.39 +/- 0.39 vs. 4.07 +/- 0.30, p =
      0.009). There was no obvious difference between the haze and non-haze weathers
      for the usage of platelet and plasma products per patient-month. Besides, no
      definite differences of the prevalence and severity of transfusion-associated
      adverse reaction were observed between the haze and non-haze weathers.
      CONCLUSION: Our study first indicated that transfusion utilization, particularly
      the RBC products, was significantly increased in the haze weather when compared
      with that in the non-haze weather. There was no obvious association of air
      pollution with the prevalence and severity of adverse transfusion reactions and
      further research is required.

PMID- 27665155
TI  - Factors affecting the CD34+ cell yields from the second donations of healthy
      donors: The steady-state lymphocyte count is a good predictive factor.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A second allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation and donor
      lymphocyte infusion using cells from the same donor is a therapeutic option in
      the case of stem-cell graft failure or disease relapse, but little is known about
      the factors associated with the CD34+ cell yields from second donations. METHODS:
      One-hundred healthy donors who underwent a second mobilization treatment and
      peripheral blood stem-cell (PBSC) collection were studied. For both mobilization
      processes, 5 ug of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor per kg per day was
      administered. The blood counts of the donors were monitored during the processes.
      RESULTS: The second donations from the same donors provided lower apheresis
      yields than did the initial collections. The number of CD34+ cells collected from
      normal donors after a second cycle of PBSC mobilization was associated with their
      steady-state lymphocyte counts and the intertransplantation interval. Female sex
      negatively affected the CD34+ cell yields. The cutoff value for the steady-state
      absolute lymphocyte count was 2.055 * 109/L. CONCLUSION: To harvest greater
      numbers of CD34+ cells from second collections, male donors and those with
      intervals of longer than 9 months between donations should be selected. The
      lymphocyte counts prior to the first donations may predict the content of CD34+
      cells in the allografts prepared using the second donations.

PMID- 27665156
TI  - Blood transfusion service in disasters.

PMID- 27665157
TI  - Coronary Artery Calcium: Need for More Clarity in Guidelines.

PMID- 27665158
TI  - Impact of Longitudinal Lesion Geometry on Location of Plaque Rupture and Clinical
      Presentations.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study sought to investigate the impact of longitudinal lesion
      geometry on the location of plaque rupture and clinical presentation and its
      mechanism. BACKGROUND: The relationships among lesion geometry, external
      hemodynamic forces acting on the plaque, location of plaque rupture, and clinical
      presentation have not been comprehensively investigated. METHODS: This study
      enrolled 125 patients with plaque rupture documented by intravascular ultrasound.
      Longitudinal locations of plaque rupture were identified and categorized by
      intravascular ultrasound. Patients' clinical presentations and TIMI (Thrombolysis
      In Myocardial Infarction) flow grade in an initial angiogram were compared
      according to the location of plaque rupture. Longitudinal lesion asymmetry was
      quantitatively assessed by the luminal radius change over the segment length
      (radius gradient [RG]). Lesions with a steeper radius change in the upstream
      segment compared with the downstream segment (RGupstream > RGdownstream) were
      defined as upstream-dominant lesions. RESULTS: On the basis of the site of
      maximum rupture aperture, 56.0%, 16.0%, and 28.0% of the patients had upstream,
      minimal lumen area, and downstream rupture, respectively. Patients with upstream
      rupture more frequently presented with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
      (45.7%, 40.0%, 22.9%; p = 0.030) and with TIMI flow grade <3 (32.9%, 20.0%,
      17.1%; p = 0.042). According to the ratio of upstream and downstream RG, 69.5% of
      lesions were classified as upstream-dominant lesions, and 30.5% were classified
      as downstream-dominant lesions. Among the 66 upstream-dominant lesions, 65 cases
      (98.5%) had upstream rupture, and the RG ratio (RGupstream/RGdownstream) was an
      independent predictor of upstream rupture (odds ratio: 1.481; 95% confidence
      interval: 1.035 to 2.120; p = 0.032). Upstream-dominant lesions more frequently
      manifested with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction than did downstream
      dominant lesions (48.5% vs. 24.1%; p = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS: Both clinical
      presentation and degree of flow limitation were associated with the location of
      plaque rupture. Longitudinal lesion asymmetry assessed by RG, which can affect
      regional distribution of hemodynamic stress, was associated with the location of
      rupture and with clinical presentation.

PMID- 27665159
TI  - Screening CT Angiography of the Aorta, Visceral Branch Vessels, and Pelvic
      Arteries in Fibromuscular Dysplasia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study sought to evaluate the diagnostic yield of a dedicated
      computed tomography angiography (CTA) protocol of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis
      in patients with fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD). BACKGROUND: FMD is an uncommon
      vascular disease that may result in stenosis, dissection, or aneurysm of nearly
      all arterial distributions, typically affecting medium-sized arteries. Findings
      from the United States Registry for Fibromuscular Dysplasia have suggested the
      potential need to perform screening imaging of the aorta and medium branch
      vessels. METHODS: A total of 113 consecutive patients enrolled in our
      institutional FMD registry who received a tailored CTA protocol at our
      institution between March 2013 and June 2015 were included in this study.
      Arterial phase contrast-enhanced images were obtained on a dual-source scanner
      using high pitch and electrocardiogram trigger. Images were analyzed by 2
      readers. RESULTS: Abnormalities including beading, aneurysm, dissection, and
      stenosis/occlusion were noted in aortic, renal, mesenteric, and iliac
      distributions. The most commonly affected vessels were the renal arteries (n = 76
      [67%]), followed by the lower extremity/iliac arteries (n = 37 [32%]). Aortic
      abnormalities were less frequently encountered (n = 3 [3%]), including 1 case
      with mild dilation (4.2 cm) of the ascending aorta and 2 cases of dissection
      involving the descending aorta, 1 with mild dilation (4.4 cm). Incremental
      findings beyond those known at patient intake were commonly noted, including new
      areas of arterial beading (n = 55 [49%]), new aneurysms (n = 21 [19%]), and new
      dissections (n = 3 [3%]). Reformatted images were crucial, affecting final
      assessment in 56% of cases evaluated by reader 1 and 36% evaluated by reader 2.
      CONCLUSIONS: Screening chest, abdomen, and pelvis CTA in patients with FMD showed
      substantial and incremental diagnostic yield. Reformatted images should routinely
      be included in imaging analysis. Abnormalities in the aorta were not common, so
      screening of the thoracic aorta may not be indicated.

PMID- 27665161
TI  - Asymmetric Longitudinal Lesion Geometry: Expanding Clinical Applications of
      Biomechanics.

PMID- 27665160
TI  - Clinical Utility of Longitudinal Strain to Predict Functional Recovery in
      Patients With Tachyarrhythmia and Reduced LVEF.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study sought to assess the time course of presumptive
      tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy and the predictors of left ventricular (LV)
      functional recovery in such patients. BACKGROUND: Tachycardia-induced
      cardiomyopathy is a potentially reversible cardiomyopathy with effective
      treatment of the tachyarrhythmia. However, cases without improvement of LV
      systolic function were found occasionally. The diagnosis of tachycardia-induced
      cardiomyopathy can be challenging, and the role of echocardiographic imaging in
      the prediction of LV functional recovery is limited. METHODS: LV segmental
      longitudinal strains (LS) were evaluated by 2-dimensional speckle tracking in 71
      consecutive patients (65 +/- 16 years; 61% men) with tachyarrhythmia and reduced
      left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) without any other known cardiovascular
      disease, and 30 age and sex-matched control subjects. Relative apical LS ratio
      (RALSR) was defined using the equation: average apical LS / (average basal LS +
      average mid LS) as a marker of strain distribution. RESULTS: Compared with
      control subjects, patients with tachyarrhythmia had significantly lower global
      LS. Improvement in LVEF within 6 months after treatment of index arrhythmia was
      observed in 41 patients, and LVEF did not improve in 30 patients. In univariate
      analysis, lower LVEF at baseline (hazard ratio: 0.59 per 1 SD; p = 0.04) and
      higher RALSR (hazard ratio: 11.2 per 1 SD; p < 0.001) were associated with no
      recovery in LVEF during follow-up. In a multivariate logistic regression model,
      the significant predictor of LV systolic functional recovery was RALSR (hazard
      ratio: 22.9 per 1 SD; p = 0.001). A RALSR of 0.61 was sensitive (71%) and
      specific (90%) in differentiating LV systolic functional recovery (area under the
      curve: 0.88). CONCLUSIONS: The RALSR was associated with LV systolic functional
      recovery. This information might be useful for clinical evaluation and follow-up
      in patients with reduced LVEF.

PMID- 27665162
TI  - Fibromuscular Dysplasia: Looking Beyond the "String of Beads".

PMID- 27665164
TI  - Myocardium at Risk by Early Gadolinium Enhancement MR Imaging: A Moving Target?

PMID- 27665163
TI  - CAC Score Improves Coronary and CV Risk Assessment Above Statin Indication by ESC
      and AHA/ACC Primary Prevention Guidelines.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the difference in indication for
      statin therapy by European Society of Cardiology (ESC) versus American Heart
      Association/American College of Cardiology (AHA/ACC) guidelines and to quantify
      the potential additional role of coronary artery calcification (CAC) score over
      updated guidelines in a primary prevention cohort. BACKGROUND: Recently, ESC and
      AHA/ACC updated the guidelines regarding statin therapy in primary prevention.
      METHODS: In 3,745 subjects (59 +/- 8 years of age, 47% men) from the population
      based longitudinal Heinz Nixdorf Recall cohort study without cardiovascular
      disease or lipid-lowering therapy at baseline CAC score was assessed between 2000
      and 2003. Subjects remained unaware of their initial CAC score. Statin indication
      was determined according to 2012 ESC and 2013 AHA/ACC guidelines based on
      subjects individual baseline characteristics. RESULTS: The frequency of statin
      recommendation was lower according to ESC compared to AHA/ACC guidelines (34% vs.
      56%; p < 0.0001), whereas low CAC score (<100) was common in subjects with statin
      indication by both guidelines (59% for ESC, 62% for AHA/ACC). During 10.4 +/- 2.0
      years of follow-up, 131 myocardial infarctions occurred. For ESC recommendations,
      CAC score differentiated risk for subjects without (1.0 [95% confidence interval
      (CI): 0.4 to 1.5] vs. 6.5 [95% CI: 4.1 to 8.9] coronary events per 1,000 person
      years for CAC 0 vs. >=100) and with statin indication (2.6 [95% CI: 0.6 to 4.7]
      vs. 9.9 [95% CI: 7.3 to 12.5] per 1,000 person-years for CAC 0 vs. >=100).
      Likewise, CAC score stratified proportions experiencing events subjects with
      statin indication according to AHA/ACC (2.7 [95% CI: 1.1 to 4.2] vs. 9.1 [95% CI:
      7.0 to 11.0] per 1,000 person-years for CAC 0 vs. >=100), whereas event rate in
      subjects without statin indication was low (1.1 [95% CI: 0.65 to 1.68] per 1,000
      person-years). CONCLUSIONS: Current ESC and AHA/ACC guidelines lead to markedly
      different recommendation regarding statin therapy in a German primary prevention
      cohort. Quantification of CAC score in addition to the guidelines improves
      stratification between subjects at high versus low risk for coronary events,
      indicating that CAC scoring may help to match intensified risk factor
      modification to atherosclerotic plaque burden as well as actual risk while
      avoiding therapy in subjects with low coronary atherosclerosis that have low 10
      year event rate.

PMID- 27665166
TI  - Myocardial Strain in the Identification of Tachycardia-Induced Cardiomyopathy:
      Unscrambling the Egg.

PMID- 27665165
TI  - Early Gadolinium Enhancement for Determination of Area at Risk: A Preclinical
      Validation Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine whether early gadolinium
      enhancement (EGE) by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in a canine model of
      reperfused myocardial infarction depicts the area at risk (AAR) as determined by
      microsphere blood flow analysis. BACKGROUND: It remains controversial whether
      only the irreversibly injured myocardium enhances when CMR is performed in the
      setting of acute myocardial infarction. Recently, EGE has been proposed as a
      measure of the AAR in acute myocardial infarction because it correlates well with
      T2-weighted imaging of the AAR, but this still requires pathological validation.
      METHODS: Eleven dogs underwent 2 h of coronary artery occlusion and 48 h of
      reperfusion before imaging at 1.5-T. EGE imaging was performed 3 min after
      contrast administration with coverage of the entire left ventricle. Late
      gadolinium enhancement imaging was performed between 10 and 15 min after contrast
      injection. AAR was defined as myocardium with blood flow <2 SD from remote
      myocardium determined by microspheres during occlusion. The size of infarction
      was determined with triphenyltetrazolium chloride. RESULTS: There was no
      significant difference in the size of enhancement by EGE compared with the size
      of AAR by microspheres (44.1 +/- 15.8% vs. 42.7 +/- 9.2%; p = 0.61), with good
      correlation (r = 0.88; p < 0.001) and good agreement by Bland-Altman analysis
      (mean bias 1.4 +/- 17.4%). There was no difference in the size of enhancement by
      EGE compared with enhancement on native T1 and T2 maps. The size of EGE was
      significantly greater than the infarct by triphenyltetrazolium chloride (44.1 +/-
      15.8% vs. 20.7 +/- 14.4%; p < 0.001) and late gadolinium enhancement (44.1 +/-
      15.8% vs. 23.5 +/- 12.7%; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: At 3 min post-contrast, EGE
      correlated well with the AAR by microspheres and CMR and was greater than infarct
      size. Thus, EGE enhances both reversibly and irreversibly injured myocardium.

PMID- 27665167
TI  - Surface plasmon resonance as a tool for investigation of non-covalent
      nanoparticle interactions in heterogeneous self-assembly & disassembly systems.
AB  - Biomolecule-driven assembly of nanoparticles is a powerful and convenient
      approach for development of advanced nanosensors and theranostic agents with
      diverse "on-demand" composition and functionality. While a lot of research is
      being devoted to fabrication of such agents, the development of non-invasive
      analytical tools to monitor self-assembly/disassembly processes in real-time
      substantially lags behind. Here, we demonstrate the capabilities of localized
      surface plasmon resonance (SPR) phenomenon to study non-covalent interactions not
      just between plasmonic particles, but between gold nanoparticles (AuNP) and non
      plasmonic ones. We show its potential to investigate assembly and performance of
      a novel type of advanced smart materials, namely, biocomputing agents. These
      agents, self-assembled from nanoparticles via biomolecular interfaces such as
      proteins, DNA, etc., can analyze presence of biomolecular inputs according to
      Boolean logic and undergo the input-induced disassembly in order to implement the
      proper output action. Using UV-Vis spectroscopy to monitor the
      assembly/disassembly processes of the basic YES-gate structure that consists of a
      polymer core particle with a multitude of associated gold nanoparticles, we found
      that the structure transformations are well-characterized by pronounced
      difference in SPR spectral band position (shifting up to 50nm). This SPR shift
      correlates remarkably well with biochemical estimation of the
      assembly/disassembly extent, and can provide valuable real-time kinetic analysis.
      We believe that the obtained data can be easily extended to other non-plasmonic
      nanoparticle systems having similar chemical and colloidal properties. SPR method
      can become a valuable addition to analytical toolbox for characterization of self
      assembled smart nanosystems used in biosensing, imaging, controlled release and
      other applications.

PMID- 27665168
TI  - Tailoring gas sensor arrays via the design of short peptides sequences as binding
      elements.
AB  - A semi-combinatorial virtual approach was used to prepare peptide-based gas
      sensors with binding properties towards five different chemical classes
      (alcohols, aldehydes, esters, hydrocarbons and ketones). Molecular docking
      simulations were conducted for a complete tripeptide library (8000 elements)
      versus 58 volatile compounds belonging to those five chemical classes. By
      maximizing the differences between chemical classes, a subset of 120 tripeptides
      was extracted and used as scaffolds for generating a combinatorial library of
      7912 tetrapeptides. This library was processed in an analogous way to the former.
      Five tetrapeptides (IHRI, KSDS, LGFD, TGKF and WHVS) were chosen depending on
      their virtual affinity and cross-reactivity for the experimental step. The five
      peptides were covalently bound to gold nanoparticles by adding a terminal
      cysteine to each tetrapeptide and deposited onto 20MHz quartz crystal
      microbalances to construct the gas sensors. The behavior of peptides after this
      chemical modification was simulated at the pH range used in the immobilization
      step. DeltaF signals analyzed by principal component analysis matched the
      virtually screened data. The array was able to clearly discriminate the 13
      volatile compounds tested based on their hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity
      molecules as well as the molecular weight.

PMID- 27665169
TI  - Impedimetric immunosensor for the label-free and direct detection of botulinum
      neurotoxin serotype A using Au nanoparticles/graphene-chitosan composite.
AB  - In this work, a novel nanocomposite film consisting of the Au
      nanoparticles/graphene-chitosan has been designed to construct an impedimetric
      immunosensor for a rapid and sensitive immunoassay of botulinum neurotoxin A
      (BoNT/A). BoNT/A antibody was immobilized on glassy carbon electrode modified
      with Au nanoparticles/graphene-chitosan for the signal amplification. The
      fabrication of immunosensor was extensively characterized by using transmission
      electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force
      microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR),
      cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The
      impedance changes, due to the specific immuno-interactions at the immunosensor
      surface that efficiently restricted the electron transfer of redox probe Fe(CN)64
      /3- were utilized to detect BoNT/A. The measurements were highly targeted
      specific and linear with logarithmic BoNT/A concentrations in PBS, milk and human
      serum across a 0.27-268pgmL-1 range and associated with a detection limit of
      0.11pgmL-1.

PMID- 27665170
TI  - Amyloidogenesis of the amylin analogue pramlintide.
AB  - Amylin is a pancreatic peptide hormone co-secreted along with insulin by the beta
      cells. It is found in amyloid deposits in both type 2 diabetic individuals and
      elder non-diabetic. The triple proline amylinomimetic compound (25,28,29-Pro
      human amylin) named pramlintide was designed aiming to solve the solubility and
      amyloid characteristics of human amylin. We have found by using ion mobility
      spectrometry-based mass spectrometry that pramlintide is able to assembly into
      multimers. Pramlintide formed amyloid fibrils in vitro in a pH-dependent kinetic
      process within a few hours, as followed by thioflavin T, quantification of
      soluble peptide and further characterized by transmission electron microscopy,
      atomic force microscopy and X-ray diffraction. These data indicate that
      pramlintide can form amyloid fibers.

PMID- 27665172
TI  - The combination of systemic inflammation-based marker NLR and circulating
      regulatory T cells predicts the prognosis of resectable pancreatic cancer
      patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The systemic inflammation response and immune impairment are closely
      related to the development and progression of various tumours, such as pancreatic
      cancer. In this study, we evaluated circulating inflammation factors and
      circulating regulatory T cells (Tregs) as markers of immunosuppression in a
      cohort of Chinese patients with resectable pancreatic cancer. METHODS: Samples
      were retrospectively collected from a series of 195 pathological stage I/II
      pancreatic cancer patients who underwent potentially curative surgery between
      June 2010 and April 2014. To examine the prognostic factors, circulating systemic
      inflammation-based markers and Tregs, detected by flow cytometry, were analysed.
      RESULTS: Univariate analyses revealed that the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR),
      TNM stage, differentiation, chemotherapy, CA19-9 levels and presence of Tregs are
      significantly associated with overall survival in patients with resectable
      pancreatic cancers. NLR (p = 0.001, HR = 0.538), TNM stage (p = 0.004, HR =
      0.593), differentiation (p = 0.011, HR = 0.46), chemotherapy (p = 0.006, HR =
      0.516) and Tregs (p = 0.001, HR = 0.558) are identified as independent prognostic
      markers by multivariate analyses. Interestingly, we also found that high NLR
      levels combined with a high proportion of Tregs (p < 0.001, HR = 3.521) correlate
      strongly with worse survival, with a greater than 3.5-fold increased risk of
      death compared with those with concurrent low levels of NLR and Tregs.
      CONCLUSIONS: The preoperative NLR and circulating regulatory T cells are
      potentially independent prognostic factors for overall survival in resectable
      pancreatic cancer patients. High NLR levels combined with poor immune state
      before surgery, as measured by Tregs, are associated with an extremely poor
      prognosis.

PMID- 27665171
TI  - Effect of routine prenatal supplementation on vitamin concentrations in maternal
      serum and breast milk.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of multivitamin
      supplements and their different vitamin A sources on retinol concentrations in
      serum and colostrum milk of postpartum women. METHODS: This was a retrospective
      cross-sectional study composed of healthy postpartum women attending two
      Brazilian private maternity wards (N = 100). According to the type of
      multivitamin taken during pregnancy, the women were assigned to one of four
      groups: control group (CG; n = 25), formulation 1 (F1; n = 25), formulation 2
      (F2; n = 25), and formulation 3 (F3; n = 25). Blood and colostrum samples were
      collected under fasting conditions and retinol was analyzed by high-performance
      liquid chromatography. Dietary vitamin A was assessed using a food frequency
      questionnaire. Retinol concentrations <20 MUg/dL (<0.70 MUmol/L) in serum and <60
      MUg/dL (2.10 MUmol/L) in colostrum were considered indicative of vitamin A
      deficiency. RESULTS: Of women in the control group, 12% (n = 3) presented serum
      retinol levels below the cut-off value for adequacy; this was not observed in the
      supplemented groups. Evaluating the retinol content in breast milk, supplemented
      groups F1 and F3 presented 4% (n = 1) of inadequacy cases, whereas F2 presented
      40% (n = 10). The concentrations found in the F2 and F3 groups were statistically
      different (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The use of multivitamin supplements containing
      vitamin A during pregnancy prevents vitamin A deficiency regardless of the source
      administered. In breast milk, supplementation with beta-carotene provided a lower
      concentration of vitamin A compared with retinol.

PMID- 27665174
TI  - The Cahn-Hilliard phase separation principle maybe the tip of an iceberg: Comment
      on "Phase separation driven by density-dependent movement: A novel mechanism for
      ecological patterns" by Q.-X. Liu et al.

PMID- 27665173
TI  - Clinical significance of serum Wisteria floribunda agglutinin-positive Mac-2
      binding protein in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Wisteria floribunda agglutinin-positive mac-2 binding protein (WFA+
      M2BP) is an excellent biomarker for predicting hepatic fibrosis. We hypothesized
      WFA+-M2BP might be a serum biomarker for the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis
      (CP) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) with dense fibrosis. METHODS: In
      this study, we included 16 CP and 24 PDAC patients. Serum levels of WFA+-M2BP
      (cut-off index [COI]) were compared between the 2 groups. To confirm the cellular
      production of WFA+-M2BP, we investigated the presence of WFA+-M2BP in HEK293
      cells, 3 established human PDAC cell lines and a recently generated human PDAC
      cell line derived from a liver metastasis (MDA-PATC53). The bio-physiological
      effects of MDA-PATC53 supernatant were evaluated. Finally, the difference in the
      expression of glycosylation enzymes between MDA-PATC53 and Panc-1 were analyzed
      by cDNA microarray. RESULTS: We found that the serum WFA+-M2BP level could
      distinguish the 2 groups. The median serum COI of WFA+-M2BP was 0.98 and 0.51 in
      PDAC and CP, respectively. Additionally, WFA+-M2BP positive PDACs were more
      frequently associated with metastatic lesions than the WFA+-M2BP negative PDACs
      (91.6% vs. 41.7%, P = 0.009). The MDA-PATC53 cells alone produced WFA+-M2BP.
      However, we found that MDA-PATC53 supernatant containing WFA+-M2BP (1.0 COI) did
      not alter the biological behavior of cancer cell lines. The results of cDNA
      microarray revealed that several glycosylation enzymes with pro-oncologic
      function were highly expressed in MDA-PATC53 compared to Panc-1. CONCLUSIONS:
      Serum WFA+-M2BP can be a useful biomarker for the diagnosis of PDAC and the
      prediction of disease progression since it potentially reflects altered pro
      oncologic glycosylation enzymes.

PMID- 27665175
TI  - The spreading of infectious diseases in modern socio-technical systems Comment on
      "Pattern transitions in spatial epidemics: Mechanisms and emergent properties" by
      Gui-Quan Sun et al.

PMID- 27665177
TI  - Discovery of O6-benzyl glaziovianin A, a potent cytotoxic substance and a potent
      inhibitor of alpha,beta-tubulin polymerization.
AB  - We have discovered O6-benzyl glaziovianin A, which showed stronger inhibition of
      microtubule polymerization (IC50=2.1MUM) than known alpha,beta-tubulin
      inhibitors, such as colchicine and glaziovianin A. Also, we performed competition
      binding experiments of O6-benzyl glaziovianin A and revealed that O6-benzyl
      glaziovianin A binds to the colchicine binding site with high affinity. It is
      interesting that glaziovianin A derivatives change their mode of action in
      benzylation at the O6 (alpha,beta-tubulin inhibitor) or O7 (gamma-tubulin
      specific inhibitor) position.

PMID- 27665176
TI  - Crohn's disease-associated mucosal factors regulate the expression of TNF-like
      cytokine 1A and its receptors in primary subepithelial intestinal myofibroblasts
      and intestinal epithelial cells.
AB  - Intestinal subepithelial myofibroblasts (SEMFs) exert a profibrotic role in
      Crohn's disease (CD). Tumor necrosis factor-like cytokine 1A (TL1A) and its
      receptors, death-domain receptor 3 (DR3) and decoy receptor 3 (DcR3), are mucosal
      factors with significant involvement in experimental inflammation and CD. We
      aimed to determine the regulation of expression of this system of proteins in
      SEMFs and intestinal epithelial cells. The relative amount of mRNA transcripts
      for TL1A, DR3, and DcR3 was measured by real-time reverse transcription
      polymerase chain reaction in cultured primary SEMFs, colonic myofibroblast cell
      line 18CO, and epithelial cell line HT29. Protein expression was determined by
      immunofluorescence. The effect of various proinflammatory stimuli in mRNA and
      protein expression was studied. TL1A mRNA and protein expression in primary SEMFs
      (and 18CO cells) was significantly upregulated after stimulation with interleukin
      1-alpha and/or tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) (32- to 44-fold increase,
      P < 0.05 vs unstimulated). Following stimulation with interleukin 1-alpha + TNF
      alpha + IFN-gamma, HT-29 cells highly expressed DR3 (4.1-fold over unstimulated,
      P = 0.008) and DcR3 (56-fold, P = 0.009) and secreted soluble factors that led to
      induction of TL1A mRNA in primary SEMFs (28-fold, P = 0.008). Activated
      epithelial cells significantly upregulated IL-8 expression in response to
      stimulation with recombinant TL1A. Supernatants from mucosal cultures of patients
      with CD were able to stimulate the expression of TL1A in cultured primary SEMFs,
      in comparison to supernatants from healthy controls (3.8-fold increase, P < 0.05)
      or culture media alone (P < 0.05). In conclusion, we found that proinflammatory
      cytokines are important regulators of the expression of TL1A in SEMFs and of its
      receptors in intestinal epithelial cells. Our results raise the possibility for
      involvement of TL1A/DR3/DR3-mediated mechanisms in epithelial-mesenchymal
      interactions and the development of inflammation-induced intestinal fibrosis in
      CD.

PMID- 27665178
TI  - Development of 6-arylcoumarins as nonsteroidal progesterone antagonists.
      Structure-activity relationships and fluorescence properties.
AB  - Progesterone is involved in multiple physiological processes, including female
      reproduction, via binding to the progesterone receptor (PR). We have developed 6
      arylcoumarins such as 5 and 6 as non-steroidal PR antagonists with receptor
      binding-dependent fluorescence. In this study, we investigated the structure
      activity relationships and fluorescence properties of coumarin derivatives
      bearing a heterocyclic aromatic moiety. Among these derivatives, 7c (IC50: 34nM)
      and 10b (IC50: 24nM) showed more potent PR-antagonistic activity than lead
      compounds 5 (IC50: 500nM) and 6 (IC50: 65nM) in alkaline phosphatase (AP) assay.
      Compound 9b showed solvent-dependent fluorescence intensity, exhibiting strong
      fluorescence in the presence of PR LBD only in buffer solution. On the other
      hand, 10b showed a solvent-dependent shift of the fluorescence maximum wavelength
      in the presence of PR LBD. These results indicate that 6-arylcoumarin will be a
      useful scaffold for PR antagonists and fluorescent probes targeting PR.

PMID- 27665179
TI  - Investigation of C-5 alkynyl (alkynyloxy or hydroxymethyl) and/or N-3 propynyl
      substituted pyrimidine nucleoside analogs as a new class of antimicrobial agents.
AB  - The resurgence of mycobacterial infections and the emergence of drug-resistant
      strains urgently require a new class of agents that are distinct than current
      therapies. A group of 5-ethynyl (6-10), 5-(2-propynyloxy) (16, 18, 20, 22, 24), 5
      (2-propynyloxy)-3-N-(2-propynyl) (17, 19, 21, 23, 25) and 5-hydroxymethyl-3-N-(2
      propynyl) (30-33) derivatives of pyrimidine nucleosides were synthesized and
      evaluated against mycobacteria [Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), Mycobacterium
      bovis (BCG) and Mycobacterium avium], gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus
      aureus and Enterococcus faecalis) and gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli,
      Salmonella typhimurium and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) alone and in combination with
      existing drugs in in vitro assays. Although several compounds exhibited marked
      inhibitory activity at a higher concentration against Mtb, M. bovis, S. aureus
      and E. faecalis, they displayed unexpected synergistic and additive interactions
      at their lower concentrations with antitubercular drugs isoniazid and rifampicin,
      and antibacterial drug gentamicin. The active analogues were also found to
      inhibit intracellular Mtb in a human monocytic cell line infected with H37Ra.
      Oral administration of 5-hydroxymethyl-3-N-(2-propynyl)-3'-azido-2',3'
      dideoxyuridine (32) and 5-hydroxymethyl-3-N-(2-propynyl)-2',3'-dideoxyuridine
      (33) at a dose of 100mg/kg for two weeks showed promising in vivo effects in mice
      infected with Mtb (H37Ra). No in vitro cytotoxicity of the test compounds was
      observed up to the highest concentration tested (CC50>300MUg/mL).

PMID- 27665180
TI  - Design and synthesis of novel HDAC8 inhibitory 2,5-disubstituted-1,3,4
      oxadiazoles containing glycine and alanine hybrids with anti cancer activity.
AB  - Oxadiazole is a heterocyclic compound containing an oxygen atom and two nitrogen
      atoms in a five-membered ring. Of the four oxadiazoles known, 1,3,4-oxadiazole
      has become an important structural motif for the development of new drugs and the
      compounds containing 1,3,4-oxadiazole cores have a broad spectrum of biological
      activity. Herein, we describe the design, synthesis and biological evaluation of
      a series of novel 2,5-disubstituted 1,3,4-oxadiazoles (10a-10j) as class I
      histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors. The compounds were designed and evaluated
      for HDAC8 selectivity using in silico docking software (Glide) and the top 10
      compounds with high dock score and obeying Lipinski's rule were synthesized
      organically. Further the biological HDAC inhibitory and selectivity assays and
      anti-proliferative assays were carried out. In in silico and in vitro studies,
      all compounds (10a-10j) showed significant HDAC inhibition and exhibited HDAC8
      selectivity. Among all tested compounds, 10b showed substantial HDAC8 inhibitory
      activity and better anticancer activity which is comparable to the positive
      control, a FDA approved drug, vorinostat (SAHA). Structural activity relation is
      discussed with various substitutions in the benzene ring connected on 1,3,4
      oxadizole and glycine/alanine. The study warranted further investigations to
      develop HDAC8-selective inhibitory molecule as a drug for neoplastic diseases.
      Novel 1,3,4-oxadizole substituted with glycine/alanine showed HDAC8 inhibition.

PMID- 27665181
TI  - Delayed HBV reactivation in rituximab-containing chemotherapy: How long should we
      continue anti-virus prophylaxis or monitoring HBV-DNA?
AB  - Reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a well-recognized and
      potentially fatal complication in patients treated with chemotherapy for lymphoid
      malignancies. Although several guidelines recommend antiviral prophylaxis and/or
      monitoring for HBV-DNA, there is no consensus over what time period these should
      occur. Clinically, we have encountered delayed reactivation of HBV infections and
      have reported 12 cases of reactivation in patients. Among them, five patients
      developed HBV reactivation more than a year after they completed their
      chemotherapy. This means there can be a delayed HBV reactivation and prolonged
      monitoring of more than a year after cessation of chemotherapy may be needed.
      Hence, the current recommendation of stopping antiviral prophylaxis 6-12 months
      after the cessation of chemotherapy may not fully protect all patients from HBV
      reactivation. The optimal duration of follow-up needs to be determined, and until
      better guidelines are set, there is no choice but to keep monitoring patients for
      reactivation for as long as practicable.

PMID- 27665182
TI  - Synthesis, spectroscopic, physicochemical properties and binding site analysis of
      4-(1H-phenanthro[9,10-d]-imidazol-2-yl)-benzaldehyde fluorescent probe for
      imaging in cell biology: Experimental and theoretical study.
AB  - In this study, the 4-(1H-phenanthro[9,10-d]-imidazol-2-yl)-benzaldehyde (PB1) was
      investigated as a fluorescent dye. For this reason, the spectroscopic properties
      in different solvents were thoroughly studied. The experimental data were
      supported by quantum-chemical calculations using density functional theory.
      Measurements and theoretical calculations showed that PB1 dye is characterized by
      the non-monotonic solvatochromism, strongly polar charge transfer excited state,
      large Stokes' shift, high fluorescence quantum yield and high fluorescence
      lifetime. Simulations using AutoDock presented in this study, showed that after
      conjugation with Concanavalin A in the active site with LYS116, the PB1 possesses
      the highest probability of binding affinity. The interaction between the PB1 dye
      and the Concanavalin A lectin has been investigated by circular dichroism
      spectroscopy. Conventional fluorescence microscopy imaging of Candida albicans
      and Yarrowia lipolytica cells, incubated with the PB1-Concanavalin A, was
      demonstrated. Results show that the PB1 dye is a photostable low molecular weight
      fluorescent probe, which emits a blue fluorescence. The results of this study
      have implications for designing PB1-protein conjugate as a valuable alternative
      to commercial probes designed for cellular labeling in biological and biomedical
      research. Calculated LogP value together with LogBCF show that PB1-protein
      conjugate is a valuable alternative to commercial probes designed for cellular
      labeling in biological and biomedical research.

PMID- 27665183
TI  - FRET energy transfer via Pdots improves the efficiency of photodynamic therapy
      and leads to rapid cell death.
AB  - Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is well established as a clinical treatment modality
      for various diseases, including cancer and especially for the treatment of
      superficial tumors. However, one of the disadvantages of the photoactivatable
      molecules is their low absorbance in the optical window for photosensitizer
      excitation. The use of nanoparticles in photodynamic therapy can address this
      deficiency and improve treatment efficiency. Pdots are nano-sized particles,
      composed of conjugated chromophoric polymers. By mixing them with PEGylated
      phospholipids they can become soluble and stable colloids. They exhibit a broad
      absorption band with a strong and narrow emission band. In this study, we
      examined two types of Pdots (MEH-PPV and CN-PPV) with two different lengths of
      the PEGylated lipids coating, 350 and 2000. When a photosensitizer, such as
      mTHPC, comes in close contact with the amphiphilic coating of the Pdots, a very
      efficient fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) occurs between the donor,
      the Pdots and the acceptor, the sensitizer. This process, together with the
      significant uptake of the Pdots-sensitizer pair by MCF-7 cancerous cells causes
      irreversible damage to the cells. This damage is greater when the Pdots are
      comprised from the CN-PPV polymer and coated with the PEG2000-PE lipid.
      Altogether, we demonstrate that implementing FRET energy transfer in the PDT
      protocol leads to quicker and more aggressive cell death, thus improving the
      efficacy of the photodynamic therapy.

PMID- 27665184
TI  - An unusual neuroimaging finding and response to immunotherapy in a child with
      genetically confirmed vanishing white matter disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We present an unusual neuroimaging finding in a young girl with
      genetically confirmed vanishing white matter disease and a possible response to
      immunotherapy. METHODS AND RESULTS: 2.5 yr old girl, presented with acute onset
      unsteadiness and encephalopathy following a viral illness. MRI showed global
      symmetric white matter abnormality, with symmetric enhancement of cranial nerves
      (III and V) and of cervical and lumbar roots. She received immunotherapy for her
      encephalopathic illness with white matter changes. Follow up neuroimaging showed
      resolution of white matter edema and resolution of the change in the brainstem.
      Genetic testing confirmed a diagnosis of vanishing white matter disease (VWMD).
      CONCLUSION: Craniospinal nerve enhancement and possible response to immunotherapy
      has not been described in vanishing white matter disease.

PMID- 27665185
TI  - Nursing homes and long-term care facilities: Reservoirs of CTX-M-15-producing
      Escherichia coli O25b-ST131 in Portugal.

PMID- 27665187
TI  - Silk suture granuloma with false-positive findings on PET/CT accompanied by
      peritoneal metastasis after colon cancer surgery.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Suture granuloma is a rare benign tumor caused by suture material,
      which usually appears several months or years after surgery. PRESENTATION OF
      CASE: A 71-year-old man underwent sigmoidectomy and partial hepatectomy (S6) for
      sigmoid colon cancer and synchronous liver metastasis at a previous hospital. At
      4 postoperative months, surveillance computed tomography (CT) revealed a
      suspicious tumor at the hepatic resection stump. He was referred to our hospital
      for further examinations and treatments. Positron emission tomography/CT (PET/CT)
      revealed abnormal hepatic F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake below the
      diaphragm at the S5/S8 surface. Peritoneal metastasis was suspected and surgery
      was performed. White nodules were found in the Douglas pouch. A diagnosis of
      adenocarcinoma was confirmed by frozen section analysis of the nodules. He
      underwent a partial hepatectomy (S5/S8) and partial resection of the diaphragm.
      Pathological examination showed that the liver tumor was a foreign body granuloma
      that included silk suture material. DISCUSSION: Although postoperative PET/CT
      surveillance is useful following malignant tumor resection, it is important to
      note that PET/CT false-positive findings are possible. Furthermore, PET/CT cannot
      detect small peritoneal metastases, necessitating a thorough abdominal
      examination. CONCLUSION: In cases of malignancy, the possibility of postoperative
      suture granuloma should be considered. In addition, a thorough surgical
      examination of the abdomen should be performed in cases of suspected recurrence.

PMID- 27665186
TI  - Advanced oxidation protein products sensitized the transient receptor potential
      vanilloid 1 via NADPH oxidase 1 and 4 to cause mechanical hyperalgesia.
AB  - Oxidative stress is a possible pathogenesis of hyperalgesia. Advanced oxidation
      protein products (AOPPs), a new family of oxidized protein compounds, have been
      considered as a novel marker of oxidative stress. However, the role of AOPPs in
      the mechanism of hyperalgesia remains unknown. Our study aims to investigate
      whether AOPPs have an effect on hyperalgesia and the possible underlying
      mechanisms. To identify the AOPPs involved, we induced hyperalgesia in rats by
      injecting complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) in hindpaw. The level of plasma AOPPs
      in CFA-induced rats was 1.6-fold in comparison with what in normal rats (P<0.05).
      After intravenous injection of AOPPs-modified rat serum albumin (AOPPs-RSA) in
      Sprague-Dawley rats, the paw mechanical thresholds, measured by the electronic
      von Frey system, significantly declined. Immunofluorescence staining indicated
      that AOPPs increased expressions of NADPH oxidase 1 (Nox1), NADPH oxidase 4
      (Nox4), transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) and calcitonin gene
      related peptide (CGRP) in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) tissues. In-vitro studies
      were performed on primary DRG neurons which were obtained from both thoracic and
      lumbar DRG of rats. Results indicated that AOPPs triggered reactive oxygen
      species (ROS) production in DRG neurons, which were significantly abolished by
      ROS scavenger N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) and small-interfering RNA (siRNA)
      silencing of Nox1 or Nox4. The expressions of Nox1, Nox4, TRPV1 and CGRP were
      significantly increased in AOPPs-induced DRG neurons. And relevant siRNA or
      inhibitors notably suppressed the expressions of these proteins and the calcium
      influxes in AOPPs-induced DRG neurons. In conclusion, AOPPs increased
      significantly in CFA-induced hyperalgesia rats and they activated Nox1/Nox4-ROS
      to sensitize TRPV1-dependent Ca2+ influx and CGRP release which led to inducing
      mechanical hyperalgesia.

PMID- 27665188
TI  - Characterization of chlorophyll derivatives in micelles of polymeric surfactants
      aiming photodynamic applications.
AB  - The spectrophotometric properties of chlorophylls' derivatives (Chls) formulated
      in the Pluronics(r) F-127 and P-123 were evaluated and the results have shown
      that the Chls were efficiently solubilized in these drug delivery systems as
      monomers. The relative location of the Chls in the Pluronics(r) was estimated
      from the Stokes shift and micropolarity of the micellar environment. Chls with
      phytyl chain were located in the micellar core, where the micropolarity is
      similar to ethanol, while phorbides' derivatives (without phytyl chain) were
      located in the outer shell of the micelle, i.e., more polar environment. In
      addition, the thermal stability of the micellar formulations was evaluated
      through electronic absorption, fluorescence emission and resonance light
      scattering with lowering the temperature. The Chls promote the stability of the
      micelles at temperatures below the Critical Micellar Temperature (CMT) of these
      surfactants. For F-127 formulations, the water molecules drive through inside the
      nano-structure at temperatures below the CMT, which increased the polarity of
      this microenvironment and directly affected the spectrophotometric properties of
      the Chls with phytyl chain. The properties of the micellar microenvironment of P
      123, with more hydrophobic core due to the small PEO/PPO fraction, were less
      affected by lowering the temperature than for F-127. These results enable us to
      better understand the Chls behavior in micellar copolymers and allowed us to
      design new drug delivery system that maintains the photosensitizer's properties
      for photodynamic applications.

PMID- 27665190
TI  - Influence of structural and solvation factors on the spectral-fluorescent
      properties of alkyl-substituted BODIPYs in solutions.
AB  - The spectral-fluorescent properties of alkyl-substituted BODIPYs 1-5 in organic
      solvents were investigated. The alkyl-substituted BODIPYs 1-5 exhibit intense
      chromophoric properties (lgepsilon=4.60-5.00). Relative fluorescence quantum
      yield of studied compounds reaches 66-100% and weakly dependent on the structural
      and solvation effects. Introduction of methyl, propyl, amyl and heptyl
      substituents in the 2,6-positions of the pyrroles the results in a significant
      red shift (22-29nm) in the electronic absorption and fluorescence spectra.

PMID- 27665189
TI  - "On-off" fluorescent sensors for aromatic analytes based on zinc(II)
      bis(dipyrromethenate)s.
AB  - This paper presents the results of spectral-luminescence research of binuclear
      zinc(II) helicates with tetra-, octa-, and decamethylsubstituted 3,3'
      bis(dipyrromethene)s ([Zn2L2]) in binary mixtures of cyclohexane with aromatic
      hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene, and m-xylene). Structure effects of zinc(II)
      helicates, and aromaticity criteria of analytes (HOMA, NICS, delta) on the
      fluorescence quenching efficiency of [Zn2L2] in the presence of aromatic
      compounds was considered. It was found that decamethylsubstituted 3,3'
      bis(dipyrromethenate)s compared to tetra-, and octamethylsubstituted-analogs
      shows the highest fluorescence sensitivity to the presence of aromatic compounds.
      High specificity of spectral-luminescence characteristics changing in the
      presence of particular aromatic analytes provides the possibility of using
      [Zn2L2] helicates as new fluorescent sensors of aromatic compounds trace amount
      (120ppb to 56ppm) in organic media.

PMID- 27665191
TI  - Pyrene excimer-based fluorescent sensor for detection and removal of Fe3+ and
      Pb2+ from aqueous solutions.
AB  - Pyrene excimer usually serves as a chromogenic unit for developing ratiometric
      fluorescent sensors. But this study used excimer as a large hydrophobic group to
      regulate the molecular hydrophobicity, and obtained a new fluorescent sensor, N,
      N-bi[4(1-pyrene)-butyroyl]ornithine (1), for detection and removal of Fe3+ and
      Pb2+ from aqueous solutions. The coordination of 1 and Fe3+ in the aqueous
      solution or even pure water forms removable flocculent precipitates, accompanied
      by obvious fluorescent quenching of emission spectra. In aqueous solutions
      containing 40% (v/v) acetonitrile, the special responses exhibit a high
      selectivity and sensitivity to Fe3+ over other common metal ions. However, in
      aqueous solutions containing 40% (v/v) dimethylsulfoxide, the probe exhibits the
      analogous fluorescent quenching responses and the removable flocculent
      precipitates in the presence Fe3+ and Pb2+. These results indicate that the
      extremely hydrophobic 1-Fe3+/Pb2+ complexes are not only a supplement to the
      fluorescent sensing of Fe3+ and Pb2+, but also a requirement to the removal of
      Fe3+ and Pb2+ from aqueous solutions.

PMID- 27665192
TI  - 2,3-Pyridine dicarboxylic acid functionalized gold nanoparticles: Insight into
      experimental conditions for Cr3+ sensing.
AB  - Selectivity of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) depends upon surface functionality;
      small changes in structure or concentration bring significant changes in the
      behavior of AuNPs. In this study, citrate-capped AuNPs were functionalized with
      ortho-dicarboxylate substituted pyridine (2,3-PDCA) and detailed studies on
      experimental conditions were carried out to check the stability of AuNPs and
      response for Cr3+. Stability of PDCA-AuNPs was found sensitive to the pH, ionic
      strength of buffer and its type. Capping behavior of PDCA on C-AuNPs was examined
      by FTIR spectroscopy. Surface morphology and size of synthesized AuNPs were
      confirmed by AFM, XRD, and DLS techniques where particles were found 11nm in
      size, monodisperse and spherical in shape. Interaction of stabilized AuNPs was
      tested with various metal ions; where Cr3+ induced the changes in localized
      surface plasmon band (LSPR) of PDCA-AuNPs which leads to a color change from wine
      red to violet blue. The phenomenon is explained as cooperative effect of citrate
      and pyridine nitrogen on surface of AuNPs in contrary to meta-dicarboxylate
      substituted pyridine derivatives. Further, under optimized and controlled
      conditions Cr3+ shows linear response with decrease in absorbance at LSPR
      intensity of AuNPs (518nm). Moreover, to demonstrate the applicability of method,
      Cr3+ was determined in the presence of Cr (VI) which shows 96% recovery.

PMID- 27665193
TI  - Interaction of bombesin and its fragments with gold nanoparticles analyzed using
      surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy.
AB  - This work demonstrates the application of commercially available stable surface
      composed of gold nanograins with diameters ranging from 70 to 226nm deposited
      onto silicon wafer for surface-enhanced Raman scattering investigations of
      biologically active compounds, such as bombesin (BN) and its fragments. BN is an
      important neurotransmitter involved in a complex signaling pathways and
      biological responses; for instance, hypertensive action, contractive on uterus,
      colon or ileum, locomotor activity, stimulation of gastric and insulin secretion
      as well as growth promotion of various tumor cell lines, including: lung,
      prostate, stomach, colon, and breast. It has also been shown that 8-14 BN C
      terminal fragment partially retains the biological activity of BN. The SERS
      results for BN and its fragment demonstrated that (1) three amino acids from
      these peptides sequence; i.e., l-histidine, l-methionine, and l-tryptophan, are
      involved in the interaction with gold coated silicon wafer and (2) the strength
      of these interactions depends upon the aforementioned amino acids position in the
      peptide sequence.

PMID- 27665194
TI  - Substituent effect in the photochromism of two isomeric asymmetric diarylethenes
      having pyrrole and thiophene units.
AB  - Two new asymmetric isomeric diarylethenes having pyrrole and thiophene units have
      been synthesized by one-pot reaction and characterized by single crystal X-ray
      diffraction analysis. The two prepared diarylethenes had disparate crystal
      structures, and they exhibited distinctly different photochromic behavior, both
      in solution and in the solid state. Their photochromism, fatigue resistance, and
      fluorescence were investigated systematically. The methyl group at the reactive
      carbon atom could significantly enhance the quantum yield of cyclization step and
      decrease the quantum yield of cycloreversion step, whereas a cyano group at the
      same position could notably suppress the photocyclization reaction and promote
      the photocycloreversion reaction. The results indicated that the substituent at
      the reactive carbon atom could readily modulate the optoelectronic and physical
      properties for these diarylethenes.

PMID- 27665195
TI  - Sexual Function After Hypofractionated Versus Conventionally Fractionated
      Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer: Results From the Randomized Phase III HYPRO
      Trial.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Hypofractionated radiotherapy could increase the radiobiological
      tumor dose for localized prostate cancer. The effects of hypofractionation on
      sexual function are not well known. AIM: To compare sexual function in patients
      with prostate cancer treated with 78 Gy in 39 fractions of 2 Gy or 64.6 Gy in 19
      fractions of 3.4 Gy. METHODS: In total, 820 men with intermediate- to high-risk
      T1b-T4NX-0MX-0 prostate cancer were enrolled in the phase III HYPRO trial (2007
      2010) and randomized to conventional fractionation (39 * 2 Gy) or
      hypofractionation (19 * 3.4 Gy). Sexual function was assessed at baseline and at
      6, 12, 24, and 36 months after treatment using the International Index of
      Erectile Function (IIEF). For this analysis, patients (n = 322) with a baseline
      assessment, at least one follow-up assessment, and no or short-term (6-month)
      androgen-deprivation therapy were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mean IIEF
      domain scores were compared between treatments in the total population and the
      hormone-naive population (n = 197) using the independent t-test. Incidences of
      severe erectile dysfunction (domain score < 11) at last follow-up were calculated
      in patients with partial or full baseline function. Binary logistic regression
      analyses were applied to calculate the odds ratio of hypofractionation vs
      conventional fractionation and to adjust for clinical factors. RESULTS: Median
      age was 71 years (interquartile range = 67-71) and median follow-up was 37 months
      (interquartile range = 25-38). Androgen-deprivation therapy was prescribed in 125
      (39%). IIEF domain scores decreased after treatment but were comparable between
      treatment arms at baseline and during follow-up. Orgasmic function scores in
      hormone-naive patients were significantly higher at 3 years after
      hypofractionation (4.08 vs 2.65, P = .031). In patients (n = 120) with partial or
      full baseline erectile function, the incidence of erectile dysfunction at last
      follow-up was 34.4% for hypofractionated treatment vs 39.3% for conventional
      treatment (adjusted odds ratio = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.37-1.90, P = .67). CONCLUSION:
      No significant differences in erectile functioning between conventional and
      hypofractionated radiotherapy were found. Hormone-naive patients reported
      significantly higher orgasmic function scores at 3 years after hypofractionation.

PMID- 27665196
TI  - Determinants of Women's Sexual Dissatisfaction: Assessing a Cognitive-Emotional
      Model.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Recent studies have demonstrated the role of sexual dysfunctional
      beliefs, negative automatic thoughts, and emotional responses in relation to
      sexual functioning. Nevertheless, no studies seem to have evaluated the role of
      these cognitive-emotional factors in determining sexual dissatisfaction. AIM: To
      test a cognitive-emotional model of sexual dissatisfaction in women. METHODS: In
      total, 207 women answered questionnaires assessing sexual dissatisfaction and
      cognitive and emotional variables that might affect sexual dissatisfaction. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURES: Sexual dissatisfaction was measured by the Index of Sexual
      Satisfaction, sexual beliefs were measured by the Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs
      Questionnaire, and thoughts and emotional responses were measured by the Sexual
      Modes Questionnaire. RESULTS: A path analysis was conducted to assess the
      conceptual model proposed. Results indicated that dysfunctional sexual beliefs
      work as predisposing factors by eliciting negative automatic thoughts and
      emotions, which impair the processing of erotic stimuli and interfere negatively
      with sexual satisfaction. CONCLUSION: This finding suggests a role for cognitive
      and emotional factors in predisposing and maintaining sexual dissatisfaction in
      women, suggesting relevant implications for intervention.

PMID- 27665197
TI  - Involvement of NADPH oxidase and NF-kappaB activation in CXCL1 induction by
      vascular endothelial growth factor in human endometrial epithelial cells of
      patients with adenomyosis.
AB  - Chemokines were known to participate in inflammation and angiogenesis but have
      been recently recognized to be involved in embryonic implantation and endometrium
      related pathologies. Among these chemokines, the CXC chemokines, such as CXCL1,
      have potential roles to work as biomarkers to identify patients with uterine
      adenomyosis. In this study, human endometrial epithelial cells (HEECs) were
      derived from patients' endometrium with adenomyosis. The inductive effects of
      CXCL1 production by various mediators/growth factors were investigated in the
      HEECs. Of the tested mediators, VEGF was found to be the most effective. The
      immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR analysis revealed a positive staining for VEGF
      and CXCL1 at the epithelium and the presence of CXCL1 in the human endometrium
      specimens, respectively. The CXCL1 induction by VEGF could be reduced by the
      antagonist for VEGF receptor (VEGFR), and by the inhibitors for NADPH oxidase and
      NF-kappaB signaling pathway. However, it was not affected by sex hormones and the
      inhibitors for MAPKs, PI-3K, protein kinase A and C. In parallel, VEGF induced
      p47 phox NADPH oxidase activation, IkappaBalpha phosphorylation, NF-kappaB
      translocation and NF-kappaB-DNA complex formation in the HEECs. Moreover, the
      CXCL1 released by the HEECs with VEGF stimulation attracted vascular endothelial
      cell migration. Taken together, we show that VEGF and CXCL1 are expressed in
      epithelium of the endometrium with adenomyosis and demonstrate here for the first
      time that VEGF is capable of inducing CXCL1 expression in HEECs through VEGFR,
      p47 phox NADPH oxidase and NF-kappaB signaling pathway, which is functionally
      required for attracting vascular endothelial cell migration.

PMID- 27665198
TI  - Crowding out or no crowding out? A Self-Determination Theory approach to health
      worker motivation in performance-based financing.
AB  - Performance-based financing (PBF) is a common health system reform approach in
      low and middle income countries at present. Although increasing evidence on the
      effectiveness of PBF and knowledge of principles of good design are available,
      research is still lacking in regards to other aspects. Among these are a yet
      limited understanding of the complex role of health worker motivation in PBF and
      of potential side effects, for instance on intrinsic motivation. Our article aims
      to support meaningful future research by advancing the theoretical discussion
      around health worker motivation and PBF. We argue that an in-depth understanding
      of the motivational mechanisms and consequences of PBF at health worker level are
      of high practical relevance and should be at the heart of the PBF research
      agenda, and that predominant unidimensional conceptualizations of health worker
      motivation and descriptive rather than explanatory research approaches are
      insufficient to fully understand whether, how, and why PBF schemes alter health
      workers' motivational structures, mindsets, affect, and behavior. We introduce
      and apply Self-Determination Theory to the context of PBF as a valuable
      theoretical framework for future empirical exploration. From this, we conclude
      that PBF interventions are unlikely to have a generally adverse effect on
      intrinsic motivation as feared by parts of the PBF community. Rather, we posit
      that PBF can have positive and negative effects on both intrinsic and extrinsic
      motivation, to varying degrees depending on the specific design, implementation,
      and results of a particular intervention and on health workers' perceptions and
      evaluations of it.

PMID- 27665199
TI  - Social mobility and subclinical atherosclerosis in a middle-income country:
      Association of intra- and inter-generational social mobility with carotid intima
      media thickness in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA
      Brasil).
AB  - Over the past half century Brazil has undergone a process of dramatic
      industrialization and urbanization. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) have become
      common due to rapid demographic, epidemiologic, and nutritional transitions. The
      association of social mobility with subclinical CVD has been rarely explored,
      particularly in developing societies. We investigated the association of intra-
      and inter-generational social mobility with carotid intima-media thickness (IMT),
      a marker of subclinical or asymptomatic atherosclerosis, in a large Brazilian
      sample (ELSA-Brasil). We used baseline data (2008-2010) for 7343 participants
      from ELSA-Brasil. Intra-generational social mobility was defined as the change in
      occupational social class between participants' first occupation and current
      occupation. Inter-generational social mobility was defined as the change in
      occupational social class of the head of the household when the participant
      started working and participants' current occupation. Social mobility groups were
      classified as: stable high (reference), upward, downward and stable low. Linear
      regression models were used to examine the associations between type of social
      mobility and IMT. Compared to those who experienced stable high occupational
      status across generations, downward inter-generational mobility was associated
      with greater IMT. Additionally, those who declined the most in occupational
      status had the highest values of IMT, even after adjustments for lifestyle and
      cardiovascular factors. For intra-generational mobility, stable low versus stable
      high social mobility was independently associated with higher IMT. Subclinical
      atherosclerosis is patterned by socioeconomic status both within and across
      generations, demonstrating an association even before symptoms of CVD appear. The
      health consequences of downward inter-generational social mobility were not fully
      explained by lifestyle and cardiovascular factors, whereas being consistently
      exposed to low occupational status within one's own adulthood was associated with
      greater IMT, suggesting a cumulative risk model. Primary prevention of
      atherosclerosis should be complemented by macrosocial policies aimed to reduce
      downward socioeconomic mobility between generations.

PMID- 27665200
TI  - Fund my treatment!: A call for ethics-focused social science research into the
      use of crowdfunding for medical care.
AB  - Crowdfunding involves raising money from large groups of individuals, often
      through the use of websites dedicated to this purpose. Crowdfunding campaigns
      aimed at raising money to pay for expenses related to receiving medical treatment
      are receiving increased media attention and there is evidence that medical
      crowdfunding websites are heavily used. Nonetheless, virtually no scholarly
      attention has been paid to these medical crowdfunding campaigns and there is no
      systematic evidence about how widely they are used and for what reasons, and what
      effects they have on the provision of medical care and individuals' relationships
      to their health systems. Ethical concerns have been raised in relation to these
      campaigns, focusing on issues for campaigners and donors such as exposure to
      fraudulent campaigns, loss of privacy, and fairness in how medical crowdfunding
      funds are distributed. Medical crowdfunding websites themselves have not been
      systematically studied, despite their significant influence on how these
      campaigns are developed and promoted. In this paper, we identify three very broad
      and pressing ethical questions regarding medical crowdfunding for social
      scientists to address and offer some preliminary insights into key issues
      informing future answers to each: Who benefits the most from medical crowdfunding
      and how does medical crowdfunding affect access to medical care; How does medical
      crowdfunding affect our understanding of the causes of inadequate access to
      medical care; and How are campaigner and donor privacy affected by website
      design? Our observations indicate the need for increased scholarly attention to
      the ethical and practical effects of medical crowdfunding for campaigners,
      recipients, donors, and the health system as a whole.

PMID- 27665202
TI  - Fractionated Gamma Knife surgery for giant pituitary adenomas.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the feasibility and effectiveness of fractionated Gamma
      Knife surgery (FGKS) for giant pituitary adenomas. METHODS: From June 2005 to May
      2016, 14 patients with giant pituitary adenomas were treated with FGKS, and 10
      patients (71%) completed follow-up evaluation. All patients had undergone
      surgical resection at least once prior to FGKS. The median-volume of the adenomas
      was 17.6cm3(range 4.9-61cm3). RESULTS: The median follow-up period was 31.5
      months (range 6-58 months). The size of the tumors decreased in 6 patients and
      remained stable in 4 patients. The visual acuity improved in 1 patient. None of
      the patients suffered from vision deterioration caused by FGKS. CONCLUSION: FGKS
      is an effective treatment modality for giant pituitary adenomas in selected
      patients.

PMID- 27665204
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 27665203
TI  - Depressive Symptoms, Cardiac Disease Severity, and Functional Status in Patients
      With Coronary Artery Disease (from the Heart and Soul Study).
AB  - Patient-reported health status is highly valued as a key measure of health care
      quality, yet little is known about the extent to which it is determined by
      subjective perception compared with objective measures of disease severity. We
      sought to compare the associations of depressive symptoms and objective measures
      of cardiac disease severity with perceived functional status in patients with
      stable coronary artery disease. We assessed depressive symptoms, severity of
      cardiovascular disease, and perceived functional status in a cross-sectional
      study of 1,023 patients with stable coronary artery disease. We compared the
      extent to which patient-reported functional status was influenced by depressive
      symptoms versus objective measures of disease severity. We then evaluated
      perceived functional status as a predictor of subsequent cardiovascular
      hospitalizations during 8.8 years of follow-up. Patients with depressive symptoms
      were more likely to report poor functional status than those without depressive
      symptoms (44% vs 17%; p <0.001). After adjustment for traditional risk factors
      and co-morbid conditions, independent predictors of poor functional status were
      depressive symptoms (odds ratio [OR] 2.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.89 to
      3.79), poor exercise capacity (OR 2.30, 95% CI 1.65 to 3.19), and history of
      heart failure (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.12 to 2.29). Compared with patients who had
      class I functional status, those with class II functional status had a 96%
      greater rate (hazard ratio 1.96, 95% CI 1.15 to 3.34) and those with class III or
      IV functional status had a 104% greater rate (hazard ratio 2.04, 95% CI 1.12 to
      3.73) of hospitalization for HF, adjusted for baseline demographic
      characteristics, co-morbidities, cardiac disease severity, and depressive
      symptoms. In conclusion, depressive symptoms and cardiac disease severity were
      independently associated with patient-reported functional status. This suggests
      that perceived functional status may be as strongly influenced by depressive
      symptoms as it is by cardiovascular disease severity.

PMID- 27665201
TI  - Biomarkers and degree of atherosclerosis are independently associated with
      incident atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in a primary prevention cohort:
      The ARIC study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Biomarkers and atherosclerosis imaging have been studied
      individually for association with incident cardiovascular disease (CVD); however,
      limited data exist on whether the biomarkers are associated with events with a
      similar magnitude in the presence of atherosclerosis. In this study, we assessed
      whether the presence of atherosclerosis as measured by carotid intima media
      thickness (cIMT) affects the association between biomarkers known to be
      associated with coronary heart disease (CHD) and incident cardiovascular disease
      (CVD) in a primary prevention cohort. METHODS: 8127 participants from the ARIC
      study (4th visit, 1996-1998) were stratified as having minimal, mild, or
      substantial atherosclerosis by cIMT. Levels of C-reactive protein, lipoprotein
      associated phospholipase A2, cardiac troponin T, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic
      peptide, lipoprotein(a), cystatin C, and urine albumin to creatinine ratio were
      measured in each participant. Hazard ratios were used to determine the
      relationship between the biomarkers and incident CHD, stroke, and CVD in each
      category of atherosclerosis. RESULTS: While each of the biomarkers was
      significantly associated with risk of events overall, we found no significant
      differences noted in the strength of association of biomarkers with CHD, stroke,
      and CVD when analyzed by degree of atherosclerosis. CONCLUSIONS: These findings
      suggest that the level of atherosclerosis does not significantly influence the
      association between biomarkers and CVD.

PMID- 27665205
TI  - Comparison of Outcomes of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Plus
      Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Versus Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
      Alone in the United States.
AB  - Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with percutaneous coronary
      intervention (PCI) has emerged as a less-invasive therapeutic option for high
      surgical risk patients with aortic stenosis and coronary artery disease. The aim
      of this study was to determine the outcomes of TAVR when performed with PCI
      during the same hospitalization. We identified patients using the International
      Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification procedure codes
      from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample between the years 2011 and 2013. A total of
      22,344 TAVRs were performed between 2011 and 2013. Of these, 21,736 (97.3%) were
      performed without PCI (TAVR group) while 608 (2.7%) along with PCI (TAVR + PCI
      group). Among the TAVR + PCI group, 69.7% of the patients had single-vessel,
      22.2% had 2-vessel, and 1.6% had 3-vessel PCI. Drug-eluting stents were more
      commonly used than bare-metal stents (72% vs 28%). TAVR + PCI group witnessed
      significantly higher rates of mortality (10.7% vs 4.6%) and complications:
      vascular injury requiring surgery (8.2% vs 4.2%), cardiac (25.4% vs 18.6%),
      respiratory (24.6% vs 16.1%), and infectious (10.7% vs 3.3%), p <0.001% for all,
      compared with the TAVR group. The mean length of hospital stay and cost of
      hospitalization were also significantly higher in the TAVR + PCI group. The
      propensity score-matched analysis yielded similar results. In conclusion,
      performing PCI along with TAVR during the same hospital admission is associated
      with higher mortality, complications, and cost compared with TAVR alone. Patients
      would perhaps be better served by staged PCI before TAVR.

PMID- 27665206
TI  - Determinants of Time in Therapeutic Range in Patients Receiving Oral
      Anticoagulants (A Substudy of IMPACT).
AB  - Implanted cardiac arrhythmia devices can detect atrial tachyarrhythmias (atrial
      high-rate episodes [AHREs]) that are considered to correlate with atrial
      fibrillation and risk of stroke. In the IMPACT trial, oral anticoagulation was
      initiated when AHREs were detected by implanted cardioverter-defibrillators and
      withdrawn when they abated, according to a protocol accounting both for AHRE
      duration as detected by remote device monitoring and stroke risk assessment. In
      this analysis, we ascertained determinants of time in therapeutic range (TTR)
      among protocol-determined vitamin K antagonist-treated patients during the trial.
      We enrolled 2,718 patients with at least 1 additional stroke risk factor (CHADS2
      score >=1) at 104 arrhythmia centers. The sex, age <60, medical history,
      treatments interacting with VKA, tobacco use (2 points) and race (2 points for
      non-Caucasian) (SAMe-TT2R2) score is a simple clinical-derived score designed to
      aid decision-making on whether a patient is likely to achieve good
      anticoagulation control on vitamin K antagonist (e.g., warfarin), which was
      calculated and related to TTR achieved using the Rosendaal method. We analyzed
      229 patients (mean age 66.7 years; mean CHADS2 score 2.85 [SD 1.1]) with mean TTR
      of 0.536 (SD 0.23) overall. Univariate analysis identified 5 variables associated
      with differences in mean TTR. Mean TTR was lower in those who were women (p =
      0.031), of black race (p = 0.005) and in New York Heart Association class IV (p =
      0.014), whereas hemoglobin >13.5 g/dl (p = 0.010) and New York Heart Association
      class I (p = 0.037) were associated with higher mean TTR. There was a significant
      difference in mean TTR value between US and non-US sites (Canada and Germany)
      (mean TTR for US: 0.513 vs non-US: 0.686; p <0.0001). Mean TTR was significantly
      lower (Delta = 0.1382, 95% CI 0.0382 to 0.2382) for patients with SAMe-TT2R2
      scores of 4 (p = 0.007) and higher (Delta = 0.0612, 95% CI 0.0005 to 0.1219) for
      patients with SAMe-TT2R2 scores of 1 (p = 0.048). Linear regression confirmed a
      significant association between lower SAMe-TT2R2 score and improved
      anticoagulation control (p = 0.0021) with a 1-unit decrease in SAMe-TT2R2 score
      associated with an increase in TTR of 0.0404 (95% CI 0.0149 to 0.0659). In
      conclusion, clinical, geographical, and demographic factors were associated with
      the quality of anticoagulation control as reflected by TTR. Although overall TTR
      in this population was poor, lower SAMe-TT2R2 scores were associated with better
      TTR.

PMID- 27665207
TI  - Factors Associated With Resource Utilization and Coronary Artery Dilation in
      Refractory Kawasaki Disease (from the Pediatric Health Information System
      Database).
AB  - Management guidelines for refractory Kawasaki disease (KD) are vague. We sought
      to assess practice variation and identify factors associated with large/complex
      coronary artery aneurysms (LCAA) and resource utilization in refractory KD. This
      retrospective cohort study identified patients aged <=18 years with KD (2004 to
      2014) using the Pediatric Health Information System. Refractory KD was defined as
      receiving >1 dose of intravenous immunoglobulin. Demographics, medications,
      concomitant infections, length of stay (LOS), and charges were collected.
      Antithrombotic therapy was a surrogate for LCAA. LOS and hospital charges
      assessed resource utilization. Multivariate regression identified factors
      associated with LOS, charges, and LCAA. Of 14,194 patients with KD, 2,974 (21%)
      had refractory KD and 203 of those 2,974 (7%) had LCAA. Additional intravenous
      immunoglobulin was the sole medication in 77%. Other medications added were
      steroids (18%), infliximab (2%), and both (3%). Warfarin, low-molecular-weight
      heparin, tissue plasminogen activator, and clopidogrel were prescribed with equal
      frequency (2%). Male gender (adjusted relative risk 1.52, 95% confidence interval
      [CI] 1.08 to 2.16, p <0.01), admission to an intensive care unit (4.79, 95% CI
      3.40 to 6.74, p <0.001), arrhythmia (3.00, 95% CI 1.94 to 4.65, p <0.001), and
      concomitant viral infection (2.29, 95% CI 1.49 to 3.52, p <0.001) were associated
      with LCAA. Severe illness, race, region, and payer were independently associated
      with increased charges (p <0.05 for all). In conclusion, treatment for refractory
      KD varies widely. Concomitant viral infection was associated with a greater risk
      of LCAA in refractory KD. Better understanding of optimal management may improve
      outcomes and decrease both variability in management and resource utilization for
      refractory KD.

PMID- 27665208
TI  - Clinical Evaluation Versus Undetectable High-Sensitivity Troponin for Assessment
      of Patients With Acute Chest Pain.
AB  - Decision-making in acute chest pain remains challenging despite normal (below
      ninety-ninth percentile) high-sensitivity troponin (hs-cTn). Some studies suggest
      that undetectable hs-cTn, far below the ninety-ninth percentile, might rule out
      acute coronary syndrome. We investigated clinical data in comparison to
      undetectable hs-cTnT. The study comprised 682 patients (November 2010 to
      September 2011) presenting at the emergency department with chest pain and normal
      hs-cTnT (<14 ng/l). The main end point was major adverse cardiac events (MACE:
      death, myocardial infarction, readmission for unstable angina, or
      revascularization) at a 4-year median follow-up; secondary end point was 30-day
      MACE. A clinical score was built by assigning points according to hazard ratios
      of the independent predictive variables: 1 point (male and effort-related pain)
      and 2 points (recurrent pain and prior ischemic heart disease). The negative
      predictive values of the clinical score and undetectable hs-cTnT (<5 ng/l), were
      tested. A total of 72 (10.6%) patients suffered long-term MACE. The C-statistics
      of the clinical score for long-term (0.75) and 30-day (0.88) MACE were higher
      than with the TIMI(Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction) risk (0.68, 0.77) or
      GRACE(Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events) (0.50, 0.47) scores. Likewise,
      the negative predictive values of score = 0 (97.5%, 100%) and <=1 point (95.9%,
      100%) were higher than using undetectable hs-cTnT (91.9%, 98.1%). Both clinical
      scores of 0 and <=1 better classified patients at risk of MACE (p = 0.0001, log
      rank test) than hs-cTnT <5 ng/l (p = 0.06). In conclusion, clinical data can
      guide decision-making and perform at least equally well as undetectable hs-cTnT,
      in patients presenting at the emergency department with chest pain and normal hs
      cTnT.

PMID- 27665209
TI  - Harm reduction workers and the challenge of engaging couples who inject drugs in
      hepatitis C prevention.
AB  - AIMS: Despite injecting-equipment sharing between sexual partners leaving them at
      increased risk of hepatitis C (HCV), there is scant literature available to guide
      harm reduction workers in their encounters with couples who inject drugs. This
      article explored workers' understandings of such couples and their accounts of
      working with them in relation to HCV prevention. METHOD: Semi-structured
      interviews were conducted with 22 staff of harm reduction services located in
      Sydney and Melbourne, Australia. RESULTS: Overall, staff represented couples as
      either absent from the service or as presenting with needs indiscernible from
      those of individual clients. Responses to questions about HCV and couples were
      framed primarily in terms of risk. Staff participants questioned 'genuineness' of
      clients' intimate relationships, instead characterising them as inauthentic and
      drug-driven. Working with couples was seen to present a number of organisational
      and clinical challenges. The benefits of recognising and working with such
      partnerships received scant acknowledgement. Rather, staff tended to perceive
      couples as being 'impenetrable' to health promotion messaging. DISCUSSION: The
      framing and delivery of harm reduction in Australia remains an individualising
      enterprise with little capacity to recognise the intimate partnerships, including
      addressing the HCV risks specific to them. More effective harm reduction
      strategies may be achieved by transitioning to a practice framework that
      addresses the social context of injecting, including the experience of couples.
      This would require direct involvement of couples who inject drugs.

PMID- 27665210
TI  - Vissia and co-workers claim that DID is trauma-based. But how strong is their
      evidence?

PMID- 27665211
TI  - Compliance with serial dermoscopic monitoring: An academic perspective.
AB  - BACKGROUND: For even seasoned practitioners, early melanomas can be difficult to
      distinguish from melanocytic nevi. Although serial digital dermoscopy is
      considered by many to be the gold standard for monitoring patients at high risk,
      poor compliance can seriously alter efficacy. In 2014, a concerning compliance
      rate of 25% was reported from a single, private clinic. Information is currently
      limited regarding the determinants of compliance and whether patients at high
      risk return at an acceptable rate. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the
      compliance rate within the pigmented lesions clinic at our academic institution
      and identify demographic variables that may influence adherence. METHODS: A
      retrospective review was conducted using 120 patient charts. RESULTS: An overall
      compliance rate of 87.5% was observed with 63.3% of patients returning within 1
      month of the recommended interval. The most notable risk factor for noncompliance
      was patient age between 20 and 29 years. Factors promoting adherence include a
      personal history of melanoma, greater than 5 serially monitored nevi, and a
      personal history of atypical nevi. LIMITATIONS: The external validity is limited
      and the sample size is small. CONCLUSION: These findings contradict concerns that
      adherence to serial monitoring is unacceptably poor and demonstrate that
      compliance is highest for patients with the greatest inherent risk.

PMID- 27665212
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 27665213
TI  - Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 Testing in Dry Eye Disease Using a Commercially
      Available Point-of-Care Immunoassay.
AB  - PURPOSE: To measure matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) in the tear film of
      patients with dry eye disease (DED) compared with controls and to correlate
      clinical findings. DESIGN: In a prospective study, 101 patients and controls
      underwent MMP-9 testing of the tear film. Thereafter, they were evaluated for
      symptoms and signs of DED. PARTICIPANTS: Included patients were those who showed
      3 of the following 4 dry eye criteria: ocular surface disease index (OSDI) score
      of more than 12, tear film break-up time (TBUT) of 10 seconds or less, Schirmer
      test results without anesthesia of less than 10 mm/5 minutes, and corneal
      staining results of 1 or more. Fifty-four healthy eyes and 47 eyes fulfilling
      diagnostic criteria for DED of various levels of severity were included in this
      study. METHODS: The tear film was analyzed for MMP-9 by a commercially available
      test (InflammaDry; Rapid Pathogen Screening, Inc, Sarasota, FL) detecting MMP-9
      levels of more than 40 ng/ml. Symptoms and signs of DED were evaluated using the
      OSDI questionnaire, TBUT, conjunctival and corneal staining, Schirmer test
      results without anesthesia, and meibomian gland examination. These findings were
      correlated to results of the MMP-9 test in tears. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Positive
      MMP-9 results in tears. RESULTS: In 19 of 47 patients confirmed with dry eye
      (40.4%) and in 3 of 54 controls (5.6%), the MMP-9 results were positive. This
      difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Thus, the MMP-9 results
      indicated a clinically significant inflammation in 40% of dry eye patients.
      Positive results correlated well with subjective symptoms of DED evaluated by
      OSDI (P = 0.001), TBUT of less than 5 seconds (P < 0.013), Schirmer test results
      (P < 0.001), conjunctival staining (P < 0.001), and corneal staining (P = 0.007).
      Moreover, MMP-9 results correlated with the number of obstructed meibomian ducts
      (P = 0.005) and a pathologic meibomian gland secretion (P = 0.001). The MMP-9
      results were increased significantly in women (P < 0.001) and in patients with
      autoimmune disease (P = 0.005), especially Sjogren's syndrome (P = 0.001) and
      thyroid disease (P = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Matrix metalloproteinase 9 testing in
      DED is a valuable new diagnostic tool. It correlated well with other dry eye
      tests and identified the presence of ocular surface inflammation in 40% of
      confirmed dry eye patients. It may be especially helpful to identify patients
      with ocular surface inflammation and autoimmune disease and may facilitate the
      decision to institute anti-inflammatory treatment in these patients.

PMID- 27665214
TI  - Histopathologic Features of Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty Graft
      Remnants, Folds, and Detachments.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe the histologic features of postmortem eyes after Descemet
      membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) and their potential clinical
      implications. DESIGN: Histopathologic study. PARTICIPANTS: Eleven postmortem DMEK
      corneas of 8 patients who underwent surgery for Fuchs endothelial dystrophy, with
      an average postoperative time of 4+/-1.9 years (range, 7 months-6.5 years).
      METHODS: Eleven corneas transplanted with a DMEK graft were procured after death
      and processed for light microscopy evaluation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Histologic
      findings at the donor-host interface and at the host edge. RESULTS: Of the 11
      corneas available for analysis, 9 showed normal anatomic features in the corneal
      center; that is, the donor-host interface resembled that of a virgin eye. One eye
      also had an anatomically normal periphery, but the remaining 10 eyes showed
      specific abnormalities in the periphery. Nine demonstrated overlapping of the
      DMEK graft onto the host edge of the descemetorhexis (and in 6 of these, the
      overlapping tissue showed a contracted inward fold at its peripheral edge with
      scar tissue); 1 eye showed a dense, acellular scar overlying a portion of the
      DMEK graft that clinically had shown a detachment followed by spontaneous
      adherence; 3 eyes showed subtle graft folds with scar tissue anteriorly; in 2
      eyes (of the same patient), the anterior banded layer of the host Descemet
      membrane (DM) was still in situ across the cornea (both of these eyes had
      required rebubbling); and 2 eyes showed host DM remnants within the corneolimbal
      tunnel incision that may have interfered with incisional wound healing.
      CONCLUSION: Incomplete host DM removal may relate to postoperative DMEK graft
      detachment and wound instability. Graft detachments may reattach with interface
      scarring. Rebubbling procedures may be performed within 4 to 6 weeks, before
      portions of the detached graft scar. Subtle DMEK graft folds may explain
      subjective reports of monocular diplopia.

PMID- 27665216
TI  - A qualitative study of how caseload midwifery is experienced by couples in
      Denmark.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Caseload midwifery is expanding in Denmark. There is a need for
      elaborating in-depth, how caseload midwifery influences the partner and the woman
      during childbirth and how this model of care influences the early phases of
      labour. AIM: To follow, explore and elaborate women's and their partner's
      experiences of caseload midwifery. METHODS: Phenomenology of practice was the
      analytical approach. The methodology was inspired by ethnography, and applied
      methods were field observations followed by interviews. Ten couples participated
      in the study. Most of the couples were observed from the onset of labour until
      childbirth. Afterwards, the couples were interviewed. FINDINGS: The transition
      from home to hospital in early labour was experienced as positive. During birth,
      the partner felt involved and included by the midwife. The midwives remembered
      and recognized the couple's stories and wishes for childbirth and therefore they
      felt regarded as "more than numbers". Irrespective of different kinds of
      vulnerability or challenges among the participants, the relationship was named a
      professional friendship, characterised by equality and inclusiveness. One
      drawback of caseload midwifery was that the woman was at risk of being
      disappointed if her expectations of having a known midwife at birth were not
      fulfilled. KEY CONCLUSIONS: From the perspective of women and their partners,
      attending caseload midwifery meant being recognised and cared for as an
      individual. The partner felt included and acknowledged and experienced working in
      a team with the midwife. Caseload midwifery was able to solve problems concerning
      labour onset or gaining access to the labour ward.

PMID- 27665215
TI  - Corneal Epithelial Stem Cells Repopulate the Donor Area within 1 Year from Limbus
      Removal for Limbal Autograft.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine whether limbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs) repopulate the
      site harvested for limbal autograft transplantation (LAT), the expression of
      LESCs markers was evaluated in bioptic specimens obtained from the donor area 12
      months or more after surgery. DESIGN: Interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS:
      Patients who underwent LAT for unilateral acquired limbal stem cell deficiency
      after chemical burn. METHODS: Corneal limbal explants were obtained from 2 sites,
      the harvested area and the untouched control area, in the donor eyes of 6
      patients who previously underwent LAT for unilateral acquired limbal stem cell
      deficiency after chemical burn. Limbal epithelial stem cells were isolated, and
      cellular, immunohistochemistry, and histologic parameters were assessed to
      compare differences between LESCs isolated from harvested or control sites. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURES: Presence of LESCs 1 year or more after LAT. RESULTS: Specific
      markers (p63, Ki67, K12), percentage of LESCs, cell doubling, and number of
      passages in culture did not differ significantly between harvested and control
      sites. However, the distinctive structure of the palisades of Vogt was found only
      in 2 of 6 harvested sites. CONCLUSIONS: Limbal epithelial stem cells repopulate
      the donor site as early as 1 year after limbus removal for LAT. Autologous
      transplantation of conjunctiva and limbus are safe procedures and can be
      performed in cases that cannot be treated by simple grafting of LESCs cultured ex
      vivo.

PMID- 27665217
TI  - Therapeutic Pulsed Ultrasound Promotes Revascularization and Functional Recovery
      of Rat Skeletal Muscle after Contusion Injury.
AB  - The mechanism by which therapeutic pulsed ultrasound (TPU) promotes the repair of
      damaged gastrocnemius muscle was investigated. Male Wistar rats were divided into
      uninjured, sham-treated injured and TPU-treated injured (TPU) groups. Injury was
      induced by mass-drop technique. TPU was applied to the injured muscle for 5 min,
      daily, started at day 1 post-injury and continuing for 3, 7 and 14 d. For 3 d
      post-injury, a significant reduction in muscle force was observed in both the
      sham-treated injured and TPU groups. TPU treatment significantly increased
      recovery force of the injured muscle after day 7 post-injury. This effect of TPU
      is associated with increased centronucleated fibers and cross-sectional area,
      mRNA expression of the vascular endothelial growth factor and capillary density
      of the regenerated fibers, but not with mRNA expression of nitric oxide synthase.
      We conclude that TPU hastens muscle recovery, at least in part, by upregulating
      angiogenesis.

PMID- 27665218
TI  - What was old .... is new again!

PMID- 27665219
TI  - Wrinkles, folds and calcifications: Reduced durability after transcatheter aortic
      valve-in-valve replacement.

PMID- 27665220
TI  - Surgical reconstruction of semilunar valves in the growing child: Should we mimic
      the venous valve? A simulation study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Neither heart valve repair methods nor current prostheses can
      accommodate patient growth. Normal aortic and pulmonary valves have 3 leaflets,
      and the goal of valve repair and replacement is typically to restore normal 3
      leaflet morphology. However, mammalian venous valves have bileaflet morphology
      and open and close effectively over a wide range of vessel sizes. We propose that
      they might serve as a model for pediatric heart valve reconstruction and
      replacement valve design. We explore this concept using computer simulation.
      METHODS: We use a finite element method to simulate the ability of a
      reconstructed cardiac semilunar valve to close competently in a growing vessel,
      comparing a 3-leaflet design with a 2-leaflet design that mimics a venous valve.
      Three venous valve designs were simulated to begin to explore the parameter
      space. RESULTS: Simulations show that for an initial vessel diameter of 12 mm,
      the venous valve design remains competent as the vessel grows to 20 mm (67%),
      whereas the normal semilunar design remains competent only to 13 mm (8%).
      Simulations also suggested that systolic function, estimated as effective orifice
      area, was not detrimentally affected by the venous valve design, with all 3
      venous valve designs exhibiting greater effective orifice area than the semilunar
      valve design at a given level of vessel growth. CONCLUSIONS: Morphologic features
      of the venous valve design make it well suited for competent closure over a wide
      range of vessel sizes, suggesting its use as a model for semilunar valve
      reconstruction in the growing child.

PMID- 27665221
TI  - A derived and validated score to predict prolonged mechanical ventilation in
      patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Prolonged mechanical ventilation after cardiac surgery imposes a
      significant burden on the patient in terms of morbidity as well as a financial
      burden on the hospital. We undertook a retrospective analysis of 2 prospectively
      collected databases developed in tertiary cardiac care centers to derive and
      validate a risk index predicting prolonged mechanical ventilation after cardiac
      surgery. METHODS: We studied a retrospective cohort of 32,045 patients undergoing
      cardiac surgery in 2 hospitals in Toronto, Canada. The development cohort
      consisted of 21,661 patients at Toronto General Hospital. Data Sunnybrook Health
      Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada, with 10,384 patients, served as an
      institutional validation cohort. We operationally characterized prolonged
      mechanical ventilation as the duration from surgery completion to extubation
      exceeding 48 hours. RESULTS: Prolonged postoperative mechanical ventilation rates
      in the development and validation cohort were 6% and 7%, respectively.
      Multivariable regression in the development cohort showed that the following
      factors were strong predictors of prolonged mechanical ventilation after cardiac
      surgery: previous cardiac surgery, lower left ventricular ejection fraction,
      shock, surgery involving repair of congenital heart disease, and cardiopulmonary
      bypass time. The intraoperative multivariable model retained good discrimination
      in the validation cohort, achieving a c statistic of 0.787. CONCLUSIONS:
      Prolonged mechanical ventilation after cardiac surgery can be accurately
      predicted by readily available pre- and intraoperative information.

PMID- 27665222
TI  - Ultrasound visualization of the left circumflex artery by direct endocardial
      scanning of the mitral annulus during surgery.

PMID- 27665223
TI  - Cardiomyocyte psychology.

PMID- 27665224
TI  - Good for now, but will they stand the test of time?

PMID- 27665225
TI  - The IMPACT-CABG trial: A multicenter, randomized clinical trial of CD133+ stem
      cell therapy during coronary artery bypass grafting for ischemic cardiomyopathy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The IMPACT-CABG trial is the first North American multicenter phase
      II randomized study of intramyocardial delivery of autologous CD133+ stem cells
      in patients with chronic ischemic cardiomyopathy undergoing coronary artery
      bypass grafting. The primary objective was to demonstrate safety, including
      freedom from major adverse cardiac events. The secondary objective was to
      evaluate feasibility of same-day autologous cell preparation. Although the trial
      was not powered to evaluate LV function, exploratory data were collected.
      METHODS: After 7 open-label patients who received cells, patients randomly
      received stem cells or placebo (N = 40 total, 20 per center). After completion of
      coronary anastomoses, up to 10 million CD133+, CD34+, CD45+ triple-positive cells
      or placebo were injected into the infarct and border zones. Patients were
      followed up clinically and underwent magnetic resonance imaging preoperatively
      and after 6 months. RESULTS: There were no procedural complications from bone
      marrow isolation and cell injection, no in-hospital mortality, and no protocol
      related complications. Four patients had transient renal insufficiency, with 1
      death during 6-month follow-up. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed that left
      ventricular volumes and ejection fractions improved in all patients (no
      difference between groups). CONCLUSIONS: The trial successfully met both primary
      and secondary objectives, demonstrating that same-day isolation and autologous
      CD133+ cell delivery with coronary artery bypass grafting is safe and feasible.
      The positive findings support a larger randomized, multicenter trial, with higher
      numbers of transplanted cells to demonstrate beneficial effects. The upcoming
      IMPACT-CABG II trial will evaluate higher cell doses and pharmacologic
      enhancement to determine whether these cells improve perfusion and myocardial
      function.

PMID- 27665226
TI  - Three-dimensional correlation between trochanteric fossa and the ideal entry
      point for antegrade femoral nailing.
AB  - PURPOSE: To verify the practical correlation between the topographical features
      of the femur neck base and the ideal entry point by analyzing three-dimensional
      (3D) models virtually implanted with an antegrade femoral nail. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A total of 103 cadaveric femurs (50 males and 53 females) were enrolled.
      Specimens underwent continuous 1.0mm slice computed tomography (CT) scans. CT
      images were rendered into 3D images using image-processing software (Mimics(r))
      to reconstruct the geometry of the cortex and medullary canal. A real cannulated
      femoral nail (CFN)(r) was processed into a 3D image using a 3D sensor at the
      actual size and optimally placed in the femur model using Mimics(r) for virtual
      implantation. The correlation between the ideal entry point in the cranial view
      of the proximal femur and the trochanteric fossa was assessed and overlap of
      trochanter overhang was verified. RESULTS: The entry point of 68 models (66.0%)
      was the trochanteric fossa, while the others were placed around the anterior
      border of the trochanteric fossa. The proximal end of the nail overlapped in 50
      models (48.1%), and among them, the central point of 23 models (22.3%) was
      obscured by trochanteric overhang. There was a statistically significant risk
      associated with female gender (6.02 times) and type IV overhang of Grenchenig's
      classification (4.56 times). Despite the precise positioning of the trochanteric
      fossa, 11 models (10.7%) had the entry point covered by trochanteric overhang.
      CONCLUSION: The ideal entry point was over the trochanteric fossa in just half of
      the models, and could be hindered by trochanteric overhang even though the CFN
      was ideally positioned.

PMID- 27665227
TI  - No small task: therapeutic targeting of Lp(a) for cardiovascular disease.

PMID- 27665229
TI  - Making the SDGs useful: a Herculean task.

PMID- 27665230
TI  - Antisense oligonucleotides targeting apolipoprotein(a) in people with raised
      lipoprotein(a): two randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging
      trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Elevated lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) is a highly prevalent (around 20% of
      people) genetic risk factor for cardiovascular disease and calcific aortic valve
      stenosis, but no approved specific therapy exists to substantially lower Lp(a)
      concentrations. We aimed to assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of two
      unique antisense oligonucleotides designed to lower Lp(a) concentrations.
      METHODS: We did two randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. In a
      phase 2 trial (done in 13 study centres in Canada, the Netherlands, Germany,
      Denmark, and the UK), we assessed the effect of IONIS-APO(a)Rx, an
      oligonucleotide targeting apolipoprotein(a). Participants with elevated Lp(a)
      concentrations (125-437 nmol/L in cohort A; >=438 nmol/L in cohort B) were
      randomly assigned (in a 1:1 ratio in cohort A and in a 4:1 ratio in cohort B)
      with an interactive response system to escalating-dose subcutaneous IONIS
      APO(a)Rx (100 mg, 200 mg, and then 300 mg, once a week for 4 weeks each) or
      injections of saline placebo, once a week, for 12 weeks. Primary endpoints were
      mean percentage change in fasting plasma Lp(a) concentration at day 85 or 99 in
      the per-protocol population (participants who received more than six doses of
      study drug) and safety and tolerability in the safety population. In a phase 1/2a
      first-in-man trial, we assessed the effect of IONIS-APO(a)-LRx, a ligand
      conjugated antisense oligonucleotide designed to be highly and selectively taken
      up by hepatocytes, at the BioPharma Services phase 1 unit (Toronto, ON, Canada).
      Healthy volunteers (Lp[a] >=75 nmol/L) were randomly assigned to receive a single
      dose of 10-120 mg IONIS-APO(a)LRx subcutaneously in an ascending-dose design or
      placebo (in a 3:1 ratio; single-ascending-dose phase), or multiple doses of 10
      mg, 20 mg, or 40 mg IONIS-APO(a)LRx subcutaneously in an ascending-dose design or
      placebo (in an 8:2 ratio) at day 1, 3, 5, 8, 15, and 22 (multiple-ascending-dose
      phase). Primary endpoints were mean percentage change in fasting plasma Lp(a)
      concentration, safety, and tolerability at day 30 in the single-ascending-dose
      phase and day 36 in the multiple-ascending-dose phase in participants who were
      randomised and received at least one dose of study drug. In both trials, the
      randomised allocation sequence was generated by Ionis Biometrics or external
      vendor with a permuted-block randomisation method. Participants, investigators,
      sponsor personnel, and clinical research organisation staff who analysed the data
      were all masked to the treatment assignments. Both trials are registered with
      ClinicalTrials.gov, numbers NCT02160899 and NCT02414594. FINDINGS: From June 25,
      2014, to Nov 18, 2015, we enrolled 64 participants to the phase 2 trial (51 in
      cohort A and 13 in cohort B). 35 were randomly assigned to IONIS-APO(a)Rx and 29
      to placebo. At day 85/99, participants assigned to IONIS-APO(a)Rx had mean Lp(a)
      reductions of 66.8% (SD 20.6) in cohort A and 71.6% (13.0) in cohort B (both
      p<0.0001 vs pooled placebo). From April 15, 2015, to Jan 11, 2016, we enrolled 58
      healthy volunteers to the phase 1/2a trial of IONIS-APO(a)-LRx. Of 28
      participants in the single-ascending-dose phase, three were randomly assigned to
      10 mg, three to 20 mg, three to 40 mg, six to 80 mg, six to 120 mg, and seven to
      placebo. Of 30 participants in the multiple-ascending-dose phase, eight were
      randomly assigned to 10 mg, eight to 20 mg, eight to 40 mg, and six to placebo.
      Significant dose-dependent reductions in mean Lp(a) concentrations were noted in
      all single-dose IONIS-APO(a)-LRx groups at day 30. In the multidose groups, IONIS
      APO(a)-LRx resulted in mean reductions in Lp(a) of 66% (SD 21.8) in the 10 mg
      group, 80% (SD 13.7%) in the 20 mg group, and 92% (6.5) in the 40 mg group
      (p=0.0007 for all vs placebo) at day 36. Both antisense oligonucleotides were
      safe. There were two serious adverse events (myocardial infarctions) in the IONIS
      APO(a)Rx phase 2 trial, one in the IONIS-APO(a)Rx and one in the placebo group,
      but neither were thought to be treatment related. 12% of injections with IONIS
      APO(a)Rx were associated with injection-site reactions. IONIS-APO(a)-LRx was
      associated with no injection-site reactions. INTERPRETATION: IONIS-APO(a)-LRx is
      a novel, tolerable, potent therapy to reduce Lp(a) concentrations. IONIS-APO(a)
      LRx might mitigate Lp(a)-mediated cardiovascular risk and is being developed for
      patients with elevated Lp(a) concentrations with existing cardiovascular disease
      or calcific aortic valve stenosis. FUNDING: Ionis Pharmaceuticals.

PMID- 27665231
TI  - Using farmers' attitude and social pressures to design voluntary Bluetongue
      vaccination strategies.
AB  - Understanding the context and drivers of farmers' decision-making is critical to
      designing successful voluntary disease control interventions. This study uses a
      questionnaire based on the Reasoned Action Approach framework to assess the
      determinants of farmers' intention to participate in a hypothetical reactive
      vaccination scheme against Bluetongue. Results suggest that farmers' attitude and
      social pressures best explained intention. A mix of policy instruments can be
      used in a complementary way to motivate voluntary vaccination based on the
      finding that participation is influenced by both internal and external
      motivation. Next to informational and incentive-based instruments, social
      pressures, which stem from different type of perceived norms, can spur farmers'
      vaccination behaviour and serve as catalysts in voluntary vaccination schemes.

PMID- 27665232
TI  - Mediterranean diet, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) style diet,
      and metabolic health in U.S. adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: There is sparse evidence on the relationship between the
      Mediterranean diet, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) style diet,
      and metabolic health, especially comparing cardiometabolic phenotypes among in
      normal weight and obese populations. We aimed to investigate the association of
      the Mediterranean diet scores (MDS) and DASH index with metabolically healthy
      obese (MHO) and metabolically obese normal weight (MONW) phenotypes in a
      representative U.S. POPULATION:  METHODS: MDS and DASH index were calculated
      using dietary data from 2767 adults aged 20-90 years without any prior diagnosis
      of cancer or cardiovascular disease from the National Health and Nutrition
      Examination Survey III, 1988-1994. MHO and MONW individuals were identified using
      fasting glucose, insulin resistance, blood pressure, triglycerides, C-reactive
      protein, and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol. RESULTS: Higher MDS was
      associated with higher odds of MHO phenotype (odds ratio (OR)T3 vs T1, 2.57 [95%
      confidence interval (CI), 1.04-6.35]; P trend = 0.04), and higher DASH index was
      associated with lower odds of MONW phenotype (ORT3 vs T1, 0.59 [95% CI, 0.38
      0.93]; P trend = 0.03) only in the younger age group (<45 years for men or
      premenopausal women). No significant associations of MDS and DASH index with MHO
      and MONW phenotypes were observed in the older age group (>=45 years for men or
      postmenopausal women). CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to Mediterranean diet or DASH style
      diet was favorably associated with MHO and MONW phenotypes only in the younger
      age group, suggesting that potential dietary intervention to prevent
      cardiometabolic disease differ by age group.

PMID- 27665233
TI  - Regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in Porphyromonas gingivalis-accelerated
      periodontal disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Porphyromonas gingivalis is involved in the pathogenesis of chronic
      inflammatory periodontal disease. Recent studies have suggested that the NLRP3
      inflammasome plays an important role in the development of chronic inflammation.
      We investigated a possible association between the inflammasome in gingival
      inflammation and bone loss induced by P. gingivalis infection using NLRP3
      deficient mice. METHODS: Wild-type and NLRP3-deficient mice were injected orally
      with P. gingivalis. We assessed alveolar bone loss, expression of pro-interleukin
      (IL)-1beta, pro-IL-18, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand
      (RANKL), and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in gingival tissue, as well as IL-1beta, IL
      18, and IL-6 production and caspase-1 activity in peritoneal macrophages.
      RESULTS: Porphyromonas gingivalis challenge significantly increased alveolar bone
      loss; gingival gene expression of pro-IL-1beta, pro-IL-18, and RANKL; production
      of IL-1beta, IL-18, and IL-6; and caspase-1 activity in peritoneal macrophages of
      wild-type mice, but did not affect NLRP3-deficient mice. Meanwhile, OPG mRNA
      expression in gingival tissue and peritoneal IL-6 production were significantly
      higher in NLRP3-knockout mice. CONCLUSIONS: Porphyromonas gingivalis activated
      innate immune cells via the NLRP3 inflammasome. These results suggest that the
      NLRP3 inflammasome, followed by a response from the IL-1 family, is critical in
      periodontal disease induced by wild-type P. gingivalis challenge via sustained
      inflammation.

PMID- 27665234
TI  - Submillisievert Radiation Dose Coronary CT Angiography: Clinical Impact of the
      Knowledge-Based Iterative Model Reconstruction.
AB  - RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the noise and
      image quality of images reconstructed with a knowledge-based iterative model
      reconstruction (knowledge-based IMR) in ultra-low dose cardiac computed
      tomography (CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed submillisievert radiation
      dose coronary CT angiography on 43 patients. We also performed a phantom study to
      evaluate the influence of object size with the automatic exposure control
      phantom. We reconstructed clinical and phantom studies with filtered back
      projection (FBP), hybrid iterative reconstruction (hybrid IR), and knowledge
      based IMR. We measured effective dose of patients and compared CT number, image
      noise, and contrast noise ratio in ascending aorta of each reconstruction
      technique. We compared the relationship between image noise and body mass index
      for the clinical study, and object size for phantom study. RESULTS: The mean
      effective dose was 0.98 +/- 0.25 mSv. The image noise of knowledge-based IMR
      images was significantly lower than those of FBP and hybrid IR images (knowledge
      based IMR: 19.4 +/- 2.8; FBP: 126.7 +/- 35.0; hybrid IR: 48.8 +/- 12.8,
      respectively) (P < .01). The contrast noise ratio of knowledge-based IMR images
      was significantly higher than those of FBP and hybrid IR images (knowledge-based
      IMR: 29.1 +/- 5.4; FBP: 4.6 +/- 1.3; hybrid IR: 13.1 +/- 3.5, respectively) (P <
      .01). There were moderate correlations between image noise and body mass index in
      FBP (r = 0.57, P < .01) and hybrid IR techniques (r = 0.42, P < .01); however,
      these correlations were weak in knowledge-based IMR (r = 0.27, P < .01).
      CONCLUSION: Compared to FBP and hybrid IR, the knowledge-based IMR offers
      significant noise reduction and improvement in image quality in submillisievert
      radiation dose cardiac CT.

PMID- 27665237
TI  - Educating Radiologists About Pain in Radiology.

PMID- 27665235
TI  - Whole-Lesion Apparent Diffusion Coefficient-Based Entropy-Related Parameters for
      Characterizing Cervical Cancers: Initial Findings.
AB  - RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to develop whole-lesion apparent
      diffusion coefficient (ADC)-based entropy-related parameters of cervical cancer
      to preliminarily assess intratumoral heterogeneity of this lesion in comparison
      to adjacent normal cervical tissues. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 51 women
      (mean age, 49 years) with cervical cancers confirmed by biopsy underwent 3-T
      pelvic diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging with b values of 0 and 800
      s/mm2 prospectively. ADC-based entropy-related parameters including first-order
      entropy and second-order entropies were derived from the whole tumor volume as
      well as adjacent normal cervical tissues. Intraclass correlation coefficient,
      Wilcoxon test with Bonferroni correction, Kruskal-Wallis test, and receiver
      operating characteristic curve were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: All
      the parameters showed excellent interobserver agreement (all intraclass
      correlation coefficients  > 0.900). Entropy, entropy(H)0, entropy(H)45,
      entropy(H)90, entropy(H)135, and entropy(H)mean were significantly higher,
      whereas entropy(H)range and entropy(H)std were significantly lower in cervical
      cancers compared to adjacent normal cervical tissues (all P <.0001). Kruskal
      Wallis test showed that there were no significant differences among the values of
      various second-order entropies including entropy(H)0, entropy(H)45, entropy(H)90,
      entropy(H)135, and entropy(H)mean. All second-order entropies had larger area
      under the receiver operating characteristic curve than first-order entropy in
      differentiating cervical cancers from adjacent normal cervical tissues. Further,
      entropy(H)45, entropy(H)90, entropy(H)135, and entropy(H)mean had the same
      largest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.867.
      CONCLUSION: Whole-lesion ADC-based entropy-related parameters of cervical cancers
      were developed successfully, which showed initial potential in characterizing
      intratumoral heterogeneity in comparison to adjacent normal cervical tissues.

PMID- 27665236
TI  - Long-Term Performance of Readers Trained in Grading Crohn Disease Activity Using
      MRI.
AB  - RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: We aim to evaluate the long-term performance of readers
      who had participated in previous magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reader training
      in grading Crohn disease activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen readers (8
      women; 12 radiologists, 2 residents; mean age 40; range 31-59), who had
      participated in a previous MRI reader training, participated in a follow-up
      evaluation after a mean interval of 29 months (range 25-34 months). Follow-up
      evaluation comprised 25 MRI cases of suspected or known Crohn disease patients
      with direct feedback; cases were identical to the evaluation set used in the
      initial reader training (of which readers were unaware). Grading accuracy,
      overstaging, and understaging were compared between training and follow-up using
      a consensus score by two experienced abdominal radiologists as the reference
      standard. RESULTS: In the follow-up evaluation, overall grading accuracy was 73%
      (95% confidence interval [CI]: 62%-81%), which was comparable to reader training
      grading accuracy (72%, 95% CI: 61%-80%) (P = .66). Overstaging decreased
      significantly from 19% (95% CI: 12%-27%) to 13% (95% CI: 8%-21%) between training
      and follow-up (P = .03), whereas understaging increased significantly from 9%
      (95% CI: 4%-21%) to 14% (95% CI: 7%-26%) (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Readers have
      consistent long-term accuracy for grading Crohn disease activity after case-based
      reader training with direct feedback.

PMID- 27665238
TI  - Flow cytometric sorting of fecal bacteria after in situ hybridization with
      polynucleotide probes.
AB  - The gut microbiome represents a key contributor to human physiology, metabolism,
      immune function, and nutrition. Elucidating the composition and genetics of the
      gut microbiota under various conditions is essential to understand how microbes
      function individually and as a community. Metagenomic analyses are increasingly
      used to study intestinal microbiota. However, for certain scientific questions it
      is sufficient to examine taxon-specific submetagenomes, covering selected
      bacterial genera in a targeted manner. Here we established a new variant of
      fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) combined with fluorescence-activated
      cell sorting (FACS), providing access to the genomes of specific taxa belonging
      to the complex community of the intestinal microbiota. In contrast to standard
      oligonucleotide probes, the RNA polynucleotide probe used here, which targets
      domain III of the 23S rRNA gene, extends the resolution power in environmental
      samples by increasing signal intensity. Furthermore, cells hybridized with the
      polynucleotide probe are not subjected to harsh pretreatments, and their genetic
      information remains intact. The protocol described here was tested on genus
      specifically labeled cells in various samples, including complex fecal samples
      from different laboratory mouse types that harbor diverse intestinal microbiota.
      Specifically, as an example for the protocol described here, RNA polynucleotide
      probes could be used to label Enterococcus cells for subsequent sorting by flow
      cytometry. To detect and quantify enterococci in fecal samples prior to
      enrichment, taxon-specific PCR and qPCR detection systems have been developed.
      The accessibility of the genomes from taxon-specifically sorted cells for
      subsequent molecular analyses was demonstrated by amplification of functional
      genes.

PMID- 27665239
TI  - Venous drainage map of the liver for complex hepatobiliary surgery and liver
      transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inflow and outflow patency of the liver parenchyma is required to
      maximize the metabolic function of the liver. However, the definition and
      distribution of hepatic venous drainage regions has yet to be reported. The aim
      of this study was to define major hepatic venous tributaries and investigate the
      mean drainage volume of each territory. METHODS: Three-dimensional (3D)
      simulations from the livers of 100 healthy donors were reviewed for living donor
      liver transplantation to determine the distribution of the significant hepatic
      venous tributaries and the drainage patterns of each segment. RESULTS: The left
      hepatic vein (LHV), middle hepatic vein (MHV), and right hepatic vein (RHV)
      contributed a mean drainage of 20.7%, 32.7%, and 39.6% of the entire liver,
      respectively. Accessory hepatic veins accounted for remaining 7.0%. The middle
      right hepatic vein (MRHV) and inferior right hepatic vein (IRHV) accounted for a
      mean total drainage of 8.0% and 10.6%, respectively, when they present. In
      addition, major tributaries of hepatic veins were clearly detected, and their
      typical distributions were described. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of hepatic venous
      territories is necessary for complex hepatobiliary surgery. This "venous drainage
      map" may provide useful information for complex liver surgery and
      transplantation.

PMID- 27665241
TI  - The Beginner's Mind in Leadership.

PMID- 27665240
TI  - Unravelling the myotonic dystrophy type 1 clinical spectrum: A systematic
      registry-based study with implications for disease classification.
AB  - The broad clinical spectrum of myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) creates particular
      challenges for both medical care and design of clinical trials. Clinical onset
      spans a continuum from birth to late adulthood, with symptoms that are highly
      variable in both severity and nature of the affected organ systems. In the
      literature, this complex phenotype is divided into three grades (mild, classic,
      and severe) and four or five main clinical categories (congenital,
      infantile/juvenile, adult-onset and late-onset forms), according to symptom
      severity and age of onset, respectively. However, these classifications are still
      under discussion with no consensus thus far. While some specific clinical
      features have been primarily reported in some forms of the disease, there are no
      clear distinctions. As a consequence, no modifications in the management of
      healthcare or the design of clinical studies have been proposed based on the
      clinical form of DM1. The present study has used the DM-Scope registry to assess,
      in a large cohort of DM1 patients, the robustness of a classification divided
      into five clinical forms. Our main aim was to describe the disease spectrum and
      investigate features of each clinical form. The five subtypes were compared by
      distribution of CTG expansion size, and the occurrence and onset of the main
      symptoms of DM1. Analyses validated the relevance of a five-grade model for DM1
      classification. Patients were classified as: congenital (n=93, 4.5%); infantile
      (n=303, 14.8%); juvenile (n=628, 30.7%); adult (n=694, 34.0%); and late-onset
      (n=326, 15.9%). Our data show that the assumption of a continuum from congenital
      to the late-onset form is valid, and also highlights disease features specific to
      individual clinical forms of DM1 in terms of symptom occurrence and chronology
      throughout the disease course. These results support the use of the five-grade
      model for disease classification, and the distinct clinical profiles suggest that
      age of onset and clinical form may be key criteria in the design of clinical
      trials when considering DM1 health management and research.

PMID- 27665243
TI  - Determining Cost-Effectiveness of Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty Using the Short
      Form-6D Utility Measure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care
      Act, cost-effectiveness analyses are becoming increasingly important for resource
      allocation, and particularly for the justification of costly procedures, such as
      total knee and total hip arthroplasties (TKAs and THAs). Therefore, using the
      Short Form-6D (SF-6D) utility values, the purpose of this study was to determine
      (1) the quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained and (2) and the cost
      effectiveness of undergoing THA and TKA. METHODS: A total of 844 patients (357
      men, 487 women) who had a mean age of 65 years (range, 39 to 80 years) underwent
      primary TKA, and 224 patients who had a mean age of 69 years (range, 44 to 88
      years) underwent primary THAs at 7 institutions. The SF-6D values were derived
      for each patient preoperatively and at 1-year follow-up. QALYs were estimated at
      1 year, and lifetime QALYs gained were determined using predicted life-expectancy
      values, at a discounted rate of 3% per year of life expectancy, to reflect a
      diminishing gain with time. National-level costs were determined using the 2011
      Nationwide Inpatient Sample, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER)
      were deduced for both groups. RESULTS: The preoperative SF-6D values for the THA
      and TKA cohorts were 0.614 (range, 0.37 to 1) and 0.62 (range, 0.3 to 0.93).
      Postoperatively, SF-6D values improved significantly at 1 year in both groups.
      One-year QALYs for TKA and THA were 0.768 and 0.799. Lifetime QALYs gained for
      the groups were 2.07 and 1.85 (1.39 and 1.34 if discounted at a rate of 3% per
      year). The estimated ICER for TKA vs baseline presurgery was $43,107 per QALY,
      and $39,453 per QALY for THA vs baseline presurgery. CONCLUSION: The ICER showed
      that THA and TKA are cost-effective, compared to the $50,000 USD/QALY threshold
      for cost-effectiveness, and justify resources allocated to these surgeries. The
      SF-6D can utilize existing functional outcome data, which makes these cost
      calculations considerably easier and more feasible for practicing orthopedists.

PMID- 27665242
TI  - Clinical Cold Welding of the Modular Total Hip Arthroplasty Prosthesis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A head that is "clinically cold welded" to a stem is one of the
      commonest reasons for unplanned removal of the stem. It is not clear which hip
      designs are at greatest risk of clinical cold welding. METHODS: This was a case
      control study of consecutively received hip implant retrievals; we chose the
      design of hip that had the greatest number of truly cold-welded heads (n = 11).
      For our controls, we chose retrieved hips of the same design but without cold
      welding of the head (n = 35). We compared the clinical variables between these 2
      groups using nonparametric Mann-Whitney tests to investigate the significance of
      differences between the cold-welded and non-cold-welded groups. RESULTS: The
      design that most commonly caused cold welding was a combination of a Ti stem and
      Ti taper: 11 out of 48 (23%) were truly cold welded. Comparison of the clinical
      data showed that no individual factor could be used to predict this
      preoperatively with none of the 4 predictors tested showing any significance: (1)
      time to revision (P = .687), (2) head size (P = .067), (3) patient age at primary
      (P = .380), and (4) gender (P = .054). CONCLUSION: We have shown that clinical
      cold welding is most prevalent in Ti-Ti combinations of the stem and taper;
      approximately 25% of cases received at our center were cold welded. Analysis of
      clinical variables showed that it is not possible to predict which will be cold
      welded preoperatively. Surgeons should be aware of this potential complication
      when revising a Ti-Ti stem/head junction.

PMID- 27665244
TI  - Fluoroscopically Assisted Radiographs Improve Sensitivity of Detecting Loose
      Tibial Implants in Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fluoroscopically assisted radiographs theoretically improve detection
      of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) implant loosening by providing a better
      evaluation of the true implant interface, but their utility has not been well
      studied. We sought to determine whether fluoroscopically guided radiographs
      improve the sensitivity, specificity, and interobserver reliability of
      determining TKA implant loosening compared to standard radiographs. METHODS:
      Standard anteroposterior and lateral and fluoroscopically assisted radiographs
      were retrospectively obtained from 60 patients within 6 months before revision
      TKA. Thirty knees were revised for aseptic loosening and 30 knees for other
      indications, most commonly instability. The radiographs were randomized. Four
      reviewers independently determined whether each tibial and femoral component was
      radiographically loose or stable. Intraoperative determination of implant
      stability was utilized as the gold standard. RESULTS: Fluoroscopically guided
      radiographs had a significantly higher sensitivity for detecting tibial component
      loosening compared to standard radiographs (85.3% vs 74.8%, P = .02). Sensitivity
      in detecting femoral component loosening was poor overall and not improved by
      fluoroscopic enhancement compared to standard radiographs (58.8% vs 66.5%, P =
      .33). Fluoroscopically guided radiographs did not improve the specificity of
      detecting well-fixed implants in either tibial or femoral components nor affect
      the mean interobserver reliability over standard radiographs (kappa = 0.58 vs
      kappa = 0.60, P = .6). CONCLUSION: Fluoroscopically assisted radiographs
      increased the sensitivity of detecting tibial component loosening over standard
      radiographs, but this clinical significance is unclear. Fluoroscopically guided
      radiographs may provide benefit in diagnosing aseptic loosening in select
      patients with painful TKAs.

PMID- 27665245
TI  - What Preoperative Radiographic Parameters Are Associated With Increased Medial
      Release in Total Knee Arthroplasty?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Preoperative varus deformity of the knee is a common malalignment in
      patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We are unaware of any
      studies that have correlated how various preoperative radiographic parameters can
      predict the amount of medial releases performed to achieve optimal coronal
      alignment and ligamentous balance. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed
      on 67 patients who required at least a medial tibial reduction osteotomy (MTRO)
      during primary TKA to achieve coronal balance. This patient population was
      matched 1:1 to another cohort of TKA patients by age, gender, and body mass index
      who did not require an MTRO. A radiographic evaluation was used to compare the 2
      cohorts. RESULTS: Preoperatively, the MTRO cohort was noted to have significantly
      increased varus tibiofemoral (86.12 degrees  vs 93.43 degrees ), tibial articular
      surface (85.79 degrees  vs 87.54 degrees ), and medial tibial articular surface
      angles (75.22 degrees  vs 85.34 degrees ) compared to the control cohort. The
      MTRO cohort had 3.13 mm of medial tibial offset and 9.06 mm of lateral joint
      space opening and the control cohort had 0.09 mm and 4.07 mm, respectively. The
      medial tibial articular surface angle and lateral joint space widening were
      statistically associated with the MTRO cohort. The final tibiofemoral angle in
      the MTRO cohort was 92.43 degrees  and was 93.40 degrees  in the control cohort.
      CONCLUSION: The MTRO cohort was noted to have several preoperative radiographic
      parameters that were significantly different than the control cohort. However,
      the medial tibial articular surface angle and lateral joint space widening were
      the only radiographic parameters that were statistically associated with
      requiring an MTRO.

PMID- 27665246
TI  - In view of standardization Part 2: Management of challenges in the initial
      treatment of burn patients in Burn Centers in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Initial therapy of severe burns in specialized burn trauma centers
      is a challenging task faced by the treating multi-professional and
      interdisciplinary team. A lack of consistent operating procedures and varying
      structural conditions was recently demonstrated in preliminary data of our group.
      These results raised the question on how specific treatment measures in acute
      burn care are met in the absence of standardized guidelines. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: A specific questionnaire containing 57 multiple-choice questions was
      sent to all 22 major burn centers in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The survey
      included standards of airway management and ventilation, fluid management and
      circulation, body temperature monitoring and management, topical burn wound
      treatment and a microbiological surveillance. Additionally, the distribution of
      standardized course systems was covered. RESULTS: 17 out of 22 questionnaires
      (77%) were returned completed. Regarding volume resuscitation, results showed a
      similar approach in estimating initial fluid while discrepancies persisted in the
      use of colloidal fluid and human albumin. Elective tracheostomy and the need for
      bronchoscopy with suspected inhalation injury were the most controversial issues
      revealed by the survey. Topical treatment of burned body surface also followed
      different principles regarding the use of synthetic epidermal skin substitutes or
      enzymatic wound debridement. Less discrepancy was found in basic diagnostic
      measures, body temperature management, estimation of the extent of burns and
      microbiological surveillance. CONCLUSION: While many burn-related issues are
      clearly not questionable and managed in a similar way in most participating
      facilities, we were able to show that the most contentious issues in burn trauma
      management involve initial volume resuscitation, management of inhalation trauma
      and topical burn wound treatment. Further research is required to address these
      topics and evaluate a potential superiority of a regime in order to increase the
      level of evidence.

PMID- 27665247
TI  - Multimodal impairment-based physical therapy for the treatment of patients with
      post-concussion syndrome: A retrospective analysis on safety and feasibility.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Demonstrate implementation, safety and feasibility of multimodal,
      impairment-based physical therapy (PT) combining vestibular/oculomotor and
      cervical rehabilitation with sub-symptom threshold exercise for the treatment of
      patients with post-concussion syndrome (PCS). SETTING: University hospital
      outpatient sports medicine facility. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-five patients (12-20
      years old) meeting World Health Organization criteria for PCS following sport
      related concussion referred for supervised PT consisting of sub-symptom
      cardiovascular exercise, vestibular/oculomotor and cervical spine rehabilitation.
      DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. MAIN MEASURES: Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS)
      total score, maximum symptom-free heart rate (SFHR) during graded exercise
      testing (GXT), GXT duration, balance error scoring system (BESS) score, and
      number of adverse events. RESULTS: Patients demonstrated a statistically
      significant decreasing trend (p < 0.01) for total PCSS scores (pre-PT M = 18.2
      (SD = 14.2), post-PT M = 9.1 (SD = 10.8), n = 25). Maximum SFHR achieved on GXT
      increased 23% (p < 0.01, n = 14), and BESS errors decreased 52% (p < 0.01, n =
      13). Two patients reported mild symptom exacerbation with aerobic exercise at
      home, attenuated by adjustment of the home exercise program. CONCLUSIONS:
      Multimodal, impairment-based PT is safe and associated with diminishing PCS
      symptoms. This establishes feasibility for future clinical trials to determine
      viable treatment approaches to reduce symptoms and improve function while
      avoiding negative repercussions of physical inactivity and premature return to
      full activity.

PMID- 27665248
TI  - The identification of risk factors for ankle sprains sustained during netball
      participation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Ankle sprains account for a large percentage of injuries sustained in
      netball. The identification of risk factors for ankle sprain is the preliminary
      action required to inform future prevention strategies. DESIGN: Prospective
      study. PARTICIPANTS: Ninety-four netball players from club and inter-district
      teams. METHODS: Preseason data were collected for; vertical jump height,
      perceived ankle instability, sprain history, arthrometry inversion-eversion
      angles, star excursion balance test reach distances, the number of foot lifts
      during unilateral stance and demi-pointe balance test results. Participants were
      followed for the duration of one netball season and ankle sprains were recorded.
      RESULTS: Eleven sprains were recorded for eleven players using a time-loss
      definition of injury. Ankle sprains occurred at an incidence rate of 1.74/1000 h
      of netball exposure. One risk factor was identified to increase the odds of
      sustaining an ankle sprain during netball participation - a reach distance in the
      posterior-medial direction of the star excursion balance test of less than or
      equal to 77.5% of leg length (OR = 4.04, 95% CI = 1.00-16.35). CONCLUSIONS: The
      identified risk factor can be easily measured and should be considered for
      preseason injury risk profiling of netball players. Netball players may benefit
      from training programs aimed at improving single leg balance.

PMID- 27665249
TI  - Intra-rater reliability and agreement of various methods of measurement to assess
      dorsiflexion in the Weight Bearing Dorsiflexion Lunge Test (WBLT) among female
      athletes.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine the intra-observer reliability and agreement between five
      methods of measurement for dorsiflexion during Weight Bearing Dorsiflexion Lunge
      Test and to assess the degree of agreement between three methods in female
      athletes. DESIGN: Repeated measurements study design. SETTING: Volleyball club.
      PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-five volleyball players. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS:
      Dorsiflexion was evaluated using five methods: heel-wall distance, first toe-wall
      distance, inclinometer at tibia, inclinometer at Achilles tendon and the
      dorsiflexion angle obtained by a simple trigonometric function. For the
      statistical analysis, agreement was studied using the Bland-Altman method, the
      Standard Error of Measurement and the Minimum Detectable Change. Reliability
      analysis was performed using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient. RESULTS:
      Measurement methods using the inclinometer had more than 6 degrees  of
      measurement error. The angle calculated by trigonometric function had 3.28
      degrees  error. The reliability of inclinometer based methods had ICC values <
      0.90. Distance based methods and trigonometric angle measurement had an ICC
      values > 0.90. Concerning the agreement between methods, there was from 1.93
      degrees  to 14.42 degrees  bias, and from 4.24 degrees  to 7.96 degrees  random
      error. CONCLUSION: To assess DF angle in WBLT, the angle calculated by a
      trigonometric function is the most repeatable method. The methods of measurement
      cannot be used interchangeably.

PMID- 27665250
TI  - Association between ambient air pollution and proliferation of umbilical cord
      blood cells.
AB  - It has been established as a common knowledge that ambient air pollution (AAP)
      has an adverse effect on human health. The pathophysiological mechanism of this
      impact is likely to be related to the oxidative stress. In the current study we
      estimate the association between AAP and cell proliferation (CP) of umbilical
      cord blood cells, representing maternal organism most proximal to the fetal body.
      Blood samples were tested for proliferation in 292 enrolled Arab-Bedouin women at
      delivery (July 2012-March 2013). The estimates of AAP were defined by a hybrid
      satellite based model predicting both PM2.5 (particles<2.5um in diameter) and
      PM10 (particles<10um in diameter) as well as monitoring stations for gaseous air
      pollutants. Risk estimates of pollution exposure were adjusted to medical
      history, household risk factors and meteorological factors on the day of delivery
      or one week prior. Ambient ozone (O3) levels on 1, 2, 3and 4 days prior to
      delivery were associated with lower CP (Prevalence ratio (PR)=0.92, 0.92, 0.93,
      0.93, respectively). Increase in inter-quartile range (IOR) of PM2.5 one day
      before delivery was associated with 9% increase in CP levels (PR=1.09). The
      positive direction in association was changed to negative association with CP for
      PM2.5 levels measured at more distant time periods (PR=0.90 and 0.93 for lags 5
      and 6 days, respectively). Investigation of PM10 levels indicated a similar
      pattern (PR=1.05 for pollution values recorded one day before delivery and 0.93
      and 0.95 for lags of 5 and 6 days, respectively). Carbon monoxide (CO) levels
      were associated with lower CP on the day of delivery and 1day prior (PR=0.92 and
      PR=0.94). To conclude, the levels of cell proliferation of umbilical cord blood
      cells appear to be associated with the AAP. More studies are needed to support
      our findings.

PMID- 27665251
TI  - [How I do... laparoscopic insertion of a silicone fluted drain?]

PMID- 27665228
TI  - Measuring the health-related Sustainable Development Goals in 188 countries: a
      baseline analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2015.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In September, 2015, the UN General Assembly established the
      Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs specify 17 universal goals, 169
      targets, and 230 indicators leading up to 2030. We provide an analysis of 33
      health-related SDG indicators based on the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries,
      and Risk Factors Study 2015 (GBD 2015). METHODS: We applied statistical methods
      to systematically compiled data to estimate the performance of 33 health-related
      SDG indicators for 188 countries from 1990 to 2015. We rescaled each indicator on
      a scale from 0 (worst observed value between 1990 and 2015) to 100 (best
      observed). Indices representing all 33 health-related SDG indicators (health
      related SDG index), health-related SDG indicators included in the Millennium
      Development Goals (MDG index), and health-related indicators not included in the
      MDGs (non-MDG index) were computed as the geometric mean of the rescaled
      indicators by SDG target. We used spline regressions to examine the relations
      between the Socio-demographic Index (SDI, a summary measure based on average
      income per person, educational attainment, and total fertility rate) and each of
      the health-related SDG indicators and indices. FINDINGS: In 2015, the median
      health-related SDG index was 59.3 (95% uncertainty interval 56.8-61.8) and varied
      widely by country, ranging from 85.5 (84.2-86.5) in Iceland to 20.4 (15.4-24.9)
      in Central African Republic. SDI was a good predictor of the health-related SDG
      index (r2=0.88) and the MDG index (r2=0.92), whereas the non-MDG index had a
      weaker relation with SDI (r2=0.79). Between 2000 and 2015, the health-related SDG
      index improved by a median of 7.9 (IQR 5.0-10.4), and gains on the MDG index (a
      median change of 10.0 [6.7-13.1]) exceeded that of the non-MDG index (a median
      change of 5.5 [2.1-8.9]). Since 2000, pronounced progress occurred for indicators
      such as met need with modern contraception, under-5 mortality, and neonatal
      mortality, as well as the indicator for universal health coverage tracer
      interventions. Moderate improvements were found for indicators such as HIV and
      tuberculosis incidence, minimal changes for hepatitis B incidence took place, and
      childhood overweight considerably worsened. INTERPRETATION: GBD provides an
      independent, comparable avenue for monitoring progress towards the health-related
      SDGs. Our analysis not only highlights the importance of income, education, and
      fertility as drivers of health improvement but also emphasises that investments
      in these areas alone will not be sufficient. Although considerable progress on
      the health-related MDG indicators has been made, these gains will need to be
      sustained and, in many cases, accelerated to achieve the ambitious SDG targets.
      The minimal improvement in or worsening of health-related indicators beyond the
      MDGs highlight the need for additional resources to effectively address the
      expanded scope of the health-related SDGs. FUNDING: Bill & Melinda Gates
      Foundation.

PMID- 27665252
TI  - In vitro fertilization outcomes after ablation of endometriomas using plasma
      energy: A retrospective case-control study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Ovarian endometrioma ablation using plasma energy appears to be a
      valuable alternative to cystectomy, because it could spare underlying ovarian
      parenchyma resulting in high spontaneous and overall pregnancy rates. After
      initial postoperative decrease, anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) level progressively
      increases several months after ablation. The aim of our study was to assess the
      outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in women managed for ovarian
      endometriomas by ablation using plasma energy, when compared to those in women
      free of endometriosis. METHODS: Retrospective preliminary case-control study,
      enrolling women undergoing IVF or IntraCytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), from
      July 2009 to December 2014. Cases were infertile women with previous ovarian
      endometrioma ablation using plasma energy and were matched by age, AMH level and
      assisted reproductive technique with controls presumed free of endometriosis.
      IVF/ICSI response (type of protocol, dose of gonadotrophin, number of oocytes,
      fertilization rate) and outcomes were compared between the two groups. RESULTS:
      In all, 37 cases were compared to 74 controls. Age (30.9+/-4.4 years vs. 31.7+/
      4.2 years), AMH level (2.8+/-2ng/mL vs. 2.8+/-1.7ng/mL) and ART procedures (ICSI
      in 24.3% vs. 27%) were comparable between the two groups. Of the 37 cases,
      previous surgical procedures on right and left ovaries were performed in 27% and
      21.6% of patients respectively, 81% of patients were nullipara. AFSr score was
      73+/-41, while deep endometriosis infiltrated the rectum and the sigmoid colon in
      respectively 40.5% and 27% of patients. Despite a lower number of oocytes
      retrieved, cases presented better implantation rate, pregnancy and delivery rates
      per cycle, oocyte retrieval, transfer, and embryo, as well as superior cumulative
      birth rate per transfer. CONCLUSION: Ovarian endometrioma ablation using plasma
      energy is followed by good IVF/ICSI outcomes, suggesting that surgical procedure
      spares underlying ovarian parenchyma. These results consolidate those of previous
      studies reporting high spontaneous conception rate. Hence, ovarian endometrioma
      ablation using plasma energy appears to be a valuable alternative to cystectomy
      in patients presenting with endometriosis and pregnancy intention.

PMID- 27665253
TI  - Progression of coronary artery calcification is stronger in poorly than in well
      controlled diabetes: Results from the Heinz Nixdorf Recall Study.
AB  - AIM: To assess associations between HbA1c and progression of coronary artery
      calcification (CAC) in persons with and without diabetes. METHODS: In the Heinz
      Nixdorf Recall Study, a population-based cohort study in Germany (N=3453, aged 45
      74years), CAC was assessed by electron-beam tomography at baseline and at 5-year
      follow-up. At baseline, participants were divided into five groups: poorly
      (HbA1c>=7.0%) and well (HbA1c<7.0%) controlled previously known diabetes (group
      I/II); no previously known diabetes with HbA1c >=6.5% (group III), HbA1c 5.7-6.4%
      (group IV), and HbA1c <5.7% (group V). We fitted linear, logistic and robust
      Poisson regression models to assess associations between diabetes group and PF5
      (factor by which CAC after 5-year follow-up is larger than baseline CAC), and
      categories of CAC change, respectively. RESULTS: Relative to group V, adjusted
      percentage increase of the geometric mean of PF5 (95% CI) was: 69.1%
      (33.9%;113.6%), 15.4% (-5.6%;41.1%), -4.1% (-22.2%;18.2%), 4.2% (-5.4%;14.8%) for
      groups I-IV, respectively. The corresponding odds ratios for annual CAC increase
      >=100 Agatston units (reference: <10) were 10.0 (4.8;20.6), 4.0 (2.1;7.6), 1.5
      (0.7;3.2), and 1.1 (0.7;1.8). CONCLUSIONS: In known diabetes, CAC progression was
      stronger in poor diabetes control. For newly detected diabetes diagnosed by HbA1c
      >=6.5%, associations with CAC progression were weak.

PMID- 27665254
TI  - Estimating the burden of disease attributable to injecting drug use as a risk
      factor for HIV, hepatitis C, and hepatitis B: findings from the Global Burden of
      Disease Study 2013.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous estimates of the burden of HIV, hepatitis B virus (HBV), and
      hepatitis C virus (HCV) among people who inject drugs have not included estimates
      of the burden attributable to the consequences of past injecting. We aimed to
      provide these estimates as part of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2013.
      METHODS: We modelled the burden of HBV and HCV (including cirrhosis and liver
      cancer burden) and HIV at the country, regional, and global level. We extracted
      United Nations data on the proportion of notified HIV cases by transmission
      route, and estimated the contribution of injecting drug use (IDU) to HBV and HCV
      disease burden by use of a cohort method that recalibrated individuals' history
      of IDU, and accumulated risk of HBV and HCV due to IDU. We estimated data on
      current IDU from a meta-analysis of HBV and HCV incidence among injecting drug
      users and country-level data on the incidence of HBV and HCV between 1990 and
      2013. We calculated estimates of burden of disease through years of life lost
      (YLL), years of life lived with disability (YLD), deaths, and disability-adjusted
      life-years (DALYs), with 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs) calculated for each
      metric. FINDINGS: In 2013, an estimated 10.08 million DALYs were attributable to
      previous exposure to HIV, HBV, and HCV via IDU, a four-times increase since 1990.
      In total in 2013, IDU was estimated to cause 4.0% (2.82 million DALYs, 95% UI 2.4
      million to 3.8 million) of DALYs due to HIV, 1.1% (216 000, 101 000-338 000) of
      DALYs due to HBV, and 39.1% (7.05 million, 5.88 million to 8.15 million) of DALYs
      due to HCV. IDU-attributable HIV burden was highest in low-to-middle-income
      countries, and IDU-attributable HCV burden was highest in high-income countries.
      INTERPRETATION: IDU is a major contributor to the global burden of disease.
      Effective interventions to prevent and treat these important causes of health
      burden need to be scaled up. FUNDING: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and
      Australian National Health and Medical Research Council.

PMID- 27665255
TI  - Social Desirability Trait Is Associated with Self-Reported Vegetable Intake among
      Women Enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants,
      and Children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and
      Children (WIC) Fresh Start (WFS) is a randomized controlled trial of nutrition
      education to promote farmers' market fruit and vegetable (F/V) purchases and
      consumption among women enrolled in WIC. OBJECTIVES: Using baseline data from WFS
      to examine associations between social desirability trait, the tendency to
      respond in a manner consistent with expected norms, and self-reported F/V intake
      and to determine whether associations, if found, are moderated by participant
      characteristics. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING: Seven hundred
      forty-four women enrolled in WFS. The setting is a New Jersey-based WIC agency
      located in a densely populated urban area. MEASURES: Items assessing participant
      characteristics, a short form of the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale,
      and validated measures of the frequency and quantity of F/V intake. STATISTICAL
      ANALYSES: Linear regression analysis to examine associations between social
      desirability trait and F/V intake and hierarchical regression analysis to test
      for moderation by participant characteristics of the associations between social
      desirability trait and F/V intake. RESULTS: Social desirability trait was
      significantly associated with times per day vegetables were reported to have been
      consumed (beta=0.08, P=0.03). The association was moderated by breastfeeding
      status. Among breastfeeding women, social desirability trait was unrelated to
      reported intake, whereas among non-breastfeeding women, it was positively
      associated with intake (a 1-unit increase in the social desirability score was
      associated with a 0.12 increase in times per day vegetables were reported to have
      been consumed). CONCLUSIONS: Social desirability trait is associated with self
      reported vegetable intake among WIC participants generally and non-breastfeeding
      participants in particular and should be assessed in these groups. Replication
      studies with comparative measures of "true intake" are needed to determine
      whether social desirability trait biases self-reports of vegetable intake or
      whether those with a high social desirability trait consume vegetables more
      often.

PMID- 27665256
TI  - Social Desirability Trait: Biaser or Driver of Self-Reported Dietary Intake?

PMID- 27665258
TI  - Mobile phone use, behavioural problems and concentration capacity in adolescents:
      A prospective study.
AB  - The aim of this study is to prospectively investigate whether exposure to
      radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) emitted by mobile phones and other
      wireless communication devices is related to behavioural problems or
      concentration capacity in adolescents. The HERMES (Health Effects Related to
      Mobile phonE use in adolescentS) study sample consisted of 439 Swiss adolescents
      aged 12-17 years. Behavioural problems were assessed using the Strengths and
      Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), concentration capacity of the adolescents was
      measured by means of a standardized computerized cognitive test named FAKT. Cross
      sectional and longitudinal (1year of follow-up) analyses were performed to
      investigate possible associations between behavioural problems and concentration
      capacity and different exposure measures: self-reported and operator-recorded
      wireless communication device use, cumulative RF-EMF brain and whole body dose
      and measured personal RF-EMF exposure. In the cross-sectional analyses
      behavioural problems were associated with several self-reported wireless device
      use measures but not operator-recorded mobile phone use measures, concentration
      capacity was associated with several self-reported and operator-recorded
      exposures. The longitudinal analyses point towards absence of associations. The
      lack of consistent exposure-response patterns in the longitudinal analyses
      suggests that behavioural problems and concentration capacity are not affected by
      the use of wireless communication devices or RF-EMF exposure. Information bias
      and reverse causality are likely explanations for the observed cross-sectional
      findings.

PMID- 27665257
TI  - Cortical thickness of neural substrates supporting cognitive empathy in
      individuals with schizophrenia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cognitive empathy is supported by the medial prefrontal cortex
      (mPFC), inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), anterior mid-cingulate cortex (aMCC),
      insula (INS), supplementary motor area (SMA), right temporo-parietal junction
      (TPJ), and precuneus (PREC). In healthy controls, cortical thickness in these
      regions has been linked to cognitive empathy. As cognitive empathy is impaired in
      schizophrenia, we examined whether reduced cortical thickness in these regions
      was associated with poorer cognitive empathy in this population. METHODS: 41
      clinically-stable community-dwelling individuals with schizophrenia and 46
      healthy controls group-matched on demographic variables completed self-report
      empathy questionnaires, a cognitive empathy task, and structural magnetic
      resonance imaging. We examined between-group differences in study variables using
      t-tests and analyses of variance. Next, we used Pearson correlations to evaluate
      the relationship between cognitive empathy and cortical thickness in the mPFC,
      IFG, aMCC, INS, SMA, TPJ, and PREC in both groups. RESULTS: Individuals with
      schizophrenia demonstrated cortical thinning in the IFG, INS, SMA, TPJ, and PREC
      (all p<0.05) and impaired cognitive empathy across all measures (all p<0.01)
      relative to controls. While cortical thickness in the mPFC, IFC, aMCC, and INS
      (all p<0.05) was related to cognitive empathy in controls, we did not observe
      these relationships in individuals with schizophrenia (all p>0.10). CONCLUSIONS:
      Individuals with schizophrenia have reduced cortical thickness in empathy-related
      neural regions and significant impairments in cognitive empathy. Interestingly,
      cortical thickness was related to cognitive empathy in controls but not in the
      schizophrenia group. We discuss other mechanisms that may account for cognitive
      empathy impairment in schizophrenia.

PMID- 27665259
TI  - Preoperative Anemia and Low Hemoglobin Level Are Associated With Worse Clinical
      Outcomes in Patients With Bladder Cancer Undergoing Radical Cystectomy: A Meta
      Analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of preoperative anemia
      status and hemoglobin level on clinical outcomes in patients with bladder cancer
      undergoing radical cystectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review of
      literature with meta-analyses of predefined outcomes based on a search of PubMed
      and EMBASE was performed. Hazard ratios (HRs) measuring the association between
      preoperative anemia/hemoglobin and all-cause mortality, cancer-specific
      mortality, and disease recurrence were calculated with random effects model.
      Study heterogeneities were quantified by I2 tests. Publication bias was assessed
      with funnel plots. RESULTS: A total of 17 studies evaluating the impact of
      preoperative anemia status (categorical, 11 studies) and hemoglobin level
      (continuous, 7 studies) on clinical outcomes were included. The cutoff value of
      anemia varied among studies (10.5-13.5 g/dL for male, 10.5-13.4 g/dL for female).
      Meta-analyses showed that compared with non-anemia, anemia was associated with
      increased all-cause mortality (HR, 1.75; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.48-2.05;
      P < .00001; I2 = 30%), cancer-specific mortality (HR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.45-2.25; P
      < .00001; I2 = 26%), and disease recurrence (HR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.16-1.62; P =
      .0002; I2 = 9%). Meta-analyses showed that higher level of hemoglobin was
      associated with decreased all-cause mortality (HR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.87-0.92; P <
      .00001; I2 = 13%), cancer-specific mortality (HR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.85-0.95; P =
      .0003; I2 = 61%), and disease recurrence (HR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.91-0.99; P = .01;
      I2 = 53%). No obvious publication bias was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative
      anemia and low hemoglobin level are associated with earlier recurrence and
      shorter survival of patients with bladder cancer undergoing radical cystectomy.
      However, well-designed prospective studies with large sample size and limited
      confounding factors are needed to confirm and update our findings.

PMID- 27665260
TI  - A multicenter study of blood component transfusion in patients with liver
      cirrhosis in China: Patient characteristics, transfusion practice, and outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cirrhosis is a complex acquired disorder of hemostasis and patients
      frequently receive blood transfusions. But there is very limited data on patterns
      of blood use at a patient level. AIMS: To characterize blood use in cirrhotic
      patients in China and compare with recommendations to help identify areas where
      quality improvement strategies can be targeted. We also compared findings to a
      similar study undertaken in UK. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in
      11 hospitals over a 2-month period. Data were collected prospectively on each
      hospitalized cirrhotic patient to day 28. RESULTS: 1595 cirrhotic patients were
      included and 20.6% were transfused. 48.2% of transfused patients received
      transfusion for bleeding, most commonly gastrointestinal bleeding (65.8%). The
      remaining 51.8% were transfused for non-bleeding indications. 32.5% of patients
      transfused for gastrointestinal bleeding with red blood cells had a pre
      transfusion haemoglobin >7g/dL. 89.1% of patients transfused frozen plasma for
      non-bleeding indications received them in the absence of a planned procedure. The
      patterns of blood transfusion in cirrhosis were different between China and UK.
      Of note, empirical prophylactic use of frozen plasma was more common in the
      Chinese study (89%) than in the UK (24%). CONCLUSION: Education and research
      should be implemented to improve patient blood management, especially in
      prophylactic frozen plasma use area.

PMID- 27665261
TI  - Implementation and adherence to osteoporosis screening guidelines among coeliac
      disease patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are no studies evaluating the implementation of American
      Gastroenterological Association (AGA) guidelines on osteoporosis screening in
      coeliac disease. AIMS: To investigate implementation of osteoporosis screening
      guidelines in coeliac disease patients and determine how often bone mineral
      density (BMD) assessment leads to therapeutic intervention. METHODS: We screened
      all patients with biopsy-proven coeliac disease at our center from 2003 to 2013
      and collected data on indication and results of dual energy X-ray absorptiometry
      scanning (DXA) and therapeutic interventions. RESULTS: Of 222 adults with
      coeliac, only 80 (36%) underwent DXA after their diagnosis. Of those, 43 had DXA
      for osteoporosis screening specifically related to their coeliac diagnosis. Of
      these 43 patients, 28 (65.1%) had low BMD. A therapeutic intervention was made in
      the majority of these patients (21/28, 75%). Of 330 pediatric coeliac cases, 52
      (15.8%) had DXA specifically in the context of the coeliac disease diagnosis with
      only 5 being complicated coeliac disease. Of these, 3 (5.8%) had low BMD and only
      2 underwent therapeutic intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Osteoporosis screening
      guidelines are not followed in the majority of patients with coeliac disease but,
      when followed, frequently lead to therapeutic intervention. Osteoporosis
      screening guidelines in coeliac disease need to be updated, strengthened and
      publicized.

PMID- 27665262
TI  - Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided drainage combined with trans-duodenoscope
      cyclic irrigation technique for walled-off pancreatic necrosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided drainage has been established as a
      good treatment modality in the management of walled-off pancreatic necrosis, but
      the unmanageable infection of postoperation is still a thorny problem due to the
      poor drainage ability for solid necrotic debris only through transmural stent and
      nasocystic catheter. AIMS: Introduce a novel therapeutic method, namely
      endoscopic ultrasonography-guided drainage combined with cyclic irrigation
      technique in managing patients with walled-off pancreatic necrosis. METHODS: 18
      patients with severe acute pancreatitis complicated with walled-off pancreatic
      necrosis received treatment with endoscopic ultrasonography-guided drainage
      combined with cyclic irrigation were involved in this retrospective study.
      RESULTS: 17 of 18 patients with walled-off pancreatic necrosis were treated by
      this new therapeutic method. Subsequent surgery was performed in 1 case due to
      uncontrolled infection, complications such as perforation, bleeding or multiple
      organ failure were not observed. Treatment success rate was high (16 in 17,
      94.12%). CONCLUSION: Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided drainage combined with
      cyclic irrigation is an effective treatment option for symptomatic walled-off
      pancreatic necrosis to facilitate drainage and obviate the need for subsequent
      surgery or endoscopic necrosectomy.

PMID- 27665263
TI  - Frequency of thiopurine methyltransferase mutation in patients of Mediterranean
      area with inflammatory bowel disease and autoimmune disorders.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Few studies exist on the frequency of thiopurine
      methyltransferase (TPMT) mutation in patients from Southern Europe. We aimed to
      evaluate the frequency of TPMT mutation in a homogeneous Sicilian cohort of
      patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), autoimmune and hematological
      disorders, the rate of thiopurine-related adverse events, and its association
      with the TPMT genotype. RESULTS: Among 105 patients with IBD, 45 with autoimmune
      disease, and 34 with hematologic diseases, the homozygous TPMT variant genotype
      was found in one patient only (0.5%), while the heterozygous TPMT genotype was
      identified in 8 patients (4.3%). In patients with IBD, leukopenia was observed in
      ten patients: one had the homozygous TPMT genotype, one the heterozygous
      genotype, and the remaining eight the wild type genotype. CONCLUSIONS: The
      frequency of TPMT mutation in a Mediterranean area was low. TPMT genotyping is
      not a sensitive tool for predicting thiopurine-induced leukopenia.

PMID- 27665264
TI  - Molecular analysis reveals the diversity of Hepatozoon species naturally
      infecting domestic dogs in a northern region of Brazil.
AB  - This study aimed to optimize molecular methods for detecting DNA of Hepatozoon
      spp. as well as identify the phylogenetic relationships of Hepatozoon strains
      naturally infecting domestic dogs in Belem, Para, northern Brazil. Blood samples
      were collected from 138 dogs, and screened for Hepatozoon spp. using a new nested
      PCR assay. Positive samples were subjected to genetic characterization based on
      amplification and sequencing of approximately 670bp of the Hepatozoon spp. 18S
      rRNA. Of the positive dogs, four shared the haplotype Belem 01, one dog presented
      the haplotype Belem 02 and two dogs shared the haplotype Belem 03. A Bayesian
      inference indicates that haplotypes Belem 01 and Belem 02 are phylogenetically
      related to H. canis, while Belem 03 is related to H. americanum. Overall, based
      on the first molecular evidence of H. americanum in Brazilian domestic dogs, the
      proposed protocol may improve the epidemiological investigation of canine
      hepatozoonosis.

PMID- 27665265
TI  - Evidence of rapid changes in Lyme disease awareness in Canada.
AB  - Lyme disease (LD) is emerging in Canada. A key preventive strategy is promoting
      the adoption by the general public of personal preventive behaviors regarding
      tick bites. The aim of this study was to measure the changes in public awareness
      toward ticks and LD before and after the launch of a national communication
      campaign in Canada using data from two surveys conducted in March and December
      2014. The results show a significant increase in awareness of LD after compared
      to before the campaign, but also suggest that the importance of this increase is
      not equal amongst Canadian regions. Moreover, respondents whose level of
      awareness increased most significantly were those who lived in regions with low
      entomologic risk. The findings underline the importance of risk communications
      for emerging diseases and reinforce the need to understand the specific
      characteristics of the targeted populations before the implementation of
      communication campaigns to increase their efficacy.

PMID- 27665266
TI  - Matching Speaking to Singing Voices and the Influence of Content.
AB  - OBJECTIVES AND HYPOTHESIS: We tested whether speaking voices of unfamiliar people
      could be matched to their singing voices, and, if so, whether the content of the
      utterances would influence this matching performance. Our hypothesis was that
      enough acoustic features would remain the same between speaking and singing
      voices such that their identification as belonging to the same or different
      individuals would be possible even upon a single hearing. We also hypothesized
      that the contents of the utterances would influence this identification process
      such that voices uttering words would be easier to match than those uttering
      vowels. STUDY DESIGN: We used a within-participant design with blocked stimuli
      that were counterbalanced using a Latin square design. In one block, mode
      (speaking vs singing) was manipulated while content was held constant; in another
      block, content (word vs syllable) was manipulated while mode was held constant,
      and in the control block, both mode and content were held constant. METHOD:
      Participants indicated whether the voices in any given pair of utterances
      belonged to the same person or to different people. RESULTS: Cross-mode matching
      was above chance level, although mode-congruent performance was better. Further,
      only speaking voices were easier to match when uttering words. CONCLUSIONS: We
      can identify speaking and singing voices as the same or different even on just a
      single hearing. However, content interacts with mode such that words benefit
      matching of speaking voices but not of singing voices. Results are discussed
      within an attentional framework.

PMID- 27665267
TI  - Methods of Fat Tissue Processing for Human Vocal Fold Injection: A Systematic
      Review.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We analyzed different methods used to process autologous fat tissues
      for vocal fold injection (VFI). VFI is a safe procedure that preserves the folds'
      original elasticity and vibration properties and rarely triggers foreign-body
      reactions, but is often a temporary treatment due to fat reabsorption. To avoid
      it, selecting a technique that provides as many viable implantable adipocytes as
      possible is mandatory. STUDY DESIGN: This is a systematic review. METHODS: Data
      were collected from PubMed, Embase, Ovid, and Cochrane Library. Authors
      systematically reviewed databases for papers on autologous fat tissue processing
      methods involving human injections in vocal folds and vocalization outcomes that
      evolved the acoustic analysis of the voice before and after the surgical
      procedure, independently of the follow-up time. RESULTS: Nine out of the 517
      articles met selection criteria for analysis. No standardized technique was
      found. CONCLUSION: There is no standardized technique for processing fat tissue
      for vocal fold injection. Further research is needed to point out the best
      available technique.

PMID- 27665268
TI  - Distractor-based stimulus-response bindings retrieve decisions independent of
      motor programs.
AB  - Research on the distractor response binding (DRB) effect (Frings, Rothermund, &
      Wentura, 2007) suggests that distractors are integrated with target responses
      into an event file or stimulus-response (SR) episode. The whole event file is
      retrieved when the distractor is repeated and as a consequence distractors can
      retrieve previous responses. Nett, Broder, and Frings (2015) argued that even
      decisions under uncertainty are integrated into event files and can later on be
      retrieved by distractors. However, their paradigm did not allow disentangling the
      retrieval of decisions from the retrieval of motor programs. Here we disentangled
      the retrieval of decisions and motor programs by assuring that retrieved
      decisions were not confounded by the repetitions of motor programs. In
      particular, in two experiments using a sequential prime-probe distractor priming
      task participants used other keys or other effectors for prime and probe
      responses; nevertheless repeated task-irrelevant distractors increased the
      probability that participants repeated the prime decision irrespective of motor
      programs. Thus, decision features can become part of an event-file and directly
      be retrieved by irrelevant information suggesting that bindings have an even
      higher flexibility and ubiquity than previously assumed.

PMID- 27665269
TI  - Acute viral bronchiolitis and risk of asthma in schoolchildren: analysis of a
      Brazilian newborn cohort.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To verify whether the occurrence of acute viral bronchiolitis in the
      first year of life constitutes a risk factor for asthma at age 6 considering a
      parental history of asthma. METHODS: Cross-sectional study in a cohort of live
      births. A standardized questionnaire of the International Study of Asthma and
      Allergies in Childhood was applied to the mothers to identify asthma in children
      at the age of 6 years. Acute viral bronchiolitis diagnosis was performed by
      maternal report of a medical diagnosis and/or presence of symptoms of coryza
      accompanied by cough, tachypnea, and dyspnea when participants were 3, 6, 9, and
      12 months. Socioeconomic, environmental data, parental history of asthma, and
      data related to pregnancy were collected in the first 72h of life of the newborn
      and in prospective home visits by trained interviewers. The association between
      acute viral bronchiolitis and asthma was evaluated by logistic regression
      analysis and potential modifier effect of parental history was verified by
      introducing an interaction term into the adjusted logistic regression model.
      RESULTS: Prevalence of acute viral bronchiolitis in the first year of life was
      68.6% (461). The occurrence of acute viral bronchiolitis was a risk factor for
      asthma at 6 years of age in children with parental history of asthma OR: 2.66,
      95% CI (1.10-6.40), modifier effect p=0.002. Parental history of asthma OR: 2.07,
      95% CI (1.29-3.30) and male gender OR: 1.69, 95% CI, (1.06-2.69) were other
      identified risk factors for asthma. CONCLUSION: Acute viral bronchiolitis in the
      first year of life is a risk factor for asthma in children with parental history
      of asthma.

PMID- 27665270
TI  - Contribution of secondary Igkappa rearrangement to primary immunoglobulin
      repertoire diversification.
AB  - Abs reactive to DNA and DNA/histone complexes are a distinguished characteristic
      of primary immunoglobulin repertoires in autoimmune B6.MRL-Faslpr and MRL/MpJ
      Faslpr mice. These mice are defective in Fas receptor, which is critical for the
      apoptosis of autoreactive B cells by an extrinsic pathway. In the present study,
      we explored the possibility that bone marrow small pre-B and immature B cells
      from adult B6.MRL-Faslpr mice and MRL/MpJ-Faslpr mice respectively, which contain
      autoreactive B-cell antigen receptors (BCR) and manifest autoimmune syndromes,
      exhibit enhanced receptor editing patterns. Indeed, FASlpr pre B and immature B
      cells were shown to possess more ongoing replacements of non-productive (nP) than
      productive (P) primary VkappaJkappa rearrangements. Significantly, the P vs nP
      ratios of these replaced primary rearrangements were 1:2, thus indicating that
      kappa light-chain production appears not to inhibit secondary rearrangements. In
      addition, we identified multiple atypical rearrangements, such as Vkappa cRS
      (cryptic recombination signals) cleavages. These results suggest that the onset
      of light chain secondary rearrangements persists similarly as a non-selected mode
      and independent of BCR autoreactivity during certain developmental windows of
      bone marrow B cells in lupus-prone mice and control, and leads us to propose the
      function of secondary, de novo Igkappa rearrangements to increase BCR diversity.

PMID- 27665272
TI  - Old hearts for modern investigations: CT and MR for archaeological human hearts
      remains.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Among 800 burials dated between the 15th and 18th centuries and
      found in the center of Rennes (Brittany, France), a collection of five heart
      shaped lead urns was discovered. This material was studied using classical
      methods (external study, autopsy and histology), and also modern imaging like
      computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR) before and after coronary
      opacification. The aim of this manuscript is to describe different steps of
      ancient soft tissues study, especially using imaging techniques. METHODS: The
      study gathered various specialists: anthropologists, archeologists, forensic
      pathologists, radiologists, pathologic physicians, and physicists. Imaging
      techniques were performed, before and after coronary opacification. Finally,
      hearts were autopsied and different histological samples were analyzed. RESULTS:
      Only heart n degrees 2 was too damaged to be studied. Heart n degrees 3 was
      considered as normal using all investigation techniques. The study of Hearts n
      degrees s 4 and 5 revealed dilated cardiomyopathy while Heart n degrees 1 showed
      important signs of diffuse hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Different fibro lipid
      plaques were identified using imaging techniques, and were confirmed by
      histology. CONCLUSIONS: The study of archeological soft tissues using modern
      imaging is possible if the material is well-preserved. This type of research can
      uncover principal findings, allowing scientists to establish diseases of ancient
      times.

PMID- 27665273
TI  - Pleomorphic adenoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma of salivary glands: E-cadherin
      immunoexpression and analysis of the CDH1 -160C/A polymorphism.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Despite their similar cellular origin, pleomorphic adenomas (PA) and
      adenoid cystic carcinomas (ACC) present distinct behaviors. This study aimed to
      analyze the immunoexpression of E-cadherin in PA and ACC of salivary glands, and
      to investigate differences in its expression in relation to E-cadherin gene
      (CDH1) -160C/A polymorphism. DESIGN: Twenty-four PA (15 cell-rich and 9 cell-poor
      tumors) and 24 ACC (10 tubular, 8 cribriform and 6 solid tumors) were selected
      for the analysis of pattern of distribution, and cellular localization of E
      cadherin. In addition, E-cadherin expression was evaluated using the H-score
      scoring system. The CDH1 -160C/A polymorphism was investigated by PCR-RFLP.
      RESULTS: No significant differences in pattern of distribution (p=0.181) and
      cellular localization (p=0.192) of E-cadherin were observed between PA and ACC.
      Comparison of PA and ACC cases revealed a higher median H-score in the latter
      (p=0.036). Cell-rich PA presented a higher H-score than cell-poor tumors
      (p=0.013), whereas no significant differences in E-cadherin expression were
      observed between ACC subtypes (p=0.254). The heterozygous genotype of the CDH1 
      160C/A polymorphism was detected in only one PA and one ACC. H-scores for tumors
      carrying the polymorphism were below the lower quartile of their respective
      groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that E-cadherin expression in PA and ACC
      is mainly related to cellular composition (epithelial cells versus myoepithelial
      cells) and degree of differentiation of myoepithelial cells in these tumors. The
      CDH1 -160C/A polymorphism does not seem to significantly influence the expression
      of E-cadherin in PA and ACC of salivary glands.

PMID- 27665274
TI  - Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori from the oral cavity of Mexican asymptomatic
      children under 5 years of age through PCR.
AB  - OBJETIVE: H. pylori infection is acquired early in life, but symptoms occur
      mainly in adults. The mode of transmission remains unclear, but several studies
      have demonstrated that the microorganism may be transmitted orally. H. pylori has
      been detected in the oral cavity of children, and some authors have studied
      infection prevalence due to the importance of the bacteria in gastric and
      extragastric pathology. In Mexico, little is known about H. pylori prevalence in
      the oral cavity of asymptomatic children, so the aims of this study were to
      estimate the prevalence of H. pylori in asymptomatic children and evaluate
      factors associated with the infection. DESING: We studied 162 asymptomatic
      children of 3.025+/-1.474 years of age from a kindergarten in Mexico City. Oral
      swabs, rotating around to cheeks inside of oral cavity were obtained to determine
      H. pylori, using the polymerase chain reaction for 16S rRNA and glmM genes.
      RESULTS: We detected a 13% prevalence of H. pylori infection by PCR, and the
      results were confirmed by sequencing and showed a >97% identity with H. pylori.
      We observed increased infection with age. No association between H. pylori
      infection and variables such as sex, family history of gastric diseases, crowding
      or pets in the home were found. CONCLUSION: H. pylori infection in the oral
      cavity is frequent among asymptomatic children in Mexico, which represents a risk
      of infection for other family members and for other children in educational
      facilities. Early diagnosis is essential for control of the infection and for the
      development of preventive strategies in childhood.

PMID- 27665271
TI  - Nutritional interventions in primary mitochondrial disorders: Developing an
      evidence base.
AB  - In December 2014, a workshop entitled "Nutritional Interventions in Primary
      Mitochondrial Disorders: Developing an Evidence Base" was convened at the NIH
      with the goals of exploring the use of nutritional interventions in primary
      mitochondrial disorders (PMD) and identifying knowledge gaps regarding their
      safety and efficacy; identifying research opportunities; and forging
      collaborations among researchers, clinicians, patient advocacy groups, and
      federal partners. Sponsors included the NIH, the Wellcome Trust, and the United
      Mitochondrial Diseases Foundation. Dietary supplements have historically been
      used in the management of PMD due to their potential benefits and perceived low
      risk, even though little evidence exists regarding their effectiveness. PMD are
      rare and clinically, phenotypically, and genetically heterogeneous. Thus patient
      recruitment for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) has proven to be challenging.
      Only a few RCTs examining dietary supplements, singly or in combination with
      other vitamins and cofactors, are reported in the literature. Regulatory issues
      pertaining to the use of dietary supplements as treatment modalities further
      complicate the research and patient access landscape. As a preface to exploring a
      research agenda, the workshop included presentations and discussions on what PMD
      are; how nutritional interventions are used in PMD; challenges and barriers to
      their use; new technologies and approaches to diagnosis and treatment; research
      opportunities and resources; and perspectives from patient advocacy, industry,
      and professional organizations. Seven key areas were identified during the
      workshop. These areas were: 1) defining the disease, 2) clinical trial design, 3)
      biomarker selection, 4) mechanistic approaches, 5) challenges in using dietary
      supplements, 6) standards of clinical care, and 7) collaboration issues. Short-
      and long-term goals within each of these areas were identified. An example of an
      overarching goal is the enrollment of all individuals with PMD in a natural
      history study and a patient registry to enhance research capability. The workshop
      demonstrates an effective model for fostering and enhancing collaborations among
      NIH and basic research, clinical, patient, pharmaceutical industry, and
      regulatory stakeholders in the mitochondrial disease community to address
      research challenges on the use of dietary supplements in PMD.

PMID- 27665275
TI  - Robotic-assisted Nipple Sparing Mastectomy: A feasibility study on cadaveric
      models.

PMID- 27665277
TI  - Trajectories of Annual Number of Sexual Partners from Adolescence to Emerging
      Adulthood: Individual and Family Predictors.
AB  - Adolescent sexual development is not the same across the board, and can be seen
      as both normative as well as risky behavior, depending on factors such as age of
      onset and number of partners. This longitudinal study identified developmental
      trajectories of annual number of sexual partners from adolescence to emerging
      adulthood and their antecedents. From the ages of 16-22, 332 participants (60.8 %
      females) annually reported their number of sexual partners. Measures of
      adolescent and family characteristics taken at ages 13-15 were used as
      predictors. Group-based modeling identified four trajectory groups: the
      abstainers group (9.1 %), low-increasing group (30.6 %), medium-increasing group
      (53.0 %), and multiple-partners group (7.3 %). Multinomial logistical regressions
      indicated that better social competence increased chances of belonging to the
      multiple-partners group as compared to the abstainers and low-increasing groups,
      and more substance use predicted membership in the multiple-partners group as
      compared to the abstainers group. Moreover, females were overrepresented in the
      low-increasing and medium-increasing groups. These results imply a greater
      diversity in sexual development than proposed in the literature and highlight the
      importance of identifying the strengths and competencies associated with healthy
      sexual development along with the early risk factors.

PMID- 27665276
TI  - Longitudinal Pathways from Cumulative Contextual Risk at Birth to School
      Functioning in Adolescence: Analysis of Mediation Effects and Gender Moderation.
AB  - Children and adolescents exposed to multiple contextual risks are more likely to
      have academic difficulties and externalizing behavior problems than those who
      experience fewer risks. This study used data from the Northern Finland Birth
      Cohort 1986 (a population-based study; N = 6961; 51 % female) to investigate (a)
      the impact of cumulative contextual risk at birth on adolescents' academic
      performance and misbehavior in school, (b) learning difficulties and/or
      externalizing behavior problems in childhood as intervening mechanisms in the
      association of cumulative contextual risk with functioning in adolescence, and
      (c) potential gender differences in the predictive associations of cumulative
      contextual risk at birth with functioning in childhood or adolescence. The
      results of the structural equation modeling analysis suggested that exposure to
      cumulative contextual risk at birth had negative associations with functioning 16
      years later, and academic difficulties and externalizing behavior problems in
      childhood mediated some of the predictive relations. Gender, however, did not
      moderate any of the associations. Therefore, the findings of this study have
      implications for the prevention of learning and conduct problems in youth and
      future research on the impact of cumulative risk exposure.

PMID- 27665278
TI  - Prevalence and Correlates of the Perpetration of Cyber Dating Abuse among Early
      Adolescents.
AB  - Much is known about the prevalence and correlates of dating violence, especially
      the perpetration of physical dating violence, among older adolescents. However,
      relatively little is known about the prevalence and correlates of the
      perpetration of cyber dating abuse, particularly among early adolescents. In this
      study, using a predominantly ethnic-minority sample of sixth graders who reported
      ever having had a boyfriend/girlfriend (n = 424, 44.2 % female), almost 15 %
      reported perpetrating cyber dating abuse at least once during their lifetime.
      Furthermore, using a cross-sectional design, across multiple levels of the socio
      ecological model, the individual-level factors of (a) norms for violence for boys
      against girls, (b) having a current boyfriend/girlfriend, and (c) participation
      in bullying perpetration were correlates of the perpetration of cyber dating
      abuse. Collectively, the findings suggest that dating violence interventions
      targeting these particular correlates in early adolescents are warranted. Future
      studies are needed to establish causation and to further investigate the relative
      importance of correlates of the perpetration of cyber dating abuse among early
      adolescents that have been reported among older adolescents.

PMID- 27665279
TI  - Racial/Ethnic Disproportionality in Psychiatric Diagnoses and Treatment in a
      Sample of Serious Juvenile Offenders.
AB  - Psychiatric disorder prevalence has been shown demonstrably higher among justice
      involved adolescents than youth in the general population. Yet, among arrested
      juveniles, little is known regarding racial/ethnic differences in disorder
      prevalence, the role of trauma exposure in the diagnosis of behavioral disorders,
      or subsequent psychiatric treatment provided to adolescents with such diagnoses.
      The current study examines racial/ethnic disparity in psychiatric diagnoses and
      treatment of behavioral disorders associated with delinquency, controlling for
      traumatic experiences, behavioral indicators, and prior offending among serious
      juvenile offenders. Logistic regression is employed to explore the racial/ethnic
      disproportionality in behavioral disorder diagnoses and psychiatric treatment
      provision among 8763 males (57.7 % Black, 11.8 % Hispanic) and 1,347 females
      (53.7 % Black, 7.6 % Hispanic) admitted to long-term juvenile justice residential
      placements in Florida. The results indicate Black males are 40 % more likely, and
      Black females 54 % more likely to be diagnosed with conduct disorder than Whites,
      even upon considerations of trauma, behavioral indicators, and criminal
      offending. Black and Hispanic males are approximately 40 % less likely to be
      diagnosed with ADHD than White males, with no racial/ethnic differences for
      females. Importantly, Black males are 32 % less likely to receive psychiatric
      treatment than White males, with no differences between White and Hispanic males,
      or any female subgroups. Traumatic exposures increased the odds of oppositional
      defiant disorder and ADHD, but not conduct disorder for males, though adverse
      childhood experiences were unrelated to behavioral disorder diagnoses among
      females.

PMID- 27665280
TI  - Truncated EphA2 likely potentiates cell adhesion via integrins as well as
      infiltration and/or lodgment of a monocyte/macrophage cell line in the red pulp
      and marginal zone of the mouse spleen, where ephrin-A1 is prominently expressed
      in the vasculature.
AB  - We previously established a J774.1 monocyte/macrophage subline expressing a
      truncated EphA2 construct lacking the kinase domain. We demonstrated that
      following ephrin-A1 stimulation, endogenous EphA2 promotes cell adhesion through
      interaction with integrins and integrin ligands such as ICAM1 and that truncated
      EphA2 potentiates the adhesion and becomes associated with the integrin/integrin
      ligand complex. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that the EphA/ephrin-A
      system, particularly EphA2/ephrin-A1, regulates transendothelial migration/tissue
      infiltration of monocytes/macrophages, because ephrin-A1 is widely recognized to
      be upregulated in inflammatory vasculatures. To evaluate whether this hypothesis
      is applicable in the spleen, we screened for EphA2/ephrin-A1 expression and
      reexamined the cellular properties of the J774.1 subline. We found that ephrin-A1
      was expressed in the vasculature of the marginal zone and the red pulp and that
      its expression was upregulated in response to phagocyte depletion; further,
      CD115, F4/80, and CXCR4 were expressed in J774.1 cells, which serve as a usable
      substitute for monocytes/macrophages. Moreover, following ephrin-A1 stimulation,
      truncated EphA2 did not detectably interfere with the phosphorylation of
      endogenous EphA2, and it potentiated cell adhesion possibly through modulation of
      integrin avidity. Accordingly, by intravenously injecting mice with equal numbers
      of J774.1 and the subline cells labeled with distinct fluorochromes, we
      determined that truncated EphA2 markedly potentiated preferential cell
      infiltration into the red pulp and the marginal zone. Thus, modulation of EphA2
      signaling might contribute to effective transplantation of tissue-specific
      resident macrophages and/or monocytes.

PMID- 27665281
TI  - Targeting the gastrointestinal tract with viral vectors: state of the art and
      possible applications in research and therapy.
AB  - While there is a large body of preclinical data on the use of viral vectors in
      gene transfer, relatively little is known about viral gene transfer in the
      gastrointestinal tract. Viral vector technology is especially underused in the
      field of neurogastroenterology when compared to brain research. This review
      provides an overview of the studies employing viral vectors-in particular
      retroviruses, adenoviruses and adeno-associated viruses-to transduce different
      cell types in the intestine. Early work mainly focused on mucosal transduction,
      but had limited success due to the harsh luminal conditions in the
      gastrointestinal tract and the high turnover rate of enterocytes. More recently,
      several studies have successfully employed viral gene transfer to target the
      enteric nervous system and its progenitors. Although several hurdles still need
      to be overcome, in particular on how to augment transduction efficiency and
      specific cell targeting, viral vector technology holds strong potential not only
      as a valid research tool in fundamental gastroenterological research but also as
      a therapeutic agent in translational (bio)medical research.

PMID- 27665282
TI  - Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers in the Diagnosis of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease in
      Slovak Patients: over 10-Year Period Review.
AB  - Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is a rare, but rapidly progressive, up to now
      untreatable and fatal neurodegenerative disorder. Clinical diagnosis of
      Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is difficult; however, it can be facilitated by
      suitable biomarkers. Aim of the present study is to compare levels of
      cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers (total tau protein, phosphorylated-tau protein,
      protein 14-3-3 and amyloid beta) in Slovak population of CJD suspect cases,
      retrospectively in over a 10-year period. One thousand three hundred sixty-four
      CSF samples from patients with suspect CJD, forming a homogenous group in terms
      of geographical as well as of equal transport conditions, storage and laboratory
      processing, were analysed. Definite diagnosis of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease was
      confirmed in 101 patients with genetic form, and 60 patients with its sporadic
      form of the disease. Specificity of protein 14-3-3 and total tau in both forms
      CJD was similar (87 % for P14-3-3/85 % for total tau), sensitivity to P 14-3-3
      and total tau was higher in sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD) (90/95 %)
      than in genetic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (gCJD) (89/74 %). As expected, the
      total tau levels were significantly higher in CJD patients than in controls, but
      there was also significant difference between gCJD and sCJD (levels in gCJD were
      lower; p = 0.003). There was no significant difference in p-tau and Abeta 1-42
      levels neither between both CJD forms nor between CJD patients and control group.

PMID- 27665283
TI  - Pterostilbene Attenuates Early Brain Injury Following Subarachnoid Hemorrhage via
      Inhibition of the NLRP3 Inflammasome and Nox2-Related Oxidative Stress.
AB  - Pterostilbene (PTE), one of the polyphenols present in plants such as blueberries
      and grapes, has been suggested to have various effects, such as anti-oxidation,
      anti-apoptosis, and anti-cancer effects. Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a
      severe neurological event known for its high morbidity and mortality. Recently,
      early brain injury (EBI) has been reported to play a significant role in the
      prognosis of patients with SAH. The present study aimed to investigate whether
      PTE could attenuate EBI after SAH was induced in C57BL/6 J mice. We also studied
      possible underlying mechanisms. After PTE treatment, the neurological score and
      brain water content of the mice were assessed. Oxidative stress and neuronal
      injury were also evaluated. Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like
      receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activity was
      assessed using western blot analysis. Our results indicated that PTE treatment
      reduces the SAH grade, neurological score, and brain water content following SAH.
      PTE treatment also reduced NLRP3 inflammasome activation. PTE alleviated the
      oxidative stress following SAH as evidenced by the dihydroethidium staining,
      superoxide dismutase activity, malondialdehyde content, 3-nitrotyrosie and 8
      hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine levels, and gp91phox and 4-hydroxynonenal expression
      levels. Additionally, PTE treatment reduced neuronal apoptosis. In conclusion,
      our study suggests that PTE attenuates EBI following SAH possibly via the
      inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome and Nox2-related oxidative stress.

PMID- 27665285
TI  - In reply: Rethinking general anesthesia for cesarean section.

PMID- 27665286
TI  - Erratum to: A Mechanism to Explain Ototoxicity in Neonates Exposed to Bumetanide:
      Lessons to Help Improve Future Product Development in Neonates.

PMID- 27665287
TI  - Palivizumab Exposure and the Risk of Autoimmune Disease: A Cross-National Cohort
      Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Treatment with biologic pharmaceuticals may be associated with an
      increased risk of immune-mediated disease. Palivizumab is a humanized monoclonal
      antibody designed to provide passive immunity against respiratory syncytial virus
      infection. Palivizumab is primarily used in preterm children known to be
      immunologically immature. The long-term effect of palivizumab in terms of
      autoimmune diseases has not yet been investigated. AIM: Our objective was to
      investigate whether exposure to palivizumab was associated with the development
      of autoimmune diseases in children. METHODS: This was a population-based cohort
      study including data from 769,523 Danish children born between 1 January 1999 and
      31 December 2010 and data from 581,742 Swedish children born between 1 July 2005
      and 31 December 2010. RESULTS: Of the 1,351,265 children included, 1192 (0.09 %)
      were exposed to palivizumab. Nine cases of autoimmune disease were diagnosed
      among palivizumab-exposed children during the period of observation. Among the
      children exposed to palivizumab, one child in Denmark developed inflammatory
      bowel disease; in Sweden, children developed juvenile arthritis (one child),
      diabetes mellitus (two children), celiac disease (four children), and
      inflammatory bowel disease (one child). The risk of autoimmune disease was not
      significantly increased after palivizumab exposure (hazard ratio adjusted for age
      and country: 1.54; 95 % confidence interval 0.80-2.95). CONCLUSION: The risk of
      autoimmune disease was not increased after palivizumab exposure. Given the small
      number of incident cases of autoimmune disease observed, this finding should be
      interpreted with caution.

PMID- 27665284
TI  - Abiotic stress miRNomes in the Triticeae.
AB  - The continued growth in world population necessitates increases in both the
      quantity and quality of agricultural production. Triticeae members, particularly
      wheat and barley, make an important contribution to world food reserves by
      providing rich sources of carbohydrate and protein. These crops are grown over
      diverse production environments that are characterized by a range of
      environmental or abiotic stresses. Abiotic stresses such as drought, heat,
      salinity, or nutrient deficiencies and toxicities cause large yield losses
      resulting in economic and environmental damage. The negative effects of abiotic
      stresses have increased at an alarming rate in recent years and are predicted to
      further deteriorate due to climate change, land degradation, and declining water
      supply. New technologies have provided an important tool with great potential for
      improving crop tolerance to the abiotic stresses: microRNAs (miRNAs). miRNAs are
      small regulators of gene expression that act on many different molecular and
      biochemical processes such as development, environmental adaptation, and stress
      tolerance. miRNAs can act at both the transcriptional and post-transcriptional
      levels, although post-transcriptional regulation is the most common in plants
      where miRNAs can inhibit the translation of their mRNA targets via complementary
      binding and cleavage. To date, expression of several miRNA families such as
      miR156, miR159, and miR398 has been detected as responsive to environmental
      conditions to regulate stress-associated molecular mechanisms individually and/or
      together with their various miRNA partners. Manipulation of these miRNAs and
      their targets may pave the way to improve crop performance under several abiotic
      stresses. Here, we summarize the current status of our knowledge on abiotic
      stress-associated miRNAs in members of the Triticeae tribe, specifically in wheat
      and barley, and the miRNA-based regulatory mechanisms triggered by stress
      conditions. Exploration of further miRNA families together with their functions
      under stress will improve our knowledge and provide opportunities to enhance
      plant performance to help us meet global food demand.

PMID- 27665288
TI  - Physical activity in patients with axial spondyloarthritis: a cross-sectional
      study of 203 patients.
AB  - Physical activity is recommended in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) but may be
      insufficiently performed. The objective of this study was to assess physical
      activity in axial spondyloarthritis and to explore its explanatory factors. This
      was a cross-sectional study of patients with definite axSpA. The level of
      physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Long form, IPAQ
      L), type of aerobic exercise and the Exercise Benefits and Barriers Score were
      collected. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to explain
      levels of exercise at least as recommended by the World Health Organization. In
      all, 203 patients were included: mean age 46.0 +/- 11.6 years, 108 (53.2 %)
      males, mean Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Activity Index (0-100) 37.8 +/- 19.9; 137
      (68.8 %) were treated with TNF-inhibitors. In all, 111 patients (54.7 %) were
      exercising at least as recommended; 96 (47.2 %) were in the 'high physical
      activity' category. Aerobic exercise >30 min was performed at least once a week
      by 61 (30.0 %) patients; the most frequent activities were energetic walking
      (31.0 %) and swimming (21.2 %). Main perceived benefits of exercising were
      improving physical fitness and functioning of the cardiovascular system, and the
      main barrier was physical exertion. Patients with paid employment had lower
      levels of physical activity whereas other demographic variables, disease
      activity/severity or TNF-inhibitor treatment were not predictive. One half of
      these patients performed enough physical activity according to the
      recommendations, similarly to the French population. Levels of physical activity
      did not appear to be explained by disease-related variables. Physical activity
      should be encouraged in axSpA.

PMID- 27665289
TI  - Medication adherence in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: why do patients not
      take what we prescribe?
AB  - Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease which results in
      extensive articular and extra-articular morbidity and increased mortality from
      cardiovascular disease. Despite an increasing range of non-biological and
      biological disease-modifying agents, poor patient adherence with medication is a
      significant barrier to effective control of the inflammation associated with RA.
      This review seeks to identify factors that affect patient adherence with
      medication, examine the effectiveness of interventions to address this issue and
      offer practical suggestions to improve medication adherence. The impact of health
      literacy on medication adherence and the novel role of musculoskeletal ultrasound
      as an educational intervention will also be discussed.

PMID- 27665290
TI  - Distinct Immunoregulatory Mechanisms in Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Role of the
      Cytokine Environment.
AB  - Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent a population of cells which have the
      ability to regulate reactivity of T and B lymphocytes by multiple mechanisms. The
      immunoregulatory activities of MSCs are strictly influenced by the cytokine
      environment. Here we show that two functionally distinct cytokines, interleukin-4
      (IL-4) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), significantly potentiate the ability of
      MSCs to inhibit IL-10 production by activated regulatory B cells (Bregs).
      However, MSCs in the presence of IL-4 or IFN-gamma inhibit the IL-10 production
      by different mechanisms. Preincubation of MSCs with IFN-gamma led to the
      suppression, but pretreatment with IL-4 of neither MSCs nor B cells resulted in
      the suppression of IL-10 production. The search for candidate regulatory
      molecules expressed in cytokine-treated MSCs revealed different patterns of the
      gene expression. Pretreatment of MSCs with IFN-gamma, but not with IL-4, induced
      expression of indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase, cyclooxygenase-2 and programmed cell
      death-ligand 1. To identify the molecule(s) responsible for the suppression of IL
      10 production, we used specific inhibitors of the putative regulatory molecules.
      We found that indomethacine, an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) activity,
      completely abrogated the inhibition of IL-10 production in cultures containing
      MSCs and IFN-gamma, but had no effect on the suppression in cell cultures
      containing MSCs and IL-4. The results show that MSCs can inhibit the response of
      B cells to one stimulus by different mechanisms in dependence on the cytokine
      environment and thus support the idea of the complexity of immunoregulatory
      action of MSCs.

PMID- 27665292
TI  - A simple method for developing an infectious cDNA clone of Japanese encephalitis
      virus.
AB  - Flavivirus cDNA clones frequently demonstrate genetic instability in transformed
      bacteria, which hampers the construction and manipulation of cDNAs for infectious
      flaviviruses. In this study, we developed a stable, full-length cDNA clone,
      pJEHEN, of a GI JEV strain HEN0701 using a medium-copy-number pBR322 vector and
      propagating cDNA clones at room temperature. The virus vJEHEN recovered from the
      infectious clone was indistinguishable from the parent virus HEN0701 with respect
      to plaque morphology, growth kinetics, and virulence characteristics. A T-to-A
      silent mutation of nucleotide 24 of the NS2a gene was introduced into the
      infectious cDNA clone to eliminate frameshifting. The rescued mutant virus vJETA
      did not express NS1' in infected cells and showed reduced growth and
      neurovirulence in mice. This convenient method for the construction and
      manipulation of infectious JEV cDNA clones may be of use in further studies to
      improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms responsible for JEV
      replication and pathogenesis.

PMID- 27665291
TI  - Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Scaffolds and Multipotent Stromal Cells (MSCs) in
      Regenerative Medicine.
AB  - Traditional methods for tissue regeneration commonly used synthetic scaffolds to
      regenerate human tissues. However, they had several limitations, such as foreign
      body reactions and short time duration. In order to overcome these problems,
      scaffolds made of natural polymers are preferred. One of the most suitable and
      widely used materials to fabricate these scaffolds is hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic
      acid is the primary component of the extracellular matrix of the human connective
      tissue. It is an ideal material for scaffolds used in tissue regeneration, thanks
      to its properties of biocompatibility, ease of chemical functionalization and
      degradability. In the last few years, especially from 2010, scientists have seen
      that the cell-based engineering of these natural scaffolds allows obtaining even
      better results in terms of tissue regeneration and the research started to grow
      in this direction. Multipotent stromal cells, also known as mesenchymal stem
      cells, plastic-adherent cells isolated from bone marrow and other mesenchymal
      tissues, with self-renew and multi-potency properties are ideal candidates for
      this aim. Normally, they are pre-seeded onto these scaffolds before their
      implantation in vivo. This review discusses the use of hyaluronic acid-based
      scaffolds together with multipotent stromal cells, as a very promising tool in
      regenerative medicine.

PMID- 27665293
TI  - An RCT into the effects of neurofeedback on neurocognitive functioning compared
      to stimulant medication and physical activity in children with ADHD.
AB  - Neurofeedback (NFB) is a potential alternative treatment for children with ADHD
      that aims to optimize brain activity. Whereas most studies into NFB have
      investigated behavioral effects, less attention has been paid to the effects on
      neurocognitive functioning. The present randomized controlled trial (RCT)
      compared neurocognitive effects of NFB to (1) optimally titrated methylphenidate
      (MPH) and (2) a semi-active control intervention, physical activity (PA), to
      control for non-specific effects. Using a multicentre three-way parallel group
      RCT design, children with ADHD, aged 7-13, were randomly allocated to NFB (n =
      39), MPH (n = 36) or PA (n = 37) over a period of 10-12 weeks. NFB comprised
      theta/beta training at CZ. The PA intervention was matched in frequency and
      duration to NFB. MPH was titrated using a double-blind placebo controlled
      procedure to determine the optimal dose. Neurocognitive functioning was assessed
      using parameters derived from the auditory oddball-, stop-signal- and visual
      spatial working memory task. Data collection took place between September 2010
      and March 2014. Intention-to-treat analyses showed improved attention for MPH
      compared to NFB and PA, as reflected by decreased response speed during the
      oddball task [eta p2  = 0.21, p < 0.001], as well as improved inhibition,
      impulsivity and attention, as reflected by faster stop signal reaction times,
      lower commission and omission error rates during the stop-signal task (range eta
      p2  = 0.09-0.18, p values <0.008). Working memory improved over time,
      irrespective of received treatment (eta p2  = 0.17, p < 0.001). Overall,
      stimulant medication showed superior effects over NFB to improve neurocognitive
      functioning. Hence, the findings do not support theta/beta training applied as a
      stand-alone treatment in children with ADHD.

PMID- 27665295
TI  - Poly- and perfluoroalkylated substances (PFASs) in water, sediment and fish
      muscle tissue from Lake Tana, Ethiopia and implications for human exposure.
AB  - Lake Tana is Ethiopia's largest lake and there are plans to increase the harvest
      of fish from the lake. The objective of this study was to assess the levels of
      poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in different compartments of the lake
      (water, sediment, and fish muscle tissue), and its implications for human
      exposure. The results showed higher PFAS concentrations in piscivorous fish
      species (Labeobarbus megastoma and Labeobarbus gorguari) than non-piscivorous
      species (Labeobarbus intermedius, Oreochromis niloticus and Clarias gariepinus)
      and also spatial distribution similarities. The ?PFAS concentrations ranged from
      0.073 to 5.6 ng L-1 (on average, 2.9 ng L-1) in surface water, 0.22-0.55 ng g-1
      dry weight (dw) (on average, 0.30 ng g-1 dw) in surface sediment, and non
      detected to 5.8 ng g-1 wet weight (ww) (on average, 1.2 ng g-1 ww) in all fish
      species. The relative risk (RR) indicates that the consumption of fish
      contaminated with perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) will likely not cause any
      harmful effects for the Ethiopian fish eating population. However, mixture
      toxicity of the sum of PFASs, individual fish consumption patterns and increasing
      fish consumption are important factors to consider in future risk assessments.

PMID- 27665296
TI  - Analytical techniques for steroid estrogens in water samples - A review.
AB  - In recent years, environmental concerns over ultra-trace levels of steroid
      estrogens concentrations in water samples have increased because of their adverse
      effects on human and animal life. Special attention to the analytical techniques
      used to quantify steroid estrogens in water samples is therefore increasingly
      important. The objective of this review was to present an overview of both
      instrumental and non-instrumental analytical techniques available for the
      determination of steroid estrogens in water samples, evidencing their respective
      potential advantages and limitations using the Need, Approach, Benefit, and
      Competition (NABC) approach. The analytical techniques highlighted in this review
      were instrumental and non-instrumental analytical techniques namely gas
      chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS), liquid chromatography mass spectrometry
      (LC-MS), enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA), radio immuno assay (RIA),
      yeast estrogen screen (YES) assay, and human breast cancer cell line
      proliferation (E-screen) assay. The complexity of water samples and their low
      estrogenic concentrations necessitates the use of highly sensitive instrumental
      analytical techniques (GC-MS and LC-MS) and non-instrumental analytical
      techniques (ELISA, RIA, YES assay and E-screen assay) to quantify steroid
      estrogens. Both instrumental and non-instrumental analytical techniques have
      their own advantages and limitations. However, the non-instrumental ELISA
      analytical techniques, thanks to its lower detection limit and simplicity, its
      rapidity and cost-effectiveness, currently appears to be the most reliable for
      determining steroid estrogens in water samples.

PMID- 27665298
TI  - Observation of ultrasonic guided wave propagation behaviours in pre-stressed
      multi-wire structures.
AB  - Ultrasonic guided wave (UGW) is a promising technique for nondestructive testing
      of pre-stressed multi-wire structures, such as steel strand and wire rope. The
      understanding of the propagation behaviours of UGW in these structures is a
      priority to applications. In the present study, first the properties of the UGW
      missing frequency band in the pre-stressed seven-wire steel strand is
      experimentally examined. The high correlation between the observed results and
      the previously published findings proves the feasibility of the magnetostrictive
      sensor (MsS) based testing method. The evolution of missing frequency band of UGW
      in slightly tensioned steel strand is discussed. Two calibration equations
      representing the relationship between the missing band parameters and the tensile
      force are given to derive a new tensile force measurement method, which is
      capable of measuring an incremental of stress of approximately 3MPa. Second, the
      effects of tensile force on the UGW propagation behaviours in three types of
      complicated steel wire ropes are alternatively investigated based on the short
      time Fourier transform (STFT) results of the received direct transmission wave
      (DTW) signals. The observed inherent missing frequency band of the longitudinal
      mode UGW in the pre-stressed steel wire rope and its shifting to a higher
      frequency range as the increases of the applied tensile force are reported for
      the first time. The influence of applied tensile force on the amplitude of the
      DTW signal and the unique UGW energy jump behaviour observed in a wire rope of
      16.0mm, 6*Fi(29)+IWRC are also investigated, despite the fact that they cannot
      yet be explained.

PMID- 27665297
TI  - Guided wave scattering by geometrical change or damage: Application to
      characterization of fatigue crack and machined notch.
AB  - Validation of guided-wave based systems for Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) and
      Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) under realistic conditions or environment
      requires complex setups. For this purpose, numerical or theoretical approaches
      are useful to save time and cost associated with experiential tests. However, the
      interaction with realistic geometrical (rivets, thickness changes, stiffeners,
      extrusions) or damage features (fatigue cracks, fillet cracks, delaminations,
      disbonds) must be accurately captured in order to be representative. In this
      paper, an experimental methodology is presented for estimating the far-field
      scattering of geometrical or damage features. The principle is based on the use
      of a Hankel transform of the measured 3D velocity field in order to evaluate with
      precision and repeatability the scattered pattern using a spatially averaged
      method. Application to scattering of a hole with simulated machined and real
      fatigue cracks is proposed. It is observed that the simulated machined crack
      generally used as a reference standard can only model accurately the transmission
      behaviour while the scattering patterns are only similar when the wavelength is
      about the size of the crack, limiting the practical use of machined cracks for
      experimental validation of SHM or NDE systems.

PMID- 27665294
TI  - Disinfection of human musculoskeletal allografts in tissue banking: a systematic
      review.
AB  - Musculoskeletal allografts are typically disinfected using antibiotics,
      irradiation or chemical methods but protocols vary significantly between tissue
      banks. It is likely that different disinfection protocols will not have the same
      level of microorganism kill; they may also have varying effects on the structural
      integrity of the tissue, which could lead to significant differences in terms of
      clinical outcome in recipients. Ideally, a disinfection protocol should achieve
      the greatest bioburden reduction with the lowest possible impact on tissue
      integrity. A systematic review of three databases found 68 laboratory and
      clinical studies that analyzed the microbial bioburden or contamination rates of
      musculoskeletal allografts. The use of peracetic acid-ethanol or ionizing
      radiation was found to be most effective for disinfection of tissues. The use of
      irradiation is the most frequently published method for the terminal
      sterilization of musculoskeletal allografts; it is widely used and its efficacy
      is well documented in the literature. However, effective disinfection results
      were still observed using the BioCleanseTM Tissue Sterilization process,
      pulsatile lavage with antibiotics, ethylene oxide, and chlorhexidine. The variety
      of effective methods to reduce contamination rate or bioburden, in conjunction
      with limited high quality evidence provides little support for the recommendation
      of a single bioburden reduction method.

PMID- 27665299
TI  - Primary and Secondary Chemoprevention of Malignant Melanoma.
AB  - The incidence of malignant melanoma (MM) continues to rise in the United States.
      While sun protection and full body skin examinations remain the mainstay of
      preventative care, chemoprevention of the deadly disease has become an
      increasingly popular field of study. In this focused review, we discuss current
      findings and analyze the risks and benefits of various agents investigated for
      the primary and secondary chemoprevention of MM. Such agents include topical
      retinoids, vitamins, and supplements, Polypodium leucotomas extracts, non
      steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs), statins, sunscreens, and field
      therapy with topical imiquimod for primary and secondary chemoprevention. We
      further identify a need for expanded high quality human research on the topic.

PMID- 27665300
TI  - Adalimumab: A Review in Hidradenitis Suppurativa.
AB  - Subcutaneous adalimumab (Humira(r)) is a tumour necrosis factor-alpha blocker
      that is the only approved agent for the treatment of moderate to severe
      hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) in several countries worldwide. This article
      reviews the clinical efficacy and safety of subcutaneous adalimumab in patients
      with moderate to severe HS. In clinical trials (PIONEER I and II), a greater
      proportion of adalimumab than placebo recipients reached HS clinical response
      (HiSCR) at week 12. The main secondary endpoints, such as the proportion of
      patients with an abscess and inflammatory nodule count of <=2 at week 12, were
      significantly greater with adalimumab than with placebo in PIONEER II, but not in
      PIONEER I. In addition, adalimumab showed the potential to reduce the high health
      related quality of life burden of HS and increase patient satisfaction. HiSCR
      rates were generally maintained in the longer term, and the safety profile of
      adalimumab in patients with moderate to severe HS was consistent with the known
      safety profile of the drug for other indications, with no new emerging safety
      signals. Adalimumab is an effective and generally well tolerated treatment for
      patients with moderate to severe HS, and is the first agent approved for this
      difficult-to-treat disease.

PMID- 27665302
TI  - Access to Diabetes Care for Populations Experiencing Homelessness: an Integrated
      Review.
AB  - Populations experiencing homelessness with diabetes may encounter barriers to
      accessing comprehensive diabetes care to manage the condition, yet it is unclear
      to what extent this population is able to access care. We reviewed the literature
      to identify and describe the barriers and facilitators to accessing diabetes care
      and managing diabetes for homeless populations using the Equity of Access to
      Medical Care Framework. An integrated review of the literature was conducted and
      yielded 10 articles that met inclusion criteria. Integrated reviews search,
      summarize, and critique the state of the research evidence. Findings were
      organized using the dimensions of a comprehensive conceptual framework, the
      Equity of Access to Medical Care Framework, to identify barriers and facilitators
      to accessing care and managing diabetes. Barriers included competing priorities,
      limited access to healthy food, and inadequate healthcare resources. Facilitators
      to care included integrated delivery systems that provided both social and health
      related services, and increased patient knowledge. Recommendations are provided
      for healthcare providers and public health practitioners to optimize diabetes
      outcomes for this population.

PMID- 27665303
TI  - Mobile clinics in Haiti, part 1: Preparing for service-learning.
AB  - Mobile clinics have been used successfully to provide healthcare services to
      people in hard to reach areas around the world, but their use is sometimes
      controversial. There are advantages to using mobile clinics among rural
      underserved populations, and providing access to those who are vulnerable will
      improve health and decrease morbidity and mortality. However, some teams use
      inappropriate approaches to international service. For over 15 years, Azusa
      Pacific University School of Nursing has sponsored mobile clinics to rural
      northern Haiti with the aim to provide culturally sensitive healthcare in
      collaboration with Haitian leaders. Experience and exploring the literature have
      informed the APU-SoN approach on best practices for planning and preparing study
      abroad, service-learning trips that provide healthcare services. The authors hope
      that this description of the preparation and planning needed for appropriate and
      culturally sensitive service-learning experiences abroad will benefit others who
      seek to provide healthcare study abroad opportunities around the world.

PMID- 27665301
TI  - Does Zinc Really "Metal" with Diabetes? The Epidemiologic Evidence.
AB  - Zinc (Zn) is important in a number of processes related to insulin secretion and
      insulin activity in peripheral tissues, making this element an interesting
      potential co-adjuvant in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).
      This issue has been matter of interest in recent years. The available evidence is
      analyzed in this review. Information from epidemiologic studies evaluating the
      relationship between Zn and T2D is inconsistent. Furthermore, few studies
      examined the association between Zn status and insulin action and/or glucose
      homeostasis. In terms of usefulness of Zn as a preventive agent for T2D
      development, information is insufficient to reach firm conclusions. Results from
      Zn supplementation trials found some positive effects only in those with initial
      sub normal Zn status in a significant proportion of individuals. In conclusion,
      the effect of Zn on patients with type 2 diabetes is still an open question, and
      better study designs are needed to clarify the real impact and characteristics of
      the Zn-diabetes interaction.

PMID- 27665304
TI  - Dignity and respect in midwifery education in the UK: A survey of Lead Midwives
      of Education.
AB  - In the UK respect, dignity and compassion are the underpinning values which must
      determine service user care in the National Health Service (NHS). In midwifery
      education it is unclear how students are being taught these values. We created a
      study that aimed to explore how learning about dignity and respect is facilitated
      and assessed within pre-registration midwifery curricula. An online survey was
      devised and distributed to all Lead Midwives for Education in the UK. The
      findings are presented under the three main themes of understanding the meaning
      of dignity and respect, teaching and assessment and experiences. The study
      concludes that, though there are some good areas of education practice there is
      inconsistency in how Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) guidelines are
      transferred into curricula. This leads to students receiving differing emphasis
      of education on the values of dignity and respect.

PMID- 27665305
TI  - Predelivery uterine arteries embolization in patients with placental implant
      anomalies: a cost-effective procedure.
AB  - Postpartum hemorrhages occur in 5 % of all deliveries. Open surgery and
      endovascular embolization techniques are the options commonly applied to face
      this life-threatening scenario. A cost analysis has been performed to compare the
      standard embolization endovascular approach, performed postpartum in emergency
      settlement, with a novel proposed preventive embolization approach, and performed
      in election in selected high-risk patients before the delivery. Two groups have
      been compared: 46 patients (non-preventive group) and 67 patients (preventive
      group). The computation of the detailed costs derived from the real costs
      supported by the hospital, based on the regional tariff in the period considered.
      The total expense for the 46 patients of the non-preventive group was 640.551,84?
      (13.925,04?/patient); all of them received transfusions and 43.4 % underwent to
      hysterectomy; the total expense for the 67 patients of the preventive group was
      509.720,59? (7.607,77?/ patient); 36 % required transfusions and 26 % underwent
      to hysterectomy. Overall, in the preventive group, there is a mean saving of 45
      %, it else 6.317?/patient. In this sample, predelivery uterine artery
      embolization has proved to be a cost-effective procedure, reducing the length of
      the hospital stay and the number of transfers to the intensive care unit, in
      pregnants with placental implant anomalies.

PMID- 27665306
TI  - Avoidance behavior of Eisenia fetida in oxytetracycline- and heavy metal
      contaminated soils.
AB  - To determine the behavior of oxytetracycline (OTC) and heavy metals in soil, this
      study assessed the pollutant-induced avoidance behavior of earthworms (E. fetida)
      exposed to zinc (Zn2+), lead (Pb2+), and OTC in soil. The results showed a clear
      avoidance response within 48h of exposure to the highest concentrations of
      pollutants. Moreover, E. fetida was shown to be more sensitive to Zn2+ than to
      Pb2+ and OTC. Compared with OTC alone, the net response of earthworms increased
      in the OTC-Zn2+ and OTC-Pb2+ combined treatments, indicating a synergistic
      effect. Moreover, the net response (NR) of the earthworms was higher for OTC-Zn2+
      than it was for OTC-Pb2+, possibly reflecting the differences in essential
      characteristics of Zn and Pb.

PMID- 27665308
TI  - The impact of sleep loss on the facilitation of seizures: A prospective case
      crossover study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The relationship between sleep and seizures is intricate. The aim of
      this study was to assess whether sleep loss is an independent seizure precipitant
      in a clinical setting. METHODS: In this prospective, observational cross-over
      study, 179 consecutive hospital admissions for epileptic seizures were included.
      A semi-structured interview regarding several seizure precipitants was performed.
      The sleep pattern prior to the seizure, as well as alcohol, caffeine and drug
      use, were recorded. The interview was repeated by telephone covering the same
      weekday at a time when there had been no recent seizure. The Hospital Anxiety and
      Depression Scale (HADS) and a visual analogue scale for perceived stress were
      applied at admission. Student's t-test, Fisher exact test and ANOVA were used for
      statistical analyses. RESULTS: Complete data for analysis were retrieved in 144
      patients. The sleep-time during the 24h prior to the seizure was lower (7.3h)
      compared to follow-up (8.3h; p<0.0005). Caffeine consumption and use of relevant
      non antiepileptic drugs (AED) were not different. HADS and stress scores at
      admission did not correlate with sleep-time difference. In ANOVA, controlled for
      alcohol consumption and AED use, the sleep-time difference remained significant
      (p=0.008). The interaction with alcohol intake was high, but the sleep-time
      difference remained highly significant also for the non- and low-consumption (<=2
      units per day) subgroup (n=121, 7.50h vs 8.42h, p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Epileptic
      seizures are often precipitated by a combination of various clinical factors, but
      sleep loss stands out as an independent seizure trigger.

PMID- 27665309
TI  - Echovirus 1 internalization negatively regulates epidermal growth factor receptor
      downregulation.
AB  - We have demonstrated previously that the human picornavirus Echovirus 1 (EV1)
      triggers an infectious internalization pathway that follows closely, but seems to
      stay separate, from the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway triggered
      by epidermal growth factor (EGF). Here, we confirmed by using live and confocal
      microscopy that EGFR and EV1 vesicles are following intimately each other but are
      distinct entities with different degradation kinetics. We show here that despite
      being sorted to different pathways and located in distinct endosomes, EV1
      inhibits EGFR downregulation. Simultaneous treatment with EV1 and EGF led to an
      accumulation of EGFR in cytoplasmic endosomes, which was evident already 15 min
      p.i. and more pronounced after 2 hr p.i. EV1 treatment led to reduced
      downregulation, which was proven by increased total cellular amount of EGFR.
      Confocal microscopy studies revealed that EGFR accumulated in large endosomes,
      presumably macropinosomes, which were not positive for markers of the early,
      recycling, or late endosomes/lysosomes. Interestingly, EV1 did not have a similar
      blocking effect on bulk endosomal trafficking or transferrin recycling along the
      clathrin pathway suggesting that EV1 did not have a general effect on cellular
      trafficking pathways. Importantly, EGF treatment increased EV1 infection and
      increased cell viability during infection. Simultaneous EV1 and EGF treatment
      seemed to moderately enhance phosphorylation of protein kinase C alpha.
      Furthermore, similar phenotype of EGFR trafficking could be produced by phorbol
      12-myristate 13-acetate treatment, further suggesting that activated protein
      kinase C alpha could be contributing to EGFR phenotype. These results altogether
      demonstrate that EV1 specifically affects EGFR trafficking, leading to EGFR
      downregulation, which is beneficial to EV1 infection.

PMID- 27665307
TI  - Peripheral nerve injury induces adult brain neurogenesis and remodelling.
AB  - Unilateral peripheral nerve chronic constriction injury (CCI) has been widely
      used as a research model of human neuropathic pain. Recently, CCI has been shown
      to induce spinal cord adult neurogenesis, which may contribute to the chronic
      increase in nociceptive sensitivity. Here, we show that CCI also induces rapid
      and profound asymmetrical anatomical rearrangements in the adult rodent
      cerebellum and pons. This remodelling occurs throughout the hindbrain, and in
      addition to regions involved in pain processing, also affects other sensory
      modalities. We demonstrate that these anatomical changes, partially reversible in
      the long term, result from adult neurogenesis. Neurogenic markers Mash1, Ngn2,
      doublecortin and Notch3 are widely expressed in the rodent cerebellum and pons,
      both under normal and injured conditions. CCI-induced hindbrain structural
      plasticity is absent in Notch3 knockout mice, a strain with impaired neuronal
      differentiation, demonstrating its dependence on adult neurogenesis. Grey matter
      and white matter structural changes in human brain, as a result of pain, injury
      or learned behaviours have been previously detected using non-invasive
      neuroimaging techniques. Because neurogenesis-mediated structural plasticity is
      thought to be restricted to the hippocampus and the subventricular zone, such
      anatomical rearrangements in other parts of the brain have been thought to result
      from neuronal plasticity or glial hypertrophy. Our findings suggest the presence
      of extensive neurogenesis-based structural plasticity in the adult mammalian
      brain, which may maintain a memory of basal sensory levels, and act as an
      adaptive mechanism to changes in sensory inputs.

PMID- 27665310
TI  - Percutaneous biliary approach as a successful rescue procedure after failed
      endoscopic therapy for drainage in advanced hilar tumors.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Palliative endoscopic or percutaneous biliary drainage is
      used for unresectable advanced hilar cancer (HC). The best option for drainage in
      Bismuth type III or IV HC has not been established. The aims of this study are to
      identify factors predictive of endoscopic stenting failure and evaluate the
      effectiveness of rescue percutaneous stenting in patients with advanced HC.
      METHODS: Data from 110 patients with inoperable advanced HC were retrospectively
      reviewed. All received bilateral self-expandable metallic stents. Patients were
      divided into three groups: I, successful initial endoscopic stenting; II,
      unsuccessful initial endoscopic stenting, followed by percutaneous stenting; and
      III, initial percutaneous stenting. We analyzed clinical results and radiologic
      tumor characteristics. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes of
      all groups were similar, except the hospital stay was longer in group III than
      group I. Technical success rate was higher in groups II and III (100%) than in
      group I (72.4%). The functional success rate, stent patency time, patient
      survival time, and complication rate were similar between groups. Endoscopic
      stenting failed because of guide-wire passage failure (n = 12) or stent passage
      failure (n = 7). The only factor significantly associated with endoscopic failure
      was a smaller left intrahepatic duct-common bile duct angle. CONCLUSIONS: As
      clinical outcomes were generally similar between approaches, percutaneous
      stenting is recommended for patients with Bismuth type III or IV advanced HC.
      Acute left intrahepatic duct-common bile duct angulation predicts endoscopic
      stenting failure. If endoscopic stenting fails, immediate conversion to the
      percutaneous approach is a necessary and effective rescue method.

PMID- 27665311
TI  - Healthcare worker and family caregiver hand hygiene in Bangladeshi healthcare
      facilities: results from the Bangladesh National Hygiene Baseline Survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Healthcare facility hand hygiene impacts patient care, healthcare
      worker safety, and infection control, but low-income countries have few data to
      guide interventions. AIM: To conduct a nationally representative survey of hand
      hygiene infrastructure and behaviour in Bangladeshi healthcare facilities to
      establish baseline data to aid policy. METHODS: The 2013 Bangladesh National
      Hygiene Baseline Survey examined water, sanitation, and hand hygiene across
      households, schools, restaurants and food vendors, traditional birth attendants,
      and healthcare facilities. We used probability proportional to size sampling to
      select 100 rural and urban population clusters, and then surveyed hand hygiene
      infrastructure in 875 inpatient healthcare facilities, observing behaviour in 100
      facilities. FINDINGS: More than 96% of facilities had 'improved' water sources,
      but environmental contamination occurred frequently around water sources. Soap
      was available at 78-92% of handwashing locations for doctors and nurses, but just
      4-30% for patients and family. Only 2% of 4676 hand hygiene opportunities
      resulted in recommended actions: using alcohol sanitizer or washing both hands
      with soap, then drying by air or clean cloth. Healthcare workers performed
      recommended hand hygiene in 9% of 919 opportunities: more after patient contact
      (26%) than before (11%). Family caregivers frequently washed hands with only
      water (48% of 2751 opportunities), but with little soap (3%). CONCLUSION:
      Healthcare workers had more access to hand hygiene materials and performed better
      hand hygiene than family, but still had low adherence. Increasing hand hygiene
      materials and behaviour could improve infection control in Bangladeshi healthcare
      facilities.

PMID- 27665312
TI  - Corrigendum to 'Automated surveillance system for hospital-acquired urinary tract
      infections in Denmark' [Journal of Hospital Infection 93 (2016) 290-296].

PMID- 27665314
TI  - Role of subcellular calcium redistribution in regulating apoptosis and autophagy
      in cadmium-exposed primary rat proximal tubular cells.
AB  - Ca2+ signaling plays a vital role in regulating apoptosis and autophagy. We
      previously proved that cytosolic Ca2+ overload is involved in cadmium (Cd)
      induced apoptosis in rat proximal tubular (rPT) cells, but the source of elevated
      cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]c) and the effect of potential subcellular
      Ca2+ redistribution on apoptosis and autophagy remain to be elucidated. Firstly,
      data showed that Cd-induced elevation of [Ca2+]c was primarily generated
      intracellularly. Moreover, elevations of [Ca2+]c and mitochondrial Ca2+
      concentration ([Ca2+]mit) with depletion of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+
      levels ([Ca2+]ER) were revealed in Cd-treated rPT cells, but this subcellular
      Ca2+ redistribution was significantly suppressed by 2-Aminoethoxydiphenyl borate
      (2-APB). Elevated inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) levels with up-regulated IP3
      receptor (IP3R) protein levels were shown in Cd-exposed cells, confirming that
      IP3R-mediated ER Ca2+ release results in the elevation of [Ca2+]c. Up-regulated
      sequestosome 1 (p62) protein levels and autophagic flux assay demonstrated that
      Cd impaired autophagic degradation, while N-acetylcysteine (NAC) markedly
      attenuated Cd-induced p62 and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3-II
      (LC3-II) accumulation, implying that the inhibition of autophagic flux was due to
      oxidative stress. Furthermore, pharmacological modulation of [Ca2+]c with 1,2-Bis
      (2-aminophenoxy) ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid acetoxymethyl ester (BAPTA-AM)
      and 2-APB alleviated Cd-mediated apoptosis, inhibition of autophagic degradation
      and subsequent cytotoxicity, while thapsigargin (TG) had the opposite regulatory
      effect on them. In summary, cytosolic calcium overload originated from IP3R
      mediated ER Ca2+ release has a negative impact on Cd nephrotoxicity through its
      promotion of apoptosis and inhibition of autophagic flux.

PMID- 27665315
TI  - Effects of metal ions and cosolutes on G-quadruplex topology.
AB  - Topologies of G-quadruplexes depend on oligonucleotide sequences and on
      environmental factors, and the diversity of G-quadruplex topologies complicates
      investigation of functions of these nucleic acid structures. To investigate how
      metal ions and cosolutes regulate topologies of G-quadruplexes, we stabilized the
      antiparallel conformation by insertion of 2'-deoxyxanthosine and 8-oxo-2'
      deoxyguanosine into selected positions of an oligonucleotide. Thermodynamic
      analyses of the oligonucleotide revealed that Na+ stabilized the antiparallel G
      quadruplex, whereas K+ destabilized this topology. This result suggests that
      metal ions selectively stabilize G-quadruplex topologies with cavities between G
      quartet planes of certain sizes. In the presence of KCl in 20wt% poly(ethylene
      glycol) with average molecular weight of 200, the antiparallel basket-type G
      quadruplex conformation was not stabilized compared with the dilute condition. In
      the presence of NaCl, the cosolute did stabilize the G-quadruplex with respect to
      the dilute condition. The presented data show that metal ions and cosolutes
      regulate topologies of G-quadruplexes through mechanisms that depend on sizes of
      metal ion cavities and hydration states.

PMID- 27665313
TI  - Unplanned 30-day hospital readmission as a quality measure in gynecologic
      oncology.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Thirty-day readmission is used as a quality measure for patient care
      and Medicare-based hospital reimbursement. The primary study objective was to
      describe the 30-day readmission rate to an academic gynecologic oncology service.
      Secondary objectives were to identify risk factors and costs related to
      readmission. METHODS: This was a retrospective, concurrent cohort study of all
      surgical admissions to an academic, high volume gynecologic oncology service
      during a two-year period (2013-2014). Data were collected on patient
      demographics, medical comorbidities, psychosocial risk factors, and results from
      a hospital discharge screening survey. Mixed logistic regression was used to
      identify factors associated with 30-day readmission and costs of readmission were
      assessed. RESULTS: During the two-year study period, 1605 women underwent an
      index surgical admission. Among this population, a total of 177 readmissions
      (11.0%) in 135 unique patients occurred. In a surgical subpopulation with >1
      night stay, a readmission rate of 20.9% was observed. The mean interval to
      readmission was 11.8days (SD 10.7) and mean length of readmission stay was
      5.1days (SD 5.0). Factors associated with readmission included radical surgery
      for ovarian cancer (OR 2.87) or cervical cancer (OR 4.33), creation of an ostomy
      (OR 11.44), a Charlson score of >=5 (OR 2.15), a language barrier (OR 3.36), a
      median household income in the lowest quartile (OR 6.49), and a positive
      discharge screen (OR 2.85). The mean cost per readmission was $25,416 (SD
      $26,736), with the highest costs associated with gastrointestinal complications
      at $32,432 (SD $32,148). The total readmission-related costs during the study
      period were $4,523,959. CONCLUSIONS: Readmissions to a high volume gynecologic
      oncology service were costly and related to radical surgery for ovarian and
      cervical cancer as well as to medical, socioeconomic and psychosocial patient
      variables. These data may inform interventional studies aimed at decreasing
      unplanned readmissions in gynecologic oncology surgical populations.

PMID- 27665316
TI  - Chemical properties and biotoxicity of several chromium picolinate derivatives.
AB  - As a man-made additive, chromium picolinate Cr(pic)3 has become a popular dietary
      supplement worldwide. In this paper Cr(pic)3 and its new derivatives Cr(6-CH3
      pic)3 (1), [Cr(6-NH2-pic)2(H2O)2]NO3 (2) and Cr(3-NH2-pic)3 (3) were synthesized,
      and complexes 1 and 2 were characterized by X-ray crystal structure (where pic=2
      carboxypyridine). The relationship between the chemical properties and
      biotoxicity of these complexes was fully discussed: (1) The dynamics stability of
      chromium picolinate complexes mainly depends on the CrN bonds length. (2) There
      is a positive correlation between the dynamics stability, electrochemical
      potentials and generation of reactive oxygen species through Fenton-like
      reaction. (3) However, no biological toxicity was observed through MTT (3-(4,5
      dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) and sub-chronic oral
      toxicity study for these chromium picolinate compounds. Together, our findings
      establish a framework for understanding the structure-property-toxicity
      relationships of the chromium picolinate complexes.

PMID- 27665317
TI  - Copper (II) and zinc (II) complexes with flavanone derivatives: Identification of
      potential cholinesterase inhibitors by on-flow assays.
AB  - Metal chelates strongly influence the nature and magnitude of pharmacological
      activities in flavonoids. In recent years, studies have shown that a promising
      class of flavanone-metal ion complexes can act as selective cholinesterase
      inhibitors (ChEIs), which has led our group to synthesize a new series of
      flavanone derivatives (hesperidin, hesperetin, naringin, and naringenin)
      complexed to either copper (II) or zinc (II) and to evaluate their potential use
      as selective ChEIs. Most of the synthesized complexes exhibited greater
      inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) than against
      butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). Nine of these complexes constituted potent,
      reversible, and selective ChEIs with inhibitory potency (IC50) and inhibitory
      constant (Ki) ranging from 0.02 to 4.5MUM. Copper complexes with flavanone
      bipyridine derivatives afforded the best inhibitory activity against AChE and
      BChE. The complex Cu(naringin)(2,2'-bipyridine) (11) gave IC50 and Ki values of
      0.012+/-0.002 and 0.07+/-0.01MUM for huAChE, respectively, which were lower than
      the inhibitory values obtained for standard galanthamine (IC50=206+/-30.0 and
      Ki=126+/-18.0MUM). Evaluation of the inhibitory activity of this complex against
      butyrylcholinesterase from human serum (huBChE) gave IC50 and Ki values of 8.0+/
      1.4 and 2.0+/-0.1MUM, respectively. A Liquid Chromatography-Immobilized Capillary
      Enzyme Reactor by UV detection (LC-ICER-UV) assay allowed us to determine the
      IC50 and Ki values and the type of mechanism for the best inhibitors.

PMID- 27665318
TI  - Synthesis and biological evaluation of PEGylated CuO nanoparticles.
AB  - There is a growing field of research into the physicochemical properties of metal
      oxide nanoparticles (NPs) and their potential use against tumor formation,
      development and progression. Coated NPs with biocompatible surfactants can be
      incorporated into the natural metabolic pathway of the body and specifically
      favor delivery to the targeted cancerous cells versus normal cells. Polyethylene
      glycol (PEG) is an FDA approved, biocompatible synthetic polymer and PEGylated
      NPs are regarded as "stealth" nanoparticles, which are not recognized by the
      immune system. Herein, PEGylated cupric oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) with either
      PEG 1000 or PEG 8000 were hydrothermally prepared upon properly adjusting the
      reaction conditions. Depending on the reaction time CuO NPs in the range of core
      sizes 11-20nm were formed, while hydrodynamic sizes substantially varied (330
      1120nm) with improved colloidal stability in PBS. The anticancer activity of the
      NPs was evaluated on human cervical carcinoma HeLa cells by using human
      immortalized embryonic kidney 293 FT cells as a control. Viability assays (3-(4,5
      dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, MTT) revealed that CuO NPs
      could selectively reduce viability of tumor cells (IC50 values 11.91
      25.78MUg/mL). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, cell membrane damage and
      apoptotic DNA laddering were also evident by nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT)
      reduction, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assays and DNA electrophoresis,
      respectively. CuO NPs strongly inhibited lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymatic activity
      with IC50 values 4-5.9MUg/mL, highlighting in that manner their anti-inflammatory
      activity.

PMID- 27665319
TI  - [An original "double-arched" radial forearm flap for soft palate reconstruction.
      Case report].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Reconstruction of the soft palate after oncologic resection remains
      a surgical challenge. Speech and swallowing problems are the consequences of
      velopharyngeal incompetence following soft palate resection. Free tissue transfer
      like radial forearm flaps can be used in larger defects for complex
      reconstruction. The conformation of the flap in order to be closer to the shape
      of the soft palate improves the functional outcome. In the same way, we describe
      an original "double-arched" flap design. METHODS: A double arch of the exact
      length of the soft palate tumor resection is designed. After suturing, the flap
      spontaneously formed a double arch of the exact dimensions of the resected piece.
      RESULTS: The patient achieved good functional recovery without any surgical
      complications. CONCLUSION: The original "double-arched" forearm flap design
      allows a tailored reconstruction with exactly the same shape and dimensions,
      preserving the functional requirements of speech and deglutition.

PMID- 27665321
TI  - Prostate Cancer Focal Therapy: Just Because You Can Does Not Mean You Should.

PMID- 27665320
TI  - [The gluteus maximus inferior split-muscle flap for the cover of ischiatic
      pressure ulcers: Study of 61 cases].
AB  - AIM OF THE STUDY: The coverage of ischiatic pressure ulcers is characterized by a
      significant recurrence rate (8-64% depending on the series). It therefore seems
      necessary to introduce the concept of saving in the use of muscle flaps available
      to avoid being in a situation of therapeutic impasse. The gluteus maximus
      inferior split-muscle flap allows a tailored coverage to the ischiatic pressure
      ulcers grade IV with skin defect less than 8cm after surgical debridement. It is
      associated with an advancement-rotation skin flap removed above the sub-gluteal
      fold. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The surgical treatment is performed in a single-stage
      (care+coverage), undercovered by probabilistic antibiotic per- and postoperative
      then secondarily adapted. After excision of the cavity, a gluteus maximus
      inferior split-muscle flap was realized. The inferior gluteal artery ensures the
      muscular flap vascularization. Afterwards, patients follow a rehabilitation
      program in a specialized center. RESULTS: Sixty-one flaps were performed in 55
      patients between September 2000 and January 2015. Fifty-nine (97%) were conducted
      in first-line and 2 (3%) for covering recurrent pressure ulcers. After a mean
      duration of 4 years and 8 months follow-up, 13 pressure ulcers (21.3%) relapsed.
      If reoperation, a simple remobilization of the muscle flap was achieved in 54% of
      cases, a myocutaneous flap of biceps femoris in 23% and surgical abstention in a
      patient with non-compliant perioperative care. CONCLUSIONS: The gluteus maximus
      inferior split-muscle flap, simple to implement, provides coverage of ischial
      pressure sores while sparing muscle flaps usually used for this indication. The
      recurrence rate associated with the gluteus maximus inferior split-muscle flap is
      comparable to biceps femoris and gluteus maximus muscle flaps (totally
      harvested). It does not sacrifice function gluteus maximus muscle and can be
      performed in the valid patient. This flap keeps the Superior split-muscle,
      mobilized in case of sacral pressure ulcer. The gluteus maximus inferior split
      muscle flap is the first intention flap indicated for the cover of cover of
      ischiatic pressure ulcers of less than 8cm in diameter.

PMID- 27665322
TI  - Sildenafil, pulmonary hypertension and bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
AB  - Pulmonary hypertension (PH) secondary to bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in
      infants remains a serious concern and continues to cause significant morbidity
      despite improvements in both quality of life and survival for patients. One of
      the potential agents that might help is sildenafil citrate, a phosphodiesterase-V
      inhibitor used a first line therapy for idiopathic PH. However, only limited
      evidence exists for its use as either monotherapy or part of a combination
      approach towards the management of PH in BPD. The evidence and current knowledge
      is presented for sildenafil alone and in combination with other disease modifying
      agents to treat PH in the presence of BPD. We have previously suggested that
      sildenafil appears to be safe and possibly effective in this condition. We
      present the evidence that if continued until PH resolution, there might be
      reduced mortality in this debilitating disease.

PMID- 27665323
TI  - Natural radioactivity assessment of surface sediments in the Yangtze Estuary.
AB  - The activities of the natural radionuclides (238U, 232Th, 226Ra and 40K) of the
      surface sediments in the Yangtze Estuary were determined and used to evaluate
      radiation hazards in the study area. The of activities of 238U, 232Th, 226Ra and
      40K ranges from 14.1 to 62.3, 26.1 to 71.9, 13.7 to 52.3, and 392 to 898Bqkg-1,
      respectively, which were comparable to values of other regions in China. The
      activities of 232Th, 40K and 226Ra were clearly different from the global
      recommended values. The radium equivalent activity was less than the recommended
      limit of 370Bqkg-1; therefore, the sediment in this area can be safely used for
      reclamation. The external hazard index values were less than one. The average
      absorbed gamma dose rate and annual effective dose equivalent values were
      slightly greater than the world average value. 226Ra/238U and 232Th/238U ratios
      could potentially be applied for tracing sediment source.

PMID- 27665325
TI  - Assessment of pollutant mean concentrations in the Yangtze estuary based on MSN
      theory.
AB  - Reliable assessment of water quality is a critical issue for estuaries. Nutrient
      concentrations show significant spatial distinctions between areas under the
      influence of fresh-sea water interaction and anthropogenic effects. For this
      situation, given the limitations of general mean estimation approaches, a new
      method for surfaces with non-homogeneity (MSN) was applied to obtain optimized
      linear unbiased estimations of the mean nutrient concentrations in the study area
      in the Yangtze estuary from 2011 to 2013. Other mean estimation methods,
      including block Kriging (BK), simple random sampling (SS) and stratified sampling
      (ST) inference, were applied simultaneously for comparison. Their performance was
      evaluated by estimation error. The results show that MSN had the highest
      accuracy, while SS had the highest estimation error. ST and BK were intermediate
      in terms of their performance. Thus, MSN is an appropriate method that can be
      adopted to reduce the uncertainty of mean pollutant estimation in estuaries.

PMID- 27665324
TI  - Bioremediation of contaminated coastal sediment: Optimization of slow release
      biostimulant ball using response surface methodology (RSM) and stabilization of
      metals from contaminated sediment.
AB  - The aim of the present study is to optimize the slow release biostimulant ball
      (BSB) for bioremediation of contaminated coastal sediment using response surface
      methodology (RSM). Metals contamination and stabilization of metals in coastal
      sediments using BSB were investigated. The effects of BSB size (1-5cm), distance
      (1-10cm), and time (1-4months) on the stabilization of metals including Fe, Cd,
      Cu, and Pb were determined. The maximum stabilization percentages of Fe, Cd, Cu,
      and Pb, of 64.5%, 54.9%, 63.8%, and 47.6%, respectively, were observed at a 3cm
      ball size, 5.5cm distance, and a period of 4months; these values are the optimum
      conditions for effective treatment of contaminated coastal sediment. The
      determination coefficient of the R2 value suggests that >91.55%, 89.97%, 96.10%,
      and 86.40% of the variance is attributable to the variables of Fe, Cd, Cu, and
      Pb, respectively.

PMID- 27665326
TI  - Frequency of genetic polymorphism for adrenergic receptor beta and cytochrome
      p450 2D6 enzyme, and effects on tolerability of beta-blocker therapy in heart
      failure with reduced ejection fraction patients: The Beta GenTURK study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The present objective was to determine frequency of Arginine389Glycine
      (Arg389Gly) and Cytochrome p450 2D6*10 (Cyp2D6*10) polymorphism in cases of heart
      failure-reduced ejection fraction (HFREF), and to evaluate the influence of the
      polymorphisms in response to beta-blocker (BB) therapy. METHODS: A total of 206
      HFREF patients and 90 healthy controls were prospectively enrolled. Genotypes for
      Arg389Gly and Cyp2D6*10 polymorphisms of the healthy controls and 162 of the 206
      heart failure (HF) patients were measured, identified by polymerase-chain
      reaction- and restriction-fragment-length-polymorphism analysis. HFREF patients
      and healthy controls were compared regarding Arg389Gly polymorphism. The HFREF
      patients were separated into 2 subgroups based on achievement of maximal target
      dose (MTD) of BB. RESULTS: When comparing frequency of genotype distribution for
      Arg389Gly polymorphism in HFREF patients to the healthy controls, a statistically
      significant association was observed with CC genotype and Glisin-Glisin (GG)
      genotype (p<0.001, odds ratio [OR]=16, confidence interval [CI]: 3.8-67.9 and
      p<0.001, OR=0.3, CI: 0.2-0.6). Frequency of genotypes for Arg389Gly and Cyp2D6*10
      polymorphism were similar in patients who could or could not achieve BB MTD
      (p=0.13 and p=0.60, respectively). CONCLUSION: The frequency of Arg389Gly
      polymorphism in patients with HFREF in the present Turkish population differed
      from that of the healthy controls. However, neither Arg389Gly polymorphism nor
      Cyp2D6*10 polymorphism was associated with dose tolerability of BB therapy.

PMID- 27665327
TI  - Right ventricular function in coronary slow flow: A two-dimensional speckle
      tracking echocardiographic study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Coronary slow-flow phenomenon (CSFP) is described as protracted
      passage of angiographic contrast agent to the distal portion of the epicardial
      coronary arteries in the absence of stenosis. Few studies have addressed the
      effects of this condition on right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. The present
      objective was to assess RV function in CSFP via 2-dimensional speckle-tracking
      echocardiography (2DSTE). METHODS: A total of 29 patients with CSFP and 29
      participants with normal coronary flow were compared regarding RV systolic and
      diastolic functions. Participants were matched for age, sex, hypertension, and
      diabetes mellitus. RV systolic and diastolic functions were evaluated with pulsed
      wave tissue Doppler echocardiography and 2DSTE. RESULTS: There were no
      statistically significant differences between the CSFP group and the control
      group regarding tissue Doppler echocardiographic and 2DSTE-derived indices.
      CONCLUSION: CSFP was not associated with tissue Doppler echocardiographic and
      2DSTE-derived indices of RV systolic and diastolic function.

PMID- 27665328
TI  - Diagonal earlobe crease associated with increased epicardial adipose tissue and
      carotid intima media thickness in subjects free of clinical cardiovascular
      disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Atherosclerotic coronary artery disease is a leading cause of death,
      worldwide. Diagonal earlobe crease (DELC) has been suggested as a simple,
      noninvasive marker of cardiovascular disease. Although epicardial adipose tissue
      (EAT) thickness and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) are closely related to
      atherosclerosis, the relation between EAT, CIMT, and DELC had yet to be studied.
      The present objective was to analyze this association. METHODS: Subjects were
      apparently healthy individuals referred to the cardiology outpatient clinic. A
      total of 65 subjects with DELC and 65 age- and sex-matched controls without DELC
      were enrolled. EAT thickness and CIMT were measured and analyzed. RESULTS:
      Epicardial adipose tissue thickness was significantly higher in the DELC group
      (0.57+/-0.12 vs. 0.35+/-0.05; p<0.0001). CIMT was also significantly higher in
      DELC group (0.85+/-0.16 vs. 0.60+/-0.15; p<0.0001). Correlation analysis showed
      that CIMT was significantly correlated with EAT thickness (r: 0.594; p<0.0001).
      Linear regression analysis showed that presence of DELC was independently
      associated with CIMT and EAT thickness. CONCLUSION: A significant and independent
      association between the presence of DELC and increased CIMT and EAT thickness was
      presently determined, for the first time, in subjects free of clinical
      cardiovascular disease.

PMID- 27665329
TI  - Relationship between functional capacity and socioeconomic status in a cohort of
      Turkish heart failure patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification predicts prognosis
      for heart failure (HF) patients. Socioeconomic status (SES) has the potential to
      affect treatment strategy and disease course. The present objective was to
      investigate whether SES of Turkish HF patients affected NYHA classification.
      METHODS: Turkish research team-HF (TREAT-HF) is a questionnaire study with 52
      questions, the purpose of which is to aid in the assessment of various qualities
      of HF patients. The 2013 TREAT-HF cohort included 503 patients from 11 centers in
      Turkey. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to NYHA functional
      classification: I-II, a better functional classification, or III-IV, a poorer
      functional classification. In addition, patients were analyzed according to
      gender. RESULTS: Evaluated were NYHA functional classifications of 459 (326 males
      and 133 females) patients with a mean age of 59.7+/-14.07 years and a mean
      ejection fraction (EF) of 31.7+/-9.22%. Total monthly family income level of
      >=1000 TL, younger age, higher EF, and male gender were independently associated
      with better NYHA functional classification. In addition to EF, regular weight
      control was found to be independently associated with better NYHA classification
      for females, while younger age and income of >=1000 TL were independently
      associated with better NYHA classification for males. CONCLUSION: The present
      results demonstrated that SES was associated with NYHA functional classification
      in a cohort of Turkish HF patients.

PMID- 27665330
TI  - Physical inactivity and low quality of life of Turkish women after
      hospitalization for coronary heart disease: Inferences from EUROASPIRE III.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The present objective was to compare changes in lifestyle between (i)
      Turkish women and Turkish men, and (ii) Turkish women and European women, after
      hospitalization for coronary heart disease (CHD). Risk factor management,
      physical activity, mood, and quality of life (QOL) indices were compared.
      METHODS: A total of 2268 women (25.3% of 8966 patients, mean age: 65.8+/-9.0
      years) were interviewed using the European Action on Secondary and Primary
      Prevention by Intervention to Reduce Events III (EUROASPIRE III). In the Turkey
      cohort, 65 women (mean age: 63.3+/-9.9 years) and 273 men (mean age: 59.1+/-9.6
      years) were interviewed, and underwent clinical and biochemical tests at a
      minimum of 6 months after hospital admission. Patients completed the Godin
      Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ), the International Physical Activity
      Questionnaire (IPAQ), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and
      questionnaires assessing QOL. RESULTS: After hospitalization for CHD, (i) Turkish
      women have lower participation in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs and lower
      physical activity indices than European women, (ii) Turkish women have lower
      physical activity indices than Turkish men, (iii) HADS anxiety scores and HADS
      depression scores were higher for Turkish women than for Turkish men, (iv) HADS
      anxiety scores and HADS depression scores were higher for Turkish women than for
      European women, (v) QOL indices were lower for Turkish women than for either
      European women or Turkish men. CONCLUSION: Turkish women engage in less physical
      activity, have lower QOL, and have higher rates of depression and anxiety after
      hospitalization for CHD than either of the other groups assessed. Every effort
      should be made to increase physical activity, and CR program adherence in
      general, particularly in female patients.

PMID- 27665331
TI  - Cardiac evaluation in children with hemangiomas.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Hemangiomas are tumors most commonly encountered in pediatric
      patients, and are frequently treated with propranolol. However, there are
      currently no standard methods for evaluating cardiac function in patients prior
      to propranolol treatment. The present study was designed to aid in the evaluation
      of pretreatment cardiac and effects of propranolol on vital signs in pediatric
      hemangioma patients. METHODS: A pediatric oncology specialist and a pediatric
      cardiology specialist examined all patients prior to initiation of propranolol
      treatment. All patients were examined by the same 2 physicians. Cardiac
      evaluation included complete echocardiogram and electrocardiography. From
      September 2009 to January 2014, 146 patients aged 4 days to 10 years were
      screened. RESULTS: No patient had cardiac contraindication to propranolol. The
      effect of hemangioma on left ventricle size was examined, but left ventricle
      dilatation was found in only 3 patients. However, 68 patients had abnormal
      echocardiogram: 17 had patent foramen ovale, 4 had ventricular septal defect, 9
      had atrial septal defect (associated with right heart enlargement), 8 had patent
      ductus arteriosus, 6 had physiologic pulmonary stenosis, and 1 had an aortic
      coarctation. No contraindications to propranolol or side effects were observed.
      However, cardiac anatomic defects were more common in this patient group than in
      the general population. CONCLUSION: Hemangiomas in infants or children, even in
      small or premature infants, can be treated with propranolol without significant
      cardiac side effects. In addition, large dermal hemangiomas were not found to
      affect ventricular size in pediatric patients.

PMID- 27665332
TI  - Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with Jeune syndrome: The first reported case.
AB  - Jeune syndrome (Asphyxiating thoracic dysplasia) is a rare dystrophy of the
      skeleton, inherited as an autosomal recessive condition. Patients develop a
      narrowed thorax, rhizomelic dwarfism, and hepatic, renal, and pancreatic
      abnormalities. High rates of pulmonary hypoplasia and pulmonary hypertension have
      been reported. Some patients die in early stages of life due to respiratory
      failure. The case of a patient referred with a history of severe asphyxiating
      birth, who had been diagnosed with Jeune syndrome and later hypertrophic
      cardiomyopathy (HCM) upon echocardiographic examination is described in the
      present report. This rare disease is discussed with respect to the current
      literature, as the present is the first reported case to be accompanied by HCM. 

PMID- 27665333
TI  - First trans-subclavian transcatheter aortic valve replacement using Lotus valve
      system.
AB  - Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), most commonly performed via
      retrograde femoral artery access, is a promising alternative to surgical aortic
      valve replacement in elderly, high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis
      (AS). Approximately one-third of these patients suffer from severe iliofemoral
      arteriopathy, ruling out transfemoral approach. The case of a 74-year-old man
      with severe AS and bilateral iliofemoral arteriopathy treated with left trans
      subclavian (TS) TAVI using the Lotus valve system is described in the present
      report. 

PMID- 27665334
TI  - Eosinophilic myocarditis associated with eosinophilic pneumonia and eosinophilia
      following antibiotic and narcotic analgesic treatment.
AB  - Eosinophilic myocarditis (EM) is a rare form of myocarditis that usually presents
      with heart failure due to eosinophilic infiltration. EM is often a component of
      hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES). HES is a rare disorder characterized by
      persistent, marked eosinophilia combined with organ system dysfunction. A 38-year
      old man was admitted to emergency services with left inguinal pain and fever, and
      was hospitalized with diagnosis of nephrolithiasis and urinary tract infection.
      Intravenous antibiotic therapy of 3 grams meropenem per day and analgesic of 50
      mg pethidine per day were administered. Typical angina pectoris and dyspnea
      developed approximately 24 hours after treatment. Rash on the chest, and
      diminished bilateral lung sounds and rales were observed. Nonspecific changes
      were present on electrocardiogram. Laboratory analysis showed progressively
      increasing levels of cardiac biomarkers and eosinophilia. Peripheral blood smear,
      bone marrow aspiration, and biopsy demonstrated eosinophilia. Chest x-ray
      revealed diffuse, bilateral interstitial and reticulonodular infiltrates.
      Transthoracic echocardiography showed thickened left ventricle. Coronary
      angiography revealed normal coronary arteries. EM was suspected, endomyocardial
      biopsy was performed, and pathologic specimen confirmed the diagnosis.
      Corticosteroid treatment was initiated, and within 1 day, angina pectoris and
      dyspnea had dramatically reduced, and cardiac biomarkers and eosinophil count had
      decreased. Normal chest x-ray was observed after 72 hours. The patient was
      discharged with steroid treatment. 

PMID- 27665335
TI  - Reverse Takotsubo cardiomyopathy following intra-abdominal surgery.
AB  - Reverse Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (RTC) is a rare condition characterized by
      systolic dysfunction of the basal segments of the left ventricle in the absence
      of obstructive coronary artery disease. The case of a 50-year-old woman with RTC
      following intra-abdominal surgery is described in the present report. 

PMID- 27665336
TI  - [Congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries in patient with
      atrial septal defect and acute inferior segment myocardial infarction].
AB  - Congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries is a rare abnormality
      accounting for approximately 1% of clinically apparent congenital heart disease.
      Age at time of diagnosis and survival rate vary and depend on associated
      anomalies, including pulmonary stenosis, ventricular septal defect, atrial septal
      defect, atrioventricular block, and atrioventricular valve regurgitation.
      Reported cases of corrected transposition of the great arteries with single
      coronary ostium anomaly and atrial septal defect are very rare. Described in the
      present report is the case of a 55-year-old male who presented with acute
      inferior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and coincidental single
      coronary ostium arising from the right sinus of Valsalva, as observed on coronary
      angiography. Successful balloon angioplasty and stenting of the circumflex artery
      were performed. Echocardiography demonstrated the corrected transposition of the
      great arteries with negative contrast enhancement between the atrial chambers.
      The patient was discharged with medical therapy on the eighth postoperative day.
      To our knowledge, the present is the first report to describe corrected
      transposition of the great arteries, atrial septal defect, single coronary
      ostium, and acute myocardial infarction as comorbidities. 

PMID- 27665337
TI  - [Balloon valvuloplasty for aortic stenosis using umbilical vein access in a
      newborn: First experience in Turkey].
AB  - Balloon valvuloplasty is an effective therapy for severe congenital aortic valve
      stenosis, with mild aortic insufficiency and minimal intermediate-term
      restenosis. No consensus currently exists regarding optimal vascular approach for
      balloon dilatation in newborns with critical or severe aortic valve stenosis.
      Critical aortic valve stenosis in newborns must be treated promptly and
      effectively. Transcatheter therapy may offer marked advantages, as surgical
      therapy has been associated with significant rates of morbidity and mortality.
      Percutaneous balloon dilatation is usually performed as emergent therapy of valve
      stenosis, with various options for vascular approach. While umbilical artery and
      vein access is rarely used in the treatment of critical aortic valve stenosis and
      aortic coarctation, this approach is a safe, simple, and effective choice for
      balloon dilatation in newborns, even in those weighing under 2.5 kg. 

PMID- 27665338
TI  - Depression following coronary artery bypass grafting surgery revisited.
AB  - Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is the most common cardiac surgical
      procedure. Depression is a frequent comorbidity in patients with ischemic heart
      disease that can affect the course of the disease and the process of recovery
      after CABG. Depression after CABG is more common in women and is an independent
      predictor of mortality in long-term. However, fewer than half of cardiologists
      ask about depression symptoms in their patients, and with screening measures not
      being routinely utilized, depression remains under-recognized in this patient
      population. Treatment of depression in patients with ischemic heart disease can
      be challenging, considering unwanted medication side effects and interactions.
      The present report is a review of risk factors, prognosis, prevention, and
      treatment of depression in patients following CABG. 

PMID- 27665340
TI  - Case images: An extremely unusual pacemaker complication.

PMID- 27665339
TI  - Case images: Massive liver hematoma secondary to overdose of warfarin treatment.

PMID- 27665341
TI  - Case images: Cannon 'A' waves during complete atrioventricular block.

PMID- 27665342
TI  - Case images: Left atrial appendage ostial stenosis in a patient with rheumatic
      mitral valve disease.

PMID- 27665343
TI  - Case images: Isolated accessory mitral valve leaflet.

PMID- 27665344
TI  - A patient with ventricular fibrillation and inverted Takotsubo syndrome triggered
      by sinus surgery: plausible causes, and electrocardiographic features.

PMID- 27665345
TI  - Authors' reply.

PMID- 27665346
TI  - Cholesterol embolization syndrom.

PMID- 27665347
TI  - Authors' reply.

PMID- 27665349
TI  - Authors' reply.

PMID- 27665348
TI  - Ductus arteriosus aneursym causing hoarseness which is the best treatment option;
      surgery or endovascular?

PMID- 27665351
TI  - A physics based approach to the pulse wave velocity prediction in compliant
      arterial segments.
AB  - Pulse wave velocity (PWV) quantification commonly serves as a highly robust
      prognostic parameter being used in a preventative cardiovascular therapy. Being
      dependent on arterial elastance, it can serve as a marker of cardiovascular risk.
      Since it is influenced by a blood pressure (BP), the pertaining theory can lay
      the foundation in developing a technique for noninvasive blood pressure
      measurement. Previous studies have reported application of PWV, measured
      noninvasively, for both the estimation of arterial compliance and blood pressure,
      based on simplified physical or statistical models. A new theoretical model for
      pulse wave propagation in a compliant arterial segment is presented within the
      framework of pseudo-elastic deformation of biological tissue undergoing finite
      deformation. An essential ingredient is the dependence of results on nonlinear
      aspects of the model: convective fluid phenomena, hyperelastic constitutive
      relation, large deformation and a longitudinal pre-stress load. An exact
      analytical solution for PWV is presented as a function of pressure, flow and
      pseudo-elastic orthotropic parameters. Results from our model are compared with
      published in-vivo PWV measurements under diverse physiological conditions.
      Contributions of each of the nonlinearities are analyzed. It was found that the
      totally nonlinear model achieves the best match with the experimental data. To
      retrieve individual vascular information of a patient, the inverse problem of
      hemodynamics is presented, calculating local orthotropic hyperelastic properties
      of the arterial wall. The proposed technique can be used for non-invasive
      assessment of arterial elastance, and blood pressure using direct measurement of
      PWV, with account of hyperelastic orthotropic properties.

PMID- 27665350
TI  - Characterization of three dimensional volumetric strain distribution during
      passive tension of the human tibialis anterior using Cine Phase Contrast MRI.
AB  - Intramuscular pressure correlates strongly with muscle tension and is a promising
      tool for quantifying individual muscle force. However, clinical application is
      impeded by measurement variability that is not fully understood. Previous studies
      point to regional differences in IMP, specifically increasing pressure with
      muscle depth. Based on conservation of mass, intramuscular pressure and
      volumetric strain distributions may be inversely related. Therefore, we
      hypothesized volumetric strain would decrease with muscle depth. To test this we
      quantified 3D volumetric strain in the tibialis anterior of 12 healthy subjects
      using Cine Phase Contrast Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Cine Phase Contrast data
      were collected while a custom apparatus rotated the subjects' ankle continuously
      between neutral and plantarflexion. A T2-weighted image stack was used to define
      the resting tibials anterior position. Custom and commercial post-processing
      software were used to quantify the volumetric strain distribution. To
      characterize regional strain changes, the muscle was divided into superior
      inferior sections and either medial-lateral or anterior-posterior slices. Mean
      volumetric strain was compared across the sections and slices. As hypothesized,
      volumetric strain demonstrated regional differences with a decreasing trend from
      the anterior (superficial) to the posterior (deep) muscle regions. Statistical
      tests showed significant main effects and interactions of superior-inferior and
      anterior-posterior position as well as superior-inferior and medial-lateral
      position on regional strain. These data support our hypothesis and imply a
      potential relationship between regional volumetric strain and intramuscular
      pressure. This finding may advance our understanding of intramuscular pressure
      variability sources and lead to more reliable measurement solutions in the
      future.

PMID- 27665352
TI  - Diameter and thickness-related variations in mechanical properties of degraded
      arterial wall in the rat xenograft model.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diameter and thickness-related
      variations in mechanical properties of degraded arterial wall. To this end, ring
      tests were performed on 31 samples from the rat xenograft model of abdominal
      aortic aneurysm (AAA) and failure properties were determined. An inverse finite
      element method was then employed to identify the material parameters of a
      hyperelastic and incompressible strain energy function. Correlations with outer
      diameter and wall thickness of the rings were examined. Furthermore, we
      investigated the changes in mechanical properties between the grafts, which
      consist in guinea pig decellularized aortas, native murine aortas and degraded
      aortas (AAAs). Decellularized aortas presented a significantly lower ultimate
      strain associated with a higher stiffening rate compared to native aortas. AAAs
      exhibited a significantly lower ultimate stress than other groups and an
      extensible-but-stiff behavior. The proposed approach revealed correlations of
      ultimate stress and material parameters of aneurysmal aortas with outer diameter
      and thickness. In particular, the negative correlations of the material parameter
      accounting for the response of the non-collagenous matrix with diameter and
      thickness (r=-0.67 and r=-0.73, p<0.001) captured the gradual loss of elastin
      with dilatation observed in histology (r=-0.97, p<0.001). Moreover, it exposed
      the progressive weakening of the wall with enlargement and thickening (r=-0.64
      and r=-0.69, p<0.001), suggesting that wall thickness and diameter may be
      indicators of rupture risk in the rat xenograft model.

PMID- 27665353
TI  - The role of healthcare provider attitudes in increasing willingness to accept
      seasonal influenza vaccine policy changes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This research explored the role of attitudes in acceptance of
      organizational change initiatives. METHODS: A survey assessed factors associated
      with health care provider (HCP) likelihood to accept seasonal influenza vaccine
      policy changes. We evaluated the impact of knowledge and individual attitudes on
      this outcome measure. RESULTS: Knowledge of seasonal influenza vaccine and
      influenza recommendations was a significant predictor of HCP's attitudes toward
      vaccine at the individual (p<0.001), organizational (p<0.05), and legislative
      level (p<0.05). Mixed results were obtained when investigating the impact of
      knowledge on actual willingness to accept vaccine, suggesting that knowledge was
      only a significant predictor at the organizational (p<0.05) and legislative
      levels (p<0.05). Attitudes fully mediated the impact of knowledge at both the
      organizational and legislative levels. INTERPRETATION: Knowledge of seasonal
      influenza and vaccine recommendations is an important, but insufficient predictor
      of willingness to accept policy change.

PMID- 27665355
TI  - Infectious bronchitis virus poly-epitope-based vaccine protects chickens from
      acute infection.
AB  - Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) causes major losses in the poultry industry.
      The safe and effective vaccine to control IBV spread is imperative. In the
      present study, we developed IBV S1 glycoprotein poly-epitope-based DNA vaccine pV
      S1B+S1T consisting of SH1208 and Holte strain BF2-restricted T cell epitopes and
      Australian T strain dominant B cell neutralization epitopes. Specific pathogen
      free chickens were vaccinated with pV-S1B+S1T and control plasmids twice to
      elicit strong humoral and cellular immune response, as indicated by viral
      neutralization titers and results of CD8+ T cell proliferation assays. A lethal
      dose of IBV SH1208 strain used for protection and challenge experiments at two
      weeks post-booster immunization following challenge protection and virus shedding
      reverse transcription quantitative PCR assay, indicated that pV-S1B+S1T protected
      against IBV and significantly reduced viral excretion. These results demonstrated
      that the IBV poly-epitope-based vaccine effectively prevents infection and
      represents a potential IBV vaccine.

PMID- 27665354
TI  - Recovery of antigen-specific T cell responses from dogs infected with Leishmania
      (L.) infantum by use of vaccine associated TLR-agonist adjuvant.
AB  - Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), caused by infection with the obligate intracellular
      protozoan parasite Leishmania infantum, is a fatal disease of dogs and humans.
      Protection against VL requires a T helper 1 (Th1) skewed CD4+ T response, but
      despite this knowledge, there are currently no approved-to-market vaccines for
      humans and only three veterinary-use vaccines globally. As VL progresses from
      asymptomatic to symptomatic, L. infantum-specific interferon gamma (IFNgamma)
      driven-Th1 responses become dampened and a state of immune exhaustion
      established. T cell exhaustion and other immunoregulatory processes, starting
      during asymptomatic disease, are likely to hinder vaccine-induced responses if
      vaccine is administered to infected, but asymptomatic and seronegative,
      individuals. In this study we evaluated how immune exhaustion, shown previously
      by our group to worsen in concert with VL progression, effected the capacity of
      vaccine candidate antigen/toll-like receptor (TLR) agonist combinations to
      promote protective CD4+ T cell responses during progressive VL. In conjunction
      with Th1 responses, we also evaluated concomitant stimulation of immune-balanced
      IL-10 regulatory cytokine production by these vaccine products in progressive VL
      canine T cells. Vaccine antigen L111f in combination with TLR agonists
      significantly recovered CD4+ T cell IFNgamma intracellular production in T cells
      from asymptomatic VL dogs. Vaccine antigen NS with TLR agonists significantly
      recovered CD4+ T cell production in both endemic control and VL dogs.
      Combinations of TLR agonists and vaccine antigens overcame L. infantum induced
      cellular exhaustion, allowing robust Th1 CD4+ T cell responses from symptomatic
      dogs that previously had dampened responses to antigen alone. Antigen-agonist
      adjuvants can be utilized to promote more robust vaccine responses from infected
      hosts in endemic areas where vaccination of asymptomatic, L. infantum-infected
      animals is likely.

PMID- 27665356
TI  - The effect of HER2 status on oncological outcomes of patients with invasive
      bladder cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the overexpression of human
      epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) in patients with bladder cancer (BCa)
      and to assess its association with oncological outcomes. METHODS: This
      retrospective single-center study included 354 patients with BCa treated with
      radical cystectomy (RC). HER2 status was assessed with immunohistochemistry and
      scored according to HercepTest. Conditional survival and competing risk
      regression were performed to assess the association between HER2 expression and
      survival outcomes. RESULTS: HER2 was overexpressed in 36% of patients. HER2
      overexpression was associated with features of tumor aggressiveness such as lymph
      node metastases (P = 0.002). At a median follow-up of 123 months (interquartile
      range: 79-180), 160 patients (45%) experienced disease recurrence, 263 patients
      (74%) died and 157 (44%) died of cancer. On multivariable analyses, HER2
      overexpression was not significantly associated with any oncological outcomes.
      Adding HER2 status to a model for the prediction of survival outcomes did not
      change the accuracy of the model for any of the outcomes. Interestingly, HER2
      status significantly affected late disease recurrence (P = 0.05 for conditional
      survival at 24 months). CONCLUSIONS: More than one third of RC patients
      overexpress HER2 in their tumors. HER2 overexpression was associated with
      features of biological and clinical aggressiveness. HER2 did not add prognostic
      significance to the standard established predictors of survival outcomes after
      RC. However, due to the high overexpression rate, it could represent a target for
      therapy in select advanced BCa tumors.

PMID- 27665359
TI  - Chemotherapy in frail elderly patients with metastatic castration-resistant
      prostate cancer?

PMID- 27665357
TI  - Prostate magnetic resonance imaging findings in patients treated for testosterone
      deficiency while on active surveillance for low-risk prostate cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the multiparametric prostate magnetic resonance imaging
      (mpMRI) findings in patients treated with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)
      while on active surveillance for low-risk prostate cancer. METHODS: We
      retrospectively reviewed 12 patients who underwent mpMRI before and after TRT
      while on active surveillance. Changes in serum testosterone level, prostate
      specific antigen (PSA), prostate biopsy findings, prostate volume, and Prostate
      Imaging Reporting and Data System Version 2 (PI-RADSv2) score before and after
      TRT were summarized. RESULTS: After TRT, there was a significant increase in
      serum testosterone (516.5ng/dl vs. 203.0ng/dl), PSA (4.2ng/ml vs. 3.3ng/ml), and
      prostate volume (55.2cm3 vs. 39.4cm3). In total, 2 patients had biopsy
      progression during the study period. The PI-RADSv2 scores before and after TRT
      were unchanged in 10/12 patients; none of these demonstrated biopsy progression
      on post-TRT. The PI-RADSv2 scores increased after TRT in 2/12 patients; both
      showed Gleason score upgrade on follow-up biopsy. Of these 2 patients, 1 patient
      underwent radical treatment due to clinical progression. The area under the curve
      for detecting biopsy progression calculated from PI-RADSv2 score after TRT was
      0.90, which was better than that calculated from post-TRT PSA level (0.48).
      CONCLUSIONS: After TRT, mpMRI findings remained stable in patients without biopsy
      progression, whereas PI-RADSv2 score increase was identified in patients with
      Gleason score upgrade on follow-up biopsy.

PMID- 27665358
TI  - KIFC1 induces resistance to docetaxel and is associated with survival of patients
      with prostate cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Prostate cancer (PCa) is a common malignancy worldwide. Docetaxel has
      been an important treatment option for patients with metastatic castration
      resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). However, nearly all patients with CRPC treated
      with docetaxel eventually become refractory. In the present study, we analyzed
      the expression and distribution of kinesin family member C1 (KIFC1) in human PCa
      by immunohistochemistry and examined the effect of inhibiting KIFC1 expression on
      docetaxel resistance. METHODS: Expression of KIFC1 was determined using
      immunohistochemistry. RNA interference was used to inhibit KIFC1 expression in
      PCa cell lines. To examine cell viability, we performed 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2
      yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays. CONCLUSIONS: These results
      indicate that KIFC1 plays an important role in PCa progression.
      Immunohistochemical analysis of KIFC1 would facilitate identification of patients
      with poor prognoses after radical prostatectomy, as well as patients with poor
      therapeutic outcomes after docetaxel-based chemotherapy.

PMID- 27665360
TI  - Impending anterior myocardial infarction: de Winter syndrome.

PMID- 27665361
TI  - Difference in Transcranial Doppler Velocity and Patient Age between Proximal and
      Distal Middle Cerebral Artery Vasospasms after Aneurysmal Subarachnoid
      Hemorrhage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transcranial Doppler (TCD) is used to monitor cerebral vasospasm
      after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), but its diagnostic ability is reported to be
      limited. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship
      between the diagnosability of TCD and the localization of the vasospasm. METHODS:
      This retrospective study included 20 patients who presented with symptomatic
      vasospasm after SAH. All 20 patients underwent daily TCD examinations and
      cerebral angiography after the onset of delayed cerebral ischemia. We defined
      positive findings on TCD as a maximum flow velocity >200 cm/s or as a mean flow
      velocity >120 cm/s at the horizontal part of the middle cerebral artery (MCA). We
      also examined the site of vasospasm on cerebral angiography. RESULTS: Fourteen
      patients had true-positive findings on TCD examination, and cerebral angiography
      showed diffuse vasospasm involving the horizontal segment of the MCA. However, 6
      patients had false-negative findings on TCD examination, and cerebral angiography
      showed vasospasm localized at the distal part of the MCA (the insular and/or
      cortical segments). The patients with proximal vasospasm were significantly
      younger than those with distal vasospasm. Blood flow velocity at initial TCD and
      the increase in velocity at the onset of vasospasm were lower and smaller,
      respectively, in the distal vasospasm group. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with
      cerebral vasospasm localized at the distal part of the MCA, flow velocity at the
      horizontal segment of the MCA did not increase to the level we defined as
      positive. To avoid such false negatives, a slight increase in velocity on TCD
      should be considered as positive in distal vasospasm cases, especially in older
      patients.

PMID- 27665363
TI  - Caring for carers in community pharmacy.

PMID- 27665362
TI  - Upstaging and survival after robotic-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy for non
      small cell lung cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mediastinal involvement in resected non-small-cell lung cancer
      mandates adjuvant therapy and affects survival. This study investigated lymph
      node dissection efficacy, lymph node metastasis detection, and survival after
      robotic-assisted lobectomy for non-small-cell lung cancer. METHODS: We
      retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent robotic-assisted lobectomy for
      non-small-cell lung cancer. Survival was assessed through chart reviews, Social
      Security Death Registry, and national obituary searches. Kaplan-Meier survival
      curves by clinical and pathologic stage were compared by log-rank and Cox
      regression analysis. RESULTS: In 249 patients (mean age, 67.8 +/- 0.6 years),
      mean individual mediastinal lymph nodes retrieved was 7.7 +/- 0.3 lymph nodes,
      with mean of 13.9 +/- 0.4 N1+ mediastinal lymph nodes. There were 159 (63.9%)
      clinical stage I versus 134 (53.8%) pathologic stage I patients, with 67 (26.9%)
      patients upstaged (20 cN0 to pN1; 17 cN0 to pN2; 4 cN1 to pN2) and 37 (14.9%)
      downstaged. One-year and 3-year survival rates, respectively, changed between
      clinical stage I (clinical stage I, 91% and 70%; clinical stage II, 80% and 64%;
      clinical stage III, 78% and 57%; clinical stage IV, 71% and 45%) and pathologic
      stage (pathologic stage I, 92% and 75%; clinical stage II, 83% and 73%;
      pathologic stage III, 75% and 44%; and pathologic stage IV, 67% and 0%).
      CONCLUSION: Mediastinal lymph node dissection during robotic-assisted lobectomy
      adequately assesses lymph node stations and detects occult lymph node metastasis.
      Stage-specific survival is affected by upstaging.

PMID- 27665365
TI  - Resuscitation following opioid overdose: More are needed.

PMID- 27665364
TI  - Pharmacist-led medication review in community settings: An overview of systematic
      reviews.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pharmacist-led medication review is a collaborative service which
      aims to identify and resolve medication-related problems. OBJECTIVE: To
      critically evaluate published systematic reviews relevant to pharmacist-led
      medication reviews in community settings. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, International
      Pharmaceutical Abstracts (IPA), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health
      Literature (CINAHL) and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR) were
      searched from 1995 to December 2015. Systematic reviews of all study designs and
      outcomes were considered. Methodological quality was assessed using the 11-item
      Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) tool. Systematic reviews of
      moderate or high quality (AMSTAR >= 4) were included in the data synthesis. Data
      extraction and quality assessment was performed independently by two
      investigators. RESULTS: Of the 35 relevant systematic reviews identified, 24 were
      of moderate and seven of high quality and were included in the data synthesis.
      The largest overall numbers of unique primary research studies with favorable
      outcomes were for diabetes control (78% of studies reporting the outcome), blood
      pressure control (74%), cholesterol (63%), medication adherence (56%) and
      medication management (47%). Significant reductions in medication and/or
      healthcare costs were reported in 35% of primary research studies. Meta-analysis
      was performed in 12 systematic reviews. Results from the meta-analyses suggested
      positive impacts on glycosylated hemoglobin, blood pressure, cholesterol, and
      number and appropriateness of medications. Conflicting findings were reported in
      relation to hospitalization. No meta-analyses reported reduced mortality.
      CONCLUSION: Moderate and high quality systematic reviews support the value of
      pharmacist-led medication review for a range of clinical outcomes. Further
      research including more rigorous cost analyses are required to determine the
      impact of pharmacist-led medication reviews on humanistic and economic outcomes.
      Future systematic reviews should consider the inclusion of both qualitative and
      quantitative studies to comprehensively evaluate medication review.

PMID- 27665366
TI  - Chemotherapy in hormone-sensitive metastatic prostate cancer: Evidences and
      uncertainties from the literature.
AB  - Data from the literature support with strong evidence the addition of docetaxel
      to androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) for men with metastatic prostate cancer,
      and starting therapy for the first time. A meta-analysis of three randomized
      controlled trials showed a significant improvement of overall survival when ADT
      was combined with docetaxel when compared to ADT alone (HR=0.77; 95% CI: 0.68
      0.87; p<0.0001). Consequently, combination therapy should be considered presently
      as the new standard of care, using 6 cycles of docetaxel, without prednisone.
      However, candidates for this upfront combination therapy in whom the balance
      between its side effects and benefits is favorable are still to be identified
      more precisely. Patients' stratification according to Gleason score, previous
      local treatment and age or performance status were shown to have a prognostic
      impact. The volume of metastases, as defined in the CHAARTED study for instance,
      could be an interesting predictive factor. However, data accumulated until now
      remain only hypothesis generating and further analysis and studies are needed to
      establish any potential discriminating factors. Several new efficient therapeutic
      options are now available in prostate cancer management and should be evaluated
      against a chemo-hormonal combination therapy. Other trials are warranted to
      establish the role of docetaxel in earlier stages of the disease, the combination
      with the new hormonal therapies as well as the best management options after
      docetaxel.

PMID- 27665368
TI  - Preparation of soluble isotopically labeled human growth hormone produced in
      Escherichia coli.
AB  - Isotopically labeled proteins have been used as internal standards for mass
      spectrometry (MS)-based absolute protein quantification. Although this approach
      can provide highly accurate analyses of proteins of interest within a complex
      mixture, one of the major limitations of this method is the difficulty in
      preparing uniformly labeled standards. Human growth hormone (hGH) is one of the
      most important hormones that circulate throughout the body, and its measurement
      is primarily of interest in the diagnosis and treatment of growth disorders. In
      order to provide a useful internal standard for MS-based hGH measurement, we
      describe an efficient strategy to produce a potentially valuable, stable isotope
      labeled hGH with high purity and yield. The strategy involves the following
      steps: solubilization of hGH under labeling conditions, detection of stable
      isotope incorporation, large-scale purification, analysis of the labeled protein,
      and assessment of the labeling efficiency. We show that the yield of soluble hGH
      under selective isotopic labeling conditions can be greatly increased by
      optimizing protein expression and extraction. Our efficient method for generating
      isotopically labeled hGH does not influence the structural integrity of hGH.
      Finally, we assessed the efficiency of stable isotope labeling at the intact
      protein level, and the result was further verified by amino acid analysis. These
      results clearly indicate that our labeling approach allows an almost complete
      incorporation of 13C615N4-arginine into the hGH expressed in E.coli without
      detectable isotope scrambling.

PMID- 27665367
TI  - The eyespot resistance genes Pch1 and Pch2 of wheat are not homoeoloci.
AB  - KEY MESSAGE: Phenotyping and mapping data reveal that chromosome intervals
      containing eyespot resistance genes Pch1 and Pch2 on 7D and 7A, respectively, do
      not overlap, and thus, these genes are not homoeloci. Eyespot is a stem-base
      fungal disease of cereals growing in temperate regions. Two main resistances are
      currently available for use in wheat. Pch1 is a potent single major gene
      transferred to wheat from Aegilops ventricosa and located on the distal end of
      chromosome 7D. Pch2, a moderate resistance deriving from Cappelle Desprez, is
      located at the end of 7AL. The relative positions of Pch1 and Pch2 on 7D and 7A,
      respectively, suggest that they are homoeoloci. A single seed decent recombinant
      F7 population was used to refine the position of Pch2 on 7A. New markers designed
      to 7D also allowed the position of Pch1 to be further defined. We exploited the
      syntenic relationship between Brachypodium distachyon and wheat to develop 7A and
      7D specific KASP markers tagging inter-varietal and interspecific SNPs and allow
      the comparison of the relative positions of Pch1 and Pch2 on 7D and 7A. Together,
      phenotyping and mapping data reveal that the intervals containing Pch1 and Pch2
      do not overlap, and thus, they cannot be considered homoeloci. Using this
      information, we analysed two durum wheat lines carrying Pch1 on 7A to determine
      whether the Ae.ventricosa introgression extended into the region associated with
      Pch2. This identified that the introgression is distal to Pch2 on 7A, providing
      further evidence that the genes are not homoeoloci. However, it is feasible to
      use this material to pyramid Pch1 and Pch2 on 7A in a tetraploid background and
      also to increase the copy number of Pch1 in combination with Pch2 in a hexaploid
      background.

PMID- 27665370
TI  - Estrogenic compound attenuates angiotensin II-induced vascular smooth muscle cell
      proliferation through interaction between LKB1 and estrogen receptor alpha.
AB  - The prevalence rate of cardiovascular disease is higher for males than females,
      and estradiol (E2) induces AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation, which
      is known to regulate proliferation of VSMC. We identified the estrogenic
      properties of nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA, a lignan phytoestrogen) that
      inhibit VSMC proliferation and explored the underlying mechanisms. Both the
      phosphorylation and expression of LKB1 were increased by NDGA. In addition, NDGA
      significantly attenuated angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced VSMC proliferation. To
      elucidate the estrogenic effects, we confirmed that NDGA increased estrogen
      receptor alpha (ERalpha) expression, similar to treatment with E2 and estriol
      (E3). Furthermore, tamoxifen and ERalpha siRNA obstructed the effects of NDGA
      including ERalpha expression, AMPK phosphorylation and both LKB1 phosphorylation
      and expression. VSMC proliferation was restored by tamoxifen and ERalpha siRNA.
      LKB1 siRNA also reversed the NDGA-mediated inhibition of VSMC proliferation. The
      estrogenic activity of NDGA induced LKB1 translocation from nucleus to cytosol,
      and tamoxifen obstructed LKB1 translocation. The absence of LKB1 completely
      abolished the increase of ERalpha expression induced by NDGA. Taken together, the
      beneficial effects of estrogenic compound (E2 and NDGA) on inhibition of VSMC
      proliferation are mediated by interaction between LKB1 and ERalpha, suggesting a
      potential mechanism for females having less cardiovascular disease.

PMID- 27665371
TI  - Evaluation of influenza vaccine-immunogenicity in cell-mediated immunity.
AB  - The immunological effect of influenza vaccines cannot be evaluated accurately
      using an antibody titer. Therefore, we used a new method that measures cell
      mediated immunity to investigate changes in the amount of interferon-gamma (IFN
      gamma) produced after vaccination in response to the vaccine antigen. The study
      was conducted during the 2014-2015 influenza season in 23 adults, using a vaccine
      that contained three types of antigen. The IFN-gamma level increased by at least
      1.5 times in 65% (15/23) of cases in response to the H1N1 antigen, in 57% (13/23)
      of cases in response to the H3N2 antigen, and in 57% (13/23) of cases in response
      to the B antigen. During the study period, 4 subjects developed type A influenza.
      Our data showed that the IFN-gamma level did not increase by 1.5 times in these
      subjects. We propose that the efficacy of influenza vaccines may be evaluated by
      measuring changes in the level of IFN-gamma produced in response to influenza
      vaccine.

PMID- 27665369
TI  - Fibromodulin Is Essential for Fetal-Type Scarless Cutaneous Wound Healing.
AB  - In contrast to adult and late-gestation fetal skin wounds, which heal with scar,
      early-gestation fetal skin wounds display a remarkable capacity to heal
      scarlessly. Although the underlying mechanism of this transition from fetal-type
      scarless healing to adult-type healing with scar has been actively investigated
      for decades, in utero restoration of scarless healing in late-gestation fetal
      wounds has not been reported. In this study, using loss- and gain-of-function
      rodent fetal wound models, we identified that fibromodulin (Fm) is essential for
      fetal-type scarless wound healing. In particular, we found that loss of Fm can
      eliminate the ability of early-gestation fetal rodents to heal without scar.
      Meanwhile, administration of fibromodulin protein (FM) alone was capable of
      restoring scarless healing in late-gestation rat fetal wounds, which naturally
      heal with scar, as characterized by dermal appendage restoration and organized
      collagen architectures that were virtually indistinguishable from those in age
      matched unwounded skin. High Fm levels correlated with decreased transforming
      growth factor (TGF)-beta1 expression and scarless repair, while low Fm levels
      correlated with increased TGF-beta1 expression and scar formation. This study
      represents the first successful in utero attempt to induce scarless repair in
      late-gestation fetal wounds by using a single protein, Fm, and highlights the
      crucial role that the FM-TGF-beta1 nexus plays in fetal-type scarless skin
      repair.

PMID- 27665372
TI  - Women's views and postpartum follow-up in the CHIPS Trial (Control of
      Hypertension in Pregnancy Study).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare women's views about blood pressure (BP) control in CHIPS
      (Control of Hypertension In Pregnancy Study) (NCT01192412). DESIGN: Quantitative
      and qualitative analysis of questionnaire responses. SETTING: International
      randomised trial (94 sites, 15 countries). POPULATION/SAMPLE: 911 (92.9%) women
      randomised to 'tight' (target diastolic blood pressure, 85mmHg) or 'less tight'
      (target diastolic blood pressure, 100mmHg) who completed questionnaires. METHODS:
      A questionnaire was administered at ~6-12 weeks postpartum regarding post
      discharge morbidity and views about trial participation. Questionnaires were
      administered by the site co-ordinator, and contact was made by phone, home or
      clinic visit; rarely, data was collected from medical records. Quantitative
      analyses were Chi-square or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables, mixed
      effects multinomial logistic regression to adjust for confounders, and p<0.001
      for statistical significance. NVivo software was used for thematic analysis of
      women's views. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Satisfaction, measured as willingness to
      have the same treatment in another pregnancy or recommend that treatment to a
      friend. RESULTS: Among the 533 women in 'tight' (N=265) vs. 'less tight' (N=268)
      control who provided comments for qualitative analysis, women in 'tight' (vs.
      'less tight') control made fewer positive comments about the amount of medication
      taken (5 vs. 28 women, respectively) and intensity of BP monitoring (7 vs. 17,
      respectively). However, this did not translate into less willingness to either
      have the same treatment in another pregnancy (434, 95.8% vs. 423, 92.4%,
      respectively; p=0.14) or recommend that treatment to a friend (435, 96.0% and
      428, 93.4%, respectively; p=0.17). Importantly, although satisfaction remained
      high among women with an adverse outcome, those in 'tight' control who suffered
      an adverse outcome (vs. those who did not) were not consistently less satisfied,
      whereas this was not the case among women in 'less tight' control among whom
      satisfaction was consistently lower for the CHIPS primary outcome (p<0.001),
      severe hypertension (p<=0.01), and pre-eclampsia (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Women in
      'tight' (vs. 'less tight') control were equally satisfied with their care, and
      more so in the face of adverse perinatal or maternal outcomes.

PMID- 27665373
TI  - Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy: Challenges on its 60th anniversary.
AB  - PURPOSE: Since its initial 1957 description, juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME)
      has been recognized as a common epileptic syndrome worldwide. METHODS: We
      reviewed a series of articles on JME to clarify challenges in clinical and
      pathophysiological findings, treatment and outcome. RESULTS: Typical JME
      characteristics include: 1) the age at seizure onset between 10 and 25 years; 2)
      the triad of myoclonia, generalized tonic-clonic seizures, and absences, of which
      only myoclonia is a mandatory criterion; 3) cognitive dysfunction that may have
      impact on interpersonal relationships and social outcome; 4) possibility of
      seizure control in up to 80% of individuals, in particular with the use of sodium
      valproate; 5) a tendency for lifelong seizures with an early morning
      preponderance; 6) after decades from the clinical onset, a possibility to be off
      medications for a third of the patients, and 7) several prognostic factors.
      CONCLUSION: After 60 years, several challenges remain in this complex epileptic
      syndrome.

PMID- 27665374
TI  - S100P is a potential molecular target of cadmium-induced inhibition of human
      placental trophoblast cell proliferation.
AB  - Cadmium, a common and highly toxic pollutant, has been known to accumulate high
      concentrations in placenta with deleterious effects on placental structure and
      function. Cadmium inhibits cell proliferation in placenta via targeting metal
      binding proteins. S100P, a Ca2+-binding protein, plays an important role in
      promoting cell proliferation and our previous study found its downregulation was
      linked to cadmium exposure in Guiyu, a famous e-waste recycling town in China.
      So, the present study was aimed to define whether cadmium inhibited cell
      proliferation through interfering with S100P. Using human trophoblast-derived HTR
      8/SVneo cells as a model in vitro, we showed that cadmium exposure led to
      decreases in both cell proliferation and S100P expression. Knockdown of S100P in
      HTR-8/SVneo cells led to an obvious decrease of cell proliferation, and
      upregulation of S100P resulted in a significant increase of cell proliferation.
      Furthermore, after 24h of exposure to cadmium (20MUM), cells transfected with
      pcDNA3.1-S100P showed a 1.3-fold higher S100P protein level, 38% higher
      proliferation evaluated with MTT assay than cells with no transfection,
      indicating that S100P expression attenuated cadmium-induced inhibition of cell
      proliferation. Taken together, we demonstrate that cadmium inhibits S100P
      expression and cell proliferation in placenta, meanwhile, S100P expression
      affects cell proliferation. Thus, our study is the first to indicate that cadmium
      may induce inhibition of placental trophoblast cell proliferation through
      targeting S100P.

PMID- 27665375
TI  - E-learning: Training Attendings to objectively assess Pediatric Urology
      Residents' performance of open surgery.

PMID- 27665376
TI  - Psychiatric dimensions in mothers of children with primary nocturnal enuresis: A
      controlled study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The etiology of primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE) is not fully
      understood, but multifactorial factors have been associated with PNE. Parental
      factors, including attitudes to PNE, disciplinary behaviors, and psychiatric
      comorbidities in parents have been related to etiology of PNE, outcomes and the
      quality of life in children with enuresis. OBJECTIVE: We examined the
      psychopathology in mothers of children diagnosed with monosymptomatic PNE(MoPNE)
      compared with mothers of non-enuretic children (MoNEC) in terms of personality
      characteristics, early traumatic experiences, and psychiatric symptom evaluation.
      STUDY DESIGN: The study included 44 mothers of children diagnosed with PNE and 45
      mothers of non-enuretic children who were randomly selected from the population
      applying to the pediatric outpatient clinic. Individuals were assessed through
      psychometric questionnaires, including the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire
      Revised Abbreviated (EPQR-A), the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90-R), and the
      Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), in addition to a sociodemographic form
      including 9 structured "yes/no" questions that evaluated intrafamilial
      relationships, as well as mothers' perceptions of enuresis and its treatment.
      RESULTS: The median age of enuretic children was 7 (6, 9.5) (25th, 75th) years in
      the study population. The rates of history of enuresis in childhood were 26.7% in
      the MoPNE group (n = 12) and 6.7% in the MoNEC group (n = 3; p = 0.011). There
      were significant differences between the groups for the subscales of
      somatization, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behavior, depression, interpersonal
      sensitivity, psychoticism, hostility, phobic anxiety, additional items, and the
      general psychopathology index in the SCL-90-R scores (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, there
      was no significant difference for the subscale of paranoid ideation (p = 0.070).
      There were statistically significant results for the subscales of sexual abuse,
      physical neglect, and total score in CTQ scale, while the personality dimensions
      evaluated using the EPQR-A resulted in significant differences in the E and L
      subscales (p < 0.05) (Table). CONCLUSION: Our study showed that psychiatric
      symptomatology and childhood traumatic experiences were considerably higher in
      mothers of children with PNE. This study highlights the importance of evaluating
      PNE not only from a biological aspect, but also in terms of psychosocial factors,
      including assessment of the mother's mental status.

PMID- 27665377
TI  - Novel benzoquinoline derivatives via unpredicted condensation of ethyl propiolate
      and naphthylamines: Synthesis and topoisomerase inhibition activity.
AB  - An unpredicted condensation of naphthylamine with two molecules of ethyl
      propiolate yields directly carbethoxy benzoquinoline in high yield. Some
      benzoquinoline carboxamide derivatives with protonatable side chains were then
      synthesized and evaluated for antiproliferative activity on human tumor cell
      lines. The most active compound (7a) demonstrated to intercalate into DNA and to
      inhibit the relaxation activity mediated by topoisomerase II.

PMID- 27665378
TI  - The importance of cyclic structure for Labaditin on its antimicrobial activity
      against Staphylococcus aureus.
AB  - Antimicrobial resistance has reached alarming levels in many countries, thus
      leading to a search for new classes of antibiotics, such as antimicrobial
      peptides whose activity is exerted by interacting specifically with the
      microorganism membrane. In this study, we investigate the molecular-level
      mechanism of action for Labaditin (Lo), a 10-amino acid residue cyclic peptide
      from Jatropha multifida with known bactericidal activity against Streptococcus
      mutans. We show that Lo is also effective against Staphylococcus aureus (S.
      aureus) but this does not apply to its linear analogue (L1). Using polarization
      modulated infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (PM-IRRAS), we observed
      with that the secondary structure of Lo was preserved upon interacting with
      Langmuir monolayers from a phospholipid mixture mimicking S. aureus membrane, in
      contrast to L1. This structure preservation for the rigid, cyclic Lo is key for
      the self-assembly of peptide nanotubes that induce pore formation in large
      unilamellar vesicles (LUVs), according to permeability assays and dynamic light
      scattering measurements. In summary, the comparison between Labaditin (Lo) and
      its linear analogue L1 allowed us to infer that the bactericidal activity of Lo
      is more related to its interaction with the membrane. It does not require
      specific metabolic targets, which makes cyclic peptides promising for antibiotics
      without bacteria resistance.

PMID- 27665379
TI  - Tumor targeting strategies for chitosan-based nanoparticles.
AB  - Currently, targeted nanoparticles (NPs) are rapidly being developed to overcome
      various bottlenecks of antitumor agents, such as poor solubility in aqueous
      solution, poor pharmacokinetics, a lack of selectivity and undesirable side
      effects in healthy tissues. In recent years, chitosan, a cationic polysaccharide,
      has been widely explored for the targeted delivery of antitumor agents due to its
      unique physicochemical and biological properties, such as biocompatibility,
      biodegradability, mucoadhesive feature, absorption enhancement and active
      functional groups for chemical modifications. This article reviews the recent
      developments in various target-specific nanoparticles based on chitosan and its
      derivatives, including passive, active and stimuli-sensitive targeting
      strategies. In addition, the target mechanisms and the key efficacy factors are
      illuminated.

PMID- 27665380
TI  - Elaboration of a finite element model of pancreatic islet dielectric response to
      gap junction expression and insulin release.
AB  - Dielectric spectroscopy could potentially be a powerful tool to monitor isolated
      human pancreatic islets for applications in diabetes therapy and research.
      Isolated intact human islets provide the most relevant means to understand the
      cellular and molecular mechanisms associated with diabetes. The advantages of
      dielectric spectroscopy for continuous islet monitoring are that it is a non
      invasive, inexpensive and real-time technique. We have previously assessed the
      dielectric response of human islet samples during stimulation and
      differentiation. Because of the complex geometry of islets, analytical solutions
      are not sufficiently representative to provide a pertinent model of islet
      dielectric response. Here, we present a finite element dielectric model of a
      single intact islet that takes into account the tight packing of islet cells and
      intercellular junctions. The simulation yielded dielectric spectra characteristic
      of cell aggregates, similar to those produced with islets. In addition, the
      simulation showed that both exocytosis, such as what occurs during insulin
      secretion, and differential gap junction expression have significant effects on
      islet dielectric response. Since the progression of diabetes has some connections
      with dysfunctional islet gap junctions and insulin secretion, the ability to
      monitor these islet features with dielectric spectroscopy would benefit diabetes
      research.

PMID- 27665381
TI  - Amphiphilic azobenzene-neomycin conjugate self-assembles into nanostructures and
      transports plasmid DNA efficiently into the mammalian cells.
AB  - The present study demonstrates the use of self-assembled nanostructures of
      cationic amphiphilic azobenzene-neomycin (a small molecule) conjugate, Azo-Neo,
      as delivery vector for plasmid DNA. These nanostructures efficiently condensed
      nucleic acid and formed more compact nanoassemblies. DLS analysis showed size and
      zeta potential of the resulting Azo-Neo/pDNA nanoassemblies ~153.7nm and +7.26mV,
      respectively. The nanoassemblies were characterized by physicochemical techniques
      and evaluated for its toxicity and ability to deliver nucleic acid therapeutics.
      The flow cytometry results on MCF-7 and HEK293T cells revealed that Azo-Neo/pDNA
      nanoassemblies transfected ~31% and 23% cells, respectively, at a w/w ratio of
      250, while the standard transfection reagent, bPEI/pDNA complex, could transfect
      only ~21% and 29% cells, respectively, at its best w:w ratio of 2.3. MTT and
      hemolysis assays showed the non-toxic nature of the projected nanoassemblies and
      nanostructures, respectively, at various concentrations. Further, Azo-Neo
      nanostructures showed efficient antibacterial activity against different strains,
      laboratory strain of Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC 740) as well as MRSA strains
      (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 33591, ATCC 43300 and ATCC 700699). These results
      ensure the great potential of these nanostructures in gene delivery and
      antimicrobial applications.

PMID- 27665383
TI  - Blood Eosinophil Count and Outcomes in Severe Uncontrolled Asthma: A Prospective
      Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Severe uncontrolled asthma (SUA) is associated with increased asthma
      exacerbations. Whether high blood eosinophil counts are related to this burden is
      uncertain. OBJECTIVES: To determine the relationship of blood eosinophil counts
      to asthma exacerbations, utilization, and cost in patients with SUA. METHODS:
      Patients with persistent asthma (age >= 12 years) were identified
      administratively with SUA in phase I by evidencing (1) 2 or more asthma
      exacerbations; (2) 6 or more medium- or high-dose dispensed canisters of inhaled
      corticosteroid (ICS) as monotherapy or with long-acting beta2-agonist; and (3) 3
      or more dispensed non-ICS controllers. Of the 541 patients with SUA invited to
      participate in the prospective phase II follow-up study, 261 (48.2%) had blood
      tests (index date) to determine eosinophil count and other atopic biomarkers. The
      relationship of blood eosinophil cutoff points to asthma exacerbations and direct
      costs 1 year after the index date were determined by multivariable regression.
      RESULTS: A blood eosinophil cutoff point of greater than or equal to 400
      cells/mm3 compared with less than 400 cells/mm3, but not 150 cells/mm3 or 300
      cells/mm3, was a risk factor in the outcome year in adjusted analyses for 2 or
      more asthma exacerbations (risk ratio, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.02-2.35; P =.04) and any
      asthma emergency department visit or hospitalization (risk ratio, 2.29; 95% CI,
      1.16-4.55; P =.02), but not for rate of asthma exacerbations or incremental total
      direct asthma costs per patient ($202; 95% CI, -286 to 691). CONCLUSIONS: A high
      blood eosinophil count was an independent risk factor for 2 or more asthma
      exacerbations or any asthma emergency department visit or hospitalization, but
      not direct costs in patients with SUA, possibly constrained by limited power.

PMID- 27665382
TI  - Systemic Corticosteroid Responses in Children with Severe Asthma: Phenotypic and
      Endotypic Features.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Severe asthma in children is a heterogeneous disorder associated with
      variable responses to corticosteroid treatment. Criterion standards for
      corticosteroid responsiveness assessment in children are lacking. OBJECTIVE: This
      study sought to characterize systemic corticosteroid responses in children with
      severe asthma after treatment with intramuscular triamcinolone and to identify
      phenotypic and molecular predictors of an intramuscular triamcinolone response.
      METHODS: Asthma-related quality of life, exhaled nitric oxide, blood eosinophils,
      lung function, and inflammatory cytokine and chemokine mRNA gene expression in
      peripheral blood mononuclear cells were assessed in 56 children with severe
      asthma at baseline and 14 days after intramuscular triamcinolone injection. The
      Asthma Control Questionnaire was used to classify children with severe asthma
      into corticosteroid response groups. RESULTS: Three groups of children with
      severe asthma were identified: controlled severe asthma, children who achieved
      control after triamcinolone, and children who did not achieve control. At
      baseline, these groups were phenotypically similar. After triamcinolone,
      discordance between symptoms, lung function, exhaled nitric oxide, and blood
      eosinophils was noted. Clinical phenotypic predictors were of limited utility in
      predicting the triamcinolone response, whereas systemic mRNA expression of
      inflammatory cytokines and chemokines related to IL-2, IL-10, and TNF signaling
      pathways, namely, AIMP1, CCR2, IL10RB, and IL5, strongly differentiated children
      who failed to achieve control with triamcinolone administration. CONCLUSIONS:
      Systemic corticosteroid responsiveness in children with severe asthma is
      heterogeneous. Alternative prediction models that include molecular endotypic as
      well as clinical phenotypic features are needed to identify which children derive
      the most clinical benefit from systemic corticosteroid step-up therapy given the
      potential side effects.

PMID- 27665384
TI  - Dust Mite-Induced Perennial Allergic Rhinitis in Pediatric Patients and
      Sublingual Immunotherapy.
AB  - Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common illness in children and can impair their
      quality of life. Furthermore, many children remain symptomatic despite maximizing
      systemic antihistamine and topical therapies. It is at this clinical juncture
      that immunotherapy may be considered. The efficacy and safety associated with
      both subcutaneous (SCIT) and sublingual (SLIT) approaches are reviewed and
      positioned as treatment options for pediatric patients, with specific focus on
      current literature as it relates to SLIT in children, including those with
      perennial allergic rhinitis. Although there is more extensive experience with
      SLIT treatment in Europe, grass and ragweed tablet forms of SLIT are approved in
      the US. Approaches to the care of pediatric patients with allergic rhinitis are
      presented.

PMID- 27665385
TI  - Development and Initial Validation of a Questionnaire to Measure Health-Related
      Quality of Life of Adults with Common Variable Immune Deficiency: The CVID_QoL
      Questionnaire.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Generic health status quality of life (QoL) instruments have been
      used in patients with common variable immune deficiency (CVID). However, by their
      nature, these tools may over- or underestimate the impact of diseases on an
      individual's QoL. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to develop and
      validate a questionnaire to measure specific-health-related QoL for adults with
      CVID (CVID_QoL). METHODS: The 32-item content of the CVID_QoL questionnaire was
      developed using focus groups and individual patient interviews. Validation
      studies included 118 adults with CVID who completed Short Form-36, Saint George
      Respiratory Questionnaire, General Health Questionnaire-12, and EuroQol-5D
      questionnaire in a single session. Principal component and factor analysis
      solutions identified 3 scores to be similar in number and content for each
      solution. Validation of 3 factor scores was performed by construct validity.
      Reproducibility, reliability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity were
      evaluated. Matrices consisting of correlations between the 32 items in the
      CVID_QOL were calculated. RESULTS: Factor analysis identified 3 dimensions:
      emotional functioning (EF), relational functioning (RF), and gastrointestinal and
      skin symptoms (GSS). The instrument had good internal consistency (Cronbach's
      alpha, min. 0.74 for GSS, max. 0.84 for RF, n = 118) and high reproducibility
      (intraclass correlation coefficient, min. 0.79 for RF, max 0.90 for EF, n = 27).
      EF and RF scores showed good convergent validity correlating with conceptually
      similar dimensions of other study scales. Acute and relapsing infections had a
      significant impact on EF and RF. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence of the
      reliability and construct validity of the CVID_QoL to identify QoL issues in
      patients with CVID that may not be addressed by generic instruments.

PMID- 27665386
TI  - Emergency Department Management of Hereditary Angioedema Attacks: Patient
      Perspectives.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Emergency department (ED) management of hereditary angioedema (HAE)
      has been hindered by misdiagnosis and limited treatment options. Food and Drug
      Administration approval of 4 on-demand HAE therapies starting in 2009 and the
      publication of ED guidelines for angioedema management in 2014 should facilitate
      improvement of HAE management in the ED. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study
      was to identify patient-reported areas for improvement in ED management of HAE
      attacks. METHODS: Patients with self-reported HAE with C1 inhibitor deficiency
      who attended the 2015 HAE Association Patient Summit were asked to complete an
      anonymous 30-question survey. Questions addressed patient characteristics and HAE
      management in the ED. RESULTS: Patients indicated that understanding of HAE in
      the ED needed improvement (99%, 104 of 105 patients). Recognition of HAE as a
      diagnosis (48%, 50 of 105 patients), appreciation of HAE as a serious disease
      (45%, 47 of 105 patients), and medication management (59%, 62 of 105 patients)
      were identified as areas needing improvement. Among 39 patients who required ED
      care within the last year, 6 did not receive any HAE-targeted therapy, and
      treatment with corticosteroids (n = 3), epinephrine (n = 2), and antihistamines
      (n = 7) was reported. Among 68 patients whose treatment plan was to receive home
      on-demand therapy, 26 required ED care because of an inability to receive on
      demand therapy at home as outlined in their treatment plan. Having a treatment
      plan was associated with a greater likelihood of receiving HAE therapy in the ED
      (99% vs 74%, P = .002). CONCLUSION: HAE management in the ED can be improved with
      a focus on recognition of HAE attacks and administration of effective HAE
      therapies.

PMID- 27665387
TI  - Home Environmental Interventions for the Prevention or Control of Allergic and
      Respiratory Diseases: What Really Works.
AB  - Home health care workers interventions have been implemented in western countries
      to improve health status of patients with respiratory diseases especially asthma
      and allergic illnesses. Twenty-six controlled studies dealing with prevention and
      control of these diseases through home environmental interventions were reviewed.
      After a comprehensive description of the characteristics of these studies, the
      effectiveness of each intervention was then evaluated in terms of participants'
      compliance with the intervention program, improvement of quality of the indoor
      environment, and finally improvement of health outcomes, in detailed tables.
      Limitations and biases of the studies are also discussed. Overall, this review
      aims at giving a toolbox for home health care workers to target the most
      appropriate measures to improve health status of the patient depending on his
      and/or her environment and disease. Only a case-by-case approach with achievable
      measures will warrant the efficacy of home interventions. This review will also
      provide to the research community a tool to better identify targets to focus in
      future evaluation studies of home health care workers action.

PMID- 27665388
TI  - Rapid response to omalizumab in 3 cases of delayed pressure urticaria.

PMID- 27665389
TI  - Topical nalfurafine exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritic effects in a
      murine model of AD.

PMID- 27665390
TI  - JAK inhibitor JTE-052 regulates contact hypersensitivity by downmodulating T cell
      activation and differentiation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Using JAK inhibitors to inhibit cytokine signaling is presumed to be
      a possible means of treating skin inflammatory disorders such as contact
      dermatitis. OBJECTIVE: To clarify the action site of JAK inhibitors in skin
      inflammatory disorders. METHODS: We analyzed the mechanism of action of the JAK
      inhibitor JTE-052 using murine skin inflammation models, including contact
      hypersensitivity (CHS) and irritant contact dermatitis. Cells isolated from ear
      tissue or lymph node (LN) were analyzed by flow cytometry. The amounts of
      cytokines in the culture medium were measured by ELISA or bead array system.
      Proliferation of LN cells was evaluated by measurement of tritiated thymidine
      incorporation. RESULTS: Oral administration of JTE-052 during both sensitization
      and elicitation phase attenuated CHS, but did not affect croton oil-induced
      irritant contact dermatitis. JTE-052 potently inhibited T cell proliferation and
      activation by antigen presentation in vitro, and attenuated skin inflammation in
      a sensitized-lymphocyte transfer model without suppressing T cell migration. JTE
      052 did not affect hapten-induced cutaneous dendritic cell migration into
      draining lymph nodes or their costimulatory molecule expressions. CONCLUSION: The
      JAK inhibitor JTE-052 exerts an inhibitory effect on antigen-specific T cell
      activation and subsequent inflammation in acquired skin immunity, such as CHS.

PMID- 27665391
TI  - The effects of kinesio taping on the color intensity of superficial skin
      hematomas: A pilot study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To analyze the effects of kinesio taping (KT) -applied with three
      different strains that induced or not the formation of skin creases (called
      convolutions)- on color intensity of post-surgical superficial hematomas. DESIGN:
      Single-blind paired study. SETTING: Rehabilitation clinic. PARTICIPANTS: A
      convenience sample of 13 inpatients with post-surgical superficial hematomas.
      INTERVENTIONS: The tape was applied for 24 consecutive hours. Three tails of KT
      were randomly applied with different degrees of strain: none (SN); light (SL);
      and full longitudinal stretch (SF). We expected to obtain correct formation of
      convolutions with SL, some convolutions with SN, and no convolutions with SF.
      MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The change in color intensity of hematomas, measured by
      means of polar coordinates CIE L*a*b* using a validated and standardized digital
      images system. RESULTS: Applying KT to hematomas did not significantly change the
      color intensity in the central area under the tape (p > 0.05). There was a
      significant treatment effect (p < 0.05) under the edges of the tape,
      independently of the formation of convolutions (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The
      changes observed along the edges of the tape could be related to the formation of
      a pressure gradient between the KT and the adjacent area, but were not dependent
      on the formation of skin convolutions.

PMID- 27665392
TI  - Kinesiology taping does not alter shoulder strength, shoulder proprioception, or
      scapular kinematics in healthy, physically active subjects and subjects with
      Subacromial Impingement Syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of kinesiology tape (KT) on shoulder strength,
      proprioception, and scapular kinematics in healthy and Subacromial Impingement
      Syndrome (SAIS) subjects. DESIGN: Placebo-controlled quasi-experimental study.
      SETTING: Research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 30 physically active
      subjects participated. Ten healthy subjects with no previous history of shoulder
      pathology received KT on the dominant shoulder. Twenty subjects with shoulder
      pain for a minimum of two weeks and presenting with clinical signs of impingement
      were allotted to receive KT (n = 10) or placebo taping (PT, n = 10) on the
      involved shoulder. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: All participants were tested pre- and
      post-application. Shoulder internal/external rotation (IR/ER) strength was
      assessed with isokinetic dynamometry (average peak torque/body weight). Shoulder
      IR/ER proprioception was assessed through threshold to detect passive motion
      (mean absolute error in degrees). Scapular position at 90 degrees  and 120
      degrees  of shoulder abduction during arm raising/lowering were assessed using a
      3D motion analysis system. RESULTS: No significant within group or between group
      differences were demonstrated for any measure. CONCLUSIONS: Taping does not
      appear to aid/impair shoulder strength, shoulder proprioception, or scapular
      kinematics. Future research should explore if the effects of KT are time
      dependent and similar in other pathologies.

PMID- 27665393
TI  - Robot-assisted laparoscopic liver resection: A review.
AB  - Surgery using a robotic platform is expanding rapidly today, with a notable surge
      since its authorization on the international medical market by the US Food and
      Drug Administration in 2000. The first hepatectomy by a robotic approach was
      reported in 2002, 10 years after the first laparoscopic hepatectomy. Yet, in
      hepatic surgery, series are scarce and the lack of relevant data in the
      literature is an obstacle to the development of robot-assisted laparoscopic
      hepatectomy (RALH). Based on a review of the literature, this update focuses on
      current indications, short-term and oncologic outcomes following RALH.

PMID- 27665394
TI  - Effect of functional electrical stimulation on the proprioception, motor function
      of the paretic upper limb, and patient quality of life: A case report.
AB  - : Functional electrical stimulation (FES) has shown to improve motor function of
      the affected side in stroke patients; however, the effects of FES on
      proprioception, the functional recovery of the paretic upper limb, and the
      patient quality of life (QoL) are not clear. The aim of the current case report
      was to determine whether FES can improve joint position sense and the scores on
      measurements of upper limb function and a QoL survey. The participant was
      assessed before and after 10 consecutive intervention sessions; in addition, the
      patient performed the training tasks in the workstation assisted by the FES
      device. Improvements in angles and time only in the affected wrist and
      enhancement in the Action Research Arm Test scores for both upper limbs were
      found after FES intervention. In addition, the patient's health-related QoL
      measurements improved. FES could ameliorate the proprioceptive deficit and the
      activity limitations of a stroke survivor. OXFORD LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3b;
      individual case control study.

PMID- 27665395
TI  - Infants anticipate probabilistic but not deterministic outcomes.
AB  - Infants look at physically impossible events longer than at physically possible
      events, and at improbable events longer than at probable events. Such behaviors
      are generally interpreted as showing that infants have expectations about future
      events and are surprised to see them violated. It is unknown, however, whether
      and under what conditions infants form proactive expectations about the future,
      as opposed to realizing post hoc that outcomes do not comply with their previous
      knowledge or experience. Here we investigate the relation between expectation and
      surprise at probabilistic or deterministic events in preverbal infants. When a
      situation is uncertain, 12-month-olds anticipate probable outcomes and are
      surprised at improbable continuations of the scene. However, they do not
      anticipate the only possible outcome of a physically deterministic situation,
      although they are surprised when it does not occur. The results suggest that
      infants are sensitive to the tradeoff between information gain and programming
      efforts, showing higher propensity to anticipate those future events that carry
      novel knowledge.

PMID- 27665396
TI  - Surprise capture and inattentional blindness.
AB  - Inattentional blindness (IB) is the phenomenon where unattended objects are not
      noticed. IB is typically tested within a surprise presentation procedure: A novel
      object is presented on a critical trial for the first time without prior
      announcement. Previous research indicates that IB is high unless the novel object
      is (a) similar to the target of the present task or (b) perceptually salient. The
      present study seeks evidence that the expectancy congruence of the novel object
      is a further important determinant of IB, and that the novel object is frequently
      noticed if it has a feature that is expectancy discrepant. An influence of
      perceptual saliency is excluded by presenting only two objects in each display.
      Experiment 1 reveals that an expectancy discrepant novel feature is noticed even
      if it is completely dissimilar to the target. Experiment 2 shows that expectancy
      discrepancy and match to target features can prioritize an object at the same
      time. Experiment 3 shows that IB is related to the degree of expectancy
      discrepancy. Results indicate that IB is prevented by two factors: match to
      target set and expectancy discrepancy. A revised model for IB is suggested.

PMID- 27665397
TI  - All cause mortality and body mass index in a young Asian occupational cohort
      without baseline metabolic syndrome components.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim was to investigate associations between underweight,
      overweight and obesity and all cause, cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD)
      mortality, excluding subjects with known CVD, diabetes, hypertension and
      components of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) at baseline. METHODS: The study
      population consisted of examinees participating in a health screening in Korea
      from 2002 to 2013. Data were analyzed in 162,194 subjects (in a retrospective
      cohort study design-median (interquartile range (IQR) follow-up 4.9 (1.8
      8.5years))). The outcomes were all cause mortality, cancer and CVD. RESULTS: The
      mean (age range) and median age (IQR) at baseline were 36.9(20.0-85.3) and 35.2
      (30.8-40.6) years. There were 436 deaths during follow-up. For men and women
      together, the fully adjusted HR for underweight and all cause mortality, cancer
      and CVD was 1.53 (95% CIs 1.06-2.20), 1.21 (95% CIs 0.68-2.14) and 1.34 (95% CIs
      0.40-4.49) respectively. In contrast, the fully adjusted HR for
      overweight/obesity combined and all cause mortality was 0.77 (95%CIs 0.63-0.95)
      and there were non significant trends towards decreased cancer and CVD mortality.
      The association between overweight/obesity and all cause mortality was similar
      for men and women considered separately and for overweight and obesity as
      separate BMI categories. Smoking did not seem to explain the increased HR in the
      underweight BMI category. CONCLUSIONS: In a young metabolically healthy adult
      cohort, underweight was associated with increased all cause mortality and
      overweight/obesity was associated with decreased all cause mortality if CVD,
      diabetes, hypertension and components of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) are
      excluded.

PMID- 27665398
TI  - Regional variation in coronary heart disease mortality trends in Portugal, 1981
      2012.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Information is scarce about the geographic variation in time trends
      of mortality from coronary heart disease (CHD). We aimed to describe trends in
      death rates, absolute number of deaths and years of life lost (YLL) due to CHD
      among men and women in Portugal, by region, from 1981 to 2012. METHODS: The age
      standardized mortality rates from CHD were estimated by sex and region. We used
      joinpoint regression analysis to calculate the annual percent change (APC) in
      mortality and to identify points of significant change in the trend. The YLL due
      to premature mortality for CHD were computed using the Global Burden of Disease
      method. RESULTS: The age-adjusted mortality from CHD decreased between 1981 and
      2012, both in men and women, but with significantly different APC by region.
      Smaller declines in rates were observed in Alentejo (men: APC 1993-2012: -2.4%;
      women: APC 1991-2012: -2.4%). The greatest decline was observed in Madeira
      between 2003 and 2012, in men (APC: -7.6%) and women (APC: -9.7%). The decline in
      rates in Algarve started only after 2003, whereas it was consistent from 1981 in
      the North and started in the 1990s in most other regions. A decrease in the
      number of deaths was only observed after 2000. The YLL from CHD decreased from
      1981 to 2012, mainly after 2000. CONCLUSIONS: In Portugal, between 1981 and 2012,
      relative declines of CHD mortality indicators were different by geographic
      region. Consistent decreases in mortality rates were only observed in the Centre,
      Lisbon and North, the most populated and urbanized regions.

PMID- 27665399
TI  - Hyperuricemia and contrast-induced acute kidney injury: A systematic review and
      meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hyperuricemia may be associated with an increased risk of contrast
      induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI). In recent years, studies about the
      relationship between them gradually appeared. We performed a systematic review
      and meta-analysis to investigate whether hyperuricemia is an independent risk
      factor for CI-AKI. METHODS: Relevant studies were searched in PubMed, Embase,
      Cochrane Library, and CBM (Chinese Biomedical Literature database) databases
      until April 18, 2016, without language restriction. Observational studies
      evaluating serum uric acid (SUA) levels and CI-AKI risks were included. The
      pooled odds ratio was calculated to assess the association between hyperuricemia
      and risk of CI-AKI using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Eighteen relevant
      studies involving a total of 13,084 patients met our inclusion criteria. Presence
      of hyperuricemia was associated with an increased risk of CI-AKI development
      regardless of whether the effect size was adjusted or not (unadjusted OR: 2.08,
      95% CI: 1.63-2.64; adjusted OR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.38-2.04). In-hospital mortality
      and cases of renal replacement therapy were significantly different between
      subjects with hyperuricemia and normouricemia undergoing coronary angiography
      (CAG) and/or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). CONCLUSION: Hyperuricemia
      is independently associated with the occurrence of CI-AKI and it significantly
      increases the in-hospital mortality and the risk of renal replacement therapy
      among the patients after CAG and/or PCI. Future research is needed to determine
      whether urate-lowering therapy has beneficial effects for reducing the incidence
      of CI-AKI and in-hospital adverse events.

PMID- 27665400
TI  - Is it time to change how we think about incomplete coronary revascularization?
AB  - The optimal degree of revascularization for patients with chronic multivessel
      coronary artery disease remains an unsolved issue. Intuitively, complete
      revascularization decreases cardiovascular events and improves outcomes compared
      to incomplete procedures, but in recent years the concept of incomplete
      revascularization moved from a sub-optimal or a defective treatment towards the
      most appropriate revascularization technique in some categories of patients. A
      reasonable level of incomplete anatomic revascularization has been shown to be
      safe and achievable with both percutaneous (PCI) and surgical procedures (CABG),
      despite with different long-term outcomes. What are the mechanisms underlying the
      clinical benefits of an incomplete revascularization and what are the factors
      explaining the discrepancy in the long-term clinical outcomes between the two
      modes of revascularization PCI and CABG? The biological consequences of coronary
      reperfusion might provide valuable hints in this context and at the same time
      cast new light on the way we think about incomplete revascularization.

PMID- 27665401
TI  - Dose-response relationship between serum uric acid levels and risk of incident
      coronary heart disease in the Dongfeng-Tongji Cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In prospective studies, relationship of serum uric acid (SUA) with
      risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) incidence is inconsistent. We evaluated the
      association of SUA with incident CHD and the potential modifying effect of major
      CHD risk factors related to SUA among a middle aged and elderly Chinese
      population. METHODS: We included 16, 063 participants who were free of CHD,
      stroke, cancer and renal diseases at baseline from Sep. 2008 to June 2010, and
      were followed until Oct. 2013. Cox proportional hazard model was used to estimate
      the hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of CHD incidence in
      relation to SUA. RESULTS: The adjusted HR for incident CHD increased gradually
      with the increasing SUA levels (P for linear trend=0.005), and the HR across sex
      specific SUA quartile was 1.26 (95% CI: 1.09, 1.47), 1.13 (95% CI: 0.97, 1.31),
      1.23 (95% CI: 1.06, 1.43) and 1.00 (reference; P for trend=0.014), respectively.
      In particular, the association was more evident in individuals with normal-weight
      and those without hypertension or metabolic syndrome (all P for interactions<0.
      05). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggested that higher SUA levels were
      independently associated with a dose-response increased risk of CHD incidence.

PMID- 27665402
TI  - Impact of body mass index on long-term mortality in women and men undergoing
      percutaneous coronary intervention for chronic total occlusion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The obesity paradox has been described in different patient
      populations. Data on the relation between obesity and outcomes in patients
      undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for chronic total occlusion
      (CTO) are lacking. Therefore, long-term mortality in patients undergoing CTO PCI
      was assessed according to different body mass index (BMI) categories. METHODS: A
      total of 1993 patients undergoing CTO PCI at a tertiary care center between
      January 2005 and December 2013 were divided into five different BMI categories:
      underweight, <18.5kg/m2; normal BMI, 18.5-24.9kg/m2; overweight, 25.0-29.9kg/m2;
      obese, 30.0-34.9kg/m2; and very obese, >=35.0kg/m2. The primary endpoint was all
      cause mortality. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 2.6 (interquartile range 1.1-3.1)
      years. Of the 1993 patients, 461 (23.1%) were of normal weight, 985 (49.4%)
      overweight, 396 (19.9%) obese, and 144 (7.2%) very obese. Compared with normal
      weight BMI patients (16.3%), overweight patients had a lower all-cause mortality
      (10.2%, Log Rank p=0.001), while obese (11.1%, Log Rank p=0.08) and severely
      obese (13.2%, Log Rank p=0.39) patients had similar mortality rates. Being
      overweight was significantly associated with a lower all-cause mortality (HR
      0.69, 95% CI 0.53-0.89, p=0.005), and associations remained significant after
      multivariable adjustments for confounding factors (HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.56-0.95,
      p=0.02). While being overweight was linked with a reduced all-cause mortality in
      men (HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.48-0.88, p=0.005), it was not in women (HR 1.25, 95% CI
      0.60-2.52, p=0.58). CONCLUSIONS: Overweight is associated with an improved
      survival in patients undergoing PCI for CTO, particularly in men.

PMID- 27665404
TI  - Review: The outcomes of different vessel diameter in patients receiving coronary
      artery stenting.
AB  - Compared to bare metal stent (BMS) implantation, drug-eluting stents (DES) is
      significantly better in attenuating intimal hyperplasia and reducing the rate of
      revascularization. However, the requirement of prolonged dual antiplatelet
      therapy (DAPT) and the economic cost have been the major disadvantages of DES.
      Studies have shown that the use of DES in small vessels decrease
      revascularization rate, but the results in large vessels vary. Previous studies
      have shown that the extent of late loss is unrelated to vessel diameter, and that
      late loss is easily accommodated in large vessels, thus resulting in decreased
      clinical benefit of DES in this setting. No definite cut-off point value of the
      vessel size has yet been demonstrated. Series studies aimed at evaluating the
      clinical outcomes of DES versus BMS in large vessels, but their results have been
      controversial. In this review, we evaluate the latest studies on clinical
      outcomes for different vessel sizes and clinical conditions. Nonetheless, further
      large clinical trials are warranted to address the clinical results of newer
      stents in different size vessels, especially in large vessels.

PMID- 27665403
TI  - miRNA-93-5p and other miRNAs as predictors of coronary artery disease and STEMI.
AB  - BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs, have been implicated as
      regulators of all mediators of atherosclerosis, and some reports have suggested
      increased levels in coronary artery disease (CAD) and acute myocardial infarction
      (AMI). However, the potential of miRNAs as biomarkers or predictors of disease
      remains to be established. METHODS: We designed a study comprising 150 patients
      (50 Control, 50 Stable CAD, and 50 ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI)),
      and measured plasma miRNAs in each. We then determined the ability of
      differential miRNAs, adjusting for Framingham Heart Study (FHS) risk factors, to
      discriminate between CAD vs Control, and STEMI vs Control. RESULTS: Three miRNAs
      (miR15a-5p, miR16-5p, and miR93-5p) were significantly increased in Stable CAD vs
      Control groups and one (miR146a-5p) was significantly decreased in Stable CAD vs
      Control. One miRNA - miR499a-5p - was significantly increased in the STEMI group
      compared to Controls. After adjustment for FHS risk factors, miR93-5p levels
      remained an independent predictor of the presence of CAD (Odds Ratio [OR]=8.76,
      P=0.002). All 4 miRNAs improved discriminatory power for CAD over FHS alone in
      ROC analysis. Similarly, after adjustment for risk factors miR499-5p remained an
      independent predictor of STEMI (OR=3.03, P=0.001) and improved discriminatory
      power for STEMI in ROC analyses. CONCLUSION: We identified 4 miRNAs that were
      differentially expressed among stable CAD and control patients, and 1 miRNA that
      was elevated in STEMI patients vs controls. MiR93-5p was the strongest predictor
      of CAD after adjustment for traditional risk factors, suggesting potential
      diagnostic utility.

PMID- 27665405
TI  - Measuring senescence rates of patients with end-stage renal disease while
      accounting for population heterogeneity: an analysis of data from the ERA-EDTA
      Registry.
AB  - PURPOSE: Although a population's senescence rate is classically measured as the
      increase in mortality rate with age on a logarithmic scale, it may be more
      accurately measured as the increase on a linear scale. Patients on dialysis, who
      suffer from accelerated senescence, exhibit a smaller increase in their mortality
      rate on a logarithmic scale, but a larger increase on a linear scale than
      patients with a functioning kidney transplant. However, this comparison may be
      biased by population heterogeneity. METHODS: Follow-up data on 323,308 patients
      on dialysis and 91,679 patients with a functioning kidney transplant were derived
      from the ERA-EDTA Registry. We measured the increases in their mortality rates
      using Gompertz frailty models that allow individual variation in this increase.
      RESULTS: According to these models, the senescence rate measured as the increase
      in mortality rate on a logarithmic scale was smaller in patients on dialysis,
      while the senescence rate measured as the increase on a linear scale was larger
      in patients on dialysis than patients with a functioning kidney transplant.
      CONCLUSIONS: Also when accounting for population heterogeneity, a population's
      senescence rate is more accurately measured as the increase in mortality rate on
      a linear scale than a logarithmic scale.

PMID- 27665406
TI  - [Renal transplantation in 2046: Future and perspectives].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To report major findings that may build the future of kidney
      transplantation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Relevant publications were identified
      through Medline (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) and Embase (http://www.embase.com)
      database from 1960 to 2016 using the following keywords, in association, "bio
      engineering; heterotransplantation; immunomodulation; kidney; regenerative
      medicine; xenotransplantation". Articles were selected according to methods,
      language of publication and relevance. A total of 5621 articles were identified
      including 2264 for xenotransplantation, 1058 for regenerative medicine and 2299
      for immunomodulation; after careful selection, 86 publications were eligible for
      our review. RESULTS: Despite genetic constructs, xenotransplantation faces the
      inevitable obstacle of species barrier. Uncertainty regarding xenograft
      acceptance by recipients as well as ethical considerations due to the debatable
      utilization of animal lives, are major limits for its future. Regenerative
      medicine and tridimensional bioprinting allow successful implantation of organs.
      Bioengineering, using decellularized tissue matrices or synthetic scaffold,
      seeded with pluripotent cells and assembled using bioreactors, provide exciting
      results but remain far for reconstituting renal complexity and vascular patency.
      Immune tolerance may be achieved through a tough initial T-cell depletion or a
      combined haplo-identical bone marrow transplant leading to lymphohematopoietic
      chimerism. CONCLUSION: Current researches aim to increase the pool of organs
      available for transplantation (xenotransplants and bio-artificial kidneys) and to
      increase allograft survival through the induction of immune tolerance. Reported
      results suggest the onset of a thrilling new era for renal transplantation
      providing end-stage renal disease-patients with an improved survival and quality
      of life.

PMID- 27665407
TI  - [Urologic malignancies in renal transplant candidates and recipients].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To review epidemiology and management of urologic neoplasms in renal
      transplant candidates and recipients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Relevant publications
      were identified through Medline (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) and Embase
      (http://www.embase.com) database using the following keywords, alone or in
      association, "neoplasms"; "prostate cancer"; "renal carcinoma"; "renal
      transplantation"; "transitional carcinoma"; "waiting list". Articles were
      selected according to methods, language of publication and relevance. A total of
      7730 articles were identified including 781 for solid tumors, 1565 for renal cell
      carcinoma (RCC), 2674 for prostate cancer (Pca), 385 for transitional carcinoma
      (TC) and 56 for testicular cancer; after careful selection, 221 publications were
      eligible for our review. RESULTS: Renal transplant candidates and recipients are
      at higher risk of urologic neoplasms than general population, but prostate cancer
      has similar features. Thus, all therapeutic options are valid. Conversely to
      radiation therapy, radical prostatectomy provides precise staging and immediate
      affirmation of therapeutic success. Lymph nodes dissection needs to be discussed;
      systematic screening using PSA level and digital rectal examination should be
      offered in this specific population. RCC arising in native kidneys are usually
      low grade and stage and require total nephrectomy. In transplant candidates,
      there is no need to delay transplantation after treatment of low risk RCC
      according to published predictive nomograms. RCC of the allograft are rare, with
      a prevalence of 0.2 to 05% with a dialysis free survival ranging from 40 to 75%
      at 21.5 to 43 months. Treatment options are nephron sparing surgery, percutaneous
      ablation and immediate or deferred transplantectomy. Conversely to RCC or PCa, TC
      present with more unfavorable features as general population. Their management
      faces specific difficulties such as lower efficacy of BCG instillation or the
      technical challenge of urinary diversion. CONCLUSION: Application of appropriate
      indication for transplantectomy relies on benefit-risk balance between the
      interruption of immunosuppressive agents versus survival and quality of life
      impairment after returning to dialysis. No robust recommendation exists regarding
      switch of immunosuppressive drugs. Cancer predictive factors and access to a
      subsequent transplantation are key decisive elements.

PMID- 27665408
TI  - [Sexuality, fertility and pregnancy after kidney transplantation].
AB  - AIMS: To describe sexuality and fertility alterations secondary to chronic kidney
      disease and their outcomes after renal transplantation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An
      exhaustive systematic review of the scientific literature was performed in the
      Medline database (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) and Embase (http://www.embase.com)
      using different associations of the following keywords: erectile dysfunction;
      impotence; sexuality; pregnancy; fertility; renal transplantation. Publications
      obtained were selected based on methodology, language, date of publication (last
      10 years) and relevance. Prospective and retrospective studies, in English or
      French, review articles; meta-analysis and guidelines were selected and analyzed.
      This search found 706 articles. After reading titles and abstracts, 76 were
      included in the text, based on their relevance. RESULTS: The observed prevalence
      of erectile dysfunction is high in men with chronic kidney disease. The causes of
      erectile dysfunction are numbers and its origin is often multifactorial. Most of
      the time, kidney transplantation improves sexuality and the management of
      erectile dysfunction in transplanted men is similar to the general population.
      Improvement in sexuality in men and women after kidney transplantation may
      conduct to pregnancy. The outcomes of pregnancy after transplantation are quite
      good in absence of risk factors such as time to pregnancy less than 1 year after
      transplantation, uncontrolled high blood pressure, and decreased renal function
      of the graft. Adaptation of immunosuppression may be required to avoid any
      teratogenicity for the fetus. CONCLUSION: Kidney transplantation improves
      sexuality and fertility in men and women with chronic kidney disease.

PMID- 27665409
TI  - [The role of physicochemistry in urology and nephrology, selected results
      obtained during the last ten years].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The presence of pathological calcifications, which can be either
      concretions or ectopic call for physicochemical characterisation techniques in
      order to define a significant diagnosis. The aim of this review is to present a
      set of characterisation techniques able to describe at the micrometer scale their
      structural and chemical characteristics and show their place at the hospital.
      METHOD: Results already published in the last ten years based on characterisation
      techniques present in laboratories or specific to large-scale instruments are
      presented. Their usefulness for the clinician is discussed. RESULTS: The presence
      and role of heavy metals in urinary stones through data collected through MUX-ray
      fluorescence is debated. If these data suggest a simple substitution process of
      calcium, recent data suggest that weddellite is associated to a Zn-rich
      environment, partly favoured by an inflammation process. Investigation on the
      chemistry and the structure of unusual deposits in kidney biopsies show a great
      chemical diversity of ectopic calcifications. Such diversity shows that staining
      procedures to characterize such deposits are obsolete. Finally, several diseases
      which can be assessed through techniques specific to large-scale instruments and
      defined by the clinician are presented. CONCLUSION: The chemical and structural
      complexity of pathological calcifications call for a characterization through
      physicochemical techniques. Only such approach allows the clinician to define a
      significant diagnosis and to care the patient.

PMID- 27665410
TI  - [Polycystic kidney disease and kidney transplantation].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To perform a state of the art about autosomal dominant polykystic
      kidney disease (ADPKD), management of its urological complications and end stage
      renal disease treatment modalities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An exhaustive
      systematic review of the scientific literature was performed in the Medline
      database (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) and Embase (http://www.embase.com) using
      different associations of the following keywords (MESH): "autosomal dominant
      polykystic kidney disease", "complications", "native nephrectomy", "kidney
      transplantation". Publications obtained were selected based on methodology,
      language, date of publication (last 10 years) and relevance. Prospective and
      retrospective studies, in English or French, review articles; meta-analysis and
      guidelines were selected and analyzed. This search found 3779 articles. After
      reading titles and abstracts, 52 were included in the text, based on their
      relevance. RESULTS: ADPKD is the most inherited renal disease, leading to end
      stage renal disease requiring dialysis or renal transplantation in about 50% of
      the patients. Many urological complications (gross hematuria, cysts infection,
      renal pain, lithiasis) of ADPKD required urological management. The pretransplant
      evaluation will ask the challenging question of native nephrectomy only in case
      of recurrent kidney complications or large kidney not allowing graft
      implantation. The optimum timing for native nephrectomy will depend on many
      factors (dialysis or preemptive transplantation, complication severity, anuria,
      easy access to transplantation, potential living donor). CONCLUSION:
      Pretransplant management of ADPKD is challenging. A conservative strategy should
      be promoted to avoid anuria (and its metabolic complications) and to preserve a
      functioning low urinary tract and quality of life. When native nephrectomy should
      be performed, surgery remains the gold standard but renal arterial embolization
      may be a safe option due to its low morbidity.

PMID- 27665411
TI  - How parents and physicians experience end-of-life decision-making for children
      with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities.
AB  - BACKGROUND: End-of-life decisions (EoLD) often concern children with profound
      intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD). Yet, little is known about how
      parents and physicians discuss and make these decisions. AIMS: The objective of
      this research was to investigate the experiences of the parents and the involved
      physician during the end-of-life decision-making (EoLDM) process for children
      with PIMD. METHODS: In a retrospective, qualitative study, we conducted semi
      structured interviews with the physicians and parents of 14 children with PIMD
      for whom an EoLD was made within the past two years. RESULTS: A long-lasting
      relationship appeared to facilitate the EoLDM process, although previous negative
      healthcare encounters could also lead to distrust. Parents and physicians
      encountered disagreements during the EoLDM process, but these disagreements could
      also improve the decision-making process. Most parents, as well as most
      physicians, considered the parents to be the experts on their child. In making an
      EoLD, both parents and physicians preferred a shared decision-making approach,
      although they differed in what they actually meant by this concept. CONCLUSION:
      The EoLDM process for children with PIMD can be improved if physicians are more
      aware of the specific situation and of the roles and expectations of the parents
      of children with PIMD.

PMID- 27665412
TI  - Correlates of direct care staffs' attitudes towards aggression of persons with
      intellectual disabilities.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: To explain direct care staff's attitudes (responsive or
      rejecting) towards aggression of clients with intellectual disability (ID), data
      were collected about client characteristics as well as individual and team
      characteristics of 475 direct care staff members, working in 71 teams. METHOD AND
      RESULTS: Multilevel analyses revealed that a positive team climate was positively
      associated with both a rejecting and responsive attitude towards aggression.
      Senior staff members and females showed a less responsive attitude towards
      aggression, whereas a relatively high percentage of females in a team and a
      positive attitude towards external professionals were associated with a more
      responsive attitude towards aggression. Unexpectedly, staff who experienced less
      verbal and/or physical aggressive incidents of their clients with ID showed a
      more rejecting attitude towards aggression. Finally, characteristics of the
      clients with ID accounted for the largest part of the variance in the attitude
      towards aggression of direct care staff, in particular psychiatric diagnoses.
      CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Further research is necessary in order to
      understand how team processes affect the attitude towards aggression of direct
      care staff. Further it is recommended to provide direct care staff with knowledge
      about mental disorders in clients with ID.

PMID- 27665413
TI  - High variability of individual longitudinal motor performance over five years in
      very preterm infants.
AB  - AIM: To determine longitudinal motor performance in very preterm (VPT) infants
      from 6 months to 5 years of age for the entire cohort of infants, according to
      gender and gestational age and at the individual level. METHOD: Single-center,
      prospective longitudinal study of 201 VPT infants (106 boys) without severe
      impairments. OUTCOMES: Motor performance was assessed with the Bayley Scales of
      Infant Development (BSID-II-MS: 6, 12, 24 months) and the Movement Assessment
      Battery for Children (MABC-2-NL: 5 years). RESULTS: At 6, 12, and 24 months and
      then at 5 years, 77%, 80%, 48%, and 22% of the infants, respectively, showed
      delayed motor performance (<-1SD). At 5 years, girls performed significantly
      better than boys in manual dexterity and balance. MIXED MODEL ANALYSES: that
      examined interactions between time and gender and time and gestational age,
      revealed no significant interactions. The variance at child level was 29%. Linear
      mixed model analysis revealed that mean z-scores of -1.46 at 6 months of age
      declined significantly to -0.52 at 5 years. Individual longitudinal motor
      performance showed high variability. IMPLICATIONS: Longitudinal motor performance
      improved almost 1 SD over five years. However, the variability of individual
      longitudinal motor performance hampers evaluation in clinical care and research.

PMID- 27665414
TI  - Co-variation between stressful events and rumination predicts depressive
      symptoms: An eighteen months prospective design in undergraduates.
AB  - Rumination is a maladaptive form of emotion regulation and seems to be the
      cognitive mechanism linking stress to depressive symptoms. However, it remains to
      be investigated whether individuals' variation in rumination in relation to the
      occurrence of stressful events (e.g., phasic co-variation between stressful
      events and rumination) prospectively predict the experience of depressive
      symptoms in lengthy follow-up moments. In this eighteen months prospective
      design, a large unselected sample of undergraduates was tested before, during,
      and after a period with prominent naturally occurring stressful events. The
      multilevel results show that the co-variation of stressful events and ruminative
      thinking predicts the experience of depressive symptoms at 3 and 15 months follow
      up moments, also when statistically controlling for baseline depressive symptoms.
      Moreover, the data demonstrate that the phasic elevations of rumination in
      relation to the occurrence of stressful events are more predictive of depressive
      symptoms compared with the stable aspects of rumination measured at one occasion.
      At the clinical level, the current findings seem to suggest a process-oriented
      intervention to target the phasic ruminative cognitions where individuals need to
      learn to control rumination exactly at moments of stress.

PMID- 27665416
TI  - How can the pressure in anti-embolism stockings be maintained during use?
      Laboratory evaluation of simulated 'wear' and different reconditioning protocols.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Deep vein thrombosis is a major global health issue, responsible for
      thousands of deaths each year. While thrombi can form under a variety of
      circumstances, lack of mobility significantly increases risk and therefore non
      ambulant patients are frequently fitted with anti-embolism stockings on admission
      to hospital, to aid blood flow, prevent pooling and thus clotting. Anti-embolism
      stockings are the most widely used non-invasive medical device on the market and
      are believed to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis by 40%. Despite their
      widespread use in hospitals world-wide, there is remarkably little research
      addressing their use or reconditioning and a wide variety of different
      reconditioning protocols are used in hospitals. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this
      study was to establish the impact of different wear and reconditioning protocols
      on the pressure delivering ability of anti-embolism stockings. DESIGN/METHODS: A
      laboratory investigation was undertaken to evaluate the pressure delivering
      ability of 2 major global brands of anti-embolism stockings over 5-8days of
      simulated wear (extension on static cylinders) and 4 different reconditioning
      protocols. 1 set of samples was continuously 'worn' for 8days without
      reconditioning, 1 set of samples was 'worn' for 5days with a day of relaxation
      between each day of 'wear', 1 set was 'hand washed' and 1 set was machine washed
      and then allowed to relax between each day of 'wear'. The pressure was measured
      at the beginning and end of each period of 'wear'. SETTING: This study was
      undertaken in a conditioned textile testing laboratory that complies with BS EN
      ISO 139:2005+A1:2011. RESULTS: The pressure exerted by anti-embolism stockings
      reduced by between 15 and 24% after 24h of wear, it reduced by between 21 and 32%
      when worn continuously for 8days. Allowing stockings to rest for a day between
      days of wear allowed them to recover slightly but this recovery was only
      temporary. Washing stockings regenerated their pressure delivering potential
      significantly and machine washing allowed some to recover to exert more pressure
      than they had when new. CONCLUSIONS: Different brands of anti-embolism stockings
      exert different pressures on the same size of leg, when correctly fitted. The
      pressure exerted by anti-embolism stockings decreases with use but the correct
      pressure gradient is maintained if correctly fitted. Washing stockings after 24h
      of wear is effective in restoring their pressure delivering abilities and in some
      cases can surpass their 'as new' pressure delivering ability.

PMID- 27665415
TI  - What good is labeling what's good? A field experimental investigation of parental
      labeled praise and child compliance.
AB  - There is a need to identify the "effective ingredients" of evidence-based
      behavior therapies. We tested the effects of one of the most common ingredients
      in parenting interventions for preventing disruptive child behavior, referred to
      as labeled praise (e.g., "well done picking up your toys"), which is typically
      recommended in preference to unlabeled praise (e.g., "well done"). We compared
      the effects of labeled praise, unlabeled praise, and no praise on child
      compliance in two experiments. Experiment 1 included 161 4 to 8 year-old
      community sample children and tested immediate effects of praise. Experiment 2
      included 132 3 to 9 year-old children with varying levels of disruptive behavior
      and tested immediate and two-week effects of praise. In Experiment 1, teaching
      parents to use labeled praise did not increase immediate child compliance,
      whereas teaching them to use unlabeled praise did. In Experiment 2, teaching
      parents to use labeled praise for two weeks reduced disruptive child behavior,
      but this effect was of a similar magnitude to that for unlabeled praise. Parents
      preferred the use of unlabeled over labeled praise. These findings suggest that
      parental praise promotes child compliance, but the addition of labeling the
      specific positive behavior may not be of incremental value.

PMID- 27665418
TI  - Physical and social factors associated with early adolescent headache and
      stomachache pain.
AB  - PURPOSE: Approximately one third of adolescents in the United States report
      experiencing frequent headaches and stomachaches. We examined the association of
      psychosocial and physical factors with the report of weekly headaches or
      stomachaches using a representative sample of US teens. METHODS: Data for this
      project are from the survey of Health Behavior in School-Aged Children (HBSC),
      2005-2006, a nationally representative sample of students in grades 6-10 in the
      United States. The total sample includes 12,070 students aged 11-17. Using
      logistic regression we modeled chronic headache and stomachache separately with
      the same set of physical predictors (dieting and substance use habits) and
      psychosocial predictors (attitudes towards self-image, peers, and family) along
      with demographic controls. RESULTS: Almost 20% of respondents experienced
      headaches weekly, and 12% experienced abdominal pain. Both physical and
      psychosocial factors were predictive of chronic symptoms. Increased substance
      usage and unhealthy eating practices were associated with the likelihood of
      experiencing both headaches and stomachaches. Negative self-image, family
      relationships, and school life were also predictive of symptom frequency.
      CONCLUSION: Headaches and stomachaches are associated with poor eating and
      substance use habits, as well as problems with self-image or social relationships
      among adolescents. For health care professionals, a holistic approach is needed
      to effectively address symptoms and prevent long-term health problems.

PMID- 27665417
TI  - Fetal echocardiography: reference values for the Chinese population.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Global racial variability in human development can lead to differences
      in size of fetal cardiac structures during gestation. Our objective is to
      establish normal reference ranges of fetal cardiac dimensions between 20 and 34
      weeks from fetal echocardiograms recorded at a single center in China. METHODS: A
      prospective cross-sectional study was undertaken on single pregnancies with
      normal fetuses of varying gestational ages (GAs). A total of 4396 normal fetuses
      were divided into 15 groups from 20 to 34 weeks according to the GA. Measurements
      included the inner diameter of the fetal cardiac chambers and arteries, the
      aortic arch isthmus (AI), the descending aorta (DAO), the ductus arteriosus (DA),
      and the foramen ovale (FO). Measurements were statistically analyzed and
      regression analysis was applied to assess for correlation with GA. RESULTS:
      Normal reference values of fetal cardiovascular dimensions between 20 and 34
      weeks were obtained from 4396 subjects at a single center in China. Measurements
      of fetal cardiac structures increase with advancing GA. It seems there is no
      difference in r values among linear, cubic, and quadratic model analyses (P >
      0.05). However, the r values for the exponential models appear to be smaller than
      those of the other three models (P < 0.05). Ratios of the diameters of fetal
      cardiac structures were calculated in order to identify for differential changes
      in the growth of structures. CONCLUSIONS: The presented data derived from 4396
      normal fetuses provide the reference values of fetal echocardiography in China,
      which provide guidance to fetal echocardiography examinations.

PMID- 27665419
TI  - Brain metabolic DNA in memory processing and genome turnover.
AB  - Sophisticated methods are currently used to investigate the properties of brain
      DNA and clarify its role under physiological conditions and in neurological and
      psychiatric disorders. Attention is now called on a DNA fraction present in the
      adult rat brain that is characterized by an elevated turnover and is not involved
      in cell division or DNA repair. The fraction, known as brain metabolic DNA (BMD),
      is modulated by strain, stress, circadian oscillations, exposure to enriched or
      impoverished environment, and notably by several training protocols and post
      trial sleep. BMD is frequently localized in glial cells but is also present in
      neurons, often in the perinucleolar region. Its distribution in repetitive and
      non-repetitive DNA fractions shows that BMD differs from native DNA and that in
      learning rats its profile differs from that of control rats. More detailed
      knowledge of the molecular, cellular, and time-dependent BMD features will be
      necessary to define its role in memory acquisition and processing and in the
      pathogenesis of neurologic disorders.

PMID- 27665421
TI  - Massive interference in free T4 and free T3 assays misleading clinical judgment.

PMID- 27665420
TI  - Exercise increases the level of plasma orexin A in humans.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this research was to study the effects of exercise on
      the concentration of plasma orexin A, a peptide regulating several physiological
      functions. METHODS: Blood samples were collected from participants (men, n=10;
      age: 24.4+/-2.93 years) 15, 0 min before the start of exercise, and 30, 45, 60
      min after a cycle ergometer exercise at 75 W for 15 min. Also heart rate (HR),
      galvanic skin response (GSR), and rectal temperature were monitored. RESULTS: The
      exercise induced a significant increase (p<0.01) in plasmatic orexin A with a
      peak at 30 min after the exercise bout, in association with an increase of the
      other three monitored variables: HR (p<0.01), GSR (p<0.05), and rectal
      temperature (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that plasmatic orexin A
      is involved in the reaction to physical activity.

PMID- 27665422
TI  - Comparison of three routine insulin immunoassays: implications for assessment of
      insulin sensitivity and response.

PMID- 27665423
TI  - Detection of BRAFV600K mutant tumor-derived DNA in the pleural effusion from a
      patient with metastatic melanoma.

PMID- 27665424
TI  - The prevalence of hemolysis - a survey using hemolysis index.

PMID- 27665425
TI  - Effects of obesity treatments on bone mineral density, bone turnover and fracture
      risk in adults with overweight or obesity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: New evidence suggests that obesity is deleterious for bone health,
      and obesity treatments could potentially exacerbate this. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      This narrative review, largely based on recent systematic reviews and meta
      analyses, synthesizes the effects on bone of bariatric surgery, weight loss
      pharmaceuticals and dietary restriction. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: All three
      obesity treatments result in statistically significant reductions in hip bone
      mineral density (BMD) and increases in bone turnover relative to pre-treatment
      values, with the reductions in hip BMD being strongest for bariatric surgery,
      notably Roux-en Y gastric bypass (RYGB, 8%-11% of pre-surgical values) and
      weakest for dietary restriction (1%-1.5% of pre-treatment values). Weight loss
      pharmaceuticals (orlistat or the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist,
      liraglutide) induced no greater changes from pre-treatment values than control,
      despite greater weight loss. There is suggestive evidence that liraglutide may
      increase bone mineral content (BMC) - but not BMD - and reduce fracture risk, but
      more research is required to clarify this. All three obesity treatments have
      variable effects on spine BMD, probably due to greater measurement error at this
      site in obesity, suggesting that future research in this field could focus on hip
      rather than spine BMD. Various mechanisms have been proposed for BMD loss with
      obesity treatments, notably reduced nutritional intake/absorption and
      insufficient exercise, and these are potential avenues for protection against
      bone loss. However, a pressing outstanding question is whether this BMD reduction
      contributes to increased fracture risk, as has been observed after RYGB, and
      whether any such increase in fracture risk outweighs the risks of staying obese
      (unlikely).

PMID- 27665427
TI  - Variability of 137Cs inventory at a reference site in west-central Iran.
AB  - 137Cs technique has been widely used for the evaluation rates and patterns of
      soil erosion and deposition. This technique requires an accurate estimate of the
      values of 137Cs inventory at the reference site. This study was conducted to
      evaluate the variability of the inventory of 137Cs regarding to the sampling
      program including sample size, distance and sampling method at a reference site
      located in vicinity of Fereydan district in Isfahan province, west-central Iran.
      Two 3 * 8 grids were established comprising large grid (35 m length and 8 m
      width), and small grid (24 m length and 6 m width). At each grid intersection two
      soil samples were collected from 0 to 15 cm and 15-30 cm depths, totally 96 soil
      samples from 48 sampling points. Coefficients of variation for 137Cs inventory in
      the soil samples was relatively low (CV = 15%), and the sampling distance and
      methods used did not significantly affect the 137Cs inventories across the
      studied reference site. To obtain a satisfactory estimate of the mean 137Cs
      activity in the reference sites, particularly those located in the semiarid
      regions, it is recommended to collect at least four samples along in a grid
      pattern 3 m apart.

PMID- 27665426
TI  - Managing stress in prehospital care: Strategies used by ambulance nurses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ambulance nurses display stress symptoms, resulting from their work
      with patients in an emergency service. Certain individuals seem, however, to
      handle longstanding stress better than others and remain in exposed occupations
      such as ambulance services for many years. This paper examines stress inducing
      and stress defusing factors among ambulance nurses. METHODS: A qualitative
      descriptive design using critical incident technique was used. A total of 123
      critical incidents were identified, and a total of 61 strategies dealing with
      stress were confirmed. In all, 13 sub-categories (seven stress factors and five
      stress reducing factors) were merged into four categories (two stress categories
      and two stress reducing categories). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The study shows that
      ambulance nurses in general experience emergency calls as being stressful.
      Unclear circumstances increase the stress level, with cases involving children
      and childbirth being especially stressful. Accurate information and assistance
      from the dispatch centre reduced the stress. Having discussions with colleagues
      directly after the assignment were particularly stress reducing. Advanced team
      collaboration with teammates was viewed as effective means to decrease stress, in
      addition to simple rituals to defuse stress such as taking short breaks during
      the workday. The study confirmed earlier studies that suggest the benefits of
      defusing immediately after stress reactions.

PMID- 27665429
TI  - Wide-range tunable magnetic lens for tabletop electron microscope.
AB  - A tabletop scanning electron microscope (SEM) utilizes permanent magnets as
      condenser lenses to minimize its size, but this sacrifices the tunability of
      condenser lenses such that a tabletop system can only be operated with a fixed
      accelerating voltage. In contrast, the traditional condenser lens utilizes an
      electromagnetic coil to adjust the optical properties, but the size of the
      electromagnetic lens is inevitably larger. Here, we propose a tunable condenser
      lens for a tabletop SEM that uses a combination of permanent magnets and
      electromagnetic coils. The overall dimensions of the newly designed lens are the
      same as the original permanent magnet lens, but the new lens allows the tabletop
      SEM to be operated at different accelerating voltages between 1kV and 15kV.

PMID- 27665428
TI  - Angle selective backscattered electron contrast in the low-voltage scanning
      electron microscope: Simulation and experiment for polymers.
AB  - Recently developed detectors can deliver high resolution and high contrast images
      of nanostructured carbon based materials in low voltage scanning electron
      microscopes (LVSEM) with beam deceleration. Monte Carlo Simulations are also used
      to predict under which exact imaging conditions purely compositional contrast can
      be obtained and optimised. This allows the prediction of the electron signal
      intensity in angle selective conditions for back-scattered electron (BSE) imaging
      in LVSEM and compares it to experimental signals. Angle selective detection with
      a concentric back scattered (CBS) detector is considered in the model in the
      absence and presence of a deceleration field, respectively. The validity of the
      model prediction for both cases was tested experimentally for amorphous C and Cu
      and applied to complex nanostructured carbon based materials, namely a Poly(N
      isopropylacrylamide)/Poly(ethylene glycol) Diacrylate (PNIPAM/PEGDA) semi
      interpenetration network (IPN) and a Poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT) film,
      to map nano-scale composition and crystallinity distribution by avoiding
      experimental imaging conditions that lead to a mixed topographical and
      compositional contrast.

PMID- 27665430
TI  - The mechanism for bacteriophage f2 removal by nanoscale zero-valent iron.
AB  - Nanoscale zero-valent iron (NZVI) has shown excellent performance for pathogenic
      microorganism removal but the inactivation mechanism has not been understood
      clearly enough. In this study, the bacteriophage f2 removal by NZVI under aerobic
      and anaerobic conditions was investigated, and various factors involved in f2
      removal were analyzed in detail, including the ion products of NZVI (Fe(II),
      Fe(III)), solid phase products, the reactive oxygen species (ROS), O2 and H+. In
      addition, the morphologies of bacteriophage f2 during reaction were observed. The
      results showed that the removal efficiency of bacteriophage f2 was much higher
      under aerobic conditions than that in anaerobic systems, and oxygen and pH were
      determinants for f2 removal. The oxidation of Fe(II) was a fundamental step and
      played a significant role in bacteriophage f2 removal, especially in the aerobic
      systems. In the presence of oxygen, the virus removal was attributed to the
      generation of ROS (namely .OH and .O2-) and the oxidized iron, in which the ROS
      (.OH and .O2-) made a predominant contribution. And the adsorption of iron oxide
      was responsible for the removal in oxygen depleted circumstance. In the anaerobic
      system, the virus removal was mainly attributed to the interaction between NZVI
      and bacteriophage f2. Besides, from the perspective of TEM images, the virus
      removal was mainly attributed to the damage of infective ability by NZVI at the
      initial stage of reaction, and later the virus was inactivated by the ROS
      generated.

PMID- 27665431
TI  - Platinum recovery from industrial process streams by halophilic bacteria:
      Influence of salt species and platinum speciation.
AB  - The increased use and criticality of platinum asks for the development of
      effective low-cost strategies for metal recovery from process and waste streams.
      Although biotechnological processes can be applied for the valorization of
      diluted aqueous industrial streams, investigations considering real stream
      conditions (e.g., high salt levels, acidic pH, metal speciation) are lacking.
      This study investigated the recovery of platinum by a halophilic microbial
      community in the presence of increased salt concentrations (10-80 g L-1),
      different salt matrices (phosphate salts, sea salts and NH4Cl) and a refinery
      process stream. The halophiles were able to recover 79-99% of the Pt at 10-80 g L
      1 salts and at pH 2.3. Transmission electron microscopy suggested a positive
      correlation between intracellular Pt cluster size and elevated salt
      concentrations. Furthermore, the halophiles recovered 46-95% of the Pt-amine
      complex Pt[NH3]42+ from a process stream after the addition of an alternative Pt
      source (K2PtCl4, 0.1-1.0 g L-1 Pt). Repeated Pt-tetraamine recovery (from an
      industrial process stream) was obtained after concomitant addition of fresh
      biomass and harvesting of Pt saturated biomass. This study demonstrates how
      aqueous Pt streams can be transformed into Pt rich biomass, which would be an
      interesting feed of a precious metals refinery.

PMID- 27665432
TI  - Effects of ozone pretreatment and operating conditions on membrane fouling
      behaviors of an anoxic-aerobic membrane bioreactor for oil sands process-affected
      water (OSPW) treatment.
AB  - Two identical anoxic-aerobic membrane bioreactors (MBRs) were operated in
      parallel for 742 consecutive days for raw and ozonated oil sands process-affected
      water (OSPW) treatment. The MBRs not only substantially degraded OSPW classical
      and oxidized NAs, but also demonstrated outstanding membrane fouling control
      performance (the MBR receiving raw OSPW experienced its first severe fouling with
      a transmembrane pressure (TMP) of -35 kPa on Day 433). The mild ozonation (30 mg
      O3/L) pretreatment of OSPW remarkably enhanced OSPW NA degradation, and improved
      the MBR's fouling control in terms of prolonged long-term slow TMP growth phase
      and reduced TMP jump frequency. Ozonation substantially altered the feed water
      organic composition, reshaped the microbial community (e.g., reduced growth of
      extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) producers and biofilm formation
      facilitators), and lowered EPS production and EPS protein/polysaccharides (PN/PS)
      ratio, consequently leading to the better fouling control. Examination on fouling
      behaviors at different HRTs of the raw OSPW MBR indicates that HRT also played a
      role in determining the dominating fouling mechanism during the sharp TMP rise
      phase. Therefore, the results of this study suggest that the low-dose ozone
      pretreatment is a good option to enhance organic contaminant degradation and
      alleviate membrane fouling in the MBR for OSPW treatment.

PMID- 27665433
TI  - Human polyomavirus: Advantages and limitations as a human-specific viral marker
      in aquatic environments.
AB  - Human polyomaviruses (HPyVs) cause persistent infections in organs such as
      kidney, brain, skin, liver, respiratory tract, etc., and some types of HPyV are
      constantly excreted in the urine and/or feces of infected and healthy
      individuals. The use of an enteric virus as an indicator for human sewage/waste
      contamination in aquatic environments has been proposed; HPyVs are a good
      candidate since they are routinely found in environmental water samples from
      different geographical areas with relatively high abundance. HPyVs are highly
      human specific, having been detected in human waste from all age ranges and
      undetected in animal waste samples. In addition, HPyVs show a certain degree of
      resistance to high temperature, chlorine, UV, and low pH, with molecular signals
      (i.e., DNA) persisting in water for several months. Recently, various
      concentration methods (electronegative/positive filtration, ultrafiltration, skim
      milk flocculation) and detection methods (immunofluorescence assay, cell culture,
      polymerase chain reaction (PCR), integrated cell culture PCR (ICC-PCR), and
      quantitative PCR) have been developed and demonstrated for HPyV, which has
      enabled the identification and quantification of HPyV in various environmental
      samples, such as sewage, surface water, seawater, drinking water, and shellfish.
      In this paper, we summarize these recent advancements in detection methods and
      the accumulation of environmental surveillance and laboratory-scale experiment
      data, and discuss the potential advantages as well as limitations of HPyV as a
      human-specific viral marker in aquatic environments.

PMID- 27665434
TI  - Quercetin modulates toll-like receptor-mediated protein kinase signaling pathways
      in oxLDL-challenged human PBMCs and regulates TLR-activated atherosclerotic
      inflammation in hypercholesterolemic rats.
AB  - Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are pattern recognition receptors that have a unique
      and essential function in innate immunity. The effect of quercetin on TLR
      mediated downstream signaling mechanism and its effect on TLR-mediated MAP kinase
      and Akt pathways were studied in oxLDL-stimulated hPBMCs using specific
      inhibitors. The pretreatment of hPBMCs with specific TLR inhibitor, CLI-095,
      decreased the NF-kappaB nuclear translocation and TNF-alpha release by oxLDL.
      When the cells treated with inhibitor and quercetin together, the inhibition was
      more effective. The specific inhibitor for p38 MAPK, SB203580, reduced the
      phosphorylated p38 level and decreased the NF-kappaB activation and TNF-alpha
      release by oxLDL-challenged hPBMCs. This inhibitor showed enhanced inhibition
      when treated with quercetin together. The inhibitors for ERK1/2, PD98059, and for
      JNK, SP606125, also showed inhibitory effect on NF-kappaB activation and TNF
      alpha release by oxLDL-simulated hPBMCs. Quercetin supplementation enhanced the
      inhibition of nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB and the release of cytokines.
      TLR4 inhibition study confirmed the downstream signaling mechanism mediated by NF
      kappaB which is involved in the oxLDL-induced inflammatory response, and
      quercetin suppresses the cytokine, TNF-alpha release by modulating TLR-NF-kappaB
      signaling pathway. In addition to NF-kappaB signaling pathway, inflammation
      induced by oxLDL was also related to the activation of p38MAPK, ERK1/2 and JNK,
      and Akt pathways, and the protective effect of quercetin may be also related to
      the inhibition of activation of these pathways. Quercetin significantly
      downregulated the elevated mRNA expression of TLRs and cytokine TNF-alpha in HCD
      fed atherosclerotic rats in vivo. As quercetin possesses inhibition on both TLR
      NF-kappaB signaling pathway and TLR-mediated MAPK pathway, it is evident that it
      can be used as a therapeutic agent to ameliorate atherosclerotic inflammation.
      Since quercetin is the major flavonoid and forms the backbone of many other
      flavonoids and this study provides strong evidence that it has potent anti
      inflammatory effect, quercetin may be a promising agent for the prevention and
      treatment of atherosclerosis and promote health by reducing harmful vascular
      inflammation.

PMID- 27665436
TI  - Metaphilosophy of Mind: how Do Minds Investigate Minds? Refutation of the
      Theocentric View.
AB  - I shall propose metaphilosophy of mind as the philosophy of mind investigating
      mind. That is to say, I pose the question of how knowledge of mind provided by
      cognitive science, broadly construed, is constrained by the epistemic position of
      the knower, i.e. by the very fact that it is undertaken by a mind. Here I would
      like to propose a minimal framework, based on two distinctions: (i) the standard
      one between empirical and conceptual analysis; (ii) a new one, between the
      internal questions of mind and the boundary questions of mind. I shall then
      combine these distinctions to arrive at several ways of investigating the mind,
      the brain and cognition. On this ground, I will discuss the notion of
      epistemological theocentrism as outlined by Henry Allison and argue against the
      perspective I call theocentric philosophy of mind. From this angle I will be able
      to address skepticism which cannot be defeated but actually can be, as I put it,
      disarmed. Finally, metaphilosophy of mind based on the abovementioned
      distinctions elicits a perspective that is not sufficiently delineated by
      cognitive scientists and philosophers: empirical way of addressing the boundary
      questions of mind.

PMID- 27665437
TI  - "How long will I have my ACE?": report of the pediatric colorectal club meeting,
      Prague June 11-13, 2016.

PMID- 27665435
TI  - Risk factors for fatigue among airline pilots.
AB  - PURPOSE: The objective of this study is to determine risk factors for fatigue
      among airline pilots, taking into account person-, work-, health-, sleep-, and
      lifestyle-related characteristics. METHODS: The study population consisted of 502
      pilots who participated in the MORE Energy study. Included risk factors were
      either measured through an online questionnaire or provided by the company. The
      outcome of this study, fatigue, was assessed using the Checklist Individual
      Strength (CIS), and was defined as scoring more than 76 points on this
      questionnaire. The association of the risk factors with fatigue was determined
      using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Of the
      participating pilots, 29.5 % scored more than 76 points on the CIS and were
      classified as being fatigued. The fully adjusted regression model showed that
      person-, work-, health-, and lifestyle-related characteristics were associated
      with fatigue. Pilots who were aged 31 to 40 (OR 3.36, 95 % CI 1.32-8.53) or 41 to
      50 (OR 4.19, 95 % CI 1.40-12.47), an evening type (OR 2.40, 95 % CI 1.38-4.16),
      scored higher on work-life balance disturbance (OR 1.22, 95 % CI 1.10-1.36),
      scored higher on need for recovery (OR 1.02, 95 % CI 1.01-1.04), scored lower on
      general health perception (OR 0.31, 95 % CI 0.20-0.47), were less physically
      active (OR 0.77, 95 % CI 0.66-0.89), and had a moderate alcohol consumption (OR
      3.88, 95 % CI 1.21-12.43), were at higher risk for fatigue. CONCLUSIONS: Higher
      age, being an evening type, disturbance of the work-life balance, more need for
      recovery, a lower perceived health, less physical activity, and moderate alcohol
      consumption were shown to be risk factors for fatigue. Further longitudinal
      research is needed to elucidate the direction of the associations found and to
      evaluate the effects of possible countermeasures in airline pilots.

PMID- 27665438
TI  - Biventricular takotsubo cardiomyopathy in an elderly woman with uncontrolled type
      2 diabetes: the biphasic echocardiographic and clinical pattern.
AB  - We describe a case of an elderly woman who was diagnosed with a biventricular
      takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) with combination of emotional stress and poorly
      controlled type 2 diabetes. We observed significant correlation between biphasic
      improvement of right (after 4 days) and left ventricle function (after 4 weeks)
      with normalization glycemic status. To our knowledge, this is the first reported
      case in the literature of biventricular TTC with such metabolic disturbances.

PMID- 27665439
TI  - The association between sleep duration, snoring and prevalent type 2 diabetes
      mellitus with regard to gender and menopausal status: the CKB study in Zhejiang
      rural area, China.
AB  - AIMS: To evaluate the association between sleep duration, snoring and diabetes
      according to gender and menopausal status in rural China. METHODS: The data were
      part of the baseline survey of China Kadoorie Biobank, from a rural county in the
      south-east costal Zhejiang province. Participants including 24,027 men and 33,677
      women aged 30-79 years were enrolled during 2004-2008. Multivariable logistic
      regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence
      intervals (CIs) for diabetes. RESULTS: Sleep duration was shown to have a U
      shaped association with diabetes in women, in particular in postmenopausal women
      after adjustment for potential confounders. Compared with 7-h sleepers, ORs (95 %
      CIs) of sleep duration <=5 and >=10 h for diabetes were 1.32 (1.02-1.69) and 1.30
      (1.03-1.65), respectively, in postmenopausal women (P for quadratic trend =
      0.016). However, this U-shaped association was not obvious in men and
      premenopausal women. Frequently snoring was positively associated with diabetes
      in all participants. However, this association was not independent of
      socioeconomic status, health behaviors, obesity and chronic diseases. With
      increasing sleep duration, the proportion of frequently snoring increased in all
      participants (P trend <0.05). Postmenopausal women had 23 % (95 % CI 6-44 %)
      higher odds of diabetes compared with premenopausal women, and the duration of
      menopause had cumulative effects on diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: Short and long sleep
      durations were significantly associated with diabetes in postmenopausal women,
      independent of potential confounders. The proportion of frequently snoring had
      linear trend with sleep duration. Postmenopausal status and the duration of
      menopause increased the odds of diabetes.

PMID- 27665440
TI  - Planetary Overload, Limits to Growth and Health.
AB  - Since the use of atomic weapons in 1945 visionaries have warned that without
      major changes the survival of global civilization is in question. These concerns
      deepened in following decades, during the Cold War, with The Limits to Growth,
      the best-selling environmental book of the 1970s. Yet, since then, most concern
      has faded, fuelled by technological developments and a shift in dominant global
      ideology. Public health, with a few exceptions (one of which is the book
      Planetary Overload), has been slow to recognize this debate, even as evidence
      emerges that civilization may indeed be at risk, driven by an increasingly
      ominous complex of events. This article outlines the key relevant literature and
      concepts, attempting to bring emerging and future health consequences to the
      attention of health workers, including the idea of a "social vaccine," conveying
      sufficient anxiety to provoke action for environmental protection, but
      insufficient to induce paralysis.

PMID- 27665441
TI  - Prognostic value of the Glasgow Prognostic Score in renal cell carcinoma: a meta
      analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS) has been reported to predict oncologic
      outcomes in various type of cancer. However, their prognostic value in patients
      with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is unclear. In this meta-analysis, we evaluated
      the prognostic significance of GPS in RCC patients. METHODS: We performed
      comprehensive searches of electronic databases to identify studies that evaluated
      the prognostic impact of pretreatment GPS in RCC patients. The end points were
      cancer-specific survival (CSS), recurrence-free/disease-free survival (RFS/DFS).
      Meta-analysis using random-effects models was performed to calculate hazard
      ratios (HRs) or odds ratios with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Nine
      retrospective, observational, cohort studies involving 2096 patients were
      included. Seven studies evaluated CSS, and three evaluated RFS. Our results
      showed that higher GPS (0 vs. 1 vs. 2) was significantly predictive of poorer CSS
      (HR 3.68, 95 % CI 2.52-5.40, p < 0.001) and RFS/DFS (HR 2.83, 95 % CI 1.86-4.30,
      p < 0.001) in patients with RCC. These findings were robust when stratified by
      sample size, presence of metastasis, and study region. We also conducted subgroup
      analysis by assessment of Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale (NOS) score,
      and the HRs were 2.708 (95 % CI 1.969, 3.725) in under 7 points group, 3.685 (95
      % CI 2.516, 5.396) in over than 7 points group in CSS. Meta-regression analysis
      indicated that NOS score group had a significant difference in HRs (p = 0.032).
      CONCLUSIONS: Higher GPS is associated with tumor progression and is predictive of
      poorer survival in patients with RCC. Therefore, GPS may help to inform treatment
      decisions and predict treatment outcomes.

PMID- 27665442
TI  - Inactivation of E. coli by nano-Cu/MWCNTs combined with hydrogen peroxide.
AB  - This paper aims at the study on the antibacterial activity of nCu-MWCNTs combined
      with H2O2 against gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli). The
      antibacterial ability of nCu-MWCNTs/H2O2 was evaluated by traditional surface
      plating method, fluorescence and SEM imaging, and the effects of variables
      (contacting time, dose of nCu-MWCNTs and dose of H2O2) were investigated. By
      comparing with other five processes including H2O2, MWCNTs, nCu-MWCNTs,
      MWCNTs/H2O2 and nCu/H2O2, nCu-MWCNTs and H2O2 was proved to have superlative
      antimicrobial effectiveness against E. coli. The role of nano-Cu, MWCNTs and H2O2
      in the antimicrobial activity of nCu-MWCNTs/H2O2 was clarified. The release of
      copper ions and formation of hydroxyl radicals (OH) both contributed the
      antibacterial ability of nCu-MWCNTs/H2O2 system. And MWCNTs as the support might
      be able to promote the electron transfer in nCu-MWCNTs for copper ion release.

PMID- 27665443
TI  - Assessment of diet-related GHG emissions using the environmental hourglass
      approach for the Mediterranean and new Nordic diets.
AB  - Food production and preparation affect the environment in many ways, with effects
      on greenhouse gases, use of land, biodiversity, etc. The impact is influenced by
      consumer demand and eating habits. Two different recommended dietary models were
      considered, the Mediterranean Diet and the New Nordic Diet, with quantitative
      analysis of GHG emissions through LCA. An environmental hourglass (EH) approach
      based on LCA was introduced to help translate health-promoting dietary
      recommendations that consider regional circumstances and cultural diversity into
      practical eating habits, to promote sustainable and environmentally friendly
      consumption. Using the environmental hourglass approach, we examined whether
      dietary choices based on nutritional recommendations can minimise certain
      negative effects on the food production environment. Using two examples of health
      enhancing, regionally-oriented and culturally appropriate dietary patterns - the
      Mediterranean Diet and the New Nordic Diet - we showed that consumption of high
      protein foods has a similar and comparable environmental impact to fruit and
      vegetable consumption. The results of this work may provide a starting point for
      integrated policy addressing issues related to the healthy diet of the
      population, aware food choices and sustainable agriculture.

PMID- 27665444
TI  - Sensitivity of health sector indicators' response to climate change in Ghana.
AB  - There is accumulating evidence that the emerging burden of global climate change
      threatens the fidelity of routine indicators for disease detection and management
      of risks to public health. The threat partially reflects the conservative
      character of the health sector and the reluctance to adopt new indicators,
      despite the growing awareness that existing environmental health indicators were
      developed to respond to risks that may no longer be relevant, and are too
      simplistic to also act as indicators for newer global-scale risk factors. This
      study sought to understand the scope of existing health indicators, while aiming
      to discover new indicators for building resilience against three climate
      sensitive diseases (cerebro spinal meningitis, malaria and diarrhea). Therefore,
      new potential indicators derived from human and biophysical origins were
      developed to complement existing health indicators, thereby creating climate
      sensitive battery of robust composite indices of resilience in health planning.
      Using Ghana's health sector as a case study systematic international literature
      review, national expert consultation, and focus group outcomes yielded insights
      into the relevance, sensitivity and impacts of 45 indicators in 11 categories in
      responding to climate change. In total, 65% of the indicators were sensitive to
      health impacts of climate change; 24% acted directly; 31% synergistically; and
      45% indirectly, with indicator relevance strongly associated with type of health
      response. Epidemiological indicators (e.g. morbidity) and health demographic
      indicators (e.g. population structure) require adjustments with external
      indicators (e.g. biophysical, policy) to be resilient to climate change.
      Therefore, selective integration of social and ecological indicators with
      existing public health indicators improves the fidelity of the health sector to
      adopt more robust planning of interdependent systems to build resilience. The
      study highlights growing uncertainties in translating research into protective
      policies when new indicators associated with non-health sources are needed to
      complement existing health indicators that are expected to respond to climate
      change.

PMID- 27665445
TI  - Multi-tool assessment of trace metals in mangroves combining sediment and clam
      sampling, DGT passive samplers and caged mussels.
AB  - The rapid loss of mangroves globally has triggered a call for a better
      understanding of this habitat, including its dynamics and the threats it is
      exposed to. The present paper reports the study of trace metals at nine mangrove
      sites in Singapore in 2012/2013, using the simultaneous application of various
      tools, namely sediment analyses, the technique of diffusive gradients in thin
      films (DGT) and caged/native bivalves (for both chemical and biomarker analyses).
      DGT devices were successfully deployed over 28days in tropical mangrove waters,
      and the concentration measured with DGT showed significant correlation with the
      accumulation for Cu, Zn and Cd in caged mussels, and Cu for native clams,
      supporting the relevance of DGT to predict metal bioaccumulation. Concentrations
      in mangrove sediment are reported for As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn. Sediment
      levels on a dry weight (dw) basis of Cu (ND-219.5MUg/g dw) and Zn (ND-502MUg/g
      dw) exceeded general sediment quality criteria at two sites. Most notably for
      these two metals, investigations based on the four tools (DGT, sediments, caged
      mussels and clams) were all able to segregate sites above and below the sediment
      quality guideline. This was further supported by a range of significant linear
      correlations between the measurements obtained with the various tools. The
      present findings support that these monitoring tools are comparable in the field
      to provide a time-integrated assessment of metals such as Cu and Zn.

PMID- 27665446
TI  - Delivering organisational adaptation through legislative mechanisms: Evidence
      from the Adaptation Reporting Power (Climate Change Act 2008).
AB  - There is increasing recognition that organisations, particularly in key
      infrastructure sectors, are potentially vulnerable to climate change and extreme
      weather events, and require organisational responses to ensure they are resilient
      and adaptive. However, detailed evidence of how adaptation is facilitated,
      implemented and reported, particularly through legislative mechanisms is lacking.
      The United Kingdom Climate Change Act (2008), introduced the Adaptation Reporting
      Power, enabling the Government to direct so-called reporting authorities to
      report their climate change risks and adaptation plans. We describe the authors'
      unique role and experience supporting the Department for Environment, Food and
      Rural Affairs (Defra) during the Adaptation Reporting Power's first round. An
      evaluation framework, used to review the adaptation reports, is presented
      alongside evidence on how the process provides new insights into adaptation
      activities and triggered organisational change in 78% of reporting authorities,
      including the embedding of climate risk and adaptation issues. The role of
      legislative mechanisms and risk-based approaches in driving and delivering
      adaptation is discussed alongside future research needs, including the
      development of organisational maturity models to determine resilient and well
      adapting organisations. The Adaptation Reporting Power process provides a basis
      for similar initiatives in other countries, although a clear engagement strategy
      to ensure buy-in to the process and research on its long-term legacy, including
      the potential merits of voluntary approaches, is required.

PMID- 27665447
TI  - Virulence and biodegradation potential of dynamic microbial communities
      associated with decaying Cladophora in Great Lakes.
AB  - Cladophora mats that accumulate and decompose along shorelines of the Great Lakes
      create potential threats to the health of humans and wildlife. The decaying algae
      create a low oxygen and redox potential environment favoring growth and
      persistence of anaerobic microbial populations, including Clostridium botulinum,
      the causal agent of botulism in humans, birds, and other wildlife. In addition to
      the diverse population of microbes, a dynamic chemical environment is generated,
      which involves production of numerous organic and inorganic substances, many of
      which are believed to be toxic to the sand and aquatic biotic communities. In
      this study, we used 16S-rDNA-based-amplicon sequencing and microfluidic-based
      quantitative PCR approaches to characterize the bacterial community structure and
      the abundances of human pathogens associated with Cladophora at different stages
      (up to 90days) of algal decay in laboratory microcosms. Oxygen levels were
      largely depleted after a few hours of incubation. As Cladophora decayed, the
      algal microbial biodiversity decreased within 24h, and the mat transitioned from
      an aerobic to anaerobic environment. There were increasing abundances of enteric
      and pathogenic bacteria during decomposition of Cladophora, including
      Acinetobacter, Enterobacter, Kluyvera, Cedecea, and others. In contrast, there
      were no or very few sequences (<0.07%) assigned to such groups in fresh
      Cladophora samples. Principal coordinate analysis indicated that the bacterial
      community structure was dynamic and changed significantly with decay time.
      Knowledge of microbial communities and chemical composition of decaying algal
      mats is critical to our further understanding of the role that Cladophora plays
      in a beach ecosystem's structure and function, including the algal role in
      trophic interactions. Based on these findings, public and environmental health
      concerns should be considered when decaying Cladophora mats accumulate Great
      Lakes shorelines.

PMID- 27665448
TI  - Endophytic fungi and soil microbial community characteristics over different
      years of phytoremediation in a copper tailings dam of Shanxi, China.
AB  - We conducted a survey of native grass species infected by endophytic fungi in a
      copper tailings dam over progressive years of phytoremediation. We investigated
      how endophytic fungi, soil microbial community structure and soil physiochemical
      properties and enzymatic activity varied in responses to heavy metal pollution
      over different stages of phytoremediation. endophyte infection frequency
      increased with years of phytoremediation. Rates of endophyte infection varied
      among different natural grass species in each sub-dam. Soil carbon content and
      soil enzymatic activity gradually increased through the years of
      phytoremediation. endophyte infection rates of Bothriochloa ischaemum and Festuca
      rubra were positively related to levels of cadmium (Cd) pollution levels, and
      fungal endophytes associated with Imperata cylindrical and Elymus dahuricus
      developed tolerance to lead (Pb). The structure and relative abundance of
      bacterial communities varied little over years of phytoremediation, but there was
      a pronounced variation in soil fungi types. Leotiomycetes were the dominant class
      of resident fungi during the initial phytoremediation period, but Pezizomycetes
      gradually became dominant as the phytoremediation period progressed. Fungal
      endophytes in native grasses as well as soil fungi and soil bacteria play
      different ecological roles during phytoremediation processes.

PMID- 27665450
TI  - On the relation between fluvio-deltaic flood basin geomorphology and the wide
      spread occurrence of arsenic pollution in shallow aquifers.
AB  - Pollution of groundwater with natural (geogenic) arsenic occurs on an enormous,
      world-wide scale, and causes wide-spread, serious health risks for an estimated
      more than hundred million people who depend on the use of shallow aquifers for
      drinking and irrigation water. A literature review of key studies on arsenic
      concentration levels yields that Holocene fluvial and deltaic flood basins are
      the hotspots of arsenic pollution, and that the dominant geomorphological setting
      of the arsenic-polluted areas consists of shallow-depth meandering-river deposits
      with sand-prone fluvial point-bar deposits surrounded by clay-filled (clay plug)
      abandoned meander bends (oxbow lakes). Analysis of the lithofacies distribution
      and related permeability contrasts of the geomorphological elements in two cored
      wells in a point bar and adjacent clay plug along the Ganges River, in
      combination with data of arsenic concentrations and organic matter content
      reveals that the low-permeable clay-plug deposits have a high organic matter
      content and the adjacent permeable point-bar sands show high but spatially very
      variable arsenic concentrations. On the basis of the geomorphological
      juxtaposition, the analysis of fluvial depositional processes and lithofacies
      characteristics, inherent permeability distribution and the omnipresence of the
      two geomorphological elements in Holocene flood basins around the world, a
      generic model is presented for the wide-spread arsenic occurrence. The anoxic
      deeper part (hypolimnion) of the oxbow lake, and the clay plugs are identified as
      the loci of reactive organic carbon and microbial respiration in an anoxic
      environment that triggers the reductive dissolution of iron oxy-hydroxides and
      the release of arsenic on the scale of entire fluvial floodplains and deltaic
      basins. The adjacent permeable point-bar sands are identified as the effective
      trap for the dissolved arsenic, and the internal permeability heterogeneity is
      the cause for aquifer compartmentalization, with large arsenic concentration
      differences between neighboring compartments.

PMID- 27665449
TI  - Water-soluble elements in snow and ice on Mt. Yulong.
AB  - Melting of high-elevation glaciers can be accelerated by the deposition of light
      absorbing aerosols (e.g., organic carbon, mineral dust), resulting in significant
      reductions of the surface albedo on glaciers. Organic carbon deposited in
      glaciers is of great significance to global carbon cycles, snow photochemistry,
      and air-snow exchange processes. In this work, various snow and ice samples were
      collected at high elevation sites (4300-4850masl) from Mt. Yulong on the
      southeastern Tibetan Plateau in 2015. These samples were analyzed for water
      soluble organic carbon (DOC), total nitrogen (TN), and water-soluble inorganic
      ions (WSIs) to elucidate the chemical species and compositions of the glaciers in
      the Mt. Yulong region. Generally, glacial meltwater had the lowest DOC content
      (0.39mgL-1), while fresh snow had the highest (2.03mgL-1) among various types of
      snow and ice samples. There were obvious spatial and temporal trends of DOC and
      WSIs in glaciers. The DOC and TN concentrations decreased in the order of fresh
      snow, snow meltwater, snowpit, and surface snow, resulting from the photolysis of
      DOC and snow's quick-melt effects. The surface snow had low DOC and TN depletion
      ratios in the melt season; specifically, the ratios were -0.79 and -0.19mgL-1d-1,
      respectively. In the winter season, the ratios of DOC and TN were remarkably
      higher, with values of -0.20mgL-1d-1 and -0.08mgL-1d-1, respectively. A reduction
      of the DOC and TN content in glaciers was due to snow's quick melt and
      sublimation. Deposition of these light-absorbing impurities (LAPs) in glaciers
      might accelerate snowmelt and even glacial retreat.

PMID- 27665451
TI  - The Tropical Ecology, Assessment and Monitoring (TEAM) Network: An early warning
      system for tropical rain forests.
AB  - While there are well established early warning systems for a number of natural
      phenomena (e.g. earthquakes, catastrophic fires, tsunamis), we do not have an
      early warning system for biodiversity. Yet, we are losing species at an
      unprecedented rate, and this especially occurs in tropical rainforests, the
      biologically richest but most eroded biome on earth. Unfortunately, there is a
      chronic gap in standardized and pan-tropical data in tropical forests, affecting
      our capacity to monitor changes and anticipate future scenarios. The Tropical
      Ecology, Assessment and Monitoring (TEAM) Network was established to contribute
      addressing this issue, as it generates real time data to monitor long-term trends
      in tropical biodiversity and guide conservation practice. We present the Network
      and focus primarily on the Terrestrial Vertebrates protocol, that uses systematic
      camera trapping to detect forest mammals and birds, and secondarily on the Zone
      of Interaction protocol, that measures changes in the anthroposphere around the
      core monitoring area. With over 3 million images so far recorded, and managed
      using advanced information technology, TEAM has created the most important data
      set on tropical forest mammals globally. We provide examples of site-specific and
      global analyses that, combined with data on anthropogenic disturbance collected
      in the larger ecosystem where monitoring sites are, allowed us to understand the
      drivers of changes of target species and communities in space and time. We
      discuss the potential of this system as a candidate model towards setting up an
      early warning system that can effectively anticipate changes in coupled human
      natural system, trigger management actions, and hence decrease the gap between
      research and management responses. In turn, TEAM produces robust biodiversity
      indicators that meet the requirements set by global policies such as the Aichi
      Biodiversity Targets. Standardization in data collection and public sharing of
      data in near real time are essential features of such system.

PMID- 27665452
TI  - The role of land use changes in the distribution of shallow landslides.
AB  - The role of land use dynamics on shallow landslide susceptibility remains an
      unresolved problem. Thus, this work aims to assess the influence of land use
      changes on shallow landslide susceptibility. Three shallow landslide-prone areas
      that are representative of peculiar land use settings in the Oltrepo Pavese
      (North Apennines) are analysed: the Rio Frate, Versa and Alta Val Tidone
      catchments. These areas were affected by widespread land abandonment and
      modifications in agricultural practices from 1954 to 2012 and relevant shallow
      landslide phenomena in 2009, 2013 and 2014. A multi-temporal land use change
      analysis allows us to evaluate the degree of transformation in the three
      investigated areas and the influence of these changes on the susceptibility to
      shallow landslides. The results show that the three catchments were characterised
      by pronounced land abandonment and important changes in agricultural practices.
      In particular, abandoned cultivated lands that gradually recovered through
      natural grasses, shrubs and woods were identified as the land use change classes
      that were most prone to shallow landslides. Additionally, the negative qualities
      of the agricultural maintenance practices increased the surface water runoff and
      consequently intensified erosion processes and instability phenomena. Although
      the land use was identified as the most important predisposing factor in all the
      study areas, some cases existed in which the predisposition of certain areas to
      shallow landslides was influenced by the combined effect of land use changes and
      the geological conditions, as highlighted by the high susceptibility of slopes
      that are characterised by adverse local geological (thick soils derived from
      clayey-marly bedrocks) and geomorphological (slope angle higher than 25 degrees )
      conditions. Thus, the achieved results are particularly useful to understand the
      best land conservation strategies to be adopted to reduce instability phenomena
      and the consequent economic losses in areas that are strongly linked to
      agricultural land use in these territories.

PMID- 27665453
TI  - Few effects of invasive plants Reynoutria japonica, Rudbeckia laciniata and
      Solidago gigantea on soil physical and chemical properties.
AB  - Biological invasions are an important problem of human-induced changes at a
      global scale. Invasive plants can modify soil nutrient pools and element cycling,
      creating feedbacks that potentially stabilize current or accelerate further
      invasion, and prevent re-establishment of native species. The aim of this study
      was to compare the effects of Reynoutria japonica, Rudbeckia laciniata and
      Solidago gigantea, invading non-forest areas located within or outside river
      valleys, on soil physical and chemical parameters, including soil moisture,
      element concentrations, organic matter content and pH. Additionally, invasion
      effects on plant species number and total plant cover were assessed. The
      concentrations of elements in shoots and roots of invasive and native plants were
      also measured. Split-plot ANOVA revealed that the invasions significantly reduced
      plant species number, but did not affect most soil physical and chemical
      properties. The invasions decreased total P concentration and increased N-NO3
      concentration in soil in comparison to native vegetation, though the latter only
      in the case of R. japonica. The influence of invasion on soil properties did not
      depend on location (within- or outside valleys). The lack of invasion effects on
      most soil properties does not necessarily imply the lack of influence of invasive
      plants, but may suggest that the direction of the changes varies among replicate
      sites and there are no general patterns of invasion-induced alterations for these
      parameters. Tissue element concentrations, with the exception of Mg, did not
      differ between invasive and native plants, and were not related to soil element
      concentrations.

PMID- 27665454
TI  - NDVI indicated long-term interannual changes in vegetation activities and their
      responses to climatic and anthropogenic factors in the Three Gorges Reservoir
      Region, China.
AB  - Natural and social environmental changes in the China's Three Gorges Reservoir
      Region (TGRR) have received worldwide attention. Identifying interannual changes
      in vegetation activities in the TGRR is an important task for assessing the
      impact these changes have on the local ecosystem. We used long-term (1982-2011)
      satellite-derived Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) datasets and
      climatic and anthropogenic factors to analyze the spatiotemporal patterns of
      vegetation activities in the TGRR, as well as their links to changes in
      temperature (TEM), precipitation (PRE), downward radiation (RAD), and
      anthropogenic activities. At the whole TGRR regional scale, a statistically
      significant overall uptrend in NDVI variations was observed in 1982-2011. More
      specifically, there were two distinct periods with different trends split by a
      breakpoint in 1991: NDVI first sharply increased prior to 1991, and then showed a
      relatively weak rate of increase after 1991. At the pixel scale, most parts of
      the TGRR experienced increasing NDVI before the 1990s but different trend change
      types after the 1990s: trends were positive in forests in the northeastern parts,
      but negative in farmland in southwest parts of the TGRR. The TEM warming trend
      was the main climate-related driver of uptrending NDVI variations pre-1990s, and
      decreasing PRE was the main climate factor (42%) influencing the mid-western
      farmland areas' NDVI variations post-1990s. We also found that anthropogenic
      factors such as population density, man-made ecological restoration, and
      urbanization have notable impacts on the TGRR's NDVI variations. For example,
      large overall trend slopes in NDVI were more likely to appear in TGRR regions
      with large fractions of ecological restoration within the last two decades. The
      findings of this study may help to build a better understanding of the mechanics
      of NDVI variations in the periods before and during TGDP construction for ongoing
      ecosystem monitoring and assessment in the post-TGDP period.

PMID- 27665455
TI  - Roseovarius lacus sp. nov., isolated from Yuncheng Saline Lake, China.
AB  - Strain GSS12T, a Gram-negative, aerobic, non-flagellated, ovoid- to rod-shaped
      (0.5-0.7 * 0.9-3.0 um) bacterium, was isolated from Yuncheng Saline Lake, China.
      Growth occurred with 0.5-16.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum 4.5 %), at pH 5.0-10.0
      (optimum pH 6.0-6.5) and at 10-50  degrees C (optimum 37  degrees C). The major
      fatty acids (>5.0 %) found in GSS12T were summed feature 8 (72.2 %), C16:0 (9.0
      %) and C18:1 omega7c 11-methyl (6.4 %). The DNA G+C content was 62.7 mol%.
      Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain GSS12T forms a stable
      clade with species of the genus Roseovarius, being related to R. pacificus 81-2T
      and R. litoreus GSW-M15T with 97.9 and 96.7 % of sequence similarity,
      respectively. The DNA-DNA relatedness values between strain GSS12T and R.
      pacificus 81-2T and R. halotolerans HJ50T were low (36 and 29 %, respectively).
      The phenotypic, physiological, biochemical and genetic characteristics support
      the assignment of strain GSS12T to the genus Roseovarius and represent a novel
      species. The name Roseovarius lacus sp. nov. is proposed, with strain GSS12T
      (=KCTC 52185T =MCCC 1K02302T) as the type strain.

PMID- 27665456
TI  - Genomic and transcriptome analysis of triclosan response of a multidrug-resistant
      Acinetobacter baumannii strain, MDR-ZJ06.
AB  - During the last decade, an increasing amount of attention has focused on the
      potential threat of triclosan to both the human body and environmental ecology.
      However, the role of triclosan in the development of drug resistance and cross
      resistance is still in dispute ascribed to largely unknown of triclosan
      resistance mechanism. In this work, Acinetobacter baumannii MDR-ZJ06, a multidrug
      resistant strain, was induced by triclosan, and the genomic variation and
      transcriptional levels were investigated, respectively. The comparative
      transcriptomic analysis found that several general protective mechanisms were
      enhanced under the triclosan condition, including responses to reactive oxygen
      species and cell membrane damage. Meanwhile, all of the detected fifteen single
      nucleotide polymorphisms were not directly associated triclosan tolerance. In
      summary, this work revealed the crucial role of the general stress response in A.
      baumannii under a triclosan stress condition, which informs a more comprehensive
      understanding of the role of triclosan in the spread of drug-resistant bacteria.

PMID- 27665457
TI  - Novel clinical and therapeutic aspects in autoimmunity.

PMID- 27665458
TI  - ASIA syndrome, calcinosis cutis and chronic kidney disease following silicone
      injections. A case-based review.
AB  - An immunologic adjuvant is a substance that enhances the antigen-specific immune
      response preferably without triggering one on its own. Silicone, a synthetic
      polymer used for reconstructive and cosmetic purposes, can cause, once injected,
      local and/or systemic reactions and trigger manifestations of autoimmunity,
      occasionally leading to an overt autoimmune disease. Siliconosis, calcinosis
      cutis with hypercalcemia and chronic kidney disease have all been reported in
      association with silicone injection. Here, we describe a case of autoimmune/auto
      inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants, calcinosis cutis and chronic kidney
      disease after liquid silicone multiple injections in a young man who underwent a
      sex reassignment surgery, followed by a review of the literature. To our
      knowledge, this is the first report describing the concomitance of the three
      clinical conditions in the same patients. The link between silicone and the
      immune system is not completely understood yet and requires further reports and
      investigations with long-term data, in order to identify the main individual and
      genetical risk factors predisposing to the wide spectrum of the adjuvant-induced
      responses.

PMID- 27665460
TI  - Effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy on IL-23 in patients
      with obstructive sleep apnea.
AB  - Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a common sleep disorder characterized
      by repeated episodes of apnea and hypopnea during sleep. Continuous positive
      airway pressure (CPAP) is the most effective method for treating OSAS and
      alleviating the patients' symptoms. The aim of this study was to assess the
      effect of 3-month CPAP therapy on serum levels of IL-23 in patients with OSAS.
      Twenty-three patients with newly diagnosed moderate-to-severe OSAS who had not
      yet started nasal CPAP treatment were prospectively enrolled. All of the subjects
      underwent simple spirometry and an overnight sleep study. Twenty-seven healthy
      individuals without OSAS were also recruited as the control group. Serum IL-23
      and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured before and after 3 months of
      CPAP therapy. There was no significant difference between moderate and severe
      OSAS patients in IL-23 and CRP, but both parameters were significantly higher
      than control group. The CPAP treatment produced a significant decrease in the
      levels of the inflammatory mediators CRP and IL-23 in patients. Changes in IL-23
      were positively correlated with changes in AHI and in CRP. In conclusion, based
      on these results, serum IL-23 levels reflect OSAS-related systemic inflammation
      and are a useful marker for improvement in OSAS following CPAP therapy.

PMID- 27665459
TI  - The role of adenosinergic pathway in human autoimmune diseases.
AB  - Autoimmune diseases are characterized by the abnormal immune response against
      self-tissue, which are caused by the failure of nature immune homeostasis. Nature
      immune homeostasis represents the normal state of appropriate immune response to
      nonself-antigen and unresponsiveness to self-antigens. In normal situation,
      immune homeostasis is regulated by immunosuppressive signal and immunostimulating
      signal together. Accumulating data have demonstrated that the adenosinergic
      pathway played key roles in immune suppression and shield body from an excessive
      inflammatory response. The deficiency of adenosinergic pathway results in the
      imbalance between the pro- and anti-inflammatory activities. Thus, researchers
      pay much attention to the role of adenosinergic pathway in autoimmune diseases
      development. To date, accumulating data have suggested an important role of
      adenosinergic pathway-related molecules (i.e., CD39, CD73, ADA, adenosine
      receptors, etc.) in many types of human autoimmune diseases. More importantly,
      these findings have presented potential value of adenosinergic pathway analysis
      to be used for autoimmune diseases diagnosis, monitoring and treatment. In this
      review, we will provide a comprehensive description of the role of adenosinergic
      pathway in human autoimmune diseases.

PMID- 27665461
TI  - Characteristics of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in food oils in Beijing
      catering services.
AB  - The concentrations and characteristics of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
      (PAHs) in 48 oil samples randomly collected from 30 catering services that employ
      six cooking methods were quantified via high-performance liquid chromatography
      (HPLC). These 16 PAHs were detected in almost all of the samples. The levels of
      Sigma16PAHs, Sigma4PAHs, benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), and total BaP equivalents
      (SigmaBaPeq) for the six cooking methods exceeded the legal limit. The
      concentrations of Sigma4PAHs were approximately 9.5 to 16.4 times the legal limit
      proposed by the European Commission (Off J Eur Union 215:4-8, 2011), and the
      level of BaP exceeded the national standard in China by 4.7- to 10.6-fold,
      particularly in oil from fried foods. Low molecular weight PAHs (LMW PAHs) were
      predominant in fried food oil from different catering services and accounted for
      94.8 % of these oils, and the SigmaBaPeq of the high molecular weight PAHs (HMW
      PAHs) was 11.5-fold higher than that of the LMW PAHs. The concentrations of
      Sigma16PAHs (3751.9-7585.8 MUg/kg), Sigma4PAHs (144.6-195.7 MUg/kg), BaP (79.7
      135.8 MUg/kg), and SigmaBaPeq (231.0-265.4 MUg/kg) were highest in the samples
      from fast food restaurants/buffets (FB), followed by those from fried food stalls
      (FS) and then cooking restaurants/cafeterias (RC). The results of this study
      suggest that the government should strengthen control and supervision of PAH
      contamination in food and edible oils.

PMID- 27665462
TI  - Levels of arsenic, mercury, cadmium, copper, lead, zinc, and manganese in serum
      and whole blood of resident adults from mining and non-mining communities in
      Ghana.

PMID- 27665463
TI  - Production and characterization of bio-oil from the pyrolysis of waste frying
      oil.
AB  - In this present work, the disposal of waste frying oil was explored. The
      experiment tests were performed under nitrogen (N2) atmosphere at 5  degrees
      C/min heating rate from the ambient temperature to 500  degrees C. In these
      operating conditions, the obtained pyrolitic liquid fraction was 76 wt% formed by
      63.87 wt% of crude bio-oil and 12.13 wt% of aqueous fraction. The chemical
      characterization using FTIR, GC, and GC/MS has revealed that the bio-oil is a
      complex chemical mixture of linear saturated, unsaturated, and cyclic
      hydrocarbons and oxygenated compounds such as carboxylic acids, ketones,
      aldehydes, and alcohols. Moreover, the produced bio-oil can be considered as
      promising fuel with high calorific value (~39 MJ/kg). However, the higher acidity
      (~125 mg KOH/g sample) and viscosity (9.53 cSt at 40  degrees C) limit currently
      its direct use in engines. Therefore, although several promising results, further
      investigations are requested to improve the bio-oil quality in order to find an
      environmentally friendly issue to waste frying oil.

PMID- 27665465
TI  - Theoretical study of penta- and heteropentadienyl beryllium complexes coordinated
      to hydrogen molecules.
AB  - A series of penta- and heteropentadienyl [CH2CHCHCHXBe]+, (X = CH2, O, NH, S)
      complexes has been theoretically studied. All calculated complexes show beryllium
      atoms with two, three, and five coordination numbers. The density functional
      theory (DFT) was used to determine the electron and structural behavior of those
      beryllium complexes. The nature of the ligands plays an important role in the
      form of binding to the beryllium atom. Beryllium structures 1-4 are able to
      coordinate only one hydrogen molecule. A molecular orbital analysis for all
      complexes was performed in order to know more about the nature of their bonding
      scheme.

PMID- 27665466
TI  - Predicting protein subcellular localization based on information content of gene
      ontology terms.
AB  - Predicting the location where a protein resides within a cell is important in
      cell biology. Computational approaches to this issue have attracted more and more
      attentions from the community of biomedicine. Among the protein features used to
      predict the subcellular localization of proteins, the feature derived from Gene
      Ontology (GO) has been shown to be superior to others. However, most of the
      sights in this field are set on the presence or absence of some predefined GO
      terms. We proposed a method to derive information from the intrinsic structure of
      the GO graph. The feature vector was constructed with each element in it
      representing the information content of the GO term annotating to a protein
      investigated, and the support vector machines was used as classifier to test our
      extracted features. Evaluation experiments were conducted on three protein
      datasets and the results show that our method can enhance eukaryotic and human
      subcellular location prediction accuracy by up to 1.1% better than previous
      studies that also used GO-based features. Especially in the scenario where the
      cellular component annotation is absent, our method can achieved satisfied
      results with an overall accuracy of more than 87%.

PMID- 27665464
TI  - In silico structural characterization of protein targets for drug development
      against Trypanosoma cruzi.
AB  - Trypanosoma cruzi is the protozoan pathogen responsible for Chagas disease, which
      is a major public health problem in tropical and subtropical regions of
      developing countries and particularly in Brazil. Despite many studies, there is
      no efficient treatment against Chagas disease, and the search for new therapeutic
      targets specific to T. cruzi is critical for drug development. Here, we have
      revisited 41 protein sequences proposed by the analogous enzyme pipeline, and
      found that it is possible to provide structures for T. cruzi sequences with clear
      homologs or analogs in H. sapiens and likely associated with trypanothione
      reductase, cysteine synthase, and ATPase functions, and structures for sequences
      specific to T. cruzi and absent in H. sapiens associated with 2,4-dienoyl-CoA
      reductase, and leishmanolysin activities. The implications of our structures
      refined by atomistic molecular dynamics (monomer or dimer states) in their in
      vitro environments (aqueous solution or membrane bilayers) are discussed for drug
      development and suggest that all protein targets, except cysteine synthase, merit
      further investigation.

PMID- 27665467
TI  - Variability of the multifocal electroretinogram based on the type and position of
      the electrode.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the wave amplitude of multifocal
      electroretinogram (mfERG) measurements and discomfort from Dawson-Trick-Litzkow
      (DTL) electrode located on the cornea (cDTL) and on the conjunctival fornix
      (fDTL) and ERG-jet contact lens electrode (CL). METHODS: Thirty-six patients and
      18 healthy volunteers were evaluated with three different methods (cDTL, fDTL and
      CL). Wave amplitude, number of artifacts, number of electrode dislocations and
      level of discomfort obtained with each electrode were compared. These variables
      were also compared between patients and healthy volunteers (control group).
      Comparisons between wave amplitudes were made using intraclass correlation
      coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: Responses by the three tested electrode were better
      correlated (ICC) in patient (0.616-0.756) than in control groups (0.342-0.679).
      CL provided the highest wave amplitude in both groups (p < 0.005), but it was
      associated with higher discomfort (p < 0.001) and the highest rate of
      dislocations (72 and 100 % in control and patients, respectively). Looking at the
      differences obtained by each electrode between both groups, CL seems to be able
      to differentiate patient from control in the ring 1 of the mfERG. By contrast,
      fDTL gave the lowest wave amplitude in both groups, but it had the advantage to,
      apparently, discriminate between patients and control group in rings 1 and 2.
      cDTL produced more artifacts than the other electrodes in both groups (p <
      0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Although wave amplitude measurements with different
      electrodes were correlated, they cannot be directly compared, so it is mandatory
      to create an appropriate normative database with each electrode. Despite
      providing the lowest amplitudes, fDTL seems to offer the best features to perform
      mfERG regarding discomfort, number of artifacts and diagnostic capability.

PMID- 27665469
TI  - Survival Benefit and Safety of Bevacizumab in Combination with Erlotinib as
      Maintenance Therapy in Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Meta
      Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recently, the need for maintenance chemotherapy arose as a result of
      the significantly improved survival of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer
      (mCRC) without increasing adverse events. Currently used maintenance regimens are
      fluoropyrimidines, bevacizumab, and the combination of fluoropyrimidine with
      bevacizumab. A new combination with bevacizumab and erlotinib, a tyrosine kinase
      inhibitor of the epithelial growth factor receptor, has shown synergistic effects
      in preclinical tests and promising results in some clinical trials. Whether
      bevacizumab combined with erlotinib vs. bevacizumab alone as maintenance therapy
      will further improve the clinical outcomes in patients with mCRC is
      controversial. We conducted this meta-analysis to compare the survival benefit
      and safety of these two regimens in patients with mCRC. METHODS: We searched
      PubMed, EMBASE, and the Central Registry of Controlled Trials of the Cochrane
      Library up to August 2016. We also searched the Proceedings of the American
      Society of Clinical Oncology (1986 to August 2016). Abstracts were manually
      searched to identify relevant trials. A total of three randomized controlled
      trials with 682 patients met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Our results
      demonstrated that bevacizumab combined with erlotinib significantly improved
      overall survival (hazard ratio 0.78; 95 % confidence interval 0.66-0.93; p =
      0.006) and progression-free survival (hazard ratio 0.79; 95 % confidence interval
      0.68-0.92; p = 0.002). Significantly more grade 3 rash, diarrhea, infection
      total, and fatigue were observed in the bevacizumab combined with erlotinib arm,
      which were controllable and reversible. CONCLUSIONS: Based on current evidence,
      the addition of erlotinib to bevacizumab as maintenance therapy significantly
      increases overall survival and progression-free survival with an increased but
      manageable toxicity in patients with mCRC. It should be considered as a treatment
      option for these patients under the premise of a reasonable selection of the
      target population.

PMID- 27665468
TI  - Mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake pathways.
AB  - Calcium (Ca2+) plays diverse roles in all living organisms ranging from bacteria
      to humans. It is a structural element for bones, an essential mediator of
      excitation-contraction coupling, and a universal second messenger in the
      regulation of ion channel, enzyme and gene expression activities. In
      mitochondria, Ca2+ is crucial for the control of energy production and cellular
      responses to metabolic stress. Ca2+ uptake by the mitochondria occurs by the
      uniporter mechanism. The Mitochondrial Ca2+ Uniporter (MCU) protein has recently
      been identified as a core component responsible for mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake.
      MCU knockout (MCU KO) studies have identified a number of important roles played
      by this high capacity uptake pathway. Interestingly, this work has also shown
      that MCU-mediated Ca2+ uptake is not essential for vital cell functions such as
      muscle contraction, energy metabolism and neurotransmission. Although
      mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake was markedly reduced, MCU KO mitochondria still
      contained low but detectable levels of Ca2+. In view of the fundamental
      importance of Ca2+ for basic cell signalling, this finding suggests the existence
      of other currently unrecognized pathways for Ca2+ entry. We review the
      experimental evidence for the existence of alternative Ca2+ influx mechanisms and
      propose how these mechanisms may play an integral role in mitochondrial Ca2+
      signalling.

PMID- 27665470
TI  - Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors for Patients with
      Advanced Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The management of advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs)
      has been modified considerably by the availability of costly tyrosine kinase
      inhibitors (TKIs); however, the best therapeutic sequence in terms of cost and
      effectiveness remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare
      four potential strategies (reflecting the potential daily practice), each
      including imatinib 400 mg/day, as first-line treatment: S1 (imatinib400/best
      supportive care [BSC]); S2 (imatinib400/imatinib800/BSC); S3
      (imatinib400/sunitinib/BSC); and S4 (imatinib400/imatinib800/sunitinib/BSC).
      METHODS: A Markov model was developed with a hypothetical cohort of patients and
      a lifetime horizon. Transition probabilities were estimated from the results of
      clinical trials. The analysis was performed from the French payer perspective,
      and only direct medical costs were included. Clinical and economic parameters
      were discounted, and the robustness of results was assessed. RESULTS: The least
      costly and effective strategy was S1, at a cost of ?65,744 for 32.9 life months
      (reference). S3 was the most cost-effective strategy, with an incremental cost
      effectiveness ratio (ICER) of ?48,277/life-year saved (LYS). S2 was dominated,
      and S4 yielded an ICER of ?363,320/LYS compared with S3. Sensitivity analyses
      confirmed the robustness of these results; however, when taking into account a
      price reduction of 80 % for imatinib, S2 and S4 become the most cost-effective
      strategies. CONCLUSION: Our approach is innovative to the extent that our
      analysis takes into account the sequential application of TKIs. The results
      suggest that the S1 strategy is the best cost-effective strategy, but a price
      reduction of imatinib impacts on the results. This approach must continue,
      including new drugs and their impact on the quality of life of patients with
      advanced GISTs.

PMID- 27665471
TI  - The reduction of IL-6 gene expression, pAKT, pERK1/2, pSTAT3 signaling pathways
      and invasion activity by gallic acid in prostate cancer PC3 cells.
AB  - Prostate cancer (PC) is one of the most common cancers among men. Progression of
      prostate cancer is associated with an increase in cellular level of interleukin-6
      (IL-6). Gallic acid (GA) is a polyhydroxy phenolic compound which can inhibit the
      growth of cancer cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of GA
      treatment on cell viability, proliferation, invasion, IL-6 gene expression, IL-6
      secretion, cellular levels of pSTAT3, pERK1/2, and pAKT signaling proteins in
      human prostate cancer PC3 cells. PC3 cells viability after treatment with GA (0
      120MUM) was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium
      bromide (MTT) assay. The expression of IL-6 was investigated using real-time
      polymerase chain reaction. Cellular concentration of pSTAT3, pERK1/2, and pAKT
      signaling proteins were determined by Western blotting technic. PC3 cells
      invasion was assessed by invasion assay test. Treatment with GA caused a
      significant decrease in cell viability, proliferation, invasion, cellular levels
      of pSTAT3, pERK1/2, and pAKT signaling proteins after 48h in a dose-dependent
      manner. The level of IL-6 and its gene expression decreased significantly in PC3
      cells treated with GA. Our results show that IL-6 down-regulation and decreased
      IL-6 protein level in PC3 cells by GA resulted in diminishing of pSTAT3, pERK1/2,
      and pAKT signaling proteins which lead to the reduction of the cell survival,
      proliferation, and invasion in PC3 cells. Therefore, it seems that GA can be
      considered an anticancer agent in the treatment of prostate cancer.

PMID- 27665472
TI  - Fyn-related kinase expression predicts favorable prognosis in patients with
      cervical cancer and suppresses malignant progression by regulating migration and
      invasion.
AB  - AIM: To investigate expression pattern, clinical significance and potential roles
      of fyn related kinase (FRK) in cervical cancer. METHODS: Expression of FRK
      protein and mRNA in 100 pairs of cervical cancer and matched non-cancerous tissue
      samples were detected by Western blot, immunohistochemistry and quantitative PCR,
      respectively. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate associations of FRK
      protein expression with various clinicopathologic features and patients'
      prognosis. The effects of FRK on cell migration and invasion were examined using
      in vitro migration and invasion assays, respectively. RESULTS: Weak/negative
      immunostaining of FRK protein was observed in 86 (86.00%) of 100 cervical cancer
      tissues. Low FRK expression was significantly associated with several aggressive
      clinicopathologic features of cervical cancer, such as higher International
      Federation of Gynecology and Obstetric stage (P=0.01), the presence of lymph node
      metastasis (P=0.01) and recurrence (P=0.02). In addition, the survival analysis
      showed that cervical cancer patients with low FRK expression often had shorter
      overall survival than those with high FRK expression. The multivariate analysis
      also identified FRK expression as an independent prognostic factor of cervical
      cancer. Functionally, the enforced expression of FRK could efficiently inhibit
      cell migration and invasion of cervical cancer cells, but the knockdown of FRK
      dramatically enhanced cell migration and invasion. CONCLUSION: Our findings
      suggest that loss of FRK protein may be implicated into the tumorigenesis and
      cell motility of human cervical cancer. More importantly, FRK expression may
      function as a promising prognostic marker of this malignancy, highlighting its
      potentials as a candidate target for gene therapy.

PMID- 27665474
TI  - HDAC2 promotes the migration and invasion of non-small cell lung cancer cells via
      upregulation of fibronectin.
AB  - Recent studies indicated that histone deacetylases (HDACs) can modulate the
      tumorigenesis and development of cancer cells. We evaluated the expression of
      class I HDACs in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and found that HDAC2
      was significantly increased in NSCLC cells as compared with the normal bronchial
      epithelial cell line BEAS-2B. Silencing of HDAC2 by its specific siRNAs can
      significantly inhibit the in vitro migration and invasion of A549 and H1395
      cells. While over expression of HDAC2 by transfection of pcDNA/HDAC2 plasmid can
      trigger the motility of NSCLC cells. Over expression of HDAC2 increased the
      protein and mRNA expression of firbronectin (FN), which can accelerate the
      metastasis of cancer cells. Similarly, knock down of HDAC2 suppressed the
      expression of FN. The inhibitor of NF-kappaB, while not ERK1/2 or PI3K/Akt,
      attenuated HDAC2 induced up regulation of FN and invasion of NSCLC cells.
      Furthermore, HDAC2 can markedly increase both mRNA and protein levels of p65 in
      NSCLC cells. Collectively, our data revealed that HDAC2 can trigger migration and
      invasion of NSCLC cells via up regulation FN through activation of NF-kappaB. It
      suggested HDAC2 might be a potential therapeutic target for the drug development
      of NSCLC patients.

PMID- 27665475
TI  - Cancer nanotheranostics: Strategies, promises and impediments.
AB  - Cancer has remained one of the most indomitable conundrums for scientists over
      centuries due to its multifarious etiology. While improved therapeutic and
      diagnostic approaches have commendably augmented the rate of survival of cancer
      patients, a holistic riddance from the ailment is still implausible. Hence,
      further explorations to scout for novel strategies of cancer therapy and
      diagnosis are necessary. Theranostics (amalgamation of therapy and diagnostics)
      has emerged as one of the avant-garde strategies, which provides a two-pronged
      advantage in cancer management. This integrative approach has found immense
      relevance in light of nanotechnology. Nanoparticles can be customized (loaded
      with a melange of therapeutic drugs and diagnostic probes) to develop theranostic
      properties, thereby constructing nanotheranostic agents. These nano-composites
      are lucrative tools for cancer cell obliteration and simultaneous monitoring of
      the drug action, and can also be tailored for targeted drug delivery.
      Nanotheranostic agents have emerged as a prudent ploy for synchronized cancer
      intervention and detection of the 'route and reach' of the drugs. In this review,
      we discuss the diversified state-of-the-art facets of theranostic nanoparticles,
      including various nanoparticle-based platforms as well as the plethora of
      reported therapeutic drugs, aptamers, markers and diagnostic molecules that have
      found use in the precincts of nanotheranostics.

PMID- 27665473
TI  - Effects of 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine on expression of PP1gamma in learning and
      memory.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Learning and memory is a complex process. Some reports have shown
      that protein kinases (PKs) and phosphatases (PPs) are important mediators in this
      process. And it is also well known that protein serine/threonine phosphatase 1
      (PP1) and DNA methylation are critically involved in learning and memory.
      METHODS: In the current study, the mice and cultured cells (NG108-15) were
      treated with vehicle or 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza-cdR), a DNA
      methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitor. The ability of learning and memory of mice
      was detected by Morris Water Maze, while the mRNA and protein expression levels
      of DNMTs and PP1gamma in mice hippocampus were measured by real-time PCR and
      western-blot. To further clarify whether the 5-aza-cdR effects on learning and
      memory depend on cell proliferation/apoptosis or not, the effects of 5-aza-cdR on
      the cell proliferation, apoptosis, and PP1gamma transcriptional activity were
      analyzed by using the xCelligence system, flow cytometer and Luciferase reporter
      assay, respectively. RESULTS: The ability of learning and memory was increased
      while the expressions of DNMTs and PP1gamma were decreased in the hippocampus of
      mice which were injected with 5-aza-cdR. In vitro experiments showed 10MUM 5-aza
      cdR inhibited cell proliferation, decreased PP1gamma transcription without
      inducing apoptosis. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrate that the 5-aza-cdR restrains
      the expression of PP1gamma which is related to learning and memory in the mice.

PMID- 27665477
TI  - Pharmacological effects of Vitamin C & E on Diclofenac Sodium intoxicated Rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the probable protective effect
      of vitamin C and vitamin E on diclofenac-induced acute nephrotoxicity using
      biochemical, molecular and histopathological examination in rats following
      administration of diclofenac sodium (50mg/kg, I.M). METHODS: Ninety male Wister
      rats were allotted in six equal groups. Rats in the 1st group (control group)
      were injected with physiological saline, while rats in the 2nd group (C-group)
      were given vitamin C (100mg/kg orally via stomach tube) for 5 successive days.
      The 3rd group (E-group) was given vitamin E (250mg/kg orally in diet) for 5
      successive days. Rats in the 4th group (D-group) were injected by diclofenac
      sodium (50mg/kg, I.M) for 5 successive days. The 5th group (DvC-group) was given
      diclofenac sodium (50mg/kg, I.M) and vitamin C (100mg/kg orally via stomach tube)
      for 5 successive days. Rats in the 6th group (DvE-group) were given diclofenac
      sodium (50mg/kg, I.M) and vitamin E (250mg/kg orally in diet) for 5 successive
      days. Blood samples were collected two days post treatment (1st week of
      experiment), 2nd and 4th week of the experiment for assessment of urea,
      creatinine, malondialdehyde, nitric oxide and superoxide dismutase activities. At
      the end of 4th week, rats were sacrificed and kidneys were excised for
      biochemical analyses, histopathological evaluation and determination of kidney
      interleukin-1beta, interleukin-18, demsin and nepherin expressions in by reverse
      transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: The results showed
      that, diclofenac induced severe kidney damage as indicated by histopathological
      changes and increased serum oxidative stress parameters. Behavioral changes were
      monitored; a significant increase in uremia in intoxicated animals was also noted
      indicating that diclofenac sodium provoked kidney damage in rats. Application of
      vitamin C (DvC-group) and vitamin E (DvE-group) were found to improve the
      abovementioned abnormalities. CONCLUSION: The present data suggest that, vitamin
      C and vitamin E might play an important role in reducing oxidative stress and
      kidney damage induced by diclofenac sodium.

PMID- 27665476
TI  - Ghrelin protects against palmitic acid or lipopolysaccharide-induced hepatocyte
      apoptosis through inhibition of MAPKs/iNOS and restoration of Akt/eNOS pathways.
AB  - BACGROUND: Ghrelin has been shown to exert various biological functions. However,
      the effect and mechanism of ghrelin on PA- or LPS-induced liver injury remains
      unknown. METHODS: Normal human hepatocyte lines (LO2 and 7701) were pretreated
      with ghrelin (10-8M) for 30min before stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)
      or palmitic acid (PA). The proliferation and apoptosis of cells were detected
      with CCK8, Hoechst staining and flow cytometric analysis. Levels of NO of cell
      supernatants were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The
      protein levels and mRNA of target genes of endothelial NOS (eNOS) and inducible
      NOS (iNOS) were measured by western blotting, immunofluorescence and quantitative
      real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The expression of Bax, Bcl2,
      caspase 3, p-Akt, p-P38 and p-JNK were detected by western blotting. RESULTS:
      Results of CCK8, Hoechst staining and flow cytometric analysis showed that
      ghrelin-pretreatment attenuated LPS- or PA- induced cellular proliferation
      inhibition and apoptosis induction. ELISA results revealed that ghrelin
      pretreatment reduced levels of NO of cell supernatants (P<0.05). Results of
      western blotting and immunofluorescence showed that protein levels of iNOS in
      ghrelin- pretreated group were significantly reduced compared with LPS- or PA-
      treated group, while protein levels of eNOS were restored by ghrelin
      pretreatment. Results of qRT-PCR showed that mRNA levels of Bax, iNOS were
      reduced by ghrelin pretreatment, while levels of mRNA of Bcl2 and eNOS were
      increased (P<0.05). The protein levels of pAkt were significantly increased by
      ghrelin pretreatment, while the protein levels of p-JNK, p-P38 and caspase 3 were
      reduced. The restoration of eNOS could be reversed by an Akt inhibitor.
      CONCLUSIONS: Ghrelin pretreatment attenuated LPS- or PA-induced hepatocyte
      apoptosis, which may least partly via inhibition of mitogen-activated protein
      kinases (MAPKs)/iNOS and restoration of Akt/eNOS pathways.

PMID- 27665479
TI  - The Quality of Staging Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in the Netherlands: Data From
      the Dutch Lung Surgery Audit.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clinical staging of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) determines the
      initial treatment offered to a patient. The similarity between clinical and
      pathologic staging in some studies is as low as 50%, and others publish results
      as high as 91%. The Dutch Lung Surgery Audit is a clinical database that
      registers the clinical and pathologic TNM of almost all NSCLC patients who
      undergo operations in the Netherlands. The objective of this study was to
      determine the accuracy of clinical staging of NSCLC. METHODS: Prospective data
      were derived from the Dutch Lung Surgery Audit in 2013 and 2014. Patients were
      included if they had undergone a surgical resection for stage IA to IIIB NSCLC
      without neoadjuvant treatment and had a positron emission tomography-computed
      tomography scan as part of the clinical workup. Clinical (c)TNM and pathologic
      (p)TNM were compared, and whether discrepancy was based on tumor or nodal staging
      was determined. RESULTS: From 2,834 patients identified, 2,336 (82.4%) fulfilled
      the inclusion criteria and had complete data. Of these 2,336, 1,276 (54.6%) were
      staged accurately, 707 (30.3%) were clinically understaged, and 353 (15.1%) were
      clinically overstaged. In the understaged group, 346 patients had a higher pN
      stage (14.8%), of which 148 patients had unforeseen N2 disease (6.3%). In the
      overstaged group, 133 patients had a cN that was higher than the pN (5.7%).
      CONCLUSIONS: Accuracy of NSCLC staging in the Netherlands is low (54.6%), even in
      the era of positron emission tomography-computed tomography. Especially accurate
      nodal staging remains challenging. Future efforts should include the
      identification of specific pitfalls in NSCLC staging.

PMID- 27665478
TI  - Protective and curative effects of Bacillus subtilis SPB1 biosurfactant on high
      fat-high-fructose diet induced hyperlipidemia, hypertriglyceridemia and
      deterioration of liver function in rats.
AB  - This study was aimed to assess the plausible anti-obesity effects of Bacillus
      subtilis SPB1 crude lipopeptide biosurfactant on high fat high fructose diet-fed
      rats (HFFD). Male Wistar rats were divided into five groups with the following
      treatment schedule: normal diet (CD), HFFD, HFFD supplemented with SPB1
      biosurfactant from the first day of the experiment (HFFD+Bios1, 10mg/kg/day),
      HFFD receiving standard drug (HFFD+Torva, 10mg/kg/day) or SPB1 biosurfactant
      (HFFD+Bios2, 10mg/kg/day) during the last 4 weeks of the study. The results
      showed an increase in body weight of HFFD by ~19% as compared to controls (CD).
      Moreover, serum lipase activity underwent a threefold increase which led to an
      increase in the levels of total cholesterol (T-Ch), triglycerides (TG) and LDL
      cholesterol (LDL-Ch) in serum of untreated HFFD, as well as a rise in the
      calculated atherogenic index (AI). Furthermore, liver dysfunction indices such as
      AST, ALT, CPK, LDH, GGT, ALP and T-Bilirubins exhibited remarkable increases in
      serum of HFFD as compared to controls (CD). Whereas, the administration of
      Bacillus subtilis SPB1 biosurfactant to HFFD improved the body weight gain and
      serum lipids profile and reverted back near normal the activities of lipase and
      liver toxicity indicators. In addition, notable protective and curative effects
      were reported in liver tissues. Overall, these results suggest that the
      lipopeptides biosynthesized by Bacillus subtilis SPB1 achieved an anti-obesity
      effect through the inhibition of lipid digestive and liver dysfunction enzymes.

PMID- 27665480
TI  - Quality Measures in Clinical Stage I Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Improved
      Performance Is Associated With Improved Survival.
AB  - BACKGROUND: National organizations have recommended quality measures for
      operations in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The outcomes of
      adherence to these guidelines are unknown. METHODS: Information about patients
      who underwent an operation for clinical stage I NSCLC was abstracted from the
      National Cancer Database. After reviewing current guidelines, the following
      quality measures were selected: anatomic resection, operation within 8 weeks of
      diagnosis, achievement of negative surgical margins, and sampling of 10 or more
      lymph nodes. Multivariate models identified variables independently associated
      with receiving quality measures and a Cox model created to evaluate overall
      survival. RESULTS: Between 2004 and 2013, 133,026 of 133,366 (99.7%), 126,598 of
      133,366 (94.9%), 91,472 of 133,366 (68.6%), and 30,041 of 133,366 (22.5%)
      patients met one, two, three, or four measures. Income of at least $38,000/year
      (odds ratio [OR] 1.20, 95% CI: 1.15 to 1.24), insurance type (private insurance:
      OR 1.22, 95% CI: 1.09 to 1.36; Medicare: OR 1.16, 95% CI:1.04 to 1.30), centers
      with at least 38 cases/year (OR 1.18, 95% CI: 1.14 to 1.22), academic
      institutions (OR 1.31, 95% CI: 1.27 to 1.35), and clinical stage IB patients (OR
      1.50, 95% CI: 1.40 to 1.60) were more likely to meet all four measures; whereas
      increasing age (OR 0.99, 95% CI: 0.99 to 0.99), women (OR 0.93, 95% CI: 0.91 to
      0.96), non-Caucasian race (OR 0.83, 95% CI: 0.79 to 0.87), and increasing
      Charlson/Deyo comorbidity score (1: OR 0.90, 95% CI: 0.87 to 0.93; >=2: OR 0.82,
      95% CI: 0.79 to 0.86) were associated with lower likelihood. Pathologic upstaging
      (hazard ratio [HR] 1.84, 95% CI: 1.78 to 1.89) and meeting all four measures (HR
      0.39, 95% CI: 0.31 to 0.48) were most powerfully associated with overall
      survival. CONCLUSIONS: National adherence to quality measures in stage I NSCLC
      resection is suboptimal. Guideline compliance is strongly associated with
      survival, and vigorous efforts should be instituted by national societies to
      improve adherence.

PMID- 27665481
TI  - Clinical Staging of Stage I Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in the Netherlands-Need
      for Improvement in an Era With Expanding Nonsurgical Treatment Options: Data From
      the Dutch Lung Surgery Audit.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The clinical stage of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) determines
      the initial treatment, whereas the pathologic stage best determines prognosis and
      the need for adjuvant treatment. In an era in which stereotactic ablative
      radiotherapy (SABR) has become an alternative modality to surgical intervention,
      clinical staging is even more important, because pathologic staging is omitted in
      the case of SABR. The objective of this study was to determine the concordance
      between clinical and pathologic stage in routine clinical practice for patients
      with early-stage NSCLC. METHODS: Prospective data were derived from the Dutch
      Lung Surgery Audit (DLSA) in 2013 and 2014. Patients with clinical stage I NSCLC
      who underwent surgical resection and had a positron emission tomography-computed
      tomography (PET-CT) scan in their clinical workup were selected. Clinical and
      pathologic TNM (cTNM and pTNM) stages were compared. RESULTS: From a total of
      1,790 patients with clinical stage I, 1,555 (87%) patients were included in this
      analysis. Concordance between cTNM and pTNM was 59.9%. Of the patients with
      clinical stage I, 22.6% were upstaged to pathologic stage II or higher. In total,
      14.9% of all patients with clinical stage I had nodal metastases, and 5.5% of all
      patients had unforeseen N2 disease. In patients with clinical stage T2a tumors,
      21.3% had nodal metastases, 14.5% being N1 and 6.7% being N2 disease.
      CONCLUSIONS: Concordance between clinical and pathologic stage is 59.9%. In
      patients with clinical stage I NSCLC, 22.6% were upstaged to pathologic stage II
      or higher, which is an indication for adjuvant chemotherapy. Improvement in
      accuracy of staging is thus needed, particularly for these patients.

PMID- 27665483
TI  - Artificial ascites and pneumoperitoneum to facilitate thermal ablation of liver
      tumors: a pictorial essay.
AB  - Image-guided percutaneous thermal ablation is increasingly utilized in the
      treatment of hepatic malignancies. Peripherally located hepatic tumors can be
      difficult to access or located adjacent to critical structures that can be
      injured. As a result, ablation of peripheral tumors may be avoided or may be
      performed too cautiously, leading to inadequate ablation coverage. In these
      cases, separating the tumor from adjacent critical structures can increase the
      efficacy and safety of procedures. Artificial ascites and artificial
      pneumoperitoneum are techniques that utilize fluid and gas, respectively, to
      insulate critical structures from the thermal ablation zone. Induction of
      artificial ascites and artificial pneumoperitoneum can enable complete ablation
      of otherwise inaccessible hepatic tumors, improve tumor visualization, minimize
      unintended thermal injury to surrounding organs, and reduce post-procedural pain.
      This pictorial essay illustrates and discusses the proper technique and clinical
      considerations for successful artificial ascites and pneumoperitoneum creation to
      facilitate safe peripheral hepatic tumor ablation.

PMID- 27665482
TI  - Diagnostic performance of 18-F-FDG-PET-CT in adrenal lesions using histopathology
      as reference standard.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the diagnostic performance of PET-CT in differentiating
      benign and malignant adrenal lesions when evaluating PET parameters individually
      as well as in combination with CT parameters, using histopathology as the
      reference standard. METHODS: 18F-FDG-PET-CT scans of patients undertaken within 6
      months prior to pathologic evaluation of their adrenal lesion(s) were evaluated.
      PET assessments consisted individually of maximum standardized uptake value of
      the adrenal lesion (A-SUVmax) and its ("normalized") ratio to the liver (R
      SUVmax). The diagnostic performances of these two PET parameters were also
      assessed when combined with the Hounsfield density from the non-contrast CT
      component of the PET-CT (A-HU). Diagnostic performance was assessed by area under
      the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristics. Multiple logistic
      regression analysis was used to evaluate the individual and combined parameters.
      RESULTS: The study cohort consisted of 61 adrenal lesions (59 patients).
      Malignant lesions (n = 52) had significantly higher median PET and CT parameters
      than benign lesions: A-SUVmax (11.4 vs. 6.1), R-SUVmax (3.3 vs. 1.7), and A-HU
      (37 vs. 24) [all p < 0.023]. AUC for the PET parameters individually was almost
      identical: 0.75 for A-SUVmax and 0.74 for R-SUVmax. On univariate analysis,
      thresholds of A-SUVmax >3.47 and R-SUVmax >0.83 yielded maximum accuracy (both
      87%). The combination of these PET parameters individually with A-HU improved
      both AUC and accuracy (0.81% and 93%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The individual
      PET parameters A-SUVmax and R-SUVmax have similar diagnostic performance for
      differentiating malignant and benign adrenal lesions; their performance and
      accuracy improve when combined with the CT component (A-HU).

PMID- 27665484
TI  - The Utility of the Weight and Lifestyle Inventory (WALI) in Predicting 2-Year
      Weight Loss After Bariatric Surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Emotional eating (EE) has been implicated as an important variable in
      bariatric surgery and is frequently assessed during preoperative evaluations.
      Little is known about the association between preoperative EE and postoperative
      outcomes. This study examined associations between preoperative EE, as measured
      by the Weight and Lifestyle Inventory, and 2-year postoperative percent weight
      loss. METHODS: Data collected during preoperative evaluations were analyzed
      retrospectively. A total of 685 patients completed intake data, with 357 patients
      (52 %) completing 2-year follow-up measures. The average time from the initial
      appointment to surgery is 6 months. Preoperative data was collected at
      approximately month 2 of this 6-month period. Follow-up data was collected during
      2-year postoperative follow-up visits. RESULTS: The average percent of weight
      lost was 22.93 (SD = 13.62). Analyses indicated that (1) EE was not associated
      with percent weight loss for the overall sample, (2) EE was not associated with
      percent weight loss for females, (3) EE in response to positive affect was
      associated with percent weight loss for males, and (4) the interaction between
      preoperative depressive symptoms and EE was not associated with percent weight
      loss for either sex. CONCLUSION: While the WALI provides a fruitful means of
      gathering clinical information, results suggested no association between scores
      on Section H of the WALI and weight loss. The results suggest that EE may impact
      surgical outcomes differentially in men as compared to women. Future research
      should seek to replicate these findings and focus on gender differences related
      to surgical outcomes.

PMID- 27665486
TI  - Dynamic flux of microvesicles modulate parasite-host cell interaction of
      Trypanosoma cruzi in eukaryotic cells.
AB  - Extracellular vesicles released from pathogens may alter host cell functions. We
      previously demonstrated the involvement of host cell-derived microvesicles (MVs)
      during early interaction between Trypanosoma cruzi metacyclic trypomastigote
      (META) stage and THP-1 cells. Here, we aim to understand the contribution of
      different parasite stages and their extracellular vesicles in the interaction
      with host cells. First, we observed that infective host cell-derived
      trypomastigote (tissue culture-derived trypomastigote [TCT]), META, and
      noninfective epimastigote (EPI) stages were able to induce different levels of MV
      release from THP-1 cells; however, only META and TCT could increase host cell
      invasion. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer microscopy revealed that THP-1
      derived MVs can fuse with parasite-derived MVs. Furthermore, MVs derived from the
      TCT-THP-1 interaction showed a higher fusogenic capacity than those from META- or
      EPI-THP-1 interaction. However, a higher presence of proteins from META (25%)
      than TCT (12%) or EPI (5%) was observed in MVs from parasite-THP-1 interaction,
      as determined by proteomics. Finally, sera from patients with chronic Chagas
      disease at the indeterminate or cardiac phase differentially recognized antigens
      in THP-1-derived MVs resulting only from interaction with infective stages. The
      understanding of intracellular trafficking and the effect of MVs modulating the
      immune system may provide important clues about Chagas disease pathophysiology.

PMID- 27665485
TI  - Predictors of sentinel lymph node metastases in breast cancer-radioactivity and
      Ki-67.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Since the introduction of the sentinel node technique for breast
      cancer in the 1990s patient's morbidity was reduced. Tracer uptake is known to be
      dependent from lymph node integrity and activity of macrophages. The aim of this
      study was to assess whether radioactivity of the tracer can predict sentinel
      lymph node metastases. Furthermore, a potential association with Ki-67 index was
      examined. Non-invasive prediction of lymph node metastases could lead to a
      further decrease of morbidity. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed patients with
      primary breast cancer who underwent surgery at the Department of Obstetrics and
      Gynecology in the University Hospital of Cologne between 2012 and 2013. Injection
      of radioactive tracer was done a day before surgery in the department of Nuclear
      Medicine. Clinical data and radioactivity of the sentinel node measured the day
      before and intraoperatively were abstracted from patient's files. RESULTS: Of 246
      patients, 64 patients had at least one, five patients had two and one patient had
      three positive sentinel lymph nodes. Occurrence of sentinel lymph node metastases
      was not associated with preoperative tracer activity (p = 0,319), intraoperative
      tracer activity of first sentinel node (p = 0,086) or with loss of tracer
      activity until operation (p = 0,909). There was no correlation between
      preoperative Ki-67 index and occurrence of lymph node metastases (p = 0,403).
      CONCLUSION: In our cohort, there was no correlation between radioactivity and
      sentinel node metastases. Tracer uptake might not only be influenced by lymph
      node metastases and does not predict metastatic lymph node involvement.

PMID- 27665487
TI  - Factors influencing participation in health behaviors in endometrial cancer
      survivors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The study purpose was to investigate endometrial cancer survivors'
      health perceptions following cessation of active cancer treatment and to explore
      factors influencing participation in health-promoting behaviors. METHODS: Face-to
      face interviews were conducted with participants who had completed active
      treatment of cancer within the previous 3 years. Participants were 22 endometrial
      cancer survivors (mean age = 62.55 years, SD = 7.08) at risk of cardiovascular
      disease who were recruited from 2 oncologists in Perth, Western Australia.
      Interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Five main
      themes emerged: physical activity knowledge and advice; authority of oncologists;
      accountability and external motivation; monitoring and barriers to healthy
      eating; and physical activity. Participants recalled that specific
      recommendations for physical activity or body weight were rarely made by the
      oncologists, but felt they would have followed such lifestyle advice if it had
      been given. The overarching theme was the need for accountability and monitoring
      to successfully change health behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions aimed at
      promoting health behaviors in endometrial cancer survivors should include
      referral and advice from oncologists, provision of monitoring, and promotion of
      planning and self-control. Implications for endometrial cancer survivors at risk
      of cardiovascular disease: these women are likely to benefit most from
      interventions aimed at promoting planning, self-regulation and problem solving
      and regular follow-up.

PMID- 27665488
TI  - Effect of Dispatcher-Assisted Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Program and Location
      of Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest on Survival and Neurologic Outcome.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVE: We study the effect of a nationwide dispatcher-assisted
      cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) program on out-of-hospital cardiac arrest
      outcomes by arrest location (public and private settings). METHODS: All emergency
      medical services (EMS)-treated adults in Korea with out-of-hospital cardiac
      arrests of cardiac cause were enrolled between 2012 and 2013, excluding cases
      witnessed by EMS providers and those with unknown outcomes. Exposure was
      bystander CPR categorized into 3 groups: bystander CPR with dispatcher
      assistance, bystander CPR without dispatcher assistance, and no bystander CPR.
      The endpoint was good neurologic recovery at discharge. Multivariable logistic
      regression analysis was performed. The final model with an interaction term was
      evaluated to compare the effects across settings. RESULTS: A total of 37,924
      patients (31.1% bystander CPR with dispatcher assistance, 14.3% bystander CPR
      without dispatcher assistance, and 54.6% no bystander CPR) were included in the
      final analysis. The total bystander CPR rate increased from 30.9% in quarter 1
      (2012) to 55.7% in quarter 4 (2014). Bystander CPR with and without dispatcher
      assistance was more likely to result in higher survival with good neurologic
      recovery (4.8% and 5.2%, respectively) compared with no bystander CPR (2.1%). The
      adjusted odds ratios for good neurologic recovery were 1.50 (95% confidence
      interval [CI] 1.30 to 1.74) in bystander CPR with dispatcher assistance and 1.34
      (95% CI 1.12 to 1.60) in bystander CPR without it compared with no bystander CPR.
      For arrests in private settings, the adjusted odds ratios were 1.58 (95% CI 1.30
      to 1.92) in bystander CPR with dispatcher assistance and 1.28 (95% CI 0.98 to
      1.67) in bystander CPR without it; in public settings, the adjusted odds ratios
      were 1.41 (95% CI 1.14 to 1.75) and 1.37 (95% CI 1.08 to 1.72), respectively.
      CONCLUSION: Bystander CPR regardless of dispatcher assistance was associated with
      improved neurologic recovery after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. However, for
      out-of-hospital cardiac arrest cases in private settings, bystander CPR was
      associated with improved neurologic recovery only when dispatcher assistance was
      provided.

PMID- 27665489
TI  - Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction update-2016.
AB  - The first practice parameter on exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) was
      published in 2010. This updated practice parameter was prepared 5 years later. In
      the ensuing years, there has been increased understanding of the pathogenesis of
      EIB and improved diagnosis of this disorder by using objective testing. At the
      time of this publication, observations included the following: dry powder
      mannitol for inhalation as a bronchial provocation test is FDA approved however
      not currently available in the United States; if baseline pulmonary function test
      results are normal to near normal (before and after bronchodilator) in a person
      with suspected EIB, then further testing should be performed by using
      standardized exercise challenge or eucapnic voluntary hyperpnea (EVH); and the
      efficacy of nonpharmaceutical interventions (omega-3 fatty acids) has been
      challenged. The workgroup preparing this practice parameter updated contemporary
      practice guidelines based on a current systematic literature review. The group
      obtained supplementary literature and consensus expert opinions when the
      published literature was insufficient. A search of the medical literature on
      PubMed was conducted, and search terms included pathogenesis, diagnosis,
      differential diagnosis, and therapy (both pharmaceutical and nonpharmaceutical)
      of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction or exercise-induced asthma (which is no
      longer a preferred term); asthma; and exercise and asthma. References assessed as
      relevant to the topic were evaluated to search for additional relevant
      references. Published clinical studies were appraised by category of evidence and
      used to document the strength of the recommendation. The parameter was then
      evaluated by Joint Task Force reviewers and then by reviewers assigned by the
      parent organizations, as well as the general membership. Based on this process,
      the parameter can be characterized as an evidence- and consensus-based document.

PMID- 27665491
TI  - Reproductive performance of the largest captive Asian elephant (Elephas maximus)
      population in Sri Lanka.
AB  - The Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage (PEO) in Sri Lanka maintains one of the largest
      captive Asian elephant (Elephas maximus maximus) populations in the world, with a
      total of 79 animals (45 females and 34 males) at present. It was established in
      1975 as an orphanage for rescued wild calves, and commenced natural breeding
      under controlled conditions when they reached breeding age. This study summarizes
      reproductive data of 65 live births from 38 years of records at PEO. The age at
      first calving (n=31) was 14.6+/-0.7years, and the numbers of females giving birth
      two, three, four and five times were 21, 8, 4 and 2, with corresponding inter
      birth intervals (IBI) of 4.9+/-0.3, 4.8+/-0.5, 7.9+/-1.9 and 5.7+/-0.5years,
      respectively. Females giving birth to males (5.7+/-2.2years) had longer IBIs
      compared to birthing female calves (4.7+/-1.1years). The average gestation for 18
      pregnancies with known conception dates was 667+/-11days. The average birth
      weight was similar for male (83.1+/-4.6kg; n=14) and female (82.8+/-8.4kg; n=6)
      calves. Sex ratio for live births was 36 male:29 female and not different from
      1:1; however, more males (10/14) were born after a second parity. Calf mortality
      and stillbirth rates were low: 7.6% and 4.4%, respectively. This study highlights
      the successful breeding program at the PEO, providing baseline reproductive data
      that can aid in improving breeding of other elephants managed under captive
      conditions.

PMID- 27665490
TI  - Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors are associated with common variable
      immune deficiency pathogenesis.

PMID- 27665492
TI  - Evidence-based nursing implementation in Mainland China: A scoping review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is crucial to identify the challenges of evidence-based nursing
      implementation faced by countries in transitional stage. PURPOSE: The purpose of
      this study was to identify the state of evidence on implementation in Chinese
      nursing contexts and to determine gaps that need to be pursued. METHODS: We
      performed a scoping review on existing literature on implementation studies
      conducted in nursing context in Mainland China. After systematically searching
      eight (four Chinese and four English) databases, we extracted and analyzed data
      from the included studies. RESULTS: Ninety-five articles met inclusion criteria.
      Publications were on the rise, with most funding from academic institutions. Most
      studies were quantitative, with patient outcomes as primary indicators. Eighteen
      studies used a theoretical framework. Frequently used strategies and barriers to
      evidence-based nursing implementation were mainly from the organizational level.
      CONCLUSIONS: This scoping review indicates an urgent requirement of Chinese
      evidence-based nursing resources, more funding and support from clinical
      managerial level, cooperation between academic and clinical institutes, and a
      call for more rigorous studies of implementation science under a Chinese nursing
      context.

PMID- 27665493
TI  - Scalability of an endoluminal spring for distraction enterogenesis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Techniques of distraction enterogenesis have been explored to
      provide increased intestinal length to treat short bowel syndrome (SBS). Self
      expanding, polycaprolactone (PCL) springs have been shown to lengthen bowel in
      small animal models. Their feasibility in larger animal models is a critical step
      before clinical use. METHODS: Juvenile mini-Yucatan pigs underwent jejunal
      isolation or blind ending Roux-en-y jejunojejunostomy with insertion of either a
      PCL spring or a sham PCL tube. Extrapolated from our spring characteristics in
      rodents, proportional increases in spring constant and size were made for porcine
      intestine. RESULTS: Jejunal segments with 7mm springs with k between 9 and 15N/m
      demonstrated significantly increased lengthening in isolated segment and Roux-en
      y models. Complications were noted in only two animals, both using high spring
      constant k>17N/m. Histologically, lengthened segments in the isolated and Roux
      models demonstrated significantly increased muscularis thickness and crypt depth.
      Restoration of lengthened, isolated segments back into continuity was technically
      feasible after 6weeks. CONCLUSION: Self-expanding, endoluminal PCL springs, which
      exert up to 0.6N force, safely achieve significant intestinal lengthening in a
      translatable, large-animal model. These spring characteristics may provide a
      scalable model for the treatment of SBS in children.

PMID- 27665494
TI  - Expression of Prx1 and Tcf4 is decreased in the diaphragmatic muscle connective
      tissue of nitrofen-induced congenital diaphragmatic hernia.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Pleuroperitoneal folds (PPFs) are the source of the
      primordial diaphragm's muscle connective tissue (MCT), and developmental
      mutations have been shown to result in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). The
      protein paired-related homeobox 1 (Prx1) labels migrating PPF cells and
      stimulates expression of transcription factor 4 (Tcf4), a novel MCT marker that
      controls morphogenesis of the fetal diaphragm. We hypothesized that diaphragmatic
      Prx1 and Tcf4 expression is decreased in the nitrofen-induced CDH model. METHODS:
      Time-mated rats were exposed to either nitrofen or vehicle on gestational day 9
      (D9). Fetal diaphragms were microdissected on D13, D15, and D18, and divided into
      control and nitrofen-exposed specimens. Gene expression levels of Prx1 and Tcf4
      were analyzed by qRT-PCR. Immunofluorescence double staining for Prx1 and Tcf4
      was performed to evaluate protein expression and localization. RESULTS: Relative
      mRNA expression of Prx1 and Tcf4 was significantly downregulated in PPFs (D13),
      developing diaphragms (D15) and fully muscularized diaphragms (D18) of nitrofen
      exposed fetuses compared to controls. Confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed
      markedly diminished Prx1 and Tcf4 expression in diaphragmatic MCT of nitrofen
      exposed fetuses on D13, D15, and D18 compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: Decreased
      expression of Prx1 and Tcf4 in the fetal diaphragm may cause defects in the PPF
      derived MCT, leading to development of CDH in the nitrofen model. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: Level 2c (Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, Oxford).

PMID- 27665495
TI  - High mortality among children with gastroschisis after the neonatal period: A
      long-term follow-up study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: During the last decades neonatal outcomes for children born with
      gastroschisis have improved significantly. Survival rates >90% have been
      reported. Early prenatal diagnosis and increased survival enforce the need for
      valid data for long-term outcome in the pre- and postnatal counseling of parents
      with a child with gastroschisis. METHODS: Long-term follow-up on all newborns
      with gastroschisis at Odense University Hospital (OUH) from January 1 1997
      December 31 2009. Follow-up included neonatal chart review for neonatal
      background factors, including whether a GORE(r)DUALMESH was used for staged
      closure, electronic questionnaires, interview and laboratory investigations.
      Cases were divided into complex and simple cases according to the definition by
      Molik et al. (2001). Survival status was determined by the national personal
      identification number registry. Because of the consistency of the registration,
      survival status was obtained from all children participating in the study.
      RESULTS: A total of 71 infants (7 complex and 64 simple) were included. Overall
      seven out of the 71 children (9.9%, median age: 52days (25-75% percentile 0
      978days) had died at the time of follow-up. Three died during the neonatal period
      and four died after the neonatal period. Parenteral nutrition (PN) induced liver
      failure and suspected adhesive small bowel obstruction were the causes of deaths
      after the neonatal period. Overall mortality was high in the "complex" group
      compared to the simple group (3/7 (42.9%) vs 4/64 (6.3%), p = 0.04). Forty
      (62.5%) of the surviving children consented to participate in the follow-up. A
      total of 12 children had had suspected adhesive small bowel obstruction.
      Prevalence of small bowel obstruction was not related to the number of operations
      needed for neonatal closure of the defect. Staged closure was done in 5/12
      (41.7%) who developed small bowel obstruction vs 11/35 (31.43%) without small
      bowel obstruction, p=0.518. A GORE(r)DUALMESH was used in 16 children (22.5%). Of
      these 2 were complex and 14 were simple cases. Prevalence of recurrent abdominal
      pain was 22.5% (9/40) among children with gastroschisis compared to 12% in a
      study on Danish school children, p=0.068. Gastrointestinal symptoms had led to
      hospital admission after primary discharge in significantly more children with
      gastroschisis 16 (40.0%) than children younger than 16years old in the general
      Danish population 129.419/1.081.542 (12.0%), p=0.000. Fecal calprotectin level
      was above the reference level (>50mg/kg) in 6/16 (37.5%) children >8years old
      with gastroschisis compared to 1/7 (14.3%) healthy children. (Fisher's
      exact=0.366). Only 8/38 (21.1%) children with gastroschisis reported to have an
      umbilicus. CONCLUSION: Mortality among children with gastroschisis is still
      significant with the highest risk among complicated cases. The majority of the
      deaths is potentially preventable as PN-related causes and suspected adhesive
      small bowel obstruction counted for five of seven deaths. Neither categorization
      upon method of abdominal wall closure nor categorization into simple and complex
      cases can predict the risk of adhesive small bowel obstruction. With improved
      administration of PN and timely information and attention to the risk of the
      small bowel obstruction there is good possibility that the associated mortality
      could decrease. Type of study and level of evidence: Prognosis study, level II.

PMID- 27665496
TI  - Formic acid hydrolysis/liquid chromatography isotope dilution mass spectrometry:
      An accurate method for large DNA quantification.
AB  - Liquid chromatography-isotope dilution mass spectrometry (LC-IDMS) with formic
      acid hydrolysis was established for the accurate quantification of lambdaDNA. The
      over-decomposition of nucleobases in formic acid hydrolysis was restricted by
      optimizing the reaction temperature and the reaction time, and accurately
      corrected by using deoxynucleotides (dNMPs) and isotope-labeled dNMPs as the
      calibrator and the internal standard, respectively. The present method could
      quantify lambdaDNA with an expanded uncertainty of 4.6% using 10fmol of
      lambdaDNA. The analytical results obtained with the present method were validated
      by comparing with the results of phosphate-base quantification by inductively
      coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results showed good agreement with
      each other. We conclude that the formic acid hydrolysis/LC-IDMS method can
      quantify lambdaDNA accurately and is promising as the primary method for the
      certification of DNA as reference material.

PMID- 27665497
TI  - A comparative study of drug listing recommendations and the decision-making
      process in Australia, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the UK.
AB  - Drug listing recommendations from health technology assessment (HTA) agencies
      often fail to coincide with one another. We conducted a comparative analysis of
      listing recommendations in Australia (PBAC), the Netherlands (CVZ), Sweden (TLV)
      and the UK (NICE) over time, examined interagency agreement, and explored how
      process-related factors-including time delay between HTA evaluations, therapeutic
      indication and orphan drug status, measure of health economic value, and
      comparator-impacted decision-making in drug coverage. Agreement was poor to
      moderate across HTA agency listing recommendations, yet it increased as the delay
      between HTA agency appraisals decreased, when orphan drugs were assessed, and
      when medicines deemed to provide low value (immunosuppressants, antineoplastics)
      were removed from the sample. International differences in drug listing
      recommendations seem to occur in part due to inconsistencies in how the
      supporting evidence informs assessment, but also to differences in how domestic
      priorities shape the value-based decision-making process.

PMID- 27665498
TI  - Anastomosis between the transverse cervical nerve and marginal mandibular nerve:
      how often does it occur?
AB  - Anastomoses in the neck between the sensory transverse cervical nerve (C2,3) and
      the cervical branch of the facial nerve are common, but communications with more
      superior branches of the facial nerve are rare. After we had identified a case
      where the transverse cervical nerve joined the marginal mandibular branch of the
      facial nerve in the submandibular triangle during a selective neck dissection, we
      searched for this variant in 86 neck dissections to see if it occurs more often
      than expected. We found it in one further patient. As this anastomosis of the
      nerve could easily be confused with the marginal mandibular branch itself,
      particularly during a more limited exposure (such as excision of a submandibular
      gland), our findings remind surgeons to be vigilant when dissecting in this area
      to minimise the risk of weakness of the lower lip postoperatively.

PMID- 27665499
TI  - Mindfulness practice: A promising approach to reducing the effects of clinician
      implicit bias on patients.
AB  - Like the population at large, health care providers hold implicit racial and
      ethnic biases that may contribute to health care disparities. Little progress has
      been made in identifying and implementing effective strategies to address these
      normal but potentially harmful unconscious cognitive processes. We propose that
      meditation training designed to increase healthcare providers' mindfulness skills
      is a promising and potentially sustainable way to address this problem. Emerging
      evidence suggests that mindfulness practice can reduce the provider contribution
      to healthcare disparities through several mechanisms including: reducing the
      likelihood that implicit biases will be activated in the mind, increasing
      providers' awareness of and ability to control responses to implicit biases once
      activated, increasing self-compassion and compassion toward patients, and
      reducing internal sources of cognitive load (e.g., stress, burnout, and
      compassion fatigue). Mindfulness training may also have advantages over current
      approaches to addressing implicit bias because it focuses on the development of
      skills through practice, promotes a nonjudgmental approach, can circumvent
      resistance some providers feel when directly confronted with evidence of racism,
      and constitutes a holistic approach to promoting providers' well-being. We close
      with suggestions for how a mindfulness approach can be practically implemented
      and identify potential challenges and research gaps to be addressed.

PMID- 27665500
TI  - Unraveling the meaning of patient engagement: A concept analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Patient engagement has been credited with contributing to improved
      outcomes and experiences of care. Patient engagement has become a widely used
      term, but remains a poorly understood concept in healthcare. Citations for the
      term have increased throughout the healthcare-related disciplines without a
      common definition. This study seeks to define the concept by identifying its
      attributes in the context of its use. METHODS: A concept analysis of the
      scientific literature in the health disciplines was performed using the Rogers
      method. RESULTS: The analysis revealed four defining attributes of patient
      engagement: personalization, access, commitment and therapeutic alliance. Patient
      engagement is defined as the desire and capability to actively choose to
      participate in care in a way uniquely appropriate to the individual, in
      cooperation with a healthcare provider or institution, for the purposes of
      maximizing outcomes or improving experiences of care. CONCLUSION: Patient
      engagement is both process and behavior and is shaped by the relationship between
      the patient and provider and the environment in which healthcare delivery takes
      place. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The definition and the identified attributes serve
      as a heuristic in designing patient engagement strategies and as a basis for
      future development of the patient engagement concept in healthcare.

PMID- 27665501
TI  - Narcolepsy with cataplexy in patients aged over 60 years: a case-control study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Narcolepsy with cataplexy (NC) is a chronic disabling disease;
      however, there are insufficient data on older NC subjects. METHODS: A cross
      sectional evaluation on health and social status, including intensity and
      progression of NC symptoms, was performed on 42 NC patients (age 71.9 years +/-
      7.5) and 46 age-and-sex-matched controls (age 72.2 years +/- 7.0). RESULTS: A
      greater proportion of patients than controls suffered from hypertension and type
      2 diabetes. More controls had a history of treated depression; however, according
      to the Geriatric Depression Scale, more NC patients scored in the range of
      depression. There were no significant differences in Addenbrook Cognitive
      Examination scores. Average physical fitness assessed by the Short Physical
      Performance Battery was lower in the NC group. The frequency of meeting with
      family, friends, and participation in hobbies or sports did not differ between
      the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Symptoms of NC were present throughout life.
      Comorbidities and lower physical fitness, which are known to be present in young
      and middle-aged NC subjects, were also present in older patients. Although NC
      subjects were less professionally active during their lifetime, they did not
      differ from controls in important social parameters in older age.

PMID- 27665502
TI  - Acetylation Enhances the Promoting Role of AIB1 in Breast Cancer Cell
      Proliferation.
AB  - The oncogene nuclear receptor coactivator amplified in breast cancer 1 (AIB1) is
      a transcriptional coactivator, which is overexpressed in various types of human
      cancers, including breast cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating
      AIB1 function remain largely unknown. In this study, we present evidence
      demonstrating that AIB1 is acetylated by MOF in human breast cancer cells.
      Moreover, we also found that the acetylation of AIB1 enhances its function in
      promoting breast cancer cell proliferation. We further showed that the
      acetylation of AIB1 is required for its recruitment to E2F1 target genes by E2F1.
      More importantly, we found that the acetylation levels of AIB1 are greatly
      elevated in human breast cancer cells compared with that in non-cancerous cells.
      Collectively, our results shed light on the molecular mechanisms that regulate
      AIB1 function in breast cancer. 

PMID- 27665503
TI  - Screening for DNA adducts in ovarian follicles exposed to benzo[a]pyrene and
      cigarette smoke condensate using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.
AB  - A rapid mass spectrometric method was applied to non-targeted screening of DNA
      adducts in follicular cells (granulosa cells and theca cells) from isolated
      ovarian follicles that were exposed in-vitro to benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) and
      cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) for 13days of culture. The method employed a
      constant neutral loss (CNL) scan to identify chromatographic peaks associated to
      a neutral loss of deoxyribose moiety of DNA nucleosides. These peaks were
      subsequently analyzed by a product ion scan in tandem mass spectrometry to
      elucidate structures of DNA adducts. The identification was further confirmed
      through synthesis of proposed DNA adducts where possible. Three DNA adducts,
      benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-dihydrodiol-9,10-epoxide-dG (BPDE-dG), phenanthrene 1,2
      quinone-dG (PheQ-dG) and B[a]P-7,8-quinone-dG (BPQ-dG) were identified in the
      follicular cells from isolated ovarian follicles exposed to B[a]P. Along with
      these three, an additional DNA adduct, 4-aminobiphenyl-dG, was identified in the
      follicular cells from isolated ovarian follicles exposed to CSC. The amounts of
      the identified DNA adducts in follicular cells increased in a dose-dependent
      manner for both B[a]P (0, 1.5, 5, 15 and 45ng/mL) and CSC (0, 30, 60, 90 and
      130MUg/mL). The results revealed that B[a]P-related DNA adducts were the major
      adducts in the ovarian follicular cells exposed to CSC. The results also revealed
      that two oxidative biomarkers, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxy guanosine (8-OH-dG) and 8
      isoprostane (8-IsoP), in both B[a]P-exposed and CSC-exposed ovarian follicles had
      strong correlations with the three DNA adducts, BPDE-dG, BPQ-dG and PheQ-dG. A
      pathway to describe formation of DNA adducts was proposed based on the DNA
      adducts observed.

PMID- 27665504
TI  - Guest Editorial: How stress changes the brain and causes a cluster of uniquely
      human diseases.

PMID- 27665505
TI  - Is fat talk more believable than self-affirming body talk?
AB  - Two experiments tested the extent to which the believability of women's body
      statements (fat talk or self-affirming) depends on their body type (thin or
      overweight). Experiment 1 (N=130) revealed fat talk was more believable than self
      affirming talk regardless of body type. Experiment 2's (N=125) results showed, as
      hypothesized, that overweight women's fat talk was significantly more believable
      than fat talk by thin women and self-affirming talk by either thin or overweight
      women. Consistent with Experiment 1, there was a trend in Experiment 2 toward
      thin women's fat talk being more believable than their self-affirming talk.
      Overall, fat talk generally may be perceived as more believable than self
      affirming body talk, and overweight women's fat talk may be perceived as most
      authentic. These results have implications for increasing understanding of fat
      talk's potential role in body dissatisfaction as well as the development of
      positive body image campaigns.

PMID- 27665507
TI  - Lack of male factor evaluation and opportunities lost.

PMID- 27665506
TI  - Cardio-Renal Syndrome Type 4: The Correlation Between Cardiorenal Ultrasound
      Parameters.
AB  - : Bakground/Aims: Cardiovascular diseases represent the leading causes of
      morbidity and mortality in patients with cronich kidney disease (CKD). The
      pathogenesis includes a complex, bidirectional interaction between heart and
      kidney termed cardiorenal syndrome type 4. The aim of study was to evaluate the
      association between renal and cardiovascular ultrasonographic parameters and
      identify early markers of cardiovascular risk. METHODS: A total of 35 patients
      with CKD and 25 healthy controls, were enrolled and we have evaluated
      inflammatory indexes, mineral metabolism, renal function, renal and
      cardiovascular ultrasonographic parameters. RESULTS: Tricuspid anular plane
      systolic excursion (TAPSE) and estimated pulmonary artery systolic pressure
      (ePAPs) showed a statistically significant difference between CKD patients and
      healthy controls (p<0.001, p=0.05). Also 25 hydroxyvitaminD (25-OH-VitD),
      parathyroid hormone (iPTH), posphorus, serum uric acid, renal resistive index
      (RRI) and C-reactive protein (CRP) showed a significant difference between the
      two groups (p=0.002, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001). Moreover the
      TAPSE correlated positively with estimated glomerula filtration rate (eGFR) and
      negatively with RRI (p=0.05, p=0.008), while ePAPs correlated negatively with
      eGFR and positively with RRI (p=0.029, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: CKD can contribute
      to the development and progression of right ventricle dysfunction with
      endothelial dysfunction, inflammation and mineral metabolism disorders. Accurate
      assessment of right ventricular function is recommended in patients with CKD. RRI
      and echocardiographic parameters can be an important instrument for the
      diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic assessment of cardio-renal syndrome in these
      patients.

PMID- 27665508
TI  - Understanding host-pathogen interaction.

PMID- 27665510
TI  - Air pollution during pregnancy and lung development in the child.
AB  - Air pollution exposure has increased extensively in recent years and there is
      considerable evidence that exposure to particulate matter can lead to adverse
      respiratory outcomes. The health impacts of exposure to air pollution during the
      prenatal period is especially concerning as it can impair organogenesis and organ
      development, which can lead to long-term complications. Exposure to air pollution
      during pregnancy affects respiratory health in different ways. Lung development
      might be impaired by air pollution indirectly by causing lower birth weight,
      premature birth or disturbed development of the immune system. Exposure to air
      pollution during pregnancy has also been linked to decreased lung function in
      infancy and childhood, increased respiratory symptoms, and the development of
      childhood asthma. In addition, impaired lung development contributes to infant
      mortality. The mechanisms of how prenatal air pollution affects the lungs are not
      fully understood, but likely involve interplay of environmental and epigenetic
      effects. The current epidemiological evidence on the effect of air pollution
      during pregnancy on lung function and children's respiratory health is summarized
      in this review. While evidence for the adverse effects of prenatal air pollution
      on lung development and health continue to mount, rigorous actions must be taken
      to reduce air pollution exposure and thus long-term respiratory morbidity and
      mortality.

PMID- 27665511
TI  - Maternal HIV and Paediatric Lung Health.
AB  - With improved prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV, paediatric HIV
      disease is less common. However, the number of HIV exposed but uninfected infants
      is growing. Exposure to maternal HIV impacts infant respiratory health through an
      increase in known risk factors such as increased preterm birth and low birth
      weight, suboptimal breastfeeding, increased psychosocial stressors and increased
      exposure to infective pathogens. Exposure to the HIV virus and altered maternal
      immune environment result in immunologic changes in the infant that may
      contribute to respiratory disease risk. HIV exposed infants are at increased risk
      for severe pneumonia with poorer outcomes compared to unexposed infants. Maternal
      ART and optimal nutrition, including breastfeeding in high infective disease
      burden settings, reduce morbidity and mortality in HIV exposed infants and should
      be prioritized. The impact of exposure to maternal HIV on normal lung growth and
      risk for chronic respiratory disease is unknown and warrants further
      investigation.

PMID- 27665509
TI  - Prospective study of the impact of diabetes mellitus newly diagnosed by glycated
      hemoglobin on outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We sought to determine the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) newly
      diagnosed by elevated glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in patients undergoing
      percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and its association with 1-year clinical
      outcomes. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled consecutive patients undergoing PCI
      (2011-2013). HbA1c levels were assessed during the index hospitalization and
      newly diagnosed DM was defined as HbA1c>=6.5% in the absence of the previous
      diagnosis. The primary outcome was MACCE (Major Adverse Cerebro- and
      Cardiovascular Events) defined as death, stroke, PCI or acute myocardial
      infarction at 1year. RESULTS: Diabetes was previously diagnosed in 391 (34%)
      patients (DM group), 221 (19%) had newly diagnosed DM based on the HbA1c level
      and 539 (47%) did not have diabetes (Non-DM). In DM group HbA1c was 7.80+/-1.36%
      as compared with 7.62+/-1.30% in patients with newly diagnosed DM (p<0.001).
      These patients were younger (62.0+/-11.3years) compared to DM (67.9+/-10.4years)
      and non-DM (63.7+/-13.0) patients, p<0.001. 1-year MACCE rates were 14.8%, 19.5%
      and 27.96% in the non-DM, newly diagnosed DM and DM groups, respectively
      (p<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that compared to non-DM, the adjusted one
      year hazard ratios for MACCE were 1.75 and 1.40 in patients with known DM and
      newly diagnosed DM, respectively (p<0.05 for both). CONCLUSION: Newly diagnosed
      DM based on peri-procedural HbA1c is common and associated with increased short
      and long term risk for adverse outcomes. Our results may warrant routine
      screening for DM in all patients undergoing PCI.

PMID- 27665512
TI  - Diabetes in pregnancy and lung health in offspring: developmental origins of
      respiratory disease.
AB  - Diabetes is an increasingly common complication of pregnancy. In parallel with
      this trend, a rise in chronic lung disease in children has been observed in
      recent decades. While several adverse health outcomes associated with exposure to
      diabetes in utero have been documented in epidemiological and experimental
      studies, few have examined the impact of diabetes in pregnancy on offspring lung
      health and respiratory disease. We provide a comprehensive overview of current
      literature on this topic, finding suggestive evidence that exposure to diabetes
      in utero may have adverse effects on lung development. Delayed lung maturation
      and increased risk of respiratory distress syndrome have been consistently
      observed among infants born to mothers with diabetes and these findings are also
      observed in some rodent models of diabetes in pregnancy. Further research is
      needed to confirm and characterize epidemiologic observations that diabetes in
      pregnancy may predispose offspring to childhood wheezing illness and asthma.
      Parallel translational studies in human pregnancy cohorts and experimental models
      are needed to explore the role of fetal programming and other potential
      biological mechanisms in this context.

PMID- 27665514
TI  - Safety of long-acting beta2-agonists in asthma.

PMID- 27665513
TI  - Treatment and outcomes in necrotising autoimmune myopathy: An Australian
      perspective.
AB  - Necrotising Autoimmune Myopathy (NAM) presents as a subacute proximal myopathy
      with high creatine kinase levels. It is associated with statin exposure, 3
      hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR) antibody, connective tissue
      diseases, signal recognition particle (SRP) antibody and malignancy. This case
      series presents our Western Australian NAM patient cohort: comparing the subgroup
      presentations, biopsy appearance and treatment outcomes. We retrospectively
      collected data on patients diagnosed with NAM at the Western Australian
      Neuroscience Research Institute between the years 2000 and 2015. We identified 20
      patients with Necrotising Autoimmune Myopathy: 14 with anti-HMGCR antibodies; two
      with anti-SRP antibodies; three with connective tissue disease; two as yet
      unspecified. Median creatine kinase level was 6047units/L (range 1000-17000). The
      statin naive patients with HMGCR antibodies and patients with SRP antibodies were
      the most severely affected subgroups, with higher creatine kinase levels, and
      were more resistant to immunotherapy. Two or more immunotherapy agents were
      required in 90%; eight patients required IVIG and rituximab. Steroid weaning
      commonly precipitated relapses. Four patients had complete remission, and the
      remaining patients still require immunotherapy. Necrotising Autoimmune Myopathy
      is a potentially treatable myopathy, which can be precipitated by statin therapy
      and requires early, aggressive immunotherapy, usually requiring multiple steroid
      sparing agents for successful steroid weaning.

PMID- 27665515
TI  - SAVE trial: no cardiovascular benefits for CPAP in OSA.

PMID- 27665516
TI  - Accessing 3D microtissue metabolism: Lactate and oxygen monitoring in hepatocyte
      spheroids.
AB  - 3D hepatic microtissues, unlike 2D cell cultures, retain many of the in-vivo-like
      functionalities even after long-term cultivation. Such 3D cultures are
      increasingly applied to investigate liver damage due to drug exposure in
      toxicology. However, there is a need for thorough metabolic characterization of
      these microtissues for mechanistic understanding of effects on culture behaviour.
      We measured metabolic parameters from single human HepaRG hepatocyte spheroids
      online and continuously with electrochemical microsensors. A microsensor platform
      for lactate and oxygen was integrated in a standard 96-well plate.
      Electrochemical microsensors for lactate and oxygen allow fast, precise and
      continuous long-term measurement of metabolic parameters directly in the
      microwell. The demonstrated capability to precisely detect small concentration
      changes by single spheroids is the key to access their metabolism. Lactate levels
      in the culture medium starting from 50uM with production rates of 5uMh-1 were
      monitored and precisely quantified over three days. Parallel long-term oxygen
      measurements showed no oxygen depletion or hypoxic conditions in the microwell.
      Increased lactate production by spheroids upon suppression of the aerobic
      metabolism was observed. The dose-dependent decrease in lactate production caused
      by the addition of the hepatotoxic drug Bosentan was determined. We showed that
      in a toxicological application, metabolic monitoring yields quantitative, online
      information on cell viability, which complements and supports other methods such
      as microscopy. The demonstrated continuous access to 3D cell culture metabolism
      within a standard setup improves in vitro toxicology models in replacement
      strategies of animal experiments. Controlling the microenvironment of such
      organotypic cultures has impact in tissue engineering, cancer therapy and
      personalized medicine.

PMID- 27665517
TI  - The capacitive sensing of NS1 Flavivirus biomarker.
AB  - NS1 is a biomarker for different Flavivirus diseases such as dengue (DENV), zika
      (ZIKV) and chikungunya (CHIKV) and was herein selectively quantified by
      electrochemical capacitive sensing (an impedance-derived capacitance methodology
      wherein the redox probe is contained in the receptive layer) mainly aiming dengue
      diagnosis in phosphate buffer saline and blood serum environments (up to the neat
      level). The capacitive sensing was compared to traditional concurrent
      impedimetric approach (in which the redox probe is added in the biological
      solution) and other transient methods stated in the literature regarding figures
      of merit such as limit of detection, linear range, relative standard deviation
      and affinity constant. Capacitive and impedimetric assays showed equivalent
      results for linear range, repeatability, sensitivity and constant of affinity.
      Nonetheless capacitive assays presented better reproducibility with a relative
      standard deviation (RSD) of 3+/-1 and 7+/-4 (all in percentage) in PBS and serum,
      respectively, meanwhile for impedimetric assays the RSD values were 9+/-5 in PBS
      and 12+/-6 in serum. Thus, by using capacitive assays, an improvement on the
      analytical performance was observed with the limit of detection about sixty-fold
      lower in neat serum (~0.5ngmL-1 for capacitive over ~30ngmL-1 for impedimetric
      assays) compared to traditional electrochemistry methods in general hence
      demonstrating the superior detection sensitivity for NS1 protein. Accordingly,
      redox tagged capacitive assays are suitable for the development of multiplex
      point-of-care neglected diseases sensing applications.

PMID- 27665518
TI  - 5,5-Dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) pyrene derivative-carbon nanotube electrodes
      for NADH electrooxidation and oriented immobilization of multicopper oxidases for
      the development of glucose/O2 biofuel cells.
AB  - We report the functionalization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)
      electrodes by a bifunctional nitroaromatic molecule accomplished via pi-pi
      interactions of a pyrene derivative. DTNB (5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid))
      has the particularity to possess both electroactivable nitro groups and
      negatively charged carboxylic groups. The integration of the DTNB-modified MWCNTs
      was evaluated for different bioelectrocatalytic systems. The immobilized DTNB
      based electrodes showed electrocatalytic activity toward the oxidation of the
      reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) with low overpotential
      of -0.09V vs Ag/AgCl at neutral pH. Glucose dehydrogenase was successfully
      immobilized at the surface of DTNB-based electrodes and, in the presence of NAD+,
      the resulting bioelectrode achieved efficient glucose oxidation with high current
      densities of 2.03mAcm-2. On the other hand, the aromatic structure and the
      negatively charged nature of the DTNB provoked orientation of both laccase and
      bilirubin oxidase onto the electrode, which enhanced their ability to undergo a
      direct electron transfer for oxygen reduction. Due to the proper orientation, low
      overpotentials were obtained (ca. 0.6V vs Ag/AgCl) and high electrocatalytic
      currents of about 3.5mAcm-2 were recorded at neutral pH in O2 saturated
      conditions for bilirubin oxidase electrodes. The combination of these bioanodes
      and bilirubin oxidase biocathodes provided glucose/O2 enzymatic biofuel cells
      (EBFC) exhibiting an open-circuit potential of 0.640V, with an associated maximum
      current density of 2.10mAcm-2. Moreover, the fuel cell delivered a maximum power
      density of 0.50mWcm-2 at 0.36 V.

PMID- 27665519
TI  - DNA-probe-target interaction based detection of Brucella melitensis by using
      surface plasmon resonance.
AB  - Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) immunosensor using 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA)
      modified gold (4-MBA/Au) SPR chip was developed first time for the detection of
      Brucella melitensis (B. melitensis) based on the screening of its complementary
      DNA target by using two different newly designed DNA probes of IS711 gene.
      Herein, interaction between DNA probes and target molecule are also investigated
      and result revealed that the interaction is spontaneous. The kinetics and
      thermodynamic results derived from the experimental data showed that the
      interaction between complementary DNA targets and probe 1 is more effective than
      that of probe 2. Equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) and maximum binding
      capacity of analyte (Bmax) values for the interaction of complementary DNA target
      with the immobilized DNA probes were calculated by using kinetic evaluation
      software, and found to be 15.3 pM (KD) and 81.02m degrees  (Bmax) with probe 1
      and 54.9pM and 55.29m degrees  (Bmax), respectively. Moreover, real serum samples
      analysis were also carried out using immobilized probe 1 and probe 2 with SPR
      which showed the applicability of this methodology and provides an alternative
      way for the detection of B. melitensis in less than 10min. This remarkable
      sensing response of present methodology offer a real time and label free
      detection of biological warfare agent and provide an opportunity to make
      miniaturized sensor, indicating considerable promise for diverse environmental,
      bio-defence, clinical diagnostics, food safety, water and security applications.

PMID- 27665520
TI  - The differential importance of mutations within AmpD in cephalosporin resistance
      of Enterobacter aerogenes and Enterobacter cloacae.
AB  - Mechanisms leading to carbapenem and cephalosporin resistance were sought in
      Enterobacter aerogenes isolates that were highly resistant to carbapenems but had
      no known carbapenemase. Results were compared with recent work examining
      carbapenem-resistant Enterobacter cloacae. Eighteen carbapenem-resistant E.
      aerogenes were screened for known beta-lactamase and carbapenemase genes, and
      novel carbapenemases were sought in whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data of the
      three most resistant isolates. For all isolates, ampC, ampR, ampD and the porin
      genes omp35 and omp36 were investigated by Sanger sequencing or from available
      WGS data. Expression of ampC and porin genes was measured in comparison with
      cephalosporin- and carbapenem-susceptible control strains by reverse
      transcriptase PCR, with porin translation also detected by SDS-PAGE. Loss of
      Omp35, primarily due to decreased transcription (up to 250*), was observed in
      ertapenem-resistant isolates (MICs >= 2 mg/L), whereas meropenem resistance (MICs
      >= 4 mg/L) was observed in those isolates also showing decreased or no production
      of Omp36. Loss of Omp36 was due to combinations of premature translation
      termination or reduced transcription. In contrast to E. cloacae, cephalosporin
      resistance in E. aerogenes was not associated with lesions in AmpD. High-level
      cefepime resistance (MIC = 32 mg/L) was caused by a novel modification in the H
      10 helix of AmpC in one isolate. The differential importance of AmpD lesions in
      cephalosporin resistance in E. cloacae and E. aerogenes underlines the
      differences between these contrasting members of the Enterobacter genus. Porin
      loss resulted in high-level carbapenem resistance with gradual loss of Omp36,
      which led to high-level meropenem resistance.

PMID- 27665521
TI  - Is oral pristinamycin effective for the treatment of resistant Gram-positive
      infections as a relay after initial parenteral antimicrobial therapy?

PMID- 27665522
TI  - Pooled analysis of single-dose oritavancin in the treatment of acute bacterial
      skin and skin-structure infections caused by Gram-positive pathogens, including a
      large patient subset with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
AB  - Oritavancin is a lipoglycopeptide antibiotic with bactericidal activity against
      Gram-positive pathogens, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
      (MRSA). The phase 3 studies SOLO I and SOLO II demonstrated comparable efficacy
      and safety of a single dose of oritavancin compared with 7-10 days of twice-daily
      vancomycin in adults with acute bacterial skin and skin-structure infections
      (ABSSSIs). The present analysis assessed clinical responses by pathogen at 48-72
      h and at study days 14-24 in SOLO patients within the pooled data set. Of the
      1959 patients in the pooled SOLO studies, 1067 had at least one baseline Gram
      positive pathogen and 405 had MRSA. Clinical response rates were similar for
      oritavancin- and vancomycin-treated patients by pathogen, including
      Staphylococcus aureus with or without the Panton-Valentine leukocidin (pvl) gene
      and from different clonal complexes, and were similar for pathogens within each
      treatment group. Oritavancin exhibited potent in vitro activity against all
      baseline pathogens, with MIC90 values (minimum inhibitory concentration required
      to inhibit 90% of the isolates) of 0.12 ug/mL for Staphylococcus  aureus, 0.25
      ug/mL for Streptococcus pyogenes and 0.06 ug/mL for Enterococcus faecalis.
      Whereas both oritavancin and vancomycin achieved similarly high rates of clinical
      response by pathogen, including methicillin-susceptible and -resistant
      Staphylococcus aureus, oritavancin provides a single-dose alternative to 7-10
      days of twice-daily vancomycin to treat ABSSSIs.

PMID- 27665523
TI  - Combination antimicrobial susceptibility testing of Burkholderia cepacia complex:
      significance of species.
AB  - The Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) is notorious for the life-threatening
      pulmonary infections it causes in patients with cystic fibrosis. The multidrug
      resistant nature of Bcc and differing infective Bcc species make the design of
      appropriate treatment regimens challenging. Previous synergy studies have failed
      to take account of the species of Bcc isolates. Etest methodology was used to
      facilitate minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and antimicrobial combination
      testing on 258 isolates of Bcc, identified to species level by matrix-assisted
      laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/MS). The
      most active antimicrobials were trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole, doxycycline and
      minocycline (52.5%, 46.4% and 45.9% of isolates susceptible, respectively).
      Synergy was observed in 9.2% of the 1799 combinations tested; the most common
      synergistic combinations were tobramycin + ceftazidime, meropenem + tobramycin
      and levofloxacin + piperacillin/tazobactam (35.4%, 32.3% and 22.2% synergy,
      respectively). Antimicrobial susceptibility analysis revealed differences between
      Burkholderia cenocepacia and Burkholderia multivorans. Disparity in clinical
      outcome during infection with these two micro-organisms necessitates further
      investigation into the clinical outcomes of treatment regimens in light of
      species identification and in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility studies.

PMID- 27665524
TI  - 25 Years of the Onchocerca ochengi Model.
AB  - Although of limited veterinary significance, Onchocerca ochengi has become famous
      as a natural model or 'analogue' of human onchocerciasis (river blindness), which
      is caused by Onchocerca volvulus. On the basis of both morphological and
      molecular criteria, O. ochengi is the closest extant relative of O. volvulus and
      shares several key natural history traits with the human pathogen. These include
      exploitation of the same group of insect vectors (blackflies of the Simulium
      damnosum complex) and formation of collagenous nodules with a similar
      histological structure to human nodules. Here, we review the contribution of this
      natural system to drug and vaccine discovery efforts, as well as to our basic
      biological understanding of Onchocerca spp., over the past quarter-century.

PMID- 27665526
TI  - The retrieval of perceptual memory details depends on right hippocampal integrity
      and activation.
AB  - We assessed whether perceptual richness, a defining feature of episodic memory,
      depends on the engagement and integrity of the hippocampus during episodic memory
      retrieval. We tested participants' memory for complex laboratory events (LEs)
      that differed in perceptual content: short stories were either presented as
      perceptually rich film clips or as perceptually impoverished narratives.
      Participants underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while
      retrieving these LEs (narratives and clips), as well as events from their
      personal life (autobiographical memories). In a group of healthy adults, a
      conjunction analysis showed that both real-life and laboratory memories engaged
      overlapping regions from an autobiographical memory (AM) retrieval network,
      indicating that laboratory memories mimicked autobiographical events
      successfully. A direct contrast between the film clip and the narrative
      laboratory conditions identified regions activated by the retrieval of perceptual
      memory content, which included the right hippocampus, parahippocampal gyrus,
      middle occipital gyrus and precuneus. In individuals with medial temporal lobe
      epilepsy (mTLE) originating from the right hippocampus, the magnitude of this
      "perceptually rich" signal was reduced significantly, which is consistent with
      evidence of reduced perceptual memory content in this clinical population. In
      healthy controls, right hippocampal activation also correlated positively with a
      behavioral measure of perceptual content in the clip condition. Thus, right
      hippocampal activity contributed to the retrieval of perceptual episodic memory
      content in the healthy brain, while right hippocampal damage disrupted activation
      in regions that process perceptual memory content. Our results suggest that the
      hippocampus contributes to recollection by retrieving and integrating perceptual
      details into vivid memory constructs.

PMID- 27665525
TI  - Standard triple therapy versus sequential therapy for eradication of Helicobacter
      pylori in treatment naive and retreat patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Untreated Helicobacter pylori infection causes
      increased risk of gastric cancer, GI morbidity and mortality. Standard treatment
      for eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection, is the triple therapy which
      consists of a proton pump inhibitor; together with two antibiotics (amoxicillin
      1000mg with clarithromycin 500mg or metronidazole 400mg) given twice daily for 7
      14days. Recent evidence revealed, that cure rates of Helicobacter pylori
      infection with triple therapy had fallen below satisfactory targets. Sequential
      therapy consisting of a twice daily dose of a PPI for ten days with Amoxicillin
      given at 1000mg twice daily in the first 5days followed by clarithromycin 500mg
      and Metronidazole 400mg given twice daily in the subsequent 5days, was
      recommended to improve eradication rates. We performed a randomised open label
      study to compare the efficacy of sequential against triple therapy in
      Helicobacter pylori naive and retreat patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a
      randomised open label observational study 485 patients fulfilling inclusion and
      exclusion criteria were randomly assigned to be treated with triple therapy
      (n=231) or sequential therapy (n=254). Eradication of Helicobacter pylori was
      documented with 14C Urea breath test (UBT) performed 6weeks after the treatment.
      RESULTS: The intention-to-treat eradication rate was better in sequential therapy
      group 84.6% than triple therapy 68% (p<0.001). Eradication rates were
      significantly higher for treatment naive than retreat patients in triple therapy
      group (70.5% and 58.3%, respectively, p<0.01). A trend of a better response was
      observed in eradication rate for treatment naive 88.55% versus retreat 74.6% in
      sequential therapy group but was not statistically significant (p=0.76).
      Compliance was similar in the two groups, however side effects were less and the
      clinical response was better in the sequential therapy group.

PMID- 27665527
TI  - Development of a high-yielding bioprocess for 11-alpha hydroxylation of canrenone
      under conditions of oxygen-enriched air supply.
AB  - A high yielding bioprocess for 11-alpha hydroxylation of canrenone (1a) using
      Aspergillus ochraceus ATCC 18500 was developed. The optimization of the
      biotransformation involved both fermentation (for achieving highly active
      mycelium of A. ochraceus) and biotransformation with the aim to obtain 11-alpha
      hydroxylation with high selectivity and yield. A medium based on sucrose as C
      source resulted particularly suitable for conversion of canrenone into the
      corresponding 11-hydroxy derivative, whereas the use of O2-enriched air and
      dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a co-solvent for increasing substrate solubility
      played a crucial role for obtaining high yields (>95%) of the desired product in
      high chemical purity starting from 30mM (10.2g/L) of substrate. The structure of
      the hydroxylated product was confirmed by a combination of two-dimensional NMR
      proton-proton correlation techniques.

PMID- 27665528
TI  - Antimicrobial effects of vinegar against norovirus and Escherichia coli in the
      traditional Korean vinegared green laver (Enteromorpha intestinalis) salad during
      refrigerated storage.
AB  - In Korea, edible seaweeds are potentially regarded as high-risk foods with
      respect to enteric norovirus (NoV) and non-pathogenic generic Escherichia coli.
      This study investigated the antimicrobial effects of 5%, 10%, and 15% vinegar (6%
      acetic acid) on the survival of murine norovirus-1 (MNV-1), a human NoV
      surrogate, and E. coli, a fecal indicator in experimentally contaminated raw
      fresh green lavers (Enteromorpha intestinalis) during a 7-d storage period at 4
      degrees C. Both MNV-1 titers and E. coli counts significantly (p<0.05) decreased
      with stepwise increase in vinegar concentration and storage time, except in E.
      coli of the 0% vinegar-containing lavers; however, MNV-1 was more resistant to
      vinegar than E. coli. The overall average MNV-1 titers were significantly
      (p<0.05) higher in 0% vinegar-containing lavers (3.6log10PFU/ml) than in 5-15%
      vinegar-containing lavers (3.3-3.1log10PFU/ml) throughout the 7days of storage. A
      1-log reduction in the MNV-1 titer was observed in 0% vinegar-containing laver
      samples after 5days of storage and 5-15% vinegar-containing laver samples after
      3days of storage. The overall E. coli count was also significantly (p<0.05)
      decreased in the 15% (6.8log10CFU/g) vinegar-containing lavers than in the 10%
      (7.3log10CFU/g) and 5% (7.6log10CFU/g) vinegar-containing lavers. A >1-log
      reduction in the E. coli count was observed in 10-15% vinegar-containing laver
      samples just after 1day of storage. A 2-log reduction in the E. coli count was
      also observed in 10-15% vinegar-containing laver samples after 5days of storage.
      Using the non-linear Weibull model, this study showed that the dR-values (1-log
      reduction) of MNV-1 were 4.90days for 0%, 4.28days for 5%, 3.79days for 10%, and
      2.88days for 15% vinegar-containing lavers, whereas those for E. coli were
      1.12day for 5%, 1.03day for 10%, and 0.90day for 15% vinegar-containing lavers
      stored at 4 degrees C. Vinegar with over the storage time can be used as an
      antimicrobial ingredient against NoV and E. coli in Korean conventional foods.
      Specifically, this study suggests that ~1day of storage is required for 1-log
      reduction in the E. coli count in the vinegar-containing (5-15%) lavers, whereas
      3-5days of storage at 4 degrees C is adequate for 1-log reduction in the MNV-1
      count in the vinegar-containing and non-vinegar-containing lavers.

PMID- 27665529
TI  - Evidence-based conservative rehabilitation for posterior glenohumeral
      instability: A systematic review.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. OBJECTIVES: To identify the best evidenced-based
      approach for the conservative rehabilitation of patients with posterior
      glenohumeral instability. BACKGROUND: Posterior glenohumeral instability is more
      common than previously thought. Proper management is imperative to control
      symptoms and maximize function. METHODS: We conducted an electronic search, up to
      November 2014, for English-language studies involving rehabilitation of posterior
      shoulder instability. A manual search of reference lists of included articles and
      previously published reviews was also performed. RESULTS: Five studies met the
      review inclusion criteria. Most studies demonstrated that rotator cuff and
      posterior deltoid strengthening could reduce instability recurrence and pain, and
      increase function, mainly in those with atraumatic posterior instability without
      previous surgery. These studies were mainly case series or retrospective designs.
      CONCLUSIONS: Rotator cuff and posterior deltoid strengthening may help with
      symptom-management and functioning in those with posterior glenohumeral
      instability. Further research is needed to detect statistically significant
      outcomes from conservative treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapy, Level 3.

PMID- 27665530
TI  - Synthesis of citric acid functionalized magnetic graphene oxide coated corn straw
      for methylene blue adsorption.
AB  - The citric acid functionalized magnetic graphene oxide coated corn straw (CA
      mGOCS) as a new adsorbent was synthesized in this work for the elimination of
      methylene blue (MB) from waste water. The as-prepared CA-mGOCS was tested by SEM,
      FTIR, XRD, Roman spectrum, TGA, particle size analyzer, BET and magnetic
      properties analyzer. Some factors affecting adsorption removal efficiency were
      explored. As a result, the addition of 5g CS (CA-mGO5CS) had the better
      adsorption performance than other adsorbents. The pseudo-second-order model and
      the Freundlich described the adsorption behavior well. The equilibrium adsorption
      capacity was 315.5mgg-1 for MB at pH=12 and 298k. The electrostatic incorporation
      as well as hydrophobic interactions between CA-mGO5CS and MB determined the
      favourable adsorption property. Besides, the thermodynamic studies results
      DeltaG<0, DeltaH<0, DeltaS<0 suggested that the adsorption was a spontaneous,
      exothermic and randomness decrease process. Finally, reusability studies imply
      that CA-mGO5CS has an excellent reproducibility.

PMID- 27665531
TI  - Augmentation of arsenic enhances lipid yield and defense responses in alga
      Nannochloropsis sp.
AB  - The present study was conducted with microalga Nannochloropsis sp. to evaluate
      its tolerance responses and biofuel perspectives under different arsenic regime
      (0-1000MUM As(III)). Results showed that optimal biomass (61.00+/-3.72mg/L/d) and
      lipid productivity (20.27mg/L/d) were obtained in culture treated with 100MUM
      As(III) in comparison to other treatments. In addition, fatty acid profile of
      alga was in accordance with European biodiesel standards (EN 14214), which
      reflects good oxidative stability of oil. High antioxidants viz., ascorbic acid,
      GSH and cysteine tolerance responses as well as lipid yield at 100MUM As(III),
      opens a new insight in the field of algal biology. Thus, microalgae
      Nannochloropsis sp. may be employ in remediation as well as biodiesel production.

PMID- 27665532
TI  - Multi-window detection for P-wave in electrocardiograms based on bilateral
      accumulative area.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: P-wave detection is one of the most challenging aspects
      in electrocardiograms (ECGs) due to its low amplitude, low frequency, and
      variable waveforms. This work introduces a novel multi-window detection method
      for P-wave delineation based on the bilateral accumulative area. METHOD: The
      bilateral accumulative area is calculated by summing the areas covered by the P
      wave curve with left and right sliding windows. The onset and offset of a
      positive P-wave correspond to the local maxima of the area detector. The position
      drift and difference in area variation of local extreme points with different
      windows are used to systematically combine multi-window and 12-lead synchronous
      detection methods, which are used to screen the optimization boundary points from
      all extreme points of different window widths and adaptively match the P-wave
      location. RESULTS: The proposed method was validated with ECG signals from
      various databases, including the Standard CSE Database, T-Wave Alternans
      Challenge Database, PTB Diagnostic ECG Database, and the St. Petersburg Institute
      of Cardiological Technics 12-Lead Arrhythmia Database. The average sensitivity Se
      was 99.44% with a positive predictivity P+ of 99.37% for P-wave detection.
      Standard deviations of 3.7 and 4.3ms were achieved for the onset and offset of P
      waves, respectively, which is in agreement with the accepted tolerances required
      by the CSE committee. CONCLUSION: Compared with well-known delineation methods,
      this method can achieve high sensitivity and positive predictability using a
      simple calculation process. The experiment results suggest that the bilateral
      accumulative area could be an effective detection tool for ECG signal analysis.

PMID- 27665533
TI  - The R implementation of the CRAN package PATHChange, a tool to study genetic
      pathway alterations in transcriptomic data.
AB  - Tools that extract phenotype alterations from transcriptomic data are important
      to improve the interpretation of biological studies. PATHChange is a statistical
      CRAN package designed to work with data downloaded from the Gene Expression
      Omnibus database (GEO) to determine differential pathway expression in
      comparative studies including control samples. In this paper we present details
      of the structure, implementation and an example of use of the package.

PMID- 27665534
TI  - Hidden discriminative features extraction for supervised high-order time series
      modeling.
AB  - In this paper, an orthogonal Tucker-decomposition-based extraction of high-order
      discriminative subspaces from a tensor-based time series data structure is
      presented, named as Tensor Discriminative Feature Extraction (TDFE). TDFE relies
      on the employment of category information for the maximization of the between
      class scatter and the minimization of the within-class scatter to extract optimal
      hidden discriminative feature subspaces that are simultaneously spanned by every
      modality for supervised tensor modeling. In this context, the proposed tensor
      decomposition method provides the following benefits: i) reduces dimensionality
      while robustly mining the underlying discriminative features, ii) results in
      effective interpretable features that lead to an improved classification and
      visualization, and iii) reduces the processing time during the training stage and
      the filtering of the projection by solving the generalized eigenvalue issue at
      each alternation step. Two real third-order tensor-structures of time series
      datasets (an epilepsy electroencephalogram (EEG) that is modeled as
      channel*frequency bin*time frame and a microarray data that is modeled as
      gene*sample*time) were used for the evaluation of the TDFE. The experiment
      results corroborate the advantages of the proposed method with averages of 98.26%
      and 89.63% for the classification accuracies of the epilepsy dataset and the
      microarray dataset, respectively. These performance averages represent an
      improvement on those of the matrix-based algorithms and recent tensor-based,
      discriminant-decomposition approaches; this is especially the case considering
      the small number of samples that are used in practice.

PMID- 27665535
TI  - Impulsivity is associated with blood pressure and waist circumference among
      adolescents with bipolar disorder.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) and impulsivity are common in
      bipolar disorder (BD), and CVRFs are also linked with impulsivity through a
      number of mechanisms, both behavioral and biological. This study examines the
      association between CVRFs and impulsivity in adolescents with BD. METHODS:
      Subjects were 34 adolescents with BD and 35 healthy control (HC) adolescents.
      CVRFs were based on International Diabetes Federation metabolic syndrome criteria
      (triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, waist circumference, blood
      pressure (BP) and glucose). Impulsivity was measured using the computerized
      Cambridge Gambling Task (CGT). Analyses controlled for age, IQ, lifetime
      attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and current antipsychotic use. RESULTS:
      Adolescents with BD had higher diastolic BP (73.36 +/- 9.57 mmHg vs. 67.91 +/-
      8.74 mmHg, U = 401.0, p = 0.03), higher triglycerides (1.13 +/- 0.60 mmol/L vs.
      0.78 +/- 0.38 mmol/L, U = 373.5, p = 0.008), and were more likely to meet high
      risk criteria for waist circumference (17.6% vs. 2.9%, p = 0.04) vs. HC. Within
      the BD group, CGT sub-scores were correlated with CVRFs. For example, overall
      proportion bet was positively correlated with systolic (r = 0.387, p = 0.026) and
      diastolic (rho = 0.404, p = 0.020) BP. Quality of decision-making was negatively
      correlated with systolic BP (rho = -0.401, p = 0.021) and waist circumference
      (rho = -0.534, p = 0.003). Significant interactions were observed, such that BD
      diagnosis moderates the relationship between both waist circumference and BP with
      CGT sub-scores. CONCLUSION: BP and waist circumference are associated with
      impulsivity in BD adolescents, but not in HC adolescents. Future studies are
      warranted to determine temporality and to evaluate whether optimizing CVRFs
      improves impulsivity among BD adolescents.

PMID- 27665536
TI  - Atomoxetine for hoarding disorder: A pre-clinical and clinical investigation.
AB  - Despite several studies suggested that inattention and impulsivity-compulsivity
      could represent two core dimensions of hoarding disorder (HD), only a small case
      series study investigated the effectiveness of attention-deficit-hyperactivity
      disorder (ADHD) medications in HD. The aim of the present study was to target
      attentional and inhibitory control networks in HD patients through the ADHD
      medication atomoxetine, moving from a preclinical investigation on an animal
      model of compulsive-like behavior (marble burying test) to a clinical
      investigation on both medicated and unmedicated patients with a primary diagnosis
      of HD without ADHD. Our preclinical investigation showed that acute
      administration of atomoxetine significantly reduced the compulsive-like
      behaviours of mice in the marble burying test without affecting neither locomotor
      activity and coordination nor exploration behaviours. When compared, atomoxetine
      and fluoxetine showed similar effects on the marble burying test. However,
      fluoxetine impaired both locomotor and exploratory activity. In our clinical
      investigation 12 patients were enrolled and 11 patients completed an open trial
      with atomoxetine at flexible dose (40-80 mg) for 12 weeks. At the endpoint the
      mean UCLA Hoarding Severity Scale score decreased by 41.3% for the whole group (p
      = 0003). Six patients were classified as full responders (mean symptom reduction
      of 57.2%) and three patients as partial responders (mean symptom reduction of
      27.3%). Inattentive and impulsivity symptoms showed a significant mean score
      reduction of 18.5% from baseline to the endpoint (F (1,9) = 20.9, p = 0.0013).
      Hoarding symptoms improvement was correlated to reduction of patients' disability
      and increased in their global functioning. These preclinical and clinical data
      suggest that atomoxetine may be effective for HD and therefore should be
      considered for future controlled trials.

PMID- 27665537
TI  - Usefulness of dyssynchrony indices based on two-dimensional speckle tracking
      echocardiography in a canine model of left bundle branch block.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Determine the usefulness of dyssynchrony indices derived from two
      dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography for the detection of mechanical
      dyssynchrony in a canine model of left bundle branch block. ANIMALS: Ten healthy
      beagles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Segmental, time-radial strain curves were
      obtained using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography. The maximum
      difference and standard deviation of the time to peak radial strain for six
      predefined segments (MaxD-TpSR and 6SD-TpSR) were calculated, together with the
      left ventricular dyssynchrony by radial strain (DysSR), before and after ablation
      of the left bundle branch block. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis
      was performed using dogs after ablation as positive controls. RESULTS: After
      ablation, all dogs showed multiple peaks in at least one segment on the time
      radial strain curve, while all dyssynchrony indices increased significantly (MaxD
      TpSR from 16.25 +/- 16.04 [mean +/- standard deviation] to 44.4 +/- 26.18 ms, 6SD
      TpSR from 7.59 +/- 7.40 to 19.62 +/- 11.91 ms, and DysSR from 4.20 +/- 2.12 to
      10.87+/- 2.92%, p<0.05). In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the
      areas under the curve for MaxD-TpSR, 6SD-TpSR, and DysSR were 0.825, 0.800, and
      0.980, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Left ventricular dyssynchrony by radial strain
      can detect mechanical dyssynchrony with higher sensitivity and specificity than
      dyssynchrony indices, based on the time to peak radial strain.

PMID- 27665538
TI  - Alternative methods for the measurement of the minimal ductal diameter of a
      patent ductus arteriosus in a dog.
AB  - A two and half-year-old, 24 kg, spayed female German Shepherd was presented for
      evaluation of a suspected patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Transthoracic
      echocardiographic examination confirmed a left to right shunting PDA. Closure of
      the PDA was recommended, and the owners elected to have minimally invasive
      transcatheter closure of the PDA performed. Standard ductal angiography failed to
      provide adequate measurements of the minimal ductal diameter (MDD). Alternative
      methods of measuring the MDD using an angiography catheter and a balloon catheter
      were performed. The PDA was occluded using an Amplatz(r) Canine Ductal Occluder
      without complication. Further evaluation of these techniques is needed to
      determine the accuracy, overall clinical efficacy, and safety of using
      alternative methods for the measurement of the MDD of a PDA.

PMID- 27665540
TI  - Nab-paclitaxel for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer: Rationale,
      clinical data and future perspectives.
AB  - Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for ~10-20% of breast cancers and
      is associated with relatively poor prognosis, earlier disease recurrence and
      higher number of visceral metastases. Despite an increasing understanding of the
      molecular heterogeneity of TNBC, clinical trials of targeted agents have thus far
      been disappointing; chemotherapy, in particular with anthracycline and taxanes,
      remains the backbone medical management for both early and metastatic TNBC. Nab
      paclitaxel is a solvent-free, albumin-bound, nanoparticle formulation of
      paclitaxel and represents a novel formulation of an established, effective
      chemotherapeutic agent. Nab-paclitaxel has been specifically designed to overcome
      the limitations of conventional taxane formulations, including the barriers to
      effective drug delivery of highly lipophilic agents. It has shown significant
      efficacy and better tolerability than conventional taxanes in metastatic breast
      cancer and is approved for use in this setting. Increasing evidence suggests that
      nab-paclitaxel is effective in patients with more aggressive tumours, as seen in
      TNBC. Indeed, results of Phase II/III studies indicate that nab-paclitaxel may be
      effective as neoadjuvant treatment of TNBC. This article reviews the rationale
      and evidence supporting a role for nab-paclitaxel in the treatment of TNBC,
      including ongoing studies such as ADAPT-TN and tnAcity. In addition, the article
      reviews ongoing research into targeted therapies and immuno-oncology for the
      treatment of TNBC, and explores the potential role, current evidence and ongoing
      studies of nab-paclitaxel as the chemotherapy partner in combination with
      immunotherapy, where the unique properties of this taxane, including the lack of
      requirement for steroid pre-medication, may present an advantage.

PMID- 27665541
TI  - Degradation of two novel congenital TTP ADAMTS13 mutants by the cell proteasome
      prevents ADAMTS13 secretion.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Over 150 mutations have been identified in the ADAMTS13 gene in
      patients with congenital thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). The majority
      of these (86%), lead to reduced (<50%) secretion of mutant recombinant ADAMTS13.
      The mechanism by which this occurs has not been investigated in vitro. Two novel
      ADAMTS13 mutations (p.I143T and p.Y570C) identified in two congenital adolescence
      onset TTP patients were studied, to investigate their effects on ADAMTS13
      secretion and subcellular localisation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: HEK293T cells were
      transiently transfected with wild type or mutant ADAMTS13 cDNA.
      Immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy were used to study localisation within
      the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi. The cell proteasome and lysosomes were
      inhibited in cells stably expressing ADAMTS13 to investigate degradation of
      ADAMTS13 by either organelle. RESULTS: Both mutations severely impaired secretion
      and both mutants localised within the ER and Golgi. Proteasome inhibition led to
      the intracellular accumulation of both mutants, suggesting proteasome
      degradation. Lysosome inhibition on the other hand did not lead to increased
      intracellular accumulation of the mutants. CONCLUSIONS: Proteasome degradation of
      these ADAMTS13 mutants contributed to their reduced secretion.

PMID- 27665539
TI  - Role of the immune system in the peritoneal tumor spread of high grade serous
      ovarian cancer.
AB  - The immune system plays a critical role in cancer progression and overall
      survival. Still, it is unclear if differences in the immune response are
      associated with different patterns of tumor spread apparent in high grade serous
      ovarian cancer patients and previously described by us. In this study we aimed to
      assess the role of the immune system in miliary (widespread, millet-sized
      lesions) and non-miliary (bigger, exophytically growing implants) tumor spread.
      To achieve this we comprehensively analyzed tumor tissues, blood, and ascites
      from 41 patients using immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, RNA sequencing,
      multiplexed immunoassays, and immunohistochemistry. Results showed that
      inflammation markers were systemically higher in miliary. In contrast, in non
      miliary lymphocyte and monocyte/macrophage infiltration into the ascites was
      higher as well as the levels of PD-1 expression in tumor associated cytotoxic T
      lymphocytes and PD-L1 expression in tumor cells. Furthermore, in ascites of
      miliary patients more epithelial tumor cells were present compared to non
      miliary, possibly due to the active down-regulation of anti-tumor responses by B
      cells and regulatory T-cells. Summarizing, adaptive immune responses prevailed in
      patients with non-miliary spread, whereas in patients with miliary spread a
      higher involvement of the innate immune system was apparent while adaptive
      responses were counteracted by immune suppressive cells and factors.

PMID- 27665542
TI  - Generalist predator, cyclic voles and cavity nests: testing the alternative prey
      hypothesis.
AB  - The alternative prey hypothesis (APH) states that when the density of the main
      prey declines, generalist predators switch to alternative prey and vice versa,
      meaning that predation pressure on the alternative prey should be negatively
      correlated with the density of the main prey. We tested the APH in a system
      comprising one generalist predator (pine marten, Martes martes), cyclic main prey
      (microtine voles, Microtus agrestis and Myodes glareolus) and alternative prey
      (cavity nests of common goldeneye, Bucephala clangula); pine marten is an
      important predator of both voles and common goldeneye nests. Specifically, we
      studied whether annual predation rate of real common goldeneye nests and
      experimental nests is negatively associated with fluctuation in the density of
      voles in four study areas in southern Finland in 2000-2011. Both vole density and
      nest predation rate varied considerably between years in all study areas.
      However, we did not find support for the hypothesis that vole dynamics indirectly
      affects predation rate of cavity nests in the way predicted by the APH. On the
      contrary, the probability of predation increased with vole spring abundance for
      both real and experimental nests. Furthermore, a crash in vole abundance from
      previous autumn to spring did not increase the probability of predation of real
      nests, although it increased that of experimental nests. We suggest that learned
      predation by pine marten individuals, coupled with efficient search image for
      cavities, overrides possible indirect positive effects of high vole density on
      the alternative prey in our study system.

PMID- 27665543
TI  - Environmental filtering of eudicot lineages underlies phylogenetic clustering in
      tropical South American flooded forests.
AB  - The phylogenetic community assembly approach has been used to elucidate the role
      of ecological and historical processes in shaping tropical tree communities.
      Recent studies have shown that stressful environments, such as seasonally dry,
      white-sand and flooded forests tend to be phylogenetically clustered, arguing for
      niche conservatism as the main driver for this pattern. Very few studies have
      attempted to identify the lineages that contribute to such assembly patterns. We
      aimed to improve our understanding of the assembly of flooded forest tree
      communities in Northern South America by asking the following questions: are
      seasonally flooded forests phylogenetically clustered? If so, which angiosperm
      lineages are over-represented in seasonally flooded forests? To assess our
      hypotheses, we investigated seasonally flooded and terra firme forests from the
      Magdalena, Orinoco and Amazon Basins, in Colombia. Our results show that,
      regardless of the river basin in which they are located, seasonally flooded
      forests of Northern South America tend to be phylogenetically clustered, which
      means that the more abundant taxa in these forests are more closely related to
      each other than expected by chance. Based on our alpha and beta phylodiversity
      analyses we interpret that eudicots are more likely to adapt to extreme
      environments such as seasonally flooded forests, which indicates the importance
      of environmental filtering in the assembly of the Neotropical flora.

PMID- 27665544
TI  - Fires can benefit plants by disrupting antagonistic interactions.
AB  - Fire has a key role in the ecology and evolution of many ecosystems, yet its
      effects on plant-insect interactions are poorly understood. Because interacting
      species are likely to respond to fire differently, disruptions of the
      interactions are expected. We hypothesized that plants that regenerate after fire
      can benefit through the disruption of their antagonistic interactions. We
      expected stronger effects on interactions with specialist predators than with
      generalists. We studied two interactions between two Mediterranean plants (Ulex
      parviflorus, Asphodelus ramosus) and their specialist seed predators after large
      wildfires. In A. ramosus we also studied the generalist herbivores. We sampled
      the interactions in burned and adjacent unburned areas during 2 years by
      estimating seed predation, number of herbivores and fruit set. To assess the
      effect of the distance to unburned vegetation we sampled plots at two distance
      classes from the fire perimeter. Even 3 years after the fires, Ulex plants
      experienced lower seed damage by specialists in burned sites. The presence of
      herbivores on Asphodelus decreased in burned locations, and the variability in
      their presence was significantly related to fruit set. Generalist herbivores were
      unaffected. We show that plants can benefit from fire through the disruption of
      their antagonistic interactions with specialist seed predators for at least a few
      years. In environments with a long fire history, this effect might be one
      additional mechanism underlying the success of fire-adapted plants.

PMID- 27665545
TI  - Twisting method for reducing friction during insertion of a sheath introducer and
      a sheathless guiding catheter.
AB  - A sheathless system that inserts a catheter directly into the artery can reduce
      puncture site-related complications through a 2-Fr reduction of the outer
      diameter. However, the gap between the dilator and the guiding catheter of the
      sheathless system is larger than the gap between the dilator and sheath of the
      introducer system, resulting in stronger insertion resistance. A twisting method
      with rapid alternating rotation of a device to the left and right during
      insertion can reduce the insertion resistance. This method can be effective with
      the sheathless system which has a larger gap. To examine the effect of size
      reduction on the sheathless system and the effect of insertion resistance
      reduction using the twisting method, we developed an insertion simulator and
      compared insertion resistance to a 5-Fr sheath introducer and a 5-Fr sheathless
      system, with and without the twisting method. The insertion simulator pushed a
      sheath introducer or a sheathless system toward a mock artery consisted with a 5
      mm urethane and a 1-mm rubber sheet by an electrical motor with or without
      twisting motion generated by a crank shaft. Insertion resistance during the
      penetration was measured by a tension meter. The insertion resistance was less
      with the 5-Fr sheathless system than with the 5-Fr sheath introducer. The
      resistance reduced further with use of twisting for both the sheathed and
      sheathless catheters. In conclusion, the experiment suggests the benefits of
      twisting insertion of a sheathless guiding catheter for reduction of puncture
      site-related complications.

PMID- 27665546
TI  - Concordance Between Laboratory Diagnosed Sexually Transmitted Infections and Self
      Reported Measures of Risky Sex by Partner Type Among Rural Ugandan Outpatients.
AB  - Numerous HIV risk reduction interventions which show effects on sexual risk
      behaviors fail to find effects on STIs. We examined the concordance between
      laboratory diagnosed STIs and sexual risk behavior among Ugandan outpatients (n =
      328). We screened for STIs and assessed sexual behavior at baseline and 6 month
      follow-up. Less risk was associated with an STI at baseline. At follow-up more
      unprotected sex with casual partners was associated with incident Syphilis, more
      unprotected sex with primary and secondary regular partners was associated with
      incident Chlamydia or Gonorrhea. Our results suggest ways to improve concordance
      between behavioral measures and STIs.

PMID- 27665548
TI  - ER to Golgi-Dependent Protein Secretion: The Conventional Pathway.
AB  - Secretion is the cellular process present in every organism that delivers soluble
      proteins and cargoes to the extracellular space. In eukaryotes, conventional
      protein secretion (CPS) is the trafficking route that secretory proteins
      undertake when are transported from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the Golgi
      apparatus (GA), and subsequently to the plasma membrane (PM) via secretory
      vesicles or secretory granules. This book chapter recalls the fundamental steps
      in cell biology research contributing to the elucidation of CPS; it describes the
      most prominent examples of conventionally secreted proteins in eukaryotic cells
      and the molecular mechanisms necessary to regulate each step of this process.

PMID- 27665549
TI  - Unconventional Protein Secretion in Animal Cells.
AB  - All eukaryotic cells secrete a range of proteins in a constitutive or regulated
      manner through the conventional or canonical exocytic/secretory pathway
      characterized by vesicular traffic from the endoplasmic reticulum, through the
      Golgi apparatus, and towards the plasma membrane. However, a number of proteins
      are secreted in an unconventional manner, which are insensitive to inhibitors of
      conventional exocytosis and use a route that bypasses the Golgi apparatus. These
      include cytosolic proteins such as fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and
      interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), and membrane proteins that are known to also
      traverse to the plasma membrane by a conventional process of exocytosis, such as
      alpha integrin and the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductor (CFTR). Mechanisms
      underlying unconventional protein secretion (UPS) are actively being analyzed and
      deciphered, and these range from an unusual form of plasma membrane translocation
      to vesicular processes involving the generation of exosomes and other
      extracellular microvesicles. In this chapter, we provide an overview on what is
      currently known about UPS in animal cells.

PMID- 27665547
TI  - Neuroprotective effects of various doses of topiramate against methylphenidate
      induced oxidative stress and inflammation in isolated rat amygdala: the possible
      role of CREB/BDNF signaling pathway.
AB  - Methylphenidate (MPH) abuse damages brain cells. The neuroprotective effects of
      topiramate (TPM) have been reported previously, but its exact mechanism of action
      still remains unclear. This study investigated the in vivo role of various doses
      of TPM in the protection of rat amygdala cells against methylphenidate-induced
      oxidative stress and inflammation. Seventy adult male rats were divided into
      seven groups. Groups 1 and 2 received normal saline (0.7 ml/rat) and MPH (10
      mg/kg), respectively, for 21 days. Groups 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 were concurrently
      treated with MPH (10 mg/kg) and TPM (10, 30, 50, 70, and 100 mg/kg),
      respectively, for 21 days. elevated plus maze (EPM) was used to assess motor
      activity disturbances. In addition, oxidative, antioxidantand inflammatory
      factors and CREB, Ak1, CAMK4, MAPK3, PKA, BDNF, and c FOS gene levels were
      measured by RT-PCR, and also, CREB and BDNF protein levels were measured by WB in
      isolated amygdalae. MPH significantly disturbed motor activity and TPM (70 and
      100 mg/kg) neutralized its effects. MPH significantly increased lipid
      peroxidation, mitochondrial GSSG levels and IL-1beta and TNF-alpha level and
      CAMK4 gene expression in isolated amygdala cells. In contrast, superoxide
      dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase activities and CREB,
      BDNF Ak1, MAPK3, PKA, BDNF, and c FOS expression significantly decreased. The
      various doses of TPM attenuated these effects of MPH. It seems that TPM can be
      used as a neuroprotective agent and is a good candidate against MPH-induced
      neurodegeneration.

PMID- 27665550
TI  - Unconventional Protein Secretion in Plants.
AB  - Unconventional protein secretion (UPS) describes secretion pathways that bypass
      one or several of the canonical secretion pit-stops on the way to the plasma
      membrane, and/or involve the secretion of leaderless proteins. So far,
      alternatives to conventional secretion were primarily observed and studied in
      yeast and animal cells. The sessile lifestyle of plants brings with it unique
      restraints on how they adapt to adverse conditions and environmental challenges.
      Recently, attention towards unconventional secretion pathways in plant cells has
      substantially increased, with the large number of leaderless proteins identified
      through proteomic studies. While UPS pathways in plants are certainly not yet
      exhaustively researched, an emerging notion is that induction of UPS pathways is
      correlated with pathogenesis and stress responses. Given the multitude UPS events
      observed, comprehensively organizing the routes proteins take to the apoplast in
      defined UPS categories is challenging. With the establishment of a larger
      collection of studied plant proteins taking these UPS pathways, a clearer picture
      of endomembrane trafficking as a whole will emerge. There are several novel
      enabling technologies, such as vesicle proteomics and chemical genomics, with
      great potential for dissecting secretion pathways, providing information about
      the cargo that travels along them and the conditions that induce them.

PMID- 27665551
TI  - Chemical Secretory Pathway Modulation in Plant Protoplasts.
AB  - The classical Golgi pathway is not the only mechanism for vacuolar protein
      transport in plants because alternative transport mechanisms have been described.
      The existence of these alternative pathways can be demonstrated using several
      chemicals and here we describe the use of brefeldin A (BFA), endo-beta-N
      acetylglucosaminidase H (Endo-H), and tunicamycin, on isolated tobacco leaf
      protoplasts. Two main methods are illustrated in this chapter, protoplast pulse
      chase followed by protein immunoprecipitation, and protoplast immunofluorescence.

PMID- 27665552
TI  - From Cytosol to the Apoplast: The Hygromycin Phosphotransferase (HYG(R)) Model in
      Arabidopsis.
AB  - The process by which proteins are secreted via endoplasmic reticulum (ER)/Golgi
      independent mechanism is conveniently called unconventional protein secretion.
      Recent studies have revealed that unconventional protein secretion operates in
      plants, but little is known about its underlying mechanism and function. This
      chapter provides methods we have used to analyze unconventional character of
      hygromycin phosphotransferase (HYG(R)) secretion in plant cells. Following
      isolation of protoplasts from HYG (R) -GFP-transgenic plants and incubation with
      brefeldin A (BFA), an inhibitor of conventional secretory pathway, we easily
      obtain protein extracts from protoplasts and culture medium separately. These
      proteins are separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel
      electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), followed by Western blot analysis with anti-GFP
      antibodies.

PMID- 27665553
TI  - Following the Time-Course of Post-pollination Events by Transmission Electron
      Microscopy (TEM): Buildup of Exosome-Like Structures with Compatible
      Pollinations.
AB  - In the Brassicaceae, the dry stigma is an initial barrier to pollen acceptance as
      the stigmatic papillae lack surface secretions, and consequently rapid cellular
      responses are required to accept compatible pollen. Regulated secretion with
      secretory vesicles or multivesicular bodies is initiated in the stigmatic
      papillae towards the compatible pollen grain. In self-incompatible species, this
      basal compatible pollen response is superseded by the self-incompatibility
      signaling pathway where the secretory organelles are found in autophagosomes and
      vacuole for destruction. In this chapter, we describe a detailed protocol using
      the Transmission Electron Microscope to document the rapid cellular changes that
      occur in the stigmatic papillae in response to compatible versus self
      incompatible pollen, at the pollen-stigma interface.

PMID- 27665554
TI  - Investigating Alternative Transport of Integral Plasma Membrane Proteins from the
      ER to the Golgi: Lessons from the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance
      Regulator (CFTR).
AB  - Secretory traffic became a topical field because many important cell regulators
      are plasma membrane proteins (transporters, channels, receptors), being thus key
      targets in biomedicine and drug discovery. Cystic fibrosis (CF), caused by
      defects in a single gene encoding the CF transmembrane conductance regulator
      (CFTR), constitutes the most common of rare diseases and certainly a paradigmatic
      one.Here we focus on five different approaches that allow biochemical and
      cellular characterization of CFTR from its co-translational insertion into the ER
      membrane to its delivery to the plasma membrane.

PMID- 27665555
TI  - Quantification of a Non-conventional Protein Secretion: The Low-Molecular-Weight
      FGF-2 Example.
AB  - Quantification of secreted factors is most often measured with enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western Blot, or more recently with antibody arrays.
      However, some of these, like low-molecular-weight fibroblast growth factor-2 (LMW
      FGF-2; the 18 kDa form), exemplify a set of secreted but almost non-diffusible
      molecular actors. It has been proposed that phosphorylated FGF-2 is secreted via
      a non-vesicular mechanism and that heparan sulfate proteoglycans function as
      extracellular reservoir but also as actors for its secretion. Heparan sulfate is
      a linear sulfated polysaccharide present on proteoglycans found in the
      extracellular matrix or anchored in the plasma membrane (syndecan). Moreover the
      LMW FGF-2 secretion appears to be activated upon FGF-1 treatment. In order to
      estimate quantification of such factor export across the plasma membrane,
      technical approaches are presented (evaluation of LMW FGF-2: (1) secretion, (2)
      extracellular matrix reservoir, and (3) secretion modulation by surrounding
      factors) and the importance of such procedures in the comprehension of the
      biology of these growth factors is underlined.

PMID- 27665556
TI  - Human Primary Keratinocytes as a Tool for the Analysis of Caspase-1-Dependent
      Unconventional Protein Secretion.
AB  - Inflammasomes comprise a group of protein complexes, which activate the protease
      caspase-1 upon sensing a variety of stress factors. Active caspase-1 in turn
      cleaves and thereby activates the pro-inflammatory cytokines prointerleukin (IL)
      1beta and -18, and induces unconventional protein secretion (UPS) of mature IL
      1beta, IL-18, as well as of many other proteins involved in and required for
      induction of inflammation. Human primary keratinocytes (HPKs) represent
      epithelial cells able to activate caspase-1 in an inflammasome-dependent manner
      upon irradiation with a physiological dose of ultraviolet B (UVB) light. Here, we
      describe the isolation of keratinocytes from human skin, their cultivation, and
      induction of caspase-1-dependent UPS upon UVB irradiation as well as its siRNA-
      and chemical-mediated inhibition. In contrast to inflammasome activation of
      professional immune cells, UVB-irradiated HPKs represent a robust and
      physiological cell culture system for the analysis of UPS induced by active
      caspase-1.

PMID- 27665557
TI  - A Reporter System to Study Unconventional Secretion of Proteins Avoiding N
      Glycosylation in Ustilago maydis.
AB  - Unconventional secretion of proteins in eukaryotes is characterized by the
      circumvention of the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER). As a consequence proteins
      exported by unconventional pathways lack N-glycosylation, a post-transcriptional
      modification that is initiated in the ER during classical secretion. We are
      exploiting the well-established enzyme beta-glucuronidase (GUS) to assay
      unconventional protein secretion (UPS). This bacterial protein is perfectly
      suited for this purpose because it carries a eukaryotic N-glycosylation motif.
      Modification of this residue by attachment of sugar moieties during the passage
      of the ER apparently causes a very strong reduction in GUS activity. Hence, this
      enzyme can only be secreted in an active state, if the export mechanism does not
      involve ER passage. Here, we describe a reporter system applied in the corn smut
      fungus Ustilago maydis that is based on this observation and can be used to test
      if candidate proteins are secreted to the culture supernatant via alternative
      pathways avoiding N-glycosylation. Importantly, this system is the basis for the
      establishment of genetic screens providing mechanistic insights into unknown UPS
      pathways in the future.

PMID- 27665558
TI  - Stress-Inducible Protein 1 (STI1): Extracellular Vesicle Analysis and
      Quantification.
AB  - This chapter is derived from our experience in the study of stress-Inducible
      Protein 1 (STI1) in extracellular vesicles. We used different techniques to
      isolate, explore, and characterize the extracellular vesicles that contained this
      protein. Ultracentrifugation and gel chromatography were used to isolate
      extracellular vesicles of different sizes, nanotracking particle analysis (NTA)
      determined number and size of vesicles, while flow cytometry and ELISA were used
      to determine the specific protein content of vesicles.

PMID- 27665559
TI  - Analysis of Yeast Extracellular Vesicles.
AB  - Extracellular vesicles (EV) are important carriers of biologically active
      components in a number of organisms, including fungal cells. Experimental
      characterization of fungal EVs suggested that these membranous compartments are
      likely involved in the regulation of several biological events. In fungal
      pathogens, these events include mechanisms of disease progression and/or control,
      suggesting potential targets for therapeutic intervention or disease prophylaxis.
      In this manuscript we describe methods that have been used in the last 10 years
      for the characterization of EVs produced by yeast forms of several fungal
      species. Experimental approaches detailed in this chapter include
      ultracentrifugation methods for EV fractionation, chromatographic approaches for
      analysis of EV lipids, microscopy techniques for analysis of both intracellular
      and extracellular vesicular compartments, interaction of EVs with host cells, and
      physical chemical analysis of EVs by dynamic light scattering.

PMID- 27665560
TI  - Exploring the Leishmania Hydrophilic Acylated Surface Protein B (HASPB) Export
      Pathway by Live Cell Imaging Methods.
AB  - Leishmania major is a human-infective protozoan parasite transmitted by the bite
      of the female phlebotomine sand fly. The L. major hydrophilic acylated surface
      protein B (HASPB) is only expressed in infective parasite stages suggesting a
      role in parasite virulence. HASPB is a "nonclassically" secreted protein that
      lacks a conventional signal peptide, reaching the cell surface by an alternative
      route to the classical ER-Golgi pathway. Instead HASPB trafficking to and
      exposure on the parasite plasma membrane requires dual N-terminal acylation.
      Here, we use live cell imaging methods to further explore this pathway allowing
      visualization of key events in real time at the individual cell level. These
      methods include live cell imaging using fluorescent reporters to determine the
      subcellular localization of wild type and acylation site mutation HASPB18-GFP
      fusion proteins, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) to analyze the
      dynamics of HASPB in live cells, and live antibody staining to detect surface
      exposure of HASPB by confocal microscopy.

PMID- 27665561
TI  - Characterization of the Unconventional Secretion of the Ebola Matrix Protein
      VP40.
AB  - While most secreted proteins use the classical endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-Golgi
      secretion pathway to reach the extracellular medium, a few proteins are secreted
      through unconventional secretary pathways. Viral proteins can be secreted through
      unconventional secretion pathways. Here, we describe how we have recently
      demonstrated that the Ebola virus (EBOV) matrix protein VP40 is released from
      transfected and infected cells in a soluble form through an unconventional
      secretion pathway.

PMID- 27665562
TI  - Role and Characterization of Synuclein-gamma Unconventional Protein Secretion in
      Cancer Cells.
AB  - Synuclein-gamma (SNCG), the third member of synuclein family, is implicated in
      both neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Overexpression of SNCG in cancer
      cells is linked to tumor progression and chemoresistance. Without any known
      signal sequence required for conventional protein secretion, SNCG is elevated in
      the serum of cancer patients and the medium of cultured cancer cells. SNCG
      actively secretes from cancer cells and extracellular SNCG promotes malignant
      phenotypes of cancer cells. Here, we describe methods for the characterization of
      SNCG as an unconventional secretion protein from cancer cells and investigation
      of the effect of extracellular SNCG on the phenotypes of cancer cells.

PMID- 27665564
TI  - Vacuum Infiltration-Centrifugation Method for Apoplastic Protein Extraction in
      Grapevine.
AB  - The apoplastic fluid moving in the extracellular space external to the plasma
      membrane provides a means of delivering molecules and facilitates intercellular
      communications. However, the apoplastic fluid extraction from in planta systems
      remains challenging and this is particularly true for grapevine (Vitis vinifera
      L.), a worldwide-cultivated fruit plant. Here, we describe an optimized vacuum
      infiltration-centrifugation method to extract soluble proteins from apoplastic
      fluid of grapevine leaves. This optimized method allows recovering of the
      grapevine apoplastic soluble proteins suitable for mono- and bi-dimensional gel
      electrophoresis for further proteomic analysis in order to elucidate their
      physiological functions.

PMID- 27665563
TI  - Characterization of the Tumor Secretome from Tumor Interstitial Fluid (TIF).
AB  - Tumor interstitial fluid (TIF) surrounds and perfuses bodily tumorigenic tissues
      and cells, and can accumulate by-products of tumors and stromal cells in a
      relatively local space. Interstitial fluid offers several important advantages
      for biomarker and therapeutic target discovery, especially for cancer. Here, we
      describe the most currently accepted method for recovering TIF from tumor and
      nonmalignant tissues that was initially performed using breast cancer tissue. TIF
      recovery is achieved by passive extraction of fluid from small, surgically
      dissected tissue specimens in phosphate-buffered saline. We also present
      protocols for hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining of snap-frozen and formalin
      fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor sections and for proteomic profiling of TIF
      and matched tumor samples by high-resolution two-dimensional gel electrophoresis
      (2D-PAGE) to enable comparative analysis of tumor secretome and paired tumor
      tissue.

PMID- 27665565
TI  - Isolation of Exosome-Like Vesicles from Plants by Ultracentrifugation on
      Sucrose/Deuterium Oxide (D2O) Density Cushions.
AB  - Exosomes are nanovesicles of endocytic origin that are about 30-100 nm in
      diameter, surrounded by a lipid bilayer membrane, and contain proteins, nucleic
      acids, and other molecules. Mammalian cells- and biological fluids-derived
      exosomes have become the subject for a wide range of investigations in biological
      and biomedical sciences. More recently, a new interest is on the verge of rising:
      the presence of nanovesicles in plants. Lipoprotein vesicles from apoplastic
      fluid and exosome-like vesicles (ELVs) from fruit juice have been isolated and
      shown that they could be loaded with drugs and uptaken by recipient cells. In
      order to explore and analyze the contents and functions of ELVs, they must be
      isolated and purified with intense care. Isolation of ELVs can be a tedious
      process and often characterized by the co-purification of undesired contaminants.
      Here we describe a method which isolates ELVs based on their buoyant density. The
      method utilizes differential centrifugation in step 1 and 1 and 2 M
      sucrose/deuterium oxide double-cushion ultracentrifugation in step 2, to purify
      two diverse ELV subpopulations. In this method fruit juice is used as an example
      of starting material, although this protocol can be used for the isolation of
      vesicles from apoplastic fluid too. The quality and the quantity of ELV
      preparations have been found appropriate for downstream biological and structural
      studies, like proteomics, transcriptomics, and lipidomics.

PMID- 27665566
TI  - Long-lived nuclear spin states in rapidly rotating CH2D groups.
AB  - Although monodeuterated methyl groups support proton long-lived states, hindering
      of the methyl rotation limits the singlet relaxation time. We demonstrate an
      experimental case in which the rapid rotation of the CH2D group extends the
      singlet lifetime but does not quench the chemical shift difference between the
      CH2D protons, induced by the chiral environment. Proton singlet order is accessed
      using Spin-Lock Induced Crossing (SLIC) experiments, showing that the singlet
      relaxation time TS is over 2min, exceeding the longitudinal relaxation time T1 by
      a factor of more than 10. This result shows that proton singlet states may be
      accessible and long-lived in rapidly rotating CH2D groups.

PMID- 27665567
TI  - New psychoactive substances: an overview on recent publications on their
      toxicodynamics and toxicokinetics.
AB  - This review article covers English-written and PubMed-listed review articles and
      original studies published between January 2015 and April 2016 dealing with the
      toxicodynamics and toxicokinetics of new psychoactive substances. Compounds
      covered include stimulants and entactogens, synthetic cannabinoids, tryptamines,
      NBOMes, phencyclidine-like drugs, benzodiazepines, and opioids. First, an
      overview and discussion is provided on timely review articles followed by an
      overview and discussion on recent original studies. Both sections are then
      concluded by an opinion on these latest developments. This review shows that the
      NPS market is still highly dynamic and that the data published on their
      toxicodynamics and toxicokinetics can hardly keep pace with the appearance of new
      entities. However, data available are very helpful to understand and predict how
      NPS may behave in severe intoxication. The currently best-documented parameter is
      the in vitro metabolism of NPS, a prerequisite to allow detection of NPS in
      biological matrices in cases of acute intoxications or chronic consumption.
      However, additional data such as their chronic toxicity are still lacking. 

PMID- 27665568
TI  - Dual Role of Vitamin C on the Neuroinflammation Mediated Neurodegeneration and
      Memory Impairments in Colchicine Induced Rat Model of Alzheimer Disease.
AB  - The neurodegeneration in colchicine induced AD rats (cAD) is mediated by cox-2
      linked neuroinflammation. The importance of ROS in the inflammatory process in
      cAD has not been identified, which may be deciphered by blocking oxidative stress
      in this model by a well-known anti-oxidant vitamin C. Therefore, the present
      study was designed to investigate the role of vitamin C on colchicine induced
      oxidative stress linked neuroinflammation mediated neurodegeneration and memory
      impairments along with peripheral immune responses in cAD. The impairments of
      working and reference memory were associated with neuroinflammation and
      neurodegeneration in the hippocampus of cAD. Administration of vitamin C (200 and
      400 mg/kg BW) in cAD resulted in recovery of memory impairments, with prevention
      of neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation in the hippocampus. The
      neuroinflammation in the hippocampus also influenced the peripheral immune
      responses and inflammation in the serum of cAD and all of these parameters were
      also recovered at 200 and 400 mg dose of vitamin C. However, cAD treated with 600
      mg dose did not recover but resulted in increase of memory impairments,
      neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation in hippocampus along with alteration of
      peripheral immune responses in comparison to cAD of the present study. Therefore,
      the present study showed that ROS played an important role in the colchicine
      induced neuroinflammation linked neurodegeneration and memory impairments along
      with alteration of peripheral immune responses. It also appears from the results
      that vitamin C at lower doses showed anti-oxidant effect and at higher dose
      resulted in pro-oxidant effects in cAD.

PMID- 27665569
TI  - Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation Induces G2/M Cell Cycle Arrest in Brain Pericytes
      Associated with ERK Inactivation.
AB  - Growing evidence has revealed that brain pericytes are multifunctional and
      contribute to the pathogenesis of a number of neurological disorders. However,
      the role of pericytes in cerebral ischemia, and especially the pathophysiological
      alterations in pericytes, remains unclear. In the present study, our aim was to
      determine whether the proliferation of pericytes is affected by cerebral ischemia
      and, if so, to identify the underlying mechanism(s). Cultured brain pericytes
      subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) were used as our model of cerebral
      ischemia; the protein expression levels of cyclin D1, cyclin E, cdk4, and cyclin
      B1 were determined by Western blot analysis, and cell cycle analysis was assessed
      by flow cytometry. The OGD treatment reduced the brain pericyte proliferation by
      causing G2/M phase arrest and downregulating the protein levels of cyclin D1,
      cyclin E, cdk4, and cyclin B1. Further studies demonstrated a simultaneous
      decrease in the activity of extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK),
      suggesting a critical role of the ERK signaling cascade in the inhibition of OGD
      induced pericyte proliferation. We suggest that OGD inhibition of the
      proliferation of brain pericytes is associated with the inactivation of the ERK
      signaling pathway, which arrests them in the G2/M phase.

PMID- 27665570
TI  - Poliomyelitis in Ancient Egypt?

PMID- 27665571
TI  - Trichloroethylene (TCE) in tree cores to complement a subsurface investigation on
      residential property near a former electroplating facility.
AB  - Tree cores were collected and analyzed for trichloroethylene (TCE) on a private
      property between a former electroplating facility in Asheville, North Carolina
      (USA), and a contaminated wetland/spring complex. TCE was detected in 16 of 31
      trees, the locations of which were largely consistent with a "plume core"
      delineated by a more detailed subsurface investigation nearly 2 years later.
      Concentrations in tree cores and nearby soil borings were not correlated, perhaps
      due to heterogeneities in both geologic and tree root structure, spatial and
      temporal variability in transpiration rates, or interferences caused by other
      contaminants at the site. Several tree cores without TCE provided evidence for
      significantly lower TCE concentrations in shallow groundwater along the margins
      of the contaminated spring complex in an area with limited accessibility. This
      study demonstrates that tree core analyses can complement a more extensive
      subsurface investigation, particularly in residential or ecologically sensitive
      areas.

PMID- 27665572
TI  - Evaluation of perfusion index as a tool for pain assessment in critically ill
      patients.
AB  - Pain is a common and undertreated problem in critically ill patients. Pain
      assessment in critically ill patients is challenging and relies on complex
      scoring systems. The aim of this work was to find out the possible role of the
      perfusion index (PI) measured by a pulse oximeter (Masimo Radical 7; Masimo
      Corp., Irvine, CA, USA) in pain assessment in critically ill patients. A
      prospective observational study was carried out on 87 sedated non-intubated
      patients in a surgical intensive care unit. In addition to routine monitoring, a
      Masimo pulse oximeter probe was used for PI measurement. The sedation level of
      the patients was assessed by using the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS).
      The pain intensity was determined by applying the behavioral pain scale for non
      intubated (BPS-NI) patients. The PI, arterial blood pressure, heart rate, RASS,
      and BPS-NI values before and after the application of a standard painful stimulus
      (changing the patient position) were reported. Correlation between the PI and
      other variables was carried out at the two measurements. Correlation between
      changes in the PI (delta PI) and in the hemodynamic variables, RASS, and BPS-NI
      was also done. Changing the patient position resulted in a significant increase
      in SBP (128 +/- 20 vs 120.4 +/- 20.6, P = 0.009), DBP (71.3 +/- 11.2 vs 68.7 +/-
      11.3, P = 0.021), heart rate (99.5 +/- 19 vs 92.7 +/- 18.2, P = 0.013), and BPS
      NI (7[6-8] vs 3[3-3], P < 0.001) values and a significant decrease in the PI
      (1[0.5-1.9] vs 2.2[0.97-3.6], P < 0.001) value compared to the baseline readings.
      There was no correlation between the values of the PI and the ABP, BPS-NI, and
      RASS at the two measurements. A good correlation was found between the delta PI
      and delta BPS-NI (r = -0.616, P < 0.001). A weak correlation was observed between
      the PI and heart rate after the patient positioning (r = -0.249, P < 0.02). In
      surgical critically ill non-intubated patients, the application of a painful
      stimulus was associated with decreased PI. There was a good correlation between
      the change in the PI and the change in BPS-NI values after the application of
      painful stimulus.

PMID- 27665574
TI  - Clinical Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Safinamide.
AB  - The symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) reflect disruptions of a number of brain
      neurotransmitter systems of varying type and degree. Pharmacological agents with
      multiple neurochemical mechanisms of action are therefore promising candidates
      for countering these problems and providing comprehensive symptomatic relief for
      patients. The pharmacological profile of safinamide includes reversible monoamine
      oxidase B inhibition, blockage of voltage-dependent Na+ channels, modulation of
      Ca2+ channels, and inhibition of glutamate release. Safinamide is administered
      once daily at oral doses of 50-100 mg; it is well-tolerated and safe. Clinical
      trials have found that it ameliorates motor symptoms when added to established
      levodopa or single dopamine receptor agonist therapy. The future role of
      safinamide in PD may be that it enables a reduction in the dosage of dopamine
      replacement therapies, thereby reducing the adverse effects associated with these
      treatments. The clinical convenience (once-daily administration), safety, and
      tolerability of safinamide are better than those of dopamine receptor agonists.
      The introduction of safinamide reflects a change of approach to drug development
      for anti-parkinsonian agents in that its broad spectrum of action corresponds to
      the multiple heterogeneous alterations of brain neurochemistry in PD, rather than
      being targeted at a single receptor type or neurochemical process. Safinamide is
      a promising new instrument for the effective symptomatic therapy of PD.

PMID- 27665573
TI  - Evaluation of Concomitant Antiretrovirals and CYP2C9/CYP2C19 Polymorphisms on the
      Pharmacokinetics of Etravirine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Etravirine is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor
      indicated in combination with other antiretrovirals for treatment-experienced HIV
      patients >=6 years of age. Etravirine is primarily metabolized by cytochrome P450
      (CYP) 2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP3A. This analysis determined the impact of concomitant
      antiretrovirals and CYP2C9/CYP2C19 phenotype on the pharmacokinetics of
      etravirine. METHODS: We used 4728 plasma concentrations from 817 adult subjects
      collected from four clinical studies to develop the population pharmacokinetic
      model. The presence of atazanavir/ritonavir, lopinavir/ritonavir,
      darunavir/ritonavir, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, or enfuvirtide together with
      the CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 phenotype and other demographics were evaluated. RESULTS:
      A one-compartment model with first-order input and a lag-time best described the
      data. Estimates of apparent total clearance (CL/F), apparent central volume of
      distribution (V c/F), first-order absorption rate constant (k a), and absorption
      lag-time were 41.7 L/h, 972 L, 1.16 h, and 1.32 h, respectively. Estimates of
      between-subject variability on CL/F, V c/F, and relative bioavailability (F) were
      39.4 %CV (percentage coefficient of variation), 35.9 %CV and 35.5 %CV,
      respectively. Between-occasion variability on F was estimated to be 30.0 %CV.
      CL/F increased non-linearly with body weight and creatinine clearance (CLCR), and
      also varied based on CYP2C9/CYP2C19 phenotype. CONCLUSIONS: In this analysis,
      body weight, CLCR, and CYP2C9/CYP2C19 phenotype were found to describe some of
      the variability in CL/F. It was not possible to show an impact of concomitant
      antiretrovirals on the pharmacokinetics of etravirine for adults predominantly
      taking coadministered boosted protease inhibitors as a background antiretroviral
      regimen.

PMID- 27665575
TI  - Prevalence and clinical characteristics of insomnia and its subtypes in the
      Korean elderly.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Insomnia is known to be associated with psychiatric disorders, other
      sleep disorders and medical conditions, but the prevalence of insomnia diagnosis
      has never been estimated according to its subtypes. We studied the prevalence and
      clinical characteristics of insomnia diagnosis and its subtypes in the Korean
      elderly population. METHODS: Among 1423 sampled elderly individuals aged 60 years
      or older, 881 subjects participated in this study. The Athens Insomnia Scale was
      applied to detect insomnia symptoms, and insomnia diagnosis was finally evaluated
      using the international classification of sleep disorders, 2nd edition. To define
      insomnia subtypes, the DSM-IV-based interview, detailed history on sleep
      disorders and semi-structured interview for medical conditions were performed.
      Subsyndromal depression was defined when depressive symptoms did not meet the
      criteria for depressive disorders. RESULTS: The prevalence of insomnia disorder
      was 32.8% in all subjects, with the prevalence being significantly higher in
      women than in men (37.9% vs. 25.2%; p<0.001). The prevalence of insomnia subtypes
      was as follows; psychophysiological insomnia (PI), 20.5%; insomnia due to mental
      disorder 7.2%; insomnia due to general medical conditions 2.9%; insomnia in other
      sleep disorders 2.2%, and insomnia due to substance use 0.2%. Among subjects with
      PI, subsyndromal depression was diagnosed in 53.7%. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly one third
      of Korean elderly individuals suffer from insomnia and insomnia patients showed
      diverse comorbid conditions, especially depressive symptoms. By establishing
      insomnia subtypes, we can plan to treat comorbid conditions as well as insomnia
      itself.

PMID- 27665577
TI  - Urinary Catheterization: a Paradigm Shift in Difficult Urinary Catheterization.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The urinary catheter is an ancient device for urinary drainage in
      patients. Placement of a urethral catheter is a common medical procedure that may
      have led to morbidity and mortality. Urethral catheterization is commonly
      performed by a nurse. Difficult catheter placement generates urology
      consultation. Difficult catheterization with a vision-guided urinary catheter may
      provide expedited and successful catheter placement by nursing personnel.
      METHODS: A PubMed.gov and Ovid Medline search for articles on history of urinary
      catheter, difficult urinary catheterization, iatrogenic urethral injury,
      iatrogenic urethral injury and CAUTI, management of iatrogenic urethral injury,
      and techniques for urinary catheter placement was performed. RESULTS: The history
      of urinary catheters is reviewed. Technical advances in the last century are
      discussed. Indications for catheter placement are included. Outcomes and cost of
      complications of urinary catheters are discussed relative to present practice
      quality standards. Review of difficult urinary catheterization management
      algorithms developed with urological catheter improvements during the last decade
      is analyzed. Educational and technological advances to improve outcomes of
      urinary catheter use are addressed. CONCLUSIONS: Provider attention to issues of
      urinary catheterization is enhanced by education and additional skills for
      catheterization. Physician and nurse providers can use current technology with
      preparation to improve the catheterization care of patients.

PMID- 27665576
TI  - Lipoprotein lipase liberates free fatty acids to inhibit HCV infection and
      prevent hepatic lipid accumulation.
AB  - Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) has been identified as an anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV)
      host factor, but the cellular mechanism remains elusive. Here, we investigated
      the cellular mechanism of LPL involving in anti-HCV. The functional activation of
      peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) alpha signal by LPL transducing
      into hepatocytes was investigated in HCV-infected cells, primary human
      hepatocytes, and in HCV-core transgenic mice. The result showed that the levels
      of transcriptional transactivity and nuclear translocation of PPARalpha in Huh7
      cells and primary human hepatocytes were elevated by physiologically ranged LPL
      treatment of either very-low density lipoprotein or HCV particles. The LPL
      induced hepatic PPARalpha activation was weakened by blocking the LPL enzymatic
      activity, and by preventing the cellular uptake of free unsaturated fatty acids
      with either albumin chelator or silencing of CD36 translocase. The knockdowns of
      PPARalpha and CD36 reversed the LPL-mediated suppression of HCV infection.
      Furthermore, treatment with LPL, like the direct activation of PPARalpha, not
      only reduced the levels of apolipoproteins B, E, and J, which are involved in
      assembly and release of HCV virions, but also alleviated hepatic lipid
      accumulation induced by core protein. HCV-core transgenic mice exhibited more
      hepatic miR-27b, which negatively regulates PPARalpha expression, than did the
      wild-type controls. The induction of LPL activity by fasting in the core
      transgenic mice activated PPARalpha downstream target genes that are involved in
      fatty acid beta-oxidation. Taken together, our study reveals dual beneficial
      outcomes of LPL in anti-HCV and anti-steatosis and shed light on the control of
      chronic hepatitis C in relation to LPL modulators.

PMID- 27665578
TI  - E-cigarettes and smoking cessation: a critique of a New England Journal Medicine
      commissioned case study.

PMID- 27665580
TI  - Diagnostic Value of Methylated Septin9 for Colorectal Cancer Screening: A Meta
      Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND Septin9 is a member of GTP-binding protein family, and is used as a
      predictive diagnostic index. However, it has not been widely adopted due to
      inconsistent results reported in the literature. The present study was performed
      to determine the diagnostic accuracy of methylated Septin9 (mSEPT9) for
      colorectal cancer (CRC) and to evaluate its utility in CRC screening. MATERIAL
      AND METHODS After reviewing relevant studies, accuracy measures (pooled
      sensitivity and specificity, positive/negative likelihood ratio [PLR/NLR], and
      diagnostic odds ratio [DOR]) were calculated for mSEPT9 in the diagnosis of CRC.
      Overall test performance was summarized using summary receiver operating
      characteristic curve analysis. Potential between-study heterogeneity was explored
      by use of a meta-regression model. We divided included studies into Epi proColon
      test and non-Epi proColon test subgroups. We compared the effects of mSEPT9 and
      fecal occult blood test (FOBT) for CRC screening. RESULTS A total of 9870
      subjects in 14 studies were recruited. Pooled sensitivity and specificity, PLR,
      NLR, DOR, and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) of mSEPT9 for CRC
      diagnosis were 0.66 (95% CI: 0.64-0.69), 0.91 (95% CI: 0.90-0.91), 5.59 (95% CI:
      4.03-7.74), 0.37 (95% CI: 0.29-0.48), and 16.79 (95% CI: 10.54-26.76),
      respectively. The area under the summary ROC curve (AUC) was 0.8563. The AUCs in
      the Epi proColon test and non-Epi proColon test for CRC diagnosis were 0.8709 and
      0.7968, respectively. In head-to-head comparison, AUC of mSEPT9 and FOBT for CRC
      diagnosis were 0.7857 and 0.6571, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The present study
      demonstrates that mSEPT9 can be a good diagnostic biomarker complementary to FOBT
      as a screening tool for CRC.

PMID- 27665581
TI  - Circulating CXCL16 in Diabetic Kidney Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Chronic kidney disease and, specifically, diabetic kidney
      disease, is among the fastest increasing causes of death worldwide. A better
      understanding of the factors contributing to the high mortality may help design
      novel monitoring and therapeutic approaches. CXCL16 is both a cholesterol
      receptor and a chemokine with a potential role in vascular injury and
      inflammation. We aimed at identifying predictors of circulating CXCL16 levels in
      diabetic patients with chronic kidney disease. METHODS: We have now studied
      plasma CXCL16 in 134 European patients with diabetic kidney disease with
      estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) categories G1-G4 and albuminuria
      categories A1-A3, in order to identify factors influencing plasma CXCL16 in this
      population. RESULTS: Plasma CXCL16 levels were 4.0+/-0.9 ng/ml. Plasma CXCL16
      increased with increasing eGFR category from G1 to G4 (that is, with decreasing
      eGFR values) and with increasing albuminuria category. Plasma CXCL16 was higher
      in patients with prior cardiovascular disease (4.33+/-1.03 vs 3.88+/-0.86 ng/ml;
      p=0.013). In multivariate analysis, eGFR and serum albumin had an independent and
      significant negative correlation with plasma CXCL16. CONCLUSION: In diabetic
      kidney disease patients, GFR and serum albumin independently predicted plasma
      CXCL16 levels.

PMID- 27665579
TI  - Clinical outcomes in patients with acute hemodynamic collapse supported by
      extracorporeal life support.
AB  - Although extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is utilized for acute hemodynamic
      collapse, clinical outcomes for such patients are uncertain. The present study
      examined 30-day clinical outcomes in patients treated with ECLS for acute
      hemodynamic collapse, and determined the factors associated with 30-day mortality
      in patients who required ECLS for cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA). A total of 200
      patients, in whom emergency ECLS was utilized for acute hemodynamic collapse from
      2006 to 2015, were analyzed retrospectively. The impact of CPA on all-cause 30
      day death in the overall population was examined by multivariable logistic
      regression analysis; comparisons were made between 30-day survivors (n = 78) and
      non-survivors (n = 122). In addition, clinical factors associated with 30-day
      survival for patients in whom ECLS was utilized for CPA (n = 139) were examined.
      All-cause 30-day mortality in the overall study population was 61 % (122/200).
      CPA was the most common cause of ECLS requirement (70 %), and the factor
      associated strongest with death at 30-days (OR 3.31, 95 % CI 1.75-6.36, P <
      0.01). Witnessed CPA with bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) (OR 4.33,
      95 % CI 1.08-29.1, P = 0.04) and a less than 40 min interval between CPA and ECLS
      (OR 3.49, 95 % CI 1.39-9.02, P < 0.01) were suggested as factors associated with
      30-day survival in CPA patients. CPA as a trigger of ECLS was a strong
      contributor to 30-day death in patients in whom emergency ECLS was utilized.
      However, witnessed CPA with bystander CPR and a less than 40 min interval from
      CPA to start of ECLS were suggested as factors associated with survival in these
      CPA patients.

PMID- 27665582
TI  - Implementing Coping Power Adapted as a Universal Prevention Program in Italian
      Primary Schools: a Randomized Control Trial.
AB  - Behavioral problems in schools can cause serious harm to the emotional and social
      well-being of students and limit their ability to achieve their full academic
      potential. A prior pilot study on the universal application of Coping Power
      showed a significant decrease in the hyperactivity behaviors of five classes. The
      next step was to test whether Coping Power Universal could be successfully
      implemented by teachers in a variety of Italian schools. The sample involved 40
      third- and fourth-grade classes (901 students) from public schools located in
      three Italian cities. Twenty classes were randomly assigned to Coping Power
      Universal, and 20 classes were randomly assigned to the control group, which
      received the strictly standard academic curriculum of Italian elementary schools.
      At each assessment period, the teachers completed the Strengths and Difficulties
      Questionnaire. The findings showed a significant reduction in hyperactive and
      inattention behaviors and conduct problems and emotional symptoms in the
      intervention classes compared with the control classes. This study suggests that
      Coping Power model can be delivered in school settings at both universal and
      targeted prevention levels and that in this multi-tiered prevention model,
      teachers 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- 27665583
TI  - Organic textile waste as a resource for sustainable agriculture in arid and semi
      arid areas.
AB  - New vegetation in barren areas offers possibilities for sequestering carbon in
      the soil. Arid and semi-arid areas (ASAs) are candidates for new vegetation. The
      possibility of agriculture in ASAs is reviewed, revealing the potential for
      cultivation by covering the surface with a layer of organic fibres. This layer
      collects more water from humidity in the air than does the uncovered mineral
      surface, and creates a humid environment that promotes microbial life. One
      possibility is to use large amounts of organic fibres for soil enhancement in
      ASAs. In the context of the European Commission Waste Framework Directive, the
      possibility of using textile waste from Sweden is explored. The costs for using
      Swedish textile waste are high, but possible gains are the sale of agricultural
      products and increased land prices as well as environmental mitigation. The
      findings suggest that field research on such agriculture in ASAs should start as
      soon as possible.

PMID- 27665585
TI  - Use of a prospective surveillance model to prevent breast cancer treatment
      related lymphedema: a single-center experience.
AB  - PURPOSE: Breast cancer patients undergoing axillary lymph node dissection (ALND)
      are at risk of lymphedema (LE). Successful management of LE relies on early
      diagnosis using sensitive modalities. In the current study, we explored the
      effectiveness of a surveillance program for lymphedema management (SLYM) compared
      to standard care. METHODS: Breast cancer patients who underwent ALND in Seoul
      National University Bundang Hospital from January 2008 to December 2015 were
      included in this prospective study. The SLYM commenced in May 2011. The LE
      outcomes of patients treated prior to initiation of the SLYM were compared with
      those of patients after SLYM implementation. RESULTS: A total of 707 patients
      were included, 390 in the SLYM group and 317 in the historical control (HC)
      group. A total of 203 patients (28.7 %) had episodes of all-stage LE during
      follow-up. Of these, 126 (19.7 %) were in the surveillance group and 77 (24.3 %)
      in the HC group. The overall 5-year cumulative incidence of LE (greater than
      stage 3) was 25 (95 % CI 15.4-34.6) (6.4 %) in the SLYM group and 48 (95 % CI,
      15.4-34.6) (15.1 %) in the HC group. In the SLYM group, poor compliance had a
      significant impact on LE incidence (OR = 2.98, P = 0.002). Low level of self
      monitoring and insight scores were significantly related to LE incidence (OR =
      1.31, P = 0.025) after adjusting for age, body mass index, the type of surgery
      chosen, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. With a cut-off of 29.5 days from
      operation to the first visit to the LE clinic, the sensitivity was 60 % and the
      specificity 61 % in terms of predicting a LE event. CONCLUSIONS: Surveillance
      improves LE prevention compared to clinical evaluation. The first visit to the LE
      clinic should be made within 1 month after surgery. In the first year, visits
      should be made at intervals of less than 3 months.

PMID- 27665586
TI  - Breast cancer screening initiation after turning 40 years of age within the
      PROSPR consortium.
AB  - PURPOSE: Although United States clinical guidelines differ, the earliest
      recommended age for average risk breast cancer screening is 40 years. Little is
      known about factors influencing screening initiation. METHODS: We conducted a
      cohort study within the National Cancer Institute-funded Population-based
      Research Optimizing Screening through Personalized Regimens (PROSPR) consortium.
      We identified 3413 women on their 40th birthday in primary care networks at
      Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth (DH) and Brigham and Women's Hospital
      (BWH) during 2011-2013 with no prior breast imaging or breast cancer. Cumulative
      incidence curves and Cox modeling were used to determine time from the 40th
      birthday to first breast cancer screening, cohort exit, or 42nd birthday. We
      calculated hazards ratios and 95 % confidence intervals from multivariable Cox
      proportional hazards models. RESULTS: Breast cancer screening cumulative
      incidence by the 42nd birthday was 62.9 % (BWH) and 39.8 % (DH). Factors
      associated with screening initiation were: a primary care visit within a year (HR
      4.99, 95 % CI 4.23-5.89), an increasing number of primary care visits within a
      year (p for trend <0.0001), ZIP code of residence annual median household income
      <=$52,000 (HR 0.79, 95 % CI 0.68-0.92), and health insurance type (Medicaid HR
      0.72, 95 % CI 0.58-0.88; Medicare HR 0.55, 95 % CI 0.39-0.77; uninsured HR 0.37,
      95 % CI 0.25-0.57). CONCLUSIONS: Breast cancer screening uptake after the 40th
      birthday varies by health system, primary care visits, median household income,
      and health insurance type, suggesting the need for further exploration. Future
      research should evaluate screening performance metrics after initiation and
      consider cumulative benefits and risks associated with breast cancer screening
      over time.

PMID- 27665587
TI  - Equivalent survival after nipple-sparing compared to non-nipple-sparing
      mastectomy: data from California, 1988-2013.
AB  - PURPOSE: Nipple-sparing mastectomy, which may improve cosmesis, body image, and
      sexual function in comparison to non-nipple-sparing mastectomy, is increasingly
      used to treat early-stage breast cancer; however, long-term survival data are
      lacking. We evaluated survival after nipple-sparing mastectomy versus non-nipple
      sparing mastectomy in a population-based cancer registry. METHODS: We conducted
      an observational study using the California Cancer Registry, considering all
      stage 0-III breast cancers diagnosed in California from 1988 to 2013. We compared
      breast cancer-specific and overall survival time after nipple-sparing versus non
      nipple-sparing mastectomy, using multivariable analysis. RESULTS: Among 157,592
      stage 0-III female breast cancer patients treated with unilateral mastectomy from
      1988-2013, 993 (0.6 %) were reported as having nipple-sparing and 156,599 (99.4
      %) non-nipple-sparing mastectomies; median follow-up was 7.9 years. The
      proportion of mastectomies that were nipple-sparing increased over time (1988,
      0.2 %; 2013, 5.1 %) and with neighborhood socioeconomic status, and decreased
      with age and stage. On multivariable analysis, nipple-sparing mastectomy was
      associated with a lower risk of breast cancer-specific mortality compared to non
      nipple-sparing mastectomy [hazard ratio (HR) 0.71, 95 % confidence interval (CI)
      0.51-0.98]. However, when restricting to diagnoses 1996 or later and adjusting
      for a larger set of covariates, risk was attenuated (HR 0.86, 95 % CI 0.52-1.42).
      CONCLUSIONS: Among California breast cancer patients diagnosed from 1988-2013,
      nipple-sparing mastectomy was not associated with worse survival than non-nipple
      sparing mastectomy. These results may inform the decisions of patients and
      doctors deliberating between these surgical approaches for breast cancer
      treatment.

PMID- 27665588
TI  - Seronegative and occult hepatitis C virus infections in patients with
      hematological disorders.
AB  - Studies of the association between seronegative or occult (OCI) hepatitis C virus
      (HCV) infection, and hematological disorders have yielded controversial results.
      The aim of this study was to investigate seronegative and OCI HCV infections in
      among patients with different hematological disorders. This study included 90
      anti-HCV-negative patients with either benign or malignant hematological
      disorders (group I), along with 20 age- and sex-matched apparently healthy
      subjects, who served as controls (group II). We tested for HCV RNA in sera and
      PBMCs by RT-nested PCR and for liver enzyme activity. Seronegativity and OCI were
      detected in 66.7 % and 20 % respectively, of the studied cases (group I). OCI was
      more evident in Hodgkin lymphoma and thalassemia. A significant increase in AST
      activity was observed in the seronegative and OCI groups and in ALT and AST in
      HCV-seronegative or OCI and negative HCV patients (p <= 0.05). Seronegativity and
      OCI are a significant clinical problem in patients with hematological disorders,
      warranting wider use of molecular tests combined with periodic evaluations of
      liver functions for diagnostic purposes.

PMID- 27665589
TI  - Crumple: An Efficient Tool to Explore Thoroughly the RNA Folding Landscape.
AB  - The folding landscape for an RNA sequence contains many diverse structures and
      motifs, which are often sampled rather than completely explored. Today's
      supercomputers make the complete enumeration of all possible folds for an RNA and
      a detailed description of the RNA folding landscape a more feasible task. This
      chapter provides protocols for using the Crumple folding algorithm, an efficient
      tool to generate all possible non-pseudoknotted folds for an RNA sequence.
      Crumple in conjunction with Sliding Windows and Assembly can incorporate
      experimental constraints on the global features of an RNA, such as the minimum
      number and lengths of helices, which may be determined by crystallography or cryo
      electron microscopy. This complete enumeration method is independent of free
      energy minimization and allows the user to incorporate experimental data such as
      chemical probing, SELEX data on RNA-protein binding motifs, and phylogenetic
      covariation.

PMID- 27665590
TI  - Secondary Structure Prediction of Single Sequences Using RNAstructure.
AB  - RNA secondary structure is often predicted using folding thermodynamics.
      RNAstructure is a software package that includes structure prediction by free
      energy minimization, prediction of base pairing probabilities, prediction of
      structures composed of highly probably base pairs, and prediction of structures
      with pseudoknots. A user-friendly graphical user interface is provided, and this
      interface works on Windows, Apple OS X, and Linux. This chapter provides
      protocols for using RNAstructure for structure prediction.

PMID- 27665591
TI  - Prediction of Secondary Structures Conserved in Multiple RNA Sequences.
AB  - RNA structure is conserved by evolution to a greater extent than sequence.
      Predicting the conserved structure for multiple homologous sequences can be much
      more accurate than predicting the structure for a single sequence. RNAstructure
      is a software package that includes the programs Dynalign, Multilign, TurboFold,
      and PARTS for predicting conserved RNA secondary structure. This chapter provides
      protocols for using these programs.

PMID- 27665592
TI  - Predicting RNA-RNA Interactions Using RNAstructure.
AB  - RNA-RNA binding is a required step for many regulatory and catalytic processes in
      the cell. Identifying RNA-RNA hybridization sites is challenging because of the
      competition between intramolecular and intermolecular structure formation. A
      complete picture of RNA-RNA binding includes an understanding of single-stranded
      folding and binding site accessibility, and is strongly concentration-dependent.
      This chapter provides guidance for using RNAstructure to predict RNA-RNA binding
      sites and RNA-RNA structures, utilizing free energy minimization and partition
      function calculations. RNAstructure is freely available at
      http://rna.urmc.rochester.edu/RNAstructure.html .

PMID- 27665593
TI  - A Method to Predict the Structure and Stability of RNA/RNA Complexes.
AB  - RNA/RNA interactions are essential for genomic RNA dimerization and regulation of
      gene expression. Intermolecular loop-loop base pairing is a widespread and
      functionally important tertiary structure motif in RNA machinery. However,
      computational prediction of intermolecular loop-loop base pairing is challenged
      by the entropy and free energy calculation due to the conformational constraint
      and the intermolecular interactions. In this chapter, we describe a recently
      developed statistical mechanics-based method for the prediction of RNA/RNA
      complex structures and stabilities. The method is based on the virtual bond RNA
      folding model (Vfold). The main emphasis in the method is placed on the
      evaluation of the entropy and free energy for the loops, especially tertiary
      kissing loops. The method also uses recursive partition function calculations and
      two-step screening algorithm for large, complicated structures of RNA/RNA
      complexes. As case studies, we use the HIV-1 Mal dimer and the siRNA/HIV-1 mutant
      (T4) to illustrate the method.

PMID- 27665595
TI  - Traditional Chemical Mapping of RNA Structure In Vitro and In Vivo.
AB  - Chemical probing is often used to gain knowledge on the secondary and tertiary
      structures of RNA molecules either free or engaged in complexes with ligands. The
      method monitors the reactivity of each nucleotide towards chemicals of various
      specificities reflecting the hydrogen bonding environment of each nucleotide
      within the RNA molecule. In addition, information can be obtained on the binding
      site of a ligand (noncoding RNAs, protein, metabolites), and on RNA
      conformational changes that accompanied ligand binding or perturbation of the
      environmental cues. The detection of the modifications can be obtained either by
      using end-labeled RNA molecules or by primer extension using reverse
      transcriptase. The goal of this chapter is to provide the reader with an
      experimental guide to probe the structure of RNA in vitro and in vivo with the
      most suitable chemical probes.

PMID- 27665594
TI  - STarMir Tools for Prediction of microRNA Binding Sites.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of endogenous short noncoding RNAs that regulate
      gene expression by targeting messenger RNAs (mRNAs), which results in
      translational repression and/or mRNA degradation. As regulatory molecules, miRNAs
      are involved in many mammalian biological processes and also in the manifestation
      of certain human diseases. As miRNAs play central role in the regulation of gene
      expression, understanding miRNA-binding patterns is essential to gain an insight
      of miRNA mediated gene regulation and also holds promise for therapeutic
      applications. Computational prediction of miRNA binding sites on target mRNAs
      facilitates experimental investigation of miRNA functions. This chapter provides
      protocols for using the STarMir web server for improved predictions of miRNA
      binding sites on a target mRNA. As an application module of the Sfold RNA
      package, the current version of STarMir is an implementation of logistic
      prediction models developed with high-throughput miRNA binding data from cross
      linking immunoprecipitation (CLIP) studies. The models incorporated comprehensive
      thermodynamic, structural, and sequence features, and were found to make improved
      predictions of both seed and seedless sites, in comparison to the established
      algorithms (Liu et al., Nucleic Acids Res 41:e138, 2013). Their broad
      applicability was indicated by their good performance in cross-species
      validation. STarMir is freely available at
      http://sfold.wadsworth.org/starmir.html .

PMID- 27665596
TI  - High-Throughput Nuclease Probing of RNA Structures Using FragSeq.
AB  - High-throughput sequencing of cDNA (RNA-Seq) can be used to generate nuclease
      accessibility data for many distinct transcripts in the same mixture
      simultaneously. Such assays accelerate RNA structure analysis and provide
      researchers with new technologies to tackle biological questions on a
      transcriptome-wide scale. FragSeq is an experimental assay for transcriptome-wide
      RNA structure probing using RNA-Seq, coupled with data analysis tools that allow
      quantitative determination of nuclease accessibility at single-base resolution.
      We provide a practical guide to designing and carrying out FragSeq experiments
      and data analysis.

PMID- 27665597
TI  - Mapping RNA Structure In Vitro with SHAPE Chemistry and Next-Generation
      Sequencing (SHAPE-Seq).
AB  - Mapping RNA structure with selective 2'-hydroxyl acylation analyzed by primer
      extension (SHAPE) chemistry has proven to be a versatile method for
      characterizing RNA structure in a variety of contexts. SHAPE reagents covalently
      modify RNAs in a structure-dependent manner to create adducts at the 2'-OH group
      of the ribose backbone at nucleotides that are structurally flexible. The
      positions of these adducts are detected using reverse transcriptase (RT) primer
      extension, which stops one nucleotide before the modification, to create a pool
      of cDNAs whose lengths reflect the location of SHAPE modification. Quantification
      of the cDNA pools is used to estimate the "reactivity" of each nucleotide in an
      RNA molecule to the SHAPE reagent. High reactivities indicate nucleotides that
      are structurally flexible, while low reactivities indicate nucleotides that are
      inflexible. These SHAPE reactivities can then be used to infer RNA structures by
      restraining RNA structure prediction algorithms. Here, we provide a state-of-the
      art protocol describing how to perform in vitro RNA structure probing with SHAPE
      chemistry using next-generation sequencing to quantify cDNA pools and estimate
      reactivities (SHAPE-Seq). The use of next-generation sequencing allows for higher
      throughput, more consistent data analysis, and multiplexing capabilities. The
      technique described herein, SHAPE-Seq v2.0, uses a universal reverse
      transcription priming site that is ligated to the RNA after SHAPE modification.
      The introduced priming site allows for the structural analysis of an RNA
      independent of its sequence.

PMID- 27665598
TI  - Experiment-Assisted Secondary Structure Prediction with RNAstructure.
AB  - Experimental probing data can be used to improve the accuracy of RNA secondary
      structure prediction. The software package RNAstructure can take advantage of
      enzymatic cleavage data, FMN cleavage data, traditional chemical modification
      reactivity data, and SHAPE reactivity data for secondary structure modeling. This
      chapter provides protocols for using experimental probing data with RNAstructure
      to restrain or constrain RNA secondary structure prediction.

PMID- 27665599
TI  - RNA Secondary Structure Determination by NMR.
AB  - Dynamic programming methods for predicting RNA secondary structure often use
      thermodynamics and experimental restraints and/or constraints to limit folding
      space. Chemical mapping results typically restrain certain nucleotides not to be
      in AU or GC pairs. Two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra can
      reveal the order of AU, GC, and GU pairs in double helixes. This chapter
      describes a program, NMR-assisted prediction of secondary structure and chemical
      shifts (NAPSS-CS), that constrains possible secondary structures on the basis of
      the NMR determined order and 5'-3' direction of AU, GC, and GU pairs in helixes.
      NAPSS-CS minimally requires input of the order of base pairs as determined from
      nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy (NOESY) of imino protons. The program
      deduces the 5'-3' direction of the base pairs if certain chemical shifts are also
      input. Secondary structures predicted by the program provide assignments of input
      chemical shifts to particular nucleotides in the sequence, thus facilitating an
      important step for determination of the three dimensional structure by NMR. The
      method is particularly useful for revealing pseudoknots and an example is
      provided. The method may also allow determination of secondary structures when a
      sequence folds into two structures that exchange slowly.

PMID- 27665600
TI  - Modeling Small Noncanonical RNA Motifs with the Rosetta FARFAR Server.
AB  - Noncanonical RNA motifs help define the vast complexity of RNA structure and
      function, and in many cases, these loops and junctions are on the order of only
      ten nucleotides in size. Unfortunately, despite their small size, there is no
      reliable method to determine the ensemble of lowest energy structures of
      junctions and loops at atomic accuracy. This chapter outlines straightforward
      protocols using a webserver for Rosetta Fragment Assembly of RNA with Full Atom
      Refinement (FARFAR) ( http://rosie.rosettacommons.org/rna_denovo/submit ) to
      model the 3D structure of small noncanonical RNA motifs for use in visualizing
      motifs and for further refinement or filtering with experimental data such as NMR
      chemical shifts.

PMID- 27665601
TI  - Automated RNA 3D Structure Prediction with RNAComposer.
AB  - RNAs adopt specific structures to perform their activities and these are critical
      to virtually all RNA-mediated processes. Because of difficulties in
      experimentally assessing structures of large RNAs using NMR, X-ray
      crystallography, or cryo-microscopy, there is currently great demand for new high
      resolution 3D structure prediction methods. Recently we reported on RNAComposer,
      a knowledge-based method for the fully automated RNA 3D structure prediction from
      a user-defined secondary structure. RNAComposer method is especially suited for
      structural biology users. Since our initial report in 2012, both servers, freely
      available at http://rnacomposer.ibch.poznan.pl and
      http://rnacomposer.cs.put.poznan.pl have been often visited. Therefore this
      chapter provides guidance for using RNAComposer and discusses points that should
      be considered when predicting 3D RNA structure. An application example presents
      current scope and limitations of RNAComposer.

PMID- 27665602
TI  - RNA 3D Structure Modeling by Combination of Template-Based Method ModeRNA,
      Template-Free Folding with SimRNA, and Refinement with QRNAS.
AB  - RNA encompasses an essential part of all known forms of life. The functions of
      many RNA molecules are dependent on their ability to form complex three
      dimensional (3D) structures. However, experimental determination of RNA 3D
      structures is laborious and challenging, and therefore, the majority of known
      RNAs remain structurally uncharacterized. To address this problem, computational
      structure prediction methods were developed that either utilize information
      derived from known structures of other RNA molecules (by way of template-based
      modeling) or attempt to simulate the physical process of RNA structure formation
      (by way of template-free modeling). All computational methods suffer from various
      limitations that make theoretical models less reliable than high-resolution
      experimentally determined structures. This chapter provides a protocol for
      computational modeling of RNA 3D structure that overcomes major limitations by
      combining two complementary approaches: template-based modeling that is capable
      of predicting global architectures based on similarity to other molecules but
      often fails to predict local unique features, and template-free modeling that can
      predict the local folding, but is limited to modeling the structure of relatively
      small molecules. Here, we combine the use of a template-based method ModeRNA with
      a template-free method SimRNA. ModeRNA requires a sequence alignment of the
      target RNA sequence to be modeled with a template of the known structure; it
      generates a model that predicts the structure of a conserved core and provides a
      starting point for modeling of variable regions. SimRNA can be used to fold small
      RNAs (<80 nt) without any additional structural information, and to refold parts
      of models for larger RNAs that have a correctly modeled core. ModeRNA can be
      either downloaded, compiled and run locally or run through a web interface at
      http://genesilico.pl/modernaserver/ . SimRNA is currently available to download
      for local use as a precompiled software package at
      http://genesilico.pl/software/stand-alone/simrna and as a web server at
      http://genesilico.pl/SimRNAweb . For model optimization we use QRNAS, available
      at http://genesilico.pl/qrnas .

PMID- 27665603
TI  - Exploring Alternative RNA Structure Sets Using MC-Flashfold and db2cm.
AB  - We created an accelerated version of MC-Fold called MC-Flashfold that allows us
      to compute large numbers of competing secondary structures including noncanonical
      base pairs. We visualize the base pairs in these sets using high quality
      intuitive dot plots and arc plots. Our new tools allow us to explore RNA dynamics
      by visualizing the competing structures in free energy bands. Here we describe
      how to use these tools to generate dot plots that reveal the postulated anti
      terminator stem in the E. coli trp operon leader sequence. These plots show the
      anti-terminator hairpin loop during transcription and as a minor population of
      the full-length leader sequence. This is a case of switching RNA structure that
      had been originally postulated based on short dyad inverted repeats. Other
      switching RNA sequences can be analyzed by using our method.

PMID- 27665604
TI  - NMR Methods for Characterization of RNA Secondary Structure.
AB  - Knowledge of RNA secondary structure is often sufficient to identify
      relationships between the structure of RNA and processing pathways, and the
      design of therapeutics. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) can identify types of
      nucleotide base pairs and the sequence, thus limiting possible secondary
      structures. Because NMR experiments, like chemical mapping, are performed in
      solution, not in single crystals, experiments can be initiated as soon as the
      biomolecule is expressed and purified. This chapter summarizes NMR methods that
      permit rapid identification of RNA secondary structure, information that can be
      used as supplements to chemical mapping, and/or as preliminary steps required for
      3D structure determination. The primary aim is to provide guidelines to enable a
      researcher with minimal knowledge of NMR to quickly extract secondary structure
      information from basic datasets. Instrumental and sample considerations that can
      maximize data quality are discussed along with some details for optimal data
      acquisition and processing parameters. Approaches for identifying base pair types
      in both unlabeled and isotopically labeled RNA are covered. Common problems, such
      as missing signals and overlaps, and approaches to address them are considered.
      Programs under development for merging NMR data with structure prediction
      algorithms are briefly discussed.

PMID- 27665605
TI  - The Quick and the Dead: A Guide to Fast Phasing of Small Ribozyme and Riboswitch
      Crystal Structures.
AB  - Ribozymes and riboswitches are examples of non-protein-coding (nc)RNA molecules
      that achieve biological activity by adopting complex three-dimensional folds.
      Visualization of such molecules at near-atomic resolution can enhance our
      understanding of how chemical groups are organized spatially, thereby providing
      novel insight into function. This approach has its challenges, which mainly
      entail sample crystallization followed by the application of empirical, structure
      determination methods that often include experimental "phasing" of X-ray
      diffraction data. A paucity of high-quality crystals or a low symmetry space
      group are factors that demand rapid assessment of phasing potential during an
      ongoing experiment in order to assure a successful outcome. Here we describe the
      process of evaluating the anomalous signal-to-noise as a prelude to single
      wavelength or multiwavelength anomalous diffraction (SAD or MAD) phasing. Test
      cases include an autolytic 62-mer RNA enzyme known as the hairpin ribozyme, and a
      33-mer riboswitch that binds the modified guanine metabolite preQ1. The crystals
      were derivatized with iridium (III) hexammine and osmium (III) pentaammine
      triflate, respectively. Each data set was then subjected to the XPREP and SHELX
      programs to assess the anomalous signal-to-noise and to locate the heavy-atom
      substructure. Subsequent noise filtering was conducted in SHELXE or RESOLVE. The
      methods described are applicable to the rapid phasing of RNA X-ray diffraction
      data, and contrast the efficacy of in-house X-rays with those attainable from
      synchrotron-radiation sources in terms of the potential to plan for and execute
      an experimental structure determination.

PMID- 27665606
TI  - A reproducible protocol for neonatal ischemic injury and cardiac regeneration in
      neonatal mice.
AB  - Cardiac regeneration is one of the prime visions in cardiovascular research. The
      mouse neonatal apical resection and left anterior descending artery (LAD)
      ligation model introduced novel in vivo mammalian assays to study cardiac
      regeneration. However, recent reports and editorials discussed and critically
      questioned the value and technical reproducibility of the mouse neonatal
      myocardial infarction approach, making it paramount to develop and use a
      reproducible model system. We established a mouse neonatal myocardial infarction
      model by visually confirmed ligation of the LAD using microsurgery. TdT-mediated
      dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) proved reproducible massive myocardial infarctions
      in a defined region of the apex and anterior wall of neonatal and 7-day-old mice.
      Whereas hearts ligated on postnatal day 7 displayed chronic injury, cardiac
      samples ligated immediately after birth always showed complete structural
      regeneration after long-term follow-up. Cardiac regeneration was observed in all
      mouse stains (C57BL/6J, ICR, and mixed background C57BL/6JxSv129) tested so far.
      We present a detailed in vivo protocol to study complex mechanisms of complete
      cardiac repair following ischemic cardiac damage. Neonatal LAD ligation surgery
      is feasible, and results in reproducible myocardial infarctions 24 h after
      ligation, and no structural myocardial defects are detectable following long-term
      follow-up. We encourage the cardiovascular community to use our protocol and
      teaching video to answer key scientific questions in the field of cardiac
      regeneration.

PMID- 27665607
TI  - Age-related differences in anxiety-like behavior and amygdalar CCL2
      responsiveness to stress following alcohol withdrawal in male Wistar rats.
AB  - RATIONALE: Behavioral and neuroimmune vulnerability to withdrawal from chronic
      alcohol varies with age. The relation of anxiety-like behavior to amygdalar CCL2
      responses following stress after withdrawal from chronic intermittent alcohol
      (CIA) was investigated in adolescent and adult rats. METHODS: Adolescent and
      adult Wistar rats were exposed to CIA (three 5-day blocks of dietary alcohol
      separated by 2 days of withdrawal) at concentrations that created similar blood
      alcohol levels across age. Twenty-four hours into the final withdrawal, half of
      the rats were exposed to 1 h of restraint stress. Four hours post-stress, rats
      were used for behavior or tissue assays. RESULTS: Anxiety-like behavior was
      increased versus controls by CIA in adolescents and by CIA + stress in adults.
      CCL2 mRNA was increased versus controls by CIA in adolescents and by CIA and CIA
      + stress in adults. CCL2 co-localization with neuronal marker NeuN was decreased
      versus controls by CIA in adolescents and by CIA + stress in adults. CCL2 co
      localization with astrocytic marker GFAP was decreased versus controls by CIA and
      CIA + stress in adolescents, but experimental groups did not differ from controls
      in adults. CCL2 co-localization with microglial marker Iba1 was decreased versus
      controls by stress alone in adolescents and by CIA + stress in adults.
      CONCLUSIONS: Changes in CCL2 protein might control behavior at either age but are
      particularly associated with CIA alone in adolescents and with CIA + stress in
      adults. That the number of CeA neurons expressing CCL2 was altered after CIA and
      stress is consistent with CCL2 involvement in neural function.

PMID- 27665608
TI  - Rapid and simple determination of polyphyllin I, II, VI, and VII in different
      harvest times of cultivated Paris polyphylla Smith var. yunnanensis (Franch.)
      Hand.-Mazz by UPLC-MS/MS and FT-IR.
AB  - Paris Polyphylla Smith var. yunnanensis (Franch.) Hand.-Mazz ("Dian Chonglou" in
      Chinese) is a famous herbal medicine in China, which is usually well known for
      activities of anti-cancer, hemolysis, and cytotoxicity. In this study, Fourier
      transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy coupled with principal component analysis
      (PCA) and partial least-squares regression (PLSR) was applied to discriminate
      samples of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis harvested in different years and
      determine the content of polyphyllin I, II, VI, and VII in P. polyphylla var.
      yunnanensis. Meanwhile, ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass
      spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was used to study the dynamic changes of P. polyphylla
      var. yunnanensis harvested in different years (4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 12, and 13 years
      old). According to the UPLC-MS/MS result, the optimum harvest time of P.
      polyphylla var. yunnanensis is 8 years, due to the highest yield of four active
      components. By the PCA model, P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis could be exactly
      discriminated, except that two 8-year-old samples were misclassified as 9-year
      old samples. For the prediction of polyphyllin I, II, VI, and VII, the
      quantitative results are satisfactory, with a high value for the determination
      coefficient (R 2) and low values for the root-mean-square error of estimation
      (RMSEE), root-mean-square error of cross-validation (RMSECV), and root-mean
      square error of prediction (RMSEP). In conclusion, FT-IR combined with
      chemometrics is a promising method to accurately discriminate samples of P.
      polyphylla var. yunnanensis harvested in different years and determine the
      content of polyphyllin I, II, VI, and VII in P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis.

PMID- 27665609
TI  - Quantitative evaluation and discrimination of wild Paris polyphylla var.
      yunnanensis (Franch.) Hand.-Mazz from three regions of Yunnan Province using
      UHPLC-UV-MS and UV spectroscopy couple with partial least squares discriminant
      analysis.
AB  - Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis (Franch.) Hand.-Mazz (PPY) is used widely as an
      anthelmintic, antimicrobial, and anti-tumor agent. Multiplicate analytical
      methods have been employed to discriminate PPY from different regions, as well as
      to identify regions most beneficial to the growing of this species. In this
      study, a convenient and accurate method was established using ultra high
      performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) for simultaneous determination of four
      steroid saponins (Pa, Pb, polyphyllin VI, and chonglou saponin VII). Partial
      least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) according to UHPLC and UV
      spectroscopy was applied to analyze 30 samples of PPY from three regions of
      Yunnan Province in China, and identify significant peaks. The results indicated
      that the correlation coefficients (r 2) of all calibration curves were above
      0.999, and the inter- and intra-day relative standard deviations (RSD) of
      retention time and peak areas of common peaks were below 1.78 % and 3.40 %,
      respectively, with recovery rates of 99.6-103.4 % with RSD <=2 %. Quantitative
      analysis implied that the average values of total saponins in PPY from south
      Yunnan Province (19.9 mg/g) were higher than in the central (8.79 mg/g) district.
      Thus, further investigation could focus on the southern region to seek high
      quality PPY. The analysis found that PLS-DA for ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy,
      which could separate the samples from three regions, was more appropriate than
      UHPLC. Retention times during 20-30.75 min of UHPLC, and absorption at 200-300 nm
      of the UV spectrum were identified as significant peaks for distinguishing PPY
      from different regions.

PMID- 27665610
TI  - Polymicrobial infections involving clinically relevant Gram-negative bacteria and
      fungi.
AB  - Interactions between fungi and bacteria and their relevance to human health and
      disease have recently attracted increased attention in biomedical fields.
      Emerging evidence shows that bacteria and fungi can have synergistic or
      antagonistic interactions, each with important implications for human
      colonization and disease. It is now appreciated that some of these interactions
      may be strategic and helps promote the survival of one or both microorganisms
      within the host. This review will shed light on clinically relevant interactions
      between fungi and Gram-negative bacteria. Mechanism of interaction, host immune
      responses, and preventive measures will also be reviewed.

PMID- 27665611
TI  - Evaluation of retinal ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer complex in healthy
      smokers.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of smoking on ganglion cell complex and inner
      plexiform layer (GC-IPL) thickness measured by spectral domain optical coherence
      tomography (OCT). METHODS: The right eyes of 36 smoking (study group) and 36
      never-smoking (control group) healthy subjects were included in this study. After
      full ophthalmologic examination, axial length measurement (AL), ganglion cell
      complex-inner plexiform layer (GC-IPL) thickness, retinal nerve fiber layer
      (RNFL) thickness, and central macular thickness (CMT) values were measured by
      OCT. Statistical analysis was performed to compare GC-IPL, RNFL thicknesses, and
      CMT values between groups. RESULTS: The mean age [mean +/- standard deviation
      (SD)] of 36 subjects in the study group was 26.2 +/- 6.0 years, and the mean age
      of 36 subjects in control group was 25.7 +/- 4.1 years. The mean ALs of the study
      group and the control group were 22.46 +/- 0.88 and 22.36 +/- 1.09 mm,
      respectively (p = 0.68). Mean GC-IPL thickness was 82.8 +/- 3 um in the study
      group and 84.3 +/- 3 um in the control group (p = 0.08). The mean RNFL values of
      study and control groups were 95. 8 +/- 7.9 and 97. 3 +/- 7.8 um, respectively (p
      = 0.39). The mean CMT values of study and control groups were 248.3 +/- 17.96 and
      249.5 +/- 17.18 um, respectively (p = 0.78). CONCLUSION: Smoking does not seem to
      have any effect on GC-IPL thickness, mean RNFL and CMT values. Further studies in
      larger groups are needed to reveal the effect of smoking on these parameters.

PMID- 27665612
TI  - Pseudolentogenic astigmatic effect of multifocal intraocular lenses: non-corneal
      ocular residual astigmatism (N-CORA) as a new parameter in astigmatic change
      analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study was initiated to introduce the term non-corneal ocular
      residual astigmatism (N-CORA) as a new parameter in astigmatic change analysis
      after implantation of two different types of non-toric, multifocal intraocular
      lenses (MIOL). METHODS: Seventy-two eyes from 72 consecutive patients after MIOL
      surgery were studied in terms of a retrospective, cross-sectional data analysis.
      Two types of spherical MIOL were used. Surgical technique in all patients was a
      2.4-mm incision phacoemulsification, performed by one surgeon. To investigate the
      magnitude and axis of astigmatic changes, the true corneal astigmatism and Alpins
      vector method were applied. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant
      between-group differences related to the preoperative refraction or ocular
      residual astigmatism (ORA). After surgery, the mean refractive surgically induced
      astigmatism (RSIA) and the topographic SIA (TSIA) did not differ significantly
      between the lenses. The magnitude and orientation of ORA and N-CORA changed after
      surgery. CONCLUSIONS: There are no statistically significant differences in
      postoperative ORA in magnitude or axis when implanting different types of MIOL.
      The similarity of N-CORA between both MIOL types shows that both diffractive and
      refractive asymmetric MIOLs with plate haptics have the same pseudolentogenic
      astigmatic effect which could be presented in terms of the newly introduced
      parameter N-CORA.

PMID- 27665614
TI  - Symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis differentially impact general health-related
      quality of life.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The degree to which different sinonasal symptoms contribute to the
      overall quality of life (QOL) detriment in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients
      remains unknown. In this study we sought to characterize the effect of different
      CRS symptoms on the general health-related QOL in patients. METHODOLOGY: We
      performed a prospective cross-sectional study of 131 adult patients with CRS.
      Sinonasal symptoms were evaluated using the 22-item Sinonasal Outcomes Test (SNOT
      22) and general health-related QOL was evaluated using the EuroQol 5-Dimensional
      general health-related QOL survey (EQ5D) and visual analog scale (EQ5D-VAS).
      Health utility values (HUV) were determined using responses to the EQ5D. SNOT-22
      scores were broken down into subdomain scores for sleep, nasal, otologic/facial
      pain and emotional function symptoms. RESULTS: The otologic/facial pain subdomain
      score consistently had the largest impact on EQ5D-VAS and HUV. After
      otologic/facial pain, the sleep subdomain score had the second largest effect
      while the nasal subdomain score had the least impact on general health-related
      QOL. CONCLUSIONS: Different types of CRS symptoms - most prominently
      otologic/facial pain and sleep-related symptoms - and their underlying
      pathophysiologic mechanisms may differentially affect the general health-related
      QOL detriment associated with CRS. These findings raise the possibility that
      treatment of the various symptoms associated with CRS may lead to differential
      improvement in general-health related QOL.

PMID- 27665613
TI  - The Active Space of Mexican Rice Borer Pheromone Traps.
AB  - The Mexican rice borer, Eoreuma loftini (Dyar) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is an
      invasive pest of sugarcane, Saccharum spp., rice, Oryza sativa L., and other
      graminaceous crops in the United States. Traps baited with the synthetic female
      sex pheromone of E. loftini are used for monitoring and management of this
      invasive pest. However, the active space, or radius of attraction, of these traps
      is not known. Two field experiments examined the effect of intertrap distance on
      trap captures with hexagonal arrays of traps deployed in rice stubble habitat in
      Texas (2011) and Louisiana (2013). Trap capture increased with increasing
      intertrap distance. Trap interference occurred at intertrap distances <=50 m in
      the 2011 experiment. Results from the experiment conducted in 2013 indicate that
      trap interference occurs at intertrap distances of 50 m, but not at distances
      >=100 m. These results suggest that under field conditions, E. loftini pheromone
      traps attract males from distances of 50-100 m. The active space of pheromone
      traps also was examined under controlled wind conditions by direct observation of
      male response to detection of the female sex pheromone. Eoreuma loftini males
      responded to the pheromone blend by becoming active, fanning their wings, and
      rapidly walking in circles. The mean distance from the pheromone source at which
      males responded was 47.6 m. This work provides the first documentation of active
      space for traps baited with female sex pheromone for a crambid species, and these
      data will improve pheromone trap deployment strategies for E. loftini monitoring
      and management.

PMID- 27665615
TI  - Incorporation of Viral Glycoprotein VSV-G Improves the Delivery of DNA by
      Erythrocyte Ghost into Cells Refractory to Conventional Transfection.
AB  - The objective of this study was to formulate a novel gene delivery system based
      on the erythrocyte ghost (EG) integrated with fusogenic viral glycoprotein
      vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein G (VSV-G). VSV-G proteins were harvested
      as condition medium of Ad293 cells carrying a VSV-G transgene and then
      incorporated into EG. Plasmid DNA was condensed by various transfection reagents.
      A luciferase expression construct (pGL3-control) and a DsRed expression cassette
      (pCMV-DsRed) were used to evaluate the delivery efficiency of DNA/EG/VSV-G
      complexes. VSV-G proteins could be incorporated into EG in static incubation
      under acidic conditions as evidenced by the Western blot analysis. Condensed
      plasmid DNA was bound mostly to the outer surface of EG, which could be detected
      by electromicroscopy and measured by electrophoresis. EG/VSV-G complexes
      stimulated the delivery of pGL3-control into Ad293 cells significantly with the
      luciferase activity increased about 4-fold as compared to that of the control.
      The delivery of pCMV-DsRed was also enhanced with the percentage of DsRed
      positive Ad293 cells increased from 55 % to about 80 %. Moreover, the
      transfection efficiency in 3T3, HeLa, INS-1, and bone marrow stem cell (BMSC)
      cells increased about 2-3-fold. Finally, confocal microscopy analysis showed that
      incorporation of VSV-G significantly enhanced the endocytosis of EG into target
      cells. In the present study, a novel type of non-viral DNA delivery vehicle
      consisting of EG and fusogenic VSV-G proteins was formulated, which showed
      superior transfection efficiency even in cells resistant to classical
      transfection.

PMID- 27665616
TI  - Farmers' Options to Address Water Scarcity in a Changing Climate: Case Studies
      from two Basins in Mediterranean Chile.
AB  - Irrigated agriculture in Mediterranean areas faces tremendous challenges because
      of its exposure to hydroclimatic variability, increasing competition for water
      from different sectors, and the possibility of a climatic change. In this
      context, efficient management of water resources emerges as a critical issue.
      This requires the adoption of technological innovations, investment in
      infrastructure, adequate institutional arrangements, and informed decision
      makers. To understand farmers' perceptions and their implementation of climate
      change adaptation strategies with regards to water management, primary
      information was captured in the Limari and Maule river basins in Chile. Farmers
      identified stressors for agriculture; climate change, droughts, and lack of water
      appeared as the most relevant stressors compared to others productive, economic,
      and institutional factors; revealing a rising relevance of climate related
      factors. While most producers perceived climate changes in recent years (92.9 %),
      a significant proportion (61.1 %) claim to have experienced drought, whereas only
      a fraction (31.9 %) have implemented a strategy to deal with this situation.
      Identified actions were classified in four groups: investments for water
      accumulation, modernization of irrigation systems, rationalization of water use,
      and partnership activities. Using a multinomial logit model these strategies were
      related to socioeconomic and productive characteristics. Results show that gender
      and farm size are relevant for investments, implementation and improvement of
      irrigation systems. For all the strategies described, access to weather
      information was a relevant element. The study provides empirical evidence of a
      recent increase in the importance assigned to climate factors by producers and
      adaptation options that can be supported by agricultural policy.

PMID- 27665617
TI  - Risk-Based Prioritization Method for the Classification of Groundwater Pollution
      from Hazardous Waste Landfills.
AB  - Hazardous waste landfill sites are a significant source of groundwater pollution.
      To ensure that these landfills with a significantly high risk of groundwater
      contamination are properly managed, a risk-based ranking method related to
      groundwater contamination is needed. In this research, a risk-based
      prioritization method for the classification of groundwater pollution from
      hazardous waste landfills was established. The method encompasses five phases,
      including risk pre-screening, indicator selection, characterization,
      classification and, lastly, validation. In the risk ranking index system employed
      here, 14 indicators involving hazardous waste landfills and migration in the
      vadose zone as well as aquifer were selected. The boundary of each indicator was
      determined by K-means cluster analysis and the weight of each indicator was
      calculated by principal component analysis. These methods were applied to 37
      hazardous waste landfills in China. The result showed that the risk for
      groundwater contamination from hazardous waste landfills could be ranked into
      three classes from low to high risk. In all, 62.2 % of the hazardous waste
      landfill sites were classified in the low and medium risk classes. The process
      simulation method and standardized anomalies were used to validate the result of
      risk ranking; the results were consistent with the simulated results related to
      the characteristics of contamination. The risk ranking method was feasible, valid
      and can provide reference data related to risk management for groundwater
      contamination at hazardous waste landfill sites.

PMID- 27665618
TI  - The use of blocking screws with internal lengthening nail and reverse rule of
      thumb for blocking screws in limb lengthening and deformity correction surgery.
AB  - Internal lengthening nail (ILN) is a recent development in limb lengthening and
      deformity correction specialty. The ILN has the distinct advantage of combining
      acute deformity correction with gradual lengthening of bone. While using ILN, the
      short metaphyseal bone fragment may develop a deformity at the time of osteotomy
      and nail insertion or during bone lengthening because of the wide medullary
      canal. These deformities are typically predictable, and blocking screws (Poller
      screws) are helpful in these situations. This manuscript describes the common
      deformities that occur in femur and tibia with osteotomies at different locations
      while using ILN in antegrade and retrograde nailing technique. Also, a systematic
      approach to the appropriate use of blocking screws in these deformities is
      described. In addition, the "reverse rule of thumb" is introduced as a quick
      reference to determine the ideal location(s) and number of blocking screws. These
      principles are applicable to limb lengthening and deformity correction as well as
      fracture fixation using intramedullary nails.

PMID- 27665619
TI  - Expression of Cyt-c-Mediated Mitochondrial Apoptosis-Related Proteins in Rat
      Renal Proximal Tubules during Development.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Apoptosis regulates embryogenesis, organ metamorphosis and tissue
      homeostasis. Mitochondrial signaling is an apoptotic pathway, in which Cyt-c and
      Apaf-1 are transformed into an apoptosome, which activates procaspase-9 and
      triggers apoptosis. This study evaluated Cyt-c, Apaf-1 and caspase-9 expression
      during renal development. METHODS: Kidneys from embryonic (E) 16-, 18-, and 20
      day-old fetuses and postnatal (P) 1-, 3-, 5-, 7-, 14-, and 21-day-old pups were
      obtained. Immunohistochemical analysis, dual-labeled immunofluorescence, terminal
      deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) technique
      assay and Western blot were performed in addition to histological analysis.
      RESULTS: Immunohistochemistry showed that Cyt-c was strongly expressed in
      proximal and distal tubules (DTs) at all time points. Caspase-9 and Apaf-1 were
      strongly expressed in proximal tubules (PTs) but only weakly expressed in DTs.
      Dual-labeled immunofluorescence showed that most tubules expressed both Cyt-c and
      Apaf-1, except for some tubules that only expressed Cyt-c. The TUNEL assay showed
      a greater percentage of apoptotic cells in PTs compared to DTs. Apaf-1 and
      cleaved caspase-9 protein expression gradually increased during the embryonic
      period and peaked during the early postnatal period but apparently declined from
      P7. Cyt-c protein expression was weak during the embryonic period but obviously
      increased after P1. CONCLUSION: This study showed that PTs are more sensitive to
      apoptosis than DTs during rat renal development, even though both tubule segments
      contain a large number of mitochondria. Furthermore, Cyt-c-mediated mitochondrial
      apoptosis-related proteins play an important role in PTs during the early
      postnatal kidney development.

PMID- 27665620
TI  - Cholera, 2015.

PMID- 27665621
TI  - Dentin remineralization in acid challenge environment via PAMAM and calcium
      phosphate composite.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of poly
      (amido amine) (PAMAM), composite with nanoparticles of amorphous calcium
      phosphate (NACP), and the combined PAMAM+NACP nanocomposite treatment, on
      remineralization of demineralized dentin in a cyclic artificial saliva/lactic
      acid environment for the first time. METHODS: Dentin specimens were prepared and
      demineralized with 37% phosphoric acid for 15s. Four groups were prepared: (1)
      dentin control, (2) dentin coated with PAMAM, (3) dentin with NACP composite, (4)
      dentin with PAMAM+NACP. Specimens were treated with a cyclic artificial
      saliva/lactic acid regimen for 21days. Acid neutralization and calcium (Ca) and
      phosphate (P) ion concentrations were measured. The remineralized dentin
      specimens were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and hardness
      testing. RESULTS: NACP nanocomposite had mechanical properties similar to
      commercial control composites (p>0.1). NACP composite had acid-neutralization and
      Ca and P ion release capability. PAMAM or NACP composite each alone achieved
      remineralization and increased the hardness of demineralized dentin (p<0.05).
      PAMAM+NACP nanocomposite achieved the greatest mineral regeneration in
      demineralized dentin and the greatest hardness increase in demineralized dentin,
      which approached the hardness of healthy dentin (p>0.1). SIGNIFICANCE: The
      superior remineralization efficacy of PAMAM+NACP was demonstrated for the first
      time. PAMAM+NACP induced remineralization in demineralized dentin in an acid
      challenge environment, when conventional remineralization methods such as PAMAM
      did not work well. The novel PAMAM+NACP composite approach is promising for a
      wide range of dental applications to inhibit caries and protect tooth structures.

PMID- 27665622
TI  - Impact of G12 Mutations on the Structure of K-Ras Probed by Ultraviolet
      Photodissociation Mass Spectrometry.
AB  - Single-residue mutations at Gly12 (G12X) in the GTP-ase protein K-Ras can lead to
      activation of different downstream signaling pathways, depending on the identity
      of the mutation, through a poorly defined mechanism. Herein, native mass
      spectrometry combined with top-down ultraviolet photodissociation (UVPD) was
      employed to investigate the structural changes occurring from G12X mutations of K
      Ras. Complexes between K-Ras or the G12X mutants and guanosine 5'-diphosphate
      (GDP) or GDPnP (a stable GTP analogue) were transferred to the gas phase by nano
      electrospray ionization and characterized using UVPD. Variations in the
      efficiencies of backbone cleavages were observed upon substitution of GDPnP for
      GDP as well as for the G12X mutants relative to wild-type K-Ras. An increase in
      the fragmentation efficiency in the segment containing the first 50 residues was
      observed for the K-Ras/GDPnP complexes relative to the K-Ras/GDP complexes,
      whereas a decrease in fragmentation efficiency occurred in the segment containing
      the last 100 residues. Within these general regions, the specific residues at
      which changes in fragmentation efficiency occurred correspond to the phosphate
      and guanine binding regions, respectively, and are indicative of a change in the
      binding motif upon replacement of the ligand (GDP versus GDPnP). Notably, unique
      changes in UVPD were observed for each G12X mutant with the cysteine and serine
      mutations exhibiting similar UVPD changes whereas the valine mutation was
      significantly different. These findings suggest a mechanism that links the
      identity of the G12X substitution to different downstream effects through long
      range conformational or dynamic effects as detected by variations in UVPD
      fragmentation.

PMID- 27665623
TI  - Defining the performance parameters of a rapid screening tool for myotonic
      dystrophy type 1 based on triplet-primed PCR and melt curve analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: DMPK CTG-repeat expansions that cause myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1)
      can be detected more rapidly, cost-effectively, and simply by combining triplet
      primed PCR (TP-PCR) with melting curve analysis (MCA). We undertook a detailed
      technical validation study to define the optimal operational parameters for
      performing bidirectional TP-PCR MCA assays. METHODS: We determined the assays'
      analytic specificity and sensitivity, assessed the effect of reaction volumes,
      DNA diluents, and common contaminants on melt peak temperature, determined the
      assays' sensitivity in detecting low-level mosaicism for repeat expansion, and
      evaluated their performance on two real-time PCR platforms. RESULTS: Both assays
      were highly specific and sensitive, and performed optimally under a broad range
      of parameters. Bidirectional TP-PCR MCA analysis also reduces the risk of
      generating false-negative results associated with the rare CCG-interruptions that
      may be present at either end of expanded alleles. CONCLUSION: The DMPK TP-PCR MCA
      is a highly specific, sensitive, and significantly cost-saving screening tool for
      DM1.

PMID- 27665626
TI  - ?
AB  - A medical team was on hand to care for world leaders during the G7 talks at
      Lancaster House last week. From left to right are: Gillian Spencer, Esmee
      Wakefield, Doctor Christine Lacy, Nursing Officer Andreas Kirkis and Matthew
      England.

PMID- 27665625
TI  - Educating trainers.
AB  - I once heard a conference speaker argue effectively against the use of the word
      'train' in regard to nurse education. To train someone, she said, meant to pull,
      like dragging the unwilling through hoops to prove they had accomplished a
      particular task or set of tasks. Education, on the other hand, is about nurturing
      the student. It implies an ethos of learning, creativity and self- motivation.
      That's how nurses are prepared to take on their role in society.

PMID- 27665624
TI  - Th3[Th6(OH)4O4(H2O)6](SO4)12(H2O)13: A Self-Assembled Microporous Open-Framework
      Thorium Sulfate.
AB  - A neutral-framework thorium oxohydroxosulfate hydrate has been isolated from
      aqueous solution. This microporous structure, which self-assembles without a
      templating agent, is built from [Th6(OH)4O4(H2O)6]12+ hexamers and thorium(IV)
      monomers linked through bridging sulfates. Solution conditions were chosen to
      enable an active competition between sulfate and hydroxide for thorium
      coordination. Synthetic requirements are discussed for this rare example of a
      thorium(IV) polynuclear complex containing mixed oxo-, hydroxo-, and sulfato
      bridging moieties.

PMID- 27665628
TI  - UKCC to press ahead with its proposals.
AB  - The UKCC is to press ahead with its Post-registration Education and Practice
      (PREP) proposals after receiving overwhelming support from nurses in the public
      consultation.

PMID- 27665627
TI  - RCM conference.
AB  - Midwives do not need a separate Act to give them control of their own profession,
      the Commission on Midwifery Legislation, set up by the Royal College of Midwives
      last year, has concluded.

PMID- 27665629
TI  - Personnel Director gets greater powers.
AB  - The NHS Director of Personnel will have much greater responsibility for the
      management of nurse education under the Department of Health's new structure.

PMID- 27665630
TI  - ?
AB  - A blow for nursing: Royal College of Nursing General Secretary Christine Hancock,
      left, and President June Clark, blow out the candles on a seventy-fifth
      anniversary cake at the College's summer reception last week.

PMID- 27665631
TI  - Protecting educators who teach outside NHS.
AB  - The RCN may have to look for joint- membership agreements with other
      organisations to protect nurse educators moving from NHS colleges into local
      authority institutions, Council members were told last week.

PMID- 27665633
TI  - St Mary's Hospital.
AB  - Staff at St Mary's Hospital, Paddington, have voted against becoming an NHS
      Trust.

PMID- 27665632
TI  - Workforce planning for mental handicap nurses.
AB  - The UK's four chief nursing officers should carry out workforce planning
      exercises to identify the number of mental handicap nurses likely to be needed
      over the next ten years, according to a new report published last week.

PMID- 27665634
TI  - Appointment.
AB  - Judith Hill has been appointed Regional Nursing Director for Wessex. Ms Hill, who
      has been acting director since Jean Jarvis left in March, was previously regional
      nurse for clinical research and development.

PMID- 27665636
TI  - ?
AB  - Essex man: Singer David Essex opened the summer fete at the West Poplars elderly
      care unit in West London.

PMID- 27665637
TI  - Report predicts tough competition for patients.
AB  - Planning of health care in London following the second wave of hospital opt-outs
      in April 1992 will become a 'sick joke', with thousands of front-line jobs lost
      and health managers 'slugging it out' for each cash-backed patient, says a new
      report from the health union COHSE.

PMID- 27665638
TI  - New group for neurological patients at home.
AB  - People with chronic neurological illnesses who are being cared for at home could
      benefit from the new Continuing Care at Home Association (CONCAH) launched
      recently at the Kings' Fund, the organisers believe. The multidisciplinary group
      aims to improve community services for people with conditions such as Parkinson's
      disease or multiple sclerosis.

PMID- 27665640
TI  - ?
AB  - Midwife Isha Da Ramy-Kabia from Sierra Leone was presented with a land Rover by
      Scottish Health Minister Michael Forsyth in Edinburgh.

PMID- 27665639
TI  - First development unit to be set up in Scotland.
AB  - The UK's first midwifery development unit is to be set up in Scotland to promote
      excellence in practice, Scottish Health Minister Michael Forsyth announced at the
      Royal College of Midwives' annual conference.

PMID- 27665641
TI  - 'No proper consultation on educational changes'.
AB  - Midwives are up in arms against the English National Board's decision to replace
      specialist education officers with generalists.

PMID- 27665643
TI  - Sexuality in older people is overlooked in care.
AB  - Sexuality in older people is always overlooked when compiling care plans and
      nurses tend to deal with the issue extremely badly, Alex Henderson, locality
      manager with Hull Health Authority told psychiatric nurses last week.

PMID- 27665642
TI  - Parliament.
AB  - A Government-commissioned inquiry has found nurses are generally better trained
      than doctors for dealing with continence services.

PMID- 27665644
TI  - ?
AB  - The first Alun Islwyn Giles memorial nursing scholarship awards were presented to
      nine successful candidates at the Royal College of Nursing Welsh Board in Cardiff
      recently. Pictured left to right are: Board Secretary Anne Pegington; Robina
      Crocker; Eleri Wyn Williams; Kate Owens: Corinth Giles; Rosalind Shepherd; Alison
      Phillips; Angela McMellon and Board Chair Megan Edwards.

PMID- 27665647
TI  - Methods of dealing with ingested coins.
AB  - There is a lack of consensus on the management of swallowed coins in children but
      doctors from Birmingham and London suggest two techniques which might be useful
      in dislodging them from the mid and lower oesophagus.

PMID- 27665646
TI  - World news.
AB  - Europe Health reforms aimed at cutting costs are being introduced across Europe,
      a meeting organised by the European Health Policy Forum heard recently. Health
      professionals complain that there is little evidence to suggest the reforms will
      improve standards of care.

PMID- 27665648
TI  - Operating on legs in virtual reality.
AB  - Future surgeons may be able to practise leg operations without cutting into
      anything, thanks to an American invention.

PMID- 27665649
TI  - Salmonella enteritis, pancreatitis linked.
AB  - Patients with upper abdominal pain in salmonella enteritis should be investigated
      for concomitant pancreatitis, and in those with high amylase levels and
      diarrhoea, salmonella should be considered as a possible explanation.

PMID- 27665650
TI  - HIV tests may result in denial of treatment.
AB  - Perceived HIV status of infants may influence decisions on the treatment of
      unrelated conditions.

PMID- 27665652
TI  - Dynamics of change.
AB  - In June 1989 I moved to East Anglia to take up post as regional nurse with
      special responsibility for quality assurance, nursing standards and research
      after some years in post-basic education. At the time it seemed that nationally,
      the words 'standards' and 'quality' engendered negative feelings ranging from
      apathy to hostility among professional and support staff ( 1 ).

PMID- 27665651
TI  - Klebsiella-resisting cephalosporins.
AB  - The incidence of enterobacteriaceae with resistance to third generation
      cephalosporins may be underestimated, researchers say.

PMID- 27665653
TI  - Casualty in action.
AB  - No hospital drama has ever been complete without doctors playing centre stage.
      We've had Flying Doctors and Young Doctors, and Dr Kildare, not to mention
      numerous Carry on Doctors. Then came Angels, the drama series that put the
      spotlight firmly on nurses - unfortunately!

PMID- 27665654
TI  - Entering junior doctors' duties.
AB  - We take great pleasure in responding to Janice Devine's article on the
      opportunities afforded by the reduction in junior doctors' hours in the Points of
      View section (Nursing Standard July 10).

PMID- 27665655
TI  - Not stranded on the breach.
AB  - I was interested to read the article 'Nursing standards stranded' by Annie
      Chellel (Nursing Standard July 3). She aired many on the issues that standards
      have raised for nurses, but perhaps did not explain how the difficulties which
      standards might present could be turned into challenges and even opportunities.

PMID- 27665656
TI  - Information exchange.
AB  - The Royal College of Nursing has established a group to look at standards,
      nutrition and the older adult. The aim of the group is to devise national
      guidelines by a process of analysis and consensus in which standards set locally
      are compared with those written by the expert group.

PMID- 27665657
TI  - Ian Mansfield: loyal service.
AB  - Ian Mansfield, District Continence Adviser at Trafford Health Authority, died on
      23 June 1991 in Hope Hospital, Salford.

PMID- 27665658
TI  - Wobbly status upsets levels.
AB  - With regard to Trevor Clay's suggestion about promoting second-level nurses to
      division one (Nursing Standard June 26). And why not?

PMID- 27665659
TI  - Keeping our own counsel.
AB  - With reference to the Grantham enquiry (Nursing Standard News, July 10) I applaud
      the Royal College of Nursing's efforts to provide counselling services for the
      nursing staff during the present difficulties.

PMID- 27665660
TI  - Points of View.
AB  - It has come to my attention that various departments are sending out memos to
      charge nurses starting off 'It has come to my attention that ...' and going on to
      detail some deficiency in nurses in complying with their systems.

PMID- 27665661
TI  - The elements of nursing, 3rd edition N Roper W Logan A Tierney Churchill
      Livingstone 362pp L15.95 0-443-03950-X [Formula: see text].
AB  - Now in its third edition, the popular 'Roper, Logan & Tierney' can still be
      recommended to students pursuing studies for Part One of the Register. In both
      presentation and style, it's easy to read and has a logical pattern. Clearly, the
      authors know their audience exceptionally well.

PMID- 27665662
TI  - Vasectomy and Sterilization S Hayrnan Thorsons 106pp L3.99 0-7225-1654-1
      [Formula: see text].
AB  - The operation for sterilisation carries little physical or mental risk, but later
      regret at having taken that step can be devastating. Most important about using
      that method of contraception is making the decision in the first place; Suzie
      Hayman's aim is to provide information and stimulus for thought and discussion
      for people considering it. She writes specifically for the 'consumer'.

PMID- 27665665
TI  - Listings.

PMID- 27665664
TI  - Going for the juggler.
AB  - I am amused by the often-recited action plan, 'I'll stay at home while the kids
      are small but will return to nursing when they are settled at school.'

PMID- 27665667
TI  - Removal notice to "Sustained-release naltrexone for opioid dependence: A cochrane
      review and meta-analysis" [Drug Alcohol Depend. 146 (2015) e165-e166].

PMID- 27665666
TI  - Report on the 17th Annual Land O'Lakes Bioanalytical Conference.
AB  - 17th Annual Land O'Lakes Bioanalytical Conference, Madison, WI, USA, 11-14 July
      2016 The 17th Annual Land O'Lakes Bioanalytical Conference, titled 'Biomarker
      Validation, Stability, and Regulatory Concerns', was held on 11-14 July 2016
      (Monday through Thursday) in Madison, WI, USA. The Land O'Lakes Conference is
      presented each year by the Division of Pharmacy Professional Development within
      the School of Pharmacy at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (USA). The purpose
      of this 3-day conference is to provide an educational forum to discuss issues and
      applications associated with the analysis of xenobiotics, metabolites, biologics
      and biomarkers in biological matrices. The conference is designed to include and
      encourage an open exchange of scientific and methodological applications for
      bioanalysis. To increase the interactive nature of the conference, the program is
      a mixture of lectures, interactive discussions and a poster session. This report
      summarizes the presentations at the 17th Annual Conference.

PMID- 27665668
TI  - Clinical Utility of the Envelope Task in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Prospective memory (PM) is a cognitive function defined as the ability
      to perform an intention at an appropriate moment in the future. In the aging
      population, PM is essential for maintaining independent daily living. Introduced
      as a simple and quick way to assess PM in clinical settings, the envelope task
      has to date received very limited empirical and practical interest. METHODS: The
      present study investigated the task's clinical utility in detecting PM impairment
      in a sample composed of 49 healthy older adults (OA), 41 patients with
      Alzheimer's disease, and 64 individuals with amnestic and nonamnestic mild
      cognitive impairment (MCI) of heterogeneous etiology: 17 of idiopathic nature, 20
      presenting an idiopathic rapid-eye movement sleep behaviour disorder, and 27
      patients diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson's disease. RESULTS: The envelope
      task was highly sensitive and specific in discriminating Alzheimer's disease
      patients from OA. Although it was specific in distinguishing MCI individuals from
      OA, its sensitivity was modest, especially in patients presenting a nonamnestic
      MCI subtype. CONCLUSIONS: Given its high specificity and simple low-cost
      administration procedure, the envelope task is a promising instrument for
      clinicians who seek to rapidly assess PM impairment in their daily practice.

PMID- 27665669
TI  - Twelve tips for applying the science of learning to health professions education.
AB  - Findings from the science of learning have clear implications for those
      responsible for teaching and curricular design. However, this data has been
      historically siloed from educators in practice, including those in health
      professions education. In this article, we aim to bring practical tips from the
      science of learning to health professions educators. We have chosen to organize
      the tips into six themes, highlighting strategies for 1) improving the processing
      of information, 2) promoting effortful learning for greater retention of
      knowledge over time, 3) applying learned information to new and varied contexts,
      4) promoting the development of expertise, 5) harnessing the power of emotion for
      learning, and 6) teaching and learning in social contexts. We conclude with the
      importance of attending to metacognition in our learners and ourselves. Health
      professions education can be strengthened by incorporating these evidence-based
      techniques.

PMID- 27665670
TI  - Do we need [more] clinical trials in Transfusion Medicine and Hemotherapy?
AB  - This essay introduces a new series of papers to appear in Transfusion and
      Apheresis Sciences, to follow up clinical trials in the field of hemotherapy and
      transfusion medicine. This first paper stresses the weakness of such trials but
      also how difficult it is or may be to initiate clinical trials in this specialty.

PMID- 27665671
TI  - An exploratory study of barriers to inclusion in the European workplace.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The European Disability Strategy (2010-2020) seeks to significantly
      raise the proportion of people with disabilities working in the open labour
      market. The ERGO WORK project is a collaboration of academic and industrial
      partners in six European countries, focused on understanding and tackling
      barriers to workplace inclusion for workers with disabilities. METHODS: This
      study sought to explore the perceptions and needs of stakeholders in terms of
      workplace adaptation to the needs of employees with disabilities. An exploratory
      online survey was completed by 480 participants across six countries. RESULTS:
      The analysis suggests that workplaces could be further improved to meet the needs
      of employees with considerable scope for training within companies to raise
      awareness about employees' needs, employers' obligations and workplace
      adaptation. CONCLUSIONS: This snapshot suggests there is still a gap between
      intent and reality in workplace inclusion and further strategies are needed to
      improve the opportunities for employees with disabilities. The paper argues that
      ergonomics may have a key role to play in tackling these challenges and adapting
      the workplace environment and job design to suit the needs of individual
      employees. Implications for rehabilitation This study suggests there is
      considerable scope for workplace adaptation and improvements to meet the needs of
      employees with disabilities. Employers need and want further specialist
      practitioner guidance to facilitate workplace inclusion and support adaptation to
      individual needs. Organisations would benefit from training to raise awareness
      about potential solutions and approaches that would support more widespread
      employment of people with disabilities.

PMID- 27665672
TI  - Introduction of novel alpha1-hemoglobin gene mutation with transfusion-dependent
      phenotype.
AB  - OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Thalassemia is the most frequently monogenetic
      disorders around the world that is inherited as a recessive single-gene disease,
      resulting from mutations in alpha- or beta-globin gene clusters. The aim of this
      report was to present a new insertional mutation in the alpha1 globin gene which
      causes transfusion-dependent anemia in alpha-thalassemic patients. CLINICAL
      PRESENTATION: Two 5-year-old girls with blood transfusion-dependent alpha
      thalassemia anemia and another girl with moderate alpha-thalassemia have been
      presented among patients who have been referred to Hematology and Thalassemia
      Research Center, Dastgheib Hospital, Shiraz, Iran. They were not relatives. All
      children were stunted and pale; they were put on regular blood transfusion every
      14-21 days. INTERVENTION: Sequencing of the beta-globin gene was normal in all
      cases and their parents; but, alpha-globin gene sequencing results were
      remarkable. An insertion of 21 base pairs (IVS II+3ins
      (+21nt)(+GACCCGGTCAACTTCAAGGTG) in the alpha1-globin gene was detected in all
      three cases and one of their parents. In two cases, this insertion was
      accompanied by MED deletion and in one child by POLY A1 mutation. MED deletion
      was detected by gap-PCR. CONCLUSION: This new 21 base pair insertion cannot
      affect blood parameters on its own, but can present as continuous blood
      transfusion-dependent alpha-thalassemia. Thus, it is important to take this point
      into account for detecting the carriers, like beta-thalassemia carriers, which
      can present as transfusion-dependent children in parents with alpha-thalassemia
      trait.

PMID- 27665673
TI  - Impact of Reconstruction Algorithms and Gender-Associated Anatomy on Coronary
      Calcium Scoring with CT: An Anthropomorphic Phantom Study.
AB  - RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Different computed tomography imaging protocols and
      patient characteristics can impact the accuracy and precision of the calcium
      score and may lead to inconsistent patient treatment recommendations. The aim of
      this work was to determine the impact of reconstruction algorithm and gender
      characteristics on coronary artery calcium scoring based on a phantom study using
      computed tomography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four synthetic heart vessels with
      vessel diameters corresponding to female and male left main and left circumflex
      arteries containing calcification-mimicking materials (200-1000 HU) were inserted
      into a thorax phantom and were scanned with and without female breast plates
      (male and female phantoms, respectively). Ten scans were acquired and were
      reconstructed at 3-mm slices using filtered-back projection (FBP) and iterative
      reconstruction with medium and strong denoising (IR3 and IR5) algorithms.
      Agatston and calcium volume scores were estimated for each vessel. Calcium scores
      for each vessel and the total calcium score (summation of all four vessels) were
      compared between the two phantoms to quantify the impact of the breast plates and
      reconstruction parameters. Calcium scores were also compared among vessels of
      different diameters to investigate the impact of the vessel size. RESULTS: The
      calcium scores were significantly larger for FBP reconstruction (FBP > IR3>IR5).
      Agatston scores (calcium volume score) for vessels in the male phantom scans were
      on average 4.8% (2.9%), 8.2% (7.1%), and 10.5% (9.4%) higher compared to those in
      the female phantom with FBP, IR3, and IR5, respectively, when exposure was
      conserved across phantoms. The total calcium scores from the male phantom were
      significantly larger than those from the female phantom (P <0.05). In general,
      calcium volume scores were underestimated (up to about 50%) for smaller vessels,
      especially when scanned in the female phantom. CONCLUSIONS: Calcium scores
      significantly decreased with iterative reconstruction and tended to be
      underestimated for female anatomy (smaller vessels and presence of breast
      plates).

PMID- 27665674
TI  - Antidiabetic activity of Chandraprabha vati - A classical Ayurvedic formulation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chandraprabha vati is a classical Ayurvedic formulation, markedly
      used for mitigation of Prameha, which correlates in many ways with obesity,
      metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus. OBJECTIVE: The present study was aimed
      to investigate effect of Chandraprabha vati in experimentally-induced
      hyperglycemia and lipid profile alterations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Antidiabetic
      effect of Chandraprabha vati was studied in fifty five Wistar rats. Graded doses
      of Chandraprabha vati (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) were administered orally for 7 days
      to normal and alloxan-hyperglycemic rats (65 mg/kg, intravenously), and to
      glucose loaded normal rats for oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Fasting plasma
      glucose levels were assessed on different time intervals along with plasma
      cholesterol and triglycerides. Metformin (500 mg/kg, orally) was used as standard
      drug. RESULTS: Chandraprabha vati did not cause any significant reduction in
      plasma glucose levels of normal rats (p > 0.05) but normalized the impaired
      glucose tolerance at 60 and 120 min (p < 0.05-p < 0.001) in OGTT when compared to
      vehicle control. In alloxan-hyperglycemic rats, administration of Chandraprabha
      vati (200 mg/kg) significantly reduced plasma glucose at 3 h, 12 h, 3rd day and
      7th day (p < 0.01-p < 0.001) along with reduction in cholesterol and
      triglycerides levels (p < 0.01-p < 0.001) when compared to diabetic control
      group. The effects were comparable with metformin. CONCLUSIONS: Chandraprabha
      vati exhibited anti-hyperglycemic effect and attenuated alterations in lipid
      profile. The results support the use of Chandraprabha vati for correction of
      Prameha in clinical practice.

PMID- 27665675
TI  - Corrigendum to "A randomized trial of intensive outpatient (IOP) vs. standard
      outpatient (OP) buprenorphine treatment for African Americans" [Drug Alcohol
      Depend. 128 (2013) 222-229].

PMID- 27665676
TI  - A cross-sectional observation on habitual non-alcoholic beverage consumption
      among adolescents from four Irish post-primary schools.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: No up-to-date data on the dietary intake of Irish adolescents are
      available. The aim of the present pilot study was to obtain and compare cross
      sectional information on habitual adolescent beverage consumption between four
      distinct post-primary schools in the Republic of Ireland, in 2014-2015. DESIGN: A
      cross-sectional observation study. A beverage consumption questionnaire was used
      to obtain data on beverage intake and influences on consumption. SETTING: Four
      post-primary mixed-sex schools in Ireland representing the following school
      classifications were selected for the study: urban fee-paying, urban
      disadvantaged, rural fee-paying and rural disadvantaged. SUBJECTS: Students (n
      761) aged 12-18 years. RESULTS: Data were analysed by Kruskal-Wallis (non
      parametric) ANOVA to compare the distribution of beverage consumption across the
      schools. Water was the most highly consumed beverage among students from all four
      schools (median 1425 ml/d). Students from urban and rural disadvantaged schools
      reported a significantly higher volume of carbonated beverage intake than
      students from fee-paying schools. Students from an urban disadvantaged school
      also reported a significantly higher volume of carbonated beverage and energy
      drink intake compared with the other three schools. Students from an urban fee
      paying school reported the highest consumption of water, while rural
      disadvantaged school students were the biggest consumers of tea and milk.
      CONCLUSIONS: Significant differences in beverage consumption (ml/d) were reported
      by adolescents from four schools in Ireland. Surveillance on current beverage
      consumption trends among adolescents is vital to guide policies and
      interventions, and for appropriate targeting of resources.

PMID- 27665678
TI  - Intrinsic protein fluorescence assays for GEF, GAP and post-translational
      modifications of small GTPases.
AB  - Evidence and arguments are summarized that suggest that intrinsic (tryptophan)
      protein fluorescence provides an excellent and convenient signal for monitoring
      both GEF (guanine nucleotide exchange factor) and GAP (GTPase activating protein)
      activity of a large number of small GTPases. In addition, post-translational
      modifications of Rab proteins occurring in a region known to be a hot spot for
      such modifications also lead to fluorescence changes that can be accurately
      monitored in a time-dependent manner. It is suggested that intrinsic fluorescence
      should be the first method chosen for monitoring such reactions of tryptophan
      containing small GTPases.

PMID- 27665677
TI  - Metabolic tracing of monoacylglycerol acyltransferase-2 activity in vitro and in
      vivo.
AB  - Monoacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 (MGAT2) catalyzes the synthesis of
      diacylglycerol (DAG) from free fatty acids (FFA) and sn-monoacylglycerol (MG),
      the two major hydrolysis products of dietary fat. To demonstrate MGAT2-mediated
      cellular activity of triglyceride (TG) synthesis, we utilized 1-oleoyl-glycerol
      d5 as a substrate to trace MGAT2-driven 1-oleoyl-glycerol-d5 incorporation into
      TG in HEK293 cells stably expressing human MGAT2. The oleoyl-glycerol-d5
      incorporated major TG species were then quantified by liquid chromatography
      electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI/MS/MS) in a 96-well
      format. Conventional MGAT2 target-engagement in vivo assays measure the elevation
      of total plasma TG by orally dosing a bolus of TG oil. We developed a novel
      LC/ESI/MS/MS-based fat absorption assay to assess the ability of MGAT2 inhibitors
      to inhibit fat absorption in CD1 mice by a meal tolerance test consisting of a
      mixture of liquid Boost plus(r) and 0.59 g/kg U13C-TG oil. The newly
      resynthesized plasma heavy TGs containing three 13C in the glycerol backbone and
      two U13C-acyl-chains, which represented the digested, absorbed and resynthesized
      TGs, were then quantitated by LC/ESI/MS/MS. With this assay, we identified a
      potent MGAT2 inhibitor that blocked MGAT2-mediated activity in vitro and in vivo.
      The use of 1-oleoyl-glycerol-d5 and U13C-TG oil followed by LC/ESI/MS/MS
      detection of stable-isotopic labeled DAG, TG, or glycerol provides a wide range
      of applications to study pathophysiological regulation of the monoacylglycerol
      pathway and MGAT2 activity.

PMID- 27665679
TI  - Hyperpolarized MRS: New tool to study real-time brain function and metabolism.
AB  - The advent of dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) led to the emergence
      of a new kind of magnetic resonance (MR) measurements providing the opportunity
      to probe metabolism in vivo in real time. It has been shown that, following the
      injection of hyperpolarized substrates prepared using dissolution DNP, specific
      metabolic bioprobes that can be used to differentiate between healthy and
      pathological tissue in preclinical and clinical studies can be readily detected
      by MR thanks to the tremendous signal enhancement. The present article aims at
      reviewing the studies of cerebral function and metabolism based on the use of
      hyperpolarized MR. The constraints and future opportunities that this technology
      could offer are discussed.

PMID- 27665680
TI  - A switching control law approach for cancer immunotherapy of an evolutionary
      tumor growth model.
AB  - We propose a new approach for tumor immunotherapy which is based on a switching
      control strategy defined on domains of attraction of equilibria of interest. For
      this, we consider a recently derived model which captures the effects of the
      tumor cells on the immune system and viceversa, through predator-prey competition
      terms. Additionally, it incorporates the immune system's mechanism for producing
      hunting immune cells, which makes the model suitable for immunotherapy strategies
      analysis and design. For computing domains of attraction for the tumor nonlinear
      dynamics, and thus, for deriving immunotherapeutic strategies we employ rational
      Lyapunov functions. Finally, we apply the switching control strategy to
      destabilize an invasive tumor equilibrium and steer the system trajectories to
      tumor dormancy.

PMID- 27665682
TI  - The biosynthesis of brassicicolin A in the phytopathogen Alternaria brassicicola.
AB  - Alternaria brassicicola (Schwein.) Wiltshire is a phytopathogenic fungus that
      together with A. brassicae causes Alternaria black spot disease in Brassica
      species. Brassicicolin A is the major host-selective phytotoxin produced in
      cultures of A. brassicicola. Biosynthetic studies to establish the metabolic
      precursors of brassicicolin A were carried out with isotopically labeled
      compounds. Incorporation of D-[13C6]glucose, L-[15N]valine, or L-[2H8]valine into
      brassicicolin A was established using 1H, 13C, 15N NMR and INADEQUATE
      spectroscopy and HPLC-ESI-MS spectrometry. Based on analyses of the spectroscopic
      data, the labeling patterns of brassicicolin A isolated from cultures incubated
      with the labeled precursors are found to be consistent with both the glycolytic
      and the valine pathways. That is, the carbons of mannitol and acetyl units and
      the isocyanide carbon atoms are derived from D-[13C6]glucose whereas the
      hydroxyisopentanoyl and isocyanoisopentanoyl units are derived from L-valine,
      including the nitrogen atoms of both isocyanide groups.

PMID- 27665681
TI  - Modeling antimicrobial tolerance and treatment of heterogeneous biofilms.
AB  - A multiphasic, hydrodynamic model for spatially heterogeneous biofilms based on
      the phase field formulation is developed and applied to analyze antimicrobial
      tolerance of biofilms by acknowledging the existence of persistent and
      susceptible cells in the total population of bacteria. The model implements a new
      conversion rate between persistent and susceptible cells and its homogeneous
      dynamics is bench-marked against a known experiment quantitatively. It is then
      discretized and solved on graphic processing units (GPUs) in 3-D space and time.
      With the model, biofilm development and antimicrobial treatment of biofilms in a
      flow cell are investigated numerically. Model predictions agree qualitatively
      well with available experimental observations. Specifically, numerical results
      demonstrate that: (i) in a flow cell, nutrient, diffused in solvent and
      transported by hydrodynamics, has an apparent impact on persister formation,
      thereby antimicrobial persistence of biofilms; (ii) dosing antimicrobial agents
      inside biofilms is more effective than dosing through diffusion in solvent; (iii)
      periodic dosing is less effective in antimicrobial treatment of biofilms in a
      nutrient deficient environment than in a nutrient sufficient environment. This
      model provides us with a simulation tool to analyze mechanisms of biofilm
      tolerance to antimicrobial agents and to derive potentially optimal dosing
      strategies for biofilm control and treatment.

PMID- 27665683
TI  - Corrigendum to "Design of the NIDA clinical trials network validation study of
      tobacco, alcohol, prescription medications, and substance use/misuse (TAPS) tool"
      [Contemporary Clinical Trials. 2016 Jul. 19; 50: 90-97].

PMID- 27665684
TI  - Cerebellar volume change in response to electroconvulsive therapy in patients
      with major depression.
AB  - Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is remarkably effective in severe major
      depressive disorder (MDD). Growing evidence has accumulated for brain structural
      and functional changes in response to ECT, primarily within cortico-limbic
      regions that have been considered in current neurobiological models of MDD.
      Despite increasing evidence for important cerebellar contributions to affective,
      cognitive and attentional processes, investigations on cerebellar effects of ECT
      in depression are yet lacking. In this study, using cerebellum-optimized voxel
      based analysis methods, we investigated cerebellar volume in 12 MDD patients who
      received right-sided unilateral ECT. 16 healthy controls (HC) were included.
      Structural MRI data was acquired before and after ECT and controls were scanned
      once. Baseline structural differences in MDD compared to HC were located within
      the "cognitive cerebellum" and remained unchanged with intervention. ECT led to
      gray matter volume increase of left cerebellar area VIIa crus I, a region
      ascribed to the "affective/limbic cerebellum". The effects of ECT on cerebellar
      structure correlated with overall symptom relief. These findings provide
      preliminary evidence that structural change of the cerebellum in response to ECT
      may be related to the treatment's antidepressant effects.

PMID- 27665685
TI  - Association of HMGB1 Gene Polymorphisms with Risk of Colorectal Cancer in a
      Chinese Population.
AB  - BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related
      deaths worldwide. More advanced work is required in the detection of biomarkers
      for CRC susceptibility and prognosis. High-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) is an
      angiogenesis-related gene reported to be associated with the development of CRC.
      The direct evidence of HMGB1 gene polymorphisms as biomarkers for CRC has not
      been reported previously. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 240 CRC patients and
      480 healthy controls were periodically enrolled. DNA was extracted from blood
      specimens. The distributions of SNPs of HMGB1 were determined by using the
      polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP)
      assay. RESULTS In this case-control study, we observed a significant association
      between overall CRC risk and SNP rs2249825 (CG vs. CC and GG vs. CC).
      Participants carrying both rs2249825 CG (OR, 2.67; 95% CI, 1.89 to 3.78) and
      rs2249825 GG genotypes (OR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.13 to 4.73) had a significantly
      increased risk of developing CRC compared to those carrying GG genotype.
      rs2249825 was associated with the risk of CRC in the dominant model but not in
      the recessive model. However, we found no significant differences in the
      rs1412125 or rs1045411 polymorphisms in the HMGB1. Advanced analyses showed that
      the number of rs2249825 G alleles showed a significant relationship with risk of
      CRC. CONCLUSIONS Our results show an association between HMGB1 rs2249825 SNP and
      CRC incidence in the Chinese Han population. However, population-based studies
      with more subjects and prognostic effects are needed to verify the association of
      HMGB1 SNPs with CRC susceptibility, severity, and long-term prognosis.

PMID- 27665686
TI  - 16th International Medical Geography Symposium special collection: A current
      snapshot of health geography.

PMID- 27665687
TI  - [Drugs news].

PMID- 27665689
TI  - Commentary on 'Ordering, metastability and phase transitions in two-dimensional
      systems' J M Kosterlitz and D J Thouless (1973 J. Phys. C: Solid State Phys. 6
      1181-203)-the early basis of the successful Kosterlitz-Thouless theory.

PMID- 27665688
TI  - Local allergic rhinitis.

PMID- 27665691
TI  - Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Microorganisms Isolated from Periapical
      Periodontitis Lesions.
AB  - Periapical periodontitis usually results from microbial infection, with these
      microorganisms occasionally migrating to the root canal, which can lead to
      further, potentially life-threatening, complications. Here, the susceptibility of
      27 bacterial strains to various antimicrobial agents was evaluated. These strains
      comprised 13 species; 16 of the strains were clinical isolates from periapical
      lesions. Each strain was inoculated onto blood agar plates containing one of the
      antimicrobial agents. The plates were incubated anaerobically at 37 degrees C for
      96 hr and the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) determined. Ten strains
      required an MIC of 32 MUg/ml or greater for amoxicillin, 6 for cefmetazole, and 5
      for cefcapene among beta-lactam antibiotics; 8 strains required an MIC of 32
      MUg/ml or greater for clindamycin, 4 for azithromycin, and 11 for clarithromycin
      among macrolide antibiotics; 3 strains required an MIC of 32 MUg/ml or greater
      for ciprofloxacin and 2 for ofloxacin among fluoroquinolones. The effect of
      cefcapene on 5 strains was evaluated after biofilm formation to investigate the
      relationship between biofilm formation and susceptibility. All strains showed a
      decrease in susceptibility after biofilm formation. The results revealed that
      several antimicrobial agents commonly used in a clinical setting, including
      amoxicillin, cefmetazole, and clindamycin, are potentially effective in the
      treatment of orofacial odontogenic infections. The development of resistant
      strains, however, means that this can no longer be guaranteed. In addition,
      azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, and ofloxacin were more effective than the 3 beta
      lactam antibiotics tested. These results suggest that sensitivity testing is
      needed if odontogenic infections are to be treated safely and effectively. 

PMID- 27665690
TI  - Lymphangiogenesis and NOS Localization in Healing Process after Tooth Extraction
      in Akita Mouse.
AB  - Type I diabetes, an autoimmune disease, induces insulin deficiency, which then
      disrupts vascular endothelial cell function, affecting blood and lymphatic
      vessels. Nitric oxide (NO) is an immune-induced destructive mediator in type I
      diabetes, and inhibition of its production promotes arteriosclerosis. In this
      study, lymphangiogenesis and expression of NO synthase (NOS) during the healing
      process after tooth extraction were investigated immunohistochemically in control
      (C57BL) and Akita mice as a diabetes model. Between 1, 4, and 10 days after
      extraction, expression of NOS, vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C),
      VEGF receptor-3 (VEGFR-3), and von Willebrand factor was strongest during the
      granulation tissue phase. This suggests that severe inflammation triggers
      regulation of NOS and these other angiogenic and lymphangiogenic factors. During
      the callus phase, a few days after extraction, induced osteoblasts were positive
      for VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 in both the control and Akita mice, suggesting that bone
      formation is active in this period. Bone formation in the Akita group exceeded
      that in the controls. Bone tissue formation was disrupted under hyperglycemic
      conditions, however, suggesting that such activity would be insufficient to
      produce new bone. 

PMID- 27665692
TI  - Influence of Lifestyle Factors on Risk of Dental Caries among Children Living in
      Urban China.
AB  - The prevalence of dental caries has been decreasing among kindergarten children
      in Shanghai, China, over recent years, although it still remains at an
      unacceptably high level. The purpose of this study was to identify which factors
      were important in providing oral health guidance and achieving further
      improvement in the oral health status of kindergarten children in urban China. A
      survey was conducted on dental caries in 128 Japanese and 368 Chinese
      kindergarten children and a questionnaire given to their parents/guardians on
      each child's lifestyle and dietary habits from birth to the present. Correlations
      between responses to each questionnaire item and the status of dental caries were
      statistically analyzed. The dft index score (p=0.0016), prevalence of dental
      caries (p=0.0002), and percentages of children with decayed (untreated caries
      affected) teeth (p<0.0001) were significantly higher in the Chinese than in the
      Japanese children. Many differences were observed in lifestyle factors between
      the two groups. The percentage of parents failing to control the child's snacking
      habits between meals was higher in China, and weaning was significantly delayed
      in China compared with in Japan. These lifestyle factors were considered to be
      associated closely with the high risk of dental caries in Chinese kindergarten
      children. These findings indicate that oral health guidance for kindergarten
      children in Shanghai, China, should focus on control of dietary habits, including
      control of inter-meal snacking, and breastfeeding practices. The results of this
      study may help improve the status of dental caries among Chinese children. 

PMID- 27665693
TI  - Relationship between Orthodontic Treatment Plan and Goslon Yardstick Assessment
      in Japanese Patients with Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate: One-stage vs. Two
      stage Palatoplasty.
AB  - The present study targeted patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP)
      undergoing either one - (Wardill technique) or two-stage palatoplasty (Perko
      technique). Correlations between Goslon Yardstick scores and orthodontic
      appliances used and whether an osteotomy was performed were investigated. No
      differences were observed between the two types of palatoplasty in terms of
      Goslon Yardstick scores. A palatal expander and protraction facemask were used in
      Phase I of orthodontic treatment. The palatal expander was selected for most
      patients with UCLP in Phase I, regardless of the surgical technique used. A
      protraction facemask was used in patients undergoing the Wardill procedure who
      had a Goslon Yardstick score placing them in Group 3 or 4. In contrast, a
      protraction facemask was used in patients undergoing the Perko procedure who had
      a Goslon Yardstick score placing them in Group 4. No significant differences were
      observed in the Goslon Yardstick scores yielded by either type of procedure. The
      Goslon Yardstick score in relation to whether an osteotomy was performed in Phase
      II as part of orthodontic treatment was determined, focusing on the relationship
      between that score and the palatoplasty method used. A protraction facemask was
      used in patients undergoing the Perko procedure, which eliminated the need for an
      osteotomy at a future date. However, a protraction facemask was also used in
      patients undergoing the Wardill option, and those patients were likely to require
      an osteotomy. In other words, the results suggest that the type of palatoplasty
      selected will determine the effectiveness of any orthodontic appliances used. 

PMID- 27665694
TI  - Propofol-remifentanil is More Effective than Propofol-fentanyl in Decreasing
      Intraoperative Blood Loss during Sagittal Split Ramus Osteotomy.
AB  - This study retrospectively compared blood loss during sagittal split ramus
      osteotomy in patients receiving propofol-remifentanil (R group) and those
      receiving propofol-fentanyl (F group). All patients underwent sagittal split
      ramus osteotomy under general anesthesia during the 3-year 4-month period between
      October 2007 and February 2011 in an operating room at Tokyo Dental College
      Suidobashi Hospital. Blood loss in the R group was significantly less than that
      in the F group. Mean arterial pressure and heart rate, measured at 20 and 15 min
      after tracheal intubation, respectively, were both lower in the R group. No
      marked change was observed in blood pressure in the R group under general
      anesthesia, however. Volume of urine was also larger in the R group. The results
      of this study suggest that remifentanil is effective in reducing intraoperative
      blood loss during sagittal split ramus osteotomy. 

PMID- 27665695
TI  - Relationship between Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Self-assessed Oral Health
      Status: An Internet Survey.
AB  - The purpose of this study based on a cross-sectional internet survey was to
      investigate the relationship between risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and
      self-assessed oral health status. The participants, who comprised individuals
      registered with an online research company, were required to complete a self
      reported questionnaire. Those answering in the affirmative to both of the
      following two questions were placed in the OSA-risk group, while those answering
      in the negative were assigned to the control group: 'Have other people noticed
      pauses in your breathing while you are sleeping?' and 'Do you feel excessively
      sleepy during the daytime?'. A total of 493 were included in the OSA-risk group
      and 2,560 in the control group. Among the total 3,053 respondents, the highest
      prevalence for OSA risk in men was in the 50-59-year age range, although this
      tended to level off after age 60 years. No such trend was observed in women,
      however. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the
      relationship between risk of OSA and self-assessed oral health status.
      Significant correlations were observed with the following parameters: difficulty
      in opening mouth (odds ratio [OR]: 2.66; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.647
      4.311), dry mouth (OR: 2.11; CI: 1.544-2.876), bad breath (OR: 1.69; CI: 1.309
      2.186), gingival bleeding (OR: 1.48; CI: 1.134-1.932), and gingival swelling (OR:
      1.44; CI: 1.046-1.981). These results suggest a relationship between risk of OSA
      and self-assessed oral health status, indicating that treating OSA might improve
      oral health status. Further study is needed to demonstrate a causal relationship
      between OSA and self-assessed oral health status, however. 

PMID- 27665696
TI  - Cutaneous Sinus Tract from Mandibular Second Molar with C-shaped Canal System and
      Improper Former Root Canal Treatment: A Case Report.
AB  - Here, we report the diagnosis and treatment of an extraoral cutaneous sinus tract
      originating in a mandibular second molar with a C-shaped root canal system. The
      patient was referred to our department by a dermatologist after a series of
      unsuccessful treatments, including antibiotics. Diffuse radiolucency on a
      preoperative radiograph revealed that earlier root canal treatment had been only
      partially successful. Consequently, we performed retreatment of the root canal
      comprising removal of the former restoration and gutta-percha, cleaning and
      shaping, and passive irrigation with sodium hypochlorite. The patient responded
      well, and the cutaneous lesion completely resolved uneventfully within 1 month
      postoperatively. Preoperative recognition and thorough knowledge of the root
      canal anatomy and conventional methods of obturation are necessary in performing
      successful endodontic treatment. 

PMID- 27665697
TI  - Participation of Patient Community Members in Communication Classes for Dental
      Students at Tokyo Dental College.
AB  - In 2009, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
      launched its "Program for Promoting University Education and Student Support,
      Theme A: Program for Promoting University Education Reform". The ministry's
      stated aims were to 1) enhance student training centered on the needs of the
      individual patient; 2) improve their ability to make comprehensive diagnosis and
      treatment plans; and 3) instill high ethical standards and good communication
      skills. One of the main pillars of this project was to establish an educational
      organization aimed at encouraging public participation, the "Patient Community".
      The aim was to have members of this community roleplay patients in the
      Communication Studies component of the 1st-4th years of dental school. It was
      hoped that they would be able to respond to the students in a more realistic
      manner than simulated patients. Here, the number of Patient Community members and
      number who attended Communication Studies classes in 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2014
      were investigated. The results showed that the number registered in the Patient
      Community increased annually, as did the number participating in Communication
      Studies classes, which rose in accordance with the number of classes held. No
      difference was observed in the number of attendees per Communication Studies
      class by grade (years 1-4). The number of members never attending Community
      Studies classes increased annually, although some members repeatedly attended.
      These findings suggest that the members who regularly participate tend to remain
      the same. 

PMID- 27665698
TI  - Facile transformation of FeO/Fe3O4 core-shell nanocubes to Fe3O4 via magnetic
      stimulation.
AB  - Here, we propose the use of magnetic hyperthermia as a means to trigger the
      oxidation of Fe1-xO/Fe3-deltaO4 core-shell nanocubes to Fe3-deltaO4 phase. As a
      first relevant consequence, the specific absorption rate (SAR) of the initial
      core-shell nanocubes doubles after exposure to 25 cycles of alternating magnetic
      field stimulation. The improved SAR value was attributed to a gradual
      transformation of the Fe1-xO core to Fe3-deltaO4, as evidenced by structural
      analysis including high resolution electron microscopy and Rietveld analysis of X
      ray diffraction patterns. The magnetically oxidized nanocubes, having large and
      coherent Fe3-deltaO4 domains, reveal high saturation magnetization and behave
      superparamagnetically at room temperature. In comparison, the treatment of the
      same starting core-shell nanocubes by commonly used thermal annealing process
      renders a transformation to gamma-Fe2O3. In contrast to other thermal annealing
      processes, the method here presented has the advantage of promoting the oxidation
      at a macroscopic temperature below 37  degrees C. Using this soft oxidation
      process, we demonstrate that biotin-functionalized core-shell nanocubes can
      undergo a mild self-oxidation transformation without losing their functional
      molecular binding activity.

PMID- 27665699
TI  - Prediction of regioselectivity and preferred order of metabolisms on CYP1A2
      mediated reactions. Part 1. Focusing on polycyclic arenes and the related
      chemicals.
AB  - This prediction system is based on placements of CYP1A2-substrates on a hexagonal
      grid template in a way following the rule generated from the relationship of the
      substrate-structure and selective-area uses on the template, and also the rule
      for a triggering-event to initiate the catalytic reactions. Clear relationship
      found between the placements and preferred-order of regioselective reactions from
      the comparison of experimental data of polyaromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-substrates
      was implemented in this system. The template generated is consisted of two flat
      shape regions (Thin- and Thick-Areas) and Site of Oxidation. The latter is
      located at an overlapping region of Thin- and Thick-Areas and has a shape of
      cubic-like block. Thin-Area and Thick-Area are not on the same plane, and bend
      slightly at their overlapping parts. Two Entrances and two Gatekeepers are
      situated each near the top and middle bottleneck-parts of Thin-Area and Thick
      Area to restrict the substrate entry. A procedure of stepwise movement of
      substrates resided on Thick-Area is introduced to define the regioselectivity. A
      specific part (termed Trigger-Region) showing high placement rates was found at a
      region away from Site of Oxidation on the template, assuming that substrate
      sittings at Trigger-Region are essential for the initiation of catalytic
      reactions. These observations lead us an idea of simultaneous bi-molecule
      placement to fulfill both the essential sitting at Trigger-Region and
      regioselectivity of metabolisms, although a uni-molecule sitting co-covering
      Trigger-Region is also possible to contribute for the metabolite formation.
      Substrates of CYP1A2 are verified from distinct points including selective use of
      Thin-Area, Trigger-molecule Harboring Area, dual access routs, Facial-side
      Movement as well as their sizes. In addition, inhibitory actions as well
      region/stereo selective oxid/reductions of both PAH and non-PAH molecules are
      verified with their supposable interaction mechanisms in this prediction system.

PMID- 27665701
TI  - Does gender affect the outcome of community-acquired Staphylococcus aureus
      bacteraemia?

PMID- 27665700
TI  - Gene-gene interactions between DRD3, MRP4 and CYP2B6 polymorphisms and its
      influence on the pharmacokinetic parameters of efavirenz in HIV infected
      patients.
AB  - Genetic factors have a significant impact on the PK variability of EFV, much
      higher than other non-genetic factors, such as demography. In this work we have
      performed a comprehensive PG analysis of genes encoding the major metabolizing
      enzymes and transporters of EFV, establishing a clear relationship between the PK
      parameters and genetic factors, which explain 50% of the variability in EFV PK
      parameters. The most relevant associations for metabolizing enzymes were found in
      CYP2B6 (rs3745274), in agreement with previous studies. The influence of
      transporters on the kinetics of EFV was also proved with significant correlations
      between the PK parameters of EFV and MRP4 (rs1751034, rs2274407). Analysis of
      gene-gene interactions with CYP2B6 was particularly useful to reinforce the role
      of MRP4 and to reveal unknown associations, such as that of DRD3. However, the
      role of DRD3 cannot be a direct effect but an indirect one due to physical
      proximity of NAT and the DRD3 locus in the genome.

PMID- 27665702
TI  - Promoting unbiased science on IgM-enriched immunoglobulins.

PMID- 27665703
TI  - Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis and migration to Europe.
AB  - Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in low-incidence countries in Europe is
      more prevalent among migrants than the native population. The impact of the
      recent increase in migration to EU and EEA countries with a low incidence of TB
      (<20 cases per 100 000) on MDR-TB epidemiology is unclear. This narrative review
      synthesizes evidence on MDR-TB and migration identified through an expert panel
      and database search. A significant proportion of MDR-TB cases in migrants result
      from reactivation of latent infection. Refugees and asylum seekers may have a
      heightened risk of MDR-TB infection and worse outcomes. Although concerns have
      been raised around 'health tourists' migrating for MDR-TB treatment, numbers are
      probably small and data are lacking. Migrants experience significant barriers to
      testing and treatment for MDR-TB, exacerbated by increasingly restrictive health
      systems. Screening for latent MDR-TB is highly problematic because current tests
      cannot distinguish drug-resistant latent infection, and evidence-based guidance
      for treatment of latent infection in contacts of MDR patients is lacking.
      Although there is evidence that transmission of TB from migrants to the general
      population is low-it predominantly occurs within migrant communities-there is a
      human rights obligation to improve the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of MDR
      TB in migrants. Further research is needed into MDR-TB and migration, the impact
      of screening on detection or prevention, and the potential consequences of
      failing to treat and prevent MDR-TB among migrants in Europe. An evidence-base is
      urgently needed to inform guidelines for effective approaches for MDR-TB
      management in migrant populations in Europe.

PMID- 27665704
TI  - Whole genome sequencing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis for detection of drug
      resistance: a systematic review.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We conducted a systematic review to determine the diagnostic accuracy
      of whole genome sequencing (WGS) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis for the detection
      of resistance to first- and second-line anti-tuberculosis (TB) drugs. METHODS:
      The study was conducted according to the criteria of the Preferred Reporting
      Items for Systematic Reviews group. A total of 20 publications were included. The
      sensitivity, specificity, positive-predictive value and negative-predictive value
      of WGS using phenotypic drug susceptibility testing methods as a reference
      standard were determined. RESULTS: Anti-TB agents tested included all first-line
      drugs, a variety of reserve drugs, as well as new drugs. Polymorphisms in a total
      of 53 genes were tested for associations with drug resistance. Pooled sensitivity
      and specificity values for detection of resistance to selected first-line drugs
      were 0.98 (95% CI 0.93-0.98) and 0.98 (95% CI 0.98-1.00) for rifampicin and 0.97
      (95% CI 0.94-0.99) and 0.93 (95% CI 0.91-0.96) for isoniazid, respectively. Due
      to high heterogeneity in study designs, lack of data, knowledge of resistance
      mechanisms and clarity on exclusion of phylogenetic markers, there was a
      significant variation in analytical performance of WGS for the remaining first
      line, reserved drugs and new drugs. CONCLUSIONS: Whole genome sequencing could be
      considered a promising alternative to existing phenotypic and molecular drug
      susceptibility testing methods for rifampicin and isoniazid pending
      standardization of analytical pipelines. To ensure clinical relevance of WGS for
      detection of M. tuberculosis complex drug resistance, future studies should
      include information on clinical outcomes.

PMID- 27665705
TI  - Comparison of the diagnostic power of cytokine patterns and procalcitonin for
      predicting infection among paediatric haematology/oncology patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the diagnostic power of the cytokine patterns and serum
      procalcitonin (PCT) level for predicting infection in paediatric haematology
      oncology patients. METHODS: Retrospective study including hospitalized children
      with haematology-oncology disease was conducted and their serum T helper type
      1/type 2 cytokines were measured by a flow cytometric method. According to
      clinical symptoms, imaging and microbiological findings, febrile episodes were
      divided into five diagnostic groups serving as reference standard; and also
      grouped according to disease severity. A control group consisted of afebrile
      children. RESULTS: A total of 3023 samples (2819 febrile episodes and 204 control
      samples) derived from 992 children (including 164 afebrile control patients) were
      obtained. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-10 levels as well as their positivity rates
      were significantly higher among children with bacteraemia than for the viral
      infection and control groups. Among children with bacteraemia, 92.8% (297/320)
      and 82.2% (263/320) had increased IL-6 and IL-10 levels that exceeded the upper
      limit of the normal range, respectively. The positivity rates of PCT and C
      reactive protein were only 33.8% (108/320) and 73.1% (234/320), respectively,
      significantly lower than those of IL-6 and IL-10 (p <0.01). Based on the receiver
      operating characteristic curves, PCT exhibited poorer sensitivity in the
      diagnosis of severe infection compared with IL-6 and IL-10 (p <0.01). Specificity
      of IL-6 and IL-10 was significantly higher than that of PCT in the diagnosis of
      Gram-negative bacteraemia. CONCLUSION: Cytokine patterns of IL-6 and IL-10 showed
      higher diagnostic accuracy than PCT for bacteraemia and severe infections among
      febrile children with haematology/oncology disease.

PMID- 27665706
TI  - Cryptosporidium infections in Sweden-understanding the regional differences in
      reported incidence.

PMID- 27665707
TI  - Evaluating the performance of infectious disease forecasts: A comparison of
      climate-driven and seasonal dengue forecasts for Mexico.
AB  - Dengue viruses, which infect millions of people per year worldwide, cause large
      epidemics that strain healthcare systems. Despite diverse efforts to develop
      forecasting tools including autoregressive time series, climate-driven
      statistical, and mechanistic biological models, little work has been done to
      understand the contribution of different components to improved prediction. We
      developed a framework to assess and compare dengue forecasts produced from
      different types of models and evaluated the performance of seasonal
      autoregressive models with and without climate variables for forecasting dengue
      incidence in Mexico. Climate data did not significantly improve the predictive
      power of seasonal autoregressive models. Short-term and seasonal autocorrelation
      were key to improving short-term and long-term forecasts, respectively. Seasonal
      autoregressive models captured a substantial amount of dengue variability, but
      better models are needed to improve dengue forecasting. This framework
      contributes to the sparse literature of infectious disease prediction model
      evaluation, using state-of-the-art validation techniques such as out-of-sample
      testing and comparison to an appropriate reference model.

PMID- 27665708
TI  - Orthostatic changes in systolic blood pressure among SPRINT participants at
      baseline.
AB  - Orthostatic changes in systolic blood pressure (SBP) impact cardiovascular
      outcomes. In this study, we aimed to determine the pattern of orthostatic
      systolic pressure changes in participants enrolled in the SBP Intervention Trial
      (SPRINT) at their baseline visit before randomization and sought to understand
      clinical factors predictive of these changes. Of the 9323 participants enrolled
      in SPRINT, 8662 had complete data for these analyses. The SBP after 1 minute of
      standing was subtracted from the mean value of the three preceding seated SBP
      values. At the baseline visit, medical history, medications, anthropometric
      measures, and standard laboratory testing were undertaken. The mean age of SPRINT
      participants was 68 years, two-thirds were male, with 30% black, 11% Hispanic,
      and 55% Caucasian. The spectrum of SBP changes on standing demonstrated that
      increases in SBP were as common as declines, and about 5% of participants had an
      increase, and 5% had a decrease of >20 mm Hg in SBP upon standing. Female sex,
      taller height, more advanced kidney disease, current smoking, and several drug
      classes were associated with larger declines in BP upon standing, while black
      race, higher blood levels of glucose and sodium, and heavier weight were
      associated with more positive values of the change in BP upon standing. Our cross
      sectional results show a significant spectrum of orthostatic SBP changes,
      reflecting known (eg, age) and less well-known (eg, kidney function)
      relationships that may be important considerations in determining the optimal
      target blood pressure in long-term outcomes of older hypertensive patients.

PMID- 27665709
TI  - Circadian regulation of auditory function.
AB  - The circadian system integrates environmental cues to regulate physiological
      functions in a temporal fashion. The suprachiasmatic nucleus, located in the
      hypothalamus, is the master clock that synchronizes central and peripheral organ
      clocks to orchestrate physiological functions. Recently, molecular clock
      machinery has been identified in the cochlea unravelling the potential
      involvement in the circadian regulation of auditory functions. Here, we present
      background information on the circadian system and review the recent findings
      that introduce circadian rhythms to the auditory field. Understanding the
      mechanisms by which circadian rhythms regulate auditory function will provide
      fundamental knowledge on the signalling networks that control vulnerability and
      resilience to auditory insults.

PMID- 27665711
TI  - The RNA-binding protein vigilin regulates VLDL secretion through modulation of
      Apob mRNA translation.
AB  - The liver is essential for the synthesis of plasma proteins and integration of
      lipid metabolism. While the role of transcriptional networks in these processes
      is increasingly understood, less is known about post-transcriptional control of
      gene expression by RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). Here, we show that the RBP
      vigilin is upregulated in livers of obese mice and in patients with fatty liver
      disease. By using in vivo, biochemical and genomic approaches, we demonstrate
      that vigilin controls very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) secretion through the
      modulation of apolipoproteinB/Apob mRNA translation. Crosslinking studies reveal
      that vigilin binds to CU-rich regions in the mRNA coding sequence of Apob and
      other proatherogenic secreted proteins, including apolipoproteinC-III/Apoc3 and
      fibronectin/Fn1. Consequently, hepatic vigilin knockdown decreases VLDL/low
      density lipoprotein (LDL) levels and formation of atherosclerotic plaques in Ldlr
      /- mice. These studies uncover a role for vigilin as a key regulator of hepatic
      Apob translation and demonstrate the therapeutic potential of inhibiting vigilin
      for cardiovascular diseases.

PMID- 27665710
TI  - Involvement of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress, Autophagy, and Apoptosis in Advanced
      Glycation End Products-Induced Glomerular Mesangial Cell Injury.
AB  - Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs)-induced mesangial cell death is one of
      major causes of glomerulus dysfunction in diabetic nephropathy. Both endoplasmic
      reticulum (ER) stress and autophagy are adaptive responses in cells under
      environmental stress and participate in the renal diseases. The role of ER stress
      and autophagy in AGEs-induced mesangial cell death is still unclear. Here, we
      investigated the effect and mechanism of AGEs on glomerular mesangial cells. AGEs
      dose-dependently decreased mesangial cell viability and induced cell apoptosis.
      AGEs also induced ER stress signals in a time- and dose-dependent manner.
      Inhibition of ER stress with 4-phenylbutyric acid effectively inhibited the
      activation of eIF2alpha and CHOP signals and reversed AGEs-induced cell
      apoptosis. AGEs also activated LC-3 cleavage, increased Atg5 expression, and
      decreased p62 expression, which indicated the autophagy induction in mesangial
      cells. Inhibition of autophagy by Atg5 siRNAs transfection aggravated AGEs
      induced mesangial cell apoptosis. Moreover, ER stress inhibition by 4
      phenylbutyric acid significantly reversed AGEs-induced autophagy, but autophagy
      inhibition did not influence the AGEs-induced ER stress-related signals
      activation. These results suggest that AGEs induce mesangial cell apoptosis via
      an ER stress-triggered signaling pathway. Atg5-dependent autophagy plays a
      protective role. These findings may offer a new strategy against AGEs toxicity in
      the kidney.

PMID- 27665712
TI  - Bcl-xL dependency coincides with the onset of neurogenesis in the developing
      mammalian spinal cord.
AB  - The bcl-2 family of survival and death promoting proteins play a key role in
      regulating cell numbers during nervous system development. Bcl-xL, an anti
      apoptotic bcl-2 family member is highly expressed in the developing nervous
      system. However; the early embryonic lethality of the bcl-x germline null mouse
      precluded an investigation into its role in nervous system development. To
      identify the role of bcl-x in spinal cord neurogenesis, we generated a central
      nervous system-specific bcl-x conditional knockout (BKO) mouse. Apoptotic cell
      death in the BKO embryo was initially detected at embryonic day 11 (E11) in the
      ventrolateral aspect of the spinal cord corresponding to the location of motor
      neurons. Apoptosis reached its peak at E13 having spread across the ventral and
      into the dorsal spinal cord. By E18, the wave of apoptosis had passed and only a
      few apoptotic cells were observed. The duration and direction of spread of
      apoptosis across the spinal cord is consistent with the spatial and temporal
      sequence of neuronal differentiation. Motor neurons, the first neurons to become
      post mitotic in the spinal cord, were also the first apoptotic cells. As
      neurogenesis spread across the spinal cord, later born neuronal populations such
      as Lim2+ interneurons were also affected. The onset of apoptosis occurred in
      cells that had exited the cell cycle within the previous 24h and initiated neural
      differentiation as demonstrated by BrdU birthdating and betaIII tubulin
      immunohistochemistry. This data demonstrates that spinal cord neurons become Bcl
      xL dependent at an early post mitotic stage in developmental neurogenesis.

PMID- 27665713
TI  - Transcriptional control of physiological and pathological processes by the
      nuclear receptor PPARbeta/delta.

PMID- 27665714
TI  - Protective effects of the antioxidant extract collected from Styela clava tunics
      on UV radiation-induced skin aging in hairless mice.
AB  - Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is considered a primary cause of skin damage, which is
      characterized by deep wrinkles, roughness, laxity and pigmentation through
      oxidative stress and oxidative photodamage. To examine the therapeutic effects of
      ethanol extract of Styela clava tunics (EtSCT) on UV radiation-induced skin aging
      in hairless mice, alterations in skin phenotype, histological structures,
      inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, oxidative conditions and
      toxicity were investigated during 13 weeks of UV irradiation and topical
      application of EtSCT. EtSCT showed high reducing power (3.1%), 2,2-diphenyl-1
      picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity (92.7%) and NO scavenging
      activity (15.6%) due to its high total flavonoids (15.3 mg/ml) and total
      phenolics (36.8 mg/ml). The topical application of EtSCT suppressed photoaging of
      the skin of UV-irradiated mice, and this was demonstrated by the inhibition of
      wrinkle formation, the suppression of the erythema index as well as the
      prevention of transepidermal water loss. Additionally, the epidermal thickness
      and adipocytes number were recovered to a similar level as that in the no
      radiation group in the UV + EtSCT-treated groups compared with the UV + vehicle
      treated group, and the expression of collagen I increased. The attenuation of
      mitogen-activated protein kinase and ER stress signaling pathways activated by
      reactive oxygen species was also detected in the UV + EtSCT-treated group.
      Inflammatory responses including the infiltration of mast cells, CD31 expression
      and interleukin-6 secretion were significantly lower in the UV + EtSCT-treated
      groups. Moreover, the concentration of malondialdehyde was reduced and the
      activity of superoxide dismutase was effectively recovered in the UV + EtSCT
      treated groups compared with that in the vehicle-treated groups. Liver and kidney
      toxicity factors were maintained at a constant level. These results suggest that
      EtSCT has the potential for use as therapeutic drug which protects against skin
      aging by regulating the skin morphology, histopathological structures, ER stress,
      inflammation and oxidative conditions.

PMID- 27665715
TI  - Arsenic trioxide and triptolide synergistically induce apoptosis in the SKM-1
      human myelodysplastic syndrome cell line.
AB  - Although certain combination therapies comprising arsenic trioxide (As2O3) with
      other agents exist for the treatment of several types of human cancer, few As2O3
      combination therapies are clinically effective for myelodysplastic syndromes
      (MDS). Triptolide (TL) may be an effective therapeutic agent for the treatment of
      MDS. However, to date, there is no combination therapy for MDS with As2O3 and TL.
      Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate this combination
      therapy on the apoptosis of MDS SKM-1 cells. The MDS SKM-1 cells were treated
      with As2O3, TL or the two in combination at various concentrations, or were mock
      treated. Cell viability, cell apoptosis, levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS)
      and the expression of the cell apoptosis-associated genes, B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl
      2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) and caspase-3, were determined using an MTT
      assay, flow cytometric analysis of annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium
      iodide double-stained cells, flow cytometic analysis of intracellular 2',7'
      dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate fluorescence and reverse transcription
      quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis, respectively. Combination index
      (CI) analysis was performed to determine whether effects were synergistic (CI<1).
      The combination treatment was found to synergistically inhibit MDS SKM-1 cell
      growth, induce cell apoptosis, increase ROS levels, upregulate the expression
      levels of Bax and caspase-3, and downregulate the mRNA expression of Bcl-2. In
      conclusion, the combination treatment of As2O3 and TL synergistically induced
      apoptosis in the MDS SKM-1 cells.

PMID- 27665716
TI  - Caffeic acid, morin hydrate and quercetin partially attenuate sulfur mustard
      induced cell death by inhibiting the lipoxygenase pathway.
AB  - Sulfur mustard (SM) is an alkylating agent, which has been used as in chemical
      warfare in a number of conflicts. As the generation of reactive oxygen species
      (ROS), and adducts in DNA and proteins have been suggested as the mechanism
      underlying SM-induced cytotoxicity, the present study screened several
      antioxidant candidates, including tannic acid, deferoxamine mesylate, trolox,
      vitamin C, ellagic acid and caffeic acid (CA) to assess their potential as
      therapeutic agents for SM-induced cell death. Among several antioxidants, CA
      partially alleviated SM-induced cell death in a dose-dependent manner. Although
      CA treatment decreased the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP)
      kinase and p53, p38 MAP kinase inhibition by SB203580 did not affect SM-induced
      cell death. As CA has also been reported as a 15-lipoxygenase (15-LOX) inhibitor,
      the role of 15-LOX in SM-induced cytotoxicity was also examined. Similar to the
      results observed with CA, treatment with PD146176, a specific 15-LOX inhibitor,
      decreased SM-induced cytotoxicity, accompanied by decreases in the production of
      tumor necrosis factor-alpha and 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid. Furthermore, the
      present study investigated the protective effects of two natural 15-LOX
      inhibitors, morin hydrate and quercetin, in SM-induced cytotoxicity. As expected,
      these inhibitors had similar protective effects against SM-induced cytotoxicity.
      These antioxidants also reduced the generation of ROS and nitrate/nitrite.
      Therefore, the results of the present study indicated that the natural products,
      CA, quercetin and morin hydrate, offer potential as adjuvant therapeutic agents
      for SM-induced toxicity, not only by reducing inflammation mediated by the p38
      and LOX signaling pathways, but also by decreasing the generation of ROS and
      nitrate/nitrite.

PMID- 27665718
TI  - Bacterial secretion: Reusing injected proteins.

PMID- 27665720
TI  - Virus Infection: HIV-1 weighs up risks and benefits.

PMID- 27665721
TI  - Archaeal biology: Archaeal virus escapology.

PMID- 27665722
TI  - Optimizing HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis implementation among men who have sex
      with men in a large urban centre: a dynamic modelling study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Once-daily tenofovir/emtricitabine-based pre-exposure prophylaxis
      (PrEP) can reduce HIV acquisition in men who have sex with men (MSM), by 44% in
      the iPrEx trial, and reaching up to 99% with high adherence. We examined the
      potential population-level impact and cost-effectiveness of different PrEP
      implementation strategies. METHODS: We developed a dynamic, stochastic
      compartmental model of HIV transmission among the estimated 57,400 MSM in
      Toronto, Canada. Parameterization was performed using local epidemiologic data.
      Strategies examined included (1) uniform PrEP delivery versus targeting the
      highest risk decile of MSM (with varying coverage proportions); (2) increasing
      PrEP efficacy as a surrogate of adherence (44% to 99%); and (3) varying HIV test
      frequency (once monthly to once yearly). Outcomes included HIV infections averted
      and the incremental cost ($CAD) per incremental quality-adjusted-life-year (QALY)
      gained over 20 years. RESULTS: Use of PrEP among all HIV-uninfected MSM at 25,
      50, 75 and 100% coverage prevented 1970, 3427, 4317, and 4581 infections,
      respectively, with cost/QALY increasing from $500,000 to $800,000 CAD. Targeted
      PrEP for the highest risk MSM at 25, 50, 75 and 100% coverage prevented 1166,
      2154, 2816, and 3012 infections, respectively, with cost/QALY ranging from
      $35,000 to $70,000 CAD. Maximizing PrEP efficacy, in a scenario of 25% coverage
      of high-risk MSM with PrEP, prevented 1540 infections with a cost/QALY of $15,000
      CAD. HIV testing alone (Q3 months) averted 898 of infections with a cost savings
      of $4,000 CAD per QALY. CONCLUSIONS: The optimal implementation strategy for PrEP
      over the next 20 years at this urban centre is to target high-risk MSM and to
      maximize efficacy by supporting PrEP adherence. A large health benefit of PrEP
      implementation could come from engaging undiagnosed HIV-infected individuals into
      care.

PMID- 27665723
TI  - Direct and Versatile Synthesis of Red-Shifted Azobenzenes.
AB  - A straightforward synthesis of azobenzenes with bathochromically-shifted
      absorption bands is presented. It employs an ortho-lithiation of aromatic
      substrates, followed by a coupling reaction with aryldiazonium salts. The
      products are obtained with good to excellent yields after simple purification.
      Moreover, with the presented methodology, a structurally diverse panel of
      different azobenzenes, including unsymmetric tetra-ortho-substituted ones, can be
      readily obtained, which paves the way for future development of red-light
      addressable azobenzene derivatives for in vivo application.

PMID- 27665717
TI  - ESX secretion systems: mycobacterial evolution to counter host immunity.
AB  - Mycobacterium tuberculosis uses sophisticated secretion systems, named 6 kDa
      early secretory antigenic target (ESAT6) protein family secretion (ESX) systems
      (also known as type VII secretion systems), to export a set of effector proteins
      that helps the pathogen to resist or evade the host immune response. Since the
      discovery of the esx loci during the M. tuberculosis H37Rv genome project,
      structural biology, cell biology and evolutionary analyses have advanced our
      knowledge of the function of these systems. In this Review, we highlight the
      intriguing roles that these studies have revealed for ESX systems in bacterial
      survival and pathogenicity during infection with M. tuberculosis. Furthermore, we
      discuss the diversity of ESX systems that has been described among mycobacteria
      and selected non-mycobacterial species. Finally, we consider how our knowledge of
      ESX systems might be applied to the development of novel strategies for the
      treatment and prevention of disease.

PMID- 27665719
TI  - Harnessing the power of microbial autotrophy.
AB  - Autotrophic microorganisms convert CO2 into biomass by deriving energy from light
      or inorganic electron donors. These CO2-fixing microorganisms have a large, but
      so far only partially realized, potential for the sustainable production of
      chemicals and biofuels. Productivities have been improved in autotrophic hosts
      through the introduction of production pathways and the modification of
      autotrophic systems by genetic engineering. In addition, approaches are emerging
      in which CO2 fixation pathways and energy-harvesting systems are transplanted
      into heterotrophic model microorganisms. Alternative promising concepts are
      hybrid production systems of autotrophs and heterotrophs, and bio-inorganic
      hybrids of autotrophic microorganisms with electrocatalysts or light-harvesting
      semiconductor materials. In this Review, we discuss recent advances and
      bottlenecks for engineering microbial autotrophy and explore novel strategies
      that will pave the way towards improved microbial autotrophic production
      platforms.

PMID- 27665724
TI  - A naturally occurring bovine APOBEC3 confers resistance to bovine lentiviruses:
      implication for the co-evolution of bovids and their lentiviruses.
AB  - Mammals have co-evolved with lentiviruses for a long time. As evidence, viral
      infectivity factor (Vif), encoded by lentiviruses, antagonizes the anti-viral
      action of cellular APOBEC3 of their hosts. Here, we address the co-evolutionary
      dynamics of bovine APOBEC3 and the following two bovine lentiviruses: bovine
      immunodeficiency virus (BIV) and Jembrana disease virus (JDV). We determined the
      sequences of three APOBEC3 genes of bovids belonging to the genera Bos and Bison
      and showed that bovine APOBEC3Z3 is under a strong positive selection. We found
      that APOBEC3Z3 of gaur, a bovid in the genus Bos, acquired resistance to JDV Vif
      mediated degradation after diverging from the other bovids through conversion of
      the structural composition of the loop 1 domain. Interestingly, the resistance of
      gaur APOBEC3Z3 can be attributed to the positive selection of residue 62. This
      study provides the first evidence, suggesting that a co-evolutionary arms race
      between bovids and lentiviruses occurred in Asia.

PMID- 27665725
TI  - Kisspeptin mRNA expression is increased in the posterior hypothalamus in the rat
      model of polycystic ovary syndrome.
AB  - Hypersecretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) is a common endocrinological finding
      of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This derangement might have a close
      relationship with hypothalamic kisspeptin expression that is thought to be a key
      regulator of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). We evaluated the relationship
      between the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG axis) and kisspeptin using a
      rat model of PCOS induced by letrozole. Letrozole pellets (0.4 mg/day) and
      control pellets were placed subcutaneously onto the backs of 3-week-old female
      Wistar rats. Body weight, vaginal opening and vaginal smear were checked daily.
      Blood and tissues of ovary, uterus and brain were collected at 12-weeks of age.
      An hypothalamic block was cut into anterior and posterior blocks, which included
      the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) and the arcuate nucleus (ARC),
      respectively, in order to estimate hypothalamic kisspeptin expression in each
      area. The letrozole group showed a similar phenotype to human PCOS such as
      heavier body weight, heavier ovary, persistent anovulatory state, multiple
      enlarged follicles with no corpus luteum and higher LH and testosterone (T)
      levels compared to the control group. Kisspeptin mRNA expression in the posterior
      hypothalamic block including ARC was higher in the letrozole group than in the
      control group although its expression in the anterior hypothalamic block was
      similar between groups. These results suggest that enhanced KNDy neuron activity
      in ARC contributes to hypersecretion of LH in PCOS and might be a therapeutic
      target to rescue ovulatory disorder of PCOS in the future.

PMID- 27665726
TI  - Manipulating carbohydrate metabolism to enhance regeneration (retrospective on
      DOI 10.1002/bies.201300110).

PMID- 27665727
TI  - Insights from a Small Wobble.

PMID- 27665728
TI  - Structural and histone binding ability characterization of the ARB2 domain of a
      histone deacetylase Hda1 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
AB  - Hda1 is the catalytic core component of the H2B- and H3- specific histone
      deacetylase (HDAC) complex from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which is involved in
      the epigenetic repression and plays a crucial role in transcriptional regulation
      and developmental events. Though the N-terminal catalytic HDAC domain of Hda1 is
      well characterized, the function of the C-terminal ARB2 domain remains unknown.
      In this study, we determine the crystal structure of the ARB2 domain from S.
      cerevisiae Hda1 at a resolution of 2.7 A. The ARB2 domain displays an alpha/beta
      sandwich architecture with an arm protruding outside. Two ARB2 domain molecules
      form a compact homo-dimer via the arm elements, and assemble as an inverse "V"
      shape. The pull-down and ITC results reveal that the ARB2 domain possesses the
      histone binding ability, recognizing both the H2A-H2B dimer and H3-H4 tetramer.
      Perturbation of the dimer interface abolishes the histone binding ability of the
      ARB2 domain, indicating that the unique dimer architecture of the ARB2 domain
      coincides with the function for anchoring to histone. Collectively, our data
      report the first structure of the ARB2 domain and disclose its histone binding
      ability, which is of benefit for understanding the deacetylation reaction
      catalyzed by the class II Hda1 HDAC complex.

PMID- 27665729
TI  - New SMARCA2 mutation in a patient with Nicolaides-Baraitser syndrome and
      myoclonic astatic epilepsy.
AB  - We report a de novo SMARCA2 missense mutation discovered on exome sequencing in a
      patient with myoclonic astatic epilepsy, leading to reassessment and
      identification of Nicolaides-Baraitser syndrome. This de novo SMARCA2 missense
      mutation c.3721C>G, p.Gln1241Glu is the only reported mutation on exon 26 outside
      the ATPase domain of SMARCA2 to be associated with Nicolaides-Baraitser syndrome
      and adds to chromatin remodeling as a pathway for epileptogenesis. (c) 2016 The
      Authors. American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A published by Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27665730
TI  - Diagnostic value of positive urinary cytology in the detection of recurrent
      urothelial carcinoma: 10-Year Experience at the Papanicolaou Cytology Laboratory.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Urothelial carcinoma (UCC) of the bladder is the most common
      malignancy of the urinary tract. The performance of urine cytology (UCy) after
      radical cystectomy (RC) and urinary diversion is quite variable and there is no
      consensus regarding its role in post-treatment surveillance. The goal of this
      study is to retrospectively review the diagnostic value of positive (suspicious
      or positive for malignancy) diverted urine cytology (DUCy) in the detection of
      urinary tract recurrence of UCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective 10-year
      (January 2005 to January 2015) computerized search for all DUCy specimens was
      conducted. All suspicious (Susp) or positive for malignant cells (PMC) ThinPrep
      cases were identified and retrospectively reviewed. Clinical, surgical, and
      pathological follow-up for patients with Susp or PMC UCy were tabulated and
      analyzed. RESULTS: During the 10-year-period, 1,525 DUCy cases from 408 patients
      were identified. Of these, 25 cases (1.64%) from 10 patients were called either
      Susp (13; 0.85%) or PMC (12; 0.79%). The 25 DUCy cases occurred within a mean of
      20 months post-RC. Out of 10 patients, 9 had a concurrent biopsy or a subsequent
      resection of the recurrent site. Of these 9 patients, 8 (89%) had subsequent
      biopsy or resection, which showed recurrent UCC. In 5/8 patients, positive DUCy
      was the very first manifestation of recurrence, which was subsequently confirmed
      by imaging or histology. CONCLUSION: It is our experience that patients with
      positive UCy after RC have a high likelihood of recurrent UCC and should be
      counseled and managed accordingly. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2016;44:975-979. (c) 2016
      Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27665731
TI  - Multiple unilaterally localized dermatofibromas in a patient with Down syndrome.

PMID- 27665732
TI  - Chinese children's imaginary companions: Relations with peer relationships and
      social competence.
AB  - We investigated relationships between Chinese children's imaginary companions
      (ICs) and peer relationships and social competence in 160 children, aged 5-6
      years old. Children and their mothers participated in the interviews regarding
      the details of the children's ICs, including the type of the companion and the
      quality of the child-IC relationship. Peer relationships were assessed using
      sociometric nomination and perceived popularity nomination. Teachers rated
      children's social competence. Here, 55 children (34.3%) were deemed to have
      engaged in imaginary companion play. There was no relationship between imaginary
      companion types and child-IC relationship qualities. Children with invisible
      friends received more positive nominations than children with personified
      objects. Children with egalitarian relationships received more positive
      nominations and popularity nominations, but fewer negative nominations and
      unpopularity nominations than children with hierarchical relationships. Compared
      with children with hierarchical relationships, teachers rated the children with
      egalitarian relationships higher in social competence. The results suggest that
      imaginary companion types and relationship qualities may represent different
      dimensions of imaginary companions, calling attentions to the different
      mechanisms underlying imaginary companion types and relationship qualities with
      respect to social functioning.

PMID- 27665733
TI  - Programmed death-1+ T cells inhibit effector T cells at the pathological site of
      miliary tuberculosis.
AB  - Optimal T cell activation is vital for the successful resolution of microbial
      infections. Programmed death-1 (PD-1) is a key immune check-point receptor
      expressed by activated T cells. Aberrant/excessive inhibition mediated by PD-1
      may impair host immunity to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, leading to
      disseminated disease such as miliary tuberculosis (MTB). PD-1 mediated inhibition
      of T cells in pulmonary tuberculosis and TB pleurisy is reported. However, their
      role in MTB, particularly at the pathological site, remains to be addressed. The
      objective of this study was to investigate the role of PD-1-PD-ligand 1 (PD-L1)
      in T cell responses at the pathological site from patients of TB pleurisy and MTB
      as clinical models of contained and disseminated forms of tuberculosis,
      respectively. We examined the expression and function of PD-1 and its ligands (PD
      L1-PD-L2) on host immune cells among tuberculosis patients. Bronchoalveolar
      lavage-derived CD3 T cells in MTB expressed PD-1 (54.2 +/- 27.4%, P >= 0.0009)
      with significantly higher PD-1 ligand-positive T cells (PD-L1: 19.8 +/- 11.8%; P
      >= 0.019, PD-L2: 12.6 +/- 6.2%; P >= 0.023), CD19+ B cells (PD-L1: 14.4 +/-
      10.4%; P >= 0.042, PD-L2: 2.6 +/- 1.43%; not significant) and CD14+ monocytes (PD
      L1: 40.2 +/- 20.1%; P >= 0.047, PD-L2: 22.4 +/- 15.6%; P >= 0.032) compared with
      peripheral blood (PB) of MTB and healthy controls. The expression of PD-1 was
      associated with a diminished number of cells producing effector cytokines
      interferon (IFN)-gamma, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-2
      and elevated apoptosis. Locally accumulated T cells were predominantly PD-1+ -PD
      L1+ , and blocking this pathway restores the protective T cell response. We
      conclude that M. tuberculosis exploits the PD-1 pathway to evade the host immune
      response by altering the T helper type 1 (Th1) and Th2 balance at the
      pathological site of MTB, thereby favouring disease dissemination.

PMID- 27665734
TI  - Matrine induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis with recovery of the expression
      of miR-126 in the A549 non-small cell lung cancer cell line.
AB  - Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer-associated
      mortality in the United States. Chemotherapy prolongs survival rates among
      patients with advanced disease, however, this is at the cost of clinically
      significant adverse effects. Matrine is an active component of traditional
      Chinese medicine and is a promising alternative drug for the treatment of NSCLC.
      In the present study, the therapeutic effects and the underlying molecular
      mechanisms of matrine on the A549 NSCLC cell line were investigated. A high
      concentration of matrine (1.0 mg/ml) significantly (P<0.05) inhibited cell
      proliferation, by 52.68+/-3.32%, under which cell shrinkage and disruption were
      observed. Flow cytometric analysis showed that the proportion of G1/G0 cells was
      significantly increased, whereas the proportions of S and G2/M cells were
      significantly decreased (P<0.05) following treatment with matrine for 48 h. These
      results indicated that cell arrest was induced by matrine. Upregulation of the
      expression of microRNA (miR)-126, followed by downregulation of the expression of
      its target gene, vascular endothelial growth factor, were detected following
      treatment with a low concentration of matrine (0.2 mg/ml) using reverse
      transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis,
      immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis. In conclusion, matrine induced
      cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, and recovered the expression of miR-126 in the
      A549 NSCLC cell line.

PMID- 27665736
TI  - Involvement of DR4/JNK pathway-mediated autophagy in acquired TRAIL resistance in
      HepG2 cells.
AB  - Although tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a
      promising anticancer agent, a number of cancer cells demonstrate TRAIL
      resistance. To date, various molecular targets leading to TRAIL resistance have
      been elucidated by many researchers, but the mechanisms involved are still not
      fully understood. In the present study, we obtained TRAIL-resistant cells from
      the human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2 by exposing cells to
      recombinant human TRAIL (rhTRAIL), and determined a mechanism for TRAIL
      resistance. The selected TRAIL-resistant cells (HepG2-TR) were insensitive to
      rhTRAIL and triggered autophagy in response to rhTRAIL. The inhibition of
      autophagy by 3-methyladenine or the knockdown of ATG5 partially restored rhTRAIL
      induced apoptosis and cytotoxicity, indicating that protective autophagy occurred
      in the cells. Notably, rhTRAIL-induced autophagy was mediated through DR4 in
      HepG2-TR cells, but not in parental HepG2 cells. In addition, the c-Jun N
      terminal kinase was involved in DR4-mediated autophagy in HepG2-TR cells. Our
      results suggest a novel mechanism of TRAIL resistance which is regulated through
      alterations in DR4 function, which may extend our understanding of the mechanisms
      of TRAIL resistance.

PMID- 27665735
TI  - The molecular and phenotypic spectrum of IQSEC2-related epilepsy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: IQSEC2 is an X-linked gene associated with intellectual disability
      (ID) and epilepsy. Herein we characterize the epilepsy/epileptic encephalopathy
      of patients with IQSEC2 pathogenic variants. METHODS: Forty-eight patients with
      IQSEC2 variants were identified worldwide through Medline search. Two patients
      were recruited from our early onset epileptic encephalopathy cohort and one
      patient from personal communication. The 18 patients who have epilepsy in
      addition to ID are the subject of this study. Information regarding the 18
      patients was ascertained by questionnaire provided to the treating clinicians.
      RESULTS: Six affected individuals had an inherited IQSEC2 variant and 12 had a de
      novo one (male-to-female ratio, 12:6). The pathogenic variant types were as
      follows: missense (8), nonsense (5), frameshift (1), intragenic duplications (2),
      translocation (1), and insertion (1). An epileptic encephalopathy was diagnosed
      in 9 (50%) of 18 patients. Seizure onset ranged from 8 months to 4 years; seizure
      types included spasms, atonic, myoclonic, tonic, absence, focal seizures, and
      generalized tonic-clonic (GTC) seizures. The electroclinical syndromes could be
      defined in five patients: late-onset epileptic spasms (three) and Lennox-Gastaut
      or Lennox-Gastaut-like syndrome (two). Seizures were pharmacoresistant in all
      affected individuals with epileptic encephalopathy. The epilepsy in the other
      nine patients had a variable age at onset from infancy to 18 years; seizure types
      included GTC and absence seizures in the hereditary cases and GTC and focal
      seizures in de novo cases. Seizures were responsive to medical treatment in most
      cases. All 18 patients had moderate to profound intellectual disability.
      Developmental regression, autistic features, hypotonia, strabismus, and white
      matter changes on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were prominent features.
      SIGNIFICANCE: The phenotypic spectrum of IQSEC2 disorders includes epilepsy and
      epileptic encephalopathy. Epileptic encephalopathy is a main clinical feature in
      sporadic cases. IQSEC2 should be evaluated in both male and female patients with
      an epileptic encephalopathy.

PMID- 27665737
TI  - Expression profiling of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma with perineural
      invasion implicates the p53 pathway in the process.
AB  - Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common cancer worldwide and
      accounts for approximately 30% of all keratinocyte cancers. The vast majority of
      cutaneous SCCs of the head and neck (cSCCHN) are readily curable with surgery
      and/or radiotherapy unless high-risk features are present. Perineural invasion
      (PNI) is recognized as one of these high-risk features. The molecular changes
      during clinical PNI in cSCCHN have not been previously investigated. In this
      study, we assessed the global gene expression differences between cSCCHN with or
      without incidental or clinical PNI. The results of the analysis showed signatures
      of gene expression representative of activation of p53 in tumors with PNI
      compared to tumors without, amongst other alterations. Immunohistochemical
      staining of p53 showed cSCCHN with clinical PNI to be more likely to exhibit a
      diffuse over-expression pattern, with no tumors showing normal p53 staining. DNA
      sequencing of cSCCHN samples with clinical PNI showed no difference in mutation
      number or position with samples without PNI, however a significant difference was
      observed in regulators of p53 degradation, stability and activity. Our results
      therefore suggest that cSCCHN with clinical PNI may be more likely to contain
      alterations in the p53 pathway, compared to cSCCHN without PNI.

PMID- 27665738
TI  - Validating a proxy for disease progression in metastatic cancer patients using
      prescribing and dispensing data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Routine data collections are used increasingly to examine outcomes of
      real-world cancer drug use. These datasets lack clinical details about important
      endpoints such as disease progression. AIM: To validate a proxy for disease
      progression in metastatic cancer patients using prescribing and dispensing
      claims. METHODS: We used data from a cohort study of patients undergoing
      chemotherapy who provided informed consent to the collection of cancer-treatment
      data from medical records and linkage to pharmaceutical claims. We derived proxy
      decision rules based on changes to drug treatment in prescription histories (n =
      36 patients) and validated the proxy in prescribing data (n = 62 patients). We
      adapted the decision rules and validated the proxy in dispensing data (n = 109).
      Our gold standard was disease progression ascertained in patient medical records.
      Individual progression episodes were the unit of analysis for sensitivity and
      Positive Predictive Value (PPV) calculations and specificity and Negative
      Predictive Value (NPV) were calculated at the patient level. RESULTS: The
      sensitivity of our proxy in prescribing data was 74.3% (95% Confidence Interval
      (CI), 55.6-86.6%) and PPV 61.2% (95% CI, 45.0-75.3%); specificity and NPV were
      87.8% (95% CI, 73.8-95.9%) and 100% (95% CI, 90.3-100%), respectively. In
      dispensing data, the sensitivity of our proxy was 64% (95% CI, 55.0-77.0%) and
      PPV 56.0% (95% CI, 43.0-69.0%); specificity and NPV were 81% (95% CI, 70.05
      89.0%) and 91.0% (95% CI, 82.0-97.0%), respectively. CONCLUSION: Our proxy
      overestimated episodes of disease progression. The proxy's performance is likely
      to improve if the date of prescribing is used instead of date of dispensing in
      claims data and by incorporating medical service claims (such as imaging prior to
      drug changes) in the algorithm. Our proxy is not sufficiently robust for use in
      real world comparative effectiveness research for cancer medicines.

PMID- 27665739
TI  - MicroRNA miR-374, a potential radiosensitizer for carbon ion beam radiotherapy.
AB  - In this study, we compared the microRNA (miRNA) profiles of a control and X-ray-
      and carbon ion beam-resistant cells to identify miRNAs that can be used as
      radiosensitizers and biomarkers. Mouse squamous cell carcinoma line NR-S1, its X
      ray-resistant derivative X60, and its carbon ion beam-resistant derivative C30
      were subjected to miRNA microarray analysis. Expression of miRNAs shown to be
      upregulated or downregulated in the microarray analysis was confirmed by qRT-PCR.
      Downregulated miRNAs were overexpressed in human pancreatic cancer cell lines
      PANC1 and MIA PaCa-2, and the resulting cells were tested for radiosensitivity
      using colony-forming and sphere-forming assays. Of 1,265 miRNAs analyzed, 4 were
      downregulated and 11 were upregulated in X-ray-resistant and carbon ion beam
      resistant cells. Two of the downregulated miRNAs, miR-196 and miR-374, were
      selected for overexpression in PANC1 and MIA PaCa-2 cells. Overexpression of miR
      374 sensitized PANC-1 and MIA PaCa-2 cells toward carbon ion beam radiation.
      miRNA miR-374 has the potential to be a new radiosensitizer for carbon ion beam
      radiotherapy and a new biomarker to determine the optimal treatment for cancer.

PMID- 27665740
TI  - A prospective, cohort evaluation of major and minor airway management
      complications during routine anaesthetic care at an academic medical centre.
AB  - The aim of this study was to develop an audit tool to identify prospectively all
      peri-operative adverse events during airway management in a cost-effective and
      reproducible way. All patients at VU University Medical Center who required
      general anaesthesia for elective and emergency surgical procedures were included
      during a period of 8 weeks. Daily questionnaires and interviews were taken from
      anaesthesia trainees and anaesthetic department staff members. A total of 2803
      patients underwent general anaesthesia, 1384 men and 1419 women, including 2232
      elective patients and 571 emergency procedures, 697 paediatric and 2106 adult
      surgical procedures. A total of 168 airway-related events were reported. The
      incidence of severe airway management-related events was 24/2803 (0.86%). There
      were 12 (0.42%) unanticipated ICU admissions, two patients (0.07%) required a
      surgical airway. There was one (0.04%) death, one cannot intubate cannot
      oxygenate (0.04%), one aspiration (0.04%) and eight (0.29%) severe desaturations
      < Sp O2 50%. We suggest that our method to determine and investigate airway
      management-related adverse events could be adopted by other hospitals.

PMID- 27665741
TI  - Paraspeckles modulate the intranuclear distribution of paraspeckle-associated Ctn
      RNA.
AB  - Paraspeckles are sub-nuclear domains that are nucleated by long noncoding RNA
      Neat1. While interaction of protein components of paraspeckles and Neat1 is
      understood, there is limited information on the interaction of non-structural RNA
      components with paraspeckles. Here, by varying paraspeckle number and size, we
      investigate how paraspeckles influence the nuclear organization of their non
      structural RNA component Ctn RNA. Our results show that Ctn RNA remains nuclear
      retained in the absence of intact paraspeckles, suggesting that they do not
      regulate nuclear retention of Ctn RNA. In the absence of Neat1, Ctn RNA continues
      to interact with paraspeckle protein NonO to form residual nuclear foci. In
      addition, in the absence of Neat1-nucleated paraspeckles, a subset of Ctn RNA
      localizes to the perinucleolar regions. Concomitant with increase in number of
      paraspeckles, transcriptional reactivation resulted in increased number of
      paraspeckle-localized Ctn RNA foci. Similar to Neat1, proteasome inhibition
      altered the localization of Ctn RNA, where it formed enlarged paraspeckle-like
      foci. Super-resolution structured illumination microscopic analyses revealed that
      in paraspeckles, Ctn RNA partially co-localized with Neat1, and displayed a more
      heterogeneous intra-paraspeckle localization. Collectively, these results show
      that while paraspeckles do not influence nuclear retention of Ctn RNA, they
      modulate its intranuclear compartmentalization.

PMID- 27665742
TI  - Evaluation of the safety in dogs of long-term, daily oral administration of
      capromorelin, a novel drug for stimulation of appetite.
AB  - The objective of the study was to evaluate the safety of capromorelin, a ghrelin
      agonist that stimulates appetite and causes increased body weight and the release
      of growth hormone (GH). Beagle dogs (n = 32) received either oral placebo or 0.3,
      7, or 40 mg/kg capromorelin once daily for 12 consecutive months. Safety was
      evaluated by physical examinations, including ECG and ophthalmic examinations,
      and comprehensive clinical pathology. Serum levels of capromorelin, GH, and
      insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) were measured periodically. Necropsies and
      histopathological evaluations were performed at study termination. As expected,
      GH and IGF-1 levels were mildly increased in capromorelin-treated dogs. Adverse
      events were limited to mild emesis and loose stools in all groups and excess
      salivation among some dogs receiving higher capromorelin doses. Clinical
      pathology testing was generally normal, although blood lipids and alkaline
      phosphatase levels were moderately increased among dogs receiving capromorelin.
      Treated dogs had slightly longer post-treatment PR intervals seen on ECG, but
      with no changes in cardiac histopathology. Postmortem findings were normal. Drug
      related increases in liver weight were linked to overall increases in body
      weight. Capromorelin was well tolerated in dogs at daily doses up to 40 mg/kg for
      12 months, demonstrating a wide safety margin.

PMID- 27665743
TI  - Compartmentalized gene expression profiling of receptive endometrium reveals
      progesterone regulated ENPP3 is differentially expressed and secreted in
      glycosylated form.
AB  - The complexity of endometrial receptivity at the molecular level needs to be
      explored in detail to improve the management of infertility. Here, differential
      expression of transcriptomes in receptive endometrial glands and stroma revealed
      Ectonucleotide Pyrophosphatase/Phosphodiesterase 3 (ENPP3) as a progesterone
      regulated factor and confirmed by various methods, both at mRNA and protein
      level. The involvement of ENPP3 in embryo attachment was tested in an in vitro
      model for human embryo implantation. Interestingly, there was high expression of
      ENPP3 mRNA in stroma but not protein. Presence of N-glycosylated ENPP3 in
      receptive phase uterine fluid in women confirms its regulation by progesterone
      and makes it possible to use in a non-invasive test of endometrial receptivity.

PMID- 27665745
TI  - Exploring Cognitive Relations Between Prediction in Language and Music.
AB  - The online processing of both music and language involves making predictions
      about upcoming material, but the relationship between prediction in these two
      domains is not well understood. Electrophysiological methods for studying
      individual differences in prediction in language processing have opened the door
      to new questions. Specifically, we ask whether individuals with musical training
      predict upcoming linguistic material more strongly and/or more accurately than
      non-musicians. We propose two reasons why prediction in these two domains might
      be linked: (a) Musicians may have greater verbal short-term/working memory; (b)
      music may specifically reward predictions based on hierarchical structure. We
      provide suggestions as to how to expand upon recent work on individual
      differences in language processing to test these hypotheses.

PMID- 27665744
TI  - Primary cutaneous B-cell lymphoma other than marginal zone: clinicopathologic
      analysis of 161 cases: Comparison with current classification and definition of
      prognostic markers.
AB  - Categorization of primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas (PCBCL) other than marginal
      zone (MZL) represents a diagnostic challenge with relevant prognostic
      implications. The 2008 WHO lymphoma classification recognizes only primary
      cutaneous follicular center cell lymphoma (PCFCCL) and primary cutaneous diffuse
      large B-cell lymphoma, leg type (PCDLBCL-LT), whereas the previous 2005 WHO/EORTC
      classification also included an intermediate form, namely PCDLBCL, other. We
      conducted a retrospective, multicentric, consensus-based revision of the
      clinicopathologic characteristics of 161 cases of PCBCL other than MZL. Upon the
      histologic features that are listed in the WHO classification, 96 cases were
      classified as PCFCCL and 25 as PCDLBCL-LT; 40 further cases did not fit in the
      former subgroups in terms of cytology and/or architecture, thus were classified
      as PCDLBCL, not otherwise specified (PCDLBCL-NOS). We assigned all the cases a
      histogenetic profile, based on the immunohistochemical detection of CD10, BCL6,
      and MUM1, and a "double hit score" upon positivity for BCL2 and MYC. PCDLBCL-NOS
      had a clinical presentation more similar to PCFCCL, whereas the histology was
      more consistent with the picture of a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, as
      predominantly composed of centroblasts but with intermixed a reactive infiltrate
      of small lymphocytes. Its behavior was intermediate between the other two forms,
      particularly when considering only cases with a "non-germinal B-cell" profile,
      whereas "germinal center" cases resembled PCFCCL. Our data confirmed the
      aggressive behavior of PCDLBC-LT, which often coexpressed MYC and BCL2. The
      impact of single factors on 5-year survival was documented, particularly
      histogenetic profile in PCDLBCL and BCL2 translocation in PCFCCL. Our study
      confirms that a further group-PCDLBCL-NOS-exists, which can be recognized through
      a careful combination of histopathologic criteria coupled with adequate clinical
      information.

PMID- 27665747
TI  - Upregulation and activation of delta-opioid receptors promotes the progression of
      human breast cancer.
AB  - delta-opioid receptor (DOR) belongs to the family of G protein-coupled receptors
      (GPCRs). Numerous studies have shown that DOR is widely distributed in human
      peripheral tissues and is closely related to the development and progression of
      certain malignant tumours. However, there is controversy in the literature
      regarding whether DOR has an impact on the development and progression of human
      breast cancer. The present study comprehensively elaborates on the biological
      functions of DOR by determining the distribution of DOR expression in breast
      cancer tissues and cells and by further verifying the effects of DOR on breast
      cancer progression. DOR was found to be highly expressed in human breast cancer
      tissues and cells. In addition, the high expression level of DOR positively
      correlated with tumour grade and clinical stage and negatively correlated with
      breast cancer metastasis and prognosis. Upregulating and activating DOR promoted
      the proliferation of human breast cancer cells in a concentration-dependent
      manner within a specific concentration range, whereas downregulating or
      inhibiting DOR activation significantly suppressed cell proliferation. The
      majority of tumour cells were arrested in G1 phase, and some cells exhibited
      apoptosis. DOR upregulation and activation induced protein kinase C (PKC)
      activation, resulting in increased phosphorylation levels of extracellular signal
      regulated kinases (ERKs). After inhibition of the PKC/ERK signalling pathway, the
      effects of DOR on breast cancer were significantly attenuated in vivo and in
      vitro. In summary, DOR is highly expressed in breast cancer and is closely
      related to its progression. These results suggest that DOR may serve as a
      potential biomarker for the early diagnosis of breast cancer and may be a viable
      molecular target for therapeutic intervention.

PMID- 27665746
TI  - The motility of esophageal sphincters during liquid and solid bolus swallows: a
      multicenter normative value study of high-resolution manometry in China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is gradually accepted that solid bolus swallow needs to be added
      to the procedure of manometry. The motility differences in the upper esophageal
      sphincter (UES) and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) were not well described.
      Sierra Scientific Instruments solid-state high-resolution manometry (HRM) system,
      the most popular HRM system in China, lacks the Chinese normative values for both
      liquid and solid bolus swallow parameters. METHODS: The esophageal HRM data of 88
      healthy volunteers were analyzed. The parameters of both sphincters in resting
      stage were summarized and those during solid and liquid swallows were compared.
      KEY RESULTS: Normative HRM values of sphincter parameters in solid and liquid
      bolus swallows in China were established. The UES residual pressure of solid
      bolus swallows was lower than that of liquid bolus (0.3+/-5.5 mm Hg vs 4.8+/-5.9
      mm Hg, P=.000). The time parameters of UES relaxation between two types of bolus
      swallows were similar. In solid bolus swallows, the intrabolus pressure (IBP)
      (13.8+/-5.1 mm Hg vs 10.9+/-5.7 mm Hg, P=.000) and LES relaxation time (11.0+/
      2.1 seconds vs 8.7+/-1.3 seconds, P=.000) were higher. The 4-second integrated
      relaxation pressure between both bolus swallows was similar. CONCLUSIONS &
      INFERENCES: The function of the UES and LES between solid and liquid bolus
      swallows is different. Chinese HRM parameters are different from the Chicago
      Classification (http://www.chictr.org.cn, Number ChiCTR-EOC-15007147).

PMID- 27665748
TI  - Implant Stability Quotients of Osteotome Bone Expansion and Conventional Drilling
      Technique for 4.1 mm Diameter Implant at Posterior Mandible.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clinical conclusions in studying the stability and osseointegration
      of mandibular implants positioned using the bone expansion techniques are
      conflicting and limited. PURPOSE: The objective was to examine the implant
      stability quotient (ISQ) values of mandibular posterior dental implants with 4.1
      mm diameter that inserted with osteotome bone expansion technique versus
      conventional drilling technique during a 12-week observation period. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Twenty-four implants with 4.1mm diameter in 18 patients were
      included. Twelve implants in 10 patients were positioned using osteotome bone
      expansion technique, and 12 fixtures in 9 patients were installed using the
      conventional drilling technique. The ISQ values of a 3.3 mm diameter implant was
      measured at recipient sites (ISQb ) before final drilling or expansion technique
      to standardize the increased ISQ value of 4.1 mm diameter implants. The ISQ
      values at Weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 post-surgery were recorded. Data
      were analyzed by Wilcoxon rank sum test, repeated measure ANOVA, and Fisher Lest
      Significant Difference test. RESULTS: Calibrated according to a 3.3-mm-diameter
      implant, bone expansion technique was adopted for the sites with ISQ?65 bone
      density, and the areas with ISQ >65 bone condition were treated with conventional
      drilling technique (p =.038). Both groups presented a similar healing pattern and
      a comparable ISQ reading from Week 0 to Week 12 (p > .05) for 4.1 mm diameter
      implants. However, bone expansion technique could enhance more stability when the
      ISQ values were calibrated by 3.3 mm diameter implant (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS:
      Bone expansion technique substantially increased more ISQ values from primary
      stability and achieved comparable primary and secondary stabilities with the
      conventional technique. Both groups reached a stability plateaus at Week 10.

PMID- 27665749
TI  - Bioluminophore and Flavin Mononucleotide Fluorescence Quenching of Bacterial
      Bioluminescence-A Theoretical Study.
AB  - Bacterial bioluminescence with continuous glow has been applied to the fields of
      environmental toxin monitoring, drug screening, and in vivo imaging. Nonetheless,
      the chemical form of the bacterial bioluminophore is still a bone of contention.
      Flavin mononucleotide (FMN), one of the light-emitting products, and 4a-hydroxy-5
      hydro flavin mononucleotide (HFOH), an intermediate of the chemical reactions,
      have both been assumed candidates for the light emitter because they have similar
      molecular structures and fluorescence wavelengths. The latter is preferred in
      experiments and was assigned in our previous density functional study. HFOH
      displays weak fluorescence in solutions, but exhibits strong bioluminescence in
      the bacterial luciferase. FMN shows the opposite behavior; its fluorescence is
      quenched when it is bound to the luciferase. This is the first example of flavin
      fluorescence quenching observed in bioluminescent systems and is merely an
      observation, both the quenching mechanism and quencher are still unclear. Based
      on theoretical analysis of high-level quantum mechanics (QM), combined QM and
      molecular mechanics (QM/MM), and molecular dynamics (MD), this paper confirms
      that HFOH in its first singlet excited state is the bioluminophore of bacterial
      bioluminescence. More importantly, the computational results indicate that Tyr110
      in the luciferase quenches the FMN fluorescence via an electron-transfer
      mechanism.

PMID- 27665750
TI  - The seasonal importance of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D for bone mineral density in
      older women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The impact of season when determining a serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (S
      25OHD) cut-off level for optimal bone health is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To
      investigate the relative importance of S-25OHD for bone mineral density (BMD) by
      season. METHODS: A subcohort of 5002 Swedish women (mean age 68 years), randomly
      selected from a large population-based longitudinal cohort study with repeat
      dietary and lifestyle information, was enrolled during 2003-2009 for a clinical
      examination, which included dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and collection of
      fasting blood samples. Categories of vitamin D status were determined by S-25OHD
      (measured by HPLC-MS/MS). RESULTS: In samples collected during summer, we found a
      gradual increase in BMD of the total hip up to a S-25OHD level of 40 nmol L-1 (6%
      of the cohort). In women with S-25OHD concentrations below 30 nmol L-1 during
      summer, adjusted BMD was 11% lower [95% confidence interval (CI) 3-19] and in
      those with S-25OHD levels of 30-40 nmol L-1 BMD was 6% lower (95% CI 1-11),
      compared with women with S-25OHD levels above 80 nmol L-1 . Low S-25OHD
      concentrations during summer (<30 nmol L-1 ) were also associated with higher
      adjusted relative risk of osteoporosis (4.9; 95% CI 2.9-8.4) compared with
      concentrations above 80 nmol L-1 . By contrast, no differences in mean BMD values
      between categories of S-25OHD were found during winter. CONCLUSIONS: Summer
      concentrations of S-25OHD appear to be the most useful to predict BMD, whereas
      winter levels have limited value. To determine a S-25OHD cut-off level for
      vitamin D deficiency, it may be necessary to take into account the season of
      blood collection.

PMID- 27665751
TI  - Identification of cyclic lipopeptides produced by Bacillus vallismortis R2 and
      their antifungal activity against Alternaria alternata.
AB  - AIM: To identify the different antifungal biomolecules produced by isolate
      Bacillus vallismortis R2 and analyse their effect on Alternaria alternata, a
      common pathogen causing black point disease of wheat. METHODS AND RESULTS: The
      different antifungal molecules produced by isolate R2 were purified by column
      chromatography. The liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry of purified fractions
      confirmed the ability of R2 to produce biomolecules putatively similar to three
      different families of cyclic lipopeptides (CLPs) viz. surfactins, iturins and
      fengycins. The synergistic interaction among CLPs was evident from significant
      increase in the antifungal activity of mixture of purified fractions as compared
      to that of the individual fractions by agar well diffusion assay. The evaluation
      of antifungal activity of purified fractions by 96-well microtitre plate assay
      showed that the fengycin-like molecules supported significantly higher antifungal
      activity against A. alternata than iturin A and no antifungal activity was
      supported by surfactin. CONCLUSIONS: The isolate R2, producing different CLPs,
      can be used as an environmental friendly alternative to chemical fungicides.
      Among the three different CLPs viz. surfactin, iturin A and fengycin produced by
      R2, the fengycins were the most active lipopeptides. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF
      THE STUDY: This is the first report on co-production of three different types of
      CLPs by the cells of B. vallismortis.

PMID- 27665752
TI  - Driving in Early-Stage Alzheimer's Disease: An Integrative Review of the
      Literature.
AB  - One of the most difficult decisions for individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD)
      is when to stop driving. Because driving is a fundamental activity linked to
      socialization, independent functioning, and well-being, making the decision to
      stop driving is not easy. Cognitive decline in older adults can lead to getting
      lost while driving, difficulty detecting and avoiding hazards, as well as
      increased errors while driving due to compromised judgment and difficulty in
      making decisions. The purpose of the current literature review was to synthesize
      evidence regarding how individuals with early-stage AD, their families, and
      providers make determinations about driving safety, interventions to increase
      driving safety, and methods to assist cessation and coping for individuals with
      early-stage AD. The evidence shows that changes in driving ability start early
      and progress throughout the trajectory of AD. Some individuals with mild
      cognitive impairment or early-stage AD may be safe to drive for a period of time.
      Support groups aimed at helping with the transition have been shown to be helpful
      for individuals who stop driving. Research and practice must support
      interventions to help individuals maintain safety while driving, as well as cope
      with driving cessation. [Res Gerontol Nurs. 2017; 10(2):86-100.].

PMID- 27665753
TI  - Modes of Decision Making Used by Nursing Home Residents and Their Families When
      Confronted With Potential Hospital Readmission.
AB  - The purpose of the current study was to characterize the decision-making
      processes used by nursing home (NH) residents and their families when confronted
      with an acute change in condition and the choice of transfer to the hospital or
      treatment in the NH. Using cognitive task analysis, 96 residents and 75 family
      members from 19 NHs were asked how they would make this choice. Fifty-one
      residents (53%) and 61 family members (81%) used a deliberative mode
      characterized by seeking information and weighing risks and benefits. Ten
      residents (10%) and five family members (7%) used a predominantly emotion-based
      mode characterized by references to feelings and prior experiences in these
      facilities. Thirty-six residents (38%) and nine family members (12%) delegated
      the decision to a family member or provider. Age and resident/family status were
      associated with mode used; transfer choice, gender, religion, education, and
      ethnic group were not. Although classic theories of information processing posit
      two modes of decision making, deliberative and affective, the current data
      suggest a third mode, that of delegating the decision to trusted others,
      particularly family members and providers. [Res Gerontol Nurs. 2016; 9(6):288
      299.].

PMID- 27665754
TI  - Effects of Support Groups for Individuals with Early-Stage Dementia and Mild
      Cognitive Impairment: An Integrative Review.
AB  - Support groups have demonstrated promising outcomes for individuals with mild
      cognitive impairment (MCI) and early-stage dementia (ESD) in previous literature
      reviews. However, evidence has not been updated since 2007. The current review
      aimed to update current evidence on the use and effects of support groups for
      individuals with MCI and ESD and their care partners. A literature search was
      conducted in seven databases and 18 eligible research articles were retrieved.
      Support groups showed positive impacts on participant acceptance of cognitive
      impairment; performance and satisfaction of meaningful activity; resilience; self
      help; and care partner coping self-efficacy, perceived support, and preparation
      and task effectiveness. Findings also revealed that support groups were well
      accepted by participants and care partners. Few studies included ethnic
      diversity, limiting the generalizability of findings. Further large-scale studies
      are needed to confirm the effects of support groups for individuals with MCI and
      ESD in all populations. [Res Gerontol Nurs. 2017; 10(1):35-51.].

PMID- 27665755
TI  - Predicting Off-Label Antipsychotic Medication Use in a Randomly Selected Nursing
      Home Sample Based on Resident and Facility Characteristics.
AB  - Reducing off-label antipsychotic medication use for behavioral and psychological
      symptoms of dementia (BPSD) in nursing home residents has been a centerpiece of
      government regulation, but without insight into utilization differences based on
      resident and facility characteristics. To examine whether resident and facility
      characteristics can predict off-label antipsychotic medication treatment for
      BPSD, residents prescribed antipsychotic medication (N = 216) from 17 Maryland
      nursing facilities were randomly selected. Based on physician diagnoses, 59.7% of
      participants were taking off-label antipsychotic medications for BPSD.
      Hierarchical logistic regression results suggest that dementia level (indicated
      by Brief Cognitive Assessment Tool scores) and age, but not facility
      characteristics, significantly predict greater likelihood of using off-label
      antipsychotic medications for BPSD. Having moderate-severe dementia was
      associated with more than a four-fold increase in off-label antipsychotic
      medication use for BPSD. Off-label use of antipsychotic medications for BPSD
      remains high, especially for older nursing home residents with more severe
      dementia, indicating that more targeted reduction approaches are needed. [Res
      Gerontol Nurs. 2016; 9(6):257-266.].

PMID- 27665756
TI  - Falls and Fall Prevention in Older Adults With Early-Stage Dementia: An
      Integrative Review.
AB  - Older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and early-stage dementia have
      an increased risk of falling, with risks to their health and quality of life. The
      purpose of the current integrative review was to evaluate evidence on fall risk
      and fall prevention in this population. Studies were included if they examined
      falls or fall risk factors in older adults with MCI or early-stage dementia, or
      reported interventions in this population; 40 studies met criteria. Evidence
      supports the increased risk of falls in individuals even in the early stages of
      dementia or MCI, and changes in gait, balance, and fear of falling that may be
      related to this increased fall risk. Interventions included exercise and
      multifactorial interventions that demonstrated some potential to reduce falls in
      this population. Few studies had strong designs to provide evidence for
      recommendations. Further study in this area is warranted. [Res Gerontol Nurs.
      2017; 10(03):139-148.].

PMID- 27665757
TI  - Catalases and PhoB/PhoR system independently contribute to oxidative stress
      resistance in Vibrio cholerae O1.
AB  - All cells are subjected to oxidative stress, a condition under which reactive
      oxygen species (ROS) production exceeds elimination. Bacterial defences against
      ROS include synthesis of antioxidant enzymes like peroxidases and catalases.
      Vibrio cholerae can produce two distinct catalases, KatB and KatG, which
      contribute to ROS homeostasis. In this study, we analysed the mechanism behind
      katG and katB expression in two V. cholerae O1 pandemic strains, O395 and N16961,
      of classical and El Tor biotypes, respectively. Both strains express these genes,
      especially at stationary phase. However, El Tor N16961 produces higher KatB and
      KatG levels and is much more resistant to peroxide challenge than the classical
      strain, confirming a direct relationship between catalase activity and oxidative
      stress resistance. Moreover, we showed that katG and katB expression levels
      depend on inorganic phosphate (Pi) availability, in contrast to other bacterial
      species. In N16961, katB and katG expression is reduced under Pi limitation
      relative to Pi abundance. Total catalase activity in N16961 and its phoB mutant
      cells was similar, independently of growth conditions, indicating that the
      PhoB/PhoR system is not required for katB and katG expression. However, N16961
      cells from Pi-limited cultures were 50-100-fold more resistant to H2O2 challenge
      and accumulated less ROS than phoB mutant cells. Together, these findings suggest
      that, besides KatB and KatG, the PhoB/PhoR system is an important protective
      factor against ROS in V. cholerae N16961. They also corroborate previous results
      from our and other groups, suggesting that the PhoB/PhoR system is fundamental
      for V. cholerae biology.

PMID- 27665758
TI  - Piscinibacterium candidicorallinum gen. nov., sp. nov., a member of the order
      Burkholderiales isolated from a fish pond.
AB  - A bacterial strain designated LYH-15T was isolated from a freshwater fish pond in
      Taiwan and characterized using a polyphasic taxonomy approach. Cells of LYH-15T
      were Gram-staining-negative, aerobic, motile by means of a single polar
      flagellum, poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate-containing, non-spore forming, straight rods
      and formed light-coral-colored colonies. Growth occurred at 15-40  degrees C
      (optimum, 30  degrees C), at pH 5.0-9.0 (optimum, pH 7.0) and with 0-0.5 % NaCl
      (optimum, 0 %). Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed
      that LYH-15T forms a distinct phyletic line within the order Burkholderiales,
      with less than 94 % sequence similarity to its closest relatives with validly
      published names. The predominant fatty acids were summed feature 3 (comprising
      C16 : 1omega7c and/or C16 : 1omega6c), C16 : 0 and C18 : 1omega7c. The major
      isoprenoid quinone was Q-8 and the DNA G+C content was 63.8 mol%. The major polar
      lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol,
      diphosphatidylglycerol and several uncharacterized lipids. The major polyamines
      were 2-hydroxyputrescine and putrescine. On the basis of the genotypic and
      phenotypic data, LYH-15T represents a novel species of a new genus in the order
      Burkholderiales, for which the name Piscinibacterium candidicorallinum gen. nov.,
      sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is LYH-15T (=BCRC 80969T=LMG 29480T=KCTC
      52168T).

PMID- 27665759
TI  - Erratum to: Abuse potential of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and its
      derivatives in zebrafish: role of serotonin 5HT2-type receptors.

PMID- 27665761
TI  - The proliferation mechanism of normal and pathological human placentas.
AB  - The placenta, which is a regulator organ for many metabolic activities between
      mother and fetus, is critical in influencing the outcome of pregnancy. Therefore,
      fetal growth is directly related to the placental development. Placental
      development depends on the coordinated action of trophoblast proliferation,
      differentiation and invasion. Studies on cell cycle related proteins that control
      these events are limited. Abnormal placental development is linked to various
      pregnancy pathologies such as preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction,
      diabetes mellitus and gestational trophoblastic diseases. The cell cycle
      mechanism of human placenta should be well understood for a healthy pregnancy
      outcome. Moreover, how cell cycle related proteins that control placental
      development are affected in pregnancy pathologies is not fully understood yet.
      Therefore, the aim of this review is to address the currently available knowledge
      on cell cycle regulatory proteins involved in human placental development and on
      the expression differences of these proteins in pathological placentas.

PMID- 27665760
TI  - Previously undiagnosed diastematomyelia with bony spur as a cause of back pain in
      a 49-year-old patient with known psoriatic arthritis.

PMID- 27665762
TI  - [Assessment of Three Risk Adjustment Systems as Predictors of the Consumption of
      Medicines and Medical Supplies at Polyvalent Hospitalization Units. Spain].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The use of medicines and medical supplies is a significant component
      of health expenditure, linked to healthcare quality and efficient resource
      allocation. This study aimed to evaluate three risk adjustment systems predictive
      power of the consumption of medicines and medical supplies at polyvalent
      hospitalization units (PHU). METHODS: This is an observational, retrospective
      study of the resources utilization in PHU between 2010 and 2013. We fitted linear
      regression models and evaluated their goodness of fit for three different
      predictors: Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), All Patients DRG (AP-DRG) and All
      Patients Refined DRG (APR-DRG) relative weights, and each one of them corrected
      by the length of stay. We analyzed hospitalization episodes included in the
      Minimum Basic Data Set (MBDS) from Fuenlabrada University Hospital. Data about
      the use of medicines and medical supplies were obtained from pharmacy and supply
      chain management information systems. RESULTS: Significant correlation was found
      between the annual consumption and the predictors considered (r=0,879 for CCI;
      r=0,622 for AP-DRG and r=0,514 for APR-DRG). The CCI corrected by length of stay
      was the variable that best fit presented (R2=0,863). CONCLUSIONS: The best
      predictive ability of CCI indicates that resource utilization depends more of the
      concurrent presence of additional pathology than the case mix calculated for iso
      resource groups.

PMID- 27665763
TI  - Nonlinear Carrier Interactions in Lead Halide Perovskites and the Role of
      Defects.
AB  - The simple solution processability at room temperature exposes lead halide
      perovskite semiconductors to a non-negligible level of unintentional structural
      and chemical defects. Ascertained that their primary optoelectronic properties
      meet the requirement for high efficiency optoelectronic technologies, a lack of
      knowledge about the nature of defects and their role in the device operation
      currently is a major challenge for their market-scale application due to the
      issues with stability and reliability. Here, we use excitation correlation
      photoluminescence (ECPL) spectroscopy to investigate the recombination dynamics
      of the photogenerated carriers in lead bromide perovskites and quantitatively
      describe the carrier trapping dynamics within a generalization of the Shockley
      Read-Hall formalism. The superior sensitivity of our spectroscopic tool to the
      many-body interactions enables us to identify the energetics of the defects. In
      fact, in the case of polycrystalline films, depending on the synthetic route, we
      demonstrate the presence of both deep and shallow carrier traps. The shallow
      defects, which are situated at about 20 meV below the conduction band, dope the
      semiconductor, leading to a substantial enhancement of the photoluminescence
      quantum yield despite carrier trapping. At excitation densities relevant for
      lasing, we observe breakdown of the rate-equation model, indicating a buildup of
      a highly correlated regime of the photocarrier population that suppresses the
      nonradiative Auger recombination. Furthermore, we demonstrate that colloidal
      nanocrystals represent virtually defect-free systems, suffering from nonradiative
      quenching only due to subpicosecond Auger-like interactions at high excitation
      density. By correlating the fabrication conditions to the nonradiative loss
      channels, this work provides guidelines for material engineering towards superior
      optoelectronic devices.

PMID- 27665764
TI  - Homogeneous Electrochemical Biosensor for Melamine Based on DNA Triplex Structure
      and Exonuclease III-Assisted Recycling Amplification.
AB  - Abasic site (AP site) in the triplex structure can recognize specific target with
      high selectivity. In this study, this character was first applied to develop a
      simple, sensitive, and selective homogeneous electrochemical biosensor for
      melamine determination. The assay combines the advantage of the high selectivity
      of the DNA triplex structure containing an AP site to melamine and high
      efficiency of exonuclease (Exo) III-assisted recycling amplification. DNA-1 (T1),
      DNA-2 (T2), poly[dA] probe containing an AP site (8A) and methylene blue-labeled
      DNA probe (dMB probe) were carefully designed. Melamine can specifically locate
      in the AP site through hydrogen bonding interaction between thymine and melamine
      to make T1, T2, and 8A close to each other, therefore, forming a stable T
      melamine-T DNA triplex structure. Under the optimal conditions, the differential
      pulse voltammetric (DPV) response had a linear relationship with the logarithm of
      melamine concentration in the range of 1 nM~0.5 MUM. The developed biosensor has
      been successfully applied to detect the migration of melamine from melamine bowl.
      Result showed that the migration in 4% acetic acid solvent was the largest, which
      is similar to that detected by high performance liquid chromatography. This
      homogeneous electrochemical sensor may have a potential prospect in detecting
      melamine in dairy products and migration of melamine from multicategory food
      packaging or application materials.

PMID- 27665766
TI  - Porous Polyrotaxane Coordination Networks Containing Two Distinct Conformers of a
      Discontinuously Flexible Ligand.
AB  - A new divergent homopiperazine-derived ligand N,N'-bis(4-carboxyphenyl)-1,4
      diazacycloheptane H2L has been prepared, containing a semirigid saturated
      heterocyclic core which is capable of providing multiple distinct bridging
      geometries. Reaction of H2L with zinc acetate in DMSO gives a two-dimensional
      parallel interpenetrated polyrotaxane structure 1 in which the loops and rods are
      formed by the bent cis-(eq,ax) twist boat and trans-(ax,ax) twist chair
      conformers, respectively. By matching the distances between the solvated metal
      sites in the structure of 1, a related material 2 can be prepared incorporating
      the pillaring ligand trans-1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene bpe. Compound 2 displays a
      similar polyrotaxane interpenetration mode, permitted by the presence of both cis
      and trans ligand conformers, but displays a three-dimensional 2.69 topology
      related to the dia diamondoid network. The guest exchange and gas adsorption
      properties of both materials were investigated; while compound 1 displays poor
      stability to guest exchange and negligible gas uptake, the higher connectivity
      microporous compound 2 shows facile guest exchange and a surprisingly high CO2
      capacity of 12 wt % at 1 bar and 273 K, and a zero-loading enthalpy of adsorption
      of -32 kJ mol-1. High-pressure adsorption isotherms also show moderate
      physisorption of H2 and CH4 within the material.

PMID- 27665765
TI  - Targeting Gliomas: Can a New Alkylating Hybrid Compound Make a Difference?
AB  - Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive type of brain tumor in
      adults. The triazene Temozolomide (TMZ), an alkylating drug, is the classical
      chemotherapeutic agent for gliomas, but has been disappointing against the highly
      invasive and resistant nature of GBM. Hybrid compounds may open new horizons
      within this challenge. The multicomponent therapeutic strategy here used resides
      on a combination of two repurposing drugs acting by different but potentially
      synergistic mechanisms, improved efficacy, and lower resistance effects. We
      synthesized a new hybrid compound (HYBCOM) by covalently binding a TMZ analogue
      to valproic acid, a histone deacetylase inhibitor drug that was shown to
      sensitize TMZ-resistant glioma cells. Advantages of this new molecule as compared
      to TMZ, in terms of chemotherapeutic efficacy, were investigated. Our results
      evidenced that HYBCOM more efficiently decreased the viability and proliferation
      of the GL261 glioma cells, while showing to better target the tumor cells than
      the functionally normal astrocytes. Increased cytotoxicity by HYBCOM may be a
      consequence of the improved autophagic process observed. Additionally, HYBCOM
      changed the morphology of GL261 cells into a nonpolar, more rounded shape,
      impairing cell migration ability. Most interesting, and in opposite to TMZ, cells
      exposed to HYBCOM did not enhance the expression of drug resistance proteins, a
      major issue in the treatment of GBM. Overall, our studies indicate that HYBCOM
      has promising chemotherapeutic benefits over the classical TMZ, and future
      studies should assess if the treatment translates into efficacy in glioblastoma
      experimental models and reveal clinical benefits in GBM patients.

PMID- 27665767
TI  - Sodium para-aminosalicylate protected cultured basal ganglia astrocytes from
      manganese-induced DNA damages and alteration of amino acid neurotransmitter
      levels.
AB  - Sodium para-aminosalicylate (PAS-Na) was first applied successfully in clinical
      treatment of two manganism patients with good prognosis. However, the mechanism
      of how PAS-Na protects against Mn-induced neurotoxicity is still elusive. The
      current study was conducted to explore the effects of PAS-Na on Mn-induced basal
      ganglia astrocyte injury, and the involvement of amino acid neurotransmitter in
      vitro. Basal ganglia astrocytes were exposed to 500 MUM manganese chloride
      (MnCl2) for 24 hr, following by 50, 150, or 450 MUM PAS-Na treatment for another
      24 hr. MnCl2 significantly decreased viability of astrocytes and induced DNA
      damages via increasing the percentage of tail DNA and Olive tail moment of DNA.
      Moreover, Mn interrupted amino acid neurotransmitters by decreasing Gln levels
      and increasing Glu, Gly levels. In contrast, PAS-Na treatment reversed the
      aforementioned Mn-induced toxic effects on basal ganglia astrocytes. Taken
      together, our results demonstrated that excessive Mn exposure may induce toxic
      effects on basal ganglia astrocytes, while PAS-Na could protect basal ganglia
      astrocytes from Mn-induced neurotoxicity. 

PMID- 27665768
TI  - In utero exposure to diesel exhaust particles induces anxiogenic effects on male
      offspring via chronic activation of serotonergic neuron in dorsal raphe nucleus.
AB  - Diesel exhaust consists of diesel exhaust particles (DEPs) and gaseous compounds.
      Because previous research suggested that in utero exposure to DEPs affected
      spatial learning and memory in male offspring, while epidemiological evidence
      suggested disturbances in affect after prenatal exposure to particulates, we
      hypothesized that DEP exposure during pregnancy might also disturb affect. Here,
      we explored the effects of in utero exposure to DEPs on anxiety in male ICR mice.
      DEP solutions were administered subcutaneously to pregnant ICR mice at a dose of
      0 or 200 MUg/kg body weight on gestation days 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18. We assessed
      anxiety in 6 week-old male offspring using the hole board test and elevated plus
      maze test. After the behavioral tests, animals were sacrificed and serotonin (5
      HT) levels in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) were measured using HPLC. Mice
      exposed to DEPs in utero demonstrated increased anxiety in both behavioral tests.
      HPLC analysis revealed a significant increase in 5-HT levels in the DRN. Double
      immunolabeling of the DRN using anti-5-HT and anti-FosB (a chronic neuronal
      activation marker) antibodies indicated chronic activation of the DRN might
      underlie the increased anxiety after prenatal DEP exposure. 

PMID- 27665769
TI  - Effects of pentobarbital, isoflurane, or medetomidine-midazolam-butorphanol
      anesthesia on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and blood chemistry in rats.
AB  - Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) is commonly examined for pulmonary toxicity
      in animal studies. Two common means of anesthesia before euthanasia and
      bronchoalveolar lavage in rats are intraperitoneal injection of pentobarbital and
      inhalation of isoflurane. Medetomidine-midazolam-butorphanol is an alternative
      anesthesia to pentobarbital for animal welfare; however, the effect of this
      combination on BALF and blood chemistry is unknown. Here, we compared the effects
      of anesthesia by intraperitoneal injection of pentobarbital or one of two
      combinations of medetomidine-midazolam-butorphanol (dose, 0.375-2.0-2.5 or 0.15
      2.0-2.5 mg/kg) or by inhalation of isoflurane on BALF and blood chemistry in rats
      with or without pulmonary inflammation. In BALF, we determined total protein,
      albumin, lactate dehydrogenase, total cell count and neutrophil count. In serum,
      we conducted a general chemistry screen. After anesthesia with pentobarbital or
      isoflurane, there were no significant differences between any of the BALF or
      blood chemistry parameters with or without inflammation. After anesthesia with
      either of the combinations of medetomidine-midazolam-butorphanol, lactate
      dehydrogenase, total cell count, neutrophil count, and almost all of the blood
      chemistry parameters were comparable with those observed after pentobarbital or
      isoflurane; however, BALF albumin and serum glucose were significantly increased
      in rats without inflammation. After the combination of low-dose medetomidine in
      rats with inflammation, BALF parameters were comparable with those observed after
      pentobarbital or isoflurane. Our results show that, of the anesthetics examined,
      inhalation of isoflurane is the most appropriate means of anesthesia when
      examining BALF or serum for toxicity studies in rats. 

PMID- 27665770
TI  - Usefulness of in vitro combination assays of mitochondrial dysfunction and
      apoptosis for the estimation of potential risk of idiosyncratic drug induced
      liver injury.
AB  - Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is one of the serious and frequent drug-related
      adverse events. This adverse event is a main reason for regulatory action
      pertaining to drugs, including restrictions in clinical indications and
      withdrawal from clinical trials or the marketplace. Idiosyncratic DILI especially
      has become a major clinical concern because of its unpredictable nature, frequent
      hospitalization, need for liver transplantation and high mortality. The
      estimation of the potential for compounds to induce idiosyncratic DILI is very
      difficult in non-clinical studies because the precise mechanism of idiosyncratic
      DILI is still unknown. Recently, many in vitro assays which indicate a
      possibility of the prediction of the idiosyncratic DILI have been reported. Among
      these, some in vitro assays focus on the effects of compounds on mitochondrial
      function and the apoptotic effects of compounds on human hepatocytes. In this
      study, we measured oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and caspase-3/7 activity as an
      endpoint of mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis, respectively, with human
      hepatocytes after treatment with compounds causing idiosyncratic DILI
      (troglitazone, leflunomide, ranitidine and diclofenac). Troglitazone and
      leflunomide decreased the OCR but did not affect caspase-3/7 activity. Ranitidine
      increased caspase-3/7 activity but did not affect the OCR. Diclofenac decreased
      the OCR and increased caspase-3/7 activity. Acetaminophen and ethanol, which are
      also hepatotoxicants but do not induce idiosyncratic DILI, did not affect the OCR
      or caspase-3/7 activity. These results indicate that a combination assay of
      mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis is useful for the estimation of potential
      risk of compounds to induce idiosyncratic DILI. 

PMID- 27665771
TI  - The sarin-like organophosphorus agent bis(isopropyl methyl)phosphonate induces ER
      stress in human astrocytoma cells.
AB  - Organophosphorus (OP) compounds such as sarin are toxic agents that irreversibly
      inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. A recent study showed that OP compounds
      also have multiple toxicity mechanisms, and another suggested that endoplasmic
      reticulum (ER) dysfunction contributes to OP toxicity. However, the signaling
      pathway and mechanisms involved are poorly understood. We examined whether the
      sarin-like OP agent bis(isopropyl methyl)phosphonate (BIMP), which exhibits
      toxicity similar to that of sarin, induced ER stress in human astrocytoma CCF
      STTG1 cells. Our results demonstrate that BIMP exposure reduced cell viability.
      Moreover, it induced changes in mitochondrial membrane potential and increased
      cleavage of caspase 3. Treatment with BIMP increased the mRNA levels of the ER
      stress marker genes binding immunoglobulin protein (BiP) and the transcription
      factor C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP). Furthermore, BIMP increased the protein
      expressions and phosphorylation of BiP, CHOP, and protein kinase RNA-like ER
      kinase and the phosphorylation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2.
      Compared to BIMP treatment alone, pretreatment with the CHOP siRNA, siCHOP,
      decreased BIMP-dependent CHOP expression and improved CCF-STTG1 cell viability.
      Our findings suggest that BIMP induced mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptotic
      cell death event mediated by ER stress in CCF-STTG1 cells and that treatment
      targeted at managing ER stress has the potential to attenuate the toxicity of OP
      nerve agents. 

PMID- 27665772
TI  - Persistent neuronal apoptosis and synaptic loss induced by multiple but not
      single exposure of propofol contribute to long-term cognitive dysfunction in
      neonatal rats.
AB  - Propofol can induce acute neuronal apoptosis or long-term cognitive dysfunction
      when exposed at early age in rodents, but it is unclear how the neurotoxicity
      including neuronal apoptosis and synaptic loss will change in a dynamic manner
      with brain development after multiple or single exposure of propofol, and the
      role of neuronal apoptosis and synaptic loss in propofol-induced long-term
      cognitive impairment needs to be elucidated. In this study, we investigated
      dynamic changes of neuronal apoptosis, neuronal density, synaptic density in
      hippocampal CA1 region and the prelimbic cortex (PrL), and long-term cognitive
      function after multiple or single exposure of propofol in neonatal rats. Results
      showed that single exposure of propofol only induced great neuronal apoptosis and
      deficit at postnatal day 9(P9); while multiple exposures of propofol could induce
      significant neuronal apoptosis, neuronal deficit and synaptic loss at P9, P14,
      P21, or P35 compared with intact, and spatial learning and memory impairment from
      P36 to P41. Results suggest that single exposure of propofol only induces
      transient neuronal apoptosis and deficit, while multiple exposures of propofol
      induce persistent neuronal apoptosis, neuronal deficit, synaptic loss, and long
      term cognitive impairment. Furthermore, persistent neuronal deficit and
      disturbances in synapse formation but not transient neuronal apoptosis may
      contribute to long-term cognitive impairment. 

PMID- 27665773
TI  - Body surface area measurement in laboratory miniature pigs using a computed
      tomography scanner.
AB  - The body surface area (BSA) of an organism is an important parameter for
      evaluating physiological functions. In drug development, normalization by BSA is
      an appropriate method for extrapolating doses between species. The BSA of animals
      has generally been estimated by multiplying a constant by the power of the body
      weight (BW). Recently, the use of miniature pigs in non-clinical studies for
      medical drugs or devices has gradually been increasing. However, verification of
      their BSA is not as yet sufficient. In this study, we measured the BSAs of 40
      laboratory miniature pigs (11 males and 9 females of Gottingen minipig and 14
      males and 6 females of Nippon Institute for Biological Science [NIBS] miniature
      pig) by analyzing computed tomography (CT) images, since measurements using a CT
      scanner were expected to more precisely determine BSA than classical measuring
      techniques. The measurement results showed the BSAs of the 20 Gottingen minipigs
      to range from 0.4358 to 0.8356 m(2) (the working BW range: 12.7-37.0 kg) and 20
      NIBS miniature pigs to range from 0.2906 to 0.8675 m(2) (the working BW range:
      7.9-41.5 kg). Since accuracy and reproducibility were confirmed by measuring the
      surface area of an acrylic cuboid, we concluded the measurement method employed
      in this study to be very reliable. We propose the following estimating formula
      for BSA of laboratory miniature pigs: 100 * BSA [m(2)] = 7.98 * BW [kg](2/3). 

PMID- 27665774
TI  - Hydrogen sulfide donor NaHS induces death of alveolar epithelial L2 cells that is
      associated with cellular shrinkage, transgelin expression and myosin
      phosphorylation.
AB  - Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a highly toxic gaseous molecule that causes death to
      humans exposed to high concentrations. H2S is absorbed into the body through the
      alveolar epithelium and other tissues. The aim of this study is to evaluate the
      molecular mechanism underling acute lung injury caused by the inhalation of high
      concentrations of H2S. Rat lung epithelium-derived L2 cells were exposed to a H2S
      donor, NaHS, at concentrations of 2-4 mM for 1-6 hr. NaHS caused shrinkage and
      death of the cells without caspase activation. An actin-binding protein,
      transgelin, was identified as one of the NaHS-inducible proteins in the cells.
      NaHS increased myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation, indicating that
      actomyosin-mediated cellular contractility and/or motility could be increased
      after NaHS exposure. The administration of ML-7, a myosin light chain kinase
      (MLCK) inhibitor, accelerated cell death after NaHS exposure. Based on these
      data, we conclude that the increase in MLC phosphorylation in response to NaHS
      exposure is a cellular protective reaction against NaHS toxicity. Enhancements in
      smooth muscle cell properties such as transgelin expression and actomyosin
      mediated contractility/motility might be involved in cell survival after NaHS
      exposure. 

PMID- 27665775
TI  - Exposure time-dependent thermal effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic field
      exposure on the whole body of rats.
AB  - We investigated the thermal effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF
      EMFs) on the variation in core temperature and gene expression of some stress
      markers in rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to 2.14 GHz wideband code
      division multiple access (W-CDMA) RF signals at a whole-body averaged specific
      absorption rate (WBA-SAR) of 4 W/kg, which causes behavioral disruption in
      laboratory animals, and 0.4 W/kg, which is the limit for the occupational
      exposure set by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection
      guideline. It is important to understand the possible in vivo effects derived
      from RF-EMF exposures at these intensities. Because of inadequate data on real
      time core temperature analyses using free-moving animal and the association
      between stress and thermal effects of RF-EMF exposure, we analyzed the core body
      temperature under nonanesthetic condition during RF-EMF exposure. The results
      revealed that the core temperature increased by approximately 1.5 degrees C
      compared with the baseline and reached a plateau till the end of RF-EMF exposure.
      Furthermore, we analyzed the gene expression of heat-shock proteins (Hsp) and
      heat-shock transcription factors (Hsf) family after RF-EMF exposure. At WBA-SAR
      of 4 W/kg, some Hsp and Hsf gene expression levels were significantly upregulated
      in the cerebral cortex and cerebellum following exposure for 6 hr/day but were
      not upregulated after exposure for 3 hr/day. On the other hand, there was no
      significant change in the core temperature and gene expression at WBA-SAR of 0.4
      W/kg. Thus, 2.14-GHz RF-EMF exposure at WBA-SAR of 4 W/kg induced increases in
      the core temperature and upregulation of some stress markers, particularly in the
      cerebellum. 

PMID- 27665776
TI  - The effects of early postnatal exposure to a low dose of decabromodiphenyl ether
      (BDE-209) on serum metabolites in male mice.
AB  - The toxicity of decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) has been reported in several
      studies. However, there is not much known about the toxicological biomarkers that
      characterize BDE-209 exposure. In this study, we subcutaneously exposed mice to
      0.025 mg/kg/day BDE-209 on postnatal days 1-5 and sacrificed the animals at 12
      weeks of age (day 84). Flow injection analysis and hydrophilic interaction
      chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry were used to determine the
      serum metabolomes of these mice in order to characterize the effects of BDE-209
      exposure. Data analysis showed a good separation between control and exposed mice
      (R(2) = 0.953, Q(2) = 0.728, and ANOVA of the cross-validated residuals (CV
      ANOVA): P-value = 0.0317) and 54 metabolites were identified as altered in the
      exposed animals. These were selected using variable importance (VIP) and loadings
      scaled by a correlation coefficient criteria and orthogonal partial least squares
      discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). BDE-209-exposed mice showed lower levels of long
      chain acylcarnitines and citrate cycle-related metabolites, and higher levels of
      some amino acids, long-chain phospholipids, and short-chain acylcarnitines. The
      disruption of fatty acid, carbohydrate, and amino acid metabolism observed in the
      serum metabolome might be related to the previously observed impaired
      spermatogenesis in mice with early postnatal exposure to a low dose of BDE-209. 

PMID- 27665777
TI  - Metabolism of methiocarb and carbaryl by rat and human livers and plasma, and
      effect on their PXR, CAR and PPARalpha activities.
AB  - The oxidative, reductive, and hydrolytic metabolism of methiocarb and the
      hydrolytic metabolism of carbaryl by liver microsomes and plasma of rats or
      humans were examined. The effects of the metabolism of methiocarb and carbaryl on
      their nuclear receptor activities were also examined. When methiocarb was
      incubated with rat liver microsomes in the presence of NADPH, methiocarb
      sulfoxide, and a novel metabolite, methiocarb sulfone were detected. Methiocarb
      sulfoxide was oxidized to the sulfone by liver microsomes and reduced back to
      methiocarb by liver cytosol. Thus, the interconversion between methiocarb and the
      sulfoxide was found to be a new metabolic pathway for methiocarb by liver
      microsomes. The product of methiocarb hydrolysis, which is methylthio-3,5-xylenol
      (MX), was also oxidized to sulfoxide form by rat liver microsomes. The oxidations
      were catalyzed by human flavin-containing monooxygenase isoform (FMO1). CYP2C19,
      which is a human cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoform, catalyzed the sulfoxidations of
      methiocarb and MX, while CYP1A2 also exhibited oxidase activity toward MX.
      Methiocarb and carbaryl were not enzymatically hydrolyzed by the liver
      microsomes, but they were mainly hydrolyzed by plasma and albumin to MX and 1
      naphthol, respectively. Both methiocarb and carbaryl exhibited PXR and PPARalpha
      agonistic activities; however, methiocarb sulfoxide and sulfone showed markedly
      reduced activities. In fact, when methiocarb was incubated with liver microsomes,
      the receptor activities were decreased. In contrast, MX and 1-naphthol showed
      nuclear receptor activities equivalent to those of their parent carbamates. Thus,
      the hydrolysis of methiocarb and carbaryl and the oxidation of methiocarb
      markedly modified their nuclear receptor activities. 

PMID- 27665778
TI  - Transcriptome analyses demonstrate that Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated
      Receptor alpha (PPARalpha) activity of an ultraviolet absorber, 2-(2'-hydroxy
      3',5'-di-tert-butylphenyl)benzotriazole, as possible mechanism of their toxicity
      and the gender differences.
AB  - 2-(2'-Hydroxy-3',5'-di-tert-butylphenyl)benzotriazole (HDBB), the Benzotriazole
      UV-stabilizer (BUVSs) known as UV-320, is widely used in plastic materials for
      protection against UV-irradiation. Previously, we reported that oral ingestion of
      HDBB induce hepatotoxicity including hepatocyte hypertrophy and necrosis in rats
      and, males was more susceptible compared with females in young rats while no sex
      related difference was observed in preweaning rats. Phenotypes observed in our
      previous study imply involvement of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor
      (PPAR) alpha in HDBB hepatotoxicity, however, direct evidence that HDBB can
      activate PPARalpha has not been provided and the mechanism which underlying the
      gender difference of HDBB hepatotoxicity was not clearly elucidated. Here, we
      conduct transcriptome analysis using microarray expression profiles in the livers
      of rats administered HDBB. PPARalpha agonist activity of HDBB was elucidated by
      comparison with gene expression data of typical PPARalpha agonist, i.e.
      clofibrate, WY-14643, gemfibrozil, and fenofibrate, from TG GATEs database.
      Moreover, we analyzed for PPARalpha mRNA expression in the liver of developing
      male and female rats. PPARalpha mRNA expression level was higher in males than in
      females on postnatal days (PNDs) 28 and 35, whereas no sex-related difference was
      found on PNDs 7 and 22. These results suggest that HDBB exerts its hepatotoxicity
      through the PPARalpha signal pathway and the sex-related difference in PPARalpha
      expression may contribute to the sex-related difference in susceptibility to
      hepatotoxicity. 

PMID- 27665779
TI  - N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP) ameliorates the hypoxia-reduced osteoblast
      differentiation via inhibiting the NF-kappaB signaling.
AB  - Ischemic-hypoxic condition for local osteoblasts and bone mesenchymal stem cells
      during bone fracture inhibits bone repairing. N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP) has been
      approved as a safe and biologically inactive small chemical molecule, and might
      be useful for bone fracture repairing. In the present study, we investigated the
      effect of NMP on the hypoxia-reduced cellular viability and the expression of
      differentiation-associated markers, such as bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2),
      propeptide of type I procollagen I (PINP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) or runt
      related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) in the osteoblasts, and then we examined
      the molecular mechanism underlining such effect in the human osteoblastic hFOB
      1.19 cells. Our results demonstrated that NMP significantly blocked the hypoxia
      induced cell viability reduction and inhibited the hypoxia-caused expression
      downregulation of BMP-2, PINP, ALP and Runx2 in hFOB 1.19 cells. Then we
      confirmed the involvement of nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) pathway in the
      regulation by NMP on the hypoxia-mediated the reduction of osteoblast
      differentiation. The upregulated expression and transcriptional activity of NF
      kappaB, while the downregulated inhibitory kappaB expression by the hypoxia
      treatment was reversed by the treatment with 10 mM NMP. In conclusion, our study
      found a protective role of NMP in osteoblast differentiation in response to
      hypoxia, and such protection was through inhibiting the NF-kappaB signaling. This
      suggests that NMP might be a protective agent in bone fracture repairing. 

PMID- 27665780
TI  - Platelet-rich plasma protects rat chondrocytes from interleukin-1beta-induced
      apoptosis.
AB  - Interleukin (IL)-1beta-induced chondrocyte apoptosis is associated with the
      pathogenesis of arthritis. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which is derived from the
      patient's own blood and contains numerous growth factors, has the potential for
      arthritis treatment. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the effects
      of PRP on chondrocyte apoptosis, under IL-1beta-induced pathological conditions.
      Chondrocytes isolated from the knee joint of Sprague Dawley rats were used in the
      present study. Cell viability was determined using the Cell Counting kit-8 assay,
      cell apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry, and the expression of apoptosis-,
      anabolism- and catabolism-associated genes were detected by quantitative
      polymerase chain reaction; protein expression was detected by western blot
      analysis. The results demonstrated that 10% PRP in the culture medium increased
      chondrocyte proliferation, whereas IL-1beta induced cell apoptosis. Treatment
      with PRP significantly attenuated cell apoptosis in IL-1beta-treated
      chondrocytes, and altered apoptosis-associated expression at the gene and protein
      level. Furthermore, treatment with PRP significantly reduced matrix
      metalloproteinase production and promoted anabolism of cartilage extracellular
      matrix under IL-1beta treatment. The present study demonstrated the protective
      effects of PRP on chondrocyte apoptosis and extracellular matrix anabolism, and
      provided scientific evidence to support the potential use of PRP as a promising
      therapeutic strategy for the treatment of arthritis.

PMID- 27665781
TI  - Flow cytometric analyses of the viability, surface marker expression and function
      of lymphocytes from children following cryopreservation.
AB  - Flow cytometric analysis is important for the investigation and clinical
      preparation of lymphocytes from children. However, the strict requirement of cell
      freshness and inter-assay variability limits the application of this methodology
      for pediatric investigations. Therefore, it is necessary to identify a reliable
      cryopreservative method capable of maintaining high cell viability and proper
      cell function in lymphocytes from children. In the present study, eight commonly
      used cell cyropreservative methods were used, and their effects on cell
      viability, surface marker expression and cell function were examined. In
      addition, how these methods affect the distribution of T-cell receptor Vbeta
      subfamilies were also determined. The results of the present study provided
      valuable experimental evidence, based on which the optimal method for the
      cryopreservation of lymphocytes from children in pediatric investigations and
      clinical applications can be selected.

PMID- 27665782
TI  - Sclerostin expression in the subchondral bone of patients with knee
      osteoarthritis.
AB  - The aim of this study was to assess the expression of beta-catenin, transcription
      factor-4 (TCF-4) and sclerostin in the subchondral bone of patients with primary
      knee osteoarthritis (OA). Tibial plateau specimens from patients with OA who
      underwent total knee arthroplasty were classified into the early stage (n=15),
      intermediate stage (n=13) and late stage (n=17) groups using the Mankin score.
      Structural parameters, including total articular cartilage (TAC), subchondral
      bone plate (SCP) thickness and trabecular bone volume (BV/TV), were assessed
      using Image-Pro Plus 6.0 analysis software. Subsequently, beta-catenin and
      sclerostin expression levels in subchondral bone were determined by
      immunohistochemistry. In addition, the mRNA and protein levels of beta-catenin,
      TCF-4 and sclerostin were evaluated by RT-qPCR and western blot analysis,
      respectively. As regards the cartilage and subchondral bone structural
      parameters, TAC was reduced, while SCP thickness and BV/TV were increased due to
      OA, with significant differences observed among the different stages (all
      P<0.05). The results of immunohistochemistry revealed that the beta-catenin
      levels in the intermediate- and late-stage samples were significantly increased,
      while the levels of sclerostin were markedly decreased compared with the values
      in the early-stage samples (all P<0.05). Compared with the intermediate-stage
      samples, the sclerostin levels were decreased, and SCP thickness and the beta
      catenin levels were increased in the late-stage samples (all P<0.05). The results
      of RT-qPCR and western blot analysis revealed that the beta-catenin and TCF-4
      mRNA and protein levels in the intermediate- and late-stage samples were
      significantly increased, while sclerostin expression was significantly decreased
      compared with the early-stage samples; a similar trend was observed between the
      intermediate- and late-stage samples (all P<0.05). Finally, the beta-catenin and
      TCF-4 levels positively correlated with the Mankin scores, while there was a
      negative correlation with sclerostin expression. Our findings demonstrate that
      sclerostin expression is closely associated with the degree of joint damage in
      patients with OA, confirming its involvement in the development of OA.

PMID- 27665783
TI  - Meiotic cohesin subunits RAD21L and REC8 are positioned at distinct regions
      between lateral elements and transverse filaments in the synaptonemal complex of
      mouse spermatocytes.
AB  - Cohesins containing a meiosis-specific alpha-kleisin subunit, RAD21L or REC8,
      play roles in diverse aspects of meiotic chromosome dynamics including formation
      of axial elements (AEs), assembly of the synaptonemal complex (SC), recombination
      of homologous chromosomes (homologs), and cohesion of sister chromatids. However,
      the exact functions of individual alpha-kleisins remain to be elucidated. Here,
      we examined the localization of RAD21L and REC8 within the SC by super-resolution
      microscopy, 3D-SIM. We found that both RAD21L and REC8 were localized at the
      connection sites between lateral elements (LEs) and transverse filaments (TFs) of
      pachynema with RAD21L locating interior to REC8 sites. RAD21L and REC8 were not
      symmetrical in terms of synaptic homologs, suggesting that the arrangement of
      different cohesins is not strictly fixed along all chromosome axes. Intriguingly,
      some RAD21L signals, but not REC8 signals, were observed between unsynapsed
      regions of AEs of zygonema as if they formed a bridge between homologs.
      Furthermore, the signals of recombination intermediates overlapped with those of
      RAD21L to a greater degree than with those of REC8. These results highlight the
      different properties of two meiotic alpha-kleisins, and strongly support the
      previous proposition that RAD21L is an atypical cohesin that establishes the
      association between homologs rather than sister chromatids.

PMID- 27665784
TI  - alpha-lipoic acid exerts neuroprotective effects on neuronal cells by
      upregulating the expression of PCNA via the P53 pathway in neurodegenerative
      conditions.
AB  - Oxidative stress appears to be a central event responsible for the degeneration
      of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease (PD). 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6
      tetrahydropyridine or its toxic metabolite 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) are
      classical widely-used pharmacological and toxic agents to model PD; they cause
      the production of reactive oxygen species by inhibiting mitochondrial complex I,
      leading to DNA oxidative damage and subsequent neuronal death. Previous findings
      have suggested that proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), a critical
      regulatory protein for DNA repair, is involved in dopaminergic neuron damage in
      the MPP+-induced PD model. The naturally occurring dithiol compound, alpha-lipoic
      acid (ALA) has been reported to provide neuroprotection in in vitro models of PD.
      The molecular mechanism by which ALA reduces neuronal death in PD remains to be
      fully elucidated. The present study aimed to analyze the ability of ALA to
      protect neuronal PC12 cells from the toxicity induced by MPP+, and the molecular
      mechanism underlying these actions using MTT and lactate dehydrogenase
      cytotoxicity assays, Hoechst 33258 staining and western blot analysis. The
      results demonstrated that ALA efficiently increased the production of PCNA in
      MPP+-treated PC12 cells. Accordingly, ALA treatment attenuated MPP+-induced
      toxicity in the PC12 cells, and reduced cell apoptosis. The increase in the
      expression levels of PCNA by ALA in the MPP+-treated PC12 cells appeared to be
      mediated by repression of the p53 protein, as the expression of p53 was increased
      by MPP+-treatment and reduced by ALA. Taken together, these results indicated
      that ALA protected dopaminergic neurons against MPP+-induced neurotoxicity
      through its ability to upregulate the DNA repair protein, PCNA, via the P53
      pathway.

PMID- 27665786
TI  - Study days.
AB  - North May 11 Barrow in Furness Venue: Lecture Theatre, Furness General Hospital,
      Abbey Road, Barrow in Furness Contact: Sue Askew, District Infection Control
      Nurse, Furness General Hospital. Tel: 0229 870070 Ext 3021.

PMID- 27665787
TI  - Tissue viability society.
AB  - The Tissue Viability Society, founded in 1981 as a branch of the Wessex
      Rehabilitation Association, was originally concerned with the prevention and
      healing of pressure sores. It has developed as a unique forum for considering all
      aspects of the problems of tissue viability.

PMID- 27665785
TI  - Arsenic trioxide potentiates the effectiveness of etoposide in Ewing sarcomas.
AB  - Ewing sarcomas (ES) are rare mesenchymal tumours, most commonly diagnosed in
      children and adolescents. Arsenic trioxide (ATO) has been shown to efficiently
      and selectively target leukaemic blasts as well as solid tumour cells. Since
      multidrug resistance often occurs in recurrent and metastatic ES, we tested
      potential additive effects of ATO in combination with the cytostatic drugs
      etoposide and doxorubicin. The Ewing sarcoma cell lines A673, RD-ES and SK-N-MC
      as well as mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) for control were treated with ATO,
      etoposide and doxorubicin in single and combined application. Viability and
      proliferation (MTS assay, colony formation, 3D spheroid culture) as well as cell
      death induction (western blot analysis, flow cytometry) were analysed. In the MTS
      viability assays ATO treatment significantly reduced the metabolic activity of
      all three ES cell lines (A673, RD-ES and SK-N-MC) examined. Moreover, all ES cell
      lines were sensitive to etoposide, whereas MSC remained unaffected by the drug
      concentrations used. With the exception of ATO in RD-ES cells, all drugs induced
      apoptosis in the ES cell lines, indicated by caspase-3 and PARP cleavage.
      Combination of the agents potentiated the reduction of viability as well as the
      inhibitory effect on clonal growth. In addition, cell death induction was
      obviously enhanced in RD-ES and SK-N-MC cells by a combination of ATO and
      etoposide compared to single application. Summarised, the combination of low
      dose, physiologically easily tolerable ATO with commonly used etoposide and
      doxorubicin concentrations efficiently and selectively suppressed viability and
      colony formation in ES cell lines, whereas a combination of ATO and etoposide was
      favourable for cell death induction. In addition to an increase of the
      effectiveness of the cytostatic drugs and prevention of potential drug
      resistance, this approach may also reduce toxicity effects, since the individual
      doses can be reduced.

PMID- 27665788
TI  - Reaping long-term rewards.
AB  - It can be hard to find something to celebrate in nursing. Bad news travels faster
      than good and invariably receives more coverage. The problem stems from perceived
      news values that dictate a constant fodder of doom and gloom. And there's no
      shortage of that in the health services at present. But, between announcements
      about further redundancies and cuts, last week's Clinical Practice and Management
      Awards offered a glimmer of hope to would-be nurse managers.

PMID- 27665789
TI  - Pressure sore risk in operating theatres.
AB  - Little information is available on the genesis of intraoperative pressure sores.
      A pilot study was set up to investigate whether it is necessary, to prevent
      pressure sores developing in the operating department. Skin assessments and
      Braden score readings were taken pre-operatively and post-operatively. Half of
      the 26 patients had skin changes pre-operatively and there was a 'theatre
      generated incidence of 12.5 per cent. The author concludes that further
      investigation should be commenced.

PMID- 27665790
TI  - Union outrage at anti-strike plans.
AB  - 'Draconian' government proposals to limit strike action by nurses and other
      public sector employees represent a fundamental attack on the rights of the
      individual, angry health unions claimed last week.

PMID- 27665791
TI  - Nursing strategy too politically biased?
AB  - The Department of Health is launching its new Strategy for Nursing this week,
      amid claims that the document is too politically biased.

PMID- 27665792
TI  - New Award winners show nurses are 'natural leaders'.
AB  - Nurses are natural leaders and managers, Health Secretary Virginia Bottomley said
      last week at a ceremony for the winners of the first Clinical Practice and
      Management Training Awards.

PMID- 27665794
TI  - Threat to close Yorkshire hospital.
AB  - A north Yorkshire Trust is L1.5 million in the red and is set to close a
      Scarborough hospital, health unions claimed last week.

PMID- 27665793
TI  - Unions warn against nurses used as 'surgeon's assistants'.
AB  - Nurses should not be left to do dull, repetitive jobs which junior doctors want
      to avoid, unions warned last week, as a new report backed the use of nurses as
      surgeon's assistants.

PMID- 27665795
TI  - ?
AB  - Former RCN President Dame Sheila Quinn (left) has been chosen to receive
      nursing's most prestigious prize, the Christine Reimann Award, presented every
      four years by the ICY Dante Sheila, pictured with Anne Baillie, matron at a
      Brendoncare home, attends a reception hosted by the Brendoncare Foundation to
      acknowledge the prize she will receive in June.

PMID- 27665797
TI  - Call to review legislation against kerb-crawling.
AB  - Laws which ban kerb-crawling should be reviewed in an attempt to lessen the
      health risks to women who prostitute, RCN Council members agreed last week.

PMID- 27665796
TI  - Nurses are not always as busy as they think, claims university lecturer.
AB  - Nurses are not as busy as they sometimes think, one of the authors of a report on
      staffing levels and standards of care claimed last week.

PMID- 27665799
TI  - Medic training encouraged for nurses.
AB  - Nursing graduates should be offered cash incentives to train as doctors, a new
      report from the Centre for Health Economics recommends.

PMID- 27665798
TI  - RCN guidance strengthens value of ENs.
AB  - The RCN is to strengthen its policy on enrolled nurses by encouraging employers
      not to place adverts for clinical positions which discriminate against second
      level nurses.

PMID- 27665800
TI  - 17 per cent of home helps claim they do nurses' tasks.
AB  - Almost one in five home helps is carrying out nursing tasks such as changing
      dressings, bathing clients or administering medicines, according to a new survey.

PMID- 27665801
TI  - ?
AB  - Stepping out: Five year old Stuart Rayfield tries out computerised equipment at
      the new Gait Laboratory at the Robert Jones & Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital in
      Shropshire. The laboratory, the first in the UK, has special facilities for
      people with cerebral palsy.

PMID- 27665802
TI  - More help for school nursing.
AB  - Labour MPs are calling on the Government to provide more help for school nursing,
      after an RCN survey showed spending cuts are hitting the service. More than 20
      MPs have urged Health Secretary Virginia Bottomley to find ways to improve the
      service and ensure every pupil has access to a named school nurse.

PMID- 27665803
TI  - Fear 'cost cutting' in agency nurse skills.
AB  - Hospitals may be taking on temporary nurses on lower grades to cut costs, the RCN
      warned last week, after a Labour MP complained agency staff with insufficient
      experience were being employed on specialist wards.

PMID- 27665804
TI  - Understanding the meaning of woundsLittle research has been done to address
      patients' understanding of wounds and bow that might interfere with treatment and
      healing. This article tackles the issue by examining the meaning of wounds to
      patients ( 1 ). The origin of the wound and the patients' environment can make a
      difference to how patients view treatment and healing. The author identifies how
      this knowledge can be incorporated into nurses' assessment of wounds.
AB  - Words such as community, wound and care can hold very different meanings for
      people involved in the NHS. In the hospital setting, the environment of the
      patient is made as similar as possible in terms of space, lockers and bed so
      their own context is suspended temporarily and compliance in recommended
      treatment is very high. At home, however, the difficulties facing community
      nurses in terms of defining the problem, controlling the environment and
      compliance are well known ( 2 ).

PMID- 27665805
TI  - Nursing Standard congratulates Clinical Practice and Management the winners of
      the Training Awards.
AB  - The Award winners, pictured, were presented with their certificates by tiie
      Secretary of State for Health Virginia Bottomley and Mr John Robinson, Chief
      Executive of Smith tk Nephew pic, at a special awards luncheon in London last
      week. These 12 nurses were chosen from the hundreds of entries received for the
      Clinical Practice and Management Awards, a joint initiative between the RCN,
      Smith & Nephew Medical and Nursing Standard. Entrants had to read all ten
      articles in the Clinical Practice and Management Series which appeared in Nursing
      Standard, answer multiple choice questions at the end of each - then write a
      1,000 word essay on how they would like to further their management skills or how
      the series of articles helped them in their practice. In addition to the 12
      finalists over 300 nurses received a special certificate to verify they had
      completed the series and answered the questions correctly. This week the winners
      are attending an expenses paid, residential management training course at
      Sundridge Park Management College in Kent.

PMID- 27665807
TI  - Leg ulcers can 'seriously disrupt' lives.
AB  - Leg ulcers can seriously disrupt the lives of elderly patients, resulting in low
      levels of satisfaction and significant depression.

PMID- 27665808
TI  - Mattress covers assessed for pressure.
AB  - Nurses should ensure all standard mattress covers are replaced with a light cover
      to reduce the risk of pressure sores developing, a leading expert, Dr Ian Swain
      from Salisbury's Odstock hospital, told delegates at the conference at Liverpool
      University.

PMID- 27665809
TI  - Counselling for crisis and strain.
AB  - Nurses should see crises and strain as a challenge rather than always seeing them
      negatively, a National Association for Staff Support conference heard last week.

PMID- 27665810
TI  - Study finds sinus packing should be abandoned.
AB  - Patients suffer considerable pain during packing of sinuses and the procedure
      should be abandoned in favour of irrigation, a pilot study has found.

PMID- 27665812
TI  - MP calls for global action on health.
AB  - Industrialised nations must do more to tackle ill-health in developing countries,
      shadow health secretary David Blunkett has said.

PMID- 27665811
TI  - 'Throw pressure sore tracings in the bin'.
AB  - Tracings of pressure sores to assess their change in size should be 'thrown in
      the bin', says computer officer, Dr Denis Anthony.

PMID- 27665813
TI  - Ultrasound screening for ovarian cancer.
AB  - Ovarian cancer in women with a family history of the disease can be detected
      early using an ultrasound screening method, researchers have found.

PMID- 27665815
TI  - Nurses could improve their knowledge of MS.
AB  - Few people with multiple sclerosis (MS) see nurses as a good source of
      information about the disease, although most expect a clear explanation of their
      symptoms, according to a report from the British Society of Rehabilitation
      Medicine.

PMID- 27665814
TI  - Survey shows benefits of breast screening.
AB  - Deaths from breast cancer can be reduced by at least a quarter through regular
      screening and follow-up, a survey has found.

PMID- 27665816
TI  - Manufacturers have effect on listeriae.
AB  - Changes in food manufacturing and/or health education measures may have had an
      impact on the epidemiology of infections with Listeria monocytogenes, researchers
      from Leicester say.

PMID- 27665817
TI  - Improving the diet of children under five.
AB  - Intervention by the primary health care team may improve the diet of vulnerable
      groups, researchers suggest.

PMID- 27665818
TI  - Prevention of type I diabetes achievable?
AB  - Prevention of type I diabetes is now a practical goal, according to research.

PMID- 27665819
TI  - Better targeting needed for influenza vaccine.
AB  - Improved targeting and education is needed to increase immunisation against
      influenza in people at risk.

PMID- 27665820
TI  - Transdermal oestrogen and exercise don't mix.
AB  - Women on transdermal hormone replacement therapy may be well advised to remove
      their patches before undertaking vigorous exercise.

PMID- 27665821
TI  - Health care afloat.
AB  - A unique floating hospital, dedicated to providing free healthcare for developing
      countries, is due to spend 11 weeks in four United Kingdom ports recruiting
      nursing and medical staff and procuring supplies for its next voyage to Senegal.

PMID- 27665822
TI  - Buying in good faith.
AB  - Health service purchasing teams would be 'seriously flawed' without a member with
      a nursing background, a government report has warned. It says clinical nurses
      should be encouraged to move into purchasing as part of a recognised career path
      and argues that nurses have an extensive' contribution to make in this area. 'The
      Professional Nursing Contribution to Purchasing', produced by the King's Fund
      College for the National Health Service Management Executive, says nurses are
      starting to have a major input into purchasing after a 'slow start'.

PMID- 27665823
TI  - Time to get off your knees.
AB  - I have just read that the government is considering plans to allow Trusts to
      become completely run by private companies (Hospitals should be run by the
      private sector, News, April 21). What a disgrace.

PMID- 27665824
TI  - Project 2000 - the continuing story.
AB  - After reading Max Binns' letter (Putting students in their placement, April 7), 1
      began to wonder whether my colleagues and I are the only Project 2000 students
      who are being welcomed into workplaces by the vast majority of healthcare workers
      they encounter.

PMID- 27665825
TI  - ?
AB  - *When are we as nurses, as a society, going to stand up to the disciples of
      market forces and tell them that enough is enough?

PMID- 27665827
TI  - ?
AB  - *Many of the 'I am a Project 2000 student' letters I have read recently have
      complained of the treatment that trained staff and 'traditional' students have
      meted out to the authors.

PMID- 27665826
TI  - Information exchange.
AB  - * The RCN Association for Care of the Elderly's national executive committee
      would like to discover how much interest there would be from members in the
      possible formation of a special interest group for continuing care nurses. This
      would aim to provide professional leadership, guidance and support.

PMID- 27665828
TI  - ?
AB  - Oh dear, not another one. Perhaps Max Binns and Project 2000 students like him
      should put down their torches and just get on with being nursing students.

PMID- 27665829
TI  - The Clay column.
AB  - I hope the community care changes introduced on April Fool's Day do not make
      fools of us all.

PMID- 27665831
TI  - Introducing Quality Assurance into the NHS Introducing Quality Assurance into the
      NHS Gould T Macmillan H Merrett 76pp L9.99 0-333-57061-8.
AB  - The subtitle of this book Introducing Quality Assurance into the NHS: Practical
      Experience from Wandsworth Continuing Care Unit most accurately reflects the tone
      of the work.

PMID- 27665832
TI  - Paterson and Zderad Paterson and Zderad N O'Connor SAGE 64pp L6.50 0-8039-4489-6.
AB  - Paterson and Zderad is the seventh in the series 'Notes on Nursing Theories'.
      Paterson and Zderad are both now retired, but spent considerable time developing
      and teaching the humanistic nursing theory underlying their model.

PMID- 27665833
TI  - The name game initiative.
AB  - Hi there, health care workers. Another first for my New Nursing Unit - the head
      of our clinical directorate told me this week that it is to be the first on his
      list for a quality review. Of course, he wants to start in the area with the
      highest standards.

PMID- 27665834
TI  - Homoeopathy.
AB  - Whilst many areas of life in Britain have been affected by the recession, growth
      within the natural medicine sector has continued unabated and public awareness of
      optional systems of healthcare has steadily increased. With its Royal patronage
      and widespread use in domestic life, homoeopathy has been one of the leading
      therapies to benefit from this growth.

PMID- 27665835
TI  - Career listings.
AB  - Nursing Standard regrets that it is no longer able to take listings over the
      telephone because of unprecedented demand. Readers are reminded that the listings
      section is for the use of charitable and professional organisations, unions and
      health authorities to publicise forthcoming events. Listings should contain all
      relevant details and be posted or faxed to Susan Bloodworth, Nursing Standard,
      Viking House, 17-19 Peterborough Road, Harrow, Middlesex HA1 2AX. Fax: 081-423
      3867.

PMID- 27665836
TI  - Low-dose lenalidomide and dexamethasone combination treatment in elderly patients
      with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the efficacy and safety of low-dose
      lenalidomide combined with dexamethasone in elderly patients with relapsed and
      refractory multiple myeloma (MM). METHODS: Thirty-two elderly patients with
      refractory and recurrent MM (median age: 64 years) were treated with low-dose
      lenalidomide (LD-R) combined with dexamethasone (D). LD-R (10 mg/d) was
      administered orally for 21 days and D (40 mg/d) was administered twice a day on
      days 1-4, 9-12, and 17-20. The treatment lasted 2-8 28-day cycles. RESULTS: After
      two cycles, the complete, very good partial, and partial remission rates were
      12.5% (4/32), 25.0% (8/32), and 34.4% (11/32), respectively. The overall response
      rate was 71.9% (23/32). After a 24-month follow-up, 23 patients responded to
      therapy, three were in complete remission, four were stable, and 16 exhibited
      disease progression. In addition, median time-to-progression was 13 months.
      Observed side effects were hypodynamia, gastrointestinal reaction, peripheral
      neuritis, and mild hypocytosis. CONCLUSION: Low-dose lenalidomide in combination
      with dexamethasone is an effective and safe treatment for relapsed and refractory
      MM in elderly patients.

PMID- 27665838
TI  - Contemporary molecular tests for prognosis and treatment guidance for castration
      resistant prostate cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Currently, clinical factors related to the malignancy and patient
      related factors such as performance status and comorbidities are employed to
      select agents to treat metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).
      Areas covered: This paper covers emerging molecular panels that may be used in
      the clinic as prognostic or predictive biomarkers to treat mCRPC. Expert
      commentary: The expression of androgen receptor variant (AR-V)-7 in circulating
      tumor cells appears especially promising to select patients for taxane
      chemotherapy versus androgen inhibitors, abiraterone and enzalutamide.
      Additionally, the presence of DNA repair alterations such as BRCA alterations are
      rapidly emerging as a predictive biomarker to develop precision medicine using
      PARP inhibitors for these patients.

PMID- 27665837
TI  - Corrosion resistance of biodegradable Mg with a composite polymer coating.
AB  - Degrading Mg and its alloys are a category of implant materials for bone surgery,
      but rapid corrosion in physiological environment limits their clinical
      applications. To improve the corrosion resistance of Mg-based implants, a
      biodegradable composite polymer coating is deposited on an Mg rod in this work.
      The strategy is to decorate Mg surfaces with poly(gamma-glutamic acid)-g-7-amino
      4-methylcoumarin/hydroxyapatite (gamma-PGA-g-AMC/HAp) composite nanoparticles
      through electrophoretic deposition in ethanol. The morphology and chemical
      composition of the resulting coating material are determined by scanning electron
      microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Sample rods of bare Mg
      and coated Mg are implanted intramedullary into the femora of New Zealand white
      rabbits, periodic radiography and post-autopsy histopathology of each sample are
      analyzed. The obtained in vivo results clearly confirm that the coating material
      decreases degradation rate of the underlying Mg sample and appears good
      histocompatibility and osteoinductivity. The main aim of this work is to
      investigate the degradation process of bare Mg and coated Mg samples in bone
      environment and their effect on the surrounding bone tissue.

PMID- 27665839
TI  - Analytical progresses of the World Anti-Doping Agency Olympic laboratories: a
      2016 update from London to Rio.
AB  - The 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the biggest event in human sports, was
      held in Rio de Janeiro with more than 10,500 athletes from 206 countries over the
      world competing for the highest of sports honors, an Olympic medal. With the hope
      that the Olympic ideal accompanies all aspects of the XXXI Olympiad, WADA
      accredited antidoping laboratories use the spearhead of analytical technology as
      a powerful tool in the fight against doping. This review summarizes the main
      analytical developments applied in antidoping testing methodology combined with
      the main amendments on the WADA regulations regarding analytical testing starting
      from the 2012 London Olympics until the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

PMID- 27665840
TI  - Psychiatry and the dying prisoner.
AB  - Due to the growing number of ageing prisoners in the American correctional
      system, penal institutions are increasingly caring for patients with chronic and
      potentially terminal medical conditions. To address this problem states have
      attempted sentencing reform initiatives and adopted compassionate release
      programmes; however, these efforts have failed to significantly reduce the number
      of elderly or seriously ill inmates. Correctional mental health services are now
      called upon to aid in the care of prisoners at the end of life. This article
      presents the common elements of prison hospice programmes and the role psychiatry
      plays in this multidisciplinary effort. The right-to-die movement holds future
      implications for correctional mental health professionals. The historical and
      legal background of this international movement is presented with particular
      attention given to landmark cases and statutes protecting institutionalized
      patients.

PMID- 27665841
TI  - Measurement properties of the Arm Function in Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire
      (AMSQ): a study based on Classical Test Theory.
AB  - PURPOSE: The construct validity, test-retest reliability, and measurement error
      of the Arm Function in Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire (AMSQ) were examined.
      Additionally, the influence of administration-method on reliability and
      measurement error was investigated. METHOD: 112 Dutch adult MS-patients from an
      academic- and a residential care-facility participated. Questionnaires were
      administered on paper, online or as interview, and patients performed several
      performance tests. Construct validity was assessed by testing pre-defined
      hypotheses. Reliability was assessed using Intraclass Correlation Coefficients
      (ICCs), Standard Error of Measurements (SEMs) and Smallest Detectable Changes
      (SDCs). RESULTS: For construct validity (N = 105) 9 of 13 hypotheses were
      confirmed (69%). As expected, the AMSQ showed moderate to strong relationships
      with the instruments measuring similar constructs. The test-retest reliability
      coefficient was 0.96 (95% Confidence Interval 0.94-0.97); SEM was 6.3 (6.3% of
      scale range); SDC was 17.5 (on a sale from 0 to 100). Different administration
      methods showed good reliability (ICC 0.88-0.94) and small standard errors (SEM
      5.6-7.2). CONCLUSION: The AMSQ shows satisfying results for validity and
      excellent reliability; allowing for proper use in research. Due to a large SDC
      value, caution is needed when using the AMSQ in individual patient care. Further
      research should determine whether the SDC is smaller than the minimal important
      change. Implications for Rehabilitation The Arm Function in Multiple Sclerosis
      Questionnaire (AMSQ) measures activity limitations due to hand and arm
      functioning in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Results of this study
      confirm adequate validity and reliability of the AMSQ in patient with MS. The
      equivalence of scores from online, paper or interview administration is
      supported. A change score of >=18 points on the scale of the AMSQ (on a scale 0
      100) needs to occur to be certain a change beyond measurement error has occurred
      in an individual patient.

PMID- 27665842
TI  - Staurosporine enhances ATRA-induced granulocytic differentiation in human
      leukemia U937 cells via the MEK/ERK signaling pathway.
AB  - Although all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is regarded as a prominent example of
      differentiation therapy, it is not effective for the treatment of other subtypes
      of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) beyond acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL).
      Therefore, new strategies need to be explored to extend the efficacy of ATRA
      based therapy to non-APL AML patients. In the present study, staurosporine, a
      protein kinase C (PKC) pan-inhibitor, exhibited synergism with ATRA to promote
      granulocytic differentiation in poorly ATRA-sensitive U937 cells but not in ATRA
      unresponsive K562 and Kasumi cells. Staurosporine or the combined treatment did
      not affect PKC activity in U937 cells. Moreover, other selective PKC inhibitors,
      UCN-01, Go6976 or rottlerin failed to enhance ATRA-induced granulocytic
      differentiation in U937 cells. Therefore, staurosporine-enhanced ATRA-induced
      granulocytic differentiation in U937 cells may be independent of PKC.
      Staurosporine activated mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) and
      extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Meanwhile, staurosporine also
      enhanced ATRA-promoted upregulation of the protein level of CCAAT/enhancer
      binding protein beta (C/EBPbeta) and C/EBPepsilon in U937 cells. Furthermore,
      blockade of MEK activation suppressed staurosporine-enhanced differentiation as
      well as the elevated protein level of C/EBPs. Taken together, we concluded that
      staurosporine enhanced ATRA-induced granulocytic differentiation in U937 cells
      via MEK/ERK-mediated modulation of the protein level of C/EBPs.

PMID- 27665843
TI  - Low frequency plasmons in thin-wire structures: a commentary.

PMID- 27665844
TI  - Association of pleural effusion with an early molecular response in patients with
      newly diagnosed chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia receiving dasatinib:
      Results of a D-First study.
AB  - Despite the efficacy and safety of dasatinib treatment for chronic-phase chronic
      myeloid leukemia (CML-CP), adverse effects such as pleural effusion (PE) are
      still a serious concern. We determined the clinical significance of PE incidence
      using patient data derived from the D-First clinical study. In the present study,
      chest radiography and quantification of specific lymphocyte subsets were
      performed routinely after initiation of dasatinib treatment. Among 52 patients
      with newly diagnosed CML-CP, 17 (33%) developed PE within 18 months after initial
      dasatinib administration, but all cases were moderate (Grade 1, 10 patients;
      Grade 2, 7 patients). CD56+ lymphocyte counts at 1 month correlated significantly
      with the incidence of PE, whereas lymphocytosis did not. The major molecular
      response (MMR) rate at 3 months (although not at later times) was significantly
      higher in PE-positive patients than PE-negative patients (59% versus 24%,
      respectively; P=0.013). Deep molecular response rates did not differ
      significantly between the PE groups at any time point during the observation
      period. Our results suggest that an immune-mediated mechanism involving natural
      killer cells underlies the development of PE in patients receiving dasatinib for
      18 months. This mechanism likely promotes transient tumor regression in patients
      newly diagnosed with CML-CP.

PMID- 27665845
TI  - Amides Do Not Always Work: Observation of Guest Binding in an Amide
      Functionalized Porous Metal-Organic Framework.
AB  - An amide-functionalized metal organic framework (MOF) material, MFM-136, shows a
      high CO2 uptake of 12.6 mmol g-1 at 20 bar and 298 K. MFM-136 is the first
      example of an acylamide pyrimidyl isophthalate MOF without open metal sites and,
      thus, provides a unique platform to study guest binding, particularly the role of
      free amides. Neutron diffraction reveals that, surprisingly, there is no direct
      binding between the adsorbed CO2/CH4 molecules and the pendant amide group in the
      pore. This observation has been confirmed unambiguously by inelastic neutron
      spectroscopy. This suggests that introduction of functional groups solely may not
      necessarily induce specific guest-host binding in porous materials, but it is a
      combination of pore size, geometry, and functional group that leads to enhanced
      gas adsorption properties.

PMID- 27665846
TI  - Deacetylisovaltratum disrupts microtubule dynamics and causes G2/M-phase arrest
      in human gastric cancer cells in vitro.
AB  - AIM: Deacetylisovaltratum (DI) is isolated from the traditional Chinese herbal
      medicine Patrinia heterophylla Bunge, which exhibits anti-cancer activity. Here,
      we investigated the effects of DI on human gastric carcinoma cell lines in vitro
      and elucidated its anti-cancer mechanisms. METHODS: Human gastric carcinoma AGS
      and HGC-27 cell lines were treated with DI, and cell viability was detected with
      MTT assay. Cell cycle stages, apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential were
      measured using flow cytometry. Protein levels were analyzed by Western blotting.
      Tubulin polymerization assays and immunofluorescence were used to characterize
      the tubulin polymerization process. RESULTS: DI inhibited the cell viability of
      AGS and HGC-27 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner with IC50 values of
      12.0 and 28.8 MUmol/L, respectively, at 24 h of treatment. Treatment with DI (10
      100 MUmol/L) dose-dependently promoted tubulin polymerization, and induced
      significant G2/M cell cycle arrest in AGS and HGC-27 cells. Moreover, DI
      treatment disrupted mitochondrial membrane potential and induced caspase
      dependent apoptosis in AGS and HGC-27 cells. CONCLUSION: DI induces G2/M-phase
      arrest by disrupting tubulin polymerization in human gastric cancer cells, which
      highlights its potent anti-cancer activity and potential application in gastric
      cancer therapy.

PMID- 27665849
TI  - Influences of CYP2D6*10 polymorphisms on the pharmacokinetics of iloperidone and
      its metabolites in Chinese patients with schizophrenia: a population
      pharmacokinetic analysis.
AB  - AIM: Iloperidone is an atypical antipsychotic drug that is mainly metabolized by
      CYP2D6, CYP3A4, and cytosolic enzymes. Previous studies show that extensive and
      poor metabolizers of CYP2D6 exhibit different plasma concentrations of
      iloperidone and its metabolites. The aim of this study was to develop a parent
      metabolite population pharmacokinetic (PPK) model to quantify the effects of
      CYP2D6*10 allele on the pharmacokinetics of iloperidone and its metabolites in
      Chinese schizophrenia patients. METHODS: Seventy Chinese schizophrenia patients
      were enrolled, from whom limited blood samples were collected on d 15 (0 h) and d
      28 (0, 4 and 12 h after drug administration). The plasma concentrations of
      iloperidone and its metabolites M1 (P-88) and M2 (P-95) were simultaneously
      detected using a validated HPLC-MS assay. CYP2D6*10 (rs1065852) genotyping was
      performed. A PPK model was developed based on data from the patients using the
      NONMEM software (version 7.2). A one-compartment model with first-order
      absorption and elimination was used to describe the pharmacokinetic data related
      to iloperidone and its metabolites. RESULTS: Patients with the CYP2D6*10 T/T
      genotype had significantly higher concentrations of iloperidone and M1, and lower
      concentrations of M2 than the patients with C/C or C/T genotypes. The CYP2D6*10
      genotype affected the elimination constants for transformation of iloperidone to
      the metabolites M1 (K23) and M2 (K24). The K23 value of the patients with T/T
      genotype was 1.34-fold as great as that of the patients with C/C or C/T genotype.
      The K24 value of the patients with C/T and T/T genotypes was 0.693- and 0.492
      fold, respectively, as low as that of the patients with C/C genotype. CONCLUSION:
      CYP2D6*10 mutations affect the pharmacokinetics of iloperidone and its
      metabolites in Chinese schizophrenia patients, suggesting that the clinical doses
      of iloperidone for patients with CYP2D6*10 mutations need to be optimized.

PMID- 27665847
TI  - RAD18 polymorphisms are associated with platinum-based chemotherapy toxicity in
      Chinese patients with non-small cell lung cancer.
AB  - AIM: Although targeted therapy is very efficient for lung cancer, traditional
      platinum-based chemotherapies are still the principal strategy in the absence of
      positive biomarkers. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the contribution
      of RAD18 polymorphisms to platinum-chemotherapy response and its potential side
      effects in Chinese patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: A
      total of 1021 Chinese patients with histological diagnosis of advanced NSCLC were
      enrolled. Treatment responses were classified into 4 categories (complete
      response, partial response, stable disease and progressive disease).
      Gastrointestinal and hematological toxicity incidences were assessed twice a week
      during the first-line treatment. Ten RAD18 SNPs were genotyped. A logistic
      regression model was utilized to analyze the associations between RAD18 SNPs and
      treatment response or toxicity. RESULTS: Among the 10 SNPs tested, none was
      significantly correlated with the treatment response in a combined cohort. For
      gastrointestinal toxicity incidences, rs586014 was significantly associated with
      an increased risk of grade 3 or 4 gastrointestinal toxicity in non-smokers and in
      the combined cohort; rs654448 and rs618784 were significantly associated with
      gastrointestinal toxicity in non-smokers; rs6763823 was significantly associated
      with gastrointestinal toxicity in smokers. For hematological toxicity incidences,
      rs586014, rs654448 and rs618784 were significantly associated with hematologic
      toxicity in non-smokers; rs6763823 and rs9880051 were significantly associated
      with leukocytopenia in smokers. CONCLUSION: RAD18 polymorphisms are correlated
      with the side effects of platinum-chemotherapy in Chinese patients with advanced
      NSCLC.

PMID- 27665848
TI  - Inhibition of tissue transglutaminase promotes Abeta-induced apoptosis in SH-SY5Y
      cells.
AB  - AIM: Tissue transglutaminase (tTG) catalyzes proteins, including beta-amyloid
      (Abeta), to cross-link as a gamma-glutamyl-epsilon-lysine structure isopeptide,
      which is highly resistant to proteolysis. Thus, tTG plays an important role in
      protein accumulation in Alzheimer's disease (AD). In the present study, we
      examined the effect of an irreversible tTG inhibitor, NTU283, on Abeta mimic
      induced AD pathogenesis in SH-SY5Y cells. METHODS: Western blot and in-cell
      Western analyses were used to detect tTG and isopeptide (representing the enzyme
      activity of tTG) protein levels. Moreover, Hoechst and PI co-staining was
      performed, and caspase-3 and caspase-7 activities and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio were
      determined to evaluate the effects of NTU283 on apoptosis. RESULTS: The results
      confirmed that tTG activity was inhibited by NTU283 20-500 MUmol/L in a
      concentration-dependent manner in SH-SY5Y cells. Contrary to our expectations,
      however, the isopeptide bonds were increased when cells were co-treated with
      Abeta and NTU283. In addition, NTU283 alone did not induce apoptosis in SH-SY5Y
      cells. However, when co-applied with Abeta, NTU283 promoted rather than inhibited
      Abeta-induced apoptosis. Consistent with the apoptotic rate, pretreating cells
      with different concentrations of NTU283 and Abeta significantly increased the
      activities of caspase-3 and caspase-7 as well as the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2.
      CONCLUSION: Irreversible inhibition of tTG activity did not block but rather
      promoted Abeta-induced apoptosis, which indicated that tTG has complex functions
      in AD pathogenesis.

PMID- 27665851
TI  - Radial artery ultrasound predicts the success of transradial coronary
      angiography.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The transradial approach has become the preferred vascular access
      during conventional coronary angiography (CCA). Hereby, we evaluated the impact
      of pre-procedural radial artery diameter (RAD), the cross-sectional area (CSA),
      and the perimeter on vascular complications (VACs). METHODS: We conducted a
      single-center prospective analysis of 513 patients who underwent CCA. Radial
      artery ultrasonography was performed before and after CCA to measure the RAD,
      CSA, and perimeter. RESULTS: The average RAD, CSA, and perimeter were 2.60 +/-
      0.48 mm, 6.2 +/- 3.0 mm2, and 8.9 +/- 1.7 mm, respectively. Vascular
      complications were reported in 56 (11%) patients. The RAD, CSA, and perimeter
      were significantly smaller in patients in whom procedure-related VACs were
      observed than in those with no complications: 2.3 +/- 0.5 vs. 2.70 +/- 0.54 mm (p
      = 0.0001), 4.9 +/- 2.1 vs. 6.4 +/- 3 mm2 (p = 0.001), and 7.6 +/- 2.1 vs. 9.2 +/-
      1.6 mm (p = 0.0001), respectively. Univariate logistic regression showed that
      RAD, CSA and perimeter can independently predict VACs (OR 0.833, 95% CI 0.777
      0.894, p < 0.0001; OR 0.647, 95% CI 0.541-0.773, p < 0.0001; OR 0.545, 95% CI
      0.446-0.665, p < 0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonographic study of
      the radial artery before CCA can provide valuable information regarding vascular
      access.

PMID- 27665850
TI  - Ferulic acid prevents LPS-induced up-regulation of PDE4B and stimulates the
      cAMP/CREB signaling pathway in PC12 cells.
AB  - AIM: Phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) isozymes are involved in different functions,
      depending on their patterns of distribution in the brain. The PDE4 subtypes are
      distributed in different inflammatory cells, and appear to be important
      regulators of inflammatory processes. In this study we examined the effects of
      ferulic acid (FA), a plant component with strong anti-oxidant and anti
      inflammatory activities, on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced up-regulation of
      phosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B) in PC12 cells, which in turn regulated cellular cAMP
      levels and the cAMP/cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) pathway in the
      cells. METHODS: PC12 cells were treated with LPS (1 MUg/mL) for 8 h, and the
      changes of F-actin were detected using laser scanning confocal microscopy. The
      levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were measured suing ELISA kits, and PDE4B
      specific enzymatic activity was assessed with a PDE4B assay kit. The mRNA levels
      of PDE4B were analyzed with Q-PCR, and the protein levels of CREB and
      phosphorylated CREB (pCREB) were determined using immunoblotting. Furthermore,
      molecular docking was used to identify the interaction between PDE4B2 and FA.
      RESULTS: Treatment of PC12 cells with LPS induced thick bundles of actin
      filaments appearing in the F-actin cytoskeleton, which were ameliorated by
      pretreatment with FA (10-40 MUmol/L) or with a PDE4B inhibitor rolipram (30
      MUmol/L). Pretreatment with FA dose-dependently inhibited the LPS-induced
      production of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta in PC12 cells. Furthermore, pretreatment
      with FA dose-dependently attenuated the LPS-induced up-regulation of PDE4
      activity in PC12 cells. Moreover, pretreatment with FA decreased LPS-induced up
      regulation of the PDE4B mRNA, and reversed LPS-induced down-regulation of CREB
      and pCREB in PC12 cells. The molecular docking results revealed electrostatic and
      hydrophobic interactions between FA and PDE4B2. CONCLUSION: The beneficial
      effects of FA in PC12 cells might be conferred through inhibition of LPS-induced
      up-regulation of PDE4B and stimulation of cAMP/CREB signaling pathway. Therefore,
      FA may be a potential therapeutic intervention for the treatment of
      neuroinflammatory diseases such as AD.

PMID- 27665852
TI  - Five-year outcomes of chronic total occlusion treatment with a biolimus A9
      eluting biodegradable polymer stent versus a sirolimus-eluting permanent polymer
      stent in the LEADERS all-comers trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Few data are available on long-term follow-up of drug-eluting stents
      in the treatment of chronic total occlusion (CTO). The LEADERS CTO sub-study
      compared the long-term results in CTO and non-CTO lesions of a Biolimus A9TM
      eluting stent (BES) with a sirolimus-eluting stent (SES). METHODS: Among 1,707
      patients enrolled in the prospective, multi-center, all-comers LEADERS trial, 81
      with CTOs were treated with either a BES (n = 45) or a SES (n = 36). The primary
      endpoint was the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE): cardiac
      death, myocardial infarction (MI) and clinically-indicated target vessel
      revascularization (TVR). RESULTS: At 5 years, the rate of MACE was numerically
      higher in the CTO group than in the non-CTO group (29.6% vs. 23.3%; p = 0.173),
      with a significant increase in the incidence of target lesion revascularization
      (TLR) (21.0 vs. 12.6; p = 0.033), but no difference in stent thrombosis (ST).
      Patients with CTO receiving a BES demonstrated a lower incidence of MACE (22.2%
      vs. 38.9%; p = 0.147) with a significant reduction in TLR compared to patients
      receiving a SES (11.1% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.0214) with an incidence similar to that
      observed in the non-CTO group treated with BES (11.6%). Definite ST at 5 years
      nearly halved in the BES group (4.4% vs. 8.3%, p = 0.478) with no ST in the BES
      group after the first year (0% vs. 8.3%, p for interaction = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS:
      The use of a BES showed a reduction in MACE, TVR, TLR, and ST over time in the
      CTO subset with similar outcome as for non-CTO lesions.

PMID- 27665853
TI  - Association of factor XIII Val34Leu polymorphism and coronary artery disease: A
      meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Factor XIII plays an important role in the stabilization of the
      linkage between fibrins and in the pathophysiology of coronary artery disease
      (CAD). The association between factor XIII Val34Leu polymorphism and CAD risk
      remains controversial. METHODS: We conducted a meta-analysis of 36 studies
      involving 26,940 cases and 34,694 controls. Subgroup analyses were performed with
      division of data into disease (myocardial infarction [MI], CAD without MI), age,
      and sex. RESULTS: Factor XIII Val34Leu polymorphism was significantly associated
      with ove all CAD risk (odds ratio [OR] = 1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] =
      1.03-1.06, p = 0.004) and MI risk (OR = 1.15, 95% CI 1.07-1.25, p = 0.0003), but
      not with CAD without MI risk (OR = 1.00, 95% CI 0.87-1.15, p = 0.96). In the
      subgroup analysis by age and sex, there was no association between Val34Leu
      polymorphism and CAD. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis found that factor XIII
      Val34Leu polymorphism was associated with CAD risk, especially MI, but not with
      CAD without MI. In addition, age and sex did not affect the relationship between
      factor XIII Val34Leu polymorphism and CAD risk.

PMID- 27665854
TI  - Swimming exercise reverses aging-related contractile abnormalities of female
      heart by improving structural alterations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to examine the effect of swimming
      exercise on aging-related Ca2+ handling alterations and structural abnormalities
      of female rat heart. METHODS: For this purpose, 4-month and 24-month old female
      rats were used and divided into three following groups: sedentary young (SY),
      sedentary old (SO), and exercised old (Ex-O). Swimming exercise was performed for
      8 weeks (60 min/day, 5 days/week). Myocyte shortening, L-type Ca2+ currents and
      associated Ca2+ transients were measured from ventricular myocytes at 36 +/- 1
      degrees C. NOX-4 levels, aconitase activity, glutathione measurements and
      ultrastructural examination by electron microscopy were conducted in heart
      tissue. RESULTS: Swimming exercise reversed the reduced shortening and slowed
      kinetics of aged cardiomyocytes. Although the current density was similar for all
      groups, Ca2+ transients were higher in SO and Ex-O myocytes with respect to the
      SY group. Caffeine-induced Ca2+ transients and the integrated NCX current were
      lower in cardiomyocytes of SY rats compared with other groups, suggesting an
      increased sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ content in an aged heart. Aging led to
      upregulated cardiac NOX-4 along with declined aconitase activity. Although it did
      not reverse these oxidative parameters, swimming exercise achieved a significant
      increase in glutathione levels and improved structural alterations of old rats'
      hearts. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that swimming exercise upregulates antioxidant
      defense capacity and improves structural abnormalities of senescent female rat
      heart, although it does not change Ca2+ handling alterations further. Thereby, it
      improves contractile function of aged myocardium by mitigating detrimental
      effects of oxidative stress.

PMID- 27665855
TI  - Evaluation of plasma PCSK9 concentrations, transcript of LDL receptor, as well as
      the total number of monocyte LDL receptors in acute coronary syndrome patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Before our study, there were no data concerning complex evaluation
      of: plasma PCSK9 concentrations, transcript LDL receptor (LDLR), as well as the
      total amount of monocytes' LDLR in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. PCSK9
      levels in a few cohort studies were found to correlate with the number of white
      blood cells (WBC) or platelets (PLT). The study aims to evaluate PCSK9-LDLR
      concentrations, as well as to find any association between PCSK9 and WBC or PLT.
      METHODS: The study group included 95 consecutive patients with acute myocardial
      infarction, in whom angiography/angioplasty of the culprit vessel was performed.
      The control group consisted of 10 healthy young volunteers. Thirty patients from
      the studied group were qualified for further percutaneous revascularization after
      3 months. Laboratory tests were performed using commercially available kits. LDLR
      expression on monocyte surface was measured by flow cytometry, but the mRNA level
      for LDLR was established by real time polymerase chain reaction. The PCSK9 plasma
      concentration was measured by ELISA kits. RESULTS: Higher concentration of PCSK9
      and amount of LDLR on monocytes surface were observed in patients with ACS
      compared with healthy young volunteers (number of LDLRs on monocytes [reaction
      units] 10.8 +/- 9.6 vs. 41.8 +/- 11.8, p < 0.001, PCSK9 [ng/mL] 295.4 +/- 76.4
      vs. 213 +/- 63.2, p < 0.001). A similar relationship was observed after
      application of 3-month intensive lipid-lowering therapy in patients with ACS (n =
      30, PCSK9 [ng/mL] 281.1 +/- 59.5 vs. 358.5 +/- 74.7, p < 0.001, LDLR transcript
      [reaction units] 0.6 +/- 0.32 vs. 1.87 +/- 0.24, p < 0.001, number of LDLRs on
      monocytes [reaction units] 5.9 +/- 3.1 vs. 22.3 +/- 3.8, p < 0.001). There were
      no significant differences in levels of PCSK9, LDLR between patients with ST
      segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-ST-segment elevation
      myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). There was no relation of the PCSK9 with WBC as
      well as with PLT. CONCLUSIONS: We observed significantly higher concentration of
      PCSK9, and significantly higher levels of mRNA LDLR transcript in patients with
      ACS compared with healthy young volunteers. A similar pattern was observed after
      3 months of intensive statin therapy among patients with ACS. There were no
      differences in these parameters between patients with STEMI vs. NSTEMI. The
      results of the study require confirmation in a larger population of patients.

PMID- 27665856
TI  - How does the estimated phase of menstrual cycle or menopause influence the
      prevalence of vasovagal syncope induced by head-up tilt test.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of syncope
      induced by head-up tilt test (HUTT) and the type of positive vasovagal response
      to the orthostatic stress in a relationship to the estimated phase of menstrual
      cycle (follicular phase, luteal phase) or menopause. METHODS: We observed a
      cohort of 500 women at age 13-89 years (median of age 37.5), referred to HUTT.
      Phase of the menstrual cycle was determined on the basis of the usual length of
      menstrual cycle and the day of the cycle at the time of the study. We assumed
      that the length of the luteal phase is constant and it is 14 days. RESULTS: In
      premenopausal patients, the occurrence of the mixed and cardioinhibitory response
      was significantly more frequent in comparison to postmenopausal women (48.8 vs.
      35.1% and 19.7 vs. 12.4%, respectively; p < 0.00001), while the occurrence of the
      vasodepressive one was significantly less frequent (7.3% vs. 28.6%; p < 0.00001)
      in that group of patients. Women in follicular phase presented vasodepressive
      response during HUTT more often than woman in the luteal phase (10.0% vs. 4.1%, p
      < 0.00001). CONCLUSIONS: Among women referred for HUTT, the prevalence of the
      vasovagal syndrome did not differ between those that were pre- and post
      menopausal. Higher incidence of vasodepressive reaction in postmenopausal women
      was observed. Among the premenopausal women, the vasodepressive type of vasovagal
      syndrome occurred more often in follicular then in luteal phase.

PMID- 27665857
TI  - Atrial fibrillation following off-pump versus on-pump coronary artery bypass
      grafting: Incidence and risk factors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia that
      occurs after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). New surgical techniques,
      particularly off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB), are thought to be less
      invasive and results in fewer complications, i.e. AF, but available data are
      inconsistent. The aim of this study is to present the incidence and risk factors
      of AF in patients operated on with or without cardiopulmonary bypass. METHODS: We
      studied 1836 consecutive patients with stable coronary artery disease who were
      operated on with (CABG) or without (OPCAB) cardiopulmonary bypass. The patients
      were monitored using a continuous electrocardiogram monitoring system until the
      sixth postoperative day. RESULTS: Atrial fibrillation occurred in 18.3% and 19.3%
      of CABG and OPCAB patients, respectively (p = 0.3). The peak incidence of
      arrhythmia was observed between the second and third postoperative day in both
      CABG and OPCAB patients (36% and 41%, respectively). Patient's age and history of
      hypertension were significant predictors of postoperative AF (OR 1.38, 95% CI
      1.01-1.76, p = 0.0002; and OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.01-1.76, p = 0.008, respectively).
      Patients who developed AF vs. without AF had significantly higher rates of
      complications such as death (3.1% vs. 1.2%, p = 0.01), reoperation (5.2% vs.
      2.8%, p = 0.02), and the need to utilize intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) (6.8%
      vs. 3.4%, p = 0.002). Use of IABP and reoperation were significant perioperative
      predictors of the arrhythmia (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.27-3.4, p = 0.003; and OR 1.9, 95%
      CI 1.09-3.30, p = 0.02, respectively). AF was also associated with a prolonged
      stay in an intensive care unit (72.5 +/- 78.8 for patients with AF vs. 34.6 +/-
      25.2 for patients with sinus rhythm, p = 0.000001). CONCLUSIONS: In patients
      undergoing CABG, postoperative AF is a common arrhythmia independent of the type
      of surgical procedure.

PMID- 27665858
TI  - Sirolimus-eluting stent is superior to paclitaxel-eluting stent for coronary
      intervention in patients with renal insufficiency: Long-term clinical outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Renal insufficiency (RI) is an independent risk factor for the
      adverse cardiovascular events. Long-term clinical outcome of percutaneous
      coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with RI is unknown especially in the era
      of first generation drug-eluting stents (DES). This study aims at comparing
      clinical outcomes between sirolimus-eluting stents (SES) and paclitaxel-eluting
      stents (PES) based on large scaled registry. METHODS: Patients who underwent PCI
      with DES from January 2004 to December 2009 in the Catholic University of Korea
      PCI (COACT) registry were prospectively enrolled. A group of 1,033 patients with
      RI, defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate under 60 mL/min, were
      analyzed. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE), including all-cause death, non
      fatal myocardial infarction (MI), target lesion revascularization (TLR), and
      target vessel revascularization (TVR) according to the type of stents were
      compared. RESULTS: Median follow-up period was 810 days (interquartile range:
      from 361 to 1,354 days). A group of 612 (59.2%) patients were treated with SES
      and 421 (40.8%) patients were treated with PES. The PES vs. SES group had
      significantly higher rate of MACE (35.9% vs. 28.3%, p = 0.01). In multivariate
      Cox hazard regression analysis, PES vs. SES group had significantly higher rate
      of MACE (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] 1.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02
      1.64, p = 0.033), particularly pronounced by all-cause death (AHR 1.34, 95% CI
      1.008-1.770; p = 0.044). In further analysis with propensity score matching,
      overall findings were consistent. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with RI, PCI using PES
      provides poorer clinical outcomes than SES in terms of MACE and all-cause death.

PMID- 27665859
TI  - Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in normotensive postmenopausal women with
      type 2 diabetes mellitus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prevalence of heart failure among diabetic patients is high, also
      in those with normal blood pressure and without coronary artery disease, even
      when electrocardiogram (ECG) is normal. The goal of our study was to assess the
      prevalence of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) among diabetic women
      (DW) and its correlation with glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, obesity
      status, and ECG parameters. METHODS: A group of 456 consecutive normotensive
      postmenopausal women affected by type 2 diabetes, diagnosed over 5 years, were
      enrolled. One hundred normotensive non-diabetic postmenopausal women were
      included as a control group (CG). Rest ECG and trans-thoracic echocardiogram and
      Doppler were performed. RESULTS: LVDD was present in 103 (23.3%) out of 456 DW,
      and 8 out of 100 women in CG (8%), p < 0.001. There was no difference in mean age
      between the two groups: 56 +/- 13 and 55 +/- 3, respectively (p = 0.3). There
      were 191 (41.9%) DW with body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg/m2. Among those, there
      were 56 (12.3%) with significant prevalence of LVDD, while there were 49 (10.7%)
      with BMI < 30 kg/m2, p < 0.005. DW with HbA1c > 7.5% comprised a group of 243
      (53.3%) patients. Among those, there were 45 (9.9%) with higher prevalence of
      LVDD, and 15 (3.3%) with HbA1c < 7.5%, p < 0.01. Out of a group of 147 (32.2%) DW
      with abnormal ECG , 21 had LVDD (4.6%), p = 0,1, and 84 (18.8%) had LVDD with
      normal ECG. CONCLUSIONS: Our data prove a high prevalence of LVDD in asymptomatic
      diabetic postmenopausal women. This finding is closely related with HbA1c levels
      and obesity status, not with abnormal ECG, which is a unique cardiologic test
      recommended by current guidelines in all diabetic patients. We conclude that
      early detection of high level of HbA1c and obesity (30 kg/m2) may identify women
      with major risk to develop LVDD. Furthermore, a simple ECG, when normal, is not
      enough to assess a normal LV diastolic function.

PMID- 27665861
TI  - The Next Generation of Synthetic Biology Chassis: Moving Synthetic Biology from
      the Laboratory to the Field.
AB  - Escherichia coli (E. coli) has played a pivotal role in the development of
      genetics and molecular biology as scientific fields. It is therefore not
      surprising that synthetic biology (SB) was built upon E. coli and continues to
      dominate the field. However, scientific capabilities have advanced from simple
      gene mutations to the insertion of rationally designed, complex synthetic
      circuits and creation of entirely synthetic genomes. The point is rapidly
      approaching where E. coli is no longer an adequate host for the increasingly
      sophisticated genetic designs of SB. It is time to develop the next generation of
      SB chassis; robust organisms that can provide the advanced physiology novel
      synthetic circuits will require to move SB from the laboratory into fieldable
      technologies. This can be accomplished by developing chassis-specific genetic
      toolkits that are as extensive as those for E. coli. However, the holy grail of
      SB would be the development of a universal toolkit that can be ported into any
      chassis. This viewpoint article underscores the need for new bacterial chassis,
      as well as discusses some of the important considerations in their selection. It
      also highlights a few examples of robust, tractable bacterial species that can
      meet the demands of tomorrow's state-of-the-art in SB. Significant advances have
      been made in the first 15 years since this field has emerged. However, the
      advances over the next 15 years will occur not in laboratory organisms, but in
      fieldable species where the potential of SB can be fully realized in game
      changing technology.

PMID- 27665860
TI  - Neprilysin inhibition: A brief review of past pharmacological strategies for
      heart failure treatment and future directions.
AB  - Heart failure (HF) is a manifestation of aberrant vascular responses and remains
      a public health concern with a worldwide prevalence of around 23 million and a 5
      year mortality numerically equivalent to many cancers. Over the last two decades,
      mortality from HF reached a plateau with current pharmaceutical agents and
      mechanical cardiac support. In the last several years, various "novel"
      pharmaceutical agents have been tested in clinical trials and ultimately met with
      disappointment, showing only incremental benefit in the treatment of HF.
      Designing a HF drug with enhanced efficacy over existing agents seemed like a
      Sisyphean task. Yet again, pharmaceutical chemists have demonstrated their
      prowess in lateral thinking by developing a vasoactive agent which is a co
      crystallized compound of valsartan and sacubitril in a one-to-one molar ratio;
      the former molecule belongs to a family of agents that are the current standard
      of care for HF and the latter molecule is a novel agent which inhibits neprilysin
      - a neutral endopeptidase found in human plasma which alters neurohumoral
      responses. In July of 2015, a drug which is a combination of valsartan and
      sacubitril was formally licensed by the United States Food and Drug
      Administration for the treatment of HF. This review describes the evolution of HF
      medications focusing on rational drug design with the first HF medication, the
      beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist. We then discuss the biochemical and
      physiological properties of sacubitril/valsartan which likely lead to its
      dramatic ability to ameliorate HF mortality.

PMID- 27665862
TI  - Dose- and time-related effects of caffeine on the testis in immature male rats.
AB  - We previously showed that prepubertal chronic caffeine exposure adversely
      affected the development of the testes in male rats. Here we investigated dose-
      and time-related effects of caffeine consumption on the testis throughout sexual
      maturation in prepubertal rats. A total of 80 male SD rats were randomly divided
      into four groups: controls and rats fed 20, 60, or 120 mg caffeine/kg/day,
      respectively, via gavage for 10, 20, 30, or 40 days. Preputial separation was
      monitored daily before the rats were sacrificed. Terminal blood samples were
      collected for hormone assay, and testes were grossly evaluated and weighed. One
      testis was processed for histological analysis, and the other was collected to
      isolate Leydig cells. Caffeine exposure significantly increased the relative
      weight of the testis in a dose-related manner after 30 days of exposure, whereas
      the absolute testis weight tended to decrease at the 120 mg dose of caffeine. The
      mean diameter of the seminiferous tubules and height of the germinal epithelium
      significantly decreased in the caffeine-fed groups after 40 days of caffeine
      exposure, which was accompanied by a reduced BrdU incorporation rate in germ
      cells. In addition, caffeine intake significantly reduced in vivo and ex vivo
      testosterone production in a dose-related manner. Our results demonstrate that
      caffeine exposure during sexual maturation alter the testicular microarchitecture
      and also slow germ cell proliferation even at the 20 mg dose level. Furthermore,
      caffeine may act directly on Leydig cells and interfere with testosterone
      production in a dose-related manner, consequently delaying onset of sexual
      maturation.

PMID- 27665863
TI  - Zinc(II) Binding Site to the Amyloid-beta Peptide: Insights from Spectroscopic
      Studies with a Wide Series of Modified Peptides.
AB  - The Zn(II) ion has been linked to Alzheimer's disease (AD) due to its ability to
      modulate the aggregating properties of the amyloid-beta (Abeta) peptide, where
      Abeta aggregation is a central event in the etiology of the disease. Delineating
      Zn(II) binding properties to Abeta is thus a prerequisite to better grasp its
      potential role in AD. Because of (i) the flexibility of the Abeta peptide, (ii)
      the multiplicity of anchoring sites, and (iii) the silent nature of the Zn(II)
      ion in most classical spectroscopies, this is a difficult task. To overcome these
      difficulties, we have investigated the impact of peptide alterations (mutations,
      N-terminal acetylation) on the Zn(Abeta) X-ray absorption spectroscopy
      fingerprint and on the Zn(II)-induced modifications of the Abeta peptides' NMR
      signatures. We propose a tetrahedrally bound Zn(II) ion, in which the
      coordination sphere is made by two His residues and two carboxylate side chains.
      Equilibria between equivalent ligands for one Zn(II) binding position have also
      been observed, the predominant site being made by the side chains of His6, His13
      or His14, Glu11, and Asp1 or Glu3 or Asp7, with a slight preference for Asp1.

PMID- 27665864
TI  - Apolipoprotein E genotyping using PCR-GoldMag lateral flow assay and its clinical
      applications.
AB  - A polymerase chain reaction-gold magnetic nanoparticles lateral flow assay (PCR
      GoldMag LFA) has been developed via integrating multiplex amplification
      refractory mutation system PCR (multi-ARMS-PCR) with GoldMag-based LFA for the
      visual detection of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). This assay was
      applied to genotype Apolipoprotein E (ApoE). ApoE genotyping is important due to
      the predictive value for the development of coronary artery disease and
      Alzheimer's disease. The method requires two steps: i) Simultaneous
      amplifications of the two polymorphic codons (ApoE 158 and 112), performed in
      separated reactions using multi-ARMS-PCR; and ii) detection of the wild-type and
      mutant PCR products via dual immunoreactions, which can be performed in ~5 min.
      Within two LFAs, anti-digoxin antibody-conjugated GoldMag probes bind digoxin
      labeled wild-type PCR products, and anti-fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)
      antibody-conjugated GoldMag probes bind FITC-labeled mutant PCR products. All PCR
      products are biotin labeled and are detected by streptavidin-coated regions on
      the LFA strip, resulting in a red color. The current approach is capable of
      detecting the SNPs of ApoE in ~1.5 h, with a broad detection range from 10-1,000
      ng of genomic DNA. Thus, the present protocol may facilitate simple, fast and
      cost-effective screening for important SNPs, as demonstrated by the evaluation of
      the prevalence of ApoE variants in a Han Chinese cohort.

PMID- 27665866
TI  - Robotic Assessment of Upper Limb Function after Proximal Humeral Fracture:
      Personal Experience as A Patient and Occupational Therapist.
AB  - Robotics is an emerging field in rehabilitation medicine. Robots have the
      potential to complement traditional clinical assessments because they can measure
      functions more precisely and quantitatively than current clinical assessments. We
      present a patient with a proximal humeral fracture whose recovery process was
      evaluated with an exoskeleton robotic device. The patient, a 34-year-old woman,
      suffered a left proximal humeral fracture while snowboarding. She is an
      occupational therapist and is the first author of this study. With conservative
      therapy, fracture union was seen on X-ray at 6 weeks post-injury. At that time,
      the patient was permitted to move her left upper limb actively within the
      tolerance of pain. We assessed the function of the injured upper limb at 6, 7,
      and 12 weeks post-injury with the KINARM exoskeleton robotic device and with
      conventional clinical measures. The active range of motion and the muscle
      strength of the left shoulder improved over time. Using robotic assessment, the
      precise movement profiles, position sense, and functional ability of both arms
      were quantified and also showed progressive improvement over time. Assessment
      with a robotic device of the recovery process after proximal humeral fracture
      allowed quantification of functional impairments that could not be felt
      subjectively nor identified with conventional clinical assessments. 

PMID- 27665865
TI  - Mutation analysis by direct and whole exome sequencing in familial and sporadic
      tooth agenesis.
AB  - Dental agenesis is one of the most common congenital craniofacial abnormalities.
      Dental agenesis can be classified, relative to the number of missing teeth
      (excluding third molars), as hypodontia (1 to 5 missing teeth), oligodontia (6 or
      more missing teeth), or anodontia (lack of all teeth). Tooth agenesis may occur
      either in association with genetic syndromes, based on the presence of other
      inherited abnormalities, or as a non-syndromic trait, with both familiar and
      sporadic cases reported. In this study, we enrolled 16 individuals affected by
      tooth agenesis, prevalently hypodontia, and we carried out direct Sanger
      sequencing of paired box 9 (PAX9) and Msh homeobox 1 (MSX1) genes in 9 subjects.
      Since no mutations were identified, we performed whole exome sequencing (WES) in
      the members of 5 families to identify causative gene mutations either novel or
      previously described. Three individuals carried a known homozygous disease
      mutation in the Wnt family member 10A (WNT10A) gene (rs121908120). Interestingly,
      two of these individuals were siblings and also carried a heterozygous functional
      variant in EDAR-associated death domain (EDARADD) (rs114632254), another disease
      causing gene, generating a combination of genetic variants never described until
      now. The analysis of exome sequencing data in the members of other 3 families
      highlighted new candidate genes potentially involved in tooth agenesis and
      considered suitable for future studies. Overall, our study confirmed the major
      role played by WNT10A in tooth agenesis and the genetic heterogeneity of this
      disease. Moreover, as more genes are shown to be involved in tooth agenesis, WES
      analysis may be an effective approach to search for genetic variants in familiar
      or sporadic tooth agenesis, at least in more severe clinical manifestations.

PMID- 27665867
TI  - An insertion/deletion polymorphism within the 3'-untranslated region of COL1A2
      confers susceptibility to osteoporosis.
AB  - Polymorphisms located in microRNA (miRNA) binding sites may interfere with the
      interaction between miRNAs and mRNAs, and thereby alter the expression of genes.
      The current study aimed to investigate the association between an
      insertion/deletion (INS/DEL) polymorphism in the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR)
      of COL1A2 and the risk of developing osteoporosis. In the present study, COL1A2
      was identified as a target gene of let-7g in osteoblast cells obtained from
      patients, using a luciferase reporter system. This was further confirmed by the
      observation that exogenous overexpression of let-7g in the osteoblast cells
      downregulated the expression of COL1A2 in the cells in the INS/INS group, however
      not in the DEL/DEL group. In addition, a total of 487 subjects were enrolled in
      the present study and their bone mineral density (BMD) was measured. The BMD at
      the four tested sites, the femoral neck, total left hip, L1-L4 and
      intertrochanteric areas, were significantly reduced in the INS/DEL or DEL/DEL
      group compared with the INS/INS group. Furthermore, the levels of COL1A2 and let
      7g were measured in the primary osteoblasts obtained from 48 patients with
      osteoporosis. While the let-7g levels were comparable between each genotype
      group, the expression level of COL1A2 in the DEL/DEL and INS/DEL group was
      significantly greater compared with the INS/INS group. In conclusion, the present
      study demonstrated that the INS/DEL polymorphism in the 3'-UTR of COL1A2 is able
      to interfere with the interaction between miRNA and mRNA. In addition, it is the
      first study, to the best of our knowledge, to indicate that the minor allele
      (Del) is associated with a reduced risk of developing osteoporosis.

PMID- 27665869
TI  - Green light for nurse prescribing.
AB  - The Royal College of Nursing has said there must be no further delays in the
      implementation of nurse prescribing after a government go-ahead for pilot
      projects across the country.

PMID- 27665870
TI  - Large scale changes underway in welfare state shake-up.
AB  - A radical shake-up of the welfare state, with changes likely in many areas
      including benefit payments for the long-term sick, seems almost certain following
      yesterday's Budget.

PMID- 27665868
TI  - Ursolic acid inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis by inactivating
      Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in human osteosarcoma cells.
AB  - Although multiple chemotherapeutic agents have been used for osteosarcoma (OS)
      treatment, their mechanisms need further study. Ursolic acid (UA), a pentacyclic
      triterpenoid, can reduce cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in various
      cancer cells, such as OS. However, the exact mechanism underlying this function
      remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the anti-proliferative effect of
      UA in human OS 143B cells and dissected the possible molecular mechanism
      underlying this effect. We demonstrated that UA can reduce cell proliferation,
      induce apoptosis and arrest cell cycle in 143B cells, as well as inhibit OS tumor
      growth in a mouse xenograft model. Using a luciferase reporter assay, we found
      that the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling is inhibited by UA in 143B cells.
      Correspondingly, the expression level and nuclear translocation of beta-catenin
      are both decreased by UA. Exogenous expression of beta-catenin attenuates the
      anticancer effect of UA in 143B cells, while knockdown of beta-catenin enhances
      this effect. UA increases the expression level of p53 in a concentration
      dependent manner, and inhibition of p53 reduces the anticancer effect of UA in
      143B cells. Moreover, inhibition of p53 partly reverses the UA-induced
      downregulation of beta-catenin, as do the targets of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling,
      such as c-Myc and cyclin D1. Our findings indicated that UA can inhibit the
      proliferation of 143B OS cells through inactivation of Wnt/beta-catenin
      signaling, which may be mediated partly by upregulating the expression of p53.

PMID- 27665871
TI  - ?
AB  - A three-day candlelit vigil was held in St James' Church in Piccadilly as part of
      a campaign to halt the threatened closure of London's Royal Marsden Hospital.
      Campaigners, led by actress Fiona Fullerton, also delivered a massive petition
      bearing 900,000 signatures to Downing Street in protest at the closure plans.
      Yona Zalosor (second from left), a former patient at the hospital. Ls shown with
      three members of the Marsden Patients Action Group. From left: Melissa Bennett.
      Philip Wood and Jenny Bennett.

PMID- 27665872
TI  - Welsh bureaucrats gain as nursing numbers plummet.
AB  - Nursing numbers in Wales have been cur while the number of bureaucrats has more
      than quadrupled, new figures have confirmed.

PMID- 27665873
TI  - 380 posts in York are under threat.
AB  - Hundreds of jobs are to go at York Health Services NHS Trust over the next two
      and a half years to make up a L1.5 million deficit, says the RCN.

PMID- 27665875
TI  - Mixed reaction to BMA survey criticisms.
AB  - Shock figures from the British Medical Association (BMA) claiming that community
      care is a failure have been greeted with caution by the RCN.

PMID- 27665874
TI  - P2000 courses in London to go ahead.
AB  - Funding for Project 2000 courses in London has been confirmed following
      uncertainty over nurse education caused by the Tomlinson report.

PMID- 27665877
TI  - ?
AB  - Nurses Against Smoking, a new campaign group run by the RCN's Respiratory Nurses'
      Forum, sent a delegation to Downing Street last week to demand a steep rise in
      tobacco tax to discourage smokers. Shown outside Number 10 are (left to right):
      Adrienne Brewin, Chris Robbins, Lynne Stanley, Raymond Duffy and Anne Crawford.

PMID- 27665876
TI  - Urgent inquiry into Scottish staff injuries.
AB  - Hospitals and trusts in Scotland have been instructed to launch immediate
      investigations into the incidence of sharps and back injuries among staff, with
      targets set to reduce such accidents 'without delay'.

PMID- 27665878
TI  - DoH bows to pressure on children's care.
AB  - Large increases in the number of paediatric intensive care nurses are being
      promised by the government after a scathing report showed that critically ill
      children were being turned away from hospitals because of a lack of proper
      facilities.

PMID- 27665879
TI  - Research base is the key, says Hancock.
AB  - Securing an adequate research base for nursing is fundamental to securing the
      profession's future, RCN General Secretary Christine Hancock has told researchers
      in Edinburgh.

PMID- 27665881
TI  - Doctors 'are bullying junior nurses'.
AB  - Nurses are being bullied by doctors because they no longer have seniors to
      protect them, RCN Scottish Secretary June Andrews said last week.

PMID- 27665880
TI  - Midland 'shambles'.
AB  - Investigations into how West Midlands Health Authority wasted at least L10
      million of public money have been welcomed by the government.

PMID- 27665883
TI  - RCN's Northern Ireland health initiative is runaway success.
AB  - A campaign highlighting health service problems in Northern Ireland has been
      hailed as a success less than a month after it started.

PMID- 27665885
TI  - HVA launches campaign against trust job cuts proposals.
AB  - The Health Visitors' Association is launching a campaign against plans by Harrow
      Community Health Services Trust, which could mean up to 15 health visitor
      redundancies.

PMID- 27665884
TI  - RCN reassurance on standards.
AB  - The RCN has sought to reassure parents and children of the high quality of
      patient care at Liverpool's Alder Hey Children's Hospital after a turbulent
      period during which management was blamed for falling standards.

PMID- 27665886
TI  - ?
AB  - A new exhibition focusing on health from the artist's perspective opened at the
      Wellcome Foundation in London last week. Ron Sutton, of Wellcome's Community
      Affairs department, is shown with nurse Mary Neiland, (left) Clinical Service
      Manager for the Charing Cross and Chelsea and Westminster Hospitals and Anne
      Gibson, manager of St Christopher's Hospice Day Care Centre, who were among the
      first to view some of the paintings on show.

PMID- 27665887
TI  - Nurses 'reluctant' to promote themselves.
AB  - Nursing experience should be used to promote the profession so people realise
      nurses have a vital role to play in a quality NHS, a conference on marketing and
      nursing heard.

PMID- 27665888
TI  - 'Low level' of NHS efficiency.
AB  - Vital NHS resources are being diverted to 'unproven and perhaps inefficient'
      activities in a misguided bid to make the health service more effective, say
      researchers at the Centre for Health Economics.

PMID- 27665889
TI  - ?
AB  - The RCN recently awarded degrees to graduates of its Institute of Advanced
      Nursing Education. Alison Allen, with daughter Phillipa, received a BSc in
      Nursing Studies. Richard Hogston and Elaine Mairis received the first Masters
      degrees to be awarded by the IANE.

PMID- 27665890
TI  - SHSA nurses should not fear trust status.
AB  - Nurses working in forensic mental health have nothing to fear as a result of
      their hospitals becoming trusts, a conference on sharing good practice was told
      last week.

PMID- 27665892
TI  - Bed sharing may increase danger of cot death.
AB  - Urging mothers to avoid bed sharing with infants could significantly reduce the
      danger of cot death, new research suggests.

PMID- 27665891
TI  - Back injury three times more likely for nurses.
AB  - Nurses are three times more likely to suffer back injuries at work than other
      occupations, according to a new report.

PMID- 27665894
TI  - New study aims to solve nuclear illness puzzle.
AB  - Scientists hope a new study will show conclusively whether the children of
      nuclear workers are at increased risk of radiation- induced illnesses and
      conditions.

PMID- 27665895
TI  - Ecstasy drug could cause lasting damage to brain.
AB  - Ecstasy, the most popular 'rave drug' in Britain, could cause lasting damage to
      the : brain, New Scientist reports.

PMID- 27665896
TI  - Light exercise and life quality after MI.
AB  - The effect of light exercise on quality of life after myocardial infarction are
      similar to those obtained from high intensity exercise training.

PMID- 27665898
TI  - Methadone useful in morphine resistant pain.
AB  - Switching to methadone may be useful in patients with nocioceptive pain
      uncontrolled by oral morphine.

PMID- 27665897
TI  - Commode provision needs rethinking.
AB  - Health professionals should be aware of people's need for privacy when they
      provide commodes.

PMID- 27665899
TI  - Simple solution to stop arthritis damage.
AB  - Drugs based on common substances such as sugars and carbohydrates may stop the
      damage caused by rheumatoid arthritis, Australian researchers believe.

PMID- 27665900
TI  - HRT and breast cancer recurrence link queried.
AB  - New research strongly suggests that taking hormone replacement therapy does not
      cause recurrence of breast cancer, as had been feared.

PMID- 27665901
TI  - Sunday morning on the Chain gang.
AB  - Every Sunday morning people leave the warmth of their duvets and the colour
      supplements, and head for one of three London community centres. For some it is
      an Sam start, for others a rather more leisurely mid-morning.

PMID- 27665902
TI  - View from the bridge.
AB  - Daniel Allen joined the mass rally in London against the government's policies
      and listened to the concerns of nurses from throughout the UK. When 20,000 health
      care workers and their supporters marched through London recently in protest
      against the government's health policies, it took them 40 minutes to cross
      Blackfriars Bridge. Marching five abreast the crowd stretched back a mile.

PMID- 27665904
TI  - A cry for help.
AB  - Alison Carter* is one of hundreds of student nurses who have dropped out of
      Project 2000 courses. But Alison's is no ordinary case because when she resigned,
      about half-way through the common foundation programme, she was suffering from
      schizophrenia.

PMID- 27665903
TI  - Patients still getting little satisfaction.
AB  - The changes in the health service have not reduced patients' dissatisfaction over
      hospital, GP or clinic waiting times, or arranging appointments within a
      reasonable time. Nor have they improved the amount of relevant information given
      to patients or made them feel they receive greater individual respect from staff.

PMID- 27665905
TI  - I sold my soul for a rotten hole.
AB  - We read the report about nursing students paying exorbitant rents for hospital
      accommodation (Anger over 'totally unacceptable' rent levels, News, November 17).

PMID- 27665906
TI  - ?
AB  - I am the mother of a Project 2000 student at Broomsfield Hospital in Chelmsford,
      a sister hospital to Southend. My daughter and her fellow students pay L130 a
      month for their substandard accommodation.

PMID- 27665907
TI  - ?
AB  - The P2000 students at Southend who complained about their rent levels should be
      satisfied with the amount they have to pay.

PMID- 27665908
TI  - Stub out drug tutors' joint initiatives.
AB  - When I decided to take an RMN diploma, I intended to work with those addicted to
      drugs. I thought these would be the client group, not my colleagues.

PMID- 27665909
TI  - Back home we'll be thinking about you.
AB  - Trudy Rawlins, who trumpeted the value of day care nursing (Express nurse hits
      out at slowcoaches, Letters, November 10), said that day surgery patients do not
      have nursing back-up at home. May I remind her of the district nursing sister and
      the community nursing team's existence.

PMID- 27665911
TI  - Information exchange.
AB  - * As a group of nurses representing home care, inpatient and day hospice care in
      Jersey, we are currently re-evaluating our documentation. We would like to hear
      from nurses working in palliative care who use care plans common to the above
      three areas to achieve continuity of care.Gill Osmont Day Hospice Sister Jersey
      Hospice Care Clarkson House Rue de Haie du Puits Grouvilie Jersey JE3 9DL.

PMID- 27665910
TI  - Stiff upper lip? You can stoic it.
AB  - When will 'stoics' such as Graeme Morrison learn that it is precisely attitudes
      like theirs that perpetuate all that is lamentable in the NHS (If you can't stand
      the heat, leave the Legion, Letters, November 10).

PMID- 27665912
TI  - We blush: Queen's support fully shown.
AB  - I was delighted to see the news report on the Queen's Nursing Institute s Annual
      Awards for Innovation and Long Service (November 17).

PMID- 27665914
TI  - Gone loco.
AB  - As a regular BR customer, I continually wonder why the Duke of Edinburgh Awards
      Scheme steadfastly refuses to award enamel badges to commuters who successfully
      get to work by lunchtime on most days.

PMID- 27665913
TI  - Correction.
AB  - The clinical news item (Pre-admission plan to save patients' time, November 17)
      stated the initiative was being conducted at St Thomas' hospital in London.

PMID- 27665915
TI  - Personnel practice for health service managers: individual development manual
      Personnel practice for health service managers: individual development manual R
      Jones M Layte TRACE Ltd 338pp L75.00 0-948132-50-7.
AB  - From the Shrewsbury Acute Unit, Shropshire HA, under project managers Ron Jones
      and Maureen Layte comes Personnel Practice for Health Service Managers:
      Individual Development Manual, an open learning, self-development pack.

PMID- 27665916
TI  - Career changes for nurses: work opportunities outside hospital Career changes for
      nurses: work opportunities outside hospital J Lyall Hawker 128pp L5.99 1-874790
      03-5.
AB  - Joanna Lyall's Career Changes for Nurses: Work Opportunities outside Hospital
      will appeal to all nurses considering a career change (which gives it a huge
      potential market).

PMID- 27665917
TI  - A history of mental health nursing A history of mental health nursing P Nolan
      Chapman & Hali 178pp L11.95 0-412-39820-6 [Formula: see text].
AB  - As seen through the eyes of Peter Nolan, A History of Mental Health Nursing is
      easy to read. The down-to-earth presentation and writing style add to the
      quality.

PMID- 27665918
TI  - Sister Suzuki derides again.
AB  - Hi there, health care workers. Did I tell you about the project I am planning as
      part of my management course? I would not be exaggerating if I said it is going
      to be the most exciting innovation yet on my new nursing unit. And it really is a
      new idea - there is no American influence involved.

PMID- 27665919
TI  - Your common questions answered.
AB  - What is the difference between hardware and software? Hardware is the equipment
      that you buy. If you buy a computer, a monitor screen and a keyboard, this is all
      hardware. Software refers to the programs that you run on your computer. Thus a
      wordprocessing package or a spreadsheet program is software. You should note the
      spelling of program. It has become the convention to spell it the American way.

PMID- 27665920
TI  - Precisely my type of book.
AB  - As you may have realised, there are not that many bargains in the personal
      computer world. But this definitely is one. Designing Business Documents is a
      comprehensive guide to all aspects of designing documents with a PC. Forget the
      'business' in the title - it is likely to be useful to all computer users.

PMID- 27665921
TI  - Exposure to Sound Vibrations Lead to Transcriptomic, Proteomic and Hormonal
      Changes in Arabidopsis.
AB  - Sound vibration (SV) is considered as an external mechanical force that modulates
      plant growth and development like other mechanical stimuli (e.g., wind, rain,
      touch and vibration). A number of previous and recent studies reported
      developmental responses in plants tailored against SV of varied frequencies. This
      strongly suggests the existence of sophisticated molecular mechanisms for SV
      perception and signal transduction. Despite this there exists a huge gap in our
      understanding regarding the SV-mediated molecular alterations, which is a
      prerequisite to gain insight into SV-mediated plant development. Herein, we
      investigated the global gene expression changes in Arabidopsis thaliana upon
      treatment with five different single frequencies of SV at constant amplitude for
      1 h. As a next step, we also studied the SV-mediated proteomic changes in
      Arabidopsis. Data suggested that like other stimuli, SV also activated signature
      cellular events, for example, scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS),
      alteration of primary metabolism, and hormonal signaling. Phytohormonal analysis
      indicated that SV-mediated responses were, in part, modulated by specific
      alterations in phytohormone levels; especially salicylic acid (SA). Notably,
      several touch regulated genes were also up-regulated by SV treatment suggesting a
      possible molecular crosstalk among the two mechanical stimuli, sound and touch.
      Overall, these results provide a molecular basis to SV triggered global
      transcriptomic, proteomic and hormonal changes in plant.

PMID- 27665922
TI  - Theoretical Comparison of Optical Properties of Near-Infrared Colloidal Plasmonic
      Nanoparticles.
AB  - We study optical properties of near-infrared absorbing colloidal plasmonic
      nanostructures that are of interest for biomedical theranostic applications:
      SiO2@Au core-shell particles, Au nanocages and Au nanorods. Full-wave field
      analysis is used to compare the absorption spectra and field enhancement of these
      structures as a function of their dimensions and orientation with respect to the
      incident field polarization. Absorption cross-sections of structures with the
      same volume and LSPR wavelength are compared to quantify differential performance
      for imaging, sensing and photothermal applications. The analysis shows that while
      the LSPR of each structure can be tuned to the NIR, particles with a high degree
      of rotational symmetry, i.e. the SiO2@Au and nanocage particles, provide superior
      performance for photothermal applications because their absorption is less
      sensitive to their orientation, which is random in colloidal applications. The
      analysis also demonstrates that Au nanocages are advantaged with respect to other
      structures for imaging, sensing and drug delivery applications as they support
      abundant E field hot spots along their surface and within their open interior.
      The modeling approach presented here broadly applies to dilute colloidal
      plasmonic nanomaterials of arbitrary shapes, sizes and material constituents and
      is well suited for the rational design of novel plasmon-assisted theranostic
      applications.

PMID- 27665926
TI  - Stones: TNFRs mediate CaOx deposition in hyperoxaluria.

PMID- 27665925
TI  - Structure-function insights reveal the human ribosome as a cancer target for
      antibiotics.
AB  - Many antibiotics in clinical use target the bacterial ribosome by interfering
      with the protein synthesis machinery. However, targeting the human ribosome in
      the case of protein synthesis deregulations such as in highly proliferating
      cancer cells has not been investigated at the molecular level up to now. Here we
      report the structure of the human 80S ribosome with a eukaryote-specific
      antibiotic and show its anti-proliferative effect on several cancer cell lines.
      The structure provides insights into the detailed interactions in a ligand
      binding pocket of the human ribosome that are required for structure-assisted
      drug design. Furthermore, anti-proliferative dose response in leukaemic cells and
      interference with synthesis of c-myc and mcl-1 short-lived protein markers
      reveals specificity of a series of eukaryote-specific antibiotics towards
      cytosolic rather than mitochondrial ribosomes, uncovering the human ribosome as a
      promising cancer target.

PMID- 27665927
TI  - Chronic kidney disease: Gli1+ adventitial cells have a critical role in vascular
      calcification in CKD.

PMID- 27665924
TI  - Neuroprotective effect of epidermal growth factor plus growth hormone-releasing
      peptide-6 resembles hypothermia in experimental stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Combined therapy with epidermal growth factor (EGF) and growth
      hormone-releasing peptide 6 (GHRP-6) in stroke models has accumulated evidence of
      neuroprotective effects from several studies, but needs further support before
      clinical translation. Comparing EGF + GHRP-6 to hypothermia, a gold
      neuroprotection standard, may contribute to this purpose. OBJECTIVES: The aims of
      this study were to compare the neuroprotective effects of a combined therapy
      based on EGF + GHRP-6 with hypothermia in animal models of (a) global ischemia
      representing myocardial infarction and (b) focal brain ischemia representing
      ischemic stroke. METHODS: (a) Global ischemia was induced in Mongolian gerbils by
      a 15-min occlusion of both carotid arteries, followed by reperfusion. (b) Focal
      brain ischemia was achieved by intracerebral injection of endothelin 1 in Wistar
      rats. In each experiment, three ischemic treatment groups - vehicle, EGF + GHRP
      6, and hypothermia - were compared to each other and to a sham-operated control
      group. End points were survival, neurological scores, and infarct volume.
      RESULTS: (a) In global ischemia, neurological score at 48-72 h, infarct volume,
      and neuronal density of hippocampal CA1 zone in gerbils treated with EGF + GHRP-6
      were similar to the hypothermia-treated group. (b) In focal ischemia, the
      neurologic score and infarct volume of rats receiving EGF + GHRP-6 were also
      similar to animals in the hypothermia group. DISCUSSION: With hypothermia being a
      good standard neuroprotectant reference, these results provide additional proof
      of principle for EGF and GHRP-6 co-administration as a potentially
      neuroprotective stroke therapy.

PMID- 27665923
TI  - Coffee and cancer risk: A meta-analysis of prospective observational studies.
AB  - Meta-analyses on coffee and cancer incidence mainly restricted to limited
      cancers. We carried out a more comprehensive meta-analysis of cohort studies to
      explore association between coffee and most cancer types. We conducted
      comprehensive search and summarized relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence
      intervals for the highest versus lowest coffee intake and cancer using STATA12.
      We conducted dose-analysis if result suggested significant association. The
      publication bias was evaluated with begg's and egger's test. Finally, 105
      individual prospective studies were included. Inverse associations were observed
      on oral, pharyngeal, colon, liver, prostate, endometrial cancer and melanoma,
      with RR 0.69 (95% CI = 0.48-0.99, I2 = 73.4%, P = 0.044), 0.87 (95% CI = 0.78
      0.96, I2 = 28.4%, P = 0.007), 0.46 (95% CI = 0.37-0.57, I2 = 0%, P = 0), 0.89
      (95% CI = 0.84-0.93, I2 = 30.3%, P = 0.003), 0.73 (95% CI = 0.67-0.80, I2  = 0%,
      P = 0) and 0.89 (95% CI = 0.80-0.99, I2  = 0%, P = 0.031) respectively. However,
      the relative risk for lung cancer is 2.18 (95% CI = 1.26-3.75, I2  = 63.3%, P =
      0.005). The summary relative risk for increment of 2 cups of coffee were RR =
      0.73, 95% CI = 0.67-0.79 for liver cancer, RR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.96-0.98 for
      prostate cancer and RR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.85-0.92 for endometrial cancer.
      Accordingly, coffee intake was associated with reduced risk of oral, pharynx,
      liver, colon, prostate, endometrial cancer and melanoma and increased lung cancer
      risk.

PMID- 27665928
TI  - Glomerular disease: Crescents in IgAN.

PMID- 27665929
TI  - Fabry disease: A pharmacological chaperone on the horizon.

PMID- 27665930
TI  - Identification of Nanocrystalline Inclusions in Bismuth-Doped Silica Fibers and
      Preforms.
AB  - The nature of nanocrystalline inclusions and dopant distribution in bismuth-doped
      silicate fibers and preforms are studied by scanning and transmission electron
      microscopy, and energy and wavelength-dispersive X-ray microanalysis. The core
      compositions are Bi:SiO2, Bi:Al2O3-SiO2, Bi:GeO2-SiO2, Bi:Al2O3-GeO2-SiO2, and
      Bi:P2O5-Al2O3-GeO2-SiO2. Nanocrystals of metallic Bi, Bi2O3, SiO2, GeO2, and
      Bi4(GeO4)3 are observed in these glasses. These inclusions can be the reason for
      the background optical loss in bismuth-doped optical fibers. The bismuth
      concentration of 0.0048+/-0.0006 at% is directly measured in aluminosilicate
      optical fibers with effective laser generation (slope efficiency of 27% at room
      temperature).

PMID- 27665931
TI  - Universite du troisieme age : les besoins en formation continue des personnes
      agees francophones au Nouveau-Brunswick.
AB  - Continuing education is the ideal mechanism to allow retired people to maintain
      their autonomy and health for as long as possible. Despite the importance of
      education in the development of human beings, very few studies have been
      identified on the need for continued education in older adults. This quantitative
      descriptive study allowed us to better understand the interests and the needs of
      seniors related to continuing education in French-speaking older adults in New
      Brunswick (n = 408), and to identify the perceptions of participants with regard
      to the benefits, the challenges and the preferences of seniors for continuing
      education. Study results indicate that the main interests of participants were
      for training in technology (computers), gardening and health matters. Given the
      lack of research in this domain, these results will be useful for future planning
      of continuing education initiatives for seniors.

PMID- 27665932
TI  - Drawing them in: professional perspectives on the complexities of engaging
      'culturally diverse' young people with sexual and reproductive health promotion
      and care in Sydney, Australia.
AB  - Young people from minority ethnic, migrant and refugee backgrounds are widely
      recognised as being under-served by mainstream sexual and reproductive healthcare
      in developed economy nations. This paper documents the views of professionals in
      Australia on the complexities of, and best practice approaches to, engaging
      members of this group with sexual and reproductive health promotion and care.
      Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 purposively selected key
      informants (health service providers, policymakers, academics and community
      advocates). Interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded in NVivo10 using
      interpretive thematic analysis. Principles of 'cultural competence' were employed
      to structure the interpretation of findings. Five key themes reveal pivotal
      aspects of how professionals work in, and make sense of, this complex field.
      These may be summarised as: (1) appreciating the complexities of cultural
      diversity; (2) recognising structural barriers and disincentives to engagement;
      (3) normalising sexual health; (4) balancing 'youth-friendly' and 'culturally
      competent' priorities; and (5) going beyond simple translation. As migration to
      Australia continues to diversify the population, an integrated, national approach
      to the design and delivery of sexual and reproductive health promotion and care
      would be of value, along with training and support for those involved.
      Implications may have resonance for other countries similarly engaged in
      facilitating the successful settlement of migrants and refugees.

PMID- 27665933
TI  - Being visible: PhotoVoice as assessment for children in a school-based
      psychiatric setting.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recovery-oriented mental health services empower all clients,
      including youth and their families, to be actively involved in directing their
      own care. In order to develop person-driven interventions, clinicians must
      understand what matters from their perspective. Thus, recovery-oriented
      assessments need self-report measures that adequately capture the domains and
      content that matter to a range of particular persons. AIM: This study examined if
      and how PhotoVoice, a participatory research method used to empower and highlight
      the unique experiences of vulnerable groups, could be used as a recovery-oriented
      self-report measure for children with a mental health disorder. METHODS: We used
      PhotoVoice to engage four children with mental health related disorders at a day
      hospital program for severe behavioural disorders. The children, as co
      researchers in this participatory approach, created life books from photographs
      and images of what mattered to them across nine sessions. To examine the
      PhotoVoice process, we used ethnographic methods, including child interviews and
      participant observations in their classes and at recess before, during and after
      the weekly sessions. Our overarching narrative-phenomenological theoretical
      framework focused data collection and analysis on what mattered most to the
      children. RESULTS: The PhotoVoice method engaged and empowered the children in
      articulating what mattered in their everyday lives from their perspective that
      resulted in a novel, child-generated domain of 'mattering to others' for future
      self-report measures, and facilitated changes that generalized outside of the
      group. We illustrate these results by drawing a particularly illustrative case
      example from the study. CONCLUSION: The PhotoVoice method foregrounded children's
      perspectives on what matters more explicitly than clinical or parent perspective
      on function. SIGNIFICANCE: The participatory philosophy and methods of PhotoVoice
      provides a viable approach to recovery-oriented self-report measures as well as
      an occupation-based assessment and intervention.

PMID- 27665934
TI  - MicroRNA-122 as a predictor of HBsAg seroclearance in hepatitis B and C dual
      infected patients treated with interferon and ribavirin.
AB  - It has been demonstrated that microRNA-122 (miR-122) plays key roles in the
      modulation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication. This study examined the role
      of miR-122 in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-HBV dual infection with
      active hepatitis C who received pegylated interferon-alpha and ribavirin dual
      therapy. We enrolled 121 patients with HCV-HBV dual infection after dual therapy.
      Stored serum was collected before treatment. RT-PCR was used to analyze miR-122.
      HBsAg seroclearance was noted in 37 (30.1%) cases during a median follow-up
      period of 5.4 years. miR-122 was significantly lower in HBsAg seroclearance
      patients than in non-HBsAg seroclearance patients (P < 0.014). Multivariate
      analysis showed that miR-122 was an independent factor of HBsAg seroclearance
      (OR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.09-0.98, P = 0.046). miR-122 was significantly higher in
      patients who were qHBsAg > 100 IU/mL versus <=100 IU/mL (P < 0.001). We concluded
      that in patients with HBV-HCV dual infection with active hepatitis C, miR-122 was
      associated with HBsAg seroclearance after therapy and qHBsAg level before
      therapy, indicating that miR-122 plays key roles in modulating HBV replication.

PMID- 27665935
TI  - CRHunter: integrating multifaceted information to predict catalytic residues in
      enzymes.
AB  - A variety of algorithms have been developed for catalytic residue prediction
      based on either feature- or template-based methodology. However, no studies have
      systematically compared these two strategies and further considered whether their
      combination could improve the prediction performance. Herein, we developed an
      integrative algorithm named CRHunter by simultaneously using the complementarity
      between feature- and template-based methodologies and that between structural and
      sequence information. Several novel structural features were generated by the
      Delaunay triangulation and Laplacian transformation of enzyme structures.
      Combining these features with traditional descriptors, we invented two support
      vector machine feature predictors based on both structural and sequence
      information. Furthermore, we established two template predictors using structure
      and profile alignments. Evaluated on datasets with different levels of homology,
      our feature predictors achieve relatively stable performance, whereas our
      template predictors yield poor results when the homological relationships become
      weak. Nevertheless, the hybrid algorithm CRHunter consistently achieves optimal
      performance among all our predictors. We also illustrate that our methodology can
      be applied to the predicted structures of enzymes. Compared with state-of-the-art
      methods, CRHunter yields comparable or better performance on various datasets.
      Finally, the application of this algorithm to structural genomics targets sheds
      light on solved protein structures with unknown functions.

PMID- 27665937
TI  - Measuring Method for Lightning Channel Temperature.
AB  - In this paper, we demonstrate the temperature of lightning channel utilizing the
      theory of lightning spectra and the model of local thermodynamic equilibrium
      (LTE). The impulse current generator platform (ICGS) was used to simulate the
      lightning discharge channel, and the spectral energy of infrared spectroscopy
      (930 nm) and the visible spectroscopy (648.2 nm) of the simulated lightning has
      been calculated. Results indicate that the peaks of luminous intensity of both
      infrared and visible spectra increase with the lightning current intensity in
      range of 5-50 kA. Based on the results, the temperature of the lightning channel
      is derived to be 6140.8-10424 K. Moreover, the temperature of the channel is
      approximately exponential to the lightning current intensity, which shows good
      agreement with that of the natural lightning cases.

PMID- 27665936
TI  - TDP-43 aggregation mirrors TDP-43 knockdown, affecting the expression levels of a
      common set of proteins.
AB  - TDP-43 protein plays an important role in regulating transcriptional repression,
      RNA metabolism, and splicing. Typically it shuttles between the nucleus and the
      cytoplasm to perform its functions, while abnormal cytoplasmic aggregation of TDP
      43 has been associated with neurodegenerative diseases amyotrophic lateral
      sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). For the purpose of
      this study we selected a set of proteins that were misregulated following
      silencing of TDP-43 and analysed their expression in a TDP-43-aggregation model
      cell line HEK293 Flp-in Flag-TDP-43-12x-Q/N F4L. Following TDP-43 sequestration
      in insoluble aggregates, we observed higher nuclear levels of EIF4A3, and
      POLDIP3beta, whereas nuclear levels of DNMT3A, HNRNPA3, PABPC1 and POLDIP3alpha
      dropped, and cytoplasmic levels of RANBP1 dropped. In addition,
      immunofluorescence signal intensity quantifications showed increased nuclear
      expression of HNRNPL and YARS, and downregulation of cytoplasmic DPCD.
      Furthermore, cytoplasmic levels of predominantly nuclear protein ALYREF
      increased. In conclusion, by identifying a common set of proteins that are
      differentially expressed in a similar manner in these two different conditions,
      we show that TDP-43 aggregation has a comparable effect to TDP-43 knockdown.

PMID- 27665938
TI  - Center-based patient care enhances survival of elderly patients suffering from
      peripheral arterial disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Recent advances in catheter-based intervention in patients with
      symptomatic peripheral arterial disease (PAD) have halved mortality. Mortality of
      PAD patients still remains high compared to other clinical forms of
      atherosclerosis. Intensified patient care might increase adherence to medical
      management and benefit the survival of PAD patients. METHODS: Two patient cohorts
      were compared in a longitudinal prospective follow-up study. 370 PAD patients
      were included in the intensified center-based vascular medicine group (VMC group)
      and 332 PAD patients were treated by their usual primary care physician (PCP
      group). Survival in both groups was compared by Kaplan-Meier and Cox-regression
      analyses after 5 years. RESULTS: Survival of patients in the VMC group was 90.8%
      compared to 66% in the PCP group. Thus, survival was improved by 24.9% by center
      based care (absolute risk CI: 19-30.7%; 38% relative risk). PCP treatment
      increased all-cause mortality by a hazard ratio of 3.7 (95% CI: 2.5-5.5; p <
      .001). Mortality in the VMC group was significantly associated with the non
      modifiable risk factors age, C-reactive protein, and nephropathy in multivariable
      analyses. CONCLUSION: These data imply that multi-morbid elderly PAD patients
      still benefit by intensified specialist care compared to the usual primary care
      setting. KEY MESSAGES Center-based patient care improves survival in patients
      with peripheral arterial disease; mortality was reduced from 82 to 21 events per
      1000 patient-years (rate ratio 0.26). Mortality was related to age (HR 1.46), CRP
      (HR 1.36), and nephropathy (HR 2.7). A multifactorial approach combining adequate
      drug prescription, accomplishment of agreed goals and repetitive training to
      initiate, implement, and persist treatment adaptations was applied.

PMID- 27665939
TI  - UGT2B28 genomic variation is associated with hepatitis B e-antigen seroconversion
      in response to antiviral therapy.
AB  - Seroconversion of hepatitis B virus (HBV) e-antigen (HBeAg) is a critical but
      often-missed therapeutic goal in standard antiviral treatments. An extreme
      phenotype genome-wide association study was performed, comparing untreated
      spontaneous recoverers (with seroconversion of HBV surface antigen) versus
      entecavir-treated patients failing to achieve HBeAg seroconversion. A single
      nucleotide-polymorphism rs2132039 on the UGT2B28 gene, alongside an adjacent copy
      number polymorphism (CNP605), manifested the strongest clinical associations (P =
      3.4 * 10-8 and 0.001, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that rs2132039
      TT genotypes, but not CNP605 copy numbers, remained associated to spontaneous
      recoverers (P = 0.009). The clinical association of rs2132039 was validated
      successfully in an independent cohort (n = 302; P = 0.002). Longitudinal case
      only analyses revealed that the rs2132039-TT genotype predicted shorter time-to
      HBeAg-seroconversion in all antiviral-treated patients (n = 380, P = 0.012), as
      well as the peginterferon-treated subgroup (n = 123; P = 0.024, Hazard ratio [HR]
      = 2.104, Confidence interval [CI] = 1.105-4.007). In the entecavir-treated
      subgroup, the predictive effect was restricted by pretreatment alanine
      aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, with
      effective prediction observed in patients with ALT < 200 IU/ml and ALT/AST ratio
      <2 (n = 132; P = 0.013, HR = 10.538, CI = 1.420-78.196).

PMID- 27665940
TI  - Effect of time on recovery of plasma microsamples for the quantitative
      determination of vancomycin.
AB  - The reliability of extraction recovery of an analyte in bioanalysis is
      fundamentally important for downstream analytical testing. For dried format
      microsamples, if the recovery changes with time the concentration in clinical
      samples, derived from calibration standards and alongside quality control samples
      prepared following different drying protocols, may not reflect the true result.
      The purpose of this paper was therefore to evaluate changes to extraction
      recovery across time for one analyte, the glycopeptide antibiotic vancomycin, in
      plasma using two dried microsampling formats, dried plasma spots and volumetric
      absorptive microsampling.

PMID- 27665941
TI  - Randomized controlled trial of a web-based multi-modal therapy program for
      executive functioning in children and adolescents with unilateral cerebral palsy.
AB  - : Purpose state: Determine the efficacy of Move-it-to-improve-it (MitiiTM), a
      multi-modal web-based program, in improving Executive Function (EF) in children
      with unilateral cerebral palsy (UCP). METHOD: Participants (n = 102) were matched
      in pairs then randomized to: intervention (MitiiTM for 20 weeks; n = 51; 26
      males; mean age = 11 years 8 months (SD = 2 years 4 months); Full Scale IQ =
      84.65 (SD = 15.19); 28 left UCP; GMFCS-E&R (I = 20, II = 31) or waitlist control
      (n = 50; 25 males; mean age = 11 years 10 months (SD = 2 years 5 months); Full
      Scale IQ = 80.75 (SD = 19.81); 20 left UCP; GMFCS-E&R (I = 25, II = 25). MitiiTM
      targeted working memory (WM), visual processing (VP), upper limb co-ordination
      and physical activity. EF capacity was assessed: attentional control (DSB; WISC
      IV); cognitive flexibility (inhibition and number-letter sequencing DKEFS); goal
      setting (D-KEFs Tower Test); and information processing (WISC-IV Symbol Search
      and Coding). EF performance was assessed via parent report (BRIEF). Groups were
      compared at 20 weeks using linear regression (SPSS 21). RESULTS: There were no
      significant between group differences in attentional control (DSB; p = 0.20;CI= 
      0.40,1.87); cognitive flexibility (Inhibition, p = 0.34; CI= -0.73,2.11;
      number/letter sequencing, p = 0.17; CI= -0.55,2.94); problem solving (Tower; p =
      0.28; CI= -0.61,2.09), information processing (Symbol; p = 0.08; CI= -0.16, 2.75;
      Coding; p = 0.07; CI= -0.12,2.52) or EF performance (p = 0.13; CI= -10.04,1.38).
      CONCLUSION: In a large RCT, MitiiTM did not lead to significant improvements on
      measures of EF or parent ratings of EF performance in children with UCP.
      Implications for rehabilitation A large RCT of the multi-modal web based
      training; Move It to Improve It (MitiiTM) improves motor processing, visual
      perception, and physical capacity but does demonstrate statistically significant
      improvements or clinical significance in executive function in children with mild
      to moderate unilateral cerebral palsy (UCP). MitiiTM training completed by an
      intervention group was highly variable with few children reaching the target
      dosage of 60 h. Technical issues including server and internet connectively
      problems lead to disengagement with the program. Web-based training delivered in
      the home has the potential to increase therapy dose and accessibility, however,
      MitiiTM needs to be tailored to include tasks involving goal-setting, more
      complex problem solving using multi-dimensional strategies, mental flexibility,
      switching between two cognitively demanding tasks, and greater novelty in order
      to increase the cognitive component and challenge required to drive changes in
      EF.

PMID- 27665942
TI  - CYR61 suppresses growth of human malignant melanoma.
AB  - Cysteine-rich protein 61 (CCN1/CYR61) is an important marker of proliferation and
      metastasis in malignant melanoma, making it a potential target for melanoma
      treatment. In this study, we compared the expression of CRY61 in Chinese patients
      with malignant melanoma with its expression in patients with other skin tumors or
      with no skin pathological conditions. We examined the effects of anti-human CYR61
      monoclonal antibody on proliferation and evaluated the changes in CYR61
      expression and cell proliferation in response to treatment with either epirubicin
      or interferon (IFN)-alpha. CYR61 was expressed at lower levels in patients with
      malignant melanoma than in patients with other skin tumors or with no pathology.
      Following the treatment of B16 cells with epirubicin and IFN-alpha, CYR61 levels
      increased, cell growth was inhibited, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen
      expression decreased. Thus, CYR61 could become a therapeutic target for malignant
      melanoma patients with high CYR61 expression.

PMID- 27665943
TI  - Phonon thermal conduction in novel 2D materials.
AB  - Recently, there has been increasing interest in phonon thermal transport in low
      dimensional materials, due to the crucial importance of dissipating and managing
      heat in micro- and nano-electronic devices. Significant progress has been
      achieved for one-dimensional (1D) systems, both theoretically and experimentally.
      However, the study of heat conduction in two-dimensional (2D) systems is still in
      its infancy due to the limited availability of 2D materials and the technical
      challenges of fabricating suspended samples that are suitable for thermal
      measurements. In this review, we outline different experimental techniques and
      theoretical approaches for phonon thermal transport in 2D materials, discuss the
      problems and challenges of phonon thermal transport measurements and provide a
      comparison between existing experimental data. Special attention will be given to
      the effects of size, dimensionality, anisotropy and mode contributions in novel
      2D systems, including graphene, boron nitride, MoS2, black phosphorous and
      silicene.

PMID- 27665944
TI  - Consumption of Dietary Resistant Starch Partially Corrected the Growth Pattern
      Despite Hyperglycemia and Compromised Kidney Function in Streptozotocin-Induced
      Diabetic Rats.
AB  - We previously demonstrated that feeding of dietary resistant starch (RS) prior to
      the induction of diabetes delayed the progression of diabetic nephropathy and
      maintained vitamin D balance in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetic
      (T1D) rats. Here, we examined the impact of RS on kidney function and vitamin D
      homeostasis following STZ injection. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were administered
      STZ and fed a standard diet containing cornstarch or 20, 10, or 5% RS for 4
      weeks. T1D rats fed 10 and 20% RS, but not 5% RS, gained more weight than
      cornstarch-fed rats. Yet, renal health and glucose metabolism were not improved
      by RS. Our data suggest that RS normalized growth patterns in T1D rats after
      diabetes induction in a dose-dependent manner despite having no effect on blood
      glucose and vitamin D balances. Future interventions should focus on the
      preventative strategies with RS in T1D.

PMID- 27665945
TI  - Rapamycin and fructose-1,6-bisphosphate reduce the HEPG2 cell proliferation via
      increase of free radicals and apoptosis.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most prevalent type of tumor among primary tumors
      affecting the liver. Rapamycin is currently used as a basis for chemotherapy in
      the treatment of cancers, including the liver. Because it shows several adverse
      effects, minimizing these effects without compromising efficacy is important. In
      this sense other drugs may be used concomitantly. One of these drugs is fructose
      1,6-bisphosphate (FBP), which has shown therapeutic effect in various
      pathological situations, having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory proprieties.
      The objective of the present study was to evaluate the activity of rapamycin in
      combination with the FBP in HepG2 cell proliferation and the mechanisms involved.
      HepG2 cells were analyzed after 72 h of treatment with both drugs. Cell
      proliferation, cytotoxicity, cytokines, apoptosis, senescence, autophagy and
      oxidative stress were accessed. Iotat was demonstrated that the combination is
      more efficient than the single use of substances, because subtherapeutic doses of
      rapamycin, when associated to FBP become effective, reducing cell proliferation,
      through a significant increase in the production of tiobarbituric acid reactive
      substances (TBARS), suggesting that this might be the cause of death by
      apoptosis. According to these results, we believe that the association of both
      drugs may be a promising choice for the treatment of hepatocarcinoma.

PMID- 27665946
TI  - Common genetic heterogeneity of human interleukin-37 leads to functional
      variance.
AB  - Interleukin-37 (IL-37) is an inhibitory member of the IL-1 family of cytokines.
      We previously found that balanced selection maintains common variations of the
      human IL37 gene. However, the functional consequences of this selection have yet
      to be validated. Here, using cells expressing exogenous IL-37 variants, including
      IL-37 Ref and IL-37 Var1 and Var2, we found that the three variants of IL-37
      exhibited different immunoregulatory potencies in response to immune stimulation.
      The protein level of IL-37 Var2 was found to be significantly less than that of
      IL-37 Ref or Var1, despite the comparable mRNA levels of all three variants.
      Further study showed that IL-37 Var2 was rapidly degraded by a proteasome
      dependent mechanism mediated by enhanced polyubiquitination, leading to a
      transient upregulation of IL-37 Var2 after immune stimulation. Finally, when
      ectopically expressed in cells, human IL-37 Var2 exerted less inhibition on
      proinflammatory cytokine production than did other IL-37 variants. Conversely,
      purified extracellular IL-37 variant proteins demonstrated comparable inhibitory
      abilities in vitro. In conclusion, our study reveals that common genetic variants
      of IL37 lead to different immune-inhibitory potencies, primarily as a result of
      differences in IL-37 protein stability, suggesting the possible involvement of
      these variants in various human diseases.

PMID- 27665948
TI  - Variability in the anterior extralaryngeal branch of the recurrent laryngeal
      nerve: clinical implications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to identify the anterior and posterior
      extralaryngeal branches (AELB, PELB) of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN),
      measure these branches when present, and determine relationships between gender,
      sidedness and neck length. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dissection was completed to
      level of the thyroid on 45 cadavers. The course of the RLN was then traced
      superiorly from its entry into the neck. Careful reflection of the thyroid and
      dissection of the lateral thyroid ligament permitted visualisation of the full
      course of the nerve. If extralaryngeal branching (ELB) was present, measurements
      were taken from the point of bifurcation of the RLN to the point of laryngeal
      entry through the cricothyroid membrane. Neck measurements, from the spinous
      process of C7 to the superior nuchal line, were taken. Gender of the specimen was
      noted. Data was analysed in SPSS. RESULTS: Extralaryngeal branching was found in
      77.78% of our sample, 77.14% on the left and 54.29% on the right. A significant
      difference was found between AELB length on the left and right, indicating that
      the left branch will be longer than the right when present. A significant
      difference in neck length between those with and without ELB was also found,
      indicating that people with longer necks more often display ELB. Neither neck
      length and AELB length, nor gender and AELB length were strongly correlated in
      this sample. CONCLUSIONS: Extralaryngeal branching can occur in all populations,
      but there are definite trends in its incidence and length. Surgeons should be
      aware of these trends before operating on patients.

PMID- 27665949
TI  - Morphometric analysis of the mandible in the Durban Metropolitan population of
      South Africa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The identification of an individual from skeletal remains plays a
      vital role in forensic investigation as it is essential for the identification of
      the individual's age, sex, and/or race and further analysis. Skeletal
      characteristics differ from one population group to another since population
      specific osteometric standards exist for sex determination. Since the mandible is
      the largest, strongest and most durable compact facial bone, it is the best
      preserved after death. While sexual dimorphism of the mandible is indicated by
      its shape and size, morphometric analysis is more accurate in the determination
      of sex from the skull. The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphometric
      parameters of the mandible in the Durban Metropolitan population. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Various morphometric parameters of the mandible were measured and
      assessed in 265 digital panoramic radiographs aged between 16 and 30 years (n =
      530). Each parameter recorded was statistically analysed using SPSS to determine
      if a relationship existed between the parameter, and sex and age. RESULTS: In
      this study the morphometric parameters of the male mandibles were greater than
      that of the females. This concurred with the findings of previous studies. The
      length of the mandibular ramus on the right and left sides was statistically
      significant with sex. CONCLUSIONS: This correlated with previous studies,
      indicating that the length of the mandibular ramus generally has higher sexual
      dimorphism than any other morphometric mandibular parameter (p = 0.000). However,
      only the length of the right mandibular body was statistically significant when
      compared with sex (p = 0.040). The findings of this study may assist forensic
      investigators, anatomists, anthropologists and maxillo-facial surgeons.

PMID- 27665950
TI  - Imaging topography and morphometry of persistent left superior caval vein and its
      variations, detected on cardiac implantable electronic device implantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Persistent left superior caval vein (PLSCV) is a rare, anatomically
      diverse developmental anomaly of systemic veins. Clinically asymptomatic PLSCVs
      are detected incidentally during medical procedures that utilise systemic veins,
      such as cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) placement, and whose
      successful completion depends on favourable morphometric parameters of these
      vessels. The aim of this paper was to present topography and morphometry of PLSCV
      variations encountered during CIED implantation procedures. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: We analysed a group of 5,010 patients for detection of PLSCV during de
      novo CIED implantation procedures with transvenous lead placement in the years
      2003-2015. PLSCVs were detected intraprocedurally based on venographic images
      illustrating the venous anomaly and its morphometric parameters, and were
      subsequently confirmed via postoperative diagnostics. RESULTS: PLSCVs were
      detected in 10 patients (mean age 66.0 +/- 14.0 years; 5 females and 5 males),
      who constituted 0.2% of the analysed group. There were 6 cases of double superior
      vena cava (DSVC), 3 of which had a brachiocephalic vein (BCV) connection and did
      not have BCV bridging. Four patients with a PLSCV had right superior vena cava
      agenesis; this very rare variation is known as 'single PLSCV'. All of the
      detected PLSCV variations drained into the right atrium via the coronary sinus.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our data from a period of 13 years illustrate how rare the PLSCV
      type venous anomaly is. The three distinct anatomical PLSCV types showed inter
      individual morphometric variations. Due to asymptomatic nature of this anomaly,
      all cases were detected incidentally, during CIED implantation procedures.

PMID- 27665947
TI  - Contribution and underlying mechanisms of CXCR4 overexpression in patients with
      systemic lupus erythematosus.
AB  - Aberrant expression of CXCR4 has been indicated to play a role in the
      pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but the mechanism of CXCR4
      dysregulation in SLE is unclear. This study is aimed to explore the clinical
      significance and possible mechanisms of abnormal CXCR4 expression on B cells from
      patients with untreated SLE. Expression of CXCR4 on peripheral B cells was
      determined by flow cytometry and western blotting. Freshly isolated B cells were
      cultured with exogenous interleukin 21(IL-21) in the presence or absence of CD40
      ligand (CD40L) plus anti-IgM antibody (aIgM), and changes in CXCR4 expression
      were detected. Involvement of phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt and Janus
      kinase/Signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling
      pathways was assessed by adding blocking agents Ly294002 and AG490. Since CD63 is
      reported to mediate endosomal recruitment of CXCR4 and BCL6 is capable of
      silencing CD63 gene transcription, we also measured BCL6 and CD63 gene
      transcription with real-time PCR. It was shown that CXCR4 expression on B cells
      was significantly upregulated in SLE patients, especially in those with lupus
      nephritis, and was positively correlated with SLE Disease Activity Index scores
      and negatively with the serum complement 3 levels (P<0.05). Downregulation of
      CXCR4 by IL-21 was intact. In contrast, a similar effect of aIgM plus CD40L in
      downregulating CXCR4 expression was defective in SLE patients but was restored by
      co-stimulation with IL-21 in vitro. Both Ly294002 and AG490 promoted
      downregulation of surface CXCR4 expression on B cells from SLE patients (P=0.078
      and P=0.064). Furthermore, B cells from SLE patients exhibited diminished CD63
      mRNA and enhanced BCL6 mRNA expression (both P<0.05). To sum up, CXCR4 was
      overexpressed on SLE B cells, positively correlating with disease activity and
      kidney involvement. Overactivation of the PI3K/Akt and JAK/STAT pathways as well
      as defective CD63 synthesis may contribute to CXCR4 dysregulation in SLE.

PMID- 27665951
TI  - Inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) by simvastatin attenuates
      cardiac hypertrophy in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) occurs in response to the
      haemodynamic overload in some physiological and pathological conditions. This
      study was designed to investigate the possible cardioprotective effect of
      simvastatin (SIM) treatment against isoproterenol (ISO)-induced LVH and the
      probable underlying mechanism in adult male Wistar rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Animals were allocated into four groups. Rats of control group received normal
      saline orally for 30 days and intraperitoneally for the last 7 days. Rats of SIM
      group received SIM orally (10 mg/kg/day in saline) for 30 days. Rats of ISO group
      received normal saline orally for 30 days and ISO intraperitoneally (5 mg/kg) for
      the last 7 days to induce LVH. Rats of ISO/SIM group received SIM for 30 days and
      ISO intraperitoneally for the last 7 days. At the end of the experiment, all
      animals were sacrificed by cervical decapitation under anaesthesia. Truncal blood
      was collected and serum was separated and used for biochemical assay. The heart
      was dissected and processed for histological and immunohistochemical studies.
      RESULTS: The results of the present study confirmed the ISO-induced myocardial
      lesions including significant increase of heart weight (HW), heart weight/body
      weight (HW/BW) ratio, LVH, interstitial myocardial fibrosis (increased collagen
      types I and III), inflammatory cellular infiltration, necrosis of cardiomyocytes,
      and increased expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and
      thioredoxin in cardiomyocytes. These changes were accompanied by significant
      increase in serum levels of troponin-T, creatine phosphokinase-MB (CPK-MB),
      tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Co
      administration of SIM to ISO-injected rats significantly reduced all these
      cardiac changes and serum biochemical markers in addition to marked depletion of
      iNOS and thioredoxin expression in cardiomyocytes. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded
      that SIM co-administration attenuated ISO-induced cardiac lesions including LVH
      by inhibiting iNOS expression in cardiomyocytes.

PMID- 27665953
TI  - Anatomical variations of median nerve formation, distribution and possible
      communication with other nerves in preserved human cadavers.
AB  - Formation, distribution and possible communication of the median nerve are
      essential to know in treatment and surgeries of various conditions of injuries
      e.g. repair or reconstruction of the median nerve post traumatic accident. In the
      present study, 44 upper limbs were dissected. Root forming the median nerve, the
      median nerve in relation with the axillary artery and communication of the median
      nerve with other nerves were noted.

PMID- 27665952
TI  - The myloglossus in a human cadaver study: common or uncommon anatomical
      structure?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Additional extrinsic muscles of the tongue are reported in literature
      and one of them is the myloglossus muscle (MGM). Since MGM is nowadays considered
      as anatomical variant, the aim of this study is to clarify some open questions by
      evaluating and describing the myloglossal anatomy (including both MGM and its
      ligamentous counterpart) during human cadaver dissections. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Twenty-one regions (including masticator space, sublingual space and adjacent
      areas) were dissected and the presence and appearance of myloglossus were
      considered, together with its proximal and distal insertions, vascularisation and
      innervation. RESULTS: The myloglossus was present in 61.9% of cases with
      muscular, ligamentous or mixed appearance and either bony or muscular insertion.
      Facial artery provided myloglossal vascularisation in the 84.62% and lingual
      artery in the 15.38%; innervation was granted by the trigeminal system (buccal
      nerve and mylohyoid nerve), sometimes (46.15%) with hypoglossal component.
      CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest us to not consider myloglossus as a rare
      anatomical variant.

PMID- 27665954
TI  - An evaluation of the posterior cruciate ligament function in total knee
      arthroplasty with regard to its morphology and clinical properties.
AB  - The aim of the study was to determine the degree of posterior cruciate ligament
      (PCL) degeneration and the reduction in the number of its mechanoreceptors, in
      patients with advanced degenerative joint disease. PCLs taken from study group of
      50 patients in the mean age of 70.7 (53-84) years with a diagnosis of advanced
      idiopathic osteoarthritis undergoing condylar total knee arthroplasty were
      compared to those taken form the control group of 10 knee joints of cadavers.
      Groups were matched with regard to sex and age. Histological examination of PCLs
      of the study group showed changes of an inflammatory process and no significant
      signs of osteoarthritis in the control group. A close correlation was found
      between the severity of degenerative changes on the X-ray images according to the
      Ahlback scale, and the increased mucoid degeneration (p < 0.0001), the severity
      of the degeneration of the collagen structure (p < 0.0001) and the presence of
      proprioceptors of PCLs (p < 0.0001). Conserving the PCL by the use of type
      cruciate retaining knee arthroplasty does not guarantee the preservation of
      correct proprioceptive sensation.

PMID- 27665955
TI  - A new insight into the fabella at knee: the foetal development and evolution.
AB  - Using longitudinal semiserial sections of 12 lower extremities from 8 human
      foetuses at 15-18 weeks, we compared foetal morphologies of the knee in specimens
      with and without fabellae. We also compared the fabella, if present, with the
      hallucal sesamoid in the same foetus. Cartilaginous fabella, positive for
      versican and tenascin by immunohistochemistry, was found in 5 of the 8 foetuses.
      This structure was embedded in a thick and tight lateral fibrous band, providing
      a common origin of the plantaris muscle and the lateral head of the gastrocnemius
      muscle. The plantaris was covered by the lateral head of the gastrocnemius, but
      these 2 muscles were separated by a distinct fascia or space. Notably, the foetal
      fabella did not attach to the joint capsule. In the 3 specimens without fabellae,
      the lateral fibrous band was thin, containing a fibrous mass, negative for
      versican and tenascin, in place of the fabella. The "medial" head of the
      gastrocnemius faced or covered the plantaris, while the lateral head was
      continuous with the plantaris. A hallucal cartilaginous sesamoid, positive for
      versican and tenascin, was present in all 8 specimens. It carried a flat surface
      facing the joint cavity and was covered by tendons of the short muscles of the
      foot. Because of the difference in topographical relation of muscles between
      specimens with or without fabella, rather than mechanical stress to the tendon,
      fabella development may require a distinct plantaris muscle independent of the
      gastrocnemius. We discussed about an evolutionary aspect of the fabella and
      plantaris muscle.

PMID- 27665956
TI  - An arthroscopic evaluation of the anatomical "critical zone".
AB  - BACKGROUND: The "critical zone", a region of speculated vascularity, is situated
      approximately 10 mm proximal to the insertion of the supraspinatus tendon.
      Despite its obvious role as an anatomical landmark demarcator, its patho-anatomic
      nature has been identified as the source of rotator cuff pathology. Although many
      studies have attempted to evaluate the vascularity of this region, the
      architecture regarding the exact length, width and shape of the critical zone,
      remains unreported. This study aimed to determine the shape and morphometry of
      the "critical zone" arthroscopically. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample series,
      which was comprised of 38 cases (n = 38) specific to pathological types, employed
      an anatomical investigation of the critical zone during routine real-time
      arthroscopy. Demographic representation: i) sex: 19 males, 19 females; ii) age
      range: 18-76 years; iii) race: white (n = 29), Indian (n = 7) and coloured (n =
      2). RESULTS: The incidence of shape and the mean lengths and widths of the
      critical zone were determined in accordance with the relevant demographic factors
      and patient history. Although the cresenteric shape was predominant, hemispheric
      and sail-shaped critical zones were also identified. The lengths and widths of
      the critical zone appeared markedly increased in male individuals. While the
      increase in age may account for the increased incidence of rotator cuff
      degeneration due to poor end-vascular supply, the additional factors of height
      and weight presented as major determinants of the increase in size of the
      critical zone. CONCLUSIONS: In addition, the comparisons of length and width with
      each other and shape yielded levels of significant difference, therefore
      indicating a directly proportional relationship between the length and width of
      the critical zone. This detailed understanding of the critical zone may prove
      beneficial for the success of post-operative rotator cuff healing.

PMID- 27665957
TI  - An anatomical investigation of the superficial and deep palmar arches.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The superficial palmar arch (SPA) and deep palmar arch (DPA) provide
      the dominant vascular supply to the hand. The SPA is considered to be highly
      variable and can be classified as either complete or incomplete. The simplest
      definition states that the anastomosis between the vessels contributing to the
      arch represent a complete arch, while an incomplete arch is described as
      characterised by an absence of anastomosis between the vessels contributing to
      it. This study aimed to describe the anatomical landmarks, formation and
      branching patterns of the SPA and DPA. In this study, the SPA and DPA were
      dissected in 50 specimens (n = 100 adult hands), respectively. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A complete SPA was observed in 92% of specimens and classified into
      three types. In Type A (44%), the SPA was formed by the anastomosis of the
      superficial palmar branch of the radial artery with the ulnar artery. Type B
      (46%) was formed by the ulnar artery alone and Type C (2%) was formed by
      anastomosis of the ulnar artery with the superficial palmar branch of the radial
      artery and the persistent median artery. RESULTS: An incomplete SPA was observed
      in 8% of the specimens and divided into three types formed by the radial and
      ulnar arteries. The DPA was divided into five types viz. Type G (72%), where the
      DPA was formed by anastomosis of the deep palmar branch of the radial artery
      (DPBRA) with the deep palmar branch of the ulnar artery (DPBUA). Type H (12%),
      was formed by anastomosis of the DPBRA, the DBUA and the interosseous artery.
      Type I (8%), was formed by the anastomosis of the DPBRA with the superior and
      inferior DPBUA. Type J (4%), the deep ulnar artery had two branches whereby
      either one branch anastomosed with the DPBRA to form the DPA. Type K (4%), the
      DBUA exhibited two deep branches with one branch anastomosing with the DPBRA to
      complete the DPA. CONCLUSIONS: The interosseous artery anastomosed with either
      the DPA or the additional DPBUA. Knowledge of the variability of the SPA and DPA
      is crucial for safe and successful hand surgeries.

PMID- 27665958
TI  - Coronary artery dominance dependent collateral development in the human heart.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In obstructive coronary artery disease, coronary collateral arteries
      serve as alternative conduits for blood flow to the myocardial tissue supplied by
      the obstructed vessel(s). Therefore, they are a "natural coronary arterial
      bypass" to the region supplied by the obstructed vessels. This study aims to
      determine the influence of demographic and morphologic coronary arterial factors
      on coronary collateral development in coronary arterial obstruction. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: The study group was selected from the coronary angiographic records
      of 2029 consecutive patients (mean age: 59 +/- 12 years). Coronary collaterals
      were graded from 0 to 3 based on the collateral connection between the donor and
      recipient arteries. The angiograms of the patients (n = 286) with total
      obstruction of the coronary arteries were selected for analysis. RESULTS: There
      were no significant association between patients' age and sex and the formation
      of excellent collaterals. However, the location of atherosclerotic lesion
      affected collateral development in the right coronary artery. In addition, the
      right coronary arterial dominant pattern significantly influenced the formation
      of excellent coronary collaterals. CONCLUSIONS: Coronary collateral arteries are
      better developed in right dominant pattern. It may be concluded that coronary
      arterial morphological pattern influences coronary collateral artery development.

PMID- 27665959
TI  - The relationship between the dimensions of the internal auditory canal and the
      anomalies of the vestibulocochlear nerve.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Internal auditory canal (IAC) stenosis and vestibulocochlear nerve
      (VCN) abnormalities have been reported to be associated with sensorineural
      hearing loss. Previous studies classified the normal dimensions of the IAC and
      its anomalies with no consideration of the VCN. Other studies categorised the VCN
      development in only stenotic canals. In the present study, an anatomical
      classification of the normal dimensions of the IAC and its anomalies and their
      association with malformations of the VCN and its subdivisions were described.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review was undertaken for children ranged
      from 1 to 10 years. A total of 764 canals were investigated for pre-operative
      assessment of cochlear implantation. Other 100 canals of normal hearing ears were
      included as the control group. The maximum anteroposterior diameter, considered
      the width of the canal, was measured in axial plane and the length of the canal
      was identified in coronal plane. The canals were categorised normal: if they are
      from 3 to 8 mm, patulous: if they are more than 8 mm, stenotic: if they are less
      than 3 mm and atretic if absent, using multislice computed tomography. The VCN
      trunks and their subdivisions were investigated using magnetic resonance imaging.
      RESULTS: Internal auditory canals were found normal in 66% with a mean width:
      5.27 +/- +/- 0.68, patulous in 17% with a mean width 113% more than that of the
      control group (p = 0.000), stenotic in 13% with a mean width 73% less as compared
      to that of the control group (p = 0.000) and atretic in 4% of the experimental
      canals. The VCN trunks were found normal with well-developed subdivisions in
      77.8% of the normal canals, 98.4% of the patulous canals, and 19.2% of the
      stenotic canals. The VCN trunks were normal with hypoplastic subdivisions in
      11.3% of the normal canals, 1.6% in the patulous canals, and 61.6% in the
      stenotic canals with a mean width 52% less than that of the normal trunk with
      developed subdivisions. Hypoplastic VCN trunks with absent subdivisions were
      reported in 7.3% of the normal canals, 11.1% of the stenotic canals and in 3.2%
      of the atretic canals. The VCN trunks were not found in 3.6% of the normal
      canals, in 8.1% of the stenotic canals and in 96.8% of the atretic canals.
      CONCLUSIONS: Internal auditory canal formation was dependent on the process of
      development and growth of the eighth cranial nerve and its subdivisions that
      greatly affected the completion of IAC canalisation. This paper could serve as a
      reference providing a quantitative classification of the relationship between the
      dimensions of the IAC and the development of the VCN trunk and its subdivisions.

PMID- 27665960
TI  - Congenital coronary artery anomalies in adult population detected using dual
      source ECG-gated CTA in a single institution.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Congenital anomalies of the coronary arteries (CAs) are rare and are
      often diagnosed incidentally during a conventional coronary angiography.
      Recently, the incidence of these congenital defects is on the rise particularly
      after the introduction of the electrocardiography (ECG) gated coronary computed
      tomographic angiography (CCTA). This innovative radiological screening modality
      has led to the most precise mapping of the course of the CAs on computed
      tomographic scan. The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence and
      describe the CAs congenital anomalies and their variations in Kuwaiti population
      at a single institution experience. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analysed the CCTA
      data obtained consecutively from 842 patients (2013-2014), retrospectively. The
      inclusion criteria for patients' selection were: atypical chest pain, equivocal
      ECG, assessment of patency of coronary stents or grafts and pre-operative
      screening. Information was acquiesced using a dual-source CT scanner with ECG
      gating. RESULTS: Data analysis revealed that 22 (2.61%) patients were found to
      have CA anomalies out of the 842 patients who underwent CCTA. Out of these CA
      anomalies, 13 cases showed more than two ostia, 7 cases showed the ectopic origin
      of a CA from opposite sinus or non-aortic sinus, 2 cases showed single coronary
      ostium and 1 case showed coronary artery with pulmonary fistula. Also, myocardial
      bridging was identified in 78 (9.26%) patients whereas ramus intermedius branch
      was identified in 160 (19%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of CA anomalies
      in Kuwait was 2.6%, which is relatively higher than previously reported studies
      from different countries.

PMID- 27665961
TI  - Dens invagination and root dilaceration in double multilobed mesiodentes in 14
      year-old patient with anorexia nervosa.
AB  - This paper describes a rare case of erupted double supernumerary teeth with
      unusual morphology in a 14-year-old patient with an eating disorder. The
      coexistence of dental morphological anomalies: multilobed mesiodens, multiple
      dens in dente of different types and root dilaceration have not been previously
      reported. The paper highlights anatomical and radiological aspects of dental
      abnormalities and clinical implications of delayed treatment.

PMID- 27665962
TI  - Erratum to "Non-surgical treatment of localized rectal cancer is an experimental
      option".

PMID- 27665963
TI  - MicroRNA-138 inhibits migration and invasion of non-small cell lung cancer cells
      by targeting LIMK1.
AB  - MicroRNA (miR)-138 has previously been demonstrated to have a suppressive role in
      numerous types of human cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). LIM
      domain kinase 1 (LIMK1) is a serine/threonine kinase that regulates actin
      polymerization via phosphorylation and inactivation of cofilin. Previous studies
      have reported that LIMK1 is associated with NSCLC; however, the underlying
      regulatory mechanism of LIMK1, and the association between LIMK1 and miR-138 in
      NSCLC cells, remains largely unknown. The present study aimed to reveal the
      regulatory roles of miR-138 and LIMK1 in NSCLC cell migration and invasion.
      Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot
      analysis were used to examine the mRNA and protein expression levels. Transwell
      and wound healing assays were conducted to determine cell invasion and migration.
      A luciferase reporter assay was used to determine the target association between
      miR-138 and LIMK1. The present study demonstrated that miR-138 was markedly
      downregulated in NSCLC tissues and cell lines, whereas the expression levels of
      LIMK1 were significantly upregulated. LIMK1 was further identified as a direct
      target of miR-138 in NSCLC H460 cells. Furthermore, overexpression of miR-138
      significantly inhibited the protein expression of LIMK1, whereas knockdown of miR
      138 upregulated the protein expression of LIMK1 in H460 cells. In addition,
      overexpression of miR-138 significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of
      NSCLC cells; however, overexpression of LIMK1 significantly promoted NSCLC cell
      migration and invasion. An investigation into the underlying molecular mechanism
      revealed that overexpression of miR-138 significantly decreased cofilin signaling
      activity, whereas knockdown of miR-138 notably enhanced cofilin signaling
      activity. In conclusion, the present study suggests that miR-138 may inhibit the
      migration and invasion of NSCLC cells by targeting the LIMK1/cofilin signaling
      pathway. Therefore, miR-138/LIMK1/cofilin may be considered a potential
      therapeutic target for the treatment of NSCLC.

PMID- 27665965
TI  - Department of Error.

PMID- 27665966
TI  - Sulfate-Incarcerating Nanojars: Solution and Solid-State Studies, Sulfate
      Extraction from Water, and Anion Exchange with Carbonate.
AB  - A series of 9 homologous sulfate-incarcerating nanojars [SO4?{Cu(OH)(pz)}n]2-
      (Cun; n = 27-33; pz = pyrazolate), based on combinations of three [Cu(OH)(pz)]x
      rings (x = 6-14, except 11)-namely, 6 + 12 + 9 (Cu27), 6 + 12 + 10 (Cu28), 8 + 13
      + 8 (Cu29), 7 + 13 + 9 (Cu29), 8 + 14 + 8 (Cu30), 7 + 14 + 9 (Cu30), 8 + 14 + 9
      (Cu31), 8 + 14 + 10 (Cu32), and 9 + 14 + 10 (Cu33)-has been obtained and
      characterized by electrospray-ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), variable
      temperature 1H NMR spectroscopy, and thermogravimetry. The X-ray crystal
      structure of Cu29 (8 + 13 + 8) is described. Cu32 and Cu33, which are the largest
      nanojars in this series, are observed for the first time. Despite extensive
      overlap at a given temperature, monitoring the temperature-dependent variation of
      paramagnetically shifted pyrazole and OH proton signals in 60 different 1H NMR
      spectra over a temperature range of 25-150  degrees C and a chemical shift range
      from 41 ppm to -59 ppm permits the assignment of individual protons in six
      different sulfate nanojars in a mixture. As opposed to ESI-MS, which only
      provides the size of nanojars, 1H NMR offers additional information about their
      detailed composition. Thus, nanojars such as Cu29 (8 + 13 + 8) and Cu29 (7 + 13 +
      9) can easily be differentiated in solution. High-temperature solution studies
      unveil a significant difference in the thermal stability of nanojars of different
      sizes obtained under kinetic control at ambient temperature, and aid in
      predicting the structure of the Cu33 nanojar, as well as in explaining the
      absence of the Cu11 ring from the Cu6-Cu14 series. Anion exchange studies using
      sulfate and carbonate reveal that, although each anion is thermodynamically
      preferred by a nanojar of a certain size, the exchange of an already incarcerated
      anion is hampered by a substantial kinetic barrier. The remarkably strong binding
      of anions by nanojars allows for the extraction of highly hydrophilic anions,
      such as sulfate and carbonate, from water into organic solvents, despite their
      very large hydration energies.

PMID- 27665964
TI  - Aquagenic wrinkling of the palms: a diagnostic clue to cystic fibrosis carrier
      status and non-classic disease.

PMID- 27665967
TI  - Cytotoxic effects of bulk fill composite resins on human dental pulp stem cells.
AB  - Five bulk fill composite resins, including SDR, Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill (TEC),
      X-trafil (XTF), Sonic Fill (SF), Filtek Bulk Fill (FBF), were used in this study.
      Human dental pulp stem cells were cultured in 12-well culture dishes (3 * 104
      cells per cm(2)) and stored in an incubator at 37 degrees C and 5% CO2 for 1 day.
      On days 1, 7, 14, and 21 of co-culture, viable cells were measured using a WST-1
      assay. Lower cell viability was observed with XTF and SDR bulk fill composite
      resins compared to the control group during the WST-1 assay. Although bulk fill
      composite resins provide advantages in practical applications, they are limited
      by their cytotoxic properties. (J Oral Sci 58, 299-305, 2016). 

PMID- 27665968
TI  - Gene expression changes in bioceramic paste-treated human dental pulp cells.
AB  - We evaluated the gene expression profiles of human dental pulp cells exposed to
      iRoot BP using microarray after 24 and 72 h. The results were verified using
      quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR analysis. Of the 36,000 transcripts
      arrayed, 21 were up-regulated and 15 were down-regulated by more than two fold.
      The largest group of up-regulated genes included those involved in nucleobase
      containing compound metabolic processes, cell communication, protein metabolic
      processes, developmental processes, and biological regulation. The largest groups
      of down-regulated genes were those involved in cell communication, development,
      and biological regulation processes. In conclusion, iRoot BP affects the
      expression of genes involved in different biological processes in human dental
      pulp cells. (J Oral Sci 58, 307-315, 2016). 

PMID- 27665969
TI  - Functional expression of TLR5 in murine salivary gland epithelial cells.
AB  - Toll-like receptors (TLR) recognize microbe-associated molecular patterns and
      induce the innate immune response. Among them, TLR5 recognizes the Gram-negative
      bacterial component flagellin. The aim of this study was to examine the
      expression of TLR5 in mouse salivary gland (SG). The SG was excised from 8- to 10
      week-old female C57BL/6 mice. Salivary gland epithelial cells (SGECs) were
      purified and subjected to reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT
      PCR). Western blotting was performed to detect TLR5 expression at the protein
      level in several organs. The localization of TLR5 in SG was examined using
      immunohistochemical staining. The responsiveness of SGECs to flagellin was
      further examined by evaluating the induction of CXCL1 by real-time PCR and
      immunoprecipitation followed by Western blotting. TLR5 expression in SG was
      confirmed at the gene and protein levels. Immunohistochemical staining detected
      TLR5 in both acinic and ductal cells of the sublingual gland, but not in serous
      acinic cells of the submandibular gland. Although TLR5 was detected throughout
      the cytoplasm in ductal cells, positive staining was observed on the basal side
      of the mucous acinic cells. The purified SGECs responded to flagellin and induced
      the production of CXCL1. These findings suggest that TLR5 is functionally
      expressed in the SG and responds to its cognate ligand flagellin. (J Oral Sci 58,
      317-323, 2016). 

PMID- 27665970
TI  - High-dose irradiation of bone chips preserves the in vitro activity of bone
      conditioned medium.
AB  - Extracorporeal irradiation sterilizes resected tumor bone used as autografts in
      reconstruction surgery. Therapeutic irradiation is a standard technique in head
      and neck cancer therapy that aims to preserve organ function. Bone irradiation
      has a complex, mostly inhibitory, effect on remodeling and regeneration, although
      the underlying mechanisms are still not fully understood. It remains unclear if
      extracorporeal irradiation affects the paracrine-like activity of the
      corresponding autografts. We recently reported that bone-conditioned medium from
      autogenous bone chips contains a number of factors that might affect cell
      activity. In the present study, we investigated the effects of extracorporeal
      irradiation of porcine cortical bone chips on the activity of the corresponding
      bone-conditioned medium. The effects of bone-conditioned medium on the
      expressions of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) target genes in oral
      fibroblasts were assessed. Bone-conditioned medium from bone chips exposed to a
      total radiation dose up to 120 Gy did not affect expressions of TGF-beta target
      genes, including adrenomedullin, BTB/POZ domain-containing protein 11,
      proteoglycan 4, NADPH oxidase 4, and interleukin 11, in oral fibroblasts. In
      conclusion, bone irradiation does not alter the capability of the corresponding
      bone-conditioned medium to provoke a robust fibroblastic cell response in vitro.
      (J Oral Sci 58, 325-331, 2016). 

PMID- 27665972
TI  - Fracture resistance of teeth with oval canal morphology restored using oval and
      circular posts.
AB  - The study aimed to evaluate the effects of different post morphologies and
      placement lengths on the fracture resistance of teeth with oval canal morphology
      that had been restored with crowns. Extracted mandibular premolars with similar
      dimensions were decoronated. After the root canal treatment, the teeth were
      mounted on acrylic blocks. Samples were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10
      each). In groups C-10 and C-5, 10-mm- and 5-mm-long circular post spaces were
      created. In groups O-10 and O-5, 10-mm- and 5-mm-long oval post spaces were
      ultrasonically created. After post cementation, all specimens were restored with
      composite cores and prepared at height of 6 mm. Thereafter, all teeth were
      restored with crowns. After thermocycling, all specimens underwent fracture
      resistance testing. Oval posts and placement at 10-mm depth showed higher
      fracture resistance than circular posts and placement at 5-mm depth (P < 0.001).
      Increased post length and use of oval posts enhanced the fracture strength of
      teeth with oval canal morphology. Based on the results of this study, although
      the fracture resistance of teeth restored with crowns was enhanced by deep fiber
      post placement, the use of oval fiber post is recommended in cases where deep
      placement is impossible. (J Oral Sci 58, 339-345, 2016). 

PMID- 27665971
TI  - Degree of conversion of a self-adhesive endodontic sealer when used as bulk
      material.
AB  - This study tested the null hypothesis that the opacity of RealSeal SE (RSSE)
      sealer makes light-curing inefficient, while the degree of conversion (DC) is
      similar regardless of curing method. Fourteen uniradicular teeth were sectioned
      at 15 mm from the apex. Root canals were instrumented using the Reciproc file
      system, bulk-filled with RSSE, and divided randomly into two groups (dual-cure or
      self-cure). DC was determined by micro-Raman spectroscopy at 24 h, 48 h, and 1
      week after filling, at 6, 9, and 12 mm from the coronal end. Contrast ratio
      (Yb/Yw) was used to determine the opacity of the material. Descriptive statistics
      and nonparametric tests were used, and significance was defined as a P value of
      less than 0.05. Opacity was almost total by the first section, at 6 mm. In dual
      cure mode, DC values at 24 h were lower in the apical section (63.8%) than in the
      more coronal sections and were lower than in self-cured specimens (87.4%). Light
      curing of the coronal end did not improve DC. These differences remained at 48 h
      and 1 week. Only a small (2%) but significant increase in DC was observed in
      evaluations at 24 h and 1 week. (J Oral Sci 58, 333-338, 2016). 

PMID- 27665973
TI  - Effectiveness of three methods for evaluating root canal anatomy of mandibular
      incisors.
AB  - This study compared the effectiveness of clinical observation, clinical
      microscopic observation, and tooth-clearing technique in determining the number
      of canals in mandibular incisors. Root canal ramifications were also analyzed.
      Using clinical and microscopic analyses, we determined the number of canal
      entrances in 277 mandibular incisors. In addition, tooth-clearing technique was
      used to determine the number of canals and frequency of ramifications in the
      samples. The kappa coefficient was used to compare the different methods with
      regard to frequency of canals. Most teeth had one canal entrance. The proportion
      of teeth with two canals was 23.5% by tooth-clearing analysis, 5.8% by clinical
      microscopy, and 1.1% by clinical analysis. A large number of samples had some
      type of ramification (40.1%), and most ramifications were present in teeth with
      two canals. The most frequent ramification was lateral canals (8.3%). Clinical
      microscopy improved identification of a second canal in mandibular incisors.
      However, it did not identify second canals in all teeth with two canals. (J Oral
      Sci 58, 347-351, 2016). 

PMID- 27665974
TI  - Glycomic profile of the human parotid gland between 18th and 26th week of fetal
      development.
AB  - The formation of new and functional structural components of several organs, such
      as parotid glands, can be influenced by the glycocode. This study analyzed the
      glycobiology of parotid salivary gland tissue during fetal development using
      specific biochemical probes (lectins and antibodies). Eleven parotid gland
      samples from human fetuses were obtained from spontaneous abortions at 14-28
      weeks of gestation, and tissue sections were analyzed for lectin histochemistry
      and immunohistochemistry. From the 18th to 26th week, Canavalia ensiformis
      agglutinin, wheat germ agglutinin, Ulex europaeus agglutinin-I, peanut
      agglutinin, Sambucus nigra agglutinin, and Vicia villosa agglutinin lectin
      staining were predominantly observed in the apical and/or basement membranes of
      the ducts and tubulo-acinar units. Moreover, the presence of galectin-1 was found
      in the membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus of both structures. Conversely, Gal-3 and
      mucin-1 were restricted to the glandular ducts. The lectin staining pattern
      changed during the weeks evaluated. Nevertheless, the carbohydrate subcellular
      localization represented a key factor in the investigation of structural
      distribution profiles and possible roles of these glycans in initial parotid
      gland development. These findings are defined by their high biological value and
      provide an important base for the development of subsequent studies. (J Oral Sci
      58, 353-360, 2016). 

PMID- 27665975
TI  - Effect of age on bite force.
AB  - This study compared bite force in adults older than 60 years with that of young
      adults. The participants were 20 healthy adults (9 men) older than 60 years
      (median age, 66 years) and 44 healthy young adults (22 men; age range, 18-25
      years; median age, 22 years) at the International Medical University, Malaysia.
      All participants had at least 20 teeth, and bite force was measured and evaluated
      using the Dental Prescale system. Average (SD) bite force was 420.5 (242.0) N for
      the older adults and 541.4 (296.3) N for the young adults. Although mean bite
      force was higher for the young adults, the difference was not significant. These
      findings suggest that bite force is unaffected by age in adults with adequate
      dentition. (J Oral Sci 58, 361-363, 2016). 

PMID- 27665976
TI  - Effect of essential oils prepared from Thai culinary herbs on sessile Candida
      albicans cultures.
AB  - Although medicinal herbs with fungicidal effects have been ubiquitously employed
      in traditional medicine, such effects of culinary herbs and spices still have to
      be elucidated. Therefore, it is noteworthy to determine the antifungal efficacy
      of some edible herbs used in Thai cuisine against sessile Candida albicans
      cultures, and to inquire if they can be further utilized as naturally-derived
      antifungals. Fourteen essential oils extracted from Thai culinary herbs and
      spices were tested for their antifungal activity against C. albicans using the
      agar disk diffusion method followed by broth micro-dilution method for the
      determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal
      concentration. The oils with potent antifungal effects against planktonic fungi
      were then assessed for their effect against sessile fungus (adherent organisms
      and established biofilm culture). MIC of the oils against sessile C. albicans was
      evaluated by 2,3-bis-(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5
      carboxanilide reduction assay. All selected culinary herbs and spices, except
      galangal, garlic, and turmeric, exhibited inhibitory effects on planktonic yeast
      cells. Cinnamon bark and sweet basil leaf essential oils exhibited potent
      fungicidal effect on planktonic and sessile fungus. Sessile MICs were 8-16 times
      higher than planktonic MICs. Consequently, both cinnamon bark and sweet basil
      leaf herbal oils seem to be highly effective anti-Candida choices. (J Oral Sci
      58, 365-371, 2016). 

PMID- 27665977
TI  - Comparison between ultrasonic irrigation and syringe irrigation in clinical and
      laboratory studies.
AB  - Ultrasonic irrigation and syringe irrigation were compared for their efficacy at
      cleaning root canal in vivo and in vitro. The in vivo study used 60 anterior
      teeth or premolars from 60 patients with periapical periodontitis who were
      randomly assigned to a syringe irrigation group (group S) or an ultrasonic
      irrigation group (group U). After instrumentation with a K-file using the step
      back technique, the two groups received ultrasonic or syringe irrigation using 40
      mL of 2.5% NaOCl respectively, followed by conventional lateral compaction. The
      in vitro study used 60 extracted single-canal premolars, which were also divided
      into U and S groups, and underwent the same irrigation and compaction. Forty of
      them were evaluated histologically by light microscopy, and the remaining 20 by
      scanning electron microscopy. No difference in main root canal filling was
      observed between the U and S groups. Notably, group U had a larger number of
      obturated lateral canals than group S. Moreover, a smaller amount of organic
      debris and more open dentinal tubules were observed in the root canal in group U
      than in group S. Our findings suggest that ultrasonic irrigation has a greater
      capacity to clean instrumented root canals than syringe irrigation. (J Oral Sci
      58, 373-378, 2016). 

PMID- 27665978
TI  - Levels of vaspin and omentin-1 in gingival crevicular fluid as potential markers
      of inflammation in patients with chronic periodontitis and type 2 diabetes
      mellitus.
AB  - The aims of the present study were to determine the levels of vaspin and omentin
      1 in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in patients with chronic periodontitis (CP)
      with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and to evaluate GCF vaspin and
      omentin-1 levels after non-surgical periodontal therapy. The study included 60
      subjects: 15 systemically and periodontally healthy individuals, 15 periodontally
      healthy patients with T2DM, 15 systemically healthy patients with CP, and 15
      patients with both CP and T2DM. GCF and clinical periodontal parameters were
      examined at the baseline and 6 weeks after periodontal therapy. Levels of vaspin,
      omentin-1 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were measured by ELISA, and
      their relative ratios were calculated. GCF vaspin and TNF-alpha levels were
      significantly higher in the CP groups than in the periodontally healthy groups (P
      < 0.008) and decreased after therapy in the former (P < 0.025). GCF omentin-1
      levels were significantly lower in the CP groups than in the periodontally
      healthy groups (P < 0.008) and increased after therapy in the former (P < 0.05).
      Statistically significant positive correlations were found between the total
      amount of vaspin and TNF-alpha, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), clinical attachment
      level and gingival index, whereas the level of omentin-1 was negatively
      correlated with these parameters in all groups (P < 0.05). We found that non
      surgical periodontal therapy influenced the GCF levels of both vaspin and omentin
      1 in the CP groups. Our results suggest that the levels of vaspin and omentin-1
      in GCF could have potential application as inflammatory markers of diabetes,
      periodontal disease and treatment outcome. (J Oral Sci 58, 379-389, 2016). 

PMID- 27665979
TI  - Masticatory function, taste, and salivary flow in young healthy adults.
AB  - This study aimed to investigate masticatory function and taste and their possible
      relationship with salivary flow in young adults with good oral health. The study
      also examined whether anthropometric measurements and gender could influence the
      variables studied. A total of 171 subjects were selected (125 females, 46 males).
      Masticatory performance was evaluated with the sieve method, and perceived
      masticatory ability was measured using the visual analogue scale. Taste was
      evaluated using the drop test with four different flavors in three different
      concentrations, and unstimulated and stimulated saliva flows were measured. The
      anthropometric variables measured included body mass index (BMI) and waist
      circumference (WC). The independent variables studied could not predict
      masticatory performance. The independent variables, BMI, WC, and gender,
      predicted 14% of perceived masticatory ability, and BMI predicted 5% of taste.
      Masticatory performance was not related to salivary flow or anthropometric
      parameters in young healthy adults. Perceived masticatory ability was related to
      BMI, WC, and gender, whereas taste was only weakly related to BMI. The flow rate
      did not exhibit a statistically significant difference between males and females
      for the anthropometric groups. (J Oral Sci 58, 391-399, 2016). 

PMID- 27665980
TI  - Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectrophotometry
      analysis of reciprocating and continuous rotary nickel-titanium instruments
      following root canal retreatment.
AB  - This study aimed to evaluate superficial defects and the composition of Reciproc
      R25 and ProTaper Retreatment file systems (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues,
      Switzerland) used for retreatment. A total of 100 maxillary incisor teeth were
      randomly divided into the following two groups: Reciproc R25 (n = 25) and
      ProTaper Retreatment instrument (n = 75) groups. The nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti)
      compositions of the files before and after use were analyzed using energy
      dispersive X-ray spectrophotometry (EDX). Chi-square, Mann-Whitney U, and Kruskal
      Wallis tests were used to analyze the data. ProTaper Retreatment instrument group
      showed a significantly higher number of defects than the Reciproc group (P <
      0.05). No instrument fracture was detected. The presence of debris was observed
      in both groups before use, although the level was significantly higher in the
      ProTaper Retreatment group, which consisted of metals (P < 0.05). There was no
      significant difference between new and used instruments with regard to Ni-Ti
      composition (P < 0.05). EDX analysis showed that both the Reciproc and ProTaper
      Retreatment instruments had a Ni-Ti composition that was within the standards
      specified by the American Society of Testing and Materials. This study confirmed
      the use of both the Reciproc R25 file and ProTaper Retreatment file system for
      root canal filling removal in straight root canals as a safe procedure. (J Oral
      Sci 58, 401-406, 2016). 

PMID- 27665981
TI  - Expression of Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) in ameloblastomas.
AB  - The Wilms' tumor 1 gene (WT1) was originally isolated and described as the gene
      responsible for Wilms' tumor. Although there is growing evidence linking the
      overexpression of WT1 to tumorigenesis, no reports on ameloblastoma are available
      at present. The aim of this study was to examine the expression of WT1 in various
      histological subtypes of ameloblastoma tissue specimens and in human
      ameloblastoma cell lines. Immunohistochemical analyses were performed on a total
      of 168 cases of ameloblastoma, one case of ameloblastic carcinoma, and five cases
      of tooth germs (control). Three immortalized human dental epithelial cell lines
      (HAM1, HAM2, and HAM3) derived from the same ameloblastoma patient were used for
      reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot assays.
      The tooth germs did not express WT1 (0%), and more than half of the ameloblastoma
      cases showed WT1 overexpression (54.7%). Immunoreactivity of solid-type
      ameloblastoma (76.1%) was more evident than that of unicystic-type ameloblastoma
      (40.9%). The expression level of WT1 mRNA in HAM2 was higher than that in HAM1
      (moderate) and HAM3 (weak), showing the heterogeneity of tumor cells. The WT1
      protein was strongly detected in HAM2 and minimally detected in HAM1 and HAM3.
      Our results suggest that WT1 expression influences the pathogenesis of
      ameloblastoma by varying its expression level in different histological types. (J
      Oral Sci 58, 407-413, 2016). 

PMID- 27665982
TI  - Effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on mandibular condyle growth in
      rats analyzed with micro-CT.
AB  - This study examined the effects of a bite-jumping appliance combined with low
      intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) stimulation on the mandibular condyle of
      growing rats using micro CT (mCT) and histological examinations. Twelve Wistar
      rats were divided into three groups of four individuals each: Group 1 was an
      untreated control group, Group 2 received bite-jumping appliances, and Group 3
      received bite-jumping appliances and LIPUS stimulation (15 min/day, 2 weeks) to
      the temporomandibular region. We measured the length and three-dimensional bone
      volume of each rat's mandibular condyle using mCT. The condylar cartilage was
      observed after the rats had been sacrificed. There was no significant difference
      in condylar sagittal width among the groups. The bite-jumping appliance combined
      with LIPUS stimulation increased the condylar major axis, mandibular sagittal
      length and condylar bone volume to a greater degree than use of the bite-jumping
      appliance alone. Histological examination demonstrated hypertrophy of the
      condylar cartilage layers, the fibrous layer and hypertrophic cell layer of the
      rats treated with bite-jumping appliances combined with LIPUS stimulation in
      comparison to rats treated with bite-jumping appliances alone. (J Oral Sci 58,
      415-422, 2016). 

PMID- 27665983
TI  - Lipid profile and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels in obese and non
      obese subjects undergoing non-surgical periodontal therapy.
AB  - Periodontal treatment may improve the metabolic control of dyslipidemia. The aim
      of this study was to evaluate the lipid profile and high-sensitivity C-reactive
      protein (hs-CRP) levels in obese and non-obese patients undergoing periodontal
      therapy. Patients with generalized chronic periodontitis were divided into obese
      (n = 28) and non-obese groups (n = 26). The periodontal parameters (visible
      plaque index, gingival bleeding index, probing depth, clinical attachment level,
      and bleeding on probing), anthropometric measurements (body mass index, waist
      circumference, and body fat), and serum analyses (triglycerides, total
      cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, fasting glucose,
      glycated hemoglobin, and hs-CRP) were measured at baseline and 90 days after
      periodontal treatment. The results showed that the obese subjects presented
      alterations in triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and hs
      CRP at baseline when compared with non-obese patients (P < 0.05). Periodontal
      treatment could improve the periodontal parameters in both groups similarly (P >
      0.05). Obese subjects showed a significant decrease in the levels of
      triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and hs-CRP post
      therapy (P < 0.05), while non-obese patients showed improvement only in hs-CRP (P
      < 0.05). In conclusion, periodontal treatment could improve the periodontal
      parameters and circulating hs-CRP in obese and non-obese subjects. Lipid profile
      was modified only in obese patients post-therapy. (J Oral Sci 58, 423-430, 2016).

PMID- 27665984
TI  - Effectiveness of disinfectants on the adherence of Candida albicans to denture
      base resins with different surface textures.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of some disinfectants,
      including ethanol extract of propolis (EEP), on the adhesion of Candida albicans
      to denture base resins. Seventy-two acrylic resin samples were prepared, half of
      which was polished and the other half was roughened. C. albicans strain ATCC
      10231 was incubated on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) at 37 degrees C for 48 h.
      The adhesion period was completed by keeping the cells in this suspension for 90
      min at 37 degrees C. Specimens were then immersed in the following solutions: 1%,
      2%, and 5% sodium hypochlorite; 4% chlorhexidine gluconate; and 10% EEP.
      Quantification of the antifungal activity of the chemical solutions was performed
      using the colorimetric MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium
      bromide) assay test. One-way ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey tests were performed to
      evaluate the effectiveness of chemical agents. Polished and roughened surfaces
      were compared using independent sample t-test. The mean surface roughness value
      was 0.35 (+/-0.04) um for the polished group and 1.2 (+/-0.2) um for the
      roughened group. The contact angles of both surfaces showed statistically
      significant difference, and 10% EEP solution exhibited significantly less removal
      of adherent viable C. albicans cells in both groups. All forms of sodium
      hypochlorite solutions yielded higher efficiency than 4% chlorhexidine gluconate
      and EEP solutions (P < 0.05). (J Oral Sci 58, 431-437, 2016). 

PMID- 27665985
TI  - Prenatal alcohol exposure reduces mandibular calcium and phosphorus
      concentrations in newborn rats.
AB  - Previous studies suggest that prenatal alcohol exposure affects fetal bone
      development, including bone quality. This study evaluated the chemical
      composition of mandibles from newborn rats after maternal 20% alcohol consumption
      before and throughout gestation. Nine rats were initially distributed into three
      groups: an Alcohol group, Pair-fed group, and Control group. The groups were fed
      prespecified diets for 8 weeks before and the 3 weeks during pregnancy. At age 5
      days, eight newborns from each group were euthanized (total, n = 24). Using
      energy dispersive spectrometry, we evaluated samples of mandibles from newborns
      to identify changes in bone mineralization, specifically Ca and P concentrations.
      Ca and P concentrations were lower in the Alcohol group than in the Control and
      Pair-fed groups (P = 0.003 and P = 0.001, respectively). In summary, alcohol
      exposure before and throughout gestation reduces mandibular Ca and P
      concentrations in newborn rats. (J Oral Sci 58, 439-444, 2016). 

PMID- 27665986
TI  - Oral leukoplakia associated with amalgam restorations.
AB  - The World Health Organization has defined oral leukoplakia (OL) as "a white patch
      or plaque of the oral mucosa that cannot be characterized clinically or
      pathologically as any other disease". A 21-year-old male with OL presented with a
      bilateral burning sensation in the buccal mucosa. The patient had amalgam
      restorations, and an epicutaneous patch test indicated a positive response to
      amalgam. The amalgam restorations were therefore removed and the cavities were
      refilled with a composite resin restorative material. During 5 years of follow
      up, there was no recurrence of the oral lesions. This case illustrates that
      amalgam fillings may cause OL lesions. (J Oral Sci 58, 445-448, 2016). 

PMID- 27665987
TI  - Physiological and biochemical responses of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)
      exposed to nano-CeO2 and excess boron: Modulation of boron phytotoxicity.
AB  - Little is known about the interaction of nanoparticles (NPs) with soil
      constituents and their effects in plants. Boron (B), an essential micronutrient
      that reduces crop production at both deficiency and excess, has not been
      investigated with respect to its interaction with cerium oxide NPs (nano-CeO2).
      Considering conflicting results on the nano-CeO2 toxicity and protective role as
      antioxidant, their possible modulation on B toxicity in sunflower (Helianthus
      annuus L.) was investigated. Sunflower was cultivated for 30 days in garden pots
      containing original or B-spiked soil amended with nano-CeO2 at 0-800 mg kg-1. At
      harvest, Ce and B concentrations in tissues, biomass, and activities of stress
      enzymes in leaves were determined. Results showed that in the original soil, Ce
      accumulated mainly in roots, with little translocation to stems and leaves, while
      reduced root Ce was observed in plants from B-spiked soil. In the original soil,
      higher levels of nano-CeO2 reduced plant B concentration. Although morphological
      effects were not visible, changes in biomass and oxidative stress response were
      observed. Sunflower leaves from B-spiked soil showed visible symptoms of B
      toxicity, such as necrosis and chlorosis in old leaves, as well as an increase of
      superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. However, at high nano-CeO2 level, SOD
      activity decreased reaching values similar to that of the control. This study has
      shown that nano-CeO2 reduced both the B nutritional status of sunflower in
      original soil and the B phytotoxicity in B-spiked soil.

PMID- 27665988
TI  - Effective and efficient prevention of HIV infection.

PMID- 27665989
TI  - Cost-effectiveness analysis of pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV-1 prevention in
      the Netherlands: a mathematical modelling study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with tenofovir and emtricitabine
      prevents HIV infections among men who have sex with men (MSM). PrEP can be given
      on a daily or intermittent basis. Unfortunately, PrEP is not reimbursed in most
      European countries. Cost-effectiveness analyses of PrEP among MSM in Europe are
      absent but are key for decision makers to decide upon PrEP implementation.
      METHODS: We developed a deterministic mathematical model, calibrated to the well
      defined Dutch HIV epidemic among MSM, to predict the effect and cost
      effectiveness of PrEP. PrEP was targeted to 10% of highly sexually active Dutch
      MSM over the coming 40 years. Cost-effectiveness ratios were calculated to
      predict the cost-effectiveness of daily and on-demand PrEP. Cost-effectiveness
      ratios below ?20 000 were considered to be cost-effective in this analysis.
      FINDINGS: Within the context of a stable HIV epidemic, at 80% effectiveness and
      current PrEP pricing, PrEP can cost as much as ?11 000 (IQR 9400-14 100) per
      quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained when used daily, or as little as ?2000
      (IQR 1300-3000) per QALY gained when used on demand. At 80% effectiveness, daily
      PrEP can be considered cost-saving if the price of PrEP is reduced by 70%, and on
      demand PrEP can be considered cost-saving if the price is reduced by 30-40%.
      INTERPRETATION: PrEP for HIV prevention among MSM in the Netherlands is cost
      effective. The use of PrEP is most cost-effective when the price of PrEP is
      reduced through on-demand use or through availability of generic PrEP, and can
      quickly be considered cost-saving. FUNDING: None.

PMID- 27665990
TI  - New perspectives to the enterotoxigenic E. coli F4 porcine infection model:
      Susceptibility genotypes in relation to performance, diarrhoea and bacterial
      shedding.
AB  - Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), causing post-weaning diarrhoea, is a major
      problem in weaned piglets. Individual animal responses to ETEC infection show
      high variability in animal experiments. Two studies were designed to optimize the
      ETEC F4ac infection model in piglets by combining the genotype susceptibility
      with performance, diarrhoea incidence and bacterial shedding. The studies were
      performed with respectively 120 and 80 male piglets that were tested for
      susceptibility or resistance towards ETEC O149:F4ac by a DNA marker based test.
      Three different genotypes were observed; resistant (RR), susceptible heterozygote
      (RS) and susceptible homozygote (SS). Piglets, were orally infected with an
      inoculum suspension (containing 1.5E8 CFU/ml ETEC F4ac) at day 0, 1 and 2 of the
      study. Performance, diarrhoea incidence and bacterial shedding were followed for
      21days. In the first week after challenge a difference in average daily gain was
      observed between resistant and susceptible piglets in both studies. For the
      complete study period no significant differences were observed. Diarrhoea
      incidence was significantly higher in susceptible pigs compared to the resistant
      pigs in the first week after challenge. Bacterial shedding was much higher in the
      susceptible pigs and ETEC excretion lasted longer. ETEC was hardly detected in
      the faecal material of the resistant pigs. In conclusion, susceptible pigs showed
      higher diarrhoea incidence and higher numbers of faecal ETEC shedding in the
      first week after challenge compared to resistant pigs. The DNA marker based test
      can be used to select pigs that are susceptible for ETEC for inclusion in ETEC
      infection model, resulting in less animals needed to perform infection studies.

PMID- 27665992
TI  - Commentary on 'Endovascular Stent Graft Repair is an Effective and Safe
      Alternative Therapy for Arteriovenous Graft Pseudoaneurysms'.

PMID- 27665991
TI  - Patient Specific Wall Stress Analysis and Mechanical Characterization of
      Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Using 4D Ultrasound.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to perform wall stress analysis (WSA) using
      4D ultrasound (US) in 40 patients with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The
      geometries and wall stress results were compared with computed tomography (CT) in
      seven patients. Additionally, the WSA models were calibrated using 4D motion
      estimation, resulting in patient specific material parameters that were compared
      among patients. METHODS: 4D-US images were acquired for 40 patients (AAA diameter
      27-52 mm). Patient specific AAA geometries and wall motion were extracted from
      the 4D-US. WSA was performed and corresponding patient specific material
      properties were derived. For seven patients, CT data were available and analyzed
      for geometry and wall stress comparison. RESULTS: The 4D-US based 99th percentile
      wall stress ranged from 198 to 390 kPa. Regression analysis showed no significant
      relation between wall stress and diameter of the AAA. The similarity indices
      between US and CT were very good and ranged between 0.90 and 0.96, and the 25th,
      50th, 75th, and 95th percentile wall stresses of the US and CT data were in
      agreement. The characterized patient specific shear modulus had a median of 1.1
      MPa (interquartile range, 0.7-1.4 MPa). Based on the maximum AAA diameter, the
      AAAs were divided in a small, medium, and large diameter groups. The largest AAAs
      revealed an increased wall stiffness compared with the smallest AAAs.
      CONCLUSIONS: 4D ultrasound is applicable for wall stress analysis of AAAs, and
      offers the opportunity to perform wall stress analysis over time, also for AAAs
      who do not qualify for a CT or magnetic resonance imaging. Moreover, the patient
      specific material properties can be determined, which could possibly improve risk
      assessment.

PMID- 27665993
TI  - The modulating effects of propofol and its lipid carrier on canine neutrophil
      functions.
AB  - Propofol (2,6-diisopropylphenol), being used as an intravenous sedative and
      anesthetic agent, influences not only upon nervous system but also for host
      inflammatory response through modulating neutrophil functions. This study is
      designed to evaluate the modulating effects of propofol and its lipid carrier
      administration at clinically relevant rate on canine neutrophil functions.
      Clinically healthy beagle dogs were received propofol (8.8 mg/kg) from cephalic
      vein and maintained with propofol dropping infusion (26.4 mg/kg/hr). Blood
      samples were collected from the dogs before infusion and 30 min after the start
      of propofol administration, and neutrophil functions were evaluated. The dogs
      were also administered lipid carrier, and neutrophil functions were evaluated in
      the same manner as propofol administration. Peripheral white blood cell and
      neutrophil counts decreased after the propofol or lipid carrier administration.
      The administration of propofol or lipid carrier significantly reduced neutrophil
      adherence ability. The superoxide production of neutrophils was measured by
      luminol-dependent chemiluminescence response using with opsonized zymosan. Peak
      height of neutrophil chemiluminescence curve was reduced by propofol and lipid
      carrier administration, on the contrary, peak time of neutrophil
      chemiluminescence curve was delayed. Administration of propofol or lipid carrier
      also reduced neutrophil adherence ability to nylon fibers. In the present study,
      we showed the modulating effects of propofol and its lipid carrier on canine
      neutrophil functions. However, there was no significant difference in the
      modulating effects between propofol group and lipid carrier group. Therefore, the
      modulating effects observed here were deeply concerned in lipid carrier
      administration.

PMID- 27665994
TI  - Regulation of type 2 diabetes by helminth-induced Th2 immune response.
AB  - Helminth-induced type 2 cytokines increase the number of regulatory T cells and
      alternatively activated macrophages, resulting in modulation of the host-immune
      system. Studies on these parasite-induced immunoregulatory mechanisms might
      contribute to the development of new therapies for inflammatory diseases,
      including type 2 diabetes (T2D). Previous studies have suggested that progression
      of obesity-associated metabolic abnormalities is under pathophysiological control
      of CD4+ T cells. Glucose absorption through the intestinal epithelium reduced
      after infection in a STAT-6-dependent manner. In this study, we investigated
      whether infection with the gastrointestinal nematode parasite Heligmosomoides
      polygyrus (Hp) can modulate T2D-associated pathology in a mouse model (KK
      Ay/TaJcl). KK-Ay/TaJcl mice were inoculated with infective third-stage Hp larvae
      and studied at Day 8 following infection. Uninfected KK-Ay/TaJcl mice showed high
      blood glucose levels even 120 min after administration of glucose by IP
      injection. However, it was significantly improved in the infected group. HOMA-IR,
      fat accumulation and FAS gene expression in the liver were significantly
      decreased by Hp infection. GLUT2 gene expression in this group was significantly
      lower than that in the uninfected diabetic mice, which might be related to the
      decrease in glucose absorption in the parasite-infected intestine. In conclusion,
      helminth-induced type 2 immune responses might contribute to T2D disease control.

PMID- 27665995
TI  - Role of invariant NKT cells in lipopolysaccharide-induced lethal shock during
      encephalomyocarditis virus infection.
AB  - Viral infections can give rise to secondary bacterial infections. In the present
      study, we examined the role of invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells in
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lethal shock during encephalomyocarditis virus
      (EMCV) infection. Wild-type (WT) mice and Jalpha18 gene knockout (Jalpha18 KO)
      mice were inoculated with EMCV, 5days prior to challenging with LPS. The survival
      rate of Jalpha18 KO mice subjected to EMCV and LPS was significantly higher than
      that of WT mice. TNF-alpha and nitric oxide (NO) production were increased in WT
      mice, than that in Jalpha18 KO mice, after the administration of EMCV and LPS.
      EMCV infection increased the number of iNKT cells and IFN-gamma production by
      iNKT cells in WT mice. Moreover, EMCV infection enhanced the expression of Toll
      like receptor 4 (TLR4) in the lung and spleen. IFN-gamma also increased the
      expression of TLR4 in splenocytes. These findings indicated that EMCV infection
      activated iNKT cells, and IFN-gamma secreted from the iNKT cells up-regulated the
      expression of TLR4 in various tissues. As a result, EMCV-infected mice were
      susceptible to LPS and easily developed the lethal shock. In conclusion, iNKT
      cells were involved in the development of LPS-induced lethal shock during EMCV
      infection.

PMID- 27665996
TI  - IFN-gamma-producing Th1-like regulatory T cells may limit acute cellular renal
      allograft rejection: Paradoxical post-transplantation effects of IFN-gamma.
AB  - PURPOSE: IFN-gamma is a protypical proinflammatory cytokine that plays a central
      role in inflammation and acute graft rejection. Accumulating evidence indicates
      that IFN-gamma can exert previously unexpected immunoregulatory activities.
      However, little is known about the role of IFN-gamma secreted by Th1-like
      regulatory T cells in human kidney transplantation. METHODS: To determine the
      function of IFN-gamma in acute T cell-mediated renal allograft rejection (ACR),
      we examined serum cytokine expression profiles in ACR patients by human cytokine
      multiplex immunoassay and analyzed the cellular origins of IFN-gamma in
      peripheral blood and renal allograft biopsies from ACR cases and controls by flow
      cytometry and immunohistochemistry, respectively. RESULTS: The results showed
      significant reduction in serum concentrations of Th1-inducing cytokines IL-12p70
      and IFN-gamma as well as Th2-related cytokine IL-4 in ACR patients compared with
      stable controls. However, levels of several Th1-, Th2- and Th17-related
      cytokines, such as IL-2, TNF-alpha, TNF-beta, IL-12 (p40), IL-10, IL-15, IL-17,
      IL-21, and IL-23, as well as the frequencies of Th1 and Th17 cell, did not differ
      between ACR cases and stable controls. Moreover, we found the levels of IFN-gamma
      were correlated with those of the anti-inflammatory factor, IL-1 receptor
      antagonist (IL-1Ra) in ACR. Notably, the Th1-like Treg cell-to-Foxp3- Th1 cell
      ratio was significantly lower in ACR patients compared with that in stable
      controls. In graft biopsies from ACR patients, Treg cells and Th1-like Treg cells
      were less abundant than those without ACR. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates that
      IFN-gamma secreted from Th1-like Treg cells negatively modulates ACR.

PMID- 27665998
TI  - Thioredoxin and redox signaling: Roles of the thioredoxin system in control of
      cell fate.
AB  - Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are not only cytotoxic products from external and
      internal environment, but also important mediators of redox signaling. Therefore,
      thioredoxin (Trx) as an antioxidant maintains the balance of the thiol-related
      redox status, and also plays pivotal roles in the regulation of redox signaling.
      Trx senses and responds to environmental oxidative stress and ROS generated by
      cellular respiration, metabolism, and immune response, and then modulates the
      redox status, function, and activity of its target signaling proteins.
      Dysregulation of such the Trx system affects various cellular functions and cell
      fate such as survival and cell death, leading to human diseases including cancer
      and inflammation. This review focuses on Trx and its target proteins involved in
      redox signaling, which are critical for the control of cell fate such as cell
      survival and apoptosis, and addresses how Trx regulates those effector proteins
      and redox signaling.

PMID- 27665997
TI  - Agitation, Delirium, and Cognitive Outcomes in Intracerebral Hemorrhage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Delirium predicts higher long-term cognitive morbidity. We previously
      identified a cohort of patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage and
      delirium and found worse outcomes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in
      the domain of cognitive function. OBJECTIVE: We tested the hypothesis that
      agitation would have additional prognostic significance on later cognitive
      function HRQoL. METHODS: Prospective identification of 174 patients with acute
      intracerebral hemorrhage, measuring stroke severity, agitation, and delirium,
      with a standardized protocol and measures. HRQoL was assessed using the Neuro-QOL
      at 28 days, 3 months, and 1 year. Functional outcomes were measured with the
      modified Rankin Scale. RESULTS: Among the 81 patients with HRQoL follow-up data
      available, patients who had agitation and delirium had worse cognitive function
      HRQoL scores at 28 days (T scores for delirium with agitation 20.9 +/- 7.3,
      delirium without agitation 30.4 +/- 16.5, agitation without delirium 36.6 +/-
      17.5, and neither agitated nor delirious 40.3 +/- 15.9; p = 0.03) and at 1 year
      (p = 0.006). The effect persisted in mixed models after correction for severity
      of neurologic injury, age, and time of assessment (p = 0.0006) and was not
      associated with medication use, seizures, or infection. CONCLUSIONS: The presence
      of agitation with delirium in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage may predict
      higher risk of unfavorable cognitive outcomes up to 1 year later.

PMID- 27665999
TI  - Inhibition of aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B10 by unsaturated fatty acids.
AB  - A human member of the aldo-keto reductase (AKR) superfamily, AKR1B10, is a
      cytosolic NADPH-dependent reductase toward various carbonyl compounds including
      reactive aldehydes, and is normally expressed in intestines. The enzyme is
      overexpressed in several extraintestinal cancers, and suggested as a potential
      target for cancer treatment. We found that saturated and cis-unsaturated fatty
      acids inhibit AKR1B10. Among the saturated fatty acids, myristic acid was the
      most potent, showing the IC50 value of 4.2 MUM cis-Unsaturated fatty acids
      inhibited AKR1B10 more potently, and linoleic, arachidonic, and docosahexaenoic
      acids showed the lowest IC50 values of 1.1 MUM. The inhibition by these fatty
      acids was reversible and kinetically competitive with respect to the substrate,
      showing the Ki values of 0.24-1.1 MUM. These fatty acids, except for alpha
      linoleic acid, were much less inhibitory to structurally similar aldose
      reductase. Site-directed mutagenesis study suggested that the fatty acids
      interact with several active site residues of AKR1B10, of which Gln114, Val301
      and Gln303 are responsible for the inhibitory selectivity. Linoleic and
      arachidonic acids also effectively inhibited AKR1B10-mediated 4-oxo-2-nonenal
      metabolism in HCT-15 cells. Thus, the cis-unsaturated fatty acids may be used as
      an adjuvant therapy for treatment of cancers that up-regulate AKR1B10.

PMID- 27666000
TI  - Baicalin attenuates inflammation in mice with OVA-induced asthma by inhibiting NF
      kappaB and suppressing CCR7/CCL19/CCL21.
AB  - Baicalin, extracted and purified from the Chinese medicinal plant, Scutellaria
      baicalensis Georgi (Huang qin in Chinese), exhibits potent anti-inflammatory
      activity against asthma. However, it remains unknown whether baicalin inhibits
      the activity of CC chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) and its ligands, which are crucial
      for the initiation of airway inflammation. In the present study, we investigated
      the effects of baicalin on CCR7 and its ligands, CCL19 and CCL21, as well as on
      the nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) pathway in a mouse model of asthma. A mouse
      model of acute asthma was established by exposing the mice to ovalbumin (OVA) (by
      intraperitoneal injection and inhalational challenge). Within 24 h of the final
      OVA challenge, lung function was detected by direct airway resistance analysis.
      Lung tissues were examined for pathological changes. Inflammatory cell counts in
      bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were assessed. ELISA was utilized to evaluate
      the OVA-IgE, CCL19 and CCL21 levels in BALF. The interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor
      necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha levels in serum were also detected by ELISA. The
      protein expression levels of CCR7, as well as that of phosphorylated IkappaBalpha
      (p-IkappaBalpha) and phosphorylated p65 (p-p65) were determined by western blot
      analysis and RT-qPCR was used to determine the CCR7 mRNA levels. Our data
      demonstrated that the oral administration of baicalin significantly improved
      pulmonary function and attenuated inflammatory cell infiltration into the lungs.
      Baicalin also decreased the levels of OVA-IgE, IL-6, TNF-alpha and CCR7, as well
      as those of its ligand, CCL19; the levels of NF-kappaB were also markedly
      suppressed by baicalin. The CCR7 mRNA level was substantially decreased. Our
      results thus suggest that baicalin exerts an inhibitory effect on airway
      inflammation, and this effect may be associated with the inhibition of CCR7 and
      CCL19/CCL21, which may provide new mechanistic insight into the anti-inflammatory
      effects of baicalin.

PMID- 27666001
TI  - Effects of bingeing on fat during adolescence on the reinforcing effects of
      cocaine in adult male mice.
AB  - Binge eating is a specific form of overeating characterized by intermittent
      excessive eating. In addition to altering the neurobiological reward system,
      several studies have highlighted that consumption of palatable food increases
      vulnerability to drug use. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the
      effects of a high-fat diet consumed in a binge pattern during adolescence on the
      reinforcing effects of cocaine. After 40 days of binge-eating for 2 h, three days
      a week (PND 29-69), the reinforcing effects of cocaine on conditioning place
      preference and intravenous self-administration paradigm were evaluated in
      adolescent male mice. Circulating leptin and ghrelin levels and the effects of
      bingeing on fat on CB1 mu opioid receptor (MOr) and ghrelin receptor (GHSR) gene
      expression in the Nucleus Accumbens (NAcc) and Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA) were
      also assessed. Our results showed a significant escalation in the consumption of
      a high-fat diet between the first and last week. High-fat binge (HFB) animals
      were more sensitive to the reinforcing effects of a subthreshold dose of cocaine
      in the paradigms assayed, and animals under fat withdrawal were more vulnerable
      to the reinstatement of conditioned place preference. HFB mice also showed
      enhanced cocaine self-administration. After fat withdrawal, exposure to a new fat
      binge reinstated cocaine seeking. Although HFB did not modify leptin levels, a
      decrease in plasmatic ghrelin was observed. Moreover, this pattern of fatty diet
      resulted in a reduction of MOr and CB1 gene expression in the NAcc and an
      increase in GHSR expression in the VTA. We propose that bingeing on fat during
      adolescence induces long-lasting changes in the brain through the sensitization
      of brain reward circuits, which predisposes individuals to seek cocaine during
      adulthood.

PMID- 27666002
TI  - Pre-hospital ticagrelor in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial
      infarction with long transport time to primary PCI facility.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pre-hospital ticagrelor, given less than 1h before coronary
      intervention (PCI), failed to improve coronary reperfusion in ST-segment
      elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing primary PCI. It is
      unknown whether a longer interval from ticagrelor administration to primary PCI
      might reveal any improvement of coronary reperfusion. METHODS: We retrospectively
      compared 143 patients, pre-treated in spoke centers or ambulance with ticagrelor
      at least 1.5h before PCI (Pre-treatment Group), with 143 propensity score-matched
      controls treated with ticagrelor in the hub before primary PCI (Control Group)
      extracted from RENOVAMI, a large observational Italian registry of more than 1400
      STEMI patients enrolled from Jan. 2012 to Oct. 2015 (ClinicalTrials.gov id:
      NCT01347580). The median time from ticagrelor administration and PCI was 2.08h
      (95% CI 1.66-2.84) in the Pre-treatment Group and 0.56h (95% CI 0.33-0.76) in the
      Control Group. TIMI flow grade before primary PCI in the infarct related artery
      was the primary endpoint. RESULTS: The primary endpoint, baseline TIMI flow
      grade, was significantly higher in Pre-treatment Group (0.88+/-1.14 vs 0.53+/
      0.86, P=0.02). However in-hospital mortality, in-hospital stent thrombosis,
      bleeding rates and other clinical and angiographic outcomes were similar in the
      two groups. CONCLUSIONS: In a real world STEMI network, pre-treatment with
      ticagrelor in spoke hospitals or in ambulance loading at least 1.5h before
      primary PCI is safe and might improve pre-PCI coronary reperfusion, in comparison
      with ticagrelor administration immediately before PCI.

PMID- 27666003
TI  - Basal autophagy protects cardiomyocytes from doxorubicin-induced toxicity.
AB  - Doxorubicin (Doxo) is one of the most effective anti-neoplastic agents but its
      cardiotoxicity has been an important clinical limitation. The major mechanism of
      Doxo-induced cardiotoxicity is associated to its oxidative capacity. However,
      other processes are also involved with significant consequences for the
      cardiomyocyte. In recent years, a number of studies have investigated the role of
      autophagy on Doxo-induced cardiotoxicity but to date it is not clear how Doxo
      alters that process and its consequence on cardiomyocytes viability. Here we
      investigated the effect of Doxo 1uM for 24h of stimulation on cultured neonatal
      rat cardiomyocytes. We showed that Doxo inhibits basal autophagy. This inhibition
      is due to both Akt/mTOR signaling pathway activation and Beclin 1 level decrease.
      To assess the role of autophagy on Doxo-induced cardiomyocyte death, we evaluated
      the effects 3-methyladenine (3-MA), bafilomycin A1 (BafA), siRNA Beclin 1
      (siBeclin 1) and rapamycin (Rapa) on cell viability. Inhibition of autophagy with
      3-MA, BafA and siBeclin 1 increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release but, when
      autophagy was induced by Rapa, Doxo-induced cardiomyocyte death was decreased.
      These results suggest that Doxo inhibits basal autophagy and contributes to
      cardiomyocyte death. Activation of autophagy could be used as a strategy to
      protect the heart against Doxo toxicity.

PMID- 27666004
TI  - The 10-year trend of adult diabetes, prediabetes and associated risk factors in
      Tehran: Phases 1 and 4 of Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes is a global problem with significant morbidity and
      healthcare costs. In this study, we aimed to determine the 10-year trend of
      diabetes, prediabetes and their risk factors in the adult urban population of
      Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross
      sectional study, we included all patients above 20 years of age who were
      registered in phases 1 and 4 of TLGS. Each phase had a 3-year duration. 4580
      patients were recruited in each phase (916 patients in each age-group, including
      3772 males and 5145 females). Random cluster sampling was used in phase 1 and
      convenience sampling was used in phase 4. Diabetes and glucose tolerance status
      were determined according to the 1991 criteria of the American Diabetes
      Association. In our five age groups, risk factors were compared, which included
      physical activity, waist circumference, body mass index, education, smoking,
      lipid profile and family history. Exclusion criteria were placement of an
      individual in the same age-group in the two phases and pregnancy. We calculated
      the prevalence of diabetes and dysglycemia in each age-group. Age-specific
      prevalence rates were determined. Prevalence of risk factors in the two phases
      were compared using chi-square test and Student t-test. Mann-Whitney U test was
      used to analyze the variables with non-normal distribution. RESULTS: In this
      study, 3976 individuals were recruited in phase 1 (2308 women and 1668 men;
      female to male ratio 1.38) and 4941 individuals were recruited in phase 4 (2837
      women and 2104 men; female to male ratio 1.35). Prevalence of prediabetes in all
      age groups (except for the 30-39 years age-group) were increased in phase 4
      compared to phase 1. Prevalence of known diabetes in all age groups were
      increased in phase 4 compared to phase 1, yet, the increase was significant only
      in the 30-39 and 60-69 years age groups (1.8% vs. 0.7% and 19.0% vs. 10.2%,
      respectively). Newly diagnosed diabetes was decreased in all age groups in phase
      4, except for the 60-69 years age-group. The incidence of newly diagnosed
      diabetes in the 60-69 years age-group was significantly higher in phase 4
      compared to the similar age-group of phase 1 (15.2% vs. 11.8%; p<0.001). Physical
      activity, body mass index, waist circumference (central obesity), general
      obesity, smoking (except for the 30-39 and 40-49 years age groups), and level of
      education were significantly higher in phase 4 compared to phase 1. Marriage
      rates were significantly lower in phase 4 compared to phase 1 across all studied
      age groups. CONCLUSION: We observed an increasing trend in the prevalence of
      diabetes over a 10-year period in TLGS. This is an accordance with estimates in
      this field and highlights the need for education, prevention, treatment and
      control of diabetes. We also found increased rates of central and general
      obesity, smoking and divorce along with decreased marriage rates, which should be
      considered by the healthcare policymakers and state health officials as
      significant risk factors of diabetes.

PMID- 27666005
TI  - Preparation before acid etching in fissure sealant therapy: yes or no?: A
      systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The authors of this systematic review and meta-analysis had 2 aims:
      to evaluate fissure sealant retention with and without the use of a preparation
      method and to compare fissure sealant retention using the preparation-only method
      before sealant placement with the conventional acid-etching procedure. TYPES OF
      STUDIES REVIEWED: The authors conducted a literature search (from database
      inception through June 2, 2016) to identify studies for inclusion in this
      systematic review. The authors assessed the quality of the evidence with the
      modified Jadad scale and performed the meta-analysis by using a random-effects
      model. RESULTS: The authors considered 12 studies (8 for the first part and 4 for
      the second part) that met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review and
      meta-analysis. In the analysis of the first part of the systematic review, the
      authors found that the preparation method before acid etching had a significant
      positive effect on fissure sealant retention (odds ratio, 3.262; 95% confidence
      interval, 1.782-5.971; P = .001). In the analysis of the second part of the
      systematic review, the authors found that there were no significant differences
      between the preparation-only method and the conventional acid-etching method in
      terms of fissure sealant retention (odds ratio, 1.241; 95% confidence interval,
      0.534-2.888; P = .616). CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The use of a
      preparation method before fissure sealant application can increase sealant
      retention. However, preparation alone cannot substitute the conventional acid
      etching method before sealant placement.

PMID- 27666006
TI  - Predictors for bowel resection and the presence of a pathological lead point for
      operated childhood intussusception: A multi-center study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intussusception may require bowel resection. Here, we aim to define
      factors that predict the need of bowel resection and the presence of pathological
      lead point. METHODS: A retrospective review was taken from three tertiary centers
      for all operated intussusception patients from January 2010 to December 2014.
      Patient demographics were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed, and risk
      factors were derived by binary logistic regression. RESULTS: Five thousand ninety
      six patients were treated for intussusception with 73 (57 male, 16 female)
      operated. The median age was 23.2months, and median duration of symptoms was
      2days. Twenty-eight patients (38.4%) required bowel resection. Logistic
      regression demonstrated that older age (p=0.018) and longer duration of symptoms
      (p=0.009) were associated with bowel resection. Furthermore, older age was a
      predictive factor for the presence of a pathological lead point (p=0.01). A
      palpable abdominal mass was also found to be associated with the need of bowel
      resection (risk ratio 2.3) and the presence of pathological lead point (risk
      ratio 2.3) independently. CONCLUSION: Older age at presentation and a longer
      duration of symptoms are positive predictors for the need of bowel resection in
      intussusception. The presence of a pathological lead point is more likely in
      older children. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Case series with no comparison group - Level
      IV.

PMID- 27666007
TI  - More than one-third of successfully nonoperatively treated patients with
      complicated appendicitis experienced recurrent appendicitis: Is interval
      appendectomy necessary?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although nonoperative treatment (non-OPT) for complicated
      appendicitis is performed widely, the long-term outcomes and merits of interval
      appendectomy (IA) need to be evaluated. METHODS: Between April 2007 and December
      2013, all appendicitis patients with well-circumscribed abscess or phlegmon were
      required to select either laparoscopic surgery (OPT) or non-OPT with optional IA
      on admission. Optional IA was planned at >=3months after non-OPT. For non-OPT,
      intravenous injection of antibiotics was continued until the serum C-reactive
      protein concentration decreased to <0.5mg/dL, with occasional drainage of
      abscesses. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients chose OPT, and 55 chose non-OPT. Among
      non-OPT patients, 16 selected IA. The success rate of non-OPT was 98.2%.
      Recurrence occurred in 13 (34.2%) of the 38 non-IA group patients. Although the
      non-IA group patients frequently had perforated appendicitis at recurrence, they
      visited the hospital earlier than at the initial appendicitis and had less
      inflammation. Readmission rate or complications in patients undergoing IA were
      not different compared with those of the patients in the non-IA group, who had
      recurrence at >=3months, or with those of patients in the OPT group. CONCLUSION:
      Although many patients experienced recurrent appendicitis after successful
      nonoperative treatment, IA may not be necessary after non-OPT. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
      Prospective comparative study, level II.

PMID- 27666008
TI  - Same day discharge protocol implementation trends in laparoscopic cholecystectomy
      in pediatric patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: After investigating barriers for same day discharge (SDD) after
      laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), we employed a protocol which we have followed
      with a prospective, observational study. METHODS: A single institution,
      prospective observational study was performed from July 2014 to 2015 (2nd
      period). These data were compared to our initial experience with an SDD protocol
      from January 2013 to July 2014 (1st period). RESULTS: A total of 191 LCs were
      analyzed, 116 in the 1st period and 75 in the second period. In the 1st period,
      47% were discharged the same day compared to 78% in the 2nd period (P<0.001).
      There was no difference in postoperative complications or readmissions between
      those discharged and those who spent the night. Additionally, there was no
      difference between admitted and SDD patients in age, BMI, or gender. Reasons for
      admission included pain (12%) and emesis (12%), and 1 patient had a syncopal
      event. However, the majority stayed with no identifiable patient factor.
      CONCLUSION: SDD after LC is safe and effective and implementing and revising a
      standardized clinical protocol can substantially improve the success of SDD.
      LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective comparative study, level III.

PMID- 27666009
TI  - Transplanted Human Stem Cell-Derived Interneuron Precursors Mitigate Mouse
      Bladder Dysfunction and Central Neuropathic Pain after Spinal Cord Injury.
AB  - Neuropathic pain and bladder dysfunction represent significant quality-of-life
      issues for many spinal cord injury patients. Loss of GABAergic tone in the
      injured spinal cord may contribute to the emergence of these symptoms. Previous
      studies have shown that transplantation of rodent inhibitory interneuron
      precursors from the medial ganglionic eminence (MGE) enhances GABAergic signaling
      in the brain and spinal cord. Here we look at whether transplanted MGE-like cells
      derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESC-MGEs) can mitigate the pathological
      effects of spinal cord injury. We find that 6 months after transplantation into
      injured mouse spinal cords, hESC-MGEs differentiate into GABAergic neuron
      subtypes and receive synaptic inputs, suggesting functional integration into host
      spinal cord. Moreover, the transplanted animals show improved bladder function
      and mitigation of pain-related symptoms. Our results therefore suggest that this
      approach may be a valuable strategy for ameliorating the adverse effects of
      spinal cord injury.

PMID- 27666010
TI  - A Transient Developmental Hematopoietic Stem Cell Gives Rise to Innate-like B and
      T Cells.
AB  - The generation of distinct hematopoietic cell types, including tissue-resident
      immune cells, distinguishes fetal from adult hematopoiesis. However, the
      mechanisms underlying differential cell production to generate a layered immune
      system during hematopoietic development are unclear. Using an irreversible
      lineage-tracing model, we identify a definitive hematopoietic stem cell (HSC)
      that supports long-term multilineage reconstitution upon transplantation into
      adult recipients but does not persist into adulthood in situ. These HSCs are
      fully multipotent, yet they display both higher lymphoid cell production and
      greater capacity to generate innate-like B and T lymphocytes as compared to
      coexisting fetal HSCs and adult HSCs. Thus, these developmentally restricted HSCs
      (drHSCs) define the origin and generation of early lymphoid cells that play
      essential roles in establishing self-recognition and tolerance, with important
      implications for understanding autoimmune disease, allergy, and rejection of
      transplanted organs.

PMID- 27666012
TI  - Bone marrow stromal cells attenuate LPS-induced mouse acute liver injury via the
      prostaglandin E 2-dependent repression of the NLRP3 inflammasome in Kupffer
      cells.
AB  - The nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain-like receptor 3 (NLRP3)
      inflammasome participates in the pathogenesis of acute liver injury during
      sepsis. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) attenuate sepsis through
      prostaglandin E 2 (PGE2) by increasing the interleukin-10 (IL-10) production of
      macrophages; moreover, NLRP3 inflammasome assembly is effectively regulated by IL
      10 during infection. Whether BMSCs have an effect on the activation of the NLRP3
      inflammasome and its underlying mechanism is unclear. Administering of BMSCs to
      mice or KCs after LPS stimulating have improved liver function and reduced
      activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in KCs. The beneficial effect of BMSCs was
      enhanced by over-expression of PGE2 and eliminated by silence of PGE2.
      Additionally, The IL-10 levels in the serum and supernatant were increased by
      given BMSCs and further increase by PGE2 over-expressed BMSCs, but decreased
      markedly by PGE2 silenced BMSCs. Furthermore, extracellular signal-regulated
      kinase 1 (ERK1) inhibitor reduced IL-10 production in KCs and blocked the
      inhibitory effect of PGE2 on the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Our data
      reveal a novel mechanism of BMSC-mediated suppression of the activation of KCs
      through the secretion of PGE2 by BMSCs, which promotes KCs to secrete IL-10,
      leading to the inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome in KCs.

PMID- 27666013
TI  - Cell surface cathepsin G activity differs between human natural killer cell
      subsets.
AB  - Natural killer (NK) cells are critical in diverse defense mechanisms, including
      elimination of viral infected cells and destruction of tumor cells. NK cells are
      characterized by the ability to initiate apoptosis in target cells when their
      cell surface major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I) repertoire is
      missing. On the other hand, NK cells are not activated when MHC I or non
      classical MHC molecules are found on the respective cells. It was demonstrated
      that cathepsin G (CatG) binds to the cell surface of NK cells; however, the
      distribution of this protease on the cell surface of NK cell subsets has not been
      identified. Here, we show that CatG cell surface level differs between NK cell
      subsets. CatG was determined on the protein- and activity level (activity-based
      probe MARS116) by using flow cytometry. Thus, MARS116 is a novel reporter of cell
      surface CatG activity and can be used to differentiate between distinct NK cell
      subsets.

PMID- 27666011
TI  - Mesenchymal Inflammation Drives Genotoxic Stress in Hematopoietic Stem Cells and
      Predicts Disease Evolution in Human Pre-leukemia.
AB  - Mesenchymal niche cells may drive tissue failure and malignant transformation in
      the hematopoietic system, but the underlying molecular mechanisms and relevance
      to human disease remain poorly defined. Here, we show that perturbation of
      mesenchymal cells in a mouse model of the pre-leukemic disorder Shwachman-Diamond
      syndrome (SDS) induces mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and
      activation of DNA damage responses in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells.
      Massive parallel RNA sequencing of highly purified mesenchymal cells in the SDS
      mouse model and a range of human pre-leukemic syndromes identified p53-S100A8/9
      TLR inflammatory signaling as a common driving mechanism of genotoxic stress.
      Transcriptional activation of this signaling axis in the mesenchymal niche
      predicted leukemic evolution and progression-free survival in myelodysplastic
      syndrome (MDS), the principal leukemia predisposition syndrome. Collectively, our
      findings identify mesenchymal niche-induced genotoxic stress in heterotypic stem
      and progenitor cells through inflammatory signaling as a targetable determinant
      of disease outcome in human pre-leukemia.

PMID- 27666014
TI  - Xinqin exhibits the anti-allergic effect through the JAK2/STAT5 signaling
      pathway.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Xinqin, a polyherbal medicine, is an important
      traditional Chinese herbal formula used in traditional oriental medicine for
      treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR). The formula is based on the Chinese
      Pharmacopoeia AIM OF THE STUDY: Previously, Xinqin exhibited potent anti-allergic
      effect in a guinea pig model of AR. In this study, we explored the molecular
      mechanism of the anti-allergic effect mediated by Xinqin. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      AR was induced in guinea pigs (Hartley) with toluene-2, 4-diisocyanate (TDI) in
      vivo and in HMC-1 mast cells with A23187/phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) in
      vitro. The releases of allergic inflammatory mediators such as histamine,
      leukotriene (LT) D4, immunoglobulin (Ig) E, TNF-alpha, and IL-6 were analyzed for
      allergy. The mast cell degranulation was displayed in HMC-1 mast cells. The
      activities of janus protein kinase 2 (JAK2), signal transduction and activator of
      transcription 5 (STAT5) and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) were
      evaluated by Western blot. RESULTS: Treatment with Xinqin resulted in AR symptoms
      and decreases in levels of histamine, LTD4, IgE, TNF-alpha, and IL-6 in serum of
      guinea pig model of AR and in A23187/PMA-stimulated HMC-1 mast cells. Treatment
      with Xinqin also inhibited cell degranulation in A23187/PMA-stimulated HMC-1 mast
      cells. The JAK2/STAT5 signaling pathway could play an important role in the anti
      allergic activity mediated by Xinqin. CONCLUSIONS: Xinqin exerts the anti
      allergic effect by modulating mast cell-mediated allergic responses by down
      regulating JAK2/STAT5 signaling pathway. Results from this study provide a
      mechanistic basis for the application of Xinqin in the treatment of AR.

PMID- 27666016
TI  - Molecular basis for the formation of ribonucleoprotein complex of Crimean-Congo
      hemorrhagic fever virus.
AB  - Negative-sense single-strand RNA (-ssRNA) viruses comprise a large family of
      pathogens that cause severe human infectious diseases. All -ssRNA viruses encode
      a nucleocapsid protein (NP) to encapsidate the viral genome, which, together with
      polymerase, forms a ribonucleoprotein complex (RNP) that is packaged into virions
      and acts as the template for viral replication and transcription. In our previous
      work, we solved the monomeric structure of NP encoded by Crimean-Congo
      hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), which belongs to the Nairovirus genus within the
      Bunyaviridae family, and revealed its unusual endonuclease activity. However, the
      mechanism of CCHFV RNP formation remains unclear, due to the difficulty in
      reconstructing the oligomeric CCHFV NP-RNA complex. Here, we identified and
      isolated the oligomeric CCHFV NP-RNA complex that formed in expression cells.
      Sequencing of RNA extracted from the complex revealed sequence specificity and
      suggested a potential encapsidation signal facilitating the association between
      NP and viral genome. A cryo-EM reconstruction revealed the ring-shaped
      architecture of the CCHFV NP-RNA oligomer, thus defining the interaction between
      the head and stalk domains that results in NP multimerization. This structure
      also suggested a modified gating mechanism for viral genome encapsidation, in
      which both the head and stalk domains participate in RNA binding. This work
      provides insight into the distinct mechanism underlying CCHFV RNP formation
      compared to other -ssRNA viruses.

PMID- 27666017
TI  - Cardiac DPP-4 inhibition by saxagliptin ameliorates isoproterenol-induced
      myocardial remodeling and cardiac diastolic dysfunction in rats.
AB  - Saxagliptin, a potent and selective DPP-4 inhibitor, is characterized by its slow
      dissociation from DPP-4 and its long half-life and is expected to have a potent
      tissue membrane-bound DPP-4-inhibitory effect in various tissues. In the present
      study, we examined the effects of saxagliptin on in situ cardiac DPP-4 activity.
      We also examined the effects of saxagliptin on isoproterenol-induced the changes
      in the early stage such as, myocardial remodeling and cardiac diastolic
      dysfunction. Male SD rats treated with isoproterenol (1 mg/kg/day via osmotic
      pump) received vehicle or saxagliptin (17.5 mg/kg via drinking water) for 2
      weeks. In situ cardiac DPP-4 activity was measured by a colorimetric assay.
      Cardiac gene expressions were examined and an echocardiographic analysis was
      performed. Saxagliptin treatment significantly inhibited in situ cardiac DPP-4
      activity and suppressed isoproterenol-induced myocardial remodeling and the
      expression of related genes without altering the blood glucose levels.
      Saxagliptin also significantly ameliorated cardiac diastolic dysfunction in
      isoproterenol-treated rats. In conclusion, the inhibition of DPP-4 activity in
      cardiac tissue by saxagliptin was associated with suppression of myocardial
      remodeling and cardiac diastolic dysfunction independently of its glucose
      lowering action in isoproterenol-treated rats. Cardiac DPP-4 activity may
      contribute to myocardial remodeling in the development of heart failure.

PMID- 27666018
TI  - Effect of naftopidil on brain noradrenaline-induced decrease in arginine
      vasopressin secretion in rats.
AB  - Naftopidil, an alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonist, has been shown to inhibit
      nocturnal polyuria in patients with lower urinary tract symptom. However, it
      remains unclear how naftopidil decreases nocturnal urine production. Here, we
      investigated the effects of naftopidil on arginine-vasopressin (AVP) plasma level
      and urine production and osmolality in rats centrally administered with
      noradrenaline (NA). NA (3 or 30 MUg/kg) was administered into the left ventricle
      (i.c.v.) of male Wistar rats 3 h after naftopidil pretreatment (10 or 30 mg/kg,
      i.p.). Blood samples were collected from the inferior vena cava 1 h after NA
      administration or 4 h after peritoneal administration of naftopidil; plasma
      levels of AVP were assessed by ELISA. Voiding behaviors of naftopidil (30 mg/kg,
      i.p.)-administered male Wistar rats were observed during separate light- and dark
      cycles. Administration of NA decreased plasma AVP levels and elevated urine
      volume, which were suppressed by systemic pretreatment with naftopidil (30 mg/kg,
      i.p.). Urine osmolality decreased 1 h after NA administration. However,
      naftopidil by itself had no effect on plasma AVP levels or urodynamic parameters
      during light- and dark cycles. Our findings suggest that systemic administration
      of naftopidil could prevent central noradrenergic nervous system-mediated decline
      in AVP secretion and increase in urine production in rats.

PMID- 27666019
TI  - Characterization of CD46 and beta1 integrin dynamics during sperm acrosome
      reaction.
AB  - The acrosome reaction (AR) is a process of membrane fusion and lytic enzyme
      release, which enables sperm to penetrate the egg surroundings. It is widely
      recognized that specific sperm proteins form an active network prior to
      fertilization, and their dynamic relocation is crucial for the sperm-egg fusion.
      The unique presence of the membrane cofactor protein CD46 in the sperm acrosomal
      membrane was shown, however, its behaviour and connection with other sperm
      proteins has not been explored further. Using super resolution microscopy, we
      demonstrated a dynamic CD46 reorganisation over the sperm head during the AR, and
      its interaction with transmembrane protein integrins, which was confirmed by
      proximity ligation assay. Furthermore, we propose their joint involvement in
      actin network rearrangement. Moreover, CD46 and beta1 integrins with subunit
      alpha3, but not alpha6, are localized into the apical acrosome and are expected
      to be involved in signal transduction pathways directing the acrosome stability
      and essential protein network rearrangements prior to gamete fusion.

PMID- 27666020
TI  - CD38 gene-modified dendritic cells inhibit murine asthma development by
      increasing IL-12 production and promoting Th1 cell differentiation.
AB  - Predominant T helper (Th)2 and impaired Th1 cell polarization has a crucial role
      in the development of asthma. Cluster of differentiation (CD)38 is associated
      with the increased release of interleukin (IL)-12 from dendritic cells (DCs) and
      DC-induced Th1 cell polarization. However, whether CD38 expression affects DC
      function in asthma development remains unknown. In the current study,
      adenoviruses were constructed containing the murine CD38 gene. Overexpression of
      CD38 protein level in DCs induced from bone-marrow derived DCs (BMDCs) by
      recombinant mouse granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor and IL-4 was
      achieved through 24 h adenovirus infection. The results demonstrated that BMDCs
      with CD38 overexpression exhibited no phenotypic change; however, following
      stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), maturation and IL-12 secretion were
      increased. In addition, CD38-overexpressing BMDCs stimulated with LPS exhibited
      more effective Th1 cell differentiation. Mice that were administered CD38
      overexpressing BMDCs exhibited milder symptoms of asthma. Furthermore, decreased
      IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 levels were detected in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF),
      reduced immunoglobulin E levels were measured in the sera, and increased
      interferon-gamma was detected in BALF from the recipients of CD38-overexpressing
      BMDCs. Increased phosphorylated-p38 expression was also detected in LPS
      stimulated CD38-overexpressing BMDCs, whereas pretreatment with a p38-specific
      inhibitor was able to abolish the effects of LPS stimulation and CD38
      overexpression on IL-12 release and Th1 cell differentiation in BMDCs. These
      results suggested that CD38 may be involved in the DC function of alleviating
      asthma via restoration of the Th1/Th2 balance, thus providing a novel strategy
      for asthma therapy.

PMID- 27666022
TI  - Excellent magnetocaloric properties in RE2Cu2Cd (RE = Dy and Tm) compounds and
      its composite materials.
AB  - The magnetic properties and magnetocaloric effect (MCE) of ternary intermetallic
      RE2Cu2Cd (RE = Dy and Tm) compounds and its composite materials have been
      investigated in detail. Both compounds undergo a paramagnetic to ferromagnetic
      transition at its own Curie temperatures of TC ~ 48.5 and 15 K for Dy2Cu2Cd and
      Tm2Cu2Cd, respectively, giving rise to the large reversible MCE. An additionally
      magnetic transition can be observed around 16 K for Dy2Cu2Cd compound. The
      maximum values of magnetic entropy change (-DeltaSMmax) are estimated to be 17.0
      and 20.8 J/kg K for Dy2Cu2Cd and Tm2Cu2Cd, for a magnetic field change of 0-70
      kOe, respectively. A table-like MCE in a wide temperature range of 10-70 K and
      enhanced refrigerant capacity (RC) are achieved in the Dy2Cu2Cd - Tm2Cu2Cd
      composite materials. For a magnetic field change of 0-50 kOe, the maximum
      improvements of RC reach 32% and 153%, in comparison with that of individual
      compound Dy2Cu2Cd and Tm2Cu2Cd. The excellent MCE properties suggest the RE2Cu2Cd
      (RE = Dy and Tm) and its composite materials could be expected to have effective
      applications for low temperature magnetic refrigeration.

PMID- 27666021
TI  - FMRP regulates an ethanol-dependent shift in GABABR function and expression with
      rapid antidepressant properties.
AB  - Alcohol promotes lasting neuroadaptive changes that may provide relief from
      depressive symptoms, often referred to as the self-medication hypothesis.
      However, the molecular/synaptic pathways that are shared by alcohol and
      antidepressants are unknown. In the current study, acute exposure to ethanol
      produced lasting antidepressant and anxiolytic behaviours. To understand the
      functional basis of these behaviours, we examined a molecular pathway that is
      activated by rapid antidepressants. Ethanol, like rapid antidepressants, alters
      gamma-aminobutyric acid type B receptor (GABABR) expression and signalling, to
      increase dendritic calcium. Furthermore, new GABABRs are synthesized in response
      to ethanol treatment, requiring fragile-X mental retardation protein (FMRP).
      Ethanol-dependent changes in GABABR expression, dendritic signalling, and
      antidepressant efficacy are absent in Fmr1-knockout (KO) mice. These findings
      indicate that FMRP is an important regulator of protein synthesis following
      alcohol exposure, providing a molecular basis for the antidepressant efficacy of
      acute ethanol exposure.

PMID- 27666023
TI  - [Corrigendum] Functional analysis of Zyxin in cell migration and invasive
      potential of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells.
AB  - Following the publication of this article, an interested reader drew to our
      attention an anomaly associated with the presentation of Figs. 2 and 3.
      Essentially, there was a direct duplication of certain of the western blotting
      data between Fig. 2 (the E-cadherin and Actin data) and Fig. 3C (the Zyxin and
      Actin data). After having re-examined our original data, we realize that we
      inadvertently duplicated the data from Fig. 2 in Fig. 3C (the Zyxin and Actin
      data). A corrected version of Fig. 3C (containing the true Zyxin and Actin data),
      and, by natural process, also of Fig. 6, are presented below, in which the Zyxin
      data in Figs. 3C and 6 are now correctly shown. Since the Zyxin data was a
      control for the siZyxin knockout of HOC313, this error did not affect the results
      of the Rho family analysis in this study. We sincerely apologize for this
      mistake, and thank the reader of our article who drew this matter to our
      attention. Furthermore, we regret any inconvenience this mistake has caused. [the
      original article was published in the International Journal of Oncology 42: 873
      880, 2013; DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2013.1761].

PMID- 27666024
TI  - Macmillan nurses: fighting cancer with more than medicine.
AB  - The aim of this Learning Unit is to develop nurses' understanding of the role and
      function of Macmillan nurses so that they can identify for whom, and in what
      circumstances, referral to a Macmillan nurse is appropriate.

PMID- 27666025
TI  - If only***.
AB  - If only... it is difficult not to consider the Clothier Report into the Beverly
      Allitt case without hearing the echo of these treacherous words. For staff at
      Grantham and Kesteven Hospital - nurses, doctors and managers alike - it must be
      difficult not to look back in anguish and wonder how much influence they could
      have had in altering the sequence of events that led to the deaths of four
      children.

PMID- 27666026
TI  - Union fears Allitt inquiry findings will gather dust through shortage of cash.
AB  - The Clothier Inquiry into the Beverley Allitt murders has made a series of
      sweeping recommendations which are destined to affect how nurses are screened
      before being allowed into the profession.

PMID- 27666027
TI  - ?
AB  - Four-year-old orphan twins, Nathan and Neressa, aided by Anneka Rice, helped
      Bamardo's and Help the Aged to launch a joint fundraising campaign for families
      under pressure last week. The Sharing the Caring scheme Ls part of the
      International Year of the Family. Rukiyajemmott, a social worker from Harambee
      Family Support Centre in Brixton, also attended the event, held at Madame
      Tussaud's.

PMID- 27666028
TI  - PREP to change.
AB  - Substantial modifications to the UKCC's PREP proposals are likely to be agreed at
      next week's Council meeting.

PMID- 27666015
TI  - Steroid-induced ocular hypertension/glaucoma: Focus on pharmacogenomics and
      implications for precision medicine.
AB  - Elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) due to therapeutic use of glucocorticoids
      is called steroid-induced ocular hypertension (SIOH); this can lead to steroid
      induced glaucoma (SIG). Glucocorticoids initiate signaling cascades ultimately
      affecting expression of hundreds of genes; this provides the potential for a
      highly personalized pharmacological response. Studies attempting to define
      genetic risk factors were undertaken early in the history of glucocorticoid use,
      however scientific tools available at that time were limited and progress
      stalled. In contrast, significant advances were made over the ensuing years in
      defining disease pathophysiology. As the genomics age emerged, it appeared the
      time was right to renew investigation into genetics. Pharmacogenomics is an
      unbiased discovery approach, not requiring an underlying hypothesis, and provides
      a way to pinpoint clinically significant genes and pathways that could not have
      been discovered any other way. Results of the first genome-wide association study
      to identify polymorphisms associated with SIOH, and follow-up on two novel genes
      linked to the disorder, GPR158 and HCG22, is discussed in the second half of the
      article. However, knowledge of genetic variants determining response to steroids
      in the eye also has value in its own right as a predictive and diagnostic tool.
      This article concludes with a discussion of how the Precision Medicine
      Initiative(r), announced by U.S. President Obama in his 2015 State of the Union
      address, is beginning to touch the practice of ophthalmology. It is argued that
      SIOH/SIG may provide one of the next opportunities for effective application of
      precision medicine.

PMID- 27666029
TI  - Government U-turn sinks Guy's but saves the Marsden.
AB  - Health Secretary Virginia Bottomley has refused to say how many nurses will lose
      their jobs after her latest announcement on the future of London's health
      services.

PMID- 27666030
TI  - Up to 1,000 jobs at risk in Scotland.
AB  - Up to 1,000 nursing jobs could go in a shake-up of acute and maternity services
      in Scotland, Unison warned last week.

PMID- 27666032
TI  - UKCC concern over redeployment.
AB  - The UK Central Council is set to condemn trusts and health authorities seeking to
      redeploy enrolled nurses as health care assistants.

PMID- 27666033
TI  - Bursary to help minority ethnic groups.
AB  - A new nursing award, aimed at improving health services for minority ethnic
      groups, was launched by Health Minister Brian Mawhinney at the RCN last week.

PMID- 27666034
TI  - Students 'negative' on cancer.
AB  - Student nurses hold negative attitudes towards cancer and associate the disease
      with inevitable death, a Royal College of Nursing consensus conference heard last
      week.

PMID- 27666035
TI  - Labour plans for complaints overhaul.
AB  - The Labour Party would undertake a review of the United Kingdom Central Council
      as part of a revision of complaints procedures, Shadow Health Secretary David
      Blunkett said last week.

PMID- 27666036
TI  - New meeting on health campaign.
AB  - Officers from the RCN in Northern Ireland and the Province's health department
      are to meet again to discuss the findings of the College's Making It Better
      campaign.

PMID- 27666037
TI  - Anger at DoH failure to check racism.
AB  - Nursing unions fear the government is reneging on proposals to monitor clinical
      grading appeals for possible racial discrimination.

PMID- 27666038
TI  - ?
AB  - A precious porcelain figurine has been lent to the RCN by the Queen Alexandra's
      Royal Army Nursing Corps. Brigadier Dixon-Nuttall. Matron-in-Chief, QARANC,
      noticed at an RCN dinner the absence of a QARANC model among the collection of
      service figurines. It was presented on her behalf to Ros Fraser, Deputy RCN
      President.

PMID- 27666039
TI  - Union protests force rethink on Birmingham health review.
AB  - Protests from nursing unions and other pressure groups have forced health
      authorities in Birmingham to amend plans for a Tomlinson-style review of the
      city's health services.

PMID- 27666040
TI  - Survey reveals falling morale.
AB  - Three in five professional and technical staff in the national health service
      have considered quitting in the past year, a survey by the health union Unison
      revealed last week.

PMID- 27666041
TI  - Warning over sacked worker.
AB  - Ashworth Hospital's decision to sack a senior social worker for allegedly
      supplying an electronics catalogue to a patient could set a dangerous precedent,
      a union officer has warned.

PMID- 27666042
TI  - RCM outrage at pool birth decision.
AB  - A trust's decision to discipline two midwives for granting a mother's wish for a
      water delivery has been denounced as 'unjust, unprecedented and unacceptable' by
      the Royal College of Midwives.

PMID- 27666043
TI  - ?
AB  - Germane experience: Six Welsh student nurses are mastering the German language In
      preparation for an exchange visit to Osnabruck in the spring. It is one of the
      first international exchange schemes in the UK to involve diploma nursing
      students. The students, from the Department of Nursing and Midwifery at the
      University of Glamorgan, will spend 15 weeks sharing practical and theoretical
      knowledge with German nurses. They will work in surgical, care of the elderly and
      paediatric areas.

PMID- 27666045
TI  - Senior Rampton nurse dies of cancer.
AB  - Richard Ferry, the driving force behind the establishment of the Nursing
      Development Unit at Rampton Hospital, has died of cancer at the age of 35.

PMID- 27666044
TI  - Win a trip to Hawaii.
AB  - Nursing Standard is offering the chance to win a fortnight's holiday in Hawaii.
      Fill in the enclosed readership survey, and if you opt to give us your name and
      address you will be entered for the holiday prize draw.

PMID- 27666046
TI  - RCN in deals with university unions.
AB  - The Royal College of Nursing is to join forces with the National Association of
      Teachers in Further Education and the Association of University Teachers.

PMID- 27666047
TI  - Nursing practice award puts children's rights into the health care equation.
AB  - Immediate intervention by health professionals can damage the rehabilitation of
      sexually abused children, Gerison Lansdown, the Director of the Children's Rights
      Development Unit, said last week.

PMID- 27666048
TI  - Audit brings prisons into line.
AB  - Prison health care units are to be asked to complete an audit of nursing services
      in a bid to bring them into line with standards in the NHS.

PMID- 27666049
TI  - Fingertip accident.
AB  - Managers at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital have refused to confirm
      whether disciplinary action will be taken against a nurse who is alleged to have
      accidentally cut off a baby's fingertip.

PMID- 27666050
TI  - Information pack on prostitution.
AB  - An information pack for nurses and others working with drugusing prostitutes has
      been published by Manchester University's Department of Nursing.

PMID- 27666051
TI  - Early warning signals.
AB  - The frightening prospect of what could happen when trust managers get their hands
      on local pay, terms and conditions has been revealed in all its glory. The
      progress of a set of proposals from a Mid-lands trust is being followed by
      managers in other units as a potential model for the introduction of performance
      related pay and local pay bargaining.

PMID- 27666052
TI  - Committed to serve.
AB  - Nursing is a ticket to travel the world. for some this involves working in
      Australia or America, but for those who gathered to celebrate the diversity of
      nursing at the Florence Nightingale Museum, it meant travelling to far less
      hospitable places - those torn apart by war.

PMID- 27666053
TI  - Bailiwick battle.
AB  - When people hear that worked Guernsey for 17 years, they often respond by saying
      how lucky I am. But all is not as it seems. The island's health care system is
      not part of the NHS. It has a non- party system of government and a great deal of
      UK legislation does not apply: in particular that governing equal pay, equal
      opportunities and employment protection.

PMID- 27666055
TI  - Lily livers must watch their assets.
AB  - Let's get one thing straight. The Patient's Charter is nothing to do with a
      patient's right to efficient, decent health care. It is a vehicle used by
      management and government to attack NHS staff.

PMID- 27666054
TI  - Back to basic bedside ministering.
AB  - I have to question whether the 'academics' who are forcing this so-called
      professionalism onto nurses either know or remember what it is like to be in the
      real world of hands-on nursing.

PMID- 27666056
TI  - Robo-support worker invades IJKCC turf.
AB  - Unfortunately, due to some misreporting of my paper to the Society of
      Occupational Health Nurses, the two nurses who commented on your news article
      neither grasped the point, nor the concepts of occupational health practice
      (There's no need to envy NVQs, Taken further to task over NVQs, Letters, January
      12).

PMID- 27666058
TI  - We interrupt this program(me).
AB  - May 1 remind you that we live in Great Britain, not the United States of America.

PMID- 27666057
TI  - Sky diver in Jersey lacks NHS support.
AB  - I'm afraid I did not find Jon Gould's clinical article, The impact of change on
      violent patients (February 2) helpful.

PMID- 27666059
TI  - Lofty ambitions need DIY conversions.
AB  - S Collins asked how she can get support for her EN conversion course (Information
      Exchange, February 2). The answer is to pay for yourself, if you can't get your
      employer to help.

PMID- 27666060
TI  - Information exchange.
AB  - *We have established an enrolled nurse support group, aimed at identifying local
      ENs' needs and obtaining information on further training opportunities.

PMID- 27666061
TI  - Support workers say no to nurses' shoes.
AB  - I must respond to Anna Barret's Viewpoint article, Bendable or expendable
      (January 26), by arguing that perceiving support workers as a 'threat' is both
      illogical and a slight on the characters of the personnel in these posts.

PMID- 27666062
TI  - NUS needs nursing nous now.
AB  - The National Union of Students annual conference is held at Easter each year, but
      so far very few student nurses have attended it.

PMID- 27666063
TI  - Gossip.
AB  - Till death us do parts: if bereavement were not enough of an unhinging experience
      already, more than 40 per cent of the population may in future have to be
      dismantled before meeting their maker - in the interests of environmental
      friendliness.

PMID- 27666064
TI  - Practice nursing - stability and change Practice nursing - stability and change M
      Damant C Martin S Openshaw C V Mosby 128pp L9.95 0-7234-1882-9.
AB  - Practice Nursing is a comprehensive book examining the many, varied and current
      issues regarding the scope of practice nursing within general practice. The aim
      is to inspire practice nurses to provide a high quality service to meet the
      changing health needs of the population.

PMID- 27666065
TI  - Research in health promotion and nursing Research in health promotion and nursing
      J Wilson-Bamett and J Macleod-Clark editors Macmillan 282pp L12.99 0-333-60134-3
      [Formula: see text].
AB  - As suggested by its title, the text concentrates on the interface between
      research and health promotion. The contributors are from a variety of backgrounds
      in the health- science related fields, nationally as well as internationally.

PMID- 27666066
TI  - Improving assessment in rehabilitation and health Improving assessment in
      rehabilitation and health R L Glueckauf et al, editors SAGE Publications 334pp
      L17.95 0-8039-5085-3 [Formula: see text].
AB  - Improving Assessment in Rehabilitation and Health is essentially about research
      in the field of psychological assessment. Robert Glueckauf and his colleagues'
      primary objective is to 'heighten the sensitivity of practitioners and graduate
      students to the conceptual and methodological problems' which affect the quality
      of assessment in rehabilitation.

PMID- 27666068
TI  - Women's lip.
AB  - As nurses get to grips with the implications of the latest pay award, there is
      news of an organisation designed to enable women to identify and cope with
      financial responsibilities and the opportunities available to them.

PMID- 27666067
TI  - Network Factfile.

PMID- 27666069
TI  - Listings.
AB  - Nursing Standard regrets that it is no longer able to take listings over the
      telephone because of unprecedented demand. Readers are reminded that the listings
      section is for the use of charitable and professional organisations, unions and
      health authorities to publicise forthcoming events. Listings should contain all
      relevant details and be posted or faxed to Susan Bloodworth, Nursing Standard,
      Viking House, 17-19 Peterborough Road. Harrow. Middlesex HA 1 2AX. Fax: 081-423
      3867.

PMID- 27666070
TI  - Working backwards: Can variations in neonatal outcomes help identify best
      practice?

PMID- 27666072
TI  - Gasping for air.

PMID- 27666071
TI  - Making the most of the single-family-room NICU.

PMID- 27666073
TI  - Shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma are real problems.

PMID- 27666074
TI  - "Loose joints".

PMID- 27666075
TI  - Neonatal intubation training: the patient comes first.

PMID- 27666076
TI  - 50 Years Ago in TheJournal ofPediatrics: The Suppression of A2 Influenza in
      Children by the Chemoprophylactic Use of Amantadine.

PMID- 27666078
TI  - Corrections.

PMID- 27666077
TI  - 50 Years Ago in TheJournal ofPediatrics: Evaluation of the Effects of Terminating
      the Diet in Phenylketonuria.

PMID- 27666079
TI  - Corrections.

PMID- 27666080
TI  - Views of the presidents of national European pediatric societies on evolving
      challenges of child health care.

PMID- 27666081
TI  - Self-Assembly of Amphiphilic Block Copolypeptoids - Micelles, Worms and
      Polymersomes.
AB  - Polypeptoids are an old but recently rediscovered polymer class with interesting
      synthetic, physico-chemical and biological characteristics. Here, we introduce
      new aromatic monomers, N-benzyl glycine N-carboxyanhydride and N-phenethyl
      glycine N-carboxyanhydride and their block copolymers with the hydrophilic
      polysarcosine. We compare their self-assembly in water and aqueous buffer with
      the self-assembly of amphiphilic block copolypeptoids with aliphatic side chains.
      The aggregates in water were investigated by dynamic light scattering and
      electron microscopy. We found a variety of morphologies, which were influenced by
      the polymer structure as well as by the preparation method. Overall, we found
      polymersomes, worm-like micelles and oligo-lamellar morphologies as well as some
      less defined aggregates of interconnected worms and vesicles. Such, this
      contribution may serve as a starting point for a more detailed investigation of
      the self-assembly behavior of the rich class of polypeptoids and for a better
      understanding between the differences in the aggregation behavior of non-uniform
      polypeptoids and uniform peptoids.

PMID- 27666082
TI  - Expression-based GWAS identifies variants, gene interactions and key regulators
      affecting intramuscular fatty acid content and composition in porcine meat.
AB  - The aim of this work is to better understand the genetic mechanisms determining
      two complex traits affecting porcine meat quality: intramuscular fat (IMF)
      content and its fatty acid (FA) composition. With this purpose, expression Genome
      Wide Association Study (eGWAS) of 45 lipid-related genes associated with meat
      quality traits in swine muscle (Longissimus dorsi) of 114 Iberian * Landrace
      backcross animals was performed. The eGWAS identified 241 SNPs associated with 11
      genes: ACSM5, CROT, FABP3, FOS, HIF1AN, IGF2, MGLL, NCOA1, PIK3R1, PLA2G12A and
      PPARA. Three expression Quantitative Trait Loci (eQTLs) for IGF2, ACSM5 and MGLL
      were identified, showing cis-acting effects, whereas 16 eQTLs had trans
      regulatory effects. A polymorphism in the ACSM5 promoter region associated with
      its expression was identified. In addition, strong candidate genes regulating
      ACSM5, FOS, PPARA, PIK3R1, PLA2G12A and HIF1AN gene expression were also seen.
      Notably, the analysis highlighted the NR3C1 transcription factor as a strong
      candidate gene involved in the regulation of the 45 genes analysed. Finally, the
      IGF2, MGLL, MC2R, ARHGAP6, and NR3C1 genes were identified as potential
      regulators co-localizing within QTLs for fatness and growth traits in the IBMAP
      population. The results obtained increase our knowledge in the functional
      regulatory mechanisms involved in these complex traits.

PMID- 27666083
TI  - Searching for wisdom in oncology care: A scoping review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The concept of "wisdom" is beginning to emerge in the oncology
      literature, raising questions concerning: (1) how the concept of wisdom is used
      in oncology literature; (2) the ways in which wisdom has been a focus of inquiry
      within oncology care; and (3) how wisdom is characterized when the term is used.
      METHOD: A scoping review, using Arksey and O'Malley's five-step framework, was
      undertaken to address these questions. In consultation with oncology reference
      librarians, "wisdom"- and "oncology"-related search terms were identified, and
      four electronic databases were searched: CINAHL, SocINDEX, PubMed, and PsychINFO.
      After removal of duplicates and application of inclusion and exclusion criteria,
      58 records were identified and included for analysis. RESULTS: The concept of
      wisdom was employed with a breadth of meanings, and 58 records were schematized
      into 7 genres, including: (1) empirical research with wisdom foregrounded as a
      study focus (n = 2); (2) empirical research articles where "wisdom" appears in
      the findings (n = 16); (3) a quality-improvement project where wisdom is an
      embedded concept (n = 1); (4) essays where wisdom is an aspect of the discussion
      (n = 5); (5) commentary/opinion pieces where wisdom is an aspect of its focus (n
      = 6); (6) personal stories describing wisdom as something gleaned from lived
      experience with cancer (n = 2); and (7) everyday/taken-for-granted uses of wisdom
      (n = 26). SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: The notion of wisdom has a taken-for-granted
      presence in the published oncology literature and holds promise for future
      research into patient and clinician wisdom in oncology care. Nonetheless, the
      terminology is varied and unclear. A scholarly focus on wisdom has not been
      brought to bear in cancer care to the degree it has in other fields, and research
      is in the early stages. Various characterizations of wisdom are present. If such
      a resource as "wisdom" exists, dwelling in human experiences and practices, there
      may be benefit in recognizing wisdom as informing the epistemologies of practice
      in oncology care.

PMID- 27666085
TI  - Flocculation kinetics of low-turbidity raw water and the irreversible floc
      breakup process.
AB  - The main objective of this study was to propose an improvement to the
      flocculation kinetics model presented by Argaman and Kaufman, by including a new
      term that accounts for the irreversible floc breakup process. Both models were
      fitted to the experimental results obtained with flocculation kinetics assays of
      low turbidity raw water containing Microcystis aeruginosa cells. Aluminum sulfate
      and ferric chloride were used as coagulants, and three distinct average velocity
      gradient (G) values were applied in the flocculation stage (20, 40 and 60 s-1).
      Experimental results suggest that the equilibrium between the aggregation and
      breakup process, as depicted by Argaman and Kaufman's original model, might not
      be constant over time, since the residual turbidity increased in various assays
      (phenomenon that was attributed to the irreversible floc breakup process). In the
      aluminum sulfate assays, the residual turbidity increase was visible when G = 20
      s-1 (dosages of 60 and 80 mg L-1). For the ferric chloride assays, the phenomenon
      was noticed when G = 60 s-1 (dosages of 60 and 80 mg L-1). The proposed model
      presented a better fit to the experimental results, especially at higher
      coagulant dosages and/or higher values of average velocity gradient (G).

PMID- 27666084
TI  - Primary Health Care Providers' Perspectives: Facilitating Older Patients' Access
      to Community Support Services.
AB  - The purpose of the study examined in this article was to understand how non
      physician health care professionals working in Canadian primary health care
      settings facilitate older persons' access to community support services (CSSs).
      The use of CSSs has positive impacts for clients, yet they are underused from
      lack of awareness. Using a qualitative description approach, we interviewed 20
      health care professionals from various disciplines and primary health care models
      about the processes they use to link older patients to CSSs. Participants
      collaborated extensively with interprofessional colleagues within and outside
      their organizations to find relevant CSSs. They actively engaged patients and
      families in making these linkages and ensured follow-up. It was troubling to find
      that they relied on out-of-date resources and inefficient search strategies to
      find CSSs. Our findings can be used to develop resources and approaches to better
      support primary health care providers in linking older adults to relevant CSSs.

PMID- 27666087
TI  - Automated Internal Classification of Beadless Chinese ZhuJi Freshwater Pearls
      based on Optical Coherence Tomography Images.
AB  - Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been applied to inspect the internal
      defect of beadless Chinese ZhuJi fleshwater pearls. A novel fully automated
      algorithm is proposed to classify between normal and defective sub-layer in nacre
      layer. Our algorithm utilizes the graph segmentation approach to estimate the up
      and down boundaries of defect sub-layers from flattened and cropped image, and
      also proposes the strategy for edge and weight construction in segmentation
      process. The vertical gradients of boundary pixels are used to make grading
      decision. The algorithm is tested by typical pearl samples, and achieves 100%
      classification accuracy. The experiment result shows the feasibility and
      adaptability of the proposed approach, and proves that the OCT technique combined
      with proposed algorithm is a potential tool for fast and non-destructive
      diagnosis of internal structure of beadless pearl.

PMID- 27666086
TI  - Effectiveness of Kobayashi plug for 252 ears with chronic patulous Eustachian
      tube.
AB  - CONCLUSIONS: Trans-tympanic plugging of the Eustachian tube (ET) with the
      silicone plug (Kobayashi Plug) induced long-term effectiveness for over 80% of
      chronic and severe patulous ET (PET) patients. The New Kobayashi Plug was more
      effective with fewer complication of plug descent to the pharyngeal orifice.
      OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness and complications of trans-tympanic
      plugging of the ET using a Kobayashi Plug for chronic PET. METHOD: Trans-tympanic
      plugging of the ET using the Kobayashi Plug was performed for 252 ears of 191
      patients. The Prototype Plug (115 ears of 82 patients in 2001-2007) and the New
      Plug (137 ears of 109 patients in 2008-2013) were inserted for chronic PET
      patients. RESULTS: The success rate of the Kobayashi Plug for PET was 83.0% of a
      total (Prototype Plug 80.0%, New Plug 85.4%). In 26 ears, the Prototype Plugs
      were found to have descended toward the nasopharynx. Conversely, this did not
      happen with the New Plug. The rate of TM perforation (Prototype 22.6%, New
      17.5%), middle ear effusion (Prototype 20.2%, New 10.2%) and ventilation tube
      placement (Prototype 14.8%, New 4.4%) decreased after transition to the New Plug.

PMID- 27666088
TI  - DNA barcoding reveals that the common cupped oyster in Taiwan is the Portuguese
      oyster Crassostrea angulata (Ostreoida; Ostreidae), not C. gigas.
AB  - The Pacific cupped oyster, Crassostrea gigas, is one of the major aquacultural
      shellfish species that has been introduced to Europe and America from its native
      source in the West Pacific. In Taiwan, the cultivated cupped oysters along the
      west coast have been identified as C. gigas for over centuries; however, several
      molecular phylogenetic studies have cast doubt upon the existence of this species
      in Taiwan and adjacent waters. Indeed, our analyses of mitochondrial cytochrome
      oxidase I (COI) sequences from 313 Crassostrea collected from 12 locations along
      Taiwanese and southern Chinese coastlines confirm that all samples were the
      Portuguese oyster, C. angulata, rather than C. gigas. Multiple lines of evidence,
      including haplotypic and nucleotide diversity of the COI gene, demographic
      history, and population genetics, suggest that Taiwanese C. angulata is unique,
      probably experienced a sudden population expansion after the Last Glacial Maxima
      around 20,000 years ago, and has a significantly limited genetic connectivity
      across the Taiwan Strait. Our study applies an extended sampling and DNA
      barcoding to confirm the absence of C. gigas in natural and cultivated
      populations in Taiwan and southern China, where we only found C. angulata. We
      highlight the importance of conserving the gene pool of the C. angulata
      population in Taiwan, particularly considering the current threats by large-scale
      environmental disturbances such as marine pollution, habitat destruction, and
      climate change.

PMID- 27666089
TI  - Protein characterization of intracellular target-sorted, formalin-fixed cell
      subpopulations.
AB  - Cellular heterogeneity is inherent in most human tissues, making the
      investigation of specific cell types challenging. Here, we describe a novel,
      fixation/intracellular target-based sorting and protein extraction method to
      provide accurate protein characterization for cell subpopulations. Validation and
      feasibility tests were conducted using homogeneous, neural cell lines and
      heterogeneous, rat brain cells, respectively. Intracellular proteins of interest
      were labeled with fluorescent antibodies for fluorescence-activated cell sorting.
      Reproducible protein extraction from fresh and fixed samples required lysis
      buffer with high concentrations of Tris-HCl and sodium dodecyl sulfate as well as
      exposure to high heat. No deterioration in protein amount or quality was observed
      for fixed, sorted samples. For the feasibility experiment, a primary rat
      subpopulation of neuronal cells was selected for based on high, intracellular
      beta-III tubulin signal. These cells showed distinct protein expression
      differences from the unsorted population for specific (phosphorylated tau) and
      non-specific (total tau) protein targets. Our approach allows for determining
      more accurate protein profiles directly from cell types of interest and provides
      a platform technology in which any cell subpopulation can be biochemically
      investigated.

PMID- 27666090
TI  - Evaluating digestion efficiency in full-scale anaerobic digesters by identifying
      active microbial populations through the lens of microbial activity.
AB  - Anaerobic digestion is a common technology to biologically stabilize wasted
      solids produced in municipal wastewater treatment. Its efficiency is usually
      evaluated by calculating the reduction in volatile solids, which assumes no
      biomass growth associated with digestion. To determine whether this assumption is
      valid and further evaluate digestion efficiency, this study sampled 35 digester
      sludge from different reactors at multiple time points together with the feed
      biomass in a full-scale water reclamation plant at Chicago, Illinois. The
      microbial communities were characterized using Illumina sequencing technology
      based on 16S rRNA and 16S rRNA gene (rDNA). 74 core microbial populations were
      identified and represented 58.7% of the entire digester community. Among them,
      active populations were first identified using the ratio of 16S rRNA and 16S rDNA
      (rRNA/rDNA) for individual populations, but this approach failed to generate
      consistent results. Subsequently, a recently proposed mass balance model was
      applied to calculate the specific growth rate (MU), and this approach
      successfully identified active microbial populations in digester (positive MU)
      that could play important roles than those with negative MU. It was further
      estimated that 82% of microbial populations in the feed sludge were digested in
      comparison with less than 50% calculated using current equations.

PMID- 27666091
TI  - Acoustic-temporal aspects of stop-plosives in the speech of Persian-speaking
      children with cleft lip and palate.
AB  - PURPOSE: The main objective was to examine temporal parameters of stop-plosives
      in Persian-speaking children with repaired cleft lip and palate (CLP). METHOD:
      Eleven children with repaired bilateral CLP and 20 typically-developing children
      participated in the study. Stop-gap duration (SGD) and voice-onset time (VOT)
      were measured based on digital waveform and spectrographic displays. RESULT:
      Separate linear mixed model analyses showed significantly longer SGDs for
      children with CLP for all plosives in word-mid and final positions. Furthermore,
      children with CLP tend to produce longer VOTs for all voiceless plosives.
      CONCLUSION: Persian-speaking children with repaired CLP prolong stop-gap
      segments, similar to findings reported for English-speaking children with CLP.
      Prolonged segments may be due to an active strategy to increase oral air pressure
      and/or improve perceptual accuracy of speech segments.

PMID- 27666092
TI  - An ab initio study of the polytypism in InP.
AB  - The existence of polytypism in semiconductor nanostructures gives rise to the
      appearance of stacking faults which many times can be treated as quantum wells.
      In some cases, despite of a careful growth, the polytypism can be hardly avoided.
      In this work, we perform an ab initio study of zincblende stacking faults in a
      wurtzite InP system, using the supercell approach and taking the limit of low
      density of narrow stacking faults regions. Our results confirm the type II band
      alignment between the phases, producing a reliable qualitative description of the
      band gap evolution along the growth axis. These results show an spacial asymmetry
      in the zincblende quantum wells, that is expected due to the fact that the
      wurtzite stacking sequence (ABAB) is part of the zincblende one (ABCABC), but
      with an unexpected asymmetry between the valence and the conduction bands. We
      also present results for the complex dielectric function, clearly showing the
      influence of the stacking on the homostructure values and surprisingly proving
      that the correspondent bulk results can be used to reproduce the polytypism even
      in the limit we considered.

PMID- 27666093
TI  - NHS England's HIV scandal.

PMID- 27666094
TI  - The Missing Type campaign.

PMID- 27666095
TI  - Using a change model to reduce the risk of surgical site infection.
AB  - A surgical site infection (SSI) surveillance module completed in 2014 highlighted
      that infection rates for breast surgery inpatients and readmissions at an acute
      trust had increased to 2.2%, from 0.5% in 2012. The national benchmark for 2014
      established by Public Health England (PHE) was 1.0%. This demonstrated a greater
      than fourfold absolute increase in SSI for breast surgery during these periods.
      The infection rate could have been due to chance, but warranted investigation.
      The results were presented to the breast team and used to drive practice
      transformation through audit and observation, identifying areas of change to
      improve patient safety. The project used a recognised 8-step model for leading
      change developed by John Kotter, a professor at Harvard Business School and world
      renowned change expert. The project presented opportunities to promote infection
      prevention while implementing care improvement strategies and behaviour change in
      partnership with the breast team.

PMID- 27666096
TI  - Assessment and management of the septic patient: part 1.
AB  - Sepsis has gained increasing publicity in recent years, and is now a strong focus
      of clinical education and training following the launch of the 'Surviving Sepsis'
      campaign. The assessment and management of a septic patient are far from simple
      and requires a systematic approach in both identifying and managing the
      condition. This two-part series explores the assessment and management of a
      septic patient, with this article emphasising the need to identify the signs and
      symptoms of sepsis at the early stages if positive patient outcomes are to be
      realised. The ABCDE approach to patient assessment is explored in the context of
      sepsis, as this approach can ensure the nurse will identify sepsis as opposed to
      the basic method of only performing vital observations.

PMID- 27666097
TI  - Using health psychology to help patients: common mental health disorders and
      psychological distress.
AB  - This article provides an overview of how health psychology can be used by nurses
      to help patients experiencing common mental health problems and psychological
      distress. Mental health problems are common and are associated with poor
      outcomes, especially for patients with comorbid physical health conditions.
      Mental health problems are associated with unhealthy behaviours such as smoking,
      physical inactivity, overeating and excessive alcohol use, which will result in
      poorer outcomes for patients. Consideration of a patient's psychological health
      is therefore important for all nurses providing holistic care. Awareness of the
      symptoms of psychological distress, good communication skills and simple
      screening instruments can be used by nurses to assess patients' mental health.
      The cognitive and behavioural risk factors associated with depression and anxiety
      are also explored, as an understanding of these can help nurses to provide
      appropriate care.

PMID- 27666098
TI  - Garden hazards: trampoline injuries.
AB  - Trampolining is more popular than ever, but it can also cause injuries, some of
      them very serious. Siba Prosad Paul, Torbay Hospital, Torquay, Joanna Barnden,
      University of Bristol, and Meridith Kane, Yeovil District Hospital, discuss what
      can be done to prevent them.

PMID- 27666099
TI  - Female genital mutilation and pregnancy: associated risks.
AB  - Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a traditional practice that has no medical
      benefit and severe health consequences for girls and women. This article
      discusses the risks to patients who are pregnant and have had FGM. It will
      describe urinary tract infections caused by FGM, and how this condition increases
      the risk of preterm labour and delivery. It will also address the difficulty in
      vaginal examinations that can be caused by FGM and instances when this can delay
      diagnosis and treatment. In addition, it will explore a number of intrapartum
      risks caused by FGM and the role of deinfibulation in pregnancy. Finally, it will
      look at the link between maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality, and FGM.

PMID- 27666100
TI  - Childhood obesity plan: the Government declares war on sugar.
AB  - Emeritus Professor Alan Glasper, from the University of Southampton, discusses
      the latest Government initiative to tackle the rising levels of childhood obesity
      in the UK.

PMID- 27666101
TI  - Children's nursing: patient safety and clinical risk in neonatal care.
AB  - John Tingle, Reader in Health Law at Nottingham Trent University, discusses a
      recent publication by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) that looks at identifying
      and managing clinical risks in newborn babies.

PMID- 27666102
TI  - Deprivation of liberty and covert medicines: practice implications.
AB  - Richard Griffith, Senior Lecturer in Health Law at Swansea Univeristy, considers
      a recent decision by the Court of Protection.

PMID- 27666103
TI  - Should I stay or should I go? Stress, burnout and nurse retention.
AB  - Janet Scammell, Associate Professor (Nursing), Bournemouth University looks at
      problems retaining nurses.

PMID- 27666104
TI  - Normalising the abnormal is no good.
AB  - Sam Foster, Chief Nurse at Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, considers the
      issues around staffing and the importance of being open about challenges.

PMID- 27666105
TI  - Care and management of a stoma: maintaining peristomal skin health.
AB  - It is estimated that around one in 500 people in the UK are living with a stoma,
      with approximately 21 000 operations that result in stoma formation being
      performed each year ( Colostomy Association, 2016 ). These people face a unique
      set of challenges in maintaining the integrity of their peristomal skin. This
      article explores the normal structure and function of skin and how the care and
      management of a stoma presents challenges for maintaining peristomal skin health.
      Particular focus is paid to the incidence of skin problems for those living with
      a stoma, whether it is temporary or permanent, and the factors that contribute to
      skin breakdown in this population. Wider factors such as the central role of the
      clinical nurse specialist and the impact of product usage on positive outcomes
      and health economics are also considered.

PMID- 27666106
TI  - Stoma Care Nurse of the Year Runner up 2016.

PMID- 27666107
TI  - How stoma care nursing has changed over the course of one nurse's career.
AB  - Pat Black, Associate Lecturer, Birmingham City University and previously Senior
      Lecturer, St Mark's Institute for Gastrointestinal Nursing, looks back at the
      origins of stoma care nursing and ponders what the future might hold.

PMID- 27666108
TI  - Intimacy for patients with a stoma.
AB  - Jennie Burch, Enhanced Recovery Nurse Facilitator, St Marks Hospital, Middlesex,
      looks at what nurses can do to support patients after stoma formation in relation
      to body image and intimacy.

PMID- 27666109
TI  - A reflection on safeguarding in practice.
AB  - Safeguarding is about the protection of the most vulnerable people in our
      society. This article presents a case history of the author's experience of a
      patient with a colostomy and high-output abdominal fistula, who was involved in a
      safeguarding alert. It explores the roles and responsibilities of nurses,
      regardless of specialty, to increase their awareness, understanding and knowledge
      of safeguarding, and the processes in place to protect the most vulnerable people
      they care for.

PMID- 27666110
TI  - Resilience and collaboration.

PMID- 27666111
TI  - Quality of life, wellbeing and care needs of Irish ostomates.
AB  - Having a stoma can reduce a person's quality of life and cause distress. A survey
      of people in Ireland who have had a stoma for an average of 15 years found that,
      while they now have a similar quality of life to the general population, they
      have poorer mental health and a higher level of sexual dysfunction. Respondents
      want to talk about their experiences and may benefit from more opportunities to
      talk to others with a stoma or to stoma care nurses. While most patient
      information suggests that patients can return to their usual diet and their
      clothes, a majority of ostomates have to make changes in these areas; some
      dietary changes have implications for their health. Ostomates in Ireland
      experience continuing problems with leakages and peristomal skin. These issues
      show there is a need for routine, regular follow up of ostomates by stoma care
      nurses. Although most patients found follow up by a community stoma care nurse
      helpful, the provision of this type of service varies.

PMID- 27666112
TI  - Evaluation of monitoring strategies for childhood asthma.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The goal of monitoring pediatric asthma is to obtain and maintain
      asthma control, which is defined as minimizing asthma symptoms, restrictions to
      daily activities and the use of rescue medication. Long term goals include
      reducing the risk of fixed airflow limitation, and preventing asthma
      exacerbations and side effects of treatment. Several monitoring tools are
      available but no consensus exists on how to monitor patients in the most optimal
      way. Areas covered: In this review, we provide an overview of different tools and
      address general considerations on monitoring childhood asthma. Asthma care should
      be tailored to the individual patient. The health care professional should decide
      which monitoring strategy and frequency is optimal for the individual patient.
      Expert commentary: Personalized medicine should be the key issue in monitoring
      asthma in children. It is crucial to monitor disease activity and deterioration
      but there is no monitoring strategy that is clearly superior compared to others:
      The optimal strategy and frequency will vary between patients. Actually, both
      treatment and monitoring of pediatric asthma probably benefit from a personalized
      approach.

PMID- 27666113
TI  - Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung (CCAM), a retrospective
      clinical audit and literature review in a tertiary centre in Scotland over a
      period of 14 years.
AB  - This work was a retrospective audit of CCAM - 1994 to 2008. A total of 26 cases
      were identified. Mean gestational age at diagnosis was 20 weeks. All were
      unilateral and had serial scans. In 31% the lesion resolved, 8% decreased, 42%
      were unchanged and 4% increased in size. Only one foetus developed hydrops. All
      were born alive. Of 8 foetuses where the CCAM was thought to have resolved, 6 had
      persistent lesions (overall sensitivity and PPV of US 64% and 69%, respectively).
      Computerised tomography performed better than chest X-ray in detecting lesions
      postnatally (sensitivity 100% vs 88%, PPV 95% vs 78%). Seventeen cases required
      surgery, 4 conservative management and 2 were discharged following negative CXR;
      12% had associated anomalies. Four babies had recurrent chest infections. CCAMs
      have a good overall prognosis. CT scan rather than CXR should be performed to
      confirm the resolution of antenatally diagnosed lesions. Surgical management is
      the preferred option over conservative management.

PMID- 27666114
TI  - Is there an added value of faecal calprotectin and haemoglobin in the diagnostic
      work-up for primary care patients suspected of significant colorectal disease? A
      cross-sectional diagnostic study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The majority of primary care patients referred for bowel endoscopy do
      not have significant colorectal disease (SCD), and are - in hindsight -
      unnecessarily exposed to a small but realistic risk of severe endoscopy
      associated complications. We developed a diagnostic strategy to better exclude
      SCD in these patients and evaluated the value of adding a faecal calprotectin
      point-of-care (POC) and/or a POC faecal immunochemical test for haemoglobin (FIT)
      to routine clinical information. METHODS: We used data from a prospective
      diagnostic study in SCD-suspected patients from 266 Dutch primary care practices
      referred for endoscopy to develop a diagnostic model for SCD with routine
      clinical information, which we extended with faecal calprotectin POC
      (quantitatively in MUg/g faeces) and/or POC FIT results (qualitatively with a 6
      MUg/g faeces detection limit). We defined SCD as colorectal cancer (CRC),
      inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, or advanced adenoma (>1 cm). RESULTS:
      Of 810 patients, 141 (17.4 %) had SCD. A diagnostic model with routine clinical
      data discriminated between patients with and without SCD with an area under the
      receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.741 (95 % CI, 0.694-0.789).
      This AUC increased to 0.763 (95 % CI, 0.718-0.809; P = 0.078) when adding the
      calprotectin POC test, to 0.831 (95 % CI, 0.791-0.872; P < 0.001) when adding the
      POC FIT, and to 0.837 (95 % CI, 0.798-0.876; P < 0.001) upon combined extension.
      At a >= 5.0 % SCD probability threshold for endoscopy referral, 30.4 % of the
      patients tested negative based on this combined POC-tests extended model (95 %
      CI, 25.7-35.3 %), with 96.4 % negative predictive value (95 % CI, 93.1-98.2 %)
      and 93.7 % sensitivity (95 % CI, 88.2-96.8 %). Excluding the calprotectin POC
      test from this model still yielded 30.1 % test negatives (95 % CI, 24.7-35.6 %)
      and 96.0 % negative predictive value (95 % CI, 92.6-97.9 %), with 93.0 %
      sensitivity (95 % CI, 87.4-96.4 %). CONCLUSIONS: FIT - and to a much lesser
      extent calprotectin - POC testing showed incremental value for SCD diagnosis
      beyond standard clinical information. A diagnostic strategy with routine clinical
      data and a POC FIT test may safely rule out SCD and prevent unnecessary endoscopy
      referral in approximately one third of SCD-suspected primary care patients.
      Please see related article:
      http://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-016-0694-3 .

PMID- 27666115
TI  - The design of clinical trials to support the switching and alternation of
      biosimilars.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Loss of exclusivity for biological therapeutics opens the door for
      biosimilar development. Biosimilars must demonstrate structural, functional, and
      clinical similarity with a currently approved biological originator product. A
      therapeutic alternative for biologic-naive patients, a single switch from an
      originator to biosimilar has also been studied in clinically stable patients;
      further, switching therapy multiple times (alternating) between an originator and
      a biosimilar has been investigated. Because biosimilars are not identical to
      originators and no robust clinical data have convincingly demonstrated that
      switching or alternating therapy of stable patients is safe and efficacious,
      there is an imperative need to understand the characteristics of well-designed
      clinical trials to support these practices. Areas covered: Clinical trials of
      biosimilars are reviewed, with an emphasis on trial designs that incorporate
      therapy switching, including the NOR-SWITCH study as an example. Expert opinion:
      As currently designed, biosimilar clinical trials provide insufficient
      information to support switching or alternating between originator products and
      their biosimilars. Lack of regulatory guidance contributes to this void. More
      robust data are required to inform the safety and efficacy of switching or
      alternating therapies, particularly regarding immunogenicity risks. Studies that
      also include alternations of therapy are needed to address these knowledge gaps.

PMID- 27666116
TI  - Anti-proliferation effects of trifolirhizin on MKN45 cells and possible
      mechanism.
AB  - Trifolirhizin is a compound isolated from Sophora flavescens. It has been shown
      to exert cytotoxicity on several cancer cell lines. However, the underlying
      mechanism remains unknown. MKN45 cells were used as a research model. We assessed
      the cytotoxicity of trifolirhizin to MKN45 by MTT. Hoechst staining and TUNEL
      method were used to demonstrate apoptosis. Flow cytometry was used to determine
      cell cycle and ratio of apoptosis. Caspase activity assay was used to examine the
      activation of caspase cascade pathways. Western blotting was used to explore the
      protein levels. Consistently, trifolirhizin inhibited MKN45 xenograft tumor
      growth in vivo. Trifolirhizin caused a significantly decreased proliferation of
      MKN45 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner, with IC50 values of 33.27+/
      2.06 ug/ml at 48 h. Western blot assay manifested that trifolirhizin activated
      the EGFR-MAPK signaling pathways. This study indicated that trifolirhizin may be
      a therapeutic application in human gastric cancer therapy.

PMID- 27666117
TI  - Structure and magnetic property of potassium intercalated pentacene: observation
      of superconducting phase in K x C22H14.
AB  - We report the results from systematic investigations on the structure and
      magnetic properties of potassium intercalated pentacene as a function of
      potassium content, K x C22H14 (1  ?  x  ?  3). Synchrotron radiation powder x-ray
      diffraction technique revealed that there are two different stable phases can be
      obtained via potassium intercalation, namely, K1C22H14 phase and K3C22H14 phase.
      Structural phase transition was induced when the potassium content was increased
      to the nominal value x  =  3. This phase transition is accompanied by drastic
      change in their magnetic property, where those samples with compositions K1C22H14
      shows ferromagnetic behavior and those with near K3C22H14 lead to observation of
      superconductivity with transition temperature, T c, of 4.5 K. It is first time
      that superconductivity was observed in linear oligoacenes. Both magnetization
      study and synchrotron radiation powder x-ray diffraction clearly indicates that
      the superconducting phase belong to K3C22H14 as a result of phase transition from
      triclinic to monoclinic structure induced by chemical doping.

PMID- 27666118
TI  - Cadmium in Chinese Postharvest Peanuts and Dietary Exposure Assessment in
      Associated Population.
AB  - Cadmium (Cd) in 8698 peanut samples collected from China in 2009-2014 was studied
      to evaluate its contamination level, distribution, and health risk. The average
      Cd concentration was 0.1684 mg kg-1; the range of 2.5-97.5% was 0.0191-0.4762 mg
      kg-1, indicating the cadmium-contaminated peanut level was even lower. Some
      peanut strains for which protein contents had a significant correlation (Pearson
      correlation coefficient r = 0.86**) with the Cd concentration level should be of
      concern. Under the same soil Cd background, the difference in Cd contents in
      different peanut varieties is extremely significant. For example, the Cd
      concentration of Silihong is about 0.4522 mg kg-1, being 7 times higher than that
      of Zhonghua 6. According to the exposure assessment using the probabilistic
      simulation method, the target hazard quotients (THQs) of all groups should be
      below 1. The THQ range in this study was from 0.0035 to 0.0202, suggesting that
      there were no potential noncinogenic effects in any group.

PMID- 27666120
TI  - Corrigendum: The paternal ancestry of Uttarakhand does not imitate the classical
      caste system of India.

PMID- 27666119
TI  - Prognostic and therapeutic value of mitochondrial serine hydroxyl
      methyltransferase 2 as a breast cancer biomarker.
AB  - Mitochondrial serine hydroxylmethyltransferase 2 (SHMT2) is a key enzyme in the
      serine/glycine synthesis pathway. SHMT2 has been implicated as a critical
      component for tumor cell survival. The aim of the present study was to evaluate
      the prognostic value and efficiency of SHMT2 as a biomarker in patients with
      breast cancer. Individual and pooled survival analyses were performed on five
      independent breast cancer microarray datasets. Gene signatures enriched by SHMT2
      were also analyzed in these datasets. SHMT2 protein expression was detected using
      immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay in 128 breast cancer cases. Gene set enrichment
      analysis revealed that SHMT2 was significantly associated with gene signatures of
      mitochondrial module, cancer invasion, metastasis and poor survival among breast
      cancer patients (p<0.05). The clinical relevance of SHMT2 was validated on IHC
      data. The mitochondrial localization of SHMT2 protein was visualized on IHC
      staining. Independent and pooled analysis confirmed that SHMT2 expression was
      associated with breast cancer tumor aggressiveness (TNM staging and Elson grade)
      in a dose-dependent manner (p<0.05). The prognostic performance of SHMT2 mRNA was
      comparable to other gene signatures and proved superior to TNM staging. Further
      analysis results indicated that SHMT2 had better prognostic value for estrogen
      receptor (ER)-negative breast cancer patients, compared to ER-positive patients.
      In cases involving stage IIb breast cancer, chemotherapy significantly extended
      survival time among patients with high SHMT2 expression. These results indicate
      that SHMT2 may be a valuable prognostic biomarker in ER-negative breast cancer
      cases. Furthermore, SHMT2 may be a potential target for breast cancer treatment
      and drug discovery.

PMID- 27666122
TI  - Probing the Molecular Ordering and Thermal Stability of Azopolymer Layer-by-Layer
      Films by Second-Harmonic Generation.
AB  - Polyelectrolyte layer-by-layer (LbL) films have many applications, but several
      parameters and procedures during film fabrication determine their morphology and
      molecular arrangement, with important practical consequences. Here we have used
      optical second-harmonic generation (SHG) to investigate the molecular ordering of
      LbL films containing the anionic azopolymer PS-119 and the cationic
      polyelectrolyte PAH. We show that spontaneous drying leads to laterally
      homogeneous and isotropic films, while the opposite occurs for nitrogen-flow
      drying. The effect of film thickness and pH of the assembling/rinsing solutions
      on the molecular ordering was also investigated. The optical nonlinearity tends
      to significantly decrease for thicker films (~10 bilayers), and a slight
      alternation of SHG intensity for films with odd or even number of layers
      (complete vs incomplete bilayers) was also observed, which results from the
      reorientation of azopolymer groups in the last layer after adsorption of an
      additional PAH layer. We propose a qualitative electrostatic model to explain the
      pH dependence of film growth and azopolymer orientation, which is based on
      changes of the charge density of the substrate and PAH and on different ionic
      screening of electrostatic interactions at various pH values. We also found that
      the nonlinear response presents a gradual and significant reduction upon heating,
      which is inconsistent with a glass transition temperature for these ultrathin LbL
      films. The thermal stability is improved with a combination of low ionic strength
      and higher charge density of the polyelectrolytes and substrate, which promotes
      better interlayer complexation. The SHG signal is recovered upon cooling,
      although for some conditions the molecular arrangement became anisotropic after a
      heating/cooling cycle. Such detailed information about the structural order of
      thin nonlinear optical azopolymer LbL films demonstrates that SHG is a powerful
      technique to probe the film structure at the molecular level, with important
      consequences for their applications in optical devices.

PMID- 27666123
TI  - Lasers for caries removal in deciduous and permanent teeth.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite considerable improvements in oral health, dental caries
      continue to be a public health issue. The most frequently used, and universally
      accepted technique, to remove caries is through mechanical ablation of decayed
      tissues by means of rotating drills (diamond or tungsten carbide, or both). In
      the past few decades, the introduction of adhesive filling materials (resin
      composites) has affected cavity filling procedures by reducing its retention
      needs, with advantages for dental tissue conservation. Consequently, new
      minimally invasive strategies were introduced into dental practice, such as the
      use of lasers to perform highly controlled tissue ablation. Laser use has also
      raised expectations of limiting pain and discomfort compared to using drills, as
      well as overcoming drill phobia. OBJECTIVES: The main objective of the review was
      to compare the effects of laser-based methods to conventional mechanical methods
      for removing dental caries in deciduous and permanent teeth. SEARCH METHODS: We
      searched the following electronic databases: Cochrane Oral Health's Trials
      Register (searched 22 June 2016), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials
      (CENTRAL; 2016, Issue 5) in the Cochrane Library (searched 22 June 2016), MEDLINE
      Ovid (1946 to 22 June 2016), Embase Ovid (1980 to 22 June 2016), ProQuest
      Dissertations and Theses (1980 to 22 June 2016), Zetoc (limited to conference
      proceedings) (1993 to 22 June 2016), and ISI Web of Knowledge (limited to
      conference proceedings) (1990 to 22 June 2016). We checked the reference lists of
      relevant articles to identify additional studies. We searched the US National
      Institutes of Health Ongoing Trials Register ClinicalTrials.gov and the World
      Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform for ongoing
      trials. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials, split-mouth
      trials and cluster-randomised trials (irrespective of their language) comparing
      laser therapy to drill ablation of caries. We included participants of any age
      (children, adolescents and adults). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review
      authors independently screened titles and abstracts of citations identified by
      the review search strategy. Two review authors independently evaluated the full
      text of relevant primary studies, assessed risk of bias and extracted data. We
      used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. MAIN RESULTS: We
      included nine randomised trials, published between 1998 and 2014, involving 662
      participants. The population consisted of both children and adolescents in four
      trials, only adults in four trials, and both children/adolescents and adults in
      one trial. Four studies examined only permanent teeth, and five studies evaluated
      both deciduous and permanent teeth. Six trials used Er:YAG (erbium-doped yttrium
      aluminium garnet) lasers, two trials employed Er,Cr:YSGG (erbium, chromium:
      yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet) lasers, and one trial used Nd:YAG (neodymium
      doped yttrium aluminium garnet) laser.Overall, the trials had small sample sizes,
      and the majority were at unclear or high risk of bias. The primary outcomes were
      evaluated in a limited number of trials (removal of caries (four trials (but only
      two reported quantitative data)); episodes of pain (five studies)). There was
      insufficient evidence to suggest that either lasers or drill were better at
      caries removal (risk ratio (RR) 1.00, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.99 to 1.01;
      2 studies; 256 treated caries; P = 0.75; I2 = 0%; low-quality evidence).The
      incidence of moderate or high pain was greater in the drill group compared to the
      laser group (RR 0.40, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.57; 2 studies; 143 participants; P <
      0.001; I2 = 50%). Similarly, the need for anaesthesia was significantly higher in
      the drill group than in the laser group (RR 0.25, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.65; 3 studies;
      217 children/adolescents; P = 0.004; I2 = 0%).In terms of marginal integrity of
      restoration, there was no evidence of a difference between laser and drill
      comparisons evaluated at 6 months (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.21 to 4.78; 3 studies), 1
      year (RR 1.59, 95% CI 0.34 to 7.38; 2 studies), or 2 years (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.21
      to 4.74; 1 study).There was no evidence of a difference for durability of
      restoration between laser therapy or drill at 6 months' follow-up (RR 2.40, 95%
      CI 0.65 to 8.77; 4 studies), at 1 year (RR 1.40, 95% CI 0.29 to 6.78; 2 studies)
      or at 2 years' follow-up (RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.02 to 14.60; 1 study).Only two trials
      investigated the recurrence of caries, but no events occurred during 6 months'
      follow-up.There was insufficient evidence of a difference between laser or drill
      in terms of pulpal inflammation or necrosis at 1 week (RR 1.51, 95% CI 0.26 to
      8.75; 3 studies) and at 6 months (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.10 to 9.41; 2 studies).
      AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Given the low quality of the body of evidence, we concluded
      that evidence was insufficient to support the use of laser as an alternative to
      traditional drill therapy for caries removal. We found some evidence in favour of
      laser therapy for pain control, need of anaesthesia and patient discomfort, but,
      again, the body of evidence was of low quality. Additional well-designed,
      randomised trials investigating the most relevant outcomes are needed.

PMID- 27666121
TI  - Enzyme Catalysis To Power Micro/Nanomachines.
AB  - Enzymes play a crucial role in many biological processes which require harnessing
      and converting free chemical energy into kinetic forces in order to accomplish
      tasks. Enzymes are considered to be molecular machines, not only because of their
      capability of energy conversion in biological systems but also because enzymatic
      catalysis can result in enhanced diffusion of enzymes at a molecular level.
      Enlightened by nature's design of biological machinery, researchers have
      investigated various types of synthetic micro/nanomachines by using enzymatic
      reactions to achieve self-propulsion of micro/nanoarchitectures. Yet, the
      mechanism of motion is still under debate in current literature. Versatile proof
      of-concept applications of these enzyme-powered micro/nanodevices have been
      recently demonstrated. In this review, we focus on discussing enzymes not only as
      stochastic swimmers but also as nanoengines to power self-propelled synthetic
      motors. We present an overview on different enzyme-powered micro/nanomachines,
      the current debate on their motion mechanism, methods to provide motion and speed
      control, and an outlook of the future potentials of this multidisciplinary field.

PMID- 27666124
TI  - miR-200c regulates crizotinib-resistant ALK-positive lung cancer cells by
      reversing epithelial-mesenchymal transition via targeting ZEB1.
AB  - Crizotinib is an orally administered drug for the treatment of patients with
      anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive locally advanced or metastatic non
      small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Despite the impressive efficacy of crizotinib in
      the treatment of ALK-positive lung cancer, acquired resistance eventually
      develops in the majority of patients. The microRNA (miR)-200c reverses the
      resistance of lung cancer cells to various chemotherapeutic drugs and molecular
      targeted drugs, however, whether it can reverse the resistance of crizotinib
      remains unknown. The present study established a crizotinib resistant cell line
      (NCI-2228/CRI), which was derived from the parental NCI-2228 cell line by long
      term exposure to increasing concentrations of crizotinib. Through overexpression
      and suppression of miR-200c expression, the characteristics associated with
      epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), including morphology, EMT marker
      proteins and cellular mobility, were investigated. Cell viability and invasion
      assays demonstrated that high expression of miR-200c significantly inhibited the
      proliferation, migration and invasion of NCI-2228 cells compared with the
      negative control. A luciferase reporter assay indicated that miR-200c directly
      targeted the 3'-untranslated region of zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1.
      Additionally, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction
      analysis demonstrated that the mRNA levels of N-cadherin and Vimentin were
      decreased in NCI-2228 cells transfected with miR-200c mimic compared with
      negative control cells, whereas the mRNA level of E-cadherin was increased. In
      addition, EMT was reversed by miR-200c, which suggests that miR-200c may serve a
      role in mediating the sensitivity of NCI-2228/CRI cells to crizotinib. The
      present study may therefore contribute to improving the sensitivity of ALK
      positive lung cancer cells to crizotinib.

PMID- 27666125
TI  - Prospects of electrochemical immunosensors for early diagnosis of preeclampsia.
AB  - Preeclampsia is a vascular multisystem disorder that accounts for varying degree
      of morbidity and mortality of mother and the fetus. This can be significantly
      averted if diagnosed at an early (18-20 weeks) stage of gestation, as there is no
      known way to prevent preeclampsia. In spite of extensive work on biomarker
      discovery, the existing method for its detection is mostly based on colorimetric
      immunoassays whose sensitivity is ranging in nanomolar range. Further, it has
      also been observed that change in the expression of a single biomarker is not
      sufficient to diagnose this condition. So, for early diagnosis (by 18-20 weeks),
      an immuno-diagnostic platform with detection limits in picomolar range and beyond
      along with the ability to do simultaneous detection of multiple analyte would be
      of great importance. A nano-immunosensors with an electrochemical readout system
      can be a potential alternative that promises for the ultrasensitive detection of
      analyte with high specificity as well as suitability for on-site analysis.
      Coupling the lateral flow technology with immunosensors would make it feasible to
      detect more than one biomarker simultaneously on a microchip. This review intends
      to summarize the potential preeclampsia biomarkers, limitations of existing
      diagnostic methods along with the recent advancements, and prospects to develop
      electrochemical immunosensors for early clinical diagnosis.

PMID- 27666127
TI  - Perioperative beta-Blockade in Noncardiac Surgery: A Cautionary Tale of Over
      reliance on Small Randomized Prospective Trials.
AB  - PURPOSE: Our aim was to analyze the current scientific literature relevant to the
      use of beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists for the prevention of cardiovascular
      morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing noncardiac surgery. METHODS: A
      PubMed search was conducted for the following concepts: pre- or perioperative,
      beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist, treatment outcome, and cardiovascular
      complication. Randomized clinical trials measuring the effect of beta-adrenergic
      blocking agents against that of placebo on cardiovascular outcomes after
      noncardiac surgery were included in the review. FINDINGS: Two small randomized
      controlled trials published in 1996 and 1999 reported associations between
      perioperative beta-blockade and significant reductions in long-term and 30-day
      cardiac mortality, respectively. These 2 studies prompted guideline changes in
      2002 encouraging perioperative beta-blockade in subsets of noncardiac surgery
      patients. However, subsequent trials failed to validate these results. In 2008,
      the first large randomized controlled trial on the topic was published and found
      an association between perioperative beta-blockade and an increase in
      perioperative mortality. Furthermore, in 2011, the lead author of the 1999 study
      was dismissed from his academic position for scientific misconduct, casting doubt
      on the validity of guidelines based on his work. Existing studies are highly
      heterogeneous, making comparisons difficult. Current literature does not support
      initiating perioperative beta-blockade in noncardiac surgery patients not already
      receiving these medications. IMPLICATIONS: Future research on the topic should
      account for the influence individual genetic variation can have on outcomes and
      beta-blocker metabolism. Additionally, the relationship between outcomes and the
      beta-1 selectivity of different beta-blockers should be explored.

PMID- 27666126
TI  - Acute Pharmacodynamic Effects of Empagliflozin With and Without Diuretic Agents
      in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
AB  - PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to investigate the pharmacodynamic effects of
      co-administration of empagliflozin, a sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor,
      with diuretic agents. METHODS: In a randomized, open-label cross-over study, 22
      patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus received empagliflozin 25 mg for 5 days
      and either hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg for 4 days followed by hydrochlorothiazide
      25 mg plus empagliflozin 25 mg for 5 days, or torasemide 5 mg for 4 days followed
      by torasemide 5 mg plus empagliflozin 25 mg for 5 days; 20 completed treatment.
      Food, fluid, and sodium intake were standardized for 3 days before and during
      treatment. FINDINGS: At baseline, the median age of the treated patients was 56
      years (range, 40-65 years), body mass index was 26.8 kg/m2 (range, 20.1-34.4
      kg/m2), fasting plasma glucose was 8.6 mmol/L (range, 6.0-12.9 mmol/L), and
      glycosylated hemoglobin level was 7.6% (range, 7%-10%). Empagliflozin
      significantly increased 24-hour urinary glucose excretion and reduced fasting
      serum glucose levels. These effects were maintained after co-administration with
      either diuretic. Urinary sodium excretion did not significantly change with
      empagliflozin or diuretic administration alone, but seemed to increase compared
      with either diuretic alone when empagliflozin was co-administered with either
      diuretic. Plasma renin and serum aldosterone levels were unaltered with
      empagliflozin or torasemide alone, but tended to increase with
      hydrochlorothiazide alone, and tended to increase when empagliflozin was co
      administered with a diuretic compared with either diuretic alone. Urinary volume
      did not increase with empagliflozin or diuretics alone, but increased when
      empagliflozin was co-administered with either diuretic. IMPLICATIONS:
      Empagliflozin alone for 5 days increased urinary glucose excretion but did not
      seem to have a relevant impact on urine volume or electrolytes. When
      empagliflozin was co-administered with a diuretic agent, urinary glucose
      excretion remained increased, and the renin-angiotensin system was activated.
      Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01276288.

PMID- 27666128
TI  - Difference between Extra- and Intracellular T1 Values of Carboxylic Acids Affects
      the Quantitative Analysis of Cellular Kinetics by Hyperpolarized NMR.
AB  - Incomplete knowledge of the longitudinal relaxation time constant (T1 ) leads to
      incorrect assumptions in quantitative kinetic models of cellular systems, studied
      by hyperpolarized real-time NMR. Using an assay that measures the intracellular
      signal of small carboxylic acids in living cells, the intracellular T1 of the
      carboxylic acid moiety of acetate, keto-isocaproate, pyruvate, and butyrate was
      determined. The intracellular T1 is shown to be up to four-fold shorter than the
      extracellular T1 . Such a large difference in T1 values between the inside and
      the outside of the cell has significant influence on the quantification of
      intracellular metabolic activity. It is expected that the significantly shorter
      T1 value of the carboxylic moieties inside cells is a result of macromolecular
      crowding. An artificial cytosol has been prepared and applied to predict the T1
      of other carboxylic acids. We demonstrate the value of this prediction tool.

PMID- 27666129
TI  - Using a qualitative approach to conceptualize concerns of patients with
      neurofibromatosis type 1 associated plexiform neurofibromas (pNF) across the
      lifespan.
AB  - Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) plexiform neurofibromas (pNFs) are associated with
      a variety of symptoms and concerns that affect patients' quality of life (QOL),
      highlighting the value of incorporating the patients' perspective when evaluating
      treatment outcomes. To better conceptualize the experience of patients with pNFs,
      this qualitative study sought to identify the most important outcomes to assess
      from the perspective of patients, families, and clinicians. Clinicians, patients
      age 5 years old and above, and parents of patients aged 5-17 years participated
      in semi-structured interviews to elicit the pNF symptoms/concerns considered most
      important to assess. The data were analyzed using an iterative coding procedure
      and the frequency with which symptoms/concerns emerged was tabulated. Eight
      clinicians, 31 patients, and 17 parents of patients participated in semi
      structured interviews. The most frequently reported concerns raised by patients
      across all age groups included pain, appearance/disfigurement, social
      activity/role participation, stigma, and anxiety. For parents, physical
      functioning was the primary concern, followed by pain, social activity/role
      participation, appearance/disfigurement, and social relationships. The resulting
      conceptual framework included five domains to represent the most important
      identified symptoms/concerns: pain, social functioning, physical function impact,
      stigma, and emotional distress. This conceptual framework describing the
      symptoms/concerns of patients with pNF can help investigators create a
      measurement system to improve assessment of aspects of QOL only patients can
      report on. It may also provide the ability to identify symptoms/concerns that
      might warrant referrals to various clinical disciplines. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27666130
TI  - Metastatic breast carcinoma in pleural fluid: Correlation of receptor and HER2
      status with the primary carcinoma-a pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Documenting the four molecular subtypes of breast carcinoma is
      significant as they determine response to therapy, disease free interval and
      survival. Our aim was to document the subtypes defined by immunohistochemistry
      (IHC) expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and human
      epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2): namely ER + PR+ HER2+; ER + PR + HER2
      ; ER-PR-HER2+; and ER-PR-HER2- in metastatic breast carcinoma in pleural fluid
      and compare them with their expression in the primary breast tumor. METHODS: Over
      a period of 18 months, 13 cases of invasive breast carcinoma with metastases to
      the pleural cavity were studied for subtypes. ER, PR, and HER2 were determined by
      IHC in the primary breast tumor and the cell blocks of the pleural fluid with
      metastatic carcinoma. RESULTS: Age ranged from 33 to 75 years. The primary tumor
      was ER + PR + HER2+; ER + PR + HER2-; ER-PR-HER2+ and ER-PR-HER2- in 2,9,0 and
      two cases, respectively while the metastatic tumor in pleural fluid was ER + PR +
      HER2+; ER + PR + HER2-; ER-PR- HER2+ and ER-PR-HER2- in 6, 3, 3, and 1,
      respectively. In five cases there was complete correlation between the primary
      and metastatic tumor. In 7 cases with HER2- primary tumor the metastases was
      HER2+. One from ER + PR+ HER2- primary tumor showed triple negative expression in
      the metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: Determining the molecular subtype in metastatic
      breast carcinoma is of importance as it affects the management. In our series 63%
      of metastatic tumors to the pleural fluid became HER2 positive and would thus
      require appropriate therapy. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2016;44:980-986. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27666132
TI  - Topical phenothrin treatment in a case of crusted scabies with nail involvement.

PMID- 27666131
TI  - Postoperative seizure control in patients with tumor-associated epilepsy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The patterns of postoperative seizure control and response to
      antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in tumor-associated epilepsy (TAE) are poorly
      understood. We aim to document these characteristics in patients with
      supratentorial gliomas. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of 186
      patients with supratentorial gliomas. Seizure patterns were classified into four
      groups: A, no postoperative seizure; B, early postoperative seizure control
      within 6 months; C, fluctuating seizure control; and D, never seizure-free. Rates
      and duration of seizure freedom, subsequent seizure relapse, and response to AED
      were analyzed. RESULTS: Among patients included, 49 (26.3%) had grade II, 28
      (15.1%) had grade III, and 109 (58.6%) had grade IV glioma. Outcome pattern A was
      observed in 95 (51.1%), B in 22 (11.8%), C in 45 (24.2%), and D in 24 (12.9%).
      One hundred nineteen patients had at least one seizure and were classified as
      having TAE. Compared to pattern A, pattern B was predicted by histologic
      progression; pattern C by tumor grade, preoperative seizure, and histologic
      progression, and pattern D by preoperative seizure and gross total resection.
      Among patients with TAE, 57.5% of grade II, 68.2% of grade III, and 26.3% of
      grade IV experienced a period of 12-month seizure freedom. After first 12-month
      seizure remission, 39.1%, 60.0%, and 13.3% of grade II, III, and IV gliomas,
      respectively, experienced subsequent seizure; 22.6% of those with TAE reached
      terminal seizure freedom of at least 12 months on their first postoperative AED
      regimen, 6.5% on their second regimen, and 5.4% on subsequent regimens.
      SIGNIFICANCE: Distinct patterns of postoperative seizure control exist in
      gliomas; they have specific risk factor profiles, and we hypothesize these
      correspond to unique pathogenic mechanisms. Twelve-month seizure freedom with
      subsequent relapse is frequent in grade II-III gliomas. Response to AEDs is
      markedly poorer than with non-TAE, highlighting the complex epileptogenicity of
      gliomas.

PMID- 27666134
TI  - The Work of Inscription: Antenatal Care, Birth Documents, and Shan Migrant Women
      in Chiang Mai.
AB  - For transnational migrant populations, securing birth documents of newly born
      children has crucial importance in avoiding statelessness for new generations.
      Drawing on discussions of sovereignty and political subjectivization, I ask how
      the fact of birth is constituted in the context of transnational migration. Based
      on ethnographic data collected from an antenatal clinic in Thailand, this article
      describes how Shan migrant women from Myanmar (also known as Burma) utilize
      reproductive health services as a way of assuring a safe birth while acquiring
      identification documents. Paying close attention to technologies of inscription
      adopted for maternal care and birth registration, I argue that enacting
      bureaucratic documents offers a chance for migrant women to bridge the interstice
      between human and citizen. Birth certificates for migrant children, while
      embodying legal ambiguity and uncertainty, epitomize non-citizen subjects'
      assertion of their political relationship with the state.

PMID- 27666133
TI  - Palaeobiology of Hyaenodon exiguus (Hyaenodonta, Mammalia) based on morphometric
      analysis of the bony labyrinth.
AB  - Species of the extinct genus Hyaenodon were among the largest carnivorous mammals
      from the Late Eocene through Early Miocene in North America, Europe and Asia. The
      origin, phylogeny and palaeobiology of Hyaenodonta are still ambiguous. Most
      previous studies focused on teeth and dental function in these highly adapted
      species, which might be influenced by convergent morphologies. The anatomy of the
      bony labyrinth in vertebrates is generally quite conservative and, additionally,
      was used in functional-morphological studies. This study provides the first
      anatomical description of the bony labyrinth of the extinct European species
      Hyaenodon exiguus in comparison to selected extant carnivoran taxa discussed from
      a functional-morphological perspective. Hyaenodon exiguus may have occupied a
      hyaena-like dietary niche with a semi-arboreal lifestyle, based on the relative
      height, width and length of the semicircular canals of the inner ear. However,
      this contradicts previous functional-morphological studies focusing on the
      diameter of the canals, which presumably represent the signal of locomotion mode.

PMID- 27666135
TI  - Rapid synthesis of flavone-based monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors targeting two
      active sites using click chemistry.
AB  - A new library of flavone derivatives targeting two active sites of monoamine
      oxidases ("aromatic cage" and substrate cavity) were designed and synthesized
      using click chemistry (CuAAC reaction) between 6-N3 -2-phenyl chromones (Az1-Az2)
      and a series of alkynes (k1-k20). Their inhibitory activities against MAO
      isoforms (MAO-A and MAO-B) are evaluated. Compounds with fluorine, amide bonds,
      or amino bonds have shown better inhibition. The most potent flavone MAO
      inhibitor studied is Az2k19 (1.6 MUm for MAO-A, 2.1 MUm for MAO-B), while Az1k15
      and Az2k15 displayed better selectivity toward MAO-B (SI > 10). Docking studies
      are in accordance with our hypothesis that these inhibitors are most likely
      located at both the substrate cavity and the "aromatic cage". Our results show
      that it is considerable to develop new MAO inhibitors from C6 substitution of
      flavone derivatives and that these compounds are also potential for the treatment
      of diseases associated with MAOs.

PMID- 27666136
TI  - Microvascular reactivity and endothelial glycocalyx degradation when
      administering hydroxyethyl starch or crystalloid during off-pump coronary artery
      bypass graft surgery: a randomised trial.
AB  - The infusion of fluids to patients may affect tissue microcirculation and the
      endothelial glycocalyx. However, the effects of hydroxyethyl starch and
      crystalloid on endothelial glycocalyx degradation and microvascular reactivity
      have not been evaluated in detail. We hypothesised that hydroxyethyl starch may
      cause less endothelial glycocalyx degradation and better microvascular reactivity
      than that caused by crystalloid. We randomly allocated 120 patients undergoing
      off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery to receive up to 20 ml.kg-1 of
      either hydroxyethyl starch 670/0.75 or crystalloid for intra-operative fluid
      resuscitation. Crystalloid was then infused to meet ongoing fluid requirements.
      During the peri-operative period, vascular occlusion tests were performed to
      assess microvascular reactivity, and serum syndecan-1 was measured as an index of
      endothelial glycocalyx degradation. The median (IQR [range]) fluid infused during
      surgery was significantly less in the hydroxyethyl starch group than the
      crystalloid group; 2800 (2150-3550 [1400-7300]) vs. 3925 (3100-4725 [1900-6700])
      ml, respectively, p < 0.001. Vascular occlusion test parameters, including tissue
      oxygen saturation, occlusion and recovery slope did not differ significantly
      between the groups. Peri-operative changes in syndecan-1 were not significantly
      different between the groups. We conclude that, in patients undergoing off-pump
      coronary artery bypass graft surgery, compared with crystalloid, the use of
      hydroxyethyl starch 670/0.75 did not result in significant differences in
      microvascular reactivity or endothelial glycocalyx degradation.

PMID- 27666137
TI  - Cost-effectiveness, in a randomized trial, of glass-ionomer-based and resin
      sealant materials after 4 yr.
AB  - This study, conducted from a government program perspective, compared the
      incremental cost-effectiveness of oral health interventions, in particular their
      delivery to underserved populations in whom dental sealants constitute an
      important, high-yielding complement to toothbrushing in dental-caries prevention.
      The study data concern the relative cost-effectiveness of three sealant materials
      in four approaches to prevent cavitated dentine carious lesions in permanent
      molars in a community intervention trial among school-age children in Wuhan,
      China. The four approaches were high-viscosity glass-ionomer cement without heat
      application (HVGIC); high-viscosity glass-ionomer cement with heat application
      [light-emitting diode (LED) thermocured HVGIC]; glass-carbomer; and composite
      resin. The costs studied were: cost of sealing permanent molars; adverse event
      costs for restoring cavitated dentine carious lesions developing within 4 yr in
      study data; and projections of 1,000 sealants per group. Preventing one more
      cavitated dentine carious lesion cost US$105 for the study data when comparing
      HVGIC (n = 405) with composite resin (n = 396) and US$59 per 1,000 sealants in
      the projections; LED thermocured HVGIC compared with composite resin cost US$115
      for one more cavitated lesion and US$52 per 1,000 sealants, respectively.
      Although more expensive than composite resin, LED thermocured HVGIC was
      identified as the most cost-effective among the sealant materials studied. Ease
      of application, minimal technical and infrastructure requirements, and cost
      effectiveness make glass-ionomers a practicable option for governments making
      decisions under economic constraints.

PMID- 27666139
TI  - Celecoxib enhances the inhibitory effect of 5-FU on human squamous cell carcinoma
      proliferation by ROS production.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The role of celecoxib in preventing and treating tumors has attracted
      broad attention in recent years because of its selective and specific inhibition
      of COX-2 activity. We investigated the inhibitory effects and mechanisms of
      celecoxib combined with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) on proliferation of squamous cell
      carcinoma cells in vivo and in vitro. STUDY DESIGN: Animal study and basic
      research. METHODS: SNU-1041 and SNU-1076 squamous cell lines and an orthotopic
      tongue cancer mouse model were used to study growth inhibition with 5-FU enhanced
      by celecoxib. Sensitivity of cells to drug treatment was analyzed by the MTT
      assay, and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured using
      dichlorofluorescein diacetate. Phosphorylation of AKT was detected by Western
      blotting. Survival analysis in the mouse model was assessed according to
      combination treatment with 5-FU and celecoxib. RESULTS: Reactive oxygen species
      production in vitro was highest when celecoxib was administered 48 hours after 5
      FU treatment. 5-FU-induced inhibition of cell proliferation was enhanced when
      combined with celecoxib, which was positively correlated with ROS production.
      Antioxidant treatment reversed 5-FU-inhibited cell proliferation by up to 60%.
      Cotreatment with celecoxib and 5-FU partially blocked AKT phosphorylation,
      although no significant changes in total AKT protein levels were detected. An
      increased survival time was observed in an orthotopic mouse model treated with a
      combination of celecoxib and 5-FU compared to treatment with either agent alone.
      CONCLUSION: Celecoxib may have an enhanced anticancer effect in combination with
      5-FU. Reactive oxygen species production may be a key mechanism in this
      combination therapy by inhibiting the AKT pathway. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A.
      Laryngoscope, 127:E117-E123, 2017.

PMID- 27666138
TI  - D2-resected stage IIIc gastric cancer patients benefit from adjuvant
      chemoradiotherapy.
AB  - Although adjuvant chemoradiotherapy has been an important part in the treatment
      of gastric cancer, whether or not adjuvant radiation can benefit patients
      undergoing resection with D2 lymph node dissection remains controversial. This
      retrospective study aimed to evaluate the role of adjuvant chemoradiotherapy on
      patients with D2-resected gastric cancer. A total of 337 patients with resected
      gastric cancer treated at Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University from 2004 to 2012
      were retrospectively analyzed. Eligible patients were divided into the adjuvant
      chemoradiotherapy group (CRT; n = 124) and the adjuvant chemotherapy group (CT; n
      = 213). The primary endpoints were disease-free survival (DFS) and overall
      survival (OS), with toxicity as the secondary endpoint. A subgroup analysis was
      performed based on clinical staging. The two groups were comparable in baseline
      characteristic, except for the number of lymph nodes dissected. The median OSs in
      the CRT and CT groups were 51.0 months and 48.6 months, respectively (P = 0.251),
      and the median DFSs were 40.7 months and 31.2 months, respectively (P = 0.112).
      Subgroup analysis revealed that the median OSs in patients at stage IIIc in the
      CRT group and CT group were 29.0 and 23.0 months, respectively (P = 0.049), and
      those of the median DFSs were 21.2 and 15.1 months, respectively (P = 0.015).
      There was no significant difference in main adverse events between two groups.
      Collectively, adjuvant chemoradiotherapy in gastric cancer patients with D2
      resection was well tolerated. For Stage IIIc patients, the addition of adjuvant
      chemoradiotherapy was associated with a significant benefit in both OS and DFS.

PMID- 27666140
TI  - The new intra-articular calcaneal fracture classification system in term of
      sustentacular fragment configurations and incorporation of posterior calcaneal
      facet fractures with fracture components of the calcaneal body.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to develop a new calcaneal fracture
      classification system which will consider sustentacular fragment configuration
      and relation of posterior calcaneal facet to calcaneal body. METHODS: The new
      classification system used sustentacular fragment configuration and relation of
      posterior calcaneal facet fracture with fracture components of calcaneal body as
      key aspects of main types and subtypes. Between 2000 and 2014, 126 intraarticular
      calcaneal fractures were classified according to the new classification system by
      using computed tomography images. The new classification system was studied in
      term of reliability, correlation to choices of treatment, implant fixation and
      quality of fracture reduction. RESULTS: Types of sustentacular fragment comprised
      type A, B and C. Type A sustentacular fragment included sustentacular tali
      containing middle calcaneal facet. In Type B and C fractures sustentacular
      fragment included medial aspect and entire posterior calcaneal facet as a single
      unit, respectively. The fractures with type A, B and C sustentacular fragments
      were classified as main type A, B and C intra-articular calcaneal fractures. The
      main type A and B comprised 4 subtypes. Subtypes A1, A3, B1, and B3 associated
      with avulsion and bending fragments of calcaneal body. Subtype A2, B2, and B4
      associated with burst calcaneal body. Subtype B4 was not found in the study. Main
      type C had no subtype and associated with burst calcaneal body. The data showed
      good reliability. CONCLUSION: The study showed that our new intra-articular
      calcaneal fracture classification system correlates to choices of treatment,
      implant fixation and quality of fracture reduction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV,
      Study of Diagnostic Test.

PMID- 27666142
TI  - Response to letter to the Editor re 'Surgery in Disorders of Sex Development
      (DSD) with a gender issue: If (why), when and how?'

PMID- 27666141
TI  - Iatrogenic lateral meniscus anterior horn injury in different tibial tunnel
      placement techniques in ACL reconstruction surgery - A cadaveric study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of tibial tunnel
      positioning in single bundle and double bundle ACL reconstructions on lateral
      meniscus anterior root. MATERIALS: Twelve single knee cadavers were used, 6 for a
      single bundle ACL reconstruction, which were reamed gradually starting from 8 mm,
      9 mm and ended with a 10 mm reamers, while the other 6 were prepared for a double
      bundle ACL reconstruction in which 7 mm reamer for the AM tunnel and 6 mm reamer
      for the PL tunnel were used. After drilling, changes of lengths and thicknesses
      of anterior horns of the lateral menisci were recorded. RESULTS: Before drilling,
      the groups were homogenous for the lateral menisci dimensions. After drilling, no
      statistically significant difference was noticed between the two groups. However,
      in single bundle group, 2 anterior horns width injury (1.44 mm and 2.13 mm) with
      the 9 mm reamer and 3 anterior horns width injury (2.51 mm, 3.55 mm and 4.28 mm)
      with the 10 mm reamer were recorded. However in double bundle group a single
      anterior horn width injury (2.82 mm) was recorded. CONCLUSION: Using a greater
      size reamer in single bundle reconstruction, causes a relatively higher risk of
      lateral meniscal anterior root injury. Lateral meniscus stability should be
      examined arthroscopically after reaming with large reamers.

PMID- 27666143
TI  - Re: "Laparoscopic transposition of lower-pole crossing vessels: Long-term follow
      up of 33 patients at puberty".

PMID- 27666145
TI  - Understanding the Subtleties of Frustrated Lewis Pair Activation of Carbonyl
      Compounds by N-Heterocyclic Carbene/Alkyl Gallium Pairings.
AB  - This study reports the use of the trisalkylgallium GaR3 (R=CH2 SiMe3 ),
      containing sterically demanding monosilyl groups, as an effective Lewis-acid
      component for frustrated Lewis pair activation of carbonyl compounds, when
      combined with the bulky N-heterocyclic carbene 1,3-bis(tert-butyl)imidazol-2
      ylidene (ItBu) or 1,3-bis(tert-butyl)imidazolin-2-ylidene (SItBu). The reduction
      of aldehydes can be achieved by insertion into the C=O functionality at the C2
      (so-called normal) position of the carbene affording zwitterionic products
      [ItBuCH2 OGaR3 ] (1) or [ItBuCH(p-Br-C6 H4 )OGaR3 ] (2), or alternatively, at its
      abnormal (C4) site yielding [aItBuCH(p-Br-C6 H4 )OGaR3 ] (3). As evidence of the
      cooperative behaviour of both components, ItBu and GaR3 , neither of them alone
      are able to activate any of the carbonyl-containing substrates included in this
      study NMR spectroscopic studies of the new compounds point to complex equilibria
      involving the formation of kinetic and thermodynamic species as implicated
      through DFT calculations. Extension to ketones proved successful for
      electrophilic alpha,alpha,alpha-trifluoroacetophenone, yielding [aItBuC(Ph)(CF3
      )OGaR3 ] (7). However, in the case of ketones and nitriles bearing acidic
      hydrogen atoms, C-H bond activation takes place preferentially, affording novel
      imidazolium gallate salts such as [{ItBuH}+ {(p-I-C6 H4 )C(CH2 )OGaR3 }- ] (8) or
      [{ItBuH}+ {Ph2 C=C=NGaR3 }- ] (12).

PMID- 27666144
TI  - Reliability of grading of vesicoureteral reflux and other findings on voiding
      cystourethrography.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) is the modality of choice to
      diagnose vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). Although grading of VUR is essential for
      prognosis and clinical decision-making, the inter-observer reliability for
      grading has been shown to vary substantially. The Randomized Intervention for
      Children with VesicoUreteral Reflux (RIVUR) trial provides a large cohort of
      children with VUR to better understand the reliability of VCUG findings.
      OBJECTIVE: To determine the inter-observer consistency of the grade of VUR and
      other VCUG findings in a large cohort of children with VUR. STUDY DESIGN: The
      RIVUR trial is a randomized controlled trial of antimicrobial prophylaxis in
      children with VUR diagnosed after UTI. Each enrollment VCUG was read by a local
      clinical (i.e. non-reference) radiologist, and independently by two blinded RIVUR
      reference radiologists. Reference radiologists' disagreements were adjudicated
      for trial purposes. The grade of VUR and other VCUG findings were extracted from
      the local clinical radiologist's report. The unit of analysis included individual
      ureters and individual participants. We compared the three interpretations for
      grading of VUR and other VCUG findings to determine the inter-observer
      reliability. RESULTS: Six-hundred and two non-reference radiology reports from 90
      institutions were reviewed and yielded the grade of VUR for 560 left and 524
      right ureters. All three radiologists agreed on VUR grade in only 59% of ureters;
      two of three agreed on 39% of ureters; and all three disagreed on 2% of ureters
      (Table). Agreement was better (>=92%) for other VCUG findings (e.g. bladder shape
      "normal"). The non-reference radiologists' grade of VUR differed from the
      reference radiologists' adjudicated grade by exactly one grade level in 19% of
      ureters, and by two or more grade levels in 2.2% of ureters. When the participant
      was the unit of analysis, all three radiologists agreed on the grade of VUR in
      both ureters in just 43% of cases. DISCUSSION: Our study shows considerable and
      clinically relevant variability in grading VUR by VCUG. This variability was
      consistent when comparing non-reference to the adjudicated reference
      radiologists' assessment and the reference radiologists to each other. This study
      was limited to children with a history of UTI and grade I-IV VUR and may not be
      generalizable to all children who have a VCUG. CONCLUSION: The considerable inter
      observer variability in VUR grading has both research and clinical implications,
      as study design, risk stratification, and clinical decision-making rely heavily
      on grades of VUR.

PMID- 27666147
TI  - Parental involvement in neonatal critical care decision-making.
AB  - The article analyses the decision-making process between doctors and parents of
      babies in neonatal intensive care. In particular, it focuses on cases in which
      the decision concerns the redirection of care from full intensive care to
      palliative care at the end of life. Thirty one families were recruited from a
      neonatal intensive care unit in England and their formal interactions with the
      doctor recorded. The conversations were transcribed and analysed using
      conversation analysis. Analysis focused on sequences in which decisions about the
      redirection of care were initiated and progressed. Two distinct communicative
      approaches to decision-making were used by doctors: 'making recommendations' and
      'providing options'. Different trajectories for parental involvement in decision
      making were afforded by each design, as well as differences in terms of the
      alignments, or conflicts, between doctors and parents. 'Making recommendations'
      led to misalignment and reduced opportunities for questions and collaboration;
      'providing options' led to an aligned approach with opportunities for questions
      and fuller participation in the decision-making process. The findings are
      discussed in the context of clinical uncertainty, moral responsibility and the
      implications for medical communication training and guidance. A Virtual Abstract
      of this paper can be accessed at:
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyuymxDNupk&feature=youtu.be.

PMID- 27666146
TI  - Dimension-Based Statistical Learning Affects Both Speech Perception and
      Production.
AB  - Multiple acoustic dimensions signal speech categories. However, dimensions vary
      in their informativeness; some are more diagnostic of category membership than
      others. Speech categorization reflects these dimensional regularities such that
      diagnostic dimensions carry more "perceptual weight" and more effectively signal
      category membership to native listeners. Yet perceptual weights are malleable.
      When short-term experience deviates from long-term language norms, such as in a
      foreign accent, the perceptual weight of acoustic dimensions in signaling speech
      category membership rapidly adjusts. The present study investigated whether rapid
      adjustments in listeners' perceptual weights in response to speech that deviates
      from the norms also affects listeners' own speech productions. In a word
      recognition task, the correlation between two acoustic dimensions signaling
      consonant categories, fundamental frequency (F0) and voice onset time (VOT),
      matched the correlation typical of English, and then shifted to an "artificial
      accent" that reversed the relationship, and then shifted back. Brief, incidental
      exposure to the artificial accent caused participants to down-weight perceptual
      reliance on F0, consistent with previous research. Throughout the task,
      participants were intermittently prompted with pictures to produce these same
      words. In the block in which listeners heard the artificial accent with a
      reversed F0 * VOT correlation, F0 was a less robust cue to voicing in listeners'
      own speech productions. The statistical regularities of short-term speech input
      affect both speech perception and production, as evidenced via shifts in how
      acoustic dimensions are weighted.

PMID- 27666148
TI  - Using gamification to develop academic writing skills in dental undergraduate
      students.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess the satisfaction of first-year dental students with
      gamification and its effect on perceived and actual improvement of academic
      writing. METHODS: Two first-year classes of dental undergraduate students were
      recruited for the study which extended over 4 months and ended in January 2015. A
      pre-intervention assessment of students' academic writing skills was performed
      using criteria to evaluate writing. The same criteria were used to evaluate the
      final writing assignment after the intervention. Students' satisfaction with game
      aspects was assessed. The per cent change in writing score was regressed on
      scores of satisfaction with game aspects controlling for gender. Perceived
      improvement in writing was also assessed. RESULTS: Data from 87 (94.6%) students
      were available for analysis. Students' overall satisfaction with the gamified
      experience was modest [mean (SD) = 5.9 (2.1)] and so was their overall perception
      of improvement in writing [mean (SD) = 6.0 (2.2)]. The per cent score of the
      first assignment was 35.6 which improved to 80 in the last assignment.
      Satisfaction with playing the game was significantly associated with higher
      percentage of improvement in actual writing skills [regression coefficient (95%
      confidence interval) = 21.1 (1.9, 40.2)]. CONCLUSION: Using gamification in an
      obligatory course for first-year dental students was associated with an
      improvement in academic writing skills although students' satisfaction with game
      aspects was modest and their willingness to use gamification in future courses
      was minimal.

PMID- 27666149
TI  - Fixed 50:50 mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen to reduce lumbar-puncture-induced
      pain: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Lumbar puncture (LP) has been frequently performed for
      more than a century. This procedure is still stressful and often painful. The aim
      of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of a fixed 50% nitrous oxide-oxygen
      mixture compared to placebo to reduce immediate procedural pain and anxiety
      during LP. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted involving adults
      who needed a cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Patients were randomly assigned to
      inhale either a fixed 50% nitrous oxide-oxygen mixture (50% N2 O-O2 ) or medical
      air (22% O2 -78% N2 ). Cutaneous application of a eutectic mixture of local
      anaesthetics was systematically done and all LPs were performed with pencil point
      25G needles (20G introducer needle). The primary end-point was the maximal pain
      level felt by the patient during the procedure, the maximal anxiety level being a
      secondary outcome, both measured using a numerical rating scale (0-10). RESULTS:
      A total of 66 consecutive patients were randomized. The analysis was intention to
      treat. The maximal pain was 4.9 +/- 2.7 for the 33 patients receiving air and 2.7
      +/- 2.7 for the 33 receiving 50% N2 O-O2 (P = 0.002). Similarly, the maximal LP
      induced anxiety was 4.5 +/- 3.1 vs. 2.6 +/- 2.6 (P = 0.009), respectively. The
      number needed to treat to avoid one patient undergoing significant pain (pain
      score >= 4/10) was 2.75. Body mass index >25 kg/m2 was significantly associated
      with higher pain intensity (P = 0.03). No serious adverse events were
      attributable to 50% N2 O-O2 inhalation. CONCLUSIONS: Inhalation of a fixed 50% N2
      O-O2 mixture is efficient to reduce LP-induced pain and anxiety.

PMID- 27666150
TI  - Assesment of severity and changes in C-reactive protein concentration and various
      biomarkers in dogs with pancreatitis.
AB  - Canine pancreatitis is a relatively common disorder, and its mortality rate
      remains high. However, prognostic factors for pancreatitis based on evidence are
      limited. Moreover, the relationship between changes in C-reactive protein (CRP)
      concentration-an important prognostic factor for human patients with acute
      pancreatitis-and the prognosis of dogs with pancreatitis has not been widely
      studied. Therefore, we examined prognostic factors for canine pancreatitis during
      the first medical examination and evaluated the usefulness of serial CRP
      measurements during hospitalization. Sixty-five dogs met the inclusion criteria,
      including 22 that were hospitalized and treated. In Study 1, a multivariate
      analysis revealed that three factors- decreased platelet count and a marked
      (greater than 1,000 ug/l) elevation of specific canine pancreatic lipase (Spec
      cPL) concentration at the first medical examination, as well as elevated blood
      urea nitrogen (BUN) and/or creatinine (CRE) level-were significantly different
      between the survivors and nonsurvivors. Moreover, CRP concentrations on the third
      and fourth days were significantly different between the two groups in Study 2.
      An evaluation of the decreased platelet count, remarkable elevation of Spec cPL
      concentration at the first medical examination, elevation of BUN and/or CRE as
      well as serial CRP concentration measurements may be useful for predicting the
      prognosis of canine pancreatitis.

PMID- 27666151
TI  - United we stand: Adhesion and molecular mechanisms driving cell fusion across
      species.
AB  - Cell-cell fusion is a physiological process playing an essential role for
      fertilization, shaping organs, tissue repair and immune defense in multicellular
      organisms. Recent research in the field aims to understand why two or more cells
      fuse each other and to decipher the general mechanisms regulating this process.
      Few basic and general steps can be identified, i.e. migration, adhesion and
      fusion, which are common to different types of cells. As pre-fused and fused
      cells undergo dramatic changes in their ultrastructure and behavior, the
      coordinated action of multiple factors is required, including adhesion molecules,
      cell surface receptors, intracellular kinases, transcription factors, and miRNAs.
      Although a number of reviews on cell-cell fusion have been published over the
      years, comprehensive reviews that broadly summarize this process including
      extracellular and intracellular cues are lacking. For example, a link between
      cell fusion and adhesive molecules and/or miRNAs has rarely been highlighted in
      the recent literature. In this review, we will summarize some molecular
      mechanisms controlling the process of somatic cell-cell fusion during embryonic
      development. We will specially focus on adhesive molecules, ECM components and
      miRNAs, providing a summary of important findings on their role in mediating this
      process in few model systems, in vertebrate and invertebrate organisms.

PMID- 27666152
TI  - Coping and posttraumatic stress symptoms in children with food allergies.

PMID- 27666153
TI  - Can the paleolithic diet meet the nutritional needs of older people?

PMID- 27666154
TI  - National Registry of Designated Intractable Diseases in Japan: Present Status and
      Future Prospects.
AB  - Japan promotes research related to intractable diseases and financially supports
      patients with these diseases. Intractable diseases are designated as those that
      fulfill the following criteria: (1) rarity (affecting less than 0.1% of the
      population in Japan), (2) unknown etiology, (3) lack of effective treatment, (4)
      necessity of long-term treatment, and (5) existence of objective diagnostic
      criteria and not necessarily equal to rare diseases in other countries. The
      construction of a national database is required to promote research to clarify
      the pathogenesis of these diseases and to develop pharmaceutical products and
      medical devices. The Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare launched an online
      registration system in 2001, but many problems associated with gathering and
      utilizing information on patients with intractable diseases remain. In this
      paper, we describe the present status of the national registry of designated
      intractable diseases in Japan and discuss future prospects.

PMID- 27666155
TI  - "Milky" bowel and malrotation.

PMID- 27666156
TI  - Comparison Between Steroid and 2 Different Sites of Botulinum Toxin Injection in
      the Treatment of Lateral Epicondylalgia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Active Drug
      Controlled Pilot Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of 2 different injection sites of low doses of
      botulinum toxin type A with steroid in treating lateral epicondylalgia. DESIGN:
      Double-blind, randomized, active drug-controlled trial. SETTING: Tertiary medical
      center. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with lateral epicondylalgia for >6 months were
      recruited from a hospital-based outpatient population (N=26). A total of 66
      patients were approached, and 40 were excluded. No participant withdrew because
      of adverse effects. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomly assigned into 3 groups:
      (1) botulinum toxin epic group (n=8), who received 20U of botulinum toxin
      injection into the lateral epicondyle; (2) botulinum toxin tend group (n=7), who
      received 20U of botulinum toxin injected into tender points of muscles; and (3)
      steroid group (n=11), who received 40mg of triamcinolone acetonide injected into
      the lateral epicondyle. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A visual analog scale, a
      dynamometer, and the Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation were used to evaluate
      the perception of pain, maximal grip strength, and functional status,
      respectively. Outcome measures were assessed before intervention and at 4, 8, 12,
      and 16 weeks after treatment. The primary outcome measure was a visual analog
      scale. RESULTS: At 4 weeks after injection, the steroid group was superior to the
      botulinum toxin tend group in improvement on the visual analog scale (P=.006),
      grip strength (P=.03), and Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (P=.02).
      However, these differences were not observed at the 8-, 12-, and 16-week follow
      up assessments. There was no significant difference between the steroid and
      botulinum toxin epic groups. CONCLUSIONS: Injections with botulinum toxin and
      steroid effectively reduced pain and improved upper limb function in patients
      with lateral epicondylalgia for at least 16 weeks. The onset of effect was
      earlier in the steroid and botulinum toxin epic groups than in the botulinum
      toxin tend group.

PMID- 27666157
TI  - Step-Count Accuracy of 3 Motion Sensors for Older and Frail Medical Inpatients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To measure the step-count accuracy of an ankle-worn accelerometer, a
      thigh-worn accelerometer, and a pedometer in older and frail inpatients. DESIGN:
      Cross-sectional design study. SETTING: Research room within a hospital.
      PARTICIPANTS: Convenience sample of inpatients (N=32; age, >=65 years) who were
      able to walk 20m independently with or without a walking aid. INTERVENTIONS:
      Patients completed a 40-minute program of predetermined tasks while wearing the 3
      motion sensors simultaneously. Video recording of the procedure provided the
      criterion measurement of step count. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mean percentage
      errors were calculated for all tasks, for slow versus fast walkers, for
      independent walkers versus walking-aid users, and over shorter versus longer
      distances. The intraclass correlation was calculated, and accuracy was
      graphically displayed by Bland-Altman plots. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients (mean
      age, 78.1+/-7.8y) completed the study. Fifteen (47%) were women, and 17 (51%)
      used walking aids. Their median speed was .46m/s (interquartile range [IQR], .36
      .66m/s). The ankle-worn accelerometer overestimated steps (median error, 1% [IQR,
      -3% to 13%]). The other motion sensors underestimated steps (median error, 40%
      [IQR, -51% to -35%] and 38% [IQR -93% to -27%], respectively). The ankle-worn
      accelerometer proved to be more accurate over longer distances (median error, 3%
      [IQR, 0%-9%]) than over shorter distances (median error, 10% [IQR, -23% to 9%]).
      CONCLUSIONS: The ankle-worn accelerometer gave the most accurate step-count
      measurement and was most accurate over longer distances. Neither of the other
      motion sensors had acceptable margins of error.

PMID- 27666158
TI  - Nested Cohort Study to Identify Characteristics That Predict Near-Term
      Disablement From Lung Cancer Brain Metastases.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To test whether the presence of patient- and imaging-level
      characteristics (1) are associated with clinically meaningful changes in mobility
      among patients with late-stage cancer with metastatic brain involvement, and (2)
      can predict their risk of near-term functional decline. DESIGN: Prospective
      nested cohort study. SETTING: Quaternary academic medical center. PARTICIPANTS:
      The study population consisted of a nested cohort of the patients with imaging
      confirmed brain metastases (n=66) among a larger cohort of patients with late
      stage lung cancer (N=311). INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
      Functional evaluations with the Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care Computer
      Adaptive Test (AM-PAC-CAT) and symptom intensity ratings were collected at
      monthly intervals for up to 2 years. RESULTS: In exploratory univariate models,
      whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) and imaging findings of cerebellar or
      brainstem involvement were associated with large AM-PAC-CAT score declines
      reflecting worsening mobility (-4.55, SE 1.12; -2.87, SE, 1.0; and -3.14, SE
      1.47, respectively). Also in univariate models, participants with new neurologic
      signs or symptoms at imaging (-2.48; SE .99), new brain metastases (-2.14, SE
      .99), or new and expanding metastases (-2.64, SE 1.14) declined significantly.
      Multivariate exploratory mixed logistic models, including WBRT,
      cerebellar/brainstem location, presence of new and expanding metastases, and
      worst pain intensity, had excellent predictive capabilities for AM-PAC-CAT score
      declines of 7.5 and 10 points (C statistics >=0.8). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients
      with lung cancer and brain metastases, cerebellar/brainstem location, new and
      expanding metastases, and treatment with WBRT may predict severe, near-term
      mobility losses and indicate a need to consider rehabilitation services.

PMID- 27666159
TI  - Correlates of Perceived Ankle Instability in Healthy Individuals Aged 8 to 101
      Years.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To provide reference data for the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool
      (CAIT) and to investigate the prevalence and correlates of perceived ankle
      instability in a large healthy population. DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational
      study. SETTING: University laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Self-reported healthy
      individuals (N=900; age range, 8-101y, stratified by age and sex) from the 1000
      Norms Project. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Participants
      completed the CAIT (age range, 18-101y) or CAIT-Youth (age range, 8-17y).
      Sociodemographic factors, anthropometric measures, hypermobility, foot alignment,
      toes strength, lower limb alignment, and ankle strength and range of motion were
      analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 900 individuals aged 8 to 101 years, 203 (23%) had
      bilateral and 73 (8%) had unilateral perceived ankle instability. The odds of
      bilateral ankle instability were 2.6 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.7-3.8;
      P<.001) times higher for female individuals, decreased by 2% (95% CI, 1%-3%;
      P=.001) for each year of increasing age, increased by 3% (95% CI, 0%-6%; P=.041)
      for each degree of ankle dorsiflexion tightness, and increased by 4% (95% CI, 2%
      6%, P<.001) for each centimeter of increased waist circumference. CONCLUSIONS:
      Perceived ankle instability was common, with almost a quarter of the sample
      reporting bilateral instability. Female sex, younger age, increased abdominal
      adiposity, and decreased ankle dorsiflexion range of motion were independently
      associated with perceived ankle instability.

PMID- 27666161
TI  - MRI contrast agents: Classification and application (Review).
AB  - Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents are categorised according to the
      following specific features: chemical composition including the presence or
      absence of metal atoms, route of administration, magnetic properties, effect on
      the magnetic resonance image, biodistribution and imaging applications. The
      majority of these agents are either paramagnetic ion complexes or
      superparamagnetic magnetite particles and contain lanthanide elements such as
      gadolinium (Gd3+) or transition metal manganese (Mn2+). These elements shorten
      the T1 or T2 relaxation time, thereby causing increased signal intensity on T1
      weighted images or reduced signal intensity on T2-weighted images. Most
      paramagnetic contrast agents are positive agents. These agents shorten the T1, so
      the enhanced parts appear bright on T1-weighted images. Dysprosium,
      superparamagnetic agents and ferromagnetic agents are negative contrast agents.
      The enhanced parts appear darker on T2-weighted images. MRI contrast agents
      incorporating chelating agents reduces storage in the human body, enhances
      excretion and reduces toxicity. MRI contrast agents may be administered orally or
      intravenously. According to biodistribution and applications, MRI contrast agents
      may be categorised into three types: extracellular fluid, blood pool and
      target/organ-specific agents. A number of contrast agents have been developed to
      selectively distinguish liver pathologies. Some agents are also capable of
      targeting other organs, inflammation as well as specific tumors.

PMID- 27666160
TI  - Effectiveness of Aquatic Exercise in Improving Lower Limb Strength in
      Musculoskeletal Conditions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of aquatic exercise in improving
      lower limb strength in people with musculoskeletal conditions. DATA SOURCES: A
      systematic search used 5 databases, including MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase,
      SPORTDiscus, and The Cochrane Library. STUDY SELECTION: Randomized controlled
      trials evaluating aquatic exercise with a resistance training component for
      adults with musculoskeletal conditions compared with no intervention or land
      based exercise were identified. Fifteen studies from the initial yield of 1214
      met these criteria. DATA EXTRACTION: Data related to participant demographics,
      study design, and methods, interventions, and outcomes, including numerical means
      and SDs, were extracted independently by 2 reviewers. DATA SYNTHESIS: Nine of the
      15 studies were of high quality, scoring at least 6 on the Physiotherapy Evidence
      Database Scale. Limited consideration of the prescription of resistance in the
      aquatic exercise and application of resistance training principles existed. Low-
      or very low-quality evidence indicates there was no difference in average effect
      between aquatic exercise and no exercise in improving hip abductor strength
      (standardized mean difference [SMD], .28; 95% confidence interval [CI], -.04 to
      .59), knee extensor strength (SMD, .18; 95% CI, -.03 to .40), knee flexor
      strength (SMD, .13; 95% CI, -.20 to .45), or lower limb endurance (SMD, .35; 95%
      CI, -.06 to .77). Low-quality evidence indicates no difference in average effect
      between aquatic and land exercise for knee extensor (SMD, -.24; 95% CI, -.49 to
      .02) or flexor strength (SMD, -.15; 95% CI, -.53 to .22). CONCLUSIONS: It is
      likely that the inadequate application of resistance in water is a significant
      contributor to the limited effectiveness of aquatic exercise interventions in
      improving hip and knee muscle strength in people with musculoskeletal conditions.
      Future research is needed to quantify resistance with aquatic exercises and to
      determine if using opportunities for greater resistance in aquatic rehabilitation
      and appropriate resistance training principles can be more effective in improving
      muscle strength.

PMID- 27666163
TI  - Personality modulates proportions of CD4+ regulatory and effector T cells in
      response to socially induced stress in a rodent of wild origin.
AB  - The way how individuals respond to chronic challenges can vary tremendously, and
      such differences are closely linked to personality. The few available studies on
      individual differences in stress-related immunosuppression in non-human mammals
      have been mainly carried out with laboratory strains. We conducted a study in
      male mound-building mice (Mus spicilegus) of wild origin. We distinguished
      between high (HAN) and low anxious/neophobic (LAN) personality types, quantified
      by subjects' consistent and associated behavioral responses in repeated elevated
      plus maze and novel object tests. After reaching maturity, parts of the subjects
      were regularly confronted to different resident pairs over a period of 5days to
      provoke a condition of chronic social stress, while others were used as untreated
      controls. We measured fecal corticosteroid metabolite (FCM) concentrations and
      different cellular immune parameters from blood and spleen. Socially confronted
      HAN showed higher increases in FCM concentrations than LAN, indicating a more
      pronounced physiological stress response in the former personality type. HAN of
      the experimental group also showed lower percentages of effector T cells (Teff)
      and higher regulatory T cells (Treg) in the spleen; the latter are known for
      their immunosuppressive activity. Considering the ratio of Teff/Treg, animals
      with higher increases in FCM concentrations during the late period of the
      experiment showed a stronger shift towards Treg cells, supporting
      immunosuppressive effects of chronically elevated corticosteroid levels.
      Summarizing, our results strongly suggest that immunomodulatory effects of
      socially induced stress were altered by individual differences in
      anxiety/neophobia, emphasizing the significance of personality in shaping
      physiological responses to challenge.

PMID- 27666162
TI  - Ventromedial hypothalamic glucose sensing and glucose homeostasis vary throughout
      the estrous cycle.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: 17beta-Estradiol (17betaE) regulates glucose homeostasis in part by
      centrally mediated mechanisms. In female rodents, the influence of the ovarian
      cycle on hypoglycemia counterregulation and glucose tolerance is unclear. We
      found previously that in prepubertal females, 17betaE modulates glucose sensing
      in nonadapting glucose-inhibited (GI) and adapting GI (AdGI) neurons within the
      ventrolateral portion of the ventromedial nucleus (VL-VMN). Nonadapting GI
      neurons persistently decrease their activity as glucose increases while AdGI
      neurons transiently respond to a glucose increase. To begin to understand if
      endogenous fluctuations in estrogen levels across the estrous cycle impact
      hypothalamic glucose sensing and glucose homeostasis, we assessed whether
      hypoglycemia counterregulation and glucose tolerance differed across the phases
      of the estrous cycle. We hypothesized that the response to insulin-induced
      hypoglycemia (IIH) and/or glucose tolerance would vary throughout the estrous
      cycle according to changes in 17betaE availability. Moreover, that these changes
      would correlate with estrous-dependent changes in the glucose sensitivity of VL
      VMN glucose-sensing neurons (GSNs). METHODS: These hypotheses were tested in
      female mice by measuring the response to IIH, glucose tolerance and the glucose
      sensitivity of VL-VMN GSNs during each phase of the estrous cycle. Furthermore, a
      physiological brain concentration of 17betaE seen during proestrus was acutely
      applied to brain slices isolated on the day of diestrous and the response to low
      glucose in VL-VMN GSNs was assayed. RESULTS: The response to IIH was strongest
      during diestrous. The response of nonadapting GI and AdGI neurons to a glucose
      decrease from 2.5 to 0.5mM also peaked during diestrous; an effect which was
      blunted by the addition of 17betaE. In contrast, the glucose sensitivity of the
      subpopulation of GSNs which are excited by glucose (GE) was not affected by
      estrous phase or exogenous 17betaE application. CONCLUSION: These data suggest
      that physiological fluctuations in circulating 17betaE levels across the estrous
      cycle lead to changes in hypothalamic glucose sensing and the response to IIH.

PMID- 27666164
TI  - Molecular Cytogenetics as a Diagnostic Aid for Primary Liposarcoma of the
      Spermatic Cord.

PMID- 27666165
TI  - Melatonin induces cell apoptosis in Mia PaCa-2 cells via the suppression of
      nuclear factor-kappaB and activation of ERK and JNK: A novel therapeutic
      implication for pancreatic cancer.
AB  - Melatonin is synthesized by the pineal gland and is released into the blood. In
      the last several years, some studies have shown that melatonin has anticancer
      properties; however, the mechanisms behind the antitumour traits are unclear,
      especially in pancreatic cancer. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated
      the antitumour effects of melatonin on the human pancreatic carcinoma cell line
      MIA PaCa-2 and explored its biological mechanisms. MIA PaCa-2 cells were treated
      with melatonin, and we used a CCK-8 assay to evaluate the cell viability. We also
      used flow cytometry to observe cell apoptosis and western blot analysis to assess
      the protein expression. Our study found that melatonin inhibited cell viability,
      suppressed colony formation and reduced cell migration and invasion and induced
      cell apoptosis in MIA PaCa-2 cells. Our results showed that melatonin treatment
      inhibited NF-kappaB p65 activation. Moreover, melatonin treatment activated the
      mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways (c-jun N-terminal kinase and
      extracellular-regulated kinase 1/2), which increased Bax protein expression and
      caspase-3 cleavage and decreased Bcl-2 protein expression. These new developments
      demonstrate that melatonin plays a potential role in anticancer treatment and may
      act as an effective therapeutic agent in the future.

PMID- 27666166
TI  - Mechanisms of protein nanoscale clustering.
AB  - Due to recent technical developments in microscopy, huge advances have been made
      in our understanding of the architecture of the cell membrane. It is now well
      appreciated that nanoscale clustering is a common feature of membrane proteins.
      Many of these clusters have been implicated in signal initiation and integration
      platforms. However, the mechanisms that mediate the dynamic nanoscale arrangement
      of membrane proteins are not fully understood and could involve lipid domains,
      electrostatic interactions between proteins and lipid, protein scaffolding as
      well as purely mechanical processes. In this review we summarise these mechanisms
      giving rise to dynamic nanoscale protein reorganisation in the plasma membrane
      with reference to recent examples of immune receptor clustering to illustrate
      general principles.

PMID- 27666169
TI  - Pregnant women: What do they need to know during pregnancy? A descriptive study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Antenatal education programs provide women with essential knowledge
      and skills in various aspects of maternal and fetal health. Antenatal education
      is based on improving women's health, reducing the risks of complications and
      enhancing couples' positive experience during childbirth. There is a lack of
      formal antenatal educational programs based on women's needs in Jordan. AIM: This
      study sought to identify and prioritize the learning needs for women during
      pregnancy. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed. The study
      sample was recruited from three maternal and child health centers. Data were
      collected from a convenient sample of 150 pregnant women during their antenatal
      visits. One hundred and twenty three participants (response rate=82%) completed
      the self-reported antenatal learning needs questionnaire. FINDINGS: Women
      identified their most important learning needs were related to managing major
      complications of pregnancy (mean=3.49, SD=0.78), investigations and physician
      follow-up visit during pregnancy (mean=3.42, SD=0.71), appropriate diet
      (mean=3.36, SD=0.84) and information about medication and supplements (mean=3.22,
      SD=0.97). Spearman correlation showed negative association between participants'
      age and physical (r=-0.536, p=0.015) and emotional concerns (r=-0.490, p=0.001).
      Women who had a diploma or higher degree reported greater concern regarding
      physical (median=4.00, IQR=3.00-4.00, p=0.047) and emotional changes
      (median=3.33, IQR=3.00-4.00, p=0.004). Finally, migrant participants showed
      greater significant concern regarding emotional changes and coping with minor
      complications. CONCLUSION: A large proportion of pregnant women in this study
      reported a high degree of importance of specific learning topics that were
      closely relevant to their current period of pregnancy. The lack of focusing on
      issues related to maternal emotional status and possible complications suggests a
      need for a national strategy to provide antenatal education based on women's
      perceptions of their needs.

PMID- 27666167
TI  - Microtubule-organizing centers: from the centrosome to non-centrosomal sites.
AB  - The process of cellular differentiation requires the distinct spatial
      organization of the microtubule cytoskeleton, the arrangement of which is
      specific to cell type. Microtubule patterning does not occur randomly, but is
      imparted by distinct subcellular sites called microtubule-organizing centers
      (MTOCs). Since the discovery of MTOCs fifty years ago, their study has largely
      focused on the centrosome. All animal cells use centrosomes as MTOCs during
      mitosis. However in many differentiated cells, MTOC function is reassigned to non
      centrosomal sites to generate non-radial microtubule organization better suited
      for new cell functions, such as mechanical support or intracellular transport.
      Here, we review the current understanding of non-centrosomal MTOCs (ncMTOCs) and
      the mechanisms by which they form in differentiating animal cells.

PMID- 27666168
TI  - Association between chest compression rates and clinical outcomes following in
      hospital cardiac arrest at an academic tertiary hospital.
AB  - AIMS: Recent guidelines for management of cardiac arrest recommend chest
      compression rates of 100-120 compressions/min. However, animal studies have found
      cardiac output to increase with rates up to 150 compressions/min. The objective
      of this study was to test the association between chest compression rates during
      cardiopulmonary resuscitation for in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) and outcome.
      METHODS: We conducted a prospective observational study at a single academic
      medical center. INCLUSION CRITERIA: age>=18, IHCA, cardiopulmonary resuscitation
      performed. We analyzed chest compression rates measured by defibrillation
      electrodes, which recorded changes in thoracic impedance. The primary outcome was
      return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). We used multivariable logistic
      regression to determine odds ratios for ROSC by chest compression rate categories
      (100-120, 121-140, >140 compressions/min), adjusted for chest compression
      fraction (proportion of time chest compressions provided) and other known
      predictors of outcome. We set 100-120 compressions/min as the reference category
      for the multivariable model. RESULTS: We enrolled 222 consecutive patients and
      found a mean chest compression rate of 139+/-15. Overall 53% achieved ROSC; among
      100-120, 121-140, and >140 compressions/min, ROSC was 29%, 64%, and 49%
      respectively. A chest compression rate of 121-140 compressions/min had the
      greatest likelihood of ROSC, odds ratio 4.48 (95% CI 1.42-14.14). CONCLUSIONS: In
      this sample of adult IHCA patients, a chest compression rate of 121-140
      compressions/min had the highest odds ratio of ROSC. Rates above the currently
      recommended 100-120 compressions/min may improve the chances of ROSC among IHCA
      patients.

PMID- 27666170
TI  - Metabolomic Profiling in Relation to New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation (from the
      Framingham Heart Study).
AB  - Previous studies have shown several metabolic biomarkers to be associated with
      prevalent and incident atrial fibrillation (AF), but the results have not been
      replicated. We investigated metabolite profiles of 2,458 European ancestry
      participants from the Framingham Heart Study without AF at the index examination
      and followed them for 10 years for new-onset AF. Amino acids, organic acids,
      lipids, and other plasma metabolites were profiled by liquid chromatography
      tandem mass spectrometry using fasting plasma samples. We conducted Cox
      proportional hazard analyses for association between metabolites and new-onset
      AF. We performed hypothesis-generating analysis to identify novel metabolites and
      hypothesis-testing analysis to confirm the previously reported associations
      between metabolites and AF. Mean age was 55.1 +/- 9.9 years, and 53% were women.
      Incident AF developed in 156 participants (6.3%) in 10 years of follow-up. A
      total of 217 metabolites were examined, consisting of 54 positively charged
      metabolites, 59 negatively charged metabolites, and 104 lipids. None of the 217
      metabolites met our a priori specified Bonferroni corrected level of significance
      in the multivariate analyses. We were unable to replicate previous results
      demonstrating associations between metabolites that we had measured and AF. In
      conclusion, in our metabolomics approach, none of the metabolites we tested were
      significantly associated with the risk of future AF.

PMID- 27666171
TI  - Frequency of and Prognostic Significance of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients
      Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.
AB  - The prognostic implications of preexisting atrial fibrillation (AF) and new-onset
      AF (NOAF) in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) remain uncertain.
      This study assesses the epidemiology of AF in patients treated with TAVI and
      evaluates their outcomes according to the presence of preexisting AF or NOAF. A
      retrospective analysis of 708 patients undergoing TAVI from 2 heart hospitals was
      performed. Patients were divided into 3 study groups: sinus rhythm (n = 423),
      preexisting AF (n = 219), and NOAF (n = 66). Primary outcomes of interest were
      all-cause death and stroke both at 30-day and at 1-year follow-up. Preexisting AF
      was present in 30.9% of our study population, whereas NOAF was observed in 9.3%
      of patients after TAVI. AF and NOAF patients showed a higher rate of 1-year all
      cause mortality compared with patients in sinus rhythm (14.6% vs 6.5% for
      preexisting AF and 16.3% vs 6.5% for NOAF, p = 0.007). No differences in 30-day
      mortality were observed between groups. In patients with AF (either preexisting
      and new-onset), those discharged with single antiplatelet therapy displayed
      higher mortality rates at 1 year (42.9% vs 11.7%, p = 0.006). Preexisting AF
      remained an independent predictor of mortality at 1-year follow-up (hazard ratio
      [HR] 2.34, 95% CI 1.22 to 4.48, p = 0.010). Independent predictors of NOAF were
      transapical and transaortic approach as well as balloon postdilatation (HR 3.48,
      95% CI 1.66 to 7.29, p = 0.001; HR 5.08, 95% CI 2.08 to 12.39, p <0.001; HR 2.76,
      95% CI 1.25 to 6.08, p = 0.012, respectively). In conclusion, preexisting AF is
      common in patients undergoing TAVI and is associated with a twofold increased
      risk of 1-year mortality. This negative effect is most pronounced in patients
      discharged with single antiplatelet therapy compared with other antithrombotic
      regimens.

PMID- 27666172
TI  - Relation of Pericardial Fat, Intrathoracic Fat, and Abdominal Visceral Fat With
      Incident Atrial Fibrillation (from the Framingham Heart Study).
AB  - Obesity is associated with increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF).
      Different fat depots may have differential associations with cardiac pathology.
      We examined the longitudinal associations between pericardial, intrathoracic, and
      visceral fat with incident AF. We studied Framingham Heart Study Offspring and
      Third-Generation Cohorts who participated in the multidetector computed
      tomography substudy examination 1. We constructed multivariable-adjusted Cox
      proportional hazard models for risk of incident AF. Body mass index was included
      in the multivariable-adjusted model as a secondary adjustment. We included 2,135
      participants (53.3% women; mean age 58.8 years). During a median follow-up of 9.7
      years, we identified 162 cases of incident AF. Across the increasing tertiles of
      pericardial fat volume, age- and gender-adjusted incident AF rate per 1,000
      person-years of follow-up were 8.4, 7.5, and 10.2. Based on an age- and gender
      adjusted model, greater pericardial fat (hazard ratio [HR] 1.17, 95% confidence
      interval [CI] 1.03 to 1.34) and intrathoracic fat (HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.45)
      were associated with an increased risk of incident AF. The HRs (95% CI) for
      incident AF were 1.13 (0.99 to 1.30) for pericardial fat, 1.19 (1.01 to 1.40) for
      intrathoracic fat, and 1.09 (0.93 to 1.28) for abdominal visceral fat after
      multivariable adjustment. After additional adjustment of body mass index, none of
      the associations remained significant (all p >0.05). Our findings suggest that
      cardiac ectopic fat depots may share common risk factors with AF, which may have
      led to a lack of independence in the association between pericardial fat with
      incident AF.

PMID- 27666173
TI  - Symptom-Onset-To-Balloon Time, ST-Segment Resolution and In-Hospital Mortality in
      Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Primary
      Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in China: From China Acute Myocardial
      Infarction Registry.
AB  - Animal and imaging study evidence favors early reperfusion for acute myocardial
      infarction. However, in clinical trials, the effect of symptom-onset-to-balloon
      (S2B) time on clinical outcomes in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial
      infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI)
      has been inconsistent. Moreover, there are few data regarding the ischemic time
      in China. A total of 3,877 consecutive patients with STEMI with available S2B
      time undergoing pPCI from January 2013 to September 2014 at 108 hospitals that
      participated in the China Acute Myocardial Infarction registry were included and
      stratified into 3 S2B groups: <6 hours, 6 to 12 hours, >12 hours S2B time was
      tested in multivariate logistic regression analyses as an independent risk factor
      of mortality (primary outcome), major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular
      events (MACCE), and impaired myocardial perfusion (secondary outcomes). The
      median S2B time was 5.5 (3.75 to 8.50) hours. Longer S2B time was associated with
      higher in-hospital mortality (<6 hours: 2.7%; 6 to 12 hours: 3.4%; >12 hours:
      4.9%; p = 0.047) and ST-segment resolution <50% (<6 hours: 16.7%; 6 to 12 hours:
      19.2%; >12 hours: 24.3%; p = 0.002) but not MACCE. In multivariate-adjusted
      analysis, S2B >12 hours remained associated with ST-segment resolution <50% (odds
      ratio 1.53, 95% confidence interval 1.16 to 2.01, p = 0.002) but not with in
      hospital mortality (odds ratio 1.673, 95% confidence interval 0.95 to 2.94, p =
      0.073). In conclusion, median S2B time in patients with STEMI undergoing pPCI was
      longer than that in registry studies from other countries. Longer S2B time was
      associated with impaired myocardial perfusion but not with in-hospital mortality
      or MACCE.

PMID- 27666174
TI  - Comparison in Men Versus Women of Co-morbidities, Complications, and Outcomes
      After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation for Severe Aortic Stenosis.
AB  - Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) decreases mortality in high-risk
      patients with severe aortic stenosis, but it remains unclear if female gender is
      associated with more favorable outcomes after TAVI. All patients who underwent
      TAVI at a single institution were retrospectively analyzed and stratified by
      gender. Procedural, in-hospital, 30-day, and 1-year outcomes were defined
      according to the second Valve Academic Research Consortium. The primary end point
      was all-cause mortality at 1 year. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and
      multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression were conducted. Overall, 755
      patients underwent TAVI and were included in the study; 50.7% were women. Average
      age was 83.0 +/- 7.7 years, with a mean Society of Thoracic Surgeons score of 8.9
      +/- 4.6. Women were older than men and more likely to be black. Most co
      morbidities were less common among women, and they were more likely than men to
      suffer both in-hospital (8.4% vs 4.3%, p = 0.021) and 30-day (9.4% vs 5.4%, p =
      0.035) all-cause mortality. Life-threatening bleeding, transfusion, and
      iliofemoral dissection or perforation were more common among women. There was no
      difference in mortality between women and men at 1 year (20.6% vs 21.5%, log-rank
      p = 0.87). After multivariable adjustment, however, female gender was
      independently associated with lower mortality at 1 year after TAVI. In
      conclusion, despite higher rates of major bleeding, vascular complications, and
      30-day mortality, female gender was independently associated with improved
      survival at 1 year after TAVI.

PMID- 27666175
TI  - Diabetes-Invoked High-Density Lipoprotein and Its Association With Coronary
      Artery Disease in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
AB  - Although high-density lipoprotein (HDL) can exhibit anti-inflammatory properties,
      these potent activities can become deficient and even transform into
      proinflammatory effects under various pathophysiological states. We investigated
      the effect of diabetic HDL on the inflammatory response in human monocytes and
      its relation to the existence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with
      type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). HDL was isolated from DM patients with (n = 61) or
      without (n = 31) CAD (diameter stenosis >=50%) and healthy controls (n = 40).
      Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were incubated with HDL and the
      proinflammatory ability of HDL was determined by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF
      alpha) secretion in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Secretion of TNF-alpha in
      human monocytes in response to diabetic HDL was significantly increased compared
      with that of the control HDL. Of note, HDL from DM patients with CAD stimulated
      the release of TNF-alpha in monocytes to a greater extent than that of HDL from
      those without CAD. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the
      proinflammatory ability of HDL was independently associated with diabetes
      duration, hemoglobin A1c, serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs
      CRP) and reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Furthermore, the
      proinflammatory ability of HDL was a significant predictor for the presence of
      CAD in patients with DM.

PMID- 27666176
TI  - Prevalence and Clinical Significance of an E-Reversal Wave in the Left
      Ventricular Outflow Tract.
AB  - Diastolic waves are commonly seen in the left ventricular outflow tract on
      echocardiography. This work focuses on the E-reversal wave (Er) that occurs early
      in diastole, shortly after the mitral E wave. Factors associated with Er presence
      and velocity were investigated in a broad patient sample: 100 subjects with
      normal ejection fraction (EF >55%) and 100 subjects with reduced EF (<45%). Er
      presence was noted in 58% of the total cohort and correlated inversely with age.
      It was more common with normal EF (70% vs 45%, p = 0.0005) and was associated
      with higher mitral E velocity (78.3 +/- 23.3 vs 68.4 +/- 19.0 cm/s; p = 0.002)
      and septal e' velocity (6.7 +/- 2.5 vs 5.3 +/- 2.3 cm/s; p <0.0001). Er velocity
      was higher in the normal EF group (50 +/- 18 vs 34 +/- 13 cm/s, p <0.0001) and
      showed moderate correlation with septal e' velocity (r = 0.43; p <0.0001); 56
      subjects experienced major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) over 1.7 +/- 0.3
      years of follow-up. Those with an Er had less MACE (particularly heart failure),
      even after adjustment for multiple clinical and echocardiographic variables (OR
      0.28, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.65; p = 0.003). When stratified by EF, the association
      between Er presence and MACE was significant only in the low EF group. Thus, Er
      occurs more commonly in younger subjects and those with preserved EF. It is
      associated with less MACE although this effect appears to be limited to patients
      with reduced EF.

PMID- 27666177
TI  - Meta-Analysis of Effects of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors on
      Cardiovascular Outcomes and All-Cause Mortality Among Patients With Type 2
      Diabetes Mellitus.
AB  - The benefit or risk of sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors on
      cardiovascular (CV) outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus has not
      been established. We aimed to assess the comparative CV safety and mortality risk
      associated with the use of SGLT2 inhibitors. PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central
      Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and ClinicalTrials.gov were
      systematically searched up to January 27, 2016, to identify randomized controlled
      trials (RCTs) with the use of SGLT2 inhibitors of at least 24 weeks of duration.
      The primary outcomes included all-cause mortality and major adverse
      cardiovascular events. A random-effects network meta-analysis was performed to
      calculate the odds ratio (OR) with 95% CI. We identified 37 eligible trials
      involving 29,859 patients that compared 3 SGLT2 inhibitors (canagliflozin,
      dapagliflozin, and empagliflozin) to placebo and other active antidiabetic
      treatments. Of all direct and indirect comparisons, only empagliflozin compared
      with placebo was significantly associated with lower risk of all-cause mortality
      (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.81) and major adverse cardiovascular events (OR 0.81,
      95% CI 0.70 to 0.93). However, the significant effect of empagliflozin was
      largely driven by one large randomized trial (EMPA-REG OUTCOME trial). Neither
      dapagliflozin nor canagliflozin was significantly associated with any harm. In
      conclusion, current RCT evidence suggests that 3 common SGLT2 inhibitors are not
      associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality and CV outcomes when used
      to treat patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Although empagliflozin may have
      a protective effect, further confirmative data from rigorous RCTs are needed.

PMID- 27666178
TI  - Usefulness of Measuring the Serum Elastin Fragment Level in the Diagnosis of an
      Acute Aortic Dissection.
AB  - Previous reports have shown that serum elastin fragments (SEFs) may be a useful
      biomarker for the diagnosis of an acute aortic dissection (AAD). However, because
      the reference interval of SEFs has not been established, it has not been
      determined whether SEFs are really useful for the diagnosis of AAD. The purpose
      of this study was to determine the usefulness of measuring SEFs for the diagnosis
      of AAD. A total of 42 consecutive patients aged 68 +/- 18 years who were
      diagnosed with an AAD were studied. Patient background and SEF levels were
      examined on admission. SEF levels were also measured in patients undergoing a
      medical examination (n = 531, age 54 +/- 17 years) to compare with those with an
      AAD. In the control group, SEF levels increased with age (R = 0.725, p <0.001).
      Then, we defined the upper limit of the reference interval of SEF levels as the
      97.5th percentile of control SEF grouped by decade of life from the sixth to
      ninth decade. The overall risk of AAD exceeding the upper limit of the reference
      interval at each decade was 10% (4 of 42). For patients in their 60s and 70s,
      median SEF levels in the AAD group (89 [77 to 104], 93 [60 to 123] ng/ml,
      respectively) were not significantly higher than those in the control group (79
      [68 to 92], 90 [79 to 106] ng/ml, respectively; p = 0.081 and 0.990,
      respectively). Our data suggest that measuring SEF levels may not be useful in
      the diagnosis of an AAD as the upper limit of the reference interval of the SEF
      level was unexpectedly higher.

PMID- 27666179
TI  - Comparing Coronary Atheroma Progression Rates and Coronary Events in the United
      States, Canada, Latin America, and Europe.
AB  - We explored for geographic variations in coronary atheroma progression rates in
      the United States compared to other world regions (Canada, Latin America, Western
      Europe, and Central-Eastern Europe) and sought to ascertain if this associated
      with regional differences in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE;
      cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, coronary
      revascularization). Across 7 randomized trials with a global recruitment pattern,
      5,451 participants with angiographic coronary disease underwent serial coronary
      intravascular ultrasonography during 18 or 24 months, with adjudicated MACE.
      Change in coronary percent atheroma volume (DeltaPAV) and MACE in the United
      States versus other world regions were assessed. Despite similar baseline
      angiographic and plaque characteristics across participants and regions,
      following propensity-weighted and multivariate analysis, US (n = 3,706) versus
      non-US (n = 1,745) participants demonstrated marginal but significantly greater
      annualized DeltaPAV (least-square means +/- SE: 0.27 +/- 0.14% vs 0.062 +/-
      0.14%, p = 0.005). However, MACE rates were disproportionately higher in US
      compared to non-US participants (23.5% vs 10.9%, p <0.001), driven by a doubling
      in crude rates of coronary revascularization procedures (16.1% vs 7.8%, p
      <0.001). The US participants hospitalized with unstable angina demonstrated more
      significant disease progression than their non-US counterparts (DeltaPAV: 0.57 +/
      0.19% vs -0.30 +/- 0.36%, p = 0.033) and greater MACE (9.1% vs 4.8%, p <0.001).
      A US geographic disposition independently associated with MACE (hazard ratio
      1.53, 95% confidence interval 1.22 to 1.92, p <0.001). In conclusion, in
      participants with stable coronary disease, coronary atheroma progression rates
      are modestly higher in US-based compared to non-US-based participants. Elective
      coronary revascularization rates however are disproportionately greater in US
      based participants.

PMID- 27666180
TI  - Anticoagulation After Heart Valve Replacement or Transcatheter Valve
      Implantation.
AB  - Valvular heart disease is prevalent and represents a significant contributor to
      cardiac morbidity and mortality. Several options for valve replacement exist,
      including surgical replacement and transcatheter valve implantation. Prosthetic
      valves lead to increased risk of thromboembolic disease; therefore,
      antithrombotic therapy after valve replacement is indicated. For patients with
      mechanical prostheses, indefinite vitamin K antagonist and antiplatelet therapy
      are the mainstays of treatment. There is no consensus regarding optimal
      antithrombotic therapy after bioprosthetic valve replacement, although vitamin K
      antagonist therapy of varying duration in addition to antiplatelet therapy is
      recommended by guidelines. Dual-antiplatelet therapy is commonly used after
      transcatheter valve implantation; however, alternative antithrombotic regimens
      are being studied. Further studies are needed to identify the optimal regimen,
      intensity, and duration of antithrombotic therapy after surgical bioprosthetic
      valve replacement and transcatheter valve implantation.

PMID- 27666181
TI  - Prominent Intrapulmonary Bronchopulmonary Anastomoses and Abnormal Lung
      Development in Infants and Children with Down Syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency of histologic features of impaired lung
      vascular and alveolar development and to identify the presence of intrapulmonary
      bronchopulmonary anastomoses (IBA) in infants and children who died with Down
      syndrome. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review of autopsy reports and lung
      histology from 13 children with Down syndrome (ages: 0-8 years) was performed.
      Histologic features of abnormal lung development were identified and
      semiquantified, including the presence of IBA. Three-dimensional reconstructions
      of IBA were also performed. Comparisons were made with 4 age-matched patients
      without Down syndrome with congenital heart defects who underwent autopsies
      during this time period. RESULTS: Of the 13 subjects with Down syndrome, 69% died
      from cardiac events, 77% had a congenital heart defect, and 46% had a clinical
      diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension. Lung histology from all subjects with Down
      syndrome demonstrated alveolar simplification, and 92% had signs of persistence
      of a double capillary network in the distal lung. The lungs from the subjects
      with Down syndrome frequently had features of pulmonary arterial hypertensive
      remodeling (85%), and prominent bronchial vessels and IBA were observed in all
      subjects with Down syndrome. These features were more frequent in subjects with
      Down syndrome compared with control subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Children with Down
      syndrome who died of cardiopulmonary diseases often have histologic evidence of
      impaired lung alveolar and vascular development, including the presence of
      prominent IBA and pulmonary hypertension. We speculate that children with Down
      syndrome are at risk for reduced lung surface area and recruitment of IBA, which
      may worsen gas exchange in subjects with Down syndrome.

PMID- 27666182
TI  - [Morbidity of bodylift. Evaluation of 111 patients over 5 years].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The management of patients with weight loss sequelae, sometimes
      major, is increasingly well standardized. However, this surgery is not without
      risk. Complications of bodylift are more frequent than those of conventional
      abdominoplasties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the morbidity
      associated with this surgery through a retrospective, single-center study.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and eleven circular abdominaloplasties were
      conducted between June 2011 and September 2015 in the plastic surgery department
      of the university hospital of Toulouse. Minor and major complications were
      identified and analyzed. RESULTS: Frequency of postoperative complications was
      44.1% in our series. Major complications have involved 15.3% of patients. Blood
      transfusions (9%) and hematoma requiring reoperation (7.2%) were the most
      frequent major complications. We found significantly more major complications in
      patients with important fat resection with a cut off at 3200 g (P=0.02). Men
      experienced significantly more major complications than women (P=0.005). The
      average delta-BMI (before and after weight loss) was significantly higher in the
      group of patients with the highest percentage of minor complications (P=0.045).
      Indeed, a high delta-BMI (greater than 19.5) was associated with an excess risk
      of minor complications in our population. CONCLUSION: Democratization and
      progress in the field of bodylift should not obscure the fact that it is, in
      reality, a procedure at risk. While we manage increasingly better cosmetic
      results and thromboembolic complications, it still persists many complications.

PMID- 27666183
TI  - Assessment of anterior subcutaneous hypersignal on proton-density-weighted MR
      imaging of the knee and relationship with anterior knee pain.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of anterior
      subcutaneous hypersignal indicating edema on proton-density (PD)-weighted MRI of
      the knee and to determine whether reporting anterior edema is clinically
      relevant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and ninety-one knee MRIs from 162
      patients were reviewed for anterior subcutaneous edema. There were 92 men and 70
      women with a mean age of 41.72years+/-13.92 (SD) (range, 15-80years) years and a
      mean body weight of 75.94kg+/-12.54 (SD) (range, 50-130kg). The MRI findings were
      compared with patient age, gender, body weight, history of repetitive microtrauma
      and clinical findings. Patellar and trochlear chondropathy, medial plica, joint
      effusion, synovitis, infrapatellar fat-pad signal intensity, suprapatellar fat
      pad signal intensity with mass effect, quadriceps and patellar tendon
      abnormalities were also reviewed. RESULTS: An anterior hypersignal on PD-weighted
      MRI was detected in 158/191 MR examinations (82.7%) and 104 (84.6%) of these
      cases had histories of anterior knee pain. No correlation between anterior pain
      and anterior edema was found (P=0.42). Age (P<0.0001), weight (P<0.0001), and
      repetitive microtrauma (P=0.001) were identified as significant variables
      associated with anterior edema. CONCLUSION: Anterior edema may be a physiological
      phenomenon or degenerative change related to patient age, weight, and knee
      movement or mechanics. It should not be reported as a pathological finding on MRI
      unless clinical findings support regional infection or inflammation.

PMID- 27666184
TI  - Flavivirus RNA transactions from viral entry to genome replication.
AB  - Upon release of the ~11 kb single-stranded positive polarity dengue virus genomic
      RNA (gRNA) into the cytoplasm of an infected cell, it serves as the template for
      translation of the viral polyprotein, which is cleaved into three structural and
      seven non-structural proteins. The structural organization of the viral
      replication complex and RNA is not known but it is increasingly becoming evident
      that the viral gRNA and replication intermediates adopt unique structural
      features and localize to discrete regions in the infected cell. Both structure
      and location play multiple roles ranging from evasion of innate immune response
      to recruitment of viral and host proteins for translation and replication of the
      message. This review visits the various transactions that the viral gRNA
      undergoes between entry and RNA synthesis with the view that some of these events
      may be targeted by antiviral compounds. This article forms part of a symposium on
      flavivirus drug discovery in Antiviral Research.

PMID- 27666185
TI  - The effects of resveratrol on aging vessels.
AB  - Aging is a major risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease.
      Despite a significant reduction in the mortality and morbidity rates over the
      last decade, the socio-economic burden of cardiovascular disease is still
      substantial. Consequently, there is a considerable need for alternative
      strategies, such as nutraceutical supplementation, that delay the functional
      vascular decline present in the elderly. Compromised autophagy and oxidative
      stress (OS) are considered major causes of the age-related endothelial
      dysfunction. OS reduces the bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO), which has been
      associated with hypertension, arteriosclerosis, and a reduced vasodilatory
      response. High levels of free radicals and the low bioavailability of NO lead to
      a positive feedback loop of further OS, organelle damage, poor repair, and
      endothelial dysfunction. Here we draw attention to the relationship between OS
      and autophagy in the aged vasculature. We have reviewed the published literature
      and provided arguments that support that treatment with resveratrol stimulates
      autophagy and thereby has the potential to restore oxidative balance in the
      endothelium, which indicates that treatment with resveratrol might have
      therapeutic potential to restore endothelial function in the elderly.

PMID- 27666186
TI  - Quantifying effects of age on balance and gait with inertial sensors in community
      dwelling healthy adults.
AB  - Although balance and gait deteriorate as a person ages, it is unknown if all
      balance and gait measures change similarly across the adult age span. We
      developed the Instrumented Stand and Walk test (ISAW) to provide a quick
      quantification of key components of balance and walking: postural sway,
      anticipatory postural adjustments during step initiation, gait, and turning using
      body-worn, inertial sensors. Our aims were to characterize how different balance
      and gait measures change with age and to identify key age-related measures of
      mobility, in a wide age range of healthy, community-dwelling adults. A total of
      135 healthy, community-dwelling subjects of age range 21-89years with no history
      of falls were enrolled. Subjects wore inertial sensors on the wrists, ankles,
      sternum and lumbar area; 37 reliable and valid measures of postural sway, step
      initiation, gait and turning were computed. Univariate and multivariate
      regression analyses were performed to examine how the measures changed with age.
      Several distinct correlation patterns between age and ISAW measures were
      observed: linear deterioration, deterioration after plateau, and subtle, or no,
      worsening. Spatial, but not temporal, measures of gait were age-related. The
      strongest age correlation was found for centroidal frequency of mediolateral
      postural sway (r=-0.50, p<=0.001). A hierarchical regression model revealed that
      age was the most important predictor of mediolateral centroidal frequency, with
      lower sway frequencies associated with older age, independent of gender, weight,
      and height. Our results showed that balance and gait represent independent
      control systems for mobility and not all balance and gait measures deteriorate
      the same way with age. Postural sway during stance was more strongly related to
      age than any gait, gait initiation or turning measure.

PMID- 27666187
TI  - The detection of Trypanosoma cruzi by nested-PCR in elderly patients:
      relationship to the clinical and epidemiological profile.
AB  - Chagas disease, which is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, is transmitted primarily by
      triatomine bugs, although the incidence of new cases has decreased as a result of
      vector control. In Brazil, most of those affected have the chronic form of the
      disease and are generally elderly individuals who require appropriate clinical
      follow-up. In this work, we undertook a descriptive study in which 85 patients
      were interviewed and blood samples were collected for molecular analyses based on
      the amplification of parasite satellite DNA. The cardiac form of the disease was
      the most prevalent among the patients and hypertension was the most frequent
      comorbidity; polypharmacy was detected in 34% of the cases. Serological tests
      were positive in 95% of cases while 36% were positive in nested-polymerase chain
      reaction. These findings indicate an increased use of medications and a larger
      number of age-related diseases in elderly patients with Chagas disease, even in
      patients with low parasitemia. We conclude that elderly patients with Chagas
      disease require special attention and that further studies should be done with
      elderly individuals who carry this disease.

PMID- 27666188
TI  - Cloning, characterization and comparative analysis of four death receptorTNFRs
      from the oyster Crassostrea hongkongensis.
AB  - Apoptosis plays an important role in homeostasis of the immune systems. The tumor
      necrosis factor receptors (TNFRs) play critical roles in the extrinsic apoptosis
      pathways and in determining cell fate. In this study, four death receptors (DR)
      named ChEDAR, ChTNFR27, ChTNFR5, and ChTNFR16 were identified from the oyster
      Crassostrea hongkongensis. These ChDRs proteins had 382, 396, 414 and 384 amino
      acids, respectively, with the typical domains of death receptors, such as the
      signal peptide (SP), transmembrane helix region (TM) and death domains.
      Phylogenetic analysis showed that the ChDR proteins clustered into three distinct
      groups, indicating that these subfamilies had common ancestors. mRNA expression
      of the ChDRs were detected in all 8 of the selected oyster tissues and at
      different stages of development. Furthermore, expression of all the genes was
      increased in the hemocytes of oysters challenged with pathogens or air stress.
      Fluorescence microscopy revealed that the full-length proteins of the ChDRs were
      located in the plasma membrane of HEK293T cells. Over-expression of the ChDRs
      activated the NF-kappaB-Luc reporter in HEK293T cells in a dose-dependent manner.
      These results indicate that the ChDRs may play important roles in the extrinsic
      apoptotic pathways in oysters.

PMID- 27666189
TI  - A member of the immunoglobulin superfamily, orange-spotted grouper novel immune
      gene EcVig, is induced by immune stimulants and type I interferon.
AB  - A novel grouper immune gene, EcVig was identified in orange-spotted grouper
      (Epinephelus coioides). We recently determined that EcVig expression can be
      induced by infection with nervous necrosis virus (NNV, an RNA virus), whereas NNV
      replication may be suppressed when EcVig was overexpressed. Although EcVig
      appeared to be involved in grouper antiviral activity, its immune effects have
      not been well characterized. In the present study, two PAMPs (pathogen-associated
      molecular patterns; lipopolysaccharides [LPS] and synthetic double-stranded RNA
      polyriboinosinic-polyribocytidylic acid [poly(I:C)]), as well as fish DNA virus
      (red sea bream iridovirus, RSIV; grouper iridovirus, GIV), were used to study
      EcVig responses in orange-spotted grouper. In addition, groupers were given
      recombinant type I interferon to determine whether EcVig expression was induced.
      Poly(I:C) rapidly induced substantial expression of EcVig, whereas LPS
      stimulation did not appear to have any effect in grouper intestine. Expression
      levels of total EcVig and other IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) were all
      significantly increased after RSIV and GIV infection. Furthermore, stimulation of
      recombinant type I IFN also increased EcVig expression. We conclude that EcVig
      may be a novel IFN-stimulated gene that demonstrates an antiviral immune
      response.

PMID- 27666190
TI  - Salmonella spv locus suppresses host innate immune responses to bacterial
      infection.
AB  - Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium (S. typhimurium) is globally distributed
      and causes massive morbidity and mortality in humans and animals. S. typhimurium
      carries Salmonella plasmid virulence (spv) locus, which is highly conserved and
      closely related to bacterial pathogenicity, while its exact role in host immune
      responses during infection remains to be elucidated. To counteract the invaders,
      the host has evolved numerous strategies, among which the innate immunity and
      autophagy act as the first defense. Recently, zebrafish has been universally
      accepted as a valuable and powerful vertebrate model in analyzing bacteria-host
      interactions. To investigate whether spv locus enhances the virulence of
      Salmonella by exerting an effect on the host early defense, zebrafish larvae were
      employed in this study. LD50 of S. typhimurium to zebrafish larvae and bacterial
      dissemination were analyzed. Sudan black B and neutral red staining were
      performed to detect the responses of neutrophils and macrophages to Salmonella
      infection. Autophagy agonist Torin1 and inhibitor Chloroquine were used to
      interfere in autophagic flux, and the protein level of Lc3 and p62 were measured
      by western blotting. Results indicated that spv locus could decrease the LD50 of
      S. typhimurium to zebrafish larvae, accelerate the reproduction and dissemination
      of bacteria by inhibiting the function of neutrophils and macrophages. Moreover,
      spv locus restrained the formation of autophagosomes in the earlier stage of
      autophagy. These findings suggested the virulence of spv locus involving in
      suppressing host innate immune responses for the first time, which shed new light
      on the role of spv operon in Salmonella pathogenicity.

PMID- 27666191
TI  - Antibacterial activity and modes of action of phosvitin-derived peptide Pt5e
      against clinical multi-drug resistance bacteria.
AB  - Pt5e, a mutant peptide derived from the C-terminal 55 residues of zebrafish
      phosvitin, has been suggested to be a novel antibacterial peptide. However, if it
      is applicable to clinical MDR bacteria remains to be tested. In this study, high
      purity Pt5e was first expressed and purified by fusion with cationic elastin-like
      polypeptide. Pt5e was then shown to be capable of effectively killing all the
      five clinical MDR bacteria tested. Pt5e kill the MDR bacteria at several levels,
      including inserting into the bacterial membranes, causing the membrane
      depolarization and permeabilization, and inducing the intracellular
      apoptosis/necrosis. All these data suggest that Pt5e is a promising therapeutic
      potential as an antibiotics against clinical MDR bacteria.

PMID- 27666192
TI  - Effects of medicinal herbs "Plantago asiatica", "Houttuynia cordata" and "Mentha
      haplocalyx" on non-specific immune responses of cobia (Rachycentron canadum).
AB  - This study investigated the effects of orally administered Plantago asiatica,
      Houttuynia cordata, and Mentha haplocalyx on the growth and nonspecific immune
      responses of cobia (Rachycentron canadum). The nonspecific immune parameters
      assessed were weight gain, feed conversion ratio, superoxide anion (O2-)
      production, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, phagocytic rate, phagocytic
      index, lysozyme activity, serum albumin and globulin, and albumin:globulin (A/G)
      ratio. The growth experiment indicated that 6-week dietary treatments did not
      significantly affect on the growth of cobia. Nonspecific immune responses showed
      that O2- production, SOD and lysozyme activity, and phagocytosis were
      significantly increased after the oral administration of P. asiatica and H.
      cordata, and the serum albumin:globulin ratio (A/G) gradually decreased. In this
      study, treatment of the Mentha haplocalyx on the cobia didn't present with the
      inducing of the phagocytosis ability compared with the treatment of P. asiatica
      and H. cordata. We suggest that oral administration of the 10 g/kg or 20 g/kg of
      the P. asiatica and H. cordata is exactly inducing the phagocytosis, ROS
      production, lysozyme activity and SOD production in the cobia.

PMID- 27666193
TI  - The challenges of modulating the 'rest and digest' system: acetylcholine
      receptors as drug targets.
AB  - Acetylcholine, a major neurotransmitter of the parasympathetic and sympathetic
      nervous systems, was discovered in the early 1900s. Over the years, researchers
      have revealed much about its regulation, properties of its receptors and features
      of the downstream signaling that influence its terminal effects. The
      acetylcholine system, traditionally associated with neuromuscular communication,
      is now known to play a crucial part in modulation of the immune system and other
      'rest and digest' effects. Recent research seeks to elucidate the system's role
      in brain functions including cognition, sleep, arousal, motivation, reward and
      pain. We highlight clinically approved and experimental drugs that modulate the
      acetylcholine receptors. The complexities in targeting the acetylcholine
      receptors are vast and finding future indications for drug development associated
      with specific acetylcholine receptors remains a challenge.

PMID- 27666194
TI  - Structural studies of Mycobacterium tuberculosis DprE1 interacting with its
      inhibitors.
AB  - The flavoenzyme DprE1 catalyses a crucial step in arabinan production for cell
      wall biosynthesis in Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is a highly vulnerable drug
      target. It was first discovered using benzothiazinones (BTZ): exquisitely potent
      bactericidal agents that are being developed as drugs to treat tuberculosis.
      Subsequently, many compounds with diverse scaffolds were found to act as either
      covalent or noncovalent DprE1 inhibitors. Covalent inhibitors, like the BTZ, are
      all nitroaromatic compounds that serve as suicide substrates after DprE1-mediated
      nitroreduction. Here, we describe how high-resolution structures of DprE1, alone
      and in complex with various ligands, explain enzyme activity and inhibition.

PMID- 27666196
TI  - A viable method to predict acoustic streaming in presence of cavitation.
AB  - The steady liquid flow observed under ultrasonic emitters generating acoustic
      cavitation can be successfully predicted by a standard turbulent flow
      calculation. The flow is driven by the classical averaged volumetric force
      density calculated from the acoustic field, but the inertial term in Navier
      Stokes equations must be kept, and a turbulent solution must be sought. The
      acoustic field must be computed with a realistic model, properly accounting for
      dissipation by the cavitation bubbles [Louisnard, Ultrason. Sonochem., 19, (2012)
      56-65]. Comparison with 20kHz experiments, involving the combination of acoustic
      streaming and a perpendicular forced flow in a duct, shows reasonably good
      agreement. Moreover, the persistence of the cavitation effects on the wall facing
      the emitter, in spite of the deflection of the streaming jet, is correctly
      reproduced by the model. It is also shown that predictions based either on linear
      acoustics with the correct turbulent solution, or with Louisnard's model with
      Eckart-Nyborg's theory yields unrealistic results.

PMID- 27666195
TI  - Sporicidal performance induced by photocatalytic production of organic peroxide
      under visible light irradiation.
AB  - Bacteria that cause serious food poisoning are known to sporulate under
      conditions of nutrient and water shortage. The resulting spores have much greater
      resistance to common sterilization methods, such as heating at 100  degrees C and
      exposure to various chemical agents. Because such bacteria cannot be inactivated
      with typical alcohol disinfectants, peroxyacetic acid (PAA) often is used, but
      PAA is a harmful agent that can seriously damage human health. Furthermore,
      concentrated hydrogen peroxide, which is also dangerous, must be used to prepare
      PAA. Thus, the development of a facile and safe sporicidal disinfectant is
      strongly required. In this study, we have developed an innovative sporicidal
      disinfection method that employs the combination of an aqueous ethanol solution,
      visible light irradiation, and a photocatalyst. We successfully produced a
      sporicidal disinfectant one hundred times as effective as commercially available
      PAA, while also resolving the hazards and odor problems associated with PAA. The
      method presented here can potentially be used as a replacement for the general
      disinfectants employed in the food and health industries.

PMID- 27666197
TI  - Effect of pulse repetition frequency of high-intensity focused ultrasound on in
      vitro thrombolysis.
AB  - Vascular occlusion by the thrombi is the main reason for ischemic stroke and deep
      vein thrombosis. High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and histotripsy or
      microtripsy pulses can effectively dissolve the blood clot with no use of
      thrombolytic agent and ultrasound contrast agent (microbubbles). In this study,
      HIFU bursts at the same duty cycle (2%) but varied pulse repetition frequency
      (PRF) from 1Hz to 1000Hz were delivered to in vitro porcine blood clot for 30s.
      Thrombolysis efficiency initially increases slightly with the PRF, 86.4+/-10.3%,
      89.9+/-11.9, and 92.9+/-12.8% at the PRF of 1Hz, 10Hz, and 100Hz, respectively,
      without significant difference (p>0.05), but then drops dramatically to 37.9+/
      6.9% at the PRF of 1000Hz (p<0.05). The particle size in the supernatant of
      dissolution is 547.1+/-129.5nm, which suggests the disruption of thrombi into the
      subcellular level. Thrombi motion during HIFU exposure shows violent motion and
      significant curling at the low PRF, rotation about its axis with occasional
      curling at the moderate PRF, and localized vibration at the high PRF due to the
      generation of acoustic radiation force and streaming. Quantitative analysis of
      recorded motion shows the axial displacement decreases with the PRF of delivered
      HIFU bursts, from 3.9+/-1.5mm at 1Hz to 0.7+/-0.4mm at 1000Hz. Bubble cavitation
      during HIFU exposure to the blood clot was also monitored. The increase of PRF
      led to the increase of inertial cavitation but the decrease of stable cavitation.
      In summary, the PRF of delivered HIFU bursts at the same output energy has a
      significant effect on the thrombi motion, bubble cavitation activities, and
      subsequently thrombolysis efficiencies.

PMID- 27666198
TI  - Nagashima-type palmoplantar keratosis in a Chinese Han population.
AB  - Nagashima-type palmoplantar keratosis (NPPK) is an autosomal recessive form of
      palmoplantar keratoderma (PPK), which is caused by mutations in the SERPINB7
      gene. NPPK has only been reported in Japanese and Chinese populations. The
      present study was conducted on 12 unrelated Chinese patients who were clinically
      predicted to suffer from NPPK. Mutation screening was performed by direct
      sequencing of the entire coding regions of SERPINB7, SLURP1, AQP5, CSTA, KRT1 and
      KRT9 genes. Direct sequencing of SERPINB7 revealed five homozygous founder
      mutations (c.796C>T) and four compound heterozygous mutations in nine patients,
      including one novel mutation (c.122_127delTGGTCC). Nine out of the 12 patients
      were diagnosed with NPPK due to SERPINB7 pathogenic mutations, and the results
      expanded the known mutation spectrum of NPPK. Taking the other seven reported
      Chinese patients, who had been definitively diagnosed with NPPK by genetic
      testing, into account, the present study further demonstrated that NPPK is a
      common entity in Mainland China, and c.796C>T is the most prevalent mutation and
      exerts a founder effect. Furthermore, the NPPK cases described in the current
      study presented a consistently mild phenotype, as compared with the degrees of
      phenotypic variability associated with other types of relatively severe PPK,
      including Mal de Meleda and Olmsted syndrome.

PMID- 27666199
TI  - Nutrient enrichment induces dormancy and decreases diversity of active bacteria
      in salt marsh sediments.
AB  - Microorganisms control key biogeochemical pathways, thus changes in microbial
      diversity, community structure and activity can affect ecosystem response to
      environmental drivers. Understanding factors that control the proportion of
      active microbes in the environment and how they vary when perturbed is critical
      to anticipating ecosystem response to global change. Increasing supplies of
      anthropogenic nitrogen to ecosystems globally makes it imperative that we
      understand how nutrient supply alters active microbial communities. Here we show
      that nitrogen additions to salt marshes cause a shift in the active microbial
      community despite no change in the total community. The active community shift
      causes the proportion of dormant microbial taxa to double, from 45 to 90%, and
      induces diversity loss in the active portion of the community. Our results
      suggest that perturbations to salt marshes can drastically alter active microbial
      communities, however these communities may remain resilient by protecting total
      diversity through increased dormancy.

PMID- 27666200
TI  - Abrupt switch to migratory night flight in a wild migratory songbird.
AB  - Every year, billions of wild diurnal songbirds migrate at night. To do so, they
      shift their daily rhythm from diurnality to nocturnality. In captivity this is
      observed as a gradual transition of daytime activity developing into nocturnal
      activity, but how wild birds prepare their daily rhythms for migration remains
      largely unknown. Using an automated radio-telemetry system, we compared activity
      patterns of free-living migrant and resident European blackbirds (Turdus merula)
      in a partially migratory population during the pre-migratory season. We found
      that activity patterns between migrant and resident birds did not differ during
      day and night. Migrants did not change their daily rhythm in a progressive manner
      as has been observed in captivity, but instead abruptly became active during the
      night of departure. The rapid shift in rhythmicity might be more common across
      migratory songbird species, but may not have been observed before in wild animals
      due to a lack of technology.

PMID- 27666203
TI  - Plans for 'prompt'complaints procedure welcomed by RCN.
AB  - The Royal College of Nursing has warmly welcomed government plans to streamline
      the system of dealing with complaints about the health service.

PMID- 27666202
TI  - Editorial.
AB  - Clinical supervision is the latest trend to hit nursing. Although the concept is
      not new - in fact psychotherapy, counselling and social work have all developed a
      degree of clinical supervision - it is still a relative newcomer to nursing
      practice. Clinical supervision, not to be confused with mentorship or
      preceptorship, is concerned with all nurses, junior to senior. Whether this new
      fad will last is questionable, but all the right people are seemingly behind it.

PMID- 27666201
TI  - Mitomycin C and decarbamoyl mitomycin C induce p53-independent p21WAF1/CIP1
      activation.
AB  - Mitomycin C (MC), a commonly used anticancer drug, induces DNA damage via DNA
      alkylation. Decarbamoyl mitomycin C (DMC), another mitomycin lacking the
      carbamate at C10, generates similar lesions as MC. Interstrand cross-links (ICLs)
      are believed to be the lesions primarily responsible for the cytotoxicity of MC
      and DMC. The major ICL generated by MC (alpha-ICL) has a trans stereochemistry at
      the guanine-drug linkage whereas the major ICL from DMC (beta-ICL) has the
      opposite, cis, stereochemistry. In addition, DMC can provoke strong p53
      independent cell death. Our hypothesis is that the stereochemistry of the major
      unique beta-ICL generated by DMC is responsible for this p53-independent cell
      death signaling. p53 gene is inactively mutated in more than half of human
      cancers. p21WAF1/CIP1 known as a major effector of p53 is involved in p53
      dependent and -independent control of cell proliferation and death. This study
      revealed the role of p21WAF1/CIP1 on MC and DMC triggered cell damage. MCF-7 (p53
      proficient) and K562 (p53-deficient) cells were used. Cell cycle distributions
      were shifted to the G1/S phase in MCF-7 treated with MC and DMC, but were shifted
      to the S phase in K562. p21WAF1/CIP1 activation was observed in both cells
      treated with MC and DMC, and DMC triggered more significant activation. Knocking
      down p53 in MCF-7 did not attenuate MC and DMC induced p21WAF1/CIP1 activation.
      The alpha-ICL itself was enough to cause p21WAF1/CIP1 activation.

PMID- 27666204
TI  - Management crisis erupts at UKCC.
AB  - UK Central Council President Mary Uprichard has called in an outside personnel
      consultant to help resolve a major rift between Registrar Colin Ralph and
      disaffected senior staff.

PMID- 27666205
TI  - Nurses pay tribute to John Smith.
AB  - England's Chief Nursing Officer has paid tribute to Labour Party leader John
      Smith, who died last week.

PMID- 27666206
TI  - Value of nursing research questioned.
AB  - A leading medical professor has publicly questioned whether there is 'such a
      thing as nursing research'.

PMID- 27666208
TI  - Sister Prophit goes public alleging anti-catholic vendetta.
AB  - Sister Penny Prophit has defended herself publicly for the first time against
      allegations of academic fraud and suggestions that she failed to declare her
      friendship with a Scottish Office official who was involved in the award of
      research grants totalling more than L1 million.

PMID- 27666207
TI  - International nurses' day.
AB  - Nurses across the country and around the world joined forces to celebrate
      International Nurses' Day last Thursday, the 154th anniversary of the birth of
      Florence Nightingale.

PMID- 27666210
TI  - Midwifery advisory group announced.
AB  - Members of an advisory group to support the implementation of the 'Changing
      Childbirth' report u-ere announced last week.

PMID- 27666212
TI  - Study shows women care more about health.
AB  - Women are far more likely than men to get health information from practice nurses
      and health visitors according to a new report by the Office of Health Economics
      (OHE).

PMID- 27666211
TI  - Nurses suspended over payphone fraud allegations.
AB  - Four nurses have been suspended for allegedly making thousands of pounds worth of
      private telephone calls.

PMID- 27666213
TI  - ?
AB  - Above: RCN headquarters was decorated with flags from countries across Europe to
      mark International Nurses' Day last week. Among the guests were scriptwriters
      from the BBC series Casualty. Left: Healthy Families for Healthy Nations was the
      theme of a Health Fair staged by nurses in Islington Above left: Nurse Fay Peyton
      at a service in Westminster Abbey to commemorate the life of Florence
      Nightingale. Similar services were held for the first time in Scotland, Wales and
      Northern Ireland.

PMID- 27666215
TI  - Welsh trust's letter confirms job losses to fund pay award.
AB  - Welsh secretary John Redwood has been warned the 3 per cent pay award to nurses
      can only be met by axing posts.

PMID- 27666214
TI  - Supervision would benefit all nurses.
AB  - Nurses should be fully involved in planning and introducing systems of clinical
      supervision, a report published last week by the influential think-tank the
      King's Fund argues. Clinical supervision should be clearly defined with all staff
      before it is introduced in any unit, it says.

PMID- 27666216
TI  - Nurses in shock after morphine mix-up.
AB  - Shocked nurses at a Lanarkshire Trust hospital have received counselling after an
      incident where the wrong patient was injected with a massive dose of morphine.

PMID- 27666218
TI  - Campaign sets new standards for breast cancer sufferers.
AB  - A major initiative to provide practical help for women with breast cancer was
      launched this week after a survey revealed standards of treatment vary
      dramatically across the country.

PMID- 27666217
TI  - ?
AB  - Shopping list: Sheffield Labour MP and Shadow Health Secretary David Blunkett
      added his name to a nurses' petition to save local A&E departments when they
      collected signatures in the city centre recently. The event was organised by the
      Sheffield RCN Branch. Mr Blunkett is pictured with RCN Branch Secretary' Maureen
      Haslam.

PMID- 27666219
TI  - Report reveals 'age restrictions' do exist.
AB  - Elderly patients are being discriminated against by the NHS according to a report
      published last week by the Royal College of Physicians.

PMID- 27666220
TI  - ?
AB  - A room of my own: The Royal College of Nursing recently opened; room where
      visitors can feed and change babies at its Cavendish Square headquarters in
      London. Among the first to use the room were Susan Thorpe and her son Cameron.

PMID- 27666221
TI  - Health visitors 'under threat'.
AB  - The role of health visitors has been jeopardised by the introduction of GP
      fundholding, the MSF union conference in Brighton heard last week.

PMID- 27666223
TI  - ?
AB  - The trauma of having to undergo surgery can be devastating for children,
      according to new guidelines published by Action for Sick Children. Among the 13
      standards set out in the report is a recommendation that all surgery' on children
      should be undertaken by surgeons and anaesthetists with appropriate training and
      experience. Pictured left, Mahmuda Sultan, eight, has her treatment explained by
      nurse Virginia Wong after her operation at the Royal London Hospital,
      Whitechapel.

PMID- 27666222
TI  - Health care workers still afraid to speak up.
AB  - Freedom of speech does not exist within the NHS, the union MSF warned at its
      annual conference last week.

PMID- 27666225
TI  - Report demands greater safety with blood transfusions.
AB  - A national system for reporting critical blood transfusion incidents should be
      set up, the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service hits demanded.

PMID- 27666227
TI  - Disabled young need special sex lessons.
AB  - Young disabled people are in need of sex education specifically linked to their
      needs, a leading researcher has argued.

PMID- 27666228
TI  - Smoking hastens diabetic nephropathy.
AB  - Smoking speeds up the progression of diabetic nephropathy, new research from
      Germany suggests.

PMID- 27666226
TI  - HRT without menstruation launching in the UK soon.
AB  - A new form of HRT which avoids menstrual bleeding may help to cut the large
      numbers of women who stop taking therapy within a year of starting.

PMID- 27666229
TI  - Easier radiotherapy shielding with putty.
AB  - Shielding healthy tissue during radiation treatment for malignant disease might
      be easier thanks to a new material developed by American researchers.

PMID- 27666230
TI  - Eczema risk increases with social class.
AB  - Eczema is more prevalent in children of social classes I and II than in lower
      social classes, London researchers report.

PMID- 27666231
TI  - Differences in medicines might prove a hazard.
AB  - An Oxford pharmacologist says that if people buy a product labelled Anadin they
      might reasonably expect all formulations to be the same. It takes a high degree
      of awareness to realise that Anadin contains aspirin and caffeine while Anadin
      Extra contains aspirin, caffeine and paracetamol. And Anadin is only one of many
      examples.

PMID- 27666232
TI  - Leadership sought in mental health.
AB  - A new pilot scheme to develop excellence in mental health leadership has been
      launched, backed by the RCN, the Institute of Health Service Management and the
      Government.

PMID- 27666233
TI  - Disability awareness for clinical staff.
AB  - 'Smell me,' said the sister to the blind patient. 'Then you'll know who I am next
      time we meet.'

PMID- 27666234
TI  - Rare beast spotted in Bournemouth.
AB  - While attending RCN Congress in Bournemouth recently, I was intrigued to come
      into contact with a new form of species which Darwin had unwittingly omitted,
      namely clinicalus supervisisorus, commonly known as clinical supervision.

PMID- 27666235
TI  - Should we change nursing's structure?
AB  - The editorial of May 4 states that the nursing profession 'was caught unaware by
      the intensity of the movement towards lowering the qualified staffing levels'.

PMID- 27666237
TI  - Built-in antidotes are not the solution.
AB  - The Consumers' Association's call for paracetamol combined with an antidote is,
      unfortunately, not only based on false premise but is also misguided (More
      painkillers with built-in antidote could reduce overdose risks, study says,
      Clinical news, April 13).

PMID- 27666236
TI  - Another view of patient focused care.
AB  - In her article, 'Patient focused care without the upheaval' (Features, April 13),
      Sue Johnson expresses views which are contrary to our understanding of the
      patient focused care (PFC) concept.

PMID- 27666238
TI  - There's an art to passing on bad news.
AB  - I was saddened by the heading on the article, 'Bad news, I'm afraid' (Viewpoint,
      May 4). I did not get the message from the article that doctors are so bad. The
      more important message was the steps to address this, and suggestions for a way
      forward.

PMID- 27666239
TI  - Information exchange.
AB  - * I am a Project 2000 student nurse and have been searching for information on
      the use of eggs from aborted foetuses in fertility treatment, recently banned by
      Parliament. My group is currently engaged in a debate on the issue. would also be
      interested to hear what the RCN thinks about it.

PMID- 27666241
TI  - FPA Contraceptive Handbook FPA Contraceptive Handbook T Belfield Family Planning
      Association 164pp L12.99 0-90.3289-7706.
AB  - The FPA Contraceptive Handbook is up-to-date, concise, comprehensive, accurate
      and easy-to-read. The list of contents is clear; chapter headings provide
      specific information on the text; and the text itself is attractively laid out.
      Line drawings and diagrams are used to good effect.

PMID- 27666240
TI  - Food combining for vegetarians Food combining for vegetarians J Le Tissier
      Thorsons 272pp L4.99 0-7225-2763-2.
AB  - Food combining is a healthy way of eating which separates starch from protein and
      increases the quantity of alkaline foods in your daily diet. The system was
      devised by Dr William Howard I lay, who concluded that freedom from disease lay
      not in relieving symptoms but in treating underlying causes.

PMID- 27666242
TI  - Mental health and mental illness, 5th edition Mental health and mental illness,
      5th edition P D Barry J B Lippincott 438pp L24.95 0-397-55013-8.
AB  - If you are planning to work in the USA, Mental Health and Mental Illness is the
      book for you. It is clear and concise, covering cost implications, insurance, ANA
      guidelines on nursing practice, and offers a simple explanation of the categories
      of nursing diagnosis as laid down by the North American Nursing Diagnostic
      Association.

PMID- 27666243
TI  - Cutting costs or cutting corners?
AB  - The problem of pressure sore development has been well documented for many years
      but the last decade has witnessed an explosion in the pressure sore prevention
      industry accompanied by a rise in pressure sore prevention policy.

PMID- 27666244
TI  - Study results on pressure area care.
AB  - Patients receive just over 45 minutes each day of pressure area care, a study of
      nursing activities has revealed.

PMID- 27666245
TI  - Alternating pressure overlays give best results in clinical trials.
AB  - A study of alternating pressure overlays has shown they reduce pressure by about
      60 per cent compared with standard hospital mattresses.

PMID- 27666247
TI  - Inadequate use of cushions criticised.
AB  - Wheelchair users are in constant danger of pressure sores because of inadequate
      use of pressure relief cushions, a leading biomechanic has warned.

PMID- 27666246
TI  - Patients at risk not identified.
AB  - Many patients at risk of pressure sores are not being seen by district nurses, a
      survey has revealed.

PMID- 27666249
TI  - Products & information.
AB  - ? A device to prevent pressure sores in the urethra and bladder neck has been
      developed by a clinical nurse specialist. Known as WISSC (Waistband with Integral
      Support Strap for Catheters), it was designed by Peter Lowthian to prevent sores
      developing following long-term catheter use.

PMID- 27666248
TI  - Risk in theatre.
AB  - A pilot study has confirmed that the position of patients on operating tables
      does contribute to pressure sore development.

PMID- 27666250
TI  - Strategy to test clinical guidelines on pressure sores.
AB  - The NHS Executive is supporting the start of three implementation strategies at
      the end of May to test its clinical guidelines on the prevention and management
      of pressure sores.

PMID- 27666251
TI  - Association launched at australian conference.
AB  - The second international wound management conference to be held in Australia
      within two years attracted a wide range of speakers from Europe, the US and
      Australia.

PMID- 27666252
TI  - Changing faces: two years on.
AB  - Reconstructive plastic surgery and medicine have made great strides in recent
      years. Advances mean that scarring, evidence of injury, and various abnormalities
      can be reduced in conspicuousness and sometimes even removed, for example, the
      use of laser treatment for port wine stains. Contrary to the Hollywood myth,
      however, in which people involved in horrific accidents are restored to their
      former glory, plastic surgery is not a 'miracle cure'. Disfigurement is rarely
      temporary: most are left disfigured for life.

PMID- 27666253
TI  - Drake Medox discusses the benefits of working for an agency.
AB  - Drake Medox Nursing Agency has been established in London since 1978 and has
      built itself an enviable reputation as one of London's most prestigious agencies
      providing its client hospitals with qualified staff of a very high standard. As
      part of the world wide Drake International organisation it has offices all over
      the world including Canada and Australia.

PMID- 27666254
TI  - London nurses agency limited.
AB  - The staff at London Nurses Agency are looking forward to meeting you.

PMID- 27666255
TI  - Lpns sets the standard.
AB  - LPNS provides temporary nurses throughout the healthcare sector.

PMID- 27666256
TI  - Listings.
AB  - Nursing Standard regrets that it is no longer able to take listings over the
      telephone because of unprecedented demand. Readers are reminded that the listings
      section is for the use of charitable and professional organisations, unions and
      health authorities to publicise forthcoming events. Listings should contain all
      relevant details and be posted or faxed to Susan Bloodworth, Nursing Standard,
      Miking House, 17-19 Peterborough Road, Harrow, Middlesex HA1 2AX. Pax: 081-423
      3867.

PMID- 27666257
TI  - Introduction to "Diversity of Child Health Care in Europe: A Study of the
      European Paediatric Association/Union of National European Paediatric Societies
      and Associations".
AB  - The field of pediatrics in Europe is characterized by the diversities,
      variations, and heterogeneities of child health care services provided in 53
      European countries with more than 200 million children below 18 years of age.
      Managing the health care of infants, children, and adolescents in Europe requires
      balancing clinical aims, research findings, and socioeconomic goals within a
      typical environment characterized by cultural and economic complexity and large
      disparity in availability, affordability, and accessibility of pediatric care.
      Since its foundation in 1976, the European Paediatric Association-Union of
      National European Paediatric Societies and Associations has worked to improve
      both medical care of all children and cooperation of their caretakers in Europe.
      Such a report has been conceived in the strong belief that broadening of the
      intellectual basis of the European Paediatric Association-Union of National
      European Paediatric Societies and Associations and creating a multidisciplinary
      society will be necessary to reduce fragmentation of pediatrics and tackle the
      legal, economic, and organizational challenges of child health care in Europe.

PMID- 27666258
TI  - Child Health Care in Israel.
AB  - Israel is a relatively rapidly growing country with a high fertility rate and a
      young population. These data emphasize the importance of an efficient and
      appropriate pediatric service for its population. Although the pediatric service
      in Israel has attained several achievements, such as a relatively low infant
      mortality, high vaccination rates, and a primary care service that is mainly
      based on licensed pediatricians, several challenges, such as overcoming
      inequalities in health care and health indices between different regions and
      different populations within the country and the provision of a more organized
      mental and dental health care service to children, need to be addressed.

PMID- 27666259
TI  - Maternal and Child Health Care Services in Albania.
AB  - Albania has one of the youngest populations among the European countries. Albania
      continues to be involved in a progressive improvement of standards for the
      protection and respect of children's rights to health. We describe the Albanian
      pediatric health system, with a particular focus on pediatric primary health care
      and, first access care, and the structure and staffing of health centers and
      women and children's consulting centers. Secondary and tertiary pediatric care
      and neonatal care are also described. The Albanian national laws approved during
      recent years have had a positive impact on the status of women and children;
      however, the outcomes seem to be insufficient because of the persistence of
      several negative socioeconomic factors. The Albanian Pediatric Society believes
      that the important and beneficial changes observed during the last 20 years
      should be further supported and implemented. In this regard, Albanian Pediatric
      Society is fully committed to developing initiatives described in this report and
      to join the efforts of international collaborative programs and studies aimed at
      improving the social and health conditions of Albanian children.

PMID- 27666260
TI  - The Child Health Care System in Italy.
AB  - Pediatric care in Italy has been based during the last 40 years on the increased
      awareness of the importance of meeting the psychosocial and developmental needs
      of children and of the role of families in promoting the health and well-being of
      their children. The pediatric health care system in Italy is part of the national
      health system. It is made up of 3 main levels of intervention: first
      access/primary care, secondary care/hospital care, and tertiary care based on
      specialty hospital care. This overview will also include a brief report on
      neonatal care, pediatric preventive health care, health service accreditation
      programs, and postgraduate training in pediatrics. The quality of the Italian
      child health care system is now considered to be in serious danger because of the
      restriction of investments in public health caused both by the 2008 global and
      national economic crisis and by a reduction of the pediatric workforce as a
      result of progressively insufficient replacement of specialists in pediatrics.

PMID- 27666261
TI  - The Child Health Care System of Macedonia.
AB  - Macedonia is a multiethnic developing country with a new democratic political
      system in transition from a former communist country. The country gained
      independence as former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in 1991. Recent health
      reforms have privatized pediatric primary care and introduced family doctors
      alongside primary care pediatricians. Increasing privatization of hospitals have
      left the state-run hospitals short of pediatric specialists and subspecialists as
      doctors moved to private hospitals for better salaries and working conditions.
      There is little coordinated action between the Ministry of Health, health
      insurance fund, and Macedonian pediatricians to overcome the problems that now
      exist within the pediatric/child health system because of these recent reforms,
      which were politically driven without consultation with the Macedonian Pediatric
      Association. These recent decisions will have an adverse effect on the quality of
      care for children and families, which will likely continue for another 5-10
      years.

PMID- 27666262
TI  - Preventive Child Health Care within the Framework of the Dutch Health Care
      System.
AB  - The Netherlands has established a high quality system of child health care based
      on a unique standardized digital preventive child health program underpinned by
      legislation. Stringent assessment of the implementation of the new Youth Act is
      needed to fulfill the United Nations' child rights to health. The impact of
      national child health care systems on the well-being of children with long-term
      conditions should be evaluated by using international (World Health Organization)
      comparable coding to document the benefit of preventive child health care
      programs and their outcomes.

PMID- 27666263
TI  - Child Health in Portugal.
AB  - Portugal has experienced rapid decline of neonatal and infant mortality in the
      last century, similar to that of other western European states. The joint venture
      of pediatricians and obstetricians with adequate top-down government commissions
      for maternal and child health for the decision making by health administrators
      and a well-defined schedule of preventive and managerial measures in the
      community and in hospitals are the most likely explanations for this success.
      Another achievement of child health care services is the registry for special
      diseases. Education of health care workers plays a fundamental role in improving
      health statistics. Portugal has a reasonable number of doctors, nurses, and
      health technicians per capita. Quality assurance monitoring systems and
      implementation of evidence-based clinical guidelines with digital records,
      including international coding, are essential steps to improve health care
      systems.

PMID- 27666264
TI  - The Russian Child Health Care System.
AB  - We present a historical and analytical overview of the Russian child health care
      system describing strengths and challenges of the system. Main indicators of
      social environment and children's health, general demographics, and socioeconomic
      factors of Russia are described. The Russian health care system has preserved
      positive elements of the former Soviet model of pediatric care. However,
      beginning in 1991, it has been altered greatly in its funding and management. The
      child health care system is composed of a special network of outpatient and
      inpatient facilities. The key element of pediatric community care is the
      pediatric polyclinic, staffed by district pediatricians and nurses. Undergraduate
      pediatric training is separate from adult medical training. From day one onward,
      future pediatricians are trained at separate pediatric faculties of universities.
      Thus, they qualify as general pediatricians after only 2 years of postgraduate
      training. It should be emphasized that the gap between the health status of
      children in developed countries and the Russian Federation is largely due to the
      influence of socioeconomic determinants, such as traffic accidents, poverty,
      pollution, and hazardous life styles, including binge drinking. Further
      improvements of children's health require protective measures by the state to
      address the underlying socioeconomic determinants.

PMID- 27666265
TI  - The Child Health Care System of Serbia.
AB  - The health care system in Serbia is based on a network of public health
      institutions funded by the National Health Insurance and from the state budget.
      Access to public health institutions is free. Preventive and curative services
      are provided at the local level in primary health care centers. Over the past 5-7
      years, the number of pediatricians in primary health care centers decreased
      because of reduced number of applicants for pediatric training, which endangers
      the maintenance of the traditional model of pediatric care. Secondary medical
      care is offered in pediatric departments of local and regional general hospitals
      or outpatient clinics, and in specialized hospitals for children or adults.
      Tertiary medical care is provided by inpatient or outpatient subspecialty
      services in 5 major university children's clinics. The health reforms undertaken
      in the recent 10 years have aimed at strengthening preventive health care and
      reducing the overall costs for pediatric care. Current initiatives of the
      Ministry of Health and national pediatric associations are aimed at
      reestablishing and strengthening the capacity of the primary pediatric health
      care model by increasing the number of physicians and developing new processes of
      care.

PMID- 27666266
TI  - Health Care System for Children and Adolescents in Slovenia.
AB  - Slovenia's health system is financed by a Bismarckian type of social insurance
      system with a single insurer for a statutory health insurance, which is fully
      regulated by national legislation and administered by the Health Insurance
      Institute of Slovenia. The health insurance system is mandatory, providing almost
      universal coverage (98.5% of the population). Children and adolescents have the
      right to compulsory health insurance as family members of an insured person until
      the end of their regular education. Slovenia has a lower number of physicians per
      capita than both the European Union and the Central and Eastern Europe countries.
      Slovenia is facing a workforce crisis, as the number of health professionals
      retiring is not adequately being replaced by new trainees. There is also a net
      deficit of nurses with university and college degrees. Physicians working with
      children and adolescents in primary level have a 5-year specialization in
      pediatrics. Slovenia tends to be in line with the goals for the development of
      pediatric health care on a primary level in European countries, which are to
      maintain the achieved level of quality, better and equitable access, and delivery
      of services, aiming to reduce inequalities in health of children and adolescents
      and provide for every child and adolescent in the best way possible.

PMID- 27666267
TI  - Child Health Systems in Sweden.
AB  - On a national level, several factors are responsible for Sweden's leading
      position in achieving the excellent health of children because Sweden has
      experienced a long history of peace and success in establishing a parliamentary
      democracy throughout the 20th century. Among the different sectors of society,
      Sweden has been able to focus on prevention and health promotion. The Swedish
      health care system is publicly financed based on local taxation. Pediatricians
      working in secondary and tertiary care are employed by the public sector, whereas
      family physicians are employed by both the private and public sectors. The
      pediatric departments at county and university levels provide a high quality of
      inpatient care for neonates and children. The county hospital pediatric
      departments typically include one neonatal ward and one ward for older children.
      Subspecialization exists even at the county level, and there is close cooperation
      between the county level and subspecialist units at the university level. Within
      the primary care sector, most children receive care from family physicians. The
      majority of family physicians have completed 3 months of pediatrics in their
      basic training program. In the more densely populated areas there are also
      pediatric ambulatory care centers working mostly with referrals from the family
      physicians. Preventive care is carried out at midwife-led maternity health
      centers, nurse-led Child Health Centers, and nurse-led school health care
      settings and reach almost everyone (99%). All health care for children and
      adolescents is free of charge up to 18 years of age.

PMID- 27666268
TI  - Child Health Care in Switzerland.
AB  - We provide an overview of Swiss child health care, describe the organizational
      structures of primary care services and hospital care in pediatrics, and analyze
      such significant challenges as the decline of the number of primary care
      physicians in communities and the economic and regulatory pressures on hospitals.
      We also offer thoughts and ideas for future directions, initiatives, and
      innovations to ensure that each child achieves the best possible health and
      quality of life, which is the ultimate goal of health care professionals. New
      developments should be promoted from a position of strength because Swiss
      pediatrics is well positioned, and its future remains bright.

PMID- 27666270
TI  - An Overview on Child Health Care in Turkey.
AB  - The general health status of the Turkish people has improved significantly in
      recent years. Improvements in the health status of the child population followed
      the introduction of health reforms, such as the Health Transformation Program.
      Presently, Turkey is undergoing further important changes concerning its medical
      system. The changes introduced during 2005-2015 have provided almost complete
      health insurance coverage and increased accessibility to primary health care
      givers. However, health providers realize that there are ongoing inefficiencies
      and deficiencies in both the health care system and health education. There is a
      need for continuous improvement; challenges lie ahead for improving services
      beyond primary care. The main criticism of previous health care reforms has come
      mainly from professionals in the health care sector because of their privileged
      position as inside observers being able to analyze pros and cons of the system.
      Quality and sustainability of future reform programs will rely not only on the
      economic support of the public health and health care sector, but also on the
      high standards of service pathways and satisfaction of both patients and
      providers of care by multifactorial quality assurance and continuous quality
      improvement analyses of basic elements of health care.

PMID- 27666269
TI  - Child and Adolescent Health in Armenia: Experiences and Learned Lessons.
AB  - The health of children and adolescents of Armenia has been affected by various
      socioeconomic, environmental, educational, and behavioral factors, demonstrating
      trends typical for both developed and developing countries. Key issues to be
      addressed by Armenian pediatricians are child mortality, malnutrition, and growth
      failure in the early years and overweight in later years. The case of Armenia
      illustrates how countries in transition are currently tackling both "old"
      problems (mortality and malnutrition) and "new" emerging morbidities (chronic
      diseases and adolescent health problems) based on social and health determinants,
      but the financing of the health system is far from satisfactory. Lessons of
      Armenia indicate the need for more cooperation between general practitioners and
      pediatricians at a primary care level. In addition, a better balance between
      inpatient and outpatient care could be achieved, which is not yet the case.
      Nevertheless, the overall performance of the Armenian child health care system
      can be considered satisfactory when bearing in mind the limitation of resources.
      Among the successful factors are those inherited from the Soviet period health
      system, including key institutions such as rural health posts and health centers,
      city polyclinics, and hospitals. These institutions mostly meet the needs of
      Armenian children and families today.

PMID- 27666271
TI  - Child Health Systems in the United Kingdom (England).
AB  - Child health in the United Kingdom has improved markedly over recent decades but
      has failed to match health gains and reductions in mortality achieved by other
      European countries. Child poverty and inequalities are rising in the United
      Kingdom. The National Health Service (NHS) is a universally accessible health
      service, funded by taxation and is free at the point of use. The NHS is
      undergoing substantial reform, aiming to improve care quality and experience,
      meet rising demands, and contain costs. The NHS is struggling to balance access
      with expertise for urgent and unscheduled care. There is increasing use of urgent
      and emergency care, and there are unexplained variations in outcomes. Quality of
      care for children and young people with chronic and long-term conditions,
      including transition services, is variable and sometimes poor. Many determinants
      of noncommunicable conditions are worsening. Key achievements include a universal
      service free at the point of use, providing generally accessible, and equitable
      care. Key challenges include increasing fragmentation of services, insufficient
      emphasis on preventive care, achieving an effective balance between access and
      expertise of care for children, and improving child health and well-being
      outcomes despite generally high quality inputs and high levels of spending.

PMID- 27666272
TI  - Child Health Care Services in Austria.
AB  - We describe child health care in Austria, a small country in Central Europe with
      a population of about 9 million inhabitants of whom approximately 1.7 million are
      children and adolescents under the age of 20 years. For children and adolescents,
      few health care indicators are available. Pediatric and adolescent health
      provision, such as overall health provision, follows a complex system with
      responsibilities shared by the Ministry of Health, 19 social insurance funds,
      provinces, and other key players. Several institutions are affiliated with or
      cooperate with the Ministry of Health to assure quality control. The Austrian
      public health care system is financed through a combination of income-based
      social insurance payments and taxes. Pediatric primary health care in Austria
      involves the services of general pediatricians and general practitioners.
      Secondary care is mostly provided by the 43 children's hospitals; tertiary care
      is (particularly) provided in 4 state university hospitals and 1 private
      university hospital. The training program of residents takes 6 years and is
      completed by a final examination. Every year, this training program is completed
      by about 60 residents.

PMID- 27666273
TI  - The Child Health Care System of Croatia.
AB  - The Republic of Croatia is a Parliamentary Republic with a population of 4.2
      million people that sits on the Adriatic coast within Central Europe. Gross
      domestic product is approximately 60% of the European Union average, which in
      turn, limits health service spending. The health system is funded through
      universal health insurance administered by the Croatian Health Insurance Fund
      based on the principles of social solidarity and reciprocity. The children of
      Croatia are guaranteed access to universal primary, hospital, and specialist care
      provided by a network of health institutions. Pediatricians and school medicine
      specialists provide comprehensive preventive health care for both preschool and
      school-aged children. Despite the Croatian War of Independence in the late 20th
      century, indicators of child health and measures of health service delivery to
      children and families are steadily improving. However, similar to many European
      countries, Croatia is experiencing a rise in the "new morbidities" and is
      responding to these new challenges through a whole society approach to promote
      healthy lifestyles and insure good quality of life for children.

PMID- 27666274
TI  - Short Review of Child Health Care in Former Czechoslovakia and Czech Republic
      since 1993.
AB  - We provide an overview on child health care in Czech Republic, including a
      historical background. Child health care has substantially improved in Czech
      hospitals during the past 20 years. Eight pediatric departments are located in
      university hospitals. The technical background of pediatric services meets high
      international standards. Inpatient and outpatient care is offered on a 24-hour
      service, and all pediatric subspecialties are usually provided. The different
      pediatric subspecialties are organized in the frame of the Czech Pediatric
      Society, and all of them have developed dynamic international scientific
      collaborations. From the organizational point of view, the formation of
      specialized centers of competence at university departments of pediatrics
      followed a mixture of a "bottom-up and top-down strategy" of all opinion and
      decision makers.

PMID- 27666275
TI  - The Child Health System in Denmark: Current Problems and Successes.
AB  - In Denmark, child primary care is taken care of by general practitioners who have
      6 months of pediatric training as part of their specialty training and,
      therefore, are qualified to work as gatekeepers for the secondary health care at
      the hospitals. As new, more expensive, drugs are increasingly prescribed,
      corresponding expenses pose serious threats to the economy at 18 pediatric
      departments. We will highlight the new developments in pediatric education:
      skills training and training of clinical reasoning.

PMID- 27666276
TI  - Health Services and Well-Being of Children in Estonia.
AB  - Estonia has a population of 1.3 million, which makes it one of the least populous
      member states of the European Union. The fertility rate was 1.65 in 2011, and the
      average age of women at first child birth was 4 years higher than in the early
      1990s. Medical care is free for all children in Estonia. For the last 20 years,
      family doctors have been responsible for the primary care of children. Pediatric
      subspecialists work mainly in 2 children's hospitals: the Children's Clinic of
      Tartu University Hospital and Tallinn Children's Hospital. The average duration
      of hospital stay has decreased year by year. Pediatric subspecialists take care
      of children with long-term conditions and chronic diseases. In recent years,
      electronic case reports and digital receipts have been in use in Estonia. New
      diagnostic tests and expensive medications, which are available, make the cost of
      medical care very high.

PMID- 27666277
TI  - Child Health Care in Georgia.
AB  - We summarize the pediatric health care system in Georgia. In the 1990s, the
      socialist health insurance system was abandoned and replaced by a private health
      insurance system. In general, Georgia has a relatively high number of physicians
      per capita, and there are 3 times as many physicians per unit of population in
      Tbilisi than in other region. Furthermore, the country's universities produce far
      more physicians than needed. Currently, there are approximately 3000
      pediatricians. The Georgian National Center of Disease Control provides
      guidelines for early detection and screening of diseases, immunization, and
      mother and child health care. Although Georgia has a limited health budget, it
      has performed major health reforms. It aims at achieving the highest possible
      standard of care for children with chronic and disabling conditions, however,
      future development will depend on the access to more advanced diagnostic and
      therapeutic technologies.

PMID- 27666278
TI  - The Child Health Care System of Germany.
AB  - We describe the strengths and challenges of the child health care system in
      Germany and also provide an outlook on future health plans, focusing on making
      idiosyncrasies of national health care services in Europe understandable to those
      pediatricians working in other countries. The aim should be to avoid those
      unnecessary processes in child care which, unless abandoned, may be responsible
      for a poor outcome of child health. Larger countries, such as Germany, have many
      distinct regional differences. When it comes to problem-solving strategies,
      pediatricians must be aware of unavoidable cultural and historic differences that
      may influence the outcome of care. Even when assuming unlimited financial
      resources, different regional priorities might result in diverging goals.

PMID- 27666279
TI  - Child Health Care in Ireland.
AB  - The Irish health care system is based on a complex and costly mix of private,
      statutory, and voluntary provisions. The majority of health care expenditure
      comes from the state, with a significant proportion of acute hospital care funded
      from private insurance, but there are relatively high out-of-pocket costs for
      most service users. There is free access to acute hospital care, but not for
      primary care, for all children. About 40% of the population have free access to
      primary care. Universal preventive public health services, including vaccination
      and immunization, newborn blood spot screening, and universal neonatal hearing
      screening are free. Major health challenges include poverty, obesity, drug and
      alcohol use, and mental health. The health care system has been dominated for the
      last 5 years by the impact of the current recession, which has led to very sharp
      cuts in health care expenditure. It is unclear if the necessary substantial
      reform of the system will happen. Government policy calls for a move toward a
      patient-centered, primary care-led system, but without very substantial transfers
      of resources and investment in Information and Communication Technology, this is
      unlikely to occur.

PMID- 27666281
TI  - Corrigendum: The Expression of Human Cytomegalovirus MicroRNA MiR-UL148D during
      Latent Infection in Primary Myeloid Cells Inhibits Activin A-triggered Secretion
      of IL-6.

PMID- 27666280
TI  - Mesoporous Silica Supported Pd-MnOx Catalysts with Excellent Catalytic Activity
      in Room-Temperature Formic Acid Decomposition.
AB  - For the application of formic acid as a liquid organic hydrogen carrier,
      development of efficient catalysts for dehydrogenation of formic acid is a
      challenging topic, and most studies have so far focused on the composition of
      metals and supports, the size effect of metal nanoparticles, and surface
      chemistry of supports. Another influential factor is highly desired to overcome
      the current limitation of heterogeneous catalysis for formic acid decomposition.
      Here, we first investigated the effect of support pore structure on formic acid
      decomposition performance at room temperature by using mesoporous silica
      materials with different pore structures such as KIE-6, MCM-41, and SBA-15, and
      achieved the excellent catalytic activity (TOF: 593 h-1) by only controlling the
      pore structure of mesoporous silica supports. In addition, we demonstrated that
      3D interconnected pore structure of mesoporous silica supports is more favorable
      to the mass transfer than 2D cylindrical mesopore structure, and the better mass
      transfer provides higher catalytic activity in formic acid decomposition. If the
      pore morphology of catalytic supports such as 3D wormhole or 2D cylinder is
      identical, large pore size combined with high pore volume is a crucial factor to
      achieve high catalytic performance.

PMID- 27666282
TI  - Accuracy of the Distress Thermometer for home care patients with palliative care
      needs in Germany.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to examine the accuracy of the German version of the
      Distress Thermometer (DT) compared with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale
      (HADS) in patients with palliative care needs living at home. METHOD: Ours was a
      15-month cross-sectional study beginning in September of 2013 in Germany with
      consecutive patients cared for by a palliative home care service. The survey was
      implemented during the initial visit by a home care team. Patients were excluded
      if they were under 18 years of age, mentally or physically unable to complete the
      assessment questionnaires as judged by their healthcare worker, or unable to
      understand the German language. During the first encounter, the DT and HADS were
      applied, and sociodemographic and medical data were collected. RESULTS: A total
      of 89 persons completed both the HADS and DT questionnaires (response rate =
      59.7%; mean age = 67 years; female = 55.1%; married = 65.2%; living home with
      relatives = 73.0%; oncological condition = 92.1%; Karnofsky Performance Scale
      [KPS] score: 0-40 = 30.3%, 50-70 = 57.3%, >80 = 6.7%). The mean DT score was 6.3
      (+/-2.3), with 84.3% of participants scoring above the DT cutoff (>=4). The mean
      HADStotal score was 17.9 (+/-7.8), where 64% of participants had a total HADS
      score (HADStotal) >=15, 51.7% reported anxiety (HADSanxiety >= 8), and 73%
      reported depression (HADSdepression >= 8). Using the HADS as a gold standard, a
      DT cutoff score >=5 was optimal for identifying severe distress in patients with
      palliative care needs, with a sensitivity of 93.0%, a specificity of 34.4%, a
      positive predictive value (PPV) of 73.3%, and likelihood ratios LR+ = 1.42 (<3)
      and -LR = 0.203 (<0.3). SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: The DT performed satisfactorily
      compared to the HADS in screening for distress in our study and can be employed
      as an instrument for identification of patients with distress. Consequent to the
      high prevalence of distress, we recommend its routine use for screening
      distressed persons at home with palliative care needs in order to offer adequate
      support.

PMID- 27666283
TI  - Acquired hemophilia A in a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma: a case report
      and literature review.

PMID- 27666285
TI  - Inappropriate Clostridium difficile Testing and Consequent Overtreatment and
      Inaccurate Publicly Reported Metrics.
AB  - BACKGROUND The nationally reported metric for Clostridium difficile infection
      (CDI) relies solely on laboratory testing, which can result in overreporting due
      to asymptomatic C. difficile colonization. OBJECTIVE To review the clinical
      scenarios of cases of healthcare facility-onset CDI (HO-CDI) and to determine the
      appropriateness of C. difficile testing on the basis of presence of symptomatic
      diarrhea in order to identify areas for improvement. DESIGN Retrospective cohort
      study. SETTING Northwestern Memorial Hospital, a large, tertiary academic
      hospital in Chicago, Illinois. PATIENTS The cohort included all patients with a
      positive C. difficile test result who were reported to the National Healthcare
      Safety Network as HO-CDI during a 1-year study period. METHODS We reviewed the
      clinical scenario of each HO-CDI case. On the basis of documentation and
      predefined criteria, appropriateness of C. difficile testing was determined;
      cases were deemed appropriate, inappropriate, or indeterminate. Statistical
      analysis was performed to compare demographic and clinical parameters among the
      categories of testing appropriateness. RESULTS Our facility reported 168 HO-CDI
      cases to NHSN during the study period. Of 168 cases, 33 (19.6%) were judged to be
      appropriate tests, 25 (14.8%) were considered inappropriate, and 110 (65.5%) were
      indeterminate. Elimination of inappropriate testing would have improved our
      facility's standardized infection ratio from 0.962 to 0.819. CONCLUSION
      Approximately 15% of HO-CDI cases were judged to be tested inappropriately.
      Testing only patients with clinically significant diarrhea would more accurately
      estimate CDI incidence, reduce unnecessary antibiotic use, and improve
      facilities' performance of reportable CDI metrics. Improved documentation could
      facilitate targeted interventions. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;1395-1400.

PMID- 27666287
TI  - Energetic potential of algal biomass from high-rate algal ponds for the
      production of solid biofuels.
AB  - In this investigation, chemical characteristics, higher, lower and net heating
      value, bulk and energy density, and thermogravimetric analysis were applied to
      study the thermal characteristics of three algal biomasses. These biomasses,
      grown as by-products of wastewater treatment in high-rate algal ponds (HRAPs),
      were: (i) biomass produced in domestic effluent and collected directly from an
      HRAP (PO); (ii) biomass produced in domestic effluent in a mixed pond-panel
      system and collected from the panels (PA); and (iii) biomass originating from the
      treatment effluent from the meat processing industry and collected directly from
      an HRAP (IN). The biomass IN was the best alternative for thermal power
      generation. Subsequently, a mixture of the algal biomasses and Jatropha epicarp
      was used to produce briquettes containing 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of algal
      biomass, and their properties were evaluated. In general, the addition of algal
      biomass to briquettes decreased both the hygroscopicity and fixed carbon content
      and increased the bulk density, ash content, and energy density. A 50% proportion
      of biomass IN was found to be the best raw material for producing briquettes.
      Therefore, the production of briquettes consisting of algal biomass and Jatropha
      epicarp at a laboratory scale was shown to be technically feasible.

PMID- 27666284
TI  - Influence of the watch and wait strategy on clinical outcomes of patients with
      follicular lymphoma in the rituximab era.
AB  - We analyzed the effects of the initial approach to patients with follicular
      lymphoma (FL) on outcomes in order to investigate whether the watch and wait (WW)
      strategy is still an acceptable approach in the rituximab era. We retrospectively
      analyzed 348 patients who were initially diagnosed with FL between 2000 and 2012.
      We compared the clinical outcomes of the WW cohort and immediate treatment
      cohort. Among 348 patients (median age of 57 years, range: 19-85), 101 were
      initially managed with WW and 247 were immediately treated. The median follow-up
      duration was 75 months (range: 7-169). The estimated median time to treatment
      failure (TTF) in the treatment following WW cohort and immediate treatment cohort
      were 92 months (95 % CI, 60.1-NA) and 77 months (95 % CI, 65.1-107.6),
      respectively, which were not significantly different (P = 0.272) . In a
      multivariate analysis, clinical stage was identified as a predictive factor of
      TTF (HR 1.19, 95 % CI, 1.03-1.38, P < 0.05). Neither overall survival rate nor
      cumulative risk of transformation between the WW cohort and immediate treatment
      cohort was significant. The results of the present study suggested that the WW
      strategy is still an acceptable approach for selected FL patients in the
      rituximab era.

PMID- 27666288
TI  - The H2/CH4 ratio during serpentinization cannot reliably identify biological
      signatures.
AB  - Serpentinization potentially contributes to the origin and evolution of life
      during early history of the Earth. Serpentinization produces molecular hydrogen
      (H2) that can be utilized by microorganisms to gain metabolic energy. Methane can
      be formed through reactions between molecular hydrogen and oxidized carbon (e.g.,
      carbon dioxide) or through biotic processes. A simple criterion, the H2/CH4
      ratio, has been proposed to differentiate abiotic from biotic methane, with
      values approximately larger than 40 for abiotic methane and values of <40 for
      biotic methane. The definition of the criterion was based on two serpentinization
      experiments at 200  degrees C and 0.3 kbar. However, it is not clear whether the
      criterion is applicable at a wider range of temperatures. In this study, we
      performed sixteen experiments at 311-500  degrees C and 3.0 kbar using natural
      ground peridotite. Our results demonstrate that the H2/CH4 ratios strongly depend
      on temperature. At 311  degrees C and 3.0 kbar, the H2/CH4 ratios ranged from 58
      to 2,120, much greater than the critical value of 40. By contrast, at 400-500 
      degrees C, the H2/CH4 ratios were much lower, ranging from 0.1 to 8.2. The
      results of this study suggest that the H2/CH4 ratios cannot reliably discriminate
      abiotic from biotic methane.

PMID- 27666286
TI  - Clock Genes in Glia Cells: A Rhythmic History.
AB  - Circadian rhythms are periodic patterns in biological processes that allow the
      organisms to anticipate changes in the environment. These rhythms are driven by
      the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the master circadian clock in vertebrates. At
      a molecular level, circadian rhythms are regulated by the so-called clock genes,
      which oscillate in a periodic manner. The protein products of clock genes are
      transcription factors that control their own and other genes' transcription,
      collectively known as "clock-controlled genes." Several brain regions other than
      the SCN express circadian rhythms of clock genes, including the amygdala, the
      olfactory bulb, the retina, and the cerebellum. Glia cells in these structures
      are expected to participate in rhythmicity. However, only certain types of glia
      cells may be called "glial clocks," since they express PER-based circadian
      oscillators, which depend of the SCN for their synchronization. This contribution
      summarizes the current information about clock genes in glia cells, their
      plausible role as oscillators and their medical implications.

PMID- 27666289
TI  - Increased plasma/serum levels of prolactin in systemic lupus erythematosus: a
      systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prolactin (PRL), a polypeptide hormone produced by the pituitary
      gland, is involved in the regulation of humoral and cell mediated immune
      responses. PRL levels have been investigated in several autoimmune diseases
      including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), however, yielded different and
      inconsistent results. This study aims to derive a more precise evaluation on
      plasma/serum PRL levels in SLE patients, as well as the potential influential
      factors. METHODS: Studies published from 1 January 1987 to 31 December 2015 in
      English, which comparing plasma/serum PRL levels between SLE group and control
      group were searched in PubMed, EMBASE and The Cochrane Library databases. Pooled
      standard mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated
      by fixed-effects or random-effect model analysis. Heterogeneity test was
      performed by the Q statistic and quantified using I2, publication bias was
      evaluated using a funnel plot and Egger's linear regression test. RESULTS: Five
      hundred and forty-seven articles were obtained after searching databases, and 12
      studies with 429 SLE patients and 326 controls were finally included. Meta
      analysis revealed that, compared with the control group, the SLE group had
      significantly higher plasma/serum PRL levels (P < 0.001), with the SMD of 1.26
      and 95%CI (0.70,1.82). Subgroup analyses showed that SLE patients from Asia and
      Europe had higher plasma/serum PRL levels. However, no significant change in
      plasma/serum PRL levels was observed in SLE patients from America (P > 0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our study suggests that SLE patients have higher
      plasma/serum PRL level, but with a regional difference.

PMID- 27666290
TI  - Multi-functional nano silver: A novel disruptive and theranostic agent for
      pathogenic organisms in real-time.
AB  - The present study was aimed at evaluating the fluorescence property, sporicidal
      potency against Bacillus and Clostridium endospores, and surface disinfecting
      ability of biogenic nano silver. The nano silver was synthesized using an
      actinobacterial cell-filtrate. The fluorescence property as well as imaging
      facilitator potency of this nano silver was verified adopting spectrofluorometer
      along with fluorescent and confocal laser scanning microscope wherein strong
      emission and bright green fluorescence, respectively, on the entire spore surface
      was observed. Subsequently, the endospores of B. subtilis, B. cereus, B.
      amyloliquefaciens, C. perfringens and C. difficile were treated with physical
      sporicides, chemical sporicides and nano silver, in which the nano silver brought
      about pronounced inhibition even at a very low concentration. Finally, the
      environmental surface-sanitizing potency of nano silver was investigated adopting
      cage co-contamination assay, wherein vital organs of mice exposed to the nano
      silver-treated cage did not show any signs of pathological lesions, thus
      signifying the ability of nano silver to completely disinfect the spore or reduce
      the count required for infection. Taken these observations together, we have
      shown the multi-functional biological properties of the nano silver, synthesized
      using an actinobacterial cell-filtrate, which could be of application in advanced
      diagnostics, biomedical engineering and therapeutics in the near future.

PMID- 27666292
TI  - Magnetic moment collapse induced axial alternative compressibility of Cr2TiAlC2
      at 420 GPa from first principle.
AB  - The electronic structure and thermodynamical properties of Cr2TiAlC2 are studied
      by first principles under pressure. The obtained results observed that the
      ferromagnetic order is the most stable ground state and the magnetic moment will
      collapse at about 50 GPa. As a result, the lattice a axis becomes stiffer above
      about 420 GPa, ultimately presenting the same axial compressibility trends with
      those of nonmagnetic compounds Mo2TiAlC2 and hypothetical Cr2TiAlC2. The elastic
      constants and phonon dispersion curves demonstrate the structural stability
      during the disappearance of magnetic moment and occurrence of axial alternative
      compressibility. The density of states and energy band calculations confirmed the
      existence of magnetic moment of Cr2TiAlC2 at 0 GPa and disappearance at high
      pressures above 50 GPa. Evolutions of magnetic moment collapse with pressure are
      confirmed by a variety of properties. The obtained gruneisen parameter and
      thermal expansion coefficients show the maximum value among the known MAX phases,
      to date and to the author's knowledge.

PMID- 27666293
TI  - Management of CSF leak in base of skull fractures in adults.
AB  - AIMS: CSF leaks are not uncommon after a base of skull fracture. Currently there
      is no standardised algorithm for the investigation and management of post
      traumatic CSF leaks. In this paper we aim to provide an evidence-based framework
      for managing post-traumatic CSF leaks. METHODS: We searched the English
      literature over the past 45 years using CINAHL, EMBASE and MEDLINE for the terms
      (1) post-traumatic CSF leaks or fistulas, and (2) basilar or base of skull
      fractures, but excluded papers on post-operative and non-traumatic CSF leaks, and
      papers on paediatric post- traumatic CSF leaks. RESULTS: The diagnosis of a base
      of skull fracture and any resultant CSF leak can be challenging. Therefore a
      combination of biochemical and radiological studies are needed to optimise the
      diagnosis of this condition. Post-traumatic CSF leaks are generally treated
      conservatively, and a majority of them resolve without further surgical
      management. However for patients who are refractory to such treatments, surgical
      closure of the CSF fistula is necessary. Surgical obliteration of CSF leaks can
      be challenging and requires the involvement of multiple surgical specialties such
      as neurosurgery, otolaryngology, and maxillofacial surgery. CONCLUSION: Although
      we have formulated a simple algorithm to aid the investigation and management of
      post-traumatic CSF leaks, there are still many important unresolved questions
      requiring further well powered studies to answer.

PMID- 27666291
TI  - Integrating Multi-omics Data to Dissect Mechanisms of DNA repair Dysregulation in
      Breast Cancer.
AB  - DNA repair genes and pathways that are transcriptionally dysregulated in cancer
      provide the first line of evidence for the altered DNA repair status in tumours,
      and hence have been explored intensively as a source for biomarker discovery. The
      molecular mechanisms underlying DNA repair dysregulation, however, have not been
      systematically investigated in any cancer type. In this study, we performed a
      statistical analysis to dissect the roles of DNA copy number alteration (CNA),
      DNA methylation (DM) at gene promoter regions and the expression changes of
      transcription factors (TFs) in the differential expression of individual DNA
      repair genes in normal versus tumour breast samples. These gene-level results
      were summarised at pathway level to assess whether different DNA repair pathways
      are affected in distinct manners. Our results suggest that CNA and expression
      changes of TFs are major causes of DNA repair dysregulation in breast cancer, and
      that a subset of the identified TFs may exert global impacts on the dysregulation
      of multiple repair pathways. Our work hence provides novel insights into DNA
      repair dysregulation in breast cancer. These insights improve our understanding
      of the molecular basis of the DNA repair biomarkers identified thus far, and have
      potential to inform future biomarker discovery.

PMID- 27666294
TI  - Effective vitrification and warming of porcine embryos using a pH-stable,
      chemically defined medium.
AB  - The use of pH-stable media would simplify embryo vitrification and the warming of
      porcine embryos and might facilitate the application of embryo transfer in
      practice. In this work, we investigated whether a pH-stable basal medium
      constituted of Tyrode's lactate medium, polyvinyl alcohol, and HEPES for
      buffering was suitable for porcine embryo vitrification warming in place of the
      conventional gas-equilibrated media. A high percentage (>90%) of embryos survived
      vitrification and warming in this medium, achieving in vitro survival rates
      similar to embryos vitrified-warmed using the conventional protocol and their
      fresh counterparts. The pH-stable medium did not affect the in vivo developmental
      competence of the vitrified-warmed embryos. A farrowing rate of 71.4% (5/7) with
      10.4 +/- 3.1 piglets born was obtained for the embryos vitrified and warmed in
      this medium and transferred to selected recipients. This medium will enable the
      use of simple, safe and standardized protocols for the vitrification and warming
      of porcine embryos for optimal embryo survival and quality when applied under
      field conditions. This study opens new possibilities for the widespread use of
      embryo transfer in pigs.

PMID- 27666295
TI  - Effectiveness of UV-C light irradiation on disinfection of an eSOS((r)) smart
      toilet evaluated in a temporary settlement in the Philippines.
AB  - Ultraviolet germicidal (short wavelength UV-C) light was studied as surface
      disinfectant in an Emergency Sanitation Operation System((r)) smart toilet to aid
      to the work of manual cleaning. The UV-C light was installed and regulated as a
      self-cleaning feature of the toilet, which automatically irradiate after each
      toilet use. Two experimental phases were conducted i.e. preparatory phase
      consists of tests under laboratory conditions and field testing phase. The
      laboratory UV test indicated that irradiation for 10 min with medium-low
      intensity of 0.15-0.4 W/m(2) could achieve 6.5 log removal of Escherichia coli.
      Field testing of the toilet under real usage found that UV-C irradiation was
      capable to inactivate total coliform at toilet surfaces within 167-cm distance
      from the UV-C lamp (UV-C dose between 1.88 and 2.74 mW). UV-C irradiation is most
      effective with the support of effective manual cleaning. Application of UV-C for
      surface disinfection in emergency toilets could potentially reduce public health
      risks. 

PMID- 27666296
TI  - Spot-checks to measure general hygiene practice.
AB  - A variety of hygiene behaviors are fundamental to the prevention of diarrhea. We
      used spot-checks in a survey of 761 households in Burundi to examine whether
      something we could call general hygiene practice is responsible for more specific
      hygiene behaviors, ranging from handwashing to sweeping the floor. Using
      structural equation modeling, we showed that clusters of hygiene behavior, such
      as primary caregivers' cleanliness and household cleanliness, explained the spot
      check findings well. Within our model, general hygiene practice as overall
      concept explained the more specific clusters of hygiene behavior well.
      Furthermore, the higher general hygiene practice, the more likely children were
      to be categorized healthy (r = 0.46). General hygiene practice was correlated
      with commitment to hygiene (r = 0.52), indicating a strong association to
      psychosocial determinants. The results show that different hygiene behaviors co
      occur regularly. Using spot-checks, the general hygiene practice of a household
      can be rated quickly and easily. 

PMID- 27666299
TI  - Therapeutic management of bone metastasis in prostate cancer: an update.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Bone metastases affect the majority of patients with castration
      resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), resulting in significant morbidity and
      mortality. This review describes the current therapies available for the
      management of CRPC patients with bone metastases. Areas covered: Studies on the
      use of currently available therapeutic approaches for palliating pain, delaying
      skeletal-related events (SREs) and prolonging survival in CRPC patients with bone
      metastases have been examined. PubMed database was searched in May 2016 starting
      with the following keywords: ('castration-resistant prostate cancer' OR 'CRPC')
      AND 'bone metastases', and approximately 270 results were retrieved. More
      specific searches were then performed on the epidemiology and molecular
      pathogenesis (in particular, 'vicious cycle' was used as a keyword), the
      management of pain, SREs and survival. The following keywords were also used
      individually: abiraterone, cabazitaxel, denosumab, docetaxel, enzalutamide,
      radium-223, sipuleucel-T, samarium-153, strontium-89, zoledronate. Randomized
      controlled trials, observational studies, reviews, systematic reviews and meta
      analyses were selected and articles were excluded if not in English. Expert
      commentary: Currently, clear recommendations on the optimal use of the agents
      available to treat mCRPC are lacking. Therefore, to ensure patients the best
      treatment, both their clinical characteristics and the features of each product
      have to be considered.

PMID- 27666297
TI  - Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) association with peripheral artery disease
      admissions in northeastern United States.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Current evidence, on the association of PM2.5 and peripheral artery
      disease (PAD) is very sparse. METHODS: We use novel PM2.5 prediction models to
      investigate associations between chronic and acute PM2.5 exposures and hospital
      PAD admissions across the northeast USA. Poisson regression analysis was
      preformed where daily admission counts in each zip code are regressed against
      both chronic and acute PM2.5 exposure, temperature, socio-economic
      characteristics and time to control for seasonal patterns. RESULTS: Positive
      significant associations were observed between both chronic and acute exposure to
      PM2.5 and PAD hospitalizations. Every 10-MUg/m(3) increase in acute PM2.5
      exposure was associated with a 0.26 % increase in admissions (CI = 0.08 - 0.45 %)
      and every 10-MUg/m(3) increase in chronic PM 2.5 exposure was associated with a
      4.4 % increase in admissions (CI = 3.50 - 5.35 %). CONCLUSIONS: The study
      supports the hypothesis that acute and chronic exposure to PM2.5 can increase the
      risk of PAD.

PMID- 27666300
TI  - We all stand together.

PMID- 27666301
TI  - Bringing 'forgiveness' into the International Classification for Nursing
      Practice.

PMID- 27666302
TI  - Supporting a good life and death in residential aged care: an exploration of
      service use towards end of life.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The concept of a 'good death' involves end-of-life care in an
      appropriate setting and in keeping with the person's preferences. Limited
      research has examined the circumstances and place of death for older people
      living in residential aged care. OBJECTIVE: This exploratory study investigated
      the nature of health service use and place of death of older people living in
      aged care to identify factors that lead to transfer of end-of-life care to other
      settings and poorer outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective review of residential aged
      care client records between July 2014 and June 2015. CONCLUSION: The majority of
      people in this study died in their home setting of residential care and a number
      were in receipt of palliative care prior to their deaths. The study proposes a
      national approach to the use of terminology and documents related to palliative
      and end-of-life care and education in assessment and recognition of nearing the
      end of life.

PMID- 27666303
TI  - Improving end-of-life care through quality improvement.
AB  - Although end of life (EoL) care has been identified as an area for quality
      improvement in hospitals, the quality of care Canadian patients receive at the
      end of life is not well-evidenced. National statistics indicate that Canadians
      would prefer to die at home, yet more than 50% die in acute care hospital
      settings. Busy and often highly specialised acute care units may be perceived as
      a distressing place of death for both patients and their families. Furthermore,
      many clinicians are not trained in diagnosing imminent dying, managing symptoms
      at the end of life or supporting dying patients and their families. As such, to
      improve the experience of EoL care, a corporate, institution-wide strategy
      entitled the Quality Dying Initiative was introduced and implemented across a
      tertiary care academic teaching hospital. A primary focus of this initiative was
      the implementation of a comprehensive Comfort Measures Strategy. This strategy
      involved the development of an evidence-based order set, which included elements
      of symptom assessment and management, patient and family education, and spiritual
      and emotional support. Staff education and mentoring was also a critical element
      of the larger Comfort Measures Strategy, as well as an evaluative component.

PMID- 27666304
TI  - An assessment of palliative care beliefs and knowledge: the healthcare provider's
      perspective.
AB  - Research shows that healthcare providers' palliative care training and their
      misconceptions impact the delivery of care. As a result, the need for continuing
      education with adequate training is paramount to improve their knowledge and
      confidence in addressing the needs of patients and families facing serious
      illnesses. A pre-experimental static-group comparison design was used to
      determine if there was a significant difference in perceived competency and
      knowledge between healthcare providers who participated in a palliative care
      training programme and those who did not. A non-randomised sample of healthcare
      providers were administered a questionnaire to assess perceived competence and
      knowledge. Responses from 388 participants revealed a significant association
      between perceived competency and knowledge scores. The authors concluded that
      participation in a palliative care programme makes a significant difference in
      the healthcare provider's knowledge. However, further exploration is necessary to
      deduce the underlying reason for the negative association between perceived
      competency and knowledge.

PMID- 27666306
TI  - Experiences of healthcare professionals as caregivers of a dying family member:
      an exploratory study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many health-care professionals also take on a caregiver role at home,
      usually by caring for a dying relative. Very little is known about the
      perceptions, experiences and needs of this specific group of carers. OBJECTIVE:
      To understand the perceptions and experiences of healthcare professionals as
      caregivers and identify their needs. METHODS: Health-care professionals working
      at one health unit in Portugal participated in a semi-structured interview (n=9).
      Data were analysed and organised thematically. RESULTS: Four key themes emerged
      from the analysis: (i) the perception of the caregiver role, (ii) the
      difficulties experienced in the caregiver role, (iii) the rewards obtained by
      carrying out the caregiver role and (iv) the healthcare professional's needs as a
      caregiver. CONCLUSION: Healthcare professionals' needs as caregivers are not
      assessed and addressed holistically, creating room for improvement. Participants
      felt emotionally pressured by their families to get answers and find solutions
      during caregiving. Despite it being a complex and painful process, participants
      still gave examples of rewards experienced during caregiving.

PMID- 27666305
TI  - Screening for delirium in specialist palliative care inpatient units: perceptions
      and outcomes.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
      indicate that palliative care patients are at high risk of delirium and should be
      screened for it using the short confusion assessment method (short CAM). This
      study aimed to assess the perceptions of the short CAM for delirium screening
      amongst health-care workers in specialist palliative care inpatient units (SPCUs)
      and to investigate its use as a screening instrument. METHODS: Patients in 5
      SPCUs in the North East of England were screened for delirium using the short CAM
      and a staff survey assessed the acceptability of the short-CAM in this setting.
      RESULTS: Of the 63 staff surveyed, 79.4% felt screening for delirium was
      important and 59.3% found the short CAM 'not at all' burdensome to complete.
      However, only 40.7% felt that the short-CAM often accurately reflected patients'
      conditions and none felt it always accurately reflected patients' condition. Of
      298 patients screened, 20% screened positive on the short CAM. Malignant and
      intra-cerebral diseases were significant independent predictors of a positive
      screen. Hospice length of stay and in-hospice mortality were higher in those with
      a positive result (66.7%) than in those without (38.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Health
      professionals deem delirium screening to be important in SPCUs, but may not
      support routine use of the short CAM. This could reflect a limited perceived
      impact on care and lack of confidence in this tool to reflect a complex patient
      group.

PMID- 27666307
TI  - What are the barriers to initiating end-of-life conversations with patients in
      the last year of life?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Improving end of life care is a national imperative. Unsatisfactory
      care persists particularly in acute hospitals, with shortcomings, variability in
      communication and advance care planning identified as fundamental issues. This
      review explored the literature to identify what is known about the barriers to
      initiating end-of-life conversations with patients from the perspective of
      doctors and nurses in the acute hospital setting. METHOD: Six electronic
      databases were searched for potentially relevant records published between 2008
      and 2015. Studies were included if the authors reported on barriers to discussing
      end of life with families or patients as described by doctors or nurses in
      hospital settings, excluding critical care. RESULTS: Of 1267 potentially relevant
      records, 12 were included in the review. Although there is limited high-quality
      evidence available, several barriers were identified. Recurrent themes within the
      literature related to a lack of education and training, difficulty in
      prognostication, cultural differences and perceived reluctance of the patient or
      family. CONCLUSIONS: This study illustrated that, in addressing barriers to
      communication, consideration needs to be extended to include how to embed good
      communication practice between patients and health professionals into the culture
      of this setting. Board level commitment is required to raise awareness of, and
      familiarity with, policies and protocols concerning communication and end-of-life
      care. Communication training should include practical skills and tools,
      opportunities to explore the personal beliefs of practitioners and managing their
      emotions, opportunities to analyse the local organisational (physical and social
      environment) and team barriers.

PMID- 27666308
TI  - Research roundup.
AB  - Synopses of a selection of recently published research articles of relevance to
      palliative care.

PMID- 27666309
TI  - Politics and palliative care: Niger.
AB  - Dion Smyth's review of the internet for palliative nursing.

PMID- 27666311
TI  - Surface magnetism of strontium titanate.
AB  - SrTiO3 plays a central role in oxide electronics. It is the substrate of choice
      for functional oxide heterostructures based on perovskite-structure thin-film
      stacks, and its surface or interface with a polar oxide such as LaAlO3 can become
      a 2D conductor because of electronic reconstruction or the presence of oxygen
      defects. Inconsistent reports of magnetic order in SrTiO3 abound in the
      literature. Here, we report a systematic experimental study aimed at establishing
      how and when SrTiO3 can develop a magnetic moment at room temperature. Polished
      (1 0 0), (1 1 0) or (1 1 1) crystal slices from four different suppliers are
      characterized before and after vacuum annealing at 750  degrees C, both in single
      crystal and powdered form. Impurity content is analysed at the surface and in the
      bulk. Besides the underlying intrinsic diamagnetism of SrTiO3, magnetic signals
      are of three types-a Curie law susceptibility due to dilute magnetic impurities
      at the ppm level, a hysteretic temperature-dependent ferromagnetic impurity
      contribution, and a practically anhysteretic defect-related temperature
      independent component that saturates in about 200 mT. The latter component is
      intrinsic. It is often the largest, reaching 10 MU B nm-2 of the surface area or
      more and dominating the magnetic response in low fields at room temperature. It
      is associated with defects near the surface, and can be destroyed by treatment
      with Tiron (C6H4Na2O8S2), an electron donor molecule that forms a strong complex
      with titanium at the surface. The origin of this unusual high-temperature
      ferromagnetic-like response is discussed.

PMID- 27666310
TI  - RNAi-mediated downregulation of cyclin Y to attenuate human breast cancer cell
      growth.
AB  - Cyclin Y (CCNY) is a newly identified PFTK1 interacting protein and has been
      found to be associated with the proliferation and tumorigenesis of human non
      small cell lung cancer. In the present study, we analyzed the expression levels
      of CCNY in 65 cases of breast cancer (BC) tissues and in four BC cell lines, BT
      474, MDA-MB-231, T-47D and MCF-7. Lentivirus-mediated short hairpin RNA (shRNA)
      was employed to knock down CCNY expression in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. The
      effects of CCNY depletion on cell growth were examined by MTT, colony formation
      and flow cytometry assays. The results showed that immunohistochemical expression
      of CCNY in tumor tissues is stronger than that in normal tissues. CCNY was also
      expressed in all four BC cells. The knockdown of CCNY resulted in a significant
      reduction in cell proliferation and colony formation ability. Cell cycle analysis
      showed that CCNY knockdown arrested MDA-MB-231 cells in the G0/G1 phase.
      Furthermore, depletion of CCNY inhibited BC cell growth via the activation of Bad
      and GSK3beta, as well as cleavages of PARP and caspase-3 in a p53-dependent
      manner. Therefore, we believe that CCNY has biological effect in BC development,
      and its inhibition via an RNA interference lentiviral system may provide a
      therapeutic option for BC.

PMID- 27666312
TI  - Corynebacterium crudilactis sp. nov., isolated from raw cow's milk.
AB  - A Gram-stain-positive, rod-shaped bacterium (strain JZ16T) was isolated from raw
      cow's milk from the bulk tank of a dairy farm in Germany. The 16S rRNA gene
      sequence of the isolate showed a similarity of 98.3 % to the nearest related type
      strain Corynebacterium glutamicum ATCC 13032T, a similarity of 97.6 % to
      Corynebacterium deserti GIMN1.010T and a similarity of 97.4 % to Corynebacterium
      callunae DSM 20147T. Determination of chemotaxonomic characteristics revealed
      oleic acid (18 : 1 cis 9) as the predominant fatty acid, major amounts of
      hexadecanoic acid (16 : 0) and minor amounts of heptadecanoic acid (17 : 0). The
      isolate showed an acetyl type of peptidoglycan and corynemycolic acids. The
      menaquinones MK-8(H2) and MK-9(H2) and the phospholipids diphosphatidylglycerol,
      phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylinositol mannoside
      were detected, which was in agreement with the description of the genus
      Corynebacterium. Strain JZ16T was positive for reduction of nitrate to nitrite,
      pyrazinamidase, beta-glucuronidase, beta-glucosidase and urease activities. Acid
      was produced from d-glucose, d-ribose and d-mannitol, but not from d-xylose,
      maltose, lactose, sucrose and glycogen. The results of phylogenetic, phenotypic
      and chemotaxonomic analyses enabled the differentiation of the isolated strain
      from other closely related species of the genus Corynebacterium. Therefore,
      strain JZ16T represents a novel species of the genus Corynebacterium, for which
      the name Corynebacterium crudilactis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is
      JZ16T (=DSM 100882T=CCUG 69192T=LMG 29813T).

PMID- 27666313
TI  - Phylogenetic diversity, antimicrobial susceptibility and virulence
      characteristics of phylogroup F Escherichia coli in Australia.
AB  - Unlike Escherichia coli strains belonging to phylogroup B2, the clinical
      significance of strains belonging to phylogroup F is not well understood. Here we
      report on a collection of phylogroup F strains recovered in Australia from faeces
      and extra-intestinal sites from humans, companion animals and native animals, as
      well as from poultry meat and water samples. The distribution of sequence types
      was clearly non-random with respect to isolate source. The antimicrobial
      resistance and virulence trait profiles also varied with the sequence type of the
      isolate. Phylogroup F strains tended to lack the virulence traits typically
      associated with phylogroup B2 strains responsible for extra-intestinal infection
      in humans. Resistance to fluoroquinolones and/or expanded-spectrum cephalosporins
      was common within ST648, ST354 and ST3711. Although ST354 and ST3711 are part of
      the same clonal complex, the ST3711 isolates were only recovered from native
      birds being cared for in a single wildlife rehabilitation centre, whereas the
      ST354 isolates were from faeces and extra-intestinal sites of dogs and humans, as
      well as from poultry meat. Although ST354 isolates from chicken meat in Western
      Australia were distinct from all other ST354 isolates, those from poultry meat
      samples collected in eastern Australia shared many similarities with other ST354
      isolates from humans and companion animals.

PMID- 27666314
TI  - Aqueous-Solid System for Highly Efficient and Environmentally Friendly
      Transphosphatidylation Catalyzed by Phospholipase D To Produce
      Phosphatidylserine.
AB  - The purely aqueous system of phospholipase D (PLD)-mediated
      transphosphatidylation using pre-existing carriers for the adsorption of
      phosphatidylcholine (PC) to act as an "artificial interface" was introduced to
      replace the liquid-liquid system. Toxic organic solvents are avoided during the
      reaction, and the free enzyme can be simply reused by centrifugation. Special
      attention has been paid to the effect of the pore diameter and surface area of
      silica gel 60H covered with PC molecules on the yield of phosphatidylserine (PS).
      Results indicated that the highest PS yield of 99.5% was achieved. Moreover,
      73.6% of the yield of PS was obtained after being used for six batches. This is
      the first description of the remarkably high reusability of free enzymes for
      enzymatic synthesis of PS as well. The excellent results make the aqueous-solid
      system more promising candidates for the industrial production of PS.

PMID- 27666315
TI  - Selection and validation of miRNAs as normalizers for profiling expression of
      microRNAs isolated from thyroid fine needle aspiration smears.
AB  - Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is currently the method of choice for
      malignancy prediction in thyroid nodules. Nevertheless, in some cases the
      interpretation of FNAC results may be problematic due to limitations of the
      method. The expression level of some microRNAs changes with the development of
      thyroid tumors, and its quantitation can be used to refine the FNAC results. For
      this quantitation to be reliable, the obtained data must be adequately
      normalized. Currently, no reference genes are universally recognized for
      quantitative assessments of microRNAs in thyroid nodules. The aim of the present
      study was the selection and validation of such reference genes. Expression of 800
      microRNAs in 5 paired samples of thyroid surgical material corresponding to
      different histotypes of tumors was analyzed using Nanostring technology and four
      of these (hsa-miR-151a-3p, -197-3p, -99a-5p and -214-3p) with the relatively low
      variation coefficient were selected. The possibility of use of the selected
      microRNAs and their combination as references was estimated by RT-qPCR on a
      sampling of cytological smears: benign (n=226), atypia of undetermined
      significance (n=9), suspicious for follicular neoplasm (n=61), suspicious for
      malignancy (n=19), medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) (n=32), papillary thyroid
      carcinoma (PTC) (n=54) and non-diagnostic material (ND) (n=34). In order to
      assess the expression stability of the references, geNorm algorithm was used. The
      maximum stability was observed for the normalization factor obtained by the
      combination of all 4 microRNAs. Further validation of the complex normalizer and
      individual selected microRNAs was performed using 5 different classification
      methods on 3 groups of FNAC smears from the analyzed batch: benign neoplasms, MTC
      and PTC. In all cases, the use of the complex classifier resulted in the reduced
      number of errors. On using the complex microRNA normalizer, the decision-tree
      method C4.5 makes it possible to distinguish between malignant and benign thyroid
      neoplasms in cytological smears with high overall accuracy (>91%).

PMID- 27666316
TI  - Direct-write nanoscale printing of nanogranular tunnelling strain sensors for sub
      micrometre cantilevers.
AB  - The sensitivity and detection speed of cantilever-based mechanical sensors
      increases drastically through size reduction. The need for such increased
      performance for high-speed nanocharacterization and bio-sensing, drives their sub
      micrometre miniaturization in a variety of research fields. However, existing
      detection methods of the cantilever motion do not scale down easily, prohibiting
      further increase in the sensitivity and detection speed. Here we report a
      nanomechanical sensor readout based on electron co-tunnelling through a
      nanogranular metal. The sensors can be deposited with lateral dimensions down to
      tens of nm, allowing the readout of nanoscale cantilevers without constraints on
      their size, geometry or material. By modifying the inter-granular tunnel-coupling
      strength, the sensors' conductivity can be tuned by up to four orders of
      magnitude, to optimize their performance. We show that the nanoscale printed
      sensors are functional on 500 nm wide cantilevers and that their sensitivity is
      suited even for demanding applications such as atomic force microscopy.

PMID- 27666317
TI  - Hybrid Congregation of Islet Single Cells and Curcumin-Loaded Polymeric
      Microspheres as an Interventional Strategy to Overcome Apoptosis Associated with
      Pancreatic Islets Transplantation.
AB  - Hypoxic or near-anoxic conditions that occur in the core of transplanted islets
      induce necrosis and apoptosis during the early stages after transplantation,
      primarily due to loss of vascularization during the isolation process. Moreover,
      secretion of various cytokines from pancreatic islets is detrimental to the
      viability of islet cells in vitro. In this study, we aimed to protect pancreatic
      islet cells against apoptosis by establishing a method for in situ delivery of
      curcumin to the pancreatic islets. Self-assembled heterospheroids composed of
      pancreatic islet cells and curcumin-loaded polymeric microspheres were prepared
      by the three-dimensional cell culture technique. Release of curcumin in the
      microenvironment of pancreatic islets promoted survival of the islets. In hypoxic
      culture conditions, which mimic the in vivo conditions after transplantation,
      viability of the islets was significantly improved, as indicated by a decreased
      expression of pro-apoptotic protein and an increased expression of anti-apoptotic
      protein. Additionally, oxidative stress-induced cell death was suppressed. Thus,
      unlike co-transplantation of pancreatic islets and free microspheres, which
      provided a wide distribution of microspheres throughout the transplanted area,
      the heterospheroid transplantation resulted in colocalization of pancreatic islet
      cells and microspheres, thereby exerting beneficial effects on the cells.

PMID- 27666318
TI  - Very Long-Lived Photoinduced Charge-Separated States of Triphenylamine
      Naphthalenediimide Dyads in Polymer Matrices.
AB  - Photoinduced electron transfer was studied in dyads (dyad1 and dyad2) containing
      triphenylamine (MTA) and naphthalenediimide (MNDI) linked with
      oligo(phenyleneethynylene) dispersed in rigid polymer matrices of polystyrene
      (PS), poly(vinyl chloride), and poly(methyl methacrylate). Photoexcitation of
      these dyads yielded long-lived charge-separated (CS) states involving MTA+ and
      MNDI-. The quantum yields of charge separation in dyad1 and dyad2 were
      approximately 0.4 and 0.3, respectively, in the polymer matrices. The CS lifetime
      for dyad2 in PS was longer (400 ms) than those in poly(vinyl chloride) (120 ms)
      and poly(methyl methacrylate) (65 ms) at 298 K. In addition, CS state had a very
      long lifetime of 5.4 s in glassy toluene at 100 K. Below glass transition
      temperatures, polymer side chain motions with various relaxation rates should
      affect the charge recombination processes. The energy gap (DeltaG) and outer
      sphere reorganization energy (lambda) in the charge recombination process were
      estimated using a slow-frequency component for dielectric constants. By use of
      DeltaG and lambda values, the matrix dependence of the CS lifetimes was
      successfully rationalized based on Marcus theory, and the charge recombination
      process in PS with low polarity and high polarizability should be in a deeper
      inverted region than the other polymer matrices. It also suggested that the
      rigidity of the polymer effectively suppressed intramolecular motions promoting
      the charge recombination process.

PMID- 27666319
TI  - Transport Dynamics of Neutral Excitons and Trions in Monolayer WS2.
AB  - Understanding the spatial motion of excitons is of both fundamental interest and
      central importance for optoelectrical applications. Here, we have investigated
      the temperature (T) dependence of the transport dynamics of neutral excitons and
      charged excitons (trions) in atomically thin two-dimensional crystals of the
      transition-metal dichalcogenide WS2. The transport dynamics of neutral excitons
      can be divided into three temperature ranges, where the diffusion of neutral
      excitons is governed by thermal activation (<=~75 K), ionized impurity scattering
      (~75 K <= T <=~200 K), and LO phonon scattering (>=~200 K). The trions have a
      diffusion length that is over 20 times longer than that of neutral excitons at
      very low temperatures (<=~10 K), which may be related to theoretically predicted
      Pauli-blocking effects during the excitation process.

PMID- 27666320
TI  - Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome in a pregnant patient: a PRESsing
      matter.

PMID- 27666321
TI  - Diagnostic work-up of patients presenting in primary care with lower abdominal
      symptoms: which faecal test and triage strategy should be used?
AB  - Bowel endoscopy referrals from primary care have increased steadily over recent
      years. However, most patients do not have significant colorectal disease (SCD).
      Therefore, strategies to select those who would benefit most from endoscopy are
      of current interest. A recent study developed a multivariable diagnostic model
      for SCD with routine clinical information, extended with quantitative faecal
      calprotectin (f-C) point-of-care (POC) testing and/or qualitative POC faecal
      immunochemical test (FIT) for haemoglobin (f-Hb) results. This study used POC
      tests for both f-C and f-Hb; however, POC tests have many disadvantages and there
      are several reasons why quantitative measurements of f-Hb are advantageous.
      Quantitative faecal immunochemical tests have been used very successfully in
      triage of patients presenting in primary care as a rule-out test. Studies have
      compared f-C and f-Hb in this clinical context and consider that f-C is not
      required in diagnosis. A single quantitative f-Hb result, without any clinical
      information, could be sufficient to decide whom to refer for endoscopy and,
      because of the significant overlap of symptoms in those with and without SCD,
      could be the primary investigation performed.Please see related article:
      http://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-016-0684-5 .

PMID- 27666323
TI  - Complement component C1q as potential diagnostic but not predictive marker of
      preeclampsia.
AB  - PROBLEM: We have previously found that C1q is constitutively expressed by
      invading trophoblast and endothelial cells of decidua and contributes to vascular
      and tissue remodeling. Based on these findings, we sought to determine whether
      there were changes in the circulating level of C1q that may be used as a
      diagnostic and predictive marker of preeclampsia. METHOD OF STUDY: We measured
      the levels of C1q, C4, and complement activation products in serum or plasma of
      normal pregnant women and preeclamptic patients from different cohorts. RESULTS:
      We observed a marked decrease in the concentration of C1q associated with a
      reduced level of C4 in preeclamptic patients as compared to matched healthy
      pregnant woman but no significant difference in the circulating level of the
      activating products C5a and the soluble terminal complement complex sC5b-9.
      Analysis of serum samples collected at early phase of pregnancy from women who
      later developed preeclampsia failed to show a decrease in C1q level. CONCLUSION:
      The results of the present investigation demonstrate that low levels of C1q and
      C4 are associated with preeclampsia but cannot be used as predictive markers.

PMID- 27666322
TI  - Polysaccharide isolated from the liquid culture broth of Inonotus obliquus
      suppresses invasion of B16-F10 melanoma cells via AKT/NF-kappaB signaling
      pathway.
AB  - A number of polysaccharides exhibit pharmacological activities. Polysaccharides
      derived from Inonotus obliquus (PLIO) appear to have various potential
      pharmacological properties, including anti-tumor activity. However, the molecular
      mechanisms underlying these properties remain to be elucidated. The present study
      investigated the anti-metastatic potential of PLIO and the underlying signaling
      pathways in B16-F10 murine melanoma cells using the MTT colorimetric assay, in
      vitro migration and invasion assays, and flow cytometric and western blot
      analyses. PLIO inhibited the invasion of B16-F10 cells and suppressed the
      expression of matrix metalloproteinases. PLIO treatment inhibited nuclear factor
      kappaB (NF-kappaB) nuclear translocation in B16-F10 cells. In addition, PLIO
      treatment inhibited the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinases and AKT.
      These results suggest that PLIO may suppress the invasion of highly metastatic
      melanoma cells via inhibition of the AKT/NF-kappaB signaling pathways.

PMID- 27666324
TI  - Prenatal exposure to persistent organic pollutants in association with offspring
      neuropsychological development at 4years of age: The Rhea mother-child cohort,
      Crete, Greece.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are highly-resistant compounds
      to environmental degradation and due to fat solubility they bioaccumulate through
      the food chain. As they cross the placenta, in utero exposure to POPs could
      disrupt child neurodevelopment as they are considered to be neurotoxic. AIMS: We
      examined whether in utero exposure to levels of different POPs is associated with
      offspring cognitive and behavioral outcomes at 4years of age in a mother-child
      cohort in Crete, Greece (Rhea study). METHODS: We included 689 mother-child
      pairs. Concentrations of several polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and other
      organochlorine compounds (dichlorodiphenyl dichloroethene [DDE],
      hexachlorobenzene [HCB]) were determined in maternal serum collected in the first
      trimester of pregnancy by triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. Neurodevelopment
      at 4years was assessed by means of the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities.
      Behavioral difficulties were assessed by Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire
      and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Test. Linear regression analyses
      were used to estimate the associations between the exposures and outcomes of
      interest after adjustment for potential confounders. RESULTS: Children with
      "high" HCB concentrations (>=90th percentile) in maternal serum, demonstrated
      decreased scores in perceptual performance (adjusted beta=-6.07; 95% CI: -10.17, 
      1.97), general cognitive (adjusted beta=-4.97; 95% CI: -8.99, -0.96), executive
      function (adjusted beta=-6.24; 95% CI: -10.36, -2.11) and working memory
      (adjusted beta=-4.71; 95% CI: -9.05, -0.36) scales at 4years of age. High
      exposure to PCBs (>=90th percentile) during pregnancy was associated with a 4.62
      points reduction in working memory score at 4years of age (95% CI: -9.10, -0.14).
      Prenatal exposure to DDE, HCB and PCBs was not associated with child behavioral
      difficulties. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that prenatal exposure to HCB and
      PCBs may contribute to reduced cognitive development at preschool age. Our
      results raise the possibility that exposure to HCB may play a more important role
      in child cognition than previously considered.

PMID- 27666325
TI  - A hybrid method for quantifying China's nitrogen footprint during urbanisation
      from 1990 to 2009.
AB  - In this study, we devise a national nitrogen footprint method to evaluate the
      life cycle nitrogen flows through the national economy of China from 1990 to
      2009. To this end, we build a hybrid method based on two well-established
      techniques, namely material flow analysis (MFA) and input-output analysis (IOA).
      This integration allows for the evaluation of the effects of international trade
      and interdependencies among economic sectors. Our results suggest that China's
      nitrogen footprint (NF) has increased from 30.3Teragrams (Tg) in 1990 to 54.0Tg
      in 2009, whereas the NF per capita has increased from 25.9 to 39.5kgN/yr.
      Relationship between the world NF per capita and human development index (HDI)
      appears to show an inverted U curve, whilst China shows an increase both in NF
      per capita and HDI. We find that an increase in China's NF is largely associated
      with high levels of urbanisation. Although the energy NF (E_NF) has increased
      more drastically than the food NF (F_NF), the latter still dominates China's
      total NNF, with proportions of 91% in 1990 and 82% in 2009. Taking international
      trade into account, our results demonstrate that China was a net exporter of
      F_NF, whilst a net importer of E_NF over this time period. There are many
      measures considered to reduce China's nitrogen footprint, including improvements
      in N use efficiency of food systems, transformation of meat-based diets and
      optimisation of China's economic structure.

PMID- 27666326
TI  - Letter to the editor: Digital intraosseous epidermoid inclusion cyst of the
      distal phalanx.

PMID- 27666327
TI  - Temporal lobe epilepsy following maintenance electroconvulsive therapy-Electrical
      kindling in the human brain?
AB  - Maintenance electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is sometimes prescribed for
      refractory psychiatric conditions. We describe five patients who received
      maintenance ECT and developed florid temporal epileptiform abnormalities on
      electroencephalography (EEG) despite no history of epilepsy and normal
      neuroimaging. All patients had received regular ECT for at least 8 months. Three
      patients had clinical events consistent with epileptic seizures, and video-EEG
      monitoring captured electrographic seizures in two patients. After cessation of
      ECT the EEGs normalized in all patients, and no further clinical seizures
      occurred. Maintenance ECT may predispose to epilepsy with a seizure focus in the
      temporal lobe.

PMID- 27666328
TI  - Cutaneous Pseudallescheria boydii/Scedosporium apiospermum complex infection in
      immunocompromised patients: A report of two cases.

PMID- 27666330
TI  - Potentially modifiable risk factors for atrial fibrillation following lung
      resection surgery: a retrospective cohort study.
AB  - Atrial fibrillation is the most frequent arrhythmia after thoracic surgery and is
      associated with increased hospital costs, morbidity and mortality. In this study,
      we aimed to identify potentially modifiable risk factors for postoperative atrial
      fibrillation following lung resection surgery and to suggest possible measures to
      reduce risk. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 4731 patients who
      underwent lobectomy or more major lung resection over a 6-year period. Patients
      who developed atrial fibrillation postoperatively and required treatment were
      included in the postoperative atrial fibrillation group, while the remaining
      patients were assigned to the non-postoperative atrial fibrillation group. Risk
      factors for postoperative atrial fibrillation were analysed by multivariate
      analysis and propensity score matching. Overall, 12% of patients developed
      postoperative atrial fibrillation. Potentially modifiable risk factors for
      postoperative atrial fibrillation were excessive alcohol consumption (odds ratio
      (OR) = 1.48, 95% CI 1.08-2.02, p = 0.0140), red cell transfusion (2.70(2.13
      3.43), p < 0.0001), use of inotropes (1.81(1.42-2.31), p < 0.0001) and open (vs.
      thoracoscopic) surgery (1.59(1.23-2.05), p < 0.0001). Compared with inotrope use,
      vasopressor administration was not related to postoperative atrial fibrillation.
      Use of steroids or thoracic epidural anaesthesia did not reduce the incidence of
      postoperative atrial fibrillation. We conclude that high alcohol consumption, red
      cell transfusion, use of inotropes and open surgery are potentially modifiable
      risk factors for postoperative atrial fibrillation. Pre-operative alcohol
      consumption needs to be addressed. Avoiding red cell transfusion and performing
      lung resection via video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery may reduce the incidence
      of postoperative atrial fibrillation and the administration of vasopressors
      rather than inotropes is preferred.

PMID- 27666329
TI  - Pilot study demonstrates that salivary oxytocin can be measured unobtrusively in
      preterm infants.
AB  - AIM: This study assessed the feasibility and obtrusiveness of measuring salivary
      oxytocin in preterm infants receiving Kangaroo care, because this is a period of
      maximal bonding or co-regulation. We also analysed possible influential
      determinants, including maternal oxytocin. METHODS: The saliva of preterm infants
      and their mothers was collected prior to, and during, Kangaroo care using cotton
      swabs and pooled into vials until sufficient volumes were obtained to measure
      oxytocin levels using a radioimmunoassay. The obtrusiveness of the infants'
      collections was measured with a Likert scale. RESULTS: Saliva was collected
      unobtrusively prior to, and during, 30 Kangaroo care sessions in 21 preterm
      infants. This resulted in three vials with sufficient volumes of before-Kangaroo
      care saliva and three with during-Kangaroo care saliva. Oxytocin was detectable
      in all six vials. The Kangaroo care duration and the intensity of the mother
      infant interaction before and during Kangaroo care seemed to be the most
      important determinants, and these should preferably be standardised in any future
      trials. CONCLUSION: Oxytocin was measured unobtrusively in the pooled saliva of
      preterm infants both before and during Kangaroo care and could therefore be
      investigated as a biomarker in future studies.

PMID- 27666331
TI  - Genetic variation may explain why females are less susceptible to dental erosion.
AB  - Not all individuals at risk for dental erosion (DE) display erosive lesions. The
      prevalence of DE is higher among male subjects. The occurrence of DE may depend
      on more than just acidic challenge, with genetics possibly playing a role. The
      aim of this study was to investigate the association of enamel-formation genes
      with DE. One premolar and a saliva sample were collected from 90 individuals.
      Prepared teeth were immersed in 0.01 M HCl (pH 2.2), and enamel loss (MUm) was
      measured using white light interferometry. DNA was extracted from saliva, and 15
      single-nucleotide polymorphisms were analysed. Allele and genotype frequencies
      were related to the enamel loss of the specimens. Single-marker and haplotype
      analyses were performed using sex as a covariate. Mean enamel loss was higher for
      male donors than for female donors (P = 0.047). Significant associations were
      found between enamel loss and amelogenin, X-linked (AMELX), tuftelin 1 (TUFT1),
      and tuftelin-interacting protein 11 (TFIP11). Analyses showed significant
      associations between variation in enamel-formation genes and a lower
      susceptibility to DE in female subjects. The results indicate that susceptibility
      to DE is influenced by genetic variation, and may, in part, explain why some
      individuals are more susceptible than others to DE, including differences between
      female subjects and male subjects.

PMID- 27666333
TI  - Fungal contribution in chondroradionecrosis of the larynx.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of invasive fungal elements in the specimens
      of patients who underwent salvage total laryngectomy for chondroradionecrosis
      (CRN) in the absence of recurrent or persistent malignancy. STUDY DESIGN:
      Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Tertiary academic medical center. METHODS:
      One hundred fifty-nine patients were identified who underwent salvage total
      laryngectomy. Pathology reports were reviewed, and all laryngectomy specimens
      that did not contain residual malignancy were reevaluated for evidence of
      invasive fungal elements. RESULTS: Twelve of 159 (7.5%) patients who underwent
      total laryngectomy after primary radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy had no
      evidence of residual malignancy. Each of these specimens contained
      histopathologic evidence of CRN; invasive fungal elements were identified in 25%.
      There was no statistical difference in demographic or treatment-related variables
      between patients who underwent salvage total laryngectomy with evidence of
      persistent or recurrent malignancy in the laryngectomy specimen versus patients
      without evidence of tumor on final histopathologic analysis. Patients with
      evidence of ulceration or necrosis in the laryngectomy specimen had reduced
      overall survival, irrespective of the presence of persistent malignancy (hazard
      ratio = 2.923, 95% confidence interval = 1.023-8.352, P = .045). CONCLUSION:
      Among salvage total laryngectomy patients, no difference was identified between
      patients who underwent total laryngectomy for recurrent or persistent malignancy
      after primary radiotherapy and those who received total laryngectomy without
      evidence of malignancy in their specimens. Invasive fungal elements were detected
      in several laryngectomy specimens that did not contain residual malignancy.
      Empiric antifungal therapy may therefore benefit patients diagnosed with CRN who
      are at risk for progression to nonfunctional larynx. Patients with evidence of
      ulceration or necrosis in the salvage laryngectomy specimen had worse overall
      survival. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4. Laryngoscope, 127:E159-E165, 2017.

PMID- 27666334
TI  - Sarcopenia Screened With SARC-F Questionnaire Is Associated With Quality of Life
      and 4-Year Mortality.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: There is no gold standard in diagnosing sarcopenia. We aimed to
      assess the validity of screening sarcopenia using SARC-F (sluggishness,
      assistance in walking, rise from a chair, climb stairs, falls). DESIGN:
      Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Community hospital in Taiwan. PARTICIPANTS:
      Community-dwelling senior citizens. MEASUREMENTS: Participants were interviewed
      with a structured questionnaire annually. The questionnaire items were recoded
      into the 5 items of SARC-F (sluggishness, assistance in walking, rise from a
      chair, climb stairs, falls). In the baseline year, a subgroup was tested for grip
      strength and body composition. Healthcare utilization and mortality were based on
      self-report and hospital records. Our main outcome was 4-year mortality.
      Secondary outcomes included hospitalization, emergency care use, and quality of
      life (QOL) measured using the CASP-12 scale (control, autonomy, self-realization,
      pleasure (control, autonomy, self-realization, pressure). RESULTS: There were 670
      participants. The mean age was 76.1 (standard deviation 6.36). One-half were men
      (n = 340, 50.7%). The prevalence of sarcopenia was 6.1% (n = 41). SARC-F scores
      were inversely associated with grip strength (P = .001) and skeletal muscle
      composition (P = .045). Participants with sarcopenia were mostly women (P = .005)
      and older (P < .001). In univariate analysis, sarcopenia was associated with 1-
      to 4-year mortalities (P = .033, .001, .001, <.001, respectively), overall
      hospitalization (P = .004), overall emergency care use (P = .017), and QOL (P <
      .001). In multivariate model, sarcopenia [odds ratio (OR) 7.35, 95% confidence
      interval (CI) 2.67-20.18], age (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.09-1.29 for each year), and
      taking vitamin D supplements (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.11-0.74) were factors associated
      with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Sarcopenia screened using SARC-F was associated with
      subsequent QOL, overall hospitalization, overall emergency care use, and 4-year
      mortality. SARC-F can serve as a quick screening tool of sarcopenia.

PMID- 27666332
TI  - CCL2 as a potential therapeutic target for clear cell renal cell carcinoma.
AB  - We previously reported that the pVHL-atypical PKC-JunB pathway contributed to
      promotion of cell invasiveness and angiogenesis in clear cell renal cell
      carcinoma (ccRCC), and we detected chemokine (C-C motif) ligand-2 (CCL2) as one
      of downstream effectors of JunB. CCL2 plays a critical role in tumorigenesis in
      other types of cancer, but its role in ccRCC remains unclear. In this study, we
      investigated the roles and therapeutic potential of CCL2 in ccRCC.
      Immunohistochemical analysis of CCL2 expression for ccRCC specimens showed that
      upregulation of CCL2 expression correlated with clinical stage, overall survival,
      and macrophage infiltration. For functional analysis of CCL2 in ccRCC cells, we
      generated subclones of WT8 cells that overexpressed CCL2 and subclones 786-O
      cells in which CCL2 expression was knocked down. Although CCL2 expression did not
      affect cell proliferation in vitro, CCL2 overexpression enhanced and CCL2
      knockdown suppressed tumor growth, angiogenesis, and macrophage infiltration in
      vivo. We then depleted macrophages from tumor xenografts by administration of
      clodronate liposomes to confirm the role of macrophages in ccRCC. Depletion of
      macrophages suppressed tumor growth and angiogenesis. To examine the effect of
      inhibiting CCL2 activity in ccRCC, we administered CCL2 neutralizing antibody to
      primary RCC xenografts established from patient surgical specimens. Inhibition of
      CCL2 activity resulted in significant suppression of tumor growth, angiogenesis,
      and macrophage infiltration. These results suggest that CCL2 is involved in
      angiogenesis and macrophage infiltration in ccRCC, and that CCL2 could be a
      potential therapeutic target for ccRCC.

PMID- 27666335
TI  - The Pursuit of Word Meanings.
AB  - We evaluate here the performance of four models of cross-situational word
      learning: two global models, which extract and retain multiple referential
      alternatives from each word occurrence; and two local models, which extract just
      a single referent from each occurrence. One of these local models, dubbed
      Pursuit, uses an associative learning mechanism to estimate word-referent
      probability but pursues and tests the best referent-meaning at any given time.
      Pursuit is found to perform as well as global models under many conditions
      extracted from naturalistic corpora of parent-child interactions, even though the
      model maintains far less information than global models. Moreover, Pursuit is
      found to best capture human experimental findings from several relevant cross
      situational word-learning experiments, including those of Yu and Smith (), the
      paradigm example of a finding believed to support fully global cross-situational
      models. Implications and limitations of these results are discussed, most notably
      that the model characterizes only the earliest stages of word learning, when
      reliance on the co-occurring referent world is at its greatest.

PMID- 27666336
TI  - Down-regulation of hepatic CYP3A1 expression in a rat model of indomethacin
      induced small intestinal ulcers.
AB  - The liver and the small intestine are closely related in the processes of drug
      absorption, metabolism and excretion via the enterohepatic circulation. Small
      intestinal ulcers are a serious adverse effect commonly occurring in patients
      taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. However, the influence of small
      intestinal ulcers on drug metabolism has not been established. This study
      examined the expressional changes of cytochrome P450 (CYP) in the liver using an
      indomethacin-induced small intestinal ulcer rat model and in cultured cells.
      After the administration of indomethacin to rats, ulcers were observed in the
      small intestine and expression of CYP3A1, the major isoform of hepatic CYP, was
      significantly down-regulated in the liver, accompanied by increased expression of
      inducible nitric oxide synthase, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin (IL)
      1beta and IL-6, in the small intestine and the liver. The indomethacin-induced
      small intestinal ulceration, the increase in inflammatory mediators in the small
      intestine and the liver, and the down-regulation of CYP3A1 expression in the
      liver were inhibited by co-administration of ampicillin, an antibacterial agent.
      In the human hepatic HepG2 cell line, IL-1beta, IL-6 and NOC-18, an NO donor,
      caused down-regulation of CYP3A4, the major isoform of human CYP3A. Thus, this
      study suggests that after indomethacin treatment small intestinal ulcers cause
      the down-regulation of CYP3A1 in the rat liver through an increase in ulcer
      derived inflammatory mediators. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27666337
TI  - The septins FaCdc3 and FaCdc12 are required for cytokinesis and affect asexual
      and sexual development, lipid metabolism and virulence in Fusarium asiaticum.
AB  - Septins are a highly conserved family of GTP-binding proteins that contribute to
      many cellular and metabolic functions, including cell polarity, cytokinesis, cell
      morphogenesis and pathogenesis. In this study, we characterized the septins
      FaCdc3 and FaCdc12 in the filamentous fungus Fusarium asiaticum. The functions of
      FaCdc3 and FaCdc12 were evaluated by constructing deletion mutants of FaCdc3 and
      FaCdc12, designated DeltaFaCdc3-5 and DeltaFaCdc12-71, respectively. The deletion
      mutants exhibited a reduced rate of mycelial growth, increased aerial hyphae
      formation, irregularly shaped hyphae, reduced conidiation and a lack of sexual
      reproduction in wheat kernels. Histochemical analysis revealed that the conidia
      and hyphae of DeltaFaCdc3-5 and DeltaFaCdc12-71 formed large lipid droplets
      (LDs). DeltaFaCdc3-5 and DeltaFaCdc12-71 also exhibited increased resistance to
      agents that induce osmotic stress and damage the cell membrane and cell wall. In
      addition, the hyphae and conidia of the two mutants formed fewer septa than those
      of the wild-type and exhibited aberrant nuclear distribution. Pathogenicity
      assays showed that DeltaFaCdc3-5 and DeltaFaCdc12-71 exhibited reduced virulence
      on wheat spikelets, which was indirectly correlated with a reduced level of
      deoxynivalenol accumulation. All of these defects were restored by genetic
      complementation of the two mutants with the parental FaCdc3 and FaCdc12. These
      results indicate that FaCdc3 and FaCdc12 play a critical role in various cellular
      processes in F. asiaticum.

PMID- 27666339
TI  - The change in the sex ratio in multiple sclerosis is driven by birth cohort
      effects.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Birth cohort effects have greatly shaped long-term trends
      in multiple sclerosis (MS). This study examined whether birth cohort effects have
      also determined trends in the sex ratio. METHODS: Age-period-cohort analyses were
      applied to Swiss mortality data, 1901-2010, using logit models. Sex was
      introduced as an additional main effect (overall effect) and in interaction terms
      with A, P and C. RESULTS: Birth cohort effects strongly impacted the trends of MS
      risk in Switzerland, with a peak in cohorts born in the 1910s and 1920s.
      Similarly, birth cohort effects accounted for the change in the sex ratios during
      the 20th century. The balanced sex ratio at the beginning of the 20th century has
      been superseded by a ratio with a preponderance of women. Despite similarities in
      timing, the patterns of overall and sex-specific birth cohort estimates were not
      congruent. CONCLUSION: The change in the sex ratio in MS is driven by birth
      cohort related factors. Overall and sex-specific trends indicate that the
      appearance of MS has changed dramatically in the 20th century. The driving force
      behind these trends is related to yet unknown environmental factors.

PMID- 27666338
TI  - Exploring uses of the UK Clinical Aptitude Test-situational judgement test in a
      dental student selection process.
AB  - AIM: In 2013 the UKCAT included a non-cognitive situational judgement test in
      addition to the four cognitive subtests commonly used by UK dental schools to
      select students. However, little is known about the situational judgement test's
      psychometric properties and relationship to other selection tools. This study's
      aim was explore these issues to inform decisions about the inclusion of the UKCAT
      SJT in the dental student selection process. METHOD: The sample comprised a
      cohort of applicants to a Bachelor of Dental Surgery programme, at a UK dental
      school, which does not use achievement in the UKCAT SJT in its selection process.
      The impact on applicant outcomes of two theoretical uses of the UKCAT SJT was
      examined. First, SJT Band was used as the criterion for offers of a place instead
      of the school's admission interview, and second, weighted UKCAT scores, including
      a weighted SJT Band score, were ranked to make interview invitation decisions.
      Associations between SJT Band, UKCAT cognitive scores, interview score and
      performance in first year assessments were examined. RESULTS: If SJT Band 1 & 2
      were used as the criterion for an offer of a place, some applicants rejected by
      this school's interview, including 'red flagged' applicants, would have received
      an offer of a place. Using a weighted UKCAT/SJT system for invitation for
      interview decisions increased the mean total UKCAT cognitive score of those
      invited for interview but included applicants rejected by this school's
      structured interview, including 'red flagged' applicants. Neither usage
      disadvantaged under-represented groups. SJT Band correlated with UKCAT score (n =
      228, rs = -0.38, P < 0.01) with interview score (n = 186, rs = -0.17, P < 0.05)
      but not with first year study assessments. CONCLUSION: This study has shown that
      the UKCAT SJT does not add value to the existing methods of this dental school to
      make valid, reliable and fair student selection decisions.

PMID- 27666340
TI  - [Because it is possible to heal...!].

PMID- 27666341
TI  - Surgical management of parotid salivary duct rupture secondary to non-iatrogenic
      trauma in a dog.
AB  - A 3-year-old French bulldog presented for evaluation of recurrent swelling and a
      fistula on the right cheek after a dog fight. A large volume of serous fluids was
      identified on the wound immediately after atropine drops. A diagnosis of parotid
      salivary duct rupture secondary to trauma was made. On surgical exploration, the
      thickened proximal segment of the severed duct was identified and
      circumferentially double ligated with 3-0 silk. No evidence of swelling and
      normal appearance of the parotid salivary gland were identified 4 months
      postoperative recheck. No further problems were noted 10 months postoperatively
      phone-call. To the author's knowledge, this is the first reported case of
      successful proximal parotid duct ligation of parotid salivary duct rupture
      secondary to non-iatrogenic trauma.

PMID- 27666342
TI  - Tympanoplasty for chondrodysplasia punctata: Case report.
AB  - Chondrodysplasia punctata (CP) is a systemic disorder of chondrogenesis. The most
      prominent features of patients with CP are abnormal faces characterized by a flat
      nose and short stature. CP patients show various types and levels of hearing
      loss. This disease is rare, and no successful tympanoplasties with hearing
      recovery have been reported. Here, we report on a CP case, in which hearing
      recovery was successfully treated with tympanoplasty.

PMID- 27666344
TI  - Corrigendum to "The-effect-of-triiodothyronine-on-maturation-and-differentiation
      of-oligodendrocyte-progenitor-cells-during-remyelination-following-induced
      demyelination in male albino rat" [Tissue Cell 48 (March (3)) (2016) 242-251].

PMID- 27666343
TI  - Combination of Palonosetron, Aprepitant, and Dexamethasone Effectively Controls
      Chemotherapy-induced Nausea and Vomiting in Patients Treated with Concomitant
      Temozolomide and Radiotherapy: Results of a Prospective Study.
AB  - Concomitant use of temozolomide (TMZ) and radiotherapy, which is the standard
      therapy for patients with high-grade glioma, involves a unique regimen with
      multiple-day, long-term administration. In a previous study, we showed not only
      higher incidence rates of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) during
      the overall study period, but also substantially higher incidence rates of
      moderate/severe nausea and particularly severe appetite suppression during the
      late phase of the treatment. Here, we prospectively evaluated the efficacy of a
      combination of palonosetron, aprepitant, and dexamethasone for CINV in patients
      treated with concomitant TMZ and radiotherapy. Twenty-one consecutive patients
      with newly diagnosed high-grade glioma were enrolled. CINV was recorded using a
      daily diary and included nausea assessment, emetic episodes, degree of appetite
      suppression, and use of antiemetic medication. The percentage of patients with a
      complete response in the overall period was 76.2%. The percentages of patients
      with no moderate/severe nausea were 90.5, 100, and 90.5% in the early phase, late
      phase, and overall period, respectively. Severe appetite suppression throughout
      the overall period completely disappeared. The combination of palonosetron,
      aprepitant, and dexamethasone was highly effective and well tolerated in patients
      treated with concomitant TMZ and radiotherapy. This combination of antiemetic
      therapy focused on delayed as well as acute CINV and may have the potential to
      overcome CINV associated with a multiple-day, long-term chemotherapy regimen.

PMID- 27666345
TI  - Identification and characterization of multiple emissive species in aggregated
      minor antenna complexes.
AB  - Aggregation induced conformational change of light harvesting antenna complexes
      is believed to constitute one of the pathways through which photosynthetic
      organisms can safely dissipate the surplus of energy while exposed to saturating
      light. In this study, Stark fluorescence (SF) spectroscopy is applied to minor
      antenna complexes (CP24, CP26 and CP29) both in their light-harvesting and energy
      dissipating states to trace and characterize different species generated upon
      energy dissipation through aggregation (in-vitro) induced conformational change.
      SF spectroscopy could identify three spectral species in the dissipative state of
      CP24, two in CP26 and only one in CP29. The comprehensive analysis of the SF
      spectra yielded different sets of molecular parameters for the multiple spectral
      species identified in CP24 or CP26, indicating the involvement of different
      pigments in their formation. Interestingly, a species giving emission around the
      730nm spectral region is found to form in both CP24 and CP26 following transition
      to the energy dissipative state, but not in CP29. The SF analyses revealed that
      the far red species has exceptionally large charge transfer (CT) character in the
      excited state. Moreover, the far red species was found to be formed invariably in
      both Zeaxanthin (Z)- and Violaxathin (V)-enriched CP24 and CP26 antennas with
      identical CT character but with larger emission yield in Z-enriched ones. This
      suggests that the carotenoid Z is not directly involved but only confers an
      allosteric effect on the formation of the far red species. Similar far red
      species with remarkably large CT character were also observed in the dissipative
      state of the major light harvesting antenna (LHCII) of plants [Wahadoszamen et
      al. PCCP, 2012], the fucoxanthin-chlorophyll protein (FCP) of brown algae
      [Wahadoszamen et al. BBA, 2014] and cyanobacterial IsiA [Wahadoszamen et al. BBA,
      2015], thus pointing to identical sites and pigments active in the formation of
      the far red quenching species in different organisms.

PMID- 27666347
TI  - A Sobering Look at the Financial Reality for New Physicians: It's Time to
      Advocate for Change.

PMID- 27666348
TI  - Male With Shortness of Breath.

PMID- 27666346
TI  - FRMD4A: A potential therapeutic target for the treatment of tongue squamous cell
      carcinoma.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to identify agents capable of inhibiting the
      invasion and metastasis of tongue squamous cell carcinoma and thereby improve the
      outcomes of patients suffering from tongue cancer. FRMD4A antibodies were used to
      probe 78 paraffin-embedded specimens of tongue squamous cell carcinoma and 15
      normal tongue tissues, which served as controls. Immunohistochemical methods were
      then used for analysis. Clinical pathological parameters were obtained, and the
      association between FRMD4A expression in the samples and the pathological
      parameters was analyzed. The human tongue cancer cell line CAL27 was used to
      study the effects of FRMD4A. CAL27 cells were transfected with small-interfering
      RNA against FRMD4A (FRMD4A-siRNA) and the mRNA and protein levels of FMRD4A were
      then evaluated by RT-qPCR and western blot analysis, respectively. The
      proliferation and cell-cycle assays of CAL27 cells were evaluated using the CCK8
      method and flow cytometry. The invasion and migration of the cells were measured
      using a Matrigel invasion chamber and a scratch assay, respectively. The results
      showed FRMD4A overexpression in tongue squamous cell carcinoma, and the positive
      reaction was predominately located in the cytoplasm. Tumor clinical stage and
      lymph node metastasis showed a statistically significant correlation with FRMD4A
      expression. Transient silencing of the FRMD4A gene for 24 and 48 h significantly
      decreased the mRNA and protein expression of FRMD4A, respctively. Silencing
      FRMD4A gene reduced the proliferation of CAL27 cells and led to cell cycle arrest
      in the G1 phase, as well as significantly suppressing the migration and invasion
      capacity of CAL27 cells. The findings of the present study suggest that FRMD4A
      expression correlates with the development of tongue squamous cell carcinoma. For
      this reason, FRMD4A merits further study as it may be suitable for use as a
      therapeutic agent in antitumor treatment regimens.

PMID- 27666350
TI  - Empowerment.

PMID- 27666349
TI  - Woman With Pain in Left Leg.

PMID- 27666351
TI  - across my oval mirror.

PMID- 27666352
TI  - Rating the Ratings: The AIR Scoring System for Blogs and Podcasts: Answers to the
      May 2016 Annals Journal Club Questions.

PMID- 27666353
TI  - Boy With Upper Neck Pain and Generalized Weakness.

PMID- 27666354
TI  - Elderly Man With Abdominal Rash.

PMID- 27666355
TI  - A Sample Rule-Out Tuberculosis Protocol.

PMID- 27666356
TI  - Was the Effect of Antibiotic Administration Time Adjusted Properly?

PMID- 27666357
TI  - In reply.

PMID- 27666358
TI  - Snapchat Toxicology: Social Media and Suicide.

PMID- 27666359
TI  - Drug "Take-Back" Programs.

PMID- 27666360
TI  - Male With Numbness and Muscle Spasms.

PMID- 27666361
TI  - Elderly Woman With Severe Abdominal Pain.

PMID- 27666362
TI  - Man With Abdominal Wall Abscess.

PMID- 27666363
TI  - Male With Diabetes and a Rash.

PMID- 27666364
TI  - Female With Fever.

PMID- 27666365
TI  - RUNX2 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma cell migration and invasion by
      upregulating MMP9 expression.
AB  - Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) was first identified as a
      transcription factor to play an important role in different biological processes
      of osteoblast and chondrocyte, including differentiation and migration. Recently,
      RUNX2 has been implicated in promigratory/proinvasive behavior in different human
      malignancies. In the present study, we demonstrated that the RUNX2 mRNA and
      protein expression were both increased significantly in HCC tissues and cell
      lines. High RUNX2 expression was correlated obviously with poor
      clinicopathological characteristics including multiple tumor nodes, high
      histological grading, venous infiltration and advanced tumor-node-metastasis
      (TNM) stage. In addition, we demonstrated that RUNX2 was a prognostic indicator
      for predicting 5-year overall survival and disease-free survival of HCC patients.
      Our studies showed that RUXN2 overexpression promoted, while RUNX2 knockdown
      inhibited HCC cell migration and invasion in vitro. Notably, RUNX2 positively
      regulated matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) accumulation in HCC cells.
      Furthermore, we confirmed that RUNX2 was positively correlated with MMP9
      expression in HCC tissues by Pearson correlation analysis. Mechanistically, we
      demonstrated that MMP9 overexpression increased HCC cell migration and invasion,
      while MMP9 knockdown reduced HCC cell migration and invasion in vitro. Alteration
      of MMP9 expression partially abrogated the effects of RUNX2 on HCC cell migration
      and invasion, which suggests that RUNX2 developed its pro-metastatic biological
      function by upregulating the expression of MMP9 in HCC cells. In conclusion, our
      results reveal that RUNX2 promotes HCC cell migration and invasion by MMP9
      mediated pathway, and potentially serves as a new prognostic biomarker and in
      therapeutic strategies for HCC.

PMID- 27666366
TI  - PEDOT:PSS organic electrochemical transistor arrays for extracellular
      electrophysiological sensing of cardiac cells.
AB  - Electrophysiological biosensors embedded in planar devices represent a state of
      the art approach to measure and evaluate the electrical activity of biological
      systems. This measurement method allows for the testing of drugs and their
      influences on cells or tissues, cytotoxicity, as well as the direct
      implementation into biological systems in vivo for signal transduction. Multi
      electrode arrays (MEAs) with metal or metal-like electrodes on glass substrates
      are one of the most common, well-established platforms for this purpose. In
      recent years organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) made of poly(2,3
      dihydrothieno-1,4-dioxin)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) have as well shown
      their value in transducing and amplifying the ionic signals in biological
      systems. We developed OECT devices in a wafer-scale process and used them as
      electrophysiological biosensors measuring electrophysiological activity of the
      cardiac cell line HL-1. Our optimized devices show very promising properties such
      as good signal-to-noise ratio as well as the ability to record fast components of
      extracellular signals. Combined with an easy, cost effective fabrication and the
      transparency of the polymer, this platform offers a valuable alternative to
      traditional MEA systems for future cell sensing applications.

PMID- 27666367
TI  - Development of an electrochemical detection system for measuring DNA methylation
      levels using methyl CpG-binding protein and glucose dehydrogenase-fused zinc
      finger protein.
AB  - DNA methylation level at a certain gene region is considered as a new type of
      biomarker for diagnosis and its miniaturized and rapid detection system is
      required for diagnosis. Here we have developed a simple electrochemical detection
      system for DNA methylation using methyl CpG-binding domain (MBD) and a glucose
      dehydrogenase (GDH)-fused zinc finger protein. This analytical system consists of
      three steps: (1) methylated DNA collection by MBD, (2) PCR amplification of a
      target genomic region among collected methylated DNA, and (3) electrochemical
      detection of the PCR products using a GDH-fused zinc finger protein. With this
      system, we have successfully measured the methylation levels at the promoter
      region of the androgen receptor gene in 106 copies of genomic DNA extracted from
      PC3 and TSU-PR1 cancer cell lines. Since no sequence analysis or enzymatic
      digestion is required for this detection system, DNA methylation levels can be
      measured within 3h with a simple procedure.

PMID- 27666368
TI  - Effects of expectation congruency on event-related potentials (ERPs) to facial
      expressions depend on cognitive load during the expectation phase.
AB  - Previous studies have shown that event-related potentials (ERPs) to facial
      expressions are modulated by expectation (congruency) and that the ERP effects of
      expectation congruency are altered by cognitive tasks during the expectation
      phase. However, it is as yet unknown whether the congruency ERP effects can be
      modulated by the amount of cognitive load during the expectation phase. To
      address this question, electroencephalogram (EEG) was acquired when participants
      viewed fearful and neutral facial expressions. Before the presentation of facial
      expressions, a cue indicating the expression of a face and subsequently, an
      expectation interval without any cues were presented. Facial expressions were
      congruent with the cues in 75% of all trials. During the expectation interval,
      participants had to solve a cognitive task, in which several letters were
      presented for target letter detection. The letters were all the same under low
      load, but differed under high load. Event-related potential (ERP) results showed
      that the amount of cognitive load during the expectation phase altered the
      congruency effect in N2 and EPN amplitudes for fearful faces. Congruent as
      compared to incongruent fearful expressions elicited larger N2 and smaller EPN
      amplitudes under low load, but these congruency effects were not observed under
      high load. For neutral faces, a congruency effect in late positive potential
      (LPP) amplitudes was modulated by cognitive load during the expectation phase.
      The LPP was more positive for incongruent as compared to congruent faces under
      low load, but the congruency effect was not evident under high load. The findings
      indicate that congruency effects on ERPs are modulated by the amount of cognitive
      load the expectation phase and that this modulation is altered by facial
      expression.

PMID- 27666369
TI  - TBCE Mutations Cause Early-Onset Progressive Encephalopathy with Distal Spinal
      Muscular Atrophy.
AB  - Tubulinopathies constitute a family of neurodevelopmental/neurodegenerative
      disorders caused by mutations in several genes encoding tubulin isoforms. Loss-of
      function mutations in TBCE, encoding one of the five tubulin-specific chaperones
      involved in tubulin folding and polymerization, cause two rare neurodevelopmental
      syndromes, hypoparathyroidism-retardation-dysmorphism and Kenny-Caffey syndrome.
      Although a missense mutation in Tbce has been associated with progressive distal
      motor neuronopathy in the pmn/pmn mice, no similar degenerative phenotype has
      been recognized in humans. We report on the identification of an early-onset and
      progressive neurodegenerative encephalopathy with distal spinal muscular atrophy
      resembling the phenotype of pmn/pmn mice and caused by biallelic TBCE mutations,
      with the c.464T>A (p.Ile155Asn) change occurring at the heterozygous/homozygous
      state in six affected subjects from four unrelated families originated from the
      same geographical area in Southern Italy. Western blot analysis of patient
      fibroblasts documented a reduced amount of TBCE, suggestive of rapid degradation
      of the mutant protein, similarly to what was observed in pmn/pmn fibroblasts. The
      impact of TBCE mutations on microtubule polymerization was determined using
      biochemical fractionation and analyzing the nucleation and growth of microtubules
      at the centrosome and extracentrosomal sites after treatment with nocodazole.
      Primary fibroblasts obtained from affected subjects displayed a reduced level of
      polymerized alpha-tubulin, similarly to tail fibroblasts of pmn/pmn mice.
      Moreover, markedly delayed microtubule re-polymerization and abnormal mitotic
      spindles with disorganized microtubule arrangement were also documented. Although
      loss of function of TBCE has been documented to impact multiple developmental
      processes, the present findings provide evidence that hypomorphic TBCE mutations
      primarily drive neurodegeneration.

PMID- 27666371
TI  - Increasing Generality and Power of Rare-Variant Tests by Utilizing Extended
      Pedigrees.
AB  - Recently, multiple studies have performed whole-exome or whole-genome sequencing
      to identify groups of rare variants associated with complex traits and diseases.
      They have primarily utilized case-control study designs that often require
      thousands of individuals to reach acceptable statistical power. Family-based
      studies can be more powerful because a rare variant can be enriched in an
      extended pedigree and segregate with the phenotype. Although many methods have
      been proposed for using family data to discover rare variants involved in a
      disease, a majority of them focus on a specific pedigree structure and are
      designed to analyze either binary or continuously measured outcomes. In this
      article, we propose RareIBD, a general and powerful approach to identifying rare
      variants involved in disease susceptibility. Our method can be applied to large
      extended families of arbitrary structure, including pedigrees with only affected
      individuals. The method accommodates both binary and quantitative traits. A
      series of simulation experiments suggest that RareIBD is a powerful test that
      outperforms existing approaches. In addition, our method accounts for individuals
      in top generations, which are not usually genotyped in extended families. In
      contrast to available statistical tests, RareIBD generates accurate p values even
      when genetic data from these individuals are missing. We applied RareIBD, as well
      as other methods, to two extended family datasets generated by different
      genotyping technologies and representing different ethnicities. The analysis of
      real data confirmed that RareIBD is the only method that properly controls type I
      error.

PMID- 27666370
TI  - Biallelic Mutations in TBCD, Encoding the Tubulin Folding Cofactor D, Perturb
      Microtubule Dynamics and Cause Early-Onset Encephalopathy.
AB  - Microtubules are dynamic cytoskeletal elements coordinating and supporting a
      variety of neuronal processes, including cell division, migration, polarity,
      intracellular trafficking, and signal transduction. Mutations in genes encoding
      tubulins and microtubule-associated proteins are known to cause
      neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. Growing evidence suggests
      that altered microtubule dynamics may also underlie or contribute to
      neurodevelopmental disorders and neurodegeneration. We report that biallelic
      mutations in TBCD, encoding one of the five co-chaperones required for assembly
      and disassembly of the alphabeta-tubulin heterodimer, the structural unit of
      microtubules, cause a disease with neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative
      features characterized by early-onset cortical atrophy, secondary
      hypomyelination, microcephaly, thin corpus callosum, developmental delay,
      intellectual disability, seizures, optic atrophy, and spastic quadriplegia.
      Molecular dynamics simulations predicted long-range and/or local structural
      perturbations associated with the disease-causing mutations. Biochemical analyses
      documented variably reduced levels of TBCD, indicating relative instability of
      mutant proteins, and defective beta-tubulin binding in a subset of the tested
      mutants. Reduced or defective TBCD function resulted in decreased soluble
      alpha/beta-tubulin levels and accelerated microtubule polymerization in
      fibroblasts from affected subjects, demonstrating an overall shift toward a more
      rapidly growing and stable microtubule population. These cells displayed an
      aberrant mitotic spindle with disorganized, tangle-shaped microtubules and
      reduced aster formation, which however did not alter appreciably the rate of cell
      proliferation. Our findings establish that defective TBCD function underlies a
      recognizable encephalopathy and drives accelerated microtubule polymerization and
      enhanced microtubule stability, underscoring an additional cause of altered
      microtubule dynamics with impact on neuronal function and survival in the
      developing brain.

PMID- 27666372
TI  - Guidelines for Large-Scale Sequence-Based Complex Trait Association Studies:
      Lessons Learned from the NHLBI Exome Sequencing Project.
AB  - Massively parallel whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data have ushered in a new era
      in human genetics. These data are now being used to understand the role of rare
      variants in complex traits and to advance the goals of precision medicine. The
      technological and computing advances that have enabled us to generate WGS data on
      thousands of individuals have also outpaced our ability to perform analyses in
      scientifically and statistically rigorous and thoughtful ways. The past several
      years have witnessed the application of whole-exome sequencing (WES) to complex
      traits and diseases. From our analysis of NHLBI Exome Sequencing Project (ESP)
      data, not only have a number of important disease and complex trait association
      findings emerged, but our collective experience offers some valuable lessons for
      WGS initiatives. These include caveats associated with generating automated
      pipelines for quality control and analysis of rare variants; the importance of
      studying minority populations; sample size requirements and efficient study
      designs for identifying rare-variant associations; and the significance of
      incidental findings in population-based genetic research. With the ESP as an
      example, we offer guidance and a framework on how to conduct a large-scale
      association study in the era of WGS.

PMID- 27666373
TI  - REVEL: An Ensemble Method for Predicting the Pathogenicity of Rare Missense
      Variants.
AB  - The vast majority of coding variants are rare, and assessment of the contribution
      of rare variants to complex traits is hampered by low statistical power and
      limited functional data. Improved methods for predicting the pathogenicity of
      rare coding variants are needed to facilitate the discovery of disease variants
      from exome sequencing studies. We developed REVEL (rare exome variant ensemble
      learner), an ensemble method for predicting the pathogenicity of missense
      variants on the basis of individual tools: MutPred, FATHMM, VEST, PolyPhen, SIFT,
      PROVEAN, MutationAssessor, MutationTaster, LRT, GERP, SiPhy, phyloP, and
      phastCons. REVEL was trained with recently discovered pathogenic and rare neutral
      missense variants, excluding those previously used to train its constituent
      tools. When applied to two independent test sets, REVEL had the best overall
      performance (p < 10-12) as compared to any individual tool and seven ensemble
      methods: MetaSVM, MetaLR, KGGSeq, Condel, CADD, DANN, and Eigen. Importantly,
      REVEL also had the best performance for distinguishing pathogenic from rare
      neutral variants with allele frequencies <0.5%. The area under the receiver
      operating characteristic curve (AUC) for REVEL was 0.046-0.182 higher in an
      independent test set of 935 recent SwissVar disease variants and 123,935
      putatively neutral exome sequencing variants and 0.027-0.143 higher in an
      independent test set of 1,953 pathogenic and 2,406 benign variants recently
      reported in ClinVar than the AUCs for other ensemble methods. We provide pre
      computed REVEL scores for all possible human missense variants to facilitate the
      identification of pathogenic variants in the sea of rare variants discovered as
      sequencing studies expand in scale.

PMID- 27666375
TI  - Predicting the Crystallization Propensity of Drug-Like Molecules.
AB  - Predicting the crystallization propensity of drug-like molecules is one of the
      most significant challenges facing pharmaceutical scientists today. Despite the
      importance of being able to understand what structural features of a molecule
      (polarity, molecular size, etc.) and which experimental conditions (temperature,
      concentration, etc.) permit a molecule to crystallize, there has been very little
      published work focused on this topic. This commentary provides a short overview
      of recent progress in this area and points to potential experimental and
      computational approaches that might be used in the future.

PMID- 27666376
TI  - Freeze-Drying Process Development and Scale-Up: Scale-Up of Edge Vial Versus
      Center Vial Heat Transfer Coefficients, Kv.
AB  - This report presents calculations of the difference between the vial heat
      transfer coefficient of the "edge vial" and the "center vial" at all scales. The
      only scale-up adjustment for center vials is for the contribution of radiation
      from the shelf upon which the vial sits by replacing the emissivity of the
      laboratory dryer shelf with the emissivity of the production dryer shelf. With
      edge vials, scales-up adjustments are more complex. While convection is not
      important, heat transfer from the wall to the bands (surrounding the vial array)
      by radiation and directly from the band to the vials by both radiation and
      conduction is important; this radiation heat transfer depends on the emissivity
      of the vial and the bands and is nearly independent of the emissivity of the
      dryer walls. Differences in wall temperatures do impact the edge vial effect and
      scale-up, and estimates for wall temperatures are needed for both laboratory and
      manufacturing dryers. Auto-loading systems (no bands) may give different edge
      vial heat transfer coefficients than when operating with bands. Satisfactory
      agreement between theoretical predictions and experimental values of the edge
      vial effect indicate that results calculated from the theory are of useful
      accuracy.

PMID- 27666374
TI  - Biallelic TBCD Mutations Cause Early-Onset Neurodegenerative Encephalopathy.
AB  - We describe four families with affected siblings showing unique clinical
      features: early-onset (before 1 year of age) progressive diffuse brain atrophy
      with regression, postnatal microcephaly, postnatal growth retardation, muscle
      weakness/atrophy, and respiratory failure. By whole-exome sequencing, we
      identified biallelic TBCD mutations in eight affected individuals from the four
      families. TBCD encodes TBCD (tubulin folding co-factor D), which is one of five
      tubulin-specific chaperones playing a pivotal role in microtubule assembly in all
      cells. A total of seven mutations were found: five missense mutations, one
      nonsense, and one splice site mutation resulting in a frameshift. In vitro cell
      experiments revealed the impaired binding between most mutant TBCD proteins and
      ARL2, TBCE, and beta-tubulin. The in vivo experiments using olfactory projection
      neurons in Drosophila melanogaster indicated that the TBCD mutations caused loss
      of function. The wide range of clinical severity seen in this neurodegenerative
      encephalopathy may result from the residual function of mutant TBCD proteins.
      Furthermore, the autopsied brain from one deceased individual showed
      characteristic neurodegenerative findings: cactus and somatic sprout formations
      in the residual Purkinje cells in the cerebellum, which are also seen in some
      diseases associated with mitochondrial impairment. Defects of microtubule
      formation caused by TBCD mutations may underlie the pathomechanism of this
      neurodegenerative encephalopathy.

PMID- 27666377
TI  - Application of Artificial Neural Networks in the Design and Optimization of a
      Nanoparticulate Fingolimod Delivery System Based on Biodegradable Poly(3
      Hydroxybutyrate-Co-3-Hydroxyvalerate).
AB  - Formulation of a nanoparticulate Fingolimod delivery system based on
      biodegradable poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) was optimized
      according to artificial neural networks (ANNs). Concentration of poly(3
      hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate), PVA and amount of Fingolimod is considered
      as the input value, and the particle size, polydispersity index, loading
      capacity, and entrapment efficacy as output data in experimental design study. In
      vitro release study was carried out for best formulation according to statistical
      analysis. ANNs are employed to generate the best model to determine the
      relationships between various values. In order to specify the model with the best
      accuracy and proficiency for the in vitro release, a multilayer percepteron with
      different training algorithm has been examined. Three training model formulations
      including Levenberg-Marquardt (LM), gradient descent, and Bayesian regularization
      were employed for training the ANN models. It is demonstrated that the predictive
      ability of each training algorithm is in the order of LM > gradient descent >
      Bayesian regularization. Also, optimum formulation was achieved by LM training
      function with 15 hidden layers and 20 neurons. The transfer function of the
      hidden layer for this formulation and the output layer were tansig and purlin,
      respectively. Also, the optimization process was developed by minimizing the
      error among the predicted and observed values of training algorithm (about
      0.0341).

PMID- 27666379
TI  - Evaluating Clinical Nutrition Managers' Involvement in Key Management Functions.

PMID- 27666378
TI  - What's Being Served for Dinner? An Exploratory Investigation of the Associations
      between the Healthfulness of Family Meals and Child Dietary Intake.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little is known about the healthfulness of foods offered at family
      meals or the relationship between the food's healthfulness and child overall
      dietary intake. OBJECTIVE: This exploratory study uses a newly developed
      Healthfulness of Meal Index to examine the association between the healthfulness
      of foods served at family dinners and child dietary intake. DESIGN: Direct
      observational, cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING: Primarily low-income,
      minority families (n=120) video recorded 8 days of family dinners and completed a
      corresponding meal screener. Dietary recalls were completed on the target child
      (6 to 12 years old). The Healthfulness of Meal Index was used to measure meal
      healthfulness and included component scores for whole fruit, 100% juice,
      vegetables, dark green vegetables, dairy, protein, added sugars, and high-sodium
      foods. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Child dietary intake measured by three 24-hour
      dietary recalls. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: Linear regression models
      estimated the association between the healthfulness of foods served at dinner
      meals and overall child HEI. RESULTS: The majority of coded meals included foods
      from protein and high-sodium components; more than half included foods from dairy
      and vegetable components. Nearly half of the meals had an added-sugar component
      food (eg, soda or dessert). Few meals served foods from fruit, 100% juice, or
      dark green vegetable components. Many components served at family dinner meals
      were significantly associated with child daily intake of those same foods (ie,
      dark green vegetable, non-dark green vegetables, dairy, and added sugars). The
      Healthfulness of Meal Index total score was significantly associated with child
      HEI score. CONCLUSIONS: This study represents the first report of a new
      methodology to collect data of foods served at family dinners. Results indicated
      a significant association between the majority of components served at family
      dinner meals and child overall dietary intake. Validation of the Healthfulness of
      Meal Index and video-recorded family meal methodology is needed to strengthen
      these research methods for use in future studies.

PMID- 27666381
TI  - Acute alcohol exposure increases tyrosine hydroxylase protein expression and
      dopamine synthesis in zebrafish.
AB  - Zebrafish have become a popular animal model for investigating the effects of
      alcohol on the brain and behaviour. Acute exposure to alcohol has been shown to
      alter dopaminergic signalling in zebrafish, but the underlying mechanisms have
      not been well defined. In the current study, we characterize the effects of
      alcohol on the zebrafish dopaminergic system by focusing on tyrosine hydroxylase,
      the rate-limiting enzyme in dopamine synthesis. Using western blot analysis, we
      demonstrate that a 60min exposure to 1% alcohol increases tyrosine hydroxylase
      protein expression in the zebrafish brain. Enzymatic activity assays confirmed
      that alcohol also increases tyrosine hydroxylase enzymatic activity, whereas HPLC
      analysis demonstrated increased levels of whole-brain dopamine and its metabolite
      DOPAC. In addition to activation of the dopaminergic system, behavioural analysis
      revealed accompanying increase of distance traveled following 1% alcohol
      exposure. These findings suggest that acute alcohol exposure elevates dopamine
      synthesis via increased tyrosine hydroxylase protein expression. Our results
      support the hypothesis that alcohol alters dopaminergic signalling in the
      zebrafish brain in a similar manner as compared to mammals.

PMID- 27666380
TI  - Associations between Dietary Patterns and Blood Pressure in a Clinical Sample of
      Overweight Adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dietary pattern analysis provides important evidence revealing diet
      disease relationships. It may be especially useful in areas less well researched,
      such as diet and hypertension in clinical populations. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this
      study was to identify the association between dietary patterns and blood pressure
      (BP) in a sample of overweight adults volunteering for a clinical trial for
      weight loss. DESIGN: This cross-sectional analysis used baseline data from the
      HealthTrack study, a 12-month randomized controlled trial. Dietary intake was
      evaluated with 4-day food records. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING: Participants were 328
      adults recruited from the Illawarra region of New South Wales, Australia, between
      May 2014 and April 2015. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Resting BP and 24-hour urine
      sodium and potassium were measured. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Dietary patterns were
      derived by principal component analysis from 21 food groups. Multiple regression
      analysis was performed to assess the association between the extracted dietary
      patterns and BP. RESULTS: The participants' mean age was 43.6+/-8.0 years, mean
      body mass index was 32.4+/-4.2, and mean systolic BP/diastolic BP was 124.9+/
      14.5/73.3+/-9.9 mm Hg. Six major dietary patterns were identified: "nuts, seeds,
      fruit, and fish," "milk and meat," "breads, cereals, and snacks," "cereal-based
      products, fats, and oils," "alcohol, eggs, and legumes," and "savoury sauces,
      condiments, and meat." The "nuts, seeds, fruit, and fish" dietary pattern was
      significantly and inversely associated with systolic BP (F [7,320]=15.248;
      P<0.0005; adjusted R2=0.234 and diastolic BP (F [7,320]=17.351; P<0.0005;
      adjusted R2=0.259) and sodium-to-potassium ratio (F [7,320]=6.210; P<0.0005;
      adjusted R2=0.100). CONCLUSIONS: A dietary pattern rich in nuts, seeds, fruit,
      and fish was inversely associated with blood pressure in this clinical sample.
      The findings suggest that current dietary guidelines are relevant to an
      overweight clinical population and support the value of dietary pattern analysis
      when exploring the diet-disease relationship.

PMID- 27666382
TI  - Suboptimal maternal diets alter mu opioid receptor and dopamine type 1 receptor
      binding but exert no effect on dopamine transporters in the offspring brain.
AB  - Birthweight is a marker for suboptimal fetal growth and development in utero.
      Offspring can be born large for gestational age (LGA), which is linked to
      maternal obesity or excessive gestational weight gain, as well as small for
      gestational age (SGA), arising from nutrient or calorie deficiency, placental
      dysfunction, or other maternal conditions (hypertension, infection). In humans,
      LGA and SGA babies are at an increased risk for certain neurodevelopmental
      disorders, including Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, schizophrenia, and
      social and mood disorders. Using mouse models of LGA (maternal high fat (HF)
      diet) and SGA (maternal low protein (LP) diet) offspring, our lab has previously
      shown that these offspring display alterations in the expression of
      mesocorticolimbic genes that regulate dopamine and opioid function, thus
      indicating that these brain regions and neurotransmitter systems are vulnerable
      to gestational insults. Interestingly, these two maternal diets affected dopamine
      and opioid systems in somewhat opposing directions (e.g., LP offspring are
      generally hyperdopaminergic with reduced opioid expression, and the reverse is
      found for the HF offspring). These data largely involved evaluation at the
      transcriptional level, so the present experiment was designed to extend these
      analyses through an assessment of receptor binding. In this study, control, SGA
      and LGA offspring were generated from dams fed control, low protein or high fat
      diet, respectively, throughout pregnancy and lactation. At weaning, mice were
      placed on the control diet and sacrificed at 12 weeks of age. In vitro
      autoradiography was used to measure mu-opioid receptor (MOR), dopamine type 1
      receptor (D1R), and dopamine transporter (DAT) binding level in mesolimbic brain
      regions. Results showed that the LP offspring (males and females) had
      significantly higher MOR and D1R binding than the control animals in the regions
      associated with reward. In HF offspring there were no differences in MOR binding,
      and limited increases in D1R binding, seen only in females in the nucleus
      accumbens core and the dorsomedial caudate/putamen. DAT binding revealed no
      differences in either models. In conclusion, LP but not HF offspring show
      significantly elevated MOR and D1R binding in the brain thus affecting DA and
      opioid signaling. These findings advance the current understanding of how
      suboptimal gestational diets can adversely impact neurodevelopment and increase
      the risk for disorders such as ADHD, obesity and addiction.

PMID- 27666383
TI  - Adverse early life environment increases hippocampal microglia abundance in
      conjunction with decreased neural stem cells in juvenile mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adverse maternal lifestyle resulting in adverse early life
      environment (AELE) increases risks for neuropsychiatric disorders in offspring.
      Neuropsychiatric disorders are associated with impaired neurogenesis and neuro
      inflammation in the hippocampus (HP). Microglia are neuro-inflammatory cells in
      the brain that regulate neurogenesis via toll-like receptors (TLR). TLR-9 is
      implicated in neurogenesis inhibition and is responsible for stress-related
      inflammatory responses. We hypothesized that AELE would increase microglia cell
      count and increase TLR-9 expression in juvenile mouse HP. These increases in
      microglia cell count and TLR-9 expression would be associated with decrease
      neural stem cell count and neuronal cell count. METHODS: We developed a mouse
      model of AELE combining Western diet and a stress environment. Stress environment
      consisted of random change from embryonic day 13 (E13) to E17 as well as static
      change in maternal environment from E13 to postnatal day 21(P21). At P21, we
      measured hippocampal cell numbers of microglia, neural stem cell and neuron, as
      well as hippocampal TLR-9 expression. RESULTS: AELE significantly increased total
      microglia number and TLR-9 expression in the hippocampus. Concurrently, AELE
      significantly decreased neural stem cell and neuronal numbers. CONCLUSIONS: AELE
      increased the neuro-inflammatory cellular response in the juvenile HP. We
      speculate that increased neuro-inflammatory responses may contribute to impaired
      neurogenesis seen in this model.

PMID- 27666384
TI  - Cognitive control in the eye of the beholder: Electrocortical theta and alpha
      modulation during response preparation in a cued saccade task.
AB  - The oscillatory dynamics of medial frontal EEG theta and posterior alpha are
      implicated in the modulation of attention and cognitive control. We used a novel
      saccade cueing paradigm to examine whether theta and alpha are modulated by task
      difficulty during response preparation. After isolating and functionally
      classifying medial frontal and posterior alpha independent components, the EEG
      spectral power in these components was calculated on pro- and anti-saccade trials
      prior to response probes. The results of bootstrap re-sampling show that,
      compared to pro-saccade trials, correct anti-saccades are characterized by an
      increase in medial frontal theta and suppression of posterior alpha during the
      response preparation period. Furthermore, an absence of increased medial frontal
      theta prior to anti-saccades probes occurs on error trials, that is, a failure to
      control pre-potent eye movements. For these error trials, a burst in medial
      frontal theta is instead observed following error feedback. Our findings show
      that enhanced medial frontal theta is linked not only to dynamic cognitive
      control that is reactive (such as, after error commission), but is also an
      important prerequisite for success when behavioral control is challenged.

PMID- 27666386
TI  - Consistency-based thresholding of the human connectome.
AB  - Densely seeded probabilistic tractography yields weighted networks that are
      nearly fully connected, hence containing many spurious fibers. It is thus
      necessary to prune spurious connections from probabilistically-derived networks
      to obtain a more reliable overall estimate of the connectivity. A standard method
      is to threshold by weight, keeping only the strongest edges. Here, by measuring
      the consistency of edge weights across subjects, we propose a new thresholding
      method that aims to reduce the rate of false-positives in group-averaged
      connectivity matrices. Close inspection of the relationship between consistency,
      weight, and distance suggests that the most consistent edges are in fact those
      that are strong for their length, rather than simply strong overall. Hence
      retaining the most consistent edges preserves more long-distance connections than
      traditional weight-based thresholding, which penalizes long connections for being
      weak regardless of anatomy. By comparing our thresholded networks to mouse and
      macaque tracer data, we also show that consistency-based thresholding exhibits
      the species-invariant exponential decay of connection weights with distance,
      while weight-based thresholding does not. We also show that consistency-based
      thresholding can be used to identify highly consistent and highly inconsistent
      subnetworks across subjects, enabling more nuanced analyses of group-level
      connectivity than just the mean connectivity.

PMID- 27666387
TI  - Tanshinones and diethyl blechnics with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer
      activities from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen).
AB  - Four novel compounds (1-4) as well as fourteen reported compounds (5-18) were
      isolated and purified from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen). The structures of
      novel compounds were determined by 1D and 2D NMR, HRESIMS data, etc. The anti
      inflammatory properties of all the compounds on RAW264.7 macrophages and their
      cytotoxicity on H1299 and Bel-7402 cell lines coupled with a structure-activity
      relationship (SAR) were investigated. Compound 4 demonstrated the best anti
      inflammatory activity and was chosen for further research. Compound 4 greatly
      suppressed secretion of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and
      interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the RAW264.7 macrophages stimulated by LPS. Additionally,
      the protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and
      cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) was decreased and the nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB
      was attenuated after treatment with compound 4 in vitro. Compound 4 was able to
      dramatically inhibit LPS-induced activation of JNK1/2 and ERK1/2 and remarkably
      disrupted the TLR4 dimerization in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages. Thus, the
      new compound 4 suppressed LPS-induced inflammation partially is due to the
      blocking TLR4 dimerization. In addition, the anti-cancer activity investigation
      indicated that most of isolated compounds exhibited cytotoxicity and the SAR
      analysis showed that the intact D ring was indispensable and unsaturated D ring
      played vital role.

PMID- 27666388
TI  - Transcriptional profile of SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells transfected by
      Toxoplasma rhoptry protein 16.
AB  - Toxoplasma rhoptry protein 16 (ROP16) is crucial in the host-pathogen interaction
      by acting as a virulent factor during invasion. To improve understanding of the
      molecular function underlying the effect of ROP16 on host cells, the present
      study analyzed the transcriptional profile of genes in the ROP16-transfected SH
      SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell line. The transcriptional profile of the SH-SY5Y
      human neuroblastoma cell line overexpressing ROP16 were determined by microarray
      analysis in order to determine the host neural cell response to the virulent
      factor. Functional analysis was performed using the Protein Analysis Through
      Evolutionary Relationships classification system. The ToppGene Suite was used to
      select candidate genes from the differentially expressed genes. A protein-protein
      interaction network was constructed using Cytoscape software according to the
      interaction associations determined using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of
      Interacting Genes/Proteins. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain
      reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis of the selected genes confirmed the results of the
      microarray. The results showed that 383 genes were differentially expressed in
      response to ROP16 transfection, of which 138 genes were upregulated and 245 genes
      were downregulated. Functional analysis indicated that the differentially
      expressed genes (DEGs) were involved in several biological processes, including
      developmental process, biological regulation and apoptotic process. A total of 15
      candidate genes from the DEGs were screened using the ToppGene Suite. No
      significant differences in expression were observed between the RT-qPCR data and
      the microarray data. Transfection with ROP16 resulted in alterations of several
      biological processes, including nervous system development, apoptosis and
      transcriptional regulation. Several genes, including CXCL12, BAI1, ZIC2, RBMX,
      RASSF6, MAGE-A6 and HOX, were identified as significant DEGs. Taken together,
      these results may contribute to understanding the mechanisms underlying the
      functions of ROP16 and provide scope for further investigation of the
      pathogenesis of Toxoplasma gondii.

PMID- 27666385
TI  - Generalized reduced rank latent factor regression for high dimensional tensor
      fields, and neuroimaging-genetic applications.
AB  - We propose a generalized reduced rank latent factor regression model (GRRLF) for
      the analysis of tensor field responses and high dimensional covariates. The model
      is motivated by the need from imaging-genetic studies to identify genetic
      variants that are associated with brain imaging phenotypes, often in the form of
      high dimensional tensor fields. GRRLF identifies from the structure in the data
      the effective dimensionality of the data, and then jointly performs dimension
      reduction of the covariates, dynamic identification of latent factors, and
      nonparametric estimation of both covariate and latent response fields. After
      accounting for the latent and covariate effects, GRLLF performs a nonparametric
      test on the remaining factor of interest. GRRLF provides a better factorization
      of the signals compared with common solutions, and is less susceptible to
      overfitting because it exploits the effective dimensionality. The generality and
      the flexibility of GRRLF also allow various statistical models to be handled in a
      unified framework and solutions can be efficiently computed. Within the field of
      neuroimaging, it improves the sensitivity for weak signals and is a promising
      alternative to existing approaches. The operation of the framework is
      demonstrated with both synthetic datasets and a real-world neuroimaging example
      in which the effects of a set of genes on the structure of the brain at the voxel
      level were measured, and the results compared favorably with those from existing
      approaches.

PMID- 27666390
TI  - Novel highly divergent reassortant bat rotaviruses in Cameroon, without evidence
      of zoonosis.
AB  - Bats are an important reservoir for zoonotic viruses. To date, only three RVA
      strains have been reported in bats in Kenya and China. In the current study we
      investigated the genetic diversity of RVAs in fecal samples from 87 straw-colored
      fruit bats living in close contact with humans in Cameroon using viral
      metagenomics. Five (near) complete RVA genomes were obtained. A single RVA strain
      showed a partial relationship with the Kenyan bat RVA strain, whereas the other
      strains were completely novel. Only the VP7 and VP4 genes showed significant
      variability, indicating the occurrence of frequent reassortment events. Comparing
      these bat RVA strains with currently used human RVA screening primers indicated
      that most of the novel VP7 and VP4 segments would not be detected in routine
      epidemiological screening studies. Therefore, novel consensus screening primers
      were developed and used to screen samples from infants with gastroenteritis
      living in close proximity with the studied bat population. Although RVA
      infections were identified in 36% of the infants, there was no evidence of
      zoonosis. This study identified multiple novel bat RVA strains, but further
      epidemiological studies in humans will have to assess if these viruses have the
      potential to cause gastroenteritis in humans.

PMID- 27666389
TI  - FHF-independent conduction of action potentials along the leak-resistant
      cerebellar granule cell axon.
AB  - Neurons in vertebrate central nervous systems initiate and conduct sodium action
      potentials in distinct subcellular compartments that differ architecturally and
      electrically. Here, we report several unanticipated passive and active properties
      of the cerebellar granule cell's unmyelinated axon. Whereas spike initiation at
      the axon initial segment relies on sodium channel (Nav)-associated fibroblast
      growth factor homologous factor (FHF) proteins to delay Nav inactivation, distal
      axonal Navs show little FHF association or FHF requirement for high-frequency
      transmission, velocity and waveforms of conducting action potentials. In
      addition, leak conductance density along the distal axon is estimated as <1% that
      of somatodendritic membrane. The faster inactivation rate of FHF-free Navs
      together with very low axonal leak conductance serves to minimize ionic fluxes
      and energetic demand during repetitive spike conduction and at rest. The absence
      of FHFs from Navs at nodes of Ranvier in the central nervous system suggests a
      similar mechanism of current flux minimization along myelinated axons.

PMID- 27666392
TI  - A better state-of-mind: deep breathing reduces state anxiety and enhances test
      performance through regulating test cognitions in children.
AB  - A pre-test/post-test, intervention-versus-control experimental design was used to
      examine the effects, mechanisms and moderators of deep breathing on state anxiety
      and test performance in 122 Primary 5 students. Taking deep breaths before a
      timed math test significantly reduced self-reported feelings of anxiety and
      improved test performance. There was a statistical trend towards greater
      effectiveness in reducing state anxiety for boys compared to girls, and in
      enhancing test performance for students with higher autonomic reactivity in test
      like situations. The latter moderation was significant when comparing high-versus
      low autonomic reactivity groups. Mediation analyses suggest that deep breathing
      reduces state anxiety in test-like situations, creating a better state-of-mind by
      enhancing the regulation of adaptive-maladaptive thoughts during the test,
      allowing for better performance. The quick and simple technique can be easily
      learnt and effectively applied by most children to immediately alleviate some of
      the adverse effects of test anxiety on psychological well-being and academic
      performance.

PMID- 27666391
TI  - Macrophage migration inhibitory factor enhances autophagy by regulating ROCK1
      activity and contributes to the escape of dendritic cell surveillance in
      glioblastoma.
AB  - Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is highly expressed in glioblastoma,
      promoting malignant progression and suppresses immune surveillance. However, the
      mechanism underlying its biological roles in human glioblastoma and the
      capability of MIF to escape dendritic cell (DC) surveillance remain poorly
      understood. In the present study, we found that recombinant human MIF (rhMIF)
      activated the RhoA-ROCK1 pathway and simultaneously upregulated F-actin fibre
      formation. Additionally, we showed that rhMIF increased autophagy in glioblastoma
      cells, and knockdown of endogenic MIF suppressed autophagy. In glioma specimens,
      MIF expression was significantly correlated with LC3B levels. Moreover, we
      confirmed that the activity of Rho-associated coiled-coil containing kinase
      (ROCK)1 played a crucial role in MIF-induced autophagy. Y26736, a ROCK1
      inhibitor, blocked the MIF-mediated increase in migration and colony formation in
      glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cells. Furthermore, exogenous rhMIF suppressed the
      migration of both immature DCs (iDCs) and mature DCs (mDCs). Addition of rhMIF
      during the maturation process of iDCs impaired the expression of co-stimulatory
      markers. Taken together, our results identified ROCK1 as a critical mediator of
      MIF-induced autophagy and the immunosuppressive effect of MIF on DC surveillance
      in glioblastoma.

PMID- 27666393
TI  - Serum sclerostin levels in renal cell carcinoma patients with bone metastases.
AB  - Sclerostin has been proposed as a potent inhibitor of bone formation. Sclerostin
      antibodies are under clinical development to treat osteoporosis and metastatic
      bone disease. Serum sclerostin level is elevated in multiple myeloma, an
      osteolytic malignancy, where it might serve as predictive marker for the use of
      sclerostin-directed antibodies. As renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients often
      present with osteolytic metastases, we aimed to investigate serum sclerostin
      levels in RCC patients. Our study included 53 RCC patients (19 with bone
      metastases, 25 with visceral metastases and 9 with localized disease) and 53 age-
      and gender-matched non-osteoporotic controls. Frozen serum samples were subjected
      to sclerostin quantitative sandwich ELISA. The mean serum sclerostin levels of
      RCC patients and controls were 45.8 pmol/l and 45.1 pmol/l, respectively (p =
      0.86). Analysis of variance showed no difference between the subgroups of RCC
      patients with regard to visceral or bone metastases or localized disease (p =
      0.22). There was no significant association between eGFR (estimated glomerular
      filtration rate) and serum sclerostin levels in RCC patients (r = 0.05; p = 0.74)
      and controls (r = 0.06; p = 0.68). Our results indicate that serum sclerostin
      levels appear not to be a valuable biomarker to assess the occurrence of bone
      metastases in RCC patients.

PMID- 27666395
TI  - Pharmacological Evaluation of Antiasthmatic Activity of Myrica nagi Bark
      Extracts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The involvement of debilitating side effects of allopathic
      antiasthmatic drugs provides a strong impetus for the development of new herbal
      therapeutics. Myrica nagi Thunb. (Syn. Kaiphal) of Myricaceae family is a known
      drug of the Ayurveda system used for the treatment of several diseases including
      asthma. METHODS: The present study deals with the preparation and phytochemical
      screening of polar, non-polar and methanolic extracts of Myrica nagi bark
      followed by the evaluation of their antiasthmatic activity using four different
      animal experimental models: acetylcholine induced bronchospasm in conscious
      guinea pigs, acetylcholine induced contraction on isolated guinea pig tracheal
      chain preparation, compound 48/80 induced mast cell degranulation using rat, and
      trypsin and egg albumin induced bronchospasm in conscious rat. RESULTS: Polar
      extract of M. nagi bark (200 mg/kg, p.o.) exerted strong antiasthmatic effects
      near to Ketotifen (1 mg/kg, p.o) as standard drug. Polar extract of M. nagi bark
      (200 u.g/ml) significantly inhibited Ach induced contraction of isolated guinea
      pig tracheal chain preparation. Pre-incubation of rat peritoneal mast cells with
      test drugs (methanolic, non polar and polar extracts) showed dose dependent
      significant reduction of % mast cell degranulation. Polar extract (200mg/kg) &
      Methanolic extract (200mg/kg) of M. nagi bark treated animals showed
      significantly lesser serum bicarbonate level, higher tidal volume, lower level of
      eosinophils and neutrophils. CONCLUSION: The results of present investigation
      suggest that the polar extracts of Myrica nagi bark have better antiasthmatic
      activity than the non polar and methanolic extract.

PMID- 27666394
TI  - Rational improvement of gp41-targeting HIV-1 fusion inhibitors: an innovatively
      designed Ile-Asp-Leu tail with alternative conformations.
AB  - Peptides derived from the C-terminal heptad repeat (CHR) of HIV gp41 have been
      developed as effective fusion inhibitors against HIV-1, but facing the challenges
      of enhancing potency and stability. Here, we report a rationally designed novel
      HIV-1 fusion inhibitor derived from CHR-derived peptide (Trp628~Gln653, named
      CP), but with an innovative Ile-Asp-Leu tail (IDL) that dramatically increased
      the inhibitory activity by up to 100 folds. We also determined the crystal
      structures of artificial fusion peptides N36- and N43-L6-CP-IDL. Although the
      overall structures of both fusion peptides share the canonical six-helix bundle
      (6-HB) configuration, their IDL tails adopt two different conformations: a one
      turn helix with the N36, and a hook-like structure with the longer N43.
      Structural comparison showed that the hook-like IDL tail possesses a larger
      interaction interface with NHR than the helical one. Further molecular dynamics
      simulations of the two 6-HBs and isolated CP-IDL peptides suggested that hook
      like form of IDL tail can be stabilized by its binding to NHR trimer. Therefore,
      CP-IDL has potential for further development as a new HIV fusion inhibitor, and
      this strategy could be widely used in developing artificial fusion inhibitors
      against HIV and other enveloped viruses.

PMID- 27666396
TI  - Reduction of eNOS in Vascular Smooth Muscle by Salt Independently of
      Hypertension.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is known to be expressed in
      endothelium and smooth muscle cells of arteries. The aim of this study was to
      investigate the expression of eNOS in intimal and medial layer of aorta from rats
      fed a high salt diet and its modulation by losartan and tempol. METHODS: Rats
      were fed during three weeks with: normal salt diet (NS, 0.4% NaCl); high salt
      diet (HS, 8% NaCl); NS plus tempol 1 mM (NS-T); HS plus tempol (HS-T); NS plus
      losartan 40mg.kg-1 (NS-L) and HS plus losartan (HS-L). Systolic blood pressure
      was recorded by the tail cuff method. Rats were then anaesthetized and the
      thoracic aorta and small arteries (bronchial branches of aorta) were processed to
      evaluate the expression of eNOS and aquaporin-1 (AQP-1) by immunohistochemistry.
      RESULTS: HS group showed increased systolic blood pressure, increased eNOS and
      AQP-1 immunoexpression in the aorta intimal layer, and decreased eNOS
      immunoexpression in the aorta medial layer, respect to NS group. Losartan and
      tempol prevented hypertension and changes in the expression of eNOS and AQP-1 of
      the intimal layer. However, only tempol increased the expression of eNOS elicited
      by sodium overload in the medial layer of the aorta and small arteries respect to
      HS group. CONCLUSIONS: A high salt diet decreases eNOS expression in vascular
      smooth muscle layers of aorta and small arteries, which is reversed by tempol.
      These results suggest an adverse effect of oxidative stress on vascular eNOS in
      rats fed a high salt diet independently of hypertension.

PMID- 27666397
TI  - Zero Health Worker Infection: Experiences From the China Ebola Treatment Unit
      During the Ebola Epidemic in Liberia.
AB  - In November 2014, a total of 164 health care workers were dispatched by the
      Chinese government as the first medical assistance team to Liberia. The tasks of
      this team were to establish a China Ebola treatment unit (ETU), to commence the
      initial admission and treatment of suspected and confirmed Ebola patients, and to
      provide public health and infection control training for relevant local
      personnel. Overall, during the 2-month stay of this first medical assistance team
      in Liberia, 112 Ebola-suspected patients presented to the ETU, 65 patients were
      admitted, including 5 confirmed cases, and 3 confirmed cases were cured.
      Furthermore, 1520 local people were trained, including health care workers,
      military health care workers, staff members employed by the ETU, and community
      residents. Most importantly, as the first Chinese medical assistance team
      deployed to Liberia fighting the Ebola virus on the frontline, not a single
      member of this team or the hired local staff were infected by Ebola virus. This
      highly successful outcome was due to the meticulous infection control initiatives
      developed by the team, thereby making a significant contribution to China's ETU
      "zero infection" of health workers in Liberia. The major infection control
      initiatives conducted in the China ETU that contributed to achieving "zero
      infection" of all health workers in the ETU are introduced in this report.
      (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2017;11:262-266).

PMID- 27666398
TI  - Using a Human Factors Engineering Approach to Improve Patient Room Cleaning and
      Disinfection.

PMID- 27666399
TI  - Harvesting microalgal biomass using crossflow membrane filtration: critical flux,
      filtration performance, and fouling characterization.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficient harvesting of
      microalgal biomass through crossflow membrane filtration. The microalgal biomass
      harvesting experiments were performed using one microfiltration membrane (pore
      size: 0.2 um, made from polyvinylidene fluoride) and three ultrafiltration
      membranes (molecular weight cut-off: 150, 50, and 30 kDa, made from
      polyethersulfone, hydrophilic polyethersulfone, and regenerated cellulose,
      respectively). Initially, to minimize membrane fouling caused by microalgal
      cells, experiments with the objective of determining the critical flux were
      performed. Based on the critical flux calculations, the best performing membrane
      was confirmed to be the UH050 membrane, produced from hydrophilic
      polyethersulfone material. Furthermore, we also evaluated the effect of
      transmembrane pressure (TMP) and crossflow velocity (CFV) on filtration flux. It
      was observed that membrane fouling was affected not only by the membrane
      characteristics, but also by the TMP and CFV. In all the membranes, it was
      observed that increasing CFV was associated with increasing filtration flux,
      independent of the TMP.

PMID- 27666400
TI  - Exploring functional roles of TRPV1 intracellular domains with unstructured
      peptide-insertion screening.
AB  - TRPV1 is a polymodal nociceptor for diverse physical and chemical stimuli that
      interact with different parts of the channel protein. Recent cryo-EM studies
      revealed detailed channel structures, opening the door for mapping structural
      elements mediating activation by each stimulus. Towards this goal, here we have
      combined unstructured peptide-insertion screening (UPS) with electrophysiological
      and fluorescence recordings to explore structural and functional roles of the
      intracellular regions of TRPV1 in mediating various activation stimuli. We found
      that most of the tightly packed protein regions did not tolerate structural
      perturbation by UPS when tested, indicating that structural integrity of the
      intracellular region is critical. In agreement with previous reports, Ca2+
      dependent desensitization is strongly dependent on both intracellular N- and C
      terminal domains; insertions of an unstructured peptide between these domains and
      the transmembrane core domain nearly eliminated Ca2+-dependent desensitization.
      In contrast, channel activations by capsaicin, low pH, divalent cations, and even
      heat are mostly intact in mutant channels containing the same insertions. These
      observations suggest that the transmembrane core domain of TRPV1, but not the
      intracellular domains, is responsible for sensing these stimuli.

PMID- 27666401
TI  - Topographic contrast of ultrathin cryo-sections for correlative super-resolution
      light and electron microscopy.
AB  - Fluorescence microscopy reveals molecular expression at nanometer resolution but
      lacks ultrastructural context information. This deficit often hinders a clear
      interpretation of results. Electron microscopy provides this contextual
      subcellular detail, but protein identification can often be problematic.
      Correlative light and electron microscopy produces complimentary information that
      expands our knowledge of protein expression in cells and tissue. Inherent
      methodological difficulties are however encountered when combining these two very
      different microscopy technologies. We present a quick, simple and reproducible
      method for protein localization by conventional and super-resolution light
      microscopy combined with platinum shadowing and scanning electron microscopy to
      obtain topographic contrast from the surface of ultrathin cryo-sections. We
      demonstrate protein distribution at nuclear pores and at mitochondrial and plasma
      membranes in the extended topographical landscape of tissue.

PMID- 27666402
TI  - MALDI-TOF-MS reveals differential N-linked plasma- and IgG-glycosylation profiles
      between mothers and their newborns.
AB  - During pregnancy, the mother provides multiple nutrients and substances to the
      foetus, with maternal immunoglobulin G (IgG) being actively transported to the
      foetus. Newborns depend on maternal IgG for immune-protection in their first
      months. The glycosylation of IgG has been shown to influence its dynamics, e.g.
      receptor binding. While minor differences in IgG glycosylation have been found
      between IgG derived from maternal blood and umbilical cord blood (UC) of newborn
      children, the differential glycosylation of maternal and UC plasma has hitherto
      not been studied. Here, we studied the N-glycosylation of IgG and total plasma
      proteome of both maternal and UC plasma of 42 pairs of mothers and newborn
      children. A total of 37 N-glycans were quantified for IgG and 45 for the total
      plasma N-glycome (TPNG). The study showed slightly higher levels of
      galactosylation for UC IgG than maternal IgG, confirming previous results, as
      well as lower bisection and sialylation. Furthermore, the TPNG results showed
      lower values for galactosylation and sialylation, and higher values for
      fucosylation in the UC plasma. In conclusion, this study presents some novel
      insights into IgG glycosylation differences as well as the first broad overview
      of the differential plasma glycosylation between mothers and newborns.

PMID- 27666403
TI  - The interaction of excited atoms and few-cycle laser pulses.
AB  - This work describes the first observations of the ionisation of neon in a
      metastable atomic state utilising a strong-field, few-cycle light pulse. We
      compare the observations to theoretical predictions based on the Ammosov-Delone
      Krainov (ADK) theory and a solution to the time-dependent Schrodinger equation
      (TDSE). The TDSE provides better agreement with the experimental data than the
      ADK theory. We optically pump the target atomic species and measure the
      ionisation rate as the a function of different steady-state populations in the
      fine structure of the target state which shows significant ionisation rate
      dependence on populations of spin-polarised states. The physical mechanism for
      this effect is unknown.

PMID- 27666404
TI  - A recurrent deletion in the SLC5A2 gene including the intron 7 branch site
      responsible for familial renal glucosuria.
AB  - Familial renal glycosuria (FRG) is caused by mutations in the SLC5A2 gene, which
      codes for Na+-glucose co-transporters 2 (SGLT2). The aim of this study was to
      analyze and identify the mutations in 16 patients from 8 families with FRG. All
      coding regions, including intron-exon boundaries, were analyzed using PCR
      followed by direct sequence analysis. Six mutations in SLC5A2 gene were
      identified, including five missense mutations (c.393G > C, p.K131N; c.1003A > G,
      p.S335G; c.1343A > G, p.Q448R; c.1420G > C, p.A474P; c.1739G > A, p.G580D) and a
      22-bp deletion in intron 7 (c.886(-10_-31)del) removing the putative branch point
      sequence. By the minigene studies using the pSPL3 plasmids, we confirmed that the
      deletion c.886(-10_-31)del acts as a splicing mutation. Furthermore, we found
      that this deletion causes exclusion of exon 8 in the SCL5A2 transcript in
      patients. The mutation c.886(-10_-31)del was present in 5 (62.5%) of 8 families,
      and accounts for about 37.5% of the total alleles (6/16). In conclusion, six
      mutations resulting in FRG were found, and the c.886(-10_-31)del may be the high
      frequency mutation that can be screened in FRG patients with uniallelic or
      negative SLC5A2 mutations.

PMID- 27666405
TI  - Asthma in children of Caribbean descent living in the inner-city: comparing
      Puerto Rican and Afro-Caribbean children.
AB  - Ethnic minority children bear a disproportionate amount of the US asthma burden.
      We compared asthma morbidity and pulmonary function (%FEV1) in two Caribbean
      groups living in the Bronx, NY: Puerto Rican and Afro-Caribbean children.
      Caregiver-child dyads (Puerto Rican: n = 113, M age = 9.89 +/- 2.05; Afro
      Caribbean: n = 47, Mage = 10.35 +/- 2.08) responded to sociodemographic and
      asthma-related questions, and children's %FEV1 was measured. Puerto Rican
      children had significantly greater (past year) asthma morbidity, yet there were
      no significant differences in %FEV1. This discrepancy between objective pulmonary
      function and asthma morbidity suggests the importance of considering
      sociocultural factors in pediatric asthma care.

PMID- 27666408
TI  - Functionalized and graft copolymers of chitosan and its pharmaceutical
      applications.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Chitosan is the second most abundant natural polysaccharide. It
      belongs a family of polycationic polymers comprised of repetitive units of
      glucosamine and N-acetylglucosamine. Its biodegradability, nontoxicity, non
      immunogenicity and biocompatibility along with properties like mucoadhesion,
      fungistatic and bacteriogenic have made chitosan an appreciated polymer with
      numerous applications in the pharmaceutical, comestics and food industry.
      However, the limited solubility of chitosan at alkaline and neutral pH limits its
      widespread commercial use. This can be circumvented by fabrication of chitosan by
      graft copolymerization with acyl, alkyl, monomeric and polymeric moieties. Areas
      covered: Modifications like quarterization, thiolation, acylation and grafting
      result in copolymers with higher mucoadhesion strength, increased hydrophobic
      interactions (advantageous in hydrophobic drug entrapment), and increased
      solubility in alkaline pH, the ability for adsorption of metal ions, protein and
      peptide delivery and nutrient delivery. Insights on methods of polymerization,
      including atomic transfer radical polymerization and click chemistry are
      discussed. Applications of such modified chitosan copolymers in medical and
      surgical, and drug delivery, including nasal, oral and buccal delivery have also
      been covered. Expert opinion: Despite a number of successful investigations,
      commercialization of chitosan copolymers still remains a challenge. Further
      advancements in polymerization techniques may address the unmet needs of the
      healthcare industry.

PMID- 27666409
TI  - The incorporation site of Er in nanosized CaF2.
AB  - The incorporation site of Er dopants inserted at high and low concentration
      (respectively 5 and 0.5 mol%) in nanoparticles of CaF2 is studied by x-ray
      absorption spectroscopy (XAS) at the Er L III edge. The experimental data are
      compared with the results of structural modeling based on density functional
      theory (DFT). DFT-based molecular dynamics is also used to simulate complete
      theoretical EXAFS spectra of the model structures. The result is that Er
      substitutes for Ca in the structure and in the low concentration case the dopant
      ions are isolated. At high concentration the rare earth ions cluster together
      binding Ca vacancies.

PMID- 27666407
TI  - Depression accelerates the development of gastric cancer through reactive oxygen
      species-activated ABL1 (Review).
AB  - Depression is a common symptom among gastric cancer (GC) patients and serves as a
      potential indication of poor prognosis and advanced cancer clinical stage.
      However, the molecular mechanism of depression-associated poor prognoses of GC
      patients remains unclear. Recent studies have revealed that GC patients with
      depression are under high levels of oxidative stress (OS) status that is
      accompanied by the dysfunction of numerous proto-oncogenes, including the ABL
      proto-oncogene 1 (ABL1), which is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase. Recent evidence
      indicates that ABL1 was dysregulated in both major depressive disorder (MDD) and
      cancer patients with depression, and high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS)
      can lead to the activation of ABL1 in response to OS and that activated ABL1
      subsequently contributes to development of GC via interactions with the
      downstream targets and corresponding signaling pathways. In this review, we
      examine the evidence to illuminate the molecular mechanism of ABL1 in the
      progression of GC patients with depression and identify out new and effective
      methods for the initial and long-term treatment of GC.

PMID- 27666406
TI  - Telomere recombination pathways: tales of several unhappy marriages.
AB  - All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.-Leo
      Tolstoy, Anna Karenina.

PMID- 27666411
TI  - A Gastrointestinally Digested Ribes nigrum L. Fruit Extract Inhibits Inflammatory
      Response in a Co-culture Model of Intestinal Caco-2 Cells and RAW264.7
      Macrophages.
AB  - Blackcurrant fruits are a rich source of polyphenolic compounds with high
      antioxidant capacity and potent anti-inflammatory properties. In this study,
      blackcurrant extract digested in an artificial gastrointestinal tract and its
      intestinal permeable fraction were investigated for their ability to suppress
      inflammatory responses induced in a two-component cell culture system of
      intestinal epithelial cells and macrophages. The obtained results showed the
      capacity of the extract at a concentration of 1 mg of freeze-dried blackcurrant
      powder per mL to down-regulate the expression of inflammatory mediators, such as
      IL-8 (54 +/- 7%) and COX-2 (17 +/- 6%) in intestinal cells and IL-1alpha (76 +/-
      4%), IL-1beta (91 +/- 2%), and IL-6 (61 +/- 5%) in macrophages stimulated with
      lipopolysaccharides. Inhibited COX-2 (44 +/- 6%) and iNOS (15 +/- 7%) expression
      played a role in reducing the production of prostaglandin E2 (40 +/- 20%) and NO
      (31 +/- 9%), respectively. Decreased TNF-alpha secretion (24 +/- 5%) by activated
      macrophages was also observed after treatment with blackcurrant extract.
      Moreover, the gastrointestinal-digested extract (0.01-1 mg/mL) dose dependently
      decreased the enhanced ROS generation (14-54%) and oxidative DNA damage (16-37%)
      induced in intestinal cells. The increased intestinal permeability caused by
      proinflammatory mediators, as assessed by transepithelial electrical resistance,
      was completely counteracted.

PMID- 27666412
TI  - Colorectal cancer cell-derived microRNA200 modulates the resistance of adjacent
      blood endothelial barriers in vitro.
AB  - Since cancer cells, when grown as spheroids, display drug sensitivity and
      radiation resistance patterns such as seen in vivo we recently established a
      three-dimensional (3D) in vitro model recapitulating colorectal cancer (CRC)
      triggered lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC)-barrier breaching to study mechanisms
      of intra-/extravasation. CRC metastasizes not only through lymphatics but also
      through blood vessels and here we extend the 3D model to the interaction of blood
      endothelial cells (BECs) with naive and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-resistant CRC
      CCL227 cells. The 3D model enabled quantifying effects of tumour-derived
      microRNA200 (miR200) miR200a, miR200b, miR200c, miR141 and miR429 regarding the
      induction of so-called 'circular chemorepellent-induced defects' (CCIDs) within
      the BEC-barrier, which resemble gates for tumour transmigration. For this, miR200
      precursors were individually transfected and furthermore, the modulation of ZEB
      family expression was analysed by western blotting. miR200c, miR141 and miR429,
      which are contained in exosomes from naive CCL227 cells, downregulated the
      expression of ZEB2, SNAI and TWIST in BECs. The exosomes of 5-FU-resistant CCL227
      RH cells, which are devoid of miR200, accelerated CCID formation in BEC
      monolayers as compared to exosomes from naive CCL227 cells. This confirmed the
      reported role of ZEB2 and SNAI in CRC metastasis and highlighted the active
      contribution of the stroma in the metastatic process. CCL227 spheroids affected
      the integrity of BEC and LEC barriers alike, which was in agreement with the
      observation that CRC metastasizes via blood stream (into the liver) as well as
      via lymphatics (into lymph nodes and lungs). This further validated the CRC/LEC
      and CRC/BEC in vitro model to study mechanisms of CRC spreading through vascular
      systems. Treatment of CCL227-RH cells with the HDAC inhibitors mocetinostat and
      sulforaphane reduced CCID formation to the level triggered by naive CCL227
      spheroids, however, without significantly influencing miR200 expression in CCL227
      RH cells.

PMID- 27666413
TI  - Sub-molecular modulation of a 4f driven Kondo resonance by surface-induced
      asymmetry.
AB  - Coupling between a magnetic impurity and an external bath can give rise to many
      body quantum phenomena, including Kondo and Hund's impurity states in metals, and
      Yu-Shiba-Rusinov states in superconductors. While advances have been made in
      probing the magnetic properties of d-shell impurities on surfaces, the
      confinement of f orbitals makes them difficult to access directly. Here we show
      that a 4f driven Kondo resonance can be modulated spatially by asymmetric
      coupling between a metallic surface and a molecule containing a 4f-like moment.
      Strong hybridization of dysprosium double-decker phthalocyanine with Cu(001)
      induces Kondo screening of the central magnetic moment. Misalignment between the
      symmetry axes of the molecule and the surface induces asymmetry in the molecule's
      electronic structure, spatially mediating electronic access to the magnetic
      moment through the Kondo resonance. This work demonstrates the important role
      that molecular ligands have in mediating electronic and magnetic coupling and in
      accessing many-body quantum states.

PMID- 27666415
TI  - Remote Optically Controlled Modulation of Catalytic Properties of Nanoparticles
      through Reconfiguration of the Inorganic/Organic Interface.
AB  - We introduce here a concept of remote photoinitiated reconfiguration of ligands
      adsorbed onto a nanocatalyst surface to enable reversible modulation of the
      catalytic activity. This is demonstrated by using peptide-ligand-capped Au
      nanoparticles with a photoswitchable azobenzene unit integrated into the
      biomolecular ligand. Optical switching of the azobenzene isomerization state
      drives rearrangement of the ligand layer, substantially changing the
      accessibility and subsequent catalytic activity of the underlying metal surface.
      The catalytic activity was probed using 4-nitrophenol reduction as a model
      reaction, where both the position of the photoswitch in the peptide sequence and
      its isomerization state affected the catalytic activity of the nanoparticles.
      Reversible switching of the isomerization state produces reversible changes in
      catalytic activity via reconfiguration of the biomolecular overlayer. These
      results provide a pathway to catalytic materials whose activity can be remotely
      modulated, which could be important for multistep chemical transformations that
      can be accessed via nanoparticle-based catalytic systems.

PMID- 27666416
TI  - Optical Monitoring of the Capillary Filling Dynamics Variation in Nanoporous
      Anodic Alumina toward Sensing Applications.
AB  - Fluid imbibition-coupled laser interferometry (FICLI) is a technique in which the
      kinetics of a fluid infiltrating a nanoporous anodic alumina (NAA) membrane is
      monitored by the interference of a laser beam at the membrane top and bottom
      surfaces. Further processing of the measured data results in an estimate of the
      pore radius. In this work, we study the accuracy of FICLI in the detection of
      small changes in pore radius, and we evaluate the possibility of using such
      detection as a sensing paradigm. The accuracy is estimated by measuring samples
      with increasing pore radius, obtained by successive wet etching steps, and
      repeatability is evaluated by using different liquids. For decreasing pore
      radius, samples obtained by the successive deposition of polyelectrolyte double
      layers are used. With the aim of evaluating the possibility of the FICLI method
      to sense biological binding events, BSA attachment detection is demonstrated by
      applying FICLI to samples before and after immobilization of the protein. Results
      show that the technique permits an accurate estimation of the pore radius, the
      pore-etching rate (with a radius variation of retch,DI = 1.05 nm/min +/- 0.11
      nm/min), and the polyelectrolyte double layer thickness (with a radius variation
      of rPAH/PSS = 3.2 nm +/- 0.2 nm per polyelectrolyte double layer). Furthermore,
      the pore radius reduction measured after BSA immobilization (dBSA = 4.9 nm +/-
      1.1 nm) is in good agreement with the protein size, as reported in the
      literature. With these results, we provide a sound basis for the applicability of
      FICLI as a sensitive technique for the characterization of NAA pore radius
      modifications.

PMID- 27666414
TI  - Human Serum Albumin Domain I Fusion Protein for Antibody Conjugation.
AB  - Bioorthogonal labeling of antibodies enables the conjugation of compounds, such
      as small molecules or peptides, which expand targeting capacity or enhance
      cytotoxicity. Taking advantage of a cyclohexene sulfonamide compound that site
      selectively labels Lys64 in human serum albumin (HSA), we demonstrate that domain
      I of HSA can be used as a fusion protein for the preparation of antibody
      conjugates. Trastuzumab fusions were expressed at the N-terminus of the light
      chain or the C-terminus of the heavy chain enabling conjugation to small
      molecules. Moreover, these conjugates retained HER2 binding and proved to be
      highly stable in human plasma. Antibody conjugation via HSA domain I fusion
      should therefore have broad utility for making serum-stable antibody conjugates,
      particularly for antibody-drug conjugates.

PMID- 27666417
TI  - Microvirgula curvata sp. nov., isolated from hydrocarbon-contaminated soil, and
      emended description of the genus Microvirgula.
AB  - A novel Gram-stain-negative, small curved-rod-shaped, motile strain, designated
      L6T, was isolated from hydrocarbon-contaminated soils collected from Kuwait.
      Strain L6T was able to grow at 10-40  degrees C (optimum, 27-32  degrees C), pH
      6.1-8.8 (optimum, 6.5-7.5) and 0-4.5 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0-0.5). C18 :
      1omega6c/C18 : 1omega7c, C16 : 0, C16 : 1omega6c/C16 : 1omega7c, C12 : 0 and C12
      : 0 3-OH were predominant fatty acids with minor amounts of C14 : 0 and C17 : 0
      cyclo. Phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine were major polar lipids.
      The genomic G+C content was 61.2 mol%. 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons
      indicated that strain L6T represents a member of the genus Microvirgula within
      the family Neisseriaceae of the class Betaproteobacteria. Strain L6T has a
      sequence similarity of 99.2 % with Microvirgula aerodenitrificans SGLY2T and
      <93.8 % with other members of the family Neisseriaceae. However, strain L6T
      showed only 56.5+/-2 % relatedness (based on DNA-DNA hybridization) with M.
      aerodenitrificans KACC 12055T (=SGLY2T). Distinct morphological, physiological
      and genotypic differences from the previously described taxa support the
      classification of strain L6T as a representative of a novel species in the genus
      Microvirgula, for which the name Microvirgula curvata sp. nov. is proposed. The
      type strain is L6T (=KEMB 2255-471T=JCM 31223T). An emended description of the
      genus Microvirgula is also proposed.

PMID- 27666418
TI  - Implementation of a 'care bundle' improves the management of patients admitted to
      hospital with decompensated cirrhosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Since 1970, there has been a 400% increase in liver-related deaths
      due to the increasing prevalence of chronic liver disease in the United Kingdom
      (UK). The 2013 UK National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death
      report found that only 47% of patients who died from alcohol-related liver
      disease received 'good care' during their hospital stay. AIM: To develop a 'care
      bundle' for patients with decompensated cirrhosis, aiming to ensure that evidence
      based treatments are delivered within the first 24 h of hospital admission.
      METHODS: This work gives practical advice about how to implement the bundle and
      examines its effects on patient care at three National Health Service Hospital
      Trusts in the UK by collecting data on patient care before and after introduction
      of the bundle. RESULTS: Data were collected on 228 patients across three centres
      (59% male, median age 53 years). Alcohol-related liver disease was the aetiology
      of chronic liver disease in 85% of patients. The overall mortality rate during
      hospital admission was 15%. The audits demonstrated improvements in patient care
      for patients with a completed care bundle who were significantly more likely to
      have a diagnostic ascitic performed within the first 24 h (P = 0.020), have an
      accurate alcohol history documented (P < 0.0001) and be given antibiotics as
      prophylaxis against infection following a variceal haemorrhage (P = 0.0096). In
      Newcastle, the bundle completion rate increased from 25% to 90% during the review
      periods. CONCLUSIONS: The introduction of a care bundle was associated with
      increased rates of diagnostic paracentesis and antibiotic prophylaxis with
      variceal haemorrhage in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.

PMID- 27666419
TI  - Cysteine-rich 61 RNA interference inhibits pathological angiogenesis via the
      phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt-vascular endothelial growth factor signaling
      pathway in endothelial cells.
AB  - Hypoxia is a key factor in the pathogenesis of angiogenesis, and cysteine-rich 61
      (CCN1), an angiogenic factor, is involved in the development of pathological
      angiogenesis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the mechanism of
      CCN1 RNA interference (RNAi)-induced inhibition of hypoxia-induced pathological
      angiogenesis in endothelial cells. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells
      (HUVECs) were cultured under hypoxic conditions in vitro. The effects of
      inhibiting phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling using LY294002 were
      investigated in hypoxic HUVECs. The proliferation and apoptosis of HUVECs under
      hypoxia were assessed using CCN1 RNAi. The CCN1-PI3K/Akt-vascular endothelial
      growth factor (VEGF) pathway was analyzed under hypoxic conditions using reverse
      transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. CCN1
      RNAi inhibited the proliferation and induced the apoptosis of the HUVECs under
      hypoxia, with hypoxia significantly increasing the mRNA and protein expression
      levels of CCN1, Akt and VEGF. By contrast, CCN1 RNAi reduced the mRNA and protein
      expression levels of CCN1, Akt and VEGF in the HUVECs (P<0.05). Furthermore,
      LY294002 reduced the mRNA and protein expression levels of CCN1 in the hypoxic
      cells (P<0.05). These data indicated that CCN1 inhibits apoptosis and promotes
      proliferation in HUVECs. Therefore, CCN1 RNAi may offer a novel therapeutic
      strategy, which may aid in the treatment of pathological angiogenesis via
      inhibition of the PI3K/Akt-VEGF pathway.

PMID- 27666420
TI  - Evaluation of the sacral nerve plexus in pelvic endometriosis by three
      dimensional MR neurography.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the feasibility of three-dimensional MR neurography (3D
      MRN) for the sacral plexus using sampling perfection with application-optimized
      contrasts using different flip angle evolution (SPACE) sequences, and to
      demonstrate structural abnormalities in the pelvic nerve of women with pelvic
      endometriosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with pelvic endometriosis
      and 20 healthy controls were examined by contrast-enhanced 3D short time
      inversion recovery T2-weighted imaging (CE 3D STIR T2WI) SPACE sequences on 3
      Tesla MRI. Image quality and diagnostic confidence of the sequences in
      identifying abnormalities of the sacral plexus were analyzed and compared with
      conventional three-plane images of 2D turbo-spin echo T2-weighted images (2D TSE
      T2WI). The changes in the sacral plexus caused by endometrial lesions were
      evaluated. RESULTS: The sacral plexus was clearly revealed in both healthy
      controls and patients with endometriosis on 3D STIR SPACE images. A good
      agreement was reached in the evaluation of both imaging quality (Kappa value
      [kappa] = 0.73-1.00) and diagnostic confidence (kappa = 0.66-0.81) when compared
      between the two independent readers. Abnormalities caused by endometriosis were
      identified in 17 patients, unilaterally in 10 patients, and bilaterally in 7
      patients. Nerve fiber abnormalities of lumbar 5 (L5) were detected in 11
      patients, of sacral 1 (S1) in 14 patients and of sacral 2 (S2) in 9 patients.
      CONCLUSION: CE 3D STIR SPACE sequences demonstrate its significant capacity to
      investigate and map the sacral plexus, and reveal the compression and adhesion of
      the sacral plexus nerve as a result of ectopic lesions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 J.
      Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;45:1225-1231.

PMID- 27666422
TI  - Generation of an 4-Isoxazolyl Anion Species: Facile Access to Multifunctionalized
      Isoxazoles.
AB  - A direct functionalization of unsubstituted isoxazole (1) was achieved by
      generation of 4-isoxazolyl anion species (3). An efficient 4-iodination of
      isoxazole and halogen-metal exchange reaction using a turbo Grignard reagent
      (iPrMgCl? LiCl) were essential for the generation of 3, which reacted with
      various electrophiles to give 4-functionalized isoxazoles in good to high yields.
      Isoxazolyl boronate, boronic acid, and stannane were also synthesized as useful
      building blocks from 1. The current methods enabled us to synthesize multi
      functionalized isoxazoles by introducing each substituent into the desired
      positions. Furthermore, total synthesis of triumferol, which was isolated from
      Triumfetta rhomboidea, was achieved from 1 in only three steps.

PMID- 27666421
TI  - Ru(II) complexes bearing guanidinium ligands as potent anticancer agents.
AB  - Two ruthenium(II) complexes containing guanidinium ligands have been synthesized
      and characterized for the first time. It was found that the two complexes exhibit
      moderate antitumor activity in Hela, A549, CNE-2, MCF-7, and HepG2 human tumor
      cells. Flow cytometric analysis showed that both complexes arrested the cell
      cycle in the G2/M phase and induced apoptosis in Hela cells. Mechanism studies
      indicate that both complexes induced apoptosis through caspase- and reactive
      oxygen species (ROS)-dependent pathways. Additionally, the two complexes
      displayed higher phototoxicity to tumor cells and almost no influence on normal
      liver LO2 cells upon irradiation at 450nm.

PMID- 27666423
TI  - Fine needle aspiration cytology of IgG4-related disease: A potential diagnostic
      pitfall?
AB  - BACKGROUND: IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a tumefactive fibro-inflammatory
      lesion that can affect any organ system in the body. Till date, no cytological
      data on IgG4-RD are available and this is the first study depicting the
      cytopathology features of IgG4-RD. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To describe the
      cytopathological features and potential diagnostic errors of IgG4-RD. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: The cytological features of 10 histopathology proven IgG4-RD cases
      (11 samples) were retrospectively reviewed along with corresponding
      histopathology. RESULTS: The cellularity of the cytology smears was low (36.4%)
      to moderate (45.4%) to high (18.1%). The low cellularity correlated well with the
      pattern C in histopathology (predominant fibrosis pattern). The non-epithelial
      background showed a preponderance of lymphocytes along with polymorphs and
      spindle-shaped fibroblasts. Most of these cases showed the presence of plasma
      cells and eosinophils. Epithelial atypia was seen in 18.2% cases. CONCLUSION: The
      causes of misdiagnosis were low cellularity, epithelial atypia, and non
      representative background. The important diagnostic clues to suspect a diagnosis
      of IgG4-RD include low cellularity despite adequate effort, inflammatory
      background rich in lymphocytes and spindle cells admixed with a few plasma cells
      and eosinophils along with radiological features and raised serum IgG4 Diagn.
      Cytopathol. 2017;45:14-21. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27666424
TI  - Physical fitness in preschool children: association with sex, age and weight
      status.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Because fitness level is a potent biomarker of health from an early
      age, the improvements of physical fitness performance through the promotion of
      physical activity could be important for the health of preschool children,
      particularly in obesity prevention. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to
      determine the physical fitness in children aged 3-6 years, discriminating
      performance by sex, age and body mass index (BMI). METHOD: A total of 3868
      children from 3 to 6 years agreed voluntarily to participate. Demographic
      characteristics revealed that 1961 children were male (age: 55.71 +/- 11.11
      months old, BMI = 16.03 +/- 1.93 kg/m2 ), and 1907 were female (age 56.16 +/-
      0.97 months old, BMI = 15.85 +/- 1.89 kg/m2 ), and they were selected from 51
      schools in southern Spain. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between
      sexes: boys showed a greater performance on cardio respiratory endurance,
      reaction time, strength and running speed. We found significant differences by
      sex in the different age groups (3, 4, 5 and 6 years old). CONCLUSIONS: Sex
      differences in physical fitness are evident at an early age; in addition, the
      relationship between physical fitness and BMI is inconsistent in preschool
      children. The improvements of physical fitness performance and its association
      with physical activity could be important for the health of children,
      particularly in obesity prevention.

PMID- 27666426
TI  - Case of primary cutaneous methotrexate-associated Hodgkin's lymphoma.

PMID- 27666427
TI  - Real-life use of vasopressors and inotropes in cardiogenic shock-observation is
      necessarily 'theory-laden'.

PMID- 27666425
TI  - HLA-B*40:02 and DRB1*04:03 are risk factors for oxcarbazepine-induced
      maculopapular eruption.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Oxcarbazepine (OXC) is a widely used antiepileptic drug for the
      treatment of partial seizures that was developed through structural variation of
      carbamazepine. Although OXC has a lower risk of cutaneous adverse drug reactions
      (cADRs) than carbamazepine, cADRs ranging from maculopapular eruption (MPE) to
      the more severe Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis still
      limit the use of OXC in some patients. A few human leukocyte antigen (HLA)
      related genetic risk factors for carbamazepine-induced cADRs have been
      identified. However, the HLA-related genetic risk factors associated with OXC
      induced cADRs are unknown. METHODS: A total of 40 patients who experienced OXC
      induced MPE and 70 patients who were tolerant to OXC treatment were included in
      the study. Genomic DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood of these patients,
      and high-resolution HLA genotyping was performed. RESULTS: The HLA-B*40:02 and
      HLA-DRB1*04:03 alleles were significantly associated with OXC-induced MPE
      compared with the OXC-tolerant group (odds ratio [OR] 4.33, p = 0.018 and OR
      14.64, p = 0.003, respectively) and the general Korean population (OR 4.04, p =
      0.001 and OR 3.11, p = 0.019, respectively). The HLA-B*15:01 genetic frequency
      was significantly lower in the OXC-MPE group compared to the OXC-tolerant group
      (OR 0.18, p = 0.016) and the Korean population (OR 0.22, p = 0.030). The allele
      frequencies of well-known HLA-related risk factors for carbamazepine-induced
      cADRs (HLA-B*15:02, A*31:01 and B*15:11) were not different among the three
      groups. SIGNIFICANCE: This study is the first to demonstrate an association of
      HLA-B*40:02 and HLA-DRB1*04:03 with OXC hypersensitivity using a large cohort of
      patients with OXC-induced MPE. These findings should be confirmed in future
      studies in different ethnic groups.

PMID- 27666428
TI  - Climate change in cardiothoracic intensive care.

PMID- 27666430
TI  - Matrix Metalloproteinase 20 Co-expression With Dentin Sialophosphoprotein in
      Human and Monkey Kidneys.
AB  - We recently reported the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 20 (MMP20),
      hitherto thought to be tooth specific, in the metabolically active ductal
      epithelial cells of human salivary glands. Furthermore, our report indicated that
      MMP20 co-expressed and potentially interacts with dentin sialophosphoprotein
      (DSPP), a member of the small integrin-binding ligand N-linked glycoproteins
      (SIBLINGs). Our earlier reports have shown the co-expression of three MMPs, MMP2,
      MMP3, and MMP9, with specific members of the SIBLING family: bone sialoprotein,
      osteopontin, and dentin matrix protein 1, respectively. This study investigated
      the expression of MMP20 and verified its co-expression with DSPP in human and
      monkey kidney sections and human mixed renal cells by IHC, in situ proximity
      ligation assay, and immunofluorescence. Our results show that MMP20 is expressed
      in all segments of the human and monkey nephron with marked intensity in the
      proximal and distal tubules, and was absent in the glomeruli. Furthermore, MMP20
      co-expressed with DSPP in the proximal, distal, and collecting tubules, and in
      mixed renal cells. Consistent with other SIBLING-MMP pairs, the DSPP-MMP20 pair
      may play a role in the normal turnover of cell surface proteins and/or repair of
      pericellular matrix proteins of the basement membranes in the metabolically
      active duct epithelial system of the nephrons.

PMID- 27666429
TI  - Localization of Minodronate in Mouse Femora Through Isotope Microscopy.
AB  - Minodronate is highlighted for its marked and sustained effects on osteoporotic
      bones. To determine the duration of minodronate's effects, we have assessed the
      localization of the drug in mouse bones through isotope microscopy, after
      labeling it with a stable nitrogen isotope ([(15)N]-minodronate). In addition,
      minodronate-treated bones were assessed by histochemistry and transmission
      electron microscopy (TEM). Eight-week-old male ICR mice received [(15)N]
      minodronate (1 mg/kg) intravenously and were sacrificed after 3 hr, 24 hr, 1
      week, and 1 month. Isotope microscopy showed that [(15)N]-minodronate was present
      mainly beneath osteoblasts rather than nearby osteoclasts. At 3 hr after
      minodronate administration, histochemistry and TEM showed osteoclasts with well
      developed ruffled borders. However, osteoclasts were roughly attached to the bone
      surfaces and did not feature ruffled borders at 24 hr after minodronate
      administration. The numbers of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive
      osteoclasts and alkaline phosphatase-reactive osteoblastic area were not reduced
      suddenly, and apoptotic osteoclasts appeared in 1 week and 1 month after the
      injections. Von Kossa staining demonstrated that osteoclasts treated with
      minodronate did not incorporate mineralized bone matrix. Taken together,
      minodronate accumulates in bone underneath osteoblasts rather than under bone
      resorbing osteoclasts; therefore, it is likely that the minodronate-coated bone
      matrix is resistant to osteoclastic resorption, which results in a long-lasting
      and bone-preserving effect.

PMID- 27666431
TI  - Clinical significance and functional validation of PPA1 in various tumors.
AB  - The aim of the study was to detect PPA1 expression in various tumors and to
      investigate the relationship between PPA1 expression and clinicopathological
      parameters to further analyze its clinical significance. Immunohistochemical
      staining detected PPA1 expression in 305 noncancerous tissues and 675 tumor
      tissues, which included 12 different tumor types. QPCR and western blot examined
      PPA1 expression in tumor-derived cell lines including those derived from liver,
      breast, lung, and ovarian cancers. Cell proliferation and apoptosis assays were
      used to investigate PPA1-regulated cell growth in tumor cells. Finally, a
      bioinformatics analysis was used to verify the role of PPA1 in carcinogenesis.
      Among the 12 types of tumors, PPA1 expression was significantly higher in lung
      and ovarian cancers (P < 0.001). In lung cancer, PPA1 expression was associated
      with tumor size, patients' age, and smoking status, whereas in ovarian cancer,
      PPA1 expression was associated with pathological grade (P < 0.05). Moreover, we
      found that PPA1 expression was up-regulated in lung and ovarian cancer cell lines
      compared with nontumor cells. In addition, suppression of PPA1 expression by RNA
      interference in lung and ovarian cancer cells showed increased cell apoptosis and
      decreased cell proliferation, which was mediated by TP53 and p21 signaling.
      Notably, a bioinformatics analysis was used to verify the function of PPA1 in the
      development and progression of tumors. PPA1 expression is significantly higher in
      many tumors, especially those of lung and ovarian origin, which suggests that
      PPA1 plays an important role in carcinogenesis and in the development of some
      tumors.

PMID- 27666433
TI  - Macrocyclization in the Design of Organic n-Type Electronic Materials.
AB  - Here, we compare analogous cyclic and acyclic pi-conjugated molecules as n-type
      electronic materials and find that the cyclic molecules have numerous benefits in
      organic photovoltaics. This is the first report of such a direct comparison. We
      designed two conjugated cycles for this study. Each comprises four subunits: one
      combines four electron-accepting, redox-active, diphenyl-perylenediimide
      subunits, and the other alternates two electron-donating bithiophene units with
      two diphenyl-perylenediimide units. We compare the macrocycles to acyclic
      versions of these molecules and find that, relative to the acyclic analogs, the
      conjugated macrocycles have bathochromically shifted UV-vis absorbances and are
      more easily reduced. In blended films, macrocycle-based devices show higher
      electron mobility and good morphology. All of these factors contribute to the
      more than doubling of the power conversion efficiency observed in organic
      photovoltaic devices with these macrocycles as the n-type, electron transporting
      material. This study highlights the importance of geometric design in creating
      new molecular semiconductors. The ease with which we can design and tune the
      electronic properties of these cyclic structures charts a clear path to creating
      a new family of cyclic, conjugated molecules as electron transporting materials
      in optoelectronic and electronic devices.

PMID- 27666432
TI  - Upbeat nystagmus after bilateral superior canal plugging: A peripheral cause of
      vertical nystagmus.
AB  - Vertical nystagmus without a torsional component is generally considered a
      finding indicative of central nervous system pathology. We report two cases of
      purely upbeat nystagmus elicited with mastoid vibration after bilateral superior
      canal plugging, to highlight the vestibular pathophysiology involved in this
      unusual peripheral cause for upbeat nystagmus. Laryngoscope, 127:1698-1700, 2017.

PMID- 27666434
TI  - Production of a truncated recombinant HA1 for influenza A H9 subtype screening.
AB  - Hemagglutinin is the major component of membrane protein and plays a major role
      in virus entry into host cells through their receptors and it is predicted to
      elicit the production neutralizing antibodies. Our aim is to assess the potential
      of a truncated rHA1 domain, encoding residues 157-260 to detect influenza A H9
      specific antibodies. The predicted characteristics of this protein revealed that
      it is a hydrophobic protein possessing predominant antigenicity and composed of
      random coils (48%) and extended strand (28%) but few alpha-helix (6.33%) and beta
      sheet (7%). A 312 pb HA1 gene was amplified and cloned in pET23b(+) vector
      including an C-terminal polyHis as a fusion partner, transformed and expressed in
      Escherichia coli cells as inclusion bodies. The truncated protein was solubilized
      with 8 M urea, purified by immobilized metal affinity chromatography and then
      detected by western blot with anti-His and H9-specific polyclonal antibodies. The
      test demonstrated high specificity (100%) and sensibility (98%). The
      immunoreactivity of the truncated rHA1 assessed revealed that only antisera
      against H9 yielded a specific and strong reactivity, with no cross-reactivity
      against negative sera. This study demonstrates that the truncated rHA1 may serve
      as a useful tool for rapid and easy surveillance of H9 infection.

PMID- 27666435
TI  - Development and application of HPLC-RI and HPLC-MS/MS based methods for
      quantification of residual deoxycholate levels in pneumococcal polysaccharides.
AB  - The analysis of residual sodium deoxycholate (DOC); a detergent of biological
      origin used in manufacturing of polysaccharide vaccines is challenging due to
      complex sample matrices and the lack of suitable methods. Here we report, rapid
      and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography-refractive index (HPLC-RI)
      and tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) methods for estimation of residual DOC
      in pneumococcal polysaccharides. For HPLC-RI method, separation was achieved
      using Luna C18 column and mobile phase compositions of acetonitrile: methanol: 20
      mM sodium acetate (60:05:35% v/v). For HPLC-MS/MS method, separation was achieved
      using a Hypersil BDS C18 column with gradient elution of methanol and water (0.1%
      formic acid). MS/MS method showed linearity (r2 = 0.997) over the range of 10-320
      ng/mL with limits of detection (LOD) and lower limit of quantitation (LOQ) of 3
      and 10 ng/mL respectively. Precision (% RSD) and accuracy (% recovery) for both
      methods were in the range of 0.74-8.29% and 82.33-117.86% respectively. Sample
      matrices interferences were addressed following novel sample clean-up method
      based on liquid-liquid extraction. Both methods enabled traceable quantitation of
      DOC in intermediate and purified pneumococcal polysaccharides of serotypes: 1, 5,
      6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 19A, 19F and 23F.

PMID- 27666436
TI  - Outcomes According to Breast Cancer Subtype in Patients Treated With Accelerated
      Partial Breast Irradiation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to determine outcomes for patients
      treated with accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) on the basis of breast
      cancer subtype (BCST). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Our single-institution,
      institutional review board-approved APBI database was queried for patients who
      had complete testing results for the estrogen (ER), progesterone (PR), and
      HER2/neu receptors to determine outcomes for each BCST. Women were assigned as
      luminal A (LA), luminal B (LB), HER2, and basal BCST using their ER, PR, and
      HER2/neu receptor status. Degree of ER expression supplemented the receptor-based
      luminal BCST assignment. Two hundred seventy-eight patients had results for all 3
      receptors (LA = 164 [59%], LB = 81 [29%], HER2 = 5 [2%], basal = 28 [10%]), which
      were submitted for analysis (ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence [IBTR], regional
      nodal failure, distant metastasis [DM], disease-free survival [DFS], cause
      specific survival [CSS], and overall survival [OS]). RESULTS: Median follow-up
      was 5.4 years (range, 0.1-12.4 years). Basal and HER2 subtype patients had higher
      histologic grades (Grade 3 = 75% vs. 10% LA/LB; P < .001), larger tumors (13.0 mm
      basal vs. 10.7 mm LA/LB; P = .059), and were more likely to receive chemotherapy
      (68% vs. 15% LA/LB; P < .001). Margin and nodal status were similar among BCSTs.
      At 5 years, IBTR rates were similar (1.8%, 2.9%, 0%, and 4.8%) for LA, LB, HER2,
      and basal subtypes, respectively (P = .62). DM was only seen in LA (2.9%) and LB
      (1.3%) (P = .83). DFS (95%-100%), CSS (97%-100%), and OS (80%-100%) were not
      statistically different (P = .97, .87, .46, respectively). CONCLUSION: Five-year
      local control rates after breast-conserving surgery, APBI, and appropriate
      systemic therapy are excellent for luminal, HER2, and basal phenotypes of early
      stage breast cancer; however, further study of receptor subtype effect on risk
      stratification in early-stage breast cancer is needed.

PMID- 27666437
TI  - Traceless Rhodium-Catalyzed Hydroacylation Using Alkyl Aldehydes: The
      Enantioselective Synthesis of beta-Aryl Ketones.
AB  - A one-pot three-step sequence involving Rh-catalyzed alkene hydroacylation,
      sulfide elimination and Rh-catalyzed aryl boronic acid conjugate addition gave
      products of traceless chelation-controlled hydroacylation employing alkyl
      aldehydes. The stereodefined beta-aryl ketones were obtained in good yields with
      excellent control of enantioselectivity. Good variation of all three reaction
      components is possible.

PMID- 27666439
TI  - Reactivity Descriptors for the Activity of Molecular MN4 Catalysts for the Oxygen
      Reduction Reaction.
AB  - Similarities are established between well-known reactivity descriptors of metal
      electrodes for their activity in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and the
      reactivity of molecular catalysts, in particular macrocyclic MN4 metal complexes
      confined to electrode surfaces. We show that there is a correlation between the
      MIII /MII redox potential of MN4 chelates and the M-O2 binding energies.
      Specifically, the binding energy of O2 (and other O species) follows the MIII 
      OH/MII redox transition for MnN4 and FeN4 chelates. The ORR volcano plot for MN4
      catalysts is similar to that for metal catalysts: catalysts on the weak binding
      side (mostly CoN4 chelates) yield mainly H2 O2 as the product, with an ORR onset
      potential independent of the pH value on the NHE scale (and therefore pH
      dependent on the RHE scale); catalysts on the stronger binding side yield H2 O as
      the product with the expected pH-dependence on the NHE scale. The suggested
      descriptors also apply to heat-treated pyrolyzed MN4 catalysts.

PMID- 27666438
TI  - Disruption of a miR-29 binding site leading to COL4A1 upregulation causes pontine
      autosomal dominant microangiopathy with leukoencephalopathy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) is a heterogeneous group of
      disorders. Screening of known cSVD genes identifies the causative mutation in
      <15% of familial cSVD cases. We sought to identify novel causes of cSVD. METHODS:
      We used linkage analysis and exome sequencing to identify the causal mutation in
      a French cSVD family. The identified candidate gene was then screened in 202 cSVD
      unrelated probands, including 1 proband from the first reported pontine autosomal
      dominant microangiopathy with leukoencephalopathy (PADMAL) family. Sanger
      sequencing was used to confirm variants in all mutated probands and analyze their
      segregation in probands' relatives. Mutation consequences were assessed with
      luciferase reporter assays and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction
      (RT-qPCR). RESULTS: A candidate heterozygous variant located in a predicted miR
      29 microRNA binding site, within the 3' untranslated region of COL4A1, was
      identified in the large French cSVD family. Five additional unrelated probands,
      including the PADMAL proband, harbored heterozygous variants in this microRNA
      binding site. Variants cosegregated with the affected phenotype, and cumulative
      logarithm of odds score reached 6.03, establishing linkage to this locus. A
      highly significant difference was observed when comparing the number of variants
      within this binding site in cases and controls (p = 1.77 * 10E-12). RT-qPCR
      analyses of patients' primary fibroblasts and luciferase reporter assays strongly
      favor an upregulation of COL4A1 mediated by disruption of miR-29 binding to its
      target site. Magnetic resonance imaging features were characterized by the
      presence of multiple pontine infarcts in all symptomatic mutation carriers.
      INTERPRETATION: Mutations upregulating COL4A1 expression lead to PADMAL, a severe
      early onset ischemic cSVD, distinct from the various phenotypes associated with
      COL4A1 missense glycine mutations. Ann Neurol 2016;80:741-753.

PMID- 27666442
TI  - A look at the future of vascular surgery.

PMID- 27666440
TI  - Analysis of resistance-associated substitutions in acute hepatitis C virus
      infection by deep sequencing across six genotypes and three continents.
AB  - Several direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have been approved for the treatment of
      chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections, opening the door to highly effective
      interferon-free treatment regimens. Resistance-associated substitutions (RASs)
      have been reported both in treatment-naive patients and following treatment with
      protease (NS3), phosphoprotein (NS5A) and polymerase (NS5B) inhibitors. The
      prevalence of naturally occurring RASs in untreated HCV-infected individuals has
      mostly been analysed in those infected with genotype 1 (GT1), in the late phase
      of infection, and only within limited regions of the genome. Furthermore, the
      geographic distribution of RASs remains poorly characterized. In this study, we
      used next-generation sequencing to analyse full-length HCV genomes for the
      prevalence of RASs in acute HCV infections identified in nine international
      prospective cohorts. RASs were analysed in 179 participants infected with all six
      major HCV genotypes (GT1-GT6), and the geographic distribution of RASs was
      assessed in 107 GT1a and GT3a samples. While RASs were detected at varied
      frequencies across the three genomic regions, and between genotypes, RASs
      relevant to multiple DAAs in the leading IFN-free regimens were rarely detected
      in combination. Low-frequency RASs (<10% of the viral population) were also shown
      to have a GT-specific distribution. The main RASs with geographic associations
      were NS3 Q80K in GT1a samples and NS5B N142T in GT3a. These data provide the
      backdrop for prospective surveillance of RASs during DAA treatment scale-up.

PMID- 27666441
TI  - Cooperative Catalysis of Combined Systems of Transition-Metal Complexes with
      Lewis Acids: Theoretical Understanding.
AB  - The combination of transition-metal complexes and Lewis acids has been recently
      applied to several catalytic reactions, in which the Lewis acid plays a crucial
      role as a non-innocent additive to accelerate the reaction. In this review
      article, the reasons for the acceleration by the Lewis acid are discussed based
      on our recent theoretical studies. In the H-H sigma-bond activation of a
      dihydrogen molecule by a nickel(0)-borane complex, the empty p orbital of the
      borane moiety interacts with the H-H sigma bonding MO to form charge transfer
      (CT) from the dihydrogen molecule to the borane moiety to accelerate the
      reaction. In the B-F sigma-bond activation of BF3 by a platinum(0)-bisphosphine
      complex, the second BF3 molecule interacts with the F atom that is dissociating
      from the B atom to stabilize the transition state and product by the CT from the
      F atom to the second BF3 . In this reaction, the substrate BF3 plays a crucial
      role as the Lewis acid to accelerate the activation of the B-F sigma bond. In the
      nickel-catalyzed decyanative coupling of arylcarboxybenzonitriles with
      acetylenes, two molecules of the aluminum Lewis acid interact with the cyano N
      atom and the carbonyl O atom of the substrate to stabilize the transition state
      and intermediate. In the nickel-catalyzed alkylation of aromatic amides with
      alkenes, the Lewis acid enhances the para regioselectivity of alkylation by
      interacting with the carbonyl O atom. In the nickel-catalyzed carboxylation of
      sp3 carbon and sp carbon atoms with carbon dioxide, not the sigma-bond activation
      but the insertion reaction of carbon dioxide into the metal-carbon bond is
      accelerated by the Lewis acid by interacting with the O atom of carbon dioxide,
      because the CT from the metal-carbon bond to carbon dioxide is enhanced by the
      interaction. This theoretical knowledge suggests that the combination of
      transition-metal complex and Lewis acid can broaden the application range of
      transition-metal complex as catalyst.

PMID- 27666443
TI  - High proportion of known abdominal aortic aneurysm in patients with rupture
      indicates surveillance deficiency.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the proportion of previously known abdominal
      aortic aneurysm (AAA) in patients presenting with a ruptured AAA (rAAA) and
      analyzed the reasons for nontreatment at the time of the initial AAA diagnosis.
      METHODS: This retrospective, observational study included all patients with rAAA
      admitted to a hospital in the counties of Stockholm and Gotland during 2009 to
      2013. The patients' records were retrospectively reviewed, with extraction of
      data on previously detected AAA, demographics, and mortality at 30 and 90 days.
      RESULTS: We identified 283 patients (76% men) with a mean age of 78.7 years. An
      AAA had been previously detected in 85 (30%). The overall mortality was higher
      (68% vs 53%; P = .018) and the intervention rate was lower in patients with a
      previously detected AAA (59% vs 82%, P < .001). The 90-day mortality rate for all
      treated rAAA was 43%. Reasons for nontreatment at the initial AAA detection were
      denial of elective surgery in 31 (36%), patient choice in 15 (18%), size-related
      in 11 (13%), and surveillance deficiency in 26 (31%). The latter group included
      patients who failed to comply, missed referral for computed tomography scans, and
      lack of follow-up of radiology reports. At the time of rupture, 22 patients (85%)
      were treated, with 30-day and 90-day mortality rates both at 41% (n = 9).
      CONCLUSIONS: One-third of patients admitted with a rAAA had a previously detected
      AAA. The surgeons' decision to deny elective surgery and surveillance deficiency
      were the two main reasons for nontreatment at time of the AAA diagnosis. Improved
      patient-specific protocols to reduce the surveillance gaps and new methods of
      determining rupture risk in each case of AAA could be two possible future
      strategies to reduce the incidence of rupture.

PMID- 27666444
TI  - Results of common femoral artery thromboendarterectomy evaluation of a
      traditional surgical management in the endovascular era.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term outcome of
      common femoral artery thromboendarterectomy in patients with peripheral arterial
      occlusive disease. METHODS: The study retrospectively evaluated 713 vessels in
      655 patients (75% male; mean age, 69.4 +/- 9.5 years) who underwent common
      femoral thromboendarterectomy from January 2006 until May 2012 in two high-volume
      vascular centers. Critical limb ischemia was present in 221 patients, and
      intermittent claudication was present in 434. Three patent tibial arteries,
      described as runoff vessels, were available in 33% of the cohort, two were
      present in 28.3%, one runoff vessel was present in 23.4%, and 15.2% (n = 102)
      showed no runoff option. Hybrid procedures were used to treat 255 limbs (35.8%).
      The primary end point was primary patency (PP). Secondary patency (SP), limb
      salvage, and survival were the secondary end points. RESULTS: Survival rates were
      93.9%, 83.0%, 74.1%, and 60.1% at 1, 3, 5, and 7 years, respectively. PP was
      78.5% and SP was 89.1% at 7 years. Patency rates were 97.3% (PP) and 97.8% (SP)
      at 6 months and 90.2% (PP) and 98.3% (SP) at 3 years, respectively, with 76
      target lesion revascularizations. No significant difference was demonstrated for
      PP rates stratified for nonhybrid procedures and hybrid procedures (78.1% vs
      78.6%; P = .22) and for critical limb ischemia vs intermittent claudication
      (76.3% vs 79.4%; P = .20) at 7 years. The mean +/- standard deviation ankle
      brachial index increased from 0.46 +/- 0.3 preoperatively to 0.81 +/- 0.2
      postoperatively and to 0.77 +/- 0.3 at 7 years (P < .001). A total of 20 major
      amputations were performed, achieving a limb salvage rate of 92.6%. Procedure
      related complications occurred in 11.5% during 7 years of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS:
      Open surgery for common femoral artery stenosis is safe and effective in the long
      term. Endovascular therapy will need to compete with these excellent results.

PMID- 27666445
TI  - Invited commentary.

PMID- 27666447
TI  - Invited commentary.

PMID- 27666446
TI  - A depleting antibody toward sca-1 mitigates a surge of CD34(+)/c-kit(+)
      progenitors and reduces vascular restenosis in a murine vascular injury model.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Vascular restenosis remains a major obstacle to long-term success
      after vascular intervention. Circulating progenitor cells have been implicated in
      restenosis, and yet it has remained unclear if these cells, particularly
      nonendothelial progenitors, have an active role in this pathologic process. We
      hypothesized that circulating CD34(+)/c-kit(+) progenitors would increase after
      vascular injury, mirrored by changes in the injury signal, stromal cell-derived
      factor 1alpha (sdf1alpha). We further postulated that an antibody-based depletion
      would mitigate progenitor surge and, in turn, reduce restenosis in a murine
      model. METHODS: C57BL6 mice underwent wire injury of the femoral artery and were
      compared with mice with sham surgery and vessel ligation by flow cytometry as
      well as by sdf1alpha enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of peripheral blood. Next,
      injured C57BL6 mice treated with a depleting antibody toward the progenitor
      marker sca-1 or with an isotype control were compared in terms of sdf1alpha as
      well as enumeration of progenitors. At 28 days, restenosis was quantified between
      sca-1- and isotype-treated animals. RESULTS: Wire injury generated an increase in
      sdf1alpha as well as a surge of CD34(+)/c-kit(+) progenitors relative to
      nonsurgical controls (P = .005). Treatment with sca-1 antibody ablated the
      peripheral surge compared with isotype-treated, injured animals (P = .02), and
      sca progenitor depletion reduced the 28-day intima to media ratio in a
      statistically significant fashion compared with either nontreated (P = .04) or
      isotype-treated (P = .036) animals. CONCLUSIONS: Our study has demonstrated that
      sca-1 antibody reduces both progenitor surge and vascular restenosis after
      endoluminal vascular injury in a murine model. This suggests that circulating
      progenitors play an active role in restenotic disease.

PMID- 27666448
TI  - Invited commentary.

PMID- 27666449
TI  - Invited commentary.

PMID- 27666450
TI  - Hybrid treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms with Marfan syndrome.

PMID- 27666451
TI  - Endograft component separation in giant hepatic artery aneurysm.

PMID- 27666452
TI  - Regarding "Anesthetic type and risk of myocardial infarction after carotid
      endarterectomy in the Carotid Revascularization Endarterectomy versus Stenting
      Trial (CREST)".

PMID- 27666453
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 27666454
TI  - Regarding "Isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection in China".

PMID- 27666455
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 27666456
TI  - Regarding "The effect of an Enhanced Recovery Program in elective retroperitoneal
      abdominal aortic aneurysm repair".

PMID- 27666457
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 27666458
TI  - Regarding "Outcomes of arterial resection during pancreatectomy for tumor".

PMID- 27666459
TI  - Regarding "Prospective evaluation of postimplantation syndrome evolution on
      patient outcomes after endovascular aneurysm repair for abdominal aortic
      aneurysm".

PMID- 27666460
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 27666461
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 27666462
TI  - Association between liver failure and hepatic UDP-glucuronosyltransferase
      activity in dairy cows with follicular cysts.
AB  - Uridine 5'-diphospho-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) liver activity was measured
      using estradiol-17beta as a substrate in dairy cows with follicular cysts. The
      activity was significantly lower than that in dairy cows with normal estrous
      cycles (P<0.01). Liver disorders, such as fatty liver and hepatitis, were
      observed in half cows with follicular cysts, and liver UGT activity was lower
      than that in cows with normal estrus cycles. In addition, the liver UGT activity
      was significantly lower in dairy cows with follicular cysts without liver
      disorders than in dairy cows with normal estrous cycles. Therefore, the cows were
      divided into those with low, middle and high liver UGT activities, and liver
      disorder complication rates were investigated. The complication rate was
      significantly higher in the low- (78.1%) than in the middle- (22.2%) and high
      level (8.3%) groups, suggesting that liver disorders are closely associated with
      the development of follicular cysts in dairy cows and that steroid hormone
      metabolism is delayed because of reduced liver UGT activity, resulting in
      follicular cyst formation. We conclude that reduced estradiol-17beta
      glucuronidation in the liver and liver disorders are associated with follicular
      cyst occurrence in dairy cows.

PMID- 27666463
TI  - CpG site DNA methylation patterns reveal a novel regulatory element in the mouse
      prion protein gene.
AB  - The cellular isoform of the prion protein (PrPC) plays critical roles in the
      development of prion disorders. Although PrP mRNA is ubiquitously present in a
      tissue-specific manner, the DNA methylation of PrP gene (Prnp) is still unknown.
      In this study, we demonstrated that the CpG island (CGI, positioned at -218 to
      +152 bp from the transcriptional start site) including the Prnp core promoter
      region was completely unmethylated in all tested tissues. On the other hand, CpG
      methylation in the CGI shore region (positioned at -599 to -238 bp) occurred in
      various tissue- and site-specific proportions. Interestingly, the correlation
      analysis between CpG methylation status and PrP mRNA levels showed that one CpG
      site methylation at -576 was negatively correlated with the PrP mRNA level
      (Pearson's r = -0.374, P=0.035). Taken together, our results suggest that Prnp is
      a typical housekeeping gene and various methylation frequencies of the CGI shore
      region are likely to affect Prnp expression in a tissue-specific manner.

PMID- 27666465
TI  - Assessing knowledge, motivation and perceptions about falls prevention among care
      staff in a residential aged care setting.
AB  - Falls are a serious problem in residential aged care settings. The aims of the
      study were to determine the feasibility of surveying care staff regarding falls
      prevention, and describe care staff levels of knowledge and awareness of
      residents' risk of falls, knowledge about falls prevention, motivation and
      confidence to implement falls prevention strategies. A custom designed
      questionnaire was administered to care staff at one site of a large residential
      aged care organization in Australia. The survey response was 58.8%. Feedback from
      staff was used to inform the administration of the survey to the wider
      organization. Seven (29.2%) care staff reported they were unsure or thought
      residents were at low risk of falls. Only five (20.8%) care staff were able to
      suggest more than three preventive strategies. These preliminary findings suggest
      that education to change care staff behavior regarding falls prevention should
      target improving care staff knowledge and awareness of falls.

PMID- 27666464
TI  - Prior exposure to Bordetella species as an exclusion criterion in the baboon
      model of pertussis.
AB  - The baboon model of Bordetella pertussis infection is the newest and most
      clinically accurate model of the human disease to date. However, among the 15
      experimentally infected baboons in this study, a subset of baboons did not
      exhibit the expected high bacterial colonization levels or increase in white
      blood cell count. Moreover, cultures of nasopharyngeal wash samples from several
      baboons suggested B. bronchiseptica coinfection. Analysis of serum antibodies
      recognizing filamentous hemagglutinin, pertussis toxin and B. pertussis lipo
      oligosaccharide indicated that several baboons had likely been previously exposed
      to Bordetella species and that prior exposure correlated with partial protection
      from B. pertussis infection. Notably, all animals with a baseline Fha titer of 5
      IU/ml or below exhibited symptoms typical of the model, suggesting this value can
      be used as inclusion criteria for animals prior to study enrollment. While B.
      pertussis infection is endemic to human populations and B. bronchiseptica is
      common in wild small mammals, this study illustrates that baboons can readily
      harbor both organisms. Awareness of Bordetella species that share antigens
      capable of generating protective immune responses and tracking of prior exposure
      to those species is required for successful use of the baboon model of pertussis.

PMID- 27666466
TI  - Juvenile myasthenia gravis in Norway: A nationwide epidemiological study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the incidence rate and prevalence
      of autoimmune myasthenia gravis (MG) among children in Norway. METHODS: This
      retrospective population-based study was performed in Norway from January 2012 to
      December 2013. Cases of juvenile MG (JMG) with onset < 18 years were identified
      through searches in coding systems of electronic patient records at the 15 main
      hospitals in Norway from 1989 to 2013. In addition, the acetylcholine receptor
      antibody database at Haukeland University Hospital and the clinical nationwide MG
      database at Oslo University Hospital were searched for cases of JMG. Diagnosis
      and age at onset were verified through medical records. Incidence and prevalence
      rates were calculated using the Norwegian population as reference. RESULTS: In
      total 63 unique JMG cases were identified. This corresponds to an average annual
      incidence rate of 1.6 per million. Incidence rate was stable over the study
      period. Prevalence of JMG was 3.6-13.8 per million. Females constituted the
      majority of JMG cases (55 vs 8 males). The risk of JMG was higher among females
      both in the postpubertal and prepubertal group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.02,
      respectively). CONCLUSION: This study confirms the rarity of JMG in Norway,
      especially among males, and shows a stable incidence rate over the last 25 years.

PMID- 27666467
TI  - Morphology quiz: a 12-year-old child with a tumour in the neck.

PMID- 27666468
TI  - Determination of restless legs syndrome prevalence in children aged 13-16years in
      the provincial center of Kayseri.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence rate of restless
      legs syndrome (RLS) and associated factors in adolescents aged 13-16years in the
      provincial center of Kayseri. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study sample included
      5720 adolescents who were selected from among 74,421 grade 7-10 students aged 13
      16years in the provincial center of Kayseri. Overall, datas from 4792 subjects
      were included into analysis. Data were collected by using a self reported
      questionnaire and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). The prevalence rate of RLS
      was determined by questionnaire datas and phone interviews. The effects of age,
      gender, economical status and body weight on RLS prevalence rate were analyzed.
      Mean ESS score was calculated. The effect of RLS on academic success, as measured
      by grade point average, was also assessed. The subjects were stratified as
      underweight, normal, overweight and obese according to the body mass index and
      the RLS prevalence rate was compared among groups. RESULTS: The RLS prevalence
      rate was determined to be 2.9% among adolescents aged 13-16years in the study
      group. It was found that gender and economical status had no significant effect
      on RLS prevalence. Mean age at symptom onset was 11.4years of age. There was a
      positive family history in 11.3% of subjects. Mean body mass index (BMI) was
      found to be significantly higher in subjects with RLS (21.5+/-3.8 vs. 20.5+/
      3.2). Academic success (72.0+/-11.2 vs. 77.0+/-12.0) was found to be poorer and
      daytime sleepiness level, as measured by ESS (11.4+/-3.9 vs. 6.3+/-4.0), was
      found to be higher in subjects with RLS. CONCLUSION: The RLS prevalence rate was
      2.9% in the study sample while gender and economical status had no significant
      effect on prevalence rate. The RLS, which results in decreased sleep quality and
      academic success, is an important disorder with a considerable prevalence in the
      population.

PMID- 27666469
TI  - CORRIGENDUM: Change in Ankle-Brachial Index Over Time in a Screened Japanese
      Cohort - The Okinawa Peripheral Arterial Disease Study.

PMID- 27666472
TI  - Heat-coping strategies and bedroom thermal satisfaction in New York City.
AB  - There has been little research into the thermal condition of the sleeping
      environment. Even less well documented and understood is how the sleeping thermal
      environment is affected by occupant behaviors such as the use of air-conditioning
      (AC) and electric fans, or window operations. In this paper we present results
      from a questionnaire survey administered to assess summertime bedroom thermal
      satisfaction and heat-coping strategies among New York City (NYC) residents.
      Specifically, we investigated current AC usage in bedrooms and examined alternate
      cooling strategies, cooling appliance usage patterns, and the motivations that
      drove these patterns during the 2015 summer. Among survey respondents (n=706), AC
      was the preferred heat-coping strategy, and for 30% of respondents was the only
      strategy used. Electric fan use and window opening were deemed ineffective for
      cooling by many respondents. Indeed, less than a quarter of all respondents ever
      opened windows to alleviate heat in their bedrooms. In general, people utilized
      strategies that modify the environment more than the individual person.
      Unsurprisingly, the frequency and overall use of AC were significantly associated
      with greater bedroom thermal satisfaction; however, setting AC to a lower
      temperature provided no additional benefit. In contrast, more frequent use of
      electric fans was associated with lower thermal satisfaction. In addition, 14.7%
      of all respondents did not have AC in their sleeping environment and 5.8% were
      without any AC at home. Despite the high penetration of AC ownership, usage cost
      was still a major concern for most. This work contributes to a better
      understanding of bedtime heat-coping strategies, cooling appliance usage
      patterns, and associated thermal satisfaction in NYC. The findings of this study
      suggest resident AC usage patterns may not be optimized for thermal satisfaction.
      Potential alternative cooling approaches could be explored to better balance
      maximizing thermal comfort while reducing energy consumption and environmental
      impact.

PMID- 27666473
TI  - Quantitative assessment of human health risk posed by polycyclic aromatic
      hydrocarbons in urban road dust.
AB  - Among the numerous pollutants present in urban road dust, polycyclic aromatic
      hydrocarbons (PAHs) are among the most toxic chemical pollutants and can pose
      cancer risk to humans. The primary aim of the study was to develop a quantitative
      model to assess the cancer risk from PAHs in urban road dust based on traffic and
      land use factors and thereby to characterise the risk posed by PAHs in fine
      (<150MUm) and coarse (>150MUm) particles. The risk posed by PAHs was quantified
      as incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR), which was modelled as a function of
      traffic volume and percentages of different urban land uses. The study outcomes
      highlighted the fact that cancer risk from PAHs in urban road dust is primarily
      influenced by PAHs associated with fine solids. Heavy PAHs with 5 to 6 benzene
      rings, especially dibenzo[a,h]anthracene (D[a]A) and benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) in
      the mixture contribute most to the risk. The quantitative model developed based
      on traffic and land use factors will contribute to informed decision making in
      relation to the management of risk posed by PAHs in urban road dust.

PMID- 27666474
TI  - The effect of drip irrigation and drip fertigation on N2O and NO emissions, water
      saving and grain yields in a maize field in the North China Plain.
AB  - N2O and NO emissions, the water usage and grain yields of a maize field in the
      North China Plain (NCP) under traditional flood irrigation, drip irrigation and
      drip fertigation were compared. With respect to the flood irrigation treatment,
      N2O emissions were reduced by 13.8% in the drip irrigation treatment and 7.7% in
      the drip fertigation treatment. NO emissions were reduced to 16.7% in the drip
      irrigation treatment but increased by 21.7% in the drip fertigation treatment.
      The molar ratios of NO/N2O within 2days after each fertilization event were
      evidently greater from the drip fertigation treatment than from the flood
      irrigation treatment, indicating that nitrification was more intensive in the
      drip fertigation treatment than in the treatment of flood irrigation. Compared
      with the flood irrigation treatment, evident increase of the maize yields in the
      drip irrigation treatment (28%) and the drip fertigation treatment (3.7%) were
      found. Although the drip fertigation treatment could evidently increase NO
      emission, the 40% water reduction in drip fertigation is of great importance for
      the sustainable development of agriculture in the NCP where water resources are
      extremely limited. To mitigate NO emissions from agricultural fields in the NCP
      with drip fertigation, the addition of a nitrification inhibitor combined with N
      or nitrate fertilizer was recommended.

PMID- 27666475
TI  - A decision analysis framework for estimating the potential hazards for drinking
      water resources of chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing fluids.
AB  - Despite growing concerns over the potential for hydraulic fracturing to impact
      drinking water resources, there are limited data available to identify chemicals
      used in hydraulic fracturing fluids that may pose public health concerns. In an
      effort to explore these potential hazards, a multi-criteria decision analysis
      (MCDA) framework was employed to analyze and rank selected subsets of these
      chemicals by integrating data on toxicity, frequency of use, and physicochemical
      properties that describe transport in water. Data used in this analysis were
      obtained from publicly available databases compiled by the United States
      Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as part of a larger study on the potential
      impacts of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water. Starting with nationwide
      hydraulic fracturing chemical usage data from EPA's analysis of the FracFocus
      Chemical Disclosure Registry 1.0, MCDAs were performed on chemicals that had
      either noncancer toxicity values (n=37) or cancer-specific toxicity values
      (n=10). The noncancer MCDA was then repeated for subsets of chemicals reported in
      three representative states (Texas, n=31; Pennsylvania, n=18; and North Dakota,
      n=20). Within each MCDA, chemicals received scores based on relative toxicity,
      relative frequency of use, and physicochemical properties (mobility in water,
      volatility, persistence). Results show a relative ranking of these chemicals
      based on hazard potential, and provide preliminary insight into chemicals that
      may be more likely than others to impact drinking water resources. Comparison of
      nationwide versus state-specific analyses indicates regional differences in the
      chemicals that may be of more concern to drinking water resources, although many
      chemicals were commonly used and received similar overall hazard rankings.
      Several chemicals highlighted by these MCDAs have been reported in groundwater
      near areas of hydraulic fracturing activity. This approach is intended as a
      preliminary analysis, and represents one possible method for integrating data to
      explore potential public health impacts.

PMID- 27666476
TI  - Selection and antitumor activity of anti-Bcl-2 DNAzymes.
AB  - Apoptosis pathway has become one of the important targets for therapeutic
      exploration for cancer therapy. The increased Bcl-2 protein level and
      phosphorylation is implicated in a decreased chemotherapeutic response in many
      cancers. BCL-2 inhibitors have been developed as direct inducers of apoptosis.
      However, resistance to BCL2 inhibitors has been emerging and thus considerable
      effort has been made to seek novel approaches to BCL2 suppression. In this report
      we describe an in vitro DNAzyme selection strategy resulting in molecules that
      are effective in suppressing expression of the target gene BCL-2 in vitro. A 3'
      inverted modification was shown to significantly increase the DNAzyme stability
      in serum and the modified DNAzyme delivered by an osmotic pump chemosensitized
      human prostate cancer to Taxol in vivo. Thus this study provides an alternative
      strategy for potential BCL-2-targetd therapy.

PMID- 27666477
TI  - MOV10 interacts with Enterovirus 71 genomic 5'UTR and modulates viral
      replication.
AB  - As a cytoplasmic parasite, RNA virus develops sophisticated mechanisms to counter
      host defense and utilize host proteins to facilitate its replication. Here we
      found Moloney leukemia virus 10 (MOV10), a highly conserved cellular protein
      belonging to SF1 helicase family, played critical roles in EV71 infection.
      Silencing cellular MOV10 could restrict EV71 replication, while over-expressing
      MOV10 resulted in increased viral replication at low dosage and repressed viral
      replication at high dosage. Further investigation showed that MOV10 exhibited
      dual functions in EV71 regulation, its C-terminus positively regulated viral
      replication by binding to EV71 cloverleaf-like structure and the internal
      ribosome entry site while the N-terminus showed a potential antiviral activity
      when individually overexpressed. In addition, RNA-dependent interaction between
      MOV10 and HuR as well as the co-localization of MOV10 and processing bodies were
      also observed post infection. Taken together, our data indicate a crucial role of
      MOV10 in EV71 infection for the first time, providing new insights for its roles
      in EV71 infection.

PMID- 27666478
TI  - The unfolded protein response is a negative regulator of scavenger receptor class
      B, type I (SR-BI) expression.
AB  - Scavenger receptor class B, type I (SR-BI) is the main receptor for high-density
      lipoprotein (HDL) and an emerging atheroprotective candidate. A central function
      of SR-BI is the delivery of HDL-derived cholesterol to the liver for subsequent
      excretion into the bile. Here, we investigated the regulation of SR-BI by the
      unfolded protein response (UPR), an adaptive mechanism induced by endoplasmic
      reticulum (ER) stress, which is frequently activated in metabolic disorders. We
      provide evidence that induction of acute ER stress by well-characterized chemical
      inducers leads to decreased SR-BI expression in hepatocyte-derived cell lines.
      This results in a functional reduction of selective lipid uptake from HDL.
      However, the regulation of SR-BI by ER stress is not a direct consequence of
      altered cellular cholesterol metabolism. Finally, we show that SR-BI down
      regulation by the UPR might be a compensatory mechanism to provide partial
      adaption to ER stress. The observed down-regulation of SR-BI by ER stress in
      hepatic cells might contribute to the unfavorable effects of metabolic disorders
      on cholesterol homeostasis and cardiovascular diseases.

PMID- 27666479
TI  - Trifluoperazine blocks the human cardiac sodium channel, Nav1.5, independent of
      calmodulin.
AB  - Trifluoperazine is a phenothiazine derivative which is mainly used in the
      management of schizophrenia and also acts as a calmodulin inhibitor. We used the
      whole-cell patch-clamp technique to study the effects of trifluoperazine on human
      Nav1.5 (hNav1.5) currents expressed in HEK293 cells. The 50% inhibitory
      concentration of trifluoperazine was 15.5 +/- 0.3 MUM and the Hill coefficient
      was 2.7 +/- 0.1. The effects of trifluoperazine on hNav1.5 were completely and
      repeatedly reversible after washout. Trifluoperazine caused depolarizing shifts
      in the activation and hyperpolarizing shifts in the steady-state inactivation of
      hNav1.5. Trifluoperazine also showed strong use-dependent inhibition of hNav1.5.
      The blockade of hNav1.5 currents by trifluoperazine was not affected by the whole
      cell dialysis of the calmodulin inhibitory peptide. Our results indicated that
      trifluoperazine blocks hNav1.5 current in concentration-, state- and use
      dependent manners rather than via calmodulin inhibition.

PMID- 27666480
TI  - Alpha-synuclein activates BV2 microglia dependent on its aggregation state.
AB  - Synucleinopathies such as Parkinson's disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies
      (DLB), and multiple system atrophy (MSA) are defined by the presence of
      intracellular alpha-synuclein aggregates in neurons and/or oligodendrocytes. In
      addition, post mortem tissue analysis revealed profound changes in microglial
      morphology, indicating microglial activation and neuroinflammation. Thus, alpha
      synuclein may directly activate microglia, leading to increased production of key
      pro-inflammatory cytokines like tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and
      interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), which in turn modulates the disease progression.
      The distinct alpha-synuclein species, which mediates the activation of microglia,
      is not well defined. We hypothesized that microglial activation depends on a
      specific aggregation state of alpha-synuclein. Here, we show that primarily human
      fibrillar alpha-synuclein increased the production and secretion of pro
      inflammatory cytokines by microglial BV2 cells compared to monomeric and
      oligomeric alpha-synuclein. BV2 cells also preferentially phagocytosed fibrillar
      alpha-synuclein compared to alpha-synuclein monomers and oligomers. Microglial
      uptake of alpha-synuclein fibrils and the consequent activation were time- and
      concentration-dependent. Moreover, the degree of fibrillization determined the
      efficiency of microglial internalization. Taken together, our study highlights
      the specific crosstalk of distinct alpha-synuclein species with microglial cells.

PMID- 27666481
TI  - Phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate binds to sortilin and competes with
      neurotensin: Implications for very low density lipoprotein binding.
AB  - Sortilin is a multi-ligand sorting receptor that interacts with B100-containing
      VLDL and LDL as well as other ligands including neurotensin (NT). The current
      study investigates the hypothesis that phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate
      (PIP3) generated downstream of insulin action can directly bind to sortilin. NT
      binds to sortilin at a well characterized site via its carboxy terminus (C-term).
      Using a crystal structure of human sortilin (hsortilin), PIP3 is predicted to
      bind at this C-term site. Binding of PIP3 to hsortilin is demonstrated using
      surface plasmon resonance (SPR) flowing PIP3 nanodiscs over immobilized
      hsortilin. Studies were performed using SPR where dibutanoyl PIP3 is shown to
      compete with NT for sortilin binding. Rat VLDL and LDL were evaluated for PIP3
      content immunologically using monoclonal antibodies directed against PIP3. Rat
      plasma VLDL contained three times more immunoreactive PIP3 than LDL per MUg of
      protein. Because VLDL contains additional ligands that bind sortilin, to
      distinguish specific PIP3 binding, we used PIP3 liposomes. Liposome floatation
      assays were used to demonstrate PIP3 liposome binding to sortilin. Using SPR and
      immobilized hsortilin, the C-term NT tetrapeptide (P-Y-I-L) is shown to bind to
      hsortilin. A compound (cpd984) was identified with strong theoretical binding to
      the site on sortilin involved in NT N-terminal binding. When cpd984 is co
      incubated with the tetrapeptide, the affinity of binding to sortilin is
      increased. Similarly, the affinity of PIP3 liposome binding increased in the
      presence of cpd984. Overall, results demonstrate that sortilin is a PIP3 binding
      protein with binding likely to occur at the C-term NT binding site. The presence
      of multiple ligands on B100-containing lipoproteins, VLDL and LDL, raises the
      interesting possibility for increased interaction with sortilin based on the
      presence of PIP3.

PMID- 27666482
TI  - Gene expression profiling of brain samples from patients with Lewy body dementia.
AB  - Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) is the second most common neurodegenerative
      disorder in the elderly. The development and progression of DLB remain unclear.
      In this study we used next generation sequencing to assess RNA expression
      profiles and cellular processes associated with DLB in the anterior cingulate
      cortex, a brain region affected by DLB pathology. The expression measurements
      were made in autopsy brain tissues from 8 DLB subjects and 10 age-matched
      controls using AmpliSeq technology with ion torrent sequencing. The analysis of
      RNA expression profiles revealed 490 differentially expressed genes, among which
      367 genes were down-regulated and 123 were up-regulated. Functional enrichment
      analysis of genes differentially expressed in DLB indicated downregulation of
      genes associated with myelination, neurogenesis, and regulation of nervous system
      development. miRNA binding sites enriched in these mRNAs yielded a list of
      candidate miRNAs participating in DLB pathophysiology. Our study provides a
      comprehensive picture of gene expression landscape in DLB, identifying key
      cellular processes associated with DLB pathology.

PMID- 27666483
TI  - Human serum albumin hydropersulfide is a potent reactive oxygen species scavenger
      in oxidative stress conditions such as chronic kidney disease.
AB  - Recently, hydropersulfide (RSSH) was found to exist in mammalian tissues and
      fluids. Cysteine hydropersulfide can be found in free cysteine residues as well
      as in proteins, and it has potent antioxidative activity. Human serum albumin
      (HSA) is the most abundant protein in mammalian serum. HSA possesses a free thiol
      group in Cys-34 that could be a site for hydropersulfide formation. HSA
      hydropersulfide of high purity as a positive control was prepared by treatment of
      HSA with Na2S. The presence of HSA hydropersulfide was confirmed by spectroscopy
      and ESI-TOFMS analysis where molecular weights of HSA hydropersulfide by
      increments of approximately 32 Da (Sulfur atom) were detected. The fluorescent
      probe results showed that Alexa Fluor 680 conjugated maleimide (Red-Mal) was a
      suitable assay and bromotrimethylammoniumbimane bromide appeared to be a
      selective reagent for hydropersulfide. The effect of oxidative stress related
      disease on the existence of albumin hydropersulfides was examined in rat 5/6
      nephrectomy model of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Interestingly, the level of
      hydropersulfides in rat 5/6 nephrectomy model serum was decreased by a uremic
      toxin that increases oxidative stress in rat 5/6 nephrectomy model. Furthermore,
      we demonstrated that the levels of HSA hydropersulfide in human subjects were
      reduced in CKD but restored by hemodialysis using Red-Mal assay. We conclude that
      HSA hydropersulfide could potentially play an important role in biological anti
      oxidative defense, and it is a promising diagnostic and therapeutic marker of
      oxidative diseases.

PMID- 27666484
TI  - Combined SRC inhibitor saracatinib and anti-ErbB2 antibody H2-18 produces a
      synergistic antitumor effect on trastuzumab-resistant breast cancer.
AB  - Despite of the effectiveness of the anti-ErbB2 humanized antibody trastuzumab,
      trastuzumab resistance emerges as a major and common clinical problem. Thus,
      circumventing trastuzumab resistance has become an urgent need. Recently, Src
      inhibitor saracatinib has drawn great attention for its key role in trastuzumab
      response. As shown in our previous study, H2-18, an anti-ErbB2 antibody, could
      potently induce programmed cell death (PCD) in trastuzumab-resistant breast
      cancer cells. Here we combined H2-18 and a Src inhibitor, saracatinib, and
      studied the antitumor activity of this drug combination in trastuzumab-resistant
      breast cancer cell lines. The results showed that H2-18 and saracatinib could
      synergistically inhibit cell proliferation of BT-474, SKBR-3, HCC-1954 and HCC
      1419 breast cancer cell lines in vitro. H2-18 plus saracatinib could also inhibit
      the HCC-1954 tumor growth more effectively in vivo than each drug alone. H2-18
      plus saracatinib showed a significantly more potent PCD-inducing activity
      compared with either H2-18 or saracatinib alone. We conclude that enhanced PCD
      may contribute to the superior antitumor efficacy of this combination therapy.
      The combination of H2-18 and SRC inhibitor has the potential to be translated
      into clinic.

PMID- 27666485
TI  - Thunbergia alata inhibits inflammatory responses through the inactivation of ERK
      and STAT3 in macrophages.
AB  - Thunbergia alata (Acanthaceae) has been used traditionally to treat various
      inflammatory diseases such as fever, cough and diarrhea in East African countries
      including Uganda and Kenya. However, systemic studies elucidating the anti
      inflammatory effects and precise mechanisms of action of T. alata have not been
      conducted, to the best of our knowledge. To address these concerns, we explored
      the anti-inflammatory effects of a methanol extract of T. alata (MTA) in
      macrophages. Non-cytotoxic concentrations of MTA (<=300 ug/ml) inhibited nitric
      oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7
      macrophages by transcriptional regulation of inducible NO synthase in a dose
      dependent manner. The expression of cyclooxygenase-2, the enzyme responsible for
      the production of prostaglandin E2, was unchanged by MTA at the mRNA and protein
      levels. MTA treatment inhibited interleukin (IL)-6 production and decreased the
      mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6 and IL-1beta. Tumor
      necrosis factor-alpha production and mRNA expression were not regulated by MTA
      treatment. The decreased production of inflammatory mediators by MTA was followed
      by the reduced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and
      signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). MTA treatment had no
      effect on activity of other mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), p38, c-Jun
      N-terminal kinase (JNK), and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB). These results
      indicate that MTA selectively inhibits the excessive production of inflammatory
      mediators in LPS-stimulated murine macrophages by reducing the activity of ERK
      and STAT3, suggesting that MTA plays an important inhibitory role in the
      modulation of severe inflammation.

PMID- 27666486
TI  - Agkihpin, a novel SVTLE from Gloydius halys Pallas, promotes platelet aggregation
      in vitro and inhibits thrombus formation in vivo in murine models of thrombosis.
AB  - In previous work, a snake venom arginine esterase (SVAE), agkihpin from the venom
      of Gloydius halys Pallas, was isolated and its biochemical data including Mr, PI,
      amino acid components and sugar content was collected. Here, the agkihpin was
      cloned and further characterized and we found that agkihpin could promote ADP
      induced platelets aggregation, hydrolyze fibrin, cleave Aalpha and Bbeta chains
      of fibrinogen and reduce the thrombosis induced by thrombin. Moreover, agkihpin
      hydrolyzed TAME with optimum temperatures at 30  degrees C-45  degrees C, and the
      hydrolysis was inhibited by EDTA, PMSF, DTT and promoted by Ca2+, Fe3+, Mg2+,
      Zn2+. The sequence features of agkihpin were detected as follows: the N-terminal
      residues was determined as I(V)L(Y)GDDECNINE by protein sequencing; the ORF was
      determined as 705 bp, and the deduced amino acid sequence was identified by
      peptide mass fingerprinting; the cysteines, cleavage sites, active sites and
      substrate binding sites of snake venom thrombin-like enzyme (SVTLE), were all
      conserved in amino acid sequence of agkihpin; 2 Leu(Tyr), 4 Asn and 121 Ile in
      amino acid sequence of agkihpin were first found in the amino acid sequences of
      SVTLEs. These findings indicated that agkihpin is a novel SVTLE. What's more, due
      to its several advantages of fibrino(gen)olytic and thrombosis-reduced
      activities, and devoid of bleeding risk, agkihpin may be developed into a
      thrombolytic drug in the future.

PMID- 27666487
TI  - Adherence to infection prevention and control guidelines: A vignette-based study
      of decision-making and risk-taking in young adults with cystic fibrosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Balancing cystic fibrosis (CF) care with demands of normal life is
      associated with decreased adherence to infection prevention and control (IPC)
      guidelines. METHODS: Adults with CF, aged 18-25years, were invited to participate
      via UK CF Trust social media platforms. An online survey evaluated participants'
      decision-making in nine clinician-rated vignettes and assessed the perceived
      influence of infection-related information sources. RESULTS: Participants (n=87,
      mean 21.4years [SD=2.45]; 75% female) were less likely to engage in the high-risk
      scenarios, although demonstrated greater awareness of cross-infection than
      environmental risks. Associations between risk-perception and willingness to
      participate in five vignette-based hypothetical activities were significant
      (p<0.05). Thematic analysis emphasised influences of past experience and a need
      to achieve good quality of life. Knowledge gaps were evident. CONCLUSIONS: People
      with CF make decisions that discriminate between risk-levels but are not always
      based on robust knowledge. They also show some inclination towards engaging in
      risky behaviours.

PMID- 27666488
TI  - MicroRNAs modulate the expression of the SOX18 transcript in lung squamous cell
      carcinoma.
AB  - Recent statistics show that lung cancer is the second most common malignant tumor
      in the world (14% of all cancers in the USA), both in terms of morbidity and
      mortality. The mortality of this type of tumor shows an increasing trend (28% for
      men and 26% for women). Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is the second-largest
      histological subtype of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) after
      adenocarcinoma. SRY-related HMG-box 18 (SOX18) protein is an important
      transcription factor involved in the development of the cardiovascular system and
      the lymphatic ducts. In addition, it was observed that SOX18 functions in wound
      healing processes and the development of atherosclerosis. Likewise, an increased
      level of this protein was found in melanomas and malignant pancreatic, stomach
      and breast tumors. Furthermore, high expression of SOX18 in gastric cancer
      stromal cells was found to be associated with a poor patient prognosis. In the
      present study, we analyzed the expression of the SOX18 protein and the mRNA level
      in postoperative samples of LSCC and non-malignant lung tissues (NMLTs), and a
      disparity in both levels was observed. Because of the fact that microRNAs
      (miRNAs) play important roles in the initiation and progression of lung cancer,
      the main aim of this study was to identify the miRNAs that interact with the
      SOX18 transcript in NSCLC cases. SOX18 mRNA expression level was significantly
      lower in the LSCC tissues than that noted in the NMLTs (p<0.01). However, protein
      levels were higher in the LSCC cases compared to these levels in the NMLTs
      (p<0.0001). We showed that miR-7a and miR-24-3p were expressed more highly in the
      NMLTs than levels in the LSCC samples, and that they could be switched off in
      lung cancer tissue. Additionally, correlations between RQ-values of SOX18 in
      NMLTs and LSCC samples (r=0.43, p=0.019), and between miR-7a and miR24-3p in NMLT
      cases (r=0.4, p=0.057) as well as in the LSCC samples (r=0.51, p=0.012) were
      noted. In conclusion, miRNAs interact with the mRNA of the SOX18 gene, but the
      mechanism by which they could be inhibited in cancer cells requires further
      examination.

PMID- 27666489
TI  - The AMP-activated protein kinase beta 1 subunit modulates erythrocyte integrity.
AB  - Failure to maintain a normal in vivo erythrocyte half-life results in the
      development of hemolytic anemia. Half-life is affected by numerous factors,
      including energy balance, electrolyte gradients, reactive oxygen species, and
      membrane plasticity. The heterotrimeric AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an
      evolutionarily conserved serine/threonine kinase that acts as a critical
      regulator of cellular energy balance. Previous roles for the alpha 1 and gamma 1
      subunits in the control of erythrocyte survival have been reported. In the work
      described here, we studied the role of the beta 1 subunit in erythrocytes and
      observed microcytic anemia with compensatory extramedullary hematopoiesis
      together with splenomegaly and increased osmotic resistance.

PMID- 27666490
TI  - NOX-driven ROS formation in cell transformation of FLT3-ITD-positive AML.
AB  - In different types of myeloid leukemia, increased formation of reactive oxygen
      species (ROS) has been noted and associated with aspects of cell transformation,
      including the promotion of leukemic cell proliferation and migration, as well as
      DNA damage and accumulation of mutations. Work reviewed in this article has
      revealed the involvement of NADPH oxidase (NOX)-derived ROS downstream of
      oncogenic protein-tyrosine kinases in both processes, and the related pathways
      have been partially identified. FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 with internal tandem
      duplications (FLT3-ITD), an important oncoprotein in a subset of acute myeloid
      leukemias, causes activation of AKT and, subsequently, stabilization of p22phox,
      a regulatory subunit for NOX1-4. This process is linked to ROS formation and DNA
      damage. Moreover, FLT3-ITD signaling through STAT5 enhances expression of NOX4,
      ROS formation, and inactivation of the protein-tyrosine phosphatase DEP-1/PTPRJ,
      a negative regulator of FLT3 signaling, by reversible oxidation of its catalytic
      cysteine residue. Genetic inactivation of NOX4 restores DEP-1 activity and
      attenuates cell transformation by FLT3-ITD in vitro and in vivo. Future work is
      required to further explore these mechanisms and their causal involvement in
      leukemic cell transformation, which may result in the identification of novel
      candidate targets for therapy.

PMID- 27666491
TI  - Quality Improvement of Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy in
      Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) therapy is widely
      used in neonates, but the clinical practice varies. However, nursing practice
      differs among individuals, and an inappropriate application method may delay the
      respiratory therapy, influence the beneficial effect of NCPAP, and increase
      complications. We introduced a quality improvement project to expedite the
      application of NCPAP therapy and decrease the incidence of nasal trauma. METHODS:
      A new strategy of mobile NCPAP cart with prepacked fixation kits and a written
      protocol was implemented from April 2006. All medical staff answered a
      questionnaire to assess their basic knowledge before and after intensive
      training. The records of the patients who were treated with NCPAP from October
      2005 to November 2006 were reviewed. RESULTS: Fifty-nine medical staff were
      involved in the project, and their mean score for the questionnaire improved from
      69.2 points to 98.3 points after training. From October 2005 to November 2006,
      113 infants were recruited in total and 82 of them were admitted after the
      protocol was implemented. The NCPAP cart dramatically shortened the preparation
      time (from 520 seconds to 72 seconds) and the application time (from 468 seconds
      to 200 seconds). The use of the nursing protocol significantly decreased the
      incidence of nasal trauma in the study population (45.2% vs. 19.6%, p = 0.006),
      but not in infants with a birth weight of < 1000 g. Risk factors for nasal skin
      trauma included lower gestational age and birth weight, longer duration of NCPAP
      use, and lack of standardized nursing care. CONCLUSION: The mobile NCPAP cart
      with prepacked fixation kits is a practical way of expediting the initiation of
      NCPAP therapy. The written nursing protocol decreased the incidence of nasal
      trauma in infants, except for those with an extremely low birth weight.

PMID- 27666492
TI  - Has the Time Come for All to Routinely Use Intracameral Antibiotic Prophylaxis at
      the Time of Cataract Surgery?

PMID- 27666493
TI  - Creation of a 3-dimensional virtual dental patient for computer-guided surgery
      and CAD-CAM interim complete removable and fixed dental prostheses: A clinical
      report.
AB  - This clinical report proposes a digital workflow using 2-dimensional (2D) digital
      photographs, a 3D extraoral facial scan, and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)
      volumetric data to create a 3D virtual patient with craniofacial hard tissue,
      remaining dentition (including surrounding intraoral soft tissue), and the
      realistic appearance of facial soft tissue at an exaggerated smile under static
      conditions. The 3D virtual patient was used to assist the virtual diagnostic
      tooth arrangement process, providing patient with a pleasing preoperative virtual
      smile design that harmonized with facial features. The 3D virtual patient was
      also used to gain patient's pretreatment approval (as a communication tool),
      design a prosthetically driven surgical plan for computer-guided implant surgery,
      and fabricate the computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD
      CAM) interim prostheses.

PMID- 27666494
TI  - Influence of aging on flexural strength of translucent zirconia for monolithic
      restorations.
AB  - STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Concern has been raised with regard to the low-temperature
      degradation (LTD) of translucent yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia
      polycrystalline (Y-TZP) for monolithic zirconia restorations. PURPOSE: The
      purpose of this in vitro study was to assess the LTD behavior of 4 commercially
      available translucent Y-TZP materials by accelerated aging specimens in steam at
      134 degrees C, 0.2 MPa. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thin bars (22*3*0.2 mm) of Y-TZP,
      including Katana ML (Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc), Katana HT13 (Kuraray Noritake
      Dental Inc), Prettau (Zirkonzahn), and BruxZir (Glidewell Laboratories) (n=30 for
      each group), were machined from sintered blocks. Control specimens were assessed
      in the nonaged condition. Artificially ageing (n=5 per group at 5, 50, 100, 150,
      and 200 hours) was conducted in steam at 134 degrees C at 0.2 MPa. The specimens
      were characterized, tested in 4-point flexure, and the fracture surfaces were
      analyzed. The monoclinic-to-tetragonal (m/t) peak intensity ratio measured by x
      ray diffraction was used to calculate the monoclinic phase fraction and monitor
      LTD. Linear regression with heteroscedasticity-consistent robust standard errors
      was used to test for the effect of LTD (aging time) on (sigmaf) and m/t. The
      Spearman rank correlation coefficient was used to assess the relationship between
      sigmaf and monoclinic phase fraction (alpha=.05). RESULTS: Artificial aging
      resulted in LTD as shown by an increase in the monoclinic phase fraction for all
      specimens. After aging for 200 hours, the mean +/-SD monoclinic phase fraction
      increased from 2.90 +/-0.34% to 76.1 +/-0.64% for Prettau, 2.69 +/-0.18% to 76.0
      +/-0.26% for BruxZir, 4.6 +/-0.19% to 35.8 +/-0.80% for Katana HT13, and 3.57 +/
      0.35% to 33.2 +/-1.1% for Katana ML (all P<.001). Flexural strength changed from
      a mean +/-SD of 1612 +/-197 MPa to all fractured during aging for Prettau
      (P<.001); 1248 +/-73.5 MPa to all fractured during aging for BruxZir (P<.001);
      1052 +/-84.2 to 1099 +/-70 MPa +/-130 for Katana HT13 (P=.45); and from 875 +/
      130 to 909 +/-70 MPa (P=.82) for Katana ML. The mean flexural strength values of
      Prettau and BruxZir decreased with an increase in the monoclinic phase with
      Spearman rank correlation coefficients of -0.80 (P=.001) for Prettau and -0.63
      (P=.022) for BruxZir. No significant changes in flexural strength were measured
      for Katana ML or Katana HT13 (P>.05). CONCLUSIONS: The LTD of Y-TZP resulted in a
      significant decrease in flexural strength of Prettau and BruxZir, whereas Katana
      ML and Katana HT13 exhibited less LTD and no significant decrease in flexural
      strength.

PMID- 27666495
TI  - Implant-supported and magnet-retained oral-nasal combination prosthesis in a
      patient with a total rhinectomy and partial maxillectomy due to cancer: A
      clinical report.
AB  - This clinical report describes the fabrication of an implant-supported and magnet
      retained combination oral-nasal prosthesis for a patient with a midline midfacial
      defect. The patient had undergone a total rhinectomy and partial maxillectomy as
      part of his cancer treatment. The nasal prosthesis was retained on the face by a
      magnet attached to the implant-supported maxillary denture, resulting in improved
      appearance and the recovery of speech, mastication, and swallowing functions.

PMID- 27666497
TI  - Marginal fit and photoelastic stress analysis of CAD-CAM and overcast 3-unit
      implant-supported frameworks.
AB  - STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Several studies have shown the superiority of computer
      assisted design and computer-assisted manufacturing (CAD-CAM) technology compared
      with conventional casting. However, an advanced technology exists for casting
      procedures (the overcasting technique), which may serve as an acceptable and
      affordable alternative to CAD-CAM technology for fabricating 3-unit implant
      supported fixed dental prostheses (FDPs). PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro
      study was to evaluate, using quantitative photoelastic analysis, the effect of
      the prosthetic framework fabrication method (CAD-CAM and overcasting) on the
      marginal fit and stress transmitted to implants. The correlation between marginal
      fit and stress was also investigated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three-unit implant
      supported FDP frameworks were made using the CAD-CAM (n=10) and overcasting
      (n=10) methods. The frameworks were waxed to simulate a mandibular first premolar
      (PM region) to first molar (M region) FDP using overcast mini-abutment cylinders.
      The wax patterns were overcast (overcast experimental group) or scanned to obtain
      the frameworks (CAD-CAM control group). All frameworks were fabricated from
      cobalt-chromium (CoCr) alloy. The marginal fit was analyzed according to the
      single-screw test protocol, obtaining an average value for each region (M and PM)
      and each framework. The frameworks were tightened for the photoelastic model with
      standardized 10-Ncm torque. Stress was measured by quantitative photoelastic
      analysis. The results were submitted to the Student t test, 2-way ANOVA, and
      Pearson correlation test (alpha=.05). RESULTS: The framework fabrication method
      (FM) and evaluation site (ES; M and PM regions) did not affect the marginal fit
      values (P=.559 for FM and P=.065 for ES) and stress (P=.685 for FM and P=.468 for
      ES) in the implant-supported system. Positive correlations between marginal fit
      and stress were observed (CAD-CAM: r=0.922; P<.001; overcast: r=0.908; P<.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: CAD-CAM and overcasting methods present similar marginal fit and
      stress values for 3-unit FDP frameworks. The decreased marginal fit of frameworks
      induces greater stress in the implant-supported system.

PMID- 27666496
TI  - A systematic comparison of bar-clips versus magnets.
AB  - STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Currently, which type of suprastructure is preferred when
      fabricating implant-retained craniofacial prostheses is unknown. PURPOSE: The
      purpose of this systematic review was to identify the best retention system (bar
      clips versus magnets) for implant-retained craniofacial prostheses. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: This systematic review was conducted and reported in accordance with the
      Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)
      statement. A systematic search of Medline/PubMed and Web of Science databases for
      clinical trials was conducted on implant-retained craniofacial prostheses
      published between 2005 and 2015. English-language studies that directly compared
      different types of retention systems or presented information on implant
      survival, periimplant soft tissue reactions, and prosthetic complications were
      included. Nonclinical studies were excluded to eliminate bias. RESULTS: A total
      to 173 studies were identified, of which 10 satisfied the inclusion criteria. In
      total, 492 participants were included in these studies. Four selected studies
      displayed detailed information with regard to the number of implant failures
      according to the retention system. As reported, 29 (18.2%) of 159 implants with
      magnets failed, whereas 25 (31.6%) of 79 implants with bars failed. Overall
      auricular superstructures showed the highest survival (99.08%). In addition,
      55.4% of all participants in the selected studies showed grade 0 of periimplant
      soft tissue reactions. CONCLUSIONS: A systematic search for clinical studies
      resulted in few studies with a short-term follow-up and small number of
      participants. The limited data collected indicated that magnets show fewer
      complications than bar superstructures; however, no hard conclusions could be
      drawn. Further research, preferably in the form of clinical trials, is needed to
      validate these findings.

PMID- 27666498
TI  - Selected physical properties of new resin-modified glass ionomer luting cements.
AB  - STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Two resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGI)-based luting agents
      have been recently marketed without independent reports of their physical
      properties. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate selected
      physical properties of 2 newly marketed RMGI luting agents and compare the
      findings with traditional materials. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Specimens (N=12) of
      Nexus RMGI, UltraCem, GC Fuji Cem 2, and RelyX Luting Plus were fabricated using
      standardized molds for flexural strength and fracture toughness according to
      manufacturer recommendations and stored in physiologic phosphate-buffered saline
      solution at 37 degrees C until testing. Specimens were tested at 1 and 24 hours,
      1 week, and 1 month. Mean values for flexural strength, flexural modulus,
      flexural toughness, and fracture toughness were determined. Additionally, film
      thickness (N=12) for each material was determined following Amerian National
      Standards Association/American Dental Association (ANSI/ADA) specifications. Mean
      results were analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests (alpha=.05).
      RESULTS: All luting agents exhibited a similar film thickness that met ANSI/ADA
      requirements for aqueous-based luting agents. Nexus RMGI surprisingly
      demonstrated significantly greater flexural strength and fracture toughness at 1
      hour, which decreased significantly at 24 hours, making it similar to the other
      materials evaluated. All materials had similar flexural strength values at 7
      days. CONCLUSIONS: Physical property performance was material dependent. Nexus
      RMGI demonstrated greater early physical properties that were significantly less
      at 24 hours. UltraCem, GC Fuji Cem 2, and RelyX Luting Plus demonstrated the
      increasing physical property development that is normally associated with
      polyalkenoate-based systems.

PMID- 27666499
TI  - Colorimetric distribution of human attached gingiva and alveolar mucosa.
AB  - STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Few studies have investigated the colorimetric distribution
      of gingival color, including the posterior area and alveolar mucosa. PURPOSE: The
      purpose of this in vivo study was to investigate the distribution of colorimetric
      values in different areas of gingiva and to determine its relationship to
      colorimetric findings of the tooth and skin in a young Korean population.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: Participants included 40 periodontally healthy adults (22
      men and 18 women) 25 to 36 years of age. Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage
      values (CIELab: L* lightness, a* green-red, and b* blue-yellow) were measured
      using a colorimeter at a total of 23 sites for each participant, including
      attached gingiva (AG) and alveolar mucosa (AM) in the maxillary and mandibular
      and incisor and molar regions, maxillary central incisor, and skin points of the
      glabella, cheek, and inner upper arm. RESULTS: AG showed higher L* and lower a*
      values than AM. AG demonstrated higher L* and lower a* values in the maxillary
      region than in the mandibular region and higher b* values in the incisor region
      than in the molar region. AM revealed higher L* and lower a* and b* values in the
      incisor region than in the molar region. Positive significant correlations were
      found for L* between the skin area and AM and for b* between the skin area and
      AG. CONCLUSIONS: The colorimetric values of AG and AM differ according to the
      area, possibly as a result of differences in anatomic and histologic distribution
      that influence optical properties.

PMID- 27666500
TI  - Accuracy of single-abutment digital cast obtained using intraoral and cast
      scanners.
AB  - STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Scanners are frequently used in the fabrication of dental
      prostheses. However, the accuracy of these scanners is variable, and little
      information is available. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to
      compare the accuracy of cast scanners with that of intraoral scanners by using
      different image impression techniques. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A poly(methyl
      methacrylate) master model was fabricated to replicate a maxillary first molar
      single-abutment tooth model. The master model was scanned with an accurate
      engineering scanner to obtain a true value (n=1) and with 2 intraoral scanners
      (CEREC Bluecam and CEREC Omnicam; n=6 each). The cast scanner scanned the master
      model and duplicated the dental stone cast from the master model (n=6). The
      trueness and precision of the data were measured using a 3-dimensional analysis
      program. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the different sets of
      scanning data, followed by a post hoc Mann-Whitney U test with a significance
      level modified by Bonferroni correction (alpha/6=.0083). The type 1 error level
      (alpha) was set at .05. RESULTS: The trueness value (root mean square: mean +/
      standard deviation) was 17.5 +/-1.8 MUm for the Bluecam, 13.8 +/-1.4 MUm for the
      Omnicam, 17.4 +/-1.7 MUm for cast scanner 1, and 12.3 +/-0.1 MUm for cast scanner
      2. The differences between the Bluecam and the cast scanner 1 and between the
      Omnicam and the cast scanner 2 were not statistically significant (P>.0083), but
      a statistically significant difference was found between all the other pairs
      (P<.0083). The precision of the scanners was 12.7 +/-2.6 MUm for the Bluecam,
      12.5 +/-3.7 MUm for the Omnicam, 9.2 +/-1.2 MUm for cast scanner 1, and 6.9 +/
      2.6 MUm for cast scanner 2. The differences between Bluecam and Omnicam and
      between Omnicam and cast scanner 1 were not statistically significant (P>.0083),
      but there was a statistically significant difference between all the other pairs
      (P<.0083). CONCLUSIONS: An Omnicam in video image impression had better trueness
      than a cast scanner but with a similar level of precision.

PMID- 27666501
TI  - Authors' response: efficacy and safety of pelvic packing after emergency
      peripartum hysterectomy (EPH) in postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) setting.

PMID- 27666502
TI  - WANTED - Dead or alive: Myotubularins, a large disease-associated protein family.
AB  - Myotubularins define a large family of proteins conserved through evolution.
      Several members are mutated in different neuromuscular diseases including
      centronuclear myopathies and Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) neuropathies, or are
      linked to a predisposition to obesity and cancer. While some members have
      phosphatase activity against the 3-phosphate of phosphoinositides, regulating the
      phosphorylation status of PtdIns3P and PtdIns(3,5)P2 implicated in membrane
      trafficking and autophagy, and producing PtdIns5P, others lack key residues in
      the catalytic site and are classified as dead-phosphatases. However, these dead
      phosphatases regulate phosphoinositide-dependent cellular pathways by binding to
      catalytically active myotubularins. Here we review previous studies on the
      molecular regulation and physiological roles of myotubularins. We also used the
      recent myotubularins three-dimensional structures to underline key residues that
      are mutated in neuromuscular diseases and required for enzymatic activity. In
      addition, through database mining and analysis, expression profile and specific
      isoforms of the different myotubularins are described in depth, as well as a
      revisited protein interaction network. Comparison of the interactome and
      expression data for each myotubularin highlights specific protein complexes and
      tissues where myotubularins should have a key regulatory role.

PMID- 27666504
TI  - Creating Opportunities for Optimal Nutritional Experiences for Infants With
      Complex Congenital Heart Disease.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: To our knowledge, successful breastfeeding in the population with
      single ventricle congenital heart disease has not been reported in the
      literature, particularly during the interstage period. METHOD: A retrospective
      case study including inpatient nutrition and a complete history of daily logs
      with the home surveillance monitoring program was performed. RESULTS: Successful
      full breastfeeding (exceeding prescribed weight growth goals) after Stage I
      surgery was achieved during the interstage period. The infant was discharged at
      3.41 kg, not consistently breastfeeding, and progressed to 7.05 kg at 5 months of
      age, fully breastfeeding. CONCLUSION: Supporting breastfeeding for infants who
      have undergone repairs for single ventricle anatomy can be challenging but can be
      accomplished. It requires a concerted team effort, clear communication, and
      collaboration among caregivers, the mother, and her supporters.

PMID- 27666505
TI  - Opioid Addiction in Adolescents: A Background and Policy Brief.

PMID- 27666506
TI  - Inhibition of autophagy sensitises cells to hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis:
      Protective effect of mild thermotolerance acquired at 40 degrees C.
AB  - Various toxic compounds produce reactive oxygen species, resulting in oxidative
      stress that threatens cellular homeostasis. Yet, lower doses of stress can
      stimulate defence systems allowing cell survival, whereas intense stress
      activates cell death pathways such as apoptosis. Mild thermal stress (40 degrees
      C, 3h) induces thermotolerance, an adaptive survival response that renders cells
      less sensitive to subsequent toxic stress, by activating defence systems like
      heat shock proteins, antioxidants, anti-apoptotic and ER-stress factors. This
      study aims to understand how autophagy and apoptosis are regulated in response to
      different doses of H2O2, and whether mild thermotolerance can protect cervical
      carcinoma cells against apoptosis by stimulating autophagy. Autophagy was
      monitored through Beclin-1 and LC3 expression and acid compartment activity,
      whereas apoptosis was tracked by caspase activity and chromatin condensation.
      Exposure of HeLa and C33 A cells to H2O2 for shorter times (15-30min) transiently
      induced autophagy; apoptosis was activated after longer times (1-3h). Mild
      thermotolerance at 40 degrees C enhanced activation of autophagy by H2O2.
      Disruption of autophagy using bafilomycin A1 and 3-methyladenine sensitised cells
      to apoptosis induced by H2O2, in non-thermotolerant cells and, to a lesser
      extent, in thermotolerant cells. Inhibition of autophagy enhanced apoptosis
      through the mitochondrial, death receptor and endoplasmic reticulum pathways.
      Autophagy was activated by lower doses of stress and protects cells against
      apoptosis induced by higher doses of H2O2. This work improves understanding of
      mechanisms that might be involved in toxicity of various compounds and could
      eventually lead to protective strategies against deleterious effects of toxic
      compounds.

PMID- 27666503
TI  - Regulation of cellular proliferation in acute lymphoblastic leukemia by Casein
      Kinase II (CK2) and Ikaros.
AB  - The IKZF1 gene encodes the Ikaros protein, a zinc finger transcriptional factor
      that acts as a master regulator of hematopoiesis and a tumor suppressor in
      leukemia. Impaired activity of Ikaros is associated with the development of high
      risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) with a poor prognosis. The molecular
      mechanisms that regulate Ikaros' function as a tumor suppressor and regulator of
      cellular proliferation are not well understood. We demonstrated that Ikaros is a
      substrate for Casein Kinase II (CK2), an oncogenic kinase that is overexpressed
      in ALL. Phosphorylation of Ikaros by CK2 impairs Ikaros' DNA-binding ability, as
      well as Ikaros' ability to regulate gene expression and function as a tumor
      suppressor in leukemia. Targeting CK2 with specific inhibitors restores Ikaros'
      function as a transcriptional regulator and tumor suppressor resulting in a
      therapeutic, anti-leukemia effect in a preclinical model of ALL. Here, we review
      the genes and pathways that are regulated by Ikaros and the molecular mechanisms
      through which Ikaros and CK2 regulate cellular proliferation in leukemia.

PMID- 27666507
TI  - Antimicrobial susceptibility of microorganisms isolated from sputum culture of
      patients with cystic fibrosis: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus as a
      serious concern.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients
      with cystic fibrosis (CF). Antimicrobial resistance of the bacterial spp.
      particularly methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus has caused a lot of
      attention. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of S. aureus,
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Burkholderia cepacia-complex as well as their
      antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in CF patients in an Iranian referral
      pediatrics Hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From March 2011 until February 2012,
      172 samples were collected at the Children Medical Center (CMC), an Iranian
      referral hospital in Tehran, Iran. Sputum specimens were cultured for the
      following bacterial pathogens: P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, B. cepacia complex.
      Antimicrobial susceptibility was performed according to the Clinical Laboratory
      Standards Institute recommendations. RESULTS: In our study, 54% of the patients
      (n = 93) harbored at least once S. aureus, 30% (n = 52) P. aeruginosa, and 2% (n
      = 3) Burkholderia cepacia. In 40 patients (23%), none of these organisms was
      grown. An increasing colonization rate of P. aeruginosa in the second decade of
      life was found. In contrast, the colonization rate of S. aureus was constant in
      both decades of life. Methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) was detected in 40
      isolates (43%). Among MRSA, no resistance against vancomycin, linezolid and
      quinupristin/dalfopristin occurred. The susceptibility of P. aeruginosa isolates
      to meropenem, imipenem, doripenem, levofloxacin and polymixin B were more than
      90%. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of MRSA has been rising. Since its impact on
      clinical outcomes, optimal prevention and treatment strategies are unclear,
      further studies to expand the knowledge about the infection control strategies
      and MRSA treatment are highly recommended.

PMID- 27666508
TI  - Ferric hydroxamate uptake system contributes to Edwardsiella ictaluri virulence.
AB  - Edwardsiella ictaluri is a Gram-negative facultative intracellular pathogen
      causing enteric septicemia in fish, particularly in channel catfish. Ferric iron
      is an essential micronutrient for bacterial survival, and some bacterial
      pathogens use secreted hydroxamate-type siderophores to chelate iron in host
      tissues. Siderophore-iron complexes are taken up by these bacteria via the ferric
      hydroxamate uptake (Fhu) system. In E. ictaluri, the Fhu system consists of fhuC,
      fhuD, fhuB, and fhuA genes. However, the importance of the Fhu system in E.
      ictaluri virulence has not been investigated completely. Here, we present
      construction of E. ictaluri fhuD and fhuB mutants (EiDeltafhuD and EiDeltafhuB)
      by in-frame gene deletion and evaluation of the mutants' virulence and
      immunogenicity in channel catfish fingerlings and fry. Immersion challenges
      showed that EiDeltafhuD was not significantly attenuated (p < 0.05) in catfish
      fingerlings, whereas EiDeltafhuB was significantly attenuated (p < 0.01). Catfish
      fingerlings immunized with EiDeltafhuD and EiDeltafhuB showed 100% and 97.62%
      survival, respectively. Fry immersion challenges indicated EiDeltafhuB was also
      significantly attenuated (p < 0.05) in two-week old fry compared to the wild-type
      (48.96% vs. 82.14% mortalities). The survival rate in the fry vaccinated with
      EiDeltafhuB was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of non-vaccinated fry
      (96.77% vs. 21.42% survival). Our data indicates that the fhuB gene, but not the
      fhuD gene, contributes to E. ictaluri virulence.

PMID- 27666509
TI  - A novel missense mutation in the NADPH binding domain of CYBB abolishes the NADPH
      oxidase activity in a male patient with increased susceptibility to infections.
AB  - Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a primary immunodeficiency caused by
      mutations in the five structural genes (CYBB, CYBA, NCF1, NCF2, and NCF4) that
      typically results in a decrease in function or inability to generate a
      respiratory burst, leading to defective killing of pathogens, including fungi and
      intracellular bacteria. Mutations in CYBB, encoding the gp91phox (also known as
      NOX2) result in X-linked CGD account for approximately 65% of CGD cases. Here, we
      aimed the characterization of a novel missense mutation c.1226C > A/p.A409E in
      the CYBB gene in a patient with X-linked CGD. Relevant clinical data of a male
      patient whose family was positive for XCGD was reviewed. Oxidative burst and
      NADPH protein expression was evaluated by flow cytometry, while Genetic analysis
      was performed by Sanger sequencing. Monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) were
      evaluated for their capacity for phagocytosis and growth suppression of the
      intracellular Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis). We thus report the
      absence of an oxidative burst in the phagocytes of the patient. Flow cytometry
      evaluation revealed a normal expression of NADPH oxidase components in
      neutrophils and genetic analysis proved the existence of a novel missense c.1226C
      > A mutation in the CYBB gene resulting in p.A409E. Further, we have showed that
      the patient's MDMs were unhindered in their ability to take up mycobacteria
      normally. Instead, the MDMs failed to control the intracellular proliferation of
      M. tuberculosis, a phenotype that improved in the presence of recombinant human
      interferon-gamma (rhIFN-gamma). This work expands the genetic spectrum of X
      linked CGD and demonstrates improvement in macrophage function in X91+CGD patient
      by rhIFN-gamma.

PMID- 27666510
TI  - Clinical relevance of Helicobacter pylori virulence factors in Iranian patients
      with gastrointestinal diseases.
AB  - Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) usually colonizes the gastric mucosa of more than
      50% of the human population, causing an infection that may appear in early
      childhood and can persist for life. H. pylori is suggested as the main cause of
      peptic ulcer and chronic gastritis. It is also associated with gastric cancer.
      Its severity and symptoms depend on environmental factors, host susceptibility
      and bacterial components, which allow H. pylori to switch between commensalism
      and pathogenicity. H. pylori is genetically highly variable, and the variability
      which affects H. pylori virulence factors might be useful in identifying the
      strains with different degrees of pathogenicity. The geographic distribution of
      distinct H. pylori genotypes is largely unknown and should be established. The
      prevalence of more pathogenic genotypes in certain areas may have important
      epidemiological consequences. It also might be associated with the severity of H.
      pylori related diseases in such regions. Given that Iran is located in the Middle
      East and Asian populations have revealed high levels of gastric cancer, it is of
      clinical interest to clarify the potential of H. pylori virulence markers in
      predicting the associated clinical outcomes. In this review, clinical relevance
      of adhesion molecules and significant virulence factors of H. pylori in Iranian
      patients with gastrointestinal diseases are discussed in comparison to other
      countries.

PMID- 27666511
TI  - Clinical, cytological and microbiological evaluation of bronchoalveolar lavage in
      children: A referral hospital-based study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Diffuse lung diseases (DLD) in children involve a group of
      heterogeneous, rare disorders. In spite of the low diagnostic yield in pediatric
      DLD, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) can be used to diagnose specific disorders.
      There are few studies about microbial and cellular profiles of BAL samples in
      these patients. This study was conducted to evaluate the clinical, cytological
      and microbiological evaluation of BAL in children with DLD. METHODS: The
      clinical, cytological and microbiological profiles of BAL samples of all patients
      with DLD who underwent the fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) at Children's Medical
      Center, an Iranian referral pediatrics Hospital during a year were evaluated.
      RESULTS: In 18 patients (18.4%) of the 98 cases studied, 22 pathogens were
      obtained as etiologic agents. The mean total cells count of BAL was 23.9 * 104 +/
      12.9 * 104/ml. The mean percentages of cellular components were macrophages
      (70.2%), neutrophils (16.3%), lymphocytes (11.8%) and eosinophils (1.4%),
      respectively. The type of lung disease was significantly associated with the mean
      percentage of lymphocytes (p = 0.005) and the percentage of neutrophils (p =
      0.042). CONCLUSION: FOB and BAL evaluation in combination with clinical and
      radiographic imaging data may be helpful for identifying of presumptive diagnosis
      of DLD in children.

PMID- 27666512
TI  - Productivity costs of work loss associated with osteoarthritis in Canada from
      2010 to 2031.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate and project the productivity costs of work loss (PCWL)
      associated with osteoarthritis (OA) in Canada using the Population Health Model
      (POHEM). DESIGN: We integrated an employment module based on 2006 Canadian Census
      into the previously developed microsimulation model of OA. The Canadian Community
      Health Survey (CCHS) Cycle 2.1 with an OA sample aged 25-64 (n = 7067) was used
      to calibrate the results of the employment module and to estimate the fraction of
      non-employment associated with OA. Probabilities of non-employment together with
      attributable fractions were then implemented in POHEM to estimate PCWL associated
      with OA from 2010 to 2031. RESULTS: Among the OA population, 44.4% and 59.4% of
      non-employment due to illness was associated with OA for those not working full
      year and part-year, respectively. According to POHEM projections, the size of the
      working age population with OA increased from 1.5 million in 2010 to 1.7 million
      in 2031. The PCWL associated with OA increased from $12 billion to $17.5 billion
      in constant 2008 Canadian dollars. Around 38% of this increase was due to the
      increase in OA prevalence and changes in demographics, while the rest was due to
      increase in real wage growth. Male and female OA patients between 55 and 64 years
      of age had the highest total projected PCWL, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The total
      PCWL associated with OA in Canada is estimated to be substantial and increasing
      in future years. Results of this study could be used to inform policies aiming to
      increase employment sustainability among individuals with OA.

PMID- 27666514
TI  - True Randomness from Big Data.
AB  - Generating random bits is a difficult task, which is important for physical
      systems simulation, cryptography, and many applications that rely on high-quality
      random bits. Our contribution is to show how to generate provably random bits
      from uncertain events whose outcomes are routinely recorded in the form of
      massive data sets. These include scientific data sets, such as in astronomics,
      genomics, as well as data produced by individuals, such as internet search logs,
      sensor networks, and social network feeds. We view the generation of such data as
      the sampling process from a big source, which is a random variable of size at
      least a few gigabytes. Our view initiates the study of big sources in the
      randomness extraction literature. Previous approaches for big sources rely on
      statistical assumptions about the samples. We introduce a general method that
      provably extracts almost-uniform random bits from big sources and extensively
      validate it empirically on real data sets. The experimental findings indicate
      that our method is efficient enough to handle large enough sources, while
      previous extractor constructions are not efficient enough to be practical.
      Quality-wise, our method at least matches quantum randomness expanders and
      classical world empirical extractors as measured by standardized tests.

PMID- 27666513
TI  - Robotic Radical Hysterectomy After Concomitant Chemoradiation in Locally Advanced
      Cervical Cancer: A Prospective Phase II Study.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of total robotic radical surgery
      (TRRS) in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) who receive
      chemoradiation therapy (CT/RT). DESIGN: A prospective (preplanned) study of a
      nonrandomized controlled trial (Canadian Task Force classification level 2).
      SETTING: Catholic University of the Sacred Hearth, Rome, Italy. PATIENTS: Between
      September 2013 and January 2016, a total of 40 patients with LACC (Federation
      Internationale de Gynecologie et d'Obstetrique stage IB2-III) were enrolled in
      the study. INTERVENTIONS: Robotic radical hysterectomy (RRH) plus pelvic and/or
      aortic lymphadenectomy was attempted within 6 weeks after CT/RT. The feasibility
      of TRRS as well as the rate, pattern, and severity of early and late
      postoperative complications were analyzed. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: After
      CT/RT, 29 patients (72.5%) underwent type B2 RRH, and 11 (27.5%) underwent type
      C1 RRH. Pelvic lymphadenectomy was performed in all cases. TRRS was successful in
      39 of 40 cases (feasibility rate = 97.5%). In patients successfully completing
      TRRS, the median operating time was 185 minutes (range, 100-330 minutes), and the
      median blood loss was 100 mL (range, 50-300 mL). The median time of
      hospitalization counted from the first postoperative day was 2 days (range, 1-4
      days). No intraoperative complications were recorded. During the observation
      period (median = 18 months; range, 4-28 months), 9 of 40 (22.5%) experienced
      postoperative complications, for a total number of 12 complications. As of April
      2016, recurrence of disease was documented in 5 cases (12.5%). CONCLUSION: TRRS
      is feasible in LACC patients administered preoperative CT/RT, providing
      perioperative outcomes comparable with those registered in early-stage disease,
      and LACC patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

PMID- 27666515
TI  - Root Development and Endosymbioses: DELLAs Lead the Orchestra.
AB  - DELLA proteins, acting as integrators of gibberellin (GA) action, are emerging as
      key regulators of root system architecture. Recent studies have revealed how they
      dictate the dynamics of root growth and are required for the establishment of
      root endosymbioses with rhizobial bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi. Like
      conductors, DELLAs can thereby harmonize root development depending on soil
      environments.

PMID- 27666516
TI  - Transcriptional Regulatory Network of Plant Heat Stress Response.
AB  - Heat stress (HS) is becoming an increasingly significant problem for food
      security as global warming progresses. Recent studies have elucidated the complex
      transcriptional regulatory networks involved in HS. Here, we provide an overview
      of current knowledge regarding the transcriptional regulatory network and post
      translational regulation of the transcription factors involved in the HS
      response. Increasing evidence suggests that epigenetic regulation and small RNAs
      are important in heat-induced transcriptional responses and stress memory. It
      remains to be elucidated how plants sense and respond to HS. Several recent
      reports have discussed the heat sensing and signaling that activate
      transcriptional cascades; thus, we also highlight future directions of promoting
      crop tolerance to HS using these factors or other strategies for agricultural
      applications.

PMID- 27666517
TI  - ROS Are Good.
AB  - Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are thought to play a dual role in plant biology.
      They are required for many important signaling reactions, but are also toxic
      byproducts of aerobic metabolism. Recent studies revealed that ROS are necessary
      for the progression of several basic biological processes including cellular
      proliferation and differentiation. Moreover, cell death-that was previously
      thought to be the outcome of ROS directly killing cells by oxidation, in other
      words via oxidative stress-is now considered to be the result of ROS triggering a
      physiological or programmed pathway for cell death. This Opinion focuses on the
      possibility that ROS are beneficial to plants, supporting cellular proliferation,
      physiological function, and viability, and that maintaining a basal level of ROS
      in cells is essential for life.

PMID- 27666518
TI  - microRNAs involved in Parkinson's disease: A systematic review.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to determine the expression of blood microRNAs
      (miRNAs) involved in PD in humans. For this purpose the following electronic
      databases were selected: MEDLINE by Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science. The search
      strategy included the proposed descriptors in the Medical Subject Headings. There
      were no restrictions with respect to the language of the publication. In the
      study selection two independent reviewers initially evaluated studies that were
      identified by the search strategy according to titles and abstracts. The
      reviewers evaluated (also unassisted) the complete articles and selected studies
      according to the eligibility criteria specified above. Studies that were not in
      accordance with the adopted criteria were excluded according to the boundaries
      imposed by the search strategy. The following data were extracted from the
      selected studies: Publication identification, location where the study was
      conducted, study design, the sample size, the participants' characteristics, the
      miRNAs involved in PD, the miRNA detection and analysis method, and the type of
      miRNA dysregulation in PD. Through this systematic review of the literature
      published over the last 10 years, the expression of 91 different miRNAs were
      analyzed in the context of PD, with the expression of 39 of these miRNAs
      differing significantly between individuals with PD and healthy controls and/or
      between treated and untreated patients with PD. The miRNAs were extracted from
      mononuclear cells, leukocytes, plasma, serum and peripheral blood, and the
      majority of the studies used reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain
      reaction (RT-qPCR), which is considered to be the gold standard for miRNA
      analysis.

PMID- 27666520
TI  - Role of phosphatase of regenerating liver 1 (PRL1) in spermatogenesis.
AB  - The PRL phosphatases are oncogenic when overexpressed but their in vivo
      biological function is less well understood. Previous gene deletion study
      revealed a role for PRL2 in spermatogenesis. We report here the first knockout
      mice lacking PRL1, the most related homolog of PRL2. We found that loss of PRL1
      does not affect spermatogenesis and reproductive ability of male mice, likely due
      to functional compensation by the relatively higher expression of PRL2 in the
      testes. However, PRL1-/-/PRL2+/- male mice show testicular atrophy phenotype
      similar to PRL2-/- mice. More strikingly, deletion of one PRL1 allele in PRL2-/-
      male mice causes complete infertility. Mechanistically, the total level of PRL1
      and PRL2 is negatively correlated with the PTEN protein level in the testis and
      PRL1+/-/PRL2-/- mice have the highest level of PTEN, leading to attenuated Akt
      activation and increased germ cell apoptosis, effectively halting spermatozoa
      production. These results provide the first evidence that in addition to PRL2,
      PRL1 is also required for spermatogenesis by downregulating PTEN and promoting
      Akt signaling. The ability of the PRLs to suppress PTEN expression underscores
      the biochemical basis for their oncogenic potential.

PMID- 27666521
TI  - Pro-adhesive phenotype of normal endothelial cells responding to metastatic
      breast cancer cell conditioned medium is linked to NFkappaB-mediated
      transcriptomic regulation.
AB  - Tumor microenvironment is an important promoter of tumorigenesis in all forms of
      breast cancer and has been associated with the risk of metastasis in the
      different breast cancer subtypes including the more frequent luminal subtypes
      that encompass 60% of cancer patients. Adhesive properties of endothelial cells
      (ECs) are strikingly affected during cancer cell dissemination and are related to
      functional changes of adhesion receptors. The contribution of tumor secreted
      factors to tumor-EC adhesion represents a therapeutic opportunity for breast
      cancer metastasis. Conditioned medium (CM) of tumor cells can be used as a model
      to study the role of the secreted molecules to the tumor microenvironment. We
      explored transcriptomic changes associated to a pro-adhesive phenotype in primary
      human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) treated with CM of the breast
      cancer cell line ZR75.30 or with TNF for 3 h. Selected genes were used to
      validate the microarray through RT-qPCR. The bioinformatic analysis identified
      NFkappaB as the main regulator of the pro-adhesive phenotype and this was
      confirmed by pharmacological inhibition of NFkappaB pathway with BAY 11-7085. The
      changes induced by ZR75.30-CM mimic those promoted by TNF and display changes in
      the expression of genes related to inflammatory response, wound healing,
      extracellular matrix, cytokines, metabolism and cell communication. Despite the
      abundance of G-CSF, IL-8, IL-6 and VEGF in the ZR75.30-CM and the confirmed
      activation of STAT3 and VEGFR2 pathways, our results suggest dominance of
      NFkappaB as a central controller of the transcriptomic response of ECs to breast
      cancer cells leading to expression of cell adhesion receptors.

PMID- 27666522
TI  - Turning into frogs: Asymmetry in forelimb emergence and escape direction in
      metamorphosing anurans.
AB  - There is considerable debate about the pattern and origin of laterality in
      forelimb emergence and turning behaviour within amphibians, with the latter being
      poorly investigated in tadpoles around metamorphic climax. Using 6 species of
      metamorphosing anurans, we investigated the effect of asymmetrical spiracle
      location, and disturbance at the time of forelimb emergence, on the pattern of
      forelimb emergence. Turning behaviour was observed to assess whether motor
      lateralization occurred in non-neobatrachian anurans and was linked to patterns
      of forelimb emergence. Biases in forelimb emergence differed among species,
      supporting the hypothesis that asymmetrical spiracle position results in the same
      asymmetry in forelimb emergence. However, this pattern only occurred when
      individuals were undisturbed. Therefore, context at the time of the emergence of
      the forelimbs may be important, and might explain some discrepancies in the
      literature. Turning biases, unconnected to forelimb emergence, were found in
      Pipidae and Bombinatoridae, confirming the basal origin of lateralized behaviour
      among anurans. Turning direction in our metamorphs differed from the leftward
      bias commonly observed in tadpoles, but may be analogous to the prevalent right
      "handedness" among adult anurans. Therefore, the transitions occurring during
      metamorphosis may affect lateralized behaviour and metamorphosis may be fruitful
      for understanding the development of lateralization.

PMID- 27666519
TI  - Breast cancer genome and transcriptome integration implicates specific mutational
      signatures with immune cell infiltration.
AB  - A recent comprehensive whole genome analysis of a large breast cancer cohort was
      used to link known and novel drivers and substitution signatures to the
      transcriptome of 266 cases. Here, we validate that subtype-specific aberrations
      show concordant expression changes for, for example, TP53, PIK3CA, PTEN, CCND1
      and CDH1. We find that CCND3 expression levels do not correlate with
      amplification, while increased GATA3 expression in mutant GATA3 cancers suggests
      GATA3 is an oncogene. In luminal cases the total number of substitutions,
      irrespective of type, associates with cell cycle gene expression and adverse
      outcome, whereas the number of mutations of signatures 3 and 13 associates with
      immune-response specific gene expression, increased numbers of tumour
      infiltrating lymphocytes and better outcome. Thus, while earlier reports imply
      that the sheer number of somatic aberrations could trigger an immune-response,
      our data suggests that substitutions of a particular type are more effective in
      doing so than others.

PMID- 27666524
TI  - Eco-friendly p-type Cu2SnS3 thermoelectric material: crystal structure and
      transport properties.
AB  - As a new eco-friendly thermoelectric material, copper tin sulfide (Cu2SnS3)
      ceramics were experimentally studied by Zn-doping. Excellent electrical transport
      properties were obtained by virtue of 3-dimensionally conductive network for
      holes, which are less affected by the coexistence of cubic and tetragonal phases
      that formed upon Zn subsitition for Sn; a highest power factors ~0.84 mW m-1 K-2
      at 723 K was achieved in the 20% doped sample. Moreover, an ultralow lattice
      thermal conductivity close to theoretical minimum was observed in these samples,
      which could be related to the disordering of atoms in the coexisting cubic and
      tetragonal phases and the interfaces. Thanks to the phonon-glass-electron-crystal
      features, a maximum ZT ~ 0.58 was obtained at 723 K, which stands among the tops
      for sulfide thermoelectrics at the same temperature.

PMID- 27666523
TI  - Electronic properties of MoS2/MoOx interfaces: Implications in Tunnel Field
      Effect Transistors and Hole Contacts.
AB  - In an electronic device based on two dimensional (2D) transitional metal
      dichalcogenides (TMDs), finding a low resistance metal contact is critical in
      order to achieve the desired performance. However, due to the unusual Fermi level
      pinning in metal/2D TMD interface, the performance is limited. Here, we
      investigate the electronic properties of TMDs and transition metal oxide (TMO)
      interfaces (MoS2/MoO3) using density functional theory (DFT). Our results
      demonstrate that, due to the large work function of MoO3 and the relative band
      alignment with MoS2, together with small energy gap, the MoS2/MoO3 interface is a
      good candidate for a tunnel field effect (TFET)-type device. Moreover, if the
      interface is not stoichiometric because of the presence of oxygen vacancies in
      MoO3, the heterostructure is more suitable for p-type (hole) contacts, exhibiting
      an Ohmic electrical behavior as experimentally demonstrated for different TMO/TMD
      interfaces. Our results reveal that the defect state induced by an oxygen vacancy
      in the MoO3 aligns with the valance band of MoS2, showing an insignificant impact
      on the band gap of the TMD. This result highlights the role of oxygen vacancies
      in oxides on facilitating appropriate contacts at the MoS2 and MoOx (x < 3)
      interface, which consistently explains the available experimental observations.

PMID- 27666525
TI  - Disaster Preparedness Among University Students in Guangzhou, China: Assessment
      of Status and Demand for Disaster Education.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study had 2 aims. First, we evaluated the current levels of
      disaster preparedness among university students in southern China. Second, we
      assessed students' demands for future disaster education. In addition, we
      examined the influence of demographic factors on current disaster preparedness
      status and demand. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was used. The data were
      collected from 1893 students in 10 universities in the Guangzhou Higher Education
      Mega (GHEM) center. A self-administered questionnaire developed for this study
      was administered to assess the current status and demand for disaster education.
      RESULTS: The results are based on 1764 valid questionnaires. Among the
      participants, 77.8% reported having had disaster education experiences before,
      85.5% indicated their desire for a systematic disaster course, and 75.4%
      expressed their willingness to take such a course upon its availability. The
      total mean score for demand for disaster course content (5-point Likert scale)
      was 4.17+/-0.84, with items relating to rescue skills given the highest scores.
      These results suggested that students had high desires for disaster preparedness
      knowledge, especially knowledge concerning rescue skills. We observed significant
      differences in disaster education experiences between male and female students
      and across programs, school years, and home locations. Furthermore, we observed
      significant differences in demand for disaster course content between male and
      female students and across universities, student programs, years of school, and
      students' majors. CONCLUSION: A systematic disaster course focused on rescue
      skills is needed by all types of universities. To improve the disaster education
      system in universities, disaster drills should be performed on a semester basis
      as a refresher and to enhance disaster preparedness. The government and
      universities should support building a simulated disaster rescue center and
      recruit faculty from the emergency department, especially those who have had
      disaster relief experience. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2017;11:310
      317).

PMID- 27666526
TI  - Dairy food products: good or bad for cardiometabolic disease?
AB  - Prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is rapidly increasingly and is a
      key risk for CVD development, now recognised as the leading cause of death
      globally. Dietary strategies to reduce CVD development include reduction of
      saturated fat intake. Milk and dairy products are the largest contributors to
      dietary saturated fats in the UK and reduced consumption is often recommended as
      a strategy for risk reduction. However, overall evidence from prospective cohort
      studies does not confirm a detrimental association between dairy product
      consumption and CVD risk. The present review critically evaluates the current
      evidence on the association between milk and dairy products and risk of CVD, T2DM
      and the metabolic syndrome (collectively, cardiometabolic disease). The effects
      of total and individual dairy foods on cardiometabolic risk factors and new
      information on the effects of the food matrix on reducing fat digestion are also
      reviewed. It is concluded that a policy to lower SFA intake by reducing dairy
      food consumption to reduce cardiometabolic disease risk is likely to have limited
      or possibly negative effects. There remain many uncertainties, including
      differential effects of different dairy products and those of differing fat
      content. Focused and suitably designed and powered studies are needed to provide
      clearer evidence not only of the mechanisms involved, but how they may be
      beneficially influenced during milk production and processing.

PMID- 27666527
TI  - Remediation of Hg(II) from solutions using Cajanus cajan husk as a new sorbent.
AB  - In this work, biosorption of mercury(II) from solutions by normal and chemically
      modified husk of Cajanus cajan has been explored under batch conditions. The
      thermogravimetric analysis of the normal biosorbent showed a surface water loss
      of 6.56%, 9.26% volatile matter, and 81.81% organic matter. The scanning electron
      microscope image indicates that the biosorbent exhibited irregular and porous
      structures. The Fourier transform infra-red spectrum confirmed the presence of
      functional groups which are responsible for biosorption of mercury (II) from
      solutions after activation. The influence of initial pH of solutions, initial
      metal concentrations, and temperature on mercury(II) uptake by the biosorbents
      was evaluated. The biosorption followed the Langmuir model. Maximum metal uptake
      was obtained as 68 and 82 mg/g for an initial mercury(II) concentration of 150
      mg/L for normal and chemically activated biosorbents, respectively, at a most
      favorable solution pH of 5.5. The kinetics of sorption obeyed the pseudo-second
      order model. An endothermic nature of the biosorption process was observed. A two
      stage biosorber reduced the consumption of the biosorbents by 3.49% and 16.52%
      for 100 and 150 mg/L, respectively. The novelty of the work is C. cajan husk
      proves to be a potential biosorbent for mercury(II) from solutions.

PMID- 27666528
TI  - Two-step phase-shifting SPIDER.
AB  - Comprehensive characterization of ultrafast optical field is critical for
      ultrashort pulse generation and its application. This paper combines two-step
      phase-shifting (TSPS) into the spectral phase interferometry for direct electric
      field reconstruction (SPIDER) to improve the reconstruction of ultrafast optical
      fields. This novel SPIDER can remove experimentally the dc portion occurring in
      traditional SPIDER method by recording two spectral interferograms with pi phase
      shifting. As a result, the reconstructed results are much less disturbed by the
      time delay between the test pulse replicas and the temporal widths of the filter
      window, thus more reliable. What is more, this SPIDER can work efficiently even
      the time delay is so small or the measured bandwidth is so narrow that strong
      overlap happens between the dc and ac portions, which allows it to be able to
      characterize the test pulses with complicated temporal/spectral structures or
      narrow bandwidths.

PMID- 27666529
TI  - Effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on motor cortex excitability upon
      release of tonic muscle contraction.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to investigate the neurophysiological triggers
      underlying muscle relaxation from the contracted state, and to examine the
      mechanisms involved in this process and their subsequent modification by
      neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES). Single-pulse transcranial magnetic
      stimulation (TMS) was used to produce motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) and short
      interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) in 23 healthy participants, wherein
      motor cortex excitability was examined at the onset of voluntary muscle
      relaxation following a period of voluntary tonic muscle contraction. In addition,
      the effects of afferent input on motor cortex excitability, as produced by NMES
      during muscle contraction, were examined. In particular, two NMES intensities
      were used for analysis: 1.2 times the sensory threshold and 1.2 times the motor
      threshold (MT). Participants were directed to execute constant wrist extensions
      and to release muscle contraction in response to an auditory "GO" signal. MEPs
      were recorded from the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) and extensor carpi radialis
      (ECR) muscles, and TMS was applied at three different time intervals (30, 60, and
      90 ms) after the "GO" signal. Motor cortex excitability was greater during
      voluntary ECR and FCR relaxation using high-intensity NMES, and relaxation time
      was decreased. Each parameter differed significantly between 30 and 60 ms.
      Moreover, in both muscles, SICI was larger in the presence than in the absence of
      NMES. Therefore, the present findings suggest that terminating a muscle
      contraction triggers transient neurophysiological mechanisms that facilitate the
      NMES-induced modulation of cortical motor excitability in the period prior to
      muscle relaxation. High-intensity NMES might facilitate motor cortical
      excitability as a function of increased inhibitory intracortical activity, and
      therefore serve as a transient trigger for the relaxation of prime mover muscles
      in a therapeutic context.

PMID- 27666530
TI  - Etoposide induced cytotoxicity mediated by ROS and ERK in human kidney proximal
      tubule cells.
AB  - Etoposide (ETO) is a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug that inhibits
      topoisomerase II activity, thereby leading to genotoxicity and cytotoxicity.
      However, ETO has limited application due to its side effects on normal organs,
      especially the kidney. Here, we report the mechanism of ETO-induced cytotoxicity
      progression in human kidney proximal tubule (HK-2) cells. Our results show that
      ETO perpetuates DNA damage, activates mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK),
      and triggers morphological changes, such as cell and nuclear swelling. When NAC,
      a well-known reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger, is co-treated with ETO, it
      inhibits an ETO-induced increase in mitochondrial mass, mitochondrial DNA (ND1
      and ND4) copy number, intracellular ATP level, and mitochondrial biogenesis
      activators (TFAM, PGC-1alpha and PGC-1beta). Moreover, co-treatment with ETO and
      NAC inhibits ETO-induced necrosis and cell swelling, but not apoptosis. Studies
      using MAPK inhibitors reveal that inhibition of extracellular signal regulated
      kinase (ERK) protects ETO-induced cytotoxicity by inhibiting DNA damage and
      caspase 3/7 activity. Eventually, ERK inhibitor treated cells are protected from
      ETO-induced nuclear envelope (NE) rupture and DNA leakage through inhibition of
      caspase activity. Taken together, these data suggest that ETO mediates
      cytotoxicity in HK-2 cells through ROS and ERK pathways, which highlight the
      preventive avenues in ETO-induced cytotoxicity in kidney.

PMID- 27666531
TI  - Highly conductive and pure gold nanostructures grown by electron beam induced
      deposition.
AB  - This work introduces an additive direct-write nanofabrication technique for
      producing extremely conductive gold nanostructures from a commercial metalorganic
      precursor. Gold content of 91 atomic % (at. %) was achieved by using water as an
      oxidative enhancer during direct-write deposition. A model was developed based on
      the deposition rate and the chemical composition, and it explains the surface
      processes that lead to the increases in gold purity and deposition yield. Co
      injection of an oxidative enhancer enabled Focused Electron Beam Induced
      Deposition (FEBID)-a maskless, resistless deposition method for three dimensional
      (3D) nanostructures-to directly yield pure gold in a single process step, without
      post-deposition purification. Gold nanowires displayed resistivity down to 8.8
      MUOmega cm. This is the highest conductivity achieved so far from FEBID and it
      opens the possibility of applications in nanoelectronics, such as direct-write
      contacts to nanomaterials. The increased gold deposition yield and the ultralow
      carbon level will facilitate future applications such as the fabrication of 3D
      nanostructures in nanoplasmonics and biomolecule immobilization.

PMID- 27666532
TI  - Relationships between functional diversity and aboveground biomass production in
      the Northern Tibetan alpine grasslands.
AB  - Functional diversity, the extent of functional differences among species in a
      community, drives biodiversity-ecosystem function (BEF) relationships. Here, four
      species traits and aboveground biomass production (ABP) were considered. We used
      two community-wide measures of plant functional composition, (1) community
      weighted means of trait values (CWM) and (2) functional trait diversity based on
      Rao's quadratic diversity (FDQ) to evaluate the effects of functional diversity
      on the ABP in the Northern Tibetan alpine grasslands. Both species and functional
      diversity were positively related to the ABP. Functional trait composition had a
      larger predictive power for the ABP than species diversity and FDQ, indicating a
      primary dependence of ecosystem property on the identity of dominant species in
      our study system. Multivariate functional diversity was ineffective in predicting
      ecosystem function due to the trade-offs among different traits or traits
      selection criterions. Our study contributes to a better understanding of the
      mechanisms driving the BEF relationships in stressed ecosystems, and especially
      emphasizes that abiotic and biotic factors affect the BEF relationships in alpine
      grasslands.

PMID- 27666533
TI  - An evaluation of multiplex bead-based analysis of cytokines and soluble proteins
      in archived lithium heparin plasma, EDTA plasma and serum samples.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the usability of archived plasma and serum by multiplex
      (Luminex) analysis of circulating proteins (analytes) by evaluating the day to
      day variation, the effect of several freeze-thaw cycles, and the influence of the
      media and choice of anticoagulant. METHODS: Nineteen analytes in plasma and serum
      from 86 head and neck cancer patients and 33 controls were evaluated: EGFR,
      leptin, OPN, VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, IL-2, IL-13, PDGF-bb, TNF, PAI-1, SDF-1a, IL-4, IL
      6, IL-8, eotaxin, G-CSF, VEGF, GRO-a, and HGF. RESULTS: The correlation between
      measurements of the same samples analyzed on different dates was reasonable.
      However, samples run on different dates could exhibit different absolute values.
      The 75th percentile of the fold differences for samples run on different dates
      was 2.2. No significant difference was found between one and four freeze-thaw
      cycles (except for HGF), and the correlation was high. We found significant
      differences in mean concentrations of the majority of analytes in different media
      and with different anticoagulants. Only the following analytes did not show
      difference in mean concentrations: EDTA plasma vs. serum: leptin and VEGFR-2, LH
      plasma vs. serum: IL-2, IL-13, and VEGF, LH plasma levels vs. EDTA plasma: IL-2
      and IL-4. CONCLUSION: Stored serum, LH plasma, and EDTA plasma from clinical
      trials can be used for analysis of circulating cytokines and proteins. Variations
      in measurements occur, but are within reasonable ranges. The optimal type of
      media depends on the analytes, as different analytes have low number of
      measurements below the lower limit of quantification and higher dynamic ranges in
      different media.

PMID- 27666534
TI  - Heterozygous inactivating CaSR mutations causing neonatal hyperparathyroidism:
      function, inheritance and phenotype.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Homozygous inactivating mutations of the calcium-sensing receptor
      (CaSR) lead to neonatal severe hyperparathyroidism (NSHPT), whereas heterozygous
      inactivating mutations result in familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH). It
      is unknown why in some cases heterozygous CaSR mutations cause neonatal
      hyperparathyroidism (NHPT) clinically similar to NSHPT but with only moderately
      elevated serum calcium. METHODS: A literature survey was conducted to identify
      patients with heterozygous CaSR mutations and NHPT. The common NHPT CaSR mutants
      R185Q and R227L were compared with 15 mutants causing only FHH in the
      heterozygous state. We studied in vitro calcium signaling including the
      functional consequences of co-expression of mutant and wild-type (wt) CaSR,
      patients' phenotype, age of disease manifestation and mode of inheritance.
      RESULTS: All inactivating CaSR mutants impaired calcium signaling of wt-CaSR
      regardless of the patients' clinical phenotype. The absolute intracellular
      calcium signaling response to physiologic extracellular calcium concentrations in
      vitro showed a high correlation with patients' serum calcium concentrations in
      vivo, which is similar in NHPT and FHH patients with the same genotype. Pedigrees
      of FHH families revealed that paternal inheritance per se does not necessarily
      lead to NHPT but may only cause FHH. CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant
      correlation between in vitro functional impairment of the CaSR at physiologic
      calcium concentrations and the severity of alterations in calcium homeostasis in
      patients. Whether a particular genotype leads to NHPT or FHH appears to depend on
      additional predisposing genetic or environmental factors. An individual
      therapeutic approach appears to be warranted for NHPT patients.

PMID- 27666535
TI  - ENDOCRINE TUMOURS: Advances in the molecular pathogenesis of thyroid cancer:
      lessons from the cancer genome.
AB  - Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy giving rise to one of the
      most indolent solid cancers, but also one of the most lethal. In recent years,
      systematic studies of the cancer genome, most importantly those derived from The
      Cancer Genome Altas (TCGA), have catalogued aberrations in the DNA, chromatin,
      and RNA of the genomes of thousands of tumors relative to matched normal cellular
      genomes and have analyzed their epigenetic and protein consequences. Cancer
      genomics is therefore providing new information on cancer development and
      behavior, as well as new insights into genetic alterations and molecular
      pathways. From this genomic perspective, we will review the main advances
      concerning some essential aspects of the molecular pathogenesis of thyroid cancer
      such as mutational mechanisms, new cancer genes implicated in tumor initiation
      and progression, the role of non-coding RNA, and the advent of new susceptibility
      genes in thyroid cancer predisposition. This look across these genomic and
      cellular alterations results in the reshaping of the multistep development of
      thyroid tumors and offers new tools and opportunities for further research and
      clinical development of novel treatment strategies. 

PMID- 27666536
TI  - Gondwanan conifer clones imperilled by bushfire.
AB  - Global increases in fire frequency driven by anthropogenic greenhouse emissions
      and land use change could threaten unique and ancient species by creeping into
      long-term fire refugia. The perhumid and mountainous western half of Tasmania is
      a globally important refugium for palaeo-endemic, fire intolerant lineages,
      especially conifers. Reproductive strategy will be crucial to the resilience of
      these organisms under warmer, dryer and more fire prone climates. This study
      analysed clonal versus sexual reproduction in old growth plots dominated by the
      palaeo-endemic conifer Athrotaxis cupressoides (Cupressaceae), a species that
      lacks any traits to tolerate frequent landscape fire. Across most of the seven
      plots the amount of sexually derived individuals was lower than clonally derived
      with, on average, 60% of all stems belonging to the same multi-locus lineage
      (MLL) (i.e. were clonal). Some MLLs were large spanning over 10 s of metres and
      consisted of up to 62 stems. The high mortality after fire and the rarity of
      sexual regeneration means that the range of this fire-intolerant species is
      likely to contract under enhanced fire regimes and has a limited capacity to
      disperse via seed to available fire refugia in the landscape.

PMID- 27666537
TI  - The challenge of fertility preservation in cancer patients II: a themed issue of
      Future Oncology.

PMID- 27666538
TI  - Molecular Modeling and Structural Analysis of Some Snake Venom Specific Toxin
      Proteins and Cognate Non-Toxin Proteins of Other Chordates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Protein three-dimensional structures are very much important in terms
      of functional and evolutionary context. In the present work we evaluated the
      snake venom constituent cytotoxin, short neurotoxin and related non-toxin
      proteins of other chordates with reference to structure prediction, validation of
      the models, distribution of secondary structural elements, hydrophobicity
      molecular surface analysis, functional annotation and functionally critical
      binding site identification with the assistance of different bioinformatical
      tools. METHODS: Homology models have been generated with the help of Swiss-model
      and ITASSER suite during the present study. Afterwards the refined structural
      models were validated with standard methods. For functional annotation of protein
      molecules we used Protein Information Resource (PIR) database. The functionally
      critical amino acids and ligand- binding site (LBS) of the proteins (modeled) was
      determined using the COACH program. RESULTS: Structural analysis of snake venom
      toxin proteins and related non-toxin proteins of other chordates elucidated their
      structural level conservation of molecular structural surfaces and biophysical
      characteristics to different extents. Different structural level improvement
      strategies were observed which are necessary for better system dependent
      adaptation to diverse biological environment and functional necessities of these
      protein molecules. CONCLUSION: Molecular models and their structural
      characterization of these proteins as documented in this study may provide a
      valuable aid for drug designing in future.

PMID- 27666539
TI  - Frontline intensive chemotherapy improves outcome in young, high-risk patients
      with follicular lymphoma: pair-matched analysis from the Czech Lymphoma Study
      Group Database.
AB  - Optimal frontline treatment in younger high tumor-burden risk follicular lymphoma
      patients remains a challenge given the reduced efficacy of standard
      immunochemotherapy (R-CHOP) in widespread disease and unclear role of intensive
      induction. The retrospective non-randomized pair-matched (1:3) analysis compared
      48 intermediate/high Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (FLIPI)
      patients receiving intensive rituximab sequential chemotherapy (R-SQ) with 144
      random controls (R-CHOP) matched for age, FLIPI score, and maintenance delivery.
      Complete response rates were 91.7% and 74.1%, respectively (p = .038). After a
      median follow-up of 8.8 (R-SQ) and 6.5 years (R-CHOP), 5-year time to treatment
      failure, progression-free survival, and overall survival were 80.9%, 83.2%, and
      100% and 57.5%, 60.3%, and 92.1% (p = .0044; p = .0047; p = .22), respectively.
      Intensive treatment was accompanied by higher acute hematologic toxicity and
      infections, comparable non-hematologic toxicity, and incidence of secondary
      malignancies. Intensive induction demonstrates superior long-term disease control
      compared to R-CHOP, with higher acute hematologic toxicity, but without acute
      treatment-related mortality. Further studies are needed to define ultra-high-risk
      FL patients benefiting most from treatment intensity.

PMID- 27666540
TI  - Management of gastrointestinal perforation from blunt and penetrating abdominal
      trauma in children: analysis of 96 patients.
AB  - AIM: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the diagnostic methods,
      concomitant organ injuries, factors affecting mortality and morbidity, treatment
      methods, and outcomes of patients treated for traumatic gastrointestinal (GI)
      perforation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of the
      medical records of 96 patients who had been treated for GI perforation between
      January 2000 and October 2015. Data were collected and organised according to the
      following categories: general patient information, age, gender, hospitalisation
      period, trauma mechanisms, concomitant injuries, radiological assessment,
      diagnosis and treatment methods, treatment forms, and complications. The cases
      were divided into two groups, blunt and penetrating traumas, and the patients
      within each group were compared. Colorectal trauma cases were not included in
      this study. Patients suspected of a GI perforation were assessed by standing
      plain abdominal radiograph (SPAR) and ultrasound scan (US). Patients who had a
      normal SPAR, and showed free or viscous fluid in the abdomen on US underwent
      computed tomography (CT) scanning. Surgery was performed if patients displayed
      free air in the abdomen on a SPAR or CT scan, showed viscous fluid without any
      additional injury, provided normal radiological images but displayed signs of
      peritonitis, or were clinically unstable. The patients were scored according to
      the Injury Severity Score (ISS) system. RESULTS: In total, 96 patients, with an
      average age of 10.3 +/- 4 years (1-17 years) and diagnosed with a GI perforation,
      were reviewed retrospectively. The patients included 88 (91 %) males and 8 (9 %)
      females. The presence of free air on SPAR was detected in 42 (52 %) patients,
      whereas no free air was detected in 39 (48 %) patients. Non-specific significant
      findings were detected in 45 (76 %) out of 59 patients by USS, and in 78 % of
      patients by CT (viscous fluid, fluid, free air). The most affected organ was the
      ileum, which was detected in 37 (39 %) patients. Primary repair was performed on
      71 (74 %) patients, while resection was performed on 22 (23 %); 3 (3 %) patients
      underwent an ostomy. Ten (10 %) patients experienced complications and five (5 %)
      patients died. The ISS scores for blunt and penetrating traumas were 14, 15 and
      no significant difference was detected between the scores (p > 0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: Although the complication rate for patients with penetrating trauma
      was higher than for those with blunt trauma, the rate of mortality increased in
      patients with blunt trauma. Free air may not be detected by SPAR even if a GI
      perforation exists. Since diagnostic challenges may increase the rate of
      mortality and morbidity in GI perforations, we believe that a combination of
      radiological imaging and rapid abdominal examination is important in cases where
      SPAR cannot detect free air.

PMID- 27666542
TI  - Relieving geometrical frustration through doping in the Dy1-x Ca x BaCo4O7
      swedenborgites.
AB  - The geometrically frustrated antiferromagnet DyBaCo4O7 is investigated through a
      combination of x-ray diffraction, magnetization and dielectric measurements.
      Systematic doping in the series Dy1-x Ca x BaCo4O7 causes a lifting of the
      geometrical frustration resulting in a structural transition from a trigonal P31c
      to an orthorhombic Pbn2 1 symmetry at x  =  0.4. This structural transition can
      also be accessed as a function of temperature, and all our orthorhombic specimens
      exhibit this transition at elevated temperatures. The temperature at which this
      structural transition occurs is observed to scale linearly with the mean ionic
      radius of the R site ion. However, CaBaCo4O7 which has an equal number of Co2+
      and Co3+ ions clearly violates this quasilinear relationship, indicating that
      charge ordering could also play a critical role in stabilizing the orthorhombic
      distortion in this system. Using thermoremanent magnetization measurements to
      circumvent the problem of the large paramagnetic background arising from Dy3+
      ions, we chart out the phase diagram of the Dy1-x Ca x BaCo4O7 series.

PMID- 27666541
TI  - Enhanced anti-tumor immunity against breast cancer induced by whole tumor cell
      vaccines genetically modified expressing alpha-Gal epitopes.
AB  - Whole tumor cell vaccines have shown much promise, but demonstrated poor
      efficiency in phase III trials. In this study, we modified MDA-MB-231 tumor cells
      (MDA-MB-231Gal+) to express alpha-1, 3-galactosyltransferase (alpha-1, 3-GT)
      protein, to potentially enhance antitumor effect of whole tumor cell vaccines.
      MDA-MB-231 tumor cell vaccines were transfected with a reconstructed lentiviral
      containing alpha-1, 3-GT genes. Tumor growth, tumorigenesis and survival of Hu
      NOD-SCID mice were observed when tumor-bearing mice were injected with tumor cell
      vaccines. Proliferation and apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 tumor xenografts were
      observed by immunohistochemistry. The levels of cytokine secretion in the serum
      of mice were tested by ELISA. CD8+ T cells infiltrating tumors were assessed by
      flow cytometry. MDA-MB-231Gal+ cells expressed active alpha-1, 3-GT and produced
      alpha-Gal in vitro. MDA-MB-231Gal+ cell vaccines suppressed tumor growth and
      tumorigenesis in immunized Hu-NOD-SCID mice. Additionally, decrease of TGF-beta,
      IL-10 and increase of INF-gamma, IL-12 were observed in tumor cell vaccinated
      mice. Furthermore, the cell vaccines enhanced infiltration of cytotoxic CD8+ T
      cells in the tumor microenvironment of immunized mice. The MDA-MB-231Gal+ cell
      vaccines modified alpha-1, 3-GT genes improved the antitumor effect.

PMID- 27666544
TI  - [Methylation Status of the SOCS3 Gene Promoter in H2228 Cells and ?EML4-ALK
      positive Lung Cancer Tissues].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The EML4-ALK fusion gene is a newly discovered driver gene of non
      small cell lung cancer and exhibits special clinical and pathological features.
      The JAK-STAT signaling pathway, an important downstream signaling pathway of EML4
      ALK, is aberrantly sustained and activated in EML4-ALK-positive lung cancer cells
      fusion gene, but the underlying reason remains unknown. The suppressor of
      cytokine signaling (SOCS) is a negative regulatory factor that mainly inhibits
      the proliferation, differentiation, and induction of apoptotic cells by
      inhibiting the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. The aberrant methylation of the SOCS
      gene leads to inactivation of tumors and abnormal activation of the JAK2-STAT
      signaling pathway. The aim of this study is to investigate the methylation status
      of the SOCS3 promoter in EML4-ALK-positive H2228 cells and lung cancer tissues.
      METHODS: The methylation status of the SOCS3 promoter in EML4-ALK-positive H2228
      lung cancer cells and lung cancer tissues was detected by methylation-specific
      PCR (MSP) analysis and verified by DNA sequencing. The expression levels of SOCS3
      in H2228 cells were detected by Western blot and Real-time PCR analyses after
      treatment with the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5'-Aza-dC. RESULTS: MSP and
      DNA sequencing assay results indicated the presence of SOCS3 promoter methylation
      in H2228 cells as well as in three cases of seven EML4-ALK-positive lung cancer
      tissues. The expression level of SOCS3 significantly increased in H2228 cells
      after 5'-Aza-dC treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The aerrant methylation of the SOCS3
      promoter region in EML4-ALK (+) H2228 cells and lung cancer tissues may be
      significantly involved in the pathogenesis of EML4-ALK-positive lung cancer.

PMID- 27666545
TI  - [Effects of miR-424 on Proliferation and Migration Abilities in Non-small Cell
      Lung Cancer A549 Cells and Its Molecular Mechanism].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The inhibitory ability of miR-424 on the proliferation of renal
      carcinoma cell and the migration and invasion of cancer cells has been widely
      explored and demonstrated. However, the effects of miR-424 on non-small cell lung
      cancer (NSCLC) have not been systematically examined. In this study, detected the
      growth and invasion effect of miR-424 in NSCLC A549 cell. The migration and
      molecular mechanism of this cell are also detected. METHODS: NSCLC A549 cell was
      transfected with miR-424 and its inhibitor. After transfection, the proliferation
      ability of A549 cell was detectedby CCK8 assay. Then, the migration ability in
      A549 cell was detected by migration assays. Furthermore, the expression level of
      MMP2 and MMP9 in A549 was detected by Western blot and immune fluorescence. The
      3'UTR of E2F6 was cloned into luciferase reporter vector and its enzymatic
      activitywas detected to verify whether miR-424 can target E2F6. The expression
      level of E2F6 in a549 cell after transfecing with miR-424 was detected by Western
      blot. RESULTS: After transfection of miR-424, the proliferation and migration
      abilities were remarkably decreased and the expression level of MMP-2 and MMP-9
      were down-regulated in A549. Moreover, MiR-424 inhibited the enzymatic activity
      of luviferase reporter vector of E2F6. Specifically, the expression level of E2F6
      was down-regulated in A549. CONCLUSIONS: miR-424 can inhibit the proliferation
      and migration abilities of A549 by negatively regulating the expression of
      E2F6.?.

PMID- 27666543
TI  - The lncRNA landscape of breast cancer reveals a role for DSCAM-AS1 in breast
      cancer progression.
AB  - Molecular classification of cancers into subtypes has resulted in an advance in
      our understanding of tumour biology and treatment response across multiple tumour
      types. However, to date, cancer profiling has largely focused on protein-coding
      genes, which comprise <1% of the genome. Here we leverage a compendium of 58,648
      long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) to subtype 947 breast cancer samples. We show that
      lncRNA-based profiling categorizes breast tumours by their known molecular
      subtypes in breast cancer. We identify a cohort of breast cancer-associated and
      oestrogen-regulated lncRNAs, and investigate the role of the top prioritized
      oestrogen receptor (ER)-regulated lncRNA, DSCAM-AS1. We demonstrate that DSCAM
      AS1 mediates tumour progression and tamoxifen resistance and identify hnRNPL as
      an interacting protein involved in the mechanism of DSCAM-AS1 action. By
      highlighting the role of DSCAM-AS1 in breast cancer biology and treatment
      resistance, this study provides insight into the potential clinical implications
      of lncRNAs in breast cancer.

PMID- 27666547
TI  - [Clinical Assessment of Chemosensitivity Test in Xeno-free Culture of Autologous
      ?Malignant Effusion Cells from Patients with Advanced Lung Adenocarcinoma].
AB  - BACKGROUND: A great individual differences to chemotherapeutic effects existed in
      the patient with advanced lung cancer. How to choose the optimum regimens to
      achieve the individuation and maximum effect of chemotherapy for lung cancer is
      worth exploring. The study was designed to examine the effect of ex vitro chemo
      sensitivity assay in xeno-free culture of autologous malignant effusion cells
      from patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma. METHODS: The 50 treatment-naive
      patients with lung adenocarcinoma complicated with malignant pleural or
      pericardial effusions were enrolled. Effusions of all cases had been controlled
      by closed drainage and 300 mL-500 mL of which were retained under sterile
      condition from 25 cases (Chemo-sensitivity group). Primary malignant effusion
      cells were isolated from autologous effusions of the patients. Then, xeno-free
      culture (average 11 days) were intervened with 8 chemotherapeutic drugs commonly
      used in clinical practice and were determined by CCK-8 assay. Optimum regimens
      were selected for chemotherapy based on the results of chemosensitivity test. As
      a contrast, chemotherapy regimens for the other 25 patients (Control group) were
      on the basis of physician's clinical experience. RESULTS: After four cycles of
      chemotherapy, in Chemo-sensitivity group, 17 (68.0%) cases were determined for
      partial response (PR), 5 (20.0%) cases for stable disease (SD), and the objective
      response rate (ORR) was 68.0%, the disease control rate (DCR) was 88.0%.
      Meanwhile, in Control group, 9 (36.0%) cases were determined for PR, 7 (28.0%)
      cases for SD, and, the ORR was 36.0%, the DCR was 64.0%. There were significant
      differences between the two groups in ORR and DCR (P<0.05). To the end of follow
      up, there were 21 cases of death in Chemo-sensitivity group as well as 22 cases
      in Control group. The mean progression-free survival (PFS) in Chemo-sensitivity
      group and Control group respectively were 10.0 months and 5.8 months, and the
      mean overall survival (OS) in the two groups were 30.2 months and 21.2 months
      respectively. There were also significant differences between the two groups in
      PFS and OS (P<0.05). Furthermore, the adverse reactions in both groups were mild
      and controllable. CONCLUSIONS: Xeno-free culture of autologous malignant effusion
      cells from patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma and ex vitro chemo
      sensitivity assay are beneficial to the rational choices of chemotherapeutic
      agents used in patients with lung adenocarcinoma complicated with malignant
      effusions, which is a worthy trial in personalized cell culture for
      individualized cancer therapy and further studies.

PMID- 27666546
TI  - [Localizating and Extracting Small Peripheral Nodules of Lung with Simulating
      ?Radiaotherapy Combining Methylene Blue Staining].
AB  - BACKGROUND: With the extensively application of HRCT (high resolution CT) and the
      popularization of early lung cancer screening, the proportion of small nodullar
      lung cancer to be operated increases rapidly. Identifying the focus lesions
      quickly and accurately in operation has shown to be a challenge. We carried out
      this research trying to make use of and evaluate a new method that localizaes and
      extracts small peripheral pulmonary nodules by way of simulating radiaotherapy
      combining methylene blue staining. METHODS: From February 2012 to January 2015,
      97 patients with 100 peripheral pulmonary nodules <=10 mm in size were simulated
      puncturing using a radiotherapy planning. When the anaesthesia came into use,
      methylene blue dye was injected to the virtually identified point corresponding
      to the surface point, according to the angle and depth previously computed by the
      radiotherapy planning. The video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) wedge
      resections of the marked lesions were undertaken and the specimens were sent for
      frozen pathologic examination. The interval time from anesthesia-completing to
      puncture and injection, The interval time from methylene blue injection to
      identifying the stained area and the distances between the centre point of the
      stains and edge of coloured lesion were recorded. RESULTS: Our preoperative
      localization procedure was successful in 96 of 100 (96%) nodules. The interval
      time from anesthesia-completing to puncture and injection of methylene blue were
      (4.85+/-1.25) min. The interval time from methylene blue injection to identifying
      the stained area was (16.36+/-2.36) min. The distances between the centre point
      of the stains and edge of coloured lesion were (4.78+/-2.51) mm. No complication
      was observed in all participants. CONCLUSIONS: The new method of locating
      peripheral pulmonary nodules by simulating simulating radiaotherapy combining
      methylene blue staining has a high success rate and no complication for
      localizing small peripheral pulmonary lesions, avoiding the fear and pain of the
      patients untaken puncture without anaesthesia reducing radial damage.

PMID- 27666548
TI  - [Utility of NSE, ProGRP and LDH in Diagnosis and Treatment?in Patients with Small
      Cell Lung Cancer].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a rapidly growing tumor with
      characteristic of neuroendocrine cellular function. Neuron specific enolase
      (NSE), pro-gastrin-releasing peptide (ProGRP) and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) are
      valuable in diagnosis and treatment of SCLC. By analyzing the variation of NSE,
      ProGRP and LDH before and after treatment, the aim of this study is to
      investigate the efficacy of tumor markers in diagnostic staging, therapeutic
      evaluation and prediction of disease relapsing. METHODS: Patients with SCLC who
      receiving the first line chemotherapy in Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of
      Medical Sciences were enrolled and retrospectively analyzed. Clinical
      characteristic (includes NSE, ProGRP and LDH level before and after 2 cycles
      chemotherapy), efficacy evaluation, progression-free survival (PFS) were
      analyzed. RESULTS: Before treatment, Serum NSE, ProGRP and LDH in patients with
      extensive disease (ED) were significantly higher than those with limited disease
      (LD)(all P<0.005); NSE level increased obviously accompanied by increase of lymph
      nodes stage in LD group (P=0.010); Patients with weight reduction when diagnosis
      had higher NSE and LDH than those without loss of weight (P=0.032, P=0.014).
      After 2 cycles chemotherapy, decrease of NSE and ProGRP in effective group was
      higher than which in stable and ineffective groups (P=0.015, P=0.002). The
      relapse risk was lower in patients who accepted >4 cycles chemotherapy and with
      obvious decrease of ProGRP than those who accepted <=4 cycles chemotherapy and
      with less obvious decrease of ProGRP in LD group; ED patients with no more than 2
      distant metastasis, normal LDH level before treatment and obvious decrease of
      ProGRP after chemotherapy had lower short term relapse risk. In addition, the
      types of relapse (sensitive relapse, drug resistance relapse and refractory
      relapse) were negatively correlated with decrease of ProGRP (P=0.044). By
      multivariate analysis, numbers of chemotherapy cycle was independent prognostic
      factor for PFS in LD SCLC; numbers of distant metastasis and decrease of ProGRP
      were independent prognostic factors for PFS in ED SCLC. CONCLUSIONS: Increase
      level of serum tumor markers is related to tumor burden. Decrease level of ProGRP
      after treatment may prognose efficacy and relapse risk.

PMID- 27666549
TI  - [Interventional Bronchoscopy for the Treatment of Pulmonary Sarcoma].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pulmonary sarcoma is a rare malignant tumor in soft tissues.
      Resection is the preferred option to treat this tumor. The aim of this study is
      to explore the effect of interventional bronchoscopies in the treatment of
      pulmonary sarcoma if the patient is inoperable. METHODS: Sixteen cases with
      pulmonary sarcoma were retrospectively reviewed in our hospital from November
      2008 to July 2014. The mean age was (53.1+/-5.4) years old. Rigid bronchoscopy
      was applied for the first procedure with general anesthesia, and electronic
      bronchoscopy was used for the second procedure or slight patients. RESULTS:
      Sixteen cases, which include 10 sarcomatoid carcinoma, 2 fibrosarcoma, 2 sarcoma,
      1 fibromucoid sarcoma, and 1 spindle cell synovial sarcoma, were collected in
      this study. Eleven cases (68.8%) were peripheral and mainly located in the right
      upper lobe and left lower lobe. Five cases (31.2%) were central. Of these cases,
      82% (9/11) were mixed and primary tumors in pulmonary tumor. Meanwhile, 56%
      (9/16) were intraluminal and 69% (11/16) were metastatic in central airway. All
      of the four cases with whole atelectasis were completely relieved through
      postbronchoscopic interventions. Three of the seven cases with segment
      atelectasis were completely reopened; two of them were partially relieved; and
      the remaining two had no response. The obstructive degree, Karnofsky performance
      status (KPS), and shortness of breathless score improved significantly after the
      treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Interventional bronchoscopy could rapidly and efficiently
      remove endobronchial tumor, relieve airway obstruction, and improve clinical
      symptoms.

PMID- 27666551
TI  - [Erratum: Comparison of the Masaoka-Koga and The IASLC/ITMIG Proposal for The TNM
      Staging Systems Based on the Chinese Alliance for Research in Thymomas (ChART)
      Retrospective Database].

PMID- 27666554
TI  - [Erratum: Pretreatment Biopsy for Histological Diagnosis and Induction Therapy in
      Thymic Tumors].

PMID- 27666550
TI  - [Preliminary Study of Differentially Expressed Serum Peptides of Advanced NSCLC
      Patients Responsive to EGFR-TKI and Their Clinical Significance].
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed at using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization
      - time of flight mass spectrometer (matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization
      time-of-flight mass spectrometry, MALDI-TOF-MS) screening the difference serum
      peptides during epidermal growth factor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs)
      treatment and exploring their significance of advanced NSCLC patients. METHODS:
      Collect 102 serum samples from 34 advanced NSCLC patients, which are before TKI
      treatment, best effect of treatment and after progession. Peptides were extracted
      from the samples and then detected by MALDI-TOF-MS system to get the mass
      spectra. The mass spectra data was analyzed by the ClinproToolTM software to
      identify the different serum peptides, and then analyzed the clinical
      significance of peptides. RESULTS: Among the 34 patients who received TKI
      treatment, there were none evaluated as complete response (CR), 11 patients
      evaluated as PR and 23 patients evaluated as stable disease (SD), with the PFS
      was 8.0 months (95%CI: 6.6-11.2); overall survival (OS) was 11.4 months (95%CI:
      10.6-16.5). After detected the serum from three different points of time, the
      result showed that they were totally different; 87 different peptide peaks were
      identified after analysis self-paired serum between the time of best effect and
      baseline, which included one statistically different [P<0.001, area under curve
      (AUC)>=0.9] peptide; 96 different peptide peaks were identified after analysis
      serum between the time of progression and baseline, which included 3
      statistically different (P<0.001, AUC>=0.9) peptides; 115 different peptide peaks
      were identified after analysis serum between the time of progression and best
      effect, which included 4 statistically different (P<0.001, AUC>=0.9) peptides.
      CONCLUSIONS: Theserum peptides of NSCLC patients in the process of TKI treatment
      are dynamic and the different peptides may be associated with treatment effect
      and disease progression. However, the features and clinical significance of
      different peptides need to be validated in the future.?.

PMID- 27666553
TI  - [Advance in Research of Angiotensin II and Its Receptor and Malignant Tumor].
AB  - Angiotensin AngII, a linear small peptide,which is composed of eight amino acids,
      is the main effectors of renin-angiotensin systen (Renin-angiotensin system,
      RAS). AngII, a main biopolypeptide of the RAS, has important pathophysiologic in
      effects participating in cardiac hypertrophy, vascular cell proproliferation,
      inflammation and tissue remodeling through G-protein-coupled receptors. In recent
      years, Ang II can promote tumor cell proliferation, tumor vessel formation and
      inhibit the differentiation of the tumor cells. This suggests that inhibit the
      production of AngII or block its effect is expected to become a new measure for
      the treatment of malignant tumors. This article reviews the advances in research
      on the relationship between AngII and its receptor and malignant tumor in recent
      years. 

PMID- 27666552
TI  - [Advances in the Research of Autophagy in EGFR-TKI Treatment and Resistance ?in
      Lung Cancer].
AB  - Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) is a group
      of targeted-drugs which effectively inhibits the growth of tumor cells with
      sensitive mutations in EGFR. However, the innate and acquired resistance are
      major obstacles of the efficiency. Autophagy is a highly conserved self-digesting
      process in cells, which is considered to be associated with cancer development
      andchemoresistance. The activation of EGFR may regulate autophagy through
      multiple signal pathways. EGFR-TKIs can induce autophagy, however, the function
      of the inducted autophagy remains biphasic. On one hand, autophagy induced by
      EGFR-TKI acts as a cytoprotective response in cancer cells, and autophagy
      inhibitors can enhance the cytotoxic effects of EGFR-TKI. On the other hand, a
      high level of autophagy after treatment of EGFR-TKI can also result in autophagic
      cell death lacking features of apoptosis, and the combination of EGFR-TKI with
      autophagy inducer might be beneficial. Thus, autophagy regulation represents a
      promising approach for improving the efficiency of EGFR-TKI in the treatment of
      cancer patients. Here we summarized the signaling pathways involved in EGFR-TKI
      induced autophagy, and reviewed the roles of autophagy in the treatment and
      chemoresistance of EGFR-TKI treatment in lung cancer. 

PMID- 27666555
TI  - [The Role of SOCS in the Development of Tumors].
AB  - Suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) family proteins are a group of negative
      regulatory factors that plays important roles in the negative regulation of
      cytokine responses by terminating the activation of the JAK-STAT and other
      signaling pathways. The family is composed of eight structurally related
      proteins. mainly through the inhibition of the activation of JAK-STAT signaling
      pathway and regulates cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. In the
      process of tumor progression, the promoter CG island hypermethylation, gene
      mutation, gene deletion and inactivation lead to the abnormal expression of SOCS
      protein make JAK-STAT continuous activation, resulting in the development and
      metastasis of tumor. Here, we review the SOCS family members found, composition
      and molecular structure, the domain of the function, and the latest progress of
      development in tumor. Based on the important role of SOCS in tumor development,
      SOCS as a negative regulator factor represent a kind of tumor suppressor genes,
      has become a new target for tumor therapy. 

PMID- 27666557
TI  - [One Case about Primary Mediastinal Primary Mediastinal Tumor ?with Mediastinal
      Sarcoma and Literature Review].
AB  - Primary mediastinal seminoma is a kind of germ cell malignancy outside the
      gonads, and it's rarer with sarcoma component. This disease which has no special
      clinical manifestations and imaging characteristics is difficult to identify with
      other mediastinal tumors and mediastinal type lung cancer. This paper reported a
      case of primary mediastinal seminoma with mediastinal sarcoma. Through the
      analysis of the diagnosis and treatment process in this patient, we will make a
      comprehensive review of the disease. 

PMID- 27666556
TI  - [Tumor Cells and Micro-environment in Brain Metastases].
AB  - Improvements in survival and quality of life of patients with lung cancer had
      been achieved due to the progression of early diagnosis and precision medicine at
      recent years, however, until now, treatments targeted at lesions in central
      nervous system are far from satisfying, thus threatening livelihood of patients
      involved. After all, in the issue of prophylaxis and therapeutics of brain
      metastases, it is crucial to learn about the biological behavior of tumor cells
      in brain metastases and its mechanism underlying, and the hypothesis "seed and
      soil", that is, tumor cells would generate series of adaptive changes to fit in
      the new environment, is liable to help explain this process well. In this assay,
      we reviewed documents concerning tumor cells, brain micro-environments and their
      interactions in brain metastases, aiming to provide novel insight into the
      treatments of brain metastases. 

PMID- 27666559
TI  - Ipsilateral hemiparesis in ischemic stroke patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate clinical characteristics of ipsilateral hemiparesis in
      ischemic stroke patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with acute ischemic
      stroke were prospectively examined. Ipsilateral hemiparesis was defined as
      hemiparesis ipsilateral to recent stroke lesions. Patients with ipsilateral
      hemiparesis were examined with functional neuroimaging studies including
      transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and functional MRI. RESULTS: Of 8360
      patients, ipsilateral hemiparesis was detected in 14 patients (0.17%, mean age
      71+/-6 years, eight men). Lesions responsible for the recent strokes were located
      in the frontal cortex in three patients, corona radiata in seven, internal
      capsule in one, and pons in three. These lesions were located along the typical
      route of the corticospinal tract in all but one patient. Thirteen patients also
      had a past history of stroke contralateral to the recent lesions; 12 of these had
      motor deficits contralateral to past stroke lesions. During TMS, ipsilateral
      magnetic evoked potentials were evoked in two of seven patients and contralateral
      potentials were evoked in all seven. Functional MRI activated cerebral
      hemispheres ipsilaterally in eight of nine patients and contralaterally in all
      nine. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients with ipsilateral hemiparesis had a past history
      of stroke contralateral to the recent one, resulting in motor deficits
      contralateral to the earlier lesions. Moreover, functional neuroimaging findings
      indicated an active crossed corticospinal tract in all of the examined patients.
      Both findings suggest the contribution of the uncrossed corticospinal tract
      contralateral to stroke lesions as a post-stroke compensatory motor system.

PMID- 27666560
TI  - Eupalinolide O, a novel sesquiterpene lactone from Eupatorium lindleyanum DC.,
      induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cells.
AB  - Sesquiterpene lactones have been confirmed to have potential antitumor activity.
      Here, we demonstrated that Eupalinolide O (EO), a novel sesquiterpene lactone
      isolated from Eupatorium lindleyanum DC., showed significant anticancer activity
      against human MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cells. The cytotoxicity induced by EO was
      mediated by induction of apoptosis. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that EO
      treatment resulted in loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential in cancer
      cells which is regarded as a hallmark of apoptosis. Further study demonstrated
      that EO induced apoptotic cell death in the MDA-MB-468 cells through the
      activation of caspases. The effect of EO on the induction of apoptosis was
      significantly prevented by the treatment of pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK. We
      also found that EO treatment resulted in cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. The
      expression of cell cycle-related proteins (cyclin B1 and cdc2) was significantly
      decreased. Furthermore, the suppression of the Akt pathway in the MDA-MB-468
      cells was observed. Collectively, EO suppressed the growth of the MDA-MB-468
      cells possibly by cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase and the induction of
      caspase-dependent apoptosis. These results suggest that EO is a promising natural
      compound for breast cancer therapy.

PMID- 27666558
TI  - The Binding Site Barrier Elicited by Tumor-Associated Fibroblasts Interferes
      Disposition of Nanoparticles in Stroma-Vessel Type Tumors.
AB  - The binding site barrier (BSB) was originally proposed to describe the binding
      behavior of antibodies to cells peripheral to blood vessels, preventing their
      further penetration into the tumors. Yet, it is revisited herein to describe the
      intratumoral cellular disposition of nanoparticles (NPs). Specifically, the BSB
      limits NP diffusion and results in unintended internalization of NPs by stroma
      cells localized near blood vessels. This not only limits the therapeutic outcome
      but also promotes adverse off-target effects. In the current study, it was shown
      that tumor-associated fibroblast cells (TAFs) are the major component of the BSB,
      particularly in tumors with a stroma-vessel architecture where the location of
      TAFs aligns with blood vessels. Specifically, TAF distance to blood vessels,
      expression of receptor proteins, and binding affinity affect the intensity of the
      BSB. The physical barrier elicited by extracellular matrix also prolongs the
      retention of NPs in the stroma, potentially contributing to the BSB. The
      influence of particle size on the BSB was also investigated. The strongest BSB
      effect was found with small (~18 nm) NPs targeted with the anisamide ligand. The
      uptake of these NPs by TAFs was about 7-fold higher than that of the other cells
      16 h post-intravenous injection. This was because TAFs also expressed the sigma
      receptor under the influence of TGF-beta secreted by the tumor cells. Overall,
      the current study underscores the importance of BSBs in the delivery of
      nanotherapeutics and provides a rationale for exploiting BSBs to target TAFs.

PMID- 27666561
TI  - Effect of Cosurfactants on the Interfacial Hydration of CTAB Quaternary Reverse
      Micelle Probed Using Excited State Proton Transfer.
AB  - It has been proven previously that the negatively charged photoacid 8
      hydroxypyrene-1,3,6-trisulfonic acid trisodium salt (HPTS) resides at the
      interface of the cationic reverse micelle (RM) cetyltrimethylammonium bromide
      (CTAB)/octanol/water/cyclohexane and is a potential reporter of hydration through
      the excited state proton transfer (ESPT) process. However, the ESPT dynamics
      monitored by the pump-probe study was limited to the ultrafast timescale and
      hence did not report any discernible ESPT signature. Herein, we reinvestigate the
      ESPT behavior using fluorescence spectroscopy in the nanosecond timescale and at
      different values of w0 (=[water]/[surfactant]). We clearly observed distinct w0
      dependent ESPT signatures analogous to conventional ternary cationic RMs implying
      considerable interfacial hydration. The results agree with a recent molecular
      simulation study, where significant penetration of water molecules into the
      interface was predicted for the CTAB quaternary RM. Moreover, we also found that
      the ESPT dynamics and the fluorescence anisotropy decay of HPTS depend
      differentially on the octanol/CTAB ratio (p0). The ESPT process was found to be
      disfavored, whereas the anisotropy decay accelerates upon the increase in p0
      values. Our analysis indicates that with the increase in the octanol
      concentration, dehydrated regions enrich gradually at the interface. However, the
      increase in octanol concentration may reduce the effective electrostatic
      potential experienced by the probe and thus may result in faster rotational
      relaxation.

PMID- 27666562
TI  - Relationship between polycystic ovary syndrome and ancestry in European
      Americans.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether European Americans with polycystic ovary syndrome
      (PCOS) exhibit genetic differences associated with PCOS status and phenotypic
      features. DESIGN: Case-control association study in European Americans. SETTING:
      Academic center. SUBJECT(S): Women with PCOS diagnosed with the use of the
      National Institutes of Health criteria (n = 532) and control women with regular
      menstrual cycles and no evidence of hyperandrogenism (n = 432). INTERVENTION(S):
      Blood was drawn for measurement of sex steroids, metabolic parameters, and
      genotyping. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Associations among PCOS status, phenotype,
      and genetic background identified with the use of principal component analysis.
      RESULT(S): Principal component analysis identified five principal components
      (PCs). PC1 captured northwest-to-southeast European genetic variation and was
      associated with PCOS status. Acanthosis was associated with southern European
      ancestry, and larger waist:hip ratio was associated with northern European
      ancestry. PC2 was associated with east-to-west European genetic variation and
      cholesterol levels. CONCLUSION(S): These data provide evidence for genetic
      influence based on European ethnicity in women with PCOS. There is also evidence
      for a genetic component in the phenotypic features of PCOS within a mixed
      European population. The data point to the need to control for population
      stratification in genetic studies in women of mixed European ethnicity. They also
      emphasize the need for better studies of PCOS prevalence and phenotype as a
      function of genetic background.

PMID- 27666563
TI  - Total laparoscopic sigmoid vaginoplasty.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate step by step our technique for total laparoscopic
      sigmoid vaginoplasty. DESIGN: Surgical video tutorial. SETTING: Academic medical
      center. PATIENT(S): Transgender women with penile hypoplasia or with a failed
      primary vaginoplasty and biological women with either acquired or congenital
      absence of a functional vagina. INTERVENTION(S): An original technique for total
      laparoscopic sigmoid vaginoplasty is shown on video. Surgery is performed via a
      simultaneous abdomino-perineal approach. The genital surgeon dissects the
      neovaginal cavity and performs a bilateral orchiectomy and shortening of the
      urethra. Out of penile and scrotal skin, a clitoro-vulvaplasty is created.
      Meanwhile, the laparoscopic surgeon mobilizes the sigmoid segment and transects
      it down to the base of the sigmoid arteries. The segment is guided in an iso
      peristaltic way through the neovaginal tunnel on to the perineum. The distal
      staple line is opened and sutured in an exaggerated interdigitating fashion to
      the perineum and inverted penile skin. Length of the segment is measured with a
      transilluminated perspex dildo, after which the segment is stapled at the proper
      level. A neovaginopexy is performed on the promontory. Bowel continuity is
      restored with an intra-abdominal side-to-side oversewn stapled anastomosis. The
      patient provided written informed consent for the use of this video in this
      article. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): None. RESULT(S): Given current literature,
      intestinal vaginoplasty is associated with low complication rates. Since 2008 our
      group performed 42 primary and 21 secondary procedures, mainly in transgender
      women, with at least 1 year of clinical follow-up. Complications comprised three
      rectal perforations and two anastomotic leakages. These were addressed
      laparoscopically without long-term fistula formation. There were no conversions
      to laparotomy. CONCLUSION(S): Total laparoscopic sigmoid vaginoplasty is a
      feasible and safe procedure in the hands of an experienced team with the right
      infrastructure. It provides good surgical and functional results. In selected
      cases it is indicated for primary vaginoplasty, as well as for revision
      vaginoplasty.

PMID- 27666564
TI  - Extremities of body mass index and their association with pregnancy outcomes in
      women undergoing in vitro fertilization in the United States.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the associations among underweight body mass index
      (BMI), pregnancy, and obstetric outcomes among women using assisted reproductive
      technology (ART). DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study using national data and log
      binomial regression. SETTING: Not applicable. PATIENT(S): Women undergoing IVF in
      the United States from 2008 to 2013. INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURE(S): Pregnancy outcomes (intrauterine pregnancy, live birth rates) per
      transfer, miscarriage rate per pregnancy, and low birth weight and preterm
      delivery rates among singleton and twin pregnancies. RESULT(S): For all fresh
      autologous in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles in the United States from 2008 to
      2013 (n = 494,097 cycles, n = 402,742 transfers, n = 180,855 pregnancies)
      reported to the national ART Surveillance System, compared with normal weight
      women, underweight women had a statistically significant decreased chance of
      intrauterine pregnancy (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] 0.97; 95% confidence interval
      [CI], 0.96-0.99) and live birth (aRR 0.95; 95% CI, 0.93-0.98) per transfer. Obese
      women also had a statistically decreased likelihood of both (aRR 0.94; 95% CI,
      0.94-0.95; aRR 0.87; 95% CI, 0.86-0.88, respectively). Among cycles resulting in
      singleton pregnancy, both underweight and obese statuses were associated with
      increased risk of low birth weight (aRR 1.39; 95% CI, 1.25-1.54, aRR 1.26; 95%
      CI, 1.20-1.33, respectively) and preterm delivery (aRR 1.12; 95% CI, 1.01-1.23,
      aRR 1.42; 95% CI, 1.36-1.48, respectively). The association between underweight
      status and miscarriage was not statistically significant (aRR 1.04; 95% CI, 0.98
      1.11). In contrast, obesity was associated with a statistically significantly
      increased miscarriage risk (aRR 1.23; 95% CI, 1.20-1.26). CONCLUSION(S): Among
      women undergoing IVF, prepregnancy BMI affects pregnancy and obstetric outcomes.
      Underweight status may have a limited impact on pregnancy and live-birth rates,
      but it is associated with increased preterm and low-birth-weight delivery risk.
      Obesity negatively impacts all ART and obstetric outcomes investigated.

PMID- 27666566
TI  - Preimplantation genetic diagnosis: why are obstetric and neonatal risks
      increased? The need for more data.

PMID- 27666567
TI  - Utilization of fertility treatment and reproductive choices by lesbian couples.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe intentions and outcomes of lesbian couples requesting
      reproductive assistance; and report number of cycles needed to achieve a live
      birth. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: University-based fertility
      center. PATIENT(S): A total of 306 lesbian couples who sought reproductive
      assistance between 2004 and 2015. INTERVENTION(S): Intrauterine insemination or
      IVF using donor sperm. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Mean age, relationship status,
      family size, preconception goals, conception attempts, number of cycles to
      achieve a live birth. RESULT(S): Preconception plans were available for 233
      couples: 76.4% planned for one partner to conceive and carry (single partner
      conception); 23.6% planned for both partners to eventually conceive and carry
      (dual partner conception). Of 306 couples who presented, 85.1% attempted single
      partner conception, and 68% of these achieved a live birth. Dual partner
      conception was attempted by 14.9% of couples, and 88.9% achieved a live birth. Of
      those who conceived with IUI, a mean (+/-SD) of 3 +/- 1.1 cycles were completed.
      Of those who conceived with IVF, a mean of 6 +/- 1.4 IUI and 1.7 +/- 0.3 IVF
      cycles were completed. CONCLUSION(S): Lesbian couples may improve their
      likelihood of a live birth if both partners attempt conception. Further studies
      are needed to understand why one-fifth of patients did not pursue treatment.

PMID- 27666565
TI  - Female cancer survivors exposed to alkylating-agent chemotherapy have unique
      reproductive hormone profiles.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate reproductive hormone patterns in women exposed to
      alkylating-agent chemotherapy. DESIGN: Prospective cohort. SETTING: University
      hospital. PATIENT(S): Normally menstruating mid-reproductive-age women (20-35
      years old) who had previously been exposed to alkylating-agent chemotherapy for
      cancer treatment were compared with two healthy control populations: similarly
      aged women and late-reproductive-age women (43-50 years old). INTERVENTION(S):
      Subjects collected daily urine samples for one cycle. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S):
      Integrated urinary pregnanediol glucuronide (PDG) and estrone conjugate (E1c) and
      urinary excretion of gonadotropins (FSH and LH). RESULT(S): Thirty-eight women
      (13 survivors, 11 same-age control subjects, 14 late-reproductive-age control
      subjects) provided 1,082 urine samples. Cycle length, luteal phase length, and
      evidence of luteal activity were similar among the groups. As expected, ovarian
      reserve was impaired in cancer survivors compared with same-age control subjects
      but similar between survivors and late-reproductive-age control subjects. In
      contrast, survivors had total and peak PDG levels that were similar to same-age
      control subjects and higher than those observed in late-reproductive-age control
      subjects. Survivors had higher E1c levels than both same-age and late
      reproductive-age control subjects. There was no difference in urinary
      gonadotropins among the groups. CONCLUSION(S): Women exposed to alkylating agents
      have a unique reproductive hormone milieu that is not solely explained by age or
      ovarian reserve. The urinary hormone profile observed in survivors appears more
      similar to same-age control subjects than to late-reproductive-age women with
      similar ovarian reserve, which may suggest that age plays a more important role
      than ovarian reserve in the follicular dynamics of survivors.

PMID- 27666568
TI  - Trimetazidine protects against cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury via effects on
      cardiac miRNA-21 expression, Akt and the Bcl-2/Bax pathway.
AB  - Trimetazidine is a piperazine-derived metabolic agent, which exerts cell
      protective effects and has been reported to be efficient in the treatment of
      chronic stable angina pectoris. In addition, it has been shown to exert
      protection against acute myocardial infarction. The present study aimed to
      investigate whether trimetazidine protects against cardiac ischemia/reperfusion
      (I/R) injury, and to determine whether its curative effects are associated with
      microRNA (miRNA)-21 expression, Akt, and the B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)/Bcl-2
      associated X protein (Bax) pathway. Cardiac I/R injury was induced by ligating
      the left anterior descending coronary artery in adult rats. Subsequently, cardiac
      function was evaluated, and the expression levels of miRNA-21, Bcl-2, Bax and
      phosphorylated-Akt were detected using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and
      western blotting. The results indicated that trimetazidine was able to
      significantly protect cardiac function and reduce infarct size in rats following
      cardiac I/R injury. Furthermore, trimetazidine significantly promoted miRNA-21
      expression and phosphorylated-Akt protein expression, and reduced the Bcl-2/Bax
      ratio in rats following cardiac I/R injury. Knockdown of miRNA-21 using anti-miR
      21 plasmids was able to reverse the protective effects of trimetazidine against
      cardiac I/R injury. These results indicated that miRNA-21 serves a protective
      role in cardiac I/R injury via Akt and the Bcl-2/Bax pathway. In addition,
      trimetazidine exerts protective effects against cardiac I/R injury through
      cardiac miRNA-21 expression, Akt, and the Bcl-2/Bax pathway. Therefore, the
      present study provided evidence regarding the protective effects of miRNA-21 on
      cardiac I/R injury following treatment with trimetazidine in vivo.

PMID- 27666570
TI  - Corrigendum to "MK-801 reduces sensitivity to Muller-Lyer's illusion in capuchin
      monkeys" [Behav. Brain Res. 316 (2017) 54-58].

PMID- 27666571
TI  - Lessons from 1,3-Hydride Shifts in Sesquiterpene Cyclizations.
AB  - Stereospecifically labelled precursors were subjected to conversion by seven
      bacterial sesquiterpene cyclases to investigate the stereochemistry of their
      initial 1,10-cyclisation-1,3-hydride shift cascades. Enzymes with products of
      known absolute configuration showed a coherent stereochemical course, except for
      (-)-alpha-amorphene synthase, for which the obtained results are better explained
      by an initial 1,6-cyclisation. The link between the absolute configuration of the
      product and the stereochemical course of the 1,3-hydride shifts enabled
      assignment of the absolute configurations of three enzyme products, which were
      confirmed independently through the absolute configuration of the common
      byproduct germacrene D-4-ol.

PMID- 27666569
TI  - Adalimumab or infliximab as monotherapy, or in combination with an
      immunomodulator, in the treatment of Crohn's disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The comparative efficacy of adalimumab (ADA) and infliximab (IFX) in
      Crohn's disease, and the benefit of initial combotherapy with an immunomodulator,
      are debated. AIM: To assess the best anti-TNF treatment regimens in Crohn's
      disease. METHODS: We included 906 biologic-naive Crohn's disease patients [median
      age, 31 years (24-41)] and performed a retrospective analysis of 1284 therapeutic
      exposures to ADA (n = 521) or IFX (n = 763) between 2006 and 2015. An
      immunomodulator was associated during the first 4-6 months (initial combotherapy)
      during 706 therapeutic exposures (55%). Median duration of anti-TNF therapy was
      39 months (IQR 17-67). Primary outcomes were 6-month and 2-year response rates
      and drug survival. Logistic regression with propensity scoring and Cox
      proportional hazard analysis determined variables associated with outcomes.
      RESULTS: The response rates at 6 months and 2 years were 64% and 44% on ADA mono,
      86% and 70% on ADA combo, 72% and 45% on IFX mono, and 84% and 68% on IFX
      combotherapy, respectively. Differences between ADA and IFX were not significant,
      whereas combotherapy was superior to monotherapy (P < 0.001). Drug survival was
      longer with combotherapy vs. monotherapy [adjusted hazard ratio 2.17 (1.72-2.70)]
      and not significantly different between ADA and IFX. During subsequent anti-TNF
      exposures, IFX combotherapy fared better than other groups regarding response
      rates, drug survival, disease activity, hospitalisations and abdominal surgery.
      CONCLUSION: In this retrospective analysis of a large tertiary centre cohort of
      Crohn's disease patients, ADA and IFX had similar efficacy as first line
      treatment, while initial combotherapy with an immunomodulator improved all
      outcome measures.

PMID- 27666572
TI  - Case of anal adenocarcinoma in situ with pagetoid spread but without macroscopic
      abnormality in anal mucosa.

PMID- 27666573
TI  - Haloparvum alkalitolerans sp. nov., alkali-tolerant haloarchaeon isolated from
      commercial salt.
AB  - A Gram-stain-negative, rod-pleomorphic, aerobic, halophilic archaeon, strain MK62
      1T, was isolated from commercial salt made from seawater in the Philippines.
      Strain MK62-1T was able to grow at 2.1-4.7 M NaCl (with optimum at 2.1-2.6 M
      NaCl), pH 6.5-9.5 (optimum, pH 7.0-7.5) and 20-55  degrees C (optimum, 45-50 
      degrees C). Based on the orthologous 16S rRNA gene sequence, the closest relative
      was Haloparvum sedimenti JCM 30891T with 99.2 % similarity. The RNA polymerase
      subunit B' gene sequence also showed the highest similarity (97.4 %) to that of
      Haloparvum sedimenti DYS4T. The DNA G+C content of MK62-1T was 70.1 mol%, while
      that of Haloparvum sedimenti JCM 30891T was 69.5 mol% by the HPLC method. The
      levels of DNA-DNA relatedness between MK62-1T and Haloparvum sedimenti JCM 30891T
      were 60.6 and 60.8 % (reciprocally). The major polar lipids of the isolate were
      C20C20 archaeol derivatives of phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol
      phosphate methyl ester and phosphatidylglycerol sulfate. Based on the phenotypic
      and phylogenetic analyses, it is proposed that the isolate represents species
      within the genus Haloparvum, for which the name Haloparvum alkalitolerans sp.
      nov. is proposed. The type strain is MK62-1T (=JCM 30442T =KCTC 4214T).

PMID- 27666574
TI  - Abolishing the 1-year rule: How much evidence will be enough?

PMID- 27666575
TI  - Genome-wide nucleotide diversity of hatchery-reared Atlantic and Mediterranean
      strains of brown trout Salmo trutta compared to wild Mediterranean populations.
AB  - A genome-wide assessment of diversity is provided for wild Mediterranean brown
      trout Salmo trutta populations from headwater tributaries of the Orb River and
      from Atlantic and Mediterranean hatchery-reared strains that have been used for
      stocking. Double-digest restriction-site-associated DNA sequencing (dd-RADseq)
      was performed and the efficiency of de novo and reference-mapping approaches to
      obtain individual genotypes was compared. Large numbers of single nucleotide
      polymorphism (SNP) markers with similar genome-wide distributions were discovered
      using both approaches (196 639 v. 121 016 SNPs, respectively), with c. 80% of the
      loci detected de novo being also found with reference mapping, using the Atlantic
      salmon Salmo salar genome as a reference. Lower mapping density but larger
      nucleotide diversity (pi) was generally observed near extremities of linkage
      groups, consistent with regions of residual tetrasomic inheritance observed in
      salmonids. Genome-wide diversity estimates revealed reduced polymorphism in
      hatchery strains (pi = 0.0040 and pi = 0.0029 in Atlantic and Mediterranean
      strains, respectively) compared to wild populations (pi = 0.0049), a pattern that
      was congruent with allelic richness estimated from microsatellite markers.
      Finally, pronounced heterozygote deficiency was found in hatchery strains
      (Atlantic FIS = 0.18; Mediterranean FIS = 0.42), indicating that stocking
      practices may affect the genetic diversity in wild populations. These new genomic
      resources will provide important tools to define better conservation strategies
      in S. trutta.

PMID- 27666576
TI  - Pre-operative testing guidelines: a NICE try but not enough.

PMID- 27666578
TI  - Risk of tinnitus in patients with sleep apnea: A nationwide, population-based,
      case-control study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk of tinnitus in patients with sleep disturbance
      or sleep apnea. STUDY DESIGN: Case control study. METHODS: We identified 21,798
      middle-aged and elderly patients with otolaryngologist-diagnosed tinnitus between
      January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2012, from the Longitudinal Health Insurance
      Database 2000 of the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. A total
      of 108,990 controls were also identified from the same database based on
      frequency-matching on 10-year age interval, sex, and year of index date of the
      cases. Diagnoses of sleep disturbance (International Classification of Diseases,
      9th Revision, Clinical Modification [ICD-9-CM] codes 780.50, 780.52, 307.4) and
      sleep apnea (ICD-9-CM codes 780.51, 780.53, 780.57) in the cases and controls
      prior to the index date were assessed. The risks of tinnitus in patients with
      sleep disturbance and sleep apnea were separately evaluated with multivariate
      logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: The mean age of the total 130,788 patients
      was 59.8 years, and 47% of them were males. The risk of tinnitus was higher in
      patients with sleep disturbance compared to those without the condition (adjusted
      odds ratio [OR] = 1.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] [95% CI] = 1.11-1.17), and
      the risk of tinnitus was higher in patients with sleep apnea compared to those
      without the condition (adjusted OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.16-1.60). CONCLUSION: In
      this population-based, case-control study, the risk of tinnitus was found to be
      significantly higher among middle-aged and elderly Taiwanese patients with sleep
      disturbances, especially with sleep apnea. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3b. Laryngoscope,
      127:2171-2175, 2017.

PMID- 27666577
TI  - Quantitative diagnosis of HER2 protein expressing breast cancer by single
      particle quantum dot imaging.
AB  - Overexpression of HER2 is one of the major causes of breast cancer, and therefore
      precise diagnosis of its protein expression level is important. However, current
      methods estimating the HER2-expression level are insufficient due to problem with
      the lack of quantification. This might result in a gap between diagnostics and
      therapeutics targeting HER2. Therefore, a new effective diagnostic method is
      needed. We developed a new immunohistochemical (IHC) technique with quantum dots
      (QD)-conjugated trastuzumab using single-particle imaging to quantitatively
      measure the HER2 expression level. Tissues from 37 breast cancer patients with
      available detailed clinical information were tested by IHC with QDs (IHC-QD) and
      the correlation with IHC with 3,3'-diaminobenzidine (DAB), fluorescence in situ
      hybridization (FISH), and IHC-QD was examined. The number of QD-conjugated
      trastuzumab particles binding specifically to a cancer cell was precisely
      calculated as the IHC-QD score. The IHC-QD score in 37 cases was correlated
      proportionally with the score of HER2 gene copy number as assessed by FISH (R =
      0.83). When HER2 positivity was judged to be positive, the IHC-QD score with our
      cut-off level was exactly concordant with the FISH score with a cut-off value of
      2.0. Furthermore, IHC-QDs score and time to progression (TTP) of trastuzumab
      therapy were well correlated in HER2-positive cases (R = 0.69). Conversely, the
      correlation between FISH score and TTP was not observed. We developed a precisely
      quantitative IHC method using trastuzumab-conjugated QDs and single-particle
      imaging analysis and propose the possibility of using IHC-QDs score as a
      predictive factor for trastuzumab therapy.

PMID- 27666580
TI  - Elevated cerebrospinal fluid C-X-C motif chemokine 10: Commonalities in
      paraneoplastic neurological disorders.

PMID- 27666579
TI  - Heritable components of the human fecal microbiome are associated with visceral
      fat.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Variation in the human fecal microbiota has previously been
      associated with body mass index (BMI). Although obesity is a global health
      burden, the accumulation of abdominal visceral fat is the specific cardio
      metabolic disease risk factor. Here, we explore links between the fecal
      microbiota and abdominal adiposity using body composition as measured by dual
      energy X-ray absorptiometry in a large sample of twins from the TwinsUK cohort,
      comparing fecal 16S rRNA diversity profiles with six adiposity measures. RESULTS:
      We profile six adiposity measures in 3666 twins and estimate their heritability,
      finding novel evidence for strong genetic effects underlying visceral fat and
      android/gynoid ratio. We confirm the association of lower diversity of the fecal
      microbiome with obesity and adiposity measures, and then compare the association
      between fecal microbial composition and the adiposity phenotypes in a discovery
      subsample of twins. We identify associations between the relative abundances of
      fecal microbial operational taxonomic units (OTUs) and abdominal adiposity
      measures. Most of these results involve visceral fat associations, with the
      strongest associations between visceral fat and Oscillospira members. Using BMI
      as a surrogate phenotype, we pursue replication in independent samples from three
      population-based cohorts including American Gut, Flemish Gut Flora Project and
      the extended TwinsUK cohort. Meta-analyses across the replication samples
      indicate that 8 OTUs replicate at a stringent threshold across all cohorts, while
      49 OTUs achieve nominal significance in at least one replication sample.
      Heritability analysis of the adiposity-associated microbial OTUs prompted us to
      assess host genetic-microbe interactions at obesity-associated human candidate
      loci. We observe significant associations of adiposity-OTU abundances with host
      genetic variants in the FHIT, TDRG1 and ELAVL4 genes, suggesting a potential role
      for host genes to mediate the link between the fecal microbiome and obesity.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide novel insights into the role of the fecal
      microbiota in cardio-metabolic disease with clear potential for prevention and
      novel therapies.

PMID- 27666582
TI  - Introducing the concept of biocatalysis in the classroom: The conversion of
      cholesterol to provitamin D3.
AB  - Biocatalysis is a fundamental concept in biotechnology. The topic integrates
      knowledge of several disciplines; therefore, it was included in the course
      "design and optimization of biological systems" which is offered in the
      biochemistry curricula. We selected the ciliate tetrahymena as an example of a
      eukaryotic system with potential for the biotransformation of sterol metabolites
      of industrial interest; in particular, we focused on the conversion of
      cholesterol to provitamin D3. The students work with wild type and recombinant
      strains and learn how sterol pathways could be modified to obtain diverse sterol
      moieties. During the course the students identify and measure the concentration
      of sterols. They also search for related genes by bioinformatic analysis.
      Additionally, the students compare biotransformation rates, growing the ciliate
      in plate and in a bioreactor. Finally, they use fluorescence microscopy to
      localize an enzyme involved in biotransformation. The last day each team makes an
      oral presentation, explaining the results obtained and responds to a series of
      key questions posed by the teachers, which determine the final mark. In our
      experience, this course enables undergraduate students to become acquainted with
      the principles of biocatalysis as well as with standard and modern techniques,
      through a simple and robust laboratory exercise, using a biological system for
      the conversion of valuable pharmaceutical moieties. (c) 2016 by The International
      Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 45(2):105-114, 2017.

PMID- 27666581
TI  - 4-n-butylresorcinol enhances proteolytic degradation of tyrosinase in B16F10
      melanoma cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: 4-n-butylresorcinol is a competitive inhibitor of tyrosinase and has
      been used as an antimelanogenic agent. However, its inhibition mechanism in
      intact cells is not fully understood. To elucidate the cellular mechanism, we
      compared in vitro and in vivo inhibitory effects of 4-n-butylresorcinol on
      tyrosinase activity. METHODS: B16F10 melanoma cells were cultured in media
      containing alpha-MSH in the presence or absence of 4-n-butylresorcinol.
      Tyrosinase mRNA levels, protein levels and activity in B16F10 cells were compared
      by real-time PCR, immunostaining combined with western blot and colorimetric
      analysis, respectively. Melanin concentration was measured by colorimetry both in
      the cells and in the media. Tyrosinase glycosylation and proteolytic degradation
      were analysed by immunoblotting after cells were treated with Endo H/PNGase F and
      E64/proteasome inhibitors, respectively. RESULTS: 4-n-butylresorcinol inhibited
      tyrosinase activity and melanin synthesis more effectively in intact cells than
      in cell lysates. Western blotting and real-time RT-PCR showed that 4-n
      butylresorcinol reduced protein levels, but not mRNA levels, of tyrosinase in
      B16F10 cells. 4-n-butylresorcinol showed no effect on the processing of
      tyrosinase glycosylation or on trafficking to melanosomes. However, treatment of
      B16F10 cells with E64 or proteasome inhibitor abrogated the 4-n-butylresorcinol
      induced decrease of tyrosinase. Moreover, 4-n-butylresorcinol activated p38 MAPK,
      resulting in increased ubiquitination of tyrosinase. CONCLUSION: 4-n
      butylresorcinol inhibits melanogenesis by enhancing proteolytic degradation of
      tyrosinase as well as competitive binding to tyrosinase. These findings will help
      to develop new, effective and safe chemicals for the treatment of
      hyperpigmentation disorders.

PMID- 27666583
TI  - Selective Palladium-Catalyzed Aminocarbonylation of Olefins to Branched Amides.
AB  - A general and efficient protocol for iso-selective aminocarbonylation of olefins
      with aliphatic amines has been developed for the first time. Key to the success
      for this process is the use of a specific 2-phosphino-substituted pyrrole ligand
      in the presence of PdX2 (X=halide) as a pre-catalyst. Bulk industrial and
      functionalized olefins react with various aliphatic amines, including amino-acid
      derivatives, to give the corresponding branched amides generally in good yields
      (up to 99 %) and regioselectivities (b/l up to 99:1).

PMID- 27666584
TI  - Decline of cellular activation in non-B cells after rituximab treatment in
      hepatitis C-associated mixed cryoglobulinemia vasculitis.
AB  - Mixed cryoglobulinemic vasculitis is associated with the monoclonal expansion of
      pathognomonic B cells in chronic hepatitis C. Recently, treatment with B-cell
      depletion, including rituximab, a CD20 monoclonal antibody, has been successful
      in achieving remission from the active disease. We investigated whether B-cell
      depletion therapy has an impact on activation of non-B cells in the periphery.
      Results demonstrated that B-cell depletion therapy is associated with a
      statistically significant decline in activated T cells, from pretherapy to follow
      up while on rituximab therapy: CD4+ CD38+ HLA-DR+ (DR+), CD8+ CD38, CD8+ CD38+
      DR+, and CD8+ DR+. Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score and cryoglobulin had a
      strong correlation coefficient (R) of 0.72 (P=.0005), while cryoglobulin showed
      moderate correlation with CD8+ DR+ (R=.61), CD3+ CD38+ DR+ (R=.57), CD3+ DR+
      (R=.50), CD4+ CD38+ DR+ (R=.53), CD4+ DR+ (R=.52), and CD8+ CD38+ DR+ (R=.67).
      These results suggest B-cell expansion has a direct and indirect effect on the
      pathogenesis of Hepatitis C-associated mixed cryoglobulinemic vasculitis.

PMID- 27666585
TI  - Chiral Bidentate NHC Ligands Based on the 1,1'-Binaphthyl Scaffold: Synthesis and
      Application in Transition-Metal-Catalyzed Asymmetric Reactions.
AB  - The use of the chiral 1,1'-binaphthyl scaffold to construct chiral ligands can be
      traced back for a long time. However, the development of bidentate NHC ligands
      based on the same backbone has only appeared recently. In this account, we
      describe the design and synthesis of a new family of chiral NHC ligands based on
      the 1,1'-binaphthyl scaffold and demonstrate the applications of these chiral NHC
      metal complexes in the catalyzed oxidative kinetic resolution of secondary
      alcohols, asymmetric carbon-carbon bond formations, hydrosilylations, and
      cyclizations of 1,6-enynes. The chiral NHC ligands containing the 1,1'-binaphthyl
      backbone can be synthesized in good yields from enantiomerically pure 1,1'
      binaphthyl-2,2'-diamine. These transition metals coordinated with chiral
      bidentate NHC ligands exhibit high catalytic activities and good
      enantioselectivities for a wide range of metal-catalyzed asymmetric reactions.

PMID- 27666587
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27666586
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27666588
TI  - Anaphylaxis in the operating theatre.

PMID- 27666589
TI  - Antifungal activity of rhamnolipids against dimorphic fungi.
AB  - In this paper, rhamnolipids are investigated, for the first time, for their
      feasibility for inhibiting dimorphic fungi. Rhamnolipids were found to
      effectively inhibit a dimorphic fungus isolated from tomato plants which was
      identified as Mucor circinelloides according to characterizations by morphologies
      as well as 28S rDNA sequences. Rhamnolipids markedly reduced growth of this
      fungus in both the yeast-like form and the filamentous form. Such an inhibitive
      effect was similarly obtained with Verticillium dahliae, a representative member
      of dimorphic fungi, confirming the effectiveness of rhamnolipids in the two
      growth forms of dimorphic fungi. Interestingly, rhamnolipids showed a greater
      inhibitive function in the case of the pathogenic growth mode of dimorphic fungi,
      such as the mycelium growth for M. circinelloides and the yeast-like growth for
      V. dahliae, than their non-pathogenic modes. The use of rhamnolipids might
      greatly reduce the frequently-reported drugresistance to the common anti-fungal
      agents by deterring the possible switch between the two modes of dimorphic fungi.
      Overall, rhamnolipids as environment-friendly biocontrol agents have a potential
      use in protecting plants from dimorphic fungi infections, and could also offer
      guidance toward future research into controlling dimorphic disease infection in
      humans.

PMID- 27666592
TI  - FACT Remodels the Tetranucleosomal Unit of Chromatin Fibers for Gene
      Transcription.
AB  - In eukaryotes, the packaging of genomic DNA into chromatin plays a critical role
      in gene regulation. However, the dynamic organization of chromatin fibers and its
      regulatory mechanisms remain poorly understood. Using single-molecule force
      spectroscopy, we reveal that the tetranucleosomes-on-a-string appears as a stable
      secondary structure during hierarchical organization of chromatin fibers. The
      stability of the tetranucleosomal unit is attenuated by histone chaperone FACT
      (facilitates chromatin transcription) in vitro. Consistent with in vitro
      observations, our genome-wide analysis further shows that FACT facilitates gene
      transcription by destabilizing the tetranucleosomal unit of chromatin fibers in
      yeast. Additionally, we found that the linker histone H1 not only enhances the
      stability but also facilitates the folding and unfolding kinetics of the outer
      nucleosomal wrap. Our study demonstrates that the tetranucleosome is a regulatory
      structural unit of chromatin fibers beyond the nucleosome and provides crucial
      mechanistic insights into the structure and dynamics of chromatin fibers during
      gene transcription.

PMID- 27666591
TI  - Ccp1 Homodimer Mediates Chromatin Integrity by Antagonizing CENP-A Loading.
AB  - CENP-A is a centromere-specific histone 3 variant essential for centromere
      specification. CENP-A partially replaces canonical histone H3 at the centromeres.
      How the particular CENP-A/H3 ratio at centromeres is precisely maintained is
      unknown. It also remains unclear how CENP-A is excluded from non-centromeric
      chromatin. Here, we identify Ccp1, an uncharacterized NAP family protein in
      fission yeast that antagonizes CENP-A loading at both centromeric and non
      centromeric regions. Like the CENP-A loading factor HJURP, Ccp1 interacts with
      CENP-A and is recruited to centromeres at the end of mitosis in a Mis16-dependent
      manner. These data indicate that factors with opposing CENP-A loading activities
      are recruited to centromeres. Furthermore, Ccp1 also cooperates with H2A.Z to
      evict CENP-A assembled in euchromatin. Structural analyses indicate that Ccp1
      forms a homodimer that is required for its anti-CENP-A loading activity. Our
      study establishes mechanisms for maintenance of CENP-A homeostasis at centromeres
      and the prevention of ectopic assembly of centromeres.

PMID- 27666590
TI  - Analysis of C9orf72 repeat expansions in a large international cohort of dementia
      with Lewy bodies.
AB  - C9orf72 repeat expansions are a common cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and
      frontotemporal dementia. To date, no large-scale study of dementia with Lewy
      bodies (DLB) has been undertaken to assess the role of C9orf72 repeat expansions
      in the disease. Here, we investigated the prevalence of C9orf72 repeat expansions
      in a large cohort of DLB cases and identified no pathogenic repeat expansions in
      neuropathologically or clinically defined cases, showing that C9orf72 repeat
      expansions are not causally associated with DLB.

PMID- 27666593
TI  - TRIM14 Inhibits cGAS Degradation Mediated by Selective Autophagy Receptor p62 to
      Promote Innate Immune Responses.
AB  - Cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) is an essential DNA virus sensor that triggers
      type I interferon (IFN) signaling by producing cGAMP to initiate antiviral
      immunity. However, post-translational regulation of cGAS remains largely unknown.
      We report that K48-linked ubiquitination of cGAS is a recognition signal for p62
      depdendent selective autophagic degradation. The induction of TRIM14 by type I
      IFN accelerates cGAS stabilization by recruiting USP14 to cleave the ubiquitin
      chains of cGAS at lysine (K) 414. Knockout of TRIM14 impairs herpes simplex virus
      type 1 (HSV-1)-triggered antiviral responses in a cGAS-dependent manner. Due to
      impaired type I IFN production, Trim14-/- mice are highly susceptible to lethal
      HSV-1 infection. Taken together, our findings reveal a positive feedback loop of
      cGAS signaling generated by TRIM14-USP14 and provide insights into the crosstalk
      between autophagy and type I IFN signaling in innate immunity.

PMID- 27666595
TI  - Bethesda classification is a valuable guide for fine needle aspiration reports
      and highly predictive especially for diagnosing aggressive variants of papillary
      thyroid carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is the most valuable
      diagnostic procedure for pre-operative discrimination of benign and malignant
      nodules. The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology provides
      standardised reporting and cytomorphological criteria in aspiration smears. The
      aim of the present study was to determine malignancy rates in nodules with
      different cytology results and evaluate the diagnostic value of Bethesda for
      variants of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A
      retrospective analysis of 2534 cases with 5784 thyroid nodules, who underwent
      FNAB followed by surgery, were included in this study. FNAB was performed with
      ultrasonography guidance. Cytological diagnoses were classified as: non
      diagnostic (ND), benign, atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesions
      of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS), follicular neoplasm/suspicious for
      follicular neoplasm (FN/SFN), suspicious for malignancy (SUS) and malignant.
      Histopathological diagnoses were classified into four groups: benign, PTC,
      follicular thyroid cancer and other types of thyroid cancer (including medullary
      thyroid cancer, undifferentiated thyroid cancer and thyroid tumours of uncertain
      malignant potential). Cases with PTC were further divided into four categories:
      conventional variant, follicular variant, aggressive variants (tall cell, diffuse
      sclerosing and columnar variant) and other variants (oncocytic, solid/trabecular
      and warthin-like variants). FNAB results were compared with histopathological
      results. RESULTS: Malignancy rates were 6.3%, 3.2%, 20.7%, 33.3%, 74.2% and 95.6%
      in the nodules with ND, benign, AUS/FLUS, FN/SFN, SUS and malignant cytology
      results, respectively. Pre-operative cytology was malignant or SUS in 56.6% of
      conventional, 24.3% of follicular, 92% of aggressive and 41.7% of other variants
      of histopathologically confirmed PTC. The difference between the groups was
      significant (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The Bethesda classification is a reliable
      indicator of malignancy in nodules with different cytology results and seems to
      be very effective in predicting the malignancy for the nodules diagnosed with
      aggressive variant PTC on the final histological examination.

PMID- 27666597
TI  - Glutamate Promotes Contraction of the Rat Ductus Arteriosus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Extremely preterm infants frequently have patent ductus arteriosus
      (PDA). Recent recommendations include immediately beginning amino acid
      supplementation in extremely preterm infants. However, the effect of amino acids
      on closure of the ductus arteriosus (DA) remains unknown.Methods and
      Results:Aminogram results in human neonates at day 2 revealed that the plasma
      glutamate concentration was significantly lower in extremely preterm infants (<28
      weeks' gestation) with PDA than in those without PDA and relatively mature
      preterm infants (28-29 weeks gestation). To investigate the effect of glutamate
      on DA closure, glutamate receptor expression in fetal rats was examined and it
      was found that the glutamate inotropic receptor, alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4
      isoxazolepropionate (AMPA) type subunit 1 (GluR1), mRNA was highly expressed in
      the DA compared to the aorta on gestational day 19 (preterm) and gestational day
      21 (term). GluR1 proteins were co-localized with tyrosine hydroxylase-positive
      autonomic nerve terminals in the rat and human DA. Intraperitoneal administration
      of glutamate increased noradrenaline production in the rat DA. A whole-body
      freezing method demonstrated that glutamate administration induced DA contraction
      in both preterm (gestational day 20) and term rat fetuses. Glutamate-induced DA
      contraction was attenuated by the calcium-sensitive GluR receptor antagonist,
      NASPM, or the adrenergic receptor alpha1 blocker, prazosin. CONCLUSIONS: These
      data suggest that glutamate induces DA contraction through GluR-mediated
      noradrenaline production. Supplementation of glutamate might help to prevent PDA
      in extremely preterm infants. (Circ J 2016; 80: 2388-2396).

PMID- 27666598
TI  - Calcium-Channel Blockers and Dementia Risk in Older Adults - National Health
      Insurance Service - Senior Cohort (2002-2013).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Some disagreements surround the effects of calcium-channel blockers
      (CCBs) on the risk of dementia. The purpose of this study was to investigate the
      protective effects of CCBs on dementia among elderly hypertensive Koreans.Methods
      and Results:We conducted a large population-based cohort study using the senior
      cohort database of the Korean National Health Insurance Service (2002-2013).
      Subjects were elderly hypertensive Koreans older than 60 years of age. A total of
      18,423 patients (CCB user group: 13,692 patients; non-CCB antihypertensive user
      group: 4,731 patients) were statistically analyzed using the Cox proportional
      hazard regression model to estimate the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) and
      confidence intervals (CIs) of dementia associated with CCB use. There were 2,881
      cases (21.0%) of dementia in the CCB user group and 1,124 cases (23.8%) in the
      non-user group. CCB use significantly reduced the risk of total dementia (aHR
      0.81, 95% CI 0.75-0.87, P<0.0001), Alzheimer's dementia (aHR 0.80, 95% CI 0.72
      0.88, P<0.0001), and vascular dementia (aHR 0.81, 95% CI 0.70-0.94, P=0.0067).
      CONCLUSIONS: CCB use had a protective effect on the risk of dementia among
      elderly hypertensive Koreans. (Circ J 2016; 80: 2336-2342).

PMID- 27666594
TI  - Bromodomain Inhibitors Correct Bioenergetic Deficiency Caused by Mitochondrial
      Disease Complex I Mutations.
AB  - Mitochondrial diseases comprise a heterogeneous group of genetically inherited
      disorders that cause failures in energetic and metabolic function. Boosting
      residual oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) activity can partially correct these
      failures. Herein, using a high-throughput chemical screen, we identified the
      bromodomain inhibitor I-BET 525762A as one of the top hits that increases COX5a
      protein levels in complex I (CI) mutant cybrid cells. In parallel, bromodomain
      containing protein 4 (BRD4), a target of I-BET 525762A, was identified using a
      genome-wide CRISPR screen to search for genes whose loss of function rescues
      death of CI-impaired cybrids grown under conditions requiring OXPHOS activity for
      survival. We show that I-BET525762A or loss of BRD4 remodeled the mitochondrial
      proteome to increase the levels and activity of OXPHOS protein complexes, leading
      to rescue of the bioenergetic defects and cell death caused by mutations or
      chemical inhibition of CI. These studies show that BRD4 inhibition may have
      therapeutic implications for the treatment of mitochondrial diseases.

PMID- 27666599
TI  - Prevalence and Distribution of Coronary Artery Calcification in Asymptomatic
      United States and Korean Adults - Cross-Sectional Propensity-Matched Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD) varies depending on
      ethnicity, but the precise differences remain to be firmly established. This
      study therefore evaluated the disparity in coronary artery calcification (CAC),
      as a marker of CAD, in asymptomatic US and Korean adults.Methods and Results:CAC
      score was compared between asymptomatic Korean (n=15,128) and US (n=7,533)
      adults. Propensity score matching was performed according to age, gender,
      hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and current smoking, which generated 2
      cohorts of 5,427 matched pairs. Both cohorts were categorized according to age
      group: 45-54, 55-64, and 65-74 years. Overall, the prevalence of CAC score >0,
      >100, and >400 in Korean adults was lower than in US adults (P<0.001, all).
      According to increasing age groups, the likelihood of CAC was most often lower in
      Korean adults, especially in Korean women. The odds of having CAC >400 in Korean
      adults aged 65-74 years was 0.66 (95% CI: 0.48-0.91) overall, 0.78 (95% CI: 0.52
      1.19) in men, and 0.50 (95% CI: 0.29-0.86) in women, compared with US
      counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: Korean adults have a lower prevalence and severity of
      atherosclerotic burden as assessed on CAC, compared with US adults, but the
      disparity in CAC according to ethnicity may decline with older age. (Circ J 2016;
      80: 2349-2355).

PMID- 27666600
TI  - Salinomycin enhances cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity in human lung cancer cells
      via down-regulation of AKT-dependent thymidylate synthase expression.
AB  - Salinomycin, a polyether antibiotic, acts as a highly selective potassium
      ionophore and has anticancer activity on various cancer cell lines. Cisplatin has
      been proved as chemotherapy drug for advanced human non-small cell lung cancer
      (NSCLC). Thymidylate synthase (TS) is a key enzyme in the pyrimidine salvage
      pathway, and increased expression of TS is thought to be associated with
      resistance to cisplatin. In this study, we showed that salinomycin (0.5-2MUg/mL)
      treatment down-regulating of TS expression in an AKT inactivation manner in two
      NSCLC cell lines, human lung adenocarcinoma A549 and squamous cell carcinoma
      H1703 cells. Knockdown of TS using small interfering RNA (siRNA) or inhibiting
      AKT activity with PI3K inhibitor LY294002 enhanced the cytotoxicity and cell
      growth inhibition of salinomycin. A combination of cisplatin and salinomycin
      resulted in synergistic enhancement of cytotoxicity and cell growth inhibition in
      NSCLC cells, accompanied with reduced activation of phospho-AKT, and TS
      expression. Overexpression of a constitutive active AKT (AKT-CA) expression
      vector reversed the salinomycin and cisplatin-induced synergistic cytotoxicity.
      In contrast, pretreatment with LY294002 further decreased the cell viability in
      salinomycin and cisplatin cotreated cells. Our findings suggested that the down
      regulation of AKT-mediated TS expression by salinomycin enhanced the cisplatin
      induced cytotoxicity in NSCLC cells. These results may provide a rationale to
      combine salinomycin with cisplatin for lung cancer treatment.

PMID- 27666602
TI  - [Retracted] Slit-miR-218-Robo axis regulates retinal neovascularization.
AB  - Following the publication of this article, it was brought to our attention that
      five of the Figures contained in this study were published entirely, or in part,
      in the following publication, on which several of us were co-authors: Han S, Kong
      YC, Sun B, Han QH, Chen Y and Wang YC: microRNA-218 inhibits oxygen-induced
      retinal neovascularization via reducing the expression of roundabout 1. Chin Med
      J (Engl) 129: 709-715, 2016. While we had intended that these papers offered
      different research perspectives, we were reminded of the fact that, in submitting
      the article to International Journal of Molecular Medicine, the work described
      therein was required to be "original research that has not been published
      previously, and is not under consideration for publication elsewhere, in whole or
      in part". Therefore, owing to the redundancy in the data between these
      publications, the above paper is to be retracted. All the authors have agreed to
      the retraction. We sincerely apologize for our misunderstanding, and deeply
      regret any inconvenience this mistake has caused.[the original article was
      published in the International Journal of Molecular Medicine 37: 1139-1145, 2016;
      DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2016.2511].

PMID- 27666601
TI  - Allosteric activation of midazolam CYP3A5 hydroxylase activity by icotinib -
      Enhancement by ketoconazole.
AB  - Icotinib (ICO), a novel small molecule and a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, was
      developed and approved recently in China for non-small cell lung cancer. During
      screening for CYP inhibition potential in human liver microsomes (HLM),
      heterotropic activation toward CYP3A5 was revealed. Activation by icotinib was
      observed with CYP3A-mediated midazolam hydroxylase activity in HLM (~40% over the
      baseline) or recombinant human CYP3A5 (rhCYP3A5) (~70% over the baseline), but
      not in the other major CYPs including rhCYP3A4. When co-incubated with selective
      CYP3A4 inhibitor CYP3cide or monoclonal human CYP3A4 inhibitory antibody in HLM,
      the activation was extended to ~60%, suggesting CYP3A5 might be the isozyme
      involved. Further, the relative activation was enhanced to ~270% in rhCYP3A5 in
      the presence of ketoconazole. The activation was substrate and pathway dependent
      and observed only in the formation of 1'-OH-midazolam, and not 4-OH-midazolam,
      6beta-OH-testosterone, or oxidized nifedipine. The activation requires the
      presence of cytochrome b5 and it is only observed in the liver microsomes of
      dogs, monkeys, and humans, but not in rats and mice. Kinetic analyses of 1'-OH
      midazolam formation showed that ICO increased the Vmax values in HLM and rhCYP3A5
      with no significant changes in Km values. By adding CYP3cide with ICO to the
      incubation, the Vmax values increased 2-fold over the CYP3cide control. Addition
      of ketoconazole with ICO alone or ICO plus CYP3cide resulted in an increase in
      Vmax values and decrease in Km values compared to their controls. This phenomenon
      may be attributed to a new mechanism of CYP3A5 heterotropic activation, which
      warrants further investigation.

PMID- 27666603
TI  - The effect of increased body mass index on patient dose in paediatric
      radiography.
AB  - Radiation protection is of particular importance in paediatric radiology. In this
      study, the influence of increased body mass index (BMI) in radiation dose and
      associated risk was investigated for paediatric patients aged 5-6.5 years,
      undergoing chest (64 patients) or abdomen (64 patients) radiography. Patients
      were categorized into normal and overweight, according to the BMI classification
      scheme. Entrance surface dose (ESD), organ dose, effective dose (ED) and risk of
      exposure induced cancer death (REID) were calculated using the Monte Carlo based
      code PCXMC 2.0. Statistically significant increase in patient radiation dose and
      REID was obtained for overweight patients as compared to normal ones, in both
      chest and abdomen examinations (Wilcoxon singed-rank test for paired data,
      p<0.001). The percentage increase in overweight as compared to normal patients of
      ESD, organ dose (maximum value), ED and REID was 13.6%, 24.4%, 18.9% and 20.6%,
      respectively, in case of chest radiographs. Corresponding values in case of
      abdomen radiographs were 15.0%, 24.7%, 21.8% and 19.8%, respectively. An
      increased BMI results in increased patient radiation dose in chest and abdomen
      paediatric radiography. 

PMID- 27666604
TI  - Intestinal malrotation in patients with situs anomaly: Implication of the
      relative positions of the superior mesenteric artery and vein.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the usefulness of the relative position of the superior
      mesenteric artery (SMA) and superior mesenteric vein (SMV) in diagnosing
      intestinal malrotation in situs anomaly. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2004
      to April 2015, 33 patients with situs anomalies were enrolled in this study who
      underwent abdominal USG, CT or MRI as well as upper gastrointestinal series
      (UGIS) or surgery: situs inversus (n=16), left isomerism (n=10), and right
      isomerism (n=7); age 21.2+/-23.2years (mean+/-standard deviation), range 0-72
      years. The intestinal malrotation was confirmed with UGIS and/or operation in 16
      patients. Relative positions of the SMV to the SMA were classified into four
      groups by reviewing abdominal USG, CT, or MRI: right sided, left sided, ventral
      sided, and dorsal sided. The incidence of malrotation was analyzed for each
      group. RESULTS: In 16 patients with situs inversus, there was reversed SMA-SMV
      relationship: left sided (n=11) or ventral sided (n=5). One situs inversus
      patient with ventral sided SMV had intestinal malrotation (6.25%). 17 patients
      with situs ambiguus showed various SMA-SMV relationships (ventral sided, n=7;
      left sided, n=5; right sided, n=4; dorsal sided, n=1). Among them, 15 patients
      (88.2%) had intestinal malrotation. Two patients with normal rotation had either
      right sided or dorsal sided SMV. CONCLUSION: Situs ambiguus was commonly
      associated with intestinal malrotation with a variable SMA-SMV relationship.
      Reversal of the mesenteric vascular relationship was observed in situs inversus
      with normal rotation, not excluding the possibility of intestinal malrotation.

PMID- 27666605
TI  - Predictive values of BI-RADS((r)) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the
      detection of breast ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate BI-RADS indicators in the
      detection of DCIS by MRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective observational study
      that started in 2014 and lasted 24 months. A total of 110 consecutive patients
      were evaluated, who presented with suspicious or highly suspicious
      microcalcifications on screening mammography (BI-RADS categories 4 and 5) and
      underwent stereotactic-guided breast biopsy, having had an MRI scan performed
      prior to biopsy. RESULTS: Altogether, 38 cases were characterized as positive for
      malignancy, of which 25 were DCIS and 13 were invasive ductal carcinoma cases.
      MRI had a sensitivity of 96%; specificity of 75.67%; positive predictive value
      (PPV) for DCIS detection of 57.14%; negative predictive value (NPV) in the
      detection of DCIS of 98.24%; and an accuracy of 80.80%. CONCLUSION: BI-RADS as a
      tool for the detection of DCIS by MRI is a powerful instrument whose sensitivity
      was higher when compared to that observed for mammography in the literature.
      Likewise, the PPV obtained by MRI was higher than that observed in the present
      study for mammography, and the high NPV obtained on MRI scans can provide early
      evidence to discourage breast biopsy in selected cases.

PMID- 27666606
TI  - Thin-section computed tomography-histopathologic comparisons of pulmonary focal
      interstitial fibrosis, atypical adenomatous hyperplasia, adenocarcinoma in situ,
      and minimally invasive adenocarcinoma with pure ground-glass opacity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively compare focal interstitial fibrosis (FIF), atypical
      adenomatous hyperplasia (AAH), adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS), and minimally
      invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA) with pure ground-glass opacity (GGO) using thin
      section computed tomography (CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty pathologically
      confirmed cases were reviewed including 7 cases of FIF, 17 of AAH, 23of AIS, and
      13 of MIA. All nodules kept pure ground glass appearances before surgical
      resection and their last time of thin-section CT imaging data before operation
      were collected. Differences of patient demographics and CT features were compared
      among these four types of lesions. RESULTS: FIF occurred more frequently in males
      and smokers while the others occurred more frequently in female nonsmokers.
      Nodule size was significant larger in MIA (P<0.001, cut-off value=7.5mm). Nodule
      shape (P=0.045), margin characteristics (P<0.001), the presence of pleural
      indentation (P=0.032), and vascular ingress (P<0.001) were significant factors
      that differentiated the 4 groups. A concave margin was only demonstrated in a
      high proportion of FIF at 85.7% (P=0.002). There were no significant differences
      (all P>0.05) in age, malignant history, attenuation value, location, and presence
      of bubble-like lucency. CONCLUSION: A nodule size >7.5mm increases the
      possibility of MIA. A concave margin could be useful for differentiation of FIF
      from the other malignant or pre-malignant GGO nodules. The presence of
      spiculation or pleural indentation may preclude the diagnosis of AAH.

PMID- 27666607
TI  - Measurement of skeletal muscle area: Comparison of CT and MR imaging.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the intra- and inter-observer agreement and correlation
      between CT and MR measurements of skeletal muscle area (SMA) in the abdomen.
      METHODS: CT and MR images from twelve patients were analyzed by two blinded
      observers using segmentation software (MITK-3M3, Mint Medical and Slice-O-Matic,
      Tomovision) to quantify SMA. MR images included T1w "in-phase", T1w "out-of
      phase", and T2w sequences. Inter- and intra-observer agreement was assessed using
      the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Pearson correlation coefficient (r)
      was used to correlate measurements obtained on MR with CT. CT and MR measurements
      were compared with Bland-Altman plots. RESULTS: Intra- and inter-observer
      agreement for SMA was high for CT and MR. For MR, the measurements on T2w images
      showed the highest inter-observer agreement (ICC=0.96). CT SMA correlated closely
      with MR, with T2w images showing the highest correlation (r=0.98; P<0.01). Bland
      Altman plots showed a 1.7%-3.9% bias between CT and MR measurements, lowest for
      T2w images. CONCLUSIONS: MR SMA measurements are reproducible and correlate
      closely with CT. The T2w sequence is recommended to quantify SMA on MR images.

PMID- 27666608
TI  - Utility of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging for
      differentiating glioblastoma, primary central nervous system lymphoma and brain
      metastatic tumor.
AB  - PURPOSE: The study aimed to investigate the use of dynamic contrast-enhanced
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-derived permeability parameters for the
      differentiation of glioblastoma multiformes (GBMs), primary central nervous
      system lymphomas (PCNSLs), and brain metastatic tumors (MTs). MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Seventy-five patients with histopathologically confirmed GBMs (n=38),
      PCNSLs (n=16) and MTs (n=21) underwent dynamic contrast-enhanced MRIs before
      surgery. The volume transfer constant K(trans), the flux rate constant between
      extravascular extracellular space and plasma Kep, the extravascular extracellular
      volume Ve and the fractional plasma volume Vp were measured within the entire
      contrast-enhancing tumor by extended Tofts model. A one-way analysis of variance
      was used to compare all of the parameters among these three tumors, followed by
      the post-hoc test. Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed to
      evaluate the diagnostic performance of the permeability parameters. RESULTS: Mean
      K(trans) value and Ve value were significantly higher in PCNSLs than in GBMs
      (P<0.001 and P=0.011) and MTs (P<0.001 and P<0.001). No significant difference
      was observed in all of the permeability parameters between GBMs and MTs.
      According to the receiver operating characteristic analyses, both K(trans) and Ve
      had good diagnostic performance for discriminating between PCNSLs and GBMs (the
      area under the curve: 0.847 and 0.785, respectively), as well as between PCNSLs
      and MTs (the area under the curve: 0.851 and 0.884, respectively). CONCLUSIONS:
      The K(trans) and Ve derived from dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI facilitate the
      differentiation of PCNSLs from GBMs and MTs.

PMID- 27666609
TI  - Computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) of subsolid nodules: Evaluation of a commercial
      CAD system.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the performance of a commercially available CAD system
      for automated detection and measurement of subsolid nodules. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: The CAD system was tested on 50 pure ground-glass and 50 part-solid
      nodules (median diameter: 17mm) previously found on standard-dose CT scans in 100
      different patients. True nodule detection and the total number of CAD marks were
      evaluated at different sensitivity settings. The influence of nodule and CT
      acquisition characteristics was analyzed with logistic regression. Software and
      manually measured diameters were compared with Spearman and Bland-Altman methods.
      RESULTS: With sensitivity adjusted for 3-mm nodule detection, 50/100 (50%)
      subsolid nodules were detected, at the average cost of 17 CAD marks per CT. These
      figures were respectively 26/100 (26%) and 2 at the 5-mm setting. At the highest
      sensitivity setting (2-mm nodule detection), the average number of CAD marks per
      CT was 41 but the nodule detection rate only increased to 54%. Part-solid nodules
      were better detected than pure ground glass nodules: 36/50 (72%) versus 14/50
      (28%) at the 3-mm setting (p<0.0001), with no influence of the solid component
      size. Except for the type (i.e. part solid or pure ground glass), no other nodule
      characteristic influenced the detection rate. High-quality segmentation was
      obtained for 79 nodules, which for automated measurements correlated well with
      manual measurements (rho=0.90[0.84-0.93]). All part-solid nodules had software
      measured attenuation values above -671Hounsfield units (HU). CONCLUSION: The
      detection rate of subsolid nodules by this CAD system was insufficient, but high
      quality segmentation was obtained in 79% of cases, allowing automated measurement
      of size and attenuation.

PMID- 27666610
TI  - Efficacy of periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines with enhanced
      reconstruction (PROPELLER) for shoulder magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To elucidate the utility of PROPELLER for motion artefact reduction
      on shoulder MRI and to examine the influence of streak artefacts on diagnosis of
      clinical images. METHODS: 15 healthy volunteers and 48 patients underwent
      shoulder MRI with/without PROPELLER (coronal oblique proton density-fast spin
      echo [PD-FSE], sagittal oblique T2-FSE). In a volunteer study, all sequences were
      performed in both static and exercise-loaded conditions. Two radiologists graded
      artefacts and delineation of various anatomical structures in the volunteer study
      and motion and streak artefacts in the clinical study. Mean scores were compared
      between sequences with/without PROPELLER. In the clinical study, mean scores of
      motion artefacts were compared with mean scores of streak artefacts. Wilcoxon
      signed-rank test was used for all comparisons. RESULTS: In both studies,
      PROPELLER significantly reduced motion artefacts (P<0.05). In the volunteer
      study, it significantly improved delineations in sagittal oblique images in the
      exercise-loaded condition (P<0.05). In the clinical study, streak artefacts
      appeared dominantly on images with PROPELLER (P<0.05), but influenced diagnosis
      to a lesser extent than motion artefacts. CONCLUSION: PROPELLER can reduce motion
      artefacts in shoulder MRI. While it does cause streak artefacts, it affects
      diagnosis to a lesser extent.

PMID- 27666611
TI  - Limited diagnostic value of Dual-Time-Point (18)F-FDG PET/CT imaging for
      classifying solitary pulmonary nodules in granuloma-endemic regions both at
      visual and quantitative analyses.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study is aimed to compare the diagnostic power of using
      quantitative analysis or visual analysis with single time point imaging (STPI)
      PET/CT and dual time point imaging (DTPI) PET/CT for the classification of
      solitary pulmonary nodules (SPN) lesions in granuloma-endemic regions. METHODS:
      SPN patients who received early and delayed (18)F-FDG PET/CT at 60min and 180min
      post-injection were retrospectively reviewed. Diagnoses are confirmed by
      pathological results or follow-ups. Three quantitative metrics, early SUVmax,
      delayed SUVmax and retention index(the percentage changes between the early
      SUVmax and delayed SUVmax), were measured for each lesion. Three 5-point scale
      score was given by blinded interpretations performed by physicians based on STPI
      PET/CT images, DTPI PET/CT images and CT images, respectively. ROC analysis was
      performed on three quantitative metrics and three visual interpretation scores.
      RESULT: One-hundred-forty-nine patients were retrospectively included. The areas
      under curve (AUC) of the ROC curves of early SUVmax, delayed SUVmax, RI, STPI
      PET/CT score, DTPI PET/CT score and CT score are 0.73, 0.74, 0.61, 0.77 0.75 and
      0.76, respectively. There were no significant differences between the AUCs in
      visual interpretation of STPI PET/CT images and DTPI PET/CT images, nor in early
      SUVmax and delayed SUVmax. The differences of sensitivity, specificity and
      accuracy between STPI PET/CT and DTPI PET/CT were not significantly different in
      either quantitative analysis or visual interpretation. CONCLUSION: In granuloma
      endemic regions, DTPI PET/CT did not offer significant improvement over STPI
      PET/CT in differentiating malignant SPNs in both quantitative analysis and visual
      interpretation.

PMID- 27666614
TI  - Differentiation of benign and malignant lung lesions: Dual-Energy Computed
      Tomography findings.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine whether parameters generated by Dual-Energy Computed
      Tomography (DECT) can distinguish malignant from benign lung lesions. METHODS: A
      prospective review of 125 patients with 126 lung lesions (23 benign and 103
      malignant) who underwent lung DECT during arterial phase. All lesions were
      confirmed by tissue sampling. A radiologist semi-automatically contoured lesions
      and placed regions of interest (ROIs) in paravertebral muscle (PVM) for
      normalization. Variables related to absorption in Hounsfield units (HU),
      effective atomic number (Zeff), iodine concentration (rhoI) and spectral CT
      curves were assessed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were
      generated to calculate sensitivity and specificity as predictors of malignancy.
      Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: Reproducibility
      of measures normalized with PVM was poor. Bivariate analysis showed minimum Zeff
      and normalized mean Zeff to be statistically significant (p=0.001), with area
      under the curve (AUC) values: 0.66 (CI 95% 0.54-0.80) and 0.72 (CI 95%, 0.60
      0.84), respectively. Logistic regression models showed no differences between raw
      and normalized measurements. In both models, minimum HU (OR: 0.9) and size (OR:
      0.1) were predictive of benign lesions. CONCLUSIONS: A quantitative approach to
      DECT using raw measurements is simpler than logistic regression models.
      Normalization to PVM was not clinically reliable due to its poor reproducibility.
      Further studies are needed to confirm our findings.

PMID- 27666613
TI  - Knowledge-based iterative model reconstruction technique in computed tomography
      of lumbar spine lowers radiation dose and improves tissue differentiation for
      patients with lower back pain.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the image quality and diagnostic confidence of reduced-dose
      computed tomography (CT) of the lumbar spine (L-spine) reconstructed with
      knowledge-based iterative model reconstruction (IMR). MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Prospectively, group A consisted of 55 patients imaged with standard acquisition
      reconstructed with filtered back-projection. Group B consisted of 58 patients
      imaged with half tube current, reconstructed with hybrid iterative reconstruction
      (iDose(4)) in Group B1 and knowledge-based IMR in Group B2. Signal-to-noise ratio
      (SNR) of different regions, the contrast-to-noise ratio between the intervetebral
      disc (IVD) and dural sac (D-D CNR), and subjective image quality of different
      regions were compared. Higher strength IMR was also compared in spinal stenosis
      cases. RESULTS: The SNR of the psoas muscle and D-D CNR were significantly higher
      in the IMR group. Except for the facet joint, subjective image quality of other
      regions including IVD, intervertebral foramen (IVF), dural sac, peridural fat,
      ligmentum flavum, and overall diagnostic acceptability were best for the IMR
      group. Diagnostic confidence of narrowing IVF and IVD was good (kappa=0.58-0.85).
      Higher strength IMR delineated IVD better in spinal stenosis cases. CONCLUSION:
      Lower dose CT of L-spine reconstructed with IMR demonstrates better tissue
      differentiation than iDose(4) and standard dose CT with FBP.

PMID- 27666615
TI  - Renal zoomed EPI-DWI with spatially-selective radiofrequency excitation pulses in
      two dimensions.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility and clinical robustness of zoomed diffusion
      weighted echo planar imaging (z-EPI) relative to conventional single-shot EPI (c
      EPI) for DWI of the kidneys. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was
      approved by the institutional research ethics board. 66 patients (median age 58.5
      years+/-13.4, range 23-83 years, 45 men, 21 women) undergoing 3T (Magnetom
      Skyra((r)), Siemens Healthcare, Erlangen, Germany) using a dynamic parallel
      transmit array (TimTX TrueShape, Siemens Healthcare, Erlangen, Germany) for renal
      MRI were included in this study. Both c-EPI and z-EPI images were obtained. For z
      EPI, a two-dimensional spatially-selective radiofrequency (RF) pulse was applied
      for echo planar imaging with the FOV reduced by a factor of 3. Two radiologists,
      blinded to clinical data and scan parameters evaluated the images with respect to
      their diagnostic confidence, overall preference, overall image quality,
      delineation of the kidney, spatial distortion, and image blur. Sequences were
      compared using a paired Wilcoxon test. ADC values for the upper pole, mid-zone,
      lower pole of the normal kidneys were compared between sequences as well as ADC
      values for renal lesions, using a paired t-test. RESULTS: With z-EPI, the kidney
      was significantly better delineated with sharper boundaries, less image blur and
      distortion, and overall better image quality relative to c-EPI (all p<0.001). The
      z-EPI technique led to greater diagnostic confidence than c-EPI (p=0.020). z-EPI
      was preferred to c-EPI in 60 cases (90.9%, 60/66). No statistically significant
      differences in the ADC values of renal parenchyma or of renal lesions were
      observed between the two sequences (all p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Image quality,
      distortion, and susceptibility artifacts might be improved by using z-EPI rather
      than c-EPI for DWI of the kidney.

PMID- 27666616
TI  - Diagnostic performance of power doppler and ultrasound contrast agents in early
      imaging-based diagnosis of organ-confined prostate cancer: Is it possible to
      spare cores with contrast-guided biopsy?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of gray scale transrectal
      ultrasound-B-mode US (BMUS), power Doppler (PDUS), and sonographic contrast
      (CEUS) in early imaging-based diagnosis of localized prostate cancer (PCa) and to
      compare the diagnostic profitability of randomized biopsy (RB), US-targeted
      prostate biopsy by means of PDUS and CEUS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A single-center,
      prospective, transversal, epidemiological study was conducted from January 2010
      to January 2014. We consecutively included patients who an imaging study of the
      prostate with BMUS, PDUS, and CEUS was performed, followed by prostate biopsy due
      to clinical suspicion of prostate cancer (PSA 4-20ng/mL and/or rectal exam
      suggestive of malignancy). The diagnostic performance of BMUS, PDUS, and CEUS was
      determined by calculating the Sensitivity (S), Specificity (Sp), Predictive
      values (PV), and diagnostic odds ratio (OR) of the diagnosis tests and, for these
      variables, in the population general and based on their clinical stage according
      to rectal exam (cT1 and cT2). PCa detection rates determined by means of a
      randomized 10-core biopsy scheme were compared with detection rates of CEUS
      targeted (SonoVue) 2-core biopsies. RESULTS: Of the initial 984 patients, US
      contrast SonoVue was administered to 179 (18.2%). The PCa detection rate by organ
      of BMUS/PDUS in the global population was 38% versus 43% in the subpopulation
      with CEUS. The mean age of the patients was 64.3+/-7.01years (95% CI, 63.75
      64.70); mean total PSA was 8.9+/-3.61ng/mL (95% CI, 8.67-9.13) and the mean
      prostate volume was 56.2+/-29cc (95% CI, 54.2-58.1). The detection rate by organ
      of targeted biopsy with BMUS, PDUS, and CEUS were as follows: Global population
      (10.6, 8.2, 24.5%), stage cT1 (5.6, 4.2, 16.4%), and stage cT2 (32.4, 22.3,
      43.5%). Comparing the detection rates of the CEUS-targeted biopsy and randomized
      biopsy, the following results were obtained: Global population (24.5% vs. 41.8%),
      stage cT1 (16% vs. 35%), and stage cT2 (43.5% vs. 66.6%), with a p value<0.05.
      Following the "core-by-core" analysis, the detection rates by core of CEUS
      targeted biopsy versus randomized biopsy were: Global population (16% vs. 13%),
      stage cT1 (30.3% vs. 28%), and stage cT2 (48% vs. 37%), with a p value>0.05. The
      NNT for CEUS-targeted biopsy was 83.3. CONCLUSIONS: The low sensitivity,
      specificity, positive predictive and negative predictive values of gray scale-B
      mode, PDUS and CEUS represent scant diagnostic performance of these variables in
      prostate cancer detection. Prostate cancer detection rates yielded by randomized
      biopsy were superior than the detection rate of targeted biopsy using B-mode,
      PDUS and CEUS; as a result, randomized biopsy versus CEUS-targeted biopsies
      cannot be excluded from biopsy strategy plans for the diagnosis of prostate
      cancer.

PMID- 27666612
TI  - Clinical evaluation vs magnetic resonance imaging of the skier's thumb: A
      prospective cohort of 30 patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: A skiers thumb, or a partial or complete rupture of the ulnar
      collateral ligament (UCL) is a clinical diagnosis. Swelling, pain, natural left
      right difference and inexperience of a young physician can cause difficulty to
      correctly diagnose this injury. However, our theory is that any physician, given
      the correct instructions, should be able to diagnose this injury solely on
      clinical findings, without the necessity of additional imaging. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: In a large Dutch teaching hospital, physicians (residents with working
      experience of 6months-3years) working at the ER received instructions for
      physical examination. Patients >18 years, with an injury <1 week old, suspected
      of a true skier's thumb had an MRI reported by two independent radiologists to
      confirm the diagnosis. RESULTS: Thirty patients were included. Seven patients had
      no fixed endpoint (23%), all had a complete ligamentous rupture of the UCL on
      MRI, of which three patients had a Stener lesion. Fifteen patients (50%) met with
      the criteria  >35 degrees  laxity in extension of MCP/ >20 degrees  laxity in 30
      degrees  flexion of the MCP. Of these, thirteen patients (81%) had a complete
      rupture (nine Stener lesions (56%)). One patient had a partial injury and one
      patient had no UCL-injury. Eight patients (27%) had inconclusive results during
      physical examination. Of these, two had a complete rupture (40%, 1 Stener). Three
      patients had a partial rupture and three patients had an intact UCL. CONCLUSION:
      A skier's thumb can be diagnosed by any resident when correctly instructed.
      Additional imaging when diagnosing a skier's thumb should be reserved in cases
      when physical examination remains inconclusive.

PMID- 27666617
TI  - Magnetic resonance imaging in the preoperative setting for breast cancer patients
      with undetected additional disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The last few years have witnessed a significant increase in the
      preoperative use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for staging purposes in
      breast cancer (BC) patients. Many studies have confirmed the improvement that MRI
      can provide in terms of diagnostic assessment, especially with regard to
      additional disease foci. In the present study, we address the advantages and
      disadvantages of MRI in the preoperative setting for BC patients. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: There were 1513 consecutive breast MRI studies performed in patients
      with either primary or recurrent BC, who were scheduled for surgery. RESULTS:
      Beyond the primary lesion, 10.4% of our cases had additional disease at the final
      histological assessment. MRI overall sensitivity, when considering tumour size
      and additional foci together, was 74.3%, and 80.3% when considering additional
      foci exclusively. MRI specificity for additional disease was 95.3%, positive
      predictive value was 77.4%, and negative predictive value was 94.6%.
      Nevertheless, 5% of cases had additional tumours that were missed by MRI or,
      conversely, had additional foci on MRI that were not confirmed by histology. Age
      (p=0.020) and lobular carcinomas (p=0.030) showed significance in the
      multivariate analysis by logistic regression, using the presence of additional
      foci diagnosed by MRI as a dependent variable. CONCLUSION: Preoperative MRI seems
      to have a role in preoperative tumour staging for breast cancer patients, as it
      discloses additional disease foci in some patients, including contralateral
      involvement. However, given the lack of absolute accuracy, core-needle biopsy
      cannot be neglected in the diagnosis of such additional malignant foci, which
      could result in a change in surgical treatment.

PMID- 27666618
TI  - Mean diffusivity discriminates between prostate cancer with grade group 1&2 and
      grade groups equal to or greater than 3.
AB  - PURPOSE: To test the potential ability of mean diffusivity (MD) and fractional
      anisotropy (FA) in discriminating between PCa of grade group (GG) 1&2, and
      GGs>=3. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) experiments at 3T in
      a cohort of 38 patients with PCa (fifty lesions in total) were performed, by
      using different diffusion weights (b values) up to 2500s/mm(2). Gleason score
      (GS) and GG data were correlated with DTI parameters (MD and FA) estimated in
      PCa. The relation between DTI measures and GS was tested by the linear
      correlation analysis (Pearson's coefficient). One-way analysis of variance to
      check the statistical significance of the difference between GG 1&2 and GGs 3, 4,
      5, >=3 was used. Results were reported for each of the three b-values ranges: 0
      800s/mm(2), 0-1500s/mm(2), 0-2500s/mm(2). RESULTS: A negative correlation was
      found between MD and GS. The highest linear correlation was observed when the fit
      was performed with data acquired in the b-values range 0-2500s/mm(2). MD values
      were significantly different between GG 1&2 and GG=3 and between GG 1&2 and GG
      >=3. Moreover this difference is better defined when high b values (higher than
      b=800s/mm(2)) are used. The specificity, sensitivity and accuracy in the
      discrimination between GG 1&2 and GG=3 were: 90%, 66.7% and 82.4%, respectively
      when MD was estimated in the b-values range 0-2500s/mm(2) while these values were
      85%, 58.3% and 78.4% when MD was estimated in the b-values range 0-800s/mm(2).
      Conversely FA did not discriminate between GG 1&2 and GG >=3, at any investigated
      b-values range. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that MD estimation in PCa,
      obtained from DTI acquired at high b-values, can contribute to the diagnosis and
      grading of prostate cancer while FA is not a useful parameter for this purpose.

PMID- 27666619
TI  - Radiology heads the top fifty publishing specialties over seven decades.

PMID- 27666621
TI  - Heart deformation analysis for automated quantification of cardiac function and
      regional myocardial motion patterns: A proof of concept study in patients with
      cardiomyopathy and healthy subjects.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To test the performance of HDA in characterizing left ventricular (LV)
      function and regional myocardial motion patterns in the context of cardiomyopathy
      based on cine cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Following the approval of the institutional review board (IRB), standard cine
      images of 45 subjects, including 15 healthy volunteers, 15 patients with
      hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and 15 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy
      (DCM) were retrospectively analyzed using HDA. The variations of LV ejection
      fraction (LVEF), LV mass (LVM), and regional myocardial motion indices, including
      radial (Drr), circumferential (Dcc) displacement, radial (Vrr) and
      circumferential (Vcc) velocity, radial (Err), circumferential (Ecc) and shear
      (Ess) strain and radial (SRr) and circumferential (SRc) strain rate, were
      calculated and compared among subject groups. Inter-study reproducibility of HDA
      derived myocardial motion indices were tested on 15 volunteers by using intra
      class correlation coefficient (ICC) and coefficient of variation (CoV). RESULTS:
      HDA identified significant differences in cardiac function and motion indices
      between subject groups. DCM patients had significantly lower LVEF (33.5+/-9.65%),
      LVM (105.88+/-21.93g), peak Drr (0.29+/-0.11cm), Vrr-sys (2.14+/-0.72cm/s), Err
      (0.17+/-0.08), Ecc (-0.08+/-0.03), SRr-sys (0.91+/-0.44s(-1)) and SRc-sys (
      0.64+/-0.27s(-1)) compared to the other two groups. HCM patients demonstrated
      increased LVM (171.69+/-34.19) and lower peak Vcc-dia (0.78+/-0.30cm/s) than
      other subjects. Good inter-study reproducibility was found for all HDA-derived
      myocardial indices in healthy volunteers (ICC=0.664-0.942, CoV=15.1%-37.1%).
      CONCLUSION: Without the need for operator interaction, HDA is a reproducible
      method for the automated characterization of global and regional LV function in
      the context of cardiomyopathy.

PMID- 27666620
TI  - The correlation between FDG uptake and biological molecular markers in pancreatic
      cancer patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: We examined whether fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake is
      related to the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signal pathway and its
      related proteins in pancreatic cancer patients. METHODS: We retrospectively
      studied 53 pancreatic cancer patients who underwent FDG positron emission
      tomography (PET) or FDG PET/CT, and complete curative surgical resection. The SUV
      max, the tumor to nontumor activity of pancreas [T/N (P)] ratio and the T/N of
      liver [T/N (L)] ratio were calculated. The expressions of glucose transporter
      1(Glut-1) and mTOR pathway proteins in pancreas cell lines were examined by
      immune blots. Excised tumor tissue was analyzed by immunohistochemistry using
      monoclonal antibodies for Glut-1, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), mTOR,
      p70S6kinase (p70S6) and S6 ribosomal protein (S6). RESULTS: The expressions of
      Glut-1, EGFR and p70S6 were significantly correlated with the SUV max, T/N (P)
      ratio and T/N (L) ratio. The expressions of mTOR and S6 were not correlated with
      all parameters. The expression of Glut-1 was positively correlated with the
      expressions of EGFR and p70S6, but not with mTOR or S6. S6 was positively
      correlated with p70S6. CONCLUSIONS: Glut-1, EGFR and p70S6 expressions are
      associated with the FDG uptake mechanism of pancreatic cancer. FDG uptake may
      predict the levels of EGFR and p70S6 expressions, and FDG uptake reflects glucose
      metabolism and cancer progression.

PMID- 27666622
TI  - Readout-segmented echo-planar imaging improves the image quality of diffusion
      weighted MR imaging in rectal cancer: Comparison with single-shot echo-planar
      diffusion-weighted sequences.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine whether readout-segmented echo-planar imaging (rs-EPI)
      diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) can improve the image quality in patients with
      rectal cancer compared with single-shot echo-planar imaging (ss-EPI) DWI using
      3.0 T magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was
      approved by the Institutional Review Board, and informed consent was obtained
      from all patients. Seventy-one patients with rectal cancer were enrolled in this
      study. For all patients, both rs-EPI and ss-EPI DWI were performed using a 3T MR
      scanner. Two radiologists independently assessed the overall image quality,
      lesion conspicuity, geometric distortion and distinction of anatomical
      structures. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), lesion contrast, contrast-to-noise
      ratio (CNR), and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were also measured.
      Comparisons of the quantitative and qualitative parameters between the two
      sequences were performed using the paired t-test and the Wilcoxon signed rank
      test. RESULTS: The scores of overall image quality, lesion conspicuity, geometric
      distortion and distinction of anatomical structures of rs-EPI were all
      significantly higher than those of ss-EPI (all p<0.05). The SNR and CNR were
      higher in rs-EPI than those in ss-EPI (all p<0.05). There was no significant
      difference between ss-EPI and rs-EPI with regard to ROI size and mean ADCs of the
      tumour (p=0.574 and p=0.479, respectively), but the mean ADC of the normal tissue
      was higher in rs-EPI than in ss-EPI (1.73+/-0.30*10(-3)mm(2)/s vs. 1.60+/
      0.31*10(-3)mm(2)/s, p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: DW imaging based on readout-segmented
      echo-planar imaging is a clinically useful technique to improve the image quality
      for the purpose of evaluating lesions in patients with rectal tumours.

PMID- 27666623
TI  - Use of (18)F-FDG PET/CT in the preoperative evaluation of patients diagnosed with
      peritoneal carcinomatosis of ovarian origin, candidates to cytoreduction and
      hipec. A pending issue.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical usefulness of the results obtained with (18)F
      FDG PET/CT in relation to CT in the preoperative staging of patients with
      peritoneal carcinomatosis secondary to primary or recurrent ovarian cancer
      candidates to cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraoperative
      intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study
      comparing the results obtained with CT and (18)F-FDG PET/CT in the preoperative
      evaluation of a series of 59 patients was performed. In all patients the
      peritoneal carcinomatosis index (PCI) was determined by preoperative radiological
      CT and 18F-FDG PET/CT and compared with surgical PCI, which was considered as
      reference. RESULTS: Of the 59 patients studied, in 55 peritoneal carcinomatosis
      presences were confirmed (4 patients had complete responses to neoadjuvant
      chemotherapy). The mean surgical, CT and 18F-FDG PET/CT PCI was 9.46+/-7.70,
      3.69+/-3.96 and 2.25+/-1.02, respectively. In the global disease detection, CT
      showed a higher positive likelihood ratio (LR+) than (18)F-FDG PET/CT (15.3, 95%
      CI 8.35-28.04 vs. 3.47, 95% CI 3.36-5.11) and a lower negative likelihood ratio
      (LR-) than 18F-FDG PET/CT (0.67, 95% CI 0.61-0.73 vs. 0.82, 95% CI 0.76-0.88). In
      every region of the abdomen the CT showed a greater LR+ than 18F-FDG PET/CT and a
      lower LR- than 18F-FDG PET/CT. CONCLUSIONS: CT showed the best diagnostic results
      compared to (18)F-FDG PET/CT to confirme the presence of peritoneal disease. The
      lower performance of the (18)F-FDG PET/CT suggests that the main utility of (18)F
      FDG PET/CT is to evaluate a possible metastatic extraperitoneal spread of the
      disease.

PMID- 27666624
TI  - Single source dual-energy computed tomography in the diagnosis of gout:
      Diagnostic reliability in comparison to digital radiography and conventional
      computed tomography of the feet.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the diagnostic value of single-source dual-energy
      computed tomography (SDECT) in gouty arthritis and to compare its capability to
      detect urate depositions with digital radiography (DR) and conventional computed
      tomography (CT). METHODS: Forty-four patients who underwent SDECT volume scans of
      the feet for suspected gouty arthritis were retrospectively analyzed. SDECT, CT
      (both n=44) and DR (n=36) were scored by three blinded readers for presence of
      osteoarthritis, erosions, and tophi. A diagnosis was made for each imaging
      modality. Results were compared to the clinical diagnosis using the American
      College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria. RESULTS: The patient
      population was divided into a gout (n=21) and control (n=23) group based on final
      clinical diagnosis. Osteoarthritis was evident in 15 joints using CT and 30
      joints using DR (p=0.165). There were 134 erosions detected by CT compared to 38
      erosions detected by DR (p<0.001). In total 119 tophi were detected by SDECT,
      compared to 85 tophi by CT (p=0.182) and 25 tophi by DR (p<0.001). SDECT had best
      diagnostic value for diagnosis of gout compared to DR and conventional CT
      (sensitivity and specificity for SDECT: 71.4% and 95.7%, CT: 71.4% and 91.3% and
      DR: 44.4% and 83.3%, respectively). For all three readers, Cohen's kappa for DR
      and conventional CT were substantial for all scoring items and ranged from 0.75
      to 0.77 and 0.72-0.76, respectively. For SDECT Cohen's kappa was good to almost
      perfect with 0.77-0.84. CONCLUSIONS: SDECT is capable to detect uric acid
      depositions with good sensitivity and high specificity in feet, therefore
      diagnostic confidence is improved. Using SDECT, inter-reader variance can be
      markedly reduced for the detection of gouty tophi.

PMID- 27666625
TI  - New radiologic classification of renal angiomyolipomas.
AB  - PURPOSE: To introduce a new radiologic classification of renal angiomyolipoma
      (AML). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1995 and 2014, CT or MR images in 98
      patients with histologically proven 98 AMLs were reviewed independently by a
      radiologist and a resident. The lesions were classified as (a) 53 fat-rich AML
      (<=-10HU), (b) 22 fat-poor AML (>-10HU) with tumor-to-spleen ratio (TSR) <0.71 or
      signal intensity index (SII) >16.5%, and (c) 23 fat-invisible AML (>-10HU) with
      TSR >=0.71 and SII <=16.5%. Inter-reader agreement was assessed with a weighted
      kappa value. Fat-poor and fat-invisible AMLs were compared in terms of
      attenuation value, TSR, and SII using unpaired t-test. RESULTS: The weighted
      kappa value was 0.956 (95% confidence interval, 92.0-99.1%). When a region of
      interest (ROI) was placed within the most hypodense area on unenhanced CT or
      within the most signal-dropped area on chemical shift image, the mean attenuation
      values, TSRs, and SIIs of fat-poor versus fat-invisible AMLs were 19.5+/-8.1 HU
      versus 38.1+/-9.9 HU, 0.59+/-0.19 versus 0.96+/-0.01, and 43.7+/-16.9% versus 
      5.4+/-21.1%, respectively (p<0.0001). When a ROI was placed within the other area
      on CT or chemical shift images, 90.1% (48/53) of fat-rich AMLs were mis
      classified as fat-poor or fat-invisible AML and 50% (11/22) of fat-poor AMLs as
      fat-invisible AML. CONCLUSION: The new radiologic classification of renal AML is
      feasible for clinical practice. ROI location is important in differentiating the
      types of AMLs.

PMID- 27666626
TI  - Dual-energy computed tomography for characterizing urinary calcified calculi and
      uric acid calculi: A meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: A meta-analysis was conducted to determine the accuracy of dual-energy
      computed tomography (DECT) for differentiating urinary uric acid and calcified
      calculi. METHODS: The databases PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane
      Library were searched up to May 2016 for relevant original studies. Data were
      extracted to calculate the pooled sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio
      (OR), positive and negative likelihood ratios (PLR and NLR), and areas under
      summary receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curves for analysis. RESULTS:
      Nine studies (609 stones in 415 patients) were included. For differentiating uric
      acid (UA) and non-UA calculi with DECT, the analysis indicated: pooled weighted
      sensitivity, 0.955 (95% CI, 0.888-0.987); specificity, 0.985 (95% CI, 0.970
      0.993); PLR, 0.084 (95% CI, 0.041-0.170); NLR 33.327 (95% CI, 18.516-59.985); and
      diagnostic OR 538.18 (95% CI, 195.50-1478.5). The AUROC value was 0.9901. For
      calcified stones, the analysis indicated: pooled weighted sensitivity, 0.994 (95%
      CI, 0.969-1); specificity, 0.973 (95% CI, 0.906-0.997); PLR, 11.200 (95% CI,
      4.922-25.486); NLR 0.027 (95% CI, 0.010-0.072); and diagnostic OR 654.89 (95% CI,
      151.31-2834.4). The AUROC value was 0.9915. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis found
      that DECT is a highly accurate noninvasive method for characterizing urinary uric
      acid and calcified calculi.

PMID- 27666628
TI  - The clinical and radiological importance of extraarticular contrast material
      leakage into adjacent synovial compartments on ankle MR arthrography in patients
      with OCD and anterolateral impingement.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the tibiotalar joint capacity and the localisation,
      frequency and amount of extravasation in patients with extraarticular contrast
      material leakage into adjacent synovial compartments on ankle magnetic resonance
      (MR) arthrography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sites of extravasation were determined
      in the ankle MR arthrograms of 69 patients. Thirty-four patients without
      extraarticular contrast material leakage into locations unrelated to the
      injection path were included as a control group. Volumetric measurements of
      extraarticular contrast material leakage and the tibiotalar joint capacity were
      performed on a three dimensional (3D) volume measurement workstation. RESULTS:
      Extravasation of contrast material occurred through the anterior, posterior, and
      anterolateral recesses of the tibiotalar joint. The most common site of
      extravasation was along the flexor hallucis longus tendon synovium (24.6%). The
      amount of extravasation was significantly higher in patients with ankle
      osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) than in patients with a different diagnosis
      (p=0.039). Loose bodies were detected in all OCD's patients with insufficient
      tibiotalar joint distention. CONCLUSIONS: Connections between the ankle joint and
      neighboring synovial compartments can decrease the diagnostic value of ankle MR
      arthrography examinations due to inadequate joint distention. Large injection
      volumes should be used for ankle MR arthrography of patients with OCD (especially
      OCD's patients with loose body) and impingement syndrome.

PMID- 27666629
TI  - Prediction of the therapeutic response after FOLFOX and FOLFIRI treatment for
      patients with liver metastasis from colorectal cancer using computerized CT
      texture analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine whether baseline CT texture analysis of hepatic metastasis
      from colorectal cancer (CRC) is predictive of therapeutic response after
      cytotoxic chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 235 patients with liver metastasis
      from CRC who underwent CT and cytotoxic chemotherapy using FOLFOX and FOLFIRI
      were divided into derivation cohort (n=145) and validation cohort (n=90). The CT
      texture of the hepatic metastasis was quantified using baseline CT. We analyzed
      the independent predictor for the response from derivation cohort and validated
      it using validation cohort. We also compared texture features between included
      four CT scanners. RESULTS: 89 responding and 146 non-responding patients were
      evaluated. In the derivation cohort, lower skewness (OR, 6.739) in 2D, higher
      mean attenuation (OR, 2.587), and narrower standard deviation (SD) (OR, 3.163) in
      3D were independently associated with response to chemotherapy. However, only
      lower skewness (P=0.213) on 2D and narrower SD on 3D analysis (P=0.097) did not
      show a significant difference on either CT scanner. When applied to the
      validation set, the lower skewness on 2D (AUC=0.797) and narrower SD on 3D
      (AUC=0.785) showed good performance. CONCLUSION: CT texture analysis is useful
      for prediction of therapeutic response after cytotoxic chemotherapy in patients
      with liver metastasis from colorectal cancer.

PMID- 27666627
TI  - Cloud-processed 4D CMR flow imaging for pulmonary flow quantification.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: In this study, we evaluated a cloud-based platform for cardiac
      magnetic resonance (CMR) four-dimensional (4D) flow imaging, with fully
      integrated correction for eddy currents, Maxwell phase effects, and gradient
      field non-linearity, to quantify forward flow, regurgitation, and peak systolic
      velocity over the pulmonary artery. METHODS: We prospectively recruited 52 adult
      patients during one-year period from July 2014. The 4D flow and planar (2D) phase
      contrast (PC) were acquired during same scanning session, but 4D flow was scanned
      after injection of a gadolinium-based contrast agent. Eddy-currents were semi
      automatically corrected using the web-based software. Flow over pulmonary valve
      was measured and the 4D flow values were compared against the 2D PC ones.
      RESULTS: The mean forward flow was 92 (+/-30) ml/cycle measured with 4D flow and
      86 (+/-29) ml/cycle measured with 2D PC, with a correlation of 0.82 and a mean
      difference of -6ml/cycle (-41-29). For the regurgitant fraction the correlation
      was 0.85 with a mean difference of -0.95% (-17-15). Mean peak systolic velocity
      measured with 4D flow was 92 (+/-49) cm/s and 108 (+/-56) cm/s with 2D PC, having
      a correlation of 0.93 and a mean difference of 16cm/s (-24-55). CONCLUSION: 4D
      flow imaging post-processed with an integrated cloud-based application accurately
      quantifies pulmonary flow. However, it may underestimate the peak systolic
      velocity.

PMID- 27666630
TI  - Soft tissue masses with myxoid stroma: Can conventional magnetic resonance
      imaging differentiate benign from malignant tumors?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To retrospectively evaluate the diagnostic performance of
      morphological signs observed on conventional magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to
      differentiate benign from malignant peripheral solid tumors of soft tissue with
      myxoid stroma. METHODS: MR images from 95 consecutive histopathologically proven
      tumors (26 benign and 69 malignant) of soft tissues with myxoid components were
      evaluated in our tertiary referral center. Two radiologists, blind to pathology
      results, independently reviewed conventional MR sequences including at least a)
      one T2-weighted sequence with or without fat suppression; b) one T1-weighted
      sequence without fat suppression; and c) one T1-weighted sequence with gadolinium
      complex contrast enhancement and fat suppression. Multiple criteria were defined
      to analyze morphology, margins, architecture and tumor periphery and evaluated
      for each lesion. Intra- and inter-observer reproducibility and Odds ratios were
      calculated for each criterion. RESULTS: The most relevant and reproducible
      criteria to significantly predict malignancy were: (1) ill-defined tumor margins,
      (2) a hemorrhagic component, (3) intra-tumoral fat, (4) fibrosis and (5) the
      "tail sign". A lesion is classified as malignant if any of these 5 criteria is
      present, and benign if none of them are observed. Therefore, this combination
      provides a sensitivity of 92.9% and a specificity of 93.3%. CONCLUSION:
      Conventional MR imaging provides reproducible criteria that can be combined to
      differentiate between benign and malignant solid tumors of soft tissue with
      myxoid stroma.

PMID- 27666631
TI  - Dynamic (4D) CT perfusion offers simultaneous functional and anatomical insights
      into pulmonary embolism resolution.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Resolution and long-term functional effects of pulmonary emboli are
      unpredictable. This study was carried out to assess persisting vascular bed
      perfusion abnormalities and resolution of arterial thrombus in patients with
      recent pulmonary embolism (PE). METHODS AND MATERIALS: 26 Patients were
      prospectively evaluated by dynamic (4D) contrast enhanced CT perfusion dynamic
      pulmonary CT perfusion. Intermittent volume imaging was performed every 1.5-1.7s
      during breath-hold and perfusion values were calculated by maximum-slope
      technique. Thrombus load (modified Miller score; MMS) and ventricular diameter
      were determined. Perfusion maps were visually scored and correlated with residual
      endoluminal filling defects. RESULTS: The mean initial thrombus load was 13.1+/
      4.6 MMS (3-16), and 1.2+/-2.1 MMS (0-8) at follow up. From the 24 CTPs with
      diagnostic quality perfusion studies, normal perfusion was observed in 7 (29%),
      and mildly-severely abnormal in 17 (71%). In 15 patients with no residual
      thrombus on follow up CTPA, normal perfusion was observed in 6, and abnormal
      perfusion in 9. Perfusion was abnormal in all patients with residual thrombus on
      follow up CTPA. Pulmonary perfusion changes were classified as reduced (n=4),
      delayed (systemic circulation pattern; n=5), and absent (no-flow; n=5). The right
      ventricle was dilated in 12/25 (48%) at presentation, and normal in all 26 follow
      up scans. Weak correlation was found between initial ventricular dilatation and
      perfusion abnormality at follow up (r=0.15). CONCLUSIONS: Most patients had
      substantial perfusion abnormality at 3-6 months post PE. Abnormal perfusion
      patterns were frequently observed in patients and in regions with no
      corresponding evidence of residual thrombus on CTPA. Some defects exhibit
      delayed, presumed systemic, enhancement (which we have termed 'stunned' lung). CT
      perfusion provides combined anatomical and functional information about PE
      resolution.

PMID- 27666632
TI  - Liver resection for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in AJCC-stage IV: An
      evaluation of the survival benefit and prognostic accuracy of current AJCC
      staging system on N and M classification.
AB  - Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is usually confirmed in advanced stage at
      the time of diagnosis or after surgical exploration, however, indication of
      surgical treatment is usually controversial for ICC in advanced stages. This
      retrospective study aims to evaluate clinical value of surgery for such tumors,
      in order to identify the appropriate patients who will benefit from surgery, and
      to evaluate the prognostic accuracy of the current staging system for advanced
      ICC. From January 2007 to December 2011, 387 consecutive surgically treated
      patients with ICC in AJCC-stage IV were evaluated. Survival was compared among
      different patients grouped by different elements of AJCC staging system. The
      prognostic importance of extent of lymph node (LN) metastasis relative to the
      AJCC N and M classification system was assessed. Our data showed that survival
      was much better for patients in AJCC-stage IVA group (median survival time, MST,
      9.0 months) than in AJCC-stage IVB group (MST, 5.0 months) (P<0.001). While in
      AJCC-stage IVB group, survival for patients in AnyTN2-3M0 subgroup (MST, 9.0
      months) was much better than in AnyTN0M1 subgroup (MST, 3.0 months); and better
      than in AnyTN2-3M1 subgroup (MST, 4.0 months) (P<0.001). Overall, R0 and R1 liver
      resection should be indicated for patients in AJCC-stage IVA group and AnyTN2-3M0
      subgroup in AJCC-stage IVB group, as patients in these groups will benefit from
      surgery with relatively better survival. Staging of advanced ICC by N2-3 instead
      of M1 for extended LN metastasis classification is superior in comparison with
      the AJCC staging system.

PMID- 27666633
TI  - Systemic structure-activity relationship study of phenyl polyyne diols as
      potential chemopreventive agents.
AB  - The present study reports the cancer chemopreventive activities of phenyl polyyne
      diols derived from polyacetylene triol. Thirty-seven analogues based on a 1
      phenylhexa-2,4-diyne-1,6-diol scaffold were prepared and their effects on QR
      activity were elucidated, as well as their cytotoxicities. We found that most of
      the derivatives based on phenylhexa-2,4-diyne-1,6-diol exhibited good QR
      induction activity and relatively low cytotoxicity and systemic structure
      activity relationship was revealed. In particular, 4-fluorophenyl, 3
      chlorophenyl, and 3,4-dioxolophenyl derivatives showed the best profiles in terms
      of QR induction, cytotoxicity, and CI.

PMID- 27666634
TI  - Pterin-7-carboxamides as a new class of aldose reductase inhibitors.
AB  - Aldose reductase is related to the onset and progression of diabetic
      complications, such as neuropathy, retinopathy, angiopathy, and so on: therefore
      molecules that are capable of inhibiting the enzyme are potential drugs for
      treatment of diabetic complications. Epalrestat is the sole aldose reductase
      inhibitor that is clinically used, but still has some drawbacks. Thus, the
      development of new aldose reductase inhibitors is still desired. We have
      synthesized a series of new pterin-7-carboxamides, and evaluated their in vitro
      inhibitory activities against human aldose reductase. All newly synthesized
      compounds exhibited the inhibitory activity. Among them, 1a having a glycine side
      chain exhibits the highest activity comparable to that of sorbinil, a highly
      active aldose reductase inhibitor. Molecular docking of 1a on the active site of
      the enzyme indicated this compound interacts with amino acid residues that are
      specific to the enzyme and related to suppressing side effects. Based on these
      results, we proved perin-7-carboxamides to be a new class of aldose reductase
      inhibitors, and particularly compound 1a was found to be a good candidate for
      further biological investigations as a drug for treatment of diabetic
      complications with fewer side effects.

PMID- 27666635
TI  - Development of BCR-ABL degradation inducers via the conjugation of an imatinib
      derivative and a cIAP1 ligand.
AB  - The manipulation of protein stability with small molecules has great potential as
      a technique for aiding the development of clinical therapies, including
      treatments for cancer. In this study, BCR-ABL protein degradation inducers called
      SNIPER(ABL) (Specific and Non-genetic inhibitors of apoptosis protein [IAP]
      dependent Protein Erasers) were developed. The designed molecules contained two
      biologically active scaffolds: one was an imatinib derivative that binds to BCL
      ABL and the other was a methyl bestatin that binds to cellular IAP 1 (cIAP1). The
      hybrid molecules, SNIPER(ABL), were expected to recruit BCR-ABL to cIAP1 for
      removal by proteasomes. In fact, SNIPER(ABL) induced the degradation of BCR-ABL
      protein and a subsequent reduction in cell growth. Thus, the degradation of BCR
      ABL by SNIPER(ABL) is one potential strategy for treating BCR-ABL driven chronic
      myelogenous leukemia.

PMID- 27666636
TI  - Spike-timing-dependent plasticity enhanced synchronization transitions induced by
      autapses in adaptive Newman-Watts neuronal networks.
AB  - In this paper, we numerically study the effect of spike-timing-dependent
      plasticity (STDP) on synchronization transitions induced by autaptic activity in
      adaptive Newman-Watts Hodgkin-Huxley neuron networks. It is found that
      synchronization transitions induced by autaptic delay vary with the adjusting
      rate Ap of STDP and become strongest at a certain Ap value, and the Ap value
      increases when network randomness or network size increases. It is also found
      that the synchronization transitions induced by autaptic delay become strongest
      at a certain network randomness and network size, and the values increase and
      related synchronization transitions are enhanced when Ap increases. These results
      show that there is optimal STDP that can enhance the synchronization transitions
      induced by autaptic delay in the adaptive neuronal networks. These findings
      provide a new insight into the roles of STDP and autapses for the information
      transmission in neural systems.

PMID- 27666637
TI  - Utilization of smart phones related medical applications among medical students
      at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah: A cross-sectional study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The present study explored the utility, attitude, and trends
      regarding Smartphone related Medical Applications (Apps) among medical students
      of King Abdulaziz University (KAU) Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (SA) and their
      perceptions of the impact of Medical Apps in their training activities. SUBJECTS
      AND METHODS: This survey was conducted at the Faculty of Medicine, Jeddah, and
      Rabigh campuses, KAU, Jeddah, SA. All participants were medical students of 2nd
      to 6th year. The data was collected by using an anonymous questionnaire regarding
      the perception of medical students about Medical Apps on the smart devices and
      the purpose of installation of the Apps. Additionally examined was the use of
      different Medical Apps by the students to investigate the impact of Medical Apps
      on the clinical training/practice. Data was analyzed on SPSS 21. RESULTS: The
      opinion of 330/460 medical students from all academic years was included in the
      study with a response rate of 72%. There were 170 (51.5%) males and 160 (48.5%)
      females with a mean age of 21.26+/-1.86 years. Almost all participating students
      320 (97%) were well aware of Medical Apps for smart devices and 89.1% had
      installed different applications on their smart devices. The main usage was for
      either revision of courses (62.4%) or for looking up of medical information
      (67.3%), followed by preparing for a presentation (34.5%) and getting the medical
      news (32.1%). Regarding the impact of Medical Apps, most of the students
      considered these helpful in clinical decision-making, assisting in differential
      diagnosis, allowing faster access to Evidence-Based Medical practice, saving time
      and others. The practical use of these Apps was found to be minimal in medical
      students. Around 73% were occasional users of Medical Apps, and only 27% were
      using Medical Apps at least once a day. CONCLUSION: The regular use of Medical
      Apps on mobile devices is not common among medical students of KAU.

PMID- 27666638
TI  - Development of a rapid response plan for intraoperative emergencies: the
      Circulate, Scrub, and Technical Assistance Team.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Unplanned intraoperative events are inevitable and cause stress and
      inefficiency among staff. We believe that developing a technical rapid response
      team with explicitly defined, narrow roles would reduce the amount of chaos
      during such emergencies. This article provides a detailed description of the
      development and implementation of such a program. METHODS: In-situ simulation of
      an intraoperative emergency was used for a formal assessment of the current
      practice. Debriefing sessions identified areas of improvement and solicited
      solutions. A multidisciplinary working group then developed and implemented the
      technical rapid response team based on the needs assessment. The program was
      designed to create a Circulating, Scrubbing, and Technical Assistance Team that
      helps with equipment, supplies, anesthesia, and communication. RESULTS: We
      anticipate the program will foster a culture of safety, and promote positive
      relationships and attitudes of the entire multidisciplinary team. CONCLUSIONS: In
      the future, research regarding patient outcomes and staff satisfaction and safety
      attitudes may help provide objective evidence of the benefits of the program.

PMID- 27666639
TI  - Patient-centered communication during procedures.

PMID- 27666640
TI  - Implementation results of a novel comprehensive mental skills curriculum during
      simulator training.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mental skills training refers to the implementation of cognitive
      performance-enhancing strategies to promote optimal performance. We aimed to
      develop a surgery-specific mental skills curriculum (MSC) and obtain initial
      evidence of efficacy. METHODS: The developed MSC consisted of 8 proven
      performance-enhancing modules. Its efficacy was assessed during laparoscopic
      simulator-based practice by novices using validated instruments of mental skills,
      workload, and stress, in addition to a skill transfer test to a porcine model. A
      paired t test was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Nine surgical novices
      completed the curriculum. Compared with baseline assessment, participants
      improved significantly their laparoscopic performance and mental skills after
      completion of the MSC. All participants completed the task in the porcine model
      without an appreciable change in their perceived stress. During the skill
      transfer test, 8 participants were observed using mental skills taught in the
      MSC. CONCLUSIONS: A surgery-specific simulator-based MSC was developed, and its
      efficacy in improving mental skills and surgical performance was supported during
      a surgical skill transfer test.

PMID- 27666641
TI  - Reply to "Open reduction and internal fixation of rib fractures in polytrauma
      patients with flail chest" by DeFreest et al.

PMID- 27666642
TI  - About the importance of the acute phase of subarachnoid hemorrhage and the
      chances for successful translation.

PMID- 27666644
TI  - Does symbolism benefit environmental and business performance in the adoption of
      ISO 14001?
AB  - Much research has focused on the organisational and reputational benefits of ISO
      14001. However, less discussed is the symbolic adoption that some firms are
      implementing without experiencing significant reductions in environmental
      impacts. This work analyses the relationships between the different ISO 14001
      adoption profiles (from symbolic profile to factual approach) and both
      environmental performance and profitability. These relationships are examined
      using a sample of 1214 manufacturing firms in 7 OECD countries while controlling
      for selection bias. The results suggest that only ISO 14001 adopters that monitor
      an extensive set of negative environmental impacts are associated with real
      improvements in both environmental performance and business performance.

PMID- 27666643
TI  - Hydroxyapatite precipitation with Hydron Blue dye.
AB  - Calcium phosphate, in the form of amorphous hydroxyapatite, precipitates out of
      neutral water solutions containing calcium and phosphate ions in the form of
      small agglomerates of 18 MUm average size. When Hydron Blue dye (HB) is added,
      the insoluble particles gradually agglomerate further to 50 MUm sizes. However,
      the removal capacity of hydroxyapatite for the dye is increased when the calcium
      phosphate nucleates and forms in the presence of dye. When coprecipitates form,
      the particules average 20 MUm size and contain up to 60% organic matter. Nascent
      calcium phosphate particles have strong capacity for Hydron Blue dye removal.
      Thus smaller calcium phosphate particles increase the amount of dye molecules in
      water pollution control.

PMID- 27666645
TI  - End-product quality of composts produced under tropical and temperate climates
      using different raw materials: A meta-analysis.
AB  - A meta-analysis on end-product quality of 442 composts was performed to assess
      the effects of climate and raw materials on compost quality. The analysis was
      performed using an ANOVA including a mixed model with nested factors (climate,
      raw material and publication effect). Tropical composts presented lower carbon,
      nitrogen, potassium and soluble-carbon contents, and higher electrical
      conductivity. The results suggest that compost quality in the tropics was
      affected by weather conditions during composting (e.g. high temperature and
      rainfall), which induced high losses of carbon and nutrients. For most
      properties, industrial, sewage sludge and manure-based composts displayed the
      highest quality under both climates, while the contrary was found for household
      and municipal solid waste-based composts. The publication effect represented >50%
      of total variance, which was mainly due to the heterogeneity of the composting
      procedures. The meta-analysis was found to be a helpful tool to analyse the
      imbalanced worldwide database on compost quality.

PMID- 27666646
TI  - Removal of organic matter and ammonium from landfill leachate through different
      scenarios: Operational cost evaluation in a full-scale case study of a Flemish
      landfill.
AB  - Several scenarios are available to landfilling facilities to effectively treat
      leachate at the lowest possible cost. In this study, the performance of various
      leachate treatment sequences to remove COD and nitrogen from a leachate stream
      and the associated cost are presented. The results show that, to achieve 100%
      nitrogen removal, autotrophic nitrogen removal (ANR) or a combination of ANR and
      nitrification - denitrification (N-dN) is more cost effective than using only the
      N-dN process (0.58 ?/m3) without changing the leachate polishing costs associated
      with granular activated carbon (GAC). Treatment of N-dN effluent by ozonation or
      coagulation led to the reduction of the COD concentration by 10% and 59%
      respectively before GAC adsorption. This reduced GAC costs and subsequently
      reduced the overall treatment costs by 7% (ozonation) and 22% (coagulation). On
      the contrary, using Fenton oxidation to reduce the COD concentration of N-dN
      effluent by 63% increased the overall leachate treatment costs by 3%. Leachate
      treatment sequences employing ANR for nitrogen removal followed by ozonation or
      Fenton or coagulation for COD removal and final polishing with GAC are on average
      33% cheaper than a sequence with N-dN + GAC only. When ANR is the preceding step
      and GAC the final step, choice of AOP i.e., ozonation or Fenton did not affect
      the total treatment costs which amounted to 1.43 (ozonation) and 1.42 ?/m3
      (Fenton). In all the investigated leachate treatment trains, the sequence with
      ANR + coagulation + GAC is the most cost effective at 0.94 ?/m3.

PMID- 27666647
TI  - Ecosystem water imbalances created during ecological restoration by afforestation
      in China, and lessons for other developing countries.
AB  - Land degradation is a global environmental problem that jeopardizes human safety
      and socioeconomic development. To alleviate severe soil erosion and
      desertification due to deforestation and overgrazing, China has implemented
      historically unprecedented large-scale afforestation. However, few studies have
      accounted for the resulting imbalance between water supply (primarily
      precipitation) and water consumption (evapotranspiration), which will affect
      ecosystem health and socioeconomic development. We compared the water balance
      results between restoration by means of afforestation and restoration using the
      potential natural vegetation to guide future ecological restoration planning and
      environmental policy development. Based on estimates of water consumption from
      seven evapotranspiration models, we discuss the consequences for water security
      using data obtained since 1952 under China's large-scale afforestation program.
      The models estimated that afforestation will increase water consumption by 559
      2354 m3/ha annually compared with natural vegetation. Although afforestation is a
      potentially important approach for environmental restoration, China's current
      policy has not been tailored to local precipitation conditions, and will have
      therefore exacerbated water shortages and decrease the ability to achieve
      environmental policy goals. Our analysis shows how, both in China and around the
      world, future ecological restoration planning must account for the water balance
      to ensure effective and sustainable environmental restoration policy.

PMID- 27666649
TI  - A scenario-based MCDA framework for wastewater infrastructure planning under
      uncertainty.
AB  - Wastewater infrastructure management is increasingly important because of
      urbanization, environmental pollutants, aging infrastructures, and climate
      change. We propose a scenario-based multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA)
      framework to compare different infrastructure alternatives in terms of their
      sustainability. These range from the current centralized system to semi- and
      fully decentralized options. Various sources of uncertainty are considered,
      including external socio-economic uncertainty captured by future scenarios,
      uncertainty in predicting outcomes of alternatives, and incomplete preferences of
      stakeholders. Stochastic Multi-criteria Acceptability Analysis (SMAA) with Monte
      Carlo simulation is performed, and rank acceptability indices help identify
      robust alternatives. We propose step-wise local sensitivity analysis, which is
      useful for practitioners to effectively elicit preferences and identify major
      sources of uncertainty. The approach is demonstrated in a Swiss case study where
      ten stakeholders are involved throughout. Their preferences are quantitatively
      elicited by combining an online questionnaire with face-to-face interviews. The
      trade-off questions reveal a high concern about environmental and an unexpectedly
      low importance of economic criteria. This results in a surprisingly good ranking
      of high-tech decentralized wastewater alternatives using urine source separation
      for most stakeholders in all scenarios. Combining scenario planning and MCDA
      proves useful, as the performance of wastewater infrastructure systems is indeed
      sensitive to socio-economic boundary conditions and the other sources of
      uncertainty. The proposed sensitivity analysis suggests that a simplified
      elicitation procedure is sufficient in many cases. Elicitation of more
      information such as detailed marginal value functions should only follow if the
      sensitivity analysis finds this necessary. Moreover, the uncertainty of rankings
      can be considerably reduced by better predictions of the outcomes of
      alternatives. Although the results are case based, the proposed decision
      framework is generalizable to other decision contexts.

PMID- 27666648
TI  - Unpacking the concept of land degradation neutrality and addressing its operation
      through the Rio Conventions.
AB  - The world's commitment towards land degradation neutrality (LDN) became enshrined
      in various international agreements and decisions throughout the year 2015. The
      challenge now becomes one of addressing its operation, in order to achieve these
      new policy goals and targets by the year 2030. Advancing LDN demands attention to
      what the concept seeks to achieve, as well as unravelling the perspectives of the
      key multi-lateral environmental agreements through which progress can be made.
      The three Rio Conventions (the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD),
      the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Convention on
      Biological Diversity (CBD)) all play key roles in shaping the international LDN
      governance and implementation context. Their different but related foci create a
      number of challenges and opportunities for advancing LDN. In this paper we
      critically analyze the literature to elucidate potential challenges and
      opportunities in moving LDN towards implementation, considering the mandates and
      objectives of all three Rio Conventions. We first unpack the concept of LDN's
      aspirations. We highlight the importance of the definitions and terminology used,
      and the relationships between those definitions, terms and the actors using them,
      as well as their implications in framing the range of policy actions and
      synergies that could benefit progress towards multiple Sustainable Development
      Goals. We then examine the LDN pilot project spearheaded by the UNCCD to identify
      key lessons for LDN implementation. Synthesizing these lessons, we present a
      portfolio of blended interventions that seeks to address the aspirations of the
      UNCCD, UNFCCC and CBD in the LDN space, identifying synergistic options for
      national actions to move towards LDN. Overall, our analysis provides insights in
      advancing LDN from its current position as a policy target, towards synergetic
      action.

PMID- 27666650
TI  - Asthma transition from childhood into adulthood.
AB  - Asthma is the most prevalent chronic respiratory disease both in children and
      adults and resembles a complex syndrome rather than a single disease. Different
      methods have been developed to better characterise distinct asthma phenotypes in
      childhood and adulthood. In studies of adults, most phenotyping relies on
      biomaterials from the lower airways; however, this information is missing in
      paediatric studies because of restricted accessibility. Few patients show
      symptoms throughout childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Risk factors for this
      might be genetics, family history of asthma and atopy, infections early in life,
      allergic diseases, and lung function deficits. In turn, a large proportion of
      children with asthma lose their symptoms during school age and adolescence. This
      improved prognosis, which might also reflect a better treatment response, is
      associated with being male and with milder and less allergic disease.
      Importantly, whether clinical remission of symptoms equals the disappearance of
      underlying pathology is unknown. In fact, airway hyper-responsiveness and airway
      inflammation might remain despite the absence of overt symptoms. Additionally, a
      new-onset of asthma symptoms is apparent in adulthood, especially in women and in
      the case of impaired lung function. However, many patients do not remember
      childhood symptoms, which might reflect relapse rather than true initiation. Both
      relapse and adult-onset of asthma symptoms have been associated with allergic
      disease and sensitisation in addition to airway hyper-responsiveness. Thus,
      asthma symptoms beginning in adults might have originated in childhood.
      Equivocally, persistence into, relapse, and new-onset of symptoms in adulthood
      have all been related to active smoking. However, underlying mechanisms for the
      associations remain unclear, and future asthma research should therefore
      integrate standardised molecular approaches in identical ways in both paediatric
      and adult populations and in longitudinal studies.

PMID- 27666651
TI  - An Evaluation of the Breathing Strategies and Maximum Phonation Time in Musical
      Theater Performers During Controlled Performance Tasks.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Breathing strategies for athletic dancing are quite different from
      those needed for legato singing. This study considers the respiration data
      recorded by a telemetric heart rate monitor, mask, and gas analyzer collected
      from 20 musical theater professionals performing set tasks. METHODS: Scores were
      taken of maximum phonation time (MPT), relative oxygen uptake, and heart rate
      immediately after three tasks: (1) singing only, (2) dancing only, and (3)
      singing while dancing. Scores were also collected of the ability to sustain
      unbroken notes immediately before performing and then immediately after each of
      the above tasks (1), (2), and (3). Vital capacity scores were recorded at the
      beginning and at the end of the testing schedule. A questionnaire took
      demographic information and asked questions regarding performer perception,
      training, and experience. Most were aware of breathing inconsistencies and
      adjustments related to changes of task and/or direction. RESULTS: (Means) Tidal
      volume was constant for (1) singing and (2) dancing; MPT reduced by 65.2% for
      singing while dancing; and minute volumes reduced by 16% but relative oxygen
      uptake (mL/kg/min) remained unchanged, despite increased heart rates, and when
      singing while dancing compared with dancing only. The mean MPT dropped from 20.4
      seconds to 7.1 seconds (change of 65.2%) between the at rest and postsinging
      while dancing scores. CONCLUSION: The likelihood of developing vocal dysfunction
      (overtime) and the risk of compromising performance aesthetic lead the
      researchers to the conclusion that further study is required in this area.

PMID- 27666652
TI  - VHI-10 and SVHI-10 Differences in Singers' Self-perception of Dysphonia Severity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Previous investigations of the Voice Handicap Index (VHI)-10 in
      clinical practice noted that specific information relevant to singers was not
      forthcoming. Consequently, a second index, the Singing Voice Handicap Index
      (SVHI) as well as its shortened counterpart the SVHI-10, was developed. The
      purpose of this study was to directly compare the differences in scores between
      the VHI-10 and the SVHI-10 in a group of 50 singers. METHODS: A retrospective
      chart review of 50 singers (26 women, 24 men) was performed between June 2014 and
      November 2014 at Weill Cornell Medical College, New York. Subjects completed both
      the VHI-10 and the SVHI-10 at their initial evaluation. The results from the VHI
      10 and the SVHI-10 were then compared using paired t test and two-way analysis of
      variance. RESULTS: The SVHI-10 scores from the performers were significantly
      higher than those of the VHI-10 (P < 0.0001). The mean score on the VHI-10 was
      12.1 compared with 20.4 on the SVHI-10 (maximum score for each questionnaire is
      40). There were no significant gender differences when comparing the VHI-10 and
      the SVHI-10 on the overall scores or for individual items. The analysis of
      variance also found no significant gender difference (P = 0.865) and confirmed a
      significant difference between VHI-10 and SVHI-10 (P = 0.0003). CONCLUSION:
      Whereas singers may have general complaints about their voice, they also have
      specific complaints that relate only to their singing voice. Finding a
      significant difference between the scores of the VHI-10 and the SVHI-10 suggests
      the importance of assessing the singer's perception of voice severity using a
      tool that focuses on the singing voice.

PMID- 27666653
TI  - Technical note: Preservation of Trichomonas vaginalis viability in urine for
      laboratorial diagnosis by the wet mount examination.
AB  - This study compared preservative solutions at different temperatures aiming to
      improve the wet mount for trichomoniasis diagnosis. The glucose-saline pH6.0
      solution preserved the trophozoites up to 6h. The urine samples preservation is
      crucial for diagnosis and we suggest this solution as part of the clinical
      laboratorial routine.

PMID- 27666654
TI  - Folic acid enhances the apoptotic and genotoxic activity of carboplatin in HeLa
      cell line.
AB  - In human tumor cells, experimental and clinical evidence indicates that some
      factors involved in signal transduction and cell growth can also modulate the
      response to chemotherapeutic treatment. The aim of the present study was to
      investigate the role of folic acid (FA) as a modulator of carboplatin (CBDCA)
      activity. Genotoxicity and cytotoxicity induced by CBDCA alone and in combination
      with FA were assessed in cultured HeLa cells. We used comet assay, mitotic index
      analysis, MTT and NR assays, cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome assay and
      annexin V-IP as different cytotoxicity and genotoxicity approaches for human
      cervical carcinoma cell line studies. The results showed that addition of 900nM
      FA together with 40.4mM CBDCA enhanced the activity of the platinum compound,
      increasing its effect on cell death by nearly 20%, as evidenced by the MTT and NR
      assays. Moreover, not only higher levels of DNA and chromosomal damage were
      reached but also the number of necrotic and apoptotic cells were significantly
      increased when cell cultures were treated with the combined procedure. This
      situation opens the possibility to explore the use of FA in platinum-based
      chemotherapy protocols to reduce the platinum doses for patient treatment and
      decrease the chance of developing the known side effects without losing
      biological activity.

PMID- 27666656
TI  - Development and Evaluation of the American College of Surgeons NSQIP Pediatric
      Surgical Risk Calculator.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is an increased desire among patients and families to be
      involved in the surgical decision-making process. A surgeon's ability to provide
      patients and families with patient-specific estimates of postoperative
      complications is critical for shared decision making and informed consent.
      Surgeons can also use patient-specific risk estimates to decide whether or not to
      operate and what options to offer patients. Our objective was to develop and
      evaluate a publicly available risk estimation tool that would cover many common
      pediatric surgical procedures across all specialties. STUDY DESIGN: American
      College of Surgeons NSQIP Pediatric standardized data from 67 hospitals were used
      to develop a risk estimation tool. Surgeons enter 18 preoperative variables
      (demographics, comorbidities, procedure) that are used in a logistic regression
      model to predict 9 postoperative outcomes. A surgeon adjustment score is also
      incorporated to adjust for any additional risk not accounted for in the 18 risk
      factors. RESULTS: A pediatric surgical risk calculator was developed based on
      181,353 cases covering 382 CPT codes across all specialties. It had excellent
      discrimination for mortality (c-statistic = 0.98), morbidity (c-statistic =
      0.81), and 7 additional complications (c-statistic > 0.77). The Hosmer-Lemeshow
      statistic and graphic representations also showed excellent calibration.
      CONCLUSIONS: The ACS NSQIP Pediatric Surgical Risk Calculator was developed using
      standardized and audited multi-institutional data from the ACS NSQIP Pediatric,
      and it provides empirically derived, patient-specific postoperative risks. It can
      be used as a tool in the shared decision-making process by providing clinicians,
      families, and patients with useful information for many of the most common
      operations performed on pediatric patients in the US.

PMID- 27666655
TI  - Effects of different surface modifying agents on the cytotoxic and antimicrobial
      properties of ZnO nanoparticles.
AB  - Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) have received considerable attention in the
      medical field because of their antibacterial properties, primarily for killing
      and reducing the activity of numerous microorganisms. The purpose of this study
      was to determine whether surface-modified ZnO NPs exhibit different properties
      compared with unmodified ZnO. The antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties of
      modified ZnO NPs as well as their effects on inflammatory cytokine production
      were evaluated. ZnO NPs were prepared using a wet chemical method. Then, the
      surfaces of these NPs were modified using 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES)
      and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as modifying agents via a chemical hydrolysis
      method. According to infrared spectroscopy analysis (FTIR), the structure of the
      ZnO remained unchanged after modification. Antibacterial assays demonstrated that
      APTES modification is more effective at inducing an antimicrobial effect against
      Gram-negative bacteria than against Gram-positive bacteria. Cytotoxicity studies
      showed that cell viability was dose-dependent; moreover, pristine and APTES
      modified ZnO exhibited low cytotoxicity, whereas DMSO-modified ZnO exhibited
      toxicity even at a low NP concentration. An investigation of inflammatory
      cytokine production demonstrated that the extent of stimulation was related to
      the ZnO NP concentration but not to the surface modification, except for IFN
      gamma and IL-10, which were not detected even at high NP concentrations.

PMID- 27666657
TI  - Analysis of heterogeneous dengue transmission in Guangdong in 2014 with
      multivariate time series model.
AB  - Guangdong experienced the largest dengue epidemic in recent history. In 2014, the
      number of dengue cases was the highest in the previous 10 years and comprised
      more than 90% of all cases. In order to analyze heterogeneous transmission of
      dengue, a multivariate time series model decomposing dengue risk additively into
      endemic, autoregressive and spatiotemporal components was used to model dengue
      transmission. Moreover, random effects were introduced in the model to deal with
      heterogeneous dengue transmission and incidence levels and power law approach was
      embedded into the model to account for spatial interaction. There was little
      spatial variation in the autoregressive component. In contrast, for the endemic
      component, there was a pronounced heterogeneity between the Pearl River Delta
      area and the remaining districts. For the spatiotemporal component, there was
      considerable heterogeneity across districts with highest values in some western
      and eastern department. The results showed that the patterns driving dengue
      transmission were found by using clustering analysis. And endemic component
      contribution seems to be important in the Pearl River Delta area, where the
      incidence is high (95 per 100,000), while areas with relatively low incidence (4
      per 100,000) are highly dependent on spatiotemporal spread and local
      autoregression.

PMID- 27666658
TI  - Radiologic Response to Neoadjuvant Treatment Predicts Histologic Response in
      Thymic Epithelial Tumors.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Neoadjuvant treatment might increase resectability of thymic
      epithelial tumors (TETs). No standardized pathologic grading scheme for tumor
      response is available. Also, it is unclear whether radiologic treatment response
      can predict pathologic response. METHODS: Patients with unresectable TETs who
      underwent neoadjuvant treatment before surgery at Mayo Clinic Rochester (1942
      2014) were included. The pathologic tumor response grade (TRG) was based on
      Mandard grading (1994), ranging from TRG 1 (no viable tumor) to TRG 5 (no
      regression). TRG was compared with response by computed tomography, including
      with the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, version 1.1 (Byrne
      modification). RESULTS: A total of 49 patients, including 29 men, with a median
      age of 47.6 years and thymomas (n = 28) or thymic carcinomas (n = 21) were
      included. In five cases, pretreatment tumor type differed from posttreatment
      diagnosis. Thymic carcinomas had a greater morphologic response to neoadjuvant
      treatment than did thymomas with a lower percent viable tumor (p < 0.0001) and
      lower TRG (p<0.0001). Agreement for TRG by three reviewers was good (Krippendorff
      alpha = 0.838). By imaging (n = 24), partial response and larger reduction in
      tumor longest diameter and volume were associated with lower TRG (p = 0.0093, p =
      0.0042, and p = 0.0021, respectively) and lower percent viable tumor (p = 0.0041,
      p = 0.0034, and p =0.0019). TRG correlated with radiologic change in tumor
      longest diameter and volume (Spearman correlation coefficient = 0.59 and 0.61,
      respectively). Radiologic change in tumor longest diameter and volume reasonably
      predicted pathologic TRG of 3 to 5 versus 1 or 2 (area under the curve 0.73 and
      0.71, respectively). Sixty-seven percent of patients' tumors were completely
      resected. CONCLUSIONS: Our proposed histologic TRG for TETs appears easy and
      reproducible and correlates with radiologic response. Radiologic response is
      useful to predict pathologic response.

PMID- 27666660
TI  - Representing Something Out of Nothing: The Dawning of Zero.
AB  - Zero stands for emptiness, for nothing, and yet it is considered to be one of the
      greatest achievements of humankind. This review first recapitulates the discovery
      of the number zero in human history, then follows its progression in human
      development, traces its evolution in the animal kingdom, and finally elucidates
      how the brain transforms 'nothing' into an abstract zero category. It is argued
      that the emergence of zero passes through four corresponding representations in
      all of these interrelated realms: first, sensory 'nothing'; then categorical
      'something'; then quantitative empty sets; and finally the number zero. The
      concept of zero shows how the brain, originally evolved to represent stimuli
      ('something'), detaches from empirical properties to achieve ultimate abstract
      thinking.

PMID- 27666659
TI  - Emergence of Preexisting MET Y1230C Mutation as a Resistance Mechanism to
      Crizotinib in NSCLC with MET Exon 14 Skipping.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: MET proto-oncogene, receptor tyrosine kinase gene exon 14 skipping
      (METex14) alterations represent a unique subset of oncogenic drivers in NSCLC.
      Preliminary clinical activity of crizotinib against METex14-positive NSCLC has
      been reported. The full spectrum of resistance mechanisms to crizotinib in
      METex14-positive NSCLC remains to be identified. METHODS: Hybrid capture-based
      comprehensive genomic profiling performed on a tumor specimen obtained at
      diagnosis, and a hybrid capture-based assay of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) at
      the time of progression during crizotinib treatment was assessed in a pairwise
      fashion. RESULTS: A METex14 alteration (D1010H) was detected in the pretreatment
      tumor biopsy specimen, as was MET proto-oncogene, receptor tyrosine kinase (MET)
      Y1230C, retrospectively, at very low frequency (0.3%). After a confirmed response
      during crizotinib treatment for 13 months followed by progression, both MET proto
      oncogene, receptor tyrosine kinase gene Y1230C and D1010H were detected
      prospectively in the ctDNA. CONCLUSION: Emergence of the preexisting MET Y1230C
      likely confers resistance to crizotinib in this case of METex14-positive NSCLC.
      Existence of pretreatment MET Y1230C may eventually modulate the response of
      METex14-positive NSCLC to type I MET tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Noninvasive
      plasma-based ctDNA assays can provide a convenient method to detect resistance
      mutations in patients with previously known driver mutations.

PMID- 27666662
TI  - See-saw relationship of the Holocene East Asian-Australian summer monsoon.
AB  - The East Asian-Indonesian-Australian summer monsoon (EAIASM) links the Earth's
      hemispheres and provides a heat source that drives global circulation. At
      seasonal and inter-seasonal timescales, the summer monsoon of one hemisphere is
      linked via outflows from the winter monsoon of the opposing hemisphere. Long-term
      phase relationships between the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) and the
      Indonesian-Australian summer monsoon (IASM) are poorly understood, raising
      questions of long-term adjustments to future greenhouse-triggered climate change
      and whether these changes could 'lock in' possible IASM and EASM phase
      relationships in a region dependent on monsoonal rainfall. Here we show that a
      newly developed nonlinear time series analysis technique allows confident
      identification of strong versus weak monsoon phases at millennial to sub
      centennial timescales. We find a see-saw relationship over the last 9,000 years
      with strong and weak monsoons opposingly phased and triggered by solar
      variations. Our results provide insights into centennial- to millennial-scale
      relationships within the wider EAIASM regime.

PMID- 27666661
TI  - Molecular screening strategies for NF1-like syndromes with cafe-au-lait macules
      (Review).
AB  - Multiple cafe-au-lait macules (CALM) are usually associated with
      neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), one of the most common hereditary disorders.
      However, a group of genetic disorders presenting with CALM have mutations that
      are involved in human skin pigmentation regulation signaling pathways, including
      KIT ligand/KIT proto-oncogene receptor tyrosine kinase and Ras/mitogen-activated
      protein kinase. These disorders, which include Legius syndrome, Noonan syndrome
      with multiple lentigines or LEOPARD syndrome, and familial progressive
      hyperpigmentation) are difficult to distinguish from NF1 at early stages, using
      skin appearance alone. Furthermore, certain syndromes are clinically overlapping
      and molecular testing is a vital diagnostic method. The present review aims to
      provide an overview of these 'NF1-like' inherited diseases and recommend a cost
      effective strategy for making a clear diagnosis among these diseases with an
      ambiguous borderline.

PMID- 27666663
TI  - Grassy Silica Nanoribbons and Strong Blue Luminescence.
AB  - Silicon dioxide (SiO2) is one of the key materials in many modern technological
      applications such as in metal oxide semiconductor transistors, photovoltaic solar
      cells, pollution removal, and biomedicine. We report the accidental discovery of
      free-standing grassy silica nanoribbons directly grown on SiO2/Si platform which
      is commonly used for field-effect transistors fabrication without other
      precursor. We investigate the formation mechanism of this novel silica
      nanostructure that has not been previously documented. The silica nanoribbons are
      flexible and can be manipulated by electron-beam. The silica nanoribbons exhibit
      strong blue emission at about 467 nm, together with UV and red emissions as
      investigated by cathodoluminescence technique. The origins of the luminescence
      are attributed to various defects in the silica nanoribbons; and the intensity
      change of the blue emission and green emission at about 550 nm is discussed in
      the frame of the defect density. Our study may lead to rational design of the new
      silica-based materials for a wide range of applications.

PMID- 27666664
TI  - A3 adenosine receptor agonist, CF102, protects against hepatic
      ischemia/reperfusion injury following partial hepatectomy.
AB  - Ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury during clinical hepatic procedures is
      characterized by inflammatory conditions and the apoptosis of hepatocytes.
      Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), nitric oxide and the expression levels of
      inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1 were
      observed to increase following IR and mediate the inflammatory response in the
      liver. CF102 is a highly selective A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR) agonist, and has
      been identified to induce an anti-inflammatory and protective effect on the liver
      via the downregulation of the NF-kappaB signaling pathway. The present study
      aimed to determine the effect of CF102 on protecting the liver against IR injury.
      The potential protective effect of CF102 (100 ug/kg) was assessed using an IR
      injury model on 70% of the liver of Wistar rats, which was induced by clamping
      the hepatic vasculature for 30 min. The regenerative effect of CF102 was assessed
      by the partial hepatectomy of 70% of the liver during 10 min of IR. CF102 reduced
      the levels of liver enzymes following IR injury. A higher regeneration rate in
      the CF102 treatment group was observed compared with the control group,
      suggesting that CF102 had a positive effect on the proliferation of hepatocytes
      following hepatectomy. CF102 had a protective effect on the liver of Wistar rats
      subsequent to IR injury during hepatectomy. This may be due to an anti
      inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effect mediated by the A3AR.

PMID- 27666665
TI  - An attention account of neural priming.
AB  - Repetition priming of familiar stimuli (e.g., objects) produces a decrease in
      visual cortical activity for repeated versus novel items, which has been
      attributed to more fluent processing for repeated items. By contrast, priming of
      unfamiliar stimuli (e.g., abstract shapes) produces an increase in visual
      cortical activity. The mechanism for priming-related increases in activity for
      repeated unfamiliar stimuli is unknown. We hypothesised that such increases in
      activity may reflect attentional allocation to these items. We tested this
      hypothesis using a priming-spatial attention paradigm. During Phase 1 of
      Experiment 1, participants viewed unfamiliar abstract shapes and familiar
      objects. During Phase 2, participants identified target letters (S or H). Each
      target letter was preceded by a non-informative shape or object cue that was
      repeated (from Phase 1) or novel in the same (valid) or opposite (invalid)
      hemifield. In Experiment 2, we manipulated shape familiarity by presenting shapes
      once or six times during Phase 1. For both experiments, at valid locations,
      target identification accuracy was higher following repeated versus novel
      unfamiliar item cues and lower following repeated versus novel familiar item
      cues. These findings support our hypothesis that priming-related increases in
      visual cortical activity for repeated unfamiliar items may, in part, reflect
      attentional allocation.

PMID- 27666666
TI  - Simultaneous steering and imaging of magnetic particles using MRI toward delivery
      of therapeutics.
AB  - Magnetic resonance navigation (MRN) offers the potential for real-time steering
      of drug particles and cells to targets throughout the body. In this technique,
      the magnetic gradients of an MRI scanner perform image-based steering of
      magnetically-labelled therapeutics through the vasculature and into tumours. A
      major challenge of current techniques for MRN is that they alternate between
      pulse sequences for particle imaging and propulsion. Since no propulsion occurs
      while imaging the particles, this results in a significant reduction in imaging
      frequency and propulsive force. We report a new approach in which an imaging
      sequence is designed to simultaneously image and propel particles. This sequence
      provides a tradeoff between maximum propulsive force and imaging frequency. In
      our reported example, the sequence can image at 27 Hz while still generating 95%
      of the force produced by a purely propulsive pulse sequence. We implemented our
      pulse sequence on a standard clinical scanner using millimetre-scale particles
      and demonstrated high-speed (74 mm/s) navigation of a multi-branched vascular
      network phantom. Our study suggests that the magnetic gradient magnitudes
      previously demonstrated to be sufficient for pure propulsion of micron-scale
      therapeutics in magnetic resonance targeting (MRT) could also be sufficient for
      real-time steering of these particles.

PMID- 27666667
TI  - Tunable potential well for plasmonic trapping of metallic particles by bowtie
      nano-apertures.
AB  - In this paper, the tunable optical trapping dependence on wavelength of incident
      beam is theoretically investigated based on numerical simulations. The Monte
      Carlo method is taken into account for exploring the trapping characteristics
      such as average deviation and number distribution histogram of nanoparticles. It
      is revealed that both the width and the depth of potential well for trapping
      particles can be flexibly adjusted by tuning the wavelength of the incident beam.
      In addition, incident wavelengths for the deepest potential well and for the
      strongest stiffness at bottom are separated. These phenomena are explained as the
      strong plasmon coupling between tweezers and metallic nanoparticles. In addition,
      required trapping fluence and particles' distributions show distinctive
      properties through carefully modifying the incident wavelengths from 1280 nm to
      1300 nm. Trapping with lowest laser fluence can be realized with 1280 nm laser
      and trapping with highest precision can be realized with 1300 nm laser. This work
      will provide theoretical support for advancing the manipulation of metallic
      particles and related applications such as single-molecule fluorescence and
      surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy.

PMID- 27666668
TI  - Challenges and opportunities in global mental health: a perspective from WHO.
AB  - This paper enumerates and briefly discusses WHO's recent contributions to global
      mental health and the current challenges and opportunities in this area. It
      briefly discusses response to diversity across countries and communities, the
      need for innovations and global exchange of information, evidence and knowledge
      and raises issues like psychological interventions and human rights related to
      mental health.

PMID- 27666669
TI  - Psychosocial intervention for carers of people with dementia: What components are
      most effective and when? A systematic review of systematic reviews.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Psychosocial interventions for carers of people with dementia are
      increasingly recognized as playing an important role in dementia care. We aim to
      systematically review the evidence from existing systematic reviews of
      psychosocial interventions for informal carers of people with dementia. METHODS:
      Thirty-one systematic reviews were identified; following quality appraisal, data
      from 13 reviews, rated as high or moderate quality, were extracted. RESULTS: Well
      designed, clearly structured multi-component interventions can help maintain the
      psychological health of carers of people with dementia and delay
      institutionalization of the latter. To be most effective, such interventions
      should include both an educational and a therapeutic component; delivery through
      a support group format may further enhance their effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS:
      Successful translation of evidence into practice in this area remains a
      challenge. Future research should focus on determining the most cost-effective
      means of delivering effective multi-component interventions in real-world
      settings; the cost-effective potential of technology-based interventions is
      considerable.

PMID- 27666670
TI  - Removal of emerging perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonate
      contaminants from lake water.
AB  - Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) are the major
      polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) contaminating global water environment. This
      study investigated the efficiency of granular activated carbon (GAC),
      ultrafiltration (UF) and nanofiltration (NF) treatment for removing PFOS and PFOA
      contaminants from lake water. NF gave greater removal of all contaminant types
      (in terms of organic matter, PFOS and PFOA) than GAC treatment which in turn was
      greater than UF treatment. The lower removal by UF was due to larger pore size of
      the membrane compared to the size of the target contaminants. For all treatment
      processes, lower pH (4) in the feedwater showed greater rejection of the organics
      and selected PFASs. This was likely due to increase in the electrostatic
      repulsion between solute and sorbent. It could be observed that on increasing the
      concentration of organics in the feed solution, the rejection of PFOA/PFOS
      decreased which was due to competition between organics and PFOS/PFOA for binding
      sites on the membrane/activated carbon surface. It was also noted that protein
      content led to greater influence for lower rejection of the PFOA/PFOS than
      carbohydrate or DOC content. This study demonstrated the potential use of
      membrane processes for removing emerging persistent organic pollutant removal
      from lake water.

PMID- 27666671
TI  - Integrating occurrence and detectability patterns based on interview data: a case
      study for threatened mammals in Equatorial Guinea.
AB  - Occurrence models that account for imperfect detection of species are
      increasingly used for estimating geographical range, for determining species
      landscape relations and to prioritize conservation actions worldwide. In 2010, we
      conducted a large-scale survey in Rio Muni, the mainland territory of Equatorial
      Guinea, which aimed to estimate the probabilities of occurrence and detection of
      threatened mammals based on environmental covariates, and to identify priority
      areas for conservation. Interviews with hunters were designed to record
      presence/absence data of seven species (golden cat, leopard, forest elephant,
      forest buffalo, western gorilla, chimpanzee and mandrill) in 225 sites throughout
      the region. We fitted single season occupancy models and recently developed
      models which also include false positive errors (i.e. species detected in places
      where it actually does not occur), which should provide more accurate estimates
      for most species, which are susceptible to mis-identification. Golden cat and
      leopard had the lowest occurrence rates in the region, whereas primates had the
      highest rates. All species, except gorilla, were affected negatively by human
      settlements. The southern half of Rio Muni showed the highest occurrence of the
      species studied, and conservation strategies for ensuring the persistence of
      threatened mammals should be focused on this area.

PMID- 27666672
TI  - Microbial Characteristics of Peri-Implantitis: A Case-Control Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this case-control study is to compare oral microbiologic
      characteristics of patients with healthy peri-implant conditions and patients
      with peri-implantitis and to explore the influence of various patient- and
      implant-related factors on microbiologic characteristics. METHODS: Peri-implant
      submucosal microbial samples were collected from 85 patients with peri
      implantitis (cases) and from 69 patients with only implants with healthy peri
      implant conditions (controls). Samples were analyzed using culturing techniques.
      Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore the association of disease
      status and various patient- and implant-related factors (sex, patient age,
      smoking, number of remaining teeth, percentage of teeth with bone loss, implant
      function time, implant surface, and presence of plaque) with microbiologic
      characteristics. RESULTS: Peri-implant disease status was significantly
      associated with the submucosal presence of Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg),
      Prevotella intermedia (Pi), Tannerella forsythia (Tf), and Fusobacterium
      nucleatum (Fn). The association with disease status was most obvious for Pi (odds
      ratio [OR]: 15.1; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.1 to 45.3) and Tf (OR: 13.3;
      95% CI: 5.4 to 32.5). The prevalence of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and
      Staphylococcus species was very low. CONCLUSIONS: The periodontal pathogens Pg,
      Pi, Tf, and Fn are associated with peri-implantitis. A. actinomycetemcomitans and
      Staphylococcus species do not seem to play an important role in peri-implantitis.

PMID- 27666673
TI  - Decrease of Pericytes is Associated With Liver Disease Caused by Ligature-Induced
      Periodontitis in Rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Damage caused by periodontitis not only affects periodontal tissues,
      but also increases the severity of various illnesses such as rheumatoid
      arthritis, diabetes, and liver diseases. The aim of this study is to investigate
      the association between induced periodontitis and damage caused through its
      systemic effects on the liver. METHODS: Twenty rats were divided into two groups:
      control and periodontitis. The following parameters were evaluated: gingival
      bleeding index (GBI), probing depth (PD), myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity,
      alveolar bone loss (ABL) for periodontal tissues; histopathologic examination of
      gingival and liver tissues; immunohistochemistry to cells positive for
      neural/glial antigen 2 (NG2) expressed in hepatic pericytes, glutathione (GSH),
      and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in liver; and serum levels of alanine
      aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. RESULTS: GBI, PD, MPO, ABL, and
      histopathologic examinations demonstrated the development of periodontitis. There
      was a significant increase in microvesicular steatosis accompanied by a marked
      reduction in NG2+ pericytes in the periodontitis group compared with the control
      group. The periodontitis group had significantly lower GSH and higher MDA
      concentration in the liver compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The
      present study results link the systemic effects of induced periodontitis with
      changes in hepatic tissues such as microvesicular steatosis, likely caused by an
      increase in oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. The findings from the
      present study implicate an association between a decrease of pericytes and liver
      disease caused by ligature-induced periodontitis in rats.

PMID- 27666674
TI  - Mechanism of metamifop inhibition of the carboxyltransferase domain of acetyl
      coenzyme A carboxylase in Echinochloa crus-galli.
AB  - Acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (ACCase) plays crucial roles in fatty acid
      metabolism and is an attractive target for herbicide discovery. Metamifop is a
      novel ACCase-inhibiting herbicide that can be applied to control sensitive weeds
      in paddy fields. In this study, the effects of metamifop on the chloroplasts,
      ACCase activity and carboxyltransferase (CT) domain gene expression in
      Echinochloa crus-galli were investigated. The results showed that metamifop
      interacted with the CT domain of ACCase in E. crus-galli. The three-dimensional
      structure of the CT domain of E. crus-galli ACCase in complex with metamifop was
      examined by homology modelling, molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD)
      simulations. Metamifop has a different mechanism of inhibiting the CT domain
      compared with other ACCase inhibitors as it interacted with a different region in
      the active site of the CT domain. The protonation of nitrogen in the oxazole ring
      of metamifop plays a crucial role in the interaction between metamifop and the CT
      domain. The binding mode of metamifop provides a foundation for elucidating the
      molecular mechanism of target resistance and cross-resistance among ACCase
      herbicides, and for designing and optimizing ACCase inhibitors.

PMID- 27666675
TI  - Emergence of global scaling behaviour in the coupled Earth-atmosphere
      interaction.
AB  - Scale invariance property in the global geometry of Earth may lead to a coupled
      interactive behaviour between various components of the climate system. One of
      the most interesting correlations exists between spatial statistics of the global
      topography and the temperature on Earth. Here we show that the power-law
      behaviour observed in the Earth topography via different approaches, resembles a
      scaling law in the global spatial distribution of independent atmospheric
      parameters. We report on observation of scaling behaviour of such variables
      characterized by distinct universal exponents. More specifically, we find that
      the spatial power-law behaviour in the fluctuations of the near surface
      temperature over the lands on Earth, shares the same universal exponent as of the
      global Earth topography, indicative of the global persistent role of the static
      geometry of Earth to control the steady state of a dynamical atmospheric field.
      Such a universal feature can pave the way to the theoretical understanding of the
      chaotic nature of the atmosphere coupled to the Earth's global topography.

PMID- 27666677
TI  - Markers of oxidative stress in obese men with and without hypertension.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to investigate if the 24-hour excretion of
      the urinary markers for oxidative stress to DNA and RNA, measured as 8-oxo-7,8
      dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-guanosine (8-oxoGuo),
      respectively, were increased in obese individuals with or without hypertension
      compared to lean controls. METHODS: A total of 63 obese hypertensive men
      (obeseHT), 40 obese normotensive men (obeseNT) and 27 lean normotensive men
      (leanNT) were included in the study. Body mass index (BMI) was between 20.0 and
      24.9 kg/m2 in leanNT participants and >=30 kg/m2 in obese participants.
      Hypertension was defined as a mean 24-hour systolic ambulatory blood pressure
      (AMBP) >= 130 mmHg or a mean 24-hour diastolic AMBP >=80 mmHg and normotension as
      mean 24-hour AMBP <130/80 mmHg. Twenty-four hour urinary 8-oxoGuo and 8-oxodG
      excretion (nmol/24 h) were measured by a validated liquid chromatography-tandem
      mass spectrometry method (UPLC-MS/MS). RESULTS: Urinary 8-oxoGuo excretion was
      (median and [interquartile range]) 30.8 [27.8-32.2] nmol/24 h in leanNT, 36.8
      [31.3-40.2] nmol/24 h in obeseNT and 40.6 [31.7-48.5] nmol/24 h in obeseHT. The
      difference was statistically significant (p = .002) and post hoc tests showed a
      significant difference between leanNT and obeseHT (p = .001) as well as obeseNT
      (p = .002), whereas the two obese groups did not differ (p = .6). No
      statistically significant differences in 8-oxodG concentrations were observed
      between the three groups (p = .3). CONCLUSION: The measurement of urinary
      excretion of 8-oxoGuo suggests that obesity in men, but not hypertension, is
      associated with increased oxidative damage to RNA.

PMID- 27666678
TI  - Erratum: Weibel-Palade body size modulates the adhesive activity of its von
      Willebrand Factor cargo in cultured endothelial cells.

PMID- 27666676
TI  - Myeloid Cell-Specific Lipin-1 Deficiency Stimulates Endocrine Adiponectin-FGF15
      Axis and Ameliorates Ethanol-Induced Liver Injury in Mice.
AB  - Lipin-1 is a phosphatidate phosphohydrolase (PAP) required for the generation of
      diacylglycerol during glycerolipid synthesis, and exhibits dual functions in the
      regulation of lipid metabolism. Lipin-1 has been implicated in the pathogenesis
      of alcoholic liver disease (ALD). In the present study, we assessed lipin-1
      function in myeloid cells in ALD using a myeloid cell-specific lipin-1 knockout
      (mLipin-1KO) mouse model. Utilizing the Gao-binge ethanol feeding protocol,
      matched mLipin-1KO mice and littermate loxP control (WT) mice were pair-fed with
      either an ethanol-containing diet or an ethanol-free diet (control).
      Surprisingly, deletion of lipin-1 in myeloid cells dramatically attenuated liver
      inflammatory responses and ameliorated liver injury that would normally occur
      following the ethanol feeding protocol, but slightly exacerbated the ethanol
      induced steatosis in mice. Mechanistically, myeloid cell-specific lipin-1
      deficiency concomitantly increased the fat-derived adiponectin and ileum-derived
      fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 15. In concordance with concerted elevation of
      circulating adiponectin and FGF15, myeloid cell-specific lipin-1 deficiency
      diminished hepatic nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) activity, limited liver
      inflammatory responses, normalized serum levels of bile acids, and protected mice
      from liver damage after ethanol challenge. Our novel data demonstrate that
      myeloid cell-specific deletion of lipin-1 ameliorated inflammation and alcoholic
      hepatitis in mice via activation of endocrine adiponectin-FGF15 signaling.

PMID- 27666679
TI  - Effects of dietary supplementation of rumen-protected folic acid on rumen
      fermentation, degradability and excretion of urinary purine derivatives in
      growing steers.
AB  - The present experiment was undertaken to determine the effects of dietary
      addition of rumen-protected folic acid (RPFA) on ruminal fermentation, nutrient
      degradability, enzyme activity and the relative quantity of ruminal cellulolytic
      bacteria in growing beef steers. Eight rumen-cannulated Jinnan beef steers
      averaging 2.5 years of age and 419 +/- 1.9 kg body weight were used in a
      replicated 4 * 4 Latin square design. The four treatments comprised
      supplementation levels of 0 (Control), 70, 140 and 210 mg RPFA/kg dietary dry
      matter (DM). On DM basis, the ration consisted of 50% corn silage, 47%
      concentrate and 3% soybean oil. The DM intake (averaged 8.5 kg/d) was restricted
      to 95% of ad libitum intake. The intake of DM, crude protein (CP) and net energy
      for growth was not affected by treatments. In contrast, increasing RPFA
      supplementation increased average daily gain and the concentration of total
      volatile fatty acid and reduced ruminal pH linearly. Furthermore, increasing RPFA
      supplementation enhanced the acetate to propionate ratio and reduced the ruminal
      ammonia N content linearly. The ruminal effective degradability of neutral
      detergent fibre from corn silage and CP from concentrate improved linearly and
      was highest for the highest supplementation levels. The activities of cellobiase,
      xylanase, pectinase and alpha-amylase linearly increased, but carboxymethyl
      cellulase and protease were not affected by the addition of RPFA. The relative
      quantities of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens, Ruminococcus albus, Ruminococcus
      flavefaciens and Fibrobacter succinogenes increased linearly. With increasing
      RPFA supplementation levels, the excretion of urinary purine derivatives was also
      increased linearly. The present results indicated that the supplementation of
      RPFA improved ruminal fermentation, nutrient degradability, activities of
      microbial enzymes and the relative quantity of the ruminal cellulolytic bacteria
      in a dose-dependent manner. According to the conditions of this experiment, the
      optimum supplementation level of RPFA was 140 mg/kg DM. 

PMID- 27666680
TI  - Nutrient utilisation, growth performance and blood metabolites in Murrah buffalo
      calves (Bubalus bubalis) divergently selected for residual feed intake.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate differences in efficiency of feed
      utilisation between buffalo calves with low and high residual feed intake (RFI)
      by comparing feed intake, nutrient digestibility, growth traits and blood
      metabolites. Eighteen male Murrah buffalo calves (aged 4-6 months; 70 +/- 1.0 kg
      body weight) were fed ad libitum with a total mixed ration for 120 d. Based on
      linear regression models involving dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain
      (ADG) and mid-test metabolic body size, calves were assigned into low and high
      RFI groups. The RFI varied from -0.33 to +0.28 kg DM/d with an average RFI of 
      0.14 and 0.14 kg DM/d in low and high RFI calves, respectively. Calves had a mean
      DMI of 1.9 and 2.4 kg/d and an ADG of 0.5 and 0.6 kg/d in low and high RFI
      groups, respectively. Low RFI calves ate 19.0% less DM each day and required
      significantly less metabolisable energy for maintenance compared with high RFI
      calves (12.5 vs. 16.7 MJ/d). Nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance did not
      differ among low and high RFI calves. In more efficient animals (low RFI calves)
      higher (p < 0.05) plasma level of growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor-1
      (IGF-1), triiodothyronine (T3) and lower concentration of thyroxin hormone were
      detected. No significant differences in levels of insulin, hydroxyproline, plasma
      and urine creatinine, total protein and albumin between high and low RFI groups
      were found. Blood metabolites showed significant (p < 0.05) differences at
      initial and final stages of study in both groups. At final stage of study, RFI
      showed negative correlations with growth hormone, IGF-1, T3, urine creatinine and
      albumin. Low RFI buffalo calves are more efficient in feed utilisation and the
      differences in blood metabolites are probably due to differences in feed intake
      and body metabolism. 

PMID- 27666681
TI  - Pea protein concentrate in diets for sharpsnout sea bream (Diplodus puntazzo):
      effects on growth and health status.
AB  - Four diets for sharpsnout sea bream juveniles (14 g body weight) with four levels
      of air-processed pea protein concentrate (PPC) (0, 160, 320 and 487 g/kg diet)
      were tested in triplicate. The experimental diets were isonitrogenous (43% crude
      protein) and isolipidic (19% ether extract) and the fish were fed to satiation
      twice a day. After 125 d, fish growth was diminished by the inclusion of PPC.
      Feed conversion did not show significant differences in any treatment. Neither
      the body analyses nor the protein and individual essential amino acid retention
      efficiencies were affected by the inclusion of PPC in the diet. However,
      histological gut examinations revealed noticeable differences. Fish fed the diet
      with the highest inclusion level of PPC presented the longest villous length and
      the most goblet cells, and the width of the lamina propria increased in the
      anterior intestine. Although no negative changes in nutritive parameters were
      detected, these alterations might affect nutrient transport, with negative
      consequences for fish growth. It was concluded that the PPC in the amounts tested
      here is an inappropriate substitute for fishmeal in diets for sharpsnout sea
      bream juveniles. 

PMID- 27666685
TI  - [Osteoporosis in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.]
AB  - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease(COPD)is characterized by persistent airflow
      limitation that is associated with chronic inflammatory process caused by inhaled
      noxious particles such as cigarette smoke. COPD involves not only the lungs but
      also extrapulmonary abnormalities as systemic effects. Osteoporosis is one of
      major comorbidities in COPD, and is often under-diagnosed. Osteoporosis in COPD
      is associated with various factors including smoking, decreased body mass index,
      and systemic inflammation. It should be recognized that COPD is a risk factor for
      osteoporosis and bone fracture, and early diagnosis and management for both COPD
      and osteoporosis are important.

PMID- 27666683
TI  - MicroRNA-210 promotes cancer angiogenesis by targeting fibroblast growth factor
      receptor-like 1 in hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - Hypoxia drives cancer to become more aggressive, particularly angiogenesis, and
      the corresponding mechanisms still need to be further investigated. In
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the master hypoxia-induced microRNA (miRNA) miR
      210 is upregulated in HCC and participates in HCC progression, but its roles in
      hypoxia-induced HCC angiogenesis are still unknown. Moreover, the correlation
      between miR-210 expression and HCC clinical progression also needs elucidation.
      In the present study, we found that miR-210 expression was progressively
      increased from normal liver and adjacent non-tumor tissues, to incipient and
      advanced tumor tissues. In HCC patients, high miR-210 expression was
      significantly correlated with poor prognosis, both tumor-free survival and
      overall survival. Moreover, miR-210 expression in HCC was significantly
      positively correlated with microvascular density. Both in vitro and in vivo
      studies determined that miR-210 promoted HCC angiogenesis, and the corresponding
      mechanism was identified to be the direct targeting and inhibition of fibroblast
      growth factor receptor-like 1 (FGFRL1) expression. Thus, we suggest a new
      prognosis predictor for HCC patients, and determined the roles of hypoxic miR-210
      in HCC angiogenesis.

PMID- 27666684
TI  - [Epidemiology of respiratory diseases and osteoporosis.]
AB  - A large scale of epidemiological studies demonstrated that osteoporosis risk was
      about 1.5 times higher and fracture risk was 1.2-1.8 times higher among COPD
      patients. In COPD, risk factors for fracture have been reported to be severity of
      the COPD and use of bronchodilator in addition to ordinal risk factors for the
      fracture such as age, previous fracture, smoking, usage of glucocorticoid and
      others. There were inconsistent results of the relationship between sleep apnea
      and low bone mass. The relationship was found between sleep apnea and fall and
      non-spin fracture risk.

PMID- 27666686
TI  - [Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome(OSAS)and bone.]
AB  - Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome(OSAS)is a sleep disorder characterized by
      repetitive upper airway collapse during sleep, causing frequent hypoxia and sleep
      disturbance. Known risk factors of OSAS include obesity, male sex and smoking.
      OSAS has been linked to various comorbidities such as hypertension,
      cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Recent evidence also indicates that OSAS is
      associated with vitamin D insufficiency, increased bone resorption and bone loss.
      Thus, although increased fracture rate has not been demonstrated, OSAS is now
      recognized as a risk factor of osteoporosis. This review will summarize the
      recent reports about bone metabolic abnormalities in OSAS.

PMID- 27666687
TI  - [Sarcopenia and osteoporosis in pulmonary disease.]
AB  - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)is a progressive lung disease and its
      prevalence increases with age. Elderly patients with COPD are known to be at
      increased risk of sarcopenia and osteoporosis, and this multimorbidity adversely
      affects progression and prognosis of COPD in parallel. Systemic inflammatory
      processes and serum biomarkers including cytokines and C-reactive protein might
      be involved in the underlying pathphyisoplogy for systemic manifestations and
      multimorbidity of respiratory diseases. In this review, recent insights in the
      association between respiratory diseases and sarcopenia are introduced, based on
      the pathophysiology and therapeutic implication of systemic inflammation and age
      related muscle wasting.

PMID- 27666688
TI  - [Bone turnover and bone structure in clinical animal models of COPD.]
AB  - The features of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)are chronic
      inflammatory and emphysema changes in the lungs by long-term cigarette
      smoke(CS)exposure. Osteoporosis is an important systemic comorbidity of COPD.
      Severe emphysema and low body mass index(BMI)are independent risk factors for low
      bone mineral density in COPD patients. However the pathophysiologic mechanisms
      underlying emphysema and osteoporosis have not been fully elucidated. An
      established mouse model of CS-induced emphysema with decrease body weight and
      bone mineral density is important for investigating the cause of osteoporosis in
      COPD patients.

PMID- 27666689
TI  - [Semaphorin and osteoporosis.]
AB  - Although Semaphorins were originally identified as neuronal axon guidance
      molecules, recent research has revealed the functions of Semaphorins in many
      organs, tissues and cells. Among Semaphorin family members, Semaphorin
      3A(Sema3A)and Sema4D are highly expressed in bone cells and play critical roles
      in the regulation of bone homeostasis. Other semaphorins and their receptors are
      also shown to be involved in bone metabolism. In contrast, the function of
      Semaphorins expressed in lung is not well understood althogh many of Semaphorins
      are highly expressed in lung among various tissues examined. As growing evidence
      reveals that the link between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)and
      osteoporosis, the crosstalk between bone and lung through Semaphorin signaling
      should be investigated.

PMID- 27666690
TI  - [Hypoxemia and Osteoporosis-Possible roles of HIF1alpha on Respiratory disease
      related Osteoporosis-.]
AB  - Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by increased risks for bone fragility
      fractures, and is caused by various factors such as aging and menopause. Increase
      in the number of osteoporosis patients becomes a big concern in the developed
      countries. Recently, the mechanisms underlying postmenopausal osteoporosis
      development were being clarified, and several diseases such as respiratory
      diseases and diabetes were reportedly caused secondary osteoporosis. HIF1alpha
      was demonstrated required for osteoclast activation and bone loss in
      postmenopausal osteoporosis women. However, the roles of HIF1alpha on respiratory
      disease-related osteoporosis development remained to be elucidated.

PMID- 27666691
TI  - [Bone quality in COPD.]
AB  - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)is a chronic inflammatory disease
      associated with an increase of fracture risk. Bone strength is determined by bone
      mass and quality.Bone quality is thought to encompass the structural and material
      properties of bone. Bone collagen crosslinking plays important roles in bone
      strength. The quantitative and qualitative deterioration of lysyl oxidase control
      and non enzymatic cross-links(advanced glycation end products, AGEs,
      pentosidine)of collagen in patients with osteoporotic femoral neck fracture and
      diabetes, and COPD might be affected by increased oxidative stress and glycation.

PMID- 27666692
TI  - [Smoking & Bone.]
AB  - Smoking is associated with decreased bone mineral density(BMD)and increased
      fracture risk. Conversely, smoking cessation results in BMD gain and decreased
      fracture risk, suggesting that smoking-induced bone metabolic changes are
      partially reversible. However, the mechanism of bone fragility induced by smoking
      is unknown. Meta-analyses have shown that aberrant PTH-vitamin D axis may affect
      bone metabolism in smokers. Previous animal studies have also reveled that
      nicotine, one of the major toxic substances of cigarettes, negatively regulates
      bone formation. This brief review will summarize recent studies on the effects of
      smoking on bone metabolism, including our recent results evaluating bone
      metabolic changes after smoking cessation.

PMID- 27666693
TI  - [Reduced ADL, QOL and musculoskeletal dysfunction associated with respiratory
      disease.]
AB  - Chronic respiratory disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease(COPD)continues to cause a heavy health and economic burden in the world.
      Lower-limb muscle dysfunction is a prominent and major extrapulmonary features in
      individuals with moderate-to-very severe COPD and has important clinical
      implications, such as reduced exercise tolerance, activity of daily living(ADL),
      health related quality of life(HRQOL)and even survival. Osteoporosis is also an
      important systemic feature of COPD. Osteoprotic fracture cause many symptoms and
      complications, including the impairment of ventilation, and create a heavy
      economic burden. Comprehensive treatments(drug medication and non-drug
      treatment)for these impairments, such as pulmonary rehabilitation, are
      recommended. Pulmonary rehabilitation improves dyspnea, exercise capacity, ADL,
      and HRQOL, each of which is recognized predictors of mortality.

PMID- 27666694
TI  - [Steroids-induced osteoporosis due to the treatment for Pulmonary diseases.]
AB  - Corticosteroids are key medications to treat pulmonary diseases. A variety of
      medications, doses, administration route, and duration of corticosteroids were
      chosen for each of pulmonary diseases. Although corticosteroids are potent
      medications, they often cause serious adverse effects such as osteoporosis,
      diabetes, and immunosuppression. Thus, physicians have to properly assess the
      risk of adverse effects to prevent them. In this review, we discuss the risk of
      osteoporosis by corticosteroids that are prescribed for pulmonary diseases.
      Inhaled corticosteroids are not serious risk factors of osteoporosis. If systemic
      corticosteroids are planned to be administrated in the prednisolone equivalent
      dosage of 5 mg/day or more for three months or longer, risk of bone fracture have
      to be assessed regardless of the primary pulmonary disease. If necessary,
      prophylactic agent such as bisphosphonates should be prescript.

PMID- 27666695
TI  - [A comprehensive therapeutic strategy for osteoporosis in respiratory diseases.]
AB  - Many respiratory diseases including COPD are systemic disorders as well as
      pulmonary disorders. The diseases predominantly occurred in older peoples in
      advanced countries. Comprehensive therapeutic strategy including bronchodilators
      and systemic rehabilitation is necessary for maintenance of stable condition of
      pulmonary diseases. Importantly, physical activity is a key factor for the
      prognosis in the diseases, in this point, bone function and muscle function
      should be improved by the appropriate treatment. The regular assessment of bone
      density and muscle function are necessary for better prognosis of COPD patients.

PMID- 27666696
TI  - [Medical treatment for osteoporosis with pulmonary disorders-from a viewpoint of
      an endocrinologist-.]
AB  - Today, we can treat osteoporotic patients with multiple drugs of various
      mechanisms and in various forms. Nevertheless, there exist few clinical evidences
      that exhibit an efficacy of an anti-osteoporotic drug on osteoporosis with
      pulmonary disorders, including asthma, COPD and OSAS. We should use drugs for
      osteoporotic patients with pulmonary disorders in accordance with a guideline on
      the management and treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis or a
      guideline on the management and treatment of osteoporosis, according to whether
      they are treated by glucocorticoid or not.

PMID- 27666699
TI  - [The model of specialized training for diagnosis and treatment in thyroid
      cancer].

PMID- 27666698
TI  - Real-time encoding and compression of neuronal spikes by metal-oxide memristors.
AB  - Advanced brain-chip interfaces with numerous recording sites bear great potential
      for investigation of neuroprosthetic applications. The bottleneck towards
      achieving an efficient bio-electronic link is the real-time processing of
      neuronal signals, which imposes excessive requirements on bandwidth, energy and
      computation capacity. Here we present a unique concept where the intrinsic
      properties of memristive devices are exploited to compress information on neural
      spikes in real-time. We demonstrate that the inherent voltage thresholds of metal
      oxide memristors can be used for discriminating recorded spiking events from
      background activity and without resorting to computationally heavy off-line
      processing. We prove that information on spike amplitude and frequency can be
      transduced and stored in single devices as non-volatile resistive state
      transitions. Finally, we show that a memristive device array allows for efficient
      data compression of signals recorded by a multi-electrode array, demonstrating
      the technology's potential for building scalable, yet energy-efficient on-node
      processors for brain-chip interfaces.

PMID- 27666700
TI  - [Analyses of prognostic factors relevant to acute low-tone sensorineural hearing
      loss].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the prognostic factors relevant to acute low-tone
      sensorineural hearing loss (ALHL). Methods: 196 adult ALHL patients, including 82
      males and 114 females with mean age of (43.1+/-14.3)years old were included. All
      patients received the same therapy and were evaluated the curative effect. To
      evaluate the impact factors on the prognosis of hearing, inclusive of age,
      gender, time delay before the first visit, degree of deafness, vestibular
      function, electrocochleogram, and the serum levels of thyroxines by SPSS 18.0
      software. Results: Of those 196 patients with ALHL, 124(63.3%) were recovery,
      5(2.6%) were excellent better, 42(21.4%) were better, and 25 (12.8%) were poor,
      with a total effective rate of 87.2%. Among 15 (12.1%) who recurred the hearing
      loss, 2 developed into Meniere's disease during the follow-up. The mean age of
      patients with poor hearing effect was significantly older than that of other
      patients (P<0.05). No relativity was found between gender and hearing curative
      effect. There existed a statistical difference in total effective rate among
      subjects with different histories (P<0.05). In addition, the recovery rate was
      significantly different between groups, i. e., the course of disease was less
      than 14 days, between 14 days and 6 months, and between 6 months and 2 years
      (P<0.05). There was no statistical significance in total effective rate among
      different degrees of deafness (P>0.05). However, in term of the recovery rate,
      the difference was statistical significance (P<0.05). The recovery rate in
      patients with mild hearing loss was higher than that in middle or heavy hearing
      loss (both P<0.05). Among patients with mild deafness, the recovery rate in
      patients whose history was less than 3 months was significantly higher than that
      more than 3 months (P<0.05). For moderate deafness patients, the recovery rate in
      patients whose history was less than 7 days was significantly higher than that
      more than 1 month (P<0.05). There were statistical differences in hearing effect
      of 130 (66.3%) patients with abnormal vestibular function in comparison to that
      with normal vestibular function (chi2=15.1, P<0.05). There were 17(8.7%) patients
      with abnormal electrocochleogram combined with abnormal vestibular function, and
      the hearing effects were all poor. There were 45 (23.0%) patients with abnormal
      thyroxine levels in serum, which was significant higher than that in health
      adults of 5.9%(chi2=7.26, P<0.01). There was no significant difference in hearing
      prognosis between patients with abnormal and normal thyroxine levels (chi2=2.51,
      P>0.05). Conclusions: With respect to ALHL, the hearing effect is associated
      significantly with the history. The severity of hearing loss is negative
      prognostic factor for hearing recovery. Age, vestibular function, and
      electrocochleogram might predict hearing recovery. Gender and thyroxine levels
      couldn't predict the hearing prognosis, although there is a high incidence rate
      in patients with ALHL.

PMID- 27666701
TI  - [Characteristics of cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential in different
      test positions].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the characteristics of cervical vestibular evoked
      myogenic potential (cVEMP) of normal youth with different test positions, to
      study the relationship between test positions and test parameters, and to explore
      the suitable test position for clinical practice. Methods: Fifty healthy young
      volunteers (25 males, 25 females, 100 ears) were enrolled in this study. Two test
      positions were used, including sitting with the head turned away from the test
      (SIT) and supine with the head held straight up (SUP). The derivation rate,
      latency and amplitude were analyzed. Results: The derivation rates of both SIT
      and SUP were 100%. The VEMP threshold in SIT was (93.5+/-4.3)dBnHL. The latency
      of P1 and N2 in SIT was longer than that in SUP, with significant different (P<
      0.05), the amplitude of P1-N2 in SIT was less than that in SUP, with significant
      different (P< 0.05). Regarding to the latency of P1 and N2 in SIT, the left was
      longer that right, with (P=0.013) and (P=0.015) respectively. The latency in SUP
      between sides was not significant (P>0.05). The amplitude ratio and asymmetry in
      SIT were more obvious than in supine position (P=0.009 and 0.016). In SIT
      position the P1-N2 amplitude in males was larger than in females, with
      significant difference (P=0.031); In SUP position the P1-N2 amplitude in males
      was less than in females, with significant difference (P=0.043). Conclusion: The
      cVEMP can be affected by the different test positions, it is recommended to
      select a more suitable test position according to the condition of the subject
      and the purpose of the test.

PMID- 27666702
TI  - [Psychopathological characteristics in patients with deviation of nasal septum: a
      preliminary analysis].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the psychopathological characteristics in patients with
      deviation of nasal septum. Methods: Between May 2015 and December 2015, fourty
      four patients with deviated nasal septum and 37 patients with vocal cord polyp as
      control were included in this study. Psychological characteristics were evaluated
      by a series of questionnaire instruments including symptom checklist-90 (SCL-90),
      self-rating depression scale (SDS) and self-rating anxiety scale (SAS). Visual
      analogue scale (VAS) and rhinomanometry through front nostril were used to
      evaluate nasal symptom. The correlation between psychological characteristics and
      nasal symptom was evaluated. SPSS 20.0 software was used to analyze the data.
      Results: The SCL-90 score in nasal septal deviation group was 130.4+/-48.3. The
      total score and total average score of SCL-90 had no significant difference
      between nasal septal deviation group and the Chinese standard or control group(t
      value was 0.469, 0.112, 1.575, 1.564, respectively, all P>0.05). The scores of
      somatization, depression and anxiety factors in nasal septal deviation group were
      higher than control group (t value was 2.380, 2.133, 1.969, respectively, all
      P<0.05). The proportion of positive patients in these three factors between nasal
      septal deviation group and control group had significant differences (chi2 value
      was 11.585, 9.610, 5.429, respectively, all P<0.05). The scores of SDS and SAS in
      nasal septal deviation group were 46.0+/-10.6 and 43.0+/-10.2, which were higher
      than that in the Chinese standard and control group (t value was 5.342, 6.236,
      1.476, 3.013, respectively, all P<0.05). There were 9 patients companying with
      depression or anxiety (20.5%, 20.5%, respectively) and 5 patients companying with
      depression and anxiety in nasal septal deviation group (11.4%). There were
      positive correlation not only between the scores of SDS and the depression factor
      of SCL-90 but also between the scores of SAS and the anxiety factor of SCL-90
      (Z=0.415, P=0.005, Z=0.445, P=0.002, respectively). The scores of SDS and SAS had
      positive correlation (Z=0.392, P=0.008). The VAS score of nasal obstruction was
      6.0+/-3.2. The rhinomanometry in inspiratory and expiratory phase were (0.202+/
      0.140) kPa.S/cm3 and (0.230+/-0.161) kPa.S/cm3. Besides the positive correlation
      between the rhinomanometry in inspiratory phase and SDS (Z=0.332, P=0.045), the
      psychological scores, including SCL-90 score, depression, anxiety factors score,
      SAS and SDS, had no correlation with VAS scores and rhinomanometry (r value was 
      0.030, -0.052, -0.026, 0.107, 0.185, 0.066, 0.160, 0.203, respectively, all
      P>0.05). Conclusions: High prevalence of depression and anxiety is found in
      patients with deviation of nasal septum. The SCL-90 score is consistent with SDS
      and SAS. Besides the positive correlation between the rhinomanometry in
      inspiratory phase and SDS, the psychological scores (SCL-90 score, depression,
      anxiety factors score, SAS and SDS) have no correlation with VAS score and
      rhinomanometry.

PMID- 27666703
TI  - [A comparison of pH<4 and pH<5 as thresholds for 24-hour pH monitoring in the
      diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux].
AB  - Objective: To evaluate the consistency between 24-hour pH monitoring, reflux
      symptom index(RSI) and reflux finding score(RFS) when using pH<4 or pH<5 as
      threshold for 24-hour pH monitoring in the diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux.
      Methods: Patients who presented with suspicious laryngopharyngeal reflux between
      February 2014 and December 2015 were included in this study. pH<4 and pH<5 reflux
      episodes, RSI and RFS were collected. The consistency between 24-hour pH
      monitoring and scale results were analyzed when pH<4 or pH<5 as threshold
      respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of 24-hour pH monitoring were
      calculated separately. Results: Median number(M[P25, P75, P95]) of reflux events
      were 0 [0, 3.0, 5.5] when using pH<4 as pathological threshold and 0 [0, 4.0, and
      8.5] using pH<5 as pathological threshold. Laryngopharyngeal reflux was
      determined in 34.5% patients depending on 24-hour pH monitoring when pH<4 was
      used as threshold, chi-square revealed medium consistency (kappa=0.483) between
      pH monitoring and scale result. If pH<5 was used as threshold, 41.8% patients
      were detected with laryngopharyngeal reflux, and the consistency of pH monitoring
      and scale result was medium(kappa=0.540). With RSI and RFS for reference, the
      sensitivity and specificity of 24-hour pH monitoring were 54.7% and 93.4%
      respectively when pH<4 was used as threshold. If pH<5 was used as threshold, the
      sensitivity and specificity of 24-hour pH monitoring were 65.6% and 91.3%
      respectively. Conclusions: Compared with pH<4 as pathological threshold, the
      consistency of pH monitoring and scale results was a little better using pH<5 as
      pathological threshold.

PMID- 27666705
TI  - [Simultaneous repairing defects of orbital floor and palate with the modified
      temporalis muscle flap after the maxillectomy].
AB  - Objective: To evaluate the outcome of one-stage reconstruction of maxillary and
      orbital defects with modified temporalis muscle flap (TMF) following the removal
      of malignant neoplasms. Methods: In this retrospective study, 15 patients
      underwent the reconstruction of defects of orbital floor and palate after
      maxillectomy for malignant tumor were included from June 2008 to June 2014. The
      modified temporalis muscle flap was used to repair the defects after surgery, and
      functional outcomes were analyzed. Results: All the patients were followed up for
      12-81 months. Three cases of them received preoperative radiotherapy and 12 cases
      underwent postoperative radiotherapy. All flaps were survived. Epithelization of
      the tissues in oral and nasal cavity was completed in 4-6 weeks. Good functional
      reconstruction on swallowing and speaking functional results were achieved with
      maxillary and orbital reconstruction and no secondary deformity of external nose
      was observed. The eye positions in all cases were normal. Diplopia, diminution
      and loss of vision were not found. Conclusion: The modified TMF can be used for
      simultaneous reconstruction for the defects of orbital floor and palate after
      maxillectomy in patients whom free tissue flap can not be applied to, showing
      better cosmetic and functional results.

PMID- 27666704
TI  - [Preliminary application of Dx-pH monitoring system in laryngopharyngeal reflux
      disease].
AB  - Objective: To summarize the application and significance of Dx-pH monitoring
      system in laryngopharyngeal reflux disease. Methods: Fifty-four patients who had
      symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease in our department from February to
      December in 2015 were retrospectively analyzed in this study. All patients were
      evaluated with reflux symptoms index(RSI), flexible laryngoscope and reflux
      finding score(RFS), and larygopharygeal Dx-pH monitoring. Results: Among all 54
      patients, there were 26 patients whose Ryan score were positive(48.2%). The
      positive Ryan score mainly emerged when the patients were upright(24/26, 92.3%).
      Among 22 patients whose symptoms could not alleviate well by 8 weeks proton pump
      inhibitors treatment, there were 13 patients(59.1%) with positive Ryan scores.
      The Ryan scores were not in good accordance with RSI and RFS(kappa=-0.013).
      Conclusions: Although the results were not in good accordance with RSI/RFS, Dx-pH
      monitoring system could prove laryngopharyngeal reflux events in patients with
      laryngopharyngeal reflux disease and help physicians to diagnose.

PMID- 27666706
TI  - [Experimental study on substance P in the regulation of degranulation of cultured
      murine mast cells].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the effect of interleukin-4 (IL-4) stimulation on the
      expression of FcepsilonRIalpha and NK-1R on mature mast cells(MC) cultured and
      differentiated from mouse bone marrow stem cells, and then to study if these MC
      also respond to substance P (SP) both in FcepsilonRIalpha and NK-1R dependent
      manners. Methods: Bone marrow cells were aseptically flushed from BALB/c mouse
      femurs into complete RPMI 1640, followed by culture with stem cell factor (SCF
      100 MUg/L), IL-3 (15 MUg/L) and IL-4 (0, 10, 15, 20 and 25 MUg/L, respectively).
      The culture medium was changed once a week. The morphological changes of culture
      cells were observed under inverted microscope. After 4 weeks culture, the cells
      were collected and appraised by toluidine blue staining and flow cytometry. The
      expressions of surface CD117, FcepsilonRIalpha and NK-1R on these cells were
      detected by flow cytometry and Western blot. Bone marrow MC were activated with
      SP (0, 0.01, 0.1, 1.0 and 10 mg/L, respectively) for 30 min. The histamine
      released into the supernatant and stored in the protoplasm was quantified by
      enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The percentage of histamine release
      was calculated as a percent of total histamine content. Results: When different
      concentrations of IL-4 (0, 10, 15, 20, 25 MUg/L)were added into RPMI 1640, the
      positive rates of CD117 on MC surface were expressed as (94.8+/-1.3)%, (95.7+/
      2.5)%, (94.1+/-1.3)%, (96.6+/-1.0)%, and (96.6+/-1.1)%, respectively, and there
      was no significant difference among these groups (F=8.51, P>0.05). The positive
      rates of FcepsilonRIalpha were expressed as (81.5+/-2.6)%, (84.2+/-1.8)%, (91.8+/
      2.0)%, (91.6+/-1.6)%, and (93.0+/-2.6)%, respectively, and there was
      statistically increasing among these groups (F=15.76, P<0.05). Then MC were
      activated by SP (0, 0.01, 0.1, 1.0, 10 mg/L), histamine from 20 MUg/L IL-4 group
      were released (20.08+/-1.50)%, (32.76+/-2.99)%, (42.90+/-3.36)%,(50.21+/-1.29)%,
      (56.10+/-3.60)%, as similar as from 0 MUg/L IL-4 were (19.37+/-2.02), (19.50+/
      1.50), (21.77+/-1.91), (32.00+/-2.50), (33.56+/-1.25), there was significantly
      different when compared with each other (all P<0.05). Bone marrow MC were shown
      to have the highest expression of FcepsilonRIalpha and NK-1R in culture of 20
      MUg/L IL-4 by the detection of Western blot, meanwhile these MC could be
      activated to degranulate by a lower concentration of SP (0.01 mg/L), with the
      release rate of histamine from MC showing a positive correlation with SP
      concentrations. On the other hand, MC with high expression of FcepsilonRIalpha
      and little expression of NK-1R cultured with 0 MUg/L IL-4, could also be
      activated by a much higher concentration of SP (1.0 mg/L). Conclusions: Bone
      marrow mast cells were shown to be successfully differentiated and to express NK
      1R and FcepsilonRIalpha upon co-culture with SCF and IL-3 or SCF, IL-3 and IL
      4.When IL-4 was added into RPMI 1640, bone marrow MC could highly produce
      FcepsilonRIalpha and NK-1R, thus building a better model of MC degranulation
      regulated by SP. And SP-controlled MC degranulation may be mediated through both
      FcepsilonRIalpha (immunologically) and NK-1R (non-IgE mediated or non
      immunologically) pathway.

PMID- 27666707
TI  - [Analysis of association of human 8-oxoguanine giycosylase 1 polymorphism with
      the susceptibility of laryngeal cancer].
AB  - Objective: To study the association between human 8-oxoguanine giycosylase 1
      (hOGG1) gene polymorphisms and the risk of laryngeal carcinoma. Methods: A total
      of 86 patients with laryngeal carcinoma treated in The Air Force General Hospital
      and the Bozhou People's Hospital of Anhui Province from Jan 2010 to Dec 2014 were
      included in experimental group, and 86 healthy adults were selected as control
      group. The hOGG1 gene polymorphisms of subjects in two group were detected with
      by polymerase chain reaction amplification and gene sequencing technology, the
      differences in hOGG1 gene polymorphisms between two groups were analyzed.
      Results: The frequencies of hOGG1 gene heterozygous type (Ser/Cys) and mutant
      type (Cys/Cys) in experimental group were higher than those in control
      group(P<0.05). Compared to individuals with hOGG1 gene Ser/Ser, individuals with
      hOGG1 gene Ser/Cys had a 2.97-fold increased risk of laryngeal carcinoma, and
      individuals with hOGG1 gene Cys/Cys had a 8.09-fold increased risk of laryngeal
      carcinoma. Stratified by smoking or not, it was found that the proportion of
      heterozygous type or mutant type in smokers was higher significantly than non
      smokers (P<0.05). Conclusion: Individuals with hOGG1 gene heterozygous type
      (Ser/Cys) or mutant type (Cys/Cys) have a higher risk of laryngeal carcinoma,
      with interaction between these gene types and smoking, and the gene types could
      be used as predictors for the occurrence of laryngeal carcinoma.

PMID- 27666708
TI  - [The study on the targets of the optical evoked auditory brainstem response on
      the cochlea of guinea pig stimulating by infrared laser].
AB  - Objective: To identify the targets of the infrared laser stimulating on the
      cochlea of guinea pig which evoked auditory brainstem response (oABR), and
      explore the mechanisms of the infrared neurostimulation. Methods: A polished
      optical fiber with 200 MUm diameter (NA=0.22) was planted into the scala tympani
      of guinea pigs to stimulate the cochlea of both the normal hearing and acute
      deafened guinea pigs. The direction of the fiber distal was changed to radiate
      different regions of the scala tympani, recording the oABR respectively.
      Differences of energy thresholds and amplitudes of oABR between normal hearing
      and acute deafened animals was concerned, and different responses were recorded
      as the optical path of laser fiber being changed to investigate the targets of
      the infrared laser stimulation. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the changes
      of inner and outer hair cells, and spiral ganglion neurons 7 days post-deafening,
      to looking for the probable association with the oABR changes at the same
      stimulus. SPSS 18.0 software was used to analyze the data. Results: Inner and
      outer hair cells were damaged in basal and middle turn, butresidual hair cells
      were observed in apical turn.Only when the optical fiber pointed to Rosenthal's
      canal stimulated the spiral ganglion region directly could the oABR be evoked. No
      response was recorded while the fiber pointed to other directions. Conclusion:
      Infrared laser stimulates cochlea evoked oABR generats from the response of
      spiral ganglion directly, the spiral ganglion neurons are the target of infrared
      stimulation.

PMID- 27666709
TI  - [Analysis of the relevant factors for recurrent sudden sensorineural hearing
      loss].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the possible factors related to recurrence and
      prognosis of sudden sensorineural hearing loss(SSNHL). Methods: Four hundred and
      ninety-five patients with unilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss between
      January 2013 to April 2014 were analyzed retrospectively(34 patients lost to
      follow-up with a dropout rate of 6.87%). Twenty of the 495 patients were
      diagnosed as recurrent SSNHL and treated again in the same hospital. The data of
      the patients were summarized to analyze the related factors which might influence
      the recurrence and prognosis of SSNHL. Results: In the 20 patients with recurrent
      SSNHL, 19 had the second attack in same ear as the first attack, and the other
      one had in both ears. There were seven male patients, and thirteen female
      patients. Patients ranged in age from 24 to 77years, with a median age of 39.5
      years. Types of hearing loss: low frequency in eight patients, high frequency in
      two patients, flat frequency in eight patients, total deafness in two patients,
      the types of the second attack in 17 patients were same as the first attack, only
      one patient was changed from total deafness to flat frequency, one case was
      changed from flat frequency to high frequency, one case changed from flat
      frequency to total deafness. The intervals between of the first attack time and
      the second attack time were 1-36 months with the median time of 3.5 months. After
      systemic oral and (or) transtympanic steroid treatment, recovered in three cases,
      effective in three cases and 14 cases invalid, the cure rate was 15%, and the
      total effective rate was 30%. There were statistically significant differences in
      the recovery rate(chi2=8.640, P<0.05) and the overall response rate(chi2=12.379,
      P<0.01)between the first and the second treatments. For the patients with vertigo
      and/or dizziness, with a history more than seven days, with hypertension or
      diabetes mellitus, and with a type of hearing loss except low frequency type, the
      treatment effect was invalid. The patients with hearing loss at low frequency had
      the best outcomes. The total effective rates were significant different between
      patients younger and old than 34 years old(P<0.05). There was no difference in
      the total effective rate between genders, and patients with or without tinnitus
      and/or aural fullness in the recurrent SSNHL(P>0.05). The recurrence rates of
      patients with various types of hearing loss were different(F=7.744, P<0.05), with
      a highest recurrence rate in patients with hearing loss at low frequency. Other
      factors such as gender, age, accompanied diseases (hypertension or diabetes
      mellitus), associated symptoms, interval from onset to treatment had no effects
      on the recurrence rate. Conclusions: Recurrence of SSNHL is more likely to be
      found in patients with hearing loss of low frequency and flat type. The prognosis
      of recurrent SSNHL is poorer than that of the first episode, and may be related
      to the age and type of hearing loss.

PMID- 27666711
TI  - [Otogenic intracranial abscess: clinical analyses of 4 cases].

PMID- 27666710
TI  - [Application of transoral robotic surgery in pharyngolaryngeal tumour resection].
AB  - Objective: To summarize clinical experience on application of transoral robotic
      surgery (TORS) in pharyngeal tumour resection. Methods: Six patients underwent
      TORS with da Vinci(r) surgical system in our department from November 2013 to
      July 2015 and their clinical data were analyzed retrospectively. Results: TORS
      was accomplished successfully in all 6 patients. The surgical field-exposed time
      ranged from 30 to 40 minutes with an average of 35 minutes. The operative time
      ranged from 30 to 130 minutes with an average of 72 minutes. The hospital stays
      ranged from 6 to 14 days with an average of 10 days, and recovery time for oral
      intake ranged from 2 to 10 days with an average of 6 days. During TORS, the mouth
      gag needed to be adjusted 2 to 5 times. Surgical blood loss ranged from 5 to 30
      ml with an average of 15 ml. No complications occurred during or after operation.
      Postoperative pathological examination of incisal edge in patients with malignant
      tumors showed no residual tumor cell. The mean follow-up was 14 months with no
      recurrence. Conclusion: With proper indications, TORS possesses enormous value to
      the application in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery.

PMID- 27666712
TI  - [Sino-nasal sclerosis disease related to IgG4: a case report].

PMID- 27666713
TI  - [A case report of subglottic cartilage tumor].

PMID- 27666714
TI  - [Ectopic thymic cyst in thyroid: a case report].

PMID- 27666715
TI  - [Angiosarcoma of the thyroid gland: a case report].

PMID- 27666716
TI  - [A summary report from 29th Barany Society Meeting 2016].

PMID- 27666717
TI  - [Research progress of mutational spectrum and pathophysiology of WFS1 gene in
      Wolfram syndrome and nonsyndromic low frequency sensorineural hearing loss].
AB  - Compound homozygous or heterozygous mutations in WFS1 can lead to autosomal
      recessive Wolfram syndrome (WS), and heterozygous mutations in WFS1 can lead to
      autosomal dominant non-syndromic low frequency sensorineural hearing loss
      (LFSNHL). In addition, mutations in the WFS region has relationship with diabetes
      and psychiatric diseases. In this paper, we provide an overview of genetic
      research with different phenotypes, including WS and LFSNHL.

PMID- 27666718
TI  - [Advances of the treatments for thyroid carcinoma patients with laryngotracheal
      invasion].
AB  - Thyroid carcinoma is one of the most common cancer in the head and neck and its
      incidence shows an increasing tendency. Due to the special anatomical location of
      thyroid carcinoma, patients will have a bad prognosis outcome when cancer invades
      larynx and trachea. Surgical treatment is still a preferred therapy for thyroid
      carcinoma with laryngotracheal invasion, because it has the advantages such as
      high survival rate, low recurrence rate, relieving of airway obstruction,
      improving of postoperative quality of life. Other therapies including
      radiotherapy, chemotherapy, 131I and molecular targeted therapy can also be used
      for treatments of thyroid carcinoma. This article reviews the current treatments
      for thyroid carcinoma with laryngotracheal invasion.

PMID- 27666720
TI  - Improvement of Gas-Sensing Performance of Large-Area Tungsten Disulfide
      Nanosheets by Surface Functionalization.
AB  - Semiconducting two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) are
      promising gas-sensing materials due to their large surface-to-volume ratio.
      However, their poor gas-sensing performance resulting from the low response,
      incomplete recovery, and insufficient selectivity hinders the realization of high
      performance 2D TMDC gas sensors. Here, we demonstrate the improvement of gas
      sensing performance of large-area tungsten disulfide (WS2) nanosheets through
      surface functionalization using Ag nanowires (NWs). Large-area WS2 nanosheets
      were synthesized through atomic layer deposition of WO3 followed by
      sulfurization. The pristine WS2 gas sensors exhibited a significant response to
      acetone and NO2 but an incomplete recovery in the case of NO2 sensing. After AgNW
      functionalization, the WS2 gas sensor showed dramatically improved response
      (667%) and recovery upon NO2 exposure. Our results establish that the proposed
      method is a promising strategy to improve 2D TMDC gas sensors.

PMID- 27666721
TI  - Investigational histone deacetylase inhibitors for treating pancreatic
      adenocarcinoma.

PMID- 27666722
TI  - Greater occipital nerve block in the treatment of triptan-overuse headache: A
      randomized comparative study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the efficiency of a single and
      repeated greater occipital nerve (GON) block using lidocaine in the treatment of
      triptan-overuse headache (TOH), whose importance has increased lately. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: In the study, 105 consecutive subjects diagnosed with TOH were
      evaluated. The subjects were randomized into three groups. In Group 1 (n=35),
      only triptan was abruptly withdrawn. In Group 2 (n=35), triptan was abruptly
      withdrawn and single GON block was performed. In Group 3 (n=35), triptan was
      abruptly withdrawn and three-stage GON block was performed. All patients were
      injected bilaterally with a total amount of 5 cc 1% lidocaine in each stage.
      During follow-up, the number of headache days per month, the severity of pain
      (VAS), the number of triptans used, and hsCRP and IL-6 levels were recorded three
      times; in the pretreatment period, in the second month post-treatment, and in the
      fourth month post-treatment. They were then compared. RESULTS: There was a
      statistically significant difference in the post-treatment fourth month in
      comparison with the pretreatment period in Group 3 (P<.05). Compared to Group 1,
      the number of headache days, VAS, and decrease in triptan need in Group 3 was
      statistically significant compared to Group 2 (P<.05). Compared to pretreatment,
      in the fourth month post-treatment, both hsCRP and IL-6 levels were lower only in
      Group 3 (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: We are of the opinion that repeated GON block in
      addition to the discontinuation of medication has significant efficacy for TOH
      cases.

PMID- 27666724
TI  - Titanium Oxide/Silicon Moth-Eye Structures with Antireflection, p-n
      Heterojunctions, and Superhydrophilicity.
AB  - By employing KOH etching of silicon and hydrothermal growth of titanium oxide
      (TiO2), TiO2 nanorods assembled on the silicon micropyramids to form biomimetic
      composite coating, similar to moth-eye structures. The biomimetic composite
      coating possessed not only the micro-nano hierarchical structures but also the p
      n heterojunctions, resulting in a decrease in the reflection of incident light
      and an increase in the separation efficiency of photogenerated carriers.
      Meanwhile, the structures showed excellent superhydrophilicity, making for the
      self-cleaning of the material surface. We further demonstrate that by exploiting
      the advantages of this method, the application of such structures in the
      photocatalysis field is thus straightforward.

PMID- 27666723
TI  - Use of NRP1, a novel biomarker, along with VEGF-C, VEGFR-3, CCR7 and SEMA3E, to
      predict lymph node metastasis in squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.
AB  - Lymph node (LN) metastasis has been suggested as a major prognostic factor for
      oral cancer. Knockdown of the growth factors and receptors involved in these
      metastatic mechanisms could significantly reduce LN metastasis and improve the
      survival of oral cancer patients after treatment. The present study, therefore,
      aimed to evaluate the expression levels of the following growth factors and
      receptors in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the tongue: the vascular
      endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C and VEGF-D, which bind to the cell surface
      tyrosine kinase receptor VEGF receptor-3 (VEGFR-3); C-C motif chemokine receptor
      7 (CCR7); neuropilin (NRP)1 and NRP2; and semaphorin 3E (SEMA3E). Furthermore, we
      assessed microvessel density (MVD) and lymphatic vessel density (LVD) to
      demonstrate the correlation between these factors and regional LN metastasis,
      with respect to the clinicopathological features. Finally, we analyzed the
      correlation between these proteins and overall or disease-free survival, in order
      to demonstrate their prognostic value. Univariate analysis revealed a significant
      association between LN metastasis and the expression levels of VEGF-C, VEGFR-3,
      CCR7, NRP1, and SEMA3E, as well as LVD, in SCC cells. In contrast, multivariate
      analysis identified associations between LN metastasis and NRP1 expression, as
      well as between LN metastasis and LVD; however, no correlation was found between
      LN metastasis and the expression levels of the other proteins. The expression
      levels of VEGF-C, VEGFR-3, NRP1, and SEMA3E, as well as LVD, were correlated with
      disease-free survival time. These results indicate that LN metastasis is
      associated with poor survival in SCC. This study suggests that NRP1 expression
      and LVD are independent factors that are likely to predict the risk of LN
      metastasis in SCC of the tongue, whereas the expression of VEGF-C, VEGFR-3, CCR7,
      and SEMA3E are non-independent predictive factors.

PMID- 27666719
TI  - Cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes in evolutionary perspective: a
      critical role for helminths?
AB  - Heart disease and type 2 diabetes are commonly believed to be rare among
      contemporary subsistence-level human populations, and by extension prehistoric
      populations. Although some caveats remain, evidence shows these diseases to be
      unusual among well-studied hunter-gatherers and other subsistence populations
      with minimal access to healthcare. Here we expand on a relatively new proposal
      for why these and other populations may not show major signs of these diseases.
      Chronic infections, especially helminths, may offer protection against heart
      disease and diabetes through direct and indirect pathways. As part of a strategy
      to insure their own survival and reproduction, helminths exert multiple cardio
      protective effects on their host through their effects on immune function and
      blood lipid metabolism. Helminths consume blood lipids and glucose, alter lipid
      metabolism, and modulate immune function towards Th-2 polarization - which
      combined can lower blood cholesterol, reduce obesity, increase insulin
      sensitivity, decrease atheroma progression, and reduce likelihood of
      atherosclerotic plaque rupture. Traditional cardiometabolic risk factors, coupled
      with the mismatch between our evolved immune systems and modern, hygienic
      environments may interact in complex ways. In this review, we survey existing
      studies in the non-human animal and human literature, highlight unresolved
      questions and suggest future directions to explore the role of helminths in the
      etiology of cardio-metabolic disease.

PMID- 27666725
TI  - Absence of collagen IX accelerates hypertrophic differentiation in the embryonic
      mouse spine through a disturbance of the Ihh-PTHrP feedback loop.
AB  - Collagen IX (Col IX) is a component of the cartilage extracellular matrix and
      contributes to its structural integrity. Polymorphisms in the genes encoding the
      Col IX alpha2- and alpha3-chains are associated with early onset of disc
      degeneration. Col IX-deficient mice already display changes in the spine at the
      newborn stage and premature disc degeneration starting at 6 months of age. To
      determine the role of Col IX in early spine development and to identify molecular
      mechanisms underlying disc degeneration, the embryonic development of the spine
      was analyzed in Col IX -/- mice. Histological staining was used to show tissue
      morphology at different time points. Localization of extracellular matrix
      proteins as well as components of signaling pathways were analyzed by
      immunohistochemistry. Developing vertebral bodies of Col IX -/- mice were smaller
      and already appeared more compact at E12.5. At E15.5, vertebral bodies of Col IX 
      /- mice revealed an increased number of hypertrophic chondrocytes as well as
      enhanced staining for the terminal differentiation markers alkaline phosphatase
      and collagen X. This correlates with an imbalance in the Ihh-PTHrP signaling
      pathway at this time point, reflected by an increase of Ihh and a concomitant
      decrease of PTHrP expression. An accelerated hypertrophic differentiation caused
      by a disturbed Ihh-PTHrP signaling pathway may lead to a higher bone mineral
      density in the vertebral bodies of newborn Col IX -/- mice and, as a result, to
      the early onset of disc degeneration.

PMID- 27666727
TI  - Biomedical Enhancement and Social Development: A Conservative Techno-Fix.
AB  - Allen Buchanan has argued for a linking of the ethics of human enhancement to the
      ethics of development more generally. The promise of the 'enhancement enterprise'
      is that it may help develop society, just as other technological advances have in
      the past. He proposes a framework of intellectual property rights, government
      action to ensure the poor can access the enhancements, an international
      organization to administer the diffusion of new enhancement technologies from the
      West to poor countries, and the diffusion within countries to the poorer
      populations. I take seriously his proposal of discussing biomedical enhancement
      in terms of the ethics of development. On these grounds of assessment, I argue
      that his proposal is politically conservative. To make the case, I distinguish
      conservatism in ethics from conservatism in politics; and I contextualize the
      proposal against the background of development economics and the neoliberal
      approach to development.

PMID- 27666726
TI  - Rab5a-mediated autophagy regulates the phenotype and behavior of vascular smooth
      muscle cells.
AB  - Rab5a, a key member of the Rab family of GTPases, was determined to be a
      regulator of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and migration.
      However, the exact regulatory mechanism remains unclear. As Rab5a has been shown
      to be associated with autophagy, which is essential for the conversion of VSMCs
      from a contractile to a synthetic phenotype in order to prevent cell death due to
      oxidative stress. The present study hypothesized that autophagy may be
      responsible for the proliferation and migration of VSMCs via the Rab5a protein.
      The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of Rab5a on autophagy in
      VSMCs. The human aorta vascular smooth muscle cell line, T/G HA-VSMCs, was
      treated with small interfering (si)RNA against Rab5a and/or platelet-derived
      growth factor (PDGF). Following treatment, the phenotype transition of the VSMCs
      was evaluated by detecting the mRNA and protien expression levels of VSMC
      molecular markers using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain
      reaction and western blotting, respectively. In addition, autophagy in VSMCs was
      evaluated by western blotting for autophagy-associated proteins, flow cytometry
      of acidic vesicular organelles, punctate fluorescence of microtubule associated
      protein light chain 3 and transmission electron microscopy of typical scattered
      double-membrane vacuolar structures. Additionally, the proliferation, migration,
      cell cycle and apoptotic response of VSMCs were detected by sulforhodamine B
      assay, transwell assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The results revealed
      that transfection with siRNA against Rab5a led to a significant decrease in Rab5a
      protein expression, while the reduced expression trend of Rab5a was rescued by
      intervention with PDGF. Furthermore, cells transfected with siRNA against Rab5a
      inhibited the autophagy of VSMCs. Downregulated Rab5a inhibited the phenotype
      transition of VSMCs. Additionally, downregulated Rab5a led to slowed cell growth,
      decreased numbers of migrated cells, decreased numbers of cells at the G0-G1
      phase and a higher apoptosis rate. However, PDGF significantly rescued these
      phenomena caused by siRNA against Rab5a. These results indicated that Rab5a
      mediated autophagy may regulate the phenotype transition and cell behavior of
      VSMCs through the activation of the extracellular-regulated kinase 1/2 signaling
      pathway.

PMID- 27666728
TI  - Cre-inducible site-specific recombination in zebrafish oligodendrocytes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The conditional Cre/lox system has recently emerged as a valuable
      tool for studies on both embryonic and adult Zebrafish. Temporal control and site
      specific recombination are achieved by using the ligand-inducible CreERT2 and
      administration of the drug tamoxifen (TAM) or its active metabolite, 4
      Hydroxytamoxifen (4-OHT). RESULTS: Here we report the generation of a transgenic
      Zebrafish line, which expresses an mCherry-tagged variant of CreERT2 under the
      control of the myelin basic protein a (mbpa) promoter. Our analysis shows that
      larval and adult expression of the transgene recapitulates the endogenous mbpa
      expression pattern in oligodendrocytes. Furthermore, combination with a Cre
      dependent EGFP reporter results in EGFP-expressing oligodendrocytes in the spinal
      cord, brain, and optic nerve in TAM- or 4-OHT-treated larvae and 4-month-old
      fish, but not in untreated controls. CONCLUSIONS: The transgenic Zebrafish line
      Tg(mbpa:mCherry-T2A-CreERT2 ) elicits CreERT2 expression specifically in
      myelinating glia cells. Cre-inducible targeted recombination of genes in
      oligodendrocytes will be useful to elucidate cellular and molecular mechanisms of
      myelination in vivo during development (myelination) and regeneration
      (remyelination) after injury to the central nervous system (CNS). It will also
      allow targeted expression and overexpression of genes of interest (transgenes) in
      oligodendrocytes at defined developmental and adult stages. Developmental
      Dynamics 246:41-49, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27666729
TI  - Optimizing Microplate Biofilm Assays to Screen Anti-infective Surfaces.

PMID- 27666730
TI  - Bioelectrochemical Power-to-Gas: State of the Art and Future Perspectives.
AB  - Bioelectrochemical power-to-gas (BEP2G) is considered a potentially convenient
      way of storing renewable surplus electricity in the form of methane. In methane
      producing bioelectrochemical systems (BESs), carbon dioxide and electrical energy
      are converted into methane, using electrodes that supply either electrons or
      hydrogen to methanogenic archaea. This review summarizes the performance of
      methane-producing BESs in relation to cathode potential, electrode materials,
      operational strategies, and inoculum. Analysis and estimation of energy input and
      production rates show that BEP2G may become an attractive alternative for
      thermochemical methanation, and biochemical methanogenesis. To determine if BEP2G
      can become a future power-to-gas technology, challenges relating to cathodic
      energy losses, choice of a suitable electron donor, efficient reactor
      design/operation, and experience with large reactors need to be overcome.

PMID- 27666731
TI  - Enantioselective Pd-Catalyzed Allylic Alkylation Reactions of Dihydropyrido[1,2
      a]indolone Substrates: Efficient Syntheses of (-)-Goniomitine, (+)
      Aspidospermidine, and (-)-Quebrachamine.
AB  - The successful application of dihydropyrido[1,2-a]indolone (DHPI) substrates in
      Pd-catalyzed asymmetric allylic alkylation chemistry facilitates rapid access to
      multiple alkaloid frameworks in an enantioselective fashion. Strategic
      bromination at the indole C3 position greatly improved the allylic alkylation
      chemistry and enabled a highly efficient Negishi cross-coupling downstream. The
      first catalytic enantioselective total synthesis of (-)-goniomitine, along with
      divergent formal syntheses of (+)-aspidospermidine and (-)-quebrachamine, are
      reported herein.

PMID- 27666732
TI  - Review of emerging contaminants in aquatic biota from Latin America: 2002-2016.
AB  - Although it is known that emerging contaminants are widespread all over the
      globe, there is a gap of information about their distribution in some
      geographical areas, such as Latin America. The present bibliographic work reviews
      the available literature about the presence of organic emerging contaminants in
      Latin American freshwater and marine biota between 2002 and 2016 and includes 23
      works from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Nicaragua. In
      particular, the present review provides an overview of the occurrence of
      continuously present contaminants such as pharmaceuticals, personal care
      products, and pyrethroid insecticides, as well as the new groups of persistent
      organic pollutants, the halogenated flame retardants and the perfluoroalkyl
      substances. A wide overview is provided, considering not only occurrence data but
      also effects and potential transfer through the food chain. Environ Toxicol Chem
      2017;36:1716-1727. (c) 2016 SETAC.

PMID- 27666733
TI  - Analysis of a founder mutation in the TH gene in a cohort of greek patients with
      Parkinson's disease.

PMID- 27666735
TI  - A large cohort study confirming that specific haplotype 4A161PAS is exclusively
      associated with the Chinese FSHD1.

PMID- 27666734
TI  - Use of 3D models of congenital heart disease as an education tool for cardiac
      nurses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nurse education and training are key to providing congenital heart
      disease (CHD) patients with consistent high standards of care as well as enabling
      career progression. One approach for improving educational experience is the use
      of 3D patient-specific models. OBJECTIVES: To gather pilot data to assess the
      feasibility of using 3D models of CHD during a training course for cardiac
      nurses; to evaluate the potential of 3D models in this context, from the nurses'
      perspective; and to identify possible improvements to optimise their use for
      teaching. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey. SETTING: A national training week for
      cardiac nurses. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred cardiac nurses (of which 65 pediatric
      and 35 adult). METHODS: Nurses were shown nine CHD models within the context of a
      specialized course, following a lecture on the process of making the models
      themselves, starting from medical imaging. Participants were asked about their
      general learning experience, if models were more/less informative than
      diagrams/drawings and lesion-specific/generic models, and their overall reaction
      to the models. Possible differences between adult and pediatric nurses were
      investigated. Written feedback was subjected to content analysis and quantitative
      data were analyzed using nonparametric statistics. RESULTS: Generally models were
      well liked and nurses considered them more informative than diagrams. Nurses
      found that 3D models helped in the appreciation of overall anatomy (86%), spatial
      orientation (70%), and anatomical complexity after treatment (66%). There was no
      statistically significant difference between adult and pediatric nurses'
      responses. Thematic analysis highlighted the need for further explanation, use of
      labels and use of colors to highlight the lesion of interest amongst improvements
      for optimizing 3D models for teaching/training purposes. CONCLUSION: 3D patient
      specific models are useful tools for training adult and pediatric cardiac nurses
      and are particularly helpful for understanding CHD anatomy after repair.

PMID- 27666736
TI  - Antibiotics and iron-limiting conditions and their effect on the production and
      composition of outer membrane vesicles secreted from clinical isolates of
      extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli.
AB  - PURPOSE: The focus of this study was to characterize the effect of clinically
      relevant stress-inducing conditions on the production and composition of
      proinflammatory outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) produced from ST131
      extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) clinical isolates.
      EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: A label-free method (relative normalized spectral index
      quantification, SINQ) was used to identify changes in the respective OMV
      proteomes following exposure of the ExPEC strains to antibiotics and low iron.
      Nanoparticle tracking analysis was used to quantify changes in abundance and size
      of OMVs produced by the gentamicin-resistant (GenR) and gentamicin-sensitive
      (GenS) ExPEC strains. RESULTS: Up to a 13.1-fold increase in abundance of
      particles were detected when the gentamicin-sensitive strain was exposed to a
      range of gentamicin concentrations. In contrast, no increase was observed for the
      gentamicin-resistant strain. Iron-limiting conditions had minimal effect on OMV
      production for either strain. Marked changes in the OMV proteome were observed
      for both strains including increases in Hsp100/Clp proteins, ATP-dependent ClpP
      protease, and regulatory proteins. CONCLUSION: These data provide information on
      changes in the composition of OMV particles derived from ExPEC strains generated
      in response to clinically relevant conditions. We show that the levels of the
      proinflammatory OMVs increase for gentamicin-sensitive ExPEC exposed to the
      antibiotic.

PMID- 27666737
TI  - Intelligence quotient scores at the age of 6 years in children anaesthetised
      before the age of 5 years.
AB  - We analysed the association of independent variables with non-verbal cognition at
      6 years in children with complete data (3441 from a cohort of 9901), of whom 415
      were anaesthetised before the age of 5 years. Using multivariable regression,
      cognition was reduced by a mean (95% CI) score for children: anaesthetised before
      the age of 5 years, 2.1 (0.7-3.5), p = 0.004; born prematurely, 9.8 (4.1-15.4), p
      = 0.001; whose mothers smoked while pregnant, 2.3 (0.8-3.8), p = 0.004; whose
      mothers had lower IQ scores, 0.3 (0.2-0.3) for each unit reduction in maternal
      IQ, p < 0.0001. The association of child IQ with exposure to anaesthetic drugs
      was sensitive to missing data.

PMID- 27666738
TI  - Comparing a stratified treatment strategy with the standard treatment in
      randomized clinical trials.
AB  - The increasing emergence of predictive markers for different treatments in the
      same patient population allows us to define stratified treatment strategies. We
      consider randomized clinical trials that compare a standard treatment with a new
      stratified treatment strategy that divides the study population into subgroups
      receiving different treatments. Because the new strategy may not be beneficial in
      all subgroups, we consider in this paper an intermediate approach that
      establishes a treatment effect in a subset of patients built by joining several
      subgroups. The approach is based on the simple idea of selecting the subset with
      minimal p-value when testing the subset-specific treatment effects. We present a
      framework to compare this approach with other approaches to select subsets by
      introducing three performance measures. The results of a comprehensive simulation
      study are presented, and the relative merits of the various approaches are
      discussed. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27666739
TI  - Response of lactating dairy cows to degree of steam-flaked barley grain in low
      forage diets.
AB  - This study was conducted to investigate the effects of processing method
      (grinding vs. steam flaking) and increasing densities of steam-flaked barley
      grain on dry matter intake (DMI), rumen pH and fermentation characteristics,
      digestibility of dry matter in the total digestive tract (DDTT), and milk
      production of dairy cows. Eight multiparous mid-lactation Holstein cows averaging
      103 +/- 24 DIM, 44.5 +/- 4.7 kg milk/day and weighing 611 +/- 43 kg at the start
      of the experiment were used in a replicated 4 * 4 Latin square design with 21-day
      periods. Cows were fed diets consisting of (DM basis) 23.8% corn silage, 13.5%
      chopped alfalfa hay and 62.7% concentrate. The dietary treatments were either
      ground barley (GB) using a hammer mill or steam-flaked barley (SFB) - varying
      density at 390, 340 or 290 g/l. Processing method (GB vs. SFB) did not affect DMI
      (23.6 kg/day on average), DDTT (71.0% on average), milk yield (43.4 kg/day on
      average), milk components, rumen pH and molar proportions of acetate, propionate,
      butyrate and sorting activity. Ruminal isovalerate concentration tended (p =
      0.06) to be higher for cows fed GB than those fed SFB-based diets. Decreasing the
      density of SFB from 390, 340 to 290 g/l tended to linearly increase DMI (p =
      0.09), decrease total solids percentage of milk (p = 0.10) and linearly decreased
      milk urea nitrogen (12.8, 12.4 and 12.1 mg/dl; p = 0.04); also, the sorting index
      (SI) of the particles retained on the 19.0-mm sieve without affecting the SI of
      the particles retained on 8.0-mm, 1.18-mm or passed through 1.18-mm sieve (p =
      0.05). These results indicated the limited effects of processing method (grinding
      vs. steam flaking) and densities of SFB (390, 290 or 290 g/l) on cows'
      performance and feed utilization for dairy cows fed low-forage diets. Therefore,
      both processing methods could be recommended under current feeding conditions of
      dairy cows.

PMID- 27666740
TI  - Evaluating IPMN and pancreatic carcinoma utilizing quantitative histopathology.
AB  - Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) are pancreatic lesions with
      uncertain biologic behavior. This study sought objective, accurate prediction
      tools, through the use of quantitative histopathological signatures of nuclear
      images, for classifying lesions as chronic pancreatitis (CP), IPMN, or pancreatic
      carcinoma (PC). Forty-four pancreatic resection patients were retrospectively
      identified for this study (12 CP; 16 IPMN; 16 PC). Regularized multinomial
      regression quantitatively classified each specimen as CP, IPMN, or PC in an
      automated, blinded fashion. Classification certainty was determined by
      subtracting the smallest classification probability from the largest probability
      (of the three groups). The certainty function varied from 1.0 (perfectly
      classified) to 0.0 (random). From each lesion, 180 +/- 22 nuclei were imaged.
      Overall classification accuracy was 89.6% with six unique nuclear features. No CP
      cases were misclassified, 1/16 IPMN cases were misclassified, and 4/16 PC cases
      were misclassified. Certainty function was 0.75 +/- 0.16 for correctly classified
      lesions and 0.47 +/- 0.10 for incorrectly classified lesions (P = 0.0005).
      Uncertainty was identified in four of the five misclassified lesions.
      Quantitative histopathology provides a robust, novel method to distinguish among
      CP, IPMN, and PC with a quantitative measure of uncertainty. This may be useful
      when there is uncertainty in diagnosis.

PMID- 27666741
TI  - Early ototoxic changes in patients with germ cell tumor after first cycle of
      cisplatin-based therapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To prospectively examine early hearing damage detectable with
      distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) after the first cycle of
      cisplatin treatment of patients with testicular tumor. STUDY DESIGN: Both ears of
      137 consecutive patients were examined at 0.75 to 8 kHz before (B) and after (A)
      the first cycle of cisplatin (dose: 100 mg/m2 / 5 days). METHODS: The mean
      amplitudes (B vs. A) were compared with paired t test at each frequency. Ototoxic
      changes were considered when an individual amplitude difference (B-A) > 14 dB at
      0.75 Hz or > 7 db at 1 to 8 kHz occurred. RESULTS: The mean amplitudes were
      statistically significantly lower after first cycle at 0.75, 6, and 8 kHz. The
      majority of patients (96%) presented positive differences (B-A) in one or both
      ears; in 85 (62%) cases, the positive difference reached the level of ototoxicity
      out of which 34 (40%) and 19 (22%) of patients suffered ototoxicity in one or
      both ears, respectively. The difference between right and left ears in
      distribution of ototoxic cases was nonsignificant. Forty-five (33%) and four (3%)
      patients showed ototoxicity at two or more frequencies in one or both ears,
      respectively. An increased proportion of ototoxic cases can be seen at 0.75 to 1
      kHz and 6 to 8 kHz. CONCLUSION: After the first cycle of cisplatin treatment,
      early ototoxicity occurs in close to two-thirds of patients, as identified by
      measuring DPOAE. Therefore, further research for biomarkers is required, which
      can predict patients at risk in order to avoid an irreversible hearing loss by
      personalized, preventive therapies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4. Laryngoscope, 127:1909
      1915, 2017.

PMID- 27666742
TI  - Editorial commentary: Biomarkers in heart failure, between scientific scrutiny
      and exploration.

PMID- 27666743
TI  - Phycicoccus ginsengisoli sp. nov., isolated from cultivated ginseng soil.
AB  - Ginseng-cultivated soil is an excellent habitat for soil-borne bacteria to
      proliferate. A novel strain, DCY87T, was isolated from ginseng-cultivated soil in
      Gochang County, Republic of Korea, and subsequently characterized by polyphasic
      approach. Cells were rod shaped, non-motile, aerobic, Gram-reaction-positive,
      oxidase-negative and catalase-positive. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed
      that strain DCY87T shared the highest similarity to 'Phycicoccus ochangensis' L1b
      b9 (98.7 %). Closely phylogenetic relatives of strain DCY87T were identified:
      Phycicoccus ginsenosidimutans BXN5-13T (97.9 %), Phycicoccus soli THG-a14T (97.8
      %), Phycicoccus bigeumensis MSL-03T (97.3 %), Phycicoccus cremeus V2M29T (97.3
      %), Phycicoccus aerophilus 5516T-20T (97.3 %), Phycicoccus dokdonensis DS-8T
      (97.3 %) and Phycicoccus jejuensis KSW2-15T (97.1 %). The major polar lipids were
      classified as phosphatidylinositol and diphosphatidylglycerol. The major cellular
      fatty acids were composed of iso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C15:0, C17 : 0 and C17 :
      1omega8c. The menaquinone was resolved as MK-8(H4). Strain DCY87T contained meso
      diaminopimelic acid as diamino acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan and glucose,
      xylose and rhamnose in the whole-cell sugar. The genomic DNA G+C content was
      calculated to be 72.7 mol%. DNA-DNA hybridization value between strain DCY87T and
      'P. ochangensis' L1b-b9 was estimated to be 50 %. However, DNA-DNA hybridization
      value obtained between strain DCY87T and P. ginsenosidimutans BXN5-13T, P. soli
      THG-a14T and P. bigeumensis MSL-03T was well below 17 %. In general, polyphasic
      taxonomy demonstrated that DCY87T strain represented a novel species within the
      genus Phycicoccus. Accordingly, we propose the name Phycicoccus ginsengisoli sp.
      nov. The type strain is DCY87T (=KCTC 39635T=JCM 31016T).

PMID- 27666744
TI  - Associations between social vulnerabilities and dietary patterns in European
      children: the Identification and prevention of Dietary- and lifestyle-induced
      health EFfects In Children and infantS (IDEFICS) study.
AB  - Socio-economic inequalities in childhood can determine dietary patterns, and
      therefore future health. This study aimed to explore associations between social
      vulnerabilities and dietary patterns assessed at two time points, and to
      investigate the association between accumulation of vulnerabilities and dietary
      patterns. A total of 9301 children aged 2-9 years participated at baseline and 2
      year follow-up examinations of the Identification and prevention of Dietary- and
      lifestyle-induced health EFfects In Children and infantS study. In all, three
      dietary patterns were identified at baseline and follow-up by applying the K
      means clustering algorithm based on a higher frequency of consumption of snacks
      and fast food (processed), sweet foods and drinks (sweet), and fruits and
      vegetables (healthy). Vulnerable groups were defined at baseline as follows:
      children whose parents lacked a social network, children from single-parent
      families, children of migrant origin and children with unemployed parents.
      Multinomial mixed models were used to assess the associations between social
      vulnerabilities and children's dietary patterns at baseline and follow-up.
      Children whose parents lacked a social network (OR 1.31; 99 % CI 1.01, 1.70) and
      migrants (OR 1.45; 99 % CI 1.15, 1.83) were more likely to be in the processed
      cluster at baseline and follow-up. Children whose parents were homemakers (OR
      0.74; 99 % CI 0.60, 0.92) were less likely to be in the processed cluster at
      baseline. A higher number of vulnerabilities was associated with a higher
      probability of children being in the processed cluster (OR 1.78; 99 % CI 1.21,
      2.62). Therefore, special attention should be paid to children of vulnerable
      groups as they present unhealthier dietary patterns.

PMID- 27666745
TI  - Molecular Pathway of Microtubule Organization at the Golgi Apparatus.
AB  - The Golgi apparatus controls the formation of non-centrosomal microtubule arrays
      important for Golgi organization, polarized transport, cell motility, and cell
      differentiation. Here, we show that CAMSAP2 stabilizes and attaches microtubule
      minus ends to the Golgi through a complex of AKAP450 and myomegalin. CLASPs
      stabilize CAMSAP2-decorated microtubules but are not required for their Golgi
      tethering. AKAP450 is also essential for Golgi microtubule nucleation, and
      myomegalin and CDK5RAP2 but not CAMSAP2 contribute to this function. In the
      absence of centrosomes, AKAP450- and CAMSAP2-dependent pathways of microtubule
      minus-end organization become dominant, and the presence of at least one of them
      is needed to maintain microtubule density. Strikingly, a compact Golgi can be
      assembled in the absence of both centrosomal and Golgi microtubules. However,
      CAMSAP2- and AKAP450-dependent Golgi microtubules facilitate Golgi reorientation
      and cell invasion in a 3D matrix. We propose that Golgi-anchored microtubules are
      important for polarized cell movement but not for coalescence of Golgi membranes.

PMID- 27666746
TI  - Control of Oriented Tissue Growth through Repression of Organ Boundary Genes
      Promotes Stem Morphogenesis.
AB  - The origin of the stem is a major but poorly understood aspect of plant
      development, partly because the stem initiates in a relatively inaccessible
      region of the shoot apical meristem called the rib zone (RZ). We developed
      quantitative 3D image analysis and clonal analysis tools, which revealed that the
      Arabidopsis homeodomain protein REPLUMLESS (RPL) establishes distinct patterns of
      oriented cell division and growth in the central and peripheral regions of the
      RZ. A genome-wide screen for target genes connected RPL directly to many of the
      key shoot development pathways, including the development of organ boundaries;
      accordingly, mutation of the organ boundary gene LIGHT-SENSITIVE HYPOCOTYL 4
      restored RZ function and stem growth in the rpl mutant. Our work opens the way to
      study a developmental process of importance to crop improvement and highlights
      how apparently simple changes in 3D organ growth can reflect more complex
      internal changes in oriented cell activities.

PMID- 27666748
TI  - A laboratory practical illustrating the use of the ChIP-qPCR method in a robust
      model: Estrogen receptor alpha immunoprecipitation using Mcf-7 culture cells.
AB  - Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by qPCR analysis (ChIP-qPCR) is a widely
      used technique to study gene expression. A large number of students in molecular
      biology and more generally in life sciences will be confronted with the use of
      this technique, which is quite difficult to set up and can lead to
      misinterpretation if not carefully managed. This article describes a four-session
      laboratory practical designed for Masters students to introduce this technique.
      During the practical, students work in pairs. They extract chromatin from MCF-7
      culture cells stimulated or not by estrogens, then immunoprecipitate the
      transcription factor estrogen receptor alpha using an antibody directed against
      it. Students then measure the enrichment of promoter DNA target sequences from
      the chromatin that coprecipitates by qPCR. These are two estrogen responsive
      genes, pS2 (trefoil factor one) and PGR (the progesterone receptor). They learn
      how to analyze their ChIP-qPCR data by two methods: percent input and fold
      enrichment, and are taught about the interpretation limits of these two
      calculation methods. Thus, this practical is a good framework for an in-depth
      discussion of how this technique can be used to study gene expression and for
      raising awareness of the importance of careful interpretation of results. (c)
      2016 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 45(2):152
      160, 2017.

PMID- 27666747
TI  - Availability of sentinel lymph node biopsy for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is the second common cutaneous cancer,
      especially in the elderly. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is generally performed in
      breast cancers and cutaneous melanomas to detect occult nodal metastases. The
      benefit of sentinel lymph node biopsy in improving cutaneous squamous cell
      carcinoma prognosis is doubtful. One hundred and sixty-nine patients who
      underwent treatment for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma between 2004 and 2015,
      and who were followed up for at least 6 months or developed metastases within the
      follow-up period were included. Forty-nine patients underwent sentinel lymph node
      biopsy, whereas 120 patients did not, including 13 who exhibited clinical lymph
      node metastases before treatment. Of these 49 patients, nine (18.4%) presented
      with sentinel lymph node metastasis, which occurred after treatment in three
      (6.1%) of them (false-negative). Among the 107 patients who did not undergo lymph
      node biopsy, 12 (11.2%) developed post-treatment metastases. The metastasis-free
      and disease-specific survival rates were not significantly different in those who
      did or did not undergo sentinel lymph node biopsy. Patients with clinical lymph
      node metastases had a higher risk compared with those without. Patients with T2
      T4 tumors had a higher risk compared with those with T1 tumors. When selecting
      for those with T2 tumors or greater, the same lack of relationship was observed.
      In conclusion, in this small retrospective cohort, in patients with cutaneous
      squamous cell carcinoma, there were no significant differences in metastasis-free
      and disease-specific survival rates between those who did or did not undergo
      sentinel lymph node biopsy, regardless of T staging.

PMID- 27666749
TI  - Discovery of a Superconducting Cu-Bi Intermetallic Compound by High-Pressure
      Synthesis.
AB  - A new intermetallic compound, the first to be structurally identified in the Cu
      Bi binary system, is reported. This compound is accessed by high-pressure
      reaction of the elements. Its detailed characterization, physical property
      measurements, and ab initio calculations are described. The commensurate crystal
      structure of Cu11 Bi7 is a unique variation of the NiAs structure type.
      Temperature-dependent electrical resistivity and heat capacity measurements
      reveal a bulk superconducting transition at Tc =1.36 K. Density functional theory
      calculations further demonstrate that Cu11 Bi7 can be stabilized (relative to
      decomposition into the elements) at high pressure and temperature. These results
      highlight the ability of high-pressure syntheses to allow for inroads into
      heretofore-undiscovered intermetallic systems for which no thermodynamically
      stable binaries are known.

PMID- 27666750
TI  - A quantitative systems pharmacology model of blood coagulation network describes
      in vivo biomarker changes in non-bleeding subjects.
AB  - : Essentials Baseline coagulation activity can be detected in non-bleeding state
      by in vivo biomarker levels. A detailed mathematical model of coagulation was
      developed to describe the non-bleeding state. Optimized model described in vivo
      biomarkers with recombinant activated factor VII treatment. Sensitivity analysis
      predicted prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 and D-dimer are regulated differently.
      SUMMARY: Background Prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 (F1 + 2 ), thrombin-antithrombin
      III complex (TAT) and D-dimer can be detected in plasma from non-bleeding
      hemostatically normal subjects or hemophilic patients. They are often used as
      safety or pharmacodynamic biomarkers for hemostatis-modulating therapies in the
      clinic, and provide insights into in vivo coagulation activity. Objectives To
      develop a quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) model of the blood coagulation
      network to describe in vivo biomarkers, including F1 + 2 , TAT, and D-dimer,
      under non-bleeding conditions. Methods The QSP model included intrinsic and
      extrinsic coagulation pathways, platelet activation state-dependent kinetics, and
      a two-compartment pharmacokinetics model for recombinant activated factor VII
      (rFVIIa). Literature data on F1 + 2 and D-dimer at baseline and changes with
      rFVIIa treatment were used for parameter optimization. Multiparametric
      sensitivity analysis (MPSA) was used to understand key proteins that regulate F1
      + 2 , TAT and D-dimer levels. Results The model was able to describe tissue
      factor (TF)-dependent baseline levels of F1 + 2 , TAT and D-dimer in a non
      bleeding state, and their increases in hemostatically normal subjects and
      hemophilic patients treated with different doses of rFVIIa. The amount of TF
      required is predicted to be very low in a non-bleeding state. The model also
      predicts that these biomarker levels will be similar in hemostatically normal
      subjects and hemophilic patients. MPSA revealed that F1 + 2 and TAT levels are
      highly correlated, and that D-dimer is more sensitive to the perturbation of
      coagulation protein concentrations. Conclusions A QSP model for non-bleeding
      baseline coagulation activity was established with data from clinically relevant
      in vivo biomarkers at baseline and changes in response to rFVIIa treatment. This
      model will provide future mechanistic insights into this system.

PMID- 27666751
TI  - In vivo cloning of large chromosomal segments into a BAC derivative by
      generalized transduction and recombineering in Salmonella enterica.
AB  - Recombineering has been used to facilitate the development of in vivo cloning
      methods. However, the method relies heavily on PCR, which still generates a much
      higher error rate than DNA replication in vivo, even when amplifying large DNA
      inserts. Here, a precise technique is reported in Salmonella enterica that
      enables the cloning of up to at least 19 kb target chromosomal DNA segments that
      had been marked by FRTs, which were derived from two consecutive lambda Red
      mediated recombination events. P22 phage was utilized to transduce the target DNA
      segments from donor strains to recipient strains harboring a derivative of
      bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) containing a FRT and a plasmid expressing
      Flp recombinase. This method was successful in cloning a gene cluster responsible
      for lipopolysaccharide (LPS) modifications that confer polymyxin B resistance and
      in complementing its mutant. Further optimized procedures should be widely
      applicable because large insert fragments are precise clones of the wild-type
      genome.

PMID- 27666752
TI  - Giant left anterior descending artery aneurysm resulting in sudden death.
AB  - Coronary artery aneurysm is a rare congenital or vascular inflammation-based
      anomaly for which the clinical course and optimal timing of treatment remain
      unclear. Here, we report a case of sudden death caused by a giant coronary artery
      aneurysm of the left anterior descending artery that presented with chest pain.
      This case suggests that urgent interventional or surgical repair is needed when a
      large coronary aneurysm presents with acute ischemic symptoms.

PMID- 27666753
TI  - Anticoagulation management in non-valvular atrial fibrillation in rural and
      remote Crete. A single-center study from the region of Sitia.

PMID- 27666754
TI  - Obstetrical transfusion medicine knowledge among faculty and trainee
      obstetricians: a prospective knowledge assessment study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the current state of transfusion medicine (TM) knowledge
      among obstetricians using a valid assessment tool. BACKGROUND: Transfusion issues
      are common in obstetrical patients. METHODS: Knowledge topics were identified and
      rated by experts in obstetrics, anaesthesia, haematology and TM using a modified
      Delphi method. A knowledge assessment tool was developed and validated during
      pilot testing. The assessment tool, consisting of 15 multiple choice questions,
      was administered electronically to members of the Society of Obstetricians and
      Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC). RESULTS: A total of 192 SOGC members completed
      the assessment tool: 121 faculty obstetricians and 71 trainees. The average score
      was 65.8% +/- 15.5. Scores for faculty were higher than trainees (68.9% +/- 13.5
      vs 60.6% +/- 17.2; P < 0.001). Respondents performed well on questions related to
      red blood cell (RBC) transfusion and anaemia management but had lower scores on
      questions related to non-RBC transfusion and management of alloantibodies and
      fetomaternal haemorrhage (FMH) testing. There was no improvement in scores with
      increasing trainee level, years of practice, hours of formal TM training or
      experience with massive haemorrhage. Only self-rated knowledge was associated
      with scores ['no knowledge' or 'beginner' 63.1% +/- 15 vs 'intermediate' or
      'advanced' 68.9% +/- 13.3 (P = 0.007)]. Of the respondents, 93.8% felt additional
      training in TM would be helpful. CONCLUSIONS: Overall knowledge assessment scores
      indicate the need for educational intervention, particularly with respect to non
      RBC blood product use, management of FMH and management of pregnancies
      complicated by alloantibodies. The study also demonstrated a desire for
      additional TM training.

PMID- 27666755
TI  - An endogenous foreign body found after subconjunctival hemorrhage.

PMID- 27666756
TI  - Phenibut overdose.

PMID- 27666757
TI  - Diabetes Trend and Impact on Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Middle-Aged
      Japanese People - The CIRCS Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine whether the burden of diabetes
      on cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Japan has increased in recent years.Methods
      and Results:Three cohorts were established, consisting of Japanese residents aged
      40-69 years, in 1992-1995 (n=8,744), 1996-1999 (n=7,996), and 2000-2003
      (n=7,273). All participants had follow-up for a median of 10 years. Diabetes was
      defined according to the following criteria: (1) fasting serum glucose >=7.0
      mmol/L; (2) non-fasting serum glucose >=11.1 mmol/L; or (3) anti-diabetic
      treatment at baseline. During follow-up, the number of CVD incidents was 277 in
      the first, 214 in the second, and 190 in the third cohorts. The prevalence of
      diabetes increased slightly over time. Adjusting for traditional cardiovascular
      risk factors, multivariable HR (95% CI) for diabetes as a cardiovascular risk
      factor were 1.40 (0.91-2.14) in the first, 1.93 (1.25-3.00) in the second, and
      2.59 (1.77-3.81) in the third cohorts. The population attributable fraction of
      CVD due to diabetes was 2.8%, 5.6%, and 12.4%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This is
      the first study in middle-aged Japanese people to clarify an increased burden of
      CVD due to diabetes since the early 1990 s. Further efforts are needed to prevent
      and control diabetes through lifestyle modification and treatment. (Circ J 2016;
      80: 2343-2348).

PMID- 27666758
TI  - Risk of end-stage renal disease in Japanese patients with chronic kidney disease
      increases proportionately to decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate.
AB  - Predominantly based on North American and European studies, 30% to 40% declines
      in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) over a few years are strongly
      associated with the risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and have been proposed
      as surrogate endpoints of ESRD for clinical research. However, this association
      has not been systematically quantified in Asian populations. To do this we
      studied adult Japanese patients with baseline eGFR 10-59 ml/min/1.73m2. Changes
      in eGFR from baseline measured by centrally assessed serum creatinine were linked
      to subsequent ESRD in 2410 patients after one year and in 2079 patients after
      year 2. After year 1, 1.4% experienced a 53% decrease in eGFR (equivalent to
      doubling of serum creatinine), whereas 4.3% and 9.7% had eGFR decrease of 40% or
      30% or more, respectively. The corresponding numbers after 2 years were 4.2%,
      10.9%, and 19.3%, respectively. After year 1 baseline period, 498 patients
      developed ESRD over a median follow-up of 2.9 years (365 ESRD cases over a median
      follow-up of 2 years after year 2). In year 1, after accounting for potential
      confounders, a strong linear association was found between eGFR declines and
      subsequent ESRD, with adjusted hazard ratios of 20.7 (95% confidence interval
      14.3-30.1) for a 53% decrease, 9.6 (7.4-12.5) for a 40% decrease, and 5.3 (4.1
      6.9) for a 30% decrease compared to no change. Corresponding hazard ratios for
      year two analysis were 17.3 (11.8-25.3), 6.5 (4.7-9.1), and 3.1 (2.2-4.4),
      respectively. The associations were consistent across demographics and kidney
      diseases. Thus, 30% to 40% declines in eGFR are strongly associated with the risk
      of ESRD in Japanese patients with reduced eGFR, broadening global implications as
      a surrogate endpoint in clinical research.

PMID- 27666760
TI  - Optimization of total RNA isolation from human urinary sediment.
AB  - Extracting RNA from human urinary sediment is notoriously challenging because of
      cell paucity and hostile environment and column-based commercial kits using
      silica technology are commonly used. Nonetheless, in our experience, this
      methodology yields low amounts of total RNA and has low rates of success. We
      replaced the column-based commercial kit by a protocol using guanidine
      isothiocyanate-phenol-chloroform buffer (Trizol reagent) followed by addition of
      glycogen as a carrier and precipitation with isopropanol plus sodium acetate.
      This methodology was more affordable and efficient for urinary sediment total RNA
      isolation than silica technology, resulting in higher concentrations of total RNA
      of better quality.

PMID- 27666759
TI  - Ligand trap of the activin receptor type IIA inhibits osteoclast stimulation of
      bone remodeling in diabetic mice with chronic kidney disease.
AB  - Dysregulation of skeletal remodeling is a component of renal osteodystrophy.
      Previously, we showed that activin receptor signaling is differentially affected
      in various tissues in chronic kidney disease (CKD). We tested whether a ligand
      trap for the activin receptor type 2A (RAP-011) is an effective treatment of the
      osteodystrophy of the CKD-mineral bone disorder. With a 70% reduction in the
      glomerular filtration rate, CKD was induced at 14 weeks of age in the ldlr-/-
      high fat-fed mouse model of atherosclerotic vascular calcification and diabetes.
      Twenty mice with CKD, hyperphosphatemia, hyperparathyroidism, and elevated
      activin A were treated with RAP-011, wherease 19 mice were given vehicle twice
      weekly from week 22 until the mice were killed at 28 weeks of age. The animals
      were then evaluated by skeletal histomorphometry, micro-computed tomography,
      mechanical strength testing, and ex vivo bone cell culture. Results in the CKD
      groups were compared with those of the 16 sham-operated ldlr-/- high fat-fed
      mice. Sham-operated mice had low-turnover osteodystrophy and skeletal frailty.
      CKD stimulated bone remodeling with significant increases in osteoclast and
      osteoblast numbers and bone resorption. Compared with mice with CKD and sham
      operated mice, RAP-011 treatment eliminated the CKD-induced increase in these
      histomorphometric parameters and increased trabecular bone fraction. RAP-011
      significantly increased cortical bone area and thickness. Activin A-enhanced
      osteoclastogenesis was mediated through p-Smad2 association with c-fos and
      activation of nuclear factor of activated T cells c1 (NFATc1). Thus, an ActRIIA
      ligand trap reversed CKD-stimulated bone remodeling, likely through inhibition of
      activin-A induced osteoclastogenesis.

PMID- 27666761
TI  - A global multicenter study on reference values: 1. Assessment of methods for
      derivation and comparison of reference intervals.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The IFCC Committee on Reference Intervals and Decision Limits
      coordinated a global multicenter study on reference values (RVs) to explore
      rational and harmonizable procedures for derivation of reference intervals (RIs)
      and investigate the feasibility of sharing RIs through evaluation of sources of
      variation of RVs on a global scale. METHODS: For the common protocol, rather
      lenient criteria for reference individuals were adopted to facilitate harmonized
      recruitment with planned use of the latent abnormal values exclusion (LAVE)
      method. As of July 2015, 12 countries had completed their study with total
      recruitment of 13,386 healthy adults. 25 analytes were measured chemically and 25
      immunologically. A serum panel with assigned values was measured by all
      laboratories. RIs were derived by parametric and nonparametric methods. RESULTS:
      The effect of LAVE methods is prominent in analytes which reflect nutritional
      status, inflammation and muscular exertion, indicating that inappropriate results
      are frequent in any country. The validity of the parametric method was confirmed
      by the presence of analyte-specific distribution patterns and successful Gaussian
      transformation using the modified Box-Cox formula in all countries. After
      successful alignment of RVs based on the panel test results, nearly half the
      analytes showed variable degrees of between-country differences. This finding,
      however, requires confirmation after adjusting for BMI and other sources of
      variation. The results are reported in the second part of this paper. CONCLUSION:
      The collaborative study enabled us to evaluate rational methods for deriving RIs
      and comparing the RVs based on real-world datasets obtained in a harmonized
      manner.

PMID- 27666762
TI  - A global multicenter study on reference values: 2. Exploration of sources of
      variation across the countries.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The intent of this study, based on a global multicenter study of
      reference values (RVs) for serum analytes was to explore biological sources of
      variation (SVs) of the RVs among 12 countries around the world. METHODS: As
      described in the first part of this paper, RVs of 50 major serum analytes from
      13,396 healthy individuals living in 12 countries were obtained. Analyzed in this
      study were 23 clinical chemistry analytes and 8 analytes measured by
      immunoturbidimetry. Multiple regression analysis was performed for each gender,
      country by country, analyte by analyte, by setting four major SVs (age, BMI, and
      levels of drinking and smoking) as a fixed set of explanatory variables. For
      analytes with skewed distributions, log-transformation was applied. The
      association of each source of variation with RVs was expressed as the partial
      correlation coefficient (rp). RESULTS: Obvious gender and age-related changes in
      the RVs were observed in many analytes, almost consistently between countries.
      Compilation of age-related variations of RVs after adjusting for between-country
      differences revealed peculiar patterns specific to each analyte. Judged fromthe
      rp, BMI related changes were observed for many nutritional and inflammatory
      markers in almost all countries. However, the slope of linear regression of BMI
      vs. RV differed greatly among countries for some analytes. Alcohol and smoking
      related changes were observed less conspicuously in a limited number of analytes.
      CONCLUSION: The features of sex, age, alcohol, and smoking-related changes in RVs
      of the analytes were largely comparable worldwide. The finding of differences in
      BMI-related changes among countries in some analytes is quite relevant to
      understanding ethnic differences in susceptibility to nutritionally related
      diseases.

PMID- 27666763
TI  - MicroRNA-19a-3p enhances the proliferation and insulin secretion, while it
      inhibits the apoptosis of pancreatic beta cells via the inhibition of SOCS3.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs or miRs), a group of small non-coding RNAs, have been
      demonstrated to play key roles in various physicological processes and diseases,
      including diabetes, the most common metabolic disorder. However, the underlying
      mechanisms remains largely unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the
      role of miR-19a-3p in diabetes. The results of RT-qPCR demonstrated that the
      level of miR-19a-3p was significantly decreased in the diabetic patients, and
      that the decreased miR-50a-5p level was significantly associated with a high
      concentration of blood glucose. miR-19a-3p mimic was further used to transfect
      pancreatic beta cells, and we found that the overexpression of miR-19a-3p
      promoted cell proliferation and insulin secretion, while it suppressed the
      apoptosis of pancreatic beta cells. Suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3)
      was further identified as a direct target gene of miR-19a-3p, and its protein
      level was significantly decreased following the overexpression of miR-19a-3p.
      Moreover, the siRNA-induced downregulation of SOCS3 also enhanced cell
      proliferation and insulin secretion, while it inhibited the apoptosis of
      pancreatic beta cells. In addition, the overexpression of SOCS3 reversed the
      effects of miR-19a-3p overexpression on cell proliferation, insulin secretion and
      on the apoptosis of pancreatic beta cells, which further indicates that SOCS3
      acts as a downstream effector in the miR-19a-3p-mediated function of pancreatic
      beta cells. Finally, the level of SOCS3 was increased in diabetic patients, and
      inversely correlated with the miR-19a-3p level, suggesting that the
      downregulation of miR-19a-3p leads to the upregulation of SOCS3, which
      contributes to the dysfunction of pancreatic beta cells. On the whole, the
      findings of this study suggest that miR-19a-3p plays an important role in beta
      cell function, and that the miR-19a-3p/SOCS3 axis may become a potential
      therapeutic target for diabetes.

PMID- 27666765
TI  - Clinical significance of BRAF V600E mutational status in capsular nevi of
      sentinel lymph nodes in patients with primary cutaneous melanoma.
AB  - Capsular nevi (CN) are clusters of benign melanocytes situated in the capsule of
      lymph nodes and occur in up to 20% of lympadenectomy specimens. The molecular
      profile of CN in relation to prognostic parameters in patients with primary
      cutaneous melanoma (PCM) has not been previously investigated. We assessed BRAF
      V600E mutation by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in the CN of sentinel lymph nodes
      (SLN) in PCM patients and correlated the findings with demographic
      characteristics, PCM histopathologic and molecular features, and clinical outcome
      parameters. Seventy-eight cases of CN involving SLN of PCM patients were
      evaluated for BRAF V600E mutation by IHC. The results were correlated with
      patient demographics, PCM histopathologic and molecular features, and outcome
      measures. Thirty-six (46%) of 78 CN cases expressed BRAF V600E mutation by IHC.
      Nineteen (53%) of those BRAF-positive CN cases were from patients with at least
      American Joint Committee on Cancer stage II melanoma, whereas 62% of BRAF
      negative CN cases (26/42) were from patients with stage I melanoma (P = .013).
      Twelve (33%) of the 36 BRAF-positive CN cases had metastatic melanoma involving
      lymph nodes, compared with 14% (6/42) of BRAF-negative CN cases (P = .061). CN
      mutation status was not associated with patient demographics, histopathologic or
      molecular features of the PCM, or survival outcomes. A high percentage of CN
      identified in the SLN of patients with PCM harbor BRAF V600E mutation. Positive
      mutation was associated with adverse clinicopathological parameters, specifically
      increased tumor stage and lymph node metastasis. These findings suggest that BRAF
      V600E mutation in CN of SLN may be useful as an adverse predictive biomarker in
      patients with melanoma.

PMID- 27666764
TI  - Low-grade Schwann cell neoplasms with leptomeningeal dissemination:
      clinicopathologic and autopsy findings.
AB  - Leptomeningeal dissemination of low-grade Schwann cell neoplasms is an
      exceptionally rare occurrence and has not been well documented in the literature.
      We encountered 2 cases of leptomeningeal dissemination of low-grade Schwann cell
      neoplasms. Patient 1 was a 63-year-old woman with neurofibromatosis type 1 and a
      progressive low-grade malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor developing from a
      diffuse/plexiform orbital neurofibroma that arose in childhood. The neoplasm
      demonstrated local and leptomeningeal dissemination intracranially leading to the
      patient's death. There was partial loss of H3K27 tri-methylation, p16 and
      collagen IV. Patient 2 was a 60-year-old man without neurofibromatosis type 1 who
      presented with cranial nerve symptoms and a disseminated neoplasm with a Schwann
      cell phenotype. The neoplasm stabilized after irradiation and chemotherapy, but
      the patient died of medical complications. Autopsy findings documented
      disseminated leptomeningeal disease in the intracranial and spinal compartment.
      H3K27M tri-methylation was preserved. The clinicopathologic and autopsy findings
      are studied and presented, and the literature is reviewed.

PMID- 27666766
TI  - Immunohistochemical analysis of the novel marginal zone B-cell marker IRTA1 in
      malignant lymphoma.
AB  - Marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) is a low-grade B-cell lymphoma derived from marginal
      zone B cells. Because of a lack of specific immunohistochemical markers, MZL is
      mainly diagnosed based on the cytological appearance and growth pattern of the
      tumor. Marginal zone B cells were recently shown to selectively express
      immunoglobulin superfamily receptor translocation-associated 1 (IRTA1), but the
      antibody used in that study is not commercially available. We therefore
      investigated the IRTA1 expression in nonneoplastic lymphoid tissues and 261
      malignant lymphomas, examining the ability of a commercially available antibody
      to accurately diagnose MZL. Among 37 MZLs, 23 of 25 extranodal MZLs of mucosa
      associated lymphoid tissue (MALT lymphomas), 3 of 6 splenic MZLs and 3 of 6 nodal
      MZLs were positive for IRTA1. Among the 98 diffuse large B-cell lymphomas, 33
      were positive for IRTA1, including 1 of 38 follicular lymphomas, and all
      precursor B-lymphoblastic (2/2) and T-lymphoblastic (7/7) leukemia/lymphomas.
      Other mature B-cell and T-cell lymphomas, and Hodgkin lymphoma were negative for
      IRTA1. In MALT lymphoma, positive cells were detected mainly in intraepithelial
      and subepithelial marginal zone B cells. In 1 case of grade 3 follicular
      lymphoma, IRTA1 was also expressed in the area of large cell transformation. When
      tumors were classified as germinal center B cell-like (GCB) or non-GCB using the
      algorithm of Hans, positive expression of IRTA1 was correlated significantly with
      non-GCB diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (P < .05). These results demonstrated the
      ability of the commercially available IRTA1 antibody to distinguish MALT lymphoma
      from other low-grade B-cell lymphomas.

PMID- 27666767
TI  - Poorly cohesive cell (diffuse-infiltrative/signet ring cell) carcinomas of the
      gallbladder: clinicopathological analysis of 24 cases identified in 628
      gallbladder carcinomas.

PMID- 27666768
TI  - Cytomegalovirus (CMV) in gastrointestinal mucosal biopsies: should a pathologist
      perform CMV immunohistochemistry if the clinician requests it?
AB  - Cytomegalovirus (CMV) causes clinically significant gastrointestinal (GI) injury.
      CMV inclusions can be identified on routine hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stain,
      but immunohistochemistry (IHC) is also available for identifying CMV in tissue.
      The advent of accountable care organization models of care bring into question
      whether it is cost-effective for immunohistochemistry to be performed upfront at
      the request of clinicians and whether the quality of viral detection is
      compromised when the diagnosis of CMV is predicated on histologic review. In this
      study, a retrospective review of GI biopsies with CMV evaluations was performed.
      There were 449 cases with clinical requests to rule out CMV and 238 CMV analyses
      initiated by the pathologist without a clinical request. Among the cases that
      included a clinician's request, 37 had CMV detected. Immunostaining was performed
      on 26 cases, while a diagnosis based on readily identifiable viral inclusions on
      H&E-stained slides was made in 11. Among pathologist-initiated work-ups, 15 were
      CMV+, 3 of which had inclusions identified by H&E only. Among 38 CMV cases for
      which IHC had been performed, 27 had overt viral inclusions obvious on H&E.
      Seventy-two cases revealed uninflamed GI mucosa, and although a clinical concern
      about CMV infection was present, a CMV IHC work-up was not initially performed;
      all were negative for CMV by IHC and H&E. Clinical suspicion for CMV has a high
      yield for CMV detection, but "upfront" testing is likely unnecessary. Careful
      histopathologic review by a pathologist remains critical in the efficient and
      cost-effective detection of CMV.

PMID- 27666769
TI  - Mechanisms of DNA disentangling by type II topoisomerases: Comment on
      "Disentangling DNA molecules" by Alexander Vologodskii.

PMID- 27666770
TI  - Importance of disentanglement and entanglement during DNA replication and
      segregation: Comment on: "Disentangling DNA molecules" by Alexander Vologodskii.

PMID- 27666771
TI  - Expression of DNA methyltransferases and target microRNAs in human tissue samples
      related to sporadic colorectal cancer.
AB  - Tissue microenvironment functions as a pivotal mediator in colorectal
      carcinogenesis, and its alteration can cause some important cellular responses
      including epigenetic events. The present study examined histologically altered
      tissue structure, DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and their corresponding
      expression of target microRNAs (miRNA). Tissues resected by surgery were from
      primary colorectal carcinoma. These samples were from three locations: and were
      >=10, 5 and <=2 cm away from the proximal lesion of colon cancer, and marked as
      no. 1, no. 2 and no. 3, respectively. Histological alteration was assessed by H&E
      staining, expression of DNMT1, DNMT3A, and DNMT3B was detected by
      immunohistochemistry and western blotting, microarray chip was used to screen
      distinguishable miRNAs and miRNAs targeting DNMTs whose validation assay was
      performed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Our
      results revealed that normal crypt structure was shown in no. 1, while many
      aberrant crypt foci appeared in no. 3. Significant upregulation of DNMT1, DNMT3A,
      and DNMT3B expression was found in para-carcinoma tissues, compared with the
      histopathologically unchanged tissues (P<0.05), furthermore, distinguishable
      expression profiling was observed of target miRNAs in tissues with different
      distance. Our results provide additional insights for future research of
      colorectal carcinogenesis by introducing the tissue microenvironment.

PMID- 27666772
TI  - Dysferlin mutations and mitochondrial dysfunction.
AB  - Dysferlinopathies are caused by mutations in the DYSF gene and patients may
      present with proximal or distal myopathy. Dysferlin is responsible for membrane
      resealing, and mutations may result in a defect in membrane repair following
      mechanical or chemical stress, causing an influx of Ca2+. Since mitochondria are
      involved in Ca2+ buffering, we hypothesised that mitochondrial defects may be
      present in skeletal muscle biopsies from patients with mutations in this gene.
      The aim was to characterise mitochondrial defects in muscle from patients with
      dysferlinopathies. Here, we analysed skeletal muscle biopsies for eight patients
      by quadruple immunofluorescent assay to assess oxidative phosphorylation protein
      abundance. Long-range PCR in single muscle fibres was used to look for presence
      of clonally expanded large-scale mitochondrial DNA rearrangements in patients'
      skeletal muscle (n = 3). Immunofluorescence demonstrated that the percentage of
      complex I- and complex IV-deficient fibres was higher in patients with DYSF
      mutations than in age-matched controls. No clonally expanded mtDNA deletions were
      detected using long-range PCR in any of the analysed muscle fibres. We conclude
      that complex I and complex IV deficiency is higher in patients than age matched
      controls but patients do not have rearrangements of the mtDNA. We hypothesise
      that respiratory chain deficiency may be the results of an increased cytosolic
      Ca2+ concentration (due to a membrane resealing defect) causing mitochondrial
      aberrations.

PMID- 27666773
TI  - Thomsen disease with ptosis and abnormal MR findings.
AB  - Myotonia congenita is a non-dystrophic skeletal muscle disorder characterized by
      muscle stiffness and an inability of the muscle to relax after voluntary
      contraction caused by a mutation in the gene encoding skeletal muscle chloride
      channel-1 (CLCN1). We encountered a case of Thomsen disease with ptosis. A short
      tau inversion recovery MR imaging demonstrated high-intensity lesions in the
      levator palpebrae superioris muscles. Molecular genetic testing revealed a
      heterozygosity for the c.1439C>A (p.P480H) mutation in the CLCN1 gene. The
      expression level of ClC-1 was significantly reduced on the sarcolemma of the
      biceps brachii muscle from the patient, compared with that from healthy
      volunteer. Functional analysis of the p.P480H mutation is required for further
      elucidating the pathogenesis of Thomsen disease.

PMID- 27666774
TI  - The frequency of late-onset Pompe disease in pediatric patients with limb-girdle
      muscle weakness and nonspecific hyperCKemia: A multicenter study.
AB  - The aim of this multicenter study was to screen for late-onset Pompe disease in
      high-risk children with limb-girdle muscle weakness and nonspecific hyperCKemia
      using the dried blood spot (DBS) test. Seventy-two children from four pediatric
      neurology departments in Turkey were enrolled in the study: 37 with limb-girdle
      muscle weakness and 35 with nonspecific hyperCKemia. Acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA)
      activity was measured on DBS by tandem mass spectrometry. Six patients tested
      positively for Pompe disease. In three patients, one with the limb-girdle muscle
      weakness and two with nonspecific hyperCKemia, this was confirmed by genetic
      analysis. The overall frequency of late-onset Pompe disease in the study
      population was 4.2%. The c.1784C>T mutation found in one patient is a new
      mutation whereas the c.1655T>C mutation detected in the other two patients is not
      novel. In conclusion, Pompe disease should be suspected in patients with limb
      girdle muscle weakness and nonspecific hyperCKemia. The DBS test is a safe and
      reliable method of diagnosis but must be confirmed by genetic analysis. In
      patients with a positive DBS test and negative genetic analysis, tissue assay of
      GAA should be considered.

PMID- 27666775
TI  - Muscle MRI in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: Evidence of a distinctive pattern.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to describe the pattern of muscle involvement using
      MRI findings and correlate with functional as well as muscle strength
      measurements. Fifty genetically confirmed DMD children with a mean age of 7.6 +/-
      2.8 (4-15 years) underwent muscle MRI and qualitative assessment was done for
      muscle changes using Mercuri staging for fibro-fatty replacement on T1 sequence
      and Borsato score for myoedema on STIR sequence. Detailed phenotypic
      characterisation was done with Manual muscle testing (modified MRC grading) and
      Muscular Dystrophy Functional Rating Scale (MDFRS). Mercuri scoring showed severe
      fibro-fatty changes in Gluteus medius, minimus and Adductor magnus followed by
      moderate to severe changes in Gluteus maximus and Quadriceps muscles. Total
      sparing of Gracilis, Sartorius and Semimembranosus muscles was observed.
      Superficial posterior and lateral leg muscles were preferentially involved with
      sparing of deep posterior and anterior leg muscles. Myoedema showed significant
      inverse correlation with fatty infiltration in thigh muscles. Similarly,
      significant inverse correlation was observed between Mercuri scores and MRC
      grading as well as MDFRS scores. A direct linear correlation was observed between
      duration of illness and fibro-fatty changes in piriformis, quadriceps and
      superficial posterior leg muscles. There was no correlation between MRI findings
      and genotypic characteristics. However, this specific pattern of muscle
      involvement in MRI could aid in proceeding for genetic testing when clinical
      suspicion is high, thus reducing the need for muscle biopsy. Fibro fatty
      infiltration as measured by Mercuri scoring can be a useful marker for assessing
      the disease severity and progression.

PMID- 27666776
TI  - COPD, emphysema and the onset of lung cancer. A systematic review.
AB  - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and emphysema have been described as
      possible risk factors for lung cancer. We aim to assess the relationship between
      COPD, emphysema and the onset of lung cancer. We have developed a systematic
      review of the published literature in order to systematically analyze the
      scientific evidence available on this association, applying predefined inclusion
      and exclusion criteria. 11 Studies were included. Both COPD and emphysema seem to
      increase the risk of developing lung cancer, being this risk higher for smokers
      with heavier tobacco consumption. These results emphasize the need for physicians
      to perform spirometries in current and former smokers and lung image tests when
      needed in order to identify COPD and emphysema and thus select patients at higher
      risk of developing lung cancer.

PMID- 27666777
TI  - The heparanase/heparan sulfate proteoglycan axis: A potential new therapeutic
      target in sarcomas.
AB  - Heparanase, the only known mammalian endoglycosidase degrading heparan sulfate
      (HS) chains of HS proteoglycans (HSPG), is a highly versatile protein affecting
      multiple events in tumor cells and their microenvironment. In several
      malignancies, deregulation of the heparanase/HSPG system has been implicated in
      tumor progression, hence representing a valuable therapeutic target. Currently,
      multiple agents interfering with the heparanase/HSPG axis are under clinical
      investigation. Sarcomas are characterized by a high biomolecular complexity and
      multiple levels of interconnection with microenvironment sustaining their growth
      and progression. The clinical management of advanced diseases remains a
      challenge. In several sarcoma subtypes, high levels of heparanase expression have
      been correlated with poor prognosis associated factors. On the other hand,
      expression of cell surface-associated HSPGs (i.e. glypicans and syndecans) has
      been found altered in specific sarcoma subtypes. Recent studies provided the
      preclinical proof-of-principle of the role of the heparanase/HSPG axis as
      therapeutic target in various sarcoma subtypes. Although currently there are no
      clinical trials evaluating agents targeting heparanase and/or HSPGs in sarcomas,
      we here provide arguments for this strategy as potentially able to implement the
      therapeutic options for sarcoma patients.

PMID- 27666778
TI  - Natural Anaplasmataceae infection in Rhipicephalus bursa ticks collected from
      sheep in the French Basque Country.
AB  - Rhipicephalus bursa is one of 79 species of the genus Rhipicephalus in the family
      of Ixodidae. In this study, we investigated Anaplasmataceae bacteria associated
      with R. bursa collected after an epizootic outbreak of ovine anaplasmosis. 76
      adult ticks, (60 male and 16 female ticks), were removed from sheep in two farms
      and all identified as R. bursa, all females were partially engorged. We found
      that 50% of the ticks were positive in the initial Anaplasmataceae qPCR
      screening. Bacterial species was identified by analyzing the sequences of
      amplicons of 23S rRNA, groEL and rpoB genes. 22.4% of ticks contained DNA of
      Anaplasma phagocytophilum and 7.9% the DNA of Anaplasma ovis. Based on 23S rRNA
      and groEL genes analysis, we found that 19.7% of ticks contained a potentially
      new species of Ehrlichia. We propose the status of Candidatus for this uncultured
      species and we provisionally name it Candidatus Ehrlichia urmitei. No Wolbachia
      were identified. These results show that R. bursa can be a carrier of
      Anaplasmataceae bacteria.

PMID- 27666779
TI  - Exploring Spinal Cord Protection by Remote Ischemic Preconditioning: An
      Experimental Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Paraplegia is one of the most severe complications occurring after
      the repair of thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms. Remote ischemic
      preconditioning (RIPC) has been shown to mitigate neurologic damage, and this
      study assessed its efficacy in preventing spinal cord ischemia. METHODS: The
      study randomized 16 female pigs into an RIPC group (n = 8) and a control group (n
      = 8). The RIPC group underwent four cycles of 5-minute ischemia-reperfusion
      episodes by intermittent occlusion of the left iliac artery. All animals
      underwent systematic closure of the left subclavian artery and segmental arteries
      of the descending thoracic aorta to the level of diaphragm. Motor-evoked
      potential monitoring was performed in both hind limbs. Continuous
      electrocardiogram and hemodynamics were monitored, and pulmonary artery blood
      samples were collected. A neurologic assessment was performed 6 hours after the
      procedure. The thoracic and lumbar portions of the spinal cord were collected for
      histologic and immunohistochemical analysis. RESULTS: The bilateral motor-evoked
      potential amplitude responses were higher in the RIPC group (p < 0.05) than in
      the control group; the difference was detected already before spinal cord
      ischemia. Paraplegia occurred in 1 control animal. Immunohistochemical total
      scores of antioxidant response regulator nuclear factor erythroid 2-related
      factor 2 were better in the RIPC group (11.0; range, 8.5 to 14.0) than in the
      control group (5.2; range, 1.0 to 9.0; p = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: RIPC induces
      electrophysiologic changes in the central nervous system that may confer spinal
      cord protection extending the resistance to ischemia. The significantly higher
      nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 scores suggest better neuronal cell
      protection against oxidative stress in the RIPC group.

PMID- 27666781
TI  - Serial Lactate Measurements as a Prognostic Tool in Venovenous Extracorporeal
      Membrane Oxygenation Support.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Serial lactate measurements over time or lactate clearance has been
      reported to be clinically reliable for risk stratification in different
      pathologic conditions ranging from sepsis to trauma, but no data are so far
      available on the behavior of lactate during venovenous extracorporeal membrane
      oxygenation (VV-ECMO) support in refractory adult acute respiratory distress
      syndrome (ARDS). METHODS: We assessed lactate values during VV-ECMO support and
      the prognostic role of lactate clearance at 6, 24, and 72 hours after ECMO start
      in 126 consecutive patients with refractory ARDS treated with VV-ECMO. RESULTS:
      Survivors showed a progressive, significant decrease in lactate values throughout
      the study period, whereas nonsurvivors exhibited a progressive increase. Lactate
      values (measured before ECMO initiation, as well as 6 and 24 hours after) were
      independently associated with intensive care unit (ICU) death. A significantly
      higher lactate clearance was observed for survivors at 72 hours after ECMO start
      than for nonsurvivors. At logistic regression analysis, lactate clearance at 72
      hours after ECMO start was an independent predictor of ICU death (odds ratio
      0.988, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.995 to 0.982, p = 0.001) (together with
      age, body mass index, and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment). At receiver
      operating characteristic curve analysis, lactate clearance at 72 hours after ECMO
      start cutoff value of -16% had a sensitivity of 68% and a specificity of 63%
      (area under the curve = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.57 to 0.77, p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS:
      Lactate (measured before ECMO initiation, as well as 6 and 24 hours after) is a
      prognostic factor in patients with refractory ARDS treated with VV-ECMO, and
      lactate clearance at 72 hours after ECMO initiation helps in the risk
      stratification of these patients, being independently associated with death.

PMID- 27666780
TI  - Granular Media Calcinosis in the Aortic Walls of Patients With Bicuspid and
      Tricuspid Aortic Valves.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV), the most frequent congenital cardiac
      abnormality, is associated with a higher risk for ascending aortic aneurysms and
      aorta-related complications (ie, dissection and rupture). The aim of this study
      was to quantify granular media calcinosis (GMC) in the ascending aortic wall of
      patients with BAV. METHODS: We analyzed samples of the ascending aorta from
      patients with BAV (n = 54) and patients with tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) (n =
      33) who underwent aortic repair, regarding medial thickness and diameter
      expansion. Additionally, the convexity and concavity of the samples were stained
      for GMC and elastin fragmentation. RESULTS: The quantitative analysis revealed a
      significantly higher extent of GMC in patients with BAV at the aortic convexity
      and concavity compared with patients with TAV, independent of aortic diameter.
      Additionally, GMC increased with enlargement of the aortic diameter in patients
      with BAV. Furthermore, we found a significantly reduced total medial thickness in
      patients with BAV compared with patients with TAV. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings
      highlight GMC as a prominent feature of bicuspid aortopathy.

PMID- 27666782
TI  - Planned Versus Unplanned Reexplorations for Bleeding: A Comparison of Morbidity
      and Mortality.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mediastinal reexplorations for bleeding are associated with
      significant morbidity and mortality. This study hypothesized that bleeding
      patients who undergo delayed chest closure after an initial operation experience
      similar outcomes in comparison with patients who have initial chest closure and
      later require an unplanned reexploration. METHODS: This study included all
      patients in the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (Baltimore, MD)
      institutional Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) database who underwent cardiac
      surgical procedures or thoracic transplantation from 2011 to June 2014, had an
      intraoperative red blood cell transfusion requirement of 2 units or more, and
      required mediastinal reexploration for bleeding. Reexplorations were classified
      as planned (temporary chest closure for a planned "second look") or unplanned
      (initial sternal closure and subsequent reexploration). The two groups were then
      propensity matched. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes
      were major complication rates, hospital length of stay, duration of mechanical
      ventilation, and incidence of postoperative pneumonia and cardiac arrest.
      RESULTS: Among 3,293 patients, 110 (3.3%) met inclusion criteria and required
      mediastinal reexploration for bleeding. This group included 62 planned (56%) and
      48 unplanned (44%) reexplorations. After propensity matching 30 pairs of patients
      across 16 variables, operative mortality rates were comparable (37% vs 37%; p =
      1.00) between unplanned and planned reexploration cohorts. There were no
      differences in rates of deep sternal wound infection, renal failure,
      postoperative hospital length of stay, pneumonia, or cardiac arrest, with the
      exception of a higher rate of prolonged intubation (93% vs 53%; p < 0.01) in the
      planned reexploration group. CONCLUSIONS: Delayed sternal closure is a safe
      alternative to initial definitive chest closure when concern exists for
      postoperative bleeding.

PMID- 27666783
TI  - Severity of Preoperative Aortic Regurgitation Does Not Impact Valve Durability of
      Aortic Valve Repair Following the David V Valve Sparing Aortic Root Replacement.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The David V valve-sparing aortic root replacement (VSRR) is an
      established and durable method of root reconstruction for varying pathologies.
      However, the impact of the severity of preoperative aortic regurgitation (AR) on
      long-term durability remains unclear. The purpose of this research was to
      investigate the impact of the degree of preoperative AR on midterm durability
      following VSRR. METHODS: A retrospective review of the adult cardiac surgical
      database at a single academic center was undertaken from 2005 to 2015 for 223
      adult patients who underwent VSRR. Patients were followed annually with
      echocardiograms, and a prospectively maintained database kept track of patient
      data. Follow-up was 97.7% complete, and the median echocardiographic follow-up
      was 25.5 months (range, 1 to 123 months). Patients with preoperative AR less than
      or equal to 2 were compared with patients with AR greater than 2 to determine the
      impact of preoperative AR upon valve repair durability. RESULTS: There were 223
      patients who underwent VSRR during the study period, including 114 (51.1%) who
      required concomitant cusp repair. The operative mortality was 5 (2.2%). Ninety
      seven patients (43.5%) had preoperative AR greater than 2. A total of 213
      patients (95.5%) were available for long-term follow-up; of these patients, 7
      (3.3%) had AR greater than 2. Fifty-two patients had a bicuspid aortic valve (22
      AR <=2 and 30 AR >2; p = 0.02). Patients with preoperative AR greater than 2
      experienced greater reverse left ventricular remodeling and increases in left
      ventricular ejection fraction than did patients with preoperative AR less than or
      equal to 2 (p < 0.01). The midterm freedom from AR greater than 2 was similar for
      both preoperative AR groups (p = 0.57). The 8-year freedom from AR greater than 2
      was 89.1% (95% confidence interval, 55.3% to 97.8%) for patients with
      preoperative AR less than or equal to 2 and 92.7% (95% confidence interval, 78.8%
      to 97.6%) for preoperative AR greater than 2. Five patients (2.4%) required
      aortic valve replacement during the follow-up period (3 preoperative AR <=2, 2
      preoperative AR >2). CONCLUSIONS: VSRR remains an effective and durable treatment
      for severe AR and preserved leaflet architecture. The severity of preoperative AR
      does not appear to impact midterm freedom from moderate to severe AR. VSRR
      results in significant left ventricular remodeling in patients with preoperative
      AR greater than 2.

PMID- 27666784
TI  - When Should the Mitral Valve Be Repaired or Replaced in Patients With Ischemic
      Mitral Regurgitation?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Data comparing outcomes after repair versus replacement of chronic
      ischemic mitral regurgitation (MR) is evolving. Recent data suggest that repair
      is associated with recurrent MR, but not survival, when compared with
      replacement. However, it remains unclear when either surgical strategy should be
      applied based on preoperative mitral valve anatomy. METHODS: Between 2001 and
      2013, 161 patients underwent repair or replacement of chronic ischemic MR. The
      mean age of these patients was 68.2 +/- 9.0 years, 44 (27%) were female, and
      concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting was performed in 126 (78%). The mean
      preoperative posterior leaflet angle was 27.7 +/- 14.2 degrees, and the left
      ventricular ejection fraction was 41.2 +/- 12.4%. Detailed preoperative
      assessments of mitral valve anatomy were determined by transesophageal
      echocardiography. Clinical and echocardiographic follow-up was for 4.6 +/- 3.2
      years and extended to 11.7 years. RESULTS: Overall, perioperative death occurred
      in 6 (3.3%) patients; 2 patients died after valve repair and 4 after valve
      replacement. Five-year survival and freedom from recurrent MR (>=2+) rates were
      74.0 +/- 5.6% and 57.8 +/- 8.0%, respectively, after valve repair and 69.4 +/-
      6.2% and 87.1 +/- 7.0%, respectively, after valve replacement. Valve repair was
      associated with recurrent MR (>=2+) (hazard ratio [HR], 5.3 +/- 3.3; p = 0.007),
      but not survival (HR, 0.9 +/- 0.3; p = 0.8). Preoperative posterior leaflet
      tethering angle was associated with survival (HR, 1.09 +/- 0.04; p = 0.005) and
      also recurrent MR (>=2+) (HR, 1.04 +/- 0.02; p = 0.03) after valve repair. Based
      on a receiver operator curve describing the relationship between recurrent MR
      (>=2+) and posterior leaflet tethering angle, a threshold of 22 degrees was
      determined. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical correction of chronic ischemic MR can be
      performed with favorable early and late results, although recurrent MR occurred
      more often after repair. Among patients who underwent repair of ischemic MR, a
      preoperative posterior leaflet tethering angle of 22 degrees or greater was
      associated with worse late outcomes.

PMID- 27666786
TI  - Self-Reported Physical Quality of Life Before Thoracic Operations Is Associated
      With Long-Term Survival.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim was to analyze the association between baseline self-reported
      health-related quality of life and long-term survival after thoracic operations.
      METHODS: In a prospective population-based cohort study, we included patients
      scheduled for thoracic operations and obtained information about preoperative
      health-related quality of life using the validated quality-of-life instrument
      Short Form-36. Patients were categorized according to higher or lower physical
      and mental component scores, compared with an age- and sex-matched reference
      population. The primary outcome measure was all-cause mortality and was
      ascertained from Swedish national registers. We used Cox regression for
      estimation of hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the
      association between preoperative physical/mental quality of life and long-term
      survival while adjusting for differences in baseline characteristics, cancer
      stage, histopathologic process, and other factors. RESULTS: We included 249
      patients between 2006 and 2008. During a median follow-up time of 8.0 years, 119
      patients (48%) died. Having a physical component summary score less than
      reference was significantly associated with mortality (multivariable adjusted HR
      2.02, 95% CI: 1.34 to 3.06, p = 0.001). A mental component summary score less
      than reference was not associated with mortality (adjusted HR 1.32, 95% CI: 0.84
      to 3.06, p = 0.233). CONCLUSIONS: In patients who underwent thoracic operations,
      a self-reported physical quality of life lower than reference value was
      associated with significantly worse survival independent of histopathologic
      process, cancer stage, extent of operations, and other patient-related factors.
      The preoperative mental component of quality of life was not associated with long
      term survival.

PMID- 27666785
TI  - Central Repair With Antegrade TEVAR for Malperfusion Syndromes in Acute Debakey I
      Aortic Dissection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In acute DeBakey I aortic dissection presenting with malperfusion
      syndromes, we assessed whether standard open repair with concomitant antegrade
      stent grafting (thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair; TEVAR) of the descending
      thoracic aorta (DTA) improves outcomes compared with standard repair alone.
      METHODS: From 2005 to 2012, 277 patients with acute DeBakey I dissection
      underwent emergent operation. Of these, 104 patients (37%) presenting with end
      organ malperfusion were divided into those undergoing standard distal repair
      entailing transverse hemiarch replacement (Standard group, n = 65) versus
      standard repair with concomitant DTA TEVAR during circulatory arrest (TEVAR
      group, n = 39). Prospectively maintained aortic dissection database was
      retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Demographic characteristics and preoperative
      comorbidities were similar. Circulatory arrest (56 +/- 12 versus 34 +/- 14
      minutes, p < 0.001) and cross-clamp (176 +/- 43 versus 119 +/- 80, p = 0.001)
      times were longer in the TEVAR group. Overall, postoperative stroke rate (5% [n =
      2] versus 6% [n = 4], p = 1), paraplegia rate (5% [n = 2] versus 5% [n = 3], p =
      1.0), and renal failure rate (10% [n = 4] versus 22% [n = 14], p = 0.2) were
      similar. In-hospital/30-day mortality rate was lower in the TEVAR group but was
      not significant (18% (n = 7) versus 34% [n = 22], p = 0.1). In patients
      presenting with malperfusion involving greater than one end-organ system, the
      mortality rate was significantly improved in the TEVAR group (28% [n = 6] versus
      58% [n = 14], p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Standard repair with antegrade TEVAR of the
      DTA for acute DeBakey I aortic dissection presenting with malperfusion syndromes
      can be safely performed. Further, true lumen stabilization achieved through DTA
      TEVAR may provide a survival benefit in patients with distal multiorgan
      malperfusion.

PMID- 27666787
TI  - Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for the treatment of postcardiotomy shock.
AB  - Use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), one of an increasing variety
      of mechanical circulatory support strategies, was first used close to 50 years
      ago. For decades, it was mostly applied to the pediatric population. However,
      during the past several years, its use has dramatically increased as therapy for
      pulmonary and cardiac failure in the adult. In particular, ECMO is being used
      more and more for postcardiotomy shock. Unfortunately, despite its increased
      application in this setting, improved outcomes have been hard to come by.
      Improved results must be grounded on an approach that honors the tenets of
      myocardial recovery, minimizing the work done by the heart during the recovery
      period. Left ventricular decompression should be a tenet of ECMO support in the
      setting of postcardiotomy shock, universally applied if we are to see any
      significant improvement in our results. Furthermore, the point is made that
      surgeons should play a leadership role in the immediate counseling of patients'
      families to assure realistic expectations on their part. To address the need for
      family support during this very difficult time, ECMO centers should design a
      programmatic approach to care for patients and their families so as to provide
      them with education, guidance, and emotional support.

PMID- 27666788
TI  - Enhancement and Passive Acoustic Mapping of Cavitation from Fluorescently Tagged
      Magnetic Resonance-Visible Magnetic Microbubbles In Vivo.
AB  - Previous work has indicated the potential of magnetically functionalized
      microbubbles to localize and enhance cavitation activity under focused ultrasound
      exposure in vitro. The aim of this study was to investigate magnetic targeting of
      microbubbles for promotion of cavitation in vivo. Fluorescently labelled magnetic
      microbubbles were administered intravenously in a murine xenograft model.
      Cavitation was induced using a 0.5-MHz focused ultrasound transducer at peak
      negative focal pressures of 1.2-2.0 MPa and monitored in real-time using B-mode
      imaging and passive acoustic mapping. Magnetic targeting was found to increase
      the amplitude of the cavitation signal by approximately 50% compared with
      untargeted bubbles. Post-exposure magnetic resonance imaging indicated deposition
      of magnetic nanoparticles in tumours. Magnetic targeting was similarly associated
      with increased fluorescence intensity in the tumours after the experiments. These
      results suggest that magnetic targeting could potentially be used to improve
      delivery of cavitation-mediated therapy and that passive acoustic mapping could
      be used for real-time monitoring of this process.

PMID- 27666789
TI  - Pretreatment with a gamma-Secretase Inhibitor Prevents Tumor-like Overgrowth in
      Human iPSC-Derived Transplants for Spinal Cord Injury.
AB  - Neural stem/progenitor cells (NS/PCs) derived from human induced pluripotent stem
      cells (hiPSCs) are considered to be a promising cell source for cell-based
      interventions that target CNS disorders. We previously reported that
      transplanting certain hiPSC-NS/PCs in the spinal cord results in tumor-like
      overgrowth of hiPSC-NS/PCs and subsequent deterioration of motor function.
      Remnant immature cells should be removed or induced into more mature cell types
      to avoid adverse effects of hiPSC-NS/PC transplantation. Because Notch signaling
      plays a role in maintaining NS/PCs, we evaluated the effects of gamma-secretase
      inhibitor (GSI) and found that pretreating hiPSC-NS/PCs with GSI promoted
      neuronal differentiation and maturation in vitro, and GSI pretreatment also
      reduced the overgrowth of transplanted hiPSC-NS/PCs and inhibited the
      deterioration of motor function in vivo. These results indicate that pretreatment
      with hiPSC-NS/PCs decreases the proliferative capacity of transplanted hiPSC
      NS/PCs, triggers neuronal commitment, and improves the safety of hiPSC-based
      approaches in regenerative medicine.

PMID- 27666790
TI  - Development and Dynamic Regulation of Mitochondrial Network in Human Midbrain
      Dopaminergic Neurons Differentiated from iPSCs.
AB  - Mitochondria are critical to neurogenesis, but the mechanisms of mitochondria in
      neurogenesis have not been well explored. We fully characterized mitochondrial
      alterations and function in relation to the development of human induced
      pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived dopaminergic (DA) neurons. Following
      directed differentiation of hiPSCs to DA neurons, mitochondria in these neurons
      exhibit pronounced changes during differentiation, including mature
      neurophysiology characterization and functional synaptic network formation.
      Inhibition of mitochondrial respiratory chains via application of complex IV
      inhibitor KCN (potassium cyanide) or complex I inhibitor rotenone restricted
      neurogenesis of DA neurons. These results demonstrated the direct importance of
      mitochondrial development and bioenergetics in DA neuronal differentiation. Our
      study also provides a neurophysiologic model of mitochondrial involvement in
      neurogenesis, which will enhance our understanding of the role of mitochondrial
      dysfunctions in neurodegenerative diseases.

PMID- 27666793
TI  - WITHDRAWN: Clinical pathways inference from decision rules by hybrid stream
      mining and fuzzy unordered rule induction strategy.
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- 27666792
TI  - Hedgehog Controls Quiescence and Activation of Neural Stem Cells in the Adult
      Ventricular-Subventricular Zone.
AB  - Identifying the mechanisms controlling quiescence and activation of neural stem
      cells (NSCs) is crucial for understanding brain repair. Here, we demonstrate that
      Hedgehog (Hh) signaling actively regulates different pools of quiescent and
      proliferative NSCs in the adult ventricular-subventricular zone (V-SVZ), one of
      the main brain neurogenic niches. Specific deletion of the Hh receptor Patched in
      NSCs during adulthood upregulated Hh signaling in quiescent NSCs, progressively
      leading to a large accumulation of these cells in the V-SVZ. The pool of non
      neurogenic astrocytes was not modified, whereas the activated NSC pool increased
      after a short period, before progressively becoming exhausted. We also showed
      that Sonic Hedgehog regulates proliferation of activated NSCs in vivo and
      shortens both their G1 and S-G2/M phases in culture. These data demonstrate that
      Hh orchestrates the balance between quiescent and activated NSCs, with important
      implications for understanding adult neurogenesis under normal homeostatic
      conditions or during injury.

PMID- 27666794
TI  - WITHDRAWN: Benchmarking swarm intelligence clustering algorithms with case study
      of medical data.
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- 27666791
TI  - Development Refractoriness of MLL-Rearranged Human B Cell Acute Leukemias to
      Reprogramming into Pluripotency.
AB  - Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are a powerful tool for disease modeling.
      They are routinely generated from healthy donors and patients from multiple cell
      types at different developmental stages. However, reprogramming leukemias is an
      extremely inefficient process. Few studies generated iPSCs from primary chronic
      myeloid leukemias, but iPSC generation from acute myeloid or lymphoid leukemias
      (ALL) has not been achieved. We attempted to generate iPSCs from different
      subtypes of B-ALL to address the developmental impact of leukemic fusion genes.
      OKSM(L)-expressing mono/polycistronic-, retroviral/lentiviral/episomal-, and
      Sendai virus vector-based reprogramming strategies failed to render iPSCs in
      vitro and in vivo. Addition of transcriptomic-epigenetic reprogramming "boosters"
      also failed to generate iPSCs from B cell blasts and B-ALL lines, and when iPSCs
      emerged they lacked leukemic fusion genes, demonstrating non-leukemic myeloid
      origin. Conversely, MLL-AF4-overexpressing hematopoietic stem cells/B progenitors
      were successfully reprogrammed, indicating that B cell origin and leukemic fusion
      gene were not reprogramming barriers. Global transcriptome/DNA methylome
      profiling suggested a developmental/differentiation refractoriness of MLL
      rearranged B-ALL to reprogramming into pluripotency.

PMID- 27666795
TI  - Heritability of startle reactivity and affect modified startle.
AB  - Startle reflex and affect-modified startle reflex are used as indicators of
      defensive reactivity and emotional processing, respectively. The present study
      investigated the heritability of both the startle blink reflex and affect
      modification of this reflex in a community sample of 772 twins ages 14-15years
      old. Subjects were shown affective picture slides falling in three valence
      categories: negative, positive and neutral; crossed with two arousal categories:
      high arousal and low arousal. Some of these slides were accompanied with a loud
      startling noise. Results suggested sex differences in mean levels of startle
      reflex as well as in proportions of variance explained by genetic and
      environmental factors. Females had higher mean startle blink amplitudes for each
      valence-arousal slide category, indicating greater baseline defensive reactivity
      compared to males. Startle blink reflex in males was significantly heritable
      (49%), whereas in females, variance was explained primarily by shared
      environmental factors (53%) and non-shared environmental factors (41%).
      Heritability of affect modified startle (AMS) was found to be negligible in both
      males and females. These results suggest sex differences in the etiology of
      startle reactivity, while questioning the utility of the startle paradigm for
      understanding the genetic basis of emotional processing.

PMID- 27666796
TI  - Gender-specific Differences in Great Saphenous Vein Conduit. A Link to Lower
      Extremity Bypass Outcomes Disparities?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inferior lower extremity bypass (LEB) outcomes have been reported
      among women with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), but the mechanisms
      responsible for this disparity are unknown. Great saphenous vein (GSV) is
      considered the conduit of choice for LEB; GSV diameter is associated with graft
      patency and therefore is often used as a criterion for suitability for use as
      bypass conduit. We hypothesized that gender-based differences in GSV may
      contribute to LEB outcomes disparities. To explore this hypothesis, we performed
      a gender-based analysis of GSV anatomic characteristics among patients with PAD
      who were studied with duplex ultrasound vein mapping during evaluation for LEB.
      METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing ultrasound vein mapping for planned LEB
      were analyzed. Minimum above- and below-knee GSV diameters were obtained in
      addition to demographic, procedural, and clinical data. Associations between
      gender and GSV diameter were evaluated using multivariate mixed models adjusting
      for anatomic location and within-patient correlation. RESULTS: One hundred five
      patients were analyzed. Mean patient age was 65 +/- 11 years, 25% were women, and
      78% were white. Mixed model estimates of minimum GSV diameters were 3.14 +/- 0.09
      mm above knee and 2.74 +/- 0.09 below knee for men versus 3.23 +/- 0.14 above
      knee and 2.49 +/- 0.14 below knee for women. A gender-based interaction between
      anatomic location and GSV diameter was identified, with women having a greater
      difference between above- and below-knee GSV diameters (or taper; mean difference
      of 0.73 +/- 0.12 vs. 0.41 +/- 0.17 mm; P = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: GSV taper
      (difference between above- and below-knee diameters) is greater in women and may
      contribute to inferior patency after LEB with vein conduit, particularly for
      below-knee target vessels. Further research is necessary to evaluate specific
      hemodynamic effects of graft taper and links with other clinical endpoints. In
      addition to minimum diameter, vein graft taper may warrant consideration when
      planning LEB.

PMID- 27666797
TI  - Juxtarenal Inflammatory Aneurysm Treated with Bilateral Iliac-Renal Bypass Using
      the Gore Hybrid Device and Total Sealing of the Aneurysmal Sac with a Nellix
      Device.
AB  - The aim of this study is to present the treatment of a juxtarenal inflammatory
      aneurysm using a Nellix device (Endologix, Inc., Irvine, CA) to seal the entire
      aneurysmatic aorta combined with bilateral iliac-renal bypass using the Gore
      hybrid vascular graft (W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., Flagstaff, AZ). A 63-year
      old man was diagnosed with a 6-cm juxtarenal inflammatory aneurysm. It was
      initially decided to treat him with an aorto-aortic bypass and to revascularize
      the 2 renal arteries with "graft to renal artery bypass" using Gore hybrid
      vascular grafts. Due to the high intraoperative bleeding preparing the proximal
      neck and the tight adhesion of the aorta to the adjacent structures, we decided
      to change our plans and to treat the patient using the Nellix system combined
      with bilateral iliac-renal bypass using the Gore hybrid vascular grafts. Contrast
      computed tomography control at 1 month showed complete sealing of the aneurysm
      sac and patent iliac renal bypasses. The reported case demonstrated that the
      Nellix Endovascular Aneurysm Sealing system combined with Gore hybrid vascular
      grafts for bilateral iliac-renal bypass showed that it can be an effective
      modality for the treatment of juxtarenal, inflammatory aortic aneurysm and
      revascularization of the renal arteries from the distal iliac arteries.

PMID- 27666798
TI  - Mastication Steal Syndrome.
AB  - A 56-year-old woman presented with episodic vertigo, dizziness, and diplopia
      during meals and prolonged verbal presentations at work. Subsequent work-up
      included an eventual catheter-based angiogram revealing an ostial left external
      carotid artery (ECA) occlusion with reconstituted retrograde flow via a variant
      collateral branch from the dominant left vertebral artery. The findings
      demonstrate that repetitive activities involving craniofacial muscular systems
      supplied by the ECA result in a symptomatic arterial steal syndrome via the
      enhanced diverted flow from the collateral vertebral-basilar arterial system. A
      left ECA endarterectomy with reimplantation of the vessel was performed, and the
      patient has been episode free thereafter.

PMID- 27666799
TI  - Acute Vasodilation Caused by Different Strategies of Renal Sympathetic
      Denervation for Right and Left Renal Arteries.

PMID- 27666801
TI  - Pulsatile Varicose Veins Secondary to Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation: Report of a
      Case Successfully Managed by Endovenous Laser Treatment.
AB  - We report a case of pulsatile varicose veins successfully managed by endovenous
      laser treatment (EVLT) of the great saphenous vein (GSV). A 77-year-old woman
      taking an anticoagulant was transferred to our hospital for pulsatile varicose
      veins complicated with repeated venous bleeding from an ulcer of her left lower
      leg. Doppler echocardiography showed severe tricuspid regurgitation, and duplex
      ultrasonography revealed an arterial-like pulsating flow in the saphenofemoral
      junction and along the GSV, but an arteriovenous fistula, obstruction of the deep
      veins, and the distal incompetent perforators were not detected. Because of a
      significant bleeding risk due to elevated venous pressure and anticoagulant
      therapy, EVLT was performed for the GSV, which resulted in the complete occlusion
      of the GSV and healing of the ulcer. EVLT presents a safe and useful therapeutic
      technique for pulsatile varicose veins in the limbs.

PMID- 27666800
TI  - The Superficial Femoral Artery: An Alternative Access for Percutaneous
      Endovascular Aneurysm Repair.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to report the results of percutaneous
      endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (PEVAR) using the superficial femoral artery
      (SFA) for large bore vessel access. METHODS: We reviewed all PEVAR procedures at
      our institution over an 18-month period, identifying all patients who underwent
      PEVAR with the use of one or both SFAs for endograft delivery with dual ProGlide
      large bore access closure. Indications for use of the SFA instead of the common
      femoral artery (CFA) included morbid obesity, CFA vessel wall disease, and
      scarring from previous CFA surgery. RESULTS: In total, 158 percutaneous access
      closures were performed in 79 patients. Ten patients had one or both SFAs used.
      We accessed a total of 13 SFAs: 6 for the endograft main body (size range 18- to
      20-French) and 7 for the limb (14- to 16-French). The freedom from open
      conversion was 84.6%. In comparison, of 145 CFA accesses (in 76 patients) there
      were 9 conversions (93.7% success). Of the 13 SFAs accessed, there were no major
      access site complications (pseudoaneurysm, access site bleed, limb ischemia, or
      need to return to the operating room). All SFAs accessed remained patent at the
      latest follow-up (range 1-13 months, median 8 months). CONCLUSIONS: Our
      preliminary case series suggests that, in the absence of a healthy or
      percutaneously accessible CFA, a healthy SFA may be considered for PEVAR access.
      While likely carrying a higher risk of open conversion, this technique, when
      combined with intraoperative duplex ultrasound (both before and after the
      procedure) and with meticulous ultrasound-guided vascular access, appears safe
      for up to 20-French device diameters.

PMID- 27666802
TI  - Initial Experiences with Endovascular Management of Submassive Pulmonary
      Embolism: Is It Safe?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Interventional strategies for massive and submassive pulmonary
      embolism (smPE) have historically included either systematic intravenous
      thrombolytic alteplase or surgical embolectomy, both of which are associated with
      significant morbidity and mortality. However, with the advent of endovascular
      techniques, recent studies have suggested that an endovascular approach to the
      treatment of acute smPE may be both safe and effective with excellent outcomes.
      The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of patients who have
      undergone catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) for smPE at our institution in an
      effort to determine the safety of the procedure. METHODS: A retrospective review
      was conducted from December 2012 to June 2015 to identify patients whom underwent
      CDT in the treatment of a smPE at our institution. Primary measure was safety of
      the procedure. Outcome variables were classified as serious or minor adverse
      events. Serious events included death, stroke, myocardial infarction, and
      bleeding complications requiring surgical intervention or transfusion. Minor
      events included groin hematoma, development of arteriovenous fistula, and
      bleeding requiring interruption or cessation of CDT. In addition, a secondary
      measure included effectiveness of CDT based on preinterventional and
      postinterventional clinical examination and radiographic findings. RESULTS: A
      total of 27 patients undergoing CDT for smPE at our institution were evaluated.
      The standard procedure included access via bilateral femoral veins and placement
      of bilateral EKOS catheters for ultrasound-assisted thrombolysis (USAT), with
      Activase (alteplase) at 1 mg per hour in each catheter for a total of 12 hr.
      There were no serious adverse events and only 4 patients (14.8%) had minor
      events, of which only 1 patient required premature termination of therapy due to
      bleeding resulting in a 3.7% clinically relevant bleeding rate. In addition, a
      reduction in a right-to-left ventricular end-diastolic diameter ratio (RV/LV
      ratio) on follow-up imaging was observed in each of the 18 patients where
      preinterventional and postinterventional imaging was available. Likewise, via
      chart review, all patients reported significant cessation of shortness-of-breath
      and resolution of chest pain with associated decrease in supplemental oxygen
      requirement. CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence, the majority of which has been
      industry funded, suggests that CDT should be considered as the first-line therapy
      for smPE. Our experience, in this single-institution retrospective review,
      demonstrates that CDT with USAT in the treatment of smPE is safe, while providing
      immediate resolution of both RV strain and clinical symptoms such as shortness-of
      breath and chest pain. We hope that these data will allow other institutions to
      consider CDT as a plausible option in the treatment of smPE.

PMID- 27666803
TI  - Outcome of Surgical Treatment for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Systematic Review and
      Meta-Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many publications report outcomes of surgical treatment for thoracic
      outlet syndrome (TOS); however, high-quality reviews and meta-analyses are
      lacking. This systematic review and meta-analysis summarizes and compares the
      outcomes and major complications of the surgical procedures for the 3 types of
      TOS: arterial, venous, and neurogenic. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL
      databases, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched for
      papers published between January 1980 and February 2015, using the keywords
      thoracic outlet syndrome, and treatment and surgical. Articles were eligible for
      inclusion if the following criteria were met: studies describing outcomes of
      surgery for TOS, published in English, human studies, and available full-text.
      The exclusion criteria were case-series and case reports (n < 5), reviews,
      abstracts, and studies of endoscopic-assisted or robotic endoscopic-assisted
      transaxillary first rib resection. RESULTS: A total of 12 papers met our
      inclusion criteria and were finally included in this systematic review. All
      included articles showed improvement of complaints after surgical treatment. In
      our meta-analysis, improvement to Derkash's classification category
      excellent/good was achieved in 90% of the arterial and venous TOS groups.
      Preoperative and postoperative Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores
      show improvement of 28.3 points after operative treatment of neurogenic TOS.
      CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, surgical treatment of TOS seems to be beneficial in
      most patients and is relatively safe. The largest challenge remains the diagnosis
      of TOS, especially neurogenic TOS, because standardized diagnostic criteria are
      lacking. Future studies should focus on the diagnostic work-up of TOS.

PMID- 27666804
TI  - Management of Modifiable Vascular Risk Factors Improves Late Survival following
      Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The main determinants of survival following abdominal aortic aneurysm
      (AAA) repair are preexisting risk factors rather than the method of repair
      chosen. The main aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the effect of modifiable
      risk factors on late survival following AAA repair. METHODS: Electronic databases
      were searched to identify all relevant articles reporting the influence of
      modifiable risk factors on long-term survival (>=1 year) following elective open
      aneurysm repair and endovascular aneurysm repair. RESULTS: Twenty-four studies
      which comprised 53,118 patients, published between 1989 and 2015, were included
      in the analysis. The use of statin, aspirin, beta-blockers, and a higher
      hemoglobin level was all significant predictors of improved survival following
      repair with a hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.75 (0.70
      0.80), 0.81 (0.73-0.89), 0.75 (0.61-0.93), and 0.84 (0.74-0.96), respectively.
      Smoking history and uncorrected coronary disease were associated with a worse
      long-term survival of HR 1.27 (95% CI 1.07-1.51) and HR 2.59 (95% CI 1.14-5.88),
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Addressing cardiovascular risk factors in patients
      preoperatively improves long-term survival following AAA repair. Global
      strategies to improve risk factor modifications in these patients are warranted
      to optimize long-term outcomes.

PMID- 27666805
TI  - Endovascular Treatment of Late Aortic Erosive Lesion by Pedicle Screw without
      Screw Removal: Case Report and Literature Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aortic lesions are uncommon complications in spine surgery, but
      potentially fatal, because they can cause massive bleeding and hemodynamic
      instability. We report the endovascular treatment of late aortic erosive lesion
      by pedicle screw without screw removal. METHODS: A breast cancer patient had a
      pathological fracture on T10, with spinal cord compression, and a pseudoaneurysm
      of the aorta in contact with an anterolateral pedicle screw. Endovascular surgery
      corrected the aortic lesion and allowed decompression, a week later, by posterior
      arthrodesis (T7-L1), with screw maintenance. RESULTS: There was no contrast
      leakage at thorax angiotomography in 2 years, and she died of meningeal
      carcinomatosis. CONCLUSION: Screw maintenance was safe in the endovascular
      treatment of aortic lesion by erosion.

PMID- 27666806
TI  - Open Repair for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in a Young Boy with Tuberous Sclerosis
      and Review of the Literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are very rare in pediatric patients
      and can rarely be associated with tuberous sclerosis (TS). Open surgery is the
      first-line therapy. We report our experience added by a review on current
      literature. CASE REPORT: A 9-year-old boy with TS and history of 2 earlier open
      repairs for AAA presented to our department with a recurrent juxtarenal aortic
      aneurysm. We performed a polytetraflourethylene patch plasty. Postoperative
      course was uneventful. After 8 months, reconstruction was stable, and no
      recurrent aneurysm developed. CONCLUSIONS: Recurrent aneurysms may develop after
      open surgery for TS-associated AAA. However, open surgery is the recommended
      therapy but requires special techniques and experience in pediatric patients.

PMID- 27666807
TI  - Abdominal Aortic Surgery in the Presence of Inferior Vena Cava Anomalies: A Case
      Series.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Left-sided inferior vena cava (LIVC) and duplicated inferior vena
      cava (DIVC) are rare asymptomatic congenital abnormalities. Unrecognized, these
      anomalies can be the source of major injuries and cause serious life-threatening
      bleeding complications especially during abdominal aortic surgery. METHODS:
      Retrospective data for patients with 2 major inferior vena cava (IVC) anomalies
      that underwent aortic surgery over a 13-year period were collected. Patient
      demographics, type of aortic disease and caval anomaly, surgical approach, type
      of aortic reconstruction associated with procedure on caval vein, postoperative
      complications, and in-hospital mortality were recorded. RESULTS: There were 9
      patients with inferior vena cava (IVC) anomalies who underwent aortic surgery.
      All of them were men, with a median age of 66.2 years. Seven had an LIVC and 2
      had DIVC. Five patients were operated on due to abdominal aortic aneurysm and 4
      due to aortoiliac occlusive disease. In all patients, a midline transperitoneal
      aortic approach was performed. In 5 cases, the left IVC had to be temporarily
      resected and later reconstructed, and in the other 4 it was just mobilized. There
      were no postoperative complications except in one patient who developed deep vein
      thrombosis in the left calf; this was successfully treated with anticoagulant
      therapy. CONCLUSION: Due to favorable results and low incidence of perioperative
      complications and in the absence of other associated abdominal pathology, we
      propose the midline transperitoneal approach with mobilization or temporary
      resection of LIVC.

PMID- 27666808
TI  - The Influence of Collagen Impregnation of a Knitted Dacron Patch Used in Carotid
      Endarterectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In selected populations, carotid endarterectomy (CEA) reduces long
      term stroke risk. Studies have shown increased risk of restenosis with use of a
      collagen-impregnated Dacron patch compared to a polytetrafluorethylene patch.
      There is concern that collagen impregnation may initiate thrombosis or promote
      restenosis due to platelet activation. We performed a retrospective analysis of
      our CEA experience with routine patching using knitted Dacron patches with
      (Hemashield) and without (Sauvage) collagen impregnation. METHODS: Our database
      was queried for all CEAs between January 2006 and December 2010. Seven surgeons
      performed 655 CEAs. Patients were excluded if no patch was used (n = 1), a
      primary CEA was performed before study period or by other surgeons (n = 11), or
      the patch type was indeterminable (n = 38). Demographics, clinical data, and
      outcomes were compared between the collagen-impregnated (C, Hemashield) group and
      non-collagen-impregnated (NC, Sauvage) group. RESULTS: A total of 605 CEAs were
      analyzed (395 C and 210 NC). Demographics were similar except for coronary artery
      disease (C 54.3% vs. NC 41.6%, P = 0.003). There was no statistically significant
      difference in 30-day (C 99.7% vs. NC 99.5%, P > 0.99) or 5-year survival (C 80.0%
      vs. NC 83.7%, P = 0.26) or 30-day stroke rate (C 0.3% vs. NC 1.0%, P = 0.28). No
      late ipsilateral strokes occurred during 5-year follow-up. The 5-year freedom
      from restenosis >30% (C 85.3% vs. NC 86.4%, P = 0.33), restenosis >50% (C 94.5%
      vs. NC 95.5%, P = 0.44), and restenosis >70% (C 98.6% vs. NC 98.9%, P = 0.73)
      were similar. Two patients underwent carotid stenting for restenosis >70%. Two
      patients (both in the C group) developed occlusion of the carotid artery.
      CONCLUSIONS: The thrombosis and restenosis rates in the 2 groups were similar.
      This suggests that collagen-impregnated patches do not initiate thrombosis or
      increase restenosis rates after CEA.

PMID- 27666809
TI  - Peripheral Precocious Puberty due to Functioning Adrenocortical Tumor:
      Description of Two Cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adrenocortical tumors (ACTs) represent less than 0.2% of all
      childhood neoplasms. Frequent clinical manifestations are virilization,
      hypercortisolism, and peripheral precocious puberty (PPP). CASES: We describe two
      cases in which ACTs were responsible for virilization (case 1) and PPP (case 2)
      in prepubertal girls. In both cases an ACT diagnosis was made after 5-6 months
      from the first appearance of clinical signs. Surgery was performed within 1 month
      of diagnosis, and the benign nature of tumors was histologically confirmed.
      Despite complete tumor resection, virilizing features persisted. SUMMARY AND
      CONCLUSIONS: Adrenocortical tumors should be considered early in the assessment
      of PPP. There is often a significant delay between the onset of symptoms and
      accurate diagnosis but early treatment is essential to limit the clinical
      manifestations of androgen overproduction.

PMID- 27666810
TI  - Endothelial Antioxidant-1: a Key Mediator of Copper-dependent Wound Healing in
      vivo.
AB  - Copper (Cu), an essential nutrient, promotes wound healing, however, target of Cu
      action and underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Cu chaperone Antioxidant-1
      (Atox1) in the cytosol supplies Cu to the secretory enzymes such as lysyl oxidase
      (LOX), while Atox1 in the nucleus functions as a Cu-dependent transcription
      factor. Using mouse cutaneous wound healing model, here we show that Cu content
      (by X-ray Fluorescence Microscopy) and nuclear Atox1 are increased after
      wounding, and that wound healing with and without Cu treatment is impaired in
      Atox1-/- mice. Endothelial cell (EC)-specific Atox1-/- mice and gene transfer of
      nuclear-target Atox1 in Atox1-/- mice reveal that Atox1 in ECs as well as
      transcription factor function of Atox1 are required for wound healing.
      Mechanistically, Atox1-/- mice show reduced Atox1 target proteins such as p47phox
      NADPH oxidase and cyclin D1 as well as extracellular matrix Cu enzyme LOX
      activity in wound tissues. This in turn results in reducing O2- production in
      ECs, NFkB activity, cell proliferation and collagen formation, thereby inhibiting
      angiogenesis, macrophage recruitment and extracellular matrix maturation. Our
      findings suggest that Cu-dependent transcription factor/Cu chaperone Atox1 in ECs
      plays an important role to sense Cu to accelerate wound angiogenesis and healing.

PMID- 27666811
TI  - Dysregulated innate immune function in the aetiopathogenesis of idiopathic
      inflammatory myopathies.
AB  - The idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) are a heterogeneous group of
      systemic muscle conditions that are believed to be autoimmune in nature. They
      have distinct pathological features, but the aetiopathogenesis of each subtype
      remains largely unknown. Recently, there has been increased interest in the
      complex role the innate immune system plays in initiating and perpetuating these
      conditions, and how this may differ between subtypes. This article summarises the
      traditional paradigms of IIM pathogenesis and reviews the accumulating evidence
      for disturbances in innate immune processes in these rare, but debilitating
      chronic conditions.

PMID- 27666812
TI  - Fecal calprotectin in systemic sclerosis: Light and shade of a promising tool.

PMID- 27666813
TI  - Mercury as an environmental stimulus in the development of autoimmunity - A
      systematic review.
AB  - Autoimmune diseases result from an interplay of genetic predisposition and
      factors which stimulate the onset of disease. Mercury (Hg), a well-established
      toxicant, is an environmental factor reported to be linked with autoimmunity. Hg
      exists in several chemical forms and is encountered by humans in dental amalgams,
      certain vaccines, occupational exposure, atmospheric pollution and seafood.
      Several studies have investigated the effect of the various forms of Hg,
      including elemental (Hg0), inorganic (iHg) and organic mercury (oHg) and their
      association with autoimmunity. In vitro studies using peripheral blood
      mononuclear cells (PBMC) from healthy participants have shown that methylmercury
      (MeHg) causes cell death at lower concentrations than iHg albeit exposure to iHg
      results in a more enhanced pro-inflammatory profile in comparison to MeHg. In
      vivo research utilising murine models susceptible to the development of metal
      induced autoimmunity report that exposure to iHg results in a lupus-like
      syndrome, whilst mice exposed to MeHg develop autoimmunity without the formation
      of immune complexes. Furthermore, lower concentrations of IgE are detected in
      MeHg-treated animals in comparison with those treated with iHg. It appears that,
      oHg has a negative impact on animal models with existing autoimmunity. The
      research conducted on humans in this area is diverse in study design and the
      results are conflicting. There is currently no evidence to implicate a role for
      Hg0 exposure from dental amalgams in the development or perpetuation of
      autoimmune disease, apart from some suggestion of individual sensitivity. Several
      studies have consistently shown a positive correlation between iHg exposure and
      serum autoantibody concentrations in gold miners, although the clinical impact of
      iHg remains unknown. Furthermore, a limited number of studies have reported
      individuals with autoimmune disease have higher concentrations of blood Hg
      compared to healthy controls. In summary, it appears that iHg perpetuates markers
      of autoimmunity to a greater extent than oHg, albeit the impact on clinical
      outcomes in humans is yet to be elucidated.

PMID- 27666814
TI  - Accreditation in autoimmune diagnostic laboratories. A position paper of the
      European Autoimmunity Standardisation Initiative (EASI).
AB  - Reliable autoantibody detection is important for early diagnosis and appropriate
      treatment of autoimmune disorders. However, in contrast to testing for classical
      clinical chemistry analytes, autoantibody testing is complex and evolving.
      Moreover, there is a lack of standardization. Nevertheless, it is important that
      laboratories that provide autoimmune tests comply with the requirements set
      forward by general international accreditation bodies. In the present manuscript,
      an ad hoc committee of the European Autoimmunity Standardisation Initiative
      (EASI) group provides background information on accreditation and identifies the
      minimum requirements needed to set up an accredited autoimmunity lab and to
      ensure that high-quality results are provided (in terms of personnel, procedures,
      validation, quality control, and reporting). Areas in which additional work needs
      to be done are identified.

PMID- 27666815
TI  - Role of galectin-3 in autoimmune and non-autoimmune nephropathies.
AB  - Galectins are evolutionary conserved beta-galactoside binding proteins with a
      carbohydrate-recognition domain (CRD) of approximately 130 amino acids. In
      mammals, 15 members of the galectin family have been identified and classified
      into three subtypes according to CRD organization: prototype, tandem repeat-type
      and chimera-type galectins. Galectin-3 (gal-3) is the only chimera type galectin
      in vertebrates containing one CRD linked to an unusual long N-terminal domain
      which displays non-lectin dependent activities. Although recent studies revealed
      unique, pleiotropic and context-dependent functions of gal-3 in both
      extracellular and intracellular space, gal-3 specific pathways and its ligands
      have not been clearly defined yet. In the kidney gal-3 is involved in later
      stages of nephrogenesis as well as in renal cell cancer. However, gal-3 has
      recently been associated with lupus glomerulonephritis, with Familial
      Mediterranean Fever-induced proteinuria and renal amyloidosis. Gal-3 has been
      studied in experimental acute kidney damage and in the subsequent regeneration
      phase as well as in several models of chronic kidney disease, including
      nephropathies induced by aging, ischemia, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia,
      unilateral ureteral obstruction and chronic allograft injury. Because of the
      pivotal role of gal-3 in the modulation of immune system, wound repair, fibrosis
      and tumorigenesis, it is not surprising that gal-3 can be an intriguing
      prognostic biomarker as well as a promising therapeutic target in a great variety
      of diseases, including chronic kidney disease, chronic heart failure and cardio
      renal syndrome. This review summarizes the functions of gal-3 in kidney
      pathophysiology focusing on the reported role of gal-3 in autoimmune diseases.

PMID- 27666816
TI  - Guillain-Barre syndrome.
AB  - The term Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), the most frequent cause of acute
      paralytic neuropathy, covers a number of recognisably distinct variants. The
      exact cause of GBS is unknown, but 50-70% of cases appear 1-2weeks after a
      respiratory or gastrointestinal infection, or another immune stimulus that
      induces an aberrant autoimmune response targeting peripheral nerves and their
      spinal roots. The interplay between the microbial and host factors that dictate
      whether and how the immune response shifts towards autoreactivity is still
      unclear, and nothing is known about the genetic and environmental factors that
      affect an individual's susceptibility to the disease. All patients with GBS need
      meticulous monitoring, and can benefit from supportive care and the early start
      of specific treatment. This review summarises the clinical features and
      diagnostic criteria of GBS and proposes an algorithm for its management. An
      analysis of the literature showed that, about one century after it was first
      described, new information concerning its etiopathogenesis has allowed the
      development of new treatment strategies that should be started immediately after
      diagnosis; however, the available therapies are not sufficient in many patients,
      especially in the presence of the acute inflammatory demyelinating
      polyneuropathy. New post-infectious forms, such as those caused by Zika virus and
      enterovirus D68, need to be carefully analysed and, in order to improve patient
      outcomes, research should continue to aim at identifying new biomarkers of
      disease severity and better means of avoiding axonal injury.

PMID- 27666817
TI  - Interstitial lung disease in systemic sclerosis patients may benefit more from
      anti-reflux therapies than from immunosuppressants.

PMID- 27666818
TI  - The clinical relevance of complex regional pain syndrome type I: The Emperor's
      New Clothes.
AB  - The management of patients with chronic pain is a nearly daily challenge to
      rheumatologists, neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, pain specialists and indeed a
      issue in nearly every clinical practice. Among the myriad of causes of pain are
      often included a unique syndrome, generally referred to as complex regional pain
      syndrome type I (CRPS). Unfortunately CRPS I has become a catch all phase and
      there are serious questions on whether it exists at all; this has led to an
      extraordinary number of poorly defined diagnostic criteria. It has also led to an
      etiologic quagmire that includes features as diverse as autoimmunity to simple
      trauma. These, in turn, have led to overdiagnosis and often overzealous use of
      pain medications, including narcotics. In a previous paper, we raised the issue
      of whether CRPS type I reflected a valid diagnosis. Indeed, the diagnostic
      criteria for CRPS I, and therefore the diagnosis itself, is unreliable for a
      number of reasons: 1) the underlying pathophysiology of the signs and symptoms of
      CPRS I are not biologically plausible; 2) there are no consistent laboratory or
      imaging testing available; 3) the signs and symptoms fluctuate over time without
      a medical explanation; 4) the definitions of most studies are derived from
      statistical analysis with little consideration to required sample size, i.e.
      power calculations; 5) interobserver reliability in the assessment of the signs
      and symptoms are often only fair to moderate, and agreement on the diagnosis of
      "CRPS I" is poor. Even physicians who still believe in the concept of "CRPS I"
      admit that it is vastly overdiagnosed and has become a diagnosis of last resort,
      often without a complete differential diagnosis and an alternative explanation.
      Finally, one of the most convincing arguments that there is no clinical entity as
      "CRPS I" comes from the enormous heterogeneity in sign and symptom profiles and
      the heterogeneity of pathophysiological mechanisms postulated. This observation
      is underscored by the diversity of responses among "CRPS I" patients to
      essentially all treatment modalities. It has even led to the concept that the
      signs and symptoms of CRPS can spread throughout the body, as if it is an
      infectious disease, without any medical plausible explanation. If true progress
      is to be made in helping patients with pain, it will require entirely new and
      different concepts and abandoning CRPS I as a legitimate diagnosis.

PMID- 27666819
TI  - Are psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis the same disease? The IL-23/IL-17 axis
      data.
AB  - Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a psoriasis (Ps)-associated inflammatory joint
      disease that affects peripheral joints, entheses, spine, and eyes. PsA and Ps are
      likely to be the same disease. PsA develops in nearly 70% of patients with Ps,
      and the hallmark of the disease is bone erosions and bone formation. Both innate
      and adaptive immunity appear to contribute to pathogenesis of PsA and Ps. Trauma
      may be a trigger factor for both PsA and Ps. The same T cell clones were reported
      to be present in both synovial tissues and skin lesions suggesting that a common
      antigen drives T cell immune response in the joints and skin lesions of patients
      with PsA. The IL-23/IL-17 axis plays a critical pathogenic role for both PsA and
      Ps, and biologics neutralizing IL-17A or IL-23/IL-12 are effective therapies for
      PsA and Ps. The differential expression of Th17 cytokines IL-17 and IL-22 at
      various sites could explain the different manifestations of the disease. IL-17 is
      highly expressed in peripheral joints and skin lesions and causes bone erosions.
      IL-22 is highly expressed in skin lesions and entheses, not peripheral joints,
      and cause bone formation. Finally, mannan from baker's yeast caused PsA-like
      arthritis and Ps-like skin lesions that were blocked by IL-17 treatment. These
      data suggest that PsA and Ps are likely to be the same disease exhibiting
      different manifestations depending on the local cytokine production.

PMID- 27666820
TI  - Long non-coding RNAs regulate effects of beta-crystallin B2 on mouse ovary
      development.
AB  - beta-crystallin B2 (CRYBB2) knockout mice exhibit morphological and functional
      abnormalities in the ovary. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate gene
      transcription and translation, and epigenetic modification of genomic DNA. The
      present study investigated the role of lncRNAs in mediating the effects of CRYBB2
      in the regulation of ovary development in mice. In the current study, ovary
      tissues from wild-type (WT) and CRYBB2 knockout mice were subjected to lncRNA and
      mRNA microarray profiling. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and
      Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed to group the differentially expressed
      lncRNAs into regulated gene pathways and functions. The correlation matrix method
      was used to establish a network of lncRNA and mRNA co-expression. Quantitative
      reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to verify
      expression of a number of these differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs. There
      were 157 differentially expressed lncRNAs and 1,085 differentially expressed
      mRNAs between ovary tissues from WT and CRYBB2 knockout mice. The GO and KEGG
      analyses indicated that these differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs were
      important in Ca2+ signaling and ligand and receptor interactions. The correlation
      matrix method established an lncRNA and mRNA co-expression network, consisting of
      53 lncRNAs and 45 mRNAs with 98 nodes and 75 connections. RT-qPCR confirmed
      downregulation of lncRNA A-30-P01019163 expression, which further downregulated
      its downstream gene purinergic receptor P2X, ligand-gated ion channel, 7 (P2rx7)
      expression in ovary tissues from CRYBB2 knockout mice. In conclusion, CRYBB2
      regulates expression of different lncRNAs to influence ovary development. lncRNA
      A-30-P01019163 may affect ovarian cell cycle and proliferation by regulating
      P2rx7 expression in the ovary.

PMID- 27666821
TI  - The tobacco-specific carcinogen-operated calcium channel promotes lung
      tumorigenesis via IGF2 exocytosis in lung epithelial cells.
AB  - Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) binding to the tobacco-specific
      carcinogen 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) induces Ca2+
      signalling, a mechanism that is implicated in various human cancers. In this
      study, we investigated the role of NNK-mediated Ca2+ signalling in lung cancer
      formation. We show significant overexpression of insulin-like growth factors
      (IGFs) in association with IGF-1R activation in human preneoplastic lung lesions
      in smokers. NNK induces voltage-dependent calcium channel (VDCC)-intervened
      calcium influx in airway epithelial cells, resulting in a rapid IGF2 secretion
      via the regulated pathway and thus IGF-1R activation. Silencing nAChR, alpha1
      subunit of L-type VDCC, or various vesicular trafficking curators, including
      synaptotagmins and Rabs, or blockade of nAChR/VDCC-mediated Ca2+ influx
      significantly suppresses NNK-induced IGF2 exocytosis, transformation and
      tumorigenesis of lung epithelial cells. Publicly available database reveals
      inverse correlation between use of calcium channel blockers and lung cancer
      diagnosis. Our data indicate that NNK disrupts the regulated pathway of IGF2
      exocytosis and promotes lung tumorigenesis.

PMID- 27666824
TI  - Does a person selectively recall the good or the bad from their personal past? It
      depends on the recall target and the person's favourability of self-views.
AB  - In three studies, participants remembered real-life behaviours at Time 1 and
      attempted to recall them at Time 2. When the recall target was the self, a
      positivity bias emerged: self-positivity. In Study 3, self-positivity extended to
      an individual (target) who was liked by the participant, but did it not extend to
      a disliked target. For this latter target, a negativity bias emerged. For recall
      targets that were participants' acquaintances, self-positivity in recall was also
      eliminated in Studies 1 and 3, and a negativity bias in recall emerged in Study
      2. Finally, in Study 2 (but not Study 3), the favourability of participants' self
      view predicted the magnitude of the self-positivity in self-recall, but it did
      not predict valence effects in other-recall. Taken together, the results indicate
      that the link between behaviour valence and recall is moderated by the recall
      target and the favourability of one's self-view.

PMID- 27666823
TI  - Cerebral ischemic post-conditioning induces autophagy inhibition and a HMGB1
      secretion attenuation feedback loop to protect against ischemia reperfusion
      injury in an oxygen glucose deprivation cellular model.
AB  - Cerebral ischemic postconditioning (IPOC) has been demonstrated to be
      neuroprotective against cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury. The present study
      aimed to determine whether IPOC could inhibit autophagy and high mobility group
      box 1 (HMGB1) release in a PC12 cell oxygen glucose deprivation/reperfusion
      (OGD/R) model. An 8 h OGD and 24 h reperfusion cellular model was developed to
      mimic cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury, with 3 cycles of 10 min OGD/5 min
      reperfusion treatment to imitate IPOC. Cell viability was determined to
      demonstrate the efficiency of OGD/R, IPOC and autophagy activator, rapamycin
      (RAP), treatment. Transmission electron microscopy was performed to observe the
      formation of autophagosomes, and immunofluorescence, western blot and co
      immunoprecipitation were used to examine the expression of autophagy-associated
      proteins and HMGB1. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis was conducted to
      examine the level of HMGB1 in cell supernatants. Additionally, PC12 cells were
      treated with RAP to examine the effect of autophagy on HMGB1 release, and the
      effect of recombinant human HMGB1 and Beclin1 small interfering RNA on autophagy
      was investigated. The present study confirmed that IPOC inhibited autophagy and
      HMGB1 secretion, autophagy inhibition induced a decrease in HMGB1 secretion, and
      HMGB1 secretion attenuation caused autophagy inhibition in return, as
      demonstrated by immunofluorescence and western blot analyses. Autophagy
      inhibition and HMGB1 secretion attenuation were, therefore, demonstrated to form
      a feedback loop under IPOC. These mechanisms illustrated the protective effects
      of IPOC and may accelerate the clinical use of IPOC.

PMID- 27666822
TI  - Destabilization of the IFT-B cilia core complex due to mutations in IFT81 causes
      a Spectrum of Short-Rib Polydactyly Syndrome.
AB  - Short-rib polydactyly syndromes (SRPS) and Asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy (ATD)
      or Jeune Syndrome are recessively inherited skeletal ciliopathies characterized
      by profound skeletal abnormalities and are frequently associated with polydactyly
      and multiorgan system involvement. SRPS are produced by mutations in genes that
      participate in the formation and function of primary cilia and usually result
      from disruption of retrograde intraflagellar (IFT) transport of the cilium.
      Herein we describe a new spectrum of SRPS caused by mutations in the gene IFT81,
      a key component of the IFT-B complex essential for anterograde transport. In
      mutant chondrocytes, the mutations led to low levels of IFT81 and mutant cells
      produced elongated cilia, had altered hedgehog signaling, had increased post
      translation modification of tubulin, and showed evidence of destabilization of
      additional anterograde transport complex components. These findings demonstrate
      the importance of IFT81 in the skeleton, its role in the anterograde transport
      complex, and expand the number of loci associated with SRPS.

PMID- 27666827
TI  - Letter to the Editor in response to: Important knowledge for parents of children
      with heart disease: parent, nurse, and physician views.

PMID- 27666825
TI  - MuSK Kinase Activity is Modulated By A Serine Phosphorylation Site in The Kinase
      Loop.
AB  - The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) forms when a motor neuron contacts a muscle
      fibre. A reciprocal exchange of signals initiates a cascade of signalling events
      that result in pre- and postsynaptic differentiation. At the centre of these
      signalling events stands muscle specific kinase (MuSK). MuSK activation, kinase
      activity and subsequent downstream signalling are crucial for NMJ formation as
      well as maintenance. Therefore MuSK kinase activity is tightly regulated to
      ensure proper NMJ development. We have identified a novel serine phosphorylation
      site at position 751 in MuSK that is increasingly phosphorylated upon agrin
      stimulation. S751 is also phosphorylated in muscle tissue and its phosphorylation
      depends on MuSK kinase activity. A phosphomimetic mutant of S751 increases MuSK
      kinase activity in response to non-saturating agrin concentrations . In addition,
      basal MuSK and AChR phosphorylation as well as AChR cluster size are increased.
      We believe that the phosphorylation of S751 provides a novel mechanism to relief
      the autoinhibition of the MuSK activation loop. Such a lower autoinhibition could
      foster or stabilize MuSK kinase activation, especially during stages when no or
      low level of agrin are present. Phosphorylation of S751 might therefore represent
      a novel mechanism to modulate MuSK kinase activity during prepatterning or NMJ
      maintenance.

PMID- 27666828
TI  - Anaerobic digestion of grass: the effect of temperature applied during the
      storage of substrate on the methane production.
AB  - Within this research, biogas production, representation of methane in biogas and
      volatile solids (VSs) removal efficiency were compared using batch tests
      performed with the samples of intensively and extensively planted grasses
      originating from public areas. Before the batch tests, the samples were stored at
      different temperatures achievable on biogas plants applying trigeneration
      strategy (-18 degrees C, +3 degrees C, +18 degrees C and +35 degrees C). Specific
      methane production from intensively planted grasses was relatively high (0.33
      0.41 m3/kg VS) compared to extensively planted grasses (0.20-0.33 m3/kg VS). VSs
      removal efficiency reached 59.8-68.8% for intensively planted grasses and 34.6
      56.5% for extensively planted grasses. Freezing the intensively planted grasses
      at -18 degrees C proved to be an effective thermal pretreatment leading to high
      biogas production (0.61 m3/kg total solid (TS)), high representation of methane
      (64.0%) in biogas and good VSs removal efficiency (68.8%). The results of this
      research suggest that public areas or sport parks seem to be available, cheap and
      at the same time very effective feedstock for biogas production.

PMID- 27666826
TI  - Systemic blockade of ACVR2B ligands prevents chemotherapy-induced muscle wasting
      by restoring muscle protein synthesis without affecting oxidative capacity or
      atrogenes.
AB  - Doxorubicin is a widely used and effective chemotherapy drug. However, cardiac
      and skeletal muscle toxicity of doxorubicin limits its use. Inhibiting
      myostatin/activin signalling can prevent muscle atrophy, but its effects in
      chemotherapy-induced muscle wasting are unknown. In the present study we
      investigated the effects of doxorubicin administration alone or combined with
      activin receptor ligand pathway blockade by soluble activin receptor IIB (sACVR2B
      Fc). Doxorubicin administration decreased body mass, muscle size and bone mineral
      density/content in mice. However, these effects were prevented by sACVR2B-Fc
      administration. Unlike in many other wasting situations, doxorubicin induced
      muscle atrophy without markedly increasing typical atrogenes or protein
      degradation pathways. Instead, doxorubicin decreased muscle protein synthesis
      which was completely restored by sACVR2B-Fc. Doxorubicin administration also
      resulted in impaired running performance without effects on skeletal muscle
      mitochondrial capacity/function or capillary density. Running performance and
      mitochondrial function were unaltered by sACVR2B-Fc administration. Tumour
      experiment using Lewis lung carcinoma cells demonstrated that sACVR2B-Fc
      decreased the cachectic effects of chemotherapy without affecting tumour growth.
      These results demonstrate that blocking ACVR2B signalling may be a promising
      strategy to counteract chemotherapy-induced muscle wasting without damage to
      skeletal muscle oxidative capacity or cancer treatment.

PMID- 27666829
TI  - RbTiOPO4 cascaded Raman operation with multiple Raman frequency shifts derived by
      Q-switched Nd:YAlO3 laser.
AB  - An intra-cavity RbTiOPO4 (RTP) cascade Raman laser was demonstrated for efficient
      multi-order Stokes emission. An acousto-optic Q-switched Nd:YAlO3 laser at 1.08
      MUm was used as the pump source and a 20-mm-long x-cut RTP crystal was used as
      the Raman medium to meet the X(Z,Z)X Raman configuration. Multi-order Stokes with
      multiple Raman shifts (~271, ~559 and ~687 cm-1) were achieved in the output.
      Under an incident pump power of 9.5 W, a total average output power of 580 mW
      with a pulse repetition frequency of 10 kHz was obtained. The optical conversion
      efficiency is 6.1%. The results show that the RTP crystal can enrich laser
      spectral lines and generate high order Stokes light.

PMID- 27666831
TI  - Nursing organisations 'saddened' by conflict.
AB  - As hostilities began, nurses' organisations expressed concern for colleagues and
      others involved in the war.

PMID- 27666832
TI  - ?
AB  - Eleventh-hour peace plea: Health Visitors' Association General Secretary
      Catherine Burns, right, joined other health visitors and nurses in protesting for
      peace at Trafalgar Square just before the United Nations' deadline expired.

PMID- 27666830
TI  - Mine is not to reason why?
AB  - An air of tension gripped the country as Nursing Standard went to press. As the
      full realisation of war unfolded on our television screens, no one could predict
      where it would end. Secrecy surrounded the number of wounded and reports of
      pilots and navigators lost in action brought home to us the human cost of
      warfare.

PMID- 27666833
TI  - NHS prepares for casualties.
AB  - Nurses preparing for a flood of Gulf War casualties in hospitals throughout
      Britain were described as 'tense' but well- prepared last week, as Allied troops
      attacked Iraq.

PMID- 27666834
TI  - Early Day Motion calls for 'attractive' salaries.
AB  - All-party support for a substantial pay rise for nurses is growing as unions
      await publication of this year's report from the Review Body on pay.

PMID- 27666835
TI  - Cleared nurse may not be offered her job back.
AB  - A health authority chief said last week that enrolled nurse Florence McKenley,
      who was cleared of manslaughter at the Old Bailey, would 'not necessarily' be
      offered her job back.

PMID- 27666836
TI  - ?
AB  - Peace pledge: Marjorie Thompson, Chair of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament
      and RCN Parliamentary Officer, took centre stage in Trafalgar Square at last
      week's mass rally against the Gulf war, just a few days before fighting began.

PMID- 27666837
TI  - Waldergrave signals go-slow on NHS reforms.
AB  - Health Secretary William Waldegrave last week declared an NHS reform slowdown, to
      the frustration of front-line Trust managers.

PMID- 27666838
TI  - RCN council.
AB  - Senior nurses have been warned that they could face charges of malicious
      behaviour if they 'blacklist' colleagues.

PMID- 27666839
TI  - ?
AB  - RCN President Professor June Clark took the opportunity to underline the
      importance of nurse education at last week's College annual dinner where Health
      Secretary William Waldegrave delivered the after-dinner speech.

PMID- 27666840
TI  - GPs reject independence for practice nurses.
AB  - Family doctors remain overwhelmingly opposed to the idea of independent nurse
      practitioners, a new study shows.

PMID- 27666841
TI  - Commons row blocks health committee.
AB  - The creation of the Commons' new streamlined Select Committee on Health has been
      blocked in a row over the Government's refusal to re-appoint a Scottish select
      committee.

PMID- 27666842
TI  - Care workers told to give more freedom to elderly.
AB  - Health care workers must change their overprotective approach to dealing with
      older people, a new report urges.

PMID- 27666844
TI  - Summit calls for shared post-registration training.
AB  - Primary health care nursing is expected to become the generic term for all nurses
      working in the community if proposals made at a secret summit meeting are
      accepted by the United Kingdom Central Council.

PMID- 27666843
TI  - Employers 'fail to understand' injury law.
AB  - Regulations relating to employees' risks of sustaining injury at work have been
      'fragmented and ineffective', with employers failing to understand what the law
      requires, according to Richard Sharpe of the Health and Safety Executive.

PMID- 27666846
TI  - Parliament.
AB  - Welsh health managers have been told to start taking tough 'value-for-money'
      decisions over which cancer patients can undergo surgery.

PMID- 27666849
TI  - World news.
AB  - United States The Royal College of Nursing has moved to allay fears that British
      nurses might be deported from the United States under new regulations on working
      visas introduced last September.

PMID- 27666851
TI  - Danger of X-rays without checks.
AB  - Nearly 30 per cent of women of childbearing age X-rayed between the ribs and the
      knees say that no attempt was made to find out if they were pregnant before the X
      ray was taken, according to a recent survey.

PMID- 27666850
TI  - ?
AB  - Third World Housework in the poorer developing countries poses a serious health
      risk to women, a new report on women's lives reveals.

PMID- 27666853
TI  - Booklet launched on Tuberous Sclerosis.
AB  - Over 5,000 people in the UK are affected by Tuberous Sclerosis (TS), an incurable
      condition with varying symptoms including mental retardation and epilepsy.

PMID- 27666852
TI  - Caution urged over HIV drug licensed in kenya.
AB  - The Canadian government is to back the trial of a controversial new drug which
      Kenyan researchers have claimed can halt the spread of HIV, according to a report
      in New Scientist magazine.

PMID- 27666855
TI  - Pregnancy fears over gases.
AB  - The Royal College of Nursing is concerned about the effect of waste anaesthetic
      gases (WAG), such as nitrous oxide, halothane and isoflurane, on the reproductive
      system.

PMID- 27666854
TI  - Preventing the majority of asthma deaths.
AB  - The majority of the 2,000 deaths in the UK each year from asthma are preventable
      and occur mainly because of an over-reliance on first aid for symptoms rather
      than regular treatment.

PMID- 27666856
TI  - Don't forget your post code.
AB  - While doing agency nursing at a Norfolk hospital, I read a memo from the X-ray
      Department stating that 'no X-rays would be be carried out on patients whose X
      ray forms did not state their post code'.

PMID- 27666857
TI  - Information exchange.
AB  - The Royal College of Nursing Association of Nursing Education provides an ideal
      forum for developing and co-ordinating a supportive network to facilitate sharing
      of experiences about the implementation of Project 2000.

PMID- 27666859
TI  - No 'automatic conversion'.
AB  - I am writing to dispel the apparent nursing myth that it is a foregone conclusion
      that SENs automatically pass their conversion courses.

PMID- 27666858
TI  - Smear test incompetence?
AB  - I am 55, single and celibate, and have never had a cervical smear test as I
      thought it unnecessary, until I received a request to have it done at my doctor's
      surgery.

PMID- 27666860
TI  - The right organisation.
AB  - Re: Susan Dukes' 'Establishing a bereavement service' (Nursing Standard November
      28 1990).

PMID- 27666862
TI  - Discharge Planning Guide for Nurses Discharge Planning Guide for Nurses Roivden J
      and Saunders E Taft 384pp L17.95 0-7216-2845-1 [Formula: see text].
AB  - Discharge Planning Guide for Nurses is a valuable addition to any nursing
      library.

PMID- 27666861
TI  - Shiftless mothers?
AB  - Nursing is uniquely suited to job-sharing. Unlike any other professional, the
      nurse has always handed over to another nurse at the end of their shift. No nurse
      works in isolation and team work and handovers are an intrinsic part of nursing.

PMID- 27666863
TI  - Leadership, 2nd edition Leadership, 2nd edition Bernhard L , Walsh M Como N Mosby
      228pp L17.95 0-8016-60661-1 [Formula: see text].
AB  - Change is likely to be the one consistent factor facing health-service personnel
      over the next few years. Such change will require careful planning, an emphasis
      on clarity of objectives and an ability to co-ordinate activity across the many
      levels and divisions, both within the organisation and between the various other
      agencies which may have a stake in the outcome.

PMID- 27666864
TI  - Case Studies in Cardiovascular Critical Care Nursing Case Studies in
      Cardiovascular Critical Care Nursing M Walsh J Clochesy Aspen 292pp L40.00 0-8342
      0115-1 [Formula: see text].
AB  - Mickie Walsh and John Clochesy aim to show how the use of two conceptual models
      of nursing can guide nursing practice in the critical care setting.

PMID- 27666866
TI  - Mitral valvuloplasty: the Inoue technique.
AB  - The first mitral valvuloplasty was carried out in Japan some five years ago and
      introduced into this country shortly afterwards. Normally, patients with mitral
      valve disease whose symptoms are not controlled by medical therapy are offered
      surgery, which has a mortality rate of some 7-10 per cent.

PMID- 27666865
TI  - Health and wealth.
AB  - The Association of Community Health Councils has launched a health news briefing
      document titled 'Health and wealth - a review of health inequalities in the UK' (
      1 ). The document states that the evidence linking ill health and mortality with
      poverty is overwhelming.

PMID- 27666867
TI  - Nb2O5-gamma-Al2O3 nanofibers as heterogeneous catalysts for efficient conversion
      of glucose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural.
AB  - One-dimensional gamma-Al2O3 nanofibers were modified with Nb2O5 to be used as an
      efficient heterogeneous catalyst to catalyze biomass into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural
      (5-HMF). At low Nb2O5 loading, the niobia species were well dispersed on gamma
      Al2O3 nanofiber through Nb-O-Al bridge bonds. The interaction between Nb2O5
      precursor and gamma-Al2O3 nanofiber results in the niobia species with strong
      Lewis acid sites and intensive Bronsted acid sites, which made 5-HMF yield from
      glucose to reach the maximum 55.9~59.0% over Nb2O5-gamma-Al2O3 nanofiber with a
      loading of 0.5~1 wt% Nb2O5 at 150  degrees C for 4 h in dimethyl sulfoxide.
      However, increasing Nb2O5 loading could lead to the formation of two-dimensional
      polymerized niobia species, three-dimensional polymerized niobia species and
      crystallization, which significantly influenced the distribution and quantity of
      the Lewis acid sites and Bronst acid sites over Nb2O5-gamma-Al2O3 nanofiber.
      Lewis acid site Nbdelta+ played a key role on the isomerization of glucose to
      fructose, while Bronsted acid sites are more active for the dehydration of
      generated fructose to 5-HMF. In addition, the heterogeneous Nb2O5-gamma-Al2O3
      nanofiber catalyst with suitable ratio of Lewis acid to Bronsted sites should
      display an more excellent catalytic performance in the conversion of glucose to 5
      HMF.

PMID- 27666868
TI  - Gender effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms and miRNAs targeting clock
      genes in metastatic colorectal cancer patients (mCRC).
AB  - The circadian system is composed of a set of clock-genes including PERIOD, CLOCK,
      BMAL1 and CRY. Disrupting this system promotes cancer development and
      progression. The expression levels of miR-206, miR-219, miR-192, miR-194 and miR
      132 regulating clock-genes and three functional polymorphisms rs11133373 C/G,
      rs1801260 T/C, rs11133391 T/C in CLOCK sequence were associated with the survival
      of 83 mCRC patients (50 males and 33 females). Longer overall survival (OS) was
      observed in women compared to men, 50 versus 31 months. This difference was
      associated with rs11133373 C/C genotype (p = 0.01), rs1801260 T/C+C/C genotype (p
      = 0.06) and rs11133391 T/T genotype (p = 0.06). Moreover women expressing high
      levels (H) of miR-192 (p = 0.03), miR-206 (p = 0.003), miR-194 (p = 0.02) and miR
      219 (p = 0.002) had a longer OS compared to men. In women longer OS was
      reinforced by the simultaneous presence of two or more H-miR, 58 months versus 15
      months (p = 0.0008); in this group of women an OS of 87 months was reached with
      the additional presence of rs11133391T/T genotype (p = 0.02). In this study we
      identified a subgroup of female patients who seems to have a better prognosis.
      Personalized medicine should prospectively take into account both genetic and
      gender differences.

PMID- 27666869
TI  - Controllable Edge Oxidation and Bubbling Exfoliation Enable the Fabrication of
      High Quality Water Dispersible Graphene.
AB  - Despite significant progresses made on mass production of chemically exfoliated
      graphene, the quality, cost and environmental friendliness remain major
      challenges for its market penetration. Here, we present a fast and green
      exfoliation strategy for large scale production of high quality water dispersible
      few layer graphene through a controllable edge oxidation and localized gas
      bubbling process. Mild edge oxidation guarantees that the pristine sp2 lattice is
      largely intact and the edges are functionalized with hydrophilic groups, giving
      rise to high conductivity and good water dispersibility at the same time. The
      aqueous concentration can be as high as 5.0 mg mL-1, which is an order of
      magnitude higher than previously reports. The water soluble graphene can be
      directly spray-coated on various substrates, and the back-gated field effect
      transistor give hole and electron mobility of ~496 and ~676 cm2 V-1 s-1,
      respectively. These results achieved are expected to expedite various
      applications of graphene.

PMID- 27666870
TI  - Effects of thyroid hormone withdrawal on natriuretic peptides during radioactive
      iodine therapy in female patients with differentiated thyroid cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the effects of thyroid hormone withdrawal on N
      terminal prohormone forms of atrial natriuretic peptide (NT-proANP) and brain
      natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) during radioiodine therapy in female patients
      with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). METHODS: Serum concentrations of
      thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), NT-proANP and NT
      proBNP were measured in 51 female patients with DTC (48.7 +/- 4.2 years) at three
      time-points: day of radioiodine therapy (t1 - under acute hypothyroidism), 5 days
      after radioiodine (t2 - under acute hypothyroidism) and 3 months after
      radioiodine (t3 - under TSH suppression). Thirty healthy euthyroid women served
      as controls (42.8 +/- 5.6 years). RESULTS: At t1/t2/t3, median NT-proANP was
      5.2/1.7/487 pmol/L vs. 297.7 pmol/L in control group (p < 0.001), median NT
      proBNP was 50.1/36.5/79.5 pmol/L vs. 64.5 pmol/L (p < 0.001) and median NT
      proANP/NT-proBNP ratios was 0.20/0.18/4.81 vs. 4.14 (p < 0.001). In acute
      hypothyroidism, FT3 levels were positively correlated with NT-proANP (r = 0.38, p
      = 0.005), NT-proANP/NT-proBNP ratios (r = 0.47, p = 0.001), heart rate (r = 0.39,
      p = 0.005), and negatively with mean arterial blood pressure (r = -0.58, p <
      0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that NT-proANP reflects more accurately
      direct thyroid hormone effects than NT-proBNP. Thyroid hormone-dependent
      hemodynamic effects seem to be overlapped on the direct stimulatory effect of
      thyroid hormones on NT-proANP secretion by cardiac myocytes.

PMID- 27666871
TI  - Differential expression of miR-184 in temporal lobe epilepsy patients with and
      without hippocampal sclerosis - Influence on microglial function.
AB  - Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders characterized by
      recurrent seizures due to neuronal hyperexcitability. Here we compared miRNA
      expression patterns in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with and without hippocampal
      sclerosis (mTLE + HS and mTLE -HS) to investigate the regulatory mechanisms
      differentiating both patient groups. Whole genome miRNA sequencing in surgically
      resected hippocampi did not reveal obvious differences in expression profiles
      between the two groups of patients. However, one microRNA (miR-184) was
      significantly dysregulated, which was confirmed by qPCR. We observed that
      overexpression of miR-184 inhibited cytokine release after LPS stimulation in
      primary microglial cells, while it did not affect the viability of murine primary
      neurons and primary astrocytes. Pathway analysis revealed that miR-184 is
      potentially involved in the regulation of inflammatory signal transduction and
      apoptosis. Dysregulation of some the potential miR-184 target genes was confirmed
      by qPCR and 3'UTR luciferase reporter assay. The reduced expression of miR-184
      observed in patients with mTLE + HS together with its anti-inflammatory effects
      indicate that miR-184 might be involved in the modulation of inflammatory
      processes associated with hippocampal sclerosis which warrants further studies
      elucidating the role of miR-184 in the pathophysiology of mTLE.

PMID- 27666872
TI  - Microbial transformation of hederagenin by Cunninghamella echinulate, Mucor
      subtilissimus, and Pseudomonas oleovorans.
AB  - The pentacyclic triterpenoid hederagenin (1) was subjected to biotransformation
      by Cunninghamella echinulate CGMCC 3.2000, Mucor subtilissimus CGMCC 3.2454 and
      Pseudomonas oleovorans CGMCC 1.1641. Three metabolites were obtained. On the
      basis of nuclear magnetic resonance and high-resolution mass spectral analyses,
      their structures were characterized as 3beta, 23-dihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid
      28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (2), 3beta, 15alpha, 23-trihydroxyolean-12-en-28
      oic acid (3), 1beta, 3beta, 23-trihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid (4), and
      metabolite (3) was a new compound. This was the first report on the
      biotransformation of hederagenin.

PMID- 27666873
TI  - Enhancement of the topical tolnaftate delivery for the treatment of tinea pedis
      via provesicular gel systems.
AB  - Tolnaftate is a thiocarbamate antifungal drug which is therapeutically active
      against dermatophytes that cause various forms of tinea. Due to the small amount
      of tolnaftate released from ordinary ointment bases and insufficient penetration
      through the infected skin layers the need to incorporate the drug in a more
      suitable pharmaceutical form has evolved. A provesicular system is one such form
      that can solve these problems. Once in contact with the skin, dilution with
      moisture occurs and the provesicular system rapidly transforms into a vesicular
      one. Provesicular systems were prepared according to full-factorial experimental
      design. Plain provesicular systems were compared with systems containing
      Phospholipon 80 H and Lipoid S45 as penetration enhancers. Design expert software
      was used to analyze the effect of formulation variables (type of Span used as
      well as the presence or the absence of the penetration enhancer and its type) on
      the dependent variables: percent encapsulation efficiency (EE%), vesicle size and
      percent in vitro drug released). Three formulations were chosen; a plain
      provesicular system (PV-2), one containing Phospholipon 80H (PV-6) and another
      containing Lipoid S45 (PV-10) with the goal to reveal the effect of penetration
      enhancer on morphology, rheological properties and ex vivo permeation using
      confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Analysis of CLSM results showed that
      the penetration enhancing effect for the tested formulations followed the order
      PV-10 > PV-6 > PV-2. Promising clinically active treatment for tinea patients
      could be expected as shown by the in vivo permeation results for the provesicular
      systems as suggested by the CLSM results.

PMID- 27666874
TI  - Knockdown of FRAT1 inhibits hypoxia-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition
      via suppression of the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma
      cells.
AB  - Hypoxia-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in hepatocellular
      carcinoma (HCC) was investigated. Frequently rearranged in advanced T-cell
      lymphomas-1 (FRAT1) is a positive regulator of the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling
      pathway and is overexpressed in many human tumors. However, the expression and
      role of FRAT1 in HCC has not been elucidated. In this study, we investigated the
      effect of FRAT1 on EMT process in HCC cells induced by hypoxia. Our results
      showed that FRAT1 is highly expressed in HCC tissues and cell lines. Hypoxia
      significantly induced FRAT1 expression in HCC cells. FRAT1 knockdown inhibited
      hypoxia-induced cell migration/invasion, downregulation of epithelial markers and
      upregulation of mesenchymal markers. Moreover, FRAT1 knockdown suppressed the
      expression levels of beta-catenin, cyclin D1 and c-myc in HCC cells under the
      same hypoxic condition. Our results revealed that FRAT1 is a hypoxia factor that
      is critical for the induction of EMT in HCC cells. These data suggest a potential
      role for targeting FRAT1 in the prevention of hypoxia-induced HCC cancer
      progression and metastasis mediated by EMT.

PMID- 27666875
TI  - Ferroelectricity by Bose-Einstein condensation in a quantum magnet.
AB  - The Bose-Einstein condensation is a fascinating phenomenon, which results from
      quantum statistics for identical particles with an integer spin. Surprising
      properties, such as superfluidity, vortex quantization or Josephson effect,
      appear owing to the macroscopic quantum coherence, which spontaneously develops
      in Bose-Einstein condensates. Realization of Bose-Einstein condensation is not
      restricted in fluids like liquid helium, a superconducting phase of paired
      electrons in a metal and laser-cooled dilute alkali atoms. Bosonic quasi
      particles like exciton-polariton and magnon in solids-state systems can also
      undergo Bose-Einstein condensation in certain conditions. Here, we report that
      the quantum coherence in Bose-Einstein condensate of the magnon quasi particles
      yields spontaneous electric polarization in the quantum magnet TlCuCl3, leading
      to remarkable magnetoelectric effect. Very soft ferroelectricity is realized as a
      consequence of the O(2) symmetry breaking by magnon Bose-Einstein condensation.
      The finding of this ferroelectricity will open a new window to explore multi
      functionality of quantum magnets.

PMID- 27666877
TI  - [Primary and secondary prophylaxis of liver cirrhosis gastroesophageal varices].

PMID- 27666876
TI  - Dynamics of Humic Acid and Its Interaction with Uranyl in the Presence of
      Hydrophobic Surface Implicated by Molecular Dynamics Simulations.
AB  - This work targeted a molecular level of understanding on the dynamics of humic
      acid (HA) and its interaction with uranyl in the presence of hydrophobic surface
      mimicked by a carbon nanotube (CNT), which also represents a potential intruder
      in the environment accompanying with the development of nanotechnology. In
      aqueous phase, uranyl and HA were observed to build close contact spontaneously,
      driven by electrostatic interaction, leading to a more compact conformation of
      HA. The presence of CNT unfolds HA via pi-pi interactions with the aromatic rings
      of HA without significant perturbation on the interaction strength between HA and
      uranyl. These results show that the hydrophilic uranyl and the hydrophobic CNT
      influence the folding behavior of HA in distinct manners, which represents two
      fundamental mechanisms that the folding behavior of HA may be modulated in the
      environment, that is, uranyl enhances the folding of HA via electrostatic
      interactions, whereas CNT impedes its spontaneous folding via van der Waals (vdW)
      interactions. The work also provides molecular level of evidence on the
      transformation of a hydrophobic surface into a hydrophilic one via noncovalent
      functionalization by HA, which in turn affects the migration of HA and the
      cations it binds to.

PMID- 27666878
TI  - [Impact of concomitant use of P2Y12 inhibitors and proton pump inhibitors on
      ischemia events in patients with acute coronary syndrome in real world].
AB  - Objective: The study aimed to analyze the impact of concomitant administration of
      P2Y12 inhibitors and PPIs on ischemia events in patients with acute coronary
      syndrome (ACS) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: We
      retrospectively analyzed data from a international, multi-center registry between
      2003 and 2014 in patients with ACS after PCI, grouped the cohort into patients
      receiving PPIs or no PPIs and assessed 1-year clinical endpoint (all-cause
      death/re-infarction). Meanwhile, we grouped the cohort into patients receiving
      clopidogrel or ticagrelor, and compared the impact of concomitant administration
      of PPIs and clopidogrel or ticagrelor on 1-year clinical endpoint. Results: Of 9
      429 patients in the final cohort, 54.8% (n=5 165) was prescribed a PPI at
      discharge. Patients receiving a PPI were more likely to have comorbidities. No
      association was observed between PPI use and the clinical endpoint (HR 1.00, 95%
      CI 0.86-1.18). Meanwhile, no association was found between PPI use and the
      clinical endpoint in patients receiving either clopidogrel or ticagrelor. And the
      clinical endpoint in patients administrated of clopidogrel and PPIs had no
      difference with that of ticagrelor and PPIs. Conclusions: In patients with ACS
      following PCI, increased risk of ischemia event was not found in the concomitant
      use of PPIs and P2Y12 inhibitors, and especially, compared with ticagrelor,
      clopidogrel was found no association with ischemia events when concomitant
      administrated with PPIs.

PMID- 27666879
TI  - [Needle electromyography features and values of paraspinal muscle parameters in
      assessment of respiratory function of patients with amyotrophic lateral
      sclerosis].
AB  - Objective: To analyze the features of needle electromyography (EMG) in patients
      with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and explore the correlation between EMG
      parameters of the tenth thoracic paraspinal muscle and disease duration, rate of
      disease progression, forced vital capacity (FVC) and revised Amyotrophic Lateral
      Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R). Methods: Standard EMG was recorded
      from unilateral sternocleidomastoid muscle and/or tongue muscles, upper and lower
      limbs muscles and the tenth thoracic paraspinal muscle in 112 patients with
      definite ALS between March 2012 and June 2013 in the Department of Neurology at
      Chinese PLA General Hospital. Parameters studies included spontaneous potentials,
      duration and amplitude of motor unit potentials (MUP), pattern of recruitment.
      Results: EMG revealed diffuse neurogenic changes in each case. Fibrillation
      potential or positive sharp waves were found in some muscles in all of patients,
      and both of them were found in most of the cases. Fasciculation potentials (FPs)
      were found in 8 patients and accompanied with fibrillation potential and positive
      sharp waves in 5 of them. Complex repetitive discharges (CRDs) were found in only
      1 patient. Duration and amplitude of MUP was prolonged and increased in ALS
      patients, and the rate of high amplitude and decreased recruitment pattern were
      35.71% and 72.32%, respectively. Logistic regression analysis revealed an
      association of the FVC loss with the drop of ALSFRS-R and peak amplitude of the
      tenth thoracic paraspinal muscle. Conclusions: The abnormal spontaneous activity
      with high frequency are fibrillation potentials and/or positive sharp waves.
      However, FPs is observed in a small number of patients and CRDs is rarely seen in
      ALS. The ALSFRS-R and peak amplitude of thetenth thoracic paraspinal muscle may
      be of certain clinical value in estimating the severity of disease especially the
      respiratory dysfunction in ALS patients.

PMID- 27666881
TI  - [Spontaneous intracranial hypotension: 12 case reports and follow-up].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the pathogenesis, clinical presentation, imaging
      features and prognosis of spontaneous intracranial hypotension. Methods: Clinical
      manifestation and imaging changes of 12 patients with spontaneous intracranial
      hypotension were reported. They were followed up regularly. The clinical and
      neuroimaging characteristics were summarized. Results: All the 12 cases were
      adults, presenting with orthostatic headache. They all recovered with
      conservative therapy. Head MRI demonstrated cerebral lobe hemorrhage, subdural
      hematoma, pituitary hyperemia, subarachnoid hemorrhage, enhancement of the
      pachymeninges, sagging of the brain, etc. Conclusions: Spontaneous intracranial
      hypotension is characterized by orthostatic headaches and is associated with
      compensatory changes following loss of CSF volume. The long-time prognosis is not
      bad.

PMID- 27666880
TI  - [Characteristics of sympathetic skin response in patients with multiple system
      atrophy].
AB  - Objective: To provide evidence for early clinical diagnosis of multiple system
      atrophy(MSA)by studying the characteristics of sympathetic skin responses(SSR) in
      the patients with MSA. Methods: A total of 47 MSA patients and 32 healthy
      individuals were enrolled as case group and normal control(NC) group, from in and
      out patients of Neurology Department of Navy General Hospital from July 2013 to
      August 2015. SSR was tested by Nicolet electromyography, the latency and abnormal
      and disappeared rate of SSR were compared. Results: The SSR latency of upper
      limbs and lower limbs in MSA group had statistical significance compared
      respectively with the NCgroup (upper limbs: SSR latency was(1 485+/-187)ms in MSA
      group, and(1 375+/-108)ms in NC group, P<0.05; lower limbs: SSR latency was(2
      200+/-386)ms in MSA group, and(1 994+/-240)ms in NC group, P<0.05). Sex and age
      had no significant effect on the latency and the abnormal and disappeared rate of
      SSR in two groups (P>0.05). The upper and lower limb SSR latency in MSA patients
      with disease duration more than 2 years(SSR latency was (1 592+/-160)ms in upper
      limb and (2 268+/-254)ms in lower limb) were longer than those within 2 years(SSR
      latency was (1 453+/-184)ms in upper limb and (2 190+/-442)ms in lower limb), but
      only the upper limbs had significantly statistical differences (P<0.05). Both SSR
      abnormal rate and SSR disappeared rate in MSA patients whose disease duration
      were more than 2 years(SSR abnormal rate: 85.00%, SSR disappeared rate: 75.00%)
      were higher than those with shorter disease duration(SSR abnormal rate: 55.56%,
      SSR disappeared rate: 22.22%), and both were statistically significant (SSR
      abnormal rate: P<0.05, SSR disappeared rate: P<0.001). The upper and lower limb
      SSR latency of MSA-C subgroup had no statistical difference compared with MSA-P
      subgroup(P>0.05). The SSR abnormal rate in MSA-C subgroup(78.13%) was higher than
      that of MSA-P subgroup(46.76%), and were statistically significant (P<0.05). The
      SSR disappeared rate in MSA-C subgroup has no statistical difference compared
      with the MSA-P subgroup(P>0.05). Conclusions: SSR is helpful to diagnose MSA. The
      latency and the abnormal and disappeared rate of SSR are significantly increased
      with the extension of MSA duration. The SSR abnormal rate in MSA-C patients is
      higher than that in MSA-P patients, and symmetrically abnormal SSR is more
      supporting the diagnosis of MSA.

PMID- 27666882
TI  - [Radiofrequency ablation combined with systemic chemotherapy in the management of
      nasopharyngeal carcinoma with liver metastasis].
AB  - Objective: To determine the treatment efficacy of systemic chemotherapy combined
      with sequential CT-guided radiofrequency ablation (chemo-RFA) in the management
      of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) with liver metastasis. Methods: A total of 427
      NPC patients diagnosed with liver metastasis at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer
      Center between January 2000 and December 2013 were enrolled. Of the patients, 340
      cases were male, 87 cases were female, the median age was 45 years (range 18-80
      years), all patients received systemic chemotherapy and part of them also
      received RFA treatment. Patients were evaluated for response every two cycles
      during systemic chemotherapy and then every three months until death. One-to-one
      matched pairs between chemo-RFA group with chemo-only group were generated using
      propensity score matching; survival analysis was further conducted. Results: Of
      all the enrolled patients, 56 patients (13.1%) received combined treatment, 371
      patients (86.9%)received chemotherapy alone. After propensity score matching, 56
      pairs of well-matched liver metastatic NPC patients were selected from different
      treatment groups. The 1-, 3-, 5- year overall survival (OS) rates for chemo-RFA
      group were 89.2%, 45.5% and 32.5% and chemo-only group were 77.1%, 27.5% and 4.8%
      respectively; the 1-, 3-, 5- year progression-free survival (PFS) rates for chemo
      RFA group were 64.0%, 25.4% and 10.7% and chemo-only group were 44.1%, 5.5% and
      5.5% respectively.The adjusted hazard ratio in OS and PFS of the choice for chemo
      RFA approach to chemo-only was HR 0.43, 95% CI 0.25-0.73 and HR 0.44, 95% CI 0.28
      0.71 respectively. Conclusion: CT-guided RFA combined with chemotherapy approach
      could improve the survival rate for NPC patients with liver metastasis.

PMID- 27666884
TI  - [Predictive value of early lactate area for mortality in elderly patients with
      septic shock].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the predictive value of early lactate area for
      mortality in elderly patients with septic shock. Methods: From January 2012 to
      December 2013, a prospective study was conducted in the Department of Critical
      Care Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University. A total of 115 septic shock
      patients with age >=65 years were included in the study. Serum lactate was
      measured every 6 hours, the lactate indicators, including early lactate area,
      APACHE II score etc were recorded. Results: The overall 28-day mortality rate was
      67.0%. The top three primary infection sources were lung, abdominal cavity and
      bloodstream. When compared to survivors, non-survivors had significantly elevated
      early lactate area and APACHE II score and lowered lactate clearance[(27.4+/-7.6)
      vs ( 20.3+/-6.5)], they were significantly more likely to have undergone
      mechanical ventilation, renal replacement therapy and inotropic or vasopressor
      support for >=3 d, and more frequently displayed signs of cardiovascular,
      respiratory, and renal and hepatic dysfunction (all P<0.05) .Receiver Operating
      Characteristic curves indicated the lactate area score displayed a strong
      predictive power for 28 day mortality as indicated by an AUC of 0.758 (P<0.01)
      and had significantly greater predictive power when compared to the initial
      lactate or lactate clearance (all P<0.05). Conclusions: In geriatric patients
      with septic shock, the early lactate area is a useful predictor for early death
      and showed better predictive value than other lactate indicators.

PMID- 27666883
TI  - [MRI findings of renal cell carcinoma associated with Xp11.2 translocations/TFE3
      gene fusions].
AB  - Objective: To analyze MRI findings of renal cell carcinoma associated with Xp11.2
      translocation-TFE gene fusion(Xp11.2 RCC). Methods: MR imaging features of eleven
      patients with pathologically-proved Xp11.2 RCC were retrospectively analyzed from
      December 2008 to December 2015. The following MRI features of the lesions were
      analyzed in the study: location, maximal diameter, signal intensity, hemorrhage,
      necrosis, cystic change, enhancement features and metastasis. The data was
      analyzed by using t test. Results: Four men and seven women (mean age, 35.2
      years; age range, 15-49 years) were included. Tumors occurred in the right kidney
      in 5 cases and the left kidney in 6 cases. On T1WI tumors showed heterogeneously
      hypo-intensity and iso-intensity, hyper-intensity in 10 cases, 1 cases,
      respectively. On T2WI tumors showed heterogeneously slight hypo-intensity,
      heterogeneously slight hyper-intensity and hyper-intensity in 6 cases, 4 cases, 1
      case, respectively. On DWI tumors showed hyper-intensity and heterogeneously
      slight hype-intensity in 2 cases, 9 cases, respectively. ADC value of the tumors
      were statistically significant lower than that of renal cortex(*10-3mm2/s)(1.35+/
      0.20 vs 2.09+/-0.11, P<0.05). Imaging findings were suggestive of hemorrhage(n=4)
      or necrosis (n=1) or cystic change (n=6) or lipid(n=1) in the tumors. On dynamic
      contrast-enhanced imaging, tumors showed lower signal intensity change (96%+/
      93%, 110%+/-86% and 103%+/-46%, respectively) than did renal cortex (285%+/-109%,
      254%+/-97% and 225%+/-90%, respectively) (P<0.05). Tumor capsule showed in 7
      cases. Enlarged lymph node was found in renal hilum in one case. Conclusion: MRI
      findings may show characteristic features of Xp11.2 RCC combined with patients'
      age and assist in preoperative correct diagnosis.

PMID- 27666885
TI  - [Clinical investigation of temporary heart pacemaker for emergency treatment of
      patients with acute and severe cardiovascular diseases].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of temporary heart
      pacemaker for emergency treatment of patients with acute and severe
      cardiovascular diseases. Methods: The clinical data of 147 patients with cardiac
      arrest or bradyarrhythmia from August 2007 to December 2015, was analyzed
      retrospectively in Department of internal and Emergency Medicine, People's
      Hospital of Henan. Based on the rescue methods, all patients were divided into
      two groups: observation group (80 cases, among whom, 49 cases with cardiac arrest
      and 31 cases with bradyarrhythmia) and control group (67 cases, among whom 39
      cases with cardiac arrest and 28 cases with bradyarrhythmia). Patients in
      observation group received temporary heart pacemaker, and patients in control
      group received traditional cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and drug treatment. The
      rate of rescue and complications were analyzed and compared in two groups.
      Results: The total rescue rate in observation group was 96.3%, which was
      significantly higher than that in control group (44.8 %) (P<0.05). Further
      analysis showed that the rescue rate of patients with cardiac arrest in
      observation group was significantly higher than that in control group (95.1% vs
      45.1%) (P<0.05), and the rescue rate of patients with bradyarrhythmia in
      observation group was significantly higher than that in control group (97.4% vs
      44.4%) (P<0.05). Complications were observed in 4 patients: pericardial effusion
      (1 case ), ventricular fibrillation (1 cases) and catheter dislocation (2 cases).
      Conclusion: Temporary heart pacemaker was safe and effective in the treatment of
      patients with acute and severe cardiovascular diseases with improved rescue rate.

PMID- 27666886
TI  - [Prenatal ultrasound diagnosis, prognosis and chromosome analysis of fetal bowel
      dilatation].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the relationship among the prenatal ultrasound,
      prognosis and chromosome results of fetal bowel dilatation. And in order to
      further improve the positive rate of prenatal chromosome examination operation,
      and reduce the risk of missed diagnosis. Methods: Ninety fetuses who were
      diagnosed as fetal bowel dilatation by prenatal ultrasound from June 2013 to
      December 2015 in the Second hospital of Jilin University were enrolled.
      Chromosomes were examined by amniotic cavity puncture or umbilical cord blood
      puncture. The change of fetus's bowel was monitored periodically by prenatal
      ultrasound. The normal bowel movement of newborns was a good prognosis. The
      abdominal X ray or barium contrast radiography was performed in the newborns who
      did not have normal bowel movement after delivery. Patients underwent surgery or
      conservative treatment after diagnosis. Fetal karyotype analysis of aborted fetus
      was carried out by amniotic cavity puncture and umbilical cord blood before
      induction of labor. Autopsy was performed after induced labor. Patients who were
      not continued examination in our hospital were followed up by telephone. Results:
      Among the 90 fetuses, there are 11 cases of duodenum dilatation, 38 cases of
      jejunum and ileum dilatation, 41 cases of colorectal dilatation. Ten cases of
      duodenum dilatation were confirmed by autopsy after induced labor, and one case
      was lost in follow-up. Chromosome examination revealed 3 cases of 21- three body
      syndrome, 1 case of 18- three body syndrome, 1 case of chromosomal translocation.
      In 38 cases of jejunum and ileum dilatation, bowel dilatation of 26 cases had
      decrease or no obvious increase with good prognosis. Six cases of induced labor,
      3 cases of receive surgery after birth, 2 cases of postoperative survival, and 3
      cases of loss of follow-up. Chromosome examination revealed 1 case of 21- three
      body syndrome and 1 case of chromosomal translocation. In 41 cases of colorectal
      dilatation, 29 cases had good prognosis. Five cases were aborted, 1 case of fetal
      death, 2 cases died within 1 month after birth, 2 cases received surgery after
      birth and survived after operation, and 2 cases of loss of follow-up.
      Conclusions: Clinical prognosis and the associated risk of chromosome
      abnormalities in patients with fetal bowel dilatation are different in terms of
      its expansion location and extent of the different, which need to a specific
      analysis of specific situations.

PMID- 27666887
TI  - [Clinical value of assisted laparoscopic ultrasonography in laparoscopic
      myomectomy].
AB  - Objective: To explore the application value of assisted laparoscopic ultrasound
      in myomectomy. Methods: One hundred and fifty six patients who underwent
      myomectomy in Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital from 2011 to 2013 were
      enrolled.The patients were randomly divided into laparoscopic ultrasound guided
      group (n=57), laparoscopic group (n=54) and open resection group (n=45). The
      patients were followed up to calculate the residue and recurrence rates of
      uterine fibroids by vaginal ultrasound at 6th month and 12th-18th month after the
      operation. The residual and recurrence rates of the three methods were calculated
      and compared. Results: The recurrence rate of laparoscopic ultrasound guided
      group wassignificantly lower than that of laparoscopic group and open resection
      group (P<0.01) and (P<0.01). The residual rate of laparoscopic ultrasound guided
      group was also lower than that of laparoscopic group(P<0.05). However, there was
      no difference between the residual rates of laparoscopic ultrasound guided group
      and open resection group (P>0.05). When compared with open resection group, no
      difference was found in the residual and recurrence rates of laparoscopic group.
      The number of myoma was proportional to the residual rate and the recurrence
      rate. When the number of the myoma was more than 10, most of the cases existed
      residue. Conclusion: The application of assisted laparoscopic ultrasound in
      myomectomy couldreduce the residual and recurrence rate of uterine fibroids.

PMID- 27666888
TI  - [Breast lymphoma ultrasound image and clinical pathological analysis].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the relationship between different image sonographic
      findings and different pathological breast lymphoma. Methods: A total of 24
      patients of breast lymphoma from the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical
      University who were confirmed by pathology were retrospectively analyzed between
      January 2006 and December 2015.All the ultrasound and clinical pathologic
      features of relevant information were collected to observe the pathological
      changes of ultrasonographic performance. Results: Ultrasonic image can be divided
      into mass type and diffuse typpe .There were 10 cases of diffuse type (10/24,
      41.7%), 14 cases of mass type (14/24, 58.3%) .Pathology was given priority to
      diffuse large B lymphoma .Sonographic findings of different classification were
      based on pathological histology, which were related with the lymphoma cells
      infiltrating location, degree, scope and different stages of progression.Mass
      type and diffuse type were different in the lesion range comparison.Secondary and
      primary breast lymphoma in ultrasound performance type had no significant
      difference. There were differences in the lesion distribution comparison.
      Conclusion: Breast lymphoma have different sonographic features based on
      histological features.

PMID- 27666889
TI  - [Effects of 0.5 Gy X-ray radiation on the profile of gene expression in MC3T3-E1
      osteoblasts].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the molecular mechanism of low-dose X-ray irradiation
      on osteoblasts by detecting the gene expression profiles of osteoblasts radiated
      with 0.5 Gy X-ray. Methods: Microarray analyses to value the changes of gene
      expression of MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts after 0.5 Gy X-ray irradiation were
      conducted.The end points included modulation of key markers, and pathway and gene
      ontology through transcriptomic profiling and bioinformatics analysis. Several
      major genes during osteoblasts differentiation were selected for Real-time PCR
      analysis. Results: 1 412 differentially expressed transcripts were identified
      between the radiated group and control group. Among the identified genes, 559
      transcripts were up-regulated and 853 transcripts were down-regulated after
      irradiation.Real-time PCR analysis indicated that the mRNA expressions of Bglap
      rs1, Col1a2, Tgf-beta1, Lrp5, Dvl1, Map4k5 were apparently higher than that of
      the controls (P<0.01), whereas the Id2 and Dkk1 expression decreased under the
      same condition(P<0.01). Western-blot analysis indicated TGF-beta1 and Lrp-5
      protein expression increased and Dkk1 expression decreased(P<0.05). Pathway
      analysis and gene ontology analysis revealed that focal adhesion, extracellular
      signaling, cytoskeletal protein binding, Wnt signal pathway, IkappaB /NF-kappaB
      signal pathway and growth factor receptors activities. Conclusions: Low-dose X
      ray radiation promoted osteoblasts differentiation in which focal adhesion,
      extracellular signaling, cytoskeletal protein binding, Wnt signal pathway,
      IkappaB /NF-kappaB signal pathway and growth factor activities might be involved.

PMID- 27666890
TI  - [Effects and mechanism of testosterone on the production of inflammatory
      cytokines and glucose uptake in co-culture of RAW264.7 macrophage and 3T3-L1
      adipocytes].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the effects of testosterone (T) on inflammatory
      cytokines (IL-6, MCP-1) production, insulin sensitivity of adipocyte and changes
      of macrophage phenotypes in indirect co-culture of RAW264.7 macrophages and 3T3
      L1 adipocytes. Methods: 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were induced to mature in Transwell
      lower chamber, and then co-cultured with RAW264.7 macrophages in the upper
      chambers for 72 hours. Testosterone 10 MUmol/L was added into indirect co-culture
      for 24 h. ELISA was used to testing IL-6, MCP-1 concentrations in supernatant.
      Western blot was used to detecting the phosphorylation of NF kappa B, ERK1/2, and
      theexpression of CD16/32 and CD206. Glucose transport was assessed by[3H]2-deoxy
      glucose uptake in adipocytes. Results: Testosterone enhanced inflammatory
      cytokines (IL-6, MCP-1) production in indirect co-culture of 3T3-L1 adipocytes
      and RAW264.7 macrophages, promoted the activation of ERK1/2 and nuclear factor
      kappa B p65, and inhibited glucose uptake in adipocytes. Testosterone facilitated
      the production of pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages. The above effects of
      testosterone can be completely reversed by PDTC, and can be partly reversed by
      PD98059 (70%-90%). Conclusion: NF kappa B and ERK1/2 could be the key proteins
      for testosterone to promote the production of inflammatory factors, to lead to
      insulin resistance, and to make macrophages differentiate to pro-inflammatory
      phenotypes in co-culture of RAW264.7 macrophages and 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

PMID- 27666892
TI  - [Establishment of endometriosis subcutaneous model in immunodeficient nude mice].
AB  - Objective: To establish a model of endometriosis in immunodeficient nude mice and
      compare the outcome of the model construction between two different techniques.
      Methods: Eighteen nude mice were divided into 2 groups, with 9 mice in each
      group. All nude mice received a subcutaneous transplantation of endometrial
      fragments, followed by sutured the wounded skin (sutured group) or not (no
      sutured group). Then the success rate of the model construction, inflammation of
      the wounds and the animal survival rate in the two groups were analyzed. Result:
      In no-sutured group, the survival rate of animal and the success rate of the
      model construction were 9/9 and 8/9 respectively, with 8/9 survival rate and 7/9
      success rate in sutured group. No significant difference was found between the
      two groups. And no obvious inflammation was presented in the wounds for both
      groups. Conclusion: It is an effective method to establish animal model of
      endometriosis by subcutaneous transplantation in nude mice. After
      transplantation, it does not affect the outcome of the survival rate of the
      animal and the success rate of the model construction whether we suture the
      wounded skin. Considering the shorter operation time, we found it's a simpler and
      time saving method to establish endometriosis by subcutaneously transplanting
      endometrial fragments in nude mice with no skin-sutured. And this model is worth
      of promotion.

PMID- 27666891
TI  - [Expression pattern of beta-amyloid in the peri-infarct area and ipsilateral
      thalamus of rats after focal cerebral cortex infarction].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the expression pattern of beta-amyloid (Abeta) in rats
      after focal cerebral cortex infarction, and to identify whether the Abeta
      expression in the ipsilateral thalamus was directly related to focal cerebral
      ischemia. Methods: The distal middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was
      performed by electrocoagulation in rats. The rats were divided randomly into sham
      group (n=18) and MCAO group (n=30) . We used 2, 3, 5-triphenyltetrazolium
      chloride (TTC) staining and immunohistochemical staining to detect the location
      of cerebral infarction and Abeta expression, respectively. Results: TTC staining
      showed that the cerebral infarction was consistently restricted to the frontal
      and temporoparietal cortex. In the peri-infarct area of the MCAO group, Abeta
      expression began at day 2, reached the maximum level at day 7, and disappeared
      almost completely at day 28 after MCAO. The Abeta appeared as diffuse small dots,
      and was located in neurons and astrocytes at day 2 and day 28, respectively.
      Meanwhile, in the ipsilateral thalamus, Abeta expression began at day 3,
      increased markedly at day 7, and remained until day 28 after MCAO. The Abeta was
      located constantly in the extracellular region of the ipsilateral thalamus, and
      aggregated gradually from small dots to dense plaque-like deposits with the time
      of ischemia. Conclusions: There are dynamic changes of Abeta expression in both
      the peri-infarct area and the ipsilateral thalamus following MCAO. The Abeta
      expression in the ipsilateral thalamus is not directly related to focal cerebral
      ischemia.

PMID- 27666893
TI  - Spectroscopic Properties of Phase-Pure and Polytypic Colloidal Semiconductor
      Quantum Wires.
AB  - We report ensemble extinction and photoluminesence spectra for colloidal CdTe
      quantum wires (QWs) with nearly phase-pure, defect-free wurtzite (WZ) structure,
      having spectral line widths comparable to the best ensemble or single quantum-dot
      values, to the single polytypic (having WZ and zinc blende (ZB) alternations) QW
      values, and to those of two-dimensional quantum belts or platelets. The
      electronic structures determined from the multifeatured extinction spectra are in
      excellent agreement with the theoretical results of WZ QWs having the same
      crystallographic orientation. Optical properties of polytypic QWs of like
      diameter and diameter distribution are provided for comparison, which exhibit
      smaller bandgaps and broader spectral line widths. The nonperiodic WZ-ZB
      alternations are found to generate non-negligible shifts of the bandgap to
      intermediate energies between the quantum-confined WZ and ZB energies. The
      alternations and variations in the domain sizes result in inhomogeneous spectral
      line width broadening that may be more significant than that arising from the 12
      13% diameter distributions within the QW ensembles.

PMID- 27666894
TI  - Pregnancy beyond 65: report of a unique case and discussion of a controversial
      issue.
AB  - We present the case report of a 66-year-old woman who was attended at our
      gynaecology department at a tertiary university hospital in Barcelona, Spain for
      a high-risk pregnancy and comment on the obstetric implications and bioethical
      issues. We retrospectively analysed clinical data about the case and
      bibliographic references related to the issue. The woman underwent in vitro
      fertilisation of donated embryos in a private centre and came to our unit at 27
      weeks of gestation for pregnancy care. At 33 weeks, she presented pre-eclampsia
      and a caesarean section was performed. She gave birth to healthy twin boys. Four
      months later, she returned to our centre with the diagnosis of ovarian cancer and
      died 30 months after delivery. We present the clinical course and management of
      this pregnancy and comment on the obstetric implications, the impact on maternal
      and neonatal health, and bioethical issues related to assisted reproduction
      techniques in pregnancies beyond the natural reproductive age.

PMID- 27666897
TI  - SLE Neuropathy-Anything New?
AB  - SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus) is a multisystem autoimmune disorder of
      unknown aetiology which can present with myriad clinical presentation. The
      neurological manifestations of SLE consist of central nervous system (CNS) and
      peripheral nervous system manifestations (PNS). The CNS manifestations are
      aseptic meningitis, cerebrovascular accidents (stroke), demyelinating disorders,
      headache, involuntary movements like chorea, myelopathy, acute confusional
      states, cognitive dysfunction, mood disorder, seizures, psychosis and cranial
      nerve palsies.1 The PNS manifestations are Guillain Barre syndrome (GBS),
      autonomic disorder, mononeuropathy, polyneuropathy and plexopathy.1 Neuropathy in
      SLE can be clinically classified as mononeuritis multiplex and symmetrical and
      asymmetrical polyneuropathy. Symmetrical polyneuropathy being the most commonly
      seen clinical entity amongst the neuropathies in SLE. The neuropathy can be
      slowly progressive or acute in onset. Electrophysiologically, neuropathy is
      classified as axonal neuropathy, small fibre neuropathy, demyelinating
      neuropathy, mixed axonal-demyelinating sensorimotor polyneuropathy and
      plexopathy. Axonal neuropathy is further divided into sensory, sensorimotor and
      mononeuritis multiplex. Demyelinating neuropathy can be of two types: acute
      inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP) and sensory demyelinating
      polyneuropathy. Anecdotal case reports also suggest that CIDP can occur as part
      of SLE neuropathy.2.

PMID- 27666895
TI  - Racial Differences in the Incidence of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Older Black
      and White Adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe the incidence of cardiovascular risk factors, or race
      related disparities in incidence, across the age spectrum in adults. DESIGN:
      Longitudinal cohort. SETTING: National sample. PARTICIPANTS: Community-dwelling
      black and white adults recruited between 2003 and 2007. MEASUREMENTS: Incident
      hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia and atrial fibrillation over 10
      years of follow-up in 10,801 adults, stratified according to age (45-54, 55-64,
      65-74, >=75). RESULTS: There was no evidence (P >= .68) of an age-related
      difference in the incidence of hypertension for white men (average incidence
      38%), black men (48%), or black women (54%), although for white women incidence
      increased with age (45-54, 27%; >=75, 40%). Incidence of diabetes mellitus was
      lower at older ages for white men (45-54, 15%; >=75, 8%), black men (45-54, 29%;
      >=75, 13%), and white women (45-54, 11%; >=75, 4%), although there was no
      evidence (P = .11) of age-related changes for black women (average incidence
      21%). For dyslipidemia, incidence for all race-sex groups was approximately 20%
      for aged 45 to 54 but approximately 30% for aged 54 to 64 and 65 to 74 and
      approximately 22% for aged 75 and older. Incidence of atrial fibrillation was low
      at age 45 to 54 (<5%) but for aged 75 and older was approximately 20% for whites
      and 11% for blacks. The incidence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and
      dyslipidemia was higher in blacks across the age spectrum but lower for atrial
      fibrillation. CONCLUSION: Incidence of risk factors remains high in older adults.
      Blacks have a higher incidence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and
      dyslipidemia after age 45, underscoring the ongoing importance of prevention of
      all three conditions in mid- to later life.

PMID- 27666896
TI  - MicroRNA-101 regulates T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia progression and
      chemotherapeutic sensitivity by targeting Notch1.
AB  - The present study aimed to investigate the role of microRNA (miR)-101 in acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia progression and chemoresistance. Furthermore, a novel
      target gene of miR-101 was identified. Here, we confirmed that miR-101 was
      significantly downregulated in the blood samples of patients with T-cell acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) compared with the healthy controls, as determined
      by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RTqPCR)
      analysis. The in vitro experiments demonstrated that miR-101 significantly
      repressed the proliferation and invasion, and induced potent apoptosis in Jurkat
      cells, as determined by CCK-8, flow cytometer and cell invasion assays.
      Luciferase assay confirmed that Notch1 was a target gene of miR-101, and western
      blotting showed that miR-101 suppressed the expression of Notch1 at the protein
      level. Moreover, functional restoration assays revealed that Notch1 mediates the
      effects of miR-101 on Jurkat cell proliferation, apoptosis and invasion. miR-101
      enhanced the sensitivity of Jurkat cells to the chemotherapeutic agent
      adriamycin. Taken together, our results show for the first time that miR-101 acts
      as a tumor suppressor in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and it could
      enhance chemotherapeutic sensitivity. Furthermore, Notch1 was identified to be a
      novel target of miR-101. This study indicates that miR-101 may represent a
      potential therapeutic target for T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
      intervention.

PMID- 27666898
TI  - Peripheral Neuropathy in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Clinical and
      Electrophysiological Properties and their Association with Disease Activity
      Parameters.
AB  - AIM: To study clinical and electrophysiological properties of peripheral
      neuropathy (PN) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and their association with
      disease activity parameters. METHODS: A hospital-based observational study done
      among 50 SLE patients after informed consent. History and clinical examination
      including a detailed neurological examination was carried out. Blood and urine
      investigation were done and modified SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI)-2000
      score was calculated. RESULTS: PN was found in 18 out of 50 (36%) SLE cases as
      defined electrophysiologically, nine had clinical and nine had subclinical
      neuropathy. On nerve conduction studies (NCS) 17 patients had axonal pattern.
      There were significant difference for mean ESR in patients with neuropathy (64.17
      +/- 42.43 mm/1st hour) and without neuropathy (42.34 +/- 27.68 mm/1st hour) (P
      0.033) and for mean modified SLEDAI-2000 of patients with neuropathy (15.61 +/-
      10.09) and without neuropathy (6.84 +/- 6.16) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The study
      suggests significant association of peripheral neuropathy in SLE patients with
      ESR, modified SLEDAI-2000, pyuria, pleurisy and leucopenia.

PMID- 27666899
TI  - Sex Differences in Cardiovascular Risk Factors among People with Diabetes in
      South India.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the sex differences in the prevalence of cardiovascular risk
      factors among patients with type 2 diabetes, visiting the hospital between March
      December 2012. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed among the type 2
      diabetes patients attending M.V. Hospital for Diabetes, a tertiary centre
      specialized in diabetes care, Chennai, South India. We collected information on
      obesity (body mass index >=25 kg/m2), hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking,
      alcohol consumption and glycemic control (HbA1c >8% considered poor control).
      RESULTS: Risk factors (prevalence) among 6113 (58% males; mean age 54 years)
      patients were obesity (68.4%), poor glycemic control (51.4%), hypertension
      (37.9%), dyslipidemia (34.7%), smoking (9.6%) and consumption of alcohol (10.3%),
      respectively. Women had a higher prevalence of obesity (75.7 vs 63.2%) and poor
      glycemic control while men had a higher prevalence of smoking and alcohol
      consumption. There were no sex differences in prevalence of hypertension and
      dyslipidemia. Cardiovascular risk factors were not associated with duration of
      diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiovascular risk factors were highly prevalent among
      patients with type 2 diabetes attending a tertiary care centre in South India,
      with different risk profiles among men and women. We recommend a gender-sensitive
      approach in planning interventions (counseling and treatment) to reduce the risk
      of cardiovascular disease.

PMID- 27666900
TI  - Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes with a Breakable Extended Release Gliclazide
      Formulation in Primary Care: The Xrise Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study examines whether a new, scored and breakable once daily
      gliclazide tablet formulation, gliclazide XR 60 mg, that enables a simple 2-steps
      titration, can improve glycemic control rates in the community. METHODS: In a
      prospective multicenter study of 4 months duration, organised in the primary care
      setting of urban India, type 2 diabetes patients, uncontrolled with diet alone or
      metformin monotherapy, received 1 (60 mg), 11/2 (90 mg), or 2 (120 mg) tablets of
      gliclazide XR 60 mg to achieve a target fasting plasma glucose of 126 mg/dl, or
      HbA1c of 7%. The primary outcome was the frequency of patients achieving glycemic
      control. RESULTS: Two hundred eleven investigators recruited 679 patients
      distributed throughout India. On intention to treat analysis, the number (%, 95%
      confidence interval, CI) of patients achieving glycemic control was, 526 (81.9,
      78.8 to 84.6); with gliclazide XR 60 mg 1 tablet, 285 (42.0, 38.3 to 45.7); 11/2
      tablets, 143 (21.1, 18.2 to 24.3); and 2 tablets, 98 (14.4, 12.0 to 17.3).
      Hypoglycaemic episodes were reported by 27 (4.0, 2.8 to 5.7) patients. Mean (95%
      CI) FPG decreased by 78.3 (73.9 to 82.7, P < 0.01) mg/dl; with 1 tablet
      gliclazide XR 60 mg, by 66.0 (61.1 to 70.9, P < 0.01) mg/dl; 1-1/2 tablets, by
      80.1 (71.2 to 88.5, P < 0.01) mg/dl; and 2 tablets, by 106.5 (93.4 to 119.5, P<
      0.01) mg/dl. HbA1c decreased by 1.5 (1.3 to 1.5, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In
      primary care, once daily, breakable extended release gliclazide XR 60 mg, with a
      simple two step titration to administer maximum recommended dosage is effective
      in achieving short term glycemic control with a low frequency of hypoglycaemia,
      in monotherapy or in combination with metformin.

PMID- 27666901
TI  - Clinical and Laboratory Profile of Dengue Fever.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Dengue fever is one of the most common arboviral mediated outbreaks
      reported with increased prevalence year after year with considerable morbidity
      and mortality. This study was designed to assess the clinical and biochemical
      parameters of dengue fever patients. METHODS: Prospective observational study was
      undertaken among adult patients in a military hospital. Five hundred fiteen
      patients were studied and analysed. All patients who were NS1 antigen/IgM dengue
      positive were included in the study. Clinical features, hematological and
      biochemical parameters were noted. RESULTS: Of the 515 patients studied, majority
      were males (72.81%). Fever was the major symptom (100%) followed by headache
      (94.75%), myalgia (90.67%), retroorbital pain (18.25%), conjunctival injection
      (39.41%), rash (37.86%), abdominal pain (24.46%), pleural effusion (20%) and
      ascites (16.31%). Significant derangements in platelet (69.51%), leucocyte counts
      (20.19%) and serum transaminases (88.54%) were noted. Mortality rate was 0.77%.
      CONCLUSIONS: Fever associated with headache, retroorbital pain, erythematous
      morbilliform rash, conjunctival suffusion and itching in palms and soles along
      with thrombocytopenia, leucopenia, elevated liver transaminases should prompt a
      clinician on the possibility of dengue infection. Platelet transfusions have
      little role in management of dengue patients.

PMID- 27666902
TI  - A Cross-sectional Assessment of Risk Factors of Non-Communicable Diseases in a
      Sub-Himalayan Region of West Bengal, India Using who Steps Approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), principally cardiovascular
      diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes are the leading
      causes of death and disability globally. The basic element of NCD prevention is
      the identification of the common risk factors and their prevention and control.
      OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of risk factors for non-communicable
      diseases, in Siliguri city of West Bengal, India using WHO Steps approach.
      METHODS: Between April 2012 to July 2012, 779 adults of 18-64 years from Siliguri
      city were chosen by 30-cluster sampling. They were interviewed and measurements
      and laboratory tests were done. RESULTS: The prevalence of behavioural risk
      factors like tobacco use, alcohol, unhealthy diet was 57.5%, 12.5%, 50.87% and
      60.4%, respectively while that of biological risk factors like overweight,
      abdominal obesity and hypertension was 29.8%, 20.2% and 17.8%, respectively. The
      prevalence of biochemical risk categories like diabetes, hypercholesterolemia,
      hypertriglyceridaemia, low HDL-C was 9.1%, 17.8%, 16.6% and 67.5%, respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of risk factors for non-communicable diseases was
      found in Siliguri city which emphasizes the need of interventions to reduce these
      risk factors.

PMID- 27666903
TI  - Management of Acute Pulmonary Embolism: Consensus Statement for Indian Patients.
AB  - : Pulmonary embolism (PE) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality among
      hospitalized patients. Although the exact epidemiology of PE is not known in
      India, Some of the studies show that more frequently it is missed and not managed
      appropriately leading to significant cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
      Justification and purpose: Indian guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of
      acute PE are not yet formulated. The objective of this consensus statement is to
      propose a diagnostic and management approach for acute PE in India. PROCESS: A
      working group of 15 experts in the management of acute PE (cardiologists,
      pulmonologist, haematologist, emergency specialist and intensivists). This
      consensus statement makes recommendations for diagnosis and management for PE
      based on literature review, including Indian data.

PMID- 27666904
TI  - Pathogenesis and Clinical Management of Gouty Arthritis.
AB  - Gout, the most common of the crystal arthritides is a result of disturbed uric
      acid metabolism and precipitation of urate crystals in extra cellular space of
      joints, periarticular tissue, bones and other organs. In the West, gout affects
      around 1% of adult men over 45 years of age. The estimated incidence being 0.6 to
      2.1 per 1000 per year, with a prevalence of 9.5 to 13.5 per 1000 persons of all
      ages.1 The incidence of gout has been on rise globally; potentially attributable
      to recent shifts in diet, lifestyle, medical care, and increased longevity.2 Gout
      is three to four times more common in males than in pre-menopausal females;
      incidence in women increases after menopause and after the age of 60, approaches
      that in men.3 This update aims to highlight recent developments in understanding
      pathogenesis of gout along with current management strategies.

PMID- 27666905
TI  - Writing an Abstract for a Research Manuscript: Providing an Honest, Succinct and
      Complete Summary.
AB  - is a vital part of a research paper. Besides the title, it is the most widely
      read section of an article. The first impressions created by the abstract on
      editors and reviewers can have a great influence on the fate of the article.
      After its publication, a reader might decide to give the article a miss, if he
      finds the information provided in the abstract uninteresting, irrelevant or
      uninspiring. An abstract should, therefore, be packed with all important relevant
      information about the study, so that reviewers and readers understand the
      rationale of the study, are assured of adequacy of the methodology employed, are
      informed about the important findings and appreciate the reasonable conclusions
      stated in the abstract. Brevity, self-sufficiency, providing complete and
      accurate information in an unbiased manner are some of the important
      characteristics of a good abstract.

PMID- 27666906
TI  - Striatal Toe.

PMID- 27666907
TI  - Diagnosis of Calciphylaxis by Imaging with Low-energy-X-rays (Mammographic
      Technique).

PMID- 27666908
TI  - Extreme Thrombocytosis.
AB  - A 55 years old female presented with hitherto abdominal pain and gangrenous
      changes of lower limbs. Patient was found to have extreme thrombocytosis.
      Approach to thrombocytosis is discussed here.

PMID- 27666909
TI  - Primary Maligant Melanoma of the Oesophagus.
AB  - Primary malignant melanoma of the oesophagus (PMME) is a very rare disease with
      poor prognosis. The median survival is about 10 months. PMME are highly
      aggressive biologically and metastasize early via haematogenic and lymphatic
      pathways. Treatment outcome is poor because malignancy is very advanced at the
      time of presentation. Here, we present the endoscopic features and management of
      PMME case.

PMID- 27666911
TI  - Biventricular Non-Compaction Cardiomyopathy.
AB  - Left ventricular non-compaction (spongy myocardium) is one of the most
      misclassified cardiomyopathies. It is characterised by an excessively prominent
      trabecular meshwork of myocardium and deep intertrabecular myocardium due to an
      arrest in the compaction process of the myocardial fibres. It could be isolated
      i.e. without any other structural heart defects or associated with congenital
      heart defects. The clinical manifestations are variable heart failure,
      arrhythmia, thromboembolic phenomena depending on extent of non-compaction of
      cardiac segment.

PMID- 27666910
TI  - Isolated Actinomycotic Swelling in Right Upper Cervical Region.
AB  - Cervicofacial actinomycosis is today a rare disease in our country. Isolated neck
      swelling due to actinomycosis is extremely rare. A case of 52 year old man with
      an isolated neck swelling due to actinomycosis without any discharging sinus is
      reported here.

PMID- 27666913
TI  - A Diagnosis Made by 'Facilitation'.
AB  - Lambert Eaton myasthenic syndrome is a presynaptic neuromuscular junction
      disorder, which has unique features on electrodiagnostic testing. Here we
      describe a middle aged lady with symmetric, progressive, areflexic weakness in
      lower limbs, who had the typical electrodiagnostic findings of diffuse
      attenuation of motor amplitudes, and increase in these amplitudes after brief
      exercise of the muscle sampled.

PMID- 27666912
TI  - Atrial Tachycardia Ablated Successfully from the Aorta.
AB  - We present a case of recurrent highly symptomatic atrial tachycardia. During
      electrophysiology (EP) study, this was found to arise close to the AV node. To
      avoid conduction system damage by radiofrequency (RF) ablation, the aortic cusps
      were mapped. The tachycardia focus was close to the non-coronary cusp and ablated
      safely and successfully from this site.

PMID- 27666914
TI  - Acute Q Fever Pneumonia.
AB  - Q fever is a zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burnetii which has a worldwide
      distribution. Pneumonia occurs in almost half of the patients who have an acute
      C. burnetii infection. Less than 5-6% of community acquired pneumonia (CAP) is
      found to be caused by this organism. Endemicity of C. burnetii infection has been
      recorded in various studies carried out in our country. However there is no
      mention about Q fever as a cause of CAP in the various studies done to identify
      the aetiological agent. We report a case of acute Q fever related pneumonia and
      this appears to be the first reported case of pneumonia due to C. burnetii
      infection in India.

PMID- 27666915
TI  - Indoxacarb Poisoning Presenting as Methemoglobinemia and Seizure.
AB  - We are reporting a case of poisoning with a non-organophosphate pesticide
      (indoxacarb) resulting in methemoglobinemia and seizures, and successfully
      treated with ventilator care and intravenous ascorbic acid. Since there are
      limited data concerning the human toxicity of indoxacarb, physicians in emergency
      rooms should be aware of this rare poison and also its clinical presentations.

PMID- 27666917
TI  - Pioneers in Infection Prevention - Part 2.

PMID- 27666916
TI  - Passenger Lymphocyte Syndrome in a Renal Transplant Recipient.
AB  - New onset anaemia within three months after renal transplantation though not very
      common sometimes present as diagnostic challenge to the renal physicians.
      Understanding the etiology is necessary for correct management and avoiding
      adverse graft outcome. Passenger lymphocyte syndrome (PLS) is a rare entity of
      immune haemolytic anaemia that sometimes occurs in recipient of minor ABO
      mismatched renal transplantation. In this case report we present an AB positive
      renal allograft recipient who received organ from an O positive donor and
      developed acute haemolytic anaemia and jaundice, 19 days after renal
      transplantation due to PLS.

PMID- 27666918
TI  - Nitric Oxide (NO): Molecule of the Year 1992.

PMID- 27666919
TI  - Passive Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide.

PMID- 27666920
TI  - Unique Interaction of Saroglitazar with Insulin.

PMID- 27666921
TI  - Thyroid Storm Precipitated by Radioactive Iodine Therapy.

PMID- 27666922
TI  - Adaptive vision-based control of an unmanned aerial vehicle without linear
      velocity measurements.
AB  - In this paper, an image-based visual servo controller is designed for an unmanned
      aerial vehicle. The main objective is to use flow of image features as the
      velocity cue to compensate for the low quality of linear velocity information
      obtained from accelerometers. Nonlinear observers are designed to estimate this
      flow. The proposed controller is bounded, which can help to keep the target
      points in the field of view of the camera. The main advantages over the previous
      full dynamic observer-based methods are that, the controller is robust with
      respect to unknown image depth, and also no yaw information is required. The
      complete stability analysis is presented and asymptotic convergence of the error
      signals is guaranteed. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed
      approach.

PMID- 27666923
TI  - Performance analysis of improved iterated cubature Kalman filter and its
      application to GNSS/INS.
AB  - In order to improve the accuracy and robustness of GNSS/INS navigation system, an
      improved iterated cubature Kalman filter (IICKF) is proposed by considering the
      state-dependent noise and system uncertainty. First, a simplified framework of
      iterated Gaussian filter is derived by using damped Newton-Raphson algorithm and
      online noise estimator. Then the effect of state-dependent noise coming from
      iterated update is analyzed theoretically, and an augmented form of CKF algorithm
      is applied to improve the estimation accuracy. The performance of IICKF is
      verified by field test and numerical simulation, and results reveal that,
      compared with non-iterated filter, iterated filter is less sensitive to the
      system uncertainty, and IICKF improves the accuracy of yaw, roll and pitch by
      48.9%, 73.1% and 83.3%, respectively, compared with traditional iterated KF.

PMID- 27666925
TI  - Two Kinds of Suicide.
AB  - In suicidology, the common view is that 'rational' suicides occur only rarely,
      because the competence of people who want to end their lives is compromised by
      mental illness. In the Netherlands and Flanders, however, patients' requests for
      euthanasia or assistance in suicide are granted in 5300 and 1400 cases a year
      respectively, and in all these cases at least two doctors have confirmed the
      patient's competence. The combination of these two findings is puzzling. In other
      countries one would expect at least some of these people to end their own lives.
      The article argues that we can distinguish between two types of suicide with
      clustering characteristics. In cases of the first type, the agent doesn't
      carefully plan his action, doesn't communicate his plans to relatives or others,
      and uses violent means. In such cases it is reasonable to presume lack of
      competence. The other type has the opposite characteristics. The most plausible
      explanation of our problem is that suicides of the second kind are invisible to
      suicidology, because they tend not to be registered as suicides at all.

PMID- 27666926
TI  - Postoperative excessive gain in visceral adipose tissue as well as body mass
      index are associated with adverse outcomes of an ileal pouch.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are no published studies on the impact of visceral adipose
      tissue (VAT) change on outcomes of restorative proctocolectomy and ileal pouch
      anal anastomosis (IPAA). The aim of this historic cohort study was to evaluate
      the impact of excessive VAT gain on the outcomes of inflammatory bowel disease
      (IBD) patients with IPAA. METHODS: We evaluated all eligible patients with at
      least two sequential CT scans after pouch construction from our prospectively
      maintained Pouchitis Registry between 2002 and 2014. The visceral fat area (VFA)
      was measured on CT images. The study group comprised patients with a significant
      VAT gain (> 15%), and the control group was those without. The adverse outcomes
      of the pouch were defined as the new development of chronic pouch inflammation
      (chronic pouchitis, chronic cuffitis or Crohn's disease of the pouch),
      anastomotic sinus and the combination of above (the composite adverse outcome) or
      pouch failure, after the inception CT. RESULTS: Of 1564 patients in the Registry,
      59 (3.8%) with at least 2 CT scans after pouch surgery were included. Twenty-nine
      patients (49.2%) were in the study group, and 30 (50.8%) were in the control
      group. The median duration from the inception to the latest CT was 552 (range: 31
      2598) days for the entire cohort. We compared the frequency of new chronic pouch
      inflammation (13.8% vs 3.3%, P = 0.195), new pouch sinus (10.3% vs 0%, P =
      0.112), composite adverse pouch outcome (24.1% vs 3.3%, P = 0.026) or pouch
      failure (10.3% vs 6.7%, P = 0.671) between the two groups. Kaplan-Meier plot for
      time-to-pouch failure between the pouch patients with or without excessive body
      mass index (BMI) gain (> 10%) showed statistical difference (P = 0.011). Limited
      stepwise multivariate analysis showed that excessive VAT gain (odds ratio =
      12.608, 95% confidence interval: 1.190-133.538, P = 0.035) was an independent
      risk factor for the adverse pouch comes. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort of ileal
      pouch patients, excessive VAT gain as well as gain in BMI after pouch
      construction was found to be associated with poor long-term outcomes.

PMID- 27666924
TI  - Integrated microRNA and protein expression analysis reveals novel microRNA
      regulation of targets in fetal down syndrome.
AB  - Down syndrome (DS) is caused by trisomy of human chromosome 21 and is associated
      with a number of deleterious phenotypes. To investigate the role of microRNA
      (miRNA) in the regulation of DS, high-throughput Illumina sequencing technology
      and isobaric tagging for relative and absolute protein quantification analysis
      were utilized for simultaneous expression profiling of miRNA and protein in
      fetuses with DS and normal fetuses. A total of 344 miRNAs were associated with
      DS. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses
      were used to investigate the proteins found to be differentially expressed.
      Functionally important miRNAs were determined by identifying enriched or depleted
      targets in the transcript and the protein expression levels were consistent with
      miRNA regulation. The results indicated that GRB2, TMSB10, RUVBL2, the hsa-miR
      329 and hsa-miR-27b, hsa-miR-27a targets, and MAPK1, PTPN11, ACTA2 and PTK2 or
      other differentially expressed proteins were connected with each other directly
      or indirectly. Integrative analysis of miRNAs and proteins provided an expansive
      view of the molecular signaling pathways in DS.

PMID- 27666927
TI  - Conserved and divergent expression patterns of markers of axial development in
      the laboratory opossum, Monodelphis domestica.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous comparative studies suggest that the requirement for Nodal
      in epiblast and hypoblast development is unique to mammalians. Expression of
      anterior visceral endoderm (AVE) genes in the visceral endoderm and of their
      orthologs in the hypoblast may be unique to mammalians and avians, and is absent
      in the reptilian hypoblast. Axis formation in reptiles is signaled by the
      formation of the posterior marginal epiblast (PME), which expresses a series of
      primitive streak genes. To assess the phylogenetic origin of Nodal and AVE gene
      expression and axis formation in amniotes, we examined marker gene expression in
      gray short-tailed opossum, a metatherian. RESULTS: Nodal was expressed in neither
      epiblast nor hypoblast of opossum embryos. No AVE genes were expressed in the
      opossum hypoblast. Attainment of polarity in the embryonic disk was signaled by
      Nodal, Wnt3a, Fgf8, and Bra expression in the PME at 8.5 days post-coitus.
      CONCLUSIONS: Nodal expression in epiblast or hypoblast may be unique to
      eutherians. AVE gene expression in visceral endoderm and hypoblast may have been
      independently acquired in eutherian and avian lineages. PME formation appears to
      be the event that signals axis formation in reptilian and metatherian embryos,
      and thus may be an ancestral characteristic of basal amniotes. Developmental
      Dynamics 245:1176-1188, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27666929
TI  - Prolongation of overall treatment time as a cause of treatment failure in early
      breast cancer: An analysis of the UK START (Standardisation of Breast
      Radiotherapy) trials of radiotherapy fractionation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tests of tumour treatment time effect in patients prescribed post
      operative radiotherapy for early breast cancer have focussed on time to start of
      radiotherapy rather than overall treatment time. The START randomised trials of
      radiotherapy fractionation provide an opportunity to directly estimate the effect
      of treatment acceleration. METHODS: Between 1986 and 2002, a total of 5861 women
      with early breast cancer were recruited into the UK START pilot (START-P), START
      A and START-B randomised trials. START-P and START-A tested 13 fractions of 3.0
      3.3Gy against 25 fractions of 2.0Gy with a fixed treatment duration of 5weeks for
      all schedules; START-B tested 15 fractions of 2.67Gy in 3weeks against 25
      fractions of 2.0Gy over 5weeks. Estimates of the effect of length of treatment
      for local-regional relapse and for a measure of late normal tissue effects
      (change in photographic breast appearance, for patients following breast
      conserving surgery) were obtained from Cox proportional hazards regression
      analyses stratified according to trial. RESULTS: At a median follow-up of
      10years, 444/5831 (7.6%) patients with data available had a local-regional
      relapse, and 1135/3185 (35.6%) had mild or marked change in photographic breast
      appearance by 5years. Adjusting for prognostic factors, the estimate of the
      overall treatment time effect for local-regional relapse was 0.60Gy/day (95%CI
      0.10 to 1.18Gy/day, p=0.02), and 0.14Gy/day (95%CI -0.09 to 0.34Gy/day, p=0.29)
      for change in photographic breast appearance. CONCLUSIONS: Combined analysis of
      the START trials generates the hypothesis that overall treatment time is a
      significant determinant of local cancer control after adjuvant whole breast
      radiotherapy, with approximately 0.6Gy per day 'wasted' in compensating for
      tumour cell proliferation.

PMID- 27666928
TI  - The purine scaffold Hsp90 inhibitor PU-H71 sensitizes cancer cells to heavy ion
      radiation by inhibiting DNA repair by homologous recombination and non-homologous
      end joining.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: PU-H71 is a purine-scaffold Hsp90 inhibitor developed to
      overcome limitations of conventional Hsp90 inhibitors. This study was designed to
      investigate the combined effect of PU-H71 and heavy ion irradiation on human
      tumor and normal cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effects of PU-H71 were
      determined by monitoring cell survival by colony formation, and DNA double-strand
      break (DSB) repair by gamma-H2AX foci and immuno-blotting DSB repair proteins.
      The mode of cell death was evaluated by sub-G1 DNA content (as an indicator for
      apoptosis), and mitotic catastrophe. RESULTS: PU-H71 enhanced heavy ion
      irradiation-induced cell death in three human cancer cell lines, but the drug did
      not radiosensitize normal human fibroblasts. In irradiated tumor cells, PU-H71
      increased the persistence of gamma-H2AX foci, and it reduced RAD51 foci and
      phosphorylated DNA-PKcs, key DSB repair proteins involved in homologous
      recombination (HR) and non-homologous end joining (NHEJ). In some tumor cell
      lines, PU-H71 altered the sub-G1 cell fraction and mitotic catastrophe following
      carbon ion irradiation. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that PU-H71
      sensitizes human cancer cells to heavy ion irradiation by inhibiting both HR and
      NHEJ DSB repair pathways. PU-H71 holds promise as a radiosensitizer for enhancing
      the efficacy of heavy ion radiotherapy.

PMID- 27666931
TI  - Nonivamide, a capsaicin analogue, exhibits anti-inflammatory properties in
      peripheral blood mononuclear cells and U-937 macrophages.
AB  - SCOPE: Inflammation-related diseases are a worldwide problem. The counteraction
      of inflammation with compounds activating the trigeminal nerve is one strategy to
      fight these diseases. Known trigeminally active compounds found in black or red
      pepper are the tingling t-pellitorine, the pungent capsaicin, and the less
      pungent nonivamide. The presented study compares the anti-inflammatory potential
      of nonivamide to the two known anti-inflammatory compounds, elucidating the
      mechanism of action and the role of transient receptor protein (TRP) channels.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: Primary peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and U-937
      macrophages were stimulated with 1 MUg/mL LPS from Escherichia coli (EC-LPS) to
      induce inflammation. Nonivamide attenuated the EC-LPS induced release of IL-6 and
      TNF-alpha in PBMCs and U-937 macrophages determined by magnetic bead kit
      analysis. This anti-inflammatory mechanism was independent from nuclear factor
      kappa B pathway but mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway may be
      involved. In addition, cotreatment of U-937 with the trigeminally active compound
      and an antagonist of TRPV1 or TRPA1 abolished the anti-inflammatory activity.
      CONCLUSIONS: Nonivamide possessed similar anti-inflammatory potential as
      capsaicin and t-pellitorine. In U-937 macrophages, the tested compounds exploited
      an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the EC-LPS induced activation of the
      MAPK pathway. In addition, the TRP channel activation plays a role in the anti
      inflammatory capacity of capsaicin and nonivamide.

PMID- 27666932
TI  - Tissue-specific selenium accumulation and toxicity in adult female Xenopus laevis
      chronically exposed to elevated dietary selenomethionine.
AB  - Selenium (Se) is a developmental toxicant that is also capable of altering the
      bioenergetic and endocrine status of adult fish. To date, aquatic
      ecotoxicological research has predominantly focused on the toxic effects of Se in
      fish, and minimal information has been published related to amphibians. The
      objective of the present study was to investigate the potential toxicity
      associated with chronically elevated dietary Se consumption in adult female
      amphibians utilizing the model species Xenopus laevis. Adult X. laevis females
      were fed a diet augmented with L-selenomethionine at measured concentrations of
      0.7 ug Se/g (control), 10.9 ug Se/g, 30.4 ug Se/g, or 94.2 ug Se/g dry mass for
      68 d, after which they were bred with untreated males. Ovary, egg, liver, muscle,
      and blood samples were collected from female frogs after completion of the
      exposure period and subsequent breeding to ascertain Se tissue distribution,
      muscle and liver triglyceride and glycogen levels, and plasma cortisol
      concentrations. The concentrations of Se measured in female tissues excluding the
      liver were significantly increased in proportion with dietary intake. No
      significant differences were observed among treatment groups with respect to
      biometric indices, energy stores, or stress response of adult female X. laevis
      after Se exposure, which suggests that this amphibian species is capable of
      accumulating substantial quantities of this element in their tissues with no
      adverse effects on fitness. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1047-1055. (c) 2016
      SETAC.

PMID- 27666933
TI  - New and Old Hot Drug Targets in Tuberculosis.
AB  - Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacillus Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis. The World Health Organization publishes global tuberculosis reports
      annually in order to provide the latest information in the surveillance of drug
      resistance. Given the alarming rise of resistance to antitubercular drugs
      worldwide, finding new cellular targets and developing new analogues or new
      compounds with greater potency against already known targets are both important
      aspects in fighting drug-sensitive and drug-resistant M. tuberculosis strains. In
      this context, the introduction of the phenotypic screens as an efficient tool for
      the identification of active compounds for tuberculosis drug discovery has
      improved the possibility to find new effective targets. With this review we
      describe the state of art of the currently well validated antitubercular drug
      targets as well as the advances in discovery of new ones. The main targets will
      be discussed starting from the oldest such as the enoyl reductase InhA which is
      constantly repurposed with new inhibitors, through the well assessed targets like
      the gyrase, the ATP synthetase or the RNA polymerase, up to the hot promiscuous
      targets decaprenylphosphoryl-Dribose oxidase DprE1 and the mycolic acid
      transporter MmpL3, or the newly validated and promising targets like the CTP
      synthetase.

PMID- 27666934
TI  - miRNAs in Melanoma: Tumor Suppressors and Oncogenes with Prognostic Potential.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs), which are small non-coding RNA molecules that post
      transcriptionally regulate the expression of target genes, control the vast
      majority of cellular events, including proliferation, differentiation, survival,
      senescence, autophagy, metabolism and genome stability. Even slight alterations
      in miRNA expression levels may induce the development of pathological states,
      including cancer. Several studies have already demonstrated the importance of
      miRNAs in the regulation of melanocytes. Upregulation of oncogenic miRNAs
      (oncomiRs), mainly by amplification and translocation of miRNA genes, and
      downregulation of oncosuppressor miRNAs (anti-oncomiRs) by deletion and other
      mutations, promoter methylation and abnormal processing contributes to melanoma
      initiation and progression. At each phase of melanoma progression, tumor cells
      exhibit distinct profiles of miRNA expression, as compared with normal
      melanocytes. Moreover, as miRNAs are stable molecules that can be identified in
      bodily fluids, such as blood and saliva, they can serve as potent non-invasive
      prognostic markers of disease progression and response to therapy. This review
      summarizes recent findings regarding miRNA-mediated control of melanocytes and
      melanoma development, and presents miRNAs as prognostic markers for this disease.

PMID- 27666935
TI  - Clinical exome sequencing in early-onset generalized dystonia and large-scale
      resequencing follow-up.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dystonia is clinically and genetically heterogeneous. Despite being a
      first-line testing tool for heterogeneous inherited disorders, whole-exome
      sequencing has not yet been evaluated in dystonia diagnostics. We set up a pilot
      study to address the yield of whole-exome sequencing for early-onset generalized
      dystonia, a disease subtype enriched for monogenic causation. METHODS: Clinical
      whole-exome sequencing coupled with bioinformatics analysis and detailed
      phenotyping of mutation carriers was performed on 16 consecutive cases with
      genetically undefined early-onset generalized dystonia. Candidate pathogenic
      variants were validated and tested for cosegregation. The whole-exome approach
      was complemented by analyzing 2 mutated yet unestablished causative genes in
      another 590 dystonia cases. RESULTS: Whole-exome sequencing detected clinically
      relevant mutations of known dystonia-related genes in 6 generalized dystonia
      cases (37.5%), among whom 3 had novel variants. Reflecting locus heterogeneity,
      identified unique variants were distributed over 5 genes (GCH1, THAP1, TOR1A,
      ANO3, ADCY5), of which only 1 (ANO3) was mutated recurrently. Three genes (GCH1,
      THAP1, TOR1A) were associated with isolated generalized dystonia, whereas 2
      (ANO3, ADCY5) gave rise to combined dystonia-myoclonus phenotypes. Follow-up
      screening of ANO3 and ADCY5 revealed a set of distinct variants of interest, the
      pathogenicity of which was supported by bioinformatics testing and cosegregation
      work. CONCLUSIONS: Our study identified whole-exome sequencing as an effective
      strategy for molecular diagnosis of early-onset generalized dystonia and offers
      insights into the heterogeneous genetic architecture of this condition.
      Furthermore, it provides confirmatory evidence for a dystonia-relevant role of
      ANO3 and ADCY5, both of which likely associate with a broader spectrum of
      dystonic expressions than previously thought. (c) 2016 International Parkinson
      and Movement Disorder Society.

PMID- 27666937
TI  - Cryptococcus laurentii infection in a patient with cutaneous leishmaniasis.

PMID- 27666936
TI  - Atmospheric temperature and pressure influence the onset of spontaneous
      pneumothorax.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to examine the influence of the changes in
      the atmospheric temperature (ATemp) and the atmospheric pressure (APres) on the
      occurrence of a spontaneous pneumothorax (SP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January
      2000 to March 2014, 192 consecutive SP events were examined. The ATemp and APres
      data at the onset of SP, as well as those data at 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72 h
      prior to the onset time, were analyzed. RESULTS: The frequencies of SP occurrence
      were not statistically different according to the months or seasons, but were
      statistically different according to the time period (P < .01) and SP events
      occurred most frequently from 12:00 to 18:00. SP events frequently occurred at an
      ATemp of 25 degrees Celsius or higher. There was a significantly negative
      correlation between the APres and the ATemp at the SP onset time. The values of
      change in the APres from 36 to 24 h prior to SP onset were significantly lower
      than the preceding values. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we observed that a SP
      event was likely to occur in the time period from 12:00 to 18:00, at an ATemp of
      25 degrees Celsius or higher, and at 24-36 h after a drop of APres.

PMID- 27666940
TI  - Monitoring potential adverse event rate differences using data from blinded
      trials: the canary in the coal mine.
AB  - The development of drugs and biologicals whose mechanisms of action may extend
      beyond their target indications has led to a need to identify unexpected
      potential toxicities promptly even while blinded clinical trials are under way.
      One component of recently issued FDA rules regarding safety reporting
      requirements raises the possibility of breaking the blind for pre-identified
      serious adverse events that are not the clinical endpoints of a blinded study.
      Concern has been expressed that unblinding individual cases of frequently
      occurring adverse events could compromise the overall validity of the study.
      However, if external information is available about adverse event rates among
      patients not receiving the test product in populations similar to the study
      population, then it may be possible to address the potential for elevated risk
      without unblinding the trial. This article describes a Bayesian approach for
      determining the likelihood of elevated risk suitable binomial or Poisson
      likelihoods that applies regardless of the metric used to express the difference.
      The method appears to be particularly appropriate for routine monitoring of
      safety information for project development programs that include large blinded
      trials. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27666939
TI  - FX knockout CHO hosts can express desired ratios of fucosylated or afucosylated
      antibodies with high titers and comparable product quality.
AB  - During antibody dependent cell cytotoxicity (ADCC) the target cells are killed by
      monocytes and natural killer cells. ADCC is enhanced when the antibody heavy
      chain's core N-linked glycan lacks the fucose molecule(s). Several strategies
      have been utilized to generate fully afucosylated antibodies. A commonly used and
      efficient approach has been knocking out the FUT8 gene of the Chinese hamster
      ovary (CHO) host cells, which results in expression of antibody molecules with
      fully afucosylated glycans. However, a major drawback of the FUT8-KO host is the
      requirement for undertaking two separate cell line development (CLD) efforts in
      order to obtain both primarily fucosylated and fully afucosylated antibody
      species for comparative studies in vitro and in vivo. Even more challenging is
      obtaining primarily fucosylated and FUT8-KO clones with similar enough product
      quality attributes to ensure that any observed ADCC advantage(s) can be strictly
      attributed to afucosylation. Here, we report generation and use of a FX knockout
      (FXKO) CHO host cell line that is capable of expressing antibody molecules with
      either primarily fucosylated or fully afucosylated glycan profiles with otherwise
      similar product quality attributes, depending on addition of fucose to the cell
      culture media. Hence, the FXKO host not only obviates the requirement for
      undertaking two separate CLD efforts, but it also averts the need for screening
      many colonies to identify clones with comparable product qualities. Finally, FXKO
      clones can express antibodies with the desired ratio of primarily fucosylated to
      afucosylated glycans when fucose is titrated into the production media, to allow
      achieving intended levels of FcgammaRIII-binding and ADCC for an antibody.
      Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 632-644. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27666941
TI  - Optimal feeding frequency of captive head-started green turtles (Chelonia mydas).
AB  - Optimal feeding frequency was investigated to improve head-started propagation
      programme of juvenile green turtles (Chelonia mydas). The 15-day-old turtles (25
      26 g body weight) were fed for ad libitum intake at one (1MD), two (2MD), three
      (3MD) or four (4MD) meals daily over a 3-month trial. Responses in growth, feed
      utilization, faecal characteristics, haematological parameters and carapace
      elemental composition were used to compare treatment effects. At the end of the
      feeding trial, no treatment had induced mortality. Growth performance in terms of
      weight gain and specific growth rate was similar in turtles fed 2MD, 3MD or 4MD
      (p > 0.05), but 1MD differed from these (p < 0.05), and feeding at excess
      frequency (3MD and 4MD) increased the within-group size variation. Turtles fed
      2MD had significantly lower feed intake than in 3MD and 4MD groups, but the feed
      conversion ratios were similar. Faecal digestive enzyme analysis indicated higher
      catabolism of lipid and protein in the deprivation group (1MD), when compared
      with turtles fed at least twice daily. The feeding frequency did not affect the
      specific activities of carbohydrate-digesting enzymes. The results on enzymes
      activities were corroborated by the transition enthalpy characteristics of
      faeces, indicating nutrients remaining after digestion. The 2MD treatment also
      improved the haematological characteristics and the carapace quality, relative to
      low or excess feeding. Overall, the findings indicate that feeding juvenile green
      turtles twice a day is the preferred option in their head-started propagation.
      This promotes growth, reduces feed consumption, and improves health and carapace
      quality.

PMID- 27666938
TI  - Proteomic approaches to quantify cysteine reversible modifications in aging and
      neurodegenerative diseases.
AB  - Cysteine is a highly reactive amino acid and is subject to a variety of
      reversible post-translational modifications (PTMs), including nitrosylation,
      glutathionylation, palmitoylation, as well as formation of sulfenic acid and
      disulfides. These modifications are not only involved in normal biological
      activities, such as enzymatic catalysis, redox signaling, and cellular
      homeostasis, but can also be the result of oxidative damage. Especially in aging
      and neurodegenerative diseases, oxidative stress leads to aberrant cysteine
      oxidations that affect protein structure and function leading to
      neurodegeneration as well as other detrimental effects. Methods that can identify
      cysteine modifications by type, including the site of modification, as well as
      the relative stoichiometry of the modification can be very helpful for
      understanding the role of the thiol proteome and redox homeostasis in the context
      of disease. Cysteine reversible modifications however, are challenging to
      investigate as they are low abundant, diverse, and labile especially under
      endogenous conditions. Thanks to the development of redox proteomic approaches,
      large-scale quantification of cysteine reversible modifications is possible.
      These approaches cover a range of strategies to enrich, identify, and quantify
      cysteine reversible modifications from biological samples. This review will focus
      on nongel-based redox proteomics workflows that give quantitative information
      about cysteine PTMs and highlight how these strategies have been useful for
      investigating the redox thiol proteome in aging and neurodegenerative diseases.

PMID- 27666942
TI  - No adverse effects of transgenic maize on population dynamics of endophytic
      Bacillus subtilis strain B916-gfp.
AB  - Endophytic bacterial communities play a key role in promoting plant growth and
      combating plant diseases. However, little is known about their population
      dynamics in plant tissues and bulk soil, especially in transgenic crops. This
      study investigated the colonization of transgenic maize harboring the Bacillus
      thuringiensis (Bt) cry1Ah gene by Bacillus subtilis strain B916-gfp present in
      plant tissues and soil. Bt and nontransgenic maize were inoculated with B916-gfp
      by seed soaking, or root irrigation under both laboratory greenhouse and field
      conditions. During the growing season, B916-gfp colonized transgenic as well as
      nontransgenic plants by both inoculation methods. No differences were observed in
      B916-gfp population size between transgenic and nontransgenic plants, except at
      one or two time points in the roots and stems that did not persist over the
      examination period. Furthermore, planting transgenic maize did not affect the
      number of B916-gfp in bulk soil in either laboratory or field trials. These
      results indicate that transgenic modification of maize with the cry1Ah gene has
      no influence on colonization by the endophytic bacteria B916-gfp present in the
      plant and in bulk soil.

PMID- 27666943
TI  - Disease Characteristics and Electromyographic Findings of Nonsurgery-Related
      Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The detailed characteristics and prognosis of nonsurgery-related
      unilateral vocal fold paralysis (NSUVFP) are currently unclear. This study
      evaluated the extent of laryngeal nerve lesions and the individual
      characteristics for patients with NSUVFP. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective, case
      series. METHODS: Patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) were
      evaluated using videolaryngostroboscopy and quantitative laryngeal
      electromyography. The side of nerve lesions, involvement of the external branch
      of the superior laryngeal nerve (eSLN), and complete vocal fold motion recovery
      were evaluated after >= 6 month follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 207 UVFP patients
      were recruited, including 153 surgery-related UVFP and 54 NSUVFP patients. Thirty
      four (63%) and 20 (37%) NSUVFP patients were further assigned to idiopathic and
      nonsurgery-related-nonidiopathic (NSNI) groups, respectively. In the idiopathic
      group, eSLN lesions occurred in all six (100%) patients with right-side
      paralysis, but in only six of 28 (21%) patients with left-side paralysis (P <
      0.001). The turn frequency of the paralyzed thyroarytenoid-lateral cricoarytenoid
      muscle complex is lower in the NSNI group (333.1 +/- 192.1) compared with the
      idiopathic group (490.2 +/- 255.1) (P = 0.02). The probability of complete vocal
      fold motion recovery did not differ among groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION:
      Idiopathic and NSNI UVFP have different clinical presentations defined by
      laryngeal electromyography. NSNI UVFP had more severe denervation changes
      compared with idiopathic UVFP. These results may support two pathogenic
      mechanisms for idiopathic UVFP: 1) neuropathy specifically involving left
      recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN), and 2) neuropathy affecting nerves proximal to
      the RLN. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4. Laryngoscope, 127:1381-1387, 2017.

PMID- 27666944
TI  - Validating Body Fat Assessment by Bioelectric Impedance Spectroscopy in Taiwanese
      Hemodialysis Patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Obesity is becoming increasingly common in hemodialysis (HD) patients
      and is associated with inflammation and increased mortality. The primary aim of
      the present study was to evaluate the accuracy and variability of the
      bioimpedance device in measuring body fat in Taiwanese dialysis patients. DESIGN:
      Cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS: One hundred twenty-two adult patients receiving
      HD in a single hospital in Taiwan. SETTING: We compared the results of fat mass
      (FM) measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and bioelectrical
      impedance spectroscopy device (Body composition monitor, BCM). MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASUREMENT: FM measured by BCM was calculated by subtracting fat-free mass (FFM)
      from body mass assuming fractional hydration of FFM of 0.73 or the proprietary
      prediction equations from the BCM model. RESULTS: Assessment of whole-body
      composition showed that percentage FM measured using the 2 techniques was highly
      correlated when using the BCM model or estimating from total body water using
      constant (0.73) hydration (r = 0.87, P < .001). There was no evident difference
      in measurement between patients gender. The Bland-Altman plot also showed good
      agreement of percentage of FM (t = 3.82; P < .001). In female patients, it was
      found that BCM significantly underestimated mean FM as compared to DEXA. However,
      the mean differences of the estimates between the methods were small (0.35 +/-
      3.00 kg) and with Bland-Altman plot the limits of agreements were -5.5 to 6.2 kg
      (P = .40) for FM in female patients. CONCLUSIONS: Using DEXA as the reference
      test, BCM is a valid tool for the assessment of total body fat in HD patients.
      Hence, it may provide a more accessible tool for early detection of changes in
      body composition in these high-risk patients.

PMID- 27666945
TI  - Association Between Serum Leptin Level and Mortality in Kidney Transplant
      Recipients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Leptin is a hormone made by adipocytes and associated with
      hypertension, inflammation, and coronary artery disease. Low serum leptin level
      was associated with higher risk of death in patients with advanced chronic kidney
      disease. Little is known about the association of serum leptin with outcomes in
      kidney transplant recipients. DESIGN: Prospective prevalent cohort. SETTING AND
      SUBJECT: We collected sociodemographic and clinical parameters, medical and
      transplant history, and laboratory data of 979 prevalent kidney transplant
      recipients. Associations between serum leptin level and death with a functioning
      graft, all-cause death, and death-censored graft loss over a 6-year follow-up
      period were examined in survival models. RESULTS: Serum leptin levels showed
      moderate negative correlation with eGFR (R = -0.21, P < .001) and positive
      correlations with BMI (R = 0.48, P < .001) and C-reactive protein (R = 0.20, P <
      .001). Each 10 ng/mL higher serum leptin level was associated with 7% lower risk
      of death with functioning graft (hazard ratio [HR] (95% confidence interval
      [CI]), 0.93 (0.87-0.99)), and this association persisted after adjustment for
      confounders: HR (95% CI), 0.90 (0.82-0.99). Similar associations were found with
      all-cause death as outcome. The association between serum leptin level and risk
      of graft loss was nonlinear, and only low serum leptin level was associated with
      higher risk of graft loss. CONCLUSIONS: In prevalent kidney transplant
      recipients, lower serum leptin was an independent predictor of death.

PMID- 27666946
TI  - Health informatics model for helminthiasis in Thailand.
AB  - At the beginning of the new millennium, helminth infections continue to be
      prevalent, particularly among impoverished populations. This study attempts to
      create the first health informatics model of helminthiasis in Thailand. The
      authors investigate how a health informatics model could be used to predict the
      control and eradication in a national control campaign. Fish-borne helminthiasis
      caused by Opisthorchis viverrini remains a major public health problem in many
      parts of South-East Asia, including Thailand, Lao PDR, Vietnam and Cambodia. The
      epicentre of this disease is located in north-east Thailand, where high
      prevalence coexists with a high incidence of cholangiocarcinoma (CHCA). The
      current report was conducted to determine a mathematical model of surveillance
      for helminthiasis while also using a geographic information system. The fish
      borne helminthiasis model or the predicted equation was Y1 = 3.028 + 0.020
      (elevation) - 2.098 (clay). For soil-transmitted helminthiasis, the mathematical
      model or the predicted equation was Y2 = -1.559 + 0.005 (rainfall) + 0.004
      (elevation) - 2.198 (clay). The Ministry of Public Health has concluded that mass
      treatment for helminthiasis in the Thai population, targeting high-risk
      individuals, may be a cost-effective way to allocate limited funds. This type of
      approach, as well as further study on the correlation of clinical symptoms with
      environmental and geographic information, may offer a novel strategy to the
      helminth crisis.

PMID- 27666948
TI  - Incontinentia pigmenti with retinal vascular anomaly and deletion of exons 4-10
      in NEMO.

PMID- 27666947
TI  - Discovery of Dual Inhibitors of MDM2 and XIAP for Cancer Treatment.
AB  - MDM2 and XIAP are mutually regulated. Binding of MDM2 RING protein to the IRES
      region on XIAP mRNA results in MDM2 protein stabilization and enhanced XIAP
      translation. In this study, we developed a protein-RNA fluorescence polarization
      (FP) assay for high-throughput screening (HTS) of chemical libraries. Our FP-HTS
      identified eight inhibitors that blocked the MDM2 protein-XIAP RNA interaction,
      leading to MDM2 degradation. The compound-induced MDM2 downregulation resulted
      not only in inhibition of XIAP expression, but also in activation of p53, which
      contributed to cancer cell apoptosis in vitro and inhibition of cancer cell
      proliferation in vivo. Importantly, one of the MDM2/XIAP inhibitors, MX69, showed
      minimal inhibitory effect on normal human hematopoiesis in vitro and was very
      well tolerated in animal models.

PMID- 27666949
TI  - Biocompatibility of three new calcium silicate-based endodontic sealers on human
      periodontal ligament stem cells.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the biocompatibility of three calcium silicate-based endodontic
      sealers, Bioroot BC Sealer (Septodont, Saint-Maur-des-Fosses, France), Endoseal
      MTA (EndoSeal, Maruchi, Seoul, Korea) and Nano-ceramic Sealer (B&L Biotech,
      Fairfax, VA, USA) (NCS), on human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs).
      METHODOLOGY: Human periodontal ligament stem cells were cultured in the presence
      of various endodontic sealer eluates for 24 h. Cell viability was determined
      using the MTT assay. Cell death and changes in phenotype induced by the set
      endodontic sealer eluates were evaluated through flow cytometry. Also, an in
      vitro scratch wound-healing model was used to determine their effects in cell
      migration. Finally, to assess cell morphology and attachment to the different
      sealers, hPDLSCs were directly seeded onto the material surfaces and analysed by
      scanning electron microscopy (SEM). One-way analysis of variance (anova) followed
      by a Bonferroni post-test was performed (P < 0.05). RESULTS: At 24 h, cell
      spreading was evident in the presence of Bioroot BC Sealer (BR) and Nano-ceramic
      Sealer (NCS), but not Endoseal MTA (ES). At 72 h, BR and NCS exhibited high and
      moderate cell proliferation, respectively, whereas ES revealed low rates of cell
      proliferation (P < 0.05). Similar results were obtained in a cell death assay. In
      addition, hPDLSCs maintained their mesenchymal phenotype in all conditions
      although their capacity to migrate was higher in the presence of BR. Finally, SEM
      studies revealed a good degree of proliferation, cell spreading and attachment,
      especially when using BR and NCS discs. CONCLUSIONS: BR and NCS were associated
      with better cytocompatibility than ES. Further in vitro and in vivo
      investigations are required to confirm the suitability of these calcium silicate
      based endodontic sealers for clinical application.

PMID- 27666951
TI  - A Programmable Signaling Molecular Recognition Nanocavity Prepared by Molecular
      Imprinting and Post-Imprinting Modifications.
AB  - Inspired by biosystems, a process is proposed for preparing next-generation
      artificial polymer receptors with molecular recognition abilities capable of
      programmable site-directed modification following construction of nanocavities to
      provide multi-functionality. The proposed strategy involves strictly regulated
      multi-step chemical modifications: 1) fabrication of scaffolds by molecular
      imprinting for use as molecular recognition fields possessing reactive sites for
      further modifications at pre-determined positions, and 2) conjugation of
      appropriate functional groups with the reactive sites by post-imprinting
      modifications to develop programmed functionalizations designed prior to
      polymerization, allowing independent introduction of multiple functional groups.
      The proposed strategy holds promise as a reliable, affordable, and versatile
      approach, facilitating the emergence of polymer-based artificial antibodies
      bearing desirable functions that are beyond those of natural antibodies.

PMID- 27666950
TI  - Mentor-mentee interaction and laboratory social environment: Do they matter in
      doctoral students' publication productivity?
AB  - We explored the social shaping of science at the micro-level reality of face-to
      face interaction in one of the traditional places for scientific activities-the
      scientific lab. We specifically examined how doctoral students' perception of
      their: (i) interaction with doctoral mentors (MMI) and (ii) lab social
      environment (LSE) influenced productivity. Construed as the production of peer
      reviewed articles, we measured productivity using total number of articles
      (TOTAL), number of articles with impact factor greater than or equal to 4.00
      (IFGE4), and number of first-authored articles (NFA). Via face-to-face
      interviews, we obtained data from n = 210 molecular biology Ph.D. students in
      selected universities in Japan, Singapore, and Taiwan. Additional productivity
      data (NFA) were obtained from online bibliometric databases. To summarize the
      original 13 MMI and 13 LSE semantic-differential items which we used to measure
      students' perceptions, principal component (PC) analyses were performed. The
      results were smaller sets of 4 MMI PCs and 4 LSE PCs. To identify which PCs
      influenced publication counts, we performed Poisson regression analyses. Although
      perceived MMI was not linked to productivity, perceived LSE was linked: Students
      who perceived their LSE as intellectually stimulating reported high levels of
      productivity in both TOTAL and IFGE4, but not in NFA. Our findings not only
      highlight how students' perception of their training environment factors in the
      production of scientific output, our findings also carry important implications
      for improving mentoring programs in science. (c) 2016 by The International Union
      of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 45(2):130-144, 2017.

PMID- 27666953
TI  - Role of work uniform in alleviating perceptual strain among construction workers.
AB  - This study aims to examine the benefits of wearing a new construction work
      uniform in real-work settings. A field experiment with a randomized assignment of
      an intervention group to a newly designed uniform and a control group to a
      commercially available trade uniform was executed. A total of 568 sets of
      physical, physiological, perceptual, and microclimatological data were obtained.
      A linear mixed-effects model (LMM) was built to examine the cause-effect
      relationship between the Perceptual Strain Index (PeSI) and heat stressors
      including wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT), estimated workload (relative heart
      rate), exposure time, trade, workplace, and clothing type. An interaction effect
      between clothing and trade revealed that perceptual strain of workers across four
      trades was significantly alleviated by 1.6-6.3 units in the intervention group.
      Additionally, the results of a questionnaire survey on assessing the subjective
      sensations on the two uniforms indicated that wearing comfort was improved by 1.6
      1.8 units when wearing the intervention type. This study not only provides
      convincing evidences on the benefits of wearing the newly designed work uniform
      in reducing perceptual strain but also heightens the value of the field
      experiment in heat stress intervention studies.

PMID- 27666952
TI  - Risk factors for central line-associated bloodstream infection in pediatric
      oncology patients with a totally implantable venous access port: A cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Totally implantable venous access ports (TIVAPs) are used for
      prolonged central venous access, allowing the infusion of chemotherapy and other
      fluids and improving the quality of life of children with cancer. TIVAPs were
      developed to reduce the infection rates associated with central venous catheters;
      however, infectious events remain common and have not been fully investigated in
      pediatric oncology patients. PROCEDURE: A retrospective cohort was formed to
      investigate risk factors for central line-associated bloodstream infection
      (CLABSI) in pediatric cancer patients. Sociodemographic, clinical, and TIVAP
      insertion-related variables were evaluated, with the endpoint being the first
      CLABSI. A Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to determine CLABSI-free catheter
      survival. RESULTS: Overall, 188 children were evaluated over 77,541 catheter
      days, with 94 being diagnosed with CLABSI (50%). Although coagulase-negative
      staphylococci were the pathogens most commonly isolated, Gram-negative
      microorganisms (46.8%) were also prevalent. In the multivariate analysis, factors
      that increased the risk for CLABSI were TIVAP insertion prior to chemotherapy
      (risk ratio [RR] = 1.56; P < 0.01), white blood cell count less than 1,000 mm-3
      on the day of implantation (RR = 1.64; P < 0.01), and chronic malnutrition (RR =
      1.41; P < 0.05). Median time without CLABSI following TIVAP insertion was 74.5
      days. CONCLUSIONS: Risk factors for CLABSI in pediatric cancer patients with a
      TIVAP may be related to the severity of the child's condition at catheter
      insertion. Insertion of the catheter before chemotherapy and unfavorable
      conditions such as malnutrition and bone marrow aplasia can increase the risk of
      CLABSI. Protocols must be revised and surveillance increased over the first 10
      weeks of treatment.

PMID- 27666954
TI  - Multicystic dysplastic kidney: Assessment of the need for renal scintigraphy and
      the safety of conservative treatment.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess the need for implementing renal scintigraphy in the
      diagnosis of the multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK) and the safety of its
      conservative treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study of patients
      with unilateral MCDK was conducted at our centre from January 2005 to August
      2015. We calculated the positive predictive value (PPV) of ultrasonography,
      taking renal scintigraphy and pathology as the gold standard. We calculated a
      survival curve according to the Kaplan-Meier method to assess the annual
      probability of spontaneous resolution of the multicystic kidney. RESULTS: Fifty
      six patients were identified, 48 (85.7%) of whom had a prenatal diagnosis. Thirty
      eight (67.9%) of the patients were males, and the left side was affected in 33
      (58.9%) of the patients. We observed associated urological abnormalities in 22
      (39.29%) patients, with vesicoureteral reflux the most common (8, 14.29%). Seven
      patients (12.5%) developed renal failure. Forty-nine (87.5%) patients developed
      compensatory contralateral renal hypertrophy. Of the 33 patients who underwent
      surgery, the pathology results confirmed the MCDK diagnosis in 32. Compared with
      scintigraphy and pathology, the PPV of ultrasonography was 100% and 97%,
      respectively. The rate of spontaneous involution was 5.4% at 3 months of life,
      11.3% at 2 years and 38.4% at 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, the
      conservative treatment of MCDK, until at least 5 years of age, is safe. Our data
      suggest that performing scintigraphy is not required for these patients, which
      means lower radiation exposure, as well as financial savings.

PMID- 27666955
TI  - Study of the effect of ceramic Ta2O5 nanoparticle distribution on cellular dose
      enhancement in a kilovoltage photon field.
AB  - The application of nanoparticles (NPs) in radiotherapy is an increasingly
      attractive technique to improve clinical outcomes. The internalisation of NPs
      within the tumour cells enables an increased radiation dose to critical cellular
      structures. The purpose of this study is to investigate, by means of Geant4
      simulations, the dose enhancement within a cell population irradiated with a
      150kVp photon field in the presence of a varying concentration of tantalum
      pentoxide (Ta2O5) NP aggregates, experimentally observed to form shells within
      tumour cells. This scenario is compared to the more traditionally simulated
      homogeneous solution of NP material in water with the same weight fraction of
      Ta2O5, as well as to a cell population without NPs present. The production of
      secondary electrons is enhanced by increased photoelectric effect interactions
      within the high-Z material and this is examined in terms of their kinetic energy
      spectra and linear energy transfer (LET) with various NP distributions compared
      to water. Our results indicate that the shell formation scenario limits the dose
      enhancement at 150kVp. The underlying mechanism for this limit is discussed.

PMID- 27666956
TI  - Sphingobacterium cibi sp. nov., isolated from the food-waste compost and emended
      descriptions of Sphingobacterium spiritivorum (Holmes et al. 1982) Yabuuchi et
      al. 1983 and Sphingobacteriumthermophilum Yabe et al. 2013.
AB  - A novel, pale yellow-coloured, Gram-staining-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped and
      non-motile bacterium, designated as strain CC-YY411T, was isolated from the food
      waste compost and subjected to polyphasic taxonomy. Strain CC-YY411T exhibited
      the highest pairwise 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Sphingobacterium
      thermophilum JCM 17858T (94.6 %) while sharing 94.1 to 89.7 % similarities with
      other Sphingobacterium species. Novel strain established a discrete phylogenetic
      lineage within the clade that accommodated validly established members of the
      genus Sphingobacterium. The polar lipid profile of strain CC-YY411T contained
      major amounts of phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified lipid and two
      unidentified aminolipids besides accommodating trace amounts of a sphingolipid,
      two phospholipids, an unidentified aminophospholipid and an unidentified
      glycolipid. The DNA G+C content of strain CC-YY411T was 34.5 mol%. The major and
      minor respiratory quinones were MK-7 (89.1 %) and MK-6 (10.9 %), respectively.
      The predominant fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0 (24.0 %), iso-C17 : 0 3-OH (11.9 %),
      iso-C15 : 0 3-OH (6.9 %), C15 : 1omega5c (5.5 %) and summed feature 3 (C16 :
      1omega7c and/or C16 : 1omega6c) (32.0 %). Based on the phylogenetic, phenotypic
      and chemotaxonomic distinctiveness, strain CC-YY411T represents a novel species
      of Sphingobacterium, for which the name Sphingobacteriumcibi sp. nov. is
      proposed. The type strain is CC-YY411T (=BCRC 80430T=JCM 18407T). Amended species
      descriptions of Sphingobacterium spiritivorum(Holmes et al. 1982) Yabuuchi et al.
      1983 and Sphingobacterium thermophilum Yabe et al. 2013 are also proposed based
      on new data obtained in this study.

PMID- 27666957
TI  - F-actin rearrangement is regulated by mTORC2/Akt/Girdin in mouse fertilized eggs.
AB  - : In mouse fertilized eggs, correct assembly and distribution of the actin
      cytoskeleton are intimately related to cleavage in early-stage embryos. However,
      in mouse fertilized eggs, mechanisms and involved factors responsible for
      regulating the actin cytoskeleton are poorly defined. In this study, mTORC2,
      PKB/Akt and Girdin were found to modulate division of mouse fertilized eggs by
      regulating distribution of the actin cytoskeleton. RNA interference (RNAi)
      mediated depletion of mTORC2, Akt1 or Girdin disrupted F-actin rearrangement and
      strongly inhibited egg development. PKB/Akt has been proven to be a downstream
      target of the mTORC2 signalling pathway. Girdin, a newly found actin cross
      linker, has been proven to be a downstream target of the Akt signalling pathway.
      Furthermore, phosphorylation of both Akt1 and girdin was affected by knockdown of
      mTORC2. Akt1 positively regulated development of the mouse fertilized eggs by
      girdin-mediated F-actin rearrangement. Thus it seems that girdin could be a
      downstream target of the Akt1-mediated signalling pathway. Collectively, this
      study aimed to prove participation of mTORC2/Akt in F-actin assembly in early
      stage cleavage of mouse fertilized eggs via the function of girdin. OBJECTIVES:
      In mouse fertilized eggs, the proper assembly and distribution of actin
      cytoskeleton is intimately related with the cleavage of early-stage embryo.
      However, in mammals, especially in mouse fertilized eggs, the mechanisms and
      involved factors responsible for regulating the actin cytoskeleton are poorly
      defined. The aim of this study was to determine the role of mTORC2,PKB/Akt and
      Girdin in early development of fertilized mouse eggs, via regulating the
      distribution of actin cytoskeleton. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Changes of F-actin
      after treatting with mTORC2 shRNA, Akt siRNA or Girdin siRNA were observed by
      Immunofluorescence staining and laser-scanning confocal microscopy. Levels of
      phosphorylated Girdin at Se1417 were detected by Western immunoblotting.
      Percentages of cells undergoing division were determined by counting, using a
      dissecting microscope. RESULTS: RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated depletion of
      mTORC2, Akt1 or Girdin disrupts F-actin rearrangement, and remarkably inhibited
      the development of mouse-fertilized eggs. PKB/Akt has been proved to be a
      downstream target of the mTORC2 signaling pathway. Girdin, the newly found actin
      cross linker, has been proved to be a downstream target of the Akt signaling
      pathway. Furthermore phosphorylation of both Akt1 and Girdin were affected by
      knockdown of mTORC2. Akt1 positively regulates the development of mouse
      fertilized eggs by Girdin mediated F-actin rearrangement. Girdin could be a
      downstream target of the Akt1-mediated signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS:
      Collectively, this study aimed to prove the participation of mTORC2/Akt in F
      actin assembling in early-stage cleavage of mouse fertilized eggs via the
      function of Girdin.

PMID- 27666958
TI  - Exercise as an Adjunctive Treatment for Substance Use Disorders: Rationale and
      Intervention Description.
AB  - Substance use disorders (SUDs) are maladaptive patterns of substance use that are
      associated with psychiatric comorbidity, unhealthy lifestyle choices, and high
      rates of relapse. Exercise is associated with a wide range of acute and long-term
      benefits for both mental and physical health and is presently being investigated
      as a promising adjunctive treatment for SUD. Despite positive effects of regular
      physical activity on treatment outcomes and risk factors for relapse, low
      adherence and high attrition rates limit the benefits derived from exercise
      interventions. Lack of motivation is one of many perceived barriers to initiating
      exercise that contributes to poor adherence to interventions. In the present
      article, we describe the protocol for a novel, integrated exercise intervention
      that combines motivational interviewing (MI), a client-centered approach designed
      to enhance intrinsic motivation and resolve ambivalence toward change, and
      contingency management (CM), a behavioral treatment that provides monetary
      incentives for the completion of target behaviors. The protocol seeks to address
      the challenges surrounding initiation and maintenance of an exercise program at a
      level consistent with public health guidelines, particularly for sedentary
      patients. We conclude with considerations for the implementation of the
      intervention in SUD specific clinics.

PMID- 27666959
TI  - Recombinant Leishmania Rab6 (rLdRab6) is recognized by sera from visceral
      leishmaniasis patients.
AB  - Rab proteins form the largest branch of the Ras superfamily. Rab proteins are key
      regulators of intracellular vesicular transport and membrane trafficking.
      Although RabGTPases are well-recognized targets in human diseases but are under
      explored therapeutically in the Leishmania parasite. Using a quantitative
      cytofluorimetric assay, we analyzed the composition and organization of
      Rab6GTPase protein which was found to be primarily localized on the parasite
      subpellicular membrane and flagellum due to its association with kinesin motor
      proteins in the cytoskeletal microtubules. Our aim was to also assess the
      diagnostic role of recombinant Rab6 protein from Leishmania donovani (rLdRab6)
      using sera/plasma of Indian visceral leishmaniasis (VL) patients. Receiver
      operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis indicated 100% sensitivity and 100%
      specificity for rLdRab6-based ELISA which was almost similar in comparison to
      recombinant K39-based ELISA (95.83% sensitivity and 100% specificity). Sera of
      patients from another intracellular pathogenic infection, Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis, did not contain any significant levels of anti-rLdRab6 antibody.
      Thus rLdRab6 accuracy in visceral leishmaniasis diagnosis makes it a promising
      antigen for clinical use.

PMID- 27666961
TI  - CKIP-1 knockout offsets osteoporosis induced by simulated microgravity.
AB  - Casein kinase 2-interacting protein 1 (CKIP-1) is a negative regulator for bone
      formation. CKIP-1 knockout (KO) mice are very important for research on
      countermeasures to bone loss induced by space microgravity. Under simulated
      microgravity, the bone metabolism of CKIP-1 KO mice was different than that of
      wild-type (WT) mice. Many experiments all showed that the KO mice had
      significantly enhanced ossification in the tail suspension conditions, and the
      differences were closely related to the time the mice were exposed to the
      microgravity environment. Our results reveal the effect of CKIP-1 on the
      regulation of bone metabolism and osteogenesis in vivo and the ability of this
      gene to offset osteoporosis, and they suggest an approach to the treatment of
      osteoporosis induced by microgravity in space.

PMID- 27666960
TI  - Protective effect of Xuebijing injection on D-galactosamine- and
      lipopolysaccharide-induced acute liver injury in rats through the regulation of
      p38 MAPK, MMP-9 and HO-1 expression by increasing TIPE2 expression.
AB  - Xuebijing injection (XBJ) has long been used to treat infectious diseases in
      China. The therapeutic effect of XBJ is probably associated with anti
      inflammatory effects. However, the precise mechanisms responsible for the effects
      of XBJ remain unknown. The present study was conducted in order to evaluate the
      protective effects of XBJ in a rat model of D-galactosamine (D-Gal)- and
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute liver injury. In the present study, the
      rats were injected with D-Gal and LPS intraperitoneally to induce acute liver
      injury. Two hours prior to D-Gal and LPS administration, the treatment group was
      administered XBJ by intravenous infusion. The effects of XBJ on D-Gal- and LPS
      induced expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha-induced protein 8-like 2
      (TIPE2), nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9)
      and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) as well as mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)
      signaling was examined using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain
      reaction (RT-qPCR), western blot analysis, immunofluorescence, as well as by
      analysing the serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the transaminases,
      alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST).
      Myeloperoxidase (MPO), malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)
      levels in the rat liver tissues were also measured. For histological analysis,
      hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained liver samples were evaluated. The results
      showed that XBJ upregulated TIPE2 and HO-1 expression, reduced the expression of
      NF-kappaB65 and MMP-9, inhibited the LPS-induced gene expression of c-jun N
      terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 MAPK, decreased the generation of pro-inflammatory
      cytokines [interleukin (IL)-6, IL-13 and TNF-alpha], inhibited ALT and AST
      activity, and ameliorated D-Gal- and LPS-induced liver injury. The histological
      results also demonstrated that XBJ attenuated D-Gal- and LPS-induced liver
      inflammation. It was found that XBJ may prevent LPS-induced pro-inflammatory gene
      expression through inhibiting the NF-kappaB and MAPK signaling pathways by
      upregulating TIPE2 expression, thereby attenuating LPS-induced liver injury in
      rats. The marked protective effects of XBJ suggest that it has the potential to
      be used in the treatment of LPS-induced liver injury.

PMID- 27666962
TI  - A review of resolution measures and related aspects in 3D Electron Microscopy.
AB  - Fourier Shell Correlation, Spectral Signal-to-Noise Ratio, Fourier Neighbour
      Correlation, and Differential Phase Residual are different measures that have
      been proposed over time to determine the spatial resolution achieved by a certain
      3D reconstruction. Estimates of B-factors to describe the reduction in signal-to
      noise ratio with increasing resolution is also a useful parameter. All these
      concepts are interrelated and different thresholds have been given for each one
      of them. However, the problem of resolution assessment in 3DEM is still far from
      settled and preferences are normally adopted in order to choose the "correct"
      threshold. In this paper we review the different concepts, their theoretical
      foundations and the derivation of their statistical distributions (the basis for
      establishing sensible thresholds). We provide theoretical justifications for some
      common practices in the field for which a formal justification was missing. We
      also analyze the relationship between SSNR and B-factors, the electron dose
      needed for achieving a given contrast and resolution, the number of images
      required, etc. Finally, we review the consequences for the number of particles
      needed to achieve a certain resolution and how to analyze the Signal-to-Noise
      Ratio for a sequence of imaging operations.

PMID- 27666963
TI  - Chronic cholestasis in a patient with sickle-cell anemia: Histological findings.

PMID- 27666964
TI  - lncRNA-SNHG7 promotes the proliferation, migration and invasion and inhibits
      apoptosis of lung cancer cells by enhancing the FAIM2 expression.
AB  - There is growing evidence that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are related to
      cancer development. In the present study, we found that the expression levels of
      lncRNA-SNHG7 mRNA and protein obviously increased in lung cancer tissues compared
      to adjacent non-cancerous tissues. Simultaneously, the expression levels of Fas
      apoptotic inhibitory molecule 2 (FAIM2) also increased in lung cancer tissues. In
      addition, lncRNA-SNHG7 was of positive relevance with FAIM2 in human lung cancer
      tissues. Silence of lncRNA-SNHG7 by siRNA repressed the level of FAIM2 protein
      and suppressed cell proliferation, migration and invasion and accelerated
      apoptosis of A594 cells in vitro. Furthermore, silence of FAIM2 by siRNA
      generated a phenotype similar to silence of lncRNA-SNHG7 by siRNA. Therefore, our
      research showed that lncRNA-SNHG7 promotes the proliferation, migration and
      invasion, and inhibits apoptosis of lung cancer cells by enhancing the FAIM2
      expression, suggesting that lncRNA-SNHG7 as a key regulator of gene expression,
      may be a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of lung cancer. It may
      improve the understanding of their biogenesis and function of lung cancer and
      further provide the theoretical fundamental basis for cancer pathogenesis and
      treatment.

PMID- 27666965
TI  - The Earliest Stages of Mitochondrial Adaptation to Low Oxygen Revealed in a Novel
      Rhizarian.
AB  - Mitochondria exist on a functional and evolutionary continuum that includes
      anaerobic mitochondrion-related organelles (MROs), such as hydrogenosomes.
      Hydrogenosomes lack many classical mitochondrial features, including conspicuous
      cristae, mtDNA, the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and ATP synthesis powered by
      an electron transport chain (ETC); instead, they produce ATP anaerobically,
      liberating H2 and CO2 gas in the process. However, our understanding of the
      evolutionary transformation from aerobic mitochondria to various MRO types
      remains incomplete. Here we describe a novel MRO from a cercomonad
      (Brevimastigomonas motovehiculus n. sp.; Rhizaria). We have sequenced its 30,608
      bp mtDNA and characterized organelle function through a combination of
      transcriptomic, genomic, and cell biological approaches. B. motovehiculus MROs
      are metabolically versatile, retaining mitochondrial metabolic pathways, such as
      a TCA cycle and ETC-driven ATP synthesis, but also possessing hydrogenosomal-type
      pyruvate metabolism and substrate-level phosphorylation. Notably, the B.
      motovehiculus ETC is degenerate and appears to be losing cytochrome-based
      electron transport (complexes III and IV). Furthermore, the F1Fo ATP synthase
      (complex V) is unique, with the highly conserved Atpalpha subunit fragmented into
      four separate pieces. The B. motovehiculus MRO appears to be in the process of
      losing aerobic metabolic capacities. Our findings shed light on the transition
      between organelle types, specifically the early stages of mitochondrial
      adaptation to anaerobiosis.

PMID- 27666966
TI  - Kinematic Diversity in Rorqual Whale Feeding Mechanisms.
AB  - Rorqual whales exhibit an extreme lunge filter-feeding strategy characterized by
      acceleration to high speed and engulfment of a large volume of prey-laden water
      [1-4]. Although tagging studies have quantified the kinematics of lunge feeding,
      the timing of engulfment relative to body acceleration has been modeled
      conflictingly because it could never be directly measured [5-7]. The temporal
      coordination of these processes has a major impact on the hydrodynamics and
      energetics of this high-cost feeding strategy [5-9]. If engulfment and body
      acceleration are temporally distinct, the overall cost of this dynamic feeding
      event would be minimized. However, greater temporal overlap of these two phases
      would theoretically result in higher drag and greater energetic costs. To address
      this discrepancy, we used animal-borne synchronized video and 3D movement sensors
      to quantify the kinematics of both the skull and body during feeding events.
      Krill-feeding blue and humpback whales exhibited temporally distinct acceleration
      and engulfment phases, with humpback whales reaching maximum gape earlier than
      blue whales. In these whales, engulfment coincided largely with body
      deceleration; however, humpback whales pursuing more agile fish demonstrated
      highly variable coordination of skull and body kinematics in the context of
      complex prey-herding techniques. These data suggest that rorquals modulate the
      coordination of acceleration and engulfment to optimize foraging efficiency by
      minimizing locomotor costs and maximizing prey capture. Moreover, this newfound
      kinematic diversity observed among rorquals indicates that the energetic
      efficiency of foraging is driven both by the whale's engulfment capacity and the
      comparative locomotor capabilities of predator and prey. VIDEO ABSTRACT.

PMID- 27666968
TI  - The Human Dentate Gyrus Plays a Necessary Role in Discriminating New Memories.
AB  - Our day-to-day experiences are often similar to one another, occurring in the
      same place at the same time of day, with common people and objects, and with a
      shared purpose. Humans have an episodic memory to represent unique, personal
      events that are rich in detail [1]. For this to occur, at least two basic neural
      mechanisms are required: one to orthogonalize or "separate" overlapping input
      patterns at encoding and another to reinstate or "complete" memories from partial
      cues at retrieval [2-6]. To what extent do these purported "pattern separation"
      and "pattern completion" mechanisms rely on distinct subfields of the hippocampus
      [6]? Computational models [4-6] and lesion and genetic studies in rodents [7-12]
      largely point to the dentate gyrus as responsible for pattern separation and the
      CA3 and CA1 subfields for pattern completion (but see [13-16]). In high
      resolution fMRI studies of humans, behavioral discrimination and completion tasks
      designed to approximate pattern separation and pattern completion, respectively,
      elicit the predicted pattern of activity in the dentate gyrus and CA3/CA1 [17
      21]. Likewise, impaired behavioral discrimination has been demonstrated in
      individuals with hippocampal lesions [22, 23], but the lesions most likely
      encompass other subfields. Examination of these processes in individuals with
      selective lesions to hippocampal subfields is needed to infer causation [19].
      Here, we report the rare case of BL, a 54-year-old man with bilateral ischemic
      lesions to the hippocampus [24] primarily affecting the dentate gyrus. Studying
      BL provides the unique opportunity to directly evaluate theories of hippocampal
      function that assign the dentate gyrus a specific role in discriminating old from
      new memories.

PMID- 27666967
TI  - Fascin- and alpha-Actinin-Bundled Networks Contain Intrinsic Structural Features
      that Drive Protein Sorting.
AB  - Cells assemble and maintain functionally distinct actin cytoskeleton networks
      with various actin filament organizations and dynamics through the coordinated
      action of different sets of actin-binding proteins. The biochemical and
      functional properties of diverse actin-binding proteins, both alone and in
      combination, have been increasingly well studied. Conversely, how different sets
      of actin-binding proteins properly sort to distinct actin filament networks in
      the first place is not nearly as well understood. Actin-binding protein sorting
      is critical for the self-organization of diverse dynamic actin cytoskeleton
      networks within a common cytoplasm. Using in vitro reconstitution techniques
      including biomimetic assays and single-molecule multi-color total internal
      reflection fluorescence microscopy, we discovered that sorting of the prominent
      actin-bundling proteins fascin and alpha-actinin to distinct networks is an
      intrinsic behavior, free of complicated cellular signaling cascades. When mixed,
      fascin and alpha-actinin mutually exclude each other by promoting their own
      recruitment and inhibiting recruitment of the other, resulting in the formation
      of distinct fascin- or alpha-actinin-bundled domains. Subdiffraction-resolution
      light microscopy and negative-staining electron microscopy revealed that fascin
      domains are densely packed, whereas alpha-actinin domains consist of widely
      spaced parallel actin filaments. Importantly, other actin-binding proteins such
      as fimbrin and espin show high specificity between these two bundle types within
      the same reaction. Here we directly observe that fascin and alpha-actinin
      intrinsically segregate to discrete bundled domains that are specifically
      recognized by other actin-binding proteins.

PMID- 27666969
TI  - Myosin-7b Promotes Distal Tip Localization of the Intermicrovillar Adhesion
      Complex.
AB  - Transporting epithelial cells interact with the luminal environment using a
      tightly packed array of microvilli known as the brush border. During intestinal
      epithelial differentiation, microvillar packing and organization are driven by
      cadherin-dependent adhesion complexes that localize to the distal tips of
      microvilli, where they drive physical interactions between neighboring
      protrusions. Although enrichment of the "intermicrovillar adhesion complex"
      (IMAC) at distal tips is required for proper function, the mechanism driving tip
      accumulation of these factors remains unclear. Here, we report that the actin
      based motor myosin-7b (Myo7b) promotes the accumulation of IMAC components at
      microvillar tips. Myo7b is highly enriched at the tips of microvilli in both
      kidney and intestinal brush borders, and loss of Myo7b in differentiating
      intestinal epithelial cells disrupts intermicrovillar adhesion and, thus, brush
      border assembly. Analysis of cells lacking Myo7b revealed that IMAC components
      and the resulting intermicrovillar adhesion links are mislocalized along the
      microvillar axis rather than enriched at the distal tips. We also found that
      Myo7b motor domains are capable of supporting tip-directed transport. However,
      motor activity is supplemented by other passive targeting mechanisms that
      together drive highly efficient IMAC accumulation at the tips. These findings
      illuminate the molecular basis of IMAC enrichment at microvillar tips and hold
      important implications for understanding apical morphogenesis in transporting and
      sensory epithelial tissues.

PMID- 27666970
TI  - Seeing the Errors You Feel Enhances Locomotor Performance but Not Learning.
AB  - In human motor learning, it is thought that the more information we have about
      our errors, the faster we learn. Here, we show that additional error information
      can lead to improved motor performance without any concomitant improvement in
      learning. We studied split-belt treadmill walking that drives people to learn a
      new gait pattern using sensory prediction errors detected by proprioceptive
      feedback. When we also provided visual error feedback, participants acquired the
      new walking pattern far more rapidly and showed accelerated restoration of the
      normal walking pattern during washout. However, when the visual error feedback
      was removed during either learning or washout, errors reappeared with performance
      immediately returning to the level expected based on proprioceptive learning
      alone. These findings support a model with two mechanisms: a dual-rate adaptation
      process that learns invariantly from sensory prediction error detected by
      proprioception and a visual-feedback-dependent process that monitors learning and
      corrects residual errors but shows no learning itself. We show that our voluntary
      correction model accurately predicted behavior in multiple situations where
      visual feedback was used to change acquisition of new walking patterns while the
      underlying learning was unaffected. The computational and behavioral framework
      proposed here suggests that parallel learning and error correction systems allow
      us to rapidly satisfy task demands without necessarily committing to learning, as
      the relative permanence of learning may be inappropriate or inefficient when
      facing environments that are liable to change.

PMID- 27666972
TI  - "Singing" Fish Rely on Circadian Rhythm and Melatonin for the Timing of Nocturnal
      Courtship Vocalization.
AB  - The patterning of social acoustic signaling at multiple timescales, from day
      night rhythms to acoustic temporal properties, enhances sender-receiver coupling
      and reproductive success [1-8]. In diurnal birds, the nocturnal production of
      melatonin, considered the major vertebrate timekeeping hormone [9, 10],
      suppresses vocal activity but increases song syllable duration over circadian and
      millisecond timescales, respectively [11, 12]. Comparable studies are lacking for
      nocturnal vertebrates, including many teleost fish species that are also highly
      vocal during periods of reproduction [4, 13-20]. Utilizing continuous sound
      recordings, light cycle manipulations, hormone implants, and in situ
      hybridization, we demonstrate in a nocturnally breeding teleost fish that (1)
      courtship vocalization exhibits an endogenous circadian rhythm under constant
      dark conditions that is suppressed under constant light, (2) exogenous delivery
      of a melatonin analog under inhibitory constant light conditions rescues
      courtship vocal activity as well as the duration of single calls, and (3)
      melatonin receptor 1b is highly expressed in evolutionarily conserved
      neuroendocrine and vocal-acoustic networks crucial for patterning reproductive
      and vocal behaviors in fishes and tetrapods. Our findings, together with those in
      birds, show melatonin's remarkable versatility as a timing signal in distantly
      related lineages. It exerts opposing effects on vocalization in nocturnal versus
      diurnal species at the circadian timescale but comparable effects at the finer
      timescale of acoustic features. We propose that melatonin's separable effects at
      different timescales depends on its actions within distinct neural networks that
      control circadian rhythms, reproduction, and vocalization, which may be selected
      upon over evolutionary time as dissociable modules to pattern and coordinate
      social behaviors. VIDEO ABSTRACT.

PMID- 27666971
TI  - A Dome-Headed Stem Archosaur Exemplifies Convergence among Dinosaurs and Their
      Distant Relatives.
AB  - Similarities in body plan evolution, such as wings in pterosaurs, birds, and bats
      or limblessness in snakes and amphisbaenians, can be recognized as classical
      examples of convergence among animals [1-3]. We introduce a new Triassic stem
      archosaur that is unexpectedly and remarkably convergent with the "dome-headed"
      pachycephalosaur dinosaurs that lived over 100 million years later. Surprisingly,
      numerous additional taxa in the same assemblage (the Otis Chalk assemblage from
      the Dockum Group of Texas) demonstrate the early acquisition of morphological
      novelties that were later convergently evolved by post-Triassic dinosaurs. As one
      of the most successful clades of terrestrial vertebrates, dinosaurs came to
      occupy an extensive morphospace throughout their diversification in the Mesozoic
      Era [4, 5], but their distant relatives were first to evolve many of those
      "dinosaurian" body plans in the Triassic Period [6-8]. Our analysis of
      convergence between archosauromorphs from the Triassic Period and post-Triassic
      archosaurs demonstrates the early and extensive exploration of morphospace
      captured in a single Late Triassic assemblage, and we hypothesize that many of
      the "novel" morphotypes interpreted to occur among archosaurs later in the
      Mesozoic already were in place during the initial Triassic archosauromorph,
      largely non-dinosaurian, radiation and only later convergently evolved in diverse
      dinosaurian lineages.

PMID- 27666973
TI  - Effects of early adolescent methamphetamine exposure on anxiety-like behavior and
      corticosterone levels in mice.
AB  - Methamphetamine (MA) is an addictive psychomotor stimulant that affects the
      central nervous system and alters behavior. The effects of MA are modulated by
      age, and while much research has examined the effects of MA use in adults,
      relatively little research has examined the effects in adolescents. As the brain
      is developing during adolescence, it is important that we understand the effects
      of MA exposure in adolescence. This research examined the effects of acute MA
      exposure on locomotor and anxiety-like behavior in the open field test and plasma
      corticosterone levels in adolescent male C57BL/6J mice. Baseline locomotor and
      anxiety-like behaviors were assessed in the open field test. Immediately
      following baseline measurements, mice were exposed to saline or 4mg/kg MA and
      locomotor and anxiety-like behavior were measured. Serum was collected
      immediately after testing and plasma corticosterone levels measured. There were
      no group differences in baseline behavioral measurements. MA-exposed adolescent
      mice showed increased locomotor activity and anxiety-like behavior in the open
      field compared with saline controls. There was no effect of MA on plasma
      corticosterone levels. These data suggest that acute MA exposure during
      adolescence increases locomotor activity and anxiety-like behavior, but does not
      alter plasma corticosterone levels.

PMID- 27666975
TI  - An approach to EEG-based emotion recognition using combined feature extraction
      method.
AB  - EEG signal has been widely used in emotion recognition. However, too many
      channels and extracted features are used in the current EEG-based emotion
      recognition methods, which lead to the complexity of these methods This paper
      studies on feature extraction on EEG-based emotion recognition model to overcome
      those disadvantages, and proposes an emotion recognition method based on
      empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and sample entropy. The proposed method first
      employs EMD strategy to decompose EEG signals only containing two channels into a
      series of intrinsic mode functions (IMFs). The first 4 IMFs are selected to
      calculate corresponding sample entropies and then to form feature vectors. These
      vectors are fed into support vector machine classifier for training and testing.
      The average accuracy of the proposed method is 94.98% for binary-class tasks and
      the best accuracy achieves 93.20% for the multi-class task on DEAP database,
      respectively. The results indicate that the proposed method is more suitable for
      emotion recognition than several methods of comparison.

PMID- 27666974
TI  - Photobiomodulation by laser therapy rescued auditory neuropathy induced by
      ouabain.
AB  - Auditory neuropathy is a hearing disorder caused by impaired auditory nerve
      function. The lack of information about the pathophysiology of this disease
      limits early diagnosis and further treatment. Laser therapy is a novel approach
      to enhance nerve growth or induce axonal regeneration. We induced auditory neural
      degeneration sparing the sensory epithelium with local ouabain application in an
      animal model and observed the rescue effect of photobiomodulation (PBM), showing
      recovered auditory function and favorable histologic outcome. Hearing was
      evaluated using the auditory brainstem response (ABR) and distortion product
      otoacoustic emission (DPOAE). Seven days after ouabain application, the animals
      were sacrificed to evaluate the morphological changes. DPOAE change was not
      observed in all groups after ouabain application indicating no changes of outer
      hair cell function. Ouabain application increased the ABR thresholds increase,
      while the use of ouabain plus laser produced lower threshold compared to the
      ouabain group. Hematoxylin and Eosin staining of cochlea mid-modiolar sections in
      animals treated with ouabain showed damaged spiral ganglion cells,
      neurofilaments, and post synaptic puncta. Ouabain plus laser group showed higher
      number of spiral ganglion cells, higher density of neurofilaments, and higher
      number post synaptic puncta counts compared with ouabain application group. Short
      term application of ouabain caused spiral ganglion cell damage while sparing the
      inner and outer hair cells in gerbils. Photobiomodulation alleviated the hearing
      loss caused by ouabain induced auditory neuropathy. The results indicate the
      possible role of photobiomodulation therapy for inner ear diseases accompanied by
      spiral ganglion degeneration.

PMID- 27666976
TI  - Levodopa enhances immobility induced by spinal cord electromagnetic stimulation
      in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The repetitive ElectroMagnetic Stimulation (rEMS) is an innocuous
      method applied to modulate neurocircuits in real-time to study the physiology of
      the central nervous system and treat neuropsychiatric conditions. Preliminary
      data suggest that spinal rEMS induces behavioral changes in awake rats. However,
      the mechanisms behind this phenomenon remain largely unknown. METHODS: Twenty
      five male Wistar rats were divided into five subgroups of five animals each: one
      subgroup was drug-free, two subgroups received Levodopa+Benserazide 250+25mg/kg
      for two or seven days, and the remaining two subgroups received Haloperidol 0.1
      or 0.3mg/kg for two days. The animals were restrained during sham rEMS (day 1)
      followed by real rEMS of the cervicothoracic region at a different day (day 2 or
      7, depending on subgroup). Four behavioral parameters were quantified: Walking,
      Climbing, Grooming, and Cornering. RESULTS: rEMS reduced Walking and increased
      Cornering duration when applied over the cervicothoracic region of drug-free
      animals. A pretreatment with Levodopa+Benserazide for two or seven days induced
      an additional decrease in Walking after rEMS. This reduction was maximum after
      the treatment for seven days and associated with extinction of Climbing and
      increase in Cornering. A pretreatment with Haloperidol 0.1mg/kg reduced Grooming
      after rEMS, but did not prevent the reduction in Walking. CONCLUSIONS:
      Cervicothoracic rEMS induced complex immobility responses that are in part
      modulated by dopaminergic pathways in rats. Further studies are necessary to
      determine the specific mechanisms involved.

PMID- 27666977
TI  - Aerobic exercise abolishes cTBS-induced suppression of motor cortical
      excitability.
AB  - A preceding bout of acute aerobic exercise can enhance the induction of early
      long-term potentiation (LTP) in the primary motor cortex (M1). However, the
      influence of exercise when performed after the induction of plasticity has not
      been investigated. In addition, it is unclear whether the same effects are seen
      with techniques that induce long-term depression (LTD). We used continuous theta
      burst stimulation (cTBS) to temporarily suppress cortical excitability and
      investigate whether moderate-intensity cycling exercise would alter the duration
      or intensity of cTBS after-effects in a nonexercised upper limb muscle. We
      observed that cTBS effects were abolished when followed by exercise, with no
      corresponding changes in intracortical network activity. We hypothesize that the
      induction of LTD may be suppressed by exercise-linked neurotransmitters that
      interact with glutamate receptors. Exercise appears to shift the neural balance
      towards facilitation and may work to counteract the effects of LTD-like
      processes.

PMID- 27666978
TI  - Transplantation of bone marrow mononuclear cells prolongs survival, delays
      disease onset and progression and mitigates neuronal loss in pre-symptomatic, but
      not symptomatic ALS mice.
AB  - Cell-based therapy provides a novel strategy to restore lost neurons or modulate
      the degenerating microenvironment in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This
      study verified the therapeutic potential of bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMCs)
      in SOD1G93A mice. BMMCs were obtained from enhanced green fluorescent protein
      (EGFP) transgenic C57BL/6 mice (EGFPBMMCs) or from SOD1G93A transgenic mice
      (mSOD1BMMCs) and given to mice at the pre-symptomatic or late symptomatic stage.
      Survival, body weight and motor performance data were recorded. DNA integrity was
      evaluated using the alkaline comet assay. The spinal cords were collected to
      assess motoneuron preservation and cell migration. EGFPBMMCs and mSOD1BMMCs
      transplantation to pre-symptomatic SOD1G93A mice prolonged survival and delayed
      disease progression. The effects were more significant for the EGFPBMMC
      transplanted mice. In late symptomatic mice, EGFPBMMCs promoted a discrete
      increase in survival, without other clinical improvements. DNA from EGFPBMMCs and
      mSOD1BMMCs was found in the spinal cords of transplanted animals. DNA damage was
      not modified by BMMCs in any of the studied groups. Despite positive behavioral
      effects observed in our study, the limited results we observed for late
      transplanted mice call for caution before clinical application of BMMCs in ALS.

PMID- 27666979
TI  - Postoperative ileus: Pathophysiology, incidence, and prevention.
AB  - Postoperative ileus (POI) is a major focus of concern for surgeons because it
      increases duration of hospitalization, cost of care, and postoperative morbidity.
      The definition of POI is relatively consensual albeit with a variable definition
      of interval to resolution ranging from 2 to 7 days for different authors. This
      variation, however, leads to non-reproducibility of studies and difficulties in
      interpreting the results. Certain risk factors for POI, such as male gender,
      advanced age and major blood loss, have been repeatedly described in the
      literature. Understanding of the pathophysiology of POI has helped combat and
      prevent its occurrence. But despite preventive and therapeutic efforts arising
      from such knowledge, 10 to 30% of patients still develop POI after abdominal
      surgery. In France, pharmacological prevention is limited by the unavailability
      of effective drugs. Perioperative nutrition is very important, as well as
      limitation of preoperative fasting to 6 hours for solid food and 2 hours for
      liquids, and virtually no fasting in the postoperative period. Coffee and chewing
      gum also play a preventive role for POI. The advent of laparoscopy has led to a
      significant improvement in the recovery of gastrointestinal function. Enhanced
      recovery programs, grouping together all measures for prevention or cure of POI
      by addressing the mechanisms of POI, has reduced the duration of hospitalization,
      morbidity and interval to resumption of transit.

PMID- 27666980
TI  - Characterization of Dye Decolorization in Cell-Free Culture Broth of Trametes
      versicolor CBR43.
AB  - The dye decolorization rate in a cell-free culture broth of the white-rot fungus
      Trametes versicolor CBR43 was studied, including the effects of inhibitors of
      NaCl, Zn(II), and Cd(II) on dye decolorization activity. The maximum rates of dye
      decolorization in cell-free culture broth were 1,410, 44.7, 41.2, and 0.19
      MUmol.l-1.min-1 for Acid Blue 62, Acid Black 175, Reactive Blue 4, and Acid Red
      114, respectively. The inhibition effects of NaCl, Zn(II), and Cd(II) on dye
      decolorization were quantitatively compared using the half maximal inhibition
      concentration (IC50), which indicates the concentration of an inhibitor required
      for 50% inhibition. Based on IC50 values, dye decolorization in the cell-free
      culture broth of CBR43 was most potently inhibited by Cd(II), whereas the
      inhibitory effect of NaCl was relatively low. The dye decolorization rates and
      IC50 data can be used in the design and development of a dyewastewater treatment
      process using T. versicolor CBR43 and its operating factors.

PMID- 27666981
TI  - Proteomic Analysis of Shigella Virulence Effectors Secreted under Different
      Conditions.
AB  - A series of novel effector molecules secreted by the type three secretion system
      (T3SS) of Shigella spp. have been reported in recent years. In this study, a
      proteomic approach was applied to study T3SS effectors systematically. First,
      proteins secreted by theS. flexneri wild-type strain after Congo Red induction
      were separated and identified using two-dimensional electrophoresis to display
      the relative abundance of all kinds of early effectors for the first time. Then,
      a gene deletion mutant of known virulence repressor (OspD1) and a gene
      overexpressed mutant of two known virulence activators (MxiE and IpgC) were
      constructed and analyzed to discover potential late effectors. Furthermore, the
      supernatant proteins of gene deletion mutants of two known translocators (IpaB
      and IpaD), which would constantly secrete effectors, were also analyzed. Among
      all of the secreted proteins identified in our study, IpaH1.4, IpaH_5, and IpaH_7
      have not been reported before. These proteomics data of the secreted effectors
      will be valuable to understand the pathogenesis of S. flexneri.

PMID- 27666982
TI  - Selection of Potential Virulence Factors Contributing to Streptococcus suis
      Serotype 2 Penetration into the Blood-Brain Barrier in an In Vitro Co-Culture
      Model.
AB  - Meningitis caused by Streptococcus suis serotype 2 (S. suis 2) is a great threat
      to the pig industry and human health. Virulence factors associated with the
      pathogenesis of meningitis have yet to be clearly defined, even though many
      potential S. suis 2 virulence factors have been identified. This greatly hinders
      the progress of S. suis 2 meningitis pathogenesis research. In this study, a co
      culture blood-brain barrier (BBB) model was established using primary porcine
      brain microvascular endothelial cells and astrocytes, and the whole genome
      library of S. suis 2 was constructed using phage display technology. Finally, a
      total of 14 potential virulence factors contributing to S. suis 2 adherence to
      and invasion of the BBB were selected by analyzing the interactions between the
      phage library and the co-culture model. Twelve of these factors have not been
      previously reported in meningitis-related research. The data provide valuable
      insight into the pathogenesis of S. suis 2 meningitis and potential targets for
      the development of drug therapies.

PMID- 27666983
TI  - Sclareol Protects Staphylococcus aureus-Induced Lung Cell Injury via Inhibiting
      Alpha-Hemolysin Expression.
AB  - Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a common gram-positive bacterium that causes
      serious infections in humans and animals. With the continuous emergence of
      methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains, antibiotics have limited efficacy
      in treating MRSA infections. Accordingly, novel agents that act on new targets
      are desperately needed to combat these infections. S. aureus alpha-hemolysin
      plays an indispensable role in its pathogenicity. In this study, we demonstrate
      that sclareol, a fragrant chemical compound found in clary sage, can prominently
      decrease alpha-hemolysin secretion in S. aureus strain USA300 at sub-inhibitory
      concentrations. Hemolysis assays, western-blotting, and RT-PCR were used to
      detect the production of alpha-hemolysin in the culture supernatant. When USA300
      was co-cultured with A549 epithelial cells, sclareol could protect the A549 cells
      at a final concentration of 8 MUg/ml. The protective capability of sclareol
      against the USA300-mediated injury of A549 cells was further shown by
      cytotoxicity assays and live/dead analysis. In conclusion, sclareol was shown to
      inhibit the production of S. aureus alpha-hemolysin. Sclareol has potential for
      development as a new agent to treat S. aureus infections.

PMID- 27666985
TI  - One-Step Purification of Melittin Derived from Apis mellifera Bee Venom.
AB  - The concern over the use of melittin in honey bee venom due to its adverse
      reaction caused by allergens such as phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and hyaluronidase
      (HYA) has been an obstacle towards its usage. We developed a novel single-step
      method for melittin purification and the removal of PLA2 and HYA. This study
      explores the influence of pH, buffer compositions, salt concentration, and types
      of cation-exchange chromatography resins on the recovery of melittin and the
      removal of both HYA and PLA2. Melittin was readily purified with a strong cation
      exchange resin at pH 6.0 with sodium phosphate buffer. It resulted in a recovery
      yield of melittin up to 93% (5.87 mg from a total of 6.32 mg of initial melittin
      in crude bee venom), which is higher than any previously reported studies on
      melittin purification. PLA2 (99%) and HYA (96%) were also successfully removed.
      Our study generates a single-step purification method for melittin with a high
      removal rate of PLA2 and HYA, enabling melittin to be fully utilized for its
      therapeutic purposes.

PMID- 27666984
TI  - Production of Methanol from Methane by Encapsulated Methylosinus sporium.
AB  - Massive reserves of methane (CH4) remain unexplored as a feedstock for the
      production of liquid fuels and chemicals, mainly because of the lack of
      economically suitable and sustainable strategies for selective oxidation of CH4
      to methanol. The present study demonstrates the bioconversion of CH4 to methanol
      mediated by Type I methanotrophs, such as Methylomicrobium album and
      Methylomicrobium alcaliphilum. Furthermore, immobilization of a Type II
      methanotroph, Methylosinus sporium, was carried out using different encapsulation
      methods, employing sodium-alginate (Na-alginate) and silica gel. The encapsulated
      cells demonstrated higher stability for methanol production. The optimal pH,
      temperature, and agitation rate were determined to be pH 7.0, 30 degrees C, and
      175 rpm, respectively, using inoculum (1.5 mg of dry cell mass/ml) and 20% of CH4
      as a feed. Under these conditions, maximum methanol production (3.43 and 3.73 mM)
      by the encapsulated cells was recorded. Even after six cycles of reuse, the Na
      alginate and silica gel encapsulated cells retained 61.8% and 51.6% of their
      initial efficiency for methanol production, respectively, in comparison with the
      efficiency of 11.5% observed in the case of free cells. These results suggest
      that encapsulation of methanotrophs is a promising approach to improve the
      stability of methanol production.

PMID- 27666986
TI  - Type 2 pyoverdine from Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain BUP2 as turn-off biosensor
      for the rapid detection of iron and copper ions in contaminated water.
AB  - Employing fluorescent quenching mechanism, type 2 pyoverdine (PVD) purified from
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain BUP2 (new strain isolated from the rumen of
      Malabari goat) was used as a simple, convenient and inexpensive tool for the
      rapid detection of Fe and Cu ions in contaminated drinking water samples. The
      fluorescence emitted at lambda460 by PVD (in sterile water), mounted on a glass
      slide was efficiently quenched by the ions of heavy metals like Fe and Cu. The
      fluorescence quenching effect of PVD was monitored using UV trans-illuminator,
      and subsequently quantified and confirmed by spectrofluorimetry. Upon exposure
      for about 50 sec at 25  degrees C, this quenching efficiency could directly be
      assessed by naked eye with the aid of a UV trans-illuminator. The linear range of
      detection for Fe was 1 to 60 uM, while that of Cu was 1 to 20 uM. The limits of
      detection at uM concentration for Fe3+, Fe2+ and Cu2+ were 0.23, 0.24 and 0.38,
      respectively. The quenching of fluorescence was more pronounced in Fe-PVD system
      than Cu-PVD, and this observation was in corroboration with the Pearson acid base
      concept; being a hard acid, Fe3+ effectively bound with the O-ligands and this
      ability was less in Cu2+, a border line acid. Briefly, this study proposed the
      use of type 2 PVD as a turn-off biosensor for the rapid screening of heavy metals
      like Fe and Cu in drinking water, at ppm levels only with the aid of UV trans
      illuminator at 25  degrees C in 50 sec.

PMID- 27666987
TI  - Production of D-Xylonic Acid from Hemicellulose Using Artificial Enzyme
      Complexes.
AB  - Lignocellulosic biomass represents a potentially large resource to supply the
      world's fuel and chemical feedstocks. Enzymatic bioconversion of this substrate
      offers a reliable strategy for accessing this material under mild reaction
      conditions. Owing to the complex nature of lignocellulose, many different
      enzymatic activities are required to function in concert to perform efficient
      transformation. In nature, large multienzyme complexes are known to effectively
      hydrolyze lignocellulose into constituent monomeric sugars. We created artificial
      complexes of enzymes, called rosettazymes, in order to hydrolyze glucuronoxylan,
      a common lignocellulose component, into its cognate sugar D-xylose and then
      further convert the D-xylose into D-xylonic acid, a Department of Energy top-30
      platform chemical. Four different types of enzymes (endoxylanase, alpha
      glucuronidase, beta-xylosidase, and xylose dehydrogenase) were incorporated into
      the artificial complexes. We demonstrated that tethering our enzymes in a complex
      resulted in significantly more activity (up to 71%) than the same amount of
      enzymes free in solution. We also determined that varying the enzyme composition
      affected the level of complex-related activity enhancement as well as overall
      yield.

PMID- 27666988
TI  - Fungal Fermentation of Lignocellulosic Biomass for Itaconic and Fumaric Acid
      Production.
AB  - The production of high-value chemicals from natural resources as an alternative
      for petroleum-based products is currently expanding in parallel with biorefinery.
      The use of lignocellulosic biomass as raw material is promising to achieve
      economic and environmental sustainability. Filamentous fungi, particularly
      Aspergillus species, are already used industrially to produce organic acid as
      well as many enzymes. The production of lignocellulose-degrading enzymes opens
      the possibility for direct fungal fermentation towards organic acids such as
      itaconic acid (IA) and fumaric acid (FA). These acids have wide-range
      applications and potentially addressable markets as platform chemicals. However,
      current technologies for the production of these compounds are mostly based on
      submerged fermentation. This work showed the capacity of two Aspergillus species
      (A. terreus and A. oryzae) to yield both acids by solid-state fermentation and
      simultaneous saccharification and fermentation. FA was optimally produced at by
      A. oryzae in simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (0.54 mg/g wheat
      bran). The yield of 0.11 mg IA/g biomass by A. oryzae is the highest reported in
      the literature for simultaneous solid-state fermentation without sugar
      supplements.

PMID- 27666989
TI  - Improved Electricity Generation by a Microbial Fuel Cell after Pretreatment of
      Ammonium and Nitrate in Livestock Wastewater with Microbubbles and a Catalyst.
AB  - Livestock wastewater containing high concentrations of ammonium and nitrate ions
      was pretreated with microbubbles and an Fe/MgO catalyst prior to its application
      in microbial fuel cells because high ion concentrations can interfere with
      current generation. Therefore, tests were designed to ascertain the effect of
      pretreatment on current generation. In initial tests, the optimal amount of
      catalyst was found to be 300 g/l. When 1,000 ml/min O2 was used as the oxidant,
      the removal of ammonium- and nitrate-nitrogen was highest. After the operating
      parameters were optimized, the removal of ammonium and nitrate ions was
      quantified. The maximum ammonium removal was 32.8%, and nitrate was removed by up
      to 75.8% at a 500 g/l catalyst concentration over the course of the 2 h reaction
      time. The current was about 0.5 mA when livestock wastewater was used without
      pretreatment, whereas the current increased to 2.14 +/- 0.08 mA when livestock
      wastewater was pretreated with the method described above. This finding
      demonstrates that a 4-fold increase in the current can be achieved when using
      pretreated livestock wastewater. The maximum power density and current density
      performance were 10.3 W/m3 and 67.5 A/m3, respectively, during the evaluation of
      the microbial fuel cells driven by pretreated livestock wastewater.

PMID- 27666990
TI  - Characterization of Polyester Cloth as an Alternative Separator to Nafion
      Membrane in Microbial Fuel Cells for Bioelectricity Generation Using Swine
      Wastewater.
AB  - Polyester cloth (PC) was selected as a prospective inexpensive substitute
      separator material for microbial fuel cells (MFCs). PC was compared with a
      traditional Nafion proton exchange membrane (PEM) as an MFC separator by
      analyzing its physical and electrochemical properties. A single layer of PC
      showed higher mass transfer (e.g., for O2/H+/ions) than the Nafion PEM; in the
      case of oxygen mass transfer coefficient (ko), a rate of 50.0 * 10-5 cm.s-1 was
      observed compared with a rate of 20.8 * 10-5 cm/s in the Nafion PEM. Increased
      numbers of PC layers were found to reduce the oxygen mass transfer coefficient.
      In addition, the diffusion coefficient of oxygen (DO) for PC (2.0-3.3 * 10-6
      cm2/s) was lower than that of the Nafion PEM (3.8 * 10-6 cm2/s). The PC was found
      to have a low ohmic resistance (0.29-0.38 Omega) in the MFC, which was similar to
      that of Nafion PEM (0.31 Omega); this resulted in comparable maximum power
      density and maximum current density in MFCs with PC and those with Nafion PEMs.
      Moreover, a higher average current generation was observed in MFCs with PC (104.3
      +/- 15.3 A/m3) compared with MFCs with Nafion PEM (100.4 +/- 17.7 A/m3), as well
      as showing insignificant degradation of the PC surface, during 177 days of use in
      swine wastewater. These results suggest that PC separators could serve as a low
      cost alternative to Nafion PEMs for construction of cost-effective MFCs.

PMID- 27666991
TI  - Selection of Stable Reference Genes for Real-Time Quantitative PCR Analysis in
      Edwardsiella tarda.
AB  - Edwardsiella tarda is a gram-negative pathogenic bacterium in aquaculture that
      can cause hemorrhagic septicemia in fish. Many secreted proteins have already
      been identified as virulent factors of E. tarda. Moreover, since virulent
      phenotypes are based on the expression regulation of virulent genes,
      understanding the expression profile of virulent genes is important. A
      quantitative RT-PCR is one of the preferred methods for determining different
      gene expressions. However, this requires the selection of a stable reference gene
      in E. tarda, which has not yet been systematically studied. Accordingly, this
      study evaluated nine candidate reference genes (recA, uup, rpoB, rho, topA, gyrA,
      groEL, rpoD, and 16S rRNA) using the Excel-based programs BestKeeper, GeNorm, and
      NormFinder under different culture conditions. The results showed that 16S rRNA
      was more stable than the other genes at different culture growth phases. However,
      at the same culture time, topA was identified as the reference gene under the
      conditions of different strains, different culture media, and infection, whereas
      gyrA was identified under the condition of different temperatures. Thus, in
      experiments, the expression of gapA and fbaA in E. tarda was analyzed by RT-qPCR
      using 16S rRNA, recA, and uup as the reference genes. The results showed that 16S
      rRNA was the most suitable reference gene in this analysis, and that using
      unsuitable reference genes resulted in inaccurate results.

PMID- 27666992
TI  - Interaction of Pseudostellaria heterophylla with Quorum Sensing and Quorum
      Quenching Bacteria Mediated by Root Exudates in a Consecutive Monoculture System.
AB  - Many plant-pathogenic bacteria are dependent on quorum sensing (QS) to evoke
      disease. In this study, the population of QS and quorum quenching (QQ) bacteria
      was analyzed in a consecutive monoculture system of Pseudostellaria heterophylla.
      The isolated QS strains were identified as Serratia marcescens with SwrIR-type QS
      system and exhibited a significant increase over the years of monoculture. Only
      one QQ strain was isolated from newly planted soil sample and was identified as
      Bacillus thuringiensis, which secreted lactonase to degrade QS signal molecules.
      Inoculation of S. marcescens to P. heterophylla root could rapidly cause wilt
      disease, which was alleviated by B. thuringiensis. Furthermore, the expression of
      lactonase encoded by the aiiA gene in S. marcescens resulted in reduction of its
      pathogenicity, implying that the toxic effect of S. marcescens on the seedlings
      was QS-regulated. Meanwhile, excess lactonase in S. marcescens led to reduction
      in antibacterial substances, exoenzymes, and swarming motility, which might
      contribute to pathogensis on the seedlings. Root exudates and root tuber extracts
      of P. heterophylla significantly promoted the growth of S. marcescens, whereas a
      slight increase of B. thuringiensis was observed in both samples. These results
      demonstrated that QS-regulated behaviors in S. marcescens mediated by root
      exudates played an important role in replanting diseases of P. heterophylla.

PMID- 27666993
TI  - Cloning, Expression, and Characterization of a Cold-Adapted Shikimate Kinase from
      the Psychrophilic Bacterium Colwellia psychrerythraea 34H.
AB  - Most cold-adapted enzymes possess higher Km and kcat values than those of their
      mesophilic counterparts to maximize the reaction rate. This characteristic is
      often ascribed to a high structural flexibility and improved dynamics in the
      active site. However, this may be less convincing to cold-adapted metabolic
      enzymes, which work at substrate concentrations near Km. In this respect, cold
      adaptation of a shikimate kinase (SK) in the shikimate pathway from psychrophilic
      Colwellia psychrerythraea (CpSK) was characterized by comparing it with a
      mesophilic Escherichia coli homolog (EcSK). The optimum temperatures for CpSK and
      EcSK activity were approximately 30 degrees C and 40 degrees C, respectively. The
      melting points were 33 degrees C and 45 degrees C for CpSK and EcSK,
      respectively. The DeltaGH2O (denaturation in the absence of denaturing agent)
      values were 3.94 and 5.74 kcal/mol for CpSK and EcSK, respectively. These results
      indicated that CpSK was a cold-adapted enzyme. However, contrary to typical
      kinetic data, CpSK had a lower Km for its substrate shikimate than most
      mesophilic SKs, and the kcat was not increased. This observation suggested that
      CpSK may have evolved to exhibit increased substrate affinity at low
      intracellular concentrations of shikimate in the cold environment. Sequence
      analysis and homology modeling also showed that some important salt bridges were
      lost in CpSK, and higher Arg residues around critical Arg 140 seemed to increase
      flexibility for catalysis. Taken together, these data demonstrate that CpSK
      exhibits characteristics of cold adaptation with unusual kinetic parameters,
      which may provide important insights into the cold adaptation of metabolic
      enzymes.

PMID- 27666994
TI  - Improved NADPH Regeneration for Fungal Cytochrome P450 Monooxygenase by Co
      Expressing Bacterial Glucose Dehydrogenase in Resting-Cell Biotransformation of
      Recombinant Yeast.
AB  - Fungal cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes catalyze versatile monooxygenase reactions
      and play a major role in fungal adaptations owing to their essential roles in the
      production avoid metabolites critical for pathogenesis, detoxification of
      xenobiotics, and exploitation avoid substrates. Although fungal CYP-dependent
      biotransformation for the selective oxidation avoid organic compounds in yeast
      system is advantageous, it often suffers from a shortage avoid intracellular
      NADPH. In this study, we aimed to investigate the use of bacterial glucose
      dehydrogenase (GDH) for the intracellular electron regeneration of fungal CYP
      monooxygenase in a yeast reconstituted system. The benzoate hydroxylase
      FoCYP53A19 and its homologous redox partner FoCPR from Fusarium oxysporum were co
      expressed with the BsGDH from Bacillus subtilis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae for
      heterologous expression and biotransformations. We attempted to optimize several
      bottlenecks concerning the efficiency of fungal CYP-mediated whole-cell
      biotransformation to enhance the conversion. The catalytic performance of the
      intracellular NADPH regeneration system facilitated the hydroxylation of benzoic
      acid to 4-hydroxybenzoic acid with high conversion in the resting-cell reaction.
      The FoCYP53A19+FoCPR+BsGDH reconstituted system produced 0.47 mM 4-hydroxybenzoic
      acid (94% conversion) in the resting-cell biotransformations performed in 50 mM
      phosphate buffer (pH 6.0) containing 0.5 mM benzoic acid and 0.25% glucose for 24
      h at 30 degrees C. The "coupled-enzyme" system can certainly improve the overall
      performance of NADPH-dependent whole-cell biotransformations in a yeast system.

PMID- 27666995
TI  - Effects of Lactobacillus curvatus and Leuconostoc mesenteroides on Suan Cai
      Fermentation in Northeast China.
AB  - To investigate the effects of Lactobacillus curvatus and Leuconostoc
      mesenteroides on suan cai (pickled Chinese cabbage) fermentation, L. curvatus
      and/or Ln. mesenteroides were inoculated into suan cai. Physicochemical indexes
      were measured, and the microbial dynamics during the fermentation were analyzed
      by Illumina MiSeq sequencing and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).
      The results showed that inoculation with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) lowered the
      pH of the fermentation system more rapidly. The decrease in water-soluble
      carbohydrates in the inoculated treatments occurred more rapidly than in the
      control. The LAB counts in the control were lower than in other inoculated
      treatments during the first 12 days of fermentation. According to the Illumina
      MiSeq sequencing analyses, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes,
      Actinobacteria, Cyanobacteria, Fusobacteria, and Verrucomicrobia were present in
      the fermentations, along with other unclassified bacteria. Generally, Firmicutes
      was predominant during the fermentation in all treatments. At the genus level, 16
      genera were detected. The relative abundance of Lactobacillus in all inoculated
      treatments was higher than in the control. The relative abundance of
      Lactobacillus in the treatments containing L. curvatus was higher than in the Ln.
      mesenteroides-only treatment. The relative abundance of Leuconostoc in the Ln.
      mesenteroides-containing treatments increased continuously throughout the
      fermentation. Leuconostoc was highest in the Ln. mesenteroides-only treatment.
      According to the qPCR results, L. curvatus and/or Ln. mesenteroides inoculations
      could effectively inhabit the fermentation system. L. curvatus dominated the
      fermentation in the inoculated treatments.

PMID- 27666996
TI  - Supragingival Plaque Microbial Community Analysis of Children with Halitosis.
AB  - As one of the most complex human-associated microbial habitats, the oral cavity
      harbors hundreds of bacteria. Halitosis is a prevalent oral condition that is
      typically caused by bacteria. The aim of this study was to analyze the microbial
      communities and predict functional profiles in supragingival plaque from healthy
      individuals and those with halitosis. Ten preschool children were enrolled in
      this study; five with halitosis and five without. Supragingival plaque was
      isolated from each participant and 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing was used to
      identify the microbes present. Samples were primarily composed of Actinobacteria,
      Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Fusobacteria, and Candidate phylum
      TM7. The alpha and beta diversity indices did not differ between healthy and
      halitosis subjects. Fifteen operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified
      with significantly different relative abundances between healthy and halitosis
      plaques, and included the phylotypes of Prevotella sp., Leptotrichia sp.,
      Actinomyces sp., Porphyromonas sp., Selenomonas sp., Selenomonas noxia, and
      Capnocytophaga ochracea. We suggest that these OTUs are candidate halitosis
      associated pathogens. Functional profiles were predicted using PICRUSt, and nine
      level-3 KEGG Orthology groups were significantly different. Hub modules of co
      occurrence networks implied that microbes in halitosis dental plaque were more
      highly conserved than microbes of healthy individuals' plaque. Collectively, our
      data provide a background for the oral microbiota associated with halitosis from
      supragingival plaque, and help explain the etiology of halitosis.

PMID- 27666997
TI  - Reply to Hao Lun Luo, Yen Ta Chen, Yuan Tso Cheng, and Po Hui Chiang's Letter to
      the Editor re: Re: Thomas Seisen, Benoit Peyronnet, Jose Luis Dominguez-Escrig,
      et al. Oncologic Outcomes of Kidney-sparing Surgery Versus Radical
      Nephroureterectomy for Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma: A Systematic Review by
      the EAU Non-muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer Guidelines Panel. Eur Urol
      2016;70:1052-68: The Key Role of Flexible Ureterorenoscopy in Kidney-sparing
      Surgery for Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma.

PMID- 27666998
TI  - Reply from Authors re: Jens Uwe Stolzenburg, Iason Kyriazis, Evangelos Liatsikos.
      Postoperative Lymphocele Formation after Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection at the Time
      of Radical Prostatectomy Should Not Be Considered an Inevitable Consequence of
      the Approach. Eur Urol 2017;71:159-60: Which Lymphatic Vessels Have To Be Secured
      During Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection for Prostate Cancer?

PMID- 27667000
TI  - Pancreatic accessory spleen and false positive.

PMID- 27666999
TI  - A potential pitfall in the use of 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT: Anthracosis.

PMID- 27667001
TI  - 18F-FDG PET/CT and sentinel lymph node biopsy in the staging of patients with
      cervical and endometrial cancer. Role of dual-time-point imaging.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Definitive staging for cervical (CC) and endometrial cancer (EC) takes
      place once surgery is performed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role
      of PET/CT in detecting lymphatic metastasis in patients with CC and EC using dual
      time-point imaging (DPI), taking the histopathological results of sentinel lymph
      node (SLN) and lymphadenectomy as the reference. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A
      prospective study was conducted on 17 patients with early CC, and 13 patients
      with high-risk EC. The patients had a pre-operative PET/CT, MRI, SLN detection,
      and lymphadenectomy, when indicated. PET/CT findings were compared with
      histopathological results. RESULTS: In the pathology study, 4 patients with CC
      and 4 patients with EC had lymphatic metastasis. PET/CT showed hypermetabolic
      nodes in 1 patient with CC, and 5 with EC. Four of these had metastasis, one
      detected in the SLN biopsy. Four patients who had negative PET/CT had
      micrometastasis in the SLN biopsy, 1 patient with additional lymph nodes
      involvement. The overall patient-based sensitivity, specificity, positive and
      negative predictive values, and accuracy of PET/CT to detect lymphatic metastasis
      was 20.0%, 100.0%, 100.0%, 87.9%, and 88.2%, respectively, in CC, and 57.1%,
      88.9%, 66.7%, 84.2% and 80.0%, respectively, in EC. DPI showed higher retention
      index in malignant than in inflammatory nodes, although no statistically
      significant differences were found. CONCLUSIONS: PET/CT has low sensitivity in
      lymph node staging of CC and EC, owing to the lack of detection of
      micrometastasis. Thus, PET/CT cannot replace SLN biopsy. Although no
      statistically significant differences were found, DPI may help to differentiate
      between inflammatory and malignant nodes.

PMID- 27667002
TI  - Lipopolysaccharide-induced functional and structural injury of the mitochondria
      in the nigrostriatal pathway.
AB  - Accumulating evidence suggests that chronic inflammation plays a role in the
      progressive dopaminergic neurodegeneration that occurs in Parkinson's disease. It
      has been hypothesized that inflammation mediates neuronal damage via exacerbation
      of a vicious cycle of oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. The
      bacterial endotoxin, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), induces microglial activation and
      inflammation driven dopaminergic neurodegeneration. In order to test the
      hypothesis that LPS-induced inflammatory response might damage mitochondrial
      structure and function leading to nigral dopaminergic neuron loss, we injected
      LPS or saline into the striatum of rats. Here, we found that intrastriatal LPS
      induced deficit in mitochondrial respiration, damage to mitochondrial cristae,
      mitochondrial oxidation and nitration. Finally, we found significant loss of
      dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra one week after LPS injection. This
      study indicates that LPS-induced dopaminergic neurodegeneration might be exerted
      by mitochondrial injury.

PMID- 27667003
TI  - Spatially Compact Neural Clusters in the Dorsal Striatum Encode Locomotion
      Relevant Information.
AB  - An influential striatal model postulates that neural activities in the striatal
      direct and indirect pathways promote and inhibit movement, respectively. Normal
      behavior requires coordinated activity in the direct pathway to facilitate
      intended locomotion and indirect pathway to inhibit unwanted locomotion. In this
      striatal model, neuronal population activity is assumed to encode locomotion
      relevant information. Here, we propose a novel encoding mechanism for the dorsal
      striatum. We identified spatially compact neural clusters in both the direct and
      indirect pathways. Detailed characterization revealed similar cluster
      organization between the direct and indirect pathways, and cluster activities
      from both pathways were correlated with mouse locomotion velocities. Using
      machine-learning algorithms, cluster activities could be used to decode
      locomotion relevant behavioral states and locomotion velocity. We propose that
      neural clusters in the dorsal striatum encode locomotion relevant information and
      that coordinated activities of direct and indirect pathway neural clusters are
      required for normal striatal controlled behavior. VIDEO ABSTRACT.

PMID- 27667004
TI  - Convergence of Reinforcing and Anhedonic Cocaine Effects in the Ventral Pallidum.
AB  - Addiction is a disorder of behavioral symptoms including enhanced incentive
      salience of drug-associated cues, but also a negative affective state. Cocaine
      evoked synaptic plasticity in the reward system, particularly the nucleus
      accumbens (NAc), drives drug-adaptive behavior. However, how information is
      integrated downstream of the NAc remains unclear. Here, we identify the ventral
      pallidum (VP) as a site of convergence of medium spiny neurons expressing
      dopamine (DA) receptor type 1 (D1-MSNs) and type 2 (D2-MSNs) of the NAc. Repeated
      in vivo cocaine exposure potentiated output of D1-MSNs, but weakened output of D2
      MSNs, occluding LTP and LTD at these synapses, respectively. Selectively
      restoring basal transmission at D1-MSN-to-VP synapses abolished locomotor
      sensitization, whereas restoring transmission at D2-MSN-to-VP synapses normalized
      motivational deficits. Our results support a model by which drug-evoked synaptic
      plasticity in the VP mediates opposing behavioral symptoms; targeting the VP may
      provide novel therapeutic strategies for addictive disorders.

PMID- 27667005
TI  - Balancing the Robustness and Efficiency of Odor Representations during Learning.
AB  - For reliable stimulus identification, sensory codes have to be robust by
      including redundancy to combat noise, but redundancy sacrifices coding
      efficiency. To address how experience affects the balance between the robustness
      and efficiency of sensory codes, we probed odor representations in the mouse
      olfactory bulb during learning over a week, using longitudinal two-photon calcium
      imaging. When mice learned to discriminate between two dissimilar odorants,
      responses of mitral cell ensembles to the two odorants gradually became less
      discrete, increasing the efficiency. In contrast, when mice learned to
      discriminate between two very similar odorants, the initially overlapping
      representations of the two odorants became progressively decorrelated, enhancing
      the robustness. Qualitatively similar changes were observed when the same
      odorants were experienced passively, a condition that would induce implicit
      perceptual learning. These results suggest that experience adjusts odor
      representations to balance the robustness and efficiency depending on the
      similarity of the experienced odorants.

PMID- 27667006
TI  - How Azobenzene Photoswitches Restore Visual Responses to the Blind Retina.
AB  - Azobenzene photoswitches confer light sensitivity onto retinal ganglion cells
      (RGCs) in blind mice, making these compounds promising candidates as vision
      restoring drugs in humans with degenerative blindness. Remarkably,
      photosensitization manifests only in animals with photoreceptor degeneration and
      is absent from those with intact rods and cones. Here we show that P2X receptors
      mediate the entry of photoswitches into RGCs, where they associate with voltage
      gated ion channels, enabling light to control action-potential firing. All
      charged photoswitch compounds require permeation through P2X receptors, whose
      gene expression is upregulated in the blind retina. Photoswitches and membrane
      impermeant fluorescent dyes likewise penetrate through P2X receptors to label a
      subset of RGCs in the degenerated retina. Electrophysiological recordings and
      mapping of fluorescently labeled RGC dendritic projections together indicate that
      photosensitization is highly selective for OFF-RGCs. Hence, P2X receptors are a
      natural conduit allowing cell-type-selective and degeneration-specific delivery
      of photoswitches to restore visual function in blinding disease.

PMID- 27667009
TI  - Prenatal selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor use and the risk of autism
      spectrum disorder in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether an up-to-date systematic review and meta-analysis
      of observational studies would support the previously suggested associations
      regarding prenatal selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) use and the risk
      for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in children. METHODS: PubMed/MEDLINE,
      Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Reprotox databases were
      searched; observational studies with an exposed and unexposed group were
      included. RESULTS: The meta-analysis of case-control studies demonstrated a
      significantly increased risk of ASD in the children whose mothers were prenatally
      exposed to SSRIs during different exposure time windows (except third trimester).
      The qualitative review of the cohort studies suggested inconsistent findings.
      CONCLUSIONS: The significant association between preconception-only SSRI exposure
      and ASD in the children and negative/inconsistent findings among cohort studies
      weaken the significant associations detected in this meta-analysis. We suggest
      that confounding by indication still cannot be ruled out regarding prenatal SSRI
      exposure and ASD in children.

PMID- 27667007
TI  - CaMKII Phosphorylation of TARPgamma-8 Is a Mediator of LTP and Learning and
      Memory.
AB  - Protein phosphorylation is an essential step for the expression of long-term
      potentiation (LTP), a long-lasting, activity-dependent strengthening of synaptic
      transmission widely regarded as a cellular mechanism underlying learning and
      memory. At the core of LTP is the synaptic insertion of AMPA receptors (AMPARs)
      triggered by the NMDA receptor-dependent activation of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent
      protein kinase II (CaMKII). However, the CaMKII substrate that increases AMPAR
      mediated transmission during LTP remains elusive. Here, we identify the
      hippocampus-enriched TARPgamma-8, but not TARPgamma-2/3/4, as a critical CaMKII
      substrate for LTP. We found that LTP induction increases TARPgamma-8
      phosphorylation, and that CaMKII-dependent enhancement of AMPAR-mediated
      transmission requires CaMKII phosphorylation sites of TARPgamma-8. Moreover, LTP
      and memory formation, but not basal transmission, are significantly impaired in
      mice lacking CaMKII phosphorylation sites of TARPgamma-8. Together, these
      findings demonstrate that TARPgamma-8 is a crucial mediator of CaMKII-dependent
      LTP and therefore a molecular target that controls synaptic plasticity and
      associated cognitive functions.

PMID- 27667010
TI  - Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Leukemic Transformation
      Preceded by Philadelphia Chromosome-Negative Myeloproliferative Neoplasms: A
      Nationwide Survey by the Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia Working Group of the Japan
      Society for Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation.
AB  - To clarify the outcome of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) for
      leukemic transformation (LT) preceded by Philadelphia chromosome-negative (Ph
      neg) myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), we conducted a retrospective study
      using the national registry database of the Japan Society for Hematopoietic Cell
      Transplantation. From 2000 to 2013, 39 patients underwent their first allogeneic
      HCT with related bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cells (n = 8), unrelated
      bone marrow (n = 15), and unrelated umbilical cord blood (n = 16). The median
      patient age was 57 years. The underlying Ph-neg MPNs included 21 cases of
      essential thrombocythemia, 11 cases of primary myelofibrosis, and 7 cases of
      polycythemia vera. The median interval between the diagnosis of LT and
      transplantation was 134 days. Thirty-two cases (82%) were not in remission at the
      time of transplantation. The 2-year overall survival rate was 29.2% (95%
      confidence interval [CI], 15.5% to 44.3%). The median follow-up of the surviving
      patients was 1989.5 days (range, 285 to 3270). The cumulative incidences of
      relapse and nonrelapse mortality at 2 years were 34.4% (95% CI, 19.6% to 49.8%)
      and 34.2% (95% CI, 19.6% to 49.4%), respectively. The study results suggested
      that allogeneic HCT provides long-term survival in approximately one-third of
      patients with LT preceded by Ph-neg MPNs.

PMID- 27667008
TI  - Gamma-Rhythmic Gain Modulation.
AB  - Cognition requires the dynamic modulation of effective connectivity, i.e., the
      modulation of the postsynaptic neuronal response to a given input. If
      postsynaptic neurons are rhythmically active, this might entail rhythmic gain
      modulation, such that inputs synchronized to phases of high gain benefit from
      enhanced effective connectivity. We show that visually induced gamma-band
      activity in awake macaque area V4 rhythmically modulates responses to
      unpredictable stimulus events. This modulation exceeded a simple additive
      superposition of a constant response onto ongoing gamma-rhythmic firing,
      demonstrating the modulation of multiplicative gain. Gamma phases leading to
      strongest neuronal responses also led to shortest behavioral reaction times,
      suggesting functional relevance of the effect. Furthermore, we find that constant
      optogenetic stimulation of anesthetized cat area 21a produces gamma-band activity
      entailing a similar gain modulation. As the gamma rhythm in area 21a did not
      spread backward to area 17, this suggests that postsynaptic gamma is sufficient
      for gain modulation.

PMID- 27667011
TI  - Comparison of Donor Sources in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for
      Childhood Acute Leukemia: A Nationwide Retrospective Study.
AB  - Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) remains the best
      therapeutic option for childhood high-risk acute leukemia. However, which donor
      source is optimal for children lacking an identical sibling remains unclear. To
      evaluate the clinical impact of donor source on allo-HSCT in childhood acute
      leukemia, we analyzed data from 577 children who underwent allo-HSCT after a
      myeloablative regimen during first or second complete remission from 2005 to
      2012, using registry data of the Japan Society for Hematopoietic Cell
      Transplantation, and we compared outcomes of 7/8 to 8/8 HLA allelic-matched
      unrelated bone marrow transplantation (UR-BMT, n = 218) and 4/6 to 6/6 HLA
      allelic-matched unrelated cord blood transplantation (UR-CBT, n = 200) to those
      of HLA-identical related bone marrow transplantation (ID-BMT, n = 159). The
      median follow-up of survivors was 40.0 months. Three-year overall survival (OS)
      and leukemia-free survival (LFS) rates for ID-BMT, UR-BMT, and UR-CBT were 74.8%
      and 69.0%, 75.0% and 69.6%, and 71.8% and 63.8%, respectively. The multivariate
      analysis demonstrated that OS and LFS for the 3 groups are comparable, although
      UR-CBT carries a greater risk of nonrelapse mortality (hazard ratio, 2.20; P =
      .03, compared to ID-BMT) in the myeloablative setting for childhood high-risk
      acute leukemia.

PMID- 27667012
TI  - Long-Lasting Protective Effect of Posaconazole Prophylaxis in Patients with Acute
      Myeloid Leukemia Receiving Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.
AB  - Patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) during induction chemotherapy and
      those who receive allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are
      at higher risk of invasive fungal infections (IFI). In the present study, we
      investigated whether the risk of IFI in AML patients receiving HSCT might be
      affected by the antifungal prophylaxis with posaconazole administered during the
      induction/salvage chemotherapy treatment. Between August 2001 and April 2015, 130
      patients with AML received itraconazole/fluconazole (group A) and 99 received
      posaconazole (group B) as antifungal prophylaxis after induction/salvage
      chemotherapy at 7 Italian centers and all patients received fluconazole as
      antifungal prophylaxis after HSCT. The median duration of antifungal prophylaxis
      after induction/salvage chemotherapy was significantly longer for patients in
      group A than for those in group B (24 days versus 20 days, P = .019). The 1-year
      cumulative incidence of proven/probable IFI after HSCT was 14% and 4% in group A
      and group B, respectively (P = .012). Fungal-free survival and overall survival
      at 1 year after HSCT were 66% and 70% in group A, and 75% and 77% in group B (P =
      .139 and P = .302), respectively. Multivariate logistic analysis identified the
      use of alternative donors (matched unrelated donor: odds ratio [OR], 3.25;
      haploidentical/partially matched related donor: OR, 3.19), antifungal prophylaxis
      with itraconazole/fluconazole (OR, 3.82), and reduced-intensity conditioning (OR,
      4.92) as independent risk factors for the development of IFI after HSCT. In
      summary, the present study suggests that the protective effects of posaconazole
      during induction/salvage chemotherapy for AML patients may have long-lasting
      benefits and eventually contribute to reduce the risk of IFI when patients
      undergo allogeneic HSCT.

PMID- 27667013
TI  - Acidity-Controlled Conducting Polymer Films for Organic Thermoelectric Devices
      with Horizontal and Vertical Architectures.
AB  - Organic thermoelectric devices (OTEDs) are recognized one of the next generation
      energy conversion platforms because of their huge potentials for securing
      electricity continuously from even tiny heat sources in our daily life. The
      advantage of OTEDs can be attributable to the design freedom in device shapes and
      the low-cost fabrication by employing solution coating processes at low
      temperatures. As one of the major OTE materials to date, poly(3,4
      ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) has been used, but no
      study has been yet carried out on its acidity control even though the acidic
      components in OTEDs can seriously affect the device performance upon operation.
      Here we demonstrate that the addition of aniline (a weak base) can control the
      acidity of PEDOT:PSS and enhance the performance of OTEDs. In particular, the
      vertical OTEDs with aniline-doped PEDOT:PSS films (active area = 1.0 cm2) could
      continuously generate electricity (0.06 nW) even at low temperatures (<38 
      degrees C) when they were mounted on a desk lamp (power = 24 W).

PMID- 27667014
TI  - Giant cells around bone biomaterials: Osteoclasts or multi-nucleated giant cells?
AB  - : Recently accumulating evidence has put into question the role of large
      multinucleated giant cells (MNGCs) around bone biomaterials. While cells derived
      from the monocyte/macrophage lineage are one of the first cell types in contact
      with implanted biomaterials, it was originally thought that specifically in bone
      tissues, all giant cells were bone-resorbing osteoclasts whereas foreign body
      giant cells (FBGCs) were found associated with a connective tissue foreign body
      reaction resulting in fibrous encapsulation and/or material rejection. Despite
      the great majority of bone grafting materials routinely found with large
      osteoclasts, a special subclass of bone biomaterials has more recently been found
      surrounded by large giant cells virtually incapable of resorbing bone grafts even
      years after their implantation. While original hypotheses believed that a
      'foreign body reaction' may be taking place, histological data retrieved from
      human samples years after their implantation have put these original hypotheses
      into question by demonstrating better and more stable long-term bone volume
      around certain bone grafts. Exactly how or why this 'special' subclass of giant
      cells is capable of maintaining long-term bone volume, or methods to
      scientifically distinguish them from osteoclasts remains extremely poorly
      studied. The aim of this review article was to gather the current available
      literature on giant cell markers and differences in expression patterns between
      osteoclasts and MNGCs utilizing 19 specific markers including an array of CD-cell
      surface markers. Furthermore, the concept of now distinguishing between pro
      inflammatory M1-MNGCs (previously referred to as FBGCs) as well as wound-healing
      M2-MNGCs is introduced and discussed. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This review
      article presents 19 specific cell-surface markers to distinguish between
      osteoclasts and MNGCs including an array of CD-cell surface markers. Furthermore,
      the concept of now distinguishing between pro-inflammatory M1-MNGCs (often
      previously referred to as FBGCs) as well as wound-healing M2-MNGCs is introduced
      and discussed. The proposed concepts and guidelines aims to guide the next wave
      of research facilitating the differentiation between osteoclast/MNGCs formation,
      as well as provides the basis for increasing our understanding of the exact
      function of MNGCs in bone tissue/biomaterial homeostasis.

PMID- 27667015
TI  - Electrospun polystyrene scaffolds as a synthetic substrate for xeno-free
      expansion and differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells.
AB  - : The use of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) for clinical tissue
      engineering applications requires expansion and differentiation of the cells
      using defined, xeno-free substrates. The screening and selection of suitable
      synthetic substrates however, is tedious, as their performance relies on the
      inherent material properties. In the present work, we demonstrate an alternative
      concept for xeno-free expansion and differentiation of hiPSCs using synthetic
      substrates, which hinges on the structure-function relationship between
      electrospun polystyrene scaffolds (ESPS) and pluripotent stem cell growth. ESPS
      of differential porosity was obtained by fusing the fibers at different
      temperatures. The more porous, loosely fused scaffolds were found to efficiently
      trap the cells, leading to a large number of three-dimensional (3D) aggregates
      which were shown to be pluripotent colonies. Immunostaining, PCR analyses, in
      vitro differentiation and in vivo teratoma formation studies demonstrated that
      these hiPSC aggregates could be cultured for up to 10 consecutive passages (P10)
      with maintenance of pluripotency. Flow cytometry showed that more than 80% of the
      cell population stained positive for the pluripotent marker OCT4 at P1, P5 and
      P10. P10 cells could be differentiated to neuronal-like cells and cultured within
      the ESPS for up to 18months. Our results suggest the usefulness of a generic
      class of synthetic substrates, exemplified by ESPS, for 'trapped aggregate
      culture' of hiPSCs. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: To realize the potential of human
      induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) in clinical medicine, robust, xeno-free
      substrates for expansion and differentiation of iPSCs are required. In the
      existing literature, synthetic materials have been reported that meet the
      requirement for non-xenogeneic substrates. However, the self-renewal and
      differentiation characteristics of hiPSCs are affected differently by the
      biocompatibility and physico-chemical properties of individual substrates.
      Although some rules based on chemical structure and substrate rigidity have been
      developed, most of these efforts are still empirical, and most synthetic
      substrates must still be rigorously screened for suitability. In this paper, we
      demonstrate an alternative concept for xeno-free expansion and differentiation of
      hiPSCs using synthetic substrates, which hinges on the structure-function
      relationship between electrospun polystyrene scaffolds (ESPS) and pluripotent
      stem cell growth. ESPS of differential porosity was obtained by fusing the fibers
      at different temperatures. The more porous, loosely fused scaffold was found to
      efficiently trap the cells, leading to a large number of three-dimensional (3D)
      aggregates. In the form of these trapped aggregates, we showed that hiPSCs could
      be cultured for up to 10 consecutive passages (P10) with maintenance of
      pluripotency, following which they could be differentiated to a chosen lineage.
      We believe that this novel, generic class of synthetic substrates that employs
      'trapped aggregate culture' for expansion and differentiation of hiPSCs is an
      important conceptual advance, and would be of high interest to the readership of
      Acta Biomaterialia.

PMID- 27667016
TI  - A fiber-progressive-engagement model to evaluate the composition, microstructure,
      and nonlinear pseudoelastic behavior of porcine arteries and decellularized
      derivatives.
AB  - : The theoretical fiber-progressive-engagement model was proposed to describe the
      pseudoelastic behavior of an artery pre- and post-decellularization treatments.
      Native porcine arteries were harvested and decellularized with 0.05% trypsin for
      12 h. The uniaxial tensile test data were fitted to the fiber-progressive
      engagement model proposed herein. The effects of decellularization on the
      morphology, structural characteristics, and composition of vessel walls were
      studied. The experimental stress-strain curve was fitted to the model in the
      longitudinal and circumferential direction, which demonstrated the adequacy of
      the proposed model (R2>0.99). The initial and turning strains were similar in the
      longitudinal and circumferential directions in the aorta, suggesting the
      occurrence of collagen conjugation in both directions. Discrepancies in the
      initial and turning strain and initial and stiff modulus in both directions in
      the coronary artery revealed the anisotropic features of this vessel.
      Decellularization induced a decrease in the initial and turning strains, a slight
      change in the initial modulus, and a substantial decrease in the stiffness
      modulus. The decrease in the initial and turning strain can be attributed to the
      loss of waviness of collagen bundles because of the considerable decrease in
      elastin and glycosaminoglycan contents. This simple non-linear model can be used
      to determine the fiber modulus and waviness degree of vascular tissue. Based on
      these results, this mechanical test can be used as a screening tool for the
      selection of an optimized decellularization protocol for arterial tissues.
      STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Decellularized vascular graft has potential in
      clinical application, such as coronary artery bypass surgery, peripheral artery
      bypass surgery or microsurgery. An ideal decellularization protocol requires
      balance in cell removal efficiency and extracellular matrix preserving. Both
      biochemical and biomechanical properties are crucial to the success of scaffold
      in cell seeding and animal study. A comprehensive understanding of the
      composition, microstructure, and mechanical behavior of the arterial wall is the
      key to the development of decellularized vascular grafts. For this purpose, we
      proposed this "Fiber-Progressive-Engagement" model to evaluate the
      microstructure, composition and mechanical properties of porcine coronary artery.
      The model provides a new perspective regarding the non-linear behavior of
      arterial tissue and its decellularized derivatives. It can be widely applied to
      different types of tissues, as demonstrated in the aorta and coronary artery.
      This model has several advantages; it provides an improved fit of non-linear
      curves (R2>0.99), can be used to elucidate the pseudoelastic properties of
      porcine vascular tissues using the concept of fiber engagement, and can estimate
      an elastic modulus with greater accuracy (compared to the graphical estimation or
      calculation by simple linear fittings), as well as to plot typical stress-strain
      curves.

PMID- 27667017
TI  - Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) surface nanomodified 3D printed polylactic acid
      (PLA) scaffolds for bone regeneration.
AB  - : Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a new fabrication method for tissue
      engineering which can precisely control scaffold architecture at the micron
      scale. However, scaffolds not only need 3D biocompatible structures that mimic
      the micron structure of natural tissues, they also require mimicking of the nano
      scale extracellular matrix properties of the tissue they intend to replace. In
      order to achieve this, the objective of the present in vitro study was to use
      cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) as a quick and inexpensive way to modify the nano
      scale roughness and chemical composition of a 3D printed scaffold surface. Water
      contact angles of a normal 3D printed poly-lactic-acid (PLA) scaffold
      dramatically dropped after CAP treatment from 70+/-2 degrees  to 24+/-2 degrees .
      In addition, the nano-scale surface roughness (Rq) of the untreated 3D PLA
      scaffolds drastically increased (up to 250%) after 1, 3, and 5min of CAP
      treatment from 1.20nm to 10.50nm, 22.90nm, and 27.60nm, respectively. X-ray
      photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis showed that the ratio of oxygen to
      carbon significantly increased after CAP treatment, which indicated that the CAP
      treatment of PLA not only changed nano-scale roughness but also chemistry. Both
      changes in hydrophilicity and nano-scale roughness demonstrated a very efficient
      plasma treatment, which in turn significantly promoted both osteoblast (bone
      forming cells) and mesenchymal stem cell attachment and proliferation. These
      promising results suggest that CAP surface modification may have potential
      applications for enhancing 3D printed PLA bone tissue engineering materials (and
      all 3D printed materials) in a quick and an inexpensive manner and, thus, should
      be further studied. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Three-dimensional (3D) printing is
      a new fabrication method for tissue engineering which can precisely control
      scaffold architecture at the micron-scale. Although their success is related to
      their ability to exactly mimic the structure of natural tissues and control
      mechanical properties of scaffolds, 3D printed scaffolds have shortcomings such
      as limited mimicking of the nanoscale extracellular matrix properties of the
      tissue they intend to replace. In order to achieve this, the objective of the
      present in vitro study was to use cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) as a quick and
      inexpensive way to modify the nanoscale roughness and chemical composition of a
      3D printed scaffold surface. The results indicated that using CAP surface
      modification could achieve a positive change of roughness and surface chemistry.
      Results showed that both hydrophilicity and nanoscale roughness changes to these
      scaffolds after CAP treatment played an important role in enhancing bone cell and
      mesenchymal stem cell attachment and functions. More importantly, this technique
      could be used for many 3D printed polymer-based biomaterials to improve their
      properties for numerous applications.

PMID- 27667018
TI  - Nanopattern-induced osteogenic differentiation of stem cells - A systematic
      review.
AB  - : It is well known that biomaterials topography can influence the behavior of
      stem cells. Nevertheless, the fundamentals and the impact of nanoscale topography
      are just emerging. The main objective of this review has been to reveal the state
      of-the-art on the effects of controlled nanoscale topographies (nanopatterns) on
      in vitro osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the
      absence of osteogenic supplements. The findings indicate that nanopatterns with
      specific feature sizes, spatial arrangements, or shapes may induce osteogenic
      differentiation of MSCs. Regardless of substrate chemistry, nanopattern-induced
      osteogenic differentiation is associated with large focal adhesions, enhanced
      cell areas, and well organized cytoskeleton. These results suggest that earlier
      interactions between nanopattern features and cell receptors are involved, with
      effects on the entire cell structure and subsequent differentiation. Such events
      are possibly mediated by nanotopography-induced mechanotransduction pathways. The
      findings so far reveal that nanoscale topography has potential for directing
      differentiation of MSCs towards the osteogenic lineage in non-osteogenic media
      and should be harnessed for possible synergistic effects in bone regenerative
      therapies. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The use of nanotopography to induce
      cellular responses represents a novel and rapidly growing area of research.
      Nevertheless, the findings and trends so far are difficult to identify and
      discuss mostly due to a non-systematic research approach. The present manuscript
      is providing a systematic review focused on nanopattern-induced osteogenic
      differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. The coverage of the most relevant
      aspects including nanopatterns fabrication methods, their effects on osteogenic
      differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells as well as the related effects on
      adhesion and cell morphology has enabled an integrated discussion including the
      potential mechanotransduction mechanisms involved. Furthermore, a clear
      distinction between the studies that use only surface nanotopographies and the
      ones that mix nanotopographical features with osteogenic supplements has been
      made. This delineation is essential for revealing and understanding the role of
      biomaterial's nanotopography per se on stem cells differentiation based on which
      novel osteoinductive biomaterials can be developed.

PMID- 27667019
TI  - In situ mechanical and molecular investigations of collagen/apatite biomimetic
      composites combining Raman spectroscopy and stress-strain analysis.
AB  - : We report the design, fabrication and application of a novel micro
      electromechanical device coupled to a confocal Raman microscope that enables in
      situ molecular investigations of micro-fibers under uniaxial tensile load. This
      device allows for the mechanical study of micro-fibers with diameters in the
      range between 10 and 100MUm and lengths of several hundred micrometers. By
      exerting forces in the mN range, the device enables an important force range to
      be accessed between that of atomic force microscopy and macroscopic stress-strain
      measurement devices. The load is varied using a stiffness-calibrated glass micro
      needle driven by a piezo-translator during simultaneous Raman microscopy imaging.
      The method enables experiments probing the molecular response of micro-fibers to
      external stress. This set-up was applied to biomimetic non-mineralized and
      mineralized collagen micro-fibers revealing that above 30% mineralization the
      proline-related Raman band shows a pronounced response to stress, which is not
      observed in non-mineralized collagen. This molecular response coincides with a
      strong increase in the Young's modulus from 0.5 to 6GPa for 0% and 70%
      mineralized collagen, respectively. Our results are consistent with a progressive
      interlocking of the collagen triple-helices by apatite nanocrystals as the degree
      of mineralization increases. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Collagen and apatite are
      the main constituents regulating the mechanical properties of bone. Hence, an
      improved understanding of the impact of mineralization on these properties is of
      large interest for the scientific community. This paper presents systematic
      studies of synthetic collagen microfibers with increasing apatite content and
      their response to tensile stress by using a novel self-made electromechanical
      device combined with a Raman spectrometer for molecular level studies. The impact
      of apatite on the mechanical and molecular response of collagen is evaluated
      giving important insights into the interaction between the mineral and organic
      phases. Therefore our findings expand the fundamental understanding of the
      mechanics of the apatite/collagen system relevant for the design of bio
      composites with similar bio-mimicking properties for e.g. bone regrowth in
      medical applications.

PMID- 27667020
TI  - Extracellular protease derived from lactic acid bacteria stimulates the
      fermentative lactic acid production from the by-products of rice as a biomass
      refinery function.
AB  - A lactic acid producing bacterium, Lactobacillus rhamnosus M-23, newly isolated
      from a rice washing drainage storage tank was found to produce l-(+)-lactic acid
      from a non-sterilized mixture of rice washing drainage and rice bran without any
      additions of nutrients under the simultaneous saccharification and fermentation
      (SSF) process. This strain has the ability to utilize the non-sterilized rice
      washing drainage and rice bran as a source of carbohydrate, saccharifying enzymes
      and nutrients for lactic acid production. Observation of extracellular protease
      activity in SSF culture broth showed that a higher protease activity was present
      in strain M-23 than in other isolated lactic acid producing bacteria (LABs). To
      investigate the structural changes of solid particles of rice washing drainage
      throughout LAB cultivation, scanning electron microscopic (SEM) observation and
      Fourier transform infrared-spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis were performed. The
      results of the SEM observation showed that the surface material could be removed
      from solid particles of rice washing drainage treated by culture broth
      (supernatant) of strain M-23, thus exposing the crystal structure of the starch
      particle surface. The results of the FT-IR analysis revealed that the specific
      transmittance decrease of the CC and CO stretching and OH group of the solid
      particles of the rice washing drainage were highly correlated with the produced
      lactic acid concentration and extracellular protease activity, respectively.
      These results demonstrate the high lactic acid producing ability of strain M-23
      from a non-sterilized mixture of rice washing drainage and rice bran under the
      SSF condition due to the removal of proteinaceous material and exposure of the
      starch particle surface by extracellular protease.

PMID- 27667021
TI  - Proliferation of metanephric mesenchymal cells is inhibited by miR-743a-mediated
      WT1 suppression in vitro.
AB  - To seek out the potential microRNAs (miRNAs) that target Wilms' tumor suppressor
      1 (WT1), a transcription factor required for progenitor proliferation as well as
      normal development of the kidney, and to clarify the effects of the miRNAs on
      WT1, the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of WT1 was initially analyzed and miR
      743a, a seldom-reported miRNA, was identified. In the present paper, luciferase
      reporter assays were performed to confirm that miR-743a is able to directly
      target the 3'-UTR of WT1. Subsequently, reverse transcription-quantitative
      polymerase chain reaction, combined with western blotting analyses, were
      performed, and the results revealed a significant inhibition of WT1 at the mRNA
      and the protein levels. Furthermore, a 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) cell
      proliferation assay, coupled with a WT1 rescue strategy, demonstrated that miR
      743a inhibited the proliferation of metanephric mesenchymal (MM) cells, in part
      by targeting WT1. In conclusion, by targeting WT1, miR-743a suppresses the
      proliferation of MM cells in vitro, and probably possesses vital functions in
      kidney development and kidney-associated diseases.

PMID- 27667022
TI  - Atomically thin quantum light-emitting diodes.
AB  - Transition metal dichalcogenides are optically active, layered materials
      promising for fast optoelectronics and on-chip photonics. We demonstrate
      electrically driven single-photon emission from localized sites in tungsten
      diselenide and tungsten disulphide. To achieve this, we fabricate a light
      emitting diode structure comprising single-layer graphene, thin hexagonal boron
      nitride and transition metal dichalcogenide mono- and bi-layers. Photon
      correlation measurements are used to confirm the single-photon nature of the
      spectrally sharp emission. These results present the transition metal
      dichalcogenide family as a platform for hybrid, broadband, atomically precise
      quantum photonics devices.

PMID- 27667023
TI  - Coxsackievirus A16 induced neurological disorders in young gerbils which could
      serve as a new animal model for vaccine evaluation.
AB  - Coxsackievirus A16 (CA16) is one of the major pathogens associated with human
      hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) in the Asia-pacific region. Although CA16
      infections are generally mild, severe neurological manifestations or even death
      has been reported. Studies on CA16 pathogenesis and vaccine development are
      severely hampered because the small animal models that are currently available
      show major limitations. In this study, gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) were
      investigated for their suitability as an animal model to study CA16 pathogenesis
      and vaccine development. Our results showed that gerbils up to the age of 21 days
      were fully susceptible to CA16 and all died within five days post-infection. CA16
      showed a tropism towards the skeletal muscle, spinal cord and brainstem of
      gerbils, and severe lesions, including necrosis, were observed. In addition, an
      inactivated CA16 whole-virus vaccine administrated to gerbils was able to provide
      full protection to the gerbils against lethal doses of CA16 strains. These
      results demonstrate that gerbils are a suitable animal model to study CA16
      infection and vaccine development.

PMID- 27667024
TI  - Interferon-gamma alters the microRNA profile of umbilical cord-derived
      mesenchymal stem cells.
AB  - Numerous studies have demonstrated that interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) is an
      important inflammatory cytokine, which may activate the immunomodulatory
      abilities of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and may influence certain other
      functions of these cells. MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that regulate the
      majority of the biological functions of cells and are important in a variety of
      biological processes. However, few studies have been performed to investigate
      whether IFN-gamma affects the microRNA profile of MSCs. The aim of the present
      study was to analyze the microRNA profile of MSCs derived from the umbilical cord
      (UC-MSCs) cultured in the presence or absence of IFN-gamma (IFN-UC-MSCs). An
      array that detects 754 microRNAs was used to determine the expression profiles.
      Statistical analysis of the array data revealed that 8 microRNAs were
      significantly differentially expressed in UC-MSCs and IFN-UC-MSCs. Reverse
      transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction validated the differential
      expression of the 8 identified microRNAs. The target genes of the 8 microRNAs
      were predicted through two online databases, TargetScan and miRanda, and the
      predicted results were screened by bioinformatics analysis. The majority of the
      target genes were involved in the regulation of transcription, signal
      transduction, proliferation, differentiation and migration. These results may
      provide insight into the mechanism underlying the regulation of the biological
      functions of MSCs by IFN-gamma, in particular the immunomodulatory activity.

PMID- 27667025
TI  - The effects on plasma L-arginine levels of combined oral L-citrulline and L
      arginine supplementation in healthy males.
AB  - We investigated the effects of combining 1 g of l-citrulline and 1 g of l
      arginine as oral supplementation on plasma l-arginine levels in healthy males.
      Oral l-citrulline plus l-arginine supplementation more efficiently increased
      plasma l-arginine levels than 2 g of l-citrulline or l-arginine, suggesting that
      oral l-citrulline and l-arginine increase plasma l-arginine levels more
      effectively in humans when combined.

PMID- 27667026
TI  - Development and characterisation of highly antibiotic resistant Bartonella
      bacilliformis mutants.
AB  - The objective was to develop and characterise in vitro Bartonella bacilliformis
      antibiotic resistant mutants. Three B. bacilliformis strains were plated 35 or 40
      times with azithromycin, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin or rifampicin discs.
      Resistance-stability was assessed performing 5 serial passages without antibiotic
      pressure. MICs were determined with/without Phe-Arg-beta-Napthylamide and
      artesunate. Target alterations were screened in the 23S rRNA, rplD, rplV, gyrA,
      gyrB, parC, parE and rpoB genes. Chloramphenicol and ciprofloxacin resistance
      were the most difficult and easiest (>37.3 and 10.6 passages) to be selected,
      respectively. All mutants but one selected with chloramphenicol achieved high
      resistance levels. All rifampicin, one azithromycin and one ciprofloxacin mutants
      did not totally revert when cultured without antibiotic pressure. Azithromycin
      resistance was related to L4 substitutions Gln-66 -> Lys or Gly-70 -> Arg; L4
      deletion Delta62-65 (Lys-Met-Tyr-Lys) or L22 insertion 83::Val-Ser-Glu-Ala-His
      Val-Gly-Lys-Ser; in two chloramphenicol-resistant mutants the 23S rRNA mutation
      G2372A was detected. GyrA Ala-91 -> Val and Asp-95 -> Gly and GyrB Glu474 -> Lys
      were detected in ciprofloxacin-resistant mutants. RpoB substitutions Gln-527 ->
      Arg, His-540 -> Tyr and Ser-545 -> Phe plus Ser-588 -> Tyr were detected in
      rifampicin-resistant mutants. In 5 mutants the effect of efflux pumps on
      resistance was observed. Antibiotic resistance was mainly related to target
      mutations and overexpression of efflux pumps, which might underlie
      microbiological failures during treatments.

PMID- 27667027
TI  - Efficacy and safety of TNF-alpha inhibitors for active ankylosing spondylitis
      patients: Multiple treatment comparisons in a network meta-analysis.
AB  - Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an inflammatory rheumatic disease with impact on
      axial skeleton, peripheral joints and enthuses, and it may result in severe
      disabilities of those parts. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibitors
      are considered as an effective treatment for patients with active AS. In this
      study, we conducted a network meta-analysis to compare the clinical outcomes of
      active AS patients treated with TNF-alpha inhibitors. Randomized controlled
      trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy and safety of TNF-alpha inhibitors were
      retrieved in literature search and selected for meta-analysis. Changes in ASAS20
      response, ASAS40 response and BASDAI 50% response were regarded as efficacy
      outcomes; serious adverse events (SAE) and all cause withdrawals were regarded as
      safety outcomes. Both traditional pairwise meta-analysis and network meta
      analysis were performed. The results showed that adalimumab and infliximab had
      better clinical outcomes. Infliximab consistently appeared to be the most
      effective TNF-alpha inhibitors with a high risk of adverse events for patients
      with active AS; meanwhile, adalimumab ranked highest with respect to adverse
      effects with efficacy secondary to infliximab. As a result, we were unable to
      conclude the optimal TNF-alpha inhibitor and this issue should be solved by
      future researchers.

PMID- 27667028
TI  - Quality of life and exercise performance in unoperated children with anomalous
      aortic origin of a coronary artery from the opposite sinus of valsalva.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery is a congenital cardiac
      condition that can be associated with increased risk of sudden death. To date,
      quality of life and exercise performance have not been evaluated in patients with
      this condition who do not undergo surgical repair. METHODS: We carried out a
      cross-sectional analysis of patients with unoperated anomalous aortic origin of a
      coronary artery at our institution from 1 January, 2000 to 31 January, 2016. We
      prospectively assessed quality of life using standardised questionnaires. Medical
      records were reviewed for clinical and exercise stress test data. Statistical
      analyses were performed using Student's t-tests and Spearman's correlation
      coefficients. RESULTS: In total, 56 families completed the questionnaires. The
      average age at enrolment was 14.7+/-6 years. The majority were male (n=44, 78.6%)
      and had interarterial anomalous right coronary artery (n=38, 67.9%). Patients had
      normal quality of life on the PedsQL 4.0 Report, Child Health Questionnaire Child
      Form 87, and SF-36v2. Their parents had normal quality of life on the PedsQL 4.0
      Parent Report, but parents of exercise-restricted patients had decreased Physical
      Functioning, General Health Perception, Emotional Impact on Parent, and Physical
      Summary scores (p<0.001-0.048) on the Child Health Questionnaire Parent Form 50.
      CONCLUSIONS: Patients with unoperated anomalous aortic origin of a coronary
      artery appear to have normal quality of life, but parents of exercise-restricted
      patients have decreased general health and emotional and physical quality of life
      scores. Improved counselling of families may be beneficial in this group. Future
      studies with more patients should evaluate quality of life and exercise
      performance over time.

PMID- 27667029
TI  - Investigation of the environmental impacts of municipal wastewater treatment
      plants through a Life Cycle Assessment software tool.
AB  - This paper investigates the total and per capita environmental impacts of
      municipal wastewater treatment in the function of the population equivalent (PE)
      with a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach using the processes of the Ecoinvent
      2.2 database available in the software tool SimaPro v.7.3. Besides the wastewater
      treatment plant (WWTP), the study also considers the sewerage system. The
      obtained results confirm that there is a 'scale factor' for the wastewater
      collection and treatment even in environmental terms, in addition to the well
      known scale factor in terms of management costs. Thus, the more the treatment
      plant size is, the less the per capita environmental impacts are. However, the
      Ecoinvent 2.2 database does not contain information about treatment systems with
      a capacity lower than 30 PE. Nevertheless, worldwide there are many sparsely
      populated areas, where it is not convenient to realize a unique centralized WWTP.
      Therefore, it would be very important to conduct an LCA study in order to compare
      alternative on-site small-scale systems with treatment capacity of few PE.

PMID- 27667031
TI  - Wound care in the community.
AB  - Primary health care forms an integral part both of the country's health care
      system and the overall social and economic development of the community. It is
      the first level of contact of individuals, the family and the community with the
      National Health Service, bringing healthcare as close as possible to where people
      live and work and constitutes the first elements of a continuing health care
      process ( 1 ). The increasing move away from hospital-centred services towards
      disease prevention and health promotion in the community is both evident and
      welcome. Successful community care services depend upon a review' of how health
      and social services are organised and managed, which should include a
      reorientation of many traditions in nursing and medicine. In addition to disease
      prevention and health-promotion, patients with acute or chronic illnesses also
      receive care, treatment and rehabilitation in the community, being referred for
      specialist service as necessary.

PMID- 27667032
TI  - Nursing world '91.
AB  - On behalf of the Royal College of Nursing, Nursing Standard and Lowndes
      Exhibition Organisers Ltd, I would like to welcome you to Nursing World '91.

PMID- 27667033
TI  - Comparing efficacies.
AB  - Comparative treatments with a hydrocolloid wound dressing and an antiseptic non
      adherent control dressing were evaluated in 27 patients. Thirteen patients in the
      study had leg ulcers, while14 had pressure sores. Measurements of wound
      improvement included use of a computerised photographic technique to assess
      changes in wound size.

PMID- 27667030
TI  - Enhanced cardiac TBC1D10C expression lowers heart rate and enhances exercise
      capacity and survival.
AB  - TBC1D10C is a protein previously demonstrated to bind and inhibit Ras and
      Calcineurin. In cardiomyocytes, also CaMKII is inhibited and all three targeted
      enzymes are known to promote maladaptive cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Here, in
      accordance with lack of Calcineurin inhibition in vivo, we did not observe a
      relevant anti-hypertrophic effect despite inhibition of Ras and CaMKII. However,
      cardiomyocyte-specific TBC1D10C overexpressing transgenic mice exhibited enhanced
      longevity. Ejection fraction and exercise capacity were enhanced in transgenic
      mice, but shortening of isolated cardiomyocytes was not increased. This suggests
      longevity resulted from enhanced cardiac performance but independent of
      cardiomyocyte contractile force. In further search for mechanisms, a
      transcriptome-wide analysis revealed expressional changes in several genes
      pertinent to control of heart rate (HR) including Hcn4, Scn10a, Sema3a and
      Cacna2d2. Indeed, telemetric holter recordings demonstrated slower atrial
      conduction and significantly lower HR. Pharmacological reduction of HR was
      previously demonstrated to enhance survival in mice. Thus, in addition to
      inhibition of stress signaling, TBC1D10C economizes generation of cardiac output
      via HR reduction, enhancing exercise capacity and survival. TBC1D10C may be a new
      target for HR reduction and longevity.

PMID- 27667035
TI  - Returning nurses tell of colleagues left behind.
AB  - Many British nurses are choosing to stay in the Gulf despite the constant threat
      of bombings, the first staff to leave Saudi Arabia since fighting broke out have
      revealed.

PMID- 27667034
TI  - Comparing efficacies.
AB  - place for up to seven days. Our approachkin North Manchester has been to look at
      "the efficacy of one hydrocolloid dressing (Comfeel Ulcer Dressing, Coloplast
      Ltd)in the hospital environment, and compare it with a group being treated with a
      non-adherent dressing (Betadine, Napp).

PMID- 27667037
TI  - Has compile specialist skills lists.
AB  - Health authorities were compiling lists of nurses with specialist skills last
      week as the first casualties arrived in Britain.

PMID- 27667036
TI  - Gulf casualties 'mean longer waiting lists'.
AB  - Hospitals preparing for Gulf casualties may have to pay the price of longer
      waiting lists, as non-urgent admissions are halted.

PMID- 27667038
TI  - ?
AB  - Metropolitan Line-Up: A special Nursing Standard promotion for the four Thames
      regions was marked by a reception for leading nurses and news trade
      representative sat the RUN headquarters in London recently.

PMID- 27667039
TI  - 9-9-5 per cent pay rise?
AB  - The Gulf War has further confused speculation that this year's nurses' pay rise
      may be pegged just below 10 per cent.

PMID- 27667040
TI  - Nurses' 'flexible working' demands blocked.
AB  - Nurses' flexible working demands are being blocked by their colleagues before
      reaching 'willing' personnel officers, an Equal Opportunities Commission
      investigation's initial findings have indicated.

PMID- 27667042
TI  - Using a wound assessment chart.
AB  - One of the fundamental requisites of a team is leadership. In hospital practice
      the leadership role has been assumed by the doctor, usually the consultant ( 1 ).
      However, nursing has inherited the role of major prescriber for the treatment of
      wounds with, unfortunately, little rationale being employed.

PMID- 27667043
TI  - Pressure on for prescribing powers.
AB  - Consumer pressure groups have thrown their weight behind the RCN-led campaign to
      give community nurses limited prescribing powers.

PMID- 27667044
TI  - Observation levels must be recorded.
AB  - The level of observation needed by patients should be determined and recorded at
      admission, Health Service Commissioner William Reid has warned.

PMID- 27667045
TI  - Caring for Romania appeal.
AB  - Pictured at last week's meeting are, left to right: Olivia Harrison, Baroness
      Cox, RCNGeneral Secretary Christine Hancock and Norah Casey.

PMID- 27667046
TI  - Transfer deal for Romanian Appeal.
AB  - The 'Caring for Romania Appeal' launched by Nursing Standardlast March has
      officially merged with the Romanian Angel Appeal, the charity launched by ex
      Beatle wives.

PMID- 27667047
TI  - Timetable set for 'third wave' Trusts.
AB  - The Government aims to get a third wave of NHS Trusts into operation by April
      1993, Health Minister Virginia Bot-tomley confirmed in the Commons last week.

PMID- 27667049
TI  - ?

PMID- 27667048
TI  - Lack of library funding throws P2000 off course.
AB  - Poor library facilities are posing a serious threat to the success of Project
      2000courses throughout England, a survey of13 colleges of nursing approved in
      theproject's first round has revealed.

PMID- 27667050
TI  - Health service urged to set up nurse 'banks'.
AB  - Staff recruitment agencies should be setup by health service managers to cut the
      cost of hiring temporary staff, a new report urges.

PMID- 27667051
TI  - 'Time for action' call on racism report.
AB  - A King's Fund report urging Government action on NHS racism sparked a 'no more
      talk - time for action' call from the RCN last week.

PMID- 27667052
TI  - Scholarship nurses will research abroad.
AB  - Twenty nurses will get the chance to carry out research as a result of
      scholarships awarded by the Florence Nightingale Committee.

PMID- 27667054
TI  - Regional study days 1991.
AB  - Due to the substantial and prolonged demand, the UK is now divided into North and
      South for study day purposes but the content of the programmes remains identical.
      Hella Reissmann organises the Northern Group and Judy Waterlow is responsible for
      the Southern Group.

PMID- 27667056
TI  - Shortfall in high blood pressure treatment.
AB  - Four out of five patients with moderate to severely high blood pressure may not
      be receiving treatment from their general practitioner, according to a report
      from the Office of Health Economics.

PMID- 27667057
TI  - Tobacco advertising a big threat to women?
AB  - Thirty-five thousand British women die each year through smoking-related illness
      but seven million young women continue to be exposed to cigarette advertising
      placed in magazines.

PMID- 27667058
TI  - Needs of post-therapy cancer patients.
AB  - Nurses must recognise and pay more attention to the needs of cancer patients who
      are recovering from their first line of therapy, an oncology clinical nurse
      specialist warned last week.

PMID- 27667059
TI  - New treatment hope for alcohol abuse.
AB  - Preliminary findings suggest that ri-tanserin might be a useful treatment in
      alcohol dependence.

PMID- 27667061
TI  - Preventing heat loss in neonatal units.
AB  - The possible thermal consequences of exterior windows should be considered when
      neonatal intensive care units are designed, a nurse researcher says.

PMID- 27667060
TI  - Dyslexia may be general learning deficiency.
AB  - Dyslexia might involve a general skill deficiency rather than merely difficulty
      with reading, researchers say.

PMID- 27667062
TI  - Brucellosis - a sexually transmitted disease?
AB  - Sexual partners of people infected with brucellosis should be monitored closely
      for evidence of infection, researchers say.

PMID- 27667063
TI  - Premature infants and car-seat positions.
AB  - Parents of premature infants should be made aware of the possible physiological
      effects of different positions in car seats.

PMID- 27667064
TI  - ?
AB  - None of us is really sure what shape the world will be come April 1 with the
      entrance of the purchaser-provider White Paper. I suppose for the majority of us
      things will feel no different. We will be expected to provide a service as in the
      past but this time we should know more about the quality and the cost. After the
      flurry of activity to get the contracts sorted out we will be entering a phase of
      ironing out the problems.

PMID- 27667065
TI  - Breaking the code.
AB  - When a nurse is found guilty of professional misconduct it stays on her or his
      career record for ten years and will almost certainly hinder that nurse's
      attempts to find a new job.

PMID- 27667066
TI  - Clinical directorates.
AB  - The term 'clinical directorate' is widely assumed to be modelled on experience
      since 1973 at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, USA. Involving doctors in
      budgeting and budget management, the system decentralises both revenue and
      expense budgeting.

PMID- 27667067
TI  - Going round in circles.
AB  - With today's fast-paced focus on quality, does anyone actually have time to stop
      the merry-go-round and assess exactly where it is they are going, what they want
      to achieve and whether they are being successful or not?

PMID- 27667069
TI  - Dysssy on the equator.
AB  - Last year I arrived in Lilongwe, capital city of Malawi, after a tortuous ten
      hour flight from London. I had been invited to this southern African country by
      the British Council to speak on several aspects of nursing including quality
      assurance and the setting of standards. After being graciously welcomed at Kamuzu
      International Airport I was taken to accommodation in the residential centre of
      Lilongwe near Kamuzu College of Nursing.

PMID- 27667068
TI  - Standard setting in practice.
AB  - Reynolds is a continuing care ward of 28 beds for elderly people. Acting Sister
      Jenny Banks and staff nurse Bernadine Perry have been involved in writing
      standards of care on their ward for the past year. Staff nurse lan Reid joined
      the ward this January.

PMID- 27667070
TI  - Norwegian standards.
AB  - I live in Stavangar, a town on the southwest coast of Norway, facing Britain and
      mostly known as the oil capital of Norway. We have a hospital of 690 beds,
      recently built, where I have worked for most of the time since graduating in1980.
      I worked as a ward sister for about five years and have recently taken up the
      post of assisant head nurse within the same orthopaedic unit.

PMID- 27667071
TI  - Quality assurance D Sale Quality assurance Macmillan Education 58pp L7.50 0-333
      46405-2.
AB  - Quality Assurance, a readable and concise book, might have been more aptly
      entitled A Beginner's Guide to Quality Assurance. Its strength lies in Diana
      Sale's lack of presumption that the reader has or should have a basic knowledge
      of the subject.

PMID- 27667073
TI  - Network news.

PMID- 27667072
TI  - Quality assurance in nursing practice N Kemp Quality assurance in nursing
      practice and E Richardson Butterworth-Heinemann 116pp L9.95 0-7506-0019-5.

PMID- 27667074
TI  - Launch in to sales!
AB  - If you love nursing but hate the frustrations of modern health-care what do you
      do with your skills when you hang up your uniform? An option that many ex-medics
      explore is using their medical experience in a commercial career as a Medical
      Sales Representative. There are basically two industries which recruit nurses as
      trainee sales people: pharmaceuticals and hospital products and equipment.

PMID- 27667076
TI  - Enrolled nurse scapegoat shame.
AB  - It eleven and a half years as a nurse have taught me one thing, it's that if your
      face doesn't fit, you've had it.

PMID- 27667075
TI  - Clearing the confusion.
AB  - I am extremely surprised by your editorial in Nursing Standard January 16 1991,
      expressing confusion between the English National Board continuing education
      framework and the United Kingdom Central Council Post Registration Education and
      Practice Project proposals.

PMID- 27667078
TI  - Clues across.

PMID- 27667077
TI  - Lucky us.
AB  - I was delighted to see the letter, 'Squeaks of approval' (Nursing Standard
      January 9), from Bristol Polytechnic undergraduates.

PMID- 27667079
TI  - Not just a servant.
AB  - I read your editorial, 'Serving Whom?' (Nursing StandardJanuary 9) with
      annoyance, perhaps tinged with post-flu impatience.

PMID- 27667080
TI  - Playing an important role.
AB  - As a hospital chaplain, I try to keep up with reading the various magazines from
      other disciplines in the National Health Service, but I have to criticise your
      article, 'Supporting parents when their baby dies' (Nursing Standard, October31).

PMID- 27667081
TI  - Information exchange.
AB  - I am a community sister involved with Individual Performance Review and I would
      be interested to know if anyone is designed/adapted a form for use in their own
      department or unit.

PMID- 27667083
TI  - Further reading list.

PMID- 27667082
TI  - Dame Catherine Hall looks back on the life and work of a distinguished nurse.
AB  - Christine Brown was the epitome of all that is best in the nursing tradition. She
      had commitment, knowledge and skill to a high degree. She cared for and about
      people, her patients, her colleagues and her staff, and she gave of herself in
      responding to their needs.

PMID- 27667084
TI  - Understanding Child Sexual Maltreatment Understanding Child Sexual Maltreatment K
      C Faller SAGE 252pp L14.95 0-8039-3842-X [Formula: see text].
AB  - Kathleen Faller has written several studies based on her work and research with
      sexually abused children and their families.

PMID- 27667085
TI  - Advanced Nursing and Health Care Research F McLaughlin and L Marascuilo Saunders
      384pp L32.50 0-7216-3098-7 [Formula: see text].
AB  - I was disappointed by Advanced Nursing and Health Care Research. Not that it's
      bad, it's just that as a new book, there was nothing new in it. So there is
      nothing in it that isn't covered as well or better in other more established
      texts.

PMID- 27667087
TI  - Drawing up the action plans.
AB  - Health authorities have started to compile lists of nurses with specialist skills
      who could be called up to deal with Gulf casualties arriving in British
      hospitals.

PMID- 27667088
TI  - Post traumatic stress disorder explained.
AB  - At first I felt euphoric... on a high... I had come through and it felt good just
      to be alive.' This reaction from the survior of a serious incident in which no
      one had been killed is typical of the initial reaction to narrowly escaping death
      or severe injury.

PMID- 27667089
TI  - Care of the bums patient.
AB  - While the average National Health Service ward may be used to dealing with minor
      burns and scalds, it is unlikely that the majority will have significant
      experience in dealing with major burns.

PMID- 27667090
TI  - Elevated First-Trimester Total Bile Acid is Associated with the Risk of
      Subsequent Gestational Diabetes.
AB  - The aim of the current study is to assess whether total bile acid (TBA) level in
      first trimester pregnancy is associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).
      Biochemical parameters including serum TBA of 742 pregnant women were collected
      within 12 weeks of gestation and compared. At 24-28th weeks of gestation, 75 g
      oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed. The perinatal data of 330 women
      were collected. The results demonstrated women with GDM (n = 268) had higher
      first-trimester serum levels of TBA compared with healthy subjects (n = 474) (2.3
      +/- 1.4 MUmol/L vs. 1.9 +/- 1.0 MUmol/L, P < 0.001). TBA was independently
      associated with GDM [adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 1.38; 95% confidence interval
      (CI), 1.18-1.61, P < 0.001]. Compared to the first category of TBA, women in the
      highest category had a marked increase in risk for GDM (AOR, 7.72; 95% CI, 3.22
      18.50, P < 0.001). In conclusion, higher first-trimester TBA levels, even within
      normal range, may help indicate increased risk of GDM.

PMID- 27667091
TI  - Parametric analysis of colony morphology of non-labelled live human pluripotent
      stem cells for cell quality control.
AB  - Given the difficulties inherent in maintaining human pluripotent stem cells
      (hPSCs) in a healthy state, hPSCs should be routinely characterized using several
      established standard criteria during expansion for research or therapeutic
      purposes. hPSC colony morphology is typically considered an important criterion,
      but it is not evaluated quantitatively. Thus, we designed an unbiased method to
      evaluate hPSC colony morphology. This method involves a combination of automated
      non-labelled live-cell imaging and the implementation of morphological colony
      analysis algorithms with multiple parameters. To validate the utility of the
      quantitative evaluation method, a parent cell line exhibiting typical embryonic
      stem cell (ESC)-like morphology and an aberrant hPSC subclone demonstrating
      unusual colony morphology were used as models. According to statistical colony
      classification based on morphological parameters, colonies containing readily
      discernible areas of differentiation constituted a major classification cluster
      and were distinguishable from typical ESC-like colonies; similar results were
      obtained via classification based on global gene expression profiles. Thus, the
      morphological features of hPSC colonies are closely associated with cellular
      characteristics. Our quantitative evaluation method provides a biological
      definition of 'hPSC colony morphology', permits the non-invasive monitoring of
      hPSC conditions and is particularly useful for detecting variations in hPSC
      heterogeneity.

PMID- 27667092
TI  - Reappraisal of effects of serum chemerin and adiponectin levels and nutritional
      status on cardiovascular outcomes in prevalent hemodialysis patients.
AB  - Although chemerin, an adipokine, increases the cardiovascular (CV) risk in obese
      people, it is associated with a survival advantage in incident hemodialysis (HD)
      patients. We explored the potential effects of chemerin on CV outcomes in
      prevalent HD patients. This prospective study included 343 prevalent HD patients.
      The composite outcome was the occurrence of CV events and death during follow-up.
      We used multivariate Cox regression analysis to test the predictive power of
      different chemerin and adiponectin levels and geriatric nutritional risk index
      (GNRI) for the outcomes. HD patients with higher chemerin levels (>=211.4 ng/mL)
      had a lower risk of CV events (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.64; 95% confidence
      interval [CI], 0.41-0.98) and composite CV outcome (adjusted HR, 0.67; 95% CI,
      0.45-0.99) than those with lower chemerin levels (<211.4 ng/mL). When evaluating
      CV outcomes, we identified an interaction between chemerin levels and GNRI, but
      not between chemerin and adiponectin levels. The findings remained robust in the
      sensitivity analysis. Thus, in prevalent HD patients with negligible residual
      renal function, higher chemerin levels predict more favourable CV outcomes.

PMID- 27667093
TI  - Validation of osteoporosis risk assessment tools in middle-aged Thai women.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To validate osteoporosis risk assessment tools in middle-aged Thai
      women. METHODS: A total of 1038 women who had bone mineral density (BMD)
      measurements using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry were reviewed. Clinical data
      were used to validate the diagnostic test performance of various osteoporosis
      risk assessment tools, including ABONE, FRAX(r), ORAI, OSIRIS, SCORE, SOFSURF,
      and OSTA. The following parameters were evaluated: sensitivity, specificity,
      negative predictive value (NPV), positive predictive value (PPV), and accuracy;
      those with 95% confidence interval (CI) of the receiver operator characteristics
      area under the curve (ROC-AUC) > 0.5 were considered statistically significant.
      RESULTS: The subjects had a mean age of 53.01 +/- 6.20 years and body mass index
      (BMI) of 23.98 +/- 3.38 kg/m2. Among the osteoporosis risk assessment tools being
      evaluated, the tools that had ROC-AUC >0.8 and 95% CI >0.5, and could predict
      osteoporosis at the femoral neck with high specificity of >75% and NPV of >90%,
      were FRAX(r) without BMD (ROC-AUC 0.83; 95% CI 0.73-0.93; specificity 99.90; NPV
      98.89), SCORE (ROC-AUC 0.86; 95% CI 0.78-0.94; specificity 98.79; NPV 98.99), and
      OSTA (ROC-AUC 0.86; 95% CI 0.79-0.94; specificity 75.03; NPV 99.73). CONCLUSION:
      The prevalence of osteoporosis in the middle-aged Thai women attending Siriraj
      Menopause Clinic is 7.3% at the lumbar spine and/or femoral neck. FRAX(r) without
      BMD, SCORE, and OSTA have appropriate validity as tools for ruling out
      osteoporosis in these women.

PMID- 27667096
TI  - Quantitation of plasma thiamine, related metabolites and plasma protein oxidative
      damage markers in children with autism spectrum disorder and healthy controls.
AB  - AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: To assess thiamine and related metabolite status by analysis of
      plasma and urine in autistic children and healthy controls, correlations to
      clinical characteristics and link to plasma protein markers of oxidative damage.
      METHODS: 27 children with autism (21 males and 6 females) and 21 (15 males and 6
      females) age-matched healthy control children were recruited. The concentration
      of thiamine and related phosphorylated metabolites in plasma and urine and plasma
      protein content of dityrosine, N-formylkynurenine and 3-nitrotyrosine was
      determined. RESULTS: Plasma thiamine and thiamine monophosphate concentrations
      were similar in both study groups (median [lower-upper quartile]): autistic
      children - 6.60 nM (4.48-8.91) and 7.00 nM (5.51-8.55), and healthy controls -
      6.82 nM (4.47-7.02) and 6.82 nM (5.84-8.91), respectively. Thiamine pyrophosphate
      (TPP) was decreased 24% in autistic children compared to healthy controls: 6.82
      nM (5.81-8.52) versus 9.00 nM (8.41-10.71), p < .01. Urinary excretion of
      thiamine and fractional renal clearance of thiamine did not change between the
      groups. No correlation was observed between clinical markers and the plasma and
      urine thiamine concentration. Plasma protein dityrosine content was increased 88%
      in ASD. Other oxidative markers were unchanged. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION:
      Autistic children had normal plasma and urinary thiamine levels whereas plasma
      TPP concentration was decreased. The latter may be linked to abnormal tissue
      handling and/or absorption from gut microbiota of TPP which warrants further
      investigation. Increased plasma protein dityrosine may reflect increased dual
      oxidase activity in response to change in mucosal immunity and host-microbe
      homeostasis.

PMID- 27667097
TI  - Enhanced skin deposition and delivery of voriconazole using ethosomal
      preparations.
AB  - Despite its broad-spectrum antifungal properties, voriconazole has many side
      effects when administered systemically. The aim of this work was to develop an
      ethosomal topical delivery system for voriconazole and test its potential to
      enhance the antifungal properties and skin delivery of the drug. Voriconazole was
      encapsulated into various ethosomal preparations and the effect of phospholipid
      and ethanol concentrations on the ethosomes properties were evaluated. The
      ethosomes were evaluated for drug encapsulation efficiency, particle size and
      morphology and antifungal efficacy. Drug permeability and deposition were tested
      in rat abdominal skin. Drug encapsulation efficiency of up to 46% was obtained
      and it increased with increasing the phospholipid concentration, whereas the
      opposite effect was observed for the ethanol concentration. The ethosomes had a
      size of 420-600 nm and negative zeta potential. The particle size of the
      ethosomes increased by increasing their ethanol content. The ethosomes achieved
      similar inhibition zones against Aspergillus flavus at a 2-fold lower drug
      concentration compared with drug solution in dimethyl sulfoxide. The ex vivo drug
      permeability through rat abdominal skin was ~6-fold higher for the ethosomes
      compared with the drug hydroalcoholic solution. Similarly, the amount of drug
      deposited in the skin was higher for the ethosomes and was dependent on the
      ethanol concentration of the ethosomes. These results confirm that voriconazole
      ethosomal preparations are promising topical delivery systems that can enhance
      the drug antifungal efficacy and improve its skin delivery.

PMID- 27667095
TI  - Polysorbates prevent biofilm formation and pathogenesis of Escherichia coli
      O104:H4.
AB  - Escherichia coli biotype O104:H4 recently caused the deadliest E. coli outbreak
      ever reported. Based on prior results, it was hypothesized that compounds
      inhibiting biofilm formation by O104:H4 would reduce its pathogenesis. The
      nonionic surfactants polysorbate 80 (PS80) and polysorbate 20 (PS20) were found
      to reduce biofilms by >= 90% at submicromolar concentrations and elicited nearly
      complete dispersal of preformed biofilms. PS80 did not significantly impact in
      vivo colonization in a mouse infection model; however, mice treated with PS80
      exhibited almost no intestinal inflammation or tissue damage while untreated mice
      exhibited robust pathology. As PS20 and PS80 are classified as 'Generally
      Recognized as Safe' (GRAS) compounds by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA),
      these compounds have clinical potential to treat future O104:H4 outbreaks.

PMID- 27667094
TI  - Smoothing a rugged protein folding landscape by sequence-based redesign.
AB  - The rugged folding landscapes of functional proteins puts them at risk of
      misfolding and aggregation. Serine protease inhibitors, or serpins, are paradigms
      for this delicate balance between function and misfolding. Serpins exist in a
      metastable state that undergoes a major conformational change in order to inhibit
      proteases. However, conformational labiality of the native serpin fold renders
      them susceptible to misfolding, which underlies misfolding diseases such as
      alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency. To investigate how serpins balance function and
      folding, we used consensus design to create conserpin, a synthetic serpin that
      folds reversibly, is functional, thermostable, and polymerization resistant.
      Characterization of its structure, folding and dynamics suggest that consensus
      design has remodeled the folding landscape to reconcile competing requirements
      for stability and function. This approach may offer general benefits for
      engineering functional proteins that have risky folding landscapes, including the
      removal of aggregation-prone intermediates, and modifying scaffolds for use as
      protein therapeutics.

PMID- 27667098
TI  - Growth inhibitory and apoptosis-inducing effects of allergen-free Rhus
      verniciflua Stokes extract on A549 human lung cancer cells.
AB  - Evidence suggests that Rhus verniciflua Stokes (RVS) or its extract has the
      potential to be used for the treatment of inflammatory and neoplastic diseases.
      However, direct use of RVS or its extract as a herbal medicine has been limited
      due to the presence of urushiol, an allergenic toxin. In the present study, we
      prepared an extract of the allergen-removed RVS (aRVS) based on a traditional
      method and investigated its inhibitory effect on the growth of various types of
      human cancer cells, including lung (A549), breast (MCF-7) and prostate (DU-145)
      cancer cell lines. Notably, among the cell lines tested, treatment with the aRVS
      extract strongly inhibited proliferation of the A549 cells at a 0.5 mg/ml
      concentration for 24 h that was not cytotoxic to normal human dermal fibroblasts.
      Furthermore, aRVS extract treatment largely reduced the survival and induced
      apoptosis of the A549 cells. At the mechanistic levels, treatment with the aRVS
      extract led to the downregulation of Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 proteins, the activation of
      caspase-9/-3 proteins, an increase in cytosolic cytochrome c levels, the
      upregulation of Bax protein, an increase in phosphorylated p53 protein but a
      decrease in phosphorylated S6 protein in the A549 cells. Importantly, treatment
      with z-VAD-fmk, a pan-caspase inhibitor attenuated aRVS extract-induced apoptosis
      in the A549 cells. These results demonstrate firstly that aRVS extract has growth
      inhibitory and apoptosis-inducing effects on A549 human lung cancer cells through
      modulation of the expression levels and/or activities of caspases, Bcl-2, Mcl-1,
      Bax, p53 and S6.

PMID- 27667100
TI  - Morphology Controls on Calcite Recrystallization.
AB  - Environmental scientists and geoscientists working in different fields regard the
      reactivity of calcite and corresponding changes in its trace elemental- or
      isotopic composition from diametrically opposed points of view. As one extreme,
      calcite based environmental remediation strategies rely on the fast
      recrystallization of calcite and the concurrent uptake and immobilization of
      pollutants. Paleo-ecological investigations denote the other extreme, and rely on
      the invariability of calcite composition over geological periods of time. We use
      long-term radiotracer experiments to quantify recrystallization rates of seven
      types of calcite powder with diverse morphology and particle size distribution.
      On the one hand our results demonstrate the long-term metastability of calcite
      with equilibrated crystal surfaces even at isotopic dis-equilibrium. On the other
      hand, we document the extremely high reactivity and interfacial free energy of
      freshly ground, rough calcite. Our results indicate that bulk calcite
      recrystallization is an interfacial free energy driven Ostwald-ripening process,
      in which particle roughness effects dominate over the effect of crystal habitus
      and particle size. We confirm that the dynamic equilibrium exchange of crystal
      constituents between kink sites involves an activation barrier of about 25
      kJ/mol. At room temperature the equilibrium exchange is limited to a near surface
      region and proceeds at a rate of (3.6 +/- 1.4).10-13 mol/(m2.s).

PMID- 27667099
TI  - Optimization of hierarchical structure and nanoscale-enabled plasmonic refraction
      for window electrodes in photovoltaics.
AB  - An ideal network window electrode for photovoltaic applications should provide an
      optimal surface coverage, a uniform current density into and/or from a substrate,
      and a minimum of the overall resistance for a given shading ratio. Here we show
      that metallic networks with quasi-fractal structure provides a near-perfect
      practical realization of such an ideal electrode. We find that a leaf venation
      network, which possesses key characteristics of the optimal structure, indeed
      outperforms other networks. We further show that elements of hierarchal topology,
      rather than details of the branching geometry, are of primary importance in
      optimizing the networks, and demonstrate this experimentally on five model
      artificial hierarchical networks of varied levels of complexity. In addition to
      these structural effects, networks containing nanowires are shown to acquire
      transparency exceeding the geometric constraint due to the plasmonic refraction.

PMID- 27667101
TI  - [Interpretation of Global Strategy for the Diagnosis, Management and Prevention
      of Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) 2016].

PMID- 27667102
TI  - [Evaluation of the efficacy of laparoscopic surgery in treatment of advanced mid
      low rectal cancer following a long-term neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy].
AB  - Objective: To explore the efficacy of laparoscopic surgery in treatment of
      advanced mid-low rectal cancer following a long-term neoadjuvant
      chemoradiotherapy. Methods: Clinicopathologic and perioperative data were
      collected retrospectively from 74 patients with advanced mid-low rectal cancer,
      who received both neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and resections between January
      2010 and January 2013 at Xinjiang tumor hospital. Routine follow-up was
      conducted. The safety and long-term survival of 36 patients who underwent
      laparoscopic resection were compared with those of 38 patients who received
      conventional resection. Results: The laparoscopic group had less amount of blood
      loss during surgery (50 ml vs 100 ml, P<0.05). The time needed for recovery of
      gastrointestinal function in the laparoscopic group was significantly shorter
      than that in the open surgery group (2.0 d vs 3.0 d, P<0.05). The rate of
      postoperative complication was 19.4% and 42.1% (P<0.05), respectively. In terms
      of the range of radical surgery and the numbers of dissected lymph nodes (8 and
      10, P>0.05), no significant difference were found in the two groups. The
      operation duration and hospital stay in the laparoscopic group was longer than
      that in the open surgery group (240.0 min vs 231.5 min , P>0.05) (22.0 d vs 21.5
      d , P>0.05), but no significant difference was found between the two groups.
      There were no significant difference in the incidence of 3 disease-free survival
      rate (53.0% vs 43.8%, P>0.05) and overall survival rate (70.0% vs 62.9%, P>0.05)
      between two groups. Conclusion: Laparoscopic surgery is a safe and feasible
      option for advanced mid-low rectal cancer patients who undergone the neoadjuvant
      chemoradiotherapy because of the similar rate of radical resection and satisfied
      long-term outcomes, which will have a better prospect in the future.

PMID- 27667103
TI  - [Application of new chest holder in the median sternotomy for open heart surgery
      in adults].
AB  - Objective: To explore the application of new chest holder in the median
      sternotomy for open heart surgery in adults. Methods: Two hundred adult patients
      in Henan Provincial People's Hospital from May 2013 to May 2015 were enrolled in
      the study and randomly divided into two groups. Experimental group included 100
      cases who accepted the new type of chest holder in the open heart surgery.
      Control group were also composed of 100 cases whose sternums were fixed with the
      pure steel wire cerclage. Sternal closure time was recorded since the sternum
      closing. All subjects were followed up to obtain the chest incision healing, the
      incidence of sternal dehiscence, infection and secondary thoracotomy, and thus to
      estimated the effect of new chest holder. Results: All patients in the
      experimental group reached the effect of firm closed chest surgery. Sternal
      closure time of experimental group was much shorter than that of control
      group[(10+/-2) vs (21+/-4) min, P<0.001]. No sternal instability, dehiscence,
      infection and secondary thoracotomy were found during the follow-up. However, in
      the control group, 3 secondary thoracotomy cases, 6 sternal dehiscence cases and
      2 sternal infection cases were detected. Conclusions: New type of chest holder in
      the median sternotomy for open heart surgery is more convenient with small
      surgical trauma. It can also effectively reduce the incidence of sternal
      instability, dehiscence, infection and secondary thoracotomy.

PMID- 27667104
TI  - [Association between hand-foot skin reaction and effectiveness of vascular
      endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors in patients with
      metastatic renal cell carcinoma].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the association between hand-foot skin reaction (HFSR)
      in the treatment with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase
      inhibitors (VEGFR-TKIs) and the effectiveness of VEGFR-TKIs. Methods: Clinical
      data of 155 patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) treated with
      VEGFR-TKIs at the Cancer Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences between
      January 2006 and January 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. All the patients
      received first-line VEGFR-TKI therapy. The treatment effectiveness and outcome
      between patients developing HFSR and those without HFSR were compared. Comparison
      of treatment response rate (RR) was performed with chi2 test, survival analysis
      was performed using Kaplan-Meier method, with a significance level of 0.05.
      Results: The median survival of all the 155 patients was 36.2 months. Among the
      117 (75.5%) patients who developed HFSR, 19 patients (12.3%) had grade I HFSR, 73
      (47.1%) had grade II, and 25 (16.1%) had grade III; there were no grade IV
      events. The RR and median progression-free survival (mPFS) in patients who did
      not develop HFSR were 15.8% and 6.7 months, respectively; while the RR and mPFS
      in patients who developed HFSR were 52.1% and 13.8 months, respectively (P<0.001,
      P=0.002). The RR and mPFS in patients with grade I HFSR were 42.1% and 9.5
      months, respectively; those in patients with grade II HFSR were 56.2% and 12.2
      months, respectively, in patients with grade III were 48.0% and 22.2 months,
      respectively, with statistically significant differences among the three grades
      of HFSR (P=0.001, 0.009). Conclusions: HFSR might be an effective predictor for
      effectiveness of VEGFR-TKIs in mRCC patients. Large-sample studies are warranted
      to further prove these results.

PMID- 27667105
TI  - [Application of laparoscopic transection of median hepatic fissure in difficult
      laparoscopic liver resections].
AB  - Objective: The aim was to explore the strategy and clinical value of laparoscopic
      transection of median hepatic fissure (MHF) in difficult laparoscopic liver
      resections. Methods: First the MHF was located and marked, then the transection
      plane of the MHF was set. Next, the laparoscopic Multifuctional Operative
      Dissector (LPMOD) and the technique of curettage and aspiration were utilized to
      transect the liver beginning from the middle portion of the gallbladder fossa, in
      a caudal-to-cranial and anterior-to-posterior direction, until the clear exposure
      of the anterior surface of the intrahepatic inferior vena cava. Transection of
      the MHF was accurately achieved. Finally, dissection of the second and third
      porta hepatis were carefully performed and mobilization of the transected liver
      was achieved. This technique of laparoscopic transection of MHF was successfully
      performed in 13 patients in difficult laparoscopic liver resections. Results:
      Between April 2014 and August 2015, 13 patients received the technique of
      laparoscopic transection of MHF in difficult laparoscopic liver resections,
      including 10 cases of laparoscopic right hepatectomy, two cases of laparoscopic
      left hepatectomy and one case of associating liver partition and portal vein
      ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS). The maximum size of the transected tumor
      was 15 centimeter. Duration of surgery was 240-430 min[Mean, 324.4+/-50.0]; the
      time for transection of the MHF was 40-118 min[mean, 66.4+/-22.7]. Blood loss was
      200-2 000 ml[583.3+/-452.9]. The length of postoperative hospital stay was 6-25
      days[mean, 13.2+/-5.2]. Seven patients received intraoperative transfusions. No
      postoperative intraabdominal bleeding, liver failure or other severe
      postoperative complications occurred. No perioperative death occurred.
      Conclusions: Application of laparoscopic transection of the MHF in difficult
      laparoscopic liver resections can help to clearly expose the second and third
      porta hepatis, especially in patients who have huge tumors and poor exposure for
      hepatic dissection. Moreover, precise location and transection of the MHF remains
      very important strategies of applying this technique.

PMID- 27667106
TI  - [Microsurgery treatment of midline deep brain lesions (clinical analysis of 25
      cases)].
AB  - Objective: To explore experience and methods in the microsurgical treatment of
      midline deep brain lesions. Methods: The clinical data of patients with midline
      deep brain lesions were retrospectively analyzed. The clinical manifestation,
      imaging findings, lesion locations, surgical procedures, pathological diagnosis
      and follow-up results were summarized and analyzed. All the lesions were located
      deeply in the brain midline: corpus callosum (n=1), thalamus and basal ganglia
      (n=6), lateral ventricle (n=4), the third ventricle (n=2), pineal region (n=8),
      brainstem and fourth ventricle region (n=4). Results: Symptoms of 25 cases
      improved to varying degrees after operation and all the lesions got gross total
      removal without perioperative death. Followed by necessary adjuvant radiotherapy
      and/or chemotherapy, there were no recurrence during the follow-up period.
      Conclusions: Suitable surgical approaches should be individually chosen according
      to lesion location, the surrounding neural and vascular anatomy, blood supply,
      the patient's medical condition and the operator's experience. Localization of
      minor lesions can be assisted by neuronavigation system. In addition to try to
      determine the border of the lesion during operation, we emphasize the protection
      of the surrounding vital neural structures and deep veins. Finally, adjuvant
      radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy based on histology should be adopted to prevent
      recurrence.

PMID- 27667107
TI  - [Effect of moluodan on gastric secretion in atrophic gastritis rats].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the effect of moluodan on gastric secretion and the
      underlying mechanism of moluodan in treating atrophic gastritis. Method:
      According to the random number table, 120 healthy male specific-pathogen-free
      (SPF) Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups: control group, model group,
      moluodan low-dose group, and moluodan high-dose group, with 30 rats in each
      group. The control group was administered with normal saline 2 ml/d by gavage,
      the other three groups were administered with 2% sodium salicylate 1 ml/d, 20
      mol/L sodium deoxycholate 1 ml/d, and N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG)
      200 mg/kg for every 10 days. And 16 weeks later, the control group and model
      group were treated with normal saline 2 ml/d by gavage, meanwhile the moluodan
      low-dose group was treated with moluodan 0.9 g.kg-1.d-1and the high-dose group
      was treated with moluodan 1.8 g.kg-1.d-1, continuously for 12 weeks. Ten rats of
      each group were sacrificed at the end of 4, 8, 12 weeks. The effect of moluodan
      on atrophic gastritis was observed. The secretion function of gastric mucosa was
      assessed through detecting the numbers of gastrin-secreting cells (G cells) and
      somatostatin-secreting cell (D cells) in gastric mucosa using immunochemical
      staining, and measuring the serum levels of gastrin (GAS) and somatostatin (SS)
      using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: After 8 weeks, the
      numbers of G and D cells in gastric mucosa in the moluodan high-dose group
      significantly increased compared with the model group[(0.617+/-0.114) vs (0.476+/
      0.116) cells/mm2, (0.504+/-0.084) vs (0.369+/-0.148) cells/mm2, both P<0.05]; the
      numbers of G and D cells in gastric mucosa in the low-dose group increased after
      12-week's treatment[(0.674+/-0.129) vs (0.528+/-0.103) cells/mm2, (0.526+/-0.087)
      vs (0.371+/-0.058) cells/mm2, both P<0.05]. The serum GAS levels increased
      markedly after 8 weeks in the moluodan high-dose group and after 12 weeks in the
      low-dose group[(1.313+/-0.080) ng/ml vs (0.964+/-0.080) ng/ml, (1.202+/-0.124)
      ng/ml vs (0.909+/-0.054) ng/ml, both P<0.01]; the serum SS levels in both high-
      and low-dose groups were significantly lower than in the model group after 8
      week's treatment[(2.376+/-0.199) ng/ml, (2.238+/-0.155) ng/ml vs (2.605+/-0.183)
      ng/ml, both P<0.05]. Conclusion: Moluodan may treat atrophic gastritis by
      repairing G and D cells in gastric mucosa and thus increasing serum levels of
      GAS.

PMID- 27667108
TI  - [Role of endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated glycogen synthase kinase 3beta
      activity in pathogenesis of acute liver failure in mice].
AB  - Objective: To study the role of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-mediated
      glycogen synthase kinase 3beta (GSK3beta) activity in the pathological process of
      liver injury in acute liver failure (ALF) mice. Methods: ALF model was
      established by intraperitoneal injection of D-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide (D
      GalN/LPS) in C57BL/6 mice. The mice were divided into control group (n=10), ALF
      model group (n=18), 4-phenylbutyrate (4-PBA, an ER stress inhibitor) group (n=18)
      and SB216763 (a specific inhibitor of GSK3beta) group (n=16). The serum alanine
      transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels were measured to
      reflect the liver function, liver injury was assessed by observing pathological
      changes of liver tissue, the levels of proteins in liver tissue were analyzed by
      Western blotting, the activity of GSK3beta in liver tissue was detected using
      GSK3beta activity assay kit, and the survival rate of hepatocyte was measured by
      methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. Results: In in vivo experiment, the
      expression levels of ER stress markers, glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and
      CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP), were upregulated during
      the progression of D-GalN/LPS-induced ALF, indicating activation of severe ER
      stress and increased activity of GSK3beta. Compared with the model group,
      inhibition of ER stress by 4-PBA improved liver function[ALT: (365.4+/-58.6) U/L
      vs (1 094.5+/-201.5) U/L, P<0.05; AST: (555.1+/-60.8) U/L vs (1 444.3+/-533.7)
      U/L, P<0.05)and pathological injury, also decreased the activity of GSK3beta
      (2.6+/-0.3 vs 4.6+/-1.3, P<0.05). Inhibition of GSK3beta activity was shown to
      alleviate liver injury in ALF by reducing the expression levels of GRP78 and
      CHOP. The in vitro experiment of tunicamycin-induced hepatocyte apoptosis showed
      that inhibition of GSK3beta activity increased the cell survival rate.
      Conclusion: In ALF induced by D-GalN/LPS, severe ER stress may accelerate the
      development and progress of ALF by upregulating the activity of GSK3beta.

PMID- 27667109
TI  - [Endoplasmic reticulum stress in INS-1-3 cell associated with the expression
      changes of MODY gene pathway].
AB  - Objective: To profile the gene expression changes associated with endoplasmic
      reticulum stress in INS-1-3 cells induced by thapsigargin (TG) and tunicamycin
      (TM). Methods: Normal cultured INS-1-3 cells were used as a control. TG and TM
      were used to induce endoplasmic reticulum stress in INS-1-3 cells. Digital gene
      expression profiling technique was used to detect differentially expressed gene.
      The changes of gene expression were detected by expression pattern clustering
      analysis, gene ontology (GO) function and pathway enrichment analysis. Real time
      polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to verify the key changes of gene
      expression. Results: Compared with the control group, there were 57 (45 up
      regulated, 12 down-regulated) and 135 (99 up-regulated, 36 down-regulated)
      differentially expressed genes in TG and TM group, respectively. GO function
      enrichment analyses indicated that the main enrichment was in the endoplasmic
      reticulum. In signaling pathway analysis, the identified pathways were related
      with endoplasmic reticulum stress, antigen processing and presentation, protein
      export, and most of all, the maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY) pathway.
      Conclusion: Under the condition of endoplasmic reticulum stress, the related
      expression changes of transcriptional factors in MODY signaling pathway may be
      related with the impaired function in islet beta cells.

PMID- 27667110
TI  - [Expression changes of aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A1 in rat cryptorchidism and
      normal testis].
AB  - Objective: To study the mRNA and protein expression of aldehyde dehydrogenase
      1A1(ALDH1A1)in rat cryptorchidism and normal testis. Methods: We established the
      cryptorchidism model by flutamide and took normal testis as normal group.The
      testicular tissue samples were collected on 15 days, 45 days, and 90 days after
      birth respectively.The expression of ALDH1A1 in rat cryptorchidism and normal
      testis were investigated by real-time PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemisty
      intissue microarray. Results: The mRNA expression of ALDH1A1 in cryptorchidism
      group in infant, adolescent and adult period were 1.01+/-0.19, 1.60+/-0.32,
      0.75+/-0.16, and 1.66+/-0.23, 0.52+/-0.08, 0.15+/-0.10 in normal group,
      respectively.The expression of ALDH1A1 in cryptorchidism group was significantly
      lower than that in normal group in infant period, but it was significantly higher
      than that in the normal group in adolescent and adult period(P<0.05).
      Conclusions: The expression of ALDH1A1 was different in different age period
      during the process of testicular development of rat. It showed an important
      relationship between ALDH1A1 and cryptorchidism.

PMID- 27667111
TI  - [Analyzing the status of depression and anxiety of new registered tuberculosis
      outpatients and correlations with social support influence factors].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the prevalence of depression and anxiety and the
      related factors among new registered tuberculosis (TB) outpatients. Methods:
      Questionnaire survey was conducted in 1 105 new registered TB patients from
      sixteen districts of Beijing city during Jan to Jun, 2015. Structured self
      administered questionnaire including gender, age, education, occupation, history
      of smoking and drinking information was designed by epidemiological and
      psychiatric experts from Beijing Research Institute for Tuberculosis Control.
      Meanwhile the TB patients status including depression, anxiety and social
      supporting were investigated by using Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), Self
      Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS). The survey
      data was then analyzed. A total of 1 132 questionnaires were issued and 1 119
      were recovered including 1 105 valid questionnaires, and the effective rate was
      98.7%. Results: There were 742 males and 363 females among 1 105 new registered
      TB patients. Age ranged from 16 to 65 years, the mean age was (35.7+/-13.8) years
      old. The total standard scores of SDS and SAS were (45.00+/-12.40) and (39.46+/
      10.03) points, obviously higher than those in national norms (all P<0.05). The
      detection rates of depression and anxiety were 29.8% (329/1 105) and 13.5% (149/1
      105). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that TB patients with
      female (OR=1.75, 95% CI: 1.32-2.30), over 35 years (OR=1.82, 95% CI: 1.39-2.39),
      annual household income <50 000 ? (OR=1.57, 95% CI: 1.19-2.06), rarely talking to
      someone about their worries (OR=1.41, 95% CI: 1.05-1.90) had high risk of
      depression (all P<0.05). Annual household income<50 000 ? (OR=1.69, 95% CI: 1.17
      2.43), rarely talking to someone about their worries (OR=1.80, 95% CI: 1.19-2.74)
      also had high risk of anxiety (all P<0.05). The medians scores in social support,
      subjective support, objective support and support utilization were 38(32, 43),
      22(18, 26), 8(6, 10) and 7 (6, 9) points, respectively, and these scores were
      negatively related to depression and anxiety. Conclusion: Depression and anxiety
      prevalence in TB patients are obviously higher than those in normal people, and
      there are many factors that can cause or contribute to depression and anxiety.

PMID- 27667112
TI  - Non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants versus vitamin K antagonists in the treatment
      of venous thromboembolic disease.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major cause of morbidity and
      mortality in the western world. The approval of non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants
      (NOACs) as antithrombotic alternatives to vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) has
      offered more treatment options to physicians for the prevention of VTE
      recurrence, fatal pulmonary embolism (PE) and long-term complications. Four NOACs
      (dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban and edoxaban) that have been approved for the
      treatment of acute VTE following large phase III trials, where NOACs demonstrated
      similar efficacy and superior safety profile compared to VKAs. AREAS COVERED: The
      purpose of this review article is to summarise current knowledge of oral
      anticoagulation for the treatment of acute VTE and to compare NOACs with VKAs,
      highlighting the factors that might influence the decisions of physicians. Data
      for this article were obtained through a search of PubMed for trials comparing
      NOACs with VKAs in acute VTE setting and articles or analyses that interpreted
      results from these trials. EXPERT OPINION: The NOACs have changed clinical
      practice regarding oral anticoagulation for acute VTE. Despite their advantages,
      'grey zones' still remain and more studies are needed to provide evidence and
      confirm the superiority (or at least non-inferiority) of NOACs over VKAs. Real
      world data might give additional insights.

PMID- 27667114
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 27667113
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 27667115
TI  - The development and evaluation of a non-pressurised, chemical oxygen reaction
      generation vessel and breathing system providing emergency oxygen for an extended
      duration.
AB  - The objective was to develop a sodium percarbonate/water/catalyst chemical oxygen
      generator that did not require compressed gas. Existing devices utilising this
      reaction have a very short duration of action. Preliminary experiments with a
      glass reaction vessel, water bath and electronic flowmeter indicated that many
      factors affected oxygen production rate including reagent formulation,
      temperature, water volume and agitation frequency. Having undertaken full-scale
      experiments using a stainless steel vessel, an optimum combination of reagents
      was found to be 1 litre water, 0.75 g manganese dioxide catalyst, 60 g sodium
      percarbonate granules and 800 g of custom pressed 7.21 (0.28) g sodium
      percarbonate tablets. This combination of granules and slower dissolution tablets
      produced a rapid initial oxygen flow to 'purge' an attached low-flow breathing
      system allowing immediate use, followed by a constant flow meeting metabolic
      requirements for a minimum of 1 h duration.

PMID- 27667116
TI  - Aliskiren targets multiple systems to alleviate cancer cachexia.
AB  - To examine the effects of aliskiren, a small-molecule renin inhibitor, on cancer
      cachexia and to explore the underlying mechanisms. A cancer cachexia model was
      established by subcutaneously injecting C26 mouse colon carcinoma cells into
      isogenic BALB/c mice. Aliskiren was administered intragastrically [10 mg/kg body
      weight (BW)] on day 5 (as a preventive strategy, AP group) or on day 12 (as a
      therapeutic strategy, AT group) after C26 injection. Mice that received no C26
      injection (healthy controls, HC group) or only C26 injection but not aliskiren
      (cancer, CA group) were used as controls. BW, tumor growth, whole body functions,
      and survival were monitored daily in half of the mice in each group, whereas
      serum, tumors, and gastrocnemius muscles were harvested from the other mice after
      sacrifice on day 20 for further analysis. Aliskiren significantly alleviated
      multiple cachexia-associated symptoms, including BW loss, tumor burden, muscle
      wasting, muscular dysfunction, and shortened survival. On the molecular level,
      aliskiren antagonized cachexia-induced activation of the renin-angiotensin system
      (RAS), systematic and muscular inflammation, oxidative stress, and autophagy
      lysosome as well as ubiquitin-proteasome stimulation. In addition, early
      administration of aliskiren before cachexia development (AP group) resulted in
      more robust effects in alleviating cachexia or targeting underlying mechanisms
      than administration after cachexia development (AT group). Aliskiren exhibited
      potent anti-cachexia activities. These activities were achieved through the
      targeting of at least four mechanisms underlying cachexia development: RAS
      activation, increase in systematic inflammation, upregulation of oxidative
      stress, and stimulation of autophagy-lysosome pathway (ALP) and ubiquitin
      proteasome pathway (UPP).

PMID- 27667117
TI  - Rh-Catalyzed Conjugate Addition of Arylzinc Chlorides to Thiochromones: A Highly
      Enantioselective Pathway for Accessing Chiral Thioflavanones.
AB  - A highly efficient asymmetric synthesis of chiral thioflavanones is developed via
      conjugate addition of arylzinc reagents to thiochromones using Rh(COD)Cl2/(R)
      3,4,5-MeO-MeOBIPHEP catalyst. This method overcomes catalyst poisoning and
      substrate inertness and affords a series of chiral thioflavanones (2
      arylthiochroman-4-ones) in good yields (up to 91% yield) with excellent ee values
      (up to 97% ee). The established asymmetric synthesis paves the way for further
      pharmaceutical studies.

PMID- 27667118
TI  - RE: 'Orthopaedic trauma patients and smoking: Knowledge deficits and interest in
      quitting'.

PMID- 27667119
TI  - Validation of international trauma scoring systems in urban trauma centres in
      India.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In the Lower-Middle Income Country setting, we validate trauma
      severity scoring systems, namely Injury Severity Score (ISS), New Injury Severity
      Scale (NISS) score, the Kampala Trauma Score (KTS), Revised Trauma Score (RTS)
      score and the TRauma Injury Severity Score (TRISS) using Indian trauma patients.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 1 September 2013 to 28 February 2015, we conducted a
      prospective multi-centre observational cohort study of trauma patients in four
      Indian university hospitals, in three megacities, Kolkata, Mumbai and Delhi. All
      adult patients presenting to the casualty department with a history of injury and
      who were admitted to inpatient care were included. The primary outcome was in
      hospital mortality within 30-days of admission. The sensitivity and specificity
      of each score to predict inpatient mortality within 30days was assessed by the
      areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Model fit for the
      performance of individual scoring systems was accomplished by using the Akaike
      Information criterion (AIC). RESULTS: In a registry of 8791 adult trauma
      patients, we had a cohort of 7197 patients eligible for the study. 4091
      (56.8%)patients had all five scores available and was the sample for a complete
      case analysis. Over a 30-day period, the scores (AUC) was TRISS (0.82), RTS
      (0.81), KTS (0.74), NISS (0.65) and ISS (0.62). RTS was the most parsimonious
      model with the lowest AIC score. Considering overall mortality, both physiologic
      scores (RTS, KTS) had better discrimination and goodness-of-fit than ISS or NISS.
      The ability of all Injury scores to predict early mortality (24h) was better than
      late mortality (30day). CONCLUSION: On-admission physiological scores
      outperformed the more expensive anatomy-based ISS and NISS. The retrospective
      nature of ISS and TRISS score calculations and incomplete imaging in LMICs
      precludes its use in the casualty department of LMICs. They will remain useful
      for outcome comparison across trauma centres. Physiological scores like the RTS
      and KTS will be the practical score to use in casualty departments in the urban
      Indian setting, to predict early trauma mortality and improve triage.

PMID- 27667120
TI  - What Justifies a Future with Humans in It?
AB  - Antinatalist commentators recommend that humanity bring itself to a close, on the
      theory that pain and suffering override the value of any possible life. Other
      commentators do not require the voluntary extinction of human beings, but they
      defend that outcome if people were to choose against having children. Against
      such views, Richard Kraut has defended a general moral obligation to people the
      future with human beings until the workings of the universe render such efforts
      impossible. Kraut advances this view on the grounds that we are obliged to
      exercise beneficence toward others and on the grounds that the goods available in
      human lives are morally compelling. This account ultimately succeeds in making no
      more than a prima facie defense of human perpetuation because considerations of
      beneficence could override - in some cases probably should - override any duty to
      perpetuate human beings. While the goods of human life may be distinctive, they
      cannot serve as reason-giving in regard to their own perpetuation. Ironically,
      the exercise of beneficence may authorize the extinction of human beings, if it
      becomes possible to enhance the goods available to human descendants in a way
      that moves them away from human nature as now given. The defense of a morally
      obligatory and strictly human future remains elusive, even as it becomes morally
      desirable to work against Fateful Catastrophes, those human-caused events that
      threaten to extinguish existing lives already good and enriching for their
      bearers.

PMID- 27667121
TI  - Differences in atrial fibrillation-associated proteins between the left and right
      atrial appendages from patients with rheumatic mitral valve disease: A
      comparative proteomic analysis.
AB  - The majority of proteomic studies have focused on identifying atrial fibrillation
      (AF)-associated proteins in the right atrium (RA), thus potential differences in
      AF-associated proteins between the RA and left atrium (LA) remain unknown. The
      aim of the present study was to perform proteomic analysis to compare the
      potential differences in AF-associated proteins between the right atrial
      appendage (RAA) and left atrial appendage (LAA) in patients with rheumatic mitral
      valve disease (RMVD). RAA and LAA tissues were obtained from 18 patients with
      RMVD (10 with AF) during mitral valve replacement surgery. Two-dimensional
      fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis (2-D DIGE) proteomics analysis was
      performed using these tissues to identify AF-associated proteins in RAA and LAA.
      Subsequently, the proteomics data was validated using western blot analysis of
      nine selected proteins. In RAA, 32 AF-associated proteins were significantly
      dysregulated (15 upregulated and 17 downregulated). In LAA, 31 AF-associated
      proteins were significantly dysregulated (13 upregulated and 18 downregulated).
      Among these AF-associated proteins, 17 were AF-associated in both RAA and LAA, 15
      were AF-associated only in RAA, and 14 were AF-associated only in LAA. Amongst
      the differentially expressed proteins, western blot analysis validated the
      results for 6 AF-associated proteins, and demonstrated similar distributions in
      RAA and LAA compared with the 2-D DIGE results. Of these proteins, 2 proteins
      were AF-associated in both RAA and LAA, 2 were AF-associated only in RAA, and 2
      were AF-associated only in LAA. Additionally, the different distributions of AF
      associated proteins in the RAA and LAA of patients with RMVD was analyzed, which
      may reflect the different regulatory mechanisms of the RA and LA in AF. These
      findings may provide new insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms of AF
      in patients with RMVD.

PMID- 27667122
TI  - Deletions Overlapping VCAN Exon 8 Are New Molecular Defects for Wagner Disease.
AB  - Wagner disease is a rare nonsyndromic autosomal-dominant vitreoretinopathy,
      associated with splice mutations specifically targeting VCAN exon 8. We report
      the extensive genetic analysis of two Wagner probands, previously found negative
      for disease-associated splice mutations. Next-generation sequencing (NGS),
      quantitative real-time PCR, and long-range PCR identified two deletions (3.4 and
      10.5 kb) removing at least one exon-intron boundary of exon 8, and both
      correlating with an imbalance of VCAN mRNA isoforms. We showed that the 10.5-kb
      deletion occurred de novo, causing somatic mosaicism in the proband's mother who
      had an unusually mild asymmetrical phenotype. Therefore, exon 8 deletions are
      novel VCAN genetic defects responsible for Wagner disease, and VCAN mosaic
      mutations may be involved in the pathogenesis of Wagner disease with attenuated
      phenotype. NGS is then an effective screening tool for genetic diagnosis of
      Wagner disease, improving the chance of identifying all disease-causative
      variants as well as mosaic mutations in VCAN.

PMID- 27667123
TI  - Spiral counter-current chromatography: Design, development, application, and
      challenges.
AB  - Depending on the rapid growth in the radial gradient of the centrifugal force,
      spiral counter-current chromatography can greatly improve the retention of
      stationary phase, especially for the aqueous two-phase systems with ultra-polar
      and high viscosity that are not well retained in the conventional multilayer
      coils counter-current chromatography. As a result, it is an attractive and
      alternative technology that is suited for separation of hydrophilic compounds and
      has led to many exciting progress in recent years. This review presents the
      recent advances and applications of spiral counter-current chromatography,
      including its major benefits and limitations, some novel methods to improve the
      separation efficiency and its applications in separation of real samples. In
      addition, the remaining challenges and future perspectives on development of
      spiral counter-current chromatography also are proposed in this article.

PMID- 27667124
TI  - Hypoxia augments MHC class I antigen presentation via facilitation of ERO1-alpha
      mediated oxidative folding in murine tumor cells.
AB  - To establish an effective cancer immunotherapy, it is crucial that cancer cells
      present a cancer-specific antigen in a hypoxic area, a hallmark of the tumor
      microenvironment. Here, we show the impact of hypoxia on MHC class I antigen
      presentation in vitro and in vivo in murine tumors. Activation of antigen
      specific CTLs by tumor cells that had been pre-incubated under a condition of
      hypoxia was enhanced compared with that by tumor cells pre-incubated under a
      condition of normoxia. Cell surface expression of MHC class I-peptide complex on
      the tumor cells was increased under a condition of hypoxia, thereby leading to
      higher susceptibility to specific CTLs. We show that the hypoxia-inducible ER
      resident oxidase ERO1-alpha plays an important role in the hypoxia-induced
      augmentation of MHC class I-peptide complex expression. ERO1-alpha facilitated
      oxidative folding of MHC class I heavy chains, thereby resulting in the
      augmentation of cell surface expression of MHC class I-peptide complex under
      hypoxic conditions. These results suggest that since the expression of MHC class
      I-peptide complex is augmented in a hypoxic tumor microenvironment, strategies
      for inhibiting the function of regulatory T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor
      cells and/or immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors are promising for
      improving cancer immunotherapy.

PMID- 27667126
TI  - Abdominal pannus with verrucous nodules, ecchymosis, and ulcerations in the
      setting of lymphedema.

PMID- 27667125
TI  - The role of electrostatics in TrxR electron transfer mechanism: A computational
      approach.
AB  - Thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) is an important enzyme in the control of the
      intracellular reduced redox environment. It transfers electrons from NADPH to
      several molecules, including its natural partner, thioredoxin. Although there is
      a generally accepted model describing how the electrons are transferred along
      TrxR, which involves a flexible arm working as a "shuttle," the molecular details
      of such mechanism are not completely understood. In this work, we use molecular
      dynamics simulations with Poisson-Boltzmann/Monte Carlo pKa calculations to
      investigate the role of electrostatics in the electron transfer mechanism. We
      observed that the combination of redox/protonation states of the N-terminal (FAD
      and Cys59/64) and C-terminal (Cys497/Selenocysteine498) redox centers defines the
      preferred relative positions and allows for the flexible arm to work as the
      desired "shuttle." Changing the redox/ionization states of those key players,
      leads to electrostatic triggers pushing the arm into the pocket when oxidized,
      and pulling it out, once it has been reduced. The calculated pKa values for
      Cys497 and Selenocysteine498 are 9.7 and 5.8, respectively, confirming that the
      selenocysteine is indeed deprotonated at physiological pH. This can be an
      important advantage in terms of reactivity (thiolate/selenolate are more
      nucleophilic than thiol/selenol) and ability to work as an electrostatic trigger
      (the "shuttle" mechanism) and may be the reason why TrxR uses selenium instead of
      sulfur. Proteins 2016; 84:1836-1843. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27667127
TI  - Bessel-beam illumination in dual-axis confocal microscopy mitigates resolution
      degradation caused by refractive heterogeneities.
AB  - One of the main challenges for laser-scanning microscopy of biological tissues
      with refractive heterogeneities is the degradation in spatial resolution that
      occurs as a result of beam steering and distortion. This challenge is
      particularly significant for dual-axis confocal (DAC) microscopy, which achieves
      improved spatial-filtering and optical-sectioning performance over traditional
      confocal microscopy through off-axis illumination and collection of light with
      low-numerical aperture (NA) beams that must intersect precisely at their foci
      within tissues. DAC microscope image quality is sensitive to positional changes
      and distortions of these illumination- and collection-beam foci. Previous studies
      have shown that Bessel beams display improved positional stability and beam
      quality than Gaussian beams when propagating through tissues with refractive
      heterogeneities, which suggests that Bessel-beam illumination may enhance DAC
      microscopy of such tissues. Here, we utilize both Gaussian and Bessel
      illumination in a point-scanned DAC microscope and quantify the resultant
      degradation in resolution when imaging within heterogeneous optical phantoms and
      fresh tissues. Results indicate that DAC microscopy with Bessel illumination
      exhibits reduced resolution degradation from microscopic tissue heterogeneities
      compared to DAC microscopy with conventional Gaussian illumination.

PMID- 27667128
TI  - Identification of key genes involved in polysaccharide bioflocculant synthesis in
      Bacillus licheniformis.
AB  - The present study reports the sequenced genome of Bacillus licheniformis CGMCC
      2876, which is composed of a 4,284,461 bp chromosome that contains 4,188 protein
      coding genes, 72 tRNA genes, and 21 rRNA genes. Additional analysis revealed an
      eps gene cluster with 16 open reading frames. Conserved Domains Database analysis
      combined with qPCR experiments indicated that all genes in this cluster were
      involved in polysaccharide bioflocculant synthesis. Phosphoglucomutase and UDP
      glucose pyrophosphorylase were supposed to be key enzymes in polysaccharide
      secretion in B. licheniformis. A biosynthesis pathway for the production of
      polysaccharide bioflocculant involving the integration of individual genes was
      proposed based on functional analysis. Overexpression of epsDEF from the eps gene
      cluster in B. licheniformis CGMCC 2876 increased the flocculating activity of the
      recombinant strain by 90% compared to the original strain. Similarly, the crude
      yield of polysaccharide bioflocculant was enhanced by 27.8%. Overexpression of
      the UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase gene not only increased the flocculating
      activity by 71% but also increased bioflocculant yield by 13.3%. Independent of
      UDP-N-acetyl-D-mannosamine dehydrogenase gene, flocculating activity, and
      polysaccharide yield were negatively impacted by overexpression of the UDP-N
      acetylglucosamine 2-epimerase gene. Overall, epsDEF and gtaB2 were identified as
      key genes for polysaccharide bioflocculant synthesis in B. licheniformis. These
      results will be useful for further engineering of B. licheniformis for industrial
      bioflocculant production. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 645-655. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27667130
TI  - Breed differences of bull frozen-thawed semen.
AB  - The objective of this study was to investigate the quality of frozen-thawed semen
      from different bull breeds. Commercial frozen-thawed bull semen samples (26 per
      breed, 130 totally) of five breeds (Holstein [Eta], Brown Swiss [BS], Limousin
      [L], Belgian Blue [BB], Blonde d' Aquitaine [BA]) were used. After thawing, each
      semen sample was subjected to thermal resistance test (TR) for 0.5 and 1 hr at 38
      degrees C and hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) for 1 hr at 150 mOsm at 37
      degrees C. Additionally, all samples were evaluated at times 0 hr (thawing), 0.5
      hr (TR), 1 hr (TR) for kinetics by CASA [progressive, immotile, rapid, medium,
      slow moving spermatozoa, curvilinear velocity (VCL), average path velocity (VAP),
      straight line velocity (VSL), linearity (LIN), straightness (STR), beat cross
      frequency (BCF), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH), wobble (WOB)].
      Moreover, directly after thawing, all semen samples were evaluated for
      morphometry, morphology, viability and DNA fragmentation. Statistical analysis
      was conducted using a mixed model for repeated measures. The results showed (a)
      higher VCL after thawing in H, L breeds compared to BB and BA, (b) higher VAP
      after thawing in L compared to BB, BA, (c) higher values of progressive
      spermatozoa after TR in H, BS compared to BB, BA, (d) higher values of rapid
      spermatozoa after thawing and 0.5 hr of TR in H, BS, L compared to BB, BA, (e)
      lower viability in BA after thawing compared to H, BS, BB, (f) lower
      morphological abnormalities in H compared to L, BB, (g) higher head length in Eta
      compared to BB. No significant differences were observed in the results from HOST
      and DNA fragmentation between breeds. In conclusion, quality characteristics of
      frozen-thawed bull semen are dependent on the breed. Frozen semen from BB and BA
      breeds should be handled more carefully after thawing, as it is more sensitive to
      stress.

PMID- 27667129
TI  - Promoting similarity of model sparsity structures in integrative analysis of
      cancer genetic data.
AB  - In profiling studies, the analysis of a single dataset often leads to
      unsatisfactory results because of the small sample size. Multi-dataset analysis
      utilizes information of multiple independent datasets and outperforms single
      dataset analysis. Among the available multi-dataset analysis methods, integrative
      analysis methods aggregate and analyze raw data and outperform meta-analysis
      methods, which analyze multiple datasets separately and then pool summary
      statistics. In this study, we conduct integrative analysis and marker selection
      under the heterogeneity structure, which allows different datasets to have
      overlapping but not necessarily identical sets of markers. Under certain
      scenarios, it is reasonable to expect some similarity of identified marker sets -
      or equivalently, similarity of model sparsity structures - across multiple
      datasets. However, the existing methods do not have a mechanism to explicitly
      promote such similarity. To tackle this problem, we develop a sparse boosting
      method. This method uses a BIC/HDBIC criterion to select weak learners in
      boosting and encourages sparsity. A new penalty is introduced to promote the
      similarity of model sparsity structures across datasets. The proposed method has
      a intuitive formulation and is broadly applicable and computationally affordable.
      In numerical studies, we analyze right censored survival data under the
      accelerated failure time model. Simulation shows that the proposed method
      outperforms alternative boosting and penalization methods with more accurate
      marker identification. The analysis of three breast cancer prognosis datasets
      shows that the proposed method can identify marker sets with increased similarity
      across datasets and improved prediction performance. Copyright (c) 2016 John
      Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27667131
TI  - TRT, a Vertebrate and Protozoan Tc1-Like Transposon: Current Activity and
      Horizontal Transfer.
AB  - We report a Danio rerio transposon named DrTRT, for D. rerio Transposon Related
      to Tc1 The complete sequence of the DrTRT transposon is 1,563 base pairs (bp) in
      length, and its transposase putatively encodes a 338-amino acid protein that
      harbors a DD37E motif in its catalytic domain. We present evidence based on
      searches of publicly available genomes that TRT elements commonly occur in
      vertebrates and protozoa. Phylogenetic and functional domain comparisons confirm
      that TRT constitutes a new subfamily within the Tc1 family. Hallmark features of
      having no premature termination codons within the transposase, the presence of
      all expected functional domains, and its occurrence in the bony fish
      transcriptome suggest that TRT might have current or recent activity in these
      species. Further analysis showed that the activity of TRT elements in these
      species might have arisen about between 4 and 19 Ma. Interestingly, our results
      also implied that the widespread distribution of TRT among fishes, frog, and
      snakes is the result of multiple independent HT events, probably from bony fishes
      to snakes or frog. Finally, the mechanisms underlying horizontal transfer of TRT
      elements are discussed.

PMID- 27667132
TI  - Assessing the composition of microbial communities in textile wastewater
      treatment plants in comparison with municipal wastewater treatment plants.
AB  - It is assumed that microbial communities involved in the biological treatment of
      different wastewaters having a different chemical composition harbor different
      microbial populations which are specifically adapted to the environmental
      stresses encountered in these systems. Yet, little is known about the composition
      of these microbial communities. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess
      the microbial community composition over two seasons (winter and summer) in
      activated sludge from well-operating textile wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs)
      in comparison with municipal WWTPs, and to explain observed differences by
      environmental variables. 454-pyrosequencing generated 160 archaeal and 1645
      bacterial species-level Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs), with lower observed
      richness in activated sludge from textile WWTPs compared to municipal WWTPs. The
      bacterial phyla Planctomycetes, Chloroflexi, Chlorobi, and Acidobacteria were
      more abundant in activated sludge samples from textile WWTPs, together with
      archaeal members of Thaumarchaeota. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling analysis
      of the microbial communities showed that microbial communities from textile and
      municipal WWTPs were significantly different, with a seasonal effect on archaea.
      Nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria as well as phosphate-accumulation bacteria
      were more abundant in municipal WWTPs, while sulfate-reducing bacteria were
      almost only detected in textile WWTPs. Additionally, microbial communities from
      textile WWTPs were more dissimilar than those of municipal WWTPs, possibly due to
      a wider diversity in environmental stresses to which microbial communities in
      textile WWTPs are subjected to. High salinity, high organic loads, and a higher
      water temperature were important potential variables driving the microbial
      community composition in textile WWTPs. This study provides a general view on the
      composition of microbial communities in activated sludge of textile WWTPs, and
      may provide novel insights for identifying key players performing important
      functions in the purification of textile wastewaters.

PMID- 27667134
TI  - Correction to "Encapsulating Mobile Proton Carriers into Structural Defects in
      Coordination Polymer Crystals: High Anhydrous Proton Conduction and Fuel Cell
      Application".

PMID- 27667133
TI  - Hepatitis E virus RNA in Australian blood donations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) poses a risk to transfusion safety. In
      Australia, locally acquired HEV is rare and cases are mainly reported in
      travelers returning from countries endemic for HEV. The risk posed by HEV to
      transfusion safety in Australia is unknown; therefore, we aimed to measure the
      rate of current HEV infection in Australian blood donations. STUDY DESIGN AND
      METHODS: A total of 14,799 blood donations were tested for HEV RNA by
      transcription-mediated amplification, with confirmatory testing by reverse
      transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Viral load quantification and
      phylogenetic analysis was performed on HEV RNA-positive samples. RESULTS: One
      (0.0068%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.0002%-0.0376%) sample was confirmed
      positive for HEV RNA, resulting in a risk of collecting a HEV-viremic donation of
      1 in 14,799 (95% CI, 1 in 584,530 to 1 in 2,657). The viral load in this sample
      was approximately 15,000 IU/mL, and it was determined to be Genotype 3.
      DISCUSSION: Our finding of 1 in 14,799 Australian donations positive for HEV RNA
      is lower than that from many other developed countries; this is consistent with
      the relatively low seroprevalence in Australia. As this HEV RNA-positive sample
      was Genotype 3, it seems likely that this infection was acquired through zoonotic
      transmission, either within Australia or overseas in a developed nation. HEV has
      the potential to pose a risk to transfusion safety in Australia; however,
      additional, larger studies are required to quantify the magnitude of this risk.

PMID- 27667135
TI  - Prevention of bronchiolitis obliterans-the realization of a hope?

PMID- 27667136
TI  - The phylogeny and life cycle of two species of Profilicollis (Acanthocephala:
      Polymorphidae) in marine hosts off the Pacific coast of Chile.
AB  - Resolving complex life cycles of parasites is a major goal of parasitological
      research. The aim of this study was to analyse the life cycle of two species of
      the genus Profilicollis, the taxonomy of which is still unstable and life cycles
      unclear. We extracted individuals of Profilicollis from two species of
      crustaceans (intermediate hosts) and four species of seagulls (definitive hosts)
      from sandy-shore and estuarine habitats along the south-east Pacific coast of
      Chile. Mitochondrial DNA analyses showed that two species of Profilicollis
      infected intermediate hosts from segregated habitats: while P. altmani larvae
      infected exclusively molecrabs of the genus Emerita from fully marine habitats,
      P. antarcticus larvae infected the crab Hemigrapsus crenulatus from estuarine
      habitats. Moreover, P. altmani completed its life cycle in four seagulls,
      Chroicocephalus maculipennis, Leucopheus pipixcan, Larus modestus and L.
      dominicanus, while P. antarcticus, on the other hand, completed its life cycle in
      the kelp gull L. dominicanus. Accordingly, our results show that two congeneric
      parasites use different and spatially segregated species as intermediate hosts,
      and both are capable of infecting one species of definitive hosts. As such, our
      analyses allow us to shed light on a complex interaction network.

PMID- 27667137
TI  - Nanoparticle Based Delivery of Protease Inhibitors to Cancer Cells.
AB  - Proteases are involved in a variety of processes associated with tumor
      development and progression. Because of their integral role in extracellular
      matrix and basal lamina degradation they play important roles in cancer cell
      migration, invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis. They are also involved in
      cancer cell signaling, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, the antitumor
      immune response, cell de-differentiation and cancer stem cell remodeling. Their
      involvement in pro-tumorigenic processes makes them interesting targets for
      anticancer therapy. The most promising are matrix metalloproteases, cysteine
      cathepsins, the urokinase-type plasminogen activator system and proteasome; these
      constitute the focus of this review. Several inhibitors have been developed for
      reducing their activities that are in different phases of development, with some
      already in clinical use. However, systemic delivery of protease inhibitors can
      result in undesired reduction of proteolytic activity in normal tissues, leading
      to adverse effects and limited therapeutic efficacy. This caveat can be
      circumvented by nanoparticle delivery systems that direct protease inhibitors
      specifically to cancer cells. In this article we review the current state of
      nanoparticle delivery systems for delivering protease inhibitors to cancer cells.

PMID- 27667139
TI  - Successful multitarget therapy using prednisolone, mizoribine and tacrolimus for
      Henoch-Schonlein purpura nephritis in children.

PMID- 27667138
TI  - "How I manage" IgG4-Related Disease.
AB  - IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is an immune-mediated disease driven by
      interactions on several levels between cells of the B and T lineages. A key
      driver of IgG4-RD is believed to be a novel CD4+ cytotoxic T lymphocyte that
      bears SLAM-F7 on its surface. This cell is presumed to be sustained by continuous
      antigen presentation by cells of the B cell lineage, particularly plasmablasts.
      Because IgG4-RD has been recognized for fewer than 15 years as a unified
      diagnostic entity, no controlled clinical trials or few prospective studies of
      any sort have been performed. Although progress in understanding disease
      pathophysiology will likely lead in due course to disease-specific therapies
      undoubtedly with implications for other immune-mediated diseases-at this
      juncture, the management of IgG4-RD remains more an art than a science, driven
      largely by the published clinical experience of only a few centers of expertise.
      We identify here six common management dilemmas in IgG4-RD and describe our
      typical approach to the management of each one.

PMID- 27667140
TI  - 'Everyone here wants everyone else to get better': The role of social identity in
      eating disorder recovery.
AB  - Retention of a positively valued illness identity contributes to poor outcomes
      for individuals with eating disorders (EDs). Consequently, dis-identification
      from the illness identity and the adoption of a recovery identity are vital for
      successful recovery. While social identity processes have been shown to influence
      ED maintenance, their role in recovery is rarely considered. This study explores
      how a sense of shared identity helps individuals with EDs manage their condition
      and promotes recovery. Transcripts from 18 online support sessions involving 75
      participants were thematically analysed. Our findings suggest that the illness
      identity initially operates as a social identity that forms the basis for
      connections with similar others. For those wishing to recover, identity-based
      support is then perceived to be more effective than that found outside the group.
      Online interactions also facilitate construction of a new shared recovery
      identity which promotes a shift from the illness identity as a primary source of
      definition and endorses group norms of illness disclosure and treatment
      engagement. While in the clinical literature, ED identity is seen as problematic
      and interventions are targeted at challenging an individual's self-concept, we
      suggest that interventions could instead harness identity resources to support a
      transition to a recovery identity.

PMID- 27667141
TI  - Discovery of a Mosaic-Like Biosynthetic Assembly Line with a Decarboxylative Off
      Loading Mechanism through a Combination of Genome Mining and Imaging.
AB  - The biosynthetic gene cluster for the antiplasmodial natural product siphonazole
      was identified by using a combination of genome mining, imaging, and expression
      studies in the natural producer Herpetosiphon sp. B060. The siphonazole backbone
      is assembled from an unusual starter unit from the shikimate pathway that is
      extended by the action of polyketide synthases and non-ribosomal peptide
      synthetases with unusual domain structures, including several split modules and a
      large number of duplicated domains and domains predicted to be inactive. Product
      release proceeds through decarboxylation and dehydration independent of the
      thioesterase SphJ and yields the diene terminus of siphonazole. High variation in
      terms of codon-usage within the gene cluster, together with the dislocated domain
      organization, suggest a recent emergence in evolutionary terms.

PMID- 27667142
TI  - A neonate with a unique non-Down syndrome transient proliferative
      megakaryoblastic disease.
AB  - Transient myeloproliferative disorder (TMD) is a leukemia type that occurs
      typically in newborns. In Down syndrome, TMD is referred to as transient abnormal
      myelopoiesis (TAM).32 Recently, transientness has also been reported in acute
      myeloid leukemia patients with germline trisomy 21 mosaicism, and even in cases
      with somatic trisomy 21, with or without GATA1 mutations. TMD cases without
      trisomy 21 are rare, and recurrent genetic aberrations that aid in clinical
      decision-making are scarcely described. We describe here a TMD patient without
      trisomy 21 or GATA1 mutation in whom single-nucleotide polymorphism analysis of
      leukemic blasts revealed a novel combined submicroscopic deletion (5q31.1-5q31.3
      and 8q23.2q24).

PMID- 27667143
TI  - Complete Genome Sequencing and Comparative Genomic Analysis of the Thermotolerant
      Acetic Acid Bacterium, Acetobacter pasteurianus SKU1108, Provide a New Insight
      into Thermotolerance.
AB  - Acetobacter pasteurianus SKU1108 is a typical thermotolerant acetic acid
      bacterium. In this study, the complete genome sequence of the SKU1108 strain was
      elucidated, and information on genomic modifications due to the thermal
      adaptation of SKU1108 was updated. In order to obtain a clearer understanding of
      the genetic background responsible for thermotolerance, the SKU1108 genome was
      compared with those of two closely related complete genome strains,
      thermotolerant A. pasteurianus 386B and mesophilic A. pasteurianus NBRC 3283. All
      24 "thermotolerant genes" required for growth at higher temperatures in the
      thermotolerant Acetobacter tropicalis SKU1100 strain were conserved in all three
      strains. However, these thermotolerant genes accumulated amino acid mutations.
      Some biased mutations, particularly those that occurred in xanthine dehydrogenase
      XdhA, may be related to thermotolerance. By aligning whole genome sequences, we
      identified ten SKU1108 strain-specific regions, three of which were conserved in
      the genomes of the two thermotolerant A. pasteurianus strains. One of the regions
      contained a unique paralog of the thermotolerant gene xdhA, which may also be
      responsible for conferring thermotolerance. Thus, comparative genomics of
      complete genome sequences may provide novel insights into the phenotypes of these
      thermotolerant strains.

PMID- 27667144
TI  - [Lixisenatide in patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity: Beyond glycaemic
      control].
AB  - AIM: To evaluate tolerance to lixisenatide and its effects on weight and
      metabolic control in type2 diabetes and obese patients. DESIGN: Prospective
      study. SETTING: Endocrinology clinics in Almeria, Granada and Malaga.
      PARTICIPANTS: Patients with type2 diabetes and obesity. INTERVENTIONS: Response
      and tolerance to lixisenatide treatment. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Clinical and
      analytical data of the subjects were evaluated at baseline and after treatment.
      RESULTS: The study included 104 patients (51% women) with type2 diabetes and
      obesity (Almeria 18.3%; Granada 40.4%; Malaga 41.3%). The mean age was 58.4+/
      10.5years, and the mean duration of diabetes was 11.2+/-6.7years. The patients
      were re-evaluated at 3.8+/-1.6months after treatment with lixisenatide.
      Significant improvements were found in weight (P<.001), body mass index (P<.001),
      waist circumference (P=.002), systolic blood pressure (P<.001), diastolic blood
      pressure (P=.001), fasting glucose (P<.001), HbA1c (P=.022), Total cholesterol
      (P<.001), LDL-cholesterol (P=.046), triglycerides (P=.020), hypertension drugs
      (P<.001), and lipids drugs (P<.001). No changes were observed in levels of
      amylase related to lixisenatide treatment, and 7.9% of patients did not tolerate
      it. CONCLUSIONS: Lixisenatide achieved significant improvements in anthropometric
      parameters, glycaemic control (fasting glucose and HbA1c), blood pressure and
      lipids. It was safe and well tolerated in most patients. In addition, there was a
      significant increase in the use of antihypertensive and lipid-lowering therapy.

PMID- 27667145
TI  - [Social isolation and loneliness: What can we do as Primary Care teams?]
AB  - Loneliness and social isolation are emerging health conditions in the elderly
      population, in particular widows, high frequency users of health services and
      those with chronic problems and depression. Loneliness is the subjective feeling
      of having less affection and closeness than that desired in the intimate or
      relational field. Social isolation is an objective situation of having minimal
      contact with other people. Its contribution to increased morbidity and mortality
      is comparable to other well known risk factors that we deal with daily as Primary
      Care teams. Strategies to identify these problems in our patients and to perform
      scientific evidence based studies at individual and community level in
      cooperation with other community resources and interventions are discussed. The
      Primary Care team must promote the autonomy of these patients, facilitating their
      sociability, and act on their social maladaptive thoughts that hinder their
      social integration.

PMID- 27667146
TI  - [Do we care the nephrotoxicity consequences of prescribing NSAID'S? Acute renal
      failure in 23 year old male].

PMID- 27667147
TI  - [Efficacy of anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drugs in the treatment of knee and
      hip pain].

PMID- 27667148
TI  - The JAK/STAT3 signalling pathway regulated angiogenesis in an endothelial
      cell/adipose-derived stromal cell co-culture, 3D gel model.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to investigate the role of the JAK/STAT3
      signalling pathway in angiogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The model established
      in vitro, involved a 3D collagen gel being implanted with endothelial cells (ECs)
      from red fluorescent protein-labelled mice, and adipose-derived stromal cells
      (ASCs) from green fluorescent protein-labelled mice. Phenomena of angiogenesis,
      after treatment by the inhibitor and the activator of JAK/STAT3 pathway
      respectively, were observed using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Transwell
      co-culture of ECs and ASCs was used to elucidate mechanisms. RESULTS: Stattic,
      inhibitor of JAK/STAT3 pathway, attenuated angiogenesis in the model. In
      contrast, angiogenesis was promoted after treatment of Olanzapine, an activator.
      We found that protein levels of VEGFA and cyclin D1 were regulated by the
      JAK/STAT3 pathway, and flow cytometry further confirmed variations in cell cycle
      parameters of ECs and ASCs. Genes VEGFA/B, VEGFR2, MMP-2, MMP-9, IGF-1 and b-FGF
      were down-regulated by Stattic in ECs, while Olanzapine significantly up
      regulated mRNA levels of these genes. As for ASCs, genes VEGFA, MMP-2, MMP-9, IGF
      1 and b-FGF were modulated by the JAK/STAT3 pathway. CONCLUSIONS: Angiogenesis in
      the 3D collagen gel was regulated by the JAK/STAT3 pathway which involved changes
      in vessel length, vessel diameter and sprout number. The underlying mechanism was
      that the JAK/STAT3 signalling pathway regulated angiogenesis by modulation of
      numbers of angiogenesis-related growth factors and by direct regulation of cell
      cycle.

PMID- 27667149
TI  - Patients with diabetes differ in atherosclerotic plaque characteristics and have
      worse clinical outcome after iliofemoral endarterectomy compared with patients
      without diabetes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with peripheral arterial disease
      (PAD) and leads to worse clinical outcome compared with patients without DM. The
      objective of this study was to determine the impact of DM on iliofemoral artery
      plaque characteristics and to examine secondary clinical outcomes in patients
      with DM and PAD undergoing surgical revascularization. METHODS: We analyzed 198
      patients with and 453 patients without DM from the Athero-Express biobank, a
      prospective ongoing biobank study, who underwent endarterectomy of the femoral or
      iliac artery between 2002 and 2013. Seven histologic plaque characteristics
      (calcification, collagen, lipid core, intraplaque hemorrhage, macrophages,
      microvessels, and smooth muscle cells) and secondary clinical outcome were
      compared. Composite outcome consisted of any of the following secondary
      manifestations of cardiovascular disease: stroke, myocardial infarction,
      cardiovascular death, or peripheral intervention. In addition, target vessel
      revascularization (TVR) was examined. The follow-up period was standardized at 3
      years after the procedure. RESULTS: Patients with DM were more likely to have
      calcified plaques compared with patients without DM (odds ratio, 2.11; 95%
      confidence interval, 1.43-3.12; P < .01). No other plaque characteristic differed
      significantly between the two groups. In total, 112 (57.1%) patients with DM and
      198 (45.1%) patients without DM reached a composite end point during follow-up,
      of whom 21 (10.7%) and 27 (6.2%) died of cardiovascular causes, respectively. DM
      was an independent predictor of composite cardiovascular events (hazard ratio,
      1.36; 95% confidence interval, 1.020-1.801; P = .01) during follow-up. No
      difference in the incidence of TVR was observed between patients with and without
      DM (31.5% and 30%, respectively; difference in survival time, P = .86) or in
      longer duration of DM with composite event-free survival (difference in survival
      time, P = .57). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with DM who undergo surgical
      revascularization for PAD with the use of thromboendarterectomy or remote
      endarterectomy have a more calcified atherosclerotic plaque and an increased
      incidence in composite cardiovascular events but no increase in TVR.

PMID- 27667150
TI  - The role of the kallikrein-kinin system, matrix metalloproteinases, and tissue
      inhibitors of metalloproteinases in the early restenosis of covered stents in the
      femoropopliteal arterial segment.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the roles of the
      kallikrein-kinin system and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the development
      of arterial restenosis attributable to intimal hyperplasia in the femoropopliteal
      arteries. METHODS: This report describes a single-center prospective study of 27
      patients with peripheral artery disease who required percutaneous transluminal
      angioplasty and stenting of the femoropopliteal segment using covered stent
      grafts. The blood concentrations of total and kininogen fractions were evaluated
      using immunoenzymatic methods. Plasma kallikrein was evaluated by the
      colorimetric method. Tissue kallikrein was evaluated by the spectrophotometric
      method. The activity of kininase II was measured by fluorometric analysis.
      Quantification of MMPs was performed by zymography, and tissue inhibitors of
      metalloproteinases were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS:
      Four (15%) of the treated patients developed restenosis at the 6-month follow-up
      evaluation. These patients had significantly lower levels of high-molecular
      weight kininogens (24 hours; P < .05) and low-molecular-weight kininogens
      (before, P < .05; 24 hours, P < .01; 6 months, P < .05) and lower levels of
      tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 (6 months; P < .05) than the patients
      without restenosis. The activity levels of plasma and tissue kallikrein, kininase
      II, and MMPs did not differ significantly between the patients with and without
      restenosis. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates an involvement of the kallikrein
      kinin system in in-stent restenosis, although we could not confirm the
      participation of metalloproteinases in the restenosis process.

PMID- 27667151
TI  - Elevated serum phosphate levels are associated with decreased amputation-free
      survival after interventions for critical limb ischemia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Elevated serum phosphate levels have been associated with increased
      risks of cardiovascular events and death in several patient populations. The
      effects of serum phosphate on outcomes in patients with critical limb ischemia
      (CLI) have not been evaluated. In this study, we assessed the effect of abnormal
      phosphate levels on mortality and major limb events after surgical intervention
      for CLI. METHODS: A retrospective review was undertaken to identify all patients
      at a single institution who underwent a first-time open or endovascular
      intervention for CLI between 2005 and 2014. Patients without recorded
      postoperative phosphate levels were excluded. Postoperative phosphate levels <=30
      days of the initial operation were recorded, and the mean was calculated.
      Patients were stratified according to mean phosphate levels (low: <2.5 mg/dL,
      normal: 2.5-4.5 mg/dL, and high: >4.5 mg/dL). Patient demographics,
      comorbidities, and operative details were compared in univariate analysis.
      Multivariable regression and Cox proportional hazard modeling were used to
      account for patient demographics and comorbid conditions. RESULTS: We identified
      941 patients, including 42 (5%) with low phosphate, 768 (82%) with normal
      phosphate, and 131 (14%) with high phosphate. Patients with elevated phosphate
      were younger and had higher rates of congestive heart failure, diabetes, and
      dialysis dependence. Bypass was more common among patients with normal phosphate
      compared with high or low phosphate levels. There was no difference in the Wound,
      ischemia, and Foot infection (WiFi) classification or TransAtlantic Inter-Society
      Consensus classification among the cohorts. There were significant differences in
      1-year mortality (low: 19%, normal: 17%, high: 33%; P < .01) and 3-year mortality
      (low: 38%, normal: 34%, high: 56%; P < .01) between phosphate cohorts. Major
      amputation (low: 12%, normal: 12%, high: 15%) and restenosis (low: 21%, normal:
      24%, high: 28%) tended toward worse outcomes among patients with elevated
      phosphate levels but did not reach statistical significance. After adjustment for
      baseline characteristics, mortality was higher (hazard ratio [HR], 1.7; 95%
      confidence interval [CI], 1.3-2.2) and amputation-free survival was lower (HR,
      1.5; 95% CI, 1.2-1.9) among patients with elevated compared with normal phosphate
      levels. A subgroup analysis was then performed to assess dialysis and nondialysis
      patients separately. Patients with elevated serum phosphate levels maintained a
      significantly higher risk of mortality in each group (dialysis: HR, 1.8; 95% CI,
      1.2-2.6; nondialysis: HR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.04-2.10). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated
      phosphate levels are associated with increased mortality and decreased amputation
      free survival after interventions for CLI. Future studies evaluating the effects
      of phosphate reduction in patients with CLI are warranted.

PMID- 27667152
TI  - Long non-coding RNAs, ASAP1-IT1, FAM215A, and LINC00472, in epithelial ovarian
      cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a class of non-protein coding
      transcripts that has gained significant attention lately due to their important
      biological actions and potential involvement in cancer. Ovarian cancer is a
      devastating disease with poor prognosis, and our understanding of lncRNA's
      involvement in the malignancy is limited. To further our knowledge, we measured
      the expression of three lncRNAs, ASAP1-IT1, FAM215A, and LINC00472, in tumor
      samples, and analyzed their associations with disease characteristics and patient
      survival. METHODS: Two hundred sixty-six patients diagnosed with primary
      epithelial ovarian cancers were recruited for the study. Fresh-frozen tumor
      samples were obtained from the patients at tumor resection and analyzed by RT
      qPCR for expression of ASAP1-IT1, FAM215A, and LINC00472. Associations of lncRNA
      expression with patient survival were determined using Cox proportional hazards
      regression models. RESULTS: We observed high expression of ASAP1-IT1, FAM215A and
      LINC00472 more frequently in low grade tumors and early stage disease compared to
      high grade tumors and late stage disease, respectively. High expression of ASAP1
      IT1 and FAM215A were associated with favorable overall survival, and the survival
      association with ASAP1-IT1 was independent of tumor grade and disease stage.
      Analyses of online data also demonstrated similar survival associations with
      ASAP1-IT1 and FAM215A, suggesting that these lncRNAs may be involved in ovarian
      cancer progression. CONCLUSIONS: LncRNAs may play appreciable roles in ovarian
      cancer and more research is needed to elucidate their biological mechanisms and
      clinical implications in tumor characterization as well as disease prognosis and
      treatment.

PMID- 27667153
TI  - Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, by degrading L-tryptophan, enhances carnitine
      palmitoyltransferase I activity and fatty acid oxidation, and exerts fatty acid
      dependent effects in human alloreactive CD4+ T-cells.
AB  - Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is expressed in antigen-presenting cells and by
      degrading L-tryptophan along the kynurenine pathway suppresses CD4+ T-cell
      proliferation, induces apoptosis and promotes differentiation towards a
      regulatory as opposed to an effector phenotype. Recent findings revealed that the
      above effects may be mediated through alterations in T-cell metabolism. In this
      study, the effect of IDO on fatty acid beta-oxidation in CD4+ T-cells was
      evaluated in human mixed lymphocyte reactions (MLRs) using the IDO inhibitor, 1
      DL-methyl-tryptophan. Protein analysis of CD4+ T-cells isolated from the MLR
      showed that L-tryptophan degradation acts by activating the general control non
      derepressible 2 kinase and aryl-hydrocarbon receptor in T-cells. In the absence
      of IDO inhibition, fatty acid oxidation increased along with increased activity
      of carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT1), the latter due to the increased
      expression of CPT1 isoenzymes and alterations in acetyl-CoA carboxylase 2, the
      enzyme that controls CPT1 activity. Increased fatty acid oxidation due to the
      action of IDO was accompanied by an increased expression of forkhead box P3
      (FoxP3) and a decreased expression of related orphan receptor gammat (RORgammat),
      the signature transcription factors of regulatory T-cells and T helper 17 cells,
      respectively. However, in MLR and in the presence of fatty acid in the culture
      medium, IDO did not inhibit proliferation. Additionally, fatty acid protected the
      CD4+ T-cells against apoptosis. Thus, IDO, by degrading L-tryptophan, enhances
      CPT1 activity and fatty acid oxidation, and exerts fatty acid-dependent effects
      in human alloreactive CD4+ T-cells.

PMID- 27667154
TI  - Seasonal variations of plasma testosterone among colour-morph common wall lizards
      (Podarcis muralis).
AB  - Sexual steroids influence reproductive behaviours and promote secondary sexual
      traits. In male lizards, increasing levels of testosterone (T) bolster
      conspicuous colouration, stimulate territoriality, and trigger antagonistic
      interactions among rivals. Moreover, in colour polymorphic species, reproductive
      strategy, aggressiveness and T levels can differ between morphs. Therefore, T
      level is considered as an important mechanism that regulates the expression of
      colour polymorphism and sexual behaviours of males. But in the polymorphic
      territorial wall lizard (Podarcis muralis), a lack of relationship between morphs
      and aggressiveness challenges the notion that T plays such a role. To examine
      this issue, we compared adult T levels among three colour morphs (white, yellow
      and red) through repeated sampling during the mating season. High T levels were
      observed at the onset of the mating season followed by a significant decrease, a
      pattern documented in other lizard species. Mean T levels did not differ among
      morphs. However, yellow males maintained significantly higher T levels over time
      and displayed a stronger subsequent decline. Overall, in this species, seasonal T
      patterns differ among morphs, not mean values. Previous studies revealed that T
      suppresses the immune response; suggesting that a strong initial investment
      promoted by high T levels may trade-off against immunity (maintenance). Further
      experimental investigations are required to clarify the relationship between T
      and reproductive effort in polymorphic species that exhibit complex temporal
      pattern of T levels.

PMID- 27667155
TI  - Gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) in the amphibian brain and its
      relationship with the gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) system: An overview.
AB  - It is well known that the hypothalamic neuropeptide gonadotropin-releasing
      hormone (GnRH) plays an important role as a primary factor regulating
      gonadotropin secretion in reproductive processes in vertebrates. The discovery of
      the presence of a gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) in the brains of birds
      has further contributed to our understanding of the reproduction control by the
      brain. GnIH plays a key role in inhibition of reproduction and acts on the
      pituitary gland and GnRH neurons via a novel G protein-coupled receptor (GPR147).
      GnIH decreases gonadotropin synthesis and release, thus inhibiting gonadal
      development and maintenance. The GnRH and GnIH neuronal peptidergic systems are
      well reported in mammals and birds, but limited information is available
      regarding their presence and localization in the brains of other vertebrate
      species, such as reptiles, amphibians and fishes. The aim of this review is to
      compile and update information on the localization of GnRH and GnIH neuronal
      systems, with a particular focus on amphibians, summarizing the neuroanatomical
      distribution of GnIH and GnRH and emphasizing the discovery of GnIH based on
      RFamide peptides and GnIH orthologous peptides found in other vertebrates and
      their functional significance.

PMID- 27667156
TI  - Metastatic Tumor Burden Does Not Predict Overall Survival Following Cytoreductive
      Nephrectomy for Renal Cell Carcinoma: a Novel 3-Dimensional Volumetric Analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare 1-dimensional (1D) and 3-dimensional (3D) volume
      measurements and determine whether primary tumor (PT) burden is predictive of
      overall survival (OS) following cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) for metastatic
      renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records and imaging studies
      of patients with mRCC treated with CN from 2006 to 2015 were included, with tumor
      volumes measured by a faculty radiologist blinded to clinical outcomes using
      Advantage Workstation Volume Share (Ver 4.6, GE, Waukesha, WI). RESULTS: Complete
      PT and metastatic tumor volumes were measured for 67 patients. For 15 (22.3%)
      patients, 1D volume was within +/-10% of the measured 3D volume. In 40 (59.7%)
      patients, the 1D calculated PT volume was >10% of the actual 3D volume.
      Fractional percentage of tumor volume (FPTV) removed during CN was calculated
      using the formula PT volume/(PT + met volume). FPTV was not associated with OS
      when analyzed as a continuous variable. Patients were divided into 2 groups based
      on previously published cut point of 90% FPTV. No differences between cohorts in
      age, gender, grade, subtype, number of metastatic sites, performance status,
      Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center risk group, or International Metastatic
      Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium risk group were identified. OS was not
      different between cohorts (P = .38). CONCLUSION: 1D measurements of PT diameter
      frequently overestimate mRCC PT volume. In patients with mRCC selected for CN,
      the ratio of primary to metastatic tumor does not predict OS.

PMID- 27667157
TI  - Racial/Ethnic Disparity in Treatment for Prostate Cancer: Does Cancer Severity
      Matter?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine if there are variations in the receipt of treatment based
      on race and disease severity. Treatment variations in men with prostate cancer
      (PCa) among the various racial groups in the United States exist, which may be a
      source of potential disparity in outcome. METHODS: Utilizing Surveillance,
      Epidemiology and End Results 17, we identified 327,636 men diagnosed with PCa
      from 2004 to 2011. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the
      association of receiving definitive treatment and race in the context of disease
      severity. RESULTS: African American (AA) and Hispanic men were less likely to
      receive treatment compared to White men (odds ratio [OR] 0.73, 95% confidence
      interval [CI] 0.71, 0.75, and OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.92, 0.98, respectively). AA men
      had significantly lower OR of receiving definitive treatment within each D'Amico
      risk classification compared to White men, with decreasing odds of treatment for
      each increase in risk category (low-risk OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.78, 0.85; intermediate
      risk OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.71, 0.77; and high-risk OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.58, 0.66).
      Hispanic men with intermediate-risk (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.84, 0.94) or high-risk (OR
      0.79, 95% CI 0.72, 0.85) disease had lower odds of receiving treatment compared
      to White men. Asian men had similar or greater odds of receiving treatment
      compared to White men within any Gleason or D'Amico classification. CONCLUSION:
      There is a significant disparity in the receipt of treatment for PCa among AA and
      Hispanic men compared to White men. The variations in receipt of treatment reveal
      an area of opportunity to develop risk-stratified approaches to treatment
      regardless of ethnic identity, which may address the poorer PCa-related outcomes
      in these populations.

PMID- 27667158
TI  - Can We Use Single-step Dilation as a Safe Alternative Dilation Method in
      Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the outcomes of the patients who underwent percutaneous
      nephrolithotomy with single-step dilatation technique in our clinic. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: A total of 932 patients who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy
      by using single-step dilation technique in the period between 2008 and 2015 in
      our clinic were included in the study. Data of the patients were analyzed, such
      as age, sex, stone burden, operative time, fluoroscopy time, operation success,
      and perioperative and postoperative complications. RESULTS: An analysis of the
      data of 932 patients revealed similar operation success and complication rates as
      in the literature. Mean age of the patients included in the study was 48.9 years.
      Mean operative time was 66.6 minutes and mean fluoroscopy time was 139 seconds.
      Postoperative residual stone was detected in 17.1% of the patients. Postoperative
      fever was observed in 29 patients (3.1%), and sepsis developed in 11 (1.1%) of
      them. Additional postoperative procedures were required in 29 patients (3.1%). No
      patient was lost due to complications. Our data were compatible with the
      literature. CONCLUSION: Single-step dilation technique can be used as an
      effective and safe alternative dilation method in adult patients.

PMID- 27667159
TI  - Association between a combination of single nucleotide polymorphisms and large
      vessel cerebral vasculopathy in African children with sickle cell disease.

PMID- 27667161
TI  - Next-generation sequencing of hereditary hemochromatosis-related genes: Novel
      likely pathogenic variants found in the Portuguese population.
AB  - Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized
      by excessive iron absorption resulting in pathologically increased body iron
      stores. It is typically associated with common HFE gene mutation (p.Cys282Tyr and
      p.His63Asp). However, in Southern European populations up to one third of HH
      patients do not carry the risk genotypes. This study aimed to explore the use of
      next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology to analyse a panel of iron metabolism
      related genes (HFE, TFR2, HJV, HAMP, SLC40A1, and FTL) in 87 non-classic HH
      Portuguese patients. A total of 1241 genetic alterations were detected
      corresponding to 53 different variants, 13 of which were not described in the
      available public databases. Among them, five were predicted to be potentially
      pathogenic: three novel mutations in TFR2 [two missense (p.Leu750Pro and
      p.Ala777Val) and one intronic splicing mutation (c.967-1G>C)], one missense
      mutation in HFE (p.Tyr230Cys), and one mutation in the 5'-UTR of HAMP gene (c.
      25G>A). The results reported here illustrate the usefulness of NGS for targeted
      iron metabolism-related gene panels, as a likely cost-effective approach for
      molecular genetics diagnosis of non-classic HH patients. Simultaneously, it has
      contributed to the knowledge of the pathophysiology of those rare iron metabolism
      related disorders.

PMID- 27667162
TI  - Inflammation-induced up-regulation of hepcidin and down-regulation of ferroportin
      transcription are dependent on macrophage polarization.
AB  - Iron is essential in all organisms. In mammals systemic iron homeostasis relies
      on hepcidin, a peptide hormone with defensin properties, and its target, the cell
      iron exporter ferroportin. Hepcidin and ferroportin transcription are both
      upregulated by high iron levels, but are inversely regulated upon inflammation,
      leading to hypoferremia. Thus, host iron genes regulation may affect the innate
      immune responses against infectious microorganisms. Since macrophages, which are
      crucial innate immune cells, express both hepcidin and ferroportin, we explored
      in these cells their transcriptional regulation upon inflammation which is not
      completely understood. Macrophages represent an heterogenous population of immune
      cells resulting from cytokine and pathogen sensing, indeed macrophages polarized
      especially into pro-inflammatory M1 and regulatory/anti-inflammatory M2
      phenotypes. We found that hepcidin mRNA upregulation depends on M1 polarization
      and ferroportin mRNA downregulation depends on M2 subtype polarization. All TLR
      agonists, except TLR2 agonist, polarize to pro-inflammatory macrophages and
      upregulate hepcidin mRNA expression. Cell pretreatment with IFNgamma or inhibitor
      of PI3K, p38-MAPK and NF-kappaB pathway involved in M1 polarization prior TLR4
      activation, enhanced hepcidin upregulation. Conversely, ferroportin mRNA
      downregulation upon inflammation was strongly increased by macrophage
      polarization through TLR2- and 4-PI3K-dependent pathways, or through IL-1beta and
      TNFalpha priming prior to LPS activation.

PMID- 27667160
TI  - Genotype-phenotype correlations in hereditary elliptocytosis and hereditary
      pyropoikilocytosis.
AB  - Hereditary elliptocytosis (HE) and hereditary pyropoikilocytosis (HPP) are
      heterogeneous red blood cell (RBC) membrane disorders that result from mutations
      in the genes encoding alpha-spectrin (SPTA1), beta-spectrin (SPTB), or protein
      4.1R (EPB41). The resulting defects alter the horizontal cytoskeletal
      associations and affect RBC membrane stability and deformability causing
      shortened RBC survival. The clinical diagnosis of HE and HPP relies on
      identifying characteristic RBC morphology on peripheral blood smear and specific
      membrane biomechanical properties using osmotic gradient ektacytometry. However,
      this phenotypic diagnosis may not be readily available in patients requiring
      frequent transfusions, and does not predict disease course or severity. Using
      Next-Generation sequencing, we identified the causative genetic mutations in
      fifteen patients with clinically suspected HE or HPP and correlated the
      identified mutations with the clinical phenotype and ektacytometry profile. In
      addition to identifying three novel mutations, gene sequencing confirmed and,
      when the RBC morphology was not evaluable, identified the diagnosis. Moreover,
      genotypic differences justified the phenotypic differences within families with
      HE/HPP.

PMID- 27667163
TI  - Differences in frequency and regulation of T follicular helper cells between
      newly diagnosed and chronic pediatric immune thrombocytopenia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the role of T follicular helper (TFH)
      cells in the immunopathogenesis of pediatric immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), as
      well as differences in TFH expansion and its regulation between newly diagnosed
      ITP (nITP) and chronic pediatric ITP (cITP). METHODS: Eighty-five children with
      ITP and 20 age-matched healthy controls were enrolled into this study. TFH cell
      frequencies and TFH cell-associated regulatory factors before and after treatment
      were analyzed by flow cytometry, RT-PCR and ELISA. RESULTS: The percentages of
      TFH cells were significantly elevated in both nITP and cITP compared with
      controls. RT-PCR revealed significant differences in Bcl-6, c-Maf, Blimp-1,
      ICOSL, TACI and BAFFR mRNA expression in CD4(+) T or CD19(+) B cells between
      patients and controls, and further between nITP and cITP, before and after
      treatment. Moreover, there were significant differences in serum IL-4, IL-21 and
      BAFF between patients and controls. CONCLUSION: The overactivation of TFH cells
      may contribute to the immunopathogenesis of pediatric ITP. IL-21 and IL-4 serum
      levels may affect the differentiation of TFH cells in ITP patients. The aberrant
      balance between BAFFR-BAFF/TACI-BAFF may be a factor that caused the persistent
      high expression of ICOSL in pediatric cITP, which consequently lead to the over
      activation of TFH cells in pediatric cITP.

PMID- 27667164
TI  - Characterization of hepcidin response to holotransferrin in novel recombinant
      TfR1 HepG2 cells.
AB  - Hepcidin is the key regulator of systemic iron homeostasis. The iron-sensing
      mechanisms and the role of intracellular iron in modulating hepatic hepcidin
      secretion are unclear. Therefore, we created a novel cell line, recombinant-TfR1
      HepG2, expressing iron-response-element-independent TFRC mRNA to promote cellular
      iron-overload and examined the effect of excess holotransferrin (5g/L) on cell
      surface TfR1, iron content, hepcidin secretion and mRNA expressions of TFRC,
      HAMP, SLC40A1, HFE and TFR2. Results showed that the recombinant cells exceeded
      levels of cell-surface TfR1 in wild-type cells under basal (2.8-fold; p<0.03) and
      holotransferrin-supplemented conditions for 24h and 48h (4.4- and 7.5-fold,
      respectively; p<0.01). Also, these cells showed higher intracellular iron content
      than wild-type cells under basal (3-fold; p<0.03) and holotransferrin
      supplemented conditions (6.6-fold at 4h; p<0.01). However, hepcidin secretion was
      not higher than wild-type cells. Moreover, holotransferrin treatment to
      recombinant cells did not elevate HAMP responses compared to untreated or wild
      type cells. In conclusion, increased intracellular iron content in recombinant
      cells did not increase hepcidin responses compared to wild-type cells, resembling
      hemochromatosis. Furthermore, TFR2 expression altered within 4h of treatment,
      while HFE expression altered later at 24h and 48h, suggesting that TFR2 may
      function prior to HFE in HAMP regulation.

PMID- 27667167
TI  - The disappearance of acute erythroid leukemia: An act of legerdemain at the World
      Health Organization.

PMID- 27667165
TI  - A novel pathogenic mutation in RPL11 identified in a patient diagnosed with
      diamond Blackfan anemia as a young adult.

PMID- 27667166
TI  - The assessment of noncoding variant of PPOX gene in variegate porphyria reveals
      post-transcriptional role of the 5' untranslated exon 1.
AB  - The PPOX gene encodes for the protoporphyrinogen oxidase, which is involved in
      heme production. The partial deficiency of protoporphyrinogen oxidase causes
      variegate porphyria. The tissue-specific regulation of other heme biosynthetic
      enzymes is extensively studied, but the information concerning transcriptional
      and post-transcriptional regulation of PPOX gene expression is scarcely
      available. In this study, we characterized functions of three variants identified
      in the regulatory regions of the PPOX gene, which show a novel role for the 5'
      untranslated exon 1. Using luciferase assays and RNA analysis, we demonstrated
      that only c.1-883G>C promoter variant causes a significant loss in the
      transcriptional activity of PPOX gene whereas c.1-413G>T 5' UTR variant inhibits
      translation of PPOX mRNA and c.1-176G>A splicing variant causes 4bp deletion in
      5' UTR of PPOX mRNA variant 2. These observations indicate that the regulation of
      PPOX gene expression can also occur through a post-transcriptional modulation of
      the amount of gene product and that this modulation can be mediated by 5'
      untranslated exon 1. Moreover this study confirms that these regulatory regions
      represent an important molecular target for the pathogenesis of variegate
      porphyria.

PMID- 27667168
TI  - Conditioned medium from human umbilical vein endothelial cells markedly improves
      the proliferation and differentiation of circulating endothelial progenitors.
AB  - Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have been suggested as a precious
      source for generating functionally competent endothelial cells (ECs), candidate
      for various clinical applications. However, the paucity of these progenitor cells
      and the technical difficulties for their in vitro growth represent a main
      limitation to their use. In the present study we hypothesized that the paracrine
      effects of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) may improve
      endothelial cell generation from cord blood (CB) EPCs. In line with this
      hypothesis we showed that HUVEC conditioned medium (CM) or co-culture with HUVECs
      markedly improved the proliferation and differentiation and delayed the
      senescence of CB EPCs. The endothelial-promoting effect of CM seems to be related
      to smaller vesicles including exosomes (sEV/exo) contained in this medium and
      transferred to CB CD34(+) EPCs: in fact, purified preparations of sEV/exo
      isolated from CM mimicked the effect of CM to sustain endothelial formation.
      These observations provided the interesting indication that mature ECs exert a
      stimulatory effect on endothelial cell differentiation from CD34(+) cells.

PMID- 27667169
TI  - AEG-1 promotes mesenchymal transition through the activation of Rho GTPases in
      human glioblastoma cells.
AB  - Despite growing evidence indicating that astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1) plays
      pivotal roles in tumor progression in various types of human cancers including
      brain tumors; to date, its role in the regulation of mesenchymal transition is
      not clear in glioblastoma. In the present study, we investigated the contribution
      of AEG-1 to stress fiber formation and then the acquisition of mesenchymal
      characteristics of glioblastoma cells. Gain- and loss-of-function studies in
      normal immortalized primary human fetal astrocytes (IM-PHFAs) and glioblastoma
      cells revealed that overexpression of AEG-1 increased expression of mesenchymal
      markers including N-cadherin and two mesenchymal transition-inducing
      transcription factors ZEB1 and Slug but decreased epithelial markers E-cadherin
      and ZO-1. In addition, knockdown of AEG-1 suppressed invasive ability and
      migration of glioblastoma cells. Overexpression of AEG-1 also induced stress
      fiber formation and activated the Rho GTPase signaling pathways in glioblastoma
      cells. Consistently, treatment with an RhoA inhibitor decreased AEG-1-mediated
      stress fiber formation in glioblastoma cells. Collectively, our findings suggest
      that AEG-1 promotes mesenchymal transition in glioblastoma through the regulation
      of the Rho signaling pathway, resulting in tumor invasion, a primary
      characteristic of malignant brain tumors.

PMID- 27667170
TI  - Deinococcus budaensis sp. nov., a mesophilic species isolated from a biofilm
      sample of a hydrothermal spring cave.
AB  - Following the exposure of a biofilm sample from a hydrothermal spring cave
      (Gellert Hill, Budapest, Hungary) to gamma radiation, a strain designated FeSTC15
      38T was isolated and studied by polyphasic taxonomic methods. The spherical
      shaped cells stained Gram-negative, and were aerobic and non-motile. The pH range
      for growth was pH 6.0-9.0, with an optimum at pH 7.0. The temperature range for
      growth was 20-37  degrees C, with an optimum at 28  degrees C. Phylogenetic
      analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence of the isolate indicated that the
      organism belongs to the genus Deinococcus. The highest sequence similarities
      appeared with Deinococcus hopiensis KR-140T (94.1 %), Deinococcus aquaticus
      PB314T (93.3 %) and Deinococcus aerophilus 5516T-11T (92.7 %). The DNA G+C
      content of the novel strain was 68.2 mol%. The predominant fatty acids (>10 %)
      were iso-C16 : 0 and C16 : 1omega7c, and the cell-wall peptidoglycan type was
      A3beta l-Orn-Gly2-3, corroborating the assignment of the strain to the genus
      Deinococcus. Strain FeSTC15-38T contained MK-8 as the major menaquinone and
      several unidentified phospholipids, glycolipids and phosphoglycolipids.
      Resistance to gamma radiation (D10) of strain FeSTC15-38T was <3.0 kGy. According
      to phenotypic and genotypic data, strain FeSTC15-38T represents a novel species
      for which the name Deinococcus budaensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is
      FeSTC15-38T (=NCAIM B.02630T=DSM 101791T).

PMID- 27667173
TI  - Combined oridonin with cetuximab treatment shows synergistic anticancer effects
      on laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma: involvement of inhibition of EGFR and
      activation of reactive oxygen species-mediated JNK pathway.
AB  - Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a transmembrane glycoprotein, is
      expressed at high levels in a large proportion of laryngeal squamous cell
      carcinoma (LSCC). Cetuximab (Cet), an anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody, has limited
      clinical outcome for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Our
      previous studies showed that oridonin (ORI), a natural and safe kaurene
      diterpenoid isolated from Rabdosia rubescens, inhibited cell growth in HEp-2
      cells through inhibition of EGFR phosphorylation. The aim of the present study
      was to determine whether ORI could improve the anticancer efficacy of Cet on
      LSCC. We observed that the combination with Cet and ORI synergistically inhibited
      cell growth associated with Fas-mediated apoptosis and G2/M phase arrest in two
      LSCC cell lines (HEp-2 and Tu212 cells). Moreover, combination treatment caused
      cell death associated with suppression of p-EGFR and activation of reactive
      oxygen species (ROS)-mediated JNK pathway. In nude mice bearing HEp-2 xenografts,
      ORI plus Cet caused a significant tumor regression through induction of apoptosis
      and inhibition of proliferation with no side-effect. Together, our findings
      suggest that the combination of ORI and Cet has the potential to enhance tumor
      responses and may significantly improve therapeutic outcomes in LSCC.

PMID- 27667172
TI  - Functional characterization of PhoPR two component system and its implication in
      regulating phosphate homeostasis in Bacillus anthracis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent report on importance of phosphate starvation (PS) in Bacillus
      anthracis (BA) pathogenesis warrants further investigation of the underlying
      regulatory mechanism. Potential role of PhoPR two component system (TCS) in
      phosphate homeostasis and virulence of several pathogens necessitates the study
      of annotated PhoPR in BA. METHODS: Expression of phoP and phoR was analyzed using
      qRT-PCR. PhoPR was characterized biochemically. DNA-protein interaction was
      analyzed by EMSA. Docking was done to predict PhoPR interacting residues with
      further validation by mutational studies. pHCMC05 was used to overexpress PhoP in
      BA. RESULTS: In silico analysis revealed Bas4483-4484, as putative PhoR-PhoP.
      Their expression was decreased with increasing phosphate concentration reflecting
      some role in PS. Both PhoP (response regulator) and PhoR (histidine kinase)
      showed characteristic property of TCS i.e., autophosphorylation and
      phosphotransfer. PhoR showed both kinase and phosphatase activity. PhoP bound
      with promoter of PS marker genes. In silico and in vitro analysis revealed role
      of PhoRH370 and PhoPD10, PhoPD53, PhoPM55 in PhoPR interaction. Challenge studies
      showed decreased survival of mice infected with BApHCMC05-PhoP. CONCLUSION: This
      study affirms that PhoPR forms functional TCS which is upregulated under PS. PhoP
      binding with promoter of PS marker genes indicates its possible role in
      regulating PS response. Low survival of mice infected with BApHCMC05-PhoP
      suggests its role in BA virulence. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: Considering the
      significance of PS in BA infection, possible role of PhoPR in its regulation and
      exclusive presence of TCS in prokaryotes, PhoP can be proposed as potential drug
      target against anthrax.

PMID- 27667171
TI  - Filling the Void: Proximity-Based Labeling of Proteins in Living Cells.
AB  - There are inherent limitations with traditional methods to study protein behavior
      or to determine the constituency of proteins in discrete subcellular
      compartments. In response to these limitations, several methods have recently
      been developed that use proximity-dependent labeling. By fusing proteins to
      enzymes that generate reactive molecules, most commonly biotin, proximate
      proteins are covalently labeled to enable their isolation and identification. In
      this review we describe current methods for proximity-dependent labeling in
      living cells and discuss their applications and future use in the study of
      protein behavior.

PMID- 27667174
TI  - The cotton buds beach: Marine litter assessment along the Tyrrhenian coast of
      central Italy following the marine strategy framework directive criteria.
AB  - We assessed the annual accumulation rates of beach litter on the Tyrrhenian coast
      of central Italy, providing the characterization of litter following European
      standardized guidelines. Three different sites of a beach were sampled seasonally
      from spring 2014 to winter 2015. A total of 31,739 items were removed and
      classified into 103 categories. Plastic represented the majority (94.4%) of the
      collected items. We detected temporal and spatial differences in the abundance
      and composition of litter between seasons and between sites. Furthermore, we
      found that plastic cotton bud sticks composed >30% of the total amount of litter
      and, together with plastic and polystyrene pieces, made up >70% of the total
      items. Finally, our results led us to propose that the most effective strategy to
      reduce litter pollution is to devise specific management procedures focusing on
      the most abundant items.

PMID- 27667175
TI  - Assessing benthic ecological impacts of bottom aquaculture using macrofaunal
      assemblages.
AB  - Bottom aquaculture of bivalves is a high-yield culture method, which is
      increasingly adopted by shellfish farmers worldwide. However, the effects of
      bottom aquaculture on benthic ecosystems are not well-known. Manila clam
      (Ruditapes philippinarum), is a widely distributed bottom aquaculture mollusk
      species. To assess the ecological impacts of Manila clam bottom aquaculture,
      clams and other macrofaunal assemblages were investigated during four cruises
      (July and November 2011, February and May 2012) at six sampling sites in Jiaozhou
      Bay, China. Correlation analysis showed that macrofaunal assemblages had
      significant negative correlations with the abundance of Manila clams. However,
      according to the results of several biotic indices, a low disturbance was
      detected by Manila clam bottom aquaculture. In conclusion, AMBI (AZTI'S Marine
      Biotic Index) and M-AMBI (Multivariate AZTI Marine Biotic Index) indices are more
      suitable for assessing ecological quality than polychaete/amphipod ratios when
      the disturbance is slight, such as at a bivalve bottom aquaculture.

PMID- 27667177
TI  - Twist in the Tail: Escape from HIV Neutralising Antibodies at a Single Site
      Confers Broad Susceptibility to Others.

PMID- 27667176
TI  - Integrative Modeling Reveals Annexin A2-mediated Epigenetic Control of
      Mesenchymal Glioblastoma.
AB  - Glioblastomas are characterized by transcriptionally distinct subtypes, but
      despite possible clinical relevance, their regulation remains poorly understood.
      The commonly used molecular classification systems for GBM all identify a subtype
      with high expression of mesenchymal marker transcripts, strongly associated with
      invasive growth. We used a comprehensive data-driven network modeling technique
      (augmented sparse inverse covariance selection, aSICS) to define separate
      genomic, epigenetic, and transcriptional regulators of glioblastoma subtypes. Our
      model identified Annexin A2 (ANXA2) as a novel methylation-controlled positive
      regulator of the mesenchymal subtype. Subsequent evaluation in two independent
      cohorts established ANXA2 expression as a prognostic factor that is dependent on
      ANXA2 promoter methylation. ANXA2 knockdown in primary glioblastoma stem cell
      like cultures suppressed known mesenchymal master regulators, and abrogated cell
      proliferation and invasion. Our results place ANXA2 at the apex of a regulatory
      cascade that determines glioblastoma mesenchymal transformation and validate
      aSICS as a general methodology to uncover regulators of cancer subtypes.

PMID- 27667178
TI  - Improvement of vascular function by magnetic nanoparticle-assisted
      circumferential gene transfer into the native endothelium.
AB  - Gene therapy is a promising approach for chronic disorders that require
      continuous treatment such as cardiovascular disease. Overexpression of
      vasoprotective genes has generated encouraging results in animal models, but not
      in clinical trials. One major problem in humans is the delivery of sufficient
      amounts of genetic vectors to the endothelium which is impeded by blood flow,
      whereas prolonged stop-flow conditions impose the risk of ischemia. In the
      current study we have therefore developed a strategy for the efficient
      circumferential lentiviral gene transfer in the native endothelium under constant
      flow conditions. For that purpose we perfused vessels that were exposed to
      specially designed magnetic fields with complexes of lentivirus and magnetic
      nanoparticles thereby enabling overexpression of therapeutic genes such as
      endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and vascular endothelial growth factor
      (VEGF). This treatment enhanced NO and VEGF production in the transduced
      endothelium and resulted in a reduction of vascular tone and increased
      angiogenesis. Thus, the combination of MNPs with magnetic fields is an innovative
      strategy for site-specific and efficient vascular gene therapy.

PMID- 27667180
TI  - Good things come in small packages: Overcoming challenges to harness
      extracellular vesicles for therapeutic delivery.
AB  - Extracellular vesicles (EVs) hold great promise as potential therapeutic
      carriers. EVs are biologically active, intrinsically transporting cargo between
      cells. Moreover, they can be loaded with specific cargo for distribution and/or
      engineered to achieve enhanced uptake. Although studies have already demonstrated
      therapeutic delivery using EVs, various challenges must be overcome before EV
      technology is ready for the clinic. Since the properties of EVs are dependent
      upon their cell of origin and the conditions of their formation, establishing
      clear characterization practices is essential to ensuring reproducibility and
      safety. Identifying methods for mass production of EVs is crucial for achieving
      high EV yields necessary for clinical trials. This review introduces current
      theory behind EV formation and function, describes the latest methods for
      characterization and mass production, and discusses future opportunities for
      extracellular vesicles in therapeutic delivery.

PMID- 27667179
TI  - Ultrasound-triggered drug delivery for cancer treatment using drug delivery
      systems: From theoretical considerations to practical applications.
AB  - Ultrasound-triggered drug delivery is now becoming a mature technology with first
      patients enrolling in clinical trials. Having a clear overview of the field is
      complicated as it mixes ultrasound physics and biological effects, particle
      formulation, and pharmacokinetics and biodistribution. The scope of this review
      is to move from basics to the latest developments of combined techniques using
      ultrasound for triggering drug release. Generalities on ultrasound are first
      given to better understand the parameters on which the clinician can operate to
      modulate the amount of delivered energy. Ultrasound effects on biological tissues
      such as thermal effects, mechanical effects and radiation forces are also
      presented. The second part of this review deals with the combination of
      ultrasound and drug delivery systems to enhance the efficacy of current cancer
      treatment. The in vivo behavior of drug delivery systems and how ultrasounds can
      be combined to improve treatment efficacy are detailed. The example of
      ThermoDox(r), a new formulation of thermosensitive liposomes undergoing a phase
      III clinical trial, is particularly discussed on the basis of the available
      clinical data. Through the present article, researchers will be able to better
      grasp the different levels of complexity when designing an efficient formulation
      to be combined with ultrasound.

PMID- 27667181
TI  - Dietary antioxidant capacity and risk for stroke in a prospective cohort study of
      Swedish men and women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Both observational studies and randomized trials have shown that a
      diet rich in antioxidants can reduce systemic inflammation and oxidative stress,
      two conditions that, together with obesity and smoking, are established risk
      factors for stroke. However, the association between antioxidant intake and risk
      for stroke is poorly understood, particularly when studying possible interaction
      with sex. We investigated the relationship of nonenzymatic antioxidant capacity
      (NEAC) on risk for stroke in a large Swedish prospective cohort. METHODS: The
      cohort study included 34 555 men and women from the Swedish National March
      Cohort. NEAC was assessed using a detailed food frequency questionnaire,
      collected at baseline. We achieved complete follow-up from enrollment in 1997
      through 2010 by record linkage to nationwide registers. We identified 1186
      incident cases of a first stroke, of which 860 were ischemic, 201 hemorrhagic,
      and 125 unspecified. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards models to
      estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
      RESULTS: Compared with women in the lowest quartile of NEAC, women in the highest
      quartile had a 27% lower incidence of total stroke (HR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.53-0.99;
      Ptrend = 0.03) and 35% lower incidence of ischemic stroke (HR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.43
      0.99; Ptrend = 0.01). Among men, the relationship between NEAC and risk for
      stroke was not statistically significant and all HRs were close to unity.
      CONCLUSION: Findings from the present study suggest that dietary antioxidant
      capacity from different foods and beverages is inversely associated with risk for
      stroke, more specifically ischemic stroke, in women.

PMID- 27667182
TI  - Resveratrol attenuates myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury through up
      regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor B.
AB  - The objective was to examine the protective effect of resveratrol (RSV) on
      myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury and whether the mechanism was related
      to vascular endothelial growth factor B (VEGF-B) signaling pathway. Rat hearts
      were isolated for Langendorff perfusion test and H9c2 cells were used for in
      vitro assessments. RSV treatment significantly improved left ventricular
      function, inhibited CK-MB release, and reduced infarct size in comparison with IR
      group ex vivo. RSV treatment markedly decreased cell death and apoptosis of H9c2
      cells during IR. We found that RSV was responsible for the up-regulation of VEGF
      B mRNA and protein level, which caused the activation of Akt and the inhibition
      of GSK3beta. Additionally, RSV prevented the generation of reactive oxygen
      species (ROS) by up-regulating the expression of MnSOD either in vitro or ex
      vivo. We also found that the inhibition of VEGF-B abolished the cardioprotective
      effect of RSV, increased apoptosis, and led to the down-regulation of
      phosphorylated Akt, GSK3beta, and MnSOD in H9c2 cells. These results demonstrated
      that RSV was able to attenuate myocardial IR injury via promotion of VEGF
      B/antioxidant signaling pathway. Therefore, the up-regulation of VEGF-B can be a
      promising modality for clinical myocardial IR injury therapy.

PMID- 27667183
TI  - Intracolonic hydrogen sulfide lowers blood pressure in rats.
AB  - Research suggests that hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an important biological mediator
      involved in various physiological processes including the regulation of arterial
      blood pressure (BP). Although H2S is abundant in the colon, the effects of gut
      derived H2S on the circulatory system have not yet been investigated. We studied
      the effects of intracolonic administration of Na2S, a H2S donor, on systemic
      hemodynamics. Hemodynamics were recorded in anesthetized, normotensive Wistar
      Kyoto and spontaneously hypertensive rats at baseline and after intracolonic
      injection of either saline (controls) or Na2S.9H2O saline solution at a dose
      range of 10-300 mg/kg of BW. The H2S donor produced a significant, dose-dependent
      decrease in mean arterial blood pressure (MABP), which lasted several times
      longer than previously reported after parenteral infusions (>90 min). The effect
      was more pronounced in hypertensive than in normotensive rats. The Na2S-induced
      decrease in MABP was reduced by pretreatment with glibenclamide, an inhibitor of
      ATP-sensitive potassium-channels. Na2S did not affect mesenteric vein blood flow.
      Rats treated with Na2S showed increased portal blood levels of thiosulfate and
      sulfane sulfur, products of H2S oxidation. In contrast, rats treated with
      neomycin, an antibiotic, showed significantly decreased levels of thiosulfate and
      sulfane sulfur, and a tendency for greater hypotensive response to Na2S. The H2S
      donor decreased heart rate but did not affect ECG morphology and QTc interval. In
      conclusion the gut-derived H2S may contribute to the control of BP and may be one
      of the links between gut microbiota and hypertension. Furthermore, gut-derived
      H2S may be a therapeutic target in hypertension.

PMID- 27667184
TI  - Episodic Ataxias: Clinical and Genetic Features.
AB  - Episodic ataxia (EA) is a clinically heterogeneous group of disorders that are
      characterized by recurrent spells of truncal ataxia and incoordination lasting
      minutes to hours. Most have an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. To date, 8
      subtypes have been defined according to clinical and genetic characteristics, and
      five genes are known to be linked to EAs. Both EA1 and EA2, which are caused by
      mutations in KCNA1 and CACNA1A, account for the majority of EA, but many patients
      with no identified mutations still exhibit EA-like clinical features.
      Furthermore, genetically confirmed EAs have mostly been identified in Caucasian
      families. In this article, we review the current knowledge on the clinical and
      genetic characteristics of EAs. Additionally, we summarize the phenotypic
      features of the genetically confirmed EA2 families in Korea. 

PMID- 27667187
TI  - The MMSE and MoCA for Screening Cognitive Impairment in Less Educated Patients
      with Parkinson's Disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore whether the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and
      Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) can be used to screen for dementia or mild
      cognitive impairment (MCI) in less educated patients with Parkinson's disease
      (PD). METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of PD patients who had taken the
      Korean MMSE (K-MMSE), Korean MoCA (K-MoCA), and comprehensive neuropsychological
      tests. Predictive values of the K-MMSE and K-MoCA for dementia or MCI were
      analyzed in groups divided by educational level. RESULTS: The discriminative
      powers of the K-MMSE and K-MoCA were excellent [area under the curve (AUC) 0.86
      0.97] for detecting dementia but not for detecting MCI (AUC 0.64-0.85). The
      optimal screening cutoff values of both tests increased with educational level
      for dementia (K-MMSE < 15 for illiterate, < 20 for 0.5-3 years of education, < 23
      for 4-6 years, < 25 for 7-9 years, and < 26 for 10 years or more; K-MoCA < 7 for
      illiterate, < 13 for 0.5-3 years, < 16 for 4-6 years, < 19 for 7-9 years, < 20
      for 10 years or more) and MCI (K-MMSE < 19 for illiterate, < 26 for 0.5-3 years,
      < 27 for 4-6 years, < 28 for 7-9 years, and < 29 for 10 years or more; K-MoCA <
      13 for illiterate, < 21 for 0.5-3 years, < 23 for 4-6 years, < 25 for 7-9 years,
      < 26 for 10 years or more). CONCLUSION: Both MMSE and MoCA can be used to screen
      for dementia in patients with PD, regardless of educational level; however,
      neither test is sufficient to discriminate MCI from normal cognition without
      additional information.

PMID- 27667185
TI  - Applications of CRISPR/Cas9 for Gene Editing in Hereditary Movement Disorders.
AB  - Gene therapy is a potential therapeutic strategy for treating hereditary movement
      disorders, including hereditary ataxia, dystonia, Huntington's disease, and
      Parkinson's disease. Genome editing is a type of genetic engineering in which DNA
      is inserted, deleted or replaced in the genome using modified nucleases.
      Recently, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat/CRISPR
      associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) has been used as an essential tool in
      biotechnology. Cas9 is an RNA-guided DNA endonuclease enzyme that was originally
      associated with the adaptive immune system of Streptococcus pyogenes and is now
      being utilized as a genome editing tool to induce double strand breaks in DNA.
      CRISPR/Cas9 has advantages in terms of clinical applicability over other genome
      editing technologies such as zinc-finger nucleases and transcription activator
      like effector nucleases because of easy in vivo delivery. Here, we review and
      discuss the applicability of CRISPR/Cas9 to preclinical studies or gene therapy
      in hereditary movement disorders. 

PMID- 27667186
TI  - Cognition and Visit-to-Visit Variability of Blood Pressure and Heart Rate in De
      Novo Patients with Parkinson's Disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We sought to identify whether the characteristics of long-term visit
      to-visit blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) are related to baseline
      cognitive profiles in, Parkinson's disease (PD). METHODS: We selected drug-naive
      PD patients who visited our hospital at least 10 times with a baseline assessment
      of the Seoul neuropsychological battery. BP and HR were measured at each visit,
      and the variability of the systolic BP/diastolic BP (DBP) and HR was derived from
      the parameters of serial 10 office visits. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in PD
      patients was determined according to the proposed criteria with a cut-off value
      of z-score <= -2. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients with PD (mean follow-up duration
      = 22.3 months) were enrolled in the study. Compared with non-MCI PD patients, MCI
      PD patients revealed a significant increase in HR and/or variability in DBP.
      CONCLUSION: This exploratory study showed that baseline cognition in drug-naive
      PD patients might be related to the visit-to-visit variability of DBP and/or HR.

PMID- 27667188
TI  - Falls and Their Associated Risks in Parkinson's Disease Patients in Nigeria.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Falls are a devastating consequence of Parkinson's disease (PD) and
      are due to motor imbalance. However, the frequency of falls and their risk
      factors among Nigerians with PD is not known despite the significant increase in
      PD cases in the country. To assess fall risk factors and frequency in Nigerian PD
      patients. METHODS: Using an analytical design to compare falling versus non
      falling patients, 81 PD patients were assessed for clinical factors, frequency of
      falls, and candidate risk factors for falls according to the Tinetti Balance and
      Gait, Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale subsection 1, and Timed Up and Go
      Tests. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were performed at the
      95% confidence level. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 65.6 +/- 9.7
      years. Falls were about three times (p < 0.001) more common in PD patients. Of
      the falling patients, 67.7% sustained injuries, 67.7% had recurrent falls and
      44.9% admitted to having a fear of falling. The independent statistical
      predictors of fall were fear of falling [odds ratio (OR): 3.86], disease severity
      (OR: 1.09) and disease duration (OR: 1.01). CONCLUSION: The frequency of falls in
      PD patients was significantly higher when compared with the healthy adult
      population, and the modifiable predictor was fear of falling with a potential to
      significantly reduce falls when strategically addressed.

PMID- 27667189
TI  - Survival of Korean Huntington's Disease Patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The survival of Huntington's disease (HD) patients is reported to be
      15-20 years. However, most studies on the survival of HD have been conducted in
      patients without genetic confirmation with the possible inclusion of non-HD
      patients, and all studies have been conducted in Western countries. The survival
      of patients with HD in East Asia, where its prevalence is 10-50-fold lower
      compared with Western populations, has not yet been reported. METHODS: Forty
      seven genetically confirmed Korean HD patients from independent families were
      included in this retrospective medical record review study. RESULTS: The mean age
      at onset among the 47 patients was 46.1 +/- 14.0 years. At the time of data
      collection, 25 patients had died, and these patients had a mean age at death of
      57.8 +/- 13.7 years. The Kaplan-Meier estimate of the median survival from onset
      in the 47 patients was 14.5 years (95% confidence interval: 12.3-16.6). None of
      the following factors were associated with the survival time in the univariate
      Cox regression analysis: gender, age at onset, normal CAG repeat size, mutant CAG
      repeat size, and the absence or presence of non-motor symptoms at onset.
      CONCLUSION: This is the first Asian study on survival in HD patients. Survival in
      Korean HD patients may be shorter than that reported for Western populations, or
      at least is in the lower range of expected survival. A larger longitudinal
      observation study is needed to confirm the results found in this study.

PMID- 27667190
TI  - A general and efficient strategy for generating the stable enzymes.
AB  - The local flexibility of an enzyme's active center plays pivotal roles in
      catalysis, however, little is known about how the flexibility of these flexible
      residues affects stability. In this study, we proposed an active center
      stabilization (ACS) strategy to improve the kinetic thermostability of Candida
      rugosa lipase1. Based on the B-factor ranking at the region ~10 A within the
      catalytic Ser209, 18 residues were selected for site-saturation mutagenesis.
      Based on three-tier high-throughput screening and ordered recombination
      mutagenesis, the mutant VarB3 (F344I/F434Y/F133Y/F121Y) was shown to be the most
      stable, with a 40-fold longer in half-life at 60  degrees C and a 12.7  degrees C
      higher Tm value than that of the wild type, without a decrease in catalytic
      activity. Further analysis of enzymes with different structural complexities
      revealed that focusing mutations on the flexible residues within around 10 A of
      the catalytic residue might increase the success rate for enzyme stabilization.
      In summary, this study identifies a panel of flexible residues within the active
      center that affect enzyme stability. This finding not only provides clues
      regarding the molecular evolution of enzyme stability but also indicates that ACS
      is a general and efficient strategy for exploring the functional robustness of
      enzymes for industrial applications.

PMID- 27667192
TI  - Aircraft, road and railway traffic noise as risk factors for heart failure and
      hypertensive heart disease-A case-control study based on secondary data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several studies point to an elevated risk for cardiovascular diseases
      induced by traffic noise. AIMS: We examined the association between aircraft,
      road traffic and railway noise and heart failure or hypertensive heart disease
      (HHD) in a large case-control study. METHODS: The study population consisted of
      individuals that were insured by three large statutory health insurance funds in
      the Rhine-Main area of Germany. Based on insurance claims and prescription data,
      104,145 cases of heart failure or HHD diagnosed 2006-10 were identified and
      compared with 654,172 control subjects. Address-specific exposure to aircraft,
      road and railway traffic noise in 2005 was estimated. Odds Ratios were calculated
      using logistic regression analysis, adjusted for age, sex, local proportion of
      persons receiving unemployment benefits, and individual socioeconomic status
      (available for 39% of the individuals). RESULTS: A statistically significant
      linear exposure-risk relationship with heart failure or hypertensive heart
      disease was found for aircraft traffic noise (1.6% risk increase per 10dB
      increase in the 24-h continuous noise level; 95% CI 0.3-3.0%), road traffic noise
      (2.4% per 10dB; 95% CI 1.6-3.2%), and railway noise (3.1% per 10dB; 95% CI 2.2
      4.1%). For individuals with 24-h continuous aircraft noise levels <40dB and
      nightly maximum aircraft noise levels exceeding 50dB six or more times, a
      significantly increased risk was observed. In general, risks of HHD were
      considerably higher than the risks of heart failure. CONCLUSIONS: Regarding the
      high prevalence of traffic noise from various sources, even low risk increases
      for frequent diseases are relevant for the population as a whole.

PMID- 27667191
TI  - Non lethal Raine syndrome and differential diagnosis.
AB  - Raine syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive bone dysplasia characterized by
      characteristic facial features with exophthalmos and generalized osteosclerosis.
      Amelogenesis imperfecta, hearing loss, seizures, and intracerebral calcification
      are apparent in some affected individuals. Originally, Raine syndrome was
      originally reported as a lethal syndrome. However, recently a milder phenotype,
      compatible with life, has been described. Biallelic variants inFAM20C, encoding
      aGolgi casein kinase involved in biomineralisation, have been identified in
      affected individuals. We report here a consanguineous Moroccan family with two
      affected siblingsa girl aged 18 and a boy of 15years. Clinical features,
      including learning disability, seizures and amelogenesis imperfecta, initially
      suggested a diagnosis of Kohlschutter-Tonz syndrome. However,a novel homozygous
      FAM20Cvariantc.676T > A, p.(Trp226Arg) was identified in the affected siblings.
      Our report reinforces that Raine syndrome is compatible with life, and that mild
      hypophosphatemia and amelogenesis imperfecta are key features of the attenuated
      form.

PMID- 27667194
TI  - Effects of polysaccharides isolated from Inonotus obliquus against hydrogen
      peroxide-induced oxidative damage in RINm5F pancreatic beta-cells.
AB  - The purpose of the present study was to elucidate the cytoprotective effects of
      polysaccharides isolated from Inonotus obliquus. The polysaccharides were
      extracted from the fruiting body of I. obliquus (PFIO) and the liquid culture
      broth of I. obliquus (PLIO). The effects of PFIO and PLIO on hydrogen peroxide
      (H2O2)-induced oxidative damage of RINm5F pancreatic beta-cells were
      comparatively investigated using an MTT assay, immunofluorescent staining, flow
      cytometry, and western blot analyses in vitro. The results of the present study
      demonstrated that treatment with PFIO and PLIO decreased DNA fragmentation and
      the rate of apoptosis. In addition, pretreatment of cells with PFIO and PLIO
      prior to H2O2 exposure resulted in increased insulin secretion and scavenging
      activity for intracellular reactive oxygen species, as compared with treatment
      with H2O2 alone. The results of the present study suggested that PFIO and PLIO
      may exert protective effects against H2O2-induced oxidative stress via the
      regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinases, nuclear factor-kappaB and
      apoptotic proteins. Therefore, PFIO and PLIO may have potential merit as a
      medicinal food for the prevention of diabetes.

PMID- 27667193
TI  - Satellite RNAs promote pancreatic oncogenic processes via the dysfunction of
      YBX1.
AB  - Highly repetitive tandem arrays at the centromeric and pericentromeric regions in
      chromosomes, previously considered silent, are actively transcribed, particularly
      in cancer. This aberrant expression occurs even in K-ras-mutated pancreatic
      intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) tissues, which are precancerous lesions. To
      examine the biological roles of the satellite RNAs in carcinogenesis, we
      construct mouse PanIN-derived cells expressing major satellite (MajSAT) RNA and
      show increased malignant properties. We find an increase in frequency of
      chromosomal instability and point mutations in both genomic and mitochondrial
      DNA. We identify Y-box binding protein 1 (YBX1) as a protein that binds to MajSAT
      RNA. MajSAT RNA inhibits the nuclear translocation of YBX1 under stress
      conditions, thus reducing its DNA-damage repair function. The forced expression
      of YBX1 significantly decreases the aberrant phenotypes. These findings indicate
      that during the early stage of cancer development, satellite transcripts may act
      as 'intrinsic mutagens' by inducing YBX1 dysfunction, which may be crucial in
      oncogenic processes.

PMID- 27667196
TI  - In vitro glycation of bovine liver catalase by glucose and fructose and
      antigycation effects of aspirin: a spectroscopic study.

PMID- 27667195
TI  - New frontiers in human assisted reproduction - from research to clinical
      practice: Several considerations (Review).
AB  - In the era of very late, or advanced, motherhood, in which 'egg banks', 'social'
      egg-freezing, egg donation and surrogacy represent a potential solution to a
      number of obstacles to human reproduction, what is the role of scientists and
      clinicians involved in assisted reproduction? In light of the apprehension that,
      in the future, through fertility treatment infertility may be passed on to the
      offspring, boundaries of medical vs. 'social' infertility are being created.
      Scientists and clinicians are joining forces in a synergistic effort to improve
      the effectiveness of infertility care by introducing novel therapeutic protocols
      with the intent of customising care and improving cost-effectiveness, testing
      novel drugs and formulations, and searching for novel markers (for estimating
      biological age) and nomograms (to optimise the yield of a controlled ovarian
      hyperstimulation cycle). On the other hand, political, social and health
      institutions are doing little to educate young women with respect to
      disinformation and to increase their awareness regarding age as the predominant
      factor that contributes towards the decline in fertility. Nevertheless, despite
      the great advances that have been made, 38 years after the birth of the first
      baby via in vitro fertilisation, the intricate road leading from the antral
      follicle to the fully developed baby continues to be designated as being too
      'expensive', 'empirical', 'mysterious' or 'bound by ethics', with few significant
      improvements in terms of real cost-effectiveness.

PMID- 27667197
TI  - Hemocompatible and immune-safe library of citrem-phospholipid liquid crystalline
      nanoplatforms.

PMID- 27667198
TI  - Atomistic determinants of co-enzyme Q reduction at the Qi-site of the cytochrome
      bc1 complex.
AB  - The cytochrome (cyt) bc1 complex is an integral component of the respiratory
      electron transfer chain sustaining the energy needs of organisms ranging from
      humans to bacteria. Due to its ubiquitous role in the energy metabolism, both the
      oxidation and reduction of the enzyme's substrate co-enzyme Q has been studied
      vigorously. Here, this vast amount of data is reassessed after probing the
      substrate reduction steps at the Qi-site of the cyt bc1 complex of Rhodobacter
      capsulatus using atomistic molecular dynamics simulations. The simulations
      suggest that the Lys251 side chain could rotate into the Qi-site to facilitate
      binding of half-protonated semiquinone - a reaction intermediate that is
      potentially formed during substrate reduction. At this bent pose, the Lys251
      forms a salt bridge with the Asp252, thus making direct proton transfer possible.
      In the neutral state, the lysine side chain stays close to the conserved binding
      location of cardiolipin (CL). This back-and-forth motion between the CL and
      Asp252 indicates that Lys251 functions as a proton shuttle controlled by pH
      dependent negative feedback. The CL/K/D switching, which represents a refinement
      to the previously described CL/K pathway, fine-tunes the proton transfer process.
      Lastly, the simulation data was used to formulate a mechanism for reducing the
      substrate at the Qi-site.

PMID- 27667200
TI  - Access to Essential Medications During Disaster Events.

PMID- 27667201
TI  - Recent Advances in Analysis of Pesticides in Food and Drink Samples Using LPME
      Techniques Coupled to GC-MS and LC-MS: a Review.
AB  - Food quality and food safety are major challenges affecting agricultural and
      industrial aspects of production. Many contaminants from different sources
      contaminate foods and drinks, leading to disastrous health problems like gene
      mutations and cancer. Previously, many different methods have been used for the
      analysis of these contaminants. Liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) has been the most
      well-known conventional technique used, but its limitations are its tediousness,
      time required, and the use of large quantities of toxic organic solvents. These
      limitations have led to the search for other, efficient techniques that are more
      environmentally friendly. Hence, this review highlights recent advances in liquid
      phase (single-drop, hollow fiber, and dispersive liquid-liquid) microextraction
      procedures for food and drink analyses. Such modifications can be justified for
      solving limitations associated with the traditional LLE method. The objective of
      this review is to serve as a reference platform for providing effective
      management tools for solving problems of pollution, clean-up, and control of food
      quality and safety globally.

PMID- 27667199
TI  - Identification and comparative analysis of the microRNA transcriptome in roots of
      two contrasting tobacco genotypes in response to cadmium stress.
AB  - Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) is more acclimated to cadmium (Cd) uptake and
      preferentially enriches Cd in leaves than other crops. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play
      crucial roles in regulating expression of various stress response genes in
      plants. However, genome-wide expression of miRNAs and their target genes in
      response to Cd stress in tobacco are still unknown. Here, miRNA high-throughput
      sequencing technology was performed using two contrasting tobacco genotypes
      Guiyan 1 and Yunyan 2 of Cd-sensitive and tolerance. Comprehensive analysis of
      miRNA expression profiles in control and Cd treated plants identified 72 known
      (27 families) and 14 novel differentially expressed miRNAs in the two genotypes.
      Among them, 28 known (14 families) and 5 novel miRNAs were considered as Cd
      tolerance associated miRNAs, which mainly involved in cell growth, ion
      homeostasis, stress defense, antioxidant and hormone signaling. Finally, a
      hypothetical model of Cd tolerance mechanism in Yunyan 2 was presented. Our
      findings suggest that some miRNAs and their target genes and pathways may play
      critical roles in Cd tolerance.

PMID- 27667202
TI  - The relationships between OHS prevention costs, safety performance, employee
      satisfaction and accident costs.
AB  - Little is known about the costs of safety. A literature review conducted for this
      study indicates there is a lack of survey-based research dealing with the effects
      of occupational health and safety (OHS) prevention costs. To close this gap in
      the literature, this study investigates the interwoven relationships between OHS
      prevention costs, employee satisfaction, OHS performance and accident costs. Data
      were collected from 159 OHS management system 18001-certified firms operating in
      Turkey and analyzed through structural equation modeling. The findings indicate
      that OHS prevention costs have a significant positive effect on safety
      performance, employee satisfaction and accident costs savings; employee
      satisfaction has a significant positive effect on accident costs savings; and
      occupational safety performance has a significant positive effect on employee
      satisfaction and accident costs savings. Also, the results indicate that safety
      performance and employee satisfaction leverage the relationship between
      prevention costs and accident costs.

PMID- 27667203
TI  - Berry phase and band structure analysis of the Weyl semimetal NbP.
AB  - Weyl semimetals are often considered the 3D-analogon of graphene or topological
      insulators. The evaluation of quantum oscillations in these systems remains
      challenging because there are often multiple conduction bands. We observe de Haas
      van Alphen oscillations with several frequencies in a single crystal of the Weyl
      semimetal niobium phosphide. For each fundamental crystal axis, we can fit the
      raw data to a superposition of sinusoidal functions, which enables us to
      calculate the characteristic parameters of all individual bulk conduction bands
      using Fourier transform with an analysis of the temperature and magnetic field
      dependent oscillation amplitude decay. Our experimental results indicate that the
      band structure consists of Dirac bands with low cyclotron mass, a non-trivial
      Berry phase and parabolic bands with a higher effective mass and trivial Berry
      phase.

PMID- 27667205
TI  - Editorial.
AB  - There has been a recent and fairly dramatic growth of academic appointments in
      nursing: in the United Kingdom there are now professors of nursing, nursing
      studies, nursing education and nursing research. Sadly, in the area of central
      importance, nursing practice, there has been no such academic development.

PMID- 27667204
TI  - In vitro and in vivo study of additive manufactured porous Ti6Al4V scaffolds for
      repairing bone defects.
AB  - Metallic implants with a low effective modulus can provide early load-bearing and
      reduce stress shielding, which is favorable for increasing in vivo life-span. In
      this research, porous Ti6Al4V scaffolds with three pore sizes (300~400, 400~500,
      and 500~700 MUm) were manufactured by Electron Beam Melting, with an elastic
      modulus range of 3.7 to 1.7 GPa. Cytocompatibility in vitro and osseointegration
      ability in vivo of scaffolds were assessed. hBMSCs numbers increased on all
      porous scaffolds over time. The group with intended pore sizes of 300 to 400 MUm
      was significantly higher than that of the other two porous scaffolds at days 5
      and 7. This group also had higher ALP activity at day 7 in osteogenic
      differentiation experiment. The scaffold with pore size of 300 to 400 MUm was
      implanted into a 30-mm segmental defect of goat metatarsus. In vivo evaluations
      indicated that the depth of bone ingrowth increased over time and no implant
      dislocation occurred during the experiment. Based on its better cytocompatibility
      and favorable bone ingrowth, the present data showed the capability of the
      additive manufactured porous Ti6Al4V scaffold with an intended pore size of 300
      to 400 MUm for large segmental bone defects.

PMID- 27667207
TI  - Staff and cash cuts blamed for cancellations.
AB  - Around one in ten operations were cancelled last year, with the blame falling
      mainly on lack of staff and money, the labour Party said this week.

PMID- 27667208
TI  - Government accused of backtracking over costs.
AB  - As hospitals gear up for possible Gulf War casualties, doubts have arisen over
      whether the Department of Health will keep its promise to reimburse health
      authorities for the extra cost.

PMID- 27667206
TI  - On these rocks... commitment to nurse education in the 1990s.
AB  - This article is a modified version of the public lecture given by June Clark to
      launch the UK's newest School of Health Care Studies at Middlesex Polytechnic on
      November 20 1990.

PMID- 27667210
TI  - Limited prescribing Bill launched in Parliament.
AB  - A Bill has been launched in Parliament aimed at allowing some nurses the power to
      prescribe from a limited list of supplies and drugs.

PMID- 27667209
TI  - 'Astonishing arrogance' angers nursing unions.
AB  - Angry nursing unions accused the Government of 'astonishing arrogance' and
      meanness after last week's announcement that the pay award will be staged for the
      second successive year.

PMID- 27667211
TI  - Cutbacks.
AB  - Elective surgery and orthopaedics have suffered most from the crisis in London's
      health service, where cuts have added to the country's longest waiting lists, a
      new report shows. The report by the Association of London Authorities and the
      Greater London Association of CHCs reveals that eight of the ten Inner London HAs
      have made cuts of more than L1 million this year.

PMID- 27667213
TI  - ?
AB  - A purchaser's perspective: Sue Gallagher. Wandsworth Health Authority Director of
      Health Care Standards, was one of the speakers at last week's Nursing
      Standard/Royal College of Nursing 'Countdown to change' conference in Birmingham.

PMID- 27667212
TI  - Commons report claims staff levels are too high.
AB  - Nurses in Northern Ireland are angry over a Commons report claiming that nurse
      staffing levels are too high.

PMID- 27667214
TI  - Nurses tell of bomb threats in Saudi.
AB  - Nurses returning from Saudi Arabia have spoken of the difficulties they had
      leaving the country and cautioned others to think seriously before going to work
      there during the war.

PMID- 27667216
TI  - Nurses must recover their 'moral frameworks'.
AB  - The world's first centre for nursing ethics was launched last week w'ith the aim
      of morally empowering nurses to challenge medico-scientific dominance.

PMID- 27667215
TI  - A survey of the nutritional adequacy of meals served and eaten by patients.
AB  - In July 1943, the 'Memorandum of hospital diet' published by the King Edward's
      Hospital Fund for London, stated: 'The food service should be regarded as one of
      the essential remedial services offered by hospital.' For elderly people food may
      be the highlight of the day. When its nutritional content is inadequate, this may
      be the cause of malady rather than health (1).

PMID- 27667217
TI  - Rally of support for Pink.
AB  - MPs have urged Stockport Health Authority to 'think again' and reinstate Graham
      Pink, the charge nurse found guilty of gross misconduct after his public campaign
      against understaffing at Stepping Hill Hospital.

PMID- 27667220
TI  - Low secondment patterns cause concern.
AB  - The English National Board has expressed its concern about the low numbers of
      community nurses seconded to post-registration district nursing and health
      visiting courses.

PMID- 27667218
TI  - ?
AB  - RCN General Secretary Christine Hancock has been appointed to the Management
      Committee of the King Edward's Hospital Fund for London. The appointment, which
      lasts for five years, also includes membership of the King's Fund's General
      Council.

PMID- 27667221
TI  - UK fails on child rights.
AB  - Britain's failure to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the
      Child has been criticised as 'inexcusable' and 'an indication of the low priority
      still accorded to children's rights', the National Summit for Children was told
      last week.

PMID- 27667223
TI  - RCN demands priority for flexible conversion.
AB  - The RCN has called on managers to encourage enrolled nurses to apply for posts at
      grade D and above and to support flexible conversion measures.

PMID- 27667222
TI  - Lack of income support distresses elderly patients.
AB  - Elderly patients in residential homes are being put under 'untold stress' by the
      Government's failure to increase income support substantially, claims the
      Independent Healthcare Association.

PMID- 27667225
TI  - Coalition discourages breast-milk substitutes.
AB  - A European Community draft directive on marketing breast-milk substitutes could
      lead to companies resuming unethical practices, the Baby Milk Action Coalition
      has warned.

PMID- 27667224
TI  - Nurses win special leave for family care.
AB  - Nurses have won the right to special leave for personal and family needs under
      new arrangements announced by Health Minister Virginia Bottomley last week.

PMID- 27667226
TI  - Sign language training for Glasgow nurses.
AB  - Outpatient nurses at Greater Glasgow hospitals are receiving special training in
      sign language so they can provide a better service for profoundly deaf patients.

PMID- 27667227
TI  - Scientific approach for cancer care.
AB  - One of the best weapons in the fight against professional 'burn out' is
      education, according to Gus de Haas, Director of Nurse Training from Tilburg,
      Holland. Speaking at a conference on a European core curriculum for postbasic
      cancer nursing, he told delegates from all over Europe that oncology nursing has
      aspects that make special training necessary, and that the philosophy of the
      curriculum should focus on the interaction between cancer patient and nurse. 'We
      should listen very carefully to the person who lives with the reality of having
      cancer,' he said.

PMID- 27667228
TI  - Government is 'running scared'.
AB  - The Government is 'running scared' of the competitive elements of its NHS
      reforms, health service managers heard last week.

PMID- 27667229
TI  - ?
AB  - Austria A new portable liquid oxygen device is being tested under clinical
      conditions in Vienna and Graz. It enables patients needing oxygen-enriched air to
      leave their beds and lead a 'relatively normal life'.

PMID- 27667230
TI  - The management of change on a Nursing Development Unit.
AB  - Given the current financial constraints within the health service, coupled with
      the increased impetus for ensuring that a quality service is delivered to each
      and every individual, it is vitally important to highlight one fact - that
      beneficial changes to nursing care are achievable by commitment alone without the
      need for added staff and money (although had these been made available, the
      process of change would certainly have been rendered less stressful and possibly
      more enjoyable).

PMID- 27667233
TI  - More research 'could save accident victims'.
AB  - Of the 14,500 people who the in Britain each year as a result of accidental
      injury, one in five lives could be saved if more was spent on research and
      training, according to a new medical charity, The Trauma Foundation.

PMID- 27667234
TI  - Test for albumin may detect kidney failure.
AB  - A new test for detecting minute traces of albumin in the urine of diabetic
      patients may allow earlier detection of those at risk of developing kidney
      failure.

PMID- 27667231
TI  - Parliament.
AB  - Stricter health safeguards for employees working with computer screens are being
      prepared by the Health and Safety Commission.

PMID- 27667235
TI  - Psychological therapies 'are inadequate'.
AB  - GPs wishing to refer patients for specialist treatment are faced with a
      'confusing, fragmented and inadequate' array of psychological therapies
      available, according to a report from the British Psychological Society (BPS).

PMID- 27667236
TI  - Postnatal rise in mental illness, but not suicide.
AB  - Although studies indicate an increase in psychiatric illness among women after
      childbirth, the incidence of postnatal suicide is far lower than might be
      expected, according to a report in the British Medical Journal.

PMID- 27667237
TI  - Task allocation: A case of resistance to change?
AB  - In recent years, changes in nursing philosophy have led to the development of
      methods of work organisation which promote individualised nursing care. Awareness
      that routinised care has often meant a failure to meet the needs of individual
      patients can be traced back to early British nursing research ( 1 , 2 ).

PMID- 27667238
TI  - Treating congenital dislocation of the hip.
AB  - In children with dislocatable hips a 'wait and see' treatment strategy should be
      adopted, say researchers.

PMID- 27667239
TI  - New treatment strategy benefits liver cancer.
AB  - A new technique is showing promise in the treatment of liver cancer, researchers
      from the University of Michigan say.

PMID- 27667240
TI  - Heparin versus saline in infusion patency.
AB  - Physiological saline might be as effective as heparin in maintaining the patency
      of intermittent infusion devices.

PMID- 27667242
TI  - 'Real increase' in renal arteritis.
AB  - The incidence of renal arteritis has increased since the mid-1980s both in
      absolute numbers and as a proportion of acute glomerulonephritis, researchers
      from Leeds say.

PMID- 27667241
TI  - CPR learning not affected by anxiety.
AB  - Anxiety is not a bar to learning cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques
      and it should be offered to family members of patients with cardiac disease.

PMID- 27667243
TI  - An investigation of occupational stress among nurse tutors.
AB  - As most of us are aware from our own work-related experience, occupational stress
      is an inevitable part of our working lives and at low levels can actually act as
      a motivator to enhance performance. However, at higher levels it has adverse
      consequences ( 2 ). The cause and effects of stress are well documented by
      authors such as Cherniss ( 3 ), Cooper et al ( 1 ) and Fontana ( 4 ).

PMID- 27667244
TI  - Making nursing models relevant for the practising nurse.
AB  - For thousands of years the goal of nursing has been to provide nurturing 'care'
      in a manner which assists individuals or groups of people to reach an optimal
      level of health. This defines the uniqueness of nursing, ie the care by the nurse
      versus the 'cure' of the physician. The motivation of providing nurturing care is
      the same today for the critical care nurse in a modern intensive care unit as it
      was for the parent in a cave.

PMID- 27667245
TI  - Primary nursing: Accountability is the key to its mystery.
AB  - What is the key to unravel the mystery of primary nursing? Zander ( 1 ) notes
      that primary nursing's enormous potential and mystery remains so because of
      confusion about putting into practice its central concepts, especially that of
      accountability.

PMID- 27667246
TI  - Listings.
AB  - Nursing Standard regrets that owing to unprecedented demand we are no longer able
      to take listings over the telephone. We would like to remind our readers that the
      listings section is for use by charitable organisations, unions, professional
      organisations and health authorities to publicise forthcoming events. Your
      listings should contain all relevant details and be posted or faxed to Clare
      Ward, Nursing Standard, Viking House, 17-19 Peterborough Road, Harrow, Middlesex
      HA1 2AX (Fax 081-423 3867).

PMID- 27667248
TI  - War preparation is essential.
AB  - Thank you for publishing the Department of Health's guidance on Gulf War casualty
      treatment ('Clinical guidance for nurses', Nursing Standard January 23).

PMID- 27667247
TI  - Sinking heart.
AB  - My heart sank when I read Barbara Vaughan's Soapbox, 'Mixing and matching'
      (Nursing Standard January23).

PMID- 27667250
TI  - Clues across.
AB  - 4. Broad, flat spoon (7) 8. Pole's headgear? (3-3) 9. Element from another
      planet? (7) 10. Fate is encountered by Rex first (6) 12. Cotton (4) 12. Cotton
      (4) 12. Cotton (4) 13. Forbidden fruit stuck in one's throat (5,5) 17. It is not
      unusual to have this infection (6,4) 18. One in the role of champion (4) 19. In a
      frenzy mentioned a protein (6) 21. Supernatural (7) 22. Lay blame on (6) 23. Next
      Month (7).

PMID- 27667249
TI  - Helping student nurses.
AB  - In 'Student nurses and counselling services' (Nursing Standard January 9)
      Margaret Doust presented an extremely interesting.

PMID- 27667251
TI  - Pillory to post code.
AB  - As Superintendent Radiographers at the hospital referred to in 'Don't forget your
      post code' (Nursing Standard Letters, January 23), we feel that Ms Nash has
      failed to check her facts.

PMID- 27667252
TI  - The same old threat.
AB  - Once again, the 'threat' of health care support workers has been aired in Barbara
      Vaughan's Soapbox, 'Mixing and matching' (Nursing Standard, January 23).

PMID- 27667254
TI  - It's competition time.
AB  - This hopefully should be the last edition of Tradimus we shall ever publish.

PMID- 27667253
TI  - Oops.
AB  - We would like to point out that the institution referred to in 'Lucky us'
      (Letters, Nursing Standard January 30), is in fact Bournemouth Polytechnic and
      not Bristol, as published. We apologise for the error.

PMID- 27667256
TI  - Smile please.
AB  - I have been a nursing student in Scotland for two years and would like to take
      this opportunity to voice my impressions on the behaviour of my nursing officers.

PMID- 27667255
TI  - A force for change.
AB  - Jane Salvage's reward for speaking out during her student days was to be marched
      off her ward to a confrontation meeting with her Director of Nurse Education, who
      demanded that she never publish her opinions again without approval.

PMID- 27667257
TI  - In and out of nursing.
AB  - When I was asked to write about my reasons for choosing nursing as a career, and
      why I subsequently left the profession after only eight months of training, I
      don't think I had fully resolved the issue in my own mind. But preparing to write
      this piece has proved cathartic.

PMID- 27667258
TI  - Patti Sheeks.
AB  - A smarty boots, eh? Whatever did you come into nursing with a degree for? Why
      didn't you go into medicine?

PMID- 27667259
TI  - Large area Germanium Tin nanometer optical film coatings on highly flexible
      aluminum substrates.
AB  - Germanium Tin (GeSn) films have drawn great interest for their visible and near
      infrared optoelectronics properties. Here, we demonstrate large area Germanium
      Tin nanometer thin films grown on highly flexible aluminum foil substrates using
      low-temperature molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). Ultra-thin (10-180 nm) GeSn film
      coated aluminum foils display a wide color spectra with an absorption wavelength
      ranging from 400-1800 nm due to its strong optical interference effect. The light
      absorption ratio for nanometer GeSn/Al foil heterostructures can be enhanced up
      to 85%. Moreover, the structure exhibits excellent mechanical flexibility and can
      be cut or bent into many shapes, which facilitates a wide range of flexible
      photonics. Micro-Raman studies reveal a large tensile strain change with GeSn
      thickness, which arises from lattice deformations. In particular, nano-sized Sn
      enriched GeSn dots appeared in the GeSn coatings that had a thickness greater
      than 50 nm, which induced an additional light absorption depression around 13.89
      MUm wavelength. These findings are promising for practical flexible photovoltaic
      and photodetector applications ranging from the visible to near-infrared
      wavelengths.

PMID- 27667260
TI  - Effector Diversification Contributes to Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae Phenotypic
      Adaptation in a Semi-Isolated Environment.
AB  - Understanding the processes that shaped contemporary pathogen populations in
      agricultural landscapes is quite important to define appropriate management
      strategies and to support crop improvement efforts. Here, we took advantage of an
      historical record to examine the adaptation pathway of the rice pathogen
      Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) in a semi-isolated environment represented in
      the Philippine archipelago. By comparing genomes of key Xoo groups we showed that
      modern populations derived from three Asian lineages. We also showed that
      diversification of virulence factors occurred within each lineage, most likely
      driven by host adaptation, and it was essential to shape contemporary pathogen
      races. This finding is particularly important because it expands our
      understanding of pathogen adaptation to modern agriculture.

PMID- 27667261
TI  - Contraception for the perimenopausal woman.
AB  - Perimenopause, or the menopause transition, is a time in a woman's life that
      bridges her reproductive years through to the non-surgical cessation of
      ovulation, or menopause. For many women this time is one of changes: changes in
      gynecological issues, onset of symptoms not experienced in her youth and
      increasing risks for adverse medical conditions. Despite the clear changes that
      occur for many women during this time, one critical issue is frequently ignored,
      namely, that, until the onset of menopause, she is exposed to pregnancy if
      sexually active, and pregnancy for older reproductive women is fraught with
      considerable increases in morbidity and mortality compared to younger women. This
      paper will present a review of the reproductive issues of the perimenopause and
      interventions geared to preventing pregnancy and relieving menopause-related
      symptoms. As counseling remains a critical aspect in empowering women to make
      informed choices about their health care, this paper will present current
      evidence that will help clinicians provide accurate reproductive counseling to
      women in the menopause transition.

PMID- 27667262
TI  - Controllably releasing long-lived quantum memory for photonic polarization qubit
      into multiple spatially-separate photonic channels.
AB  - We report an experiment in which long-lived quantum memories for photonic
      polarization qubits (PPQs) are controllably released into any one of multiple
      spatially-separate channels. The PPQs are implemented with an arbitrarily
      polarized coherent signal light pulses at the single-photon level and are stored
      in cold atoms by means of electromagnetic-induced-transparency scheme. Reading
      laser pulses propagating along the direction at a small angle relative to quantum
      axis are applied to release the stored PPQs into an output channel. By changing
      the propagating directions of the read laser beam, we controllably release the
      retrieved PPQs into 7 different photonic output channels, respectively. At a
      storage time of deltat = 5 MUs, the least quantum-process fidelity in 7 different
      output channels is ~89%. At one of the output channels, the measured maximum
      quantum-process fidelity for the PPQs is 94.2% at storage time of deltat = 0.85
      ms. At storage time of 6 ms, the quantum-process fidelity is still beyond the
      bound of 78% to violate the Bell's inequality. The demonstrated controllable
      release of the stored PPQs may extend the capabilities of the quantum information
      storage technique.

PMID- 27667263
TI  - The impact of an implementation intention to improve mealtimes and reduce jet lag
      in long-haul cabin crew.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Jet lag is common place amongst long-haul cabin crew. Timed food has
      been shown to reset the circadian rhythm in rodents. Implementation intentions
      have been used to change eating behaviour. Mealtimes could therefore be used as a
      countermeasure to reduce jet lag and improve alertness in long-haul cabin crew
      through forming an implementation intention to improve the regularity of meals on
      days off. DESIGN: Sixty long-haul crew took part in a randomised controlled
      trial, with two conditions: forming an implementation intention to eat regular
      meals on days off vs. no implementation intention. Pre-intervention measurements
      were taken at baseline (before a long-haul trip) and post-intervention measures
      were taken on the first and second days off post-trip. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
      Subjective jet lag (unidimensional and multidimensional) and objective alertness
      (Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT)). RESULTS: Mixed ANOVA showed a significant
      condition x time interaction for unidimensional jet lag but not for
      multidimensional jet lag and objective alertness. In particular, the formation of
      an implementation intention to alter mealtimes resulted in a reduction of
      unidimensional jet lag. CONCLUSION: Implementation intentions can be used to
      alleviate jet lag in long-haul crew through promoting a change in mealtimes.

PMID- 27667264
TI  - Phytol has antibacterial property by inducing oxidative stress response in
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
AB  - Phytol, isolated from Aster yomena, is widely distributed as a constituent of
      chlorophyll. In the present study, we confirmed the antibacterial activity of
      phytol and its mechanism inducing oxidative cell death in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
      In phytol-treated cells, elevated level of intracellular reactive oxygen species
      (ROS) and transient NADH depletion were observed. These results demonstrated that
      phytol induced ROS accumulation and that the electron transport chain was
      involved in increase of ROS. Due to this ROS generation, the imbalance developed
      between intracellular ROS and the antioxidant defense system, leading to decrease
      of reduced glutathione (GSH). Moreover, severe DNA damage was shown after
      treatment with phytol. DNA electrophoresis and a terminal deoxynucleotidyl
      transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay were conducted with pretreatment
      with the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) to evaluate the cause of DNA damage.
      In NAC-pretreated cells, alleviated damage was confirmed and it supports that
      phytol induces oxidative stress-mediated DNA damage. In conclusion, phytol exerts
      the antibacterial property via inducing oxidative stress response in P.
      aeruginosa.

PMID- 27667265
TI  - Quercetin-containing self-assemble proliposome preparation and evaluation.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to develop a liquid self-assemble proliposome for
      quercetin oral delivery. This liquid proliposome was prepared by dissolving
      phospholipids, surfactants and drug in ethanol. There was only one step in the
      preparation process of this liquid self-assemble proliposome and no special
      devices were required. The mechanism about proliposome transformation was
      discussed. Quercetin proliposomes with different cremorphor RH40 concentrations
      (0%, 20%, 23%, 26%, 30%) were prepared. The particle size and polydispersity
      index decreased as cremorphor RH40 concentration increased. Meantime, the drug
      entrapped efficiency decreased slightly with an increase in cremorphor RH40
      concentration. The in vitro drug release showed prolonged drug release in case of
      proliposome and the release of quercetin was slower when cremorphor RH40
      concentration was higher. The absorption of quercetin and its in vivo
      bioavailability were significantly improved by proliposome, which was evidenced
      by the in situ intestinal absorption and pharmacokinetic study. Besides, the
      obtained quercetin proliposome was with good stability when stored at room
      temperature. In conclusion, quercetin liquid self-assemble proliposome was
      successfully prepared. It could transform into liposomal vesicle with satisfied
      particle size and polydispersity index instantly when cremorphor RH40 was added.
      Cremorphor RH40 concentration in the formulation should below 26% to get higher
      drug entrapped efficiency (>90%) and less irritation. The drug release was
      affected by the cremorphor RH40 concentration and the required drug release could
      be obtained by adjusting cremorphor RH40 content. The enhanced bioavailability
      showed liquid self-assemble proliposome could be a promising vehicle for the oral
      delivery of quercetin.

PMID- 27667266
TI  - Upregulation of INS-IGF2 read-through expression and identification of a novel
      INS-IGF2 splice variant in insulinomas.
AB  - Fusion transcripts arising from the combination of exons residing on neighboring
      genes on the same chromosome may give rise to chimeric or novel proteins. Such
      read-through transcripts have been detected in different cancers where they may
      be of pathogenetic interest. In this study, we describe for the first time the
      expression of a read-through transcript in insulinomas, a functioning
      neuroendocrine pancreatic neoplasm. The read-through transcript INS-IGF2,
      composed of exons from the two genes proinsulin precursor (INS) and insulin-like
      growth factor 2 (IGF2), both mapping to chromosomal subband 11p15.5, was highly
      expressed in the two insulinomas analyzed. More precisely, version 2 of the INS
      IGF2 transcript was expressed, indicating possible expression of the chimeric INS
      IGF2 protein. We further identified a novel splice variant of the INS-IGF2 read
      through transcript in one of the insulinomas, composed of exon 1 of INS3 and
      exons of IGF2. In the same tumor, we found high expression of INS3 and the
      presence of the A allele at SNP rs689. SNP rs689 has been previously described to
      regulate splicing of the INS transcript, indicating that this regulatory
      mechanism also affects splicing of INS-IGF2. The identification of the INS-IGF2
      read-through transcript specifically in tumor tissue but not in normal pancreatic
      tissue suggests that high expression of INS-IGF2 could be neoplasia-specific.
      These results may have potential clinical applications given that the read
      through transcript could be used as a biomarker in insulinoma patients.

PMID- 27667268
TI  - It Takes Two to Tango: When and Where Dual Nutrient (N & P) Reductions Are Needed
      to Protect Lakes and Downstream Ecosystems.
AB  - Preventing harmful algal blooms (HABs) is needed to protect lakes and downstream
      ecosystems. Traditionally, reducing phosphorus (P) inputs was the prescribed
      solution for lakes, based on the assumption that P universally limits HAB
      formation. Reduction of P inputs has decreased HABs in many lakes, but was not
      successful in others. Thus, the "P-only" paradigm is overgeneralized. Whole-lake
      experiments indicate that HABs are often stimulated more by combined P and
      nitrogen (N) enrichment rather than N or P alone, indicating that the dynamics of
      both nutrients are important for HAB control. The changing paradigm from P-only
      to consideration of dual nutrient control is supported by studies indicating that
      (1) biological N fixation cannot always meet lake ecosystem N needs, and (2) that
      anthropogenic N and P loading has increased dramatically in recent decades.
      Sediment P accumulation supports long-term internal loading, while N may escape
      via denitrification, leading to perpetual N deficits. Hence, controlling both N
      and P inputs will help control HABs in some lakes and also reduce N export to
      downstream N-sensitive ecosystems. Managers should consider whether balanced
      control of N and P will most effectively reduce HABs along the freshwater-marine
      continuum.

PMID- 27667267
TI  - The structural basis for CD36 binding by the malaria parasite.
AB  - CD36 is a scavenger receptor involved in fatty acid metabolism, innate immunity
      and angiogenesis. It interacts with lipoprotein particles and facilitates uptake
      of long chain fatty acids. It is also the most common target of the PfEMP1
      proteins of the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, tethering parasite
      infected erythrocytes to endothelial receptors. This prevents their destruction
      by splenic clearance and allows increased parasitaemia. Here we describe the
      structure of CD36 in complex with long chain fatty acids and a CD36-binding
      PfEMP1 protein domain. A conserved hydrophobic pocket allows the hugely diverse
      PfEMP1 protein family to bind to a conserved phenylalanine residue at the
      membrane distal tip of CD36. This phenylalanine is also required for CD36 to
      interact with lipoprotein particles. By targeting a site on CD36 that is required
      for its physiological function, PfEMP1 proteins maintain the ability to tether to
      the endothelium and avoid splenic clearance.

PMID- 27667269
TI  - [Target blood pressure in hypertensive patients complicating with frailty
      syndrome].

PMID- 27667270
TI  - [Comparison on metabolic disorders and uric acid levels between patients with
      primary aldosteronism and essential hypertension].
AB  - Objective: To compare the incidence of metabolic disorders and uric acid (UA)
      levels between patients with primary aldosteronism (PA) and essential
      hypertension (EH), and to explore factors associated with UA levels in these
      patients. Methods: A total of 117 PA and 117 EH patients individually matched by
      sex, age, blood pressure and duration of hypertension were recruited from in
      hospital patients who were hospitalized in our department because of suspicion of
      secondary hypertension from January 2008 to December 2014. Clinical data
      including metabolic disorders and UA levels were analyzed. Results: (1) Body mass
      index (BMI), waist circumference, plasma triglyceride (TG), low-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), free fatty acid (FFA) were significantly higher
      in EH than in PA group (all P<0.05). Prevalence of diabetes mellitus or impaired
      glucose tolerance (DM+ IGT) was significantly higher in EH than in PA group
      (41.9% (49/117) vs. 17.1% (20/117), P<0.01). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome
      (MS) was also significantly higher in EH than in PA group (51.3% (60/117) vs.
      24.8% (29/117), P<0.01). (2) EH patients had higher homeostasis model assessment
      for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and lower insulin sensitivity index composite
      (ISI comp) than PA patients, but basic insulin secretion index (HOMA-beta) and
      modified beta cell function index (MBCI) were significantly lower in PA than in
      EH group (P<0.05). (3) With regard to target organs damages, PA patients revealed
      higher 24-hour urinary protein, urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER), urinary
      IgG, urinary alpha-1 microglobulin, left ventricular mass index and lower urine
      specific gravity than EH patients (all P<0.05). There was no significant
      difference in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) between two groups
      (P=0.103). (4) UA level was significantly lower in PA group than in EH group
      ((314.00+/-89.52) MUmol/L vs. (379.16+/-101.25) MUmol/L, P<0.01). Higher plasma
      aldosterone concentration and lower plasma renin activity were associated with
      lower UA level in PA group. Conclusions: Compared with sex, age and hypertension
      duration matched EH patients, PA patients revealed lower UA level and less severe
      abnormalities of glucose and lipid metabolism, but are associated with severer
      renal and cardiac damages. The reduced UA level in PA patients is possibly due to
      the high plasma aldosterone concentration and low plasma renin activity.

PMID- 27667271
TI  - [Association between ambulatory arterial stiffness index with left ventricular
      mass index in the elderly hypertensive patients].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the relationship between ambulatory arterial stiffness
      index (AASI) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) in the elderly hypertensive
      patients. Methods: This study population consisted of 332 elderly hypertensive
      patients, who hospitalized in our department from January 2012 to December
      2014.AASI was calculated from 24 h ambulatory BP monitoring recordings and LVMI
      from echocardiography examination.According to the median value of AASI, patients
      were divided to less than the AASI median group (low AASI group) and equal to or
      above the AASI median group (high AASI group). Differences between two groups
      were evaluated using the Student's t-test and Chi-square test.Univariate
      association was assessed by the Pearson correlation analyses.Multivariate linear
      regression models were performed to analyze the correlation between AASI and
      LVMI. Results: LVMI was significantly higher in high AASI group compared with low
      AASI group ( (115.91+/-21.36) g/m2 vs.(104.11+/-17.24) g/m2,P=0.008). Pearson
      correlation analyses showed that AASI and 24 h pulse pressure were positively
      correlated to LVMI (r=0.332, P<0.001; r=0.169, P=0.002). In multivariate linear
      regression model, AASI(beta=44.48, P<0.001), LDL-C(beta=-5.97, P<0.001) and UA
      (beta=0.02, P=0.045)showed significant association with LVMI. Conclusion: AASI
      independently associated with LVMI, and AASI might be one predictor of left
      ventricular hypertrophy in hospitalized elderly hypertensive patients.

PMID- 27667272
TI  - [Epidemiological study of hypertension in Dongxiang population of Dongxiang
      county in Gansu province].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control rate
      of hypertension among Dongxiang population of Dongxiang county in Gansu province,
      and analyze risk factors of hypertension in this population. Methods: A total of
      1 879 Dongxiang residents of Dongxiang county in Gansu province aged 18 years and
      over were selected in one town and eight villages by random cluster method from
      April to June in 2014. All subjects were interviewed and physical examination
      including blood pressure measurement was performed. Multivariate logistic
      regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors of hypertension.
      Results: Prevalence of hypertension in this population was 21.4%(402/1 879).
      Prevalence of hypertension increased with aging and was 7.9%(35/441) in 18-39
      years old people, and 20.2%(151/749)in 40-59 years old people, and
      31.3%(216/689)in >=60 years old people (P<0.01). There were no gender (male vs.
      female) difference in prevalence of hypertension in 18-39 years old group
      (8.0%(20/249)vs. 7.8%(15/192), P>0.05) and 40-59 years old group (19.8%(78/393)
      vs. 20.5%(73/356), P>0.05), while the prevalence of hypertension was
      significantly higher in male than in female(34.2%(123/360) vs. 28.3%(93/329),
      P<0.01)in >=60 years old group. Prevalence of hypertension was also significantly
      higher in rural area residents than in county town residents (23.4%(255/1 090)
      vs.18.6%(147/789), P<0.01). The rates of awareness, treatment and control of
      hypertension in this population were 24.4%(98/402), 14.7%(59/402) and
      5.0%(20/402), respectively. Rates of awareness (22.7%(58/255)vs. 27.2%(40/147),
      P<0.01), treatment(13.3%(34/255)vs. 17.0%(25/147), P<0.05) and
      control(3.9%(10/255)vs. 6.8%(10/147), P<0.05) were significantly lower in rural
      area residents than in county residents. Multivariate logistic regression
      analysis showed that age, family history of hypertension, high body mass index,
      less physical activity and more static state were risk factors of hypertension in
      this population(P<0.05 or 0.01). Conclusions: Prevalence of hypertension is high
      and awareness, treatment and control rates of hypertension are low in adult
      residents of Dongxiang county in Gansu province. Hypertension prevention focusing
      on risk factors control and treatment strategies should be enhanced in this
      population.

PMID- 27667275
TI  - [Long-term outcome and related predictors of alcohol septal ablation for patients
      with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy].
AB  - Objective: To observe the long-term prognosis and related outcome predictors for
      hypertrophic obstructive cadiomyopathy (HOCM) patients underwent alcohol septal
      ablation (ASA). Methods: A total of 227 consecutive patients(age: (47.8+/-11.7)
      years) treated by ASA from September 2005 to December 2013 in our hospital were
      included and followed-up for 4.42 years(range: ( 1.17-9.93) years). Follow up
      rate is 97.4%(221/227). General information, medical history, data of ASA and
      complications during hospitalization were obtained through access to medical
      records of patients. The patients were followed up by telephone or outpatient
      visit. Results: During hospitalization period, one patient died due to
      retroperitoneal hemorrhage, two ventricular fibrillation events and two sustained
      ventricular tachycardia events occurred and all patients were successfully
      recovered after electrical cardioversion (defibrillation). Four cardiac tamponade
      events occurred, 35.7% (81/227) patients experienced temporary three degree
      atrioventricular block. Five delayed three degree atrioventricular block evens
      occurred. During follow up, the percent of NYHA III/IVclass was significantly
      reduced (10.1%(23/227)vs. 74.9%(170/227), P=0.000). The incidence of syncope and
      amaurosis fugax was also reduced(2.6% (6/227) vs. 39.2% (89/227), P=0.035). A
      total of six patients died (4 cardiac death), one patient complicating atrial
      fibrillation died of cerebral embolism, one patient died of rectal cancer. One
      cerebral hemorrhage occurred. Six patients developed-new onset atrial
      fibrillation. One patient received permanent pacemaker implantation. Eight
      patients received surgical myocardial resection. Three patients underwent
      repeated ASA. Survival free of all-cause mortality at 1, 5, 9 year was 100%, 96%,
      96%, respectively. Survival free of cardiac death and NYHA III/IVclass at 1, 5, 9
      year was 100%, 86%, 70%, respectively. Cox-regression analysis showed that
      residual left ventricular outflow tract gradient after ablation(HR=1.027, 95%CI
      1.006-1.048, P=0.010), less volume of injected ethanol(HR=0.596, 95%CI 0.398
      0.892, P=0.012), presence of temporary complete atrioventricular block (HR=0.332,
      95%CI 0.124-0.886, P=0.028)were independent predictors of cardiac death and NYHA
      III/IV. Conclusion: Our study results suggest that ASA could significantly
      improve symptoms and outcome in patients with HOCM. Residual left ventricular
      outflow tract gradient after ablation, less volume of injected ethanol, presence
      of temporary complete atrioventricular block during ASA are independent
      predictors of cardiac death and NYHA III/IV.

PMID- 27667274
TI  - [Efficacy of thrombolytic therapy using reteplase in cases with acute ST-segment
      elevation myocardial infarction: results from a multicenter clinical trial].
AB  - Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenous thrombolytic
      therapy using reteplase in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial
      infarction (STEMI). Method: A total of 73 hospitals from Henan province took part
      in this clinical trials during October 2012 to October 2014, 1 226 cases (1 014
      male (82.7%), mean age 59.0 (51.0, 66.0) years) with acute STEMI received
      reteplase as thrombolytic agent.Reperfusion rate was judged according to the
      clinical symptoms, electrocardiogram, myocardial enzymes and heart rhythm, and
      the rate of cardiovascular events and bleeding events during hospitalization was
      also observed.Bleeding events were evaluated with global utilization of
      streptokinase and tissues plasminogen activator for occluded coronary arteries
      (GUSTO) criteria.Subgroup analysis was performed to compare the effects of
      various thrombolysis timing (time from onset to thrombolysis<=6 h or 6-12 h) on
      reperfusion rate, cardiovascular events and bleeding events rate. Results: The
      reperfusion rate was 89.3% (1 089/1 219) at 120 minutes after the thrombolysis,
      average recanalization time was (59.96+/-26.86) minutes.The reperfusion rate of
      <=6 h thrombolysis group was significantly higher than in 6-12 hours group (90.3%
      (988/1094) vs. 80.8% (101/125), P=0.001), while in-hospital mortality (2.6%(28/1
      094) and 0.8% (1/125), P=0.352) and rate of bleeding (5.9%(64/1 094) and
      5.6%(7/125), P=0.910) were similar between the two groups. The total in-hospital
      mortality after thrombolysis was 2.4% (29/1219), which was significantly higher
      in failed recanalization group than in recanalization group (10.8%(14/130) vs.
      1.4%(15/1089), P< 0.001). The total rate of bleeding after thrombolysis was 5.8%
      (71/1219), there were 3 severe bleeding cases according to GUSTO classification
      (0.2%), all of them were cerebral hemorrhage, and 2 out of 3 cases died.
      Conclusions: Reteplase use is related to high recanalization rate and low
      cardiovascular events and bleeding rate and our results thus show that reteplase
      is a safe and effective thrombolytic agent for STEMI patients.

PMID- 27667273
TI  - [Tetrahydrobiopterin improves left ventricular diastolic function possibly
      through upregulating phosphorylated protein kinase B expression in hypertensive
      mice induced by deoxycorticosterone acetate].
AB  - Objective: To investigate whether tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) could improve left
      ventricular diastolic function through phosphoinositide-3 kinase/protein kinase B
      (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway in hypertensive mice. Methods: Ten-week-old male
      C57BL/6 mice were used to establish the deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt
      hypertensive model, age matched Sham mice serve as the controls. Mice were
      divided into four groups: Sham(n=20), Sham+ BH4 (n=20), DOCA (n=22), and DOCA+
      BH4 (n=22). On the 14 days after surgery, mice in Sham+ BH4 and DOCA+ BH4 groups
      received BH4 (0.1 ml/10 g) supplement for 7 days, while mice in Sham and DOCA
      groups were given equal volume of normal saline.The blood pressure measurements
      were performed 7 days later.Hemodynamic and echocardiographic parameters were
      used to assess left ventricular functions.High performance liquid chromatography
      (HPLC) analysis was used to measure cardiac biopterins BH4 and BH2.The
      phosphorylated phospholamban (p-PLB) was detected by immunohistochemical
      staining. PI3K, Akt and phosphorylated Akt were assayed with Western blot
      analysis. Results: (1) The systolic and diastolic blood pressure of DOCA group
      were significantly higher than control group (P<0.05). Compared with DOCA group,
      the systolic blood pressure was lower in DOCA+ BH4 mice (P=0.027). Diastolic
      blood pressure was similar between the groups. (2) Compared with Sham group, the
      left ventricular diastolic function indexes such as mitral annulus velocity (E')
      and E'/A'ratio were significantly lower, while the E/ E'ratio was significantly
      higher(P<0.05)in DOCA mice. The E/ E'ratio of DOCA+ BH4 group was significantly
      lower than that of DOCA group (P<0.05). Compared with Sham group, the left
      ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), left ventricular end-diastolic
      pressure volumetric coefficient (EDPVR) and left ventricular relaxation time
      constant Tau index were significantly higher in DOCA mice (P=0.002, 0.011 and
      0.016, respectively). The EDPVR and Tau index were significantly lower in DOCA+
      BH4 group than in DOCA group (P<0.05). (3) Compared with Sham group, the
      myocardial contents of BH4 and BH2 were significantly lower in DOCA mice
      (P<0.05). The BH4 levels and BH4/BH2 ratio were significantly higher in Sham+ BH4
      and DOCA+ BH4 groups than in the DOCA group (P<0.05), but the BH2 levels were
      similar between groups. (4) The cGMP content, SOD activity and NO content in the
      left ventricular myocardial tissue were significantly lower (P<0.05), while the
      MDA content was significantly higher in DOCA mice than in Sham mice.The NO
      content and SOD activity in DOCA+ BH4 groups were significantly higher than in
      the DOCA group (P<0.05). (5) Compared with DOCA group, the expression of p-PLB
      was significantly higher in Sham mice and lower in DOCA+ BH4 mice (P<0.05). (6)
      The expression of PI3K, Akt and p-Akt (Ser473 and Thr308) in DOCA mice were
      significantly lower than in Sham group (P<0.05). The expression of PI3K, Akt and
      p-Akt (Ser473) was significantly higher in DOCA+ BH4 group than in DOCA group
      (P<0.05). p-Akt (Thr308) expression was similar between DOCA + BH4 group and DOCA
      group (all P>0.05). Conclusion: Our results suggest that BH4 could improve left
      ventricular diastolic function in hypertensive mice, this effect might be
      mediated by reducing the oxidative stress in ventricular myocardium through
      modlating the expression of Akt and PLB phosphorylation.

PMID- 27667276
TI  - [The effect and factors associated with outcome of extracorporeal membrane
      oxygenation in refractory cardiogenic shock patients].
AB  - Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy and factors associated with outcome
      of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in refractory cardiogenic shock
      patients. Methods: Patients with refractory cardiogenic shock received ECMO
      treatment in our hospital from May 2013 to November 2015 were retrospectively
      analyzed. The clinical status before ECMO support, ECMO timing, complications and
      outcome were observed and analyzed.The hemodynamic data and the amount of
      vasoactive drugs at 2 hours before ECMO support and at 2, 6, 24 and 48 hours
      after ECMO support were collected and compared. Results: Ten refractory
      cardiogenic shock patients were included in this study (5 acute fulminant
      myocarditis patients, 4 acute myocardial infarction patients, 1 myocardial
      rupture patient (6 males, 4 females, age ranged 12 to 56 years). Before ECMO, the
      mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was (31.4+/-10.2)%, the mean score
      of APACHE II was 26.6+/-10.8. Eight patients developed cardiac arrests and the
      duration of CPR ranged from 10 to 300 minutes and three patients received IABP.
      CVP decreased, BP increased, HR decreased, ScVO2 increased, dose of dobutamine
      decreased at 2 hours after ECMO support. After ECMO support for 6 hours, lactate
      decreased, dose of norepinephrine decreased. After ECMO support for 24 and 48
      hours, hemodynamics became stable and shock was significantly improved.
      Complication including infection of limb and catheterization site occurred in 3
      patients, femoral arterial thrombosis occurred in 2 patients, critical limb
      ischemia occurred in 2 patients, hemorrhage at the catheterization site occurred
      in 2 patients. The duration of ECMO ranged from 2 to 220 hours. Nine patients
      could be weaned off ECMO support and 6 patients survived to hospital discharge.
      Two patients died due to too late ECMO support, the other two patients died due
      to severe complication of limb. Conclusions: ECMO can rapidly improve hemodynamic
      stability of patients with cardiogenic shock. Accurate assessing the timing of
      ECMO support and decreasing complication of limb play a critical role on
      improving outcome in refractory cardiogenic shock patients.

PMID- 27667277
TI  - [Pedigree survey in a family with hereditary protein S deficiency].
AB  - Objective: To observe the clinical feature of familiar hereditary protein S
      deficiency(HPSD), and to explore the related gene mutations. Methods: A total of
      seven family members were enrolled in this study and examined during the June to
      September 2015. Medical histories of the families were analyzed to detect HPSD
      according to the diagnostic criteria. PROS1 genes of the proband and her family
      were analyzed. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood. The 15 exons and their
      intron-exon boundaries of PROS1 were amplified with PCR, and the PCR products
      were sequenced and analyzed to identify potential mutations. Medical histories
      from the family members died prior this study were also obtained. Results: Four
      out of 7 family members of 2 generations were diagnosed as HPSD. The proband
      suffered from pulmonary embolism, her elder brother suffered from cerebral
      infarction and her niece suffered from deep vein thrombosis. A missense mutation
      at the 1063 bp of cDNA(c.1063C>T)was detected in the exon 10 of PROS1, which
      resulted in arginine 355 to cysteine replacement in the first ball domain of
      laminin of the protein S(p.R355C). Conclusion: HPSD is an autosomal dominant
      genetic disease, patients often suffer from recurring vein thrombosis and
      pulmonary embolism. A missense mutation(c.1063C>T, p. R355C)of PROS1 was
      discovered in this Chinese family with HPSD, thus, this mutation might be the
      genetic basis responsible for these family members with HPSD .

PMID- 27667278
TI  - [Effect of Notch1, 2, 3 genes silencing on Notch and nuclear factor-kappaB
      signaling pathway of macrophages derived from patients with coronary artery
      disease].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the effects of Notch1, 2, 3 genes silencing by siRNA on
      Notch signaling pathway (Delta-like 4(DLL4), Jagged 1(JAG1)) and nuclear factor
      kappaB (NF-kappaB) signaling pathway (IkappaBalpha, P52) of macrophages derived
      from patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), thus to explore the potential
      genetic treatment perspectives for CAD. Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear
      cells of CAD patients were isolated by density gradient centrifugation and
      transformed by phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) to macrophages. Macrophages
      were then transfected with Notch1-small interference RNA (siRNA, Notch1-siRNA
      group), Notch2-siRNA (Notch2-siRNA group), Notch3-siRNA (Notch3-siRNA group),
      negative control siRNA (NC group) and none siRNA (control group) respectively.
      Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot
      analysis were applied to assess the mRNA and protein expression levels of DLL4,
      JAG1, IkappaBalpha and p52, respectively. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay
      (EMSA) was used to observe the NF-kappaB DNA binding activity. Subcellular
      distributions of NF-kappaB/p52 were detected through immunofluorescence. Results:
      (1) The mRNA and protein expressions of DLL4, JAG1 and p52 in Notch1-siRNA group,
      Notch2-siRNA group and Notch3-siRNA group were significantly downregulated, while
      the mRNA and protein expression of IkappaBalpha was significantly upregulated
      compared with NC group and control group(P<0.05 or 0.01). The mRNA and protein
      expressions of DLL4, JAG1 and p52 in Notch1-siRNA group were significantly
      downregulated, while the mRNA and protein expression of IkappaBalpha was
      significantly upregulated compared with Notch2-siRNA group and Notch3-siRNA
      group(P<0.05 or 0.01). The mRNA and protein expressions of DLL4, JAG1,
      IkappaBalpha and p52 were similar between NC group and control group (all
      P>0.05). (2) The binding activity of NF-kappaB DNA was significantly lower in
      Notch1-siRNA group (613+/-57), Notch2-siRNA group (1 169+/-85) and Notch3-siRNA
      group (1 454+/-90) compared with control group (2 643+/-115) and NC group (2
      407+/-100) (all P<0.01), which was also significantly lower in Notch1-siRNA group
      compared to Notch2-siRNA group and Notch3-siRNA group (P<0.01); was significantly
      lower in Notch2-siRNA group compared with Notch3-siRNA group (P<0.01) and was
      similar between control group and NC group (P>0.05). (3) The fluorescence
      intensity of NF-kappaB/p52 was significantly lower both in the nucleus and
      cytoplasm in Notch1-siRNA group, Notch2-siRNA group and Notch3-siRNA group
      compared with NC group and control group (all P<0.01), and the decrease was more
      obviously in the nucleus than in cytoplasm in Notch1-siRNA group, Notch2-siRNA
      group and Notch3-siRNA group (P<0.05 or 0.01). The fluorescence intensity of NF
      kappaB/p52 was similar between control group and NC group (P>0.05). Conclusion:
      There is a positive regulation between Notch and NF-kappaB pathway in macrophages
      derived from CAD patients, the regulation power on NF-kappaB signaling pathway of
      Notch1 is stronger than that of Notch2 and Notch 3.

PMID- 27667279
TI  - [Effects of ligustilide on the extracellular recombinant human heat shock protein
      60 induced inflammatory reactions in the THP-1 cells and the related mechanisms].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the effects of ligustilide(LIG) on extracellular
      recombinant human heat shock protein 60 (HSP60) induced inflammatory reactions in
      the THP-1 cells and the related mechanisms. Methods: THP-1 cells were
      differentiated to macrophages by incubation with phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate
      (PMA). The immunofluorescence method was used to screen the optimum transfection
      concentration of MyD88 siRNA.The macrophages were divided into six groups(n=3),
      including blank control(siRNA transfection reagent), model(siRNA transfection
      reagent+ HSP60 10 mg/L), negative control(MyD88 negative control+ HSP60 10 mg/L),
      LIG group(siRNA transfection reagent+ HSP60 10 mg/L+ LIG 20 mg/L), RNA
      interfering(RNAi) group(MyD88 siRNA+ HSP60 10 mg/L) and RNAi+ LIG group(MyD88
      siRNA+ HSP60 10 mg/L+ LIG 20 mg/L). The protein expression level of MyD88 and
      phospho-nuclear factor-kappaB(p-NF-kappaB) in macrophages and the level of tumor
      necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6(IL-6) in the culture
      supernatant were assessed by Western blot analyses or ELISA, respectively.
      Results: (1)The protein expression levels of MyD88 (1.196+/-0.125 vs. 0.341+/
      0.063, P<0.01) and p-NF-kappaB(0.817+/-0.034 vs. 0.312+/-0.046, P<0.01) were
      significantly higher in the model group than those in the blank control group.The
      protein expression levels of MyD88(0.554+/-0.043) and p-NF-kappaB(0.538+/-0.063)
      in the RNAi group were significantly lower than those in the model group (all
      P<0.01) but significantly higher than those in the blank control group (all
      P<0.05). The protein expression levels of MyD88(0.694+/-0.087, P<0.05) and p-NF
      kappaB(0.669+/-0.043, P<0.01)in the LIG group were markedly lower than those in
      the model group, but higher than those in the RNAi group (P<0.05) and the blank
      control group (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of MyD88(0.409+/-0.069) and
      p-NF-kappaB(0.395+/-0.046) in the RNAi+ LIG group were significantly lower than
      in the model group (all P<0.01) and in the LIG group(P<0.05 or 0.01), and were
      similar to the blank control group(P>0.05). The expression level of p-NF-kappaB
      in the RNAi+ LIG group was significantly lower than in the RNAi group (P<0.05).
      (2) The contents of TNF-alpha((312.24+/-28.69) ng/L vs. (5.99+/-1.03) ng/L,
      P<0.01) and IL-6((233.45+/-57.77) ng/L vs. (2.25+/-0.67) ng/L, P<0.01) were
      significantly higher in the model group than in the blank control group. The
      contents of TNF-alpha((235.66+/-25.12) ng/L) and IL-6((131.59+/-13.99) ng/L) were
      significantly lower in the RNAi group than in the model group (P<0.01). The
      contents of TNF-alpha((258.13+/-44.80) ng/L) and IL-6((175.92+/-28.27) ng/L) were
      also significantly lower in the LIG group than in the model group(P<0.05) while
      the content of IL-6 was significantly higher in the LIG group than in the RNAi
      group(P<0.01). The contents of TNF-alpha((88.57+/-16.10) ng/L) and IL-6((59.99+/
      10.31) ng/L) were significantly lower in the RNAi+ LIG group than those in the
      model group, the RNAi group and the LIG group(P<0.05 or 0.01). Conclusions: The
      MyD88/NF-kappaB signaling pathway is one of the key signaling pathways of human
      HSP60 induced inflammation in THP-1 cells. Ligustilide could exhibit the anti
      inflammatory effect probably by inhibiting the MyD88/NF-kappaB signaling pathway.

PMID- 27667280
TI  - [Lipid profile comparison between pre- and post-menopausal women].
AB  - Objective: To compare serum lipid values in premenopausal and postmenopausal
      women and to evaluate the relationship between menopause and lipid profiles.
      Methods: From January 2012 to December 2014, a total of 4 131 women aged between
      40 and 59 years old were recruited as subjects in the Checkup Department of
      Beijing Tongren Hospital, and were grouped as pre-menopausal group (3 094
      subjects) and post-menopausal group(1 037 subjects). Data including body mass
      index(BMI), waist circumference, hip circumference, waist-hip circumference
      ratio, serum total cholesterol(TC), triglyceride(TG), low density lipoprotein
      cholesterol(LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C), non-high-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol(non-HDL-C), TC/HDL-C ratio, fast plasma glucose, serum
      uric acid, blood pressure and degree of fatty liver were compared between the two
      groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to analyze the
      relationship between menopause and dyslipidemia. Results: The overall prevalence
      rate of dyslipidemia was 35.7%(1 475/4 131) in this cohort, and the prevalence
      rate of dyslipidemia in post-menopausal women group was significantly higher than
      in pre-menopausal women group (69.7%(723/1 037)vs. 24.3%(752/3 094), P<0.01). TC
      ((5.74+/-0.91)mmol/L vs.(4.65+/-0.61)mmol/L, P<0.01), TG((1.79+/-0.95)mmol/L vs.
      (0.89+/-0.32)mmol/L, P<0.01), LDL-C ((3.76+/-0.86)mmol/L vs. (2.87+/-0.57)mmol/L,
      P<0.01), non-HDL-C((4.27+/-0.80)mmol/L vs. (3.10+/-0.60)mmol/L, P<0.01), and
      TC/HDL-C ratio(4.15+/-1.04 vs. 3.13+/-0.72, P<0.01)were all significantly higher
      in post-menopausal subjects than in pre-menopausal subjects. HDL-C level was
      significantly lower in post-menopausal subjects than in pre-menopausal
      subjects((1.47+/-0.43)mmol/L vs. (1.54+/-0.33)mmol/L, P<0.01). Logistic
      regression analysis showed that after adjusting age, BMI, waist circumference,
      waist-hip circumference ratio, blood pressure, fast plasma glucose, serum uric
      acid and fatty liver, menopause was independently associated with dyslipidemia
      (OR=6.65, 95%CI 5.22-8.48, P<0.01). Factors such as BMI grade (normal body
      weight: OR=2.19, 95%CI 1.31-3.67, P<0.01; overweight: OR=3.41, 95%CI 2.00-5.83,
      P<0.01; obesity: OR=3.84, 95%CI 2.05-7.18, P<0.01), waist-hip circumference ratio
      abnormality (OR=1.68, 95%CI 1.44-1.97, P<0.01) and the degree of fatty liver
      (mild: OR=1.84, 95%CI 1.54-2.20, P<0.01; moderate: OR=1.67, 95%CI 1.25-2.23,
      P<0.01; severe: OR=5.23, 95%CI 1.78-15.35, P<0.01) were also associated with
      dyslipidemia in this cohort. Conclusions: The prevalence of dyslipidemia is
      higher in post-menopausal women than in pre-menopausal women, and the values of
      TC, TG, LDL-C, non-HDL-C, TC/HDL-C ratio of postmenopausal women are
      significantly higher than those of premenopausal women. Menopause is associated
      with dyslipidemia in this cohort.

PMID- 27667281
TI  - [A case of Takayasu Arteritis with sudden cardiac arrest as the first
      manifestation].

PMID- 27667283
TI  - [A case of left atrial non-Hodgkin lymphoma misdiagnosed as thrombus].

PMID- 27667282
TI  - [A case of left atrial cavernous hemangioma misdiagnosed as myxoma].

PMID- 27667284
TI  - [A case of intravenous extraction of implantable cardioverter defibrillator lead
      with laser sheath].

PMID- 27667285
TI  - [A case of late endocarditis of Amplatzer atrial septal occluder device].

PMID- 27667286
TI  - [Association between abnormal glucose metabolism and pulmonary vasculature
      remodeling and progress of therapeutic drugs targeting the glucose metabolism for
      pulmonary hypertension].

PMID- 27667287
TI  - [Research progress on modifying factors of pulmonary arterial hypertension].

PMID- 27667288
TI  - [Research update on cytoskeletal proteins mediated pathomechanisms in primary
      cardiomyopathies].

PMID- 27667289
TI  - Benchmarking Electron Densities and Electrostatic Potentials of Proteins from the
      Three-Partition Frozen Density Embedding Method.
AB  - The fragment-based Three-Partition Frozen Density Embedding (3-FDE) approach [
      Jacob, C. R.; Visscher, L. J. Chem. Phys. 2008 , 128 , 155102 ] is used to
      generate protein densities and electrostatic potentials, which are critically
      assessed in comparison to supermolecular Kohn-Sham Density Functional Theory
      (DFT) results obtained with sophisticated exchange-correlation functionals. The
      influence of several parameters and user choices is explored with respect to
      accuracy and reliability. In addition, a recently implemented combination of the
      3-FDE scheme with hybrid functionals is applied in production calculations for
      the first time. We demonstrate that the 3-FDE method not only closely reproduces
      results from corresponding supermolecular calculations for routine situations
      (peptides/proteins in solution) but can even surpass conventional Kohn-Sham DFT
      in accuracy for difficult cases, such as zwitterionic structures in vacuo. This
      is due to the fact that the fragmentation inherently limits the
      overdelocalization caused by the self-interaction error in common DFT
      approximations. The method is thus not only able to reduce the computational
      effort for the description of large biological entities but also can strongly
      reduce the artifacts brought about by the SIE.

PMID- 27667290
TI  - Estimated costs before, during and after the introduction of the emergency
      laparotomy pathway quality improvement care (ELPQuIC) bundle.
AB  - Implementation of a quality improvement bundle for peri-operative management of
      emergency laparotomy (ELPQuIC) improved mortality in a previous study. We used
      data from one site that participated in that study to examine whether it was
      associated with the cost of care. We collected data from 396 patients: 144
      before, 144 during and 108 after implementation of the bundle. We estimated costs
      incurred using previously published methodology based on the time the patient
      spent in hospital, in the operating theatre and in critical care. Duration of
      stay in hospital and critical care did not differ between time periods, p = 0.14
      and p = 0.28, respectively. The costs per patient and per survivor did not differ
      between the time periods, p = 0.87 and p = 0.17, respectively. Costs were similar
      for patients aged < 80 years vs. >= 80 years. Implementation of a quality
      improvement bundle for emergency laparotomy has the capacity to save lives
      without increasing hospital costs.

PMID- 27667291
TI  - Mesoscopic Perovskite Light-Emitting Diodes.
AB  - Solution-processed hybrid bromide perovskite light-emitting-diodes (PLEDs)
      represent an attractive alternative technology that would allow overcoming the
      well-known severe efficiency drop in the green spectrum related to conventional
      LEDs technologies. In this work, we report on the development and
      characterization of PLEDs fabricated using, for the first time, a mesostructured
      layout. Stability of PLEDs is a critical issue; remarkably, mesostructured PLEDs
      devices tested in ambient conditions and without encapsulation showed a lifetime
      well-above what previously reported with a planar heterojunction layout.
      Moreover, mesostructured PLEDs measured under full operative conditions showed a
      remarkably narrow emission spectrum, even lower than what is typically obtained
      by nitride- or phosphide-based green LEDs. A dynamic analysis has shown fast rise
      and fall times, demonstrating the suitability of PLEDs for display applications.
      Combined electrical and advanced structural analyses (Raman, XPS depth profiling,
      and ToF-SIMS 3D analysis) have been performed to elucidate the degradation
      mechanism, the results of which are mainly related to the degradation of the hole
      transporting material (HTM) and to the perovskite-HTM interface.

PMID- 27667293
TI  - [Close follow-up of oncologic patients with imaging - advantage or disadvantage?]
AB  - The International Commission on Radiological Protection estimates, that 100 mSv
      exposure of radiation increases cancer risk by 0.5%. The central hypothesis of
      the Linear No Threshold model is that low dose ionizing radiation can induce
      carcinogenesis through the so called "one hit action", that is one or more
      deoxyribonucleic acid strands can be broken by the hit of only one electron
      particule. Regardless of the radiation dose, radiation exposure increases cancer
      risk. In the United States of America, one-third of computed tomographic scans
      are carried with no clear clinical indication, i.e. non radiating imaging can be
      applied with equal sensitivity and specificity. Furthermore, computed tomographic
      scans are repeated unnecessarily. Although technical improvements have reduced
      the concern of the potential danger of radiation exposure, the cumulative aspects
      and cancer risk should always be considered. Cancer risk, accompanied by ionizing
      radiation, should be minimized during the follow up of oncologic patients. It is
      mandatory, that all diagnostic tools which are not using ionizing radiation
      should be made widely accessable (eg. whole body diffusion weighted magnetic
      resonance imaging, positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging). Orv.
      Hetil., 2016, 157(39), 1538-1545.

PMID- 27667294
TI  - [Actualities in the management of primary myelofibrosis].
AB  - Primary myelofibrosis is one of the Philadelphia negative chronic
      myeloproliferative neoplasms. It is a rare disease featured by cytopenias and
      hepatosplenomegaly. Although the etiology of the disease is still unknown, our
      knowledge about its pathology and prognosis has been improving in the last few
      years. Furthermore, the JAK2 inhibitor ruxolitinib has become available in
      Hungary since 2015. Beside its high efficacy in spleen volume and in reduction of
      myelofibrosis-associated symptoms, this novel therapy also exerts a disease
      modifying effect and, therefore, ruxolitinib may improve the life expectancy too.
      Treatment approach of myelofibrosis has been changed these years, which gives a
      reason for this summary. Orv. Hetil., 2016, 157(39), 1547-1556.

PMID- 27667292
TI  - RUNX1 truncation resulting from a cryptic and novel t(6;21)(q25;q22) chromosome
      translocation in acute myeloid leukemia: A case report.
AB  - Fluorescence in situ hybridization examination of a pediatric AML patient whose
      bone marrow cells carried trisomy 4 and FLT3-ITD mutation, demonstrated that part
      of the RUNX1 probe had unexpectedly moved to chromosome band 6q25 indicating a
      cryptic t(6;21)(q25;q22) translocation. RNA sequencing showed fusion of exon 7 of
      RUNX1 with an intergenic sequence of 6q25 close to the MIR1202 locus, something
      that was verified by RT-PCR together with Sanger sequencing. The RUNX1 fusion
      transcript encodes a truncated protein containing the Runt homology domain
      responsible for both heterodimerization with CBFB and DNA binding, but lacking
      the proline-, serine-, and threonine-rich (PST) region which is the transcription
      activation domain at the C terminal end. Which genetic event (+4, FLT3-ITD,
      t(6;21)-RUNX1 truncation or other, undetected acquired changes) was more
      pathogenetically important in the present case of AML, remains unknown. The case
      illustrates that submicroscopic chromosomal rearrangements may accompany visible
      numerical changes and perhaps should be actively looked for whenever a single
      trisomy is found. An active search for them may provide both pathogenetic and
      prognostic novel information.

PMID- 27667295
TI  - [Insight into the training of patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy].
AB  - Using current recommended treatment, a majority of patients with idiopathic
      inflammatory myopathy develop muscle impairment and poor health. Beneficial
      effects of exercise have been reported on muscle performance, aerobic capacity
      and health in chronic polymyositis and dermatomyositis, as well as in active
      disease and inclusion body myositis to some extent. Importantly, randomized
      controlled trials indicate that improved health and decreased clinical disease
      activity could be mediated through increased aerobic capacity. Recently, reports
      seeking pathomechanisms of the underlying effects of exercise on skeletal muscle
      indicate increased aerobic capacity (i.e. increased mitochondrial capacity and
      capillary density, reduced lactate levels), activation of genes of aerobic
      phenotype and muscle growth programs and down regulation of genes related to
      inflammation. Exercise contributes to both systemic and within-muscle adaptations
      demonstrating that it is fundamental for improving muscle performance and health
      in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy. There is a need for randomized
      controlled trials to study the effects of exercise in patients with active
      disease and inclusion body myositis. Orv. Hetil., 2016, 157(39), 1557-1562.

PMID- 27667296
TI  - [The role of physical activity in health promotion of healthcare workers].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The health status of doctors, nurses and any other professionals
      working in the healthcare sector influences the quality of their work. Therefore,
      health promotion of healthcare workers is not only an occupational health program
      but it can be considered as an action towards improving the quality of care. AIM:
      The current study was designed to assess the efficacy of a health promotion
      intervention among healthcare workers after health status assessment. METHOD:
      Before and after the intervention a self-assessment questionnaire-based health
      survey and physical status examination were performed. Members of the
      intervention group were offered to use fitness facilities, professional
      psychological help, dietary counselling, and dental consultation. RESULTS: The
      intervention program lasted for 12 months with the participation of 79 health
      care professionals (based on their decision being in the intervention or in the
      control group). Significant decrease was found in the abdominal perimeter in
      participants of the intervention group and they ran a longer distance on the 12
      minute-long-run test at the end of the study. CONCLUSIONS: The positive effect of
      regular physical exercise as part of active lifestyle has been demonstrated not
      only in the increase of physical capacity, but in the change of body shape, as
      well. Orv. Hetil., 2016, 157(39), 1563-1570.

PMID- 27667298
TI  - [Miscellaneous].

PMID- 27667297
TI  - [An unusual cause of the hand cyst: finger dirofilariasis].
AB  - Dirofilariasis is a zoonosis affecting dogs and cats. It can be transmitted to
      human by mosquito bites. Because of the local inflammation caused by the
      parasite, a lump may develop. The authors present a case of a 13-year-old boy,
      who was diagnosed with dirofilariasis in association with a cyst located on the
      middle finger of the right hand. During physical examination, a lump on the
      extensor surface of the middle phalanx of the right middle finger was found. Soft
      tissue ultrasound was performed, which indicated the presence of a worm in the
      cyst. The cyst was surgically removed under local anesthesia and with
      parasitology test Dirofilaria repens infection was confirmed. The child had no
      complains or symptoms during recovery after the surgery. A solitary growth
      developing on the fingers of the hand often presents a differential diagnostic
      problem. Ultrasound can be greatly helpful in the preoperative diagnosis. Orv.
      Hetil., 2016, 157(39), 1571-1574.

PMID- 27667299
TI  - Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in a global cohort of 57,885 statin-treated
      patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: There is an inconsistency between international guidelines
      on lipid-lowering treatment regarding whether to pursue LDL-C treatment targets
      or to focus on the intensity of treatment. While either approach is attractive,
      there is no recent global data on actual LDL-C values, treatment targets
      attained, and the intensity of treatment in statin-treated patients. We aimed to
      determine and compare the extent of treatment target attainment globally using
      standardized data collection. METHODS: Analyses were based on the Dyslipidemia
      International Study (DYSIS), a cross-sectional study documenting statin-treated
      outpatients throughout 30 countries worldwide (across Europe, the Middle East,
      Canada, Africa, and Asia). Patients were classified as being at very high, high,
      or non-high cardiovascular risk based on the 2011 European Society of Cardiology
      (ESC)/European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) guidelines. RESULTS: Data were
      available for a total of 57,885 patients with a median LDL-C value of 98.2 mg/dl
      (IQR: 76.6, 125.7 mg/dl). Overall, only 26.8% of patients were documented to have
      attained their risk-based target LDL-C level. Of the 76% of patients who were
      classified as being at very high risk, only 21.7% attained their LDL-C goal.
      Globally, the median distance to target was 33.0 mg/dl, ranging from 18.8 to 42.1
      mg/dl across countries. We calculated that a further LDL-C reduction of just 10
      mg/dl would result in an 11% increase in the proportion of very-high-risk and
      high-risk patients attaining their target level (9% for non-high risk patients).
      CONCLUSIONS: In spite of statin therapy, LDL-C values were high, with a
      substantial distance to target that was even more pronounced in (very) high risk
      patients. These results call for the optimization of existing treatment
      strategies and a collaborative effort to improve the impact of treatment guidance
      on clinical practice.

PMID- 27667300
TI  - The risk of bleeding after invasive procedures in patients with cirrhosis with
      severe coagulopathy.

PMID- 27667301
TI  - Identification of differentially expressed transcripts targeted by the knockdown
      of endogenous IFITM3.
AB  - Interferon inducible transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3) is a double transmembrane
      protein. As a member of the IFITM family, IFITM3 can be upregulated by interferon
      (IFN) to be involved in various biological processes. In order to determine
      whether gene expression profiles can be altered by a lack of IFITM3, the present
      study used shRNAs lentivirus for knocking down the endogenous expression of
      IFITM3 in human HeLa cells and human whole genome microarrays to obtain gene
      expression profiles. A total of 1,011 downregulated transcripts and 615
      upregulated transcripts were identified using the Agilent expression platform.
      The identified transcripts were involved in multiple pathways, including the
      complement pathways, and the antigen processing and presentation pathway. The
      present study identified the transcripts, which were affected by the
      downregulation of endogenous IFITM3 and the pathways they were involved in. These
      findings may lead to an improved understanding of the biological functions of
      IFITM3.

PMID- 27667303
TI  - Lipoprotein immunoproteomics question the potential of Staphylococcus aureus TLR2
      agonists as vaccine antigens.
AB  - Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) is regarded as the major innate immunity sensor in
      infections caused by the Gram-positive bacterial pathogen Staphylococcus aureus.
      However, previous studies on the roles of TLR2 in S. aureus infections have been
      elusive and in part contradictory. It has remained particularly unclear if
      bacterial lipoproteins, the major TLR2 ligands, could serve as antigens with
      intrinsic adjuvant property for the development of protective vaccines. The study
      by Vu et al. published in this issue of Proteomics analyzed the antibody and T
      cell responses in human sera against major S. aureus lipoproteins. Notably, even
      lipoproteins released to culture filtrates at similar levels as established
      immunodominant antigens elicited only very weak or no detectable antibody and T
      cell responses, indicating that the potent TLR2-stimulating capacity of S. aureus
      lipoproteins does not promote and may rather impair robust immune responses so
      lipoprpteins. Among several potential explanations it is tempting to speculate
      that the role of TLR2 in S. aureus infections may be more complex and more
      ambiguous than previously thought. The study of Vu et al. may thus provoke more
      detailed investigations on the roles of lipoproteins and TLR2 in innate and
      adaptive immunity against bacterial pathogens.

PMID- 27667304
TI  - Comparative electrostatic analysis of adenylyl cyclase for isoform dependent
      regulation properties.
AB  - The enzyme adenylyl cyclase (AC) plays a pivotal role in a variety of signal
      transduction pathways inside the cell, where it catalyzes the cyclization of
      adenosine triphosphate (ATP) into the second-messenger cyclic adenosine
      monophosphate (cAMP). Among other roles, AC regulates processes involved in
      neural plasticity, innervation of smooth muscles of the heart and the endocrine
      system of the pancreas. The functional diversity of AC is manifested in its
      different isoforms, each having a specific regulation pattern. There is an
      increasing amount of data available concerning the regulatory properties of AC
      isoforms, however little is known about the interactions on a structural level.
      Here, we conducted a comparative electrostatic analysis of the catalytic domains
      of all nine transmembrane AC isoforms with the aim of detecting, verifying and
      predicting the binding sites of molecular regulators on AC. The results provide
      support for the positioning of the binding site of the inhibitory protein Gi
      alpha at a pseudo-symmetric position to the stimulatory Gs alpha binding site.
      They also provide a structural interpretation of the Gbetagamma interaction with
      ACs 2, 4, and 7 and suggest a new binding site for RGS2. Comparison of the small
      molecule binding sites on AC shows that overall they have high electrostatic
      similarity, but regions of electrostatic differences are identified. These could
      provide a basis for the development of novel compounds with isoform-specific
      modulatory effects on AC. Proteins 2016; 84:1844-1858. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27667305
TI  - Prevalence and epidemiology of tinea pedis and toenail onychomycosis and
      antifungal susceptibility of the causative agents in patients with type 2
      diabetes in Turkey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diabetes patients are particularly susceptible to fungal infections
      because their vascular and immunological systems are compromised. OBJECTIVES: The
      present study aimed to determine prevalences of tinea pedis and onychomycosis,
      factors predisposing to their development, and antifungal susceptibilities of
      causative fungal species against fluconazole, itraconazole, and terbinafine in
      patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). METHODS: Study groups were defined
      according to hemoglobin A1C rates of >=6.5% for the diabetes group and <=5.7% for
      control subjects. A total of 600 diabetes subjects and 152 control subjects were
      evaluated. Rates of onychomycosis and tinea pedis in diabetes patients, and
      associations with age, gender, blood glucose level, duration of diabetes and
      serum lipid profile were investigated, as were the distribution and antifungal
      susceptibility of agents isolated. RESULTS: Patients with onychomycosis and/or
      tinea pedis numbered 85 in the diabetes group and nine in the control group (P =
      0.006). The development of onychomycosis or tinea pedis was significantly related
      to increasing age and male gender. Although the most common agents were
      dermatophytes, non-dermatophyte fungal isolates were not uncommon. Terbinafine
      was the most effective drug against dermatophytes but was invalid for non
      dermatophyte isolates by in vitro antifungal susceptibility testing. CONCLUSIONS:
      The development of onychomycosis or tinea pedis was significantly related to type
      2 DM, increasing age, and male gender. The most common isolate was Trichophyton
      rubrum. The isolation and identification of the fungus is important to the
      effective management of tinea pedis and onychomycosis in diabetes patients
      because non-dermatophyte fungi can cause these infections.

PMID- 27667307
TI  - Felix Natalis, O BSF The British Skin Foundation 20th Anniversary: an
      introduction.

PMID- 27667306
TI  - Advanced Separators for Lithium-Ion and Lithium-Sulfur Batteries: A Review of
      Recent Progress.
AB  - Li-ion and Li-S batteries find enormous applications in different fields, such as
      electric vehicles and portable electronics. A separator is an indispensable part
      of the battery design, which functions as a physical barrier for the electrode as
      well as an electrolyte reservoir for ionic transport. The properties of the
      separators directly influence the performance of the batteries. Traditional
      polyolefin separators showed low thermal stability, poor wettability toward the
      electrolyte, and inadequate barrier properties to polysulfides. To improve the
      performance and durability of Li-ion and Li-S batteries, development of advanced
      separators is required. In this review, we summarize recent progress on the
      fabrication and application of novel separators, including the functionalized
      polyolefin separator, polymeric separator, and ceramic separator, for Li-ion and
      Li-S batteries. The characteristics, advantages, and limitations of these
      separators are discussed. A brief outlook for the future directions of the
      research in the separators is also provided.

PMID- 27667308
TI  - Filaggrin failure - from ichthyosis vulgaris to atopic eczema and beyond.
AB  - The main proteinaceous component of the keratohyalin granules within the granular
      layer keratinocytes of the epidermis is the giant, repetitive polyprotein
      profilaggrin. When granular layer cells commit to terminal differentiation to
      form the flattened squames of the stratum corneum, profilaggrin is rapidly
      cleaved into multiple copies of the 37 kDa filaggrin monomer, which binds to and
      condenses the keratin cytoskeleton, thereby facilitating cellular compression.
      Within the stratum corneum, filaggrin is broken down to form natural moisturising
      factor, a pool of amino acids and derivatives thereof that exerts multiple
      effects. Filaggrin is therefore essential for normal stratum corneum biogenesis
      and physiology. In 2006, the McLean group identified the first loss-of-function
      mutations in the filaggrin gene (FLG) as the cause of the common monogenic
      genodermatosis ichthyosis vulgaris (IV). In parallel, they showed by multiple
      methods that these mutations, carried by up to 10% of various human populations
      are the major genetic predisposing factor for atopic dermatitis (eczema) and all
      of the associated allergic phenotypes that constitute the atopic diathesis. This
      paradigm-shifting work showed that skin barrier deficiency is a major early event
      in the pathophysiology of eczema and allergy.

PMID- 27667302
TI  - WRN Mutation Update: Mutation Spectrum, Patient Registries, and Translational
      Prospects.
AB  - Werner syndrome (WS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by a
      constellation of adult onset phenotypes consistent with an acceleration of
      intrinsic biological aging. It is caused by pathogenic variants in the WRN gene,
      which encodes a multifunctional nuclear protein with exonuclease and helicase
      activities. WRN protein is thought to be involved in optimization of various
      aspects of DNA metabolism, including DNA repair, recombination, replication, and
      transcription. In this update, we summarize a total of 83 different WRN
      mutations, including eight previously unpublished mutations identified by the
      International Registry of Werner Syndrome (Seattle, WA) and the Japanese Werner
      Consortium (Chiba, Japan), as well as 75 mutations already reported in the
      literature. The Seattle International Registry recruits patients from all over
      the world to investigate genetic causes of a wide variety of progeroid syndromes
      in order to contribute to the knowledge of basic mechanisms of human aging. Given
      the unusually high prevalence of WS patients and heterozygous carriers in Japan,
      the major goal of the Japanese Consortium is to develop effective therapies and
      to establish management guidelines for WS patients in Japan and elsewhere. This
      review will also discuss potential translational approaches to this disorder,
      including those currently under investigation.

PMID- 27667310
TI  - The role of skin and gut microbiota in the development of atopic eczema.
AB  - Conventional culture-based studies have suggested that a reduction in microbial
      exposure in early life predisposes to atopic eczema and allergies. However,
      molecular microbiological methods have shown that conventional culture fails to
      grow around 80% of the bacterial flora. More recent work reviewed in this paper
      has employed next generation sequencing to study the influence of the gut and
      skin microbiota, both with regard to the risk of developing atopic eczema but
      also the role of pathogenic and commensal bacteria in established disease. Birth
      cohorts investigating the gastrointestinal tract reported reduced faecal
      microbiota diversity among those who later developed atopic eczema, using gel
      electrophoresis, real-time PCR or 16S ribosomal RNA gene pyrosequencing. However,
      the inverse association with reduced faecal bacterial diversity was not confirmed
      in cross-sectional studies among patients with established atopic eczema. Only
      two studies investigated the cutaneous microbiota in a longitudinal study design
      and both were unable to provide evidence that Staphylococcus aureus colonisation
      precedes the development of atopic eczema. Next generation sequencing has
      confirmed the cross-sectional association between atopic eczema and S. aureus
      colonisation. The two studies that used this approach have also shown that
      disease flares are associated with a significant fall in skin microbiota
      diversity and an increase in the relative abundance of both S. aureus and
      epidermidis. Interestingly, S. aureus elimination does not appear to be the main
      reason why atopic eczema improves after a flare and antimicrobial and anti
      inflammatory therapy enhances bacterial diversity. Further, well-phenotyped birth
      cohorts that take key confounders, such as antibiotic exposure, into account are
      required.

PMID- 27667309
TI  - Translating translation into patient benefit for atopic eczema.
AB  - This review considers, in the context of British Skin Foundation (BSF)-funded
      translational research into atopic eczema conducted in Newcastle, the complex
      interactions between clinical and non-clinical scientists in both academia and
      industry and how this may have impacted on clinical care. However, research in
      individual centres does not occur in isolation and clinically relevant outcomes
      from collaborative research are increasingly supported through regional and
      national networks. This is illustrated by our trial of azathioprine in adults
      with atopic eczema conducted across centres in the North East of England that
      employed pharmacogenetic dosimetry. Correspondingly the formation of a UK
      Translational Network for Translational Research in Dermatology (UK TREND) has
      facilitated the development of a UK-wide network to support atopic eczema
      projects based on an e-Delphi prioritisation exercise.

PMID- 27667311
TI  - Lipid-specific T cells and the skin.
AB  - Langerhans cells express constitutively high levels of CD1a, a member of the CD1
      family of molecules which are known to present lipid antigens to T cells. Whilst
      much human skin immunology research has focussed on the function of T cells which
      recognise peptides presented by HLA molecules, in contrast few studies have
      addressed the role of CD1a and lipid antigens in the pathogenesis of inflammatory
      skin disease. House dust mite and bee and wasp venom extracts were found to
      generate CD1a reactivity, but paradoxically this function was within the protein
      and not lipid fraction. This unexpected finding was explained by the presence of
      phospholipases within the house dust mite and insect venoms which generated
      antigenic lipids on contact with skin. The lipids then bind to CD1a on Langerhans
      cells which are recognised by T cells, which in turn contribute to skin
      inflammation. This newly identified pathway of skin inflammation defines several
      potential points for therapeutic intervention.

PMID- 27667312
TI  - Oxidative stress and ageing.
AB  - Oxidative stress is the resultant damage due to redox imbalances (increase in
      destructive free radicals [reactive oxygen species (ROS)] and reduction in
      antioxidant protection/pathways) and is linked to ageing in many tissues
      including skin. In ageing skin there are bioenergetic differences between
      keratinocytes and fibroblasts which provide a potential ageing biomarker. The
      differences in skin bioenergy are part of the mitochondrial theory of ageing
      which remains one of the most widely accepted ageing theories describing
      subsequent increasing free radical generation. Mitochondria are the major source
      of cellular oxidative stress and form part of the vicious cycle theory of ageing.
      External and internal sources of oxidative stress include UVR/IR, pollution
      (environment), lifestyle (exercise and diet), alcohol and smoking all of which
      may potentially impact on skin although many exogenous actives and endogenous
      antioxidant defence systems have been described to help abrogate the increased
      stress. This also links to differences in skin cell types in terms of the UVR
      action spectrum for nuclear and mitochondrial DNA damage (the latter a previously
      described UVR biomarker in skin). Recent work associates bioenergy production and
      oxidative stress with pigment production thereby providing another additional
      potential avenue for targeted anti-ageing intervention in skin. This new data
      supporting the detrimental effects of the numerous wavelengths of UVR may aid in
      the development of cosmetic/sunscreen design to reduce the effects of
      photoageing. Recently, complex II of the mitochondrial electron transport chain
      appears to be more important than previously thought in the generation of free
      radicals (suggested predominantly by non-human studies). We investigated the
      relationship between complex II and ageing using human skin as a model tissue.
      The rate of complex II activity per unit of mitochondria was determined in
      fibroblasts and keratinocytes cultured from skin covering a wide age range.
      Complex II activity significantly decreased with age in fibroblasts (P = 0.015),
      but not in keratinocytes. This was associated with a significant decline in
      transcript expression (P = 0.008 and P = 0.001) and protein levels (P = 0.0006
      and P = 0.005) of the SDHA and SDHB catalytic subunits of complex II
      respectively. In addition there was a significant decrease in complex II activity
      with age (P = 0.029) that was specific to senescent skin cells, our study being
      the first to investigate these differences with senescence and skin age. There
      was no decrease in complex IV activity with increasing age, suggesting possible
      locality to complex II. Our study provides a future potential biomarker for
      monitoring the progression of skin ageing.

PMID- 27667314
TI  - British Skin Foundation, Skin Deep - 20 Years of Research, 20th Anniversary
      Conference, 13th October 2016, Royal College of Physicians, London, U.K.

PMID- 27667316
TI  - Spotlights on our sister journals: Chem. Eur. J. 41/2016.

PMID- 27667313
TI  - Vitamin D, vitamin A, the primary melanoma transcriptome and survival.
AB  - Survival from melanoma is influenced by several, well-established clinical and
      histopathological factors, e.g. age, Breslow thickness and microscopic
      ulceration. We (the Section of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of
      Leeds) have carried out research to better understand the biological basis for
      these observations. Preliminary results indicated a protective role for vitamin D
      in melanoma relapse and that higher vitamin D was associated with thinner primary
      melanomas. Funding from the British Skin Foundation enabled JNB to establish a
      study of the effects of vitamin A in melanoma. The results suggested that vitamin
      A could reduce the protective effect of vitamin D in terms of overall survival.
      Therefore, we propose that vitamin D3 supplementation alone might be preferable
      to combined multivitamin preparations, where vitamin D supplementation is deemed
      to be appropriate. Proving a causal link between vitamin D and melanoma-specific
      survival is challenging. We have shown limited evidence of causation in a
      Mendelian randomization experiment (described in more detail later). Recent work
      in Leeds has also shown that higher vitamin D may be protective for microscopic
      ulceration. Taken together, vitamin D appears to be associated with less
      aggressive primary melanomas and may itself influence outcome. We continue to
      explore the role of vitamin D in melanoma survival and the optimum levels that
      might be crucial.

PMID- 27667315
TI  - Calcium-Sensing Receptor and Transient Receptor Ankyrin-1 Mediate Emesis
      Induction by Deoxynivalenol (Vomitoxin).
AB  - The common foodborne mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON, vomitoxin) can negatively
      impact animal and human health by causing food refusal and vomiting. Gut
      enteroendocrine cells (EECs) secrete hormones that mediate DON's anorectic and
      emetic effects. In prior work utilizing a cloned EEC model, our laboratory
      discovered that DON-induced activation of calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR), a G
      coupled protein receptor (GPCR), and transient receptor ankyrin-1 (TRPA1), a
      transient receptor potential (TRP) channel, drives Ca2+-mediated hormone
      secretion. Consistent with these in vitro findings, CaSR and TRPA1 mediate DON
      induced satiety hormone release and food refusal in the mouse, an animal model
      incapable of vomiting. However, the roles of this GPCR and TRP in DON's emetic
      effects remain to be determined. To address this, we tested the hypothesis that
      DON triggers emesis in mink by activating CaSR and TRPA1. Oral gavage with
      selective agonists for CaSR (R-568) or TRPA1 (allyl isothiocyanate; AITC) rapidly
      elicited emesis in the mink in dose-dependent fashion. Oral pretreatment of the
      animals with the CaSR antagonist NPS-2143 or the TRP antagonist ruthenium red
      (RR), respectively, inhibited these responses. Importantly, DON-induced emesis in
      mink was similarly inhibited by oral pretreatment with NPS-2143 or RR. In
      addition, these antagonists suppressed concurrent DON-induced elevations in
      plasma peptide YY3-36 and 5-hydroxytryptamine-hormones previously demonstrated to
      mediate the toxin's emetic effects in mink. Furthermore, antagonist co-treatment
      additively suppressed DON-induced emesis and peptide YY 3-36 release. To
      summarize, the observations here strongly suggest that activation of CaSR and
      TRPA1 might have critical roles in DON-induced emesis.

PMID- 27667317
TI  - Validation of the Chinese version of the Anticipatory and Consummatory
      Interpersonal Pleasure Scale.
AB  - Social anhedonia, the reduced capacity for social and interpersonal pleasure,
      often accompanies several forms of psychopathology. The goal of the present study
      was to validate the Chinese translation of the Anticipatory and Consummatory
      Interpersonal Pleasure Scale (ACIPS), a promising new tool for the assessment of
      individual differences in social pleasure. The Chinese versions of the ACIPS, the
      Temporal Experience of Pleasure Scale (TEPS), and the Schizotypal Personality
      Questionnaire (SPQ) were administered to 389 nonclinical adults. Factor analysis
      revealed that a four-factor structure accounted for nearly 53% of the variance,
      and the factors were consistent with those identified from factor analyses of the
      ACIPS in Western (U.S.) samples. The ACIPS measure showed high internal
      consistency as well. Correlational analysis revealed evidence of convergent
      validity. Individuals who scored high on the ACIPS were more likely to score high
      on measures of anticipatory and consummatory pleasure. Moreover, ACIPS total
      scores were inversely associated with scores on the No Close Friends subscale and
      the Constricted Affect subscale of the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire
      (SPQ). Taken together, the findings suggest that the Chinese translation of the
      ACIPS is a reliable, valid measure that can be used to assess individual
      differences in the capacity to experience social and interpersonal pleasure in
      Chinese individuals.

PMID- 27667318
TI  - The impact of the context and recruitment materials on nondonors' willingness to
      donate blood.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anxiety is a frequently cited barrier to blood donor recruitment.
      Although the mere presence of donation paraphernalia can heighten anxiety for
      some individuals, such stimuli are a necessary and unavoidable part of donation.
      Drawing on France and colleagues' research on tailored donor education and coping
      materials, the current study assessed whether modifying recruitment materials
      could improve donor recruitment in a context where anxiety is heightened. STUDY
      DESIGN AND METHODS: A field study comprising a 2 (presence or absence of a mobile
      blood collection unit [MCU]) * 2 (recruitment brochure: standard, coping) between
      subjects design was conducted with 922 nondonors who believed themselves eligible
      to donate blood. In either the presence or absence of the MCU, participants
      received a standard or modified recruitment brochure modeled on France and
      colleagues' education and coping materials. Donation anxiety, attitude,
      subjective norm, self-efficacy, and intention were assessed, and donation
      behavior was tracked for 30 days. RESULTS: Participants who were assessed in the
      presence of the MCU reported heightened anxiety, and female participants reported
      decreased self-efficacy. The coping brochure improved self-efficacy, heightened
      the intention to donate in the presence of the MCU, and promoted blood donation
      behavior relative to the standard brochure. Path analyses supported a model in
      which, in the presence of the MCU, the coping brochure boosted self-efficacy and
      led to increased donation intention and behavior. CONCLUSIONS: In a context in
      which donation-related anxiety is heightened, provision of materials that address
      prospective donor concerns and suggest coping strategies can bolster self
      efficacy and promote recruitment.

PMID- 27667319
TI  - Tying a Molecular Overhand Knot of Single Handedness and Asymmetric Catalysis
      with the Corresponding Pseudo-D3-Symmetric Trefoil Knot.
AB  - We report the stereoselective synthesis of a left-handed trefoil knot from a
      tris(2,6-pyridinedicarboxamide) oligomer with six chiral centers using a
      lanthanide(III) ion template. The oligomer folds around the lanthanide ion to
      form an overhand knot complex of single handedness. Subsequent joining of the
      overhand knot end groups by ring-closing olefin metathesis affords a single
      enantiomer of the trefoil knot in 90% yield. The knot topology and handedness
      were confirmed by NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and X-ray crystallography.
      The pseudo-D3-symmetric knot was employed as an asymmetric catalyst in Mukaiyama
      aldol reactions, generating enantioselectivities of up to 83:17 er, which are
      significantly higher than those obtained with a comparable unknotted ligand
      complex.

PMID- 27667321
TI  - Therapeutic potential of the immunomodulatory proteins Wuchereria bancrofti L2
      and Brugia malayi abundant larval transcript 2 against streptozotocin-induced
      type 1 diabetes in mice.
AB  - Epidemiological and experimental evidence has supported the concept of using
      helminths as alternative bio-therapeutic agents in the treatment of type 1
      diabetes (T1D). In the current study, two filarial proteins, recombinant
      Wuchereria bancrofti L2 (rWbL2) and Brugia malayi abundant larval transcript 2
      (rBmALT-2) have been investigated, individually and in combination, for their
      therapeutic potential in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced T1D. The rWbL2 and rBmALT-2
      proteins, when administered individually or in combination, have resulted in
      lowering of the blood glucose levels and reducing the incidence of T1D in mice.
      In addition, these proteins have led to reduced lymphocytic infiltration and
      decreased islet damage and inflammation. The curative effect was found to be
      associated with the suppression of release of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF
      alpha) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), and increased production of interleukin
      (IL)-4, IL-5 and IL-10 cytokines by the splenocytes of the diabetic mice. Insulin
      specific IgG1 and antigen-specific IgE antibodies were found to be elevated in
      the sera of mice treated with rWbL2 and rBmALT-2 proteins. From the findings in
      this study, it can be envisaged that both of these filarial immunomodulatory
      proteins have the potential to ameliorate T1D by altering the regulatory immune
      responses.

PMID- 27667320
TI  - Why cognitive penetration of our perceptual experience is still the most
      plausible account.
AB  - To what extent is our perceptual experience influenced by higher cognitive
      phenomena like beliefs, desires, concepts, templates? Given recent arguments
      against the possibility of cognitive penetration, we present striking evidence
      against the impenetrability claims. The weak impenetrability claim cannot account
      for (1) extensive structural feedback organization of the brain, (2) temporally
      very early feedback loops and (3) functional top-down processes modulating early
      visual processes by category-specific information. The strong impenetrability
      claim could incorporate these data by widening the "perceptual module" such that
      it includes rich but still internal processing in a very large perceptual module.
      We argue that this latter view leads to an implausible version of a module.
      Therefore, we have to accept cognitive penetration of our perceptual experience
      as the best theoretical account so far given the available empirical evidence. We
      outline that this does not have any problematic consequences for the relation
      between perception and cognition.

PMID- 27667322
TI  - Standardization of capillary electrophoresis for diagnosis of fragile X syndrome
      in the Brazilian public health system.
AB  - Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common cause of inherited intellectual
      disability. The most common etiology of the syndrome is expansion and methylation
      of a CGG trinucleotide at chromosome region Xq27.3 involving FMR1 (fragile X
      mental retardation 1 gene). This disorder is commonly underdiagnosed in children
      and adolescents, given the high clinical variability. In Brazil, molecular
      diagnosis of FXS by CE does not exist in the public health system. The current
      standard for separation and identification of DNA fragment sizes is 50 cm CE,
      which is uncommon in public genotyping laboratories. This study describes the
      standardization of 36 cm CE for fragment analysis of samples from patients with
      intellectual disability suggestive of FXS. Genomic dsDNA was isolated from
      patients and amplified by PCR using the FMR1 AmplideX(r) Kit. It was then
      possible to detect changes in repeat length of FMR1, such as full mutation and
      premutation. Thus, the proposed standardization proved to be effective for the
      diagnosis of FXS, permitting suitable genetic counseling for families. Inclusion
      of molecular testing such as this in the Brazilian public health service bridges
      the gap between available technologies and effective diagnosis, universalizing
      access to genetic testing in central Brazil.

PMID- 27667323
TI  - Suspicious case with laser-induced chrysiasis: Hyperpigmentation following laser
      toning with neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet in a woman previously treated with
      microneedle therapy system using gold.

PMID- 27667324
TI  - Nadolol reduces insulin sensitivity in liver cirrhosis: a randomized double-blind
      crossover trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Liver cirrhosis is frequently complicated by portal hypertension
      leading to increased mortality from variceal bleeding and hepatic decompensation.
      Noncardioselective beta-blockers not only reduce portal hypertension and prevent
      variceal bleeding in cirrhosis but also impair glucose tolerance and insulin
      sensitivity in other settings. This study aimed to determine whether nonselective
      beta-blockade with nadolol impairs glucose metabolism in liver cirrhosis.
      METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial of
      nadolol in cirrhotic patients examined insulin sensitivity, disposition index,
      and glucose tolerance. Stable cirrhotic patients of mixed etiology underwent an
      intravenous glucose tolerance test and hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp for the
      measurement of insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity (n = 16) and a 75-g oral
      glucose tolerance test (n = 17). These measurements were conducted twice (after 3
      months of treatment with nadolol or placebo and, after a 1-month washout period,
      after 3 months on the alternative treatment). Total body fat and plasma
      catecholamines were measured at the end of each 3-month treatment. RESULTS:
      Compared with placebo, nadolol treatment reduced insulin sensitivity (79.7 +/-
      10.1 vs 99.6 +/- 10.3 MUL/kg fat-free mass.min-1 .(mU/L)-1 , P = .005). Insulin
      secretion was unchanged (P = .24), yielding a lower disposition index with
      nadolol (6083 +/- 2007 vs 8692 +/- 2036, P = .050). There was no change in total
      body fat or plasma catecholamines. A 2-hour plasma glucose concentration from the
      oral glucose tolerance test was higher on nadolol than placebo (10.8 +/- 0.9 vs
      9.9 +/- 0.9 mmol/L, P = .035). CONCLUSIONS: Nadolol significantly worsened
      insulin sensitivity, glycemia, and disposition index in patients with liver
      cirrhosis. These findings may have significant clinical implications because
      cirrhosis is already associated with an increased prevalence of diabetes.

PMID- 27667325
TI  - Identification of bacterial pathogens and antimicrobial resistance directly from
      clinical urines by nanopore-based metagenomic sequencing.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The introduction of metagenomic sequencing to diagnostic microbiology
      has been hampered by slowness, cost and complexity. We explored whether MinION
      nanopore sequencing could accelerate diagnosis and resistance profiling, using
      complicated urinary tract infections as an exemplar. METHODS: Bacterial DNA was
      enriched from clinical urines (n = 10) and from healthy urines 'spiked' with
      multiresistant Escherichia coli (n = 5), then sequenced by MinION. Sequences were
      analysed using external databases and bioinformatic pipelines or, ultimately,
      using integrated real-time analysis applications. Results were compared with
      Illumina data and resistance phenotypes. RESULTS: MinION correctly identified
      pathogens without culture and, among 55 acquired resistance genes detected in the
      cultivated bacteria by Illumina sequencing, 51 were found by MinION sequencing
      directly from the urines; with three of the four failures in an early run with
      low genome coverage. Resistance-conferring mutations and allelic variants were
      not reliably identified. CONCLUSIONS: MinION sequencing comprehensively
      identified pathogens and acquired resistance genes from urine in a timeframe
      similar to PCR (4 h from sample to result). Bioinformatic pipeline optimization
      is needed to better detect resistances conferred by point mutations. Metagenomic
      sequencing-based diagnosis will enable clinicians to adjust antimicrobial therapy
      before the second dose of a typical (i.e. every 8 h) antibiotic.

PMID- 27667326
TI  - Ion-Exchange-Induced 2D-3D Conversion of HMA1-x FAx PbI3 Cl Perovskite into a
      High-Quality MA1-x FAx PbI3 Perovskite.
AB  - High-quality phase-pure MA1-x FAx PbI3 planar films (MA=methylammonium,
      FA=formamidinium) with extended absorption and enhanced thermal stability are
      difficult to deposit by regular simple solution chemistry approaches owing to
      crystallization competition between the easy-to-crystallize but unwanted delta
      FAPbI3 /MAPbI3 and FAx MA1-x PbI3 requiring rigid crystallization conditions.
      Here A 2D-3D conversion to transform compact 2D mixed composition HMA1-x FAx PbI3
      Cl perovskite precursor films into 3D MA1-x FAx PbI3 (x=0.1-0.9) perovskites is
      presented. The designed Cl/I and H/FA(MA) ion exchange reaction induced fast
      transformation of compact 2D perovskite film, helping to form the phase-pure and
      high quality MA1-x FAx PbI3 without delta-FAPbI3 and MAPbI3 impurity. In all, we
      successfully developed a facile one-step method to fabricate high quality phase
      pure MA1-x FAx PbI3 (x=0.1-0.9) perovskite films by 2D-3D conversion of HMA1-x
      FAx PbI3 Cl perovskite. This 2D-3D conversion is a promising strategy for lead
      halide perovskite fabrication.

PMID- 27667327
TI  - Chemotherapeutic treatment reduces circulating levels of surfactant protein-D in
      children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surfactant protein D (SP-D) is a host defense molecule of the innate
      immune system that enhances pathogen clearance and modulates inflammatory
      responses. We hypothesized that circulating SP-D levels are associated with
      chemotherapy-induced mucositis and infectious morbidity in children with acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). PROCEDURE: In a prospective study, 43 children
      receiving treatment for ALL were monitored for mucosal toxicity from diagnosis
      through the induction phase of treatment. Serial blood draws were taken to
      determine the levels of SP-D, interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein, and white
      blood cells. Data on fever, antibiotics, and bacteremia were collected. Baseline
      levels of circulating SP-D were compared with healthy controls. RESULTS: Baseline
      values of circulating SP-D were similar to levels in healthy controls (median:
      829 ng/ml vs. 657 ng/ml, respectively, P > 0.05). After initiation of
      chemotherapy, a significant reduction in SP-D levels was observed at all time
      points: 704 ng/ml at day 8, 413 ng/ml at day 15, 395 ng/ml at day 22, and 520
      ng/ml at day 29 (all, P < 0.05). No significant associations between SP-D values,
      the occurrence of mucosal toxicity, or infectious morbidity were observed.
      However, loss of circulating SP-D from days 8 to 15 was associated with more
      systemic inflammation, and lower SP-D values at day 15 were associated with
      elevated intestinal mucositis scores (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The current study
      supports the hypothesis that the detrimental effect of chemotherapy on patients'
      immune functions includes decreased circulating levels of innate mucosal
      molecules such as SP-D, potentially aggravating mucosal and systemic inflammatory
      responses.

PMID- 27667329
TI  - Effects of a Japan Diet Intake Program on Metabolic Parameters in Middle-Aged
      Men.
AB  - AIM: We conducted a pilot study to clarify the effects of the Japan Diet
      nutritional education program on metabolic risk factors for atherosclerotic
      cardiovascular disease in middle-aged men who were brought up in the westernized
      dietary environment of modern Japan. METHODS: Thirty-three men, 30-49 years of
      age, attended a nutrition education class to learn food items and recommended
      volumes comprising the Japan Diet (more fish, soybeans and soy products,
      vegetables, seaweed, mushrooms and unrefined cereals, and less animal fat, meat
      and poultry with fat, sweets, desserts and snacks, and alcoholic drinks), and
      were encouraged to consume the Japan Diet for 6 weeks. Anthropometric and
      biochemical parameters were measured and 3-day weighted dietary records were kept
      before and at completion of the intervention. RESULTS: Ninety-one percent of
      participants showed improvements in more than one cardiovascular risk factor
      after 6 weeks. Body weight, serum low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol,
      malondialdehyde modified (MDA)-LDL and triglyceride concentrations decreased
      significantly, while high density lipoprotein cholesterol was unchanged. Fish,
      soy, and sum of seaweed, mushrooms and konjak intakes doubled, and green and
      yellow vegetable intakes also increased as compared to baseline. Meanwhile,
      intakes of refined cereals, meat and poultry, sweets, desserts and snacks, and
      margarine and shortening decreased. Total energy, lipid, and saturated and
      monounsaturated fatty acid intakes decreased, while n-3 polyunsaturated fatty
      acid, dietary fiber, beta-carotene, vitamins D and K, potassium, and magnesium
      increased, with no change in sodium intake. CONCLUSIONS: The Japan Diet is
      suggested to improve atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk factors in
      middle-aged Japanese men.The clinical trial registration number: UMIN000020639.

PMID- 27667328
TI  - Fifty-year Time Trends in Blood Pressures, Body Mass Index and their Relations in
      a Japanese Community: The Circulatory Risk in Communities Study (CIRCS).
AB  - AIM: Data for long-term trends in blood pressures, body mass index (BMI), and
      their relations are needed to set future intervention priorities for prevention
      of cardiovascular disease. The objective of this study was to investigate these
      trends revealed by repeated cross-sectional surveys conducted from 1963 to 2013
      in a Japanese community. METHODS: Men and women aged 40-79 years who participated
      in annual cardiovascular checkups were enrolled, and the number of participants
      ranged between 1,776 and 2,366 with consistently high participation rates for
      both sexes aged 60-69 years. Sex- and age-specific mean systolic and diastolic
      blood pressures were calculated using mixed effects modeling for repeated
      measurement, and the prevalence of hypertension with and without obesity (BMI >=
      25 kg/m2) were also calculated. RESULTS: Sex- and age-specific mean systolic and
      diastolic blood pressures declined irrespective of antihypertensive medication
      use in both men and women from 1963-1966 to 2009-2013, while mean BMI increased
      among men of all ages and women of ages 60-69 and 70-79 years. For both sexes
      aged 60-69 years, the prevalence of hypertension with obesity increased, but the
      prevalence of hypertension without obesity was still higher that with obesity.
      CONCLUSIONS: Despite the transition to increased BMI levels, targeting non to
      obese hypertension remains important in addition to targeting obese hypertension
      for cardiovascular disease prevention.

PMID- 27667330
TI  - Brief education to promote maternal influenza vaccine uptake: A randomized
      controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although pregnant women are the highest priority group for seasonal
      influenza vaccination, maternal influenza vaccination rates remain suboptimal.
      The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a brief education
      intervention on maternal influenza vaccine uptake. METHODS: During the 2013-14
      and 2014-15 influenza seasons, we recruited 321 pregnant women from the antenatal
      clinics of 4 out of 8 public hospitals in Hong Kong with obstetric services.
      Hospitals were geographically dispersed and provided services to pregnant women
      with variable socioeconomic backgrounds. Participants were randomized to receive
      either standard antenatal care or brief one-to-one education. Participants
      received telephone follow-up at 2 weeks postpartum. The primary study outcome was
      self-reported receipt of influenza vaccination during pregnancy. The secondary
      outcomes were the proportion of participants who initiated discussion about
      influenza vaccination with a health care professional and the proportion of
      participants who attempted to get vaccinated. RESULTS: Compared with participants
      who received standard care, the vaccination rate was higher among participants
      who received brief education (21.1% vs. 10%; p=0.006). More participants in the
      education group initiated discussion about influenza vaccination with their HCP
      (19.9% vs. 13.1%; p=0.10), but the difference was not statistically significant.
      Of participants who did not receive the influenza vaccine (n=271), 45 attempted
      to get vaccinated. A significantly higher proportion of participants who
      attempted to get vaccinated were in the intervention group (82.2% vs. 17.8%;
      p<0.001). If participants who had attempted vaccination had received the vaccine,
      vaccination rates would have been substantially higher (44.1% vs. 15%; p<0.001).
      Twenty-six participants were advised against influenza vaccination by a
      healthcare professional, including general practitioners, obstetricians, and
      nurses. CONCLUSION: Although brief education was effective in improving
      vaccination uptake among pregnant women, overall vaccination rates remain
      suboptimal. Multicomponent approaches, including positive vaccination
      recommendations by healthcare professionals, are needed to promote maternal
      influenza vaccination. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: www.clinicaltrials.gov
      (NCT01772901).

PMID- 27667331
TI  - A paper-based immunoassay to determine HPV vaccination status at the point-of
      care.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To develop and evaluate a paper-based point-of-care HPV serology test
      to determine if an individual has received two or more HPV immunizations.
      METHODS: The paper-based immunoassay was constructed using a nitrocellulose
      lateral flow strip with adsorbed HPV16 virus-like particles serving as the
      capturing moiety. Three capture zones containing virus-like particles were placed
      in series to allow for visual discrimination between high and low HPV16 plasma
      antibody concentrations. A plasma separation membrane was used to allow whole
      blood to be applied directly to the assay. All reagents were dried on glass fiber
      pads during device fabrication and were rehydrated with buffer at the time of
      use. A pilot study consisting of 35 subjects with a history of zero, one, two or
      three HPV vaccines was conducted to evaluate the immunoassay. The completed paper
      based immunoassays were scanned for visual interpretation by three researchers
      who were blinded to the true results and separately evaluated quantitatively
      using MATLAB. RESULTS: For the 28 tests valid for analysis, fifteen subjects
      reported receiving two or more HPV vaccines, three reported receiving one, and
      ten reported having no HPV vaccinations. The paper-based immunoassays for all
      fifteen subjects who reported having received two or more HPV vaccines were
      judged positive by all researchers. Twelve of the thirteen tests from individuals
      reporting one or zero vaccinations were deemed negative by all observers. One
      test from an unvaccinated individual was judged positive by two out of three
      reviewers. Quantitatively, all tests were correctly separated between the two
      groups. CONCLUSIONS: We successfully designed and tested a HPV serology test
      amenable to the point-of-care. The device showed promising results in a pilot
      study for discriminating between those who received two or more HPV vaccinations
      and those who did not. Furthermore, this device offers a platform for producing
      other semi-quantitative point-of-care serological tests.

PMID- 27667333
TI  - Rare earth and trace element signatures for assessing an impact of rock mining
      and processing on the environment: Wisniowka case study, south-central Poland.
AB  - A detailed hydrogeochemical study was performed in the Wisniowka mining area
      (south-central Poland). This covered three acid pit bodies, historic tailings
      acid ponds, acid pools, and additionally two neighboring rivers. All these acid
      mine drainage (AMD) waters are characterized by the pH in the range of 1.7
      (pools) to 3.5 (tailings ponds). The most interesting is the Podwisniowka acid
      pit lake that shows a very low pH (2.2-2.5) and very high concentrations of SO42-
      (2720-5460 mg/L), Fe (545-1140 mg/L), Al (86.2 mg/L), As (9603-24,883 MUg/L), Co
      (1317-3458 MUg/L), Cr (753-2047 MUg/L), Cu (6307-18,879 MUg/L), Ni (1168-3127
      MUg/L), and rare earth element (REE) (589-1341 MUg/L). In addition, seeps that
      drain the Podwisniowka mine tailings and partly aggregate piles form strong acid
      pools in the mining area. Along with these pools, in which As and REE contents
      reach 369,726 and 6288 MUg/L, respectively, these waters are among the most
      distinctive As- and REE-rich AMD surface waters across the world. It is
      noteworthy that the Podwisniowka acid pit lake and Wisniowka Duza acid pit sump
      exhibit different element signatures and REE concentration patterns normalized to
      North American Composite Shale (NASC): the Podwisniowka acid pit lake always
      shows a characteristic roof-shaped medium REE (MREE) profile with distinct
      enrichments in Gd, Eu, and Tb whereas the other one displays a step-shaped heavy
      REE (HREE) profile with positive Tb and Gd anomalies. The REE undergo
      fractionation during weathering and the subsequent leaching of dissolved and
      suspended fractions from rocks to acid water bodies where these and other
      elements are further fractionated by geochemical processes. This study shows that
      the individual REE have greater affinities for Mn, HREE for Fe and SO42-, and
      only La and Ce for Al. This specific water geochemistry has enabled us to (i)
      pinpoint the location of AMD "hot spots" originated from quartzite mining and
      processing operations conducted by current and previous mining companies, (ii)
      predict the directions and effects of future strip mining for quartzites in the
      Wisniowka Duza and Podwisniowka open pits, and (iii) evaluate the potential
      impact of mining and processing effluents on the quality of rivers.

PMID- 27667332
TI  - A phase 1, open-label, randomized study to compare the immunogenicity and safety
      of different administration routes and doses of virosomal influenza vaccine in
      elderly.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Influenza remains a significant problem in elderly despite widespread
      vaccination coverage. This randomized, phase-I study in elderly compared
      different strategies of improving vaccine immunogenicity. METHODS: A total of 370
      healthy participants (?65years) were randomized equally 1:1:1:1:1:1 to six
      influenza vaccine treatments (approximately 60-63 participants per treatment arm)
      at day 1 that consisted of three investigational virosomal vaccine formulations
      at doses of 7.5, 15, and 45MUg HA antigen/strain administered intradermally (ID)
      by MicronJet600TM microneedle device (NanoPass Technologies) or intramuscularly
      (IM), and three comparator registered seasonal vaccines; Inflexal VTM (Janssen)
      and MF59 adjuvanted FluadTM (Novartis) administered IM and IntanzaTM (Sanofi
      Pasteur) administered ID via SoluviaTM prefilled microinjection system (BD).
      Serological evaluations were performed at days 22 and 90 and safety followed-up
      for 6months. RESULTS: Intradermal delivery of virosomal vaccine using
      MicronJet600TM resulted in significantly higher immunogenicity than the
      equivalent dose of virosomal Inflexal VTM administered intramuscularly across
      most of the parameters and strains, as well as in some of the readouts and
      strains as compared with the 45MUg dose of virosomal vaccine formulation. Of 370
      participants, 300 (81.1%) reported ?1 adverse event (AE); more participants
      reported solicited local AEs (72.2%) than solicited systemic AEs (12.2%).
      CONCLUSIONS: Intradermal delivery significantly improved influenza vaccine
      immunogenicity compared with intramuscular delivery. Triple dose (45MUg)
      virosomal vaccine did not demonstrate any benefit on vaccine's immunogenicity
      over 15MUg commercial presentation. All treatments were generally safe and well
      tolerated.

PMID- 27667335
TI  - Time to go wireless? A 15-year single institution experience of radioisotope
      occult lesion localisation (ROLL) for impalpable breast lesions.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Wire guided localisation (WGL) is the standard localisation
      technique for impalpable breast lesions. Radio-guided occult lesion localisation
      (ROLL) has been proposed as an alternative. We have been performing ROLL for
      therapeutic wide local excisions (WLE) and diagnostic excision biopsies (DEB) for
      the last 15 years. We present the largest reported consecutive series of ROLL
      excisions to date. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One thousand thirty nine consecutive
      patients who underwent ROLL for impalpable breast lesions were identified from a
      prospectively collected database. 673 patients underwent WLE and 366 patients
      underwent DEB. Data were analysed from proformas completed at the time of the
      procedure by the radiologist and operating surgeon. These data were supplemented
      with an analysis of patient electronic records including specimen radiograph and
      histopathology reports. RESULTS: 99.1% of ROLL WLE revealed histological
      diagnoses of invasive cancer or DCIS. 98.7% of radiological abnormalities were
      identified on WLE post-excision radiographs (97.5% following DEB). Complete
      excision was recorded in 79.0% of the WLE patients following histological
      evaluation. 31.7% of DEB cases were pathologically upgraded to a malignant
      diagnosis. The presence of microcalcification, preoperative underestimation of
      the lesion size and symptomatic referral predisposed to incomplete excision
      status. DISCUSSION: ROLL is a safe and effective technique to localise impalpable
      breast lesions. In addition ROLL has potential technical and logistic advantages
      over WGL.

PMID- 27667336
TI  - The Role of Endoproteolytic Processing in Neurodegeneration.
AB  - Endoproteolysis is a normal post-translational process in the eukaryotic cell
      that plays a role in protein evolution allowing protein catabolism and the
      generation of amino acids. Endoproteolytic cleavage regulates many crucial
      cellular processes including the activity of many proteins, their protein-protein
      interactions and the amplification of cell signals. Not surprisingly, disruption
      or alternation of endoproteolytic cleavage may be the root cause of many human
      diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease and prion diseases.
      Most neurodegenerative diseases (ND) are caused by the build-up of misfolded
      proteins and the promotion of aggregation events. A common event that occurs in
      these ND is the alteration of endoproteolytic cleavage due to genetic mutations
      of the associated-proteases or target substrate. Endoproteolytic cleavage
      resulting in protein truncation has significant effects on the structure and
      function of a protein representing a common feature of ND. In this review, we
      will discuss the endoproteolytic cleavage events that lead to ND, namely
      Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease and prion diseases.

PMID- 27667334
TI  - Crucial steps in the structure determination of a coronavirus spike glycoprotein
      using cryo-electron microscopy.
AB  - The tremendous pandemic potential of coronaviruses was demonstrated twice in the
      last 15 years by two global outbreaks of deadly pneumonia. Entry of coronaviruses
      into cells is mediated by the transmembrane spike glycoprotein S, which forms a
      trimer carrying receptor-binding and membrane fusion functions. Despite their
      biomedical importance, coronavirus S glycoproteins have proven difficult targets
      for structural characterization, precluding high-resolution studies of the
      biologically relevant trimer. Recent technological developments in single
      particle cryo-electron microscopy allowed us to determine the first structure of
      a coronavirus S glycoprotein trimer which provided a framework to understand the
      mechanisms of viral entry and suggested potential inhibition strategies for this
      family of viruses. Here, we describe the key factors that enabled this
      breakthrough.

PMID- 27667337
TI  - Why are behavioral and immune traits linked?
AB  - Through behavior, animals interact with a world where parasites abound. It is
      easy to understand how behavioral traits can thus have a differential effect on
      pathogen exposure. Harder to understand is why we observe behavioral traits to be
      linked to immune defense traits. Is variation in immune traits a consequence of
      behavior-induced variation in immunological experiences? Or is variation in
      behavioral traits a function of immune capabilities? Is our immune system a much
      bigger driver of personality than anticipated? In this review, I provide examples
      of how behavioral and immune traits co-vary. I then explore the different routes
      linking behavioral and immune traits, emphasizing on the physiological/hormonal
      mechanisms that could lead to immune control of behavior. Finally, I discuss why
      we should aim at understanding more about the mechanisms connecting these
      phenotypic traits.

PMID- 27667338
TI  - Do active patients seek higher quality prenatal care?: A panel data analysis from
      Nairobi, Kenya.
AB  - Despite poverty and limited access to health care, evidence is growing that
      patients in low-income countries are taking a more active role in their selection
      of health care providers. Urban areas such as Nairobi, Kenya offer a rich context
      for studying these "active" patients because of the large number of heterogeneous
      providers available. We use a unique panel dataset from 2015 in which 402
      pregnant women from peri-urban (the "slums" of) Nairobi, Kenya were interviewed
      three times over the course of their pregnancy and delivery, allowing us to
      follow women's care decisions and their perceptions of the quality of care they
      received. We define active antenatal care (ANC) patients as those women who
      switch ANC providers and explore the prevalence, characteristics and care-seeking
      behavior of these patients. We analyze whether active ANC patients appear to be
      seeking out higher quality facilities and whether they are more satisfied with
      their care. Women in our sample visit over 150 different public and private ANC
      facilities. Active patients are more educated and more likely to have high risk
      pregnancies, but have otherwise similar characteristics to non-active patients.
      We find that active patients are increasingly likely to pay for private care
      (despite public care being free) and to receive a higher quality of care over the
      course of their pregnancy. We find that active patients appear more satisfied
      with their care over the course of pregnancy, as they are increasingly likely to
      choose to deliver at the facility providing their ANC.

PMID- 27667339
TI  - Gun violence in Americans' social network during their lifetime.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The overall burden of gun violence death and injury in the US is
      now well understood. However, no study has shown the extent to which gun violence
      is associated with the individual lives of Americans. METHODS: We used fatal and
      non-fatal gun injury rates in 2013 from Centers for Disease Control and
      Prevention's Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS) and
      generally accepted estimates about the size of an American's social network to
      determine the likelihood that any given person will know someone in their
      personal social network who is a victim of gun violence during their lifetime. We
      derived estimates in the overall population and among racial/ethnic groups and by
      gun-injury intent. RESULTS: The likelihood of knowing a gun violence victim
      within any given personal network over a lifetime is 99.85% (99.8% to 99.9%). The
      likelihood among non-Hispanic white, black, Hispanic and other race Americans
      were 97.1%, 99.9%, 99.5% and 88.9% respectively. CONCLUSION: Nearly all Americans
      of all racial/ethnic groups are likely to know a victim of gun violence in their
      social network during their lifetime.

PMID- 27667340
TI  - The Institute of Medicine Report on the Future of Nursing: Where Are We 5 Years
      Later?

PMID- 27667341
TI  - Letter to the Editor.

PMID- 27667342
TI  - Letter to the Editor.

PMID- 27667343
TI  - A Quality Improvement Project: Using the STOP-BANG Tool in a Military Population
      to Improve Equity in Preoperative Screening.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The lack of a preoperative screening tool to detect obstructive sleep
      apnea (OSA) may lead to an increase in postoperative complications. AIM: The aim
      of the study was to implement a prescreening tool to identify diagnosed or
      undiagnosed OSA before a surgical procedure. SETTING: The study was conducted in
      the surgical admission center and postanesthesia care unit at a military
      treatment facility in Hawaii. PARTICIPANTS: Participants of the study included
      military personnel, military family members, veterans, and veteran beneficiaries.
      METHODS: The STOP-BANG (snore/tired/obstruction/pressure-body mass
      index/age/neck/gender) tool was used between April and June 2013 to identify and
      stratify 1,625 patients into low-risk, intermediate-risk, high-risk, and known
      OSA categories. RESULTS: The STOP-BANG tool confirmed the diagnosed OSA rate to
      be 13.48%, and increased at-risk OSA detection by 24.69%. Hawaiians/Pacific
      Islanders were more frequently found to be at risk with known OSA, likely to have
      complications, and be transferred to PACU 23-hour extended stay compared to other
      races and intermediate-risk and high-risk categories. CONCLUSION: The STOP-BANG
      tool identified and stratified surgical patients at risk for OSA and standardized
      OSA assessments.

PMID- 27667344
TI  - Correlational Study of Sleep Apnea Patient Characteristics With Discharge
      Locations.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine if a correlation exists between OSA patient characteristics
      and the PACU discharge location; and the characteristics of the patients at-risk
      for low saturation levels, increased number of desaturations, and longer length
      of stay in the PACU. DESIGN: Retrospective, correlational study design. METHOD:
      Chart review of OSA patients >= 18 years old. Correlational analysis was
      performed between 15 high risk patient variables and the PACU discharge
      disposition: home or monitored bed. Complications resulting in monitored bed
      admission were reviewed. FINDINGS: 153 patients' charts were reviewed. The
      results showed that age>60, ASA classification, anesthesia type and narcotics use
      in the PACU were significantly correlated (p<=.05) with a patient's discharge
      disposition. DISCUSSION: The findings are consistent with other OSA research
      except BMI was not significant in this study. CONCLUSION: The results highlighted
      areas for future research and implications for clinical practice that would
      enable the perioperative care team to deliver safe care based on evidence.

PMID- 27667345
TI  - Implementing Capnography in the PACU and Beyond.
AB  - The potential risk of adverse effects from hypoventilation due to intravenous
      and/or intrathecal narcotic administration was recognized. Sauk Prairie Memorial
      Hospital and Clinics understood the limitations with the use of pulse oximetry
      and respiratory assessment in detecting adequate ventilation. Evidence has shown
      that capnography is the best indicator of respiratory depression. This article
      describes the implementation of monitoring program for high risk patients. Early
      recognition of respiratory depression via capnography has enabled Sauk Prairie
      Memorial Hospital to safely care for patients having intravenous and intrathecal
      narcotics. 

PMID- 27667346
TI  - Nursing Management of Delirium in the Postanesthesia Care Unit and Intensive Care
      Unit.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to examine nurses' approaches to care of
      patients with postoperative delirium in the postanesthesia care unit and
      intensive care unit. DESIGN: A descriptive survey design was used. METHODS:
      Eighty-seven nurses who have been working at a Training and Research Hospital in
      Erzurum, east of Turkey, were enrolled in this study between October 1 and
      November 20, 2012. FINDINGS: 83.9% of the nurses reported that they had given
      pharmacologic therapy for pain management in delirium patients, 39.1% massage,
      31.0% rhythmic breathing exercise, and 26.4% music therapy. 90.8% of nurses also
      stated that they reduced noise and lighting at night to ensure normal sleep
      pattern. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses need to be supported to take part in courses,
      conferences, and training seminars. A standard data tool or scale needs to be
      used to assess delirium routinely in all patients admitted.

PMID- 27667347
TI  - How the Nurse Anesthetist Decides to Manage Perioperative Fluid Status.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the factors that affect how nurse anesthetists in a county
      in Sweden decide how to manage perioperative fluid status. DESIGN: A cross
      sectional qualitative study was conducted at two surgical wards in a county
      hospital. METHODS: Sixteen nurse anesthetists were interviewed to explore how
      nurse anesthetists assess patients' intraoperative fluid requirements and the
      subsequent measures adopted. FINDING: Three categories emerged through content
      analysis: clinical criteria and the thought process that drives decision making,
      interdependence in decision making, and uncertainty in decision making.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed differences with regard to fluid management
      among nurse anesthetists in a county in Sweden. For the assessments and
      subsequent measures that are carried out to ensure optimal fluid therapy, more
      research is needed to provide evidence, and evidence-based guidelines need to be
      developed in Sweden.

PMID- 27667348
TI  - Effects of Enhanced Family Visitation in Postanesthesia Services.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this project was to assess the impact of an enhanced
      postanesthesia unit (PACU) family visitation program on surgical services staff.
      DESIGN: This project was a cross-sectional study using a mixed methods approach.
      METHODS: A survey, including scaled and qualitative items, was administered to
      surgical services personnel. FINDINGS: A significant positive change occurred in
      respondents' feelings of comfort when providing emotional support to family
      members, and 2013 respondents agreed more often than earlier respondents with the
      notion that family members should have the option to visit in the PACU.
      Qualitative data showed continuing concerns with space, privacy, and interference
      with patient care. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of enhanced visiting policies in
      the PACU is associated with positive changes in staff attitudes toward family
      visitation and no diminishment of staff commitment to family support generally,
      but barriers to family visitation are persistent and substantial.

PMID- 27667349
TI  - Perioperative Patient Advocacy: An Integrative Review.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this review was to identify the characteristics and
      consequences of perioperative patient advocacy. DESIGN: An integrative review
      method was employed. METHODS: A database search to identify peer-reviewed
      articles that focused on perioperative patient advocacy was conducted in PubMed
      and CINAHL, followed by a manual search for additional articles. Studies were
      selected if they reported original empirical research findings with regard to
      perioperative patient advocacy. The data abstraction and synthesis were achieved
      with an inductive qualitative content analysis. FINDING: The analysis resulted in
      seven categories, two subthemes, and one main theme. The main theme, "Doing good
      for another human being-a balancing act between philanthropy and personal
      gratification," was the core of perioperative patient advocacy. CONCLUSION:
      Perioperative patient advocacy is part of the professional role of the
      perioperative nurse, and it affects the perioperative nurse emotionally. This
      advocacy shares similarities with descriptions of patient advocacy in general
      nursing.

PMID- 27667350
TI  - Ambulatory Surgery and Obstructive Sleep Apnea-A Challenge and Opportunity for
      Patient Health Teaching.

PMID- 27667351
TI  - Evidence Into Practice: Disseminating an Evidence-Based Practice Project as a
      Poster.

PMID- 27667352
TI  - Postoperative Pain Management: Clinical Practice Guidelines.

PMID- 27667354
TI  - A Race to the Polls: One in 45.

PMID- 27667353
TI  - Therapeutic Play Intervention.

PMID- 27667355
TI  - Body Image in Transmen: Multidimensional Measurement and the Effects of
      Mastectomy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Transmen are generally dissatisfied with their breasts and often
      opt for mastectomy. However, little is known about the specific effects of this
      procedure on this group's body image. AIM: To prospectively assess the effect of
      mastectomy on the body image of transmen, including cognitive, emotional, and
      behavioral aspects. METHODS: During a 10-month period, all transmen applying for
      mastectomy were invited to participate in this study. The 33 participants
      completed assessments preoperatively and at least 6 months postoperatively. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURES: Participants were surveyed on body satisfaction (Body Image
      Scale for Transsexuals), body attitudes (Multidimensional Body-Self Relations
      Questionnaire), appearance schemas (Appearance Schemas Inventory), situational
      bodily feelings (Situational Inventory of Body Image Dysphoria), body image
      related quality of life (Body Image Quality of Life Inventory), and self-esteem
      (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale). Control values were retrieved from the literature
      and a college sample. RESULTS: Before surgery, transmen reported less positive
      body attitudes and satisfaction, a lower self-esteem and body image-related
      quality of life compared with cisgender men and women. Mastectomy improved body
      satisfaction most strongly, although respondents reported improvements in all
      domains (eg, decreased dysphoria when looking in the mirror and improved feelings
      of self-worth). Most outcome measurements were strongly correlated. CONCLUSION:
      Mastectomy improves body image beyond satisfaction with chest appearance alone.
      Body satisfaction and feelings of "passing" in social situations are associated
      with a higher quality of life and self-esteem.

PMID- 27667356
TI  - Clitorally Stimulated Orgasms Are Associated With Better Control of Sexual
      Desire, and Not Associated With Depression or Anxiety, Compared With Vaginally
      Stimulated Orgasms.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Most women report that clitoral stimulation is an integral aspect
      of their orgasm experience. Thus, recent claims that vaginal stimulation and
      vaginally generated orgasms are superior to clitoral stimulation and clitorally
      generated orgasms pathologize most women and maintain a clitoral vs vaginal
      dichotomy that might not accurately reflect the complexity of women's sexual
      experience. AIM: To have women report on their experienced source of orgasm,
      including combinations of vaginal and clitoral stimulation, the solo or partnered
      context of the stimulation, and the intensity of the orgasms from different
      sources and to predict indicators of mental health and sexual health using the
      orgasm source. METHODS: Eighty-eight women 18 to 53 years old answered detailed
      questions about their usual and recent orgasm experiences, sexual history,
      depression, and anxiety. Then, they viewed a series of neutral and sexual films.
      They were instructed to increase or decrease their sexual arousal or respond "as
      usual" to the sexual films. They reported their sexual arousal after each film.
      MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcomes assessed included mental health (depression and
      anxiety) and sexual health (orgasm quality, ability to regulate sexual response
      to sex films). Reported sexual arousal was analyzed for the regulation task.
      RESULTS: Most women (64%) reported that clitoral and vaginal stimulation
      contributed to their usual method of reaching orgasm. Women who reported that
      clitoral stimulation was primarily responsible for their orgasm reported a higher
      desire to self-stimulate and demonstrated greater control over their self
      reported sexual arousal. The primary stimulation site for orgasm was unrelated to
      measurements of depression or anxiety despite sufficient statistical power.
      CONCLUSION: Most women reported that clitoral and vaginal stimulation is
      important in orgasm. Women experience orgasms in many varied patterns, a
      complexity that is often ignored by current methods of assessing orgasm source.
      The reported source of orgasm was unrelated to orgasm intensity, overall sex-life
      satisfaction, sexual distress, depression, or anxiety. Women who reported
      primarily stimulating their clitoris to reach orgasm reported higher trait sexual
      drive and higher sexual arousal to visual sexual stimulation and were better able
      to increase their sexual arousal to visual sexual stimulation when instructed
      than women who reported orgasms primarily from vaginal sources.

PMID- 27667357
TI  - Angiogenin elevates the invasive potential of squamous cell lung carcinoma cells
      through epithelial-mesenchymal transition.
AB  - Squamous cell carcinoma of the lung is one of the most aggressive cancers, and
      its aggressiveness is in part due to its intrinsic high rate of metastasis.
      Moreover, the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) appears to be
      involved in these neoplastic processes. Furthermore, EMT-type cells share many
      biological characteristics with the function of angiogenin (ANG) in squamous cell
      lung carcinoma. We conducted immunohistochemical analysis to detect the
      expression of ANG, E-cadherin, vimentin, N-cadherin, beta-catenin and TGF-beta1
      in 60 cases of squamous cell lung carcinoma tissues. Western blot analysis was
      adopted to detect the protein expression levels of ANG and EMT markers. The
      effects of ANG on proliferation, migration and invasion of squamous cell lung
      carcinoma cells was analyzed by Cell Counting Kit-8, scratch assay and Transwell
      invasion chamber in order to reveal the role of ANG in the process of EMT in
      squamous cell lung carcinoma. The results revealed that ANG was aberrantly
      expressed in the squamous cell lung carcinoma specimens and was closely
      correlated with the differentiation of the cell lines. The expression of ANG was
      also significantly associated with metastasis and the stage of the squamous cell
      lung carcinoma cases. In addition, we validated that ANG influenced the
      expression of vimentin, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, beta-catenin and TGF-beta1 in SK
      MES-1 cells. Most importantly, overexpression of ANG enhanced the migration and
      invasion of SK-MES-1 cells, while knockdown resulted in opposite effects. In the
      present study, we found that ANG plays an important role in EMT in squamous cell
      lung carcinoma and may be a valuable therapeutic target for squamous cell lung
      carcinoma.

PMID- 27667358
TI  - Tracing the neural basis of auditory entrainment.
AB  - Neurons in the auditory cortex synchronize their responses to temporal
      regularities in sound input. This coupling or "entrainment" is thought to
      facilitate beat extraction and rhythm perception in temporally structured sounds,
      such as music. As a consequence of such entrainment, the auditory cortex responds
      to an omitted (silent) sound in a regular sequence. Although previous studies
      suggest that the auditory brainstem frequency-following response (FFR) exhibits
      some of the beat-related effects found in the cortex, it is unknown whether
      omissions of sounds evoke a brainstem response. We simultaneously recorded
      cortical and brainstem responses to isochronous and irregular sequences of
      consonant-vowel syllable /da/ that contained sporadic omissions. The auditory
      cortex responded strongly to omissions, but we found no evidence of evoked
      responses to omitted stimuli from the auditory brainstem. However, auditory
      brainstem responses in the isochronous sound sequence were more consistent across
      trials than in the irregular sequence. These results indicate that the auditory
      brainstem faithfully encodes short-term acoustic properties of a stimulus and is
      sensitive to sequence regularity, but does not entrain to isochronous sequences
      sufficiently to generate overt omission responses, even for sequences that evoke
      such responses in the cortex. These findings add to our understanding of the
      processing of sound regularities, which is an important aspect of human cognitive
      abilities like rhythm, music and speech perception.

PMID- 27667359
TI  - An unanticipated question.

PMID- 27667360
TI  - SMC1A promotes growth and migration of prostate cancer in vitro and in vivo.
AB  - Structural maintenance of chromosome 1 alpha (SMC1A) gene has been reported to be
      related to tumor development in some types of human cancers. However, the
      misregulation of SMC1A and its functions in castration-resistant prostate cancer
      (CRPC) have not been well understood. In the present study, we found that SMC1A
      was elevated in androgen-independent PCa cell lines PC-3 and DU-145 compared to
      androgen sensitive LNCap and 22RV1 cells by qPCR and western blot assay.
      Knockdown of SMC1A inhibited cell growth, colony formation and cell migration
      abilities of PC-3 and DU145 cells by MTT, colony formation and transwell assays,
      and affected cell cycle progression in PC-3 and DU145 cells by flow cytometry.
      Moreover, SMC1A knockdown significantly reduced tumor growth in vivo in a nude
      mouse model. Additionally, we also found that the expression of SMC1A gene was
      higher in prostate cancer tissues than in the adjacent normal tissues by
      immunohistochemical staining, and was positively correlated to tumor metastasis
      and recurrence by Oncomine database mining. Taken together, the present study
      indicates that SMC1A may play an important role in malignant transformation of
      PCa under conditions of androgen deprivation and act as a new target for PCa
      diagnosis and treatment.

PMID- 27667361
TI  - Dopa-responsive dystonia or early-onset Parkinson disease - Genotype-phenotype
      correlation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Dopa-responsive dystonia (DRD) is a rare form of hereditary movement
      disorder with onset in childhood, characterized by gait difficulties due to
      postural dystonia with marked improvement after low doses of levodopa. Mutations
      in the GCH1 gene are the most common cause of DRD, however, in some cases when
      the disease is associated with parkinsonism mutations in the PARK2 gene may be
      identified. The aim of this study was to analyze and compare genotype-phenotype
      correlation. MATERIAL/PARTICIPANTS: Four families with inter- and intrafamilial
      variability of progressive gait dysfunction due to lower limb dystonia occurring
      in childhood or adolescence were included in the analysis. METHODS: General and
      neurological examination was performed for all affected family members and
      asymptomatic mutation carriers. The molecular analysis encompassed GCH1 and PARK2
      genes. RESULTS: All probands were clinically diagnosed with DRD. The molecular
      analysis revealed, however, that the dopa-responsive dystonia phenotype was
      caused by a mutation in the GCH1 gene in three families and in the PARK2 gene in
      one family. Obtained results allowed to establish the final diagnosis for all
      families as DYT5a or early-onset Parkinson disease (EO-PD). CONCLUSIONS: Reported
      cases confirm that the DRD phenotype may have heterogeneous genetic background
      and may be caused by point mutations or rearrangements in the GCH1 gene as well
      as in the PARK2 gene. Differential diagnosis and genetic tests covering the
      analysis of genes causative for DRD and EO-PD should be obligatory in both
      disorders diagnostics as DRD, mainly adolescent onset dystonia, may be associated
      with parkinsonism.

PMID- 27667362
TI  - Serotypes, virulence profiles and stx subtypes of Shigatoxigenic Escherichia coli
      isolated from chicken derived products.
AB  - Shigatoxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC) is a foodborne pathogen that causes
      hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and the consumption of chicken products has been
      related to some HUS cases. We performed a non-selective isolation and
      characterization of STEC strains from retail chicken products. STEC isolates were
      characterized according to the presence of stx1, stx2, eae, saa and ehxA; stx
      subtypes and serotypes. Most of them carried stx2, showing subtypes associated
      with severe human disease. Although reported in other avian species, the stx2f
      subtype was not detected. The isolates corresponded to different serotypes and
      some of them, such as O22:H8, O113:H21, O130:H11, O171:H2 and O178:H19, have also
      been identified among STEC isolated from patients suffering from diarrhea,
      hemorrhagic colitis, HUS, as well as from cattle. Considering the virulence
      profiles and serotypes identified, our results indicate that raw chicken
      products, especially hamburgers sold at butcheries, can be vehicles for high-risk
      STEC strains.

PMID- 27667363
TI  - Multi-omics Quantification of Species Variation of Escherichia coli Links
      Molecular Features with Strain Phenotypes.
AB  - Escherichia coli strains are widely used in academic research and biotechnology.
      New technologies for quantifying strain-specific differences and their underlying
      contributing factors promise greater understanding of how these differences
      significantly impact physiology, synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, and
      process design. Here, we quantified strain-specific differences in seven widely
      used strains of E. coli (BL21, C, Crooks, DH5a, K-12 MG1655, K-12 W3110, and W)
      using genomics, phenomics, transcriptomics, and genome-scale modeling. Metabolic
      physiology and gene expression varied widely with downstream implications for
      productivity, product yield, and titer. These differences could be linked to
      differential regulatory structure. Analyzing high-flux reactions and expression
      of encoding genes resulted in a correlated and quantitative link between these
      sets, with strain-specific caveats. Integrated modeling revealed that certain
      strains are better suited to produce given compounds or express desired
      constructs considering native expression states of pathways that enable high
      production phenotypes. This study yields a framework for quantitatively comparing
      strains in a species with implications for strain selection.

PMID- 27667364
TI  - Vimentin Intermediate Filaments Template Microtubule Networks to Enhance
      Persistence in Cell Polarity and Directed Migration.
AB  - Increased expression of vimentin intermediate filaments (VIFs) enhances directed
      cell migration, but the mechanism behind VIFs' effect on motility is not
      understood. VIFs interact with microtubules, whose organization contributes to
      polarity maintenance in migrating cells. Here, we characterize the dynamic
      coordination of VIF and microtubule networks in wounded monolayers of retinal
      pigment epithelial cells. By genome editing, we fluorescently labeled endogenous
      vimentin and alpha-tubulin, and we developed computational image analysis to
      delineate architecture and interactions of the two networks. Our results show
      that VIFs assemble an ultrastructural copy of the previously polarized
      microtubule network. Because the VIF network is long-lived compared to the
      microtubule network, VIFs template future microtubule growth along previous
      microtubule tracks, thus providing a feedback mechanism that maintains cell
      polarity. VIF knockdown prevents cells from polarizing and migrating properly
      during wound healing. We suggest that VIFs' templating function establishes a
      memory in microtubule organization that enhances persistence in cell polarization
      in general and migration in particular.

PMID- 27667365
TI  - A Single-Cell Transcriptomic Map of the Human and Mouse Pancreas Reveals Inter-
      and Intra-cell Population Structure.
AB  - Although the function of the mammalian pancreas hinges on complex interactions of
      distinct cell types, gene expression profiles have primarily been described with
      bulk mixtures. Here we implemented a droplet-based, single-cell RNA-seq method to
      determine the transcriptomes of over 12,000 individual pancreatic cells from four
      human donors and two mouse strains. Cells could be divided into 15 clusters that
      matched previously characterized cell types: all endocrine cell types, including
      rare epsilon-cells; exocrine cell types; vascular cells; Schwann cells; quiescent
      and activated stellate cells; and four types of immune cells. We detected
      subpopulations of ductal cells with distinct expression profiles and validated
      their existence with immuno-histochemistry stains. Moreover, among human beta-
      cells, we detected heterogeneity in the regulation of genes relating to
      functional maturation and levels of ER stress. Finally, we deconvolved bulk gene
      expression samples using the single-cell data to detect disease-associated
      differential expression. Our dataset provides a resource for the discovery of
      novel cell type-specific transcription factors, signaling receptors, and
      medically relevant genes.

PMID- 27667367
TI  - EASL Recommendations on Treatment of Hepatitis C 2016.

PMID- 27667366
TI  - Highly Multiplexed Quantitative Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Ubiquitylomes.
AB  - System-wide quantitative analysis of ubiquitylomes has proven to be a valuable
      tool for elucidating targets and mechanisms of the ubiquitin-driven signaling
      systems, as well as gaining insights into neurodegenerative diseases and cancer.
      Current mass spectrometry methods for ubiquitylome detection require large
      amounts of starting material and rely on stochastic data collection to increase
      replicate analyses. We describe a method compatible with cell line and tissue
      samples for large-scale quantification of 5,000-9,000 ubiquitylation forms across
      ten samples simultaneously. Using this method, we reveal site-specific
      ubiquitylation in mammalian brain and liver tissues, as well as in cancer cells
      undergoing proteasome inhibition. To demonstrate the power of the approach for
      signal-dependent ubiquitylation, we examined protein and ubiquitylation dynamics
      for mitochondria undergoing PARKIN- and PINK1-dependent mitophagy. This analysis
      revealed the largest collection of PARKIN- and PINK1-dependent ubiquitylation
      targets to date in a single experiment, and it also revealed a subset of proteins
      recruited to the mitochondria during mitophagy.

PMID- 27667368
TI  - The value of counting WHO-defined cardiovascular risk factors for death and
      disability in a national sample of adults with psychosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study explored the prevalence and associations of eight WHO
      defined CVD risk factors for death and disability in people with psychosis.
      METHOD: The study included 1156 people aged 18-64years, diagnosed with psychosis.
      The 2009 World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Health Risks Report was used as a
      framework to determine the prevalence and number of eight key risk factors for
      cardiovascular disease (CVD) in men and women with psychosis. Differences in the
      number and type of risk factors by age and gender were investigated. Multi
      predictor analysis was performed to identify associations between demographic
      factors, psychiatric diagnosis and accumulative CVD risk factors. RESULTS: Women
      had fewer CVD risk factors than men. The number of risk factors significantly
      decreased in association with single marital status, current employment and
      significantly increased with earning a higher income. People aged 35-49years and
      50-64years had an average of 4 risk factors (SD 1.38 and 1.30); people aged 18
      34years had an average of 3 risk factors (SD 1.30). Mean risk factors were higher
      in the middle age and older age groups (35-49years and 50-64years) compared with
      the younger age group (18-34years) (p<0.0001). Overweight/obesity, hypertension,
      high blood glucose/diabetes and high cholesterol were significantly more
      prevalent in older men and women. CONCLUSION: People with psychosis have a high
      prevalence of individual and aggregate CVD risks. These were more common in men
      and rose with age, implying the necessity of close clinical monitoring. The most
      common risk factors should be targeted by lifestyle interventions.

PMID- 27667370
TI  - Primary Outcomes Reporting in Trials (PORTal): a systematic review of inadequate
      reporting in pediatric randomized controlled trials.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Conduct a systematic review of pediatric randomized controlled trials
      (RCTs) published in high-impact journals to assess the reporting of primary
      outcomes and the psychometric properties of their measures. STUDY DESIGN AND
      SETTING: Systematic review with screening and simultaneous data extraction
      conducted by two independent reviewers. Electronic searches of six general
      medicine and four pediatric journals were conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the
      Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases. RCTs of a
      single phase/step in a single publication, published in English between 2000 and
      2010 with participants less than 21 years of age were included. RESULTS: A random
      sample of 20% (n = 445) of 2,229 initial references was screened and 206 (46%)
      met inclusion criteria. Half (48.5%) of included studies reported a singular
      primary outcome, 27% did not identify any primary outcome, and 24% identified
      multiple primary outcomes (range 2-20). Twenty-one trials used an instrument to
      measure their primary outcome, but only 7 (33%) reported its psychometric
      properties. CONCLUSION: Pediatric trials published in top medical journals have
      inadequate reporting of their primary outcomes and the psychometric properties of
      their outcome measures. Whether the issue is one of poor reporting and/or poor
      validation will be further investigated.

PMID- 27667369
TI  - Supported employment and education in comprehensive, integrated care for first
      episode psychosis: Effects on work, school, and disability income.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Participation in work and school are central objectives for first
      episode psychosis (FEP) programs, but evidence effectiveness has been mixed in
      studies not focused exclusively on supported employment and education (SEE).
      Requirements for current motivation to work or go to school limit the
      generalizability of such studies. METHODS: FEP participants (N=404) at thirty
      four community treatment clinics participated in a cluster randomized trial that
      compared usual Community Care (CC) to NAVIGATE, a comprehensive, team-based
      treatment program that included >=5h of SEE services per week, , grounded in many
      of the principles of the Individual Placement and Support model of supported
      employment combined with supported education services. All study participants
      were offered SEE regardless of their initial interest in work or school. Monthly
      assessments over 24months recorded days of employment and attendance at school,
      days of participation in SEE, and both employment and public support income
      (including disability income). General Estimation Equation models were used to
      compare CC and NAVIGATE on work and school participation, employment and public
      support income, and the mediating effect of receiving >=3 SEE visits on these
      outcomes. RESULTS: NAVIGATE treatment was associated with a greater increase in
      participation in work or school (p=0.0486) and this difference appeared to be
      mediated by SEE. No group differences were observed in earnings or public support
      payments. CONCLUSION: A comprehensive, team-based FEP treatment approach was
      associated with greater improvement in work or school participation, and this
      effect appears to be mediated, in part, by participation in SEE.

PMID- 27667371
TI  - Crystalline keratopathy due to intravenous immunoglobulin in a 12-year-old girl
      with Kawasaki disease.
AB  - Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute, self-limiting, medium-vessel vasculitis that
      occurs predominantly in young children. The treatment of KD consists of
      intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) along with aspirin and, in IVIG-resistant
      cases, corticosteroids. Crystalline keratopathy with corneal deposition of the
      immunoglobulin is a rare complication of IVIG therapy. We report the case of a 12
      year-old girl who received IVIG for KD and developed visual complaints, which
      were attributable to crystalline keratopathy and corneal edema. Cessation of IVIG
      and treatment with topical and systemic corticosteroids reversed the finding. At
      final follow-up, vision in both eyes was normal.

PMID- 27667372
TI  - Surgical correction of an inferiorly displaced lateral rectus with equatorial
      myopexy.
AB  - Orbital connective tissue normally loses strength and rigidity during aging. The
      lateral rectus pulley that surrounds and directs the lateral rectus path has the
      flimsiest support and can sag too far inferiorly, resulting in significantly
      reduced abducting force and secondary esotropia. This displacement is worsened by
      a weakened lateral rectus-superior rectus band from high myopia. Augmented medial
      rectus recessions can correct the esotropia, but long-term results may be less
      predictable because the underlying anatomic abnormality, the sagging lateral
      rectus muscle, has not been addressed. Lateral rectus equatorial myopexy is a
      straightforward technique that uses a permanent scleral suture to fixate the
      posterior lateral rectus belly into its correct anatomic position. The response
      to surgery depends on the magnitude of lateral rectus sag and is somewhat self
      titrating-more sag correlates with both larger distance esotropia and thus larger
      corrections from lateral rectus equatorial myopexy alone-but larger deviations
      often require repositioning of muscle insertions to compensate for secondary
      changes to muscle lengths and tension.

PMID- 27667373
TI  - Hepatitis C virus resistance to broadly neutralizing antibodies measured using
      replication-competent virus and pseudoparticles.
AB  - A better understanding of natural variation in neutralization resistance and
      fitness of diverse hepatitis C virus (HCV) envelope (E1E2) variants will be
      critical to guide rational development of an HCV vaccine. This work has been
      hindered by inadequate genetic diversity in viral panels and by a lack of
      standardization of HCV entry assays. Neutralization assays generally use
      lentiviral pseudoparticles expressing HCV envelope proteins (HCVpp) or chimeric
      full-length viruses that are replication competent in cell culture (HCVcc). There
      have been few systematic comparisons of specific infectivities of E1E2-matched
      HCVcc and HCVpp, and to our knowledge, neutralization of E1E2-matched HCVpp and
      HCVcc has never been compared using a diverse panel of human broadly neutralizing
      monoclonal antibodies (bNAbs) targeting distinct epitopes. Here, we describe an
      efficient method for introduction of naturally occurring E1E2 genes into a full
      length HCV genome, producing replication-competent chimeric HCVcc. We generated
      diverse panels of E1E2-matched HCVcc and HCVpp and measured the entry-mediating
      fitness of E1E2 variants using the two systems. We also compared neutralization
      of E1E2-matched HCVcc and HCVpp by a diverse panel of human bNAbs targeting
      epitopes across E1E2. We found no correlation between specific infectivities of
      E1E2-matched HCVcc versus HCVpp, but found a very strong positive correlation
      between relative neutralization resistance of these same E1E2-matched HCVcc and
      HCVpp variants. These results suggest that quantitative comparisons of
      neutralization resistance of E1E2 variants can be made with confidence using
      either HCVcc or HCVpp, allowing the use of either or both systems to maximize
      diversity of neutralization panels.

PMID- 27667375
TI  - A Decade of Progress in Regional ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
      Systems of Care: A Tale of Two Cities.
AB  - Over the past 20 years, care for patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction
      (STEMI) has rapidly evolved, not just in terms of how patients are treated, but
      where patients are treated. The advent of regional STEMI systems of care has
      decreased the number of "eligible but untreated" patients while improving access
      to primary percutaneous coronary intervention for patients. These regional STEMI
      systems of care have consistently demonstrated that rapid transport of STEMI
      patients is safe and effective, and have shown marked improvements in a variety
      of clinical outcomes. However, no two STEMI systems are alike, and each must be
      tailored to the unique geographic, political, and socioeconomic challenges of the
      region. This article takes an in-depth look at two of the earliest STEMI systems
      within the United States: the Minneapolis Heart Institute and the Los Angeles
      County STEMI receiving network.

PMID- 27667374
TI  - Polyoxazoline multivalently conjugated with indocyanine green for sensitive in
      vivo photoacoustic imaging of tumors.
AB  - Photoacoustic imaging, which enables high-resolution imaging in deep tissues, has
      lately attracted considerable attention. For tumor imaging, photoacoustic probes
      have been proposed to enhance the photoacoustic effect to improve detection
      sensitivity. Here, we evaluated the feasibility of using a biocompatible
      hydrophilic polymer, polyoxazoline, conjugated with indocyanine green (ICG) as a
      tumor-targeted photoacoustic probe via enhanced permeability and retention
      effect. ICG molecules were multivalently conjugated to partially hydrolyzed
      polyoxazoline, thereby serving as highly sensitive photoacoustic probes.
      Interestingly, loading multiple ICG molecules to polyoxazoline significantly
      enhanced photoacoustic signal intensity under the same ICG concentration. In vivo
      biodistribution studies using tumor bearing mice demonstrated that 5% hydrolyzed
      polyoxazoline (50 kDa) conjugated with ICG (ICG/polyoxazoline = 7.8), P14-ICG7.8,
      showed relatively high tumor accumulation (9.4%ID/g), resulting in delivery of
      the highest dose of ICG among the probes tested. P14-ICG7.8 enabled clear
      visualization of the tumor regions by photoacoustic imaging 24 h after
      administration; the photoacoustic signal increased in proportion with the
      injected dose. In addition, the signal intensity in blood vessels in the
      photoacoustic images did not show much change, which was attributed to the high
      tumor-to-blood ratios of P14-ICG7.8. These results suggest that polyoxazoline-ICG
      would serve as a robust probe for sensitive photoacoustic tumor imaging.

PMID- 27667376
TI  - A Closer Look at Fractional Flow Reserve in Complex Anatomic Subsets: Left Main
      Disease, Bifurcation Lesions, and Saphenous Vein Grafts.
AB  - Fractional flow reserve (FFR) is a well-validated tool for determining the
      functional significance of a coronary artery stenosis, facilitating clinical
      decisions regarding the need for revascularization. FFR-guided revascularization
      improves clinical and economic outcomes. However, its application remains
      challenging in certain complex anatomic subsets, including left main coronary
      artery stenosis, bifurcation disease, and saphenous vein graft disease. This
      article reviews recent data supporting the use of FFR in these complex anatomic
      subsets.

PMID- 27667377
TI  - Emerging Treatments for Heterozygous and Homozygous Familial
      Hypercholesterolemia.
AB  - Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal co-dominant disorder marked by
      extremely high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and concomitant
      premature vascular disease. FH is caused by mutations that most commonly affect
      three genes integrally involved in the LDL receptor's ability to clear LDL
      particles from the circulation. Primary intervention efforts to lower LDL
      cholesterol have centered on therapies that upregulate the LDL receptor.
      Unfortunately, most patients are insufficiently responsive to traditional LDL
      lowering medications. This article focuses primarily on the clinical management
      of homozygous FH.

PMID- 27667378
TI  - The Role of Medical Therapy in Moderate to Severe Degenerative Mitral
      Regurgitation.
AB  - Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a common valvular disorder that has important health
      and economic consequences. Standardized guidelines exist regarding when and in
      whom to perform mitral valve surgery, but little information is available
      regarding medical treatment of MR. Many patients with moderate or severe MR do
      not meet criteria for surgery or are deemed to be at high risk for surgical
      therapy. We reviewed the available published data on medical therapy in the
      treatment of patients with primary MR. b-blockers and renin-angiotensin
      aldosterone system inhibitors had the strongest supporting evidence for providing
      beneficial effects. b-blockers appear to lessen MR, prevent deterioration of left
      ventricular function, and improve survival in asymptomatic patients with moderate
      to severe primary MR. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and angiotensin
      receptor blocker therapy reduces MR, especially in asymptomatic patients.
      However, in the setting of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or mitral valve prolapse,
      vasodilators can increase the severity of MR. To define the precise role of
      medical therapy, a larger randomized controlled trial is needed to confirm
      benefit and assess in which subsets of patients medical therapy is most useful.
      Medical therapy in some patients improves symptoms, lessens MR, and may delay the
      need for surgical intervention.

PMID- 27667379
TI  - A Review of the Clinical Subgroup Analyses From the RE-LY Trial.
AB  - Dabigatran was the first direct-acting oral anticoagulant approved by the US Food
      and Drug Administration for prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in people
      with atrial fibrillation, based on data from the Randomized Evaluation of Long
      Term Anticoagulation Therapy (RE-LY) trial. Over 18,000 patients with nonvalvular
      atrial fibrillation and a moderate-to-high risk of thromboembolic stroke were
      randomized to warfarin or dabigatran. With respect to the primary endpoints for
      efficacy and safety, dabigatran was superior to warfarin in the prevention of
      stroke and thromboembolism and noninferior with respect to major bleeding.
      Although unified by a common arrhythmia and a similar thromboembolic stroke risk,
      this large patient population is also significantly heterogeneous with respect to
      other demographics and comorbidities that raise important questions about the
      efficacy and safety of dabigatran in specific patient populations. Furthermore,
      there were significant differences between the warfarin and dabigatran groups
      with respect to several important secondary endpoints. Understanding the
      differences in outcomes between specific patient subgroups from the RE-LY trial
      can better inform the practicing clinician's ability to offer the best
      anticoagulation options to individual patients.

PMID- 27667380
TI  - Cardiovascular Effects of Altitude on Performance Athletes.
AB  - Altitude plays an important role in cardiovascular performance and training for
      athletes. Whether it is mountaineers, skiers, or sea-level athletes trying to
      gain an edge by training or living at increased altitude, there are many
      potential benefits and harms of such endeavors. Echocardiographic studies done on
      athletes at increased altitude have shown evidence for right ventricular
      dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension, but no change in left ventricular
      ejection fraction. In addition, 10% of athletes are susceptible to pulmonary
      hypertension and high-altitude pulmonary edema. Some studies suggest that
      echocardiography may be able to identify athletes susceptible to high-altitude
      pulmonary edema prior to competing or training at increased altitudes. Further
      research is needed on the long-term effects of altitude training, as repeated,
      transient episodes of pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular dysfunction
      may have long-term implications. Current literature suggests that performance
      athletes are not at higher risk for ventricular arrhythmias when training or
      competing at increased altitudes. For sea-level athletes, the optimal strategy
      for attaining the benefits while minimizing the harms of altitude training still
      needs to be clarified, although-for now-the "live high, train low" approach
      appears to have the most rationale.

PMID- 27667381
TI  - The Role of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.
AB  - Until recently, the only imaging technique for the diagnosis and management of
      hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) was two-dimensional echocardiography, and the
      use of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) was limited to patients with
      poor acoustic windows. Now, cMRI has gained an essential role in the diagnosis of
      HCM, providing superior visualization of myocardial hypertrophy-even in remote
      zones of the left ventricle-and visualization of subtle changes in thickness and
      contractility over time. The morphologic accuracy of cMRI allows for the
      differentiation of HCM from other pathologic conditions with hypertrophic
      phenotype. Moreover, cMRI sheds light on the in vivo fibrotic changes in cardiac
      ultrastructure, offering an important advantage in the understanding of
      pathologic mechanisms of the disease, allowing early identification, risk
      stratification, and timely therapeutic management.

PMID- 27667382
TI  - An Update From the California Chapter of the American College of Cardiology Board
      of Directors.

PMID- 27667384
TI  - Forty Years of Chest Pain: A Case Report and Contemporary Review of the
      Diagnostic and Therapeutic Options for Myocardial Bridging.
AB  - A 48-year-old woman with 40 years of intermittent squeezing chest pain presented
      with worsening symptoms. Results of an ambulatory electrocardiogram,
      echocardiogram, and exercise treadmill were unremarkable. Persistent symptoms
      prompted a computed tomography coronary angiogram (CTCA) that revealed mid-left
      anterior descending artery myocardial bridging (MB) that was not physiologically
      significant by exercise single-photon emission CT. Conservative treatment was
      pursued. Anatomic MB is prevalent in a large proportion of the general population
      and are increasingly identified by CTCA. The majority are benign, physiologically
      significant bridging is uncommon, but accelerated proximal atherosclerosis can
      occur. b-blockers and nondihydropyridine calcium-channel blockers are the primary
      treatment options, with surgical myomectomy, coronary artery bypass, and stenting
      reserved for patients refractory to medical therapy with demonstrable ischemia.
      Head-to-head evaluation of nonpharmacologic therapies is needed. Intracoronary
      techniques provide simultaneous anatomical and physiological assessment but CTCA
      fractional flow reserve and hybrid positron emission tomography with concomitant
      spatial imaging systems are evolving as noninvasive alternatives.

PMID- 27667383
TI  - Leading the Way: Cardiology and the Future of HealthTech Innovation.

PMID- 27667385
TI  - Vascular Complications of Percutaneous Transradial Cardiac Catheterization.
AB  - The percutaneous transradial approach for coronary angiography and percutaneous
      coronary intervention is increasing in the United States. Although its vascular
      safety profile is better than the traditional femoral approach, it is important
      to learn about potential complications. In this article, we present two cases of
      vascular complications, namely, pseudoaneurysm and radial artery occlusion, after
      transradial cardiac catheterization, along with a review of the relevant
      literature.

PMID- 27667386
TI  - Isolated Left Ventricular Noncompaction Cardiomyopathy: A Transient Disease?
AB  - Isolated left ventricular noncompaction is either a distinct cardiomyopathy or a
      morphologic trait shared by several different types of cardiomyopathies. Although
      there is no current gold standard for its diagnosis, cardiac imaging is the most
      commonly accepted modality. Described is a case of left ventricular noncompaction
      that resolved 2 years after the initial diagnosis.

PMID- 27667387
TI  - Reply to Letter to the Editor - The Definition of 'Urgent' in Australia and New
      Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons Database.

PMID- 27667388
TI  - Quantitative proteomics reveals ecological fitness cost of multi-herbicide
      resistant barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli L.).
AB  - : Barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli) is one of the top 15 herbicide-resistant
      weeds around the world that interferes with rice growth, resulting in major
      losses of rice yield. Thus, multi-herbicide resistance in barnyardgrass presents
      a major threat, with the underlying mechanisms that contribute to resistance
      requiring elucidation. In an attempt to characterize this multi-herbicide
      resistance at the proteomic level, comparative analysis of resistant and
      susceptible barnyardgrasses was performed using iTRAQ, both with and without
      quinclorac, bispyribac-sodium and penoxsulam herbicidal treatment. A total of
      1342 protein species were identified from 2248 unique peptides by searching the
      UniProt database and conducting data analysis. Approximately 904 protein species
      with 4774 Gene Ontology (GO) terms were grouped into the categories of biological
      process, cellular component and molecular function. Among these, 688 protein
      species were annotated into 1583 KEGG pathways, with 980 protein species relating
      to metabolism and 93 relating to environmental information processing. A total of
      292 protein species showed more than a 1.2-fold change in abundance in the
      resistant biotype relative to the susceptible biotype. Furthermore, herbicide
      treatment resulted in 157 protein species that showed more than a 1.2-fold change
      in the resistant biotype. Moreover, physiological analyses demonstrated an
      ecological fitness cost in the resistant biotype. SIGNIFICANCE: While some
      studies have shown a fitness cost to be associated with an altered ecological
      interaction, our understanding of the fitness costs associated with herbicide
      resistance are limited. Herein, physiological and proteomic analysis demonstrates
      herbicide resistance associated ecological fitness cost and potential mechanisms
      of herbicide-resistance in resistant biotypes of E. crus-galli. The results
      presented herein have revealed differences in ecological adaptation between
      resistant and susceptible biotypes in E. crus-galli and provide a fundamental
      basis enabling the development of new strategies for weed control. Lastly, this
      is the first large-scale proteomics study to examine herbicide stress responses
      in different barnyardgrass biotypes.

PMID- 27667389
TI  - On-column trypsin digestion coupled with LC-MS/MS for quantification of
      apolipoproteins.
AB  - : Apolipoproteins measured in plasma or serum are potential biomarkers for
      assessing metabolic irregularities that are associated with the development of
      cardiovascular disease (CVD). LC-MS/MS allows quantitative measurement of
      multiple apolipoproteins in the same sample run. However, the accuracy and
      precision of the LC-MS/MS measurement depends on the reproducibility of the
      enzymatic protein digestion step. With the application of an immobilized enzyme
      reactor (IMER), the reproducibility of the trypsin digestion can be controlled
      with high precision via flow rate, column volume and temperature. In this report,
      we demonstrate the application of an integrated IMER-LC-MS/MS platform for the
      simultaneous quantitative analysis of eight apolipoproteins. Using a dilution
      series of a characterized serum pool as calibrator, the method was validated by
      repeated analysis of pooled sera and individual serum samples with a wide range
      of lipid profiles, all showing intra-assay CV<4.4% and inter-assay CV<8%. In
      addition, the method was compared with traditional homogeneous digestion coupled
      LC-MS/MS for the quantification of apoA-I and apoB-100. Applied in large scale
      human population studies, this method can serve the translation of a wider panel
      of apolipoprotein biomarkers from research to clinical application. SIGNIFICANCE:
      Currently, the translation of apolipoprotein biomarkers to clinical application
      is impaired because of the high cost of large cohort studies using traditional
      single-analyte immunoassays. The application of on-line tryptic digestion coupled
      with LC-MS/MS analysis is an effective way to address this problem. In this work
      we demonstrate a high throughput, multiplexed, automated proteomics workflow for
      the simultaneous analysis of multiple proteins.

PMID- 27667390
TI  - Disease genetics: Under pressure - genetics of hypertension.

PMID- 27667391
TI  - Mobile elements: Putting the brakes on ageing.

PMID- 27667392
TI  - Dysregulation of GTPase IMAP family members in hepatocellular cancer.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most life-threatening diseases in
      the world. Members of the GTPase of the immunity-associated protein (GIMAP)
      family are important in regulating apoptosis in cancer cells. However, the basic
      mechanism of GIMAP in HCC remains to be fully elucidated. The present study was
      performed to investigate the dysregulation of GIMAP family members in HCC. The
      techniques of polymerase chain reaction analysis, immunohistochemistry and ELISA
      were used to analyze the expression of GIMAP5 and GIMAP6 in HCC tissues, in
      matched noncancerous tissue samples, and in blood samples obtained from patients
      with HCC and healthy subjects. It was found that the mRNA expression levels of
      GIMAP5 and GIMAP6 were significantly downregulated in the HCC tumor samples,
      compared with the levels of expression in the matched non-tumor tissue samples.
      Similarly, the mRNA expression levels of GIMAP5 and GIMAP6 were also
      significantly downregulated in the blood samples from patients with HCC, compared
      with the expression levels in the blood from healthy subjects. At the protein
      level, it was found that the GIMAP5 and GIMAP6 proteins were expressed at lower
      levels in the tumor tissue samples, compared with the matched normal tissue
      samples, and their expression levels were also lower in the blood samples from
      patients with HCC, compared with the blood samples from the healthy subjects.
      These data, demonstrating the downregulation of the mRNA and protein expression
      levels of GIMAP5 and GIMAP6 in the tumor tissues and blood of patients with HCC,
      suggested the involvement of GIMAP5 and GIMAP6 in the pathogenesis of HCC, and
      indicate their possible use as diagnostic markers for HCC.

PMID- 27667393
TI  - A real-time study of the interaction of TBP with a TATA box-containing duplex
      identical to an ancestral or minor allele of human gene LEP or TPI.
AB  - It is known that only a single-nucleotide substitution (SNP: a single nucleotide
      polymorphism) in the sequence of a TATA box can influence the affinity of the
      interaction of TBP with the TATA box and contribute to the pathogenesis of
      complex hereditary human diseases and sometimes may be a cause of monogenic
      diseases (for instance, beta-thalassemia). In the present work, we studied the
      interaction of human TBP with a double-stranded oligodeoxyribonucleotide (ODN) 15
      or 26 bp long identical to a TATA box of promoters of a real-life human gene, TPI
      or LEP, and labeled with fluorophores TAMRA and FAM. To analyze the interaction
      of TBP with a TATA box of an ancestral or minor allele (SNP in the TATA box) in
      real time, we used the stopped-flow method with detection of a Forster resonance
      energy transfer (FRET) signal. The nature of the resulting kinetic curves
      reflecting changes in the FRET signal (and therefore of DNA conformation during
      the interaction with TBP) pointed to a multistage mechanism of the formation of
      the TBP complex with the TATA-containing ODN. The results showed that with the
      increasing concentration and length of the ODN, heterogeneity of conformational
      changes (taking place during the first second of the interaction with TBP) in DNA
      also increases. In contrast to the initial nonspecific interaction, the
      subsequent phases strictly depend on TBP concentration: at the TBP:ODN ratio of
      10:1, the velocity of change of the FRET signal increases approximately 100-fold.

PMID- 27667395
TI  - Early detection and timely treatment can prevent or delay diabetic retinopathy.

PMID- 27667394
TI  - Diosgenin-induced autophagy and apoptosis in a human prostate cancer cell line.
AB  - Diosgenin, a plant steroid compound from Dioscorea nipponica, is an anti
      inflammatory, antidiabetic, antitumor, vasodilatory compound, which also reduces
      blood lipid content and protects against ischemia-induced neuronal damage.
      However, a limited number of studies have been performed on the antitumor effect
      of diosgenin on prostate cancer, the underlying mechanism of which remains to be
      fully elucidated. In the present study, the effect and underlying mechanism of
      diosgenin on DU145 human prostate cancer cells was investigated. DU145 cells were
      cultured in vitro with diosgenin, following which cell proliferation was detected
      by a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and
      apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. In addition, DU145 cells were observed
      under a transmission electron microscope to confirm autophagy.
      monodansylcadaverine staining and western blotting indicated the levels of
      autophagy in DU145 cells. To determine the mechanism underlying the effect of
      diosgenin on DU145 cells, western blotting was performed to evaluate the
      involvement of the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B
      (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. To investigate the
      association between apoptosis and autophagy, DU145 cells were cultured with
      diosgenin and 3-methyladenine. Hoechst 33342/propidium iodide double staining was
      performed to detect apoptosis, and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase
      chain reaction was used to analyze mRNA expression levels of Beclin 1 and B-cell
      lymphoma 2. Diosgenin inhibits the proliferation of DU145 cells by activating
      apoptosis and autophagy, and the mechanism underlying this activation may be
      associated with the inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. In
      addition, the inhibition of autophagy mediated by diosgenin increases apoptosis
      and, thus, increases the therapeutic effect. The combination of diosgenin with an
      autophagy inhibitor may be an effective strategy to increase the antitumor effect
      of diosgenin.

PMID- 27667396
TI  - Textile Organic Electrochemical Transistors as a Platform for Wearable
      Biosensors.
AB  - The development of wearable chemical sensors is receiving a great deal of
      attention in view of non-invasive and continuous monitoring of physiological
      parameters in healthcare applications. This paper describes the development of a
      fully textile, wearable chemical sensor based on an organic electrochemical
      transistor (OECT) entirely made of conductive polymer (PEDOT:PSS). The active
      polymer patterns are deposited into the fabric by screen printing processes, thus
      allowing the device to actually "disappear" into it. We demonstrate the
      reliability of the proposed textile OECTs as a platform for developing chemical
      sensors capable to detect in real-time various redox active molecules
      (adrenaline, dopamine and ascorbic acid), by assessing their performance in two
      different experimental contexts: i) ideal operation conditions (i.e. totally
      dipped in an electrolyte solution); ii) real-life operation conditions (i.e. by
      sequentially adding few drops of electrolyte solution onto only one side of the
      textile sensor). The OECTs response has also been measured in artificial sweat,
      assessing how these sensors can be reliably used for the detection of biomarkers
      in body fluids. Finally, the very low operating potentials (<1 V) and absorbed
      power (~10-4 W) make the here described textile OECTs very appealing for portable
      and wearable applications.

PMID- 27667397
TI  - Identification and testing of oviposition attractant chemical compounds for Musca
      domestica.
AB  - Oviposition attractants for the house fly Musca domestica have been investigated
      using electrophysiological tests, behavioural assays and field tests. Volatiles
      were collected via head space absorption method from fermented wheat bran, fresh
      wheat bran, rearing substrate residue and house fly maggots. A Y-tube
      olfactometer assay showed that the odor of fermented wheat bran was a significant
      attractant for female house flies. Bioactive compounds from fermented wheat bran
      for house fly females were identified by electrophysiology and mass
      spectrophotometry and confirmed with standard chemicals. Four
      electrophysiologically active compounds including ethyl palmitate, ethyl
      linoleate, methyl linoleate, and linoleic acid were found at a proportion of
      10:24:6:0.2. Functional imaging in the female antennal lobes revealed an
      overlapped active pattern for all chemicals. Further multiple-choice behavioural
      bioassays showed that these chemicals, as well as a mixture that mimicked the
      naturally occurring combination, increased the attractiveness of non-preferred
      rearing substrates of cotton and maize powder. Finally, a field demonstration
      test revealed that, by adding this mimic blend into a rearing substrate used to
      attract and breed house flies in West Africa, egg numbers laid by females were
      increased. These chemicals could be utilized to improve house fly production
      systems or considered for lure traps.

PMID- 27667399
TI  - The case of synchronous occurrence of primary adenocarcinoma and squamous cell
      carcinoma in the same lobe of the lung.
AB  - Synchronous occurrence of multiple lung cancers in the same lobe of the lung is
      very rare. Most of the tumors diagnosed in this way have the same histologic
      type. With imaging methods it is difficult to determine if the multiple lung
      lesions present hematogenous spread of lung cancer (or cancer from other origin)
      or these lesions present the second primary lung cancer. We report a rare and
      unusual case of synchronous occurrence of primary adenocarcinoma and squamous
      cell carcinoma in the same lobe of the lung. Our case demonstrates that in case
      of synchronous occurrence of multiple lung lesions each lesion should be sampled
      and histologic type of every lesion should be determined so the further treatment
      can be planned accordingly.

PMID- 27667398
TI  - Discrepancies among Measures of Executive Functioning in a Subsample of Young
      Adult Survivors of Childhood Brain Tumor: Associations with Treatment Intensity.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Treatments for childhood brain tumors (BT) confer substantial risks
      to neurological development and contribute to neuropsychological deficits in
      young adulthood. Evidence suggests that individuals who experience more
      significant neurological insult may lack insight into their neurocognitive
      limitations. The present study compared survivor, mother, and performance-based
      estimates of executive functioning (EF), and their associations with treatment
      intensity history in a subsample of young adult survivors of childhood BTs.
      METHODS: Thirty-four survivors (52.9% female), aged 18 to 30 years (M=23.5;
      SD=3.4), 16.1 years post-diagnosis (SD=5.9), were administered self-report and
      performance-based EF measures. Mothers also rated survivor EF skills. Survivors
      were classified by treatment intensity history into Minimal, Average/Moderate, or
      Intensive/Most-Intensive groups. Discrepancies among survivor, mother, and
      performance-based EF estimates were compared. RESULTS: Survivor-reported and
      performance-based measures were not correlated, although significant associations
      were found between mother-reported and performance measures. Survivors in the
      Intensive/Most-Intensive treatment group evidenced the greatest score
      discrepancies, reporting less executive dysfunction relative to mother-reported
      F(2,31)=7.81, p.05). CONCLUSIONS: There may be a lack of agreement among
      survivor, mother, and performance-based estimates of EF skills in young adult
      survivors of childhood BT, and these discrepancies may be associated with
      treatment intensity history. Neuropsychologists should use a multi-method, multi
      reporter approach to assessment of EF in this population. Providers also should
      be aware of these discrepancies as they may be a barrier to intervention efforts.
      (JINS, 2016, 22, 900-910).

PMID- 27667400
TI  - Humanization of high-affinity antibodies targeting glypican-3 in hepatocellular
      carcinoma.
AB  - Glypican-3 (GPC3) is a cell-surface heparan sulfate proteoglycan highly expressed
      in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We have generated a group of high-affinity
      mouse monoclonal antibodies targeting GPC3. Here, we report the humanization and
      testing of these antibodies for clinical development. We compared the affinity
      and cytotoxicity of recombinant immunotoxins containing mouse single-chain
      variable regions fused with a Pseudomonas toxin. To humanize the mouse Fvs, we
      grafted the combined KABAT/IMGT complementarity determining regions (CDR) into a
      human IgG germline framework. Interestingly, we found that the proline at
      position 41, a non-CDR residue in heavy chain variable regions (VH), is important
      for humanization of mouse antibodies. We also showed that two humanized anti-GPC3
      antibodies (hYP7 and hYP9.1b) in the IgG format induced antibody-dependent cell
      mediated cytotoxicity and complement-dependent-cytotoxicity in GPC3-positive
      cancer cells. The hYP7 antibody was tested and showed inhibition of HCC xenograft
      tumor growth in nude mice. This study successfully humanizes and validates high
      affinity anti-GPC3 antibodies and sets a foundation for future development of
      these antibodies in various clinical formats in the treatment of liver cancer.

PMID- 27667402
TI  - Unions call for action over outstanding appeals.
AB  - Nursing unions are calling on Health Secretary William Waldegrave to take action
      over the estimated 20,000 clinical grading appeals still waiting to be heard at
      district level alone.

PMID- 27667401
TI  - Rapid Motion Adaptation Reveals the Temporal Dynamics of Spatiotemporal
      Correlation between ON and OFF Pathways.
AB  - At the early stages of visual processing, information is processed by two major
      thalamic pathways encoding brightness increments (ON) and decrements (OFF).
      Accumulating evidence suggests that these pathways interact and merge as early as
      in primary visual cortex. Using regular and reverse-phi motion in a rapid
      adaptation paradigm, we investigated the temporal dynamics of within and across
      pathway mechanisms for motion processing. When the adaptation duration was short
      (188 ms), reverse-phi and regular motion led to similar adaptation effects,
      suggesting that the information from the two pathways are combined efficiently at
      early-stages of motion processing. However, as the adaption duration was
      increased to 752 ms, reverse-phi and regular motion showed distinct adaptation
      effects depending on the test pattern used, either engaging spatiotemporal
      correlation between the same or opposite contrast polarities. Overall, these
      findings indicate that spatiotemporal correlation within and across ON-OFF
      pathways for motion processing can be selectively adapted, and support those
      models that integrate within and across pathway mechanisms for motion processing.

PMID- 27667403
TI  - Health unions.
AB  - Discussions on the timetable for future merger of COHSE, NALGO and NUPE began in
      London as Nursing Standard went to press. The detailed decisions will be put to
      union members at their respective conferences later in the year.

PMID- 27667404
TI  - Opting out leads to job cutbacks.
AB  - Newly-qualified nurses in Bradford will be out of a job later this month as
      opting-out hospitals try to cut their costs, it was claimed last week.

PMID- 27667405
TI  - ?

PMID- 27667406
TI  - The gulf.
AB  - Money set aside for Gulf casualties should now be spent on cutting hospital
      waiting lists, Shadow Health Secretary Robin Cook said last week.

PMID- 27667407
TI  - Project 2000.
AB  - The number of student nurses on Project 2000 courses will dwindle unless urgent
      action is taken to increase bursaries, RCN General Secretary Christine Hancock
      warned last week.

PMID- 27667409
TI  - 'Grave concern' over Glasgow understaffing.
AB  - District nurse staffing levels in Glasgow have now reached unacceptably low
      levels, RCN Scottish Secretary Irenee O'Neill claimed last week.

PMID- 27667408
TI  - Minister agrees sale of pioneering nursing home.
AB  - Health minister Virginia Bottomley has given the go-ahead for a pioneering
      National Health Service nursing home to be sold off to the independent sector.

PMID- 27667410
TI  - Changes lead to L80m staff costs.
AB  - Health authorities are gearing up to spend more than L80 million a year on staff
      recruited specifically to implement the health service changes, the British
      Medical Association revealed last week.

PMID- 27667412
TI  - COHSE sees divisive future for NVQ scheme.
AB  - Health care training is in danger of becoming an inequitable two-tier system
      because of the Department of Health's refusal to provide firm direction on the
      national vocational qualifications scheme, COHSE claims.

PMID- 27667411
TI  - Ashworth hospital.
AB  - An inquiry into allegations of patient abuse by nurses at Ashworth Hospital is to
      be carried out by the Special Hospitals Service Authority after a Channel Four
      programme last week. The findings will be made public, the Authority's chief
      executive, Charles Kaye, promised. He said the Authority was 'seriously
      concerned' by the allegations.

PMID- 27667413
TI  - 'Fight the repressive traditions' says RCN.
AB  - Nursing students must fight the profession's repressive 'military-monastic
      tradition' for the sake of their own futures, RCN General Secretary Christine
      Hancock urged last week.

PMID- 27667414
TI  - ?
AB  - Strange bedfellows: MPs Paul Boateng, labour, Nicholas Scott, Conservative, and
      Simon Hughes, Liberal Democrat helped launch National Bed Week at the Bed-Making
      World Record Attempt in Covent Garden last week.

PMID- 27667415
TI  - GPs and nurses come under fire.
AB  - GPs offer poor or inadequate advice to couples with fertility problems, and the
      nursing staff in hospital clinics are often insensitive, a report on NHS
      infertility services has claimed.

PMID- 27667417
TI  - Initiative will not be based on clinical need.
AB  - The Government's former waiting list adviser John Yates has warned that the
      waiting list initiative will result in non-urgent cases being dealt w'ith at the
      expense of those with greater clinical need.

PMID- 27667418
TI  - Nurses welcome decision on prison medical care.
AB  - Nurses have welcomed reports that NHS staff are to provide health care in prisons
      with the virtual abolition of the Prison Medical Service.

PMID- 27667420
TI  - Birth defects not linked to maternal age.
AB  - Women who delay childbearing until they are over 35 can be reassured by the
      findings in a major study of birth defects in infants, researchers claim.

PMID- 27667421
TI  - Leaflet on inherited blood disorders.
AB  - A new leaflet giving information on thalassaemia and sickle cell anaemia has been
      produced by haematologists and counsellors working in North East Thames region.

PMID- 27667422
TI  - Urinary incontinence affects 3.5 million.
AB  - Research among 4,007 adults aged over 30 has shown more than one in ten have
      problems with their bladder.

PMID- 27667423
TI  - Feeding very low birth weight babies.
AB  - In the absence of breast milk, the incidence of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC)
      might be reduced by a regimen developed in the Netherlands.

PMID- 27667424
TI  - High cardiac risk in snow clearing.
AB  - The recent bad weather has produced an unusual presentation of myocardial
      infarction snow shoveller's infarction.

PMID- 27667425
TI  - Rectal examination for abdominal pain.
AB  - Rectal examination does not provide any additional diagnostic information than
      testing for rebound tenderness in patients with right lower quadrant abdominal
      pain.

PMID- 27667426
TI  - Effective service for outpatient clinics.
AB  - Routine follow-up appointments following hospital admission or initial clinic
      referral should be avoided and, if initiated, a precise reason for the
      appointment should be identified.

PMID- 27667427
TI  - Listings.
AB  - Nursing Standard regrets that owing to unprecedented demand we are no longer able
      to take listings over the telephone. We would like to remind our readers that the
      listings section is for use by charitable organisations, unions, professional
      organisations and health authorities to publicise forthcoming events. Your
      listings should contain all relevant details and be posted or faxed to Clare
      Ward, Nursing Standard, Viking House, 17-19 Peterborough Road, Harrow, Middlesex
      HA 1 2AX (Fax 081-423 3867).

PMID- 27667428
TI  - Entering a very different world.
AB  - While Linda Humphreys was a patient in a psychiatric hospital she set fire to
      bedding and a tea towel and was subsequently charged with two counts of arson. At
      her recent trial, North Wales Hospital in Denbigh was said to be unable to take
      her back. Referral to Ashworth, the special hospital, was ruled out as the
      admission process was 'causing some delay'. She has no fixed address and the
      court was awaiting psychiatric reports. Magistrates said they had no option but
      to return her, for the sixth time, to Risley Remand Centre.

PMID- 27667429
TI  - In need of peer support.
AB  - I was interested to read Caroline Hiscox's study on stress and its management and
      the formation of support groups (Nursing Standard February 13).

PMID- 27667430
TI  - Health visitors' responsibility.
AB  - I read with disappointment the reaction of health visitors to Home Office
      Minister John Patten's remarks as reported in Nursing Standard (News, February
      20).

PMID- 27667432
TI  - Permission granted.
AB  - I would like to respond to Diane Marks-Maran's quote in the Everyday Ethics
      Conference report, 'Daily ethical conflicts', which was reported in Nursing
      Standard (News, February 27).

PMID- 27667433
TI  - Nightingale bursaries.
AB  - This year the Florence Nightingale Museum Trustees plan to award a number of
      bursaries to those registered and enrolled nurses who plan to undertake district
      nurse training.

PMID- 27667431
TI  - Following up discharge.
AB  - I read with interest the article by Helen Evers on issues in community care
      services (Nursing Standard February 13), but feel she failed to address one very
      important aspect of discharge - the numbers of elderly people being discharged
      from hospital who do not require specific district nurse care bur who do,
      nevertheless, require follow-up by a worker with a nursing background.

PMID- 27667434
TI  - Understanding disability.
AB  - I am writing to congratulate you on Jan Dewing's long-overdue article about
      physically disabled people in acute settings (Nursing Standard February 20).

PMID- 27667435
TI  - A conference not to miss.
AB  - The Leukaemia and Bone Marrow Transplant Forum of the Royal College of Nursing is
      holding a conference on April 24 1991 which will address the impact of new
      professional issues on a particularly specialised area of care, and one which is
      easily overlooked.

PMID- 27667436
TI  - Information exchange.
AB  - We run an eight-bedded unit in neuropsychiatry specifically for the assessment,
      rehabilitation and respite care of people under 65 years old who have acquired
      cognitive impairment with associated psychiatric and behavioural problems.

PMID- 27667437
TI  - Gossip.
AB  - There is at least something to celebrate in the fact that the Gulf War has been
      concluded with a very small number of casualties having to be brought to Britain 
      though of course, even one casualty is one too many.

PMID- 27667438
TI  - Spotlight on Scotland.

PMID- 27667439
TI  - Research and statistics Research and statistics C M Hicks Prentice-Hall 326pp
      L12.95 0-13-844077-8 [Formula: see text].
AB  - At last, amid the recent shower of research and statistics textbooks, we finally
      have one by a British author. Carolyn Hicks, a ' senior lecturer in psychology at
      the University of Birmingham, has come up ' with a text that will be useful to
      the growing band of nurses involved in the research process.

PMID- 27667440
TI  - The fertility and contraception book The fertility and contraception book J Mosse
      and J Heaton Faber 400pp L7.99 0-571-15173-6 [Formula: see text].
AB  - The Fertility and Contraception Book is a comprehensive guide to both; it's
      interesting and easy to read. Julia Mosse and Josephine Heaton explain at the
      outset that they are attempting to deal only with these topics.

PMID- 27667441
TI  - Oncology nursing Oncology nursing P Ashwanden et al Aspen 39-lpp L37.95 0-8342
      0168-2 [Formula: see text].
AB  - My feelings about Oncology Nursing are ambivalent. I genuinely enjoyed reading
      what our US counterparts are up to, but wonder just how relevant an American text
      is to British nursing.

PMID- 27667442
TI  - Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor Phenylbutyrate Exaggerates Heart Failure in
      Pressure Overloaded Mice independently of HDAC inhibition.
AB  - 4-Sodium phenylbutyrate (PBA) has been reported to inhibit endoplasmic reticulum
      stress and histone deacetylation (HDAC), both of which are novel therapeutic
      targets for cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. However, it is unclear whether
      PBA can improve heart function. Here, we tested the effects of PBA and some other
      HDAC inhibitors on cardiac dysfunction induced by pressure overload. Transverse
      aortic constriction (TAC) was performed on male C57BL/6 mice. PBA treatment (100
      mg/kg, 6 weeks) unexpectedly led to a higher mortality, exacerbated cardiac
      remodelling and dysfunction. Similar results were noted in TAC mice treated with
      butyrate sodium (BS), a PBA analogue. In contrast, other HDAC inhibitors,
      valproic acid (VAL) and trichostatin A (TSA), improved the survival. All four
      HDAC inhibitors induced histone H3 acetylation and inhibited HDAC total activity.
      An individual HDAC activity assay showed that rather than class IIa members
      (HDAC4 and 7), PBA and BS predominantly inhibited class I members (HDAC2 and 8),
      whereas VAL and TSA inhibited all of them. These findings indicate that PBA and
      BS accelerate cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction, whereas VAL and TSA have
      opposing effects.

PMID- 27667444
TI  - Enhancement of trichothecene mycotoxins of Fusarium oxysporum by ferulic acid
      aggravates oxidative damage in Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch.
AB  - Rehmannia glutinosa is an important medicinal herb that cannot be replanted in
      the same field due to the effects of autotoxic substances. The effects of these
      substances on R. glutinosa in continuous cropping systems are unknown. In the
      present study, bioassays revealed that R. glutinosa exhibited severe growth
      restriction and higher disease indices in the FO+FA (F.oxysporum pretreated with
      ferulic acid) treatment. The increases in the contents of MDA and H2O2 were
      greater in the FA+FO treatment than in the FA or FO only treatments,
      respectively. Consistent with this result, the enzyme activities in the seedlings
      increased with treatment time. To identify the main factor underlying the
      increased pathogenicity of FO, macroconidia and trichothecene mycotoxins
      coproduced by FO were separated and used to treat R. glutinosa seedlings. The MDA
      and H2O2 contents were similar in the seedlings treated with deoxynivalenol and
      in the FA+FO treatment. Quantification of the relative expression of certain
      genes involved in Ca2+ signal transduction pathways suggested that trichothecene
      mycotoxins play an important role in the increased pathogenicity of FO. In
      conclusion, FA not only directly enhances oxidative damage in R. glutinosa but
      also increases wilting symptom outbreaks by promoting the secretion of
      trichothecene mycotoxins by FO.

PMID- 27667443
TI  - Human and mouse monocytes display distinct signalling and cytokine profiles upon
      stimulation with FFAR2/FFAR3 short-chain fatty acid receptor agonists.
AB  - Knockout mice studies implicate the mammalian short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)
      receptors, FFAR2 and FFAR3- in colitis, arthritis and asthma. However, the
      correlation with human biology is uncertain. Here, we detected FFAR2 and FFAR3
      expression in human monocytes via immunohistochemistry. Upon treatment with
      acetate SCFA or FFAR2- and FFAR3-specific synthetic agonists, human monocytes
      displayed elevated p38 phosphorylation and attenuated C5, CCL1, CCL2, GM-CSF, IL
      1alpha, IL-1beta and ICAM-1 inflammatory cytokine expression. Acetate and FFAR2
      agonist treatment also repressed Akt and ERK2 signalling. Surprisingly, mouse
      monocytes displayed a distinct response to acetate treatment, elevating GM-CSF,
      IL-1alpha, and IL-1beta cytokine expression. This effect persisted in FFAR2/3
      knockout mouse monocytes and was not reproduced by synthetic agonists, suggesting
      a FFAR2/3 independent mechanism in mice. Collectively, we show that SCFAs act via
      FFAR2/3 to modulate human monocyte inflammatory responses- a pathway that is
      absent in mouse monocytes.

PMID- 27667445
TI  - 3D-QSAR analysis of a series of S-DABO derivatives as anti-HIV agents by CoMFA
      and CoMSIA.
AB  - In this study, we retrieved a series of 59 dihydroalkylthio-benzyloxopyrimidine
      (S-DABO) derivatives, which is a class of highly potent HIV-1 non-nucleoside
      reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) reported from published articles, and
      analysed them with comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) and comparative
      molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA). Statistically significant three
      dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR) models by
      CoMFA and CoMSIA were derived from a training set of 46 compounds on the basis of
      the rigid body alignment. Further, the predictive ability of the QSAR models was
      validated by a test set of 13 compounds. Based on the information derived from
      CoMFA and CoMSIA contour maps, we have identified some steric and electrostatic
      features for improving the activities of these inhibitors, and we validated the
      3D-QSAR results by a molecular docking method. On the basis of the obtained
      results, we designed a new series of S-DABO derivatives with high activities.
      Therefore, this study could be utilized to design more potent S-DABO analogues as
      anti-HIV agents.

PMID- 27667446
TI  - Oxidized LDL, statin use, morbidity, and mortality in patients receiving
      maintenance hemodialysis.
AB  - Statin treatment reduces the risk of cardiovascular mortality in the general
      population, but it has little or no benefit in hemodialyzed (HD) patients. This
      may reflect different underlying pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease (CVD)
      in patients treated with HD, maybe involving the oxidative stress. Our aim was to
      assess the association of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), determined by
      Mercodia oxLDL enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit, with major adverse
      cardiac events (MACE) and all-cause mortality in HD patients based on the AURORA
      trial (rosuvastatin vs placebo), and patients not on HD from the Ludwigshafen
      Risk and Cardiovascular Health (LURIC) study. We also assessed whether its
      decrease due to statin use improves these outcomes using Cox proportional hazard
      models. Baseline oxLDL level was 34.2 +/- 13.8 U/L in AURORA and did not differ
      between treatment groups, and 74.6 +/- 28.1 U/L in LURIC. Lower baseline oxLDL
      levels were associated with higher hazard ratios (HRs) for outcomes, but not
      anymore after adjusting for apolipoprotein B level in AURORA and was not related
      to mortality in LURIC. OxLDL levels decreased by 30.9% between baseline and 3
      months in the statin-treated group and increased by 10.5% between 3 and 12
      months. Nevertheless, oxLDL reduction was not significantly associated with
      adjusted HRs for MACE and for all-cause mortality. These results showed no
      association between oxLDL and MACE after adjustment on apolipoprotein B, which
      may relate to the properties of the method used for oxLDL. Our results also
      showed no benefit for oxLDL reduction by rosuvastatin on outcomes. Future
      clinical trials are needed to define the relative CVD risks and benefits of other
      modalities of oxidative stress modification in this population.

PMID- 27667447
TI  - The clinical experience of robot-assisted surgery in gynecologic cancer.
AB  - The comparison of robotic and conventional laparoscopic hysterectomy and pelvic
      lymphadenectomy in gynecologic cancer still needs to be studied. In all, 98
      consecutive cases of patients with gynecologic cancer undergoing robot-assisted
      hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy, and another 98 consecutive cases of
      conventional laparoscopic hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy during the same
      period in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University were
      included. The duration of the operation, blood loss, drainage during the first 24
      h after the operation, total hospital stay, hospital stay after the operation,
      lymph nodes collected, perioperative complications, and the cost of each
      operation for both procedures were recorded. The duration of the operation was
      longer, and the cost of each operation was almost seven times higher in the robot
      group than that in the conventional laparoscopy group. But the differences with
      regard to blood loss, drainage during the first 24 h after the operation, total
      hospital stay, hospital stay after operation, the lymph nodes collected, and the
      rate of perioperative complications were not statistically significant. Robot
      assisted surgery (RAS) in gynecologic cancer is as feasible as conventional
      laparoscopic surgery. We recommend further studies about the cost and effect of
      RAS in gynecologic cancer.

PMID- 27667449
TI  - Near-Infrared Light-Mediated Photodynamic Therapy Nanoplatform by the
      Electrostatic Assembly of Upconversion Nanoparticles with Graphitic Carbon
      Nitride Quantum Dots.
AB  - Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising antitumor treatment that is based on
      photosensitizers. This therapy kills cancer cells by generating reactive oxygen
      species (ROS) after irradiation with specific laser wavelengths. Being a
      potential photosensitizer, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) quantum dots (QDs)
      are noncytotoxic. Although the use of g-C3N4 QDs is challenged by the limited
      tissue penetration of UV light, g-C3N4 QDs display excellent ultraviolet (UV)
      light-triggered cytotoxicity. The g-C3N4 QDs were synthesized using a solid-phase
      hydrothermal method. The well-distributed hydrophilic g-C3N4 can be combined with
      NaYF4:Yb3+/Tm3+ upconversion nanoparticles via the positive ligand poly(l-lysine)
      to produce the final nanocomposite, NaYF4:Yb/Tm-PLL@g-C3N4. Upconversion
      nanoparticles can transfer IR light into UV light and promote g-C3N4 to release
      blue-to-green visible light to generate different images. Moreover, g-C3N4 is a
      promising photosensitizer in PDT because g-C3N4 can transfer oxygen into toxic
      ROS. The singlet oxygen formed by g-C3N4 displays great potential for use in the
      treatment of cancer.

PMID- 27667450
TI  - [Protective effect and mechanism of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin
      against hypoxia/reoxygenation injury of HK-2 renal tubular epithelial cells].
AB  - Objective To study the role of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL)
      in hypoxia/reoxygenation injury and its regulatory effect on autophagy in HK-2
      renal tubular epithelial cells. Methods Three sets of designed NGAL short-hairpin
      RNA (shRNA) sequences were synthesized and transfected into HK-2 cells. The
      expression levels of NGAL mRNA and protein were analyzed by quantitative real
      time PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Then, the HK-2 cells with the best
      NGAL mRNA interference were selected to establish the hypoxia/reoxygenation
      model. The levels of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3II (LC-3II)
      and beclin-1 were detected by Western blotting. Besides, the viability of cells
      was tested by Cell Titer-Blue and CCK-8 assay. Results Three sets of shRNA
      plasmids carrying silenced NGAL gene were successfully constructed and
      transfected into HK-2 cells. The expressions of NGAL mRNA and protein in these
      cells were significantly lower than those in the controls with blank vector.
      After NGAL-silenced HK-2 cells were subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation, the
      levels of LC-3 II and beclin-1 were lower than those in the controls with blank
      vector, whereas the levels of LC-3 II and beclin-1 in were higher than those in
      the ones in which 400 ng/mL recombinant NGAL was added. Cell Titer-Blue and CCK-8
      assays showed that the viability of NGAL-knockdown HK-2 cells was significantly
      lower than the controls. Conclusion NGAL may plays protective role towards HK-2
      cells in the process of hypoxia/reoxygenation by enhancing autophagy.

PMID- 27667451
TI  - [Brd3 promotes IL-6 production via enhancing acetylase CBP recruitment and
      histone 3 acetylation within IL6 promoter].
AB  - Objective To investigate the role of bromodomain containing 3 (Brd3) in LPS
      triggered interleukin-6 (IL-6) production in macrophages and the underlying
      mechanism. Methods CRISPR-Cas9 technology was used to screen an RAW264.7 cell
      line with Brd3 knockout (Brd3-/-). The Brd3-/- cells were used as an experimental
      group, and the parential cells expressing wide-type Brd3 as a control group. The
      IL-6 level in cell culture supernatant was detected by ELISA after 100 ng/mL LPS
      challenging. Effect of Brd3 knockout on the expression and activation of signal
      pathways involved in IL-6 expression, including the NF-kappaB and mitogen
      activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways were examined by Western blot analysis.
      Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay was used to evaluate the recruitment
      of acetylase CREB-binding protein (CBP) to IL6 gene promoter and the acetylation
      level of histone 3 within IL6 gene promoter. Results LPS treatment significantly
      downregulated Brd3 expression in mouse peritoneal macrophages. LPS-induced
      production of IL-6 was significantly inhibited in Brd3-/- macrophages. The
      expressions and activation of signal molecules within NF-kappaB and MAPK pathways
      were barely affected. Brd3 knockout significantly decreased the recruitment of
      acetylase CBP to IL6 gene promoter, and the acetylation level of histone3 within
      IL6 gene promoter was also repressed. Conclusion Brd3 promotes LPS-triggered IL-6
      production via promoting the recruitment of CBP to IL6 promoter and enhancing the
      acetylation level of histone 3 within IL6 promoter.

PMID- 27667448
TI  - Extraction and analysis of signatures from the Gene Expression Omnibus by the
      crowd.
AB  - Gene expression data are accumulating exponentially in public repositories.
      Reanalysis and integration of themed collections from these studies may provide
      new insights, but requires further human curation. Here we report a crowdsourcing
      project to annotate and reanalyse a large number of gene expression profiles from
      Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Through a massive open online course on Coursera,
      over 70 participants from over 25 countries identify and annotate 2,460 single
      gene perturbation signatures, 839 disease versus normal signatures, and 906 drug
      perturbation signatures. All these signatures are unique and are manually
      validated for quality. Global analysis of these signatures confirms known
      associations and identifies novel associations between genes, diseases and drugs.
      The manually curated signatures are used as a training set to develop classifiers
      for extracting similar signatures from the entire GEO repository. We develop a
      web portal to serve these signatures for query, download and visualization.

PMID- 27667452
TI  - [Comparison of the characteristics of expanded cells in human PBMCs activated by
      combination of MTB-Ag and IL-15 or IL-2 in vitro].
AB  - Objective To investigate the biological characteristics of expanded cells in
      human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) activated by the combination of
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigen (MTB-Ag) and IL-15 or IL-2 in vitro. Methods
      Fresh PBMCs of normal subjects were stimulated with MTB-Ag and IL-15 or MTB-Ag
      and IL-2 for 12 days. Proportions of gamma delta T cells, natural killer (NK)
      cells and CD4+ T cells in the expanded cells were analyzed by flow cytometry; the
      numbers of the three lymphocytes were counted by an automated cell counter; the
      killing activity of the expanded cells against tumor cells was tested by MTT
      assay. Results Compared with MTB-Ag plus IL-2 group, proportion of gammadelta T
      cells was higher significantly, and proportion of NK cells was lower
      significantly in MTB-Ag plus IL-15 group. There was no statistically significant
      difference in CD4+ T cell proportion between the two groups. And the same results
      could be obtained in counting the numbers of the three lymphocytes in both
      groups. And killing activity of expanded cells from both groups against tumor
      cells was very strong, and there was no statistically significant difference
      between both groups. Conclusion gamma delta T cells can be activated and expanded
      in human PBMCs stimulated by MTB-Ag and IL-15 greatly, and the total expanded
      cells have high cytotoxicity against tumor cells in vitro.

PMID- 27667453
TI  - [Mitochondrial signal peptide guides EGFP-GRP75 fusion proteins into
      mitochondria].
AB  - Objective To investigate the role of mitoch-ondrial signal peptide in guiding
      enhanced green fluorescent protein-glucose-regulated protein 75 fusion proteins
      (EGFP-GRP75) into mitochondria. Methods At first, the signal peptide gene and
      GRP75 domain genes were spliced by overlap extension PCR. Unphosphorylatable
      mutant T62A/S65A, phospho-mimic mutant T62D/S65D and substrate binding-defective
      mutant V482F were further created through site-directed mutagenesis PCR. The
      fusion gene fragments were ligated into pEGFPC1 expression plasmid, respectively.
      The expressions of EGFP-GRP75 fusion constructs in HeLa cells were examined
      directly with Western blotting and laser scanning confocal microscopy. Results
      All the fusion proteins were highly expressed. Signal peptide remarkably reduced
      the expression of EGFP-GRP75 fusions compared with recombinant plasmids without
      signal peptide. Fluorescence was seen exclusively located in mitochondria of the
      cells transfected by signal peptide-contained plasmids, whereas signal peptide
      absent EGFP-GRP75 fusion proteins were homogeneously distributed in the whole
      cell body. In addition, no changes were observed in the subcellular localization
      of EGFP-GRP75 fusion proteins that contained double or triple mutations at Thr 62
      residues, Ser 65 residues and Val 482 residues. Conclusion Signal peptide is
      essential for targeting EGFP-GRP75 fusion proteins into mitochondria, and 62
      threonine/65 serine/482 valine residues contribute to phosphorylation or
      substrate-binding characteristics are dispensable in the mitochondrial targeting
      function.

PMID- 27667454
TI  - [Zinc-dependent metalloprotease 1 (Zmp1) inhibits the proliferation and phagosome
      lysosome fusion of mouse macrophage RAW264.7].
AB  - Objective To observe the effect of zinc-dependent metalloprotease 1 (Zmp1) of
      Bacillus Calmette Guerin vaccine (BCG) on the proliferation and phagosome
      lysosome fusion of RAW264.7 mouse macrophage. Methods Zmp1 was expressed in
      E.coli BL21 (DE3) and purified by metal chelate magnetic beads. RAW264.7 cells
      were incubated with the purified Zmp1. Cell proliferation was detected at 0, 24,
      48, 72 and 96 hours by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and cell cycle
      distribution was detected by flow cytometry (FCM). The formation of phagosome was
      induced after RAW264.7 cells were infected with attenuated Salmonella. Attenuated
      Salmonella in phagosomes and lysosome associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP1) were
      marked by Alexa FluorR350-anti-Salmonella antibodies (blue fluorescence) and Cy5
      anti-LAMP1 antibodies (red fluorescence), respectively. Two kind of fluorescence
      in RAW264.7 cells were observed under a fluorescent microscope and the fusion of
      phagosome and lysosome was analyzed by overlaying two kind of fluorescence
      (purple fluorescence). Results RAW264.7 cell proliferation decreased obviously 48
      hours after treated with Zmp1, and the cell count in G1 phase declined, but the
      number of S-phase cells increased. In RAW264.7 cells infected with attenuated
      Salmonella and labeled by double immunofluorescent staining, phagolysosomes
      exhibiting purple fluorescence were reduced after treated by Zmp1. Conclusion
      Zmp1 can inhibit mouse RAW264.7 cell proliferation and phagosome-lysosome fusion.

PMID- 27667455
TI  - [Protein kinase A inhibitor H-89 blocks polyploidization of SP600125-induced CMK
      cells by regulating phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1].
AB  - Objective To investigate the regulatory effect of post-translation modification
      of ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 (S6K1) on the polyploidization of
      megakaryocytes. Methods SP600125, a c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor, and
      H-89, a cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) inhibitor, were used to treat CMK
      cells separately or in combination. With propidium iodide (PI) to dye DNA in the
      treated cells, the relative DNA content was detected by flow cytometry, and then
      the DNA polyploidy was analyzed. The change of expression and phosphorylation of
      ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 (S6K1), an important mammalian target of rapamycin
      (mTOR) downstream target molecule, was analyzed by Western blotting. Molecular
      docking study and kinase activity assay were performed to analyze the combination
      of H-89 with S6K1 and the effect of H-89 on the activity of S6K1 kinase. Results
      SP600125 induced CMK cell polyploidization in a time-dependent and dose-dependent
      manner. At the same time, it increased the phosphorylation of S6K1 at
      Thr421/Ser424 and decreased the phosphorylation of S6K1 at Thr389. H-89 not only
      blocked polyploidization, but also decreased the phosphorylation of S6K1 at
      Thr421/Ser424 and increased the phosphorylation of S6K1 at Thr389. Molecular
      docking and kinase activity assay showed that H-89 occupied the ATP binding sites
      of S6K1 and inhibited its activity. Noticeably, both H-89 and SP600125 inhibited
      the activity of PKA. Moreover, the two drugs further inhibited the activity of
      PKA when used together. Therefore, these data indicated that H-89 blocked the
      SP600125-induced polyploidization of CMK cells mainly by changing S6K1
      phosphorylation state, rather than its inhibitory effect on PKA. Conclusion H-89
      can block the polyploidization of SP600125-induced CMK cells by regulating S6K1
      phosphorylation state.

PMID- 27667456
TI  - [Expression and localization of zinc finger protein 185 in sperm cells, Leydig
      cells and Sertoli cells of mouse testis].
AB  - Objective To investigate the expression of zinc finger protein 185 (ZNF185) in
      the sperm cells, Leydig cells and Sertoli cells of the mouse testis. Methods The
      localization of ZNF185 in the sperm cells, Leydig cells, Sertoli cells and mouse
      testis tissue was detected by immunofluorescence assay. The mRNA and protein
      expression levels of ZNF185 in the three kinds of cells were detected by
      quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting. Results
      Immunofluorescence assay showed that ZNF185 was expressed in sperm cells, Leydig
      cells and Sertoli cells, furthermore, ZNF185 was mainly distributed in the
      cytoplasm of Leydig cells and Sertoli cells, as well as the head and tail of
      sperm cells. The qRT-PCR and Western blotting showed that the mRNA and protein
      expression levels of ZNF185 in Sertoli cells were significantly lower than those
      in Leydig cells and sperm cells. Conclusion ZNF185 is distributed in sperm cells,
      Leydig cells and Sertoli cells of mouse testis, and the expression level was
      different between them.

PMID- 27667457
TI  - [Canine zona pellucida 3 (CZP3) DNA vaccination reduces mouse fertility
      effectively].
AB  - Objective To construct a DNA contraception vaccine targeting canine zona
      pellucida 3 (CZP3) antigen and assess the immunological efficacy and
      contraceptive effect of the vaccine. Methods The CZP3 gene was amplified from
      total RNA of canine ovary by reverse transcription PCR and analyzed by
      bioinformatics, such as ProtScale, TMHMM, Signal P, InterProScan, PREDICT
      PROTEIN, homology modeling, etc. The constructed DNA vaccine pcDNA-CZP3 was used
      to vaccinate mice, and then its immune effect and contraceptive effect were
      evaluated in the mice. Results The CZP3 gene had 426 amino acids with two
      hydrophobic regions at its N-terminal and C-terminal, respectively. The top 22
      amino acids at the N-terminal of the CZP3 was the signal peptide and there was a
      transmembranous helix from extracellular to intracellular at the C-terminal. CZP3
      also had 8 B cell epitopes. The DNA contraception vaccine pcDNA3-CZP3 induced
      high levels of antibody and lower average litter size of mouse compared with the
      blank and negative control groups significantly. Conclusion The canine
      contraception DNA vaccine pcDNA-CZP3 has been successfully constructed and it can
      reduce the mouse fertility remarkably.

PMID- 27667458
TI  - [SP600125-induced polyploidization of megakaryocytic leukemia cell lines by
      ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 depends on the degree of cell differentiation].
AB  - Objective To investigate regulatory role of ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 (S6K1)
      in the polyploidization of different megakaryocytic leukemia cell lines at the
      different differentiation stages. Methods Megakaryocytic leukemia cell lines
      (Dami, Meg-01 and HEL cells) were induced towards polyploidization by SP600125, a
      c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor. The SP600125-inducing process was
      blocked by H-89, a cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) inhibitor. The phenotype
      (CD41a, CD42a and CD42b) and DNA ploidy were detected by flow cytometry. The
      expression and phosphorylation of S6K1 and related proteins were detected by
      Western blotting. Results SP600125 induced polyploidization and increased the
      phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 4E binding protein 1 (4E-BP1) in
      Dami, Meg-01 and HEL cells. However, the effect of SP600125 on polyploidization
      of the three cell lines was different, with the strongest effect on Dami cells
      and the weakest on Meg-01 cells. Moreover, SP600125 increased the phosphorylation
      of S6K1 Thr421/Ser424 and decreased the phosphorylation of Thr389 in Dami cells.
      However, it only increased the phosphorylation of Thr389 in HEL cells and had no
      effect on the phosphorylation of S6K1 in Meg-01 cells. Interestingly, H-89 only
      partially blocked the polyploidization of Dami cells, although it decreased the
      phosphorylation of 4E-BP1 in all SP600125-induced three cell lines. Noticeably, H
      89 decreased the phosphorylation of S6K1 Thr421/Ser424 and increased the
      phosphorylation of Thr389 in Dami cells. However, H-89 had no effect on the
      phosphorylation of Thr421/Ser424, although it increased the phosphorylation of
      Thr389 in Meg-01 and HEL cells. Phenotypic analysis showed that the three cell
      lines were at different levels of differentiation in megakaryocytic lineage, with
      the highest differentiation in Dami and the lowest in Meg-01 cells. Conclusion
      SP600125-induced polyploidization of megakaryocytic leukemia cell lines is
      dependent on the effect of SP600125 on phosphorylation of S6K1 in cell lines at
      the different differentiation stages.

PMID- 27667459
TI  - [Emodin alleviates pulmonary fibrosis through inactivation of TGF-beta1/ADAMTS-1
      signaling pathway in rats].
AB  - Objective To explore the role of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1)/a
      disintegrin-like and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type 1 motif (ADAMTS
      1) signaling pathway in emodin's anti-pulmonary fibrosis. Methods Sixty SD rats
      were randomly divided into 6 groups: normal control group, sham-operated group,
      model group, low-dose emodin intervention group (20 mg/kg), high-dose emodin
      intervention group (80 mg/kg) and prednisone group (5 mg/kg). Each group included
      10 animals. Rats in the latter 4 groups were intratracheally injected with
      bleomycin A5 to induce pulmonary fibrosis, whereas bleomycin A5 was replaced by
      normal saline in sham-operated group. From the second day, rats in the low- and
      high-dose emodin intervention groups were intragastrically treated with 2 mL of
      20 and 80 mg/kg emodin, respectively. Rats in the prednisone group were
      intragastrically administrated with 2 mL of 5 mg/kg prednisone acetate. However,
      rats in the normal control and sham-operated and model groups were treated with 2
      mL of normal saline. All rats were sacrificed on day 28 after modeling.
      Subsequently, blood and pulmonary tissue specimen were taken. The pathological
      changes of pulmonary tissues were observed using routine HE and Masson staining.
      The expressions of TGF-beta1, ADAMTS-1, collagen type 1 (Col1) and Col3 in
      pulmonary tissues were measured by quantitative real-time PCR and Western
      blotting. Serum levels of procollagen type 1 carboxy terminal propeptide (P1CP)
      and procollagen type 3 aminoterminal propeptide (P3NP) were detected by ELISA.
      Results Compare with the model group, the alveolitis and pulmonary fibrosis
      extent in each drug-treated group were significantly alleviated. In comparison
      with normal control group or sham-operated group, the mRNA and protein levels of
      TGF-beta1, Col1 and Col3 in pulmonary tissues and the serum levels of P1CP and
      P3NP increased, but the mRNA and protein levels of ADAMTS-1 decreased in model
      group. After treatment with low- and high-dose emodin or prednisone, the mRNA and
      protein levels of TGF-beta1, Col1 and Col3 in pulmonary tissues and the serum
      levels of P1CP and P3NP were significantly downregulated, while the mRNA and
      protein levels of ADAMTS-1 in pulmonary tissues were significantly upregulated as
      compared with the model group. Moreover, In comparison with the low-dose emodin
      intervention group, the above indicators were significantly improved in the high
      dose emodin intervention or prednisone group. However, the above indicators were
      not significantly different between the high-dose emodin intervention group and
      the prednisone group. Conclusion Increased degradation of Col1 and Col3 in
      pulmonary tissues due to the inactivation of TGF-beta1/ADAMTS-1 signaling pathway
      may be a significant mechanism by which emodin protects rats against pulmonary
      fibrosis.

PMID- 27667460
TI  - [Human placental mesenchymal stem cells of fetal origin relieves mouse pulmonary
      fibrosis via downregulating MyD88 and TGF-beta signaling pathway].
AB  - Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of human placental
      mesenchymal stem cells of fetal origin (hfPMSCs) cultured in serum-free medium on
      mouse pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin treatment. Methods Human hfPMSCs
      were cultured and identified by flow cytometry. Fifteen 6-week-old male SPF
      C57BL/6J mice were divided into 3 groups: bleomycin treatment group, hfPMSCs
      transplantation group and negative control group. Pulmonary fibrosis model was
      induced in the mice of bleomycin treatment group and hfPMSCs transplantation
      group with bleomycin (1 MUg/L, 50 MUL) via intratracheal instillation. The mice
      in negative control group were instilled with PBS (50 MUL) through the same
      manner of the other two groups. Three days post-modelling, 200 MUL containing
      5*105 hfPMSCs were injected into hfPMSCs transplantation group via tail vein. All
      the mice were sacrificed at day 21 after modeling in batch. Lung tissues were
      collected for analyzing the pathological changes by HE staining and Masson
      staining as well as detecting collagen content. The total protein of lung tissues
      was extracted for observing the expressions of myeloid differentiation factor 88
      (MyD88) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta); the level of TGF-beta in
      sera was determined by Western blotting. Results The hfPMSCs possessed the
      morphology of mesenchymal stem cells and expressed the surface markers CD73, CD90
      and CD105, but did not express CD14, CD34 and CD45. HE and Masson staining showed
      that hfPMSCs transplantation significantly reduced the degree of pulmonary
      fibrosis compared with bleomycin treatment group. The collagen content and the
      expression levels of MyD88 and TGF-beta in bleomycin treatment group were
      obviously higher than those in hfPMSCs transplantation group and negative control
      group. Conclusion hfPMSCs possess the capability of alleviating pulmonary
      fibrosis by down-regulating the expressions of MyD88 and TGF-beta.

PMID- 27667461
TI  - [Berberine inhibits cardiac fibrosis of diabetic rats].
AB  - Objective To explore the effect of berberine on cardiac fibrosis of diabetic rats
      by observing the expressions of serum transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF
      beta1), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) , collagen type 1 (Col1) and
      collagen type 3 (Col3) in myocardial tissues of diabetic rats after berberine
      treatment. Methods The diabetic model was induced by intraperitoneal injection of
      streptococci (STZ). Forty-three diabetic rats were randomly divided into diabetic
      model group (n=9), berberine treated groups of different doses [50, 100, 150
      mg/(kg.d), gavage administration for 12 weeks; n=9, 9, 8 respectively], and
      metformin group as positive control (n=8); other 8 normal rats served as a
      negative control group. After the last administration, fasting blood glucose,
      left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP) and left ventricular end diastolic
      pressure (LVEDP) were measured; rats' heart were taken to calculate the heart
      mass index (HMI); ELISA was used to detect the serum levels of TGF-beta1 and
      CTGF; collagenous fibers in cardiac tissues were tested by Masson staining;
      collagen volume fraction (CVF) was measured by image analysis; Col1 and Col3 in
      cardiac tissues were determined by Western blotting. Results Compared with the
      normal control group, the fasting blood glucose, LVSP, LVEDP absolute value, HMI,
      the degree of cardiac fibrosis, the expressions of TGF-beta1, CTGF, Col1 and Col3
      significantly increased in the model group. All indexes mentioned above were
      reduced obviously in berberine treated groups of 100 and 150 mg/(kg.d).
      Conclusion Berberine improves cardiac fibrosis in diabetic rats through down
      regulating the expressions of TGF-beta1 and CTGF and reducing the synthesis and
      deposition of Col1 and Col3.

PMID- 27667462
TI  - [Preparation and activity validation of PP7 bacteriophage-like particles
      displaying PAP114-128 peptide].
AB  - Objective To obtain the PP7 bacteriophage-like particles carrying the peptide of
      prostatic acid phosphatase PAP114-128, and prove that they retain the original
      biological activity. Methods First, the plasmid pETDuet-2PP7 was constructed as
      follows: the gene of PP7 coat protein dimer was amplified by gene mutation
      combined with overlapping PCR technology, and inserted into the vector pETDuet-1.
      Following that, the plasmid pETDuet-2PP7-PAP114-128 was constructed as follows:
      the PP7 coat protein gene carrying the coding gene of PAP114-128 peptide was
      amplified using PCR, and then inserted into the vector pETDuet-2PP7. Both pETDuet
      2PP7 and pETDuet-2PP7-PAP114-128 were transformed into E.coli and expressed. The
      expression product was verified by SDS-PAGE, double immunodiffusion assay and
      ELISA. Results The gene fragment of PP7 coat protein dimer was obtained by
      overlapping PCR using Ex Taq DNA polymerase, and the antigenicity of its
      expression product was the same as that of the coat protein of wild-type PP7
      bacteriophage. Moreover, the PAP114-128 peptide epitope that was displayed on the
      surface of PP7 bacteriophage was identical with the corresponding epitope of
      natural human PAP, and it was able to induce high levels of antibodies.
      Conclusion The gene of PP7 coat protein dimer with repeated sequences can be
      prepared by gene mutation combined with overlapping PCR. Based on this, PP7
      bacteriophage-like particles carrying PAP peptide can be prepared, which not only
      solves the problem of the instability of the peptides, but also lays a foundation
      for the study on their delivery and function.

PMID- 27667463
TI  - [Recombinant HMGB1 induces the differentiation of mouse myeloid cells into
      myeloid-derived suppressor cells in vitro].
AB  - Objective To investigate the effects of recombinant high mobility group box l
      (rHMGB1) on the differentiation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in
      vitro. Methods The cells were harvested from the bone marrow of BALB/c mice and
      cultured with rHMGB1, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)
      combined with IL-6 (GM-CSF-IL-6), GM-CSF combined with IL-6 and rHMGB1 (GM-CSF-IL
      6-rHMGB1), separately in vitro. The percentages of CD11b+Gr1+MDSCs, CD11c+ cells
      and F4/80+ macrophages were measured by flow cycometry (FCM) after treatment for
      48 hours. Monocytic MDSCs (M-MDSCs) and granulocytic MDSCs (G-MDSCs) were
      isolated from the femurs of healthy BALB/c mice, and then stimulated with rHMGB1.
      The proportions of CD11b+Gr1+MDSCs, CD11c+ cells and F4/80+ macrophages were
      detected by FCM. Results FCM showed that the proportions of CD11b+Gr1+MDSCs in
      rHMGB1 group, GM-CSF-IL-6 group, GM-CSF-IL-6-HMGB1 group increased, while CD11c+
      cells and F4/80+ macrophages decreased as compared with control group after 48
      hours. Following rHMGB1 treatment, the percentages of M-MDSCs and G-MDSCs were
      raised and the proportions of CD11c+ cells and F4/80+ macrophages were reduced in
      rHMGB1-treated group, but there were no significant differences between M-MDSCs
      and G-MDSCs groups. Conclusion The rHMGB1 can induce MDSC differentiation; rHMGB1
      combined with GM-CSF and IL-6 can more effectively promote MDSC differentiation
      in vitro.

PMID- 27667464
TI  - [Xinfeng Capsule reduces hypercoagulative state in patients with Sjogren's
      syndrome by inhibiting miR-155/SOCS1/NF-kappaB signaling pathway].
AB  - Objective To explore the relationship between Xinfeng Capsule (XFC) improving the
      hypercoagulative state in patients with Sjogren's syndrome (SS) and miR
      155/suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1)/nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB)
      signaling pathway. Methods Sixty-six SS patients were randomly divided into XFC
      treated group and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ)-treated control group (n=33 per
      group), which were respectively treated with XFC and HCQ. In addition, 20 healthy
      volunteers were enrolled as a normal control group. The levels of prothrombin
      time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen (FIG),
      thrombin time (TT) and D-dimer (D-D) were detected using automatic coagulation
      analyzer. Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), IL-4, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-alpha
      (TNF-alpha), P50, P65, inhibitor of NF-kappaB alpha (IkappaBalpha) were tested
      using ELISA. Meanwhile, the mRNA expressions of p50, p65 and IkappaBalpha were
      determined using quantitative real-time PCR, and the level of microRNA-155 (miR
      155) was examined by one-step fluorescence quantitative PCR. The protein levels
      of P50, P65 and SOCS1 were detected using Western blotting. Erythrocyte
      sedimentation rate (ESR) was evaluated by Westergren method. Hypersensitive C
      reactive protein (hs-CRP) was detected using automatic biochemical analyzer.
      Results Compared with the normal control group, the levels of D-D and FIB
      significantly increased in SS group; simultaneously, the serum levels of miR-155,
      IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, P50, P65, IkappaBalpha, hs-CRP, ESR were significantly
      elevated in SS patients, while IL-4 and IL-10 were significantly reduced.
      Spearman correlation analysis showed that the coagulation parameters were
      remarkably correlated with cytokines, NF-kappaB and activity indexes. In the two
      treated groups, coagulation parameters and related indexes were demonstrated
      having some improvement, especially in the XFC group, which had a much higher
      efficiency, and better outcomes in reducing the levels of FIB, D-D, miR-155, TNF
      alpha, IL-1beta, P50, P65, ESR and hs-CRP, as well as increasing the expressions
      of SOCS1, IL-4 and IL-10. Conclusion XFC can significantly alleviate the
      hypercoagulative state of patients with SS, and the mechanisms may be related to
      the inhibition of miR-155/SOCS1/NF-kappaB signaling pathway.

PMID- 27667465
TI  - [Upregulated PD-1 on CD8+T cells is positively correlated with activation of T
      cells during HIV-1 infection].
AB  - Objective To investigate the expressions of programmed death-1 (PD-1), CD38,
      human leukocyte antigen DR (HLA-DR) and anligen KI-67(ki67) on CD8+ T cells, and
      the correlation between PD-1/PD-L1 pathway and activation, immunodepletion during
      HIV-1 infection. Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated by
      density gradient centrifugation from 87 HIV-1 patients and 22 healthy controls.
      The expression levels of PD-1, CD38, HLA-DR and ki67 on CD8+T cells were detected
      by flow cytometry. Furthermore, we evaluated the production of interferon-gamma
      (IFN-gamma) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) in CD8+ T cells by
      blocking PD-1/PD-L1 pathway in the presence of PD-L1 mAb. Results Compared with
      healthy controls, HIV-1 infection resulted in a significant increase in PD-1
      expression on CD8+T cells. Correlation analysis showed that PD-1 expression on
      CD8+T cell was positively associated with HIV-1 viral loading (VL) and negatively
      associated with the number of CD4+T cells. Furthermore, PD-1 expression was
      positively correlated with CD38 and HLA-DR expressions on CD8+T cells in HIV-1
      infected patients. There was no association between PD-1 and ki67 expression on
      CD8+T cells in HIV-1 infected patients. Blockage of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway
      increased TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma production in CD8+T cells. Conclusion PD-1
      expression on CD8+T cells is significantly upregulated during HIV-1 infection. PD
      1 expression is correlated with CD8+T cell inhibition, immunodepletion and
      disease progression. Moreover, the blockage of PD-1/PD-L1 pathway can restore the
      function of CD8+T cells in HIV-1 patients.

PMID- 27667466
TI  - [The poor chemotherapeutic efficacy in lung adenocarcinoma overexpressing c-Src
      and nucleophosmin/B23(NPM1)].
AB  - Objective To observe the expressions of c-Src protein and nucleophosmin/B23
      (NPM1) protein in lung adenocarcinoma tissues and explore their relationships
      with chemotherapeutic efficacy. Methods The study collected a total of 107 lung
      adenocarcinoma tissue specimens from the First People's Hospital of Huaihua City
      from 2012-10-10 to 2015-06-30. Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze the
      expressions of c-Src protein and NPM1 protein. The relationships between the
      protein expressions and lung adenocarcinoma progression were subsequently
      analyzed. Among these patients, 55 cases of III-IV patients were treated with
      gemcitabine combined with cisplatin for 4 cycles of chemotherapy. The
      relationships between the protein expressions and chemotherapeutic efficacy were
      then analyzed. Results Both c-Src protein and NPM1 protein were positively
      expressed in lung adenocarcinoma tissues. With the increase of clinical stages,
      their expression levels gradually increased. However, their levels showed an
      inverse correlation with tumor differentiation degree. Chemotherapeutic efficacy
      decreased with the increase of the protein expressions. Conclusion
      Chemotherapeutic sensitivity is poor in lung adenocarcinoma patients
      overexpressing c-Src and NPM1 protein. High expressions of c-Src and NPM1 may be
      associated with poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma.

PMID- 27667467
TI  - [The number of myeloid suppressor cells, Th17 cells of peripheral blood and the
      serum IL-17 level increase in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma].
AB  - Objective To explore the relationships in the numbers of peripheral blood myeloid
      derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), Th17 cells, and the IL-17 expression in oral
      squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients. Methods The fasting venous blood
      specimens of 34 OSCC patients and 16 heacthy donors were collected, OSCC patients
      includied 18 cases of stage I and stage II and 16 cases of stage III and stage
      IV. The percentages of MDSCs and Th17 cells were determined by flow cytometry and
      the serum level of IL-17 was detected by ELISA. Results The percentages of MDSCs
      and Th17 cells, and the level of IL-17 in OSCC patients were higher than those in
      healthy donors. In OSCC patients, the percentages of MDSCs and Th17, and the
      level of IL-17 were higher in stage III and stage IV than in stage I and II. The
      significant correlation was found between the number of MDSCs and the level of IL
      17, while no correlation was found between the numbers of MDSCs and Th17 cells.
      Conclusion In OSCC patients, the numbers of MDSCs and Th17 cells, and the level
      of IL-17 increase compared with healthy donors. There is an interaction between
      DMSCs and Th17 cells. The IL-17 might originate from other innate immunocytes
      rather than Th17 cells.

PMID- 27667468
TI  - [STAT3 and NF-kappaB is activated in papillary thyroid carcinoma tissues].
AB  - Objective To explore the relationship between signal transducers and activators
      of transcription 3 (STAT3) and nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) signaling
      pathway in papillary thyroid carcinoma. Methods The study enrolled 69 patients
      with thyroid cancer and 58 control individuals. Real-time fluorescence
      quantitative PCR, ELISA and immunohistochemistry were separately used to detect
      mRNA and protein expressions of NF-kappaB and STAT3 in normal thyroid and thyroid
      carcinoma tissues. Results Compared with normal thyroid tissues, both mRNA and
      protein expressions of NF-kappaB and STAT3 increased significantly in thyroid
      carcinoma tissues. Immunohistochemistry showed that the positive rate of STAT3 in
      all patients with thyroid cancer (89.3%) was significantly higher than that in
      the patients with normal thyroid tissue (10.2%). Conclusion The function of NF
      kappaB pathway mediated by STAT3 is activated in patients with thyroid cancer.

PMID- 27667469
TI  - [Identification and characterization of monoclonal antibody Y4F11 against human
      B7-H3].
AB  - Objective To generate mouse anti-human monoclonal antibodies against the
      molecules expressed on immune cells from malignant pleural effusions, and
      identify the antigen recognized by the monoclonal antibody named Y4F11. Methods
      The cells separated from pleural effusions of lung cancer patients were used to
      immunize BALB/c mice. Hybridoma technology was used for cell fusion and
      screening; the monoclonal antibody named Y4F11 was chosen as the object for the
      following experiment. Flow cytometry was performed to analyze the molecules
      expressed on naive and activated T, B, NK cells and monocytes; Co
      immunoprecipitation was conducted to get the antigen pulled down by Y4F11. Mass
      spectrometry sequencing and BLASTP were used to identify the antigen molecules.
      Western blotting, dot-blotting and flow cytometry were utilized to identify
      Y4F11. Results The study obtained 78 hybridoma clones secreting antibodies stably
      which could recognize surface molecules on cells from pleural effusions. The
      hybridoma named Y4F11 was chosen as the following experiment object for further
      identification. The molecule which Y4F11 recognized was about 50 Kd, and further
      was confirmed as B7-H3 molecule. Furthermore, Y4F11 could recognize B7-H3
      expressed on B7-H3 gene-transferred cells as well as B7-H3 fusion protein.
      Besides, the expression pattern of B7-H3 on immune cells was confirmed by Y4F11
      antibody. All these results indicated that the antigen molecule recognized by
      Y4F11 antibody was B7-H3. Conclusion A hybridoma cell line with stable expression
      of monoclonal antibody B7-H3 has been successfully obtained and could be used for
      biological function study on B7-H3.

PMID- 27667470
TI  - [Prokaryotic expression and antiserum preparation for major antigenic epitope
      region of major capsid protein of Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus)
      iridovirus].
AB  - Objective To express the fusion protein of major antigenic epitope region of
      major capsid protein (MCP) of Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus)
      iridovirus (CGSIV) and prepare the rabbit antiserum. Methods Using the genomic
      DNA of CGSIV Lueyang strain (CGSIV-LY) as a template, the gene fragment of major
      antigenic epitope region of MCP was amplified by PCR and cloned into the
      prokaryotic vector pET-21a(+) to construct the prokaryotic expression recombinant
      plasmid pET-21a-MCP. The recombinant plasmid was transformed into Escherichia
      coli BL21(DE3). His-tagged fusion protein was induced by IPTG. After identified
      by SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis, the recombinant protein was purified by
      nitrilotriacetic acid (Ni-NTA) agarose resin. New Zealand rabbits were immunized
      with the purified recombinant protein to generate antiserum. Specificity and
      titer of the antiserum were determined by Western blotting and indirect ELISA,
      and then the antiserum was used to detect the CGSIV in the infected EPC cells by
      indirect immunofluorescence assay. Results The recombinant protein with the
      relative molecular mass of 29 000 was expressed. The prepared rabbit antiserum
      had a good specificity and a high titer. Indirect immunofluorescence assay showed
      that the antiserum could recognize CGSIV in the infected EPC cells. Conclusion
      The fusion protein of major antigenic epitope region of MCP of CGSIV is
      successfully expressed and the rabbit antiserum with a high titer and a good
      specificity been prepared.

PMID- 27667472
TI  - A Novel Nanoporous Graphite Based on Graphynes: First-Principles Structure and
      Carbon Dioxide Preferential Physisorption.
AB  - Ubiquitous graphene is a stricly 2D material representing an ideal adsorbing
      platform due to its large specific surface area as well as its mechanical
      strength and resistance to both thermal and chemical stresses. However, graphene
      as a bulk material has the tendency to form irreversible agglomerates leading to
      3D graphitic structures with a significant decrease of the area available for
      adsorption and no room for gas intercalation. In this paper, a novel nanoporous
      graphite formed by graphtriyne sheets is introduced; its 3D structure is
      theoretically assessed by means of electronic structure and molecular dynamics
      computations within the DFT level of theory. It is found that the novel layered
      carbon allotrope is almost as compact as pristine graphite but the inherent
      porosity of the 2D graphyne sheets and its relative stacking leads to
      nanochannels that cross the material and whose subnanometer size could allow the
      diffusion and storage of gas species. A molecular prototype of the nanochannel is
      used to accurately determine first-principles adsorption energies and enthalpies
      for CO2, N2, H2O, and H2 within the pores. The proposed porous graphite presents
      no significant barrier for gas diffusion and shows a high propensity for CO2
      physisorption with respect to the other relevant components in both pre- and
      postcombustion gas streams.

PMID- 27667471
TI  - The Assessment of Risk in Cardiothoracic Intensive Care (ARCtIC): prediction of
      hospital mortality after admission to cardiothoracic critical care.
AB  - The models used to predict outcome after adult general critical care may not be
      applicable to cardiothoracic critical care. Therefore, we analysed data from the
      Case Mix Programme to identify variables associated with hospital mortality after
      admission to cardiothoracic critical care units and to develop a risk-prediction
      model. We derived predictive models for hospital mortality from variables
      measured in 17,002 patients within 24 h of admission to five cardiothoracic
      critical care units. The final model included 10 variables: creatinine; white
      blood count; mean arterial blood pressure; functional dependency; platelet count;
      arterial pH; age; Glasgow Coma Score; arterial lactate; and route of admission.
      We included additional interaction terms between creatinine, lactate, platelet
      count and cardiac surgery as the admitting diagnosis. We validated this model
      against 10,238 other admissions, for which the c index (95% CI) was 0.904 (0.89
      0.92) and the Brier score was 0.055, while the slope and intercept of the
      calibration plot were 0.961 and -0.183, respectively. The discrimination and
      calibration of our model suggest that it might be used to predict hospital
      mortality after admission to cardiothoracic critical care units.

PMID- 27667473
TI  - Long non-coding RNAs and genes contributing to the generation of cancer stem
      cells in hepatocellular carcinoma identified by RNA sequencing analysis.
AB  - Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play important roles in cancer initiation, progression
      and metastasis. The aim of the present study was to identify the potential
      targets that may contribute to the generation of hepatocellular carcinoma stem
      cells (HCSCs) from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. The RNA sequencing (RNA
      Seq) dataset GSE70537 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO)
      database. Raw RNA sequences were mapped to the GRCh37/hg19 genome based on TopHat
      and assembled through Cufflinks. Cuffdiff of Cufflinks was used for the screening
      of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the two types of HCSCs (Hep3B-C and
      Huh7-C) compared with the two types of HCC cells (Hep3B and Huh7) which were
      satisfied by the criteria of |log2(RPKMHCSC/RPKMHCC)| >1 and p<0.05. In addition,
      based on the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery
      (DAVID), we screened the Gene Ontology (GO) terms and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes
      and Genomes (KEGG) pathways which were enriched in the DEGs. For the DEGs with
      consistent differential expression in the two lists of DEGs, the LncRNA2Target
      database was used for the identification of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA)-gene
      pairs. A total of 218 and 591 DEGs were identified for the Hep3B-C and Huh7-C
      samples, respectively, and 22 overlaps were obtained. Biological processes and
      pathways related to steroid biosynthesis/metabolism or other substance transport
      were found to be enriched in the two lists of DEGs. Among the 22 overlaps, 16
      were found to be consistently differentially expressed in the two HCSC samples,
      and the lncRNA-gene regulatory network of these genes was constructed. Moreover,
      several potential biomarkers that may play important roles in the transformation
      of HCSCs were identified in the regulation network. Through the bioinformatics
      analysis of the RNA-Seq dataset, several novel targets that were associated with
      the progression of HCC were obtained, and these targets may be valuable for the
      treatment and prognosis of HCC.

PMID- 27667474
TI  - Wogonin enhances intracellular adiponectin levels and suppresses adiponectin
      secretion in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.
AB  - As an insulin sensitizer and modulator of inflammatory responses, adiponectin has
      become a therapeutic target for insulin resistance, diabetes, and diabetes
      related complications. Wogonin possesses anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and
      anti-diabetic abilities. However, its effect on generation and secretion of
      adiponectin is ill-defined in adipocytes. Here, we demonstrated that wogonin
      administration augmented intracellular adiponectin levels and attenuated
      adiponectin release in a dose- and time-dependent manner in mature 3T3-L1
      adipocytes, along with a suppression of PKCdelta phosphorylation. Wogonin
      treatment also prevented PKCdelta overexpression-induced reduction of
      intracellular adiponectin levels and enhancement of adiponectin release. In
      addition, wogonin supplementation dramatically increased AMPK phosphorylation and
      SirT1 expression. Inhibition of either AMPK or SirT1 mitigated wogonin action on
      adiponectin production and release. Furthermore, inhibition of AMPK by its
      specific inhibitor markedly reduced wogonin-enhanced mRNA and protein expressions
      of SirT1. These results suggested that wogonin regulated expression and secretion
      of adiponectin via PKCdelta/AMPK/SirT1 signaling pathway in mature 3T3-L1
      adipocytes.

PMID- 27667475
TI  - A possible reason for the low reproducibility of malondialdehyde determinations
      in biological samples.

PMID- 27667476
TI  - Replacing, reducing and refining the use of animals in tuberculosis vaccine
      research.
AB  - Tuberculosis (TB) remains a serious global health threat and an improved vaccine
      is urgently needed. New candidate TB vaccines are tested using preclinical animal
      models such as mice, guinea pigs, cattle and non-human primates. Animals are
      routinely infected with virulent Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) in challenge
      experiments to evaluate protective efficacy, raising ethical issues regarding the
      procedure of infection itself, symptoms of disease and humane end-points. We
      summarize the importance and limitations of animal models in TB vaccine research
      and review current alternatives and modifications in the context of the NC3Rs
      framework for replacing, reducing and refining the use of animals for scientific
      purposes.

PMID- 27667478
TI  - Spatial variation of fixed charge density in knee joint cartilage from sodium MRI
      - Implication on knee joint mechanics under static loading.
AB  - The effects of fixed charge density (FCD) and cartilage swelling have not been
      demonstrated on cartilage mechanics on knee joint level before. In this study, we
      present how the spatial and local variations of FCD affects the mechanical
      response of the knee joint cartilage during standing (half of the body weight, 13
      minutes) using finite element (FE) modeling. The FCD distribution of tibial
      cartilage of an asymptomatic subject was determined using sodium (23Na) MRI at 7T
      and implemented into a 3-D FE-model of the knee joint (Subject-specific model,
      FCD: 0.18+/-0.08 mEq/ml). Tissue deformation in the Subject-specific model was
      validated against experimental, in vivo loading of the joint conducted with a MR
      compatible compression device. For comparison, models with homogeneous FCD
      distribution (homogeneous model) and FCD distribution obtained from literature
      (literature model) were created. Immediately after application of the load
      (dynamic response), the variations in FCD had minor effects on cartilage stresses
      and strains. After 13 minutes of standing, the spatial and local variations in
      FCD had most influence on axial strains. In the superficial tibial cartilage in
      the Subject-specific model, axial strains were increased up to +13% due to
      smaller FCD (mean -11%), as compared to the homogeneous model. Compared to the
      literature model, those were decreased up to -18% due to greater FCD (mean +7%).
      The findings demonstrate that the spatial and local FCD variations in cartilage
      modulates strains in knee joint cartilage. Thereby, the results highlight the
      mechanical importance of site-specific content of proteoglycans in cartilage.

PMID- 27667477
TI  - Tensile properties of the hip joint ligaments are largely variable and age
      dependent - An in-vitro analysis in an age range of 14-93 years.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Hip joint stability is maintained by the surrounding ligaments,
      muscles, and the atmospheric pressure exerted via these structures. It is unclear
      whether the ligaments are capable of preventing dislocation solely due to their
      tensile properties, and to what extent they undergo age-related changes. This
      study aimed to obtain stress-strain data of the hip ligaments over a large age
      range. METHODS: Stress-strain data of the iliofemoral (IL), ischiofemoral (IS)
      and pubofemoral ligament (PF) were obtained from cadavers ranging between 14 and
      93 years using a highly standardized setting. Maximum strains were compared to
      the distances required for dislocation. RESULTS: Elastic modulus was 24.4 (IL),
      22.4 (IS) and 24.9N/mm2 (PF) respectively. Maximum strain was 84.5%, 86.1%, 72.4%
      and ultimate stress 10.0, 7.7 and 6.5N/mm2 for the IL, IS and PF respectively.
      None of these values varied significantly between ligaments or sides. The IS'
      elastic modulus was higher and maximum strain lower in males. Lower elastic
      moduli of the PF and higher maximum strains for the IS and PF were revealed in
      the >=55 compared to the <55 population. Maximum strain exceeded the dislocation
      distance of the IS without external hip joint rotation in females, and of the IS
      and cranial IL under external rotation in both genders. DISCUSSION: Tensile and
      failure load properties of the hip joint ligaments are largely variable. The IS
      and PF change age-dependently. Though the hip ligaments contribute to hip
      stability, the IS and cranial IL may not prevent dislocation due to their
      elasticity.

PMID- 27667479
TI  - Client history and violence on direct care workers in the home care setting.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Health care workers providing home care are frequently unaware of
      their client's history of violence or mental illness/substance abuse disorder,
      recognized risk factors for workplace violence. This study estimated the
      associations between these factors and experiencing client violence among direct
      care workers in the home settings (DCWHs). METHODS: Acts and threats of violence
      were estimated using data from an anonymous survey among DCWHs (n = 876) working
      at two large home care agencies. Logistic regressions were performed to produce
      odds ratios. RESULTS: Physical acts and physical or verbal threats of client
      violence were associated with providing homecare to clients with a violence
      history (adjusted ORs = 6.60 and 10.78, respectively), whereas threats of client
      violence (adjusted OR = 5.80) were associated with caring for clients with a
      mental illness/substance abuse disorder. CONCLUSIONS: Policy and practices that
      support the communication of appropriate client risk information may reduce the
      likelihood of workplace violence among DCWHs. Am. J. Ind. Med. 59:1130-1135,
      2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27667480
TI  - Integrated analysis of DNA methylation and RNA-sequencing data in Down syndrome.
AB  - Down syndrome (DS) is the most common birth defect in children. To investigate
      the mechanisms of DS, the present study analyzed the bisulfite-sequencing (seq)
      data GSE42144, which was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus. GSE42144
      included DNA methylation data of three DS samples and three control samples, and
      RNA-seq data of two DS samples and five control samples. The methylated sites in
      the bisulfite-seq data were detected using Bismark and Bowtie2. The BiSeq tool
      was applied to determine differentially methylated regions and to identify
      adjacent genes. Using the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated
      Discovery, the functions of the abnormal demethylated genes were predicted by
      functional enrichment analyses. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were then
      screened using a paired t-test. Furthermore, the interactions of the proteins
      encoded by selected genes were determined using the Search Tool for the Retrieval
      of Interacting Genes, and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was
      constructed using Cytoscape. A total of 74 CpG regions showed significant
      differential DNA methylation between the DS and normal samples. There were five
      abnormal demethylated DNA regions in chromosome 21. In the DS samples, a total of
      43 adjacent genes were identified with demethylation in their promoter regions
      and one adjacent gene was identified with upregulated methylation in its promoter
      regions. In addition, 584 upregulated genes were identified, including 24 genes
      with transcriptional regulatory function. In particular, upregulated Runt-related
      transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) was located on chromosome 21. Functional
      enrichment analysis indicated that inhibitor of DNA binding 4 (ID4) was involved
      in neuronal differentiation and transcriptional suppression. In the PPI network,
      genes may be involved in DS by interacting with others, including nuclear
      receptor subfamily 4 group A member 2 (NR4A2)-early growth response (EGR)2 and
      NR4A2-EGR3. Therefore, RUNX1, NR4A2, EGR2, EGR3 and ID4 may be key genes
      associated with the pathogenesis of DS.

PMID- 27667481
TI  - Investigating the Molecular Mechanisms Behind Uncharacterized Cysteine Losses
      from Prediction of Their Oxidation State.
AB  - Cysteines are among the rarest amino acids in nature, and are both functionally
      and structurally very important for proteins. The ability of cysteines to form
      disulfide bonds is especially relevant, both for constraining the folded state of
      the protein and for performing enzymatic duties. But how does the variation
      record of human proteins reflect their functional importance and structural role,
      especially with regard to deleterious mutations? We created HUMCYS, a manually
      curated dataset of single amino acid variants that (1) have a known
      disease/neutral phenotypic outcome and (2) cause the loss of a cysteine, in order
      to investigate how mutated cysteines relate to structural aspects such as surface
      accessibility and cysteine oxidation state. We also have developed a sequence
      based in silico cysteine oxidation predictor to overcome the scarcity of
      experimentally derived oxidation annotations, and applied it to extend our
      analysis to classes of proteins for which the experimental determination of their
      structure is technically challenging, such as transmembrane proteins. Our
      investigation shows that we can gain insights into the reason behind the outcome
      of cysteine losses in otherwise uncharacterized proteins, and we discuss the
      possible molecular mechanisms leading to deleterious phenotypes, such as the
      involvement of the mutated cysteine in a structurally or enzymatically relevant
      disulfide bond.

PMID- 27667483
TI  - Localized lichen myxedematosus in childhood: what is the accurate diagnosis?

PMID- 27667482
TI  - Modeling oblong proteins and water-mediated interfaces with RosettaDock in CAPRI
      rounds 28-35.
AB  - The 28th-35th rounds of the Critical Assessment of PRotein Interactions (CAPRI)
      served as a practical benchmark for our RosettaDock protein-protein docking
      protocols, highlighting strengths and weaknesses of the approach. We achieved
      acceptable or better quality models in three out of 11 targets. For the two alpha
      repeat protein-green fluorescent protein (alpharep-GFP) complexes, we used a
      novel ellipsoidal partial-global docking method (Ellipsoidal Dock) to generate
      models with 2.2 A/1.5 A interface RMSD, capturing 49%/42% of the native contacts,
      for the 7-/5-repeat alpharep complexes. For the DNase-immunity protein complex,
      we used a new predictor of hydrogen-bonding networks, HBNet with Bridging Waters,
      to place individual water models at the complex interface; models were generated
      with 1.8 A interface RMSD and 12% native water contacts recovered. The targets
      for which RosettaDock failed to create an acceptable model were typically
      difficult in general, as six had no acceptable models submitted by any CAPRI
      predictor. The UCH-L5-RPN13 and UCH-L5-INO80G de-ubiquitinating enzyme-inhibitor
      complexes comprised inhibitors undergoing significant structural changes upon
      binding, with the partners being highly interwoven in the docked complexes. Our
      failure to predict the nucleosome-enzyme complex in Target 95 was largely due to
      tight constraints we placed on our model based on sparse biochemical data
      suggesting two specific cross-interface interactions, preventing the correct
      structure from being sampled. While RosettaDock's three successes show that it is
      a state-of-the-art docking method, the difficulties with highly flexible and
      multi-domain complexes highlight the need for better flexible docking and domain
      assembly methods. Proteins 2017; 85:479-486. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27667484
TI  - Development of a Double-Antigen Microsphere Immunoassay for Simultaneous Group
      and Serotype Detection of Bluetongue Virus Antibodies.
AB  - Bluetongue viruses (BTV) are arboviruses responsible for infections in ruminants.
      The confirmation of BTV infections is based on rapid serological tests such as
      enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) using the BTV viral protein 7 (VP7)
      as antigen. The determination of the BTV serotype by serological analyses could
      be only performed by neutralization tests (VNT) which are time-consuming and
      require BSL3 facilities. VP2 protein is considered the major serotype-defining
      protein of BTV. To improve the serological characterization of BTV infections,
      the recombinant VP7 and BTV serotype 8 (BTV-8) VP2 were synthesized using insect
      cells expression system. The purified antigens were covalently bound to
      fluorescent beads and then assayed with 822 characterized ruminant sera from BTV
      vaccinations or infections in a duplex microsphere immunoassay (MIA). The
      revelation step of this serological duplex assay was performed with biotinylated
      antigens instead of antispecies conjugates to use it on different ruminant
      species. The results demonstrated that MIA detected the anti-VP7 antibodies with
      a high specificity as well as a competitive ELISA approved for BTV diagnosis,
      with a better efficiency for the early detection of the anti-VP7 antibodies. The
      VP2 MIA results showed that this technology is also an alternative to VNT for BTV
      diagnosis. Comparisons between the VP2 MIA and VNT results showed that VNT
      detects the anti-VP2 antibodies in an early stage and that the VP2 MIA is as
      specific as VNT. This novel immunoassay provides a platform for developing
      multiplex assays, in which the presence of antibodies against multiple BTV
      serotypes can be detected simultaneously.

PMID- 27667486
TI  - [Anti-NMDA Receptor Antibody-Related Encephalitis].
AB  - Recently, the search for diagnostic antibody markers has drawn considerable
      attention in relation to autoimmune encephalitis. Among the antibody markers, the
      most frequently detected is the anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor
      (NMDAR)antibody. Patients with this antibody develop characteristic clinical
      features. This disease tends to affect young women, and starts with psychiatric
      symptoms followed by seizures, involuntary movements, autonomic failure, and
      respiratory failure. Nearly half of these female patients have ovarian teratoma.
      Some of the patients with anti-NMDAR antibody show atypical clinical features.
      Approximately 4% show only psychiatric symptoms, which might lead to a diagnosis
      of malignant catatonia. Other reports describe patients experiencing refractory
      seizures to have the anti-NMDAR antibody. Some of the antibody-positive patients
      are associated with demyelinating disorders, and some develop anti-NMDAR
      encephalitis after recovery from herpes simplex encephalitis. It is important to
      test the anti-NMDAR antibody in these groups since immunotherapy ameliorates
      their symptoms. The anti-NMDAR antibody binds to the constitutional epitope at
      the extracellular domain of GluN1 and disrupts its function. Early introduction
      of immunotherapy together with tumor resection will results in improvement of
      neurological symptoms.

PMID- 27667487
TI  - [Voltage-Gated Potassium Channel-Complex Antibodies Associated Encephalopathy and
      Related Diseases].
AB  - Voltage-gated potassium channel (VGKC) complex antibodies are auto-antibodies,
      initially identified in acquired neuromyotonia (aNMT; Isaacs' syndrome), which
      cause muscle cramps and difficulty in opening the palm of the hands.
      Subsequently, these antibodies were found in patients presenting with aNMT along
      with psychosis, insomnia, and dysautonomia, collectively termed Morvan's syndrome
      (MoS), and in a limbic encephalopathy (LE) patient with prominent amnesia and
      frequent seizures. Typical LE cases have a distinctive adult-onset, frequent,
      brief dystonic seizure semiology that predominantly affects the arms and
      ipsilateral face. It has now been termed faciobrachial dystonic seizures (FBDS).
      The VGKC complex is a group of proteins that are strongly associated in situ and
      after extraction in the mild detergent digitonin. Recent studies indicated that
      the VGKC complex antibodies are mainly directed toward associated proteins (for
      example LGI1, Caspr2) that complex with VGKCs themselves. Patients with aNMT or
      MoS are most likely to have Caspr2 antibodies, whereas LGI1 antibodies are found
      characteristically in patients with FBDS and LE. We systematically identified and
      quantified autoantibodies in patient sera with VGKC-complex antibody associated
      encephalopathy and showed the relationship between individual antibodies and
      patient's symptoms. Furthermore, we revealed how autoantibodies disrupt the
      physiological functions of target proteins. LGI1 antibodies neutralize the
      interaction between LGI1 and ADAM22, reducing the synaptic AMPA receptors.

PMID- 27667485
TI  - Functional pharmacological characterization of SER100 in cardiovascular health
      and disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: SER100 is a selective nociceptin (NOP) receptor agonist
      with sodium-potassium-sparing aquaretic and anti-natriuretic activity. This study
      was designed to characterize the functional cardiovascular pharmacology of SER100
      in vitro and in vivo, including experimental models of cardiovascular disease.
      EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Haemodynamic, ECG parameters and heart rate variability
      (HRV) were determined using radiotelemetry in healthy, conscious mice. The
      haemodynamic and vascular effects of SER100 were also evaluated in two models of
      cardiovascular disease, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and murine hypoxia
      induced pulmonary hypertension (PH). To elucidate mechanisms underlying the
      pharmacology of SER100, acute blood pressure recordings were performed in
      anaesthetized mice, and the reactivity of rodent aorta and mesenteric arteries in
      response to electrical- and agonist-stimulation assessed. KEY RESULTS: SER100
      caused NOP receptor-dependent reductions in mean arterial blood pressure and
      heart rate that were independent of NO. The hypotensive and vasorelaxant actions
      of SER100 were potentiated in SHR compared with Wistar Kyoto. Moreover, SER100
      reduced several indices of disease severity in experimental PH. Analysis of HRV
      indicated that SER100 decreased the low/high frequency ratio, an indicator of
      sympatho-vagal balance, and in electrically stimulated mouse mesenteric arteries
      SER100 inhibited sympathetic-induced contractions. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS:
      SER100 exerts a chronic hypotensive and bradycardic effects in rodents, including
      models of systemic and pulmonary hypertension. SER100 produces its cardiovascular
      effects, at least in part, by inhibition of cardiac and vascular sympathetic
      activity. SER100 may represent a novel therapeutic candidate in systemic and
      pulmonary hypertension.

PMID- 27667488
TI  - [Clinical Features and Treatment of Hashimoto Encephalopathy].
AB  - Hashimoto encephalopathy (HE) is characterized by heterogeneous neurological
      symptoms. HE is diagnosed based on three criteria-the presence of antithyroid
      antibodies, neurological symptoms from the cerebrum and/or cerebellum, and a
      positive response to immunotherapy. We clinically analyzed 18 patients (3 men, 15
      women; age range, 38-81years) diagnosed with HE in our hospital from May 2013 to
      January 2016. Eleven patients showed sensory abnormalities such as strong pain,
      deep muscle pain, dysesthesia, paresthesia, or neuralgia. Surprisingly, the
      majority of the pain was distributed in a manner that was not explainable
      anatomically. Seventeen patients showed motor disturbances, such as weakness,
      paresis of extremities, or dexterity movement disorder, and eight patients showed
      give-way weakness, which is disruption of continuous muscle contraction. Other
      symptoms indicative of brain-related anomalies such as tremor, dystonia,
      involuntary movements, cerebellar ataxia, parkinsonism, memory loss, and chronic
      fatigue were also seen. In most patients, such motor, sensory, or higher brain
      functions were markedly improved with immunosuppressive therapies such as
      prednisolone, azathioprine, or immunoadsorption therapy. Although give-way
      weakness and anatomically unexplainable pain are typically considered as being
      psychogenic in origin, the presence of these symptoms is indicative of HE. HE
      exhibits diffuse involvement of the entire brain and thus, these symptoms are
      explainable. We propose that physicians should not diagnose somatoform disorders
      without first excluding autoimmune encephalopathy.

PMID- 27667489
TI  - [Neuropsychiatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus].
AB  - Central nervous system damage, a major organ manifestation of systemic lupus
      erythematosus (SLE), causes significant morbidity and mortality. Designating this
      condition as neuropsychiatric SLE (NPSLE), the American College of Rheumatology
      defines it as involving the central and peripheral nervous systems and being
      characterized by various manifestations including stroke, seizures, and
      psychosis. NPSLE treatment mainly seeks to reduce damage accrual. In patients
      with NPSLE, the use of high-dose corticosteroids is recommended in combination
      with immunosuppressants, such as mycophenolate mofetil and intravenous
      cyclophosphamide pulse therapy. This can be accomplished by controlling the
      activity of the disease, minimizing the use of corticosteroids, and optimizing
      the management of comorbidities, including cardiovascular risk factors. An
      international task force analysis of a treat-to-target strategy for SLE (T2T/SLE)
      recommended targeting remission, preventing damage, and improving quality of
      life. Thus, more effective and less toxic treatments, such as those using
      biologics or kinase inhibitors, are still being developed for the treatment of
      SLE/NPSLE.

PMID- 27667490
TI  - [Autoimmune Encephalitis Associated with Malignant Tumors].
AB  - Autoimmune encephalitis consists of limbic symptoms and signs associated with
      antibodies against neuronal cell-surface antigens or intracellular antigens. Some
      cases are known to be associated with anti-channel or anti-receptor-related
      molecule antibodies. Whether these cases are paraneoplastic depends on the kinds
      of antigens that the antibodies are produced against. Other cases due to well
      characterized onco-neural antibodies are almost always paraneoplastic and are
      generally resistant to anti-tumor therapy and/or immunotherapy. An exception is
      anti-Ma2 antibody-positive encephalitis associated with a testicular tumor.
      Antibodies for intracellular antigens are considered not to be pathogenic.
      Rather, the T-cell response is thought to be responsible. These antibodies are
      useful markers for the diagnosis of paraneoplastic disorders and in the search
      for underlying cancer, as neurological symptoms often precede tumor diagnosis.
      There is a relationship among onco-neural antibodies, clinical features, tumor
      types, and response to immunotherapy. Here we describe the characteristics of
      autoimmune encephalitis cases with antibodies against different intracellular
      antigens, such as Hu, Ma2, CRMP5, or amphiphysin.

PMID- 27667491
TI  - [CLIPPERS (chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement
      responsive to steroids)].
AB  - Chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive
      to steroids (CLIPPERS) has been recently identified as an inflammatory central
      nervous system (CNS) disorder. Punctate and curvilinear gadolinium enhancement
      (peppering) the pons is a characteristic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) feature
      of CLIPPERS. Pathogenesis of this disorder remains unknown. A specific serum or
      cerebrospinal fluid biomarker for this disorder is currently unknown. Whether
      CLIPPERS is an actual new disease or just represents overlapping symptoms from
      multiple diseases is still debated. Many differential diagnoses exist even when
      using imaging as a tool. Pre-lymphoma states, such as grade I LYG (lymphomatoid
      granulomatosis) and sentinel lesions of primary CNS lymphoma are the most
      difficult to distinguish.

PMID- 27667492
TI  - [Causative Genes for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis].
AB  - About 20 causative genes were reported for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Using
      next generation sequencer, new genes have been sequentially reported. These
      genes' products are thought to be involved in the pathologic mechanism of ALS.
      The pathophysiology is investigated and disease characteristics are discussed
      according to the causative genes. In addition, genetic counseling is recommended
      when genetic diagnosis is attempted.

PMID- 27667493
TI  - [Patients' Perspective on Parkinson Disease Therapies: Comparative Results of
      Large-scale Surveys in 2008 and 2013 in Japan].
AB  - A large-scale patient survey was conducted in 2013 and results compared with
      those of a similar scale survey conducted in 2008 to clarify the current status
      of drug therapy and patients' understanding of Parkinson disease (PD) and
      therapy. A total of 4,278 and 101 patients respectively participated in primary
      mail survey and secondary interview surveys. Measures of PD severity, activity
      level, and level of assistance required in daily life were improved compared with
      those in the 2008 survey. Average daily dose of levodopa was increased across all
      disease durations. The treatment compliance rate of monoamine oxidase-B
      inhibitors was increased in patients with < 6 years of disease duration, but was
      reduced in patients with >= 6 years. The treatment compliance rates of catechol-O
      methyltransferase inhibitors and zonisamide were increased. Patients with
      experience of dyskinesia hoped more to improve their mobility rather than avoid
      dyskinesia. Since there is no fundamental treatment for PD and drug therapy
      achieves only symptomatic relief, PD exerted a negative influence on patients'
      satisfaction. The patients' unsatisfied feelings changed with the severity of OFF
      time. Physicians are required to not only devise a selection and dosage of PD
      therapeutic drugs but also empathetically respond to patients, with consideration
      of their feelings. (Received January 22, 2016; Accepted April 11, 2016; Published
      September 1, 2016).

PMID- 27667494
TI  - [NMDA-GluR Subunit Antibody-Positive Encephalitis: A Clinical Analysis of Five
      Cases].
AB  - Five consecutive cases of anti-NMDA-receptor encephalitis that we encountered
      were marked by a rapidly fluctuating level of consciousness associated with
      psychotic and delirious mental states. Opisthotonus, catatonia, and rhythmic and
      non-rhythmic involuntary movements of the mouth and jaw were also characteristic
      features of these particular cases. Serious and potentially fatal problems
      included epilepsia partialis continua, partial and generalized seizures, and
      respiratory depression, resembling the symptoms of encephalitis lethargica. An
      epidemic of encephalitis lethargica, also known of Economo encephalitis, occurred
      around 1917. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed edema of the neocortex in two
      cases and electroencephalography showed polymorphic and monomorphic delta slowing
      in the acute stage, although electroencephalographic seizure activity were not
      apparent. Routine cerebrospinal fluid analyses revealed lymphocyte-dominant
      pleocytosis in three cases, but antibodies against the NMDA-GluR subunit, GluN2B
      N-terminal, were at a high level in the fluid. All patients recovered without
      apparent sequelae. Two patients found to have ovarian teratoma underwent surgery
      for tumor removal. Treatments included pulse intravenous methylprednisolone, high
      dose immunoglobulin, and plasma exchange together with seizure control and
      respiratory support. However, rituximab and or cyclophosphamide pulse therapy
      should also be considered for intractable cases, as indicated by recent reports.
      (Received February 16, 2016; Accepted May 2, 2016; Published September 1, 2016).

PMID- 27667495
TI  - Sensitised LnIII Emission and Excited-State Dynamics of Cofacial 'Pacman'
      Porphyrin Terpyridine Complexes.
AB  - An asymmetric 'Pacman' metalloligand, [Zn(PXT)], which features a cofacial ZnII 
      porphyrin unit (P) covalently attached to a terpyridine (T) chelating group via a
      rigid xanthene (X) moiety has been prepared, and its interactions with several
      different trivalent LnIII cations (NdIII , GdIII , YbIII and LuIII ) have been
      examined. The formation of 1:1 metal-ligand complexes was monitored by 1 H NMR
      spectroscopy and corroborated by HRMS data. Solution-stability constants were
      determined by UV/Vis titration, and the resulting complexes with NdIII or YbIII
      demonstrated sensitised emission in the NIR region due to energy transfer from
      the ZnII -porphyrin donor to LnIII acceptor. The energy transfer was investigated
      by transient absorption techniques, which provided insight into the kinetics and
      efficiency of the antenna effect.

PMID- 27667496
TI  - Identification of a novel allele, HLA-A*26:01:01:03N, by full-length genome
      sequencing.
AB  - The HLA-A*26:01:01:03N allele shows a single nucleotide difference compared with
      HLA-A*26:01:01:01 in intron 4(1846 G>A).

PMID- 27667497
TI  - A population-based longitudinal study on the implications of demographics on
      future blood supply.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Changes in demographics with increases in older age groups and
      decreases in younger age groups imply an increased demand for blood transfusions
      paralleled by a decrease in the population eligible for blood donation. However,
      more restrictive transfusion triggers and the patient blood management initiative
      also reduce the demand for red blood cells (RBCs). Eastern Germany is a model
      region for the impact of demographic changes, which manifest in this region
      approximately 10 years earlier than in other regions due to the 50% birth rate
      decline after 1989. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We report the 2010 longitudinal 5
      year follow-up of the study assessing all whole blood donations and RBC
      transfusions in Mecklenburg-West Pomerania. We compared the projections that were
      made 5 years ago with: 1) the current age structure of the blood donor and
      transfusion recipient populations and 2) its impact on blood demand and blood
      donation numbers in specific age groups. RESULTS: Transfusion rates were lower
      and blood donation rates were higher than predicted in 2005. Although transfusion
      rates/1000 decreased in nearly all age groups, the overall annual transfusion
      rate increased to 66.4 RBC units/1000 (in 2005, 62.2/1000) due to the absolute
      increase in the elderly population. Despite a 7.4% decline in the population 18
      to 65 years of age, whole blood donations increased by 11.7% between 2005 and
      2010, but thereafter decreased by 21% (first-time donors by 39.4%), reflecting
      the effect of the post-1990 birth rate decline on the donor population.
      CONCLUSION: Changes in demography and medical practice impact the delicate
      balance between available blood supply and potential future transfusion needs. In
      times of pronounced demographic changes, regular monitoring of the blood demand
      and age structure of blood recipients and donors is required to allow strategic
      planning to prevent blood shortages or overproduction.

PMID- 27667498
TI  - Observation of Quantum Confinement in Monodisperse Methylammonium Lead Halide
      Perovskite Nanocrystals Embedded in Mesoporous Silica.
AB  - Hybrid organic-inorganic metal halide perovskites have fascinating electronic
      properties and have already been implemented in various devices. Although the
      behavior of bulk metal halide perovskites has been widely studied, the properties
      of perovskite nanocrystals are less well-understood because synthesizing them is
      still very challenging, in part because of stability. Here we demonstrate a
      simple and versatile method to grow monodisperse CH3NH3PbBrxIx-3 perovskite
      nanocrystals inside mesoporous silica templates. The size of the nanocrystal is
      governed by the pore size of the templates (3.3, 3.7, 4.2, 6.2, and 7.1 nm). In
      depth structural analysis shows that the nanocrystals maintain the perovskite
      crystal structure, but it is slightly distorted. Quantum confinement was observed
      by tuning the size of the particles via the template. This approach provides an
      additional route to tune the optical bandgap of the nanocrystal. The level of
      quantum confinement was modeled taking into account the dimensions of the rod
      shaped nanocrystals and their close packing inside the channels of the template.
      Photoluminescence measurements on CH3NH3PbBr clearly show a shift from green to
      blue as the pore size is decreased. Synthesizing perovskite nanostructures in
      templates improves their stability and enables tunable electronic properties via
      quantum confinement. These structures may be useful as reference materials for
      comparison with other perovskites, or as functional materials in all solid-state
      light-emitting diodes.

PMID- 27667500
TI  - The impact of tobacco-free pharmacy policies on smoking prevalence.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: California and Massachusetts are the only 2 states in the United
      States with municipalities that have local laws prohibiting the sale of tobacco
      products by pharmacies. The impacts of the tobacco-free pharmacy laws remain
      understudied. This study aims to fill this gap by examining the association
      between tobacco-free pharmacy laws and smoking prevalence among adults over time
      in California and Massachusetts. DESIGN: This study used a series of cross
      sectional surveys. The data source for this study was the Behavioral Risk Factor
      Surveillance Survey for each year from 2005 to 2013. SETTING: The longitudinal
      changes in smoking prevalence at the city or county level were estimated and
      comparisons were made between cities or counties with tobacco-free pharmacy laws
      and those without the laws. PARTICIPANTS: The participants used to estimate
      smoking prevalence were representative of adults within California and
      Massachusetts. INTERVENTION: The implementation of tobacco-free pharmacy laws was
      considered to be the intervention in this study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The
      outcome measures were smoking prevalence among adults. Mixed-effects negative
      binomial models were performed primarily to examine longitudinal changes in
      outcome measures. RESULTS: The prevalence of smoking decreased in both states
      over time. In Massachusetts, there was a statistically significant decrease in
      smoking prevalence among cities with tobacco-free pharmacy laws compared with
      those without such laws. Despite the presence of an 8.6% decrease in prevalence
      after the implementation of tobacco-free pharmacy laws, this reduction was not
      statistically significant after controlling for the negative trend in smoking
      rates overall and other factors. CONCLUSION: This study evaluated tobacco-free
      pharmacy laws with regard to the real-world impacts. Our findings highlight the
      need for future research on the effects of tobacco-free pharmacy laws with a
      prolonged time span and a comprehensive understanding of the law's implementation
      and enforcement.

PMID- 27667501
TI  - Pharmacist engagement within a hepatitis C ambulatory care clinic in the era of a
      treatment revolution.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe an innovative hepatitis C virus (HCV) care program and
      treatment outcomes resulting from pharmacist services. SETTING: Adult ambulatory
      care HCV clinic within the Miami Veteran Affairs Healthcare System. PRACTICE
      DESCRIPTION: Pharmacists with limited prescriptive authority are integrated into
      a medical hepatology care team. PRACTICE INNOVATION: Pharmacists screen patients
      with HCV infection for treatment eligibility, counsel patients upon treatment
      initiation, assess ongoing treatment success and toxicity through patient
      appointments, telephone calls, and the ordering of pertinent laboratory data, and
      provide oversight of all patients on HCV therapies. Treatment outcomes are
      reported to the institutional Antimicrobial Stewardship Program. EVALUATION: Data
      produced from a continuous quality assurance initiative were utilized.
      Descriptive statistics were used to present data. RESULTS: From January 2014
      through September 2015 there were 1619 pharmacist encounters for 532 unique
      patients and 597 screenings (including 578 approvals) were completed by a
      pharmacist. During this time 555 patients were initiated on at least 1 HCV
      treatment course, with 565 total treatment courses initiated. As new agents
      became available for use, fluctuation in regimen selection was seen. The most
      commonly prescribed medications were sofosbuvir (46%), ledipasvir/sofosbuvir
      (37%), and simeprevir (33%). Of the 565 HCV treatment courses initiated, 360 were
      completed, 29 were stopped early during treatment, and 176 were ongoing. Of the
      360 completed courses, 249 had sustained virologic response at week 12 results
      available, of which 225 (90%) achieved treatment success and 24 (10%) relapsed.
      Of the 29 courses stopped early, 11 were due to poor medication adherence and 8
      were due to adverse drug reaction. CONCLUSION: Through a structured process
      employing a scope of practice, pharmacists can extend the capacity of medical
      hepatology providers and provide pharmacotherapy services to enhance care.
      Information provided here may serve beneficial to others looking to initiate or
      expand existing HCV pharmacist services.

PMID- 27667499
TI  - Religiosity, race/ethnicity, and alcohol use behaviors in the United States.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Religiosity is a protective factor against many health problems,
      including alcohol use disorders (AUD). Studies suggest that religiosity has
      greater buffering effects on mental health problems among US Blacks and Hispanics
      than Whites. However, whether race/ethnic differences exist in the associations
      of religiosity, alcohol consumption and AUD is unclear. METHOD: Using 2004-2005
      NESARC data (analytic n = 21 965), we examined the relationship of public
      religiosity (i.e. frequency of service attendance, religious social group size),
      and intrinsic religiosity (i.e. importance of religious/spiritual beliefs) to
      frequency of alcohol use and DSM-IV AUD in non-Hispanic (NH) Blacks, Hispanics
      and NH Whites, and whether associations differed by self-identified
      race/ethnicity. RESULTS: Only public religiosity was related to AUD. Frequency of
      religious service attendance was inversely associated with AUD (NH Whites beta: 
      0.103, p 0.05) or Hispanics (beta: -0.002, p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: US adults
      reporting greater public religiosity were at lower risk for AUD. Public
      religiosity may be particularly important among NH Blacks, while intrinsic
      religiosity may be particularly important among NH Whites, and among Hispanics
      who frequently attend religious services. Findings may be explained by variation
      in drinking-related norms observed among these groups generally, and in the
      context of specific religious institutions.

PMID- 27667503
TI  - Molecular profiling of naphthenic acids in technical mixtures and oil sands
      process-affected water using polar reversed-phase liquid chromatography-mass
      spectrometry.
AB  - In this work, a reversed-phase ultra-HPLC (UHPLC) ultrahigh resolution MS (UHRMS)
      method was evaluated for the comprehensive profiling of NAs containing two O
      atoms in each molecule (O2NAs; general formula Cn H2n + z O2 , where n is the
      number of carbon atoms and z represents hydrogen deficiency). Using a polar
      cyanopropyl-bonded phase column and negative-ion electrospray ionization mass
      spectrometric detection at 120,000 FWHM (m/z 400), 187 and 226 O2NA species were
      found in two naphthenic acid technical mixtures, and 424 and 198 species with
      molecular formulas corresponding to O2NAs were found in two oil sands process
      affected water samples (one from a surface mining operation and the other from a
      steam-assisted gravity drainage operation), respectively. To our knowledge, these
      are the highest numbers of molecular compositions of O2NAs that have been
      profiled thus far in environmental samples. Assignments were based on accurate
      mass measurements (<=3 ppm) combined with rational molecular formula generation,
      correlation of chromatographic behavior of O2NA homologues with their elemental
      compositions, and confirmation with carboxyl group-specific chemical
      derivatization using 3-nitrophenylhydrazine. Application of this UHPLC-UHRMS
      method to the quantitation of O2NAs in the surface mining operation-derived water
      sample showed excellent linearity (R2 = 0.9999) with external calibration, a
      linear range of 256-fold in concentration, and quantitation accuracies of 64.9
      and 69.4% at two "standard substance" spiking levels.

PMID- 27667502
TI  - ClpAP is an auxiliary protease for DnaA degradation in Caulobacter crescentus.
AB  - The Clp family of proteases is responsible for controlling both stress responses
      and normal growth. In Caulobacter crescentus, the ClpXP protease is essential and
      drives cell cycle progression through adaptor-mediated degradation. By contrast,
      the physiological role for the ClpAP protease is less well understood with only
      minor growth defects previously reported for DeltaclpA cells. Here, we show that
      ClpAP plays an important role in controlling chromosome content and cell fitness
      during extended growth. Cells lacking ClpA accumulate aberrant numbers of
      chromosomes upon prolonged growth suggesting a defect in replication control.
      Levels of the replication initiator DnaA are elevated in DeltaclpA cells and
      degradation of DnaA is more rapid in cells lacking the ClpA inhibitor ClpS.
      Consistent with this observation, ClpAP degrades DnaA in vitro while ClpS
      inhibits this degradation. In cells lacking Lon, the protease previously shown to
      degrade DnaA in Caulobacter, ClpA overexpression rescues defects in fitness and
      restores degradation of DnaA. Finally, we show that cells lacking ClpA are
      particularly sensitive to inappropriate increases in DnaA activity. Our work
      demonstrates an unexpected effect of ClpAP in directly regulating replication
      through degradation of DnaA and expands the functional role of ClpAP in
      Caulobacter.

PMID- 27667504
TI  - Case of widespread fat necrosis that was caused by severe pancreatitis and
      histologically resembled pancreatic panniculitis.

PMID- 27667505
TI  - The importance of nonstop treatment after delivery for pregnant women with type 2
      diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are no reports of very long follow-up studies of pregnant women
      with type 2 diabetes after delivery. Here we describe cases of Japanese women
      whom we treated for 20 to 50 years after deliveries to investigate the
      relationship between blood glucose control and diabetic complications. METHODS:
      In Japan, the prevalence of type 1 diabetes is very low, and we have very few
      long-term follow-up cases with type 1 diabetes. Therefore, we chose to describe
      subjects with type 2 diabetes only. We present data on a total of 80 deliveries,
      68 cases, treated by one of us (Y.O.) for more than a 50-year period. They are
      divided into 4 groups based on duration of treatment after delivery: more than 50
      years (1 delivery, 1 patient), 40 to 49 years (13 deliveries, 11 patients), 30 to
      39 years (19 deliveries, 16 patients), and 20 to 29 years (47 deliveries, 40
      patients). Their present average ages in these 4 groups are 77, 72.4, 65.9, and
      55.5 years, respectively. Their average HbA1c levels at last visit, in May 2014,
      are 8.2%, 7.6%.,7.2%, and 8.3%, respectively. RESULTS: Despite elevated HbA1c
      levels, they had relatively few complications: 40% (no retinopathy), 43.8%
      (simple retinopathy), and 12.5% (treated with photocoagulation); 67.5% (no
      albuminuria), 26.3% (albuminuria), and 6.3% (treated with renal transplantation
      or hemodialysis). Therefore, even if glycemic control is not ideal, nonstop
      treatment of Japanese women for type 2 diabetes after deliveries is effective to
      prevent diabetic complications. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term attention to care of
      diabetes after pregnancy may be preventive of diabetic complications in other
      populations as well.

PMID- 27667506
TI  - Electrophilic RNA for Peptidyl-RNA Synthesis and Site-Specific Cross-Linking with
      tRNA-Binding Enzymes.
AB  - RNA functionalization is challenging due to the instability of RNA and the
      limited range of available enzymatic reactions. We developed a strategy based on
      solid phase synthesis and post-functionalization to introduce an electrophilic
      site at the 3' end of tRNA analogues. The squarate diester used as an
      electrophile enabled sequential amidation and provided asymmetric squaramides
      with high selectivity. The squaramate-RNAs specifically reacted with the lysine
      of UDP-MurNAc-pentapeptide, a peptidoglycan precursor used by the aminoacyl
      transferase FemXWv for synthesis of the bacterial cell wall. The peptidyl-RNA
      obtained with squaramate-RNA and unprotected UDP-MurNAc-pentapeptide efficiently
      inhibited FemXWv . The squaramate unit also promoted specific cross-linking of
      RNA to the catalytic Lys of FemXWv but not to related transferases recognizing
      different aminoacyl-tRNAs. Thus, squaramate-RNAs provide specificity for cross
      linking with defined groups in complex biomolecules due to its unique reactivity.

PMID- 27667507
TI  - Characterization of microparticles in patients with venous malformations of the
      head and neck.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the basic biochemical features of microparticles (MP) in
      patients with venous malformation (VM) of the head and neck. METHODS:
      Microparticles were isolated from peripheral venous blood of VM patients or
      healthy subjects and from lesional fluid of VM patients. Flow cytometry and real
      time polymerase chain reaction were employed to determine the concentration,
      cellular origin, and RNA expression of obtained MP. A functional coagulation test
      was applied to measure the coagulant activity of MP. RESULTS: Circulating levels
      of total MP, platelet-derived MP, and endothelial MP were significantly elevated
      in VM patients and were consistently increased in VM patients with more extensive
      lesions. Lesional MP (MP from lesional fluid of VM) in VM patients were more
      abundant than circulating MP from VM patients or healthy subjects. Moreover, MP
      from VM patients displayed markedly distinct mRNA and microRNA expression
      compared with healthy subjects. Furthermore, MP from VM patients exhibited
      enhanced procoagulant activity, as evidenced by significantly shorter coagulation
      time. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates for the first time that patients with
      VM have an altered MP profile and MP may be associated with VM-associated
      thrombogenesis. Further studies are required to explore the precise
      pathophysiological roles of MP in VM.

PMID- 27667509
TI  - Effects of Angelica dahurica on obesity and fatty liver in mice.
AB  - Angelica dahurica (A. dahurica) is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant being
      used in clinical practice. The present study demonstrated that A. dahurica could
      reduce white-fat weight in high-fat-diet hyperlipidemic mice, decrease total
      cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in the livers of both high-fat-diet
      and Triton WR1339 induced hyperlipidemic mice, and enhance the total hepatic
      lipase activities of them. These findings were further supported by the results
      derived from the experiments with HepG2 cells in vitro. In addition, the proteins
      related to lipids metabolism were investigated using LC-MS/MS, indicating that
      genes of lipid metabolism and lipid transport were regulated by A. dhurica. The
      results from LC-MS/MS were further conformed by Western blot and real time PCR
      assays. A. dahurica could down-regulate the expression of catalase (CAT) and
      sterol carrier protein2 (SCP2) and up-regulate the expression of lipid metabolism
      related genes-lipase member C (LIPC) and peroxisome proliferator-activated
      receptor gamma (PPARgamma). In the Triton WR1339 mouse liver and HepG2 cells in
      vitro, A. dahurica was able to increase the expression of LIPC and PPARgamma,
      confirming the results from in vivo experiments. Imperatorin showed the same
      activity as A. dahurica, suggesting it was one of the major active ingredients of
      the herb. In conclusion, our work represented a first investigation demonstrating
      that A. dahurica was able to regulate lipid metabolism and could be developed as
      a novel approach to fighting against fatty liver and obesity. 

PMID- 27667508
TI  - RAW 264.7 co-cultured with ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene particles
      spontaneously differentiate into osteoclasts: an in vitro model of periprosthetic
      osteolysis.
AB  - Wear-particle osteolysis affects prosthesis survival leading to implant loosening
      up to 70% of revisions. Therapeutic strategies are increasing, however
      alternative testing methods to experimentally evaluate such treatments are
      lacking. The aim of this study was to reproduce an in vitro osteolysis model
      recapitulating the events that, starting from the exposure of macrophages to
      polyethylene, lead to the establishment of osteoclastogenesis and inflammation.
      Responses to polyethylene, at 3 and 7 days, in a macrophage cell line, RAW 264.7,
      were determined by DNA quantification, immunofluorescence, pit assay, gene
      expression, cytokine production and NF-kB activation. Results showed that 3 days
      exposure to particles could induce a significant production of Tumor Necrosis
      Factor alpha (p < 0.0005) and Prostaglandin E2 (p < 0.005) compared to controls.
      Particles also induced macrophages to spontaneously differentiate into mature and
      active osteoclasts, in terms of identification of multinucleated cells by
      Phalloidin staining and by the analysis of osteoclast-specific gene markers. In
      particular, at 3 days polyethylene induced a significant up-regulation of Nuclear
      Factor of Activated T-cells, cytoplasmic 1, Receptor Activator of Nuclear factor
      Kappa-B and Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor Kappa-B Ligand genes (p <
      0.0005) compared to controls. At protein level, the particles induced a
      significant increase of Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor Kappa-B Ligand at
      day 7 over controls (p < 0.0005). Osteoclasts were capable to resorb bone even in
      absence of differentiating factors. The possible mechanism, beside spontaneous
      osteoclastogenesis mediated by wear debris, was identified in an autocrine up
      regulation of Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand gene expression
      and protein synthesis. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part
      A: 105A: 510-520, 2017.

PMID- 27667510
TI  - Pharmacodynamic study on insomnia-curing effects of Shuangxia Decoction in
      Drosophila melanogaster.
AB  - The present study aimed to establish a pharmacodynamic method using the pySolo
      software to explore the influence of freeze-dried powders of Shuangxia Decoction
      (SXD) on the sleep of normal Drosophila melanogaster and the Drosophila
      melanogaster whose sleep was divested by light. The dose-effect and the time
      effect relationships of SXD on sleep were examined. The effect-onset
      concentration of SXD was 0.25%, the plateau appeared at the concentration of 2.5%
      and the total sleep time showed a downtrend when the concentration was greater
      than 2.5%. The sleep time was the longest on the fourth day after SXD was given.
      The fruit fly sleep deprivation model was repeated by light stimulation at night.
      The middle dosage group (2.5%) had the best insomnia-curing effect. In
      conclusion, using the pySolo software, an approach for the pharmacodynamics study
      was established with Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism to determine the
      insomnia-curing effects of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Our results
      demonstrated the reliability of this method. The freeze-dried powders of SXD
      could effectively improve the sleep quality of Drosophila melanogaster. 

PMID- 27667511
TI  - Phenolic acids isolated from the fungus Schizophyllum commune exert analgesic
      activity by inhibiting voltage-gated sodium channels.
AB  - The present study was designed to search for compounds with analgesic activity
      from the Schizophyllum commune (SC), which is widely consumed as edible and
      medicinal mushroom world. Thin layer chromatography (TLC), tosilica gel column
      chromatography, sephadex LH 20, and reverse-phase high performance liquid
      chromatography (RP-HPLC) were used to isolate and purify compounds from SC.
      Structural analysis of the isolated compounds was based on nuclear magnetic
      resonance (NMR). The effects of these compounds on voltage-gated sodium (NaV)
      channels were evaluated using patch clamp. The analgesic activity of these
      compounds was tested in two types of mouse pain models induced by noxious
      chemicals. Five phenolic acids identified from SC extracts in the present study
      included vanillic acid, m-hydroxybenzoic acid, o-hydroxybenzeneacetic acid, 3
      hydroxy-5-methybenzoic acid, and p-hydroxybenzoic acid. They inhibited the
      activity of both tetrodotoxin-resistant (TTX-r) and tetrodotoxin-sensitive (TTX
      s) NaV channels. All the compounds showed low selectivity on NaV channel
      subtypes. After intraperitoneal injection, three compounds of these compounds
      exerted analgesic activity in mice. In conclusion, phenolic acids identified in
      SC demonstrated analgesic activity, facilitating the mechanistic studies of SC in
      the treatment of neurasthenia. 

PMID- 27667512
TI  - Epimedium koreanum Nakai and its main constituent icariin suppress lipid
      accumulation during adipocyte differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes.
AB  - Obesity is associated with a number of metabolic abnormalities such as type 2
      diabetes and has become a major health problem worldwide. In the present study,
      we investigated the effects of Epimedium koreanum Nakai (Herba Epimedii, HE) and
      its main constituent icariin on the adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1
      preadipocytes. HE extract and icariin significantly reduced lipid accumulation
      and suppressed the expressions of PPARgamma, C/EBPalpha, and SREBP-1c in 3T3-L1
      adipocytes. They also inhibited fatty acid synthase (FAS), acyl-Co A synthase
      (ACS1), and perilipin. Moreover, HE extract and icariin markedly increased the
      phosphorylation of AMPK. These results indicated that HE extract and icariin can
      inhibit the adipocyte differentiation through downregulation of the adipogenic
      transcription factors, suggesting that HE containing icariin may be used as a
      potential therapeutic agent in the treatment and prevention of obesity. 

PMID- 27667513
TI  - Identification and characterization of a novel neuropeptide (neuropeptide Y-HS)
      from leech salivary gland of Haemadipsa sylvestris.
AB  - The present study was designed to identify immunomodulatory components from the
      leech salivary gland of Haemadipsa sylvestris. The Sephadex G-50, Resource(TM) S
      column chromatography and reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography
      (RP-HPLC) were used to isolate and purify the salivary gland extracts (SGE).
      Structural analysis of isolated compounds was based on Edman degradation and
      matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer
      (MALDI-TOF-MS). The cDNA encoding the precursor of the compound was cloned from
      the cDNA library of the salivary gland of H. sylvestris. The levels of
      inflammatory mediators, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha),
      interferon gamma (IFN-gamma), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and monocyte chemotactic
      protein-1 (MCP-1) were assayed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
      (ELISA). The effects on cell proliferation and cell viability were observed using
      MTT assay. A novel neuropeptide Y (Neuropeptide Y-HS) from the leech salivary
      gland of H. sylvestris was purified and characterized. It was composed of 36
      amino acid residues and the amino acid sequence was determined to be
      FLEPPERPAVFTSVEQMKSYIKALNDYYLLLGRPRF-NH2, containing an amidated C-terminus. It
      showed significant inhibitory effects on the production of inflammatory cytokines
      including TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, IL-6, and MCP-1. Neuropeptide Y was identified
      from leeches for the first time. The presence of neuropeptide Y-HS in leech
      salivary gland may help get blood meal from hosts and inhibit inflammation. 

PMID- 27667514
TI  - A new biocompatible microemulsion increases extraction yield and bioavailability
      of Andrographis paniculata.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to design and prepare a biocompatible microemulsion
      of Andrographis paniculata (BMAP) containing both fat-soluble and water-soluble
      constituents. We determined the contents of active constituents of BMAP and
      evaluated its bioavailability. The biocompatible microemulsion (BM), containing
      lecithin and bile salts, was optimized in the present study, showing a good
      physical stability. The mean droplet size was 19.12 nm, and the average
      polydispersity index (PDI) was 0.153. The contents of andrographolide and
      dehydroandrographolide in BMAP, as determined by high performance liquid
      chromatography (HPLC), were higher than that in ethanol extraction. The
      pharmacokinetic results of BMAP showed that the AUC0-7 and AUC0->infinity values
      of BMAP were 2.267 and 27.156 MUg.mL(-1).h(-1), respectively, and were about 1.41
      fold and 6.30-fold greater than that of ethanol extraction, respectively. These
      results demonstrated that the bioavailability of and rographolide extracted by
      BMAP was significantly higher than that extracted by ethanol. In conclusion, the
      BMAP preparation displayed ann improved dose form for future clinical
      applications. 

PMID- 27667515
TI  - Two new limonoids isolated from the fuits of Melia toosendan.
AB  - In the present study, two new limonoids, 1alpha, 7alpha-dihydroxyl-3alpha
      acetoxyl-12alpha-ethoxylnimbolinin (1) and 1alpha-tigloyloxy-3alpha-acetoxyl
      7alpha-hydroxyl-12beta-ethoxylnimbolinin (2), together with other four known
      limonoids (3-6), were isolated from the fruits of Melia toosendan. Their
      structures were elucidated by means of extensive spectroscopic analyses (NMR and
      ESI-MS) and comparisons with the data reported in the literature. The isolated
      compounds were evaluated for their antibacterial activities. Compound 4 exhibited
      significant antibacterial activity against an oral pathogen, Porphyromonas
      gingivalis ATCC 33277, with an MIC value of 15.2 MUg.mL(-1). Compound 2 was also
      active against P. gingivalis ATCC 33277, with an MIC value of 31.25 MUg.mL(-1).
      In conlcusion, our resutls indicate that these compounds may provide a basis for
      future development of novel antibiotics. 

PMID- 27667516
TI  - Establishment and reliability evaluation of the design space for HPLC analysis of
      six alkaloids in Coptis chinensis (Huanglian) using Bayesian approach.
AB  - Coptis chinensis (Huanglian) is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine
      (TCM) herb and alkaloids are the most important chemical constituents in it. In
      the present study, an isocratic reverse phase high performance liquid
      chromatography (RP-HPLC) method allowing the separation of six alkaloids in
      Huanglian was for the first time developed under the quality by design (QbD)
      principles. First, five chromatographic parameters were identified to construct a
      Plackett-Burman experimental design. The critical resolution, analysis time, and
      peak width were responses modeled by multivariate linear regression. The results
      showed that the percentage of acetonitrile, concentration of sodium dodecyl
      sulfate, and concentration of potassium phosphate monobasic were statistically
      significant parameters (P < 0.05). Then, the Box-Behnken experimental design was
      applied to further evaluate the interactions between the three parameters on
      selected responses. Full quadratic models were built and used to establish the
      analytical design space. Moreover, the reliability of design space was estimated
      by the Bayesian posterior predictive distribution. The optimal separation was
      predicted at 40% acetonitrile, 1.7 g.mL(-1) of sodium dodecyl sulfate and 0.03
      mol.mL(-1) of potassium phosphate monobasic. Finally, the accuracy profile
      methodology was used to validate the established HPLC method. The results
      demonstrated that the QbD concept could be efficiently used to develop a robust
      RP-HPLC analytical method for Huanglian. 

PMID- 27667517
TI  - Nano-LC-ESI MS/MS analysis of proteins in dried sea dragon Solenognathus
      hardwickii and bioinformatic analysis of its protein expression profiling.
AB  - The sea dragon Solenognathus hardwickii has long been used as a traditional
      Chinese medicine for the treatment of various diseases, such as male impotency.
      To gain a comprehensive insight into the protein components of the sea dragon,
      shotgun proteomic analysis of its protein expression profiling was conducted in
      the present study. Proteins were extracted from dried sea dragon using a
      trichloroacetic acid/acetone precipitation method and then separated by SDS-PAGE.
      The protein bands were cut from the gel and digested by trypsin to generate
      peptide mixture. The peptide fragments were then analyzed using nano liquid
      chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (nano-LC-ESI MS/MS). 810 proteins and 1
      577 peptides were identified in the dried sea dragon. The identified proteins
      exhibited molecular weight values ranging from 1 900 to 3 516 900 Da and pI
      values from 3.8 to 12.18. Bioinformatic analysis was conducted using the DAVID
      Bioinformatics Resources 6.7 Gene Ontology (GO) analysis tool to explore possible
      functions of the identified proteins. Ascribed functions of the proteins mainly
      included intracellular non-membrane-bound organelle, non-membrane-bounded
      organelle, cytoskeleton, structural molecule activity, calcium ion binding and
      etc. Furthermore, possible signal networks of the identified proteins were
      predicted using STRING (Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes)
      database. Ribosomal protein synthesis was found to play an important role in the
      signal network. The results of this study, to best of our knowledge, were the
      first to provide a reference proteome profile for the sea dragon, and would aid
      in the understanding of the expression and functions of the identified proteins. 

PMID- 27667518
TI  - Pharmacokinetic profiles of falcarindiol and oplopandiol in rats after oral
      administration of polyynes extract of Oplopanax elatus.
AB  - Polyynes, such as facarindiol (FAD) and oplopandiol (OPD), are responsible for
      anticancer activities of Oplopanax elatus (O. elatus). A novel approach to
      pharmacokinetics determination of the two natural polyynes in rats was developed
      and validated using a liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass
      spectrometry (LC-MS) method. Biosamples were prepared by liquid-liquid extraction
      using ethyl acetate/n-hexane (V : V = 9 : 1) and the analytes were eluted on an
      Agilent ZORBAX Eclipse Plus C18 threaded column (4.6 mm * 50 mm, 1.8 MUm) with
      the mobile phase of acetonitrile-0.1% aqueous formic acid at a flow-rate of 0.5
      mL.min(-1) within a total run time of 11 min. All analytes were simultaneously
      monitored in a single-quadrupole mass spectrometer in the selected ion monitoring
      (SIM) mode using electrospray source in positive mode. The method was
      demonstrated to be rapid, sensitive, and reliable, and it was successfully
      applied to the pharmacokinetic studies of the two polyynes in rat plasma after
      oral administration of polyynes extract of O. elatus. 

PMID- 27667519
TI  - A Highly Sensitive Assay Using Synthetic Blood Containing Test Microbes for
      Evaluation of the Penetration Resistance of Protective Clothing Material under
      Applied Pressure.
AB  - To prevent nosocomial infections caused by even either Ebola virus or methicillin
      resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), healthcare workers must wear the
      appropriate protective clothing which can inhibit contact transmission of these
      pathogens. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the performance of protective
      clothing for penetration resistance against infectious agents. In Japan, some
      standard methods were established to evaluate the penetration resistance of
      protective clothing fabric materials under applied pressure. However, these
      methods only roughly classified the penetration resistance of fabrics, and the
      detection sensitivity of the methods and the penetration amount with respect to
      the relationship between blood and the pathogen have not been studied in detail.
      Moreover, no standard method using bacteria for evaluation is known. Here, to
      evaluate penetration resistance of protective clothing materials under applied
      pressure, the detection sensitivity and the leak amount were investigated by
      using synthetic blood containing bacteriophage phi-X174 or S. aureus. And the
      volume of leaked synthetic blood and the amount of test microbe penetration were
      simultaneously quantified. Our results showed that the penetration detection
      sensitivity achieved using a test microbial culture was higher than that achieved
      using synthetic blood at invisible leak level pressures. This finding suggested
      that there is a potential risk of pathogen penetration even when visual leak of
      contaminated blood through the protective clothing was not observed. Moreover, at
      visible leak level pressures, it was found that the amount of test microbe
      penetration varied at least ten-fold among protective clothing materials
      classified into the same class of penetration resistance. Analysis of the
      penetration amount revealed a significant correlation between the volume of
      penetrated synthetic blood and the amount of test microbe penetration, indicating
      that the leaked volume of synthetic blood could be considered as a latent
      indicator for infection risk, that the amount of exposure to contaminated blood
      corresponds to the risk of infection. Our study helped us ascertain, with high
      sensitivity, the differences among fabric materials with respect to their
      protective performance, which may facilitate effective selection of protective
      clothing depending on the risk assessment. 

PMID- 27667520
TI  - Antifreeze Activity of Xylomannan from the Mycelium and Fruit Body of Flammulina
      velutipes.
AB  - An identified class of antifreeze, a xylomannan-based thermal hysteresis (TH)
      producing glycolipid, has been discovered from diverse taxa, including plants,
      insects, and amphibians. We isolated xylomannan from the mycelium and fruit body
      of the basidiomycete Flammulina velutipes using successive hot extraction with
      water, 2% and 25% aqueous KOH, and gel filtration chromatography. The xylomannan
      from the fruit body had a recrystallization inhibiting (RI) activity (RI=0.44) at
      0.5 mg/mL. The dried weight yield of the fruit body (7.7*10(-2)%, w/w) was higher
      than that of the mycelium. Although the purified xylomannan from both soures were
      composed of mannose and xylose in a 2 : 1 molar ratio, the molecular weight of
      the xylomannan from the mycelium and fruit body was 320,000 and 240,000,
      respectively. The RI activity of mycelial xylomannan was higher than that from
      the fruit body (RI=0.57) at 45 ug/mL. Although this RI activity was able to
      remain constant after exposure to various conditions, we confirmed that the
      decrease of RI activity was stimulated by the decrease of molecular weight that
      was caused by heating during the alkaline condition. The survival rate of the CHO
      cells at -20C for two days increased to 97% due to the addition of 20 ug/mL of
      purified xylomannan. This was the first report to indicate that xylomannan from
      the mycelium of Flammulina velutipes had a high level of ice recrystallization
      inhibiting activity like antifreeze proteins from plants and had rhe potential to
      become a new material for cell storage. 

PMID- 27667521
TI  - Development of a DNA Array for the Simple Identification of Major Filamentous
      Fungi in the Beverage Manufacturing Environment.
AB  - Filamentous fungi were isolated from the indoor environment of a soft drink
      manufacturing plant and ordinary residences. The isolated strains were identified
      based on morphological observation and the nucleotide sequences of the region
      near the D2 region of the 26S rDNA. Three genera (Aspergillus, Penicillium, and
      Cladosporium) accounted for 48.1% of the fungal strains detected in the
      manufacturing plant and 75.3% in residences. A DNA array for identification of 15
      genera and 26 species of filamentous fungi that were most frequently isolated
      from the manufacturing plant was developed. Genus- and species-specific probes
      with 13- to 20-mer were designed on the basis of the nucleotide sequences in the
      D2 region. The probes were affixed to a microscope slide after modifying an amino
      group at the 5'or 3'end. To prevent erroneous identification, 2 or 3 probes were
      designed for each of the target genera and species. The developed DNA array
      method correctly identified 9 genera (Alternaria, Aureobasidium, Cladosporium,
      Curvularia, Exophiala, Fusarium, Penicillium, Phoma, and Trichoderma) and 26
      species belonging to 6 genera (Aspergillus, Neosartorya, Byssochlamys,
      Talaromyces, Paecilomyces, and Purpureocillium) in the strains isolated from the
      indoor environment. Identification results obtained by this DNA array method of
      fungi isolated from the manufacturing plant were consistent with those by the
      conventional method. 

PMID- 27667522
TI  - Synergistic Effect of Photosynthetic Bacteria and Isolated Bacteria in Their
      Antifungal Activities against Root Rot Fungi.
AB  - Antifungal bacteria (AB) in root rot fungus (RRF)-contaminated sweet potato farms
      were isolated, and seven strains were initially chosen as antagonistic
      candidates. An antagonistic test by using the mycelial disk placement method
      revealed that one AB strain by itself could inhibit the RRF growth. This AB
      strain was identified as Bacillus polyfermenticus based on phylogeny of 16S
      ribosomal RNA genes. Two AB strains (Bacillus aerophilus) displayed high levels
      of antifungal activity when paired with photosynthetic bacterial strain A (a
      purple nonsulfur photosynthetic bacterium Rhodopseudomonas faecalis). The results
      suggest the possible use of the isolates as agents for the biological control of
      the RRF infection of agricultural products in fields of cultivation. 

PMID- 27667523
TI  - Roles of Catalase and Trehalose in the Protection from Hydrogen Peroxide Toxicity
      in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
AB  - The roles of catalase and trehalose in Saccharomyces cerevisiae subject to
      hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) treatment were examined by measuring the catalase
      activity and intracellular trehalose levels in mutants lacking catalase or
      trehalose synthetase. Intracellular trehalose was elevated but the survival rate
      after H2O2 treatment remained low in mutants with deletion of the Catalase T
      gene. On the other hand, deletion of the trehalose synthetase gene increased the
      catalase activity in mutated yeast to levels higher than those in the wild-type
      strain, and these mutants exhibited some degree of tolerance to H2O2 treatment.
      These results suggest that Catalase T is critical in the yeast response to
      oxidative damage caused by H2O2 treatment, but trehalose also plays a role in
      protection against H2O2 treatment. 

PMID- 27667524
TI  - Similarity in the Structure of tetD-Carrying Mobile Genetic Elements in Bacterial
      Strains of Different Genera Isolated from Cultured Yellowtail.
AB  - Structure analysis was performed on the antibiotic-resistance-gene region of
      conjugative plasmids of four fish farm bacteria.The kanamycin resistance gene,
      IS26, and tetracycline resistance gene (tetA(D)) were flanked by two IS26s in
      opposite orientation in Citrobacter sp. TA3 and TA6, and Alteromonas sp. TA55
      from fish farm A. IS26-Inner was disrupted with ISRSB101. The chloramphenicol
      resistance gene, IS26 and tetA (D) were flanked by two IS26s in direct
      orientation in Salmonella sp. TC67 from farm C. Structures of tetA (D) and IS26
      were identical among the four bacteria, but there was no insertion within the
      IS26-Inner of Salmonella sp. TC67. Horizontal gene transfer between the strains
      of two different genera in fish farm A was suggested by the structure homologies
      of mobile genetic elements and antibiotic resistance genes. 

PMID- 27667525
TI  - Bactericidal Action of Photodynamic Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (PACT) with
      Photosensitizers Used as Plaque-Disclosing Agents against Experimental Biofilm.
AB  - Our previous study revealed that the photo-irradiation of rose bengal,
      erythrosine, and phloxine, xanthene photosensitizers, used as dental plaque
      disclosing agents, could exert bactericidal action on planktonic Streptococcus
      mutans via the singlet oxygen. In the present study, the photo-irradiation
      induced bactericidal activity of the three xanthene compounds against the
      experimental biofilm of S. mutans was investigated in combination with acid
      electrolyzed water (AcEW) and alkaline electrolyzed water (AlEW). As a result,
      only the photo-irradiated rose bengal in AlEW showed prominent bactericidal
      activity with a >3-log reduction of the viable bacterial count. Since our
      previous study showed that the affinity of rose bengal to bacterial cells was
      superior to that of erythrosine and phloxine, it was speculated that AlEW damaged
      the extracellular matrix of the experimental biofilm, which would let the rose
      bengal easily be bound to the bacterial cells. From these results, it is strongly
      suggested that rose bengal is a suitable photosensitizer for use as a plaque
      disclosing agent in photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy to treat dental
      plaque. 

PMID- 27667526
TI  - Prognostic impact of the level of nodal involvement: retrospective analysis of
      patients with advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - We retrospectively evaluated the prognostic impact of the level of nodal
      involvement in patients with advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Between
      2005 and 2010, 105 patients with clinical stage III or IV oral SCC had
      chemoradiotherapy preoperatively. Clinical (cN) and pathological nodal (pN)
      involvement was primarily at levels Ib and II. We defined nodal involvement at
      levels Ia and III-V as anterior and inferior extensions, respectively, and
      recorded such findings as extensive. With respect to pretreatment variables (age,
      clinical stage, clinical findings of the primary tumour, and nodal findings),
      univariate analysis showed that extensive cN was the only significant factor for
      overall survival (hazard ratio [HR], 3.27; 95% CI 1.50 to 7.13; p=0.001).
      Univariate analysis showed that all pN findings, including the nodal
      classification (invaded nodes, multiple, and contralateral) and extensive
      involvement were significant, and multivariate analysis confirmed that extensive
      pN (HR 4.71; 95% CI 1.85 to 11.97; p=0.001) and multiple pN (HR 2.59; 95% CI 1.10
      to 6.09; p=0.029) were independent predictors of overall survival. Assessment
      based on the level of invaded neck nodes may be a better predictor of survival
      than the current nodal classification.

PMID- 27667527
TI  - Conservative management of mandibular dentinogenic ghost cell tumours: a
      minimally invasive approach.

PMID- 27667528
TI  - Reanimation surgery in patients with acquired bilateral facial palsy.
AB  - Acquired bilateral facial palsy is rare and causes difficulty with speech and
      eating, but dynamic reanimation of the face can reduce the effect of these
      problems. Of 712 patients who had these procedures during our study period, two
      had an acquired bilateral facial paralysis. In both, reanimation was completed in
      a single operation using a free-functional transfer of the latissimus dorsi
      muscle that was coapted to the masseteric branch of the trigeminal nerve. Both
      patients achieved excellent non-spontaneous excursion and an improvement in
      function. Careful evaluation of the available donor nerves including thorough
      examination and electromyographic testing should always be completed before
      operation.

PMID- 27667529
TI  - Relationship between skeletal muscle mass and hepatic fibrosis in patients with
      type 2 diabetes.

PMID- 27667530
TI  - 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine is not a paralog-specific Hsp90 inhibitor.
AB  - The molecular chaperone Hsp90 facilitates the folding and modulates activation of
      diverse substrate proteins. Unlike other heat shock proteins such as Hsp60 and
      Hsp70, Hsp90 plays critical regulatory roles by maintaining active states of
      kinases, many of which are overactive in cancer cells. Four Hsp90 paralogs are
      expressed in eukaryotic cells: Hsp90alpha/beta (in the cytosol), Grp94 (in the
      endoplasmic reticulum), Trap1 (in mitochondria). Although numerous Hsp90
      inhibitors are being tested in cancer clinical trials, little is known about why
      different Hsp90 inhibitors show specificity among Hsp90 paralogs. The paralog
      specificity of Hsp90 inhibitors is likely fundamental to inhibitor efficacy and
      side effects. In hopes of gaining insight into this issue we examined NECA (5'-N
      ethylcarboxamidoadenosine), which has been claimed to be an example of a highly
      specific ligand that binds to one paralog, Grp94, but not cytosolic Hsp90. To our
      surprise we find that NECA inhibits many different Hsp90 proteins (Grp94,
      Hsp90alpha, Trap1, yeast Hsp82, bacterial HtpG). NMR experiments demonstrate that
      NECA can bind to the N-terminal domains of Grp94 and Hsp82. We use ATPase
      competition experiments to quantify the inhibitory power of NECA for different
      Hsp90 proteins. This scale: Hsp82 > Hsp90alpha > HtpG ~ Grp94 > Trap1, ranks
      Grp94 as less sensitive to NECA inhibition. Because NECA is primarily used as an
      adenosine receptor agonist, our results also suggest that cell biological
      experiments utilizing NECA may have confounding effects from cytosolic Hsp90
      inhibition.

PMID- 27667531
TI  - Are Midterm Patient-Reported Outcome Measures Between Rotating-Platform Mobile
      Bearing Prosthesis and Medial-Pivot Prosthesis Different? A Minimum of 5-Year
      Follow-Up Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Both rotating-platform (RP) mobile-bearing and medial-pivot (MP)
      fixed-bearing prostheses allow axial femorotibial rotation using a highly
      conforming polyethylene insert. However, limited comparative data are available
      between the 2 designs. This study was performed to compare the midterm clinical
      outcomes and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) of RP and MP prostheses.
      METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 52 total knee arthroplasties
      using RP mobile-bearing prosthesis and 49 total knee arthroplasties using MP
      fixed prosthesis with a minimum follow-up period of 5 years. Clinical and
      radiological outcomes, failure rates, and PROMs, including the Western Ontario
      and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score and satisfaction, were
      compared. RESULTS: There was no difference in clinical or radiographic outcomes
      (P > .1 for all comparisons), with the exception of the larger flexion
      contracture (FC) in the MP group (0.3 degrees  in RP vs 2.3 degrees  in MP, P <
      .01). No failure in either group was recorded during the study period. PROMs were
      comparable (P > .1 in all comparisons), with the exception of higher
      satisfactions in the RP group while performing light household duties (P < .01)
      and leisure or recreational activities (P = .014) in patients without FC.
      CONCLUSION: The midterm clinical results with both the RP mobile-bearing and MP
      fixed-bearing prostheses were satisfactory. Although both prostheses provided
      comparable PROMs, patients with an RP prosthesis were more satisfied than those
      with an MP prosthesis for highly demanding activities that are strongly
      associated with the presence of postoperative FC.

PMID- 27667532
TI  - Intraoperative Fluoroscopic Assessment of Limb Alignment is a Reliable Predictor
      for Postoperative Limb Alignment in Biplanar Medial Opening-Wedge High Tibial
      Osteotomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability of pre-,
      intra operative, and postoperative limb alignment measurements and investigate
      the correlation between the measurements in biplanar medial opening-wedge high
      tibial osteotomy. METHODS: This study enrolled 59 knees undergoing biplanar
      opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy for primary medial osteoarthritis with varus
      deformity. Preoperative and postoperative standing lower leg radiographs and
      intraoperative fluoroscopic images were taken. Two independent examiners analyzed
      the radiologic data to assess lower limb alignment and mechanical axis (MA)
      deviation (percentage of MA position on tibial plateau). The effect of
      preoperative hip-knee-ankle angle and MA deviation, age, sex, body mass index
      (BMI), and joint line convergence angle on the discrepancy between intraoperative
      and postoperative MA deviation was analyzed. RESULTS: The mean preoperative hip
      knee-ankle angle and MA deviation were varus 7.7 +/- 3.3 degrees  and 14.1 +/-
      15.1%, respectively. After osteotomy, the mean intraoperative postosteotomy MA
      deviation was 57.9 +/- 2.1% in supine position, and the mean post-operative MA
      deviation increased to 63.9 +/- 2.9% on standing radiographs. The mean difference
      between intraoperative postosteotomy MA deviation and postoperative MA deviation
      was 6.1 +/- 2.2%. Linear regression analysis between intraoperative postosteotomy
      MA deviation and postoperative MA deviation showed a statistically significant
      linear relationship (R2 = 0.449; P < .001). Multivariate regression analysis
      revealed that preoperative joint line convergence angle (beta = 0.856; P < .001)
      and BMI (beta = 0.349; P < .001) were significant positive predictors for the
      difference in MA deviation. CONCLUSION: There was a significant linear
      relationship between intraoperative postosteotomy MA deviation and postoperative
      MA deviation following biplanar medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy. A
      greater discrepancy between MA deviations was significantly associated with
      higher BMI and joint line convergence angle.

PMID- 27667533
TI  - Periarticular Injection of Liposomal Bupivacaine Offers No Benefit Over Standard
      Bupivacaine in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled
      Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Periarticular injection of liposomal bupivacaine has been adopted as
      part of multimodal pain management after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS:
      In this prospective, randomized clinical trial, we enrolled 162 patients
      undergoing primary TKA in a single institution between January 2014 and May 2015.
      Eighty-seven patients were randomized to liposomal bupivacaine (experimental
      group), and 75 patients were randomized to free bupivacaine (control group). All
      patients received spinal anesthesia and otherwise identical surgical approaches,
      pain management, and rehabilitation protocols. Outcomes evaluated include the
      patient-reported visual analog pain scores, narcotic consumption, and narcotic
      related side effects (Brief Pain Inventory) within 96 hours after surgery as well
      as functional outcomes using the Knee Society Score and the Short-Form 12
      measured preoperatively and at 4-6 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: There were no
      statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of
      postoperative daily pain scores, narcotic consumption (by-day and overall), or
      narcotic-related side effects. There were no statistically significant
      differences between the groups in terms of surgical (P = .76) and medical
      complications or length of hospital stay (P = .35). There were no statistically
      significant differences in satisfaction between the groups (P = .56) or between
      the groups in postoperative Knee Society Score (P = .53) and the Short-Form 12 at
      4-6 weeks (P = .82, P = .66). CONCLUSION: As part of multimodal pain management
      protocol, periarticular injection of liposomal bupivacaine compared with
      bupivacaine HCl did not result in any clinically or statistically significant
      improvement of the measured outcomes following TKA.

PMID- 27667534
TI  - Accelerometer-Based, Portable Navigation (KneeAlign) vs Conventional
      Instrumentation for Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective Randomized Comparative
      Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Accelerometer-based, portable navigation devices have been introduced
      as a less invasive and simpler technique to perform navigated surgical
      implantation of knee prostheses. They have been postulated to have better
      accuracy than conventional instruments in restoration of alignment in total knee
      arthroplasty. METHODS: A total of 190 patients were enrolled in this prospective,
      randomized controlled trial and underwent total knee arthroplasty using either
      the KneeAlign or conventional guides. Multiplanar alignment was evaluated with a
      CT imaging protocol. RESULTS: A total of 86.5% of portable navigation device and
      82.2% of conventional group had a postoperative hip-knee angle within 3 degrees 
      of neutral alignment (P = .54). There was no significant difference between the 2
      groups for component coronal and sagittal plane alignment. Portable navigation
      device did not significantly increase the time to perform the surgery.
      CONCLUSION: Portable navigation device demonstrates accurate restoration of
      alignment; however, there was no statistically significant difference when
      compared with conventional guides.

PMID- 27667536
TI  - Surgical Innovation and the Multiple Meanings of Randomized Controlled Trials:
      The First RCT on Minimally Invasive Cholecystectomy (1980-2000).
AB  - This article uses the case of the first randomized controlled trial (RCT)
      evaluating laparoscopic cholecystectomy to investigate the introduction of
      minimally invasive surgery in the 1990s and explore the meaning of RCTs within
      the context of the introduction of a new surgical technology. It thus brings
      together the history of the use of laparoscopic cholecystectomy to remove the
      gallbladder, and the history of the RCT, shedding light on particular aspects of
      both. We first situate the RCT in the context of the history of the various
      treatment options for gallstones, or cholelithiasis, then characterize the
      specific situation of the rapid, patient-driven spread of laparoscopic
      cholecystectomy, and in a next step describe how the local context of
      laparoscopic cholecystectomy as a new technology made it possible and desirable
      to conduct an RCT, despite numerous obstacles. This article then shows that in
      order to capture and understand the rationale of an RCT it is worth it to explore
      the various levels and dimensions of its context, demonstrating how even the RCT
      as an ostensibly universal tool draws its meaning from its contexts and that this
      meaning goes beyond the simple determination of efficiency and safety, including,
      maybe most importantly, the control and management of new technologies.

PMID- 27667535
TI  - Total Hip Arthroplasty After Periacetabular and Intertrochanteric Valgus
      Osteotomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We performed periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) combined with
      intertrochanteric valgus osteotomy (TVO) to obtain better congruity for patients
      with acetabular dysplasia and nonspherical femoral head. These patients with PAO
      combined TVO demonstrate long-term progression of osteoarthritis, thereby,
      needing conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA) and is difficult due to
      morphological changes. The objective of the present study was to investigate
      outcomes of patients who underwent THA after PAO-combined TVO. METHODS: We
      performed 3 groups' case-control study. The participants were 20 patients (20
      hips) who underwent THA after PAO-combined TVO (PAO-TVO group); these patients
      had a mean age at surgery of 56.3 years and underwent postoperative follow-up for
      a mean period of 6.8 years. For the control group, we included 53 patients (57
      joints) who underwent THA after PAO and 76 patients (80 joints) who underwent
      primary THA for hip dysplasia matching age, sex, and time of surgery. RESULTS:
      Harris hip score at the last follow-up was significantly poorer in PAO-TVO group
      compare with PAO group and primary group. Short Form-36 of Physical Component
      Summary was significantly poorer in PAO-TVO group compared with primary group.
      The socket position in the PAO-TVO group was significantly superior and lateral
      compared with that in the primary THA group. Considering socket placement in
      Lewinnek's safe zone and stem malalignment, there were no significant differences
      in the 3 groups. CONCLUSION: Harris hip score and Short Form-36-Physical
      Component Summary for THA after PAO-combined TVO were significantly poorer
      compared to those of primary THA.

PMID- 27667537
TI  - Shrinking the Psoriasis Assessment Gap: Early Gene-Expression Profiling
      Accurately Predicts Response to Long-Term Treatment.
AB  - There is an "assessment gap" between the moment a patient's response to treatment
      is biologically determined and when a response can actually be determined
      clinically. Patients' biochemical profiles are a major determinant of clinical
      outcome for a given treatment. It is therefore feasible that molecular-level
      patient information could be used to decrease the assessment gap. Thanks to
      clinically accessible biopsy samples, high-quality molecular data for psoriasis
      patients are widely available. Psoriasis is therefore an excellent disease for
      testing the prospect of predicting treatment outcome from molecular data. Our
      study shows that gene-expression profiles of psoriasis skin lesions, taken in the
      first 4 weeks of treatment, can be used to accurately predict (>80% area under
      the receiver operating characteristic curve) the clinical endpoint at 12 weeks.
      This could decrease the psoriasis assessment gap by 2 months. We present two
      distinct prediction modes: a universal predictor, aimed at forecasting the
      efficacy of untested drugs, and specific predictors aimed at forecasting clinical
      response to treatment with four specific drugs: etanercept, ustekinumab,
      adalimumab, and methotrexate. We also develop two forms of prediction: one from
      detailed, platform-specific data and one from platform-independent, pathway-based
      data. We show that key biomarkers are associated with responses to drugs and
      doses and thus provide insight into the biology of pathogenesis reversion.

PMID- 27667538
TI  - Synthesis, characterization and antioxidant activity of selenium polysaccharide
      from Cordyceps militaris.
AB  - A purified selenium-containing derivatives of Cordyceps militaris polysaccharide
      synthesized using H2SeO3/HNO3 and BaCl2 as a catalyst was investigated in this
      paper. The reaction condition was optimized by selecting different reaction
      temperature and period. Afterward, the one with the highest Se content was
      purified by ultra-filtration device with a molecular cut off size of 10KDa.
      Followed by its structural characterizations. Results of IFR and 13C NMR
      spectroscopy indicated that C-6 substitution was predominant in selenized
      polysaccharide. The modified polysaccharide with molecular weight of 1998 KDa was
      mainly consisted of mannose, glucose and galactose in the mole ratios of with the
      mole ratios of 1:28.63:1.41. Thermogravimetric and morphological analyses of the
      samples were carried out by AFS, SEM and AFM. In addition, the in vitro
      antioxidant results suggested that selenium-containing polysaccharide should be
      applied as a novel selenium source in dietary supplements, with potent
      antioxidant properties.

PMID- 27667539
TI  - Structural and thermal characterization of PHAs produced by Lysinibacillus sp.
      through submerged fermentation process.
AB  - In this investigation an attempt has been made to characterize and identify
      Lysinibacillus sp. 3HHX by 16S-rDNA sequencing. The bacterium exhibited
      occurrence of PHAs granules on an average 11+/-1 per cell of 1.0MUm length and
      breadth 0.72MUm, revealed from TEM studies. Under optimized condition, 4.006gm/L
      of PHAs was extracted using hypochlorite digestion and multi-solvent extraction
      process. PhaC gene of ~540bp and higher PHA synthase activity was detected at 48h
      of cultivation. The extracted PHAs was structurally characterized by GC-MS and 1H
      NMR reported to be P(3HB-co-3HDD-co-3HTD) and amorphous in nature with 112
      degrees C melting point, -11.0 degrees C glass transition point and 114.76
      degrees C decomposition temperature detected by DSC & TGA respectively. The C/O
      of biopolymer disc was 1:65 as revealed from C1s and O1s spectra of XPS, that was
      completely biodegradable within 30 days. This biopolymer was observed to be non
      cytotoxic to NIH 3T3 mouse fibroblast cells. The report is of its kind in
      establishing the abilities of Lysinibacillus sp. 3HHX for non-growth associated
      PHA co-polymer production. Moreover the biocompatible and biodegradable nature of
      the biopolymer conferred to its substantial biomedical applications.

PMID- 27667540
TI  - The preparation and study of cellulose carbamates and their regenerated
      membranes.
AB  - Using wood pulps with the average degree of polymerization 300-350 and urea as
      raw materials, cellulose carbamates were successfully synthesized by
      esterification reaction in N, N-dimethylacetamide(DMAc), an inexpensive, high
      boiling aprotic and polar solvent, for the purpose of improving the solubility of
      cellulose, reducing costs and environmental pollution. The products were
      dissolved in 9% sodium hydroxide solution at a low temperature after washing and
      drying and the cellulose carbamates solutions were obtained. The solutions were
      uniformly casted on a glass support after degassing. The regenerated cellulose
      membranes (CMs) were prepared by immersing the support in coagulation bath for
      some minutes. The structures of cellulose carbamates were characterized by
      Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), 13C solid state nuclear magnetic
      resonance spectrometry (13C NMR), Thermal gravimetric analysis(TG), Scanning
      electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffractometry(XRD). The filtration
      performances of CMs were tested. The results reveal that part groups of cellulose
      were substituted by amino in the medium, the cellulose carbamates were prepared
      with the reducing crystallinity and thermal decomposition temperature. The CMs
      have good separation performance for methylene blue.

PMID- 27667541
TI  - Production and characterization of polycaprolactone- hyaluronic acid/chitosan-
      zein electrospun bilayer nanofibrous membrane for tissue regeneration.
AB  - A bilayered electrospun membrane was produced in this study, using the
      electrospinning technique, to be applied as a skin substitute. The upper layer of
      the membrane was comprised by hyaluronic acid and polycaprolactone in order to
      provide mechanical support and also to act as a physical barrier against external
      threats. Chitosan and zein were used to produce the bottom layer that was loaded
      with salicylic acid, in order to confer anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial
      activity to this layer. The physicochemical properties of the membranes were
      determined and the obtained results showed that the produced electrospun membrane
      display an ideal porosity, appropriate mechanical properties, controlled water
      loss and a suitable salicylic acid release profile. In addition, membranes did
      not exhibit any toxic effects for human fibroblast cells, since cells were able
      to adhere, spread and proliferate. Furthermore, no biofilm formation was noticed
      on membranes' surface along the experiments. In conclusion, the gathered data
      reveal that this electrospun membrane has suitable properties to be used as a
      wound dressing.

PMID- 27667542
TI  - Sickle cell disease: Its molecular mechanism and the one drug that treats it.
AB  - Sickle cell disease is probably the first known assembly disease, and its
      mechanism has been extensively studied. It arises because of the expression of a
      mutant hemoglobin that can polymerize, and which does so by a double nucleation
      mechanism that is now seen to operate in other diseases. The polymers so formed
      lead to circulatory obstruction in the microcirculation. The accuracy of the
      description that has been developed is sufficient to describe precisely the
      impact of molecules that cannot join polymers but that still crowd the solution,
      including fetal hemoglobin. The one approved drug, hydroxyurea, is thought to
      achieve its benefit by enhancing the production of fetal hemoglobin, but the
      effects of the drug on polymerization exceed what the added fetal hemoglobin can
      accomplish. While some possible answers to this mystery are suggested, no
      mechanism has been conclusively established for the remarkably efficacy of the
      one drug available to treat this disease.

PMID- 27667543
TI  - Alginate-based microcapsules with galactosylated chitosan internal for primary
      hepatocyte applications.
AB  - Alginate-galactosylated chitosan/polylysine (AGCP) microcapsules with excellent
      stability and high permeability were developed and employed in primary hepatocyte
      applications. The galactosylated chitosan (GC), synthesized via the covalent
      coupling of lactobionic acid (LA) with low molecular weight and water-soluble
      chitosan (CS), was ingeniously introduced into the core of alginate microcapsules
      by regulating the pH of gelling bath. The internal GC of the microcapsules
      simultaneously provided a large number of binding sites for the hepatocytes and
      further promoted the hepatocyte-matrix interactions via the recognition of
      asialoglycoprotein receptors (ASGPRs) on the hepatocyte surface, and afforded the
      AGCP microcapsules an excellent stability via the electrostatic interactions with
      alginate. As a consequence, primary hepatocytes in AGCP microcapsules
      demonstrated enhanced viability, urea synthesis, albumin secretion, and P-450
      enzyme activity, showing great prospects for hepatocyte applications in
      microcapsule system.

PMID- 27667544
TI  - The chitin-binding domain of a GH-18 chitinase from Vibrio harveyi is crucial for
      chitin-chitinase interactions.
AB  - Vibrio harveyi chitinase A (VhChiA) is a GH-18 glycosyl hydrolase with a
      structure containing three distinct domains: i) the N-terminal chitin-binding
      domain; ii) the (alpha/beta)8 TIM barrel catalytic domain; and iii) the
      alpha+beta insertion domain. In this study, we cloned the gene fragment encoding
      the chitin-binding domain of VhChiA, termed ChBDVhChiA. The recombinant
      ChBDVhChiA was heterologously expressed in E. coli BL21 strain Tuner(DE3)pLacI
      host cells, and purified to homogeneity. CD measurements suggested that
      ChBDVhChiA contained beta-sheets as major structural components and fluorescence
      spectroscopy showed that the protein domain was folded correctly, and suitable
      for functional characterization. Chitin binding assays showed that ChBDVhChiA
      bound to both alpha- and beta-chitins, with the greatest affinity for beta
      colloidal chitin, but barely bound to polymeric chitosan. These results
      identified the tandem N-acetamido functionality on chitin chains as the specific
      sites of enzyme-substrate interactions. The binding affinity of the isolated
      domain was significantly lower than that of intact VhChiA, suggesting that the
      catalytic domain works synergistically with the chitin-binding domain to guide
      the polymeric substrate into the substrate binding cleft. These data confirm the
      physiological role of the chitin-binding domain of the marine bacterial GH-18
      chitinase A in chitin-chitinase interactions.

PMID- 27667545
TI  - Erratum to "Clinical and microbiological implications of invasive pneumococcal
      disease in hospitalized patients (1998-2013)".

PMID- 27667546
TI  - Long-term outcomes of simplified gingivoperiosteoplasty performed at the time of
      hard palatal closure: A review of 55 alveolar clefts.
AB  - Few studies have examined the long-term outcomes of gingivoperiosteoplasty at the
      age of permanent canine eruption. The success rates of gingivoperiosteoplasty
      vary significantly depending on the surgeon because of the difficulty of the
      surgical technique. Therefore, the authors utilized a simplified
      gingivoperiosteoplasty technique by inserting one or two large, triangular-shaped
      mucoperiosteal flaps on the opposite side in a tongue-in-groove or
      interdigitation fashion. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term
      outcomes of this simplified gingivoperiosteoplasty technique at the age of
      permanent canine eruption. Forty nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate patients who
      had undergone simplified gingivoperiosteoplasty were retrospectively reviewed.
      Canine eruption and the bone formation rate of the interalveolar septum using the
      Bergland method and a modified Long et al. method were evaluated. A total of 55
      alveolar cleft sites were treated. Simplified gingivoperiosteoplasty was
      performed at a mean age of 13.4 months, and the mean age at the time of follow-up
      was 14.3 years. The overall success rate of simplified gingivoperiosteoplasty was
      50.90%. With regard to cleft types, clefts of the primary palate and unilateral
      alveolar clefts showed a significantly higher success rate than clefts of the
      primary and secondary palates and bilateral alveolar clefts, respectively. Our
      gingivoperiosteoplasty technique is a simple surgical procedure and is performed
      at 12 months of age, at which time the cleft alveolus has grown sufficiently, to
      ensure the success of the delicate surgical technique. Therefore, we could obtain
      favorable outcomes.

PMID- 27667547
TI  - Arteriovenous loop graft in abdominal wall reconstruction using free tissue
      transfer.

PMID- 27667548
TI  - Baicalein inhibits TNF-alpha-induced NF-kappaB activation and expression of NF
      kappaB-regulated target gene products.
AB  - The nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) transcription factors control many
      physiological processes including inflammation, immunity, apoptosis and
      angiogenesis. In our search for NF-kappaB inhibitors from natural resources, we
      identified baicalein from Scutellaria baicalensis as an inhibitor of NF-kappaB
      activation. As examined by the NF-kappaB luciferase reporter assay, we found that
      baicalein suppressed TNF-alpha-induced NF-kappaB activation in a dose-dependent
      manner. It also inhibited TNF-alpha-induced nuclear translocation of p65 through
      inhibition of phosphorylation and degradation of IkappaBalpha. Furthermore,
      baicalein blocked the TNF-alpha-induced expression of NF-kappaB target genes
      involved in anti-apoptosis (cIAP-1, cIAP-2, FLIP and BCL-2), proliferation (COX
      2, cyclin D1 and c-Myc), invasion (MMP-9), angiogenesis (VEGF) and major
      inflammatory cytokines (IL-8 and MCP1). The flow cytometric analysis indicated
      that baicalein potentiated TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis and induced G1 phase
      arrest in HeLa cells. Moreover, baicalein significantly blocked activation of
      p38, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2). Our results imply that
      baicalein could be a lead compound for the modulation of inflammatory diseases as
      well as certain cancers in which inhibition of NF-kappaB activity may be
      desirable.

PMID- 27667550
TI  - Anti-tubercular activities of 5,6,7,8-tetrahydrobenzo[4,5]thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidin
      4-amine analogues endowed with high activity toward non-replicative Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis.
AB  - Thirty three derivatives of 2-substituted 5,6,7,8-tetrahydrobenzo[4,5]thieno[2,3
      d]pyrimidin-4-amine analogues were synthesized by molecular modification of a
      reported antimycobacterial molecule (GSK163574A). Compounds were evaluated in
      vitro against actively replicative and nutrient starved non-replicative
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), enzymatic screening and cytotoxicity against
      RAW 264.7 cell line. Among the compounds, 2-ethyl-N-phenethyl-5,6,7,8
      tetrahydrobenzo[4,5]thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-amine (5c) was found to be the most
      active compound against non-replicative MTB with 2.7 log reduction of bacteria at
      10MUg/mL and was more potent than isoniazid (1.2 log reduction) and rifampicin
      (2.0 log reduction) at same dose level. Compound 5c also showed activity against
      MTB alanine dehydrogenase enzyme with IC50 of 1.82+/-0.42MUM and showed 25%
      cytotoxicity against RAW 264.7 cell line at 50MUg/mL.

PMID- 27667549
TI  - Prevalence and predictors of delayed gastric emptying among Indian patients with
      long-standing type 2 diabetes mellitus.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Upper gastrointestinal symptoms are more prevalent among
      type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. The prevalence of delayed gastric
      emptying (GE) and factors predictive of it have not been studied in Indian T2DM
      patients and the present study aimed to study the same. METHODS: This hospital
      based cross-sectional study involved adult (age between 18 and 65 years)
      outpatients with T2DM of >=5-year duration. Measurements of GE of a labelled
      standardized solid rice idli meal by gastric emptying scintigraphy (GES),
      symptoms of delayed GE (by standardized questionnaire) and autonomic function by
      cardiovascular autonomic function tests (AFTs) were carried out. Thirty healthy
      subjects served as controls for GES and AFTs. RESULTS: One hundred and forty T2DM
      patients (age range: 32-65 years) were studied. Delayed GE was documented in ~29
      % (40/140) and rapid GE in 2 % (3/140) of T2DM patients. Univariate analysis
      showed significant positive association between delayed GE and duration of DM,
      body mass index (BMI), HbA1c, retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy, autonomic
      dysfunction and coronary artery disease (p < 0.05 for all). However, there was no
      significant correlation of age, sex, symptoms suggestive of gastroparesis and
      nephropathy with delayed GE. Hypoglycemic episodes were significantly more
      frequent in those with delayed GE (p < 0.05). Multiple logistic regression
      analysis revealed only BMI and HbA1c to be significant independent predictors of
      delayed GE. CONCLUSION: Presence and severity of symptoms of gastroparesis did
      not predict delayed GE. Delayed GE, irrespective of symptoms, was associated with
      microvascular and macrovascular diabetic complications and increased risk of
      hypoglycemic episodes. HbA1c and BMI were independent predictors of delayed GE.

PMID- 27667551
TI  - An efficient protocol for obtaining accurate hydration free energies using
      quantum chemistry and reweighting from molecular dynamics simulations.
AB  - The non-Boltzmann Bennett (NBB) free energy estimator method is applied to 21
      molecules from the blind subset of the SAMPL4 challenge. When NBB is applied with
      the SMD implicit solvent model, and the OLYP/DZP level of quantum chemistry,
      highly accurate hydration free energy calculations are obtained with respect to
      experiment (RMSD=0.89kcal.mol-1). Other quantum chemical methods are also tested,
      and the effects of solvent model, density functional, basis set are explored in
      this benchmarking study, providing a framework for improvements in calculating
      hydration free energies. We provide a practical guide for using the best QM-NBB
      protocols that are consistently more accurate than either pure QM or pure MM
      alone. In situations where high accuracy hydration free energy predictions are
      needed, the QM-NBB method with SMD implicit solvent should be the first choice of
      quantum chemists.

PMID- 27667552
TI  - Conjugation of N-acylhydrazone and 1,2,4-oxadiazole leads to the identification
      of active antimalarial agents.
AB  - Malaria, caused by several Plasmodium species, is the major life-threatening
      parasitic infection worldwide. Due to the parasite resistance to quinoline based
      drugs, the search for antimalarial agents is necessary. Here, we report the
      structural design, synthesis and antiparasitic evaluation of two novel series of
      1,2,4-oxadiazoles in conjugation to N-acylhydrazones, both groups recognized as
      privileged structures, as well as the studies on the antimalarial activity of 16
      previous described analogues. By varying substituents attached to the phenyl
      ring, it was possible to retain, enhance or increase the antiparasitic activity
      in comparison to the nonsubstituted derivatives. Replacement of substituted aryl
      rings by ferrocenyl and cinnamyl moieties attached in the N-acylhydrazone ablated
      the antiparasitic response, evidencing the structural features associated with
      the activity. Active compounds exhibited in vitro potency similar to mefloquine,
      but not all inhibited beta-hematin formation. Additionally, the active compounds
      displayed low cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells and did not cause hemolysis in
      uninfected erythrocytes. In Plasmodium berghei-infected mice, the compounds
      reduced parasitemia but exhibited limited efficacy in increasing mice survival
      when compared to chloroquine, suggesting that pharmacological improvement is
      still necessary.

PMID- 27667554
TI  - Personality-dependent differences in problem-solving performance in a social
      context reflect foraging strategies.
AB  - Individuals develop innovative behaviours to solve foraging challenges in the
      face of changing environmental conditions. Little is known about how individuals
      differ in their tendency to solve problems and in their subsequent use of this
      solving behaviour in social contexts. Here we investigated whether individual
      variation in problem-solving performance could be explained by differences in the
      likelihood of solving the task, or if they reflect differences in foraging
      strategy. We tested this by studying the use of a novel foraging skill in groups
      of great tits (Parus major), consisting of three naive individuals with different
      personality, and one knowledgeable tutor. We presented them with multiple,
      identical foraging devices over eight trials. Though birds of different
      personality type did not differ in solving latency; fast and slow explorers
      showed a steeper increase over time in their solving rate, compared to
      intermediate explorers. Despite equal solving potential, personality influenced
      the subsequent use of the skill, as well as the pay-off received from solving.
      Thus, variation in the tendency to solve the task reflected differences in
      foraging strategy among individuals linked to their personality. These results
      emphasize the importance of considering the social context to fully understand
      the implications of learning novel skills.

PMID- 27667553
TI  - Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of lapachol derivatives possessing
      indole scaffolds as topoisomerase I inhibitors.
AB  - A series of novel lapachol derivatives possessing indole scaffolds was designed
      and synthesized. The in vitro anti-proliferative activity of these novel
      compounds was evaluated in Eca109 and Hela cell lines. Almost all the tested
      compounds showed manifested potent inhibitory activity against the two tested
      cancer cell lines. Topo I-mediated DNA relaxation activity indicated that these
      novel compounds have potent Topoisomerase I inhibition activity. The most potent
      compounds 4n and 4k demonstrated more cytotoxicity than camptothecin and was
      comparable to camptothecin in inhibitory activities on Topoisomerase I in our
      biological assay. In addition, the Hoechst 33342 staining method also showed that
      the complex can induce Hela cell apoptosis.

PMID- 27667556
TI  - The herbal medicine Cyperus amuricus inhibits proliferation of human
      hepatocellular carcinoma Hep3B cells by inducing apoptosis and arrest at the
      G0/G1 cell cycle phase.
AB  - Cyperus amuricus (C. amuricus) is one of the most common herbs in Oriental folk
      medicine for exerting astringent, diuretic, wound healing and other intestinal
      problems. However, little is known about the molecular mechanism of C. amuricus
      on anticancer activity. In the present study, the underlying mechanism of the
      anticancer effect of C. amuricus were elucidated. The methyl alcohol extract from
      the whole plant of C. amuricus exhibited cytotoxicity against Hep3B cells, but
      not against A549 and HaCaT cells. Consistent with an acceleration of the sub-G1
      phase, downregulation of cdc25A, cyclin D1 and cyclin E, CDK4 and 2 as well as
      E2F-1, phospho-Rb, with concomitant of upregulation of p21CIP1/WAF1, p27KIPI and
      p16INK4a proteins, as evidenced by the appearance of cell cycle arrest, were
      detected in C. amuricus-treated Hep3B cells. Additionally, the sequential
      activation of various caspases (cleaved caspase-8, -9, -3, -7 and -6, and cleaved
      PARP) and the changed expression of other proteins related to the apoptosis
      pathway were observed after C. amuricus exposure. An increment in the pro
      apoptotic proteins (Bim, tBid, Bax and Bak) and a reduction of anti-apoptotic
      protein (Bcl-2) regulate Hep3B cell death by controlling the permeability of
      mitochondrial membranes and the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria into
      the cytosol with Apaf-1 after C. amuricus treatment. This is the first study
      indicating the potential of C. amuricus as a complementary agent for prevention
      and treatment of human liver cancer.

PMID- 27667555
TI  - Effect of geometry on deformation of anterior implant-supported zirconia
      frameworks: An in vitro study using digital image correlation.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of geometry on the displacement and the strain
      distribution of anterior implant-supported zirconia frameworks under static load
      using the 3D digital image correlation method. METHODS: Two groups (n=5) of 4
      unit zirconia frameworks were produced by CAD/CAM for the implant-abutment
      assembly. Group 1 comprised five straight configuration frameworks and group 2
      consisted of five curved configuration frameworks. Specimens were cemented and
      submitted to static load up to 200N. Displacements were captured with two high
      speed photographic cameras and analyzed with video correlation system in three
      spacial axes U, V, W. Statistical analysis was made using the nonparametric Mann
      Whitney test. RESULTS: Up to 150N loads, the vertical displacements (V axis) were
      statistically higher for curved frameworks (-267.83+/-23.76MUm), when compared to
      the straight frameworks (-120.73+/-36.17MUm) (p=0.008), as well as anterior
      displacements in the W transformed axis (589.55+/-64.51MUm vs 224.29+/-50.38MUm
      for the curved and straight frameworks), respectively (p=0.008). The mean von
      Mises strains over the surface frameworks were statistically higher for the
      curved frameworks under any load. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this in
      vitro study, it is possible to conclude that the geometric configuration
      influences the deformation of 4-unit anterior frameworks under static load. The
      higher strain distribution and micro-movements of the curved frameworks reflect
      less rigidity and increased risk of fractures associated to FPDs.

PMID- 27667557
TI  - Blood-Brain Barrier Changes in High Altitude.
AB  - Cerebral syndromes related to high-altitude exposure are becoming more frequent
      as the number of trips to high altitudes has increased in the last decade. The
      commonest symptom is headache, followed by acute mountain sickness (AMS) and high
      altitude cerebral edema (HACE), which can be fatal. The pathophysiology of these
      syndromes is not fully understood. The classical "tight-fit hypothesis" posits
      that there are some anatomical variations that would obstruct the sinovenous
      outflow and worsen vasogenic edema and intracranial hypertension reactive to
      hypoxia. This could explain microhemorrhages seen in autopsies. However, recent
      magnetic resonance imaging studies have demonstrated some components of cytotoxic
      edema in HACE absent in AMS, suggesting a dysfunction in water balance at the
      cellular level. Currently, the "red-ox theory" supports trigemino-vascular system
      activation by free radicals formed after hypoxia and the consequent oxidative
      stress cascades. Apart from trigemino-vascular system activation, free radicals
      can also provoke membrane destabilisation mediated by lipid peroxidation,
      inflammation, and local hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha and vascular endothelial
      growth factor activation, resulting in gross blood-brain barrier (BBB)
      dysfunction. Besides alterations in endothelial cells such as increased
      pinocytotic vesicles and disassembly of interendothelial tight junction proteins,
      capillary permeability may also increase with subsequent swelling of astrocyte
      end-feet. In conclusion, although the pathophysiology of AMS and HACE is not
      completely understood, recent evidence proposes a multifactorial entity, with
      brain swelling and compromise of the BBB considered to play an important role. A
      fuller comprehension of these processes is crucial to reduce and prevent BBB
      alterations during high-altitude exposure.

PMID- 27667558
TI  - Salivary gland-like breast carcinomas: An infrequent disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To show the incidence, as well as the clinical and histopathological
      characteristics, of patients diagnosed with mammary salivary gland-like
      carcinomas at our institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was
      conducted in all women diagnosed with breast cancer at our institution from
      January 2005 to February 2016. Patients with diagnosis of salivary gland-like
      breast carcinomas were included. RESULTS: In this period, 6384 patients were
      diagnosed with breast cancer at our institution; salivary gland-like carcinomas
      were found in 7 patients (0.1%), adenoid cystic carcinoma was diagnosed in 5
      patients (0.07%), acinic cell carcinoma in 1 patient (0.015%) and mucoepidermoid
      carcinoma in 1 patient (0.015%). The triple-negative subtype was found in all of
      the tumors. Median follow-up was 66.3 months (range, 1-108 months). No patient
      developed local or distant recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Salivary gland-like breast
      tumors are extremely rare. We found a global incidence of 0.1%. Adenoid cystic,
      acinic cell and mucoepidermoid carcinomas were the three histologic types
      diagnosed. Although the triple-negative subtype is mainly found, good prognosis
      is expected.

PMID- 27667559
TI  - Effects of an early intervention using human amniotic epithelial cells in a COPD
      rat model.
AB  - The study aimed to investigate the effect of an early intervention using human
      amniotic epithelial cell (hAEC) in a rat model of chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease (COPD). Twenty-four specific pathogen-free Wistar rats were randomized to
      the control, COPD, and COPD+hAEC groups. COPD was established by intratracheal
      LPS injection combined with smoke fumigation over 30days. On the first day of
      model establishment rats in the AEC group also received intratracheal
      instillation of 500,000 hAECs isolated from the placenta of healthy donors. The
      mean linear intercept (MLI) and mean alveolar number (MAN) were used to assess
      the degree of lung emphysema. IL-8 was measured using a radioimmunoassay,
      surfactant protein D (SP-D) was measured by ELISA, and matrix metalloproteinase
      (MMP)2 and MMP8 expression was assessed by PCR. Smoke fumigation combined to LPS
      injection successfully established a COPD rat model with significant emphysema
      and airway inflammation, elevated MLI and MAN, elevated systemic and lung tissue
      levels of IL-8 and SP-D (P<0.05), and high expression of MMP2 and MMP8. Rats in
      the COPD+hAEC group exhibited alleviated lung damage, MLI and MAN (P<0.05),
      reduced systemic and lung tissue levels of IL-8 and SP-D (P<0.05) and MMP2 and
      MMP8 expression (P<0.05). Early intervention using hAECs could delay disease
      progression in rats with COPD.

PMID- 27667560
TI  - Systematic Identification of Pharmacological Targets from Small-Molecule
      Phenotypic Screens.
AB  - Phenotypic drug discovery offers some advantages over target-based methods,
      mainly because it allows drug leads to be tested in systems that more closely
      model distinct disease states. However, a potential disadvantage is the
      difficulty of linking the observed phenotype to a specific cellular target. To
      address this problem, we developed DePick, a computational target de-convolution
      tool to determine targets specifically linked to small-molecule phenotypic
      screens. We applied DePick to eight publicly available screens and predicted 59
      drug target-phenotype associations. In addition to literature-based evidence for
      our predictions, we provide experimental support for seven predicted
      associations. Interestingly, our analysis led to the discovery of a previously
      unrecognized connection between the Wnt signaling pathway and an aromatase,
      CYP19A1. These results demonstrate that the DePick approach can not only
      accelerate target de-convolution but also aid in discovery of new functionally
      relevant biological relationships.

PMID- 27667562
TI  - Developing a valid meal assessment tool for hospital patients.
AB  - Patients' perspectives of meal items are critical in supporting effective
      decisions about meal provision in hospitals. The objective of this research was
      to develop a valid meal assessment tool (MAT), to quickly and accurately assess
      patient's views on meal items, for ultimate use in a large multi-centre trial.
      Nine iterations of the meal assessment tool were tested for content and construct
      validity in a large acute care hospital to determine wording, number scale and
      physical orientation for responses. Patients were interviewed to assess content
      validity, ease of completion, timing and assistance requirement. Following expert
      feedback, the resulting tool consisted of a 7 point scale measuring three meal
      components (meat, starch and vegetable), with ratings for flavour and taste
      combined, appearance and quality. Measures of overall satisfaction, meal
      expectation, age and gender were included for direct comparability with the valid
      published Acute Care Hospital Foodservice Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire
      (ACHFPSQ). Three hundred and four surveys were completed in the development
      process (77% response), 53% male, mean age 56 years. Best completion rates were
      by interview with completion times of 2-5 min. The tool was then made available
      in a large multi-centre meal assessment project (n = 14,500) and was able to
      detect differences between variations of the same meal and between the same
      ingredient prepared in alternative ways. The MAT proved successful in
      discriminating meal components in terms of quality, taste and appearance and is
      useful for those planning and assessing meals in a variety of healthcare
      settings.

PMID- 27667561
TI  - Small-Molecule Chemical Probe Rescues Cells from Mono-ADP-Ribosyltransferase
      ARTD10/PARP10-Induced Apoptosis and Sensitizes Cancer Cells to DNA Damage.
AB  - Members of the human diphtheria toxin-like ADP-ribosyltransferase (ARTD or PARP)
      family play important roles in regulating biological activities by mediating
      either a mono-ADP-ribosylation (MARylation) of a substrate or a poly-ADP
      ribosylation (PARylation). ARTD10/PARP10 belongs to the MARylating ARTDs (mARTDs)
      subfamily, and plays important roles in biological processes that range from
      cellular signaling, DNA repair, and cell proliferation to immune response.
      Despite their biological and disease relevance, no selective inhibitors for
      mARTDs are available. Here we describe a small-molecule ARTD10 inhibitor, OUL35,
      a selective and potent inhibitor for this enzyme. We characterize its selectivity
      profile, model its binding, and demonstrate activity in HeLa cells where OUL35
      rescued cells from ARTD10 induced cell death. Using OUL35 as a cell biology tool
      we show that ARTD10 inhibition sensitizes the cells to the hydroxyurea-induced
      genotoxic stress. Our study supports the proposed role of ARTD10 in DNA-damage
      repair and provides a tool compound for selective inhibition of ARTD10-mediated
      MARylation.

PMID- 27667563
TI  - Traditional food uses of wild plants among the Gorani of South Kosovo.
AB  - A food ethnobotanical field study was conducted among the Gorani of South Kosovo,
      a small ethnic minority group that speaks a South-Slavic language and lives in
      the south of the country. We conducted forty-one semi-structured interviews in
      ten villages of the Kosovar Gora mountainous area and found that seventy-nine
      wild botanical and mycological taxa represent the complex mosaic of the food
      cultural heritage in this population. A large portion of the wild food plant
      reports refer to fermented wild fruit-based beverages and herbal teas, while the
      role of wild vegetables is restricted. A comparison of these data with those
      previously collected among the Gorani living in nearby villages within the
      territory of Albania, who were separated in 1925 from their relatives living in
      present-day Kosovo, shows that approximately one third of the wild food plant
      reports are the same. This finding demonstrates the complex nature of Kosovar
      Gorani ethnobotany, which could indicate the permanence of possible "original"
      Gorani wild plant uses (mainly including wild fruits-based beverages), as well as
      elements of cultural adaptation to Serbian and Bosniak ethnobotanies (mainly
      including a few herbal teas and mushrooms).

PMID- 27667564
TI  - Miltefosine inhibits Candida albicans and non-albicans Candida spp. biofilms and
      impairs the dispersion of infectious cells.
AB  - Candida spp. can adhere to and form biofilms over different surfaces, becoming
      less susceptible to antifungal treatment. Resistance of biofilms to antifungal
      agents is multifactorial and the extracellular matrix (ECM) appears to play an
      important role. Among the few available antifungals for treatment of candidaemia,
      only the lipid formulations of amphotericin B (AmB) and the echinocandins are
      effective against biofilms. Our group has previously demonstrated that
      miltefosine has an important effect against Candida albicans biofilms. Thus, the
      aim of this work was to expand the analyses of the in vitro antibiofilm activity
      of miltefosine to non-albicans Candida spp. Miltefosine had significant
      antifungal activity against planktonic cells and the development of biofilms of
      C. albicans, Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis and Candida glabrata. The
      activity profile in biofilms was superior to fluconazole and was similar to that
      of AmB and caspofungin. Biofilm-derived cells with their ECM extracted became as
      susceptible to miltefosine as planktonic cells, confirming the importance of the
      ECM in the biofilm resistant behaviour. Miltefosine also inhibited biofilm
      dispersion of cells at the same concentration needed to inhibit planktonic cell
      growth. The data obtained in this work reinforce the potent inhibitory activity
      of miltefosine on biofilms of the four most pathogenic Candida spp. and encourage
      further studies for the utilisation of this drug and/or structural analogues on
      biofilm-related infections.

PMID- 27667565
TI  - Alarming increase in prevalence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections associated
      with a high level of antibiotic resistance in Tripoli, Lebanon.

PMID- 27667567
TI  - A novel regulatory relationship between RIPK4 and ELF3 in keratinocytes.
AB  - Keratinocytes are central to the barrier functions of surface epithelia, such as
      the gingiva and epidermis. RIPK4 is a key regulator of keratinocyte
      differentiation; however, the signalling pathways in which it functions remain
      poorly defined. In this study, we identified a regulatory relationship between
      RIPK4 and ELF3, an ETS family transcription factor. RIPK4 was shown to be
      important for the upregulation of ELF3 gene expression by the PKC agonist PMA in
      both oral and epidermal keratinocytes. RIPK4 promotes keratinocyte
      differentiation in part by phosphorylating and thereby activating the IRF6
      transcription factor. Significantly, silencing of IRF6 inhibited the PMA
      inducible expression of ELF3. A role for the GRHL3 transcription factor, a
      downstream target gene of IRF6, in the regulation of ELF3 expression was
      similarly demonstrated. ELF3 has previously been shown to regulate the expression
      of SPPR1A and SPRR1B, small proline-rich proteins that contribute to the
      cornification of keratinocytes. Consistently, RIPK4 and IRF6 were important for
      the PMA-inducible expression of SPRR1A and SPRR1B. They were also important for
      the upregulation of TGM1, a transglutaminase that catalyses the cross-linking of
      proteins, including small proline-rich proteins, during keratinocyte
      cornification. RIPK4 was also shown to upregulate the expression of TGM2
      independently of IRF6. Collectively, our findings position RIPK4 upstream of a
      hierarchal IRF6-GRHL3-ELF3 transcription factor pathway in keratinocytes, as well
      as provide insight into a potential role for RIPK4 in the regulation of
      keratinocyte cornification.

PMID- 27667566
TI  - Role of End Binding Protein-1 in endothelial permeability response to barrier
      disruptive and barrier-enhancing agonists.
AB  - Rapid changes in microtubule (MT) polymerization dynamics affect regional
      activity of small GTPases RhoA and Rac1, which play a key role in the regulation
      of actin cytoskeleton and endothelial cell (EC) permeability. This study tested
      the role of End Binding Protein-1 (EB1) in the mechanisms of increased and
      decreased EC permeability caused by thrombin and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)
      and mediated by RhoA and Rac1 GTPases, respectively. Stimulation of human lung EC
      with thrombin inhibited peripheral MT growth, which was monitored by
      morphological and biochemical evaluation of peripheral MT and the levels of
      stabilized MT. In contrast, stimulation of EC with HGF promoted peripheral MT
      growth and protrusion of EB1-positive MT plus ends to the EC peripheral
      submembrane area. EB1 knockdown by small interfering RNA did not affect partial
      MT depolymerization, activation of Rho signaling, and permeability response to
      thrombin, but suppressed the HGF-induced endothelial barrier enhancement. EB1
      knockdown suppressed HGF-induced activation of Rac1 and Rac1 cytoskeletal
      effectors cortactin and PAK1, impaired HGF-induced assembly of cortical
      cytoskeleton regulatory complex (WAVE-p21Arc-IQGAP1), and blocked HGF-induced
      enhancement of peripheral actin cytoskeleton and VE-cadherin-positive adherens
      junctions. Altogether, these data demonstrate a role for EB1 in coordination of
      MT-dependent barrier enhancement response to HGF, but show no involvement of EB1
      in acute increase of EC permeability caused by the barrier disruptive agonist.
      The results suggest that increased peripheral EB1 distribution is a critical
      component of the Rac1-mediated pathway and peripheral cytoskeletal remodeling
      essential for agonist-induced EC barrier enhancement.

PMID- 27667568
TI  - Inundation of asthma target research: Untangling asthma riddles.
AB  - Asthma is an inveterate inflammatory disorder, delineated by the airway
      inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) and airway wall remodeling.
      Although, asthma is a vague term, and is recognized as heterogenous entity
      encompassing different phenotypes. Targeting single mediator or receptor did not
      prove much clinical significant, as asthma is complex disease involving myriad
      inflammatory mediators. Asthma may probably involve a large number of different
      types of molecular and cellular components interacting through complex
      pathophysiological pathways. This review covers the past, present, and future
      therapeutic approaches and pathophysiological mechanisms of asthma. Furthermore,
      review describe importance of targeting several mediators/modulators and receptor
      antagonists involved in the physiopathology of asthma. Novel targets for asthma
      research include Galectins, Immunological targets, K + Channels, Kinases and
      Transcription Factors, Toll-like receptors, Selectins and Transient receptor
      potential channels. But recent developments in asthma research are very
      promising, these include Bitter taste receptors (TAS2R) abated airway obstruction
      in mouse model of asthma and Calcium-sensing receptor obliterate inflammation and
      in bronchial hyperresponsiveness allergic asthma. All these progresses in asthma
      targets, and asthma phenotypes exploration are auspicious in untangling of asthma
      riddles.

PMID- 27667569
TI  - Migratory blackcaps can use their magnetic compass at 5 degrees inclination, but
      are completely random at 0 degrees inclination.
AB  - It is known that night-migratory songbirds use a magnetic compass measuring the
      magnetic inclination angle, i.e. the angle between the Earth's surface and the
      magnetic field lines, but how do such birds orient at the magnetic equator? A
      previous study reported that birds are completely randomly oriented in a
      horizontal north-south magnetic field with 0 degrees  inclination angle. This
      seems counter-intuitive, because birds using an inclination compass should be
      able to separate the north-south axis from the east-west axis, so that bimodal
      orientation might be expected in a horizontal field. Furthermore, little is known
      about how shallow inclination angles migratory birds can still use for
      orientation. In this study, we tested the magnetic compass orientation of night
      migratory Eurasian blackcaps (Sylvia atricapilla) in magnetic fields with 5
      degrees  and 0 degrees  inclination. At 5 degrees  inclination, the birds
      oriented as well as they did in the normal 67 degrees  inclined field in
      Oldenburg. In contrast, they were completely randomly oriented in the horizontal
      field, showing no sign of bimodality. Our results indicate that the inclination
      limit for the magnetic compass of the blackcap is below 5 degrees  and that these
      birds indeed seem completely unable to use their magnetic compass for orientation
      in a horizontal magnetic field.

PMID- 27667571
TI  - An antidote to fluorouracil and capecitabine toxicity.

PMID- 27667570
TI  - Osteoblast Differentiation at a Glance.
AB  - Ossification is a tightly regulated process, performed by specialized cells
      called osteoblasts. Dysregulation of this process may cause inadequate or
      excessive mineralization of bones or ectopic calcification, all of which have
      grave consequences for human health. Understanding osteoblast biology may help to
      treat diseases such as osteogenesis imperfecta, calcific heart valve disease,
      osteoporosis, and many others. Osteoblasts are bone-building cells of mesenchymal
      origin; they differentiate from mesenchymal progenitors, either directly or via
      an osteochondroprogenitor. The direct pathway is typical for intramembranous
      ossification of the skull and clavicles, while the latter is a hallmark of
      endochondral ossification of the axial skeleton and limbs. The pathways merge at
      the level of preosteoblasts, which progress through 3 stages: proliferation,
      matrix maturation, and mineralization. Osteoblasts can also differentiate into
      osteocytes, which are stellate cells populating narrow interconnecting passages
      within the bone matrix. The key molecular switch in the commitment of mesenchymal
      progenitors to osteoblast lineage is the transcription factor cbfa/runx2, which
      has multiple upstream regulators and a wide variety of targets. Upstream is the
      Wnt/Notch system, Sox9, Msx2, and hedgehog signaling. Cofactors of Runx2 include
      Osx, Atf4, and others. A few paracrine and endocrine factors serve as
      coactivators, in particular, bone morphogenetic proteins and parathyroid hormone.
      The process is further fine-tuned by vitamin D and histone deacetylases.
      Osteoblast differentiation is subject to regulation by physical stimuli to ensure
      the formation of bone adequate for structural and dynamic support of the body.
      Here, we provide a brief description of the various stimuli that influence
      osteogenesis: shear stress, compression, stretch, micro- and macrogravity, and
      ultrasound. A complex understanding of factors necessary for osteoblast
      differentiation paves a way to introduction of artificial bone matrices.

PMID- 27667572
TI  - Antiemetic overuse in patients receiving chemotherapy.

PMID- 27667573
TI  - Lazic Aneurysm Clip System for Microsurgical Clipping of Cerebral Aneurysms:
      Transition to a New Aneurysm Clip System in an Established Cerebrovascular
      Practice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In an era of continued advancements in endovascular treatment of
      cerebral aneurysms, novel developments concerning microsurgical clipping are
      sparse. The Lazic aneurysm clip system represents such an advancement. The
      applier has a malleable shaft and is designed to minimally obstruct the view of
      the surgical field. The purpose of this study was to illustrate the transition to
      this new aneurysm clip system in an established cerebrovascular practice.
      METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all aneurysms treated with microsurgical
      clipping using the Lazic aneurysm clip system in 1 cerebrovascular practice in
      the United States from January 2009 to June 2016. RESULTS: Between 2009 and 2016,
      a total of 973 aneurysms underwent surgical clipping. The Lazic clip system was
      used in 191 (19.6%) aneurysms (maximum diameter, 5.6 +/- 3.8 mm) in 181 patients.
      The middle cerebral artery was the most frequent location (25.7%) followed by
      posterior communicating artery (20.9%). There was a continuous increase in the
      percentage of aneurysms treated with the Lazic clip system from 6% in 2009 to 98%
      in 2016. The proportion of posterior circulation aneurysms treated with Lazic
      clips decreased, whereas the middle cerebral artery location increased. There
      were a total of 11 complications (5.8%), but no instances of clip malfunction.
      CONCLUSIONS: In the largest series to date, the Lazic clip system proved to be
      safe and efficacious and presents an interesting alternative to established
      aneurysm clip systems. This study illustrates the transition of an established
      cerebrovascular practice to the Lazic clip system.

PMID- 27667574
TI  - Intracranial Angiomatoid Fibrous Histiocytoma: Case Report and Literature Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma (AFH) is a rare and low-grade soft
      tissue lesion that typically arises from subcutaneous and deep dermal tissue of
      extremities. The first case was reported in 1979 by Enzinger and has since become
      known as a distinct entity. AFH has been increasingly reported in different organ
      systems, with rare reports of primary intracranial AFH. To date there have been 3
      reports of intracranial AFH and 1 report of metastasis to the brain, most of
      which were in young adults. CASE DESCRIPTION: In this paper, we present a case of
      an older patient with a large, petrous apex AFH that was clinically mistaken for
      a trigeminal nerve schwannoma. We discuss radiographic and histologic features
      initially found and the findings that ultimately led to the diagnosis of AFH. We
      also discuss the findings noted in all other reports of intracranial AFH.
      CONCLUSION: We present a rare case of intracranial AFH in a patient relatively
      old for onset of diagnosis. To date, only 3 prior cases of AFH have been
      reported. The radiographic findings were nonspecific and initially pointed toward
      a diagnosis of schwannoma, whereas histopathology seemed to initially suggest
      meningioma. Further pathologic consultation finally confirmed AFH as the
      diagnosis. We suspect there are more cases of intracranial AFH that are
      misdiagnosed due to variability of findings on pathology. The behavior of this
      tumor remains in question as 1 of the 3 reported cases demonstrated significant
      recurrence. As such, gross total resection of this lesion is preferable.

PMID- 27667575
TI  - Impact of the Economic Downturn on Elective Cervical Spine Surgery in the United
      States: A National Trend Analysis, 2003-2013.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze overall trends of elective cervical spine surgery in the
      United States from 2003 to 2013 with the goal of determining whether the economic
      downturn had an impact. METHODS: Codes from the International Classification of
      Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification were used to identify elective
      cervical spine surgery procedures in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 2003 to
      2013. National Health Expenditure, gross domestic product, and S&P 500 Index were
      used as measures of economic performance. The economic downturn was defined as
      2008-2009. Confidence intervals were determined using subgroup analysis
      techniques. Linear regressions were completed to determine the association
      between surgery trends and economic conditions. RESULTS: From 2003 to 2013,
      posterior cervical fusions saw a 102.7% increase. During the same time frame,
      there was a 7.4% and 14.7% decrease in the number of anterior cervical diskectomy
      and fusions (ACDFs) and posterior decompressions, respectively. The trend of
      elective cervical spine surgeries per 100,000 persons in the U.S. population may
      have been affected by the economic downturn from 2008 to 2009 (-0.03% growth).
      The percentage of procedures paid for by private insurance decreased from 2003 to
      2013 for all ACDFs, posterior cervical fusions, and posterior decompressions. The
      linear regression coefficients (beta) and R2 values between the number of
      surgeries and each of the macroeconomic factors analyzed were not statistically
      significant. CONCLUSIONS: The overall elective cervical spine surgery trend was
      not likely impacted by the economic downturn. Posterior cervical fusions grew
      significantly from 2003 to 2013, whereas ACDFs and posterior decompressions
      decreased.

PMID- 27667576
TI  - Inexpensive Attachment Device for Cell Therapy Administration into Injured Spinal
      Cord.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cell therapy is configured as a promising strategy for the treatment
      of spinal cord injury (SCI), but it requires reliable systems to achieve
      microinjections with different rates and volumes, according to the different
      characteristics of the injured spinal cord tissue and the targets previously
      selected. OBJECTIVE: We sought to describe an original and inexpensive device for
      support of microinjection systems in the course of spinal cord surgery. METHODS:
      Our attachment device consists of an arch and a system of bars that can be fixed
      to the operating table and on which a microinjection pump can be displaced and
      fixed in the course of surgery. RESULTS: This device has been used for therapy
      administration into injured spinal cords. It is easy to use and permits
      reproducible results. CONCLUSION: We have described an original attachment device
      for the support of a microinjection pump. It is applicable to spinal cord surgery
      and should be considered as a cheap solution for intralesional administration of
      cell therapy after spinal cord injury.

PMID- 27667577
TI  - Brain Metastases: Surgical Treatment and Overall Survival.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Brain metastases occur in 10%-40% of patients with cancer and are
      more common than primary brain tumors (30%-40%); their incidence is growing
      because of improvements in control of systemic disease, better radiologic
      detection, and prolonged survival. Modern treatment of brain metastases has
      dramatically changed the expected prognosis. Traditionally, the prognosis has
      been considered very poor, and patients were referred to palliative treatment
      because of their terminal stage; however, new prognostic indexes have been
      proposed to evaluate these patients. The aim of our study was to determine the
      long-term effect of surgery on overall survival (OS) in patients with brain
      metastases from dissimilar primary tumors and to identify prognostic variables
      associated with prolonged survival. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a
      consecutive series of patients who underwent surgery between January 2010 and
      October 2014 for cerebral metastases from lung, kidney, breast, and
      gastrointestinal cancers and melanoma. Variables included age; sex; histology;
      location of lesions; and specific treatments patients had undergone including
      chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery, individually or combined. RESULTS: No
      patients deteriorated after surgery. At discharge, 19 patients (26.76%) had an
      unchanged postoperative neurologic examination, whereas 52 patients (73.23%)
      showed improvement (chi2 = 34.84, P < 0.0001). Expected OS, considering all tumor
      subtypes, was 372.24 months; the patients in our series had an OS of 787 months,
      more than twice the expected OS; specifically, average expected survival of each
      patient was 5.24 months, whereas actual survival was 11.08 months (P = 0.000008).
      CONCLUSIONS: Surgery is a safe and effective procedure for cerebral metastases
      and should not be considered an aggressive treatment in such disease. In our
      series, 55% of patients had a survival >6 months and a significant improvement in
      terms of actual versus expected survival. Surgical resection should be considered
      the primary option for patients with brain metastases.

PMID- 27667578
TI  - Impact of Intraoperative Steroids on Postoperative Infection Rates and Length of
      Hospital Stay: A Study of 1200 Spine Surgery Patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The use of intraoperative steroids and their effects are relatively
      unknown and remain controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the
      effects of intraoperative steroid use on postoperative complications and length
      of hospital stay after spine surgery. METHODS: Medical records of 1200 adult
      patients undergoing spine surgery at Duke University Medical Center during the
      period 2008-2010 were retrospectively reviewed; 495 (41.25%) patients were
      administered intraoperative steroids, and 705 (58.75%) patients were not
      administered intraoperative steroids. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and
      postoperative complication rates were collected. The primary outcomes
      investigated were postoperative complications, specifically length of hospital
      stay and infection rates. RESULTS: Patient demographics were similar between both
      cohorts. Comorbidities were also similar, with the intraoperative steroid use
      cohort having a higher number of patients with long-term steroid use than the no
      intraoperative steroid use cohort (6.95% [no steroids] vs. 13.74% [steroid use],
      P < 0.001). Operative variables, including length of operation and median number
      of fusion levels operated, were also similar between the 2 groups. Lumbar spine
      was the most common surgical location. Patients who were administered
      intraoperative steroids had a shorter length of hospital stay by an average of 1
      day (6.06 days +/- 6.76 [no steroids] vs. 5.04 days +/- 4.86 [steroid use], P =
      0.0025), lower rates of urinary tract infections (10.37% [no steroids] vs. 6.88%
      [steroid use], P = 0.040), and lower rates of other infections that were not deep
      or superficial surgical site infections (9.22% [no steroids] vs. 6.06% [steroid
      use], P = 0.0460). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who receive intraoperative steroids have
      shorter hospital stays and lower infection rates after spine surgery.

PMID- 27667581
TI  - Plant derived anti-cancerous secondary metabolites as multipronged inhibitor of
      COX, Topo, and aromatase: molecular modeling and dynamics simulation analyses.
AB  - In the present study, 300 plant derived secondary metabolites (100 each of
      alkaloid, flavonoid, and terpenoid), have been screened for their anti-cancerous
      activity through inhibition of selected key enzymatic targets, namely
      cyclooxygenases (COXs), topoisomerases (Topos), and aromatase by molecular
      docking approach. Furthermore, the stability of the complexes of top hits, from
      each class of secondary metabolites, with their respective enzymatic targets was
      analyzed using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation analyses and binding free
      energy calculations. Analysis of the results of the docking in light of the
      pharmacokinetically screened 18 alkaloids, 26 flavonoids, and 9 terpenoids,
      revealed that the flavonoid, curcumin, was the most potent inhibitor for all the
      selected enzymatic targets. The stability of the complexes of COX-1, COX-2, Topo
      I, Topo IIbeta and aromatase with the most potent inhibitor curcumin and those of
      the respective drugs, namely ibuprofen, aspirin, topotecan, etoposide, and
      exemestane were also analyzed through MD simulation analyses which revealed
      better stability of curcumin complexes than those of respective drugs. Binding
      energy calculations of the complexes of the curcumin with all the targets, except
      those of Topos, exhibited lower binding energies for the curcumin complexes than
      those of respective drugs which corroborated with the results of molecular
      docking analyses. Thus, the present study affirms the versatile and multipronged
      nature of curcumin, the traditionally used herbal medicine, as anti-cancer
      molecule directed against these enzymatic targets.

PMID- 27667580
TI  - Insights into the pathogenesis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (Review).
AB  - Mycoplasma are the smallest prokaryotic microbes present in nature. These wall
      less, malleable organisms can pass through cell filters, and grow and propagate
      under cell-free conditions in vitro. Of the pathogenic Mycoplasma Mycoplasma
      pneumoniae has been examined the most. In addition to primary atypical pneumonia
      and community-acquired pneumonia with predominantly respiratory symptoms, M.
      pneumoniae can also induce autoimmune hemolytic anemia and other diseases in the
      blood, cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract and skin, and can induce
      pericarditis, myocarditis, nephritis and meningitis. The pathogenesis of M.
      pneumoniae infection is complex and remains to be fully elucidated. The present
      review aimed to summarize several direct damage mechanisms, including adhesion
      damage, destruction of membrane fusion, nutrition depletion, invasive damage,
      toxic damage, inflammatory damage and immune damage. Further investigations are
      required for determining the detailed pathogenesis of M. pneumoniae.

PMID- 27667582
TI  - Expression and analyses of the HIF-1 pathway in the lungs of humans with
      pulmonary arterial hypertension.
AB  - Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by endothelial dysfunction
      and structural remodeling of the pulmonary vasculature, mediated initially by
      reduced oxygen availability in the lungs. Hypoxia inducible factor (HIF),
      consisting of the functional subunit, HIF-1alpha, and the constitutively
      expressed HIF-1beta, is involved in the pathological processes associated with
      hypoxia. In the current study, the sequences of cDNAs and amino acids of HIF were
      characterized and analyzed using online bioinformatics tools. To further evaluate
      whether HIF accounts for the occurrence of PAH, the present study determine the
      expression and phosphorylation levels of HIF and its associated pathways,
      including extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk)1/2 and phosphoinositide 3
      kinase (PI3K)/Akt, in the lungs of patients with PAH by reverse transcription
      quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. The mRNA expression
      levels of PI3K, Erk2, and HIF-1alpha in the patients with PAH were significantly
      higher, compared with those in the control group, by 3.6-fold (P<0.01), 4.06-fold
      and 2.64-fold (P<0.05), respectively. No significant differences were found in
      the mRNA and protein levels of Akt between the two groups (P>0.05). The protein
      levels of phosphorylated (p-)Akt, Erk1/2, p-Erk1/2, HIF-1alpha and HIF-1beta were
      significantly increased by 5.89-, 0.5-, 0.59-, 1.46- and 0.92-fold, respectively,
      in the patients with PAH, compared with those in the controls group (P<0.01 for p
      Akt, Erk1/2; P<0.05 for p-Erk1/2, HIF-1alpha and HIF-1beta). These findings
      suggested that the mitogen-activated protein kinase and PI3K/Akt signaling
      pathways, and HIF-1 may perform a specific function in the pathogenesis of PAH.

PMID- 27667579
TI  - IBS and IBD - separate entities or on a spectrum?
AB  - The acute phase of IBD with inflamed gut and often ulcerated mucosa is clearly
      different from the apparently normal mucosa characteristic of IBS. However, more
      detailed assessment has detected immune activation, increased gut permeability,
      increased mucosal serotonin availability, abnormalities of enteric nerve
      structure and function, and dysbiosis in gut microbiota in IBS - all features
      seen in IBD. Furthermore, as treatments for inflammation in IBD have become more
      effective it is now apparent that ~1 in 3 patients with IBD in remission from
      inflammation still have persistent abnormalities of sensation, motility and gut
      microbiota, which might cause IBS-like symptoms. This Perspective explores the
      overlap between IBS and IBD and their treatments, proposing future directions for
      research in this stimulating area.

PMID- 27667583
TI  - Fast generations of tree-type three-dimensional entanglement via Lewis-Riesenfeld
      invariants and transitionless quantum driving.
AB  - Recently, a novel three-dimensional entangled state called tree-type
      entanglement, which is likely to have applications for improving quantum
      communication security, was prepared via adiabatic passage by Song et al. Here we
      propose two schemes for fast generating tree-type three-dimensional entanglement
      among three spatially separated atoms via shortcuts to adiabatic passage. With
      the help of quantum Zeno dynamics, two kinds of different but equivalent methods,
      Lewis-Riesenfeld invariants and transitionless quantum driving, are applied to
      construct shortcuts to adiabatic passage. The comparisons between the two methods
      are discussed. The strict numerical simulations show that the tree-type three
      dimensional entangled states can be fast prepared with quite high fidelities and
      the two schemes are both robust against the variations in the parameters, atomic
      spontaneous emissions and the cavity-fiber photon leakages.

PMID- 27667584
TI  - Design, Synthesis and Evaluation of Novel Isoxazolines/Oxime Sulfonates of
      2'(2',6')-(Di)Chloropodophyllotoxins as Insecticidal Agents.
AB  - A series of 2'(2',6')-(di)halogeno-isoxazolopodophyllic acids-based esters, and
      oxime sulfonates of 2'(2',6')-(di)halogenopodophyllones were prepared by
      structural modifications of podophyllotoxin as insecticidal agents against
      Mythimna separata Walker. It was found that when 2'(2',6')
      (di)halogenopodophyllones or 2'(2',6')-(di)chloropicropodophyllones reacted with
      hydroxylamine hydrochloride, the desired products were related with the
      configuration of their lactones. Three key single-crystal structures of Ie, IIe
      and IIIb were determined by X-ray diffraction. Especially compounds IIc and Vc
      showed the highest insecticidal activity. Moreover, some interesting results of
      structure-insecticidal activity relationships of tested compounds were also
      observed.

PMID- 27667585
TI  - Influence of mealtime habits on the risk of weight gain and obesity in Mexican
      adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To prospectively examine the extent to which mealtime habits
      influences the risk of weight gain and obesity in Mexican adults. DESIGN: We
      performed a prospective cohort study. The Mealtime Habits Quality (MHQ) scale was
      used for assessing participants' MHQ; the outcomes of interest were gain >=5 % of
      body weight, developing overweight/obesity and abdominal obesity, after 7 years
      of follow-up. In order to estimate the independent effect of MHQ on
      anthropometric indicators, generalized linear models were computed to obtain
      adjusted relative risks (95 % CI). SETTING: The state of Morelos, Mexico.
      SUBJECTS: Mexican adults (n 837) aged 18-70 years participating in a cohort
      study. RESULTS: Compared with participants classified in the higher MHQ category,
      individuals in the middle and lower MHQ groups had a 4.1 (2.5, 6.7) and 6.2 (3.9,
      9.7) fold greater risk of gain >=5 % of body weight, respectively; 6.6 (2.8,
      15.5) and 8.6 (3.7, 19.8) fold greater risk of becoming overweight/obese,
      respectively; and 3.8 (2.0, 7.3) and 5.3 (2.8, 9.8) fold greater risk of
      developing abdominal obesity, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides
      evidence about the influence of a set of mealtime habits on obesity indicators,
      showing that greater adherence to unadvisable mealtime habits increases the risk
      of developing unhealthy anthropometric indicators. Since the meal is one of the
      most important sources of food intake, and consequently weight status, the MHQ
      scale can be a useful population tool to predict weight gain and obesity.

PMID- 27667586
TI  - Biosafety standards for working with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus.
AB  - In countries from which Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is absent, the
      causative virus, CCHF virus (CCHFV), is classified as a hazard group 4 agent and
      handled in containment level (CL)-4. In contrast, most endemic countries out of
      necessity have had to perform diagnostic tests under biosafety level (BSL)-2 or 
      3 conditions. In particular, Turkey and several of the Balkan countries have
      safely processed more than 100 000 samples over many years in BSL-2 laboratories.
      It is therefore advocated that biosafety requirements for CCHF diagnostic
      procedures should be revised, to allow the tests required to be performed under
      enhanced BSL-2 conditions with appropriate biosafety laboratory equipment and
      personal protective equipment used according to standardized protocols in the
      countries affected. Downgrading of CCHFV research work from CL-4, BSL-4 to CL-3,
      BSL-3 should also be considered.

PMID- 27667587
TI  - Expression pattern of CD55 and CD59 on red blood cells in sickle cell disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the pattern of CD55 and CD59 expression on RBCs of SCD
      patients, and its association with anemia, biochemical parameters of hemolysis,
      level of erythropoietin, and pro-inflammatory markers. METHODS: Flow cytometric
      analysis was performed on RBCs from 71 adult SCD patients and 53 healthy
      controls, using the commercial REDQUANT kit. RESULTS: CD59 deficiency was
      significantly higher among SCD patients than among healthy controls. The
      proportions of CD55-deficient and CD59-deficient RBCs from SCD patients were
      significantly higher when compared with those from healthy controls (0.17 vs.
      0.09 and 2.1 vs. 1.2, respectively). The MFI of CD55 and CD59 expression on RBCs
      in SCD was significantly reduced when compared to the expression in healthy
      controls (5.2 vs. 6.4 and 19.4 vs 20.3, respectively). The pattern of CD55 and
      CD59 expression was not correlated with anemia, biomarkers of hemolysis,
      erythropoietin level, or other pro-inflammatory markers. DISCUSSION: There is an
      altered pattern of CD55 and CD59 expression on RBCs of SCD Patients; however, it
      does not seem to play a causal role in the pathophysiology of anemia, and is
      unlikely to be influenced by the level of erythropoietin or other inflammatory
      mediators.

PMID- 27667590
TI  - The move to health.
AB  - Let's give credit where it is due. The Government's Green Paper on health
      targets, 'The Health of the Nation', is one of the best reports to emerge from
      the Health Department for some time. The targets have been widely welcomed, with
      even the opposition grudgingly lending its support to a Government initiative
      which will work toward a healthier future.

PMID- 27667591
TI  - Green paper.
AB  - Health promotion was pushed to the top of the political agenda last week
      following the launch of the Green Paper on the health of the English nation.

PMID- 27667588
TI  - Proteomic Analysis of Non-depleted Serum Proteins from Bottlenose Dolphins
      Uncovers a High Vanin-1 Phenotype.
AB  - Targeted approaches have been widely used to help explain physiological
      adaptations, but few studies have used non-targeted omics approaches to explore
      differences between diving marine mammals and terrestrial mammals. A rank
      comparison of undepleted serum proteins from common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops
      truncatus) and pooled normal human serum led to the discovery of 11 proteins that
      appeared exclusive to dolphin serum. Compared to the comprehensive human plasma
      proteome, 5 of 11 serum proteins had a differential rank greater than 200. One of
      these proteins, Vanin-1, was quantified using parallel reaction monitoring in
      dolphins under human care and free-ranging dolphins. Dolphin serum Vanin-1 ranged
      between 31-106 MUg/ml, which is 20-1000 times higher than concentrations reported
      for healthy humans. Serum Vanin-1 was also higher in dolphins under human care
      compared to free-ranging dolphins (64 +/- 16 vs. 47 +/- 12 MUg/ml P < 0.05).
      Vanin-1 levels positively correlated with liver enzymes AST and ALT, and
      negatively correlated with white blood cell counts and fibrinogen in free-ranging
      dolphins. Major differences exist in the circulating blood proteome of the
      bottlenose dolphin compared to terrestrial mammals and exploration of these
      differences in bottlenose dolphins and other marine mammals may identify veiled
      protective strategies to counter physiological stress.

PMID- 27667589
TI  - Coalescence of Immiscible Liquid Metal Drop on Graphene.
AB  - Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to investigate the wetting and
      coalescence of liquid Al and Pb drops on four carbon-based substrates. We
      highlight the importance of the microstructure and surface topography of
      substrates in the coalescence process. Our results show that the effect of
      substrate on coalescence is achieved by changing the wettability of the Pb metal.
      Additionally, we determine the critical distance between nonadjacent Al and Pb
      films required for coalescence. These findings improve our understanding of the
      coalescence of immiscible liquid metals at the atomistic level.

PMID- 27667593
TI  - Managers instructed to speed appeals backlog.
AB  - Managers must take a 'fresh look' at grading appeals and use their own discretion
      and judgement to clear the backlog, both Management and Staff Side agreed at a
      Whitley Council meeting last Friday.

PMID- 27667592
TI  - ?
AB  - Smiles of relief: A mission to bring aid to Kurdish refugees brought nurse, John
      Pohorely (pictured left) and charity worker Richard Worries (centre) to the
      Allied Forces 'safe haven' in Zakho, Northern Iraq. They took with them a major
      new breakthrough in water purification. The trip was organised by the Jubilee
      Campaign charity. Director Danny Smith (pictured right) and Nursing Standard's
      Editor Norah Casey were there to greet them on their return.

PMID- 27667594
TI  - Cumberlege criticises NHS 'chauvinism'.
AB  - NHS Policy Board member Baroness Cumberlege has criticised 'chauvinism' and
      'endless obstructions' within the NHS which prevent nurses from becoming full
      partners in general practice.

PMID- 27667595
TI  - RCN warns of variations in vocational standards.
AB  - The 'extremely hurried' consultation on proposals for a set of 12 new vocational
      qualifications for health workers may lead to inconsistencies in national
      standards, the RCN has warned in its response to the Care Sector Consortium.

PMID- 27667596
TI  - ?
AB  - Sound approach: The RCN's Jane Williamson, and Jo Cotterell from the National
      Dairy Council, are pictured recording the second Sound Nutrition audio tape for
      community nurses, launched last week.

PMID- 27667597
TI  - UKCC.
AB  - The number of under 25-year-olds entering nursing is falling, the latest
      statistics from the United Kingdom Central Council show. Despite an increase of
      almost 4 per cent in the number of nurses, midwives and health visitors between
      1988 and 1990, there was a fall in the number of practitioners under 25. It is
      nothing that was not anticipated from the demographic trends that were there for
      all to see,' said Reg Pyne, UKCC Assistant Registrar Standards and Ethics.

PMID- 27667599
TI  - Prisons must overcome 'irrational attitudes'.
AB  - British prisons are 'AIDS-phobic' and need urgent strategies to prevent inmates
      becoming infected with HIV, says Len Curran, the Chair of the Home Office AIDS
      Advisory Committee.

PMID- 27667598
TI  - 'Bring back matron' call from select committee.
AB  - Nurse managers have been severely criticised and the Government has been strongly
      urged to 'bring back Matron' in the latest report from the Health Ombudsman
      Select Committee.

PMID- 27667600
TI  - Mortality rates.
AB  - Death rates for boys and girls aged 5-9 fell by 48 per cent between 1971 and
      1988, and by 30 per cent for boys and 38 percent for girls aged 10-14 according
      to the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys. Over the same period stillbirth
      and neonatal death rates decreased by over 55 per cent, and postnatal by almost
      one third.

PMID- 27667602
TI  - ?
AB  - Healthy outlook: Sisters Sue Hardy and Shelagh Vidler are pictured after the
      unveiling of a plaque in Old Park Wood next to Harefield Hospital. The plaque
      commemorates a L40,000 donation from the National Grid Company to the RSNC
      Wildlife Trusts Partnership, L3.000 of which will help glade-clearance work in
      the wood, which is used by staff and patients at the hospital.

PMID- 27667601
TI  - Campaign will promote 'partnerships in care'.
AB  - A unique new breast-care campaign aimed at educating women and health care
      workers was launched last week with all-party Commons support.

PMID- 27667604
TI  - Guidelines for reducing claims.
AB  - A firm of solicitors that specialise inlitigation claims in health care is
      planning to produce guidelines to reduce negligence claims for obstetrics and
      back injury cases among nurses.

PMID- 27667606
TI  - Autumn launch for new television scheme.
AB  - An innovative education scheme for nurses is to be launched this autumn by the
      BBC, the Royal College of Nursing, Nursing Standard and Healthcare Productions
      Ltd.

PMID- 27667605
TI  - Ashworth staff urged to give evidence.
AB  - Present and former staff at Ashworth Special Hospital in Liverpool have been
      urged to come forward with evidence to a new inquiry into allegations of ill
      treatment of patients there.

PMID- 27667607
TI  - Autumn review could lead to more academic weight.
AB  - Nurses' qualifications could carry more academic weight following a major review
      of the credit accumulation scheme to be carried out in the autumn.

PMID- 27667608
TI  - RCN to carry out survey of members' experiences.
AB  - The Royal College of Nursing is to carry out a survey of members' experiences of,
      and need for knowledge in the area of child protection.

PMID- 27667610
TI  - Parliament.
AB  - Heart attacks are increasing among women more than twice as fast as among men.
      Over the past seven years the total number of heart attacks in England went up by
      just under 11 per cent, health minister Viriginia Bottomley told the Commons.

PMID- 27667614
TI  - Hepatitis C virus is sexually transmitted.
AB  - Evidence that the hepatitis C virus is sexually transmitted has been shown by
      researchers at University College and Middlesex School of Medicine.

PMID- 27667612
TI  - World news.
AB  - Mexico Prostitutes in Mexico City have been recruited in a Government campaign to
      prevent the heterosexual spread of HIV and are urging their clients to use
      condoms and practise safer sex.

PMID- 27667615
TI  - ?
AB  - Urine testing: A new one-step test for human chorionic gonadotrophin hormone can
      detect ectopic pregnancies, according to the latest research.

PMID- 27667616
TI  - One-step urine tests for ectopic pregnancy.
AB  - Routine rapid one-step urine tests for human chorionic gonadotrophin hormone have
      been shown to be highly effective in detecting ectopic pregnancies, new research
      in Scotland has found.

PMID- 27667617
TI  - Nurse-run asthma clinic benefits GPS.
AB  - Setting up a nurse-run asthma clinic in general practice leads to a substantial
      reduction in GP consultations, days off school or work and patients' requirements
      for oral steroids, according to a new report.

PMID- 27667618
TI  - Child health records should be parent held.
AB  - Child health records have a better chance of being completed by health
      professionals if they are kept by parents, research shows.

PMID- 27667619
TI  - Hepatitis and liver cancer link found.
AB  - Scientists say they now have 'overwhelming' evidence for the direct involvement
      of hepatitis B virus in the development of liver cancer.

PMID- 27667620
TI  - Venesection for epo- induced hypertension.
AB  - Venesection is suggested as a method for correcting the life-threatening
      malignant hypertension sometimes associated with the use of erythropoietin.

PMID- 27667622
TI  - Metabolic disorder and child abuse.
AB  - There is little likelihood that child abuse and metabolic bone disease are
      confused in cases which reach the stage of court proceedings.

PMID- 27667621
TI  - More evidence on prone position and SIDS.
AB  - The association between prone position and sudden infant death syndrome has been
      strengthened by research.

PMID- 27667623
TI  - Haemodialysis and helplessness.
AB  - Patients receiving haemodialysis might experience more feelings of helplessness
      than their counterparts on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD).

PMID- 27667624
TI  - Consulting on health.
AB  - The Green Paper announced in the House of Commons last week includes ambitious
      targets to reduce the number of deaths from preventable diseases and promote good
      health, bringing England into line with the World Health Organization's target of
      'Health for All by the year 2000'. It is open for consultation until October,
      when a White Paper will be drawn up.

PMID- 27667625
TI  - Why women have to be special.
AB  - Alex Mathieson's report on the Empowering Women seminar held at RCN Congress
      ('Success in a man's world', Nursing Standard May 29), reminded me this event was
      without doubt the high-spot of my week.

PMID- 27667626
TI  - Abortion and nurses who say no.
AB  - It is a pity that Health Secretary William Waldegrave does not feel able to take
      any action to make it easier for nurses to avoid taking part in abortions
      (Nursing Standard News, May22).

PMID- 27667627
TI  - Nurses are not professionals.
AB  - Why does the author of 'No, non, niet, nein, no ...' (Nursing Standard May 1)
      argue that nursing auxiliaries are not professionals? We, the trained staff, are
      not professionals.

PMID- 27667629
TI  - Information exchange.
AB  - The National Association for the Welfare of Children in Hospital is conducting a
      study into the problems parents or carers face when visiting children in
      hospital.

PMID- 27667628
TI  - Correcting the heads and tales.
AB  - I must correct a misunderstanding in the news article 'Ashworth intimidation
      shocks Congress' (Nursing Standard May 29).

PMID- 27667631
TI  - ?

PMID- 27667632
TI  - ABC of AIDS Adler M W , editor ABC of AIDS 2nd edition British Medical Journal
      72pp L10.95 0-7279-0267-7 [Formula: see text].
AB  - The ABC of AIDS is aimed specifically at the medical profession, both hospital
      and community. The second edition is an updated version of the original, a
      collection of articles from the BMA.

PMID- 27667630
TI  - Vote of thanks from forum.
AB  - On behalf of the mental handicap nurses who attended this year's Royal College of
      Nursing Congress in Harrogate, I should like to acknowledge the excellent work
      done throughout the week by the Agenda Committee.

PMID- 27667633
TI  - The Mentally Disordered Offender K Herbst and J Gunn , editors The mentally
      discovered offender Butterworth-Heinemann 258pp L35 0-7506-0028-4 [Formula: see
      text].
AB  - Separating the 'mad' from the 'bad' has proved a complex dilemma for the British
      penal system throughout its history. In recent times, the 1975 Butler Report made
      a number of recommendations for improving the lot of the mentally ill offender;
      though, as The Mentally Disordered Offender illustrates, the problem remains as
      intricate and profound as ever before.

PMID- 27667635
TI  - Gossip.

PMID- 27667634
TI  - Bibliography of Nursing Quality Assurance and Standards of Care 1932-1987 A
      Kitson and Bibliography of Nursing Quality Assurance and Standards of Care 1932
      1987 G Harvey Scutari Press 290pp L24.95 1-871364-46-9 [Formula: see text].
AB  - The purpose of the RCN Nursing Quality Assurance bibliography is to provide a
      record of the documented developments that have happened between 1932 and 1987
      within nursing quality assurance. The bibliography contains 480 articles, each
      classified into four main sections derived from the literature. Each article is
      coded according to section, subsection, author and date of publication. The bulk
      of the text offers summaries of the articles in each section and is followed by
      excellent indexes.

PMID- 27667636
TI  - Listings.

PMID- 27667637
TI  - High-speed microscopy of continuously moving cell culture vessels.
AB  - We report a method of high-speed phase contrast and bright field microscopy which
      permits large cell culture vessels to be scanned at much higher speed (up to 30
      times faster) than when conventional methods are used without compromising image
      quality. The object under investigation moves continuously and is captured using
      a flash illumination which creates an exposure time short enough to prevent
      motion blur. During the scan the object always stays in focus due to a novel
      hardware-autofocus system.

PMID- 27667638
TI  - Highly-stretchable 3D-architected Mechanical Metamaterials.
AB  - Soft materials featuring both 3D free-form architectures and high stretchability
      are highly desirable for a number of engineering applications ranging from
      cushion modulators, soft robots to stretchable electronics; however, both the
      manufacturing and fundamental mechanics are largely elusive. Here, we overcome
      the manufacturing difficulties and report a class of mechanical metamaterials
      that not only features 3D free-form lattice architectures but also poses
      ultrahigh reversible stretchability (strain > 414%), 4 times higher than that of
      the existing counterparts with the similar complexity of 3D architectures. The
      microarchitected metamaterials, made of highly stretchable elastomers, are
      realized through an additive manufacturing technique, projection
      microstereolithography, and its postprocessing. With the fabricated
      metamaterials, we reveal their exotic mechanical behaviors: Under large-strain
      tension, their moduli follow a linear scaling relationship with their densities
      regardless of architecture types, in sharp contrast to the architecture-dependent
      modulus power-law of the existing engineering materials; under large-strain
      compression, they present tunable negative-stiffness that enables ultrahigh
      energy absorption efficiencies. To harness their extraordinary stretchability and
      microstructures, we demonstrate that the metamaterials open a number of
      application avenues in lightweight and flexible structure connectors,
      ultraefficient dampers, 3D meshed rehabilitation structures and stretchable
      electronics with designed 3D anisotropic conductivity.

PMID- 27667639
TI  - Illness, normality and identity: the experience of heart transplant as a young
      adult.
AB  - PURPOSE: End stage heart failure and transplant present great opportunities and
      challenges for patients of all ages. However, young adulthood may present
      additional specific challenges associated with the development of identity,
      career and romantic relationships. Despite recognition of greater mortality rates
      in young adults, consideration of the experience of transplant during this life
      stage has been largely overlooked in the literature. The aim of this study was to
      explore the experience of heart transplant in young adults. METHOD: Interviews
      were conducted with nine participants across three transplant services in the
      United Kingdom and the data subject to interpretative phenomenological analysis.
      RESULTS: Analysis identified three themes. "Separating from illness" and "working
      toward normality" involved limiting the influence of illness on identity, as well
      as reengaging with typical functioning in young adulthood. "Integrating
      transplant into identity" involved acknowledging the influence of living with a
      shortened life expectancy. CONCLUSIONS: The need for support that recognizes
      specific challenges of transplant as a young adult is discussed (e.g. the
      development of age specific end of life pathways, improved communication between
      transplant recipients, their families and teams), including consideration of the
      impact of societal discourses (e.g. gift of life) which provided additional
      challenges for patients. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Heart transplant
      presents specific challenges according to the recipient's life stage. The needs
      of young adult recipients should be considered. Transplant professionals should
      consider providing opportunities for peer support and addressing the identities
      and values of young adult transplant recipients during rehabilitation.

PMID- 27667641
TI  - Machine learning-, rule- and pharmacophore-based classification on the inhibition
      of P-glycoprotein and NorA.
AB  - The efflux pumps P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in humans and NorA in Staphylococcus
      aureus are of great interest for medicinal chemists because of their important
      roles in multidrug resistance (MDR). The high polyspecificity as well as the
      unavailability of high-resolution X-ray crystal structures of these transmembrane
      proteins lead us to combining ligand-based approaches, which in the case of this
      study were machine learning, perceptual mapping and pharmacophore modelling. For
      P-gp inhibitory activity, individual models were developed using different
      machine learning algorithms and subsequently combined into an ensemble model
      which showed a good discrimination between inhibitors and noninhibitors (acctrain
      diverse = 84%; accinternal-test = 92% and accexternal-test = 100%). For ligand
      promiscuity between P-gp and NorA, perceptual maps and pharmacophore models were
      generated for the detection of rules and features. Based on these in silico
      tools, hit compounds for reversing MDR were discovered from the in-house and
      DrugBank databases through virtual screening in an attempt to restore drug
      sensitivity in cancer cells and bacteria. 

PMID- 27667640
TI  - Ultra-stable clock laser system development towards space applications.
AB  - The increasing performance of optical lattice clocks has made them attractive for
      scientific applications in space and thus has pushed the development of their
      components including the interrogation lasers of the clock transitions towards
      being suitable for space, which amongst others requires making them more power
      efficient, radiation hardened, smaller, lighter as well as more mechanically
      stable. Here we present the development towards a space-compatible interrogation
      laser system for a strontium lattice clock constructed within the Space Optical
      Clock (SOC2) project where we have concentrated on mechanical rigidity and size.
      The laser reaches a fractional frequency instability of 7.9 * 10-16 at 300 ms
      averaging time. The laser system uses a single extended cavity diode laser that
      gives enough power for interrogating the atoms, frequency comparison by a
      frequency comb and diagnostics. It includes fibre link stabilisation to the
      atomic package and to the comb. The optics module containing the laser has
      dimensions 60 * 45 * 8 cm3; and the ultra-stable reference cavity used for
      frequency stabilisation with its vacuum system takes 30 * 30 * 30 cm3. The
      acceleration sensitivities in three orthogonal directions of the cavity are 3.6 *
      10-10/g, 5.8 * 10-10/g and 3.1 * 10-10/g, where g ~ 9.8 m/s2 is the standard
      gravitational acceleration.

PMID- 27667642
TI  - Description of Jeotgalibacillus alkaliphilus sp. nov., isolated from a solar salt
      pan, and Jeotgalibacillus terrae sp. nov., a name to replace 'Jeotgalibacillus
      soli' Chen et al. 2010.
AB  - A Gram-stain-positive, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterium (strain JC303T) isolated
      from a salt pan was identified based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis as a
      member of the genus Jeotgalibacillus. It was related most closely to
      Jeotgalibacillus salarius ASL-1T (99.1 % similarity),
      Jeotgalibacillusalimentarius YKJ-13T (97.9 %), Jeotgalibacillussoli JSM 081008
      (97.9 %), Jeotgalibacillusmalaysiensis D5T (97.8 %), Jeotgalibacillusmarinus DSM
      1297T (96.3 %), Jeotgalibacilluscampisalis SF-57T (96.1 %) and J. soli P9T (94.9
      %). Genomic relatedness based on DNA-DNA hybridization of strain JC303T with the
      type strains of the closest related species was less than 40 %.
      Diphosphatidylglycerol, three aminophospholipids, an unidentified
      aminoglycolipid, two unidentified phospholipids and an unidentified lipid were
      the polar lipids of strain JC303T. Major (>10 %) fatty acids were anteiso-C15 :
      0, iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C14 : 0. Cell-wall amino acids contained peptidoglycan
      with l-lysine as the diagnostic diamino acid. Strain JC303T contained MK-7 as the
      predominant (96 %) menaquinone with the presence of a significant amount (4 %) of
      MK-8. The DNA G+C content was 43 mol%. On the basis of morphological,
      physiological, genotypic, phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic analyses, strain JC303T
      is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Jeotgalibacillus, for
      which the name Jeotgalibacillus alkaliphilus sp. nov. is proposed. The type
      strain is JC303T (=KCTC 33662T=LMG 28756T). In addition, we propose to rename J.
      soli (Chen et al., 2010), an illegitimate homonym of the validly published name
      Jeotgalibacillus soli(Cunha et al., 2012) as Jeotgalibacillus terrae sp. nov.
      with type strain JSM 081008T (=DSM 22174T=KCTC 13528T).

PMID- 27667645
TI  - In Situ Ratiometric Quantitative Tracing of Intracellular Leucine Aminopeptidase
      Activity via an Activatable Near-Infrared Fluorescent Probe.
AB  - Leucine aminopeptidase (LAP), one of the important proteolytic enzymes, is
      intertwined with the progress of many pathological disorders as a well-defined
      biomarker. To explore fluorescent aminopeptidase probe for quantitative detection
      of LAP distribution and dynamic changes, herein we report a LAP-targeting near
      infrared (NIR) fluorescent probe (DCM-Leu) for ratiometric quantitative trapping
      of LAP activity in different kinds of living cells. DCM-Leu is composed of a NIR
      emitting fluorophore (DCM) as a reporter and l-leucine as a triggered moiety,
      which are linked together by an amide bond specific for LAP cleavage. High
      contrast on the ratiometric NIR fluorescence signal can be achieved in response
      to LAP activity, thus enabling quantification of endogenous LAP with "build-in
      calibration" as well as minimal background interference. Its ratiometric NIR
      signal can be blocked in a dose-dependent manner by bestatin, an LAP inhibitor,
      indicating that the alteration of endogenous LAP activity results in these
      obviously fluorescent signal responses. It is worth noting that DCM-Leu features
      striking characteristics such as a large Stokes shift (~205 nm), superior
      selectivity, and strong photostability responding to LAP. Impressively, not only
      did we successfully exemplify DCM-Leu in situ ratiometric trapping and
      quantification of endogenous LAP activity in various types of living cells, but
      also, with the aid of three-dimensional confocal imaging, the intracellular LAP
      distribution is clearly observed from different perspectives for the first time,
      owing to the high signal-to-noise of ratiometric NIR fluorescent response.
      Collectively, these results demonstrate preclinical potential value of DCM-Leu
      serving as a useful NIR fluorescent probe for early detection of LAP-associated
      disease and screening inhibitor.

PMID- 27667644
TI  - Level of agreement between cardiac output measurements using Nexfin(r) and
      thermodilution in morbidly obese patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery.
AB  - Morbidly obese patients are at increased risk of intra-operative haemodynamic
      instability, which may necessitate intensive monitoring. Non-invasive monitoring
      is increasingly used to measure cardiac output; however, it is unknown whether
      the weight-based algorithm utilised in these devices is applicable to patients
      with morbid obesity. We compared the level of agreement and trending ability of
      non-invasive cardiac output measurements (Nexfin(r) ) with the gold-standard
      thermodilution technique in 30 morbidly obese patients undergoing laparoscopic
      surgery. Bland-Altman analysis revealed a mean (SD) bias of 0.60 (1.62) l.min-1
      (limits of agreement -2.67 to 3.86 l.min-1 ) and the precision error was 46%.
      Polar plot analysis resulted in an angular bias of 2.61 degrees , radial limits
      of agreement of -60.08 degrees  to 49.82 degrees  and angular concordance rate
      was 77%. Both agreement and trending were outside the Critchley criteria for the
      comparison of cardiac output devices with a gold-standard. Nexfin has an
      unacceptable level of agreement compared with thermodilution for cardiac output
      measurement in morbidly obese patients.

PMID- 27667646
TI  - lncRNA-UCA1 enhances cell proliferation through functioning as a ceRNA of Sox4 in
      esophageal cancer.
AB  - Esophageal cancer (EC) is one of the most common gastrointestinal cancers, which
      leads to the sixth ranking of cancer-related death. Long non-coding RNAs
      (lncRNAs) play pivotal roles in many biological processes. lncRNA human
      urothelial carcinoma associated 1 (UCA1) is significantly upregulated and
      functions as an important oncogene in many types of human cancers. However, the
      role of UCA1 in EC and its underlying mechanism remains unclear. In the present
      study, we demonstrated that UCA1 was significantly upregulated in EC tissues and
      associated with poor prognosis. Overexpression of UCA1 promoted the proliferation
      of EC cells, while silence of UCA1 inhibited EC cells growth. Furthermore, we
      found that Sox4 was a direct target gene of UCA1. UCA1 regulated Sox4 expression
      through functioning as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA). UCA1 directly
      interacted with miR-204 and decreased the binding of miR-204 to Sox4 3'UTR, which
      suppressed the degradation of Sox4 mRNA by miR-204. This study provides the first
      evidence that UCA1 promotes cell proliferation through Sox4 in EC, suggesting
      that UCA1 and Sox4 may be potential therapeutic targets for EC.

PMID- 27667647
TI  - Comparison of the costs of active surveillance and immediate surgery in the
      management of low-risk papillary microcarcinoma of the thyroid.
AB  - The incidence of thyroid cancer is increasing rapidly in many countries,
      resulting in rising societal costs of the care of thyroid cancer. We reported
      that the active surveillance of low-risk papillary microcarcinoma had less
      unfavorable events than immediate surgery, while the oncological outcomes of
      these managements were similarly excellent. Here we calculated the medical costs
      of these two managements. We created a model of the flow of these managements,
      based on our previous study. The flow and costs include the step of diagnosis,
      surgery, prescription of medicine, recurrence, salvage surgery for recurrence,
      and care for 10 years after the diagnosis. The costs were calculated according to
      the typical clinical practices at Kuma Hospital performed under the Japanese
      Health Care Insurance System. If conversion surgeries were not considered, the
      'simple cost' of active surveillance for 10 years was 167,780 yen/patient. If
      there were no recurrences, the 'simple cost' of immediate surgery was calculated
      as 794,770 yen/patient to 1,086,070 yen/patient, depending on the type of surgery
      and postoperative medication. The 'simple cost' of surgery was 4.7 to 6.5 times
      the 'simple cost' of surveillance. When conversion surgeries and recurrence were
      considered, the 'total cost' of active surveillance for 10 years became 225,695
      yen/patient. When recurrence were considered, the 'total cost' of immediate
      surgery was 928,094 yen/patient, which was 4.1 times the 'total cost' of the
      active surveillance. At Kuma Hospital in Japan, the 10-year total cost of
      immediate surgery was 4.1 times expensive than active surveillance.

PMID- 27667648
TI  - Multiple heart-cutting two dimensional liquid chromatography mass spectrometry:
      Towards real time determination of related impurities of bio-pharmaceuticals in
      salt based separation methods.
AB  - Many of the chromatographic methods used in industry to determine related
      impurities in bio pharmaceuticals employ salt containing mobile phases. "Salty"
      mobile phases often provide superior chromatographic performance but are not
      compatible with mass spectrometry (MS) detection. Peak tracking necessary for
      method development is therefore often based on peak areas and the chemist's
      experience/intuition. In addition, MS characterization of impurities usually is
      done by offline fraction collection, which apart from being time consuming often
      suffers from poor recovery or the degradation of impurities collected. The recent
      development of multiple heart-cutting (MHC) two-dimensional liquid chromatography
      (2D-LC) provides a way to address these problems. This study shows how MHC 2D-LC
      MS can be used to obtain almost real time MS data for bovine insulin related
      impurities present at low level (<<0.03%). High quality MS spectra were obtained
      even for a first dimension using a mobile phase containing high concentrations of
      sodium, sulphate and phosphate. Thereby MHC 2D-LC-MS offers a possibility to
      eliminate the guesswork currently associated with peak tracking during method
      development. Furthermore, in contrast to current characterization methods
      involving fraction collection, solvent reduction/exchange etc., MS determination
      is done directly, which markedly shortens the workflow (from days to hours) and
      reduces the risk for poor recovery and degradation.

PMID- 27667649
TI  - Nonhydrolytic sol-gel approach to facile creation of surface-bonded zirconia
      organic-inorganic hybrid coatings for sample preparation. Iota. Capillary
      microextraction of catecholamine neurotransmitters.
AB  - Nonhydrolytic sol-gel (NHSG) route was used for the creation of novel zirconia
      polypropylene oxide (ZrO2-PPO) sol-gel hybrid sorbents in the form of surface
      coatings for the extraction and preconcentration of catecholamine
      neurotransmitters and molecules structurally related to their deaminated
      metabolites. In comparison to other sorbents made of inorganic transition metal
      oxides, the presented hybrid organic-inorganic sorbents facilitated reversible
      sorption properties that allowed for efficient desorption of the extracted
      analytes by LC-MS compatible mobile phases. The presented sol-gel hybrid sorbents
      effectively overcame the major drawbacks of traditional silica- or polymer-based
      sorbents by providing superior pH stability (pH range: 0-14), and a variety of
      intermolecular interactions. Nonaqueous sol-gel treatment of PPO with ZrCl4 was
      employed for the derivatization of the terminal hydroxyl groups on PPO, providing
      zirconium trichloride-containing end groups characterized by enhanced sol-gel
      reactivity. NHSG ZrO2-PPO sorbent provided excellent microextraction performance
      for catecholamines, low detection limits (5.6-9.6pM), high run-to-run
      reproducibility (RSD 0.6-5.1%), high desorption efficiency (95.0-99.5%) and high
      enrichment factors (~1480-2650) for dopamine and epinephrine, respectively,
      extracted from synthetic urine samples. The presented sol-gel sorbents provided
      effective alternative to conventional extraction media providing unique
      physicochemical characteristics and excellent extraction capability.

PMID- 27667650
TI  - Hydrothermally grown and self-assembled modified titanium and nickel oxide
      composite nanosheets on Nitinol-based fibers for efficient solid phase
      microextraction.
AB  - A novel titanium and nickel oxide composite nanosheets (TiO2/NiOCNSs) coating was
      in situ grown on a Nitinol (NiTi) wire by direct hydrothermal treatment and
      modified by self-assembly of trichlorophenylsilane for solid phase
      microextraction (SPME). TiO2/NiOCNSs were radially oriented and chemically bonded
      to the NiTi substrate with double-faced open access sites. Moreover the phenyl
      modified TiO2/NiOCNSs (TiO2/NiOCNSs-Ph) coating exhibited original surface
      supporting framework favorable for effective SPME. The extraction performance of
      TiO2/NiOCNSs-Ph coated NiTi (NiTi-TiO2/NiOCNSs-Ph) fiber was investigated for the
      concentration and detection of ultraviolet (UV) filters, polycyclic aromatic
      hydrocarbons (PAHs), phthalate acid esters and polychlorinated biphenyls coupled
      to HPLC with UV detection. The novel fiber exhibited better selectivity for UV
      filters and PAHs and presented greater extraction capability compared to
      commercial polydimethylsiloxane and polyacrylate fibers. Under the optimized
      conditions for SPME of UV filters, the proposed method presented linear ranges
      from 0.1 to 300MUg/L with correlation coefficients of higher than 0.999 and
      limits of detection from 0.030MUg/L to 0.064MUg/L. Relative standard deviations
      (RSDs) were below 7.16% and 8.42% for intra-day and inter-day measurements with
      the single fiber, respectively. Furthermore RSDs for fiber-to-fiber
      reproducibility from 6.57% to 8.93% were achieved. The NiTi-TiO2/NiOCNSs-Ph fiber
      can be used up to 200 times. The proposed method was successfully applied to the
      preconcentration and determination of trace target UV filters in different
      environmental water samples. The relative recoveries from 87.3% to 104% were
      obtained with RSDs less than 8.7%.

PMID- 27667651
TI  - Development of methods for using workers' compensation data for surveillance and
      prevention of occupational injuries among State-insured private employers in
      Ohio.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Workers' compensation (WC) claims data may be useful for identifying
      high-risk industries and developing prevention strategies. METHODS: WC claims
      data from private-industry employers insured by the Ohio state-based workers'
      compensation carrier from 2001 to 2011 were linked with the state's unemployment
      insurance (UI) data on the employer's industry and number of employees. National
      Labor Productivity and Costs survey data were used to adjust UI data and estimate
      full-time equivalents (FTE). Rates of WC claims per 100 FTE were computed and
      Poisson regression was used to evaluate differences in rates. RESULTS: Most
      industries showed substantial claim count and rate reductions from 2001 to 2008,
      followed by a leveling or slight increase in claim count and rate from 2009 to
      2011. Despite reductions, there were industry groups that had consistently higher
      rates. CONCLUSION: WC claims data linked to employment data could be used to
      prioritize industries for injury research and prevention activities among State
      insured private employers. Am. J. Ind. Med. 59:1087-1104, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27667653
TI  - The Spanish long-term care system in transition: Ten years since the 2006
      Dependency Act.
AB  - At the end of 2006, a new System for Promotion of Personal Autonomy and
      Assistance for Persons in a Situation of Dependency (SAAD) was established in
      Spain through the approval of the Act 39/2006 of 14th December (the Dependency
      Act, DA). The DA acknowledged the universal entitlement of Spanish citizens to
      social services. The recent economic crisis added degrees of uncertainty to
      several dimensions of the SAAD implementation process. Firstly, the political
      consensus on which its foundation rested upon has weakened. Secondly,
      implementation of the SAAD was hampered by several challenges that emerged in the
      context of the economic crisis. Thirdly, the so-called "dependency limbo" (i.e.
      the existence of a large number of people eligible for benefits but who do not
      receive them) has become a structural feature of the system. Finally, contrary to
      the spirit of the DA, monetary benefits have become the norm rather than a last
      resort. High heterogeneity across regions regarding the number of beneficiaries
      covered and services provided reveal the existence of regional inequity in access
      to long-term care services in the country. Broadly, the current evidence on the
      state of the SAAD suggests the need to improve the quality of governance, to
      enhance coordination between health and social systems, to increase the system's
      transparency, to foster citizens' participation in decision-making and to
      implement a systematic monitoring of the system.

PMID- 27667652
TI  - Evaluation of Body Weight, Body Condition, and Muscle Condition in Cats with
      Hyperthyroidism.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The contribution of fat loss versus muscle wasting to the loss of
      body weight seen in hyperthyroid cats is unknown. OBJECTIVES: To investigate body
      weight, body condition score (BCS), and muscle condition score (MCS) in
      hyperthyroid cats. ANIMALS: Four hundred sixty-two cats with untreated
      hyperthyroidism, 117 of which were reevaluated after treatment. METHODS:
      Prospective cross-sectional and before-after studies. Untreated hyperthyroid cats
      had body composition evaluated (body weight, BCS, and MCS). A subset of these
      cats were reevaluated 3-12 months after treatment when euthyroid. RESULTS:
      Pretreatment body weight (median, 4.36 kg; IQR, 3.5 to 5.2 kg) was lower than
      premorbid weight (5.45 kg; IQR, 4.6 to 6.4 kg, P < .0001) recorded 1-2 years
      before diagnosis. 154 (35.3%) cats were thin or emaciated; 357 (77.3%) had loss
      of muscle mass. Cats showed increases in body weight (median, 4.1 kg to 5.0 kg),
      BCS (median, 3/5 to 3.5/5), and MCS (2/3 to 3/3) after treatment (P < .001), but
      mild-to-moderate muscle wasting persisted in 45% of treated cats. CONCLUSIONS AND
      CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Most hyperthyroid cats lose body weight but maintain an
      ideal or overweight BCS, with only a third being underweight. As in human
      hyperthyroid patients, this weight loss is associated with muscle wasting, which
      affects >75% of hyperthyroid cats. Successful treatment leads to weight gain and
      increase of BCS in most cats, but almost half fail to regain normal muscle mass.

PMID- 27667654
TI  - Long and irregular menstrual cycles, polycystic ovary syndrome, and ovarian
      cancer risk in a population-based case-control study.
AB  - Long and irregular menstrual cycles, a hallmark of polycystic ovary syndrome
      (PCOS), have been associated with higher androgen and lower sex hormone binding
      globulin levels and this altered hormonal environment may increase the risk of
      specific histologic subtypes of ovarian cancer. We investigated whether menstrual
      cycle characteristics and self-reported PCOS were associated with ovarian cancer
      risk among 2,041 women with epithelial ovarian cancer and 2,100 controls in the
      New England Case-Control Study (1992-2008). Menstrual cycle irregularity,
      menstrual cycle length, and PCOS were collected through in-person interview.
      Unconditional logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratios (OR)
      and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for ovarian cancer risk overall, and
      polytomous logistic regression to evaluate whether risk differed between
      histologic subtypes. Overall, we observed no elevation in ovarian cancer risk for
      women who reported periods that were never regular or for those reporting a
      menstrual cycle length of >35 days with ORs of 0.87 (95% CI = 0.69-1.10) and 0.83
      (95% CI = 0.44-1.54), respectively. We observed no overall association between
      self-reported PCOS and ovarian cancer (OR = 0.97; 95% CI = 0.61-1.56). However,
      we observed significant differences in the association with menstrual cycle
      irregularity and risk of ovarian cancer subtypes (pheterogeneity  = 0.03) as well
      as by BMI and OC use (pinteraction  < 0.01). Most notable, menstrual cycle
      irregularity was associated with a decreased risk of high grade serous tumors but
      an increased risk of serous borderline tumors among women who had never used OCs
      and those who were overweight. Future research in a large collaborative
      consortium may help clarify these associations.

PMID- 27667657
TI  - Lichen myxedematosus: diagnostic criteria, classification, and severity grading.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lichen myxedematosus (LM) is a rare, chronic idiopathic disorder
      characterized clinically by waxy, closely set papules and histopathologically by
      diffuse dermal mucin deposition and fibroblast proliferation. The most recent
      classification of LM was proposed in 2001; however, it seems to be complex,
      confusing, and imprecise. Herein, we present seven cases of LM to evaluate the
      validity of the current classification, to propose new diagnostic criteria and
      classification, and to suggest a clinically relevant severity grading system for
      this rare disorder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included seven patients with
      different presentations and severities of LM. All patients were subjected to
      thorough dermatological and systemic examination, routine laboratory tests,
      evaluation of thyroid function, protein electrophoresis, and detailed
      investigations to detect systemic involvement. RESULTS: The current
      classification does not meet the requirements of proper diagnosis of different
      presentations of LM. Subtyping of the studied patients differs greatly according
      to the old classification and the newly proposed one. New diagnostic criteria,
      classification, and grading are consequently suggested. CONCLUSIONS: We propose
      two sets of diagnostic criteria to define the disease more precisely and to avoid
      confusion associated with the other classification. The first set comprises
      constant clinical and histopathological features that are always present in every
      case, and the second set includes associated features that were variably reported
      in some patients. LM is then subclassified according to the presence or absence
      of systemic manifestations into a systemic severe form (scleromyxedema) and a non
      disabling, pure cutaneous form.

PMID- 27667655
TI  - Quantification and biodistribution of iron oxide nanoparticles in the primary
      clearance organs of mice using T1 contrast for heating.
AB  - PURPOSE: To use contrast based on longitudinal relaxation times (T1 ) or rates
      (R1 ) to quantify the biodistribution of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs), which
      are of interest for hyperthermia therapy, cell targeting, and drug delivery,
      within primary clearance organs. METHODS: Mesoporous silica-coated IONPs
      (msIONPs) were intravenously injected into 15 naive mice. Imaging and mapping of
      the longitudinal relaxation rate constant at 24 h or 1 week postinjection were
      performed with an echoless pulse sequence (SWIFT). Alternating magnetic field
      heating measurements were also performed on ex vivo tissues. RESULTS: Signal
      enhancement from positive T1 contrast caused by IONPs was observed and quantified
      in vivo in liver, spleen, and kidney at concentrations up to 3.2 mg Fe/(g tissue
      wt.) (61 mM Fe). In most cases, each organ had a linear correlation between the
      R1 and the tissue iron concentration despite variations in intra-organ
      distribution, degradation, and IONP surface charge. Linear correlation between R1
      and volumetric SAR in hyperthermia therapy was observed. CONCLUSION: The linear
      dependence between R1 and tissue iron concentration in major organs allows
      quantitative monitoring of IONP biodistribution in a dosage range relevant to
      magnetic hyperthermia applications, which falls into the concentration gap
      between CT and conventional MRI techniques. Magn Reson Med 78:702-712, 2017. (c)
      2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

PMID- 27667658
TI  - Estimating the Basic Reproductive Number for African Swine Fever Using the
      Ukrainian Historical Epidemic of 1977.
AB  - In 1977, Ukraine experienced a local epidemic of African swine fever (ASF) in the
      Odessa region. A total of 20 settlements were affected during the course of the
      epidemic, including both large farms and backyard households. Thanks to timely
      interventions, the virus circulation was successfully eradicated within 6 months,
      leading to no additional outbreaks. Detailed report of the outbreak's
      investigation has been publically available from 2014. The report contains some
      quantitative data that allow studying the ASF-spread dynamics in the course of
      the epidemic. In our study, we used this historical epidemic to estimate the
      basic reproductive number of the ASF virus both within and between farms. The
      basic reproductive number (R0 ) represents the average number of secondary
      infections caused by one infectious unit during its infectious period in a
      susceptible population. Calculations were made under assumption of an exponential
      initial growth by fitting the approximating curve to the initial segments of the
      epidemic curves. The R0 both within farm and between farms was estimated at 7.46
      (95% confidence interval: 5.68-9.21) and 1.65 (1.42-1.88), respectively.
      Corresponding daily transmission rates were estimated at 1.07 (0.81-1.32) and
      0.09 (0.07-0.10). These estimations based on historical data are consistent with
      those using data generated by the recent epidemic currently affecting eastern
      Europe. Such results contribute to the published knowledge on the ASF
      transmission dynamics under natural conditions and could be used to model and
      predict the spread of ASF in affected and non-affected regions and to evaluate
      the effectiveness of different control measures.

PMID- 27667656
TI  - Global patterns of workplace productivity for people with depression: absenteeism
      and presenteeism costs across eight diverse countries.
AB  - PURPOSE: Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Research suggests
      that by far, the greatest contributor to the overall economic impact of
      depression is loss in productivity; however, there is very little research on the
      costs of depression outside of Western high-income countries. Thus, this study
      examines the impact of depression on workplace productivity across eight diverse
      countries. METHODS: We estimated the extent and costs of depression-related
      absenteeism and presenteeism in the workplace across eight countries: Brazil,
      Canada, China, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, South Africa, and the USA. We also
      examined the individual, workplace, and societal factors associated with lower
      productivity. RESULTS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to
      examine the impact of depression on workplace productivity across a diverse set
      of countries, in terms of both culture and GDP. Mean annual per person costs for
      absenteeism were lowest in South Korea at $181 and highest in Japan ($2674). Mean
      presenteeism costs per person were highest in the USA ($5524) and Brazil ($5788).
      Costs associated with presenteeism tended to be 5-10 times higher than those
      associated with absenteeism. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the impact
      of depression in the workplace is considerable across all countries, both in
      absolute monetary terms and in relation to proportion of country GDP. Overall,
      depression is an issue deserving much greater attention, regardless of a
      country's economic development, national income or culture.

PMID- 27667660
TI  - Prenucleation Self-Assembly and Chiral Discrimination Mechanisms during Solution
      Crystallisation of Racemic Diprophylline.
AB  - The crystallisation behaviour of (RS)-diprophylline (DPL) in two different
      solvents is investigated to assess the incidence of solvated pre-associations on
      nucleation, crystal growth and chiral discrimination. In the solvated state,
      Raman spectroscopy shows that dimeric associations similar to those depicted in
      the crystalline solid solution (ssRII) predominate in isopropanol (IPA), which
      may account for the systematic spontaneous nucleation of this crystal form from
      this solvent. By contrast, spontaneous nucleation in DMF yields the stable
      racemic compound RI, consistently with the distinct features of the Raman
      spectrum collected in this solvent. A crystal growth study of ssRII in IPA
      reveals that the crystal habitus is impacted by the solution enantiomeric excess;
      this is explained by increased competition between homo- and heterochiral pre
      associations. This is supported by a molecular modelling study on the
      enantiomeric selectivity of the DPL crystal lattices. The combination of
      assessment methods on solution chemistry, nucleation and chiral discrimination
      provides methodological tools from which the occurrence of solid solutions can be
      rationalised.

PMID- 27667661
TI  - Identification and sequence analysis of a novel HLA-A*33 allele, HLA-A*33:88.
AB  - HLA-A*33:88 differs from HLA-A*33:03:01 by one nucleotide exchange at position
      475, G>A (codon 135 GCG>ACG).

PMID- 27667659
TI  - Attenuated nicotine-like effects of varenicline but not other nicotinic ACh
      receptor agonists in monkeys receiving nicotine daily.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Chronic treatment can differentially impact the effects
      of pharmacologically related drugs that differ in receptor selectivity and
      efficacy. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: The impact of daily nicotine treatment on the
      effects of nicotinic ACh receptor (nAChR) agonists was examined in two groups of
      rhesus monkeys discriminating nicotine (1.78 mg.kg-1 base weight) from saline.
      One group received additional nicotine treatment post-session (1.78 mg.kg-1
      administered five times daily, each dose 2 h apart; i.e. Daily group), and the
      second group did not (Intermittent group). KEY RESULTS: Daily repeated nicotine
      treatment produced a time-related increase in saliva cotinine. There was no
      significant difference in the ED50 values of the nicotine discriminative stimulus
      between the Daily and Intermittent group. Mecamylamine antagonized the effects of
      nicotine, whereas dihydro-beta-erythroidine did not. Midazolam produced 0%
      nicotine-lever responding. The nAChR agonists epibatidine, RTI-36, cytisine and
      varenicline produced >96% nicotine-lever responding in the Intermittent group.
      The respective maximum effects in the Daily group were 100, 72, 59 and 28%, which
      shows that the ability of varenicline to produce nicotine-like responding was
      selectively decreased in the Daily as compared with the Intermittent group. When
      combined with nicotine, both varenicline and cytisine increased the potency of
      nicotine to produce discriminative stimulus effects. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS:
      Nicotine treatment has a greater impact on the sensitivity to the effects of
      varenicline as compared with some other nAChR agonists. Collectively, these
      results strongly suggest that varenicline differs from nicotine in its
      selectivity for multiple nAChR subtypes.

PMID- 27667662
TI  - Antibodies to major histocompatibility complex class II antigens directly prime
      neutrophils and cause acute lung injury in a two-event in vivo rat model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is a significant cause
      of mortality, especially after transfusions containing antibodies to major
      histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II antigens. We hypothesize that a first
      event induces both 1) polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) to express MHC class
      II antigens, and 2) activation of the pulmonary endothelium, leading to PMN
      sequestration, so that the infusion of specific MHC class II antibodies to these
      antigens causes PMN-mediated acute lung injury (ALI). STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:
      Rats were treated with saline (NS), endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide [LPS]), or
      cytokines (interferon-gamma [IFNgamma], macrophage colony-stimulating factor
      [MCSF], tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNFalpha]); the PMNs were isolated; and the
      surface expression of the MHC class II antigen OX6 and priming by OX6 antibodies
      were measured by flow cytometry or priming assays. RESULTS: A two-event model of
      ALI was completed with NS, LPS, or IFNgamma/MCSF/TNFalpha (first events) and the
      infusion of OX6 (second event). Compared with NS incubation, rats treated with
      either LPS or IFNgamma/MCSF/TNFalpha exhibited OX6 PMN surface expression, OX6
      antibodies primed the formyl-methionyl-leucyl phenylalanine (fMLF)-activated
      respiratory burst, and PMN sequestration was increased. OX6 antibody infusion
      into LPS-incubated or IFNgamma/MCSF/TNFalpha-incubated rats elicited ALI, the OX6
      antibody was present on the PMNs, and PMN depletion abrogated ALI. CONCLUSION:
      Proinflammatory first events induce PMN MHC class II surface expression,
      activation of the pulmonary endothelium, and PMN sequestration such that the
      infusion of cognate antibodies precipitates TRALI.

PMID- 27667663
TI  - A study of wrist-worn activity measurement as a potential real-world biomarker
      for late-life depression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Late-life depression (LLD) is associated with a decline in physical
      activity. Typically this is assessed by self-report questionnaires and, more
      recently, with actigraphy. We sought to explore the utility of a bespoke activity
      monitor to characterize activity profiles in LLD more precisely. METHOD: The
      activity monitor was worn for 7 days by 29 adults with LLD and 30 healthy
      controls. Subjects underwent neuropsychological assessment and quality of life
      (QoL) (36-item Short-Form Health Survey) and activities of daily living (ADL)
      scales (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale) were administered.
      RESULTS: Physical activity was significantly reduced in LLD compared with
      controls (t = 3.63, p < 0.001), primarily in the morning. LLD subjects showed
      slower fine motor movements (t = 3.49, p < 0.001). In LLD patients, activity
      reductions were related to reduced ADL (r = 0.61, p < 0.001), lower QoL (r =
      0.65, p < 0.001), associative learning (r = 0.40, p = 0.036), and higher
      Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale score (r = -0.37, p < 0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: Patients with LLD had a significant reduction in general physical
      activity compared with healthy controls. Assessment of specific activity
      parameters further revealed the correlates of impairments associated with LLD.
      Our study suggests that novel wearable technology has the potential to provide an
      objective way of monitoring real-world function.

PMID- 27667665
TI  - RNA Sequencing of Single Human Islet Cells Reveals Type 2 Diabetes Genes.
AB  - Pancreatic islet cells are critical for maintaining normal blood glucose levels,
      and their malfunction underlies diabetes development and progression. We used
      single-cell RNA sequencing to determine the transcriptomes of 1,492 human
      pancreatic alpha, beta, delta, and PP cells from non-diabetic and type 2 diabetes
      organ donors. We identified cell-type-specific genes and pathways as well as 245
      genes with disturbed expression in type 2 diabetes. Importantly, 92% of the genes
      have not previously been associated with islet cell function or growth.
      Comparison of gene profiles in mouse and human alpha and beta cells revealed
      species-specific expression. All data are available for online browsing and
      download and will hopefully serve as a resource for the islet research community.

PMID- 27667664
TI  - A Genome-wide CRISPR Death Screen Identifies Genes Essential for Oxidative
      Phosphorylation.
AB  - Oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) is the major pathway for ATP production in
      humans. Deficiencies in OXPHOS can arise from mutations in either mitochondrial
      or nuclear genomes and comprise the largest collection of inborn errors of
      metabolism. At present we lack a complete catalog of human genes and pathways
      essential for OXPHOS. Here we introduce a genome-wide CRISPR "death screen" that
      actively selects dying cells to reveal human genes required for OXPHOS, inspired
      by the classic observation that human cells deficient in OXPHOS survive in
      glucose but die in galactose. We report 191 high-confidence hits essential for
      OXPHOS, including 72 underlying known OXPHOS diseases. Our screen reveals a
      functional module consisting of NGRN, WBSCR16, RPUSD3, RPUSD4, TRUB2, and FASTKD2
      that regulates the mitochondrial 16S rRNA and intra-mitochondrial translation.
      Our work yields a rich catalog of genes required for OXPHOS and, more generally,
      demonstrates the power of death screening for functional genomic analysis.

PMID- 27667666
TI  - Suppressors of Superoxide-H2O2 Production at Site IQ of Mitochondrial Complex I
      Protect against Stem Cell Hyperplasia and Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury.
AB  - Using high-throughput screening we identified small molecules that suppress
      superoxide and/or H2O2 production during reverse electron transport through
      mitochondrial respiratory complex I (site IQ) without affecting oxidative
      phosphorylation (suppressors of site IQ electron leak, "S1QELs"). S1QELs
      diminished endogenous oxidative damage in primary astrocytes cultured at ambient
      or low oxygen tension, showing that site IQ is a normal contributor to
      mitochondrial superoxide-H2O2 production in cells. They diminished stem cell
      hyperplasia in Drosophila intestine in vivo and caspase activation in a
      cardiomyocyte cell model driven by endoplasmic reticulum stress, showing that
      superoxide-H2O2 production by site IQ is involved in cellular stress signaling.
      They protected against ischemia-reperfusion injury in perfused mouse heart,
      showing directly that superoxide-H2O2 production by site IQ is a major
      contributor to this pathology. S1QELs are tools for assessing the contribution of
      site IQ to cell physiology and pathology and have great potential as therapeutic
      leads.

PMID- 27667667
TI  - Single-Cell Transcriptome Profiling of Human Pancreatic Islets in Health and Type
      2 Diabetes.
AB  - Hormone-secreting cells within pancreatic islets of Langerhans play important
      roles in metabolic homeostasis and disease. However, their transcriptional
      characterization is still incomplete. Here, we sequenced the transcriptomes of
      thousands of human islet cells from healthy and type 2 diabetic donors. We could
      define specific genetic programs for each individual endocrine and exocrine cell
      type, even for rare delta, gamma, epsilon, and stellate cells, and revealed
      subpopulations of alpha, beta, and acinar cells. Intriguingly, delta cells
      expressed several important receptors, indicating an unrecognized importance of
      these cells in integrating paracrine and systemic metabolic signals. Genes
      previously associated with obesity or diabetes were found to correlate with BMI.
      Finally, comparing healthy and T2D transcriptomes in a cell-type resolved manner
      uncovered candidates for future functional studies. Altogether, our analyses
      demonstrate the utility of the generated single-cell gene expression resource.

PMID- 27667669
TI  - Analysis of Positive Selection at Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms Associated with
      Body Mass Index Does Not Support the "Thrifty Gene" Hypothesis.
AB  - The "thrifty gene hypothesis" suggests genetic susceptibility to obesity arises
      because of positive selection for alleles that favored fat deposition and
      survival during famines. We used public domain data to locate signatures of
      positive selection based on derived allele frequency, genetic diversity, long
      haplotypes, and differences between populations at SNPs identified in genome-wide
      association studies (GWASs) for BMI. We used SNPs near the lactase (LCT),
      SLC24A5, and SLC45A2 genes as positive controls and 120 randomly selected SNPs as
      negative controls. We found evidence for positive selection (p < 0.05) at nine
      out of 115 BMI SNPs. However, five of these involved positive selection for the
      protective allele (i.e., for leanness). The widespread absence of signatures of
      positive selection, combined with selection favoring leanness at some alleles,
      does not support the suggestion that obesity provided a selective advantage to
      survive famines, or any other selective advantage.

PMID- 27667668
TI  - Integrative Transcriptome Analyses of Metabolic Responses in Mice Define Pivotal
      LncRNA Metabolic Regulators.
AB  - To systemically identify long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulating energy
      metabolism, we performed transcriptome analyses to simultaneously profile mRNAs
      and lncRNAs in key metabolic organs in mice under pathophysiologically
      representative metabolic conditions. Of 4,759 regulated lncRNAs, function
      oriented filters yield 359 tissue-specifically regulated and metabolically
      sensitive lncRNAs that are predicted by lncRNA-mRNA correlation analyses to
      function in diverse aspects of energy metabolism. Specific regulations of liver
      metabolically sensitive lncRNAs (lncLMS) by nutrients, metabolic hormones, and
      key transcription factors were further defined in primary hepatocytes. Combining
      genome-wide screens, bioinformatics function predictions, and cell-based
      analyses, we developed an integrative roadmap to identify lncRNA metabolic
      regulators. An lncLMS was experimentally confirmed in mice to suppress
      lipogenesis by forming a negative feedback loop in the SREBP1c pathway. Taken
      together, this study supports that a class of lncRNAs function as important
      metabolic regulators and establishes a framework for systemically investigating
      the role of lncRNAs in physiological homeostasis.

PMID- 27667670
TI  - A Comprehensive Review on Chemical Profiling of Nelumbo Nucifera: Potential for
      Drug Development.
AB  - Nelumbo nucifera, also known as sacred lotus, has primarily been used as food
      throughout the Asian continent, and its medicinal values have been described in
      Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine. The purpose of this study is to
      systematically characterize the chemical profiling and pharmacological activities
      of N. nucifera. Herein, we critically reviewed and analysed the phytochemical and
      pharmacological reports of N. nucifera. Our search for the keyword 'Nelumbo
      nucifera pharmacology' in all databases reported in Web of Science yielded 373
      results excluding reviews and abstracts in document types. Two hundred and forty
      three spectrum natural compounds from different parts of N. nucifera belonging to
      diverse chemical groups, including alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, terpenoids,
      steroids, fatty acids, proteins, minerals, and vitamins have been reported. In
      addition, distinct pharmacological activities, mainly against cancer, microbial
      infection, diabetes, inflammation, atherosclerosis, and obesity, have been
      associated with crude extracts, fractions, and isolated compounds. This review
      highlights potential use of neferine, liensinine, isoliensinine, and nuciferine
      in clinical trials. In depth, mechanism of the potential chemical entities from
      N. nucifera via structure activity relationship needs to be explored to guarantee
      the stability and safety for the clinical use. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley &
      Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27667671
TI  - Rapid desensitization to anakinra-related delayed reaction: Need for a
      standardized protocol.

PMID- 27667672
TI  - Passive smoking increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus independently and
      synergistically with prepregnancy obesity in Tianjin, China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Passive smoking increased type 2 diabetes mellitus risk, but it is
      uncertain whether it also increased gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) risk. We
      aimed to examine the association of passive smoking during pregnancy and its
      interaction with maternal obesity for GDM. METHODS: From 2010 to 2012, 12 786
      Chinese women underwent a 50-g 1-hour glucose challenge test at 24 to 28 weeks of
      gestation and further underwent a 75-g 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test if the
      glucose challenge test result was >=7.8 mmol/L. GDM was defined by the
      International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Group's cut points.
      Self-reported passive smoking during pregnancy was collected by a questionnaire.
      Logistic regression was used to obtain odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence
      intervals (CIs). Additive interaction between maternal obesity and passive
      smoking was estimated using relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI),
      attributable proportion due to interaction (AP), and synergy index (S).
      Significant RERI > 0, AP > 0, or S > 1 indicated additive interaction. RESULTS: A
      total of 8331 women (65.2%) were exposed to passive smoking during pregnancy.
      More women exposed to passive smoking developed GDM than nonexposed women (7.8%
      versus 6.3%, P = 0.002) with an adjusted OR of 1.29 (95%CI, 1.11 to 1.50).
      Compared with nonobesity and nonpassive smoking, prepregnancy obesity and passive
      smoking was associated with GDM risk with an adjusted OR of 3.09 (95%CI, 2.38
      4.02) with significant additive interaction (P < .05 for RERI and AP).
      CONCLUSIONS: Passive smoking during pregnancy increased GDM risk in Chinese women
      independently and synergistically with prepregnancy obesity.

PMID- 27667673
TI  - An Electrophilic Reagent for the Direct Introduction of the SCF2 PO(OEt)2 Group
      to Molecules.
AB  - An unprecedented electrophilic difluoromethylthiolating reagent (MesNHSCF2
      PO(OEt)2 ) was designed. Under mild and metal-free conditions, this new reagent
      reacted with various nucleophiles, thus offering an efficient and operationally
      simple tool for the construction of C-SCF2 PO(OR)2 , N-SCF2 PO(OR)2 , and S-SCF2
      PO(OR)2 bonds. Finally, thanks to this new methodology, the synthesis of the non
      stereoidal anti-inflammatory diflumidone was achieved.

PMID- 27667675
TI  - Comparative analysis of three histologic grading methods for squamous cell
      carcinoma of the lip.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate three histologic grading
      methods for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the lip, the conventional three
      grade model proposed by the World Health Organization, tumor budding and depth of
      invasion (BD) model, and histologic risk assessment (HRA) model, and to correlate
      them with prognosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-three patients with lip SCC
      were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age was 65 years, 69.8% of the participants
      were men, and 66.0% of the patients had early-stage tumors. Using the BD and
      conventional three-grade methods, 52.8% and 64.2% of the cases were graded as low
      risk, respectively. The HRA model graded 54.7% of the cases as medium risk. In
      the BD model, the higher histologic grade was associated with worse prognosis (P
      = 0.045). Overall survival at 5 years was 87.8%. Tumor size (T3 + T4) and lymph
      node involvement (N+) were associated with reduced overall survival and
      recurrence-free survival (RFS) (P = 0.002 and 0.005; 0.007 and 0.01,
      respectively). Surgical treatment combined with radiotherapy was associated with
      lower RFS (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: High-grade lip SCC in advanced stages is
      associated with a poor prognosis. The BD model is a simple and effective tool for
      the prognostic evaluation of lip SCC.

PMID- 27667676
TI  - Presence of plastic particles in waterbirds faeces collected in Spanish lakes.
AB  - Plastic intake by marine vertebrates has been widely reported, but information
      about its presence in continental waterfowl is scarce. Here we analyzed faeces of
      waterbirds species (European coot, Fulica atra, mallard, Anas platyrhynchos and
      shelduck, Tadorna tadorna) for plastic debris in five wetlands in Central Spain.
      We collected 89 faeces of shelduck distributed in four lakes, 43.8% of them
      presented plastic remnants. Sixty percent of 10 faeces of European coot and 45%
      of 40 faeces of mallard contained plastic debris. Plastic debris found was of two
      types, threads and fragments, and were identified as remnants of plastic objects
      used in agricultural fields surrounding the lakes. Differences in prevalence of
      plastic in faeces, number of plastic pieces per excrement and size of the plastic
      pieces were not statistically significant between waterfowl species. Thus, our
      results suggest that plastic may also be frequently ingested by waterfowl in
      continental waters, at least in our study area. Future studies should address
      this potential problem for waterbird conservation in other wetlands to evaluate
      the real impact of this pollutant on waterbirds living in inland water.

PMID- 27667674
TI  - Age-related hearing loss: prevention of threshold declines, cell loss and
      apoptosis in spiral ganglion neurons.
AB  - Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) -presbycusis - is the most prevalent
      neurodegenerative disease and number one communication disorder of our aged
      population; and affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Its prevalence
      is close to that of cardiovascular disease and arthritis, and can be a precursor
      to dementia. The auditory perceptual dysfunction is well understood, but
      knowledge of the biological bases of ARHL is still somewhat lacking.
      Surprisingly, there are no FDA-approved drugs for treatment. Based on our
      previous studies of human subjects, where we discovered relations between serum
      aldosterone levels and the severity of ARHL, we treated middle age mice with
      aldosterone, which normally declines with age in all mammals. We found that
      hearing thresholds and suprathreshold responses significantly improved in the
      aldosterone-treated mice compared to the non-treatment group. In terms of
      cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying this therapeutic effect, additional
      experiments revealed that spiral ganglion cell survival was significantly
      improved, mineralocorticoid receptors were upregulated via post-translational
      protein modifications, and age-related intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways
      were blocked by the aldosterone therapy. Taken together, these novel findings
      pave the way for translational drug development towards the first medication to
      prevent the progression of ARHL.

PMID- 27667677
TI  - Evaluation of cytotoxic and genotoxic activity of fungicide formulation Tango(r)
      Super in bovine lymphocytes.
AB  - Tango(r) Super is a two-compound fungicide formulation widely employed in grain
      protection. However, details of Tango(r) Super effects on cell cultures have not
      been fully investigated. In this study, bovine lymphocytes were exposed to a
      concentration range 0.5; 1.5; 3; 6; and 15 MUg mL-1 for 4 h to assess the
      cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of the fungicide. Our experiments revealed that
      this fungicide treatment reduced cell viability, decreased cell proliferation and
      provoked apoptotic cell death. Cell cycle analysis showed predominant
      accumulation of cells in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle. The fungicide was
      able to induce mitochondrial superoxide production accompanied by elevated levels
      of carbonylated proteins and changes in the lipid membrane composition. The
      fungicide did not induce micronuclei production, but stimulated both DNA double
      strand breaks and the formation of p53 binding protein, which is accumulated
      during the DNA repair process at the site of double-strand breaks. Based on the
      obtained data we suppose that the fungicide-induced DNA damage is the result of
      oxidative stress, which may contribute to higher occurrence of apoptotic cell
      death. Because ergosterol biosynthesis-inhibiting fungicides are widely used in
      agriculture to ensure higher crop yields and may cause health impairment of
      animals and humans, there is a need for further testing to elucidate their
      potential genotoxic effects using in vivo and/or in vitro systems.

PMID- 27667678
TI  - Evaluating the suitability of different environmental samples for tracing
      atmospheric pollution in industrial areas.
AB  - Samples of lichens, snow and particulate matter (PM10, 24 h) are used for the
      source identification of air pollution in the heavily industrialized region of
      Ostrava, Upper Silesia, Czech Republic. An integrated approach that uses
      different environmental samples for metal concentration and Pb isotope analyses
      was applied. The broad range of isotope ratios in the samples indicates a
      combination of different pollution sources, the strongest among them being the
      metallurgical industry, bituminous coal combustion and traffic. Snow samples are
      proven as the most relevant indicator for tracing metal(loid)s and recent local
      contamination in the atmosphere. Lichens can be successfully used as tracers of
      the long-term activity of local and remote sources of contamination. The
      combination of PM10 with snow can provide very useful information for evaluation
      of current pollution sources.

PMID- 27667679
TI  - Impact of micropollutants on the life-history traits of the mosquito Aedes
      aegypti: On the relevance of transgenerational studies.
AB  - Hazard assessment of chemical contaminants often relies on short term or partial
      life-cycle ecotoxicological tests, while the impact of low dose throughout the
      entire life cycle of species across multiple generations has been neglected. This
      study aimed at identifying the individual and population-level consequences of
      chronic water contamination by environmental concentrations of three organic
      micropollutants, ibuprofen, bisphenol A and benzo[a]pyrene, on Aedes aegypti
      mosquito populations in experimental conditions. Life-history assays spanning the
      full life-cycle of exposed individuals and their progeny associated with
      population dynamics modelling evidenced life-history traits alterations in
      unexposed progenies of individuals chronically exposed to 1 MUg/L ibuprofen or
      0.6 MUg/L benzo[a]pyrene. The progeny of individuals exposed to ibuprofen showed
      an accelerated development while the progeny of individuals exposed to
      benzo[a]pyrene showed a developmental acceleration associated with an increase in
      mortality rate during development. These life-history changes due to pollutants
      exposure resulted in relatively shallow increase of Ae. aegypti asymptotic
      population growth rate. Multigenerational exposure for six generations revealed
      an evolution of population response to ibuprofen and benzo[a]pyrene across
      generations, leading to a loss of previously identified transgenerational effects
      and to the emergence of a tolerance to the bioinsecticide Bacillus turingiensis
      israelensis (Bti). This study shed light on the short and long term impact of
      environmentally relevant doses of ibuprofen and benzo[a]pyrene on Ae. aegypti
      life-history traits and insecticide tolerance, raising unprecedented perspectives
      about the influence of surface water pollution on vector-control strategies.
      Overall, our approach highlights the importance of considering the entire life
      cycle of organisms, and the necessity to assess the transgenerational effects of
      pollutants in ecotoxicological studies for ecological risk assessment. Finally,
      this multi-generational study gives new insight about the influence of surface
      water pollution on microevolutionary processes.

PMID- 27667680
TI  - Acute exposure to a quinalphos containing insecticide (convoy) causes genetic
      damage and nuclear changes in peripheral erythrocytes of silver barb, Barbonymus
      gonionotus.
AB  - The present study was aimed to assess the genotoxic effect in fish caused by
      convoy, an insecticide commercial formulation containing quinalphos, present in
      the aquatic waterbody. For this purpose a freshwater teleost, silver barb was
      exposed to sublethal concentrations (25% and 50% of LC50) of convoy and
      erythrocytic cellular abnormalities (ECA) and erythrocytic nuclear abnormalities
      (ENA) tests were performed in addition to the commonly used micronucleus (MN)
      assay using peripheral erythrocytes and DNA contents in the different tissues
      after 1, 24, 36, 48, and 72 h of exposures. The obtained results indicated that
      acute exposure of different sub lethal concentrations of convoy to the fish
      resulted in significant alterations of erythrocytes as well as significant
      reduction of DNA contents in blood and vital organs and tissues, such as the
      brain, liver, kidney and muscle. Compared to each treatment excluding control
      group, frequencies of ECA, ENA, and MN were found to be elevated with exposure
      time of the doses. From this study, we conclude that convoy is a hazardous
      chemical to silver barb. Bioassays can be used as a tool for screening aquatic
      pollution, especially for insecticides.

PMID- 27667681
TI  - Towards a new orientation: a qualitative longitudinal study of an intensive care
      recovery programme.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To describe the patient experience of ICU recovery from a
      longitudinal perspective by analysing follow-up consultations at three time
      points. BACKGROUND: After a stay in the intensive care unit, patients risk
      physical and psychological problems during recovery. Follow-up after intensive
      care has emerged to aid psychological recovery, and improve health-related
      quality of life. More insight is needed into the mechanisms of intensive care
      recovery. DESIGN: A descriptive multicenter longitudinal qualitative design.
      METHODS: A subsample of 36 consultations with 12 patients strategically selected
      from a randomised controlled trial on intensive care recovery from 10 Danish
      intensive care units. Data were generated during an ICU recovery programme
      including three consultations (at 1-3, 4-5, 9-11 months). First consultation was
      face-to-face using patient photographs to aid memory. Second and third
      consultations were by telephone using reflection sheets to focus dialogue.
      Thematic analysis and narrative theory were used to explore mechanisms of
      recovery using audio-recordings of consultations, patient photographs and
      reflection sheets as the sources of data. RESULTS: The basic narrative of
      recovery was 'toward a trajectory of new orientation'. This narrative contained
      the chronological narratives of being 'at death's door', 'still not out of the
      woods' and 'on the road to recovery'. The road to recovery was described as
      downhill, steady-state or progressive. New orientation was obtained in steady
      state or progressive recovery. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a contemporary
      understanding of the process of intensive care recovery. Recovery evolves through
      narratives of mortal danger, risk of relapse and moving forward towards a new
      orientation in life. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: These findings enable health
      care professionals to understand what patients experience during stages of
      recovery. This is important to improve health care professionals in the
      assessment of long-term outcome, and management of patients after intensive care.

PMID- 27667682
TI  - Opioid overdose leading to intensive care unit admission: Epidemiology and
      outcomes.

PMID- 27667683
TI  - Loss of IFN-gamma Pathway Genes in Tumor Cells as a Mechanism of Resistance to
      Anti-CTLA-4 Therapy.
AB  - Antibody blockade of the inhibitory CTLA-4 pathway has led to clinical benefit in
      a subset of patients with metastatic melanoma. Anti-CTLA-4 enhances T cell
      responses, including production of IFN-gamma, which is a critical cytokine for
      host immune responses. However, the role of IFN-gamma signaling in tumor cells in
      the setting of anti-CTLA-4 therapy remains unknown. Here, we demonstrate that
      patients identified as non-responders to anti-CTLA-4 (ipilimumab) have tumors
      with genomic defects in IFN-gamma pathway genes. Furthermore, mice bearing
      melanoma tumors with knockdown of IFN-gamma receptor 1 (IFNGR1) have impaired
      tumor rejection upon anti-CTLA-4 therapy. These data highlight that loss of the
      IFN-gamma signaling pathway is associated with primary resistance to anti-CTLA-4
      therapy. Our findings demonstrate the importance of tumor genomic data,
      especially IFN-gamma related genes, as prognostic information for patients
      selected to receive treatment with immune checkpoint therapy.

PMID- 27667686
TI  - Potent, Reversible, and Specific Chemical Inhibitors of Eukaryotic Ribosome
      Biogenesis.
AB  - All cellular proteins are synthesized by ribosomes, whose biogenesis in
      eukaryotes is a complex multi-step process completed within minutes. Several
      chemical inhibitors of ribosome function are available and used as tools or
      drugs. By contrast, we lack potent validated chemical probes to analyze the
      dynamics of eukaryotic ribosome assembly. Here, we combine chemical and genetic
      approaches to discover ribozinoindoles (or Rbins), potent and reversible
      triazinoindole-based inhibitors of eukaryotic ribosome biogenesis. Analyses of
      Rbin sensitivity and resistance conferring mutations in fission yeast, along with
      biochemical assays with recombinant proteins, provide evidence that Rbins'
      physiological target is Midasin, an essential ~540-kDa AAA+ (ATPases associated
      with diverse cellular activities) protein. Using Rbins to acutely inhibit or
      activate Midasin function, in parallel experiments with inhibitor-sensitive or
      inhibitor-resistant cells, we uncover Midasin's role in assembling Nsa1
      particles, nucleolar precursors of the 60S subunit. Together, our findings
      demonstrate that Rbins are powerful probes for eukaryotic ribosome assembly.

PMID- 27667685
TI  - A Functional Role for Antibodies in Tuberculosis.
AB  - While a third of the world carries the burden of tuberculosis, disease control
      has been hindered by a lack of tools, including a rapid, point-of-care diagnostic
      and a protective vaccine. In many infectious diseases, antibodies (Abs) are
      powerful biomarkers and important immune mediators. However, in Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis (Mtb) infection, a discriminatory or protective role for humoral
      immunity remains unclear. Using an unbiased antibody profiling approach, we show
      that individuals with latent tuberculosis infection (Ltb) and active tuberculosis
      disease (Atb) have distinct Mtb-specific humoral responses, such that Ltb
      infection is associated with unique Ab Fc functional profiles, selective binding
      to FcgammaRIII, and distinct Ab glycosylation patterns. Moreover, compared to Abs
      from Atb, Abs from Ltb drove enhanced phagolysosomal maturation, inflammasome
      activation, and, most importantly, macrophage killing of intracellular Mtb.
      Combined, these data point to a potential role for Fc-mediated Ab effector
      functions, tuned via differential glycosylation, in Mtb control.

PMID- 27667687
TI  - Succinate Dehydrogenase Supports Metabolic Repurposing of Mitochondria to Drive
      Inflammatory Macrophages.
AB  - Activated macrophages undergo metabolic reprogramming, which drives their pro
      inflammatory phenotype, but the mechanistic basis for this remains obscure. Here,
      we demonstrate that upon lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, macrophages shift
      from producing ATP by oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis while also
      increasing succinate levels. We show that increased mitochondrial oxidation of
      succinate via succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and an elevation of mitochondrial
      membrane potential combine to drive mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS)
      production. RNA sequencing reveals that this combination induces a pro
      inflammatory gene expression profile, while an inhibitor of succinate oxidation,
      dimethyl malonate (DMM), promotes an anti-inflammatory outcome. Blocking ROS
      production with rotenone by uncoupling mitochondria or by expressing the
      alternative oxidase (AOX) inhibits this inflammatory phenotype, with AOX
      protecting mice from LPS lethality. The metabolic alterations that occur upon
      activation of macrophages therefore repurpose mitochondria from ATP synthesis to
      ROS production in order to promote a pro-inflammatory state.

PMID- 27667684
TI  - Mutations in Human Accelerated Regions Disrupt Cognition and Social Behavior.
AB  - Comparative analyses have identified genomic regions potentially involved in
      human evolution but do not directly assess function. Human accelerated regions
      (HARs) represent conserved genomic loci with elevated divergence in humans. If
      some HARs regulate human-specific social and behavioral traits, then mutations
      would likely impact cognitive and social disorders. Strikingly, rare biallelic
      point mutations-identified by whole-genome and targeted "HAR-ome" sequencing
      showed a significant excess in individuals with ASD whose parents share common
      ancestry compared to familial controls, suggesting a contribution in 5% of
      consanguineous ASD cases. Using chromatin interaction sequencing, massively
      parallel reporter assays (MPRA), and transgenic mice, we identified disease
      linked, biallelic HAR mutations in active enhancers for CUX1, PTBP2, GPC4, CDKL5,
      and other genes implicated in neural function, ASD, or both. Our data provide
      genetic evidence that specific HARs are essential for normal development,
      consistent with suggestions that their evolutionary changes may have altered
      social and/or cognitive behavior. PAPERCLIP.

PMID- 27667689
TI  - Right ventricular involvement in feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate right ventricular (RV) wall thickness and chamber
      dimensions in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). ANIMALS: One hundred
      fifty-one healthy control cats and 200 cats with HCM. METHODS: Retrospective,
      observational, clinical cohort study. Two-dimensional echocardiograms from all
      cats were analyzed. Right atrial diameter, RV free wall thickness, and RV chamber
      diameter were quantified using multiple imaging views. Conventional (mean +/- 2
      standard deviations) and allometrically scaled (Y = a * Mb) reference values were
      determined in normal cats and compared to values found in cats with HCM. Linear
      and logistic regression, multivariate regression, and mixed model analysis were
      performed to identify associations between RV wall thickness and severity of left
      ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, clinical severity of HCM, and presence of pleural
      effusion. RESULTS: Mean RV wall thickness was increased in HCM (p<0.001).
      Considering increased RV wall thickness in at least one segment, 94 (47%) and 112
      (56%) cats with HCM had RV hypertrophy using upper reference limits based on mean
      + 2 standard deviations or allometric scaling, respectively. There was an
      association between severity of LV and RV hypertrophy (p<0.05). Left-sided
      congestive heart failure (n = 58) was associated with increased RV wall thickness
      in all segments compared to cats with preclinical HCM (p<0.001). Body weight had
      negligible effects on RV wall thickness (R2 0.08-0.17, p<0.001), whereas age and
      breed had no effect (p>0.05) in control cats. CONCLUSIONS: Increased RV wall
      thickness is common in cats with HCM and relates to severity of LV hypertrophy
      and clinical status.

PMID- 27667688
TI  - The Anopheles FBN9 immune factor mediates Plasmodium species-specific defense
      through transgenic fat body expression.
AB  - Mosquitoes have a multifaceted innate immune system that is actively engaged in
      warding off various pathogens, including the protozoan malaria parasite
      Plasmodium. Various immune signaling pathways and effectors have been shown to
      mediate a certain degree of defense specificity against different Plasmodium
      species. A key pattern recognition receptor of the Anopheles gambiae immune
      system is the fibrinogen domain-containing immunolectin FBN9, which has been
      shown to be transcriptonally induced by Plasmodium infection, and to mediate
      defense against both rodent and human malaria parasites and bacteria. Here we
      have further studied the defense specificity of FBN9 using a transgenic approach,
      in which FBN9 is overexpressed in the fat body tissue after a blood meal through
      a vitellogenin promoter. Interestingly, the Vg-FBN9 transgenic mosquitoes showed
      increased resistance only to the rodent parasite P. berghei, and not to the human
      parasite P. falciparum, pointing to differences in the mosquito's defense
      mechanisms against the two parasite species. The Vg-FBN9 transgenic mosquitoes
      were also more resistant to infection with both Gram-positive and Gram-negative
      bacteria and showed increased longevity when infected with P. berghei. Our study
      points to the importance of both experimentally depleting and enriching candidate
      anti-Plasmodium effectors in functional studies in order to ascertain their
      suitability for the development of transgenic mosquito-based malaria control
      strategies.

PMID- 27667690
TI  - Crystal Structure of a Type IV Pilus Assembly ATPase: Insights into the Molecular
      Mechanism of PilB from Thermus thermophilus.
AB  - Type IV pili (T4P) mediate bacterial motility and virulence. The PilB/GspE family
      ATPases power the assembly of T4P and type 2 secretion systems. We determined the
      structure of the ATPase region of PilB (PilBATP) in complex with ATPgammaS to
      provide a model of a T4P assembly ATPase and a view of a PilB/GspE family hexamer
      at better than 3-A resolution. Spatial positioning and conformations of the
      protomers suggest a mechanism of force generation. All six PilBATP protomers
      contain bound ATPgammaS. Two protomers form a closed conformation poised for ATP
      hydrolysis. The other four molecules assume an open conformation but separate
      into two pairs with distinct active-site accessibilities. We propose that one
      pair represents the post-hydrolysis phase while the other pair appears poised for
      ADP/ATP exchange. Collectively, the data suggest that T4P assembly is powered by
      coordinating concurrent substrate binding with ATP hydrolysis across the PilB
      hexamer.

PMID- 27667691
TI  - A Structurally Dynamic Region of the HslU Intermediate Domain Controls Protein
      Degradation and ATP Hydrolysis.
AB  - The I domain of HslU sits above the AAA+ ring and forms a funnel-like entry to
      the axial pore, where protein substrates are engaged, unfolded, and translocated
      into HslV for degradation. The L199Q I-domain substitution, which was originally
      reported as a loss-of-function mutation, resides in a segment that appears to
      adopt multiple conformations as electron density is not observed in HslU and
      HslUV crystal structures. The L199Q sequence change does not alter the structure
      of the AAA+ ring or its interactions with HslV but increases I-domain
      susceptibility to limited endoproteolysis. Notably, the L199Q mutation increases
      the rate of ATP hydrolysis substantially, results in slower degradation of some
      proteins but faster degradation of other substrates, and markedly changes the
      preference of HslUV for initiating degradation at the N or C terminus of model
      substrates. Thus, a structurally dynamic region of the I domain plays a key role
      in controlling protein degradation by HslUV.

PMID- 27667692
TI  - Common Evolutionary Origin of Procapsid Proteases, Phage Tail Tubes, and Tubes of
      Bacterial Type VI Secretion Systems.
AB  - Many large viruses, including tailed dsDNA bacteriophages and herpesviruses,
      assemble their capsids via formation of precursors, called procapsids or
      proheads. The prohead has an internal core, made of scaffolding proteins, and an
      outer shell, formed by the major capsid protein. The prohead usually contains a
      protease, which is activated during capsid maturation to destroy the inner core
      and liberate space for the genome. Here, we report a 2.0 A resolution structure
      of the pentameric procapsid protease of bacteriophage T4, gene product (gp)21.
      The structure corresponds to the enzyme's pre-active state in which its N
      terminal region blocks the catalytic center, demonstrating that the activation
      mechanism involves self-cleavage of nine N-terminal residues. We describe
      similarities and differences between T4 gp21 and related herpesvirus proteases.
      We found that gp21 and the herpesvirus proteases have similarity with proteins
      forming the tubes of phage tails and bacterial type VI secretion systems,
      suggesting their common evolutionary origin.

PMID- 27667693
TI  - Computational Repacking of HIF-2alpha Cavity Replaces Water-Based Stabilized
      Core.
AB  - Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are heterodimeric transcription factors central
      to hypoxia response and cancer development. Within the HIF-2 complex, one domain
      (HIF-2alpha PAS-B) contains a large (290 A3) buried cavity filled with water
      molecules within its hydrophobic core. Such cavities are uncommon except in the
      case of ligand-binding proteins, leading to the hypothesis that HIF-2alpha can be
      regulated by small molecules. The development of artificial HIF-2alpha inhibitors
      validates this hypothesis but raises questions about the impact of this cavity on
      HIF-2alpha PAS-B structure and function. To answer these points, we used
      computational methods to construct a repacked protein containing a smaller cavity
      within the native fold. Experimental validation of a five-mutation variant
      confirms achieving these objectives and stabilizing the folded structure.
      Complementary functional data establish that ligands cannot bind this variant
      although heterodimerization remains unchanged. Altogether, our strategy
      innovatively addresses the roles of solvated cavities in maintaining protein
      stability and function.

PMID- 27667694
TI  - A Phosphomimetic Mutation Stabilizes SOD1 and Rescues Cell Viability in the
      Context of an ALS-Associated Mutation.
AB  - The majority of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-related mutations in the
      enzyme Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1), as well as a post-translational
      modification, glutathionylation, destabilize the protein and lead to a misfolded
      oligomer that is toxic to motor neurons. The biophysical role of another
      physiological SOD1 modification, T2-phosphorylation, has remained a mystery.
      Here, we find that a phosphomimetic mutation, T2D, thermodynamically stabilizes
      SOD1 even in the context of a strongly SOD1-destabilizing mutation, A4V, one of
      the most prevalent and aggressive ALS-associated mutations in North America. This
      stabilization protects against formation of toxic SOD oligomers and positively
      impacts motor neuron survival in cellular assays. We solve the crystal structure
      of T2D-SOD1 and explain its stabilization effect using discrete molecular
      dynamics (DMD) simulations. These findings imply that T2-phosphorylation may be a
      plausible innate cellular protection response against SOD1-induced cytotoxicity,
      and stabilizing the SOD1 native conformation might offer us viable pharmaceutical
      strategies against currently incurable ALS.

PMID- 27667695
TI  - Atg5-dependent autophagy plays a protective role against methylmercury-induced
      cytotoxicity.
AB  - Methylmercury (MeHg) is a widespread environmental pollutant and causes a serious
      hazard to health worldwide. However, molecular mechanisms underlying MeHg
      toxicity remain elusive. We show that MeHg reduced mouse embryonic fibroblast
      (MEF) viability in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, MeHg treatment increased
      levels of autophagy markers LC3-II and p62, possibly by acting on the MAPKs
      signaling pathway in several cell types. MeHg exposure elevated the number of LC3
      puncta in stable GFP-LC3 MEFs and the number of autophagic vacuoles. The
      accumulation of LC3-II and p62 increased further when complementing MeHg with
      autophagy inhibitor, chloroquine. Moreover, we found that autophagy-related gene
      5-deficient (Atg5-/-) MEFs exhibited higher sensitivity and higher levels of p62
      compared to their wild-type counterparts following MeHg exposure. This suggested
      that p62 was upregulated at the transcription level by MeHg and degraded by Atg5
      dependent autophagy. Our data demonstrate that MeHg exposure promotes autophagy,
      and Atg5-dependent autophagy serves to protect cells from MeHg cytotoxicity.

PMID- 27667696
TI  - Inflammation-Induced Adhesin-Receptor Interaction Provides a Fitness Advantage to
      Uropathogenic E. coli during Chronic Infection.
AB  - Uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) is the dominant cause of urinary tract infections,
      clinically described as cystitis. UPEC express CUP pili, which are extracellular
      fibers tipped with adhesins that bind mucosal surfaces of the urinary tract. Here
      we identify the role of the F9/Yde/Fml pilus for UPEC persistence in the inflamed
      urothelium. The Fml adhesin FmlH binds galactose beta1-3 N-acetylgalactosamine
      found in core-1 and -2 O-glycans. Deletion of fmlH had no effect on UPEC
      virulence in an acute mouse model of cystitis. However, FmlH provided a fitness
      advantage during chronic cystitis, which is manifested as persistent bacteriuria,
      high bladder bacterial burdens, and chronic inflammation. In situ binding
      confirmed that FmlH bound avidly to the inflamed, but not the naive bladder. In
      accordance with its pathogenic profile, vaccination with FmlH significantly
      protected mice from chronic cystitis. Thus, UPEC employ separate CUP pili to
      adapt to the rapidly changing niche during bladder infection.

PMID- 27667697
TI  - A Eukaryotic-like Serine/Threonine Kinase Protects Staphylococci against Phages.
AB  - Organisms from all domains of life are infected by viruses. In eukaryotes,
      serine/threonine kinases play a central role in antiviral response. Bacteria,
      however, are not commonly known to use protein phosphorylation as part of their
      defense against phages. Here we identify Stk2, a staphylococcal serine/threonine
      kinase that provides efficient immunity against bacteriophages by inducing
      abortive infection. A phage protein of unknown function activates the Stk2
      kinase. This leads to the Stk2-dependent phosphorylation of several proteins
      involved in translation, global transcription control, cell-cycle control, stress
      response, DNA topology, DNA repair, and central metabolism. Bacterial host cells
      die as a consequence of Stk2 activation, thereby preventing propagation of the
      phage to the rest of the bacterial population. Our work shows that mechanisms of
      viral defense that rely on protein phosphorylation constitute a conserved
      antiviral strategy across multiple domains of life.

PMID- 27667699
TI  - The DNP project: Quandaries for nursing scholars.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the evolving Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) movement, there
      continues to be a lack of agreement about the final scholarly project. PURPOSE:
      This study identifies and describes the faculty practices and challenges related
      to the DNP project across the United States. METHODS: In a descriptive research
      study, 90 DNP program directors responded to an online survey describing the
      environment of the DNP program with emphasis on the final scholarly project.
      DISCUSSION: According to the respondents, 87% of faculty are somewhat or very
      dissatisfied with the DNP project. Elements that may contribute to the
      dissatisfaction are the reported lack of faculty knowledge of evidence-based
      practice and quality improvement, lack of consensus on the DNP project, lack of
      faculty resources for DNP projects, challenges with clinical sites for the DNP
      project, and students' scholarly writing skills. CONCLUSION: It is imperative to
      have academic/practice faculty oriented to DNP concepts; achieve consensus on the
      project title, type, depth, and outcomes; and have an ongoing dialog regarding
      DNP project design, execution, and challenges. Project implementation models need
      to be appropriate for the escalating DNP enrollment. Program support related to
      institutional review board relationships, student writing and statistical skills,
      and program-practice site partnerships are needed.

PMID- 27667700
TI  - Determinants for effective collaboration among DNP- and PhD-prepared faculty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Uncertainty exists surrounding collaborative relations among Doctor
      of Nursing Practice (DNP)- and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)-prepared faculty.
      PURPOSE: This qualitative study explored the attitudes and determinants for
      effective collaboration among doctoral-prepared nursing faculty. METHODS: Focus
      groups were conducted using a convenience sample of doctoral faculty who taught
      in either/both DNP or PhD programs. Focus group questions were derived to
      identify interpersonal, organizational, and systemic determinants of
      collaboration. Data were transcribed and content analyzed using Kruger and Casey
      methods. RESULTS: Four focus groups included 41 faculty members from two metro
      area university medical centers. Five themes emerged: (a) DNP not well
      understood, (b) confusion surrounding research, (c) opportunities for
      collaboration, (d) lack of structural support, and (e) personal characteristics
      and attitudes. DISCUSSION: Interpersonal relationships, organizational
      structures, and systemic impacts have both positive and negative influences on
      successful collaboration among DNP- and PhD-prepared faculty. CONCLUSION:
      Collaborative efforts are needed for advancing the profession.

PMID- 27667701
TI  - Cannula-Assisted, Transabdominal Ultrasound-Guided Inferior Vena Cava
      Recanalization in Inferior Vena Cava Occlusion.
AB  - We describe a novel technique for facilitating recanalization of intrahepatic
      inferior vena cava (IVC) via the transjugular approach in patients with short
      segmental hepatic IVC occlusion, where a transjugular liver biopsy cannula
      provides additional support to the catheter-wire combination and trans-abdominal
      ultrasound helps in positioning the tip of the cannula at the stump of
      suprahepatic IVC.

PMID- 27667702
TI  - Cross-Reactions Between Allopurinol and Febuxostat.

PMID- 27667698
TI  - Data-Driven Phenotypic Categorization for Neurobiological Analyses: Beyond DSM-5
      Labels.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Data-driven approaches can capture behavioral and biological
      variation currently unaccounted for by contemporary diagnostic categories,
      thereby enhancing the ability of neurobiological studies to characterize brain
      behavior relationships. METHODS: A community-ascertained sample of individuals (N
      = 347, 18-59 years of age) completed a battery of behavioral measures,
      psychiatric assessment, and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging
      in a cross-sectional design. Bootstrap-based exploratory factor analysis was
      applied to 49 phenotypic subscales from 10 measures. Hybrid hierarchical
      clustering was applied to resultant factor scores to identify nested groups.
      Adjacent groups were compared via independent samples t tests and chi-square
      tests of factor scores, syndrome scores, and psychiatric prevalence. Multivariate
      distance matrix regression examined functional connectome differences between
      adjacent groups. RESULTS: Reduction yielded six factors, which explained 77.8%
      and 65.4% of the variance in exploratory and constrained exploratory models,
      respectively. Hybrid hierarchical clustering of these six factors identified two,
      four, and eight nested groups (i.e., phenotypic communities). At the highest
      clustering level, the algorithm differentiated functionally adaptive and
      maladaptive groups. At the middle clustering level, groups were separated by
      problem type (maladaptive groups; internalizing vs. externalizing problems) and
      behavioral type (adaptive groups; sensation-seeking vs. extraverted/emotionally
      stable). Unique phenotypic profiles were also evident at the lowest clustering
      level. Group comparisons exhibited significant differences in intrinsic
      functional connectivity at the highest clustering level in somatomotor, thalamic,
      basal ganglia, and limbic networks. CONCLUSIONS: Data-driven approaches for
      identifying homogenous subgroups, spanning typical function to dysfunction, not
      only yielded clinically meaningful groups, but also captured behavioral and
      neurobiological variation among healthy individuals.

PMID- 27667703
TI  - Intraperitoneal injection urocortin-3 reduces the food intake of Siberian
      sturgeon (Acipenser baerii).
AB  - Urocortin-3 (UCN3), one of the corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) family
      peptides, which was discovered in 2001, has a variety of biological functions.
      However, the researches of UCN3 in fish were scarce. In order to understand
      whether UCN3 play a role in regulating food intake in fish, we first cloned the
      ucn3 cDNAs sequence of Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii Brandt), and
      investigated the ucn3 mRNA levels in 11 tissues. The Siberian sturgeon ucn3 cDNA
      sequence was 1044bp, including an open reading frame (ORF) of 447bp that encoded
      148 amino acids with a mature peptide of 40 amino acids, a 5'-terminal
      untranslated region (5'-UTR) of 162bp and a 3'-terminal untranslated region (3'
      UTR) of 435bp. The result of tissue distribution showed that ucn3 widely
      distributed in 11 tissues with highest expression in brain. We also assessed the
      effects of periprandial (pre- and post-feeding), fasting and re-feeding on ucn3
      mRNAs abundance in brain. The results showed the expression of ucn3 mRNA in brain
      was significantly elevated after feeding, decreased after fasting 17 days and
      increased after re-feeding. To further investigate the food intake role of UCN3
      in Siberian sturgeon, we performed intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of Siberian
      sturgeon UCN3 (SsUCN3) with three doses (60, 120 or 240ng/g) and recorded the
      food intake. Acute and chronic i.p. injection SsUCN3 reduced the food intake in a
      dose-dependent pattern. In conclusion, this study indicates that SsUCN3 acts as a
      satiety factor to inhibit the food intake of Siberian sturgeon.

PMID- 27667704
TI  - Identification and functional characterization of a pyrokinin neuropeptide
      receptor in the Lyme disease vector, Ixodes scapularis.
AB  - Pyrokinin-related peptides are pleiotropic factors that are defined by their
      conserved C-terminal sequence FXPRL-NH2. The pyrokinin nomenclature derives from
      their originally identified myotropic actions and, as seen in some family
      members, a blocked amino terminus with pyroglutamate. The black-legged tick,
      Ixodes scapularis, is well known as a vector of Lyme disease and various other
      illnesses; however, in comparison to blood-feeding insects, knowledge on its
      physiology (along with other Ixodid ticks) is rather limited. In this study, we
      have isolated, examined the expression profile, and functionally deorphanized the
      pyrokinin peptide receptor in the medically important tick, I. scapularis.
      Phylogenetic analysis supports that the cloned receptor is indeed a bona fide
      member of the pyrokinin-related peptide receptor family. The tick pyrokinin
      receptor transcript expression is most abundant in the central nervous system
      (i.e. synganglion), but is also detected in trachea, female reproductive tissues,
      and in a pooled sample comprised of Malpighian (renal) tubules and the hindgut.
      Finally, functional characterization of the identified receptor confirmed it as a
      pyrokinin peptide receptor as it was activated equally by four endogenous
      pyrokinin-related peptides. The receptor was slightly promiscuous as it was also
      activated by a peptide sharing some structural similarity, namely the CAPA
      periviserokinin (CAPA-PVK) peptide. Nonetheless, the I. scapularis pyrokinin
      receptor required a CAPA-PVK peptide concentration of well over three orders of
      magnitude to achieve a comparable receptor activation response, which indicates
      it is quite selective for its native pyrokinin peptide ligands. This study sets
      the stage for future research to examine the prospective tissue targets
      identified in order to resolve the physiological roles of this family of peptides
      in Ixodid ticks.

PMID- 27667706
TI  - Enhanced in vitro cytotoxicity and anti-tumor activity of vorinostat-loaded
      pluronic micelles with prolonged release and reduced hepatic and renal
      toxicities.
AB  - Vorinostat is the first histone deacetylase inhibitor approved by US FDA for use
      in cancer therapy. However, its limited aqueous solubility, low permeability, and
      suboptimal pharmacokinetics hinder its delivery. Thus, in this study, micelles of
      vorinostat with each of pluronic F68 (PF68) and pluronic F127 (PF127) were
      developed and optimized based on drug loading and entrapment. The optimized
      micelles were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT
      IR), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), zeta
      analyzer, and electron transmission microscopy. Their in vitro release,
      stability, in vitro cytotoxicity against HepG2, Caco-2, and MCF-7 cell lines, and
      finally, in vivo antitumor activity in mice bearing Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma
      (EAC) were assessed. The highest entrapment efficiency was 99.09+/-2.16% and
      94.19+/-2.37% for micelles of 1:50 drug to polymer ratio with each of PF127 and
      PF68, respectively. These micelles were nearly spherical with nanoscopic mean
      diameters of 72.61+/-10.66nm for PF68 and 91.88+/-10.70nm for PF127 with narrow
      size distribution. The micelles provided prolonged release at phosphate buffer
      saline pH7.4 up to 24h for PF68 and 72h for PF127. Potentiation of in vitro
      cytotoxicity of vorinostat was more pronounced with PF127 micelles particularly
      against MCF-7 cells. Compared with free vorinostat, the micelles with PF127 were
      more effective in inhibiting tumor growth as well as exhibiting significantly
      (p<0.05) diminished hepatic and renal toxicities. In conclusion, 1:50 vorinostat
      PF127 micelles may facilitate i.v. formulations and can be suggested as a
      promising stable and safe nanoparticulate delivery system with prolonged release
      and potentiated cytotoxicity.

PMID- 27667705
TI  - Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder comorbidity and antidepressant
      resistance among patients with major depression: A nationwide longitudinal study.
AB  - The comorbidity between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and major
      depression is common. However, the influence of ADHD comorbidity in the response
      or resistance to antidepressants remains unknown among patients with major
      depression. 1891 patients with major depression and ADHD and 1891 age-/sex
      matched patients with major depression only were enrolled and followed for 1 year
      in our study. Use of antidepressants and ADHD medications during 1-year follow-up
      period were assessed. Antidepressant resistance was defined as treatment failure
      in two or more than two different antidepressants for adequate treatment dose and
      duration. Patients with major depression and ADHD had an increased risk of
      treatment resistance to antidepressants (odds ratio [OR]: 2.32, 95% confidence
      interval [CI]: 1.63-3.32) compared with patients with major depression only after
      adjusting for demographic characteristics and other psychiatric comorbidities.
      Regular treatment for ADHD would reduce this risk (OR: 1.76, 95% CI: 0.72-4.27).
      Anxiety (OR: 3.15, 95% CI: 2.24-4.44) and substance use (OR: 2.45, 95% CI: 1.16
      5.17) disorders were also associated with an elevated likelihood of resistance to
      antidepressants during the follow-up. Patients who had dual diagnoses of major
      depression and ADHD were more likely to have treatment resistance to
      antidepressants compared with patients with major depression only. Prompt and
      regular treatment for ADHD would reduce this risk.

PMID- 27667707
TI  - Identification of three selenoprotein T paralogs in goldfish (Carassius auratus)
      and expression analysis in response to environmental stressors.
AB  - Selenoproteins, which contain the selenocysteine (Sec), play crucial roles in
      antioxidant protection. In the present study, we have identified and
      characterized three selenoprotein T paralogs (designated as gfSelT1a, gfSelT1b
      and gfSelT2) in goldfish, Carassius auratus. The SECIS element was found in the
      3'-UTRs of gfSelT1a, gfSelT1b and gfSelT2 mRNA. Sequence analysis showed that
      they all possess the CxxU motif (where U represents Sec) in the N-terminal.
      Constitutive expressions of gfSelT1a, gfSelT1b and gfSelT2 were observed in all
      tissues studied. In liver, gfSelT1a, gfSelT1b and gfSelT2 mRNA expression levels
      significantly decreased when fasting and increased after re-feeding. The
      expressions of gfSelT1a, gfSelT1b and gfSelT2 were all inducible by cadmium
      exposure and H2O2-mediated oxidative stress, except the transcripts of gfSelT1b
      decreasing with H2O2 stimulation in brain. Furthermore, the expressions of
      gfSelT1a, gfSelT1b and gfSelT2 consistently increased in spleen but decreased in
      brain in response to heat stress. However, in liver only gfSelT1a mRNA expression
      significantly increased. In a word, this is the first report of the presence of
      three SelT genes in goldfish and their distinct expression patterns in response
      to environmental stressors. Our results suggest a potential involvement of
      gfSelT1a, gfSelT1b and gfSelT2 in host protection against environmental stressors
      including heavy mental, oxidative stress and heat stress in goldfish.

PMID- 27667709
TI  - Anomalous Enhancement of Mechanical Properties in the Ammonia Adsorbed Defective
      Graphene.
AB  - Pure graphene is known as the strongest material ever discovered. However, the
      unavoidable defect formation in the fabrication process renders the strength of
      defective graphene much lower (~14%) than that of its perfect counterpart. By
      means of density functional theory computations, we systematically explored the
      effect of gas molecules (H2, N2, NH3, CO, CO2 and O2) adsorption on the
      mechanical strength of perfect/defective graphene. The NH3 molecule is found to
      play a dominant role in enhancing the strength of defective graphene by up to
      ~15.6%, while other gas molecules decrease the strength of graphene with varying
      degrees. The remarkable strength enhancement can be interpreted by the
      decomposition of NH3, which saturates the dangling bond and leads to charge
      redistribution at the defect site. The present work provides basic information
      for the mechanical failure of gas-adsorbed graphene and guidance for
      manufacturing graphene-based electromechanical devices.

PMID- 27667710
TI  - Autophagy Beyond Intracellular MHC Class II Antigen Presentation.
AB  - Autophagy is a group of cellular pathways that deliver cytoplasmic constituents
      for lysosomal degradation. The peptides generated from these pathways can be
      presented by MHC II molecules, making autophagy an important source of antigens
      for CD4+ T cells. In addition, modules of the molecular machinery of autophagy
      were found in recent years to also influence extracellular antigen processing for
      MHC Class I and Class II presentation, as well as regulation of MHC Class I
      surface expression. These studies paint a more complicated picture of how
      regulation of individual autophagy proteins influences adaptive immunity. The
      respective pathways, especially in regard to their net outcome for CD4+ helper
      and CD8+ cytotoxic T cell responses in vivo, will be discussed in this review.

PMID- 27667711
TI  - Regulation of NKG2D Expression and Signaling by Endocytosis.
AB  - NKG2D is an activating receptor that can bind to a large number of stress-induced
      ligands that are expressed in the context of cancer or viral infection. This
      receptor is expressed on many cytotoxic lymphocytes, and plays a crucial role in
      antitumor and antiviral immune responses. However, exposure to NKG2D ligand
      expressing target cells promotes receptor endocytosis, ultimately leading to
      lysosomal receptor degradation and impairment of NKG2D-mediated functions.
      Interestingly, before being degraded, internalized receptors can signal from the
      endosomal compartment, leading to the appropriate activation of cellular
      functional programs. This review summarizes recent findings on ligand-induced
      receptor internalization, with particular emphasis on the role of endocytosis in
      the control of both NKG2D-mediated intracellular signaling and receptor
      degradation.

PMID- 27667708
TI  - Drug Treatment of Hypertension: Focus on Vascular Health.
AB  - Hypertension, the most common preventable risk factor for cardiovascular disease
      and death, is a growing health burden. Serious cardiovascular complications
      result from target organ damage including cerebrovascular disease, heart failure,
      ischaemic heart disease and renal failure. While many systems contribute to blood
      pressure (BP) elevation, the vascular system is particularly important because
      vascular dysfunction is a cause and consequence of hypertension. Hypertension is
      characterised by a vascular phenotype of endothelial dysfunction, arterial
      remodelling, vascular inflammation and increased stiffness. Antihypertensive
      drugs that influence vascular changes associated with high BP have greater
      efficacy for reducing cardiovascular risk than drugs that reduce BP, but have
      little or no effect on the adverse vascular phenotype. Angiotensin converting
      enzyme ACE inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) improve
      endothelial function and prevent vascular remodelling. Calcium channel blockers
      also improve endothelial function, although to a lesser extent than ACEIs and
      ARBs. Mineralocorticoid receptor blockers improve endothelial function and reduce
      arterial stiffness, and have recently become more established as antihypertensive
      drugs. Lifestyle factors are essential in preventing the adverse vascular changes
      associated with high BP and reducing associated cardiovascular risk. Clinicians
      and scientists should incorporate these factors into treatment decisions for
      patients with high BP, as well as in the development of new antihypertensive
      drugs that promote vascular health.

PMID- 27667713
TI  - High-sensitivity troponin-T as a prognostic marker after out-of-hospital cardiac
      arrest - A targeted temperature management (TTM) trial substudy.
AB  - AIM OF THE STUDY: Predicting outcome of unconscious patients after successful
      resuscitation is challenging and better prognostic markers are highly needed.
      Ischemic heart disease is a common cause of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest
      (OHCA). Whether or not high-sensitivity troponin T (hs-TnT) is a prognostic
      marker among survivors of OHCA with both ischemic and non-ischemic aetiologies
      remains to be determined. We sought to evaluate the ability of hs-TnT to
      prognosticate all-cause mortality, death due to cardiovascular causes or multi
      organ failure and death due to cerebral causes after OHCA. The influence of the
      level of target temperature management on hs-TnT as a marker of infarct size was
      also assessed. METHODS: A total of 699 patients from the targeted temperature
      management (TTM) trial were included and hs-TnT was analyzed in blood samples
      from 24, 48 and 72h after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). The endpoints
      were 180 day all-cause mortality, death due to cardiovascular causes or multi
      organ failure and death due to cerebral causes. Subgroups based on the initial
      ECG after ROSC (STEMI vs all other ECG presentations) were analyzed. RESULTS: Hs
      TnT was independently associated with all-cause mortality which was driven by
      death due to cardiovascular causes or multi-organ failure and not cerebral causes
      (at 48h: OR 1.10, CI 1.01-1.20, p<0.05). Hs-TnT was also an independent predictor
      of death due to cardiovascular causes or multi-organ failure (at 48h: OR 1.13, CI
      1.01-1.26, p<0.05). In patients with STEMI, hs-TnT was independently associated
      with death due to cardiovascular causes or multi-organ failure (at 48h: OR 1.47,
      CI 1.10-1.95, p<0.01). Targeted temperature management at 33 degrees C was not
      associated with hs-TnT compared to 36 degrees C. CONCLUSIONS: After OHCA due to
      both ischemic and non-ischemic causes, hs-TnT is an independent marker of both
      all-cause mortality and death due to cardiovascular causes or multi-organ
      failure. Targeted temperature management at 33 degrees C did not reduce hs-TnT
      compared to 36 degrees C. Hs-TnT may be a marker of poor prognosis after OHCA and
      this should be taken into consideration in patients that present with high
      troponin levels. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The TTM-trial is registered and accessible
      at Clinicaltrials.gov (identifier: NCT01020916).

PMID- 27667714
TI  - TRIM52 inhibits Japanese Encephalitis Virus replication by degrading the viral
      NS2A.
AB  - The members of tripartite-motif containing (TRIM) protein participate in various
      cellular processes and play an important role in host antiviral function. TRIM
      proteins exert their antiviral activity either directly by degrading viral
      proteins through their E3 ligase activity, or indirectly by promoting host innate
      immunity. This study demonstrated for the first time that TRIM52 is a novel
      antiviral TRIM protein against Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) infection.
      Overexpression of TRIM52 restricted JEV replication in BHK-21 and 293T cells. In
      addition, JEV nonstructural protein 2A (NS2A) is a protein that interacts with
      TRIM52. Their interaction degraded NS2A in a proteasome-dependent manner via the
      E3 ligase activity of TRIM52. Thus, TRIM52 is a novel antiviral TRIM protein, and
      it exerted antiviral activity against JEV infection by targeting and degrading
      viral NS2A.

PMID- 27667715
TI  - A suppressor locus for MODY3-diabetes.
AB  - Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young type 3 (MODY3), linked to mutations in the
      transcription factor HNF1A, is the most prevalent form of monogenic diabetes
      mellitus. HNF1alpha-deficiency leads to defective insulin secretion via a
      molecular mechanism that is still not completely understood. Moreover, in MODY3
      patients the severity of insulin secretion can be extremely variable even in the
      same kindred, indicating that modifier genes may control the onset of the
      disease. With the use of a mouse model for HNF1alpha-deficiency, we show here
      that specific genetic backgrounds (C3H and CBA) carry a powerful genetic
      suppressor of diabetes. A genome scan analysis led to the identification of a
      major suppressor locus on chromosome 3 (Moda1). Moda1 locus contains 11 genes
      with non-synonymous SNPs that significantly interacts with other loci on
      chromosomes 4, 11 and 18. Mechanistically, the absence of HNF1alpha in diabetic
      prone (sensitive) strains leads to postnatal defective islets growth that is
      remarkably restored in resistant strains. Our findings are relevant to human
      genetics since Moda1 is syntenic with a human locus identified by genome wide
      association studies of fasting glycemia in patients. Most importantly, our
      results show that a single genetic locus can completely suppress diabetes in
      Hnf1a-deficiency.

PMID- 27667716
TI  - The climatic impact of food consumption in a representative sample of Irish
      adults and implications for food and nutrition policy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE) associated with the
      diet of Irish adults. DESIGN: GHGE were estimated by applying conversion factors
      to habitual food consumption data taken from the National Adult Nutrition Survey,
      which was representative of the population. Descriptive analyses were undertaken
      for GHGE for the total population, as well as accounting for energy misreporting
      and across categories of sociodemographic and socio-economic factors and tertiles
      of emissions. SETTING: Republic of Ireland. SUBJECTS: Adults aged 18-87 years (n
      1500). RESULTS: The GHGE derived from daily dietary intakes was estimated as 6.5
      kg of CO2 equivalents (CO2eq) per person. Males, younger consumers, those with
      secondary education and student employment status were associated with
      significantly higher GHGE. Red meat was the highest contributor to GHGE with 1646
      g CO2eq arising from a mean intake of 47 g/d. Dairy and starchy staples were the
      next largest dietary GHGE sources, with mean daily emissions of 732 g CO2eq and
      647 g CO2eq, respectively. The lowest emissions were associated with consumption
      of vegetables, fruits and legumes/pulses/nuts. CONCLUSIONS: Based on profiling
      using actual food consumption data, it is evident that one single measure is not
      sufficient and a range of evidence-based mitigation measures with potential to
      lower emissions throughout the food chain should be considered. The research
      contributes towards an improved understanding of the climatic impact of the
      dietary intakes of Irish adults and can serve to inform a sustainability
      framework to guide action in food and nutrition policy development.

PMID- 27667712
TI  - Emerging roles of p53 and other tumour-suppressor genes in immune regulation.
AB  - Tumour-suppressor genes are indispensable for the maintenance of genomic
      integrity. Recently, several of these genes, including those encoding p53, PTEN,
      RB1 and ARF, have been implicated in immune responses and inflammatory diseases.
      In particular, the p53 tumour- suppressor pathway is involved in crucial aspects
      of tumour immunology and in homeostatic regulation of immune responses. Other
      studies have identified roles for p53 in various cellular processes, including
      metabolism and stem cell maintenance. Here, we discuss the emerging roles of p53
      and other tumour-suppressor genes in tumour immunology, as well as in additional
      immunological settings, such as virus infection. This relatively unexplored area
      could yield important insights into the homeostatic control of immune cells in
      health and disease and facilitate the development of more effective
      immunotherapies. Consequently, tumour-suppressor genes are emerging as potential
      guardians of immune integrity.

PMID- 27667717
TI  - Computational understanding and experimental characterization of twice-as-smart
      quadruplex ligands as chemical sensors of bacterial nucleotide second messengers.
AB  - A twice-as-smart ligand is a small molecule that experiences a structural switch
      upon interaction with its target (i.e., smart ligand) that concomitantly triggers
      its fluorescence (i.e., smart probe). Prototypes of twice-as-smart ligands were
      recently developed to track and label G-quadruplexes: these higher-order nucleic
      acid structures originate in the assembly of four guanine(G)-rich DNA or RNA
      strands, whose stability is imparted by the formation and the self-assembly of G
      quartets. The first prototypes of twice-as-smart quadruplex ligands were designed
      to exploit the self-association of quartets, being themselves synthetic G
      quartets. While their quadruplex recognition capability has been thoroughly
      documented, some doubts remain about the precise photophysical mechanism that
      underlies their peculiar spectroscopic properties. Here, we uncovered this
      mechanism via complete theoretical calculations. Collected information was then
      used to develop a novel application of twice-as-smart ligands, as efficient
      chemical sensors of bacterial signaling pathways via the fluorescent detection of
      naturally occurring extracellular quadruplexes formed by cyclic dimeric guanosine
      monophosphate (c-di-GMP).

PMID- 27667718
TI  - Global Phosphoproteomic Analysis Reveals the Involvement of Phosphorylation in
      Aflatoxins Biosynthesis in the Pathogenic Fungus Aspergillus flavus.
AB  - Aspergillus flavus is a pathogenic fungus that produces toxic and carcinogenic
      aflatoxins and is the causative agent of aflatoxicosis. A growing body of
      evidence indicates that reversible phosphorylation plays important roles in
      regulating diverse functions in this pathogen. However, only a few
      phosphoproteins of this fungus have been identified, which hampers our
      understanding of the roles of phosphorylation in A. flavus. So we performed a
      global and site-specific phosphoproteomic analysis of A. flavus. A total of 598
      high-confidence phosphorylation sites were identified in 283 phosphoproteins. The
      identified phosphoproteins were involved in various biological processes,
      including signal transduction and aflatoxins biosynthesis. Five identified
      phosphoproteins associated with MAPK signal transduction and aflatoxins
      biosynthesis were validated by immunoblotting using phospho-specific antibodies.
      Further functional studies revealed that phosphorylation of the MAP kinase kinase
      kinase Ste11 affected aflatoxins biosynthesis in A. flavus. Our data represent
      the results of the first global survey of protein phosphorylation in A. flavus
      and reveal previously unappreciated roles for phosphorylation in the regulation
      of aflatoxins production. The generated dataset can serve as an important
      resource for the functional analysis of protein phosphorylation in A. flavus and
      facilitate the elucidation of phosphorylated signaling networks in this pathogen.

PMID- 27667719
TI  - Ska3 Ensures Timely Mitotic Progression by Interacting Directly With Microtubules
      and Ska1 Microtubule Binding Domain.
AB  - The establishment of physical attachment between the kinetochore and dynamic
      spindle microtubules, which undergo cycles of polymerization and depolymerization
      generating straight and curved microtubule structures, is essential for accurate
      chromosome segregation. The Ndc80 and Ska complexes are the major microtubule
      binding factors of the kinetochore responsible for maintaining chromosome
      microtubule coupling during chromosome segregation. We previously showed that the
      Ska1 subunit of the Ska complex binds dynamic microtubules using multiple contact
      sites in a mode that allows conformation-independent binding. Here, we show that
      the Ska3 subunit is required to modulate the microtubule binding capability of
      the Ska complex (i) by directly interacting with tubulin monomers and (ii)
      indirectly by interacting with tubulin contacting regions of Ska1 suggesting an
      allosteric regulation. Perturbing either the Ska3-microtubule interaction or the
      Ska3-Ska1 interactions negatively influences microtubule binding by the Ska
      complex in vitro and affects the timely onset of anaphase in cells. Thus, Ska3
      employs additional modulatory elements within the Ska complex to ensure robust
      kinetochore-microtubule attachments and timely progression of mitosis.

PMID- 27667721
TI  - Using fluorescent dissolved organic matter to trace and distinguish the origin of
      Arctic surface waters.
AB  - Climate change affects the Arctic with regards to permafrost thaw, sea-ice melt,
      alterations to the freshwater budget and increased export of terrestrial material
      to the Arctic Ocean. The Fram and Davis Straits represent the major gateways
      connecting the Arctic and Atlantic. Oceanographic surveys were performed in the
      Fram and Davis Straits, and on the east Greenland Shelf (EGS), in late summer
      2012/2013. Meteoric (fmw), sea-ice melt, Atlantic and Pacific water fractions
      were determined and the fluorescence properties of dissolved organic matter
      (FDOM) were characterized. In Fram Strait and EGS, a robust correlation between
      visible wavelength fluorescence and fmw was apparent, suggesting it as a reliable
      tracer of polar waters. However, a pattern was observed which linked the organic
      matter characteristics to the origin of polar waters. At depth in Davis Strait,
      visible wavelength FDOM was correlated to apparent oxygen utilization (AOU) and
      traced deep-water DOM turnover. In surface waters FDOM characteristics could
      distinguish between surface waters from eastern (Atlantic + modified polar
      waters) and western (Canada-basin polar waters) Arctic sectors. The findings
      highlight the potential of designing in situ multi-channel DOM fluorometers to
      trace the freshwater origins and decipher water mass mixing dynamics in the
      region without laborious samples analyses.

PMID- 27667720
TI  - G9a inhibits MEF2C activity to control sarcomere assembly.
AB  - In this study, we demonstrate that the lysine methyltransferase G9a inhibits
      sarcomere organization through regulation of the MEF2C-HDAC5 regulatory axis.
      Sarcomeres are essential for muscle contractile function. Presently, skeletal
      muscle disease and dysfunction at the sarcomere level has been associated with
      mutations of sarcomere proteins. This study provides evidence that G9a represses
      expression of several sarcomere genes and its over-expression disrupts sarcomere
      integrity of skeletal muscle cells. G9a inhibits MEF2C transcriptional activity
      that is essential for expression of sarcomere genes. Through protein interaction
      assays, we demonstrate that G9a interacts with MEF2C and its co-repressor HDAC5.
      In the presence of G9a, calcium signaling-dependent phosphorylation and export of
      HDAC5 to the cytoplasm is blocked which likely results in enhanced MEF2C-HDAC5
      association. Activation of calcium signaling or expression of constitutively
      active CaMK rescues G9a-mediated repression of HDAC5 shuttling as well as
      sarcomere gene expression. Our results demonstrate a novel epigenetic control of
      sarcomere assembly and identifies new therapeutic avenues to treat skeletal and
      cardiac myopathies arising from compromised muscle function.

PMID- 27667722
TI  - Prevalence of human papillomavirus types, viral load and physical status of HPV16
      in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma from the South Swedish Health Care
      Region.
AB  - Incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive head and neck squamous cell
      carcinoma (HNSCC) is rising in several countries. Intriguingly, large variations
      of HPV16 viral load and different proportions of the physical viral status among
      HNSCC have been reported. We analysed fresh biopsies of 275 HNSCC patients from
      the South Swedish Health Care Region for HPV types with modified general primer
      PCR and Luminex. Seventy-eight HPV16-positive HNSCC cases were further
      investigated for viral DNA load and physical status using quantitative PCR for
      HPV E2 and E7 genes. Presence of intact E2 gene, as a surrogate marker for
      episomal HPV, was investigated with conventional PCR. Fifteen different HPV types
      were detected in HNSCC cases and HPV16 was present in 74 % of the HPV-positive
      cases. HPV was detected in 65 % (92/141) and 11 % (15/134) of oropharyngeal and
      non-oropharyngeal carcinomas, respectively (P<0.0001). HPV was detected in 73 %
      (75/103) of tonsillar carcinomas. The median load of HPV16 was 13 copies cell-1
      (range 0.003-1080). Among HPV16-positive patients with oropharyngeal carcinoma,
      metastases to regional lymph nodes were observed in 100 % (17/17) and 68 %
      (40/58) for those with <1 HPV16 copy cell-1 and >1 HPV16 copy cell-1,
      respectively (P=0.007). Among HPV16 cases, purely integrated HPV16 was found in 6
      %, whereas entirely episomal and mixed virus was detected in 51 and 42 % of
      cases, respectively. Conclusively, HPV16 viral DNA load demonstrated a large
      diversity among HNSCCs. Although integration of HPV16 is common (48 %), the
      episomal HPV16 is salient (93 %) among HPV16 HNSCCs. In addition, low amount of
      HPV16 was associated with lymph node metastases among oropharyngeal carcinomas.

PMID- 27667724
TI  - Tuning the Activity of Oxygen in LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 Battery Electrodes.
AB  - Layered transition metal oxides such as LiNi0.8Co 0.15Al0.05O2 (NCA) are highly
      desirable battery electrodes. However, these materials suffer from thermal
      runaway caused by deleterious oxygen loss and surface phase transitions when in
      highly overcharged and overheated conditions, prompting serious safety concerns.
      Using in situ environmental transmission electron microscopy techniques, we
      demonstrate that surface oxygen loss and structural changes in the highly
      overcharged NCA particles are suppressed by exposing them to an oxygen-rich
      environment. The onset temperature for the loss of oxygen from the electrode
      particle is delayed to 350  degrees C at oxygen gas overpressure of 400 mTorr.
      Similar heating of the particles in a reducing hydrogen gas demonstrated a quick
      onset of oxygen loss at 150  degrees C and rapid surface degradation of the
      particles. The results reported here illustrate the fundamental mechanism
      governing the failure processes of electrode particles and highlight possible
      strategies to circumvent such issues.

PMID- 27667723
TI  - Improving the understanding and treatment of complex grief: an important issue
      for psychotraumatology.
AB  - In the Netherlands, every year 500,000 people are confronted with the death of a
      close relative. Many of these people experience little emotional distress. In
      some, bereavement precipitates severe grief, distress, and dysphoria. A small yet
      significant minority of bereaved individuals develops persistent and debilitating
      symptoms of persistent complex bereavement disorder (PCBD) (also termed prolonged
      grief disorder), posttraumatic stress disorder, and depression. Knowledge about
      early identification of, and preventive care for complex grief has increased.
      Moreover, in recent years there has been an increase in treatment options for
      people for whom loss leads to persistent psychological problems. That said,
      preventive and curative treatments are effective for some, but not all bereaved
      individuals experiencing distress and dysfunction following loss. This
      necessitates further research on the development, course, and treatment of
      various stages of complex grief, including PCBD. 

PMID- 27667725
TI  - Workers with hand dermatitis and workplace training experiences: A qualitative
      perspective.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Workplace training may help to prevent contact dermatitis, a common
      work-related disease. Information on the characteristics of existing workplace
      training programs and worker perceptions of this training is limited. METHODS:
      Fourteen workers with suspected occupational contact dermatitis participated in
      one-on-one, semi-structured interviews. An inductive thematic analysis approach
      was used to identify interview themes. RESULTS: Workers expressed a desire for
      hands-on training with content relevant to their job tasks, favored training from
      supervisors who had practical experience, and were conflicted about employer
      motivations for providing training. Few workers had received training on skin
      protection. In many cases, the training workers had received differed greatly
      from their desired training. CONCLUSIONS: Although, workers with contact
      dermatitis describe having received workplace training, some question its value
      and effectiveness. This perspective may be attributed not only to the content and
      methods of training but also the health and safety culture of the workplace. Am.
      J. Ind. Med. 60:69-76, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27667726
TI  - Social activities are associated with cognitive decline in older Koreans.
AB  - AIM: Social activity seems to be important for the prevention of cognitive
      impairment and frailty. The objective of the present study was to investigate
      whether social activities are associated with the development of cognitive
      impairment in Korean older people. METHODS: We analyzed data from the Korean
      National Longitudinal Study on Aging. A total of 2495 Korean community-dwelling
      older adults (1163 men and 1332 women) aged between 65 and 79 years at the first
      wave of the Korean National Longitudinal Study on Aging were used for analysis.
      Cognitive function was assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination in 2006 and
      2012. Multiple logistic regression analysis was carried out by adjusting
      covariates, such as age, sex, education, employment, Center for Epidemiological
      Studies-Depression and instrumental activities of daily living scores, and weight
      loss. RESULTS: Among the participants, 951 participants (38.1%) showed cognitive
      decline. Compared with those who participated in a large number of group social
      activities, multivariate-adjusted odds ratios of cognitive decline in those who
      participated in a moderate and small number of group activities were 1.18 (95% CI
      0.93-1.48) and 1.80 (95% CI 1.16-1.90), respectively. Among six types of group
      social activities, two types (social club/cafe and alumni) showed a significant
      correlation with less cognitive decline; adjusted odds ratios of the group with a
      small number of activities were 1.31 (95% CI 1.09-1.56) and 1.46 (95% CI 1.10
      1.93), respectively, compared with the group with a large number of activities.
      Personal social activities and the other four types of activities (religious,
      political, leisure and volunteer) did not affect the outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Two
      social group activities (social club/cafe and alumni) were significantly
      associated with less cognitive decline in older Koreans. Geriatr Gerontol Int
      2017; 17: 1191-1196.

PMID- 27667727
TI  - Exon Junction Complexes: Supervising the Gene Expression Assembly Line.
AB  - The exon junction complex (EJC) is an RNA-binding protein complex that is
      assembled and deposited onto mRNAs during splicing. The EJC comprises four core
      components that bind to not only canonical sites upstream of exon-exon junctions,
      but also to noncanonical sites at other positions in exons. EJC-associated
      proteins are recruited by the EJC at different steps of gene expression to
      execute the multiple functions of the EJC. Recently, new insights have been
      obtained into how EJCs stimulate pre-mRNA splicing, and mRNA export, translation,
      and degradation. Furthermore, mutations in EJC core components were shown to
      result in severe disorders in humans, demonstrating the critical physiological
      role of the EJC. Hence, the EJC has been identified as an important player in
      post-transcriptional gene regulation in metazoans.

PMID- 27667729
TI  - The national landscape of human papillomavirus-associated oropharynx squamous
      cell carcinoma.
AB  - The head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNC) landscape is evolving with human
      papillomavirus (HPV) being a rising cause of oropharynx carcinoma (OPC). This
      study seeks to investigate a national database for HPV-associated oropharynx
      carcinoma (HPV-OPC). Using the National Cancer Data Base, we analyzed 22,693
      patients with HPV-OPC and known HPV status. Chi-square tests and logistic
      regression models were utilized to examine differences between HPV positive and
      HPV negative OPC. 14,805 (65.2%) patients were HPV positive. Mean age at
      presentation was 58.4 years with HPV-HNC patients being 2.8 years younger
      compared to the HPV-negative cohort (58.4 vs. 61.2 years, p < 0.001). 67.6% of
      white patients were HPV-positive compared to 42.3% of African American patients
      and 57.1% of Hispanics (p < 0.001). When combining race and socioeconomic status
      (SES), we found African American patients in high SES groups had HPV-OPC
      prevalence that was significantly higher than African American patients in low
      SES groups (56.9% vs. 36.3%, p < 0.001). Geographic distribution of HPV-OPC was
      also analyzed and found to be most prevalent in Western states and least
      prevalent in the Southern states (p < 0.001). The distribution of HPV-OPC is
      variable across the country and among racial and socioeconomic groups. A broad
      understanding of these differences in HPV-OPC should drive educational programs
      and improve clinical trials that benefit both prevention and current treatments.

PMID- 27667728
TI  - Phytoplasma classification and phylogeny based on in silico and in vitro RFLP
      analysis of cpn60 universal target sequences.
AB  - Phytoplasmas are unculturable, phytopathogenic bacteria that cause economic
      losses worldwide. As unculturable micro-organisms, phytoplasma taxonomy has been
      based on the use of the 16S rRNA-encoding gene to establish 16Sr groups and
      subgroups based on the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) pattern
      resulting from the digestion of amplicon (in vitro) or sequence (in silico) with
      seventeen restriction enzymes. Problems such as heterogeneity of the ribosomal
      operon and the inability to differentiate closely related phytoplasma strains has
      motivated the search for additional markers capable of providing finer
      differentiation of phytoplasma strains. In this study we developed and validated
      a scheme to classify phytoplasmas based on the use of cpn60 universal target
      (cpn60 UT) sequences. Ninety-six cpn60 UT sequences from strains belonging to 19
      16Sr subgroups were subjected to in silico RFLP using pDRAW32 software, resulting
      in 25 distinctive RFLP profiles. Based on these results we delineated cpn60 UT
      groups and subgroups, and established a threshold similarity coefficient for
      groups and subgroups classifying all the strains analysed in this study. The
      nucleotide identity among the reference strains, the correspondence between in
      vitro and in silico RFLP, and the phylogenetic relationships of phytoplasma
      strains based on cpn60 UT sequences are also discussed.

PMID- 27667731
TI  - Bayesian variable selection and estimation in semiparametric joint models of
      multivariate longitudinal and survival data.
AB  - This paper presents a novel semiparametric joint model for multivariate
      longitudinal and survival data (SJMLS) by relaxing the normality assumption of
      the longitudinal outcomes, leaving the baseline hazard functions unspecified and
      allowing the history of the longitudinal response having an effect on the risk of
      dropout. Using Bayesian penalized splines to approximate the unspecified baseline
      hazard function and combining the Gibbs sampler and the Metropolis-Hastings
      algorithm, we propose a Bayesian Lasso (BLasso) method to simultaneously estimate
      unknown parameters and select important covariates in SJMLS. Simulation studies
      are conducted to investigate the finite sample performance of the proposed
      techniques. An example from the International Breast Cancer Study Group (IBCSG)
      is used to illustrate the proposed methodologies.

PMID- 27667730
TI  - Self-navigated 4D cartesian imaging of periodic motion in the body trunk using
      partial k-space compressed sensing.
AB  - PURPOSE: To enable fast and flexible high-resolution four-dimensional (4D) MRI of
      periodic thoracic/abdominal motion for motion visualization or motion-corrected
      imaging. METHODS: We proposed a Cartesian three-dimensional k-space sampling
      scheme that acquires a random combination of k-space lines in the ky/kz plane. A
      partial Fourier-like constraint compacts the sampling space to one half of k
      space. The central k-space line is periodically acquired to allow an extraction
      of a self-navigated respiration signal used to populate a k-space of multiple
      breathing positions. The randomness of the acquisition (induced by periodic
      breathing pattern) yields a subsampled k-space that is reconstructed using
      compressed sensing. Local image evaluations (coefficient of variation and slope
      steepness through organs) reveal information about motion resolvability. Image
      quality is inspected by a blinded reading. Sequence and reconstruction method are
      made publicly available. RESULTS: The method is able to capture and reconstruct
      4D images with high image quality and motion resolution within a short scan time
      of less than 2 min. These findings are supported by restricted-isometry-property
      analysis, local image evaluation, and blinded reading. CONCLUSION: The proposed
      method provides a clinical feasible setup to capture periodic respiratory motion
      with a fast acquisition protocol and can be extended by further surrogate signals
      to capture additional periodic motions. Retrospective parametrization allows for
      flexible tuning toward the targeted applications. Magn Reson Med 78:632-644,
      2017. (c) 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

PMID- 27667733
TI  - Clinical review of treatment outcomes and patterns of failure with adjuvant
      radiotherapy in node-positive malignant melanoma.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Adjuvant radiotherapy is proven to prevent lymph node field relapse
      after therapeutic lymphadenectomy for melanoma, but does not improve overall
      survival based on current data. There remains a high rate of distant relapse.
      This study reports patterns of failure in patients treated with adjuvant
      radiotherapy, looking at factors associated with distant metastasis and comparing
      this to recent literature. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients
      treated with adjuvant nodal irradiation after lymphadenectomy between June 2012
      and March 2015. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients were treated during this period.
      Median follow-up was 13.5 months. There were no lymph node field recurrences.
      Distant metastasis (DM) rate was 48%. DM rate was significantly higher (P =
      0.027) in patients with extracapsular extension (ECE) (71%) than those without
      ECE (0%). DM rate was higher in those with a maximum tumour size of >3 cm (71%)
      than those with tumour size <3 cm (30%) (P = 0.160). Number of nodes, BRAF status
      or nodal site did not correlate with rate of DM. The median time to DM was 16
      weeks after completion of radiotherapy. CONCLUSION: Radiotherapy is well
      tolerated and effective in regional control. However, patients are at risk of
      early distant relapse, particularly those with ECE or large tumour size. There
      are currently no useful prognostic markers to differentiate the risk of regional
      versus distant recurrence, and the optimal treatment paradigm remains undefined.
      Research on adjuvant systemic therapies and abscopal effects of radiotherapy have
      shown improved management of distant metastasis; creating an even greater need
      for effective regional control strategies.

PMID- 27667732
TI  - Stable benefits of bilateral over unilateral cochlear implantation after two
      years: A randomized controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To investigate hearing capabilities and self-reported
      benefits of simultaneous bilateral cochlear implantation (BiCI) compared with
      unilateral cochlear implantation (UCI) after a 2-year follow-up and to evaluate
      the learning effect of cochlear implantees over time. STUDY DESIGN: Multicenter
      randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Thirty-eight postlingually deafened adults
      were included in this study and randomly allocated to either UCI or simultaneous
      BiCI. Our primary outcome was speech intelligibility in noise, with speech and
      noise coming from straight ahead (Utrecht-Sentence Test with Adaptive Randomized
      Roving levels). Secondary outcomes were speech intelligibility in noise with
      spatially separated sources, speech intelligibility in silence (Dutch phoneme
      test), localization capabilities and self-reported benefits assessed with
      different quality of hearing and quality of life (QoL) questionnaires. This
      article describes the results after 2 years of follow-up. RESULTS: We found
      comparable results for the UCI and simultaneous BiCI group, when speech and noise
      were both presented from straight ahead. Patients in the BiCI group performed
      significantly better than patients in the UCI group, when speech and noise came
      from different directions (P = .01). Furthermore, their localization capabilities
      were significantly better. These results were consistent with patients' self
      reported hearing capabilities, but not with the questionnaires regarding QoL. We
      found no significant differences on any of the subjective and objective reported
      outcomes between the 1-year and 2-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      demonstrates important benefits of simultaneous BiCI compared with UCI that
      remain stable over time. Bilaterally implanted patients benefit significantly in
      difficult everyday listening situations such as when speech and noise come from
      different directions. Furthermore, bilaterally implanted patients are able to
      localize sounds, which is impossible for unilaterally implanted patients. LEVEL
      OF EVIDENCE: 1b Laryngoscope, 127:1161-1168, 2017.

PMID- 27667734
TI  - Chikungunya fever: an emerging viral infection threatening North America and
      Europe.
AB  - Since the beginning of the twenty-first century, there has been a rapid rise in
      the number of cases of chikungunya. Initially limited to islands of the
      southwestern Indian Ocean, the virus has spread across Africa and into the
      islands of the Caribbean. Cutaneous symptoms include a morbilliform eruption,
      hyperpigmented macules, and aphthae-like ulcers. Patients often also experience
      fever and joint pain. We review the methods for diagnosis, treatment, and
      prevention of this increasingly prevalent virus now emerging more commonly in
      Europe and North America.

PMID- 27667735
TI  - Total and regional adiposity measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and
      mortality in NHANES 1999-2006.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Associations of overall and regional body fat measured by dual-energy
      X-ray absorptiometry with total and cause-specific mortality in the National
      Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2006 were investigated.
      METHODS: This study included 9,471 participants (>=20 years) free of major
      chronic diseases at baseline. Death information was obtained from the National
      Death Index (mean follow-up duration: 8.8 years). RESULTS: A total of 682
      participants died after 12 months since baseline, with 206 and 170 deaths
      attributed to cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and cancer, respectively. The second
      quartile of fat mass percentages (FM%) was used as the reference to account for
      potential nonlinearity. In the multivariate-adjusted model, participants in the
      highest quartile of total FM% had increased total mortality; hazard ratio (HR;
      95% confidence interval, 95% CI) was 1.48 (1.07-2.04; P < 0.05). Higher total and
      trunk FM%, but not leg FM%, were significantly associated with an increased CVD
      mortality; HRs (95% CIs) in the highest quartiles of total, trunk, and leg FM%
      were 2.24 (1.17-4.31), 1.93 (1.02-3.66), and 1.50 (0.77-2.94), respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: Higher total body fat was associated with increased total mortality
      in U.S. adults. Higher total and trunk fat contents were also associated with
      increased CVD mortality, although fat accumulation in the lower body was not an
      independent predictor of mortality.

PMID- 27667737
TI  - New Aspects of the Biology of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps.
AB  - The formation and release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) discovered in
      2004 by Volker Brinkmann and Arturo Zychlinsky cast a new light on the role of
      neutrophils in the non-specific immune response of the body. This discovery has
      resulted in the rapid development of neutrophil studies in different bacterial
      and autoimmune diseases as well as neoplasms. Research is also being performed on
      the role of different signalling pathways engaged in the induction of NETosis, a
      unique form of a programmed cell death leading to the creation of NETs. The
      literature provides information on the structure and composition of neutrophil
      extracellular traps. This review presents the latest data on NET formation and
      the role of their key components, as well as describing the intracellular
      signalling pathways leading to the generation of NETs that have been discovered.

PMID- 27667738
TI  - Carbopalladation Cascades Using Carbon-Carbon Triple Bonds: Recent Advances to
      Access Complex Scaffolds.
AB  - Alkynes are one of the most versatile functional groups as synthetic handles.
      They allow for a direct access to partially or fully substituted alkenes through
      difunctionalization reactions. A prominently utilized transformation for these
      sequences is the carbopalladation of alkynes, which can be followed by various
      termination steps such as aromatizations, dearomatizations, cross-coupling
      reactions, or pericyclic processes, amongst others. This Minireview provides an
      overview of the recent literature published in the field of carbopalladation
      chemistry, both with a focus on methodology as well as its application in the
      syntheses of complex molecular scaffolds, natural products, and functional
      molecules.

PMID- 27667736
TI  - Impaired virus replication and decreased innate immune responses to viral
      infections in nasal epithelial cells from patients with allergic rhinitis.
AB  - The aim of this study was to assess the immune response to parainfluenza virus
      type 3 (PIV3), rhinovirus 1B (RV1B) and intracellular Toll-like receptors (TLR)
      agonists in nasal epithelial cells (NECs) from patients with allergic rhinitis
      and healthy controls. NECs were obtained from eight patients with allergic
      rhinitis (AR) and 11 non-atopic healthy controls (HC) by nasal scraping, grown to
      confluence and exposed to PIV3, RV1B infection or TLR-3 and TLR-7/8 agonists.
      Interferon (IFN)-lambda1, IFN-alpha, IFN-beta and regulated on activation, normal
      T expressed and secreted (RANTES) release into the cell culture supernatants was
      assessed at 8, 24 and 48 h upon infection or 8 and 24 h after stimulation with
      poly(I:C) and R848. mRNA levels of IFNs, RANTES, interferon regulatory
      transcription factor (IRF)3, IRF7 and viral gene copy number were determined
      using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). PIV3 but not RV1B replication
      48 h after infection was significantly lower (P < 0.01) in NECs from AR patients
      compared to HC. PIV3 infection induced significantly less IFN-lambda1 (both
      protein and mRNA) in NECs from AR compared to HC. IFN-beta mRNA expression and
      RANTES protein release and mRNA expression tended to be smaller in AR compared HC
      cells in response to both viruses. Stimulation with TLR-3 agonist [poly (I:C)]
      induced similar IFN-lambda1 and RANTES generation in AR and HC subjects. Viral
      infections in NECs induced IRF7 expression, which correlated with IFN and RANTES
      expression. These data suggest that virus proliferation rates and the immune
      response profile are different in nasal epithelial cells from patients with
      allergic rhinitis compared to healthy individuals.

PMID- 27667739
TI  - A novel HLA-B allele, HLA-B*15:399, identified in a Chinese individual.
AB  - One nucleotide replacement in codon 41 of HLA-B*15:02:01 results in a novel
      allele, HLA-B*15:399.

PMID- 27667741
TI  - Quantum Physics Principles and Communication in the Acute Healthcare Setting: A
      Pilot Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This pilot study explores whether clinician awareness of quantum
      physics principles could facilitate open communication between patients and
      providers. DESIGN: In the spirit of action research, this study was
      conceptualized with a holistic view of human health, using a mixed method design
      of grounded theory as an emergent method. SAMPLING: Instrumentation includes
      surveys and a focus group discussion with twelve registered nurses working in an
      acute care hospital setting. RESULTS: Findings document that the preliminary core
      phenomenon, energy as information, influences communication in the healthcare
      environment. Key emergent themes include awareness, language, validation, open
      communication, strategies, coherence, incoherence and power. CONCLUSION: Research
      participants indicate that quantum physics principles provide a language and
      conceptual framework for improving their awareness of communication and
      interactions in the healthcare environment. Implications of this pilot study
      support the feasibility of future research and education on awareness of quantum
      physics principles in other clinical settings.

PMID- 27667742
TI  - A SUMO and ubiquitin code coordinates protein traffic at replication factories.
AB  - Post-translational modifications regulate each step of DNA replication to ensure
      the faithful transmission of genetic information. In this context, we recently
      showed that deubiquitination of SUMO2/3 and SUMOylated proteins by USP7 helps to
      create a SUMO-rich and ubiquitin-low environment around replisomes that is
      necessary to maintain the activity of replication forks and for new origin
      firing. We propose that a two-flag system mediates the collective concentration
      of factors at sites of DNA replication, whereby SUMO and Ubiquitinated-SUMO would
      constitute "stay" or "go" signals respectively for replisome and accessory
      factors. We here discuss the findings that led to this model, which have
      implications for the potential use of USP7 inhibitors as anticancer agents.

PMID- 27667743
TI  - Case of primary pleural angiosarcoma with malignant seeding along the pleural tap
      tract.

PMID- 27667740
TI  - Evaluation of Evolocumab (AMG 145), a Fully Human Anti-PCSK9 IgG2 Monoclonal
      Antibody, in Subjects With Hepatic Impairment.
AB  - Evolocumab binds PCSK9, increasing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)
      receptors and lowering LDL-C. Target-mediated evolocumab elimination is
      attributable to PCSK9 binding. As circulating PCSK9 and LDL-C levels are
      primarily regulated by the liver, we compared evolocumab pharmacokinetics,
      pharmacodynamics, and safety in individuals with and without hepatic impairment.
      An open-label, parallel-group study evaluated the pharmacokinetics of evolocumab
      in hepatic-impaired (Child-Pugh Class A or B) or healthy adults. Participants
      were classified as having no, mild, or moderate hepatic impairment (n = 8/group)
      and received a single 140-mg evolocumab dose. Assessments of unbound evolocumab
      and PCSK9 were made predose and postdose. Adverse events were monitored
      throughout the study. No significant association was observed between baseline
      PCSK9 and increasing level of hepatic impairment. No difference in extent and
      time course of PCSK9 or LDL-C reduction was observed despite an apparent decrease
      in mean unbound evolocumab exposure with increasing hepatic impairment
      (Jonckheere-Terpstra trend test; maximum serum concentration P = .18; area under
      the curve P = .09). Maximum reductions were observed in moderately impaired
      subjects vs healthy individuals: mean maximum serum concentration -34%; mean area
      under the concentration-time curve (AUC) -47%. On average, unbound PCSK9 serum
      concentrations fell by >80% at 4 hours after a single evolocumab dose. Mean (95%
      confidence interval) maximum LDL-C reductions in the healthy, mild, and moderate
      groups were -57% (-64% to -48%), -70% (-75% to -63%), and -53% (-61% to -43%),
      respectively. No safety risks were identified. These results support evolocumab
      use without dose adjustment in patients with active liver disease and mild or
      moderate hepatic impairment.

PMID- 27667745
TI  - Catalytic Asymmetric Csp3 -H Functionalization under Photoredox Conditions by
      Radical Translocation and Stereocontrolled Alkene Addition.
AB  - This work demonstrates how photoredox-mediated C(sp3 )-H activation through
      radical translocation can be combined with asymmetric catalysis. Upon irradiation
      with visible light, alpha,beta-unsaturated N-acylpyrazoles react with N
      alkoxyphthalimides in the presence of a rhodium-based chiral Lewis acid catalyst
      and the photosensitizer fac-[Ir(ppy)3 ] to provide a C-C bond-formation product
      with high enantioselectivity (up to 97 % ee) and, where applicable, with some
      diastereoselectivity (3.0:1 d.r.). Mechanistically, the synthetic strategy
      exploits a radical translocation (1,5-hydrogen transfer) from an oxygen-centered
      to a carbon-centered radical with a subsequent stereocontrolled radical alkene
      addition.

PMID- 27667744
TI  - Carboxylated and undercarboxylated osteocalcin in metabolic complications of
      human obesity and prediabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Carboxylated osteocalcin (Gla-OC) participates in bone remodeling,
      whereas the undercarboxylated form (Glu-OC) takes part in energy metabolism. This
      study was undertaken to compare the blood levels of Glu-OC and Gla-OC in
      nonobese, healthy obese, and prediabetic volunteers and correlate it with the
      metabolic markers of insulin resistance and early markers of inflammation.
      METHODS: Nonobese (body mass index [BMI] <30 kg/m2 ; n = 34) and obese subjects
      (30 <BMI <40 kg/m2 ; n = 98), both sexes, aged 25 to 65 years, were divided into
      healthy control, normal weight subjects, healthy obese, and obese with
      biochemical markers of prediabetes. The subgroups with obesity and low or high
      Gla-OC or Glu-OC were also considered for statistical analysis. After 2 weeks of
      diet standardization, venous blood was sampled for the determination of Gla-OC,
      Glu-OC, lipid profile, parameters of inflammation (hsCRP, interleukin 6, sE
      selectin, sPECAM-1, and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1), and adipokines
      (leptin, adiponectin, visfatin, and resistin). RESULTS: Gla-OC in obese patients
      was significantly lower compared to nonobese ones (11.36 +/- 0.39 vs 12.69 +/-
      0.90 ng/mL, P = .048) and weakly correlated with hsCRP (r = -0.18, P = .042),
      visfatin concentration (r = -0.19, P = .033), and BMI (r = -0.17, P = .047). Glu
      OC was negatively associated with fasting insulin levels (r = -0.18, P = .049)
      and reduced in prediabetic individuals compared with healthy obese volunteers
      (3.04 +/- 0.28 vs 4.48 +/- 0.57, P = .025). CONCLUSIONS: Decreased blood
      concentration of Glu-OC may be a selective early symptom of insulin resistance in
      obesity, whereas the decreased level of Gla-OC seems to be associated with the
      appearance of early markers of low grade inflammation accompanying obesity.

PMID- 27667746
TI  - Fungal cell membrane-promising drug target for antifungal therapy.
AB  - Increase in invasive fungal infections over the past few years especially in
      immunocompromised patients prompted the search for new antifungal agents with
      improved efficacy. Current antifungal armoury includes very few effective drugs
      like Amphotericin B; new generation azoles, including voriconazole and
      posaconazole; echinocandins like caspofungin and micafungin to name a few. Azole
      class of antifungals which target the fungal cell membrane are the first choice
      of treatment for many years because of their effectiveness. As the fungal cell
      membrane is predominantly made up of sterols, glycerophospholipids and
      sphingolipids, the role of lipids in pathogenesis and target identification for
      improved therapeutics were largely pursued by researchers during the last few
      years. Present review focuses on cell membrane as an antifungal target with
      emphasis on membrane biogenesis, structure and function of cell membrane, cell
      membrane inhibitors, screening assays, recent advances and future prospects.

PMID- 27667747
TI  - PREFACE: Divergent roles of ER stress in neurodegeneration and brain disorders.

PMID- 27667748
TI  - Synergistic effects of pain intensity and experiential avoidance in relation to
      anxiety symptoms and disorders among economically disadvantaged latinos in a
      community-based primary care setting.
AB  - Latinos are subject to numerous health inequalities, including mental health
      disparity for anxiety and its disorders. In fact, there is strikingly little
      understanding of transdiagnostic risk factors for the onset and development of
      anxiety symptoms and disorders among Latinos. To build knowledge in this domain,
      the present investigation examined the interactive effects of experiential
      avoidance and pain intensity in relation to anxious arousal, social anxiety, and
      anxiety disorders among 361 Latino adults with annual incomes of less than
      $30,000 (87.5% female; Mage=38.8, SD=11.4, and 98.5% used Spanish as their first
      language) who attended a community-based primary healthcare clinic. As
      hypothesized, the interaction between experiential avoidance and pain intensity
      was significantly related to anxious arousal, social anxiety, and a number of
      anxiety disorders over and above the effects of other factors. The form of the
      significant interactions indicated that participants reporting co-occurring
      higher levels of experiential avoidance and pain intensity evinced the greatest
      levels of anxious arousal, social anxiety, and anxiety disorders. These data
      provide novel empirical evidence suggesting that there is clinically-relevant
      interplay between experiential avoidance and pain intensity in regard to a
      relatively wide array of anxiety problems among Latinos in a primary care medical
      setting.

PMID- 27667749
TI  - Correlation between some arterial and venous blood gas parameters in healthy
      newborn Martina Franca donkey foals from birth to 96 hours of age.
AB  - In neonatology, blood gas analysis is a useful tool in the evaluation of the
      health of newborns and plays a key role in early detection of critically ill
      subjects. Because blood gas analysis parameters have not previously been studied
      in any depth in donkey foals, this study was performed on 16 healthy Martina
      Franca donkey foals born after an uncomplicated delivery. Arterial and venous
      blood samples were collected at 5 minutes and at 12, 24, 72, and 96 hours of age.
      Blood gas analysis was performed by a portable analyzer, measuring arterial and
      venous total carbon dioxide, carbon dioxide partial pressure (pCO2), oxygen
      partial pressure (pO2), oxygen saturation (sO2), bicarbonate, base excess (BE),
      pH, and lactate (LT). Lower blood pH values, pO2 and sO2, and a higher level of
      lactate were found at birth in comparison with subsequent sampling times. This
      moderate acidotic profile disappeared at 12 hours, when all the parameters became
      constant until the end of the study period. As expected, significant differences
      between arterial and venous blood gas parameters related to the oxygenation, such
      as pO2 and sO2, and partially carbon dioxide partial pressure were found, whereas
      total carbon dioxide, pH, BE, and LT were comparable in arterial and venous blood
      samples. For these latter parameters, the highly significant correlation between
      arterial and venous findings suggests that venous samples could be an acceptable
      alternative to the arterial sample for blood gas analysis in newborn donkey
      foals, when the oxygenation status of the patient is not the first goal of
      patient analysis.

PMID- 27667750
TI  - Histopathologic examination of the genital tract in rabbits treated once or twice
      with a slow-release deslorelin implant for reversible suppression of ovarian
      function.
AB  - A total of 13 rabbits were treated with a subcutaneous deslorelin long-term
      release implant (4.7 mg) to study the effect on ovarian function and histologic
      features of the uterus. Seven rabbits (group 1) were implanted with a slow
      release deslorelin implant before onset of puberty for 273 days as a part of a
      previous study. After resumption of ovarian function had been confirmed, they
      were implanted again at the age of 430 days. Six adult rabbits (>177 days old;
      group 2) were implanted with a slow-release deslorelin implant for 273 days.
      Ovarian function before, during, and after treatment with the implant was
      assessed by measuring serum progesterone levels 10 days after a challenge
      injection of a short-acting GnRH (0.8 MUg buserelin intramuscularly) on
      progesterone levels in peripheral blood. Values more than 4 ng/mL progesterone
      were considered to verify ovarian function. Animals in group 1 underwent
      ovariohysterectomy during the second treatment with the implant and the uteri,
      and ovaries were subjected to histopathologic examination. Endometrial
      hyperplasia and endometritis were observed in 5 of 7 animals. Nonatretic and
      atretic follicles at different developmental stages, but no active corpora lutea,
      were present in the ovaries. Ovariohysterectomy of group 2 animals was performed
      2 to 12 months after implant removal. The histopathologic examination of the
      uterus and ovary of four animals neutered during induced pseudopregnancy showed
      no signs of uterine disorders. In two animals undergoing ovariohysterectomy 12
      months after implant removal, endometritis was present. Their ovaries contained
      follicles at different developmental stages and corpora albicantia. Reversible
      suppression of ovarian function can be achieved in female rabbits by the use of
      GnRH slow-release implants administered before or after puberty. The findings of
      endometrial hyperplasia and endometritis in seven out of 13 rabbits treated once
      or twice with the implant may indicate that the development of age-related
      pathologies of the uterus cannot be prevented by the suppression of ovarian
      function with a long-acting GnRH implant.

PMID- 27667751
TI  - Reactive oxygen species-mediated cardiac-reperfusion injury: Mechanisms and
      therapies.
AB  - Reperfusion injury is an inherent response to the restoration of blood flow after
      ischemia. It is a complex process involving numerous mechanisms occurring in the
      intracellular and extracellular environments, and it is mediated in part by
      reactive oxygen species (ROS). The imbalance between the cellular formation of
      free radicals and cells' capacity to defend against them can cause cardiac tissue
      injuries. In this context, ROS play an essential role in both the organ injury
      and repair processes. After reperfusion, infiltration into the myocardium of
      inflammatory leucocytes, such as macrophages and neutrophils, causes further ROS
      production beyond the initiation of the inflammatory cascade. In this case, ROS
      overproduction is crucial in cardiac injury, and it can increase the
      complications related to cardiac reperfusion. In myocardial tissue, ROS can be
      produced from several sources, such as xanthine oxidase, cytochrome oxidase,
      cyclooxygenase, mediated unsaturated fatty acid oxidation, oxidation of
      catecholamines, mitochondrial oxidation, activation of leukocyte nicotinamide
      adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase, iron release, and reduction-oxidation
      reaction cycling; all of these sources reduce molecular oxygen in the reperfused
      myocardium. This review discusses about the molecular and therapeutic aspects of
      cardiac-reperfusion injuries generated by ROS. Experimental and clinical evidence
      with respect to the use of ischemic preconditioning, Ca2+, nitric oxide, and
      conventional antioxidants in cardiac-reperfusion injury are summarized, and
      causal therapy approaches with various antioxidants are discussed.

PMID- 27667753
TI  - Regional Colonic Transit Pattern Does Not Conclusively Identify Evacuation
      Disorders in Constipated Patients with Delayed Colonic Transit.
AB  - Background/Aims: After exclusion of structural diseases, chronic constipation may
      be associated with normal or slow transit or rectal evacuation disorders. We
      evaluated: (1) clinical features and anorectal function, (2) difference of
      regional colonic transit according to the presence or absence of evacuation
      disorders, and (3) association of colonic transit with gender in patients with
      objectively slow colonic transit. Methods: We reviewed electronic medical records
      of 1553 patients with constipation seen by one gastroenterologist from 1994-2015
      at a tertiary medical center. We identified patients with slow colonic transit
      using scintigraphy. Evacuation disorders were identified on clinical examination
      or anorectal manometry. Colonic compliance and tone were measured in 29 patients.
      Statistical analysis was by the Mann-Whitney rank sum test. Results: Of the 207
      patients (155 females, mean age 41.3 +/- 15.3 [SD] years), 113 had evacuation
      disorders (ED+ve) and 94 did not (ED-ve). There were no significant differences
      in colonic transit or gastric emptying between ED+ve or ED-ve; similarly, colonic
      compliance, tone and responses to neostigmine were not different in ED+ve and ED
      ve. Conversely, there were significant differences by gender in patients with
      slow colonic transit: colonic transit, small bowel transit, and gastric emptying
      (all P < 0.005). Conclusions: Delayed colonic transit does not exclude evacuation
      disorders in chronic constipation. In chronic constipation and objectively slow
      colonic transit, females had slower gastric, small bowel, and colonic transit
      than males.

PMID- 27667752
TI  - Respiratory viruses and influenza-like illness: Epidemiology and outcomes in
      children aged 6 months to 10 years in a multi-country population sample.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Better population data on respiratory viruses in children in tropical
      and southern hemisphere countries is needed. METHODS: The epidemiology of
      respiratory viruses among healthy children (6 months to <10 years) with influenza
      like illness (ILI) was determined in a population sample derived from an
      influenza vaccine trial (NCT01051661) in 17 centers in eight countries
      (Australia, South East Asia and Latin America). Active surveillance for ILI was
      conducted for approximately 1 year (between February 2010 and August 2011), with
      PCR analysis of nasal and throat swabs. RESULTS: 6266 children were included, of
      whom 2421 experienced 3717 ILI episodes. Rhinovirus/enterovirus had the highest
      prevalence (41.5%), followed by influenza (15.8%), adenovirus (9.8%),
      parainfluenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (both 9.7%), coronavirus
      (5.6%), human metapneumovirus (5.5%) and human bocavirus (HBov) (2.0%).
      Corresponding incidence per 100 person-years was 29.78, 11.34, 7.03, 6.96, 6.94,
      4.00, 3.98 and 1.41. Except for influenza, respiratory virus prevalence declined
      with age. The incidence of medically-attended ILI associated with viral infection
      ranged from 1.03 (HBov) to 23.69 (rhinovirus/enterovirus). The percentage of
      children missing school or daycare ranged from 21.4% (HBov) to 52.1% (influenza).
      CONCLUSIONS: Active surveillance of healthy children provided evidence of
      respiratory illness burden associated with several viruses, with a substantial
      burden in older children.

PMID- 27667754
TI  - Sugar-modified poly(propylene imine) dendrimers as drug delivery agents for
      cytarabine to overcome drug resistance.
AB  - Maltose-modified poly(propylene imine) glycodendrimers (PPI-m OS) of the 4th
      generation provide a promising strategy for leukemia treatment. Anticancer
      therapy with nucleoside analog drugs such as cytarabine (Ara-C) frequently has
      limited efficacy due to drug resistance, inefficient uptake and accumulation of
      the drug inside cancer cells where it has to be transformed into the active
      triphosphate congener. The cationic nature of PPI dendrimers makes it possible to
      form complexes with nucleotide Ara-C triphosphate forms (Ara-CTP). The aim of
      this work was to test the concept of applying PPI glycodendrimers as drug
      delivery devices in order to facilitate the delivery of activated cytarabine to
      cancer cells to overcome metabolic limitations of the drug. The study has been
      carried out using 1301 and HL-60 leukemic cell lines as well as peripheral blood
      mononuclear cells. The results of cytotoxicity and apoptosis assays showed
      enhanced activity of Ara-C triphosphate form (Ara-CTP) complexed with PPI-m
      dendrimers in relation to free Ara-C and Ara-CTP against 1301 leukemic cells.
      Secondly, enhanced uptake and cytotoxicity of Ara-CTP-dendrimers complexes toward
      1301 cells with blocked human equilibrative nucleoside transporter - hENT1
      suggested that this combination might be a versatile candidate for chemotherapy
      against resistant acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells with lower expression of
      hENT1.

PMID- 27667755
TI  - HMDSO-plasma coated electrospun fibers of poly(cyclodextrin)s for antifungal
      dressings.
AB  - Electrospun mats containing cyclodextrin polymers (poly-alphaCD or poly-betaCD)
      were developed to act as wound dressings showing tunable release rate of the
      antifungal agent fluconazole incorporated forming inclusion complexes. Poly
      alphaCD and poly-betaCD were prepared via cross-linking with epichlorohydrin
      (EPI) as water-soluble large molecular weight polymers. Then, polyCDs forming
      complexes with fluconazole were mixed with poly-(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) or
      poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) for electrospinning. Obtained bead-free fibers
      showed a random distribution, diameters in the 350-850nm range, and a variety of
      physical stability behaviors in aqueous environment. Mats were coated by
      hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) plasma polymerization to create a hydrophobic layer
      that prevented rapid drug diffusion. HMDSO coating was evidenced by the Si
      content of mat surface (EDX analysis) and by the increase in the water contact
      angle (up to 130 degrees ). In physiological-mimicking medium, non-treated mats
      showed burst release of fluconazole, whereas HMDSO-coated mats sustained the
      release and delayed disintegration of PVP-based mats. Antifungal tests evidenced
      that both coated and non-coated mats efficiently inhibited the growth of Candida
      albicans.

PMID- 27667756
TI  - Segmental-dependent permeability throughout the small intestine following oral
      drug administration: Single-pass vs. Doluisio approach to in-situ rat perfusion.
AB  - Intestinal drug permeability is position dependent and pertains to a specific
      point along the intestinal membrane, and the resulted segmental-dependent
      permeability phenomenon has been recognized as a critical factor in the overall
      absorption of drug following oral administration. The aim of this research was to
      compare segmental-dependent permeability data obtained from two different rat
      intestinal perfusion approaches: the single-pass intestinal perfusion (SPIP)
      model and the closed-loop (Doluisio) rat perfusion method. The rat intestinal
      permeability of 12 model drugs with different permeability characteristics (low,
      moderate, and high, as well as passively and actively absorbed) was assessed in
      three small intestinal regions: the upper jejunum, mid-small intestine, and the
      terminal ileum, using both the SPIP and the Doluisio experimental methods.
      Excellent correlation was evident between the two approaches, especially in the
      upper jejunum (R2=0.95). Significant regional-dependent permeability was found in
      half of drugs studied, illustrating the importance and relevance of segmental
      dependent intestinal permeability. Despite the differences between the two
      methods, highly comparable results were obtained by both methods, especially in
      the medium-high Peff range. In conclusion, the SPIP and the Doluisio method are
      both equally useful in obtaining crucial segmental-dependent intestinal
      permeability data.

PMID- 27667757
TI  - Can lipid nanoparticles improve intestinal absorption?
AB  - Lipid nanoparticles and their multiple designs have been considered appealing
      nanocarrier systems. Bringing the benefits of these nanosystems together with
      conventional coating technology clearly results in product differentiation. This
      work aimed at developing an innovative solid dosage form for oral administration
      based on tableting nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC), coated with conventional
      polymer agents. NLC dispersions co-encapsulating olanzapine and simvastatin
      (Combo-NLC) were produced by high pressure homogenization, and evaluated in terms
      of scalability, drying procedure, tableting and performance from in vitro
      release, cytotoxicity and intestinal permeability stand points. Factorial design
      indicated that the scaling-up of the NLC production is clearly feasible. Spray
      drying was the method selected to obtain dry particles, not only because it
      consists of a single step procedure, but also because it facilitates the coating
      process of NLC with different polymers. Modified NLC formulations with the
      polymers allowed obtaining distinct release mechanisms, comprising immediate,
      delayed and prolonged release. Sureteric:Combo-NLC provided a low cytotoxicity
      profile, along with a ca. 12-fold OL/3-fold SV higher intestinal permeability,
      compared to those obtained with commercial tablets. Such findings can be ascribed
      to drug protection and control over release promoted by NLC, supporting them as a
      versatile platform able to be modified according to the intended needs.

PMID- 27667758
TI  - Application of 13C NMR cross-polarization inversion recovery experiments for the
      analysis of solid dosage forms.
AB  - Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) is a powerful and unique method
      for analyzing solid forms of the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs)
      directly in their original formulations. Unfortunately, despite their wide range
      of application, the ssNMR experiments often suffer from low sensitivity and peaks
      overlapping between API and excipients. To overcome these limitations, the
      crosspolarization inversion recovery method was successfully used. The
      differences in the spin-lattice relaxation time constants for hydrogen atoms
      T1(H) between API and excipients were employed in order to separate and
      discriminate their peaks in ssNMR spectra as well as to increase the intensity of
      API signals in low-dose formulations. The versatility of this method was
      demonstrated by different examples, including the excipients mixture and
      commercial solid dosage forms (e.g. granules and tablets).

PMID- 27667759
TI  - B10 cells play a role in the immune modulation of pro- and anti-inflammatory
      immune responses in mouse islet allograft rejection.
AB  - Recently, pancreatic islet transplantation has been shown to be a viable option
      for the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus. However, immune destruction
      becomes the major impediment to the clinical application of islet
      transplantation. Here, we evaluated changes affecting multiple types of immune
      cells and cytokines in allogeneic islet transplantation immunity after the
      administration of B10 cells alone and explored the regulatory mechanisms of B10
      cells in T cell-mediated allograft rejection. In vitro assays, B10 cells
      significantly decreased the proliferative capacity of CD4+CD25- T cells (13.75%+/
      0.96% vs. 32.76%+/-0.81%) while enhancing the proliferation of regulatory T cells
      (Tregs) (26.60%+/-1.14% vs. 21.52%+/-0.81%). Furthermore, after the
      administration of B10 cells in vivo, the frequencies of IL-10+ B cells and Tregs
      of islet transplant recipients were increased by the CD19+CD5+CD1dhi B cells, and
      the CD4+/CD8+ and IFN-gamma+/IL-17+ ratios were decreased. Serum IL-10 levels
      were up-regulated, while IFN-gamma levels were down-regulated. Grafts from 1 to
      5*106 B10 cell-treated recipients exhibited a reduced level of insulitis compared
      with the untreated controls, although the differences of graft survival times
      were not statistically significant. In general, in mouse islet allograft
      rejection, B10 cells may alleviate T cell-mediated immune responses by promoting
      Treg-cell development and inhibiting Th1 cells activation, via an IL-10-dependent
      pathway. Development of B10 cell-targeted therapy may be benefit for modulating
      immune response and provide insight into the signals involved the induction of
      islet allograft tolerance.

PMID- 27667760
TI  - The assessment of abdominal and multifidus muscles and their role in physical
      function in older adults: a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Age-related changes in the trunk (abdominal and lumbar multifidus)
      muscles and their impact on physical function of older adults are not clearly
      understood. OBJECTIVES: To systematically summarise studies of these trunk
      muscles in older adults. DATA SOURCES: Cochrane Library, Pubmed, EMBASE and
      CINAHL were searched using terms for abdominal and MF muscles and measurement
      methods. STUDY SELECTION: Two reviewers independently assessed studies and
      included those reporting measurements of abdominal muscles and/or MF by
      ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging or electromyography
      of adults aged >=50 years. DATA SYNTHESIS: A best evidence synthesis was
      performed. RESULTS: Best evidence synthesis revealed limited evidence for
      detrimental effects of ageing or spinal conditions on trunk muscles, and
      conflicting evidence for decreased physical activity or stroke having detrimental
      effects on trunk muscles. Thicknesses of rectus abdominis, internal oblique and
      external oblique muscles were 36% to 48% smaller for older than younger adults.
      Muscle quality was poorer among people with moderate-extreme low back pain and
      predicted physical function outcomes. LIMITATIONS: Study heterogeneity precluded
      meta-analysis. CONCLUSION: Overall, the evidence base in older people has
      significant limitations, so the role of physiotherapy interventions aimed at
      these muscles remains unclear. The results point to areas in which further
      research could lead to clinically useful outcomes. These include determining the
      role of the trunk muscles in the physical function of older adults and disease;
      developing and testing rehabilitation programmes for older people with spinal
      conditions and lower back pain; and identifying modifiable factors that could
      mitigate age-related changes.

PMID- 27667761
TI  - OTSC(r) system for the treatment of gastrointestinal perforations.

PMID- 27667763
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 27667762
TI  - Brain metabolite alterations in infants born preterm with intrauterine growth
      restriction: association with structural changes and neurodevelopmental outcome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intrauterine growth restriction and premature birth represent 2
      independent problems that may occur simultaneously and contribute to impaired
      neurodevelopment. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to assess changes in
      the frontal lobe metabolic profiles of 1 year old intrauterine growth restriction
      infants born prematurely and adequate-for-gestational-age controls, both
      premature and term adequate for gestational age and their association with brain
      structural and biophysical parameters and neurodevelopmental outcome at 2 years.
      STUDY DESIGN: A total of 26 prematurely born intrauterine growth restriction
      infants (birthweight <10th centile for gestational age), 22 prematurely born but
      adequate for gestational age controls, and 26 term adequate-for-gestational-age
      infants underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance
      spectroscopy at 1 year of age during natural sleep, on a 3 Tesla scanner. All
      brain T1-weighted and diffusion-weighted images were acquired along with short
      echo time single-voxel proton spectra from the frontal lobe. Magnetic resonance
      imaging/magnetic resonance spectroscopy data were processed to derive structural,
      biophysical, and metabolic information, respectively. Neurodevelopment was
      evaluated at 2 years of age using the Bayley Scales 3rd edition, assessing
      cognitive, language, motor, socioemotional, and adaptive behavior. RESULTS:
      Prematurely born intrauterine growth restriction infants had slightly smaller
      brain volumes and increased frontal lobe white matter mean diffusivity compared
      with both prematurely born but adequate for gestational age and term adequate for
      gestational age controls. Frontal lobe N-acetylaspartate levels were
      significantly lower in prematurely born intrauterine growth restriction than in
      prematurely born but adequate for gestational age infants but increased in
      prematurely born but adequate for gestational age compared with term adequate-for
      gestational-age infants. The prematurely born intrauterine growth restriction
      group also showed slightly lower choline compounds, borderline decrements of
      estimated glutathione levels, and increased myoinositol to choline ratios,
      compared with prematurely born but adequate for gestational age controls. These
      specific metabolite changes were locally correlated to lower gray matter content
      and increased mean diffusivity and reduced white matter fraction and fractional
      anisotropy. Prematurely born intrauterine growth restriction infants also showed
      a tendency for poorer neurodevelopmental outcome at 2 years, associated with
      lower levels of frontal lobe N-acetylaspartate at 1 year within the preterm
      subset. CONCLUSIONS: Preterm intrauterine growth restriction infants showed
      altered brain metabolite profiles during a critical stage of brain maturation,
      which correlate with brain structural and biophysical parameters and
      neurodevelopmental outcome. Our results suggest altered neurodevelopmental
      trajectories in preterm intrauterine growth restriction and adequate-for
      gestational-age infants, compared with term adequate-for-gestational-age infants,
      which require further characterization.

PMID- 27667764
TI  - Reducing maternal health disparities: the rural context.

PMID- 27667765
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 27667766
TI  - Efficacy of oral valacyclovir in cytomegalovirus-infected fetuses.

PMID- 27667767
TI  - Longitudinal fetal heart rate changes are not generally disregarded but should be
      supplemented by meaningful categorization of decelerations.

PMID- 27667768
TI  - Safety assessment and attenuation of cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity by tuberous
      roots of Boerhaavia diffusa.
AB  - Cisplatin (Cis-diaminedichloroplatinum II) is a chemotherapeutic agent having
      well documented adverse effect as nephrotoxicity. This study was designed to
      evaluate the nephroprotective role of Boerhaavia diffusa in cisplatin-induced
      acute kidney injury. Wistar rats (n = 6) were allocated into six groups
      constituting normal control, cisplatin-induced, Boerhaavia diffusa root extract
      in doses 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg and Boerhaavia diffusa per se group, administered
      orally for a period of ten days. Intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin was
      administered on day 7, to all groups except normal control and Boerhaavia diffusa
      per se group. On day 10, cisplatin resulted in substantial nephrotoxicity in
      Wistar rats with significant (p < 0.001) elevation in serum creatinine and blood
      urea nitrogen, decline in the concentrations of reduced glutathione and
      superoxide dismutase, elevation in TNF-alpha level in renal tissues. Boerhaavia
      diffusa at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight significantly (p < 0.001) ameliorates
      increased in serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, oxidative stress and
      inflammatory markers. In parallel to this, it also exhibits antiapoptotic
      activity through the reduction of active caspase-3 expression in kidneys.
      Findings indicate that Boerhaavia diffusa is effective in mitigating cisplatin
      induced nephrotoxicity and thus, for this the acute and sub-acute toxicity
      studies conducted to evaluate the safety profile of Boerhaavia diffusa. The no
      observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of tuberous roots of Boerhaavia diffusa
      root extract was 1000 mg/kg.

PMID- 27667769
TI  - Patterns of perioperative thoracic fluid indices changes in liver transplantation
      with or without postoperative acute lung injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Postoperative acute lung injury (ALI) after liver
      transplantation is clinically relevant and common. The perioperative thoracic
      fluid indices changes as well as the association with ALI in liver
      transplantation have not been thoroughly investigated. METHODS: A total of 52
      consecutive adult recipients for elective living donor liver transplantation were
      enrolled. Each recipient received the same perioperative care plan. Thoracic
      fluid indices, including the cardiac index, intrathoracic blood volume index
      (ITBVI), extravascular lung water index (EVLWI), and pulmonary vascular
      permeability index (PVPI), were obtained at seven time points
      (pretransplantation, anhepatic phase, 30 minutes after reperfusion, 2 hours after
      reperfusion, and postoperative days 1-3) using the pulse contour cardiac output
      system. The indices of those who developed ALI (PaO2/FiO2 < 300 mmHg with lung
      infiltrates on chest X-ray) were compared with the indices of those who did not.
      RESULTS: Recipients who developed postoperative ALI had longer mechanical
      ventilation duration and had a higher model for end-stage liver disease score,
      required more platelet transfusion, and were higher in pretransplant EVLWI and
      PVPI level. During the anhepatic phase, ITBVI, central venous pressure, cardiac
      index, and EVLWI decreased and PVPI increased. After transplantation, ITBVI
      increased above pretransplant status, while EVLWI and PVPI were comparable in
      both groups. CONCLUSION: Recipients who did or did not develop ALI after liver
      transplantation had a longer mechanical ventilation duration and showed different
      patterns of perioperative thoracic fluid indices, especially in the pretransplant
      status of PVPI level. Knowledge of these perioperative changes may provide
      clinicians with helpful information to make postoperative care choices.

PMID- 27667770
TI  - Novel celecoxib analogues inhibit glial production of prostaglandin E2, nitric
      oxide, and oxygen radicals reverting the neuroinflammatory responses induced by
      misfolded prion protein fragment 90-231 or lipopolysaccharide.
AB  - We tested the efficacy of novel cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) inhibitors in
      counteracting glia-driven neuroinflammation induced by the amyloidogenic prion
      protein fragment PrP90-231 or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In search for molecules
      with higher efficacy than celecoxib, we focused our study on its 2,3-diaryl-1,3
      thiazolidin-4-one analogues. As experimental models, we used the immortalized
      microglial cell line N9, rat purified microglial primary cultures, and mixed
      cultures of astrocytes and microglia. Microglia activation in response to PrP90
      231 or LPS was characterized by growth arrest, morphology changes and the
      production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moreover, PrP90-231 treatment caused
      the overexpression of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and COX-2, with
      the consequent nitric oxide (NO), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) accumulation. These
      effects were challenged by different celecoxib analogues, among which Q22 (3-[4
      (sulfamoyl)phenyl]-2-(4-tolyl)thiazolidin-4-one) inhibited microglia activation
      more efficiently than celecoxib, lowering both iNOS and COX-2 activity and
      reducing ROS release. During neurodegenerative diseases, neuroinflammation
      induced by amyloidogenic peptides causes the activation of both astrocytes and
      microglia with these cell populations mutually regulating each other. Thus the
      effects of PrP90-231 and LPS were also studied on mixed glial cultures containing
      astrocytes and microglia. PrP90-231 treatment elicited different responses in the
      co-cultures induced astrocyte proliferation and microglia growth arrest,
      resulting in a differential ability to release proinflammatory molecules with the
      production of NO and ROS mainly attributable on microglia, while COX-2 expression
      was induced also in astrocytes. Q22 effects on both NO and PGE2 secretion were
      more significant in the mixed glial cultures than in purified microglia,
      demonstrating Q22 ability to revert the functional interaction between astrocytes
      and microglia. These results demonstrate that Q22 is a powerful drug able to
      revert glial neuroinflammatory responses and might represent a lead to explore
      the chemical space around celecoxib frameworks to design even more effective
      agents, paving the way to novel approaches to contrast the neuroinflammation
      dependent toxicity.

PMID- 27667772
TI  - T-Cells Underlie Some but Not All of the Cerebellar Pathology in a Neonatal Rat
      Model of Congenital Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus Infection.
AB  - Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection during pregnancy injures the
      human fetal brain. Neonatal rats inoculated with LCMV are an excellent model of
      congenital LCMV infection because they develop cerebellar injuries similar to
      those in humans. To evaluate the role of T-lymphocytes in LCMV-induced cerebellar
      pathology, congenitally athymic rats, deficient in T-lymphocytes were compared
      with euthymic rats. Peak viral titers and cellular targets of infection were
      similar, but viral clearance from astrocytes was impaired in the athymic rats.
      Cytokines and chemokines rose to higher levels and for a greater duration in the
      euthymic rats than in their athymic counterparts. The euthymic rats developed an
      intense lymphocytic infiltration, accompanied by destructive lesions of the
      cerebellum and a neuronal migration defect because of T-cell-mediated alteration
      of Bergmann glia. These pathologic changes were absent in the athymic rats but
      were restored by adoptive transfer of lymphocytes. Athymic rats were not free of
      pathologic effects, however, as the virus induced cerebellar hypoplasia. Thus, T
      lymphocytes play key roles in LCMV clearance, cytokine/chemokine responses, and
      pathogenesis of destructive lesions and neuronal migration disturbances but not
      all pathology is T-lymphocyte-dependent. Cerebellar hypoplasia from LCMV occurs
      even in the absence of T-lymphocytes and is likely due to the viral infection
      itself.

PMID- 27667773
TI  - An Analytical Comparison of Dako 28-8 PharmDx Assay and an E1L3N Laboratory
      Developed Test in the Immunohistochemical Detection of Programmed Death-Ligand 1.
AB  - AIM: Nivolumab, a fully human immunoglobulin G4 programmed death-1 (PD-1) immune
      checkpoint inhibitor antibody, has activity in melanoma, non-small-cell lung
      cancer (NSCLC), renal cell carcinoma (RCC), and Hodgkin lymphoma. Nivolumab is
      approved in the USA and EU for advanced melanoma, NSCLC, and RCC, and relapsed
      Hodgkin lymphoma in the USA. Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), a PD-1 ligand, is
      expressed on mononuclear leukocytes, myeloid cells, and tumor cells. PD-L1 is
      being investigated as a potential biomarker to predict the association of tumor
      PD-L1 expression with nivolumab efficacy. METHODS: Bristol-Myers Squibb and Dako
      previously reported on an automated PD-L1 immunohistochemical (IHC) assay that
      detects cell surface PD-L1 in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded, human tumor
      tissue specimens using Dako's Autostainer Link 48. The primary antibody for this
      assay is a rabbit monoclonal antihuman PD-L1 antibody, clone 28-8. Another rabbit
      monoclonal antihuman PD-L1 antibody, clone E1L3N, was compared with 28-8 for
      specificity and sensitivity using an identical detection method followed by
      vendor-recommended detection methods. RESULTS: Using PD-L1 null clones of L2987
      and ES-2 tumor cell lines, both antibodies were specific for detection of PD-L1
      on the plasma membrane, although E1L3N also stained cytoplasm in ES-2 knockout
      cells. Using the identical method, E1L3N was slightly more sensitive than 28-8
      based on staining intensities. Using manufacturer-recommended detection methods
      and predefined scoring criteria for plasma membrane staining of tumor and immune
      cells, 28-8 demonstrated significantly improved detection compared with E1L3N.
      CONCLUSIONS: Epitope retrieval and highly sensitive detection reagents are key
      determinants in IHC detection of PD-L1.

PMID- 27667775
TI  - Facile One-Step Route for the Development of in Situ Cocatalyst-Modified Ti3+
      Self-Doped TiO2 for Improved Visible-Light Photocatalytic Activity.
AB  - Development of visible-light-driven photocatalysts by employing a relatively
      simple, efficient, and cost-effective one-step process is essential for
      commercial applications. Herein, we report for the first time the synthesis of in
      situ Cu-ion modified Ti3+ self-doped rutile TiO2 by such a facile one-step
      solution precursor plasma spray (SPPS) process using a water-soluble titanium
      precursor. In the SPPS process, Ti3+ self-doping on Ti4+ of rutile TiO2 is found
      to take place because of electron transfer from the created oxygen vacancies to
      Ti4+-ions. In situ Cu modification of the above Ti3+ self-doped rutile TiO2 by
      additionally introducing a Cu solution into plasma plume is also demonstrated.
      While the Ti3+ self-doping induces broad absorption in the visible-light region,
      the addition of Cu ion leads to even broader absorption in the visible region
      owing to resulting synergistic properties. The above materials were evaluated for
      various self-cleaning photocatalytic applications under visible-light
      illumination. Cu-ion modified Ti3+ self-doped rutile TiO2 is noted to exhibit a
      remarkably enhanced visible-light activity in comparison with Ti3+ self-doped
      rutile TiO2, with the latter itself outperforming commercial TiO2 photocatalysts,
      thereby suggesting the suitability of the material for indoor applications. The
      broad visible-light absorption by Ti3+ self-doping, the holes with strong
      oxidation power generated in the valence band, and electrons in Ti3+ isolated
      states that are effectively separated into the high reductive sites of Cu ions
      upon visible-light irradiation, accounts for improved photocatalytic activity.
      Moreover, the synthesis process (SPPS) provides a valuable alternative to
      orthodox multistep processes for the preparation of such visible-light-driven
      photocatalysts.

PMID- 27667774
TI  - Glucosamine exposure reduces proteoglycan synthesis in primary human endothelial
      cells in vitro.
AB  - PURPOSE: Glucosamine (GlcN) supplements are promoted for medical reasons, for
      example, for patients with arthritis and other joint-related diseases. Oral
      intake of GlcN is followed by uptake in the intestine, transport in the
      circulation and thereafter delivery to chondrocytes. Here, it is postulated to
      have an effect on synthesis and turnover of extracellular matrix constituents
      expressed by these cells. Following uptake in the intestine, serum levels are
      transiently increased, and the endothelium is exposed to increased levels of
      GlcN. We investigated the possible effects of GlcN on synthesis of proteoglycans
      (PGs), an important matrix component, in primary human endothelial cells.
      METHODS: Primary human endothelial cells were cultured in vitro in medium with 5
      mM glucose and 0-10 mM GlcN. PGs were recovered and analysed by western blotting,
      or by SDS-PAGE, gel chromatography or ion-exchange chromatography of (35)S-PGs
      after (35)S-sulphate labelling of the cells. RESULTS: The synthesis and secretion
      of (35)S-PGs from cultured endothelial cells were reduced in a dose- and time
      dependent manner after exposure to GlcN. PGs are substituted with sulphated
      glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains, vital for PG function. The reduction in (35)S-PGs
      was not related to an effect on GAG chain length, number or sulphation, but
      rather to the total expression of PGs. CONCLUSION: Exposure of endothelial cells
      to GlcN leads to a general decrease in (35)S-PG synthesis. These results suggest
      that exposure to high levels of GlcN can lead to decreased matrix synthesis,
      contrary to what has been claimed by supporters of such supplements.

PMID- 27667776
TI  - Seeing What You Want to See: How Imprecise Uncertainty Ranges Enhance Motivated
      Reasoning.
AB  - In this article, we consider a novel criterion for evaluating representations of
      uncertainty ranges, namely, the extent to which a representation enhances
      motivated reasoning. In two studies, we show that perceptions of the distribution
      underlying ambiguous numerical ranges are affected by the motivations and
      worldviews of end users. This motivated reasoning effect remained after
      controlling for objective numeracy and fluid intelligence but was attenuated when
      the correct interpretation was made clear. We suggest that analysts and
      communicators explicitly consider the potential for motivated evaluation when
      evaluating uncertainty displays.

PMID- 27667771
TI  - Understanding metabolism with flux analysis: From theory to application.
AB  - Quantitative and qualitative knowledge of metabolic rates (i.e. fluxes) over a
      metabolic network and in specific cellular compartments gives insights into the
      regulation of metabolism and helps to understand the contribution of metabolic
      alterations to pathology. In this review we introduce methodology to resolve
      metabolic fluxes from stable isotope labeling and relevant techniques in model
      development, model simplification, flux uncertainty analysis and experimental
      design that together is termed metabolic flux analysis. Finally we discuss
      applications using metabolic flux analysis to elucidate mechanisms pertinent to
      tumor cell metabolism. We hope that this review gives the readers a brief
      introduction of how flux analysis is conducted, how technical issues related to
      it are addressed, and how its application has contributed to our knowledge of
      tumor cell metabolism.

PMID- 27667777
TI  - Networks underlying trait impulsivity: Evidence from voxel-based lesion-symptom
      mapping.
AB  - Impulsivity is considered a multidimensional construct that encompasses a range
      of behaviors, including poor impulse control, premature decision-making, and the
      inability to delay gratification. In order to determine the extent to which
      impulsivity and its components share a common network, a voxel-based lesion
      symptom mapping (VLSM) analysis was performed in a large sample of patients (N =
      131) with focal, penetrating traumatic brain injuries (pTBI). Impulsivity was
      assessed using the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11), a standard self-report
      measure that allows for unique estimates of global impulsivity and its factor
      analysis-derived components (e.g., "motor impulsivity"). Heightened global
      impulsivity was associated with damage to multiple areas in bilateral prefrontal
      cortex (PFC), left superior, middle and inferior temporal gyrus, and left
      hippocampus. Moreover, a cluster was identified within the left PFC associated
      specifically with motor impulsivity (defined as "acting without thinking"). The
      results were consistent with the existing literature on bilateral prefrontal
      cortical involvement in behavioral impulsivity, but also provided new evidence
      for a more complex neuroanatomical representation of this construct,
      characterized by left-lateralized temporal and hippocampal involvement, as well
      as a left-lateralized prefrontal network specifically associated with motor
      impulsivity. Hum Brain Mapp 38:656-665, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27667778
TI  - Can we predict ectotherm responses to climate change using thermal performance
      curves and body temperatures?
AB  - Thermal performance curves (TPCs), which quantify how an ectotherm's body
      temperature (Tb ) affects its performance or fitness, are often used in an
      attempt to predict organismal responses to climate change. Here, we examine the
      key - but often biologically unreasonable - assumptions underlying this approach;
      for example, that physiology and thermal regimes are invariant over ontogeny,
      space and time, and also that TPCs are independent of previously experienced Tb.
      We show how a critical consideration of these assumptions can lead to
      biologically useful hypotheses and experimental designs. For example, rather than
      assuming that TPCs are fixed during ontogeny, one can measure TPCs for each major
      life stage and incorporate these into stage-specific ecological models to reveal
      the life stage most likely to be vulnerable to climate change. Our overall goal
      is to explicitly examine the assumptions underlying the integration of TPCs with
      Tb , to develop a framework within which empiricists can place their work within
      these limitations, and to facilitate the application of thermal physiology to
      understanding the biological implications of climate change.

PMID- 27667779
TI  - Comparison of functional outcomes between laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and
      robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: a propensity score-matched
      comparison study.
AB  - AIM: To compare the functional outcomes after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy
      (LRP) and robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP). METHODS:
      Between September 2008 and January 2016, 712 patients underwent radical
      prostatectomy (RP; 614 LRP and 98 RARP). Recovery of incontinence was evaluated
      through a 24-h pad test. Urinary and erectile function was evaluated using the
      International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and the International Index of
      Erectile Function-5. Follow-up interval was 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after the
      surgery. The propensity score matching was used to balance the preoperative
      characteristics. RESULTS: The recovery of incontinence was similar to the two
      groups at 6 and 12 months after the surgery. However, patients underwent RARP
      restored the continence sooner than those in the LRP group in 1 and 3 months
      after the surgery (P < 0.001 and 0.001). For the multivariable analysis, the type
      of RP procedure was a uniquely meaningful contributing factor (P = 0.001, HR =
      1.925; 95% CI, 1.299-2.851). In the case of urinary function, the RARP groups
      showed a better IPSS score than LRP groups at the 1-, 3- and 6-month visits,
      respectively (P = 0.008, 0.026, 0.001), and the RARP groups early improved
      compared with LRP groups at the 3-month visit in the case of erectile function (P
      = 0.018). CONCLUSION: The RARP tended toward getting back the urinary continence
      earlier than the LRP. In addition, urinary and erectile function recovered more
      quickly in the RARP group than in the LRP group.

PMID- 27667780
TI  - Use of benzodiazepine and risk of cancer: A meta-analysis of observational
      studies.
AB  - Several observational epidemiological studies have reported inconsistent results
      on the association between the use of benzodiazepine and the risk of cancer. We
      investigated the association by using a meta-analysis. We searched PubMed,
      EMBASE, and the bibliographies of relevant articles to locate additional
      publications in January 2016. Three evaluators independently reviewed and
      selected eligible studies based on predetermined selection criteria. Of 796
      articles meeting our initial criteria, a total of 22 observational
      epidemiological studies with 18 case-control studies and 4 cohort studies were
      included in the final analysis. Benzodiazepine use was significantly associated
      with an increased risk of cancer (odds ratio [OR] or relative risk [RR] 1.19; 95%
      confidence interval 1.16-1.21) in a random-effects meta-analysis of all studies.
      Subgroup meta-analyses by various factors such as study design, type of case
      control study, study region, and methodological quality of study showed
      consistent findings. Also, a significant dose-response relationship was observed
      between the use of benzodiazepine and the risk of cancer (p for trend <0.01). The
      current meta-analysis of observational epidemiological studies suggests that
      benzodiazepine use is associated with an increased risk of cancer.

PMID- 27667781
TI  - Diffusion in hierarchical systems: A simulation study in models of healthy and
      diseased muscle tissue.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the sensitivity of diffusion-MR signal to microstructural
      change in muscle tissue associated with pathology, and recommend optimal
      acquisition parameters. METHODS: We employ Monte-Carlo simulation of diffusing
      spins in hierarchical tissue to generate synthetic diffusion-weighted signal
      curves over a wide range of scan parameters. Curves are analyzed using entropy-a
      measure of curve complexity. Entropy change between a baseline and various
      microstructural scenarios is investigated. We find acquisitions that optimize
      entropy difference in each scenario. RESULTS: Permeability changes have a large
      effect on the diffusion-weighted signal curve. Muscle fiber atrophy is also
      important, although differentiating between mechanisms is challenging. Several
      acquisitions over a range of diffusion times is optimal for imaging
      microstructural change in muscle tissue. Sensitivity to permeability is optimized
      for high gradient strengths, but sensitivity to other scenarios is optimal at
      other values. CONCLUSIONS: The diffusion-attenuated signal is sensitive to the
      microstructural changes, but the changes are subtle. Taking full advantage of the
      changes to the overall curve requires a set of acquisitions over a range of
      diffusion times. Permeability causes the largest changes, but even the very
      subtle changes associated with fiber radius distribution change the curves more
      than noise alone. Magn Reson Med 78:1187-1198, 2017. (c) 2016 International
      Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

PMID- 27667783
TI  - Comparison of Feline Brain Anatomy in 0.25 and 3 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Images.
AB  - The intention of the comparison of both low and high field was to examine which
      anatomical brain structures of cats were visible on low field images, as in
      clinical veterinary practice, 3 Tesla (T) magnets were of limited availability.
      The research was performed on 20 European short-haired male and female cats, aged
      1-3 years, with body weight of 2-4 kg. 0.25 T magnetic resonance images of
      neurocranium were acquired in all using T2-weighted fast spin echo sequences with
      repetition time (TR) of 4010 ms and echo time (TE) of 90 ms in dorsal and
      transverse plane, and T2-weighted fast spine echo sequences with TR of 4290 ms
      and TE of 120 ms in sagittal plane. Based on a detailed catalogue of feline brain
      structures visible at 3 T in previously published studies, it was examined which
      structures were visible on low field images. Anatomic structures were identified
      and compared to assess the reliability of diagnoses made based on low-field
      magnetic resonance imaging. In low-field scans, 92 structures were identified.
      Elements of auditory, visual, motor pathways, hippocampus and cerebral
      ventricular system were distinguished. Low-field as well as high-field magnetic
      resonance imaging support the identification of local tissue lesions, metastasis,
      focal ischaemia and haemorrhage, disorders associated with ventricular system
      dilation and hydrocephalus. It also produced accurate images of the hippocampus,
      which contributes to reliable diagnoses of various forms of epilepsy in cats. Due
      to technical limitations, a low-field scanner is unlikely to visualize
      microtraumas, local inflammations, small haematomas or metastatic tumours.

PMID- 27667784
TI  - Treatment of eosinophilic otitis media with pegylated interferon-alpha 2a and 2b.
AB  - OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: Eosinophilic otitis media (EOM) is a variant of chronic
      otitis media that is characterized by the development of thick mucoid middle ear
      effusion, adult onset bronchial asthma, sinonasal polyposis, and aspirin
      sensitivity. EOM is typically refractory to corticosteroid therapy and surgical
      intervention. Pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) has effectively treated
      hypereosinophilic syndrome in clinical trials; however, the efficacy of this
      medication for EOM treatment remains undefined. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective, case
      series, tertiary academic center. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was
      performed on EOM patients from 2008-2014. A total of 32 patients met the clinical
      criteria for EOM according to established diagnostic guidelines. Outcomes of all
      patients with severe, refractory EOM who initiated PEG-IFN therapy are reported.
      RESULTS: Eight patients were treated with pegylated interferon-alpha 2a or 2b for
      refractory EOM. Half of the patients had significant side effects with interferon
      treatment. Three of these were able to continue at a reduced dosage without side
      effect reoccurrence, and one patient stopped the medication permanently. Four of
      eight (50%) patients had a complete clinical response with total resolution of
      otorrhea and normalization of middle ear mucosa, and were able to discontinue
      corticosteroid treatment. Two patients attempted to stop PEG-IFN therapy after
      prolonged symptom remission and had recurrent otorrhea. Both patients had symptom
      resolution after PEG-IFN reinitiation. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate that
      pegylated interferon-alpha 2a and 2b therapy may benefit patients with severe,
      refractory EOM. Further larger studies with long-term follow-up are required to
      validate these early but promising results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4. Laryngoscope,
      127:1208-1216, 2017.

PMID- 27667785
TI  - Successful laparoscopic ligation for massive chylous ascites after rectal cancer
      surgery.
AB  - A 53-year-old man was readmitted with abdominal distention 2 weeks after
      undergoing laparoscopic low anterior resection with para-aortic lymphadenectomy
      for advanced rectal cancer (T4aN1M0, Stage IIIb). Ultrasound revealed massive
      ascites, and paracentesis revealed chylous fluid with a markedly elevated
      triglyceride level (1762 mg/dL). Despite conservative management, the fistula
      remained on postoperative day 120. On percutaneous lymphangiography, the chylous
      leakage point was clearly visualized at the para-aortic site, and surgical
      intervention was planned. The abdominal cavity was carefully explored with
      laparoscopy, and the lymphatic leakage point was detected at the site of previous
      lymphadenectomy. Leakage was stopped with direct suture ligation and fibrin glue,
      and the patient was discharged 2 weeks later with no recurrence of the chylous
      fistula. Surgical intervention can be effective in select patients with a major
      chylous fistula that persists despite conservative therapy. When the leakage
      point is localized and detectable on percutaneous lymphangiography, the
      laparoscopic approach may be feasible.

PMID- 27667782
TI  - Interferon gamma modulation of disease manifestation and the local antibody
      response to alphavirus encephalomyelitis.
AB  - Infection of mice with Sindbis virus (SINV) produces encephalomyelitis and
      provides a model for examination of the central nervous system (CNS) immune
      response to alphavirus infection. Clearance of infectious virus is accomplished
      through a cooperative effort between SINV-specific antibody and IFN-gamma, but
      the regulatory interactions are poorly understood. To determine the effects of
      IFN-gamma on clinical disease and the antiviral immune response, C57BL/6 mice
      lacking IFN-gamma (Ifng-/-) or IFN-gamma receptor (Ifngr1-/-) were studied in
      comparison to WT mice. Maximum production of Ifng mRNA and IFN-gamma protein in
      the CNS of WT and Ifngr1-/- mice occurred 5-7 days after infection, with higher
      levels of IFN-gamma in Ifngr1-/- mice. Onset of clinical disease was earlier in
      mice with impaired IFN-gamma signalling, although Ifngr1-/- mice recovered more
      rapidly. Ifng-/- and Ifngr1-/- mice maintained body weight better than WT mice,
      associated with better food intake and lower brain levels of inflammatory
      cytokines. Clearance of infectious virus from the spinal cords was slower, and
      CNS, but not serum, levels of SINV-specific IgM, IgG2a and IgG2b were lower in
      Ifngr1-/- and Ifng-/- mice compared to WT mice. Decreased CNS antiviral antibody
      was associated with lower expression of mRNAs for B-cell attracting chemokines
      CXCL9, CXCL10 and CXCL13 and fewer B cells in the CNS. Therefore, IFN-gamma
      signalling increases levels of CNS pro-inflammatory cytokines, leading to
      clinical disease, but synergistically clears virus with SINV-specific antibody at
      least in part by increasing chemokine production important for infiltration of
      antibody-secreting B cells into the CNS.

PMID- 27667786
TI  - Treatment of 100 chronic thalassemic leg wounds by plasma-rich platelets.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Thalassemia is a heterogeneous group of congenital hemoglobinopathies
      caused by mutations in the globin gene complex that result in an unbalanced
      globin synthesis. Unmatched globin chains bind to the cytosolic surface of red
      blood cell membrane where they cause oxidative damage that might in part be
      responsible for membrane weakness. The deformability of red blood cells and
      hypercoagulable state in thalassemic patients have been incriminated in leg ulcer
      formation, as this might cause ischemia to the skin and consequently friability
      and ulceration. METHODS: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) gel is considered an advanced
      wound therapy for chronic and acute wounds. PRP gel consists of cytokines, growth
      factors, chemokines, and a fibrin scaffold derived from a patient's blood. In
      this study, we treated 100 thalassemic leg wounds using PRP. RESULTS: There was
      wound size reduction in patients after 4 weeks of treatment. In wounds with 2-3.5
      cm2 surface area, complete closure happened after 12.5 weeks, 5-12 cm2 wounds
      completely closed after 13.2 weeks, and finally, 4.5-6 cm2 wounds healed
      completely after 14 weeks. None of the wounds reopened after 8 months of
      monitoring. CONCLUSION: This study will help extrapolation of the use of PRP for
      at least thalassemic leg wound treatment.

PMID- 27667788
TI  - Sequential Barium-Catalysed N-H/H-Si Dehydrogenative Cross-Couplings:
      Cyclodisilazanes versus Linear Oligosilazanes.
AB  - Starting from Ph3 SiH, the barium precatalyst Ba[CH(SiMe3 )2 ]2 ?(THF)3 was used
      to produce the disilazane Ph3 SiN(Bn)SiPh2 NHBn (4) by sequential N-H/H-Si
      dehydrogenative couplings with BnNH2 and Ph2 SiH2 . Substrate scope was extended
      to other amines and hydrosilanes. This smooth protocol gives quantitative yields
      and full chemoselectivity. Compound 4 and the intermediates Ph3 SiNHBn and Ph3
      SiN(Bn)SiHPh2 were structurally characterised. Further attempts at chain
      extension by dehydrocoupling of Ph2 SiH2 with 4 instead resulted in cyclisation
      of this compound, forming the cyclodisilazane c-(Ph2 Si-NBn)2 (5) which was
      crystallographically authenticated. The ring-closure mechanism leading to 5 upon
      release of C6 H6 was determined by complementary experimental and theoretical
      (DFT) investigations. Ba[CH(SiMe3 )2 ]2 ?(THF)3 and 4 react to afford the
      reactive Ba{N(Bn)SiPh2 N(Bn)SiPh3 }2 , which was characterised in situ by NMR
      spectroscopy. Next, in a stepwise process, intramolecular nucleophilic attack of
      the metal-bound amide on the terminal silicon atom generates a five-coordinate
      silicate. It is followed by turnover-limiting beta-C6 H5 transfer to barium; this
      releases 5 and forms a transient [Ba]-Ph species, which undergoes aminolysis to
      regenerate [Ba]-N(Bn)SiPh2 N(Bn)SiPh3 . DFT computations reveal that the
      irreversible production of 5 through such a stepwise ring-closure mechanism is
      much more kinetically facile (DeltaG? =26.2 kcal mol-1 ) than an alternative
      sigma-metathesis pathway (DeltaG? =48.2 kcal mol-1 ).

PMID- 27667789
TI  - Bacteriological and histopathological study of farmed rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus
      mykiss, in Peru.

PMID- 27667787
TI  - Tolerogenic dendritic cells generated with dexamethasone and vitamin D3 regulate
      rheumatoid arthritis CD4+ T cells partly via transforming growth factor-beta1.
AB  - Tolerogenic dendritic cells (tolDC) are a new immunotherapeutic tool for the
      treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other autoimmune disorders. We have
      established a method to generate stable tolDC by pharmacological modulation of
      human monocyte-derived DC. These tolDC exert potent pro-tolerogenic actions on
      CD4+ T cells. Lack of interleukin (IL)-12p70 production is a key immunoregulatory
      attribute of tolDC but does not explain their action fully. Here we show that
      tolDC express transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 at both mRNA and protein
      levels, and that expression of this immunoregulatory cytokine is significantly
      higher in tolDC than in mature monocyte-derived DC. By inhibiting TGF-beta1
      signalling we demonstrate that tolDC regulate CD4+ T cell responses in a manner
      that is at least partly dependent upon this cytokine. Crucially, we also show
      that while there is no significant difference in expression of TGF-betaRII on
      CD4+ T cells from RA patients and healthy controls, RA patient CD4+ T cells are
      measurably less responsive to TGF-beta1 than healthy control CD4+ T cells
      [reduced TGF-beta-induced mothers against decapentaplegic homologue (Smad)2/3
      phosphorylation, forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3) expression and suppression of
      (IFN)-gamma secretion]. However, CD4+ T cells from RA patients can, nonetheless,
      be regulated efficiently by tolDC in a TGF-beta1-dependent manner. This work is
      important for the design and development of future studies investigating the
      potential use of tolDC as a novel immunotherapy for the treatment of RA.

PMID- 27667790
TI  - cMapper: gene-centric connectivity mapper for EBI-RDF platform.
AB  - MOTIVATION: In this era of biological big data, data integration has become a
      common task and a challenge for biologists. The Resource Description Framework
      (RDF) was developed to enable interoperability of heterogeneous datasets. The EBI
      RDF platform enables an efficient data integration of six independent biological
      databases using RDF technologies and shared ontologies. However, to take
      advantage of this platform, biologists need to be familiar with RDF technologies
      and SPARQL query language. To overcome this practical limitation of the EBI-RDF
      platform, we developed cMapper, a web-based tool that enables biologists to
      search the EBI-RDF databases in a gene-centric manner without a thorough
      knowledge of RDF and SPARQL. RESULTS: cMapper allows biologists to search data
      entities in the EBI-RDF platform that are connected to genes or small molecules
      of interest in multiple biological contexts. The input to cMapper consists of a
      set of genes or small molecules, and the output are data entities in six
      independent EBI-RDF databases connected with the given genes or small molecules
      in the user's query. cMapper provides output to users in the form of a graph in
      which nodes represent data entities and the edges represent connections between
      data entities and inputted set of genes or small molecules. Furthermore, users
      can apply filters based on database, taxonomy, organ and pathways in order to
      focus on a core connectivity graph of their interest. Data entities from multiple
      databases are differentiated based on background colors. cMapper also enables
      users to investigate shared connections between genes or small molecules of
      interest. Users can view the output graph on a web browser or download it in
      either GraphML or JSON formats. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION: cMapper is
      available as a web application with an integrated MySQL database. The web
      application was developed using Java and deployed on Tomcat server. We developed
      the user interface using HTML5, JQuery and the Cytoscape Graph API. cMapper can
      be accessed at http://cmapper.ewostech.net Readers can download the development
      manual from the website
      http://cmapper.ewostech.net/docs/cMapperDocumentation.pdf. Source Code is
      available at
      https://github.com/muhammadshoaib/cmapperContact:smahn@gachon.ac.krSupplementary
      information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

PMID- 27667791
TI  - LongISLND: in silico sequencing of lengthy and noisy datatypes.
AB  - : LongISLND is a software package designed to simulate sequencing data according
      to the characteristics of third generation, single-molecule sequencing
      technologies. The general software architecture is easily extendable, as
      demonstrated by the emulation of Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) multi-pass
      sequencing with P5 and P6 chemistries, producing data in FASTQ, H5, and the
      latest PacBio BAM format. We demonstrate its utility by downstream processing
      with consensus building and variant calling. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION:
      LongISLND is implemented in Java and available at
      http://bioinform.github.io/longislnd CONTACT: hugo.lam@roche.comSupplementary
      information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

PMID- 27667792
TI  - Detecting subnetwork-level dynamic correlations.
AB  - MOTIVATION: The biological regulatory system is highly dynamic. The correlations
      between many functionally related genes change over different biological
      conditions. Finding dynamic relations on the existing biological network may
      reveal important regulatory mechanisms. Currently no method is available to
      detect subnetwork-level dynamic correlations systematically on the genome-scale
      network. Two major issues hampered the development. The first is gene expression
      profiling data usually do not contain time course measurements to facilitate the
      analysis of dynamic relations, which can be partially addressed by using certain
      genes as indicators of biological conditions. Secondly, it is unclear how to
      effectively delineate subnetworks, and define dynamic relations between them.
      RESULTS: Here we propose a new method named LANDD (Liquid Association for Network
      Dynamics Detection) to find subnetworks that show substantial dynamic
      correlations, as defined by subnetwork A is concentrated with Liquid Association
      scouting genes for subnetwork B. The method produces easily interpretable results
      because of its focus on subnetworks that tend to comprise functionally related
      genes. Also, the collective behaviour of genes in a subnetwork is a much more
      reliable indicator of underlying biological conditions compared to using single
      genes as indicators. We conducted extensive simulations to validate the method's
      ability to detect subnetwork-level dynamic correlations. Using a real gene
      expression dataset and the human protein-protein interaction network, we
      demonstrate the method links subnetworks of distinct biological processes, with
      both confirmed relations and plausible new functional implications. We also found
      signal transduction pathways tend to show extensive dynamic relations with other
      functional groups. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION: The R package is available at
      https://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/LANDD CONTACTS: yunba@pcom.edu,
      jwlu33@hotmail.com or tianwei.yu@emory.eduSupplementary information:
      Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

PMID- 27667793
TI  - LAMSA: fast split read alignment with long approximate matches.
AB  - MOTIVATION: Read length is continuously increasing with the development of novel
      high-throughput sequencing technologies, which has enormous potentials on cutting
      edge genomic studies. However, longer reads could more frequently span the
      breakpoints of structural variants (SVs) than that of shorter reads. This may
      greatly influence read alignment, since most state-of-the-art aligners are
      designed for handling relatively small variants in a co-linear alignment
      framework. Meanwhile, long read alignment is still not as efficient as that of
      short reads, which could be also a bottleneck for the upcoming wide application.
      RESULTS: We propose long approximate matches-based split aligner (LAMSA), a novel
      split read alignment approach. It takes the advantage of the rareness of SVs to
      implement a specifically designed two-step strategy. That is, LAMSA initially
      splits the read into relatively long fragments and co-linearly align them to
      solve the small variations or sequencing errors, and mitigate the effect of
      repeats. The alignments of the fragments are then used for implementing a sparse
      dynamic programming-based split alignment approach to handle the large or non-co
      linear variants. We benchmarked LAMSA with simulated and real datasets having
      various read lengths and sequencing error rates, the results demonstrate that it
      is substantially faster than the state-of-the-art long read aligners; meanwhile,
      it also has good ability to handle various categories of SVs. AVAILABILITY AND
      IMPLEMENTATION: LAMSA is available at https://github.com/hitbc/LAMSA CONTACT:
      Ydwang@hit.edu.cnSupplementary information: Supplementary data are available at
      Bioinformatics online.

PMID- 27667794
TI  - Site of metabolism prediction for oxidation reactions mediated by oxidoreductases
      based on chemical bond.
AB  - Motivation: The metabolites of exogenous and endogenous compounds play a pivotal
      role in the domain of metabolism research. However, they are still unclear for
      most chemicals in our environment. The in silico methods for predicting the site
      of metabolism (SOM) are considered to be efficient and low-cost in SOM discovery.
      However, many in silico methods are focused on metabolism processes catalyzed by
      several specified Cytochromes P450s, and only apply to substrates with special
      skeleton. A SOM prediction model always deserves more attention, which demands no
      special requirements to structures of substrates and applies to more metabolic
      enzymes. Results: By incorporating the use of hybrid feature selection techniques
      (CHI, IG, GR, Relief) and multiple classification procedures (KStar, BN, IBK,
      J48, RF, SVM, AdaBoostM1, Bagging), SOM prediction models for six oxidation
      reactions mediated by oxidoreductases were established by the integration of
      enzyme data and chemical bond information. The advantage of the method is the
      introduction of unlabeled SOM. We defined the SOM which not reported in the
      literature as unlabeled SOM, where negative SOM was filtered. Consequently, for
      each type of reaction, a series of SOM prediction models were built based on
      information about metabolism of 1237 heterogeneous chemicals. Then optimal models
      were attained through comparisons among these models. Finally, independent test
      set was used to validate optimal models. It demonstrated that all models gave
      accuracies above 0.90. For receiver operating characteristic analysis, the area
      under curve values of all these models over 0.906. The results suggested that
      these models showed good predicting power. Availability and implementation: All
      the models will be available when contact with wangyun@bucm.edu.cn. Contacts:
      wangyun@bucm.edu.cn or yjqiao@yahoo.com. Supplementary information: Supplementary
      data are available at Bioinformatics online.

PMID- 27667796
TI  - Case of squamous cell carcinoma showing delayed metastasis and histologically
      exhibiting alterations of the surrounding immune cell populations along with the
      tumor invasion: Expression of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 in deeply invaded
      tumor cells and interleukin-6 in surrounding histiocytes.

PMID- 27667797
TI  - Glycemic control and safety in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who
      switched from premixed insulin to insulin glargine plus oral antidiabetics: a
      large, prospective, observational study.
AB  - In some circumstances, the premixed insulin should be switched to alternative
      therapy. The effectiveness and the safety of switching from premixed insulin to
      insulin glargine plus oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs) in Chinese patients with
      type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have not been clarified and, hence, will be
      assessed in this study. Chinese patients with T2DM (2013 men and women aged 18-75
      years) who had received premixed insulin +/- OADs for >=3 months with glycated
      hemoglobin (HbA1c) <= 10% were enrolled in a prospective, observational study
      conducted at 53 hospitals across China. At baseline and at the discretion of the
      physician, patients switched from premixed insulin to insulin glargine plus OADs.
      Changes in HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-hour postprandial glucose
      (PPG), treatment satisfaction, and the incidence of hypoglycemia were assessed
      for 16 weeks. In total, 1850 patients completed the study. Mean HbA1c level for
      the group decreased significantly (from 7.8% +/- 1.2% at week 1 to 7.0% +/- 1.0%
      at week 16; P < .0001), and 55.2% of patients achieved HbA1c < 7% at week 16.
      Mean FPG and 2-hour PPG decreased significantly (-1.4 +/- 2.2 and -2.1 +/- 3.9
      mmol/L, respectively; both P < .0001), whereas patient satisfaction improved
      significantly. Adverse events were reported in 18.7% of patients. Chinese
      patients with T2DM who switched from premixed insulin to insulin glargine plus
      OADs achieved significantly improved glycemic control and treatment satisfaction
      with a low incidence of hypoglycemia. Patients who are most likely to achieve the
      HbA1c target less than 7% are younger, have shorter disease duration, and have
      lower baseline HbA1c and FPG levels.

PMID- 27667795
TI  - Glycosylation and stem cells: Regulatory roles and application of iPSCs in the
      study of glycosylation-related disorders.
AB  - Glycosylation refers to the co- and post-translational modification of protein
      and lipids by monosaccharides or oligosaccharide chains. The surface of mammalian
      cells is decorated by a heterogeneous and highly complex array of protein and
      lipid linked glycan structures that vary significantly between different cell
      types, raising questions about their roles in development and disease
      pathogenesis. This review will begin by focusing on recent findings that define
      roles for cell surface protein and lipid glycosylation in pluripotent stem cells
      and their functional impact during normal development. Then, we will describe how
      patient derived induced pluripotent stem cells are being used to model human
      diseases such as congenital disorders of glycosylation. Collectively, these
      studies indicate that cell surface glycans perform critical roles in human
      development and disease.

PMID- 27667798
TI  - Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Fluorine Tri-doped Graphene as a Multifunctional
      Catalyst for Self-Powered Electrochemical Water Splitting.
AB  - Electrocatalysts are required for clean energy technologies (for example, water
      splitting and metal-air batteries). The development of a multifunctional
      electrocatalyst composed of nitrogen, phosphorus, and fluorine tri-doped graphene
      is reported, which was obtained by thermal activation of a mixture of polyaniline
      coated graphene oxide and ammonium hexafluorophosphate (AHF). It was found that
      thermal decomposition of AHF provides nitrogen, phosphorus, and fluorine sources
      for tri-doping with N, P, and F, and simultaneously facilitates template-free
      formation of porous structures as a result of thermal gas evolution. The
      resultant N, P, and F tri-doped graphene exhibited excellent electrocatalytic
      activities for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), oxygen evolution reaction
      (OER), and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The trifunctional metal-free
      catalyst was further used as an OER-HER bifunctional catalyst for oxygen and
      hydrogen gas production in an electrochemical water-splitting unit, which was
      powered by an integrated Zn-air battery based on an air electrode made from the
      same electrocatalyst for ORR. The integrated unit, fabricated from the newly
      developed N, P, and F tri-doped graphene multifunctional metal-free catalyst, can
      operate in ambient air with a high gas production rate of 0.496 and 0.254 MUL s-1
      for hydrogen and oxygen gas, respectively, showing great potential for practical
      applications.

PMID- 27667799
TI  - Effects of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus on the fitness of the vector
      Diaphorina citri.
AB  - AIMS: The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama transmits the
      bacterium 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus' (Las), which causes citrus
      huanglongbing (HLB) disease. Although many studies have been conducted on the
      biology of ACP on different host plants, few have taken the plant, Las bacteria
      and the vector insect within one context to evaluate the effects of Las on the
      fitness of ACP under field conditions. Understanding the relationship between Las
      and ACP is critical for both ACP and HLB disease management. METHODS AND RESULTS:
      We estimated the development and survival of ACP immatures, the longevity and
      fecundity of ACP female adults in four treatments (Las-positive or -negative ACP
      on Las-infected and -free citrus plants). Las-positive ACP immatures developed
      significantly faster on Las-infected citrus than those on Las-free plants. The
      fecundity and longevity of Las-positive female adults were also greater, or
      longer on Las-infected citrus shoots, whereas the survival of Las-positive
      immatures was significantly lower on Las-infected citrus shoots, compared to
      those that developed on Las-free plants. Similarly, the intrinsic rate of
      population increase (rm ) was highest (0.1404) when Las-positive ACP fed on Las
      infected citrus shoots and the lowest (0.1328) when the Las-negative ACP fed on
      Las-free citrus shoots. CONCLUSIONS: Both the Las infection in ACP and citrus
      plants had obvious effects on the biology of ACP. When compared to the Las
      infection in ACP insects, the Las infection in citrus shoots had a more
      significant effect on the fitness of ACP. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY:
      To efficiently prevent the occurrence and spread of HLB disease, it is critical
      to understand the ecological basis of vector outbreaks and disease incidence,
      especially under field conditions. Thus, this study has increased our
      understanding of the epidemiology of HLB transmitted by psyllids in nature.

PMID- 27667801
TI  - A Woman with Leg Numbness and Weakness.

PMID- 27667802
TI  - A 64-Year-Old Male with Leg Pain.

PMID- 27667803
TI  - A 60 Year-Old Male with Progressive Back Pain.

PMID- 27667800
TI  - Clinical and genetic aspects of KBG syndrome.
AB  - KBG syndrome is characterized by short stature, distinctive facial features, and
      developmental/cognitive delay and is caused by mutations in ANKRD11, one of the
      ankyrin repeat-containing cofactors. We describe 32 KBG patients aged 2-47 years
      from 27 families ascertained via two pathways: targeted ANKRD11 sequencing (TS)
      in a group who had a clinical diagnosis of KBG and whole exome sequencing (ES) in
      a second group in whom the diagnosis was unknown. Speech delay and learning
      difficulties were almost universal and variable behavioral problems frequent.
      Macrodontia of permanent upper central incisors was seen in 85%. Other clinical
      features included short stature, conductive hearing loss, recurrent middle ear
      infection, palatal abnormalities, and feeding difficulties. We recognized a new
      feature of a wide anterior fontanelle with delayed closure in 22%. The subtle
      facial features of KBG syndrome were recognizable in half the patients. We
      identified 20 ANKRD11 mutations (18 novel: all truncating) confirmed by Sanger
      sequencing in 32 patients. Comparison of the two ascertainment groups
      demonstrated that facial/other typical features were more subtle in the ES group.
      There were no conclusive phenotype-genotype correlations. Our findings suggest
      that mutation of ANKRD11 is a common Mendelian cause of developmental delay.
      Affected patients may not show the characteristic KBG phenotype and the diagnosis
      is therefore easily missed. We propose updated diagnostic criteria/clinical
      recommendations for KBG syndrome and suggest that inclusion of ANKRD11 will
      increase the utility of gene panels designed to investigate developmental delay.
      (c) 2016 The Authors. American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A Published by
      Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27667804
TI  - 11-Year-Old Male with Spinal Mass.

PMID- 27667807
TI  - Seasonal infection rates of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in populations of
      northern green frog Lithobates clamitans melanota tadpoles.
AB  - Few studies have documented seasonal variation of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis
      (Bd) infection rates in larval amphibians. We identified 4 natural populations of
      northern green frogs Lithobates clamitans melanota in Pennsylvania (USA) that
      contained Bd-infected tadpoles during post-wintering collections in May and June,
      after hibernating tadpoles had overwintered in wetlands. However, we failed to
      detect infected tadpoles at those wetlands when pre-wintering collections were
      made in late July through early September. We observed 2 cohorts of tadpoles that
      appeared to lack Bd-infected individuals in pre-wintering collections, yet
      contained Bd-infected individuals the following spring. We also observed 4
      cohorts of pre-wintering tadpoles that were Bd-free, even though post-wintering
      tadpoles collected earlier in the year were infected with Bd. Our results suggest
      that tadpoles either reduce Bd infections during the summer months, and/or
      infections proliferate sometime prior to (or shortly after) tadpoles emerge from
      hibernation. It is unlikely that pre-wintering tadpoles were too small to detect
      Bd zoospores because (1) there was no correlation between Bd zoospore levels and
      tadpole size or stage, and (2) size was not a significant predictor of infection
      status. These results suggest that, while sampling larvae can be an effective
      means of collecting large sample sizes, investigators in our Mid-Atlantic region
      should conduct sampling by early summer to maximize the chances of detecting Bd.
      Further research is warranted to determine whether wetland topography and warm,
      shallow microhabitats within wetlands contribute to a population's ability to
      drastically reduce Bd prevalence prior to overwintering at ponds.

PMID- 27667806
TI  - Protozoal-related mortalities in endangered Hawaiian monk seals Neomonachus
      schauinslandi.
AB  - Protozoal infections have been widely documented in marine mammals and may cause
      morbidity and mortality at levels that result in population level effects. The
      presence and potential impact on the recovery of endangered Hawaiian monk seals
      Neomonachus schauinslandi by protozoal pathogens was first identified in the
      carcass of a stranded adult male with disseminated toxoplasmosis and a captive
      monk seal with hepatitis. We report 7 additional cases and 2 suspect cases of
      protozoal-related mortality in Hawaiian monk seals between 2001 and 2015,
      including the first record of vertical transmission in this species. This study
      establishes case definitions for classification of protozoal infections in
      Hawaiian monk seals. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry were the primary
      diagnostic modalities used to define cases, given that these analyses establish a
      direct link between disease and pathogen presence. Findings were supported by
      serology and molecular data when available. Toxoplasma gondii was the predominant
      apicomplexan parasite identified and was associated with 100% of mortalities (n =
      8) and 50% of suspect cases (n = 2). Incidental identification of sarcocysts in
      the skeletal muscle without tissue inflammation occurred in 4 seals, including
      one co-infected with T. gondii. In 2015, 2 cases of toxoplasmosis were identified
      ante-mortem and shared similar clinical findings, including hematological
      abnormalities and histopathology. Protozoal-related mortalities, specifically due
      to toxoplasmosis, are emerging as a threat to the recovery of this endangered
      pinniped and other native Hawaiian taxa. By establishing case definitions, this
      study provides a foundation for measuring the impact of these diseases on
      Hawaiian monk seals.

PMID- 27667808
TI  - Amphibian malformations and body condition across an agricultural landscape of
      northwest Argentina.
AB  - Agricultural landscapes support large amphibian populations because they provide
      habitat for many species, although agriculture affects amphibians through various
      mechanisms. Pollution with agrochemicals is the major threat to amphibian
      populations after habitat loss, as chemicals alter the ecophysiology of
      amphibians, putting their health and survival at risk. We aimed to assess the
      effect of different environments, sites, width of forest buffers and sampling
      years on the health of amphibians, which was estimated through the prevalence of
      malformations and body condition. During 3 yr of pitfall trapping, we captured
      4491 amphibians. The prevalence of malformations was higher in the croplands than
      in the forests, while the body condition was better within forests. The
      prevalence of malformations was higher in the narrower forest site than in the
      wider forest site. The prevalence of malformations and the body condition were
      higher in the third year. The prevalence of malformations differed by species. We
      found 11 types of malformation, which mainly affected limbs and were unilateral
      or bilaterally asymmetrical. Our results showed that the prevalence of
      malformations and body condition reflect different aspects of the health of
      amphibians and that forest individuals are healthier than those from croplands.
      The results also highlight the importance of spatial configuration besides the
      conservation of natural habitats to preserve healthy amphibians in agricultural
      landscapes. The types of malformation that we found suggest that agrochemicals
      could be an important cause of malformations.

PMID- 27667809
TI  - Ultrastructure and phylogeny of Ceratomyxa diplodae (Myxosporea: Ceratomyxidae),
      from gall bladder of European seabass Dicentrarchus labrax.
AB  - The myxosporean parasite Ceratomyxa diplodae Lubat et al. 1989 sensu Sitja
      Bobadilla & Alvarez-Pellitero, 1993, originally described from the annular
      seabream Diplodus annularis in the Adriatic Sea, has subsequently been reported
      from several other sparid hosts, and also a moronid fish, the European seabass
      Dicentrarchus labrax from the Mediterranean Sea. Here, molecular identity and
      additional morphological data are given for this parasite infecting the gall
      bladder of D. labrax in a southern Portuguese fish farm. In the bile, disporic
      plasmodia were spherical to subspherical with a smooth surface membrane. Most
      myxospores were crescent-shaped, 5.1 +/- 0.5 (4.8-6.7) um long (mean +/- SD) and
      21.9 +/- 1.0 (20.4-23.9) um thick; a few were more arcuate, 5.7 +/- 0.4 (5.3-6.3)
      um long and 17.3 +/- 1.0 (16.3-19.1) um thick. The wall consisted of 2
      symmetrical valves united along a slightly curved suture line, with moderately
      tapering to rounded ends. Two spherical polar capsules, measuring 2.9 +/- 0.3
      (2.5-3.4) um in diameter, contained a polar filament forming 8 to 9 coils
      organized in 2 rows. Host species, tissue tropism, and myxospore morphology
      supported species identification. Phylogenetic analyses of the small subunit
      ribosomal RNA sequence positioned the parasite among most sparid-infecting
      Ceratomyxa spp., suggesting the existence of a common ancestor for these species.
      The acquisition of molecular data from infections of C. diplodae in its original
      host and in other sparids is essential in order to ascertain if the morphological
      and biological variations found among reports of this parasite are intra- or
      inter-specific.

PMID- 27667810
TI  - Ultrastructural morphogenesis of a virus associated with lymphocystis-like
      lesions in parore Girella tricuspidata (Kyphosidae: Perciformes).
AB  - The morphogenesis of large icosahedral viruses associated with lymphocystis-like
      lesions in the skin of parore Girella tricuspidata is described. The electron
      lucent perinuclear viromatrix comprised putative DNA with open capsids at the
      periphery, very large arrays of smooth endoplasmic reticulum (sER), much of it
      with a reticulated appearance (rsER) or occurring as rows of vesicles. Lysosomes,
      degenerating mitochondria and virions in various stages of assembly, and
      paracrystalline arrays were also present. Long electron-dense inclusions (EDIs)
      with 15 nm repeating units split terminally and curled to form tubular structures
      internalising the 15 nm repeating structures. These tubular structures appeared
      to form the virion capsids. Large parallel arrays of sER sometimes alternated
      with aligned arrays of crinkled cisternae along which passed a uniformly wide (20
      nm) thread-like structure. Strings of small vesicles near open capsids may also
      have been involved in formation of an inner lipid layer. Granules with a fine
      fibrillar appearance also occurred in the viromatrix, and from the presence of a
      halo around mature virions it appeared that the fibrils may form a layer around
      the capsid. The general features of virogenesis of large icosahedral dsDNA
      viruses, the large amount of ER, particularly rsER and the EDIs, are features of
      nucleo-cytoplasmic large DNA viruses, rather than features of 1 genus or family.

PMID- 27667811
TI  - Edwardsiella piscicida-like pathogen in cultured grouper.
AB  - An Edwardsiella sp. was isolated from the kidney of diseased groupers
      (Epinephelus aeneus and E. marginatus) cultured in Eilat (Israel, Red Sea).
      Affected fish presented a severe suppurative nephritis with large abscesses
      occasionally spreading into the surrounding musculature. Biochemical profiles and
      phenotypic comparisons failed to provide a clear identification to the species
      level, and genetic analysis of the 16S subunit failed to discriminate between
      Edwardsiella piscicida, E. tarda and E. ictaluri. Analysis of the gyrB gene,
      however, placed the grouper isolates into the E. piscicida-like group, a newly
      recognized taxon which also encompasses the non-motile strains previously
      classified as atypical E. tarda. Initial genomic analysis revealed the presence
      of the Edwardsiella type 3 secretion system (T3SS) but also revealed a
      pathogenicity island encoding a second T3SS with homology to the locus of
      enterocyte effacement of Escherichia coli. Further analysis revealed 3 different
      type 6 secretion systems that were also present in all sequenced isolates of
      Edwardsiella piscicida-like strains. Based on estimated DNA-DNA hybridization
      values and the average nucleotide index, the grouper strain fits into the E.
      piscicida-like phylogroup described as E. anguillarum sp. nov. The peculiarities
      associated with this isolate and the association of other conspecific piscine
      isolates from multiple marine and brackish water species suggest a link of the
      entire E. piscicida-like phylogroup to the marine environment.

PMID- 27667812
TI  - Francisella noatunensis subsp. noatunensis invades, survives and replicates in
      Atlantic cod cells.
AB  - Systemic infection caused by the facultative intracellular bacterium Francisella
      noatunensis subsp. noatunensis remains a disease threat to Atlantic cod Gadus
      morhua L. Future prophylactics could benefit from better knowledge on how the
      bacterium invades, survives and establishes infection in its host cells. Here,
      facilitated by the use of a gentamicin protection assay, this was studied in
      primary monocyte/macrophage cultures and an epithelial-like cell line derived
      from Atlantic cod larvae (ACL cells). The results showed that F. noatunensis
      subsp. noatunensis is able to invade primary monocyte/macrophages, and that the
      actin-polymerisation inhibitor cytochalasin D blocked internalisation,
      demonstrating that the invasion is mediated through phagocytosis. Interferon
      gamma (IFNgamma) treatment of cod macrophages prior to infection enhanced
      bacterial invasion, potentially by stimulating macrophage activation in an early
      step in host defence against F. noatunensis subsp. noatunensis infections. We
      measured a rapid drop of the initial high levels of internalised bacteria in
      macrophages, indicating the presence and action of a cellular immune defence
      mechanism before intracellular bacterial replication took place. Low levels of
      bacterial internalisation and replication were detected in the epithelial-like
      ACL cells. The capacity of F. noatunensis subsp. noatunensis to enter, survive
      and even replicate within an epithelial cell line may play an important role in
      its ability to infect live fish and transverse epithelial barriers to reach the
      bacterium's main target cells-the macrophage.

PMID- 27667813
TI  - Susceptibility of common carp and sunfish to a strain of Francisella noatunensis
      subsp. orientalis in a challenge experiment.
AB  - Francisellosis, an emerging disease in many fish species, can cause high
      mortality in affected populations. Here we investigated the susceptibility of
      common carp Cyprinus carpio and sunfish Lepomis gibbosus to Francisella
      noatunensis subsp. orientalis (Fno), and possible transmission of the bacteria
      between the 2 fish species. In a challenge experiment, 3 groups of each species
      were injected intraperitoneally (IP) with 3 different doses of an Fno strain no.
      9449 of the Norwegian Veterinary Institute, recovered from naturally infected
      ornamental Malawi cichlids. Infected carp were cohabitated with sunfish and vice
      versa. Control groups were injected with 0.9M phosphate-buffered saline and
      cohabitated accordingly. Fish were sampled at different time points. Mortality of
      challenged sunfish was observed during the first 96 h and reached 56.1%. In the
      control sunfish, 4 of 16 fish (25%) died within 48 h. In carp, no mortalities or
      clinical signs were observed during the experiment. General clinical and patho
      anatomical disease signs of affected sunfish were observed. We detected
      granulomas in 2 cohabitated sunfish and 1 challenged carp, but could not re
      isolate Fno from these fish. Fno was successfully cultured from 6 sunfish and 3
      carp specimens until 35 d post injection. PCR of spleen and kidney with 16S rDNA
      Francisella-like bacterium primers 180f and 485r yielded amplicons in 68.3% of
      challenged sunfish and only 12.2% of challenged carp. We demonstrated that
      sunfish were susceptible to Fno infection while the carp were not. Horizontal
      transmission of the agent between the 2 fish species could not be demonstrated.

PMID- 27667814
TI  - Occurrence of Amblyomma dissimile on wild crocodylians in southern Mexico.
AB  - Ticks are common ectoparasites of amphibians and reptiles but very few reports of
      such parasites on crocodylians exist worldwide. Herein, we report the first
      detailed observations of Amblyomma dissimile Koch, 1844 on the 3 crocodylian
      species present in Mexico, with the first report of tick parasitism on Crocodylus
      acutus and the second on Caiman crocodilus chiapasius. This is also the first
      report of A. dissimile in the state of Quintana Roo. Proportions of infested
      individuals found in this study ranged from 0.51 to 1.96%, suggesting that tick
      parasitism in crocodylians is likely opportunistic and occurs when individuals
      leave the water for terrestrial activities. Tick parasitism does not represent a
      major threat to crocodylians. The increasing habitat destruction/fragmentation
      and cattle expansion in southeastern Mexico, however, could increase tick
      populations and trigger tick parasitism and tick-borne diseases in herpetofauna
      and other vertebrates, including humans. Thus, studies are needed to better
      understand these relationships.

PMID- 27667815
TI  - Paragonimiasis in tuberculosis patients in Nagaland, India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: One of the infections that mimic tuberculosis (TB) is paragonimiasis
      (PRG), a foodborne parasitic disease caused by lung flukes of the genus
      Paragonimus. In the northeastern states of India, TB and PRG are endemic;
      however, PRG is rarely included in the differential diagnosis of TB. OBJECTIVE:
      To address limited evidence on the dual burden of TB and PRG in northeastern
      India, we aimed to document the prevalence of PRG among TB patients using sputum
      smear, stool examination for children <15 years and ELISA. DESIGN: A cross
      sectional study of patients receiving TB treatment in the Medecins Sans
      Frontieres (MSF)-supported TB programme in Mon district, in collaboration with
      the Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC), Dibrugarh, Assam, between November
      2012 and December 2013. RESULTS: Of 96 patients screened between November 2012
      and December 2013, three (3%) had pulmonary PRG and were successfully treated
      with praziquantel. CONCLUSIONS: PRG should be considered in the TB diagnostic
      algorithms in PRG-TB dual burden areas. In case of TB-PRG co-infection, it is
      preferable to treat PRG first followed by anti-TB treatment a few days later.

PMID- 27667816
TI  - Maxillary anterior en masse retraction using different antero-posterior position
      of mini screw: a 3D finite element study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nowadays, mini screws are used in orthodontic tooth movement to
      obtain maximum or absolute anchorage. They have gained popularity among
      orthodontists for en masse retraction of anterior teeth after first premolar
      extraction in maximum anchorage cases. The purpose of this study was to determine
      the type of anterior tooth movement during the time when force was applied from
      different mini screw placements to the anterior power arm with various heights.
      METHODS: A finite element method was used for modeling maxillary teeth and bone
      structure. Brackets, wire, and hooks were also designed for modeling. Two
      appropriate positions for mini screw in the mesial and distal of the second
      premolar were designed as fixed nodes. Forces were applied from the mini screw to
      four different levels of anterior hook height: 0, 3, 6, and 9 mm. Initial tooth
      movement in eight different conditions was analyzed and calculated with ANSYS
      software. RESULTS: Rotation of anterior dentition was decreased with a longer
      anterior power arm and the mesial placement of the mini screw. Bodily movements
      occurred with the 9-mm height of the power arm in both mini screw positions.
      Intrusion or extrusion of the anterior teeth segment depended on the level of the
      mini screw and the edge of the power arm on the Z axis. CONCLUSIONS: According to
      the findings of this study, the best control in the sagittal plane during
      anterior en masse retraction was achieved by mesial placement of the mini screw
      and the 9-mm height of the anterior power arm. Where control in the vertical
      plane was concerned, distal placement of the mini screw with the 6-mm power arm
      height had minimum adverse effect on anterior dentition.

PMID- 27667819
TI  - Identification of Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus bm58a as an auxiliary gene and
      its requirement for cell lysis and larval liquefaction.
AB  - Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus orf58a (bm58a) and its homologues are highly
      conserved in genomes of all sequenced group I alphabaculoviruses and its function
      is still unknown. Transcriptional analysis revealed that bm58a is a very late
      gene initiated from a late transcriptional start motif TAAG. To examine its role
      in the virus, a bm58a knockout virus (vBmbm-58a-KO-PH-GFP) was generated through
      homologous recombination in Escherichia coli. Analysis of fluorescence
      microscopy, titration assays and electron microscopy examination showed that the
      deletion of bm58a did not affect viral replication and occlusion bodies formation
      in vitro, indicating that bm58a is not required for viral propagation. However,
      vBmbm-58a-KO-PH-GFP did not result in cell lysis when wild-type virus infected
      cells began to lyse, and the vBmbm-58a-KO-PH-GFP infected cells remained intact
      until 2 weeks post-infection. Quantification of polyhedra release from cells
      confirmed this observation. Accordingly, though deletion of bm58a did not reduce
      Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus infectivity in vivo in bioassays, it did
      significantly disrupt the larval liquefaction, reducing the level of polyhedra
      release from infected host. Immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated that Bm58a
      was predominantly localized on the cellular membrane at the late stage of
      infection, which may contribute to its function of facilitating cell lysis and
      larval liquefaction. Our results suggest that although bm58a is not essential for
      viral propagation as an auxiliary gene, it is a key factor of virus-induced cell
      lysis and larval liquefaction in vitro and in vivo.

PMID- 27667817
TI  - Three-dimensional mapping of cortical bone thickness in subjects with different
      vertical facial dimensions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine differences in cortical
      bone thickness among subjects with different vertical facial dimensions using
      cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS: From 114 pre-treatment CBCT scans,
      48 scans were selected to be included in the study. CBCT-synthesized lateral
      cephalograms were used to categorize subjects into three groups based on their
      vertical skeletal pattern. Cortical bone thickness (CBT) at two vertical levels
      (4 and 7 mm) from the alveolar crest were measured in the entire tooth-bearing
      region in the maxilla and mandible. RESULTS: Significant group differences were
      detected with high-angle subjects having significantly narrower inter-radicular
      CBT at some sites as compared to average- and low-angle subjects. CONCLUSIONS:
      Inter-radicular cortical bone is thinner in high-angle than in average- or low
      angle subjects in few selected sites at the vertical height in which mini
      implants are commonly inserted for orthodontic anchorage.

PMID- 27667820
TI  - Isotropic thin PTCDA films on GaN(0 0 0 1).
AB  - The growth of 3, 4, 9, 10-perylene tetracarboxylic dianhydride (PTCDA) on the Ga
      polar GaN(0 0 0 1) surface has been studied by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
      (XPS), spot profile analysis low-energy electron diffraction (SPA-LEED), near
      edge x-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS), and scanning tunneling microscopy
      (STM). The stoichiometric ratios derived from XPS indicate that the molecules
      remain intact upon adsorption on the surface. Furthermore, no chemical shifts can
      be observed in the C 1s and O 1s core levels with progressing deposition of
      PTCDA, suggesting none or only weak interactions between the molecules and the
      substrate. NEXAFS data indicate the PTCDA molecules being oriented with their
      molecular plane parallel to the surface. High-resolution STM shows PTCDA islands
      of irregular shape on the sub-micron scale, and together with corresponding SPA
      LEED data reveals a lateral ordering of the molecules that is compatible with the
      presence of (1 0 2) oriented PTCDA nano-crystals. SPA-LEED moreover clearly shows
      the presence of homogeneously distributed rotational domains of two-dimensionally
      isotropic PTCDA.

PMID- 27667821
TI  - Spin Hall magnetoresistance in Co2FeSi/Pt thin films: dependence on Pt thickness
      and temperature.
AB  - We have investigated the temperature and the Pt layer thickness dependence of the
      magnetoresistances (MRs) in Co2FeSi/Pt thin films. Based on the field dependent
      measurements, it can be seen that the spin-current-induced spin Hall
      magnetoresistance (SMR) plays the dominant role in the MRs in the Co2FeSi/Pt
      bilayers in the whole temperature range. Meanwhile, a quite small part of
      anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) existed in the MRs. It proved to be
      originated from magnetic proximity effect (MPE) by measuring the Pt thickness and
      temperature dependence of the AMR. Moreover, the Co2FeSi layer thickness has much
      weaker effect on the SMR and AMR compared to the Pt layer thickness. These
      results indicate that the Co2FeSi/Pt interface is beneficial to be used in the
      spin-current-induced physical phenomena.

PMID- 27667824
TI  - Ultrafast heating-induced magnetization switching in ferrimagnets.
AB  - We study theoretically the light-induced magnetization switching in a binary
      ferrimagnet of the type [Formula: see text], randomly occupied by two different
      species of magnetic ions. The localized spins are coupled with spins of itinerant
      electrons via s-d exchange interaction. Model parameters are chosen so that to
      achieve similarity between magnetic characteristics of the model and those of
      ferrimagnetic rare-earth-transition metal GdFeCo alloys. The switching is
      triggered by heating of the itinerant electrons by a laser pulse. The spin
      dynamics is governed by the cooling of itinerant electrons, exchange scattering,
      induced by the s-d exchange interaction and spin-lattice relaxation of the
      itinerant spins with a characteristic time [Formula: see text]. The dynamics of
      the localized and itinerant spins is described by coupled rate equations. The
      main conclusion of this study is that the switching occurs only in a certain
      temperature range depending on [Formula: see text]. For long [Formula: see text]
      the switching occurs only below the magnetisation compensation temperature T K.
      For physically reasonable values of [Formula: see text] this temperature range
      extends from 0 K to [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is slightly
      higher than the compensation temperature T K. With further decrease of [Formula:
      see text] this temperature range shifts to temperatures higher than T K.

PMID- 27667823
TI  - NDM-producing Enterobacteriaceae in a Chinese hospital, 2014-2015: identification
      of NDM-producing Citrobacterwerkmanii and acquisition of blaNDM-1-carrying
      plasmid in vivo in a clinical Escherichia coli isolate.
AB  - New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase (NDM)-producing Enterobacteriaceae (NPE) shows
      prevalence in China. Little is known about the mechanisms related to the spread
      of NPE. Recently, a total of 51 non-duplicated NPE isolates were collected from a
      tertiary-care hospital in China and analysed for genetic relatedness by PFGE,
      antimicrobial susceptibility by Etest and sequence type by multilocus sequence
      typing. S1-PFGE and Southern blot analysis or PCR amplification were used for
      plasmid profiling. Between 2014 and 2015, 22 Escherichia coli, 10 Klebsiella
      pneumoniae, 9 Enterobacter cloacae, 2 Enterobacter aerogenes, 3 Providencia
      rettgeri, 1 Klebsiella oxytoca, 1 Proteus mirabilis, 1 Citrobacter freundii, 1
      Citrobacterwerkmanii and 1 Raoultella planticola were identified as NPE. Results
      of PFGE and multilocus sequence typing showed that most strains were genetically
      unrelated. Among the 45 blaNDM-carrying plasmids, there were 25 IncX3 plasmids
      with a size of about 30 to 50 kb, one 100 kb IncX3 plasmid, 11 IncA/C plasmids
      with a size range from 70 to 300 kb, six 90 to 120 kb IncB/O plasmids, one IncN
      plasmid with a size of 100 kb and one 140 kb IncFrep plasmid. An NDM-1-producing
      isolate of C. werkmanii was identified, which had not been reported previously.
      An Escherichia coli strain was found acquiring a blaNDM-1-carrying IncFrep
      plasmid in vivo during infection. In conclusion, an NDM-1-producing isolate of C.
      werkmanii was identified. An Escherichia coli strain acquired a blaNDM-1-carrying
      plasmid in vivo. IncX3 and IncA/C plasmids with various sizes might have emerged
      as the main platforms mediating the spread of the blaNDM genes in China.

PMID- 27667822
TI  - Cross-cultural and socio-demographic correlates of homophobic attitude among
      university students in three European countries.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate homophobic attitudes in three
      European countries: Italy, Albania, and Ukraine. One thousand and forty-eight
      students were recruited in Italian (n = 766), Albanian (n = 180), and Ukrainian
      (n = 102) university centers. METHODS: A socio-demographic questionnaire and
      Homophobia Scale (HS) were administered by our staff. RESULTS: Cross-cultural and
      significant differences among Italian, Albanian, and Ukrainian students were
      found on the Homophobia Scale (HS; Italy: mean = 22.26 +/- 16.73; Albania: mean =
      38.15 +/- 17.28; Ukraine: mean = 59.18 +/- 16.23). The analysis of socio
      demographic characteristics revealed that the male gender emerged as main
      predictor of homophobic attitude in all the three countries, although also a
      conservative political orientation and the religious belief predict higher
      homophobia levels in Italy and Albania, particularly. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      revealed that in these European countries assessed, attitudes toward
      homosexuality are different. Ukrainians display higher levels of homophobia than
      Albanians and Italians, confirming the central role of cultural differences in
      homophobic attitudes. Nevertheless, some socio-demographic aspects such as
      identification as male have a similar influence on homophobic attitudes in all
      assessed populations.

PMID- 27667826
TI  - Predictors of hepatotoxicity among patients treated with antituberculous
      medication.
AB  - Introduction: Hepatotoxicity in patients diagnosed with active tuberculosis (TB)
      is the commonest adverse effect of therapy. We sought to analyse trends in liver
      function in patients diagnosed with active TB and to determine predictors of
      hepatotoxicity. Methods: We studied 275 patients with active TB treated at the
      Mercy University Hospital (Cork, Ireland) from 2009 to 2014 A retrospective
      review was undertaken of all patients' laboratory data and patient correspondence
      to determine predictors of hepatotoxicity. Results: A total of 170 (62%) male and
      105 (38%) female patients with active TB with a mean age of 44 years were
      studied. In total 15 patients (6%) required their medication to be stopped or
      altered as a consequence of hepatotoxicity. There was a significant difference in
      age between patients with hepatotoxicity (52.95 years) and those that didn't
      develop hepatotoxicity (41.33 years) ( P <= 0.01). Irish born patients were more
      likely to develop hepatotoxicity ( P = 0.025). There was no significant
      association between hepatotoxicity, illicit drug use ( P = 0.211), smoking ( P =
      0.95), cavitatory disease ( P = 0.191), site of disease ( p = 0.224), alcohol use
      ( P = 0.088) or history of alcohol excess ( p = 0.736). Among patients with TB,
      peak AST values did not occur within the first 2 weeks as widely thought but
      later (week 10). Conclusion: Our study shows hepatotoxicity as a consequence of
      antituberculous therapy is common. Hepatotoxicity was more common in older
      patients and Irish born patients, and resulted in drug interruptions and
      treatment changes. Given the late peak in AST values at week 10 in patients
      treated with antituberculous therapy, the authors advocate that liver function
      tests should be monitored regularly throughout the course of treatment.

PMID- 27667827
TI  - Radial pressure profiles in a cold-flow gas-solid vortex reactor.
AB  - A unique normalized radial pressure profile characterizes the bed of a gas-solid
      vortex reactor over a range of particle densities and sizes, solid capacities,
      and gas flow rates: 950-1240 kg/m3, 1-2 mm, 2 kg to maximum solids capacity, and
      0.4-0.8 Nm3/s (corresponding to gas injection velocities of 55-110 m/s),
      respectively. The combined momentum conservation equations of both gas and solid
      phases predict this pressure profile when accounting for the corresponding
      measured particle velocities. The pressure profiles for a given type of particles
      and a given solids loading but for different gas injection velocities merge into
      a single curve when normalizing the pressures with the pressure value downstream
      of the bed. The normalized-with respect to the overall pressure drop-pressure
      profiles for different gas injection velocities in particle-free flow merge in a
      unique profile.

PMID- 27667828
TI  - MEET THE PRESIDENT.

PMID- 27667829
TI  - The Tweet Heard Round the (Health Professions) World.

PMID- 27667830
TI  - Are Great Teachers Great Storytellers?

PMID- 27667831
TI  - Debating the Effectiveness and Necessity of Tenure in Pharmacy Education.
AB  - Academic tenure is a controversial and highly debated topic. Is tenure truly
      outdated or does it simply need to be reformed? On one hand, the tenure system
      has shortcomings including deincentivizing productive faculty members,
      inconsistent application of tenure policies and procedures, and the potential for
      discrimination during tenure decisions. On the other hand, the tenure system is a
      long held tradition in the academy, essential in higher education to ensure
      academic standards and values are upheld in the best interest of students. It
      provides faculty members with the academic freedom to try innovative teaching
      strategies and conduct research and assists with faculty retention and
      recruitment. Regardless of one's opinion, the tenure debate is not going away and
      warrants further discussion. This paper represents the work of a group of
      academic leaders participating in the 2014-2015 AACP Academic Leadership
      Fellowship Program. This work was presented as a debate at the 2015 AACP Interim
      Meeting in Austin, TX in February 2015. 

PMID- 27667832
TI  - Using Social Cognitive Theory to Explain the Intention of Final-year Pharmacy
      Students to Undertake a Higher Degree in Pharmacy Practice Research.
AB  - Objective. To develop and test a conceptual model that hypothesized student
      intention to undertake a higher degree in pharmacy practice research (PPR) would
      be increased by self-efficacy, outcome expectancy, and the social influence of
      faculty members. Methods. Cross-sectional surveys were completed by 387 final
      year pharmacy undergraduates enrolled in 2012 and 2013. Structural equation
      modeling was used to explore relationships between variables and intention.
      Results. Fit indices were good. The model explained 55% of the variation in
      intention. As hypothesized, faculty social influence increased self-efficacy and
      indirectly increased outcome expectancy and intention. Conclusion. To increase
      pharmacy students' orientation towards a career in PPR, faculty members could use
      their social influence by highlighting PPR in their teaching. 

PMID- 27667833
TI  - Survey of Pharmacy Schools' Approaches and Attitudes toward Curricular
      Integration.
AB  - Objective. To identify ways in which curricular integration is addressed in US
      pharmacy schools, the structure of therapeutics and foundational science courses,
      and perceptions of the effects current curricular integration methods have on
      student learning. Methods. An electronic survey was sent to academic leaders
      representing 131 pharmacy schools in the United States. Frequency data was
      tabulated and demographic analysis was performed. Results. Respondent data
      represents 94 schools of pharmacy. Arranging similar content from various
      disciplines in a course, a skills laboratory and pharmacy practice experiences
      were the most common methods for achieving curricular integration. More than one
      half of the schools indicated that foundational sciences were integrated with
      therapeutics. The most common reported challenge to curricular integration was
      logistics. Conclusion. Pharmacy education in the United States has evolved in
      addressing curricular integration in the curricula, which is consistent with
      changes in accreditation standards. Most pharmacy schools reported a variety of
      methods for achieving the intent of curricular integration. 

PMID- 27667834
TI  - Assessing the Value of Online Learning and Social Media in Pharmacy Education.
AB  - Objective. To assess student preferences regarding online learning and technology
      and to evaluate student pharmacists' social media use for educational purposes.
      Methods. An anonymous 36-question online survey was administered to third-year
      student pharmacists enrolled in the Drug Information and Clinical Literature
      Evaluation course. Results. Four hundred thirty-one students completed the
      survey, yielding a 96% response rate. The majority of students used technology
      for academic activities, with 90% using smart phones and 91% using laptop
      computers. Fifty-eight percent of students also used social networking websites
      to communicate with classmates. Conclusion. Pharmacy students frequently use
      social media and some online learning methods, which could be a valuable avenue
      for delivering or supplementing pharmacy curricula. The potential role of social
      media and online learning in pharmacy education needs to be further explored. 

PMID- 27667835
TI  - An Examination of Correlations between MMI scores and Pharmacy School GPA.
AB  - Objective. To investigate the correlation of mean admission multiple mini
      interview (MMI) scores with cumulative and overall GPA across didactic years 1-3
      in the doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) curriculum. Methods. The mean admission MMI
      score and cumulative and overall GPA for first year (P1), second year (P2), and
      third year (P3) students in the PharmD curriculum was used to conduct a multiple
      regression analysis and to calculate a Pearson correlation coefficient.
      Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, v20. Results. A negative
      correlation between mean admission MMI and overall GPA was observed for P1
      students and P2 students. A significant positive correlation was observed between
      mean admission MMI and overall GPA for P3 students. Conclusion. A weak
      association between mean admission MMI score and GPA was observed, and the
      direction of the association between MMI and GPA was mixed across cohorts of
      students in the PharmD curriculum. Further research is needed that includes
      measurement of noncognitive outcomes and continued validation of the MMI for use
      in pharmacy school admissions. 

PMID- 27667836
TI  - The Effect of Prerequisite Pharmacodynamics Course Timing on Student Performance
      in Pharmacotherapy Courses.
AB  - Objective. To evaluate the impact that decreasing the time from 12 to three
      months between prerequisite pharmacodynamics courses and their corresponding
      pharmacotherapy courses had on overall student performance in the pharmacotherapy
      courses measured by course examination scores. Methods. Two cohorts of second
      professional year (P2) and third professional year (P3) classes, respectively,
      following different curriculum plans, simultaneously took two pharmacotherapy
      courses (infectious disease and neoplastic disease). Admission data (age, gender,
      prior bachelor's degree status, grade point average (GPA), Pharmacy College
      Admission Test (PCAT) score, and interview score) were collected to establish
      baseline characteristics between the two cohorts. Examination scores in the
      corresponding prerequisite pharmacodynamics and pharmacotherapy courses were also
      collected. The variable was the difference in time each cohort experienced
      between the prerequisite pharmacodynamics courses and the subsequent
      pharmacotherapy courses. Results. No difference was found in baseline admission
      characteristics between the two cohorts, except for increased average age, which
      favored the P2 cohort. In the infectious disease pharmacotherapy course, the P3
      cohort performed better than the P2 cohort as measured by average examination
      scores. In the neoplastic disease pharmacotherapy course, the P3 cohort also
      achieved significant higher average examination scores than the P2 cohort. The P3
      cohort achieved higher overall scores than the P2 cohort in both courses despite
      a longer interval between the applicable pharmacodynamic and pharmacotherapy
      courses (12 months vs 3 months, respectively). Conclusion. Shortening the time
      interval from 12 months to three months between prerequisite and requisite
      courses did not result in improved, or even equivalent, academic performance
      relative to the P2 cohort that had only a 3-month interval between courses.
      Placing like content closer together, as the only intervention, is not enough to
      ensure improved student performance measured by examination scores in
      corresponding requisite courses. 

PMID- 27667837
TI  - A Systematic Review of Extramural Presentations and Publications from Pharmacy
      Student Research Programs.
AB  - Objective. To conduct a systematic review of reports of pharmacy student research
      programs that describes the programs and resulting publications or presentations.
      Methods. To be eligible for the review, reports had to be in English and indicate
      that students were required to collect, analyze data, and report or present
      findings. The outcome variables were extramural posters/presentations and
      publications. Results. Database searches resulted in identification of 13 reports
      for 12 programs. Two-thirds were reports of projects required for a course or for
      graduation, and the remaining third were elective (participation was optional).
      Extramural posters resulted from 75% of the programs and publications from 67%.
      Conclusion. Although reporting on the outcomes of student research programs is
      limited, three-quarters of the programs indicated that extramural presentations,
      publications, or both resulted from student research. Additional research is
      needed to identify relevant outcomes of student research programs in pharmacy. 

PMID- 27667838
TI  - A Retrospective Study on Students' and Teachers' Perceptions of the Reflective
      Ability Clinical Assessment.
AB  - Objective. To evaluate student and teacher perceptions of the utility of the
      Reflective Ability Clinical Assessment (RACA) in an undergraduate pharmacy
      curriculum at an Australian university. Methods. A mixed-method study comprising
      the administration of a 7-item student survey on a 6-point Likert-type scale and
      a 45-minute focus group/phone interview with teachers. Results. Student (n=199)
      and teaching staff respondents (n=3) provided their perceptions of the
      implementation of the new educational tool. Student responses showed significant
      positive correlations between self-directed learning, counseling skills,
      relevance to future practice, and performance in an oral examination. Seven key
      themes emerged from the teacher interviews. Conclusion. The study revealed both
      students and teachers perceive the RACA as an effective educational tool that may
      enhance skill development for future clinical practice. 

PMID- 27667839
TI  - Time Spent, Workload, and Student and Faculty Perceptions in a Blended Learning
      Environment.
AB  - Objective. To evaluate student perception and time spent on asynchronous online
      lectures in a blended learning environment (BLE) and to assess faculty workload
      and perception. Methods. Students (n=427) time spent viewing online lectures was
      measured in three courses. Students and faculty members completed a survey to
      assess perceptions of a BLE. Faculty members recorded time spent creating BLEs.
      Results. Total time spent in the BLE was less than the allocated time for two of
      the three courses by 3-15%. Students preferred online lectures for their
      flexibility, students' ability to apply information learned, and congruence with
      their learning styles. Faculty members reported the BLE facilitated higher levels
      of learning during class sessions but noted an increase in workload. Conclusion.
      A BLE increased faculty workload but was well received by students. Time spent
      viewing online lectures was less than what was allocated in two of the three
      courses. 

PMID- 27667841
TI  - Using Text Analytics of AJPE Article Titles to Reveal Trends In Pharmacy
      Education Over the Past Two Decades.
AB  - Objective. To identify trends in pharmacy education during last two decades using
      text mining. Methods. Articles published in the American Journal of
      Pharmaceutical Education (AJPE) in the past two decades were compiled in a
      database. Custom text analytics software was written using Visual Basic
      programming language in the Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) editor of Excel
      2007. Frequency of words appearing in article titles was calculated using the
      custom VBA software. Data were analyzed to identify the emerging trends in
      pharmacy education. Results. Three educational trends emerged: active learning,
      interprofessional, and cultural competency. Conclusion. The text analytics
      program successfully identified trends in article topics and may be a useful
      compass to predict the future course of pharmacy education. 

PMID- 27667840
TI  - Students' Opinions on Summative Team Assessments in a Three-Year Concentrated
      Pharmacy Curriculum.
AB  - Objective. To investigate student opinions of team assessment. Methods.
      University of Maryland Eastern Shore School of Pharmacy first-year (P1) to third
      year (P3) students (n=125) completed an online survey regarding team assessments.
      Students rated their opinions on a Likert scale. Responses were examined using
      Mann-Whitney U test with respect to academic performance and class. Results. One
      hundred twenty-five students (75%) completed the survey. A majority of students
      agreed that team assessment was beneficial (90%). In contrast, 78% of the
      students perceived that the discussion helped clarify misconceptions. Students
      were not in agreement on occurrence of free riders (51%) and the use of peer
      evaluation (38%). Overall, students ranked the benefits of team assessment as
      improving individual score, then promoting collaboration, followed by enhancing
      understanding of material. Conclusion. Students had favorable opinions regarding
      team assessment. Educational benefits of team assessments include enhanced
      understanding of the material, being a meaningful activity for promoting
      collaboration, and developing communication skills. 

PMID- 27667842
TI  - Using the Pharmacist Interaction Tracking Tool for Capturing Student-Patient
      Interactions in Direct and Simulated Patient Care Activities.
AB  - Objective. To create and implement a standardized data collection tool for
      capturing student-patient interactions in direct and simulated patient care
      activities. Design. Faculty members and students determined key elements, design,
      and an implementation plan for the tool, which was to be used by students across
      professional years to quantify numbers and types of interactions with patients
      for tracking student progression toward achievement of curricular outcomes.
      Assessment. During the 2013-2014 academic year, 27 778 entries were completed,
      with 17 767 (64%) advanced pharmacy practice experiences, 7272 (26%) introductory
      pharmacy practice experiences, and 2739 (10%) simulation. Direct patient care
      interactions occurred with 11 090 patients and 10 983 providers, with 14 252 drug
      related problems identified. Data was used by students for their professional
      portfolios, by administrators for curricular assessment, and to student impact on
      patient care. Conclusion. The PITT Form enabled the collection of data from
      actual and simulated patient care activities, allowed for curricular assessment
      of activities across years, and was used by individual students. 

PMID- 27667843
TI  - An Elective Course to Train Student Pharmacists to Deliver a Community-based
      Group Diabetes Prevention Program.
AB  - Objective. To develop and assess the impact of an elective course aimed at
      improving student knowledge of and confidence in delivering a group diabetes
      prevention program. Design. Two colleges of pharmacy collaborated to develop a 2
      credit elective course using didactic and active-learning strategies to prepare
      students to serve as lifestyle coaches offering a proven group diabetes
      prevention program. Assessment. Students' confidence in their ability to deliver
      a group diabetes prevention program increased as a result of the class. However,
      their knowledge of diabetes prevention facts was unchanged from baseline.
      Conclusion. A diabetes prevention elective course improved students' confidence
      in their ability to teach a diabetes prevention program. 

PMID- 27667844
TI  - Incorporating Health Information Technology and Pharmacy Informatics in a
      Pharmacy Professional Didactic Curriculum -with a Team-based Learning Approach.
AB  - Objective. To incorporate a pharmacy informatics program in the didactic
      curriculum of a team-based learning institution and to assess students' knowledge
      of and confidence with health informatics during the course. Design. A previously
      developed online pharmacy informatics course was adapted and implemented into a
      team-based learning (TBL) 3-credit-hour drug information course for doctor of
      pharmacy (PharmD) students in their second didactic year. During a period of five
      weeks (15 contact hours), students used the online pharmacy informatics modules
      as part of their readiness assurance process. Additional material was developed
      to comply with the TBL principles. Online pre/postsurveys were administered to
      evaluate knowledge gained and students' perceptions of the informatics program.
      Assessment. Eighty-three second-year students (84% response rate) completed the
      surveys. Participants' knowledge of electronic health records, computerized
      physician order entry, pharmacy information systems, and clinical decision
      support was significantly improved. Additionally, their confidence significantly
      improved in terms of describing health informatics terminology, describing the
      benefits and barriers of using health information technology, and understanding
      reasons for systematically processing health information. Conclusion. Students
      responded favorably to the incorporation of pharmacy informatics content into a
      drug information course using a TBL approach. Students met the learning
      objectives of seven thematic areas and had positive attitudes toward the course
      after its completion. 

PMID- 27667845
TI  - The Racial and Ethnic Representation of Faculty in US Pharmacy Schools and
      Colleges.
AB  - Objective. To describe the representation of racial and ethnic minorities among
      faculty members (faculty) in schools and colleges of pharmacy (COP) compared to
      US Census Bureau data; to evaluate the representation of racial and ethnic
      minorities in historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), newer doctor
      of pharmacy (PharmD) programs, and PharmD programs with a religious affiliation
      compared with all pharmacy programs; and to compare racial and ethnic pharmacy
      faculty data to trends in medical and dental schools, and all higher education.
      Methods. Information was obtained from national databases and published reports;
      data was comparatively evaluated. Results. Compared to the general population,
      Asians are overrepresented in pharmacy, while all other minority groups are
      underrepresented. The HBCUs, newer schools, and religious-affiliated institutions
      have greater numbers of African American/Black faculty. Newer schools also have
      better representation of Hispanic faculty. Pharmacy has been more successful than
      medicine and dentistry in recruiting African American/Black faculty, but lag
      behind dental schools in their representation of Hispanic faculty. Conclusion. To
      meet the health care needs of the population, we recommend the implementation of
      short-term and long-term diversity and inclusion strategies that address minority
      representation in COP. 

PMID- 27667846
TI  - Response to Brock et al: "Health Care Education Must Be More of a Team Sport".

PMID- 27667848
TI  - Correction to "A Comparative Analysis of Perceptions of Pharmacy Students' Stress
      and Stressors across Two Multicampus Universities".
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.5688/ajpe80582.].

PMID- 27667847
TI  - Response to Paradis: "Health Care Education Must Be More of a Team Sport".

PMID- 27667849
TI  - The Pharmacy Student Population: Applications Received 2014-15, Degrees Conferred
      2014-15, Fall 2015 Enrollments.

PMID- 27667850
TI  - A novel statistical method for behaviour sequence analysis and its application to
      birdsong.
AB  - Complex vocal signals, such as birdsong, contain acoustic elements that differ in
      both order and duration. These elements may convey socially relevant meaning,
      both independently and through their interactions, yet statistical methods that
      combine order and duration data to extract meaning have not, to our knowledge,
      been fully developed. Here we design novel semi-Markov methods, Bayesian
      estimation and classification trees to extract order and duration information
      from behavioural sequences and apply these methods to songs produced by male
      European starlings, Sturnus vulgaris, in two social contexts in which the
      function of song differs: a spring (breeding) and autumn (nonbreeding) context.
      Additionally, previous data indicate that damage to the medial preoptic nucleus
      (POM), a brain area known to regulate male sexually motivated behaviour, affects
      structural aspects of starling song such that males in a sexually relevant
      context (i.e. spring) sing shorter songs than appropriate for this context. We
      further test the utility of our statistical approach by comparing attributes of
      song structure in POM-lesioned males to song produced by control spring and
      autumn males. Spring and autumn songs were statistically separable based on the
      duration and order of phrase types. Males produced more structurally complex
      aspects of song in spring than in autumn. Spring song was also longer and more
      stereotyped than autumn song, both attributes used by females to select mates.
      Songs produced by POM-lesioned males in some cases fell between measures of
      spring and autumn songs but differed most from songs produced by autumn males.
      Overall, these statistical methods can effectively extract biologically
      meaningful information contained in many behavioural sequences given sufficient
      sample sizes and replication numbers.

PMID- 27667851
TI  - Low Birth Weight, Preschool Education, and School Remediation.
AB  - Studies have documented a strong relationship between low birth weight status and
      adverse child outcomes such as poor school performance and need for special
      education services. Following a cohort of over 1,300 low-income and predominately
      African American children in the Chicago Longitudinal Study we investigated
      whether birth weight and family socio-economic risk measured at the time of the
      child's birth predicts placement into special education classes or grade
      retention in elementary school. Contrary to previous research, we found that low
      birth weight (< 5 1/2 pounds) does not predict special education placement.
      Rather, these children (especially boys) were more likely to be retained in grade
      as an alternative approach to addressing poor school performance. Family socio
      economic risk at birth was a significant predictor of the need for remedial
      services. We also assessed whether a high-quality preschool program offered at
      ages 3 and 4 can reduce the negative effects of low family SES and birth weight
      on the need for special education and grade retention. Preschool participation in
      the Child-Parent Centers was found to reduce the likelihood of school
      remediation. The effects of preschool were greater for children from families
      with higher levels of socio-economic disadvantage. The beneficial effects of
      preschool on special education placement were also larger for boys than girls.

PMID- 27667853
TI  - Coho salmon spawner mortality in western US urban watersheds: bioinfiltration
      prevents lethal storm water impacts.
AB  - Adult coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch return each autumn to freshwater spawning
      habitats throughout western North America. The migration coincides with
      increasing seasonal rainfall, which in turn increases storm water run-off,
      particularly in urban watersheds with extensive impervious land cover. Previous
      field assessments in urban stream networks have shown that adult coho are dying
      prematurely at high rates (>50%). Despite significant management concerns for the
      long-term conservation of threatened wild coho populations, a causal role for
      toxic run-off in the mortality syndrome has not been demonstrated.We exposed
      otherwise healthy coho spawners to: (i) artificial storm water containing
      mixtures of metals and petroleum hydrocarbons, at or above concentrations
      previously measured in urban run-off; (ii) undiluted storm water collected from a
      high traffic volume urban arterial road (i.e. highway run-off); and (iii) highway
      run-off that was first pre-treated via bioinfiltration through experimental soil
      columns to remove pollutants.We find that mixtures of metals and petroleum
      hydrocarbons - conventional toxic constituents in urban storm water - are not
      sufficient to cause the spawner mortality syndrome. By contrast, untreated
      highway run-off collected during nine distinct storm events was universally
      lethal to adult coho relative to unexposed controls. Lastly, the mortality
      syndrome was prevented when highway run-off was pretreated by soil infiltration,
      a conventional green storm water infrastructure technology.Our results are the
      first direct evidence that: (i) toxic run-off is killing adult coho in urban
      watersheds, and (ii) inexpensive mitigation measures can improve water quality
      and promote salmon survival. Synthesis and applications. Coho salmon, an iconic
      species with exceptional economic and cultural significance, are an ecological
      sentinel for the harmful effects of untreated urban run-off. Wild coho
      populations cannot withstand the high rates of mortality that are now regularly
      occurring in urban spawning habitats. Green storm water infrastructure or similar
      pollution prevention methods should be incorporated to the maximal extent
      practicable, at the watershed scale, for all future development and redevelopment
      projects, particularly those involving transportation infrastructure.

PMID- 27667852
TI  - Indications and Route of Hysterectomy for Benign Diseases. Guideline of the DGGG,
      OEGGG and SGGG (S3 Level, AWMF Registry No. 015/070, April 2015)
AB  - Background: Official guideline "indications and methods of hysterectomy" to
      assign indications for the different methods published and coordinated by the
      German Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics (DGGG), the Austrian Society of
      Gynecology and Obstetrics (OEGGG) and the Swiss Society of Gynecology and
      Obstetrics (SGGG). Besides vaginal and abdominal hysterectomy, three additional
      techniques have been implemented due to the introduction of laparoscopy. Organ
      sparing alternatives were also integrated. Methods: The guideline group consisted
      of 26 experts from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Recommendations were
      developed using a structured consensus process and independent moderation. A
      systematic literature search and quality appraisal of benefits and harms of the
      therapeutic alternatives for symptomatic fibroids, dysfunctional bleeding and
      adenomyosis was done through MEDLINE up to 6/2014 focusing on systematic reviews
      and meta-analysis. Results: All types of hysterectomy led in studies to high
      rates of patient satisfaction. If possible, vaginal instead of abdominal
      hysterectomy should preferably be done. If a vaginal hysterectomy is not
      feasible, the possibility of a laparoscopic hysterectomy should be considered. An
      abdominal hysterectomy should only be done with a special indication. Organ
      sparing interventions also led to high patient satisfaction rates, but contain
      the risk of symptom recurrence. Conclusion: As an aim, patients should be enabled
      to choose that therapeutic intervention for their benign disease of the uterus
      that convenes best to them and their personal life situation.

PMID- 27667854
TI  - Binuclear copper(II) complexes discriminating epimeric glycosides and alpha- and
      beta-glycosidic bonds in aqueous solution.
AB  - Two chiral binuclear copper(II) complexes were synthesized and characterized for
      the first time as efficient chemoselective catalysts for the hydrolysis of aryl
      glycosides and disaccharides in aqueous solution at near neutral pH. Under these
      conditions, discrimination of epimeric aryl alpha-glycopyranosides was observed
      both by 29-fold different reaction rates and 3-fold different proficiency of the
      catalyst. Additionally, large differentiation of the nature of alpha- and beta-
      glycosidic bond in aryl glycosides as model compounds is apparent, but also noted
      in selected disaccharides. The influence of the chirality of the complexes and
      the role of the configuration of the carbohydrate upon interaction with the
      catalyst is discussed in detail. Lastly, a putative mechanism for the metal
      complex-catalyzed hydrolysis is derived from the experimental evidence pointing
      at deprotonation of the hydroxyl group at C-2 as a pre-requisite for glycoside
      hydrolysis.

PMID- 27667855
TI  - Synthesis and chemical reactivity of a 6-Me-3,2-hydroxypyridinone dithiazolide
      with primary amines: a route to new hexadentate chelators for hard metal(III)
      ions.
AB  - A hydroxypyridinone building block, bifunctionalized with thiazoline, has been
      prepared from orthogonally protected 2-(3-(benzyloxy)-4-(ethoxycarbonyl)-6-methyl
      2-oxopyridin-1(2H)-yl) acetic acid. The reactivity of the dithiazolide has been
      explored with two primary amines, leading to the synthesis and characterization
      of four new hexadentate ligands. Their complexes with selected hard trivalent
      ions pertinent to potential molecular imaging applications have been surveyed.

PMID- 27667856
TI  - Coinfection Dynamics of Two Diseases in a Single Host Population.
AB  - A susceptible-infectious-susceptible (SIS) epidemic model that describes the
      coinfection and cotransmission of two infectious diseases spreading through a
      single population is studied. The host population consists of two subclasses:
      susceptible and infectious, and the infectious individuals are further divided
      into three subgroups: those infected by the first agent/pathogen, the second
      agent/pathogen, and both. The basic reproduction numbers for all cases are
      derived which completely determine the global stability of the system if the
      presence of one agent/pathogen does not affect the transmission of the other.
      When the constraint on the transmissibility of the dually infected hosts is
      removed, we introduce the invasion reproduction number, compare it with two other
      types of reproduction number and show the uniform persistence of both diseases
      under certain conditions. Numerical simulations suggest that the system can
      display much richer dynamics such as backward bifurcation, bistability and Hopf
      bifurcation.

PMID- 27667859
TI  - Conscious Action/Zombie Action.
AB  - I argue that the neural realizers of experiences of trying (that is, experiences
      of directing effort towards the satisfaction of an intention) are not distinct
      from the neural realizers of actual trying (that is, actual effort directed
      towards the satisfaction of an intention). I then ask how experiences of trying
      might relate to the perceptual experiences one has while acting. First, I assess
      recent zombie action arguments regarding conscious visual experience, and I argue
      that contrary to what some have claimed, conscious visual experience plays a
      causal role for action control in some circumstances. Second, I propose a
      multimodal account of the experience of acting. According to this account, the
      experience of acting is (at the very least) a temporally extended, co-conscious
      collection of agentive and perceptual experiences, functionally integrated and
      structured both by multimodal perceptual processing as well as by what an agent
      is, at the time, trying to do.

PMID- 27667858
TI  - Rapid growth and concerted sexual transitions by a bloom of the harmful
      dinoflagellate Alexandrium fundyense (Dinophyceae).
AB  - Transitions between life cycle stages by the harmful dinoflagellate Alexandrium
      fundyense are critical for the initiation and termination of its blooms. To
      quantify these transitions in a single population, an Imaging FlowCytobot (IFCB),
      was deployed in Salt Pond (Eastham, Massachusetts), a small, tidally flushed
      kettle pond that hosts near annual, localized A. fundyense blooms. Machine-based
      image classifiers differentiating A. fundyense life cycle stages were developed
      and results were compared to manually corrected IFCB samples, manual microscopy
      based estimates of A. fundyense abundance, previously published data describing
      prevalence of the parasite Amoebophrya, and a continuous culture of A. fundyense
      infected with Amoebophrya. In Salt Pond, a development phase of sustained
      vegetative division lasted approximately 3 weeks and was followed by a rapid and
      near complete conversion to small, gamete cells. The gametic period (~3 d)
      coincided with a spike in the frequency of fusing gametes (up to 5% of A.
      fundyense images) and was followed by a zygotic phase (~4 d) during which cell
      sizes returned to their normal range but cell division and diel vertical
      migration ceased. Cell division during bloom development was strongly phased,
      enabling estimation of daily rates of division, which were more than twice those
      predicted from batch cultures grown at similar temperatures in replete medium.
      Data from the Salt Pond deployment provide the first continuous record of an A.
      fundyense population through its complete bloom cycle and demonstrate growth and
      sexual induction rates much higher than are typically observed in culture.

PMID- 27667857
TI  - Food Perceptions and Dietary Behavior of American-Indian Children, Their
      Caregivers, and Educators: Formative Assessment Findings from Pathways.
AB  - Dietary findings from a school-based obesity prevention project (Pathways) are
      reported for children from six different American-Indian nations. A formative
      assessment was undertaken with teachers, caregivers, and children from nine
      schools to design a culturally appropriate intervention, including classroom
      curriculum, food service, physical education, and family components. This
      assessment employed a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods
      (including direct observations, paired-child in-depth interviews, focus groups
      with child caregivers and teachers, and semistructured interviews with caregivers
      and foodservice personnel) to query local perceptions and beliefs about foods
      commonly eaten and risk behaviors associated with childhood obesity at home, at
      school, and in the community. An abundance of high-fat, high-sugar foods was
      detected in children's diets described by caregivers, school food-service
      workers, and the children themselves. Although children and caregivers identified
      fruits and vegetables as healthy food choices, this knowledge does not appear to
      influence actual food choices. Frequent high-fat/high-sugar food sales in the
      schools, high-fat entrees in school meals, the use of food rewards in the
      classroom, rules about finishing all of one's food, and limited family resources
      are some of the competing factors that need to be addressed in the Pathways
      intervention.

PMID- 27667860
TI  - Application of Independent Component Analysis Techniques in Speckle Noise
      Reduction of Retinal OCT Images.
AB  - Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is an emerging technique in the field of
      biomedical imaging, with applications in ophthalmology, dermatology, coronary
      imaging etc. OCT images usually suffer from a granular pattern, called speckle
      noise, which restricts the process of interpretation. Therefore the need for
      speckle noise reduction techniques is of high importance. To the best of our
      knowledge, use of Independent Component Analysis (ICA) techniques has never been
      explored for speckle reduction of OCT images. Here, a comparative study of
      several ICA techniques (InfoMax, JADE, FastICA and SOBI) is provided for noise
      reduction of retinal OCT images. Having multiple B-scans of the same location,
      the eye movements are compensated using a rigid registration technique. Then,
      different ICA techniques are applied to the aggregated set of B-scans for
      extracting the noise-free image. Signal-to-Noise-Ratio (SNR), Contrast-to-Noise
      Ratio (CNR) and Equivalent-Number-of-Looks (ENL), as well as analysis on the
      computational complexity of the methods, are considered as metrics for
      comparison. The results show that use of ICA can be beneficial, especially in
      case of having fewer number of B-scans.

PMID- 27667862
TI  - Do Inquiring Minds Have Positive Attitudes? The Science Education of Preservice
      Elementary Teachers.
AB  - Due to their potential impact on students' cognitive and non-cognitive outcomes,
      the negative attitudes towards science held by many elementary teachers are a
      critical issue that needs to be addressed. This study focuses on the science
      education of pre-service elementary teachers with the goal of improving their
      attitudes before they begin their professional lives as classroom teachers.
      Specifically, this study builds on a small body of research to examine whether
      exposure to inquiry-based science content courses that actively involve students
      in the collaborative process of learning and discovery can promote a positive
      change in attitudes towards science across several different dimensions. To
      examine this issue, surveys and administrative data were collected from over 200
      students enrolled in the Hands on Science (HoS) program for pre-service teachers
      at the University of Texas at Austin, as well as more than 200 students in a
      comparison group enrolled in traditional lecture-style classes. Quantitative
      analyses reveal that after participating in HoS courses, pre-service teachers
      significantly increased their scores on scales measuring confidence, enjoyment,
      anxiety, and perceptions of relevance, while those in the comparison group
      experienced a decline in favorable attitudes to science. These patterns offer
      empirical support for the attitudinal benefits of inquiry-based instruction and
      have implications for the future learning opportunities available to students at
      all education levels.

PMID- 27667861
TI  - Stochastic Kinetics of Nascent RNA.
AB  - The stochastic kinetics of transcription is typically inferred from the
      distribution of RNA numbers in individual cells. However, cellular RNA reflects
      additional processes downstream of transcription, hampering this analysis. In
      contrast, nascent (actively transcribed) RNA closely reflects the kinetics of
      transcription. We present a theoretical model for the stochastic kinetics of
      nascent RNA, which we solve to obtain the probability distribution of nascent RNA
      per gene. The model allows us to evaluate the kinetic parameters of transcription
      from single-cell measurements of nascent RNA. The model also predicts surprising
      discontinuities in the distribution of nascent RNA, a feature which we verify
      experimentally.

PMID- 27667863
TI  - Understanding handpump sustainability: Determinants of rural water source
      functionality in the Greater Afram Plains region of Ghana.
AB  - Safe drinking water is critical to human health and development. In rural sub
      Saharan Africa, most improved water sources are boreholes with handpumps; studies
      suggest that up to one third of these handpumps are nonfunctional at any given
      time. This work presents findings from a secondary analysis of cross-sectional
      data from 1509 water sources in 570 communities in the rural Greater Afram Plains
      (GAP) region of Ghana; one of the largest studies of its kind. 79.4% of
      enumerated water sources were functional when visited; in multivariable
      regressions, functionality depended on source age, management, tariff collection,
      the number of other sources in the community, and the district. A Bayesian
      network (BN) model developed using the same data set found strong dependencies of
      functionality on implementer, pump type, management, and the availability of
      tools, with synergistic effects from management determinants on functionality,
      increasing the likelihood of a source being functional from a baseline of 72% to
      more than 97% with optimal management and available tools. We suggest that
      functionality may be a dynamic equilibrium between regular breakdowns and
      repairs, with management a key determinant of repair rate. Management variables
      may interact synergistically in ways better captured by BN analysis than by
      logistic regressions. These qualitative findings may prove generalizable beyond
      the study area, and may offer new approaches to understanding and increasing
      handpump functionality and safe water access.

PMID- 27667864
TI  - Dextroamphetamine and Pramipexole Combination for Treatment-Resistant Unipolar
      Depression.

PMID- 27667865
TI  - Evidence for Using Doxazosin in the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.
AB  - There is evidence that doxazosin is effective in the treatment of posttraumatic
      stress disorder (PTSD). Doxazosin is a "me-too" drug of prazosin. Doxazosin has
      an improved absorption profile and this likely minimizes the risk for unintended
      adverse hypotensive effects. The availability of doxazosin in the
      gastrointestinal therapeutic system (GITS) form permits a higher initial daily
      dose (4 mg/day) while avoiding significant first-dose side effects. The treatment
      of PTSD with prazosin has several disadvantages due to its short duration of
      action (6-8 hours), which results in multiple doses being required. Prazosin may
      wear off and this may lead to nightmares in the latter half of the sleep.
      Doxazosin has significant advantages over prazosin in clinical practice because
      it has a long half-life and requires only once-daily dosing. This may lead to
      better adherence and greater effectiveness in the treatment of PTSD.

PMID- 27667866
TI  - Nickel-Catalyzed Synthesis of Ketones from Alkyl Halides and Acid Chlorides:
      Preparation of Ethyl 4-Oxododecanoate.

PMID- 27667867
TI  - Development of a Three-Factor Psychological Sense of Community Scale.
AB  - A variety of measures of sense of community have been developed, but the
      identification of latent factors in developed scales to measure this construct
      have encountered significant psychometric problems involving reliability and
      validity. We present a new measure called the Psychological Sense of Community
      Scale, which is based on 3 distinct ecological domains involving the individual,
      microsystem and macrosystem. We used an exploratory factor analysis to
      investigate our three theoretical domains involving Self (identity and importance
      to self), Membership (social relationships), and Entity (a group's organization
      and purpose). Three theoretically derived factors emerged with good measurement
      model fit, internal reliabilities, and convergent validity. Our study also found
      multiplicative over additive effects, suggesting each of the 3 domains is
      necessary to understand the experience of sense of community. This scale can be
      adapted to a variety of contexts and situations in future research.

PMID- 27667868
TI  - Child Maltreatment and Offending Behavior: Gender-Specific Effects and Pathways.
AB  - Although expected, distinct gender-specific trajectories from early victimization
      to later offending have not been well explored. Consequently, this study assessed
      the association between child maltreatment (ages 0-11) and offending behavior
      within gender-specific models. Prospectively collected data, including official
      measures of maltreatment and offending, derived from the Chicago Longitudinal
      Study, a panel study of 1,539 low-income minority participants, Multivariate
      probit analyses revealed that maltreatment significantly predicted delinquency
      for males but not females yet forged a significant relation to adult crime for
      both genders. Exploratory confirmatory and comparative analyses suggested that
      mechanisms linking maltreatment to adult crime primarily differed across gender.
      For males, childhood-era externalizing behavior and school commitment along with
      adolescent-era socioemotional skills, delinquency, and educational attainment
      fully explained the maltreatment-crime nexus. For females, childhood-era parent
      factors along with adolescent indicators of externalizing behavior, cognitive
      performance, mobility and educational attainment partially mediated the
      maltreatment-crime relation. Implications of results were explored.

PMID- 27667869
TI  - Subglacial discharge at tidewater glaciers revealed by seismic tremor.
AB  - Subglacial discharge influences glacier basal motion and erodes and redeposits
      sediment. At tidewater glacier termini, discharge drives submarine terminus
      melting, affects fjord circulation, and is a central component of proglacial
      marine ecosystems. However, our present inability to track subglacial discharge
      and its variability significantly hinders our understanding of these processes.
      Here we report observations of hourly to seasonal variations in 1.5-10 Hz seismic
      tremor that strongly correlate with subglacial discharge but not with basal
      motion, weather, or discrete icequakes. Our data demonstrate that vigorous
      discharge occurs from tidewater glaciers during summer, in spite of fast basal
      motion that could limit the formation of subglacial conduits, and then abates
      during winter. Furthermore, tremor observations and a melt model demonstrate that
      drainage efficiency of tidewater glaciers evolves seasonally. Glaciohydraulic
      tremor provides a means by which to quantify subglacial discharge variations and
      offers a promising window into otherwise obscured glacierized environments.

PMID- 27667870
TI  - Rising methane emissions from northern wetlands associated with sea ice decline.
AB  - The Arctic is rapidly transitioning toward a seasonal sea ice-free state, perhaps
      one of the most apparent examples of climate change in the world. This dramatic
      change has numerous consequences, including a large increase in air temperatures,
      which in turn may affect terrestrial methane emissions. Nonetheless, terrestrial
      and marine environments are seldom jointly analyzed. By comparing satellite
      observations of Arctic sea ice concentrations to methane emissions simulated by
      three process-based biogeochemical models, this study shows that rising wetland
      methane emissions are associated with sea ice retreat. Our analyses indicate that
      simulated high-latitude emissions for 2005-2010 were, on average, 1.7 Tg CH4 yr-1
      higher compared to 1981-1990 due to a sea ice-induced, autumn-focused, warming.
      Since these results suggest a continued rise in methane emissions with future sea
      ice decline, observation programs need to include measurements during the autumn
      to further investigate the impact of this spatial connection on terrestrial
      methane emissions.

PMID- 27667871
TI  - Van Allen Probes observations of unusually low frequency whistler mode waves
      observed in association with moderate magnetic storms: Statistical study.
AB  - We show the first evidence for locally excited chorus at frequencies below 0.1
      fce (electron cyclotron frequency) in the outer radiation belt. A statistical
      study of chorus during geomagnetic storms observed by the Van Allen Probes found
      that frequencies are often dramatically lower than expected. The frequency at
      peak power suddenly stops tracking the equatorial 0.5 fce and f/fce decreases
      rapidly, often to frequencies well below 0.1 fce (in situ and mapped to equator).
      These very low frequency waves are observed both when the satellites are close to
      the equatorial plane and at higher magnetic latitudes. Poynting flux is
      consistent with generation at the equator. Wave amplitudes can be up to 20 to 40
      mV/m and 2 to 4 nT. We conclude that conditions during moderate to large storms
      can excite unusually low frequency chorus, which is resonant with more energetic
      electrons than typical chorus, with critical implications for understanding
      radiation belt evolution.

PMID- 27667872
TI  - The importance of rare, high-wind events for dust uplift in northern Africa.
AB  - Dust uplift is a nonlinear thresholded function of wind speed and therefore
      particularly sensitive to the long tails of observed wind speed probability
      density functions. This suggests that a few rare high-wind events can contribute
      substantially to annual dust emission. Here we quantify the relative roles of
      different wind speeds to dust-generating winds using surface synoptic
      observations of dust emission and wind from northern Africa. The results show
      that winds between 2 and 5 m s-1 above the threshold cause the most emission. Of
      the dust-generating winds, 25% is produced by very rare events occurring only at
      0.1 to 1.4% of the time, depending on the region. Dust-producing winds are
      underestimated in ERA-I, since it misses the long tail found in observations. ERA
      I overpredicts (underpredicts) the frequency of emission strength winds in the
      southern (northern) regions. These problems cannot be solved by simple tunings.
      Finally, we show that rare events make the largest contribution to interannual
      variability in dust-generating winds and that ERA severely underestimates this
      interannual variability.

PMID- 27667873
TI  - Structure and composition of the neutral upper atmosphere of Mars from the MAVEN
      NGIMS investigation.
AB  - The Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) Neutral Gas and Ion Mass
      Spectrometer (NGIMS) provides sensitive detections of neutral gas and ambient ion
      composition. NGIMS measurements of nine atomic and molecular neutral species, and
      their variation with altitude, latitude, and solar zenith angle are reported over
      several months of operation of the MAVEN mission. Sampling NGIMS signals from
      multiple neutral species every several seconds reveals persistent and
      unexpectedly large amplitude density structures. The scale height temperatures
      are mapped over the course of the first few months of the mission from high down
      to midlatitudes. NGIMS measurements near the homopause of 40Ar/N2 ratios agree
      with those reported by the Sample Analysis at Mars investigation and allow the
      altitude of the homopause for the most abundant gases to be established.

PMID- 27667874
TI  - Mid-2000s North Atlantic shift: Heat budget and circulation changes.
AB  - Prior to the 2000s, the North Atlantic was the basin showing the greatest
      warming. However, since the mid-2000s during the so-called global warming hiatus,
      large amounts of heat were transferred in this basin from upper to deeper levels
      while the dominance in terms of atmospheric heat capture moved into the Indo
      Pacific. Here we show that a large transformation of modal waters in the eastern
      North Atlantic (ENA) played a crucial role in such contrasting behavior. First,
      strong winter mixing in 2005 transformed ENA modal waters into a much saltier,
      warmer, and denser variety, transferring upper ocean heat and salt gained slowly
      over time to deeper layers. The new denser waters also altered the zonal dynamic
      height gradient reversing the southward regional flow and enhancing the access of
      saltier southern waters to higher latitudes. Then, the excess salinity in
      northern regions favored additional heat injection through deep convection events
      in later years.

PMID- 27667875
TI  - An empirically based steady state friction law and implications for fault
      stability.
AB  - Empirically based rate-and-state friction laws (RSFLs) have been proposed to
      model the dependence of friction forces with slip and time. The relevance of the
      RSFL for earthquake mechanics is that few constitutive parameters define critical
      conditions for fault stability (i.e., critical stiffness and frictional fault
      behavior). However, the RSFLs were determined from experiments conducted at
      subseismic slip rates (V < 1 cm/s), and their extrapolation to earthquake
      deformation conditions (V > 0.1 m/s) remains questionable on the basis of the
      experimental evidence of (1) large dynamic weakening and (2) activation of
      particular fault lubrication processes at seismic slip rates. Here we propose a
      modified RSFL (MFL) based on the review of a large published and unpublished data
      set of rock friction experiments performed with different testing machines. The
      MFL, valid at steady state conditions from subseismic to seismic slip rates (0.1
      um/s < V < 3 m/s), describes the initiation of a substantial velocity weakening
      in the 1-20 cm/s range resulting in a critical stiffness increase that creates a
      peak of potential instability in that velocity regime. The MFL leads to a new
      definition of fault frictional stability with implications for slip event styles
      and relevance for models of seismic rupture nucleation, propagation, and arrest.

PMID- 27667876
TI  - Northward expansion of paddy rice in northeastern Asia during 2000-2014.
AB  - Paddy rice in monsoon Asia plays an important role in global food security and
      climate change. Here we documented annual dynamics of paddy rice areas in the
      northern frontier of Asia, including Northeastern (NE) China, North Korea, South
      Korea, and Japan, from 2000-2014 through analysis of satellite images. The paddy
      rice area has increased by 120% (2.5 to 5.5 million ha) in NE China, in
      comparison to a decrease in South Korea and Japan, and the paddy rice centroid
      shifted northward from 41.16  degrees N to 43.70  degrees N (~310 km) in this
      period. Market, technology, policy, and climate together drove the rice expansion
      in NE China. The increased use of greenhouse nurseries, improved rice cultivars,
      agricultural subsidy policy, and a rising rice price generally promoted northward
      paddy rice expansion. The potential effects of large rice expansion on climate
      change and ecological services should be paid more attention in the future.

PMID- 27667877
TI  - Annular modes and apparent eddy feedbacks in the Southern Hemisphere.
AB  - Lagged correlation analysis is often used to infer intraseasonal dynamical
      effects but is known to be affected by nonstationarity. We highlight a pronounced
      quasi 2 year peak in the anomalous zonal wind and eddy momentum flux convergence
      power spectra in the Southern Hemisphere, which is prima facie evidence for
      nonstationarity. We then investigate the consequences of this nonstationarity for
      the Southern Annular Mode and for eddy momentum flux convergence. We argue that
      positive lagged correlations previously attributed to the existence of an eddy
      feedback are more plausibly attributed to nonstationary interannual variability
      external to any potential feedback process in the midlatitude troposphere. The
      findings have implications for the diagnosis of feedbacks in both models and
      reanalysis data as well as for understanding the mechanisms underlying variations
      in the zonal wind.

PMID- 27667878
TI  - A novel method for expediting the development of patient-reported outcome
      measures and an evaluation across several populations.
AB  - Item response theory (IRT) models provide an appropriate alternative to the
      classical ordinal confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) during the development of
      patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Current literature has identified the
      assessment of IRT model fit as both challenging and underdeveloped (Sinharay &
      Johnson, 2003; Sinharay, Johnson, & Stern, 2006). This study evaluates the
      performance of Ordinal Bayesian Instrument Development (OBID), a Bayesian IRT
      model with a probit link function approach, through applications in two breast
      cancer-related instrument development studies. The primary focus is to
      investigate an appropriate method for comparing Bayesian IRT models in PROMs
      development. An exact Bayesian leave-one-out cross-validation (LOO-CV) approach
      (Vehtari & Lampinen, 2002) is implemented to assess prior selection for the item
      discrimination parameter in the IRT model and subject content experts' bias (in a
      statistical sense and not to be confused with psychometric bias as in
      differential item functioning) toward the estimation of item-to-domain
      correlations. Results support the utilization of content subject experts'
      information in establishing evidence for construct validity when sample size is
      small. However, the incorporation of subject experts' content information in the
      OBID approach can be sensitive to the level of expertise of the recruited
      experts. More stringent efforts need to be invested in the appropriate selection
      of subject experts to efficiently use the OBID approach and reduce potential bias
      during PROMs development.

PMID- 27667879
TI  - Emotion talk in the context of young people self-harming: facing the feelings in
      family therapy.
AB  - : This article describes the use of emotion talk in the context of using a
      manualised approach to family therapy where the presenting problem is self-harm.
      Whilst we understand that there is an internal aspect to emotion, we also
      consider emotions to be socially purposeful, culturally constructed and
      interactional. We found that within the presenting families, negative emotions
      were often talked about as located within the young person. Through using
      'emotion talk' (Fredman, 2004) in deconstructing and tracking emotions and
      exploring how emotions connected to family-of-origin and cultural contexts, we
      developed an interactional understanding of these emotions. This led to better
      emotional regulation within the family and offered alternative ways of relating.
      The article discusses the use of relational reflexivity, and using the therapist
      and team's emotions to enable the therapeutic process, encouraging reflexivity on
      the self of the therapist in relation to work with emotions. PRACTITIONER POINTS:
      Emotions can be seen as both a reflection of feelings experienced by the
      individual and as a communication.An interactional understanding of emotions can
      be used therapeutically.Therapists should explore emotional displays and track
      the interactional patterns within the therapeutic system.Therapists should self
      reflexive about ways of doing emotions and use this awareness in practice.

PMID- 27667880
TI  - Robust inference for the Two-Sample 2SLS estimator.
AB  - The Two-Sample Two-Stage Least Squares (TS2SLS) data combination estimator is a
      popular estimator for the parameters in linear models when not all variables are
      observed jointly in one single data set. Although the limiting normal
      distribution has been established, the asymptotic variance formula has only been
      stated explicitly in the literature for the case of conditional homoskedasticity.
      By using the fact that the TS2SLS estimator is a function of reduced form and
      first-stage OLS estimators, we derive the variance of the limiting normal
      distribution under conditional heteroskedasticity. A robust variance estimator is
      obtained, which generalises to cases with more general patterns of variable (non
      )availability. Stata code and some Monte Carlo results are provided in an
      Appendix. Stata code for a nonlinear GMM estimator that is identical to the
      TS2SLS estimator in just identified models and asymptotically equivalent to the
      TS2SLS estimator in overidentified models is also provided there.

PMID- 27667881
TI  - A note on modeling sparse exponential-family functional response curves.
AB  - Non-Gaussian functional data are considered and modeling through functional
      principal components analysis (FPCA) is discussed. The direct extension of
      popular FPCA techniques to the generalized case incorrectly uses a marginal mean
      estimate for a model that has an inherently conditional interpretation, and thus
      leads to biased estimates of population and subject-level effects. The methods
      proposed address this shortcoming by using either a two-stage or joint estimation
      strategy. The performance of all methods is compared numerically in simulations.
      An application to ambulatory heart rate monitoring is used to further illustrate
      the distinctions between approaches.

PMID- 27667882
TI  - Normal-Gamma-Bernoulli Peak Detection for Analysis of Comprehensive Two
      Dimensional Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry Data.
AB  - Compared to other analytical platforms, comprehensive two-dimensional gas
      chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC*GC-MS) has much increased
      separation power for analysis of complex samples and thus is increasingly used in
      metabolomics for biomarker discovery. However, accurate peak detection remains a
      bottleneck for wide applications of GC*GC-MS. Therefore, the normal-exponential
      Bernoulli (NEB) model is generalized by gamma distribution and a new peak
      detection algorithm using the normal-gamma-Bernoulli (NGB) model is developed.
      Unlike the NEB model, the NGB model has no closed-form analytical solution,
      hampering its practical use in peak detection. To circumvent this difficulty,
      three numerical approaches, which are fast Fourier transform (FFT), the first
      order and the second-order delta methods (D1 and D2), are introduced. The
      applications to simulated data and two real GC*GC-MS data sets show that the NGB
      D1 method performs the best in terms of both computational expense and peak
      detection performance.

PMID- 27667883
TI  - Porcine lie detectors: Automatic quantification of posture state and transitions
      in sows using inertial sensors.
AB  - This paper presents a novel approach to automated classification and
      quantification of sow postures and posture transitions that may enable large
      scale and accurate continuous behaviour assessment on farm. Automatic
      classification and quantification of postures and posture transitions in domestic
      animals has substantial potential to enhance their welfare and productivity.
      Analysis of such behaviours in farrowing sows can highlight the need for human
      intervention or lead to the prediction of movement patterns that are potentially
      dangerous for their piglets, such as crushing when the sow lies down. Data were
      recorded by a tri-axial accelerometer secured to the hind-end of each sow, in a
      deployment that involved six sows over the period around parturition. The posture
      state (standing, sitting, lateral and sternal lying) was automatically classified
      for the full dataset with a mean F1 score (a measure of predictive performance
      between 0 and 1) of 0.78. Sitting was shown to present a greater challenge to
      classification with a F1 score of 0.54, compared to the lateral lying postures,
      which were classified with an average F1 score of 0.91. Posture transitions were
      detected with a F1 score of 0.79. We automatically extracted and visualized a
      range of features that characterise the manner in which the sows changed posture
      in order to provide comparative descriptors of sow activity and lying style that
      can be used to assess the influence of genetics or housing design. The
      methodology presented in this paper can be applied in large scale deployments
      with potential for enhancing animal welfare and productivity on farm.

PMID- 27667884
TI  - A new silicon tracker for proton imaging and dosimetry.
AB  - For many years, silicon micro-strip detectors have been successfully used as
      tracking detectors for particle and nuclear physics experiments. A new
      application of this technology is to the field of particle therapy where
      radiotherapy is carried out by use of charged particles such as protons or carbon
      ions. Such a treatment has been shown to have advantages over standard x-ray
      radiotherapy and as a result of this, many new centres offering particle therapy
      are currently under construction around the world today. The Proton Radiotherapy,
      Verification and Dosimetry Applications (PRaVDA) consortium are developing
      instrumentation for particle therapy based upon technology from high-energy
      physics. The characteristics of a new silicon micro-strip tracker for particle
      therapy will be presented. The array uses specifically designed, large area
      sensors with technology choices that follow closely those taken for the ATLAS
      experiment at the HL-LHC. These detectors will be arranged into four units each
      with three layers in an x-u-v configuration to be suitable for fast proton
      tracking with minimal ambiguities. The sensors will form a tracker capable of
      tracing the path of ~200 MeV protons entering and exiting a patient allowing a
      new mode of imaging known as proton computed tomography (pCT). This will aid the
      accurate delivery of treatment doses and in addition, the tracker will also be
      used to monitor the beam profile and total dose delivered during the high
      fluences used for treatment. We present here details of the design, construction
      and assembly of one of the four units that will make up the complete tracker
      along with its characterisation using radiation tests carried out using a 90Sr
      source in the laboratory and a 60 MeV proton beam at the Clatterbridge Cancer
      Centre.

PMID- 27667885
TI  - Preschool Education, Educational Attainment, and Crime Prevention: Contributions
      of Cognitive and Non-Cognitive Skills.
AB  - We investigated the extent to which cognitive and noncognitive skills accounted
      for the measured links between participation in preschool intervention and high
      school completion, highest grade completed, and incarceration history in early
      adulthood. Using data from the Chicago Longitudinal Study, an on-going 20-year
      investigation of the effects of the school-based Child-Parent Center early
      intervention program for over 1,500 children, we assessed the contribution of
      school readiness and achievement test scores up to age 14 and remedial education
      as well as measures of social adjustment, motivation, educational expectations,
      problem behavior, and juvenile arrest to the estimated direct effect of
      preschool. Hierarchical regression analysis indicated that when assessed
      separately, cognitive factors accounted for 42% of the preschool effect on high
      school completion, 37% on highest grade completed, and 23% on incarceration
      history by age 24 while noncognitive factors accounted for, respectively, 36%,
      45%, and 59%. Together, cognitive and noncognitive factors explained 46%, 51%,
      and 59% of the main effect of preschool participation. The set of cognitive
      skills made greater value-added contributions to educational attainment while
      noncognitive skills made greater value-added contributions to incarceration
      history. Our findings support the important role of test scores, school
      performance, and social and motivational factors in explaining the effect of
      preschool participation on economically important indicators of well-being.

PMID- 27667887
TI  - Preschool-to-Third Grade Programs and Practices: A Review of Research.
AB  - The preschool-to-third grade perspective has helped the early childhood field
      move away from a reliance on relatively brief or one-shot programs toward more
      systematic and comprehensive models that span most of children's first decade. We
      review the knowledge base on the effectiveness of preschool to third grade
      intervention programs and practices for young children making the transition to
      school. Our coverage includes extended early childhood interventions, preschool
      programs, full-day kindergarten, reduced class sizes in the early grades, parent
      involvement, instructional practices, and school transitions (mobility). We
      distinguish between two major PK-3 strategies. PK-3 programs are planned
      interventions that begin during any of the five years of a child's life before
      kindergarten and which continue up to third grade. The most comprehensive
      programs include all these elements, and serve children from low-income families
      or who have special needs. Alternatively, PK-3 practices are defined as specific
      elements or components of extended early childhood programs that are hypothesized
      to be associated with children's outcomes. These elements may include preschool
      education, full-day kindergarten, reduced class sizes, teaching practices, and
      parent involvement activities. Overall, we find growing evidence for the positive
      effects of PK-3 programs and practices. The strongest evidence supporting
      enduring effects into adulthood is from center-based preschool programs followed
      by small classes in the early grades. Additional longitudinal studies are needed
      into adulthood to fully document the effects of different PK-3 programs and to
      verify the extent to which PK-3 practices (e.g., parent involvement, school
      mobility) have long-term effects into adulthood.

PMID- 27667886
TI  - Comparing early adult outcomes of maltreated and non-maltreated children: A
      prospective longitudinal investigation.
AB  - Using prospective data from the Chicago Longitudinal Study, this investigation
      examined associations between child maltreatment and an array of outcomes in
      early adulthood. Findings from bivariate and multivariate analyses indicated that
      verified maltreatment victims fared significantly worse than participants without
      an indicated maltreatment report on indicators of educational and economic
      attainment, criminal offending, and behavioral and mental health. Results also
      revealed that, while many maltreated children appeared to function well on
      individual outcomes, a large majority did not achieve criteria for resilience
      when development was assessed across domains. For example, non-maltreated
      participants were more than twice as likely to attain five or more positive
      outcomes (38.2%) on an aggregate seven-item index as the maltreated group
      (15.7%). These findings suggest that child maltreatment is associated with
      extensive and enduring impacts, reinforcing the need to develop and implement
      effective maltreatment prevention and intervention strategies.

PMID- 27667888
TI  - Patterns of Enrollment and Engagement of Custodial Grandmothers in a Randomized
      Clinical Trial of Psychoeducational Interventions.
AB  - The authors used Andersen's (2008) behavior model to investigate patterns of
      enrollment and treatment engagement among 343 custodial grandmothers who
      participated in a randomized clinical trial of three psychosocial
      interventions:(a) a behavioral parenting program, (b) a cognitive behavioral
      coping program, or (c) an information-only condition. Treatment completion was
      superior to that typically found with birth parents, even though the grandmothers
      and their target grandchildren both had high levels of mental and physical health
      challenges. Compliance did not differ significantly by condition but was higher
      among grandmothers who self-reported less positive affect, were older, and were
      using mental health professionals. Treatment satisfaction was highest in
      grandmothers who attended more treatment sessions, reported lower annual family
      income, had a health problem, and were using mental health professionals. The
      practice and policy implications of these findings are discussed, especially in
      terms of strategies for enhancing the engagement of custodial grandfamilies in
      future psychoeducational interventions.

PMID- 27667889
TI  - Prospective Analyses of Childhood Factors and Antisocial Behavior for Students
      with High-Incidence Disabilities.

PMID- 27667891
TI  - A mixed valence zinc dithiolene system with spectator metal and reactor ligands.
AB  - Neutral complexes of zinc with N,N'-diisopropylpiperazine-2,3-dithione ( i
      Pr2Dt0) and N,N'-dimethylpiperazine-2,3-dithione (Me2Dt0) with chloride or
      maleonitriledithiolate (mnt2-) as coligands have been synthesized and
      characterized. The molecular structures of these zinc complexes have been
      determined using single crystal X-ray diffractometry. Complexes recrystallize in
      monoclinic P type systems with zinc adopting a distorted tetrahedral geometry.
      Two zinc complexes with mixed-valent dithiolene ligands exhibit ligand-to-ligand
      charge transfer bands. Optimized geometries, molecular vibrations and electronic
      structures of charge-transfer complexes were calculated using density functional
      theory (B3LYP/6-311G+(d,p) level). Redox orbitals are shown to be almost
      exclusively ligand in nature, with a HOMO based heavily on the electron-rich
      maleonitriledithiolate ligand, and a LUMO comprised mostly of the electron
      deficient dithione ligand. Charge transfer is thus believed to proceed from
      dithiolate HOMO to dithione LUMO, showing ligand-to-ligand redox interplay across
      a d10 metal.

PMID- 27667890
TI  - A review of the impacts of degradation threats on soil properties in the UK.
AB  - National governments are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of their
      soil resources and are shaping strategies accordingly. Implicit in any such
      strategy is that degradation threats and their potential effect on important soil
      properties and functions are defined and understood. In this paper, we aimed to
      review the principal degradation threats on important soil properties in the UK,
      seeking quantitative data where possible. Soil erosion results in the removal of
      important topsoil and, with it, nutrients, C and porosity. A decline in soil
      organic matter principally affects soil biological and microbiological
      properties, but also impacts on soil physical properties because of the link with
      soil structure. Soil contamination affects soil chemical properties, affecting
      nutrient availability and degrading microbial properties, whilst soil compaction
      degrades the soil pore network. Soil sealing removes the link between the soil
      and most of the 'spheres', significantly affecting hydrological and microbial
      functions, and soils on re-developed brownfield sites are typically degraded in
      most soil properties. Having synthesized the literature on the impact on soil
      properties, we discuss potential subsequent impacts on the important soil
      functions, including food and fibre production, storage of water and C, support
      for biodiversity, and protection of cultural and archaeological heritage. Looking
      forward, we suggest a twin approach of field-based monitoring supported by
      controlled laboratory experimentation to improve our mechanistic understanding of
      soils. This would enable us to better predict future impacts of degradation
      processes, including climate change, on soil properties and functions so that we
      may manage soil resources sustainably.

PMID- 27667893
TI  - Increased Serum Level of MicroRNA-663 Is Correlated with Poor Prognosis of
      Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRs) play crucial roles in the carcinogenesis and malignant
      progression of human cancers including nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). In this
      study, we aimed to investigate the association of serum miR-663 levels with the
      clinical factors and prognosis of NPC patients. Real-time PCR was performed to
      examine the amount of miR-663 in serum in NPC patients and healthy controls. Our
      data showed that the amount of miR-663 in serum was significantly higher in NPC
      patients than in healthy controls. Moreover, the serum levels of miR-663 were
      significantly correlated with the grade, lymph node metastasis, and clinical
      stage of NPC. Furthermore, higher serum miR-663 levels were closely associated
      with worse 5-year overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) of
      patients with NPC, and the serum level of miR-663 was found to be an independent
      predicator for the prognosis of NPC. In addition, after receiving
      chemoradiotherapy, the serum levels of miR-663 were significantly reduced in NPC
      patients. In summary, miR-663 was upregulated in the serum of NPC patients, which
      was downregulated after chemoradiotherapy, and its increased levels were closely
      associated with malignant progression and poor prognosis in NPC patients.
      Therefore, the amount of miR-663 in serum may become a potential predicator for
      the clinical outcome of NPC patients.

PMID- 27667894
TI  - Local Composite Quantile Regression Smoothing for Harris Recurrent Markov
      Processes.
AB  - In this paper, we study the local polynomial composite quantile regression (CQR)
      smoothing method for the nonlinear and nonparametric models under the Harris
      recurrent Markov chain framework. The local polynomial CQR regression method is a
      robust alternative to the widely-used local polynomial method, and has been well
      studied in stationary time series. In this paper, we relax the stationarity
      restriction on the model, and allow that the regressors are generated by a
      general Harris recurrent Markov process which includes both the stationary
      (positive recurrent) and nonstationary (null recurrent) cases. Under some mild
      conditions, we establish the asymptotic theory for the proposed local polynomial
      CQR estimator of the mean regression function, and show that the convergence rate
      for the estimator in nonstationary case is slower than that in stationary case.
      Furthermore, a weighted type local polynomial CQR estimator is provided to
      improve the estimation efficiency, and a data-driven bandwidth selection is
      introduced to choose the optimal bandwidth involved in the nonparametric
      estimators. Finally, we give some numerical studies to examine the finite sample
      performance of the developed methodology and theory.

PMID- 27667896
TI  - Third Party Interaction in the Medical Context: Code-switching and Control.
AB  - The purpose of this paper is to examine the micro-interactional co-construction
      of power within Spanish language concordant medical consultations in California
      involving a third party family member. Findings indicate the third party
      instigates code-switching to English on the part of medical providers, a language
      that the patient does not understand, rendering the patient a non-participant in
      the medical consultation. In these consultations involving a third party family
      member, monolingual Spanish-speaking patients are stripped of control in ways
      that are similar to other powerless groups in medical consultations. Implications
      include the need to further examine how micro-level interactions reproduce
      societal ideologies and shape policy on the ground.

PMID- 27667892
TI  - Proteomic Biomarkers Panel: New Insights in Chronic Kidney Disease.
AB  - Chronic kidney disease, despite being a "silent epidemic" disease, represents one
      of the main causes of mortality in general population, along with cardiovascular
      disease, which is the leading cause of poor prognosis for these patients. The
      specific objective of our study was to characterize the relationship between the
      inflammatory status, the bone disorders markers, and kidney failure in chronic
      kidney disease patient stages 2-4, in order to design a novel biomarker panel
      that improves early disease diagnosis and therapeutic response, thus being
      further integrated into clinical applications. A panel of proteomic biomarkers,
      assessed by xMAP array, which includes mediators of inflammation (IL-6, TNF
      alpha) and mineral and bone disorder biomarkers (OPG, OPN, OCN, FGF-23, and
      Fetuin-A), was found to be more relevant than a single biomarker to detect early
      CKD stages. The association between inflammatory cytokines and bone disorders
      markers, IL-6, TNF-alpha, OPN, OPG, and FGF-23, reflects the severity of vascular
      changes in CKD and predicts disease progression. Proteomic xMAP analyses shed
      light on a new approach to clinical evaluation for CKD staging and prognosis.

PMID- 27667895
TI  - A semivarying joint model for longitudinal binary and continuous outcomes.
AB  - Semivarying models extend varying coefficient models by allowing some regression
      coefficients to be constant with respect to the underlying covariate(s). In this
      paper we develop a semivarying joint modelling framework for estimating the time
      varying association between two intensively measured longitudinal response: a
      continuous one and a binary one. To overcome the major challenge of jointly
      modelling these responses, namely, the lack of a natural multivariate
      distribution, we introduce a Gaussian latent variable underlying the binary
      response. Then we decompose the model into two components: a marginal model for
      the continuous response, and a conditional model for the binary response given
      the continuous response. We develop a two-stage estimation procedure and discuss
      the asymptotic normality of the resulting estimators. We assess the finite-sample
      performance of our procedure using a simulation study, and we illustrate our
      method by analyzing binary and continuous responses from the Women's Interagency
      HIV Study.

PMID- 27667897
TI  - [EFFECTIVE EDUCATIONAL INTERVENTIONS IN HIV FOR WOMEN].
AB  - : In Chile, it is estimated that over 38,000 people live with Human
      Immunodeficiency Virus [HIV]. In 2001, there were 1092 Chilean women living with
      HIV, and in 2006 there were 7,600, further affecting low income populations.
      These findings reveal the necessity to create prevention strategies directed
      towards Chilean women. OBJECTIVE: the purpose of this revision is to analyze
      studies of prevention programs in HIV in order to determine what aspects should
      be included in successful HIV prevention programs with women. DESIGN AND METHOD:
      a literature review was carried out using searches done in the databases Proquest
      and CINAHL, Pubmed and Scielo. The search was limited by the criteria of full
      text only, within the last ten years and free access, written in Spanish or
      English. Fifteen articles were selected for the following revision. RESULTS: all
      of the selected articles measured the effect of an intervention on knowledge and
      behaviours related to HIV/AIDS. Fourteen articles produced significant changes in
      positive behaviours or knowledge related to the prevention of HIV. CONCLUSIONS:
      prevention programs in HIV with socially disadvantaged women can be effective in
      provoking changes in behaviours and knowledge associated with HIV. Successful
      interventions were those based on prevention theories or models of behavior
      change and adapted to the culture of the sample.

PMID- 27667898
TI  - Accuracy in the Diagnosis of the Mental Nerve Loop. A Comparative Study Between
      Panoramic Radiography and Cone Beam Computed Tomography.
AB  - Dental implant and chin osteotomy are executed on the mandible body and the
      mental nerve is an important anatomical limit. The aim of this research was to
      know the position of the mental nerve loop comparing result in panoramic
      radiography and cone beam computed tomography. We analyzed 94 hemimandibles and
      the patient sample comprised female and male subjects of ages ranging from 18 to
      52 years (mean age, 35 years) selected randomly from the database of patients at
      the Division of Oral Radiology at Piracicaba Dental School State University of
      Campinas; the anterior loop (AL) of the mental nerve was evaluated regarding the
      presence or absence, which was classified as rectilinear or curvilinear and
      measurement of its length was obtained. The observations were made in the digital
      panoramic radiography (PR) and the cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) according
      to a routine technique. The frequencies of the AL identified through PR and CBCT
      were different: in PR the loop was identified in 42.6% of cases, and only 12.8%
      were bilateral. In contrast, the AL was detected in 29.8% of the samples using
      CBCT, with 6.4% being bilateral; Statistical comparison between PR and CBCT
      showed that the PR led to false-positive diagnosis of the AL in this sample.
      According to the results of this study, the frequency of AL is low. Thus, it can
      be assumed that it is not a common condition in this population.

PMID- 27667900
TI  - A modified expression of the major hydrolase activator in Hypocrea jecorina
      (Trichoderma reesei) changes enzymatic catalysis of biopolymer degradation.
AB  - Hypocrea jecorina (anamorph Trichoderma reesei) is a saprophytic fungus that
      produces hydrolases, which are applied in different types of industries and used
      for the production of biofuel. A recombinant Hypocrea strain, which constantly
      expresses the main transcription activator of hydrolases (Xylanase regulator 1),
      was found to grow faster on xylan and its monomeric backbone molecule d-xylose.
      This strain also showed improved ability of clearing xylan medium on plates.
      Furthermore, this strain has a changed transcription profile concerning genes
      encoding for hydrolases and enzymes associated with degradation of
      (hemi)celluloses. We demonstrated that enzymes of this strain from a xylan
      cultivation favoured break down of hemicelluloses to the monomer d-xylose
      compared to the parental strain, while the enzymes of the latter one formed more
      xylobiose. Applying supernatants from cultivation on carboxymethylcellulose in
      enzymatic conversion of hemicelluloses, the enzymes of the recombinant strain
      were clearly producing more of both, d-xylose and xylobiose, compared to the
      parental strain. Altogether, these results point to a changed hydrolase
      expression profile, an enhanced capability to form the xylan-monomer d-xylose and
      the assumption that there is a disordered induction pattern if the Xylanase
      regulator 1 is de-regulated in Hypocrea.

PMID- 27667899
TI  - Grammatical Constraints on Language Switching: Language Control is not Just
      Executive Control.
AB  - The current study investigated the roles of grammaticality and executive control
      on bilingual language selection by examining production speed and failures of
      language control, or intrusion errors (e.g., saying el instead of the), in young
      and aging bilinguals. Production of mixed-language connected speech was elicited
      by asking Spanish-English bilinguals to read aloud paragraphs that had mostly
      grammatical (conforming to naturally occurring constraints) or mostly
      ungrammatical (haphazard mixing) language switches, and low or high switching
      rate. Mixed-language speech was slower and less accurate when switch-rate was
      high, but especially (for speed) or only (for intrusion errors) if switches were
      also ungrammatical. Executive function ability (measured with a variety of tasks
      in young bilinguals in Experiment 1, and aging bilinguals in Experiment 2),
      slowed production and increased intrusion rate in a generalized fashion, but with
      little or no interaction with grammaticality. Aging effects appeared to reflect
      reduced monitoring ability (evidenced by a lower rate of self-corrected
      intrusions). These results demonstrate robust effects of grammatical encoding on
      language selection, and imply that executive control influences bilingual
      language production only after sentence planning and lexical selection.

PMID- 27667901
TI  - Mapping paddy rice planting areas through time series analysis of MODIS land
      surface temperature and vegetation index data.
AB  - Knowledge of the area and spatial distribution of paddy rice is important for
      assessment of food security, management of water resources, and estimation of
      greenhouse gas (methane) emissions. Paddy rice agriculture has expanded rapidly
      in northeastern China in the last decade, but there are no updated maps of paddy
      rice fields in the region. Existing algorithms for identifying paddy rice fields
      are based on the unique physical features of paddy rice during the flooding and
      transplanting phases and use vegetation indices that are sensitive to the
      dynamics of the canopy and surface water content. However, the flooding phenomena
      in high latitude area could also be from spring snowmelt flooding. We used land
      surface temperature (LST) data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging
      Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensor to determine the temporal window of flooding and
      rice transplantation over a year to improve the existing phenology-based
      approach. Other land cover types (e.g., evergreen vegetation, permanent water
      bodies, and sparse vegetation) with potential influences on paddy rice
      identification were removed (masked out) due to their different temporal
      profiles. The accuracy assessment using high-resolution images showed that the
      resultant MODIS-derived paddy rice map of northeastern China in 2010 had a high
      accuracy (producer and user accuracies of 92% and 96%, respectively). The MODIS
      based map also had a comparable accuracy to the 2010 Landsat-based National Land
      Cover Dataset (NLCD) of China in terms of both area and spatial pattern. This
      study demonstrated that our improved algorithm by using both thermal and optical
      MODIS data, provides a robust, simple and automated approach to identify and map
      paddy rice fields in temperate and cold temperate zones, the northern frontier of
      rice planting.

PMID- 27667902
TI  - The University Experiences of Students with Learning Disabilities.
AB  - To explore the university experiences of students with learning disabilities
      (LD), 63,802 responses to the 2014 Student Experience in the Research University
      Survey were analyzed. Compared to other students, those with self-reported LD
      (5.96%) had difficulty with assignments and had more obstacles caused by non
      academic responsibilities and imposed by their skill levels. Students with self
      reported LD sensed more bias towards people with disabilities on campus, and they
      were less satisfied with their overall experience. Interactions between
      disability status and age suggested even more challenges for older students who
      self-reported LD. Approximately one-third of students who self-reported LD
      received accommodations. The rate of accommodations was higher among individuals
      who were wealthy, who lived alone, and who were out-of-state students. Compared
      to students who self-reported LD but reported no accommodations, those with
      accommodations had more contact with faculty and less difficulty with
      assignments.

PMID- 27667903
TI  - Enforcement of entailment constraints in distributed service-based business
      processes.
AB  - CONTEXT: A distributed business process is executed in a distributed computing
      environment. The service-oriented architecture (SOA) paradigm is a popular option
      for the integration of software services and execution of distributed business
      processes. Entailment constraints, such as mutual exclusion and binding
      constraints, are important means to control process execution. Mutually exclusive
      tasks result from the division of powerful rights and responsibilities to prevent
      fraud and abuse. In contrast, binding constraints define that a subject who
      performed one task must also perform the corresponding bound task(s). OBJECTIVE:
      We aim to provide a model-driven approach for the specification and enforcement
      of task-based entailment constraints in distributed service-based business
      processes. METHOD: Based on a generic metamodel, we define a domain-specific
      language (DSL) that maps the different modeling-level artifacts to the
      implementation-level. The DSL integrates elements from role-based access control
      (RBAC) with the tasks that are performed in a business process. Process
      definitions are annotated using the DSL, and our software platform uses automated
      model transformations to produce executable WS-BPEL specifications which enforce
      the entailment constraints. We evaluate the impact of constraint enforcement on
      runtime performance for five selected service-based processes from existing
      literature. RESULTS: Our evaluation demonstrates that the approach correctly
      enforces task-based entailment constraints at runtime. The performance
      experiments illustrate that the runtime enforcement operates with an overhead
      that scales well up to the order of several ten thousand logged invocations.
      Using our DSL annotations, the user-defined process definition remains
      declarative and clean of security enforcement code. CONCLUSION: Our approach
      decouples the concerns of (non-technical) domain experts from technical details
      of entailment constraint enforcement. The developed framework integrates
      seamlessly with WS-BPEL and the Web services technology stack. Our prototype
      implementation shows the feasibility of the approach, and the evaluation points
      to future work and further performance optimizations.

PMID- 27667904
TI  - Gender differences in developmental dyscalculia depend on diagnostic criteria.
AB  - Developmental dyscalculia (DD) is a learning difficulty specific to mathematics
      learning. The prevalence of DD may be equivalent to that of dyslexia, posing an
      important challenge for effective educational provision. Nevertheless, there is
      no agreed definition of DD and there are controversies surrounding cutoff
      decisions, specificity and gender differences. In the current study, 1004 British
      primary school children completed mathematics and reading assessments. The
      prevalence of DD and gender ratio were estimated in this sample using different
      criteria. When using absolute thresholds, the prevalence of DD was the same for
      both genders regardless of the cutoff criteria applied, however gender
      differences emerged when using a mathematics-reading discrepancy definition.
      Correlations between mathematics performance and the control measures selected to
      identify a specific learning difficulty affect both prevalence estimates and
      whether a gender difference is in fact identified. Educational implications are
      discussed.

PMID- 27667905
TI  - Straw use and availability for second generation biofuels in England.
AB  - Meeting EU targets for renewable transport fuels by 2020 will necessitate a large
      increase in bioenergy feedstocks. Although deployment of first generation
      biofuels has been the major response to meeting these targets they are subject to
      wide debate on their sustainability leading to the development of second
      generation technologies which use lignocellulosic feedstocks. Second generation
      biofuel can be subdivided into those from dedicated bioenergy crops (DESGB), e.g.
      miscanthus, or those from co-products (CPSGB) such as cereal straw. Potential
      supply of cereal straw as a feedstock for CPSGB's is uncertain in England due to
      the difficulty in obtaining data and the uncertainty in current estimates. An on
      farm survey of 249 farms (Cereal, General Cropping and Mixed) in England was
      performed and linked with Farm Business Survey data to estimate current straw use
      and potential straw availability. No significant correlations between harvested
      grain and straw yields were found for wheat and oilseed rape and only a weak
      correlation was observed for barley. In England there is a potential cereal straw
      supply of 5.27 Mt from arable farm types; 3.82 Mt are currently used and 1.45 Mt
      currently chopped and incorporated. If currently chopped and incorporated cereal
      straw from arable farm types was converted into bioethanol, this could represent
      1.5% of the UK petrol consumption by energy equivalence. The variations in
      regional straw yields (t ha-1) have a great effect on the England supply of straw
      and the potential amount of bioethanol that can be produced.

PMID- 27667907
TI  - Partial linear varying multi-index coefficient model for integrative gene
      environment interactions.
AB  - Gene-environment (G*E) interactions play key roles in many complex diseases. An
      increasing number of epidemiological studies have shown the combined effect of
      multiple environmental exposures on disease risk. However, no appropriate
      statistical models have been developed to conduct a rigorous assessment of such
      combined effects when G*E interactions are considered. In this paper, we propose
      a partial linear varying multi-index coefficient model (PLVMICM) to assess how
      multiple environmental factors act jointly to modify individual genetic risk on
      complex disease. Our model includes the varying-index coefficient model as a
      special case, where discrete variables are admitted as the linear part. Thus
      PLVMICM allows one to study nonlinear interaction effects between genes and
      continuous environments as well as linear interactions between genes and discrete
      environments, simultaneously. We derive a profile method to estimate parametric
      parameters and a B-spline backfitted kernel method to estimate nonlinear
      interaction functions. Consistency and asymptotic normality of the parametric and
      nonparametric estimates are established under some regularity conditions.
      Hypothesis testing for the parametric coefficients and nonparametric functions
      are conducted. Results show that the statistics for testing the parametric
      coefficients and the non-parametric functions asymptotically follow a chi2
      distribution with different degrees of freedom. The utility of the method is
      demonstrated through extensive simulations and a case study.

PMID- 27667906
TI  - The spindle assembly checkpoint: More than just keeping track of the spindle.
AB  - Genome stability is essential for cell proliferation and survival. Consequently,
      genome integrity is monitored by two major checkpoints, the DNA damage response
      (DDR) and the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC). The DDR monitors DNA lesions in
      G1, S, and G2 stages of the cell cycle and the SAC ensures proper chromosome
      segregation in M phase. There have been extensive studies characterizing the
      roles of these checkpoints in response to the processes for which they are named;
      however, emerging evidence suggests significant crosstalk between the
      checkpoints. Here we review recent findings demonstrating overlapping roles for
      the SAC and DDR in metaphase, and in response to DNA damage throughout the cell
      cycle.

PMID- 27667908
TI  - TIME-VARYING COEFFICIENT MODELS FOR JOINT MODELING BINARY AND CONTINUOUS OUTCOMES
      IN LONGITUDINAL DATA.
AB  - Motivated by an empirical analysis of ecological momentary assessment data (EMA)
      collected in a smoking cessation study, we propose a joint modeling technique for
      estimating the time-varying association between two intensively measured
      longitudinal responses: a continuous one and a binary one. A major challenge in
      joint modeling these responses is the lack of a multivariate distribution. We
      suggest introducing a normal latent variable underlying the binary response and
      factorizing the model into two components: a marginal model for the continuous
      response, and a conditional model for the binary response given the continuous
      response. We develop a two-stage estimation procedure and establish the
      asymptotic normality of the resulting estimators. We also derived the standard
      error formulas for estimated coefficients. We conduct a Monte Carlo simulation
      study to assess the finite sample performance of our procedure. The proposed
      method is illustrated by an empirical analysis of smoking cessation data, in
      which the question of interest is to investigate the association between urge to
      smoke, continuous response, and the status of alcohol use, the binary response,
      and how this association varies over time.

PMID- 27667909
TI  - Tuna and swordfish catch in the U.S. northwest Atlantic longline fishery in
      relation to mesoscale eddies.
AB  - To analyze the effects of mesoscale eddies, sea surface temperature (SST), and
      gear configuration on the catch of Atlantic bluefin (Thunnus thynnus), yellowfin
      (Thunnus albacares), and bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) and swordfish (Xiphias
      gladius) in the U.S. northwest Atlantic longline fishery, we constructed
      multivariate statistical models relating these variables to the catch of the four
      species in 62 121 longline hauls made between 1993 and 2005. During the same 13
      year period, 103 anticyclonic eddies and 269 cyclonic eddies were detected by our
      algorithm in the region 30-55 degrees N, 30-80 degrees W. Our results show that
      tuna and swordfish catches were associated with different eddy structures.
      Bluefin tuna catch was highest in anticyclonic eddies whereas yellowfin and
      bigeye tuna catches were highest in cyclonic eddies. Swordfish catch was found
      preferentially in regions outside of eddies. Our study confirms that the common
      practice of targeting tuna with day sets and swordfish with night sets is
      effective. In addition, bluefin tuna and swordfish catches responded to most of
      the variables we tested in the opposite directions. Bluefin tuna catch was
      negatively correlated with longitude and the number of light sticks used whereas
      swordfish catch was positively correlated with these two variables. We argue that
      overfishing of bluefin tuna can be alleviated and that swordfish can be targeted
      more efficiently by avoiding fishing in anticyclonic eddies and in near-shore
      waters and using more light sticks and fishing at night in our study area,
      although further studies are needed to propose a solid oceanography-based
      management plan for catch selection.

PMID- 27667910
TI  - Laplace Variational Approximation for Semiparametric Regression in the Presence
      of Heteroskedastic Errors.
AB  - Variational approximations provide fast, deterministic alternatives to Markov
      Chain Monte Carlo for Bayesian inference on the parameters of complex,
      hierarchical models. Variational approximations are often limited in practicality
      in the absence of conjugate posterior distributions. Recent work has focused on
      the application of variational methods to models with only partial conjugacy,
      such as in semiparametric regression with heteroskedastic errors. Here, both the
      mean and log variance functions are modeled as smooth functions of covariates.
      For this problem, we derive a mean field variational approximation with an
      embedded Laplace approximation to account for the non-conjugate structure.
      Empirical results with simulated and real data show that our approximate method
      has significant computational advantages over traditional Markov Chain Monte
      Carlo; in this case, a delayed rejection adaptive Metropolis algorithm. The
      variational approximation is much faster and eliminates the need for tuning
      parameter selection, achieves good fits for both the mean and log variance
      functions, and reasonably reflects the posterior uncertainty. We apply the
      methods to log-intensity data from a small angle X-ray scattering experiment, in
      which properly accounting for the smooth heteroskedasticity leads to significant
      improvements in posterior inference for key physical characteristics of an
      organic molecule.

PMID- 27667911
TI  - 3D-printed external light trap for solar cells.
AB  - We present a universally applicable 3D-printed external light trap for enhanced
      absorption in solar cells. The macroscopic external light trap is placed at the
      sun-facing surface of the solar cell and retro-reflects the light that would
      otherwise escape. The light trap consists of a reflective parabolic concentrator
      placed on top of a reflective cage. Upon placement of the light trap, an
      improvement of 15% of both the photocurrent and the power conversion efficiency
      in a thin-film nanocrystalline silicon (nc-Si:H) solar cell is measured. The
      trapped light traverses the solar cell several times within the reflective cage
      thereby increasing the total absorption in the cell. Consequently, the trap
      reduces optical losses and enhances the absorption over the entire spectrum. The
      components of the light trap are 3D printed and made of smoothened, silver-coated
      thermoplastic. In contrast to conventional light trapping methods, external light
      trapping leaves the material quality and the electrical properties of the solar
      cell unaffected. To explain the theoretical operation of the external light trap,
      we introduce a model that predicts the absorption enhancement in the solar cell
      by the external light trap. The corresponding calculated path length enhancement
      shows good agreement with the empirically derived value from the opto-electrical
      data of the solar cell. Moreover, we analyze the influence of the angle of
      incidence on the parasitic absorptance to obtain full understanding of the trap
      performance. (c) 2015 The Authors. Progress in Photovoltaics: Research and
      Applications published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27667912
TI  - Surrounding community residents' expectations of HOPE VI for their community,
      health and physical activity.
AB  - Using a community-engaged participatory research approach, this study identified
      surrounding community residents' expectations for how a HOPE VI housing
      initiative might affect their community and individual health and physical
      activity. Fifty-nine women and men engaged in concept mapping, which is a mixed
      methods approach, where participants generate, sort, and rate ideas. Participants
      generated 197 unique statements. Thirteen thematic clusters related to expected
      changes for the community, health and physical activity emerged. Residents' rated
      'Increased Pride in the Neighborhood' and 'Increased Safety' as the most
      important factors related to HOPE VI whereas 'Drawbacks of HOPE VI' was rated as
      least important. This research provides insight into the potential impacts of
      housing initiatives from the perspective of those most affected by such
      initiatives. The findings also highlight environmental changes as potential
      mechanisms that may improve residents' perceptions of the community and encourage
      healthy lifestyles.

PMID- 27667913
TI  - First 101 Robotic General Surgery Cases in a Community Hospital.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The general surgeon's robotic learning curve may
      improve if the experience is classified into categories based on the complexity
      of the procedures in a small community hospital. The intraoperative time should
      decrease and the incidence of complications should be comparable to conventional
      laparoscopy. The learning curve of a single robotic general surgeon in a small
      community hospital using the da Vinci S platform was analyzed. METHODS: Measured
      parameters were operative time, console time, conversion rates, complications,
      surgical site infections (SSIs), surgical site occurrences (SSOs), length of
      stay, and patient demographics. RESULTS: Between March 2014 and August 2015, 101
      robotic general surgery cases were performed by a single surgeon in a 266-bed
      community hospital, including laparoscopic cholecystectomies, inguinal hernia
      repairs; ventral, incisional, and umbilical hernia repairs; and colorectal,
      foregut, bariatric, and miscellaneous procedures. Ninety-nine of the cases were
      completed robotically. Seven patients were readmitted within 30 days. There were
      8 complications (7.92%). There were no mortalities and all complications were
      resolved with good outcomes. The mean operative time was 233.0 minutes. The mean
      console operative time was 117.6 minutes. CONCLUSION: A robotic general surgery
      program can be safely implemented in a small community hospital with extensive
      training of the surgical team through basic robotic skills courses as well as
      supplemental educational experiences. Although the use of the robotic platform in
      general surgery could be limited to complex procedures such as foregut and
      colorectal surgery, it can also be safely used in a large variety of operations
      with results similar to those of conventional laparoscopy.

PMID- 27667914
TI  - Readmission Following Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Prior studies have established a 1.7-4.33% readmission
      rate for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), a rate that falls within the
      reported range for other bariatric procedures. The current report describes the
      incidence of 30-day readmission after primary LSG procedures performed at a
      single bariatric center of excellence (COE) and examines factors that may be
      associated with readmission. METHODS: Data on 343 consecutive LSG operations
      performed from February 2010 to May 2014 by a single surgeon (PG) were analyzed.
      Patients readmitted within 30 d were compared to the remaining patients by using
      Student's t test for continuous variables and the chi2 test for categorical
      variables. RESULTS: All LSGs were completed laparoscopically with no conversions
      to open procedures. There were no reoperations, leaks, perioperative hemorrhages,
      or mortalities. Twelve patients (3.5%) were readmitted; 1 was readmitted twice.
      There were no identified risk factors for readmission, including patient
      demographics, comorbidities, and perioperative factors. Notably, 7 (7%)
      readmissions occurred in the initial 100 patients and 5 (2%) in the remaining 243
      patients (P = .04). Clinical pathways were modified after the initial 100
      patients; routine contrast esophagograms were no longer performed, and a 1-day
      routine postoperative stay was adopted. Operative time also decreased from 94.2
      +/- 23.8 to 78.2 +/- 20.0 min (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Readmission rates after
      LSG remain in a range similar to those described for other laparoscopic bariatric
      procedures. Larger prospective studies are needed to identify patterns of
      complications and readmissions in patients undergoing LSG that may differ from
      other bariatric procedures.

PMID- 27667915
TI  - Eye-Movement Control in RAN and Reading.
AB  - The present study examined the visual scanning hypothesis, which suggests that
      fluent oculomotor control is an important component underlying the predictive
      relationship between Rapid Automatized Naming (RAN) tasks and reading ability.
      Our approach was to isolate components of saccadic planning, articulation, and
      lexical retrieval in three modified RAN tasks. We analyzed two samples of
      undergraduate readers (age 17-27), we evaluated the incremental contributions of
      these components and found that saccadic planning to non-linguistic stimuli alone
      explained roughly one-third of the variance that conventional RAN tasks explained
      in eye-movements registered during text reading for comprehension. We conclude
      that the well-established predictive role of RAN for reading performance is in
      part due to the individual ability to coordinate rapid sequential eye-movements
      to visual non-linguistic stimuli.

PMID- 27667916
TI  - Bidirectional Relations between Text Reading Prosody and Reading Comprehension in
      the Upper Primary School Grades: A Longitudinal Perspective.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to examine the directionality of the relationship
      between text reading prosody and reading comprehension in the upper grades of
      primary school. We compared three theoretical possibilities: Two unidirectional
      relations from text reading prosody to reading comprehension and from reading
      comprehension to text reading prosody and a bidirectional relation between text
      reading prosody and reading comprehension. Further, we controlled for
      autoregressive effects and included decoding efficiency as a measure of general
      reading skill. Participants were 99 Dutch children, followed longitudinally, from
      fourth- to sixth-grade. Structural equation modeling showed that the
      bidirectional relation provided the best fitting model. In fifth-grade, text
      reading prosody was related to prior decoding and reading comprehension, whereas
      in sixth-grade, reading comprehension was related to prior text reading prosody.
      As such, the results suggest that the relation between text reading prosody and
      reading comprehension is reciprocal, but dependent on grade level.

PMID- 27667918
TI  - Effect of human milk as a treatment for dry eye syndrome in a mouse model.
AB  - PURPOSE: Dry eye syndrome (DES) affects millions of people worldwide. Homeopathic
      remedies to treat a wide variety of ocular diseases have previously been
      documented in the literature, but little systematic work has been performed to
      validate the remedies' efficacy using accepted laboratory models of disease. The
      purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of human milk and nopal cactus
      (prickly pear), two widely used homeopathic remedies, as agents to reduce
      pathological markers of DES. METHODS: The previously described benzalkonium
      chloride (BAK) dry eye mouse model was used to study the efficacy of human milk
      and nopal cactus (prickly pear). BAK (0.2%) was applied to the mouse ocular
      surface twice daily to induce dry eye pathology. Fluorescein staining was used to
      verify that the animals had characteristic signs of DES. After induction of DES,
      the animals were treated with human milk (whole and fat-reduced), nopal, nopal
      extract derivatives, or cyclosporine four times daily for 7 days. Punctate
      staining and preservation of corneal epithelial thickness, measured
      histologically at the end of treatment, were used as indices of therapeutic
      efficacy. RESULTS: Treatment with BAK reduced the mean corneal epithelial
      thickness from 36.77+/-0.64 MUm in the control mice to 21.29+/-3.2 MUm. Reduction
      in corneal epithelial thickness was largely prevented by administration of whole
      milk (33.2+/-2.5 MUm) or fat-reduced milk (36.1+/-1.58 MUm), outcomes that were
      similar to treatment with cyclosporine (38.52+/-2.47 MUm), a standard in current
      dry eye therapy. In contrast, crude or filtered nopal extracts were ineffective
      at preventing BAK-induced loss of corneal epithelial thickness (24.76+/-1.78 MUm
      and 27.99+/-2.75 MUm, respectively), as were solvents used in the extraction of
      nopal materials (26.53+/-1.46 MUm for ethyl acetate, 21.59+/-5.87 MUm for
      methanol). Epithelial damage, as reflected in the punctate scores, decreased over
      4 days of treatment with whole and fat-reduced milk but continued to increase in
      eyes treated with nopal-derived materials. CONCLUSIONS: Whole and fat-reduced
      human milk showed promising effects in the prevention of BAK-induced loss of
      corneal epithelial thickness and epithelial damage in this mouse model. Further
      studies are required to determine whether human milk may be safely used to treat
      dry eye in patients.

PMID- 27667920
TI  - Dating furniture and coopered vessels without waney edge - Reconstructing
      historical wood-working in Austria with the help of dendrochronology.
AB  - In the present study, 208 furniture and 168 coopered vessels from three Austrian
      museums were examined. Dendrochronology was used to date objects and to extract
      further information such as the necessary time for seasoning, wood loss through
      wood-working and methods of construction. In most cases sampling was done by
      sanding the cross section and making digital photographs using a picture frame
      and measuring digitally. The dendrochronological dates of the sampled furniture
      range between 1524 and 1937. The group of furniture includes cupboards, chests,
      tables, benches, commodes and beds. In many cases furniture was artfully painted
      and sometimes even shows a painted year. With the help of dendrochronology it was
      proved that some objects had been painted for some time after construction, or
      had been over-painted. Most furniture, however, was painted immediately after
      completion. In this case, the seasoning and storage time of the boards and the
      wood loss due to shaping can be verified. As an average value, 14 years have
      passed between the dendrochronological date of the outermost ring and the
      painting. The time span includes time of seasoning and storage and the rings lost
      by wood-working. This leads, on the one hand to a short storage time of less than
      10 years and on the other hand to very little wood loss due to manufacturing.
      Those boards being less shaped turned out to be back panels of cupboards,
      therefore they are recommended to be sampled for dating. Coopered vessels were
      dated between 1612 and 1940. There was evidence that staves were split and not
      sawn in many cases. The staves were often split out of the outermost part of the
      tree and hardly any wood was worked away which was proved by the close
      dendrochronological dates of the single staves of a vessel. Since there is a
      short time of storage and only little wood loss through wood-working, dating of
      objects without a waney edge becomes reasonable.

PMID- 27667917
TI  - Three-dimensional retinal organoids from mouse pluripotent stem cells mimic in
      vivo development with enhanced stratification and rod photoreceptor
      differentiation.
AB  - PURPOSE: The generation of three-dimensional (3D) organoids with optic cup-like
      structures from pluripotent stem cells has created opportunities for
      investigating mammalian retinal development in vitro. However, retinal organoids
      in culture do not completely reflect the developmental state and in vivo
      architecture of the rod-dominant mouse retina. The goals of this study were to
      develop an efficient protocol for generating retinal organoids from stem cells
      and examine the morphogenesis of rods in vitro. METHODS: To assess rod
      photoreceptor differentiation in retinal organoids, we took advantage of Nrl
      green fluorescent protein (GFP) mice that show rod-specific expression of GFP
      directed by the promoter of leucine zipper transcription factor NRL. Using
      embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells (ESCs and iPSCs, respectively)
      derived from the Nrl-GFP mouse, we were successful in establishing long-term
      retinal organoid cultures using modified culture conditions (called High
      Efficiency Hypoxia Induced Generation of Photoreceptors in Retinal Organoids, or
      HIPRO). RESULTS: We demonstrated efficient differentiation of pluripotent stem
      cells to retinal structures. More than 70% of embryoid bodies formed optic
      vesicles at day (D) 7, >50% produced optic cups by D10, and most of them survived
      until at least D35. The HIPRO organoids included distinct inner retina neurons in
      a somewhat stratified architecture and mature Muller glia spanning the entire
      retina. Almost 70% of the cells in the retinal organoids were rod photoreceptors
      that exhibited elongated cilia. Transcriptome profiles of GFP+ rod
      photoreceptors, purified from organoids at D25-35, demonstrated a high
      correlation with the gene profiles of purified rods from the mouse retina at P2
      to P6, indicating their early state of differentiation. CONCLUSIONS: The 3D
      retinal organoids, generated by HIPRO method, closely mimic in vivo retinogenesis
      and provide an efficient in vitro model to investigate photoreceptor development
      and modeling disease pathology.

PMID- 27667919
TI  - Relationship Characteristics Associated with Teen Dating Violence Perpetration.
AB  - Teen dating violence (TDV) is unstable across dating relationships, suggesting
      that characteristics of the relationship could be related to TDV. Few empirical
      studies have examined these links. This study examined associations between
      relationship characteristics and TDV perpetration among teens and sex differences
      in those associations. Relationship characteristics examined include tactics used
      to manipulate partners; ways of responding to relationship problems; relationship
      duration; exclusivity of the relationship; age difference between partners; and
      history of sexual intercourse with partner. Data were drawn from 667 teens in a
      current relationship (62.5% female and 81.4% white) enrolled in the 11th or 12th
      grade in 14 public schools in a rural US state. Bivariate and multivariable
      regression analyses examined proposed associations. 30.1% and 8.2% of teens
      reported controlling and physical TDV perpetration, respectively. In
      multivariable models, frequent use manipulation tactics increased risk for
      controlling or physical TDV perpetration. Teens dating a partner two or more
      years younger were at significantly increased risk for both controlling and
      physical perpetration. A significant interaction emerged between sex and
      exit/neglect accommodation for physical TDV. Characteristics of a current dating
      relationship play an important role in determining risk for controlling and
      physical TDV perpetration.

PMID- 27667921
TI  - Diversity and distribution of Chirostyloidea and Galatheoidea (Decapoda, Anomura)
      in the Southern Gulf of Mexico.
AB  - We examined the diversity, abundance, distribution, and average size of squat
      lobsters collected during eight cruises conducted on the continental shelf and
      slope of the Gulf of Mexico (Mexican/USA border to the Caribbean Sea). Six
      species belonging to two genera of Chirostyloidea, and 25 species of four genera
      of Galatheoidea are reported. A total of 1513 specimens were obtained of which 95
      were Chirostylidae, two Galatheidae, 285 Munidopsidae, and 1131 Munididae. Of the
      species collected, 13.8% were only known from Caribbean Sea. Three species of
      Chirostylidae-Gastroptychus salvadori, Uroptychus capillatus, and Uroptychus
      spiniger-as well two of Munidopsidae, Munidopsis bradleyi and Munidopsis riveroi,
      are recorded for the first time in the Gulf of Mexico. The upper bathymetric
      range of one species and the lower one for eight species are extended. Biological
      and ecological traits of squat lobsters in the southern Gulf of Mexico are also
      provided. 

PMID- 27667922
TI  - Description of a new species of Gaeolaelaps (Acari: Laelapidae) from Iran.
AB  - A new species of Gaeolaelaps (Acari, Mesostigmata, Laelapidae), Gaeolaelaps
      izajiensis sp. n. is described based on the morphological characters of adult
      females which were collected from soil sample in the Izeh and Ghaletol regions of
      the Khuzestan province, Iran. It can be distinguished from the other members of
      the genus by some morphological characteristics of dorsal shield, form and
      reticulation of epigynal shield, the exopodal plates, and the peritremes. 

PMID- 27667923
TI  - Yamatochaitophorus yichunensis, a new species of aphid (Aphididae:
      Chaitophorinae) from northeast China.
AB  - Yamatochaitophorus yichunensis sp. n. is described from specimens collected in
      northeast China on Acer tegmentosum (Aceraceae). Yamatochaitophorus is also a new
      generic record for China. Type specimens are deposited in the National Zoological
      Museum of China, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing,
      China (NZMC) and the Natural History Museum, London, UK (BMNH). 

PMID- 27667924
TI  - Four new species of Gasteruption Latreille from NW China, with an illustrated key
      to the species from Palaearctic China (Hymenoptera, Gasteruptiidae).
AB  - Four new species of the genus Gasteruption Latreille, 1796 (Hymenoptera:
      Evanioidea: Gasteruptiidae: Gasteruptiinae) are reported from NW China: three
      from Shaanxi province and one from Ningxia province. The new species
      (Gasteruption bicoloratum Tan & van Achterberg, sp. n., Gasteruption huangshii
      Tan & van Achterberg, sp. n., Gasteruption pannuceum Tan & van Achterberg, sp.
      n., and Gasteruption shengi Tan & van Achterberg, sp. n.) and three newly
      recorded species (Gasteruption sinepunctatum Zhao, van Achterberg & Xu, 2012,
      Gasteruption boreale (Thomson, 1883) and Gasteruption oshimense Watanabe, 1924)
      are keyed and fully illustrated. In total, seven species are known from Shaanxi
      province, which is approximately half of the expected number. The East
      Palaearctic specimens provisionally identified as Gasteruption tournieri
      Schletterer, 1885, by Zhao et al. (2012) are included under Gasteruption
      oshimense Watanabe, 1924. 

PMID- 27667925
TI  - Descriptions of a new species of Foenatopus Smith from China and the male of
      Parastephanellus brevicoxalis (Hymenoptera, Stephanidae).
AB  - A new species of the stephanid genus Foenatopus Smith, Foenatopus weii sp. n., is
      described and illustrated from Yunnan Province, China. A modified section of the
      identification key to species of Foenatopus is added to include the new species.
      The male of Parastephanellus brevicoxalis Hong, van Achterberg & Xu, 2011 from
      Guangdong Province, China is also described and illustrated for the first time. 

PMID- 27667926
TI  - Two new species of Coleoxestia Aurivillius, 1912 from Brazil (Coleoptera,
      Cerambycidae, Cerambycinae, Cerambycini).
AB  - Two new species of Coleoxestia Aurivillius, 1912 are described from Brazil:
      Coleoxestia apeara, and Coleoxestia moromokoi. Both are included in a previous
      key. 

PMID- 27667927
TI  - Molecular systematics of the Labeonini inhabiting the karst regions in southwest
      China (Teleostei, Cypriniformes).
AB  - The major phylogenetic pattern of the cyprinid tribe Labeonini has been revealed
      by previous molecular studies; however, the relationships within a clade that
      mainly inhabits the karst regions, which we refer to as the "karst group", in
      southwest China remain unresolved due to the low taxon sampling. This group
      includes more than 50% of the genera and species of Labeonini in China. Moreover,
      more than 90% of the genera of this group are endemic to China. In addition, some
      new genera and species of Labeonini have been discovered from these karst
      regions, but their taxonomic validity and phylogenetic position have not been
      examined. In this contribution, partial sequences of four nuclear (exon 3 of
      recombination activating protein 1, rhodopsin, early growth response protein 2B
      gene and interphotoreceptor retinoid binding protein gene) and three
      mitochondrial genes (cytochrome b, cytochrome oxidase subunit I and 16S ribosomal
      RNA) from 36 ingroup taxa and 25 outgroup taxa were analyzed to provide a
      hypothesis of the phylogenetic relationships within the labeonins of the karst
      regions in China. We propose that the monophyly of Parasinilabeo, Ptychidio,
      Rectoris and Semilabeo are supported. A new genus, Prolixicheilus, is erected for
      Pseudogyrinocheilus longisulcus. Cophecheilus bamen is the sister to
      Prolixicheilus longisulcus. Ptychidio, Pseudocrossocheilus, Semilabeo, Rectoris
      and Stenorynchoacrum are closely related with high support values.
      Sinocrossocheilus, Pseudogyrinocheilus, Paraqianlabeo, Hongshuia, Discogobio and
      Discocheilus form a clade together with high support. Considering molecular
      results and morphological differences, Parasinilabeo longicorpus and Ptychidio
      macrops might be the synonyms of Parasinilabeo assimilis and Ptychidio jordani
      respectively. Comprehensive taxonomic revisions of the two genera Parasinilabeo
      and Ptychidio may be necessary. 

PMID- 27667928
TI  - The Middle Pleistocene vertebrate fauna from Khok Sung (Nakhon Ratchasima,
      Thailand): biochronological and paleobiogeographical implications.
AB  - The fluviatile terrace deposits of Khok Sung, Nakhon Ratchasima province, have
      yielded more than one thousand fossils, making this the richest Pleistocene
      vertebrate fauna of Thailand. The excellent preservation of the specimens allows
      precise characterization of the faunal composition. The mammalian fauna consists
      of fifteen species in thirteen genera, including a primate, a canid, a hyaenid,
      proboscideans, rhinoceroses, a suid, cervids, and bovids. Most species correspond
      to living taxa but globally (Stegodon cf. orientalis) and locally (Crocuta
      crocuta ultima, Rhinoceros unicornis, Sus barbatus, and Axis axis) extinct taxa
      were also present. The identification of Axis axis in Khok Sung, a chital
      currently restricted to the Indian Subcontinent, represents the first record of
      the species in Southeast Asia. Three reptilian taxa: Crocodylus cf. siamensis,
      Python sp., and Varanus sp., are also identified. Faunal correlations with other
      Southeast Asian sites suggest a late Middle to early Late Pleistocene age for the
      Khok Sung assemblage. However, the Khok Sung mammalian fauna is most similar to
      that of Thum Wiman Nakin, dated to older than 169 ka. The Khok Sung large mammal
      assemblage mostly comprises mainland Southeast Asian taxa that migrated to Java
      during the latest Middle Pleistocene, supporting the hypothesis that Thailand was
      a biogeographic pathway for the Sino-Malayan migration event from South China to
      Java. 

PMID- 27667929
TI  - New species of Trophoniella from Shimoda, Japan (Annelida, Flabelligeridae).
AB  - Trophoniella hephaistos sp. n. was collected from a tank irrigated with seawater
      pumped directly from Nabeta Bay, Japan. This species is discriminated from other
      Trophoniella by having dorsal tubercles, a tongue-shaped branchial plate, a tunic
      covered with large sediment grains dorsally and ventrally, having eyes, and
      anchylosed neurohooks starting from chaetigers 17-20. This is the first record of
      Trophoniella from Japanese waters. Identification keys to species of Trophoniella
      and four gene sequences (COI, 16S, 18S, 28S) of this species are provided.
      Phylogenetic analysis was conducted to clarify phylogenetic position of
      Trophoniella in Flabelligeridae using four genes. 

PMID- 27667930
TI  - A new species of Websterinereis from the Gulf of California and redescription of
      Websterinereis foli (Fauvel, 1930) (Annelida, Nereididae).
AB  - A new species of Websterinereis Pettibone, 1971, Websterinereis pettiboneae sp.
      n. is described from La Paz Bay, Gulf of California, Mexico. This species is
      similar to Websterinereis foli (Fauvel, 1930) in the neuropodial falcigers shape,
      but can be separated by the tentacular cirri length, notopodial prechaetal lobe
      shape, and the size of the notopodial dorsal and ventral ligules on posterior
      parapodia. Websterinereis foli is redescribed based upon type material.
      Additional observations on the inter-annual density variation of Websterinereis
      pettiboneae sp. n. during a four-year study are also provided. A key to all
      species of Websterinereis is included. 

PMID- 27667931
TI  - Revision of Partulidae (Gastropoda, Stylommatophora) of Palau, with description
      of a new genus for an unusual ground-dwelling species.
AB  - We describe a new stylommatophoran land snail of the family Partulidae from
      Palau. The new species has a combination of morphological and ecological
      characters that do not allow its placement in any existing partulid genus, so we
      describe a new genus for it. The new genus is characterized by a large (18-23 mm)
      obese-pupoid shell; smooth protoconch; teleoconch with weak and inconsistent,
      progressively stronger, striae; last half of body whorl not extending beyond the
      penultimate whorl; widely expanded and reflexed peristome; relatively long penis,
      with longitudinal pilasters that fuse apically into a fleshy ridge that divides
      the main chamber from a small apical chamber; and vas deferens entering and
      penial-retractor muscle attaching at the apex of the penis. Unlike all other
      partulids, the new species is strictly associated with rocks in contact with the
      ground. Comparing the other three Palauan species - currently assigned to Partula
      - to our new genus and to other partulids makes it clear that they require their
      own genus because their morphology is quite different from that of true Partula
      and from that of all other genera. Hence, we resurrect the name Palaopartula
      Pilsbry for these snails. 

PMID- 27667932
TI  - Sinocoelotes gen. n., a new genus of the subfamily Coelotinae (Araneae,
      Agelenidae) from Southeast Asia.
AB  - A new genus of the spider subfamily Coelotinae, Sinocoelotes gen. n., with nine
      new species, is described from Yunnan and Sichuan Provinces in southern China.
      The new species are: Sinocoelotes cangshanensis sp. n. (?), Sinocoelotes
      hehuaensis sp. n. (??), Sinocoelotes luoshuiensis sp. n. (?), Sinocoelotes
      mangbangensis sp. n. (?) from Yunnan; Sinocoelotes kangdingensis sp. n. (?),
      Sinocoelotes ludingensis sp. n. (??), Sinocoelotes mahuanggouensis sp. n. (?),
      Sinocoelotes muliensis sp. n. (?), and Sinocoelotes yanyuanensis sp. n. (?) from
      Sichuan. In addition, six Coelotes species are transferred to the new genus:
      Sinocoelotes acicularis (Wang, Griswold & Ubick, 2009), comb. n. (??),
      Sinocoelotes forficatus (Liu & Li, 2010), comb. n. (??), Sinocoelotes guangxian
      (Zhang, Yang, Zhu & Song, 2003), comb. n. (??), Sinocoelotes pseudoterrestris
      (Schenkel, 1963), comb. n. (??), Sinocoelotes pseudoyunnanensis (Wang, Griswold &
      Ubick, 2009), comb. n. (??) and Sinocoelotes thailandensis (Dankittipakul & Wang,
      2003), comb. n. (??). DNA barcodes of all the species were documented for future
      use. 

PMID- 27667933
TI  - Sumakuru, a deeply-diverging new genus of lyssomanine jumping spiders from
      Ecuador (Araneae: Salticidae).
AB  - The lyssomanine jumping spider genus Sumakuru gen. n. is here described for
      Sumakuru bigal sp. n., from the Bigal River Biological Reserve in Ecuador. Known
      from a single male, the embolus of the palp takes the form of a smoothly arching
      curve, and appears fully mobile, being connected to the tegulum by a thin
      sclerite and a twisted hematodocha. Data from four gene regions (28S, 16SND1,
      CO1, wingless) indicate that Sumakuru is the sister group to all other sampled
      lyssomanines, diverging deeply on the stem lineage of the clade of other known
      lyssomanines. Unlike previous molecular results, the sampled species of
      Lyssomanes Hentz, 1845 are supported as monophyletic, with Chinoscopus Simon,
      1900 as the sister to Lyssomanes. 

PMID- 27667934
TI  - A new species of Falsopodabrus Pic characterized with geometric morphometrics
      (Coleoptera, Cantharidae).
AB  - A new species of Falsopodabrus Pic, 1927 is described, Falsopodabrus tridentatus
      Yang, sp. n. (Yunnan, China). Geometric morphometric analyses based on the shapes
      of pronotum and hind wing and comparisons with two sibling species, Falsopodabrus
      himalaicus Wittmer, 1974 and Falsopodabrus martensi (Wittmer, 1979), support the
      valid status of the new species, also confirmed by the characters of tarsal
      claws. In addition to Falsopodabrus himalaicus and Falsopodabrus martensi,
      Falsopodabrus kostali Svihla, 2004 and Falsopodabrus rolciki Svihla, 2004 are
      recorded from China for the first time. 

PMID- 27667935
TI  - X-ray microscopy reveals endophallic structures in a new species of the ground
      beetle genus Trechus Clairville, 1806 from Baltic amber (Coleoptera, Carabidae,
      Trechini).
AB  - The third fossil species of the genus Trechus Clairville, 1806 is described from
      Baltic amber: Trechus exhibitorius sp. n. Details of external and internal
      morphology were analysed using X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and
      important diagnostic features of the internal male genital sac (endophallus) are
      described in detail for the first time in a fossil ground beetle. Based on these
      data, we could assign Trechus exhibitorius sp. n. to Trechus sensu stricto and
      this new fossil species seems to represent a basal branch of a lineage comprising
      species diverse groups of extant Trechus mainly distributed in the Caucasus and
      Anatolia. Thus, our results support previous studies suggesting that Trechus is a
      phylogenetically old lineage already present in the Eocene with numerous species.

PMID- 27667936
TI  - A new species of Patania from the Hainan Island, China (Lepidoptera, Crambidae).
AB  - Patania clava sp. n. is described from the Diaoluo Mountain of Hainan Island,
      China. The new species is distinguished from its most similar congener, Patania
      iopasalis (Walker, 1859), by the following features: wingspan 33.0-35.0 mm (vs.
      21.0-30.0 mm), ventral cilia of the male antenna as long as the diameter of
      flagellomere (vs. 1/4), the thick finger-like gnathos (vs. the short broad sheet
      like), a long thick needle-like cornutus stretching out from (vs. embedded in) a
      cluster of spicular cornuti near apex. Images of adult and genitalia of the new
      species are provided. 

PMID- 27667937
TI  - Prognathodes basabei, a new species of butterflyfish (Perciformes,
      Chaetodontidae) from the Hawaiian Archipelago.
AB  - A new species of the butterflyfish genus Prognathodes is described from specimens
      collected at a depth of 55-61 m off Pearl and Hermes Atoll, Northwestern Hawaiian
      Islands. This species has been observed by mixed-gas divers and from submersibles
      at depths ranging from 45-187 m throughout the Hawaiian Archipelago, with
      shallower sightings in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and deeper in the Main
      Hawaiian Islands. It is similar to Prognathodes guezei (Mauge and Bauchot 1976)
      from the western Indian Ocean, and at least one other undescribed species of
      Prognathodes from Palau, differing from these species in the number of soft
      dorsal-fin rays, size of head, and body depth. There are also differences in the
      life color, and a substantial genetic difference from the Palauan species (d "
      .08 in mtDNA cytochrome oxidase I). 

PMID- 27667938
TI  - Sphaerodoridae (Annelida) of the deep Northwestern Atlantic, including remarkable
      new species of Euritmia and Sphaerephesia.
AB  - Sphaerodoridae (Annelida) is a seeming uncommon and minimally diverse group of
      polychaetes in the northwestern Atlantic, with only seven species reported from
      the United States, and none from the eastern coast of Canada, before the present
      study. Review of the large Smithsonian collection (National Museum of Natural
      History, Washington) revealed the presence of two morphologically extraordinary
      undescribed species and added a new record to the north-western Atlantic region.
      Euritmia carolensis sp. n. is characterised by bearing approximately 20 sessile
      spherical papillae arranged in three transverse rows per segment, ventrum with 4
      6 larger papillae near the parapodial bases and parapodia without papillae;
      bearing 4-5 simple chaetae that are enlarged subdistally. Sphaerephesia amphorata
      sp. n. is distinguished from other congeners in the presence of four longitudinal
      rows of sessile, bottle-shaped macrotubercles with exceptionally long digitiform
      terminal papilla, and parapodia with four rounded and small papillae, bearing 4-7
      compound chaetae, with blades 7-11 times as long as wide. Other encountered
      species are also herein re-described, including intraspecific variation and
      updated iconography. Comparison of material also allowed some systematic changes
      in the group, including the synonymisation of the genus Amacrodorum with
      Euritmia, and the transfer of Ephesiopsis shivae to Ephesiella. A key to the
      species reported from the Northwestern Atlantic is provided. 

PMID- 27667939
TI  - Borniopsis mortoni sp. n. (Heterodonta, Galeommatoidea, Galeommatidaesensu lato),
      a new bivalve commensal with a synaptid sea cucumber from Japan.
AB  - The Galeommatoidea is a bivalve superfamily that exhibits high species diversity
      in shallow waters. Many members of this superfamily are associated commensally
      with burrowing marine invertebrates in benthic sediments. The genus Borniopsis is
      known only from eastern Asia and exhibits high host diversity (e.g., mantis
      shrimps, crabs, holothurians, sipunculans and echiurans). A new species,
      Borniopsis mortoni sp. n., is described from mud flats at the mouth of the Souzu
      River, southwestern Shikoku Island, Japan. This species has elongate-ovate shells
      covered by a tan to dark brown periostracum, and lives attached by both its foot
      and byssal threads to the body surface of the synaptid sea cucumber Patinapta
      ooplax. Several individuals of Borniopsis mortoni are often found on the same
      host, but sometimes more than 10 individuals can occur together. Borniopsis
      mortoni is one of the smallest species in this genus. Probably, its small body
      size is an adaptation to the mode of life in a narrow host burrow. Until now,
      only two other Borniopsis species were known to have commensal associations with
      synaptids. Thus, this is the third example of a synaptid-associated species from
      this genus. In addition, we briefly review the galeommatoideans commensal with
      apodid sea cucumbers. 

PMID- 27667940
TI  - The complete mitochondrial genome of the Chinese Daphnia pulex (Cladocera,
      Daphniidae).
AB  - Daphnia pulex has played an important role in fresh-water ecosystems. In this
      study, the complete mitochondrial genome of Daphnia pulex from Chaohu, China was
      sequenced for the first time. It was accomplished using long-PCR methods and a
      primer-walking sequencing strategy with genus-specific primers. The mitogenome
      was found to be 15,306 bp in length. It contained 13 protein-coding genes, two
      rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes and a typical control region. This research revealed an
      overall A+T content of 64.50%. All of the 22 typical animal tRNA genes had a
      classical clover-leaf structure except for trnS1, in which its DHU arm simply
      formed a loop. The lengths of small and large rRNA were 744 bp and 1,313 bp,
      respectively. The A+T-rich region was 723 bp in length, which is longer than that
      from the North American species (689 bp). In terms of structure and composition,
      many similarities were found between the Chinese and North American Daphnia
      pulex. 

PMID- 27667942
TI  - Revision of the Palaearctic Gasteruption assectator aggregate, with special
      reference to Sweden (Hymenoptera, Gasteruptiidae).
AB  - The Palaearctic species of the Gasteruption assectator aggregate (Hymenoptera,
      Gasteruptiidae) are revised and three species are recognised. Two species are re
      instated: Gasteruption boreale (Thomson, 1883), stat. n. and Gasteruption
      nigritarse (Thomson, 1883), stat. n., and both are excluded from the synonymy
      with Gasteruption assectator (Linnaeus, 1758). The general distribution of both
      species is given for Europe and in detail for Sweden. A key to the valid
      Palaearctic species of the Gasteruption assectator aggregate is given; key
      characters and primary types are illustrated. Four new synonyms are listed:
      Foenus fumipennis Thomson, 1883, Trichofoenus breviterebrae Watanabe, 1934, and
      Gasteruption margotae Madl, 1987, are synonymized with Gasteruption boreale
      (Thomson, 1883) and Gasteruption brevicauda Kieffer, 1904, with Gasteruption
      undulatum (Abeille de Perrin, 1879). 

PMID- 27667941
TI  - Yuebeipotamon calciatile, a new genus and new species of freshwater crab from
      southern China (Crustacea, Decapoda, Brachyura, Potamidae).
AB  - A new genus and species of freshwater crab, Yuebeipotamon calciatile gen. n., sp.
      n., is described from southern China. While the carapace features are
      superficially similar to species of Sinopotamon Bott, 1967, Longpotamon Shih,
      Huang & Ng, 2016, and Tenuilapotamon Dai, Song, Li, Chen, Wang & Hu, 1984, the
      new genus possesses a distinctive combination of carapace, ambulatory leg, male
      thoracic sternal, male abdominal, and gonopodal characters that distinguish it
      from these and other genera. Molecular evidence derived from the mitochondrial
      16S rDNA supports the establishment of a new genus. 

PMID- 27667943
TI  - Definition of the jianfengling species group of the ground beetle genus
      Orthogonius MacLeay (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Orthogoniini).
AB  - The jianfengling species group of the termitophilous carabid genus Orthogonius
      MacLeay, 1825 is defined and reviewed. This species group ranges from southern
      China, crossing Indochina and Myanmar to eastern India. To date, the jianfengling
      species group is composed of ten species, including six new species which are
      hereinafter described and illustrated: Orthogonius wrasei sp. n. (Myanmar),
      Orthogonius bellus sp. n. and Orthogonius limbourgi sp. n. (Vietnam), Orthogonius
      politior sp. n., Orthogonius aberlenci sp. n. (Laos) and Orthogonius
      meghalayaensis sp. n. (India). Habitus, elytral apices and male genitalia of all
      species are illustrated. A key to species and a distribution map of jianfengling
      species group are provided. 

PMID- 27667944
TI  - Two new species of the genus Timia and a redescription of Timia mongolica
      (Diptera, Ulidiidae).
AB  - Two new species of the genus Timia Wiedemann, 1824 are described and illustrated.
      Timia lazebnayae sp. n. from Uzbekistan has yellow body and is similar to Timia
      gobica Zaitzev, 1982, differing from it only by the entirely yellow flagellomere
      1. Timia shatalkini sp. n. from Mongolia has dark body and differs from all other
      dark-colored representatives of the genus by the cell r4+5 being completely
      closed, forming petiole at the wing apex. Timia mongolica Zaitsev, 1982 is
      redescribed and an updated key for yellow-coloured Timia is provided. 

PMID- 27667945
TI  - Review of Pseudacrobasis Roesler, 1975 from China (Lepidoptera, Pyralidae,
      Phycitinae).
AB  - The genus Pseudacrobasis is reviewed for China. Pseudacrobasis dilatata sp. n. is
      described as new and compared with Psorosa tergestella (Ragonot, 1901). Images of
      adults and illustrations of genital structures are provided. 

PMID- 27667947
TI  - Tardigrada of Ireland: a review of records and an updated checklist of species
      including a new addition to the Irish fauna.
AB  - The phylum Tardigrada was not recorded in Ireland until the Clare Island Survey
      of 1909-1911, with only rare subsequent reports on Irish tardigrade species. In
      recent decades, significant taxonomic revision has occurred within Tardigrada.
      This has resulted in the need for a review of all known historical records from
      Ireland and Northern Ireland in order to produce an updated checklist of valid
      taxa. The new checklist includes fifty-one tardigrade species and subspecies
      including a new addition to the Irish fauna reported herein, Echiniscus
      quadrispinosus quadrispinosus Richters, 1902 from Newtown, Ballyvaughan, Co.
      Clare. 

PMID- 27667946
TI  - Type material of Platyhelminthes (Monogenoidea) housed in the Helminthological
      Collection of the Oswaldo Cruz Institute/ FIOCRUZ (CHIOC), Rio de Janeiro,
      Brazil, from 1979 to 2016.
AB  - A catalogue of type material of monogenoids deposited in the Helminthological
      Collection of the Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ (CHIOC), between 1979 and 2016,
      is presented, given that the last list of types was produced in 1979. The
      monogenoid collection comprises type lots for 203 species, distributed across 14
      families and 68 genera. Specific names are listed systematically, followed by
      type host, infection site, type locality, specimens with the collection numbers
      and references. The classification and the nomenclature of the species have been
      updated. 

PMID- 27667948
TI  - A new species of Neoperla from China, with a redescription of the female of N.
      mnong Stark, 1987 (Plecoptera, Perlidae).
AB  - A new species of the Neoperla clymene group (Plecoptera, Perlidae), Neoperla
      chebalinga sp. n. from Guangdong Province of southern China is described,
      illustrated, and compared with related taxa. The new species is characterized by
      the slender aedeagal tube, strongly sclerotized dorsally, and weakly sclerotized
      ventrally with an upcurved, medial, finger-like membranous lobe. Additionally the
      aedeagal sac gradually tapers to a blunt apex with a dorsoapical patch of spines.
      A supplementary description of the female of Neoperla mnong Stark, 1987 from
      Guangdong Province, China is also given. 

PMID- 27667949
TI  - A new genus and species of Rhizoecidae (Hemiptera, Sternorryncha, Coccomorpha)
      associated with Acropyga yaeyamensis (Hymenoptera, Formicidae, Formicinae).
AB  - Ishigakicoccus gen. n. shimadai sp. n. is described based on the adult female
      morphology. This new species was found in the nest of a rare Japanese ant,
      Acropyga yaeyamensis Terayama & Hashimoto, 1996, in Ishigaki Is., Japan. It
      resembles Capitisetella migrans (Green, 1933) and Pseudorhizoecus proximus Green,
      1933. However, the new species differs from those two species in having small
      multilocular pores, large 3-5 locular pores on the medial area of ventral
      abdomen, and two different-sized body setae. This new species is also the first
      record of a potential trophobiont of Acropyga yaeyamensis. A key to Japanese
      species of Rhizoecidae is also provided. 

PMID- 27667950
TI  - Taxonomy of Malagasy Nesomyrmex brevicornis species-group using conventional
      morphology-based approach.
AB  - Here we describe the diversity of the Malagasy Nesomyrmex brevicornis-group as
      the final installment of series describing the complete Malagasy Nesomyrmex
      fauna. In the current paper introduce the Nesomyrmex brevicornis-group, a newly
      outlined species group. We split this group from one of the four former groups,
      Nesomyrmex madecassus-group (sensu Csosz and Fisher 2015). The relatively small
      number of individuals available within the Nesomyrmex brevicornis-group relative
      to the large number of OTUs hampers the use of sophisticated statistical
      techniques to evaluate the morphological data. Instead, we assess the diversity
      of the Nesomyrmex brevicornis-group via a conventional morphology-based approach
      relying upon non-numeric characters (shape, sculpture, color etc.) recorded by
      simple eye inspection. Morphometric data are used as secondary data to confirm
      the most probable boundaries between species, but without employing statistical
      analyses. We rejected prior species hypotheses imposed by the primary approach if
      a non-overlapping range of a single index calculated from continuous numeric
      traits was found between two hypothesized species. Our methods render every
      species in this revisionary work separable via both salient features and
      morphometric traits. Our approach reveals the existence of nine morphologically
      distinct species, Nesomyrmex brevicornis sp. n., Nesomyrmex brunneus sp. n.,
      Nesomyrmex cingulatus sp. n., Nesomyrmex edentates sp. n., Nesomyrmex flavigaster
      sp. n., Nesomyrmex longiceps sp. n., Nesomyrmex minutus sp. n., Nesomyrmex
      punctaticeps sp. n., and Nesomyrmex sellaris sp. n.. Geographic maps showing the
      distribution of each species are provided, along with an updated key to workers
      of Malagasy Nesomyrmex species groups that includes the newly outlined Nesomyrmex
      brevicornis-group. 

PMID- 27667951
TI  - A new species of Strongylacron (Copepoda, Harpacticoida, Cletodidae) from
      intertidal mudflats in the Korean peninsula.
AB  - A new species, Strongylacron glabrum sp. n. is described from intertidal mudflats
      in the Korean peninsula. The new species is assigned to the monospecific genus
      Strongylacron Gee & Huys, 1996 in accordance with the generic morphological
      features of the rostrum, antennary exopod, and thoracic legs. However,
      Strongylacron glabrum sp. n. is clearly distinguished from the type species,
      Strongylacron buchholtzi (Boeck, 1873), by the naked anterior margin of rostrum,
      the elongate exopod and endopodal lobe of female P5 approximately 3.5 and 2.7
      times as long as width, respectively, and the presence of 8-10 rod-like
      projections on prosomites. The genus Strongylacron is first recorded from Korean
      waters by the present study. 

PMID- 27667952
TI  - A new species of the genus Petrolisthes Stimpson (Crustacea, Decapoda,
      Porcellanidae) from the Central Pacific, with remarks and new records for P.
      aegyptiacus Werding & Hiller.
AB  - Petrolisthes paulayi sp. n. is described from specimens collected in French
      Polynesia. The new species belongs to an assemblage of morphologically similar
      Indo-West Pacific (IWP) species, here designated as the "mesobranchial-spine
      group". All species in the group bear carapace spines, including one or more
      mesobranchial spines, and transverse, piliferous striations on the dorsal surface
      of carapace and chelipeds. Petrolisthes paulayi sp. n. is distinguishable from
      all species in the group by its forwardly produced, trilobate front, and a
      characteristic combination of carapace spines. We also report on the range
      extension and live coloration of Petrolisthes aegyptiacus Werding & Hiller,
      another species of the mesobranchial-spine group, so far considered a Red Sea
      endemic. Specimens from the Mascarene Islands confirm that the geographic range
      of the species extends to the southern Indian Ocean. While specimens
      morphologically similar to Petrolisthes aegyptiacus, and collected in the Line
      and Society Islands, suggest a large range extension to the Central Pacific, it
      is probable that these individuals represent an undescribed species closely
      related to Petrolisthes aegyptiacus. 

PMID- 27667953
TI  - Revision of the genus Gryposmylus Kruger, 1913 (Neuroptera, Osmylidae) with a
      remarkable example of convergence in wing disruptive patterning.
AB  - The charismatic lance lacewing genus Gryposmylus Kruger, 1913 (Osmylidae:
      Protosmylinae) from South East Asia is revised with a new species (Gryposmylus
      pennyi sp. n.) described from Malaysia. The genus is diagnosed and both species
      in the genus redescribed and figured. An extraordinary example of morphological
      convergence is presented, with disruptive camouflaging wing markings in
      Gryposmylus pennyi sp. n. being remarkably similar to the South American green
      lacewing Vieira leschenaulti Navas (Chrysopidae). 

PMID- 27667954
TI  - Parvitermes (Isoptera, Termitidae, Nasutitermitinae) in Central America: Two new
      termite species and reassignment of Nasutitermes mexicanus.
AB  - The termite genus Parvitermes is now recognized on the Central American mainland
      to include Parvitermes mexicanus, new combination (previously in Nasutitermes)
      and two new species, Parvitermes mesoamericanus sp. n. and Parvitermes yucatanus
      sp. n., herein described from soldiers and workers. These three species, nine
      West Indian Parvitermes, and Antillitermes subtilis all share characteristic
      enteric valve spines that orientate against intestinal flow. All species are
      subterranean nesters and cellulose feeders. Evidence is mounting that generic
      level endemicity may be completely absent among the West Indian nasutitermitine
      fauna and that its origins stem from Central America. 

PMID- 27667955
TI  - Taxonomic revision of the New World genus Callotillus Wolcott (Cleridae,
      Tillinae), with the description of the new genus Neocallotillus, and an
      illustrated key of identification to species.
AB  - The New World checkered beetle genus Callotillus Wolcott, 1911 is revised and the
      new genus Neocallotillus established. The subspecies Callotillus elegans vafer
      Wolcott is synonymized with the nominal subspecies, Callotillus elegans elegans
      (Erichson), which is transferred to, and designated as the type species of
      Neocallotillus gen. n. as Neocallotillus elegans (Erichson, 1847), comb. n. Two
      additional species are transferred from Callotillus to the new genus:
      Neocallotillus intricatus (Wolcott & Dybas, 1947), comb. n. and Neocallotillus
      crusoe (Wolcott, 1923), comb. n., the latter tentatively and based on Wolcott's
      original description. Callotillus is now composed of two species: Callotillus
      eburneocinctus Wolcott, 1911 and Callotillus bahamensis Vaurie, 1952. All
      abovementioned species except Neocallotillus crusoe are diagnosed and
      redescribed. In the absence of reference material of Neocallotillus crusoe,
      Wolcott's original description is transcribed. An illustrated key to species is
      provided. Characters of taxonomic relevance are illustrated and discussed.
      Updated distribution maps and locality data for all specimens examined are
      presented. 

PMID- 27667956
TI  - Five new species of Trigonopeltastes Burmeister and Schaum from Central America
      with new country records for other New World Trichiini (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae,
      Cetoniinae).
AB  - Five new species of Trigonopeltastes Burmeister and Schaum, 1840 are described:
      Trigonopeltastes arborfloricola sp. n. from Nicaragua, Trigonopeltastes
      formidulosus sp. n. from Costa Rica, Trigonopeltastes henryi sp. n. from Costa
      Rica, Trigonopeltastes mombachoensis sp. n. from Nicaragua, and Trigonopeltastes
      warneri sp. n. from Belize and Guatemala. An updated key to species of
      Trigonopeltastes is presented. Trigonopeltastes nigrinus Bates, 1889 and
      Trigonopeltastes carus Bates, 1889 are placed in synonymy with Trigonopeltastes
      geometricus Schaum, 1841, syn. n.. The males of Trigonopeltastes aurovelutinus
      Curoe, 2011 and Trigonopeltastes simplex Bates, 1889 are described for the first
      time. New country records are given for the following: Giesbertiolus ornatus
      Howden, 1988: Costa Rica; Paragnorimus sambucus Howden, 1970: Guatemala;
      Trichiotinus bibens (Fabricius, 1775): Canada; Trigonopeltastes archimedes
      Schaum, 1841: Guatemala and Costa Rica; Trigonopeltastes frontalis Bates, 1889:
      Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras; Trigonopeltastes glabellus Howden, 1988:
      Guatemala; Trigonopeltastes geometricus Schaum, 1841: Honduras; Trigonopeltastes
      sallaei sallaei Bates, 1889: Guatemala and Honduras; Trigonopeltastes simplex
      Bates, 1889: Mexico; Trigonopeltastes variabilis Howden, 1968: Honduras. 

PMID- 27667957
TI  - Rediscovery and identity of Pumilomyia protrahenda De Stefani (Diptera,
      Cecidomyiidae) in Sicily with redescription and reassessment of its taxonomic
      position.
AB  - A population of the gall midge Pumilomyia protrahenda De Stefani, 1919 causing
      galls on Artemisia arborescens (Asteraceae) was discovered near Palermo (Sicily)
      in 2008. This species had not been found since 1918. Detailed study of
      morphological characters of adults, larvae and pupae revealed that Pumilomyia
      protrahenda belongs to the genus Rhopalomyia Rubsaamen, 1892, tribe
      Rhopalomyiini. The monotypic genus Pumilomyia De Stefani, 1919 is therefore
      synonymized under Rhopalomyia Rubsaamen, 1892. Rhopalomyia protrahenda comb. n.
      is redescribed, with important morphological characters illustrated. Adults have
      one-segmented palpi, antennae with 12-13 short flagellomeres and long legs with
      simple tarsal claws. A neotype is designated in the present paper because the
      type of this species is lost. The host plant has a circum-Mediterranean
      distribution but the gall midge is currently known only from Sicily, where it
      completes several generations between January and May. 

PMID- 27667958
TI  - How reliably can northeast Atlantic sand lances of the genera Ammodytes and
      Hyperoplus be distinguished? A comparative application of morphological and
      molecular methods.
AB  - Accurate stock assessments for each of the dominant species of sand lances in the
      northeast Atlantic Ocean and adjacent areas are not available due to the lack of
      a reliable identification procedure; therefore, appropriate measures of fisheries
      management or conservation of sand lances cannot be implemented. In this study,
      detailed morphological and molecular features are assessed to discriminate
      between four species of sand lances belonging to the genera Ammodytes and
      Hyperoplus. Morphological characters described by earlier authors as useful for
      identification of the genera are confirmed, and two additional distinguishing
      characters are added. A combination of the following morphological characters is
      recommended to distinguish between the genera Hyperoplus and Ammodytes: the
      protrusibility of the premaxillae, the presence of hooked ends of the prevomer,
      the number of dermal plicae, and the pectoral-fin length as a percentage of the
      standard length. The discriminant function analysis revealed that morphometric
      data are not very useful to distinguish the species of each of the two genera.
      The following meristic characters improve the separation of Hyperoplus
      lanceolatus from Hyperoplus immaculatus: the number of lower arch gill rakers,
      total number of gill rakers, numbers of caudal vertebrae and total vertebrae, and
      numbers of dorsal-fin and anal-fin rays. It is confirmed that Ammodytes tobianus
      differs from Ammodytes marinus by its belly scales that are organised in tight
      chevrons, scales which are present over the musculature at the base of the caudal
      fin, as well as by the lower numbers of dermal plicae, dorsal-fin rays, and total
      vertebrae. In contrast to the morphological data, mitochondrial COI sequences
      (DNA barcodes) failed to separate unambiguously the four investigated species.
      Ammodytes tobianus and Hyperoplus lanceolatus showed an overlap between
      intraspecific and interspecific K2P genetic distances and cannot be reliably
      distinguished using the common DNA barcoding approach. Ammodytes marinus and
      Hyperoplus immaculatus exhibited gaps between intraspecific and interspecific K2P
      distances of 2.73 and 3.34% respectively, indicating that their DNA barcodes can
      be used for species identification. As an alternative, short nuclear Rhodopsin
      sequences were analysed and one diagnostic character was found for each of the
      species Ammodytes marinus, Hyperoplus lanceolatus, and Hyperoplus immaculatus.
      Ammodytes tobianus can be characterised by the lack of species-specific mutations
      when compared to the other three species. In contrast to COI, the short nuclear
      sequences represent a useful alternative for rapid species identification
      whenever an examination of morphological characters is not available. 

PMID- 27667959
TI  - A bias in the "mass-normalized" DTT response - an effect of non-linear
      concentration-response curves for copper and manganese.
AB  - The dithiothreitol (DTT) assay is widely used to measure the oxidative potential
      of particulate matter. Results are typically presented in mass-normalized units
      (e.g., pmols DTT lost per minute per microgram PM) to allow for comparison among
      samples. Use of this unit assumes that the mass-normalized DTT response is
      constant and independent of the mass concentration of PM added to the DTT assay.
      However, based on previous work that identified non-linear DTT responses for
      copper and manganese, this basic assumption (that the mass-normalized DTT
      response is independent of the concentration of PM added to the assay) should not
      be true for samples where Cu and Mn contribute significantly to the DTT signal.
      To test this we measured the DTT response at multiple PM concentrations for eight
      ambient particulate samples collected at two locations in California. The results
      confirm that for samples with significant contributions from Cu and Mn, the mass
      normalized DTT response can strongly depend on the concentration of PM added to
      the assay, varying by up to an order of magnitude for PM concentrations between 2
      and 34 MUg mL-1. This mass dependence confounds useful interpretation of DTT
      assay data in samples with significant contributions from Cu and Mn, requiring
      additional quality control steps to check for this bias. To minimize this
      problem, we discuss two methods to correct the mass-normalized DTT result and we
      apply those methods to our samples. We find that it is possible to correct the
      mass-normalized DTT result, although the correction methods have some drawbacks
      and add uncertainty to DTT analyses. More broadly, other DTT-active species might
      also have non-linear concentration-responses in the assay and cause a bias. In
      addition, the same problem of Cu- and Mn-mediated bias in mass-normalized DTT
      results might affect other measures of acellular redox activity in PM and needs
      to be addressed.

PMID- 27667960
TI  - Insight solutions are correct more often than analytic solutions.
AB  - How accurate are insights compared to analytical solutions? In four experiments,
      we investigated how participants' solving strategies influenced their solution
      accuracies across different types of problems, including one that was linguistic,
      one that was visual and two that were mixed visual-linguistic. In each
      experiment, participants' self-judged insight solutions were, on average, more
      accurate than their analytic ones. We hypothesised that insight solutions have
      superior accuracy because they emerge into consciousness in an all-or-nothing
      fashion when the unconscious solving process is complete, whereas analytic
      solutions can be guesses based on conscious, prematurely terminated, processing.
      This hypothesis is supported by the finding that participants' analytic solutions
      included relatively more incorrect responses (i.e., errors of commission) than
      timeouts (i.e., errors of omission) compared to their insight responses.

PMID- 27667961
TI  - Modelling highly variable environmental factors to assess potential microbial
      respiration in complex floodplain landscapes.
AB  - The hydrological exchange conditions strongly determine the biogeochemical
      dynamics in river systems. More specifically, the connectivity of surface waters
      between main channels and floodplains is directly controlling the delivery of
      organic matter and nutrients into the floodplains, where biogeochemical processes
      recycle them with high rates of activity. Hence, an in-depth understanding of the
      connectivity patterns between main channel and floodplains is important for the
      modelling of potential gas emissions in floodplain landscapes. A modelling
      framework that combines steady-state hydrodynamic simulations with long-term
      discharge hydrographs was developed to calculate water depths as well as
      statistical probabilities and event durations for every node of a computation
      mesh being connected to the main river. The modelling framework was applied to
      two study sites in the floodplains of the Austrian Danube River, East of Vienna.
      Validation of modelled flood events showed good agreement with gauge readings.
      Together with measured sediment properties, results of the validated connectivity
      model were used as basis for a predictive model yielding patterns of potential
      microbial respiration based on the best fit between characteristics of a number
      of sampling sites and the corresponding modelled parameters. Hot spots of
      potential microbial respiration were found in areas of lower connectivity if
      connected during higher discharges and areas of high water depths.

PMID- 27667962
TI  - Impact of urban planning on household's residential decisions: An agent-based
      simulation model for Vienna.
AB  - Interest in assessing the sustainability of socio-ecological systems of urban
      areas has increased notably, with additional attention generated due to the fact
      that half the world's population now lives in cities. Urban areas face both a
      changing urban population size and increasing sustainability issues in terms of
      providing good socioeconomic and environmental living conditions. Urban planning
      has to deal with both challenges. Households play a major role by being affected
      by urban planning decisions on the one hand and by being responsible - among many
      other factors - for the environmental performance of a city (e.g. energy use). We
      here present an agent-based decision model referring to the city of Vienna, the
      capital of Austria, with a population of about 1.7 million (2.3 million within
      the metropolitan area, the latter being more than 25% of Austria's total
      population). Since the early 1990s, after decades of negative population growth,
      Vienna has been experiencing a steady increase in population, mainly driven by
      immigration. The aim of the agent-based decision model is to simulate new
      residential patterns of different household types based on demographic
      development and migration scenarios. Model results were used to assess spatial
      patterns of energy use caused by different household types in the four scenarios
      (1) conventional urban planning, (2) sustainable urban planning, (3) expensive
      centre and (4) no green area preference. Outcomes show that changes in
      preferences of households relating to the presence of nearby green areas have the
      most important impact on the distribution of households across the small-scaled
      city area. Additionally, the results demonstrate the importance of the
      distribution of different household types regarding spatial patterns of energy
      use.

PMID- 27667963
TI  - Automatic generation of water distribution systems based on GIS data.
AB  - In the field of water distribution system (WDS) analysis, case study research is
      needed for testing or benchmarking optimisation strategies and newly developed
      software. However, data availability for the investigation of real cases is
      limited due to time and cost needed for data collection and model setup. We
      present a new algorithm that addresses this problem by generating WDSs from GIS
      using population density, housing density and elevation as input data. We show
      that the resulting WDSs are comparable to actual systems in terms of network
      properties and hydraulic performance. For example, comparing the pressure heads
      for an actual and a generated WDS results in pressure head differences of +/-4 m
      or less for 75% of the supply area. Although elements like valves and pumps are
      not included, the new methodology can provide water distribution systems of
      varying levels of complexity (e.g., network layouts, connectivity, etc.) to allow
      testing design/optimisation algorithms on a large number of networks. The new
      approach can be used to estimate the construction costs of planned WDSs aimed at
      addressing population growth or at comparisons of different expansion strategies
      in growth corridors.

PMID- 27667964
TI  - Gated Trapped Ion Mobility Spectrometry Coupled to Fourier Transform Ion
      Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry.
AB  - Analysis of molecules by ion mobility spectrometry coupled with mass spectrometry
      (IMS-MS) provides chemical information on the three dimensional structure and
      mass of the molecules. The coupling of ion mobility to trapping mass
      spectrometers has historically been challenging due to the large differences in
      analysis time between the two devices. In this paper we present a modification of
      the trapped ion mobility (TIMS) analysis scheme termed "Gated TIMS" that allows
      efficient coupling to a Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance (FT-ICR)
      analyzer. Analyses of standard compounds and the influence of source conditions
      on the TIMS distributions produced by ion mobility spectra of labile ubiquitin
      protein ions are presented. Ion mobility resolving powers up to 100 are observed.
      Measured collisional cross sections of ubiquitin ions are in excellent
      qualitative and quantitative agreement to previous measurements. Gated TIMS FT
      ICR produces results comparable to those acquired using TIMS/time-of-flight MS
      instrument platforms as well as numerous drift tube IMS-MS studies published in
      the literature.

PMID- 27667965
TI  - Ionic liquids in chromatographic and electrophoretic techniques: toward
      additional improvements in the separation of natural compounds.
AB  - Due to their unique properties, in recent years, ionic liquids (ILs) have been
      largely investigated in the field of analytical chemistry. Particularly during
      the last sixteen years, they have been successfully applied in the
      chromatographic and electrophoretic analysis of value-added compounds extracted
      from biomass. Considering the growing interest in the use of ILs in this field,
      this critical review provides a comprehensive overview on the improvements
      achieved using ILs as constituents of mobile or stationary phases in analytical
      techniques, namely in capillary electrophoresis and its different modes, in high
      performance liquid chromatography, and in gas chromatography, for the separation
      and analysis of natural compounds. The impact of the IL chemical structure and
      the influence of secondary parameters, such as the IL concentration, temperature,
      pH, voltage and analysis time (when applied), are also critically addressed
      regarding the achieved separation improvements. Major conclusions on the role of
      ILs in the separation mechanisms and the performance of these techniques in terms
      of efficiency, resolution and selectivity are provided. Based on a critical
      analysis of all published results, some target-oriented ILs are suggested.
      Finally, current drawbacks and future challenges in the field are highlighted. In
      particular, the design and use of more benign and effective ILs as well as the
      development of integrated (and thus more sustainable) extraction-separation
      processes using IL aqueous solutions are suggested within a green chemistry
      perspective.

PMID- 27667966
TI  - Enhanced tunability afforded by aqueous biphasic systems formed by fluorinated
      ionic liquids and carbohydrates.
AB  - This work unveils the formation of novel aqueous biphasic systems (ABS) formed by
      perfluoroalkylsulfonate-based ionic liquids (ILs) and a large number of
      carbohydrates (monosaccharides, disaccharides and polyols) aiming at establishing
      more benign alternatives to the salts commonly used. The respective ternary phase
      diagrams were determined at 298 K. The aptitude of the carbohydrates to induce
      phase separation closely follows their hydration capability, while the length of
      the IL cation/anion fluorinated chain also plays a crucial role. Finally, these
      systems were investigated as liquid-liquid extraction strategies for four food
      dyes. Single-step extraction efficiencies for the carbohydrate-rich phase up to
      94% were obtained. Remarkably and contrarily to the most investigated IL-salt
      ABS, most dyes preferentially migrate for the most hydrophilic and biocompatible
      carbohydrate-rich phase - an outstanding advantage when envisaging the products
      recovery and further use. On the other hand, more hydrophobic dyes preferentially
      partition to the IL-rich phase, disclosing therefore these novel systems as
      highly amenable to be tuned by the proper choice of the phase-forming components.

PMID- 27667967
TI  - Do abundance distributions and species aggregation correctly predict
      macroecological biodiversity patterns in tropical forests?
AB  - AIM: It has been recently suggested that different 'unified theories of
      biodiversity and biogeography' can be characterized by three common 'minimal
      sufficient rules': (1) species abundance distributions follow a hollow curve, (2)
      species show intraspecific aggregation, and (3) species are independently placed
      with respect to other species. Here, we translate these qualitative rules into a
      quantitative framework and assess if these minimal rules are indeed sufficient to
      predict multiple macroecological biodiversity patterns simultaneously. LOCATION:
      Tropical forest plots in Barro Colorado Island (BCI), Panama, and in Sinharaja,
      Sri Lanka. METHODS: We assess the predictive power of the three rules using
      dynamic and spatial simulation models in combination with census data from the
      two forest plots. We use two different versions of the model: (1) a neutral model
      and (2) an extended model that allowed for species differences in dispersal
      distances. In a first step we derive model parameterizations that correctly
      represent the three minimal rules (i.e. the model quantitatively matches the
      observed species abundance distribution and the distribution of intraspecific
      aggregation). In a second step we applied the parameterized models to predict
      four additional spatial biodiversity patterns. RESULTS: Species-specific
      dispersal was needed to quantitatively fulfil the three minimal rules. The model
      with species-specific dispersal correctly predicted the species-area
      relationship, but failed to predict the distance decay, the relationship between
      species abundances and aggregations, and the distribution of a spatial co
      occurrence index of all abundant species pairs. These results were consistent
      over the two forest plots. MAIN CONCLUSIONS: The three 'minimal sufficient' rules
      only provide an incomplete approximation of the stochastic spatial geometry of
      biodiversity in tropical forests. The assumption of independent interspecific
      placements is most likely violated in many forests due to shared or distinct
      habitat preferences. Furthermore, our results highlight missing knowledge about
      the relationship between species abundances and their aggregation.

PMID- 27667968
TI  - Preschool Teachers' Language and Literacy Practices with Dual Language Learners.
AB  - The purposes of this study were to (a) examine the degree to which teachers used
      linguistically responsive practices to support the language and literacy
      development of Spanish-speaking Dual Language Learners (DLL) and (b) to
      investigate the associations between these practices and select teacher-level
      factors. The sample consisted of 72 preschool teachers. Observational data were
      collected on practices. Teachers self-reported on language and culture beliefs,
      Spanish speaking ability, and classroom composition. Results indicated that
      teachers, including those who spoke Spanish, used few linguistically responsive
      practices to support preschool DLLs. Only Spanish-speaking ability was related to
      practices. Implications for targeted professional development are discussed.

PMID- 27667969
TI  - The Role of Negative Affect and Physiological Regulation in maternal attribution.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Mothers who attribute child misbehaviors to children's intentions, and
      not to situational causes, show more hostile parenting behaviors. Why are some
      mothers more likely than others to make more hostile attributions (i.e., high
      intentional attributions and low situational attributions) when confronted with
      child challenging behaviors? We examined the relation between mothers' perception
      of child challenging behaviors and their hostile attributions of child
      misbehaviors, with an emphasis on how maternal negative affect and resting vagal
      activity moderated this relation. DESIGN: 160 mothers of 3- to 7-year-old
      children reported their perceptions of child problem behaviors, their
      attributions regarding child misbehaviors, and their temperamental negative
      affect. Mothers' respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) was measured during resting
      state. RESULTS: Maternal perceptions of child challenging behaviors were
      positively related to hostile maternal attributions, and this relation was
      strongest in mothers with high negative affect and low resting RSA. CONCLUSIONS:
      These findings indicate the importance of considering mothers' affective and
      physiological attributes when examining social-cognitive processes in parenting.

PMID- 27667970
TI  - Treatment choices and subsequent attendance by substance-dependent patients who
      disengage from intensive outpatient treatment.
AB  - In an effort to increase engagement in effective treatment, we offered a choice
      of alternate evidence-based treatments to 137 alcohol- or cocaine-dependent
      adults (110 males, 27 females) who entered an intensive outpatient program (IOP)
      but disengaged within the first 8 weeks. We hypothesized that disengaged patients
      would choose and subsequently attend alternatives to IOP when given the chance,
      that their choices would be consistent with their previously-stated preferences,
      and that demographic and clinical characteristics would be predictive of
      alternatives chosen. Of 96 participants reached by phone, 19% chose no treatment;
      49% chose to return to IOP; 24% chose individual psychotherapy; 6% chose
      telephone counseling; 2% chose naltrexone with medication management. There were
      few relationships between participant characteristics and choices made upon
      disengagement. Participants who chose alternative treatments were equally likely
      to attend their chosen treatment as those who chose IOP. Limited interest in
      alternative treatments may reflect allegiance to IOP, which was initially chosen
      by all participants. Implications for implementation of patient-centered adaptive
      treatment are discussed.

PMID- 27667971
TI  - Role of Rb during Neurogenesis and Axonal Guidance in the Developing Olfactory
      System.
AB  - The Retinoblastoma protein, Rb, was shown to regulate distinct aspects of
      neurogenesis in the embryonic and adult brain besides its primary role in cell
      cycle control. It is still unknown, however, whether Rb is required for tissue
      morphogenesis and the establishment of synaptic connections between adjacent
      tissues during development. We have investigated here the role of Rb during
      development of the olfactory system (OS), which heavily relies on reciprocal
      interactions between the olfactory epithelium (OE) and the olfactory bulb (OB).
      We show that mice carrying a telencephalic-specific deletion of Rb display
      several neurogenic defects in the OS during late development. In the OE, loss of
      Rb leads to ectopic proliferation of late-born progenitors (Tuj-1+), abnormal
      radial migration and terminal maturation of olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs). In
      the OB, deletion of Rb causes severe lamination defects with loss of clear
      boundaries between distinct layers. Importantly, starting around E15.5 when OB
      glomerulogenesis is initiated, many OSNs axons that project along the olfactory
      nerve layer (ONL) fail to properly innervate the nascent bulb, thus resulting in
      partial loss of connectivity between OE-OB and gradual neuronal degeneration in
      both tissues peaking at birth. This deficiency correlates with deregulated
      expressions of two key chemo-repellant molecules, Robo2/Slit1 and Nrp2/Sema3F
      that control the formation of dorsal-ventral topographic map of OSNs connections
      with OB glomeruli. This study highlights a critical requirement for Rb during
      neurogenesis and the establishment of proper synaptic connections inside the OS
      during development. 

PMID- 27667974
TI  - Editorial: Enamel Research: Mechanisms and Characterization.

PMID- 27667972
TI  - Distinct Aging Effects on Functional Networks in Good and Poor Cognitive
      Performers.
AB  - Brain network hubs are susceptible to normal aging processes and disruptions of
      their functional connectivity are detrimental to decline in cognitive functions
      in older adults. However, it remains unclear how the functional connectivity of
      network hubs cope with cognitive heterogeneity in an aging population. This study
      utilized cognitive and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data,
      cluster analysis, and graph network analysis to examine age-related alterations
      in the network hubs' functional connectivity of good and poor cognitive
      performers. Our results revealed that poor cognitive performers showed age
      dependent disruptions in the functional connectivity of the right insula and
      posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), while good cognitive performers showed age
      related disruptions in the functional connectivity of the left insula and PCC.
      Additionally, the left PCC had age-related declines in the functional
      connectivity with the left medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and anterior cingulate
      cortex (ACC). Most interestingly, good cognitive performers showed age-related
      declines in the functional connectivity of the left insula and PCC with their
      right homotopic structures. These results may provide insights of neuronal
      correlates for understanding individual differences in aging. In particular, our
      study suggests prominent protection roles of the left insula and PCC and
      bilateral ACC in good performers. 

PMID- 27667973
TI  - Cannabidiol, among Other Cannabinoid Drugs, Modulates Prepulse Inhibition of
      Startle in the SHR Animal Model: Implications for Schizophrenia Pharmacotherapy.
AB  - Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder that involves positive, negative
      and cognitive symptoms. Prepulse inhibition of startle reflex (PPI) is a paradigm
      that assesses the sensorimotor gating functioning and is impaired in
      schizophrenia patients as well as in animal models of this disorder. Recent data
      point to the participation of the endocannabinoid system in the pathophysiology
      and pharmacotherapy of schizophrenia. Here, we focus on the effects of
      cannabinoid drugs on the PPI deficit of animal models of schizophrenia, with
      greater focus on the SHR (Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats) strain, and on the
      future prospects resulting from these findings. 

PMID- 27667976
TI  - Microcystin-LR Induced Apoptosis in Rat Sertoli Cells via the Mitochondrial
      Caspase-Dependent Pathway: Role of Reactive Oxygen Species.
AB  - Microcystins (MCs), the secondary metabolites of blue-green algae, are ubiquitous
      and major cyanotoxin contaminants. Besides the hepatopancreas/liver, the
      reproductive system is regarded as the most important target organ for MCs.
      Although reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been implicated in MCs-induced
      reproductive toxicity, the role of MCs in this pathway remains unclear. In the
      present study, Sertoli cells were employed to investigate apoptotic death
      involved in male reproductive toxicity of microcystin-LR (MC-LR). After exposure
      to various concentrations of MC-LR for 24 h, the growth of Sertoli cells was
      concentration-dependently decreased with an IC50 of ~32 MUg/mL. Mitochondria
      mediated apoptotic changes were observed in Sertoli cells exposed to 8, 16, and
      32 MUg/mL MC-LR including the increased expression of caspase pathway proteins,
      collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and generation of ROS.
      Pretreatment with a global caspase inhibitor was found to depress the activation
      of caspases, and eventually increased the survival rate of Sertoli cells,
      implying that the mitochondrial caspases pathway is involved in MC-LR-induced
      apoptosis. Furthermore, N-acetyl-l-cysteine attenuated the MC-LR-induced
      intracellular ROS generation, MMP collapse and cytochrome c release, resulting in
      the inhibition of apoptosis. Taken together, the observed results suggested that
      MC-LR induced apoptotic death of Sertoli cells by the activation of mitochondrial
      caspases cascade, while its effects on the ROS-mediated signaling pathway may
      contribute toward the initiation of mitochondrial dysfunction. 

PMID- 27667975
TI  - Regulation of Cardiac Remodeling by Cardiac Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase Isoforms.
AB  - Cardiac remodeling occurs after cardiac pressure/volume overload or myocardial
      injury during the development of heart failure and is a determinant of heart
      failure. Preventing or reversing remodeling is a goal of heart failure therapy.
      Human cardiomyocyte Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase has multiple alpha isoforms (1-3). The
      expression of the alpha subunit of the Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase is often altered in
      hypertrophic and failing hearts. The mechanisms are unclear. There are limited
      data from human cardiomyocytes. Abundant evidences from rodents show that
      Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase regulates cardiac contractility, cell signaling, hypertrophy
      and fibrosis. The alpha1 isoform of the Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase is the ubiquitous
      isoform and possesses both pumping and signaling functions. The alpha2 isoform of
      the Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase regulates intracellular Ca(2+) signaling, contractility and
      pathological hypertrophy. The alpha3 isoform of the Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase may also be
      a target for cardiac hypertrophy. Restoration of cardiac Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase
      expression may be an effective approach for prevention of cardiac remodeling. In
      this article, we will overview: (1) the distribution and function of isoform
      specific Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase in the cardiomyocytes. (2) the role of cardiac
      Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase in the regulation of cell signaling, contractility, cardiac
      hypertrophy and fibrosis in vitro and in vivo. Selective targeting of cardiac
      Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase isoform may offer a new target for the prevention of cardiac
      remodeling. 

PMID- 27667977
TI  - German Anxiety Barometer-Clinical and Everyday-Life Anxieties in the General
      Population.
AB  - The objective of this study was to test a time-efficient screening instrument to
      assess clinically relevant and everyday-life (e.g., economic, political,
      personal) anxieties. Furthermore, factors influencing these anxieties,
      correlations between clinical and everyday anxieties and, for the first time,
      anxiety during different stages of life were assessed in a representative sample
      of the general population (N = 2229). Around 30% of the respondents manifested at
      least one disorder-specific key symptom within 1 year (women > men), 8% reported
      severe anxiety symptoms. Two thirds of respondents reported minor everyday
      anxieties and 5% were strongly impaired, whereby persons with severe clinical
      symptoms were more frequently affected. A variety of potential influencing
      factors could be identified. These include, in addition to socioeconomic status,
      gender, general health, risk-taking, and leisure behavior, also some up to now
      little investigated possible protective factors, such as everyday-life mental
      activity. The observed effects are rather small, which, however, given the
      heterogeneity of the general population seems plausible. Although the correlative
      design of the study does not allow direct causal conclusions, it can, however,
      serve as a starting point for experimental intervention studies in the future.
      Together with time series from repeated representative surveys, we expect these
      data to provide a better understanding of the processes that underlie everyday
      life and clinical anxieties. 

PMID- 27667978
TI  - Distinguishing Dispositional and Cultivated Forms of Mindfulness: Item-Level
      Factor Analysis of Five-Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire and Construction of Short
      Inventory of Mindfulness Capability.
AB  - The widely used Five-Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) mixes the
      dispositional and cultivated forms of mindfulness, thereby resulting in factor
      issues in previous studies. The present study distinguished the two forms of
      mindfulness and developed a Short Inventory of Mindfulness Capability at the item
      level of FFMQ. Three facets of mindfulness, namely, Describing, Acting with
      Awareness, and Non-judging of Experience, were assessed using community (n = 433)
      and student (n = 347) samples. Both meditators and non-meditators participated.
      Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) revealed a three-factor model
      of mindfulness with 12 items (four items per subscale). Psychometric evaluation
      demonstrated the solid factor structure of the measurement with high factor
      loadings, good internal consistency, and convergent validities. Longitudinal
      analysis indicated that the Acting with Awareness facet was a significant
      predictor of depression and anxiety symptoms 6 months later. Discussions focused
      on the roles of mindfulness capability on mental health as well as the
      relationship between them. A higher-order factor of mindfulness should be used to
      examine the efficacy of intervention or monitor the changes. Researchers who need
      to study the specific role or efficacy of each facet should calculate the scores
      of different facets. 

PMID- 27667979
TI  - Bilingual and Monolingual Idiom Processing Is Cut from the Same Cloth: The Role
      of the L1 in Literal and Figurative Meaning Activation.
AB  - The present study examines non-native (L2) and native (L1) listeners' access to
      figurative idiomatic meaning and literal constituent meaning in two cross-modal
      priming experiments. Proficient German learners of English (L2) and native
      speakers of American English (L1) responded to English target words preceded by
      English idioms embedded in non-biasing prime sentences in a lexical decision
      task. English idioms differed in levels of translatability: Lexical level idioms
      had word-for-word translation equivalents in German, while post-lexical level
      idioms had matching idiomatic concepts in German but could not be translated word
      for word. Target words either related to the figurative meaning of the idiom or
      related to the literal meaning of the final constituent word of the idiom (e.g.,
      to pull someone's leg, literal target: walk, figurative target: joke). Both L1
      and L2 listeners showed facilitatory priming for literally- and figuratively
      related target words compared to unrelated control target words, with only
      marginal differences between the listener groups. No effect of translatability
      was found; that is, the existence of word-for-word translation equivalents in
      German neither facilitated nor hindered meaning activation for German L2
      listeners. The results are interpreted in the context of L1 and L2 models of
      idiom processing as well as further relevant translation studies. 

PMID- 27667980
TI  - Predicting Affective Information - An Evaluation of Repetition Suppression
      Effects.
AB  - Both theoretical proposals and empirical studies suggest that the brain
      interprets sensory input based on expectations to mitigate computational burden.
      However, as social beings, much of sensory input is affectively loaded - e.g.,
      the smile of a partner, the critical voice of a boss, or the welcoming gesture of
      a friend. Given that affective information is highly complex and often ambiguous,
      building up expectations of upcoming affective sensory input may greatly
      contribute to its rapid and efficient processing. This review points to the role
      of affective information in the context of the 'predictive brain'. It
      particularly focuses on repetition suppression (RS) effects that have recently
      been linked to prediction processes. The findings are interpreted as evidence for
      more pronounced prediction processes with affective material. Importantly, it is
      argued that bottom-up attention inflates the neural RS effect, and because
      affective stimuli tend to attract more bottom-up attention, it thereby
      particularly overshadows the magnitude of RS effects for this information.
      Finally, anxiety disorders, such as social phobia, are briefly discussed as
      manifestations of modulations in affective prediction. 

PMID- 27667981
TI  - Proteomics Analysis of Three Different Strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
      under In vitro Hypoxia and Evaluation of Hypoxia Associated Antigen's Specific
      Memory T Cells in Healthy Household Contacts.
AB  - In vitro mimicking conditions are thought to reflect the environment experienced
      by Mycobacterium tuberculosis inside the host granuloma. The majority of in vitro
      dormancy experimental models use laboratory-adapted strains H37Rv or Erdman
      instead of prevalent clinical strains involved during disease outbreaks. Thus, we
      included the most prevalent clinical strains (S7 and S10) of M. tuberculosis from
      south India in addition to H37Rv for our in vitro oxygen depletion (hypoxia)
      experimental model. Cytosolic proteins were prepared from hypoxic cultures,
      resolved by two-dimensional electrophoresis and protein spots were characterized
      by mass spectrometry. In total, 49 spots were characterized as over-expressed or
      newly emergent between the three strains. Two antigens (ESAT-6, Lpd) out of the
      49 characterized spots were readily available in recombinant form in our lab.
      Hence, these two genes were overexpressed, purified and used for in vitro
      stimulation of whole blood collected from healthy household contacts (HHC) and
      active pulmonary tuberculosis patients (PTB). Multicolor flow cytometry analysis
      showed high levels of antigen specific CD4(+) central memory T cells in the
      circulation of HHC compared to PTB (p < 0.005 for ESAT-6 and p < 0.0005 for Lpd).
      This shows proteins that are predicted to be up regulated during in vitro hypoxia
      in most prevalent clinical strains would indicate possible potential immunogens.
      In vitro hypoxia experiments with most prevalent clinical strains would also
      elucidate the probable true representative antigens involved in adaptive
      mechanisms. 

PMID- 27667982
TI  - The Arctic Soil Bacterial Communities in the Vicinity of a Little Auk Colony.
AB  - Due to deposition of birds' guano, eggshells or feathers, the vicinity of a large
      seabirds' breeding colony is expected to have a substantial impact on the soil's
      physicochemical features as well as on diversity of vegetation and the soil
      invertebrates. Consequently, due to changing physicochemical features the
      structure of bacterial communities might fluctuate in different soil
      environments. The aim of this study was to investigate the bacterial assemblages
      in the Arctic soil within the area of a birds' colony and in a control sample
      from a topographically similar location but situated away from the colony's
      impact area. A high number of OTUs found in both areas indicates a highly complex
      microbial populations structure. The most abundant phyla in both of the tested
      samples were: Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Chloroflexi,
      with different proportions in the total share. Despite differences in the
      physicochemical soil characteristics, the soil microbial community structures at
      the phylum level were similar to some extent in the two samples. The only share
      that was significantly higher in the control area when compared to the sample
      obtained within the birds' colony, belonged to the Actinobacteria phylum.
      Moreover, when analyzing the class level for each phylum, several differences
      between the samples were observed. Furthermore, lower proportions of
      Proteobacteria and Acidobacteria were observed in the soil sample under the
      influence of the bird's colony, which most probably could be linked to higher
      nitrogen concentrations in that sample. 

PMID- 27667983
TI  - Detection of Low Frequency Multi-Drug Resistance and Novel Putative Maribavir
      Resistance in Immunocompromised Pediatric Patients with Cytomegalovirus.
AB  - Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a significant pathogen in immunocompromised
      individuals, with the potential to cause fatal pneumonitis and colitis, as well
      as increasing the risk of organ rejection in transplant patients. With the advent
      of new anti-HCMV drugs there is therefore considerable interest in using virus
      sequence data to monitor emerging resistance to antiviral drugs in HCMV viraemia
      and disease, including the identification of putative new mutations. We used
      target-enrichment to deep sequence HCMV DNA from 11 immunosuppressed pediatric
      patients receiving single or combination anti-HCMV treatment, serially sampled
      over 1-27 weeks. Changes in consensus sequence and resistance mutations were
      analyzed for three ORFs targeted by anti-HCMV drugs and the frequencies of drug
      resistance mutations monitored. Targeted-enriched sequencing of clinical material
      detected mutations occurring at frequencies of 2%. Seven patients showed no
      evidence of drug resistance mutations. Four patients developed drug resistance
      mutations a mean of 16 weeks after starting treatment. In two patients, multiple
      resistance mutations accumulated at frequencies of 20% or less, including
      putative maribavir and ganciclovir resistance mutations P522Q (UL54) and C480F
      (UL97). In one patient, resistance was detected 14 days earlier than by PCR.
      Phylogenetic analysis suggested recombination or superinfection in one patient.
      Deep sequencing of HCMV enriched from clinical samples excluded resistance in 7
      of 11 subjects and identified resistance mutations earlier than conventional PCR
      based resistance testing in 2 patients. Detection of multiple low level
      resistance mutations was associated with poor outcome. 

PMID- 27667984
TI  - Functional Metagenomics of Spacecraft Assembly Cleanrooms: Presence of Virulence
      Factors Associated with Human Pathogens.
AB  - Strict planetary protection practices are implemented during spacecraft assembly
      to prevent inadvertent transfer of earth microorganisms to other planetary
      bodies. Therefore, spacecraft are assembled in cleanrooms, which undergo strict
      cleaning and decontamination procedures to reduce total microbial bioburden. We
      wanted to evaluate if these practices selectively favor survival and growth of
      hardy microorganisms, such as pathogens. Three geographically distinct cleanrooms
      were sampled during the assembly of three NASA spacecraft: The Lockheed Martin
      Aeronautics' Multiple Testing Facility during DAWN, the Kennedy Space Center's
      Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (KSC-PHSF) during Phoenix, and the Jet
      Propulsion Laboratory's Spacecraft Assembly Facility during Mars Science
      Laboratory. Sample sets were collected from the KSC-PHSF cleanroom at three time
      points: before arrival of the Phoenix spacecraft, during the assembly and testing
      of the Phoenix spacecraft, and after removal of the spacecraft from the KSC-PHSF
      facility. All samples were subjected to metagenomic shotgun sequencing on an
      Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform. Strict decontamination procedures had a greater
      impact on microbial communities than sampling location Samples collected during
      spacecraft assembly were dominated by Acinetobacter spp. We found pathogens and
      potential virulence factors, which determine pathogenicity in all the samples
      tested during this study. Though the relative abundance of pathogens was lowest
      during the Phoenix assembly, potential virulence factors were higher during
      assembly compared to before and after assembly, indicating a survival advantage.
      Decreased phylogenetic and pathogenic diversity indicates that decontamination
      and preventative measures were effective against the majority of microorganisms
      and well implemented, however, pathogen abundance still increased over time. Four
      potential pathogens, Acinetobacter baumannii, Acinetobacter lwoffii, Escherichia
      coli and Legionella pneumophila, and their corresponding virulence factors were
      present in all cleanroom samples. This is the first functional metagenomics study
      describing presence of pathogens and their corresponding virulence factors in
      cleanroom environments. The results of this study should be considered for
      microbial monitoring of enclosed environments such as schools, homes, hospitals
      and more isolated habitation such the International Space Station and future
      manned missions to Mars. 

PMID- 27667985
TI  - Nitrification Is a Primary Driver of Nitrous Oxide Production in Laboratory
      Microcosms from Different Land-Use Soils.
AB  - Most studies on soil N2O emissions have focused either on the quantifying of
      agricultural N2O fluxes or on the effect of environmental factors on N2O
      emissions. However, very limited information is available on how land-use will
      affect N2O production, and nitrifiers involved in N2O emissions in agricultural
      soil ecosystems. Therefore, this study aimed at evaluating the relative
      importance of nitrification and denitrification to N2O emissions from different
      land-use soils and identifying the potential underlying microbial mechanisms. A
      (15)N-tracing experiment was conducted under controlled laboratory conditions on
      four agricultural soils collected from different land-use. We measured N2O
      fluxes, nitrate ([Formula: see text]), and ammonium ([Formula: see text])
      concentration and (15)N2O, (15)[Formula: see text], and (15)[Formula: see text]
      enrichment during the incubation. Quantitative PCR was used to quantify ammonia
      oxidizing archaea (AOA) and ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB). Our results showed
      that nitrification was the main contributor to N2O production in soils from
      sugarcane, dairy pasture and cereal cropping systems, while denitrification
      played a major role in N2O production in the vegetable soil under the
      experimental conditions. Nitrification contributed to 96.7% of the N2O emissions
      in sugarcane soil followed by 71.3% in the cereal cropping soil and 70.9% in the
      dairy pasture soil, while only around 20.0% of N2O was produced from
      nitrification in vegetable soil. The proportion of nitrified nitrogen as N2O
      (PN2O-value) varied across different soils, with the highest PN2O-value
      (0.260/00) found in the cereal cropping soil, which was around 10 times higher
      than that in other three systems. AOA were the abundant ammonia oxidizers, and
      were significantly correlated to N2O emitted from nitrification in the sugarcane
      soil, while AOB were significantly correlated with N2O emitted from nitrification
      in the cereal cropping soil. Our findings suggested that soil type and land-use
      might have strongly affected the relative contribution of nitrification and
      denitrification to N2O production from agricultural soils. 

PMID- 27667986
TI  - Improving Toxicity Assessment of Pesticide Mixtures: The Use of Polar Passive
      Sampling Devices Extracts in Microalgae Toxicity Tests.
AB  - Complexity of contaminants exposure needs to be taking in account for an
      appropriate evaluation of risks related to mixtures of pesticides released in the
      ecosystems. Toxicity assessment of such mixtures can be made through a variety of
      toxicity tests reflecting different level of biological complexity. This paper
      reviews the recent developments of passive sampling techniques for polar
      compounds, especially Polar Organic Chemical Integrative Samplers (POCIS) and
      Chemcatcher(r) and the principal assessment techniques using microalgae in
      laboratory experiments. The progresses permitted by the coupled use of such
      passive samplers and ecotoxicology testing as well as their limitations are
      presented. Case studies combining passive sampling devices (PSD) extracts and
      toxicity assessment toward microorganisms at different biological scales from
      single organisms to communities level are presented. These case studies,
      respectively, aimed (i) at characterizing the "toxic potential" of waters using
      dose-response curves, and (ii) at performing microcosm experiments with increased
      environmental realism in the toxicant exposure in term of cocktail composition
      and concentration. Finally perspectives and limitations of such approaches for
      future applications in the area of environmental risk assessment are discussed. 

PMID- 27667988
TI  - Variation in Fumonisin and Ochratoxin Production Associated with Differences in
      Biosynthetic Gene Content in Aspergillus niger and A. welwitschiae Isolates from
      Multiple Crop and Geographic Origins.
AB  - The fungi Aspergillus niger and A. welwitschiae are morphologically
      indistinguishable species used for industrial fermentation and for food and
      beverage production. The fungi also occur widely on food crops. Concerns about
      their safety have arisen with the discovery that some isolates of both species
      produce fumonisin (FB) and ochratoxin A (OTA) mycotoxins. Here, we examined FB
      and OTA production as well as the presence of genes responsible for synthesis of
      the mycotoxins in a collection of 92 A. niger/A. welwitschiae isolates from
      multiple crop and geographic origins. The results indicate that (i) isolates of
      both species differed in ability to produce the mycotoxins; (ii) FB-nonproducing
      isolates of A. niger had an intact fumonisin biosynthetic gene (fum) cluster;
      (iii) FB-nonproducing isolates of A. welwitschiae exhibited multiple patterns of
      fum gene deletion; and (iv) OTA-nonproducing isolates of both species lacked the
      ochratoxin A biosynthetic gene (ota) cluster. Analysis of genome sequence data
      revealed a single pattern of ota gene deletion in the two species. Phylogenetic
      analysis suggest that the simplest explanation for this is that ota cluster
      deletion occurred in a common ancestor of A. niger and A. welwitschiae, and
      subsequently both the intact and deleted cluster were retained as alternate
      alleles during divergence of the ancestor into descendent species. Finally,
      comparison of results from this and previous studies indicate that a majority of
      A. niger isolates and a minority of A. welwitschiae isolates can produce FBs,
      whereas, a minority of isolates of both species produce OTA. The comparison also
      suggested that the relative abundance of each species and frequency of FB/OTA
      producing isolates can vary with crop and/or geographic origin. 

PMID- 27667990
TI  - Response to Commentary: Arnica montana Effects on Gene Expression in a Human
      Macrophage Cell Line. Evaluation by Quantitative Real-Time PCR.

PMID- 27667989
TI  - Diverse Bacteria with Lignin Degrading Potentials Isolated from Two Ranks of
      Coal.
AB  - Taking natural coal as a "seed bank" of bacterial strains able to degrade lignin
      that is with molecular structure similar to coal components, we isolated 393 and
      483 bacterial strains from a meager lean coal sample from Hancheng coalbed and a
      brown coal sample from Bayannaoer coalbed, respectively, by using different
      media. Statistical analysis showed that isolates were significantly more site
      specific than medium-specific. Of the 876 strains belonging to 27 genera in
      Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria, 612 were positive for lignin
      degradation function, including 218 strains belonging to 35 species in Hancheng
      and 394 strains belonging to 19 species in Zhongqi. Among them, the dominant
      lignin-degrading strains were Thauera (Hancheng), Arthrobacter (Zhongqi) and
      Rhizobium (both). The genes encoding the laccases- or laccase-like multicopper
      oxidases, key enzymes in lignin production and degradation, were detected in
      three genera including Massila for the first time, which was in high expression
      by real time PCR (qRT-PCR) detection, confirming coal as a good seed bank. 

PMID- 27667992
TI  - IMGT/StatClonotype for Pairwise Evaluation and Visualization of NGS IG and TR
      IMGT Clonotype (AA) Diversity or Expression from IMGT/HighV-QUEST.
AB  - There is a huge need for standardized analysis and statistical procedures in
      order to compare the complex immune repertoires of antigen receptors
      immunoglobulins (IG) and T cell receptors (TR) obtained by next generation
      sequencing (NGS). NGS technologies generate millions of nucleotide sequences and
      have led to the development of new tools. The IMGT/HighV-QUEST, available since
      2010, is the first global web portal for the analysis of IG and TR high
      throughput sequences. IMGT/HighV-QUEST provides standardized outputs for the
      characterization of the "IMGT clonotype (AA)" (AA for amino acids) and their
      comparison in up to one million sequences. Standardized statistical procedures
      for "IMGT clonotype (AA)" diversity or expression comparisons have recently been
      described, however, no tool was yet available. IMGT/StatClonotype, a new
      IMGT((r)) tool, evaluates and visualizes statistical significance of pairwise
      comparisons of IMGT clonotype (AA) diversity or expression, per V (variable), D
      (diversity), and J (joining) gene of a given IG or TR group, from NGS IMGT/HighV
      QUEST statistical output. IMGT/StatClonotype tool is incorporated in the R
      package "IMGTStatClonotype," with a user-friendly interface. IMGT/StatClonotype
      is downloadable at IMGT((r)) for users to evaluate pairwise comparison of IG and
      TR NGS statistical output from IMGT/HighV-QUEST and to visualize, on their web
      browser, the statistical significance of IMGT clonotype (AA) diversity or
      expression, per gene, the comparative analysis of CDR-IMGT and the V-D-J
      associations, in immunoprofiles from normal or pathological immune responses. 

PMID- 27667991
TI  - B-1 Cell Heterogeneity and the Regulation of Natural and Antigen-Induced IgM
      Production.
AB  - A small subset of B cells, termed B-1 cells, with developmental origins,
      phenotypes, and functions that are distinct from those of conventional B cells
      exist in mice. It contributes the vast majority of spontaneously produced
      "natural" IgM. Natural IgM is constitutively produced, even in the absence of
      microbiota, and fulfills many distinct functions in tissue homeostasis and host
      defense. B-1 cells also respond with IgM production to innate signals and
      pathogen exposure, while maintaining steady-state levels natural IgM. Thus,
      within the B-1 cell pool, cells of distinct and heterogeneous functionality must
      exist to facilitate these different functions. This review considers three
      factors that may contribute to this heterogeneity: first, developmental
      differences regarding the origins of the precursors, second, tissue-specific
      signals that may differentially affect B-1 cells in the tissue compartments, and
      finally responsiveness to self-antigens as well as innate and antigen-specific
      signals. All three are likely to shape the repertoire and responsiveness of B-1
      cells to homeostatic- and antigen-induced signals and thus contribute to the
      functional heterogeneity among these innate-like B cells. 

PMID- 27667994
TI  - Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) Canopy Photosynthesis Modeling Using 3D Plant
      Architecture and Light Ray-Tracing.
AB  - Canopy photosynthesis has typically been estimated using mathematical models that
      have the following assumptions: the light interception inside the canopy
      exponentially declines with the canopy depth, and the photosynthetic capacity is
      affected by light interception as a result of acclimation. However, in actual
      situations, light interception in the canopy is quite heterogenous depending on
      environmental factors such as the location, microclimate, leaf area index, and
      canopy architecture. It is important to apply these factors in an analysis. The
      objective of the current study is to estimate the canopy photosynthesis of
      paprika (Capsicum annuum L.) with an analysis of by simulating the intercepted
      irradiation of the canopy using a 3D ray-tracing and photosynthetic capacity in
      each layer. By inputting the structural data of an actual plant, the 3D
      architecture of paprika was reconstructed using graphic software (Houdini FX, FX,
      Canada). The light curves and A/C i curve of each layer were measured to
      parameterize the Farquhar, von Caemmerer, and Berry (FvCB) model. The difference
      in photosynthetic capacity within the canopy was observed. With the intercepted
      irradiation data and photosynthetic parameters of each layer, the values of an
      entire plant's photosynthesis rate were estimated by integrating the calculated
      photosynthesis rate at each layer. The estimated photosynthesis rate of an entire
      plant showed good agreement with the measured plant using a closed chamber for
      validation. From the results, this method was considered as a reliable tool to
      predict canopy photosynthesis using light interception, and can be extended to
      analyze the canopy photosynthesis in actual greenhouse conditions. 

PMID- 27667993
TI  - Helicobacter pylori Activates HMGB1 Expression and Recruits RAGE into Lipid Rafts
      to Promote Inflammation in Gastric Epithelial Cells.
AB  - Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with several gastrointestinal
      disorders in the human population worldwide. High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), a
      ubiquitous nuclear protein, mediates various inflammation functions. The
      interaction between HMGB1 and receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE)
      triggers nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB expression, which in turn stimulates the
      release of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-8, and enhances
      the inflammatory response. However, how H. pylori activates HMGB1 expression and
      mobilizes RAGE into cholesterol-rich microdomains in gastric epithelial cells to
      promote inflammation has not been explored. In this study, we found that HMGB1
      and RAGE expression increased significantly in H. pylori-infected cells compared
      with -uninfected cells. Blocking HMGB1 by neutralizing antibody abrogated H.
      pylori-elicited RAGE, suggesting that RAGE expression follows HMGB1 production,
      and silenced RAGE-attenuated H. pylori-mediated NF-kappaB activation and IL-8
      production. Furthermore, significantly more RAGE was present in detergent
      resistant membranes extracted from H. pylori-infected cells than in those from 
      uninfected cells, indicating that H. pylori exploited cholesterol to induce the
      HMGB1 signaling pathway. These results indicate that HMGB1 plays a crucial role
      in H. pylori-induced inflammation in gastric epithelial cells, which may be
      valuable in developing treatments for H. pylori-associated diseases. 

PMID- 27667995
TI  - miR-203 Expression in Exfoliated Cells of Tongue Coating Represents a Sensitive
      and Specific Biomarker of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.
AB  - Background and Aim. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated in the
      pathophysiology of numerous human diseases including gastroesophageal reflux
      disease (GERD). The objective of this study was to investigate the miRNA
      expression of exfoliated cells of the tongue in patients with GERD versus healthy
      controls (Ctrls). Methods. Using quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (qRT
      PCR), expression levels of six candidate miRNAs (miR-143, miR-145, miR-192, miR
      194, miR-203, and miR-205) were examined across a discovery cohort of patients
      with GERD (n = 24) versus Ctrls (n = 24). These findings were confirmed across a
      validation cohort (GERD, n = 142; Ctrls, n = 48). Differences in miRNA expression
      levels were evaluated using the Mann-Whitney U test while the specificity and
      sensitivity were obtained using receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curves.
      Results. miR-203 was significantly downregulated in GERD patients as compared to
      Ctrls (P < 0.0001) with ROC curve of 0.94 (95% CI: 0.90-0.97). The sensitivity
      and the specificity of miR-203 were 91.7% and 87.3%, respectively, in the GERD
      and Ctrls. These results suggest that miR-203 may be a useful diagnostic marker
      for discriminating GERD from Ctrls. Conclusions. miR-203 testing may assist in
      the diagnosis of patients with symptoms suggestive of GERD. 

PMID- 27667987
TI  - Discovery, Molecular Mechanisms, and Industrial Applications of Cold-Active
      Enzymes.
AB  - Cold-active enzymes constitute an attractive resource for biotechnological
      applications. Their high catalytic activity at temperatures below 25 degrees C
      makes them excellent biocatalysts that eliminate the need of heating processes
      hampering the quality, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness of industrial
      production. Here we provide a review of the isolation and characterization of
      novel cold-active enzymes from microorganisms inhabiting different environments,
      including a revision of the latest techniques that have been used for
      accomplishing these paramount tasks. We address the progress made in the
      overexpression and purification of cold-adapted enzymes, the evolutionary and
      molecular basis of their high activity at low temperatures and the experimental
      and computational techniques used for their identification, along with protein
      engineering endeavors based on these observations to improve some of the
      properties of cold-adapted enzymes to better suit specific applications. We
      finally focus on examples of the evaluation of their potential use as
      biocatalysts under conditions that reproduce the challenges imposed by the use of
      solvents and additives in industrial processes and of the successful use of cold
      adapted enzymes in biotechnological and industrial applications. 

PMID- 27667997
TI  - Prediction and In Silico Identification of Novel B-Cells and T-Cells Epitopes in
      the S1-Spike Glycoprotein of M41 and CR88 (793/B) Infectious Bronchitis Virus
      Serotypes for Application in Peptide Vaccines.
AB  - Bioinformatic analysis was used to predict antigenic B-cell and T-cell epitopes
      within the S1 glycoprotein of M41 and CR88 IBV strains. A conserved linear B-cell
      epitope peptide, YTSNETTDVTS(175-185), was identified in M41 IBV strains while
      three such epitopes types namely, VSNASPNSGGVD(279-290), HPKCNFRPENI(328-338),
      and NETNNAGSVSDCTAGT(54-69), were predicted in CR88 IBV strains. Analysis of MHCI
      binding peptides in M41 IBV strains revealed the presence of 15 antigenic
      peptides out of which 12 were highly conserved in 96-100% of the total M41
      strains analysed. Interestingly three of these peptides, GGPITYKVM(208),
      WFNSLSVSI(356), and YLADAGLAI(472), relatively had high antigenicity index
      (>1.0). On the other hand, 11 MHCI binding epitope peptides were identified in
      CR88 IBV strains. Of these, five peptides were found to be highly conserved with
      a range between 90% and 97%. However, WFNSLSVSL(358), SYNISAASV(88), and
      YNISAASVA(89) peptides comparably showed high antigenicity scores (>1.0).
      Combination of antigenic B-cells and T-cells peptides that are conserved across
      many strains as approach to evoke humoral and CTL immune response will
      potentially lead to a broad-based vaccine that could reduce the challenges in
      using live attenuated vaccine technology in the control of IBV infection in
      poultry. 

PMID- 27667998
TI  - Bacterial Etiology and Antibiotic Resistance Profile of Community-Acquired
      Urinary Tract Infections in a Cameroonian City.
AB  - Introduction. Community-acquired urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are usually
      treated empirically. Geographical variations in etiologic agents and their
      antibiotic sensitivity patterns are common. Knowledge of antibiotic resistance
      trends is important for improving evidence-based recommendations for empirical
      treatment of UTIs. Our aim was to determine the major bacterial etiologies of
      CAUTIs and their antibiotic resistance patterns in a cosmopolitan area of
      Cameroon for comparison with prescription practices of local physicians. Methods.
      We performed a cross-sectional descriptive study at two main hospitals in
      Yaounde, collecting a clean-catch mid-stream urine sample from 92 patients having
      a clinical diagnosis of UTI. The empirical antibiotherapy was noted, and
      identification of bacterial species was done on CLED agar; antibiotic
      susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method.
      Results. A total of 55 patients had samples positive for a UTI. Ciprofloxacin and
      amoxicillin/clavulanic acid were the most empirically prescribed antibiotics
      (30.9% and 23.6%, resp.); bacterial isolates showed high prevalence of resistance
      to both compounds. Escherichia coli (50.9%) was the most common pathogen,
      followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (16.4%). Prevalence of resistance for
      ciprofloxacin was higher compared to newer quinolones. Conclusions. E. coli and
      K. pneumoniae were the predominant bacterial etiologies; the prevalence of
      resistance to commonly prescribed antibiotics was high. 

PMID- 27667996
TI  - Osteosarcopenic Obesity Syndrome: What Is It and How Can It Be Identified and
      Diagnosed?
AB  - Conditions related to body composition and aging, such as osteopenic obesity,
      sarcopenia/sarcopenic obesity, and the newly termed osteosarcopenic obesity
      (triad of bone muscle and adipose tissue impairment), are beginning to gain
      recognition. However there is still a lack of definitive diagnostic criteria for
      these conditions. Little is known about the long-term impact of these combined
      conditions of osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and obesity in older adults. Many may go
      undiagnosed and progress untreated. Therefore, the objective of this research is
      to create diagnostic criteria for osteosarcopenic obesity in older women. The
      proposed diagnostic criteria are based on two types of assessments: physical, via
      body composition measurements, and functional, via physical performance measures.
      Body composition measurements such as T-scores for bone mineral density,
      appendicular lean mass for sarcopenia, and percent body fat could all be obtained
      via dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Physical performance tests: handgrip
      strength, one-leg stance, walking speed, and sit-to-stand could be assessed with
      minimal equipment. A score could then be obtained to measure functional decline
      in the older adult. For diagnosing osteosarcopenic obesity and other conditions
      related to bone loss and muscle loss combined with obesity, a combination of
      measures may more adequately improve the assessment process. 

PMID- 27668000
TI  - Real-Time Analysis of Endogenous Wnt Signalling in 3D Mesenchymal Stromal Cells.
AB  - Wnt signalling has been implicated in the regulation of stem cell self-renewal
      and differentiation; however, the majority of in vitro studies are carried out
      using monolayer 2D culture techniques. Here, we used mesenchymal stromal cell
      (MSC) EGFP reporter lines responsive to Wnt pathway activation in a 3D spheroid
      culture system to mimic better the in vivo environment. Endogenous Wnt signalling
      was then investigated under basal conditions and when MSCs were induced to
      undergo osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation. Interestingly, endogenous Wnt
      signalling was only active during 3D differentiation whereas 2D cultures showed
      no EGFP expression throughout an extended differentiation time-course.
      Furthermore, exogenous Wnt signalling in 3D adipogenic conditions inhibited
      differentiation compared to unstimulated controls. In addition, suppressing Wnt
      signalling by Dkk-1 restored and facilitated adipogenic differentiation in MSC
      spheroids. Our findings indicate that endogenous Wnt signalling is active and can
      be tracked in 3D MSC cultures where it may act as a molecular switch in
      adipogenesis. The identification of the signalling pathways that regulate MSCs in
      a 3D in vivo-like environment will advance our understanding of the molecular
      mechanisms that control MSC fate. 

PMID- 27667999
TI  - Cytokines TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-17F, and IL-4 Differentially Affect Osteogenic
      Differentiation of Human Adipose Stem Cells.
AB  - During the initial stages of bone repair, proinflammatory cytokines are released
      within the injury site, quickly followed by a shift to anti-inflammatory
      cytokines. The effect of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines on osteogenic
      differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells is controversial. Here, we investigated
      the effect of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-17F and
      the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4 on proliferation and osteogenic
      differentiation of human adipose stem cells (hASCs). hASCs were treated with TNF
      alpha, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17F, or IL-4 (10 ng/mL) for 72 h mimicking bone repair. TNF
      alpha reduced collagen type I gene expression but increased hASC proliferation
      and ALP activity. IL-6 also strongly enhanced ALP activity (18-fold), as well as
      bone nodule formation by hASCs. IL-8 did not affect proliferation or osteogenic
      gene expression but reduced bone nodule formation. IL-17F decreased hASC
      proliferation but enhanced ALP activity. IL-4 enhanced osteocalcin gene
      expression and ALP activity but reduced RUNX2 gene expression and bone nodule
      formation. In conclusion, all cytokines studied have both enhancing and reducing
      effects on osteogenic differentiation of hASCs, even when applied for 72 h only.
      Some cytokines, specifically IL-6, may be suitable to induce osteogenic
      differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells as a strategy for enhancing bone
      repair. 

PMID- 27668001
TI  - Social organization influences the exchange and species richness of medicinal
      plants in Amazonian homegardens.
AB  - Medicinal plants provide indigenous and peasant communities worldwide with means
      to meet their healthcare needs. Homegardens often act as medicine cabinets,
      providing easily accessible medicinal plants for household needs. Social
      structure and social exchanges have been proposed as factors influencing the
      species diversity that people maintain in their homegardens. Here, we assess the
      association between the exchange of medicinal knowledge and plant material and
      medicinal plant richness in homegardens. Using Tsimane' Amazonian homegardens as
      a case study, we explore whether social organization shapes exchanges of
      medicinal plant knowledge and medicinal plant material. We also use network
      centrality measures to evaluate people's location and performance in medicinal
      plant knowledge and plant material exchange networks. Our results suggest that
      social organization, specifically kinship and gender relations, influences
      medicinal plant exchange patterns significantly. Homegardens total and medicinal
      plant species richness are related to gardeners' centrality in the networks,
      whereby people with greater centrality maintain greater plant richness. Thus,
      together with agroecological conditions, social relations among gardeners and the
      culturally specific social structure seem to be important determinants of plant
      richness in homegardens. Understanding which factors pattern general species
      diversity in tropical homegardens, and medicinal plant diversity in particular,
      can help policy makers, health providers, and local communities to understand
      better how to promote and preserve medicinal plants in situ. Biocultural
      approaches that are also gender sensitive offer a culturally appropriate means to
      reduce the global and local loss of both biological and cultural diversity.

PMID- 27668002
TI  - The Effects of Nutritional Juice Supplementation on the Extent of Climacteric
      Symptoms: An Observational Study.
AB  - Objective. This study aims to evaluate the effect of daily dietary nutritional
      supplement on somatic, psychological, and urogenital symptoms in postmenopausal
      women. Material and Methods. In this study 28 healthy, symptomatic, peri- and
      postmenopausal women of 47-67 years of age were allocated to use the nutritional
      supplement JuicePLUS+(r). Primary research parameters: Menopause Rating Scale
      (MRS) was used to assess menopausal symptoms at baseline and after 8 and 16 weeks
      of treatment. Secondary parameters: proliferation behaviour of vaginal smear was
      scored at baseline and after treatment. Results. Treatment with the supplement
      resulted in a reduction of somatic, psychological, and urogenital symptoms. The
      overall MRS score showed an average improvement of 44.01%. Most benefits were
      observed for the psychological symptoms irritability (60.55%) and physical and
      mental exhaustion (49.08%); modest effects were observed for hot flashes (44.86%)
      and sleeping problems (35.56%). There was a minor improvement in sexual problems;
      6 women reported an increased libido. No statistically significant effect was
      found in vaginal dryness and proliferation behaviour of vaginal mucosa. No
      adverse effects were observed. Conclusion. Dietary nutritional supplement may
      constitute an effective alternative therapy to conventional alternative medicine
      for somatic, psychological, and sexual symptoms. 

PMID- 27668003
TI  - From "Kidneys Govern Bones" to Chronic Kidney Disease, Diabetes Mellitus, and
      Metabolic Bone Disorder: A Crosstalk between Traditional Chinese Medicine and
      Modern Science.
AB  - Although traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine have evolved on
      distinct philosophical foundations and reasoning methods, an increasing body of
      scientific data has begun to reveal commonalities. Emerging scientific evidence
      has confirmed the validity and identified the molecular mechanisms of many
      ancient TCM theories. One example is the concept of "Kidneys Govern Bones." Here
      we discuss the molecular mechanisms supporting this theory and its potential
      significance in treating complications of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and
      diabetes mellitus. Two signaling pathways essential for calcium-phosphate
      metabolism can mediate the effect of kidneys in bone homeostasis, one requiring
      renal production of bioactive vitamin D and the other involving an endocrine axis
      based on kidney-expressed Klotho and bone-secreted fibroblast growth factor 23.
      Disruption of either pathway can lead to calcium-phosphate imbalance and vascular
      calcification, accelerating metabolic bone disorder. Chinese herbal medicine is
      an adjunct therapy widely used for treating CKD and diabetes. Our results
      demonstrate the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of a Chinese herbal
      formulation, Shen-An extracts, in diabetic nephropathy and renal osteodystrophy.
      We believe that the smart combination of Eastern and Western concepts holds great
      promise for inspiring new ideas and therapies for preventing and treating
      complications of CKD and diabetes. 

PMID- 27668004
TI  - Naoxintong/PPARalpha Signaling Inhibits H9c2 Cell Apoptosis and Autophagy in
      Response to Oxidative Stress.
AB  - Naoxintong (NXT) is an empirical formula based on the principle of traditional
      Chinese medicine, which has been approved by China Food and Drug Administration
      (CFDA) and is widely used for treatment of patients with cerebrovascular and
      cardiovascular diseases in China. The aim of this study is to investigate the
      protective mechanism of NXT on H9c2 cells (cardiogenic cell line) in response to
      H2O2. MTT, Western blot, and flow cytometry (FCM) methods were used to identify
      the protective effect of NXT extract on H2O2-induced H9c2 cells. Here we found
      that NXT extract significantly increased H9c2 cell viability and reduced H2O2
      induced cell apoptosis and autophagy. More importantly, NXT inhibited H2O2
      induced H9c2 cell apoptosis and autophagy by increasing PPARalpha protein levels.
      In contrast, silenced PPARalpha terminated NXT protective effect on H2O2-induced
      H9c2 cells. These findings suggest that NXT/PPARalpha signaling suppressed H2O2
      induced H9c2 cell apoptosis and autophagy. 

PMID- 27668005
TI  - Effect of Betula pendula Leaf Extract on alpha-Glucosidase and Glutathione Level
      in Glucose-Induced Oxidative Stress.
AB  - B. pendula leaf is a common ingredient in traditional herbal combinations for
      treatment of diabetes in southeastern Europe. Present study investigated B.
      pendula ethanolic and aqueous extract as inhibitors of carbohydrate hydrolyzing
      enzymes, as well as their ability to restore glutathione concentration in Hep G2
      cells subjected to glucose-induced oxidative stress. Phytochemical analysis
      revealed presence of rutin and other quercetin derivatives, as well as
      chlorogenic acid. In general, ethanolic extract was richer in phenolic substances
      than the aqueous extract. Furthermore, a comprehensive analysis of antioxidant
      activity of two extracts (determined by DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging
      activity, total antioxidant activity, and chelating activity as well as ferric
      reducing antioxidant power) has shown that ethanolic extract was better radical
      scavenger and metal ion reductant. In addition, ethanolic extract effectively
      increased cellular glutathione levels caused by hyperglycemia and inhibited alpha
      glucosidase with the activity comparable to that of acarbose. Therefore, in vitro
      research using B. pendula plant extracts has confirmed their antidiabetic
      properties. 

PMID- 27668006
TI  - Sakuranetin Inhibits Inflammatory Enzyme, Cytokine, and Costimulatory Molecule
      Expression in Macrophages through Modulation of JNK, p38, and STAT1.
AB  - Sakuranetin is flavonoid phytoalexin that serves as a plant antibiotic and exists
      in Prunus and several other plant species. Recently, we identified the anti
      inflammatory effect of Prunus yedoensis and found that there were few studies on
      the potential anti-inflammatory activity of sakuranetin, one of the main
      constituents of Prunus yedoensis. Here, we isolated peritoneal macrophages from
      thioglycollate-injected mice and examined whether sakuranetin affected the
      response of the macrophages in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) plus
      interferon- (IFN-) gamma or LPS only. Sakuranetin suppressed the synthesis of
      iNOS and COX2 in LPS/IFN-gamma stimulated cells and the secretion of TNF-alpha,
      IL-6, and IL-12 in LPS stimulated cells. The surface expression of the
      costimulatory molecules, CD86 and CD40, was also decreased. Among the LPS-induced
      signaling molecules, STAT1, JNK, and p38 phosphorylation was attenuated. These
      findings are evidence that sakuranetin acts as anti-inflammatory flavonoid and
      further study is required to evaluate its in vivo efficacy. 

PMID- 27668007
TI  - Cardiovascular responses to a laboratory stressor in women: Assessing the role of
      body awareness.
AB  - Body awareness (BA) is characterised by a general tendency towards awareness and
      recognition of normal, non-emotive bodily processes and physical sensations. BA
      considers one's sensitivity towards and belief in how well they can sense,
      predict, and describe their bodily functions and sensations. This study
      investigated the role of BA in haemodynamic and anxiety responses to a laboratory
      stressor. Women (n = 40) completed assessments of BA and state/trait anxiety.
      Women with low BA displayed higher blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR)
      reactivity in response to the stressor than women with high BA. Delayed HR
      recovery poststressor was observed in women with low BA. BA was a significant
      predictor of haemodynamic reactivity over and above trait anxiety. BA effects on
      state anxiety were not observed. Thus, greater BA is associated with less
      haemodynamic stress reactivity in women lending further support for the
      development of BA interventions aimed at stress reduction.

PMID- 27668008
TI  - "I Don't Know What Fun Is": Examining the Intersection of Social Capital, Social
      Networks, and Social Recovery.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to understand how people with problematic
      drug use access positive social capital. Social capital is defined as relations
      that provide valuable resources to individuals through participation in social
      networks. People with low socioeconomic status remain at a disadvantage for
      acquiring positive social capital, a component of recovery capital. The concept
      of social recovery emphasises the relational processes of recovery.
      DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: In-depth life history data were collected from 29
      individuals who used heroin, cocaine, crack, or methamphetamine for at least five
      years, have less than a high school education, and unstable employment and
      housing. Qualitative data were coded for social networks accessed throughout the
      life course, distinguished by bonding, bridging and linking social capital.
      FINDINGS: Social networks included drug treatment programs; non-drug-using family
      and friends; religious/spiritual groups; workplace networks, and social
      clubs/activities. Bonding and/or bridging social capital were acquired through
      treatment, family and friends, religious/spiritual groups, workplaces, and social
      clubs. Linking social capital was not acquired through any social networks
      available, and many barriers to accessing mainstream social networks were found.
      LIMITATIONS: This is a small study conducted in the US. SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS: A
      greater focus on social recovery is needed to achieve sustained recovery for
      individuals lacking access to and engagement in mainstream social networks.
      PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Social recovery is proposed as an analytical tool as well
      as for developing prevention, intervention, and treatment strategies.

PMID- 27668010
TI  - Using Eye Tracking to Understand Infants' Attentional Bias for Faces.
AB  - Infants have a natural tendency to look at adults' faces, possibly to help
      initiate vital interactions with caregivers during sensitive periods of
      development. Recent studies using eye-tracking technologies have identified the
      mechanisms that underlie infants' capacity to orient and hold attention on faces.
      These studies have shown that the bias for faces is weak in young infants, but
      becomes more robust and resistant to distraction during the second half of the
      1st year. This development is apparently related to more general changes in
      infants' attention and control of eye movement. As a tractable and reproducible
      aspect of infant behavior, the attention bias for faces can be used to examine
      the neural correlates of attention and may be a way to monitor early
      neurodevelopment in infants.

PMID- 27668009
TI  - Stain-free histopathology by programmable supercontinuum pulses.
AB  - The preparation, staining, visualization, and interpretation of histological
      images of tissue is well-accepted as the gold standard process for the diagnosis
      of disease. These methods were developed historically, and are used ubiquitously
      in pathology, despite being highly time and labor intensive. Here we introduce a
      unique optical imaging platform and methodology for label-free multimodal
      multiphoton microscopy that uses a novel photonic crystal fiber source to
      generate tailored chemical contrast based on programmable supercontinuum pulses.
      We demonstrate collection of optical signatures of the tumor microenvironment,
      including evidence of mesoscopic biological organization, tumor cell migration,
      and (lymph-)angiogenesis collected directly from fresh ex vivo mammary tissue.
      Acquisition of these optical signatures and other cellular or extracellular
      features, which are largely absent from histologically processed and stained
      tissue, combined with an adaptable platform for optical alignment-free
      programmable-contrast imaging, offers the potential to translate stain-free
      molecular histopathology into routine clinical use.

PMID- 27668012
TI  - Refining The Grain: Using Resident-Based Walkability Audits To Better Understand
      Walkable Urban Form.
AB  - Researchers use measures of street connectivity to assess neighborhood
      walkability and many studies show a relationship between neighborhood design and
      walking activity. Yet, the core of those connectivity measures are based on
      constructs designed for analyzing automobile mobility - the street network - not
      pedestrian movement. This paper examines the effect of a finer grained
      characterization of street connectivity and illustrates the idea using parent
      ratings of street and intersection walkability for children throughout a suburban
      school district in Oregon. Several policy and practice recommendations are
      presented, including a discussion that extends Michael Southworth's (1993; 2005)
      foundational representation of streets and the walkable city using a refined,
      more pedestrian-centered approach to visualizing connectivity and walkable urban
      form.

PMID- 27668011
TI  - The effects of embodied rhythm and robotic interventions on the spontaneous and
      responsive verbal communication skills of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
      (ASD): A further outcome of a pilot randomized controlled trial.
AB  - The current manuscript is the second in a mini-series of manuscripts reporting
      the effects of alternative, movement-based, rhythm and robotic interventions on
      the social communication skills of 36 school-age children with ASD. This pilot
      randomized controlled trial compared the effects of 8-weeks of rhythm and robotic
      interventions to those of a standard-of-care, comparison intervention. The first
      manuscript reported intervention effects on the spontaneous and responsive social
      attention skills of children. In this manuscript, we report intervention effects
      on the spontaneous and responsive verbal communication skills of children.
      Communication skills were assessed within a standardized test of responsive
      communication during the pretest and posttest as well as using training-specific
      measures of social verbalization during early, mid, and late training sessions.
      The rhythm and comparison groups improved on the standardized test in the
      posttest compared to the pretest. The rhythm and robot groups increased levels of
      social verbalization across training sessions. Movement-based and stationary
      contexts afforded different types and amounts of communication in children with
      ASD. Overall, movement-based interventions are a promising tool to enhance verbal
      and non-verbal communication skills in children with ASD.

PMID- 27668013
TI  - Genotypic diversity effects on biomass production in native perennial bioenergy
      cropping systems.
AB  - The perennial grass species that are being developed as biomass feedstock crops
      harbor extensive genotypic diversity, but the effects of this diversity on
      biomass production are not well understood. We investigated the effects of
      genotypic diversity in switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) and big bluestem
      (Andropogon gerardii) on perennial biomass cropping systems in two experiments
      conducted over 2008-2014 at a 5.4-ha fertile field site in northeastern Illinois,
      USA. We varied levels of switchgrass and big bluestem genotypic diversity using
      various local and nonlocal cultivars - under low or high species diversity, with
      or without nitrogen inputs - and quantified establishment, biomass yield, and
      biomass composition. In one experiment ('agronomic trial'), we compared three
      switchgrass cultivars in monoculture to a switchgrass cultivar mixture and three
      different species mixtures, with or without N fertilization. In another
      experiment ('diversity gradient'), we varied diversity levels in switchgrass and
      big bluestem (1, 2, 4, or 6 cultivars per plot), with one or two species per
      plot. In both experiments, cultivar mixtures produced yields equivalent to or
      greater than the best cultivars. In the agronomic trial, the three switchgrass
      mixture showed the highest production overall, though not significantly different
      than best cultivar monoculture. In the diversity gradient, genotypic mixtures had
      one-third higher biomass production than the average monoculture, and none of the
      monocultures were significantly higher yielding than the average mixture. Year-to
      year variation in yields was lowest in the three-cultivar switchgrass mixtures
      and Cave-In-Rock (the southern Illinois cultivar) and also reduced in the mixture
      of switchgrass and big bluestem relative to the species monocultures. The effects
      of genotypic diversity on biomass composition were modest relative to the
      differences among species and genotypes. Our findings suggest that local
      genotypes can be included in biomass cropping systems without compromising yields
      and that genotypic mixtures could help provide high, stable yields of high
      quality biomass feedstocks.

PMID- 27668014
TI  - Community-based adaptation research in the Canadian Arctic.
AB  - Community-based adaptation (CBA) has emerged over the last decade as an approach
      to empowering communities to plan for and cope with the impacts of climate
      change. While such approaches have been widely advocated, few have critically
      examined the tensions and challenges that CBA brings. Responding to this gap,
      this article critically examines the use of CBA approaches with Inuit communities
      in Canada. We suggest that CBA holds significant promise to make adaptation
      research more democratic and responsive to local needs, providing a basis for
      developing locally appropriate adaptations based on local/indigenous and Western
      knowledge. Yet, we argue that CBA is not a panacea, and its common portrayal as
      such obscures its limitations, nuances, and challenges. Indeed, if uncritically
      adopted, CBA can potentially lead to maladaptation, may be inappropriate in some
      instances, can legitimize outside intervention and control, and may further
      marginalize communities. We identify responsibilities for researchers engaging in
      CBA work to manage these challenges, emphasizing the centrality of how knowledge
      is generated, the need for project flexibility and openness to change, and the
      importance of ensuring partnerships between researchers and communities are
      transparent. Researchers also need to be realistic about what CBA can achieve,
      and should not assume that research has a positive role to play in community
      adaptation just because it utilizes participatory approaches. WIREs Clim Change
      2016, 7:175-191. doi: 10.1002/wcc.376 For further resources related to this
      article, please visit the WIREs website.

PMID- 27668015
TI  - Accuracy of pharmaceutical company licensing predictions: projected versus actual
      licensing dates.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the accuracy of pharmaceutical companies' predictions of
      drug licensing timeframes for their products in late stage clinical development.
      METHODS: We compared predicted licensing dates provided to the National Institute
      for Health Research Horizon Scanning Research and Intelligence Centre by
      pharmaceutical companies against actual marketing authorisation application (MAA)
      and marketing authorisation (MA) dates published by the European Medicines Agency
      for drugs granted authorisation between 2009 and 2013. KEY FINDINGS: One hundred
      and twenty-three drugs met our inclusion criteria. About 78% were new drugs and
      16% had orphan designation. Less than half (44%) and less than a quarter (24%) of
      MAA and MA predictions respectively were considered accurate (same month or 1
      month either side of the actual date). Pharmaceutical companies were
      significantly more accurate in predicting MAA dates than MA dates (P < 0.001).
      For accurate predictions, the mean duration between the prediction being made and
      the actual MAA and MA dates were 17.5 and 18.7 months respectively. Out of the
      total 108 MA predictions, almost two-thirds (65.4%, 16/26) of short-term
      predictions (made in the 2 years prior to the actual MA) were accurate. For
      predicted dates that were earlier than the actual MA date, there was a positive
      relationship between accuracy and the time between the prediction and
      authorisation. CONCLUSIONS: Even in predicting near events from well-informed
      sources, accuracy is imperfect. There appears to be an optimum time for the
      provision of accurate information on predicted MAA and MA dates for drugs. This
      information is crucial for effective early awareness and alert activities.

PMID- 27668016
TI  - Combined nonlinear metrics to evaluate spontaneous EEG recordings from chronic
      spinal cord injury in a rat model: a pilot study.
AB  - Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a high-cost disability and may cause permanent loss
      of movement and sensation below the injury location. The chance of cure in human
      after SCI is extremely limited. Instead, neural regeneration could have been seen
      in animals after SCI, and such regeneration could be retarded by blocking neural
      plasticity pathways, showing the importance of neural plasticity in functional
      recovery. As an indicator of nonlinear dynamics in the brain, sample entropy was
      used here in combination with detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) and Kolmogorov
      complexity to quantify functional plasticity changes in spontaneous EEG
      recordings of rats before and after SCI. The results showed that the sample
      entropy values were decreased at the first day following injury then gradually
      increased during recovery. DFA and Kolmogorov complexity results were in
      consistent with sample entropy, showing the complexity of the EEG time series was
      lost after injury and partially regained in 1 week. The tendency to regain
      complexity is in line with the observation of behavioral rehabilitation. A
      critical time point was found during the recovery process after SCI. Our
      preliminary results suggested that the combined use of these nonlinear dynamical
      metrics could provide a quantitative and predictive way to assess the change of
      neural plasticity in a spinal cord injury rat model. 

PMID- 27668017
TI  - Operator functional state estimation based on EEG-data-driven fuzzy model.
AB  - This paper proposed a max-min-entropy-based fuzzy partition method for fuzzy
      model based estimation of human operator functional state (OFS). The optimal
      number of fuzzy partitions for each I/O variable of fuzzy model is determined by
      using the entropy criterion. The fuzzy models were constructed by using Wang
      Mendel method. The OFS estimation results showed the practical usefulness of the
      proposed fuzzy modeling approach. 

PMID- 27668019
TI  - The influence of potassium concentration on epileptic seizures in a coupled
      neuronal model in the hippocampus.
AB  - Experiments on hippocampal slices have recorded that a novel pattern of epileptic
      seizures with alternating excitatory and inhibitory activities in the CA1 region
      can be induced by an elevated potassium ion (K(+)) concentration in the
      extracellular space between neurons and astrocytes (ECS-NA). To explore the
      intrinsic effects of the factors (such as glial K(+) uptake, Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase,
      the K(+) concentration of the bath solution, and K(+) lateral diffusion)
      influencing K(+) concentration in the ECS-NA on the epileptic seizures recorded
      in previous experiments, we present a coupled model composed of excitatory and
      inhibitory neurons and glia in the CA1 region. Bifurcation diagrams showing the
      glial K(+) uptake strength with either the Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase pump strength or the
      bath solution K(+) concentration are obtained for neural epileptic seizures. The
      K(+) lateral diffusion leads to epileptic seizure in neurons only when the
      synaptic conductance values of the excitatory and inhibitory neurons are within
      an appropriate range. Finally, we propose an energy factor to measure the
      metabolic demand during neuron firing, and the results show that different energy
      demands for the normal discharges and the pathological epileptic seizures of the
      coupled neurons. 

PMID- 27668018
TI  - Noise effects on robust synchronization of a small pacemaker neuronal ensemble
      via nonlinear controller: electronic circuit design.
AB  - In this paper, we report on the synchronization of a pacemaker neuronal ensemble
      constituted of an AB neuron electrically coupled to two PD neurons. By the virtue
      of this electrical coupling, they can fire synchronous bursts of action
      potential. An external master neuron is used to induce to the whole system the
      desired dynamics, via a nonlinear controller. Such controller is obtained by a
      combination of sliding mode and feedback control. The proposed controller is able
      to offset uncertainties in the synchronized systems. We show how noise affects
      the synchronization of the pacemaker neuronal ensemble, and briefly discuss its
      potential benefits in our synchronization scheme. An extended Hindmarsh-Rose
      neuronal model is used to represent a single cell dynamic of the network.
      Numerical simulations and Pspice implementation of the synchronization scheme are
      presented. We found that, the proposed controller reduces the stochastic
      resonance of the network when its gain increases. 

PMID- 27668020
TI  - Bursting dynamics remarkably improve the performance of neural networks on liquid
      computing.
AB  - Burst firings are functionally important behaviors displayed by neural circuits,
      which plays a primary role in reliable transmission of electrical signals for
      neuronal communication. However, with respect to the computational capability of
      neural networks, most of relevant studies are based on the spiking dynamics of
      individual neurons, while burst firing is seldom considered. In this paper, we
      carry out a comprehensive study to compare the performance of spiking and
      bursting dynamics on the capability of liquid computing, which is an effective
      approach for intelligent computation of neural networks. The results show that
      neural networks with bursting dynamic have much better computational performance
      than those with spiking dynamics, especially for complex computational tasks.
      Further analysis demonstrate that the fast firing pattern of bursting dynamics
      can obviously enhance the efficiency of synaptic integration from pre-neurons
      both temporally and spatially. This indicates that bursting dynamic can
      significantly enhance the complexity of network activity, implying its high
      efficiency in information processing. 

PMID- 27668021
TI  - Event-based exponential synchronization of complex networks.
AB  - In this paper, we consider exponential synchronization of complex networks. The
      information diffusions between nodes are driven by properly defined events. By
      employing the M-matrix theory, algebraic graph theory and the Lyapunov method,
      two kinds of distributed event-triggering laws are designed, which avoid
      continuous communications between nodes. Then, several criteria that ensure the
      event-based exponential synchronization are presented, and the exponential
      convergence rates are obtained as well. Furthermore, we prove that Zeno behavior
      of the event-triggering laws can be excluded before synchronization being
      achieved, that is, the lower bounds of inter-event times are strictly positive.
      Finally, a simulation example is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of
      theoretical analysis. 

PMID- 27668022
TI  - Stability and synchronization analysis of inertial memristive neural networks
      with time delays.
AB  - This paper is concerned with the problem of stability and pinning synchronization
      of a class of inertial memristive neural networks with time delay. In contrast to
      general inertial neural networks, inertial memristive neural networks is applied
      to exhibit the synchronization and stability behaviors due to the physical
      properties of memristors and the differential inclusion theory. By choosing an
      appropriate variable transmission, the original system can be transformed into
      first order differential equations. Then, several sufficient conditions for the
      stability of inertial memristive neural networks by using matrix measure and
      Halanay inequality are derived. These obtained criteria are capable of reducing
      computational burden in the theoretical part. In addition, the evaluation is done
      on pinning synchronization for an array of linearly coupled inertial memristive
      neural networks, to derive the condition using matrix measure strategy. Finally,
      the two numerical simulations are presented to show the effectiveness of acquired
      theoretical results. 

PMID- 27668024
TI  - Effervescent N-Acetylcysteine Tablets versus Oral Solution N-Acetylcysteine in
      Fasting Healthy Adults: An Open-Label, Randomized, Single-Dose, Crossover,
      Relative Bioavailability Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oral solution N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is an antidote for acetaminophen
      overdose, but its unpleasant taste and aroma can impede delivery even after the
      coadministration of antiemetic medications. Flavored effervescent NAC tablets
      dissolved in water might be a more palatable formulation than oral solution NAC
      diluted with soft drink. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the relative bioavailability of
      these 2 formulations and assess subjective preferences between them. METHODS:
      Thirty healthy adult volunteers (mean [SD] = 35.2 [9.14] years) were enrolled in
      this open-label, randomized, single-dose, crossover study, with a 7-day washout
      period. Volunteers were randomized to receive 11 g effervescent test formulation
      or the reference product under fasting conditions, after which 19 serial blood
      samples were collected over 48 hours. Total plasma NAC concentrations were
      evaluated by LC-MS, and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated. The 2
      formulations were considered bioequivalent if the 90% CIs of log-transformed
      ratios of pharmacokinetic parameters were within the predetermined bioequivalence
      range (80%-125%) established by the US Food and Drug Administration. Within 15
      minutes of dosing, subjects were also asked to rank formulation attributes on a 5
      point hedonic scale, with mean group differences analyzed by Wilcoxon signed rank
      test. Safety-profile assessment included treatment-emergent adverse events,
      physical examination, chemistry, and hematology parameters. RESULTS: The
      concentration-versus-time profiles were similar for the 2 formulations, with mean
      Cmax of 26.5 MUg/mL for effervescent NAC tablets and 28.4 MUg/mL for oral
      solution NAC. The 90% CIs for the pharmacokinetic parameters met the criteria for
      concluding bioequivalence, and subjects preferred effervescent NAC tablets in
      terms of taste (P = 0.0247), flavor (P = 0.0082), texture (P = 0.009), and
      overall likeability (P = 0.0012), but there was no difference for smell (P =
      0.0533). All treatment-emergent adverse events were mild, with no differences
      between the treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: Data from this study of a single dose
      of 11 g oral NAC demonstrated that effervescent NAC tablets and oral solution NAC
      met the regulatory criteria for bioequivalence in fasting healthy adult subjects.
      Effervescent NAC tablets appear to be a more palatable alternative for treatment
      of acetaminophen overdose. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02723669. (Curr Ther
      Res Clin Exp. 2016; 83C:1-7) (c) 2016 Elsevier HS Journals, Inc.

PMID- 27668023
TI  - Paroxysmal posterior variant alien hand syndrome associated with parietal lobe
      infarction: case presentation.
AB  - Alien hand syndrome (AHS) is an involuntary and rare neurological disorder
      emerges at upper extremity. AHS is a disconnection syndrome with the symptoms of
      losing sense of agency and sense of ownership, and presence of involuntary
      autonomic motor activity. There are frontal, callosal and posterior types of AHS
      and each of them occurs depend on the lesions of different of the brain.
      Posterior variant is a rarely encountered AHS type compared to others. AHS,
      generally regarded as persistent, but rarely maybe observed as paroxysmal. In
      this article, we present 71 year old patient with right posterior parietal lobe
      infarction and developed posterior variant AHS on left arm 1 month after
      discharge from the hospital. To discriminate AHS from conditions such as
      extrapyramidal movement disorders and epileptic seizures that take part in
      differential diagnosis should be kept in mind by the clinicians. Wrong and
      unnecessary treatments could be prevented in this way. 

PMID- 27668025
TI  - A Novel Topical Combination Ointment with Antimicrobial Activity against
      Methicillin-Resistant Streptococcus aureus, Gram-Negative Superbugs, Yeasts, and
      Dermatophytic Fungi.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of topical antimicrobial agents for management of minor skin
      infections is a clinical strategy that is commonly practiced in the community.
      Coupled with the use of topical antimicrobial agents is the emergence of
      antibiotic-resistant strains of pathogens leading to the need for alternative
      treatments. OBJECTIVE: A novel topical combination ointment consisting of
      salicylic acid, oak bark extract, benzoic acid, and polyethylene glycol (Bensal
      HP, Sonar products Inc., Carlstadt, NJ) with antimicrobial properties was
      assessed to determine its spectrum of activity. METHODS: One hundred eighty-four
      bacterial and fungal isolates from culture collections that included multidrug
      resistant bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus,
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter spp, and gram-negative so-called superbugs,
      as well as yeasts and filamentous fungi, were investigated by cylinder diffusion
      and agar dilution assays. RESULTS: All 184 bacterial and fungal isolates were
      susceptible to the combination ointment at the clinically applied concentration
      and there was no evidence of cross-resistance between Bensal HP and other classes
      of antimicrobials. In time-kill tests, Bensal HP was rapidly bactericidal against
      P aeruginosa ATCC 27853 and methicillin-resistant S aureus SA179 at 4 * the MIC,
      a concentration that is applied clinically. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this
      study suggest that this combination ointment has a broad in vitro spectrum of
      antimicrobial activity against both more common bacterial and fungal pathogens
      and may be particularly useful for treatment of infections by multidrug-resistant
      organisms. Additional studies are warranted to investigate the full clinical
      utility as a therapeutic agent and also for possible infection control
      interventions.

PMID- 27668026
TI  - Improvement of Contrast Media Enhancement in CTA Evaluating Pulmonary Embolism by
      Utilizing 'Delayed' Bolus Tracking in the Descending Aorta.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As standard bolus triggering in the pulmonary trunk sometimes fails
      to achieve sufficient enhancement in the pulmonary arteries, the study
      investigates an alternative, 'delayed' position of the tracking ROI in the
      descending aorta. MATERIAL/METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 143 patients
      suspected of pulmonary embolism investigated with 3 different scanners (16 to 80
      rows) in clinical routine. Bolus triggering with 120 hounsfield units (HU) was
      performed using the pulmonary trunk (n=70) or descending aorta (n=73) after
      application of 70 to 120 mL of contrast agent, Iomeprol 300. Student's t-test was
      applied to compare vascular enhancement. Additional factors were analysed by a
      regression analysis. RESULTS: Positioning of the tracking ROI in the descending
      aorta achieved a significantly higher contrast enhancement in the pulmonary trunk
      with a mean increase of 63 HU (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In CTA, delayed acquisition
      by using the descending aorta for bolus triggering can improve the enhancement of
      the pulmonary trunk to investigate a pulmonary embolism. Furthermore, the scan
      protocol simultaneously allows to rule out aortic pathologies as an alternative
      cause for a similar clinical condition.

PMID- 27668027
TI  - Modified Right Heart Contrast Echocardiography Versus Traditional Method in
      Diagnosis of Right-to-Left Shunt: A Comparative Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability,
      effectiveness, and safety of modified right heart contrast transthoracic
      echocardiography (cTTE) in comparison with the traditional method.
      MATERIAL/METHODS: We performed a modified right heart cTTE using saline mixed
      with a small sample of patient's own blood. Samples were agitated with varying
      intensity. This study protocol involved microscopic analysis and patient
      evaluation. 1. Microscopic analysis: After two contrast samples had been agitated
      10 or 20 times, they underwent a comparison of bubble size, bubble number, and
      red blood cell morphology. 2. Patient analysis: 40 patients with suspected RLS
      (right- to-left shunt) were enrolled. All patients underwent right heart contrast
      echocardiography. Oxygen saturation, transit time and duration, presence of RLS,
      change in indirect bilirubin and urobilinogen concentrations were compared
      afterward. RESULTS: Modified method generated more bubbles (P<0.05), but the
      differences in bubble size were not significant (P>0.05). Twenty-four patients
      were diagnosed with RLS (60%) using the modified method compared to 16 patients
      (40%) with the traditional method. The transit time of ASb20 group was the
      shortest (P<0.05). However, the duration time in this group was much longer
      (P<0.05). Also, in semi-quantitative analysis mean rank of RLS was higher after
      injecting the modified contrast agent agitated 20 times (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS:
      Modified right heart contrast echocardiography is a reliable, effective and safe
      method of detecting cardiovascular RLS.

PMID- 27668028
TI  - Urethroscrotal Fistula: A Rare Cause of Scrotal Swelling.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Urethroscrotal fistula (USF) is an abnormal communication between the
      urethra and the scrotum. This rare abnormality may be iatrogenic or secondary to
      perforation of the urethra by a stone. After the passage of urine to the scrotum
      through the fistula, painless scrotal swelling develops, which disappears
      completely with manual compression, and voiding can be maintained in this way.
      Retrograde urethrography (RU) and voiding cystourethrography (VCU) are
      traditional diagnostic methods, but they have limitations, such as technical
      difficulties and inability to evaluate the surrounding tissues. Multidetector CT
      (MDCT), together with reformatted images, can provide valuable information about
      the surrounding tissues and associated pathologies. CASE REPORT: We present a
      case of a 36-year-old male patient who had painless scrotal swelling after
      cystolithotomy and urethral stone surgery. The patient indicated that the
      swelling disappeared after manual compression. A fistula between the bulbous
      urethra and the scrotum was discovered by MDCT. In our case, we believe that the
      fistula developed iatrogenically during stone excision or secondary to
      perforation of the urethra by a stone. CONCLUSIONS: As a rare pathology,
      urethroscrotal fistula should be considered in men with a history of urethral
      stone surgery and symptoms, including painless scrotal swelling, which can be
      manually compressed after voiding.

PMID- 27668029
TI  - Recruitment Strategies of Indian Men Who Have Sex with Men in the State of
      Maharashtra Into an Online Survey.
AB  - In this manuscript, we report lessons learned from our efforts to recruit Indian
      men and transgender women/hijras who have sex with men into an online cross
      sectional study. Between September 2013 and May 2014, we implemented a seven
      phased recruitment strategy that included the use of online and offline
      strategies to enroll a total of 449 participants into an online survey about
      recent sexual behavior and various psychosocial measures. The phases were
      implemented sequentially and cost-per-eligible participant was calculated. Using
      social media and collaborating with organizers of community events proved the
      most effective strategies for recruiting Indian MSM into online research.

PMID- 27668030
TI  - The Application of Frailty to the Modern Cardiac Risk Assessment: a Case-Based
      Review.
AB  - Cardiac risk assessment in aging patients poses a significant challenge to the
      practicing clinician, particularly when evaluating the use of invasive
      procedures. Frailty is a valuable risk marker that has been associated with worse
      outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease, heart failure, and aortic
      stenosis. Integrating the available frailty studies into cardiac risk assessments
      can help improve shared decision-making between physicians and their patients. In
      this review, we provide an up-to-date, case-based appraisal of the available
      clinical trial data focusing on the impact of frailty in patients with
      cardiovascular disease.

PMID- 27668031
TI  - Assessing methods for generalizing experimental impact estimates to target
      populations.
AB  - Randomized experiments are considered the gold standard for causal inference, as
      they can provide unbiased estimates of treatment effects for the experimental
      participants. However, researchers and policymakers are often interested in using
      a specific experiment to inform decisions about other target populations. In
      education research, increasing attention is being paid to the potential lack of
      generalizability of randomized experiments, as the experimental participants may
      be unrepresentative of the target population of interest. This paper examines
      whether generalization may be assisted by statistical methods that adjust for
      observed differences between the experimental participants and members of a
      target population. The methods examined include approaches that reweight the
      experimental data so that participants more closely resemble the target
      population and methods that utilize models of the outcome. Two simulation studies
      and one empirical analysis investigate and compare the methods' performance. One
      simulation uses purely simulated data while the other utilizes data from an
      evaluation of a school-based dropout prevention program. Our simulations suggest
      that machine learning methods outperform regression-based methods when the
      required structural (ignorability) assumptions are satisfied. When these
      assumptions are violated, all of the methods examined perform poorly. Our
      empirical analysis uses data from a multi-site experiment to assess how well
      results from a given site predict impacts in other sites. Using a variety of
      extrapolation methods, predicted effects for each site are compared to actual
      benchmarks. Flexible modeling approaches perform best, although linear regression
      is not far behind. Taken together, these results suggest that flexible modeling
      techniques can aid generalization while underscoring the fact that even state-of
      the-art statistical techniques still rely on strong assumptions.

PMID- 27668032
TI  - Teaching for All? Teach For America's Effects across the Distribution of Student
      Achievement.
AB  - This paper examines the effect of Teach For America (TFA) on the distribution of
      student achievement in elementary school. It extends previous research by
      estimating quantile treatment effects (QTE) to examine how student achievement in
      TFA and non-TFA classrooms differs across the broader distribution of student
      achievement. It also updates prior distributional work on TFA by correcting for
      previously unidentified missing data and estimating unconditional, rather than
      conditional QTE. Consistent with previous findings, results reveal a positive
      impact of TFA teachers across the distribution of math achievement. In reading,
      however, relative to veteran non-TFA teachers, students at the bottom of the
      reading distribution score worse in TFA classrooms, and students in the upper
      half of the distribution perform better.

PMID- 27668033
TI  - The Putative Chemosignal Androstadienone Makes Women More Generous.
AB  - Putative human chemosignals have been shown to influence mood states and
      emotional processing, but the connection between these effects and higher-order
      cognitive processing is not well established. This study utilized an economic
      game (Dictator Game) to test whether androstadienone (AND), an odorous compound
      derived from testosterone, impacts on altruistic behavior. We predicted that the
      female participants would act more generously in the AND condition, exhibiting a
      significant interaction effect between gender and AND on Dictator Game
      contributions. We also expected that the presence of AND should increase the
      positive mood of the female participants, compared to a control odor condition
      and also compared to the mood of the male participants. The results confirm our
      hypotheses: for women the subliminal perception of AND led to larger monetary
      donations, compared to a control odor, and also increased positive mood. These
      effects were absent or significantly weaker in men. Our findings highlight the
      capacity of human putative chemosignals to influence emotions and higher
      cognitive processes - in particular the processes used in the context of economic
      decisions - in a gender-specific way.

PMID- 27668034
TI  - Mechanisms and Clinical Application of Tetramethylpyrazine (an Interesting
      Natural Compound Isolated from Ligusticum Wallichii): Current Status and
      Perspective.
AB  - Tetramethylpyrazine, a natural compound from Ligusticum wallichii (Chuan Xiong),
      has been extensively used in China for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular
      diseases for about 40 years. Because of its effectiveness in multisystems,
      especially in cardiovascular, its pharmacological action, clinical application,
      and the structural modification have attracted broad attention. In this paper its
      mechanisms of action, the clinical status, and synthetic derivatives will be
      reviewed briefly.

PMID- 27668036
TI  - Allium cepa Extract and Quercetin Protect Neuronal Cells from Oxidative Stress
      via PKC-epsilon Inactivation/ERK1/2 Activation.
AB  - Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathophysiology of various
      neurologic disorders. Allium cepa extract (ACE) and their main flavonoid
      component quercetin (QCT) possess antioxidant activities and protect neurons from
      oxidative stress. We investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms,
      particularly those linked to the antioxidant effects of the ACE. Primary cortical
      neuronal cells derived from mouse embryos were preincubated with ACE or QCT for
      30 min and exposed to L-buthionine sulfoximine for 4~24 h. We found that ACE and
      QCT significantly decreased neuronal death and the ROS increase induced by L
      buthionine-S, R-sulfoximine (BSO) in a concentration-dependent manner.
      Furthermore, ACE and QCT activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2
      (ERK1/2), leading to downregulation of protein kinase C-epsilon (PKC-epsilon) in
      BSO-stimulated neuronal cells. In addition, ACE and QCT decreased the
      phosphorylated levels of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. Our results
      provide new insight into the protective mechanism of ACE and QCT against
      oxidative stress in neuronal cells. The results suggest that the inactivation of
      PKC-epsilon induced by phosphorylating ERK1/2 is responsible for the
      neuroprotective effect of ACE and QCT against BSO-induced oxidative stress.

PMID- 27668035
TI  - Therapeutic Strategies for Oxidative Stress-Related Cardiovascular Diseases:
      Removal of Excess Reactive Oxygen Species in Adult Stem Cells.
AB  - Accumulating evidence indicates that acute and chronic uncontrolled
      overproduction of oxidative stress-related factors including reactive oxygen
      species (ROS) causes cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), atherosclerosis, and
      diabetes. Moreover ROS mediate various signaling pathways underlying vascular
      inflammation in ischemic tissues. With respect to stem cell-based therapy,
      several studies clearly indicate that modulating antioxidant production at
      cellular levels enhances stem/progenitor cell functionalities, including
      proliferation, long-term survival in ischemic tissues, and complete
      differentiation of transplanted cells into mature vascular cells. Recently
      emerging therapeutic strategies involving adult stem cells, including endothelial
      progenitor cells (EPCs), for treating ischemic CVDs have highlighted the need to
      control intracellular ROS production, because it critically affects the
      replicative senescence of ex vivo expanded therapeutic cells. Better
      understanding of the complexity of cellular ROS in stem cell biology might
      improve cell survival in ischemic tissues and enhance the regenerative potentials
      of transplanted stem/progenitor cells. In this review, we will discuss the nature
      and sources of ROS, drug-based therapeutic strategies for scavenging ROS, and EPC
      based therapeutic strategies for treating oxidative stress-related CVDs.
      Furthermore, we will discuss whether primed EPCs pretreated with natural ROS
      scavenging compounds are crucial and promising therapeutic strategies for
      vascular repair.

PMID- 27668039
TI  - Evaluations of tropospheric aerosol properties simulated by the community earth
      system model with a sectional aerosol microphysics scheme.
AB  - A sectional aerosol model (CARMA) has been developed and coupled with the
      Community Earth System Model (CESM1). Aerosol microphysics, radiative properties,
      and interactions with clouds are simulated in the size-resolving model. The model
      described here uses 20 particle size bins for each aerosol component including
      freshly nucleated sulfate particles, as well as mixed particles containing
      sulfate, primary organics, black carbon, dust, and sea salt. The model also
      includes five types of bulk secondary organic aerosols with four volatility bins.
      The overall cost of CESM1-CARMA is approximately ~2.6 times as much computer time
      as the standard three-mode aerosol model in CESM1 (CESM1-MAM3) and twice as much
      computer time as the seven-mode aerosol model in CESM1 (CESM1-MAM7) using similar
      gas phase chemistry codes. Aerosol spatial-temporal distributions are simulated
      and compared with a large set of observations from satellites, ground-based
      measurements, and airborne field campaigns. Simulated annual average aerosol
      optical depths are lower than MODIS/MISR satellite observations and AERONET
      observations by ~32%. This difference is within the uncertainty of the satellite
      observations. CESM1/CARMA reproduces sulfate aerosol mass within 8%, organic
      aerosol mass within 20%, and black carbon aerosol mass within 50% compared with a
      multiyear average of the IMPROVE/EPA data over United States, but differences
      vary considerably at individual locations. Other data sets show similar levels of
      comparison with model simulations. The model suggests that in addition to
      sulfate, organic aerosols also significantly contribute to aerosol mass in the
      tropical UTLS, which is consistent with limited data.

PMID- 27668041
TI  - Welcome to the Seventh Annual Payers' Guide to New FDA Approvals.

PMID- 27668038
TI  - Properties of Flavonoids Isolated from the Bark of Eysenhardtia polystachya and
      Their Effect on Oxidative Stress in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes Mellitus in
      Mice.
AB  - Six new flavonoids 2',4'-dihydroxychalcone-6'-O-beta-d-glucopyranoside (1),
      alpha,3,2',4'-tetrahydroxy-4-methoxy-dihydrochalcone-3'-C-beta-glucopyranosy-6'-O
      beta-d-glucopyranoside (2), 7-hydroxy-5,8'-dimethoxy-6'alpha-l-rhamnopyranosyl-8
      (3-phenyl-trans-acryloyl)-1-benzopyran-2-one (3), 6'7-dihydroxy-5,8-dimethoxy-8(3
      phenyl-trans-acryloyl)-1-benzopyran-2-one (4), 9-hydroxy-3,8-dimethoxy-4
      prenylpterocarpan (5), and alpha,4,4'-trihydroxydihydrochalcone-2'-O-beta-d
      glucopyranoside (6) were isolated from bark of Eysenhardtia polystachya.
      Antidiabetic activity of compounds 1-5 in terms of their cellular antioxidant and
      free radical scavenging and also in streptozotocin- (STZ-) induced diabetic mice
      was evaluated on liver transaminases, lipid peroxidation, total bilirubin, total
      protein, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (CSH
      Px), and glutathione reductase (GSH). Results indicated that 1-5 scavenged 2,2
      diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl (?OH), nitric oxide radicals (NO?),
      superoxide anion radical (O2?-), radical cation (ABTS?+), and hydrogen peroxide
      (H2O2) radical, and protection against H2O2 induced BSA damage was also observed.
      Furthermore, 1-5 showed ability to decrease the oxidative stress in H9c2 cell.
      Diabetic mice present high levels of lipid peroxide, total protein, SGPT, SGOT,
      ALP, and TB. However, treatment of STZ-induced diabetes in mice with 1-5 reduced
      levels of these enzymes leading to protector effect of liver. In addition, with
      treatment with 1-5, increases in radical scavenging enzymes of CSH-Px, SOD, GSH,
      and CAT have also been observed in diabetic mice. The antioxidant properties of
      compounds 1-5 are a promising strategy for ameliorating therapeutic effects by
      avoiding disorders in the normal redox reactions in healthy cells which
      consequently could alleviate complications of diabetes.

PMID- 27668040
TI  - Impacts of parameterized orographic drag on the Northern Hemisphere winter
      circulation.
AB  - A recent intercomparison exercise proposed by the Working Group for Numerical
      Experimentation (WGNE) revealed that the parameterized, or unresolved, surface
      stress in weather forecast models is highly model-dependent, especially over
      orography. Models of comparable resolution differ over land by as much as 20% in
      zonal mean total subgrid surface stress (tautot ). The way tautot is partitioned
      between the different parameterizations is also model-dependent. In this study,
      we simulated in a particular model an increase in tautot comparable with the
      spread found in the WGNE intercomparison. This increase was simulated in two
      ways, namely by increasing independently the contributions to tautot of the
      turbulent orographic form drag scheme (TOFD) and of the orographic low-level
      blocking scheme (BLOCK). Increasing the parameterized orographic drag leads to
      significant changes in surface pressure, zonal wind and temperature in the
      Northern Hemisphere during winter both in 10 day weather forecasts and in
      seasonal integrations. However, the magnitude of these changes in circulation
      strongly depends on which scheme is modified. In 10 day forecasts, stronger
      changes are found when the TOFD stress is increased, while on seasonal time
      scales the effects are of comparable magnitude, although different in detail. At
      these time scales, the BLOCK scheme affects the lower stratosphere winds through
      changes in the resolved planetary waves which are associated with surface
      impacts, while the TOFD effects are mostly limited to the lower troposphere. The
      partitioning of tautot between the two schemes appears to play an important role
      at all time scales.

PMID- 27668037
TI  - The Multiple Facets of Lutein: A Call for Further Investigation in the Perinatal
      Period.
AB  - Lutein may have important antioxidant actions in free-radical-mediated diseases,
      in addition to its well-known antioxidant and cytoprotective effects on macula
      and photoreceptors. The peculiar perinatal susceptibility to oxidative stress
      indicates that prophylactic use of antioxidants as lutein could help to prevent
      or at least to reduce oxidative stress related diseases in newborns. Since lutein
      is not synthesized by humans, the intake primarily depends on diet or
      supplementation. Newborns receive lutein exclusively from breast milk. Lutein
      supplementation in term newborns has been reported to reduce oxidative stress and
      increase antioxidant capacities in the first days of life. Innovative frontiers
      concerning lutein supplementation are orientated toward cardiometabolic health
      improvement and cognitive benefits. The safety of lutein as an antioxidant agent
      has been confirmed in experimental and clinical studies, but its routine use is
      not recommended in perinatal period. This review summarizes what is known about
      the role of lutein as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent in animal model
      and humans.

PMID- 27668042
TI  - FDA Approvals of Brand-Name Prescription Drugs in 2015.
AB  - The drugs included in this review were approved by the US Food and Drug
      Administration (FDA) in 2015 and are grouped into the following categories: New
      Pharmaceuticals: New Molecular Entities and New Biologic License ApplicationsNew
      Combinations and New IndicationsNew Dosage Forms and New FormulationsNew
      Biosimilars, Vaccines, Viral Therapies, and Blood Products. 

PMID- 27668043
TI  - Therapeutic Leap for Multiple Myeloma in 2015: Unprecedented FDA Drug Approvals.

PMID- 27668044
TI  - Aripiprazole Lauroxil (Aristada): Long-Acting Atypical Antipsychotic Injection
      Approved for the Treatment of Patients with Schizophrenia.

PMID- 27668045
TI  - Corlanor (Ivabradine), First HCN Channel Blocker, FDA Approved for the Treatment
      of Patients with Heart Failure.

PMID- 27668046
TI  - Cosentyx (Secukinumab): First IL-17A Antagonist Receives FDA Approval for
      Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis.

PMID- 27668047
TI  - Darzalex (Daratumumab): First Anti-CD38 Monoclonal Antibody Approved for Patients
      with Relapsed Multiple Myeloma.

PMID- 27668048
TI  - Empliciti (Elotuzumab): First SLAMF7 Antibody Therapy Approved for the Treatment
      of Patients with Previously Treated Multiple Myeloma.

PMID- 27668049
TI  - Entresto (Sacubitril/Valsartan): First-in-Class Angiotensin Receptor Neprilysin
      Inhibitor FDA Approved for Heart Failure.

PMID- 27668050
TI  - Farydak (Panobinostat): First HDAC Inhibitor Approved for Patients with Relapsed
      Multiple Myeloma.

PMID- 27668051
TI  - Fycompa (Perampanel Hydrate) Receives Expanded Indication for Primary Generalized
      Tonic-Clonic Seizures.

PMID- 27668052
TI  - Imbruvica (Ibrutinib): First Drug Approved for the Treatment of Patients with
      Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia.

PMID- 27668053
TI  - Kyprolis (Carfilzomib) Received New Indications as Combination Therapy for Use in
      Relapsed and/or Refractory Multiple Myeloma.

PMID- 27668054
TI  - Lonsurf (Trifluridine plus Tipiracil): A New Oral Treatment Approved for Patients
      with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer.

PMID- 27668056
TI  - Nucala (Mepolizumab): First IL-5 Antagonist Monoclonal Antibody FDA Approved for
      Maintenance Treatment of Patients with Severe Asthma.

PMID- 27668055
TI  - Ninlaro (Ixazomib): First Oral Proteasome Inhibitor Approved for the Treatment of
      Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma.

PMID- 27668057
TI  - Pomalyst (Pomalidomide) Received a New Indication for Patients with Relapsed
      and/or Refractory Multiple Myeloma.

PMID- 27668058
TI  - Portrazza (Necitumumab), an IgG1 Monoclonal Antibody, FDA Approved for Advanced
      Squamous Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer.

PMID- 27668059
TI  - Praluent (Alirocumab): First PCSK9 Inhibitor Approved by the FDA for
      Hypercholesterolemia.

PMID- 27668060
TI  - Repatha (Evolocumab): Second PCSK9 Inhibitor Approved by the FDA for Patients
      with Familial Hypercholesterolemia.

PMID- 27668061
TI  - Revlimid (Lenalidomide) Now FDA Approved as First-Line Therapy for Patients with
      Multiple Myeloma.

PMID- 27668062
TI  - Tresiba (Insulin Degludec Injection) and Ryzodeg 70/30 (Insulin Degludec and
      Insulin Aspart Injection): Two New Insulin Analogs for Glycemic Control in
      Diabetes Mellitus.

PMID- 27668064
TI  - Competition Heats Up in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Other Autoimmune Conditions.

PMID- 27668063
TI  - Zarxio (Filgrastim-sndz): First Biosimilar Approved in the United States.

PMID- 27668065
TI  - FULLY CONVOLUTIONAL NETWORKS FOR MULTI-MODALITY ISOINTENSE INFANT BRAIN IMAGE
      SEGMENTATION.
AB  - The segmentation of infant brain tissue images into white matter (WM), gray
      matter (GM), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) plays an important role in studying
      early brain development. In the isointense phase (approximately 6-8 months of
      age), WM and GM exhibit similar levels of intensity in both T1 and T2 MR images,
      resulting in extremely low tissue contrast and thus making the tissue
      segmentation very challenging. The existing methods for tissue segmentation in
      this isointense phase usually employ patch-based sparse labeling on single T1, T2
      or fractional anisotropy (FA) modality or their simply-stacked combinations
      without fully exploring the multi-modality information. To address the challenge,
      in this paper, we propose to use fully convolutional networks (FCNs) for the
      segmentation of isointense phase brain MR images. Instead of simply stacking the
      three modalities, we train one network for each modality image, and then fuse
      their high-layer features together for final segmentation. Specifically, we
      conduct a convolution-pooling stream for multimodality information from T1, T2,
      and FA images separately, and then combine them in high-layer for finally
      generating the segmentation maps as the outputs. We compared the performance of
      our approach with that of the commonly used segmentation methods on a set of
      manually segmented isointense phase brain images. Results showed that our
      proposed model significantly outperformed previous methods in terms of accuracy.
      In addition, our results also indicated a better way of integrating multi
      modality images, which leads to performance improvement.

PMID- 27668066
TI  - Self-reported discrimination and mental health among Asian Indians: Cultural
      beliefs and coping style as moderators.
AB  - The South Asian (SA) population has been underrepresented in research linking
      discrimination with health indicators; studies that focus on the unique cultural
      and psychosocial experiences of different SA subgroups are needed. The purpose of
      this study was to examine associations between self-reported discrimination and
      mental health among Asian Indians (AIs), and whether traditional cultural beliefs
      (believing that South Asian cultural traditions should be practiced in the US),
      coping style, and social support moderated these relationships. Asian Indians (N
      = 733) had been recruited from community-based sampling frames for the Mediators
      of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) study were included
      in this analysis. Multiple linear regression analyses were employed to evaluate
      relationships between discrimination and depressive symptoms, anger, and anxiety.
      Participants (men = 54%) were on average 55 years of age and had high levels of
      English proficiency, education, and income. Higher reports of discrimination were
      significantly associated with higher depressive symptoms, B = .27 (.05) p < .001,
      anger, B = .08 (.01), p < .001, and anxiety, B = .10 (.01), p < .001.
      Associations between discrimination and anger, B = -.005 (.002), p = .02, were
      weakest among those with stronger cultural beliefs. The link between
      discrimination and anxiety was attenuated by an active coping style, B = -.05
      (.03), p = .04. In sum, self-reported discrimination appeared to adversely impact
      the mental health of AIs. Discrimination may be better coped with by having
      strong traditional cultural beliefs and actively managing experiences of
      discrimination.

PMID- 27668068
TI  - Blood thinners and gastrointestinal endoscopy.
AB  - As the number of diagnostic and therapeutic gastrointestinal endoscopies is
      increasing, and there is an increase in number of patients taking blood thinners,
      we are seeing more and more patients on blood thinners prior to endoscopic
      procedures. Gastrointestinal bleeding or thromboembolism can occur in this
      category of patients in the periendoscopic period. To better manage these
      patients, endoscopists should have a clear concept about the various blood
      thinners in the market. Patients' risk of thromboembolism off anticoagulation,
      and the risk of bleeding from endoscopic procedures should be assessed prior to
      endoscopy. The endoscopic procedure should be done when it is safe to do it. 

PMID- 27668067
TI  - Current role of capsule endoscopy in Crohn's disease.
AB  - Capsule endoscopy (CE) currently plays an important role in Crohn's disease (CD).
      It is a noninvasive technique that has led to a breakthrough in the endoscopic
      diagnosis of diseases of the small intestine. Its superior diagnostic performance
      and excellent safety profile lead to its considerable acceptance on the part of
      the patient. This paper reviews current indications of CE in three stages of
      clinical practice: Suspected CD, unclassified colitis and its extensive role in
      diagnosed CD. The diagnostic and therapeutic impact of the results of CE on the
      monitoring of this disease is also reviewed. Knowledge of its applications, the
      interpretation of its results in an appropriate context and the existence of a
      validated endoscopic activity index could change the way in which these patients
      are managed. The definition of mucosal healing and postoperative recurrence by
      means of endoscopic scoring systems will endow CE with new applications in the
      management of CD in the near future. 

PMID- 27668070
TI  - Review of small-bowel cleansing scales in capsule endoscopy: A panoply of
      choices.
AB  - Evaluation of the quality of small-bowel cleansing is required to assess the
      reliability of findings in capsule endoscopy (CE). Moreover, consensus regarding
      the need of intestinal preparation for CE remains to be achieved. The presence of
      multiple grading scales for small-bowel preparation in CE, which are time
      consuming and complicated, adds difficulty to the comparison of different small
      bowel cleansing regimens and their application in clinical practice. Nowadays, a
      validated scale universally accepted for grading small-bowel cleansing is
      lacking. In fact, there are numerous grading systems with very different
      technical characteristics, namely, the parameters and the portion of the CE video
      that are analyzed, the objectivity of the analysis, the lesser or greater
      dependency on the operator, and the validation of the score. The authors
      performed a review which aims to systematize and summarize currently available
      small-bowel grading scales in CE. 

PMID- 27668069
TI  - Endoscopic management of post-bariatric surgery complications.
AB  - Understanding the technical constructs of bariatric surgery is important to the
      treating endoscopist to maximize effective endoluminal therapy. Post-operative
      complication rates vary widely based on the complication of interest, and have
      been reported to be as high as 68% following adjustable gastric banding.
      Similarly, there is a wide range of presenting symptoms for post-operative
      bariatric complications, including abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting,
      dysphagia, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, and weight regain, all of which may
      provoke an endoscopic assessment. Bleeding and anastomotic leak are considered to
      be early (< 30 d) complications, whereas strictures, marginal ulcers, band
      erosions, and weight loss failure or weight recidivism are typically considered
      late (> 30 d) complications. Treatment of complications in the immediate post
      operative period may require unique considerations. Endoluminal therapies serve
      as adjuncts to surgical and radiographic procedures. This review aims to
      summarize the spectrum and efficacy of endoscopic management of post-operative
      bariatric complications. 

PMID- 27668071
TI  - Laparoscopic splenectomy for primary immune thrombocytopenia: Current status and
      challenges.
AB  - Primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an immune-mediated disorder affecting
      both adults and children, characterised by bleeding complications and low
      platelet counts. Corticosteroids are the first-line therapy for ITP, but only 20%
      40% of cases achieve a stable response. Splenectomy is the main therapy for
      patients failing to respond to corticosteroids for decades, and about two-thirds
      of patients achieve a long-lasting response. Although some new drugs are
      developed to treat ITP as second-line therapies in recent years, splenectomy is
      still the better choice with less cost and more efficiency. Laparoscopic
      splenectomy (LS) for ITP proves to be a safe technique associated with lower
      morbidity and faster recovery and similar hematological response when compared to
      traditional open splenectomy. Based on the unified hematological outcome criteria
      by current international consensus, the response rate of splenectomy should be
      reassessed. So far, there are not widely accepted preoperative clinical
      indicators predicting favorable response to LS. Since the patients undergoing
      surgery take the risk of complications and poor hematological outcome, the great
      challenge facing the doctors is to identify a reliable biomarker for predicting
      long-term outcome of splenectomy which can help make the decision of operation. 

PMID- 27668072
TI  - Predictors of suboptimal bowel preparation in asymptomatic patients undergoing
      average-risk screening colonoscopy.
AB  - AIM: To identify risk factors for a suboptimal preparation among a population
      undergoing screening or surveillance colonoscopy. METHODS: Retrospective review
      of the University of Michigan and Veteran's Administration (VA) Hospital records
      from 2009 to identify patients age 50 and older who underwent screening or
      surveillance procedure and had resection of polyps less than 1 cm in size and no
      more than 2 polyps. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease or a family history
      of colorectal cancer were excluded. Suboptimal procedures were defined as
      procedure preparations categorized as fair, poor or inadequate by the
      endoscopist. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors of
      suboptimal preparation. RESULTS: Of 4427 colonoscopies reviewed, 2401 met our
      inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Of our population, 16% had a suboptimal
      preparation. African Americans were 70% more likely to have a suboptimal
      preparation (95%CI: 1.2-2.4). Univariable analysis revealed that narcotic and
      tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) use, diabetes, prep type, site (VA vs non-VA),
      and presence of a gastroenterology (GI) fellow were associated with suboptimal
      prep quality. In a multivariable model controlling for gender, age, ethnicity,
      procedure site and presence of a GI fellow, diabetes [odds ratio (OR) = 2.3;
      95%CI: 1.6-3.2], TCA use (OR = 2.5; 95%CI: 1.3-4.9), narcotic use (OR = 1.7;
      95%CI: 1.2-2.5) and Miralax-Gatorade prep vs 4L polyethylene glycol 3350 (OR =
      0.6; 95%CI: 0.4-0.9) were associated with a suboptimal prep quality. CONCLUSION:
      Diabetes, narcotics use and TCA use were identified as predictors of poor
      preparation in screening colonoscopies while Miralax-Gatorade preps were
      associated with better bowel preparation.

PMID- 27668073
TI  - Transanal endoscopic microsurgery as optimal option in treatment of rare rectal
      lesions: A single centre experience.
AB  - AIM: To analyze the outcomes of transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) in the
      treatment of rare rectal condition like mesenchymal tumors, condylomas,
      endometriosis and melanoma. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a twenty-three
      years database. Fifty-two patients were enrolled in this study. The lesions were
      considered suitable for TEM if they were within 20 cm from the anus. All of them
      underwent an accurate preoperative workup consisting in clinical examination,
      total colonoscopy with biopsies, endoscopic ultrasonography, and pelvic
      computerized tomography or pelvic magnetic resonance imaging. Operative time,
      intraoperative complications, rate of conversion, tumor size, postoperative
      morbidity, mortality, the length of hospital stay, local and distant recurrence
      were analyzed. RESULTS: Among the 1328 patients treated by TEM in our department,
      the 52 patients with rectal abnormalities other than adenoma or adenocarcinoma
      represented 4.4%. There were 30 males (57.7%) and 22 females (42.3%). Mean age
      was 55 years (median = 60, range = 24-78). This series included 14 (26.9%)
      gastrointestinal stromal tumors, 21 neuroendocrine tumors (40.4%), 1
      ganglioneuroma (1.9%), 2 solitary ulcers in the rectum (3.8%), 6 cases of rectal
      endometriosis (11.5%), 6 cases of rectal condylomatosis (11.5%) and 2 rectal
      melanomas (3.8%). Mean lesion diameter was 2.7 cm (median: 4, range: 0.4-8). Mean
      distance from the anal verge was 9.5 cm (median: 10, range: 4-15). One patient
      operated for rectal melanoma developed distant metastases and died two years
      after the operation. We experienced 2 local recurrences (3.8%) with an overall
      survival equal to 97.6% (95%CI: 95%-99%) at the end of follow-up and a disease
      free survival of 98% (95%CI: 96%-99%). CONCLUSION: We could conclude that TEM is
      an important therapeutical option for rectal rare conditions.

PMID- 27668074
TI  - Clinical relevance of aberrant polypoid nodule scar after endoscopic submucosal
      dissection.
AB  - AIM: To describe a series of patients with aberrant polypoid nodule scar
      developed after gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), and to discuss
      its pathogenesis and clinical management. METHODS: We reviewed retrospectively
      the endoscopic database of two academic institutions located in Brazil and Japan
      and searched for all patients that underwent ESD to manage gastric neoplasms from
      2003 to 2015. The criteria for admission in the study were: (1) successful en
      bloc ESD procedure with R0 and curative resection confirmed histologically; (2)
      postoperative endoscopic examination with identification of a polypoid nodule
      scar (PNS) at ESD scar; (3) biopsies of the PNS with hyperplastic or regenerative
      tissue, reviewed by two independent experienced gastrointestinal pathologists,
      one from each Institution. Data were examined for patient demographics,
      Helicobacter pylori status, precise neoplastic lesion location in the stomach,
      tumor size, histopathological assessment of the ESD specimen, and postoperative
      information including medical management, endoscopic and histological findings,
      and clinical outcome. RESULTS: A total of 14 patients (10 men/4 women) fulfilled
      the inclusion criteria and were enrolled in this study. One center contributed
      with 8 cases out of 60 patients (13.3%) from 2008 to 2015. The second center
      contributed with 6 cases (1.7%) out of 343 patients from 2003 to 2015.
      Postoperative endoscopic follow-up revealed similar findings in all patients: A
      protruded polypoid appearing nodule situated in the center of the ESD scar
      surrounded by convergence of folds. Biopsies samples were taken from PNS, and
      histological assessment revealed in all cases regenerative and hyperplastic
      tissue, without recurrent tumor or dysplasia. Primary neoplastic lesions were
      located in the antrum in 13 patients and in the angle in one patient. PNS did not
      develop in any patient after ESD undertaken for tumors located in the corpus,
      fundus or cardia. All patients have been followed systematically on an annual
      basis and no malignant recurrence in the ESD scar has been identified (mean
      follow-up period: 45 mo). CONCLUSION: PNS may occur after ESD for antral lesions
      and endoscopically look concerning, especially for the patient or the family
      doctor. However, as long as curative R0 resection was successfully achieved and
      histology demonstrates only regenerative and hyperplastic tissue, PNS should be
      viewed as a benign alteration that does not require any type of intervention,
      other than endoscopic surveillance.

PMID- 27668075
TI  - Diversifying Science: Intervention Programs Moderate the Effect of Stereotype
      Threat on Motivation and Career Choice.
AB  - Stereotypes influence academic interests, performance, and ultimately career
      goals. The long-standing National Institutes of Health Research Initiative for
      Scientific Enhancement (RISE) training program has been shown to be effective at
      retaining underrepresented minorities in science. We argue that programs such as
      RISE may alter the experience and impact of stereotype threat on academic
      achievement goals and future engagement in a scientific career. We report
      analyses of a national sample comparing RISE students with a propensity score
      matched control group over a 6-year period. Mediation analyses revealed that
      while RISE program membership did not buffer students from stereotype threat, it
      changed students' downstream responses and ultimately their academic outcomes.
      Nonprogram students were less likely than RISE students to persist in the
      sciences, partially because feelings of stereotype threat diminished their
      adoption of mastery goals. We discuss how these findings inform stereotype threat
      and goal orientation theories and provide insight into the success of
      intervention programs.

PMID- 27668076
TI  - Choco, Colombia: a hotspot of human biodiversity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Choco is a state located on the Pacific coast of Colombia that has a
      majority Afro-Colombian population. The objective of this study was to
      characterize the genetic ancestry, admixture and diversity of the population of
      Choco, Colombia. METHODOLOGY: Genetic variation was characterized for a sample of
      101 donors (61 female and 40 male) from the state of Choco. Genotypes were
      determined for each individual via the characterization of 610,545 single
      nucleotide polymorphisms genome-wide. Haplotypes for the uniparental
      mitochondrial DNA (female) and Y-DNA (male) chromosomes were also determined.
      These data were used for comparative analyses with a number of worldwide
      populations, including putative ancestral populations from Africa, the Americas
      and Europe, along with several admixed American populations. RESULTS: The
      population of Choco has predominantly African genetic ancestry (75.8%) with
      approximately equal parts European (13.4%) and Native American (11.1%) ancestry.
      Choco shows relatively high levels of three-way genetic admixture, and far higher
      levels of Native American ancestry, compared to other New World African
      populations from the Caribbean and the United States. There is a striking pattern
      of sex-specific ancestry in Choco, with Native American admixture along the
      female lineage and European admixture along the male lineage. The population of
      Choco is also characterized by relatively high levels of overall genetic
      diversity compared to both putative ancestral populations and other admixed
      American populations. CONCLUSION: These results suggest a unique genetic heritage
      for the population of Choco and underscore the profound human genetic diversity
      that can be found in the region.

PMID- 27668077
TI  - Eu3+ doped alpha-sodium gadolinium fluoride luminomagnetic nanophosphor as a
      bimodal nanoprobe for high-contrast in vitro bioimaging and external magnetic
      field tracking applications.
AB  - Herein, we introduce a novel strategy for the synthesis of Eu3+ doped alpha
      sodium gadolinium fluoride (alpha-NaGd0.88F4:Eu0.123+) based luminomagnetic
      nanophosphors using hydrothermal route. The synthesized nanophosphor has
      exceptional luminescent and paramagnetic properties in a single host lattice,
      which is highly desirable for biomedical applications. This highly luminescent
      nanophosphor with an average particle size ~ 5+/-3 nm enables high-contrast
      fluorescent imaging with decreased light scattering. In vitro cellular uptake is
      shown by fluorescent microscopy that envisages the characteristic hypersensitive
      red emission of Eu3+ doped alpha-sodium gadolinium fluoride centered at 608 nm
      (5D0-7F2) upon 465 nm excitation wavelength. No apparent cytotoxicity is
      observed. Furthermore, time- resolved emission spectroscopy and SQUID magnetic
      measurements successfully demonstrate a photoluminescence decay time in
      microseconds and enhanced paramagnetic behavior respectively, which promises the
      applications of nanophosphors in biomedical studies. Hence, the obtained results
      strongly suggest that this nanophosphor could be potentially used as a bimodal
      nanoprobe for high-contrast in vitro bio-imaging of HeLa cells and external
      magnetic field tracking applications of luminomagnetic nanophosphors using
      permanent magnet.

PMID- 27668078
TI  - Local repair of stoma prolapse: Case report of an in vivo application of linear
      stapler devices.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: One of the most common late complications following stoma
      construction is prolapse. Although the majority of prolapse can be managed
      conservatively, surgical revision is required with incarceration/strangulation
      and in certain cases laparotomy and/or stoma reversal are not appropriate. This
      report will inform surgeons on safe and effective approaches to revising
      prolapsed stomas using local techniques. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 58 year old
      female with an obstructing rectal cancer previously received a diverting
      transverse loop colostomy. On completion of neoadjuvant treatment, re-staging
      found new lung metastases. She was scheduled for further chemotherapy but
      incarcerated a prolapsed segment of her loop colostomy. As there was no plan to
      resect her primary rectal tumor at the time, a local revision was preferred.
      Linear staplers were applied to the prolapsed stoma in step-wise fashion to
      locally revise the incarcerated prolapse. Post-operative recovery was
      satisfactory with no complications or recurrence of prolapse. DISCUSSION: We
      detail in step-wise fashion a technique using linear stapler devices that can be
      used to locally revise prolapsed stoma segments and therefore avoid a laparotomy.
      The procedure is technically easy to perform with satisfactory post-operative
      outcomes. We additionally review all previous reports of local repairs and show
      the evolution of local prolapse repair to the currently reported technique.
      CONCLUSION: This report offers surgeons an alternative, efficient and effective
      option for addressing the complications of stoma prolapse. While future studies
      are needed to assess long-term outcomes, in the short-term, our report confirms
      the safety and effectiveness of this local technique.

PMID- 27668079
TI  - Postoperative washing of sutured wounds.
AB  - A best evidence topic was written according to the structured protocol. The three
      part question addressed was: [In patients undergoing closure of surgical wounds
      with sutures] does [keeping the wound dry for the first 48 h after closure]
      [reduce the incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs)]? 4 relevant papers were
      culled from the literature and appraised. The authors, date, country, population,
      study type, main outcomes, key results and study weaknesses were tabulated.
      Current NICE guidelines recommend cleaning surgical wounds with sterile saline
      only for the first 48 h following skin closure. We found no evidence that washing
      wounds with tap water during this period increases the incidence of SSIs compared
      to keeping them dry. Further randomised controlled trials will enable the
      construction of conclusive systematic reviews and meta-analyses. 

PMID- 27668080
TI  - Morphological and physiological determinants of local adaptation to climate in
      Rocky Mountain butterflies.
AB  - Flight is a central determinant of fitness in butterflies and other insects, but
      it is restricted to a limited range of body temperatures. To achieve these body
      temperatures, butterflies use a combination of morphological, behavioural and
      physiological mechanisms. Here, we used common garden (without direct solar
      radiation) and reciprocal transplant (full solar radiation) experiments in the
      field to determine the thermal sensitivity of flight initiation for two species
      of Colias butterflies along an elevation gradient in the southwestern Rocky
      Mountains. The mean body temperature for flight initiation in the field was lower
      (24-26 degrees C) than indicated by previous studies (28-30 degrees C) in these
      species. There were small but significant differences in thermal sensitivity of
      flight initiation between species; high-elevation Colias meadii initiated flight
      at a lower mean body temperature than lower-elevation Colias eriphyle.
      Morphological differences (in wing melanin and thoracic setae) drive body
      temperature differences between species and contributed strongly to differences
      in the time and probability of flight and air temperatures at flight initiation.
      Our results suggest that differences both in thermal sensitivity (15%
      contribution) and in morphology (85% contribution) contribute to the differences
      in flight initiation between the two species in the field. Understanding these
      differences, which influence flight performance and fitness, aids in forecasting
      responses to climate change. 

PMID- 27668081
TI  - Early exposure to ultraviolet-B radiation decreases immune function later in
      life.
AB  - Amphibians have declined dramatically worldwide. Many of these declines are
      occurring in areas where no obvious anthropogenic stressors are present. It is
      proposed that in these areas, environmental factors such as elevated solar
      ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation could be responsible. Ultraviolet-B levels have
      increased in many parts of the world as a consequence of the anthropogenic
      destruction of the ozone layer. Amphibian tadpoles are particularly sensitive to
      the damaging effects of UV-B radiation, with exposure disrupting growth and
      fitness in many species. Given that UV-B can disrupt immune function in other
      animals, we tested the hypothesis that early UV-B exposure suppresses the immune
      responses of amphibian tadpoles and subsequent juvenile frogs. We exposed
      Limnodynastes peronii tadpoles to sublethal levels of UV-B radiation for 6 weeks
      after hatching, then examined indices of immune function in both the tadpoles and
      the subsequent metamorphs. There was no significant effect of UV-B on tadpole
      leucocyte counts or on their response to an acute antigen (phytohaemagglutinin)
      challenge. However, early UV-B exposure resulted in a significant reduction in
      both metamorph leucocyte abundance and their response to an acute
      phytohaemagglutinin challenge. These data demonstrate that early UV-B exposure
      can have carry-over effects on later life-history traits even if the applied
      stressor has no immediately discernible effect. These findings have important
      implications for our understanding of the effects of UV-B exposure on amphibian
      health and susceptibility to diseases such as chytridiomycosis. 

PMID- 27668082
TI  - 'Urinacoccus massiliensis' gen. nov. sp. nov., identified in urine sample of a 7
      year-old boy hospitalized for dental care under general anaesthesia.
AB  - We report here the main characteristics of 'Urinacoccus massiliensis' gen. nov.
      sp. nov., strain FC2 (CSURP1992). This strain was isolated from the urine of an
      asymptomatic 7-year-old boy. 

PMID- 27668083
TI  - Butyricimonas phoceensis sp. nov., a new anaerobic species isolated from the
      human gut microbiota of a French morbidly obese patient.
AB  - Butyricimonas phoceensis strain AT9 (= CSUR 1981 = DSM 100664) was isolated from
      a stool sample from a morbidly obese French patient living in Marseille using the
      culturomics approach. The genome of this Gram-negative-staining, anaerobic and
      non-spore forming rod bacillus is 4 736 949 bp long and contains 3947 protein
      coding genes. Genomic analysis identified 173 genes as ORFans (4.5%) and 1650
      orthologous proteins (42%) not shared with the closest phylogenetic species,
      Butyricimonas virosa. Its major fatty acid was the branched acid iso-C15:0
      (62.3%). 

PMID- 27668084
TI  - A systematic review and meta-analysis of gene therapy in animal models of
      cerebral glioma: why did promise not translate to human therapy?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The development of therapeutics is often characterized by promising
      animal research that fails to translate into clinical efficacy; this holds for
      the development of gene therapy in glioma. We tested the hypothesis that this is
      because of limitations in the internal and external validity of studies reporting
      the use of gene therapy in experimental glioma. METHOD: We systematically
      identified studies testing gene therapy in rodent glioma models by searching
      three online databases. The number of animals treated and median survival were
      extracted and studies graded using a quality checklist. We calculated median
      survival ratios and used random effects meta-analysis to estimate efficacy. We
      explored effects of study design and quality and searched for evidence of
      publication bias. RESULTS: We identified 193 publications using gene therapy in
      experimental glioma, including 6,366 animals. Overall, gene therapy improved
      median survival by a factor of 1.60 (95% CI 1.53-1.67). Study quality was low and
      the type of gene therapy did not account for differences in outcome. Study design
      characteristics accounted for a significant proportion of between-study
      heterogeneity. We observed similar findings in a data subset limited to the most
      common gene therapy. CONCLUSION: As the dysregulation of key molecular pathways
      is characteristic of gliomas, gene therapy remains a promising treatment for
      glioma. Nevertheless, we have identified areas for improvement in conduct and
      reporting of studies, and we provide a basis for sample size calculations.
      Further work should focus on genes of interest in paradigms recapitulating human
      disease. This might improve the translation of such therapies into the clinic.

PMID- 27668085
TI  - Perceived helpfulness of the individual components of a behavioural weight loss
      program: results from the Hopkins POWER Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Behavioural weight loss programs are effective first-line treatments
      for obesity and are recommended by the US Preventive Services Task Force. Gaining
      an understanding of intervention components that are found helpful by different
      demographic groups can improve tailoring of weight loss programs. This paper
      examined the perceived helpfulness of different weight loss program components.
      METHODS: Participants (n = 236) from the active intervention conditions of the
      Practice-based Opportunities for Weight Reduction (POWER) Hopkins Trial rated the
      helpfulness of 15 different components of a multicomponent behavioural weight
      loss program at 24-month follow-up. These ratings were examined in relation to
      demographic variables, treatment arm and weight loss success. RESULTS: The
      components most frequently identified as helpful were individual telephone
      sessions (88%), tracking weight online (81%) and coach review of tracking (81%).
      The component least frequently rated as helpful was the primary care providers'
      general involvement (50%). Groups such as older adults, Blacks and those with
      lower education levels more frequently reported intervention components as
      helpful compared with their counterparts. DISCUSSION: Weight loss coaching
      delivered telephonically with web support was well received. Findings support the
      use of remote behavioural interventions for a wide variety of individuals.

PMID- 27668087
TI  - Frequency of self-weighing and weight loss outcomes within a brief lifestyle
      intervention targeting emerging adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Frequent self-weighing is associated with better weight loss and
      maintenance among adults. Emerging adults ages 18-25 rarely enroll in behavioural
      weight loss trials, and thus, little is known about their willingness to engage
      in frequent self-weighing and its association with weight loss in this age group.
      PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to examine the frequency of self-weighing
      among 18-25-year-old over the course of a brief lifestyle intervention and to
      determine the association between frequent self-weighing and weight loss.
      METHODS: Emerging adults (EA) ages 18-25 [N = 52, 54% racial/ethnic minority, 79%
      female, BMI = 34.2 (5.4)] enrolled in a 3-month lifestyle intervention with
      structure and content modified for EA. Benefits of frequent self-weighing were
      presented; participants were encouraged to weigh themselves at least weekly and
      no more than daily. Assessments occurred at baseline and post-treatment (3
      months). RESULTS: At baseline, a majority of participants (63.5%) reported self
      weighing less than once a week. Frequency of self-weighing increased over
      treatment (p < 0.001), with 42.9% weighing weekly and 38.2% weighing several
      times per week or more (i.e. frequent self-weighing) at 3 months. Frequent self
      weighing was associated with greater weight loss (p = 0.03) and greater
      likelihood of achieving 5% weight loss (p = 0.01) at post-treatment. CONCLUSIONS:
      Frequent self-weighing may be a viable approach to promoting self-regulation
      during the high-risk developmental period of emerging adulthood. Consistent with
      findings among other adult samples, frequent self-weighing was associated with
      greater weight losses.

PMID- 27668086
TI  - Cognitive dysfunction predicts poorer emotion recognition in bariatric surgery
      candidates.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Deficits in traditional cognitive domains (e.g. executive function and
      memory) are common in persons with severe obesity, but it is unclear if this
      pattern of dysfunction extends to social cognition. The present study examined
      whether cognitive impairment was associated with poorer emotion recognition in
      bariatric surgery candidates. METHODS: One hundred sixteen bariatric surgery
      candidates (mean age = 43.62 +/- 11.03; 81% female) completed the computerized
      Integneuro test battery as part of a larger study visit. In addition to assessing
      traditional cognitive domains, the Integneuro also includes an emotion
      recognition measure. This task presents 48 faces (eight different individuals
      depicting neutral, happiness, fear, sadness, anger and disgust), and participants
      must choose the correct verbal label from six expression options. Number of
      correct responses and average reaction time for correct responses served as
      primary dependent variables. RESULTS: Stepwise multiple regression analyses
      revealed that older age, more maze errors, and history of hypertension predicted
      less accuracy in emotion recognition (adjusted R2 = .22, F[3, 111] = 11.86, p <
      .001) and that slower switching of attention-digits, worse long-delay recall, and
      older age predicted speed of responses (adjusted R2 = .26, F[3, 111] = 13.00, p <
      .001). DISCUSSION: Results show that cognitive dysfunction is associated with
      poorer performance on a computerized test of emotion recognition, consistent with
      those in persons with a range of psychiatric and neurological disorders.
      Additional work is needed to clarify the mechanisms and functional impact of
      these impairments, especially in relation to weight loss following bariatric
      surgery.

PMID- 27668088
TI  - Six1 is down-regulated in end-stage human dilated cardiomyopathy independently of
      Ezh2.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recently, it was shown that a knock-out (KO) of the polycomb histone
      methyltransferase Ezh2 leads to cardiac hypertrophy in mice, which was driven by
      the homeodomain transcription factor Six1. Here, we analyzed the expression of
      Six1 and its regulating factor Ezh2 in cardiac tissue of patients with end-stage
      dilative cardiomyopathy (DCM). METHODS: Tissue samples of patients with end-stage
      DCM (n = 35) were compared with controls (n = 12) for the protein expression of
      Ezh1, Ezh2, Six1, and a marker of protein expression p70S6K. RESULTS: Contrary to
      the Ezh2-KO mouse model, we found a down-regulation of Six1 (26%) and an up
      regulation of Ezh2 (76%) in DCM hearts, (both P < 0.05). Expression of Ezh2 and
      Six1 did not correlate in human tissue (DCM: r2: 0.03, P = 0.31 and donor: r2:
      0.05, P = 0.45). Expression of Six1 weakly correlated with left ventricular end
      systolic diameter and fractional shortening. In DCM, Six1 also showed a positive
      correlation to the expression of the ribosomal protein p70S6K (r: 0.39, P =
      0.029), which is involved in protein synthesis. This correlation was not seen in
      donor tissue, which showed a trend for a negative correlation (r: -0.49, P =
      0.08). CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that the Ezh2/Six1 axis might be involved in
      human DCM. However, Six1 expression may be regulated by factors other than Ezh2,
      and more research is needed to determine the precise role of Ezh2/Six1 in human
      DCM.

PMID- 27668089
TI  - Higher risk for incident heart failure and cardiovascular mortality among
      community-dwelling octogenarians without pneumococcal vaccination.
AB  - AIMS: Octogenarians have the highest incidence of heart failure (HF) that is not
      fully explained by traditional risk factors. We explored whether lack of
      pneumococcal vaccination is associated with higher risk of incident HF among
      octogenarians. METHODS AND RESULTS: In the Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS),
      5290 community-dwelling adults, >=65 years of age, were free of baseline HF and
      had data on pneumococcal vaccination. Of these, 851 were octogenarians, of whom,
      593 did not receive pneumococcal vaccination. Multivariable-adjusted hazard
      ratios (aHR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations of lack of
      pneumococcal vaccination with incident HF and other outcomes during 13 years of
      follow-up were estimated using Cox regression models, adjusting for demographics
      and other HF risk factors including influenza vaccination. Octogenarians had a
      mean (+/-SD) age of 83 (+/-3) years; 52% were women and 17% African American.
      Overall, 258 participants developed HF and 662 died. Lack of pneumococcal
      vaccination was associated with higher relative risk of incident HF (aHR, 1.37;
      95% CI, 1.01-1.85; P = 0.044). There was also higher risk for all-cause mortality
      (aHR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.02-1.49; P = 0.028), which was mostly driven by
      cardiovascular mortality (aHR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.06-1.98; P = 0.019). Octogenarians
      without pneumococcal vaccination had a trend toward higher risk of
      hospitalization due to pneumonia (aHR, 1.34; 95% CI, 0.99-1.81; P = 0.059). These
      associations were not observed among those 65-79 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: Among
      community-dwelling octogenarians, lack of pneumococcal vaccination was associated
      with a significantly higher independent risk of incident HF and mortality, and
      trend for higher pneumonia hospitalization.

PMID- 27668091
TI  - Cancer nanomedicine: Is targeting our target?
AB  - Nanomedicine may have a delivery problem. Rigorous, realistic and holistic
      rethinking is needed to improve nanomedicine performance and increase patient
      benefit.

PMID- 27668090
TI  - A Method to Identify and Analyze Biological Programs through Automated Reasoning.
AB  - Predictive biology is elusive because rigorous, data-constrained, mechanistic
      models of complex biological systems are difficult to derive and validate.
      Current approaches tend to construct and examine static interaction network
      models, which are descriptively rich but often lack explanatory and predictive
      power, or dynamic models that can be simulated to reproduce known behavior.
      However, in such approaches implicit assumptions are introduced as typically only
      one mechanism is considered, and exhaustively investigating all scenarios is
      impractical using simulation. To address these limitations, we present a
      methodology based on automated formal reasoning, which permits the synthesis and
      analysis of the complete set of logical models consistent with experimental
      observations. We test hypotheses against all candidate models, and remove the
      need for simulation by characterizing and simultaneously analyzing all
      mechanistic explanations of observed behavior. Our methodology transforms
      knowledge of complex biological processes from sets of possible interactions and
      experimental observations to precise, predictive biological programs governing
      cell function.

PMID- 27668092
TI  - Cellulosimicrobium funkei-like enhances the growth of Phaseolus vulgaris by
      modulating oxidative damage under Chromium(VI) toxicity.
AB  - Contamination of agriculture land by heavy metals is a worldwide risk that has
      sped up noticeably since the beginning of the industrial revolution. Hence, there
      arise the demands of heavy metal tolerant plant growth promoting bacterial
      strains for specific metal contaminated agricultural sites restoration. In this
      study, 36 bacterial isolates were screened out from the rhizospheric soil of
      Phaseolus vulgaris. Among these, two bacterial strains AR6 and AR8 were selected
      based on their higher Cr(VI) tolerance (1200 and 1100 MUg/mL, respectively) and
      the maximum production of plant growth promoting substances. In the molecular
      characterization study, both the bacterial strains showed 99% homology with
      Cellulosimicrobium funkei KM032184. In greenhouse experiments, the exposure of
      Cr(VI) to P.vulgaris inhibited the growth and photosynthetic pigments and
      increased the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant expressions. However,
      rhizosphere bacterial inoculations alleviated the negative effect of Cr(VI) and
      enhanced the seed germination rate (89.54%), shoot (74.50%),root length (60%),
      total biomass (52.53%), chlorophyll a (15.91%), chlorophyll b (17.97%), total
      chlorophyll (16.58%) and carotenoid content (3.59%). Moreover, bacterial
      inoculations stabilized and modulated the antioxidant system of P. vulgaris by
      reducing the accumulation of Cr in plant tissues. The present finding shows the
      Cr(VI) tolerance and plant growth promoting properties of the rhizosphere
      bacterial strains which might make them eligible as biofertilizer of metal
      contaminated soils. 

PMID- 27668093
TI  - Active Tuberculosis Case Finding in Port-au-Prince, Haiti: Experiences, Results,
      and Implications for Tuberculosis Control Programs.
AB  - Background. Haiti has the highest tuberculosis (TB) prevalence in the Americas
      with 254 cases per 100,000 persons. Case detection relies on passive detection
      and TB services in many regions suffer from poor diagnostic and clinical
      resources. Methods. Mache Chache ("Go and Seek") was a TB REACH Wave 3 funded TB
      case finding project in Port-au-Prince between July 2013 and September 2014,
      targeting four intervention areas with insufficient TB diagnostic performance.
      Results. Based on a verbal symptom screen emphasizing the presence of cough, the
      project identified 11,150 (11.75%) of all screened persons as TB subjects and
      2.67% as smear-positive (SS+) TB cases. Enhanced case finding and strengthening
      of laboratory services led to a 59% increase in bacteriologically confirmed cases
      in the evaluation population. In addition, smear grades dropped significantly,
      suggesting earlier case detection. Xpert(r) MTB/RIF was successfully introduced
      and improved TB diagnosis in HIV-infected, smear-negative clinic patients, but
      not in HIV-negative, smear-negative TB suspects in the community. However, the
      number needed to screen for one additional SS+ case varied widely between clinic
      and community screening activities. Conclusion. Enhanced and active TB case
      finding in Haiti can improve TB diagnosis and care. However, screening algorithms
      have to be tailored to individual settings, necessitating long-term commitment. 

PMID- 27668095
TI  - Epidural Analgesia with Ropivacaine during Labour in a Patient with a SCN5A Gene
      Mutation.
AB  - SCN5A gene mutations can lead to ion channel defects which can cause cardiac
      conduction disturbances. In the presence of specific ECG characteristics, this
      mutation is called Brugada syndrome. Many drugs are associated with adverse
      events, making anesthesia in patients with SCN5A gene mutations or Brugada
      syndrome challenging. In this case report, we describe a pregnant patient with
      this mutation who received epidural analgesia using low dose ropivacaine and
      sufentanil during labour. 

PMID- 27668096
TI  - Successful Retrieval of a Dismembered Central Venous Catheter Stuck to the Right
      Pulmonary Artery Using a Stepwise Approach.
AB  - Recent advances in anticancer chemotherapy have resulted in an increase in the
      number of patients requiring a central venous port catheter, and the incidence of
      catheter pinch-off syndrome has been increasing. Catheter pinch-off syndrome is a
      rare and unusual complication. It is difficult to retrieve dislodged catheters
      from the pulmonary artery, especially if the catheter is stuck to the peripheral
      pulmonary artery. We herein describe the successful removal of a catheter stuck
      in the pulmonary artery with a stepwise approach. First, a pigtail catheter was
      used to tug the dislodged catheter in order to free the unilateral end. Then, a
      gooseneck snare was used to catch and pull the catheter out of the patient. The
      key to success is to free the end of the catheter. 

PMID- 27668094
TI  - Prisms to Shift Pain Away: Pathophysiological and Therapeutic Exploration of CRPS
      with Prism Adaptation.
AB  - Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is an invalidating chronic condition
      subsequent to peripheral lesions. There is growing consensus for a central
      contribution to CRPS. However, the nature of this central body representation
      disorder is increasingly debated. Although it has been repeatedly argued that
      CRPS results in motor neglect of the affected side, visual egocentric reference
      frame was found to be deviated toward the pain, that is, neglect of the healthy
      side. Accordingly, prism adaptation has been successfully used to normalize this
      deviation. This study aimed at clarifying whether 7 CRPS patients exhibited
      neglect as well as exploring the pathophysiological mechanisms of this
      manifestation and of the therapeutic effects of prism adaptation. Pain and
      quality of life, egocentric reference frames (visual and proprioceptive straight
      ahead), and neglect tests (line bisection, kinematic analyses of motor neglect
      and motor extinction) were repeatedly assessed prior to, during, and following a
      one-week intense prism adaptation intervention. First, our results provide no
      support for visual and motor neglect in CRPS. Second, reference frames for body
      representations were not systematically deviated. Third, intensive prism
      adaptation intervention durably ameliorated pain and quality of life. As for
      spatial neglect, understanding the therapeutic effects of prism adaptation
      deserves further investigations.

PMID- 27668097
TI  - Interventricular Septal Hematoma and Coronary-Ventricular Fistula: A Complication
      of Retrograde Chronic Total Occlusion Intervention.
AB  - Interventricular septal hematoma is a rare complication of retrograde chronic
      total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) with a typically
      benign course. Here we report two cases of interventricular septal hematoma and
      coronary-cameral fistula development after right coronary artery (RCA) CTO-PCI
      using a retrograde approach. Both were complicated by development of ST-segment
      elevation and chest pain. One case was managed actively and the other
      conservatively, both with a favorable outcome. 

PMID- 27668098
TI  - Orthodontic and Orthognathic Surgical Treatment of a Pediatric OSA Patient.
AB  - A case report is presented which demonstrates the effectiveness of comprehensive
      orthodontic treatment combined with orthognathic surgery in the correction of
      malocclusion and reduction in the sequelae of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). The
      patient's severe OSA was improved to very mild as evaluated by full overnight
      polysomnogram. The orthodontic treatment included the expansion of both dental
      arches and mandibular advancement surgery. There was significant improvement in
      the patient's sleep continuity and architecture with the elimination of
      obstructive apneas. 

PMID- 27668100
TI  - Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of Jaws: A Low-Level Laser Therapy and
      Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy Case Approach.
AB  - Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) can be considered an
      inability of the alveolar bone to respond to an injury, which frequently leads to
      severe local and systemic complications. Once the problem is installed, dentist
      must use all therapeutic approaches recommended. This manuscript reports a
      successful management of MRONJ handled with antibiotics, conservative
      debridement, low-level laser therapy (LLLT), and photodynamic therapy (PDT) up to
      12 months. As healing of MRONJ may be very slow, combined therapeutic approaches
      are required. Besides the recommended conventional treatment protocol, LLLT and
      PDT are important tools to contribute to healing and improvement of patient's
      quality of life. 

PMID- 27668099
TI  - Esthetic Rehabilitation through Crown Lengthening Surgery and Conservative
      CAD/CAM Veneers: A Multidisciplinary Case Report.
AB  - This case report describes a successful multidisciplinary approach used to
      improve the smile esthetics of a patient presenting with excessive gingival
      display, asymmetric gingival margins, and small upper anterior teeth and lower
      anterior teeth. The treatment combined esthetic crown lengthening, dental
      bleaching, and restorative dentistry using CAD/CAM veneer. The 6-month follow-up
      examination confirmed the stability of the modification and absence of adverse
      effects. 

PMID- 27668101
TI  - A Ruptured Ectopic Pregnancy Presenting with a Negative Urine Pregnancy Test.
AB  - A negative urine pregnancy test in the emergency department traditionally
      excludes the diagnosis of pregnancy. We report a rare case of ruptured ectopic
      pregnancy in a patient with a negative urine pregnancy test but with a serum beta
      human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) of 10 mIU/mL. The patient developed
      hemoperitoneum and required laparoscopy by Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/Gyn).
      This case highlights the fallibility of the urine pregnancy test in diagnosing
      early pregnancy.

PMID- 27668102
TI  - A Unique Case of Mycophenolate Induced Colitis after 10 Years of Use.
AB  - A 31-year-old female with a history of lupus nephritis on Hydroxychloroquine,
      Prednisone, and Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF) for 10 years presented to the
      hospital for ankle swelling. On day four, she started to have severe, nonbloody,
      watery diarrhea with abdominal distension and tenderness. Stool PCR was negative
      for C. difficile. CT abdomen/pelvis showed gaseous distension of the colon
      without any obstruction. Flexible sigmoidoscopy revealed a normal looking mucosa.
      Histopathology showed crypt atrophy and increased crypt apoptosis, consistent
      with MMF colitis. The diarrhea resolved three days after stopping MMF. Although
      generally well tolerated, diarrhea is a common side effect of MMF. Most cases
      occur in the first six months of starting MMF. This case is unique because it
      describes MMF colitis in lupus after more than 10 years. Thus, MMF colitis should
      be considered as a differential in patients taking it, regardless of the duration
      of use. 

PMID- 27668103
TI  - Immune Thrombocytopenia in a Child with T Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma.
AB  - We describe the case of a 13-year-old boy who presented with persistent
      thrombocytopenia during maintenance chemotherapy with mercaptopurine and
      methotrexate for T cell lymphoblastic lymphoma. He was diagnosed with immune
      thrombocytopenia (ITP) after thorough investigations for the relapse of lymphoma
      and was successfully treated with immunoglobulin and steroids. ITP is known to be
      associated with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Hodgkin lymphoma, and various types
      of non-Hodgkin lymphoma but rarely with T cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma or in
      children. Diagnosis of ITP with lymphoma is challenging due to the many factors
      affecting platelet counts, and ITP often complicates the diagnosis or treatment
      course of lymphoma. The underlying mechanism of ITP with NHL is still unclear.
      Drug-induced immunomodulation with a reduction of regulatory T cells might have
      contributed to the development of ITP in our case. 

PMID- 27668104
TI  - Acute Myeloid Leukemia Relapse Presenting as Complete Monocular Vision Loss due
      to Optic Nerve Involvement.
AB  - Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) involvement of the central nervous system is
      relatively rare, and detection of leptomeningeal disease typically occurs only
      after a patient presents with neurological symptoms. The case herein describes a
      48-year-old man with relapsed/refractory AML of the mixed lineage leukemia
      rearrangement subtype, who presents with monocular vision loss due to leukemic
      eye infiltration. MRI revealed right optic nerve sheath enhancement and
      restricted diffusion concerning for nerve ischemia and infarct from
      hypercellularity. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis showed a total WBC count of
      81/mcl with 96% AML blasts. The onset and progression of visual loss were in
      concordance with rise in peripheral blood blast count. A low threshold for
      diagnosis of CSF involvement should be maintained in patients with
      hyperleukocytosis and high-risk cytogenetics so that prompt treatment with whole
      brain radiation and intrathecal chemotherapy can be delivered. This case suggests
      that the eye, as an immunoprivileged site, may serve as a sanctuary from which
      leukemic cells can resurge and contribute to relapsed disease in patients with
      high-risk cytogenetics. 

PMID- 27668105
TI  - Subdiaphragmatic Renal Ectopia: Case Report and Review of the Literature.
AB  - Background. We report the case of a male infant whose right kidney migrated to an
      ectopic position after birth. The migration of a kidney in postnatal life without
      any symptoms has not been reported in literature so far. Case Presentation. In a
      series of antenatal and the first postnatal ultrasound scans, the right kidney
      was normally located within the right renal fossa. During the first 3 months of
      life, the kidney migrated to a subdiaphragmatic position. This was confirmed on
      MRI scan. The infant was asymptomatic with normal renal function and blood
      pressure. Conclusion. Postnatal migration of a kidney has been described in cases
      of diaphragmatic hernia or nephroptosis. In this report, we describe a case of
      kidney migration where there were no underlying anatomical defects to provide an
      explanation for the kidney migration. This is the first report in literature of a
      case of postnatal migration of a kidney. 

PMID- 27668106
TI  - Atypical Features in a Large Turkish Family Affected with Friedreich Ataxia.
AB  - Here, we describe the clinical features of several members of the same family
      diagnosed with Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) and cerebral lesions, demyelinating
      neuropathy, and late-age onset without a significant cardiac involvement and
      presenting with similar symptoms, although genetic testing was negative for the
      GAA repeat expansion in one patient of the family. The GAA repeat expansion in
      the frataxin gene was shown in all of the family members except in a young female
      patient. MRI revealed arachnoid cysts in two patients; MRI was consistent with
      both cavum septum pellucidum-cavum vergae and nodular signal intensity increase
      in one patient. EMG showed demyelinating sensorimotor polyneuropathy in another
      patient. The GAA expansion-negative 11-year-old female patient had mental-motor
      retardation, epilepsy, and ataxia. None of the patients had significant cardiac
      symptoms. Description of FRDA families with different ethnic backgrounds may
      assist in identifying possible phenotypic and genetic features of the disease.
      Furthermore, the genetic heterogeneity observed in this family draws attention to
      the difficulty of genetic counseling in an inbred population and to the need for
      genotyping all affected members before delivering comprehensive genetic
      counseling. 

PMID- 27668107
TI  - Marchiafava-Bignami and Alcohol Related Acute Polyneuropathy: The Cooccurrence of
      Two Rare Entities.
AB  - Objectives. The aim of this article is to represent the first reported case with
      cooccurrence of two rare alcohol related complications. Case Report. We report a
      38-year-old man with chronic alcoholism who presented with both cranial and
      peripheral nerve palsy. On MRI examination characteristic findings of Marchiafava
      Bignami disease were recognized. Discussion. Marchiafava-Bignami disease (MBD) is
      a rare complication of long-term, heavy alcohol abuse that has characteristic MRI
      findings. Acute alcohol related polyneuropathy (AARP) is another rare and not
      well-understood complication of chronic alcohol abuse. We could not find any
      previous report of the cooccurrence of these two complications in the literature.

PMID- 27668108
TI  - A Patient with Eight Intracranial Aneurysms: Endovascular Treatment in Two
      Sessions.
AB  - The frequency of multiple intracranial aneurysms seen in patients with or without
      subarachnoid hemorrhage is high. The advancement of the endovascular technique
      and devices has ensured that endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms is
      the first choice in most cases, especially in unruptured ones. Different
      combinations of treatment modalities and techniques can be used in the management
      of multiple aneurysms. But in selected patients without subarachnoid hemorrhage,
      treatment of all aneurysms in one or more sessions with endovascular techniques
      is less traumatic than that with surgery. In the literature, the maximum number
      of aneurysms in one patient treated endovascularly and/or surgically is seven. In
      this case report, we present, with a review of the literature, a patient with
      eight intracranial aneurysms, all of which were treated in two sessions with
      various endovascular techniques. A 40-year-old female patient was admitted due to
      headache. Angiography showed eight aneurysms in the posterior circulation and,
      bilaterally, in the anterior circulation. All aneurysms were treated
      endovascularly in two sessions. In the treatment of the aneurysms, different
      endovascular techniques were used including flow diverters stents, stent-assisted
      coiling, Y-stent-assisted coiling, and coiling alone. 

PMID- 27668109
TI  - Apocrine Adenocarcinoma of the Vulva: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.
AB  - Primary vulvar adenocarcinomas are very rare. We describe the rare case of
      primary vulvar apocrine adenocarcinoma, a histologically rare subtype of vulvar
      adenocarcinoma. A 57-year-old Japanese woman presented with an enlarging vulvar
      mass. A dark-red, hemorrhagic, ulcerated tumor was on the right side of the
      anterior labial commissure measuring approximately 3.5 * 3.5 cm. Preoperative
      biopsy showed poorly differentiated carcinoma with partial differentiation to
      adenocarcinoma. Systemic examination revealed lymph node metastases in both
      inguinal regions and no other primary source. We performed radical vulvectomy and
      bilateral inguinal and pelvic lymphadenectomy. Histopathologic diagnosis was
      apocrine adenocarcinoma of the vulva with inguinal lymph node metastases,
      pT1bN2bM0. Surgical margins were negative. The patient received no adjuvant
      chemotherapy or radiation. Inguinal lymph node recurrence occurred after six
      months. Reresection and adjuvant tomotherapy were performed. After a further 12
      months of observation, no rerecurrence was observed. The patient is now on follow
      up. 

PMID- 27668110
TI  - Complex Laparoscopic Myomectomy with Severe Adhesions Performed with Proper
      Preventive Measures and Power Morcellation Provides a Safe Choice in Certain
      Infertility Cases.
AB  - Laparoscopic myomectomy offers a real benefit to infertile patients with uterine
      fibroids and peritoneal adhesions. The procedure requires a skilled surgeon and
      laparoscopy technique to minimize adhesion formation and other proven benefits.
      Restrictions arise since this procedure requires power morcellation for fibroid
      tissue extraction. Two years ago, the Food and Drug Administration in the United
      States of America (FDA) issued the alert on power morcellation for uterine
      leiomyomas, addressing the risk of malignant cell spreading within the abdominal
      cavity (actual risk assessment from 1 in 360 to 1 in 7400 cases). We review a 30
      year-old female, without previous gestations, hypermenorrhea, intermenstrual
      bleeding, and chronic pelvic pain. Transvaginal ultrasound reports multiple
      fibroids in the right portion of a bicornuate uterus. Relevant history includes
      open myomectomy 6 years before and a complicated appendectomy, developing
      peritonitis within a year. Laparoscopy revealed multiple adhesions blocking
      uterine access, a bicornuate uterus, and myomas in the expected site. Myomectomy
      was performed utilizing power morcellation with good results. FDA recommendations
      have diminished this procedure's selection, converting many to open variants.
      This particular case was technically challenging, requiring morcellation, and
      safety device deployment was impossible, yet the infertility issue was properly
      addressed. Patient evaluation, safety measures, and laparoscopy benefits may
      outweigh the risks in particular cases as this one. 

PMID- 27668111
TI  - Florid Cystic Endosalpingiosis (Mullerianosis) in Pregnancy.
AB  - Cystic endosalpingiosis refers to the existence of heterotopic cystic mullerian
      tissue resembling structures of the fallopian tubes. We report a case of florid
      cystic endosalpingiosis discovered in a pregnant woman during a scheduled
      cesarean section and review the current knowledge of this disease. A 30-year-old
      woman with a twin pregnancy attended the hospital day unit at term. The first
      twin was in a breech presentation and a cesarean section was scheduled. During
      the procedure the uterine fundus and part of the body were seen completely seeded
      with multitude of cyst-like structures resembling hydatids of Morgagni. The
      immunohistochemistry analysis showed a positive expression for PAX8 (Box-8), CK7,
      and estrogen and progesterone receptors. The lesions did not disappear after
      pregnancy. Cystic endosalpingiosis should be always borne in mind, even in
      pregnancy, when it comes to making the differential diagnosis of a pelvic or
      systemic multicystic mass. 

PMID- 27668112
TI  - Bilateral Diabetic Knee Neuroarthropathy in a Forty-Year-Old Patient.
AB  - Diabetic osteoarthropathy is a rare cause of neuropathic joint disease of the
      knee; bilateral involvement is even more exceptional. Diagnosis is often made
      late due to its unspecific symptoms and appropriate surgical management still
      needs to be defined, due to lack of evidence because of the disease's low
      incidence. We report the case of a forty-year-old woman with history of diabetes
      type I who developed bilateral destructive Charcot knee arthropathy. Bilateral
      total knee arthroplasty was performed in order to achieve maximal functional
      outcome. Follow-up was marked by bilateral tibial periprosthetic fractures
      treated by osteosynthesis with a satisfactory outcome. The diagnosis of Charcot
      arthropathy should always be in mind when dealing with atraumatic joint
      destruction in diabetic patients. Arthroplasty should be considered as an
      alternative to arthrodesis in bilateral involvement in young patients. 

PMID- 27668113
TI  - Persistent Down-Beating Torsional Positional Nystagmus: Posterior Semicircular
      Canal Light Cupula?
AB  - A 16-year-old boy with rotatory positional vertigo and nausea, particularly when
      lying down, visited our clinic. Initially, we observed vertical/torsional
      (downward/leftward) nystagmus in the supine position, and it did not diminish. In
      the sitting position, nystagmus was not provoked. Neurological examinations were
      normal. We speculated that persistent torsional down-beating nystagmus was caused
      by the light cupula of the posterior semicircular canal. This case provides novel
      insights into the light cupula pathophysiology. 

PMID- 27668114
TI  - Bilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis and Cervicolumbar Radiculopathy as the Presenting
      Paraneoplastic Manifestations of Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Case Report and
      Literature Review.
AB  - Introduction. Bilateral vocal cord paralysis (BVCP) is a potential medical
      emergency. The Otolaryngologist plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and
      management of BVCP and must consider a broad differential diagnosis. We present a
      rare case of BVCP secondary to anti-Hu paraneoplastic syndrome. Case
      Presentation. A 58-year-old female presented to an Otolaryngology clinic with a
      history of progressive hoarseness and dysphagia. Flexible nasolaryngoscopy
      demonstrated BVCP. Cross-sectional imaging of the brain and vagus nerves was
      negative. An antiparaneoplastic antibody panel was positive for anti-Hu
      antibodies. This led to an endobronchial biopsy of a paratracheal lymph node,
      which confirmed the diagnosis of small cell lung cancer. Conclusion.
      Paraneoplastic neuropathy is a rare cause of BVCP and should be considered when
      more common pathologies are ruled out. This is the second reported case of BVCP
      as a presenting symptom of paraneoplastic syndrome secondary to small cell lung
      cancer. 

PMID- 27668115
TI  - Case of Chronic Otitis Media with Intracranial Complication and Contralateral
      Extracranial Presentation.
AB  - Intracranial complications of chronic otitis media have been on the decline with
      advent of antibiotics. Septic thrombosis of the sigmoid sinus is rarer compared
      to commoner complications such as otogenic brain abscesses and meningitis. This
      patient presented with recurrent infection after left mastoidectomy secondary to
      cholesteatoma and a contralateral internal jugular vein thrombosis with
      parapharyngeal abscess, which was drained. He recovered well postoperatively with
      antibiotics. 

PMID- 27668116
TI  - Recurrent Midgut Bleeding due to Jejunal Angioleiomyoma.
AB  - Angioleiomyoma being a type of true smooth muscle gastrointestinal tumors can
      lead to serious life-threatening gastrointestinal bleeding. We report a case of
      21-year-old male patient with recurrent midgut bleeding. Contrast-enhanced CT
      revealed highly vascular small bowel neoplasm. The patient underwent laparotomy
      with bowel resection and recovered uneventfully. Histopathology revealed jejunal
      angioleiomyoma. 

PMID- 27668117
TI  - Organ Preservation in a Case of Retroperitoneal Ganglioneuroma: A Case Report and
      Review of Literature.
AB  - The retroperitoneum is a closed space harbouring vital organs including the great
      vessels, kidneys and adrenal glands, ureters, and the ascending and descending
      colon. Surgical management of retroperitoneal pathologies may need multiorgan
      resection in order to achieve complete surgical resection while preservation of
      surrounding organs should be attempted, especially in case of benign tumors. We
      present a case of 15-year-old girl with an 11 * 6 * 5 cm retroperitoneal
      ganglioneuroma displacing the right kidney, renal vein, and ureter and abutting
      the IVC which was excised in toto preserving the right kidney and ureter with
      careful dissection around the great vessels. We also attempt to review the
      various surgical options available while dealing with these benign
      retroperitoneal tumors which are often detected incidentally and usually surround
      important retroperitoneal organs and vessels. 

PMID- 27668118
TI  - Impact of Body Mass Index on Short-Term Outcomes in Patients Undergoing
      Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
AB  - Background and Aim. Obesity (BMI >= 30 kg/m(2)) is associated with advanced
      cardiovascular disease requiring procedures such as percutaneous coronary
      intervention (PCI). Studies report better outcomes in obese patients having these
      procedures but results are conflicting or inconsistent. Newfoundland and Labrador
      (NL) has the highest rate of obesity in Canada. The aim of the study was to
      examine the relationship between BMI and vascular and nonvascular complications
      in patients undergoing PCI in NL. Methods. We studied 6473 patients identified in
      the APPROACH-NL database who underwent PCI from May 2006 to December 2013. BMI
      categories included normal, 18.5 <= BMI < 25.0 (n = 1073); overweight, 25.0 <=
      BMI < 30 (n = 2608); and obese, BMI >= 30.0 (n = 2792). Results. Patients with
      obesity were younger and had a higher incidence of diabetes, hypertension, and
      family history of cardiac disease. Obese patients experienced less vascular
      complications (normal, overweight, and obese: 8.2%, 7.2%, and 5.3%, p = 0.001).
      No significant differences were observed for in-lab (4.0%, 3.3%, and 3.1%, p =
      0.386) or postprocedural (1.0%, 0.8%, and 0.9%, p = 0.725) nonvascular
      complications. After adjusting for covariates, BMI was not a significant factor
      associated with adverse outcomes. Conclusion. Overweight and obesity were not
      independent correlates of short-term vascular and nonvascular complications among
      patients undergoing PCI. 

PMID- 27668119
TI  - Analysis of LRRK2, SNCA, and ITGA8 Gene Variants with Sporadic Parkinson's
      Disease Susceptibility in Chinese Han Population.
AB  - Background. Parkinson's disease (PD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disease
      affected by multiple genetic and environmental factors. We performed a case
      control study on candidate gene to scrutinize whether genetic variants in LRRK2,
      SNCA, and ITGA8 genes could be associated with sporadic PD in Chinese Han
      population. Methods. Five single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of LRRK2
      (rs1491942), SNCA (rs2301134, rs2301135, and rs356221), and ITGA8 (rs7077361)
      were selected and genotyped among 583 unrelated PD patients and 558 healthy
      controls. Results. Rs1491942 of LRRK2 gene had a significantly higher genotype
      frequency (P = 3.543E - 09) and allelic G/C frequencies (P = 2.601E - 10) in PD
      patients than controls. Rs2301135 of SNCA gene also showed an obvious difference
      in genotype frequency (P = 4.394E - 07) and allelic G/C frequencies (P = 9.116E -
      13) between PD patients and controls. SNPs rs2301134 and rs356221 of SNCA gene
      and rs7077361 of ITGA8 gene lacked the significant association with the
      susceptibility of PD in Chinese Han population. Conclusions. Our study firstly
      expresses that rs1491942 of LRRK2 and rs2301135 of SNCA gene are substantially
      associated with sporadic Parkinson's disease in Chinese Han population. 

PMID- 27668120
TI  - Systematic Review of Hospital Readmissions in Stroke Patients.
AB  - Background. Previous evidence on factors and causes of readmissions associated
      with high-impact users of stroke is scanty. The aim of the study was to
      investigate common causes and pattern of short- and long-term readmissions stroke
      patients by conducting a systematic review of studies using hospital
      administrative data. Common risk factors associated with the change of
      readmission rate were also examined. Methods. The literature search was conducted
      from 15 February to 15 March 2016 using various databases, such as Medline,
      Embase, and Web of Science. Results. There were a total of 24 studies (n =
      2,126,617) included in the review. Only 4 studies assessed causes of readmissions
      in stroke patients with the follow-up duration from 30 days to 5 years. Common
      causes of readmissions in majority of the studies were recurrent stroke,
      infections, and cardiac conditions. Common patient-related risk factors
      associated with increased readmission rate were age and history of coronary heart
      disease, heart failure, renal disease, respiratory disease, peripheral arterial
      disease, and diabetes. Among stroke-related factors, length of stay of index
      stroke admission was associated with increased readmission rate, followed by
      bowel incontinence, feeding tube, and urinary catheter. Conclusion. Although risk
      factors and common causes of readmission were identified, none of the previous
      studies investigated causes and their sequence of readmissions among high-impact
      stroke users. 

PMID- 27668121
TI  - Ripening-Dependent Changes in Antioxidants, Color Attributes, and Antioxidant
      Activity of Seven Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Cultivars.
AB  - To evaluate the ripening-dependent changes in phytonutrients, seven commercial
      cultivars (two general and five cherry) of tomatoes were cultivated under
      greenhouse conditions. Fruits were harvested at breaker, turning, pink, light
      red, and red stages of each cultivar, and antioxidant contents, color attributes,
      and antioxidant activities were measured. During ripening process, lycopene
      content increased from the breaker to red stage, while lutein displayed the
      reverse accumulation pattern, with higher values during the breaker stage. In
      contrast, beta-carotene showed the highest levels of synthesis in pink and light
      red stages. Furthermore, flavonoids (quercetin, rutin, naringenin, and luteolin)
      also showed similar ripening-dependent changes, with higher quantities in pink
      and light red stages. Ascorbic acid showed continuously increasing patterns
      throughout ripening until the red stage, while the accumulation of total
      phenolics was cultivar-dependent. These results indicate that each antioxidant
      compound has a unique pattern of accumulation and degradation during the ripening
      process. "Unicon" exhibited highest total carotenoid (110.27 mg/100 g), total
      phenol (297.88 mg GAE/100 g) and total flavonoid content (273.33 mg/100 g), and
      consequently highest antioxidant activity (2552.4 MUmol TE/100 g) compared to
      other cultivars. Throughout the ripening processes, total phenolics showed the
      highest correlation with antioxidant activity, followed by beta-carotene and
      total flavonoids. In conclusion, ripening in tomatoes is accompanied by
      incremental increases in various antioxidant compounds to some extent, as well as
      by concomitant increases in antioxidant activity. 

PMID- 27668122
TI  - Capitalizing Resolving Power of Density Gradient Ultracentrifugation by Freezing
      and Precisely Slicing Centrifuged Solution: Enabling Identification of Complex
      Proteins from Mitochondria by Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of
      Flight Mass Spectrometry.
AB  - Density gradient centrifugation is widely utilized for various high purity sample
      preparations, and density gradient ultracentrifugation (DGU) is often used for
      more resolution-demanding purification of organelles and protein complexes.
      Accurately locating different isopycnic layers and precisely extracting solutions
      from these layers play a critical role in achieving high-resolution DGU
      separations. In this technique note, we develop a DGU procedure by freezing the
      solution rapidly (but gently) after centrifugation to fix the resolved layers and
      by slicing the frozen solution to fractionate the sample. Because the thickness
      of each slice can be controlled to be as thin as 10 micrometers, we retain
      virtually all the resolution produced by DGU. To demonstrate the effectiveness of
      this method, we fractionate complex V from HeLa mitochondria using a conventional
      technique and this freezing-slicing (F-S) method. The comparison indicates that
      our F-S method can reduce complex V layer thicknesses by ~40%. After
      fractionation, we analyze complex V proteins directly on a matrix assisted laser
      desorption/ionization, time-of-flight mass spectrometer. Twelve out of fifteen
      subunits of complex V are positively identified. Our method provides a practical
      protocol to identify proteins from complexes, which is useful to investigate
      biomolecular complexes and pathways in various conditions and cell types. 

PMID- 27668123
TI  - 24-Hour ICH Score Is a Better Predictor of Outcome than Admission ICH Score.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The ICH score is a validated tool for predicting 30-day morbidity and
      mortality in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage. AIMS AND/OR HYPOTHESIS: The
      aim of this study is to determine if the ICH score calculated 24 hours after
      admission is a better predictor of mortality than the ICH score calculated on
      admission. METHODS: Patients presenting to our center with ICH from 7/08-12/10
      were retrospectively identified from our prospective stroke registry. ICH scores
      were calculated based on initial Glasgow coma scale (GCS) and emergent head
      computed tomography (CT) on initial presentation and were recalculated after 24
      hours. RESULTS: A total of 91 patients out of 121 had complete data for admission
      and 24-hour ICH score. The ICH score changed in 38% from baseline to 24 hours.
      After adjusting for age, NIHSS on admission, and glucose, ICH score at 24 hours
      was a significant, independent predictor of mortality (OR = 2.71, 95% CI 1-19
      6.20, and P = 0.018), but ICH score on admission was not (OR = 2.14, 95% CI 0.88
      5.24, and P = 0.095). CONCLUSION: Early determination of the ICH score may
      incorrectly estimate the severity and expected outcome after ICH. Calculations of
      the ICH score 24 hours after admission will better predict early outcomes.

PMID- 27668124
TI  - Climate Migration and Moral Responsibility.
AB  - Even though anthropogenic climate change is largely caused by industrialized
      nations, its burden is distributed unevenly with poor developing countries
      suffering the most. A common response to livelihood insecurities and destruction
      is migration. Using Peter Singer's "historical principle" this paper argues that
      a morally just evaluation requires taking causality between climate change and
      migration under consideration. The historical principle is employed to emphasize
      shortcomings in commonly made philosophical arguments to oppose immigration. The
      article concludes that none of these arguments is able to override the moral
      responsibility of industrialized countries to compensate for harms that their
      actions have caused.

PMID- 27668125
TI  - Role of the Three-Phase Boundary of the Platinum-Support Interface in Catalysis:
      A Model Catalyst Kinetic Study.
AB  - A series of microstructured, supported platinum (Pt) catalyst films (supported on
      single-crystal yttria-stabilized zirconia) and an appropriate Pt catalyst
      reference system (supported on single-crystal alumina) were fabricated using
      pulsed laser deposition and ion-beam etching. The thin films exhibit area
      specific lengths of the three-phase boundary (length of three-phase boundary
      between the Pt, support, and gas phase divided by the superficial area of the
      sample) that vary over 4 orders of magnitude from 4.5 * 102 to 4.9 * 106 m m-2,
      equivalent to structural length scales of 0.2 MUm to approximately 9000 MUm. The
      catalyst films have been characterized using X-ray diffraction, atomic force
      microscopy, high-resolution scanning electron microscopy, and catalytic activity
      tests employing the carbon monoxide oxidation reaction. When Pt is supported on
      yttria-stabilized zirconia, the reaction rate clearly depends upon the area
      specific length of the three-phase boundary, l(tpb). A similar relationship is
      not observed when Pt is supported on alumina. We suggest that the presence of the
      three-phase boundary provides an extra channel of oxygen supply to the Pt through
      diffusion in or on the yttria-stabilized zirconia support coupled with surface
      diffusion across the Pt.

PMID- 27668126
TI  - Mechanical Designs for Inorganic Stretchable Circuits in Soft Electronics.
AB  - Mechanical concepts and designs in inorganic circuits for different levels of
      stretchability are reviewed in this paper, through discussions of the underlying
      mechanics and material theories, fabrication procedures for the constituent
      microscale/nanoscale devices, and experimental characterization. All of the
      designs reported here adopt heterogeneous structures of rigid and brittle
      inorganic materials on soft and elastic elastomeric substrates, with mechanical
      design layouts that isolate large deformations to the elastomer, thereby avoiding
      potentially destructive plastic strains in the brittle materials. The overall
      stiffnesses of the electronics, their stretchability, and curvilinear shapes can
      be designed to match the mechanical properties of biological tissues. The result
      is a class of soft stretchable electronic systems that are compatible with
      traditional high-performance inorganic semiconductor technologies. These systems
      afford promising options for applications in portable biomedical and health
      monitoring devices. Mechanics theories and modeling play a key role in
      understanding the underlining physics and optimization of these systems.

PMID- 27668127
TI  - Near-peer STEM Mentoring Offers Unexpected Benefits for Mentors from
      Traditionally Underrepresented Backgrounds.

PMID- 27668128
TI  - Health Risks to Ecological Workers on Contaminated Sites - the Department of
      Energy as a Case Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: At most contaminated sites the risk to workers focuses on those
      'hazardous waste workers' directly exposed to chemicals or radionuclides, and to
      the elaborate approaches implemented to protecting their health and safety.
      Ecological workers generally are not considered. OBJECTIVES: To explore the risks
      to the health and safety of ecological workers on sites with potential chemical
      and radiological exposures before, during or after remediation of contamination.
      To use the U.S. Department of Energy as a case study, and to develop concepts
      that apply generally to sites contaminated with hazardous or nuclear wastes.
      METHODS: Develop categories of ecological workers, describe their usual jobs, and
      provide information on the kinds of risks they face. Ecological activities
      include continued surveillance and monitoring work on any sites with residual
      contamination, subject to institutional controls and engineered barriers
      following closure as well as the restoration. RESULTS: The categories of
      ecological workers and their tasks include 1) Ecological characterization,
      mapping and monitoring, 2) biodiversity studies, 2) Contaminant fate and
      transport, 3) On-going industrial activities 4) Remediation activities
      (environmental management), 5) Environmental restoration, 6) Post-cleanup
      surveillance and monitoring, and 7) Post-closure future site activities. There
      are a set of functional activities that can occur with different frequencies and
      intensities, including visual inspection, collecting biological samples,
      collecting media physical samples, collecting biological debris, restoration
      planting, and maintaining ecosystems. CONCLUSIONS: Ecological workers face
      different exposures and risks than other environmental cleanup workers. Many of
      their tasks mimic shift work with long hours leading to fatigue, and they are
      exposed to biological as well as chemical/radiological hazards. DOE and other
      entities need to examine the risks to ecological workers on site with an eye to
      risk reduction.

PMID- 27668129
TI  - Steroid-Loaded Hemostatic Nanoparticles Combat Lung Injury after Blast Trauma.
AB  - In response to the lack of therapeutics for internal bleeding following a
      traumatic event, we synthesized hemostatic dexamethasone nanoparticles (hDNP) to
      help alleviate internal hemorrhaging. hDNP consist of a block copolymer,
      poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-poly(l-lysine)-poly(ethylene glycol) conjugated to
      a peptide, glycine-arginine-glycine-aspartic acid-serine (GRGDS). These particles
      were evaluated as treatment for primary blast lung injury in a rodent model.
      Animals were randomly placed into test and control groups, exposed to blast and
      given immediate injection. Recovery was assessed using physiological parameters
      and immunohistochemistry. We found that dexamethasone-loaded hemostatic
      nanoparticles alleviate physiological deprivation caused by blast injury and
      reduce lung injury damage.

PMID- 27668131
TI  - Safety and Treatment Effectiveness of a Single Autologous Protein Solution
      Injection in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis.
AB  - Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative condition characterized by pain and
      loss of function. A pathological biochemical environment with excess inflammatory
      and catabolic proteins is a major contributor to OA. nSTRIDE((r)) Autologous
      Protein Solution (APS) is a new therapy under development for the treatment of
      OA. This therapy is formed from a patient's blood and contains high
      concentrations of anti-inflammatory and anabolic proteins. This study assessed
      the safety and treatment effects of APS. Eleven subjects with early to moderate
      OA were injected with APS. Subjects were closely monitored for adverse events
      (AE) following the injection. Treatment outcome measures were obtained before
      injection. AE and clinical outcomes were assessed at 1 and 2 weeks postinjection
      and 1, 3, and 6 months postinjection. There were no serious AE or AE that were
      reported by the investigator as greater than mild in severity. There were no AE
      that were related to the device. There were minor AE related to the injection
      procedure, including injection site discomfort (1/11), injection site joint pain
      (1/11), and procedural nausea (1/11), which resolved quickly and did not require
      treatment. Mean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC)
      composite scores and pain, stiffness, and function subscale scores all showed
      significant improvement compared to baseline by 2 weeks postinjection. The data
      presented here suggest that the treatment is safe and show a complication profile
      that is mild and consistent with similar treatments. A single injection of APS
      for treatment of early to moderate knee OA led to symptom improvement over the
      study course. Based on these results, an adequately powered, well-controlled,
      randomized multicenter study to establish clinical efficacy is warranted. 

PMID- 27668130
TI  - The Accuracy and Reliability of Crowdsource Annotations of Digital Retinal
      Images.
AB  - PURPOSE: Crowdsourcing is based on outsourcing computationally intensive tasks to
      numerous individuals in the online community who have no formal training. Our aim
      was to develop a novel online tool designed to facilitate large-scale annotation
      of digital retinal images, and to assess the accuracy of crowdsource grading
      using this tool, comparing it to expert classification. METHODS: We used 100
      retinal fundus photograph images with predetermined disease criteria selected by
      two experts from a large cohort study. The Amazon Mechanical Turk Web platform
      was used to drive traffic to our site so anonymous workers could perform a
      classification and annotation task of the fundus photographs in our dataset after
      a short training exercise. Three groups were assessed: masters only, nonmasters
      only and nonmasters with compulsory training. We calculated the sensitivity,
      specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic
      (ROC) plots for all classifications compared to expert grading, and used the Dice
      coefficient and consensus threshold to assess annotation accuracy. RESULTS: In
      total, we received 5389 annotations for 84 images (excluding 16 training images)
      in 2 weeks. A specificity and sensitivity of 71% (95% confidence interval [CI],
      69%-74%) and 87% (95% CI, 86%-88%) was achieved for all classifications. The AUC
      in this study for all classifications combined was 0.93 (95% CI, 0.91-0.96). For
      image annotation, a maximal Dice coefficient (~0.6) was achieved with a consensus
      threshold of 0.25. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the hypothesis that
      annotation of abnormalities in retinal images by ophthalmologically naive
      individuals is comparable to expert annotation. The highest AUC and agreement
      with expert annotation was achieved in the nonmasters with compulsory training
      group. TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE: The use of crowdsourcing as a technique for
      retinal image analysis may be comparable to expert graders and has the potential
      to deliver timely, accurate, and cost-effective image analysis.

PMID- 27668132
TI  - Novel Mechanistic Interplay between Products of Oxidative Stress and Components
      of the Complement System in AMD Pathogenesis.
AB  - Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss
      affecting tens of millions of elderly worldwide. Early AMD includes soft drusen
      and pigmentary changes in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). As people age,
      such soft confluent drusen can progress into two forms of advanced AMD,
      geographic atrophy (GA, or dry AMD) or choroidal neovascularization (CNV, or wet
      AMD) and result in the loss of central vision. The exact mechanism for developing
      early AMD and progressing to advanced stage of disease is still largely unknown.
      However, significant evidence exists demonstrating a complex interplay of genetic
      and environmental factors as the cause of AMD progression. Together, complement
      factor H (CFH) and HTRA1/ARMS polymorphisms contribute to more than 50% of the
      genetic risk for AMD. Environmentally, oxidative stress from activities such as
      smoking has also demonstrated a powerful contribution to AMD progression. To
      extend our previous finding that genetic polymorphisms in CFH results in OxPLs
      and the risk-form of CFH (CFH Y402H) has reduced affinity for oxidized
      phospholipids, and subsequent diminished capacity which subsequently diminishes
      the capability to attenuate the inflammatory effects of these molecules, we
      compared the binding properties of CFH and CFH related protein 1 (CFHR1), which
      is also associated with disease risk, to OxPLs and their effects on modulating
      inflammation and lipids uptake. As both CFH-402H and CFHR1 are associated with
      increased risk to AMD, we hypothesized that like CFH-402H, CFHR1 contribution to
      AMD risk may also be due to its diminished affinity for OxPLs. Interestingly, we
      found that association of CFHR1 with OxPLs was not statistically different than
      CFH. However, binding of CFHR1 did not elicit the same protective benefits as CFH
      in that both inflammation and lipid uptake are unaffected by CFHR1 association
      with OxPLs. These findings demonstrate a novel and interesting complexity to the
      potential interplay between the complement system and oxidative stress
      byproducts, such as OxPLs, in the mechanistic contribution to AMD. Future work
      will aim to identify the molecular distinctions between CFH and CFHR1 which
      confer protection by the former, but not latter molecules. Understanding the
      molecular domains necessary for protection could provide interventional insights
      in the generation of novel therapeutics for AMD and other diseases associated
      with oxidative stress.

PMID- 27668133
TI  - Experiences with the Streptococcus Mutans in Lakota Sioux (SMILeS) Study: Risk
      factors for Caries in American Indian Children 0-3 Years.
AB  - Severe Early Childhood Caries (S-ECC) is a terribly aggressive and devastating
      disease that is all too common in lower socio-economic children, but none more so
      that what is encountered in American Indian Tribes. Nationwide, approximately 27%
      of 2-5 year olds have decay while 62% percent of American Indian/Alaska Native
      children in the same age group have a history of decay (IHS 2010, NHANES 1999
      2002). We have conducted a study of children from birth to 36 months of age on
      Pine Reservation to gain a better understanding of the variables that come into
      play in the development of this disease, from transmission and acquisition of
      Streptococcus mutans genotypes from mother to child to multiple dietary and
      behavioral components. This article describes how we established a direct
      partnership with the Tribe and the many opportunities and challenges we faced in
      performing this 5-year field study.

PMID- 27668134
TI  - Sex Disparities in Access to Acute Stroke Care: Can Telemedicine Mitigate this
      Effect?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Women have more frequent and severe ischemic strokes than men, and
      are less likely to receive treatment for acute stroke. Primary stroke centers
      (PSCs) have been shown to utilize treatment more frequently. Further, as
      telemedicine (TM) has expanded access to acute stroke care we sought to
      investigate the association between PSC, TM and access to acute stroke care in
      the state of Texas. METHODS: Texas hospitals and resources were identified from
      the 2009 American Hospital Association Annual Survey. Hospitals were categorized
      as: (1) stand-alone PSCs not using telemedicine for acute stroke care, (2) PSCs
      using telemedicine for acute stroke care (PSC-TM), (3) non-PSC hospitals using
      telemedicine for acute stroke care, or (4) non-PSC hospitals not using
      telemedicine for acute stroke care. The proportion of the population who could
      reach a PSC within 60 minutes was determined for stand-alone PSCs, PSC-TM, and
      non-PSCs using TM for stroke care. RESULTS: Overall, women were as likely to have
      60-minute access to a PSC or PSC-TM as their male counterparts (POR 1.02, 95% CI
      1.02-1.03). Women were also just as likely to have access to acute stroke care
      via PSC or PSC-TM or TM as men (POR 1.03, 95% CI 1.02-1.04). DISCUSSION: Our
      study found no sex disparities in access to stand alone PSCs or to hospitals
      using TM in the state of Texas. The results of this study suggest that
      telemedicine can be used as part of an inclusive strategy to improve access to
      care equally for men and women.

PMID- 27668136
TI  - Characterization and Comparison of Fast Pyrolysis Bio-oils from Pinewood,
      Rapeseed Cake, and Wheat Straw Using 13C NMR and Comprehensive GC * GC.
AB  - Fast pyrolysis bio-oils are feasible energy carriers and a potential source of
      chemicals. Detailed characterization of bio-oils is essential to further develop
      its potential use. In this study, quantitative 13C nuclear magnetic resonance
      (13C NMR) combined with comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC *
      GC) was used to characterize fast pyrolysis bio-oils originated from pinewood,
      wheat straw, and rapeseed cake. The combination of both techniques provided new
      information on the chemical composition of bio-oils for further upgrading. 13C
      NMR analysis indicated that pinewood-based bio-oil contained mostly
      methoxy/hydroxyl (~30%) and carbohydrate (~27%) carbons; wheat straw bio-oil
      showed to have high amount of alkyl (~35%) and aromatic (~30%) carbons, while
      rapeseed cake-based bio-oil had great portions of alkyl carbons (~82%). More than
      200 compounds were identified and quantified using GC * GC coupled to a flame
      ionization detector (FID) and a time of flight mass spectrometer (TOF-MS).
      Nonaromatics were the most abundant and comprised about 50% of the total mass of
      compounds identified and quantified via GC * GC. In addition, this analytical
      approach allowed the quantification of high value-added phenolic compounds, as
      well as of low molecular weight carboxylic acids and aldehydes, which exacerbate
      the unstable and corrosive character of the bio-oil.

PMID- 27668137
TI  - Chesapeake Bay nitrogen fluxes derived from a land-estuarine ocean biogeochemical
      modeling system: Model description, evaluation, and nitrogen budgets.
AB  - The Chesapeake Bay plays an important role in transforming riverine nutrients
      before they are exported to the adjacent continental shelf. Although the mean
      nitrogen budget of the Chesapeake Bay has been previously estimated from
      observations, uncertainties associated with interannually varying hydrological
      conditions remain. In this study, a land-estuarine-ocean biogeochemical modeling
      system is developed to quantify Chesapeake riverine nitrogen inputs, within
      estuary nitrogen transformation processes and the ultimate export of nitrogen to
      the coastal ocean. Model skill was evaluated using extensive in situ and
      satellite-derived data, and a simulation using environmental conditions for 2001
      2005 was conducted to quantify the Chesapeake Bay nitrogen budget. The 5 year
      simulation was characterized by large riverine inputs of nitrogen (154 * 109 g N
      yr-1) split roughly 60:40 between inorganic:organic components. Much of this was
      denitrified (34 * 109 g N yr-1) and buried (46 * 109 g N yr-1) within the
      estuarine system. A positive net annual ecosystem production for the bay further
      contributed to a large advective export of organic nitrogen to the shelf (91 *
      109 g N yr-1) and negligible inorganic nitrogen export. Interannual variability
      was strong, particularly for the riverine nitrogen fluxes. In years with higher
      than average riverine nitrogen inputs, most of this excess nitrogen (50-60%) was
      exported from the bay as organic nitrogen, with the remaining split between
      burial, denitrification, and inorganic export to the coastal ocean. In comparison
      to previous simulations using generic shelf biogeochemical model formulations
      inside the estuary, the estuarine biogeochemical model described here produced
      more realistic and significantly greater exports of organic nitrogen and lower
      exports of inorganic nitrogen to the shelf.

PMID- 27668135
TI  - Recombinant adeno-associated virus vectors in the treatment of rare diseases.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: An estimated 25 million Americans are living with rare diseases.
      Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene therapy is an emerging therapeutic
      option for the more than 7,000 identified rare diseases. This paper highlights
      the benefits of AAV therapy compared to conventional small molecules, discusses
      current pre-clinical and clinical applications of AAV-mediated gene therapy, and
      offers insights into cutting edge research that will shape the future of AAV for
      broad therapeutic use. AREAS COVERED: In this review the biology of AAV and our
      ability to generate disease-specific variants is summarized. Limitations of
      current therapy are reviewed, with an emphasis on immune detection of virus,
      viral tropism and tissue targeting, and limitations of gene expression.
      Information for this review was found using PubMed and clinicaltrials.gov. EXPERT
      OPINION: Currently the scope of clinical trials of AAV gene therapy is
      concentrated in an array of phase I/II safety trials with less than two dozen
      rare diseases featured. Pre-clinical, translational studies are expanding in
      number as developments within the last decade have made generation of improved
      AAV vectors available to more researchers. Further, one bottleneck that is being
      overcome is the availability of disease models, which will allow for improved
      preclinical testing and advancement of AAV to more clinical applications.

PMID- 27668138
TI  - Silicon chemistry in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere.
AB  - Silicon is one of the most abundant elements in cosmic dust, and meteoric
      ablation injects a significant amount of Si into the atmosphere above 80 km. In
      this study, a new model for silicon chemistry in the mesosphere/lower
      thermosphere is described, based on recent laboratory kinetic studies of Si, SiO,
      SiO2, and Si+. Electronic structure calculations and statistical rate theory are
      used to show that the likely fate of SiO2 is a two-step hydration to silicic acid
      (Si(OH)4), which then polymerizes with metal oxides and hydroxides to form
      meteoric smoke particles. This chemistry is then incorporated into a whole
      atmosphere chemistry-climate model. The vertical profiles of Si+ and the Si+/Fe+
      ratio are shown to be in good agreement with rocket-borne mass spectrometric
      measurements between 90 and 110 km. Si+ has consistently been observed to be the
      major meteoric ion around 110 km; this implies that the relative injection rate
      of Si from meteoric ablation, compared to metals such as Fe and Mg, is
      significantly larger than expected based on their relative chondritic abundances.
      Finally, the global abundances of SiO and Si(OH)4 show clear evidence of the
      seasonal meteoric input function, which is much less pronounced in the case of
      other meteoric species.

PMID- 27668140
TI  - MIDAS robust trend estimator for accurate GPS station velocities without step
      detection.
AB  - Automatic estimation of velocities from GPS coordinate time series is becoming
      required to cope with the exponentially increasing flood of available data, but
      problems detectable to the human eye are often overlooked. This motivates us to
      find an automatic and accurate estimator of trend that is resistant to common
      problems such as step discontinuities, outliers, seasonality, skewness, and
      heteroscedasticity. Developed here, Median Interannual Difference Adjusted for
      Skewness (MIDAS) is a variant of the Theil-Sen median trend estimator, for which
      the ordinary version is the median of slopes vij  = (xj-xi )/(tj-ti ) computed
      between all data pairs i > j. For normally distributed data, Theil-Sen and least
      squares trend estimates are statistically identical, but unlike least squares,
      Theil-Sen is resistant to undetected data problems. To mitigate both seasonality
      and step discontinuities, MIDAS selects data pairs separated by 1 year. This
      condition is relaxed for time series with gaps so that all data are used. Slopes
      from data pairs spanning a step function produce one-sided outliers that can bias
      the median. To reduce bias, MIDAS removes outliers and recomputes the median.
      MIDAS also computes a robust and realistic estimate of trend uncertainty.
      Statistical tests using GPS data in the rigid North American plate interior show
      +/-0.23 mm/yr root-mean-square (RMS) accuracy in horizontal velocity. In blind
      tests using synthetic data, MIDAS velocities have an RMS accuracy of +/-0.33
      mm/yr horizontal, +/-1.1 mm/yr up, with a 5th percentile range smaller than all
      20 automatic estimators tested. Considering its general nature, MIDAS has the
      potential for broader application in the geosciences.

PMID- 27668139
TI  - An assessment of phytoplankton primary productivity in the Arctic Ocean from
      satellite ocean color/in situ chlorophyll-a based models.
AB  - We investigated 32 net primary productivity (NPP) models by assessing skills to
      reproduce integrated NPP in the Arctic Ocean. The models were provided with two
      sources each of surface chlorophyll-a concentration (chlorophyll),
      photosynthetically available radiation (PAR), sea surface temperature (SST), and
      mixed-layer depth (MLD). The models were most sensitive to uncertainties in
      surface chlorophyll, generally performing better with in situ chlorophyll than
      with satellite-derived values. They were much less sensitive to uncertainties in
      PAR, SST, and MLD, possibly due to relatively narrow ranges of input data and/or
      relatively little difference between input data sources. Regardless of type or
      complexity, most of the models were not able to fully reproduce the variability
      of in situ NPP, whereas some of them exhibited almost no bias (i.e., reproduced
      the mean of in situ NPP). The models performed relatively well in low
      productivity seasons as well as in sea ice-covered/deep-water regions. Depth
      resolved models correlated more with in situ NPP than other model types, but had
      a greater tendency to overestimate mean NPP whereas absorption-based models
      exhibited the lowest bias associated with weaker correlation. The models
      performed better when a subsurface chlorophyll-a maximum (SCM) was absent. As a
      group, the models overestimated mean NPP, however this was partly offset by some
      models underestimating NPP when a SCM was present. Our study suggests that NPP
      models need to be carefully tuned for the Arctic Ocean because most of the models
      performing relatively well were those that used Arctic-relevant parameters.

PMID- 27668142
TI  - Global MHD modeling of resonant ULF waves: Simulations with and without a
      plasmasphere.
AB  - We investigate the plasmaspheric influence on the resonant mode coupling of
      magnetospheric ultralow frequency (ULF) waves using the Lyon-Fedder-Mobarry (LFM)
      global magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) model. We present results from two different
      versions of the model, both driven by the same solar wind conditions: one version
      that contains a plasmasphere (the LFM coupled to the Rice Convection Model, where
      the Gallagher plasmasphere model is also included) and another that does not (the
      stand-alone LFM). We find that the inclusion of a cold, dense plasmasphere has a
      significant impact on the nature of the simulated ULF waves. For example, the
      inclusion of a plasmasphere leads to a deeper (more earthward) penetration of the
      compressional (azimuthal) electric field fluctuations, due to a shift in the
      location of the wave turning points. Consequently, the locations where the
      compressional electric field oscillations resonantly couple their energy into
      local toroidal mode field line resonances also shift earthward. We also find, in
      both simulations, that higher-frequency compressional (azimuthal) electric field
      oscillations penetrate deeper than lower frequency oscillations. In addition, the
      compressional wave mode structure in the simulations is consistent with a radial
      standing wave oscillation pattern, characteristic of a resonant waveguide. The
      incorporation of a plasmasphere into the LFM global MHD model represents an
      advance in the state of the art in regard to ULF wave modeling with such
      simulations. We offer a brief discussion of the implications for radiation belt
      modeling techniques that use the electric and magnetic field outputs from global
      MHD simulations to drive particle dynamics.

PMID- 27668141
TI  - High correlations between temperature and nitric oxide in the thermosphere.
AB  - Obtaining accurate predictions of the neutral density in the thermosphere has
      been a long-standing problem. During geomagnetic storms the auroral heating in
      the polar ionospheres quickly raises the temperature of the thermosphere,
      resulting in higher neutral densities that exert a greater drag force on objects
      in low Earth orbit. Rapid increases and decreases in the temperature and density
      may occur within a couple days. A key parameter in the thermosphere is the total
      amount of nitric oxide (NO). The production of NO is accelerated by the auroral
      heating, and since NO is an efficient radiator of thermal energy, higher
      concentrations of this molecule accelerate the rate at which the thermosphere
      cools. This paper describes an improved technique that calculates changes in the
      global temperature of the thermosphere. Starting from an empirical model of the
      Poynting flux into the ionosphere, a set of differential equations derives the
      minimum, global value of the exospheric temperature, which can be used in a
      neutral density model to calculate the global values. The relative variations in
      NO content are used to obtain more accurate cooling rates. Comparisons with the
      global rate of NO emissions that are measured with the Sounding of the Atmosphere
      using Broadband Emission Radiometry instrument show that there is very good
      agreement with the predicted values. The NO emissions correlate highly with the
      total auroral heating that has been integrated over time. We also show that the
      NO emissions are highly correlated with thermospheric temperature, as well as
      indices of solar extreme ultraviolet radiation.

PMID- 27668143
TI  - An NO/GSNO-based Neuroregeneration Strategy for Stroke Therapy.
AB  - Stroke is associated with significant morbidity and mortality due to the limited
      neuroregeneration capacity of the injured brain. Other than thrombolysis in the
      acute phase of the disease by tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), which offers
      only a short window of treatment (~3 hours), an ideal stroke therapy is not
      available mainly because of limited understanding of the mechanisms of
      neuroregeneration and functional recovery in the chronic phase. Yet many drug
      therapies, including S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), have been shown to provide
      neuroprotection against acute disease in animal models of transient cerebral
      ischemia reperfusion (IR) and permanent ischemia. GSNO was also effective in
      stimulating neuroregeneration-related factors in the chronic phase of the
      disease. In this short review, we assess the evidence supporting exogenous
      administration of GSNO after experimental stroke as a means to stimulate
      neuroregeneration and aid in functional recovery via stabilization of the HIF
      1alpha/VEGF pathway.

PMID- 27668144
TI  - Lean NAFLD: An Underrecognized Outlier.
AB  - Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is commonly diagnosed in obese or
      overweight individuals. However, lean individuals with NAFLD are not rare but
      represent one significant end of the phenotypic spectrum of NAFLD. Although
      initial observations between obese and lean NAFLD reveal some metabolic
      parallels, these associations vary widely given differences in study populations
      and metabolic parameters assessed. The role of body composition in risk
      assessment is significant and incompletely assessed during most clinical
      encounters. Recent multinational investigation reveals an increased mortality in
      lean individuals with NASH. Many aspects of lean NAFLD need further exploration
      including epidemiology, clinical risk assessment, histologic changes unique to
      lean NAFLD, genetic and pathophysiologic mechanisms predisposing at risk
      individuals, natural history and treatment strategies in this underrecognized
      population.

PMID- 27668145
TI  - A Re-evaluation of Electron-Transfer Mechanisms in Microbial Electrochemistry:
      Shewanella Releases Iron that Mediates Extracellular Electron Transfer.
AB  - Exoelectrogenic bacteria can couple their metabolism to extracellular electron
      acceptors, including macroscopic electrodes, and this has applications in energy
      production, bioremediation and biosensing. Optimisation of these technologies
      relies on a detailed molecular understanding of extracellular electron-transfer
      (EET) mechanisms, and Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 (MR-1) has become a model
      organism for such fundamental studies. Here, cyclic voltammetry was used to
      determine the relationship between the surface chemistry of electrodes (modified
      gold, ITO and carbon electrodes) and the EET mechanism. On ultra-smooth gold
      electrodes modified with self-assembled monolayers containing carboxylic-acid
      terminated thiols, an EET pathway dominates with an oxidative catalytic onset at
      0.1 V versus SHE. Addition of iron(II)chloride enhances the catalytic current,
      whereas the siderophore deferoxamine abolishes this signal, leading us to
      conclude that this pathway proceeds via an iron mediated electron transfer
      mechanism. The same EET pathway is observed at other electrodes, but the onset
      potential is dependent on the electrolyte composition and electrode surface
      chemistry. EET pathways with onset potentials above -0.1 V versus SHE have
      previously been ascribed to direct electron-transfer (DET) mechanisms through the
      surface exposed decaheme cytochromes (MtrC/OmcA) of MR-1. In light of the results
      reported here, we propose that the previously identified DET mechanism of MR-1
      needs to be re-evaluated.

PMID- 27668146
TI  - Relationship Between Accelerometer-Measured Activity and Self-Reported or
      Performance-Based Function in Older Adults with Severe Aortic Stenosis.
AB  - In older adults with aortic stenosis, we evaluated whether accelerometer-measured
      physical activity provides distinct clinical information apart from self-reported
      surveys or performance-based function tests. We employed wrist-mounted
      accelerometry in 52 subjects with severe aortic stenosis prior to transcatheter
      aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Daily daytime activity was estimated using the
      maximum 10 h of daily accelerometer-measured activity (M10) reported in activity
      counts. Subjects completed baseline surveys (New York Heart Association (NYHA),
      Short Form 12 (SF12), Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ), EuroQol-5D
      (EQ-5D), Revised Life Orientation Test (LOT-R), Life Space, Detailed Activity
      Form) and performance-based function tests (Short Physical Performance Battery, 6
      min walk test distance, grip strength) to estimate functional status. Simple and
      multiple linear regression models were used to evaluate the relationship between
      accelerometer-measured activity and survey data and performance-based function
      tests. Among all baseline surveys and performance-based function tests, the only
      statistically significant univariable relationships identified were weak,
      negative associations between M10 and SF-12 Mental Composite Score (R2=0.1970,
      P=0.04) and between M10 and grip strength (R2=0.1568, P=0.004). Neither multiple
      linear regression of overall survey data (R2=0.6159, P=0.23) nor performance
      based function tests (R2=0.1743, P=0.10) correlated with M10. Self-reported
      surveys and performance-based function tests are not meaningfully correlated with
      daytime accelerometer-measured activity. The results of our study suggest that
      accelerometer-measured physical activity provides distinct clinical information
      apart from self-reported surveys or performance-based function tests.

PMID- 27668148
TI  - Regioselective Localization and Tracking of Biomolecules on Single Gold
      Nanoparticles.
AB  - Selective localization of biomolecules at the hot spots of a plasmonic
      nanoparticle is an attractive strategy to exploit the light-matter interaction
      due to the high field concentration. Current approaches for hot spot targeting
      are time-consuming and involve prior knowledge of the hot spots. Multiphoton
      plasmonic lithography is employed to rapidly immobilize bovine serum albumin
      (BSA) hydrogel at the hot spot tips of a single gold nanotriangle (AuNT).
      Regioselectivity and quantity control by manipulating the polarization and
      intensity of the incident laser are also established. Single AuNTs are tracked
      using dark-field scattering spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy to
      characterize the regioselective process. Fluorescence lifetime measurements
      further confirm BSA immobilization on the AuNTs. Here, the AuNT-BSA hydrogel
      complexes, in conjunction with single-particle optical monitoring, can act as a
      framework for understanding light-molecule interactions at the subnanoparticle
      level and has potential applications in biophotonics, nanomedicine, and life
      sciences.

PMID- 27668147
TI  - Injectable Hydrogels for Cardiac Tissue Repair after Myocardial Infarction.
AB  - Cardiac tissue damage due to myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the leading
      causes of mortality worldwide. The available treatments of MI include
      pharmaceutical therapy, medical device implants, and organ transplants, all of
      which have severe limitations including high invasiveness, scarcity of donor
      organs, thrombosis or stenosis of devices, immune rejection, and prolonged
      hospitalization time. Injectable hydrogels have emerged as a promising solution
      for in situ cardiac tissue repair in infarcted hearts after MI. In this review,
      an overview of various natural and synthetic hydrogels for potential application
      as injectable hydrogels in cardiac tissue repair and regeneration is presented.
      The review starts with brief discussions about the pathology of MI, its current
      clinical treatments and their limitations, and the emergence of injectable
      hydrogels as a potential solution for post MI cardiac regeneration. It then
      summarizes various hydrogels, their compositions, structures and properties for
      potential application in post MI cardiac repair, and recent advancements in the
      application of injectable hydrogels in treatment of MI. Finally, the current
      challenges associated with the clinical application of injectable hydrogels to MI
      and their potential solutions are discussed to help guide the future research on
      injectable hydrogels for translational therapeutic applications in regeneration
      of cardiac tissue after MI.

PMID- 27668149
TI  - Conjugated Polymer Nanoparticles for Label-Free and Bioconjugate-Recognized DNA
      Sensing in Serum.
AB  - Hybridbio/-synthetic sensory conjugated polymer nanoparticles (CPNs) are
      developed for selective label-free detection of target ssDNA in serum. Carboxylic
      acid-functionalized anionic polyfluorene nanoparticles are rationally designed as
      signal amplifying unit to bioconjugate with amine functionalized single stranded
      oligonucleotides as a receptor. The covalent DNA coating can significantly
      improve the photostability of the DNA-bioconjugated CPNs over a wide range of
      buffer conditions. Better ssDNA discrimination for the DNA-bioconjugated CPNs
      sensor is achieved owing to increased interchain interactions and more efficient
      exciton transport in nanoparticles. The distinguishable fluorescent color for DNA
      bioconjugated CPNs in the presence of target ssDNA allows naked-eye detection of
      ssDNA under UV irradiation.

PMID- 27668150
TI  - Bio-Inspired Leaf-Mimicking Nanosheet/Nanotube Heterostructure as a Highly
      Efficient Oxygen Evolution Catalyst.
AB  - Plant leaves represent a unique 2D/1D heterostructure for enhanced surface
      reaction and efficient mass transport. Inspired by plant leaves, a 2D/1D CoO x
      heterostructure is developed that is composed of ultrathin CoO x nanosheets
      further assembled into a nanotube structure. This bio-inspired architecture
      allows a highly active Co2+ electronic structure for an efficient oxygen
      evolution reaction (OER) at the atomic scale, ultrahigh surface area (371 m2 g-1)
      for interfacial electrochemical reaction at the nanoscale, and enhanced transport
      of charge and electrolyte over CoO x nanotube building blocks at the microscale.
      Consequently, this CoO x nanosheet/nanotube heterostructure demonstrates a record
      high OER performance based on cobalt compounds reported so far, with an onset
      potential of ~1.46 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), a current
      density of 51.2 mA cm-2 at 1.65 V versus RHE, and a Tafel slope of 75 mV dec-1.
      Using the CoO x nanosheet/nanotube catalyst and a Pt-mesh, a full water splitting
      cell with a 1.5-V battery is also demonstrated.

PMID- 27668151
TI  - Near-Infrared Colloidal Quantum Dots for Efficient and Durable
      Photoelectrochemical Solar-Driven Hydrogen Production.
AB  - A new hybrid photoelectrochemical photoanode is developed to generate H2 from
      water. The anode is composed of a TiO2 mesoporous frame functionalized by
      colloidal core@shell quantum dots (QDs) followed by CdS and ZnS capping layers.
      Saturated photocurrent density as high as 11.2 mA cm-2 in a solar-cell-driven
      photoelectrochemical system using near-infrared QDs is obtained.

PMID- 27668152
TI  - Photolithography-Compatible Templated Patterning of Functional Organic Materials
      in Emulsion.
AB  - A solution-processed patterning of functional organic materials in emulsion is
      reported. The concept is to absorb microdrops onto predefined locations by
      hydrophilicity difference. Owing to a universal solvent used, the method can be
      applied to pattern variety materials on substrates of interest over large size.
      The figure shows Rhodamine 6G patterned film.

PMID- 27668153
TI  - Factor analysis of the Milwaukee Inventory for Subtypes of Trichotillomania-Adult
      Version.
AB  - The Milwaukee Inventory for Subtypes of Trichotillomania-Adult Version (MIST-A;
      Flessner et al., 2008) measures the degree to which hair pulling in
      Trichotillomania (TTM) can be described as "automatic" (i.e., done without
      awareness and unrelated to affective states) and/or "focused" (i.e., done with
      awareness and to regulate affective states). Despite preliminary evidence in
      support of the psychometric properties of the MIST-A, emerging research suggests
      the original factor structure may not optimally capture TTM phenomenology. Using
      data from a treatment-seeking TTM sample, the current study examined the factor
      structure of the MIST-A via exploratory factor analysis. The resulting two factor
      solution suggested the MIST-A consists of a 5-item "awareness of pulling" factor
      that measures the degree to which pulling is done with awareness and an 8-item
      "internal-regulated pulling" factor that measures the degree to which pulling is
      done to regulate internal stimuli (e.g., emotions, cognitions, and urges).
      Correlational analyses provided preliminary evidence for the validity of these
      derived factors. Findings from this study challenge the notions of "automatic"
      and "focused" pulling styles and suggest that researchers should continue to
      explore TTM subtypes.

PMID- 27668154
TI  - Open the black box; is urine valuable for screening BK virus-associated
      nephropathy?

PMID- 27668155
TI  - Experimental systems to study the origin of the myofibroblast in peritoneal
      fibrosis.
AB  - Peritoneal fibrosis is one of the major complications occurring in long-term
      peritoneal dialysis patients as a result of injury. Peritoneal fibrosis is
      characterized by submesothelial thickening and fibrosis which is associated with
      a decline in peritoneal membrane function. The myofibroblast has been identified
      as the key player involved in the development and progression of peritoneal
      fibrosis. Activation of the myofibroblast is correlated with expansion of the
      extracellular matrix and changes in peritoneal membrane integrity. Over the
      years, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been accepted as the
      predominant source of the myofibroblast. Peritoneal mesothelial cells have been
      described to undergo EMT in response to injury. Several animal and in vitro
      studies support the role of EMT in peritoneal fibrosis; however, emerging
      evidence from genetic fate-mapping studies has demonstrated that myofibroblasts
      may be arising from resident fibroblasts and pericytes/perivascular fibroblasts.
      In this review, we will discuss hypotheses currently surrounding the origin of
      the myofibroblast and highlight the experimental systems predominantly being used
      to investigate this. 

PMID- 27668156
TI  - Cicletanine-induced hyponatremia and hypokalemia in kidney transplant patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cicletanine is an antihypertensive agent with vasorelaxant and
      diuretic properties. It has been widely used in European countries; however,
      cicletanine-associated electrolyte disturbances have yet to be defined. We
      investigated cicletanine-induced hyponatremia and hypokalemia in kidney
      transplant patients. METHODS: Data from a total of 68 kidney transplant
      recipients who were treated for hypertension with cicletanine were
      retrospectively analyzed. Cicletanine-induced hyponatremia and hypokalemia were
      defined as serum sodium < 135 mmol/L and potassium < 3.5 mmol/L, respectively,
      after the use of cicletanine. RESULTS: The average patient age was 50 (+/-11)
      years, and 44 (65%) were male. The daily dose of cicletanine was 171 +/- 46 mg,
      and the duration of drug use was 215 +/- 514 days. Hyponatremia occurred in 11
      patients (16.2%), and hypokalemia occurred in 8 patients (11.8%). Three patients
      (4.4%) had hyponatremia and hypokalemia simultaneously. The duration of
      cicletanine administration was significantly longer in patients with hyponatremia
      than in those without hyponatremia (943 +/- 958 vs. 74 +/- 166 days, P < 0.05).
      The occurrence of hypokalemia was not affected by either daily dose or duration
      of drug use. Among 11 patients with hyponatremia, 10 were corrected within 2
      weeks after withdrawal of the drug and 1 was spontaneously corrected. Among 8
      cases of hypokalemia, 7 were corrected after withdrawal of the drug and 1 was
      spontaneously corrected. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate that cicletanine may induce
      hyponatremia or hypokalemia in kidney transplant patients. Hyponatremia is more
      frequently associated with cicletanine than hypokalemia, and extended use of
      cicletanine may increase the risk of hyponatremia.

PMID- 27668157
TI  - Elevated serum immunoglobulin E level as a marker for progression of
      immunoglobulin A nephropathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Immunoglobulin E (IgE) has traditionally been associated with
      anaphylaxis and atopic disease. Previous studies reported that serum IgE levels
      are elevated in nephrotic syndrome and suggested IgE levels as a prognostic
      indicator in glomerular diseases. The aim of this study was to explore the
      association between serum IgE levels and renal outcome in patients with
      immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN). METHODS: We included 117 patients with
      biopsy-proven IgAN. Renal progression was defined if a patient meets one of these
      criteria: (1) a negative value of delta estimated glomerular filtration rate
      (mL/min/1.73 m(2)/mo) or (2) a rise in serum creatinine to an absolute level of
      >= 1.3 mg/dL (male) or 1.2 mg/dL (female). We defined delta changes in serum
      creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and proteinuria as a difference
      of values during the follow-up period. RESULTS: A total of 117 patients with IgAN
      were included. The serum IgE level was significantly high in the renal
      progressive group compared with the nonprogressive group. Sex and history of
      gross hematuria were significantly different between the high-IgE group and the
      low-IgE group. Regression analysis showed that a male sex, initial proteinuria,
      and change of proteinuria were significantly associated with serum IgE levels.
      CONCLUSION: The serum IgE level is potentially associated with disease
      progression and pathogenesis of IgAN.

PMID- 27668158
TI  - Plasma endocan level and prognosis of immunoglobulin A nephropathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Endocan, previously called endothelial cell-specific molecule-1, is a
      soluble proteoglycan that is secreted from vascular endothelial cells. Elevated
      plasma endocan levels were shown to be associated with poor cardiovascular
      outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We investigated the
      clinical relevance of plasma and urine endocan levels in patients with
      immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN). METHODS: Sixty-four patients with IgAN and
      20 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Plasma and urine endocan levels
      were measured. Clinical parameters, pathologic grades, and renal outcomes were
      compared among subgroups with different plasma and urine endocan levels. RESULTS:
      Both plasma and urine endocan levels were significantly higher in patients with
      IgAN than in controls. Elevated serum phosphorus and C-reactive protein were
      independent determinants for plasma endocan, and elevated C-reactive protein was
      also an independent determinant for urine endocan levels in multivariate
      analysis. Plasma endocan level was not significantly different across CKD stages,
      but patients with higher plasma endocan levels showed adverse renal outcome.
      Urine endocan levels were also elevated in patients with poor renal function. Cox
      proportional hazard models showed that high plasma endocan was an independent
      risk factor for CKD progression after adjusting for the well-known predictors of
      outcome in patients with IgAN. CONCLUSION: This study suggested that plasma
      endocan might be useful as a prognostic factor in patients with IgAN.

PMID- 27668159
TI  - Predictive factors of acute kidney injury in patients undergoing rectal surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite major advance in surgical techniques from open surgery to
      robot-assisted surgery, acute kidney injury (AKI) is still major postoperative
      complication in rectal surgery. The purpose of this study is to compare the
      incidence of postoperative AKI according to different surgical techniques and
      also the risk factors, outcomes of AKI in patients undergoing rectal cancer
      surgery. METHODS: A retrospective medical chart review was done in a total of 288
      patients who received proctectomy because of rectal cancer from 2011 to 2013.
      RESULTS: The mean patient age was 62 +/- 12 years, and male was 64.2%.
      Preoperative creatinine was 0.91 +/- 0.18 mg/dL. Open surgery was performed in
      9%, and laparoscopy assisted surgery or robot assisted surgery were performed in
      54.8% or 36.1% of patients, respectively. AKI developed in 11 patients (3.82%), 2
      (18%) of them received acute hemodialysis. Incidence of AKI was not different
      according to the surgical technique, however, the presence of diabetes,
      intraoperative shock, and postoperative ileus was associated with the development
      of AKI. In addition, AKI patients showed significantly longer hospital stay and
      higher mortality than non-AKI patients. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that
      despite advances in surgical techniques, incidence of postoperative AKI remains
      unchanged and also that postoperative AKI is associated with poor outcome. We
      also found that presence of diabetes, intraoperative shock and postoperative
      ileus are strongly associated with the development of AKI. More careful attention
      should be paid on high risk patients for the development of postoperative AKI
      regardless of surgical techniques.

PMID- 27668160
TI  - Prevalence of hypothyroidism in patients with chronic kidney disease: a cross
      sectional study from North India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is an increased prevalence of hypothyroidism in chronic kidney
      disease (CKD) patients as the glomerular filtration rate falls. However, there is
      a paucity of Indian data in this respect. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis was
      performed based on the database of the information system of a tertiary care
      hospital in northern India to retrieve results of nephrology CKD outpatients (>
      18 years of age) from September 2013 to October 2015 to determine the prevalence
      of hypothyroidism in the non-dialysis-dependent CKD population. Overt
      hypothyroidism was defined by a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level > 5.5
      mIU/L and free T4 level < 0.89 ng/dL with clinical symptoms. Subclinical
      hypothyroidism was defined by a TSH level > 5.5 mIU/L and a free T4 level >= 0.89
      ng/dL. RESULTS: Among 1,863 CKD patients, 358 patients underwent biochemical
      analysis for hypothyroidism. Among these, 143 had biochemical subclinical
      hypothyroidism and 59 had overt hypothyroidism. Patients in the overt hypothyroid
      group had significantly higher TSH levels and a lower free T4 level than those in
      the nonhypothyroid group. Patients with hypothyroidism (both clinical and
      subclinical) had significantly lower serum albumin and serum calcium levels than
      those in the nonhypothyroid group. Intact parathyroid hormone was also
      significantly higher in the hypothyroid groups. An increased prevalence of
      hypothyroidism was observed in patients with a reduction in the glomerular
      filtration rate. CONCLUSION: There is growing evidence of increased prevalence of
      hypothyroidism in dialysis-independent CKD patients. A number of findings such as
      lower serum albumin, serum calcium, and hemoglobin levels and higher intact
      parathyroid hormone levels are seen in this group. Specific treatment can help
      improve these. Hence, there is a need to formulate guidelines to screen this
      population for hypothyroidism.

PMID- 27668161
TI  - Low prealbumin levels are independently associated with higher mortality in
      patients on peritoneal dialysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prealbumin, a sensitive marker for protein-energy status, is also
      known as an independent risk factor for mortality in hemodialysis patients. We
      investigated the impact of prealbumin on survival in incident peritoneal dialysis
      (PD) patients. METHODS: In total, 136 incident PD patients (mean age, 53.0 +/-
      15.8 years) between 2002 and 2007 were enrolled in the study. Laboratory data,
      dialysis adequacy, and nutritional parameters were assessed 3 months after PD
      initiation. Patients were classified into 2 groups according to prealbumin level:
      high prealbumin (>= 40 mg/dL) and low prealbumin (< 40 mg/dL). RESULTS: The
      patients in the low-prealbumin group were older and had more comorbidities such
      as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases compared with the patients in the high
      prealbumin group. Mean subjective global assessment scores were lower, and the
      high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels were higher in the low-prealbumin
      group. Serum creatinine, albumin, and transferrin levels; percent lean body mass;
      and normalized protein catabolic rate were positively associated, whereas
      subjective global assessment scores and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein
      levels were negatively associated with prealbumin concentration. During the
      median follow-up of 49 months, patients in the lower prealbumin group had a
      higher mortality rate. Multivariate analysis revealed that prealbumin < 40 mg/dL
      (hazard ratio, 2.30; 95% confidence interval, 1.14-4.64) was an independent risk
      factor for mortality. In receiver operating characteristic curves, the area under
      the curve of prealbumin for mortality was the largest among the parameters.
      CONCLUSION: Prealbumin levels were an independent and sensitive predictor for
      mortality in incident PD patients, showing a good correlation with nutritional
      and inflammatory markers.

PMID- 27668162
TI  - High-level viruria as a screening tool for BK virus nephropathy in renal
      transplant recipients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although early monitoring of BK virus infection in renal transplant
      patients has led to improved outcomes over the past decade, it remains unclear
      whether monitoring for viremia is the best screening tool for BK virus
      nephropathy (BKVN). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of the medical
      records of 368 renal transplant recipients who had a minimum of 18 months of
      posttransplantation follow-up. The relationship between the presence of BK
      viruria and a composite end point of BK viremia/BKVN was established, and the
      predictive value of high-grade BK viruria for development of viremia/BKVN was
      determined. RESULTS: High grade of BK viruria was present in 110 (30.1%) of the
      renal transplant recipients. BK viremia/BKVN was present in 64 (17.4%) patients
      and was 50 times more likely to be present in patients with high-grade BK
      viruria. The risk of developing BK viremia/BKVN was 3 times higher in high-grade
      viruria patients, and viruria preceded viremia by nearly 7 weeks. CONCLUSION: The
      presence of high-grade viruria is an early marker for developing BK viremia/BKVN.
      Detection of high-grade viruria should prompt early allograft biopsy and/or
      preemptive reduction in immunosuppression.

PMID- 27668164
TI  - Cardiac arrest caused by nafamostat mesilate.
AB  - A 65-year-old man was transferred from the Department of Vascular Surgery to
      Nephrology because of cardiac arrest during hemodialysis. He underwent incision
      and drainage for treatment of a buttock abscess. Nafamostat mesilate was used as
      an anticoagulant for hemodialysis to address bleeding from the incision and
      drainage site. Sudden cardiac arrest occurred after 15 minutes of dialysis. The
      patient was treated in the intensive care unit for 5 days. Continuous veno-venous
      hemodiafiltration was started without any anticoagulant in the intensive care
      unit. Conventional hemodialysis was reinitiated, and nafamostat mesilate was used
      again because of a small amount of continued bleeding. Ten minutes after
      hemodialysis, the patient complained of anaphylactic signs and symptoms such as
      dyspnea, hypotension, and facial swelling. Epinephrine, dexamethasone, and
      pheniramin were injected under the suspicion of anaphylactic shock, and the
      patient recovered. Total immunoglobulin E titer was high, and skin prick test
      revealed weak positivity for nafamostat mesilate. We first report a case of
      anaphylactic shock caused by nafamostat mesilate in Korea. 

PMID- 27668165
TI  - Henoch-Schonlein purpura nephritis and colitis in an adult patient with alcoholic
      liver cirrhosis.

PMID- 27668163
TI  - Rhabdomyolysis in a patient taking nebivolol.
AB  - beta Blockers such as propranolol and labetalol are known to induce toxic
      myopathy because of their partial beta2 adrenoceptor agonistic effect. Nebivolol
      has the highest beta1 receptor affinity among beta blockers, and it has never
      been reported to induce rhabdomyolysis until now. We report a patient who
      developed rhabdomyolysis after changing medication to nebivolol. A 75-year-old
      woman was admitted to our hospital because of generalized weakness originating 2
      weeks before visiting. Approximately 1 month before her admission, her medication
      was changed from carvedilol 12.5 mg to nebivolol 5 mg. Over this time span, she
      had no other lifestyle changes causing rhabdomyolysis. Her blood chemistry and
      whole body bone scan indicated rhabdomyolysis. We considered newly prescribed
      nebivolol as a causal agent. She was prescribed carvedilol 12.5 mg, which she was
      previously taking, instead of nebivolol. She was treated by hydration and urine
      alkalization. She had fully recovered and was discharged. 

PMID- 27668166
TI  - The association between acute kidney injury in renal infarction and progression
      to chronic kidney disease.

PMID- 27668167
TI  - The authors reply.

PMID- 27668168
TI  - Omics challenges and unmet translational needs.

PMID- 27668169
TI  - Standardization and quality management in next-generation sequencing.
AB  - DNA sequencing continues to evolve quickly even after > 30 years. Many new
      platforms suddenly appeared and former established systems have vanished in
      almost the same manner. Since establishment of next-generation sequencing
      devices, this progress gains momentum due to the continually growing demand for
      higher throughput, lower costs and better quality of data. In consequence of this
      rapid development, standardized procedures and data formats as well as
      comprehensive quality management considerations are still scarce. Here, we listed
      and summarized current standardization efforts and quality management initiatives
      from companies, organizations and societies in form of published studies and
      ongoing projects. These comprise on the one hand quality documentation issues
      like technical notes, accreditation checklists and guidelines for validation of
      sequencing workflows. On the other hand, general standard proposals and quality
      metrics are developed and applied to the sequencing workflow steps with the main
      focus on upstream processes. Finally, certain standard developments for
      downstream pipeline data handling, processing and storage are discussed in brief.
      These standardization approaches represent a first basis for continuing work in
      order to prospectively implement next-generation sequencing in important areas
      such as clinical diagnostics, where reliable results and fast processing is
      crucial. Additionally, these efforts will exert a decisive influence on
      traceability and reproducibility of sequence data. 

PMID- 27668170
TI  - Metabolic modeling with Big Data and the gut microbiome.
AB  - The recent advances in high-throughput omics technologies have enabled
      researchers to explore the intricacies of the human microbiome. On the clinical
      front, the gut microbial community has been the focus of many biomarker-discovery
      studies. While the recent deluge of high-throughput data in microbiome research
      has been vastly informative and groundbreaking, we have yet to capture the full
      potential of omics-based approaches. Realizing the promise of multi-omics data
      will require integration of disparate omics data, as well as a biologically
      relevant, mechanistic framework - or metabolic model - on which to overlay these
      data. Also, a new paradigm for metabolic model evaluation is necessary. Herein,
      we outline the need for multi-omics data integration, as well as the accompanying
      challenges. Furthermore, we present a framework for characterizing the ecology of
      the gut microbiome based on metabolic network modeling. 

PMID- 27668171
TI  - A systems approach to personalised nutrition: Report on the Keystone Symposium
      "Human Nutrition, Environment and Health".

PMID- 27668172
TI  - Barriers to clinical adoption of next generation sequencing: Perspectives of a
      policy Delphi panel.
AB  - This research aims to inform policymakers by engaging expert stakeholders to
      identify, prioritize, and deliberate the most important and tractable policy
      barriers to the clinical adoption of next generation sequencing (NGS). A 4-round
      Delphi policy study was done with a multi-stakeholder panel of 48 experts. The
      first 2 rounds of online questionnaires (reported here) assessed the importance
      and tractability of 28 potential barriers to clinical adoption of NGS across 3
      major policy domains: intellectual property, coverage and reimbursement, and FDA
      regulation. We found that: 1) proprietary variant databases are seen as a key
      challenge, and a potentially intractable one; 2) payer policies were seen as a
      frequent barrier, especially a perceived inconsistency in standards for coverage;
      3) relative to other challenges considered, FDA regulation was not strongly
      perceived as a barrier to clinical use of NGS. Overall the results indicate a
      perceived need for policies to promote data-sharing, and a desire for consistent
      payer coverage policies that maintain reasonably high standards of evidence for
      clinical utility, limit testing to that needed for clinical care decisions, and
      yet also flexibly allow for clinician discretion to use genomic testing in
      uncertain circumstances of high medical need. 

PMID- 27668173
TI  - Nasal high flow reduces hypercapnia by clearance of anatomical dead space in a
      COPD patient.
AB  - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with hypercapnia is associated with
      increased mortality. Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) can lower hypercapnia and
      ventilator loads but is hampered by a low adherence rate leaving a majority of
      patients insufficiently treated. Recently, nasal high flow (NHF) has been
      introduced in the acute setting in adults, too. It is an open nasal cannula
      system for delivering warm and humidified air or oxygen at high flow rates (2-50
      L/min) assisting ventilation. It was shown that this treatment can improve
      hypercapnia. The mechanism of reducing arterial carbon dioxide (CO2) is proposed
      through a reduction in nasal dead space ventilation, but there are no studies in
      which dead space volume was measured in spontaneously breathing subjects. In our
      case report we measured in a tracheostomized COPD patient CO2 and pressure via
      sealed ports in the tracheostomy cap and monitored transcutaneous CO2 and tidal
      volumes. NHF (30 L/min mixed with 3 L/min oxygen) was administered repeatedly at
      15-minutes intervals. Inspired CO2 decreased instantly with onset of NHF,
      followed by a reduction in transcutaneous/arterial CO2. Minute ventilation on
      nasal high flow was also reduced by 700 ml, indicating that nasal high flow led
      to a reduction of dead space ventilation thereby improving alveolar ventilation.
      In conclusion, NHF assist ventilation through clearance of anatomical dead space,
      which improves alveolar ventilation. Since the reduction in hypercapnia was
      similar to that reported with effective NIV treatment NHF may become an
      alternative to NIV in hypercapnic respiratory failure. 

PMID- 27668174
TI  - Focal lung infiltrate complicating PD-1 inhibitor use: A new pattern of drug
      associated lung toxicity?
AB  - A 58-year-old woman with stage 4 adenocarcinoma of the lung being treated with
      pembrolizumab developed dyspnea, non-productive cough, and a right middle lobe
      infiltrate. Complete resolution of the infiltrate with cessation of
      pembrolizumab, initiation of prednisone and no antibiotic therapy suggested drug
      associated lung toxicity as the cause. While the programmed death-1 (PD-1)
      inhibitors -pembrolizumab and nivolumab - have been implicated as a cause of
      diffuse or multifocal pulmonary infiltrates, the current case represents, to our
      knowledge, the first instance of a unilobar, focal infiltrate associated with
      their use. We speculate that the blockade of immune tolerance that is the
      hallmark of PD-1 inhibitors might cause atypical inflammatory reactions such as
      the focal lobar infiltrate seen in the current patient. Awareness of this novel
      radiographic pattern of drug-associated lung toxicity may enhance clinicians'
      management of patients receiving. 

PMID- 27668175
TI  - Changes of grey matter volume in first-episode drug-naive adult major depressive
      disorder patients with different age-onset.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Little is known about the pathological mechanism of early adult onset
      depression (EOD) and later adult onset depression (LOD). We seek to determine
      whether grey matter volume (GMV) change in EOD and LOD are different, which could
      also delineate EOD and LOD. METHODS: In present study, 147 first-episode, drug
      naive patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), age between 18 and 45, were
      divided into two groups on the basis of age of MDD onset: the early adult onset
      group (age 18-29) and the later adult onset group (age 30-44), and a total of 130
      gender-, and age-, matched healthy controls (HC) were also divided into two
      groups which fit for each patient group. Magnetic resonance imaging was conducted
      on all subjects. The voxel-based morphometry (VBM) approach was employed to
      analyze the images. RESULTS: Widespread abnormalities of GMV throughout parietal,
      temporal, limbic regions, occipital cortex and cerebellum were observed in MDD
      patients. Compare to young HC, reduced GMV in right fusiform gyrus, right middle
      temporal gyrus, vermis III and increased GMV in right middle occipital gyrus were
      seen in the EOD group. In contrast, relative to old HC, decreased GMV in the
      right hippocampus and increased GMV in the left middle temporal gyrus were
      observed in the LOD group. Compared to the LOD group, the EOD group had smaller
      GMV in right posterior cingulate cortex. There was no significant correlation
      between GMV of the right posterior cingulate cortex and the score of the
      depression rating scale in patients group. CONCLUSIONS: The GMV of the brain
      areas that were related to mood regulation was decreased in the first-episode,
      drug-naive adult patients with MDD. Adult patients with EOD and LOD exhibited
      different GMV changes relative to each age-matched comparison group, suggesting
      depressed adult patients with different age-onset might have different
      pathological mechanism.

PMID- 27668176
TI  - Aberrant prefrontal beta oscillations predict episodic memory encoding deficits
      in schizophrenia.
AB  - Verbal episodic memory is one of the core cognitive functions affected in
      patients with schizophrenia (SZ). Although this verbal memory impairment in SZ is
      a well-known finding, our understanding about its underlying neurophysiological
      mechanisms is rather scarce. Here we address this issue by recording brain
      oscillations during a memory task in a sample of healthy controls and patients
      with SZ. Brain oscillations represent spectral fingerprints of specific
      neurocognitive operations and are therefore a promising tool to identify
      neurocognitive mechanisms that are affected by SZ. Healthy controls showed a
      prominent suppression of left prefrontal beta oscillatory activity during
      successful memory formation, which replicates several previous oscillatory memory
      studies. In contrast, patients failed to exhibit such a left prefrontal beta
      power suppression. Utilizing a new topographical pattern similarity approach, we
      further demonstrate that the degree of similarity between a patient's beta power
      decrease to that of the controls reliably predicted memory performance. This
      relationship between beta power decreases and memory was such that the patients'
      memory performance improved as they showed a more similar topographical beta
      desynchronization pattern compared to that of healthy controls. Together, these
      findings support left prefrontal beta desynchronization as the spectral
      fingerprint of verbal episodic memory formation, likely indicating deep semantic
      processing of verbal material. These findings also demonstrate that left
      prefrontal beta power suppression (or lack thereof) during memory encoding are a
      reliable biomarker for the observed encoding impairments in SZ in verbal memory.

PMID- 27668177
TI  - The life cycle of the reptile-inhabiting nematode Abbreviata hastaspicula
      (Spirurida: Physalopteridae: Physalopterinae) in Australia.
AB  - This study elucidates the life-cycle of the reptile inhabiting nematode
      Abbreviata hastaspicula (Spirurida: Physalopteridae: Physalopterinae) in
      Australia. Eight Varanus gouldii (Lacertilia: Varanidae), and two Christinus
      marmoratus (Reptilia: Gekkonidae) lizards were captured in the wild. Two V.
      gouldii were used as controls and no experimental procedures were carried out on
      them. Another six V. gouldii (final host) and the two C. marmoratus (paratenic
      host) were treated with oral anthelmintics to remove all parasitic worms and were
      fed with infected live arthropods containing third stage larvae of Abbreviata
      hastaspicula. Faeces of V. gouldii were examined under the microscope weekly to
      determine whether the third stage larvae had developed into adults. Two months
      later, a total of 30 larvae and adults of A. hastaspicula were found in the
      stomachs of four experimentally-infected V. gouldii lizards. No cysts or larva
      were found in the C. marmoratus. This is the first study to demonstrate the life
      cycle of this genus of nematode in their definitive reptile hosts. 

PMID- 27668178
TI  - Controllable yawning expressed as focal seizures of frontal lobe epilepsy.
AB  - Excessive yawning was described in some neurological conditions as part of
      periictal or ictal manifestations of epilepsy, most commonly temporal lobe. We
      present the first case of controllable yawning as a primary seizure semiology
      with dominant frontal lobe involvement in a 20-year-old man. Video
      electroencephalography recorded 8 yawning episodes accompanied with right arm
      movement correlating with rhythmic diffuse theta range activity with left
      hemispheric predominance. Magnetoencephalography coherence source imaging was
      consistent with persistent neuronal networks with areas of high coherence
      reliably present over the left lateral orbitofrontal region. Epileptogenic areas
      may have widespread networks involving the dominant frontal lobe in unique
      symptomatogenic areas. 

PMID- 27668179
TI  - A case of symptomatic reflex epilepsy precipitated by bathing.

PMID- 27668180
TI  - A case report on the efficacy of vigabatrin analogue (1S, 3S)-3-amino-4
      difluoromethylenyl-1-cyclopentanoic acid (CPP-115) in a patient with infantile
      spasms.
AB  - West Syndrome is characterized by infantile spasms, a hypsarrhythmic
      electroencephalogram (EEG) pattern, and a poor neurodevelopmental prognosis.
      First-line treatments include adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and vigabatrin,
      but adverse effects often limit their use. CPP-115 is a high-affinity vigabatrin
      analogue developed to increase therapeutic potency and to limit retinal toxicity.
      Here, we present a child treated with CPP-115 through an investigational new drug
      protocol who experienced a marked reduction of seizures with no evidence of
      retinal dysfunction. Given the potential consequences of ongoing infantile spasms
      and the limitations of available treatments, further assessment of CPP-115 is
      warranted. 

PMID- 27668181
TI  - Individualizing therapies with responsive epilepsy neurostimulation - A
      mirtazapine case study of hippocampal excitability.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate mirtazapine-induced changes in
      responsive neurostimulator (RNS) recordings in a patient with epilepsy. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Cortical detection/stimulation counts from an RNS implanted in a
      patient with bitemporal epilepsy were matched to mirtazapine use to see if that
      drug altered hippocampal excitability. RESULTS: Mirtazapine decreased hippocampal
      stability; when mirtazapine was held after a washout period, DSC counts declined,
      but when it was retrialed, DSC counts increased. Responsive epilepsy
      neurostimulator system data helped design an optimal and individualized
      medication regimen for our patient with drug-resistant focal epilepsy.
      CONCLUSIONS: Responsive neurostimulator systems in epilepsy may assess a
      medication's effect on hippocampal excitability. Mirtazapine worsened hippocampal
      excitability in a patient with bitemporal epilepsy.

PMID- 27668182
TI  - Unusual atypical language lateralization.
AB  - Determining the language-dominant hemisphere is essential for planning epilepsy
      surgery. A 60-year-old right-handed woman with epilepsy since age 16 failed a
      partial right anterior lobectomy at age 21. Later, a brain MRI found extensive
      right-sided cortical dysplasia and periventricular heterotopia. Subsequently,
      prolonged video-EEG monitoring localized her seizures to the right
      temporoparietal region. Functional MRI was inconclusive in lateralizing her
      language, prompting a Wada test, which strongly lateralized language to the
      right. This unique case of atypical language representation in a right-handed
      individual with an extensive right-hemispheric congenital malformation and
      seizure focus illustrates the important thorough presurgical language assessment.

PMID- 27668183
TI  - Draft genome sequence of the extremely halophilic Halorubrum sp. SAH-A6 isolated
      from rock salts of the Danakil depression, Ethiopia.
AB  - The draft genome sequence of Halorubrum sp. SAH-A6, isolated from commercial rock
      salts of the Danakil depression, Ethiopia. The genome comprised 3,325,770 bp,
      with the G + C content of 68.0%. The strain has many genes which are responsible
      for secondary metabolites biosynthesis, transport and catabolism as compared to
      other Halorubrum archaea members. Abundant genes responsible for numerous
      transport systems, solute accumulation, and aromatic/sulfur decomposition were
      detected. The first genomic analysis encourages further research on comparative
      genomics, and biotechnological applications. The NCBI accession number for this
      genome is SAMN04278861 and ID: 4278861 and strain deposited with accession number
      KCTC 43215. 

PMID- 27668184
TI  - Transcriptome profiling of Curcuma longa L. cv. Suvarna.
AB  - Turmeric is an economically valued crop, because of its utility in the food,
      pharmaceutical industries and Ayurvedic medicine, attracts the attention in many
      areas of research work. In the present study, we executed resequencing through
      transcriptome assembly of the turmeric cultivar Suvarna (CL_Suv_10). Resequencing
      of Suvarna variety has generated 5 Gbases raw data with 75 bp paired-end
      sequence. The raw data has been submitted to SRA database of NCBI with accession
      number SRR4042181. Reads were assembled using Cufflinks-2.2.1 tool which ended up
      with 42994 numbers of transcripts. The length of transcripts ranged from 83
      to15565, with a N50 value 1216 and median transcript length 773. The transcripts
      were annotated through number of databases. For the first time transcriptome
      profiling of cultivar Suvarna has been done, which could help towards
      identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) between Suvarna and
      other turmeric cultivars for its authentic identification. 

PMID- 27668185
TI  - De novo transcriptome assembly of mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) fruit.
AB  - Garcinia mangostana L. (Mangosteen), of the family Clusiaceae, is one of the
      economically important tropical fruits in Indonesia. In the present study, we
      performed de novo transcriptomic analysis of Garcinia mangostana L. through RNA
      Seq technology. We obtained the raw data from 12 libraries through Ion Proton
      System. Clean reads of 191,735,809 were obtained from 307,634,890 raw reads. The
      raw data obtained in this study can be accessible in DDBJ database with accession
      number of DRA005014 with bioproject accession number of PRJDB5091. We obtained
      268,851 transcripts as well as 155,850 unigenes, having N50 value of 555 and 433
      bp, respectively. Transcript/unigene length ranged from 201 to 5916 bp. The
      unigenes were annotated with two main databases from NCBI and UniProtKB,
      respectively having annotated-sequences of 73,287 and 73,107, respectively. These
      transcriptomic data will be beneficial for studying transcriptome of Garcinia
      mangostana L. 

PMID- 27668186
TI  - Nephrocalcinosis and retinal dystrophy, rare manifestations of MPV17-related
      mitochondrial depletion syndrome?

PMID- 27668187
TI  - Approach to the management of rare clinical presentations of macroprolactinomas
      in reproductive-aged women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe 2 cases of macroprolactinomas with atypical presentation
      in women desiring pregnancy that illustrate important considerations in the
      management approach for macroprolactinomas in reproductive-aged women. PATIENTS:
      Case 1 was a 26-year-old woman referred to our institution for possible tumor
      resection after pituitary apoplexy during her first pregnancy. Instead, she
      underwent treatment with cabergoline for a year with goals of normalization of
      prolactin and decrease in tumor size to <1 cm before trying to conceive. Case 2
      was an 18-year-old woman with a macroprolactinoma intolerant to dopamine
      agonists. She underwent stereotactic radiosurgery, with marked reduction in tumor
      size and normalization of prolactin levels. She conceived and delivered a healthy
      infant 3 years after radiosurgery. CONCLUSION: Management of macroprolactinomas
      in women desiring pregnancy requires careful consideration of alternatives to
      surgery which could impair pituitary function and fertility and awareness of
      treatment goals that can minimize the risks for pituitary apoplexy and vision
      loss during pregnancy. It is important to increase awareness of these options
      prior to initiation of treatment and conception.

PMID- 27668189
TI  - Reader's Forum.

PMID- 27668188
TI  - Impact of Smoking on Nutrition and the Food Poverty Level in Tanzania.
AB  - This study considers the effect of household cigarette expenditure on food
      poverty indicators in Tanzania. We first compare expenditure patterns as well as
      the household size of non-smokers and smokers. We find that the majority of non
      smokers and smokers have low incomes, and that the mean total per capita
      expenditure (proxy for income) of non-smokers is slightly higher than those of
      smokers. On the other hand, the mean household size of non-smokers was smaller
      compared to that of smokers suggesting that smokers should have spent more on
      food. Next, we estimate and compare daily calorie intake between both groups.
      Almost 19 percent of non-smokers were found to be below the poverty line. The
      corresponding value for smokers was almost 24 percent. Estimates from a multiple
      linear regression on the determinants of per capita daily calorie intake reveal
      that per capita cigarette consumption appears to negatively affect daily calorie
      intake significantly. Given that the majority of all respondents belong to a low
      income group, this suggests that expenditure on cigarettes may be at the expense
      of calorie intake.

PMID- 27668190
TI  - Sphenoid bone changes in rapid maxillary expansion assessed with cone-beam
      computed tomography.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Rapid maxillary expansion (RME) is used to expand the maxilla and
      increase arch perimeter; yet, there are few reports on its effects on the
      sphenoid bone. With cone-beam computed topography (CBCT), it is possible to
      visualize sphenoid bone changes. The purpose of this study was to investigate
      sphenoid bone changes observed in conjunction with RME treatments, using CBCT.
      METHODS: Sixty patients (34 women and 26 men, aged 11-17 years) underwent RME as
      part of their orthodontic treatment. Patients were randomly assigned to one of
      three groups: a tooth-anchored group, a bone-anchored group, or a control group.
      Initial CBCT scans were performed preceding the RME treatment (T1) and again
      directly after the completion of expansion (T2). Statistical analysis included
      ANOVA, descriptive statistics, and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).
      RESULTS: The reliability of the landmark location was at least 0.783, and the
      largest ICC mean measurement error was 2.32 mm. With regard to distances, the
      largest change was 0.78 mm, which was not statistically significant (p > 0.05).
      Statistical significance was established in patient groups of the same sex and
      treatment type for the following distance measurements: right anterior lateral
      pterygoid plate to the right edge of the hypophyseal fossa (d2), anterior
      distance between the medial pterygoid plates (d4), and anterior distance between
      the left medial and lateral plates (d8). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, there were
      no clinically significant changes in the sphenoid bone due to RME treatments
      regardless of sex or treatment type.

PMID- 27668191
TI  - Three-dimensional evaluation of tooth movement in Class II malocclusions treated
      without extraction by orthodontic mini-implant anchorage.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze tooth movement and arch width
      changes in maxillary dentition following nonextraction treatment with orthodontic
      mini-implant (OMI) anchorage in Class II division 1 malocclusions. METHODS:
      Seventeen adult patients diagnosed with Angle's Class II division 1 malocclusion
      were treated by nonextraction with OMIs as anchorage for distalization of whole
      maxillary dentition. Three-dimensional virtual maxillary models were superimposed
      with the best-fit method at the pretreatment and post-treatment stages. Linear,
      angular, and arch width variables were measured using Rapidform 2006 software,
      and analyzed by the paired t-test. RESULTS: All maxillary teeth showed
      statistically significant movement posteriorly (p < 0.05). There were no
      significant changes in the vertical position of the maxillary teeth, except that
      the second molars were extruded (0.86 mm, p < 0.01). The maxillary first and
      second molars were rotated distal-in (4.5 degrees , p < 0.001; 3.0 degrees , p <
      0.05, respectively). The intersecond molar width increased slightly (0.1 mm, p >
      0.05) and the intercanine, interfirst premolar, intersecond premolar, and
      interfirst molar widths increased significantly (2.2 mm, p < 0.01; 2.2 mm, p <
      0.05; 1.9 mm, p < 0.01; 2.0 mm, p < 0.01; respectively). CONCLUSIONS:
      Nonextraction treatment with OMI anchorage for Class II division 1 malocclusions
      could retract the whole maxillary dentition to achieve a Class I canine and molar
      relationship without a change in the vertical position of the teeth; however, the
      second molars were significantly extruded. Simultaneously, the maxillary arch was
      shown to be expanded with distal-in rotation of the molars.

PMID- 27668192
TI  - A three-dimensional finite element analysis of molar distalization with a palatal
      plate, pendulum, and headgear according to molar eruption stage.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to (1) evaluate the effects of maxillary second and
      third molar eruption status on the distalization of first molars with a modified
      palatal anchorage plate (MPAP), and (2) compare the results to the outcomes of
      the use of a pendulum and that of a headgear using three-dimensional finite
      element analysis. METHODS: Three eruption stages were established: an erupting
      second molar at the cervical one-third of the first molar root (Stage 1), a fully
      erupted second molar (Stage 2), and an erupting third molar at the cervical one
      third of the second molar root (Stage 3). Retraction forces were applied via
      three anchorage appliance models: an MPAP with bracket and archwire, a bone
      anchored pendulum appliance, and cervical-pull headgear. RESULTS: An MPAP showed
      greater root movement of the first molar than crown movement, and this was more
      noticeable in Stages 2 and 3. With the other devices, the first molar showed
      distal tipping. Transversely, the first molar had mesial-out rotation with
      headgear and mesial-in rotation with the other devices. Vertically, the first
      molar was intruded with an MPAP, and extruded with the other appliances.
      CONCLUSIONS: The second molar eruption stage had an effect on molar
      distalization, but the third molar follicle had no effect. The application of an
      MPAP may be an effective treatment option for maxillary molar distalization.

PMID- 27668194
TI  - The effects of alveolar bone loss and miniscrew position on initial tooth
      displacement during intrusion of the maxillary anterior teeth: Finite element
      analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the optimal loading conditions
      for pure intrusion of the six maxillary anterior teeth with miniscrews according
      to alveolar bone loss. METHODS: A three-dimensional finite element model was
      created for a segment of the six anterior teeth, and the positions of the
      miniscrews and hooks were varied after setting the alveolar bone loss to 0, 2, or
      4 mm. Under 100 g of intrusive force, initial displacement of the individual
      teeth in three directions and the degree of labial tilting were measured.
      RESULTS: The degree of labial tilting increased with reduced alveolar bone height
      under the same load. When a miniscrew was inserted between the two central
      incisors, the amounts of medial-lateral and anterior-posterior displacement of
      the central incisor were significantly greater than in the other conditions. When
      the miniscrews were inserted distally to the canines and an intrusion force was
      applied distal to the lateral incisors, the degree of labial tilting and the
      amounts of displacement of the six anterior teeth were the lowest, and the
      maximum von Mises stress was distributed evenly across all the teeth, regardless
      of the bone loss. CONCLUSIONS: Initial tooth displacement similar to pure
      intrusion of the six maxillary anterior teeth was induced when miniscrews were
      inserted distal to the maxillary canines and an intrusion force was applied
      distal to the lateral incisors. In this condition, the maximum von Mises stresses
      were relatively evenly distributed across all the teeth, regardless of the bone
      loss.

PMID- 27668193
TI  - Evaluation of stability after pre-orthodontic orthognathic surgery using cone
      beam computed tomography: A comparison with conventional treatment.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the skeletal and dental changes
      after intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy (IVRO) with and without presurgical
      orthodontics by using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS: This
      retrospective cohort study included 24 patients (mean age, 22.1 years) with
      skeletal Class III malocclusion who underwent bimaxillary surgery with IVRO. The
      patients were divided into the preorthodontic orthognathic surgery (POGS) group
      (n = 12) and conventional surgery (CS) group (n = 12). CBCT images acquired
      preoperatively, 1 month after surgery, and 1 year after surgery were analyzed to
      compare the intergroup differences in postoperative three-dimensional movements
      of the maxillary and mandibular landmarks and the changes in lateral
      cephalometric variables. RESULTS: Baseline demographics (sex and age) were
      similar between the two groups (6 men and 6 women in each group). During the
      postsurgical period, the POGS group showed more significant upward movement of
      the mandible (p < 0.05) than did the CS group. Neither group showed significant
      transverse movement of any of the skeletal landmarks. Moreover, none of the
      dental and skeletal variables showed significant intergroup differences 1 year
      after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with CS, POGS with IVRO resulted in
      significantly different postsurgical skeletal movement in the mandible. Although
      both groups showed similar skeletal and dental outcomes at 1 year after surgery,
      upward movement of the mandible during the postsurgical period should be
      considered to ensure a more reliable outcome after POGS.

PMID- 27668195
TI  - Quantitative evaluation of midpalatal suture maturation via fractal analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether the results of
      fractal analysis can be used as criteria for midpalatal suture maturation
      evaluation. METHODS: The study included 131 subjects aged over 18 years of age
      (range 18.1-53.4 years) who underwent cone-beam computed tomography. Skeletonized
      images of the midpalatal suture were obtained via image processing software and
      used to calculate fractal dimensions. Correlations between maturation stage and
      fractal dimensions were calculated using Spearman's correlation coefficient.
      Optimal fractal dimension cut-off values were determined using a receiver
      operating characteristic curve. RESULTS: The distribution of maturation stages of
      the midpalatal suture according to the cervical vertebrae maturation index was
      highly variable, and there was a strong negative correlation between maturation
      stage and fractal dimension (-0.623, p < 0.001). Fractal dimension was a
      statistically significant indicator of dichotomous results with regard to
      maturation stage (area under curve = 0.794, p < 0.001). A test in which fractal
      dimension was used to predict the resulting variable that splits maturation
      stages into ABC and D or E yielded an optimal fractal dimension cut-off value of
      1.0235. CONCLUSIONS: There was a strong negative correlation between fractal
      dimension and midpalatal suture maturation. Fractal analysis is an objective
      quantitative method, and therefore we suggest that it may be useful for the
      evaluation of midpalatal suture maturation.

PMID- 27668196
TI  - Diagnostic methods for assessing maxillary skeletal and dental transverse
      deficiencies: A systematic review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy and reliability of the diagnostic tools
      available for assessing maxillary transverse deficiencies. METHODS: An electronic
      search of three databases was performed from their date of establishment to April
      2015, with manual searching of reference lists of relevant articles. Articles
      were considered for inclusion if they reported the accuracy or reliability of a
      diagnostic method or evaluation technique for maxillary transverse dimensions in
      mixed or permanent dentitions. Risk of bias was assessed in the included
      articles, using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool-2.
      RESULTS: Nine articles were selected. The studies were heterogeneous, with
      moderate to low methodological quality, and all had a high risk of bias. Four
      suggested that the use of arch width prediction indices with dental cast
      measurements is unreliable for use in diagnosis. Frontal cephalograms derived
      from cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were reportedly more reliable
      for assessing intermaxillary transverse discrepancies than posteroanterior
      cephalograms. Two studies proposed new three-dimensional transverse analyses with
      CBCT images that were reportedly reliable, but have not been validated for
      clinical sensitivity or specificity. No studies reported sensitivity,
      specificity, positive or negative predictive values or likelihood ratios, or ROC
      curves of the methods for the diagnosis of transverse deficiencies. CONCLUSIONS:
      Current evidence does not enable solid conclusions to be drawn, owing to a lack
      of reliable high quality diagnostic studies evaluating maxillary transverse
      deficiencies. CBCT images are reportedly more reliable for diagnosis, but further
      validation is required to confirm CBCT's accuracy and diagnostic superiority.

PMID- 27668197
TI  - Maternal uterine artery Doppler in the first and second trimesters as screening
      method for hypertensive disorders and adverse perinatal outcomes in low-risk
      pregnancies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the maternal demographic characteristics and uterine artery
      (UA) Doppler parameters at first and second trimesters of pregnancy as predictors
      for hypertensive disorders (HDs) and adverse perinatal outcomes. METHODS: This
      prospective cohort study comprised 162 singleton low-risk women undergoing
      routine antenatal care. The left and right UA were assessed by color and pulsed
      Doppler and the mean pulsatility and resistance indices as well as the presence
      of a bilateral protodiastolic notch were recorded at 11 to 14 and 20 to 24 weeks'
      gestation. Multilevel regression analysis was used to determine the effects of
      maternal characteristics and abnormal UA Doppler parameters on the incidence of
      HD, small for gestational age newborn, cesarean section rate, Apgar score <7 at
      1st and 5th minute, and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. RESULTS:
      Fifteen women (9.2%) developed HD. UA mean resistance index (RI), UA mean
      pulsatility index, and parity were independent predictors of HD. Compared to the
      pregnancies with a normal UA mean RI at the first and second trimesters,
      pregnancies with UA mean RI >95th percentile only at the first trimester showed
      an increased risk for HD (odds ratio, 23.25; 95% confidence interval, 3.47 to
      155.73; P<0.01). Similar result was found for UA mean pulsatility index >95th
      percentile (odds ratio, 9.84; 95% confidence interval, 1.05 to 92.10; P=0.05).
      The model including maternal age, maternal and paternal ethnicity, occupation,
      parity and UA mean RI increased the relative risk for HD (area under receiver
      operating characteristics, 0.81). CONCLUSION: A first-trimester screening
      combining maternal characteristics and UA Doppler parameters is useful to predict
      HD in a low-risk population.

PMID- 27668198
TI  - Screening for chromosomal abnormalities using combined test in the first
      trimester of pregnancy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to review the screening performance of
      combined test at the Ewha Womans University Mokdong hospital. METHODS: All women
      admitted for routine antenatal care between January 1st 2008 and December 31st
      2012 with a known pregnancy outcome were included in this study, totaling 1,156
      women with singleton pregnancies presenting at 10 to 13 weeks of gestation. Women
      were offered screening using a combination of maternal serum pregnancy-associated
      plasma protein-A, free beta-human chorionic gonadotropin and fetal nuchal
      translucency thickness. Those with an estimated risk of >=1 in 250 of carrying a
      fetus with trisomy 21 or >=1 in 300 risk of trisomy 18 were offered genetic
      counseling with the option of an invasive diagnostic test. RESULTS: The median of
      gestational age was 11+3 weeks, the median of crown-rump length was 47.1 mm, and
      the median age of the women was 31 years. The detection rate was 80% for trisomy
      21 (4 of 5) and 100% for trisomy 13 and 18 (all 2). The false-positive rate was
      7.73% for trisomy 21 and 1.21% for trisomy 18. CONCLUSION: This study was the
      first large population study performed with the aim of analyzing the performance
      of the combined test in Korea. This study demonstrated that the detection rates
      and other figures of the first trimester combined test are comparable to the
      results reported in other papers worldwide. Consequently, if strict conditions
      for good screening outcomes are achieved, the first trimester combined test might
      well be the earliest detectable screening, improving detection rates without
      increasing karyotyping or economic and other implications that inevitably ensue.

PMID- 27668199
TI  - The association between polycystic ovary syndrome and breast cancer: a meta
      analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The results of epidemiological studies investigated the association
      between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and the breast cancer are inconsistent.
      This meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the association between PCOS and the
      breast cancer risk. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus for
      observational studies until June 2015. Data were independently extracted and
      analyzed using 95% odds ratio, and confidence intervals (CIs) based on the random
      effects models. METHODS: We identified 970 references and conducted eight studies
      with 45,470 participants and 243,064 person- year. RESULTS: The association
      between PCOS and the breast cancer risk in case-control studies 0.87 (95% CI,
      0.44 to 1.31) and that of cohort studies was estimated 1.18 (95% CI, 0.93 to
      1.43). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis demonstrated that PCOS no does increase the
      risk of breast cancer. Further prospective cohort studies are needed to provide
      convincing evidence in order to PCOS can increase or not effect on the risk of
      the breast cancer.

PMID- 27668200
TI  - Surgical and obstetrical outcomes after laparoscopic radical trachelectomy and
      pelvic lymphadenectomy for early cervical cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the surgical and obstetrical
      outcomes of patients with early cervical cancer who underwent laparoscopic
      radical trachelectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy. METHODS: We analyzed data from
      women who underwent laparoscopic radical trachelectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy
      between July 2000 and October 2014. RESULTS: Of a total of 12 patients, 91.7%
      were FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) stages IA2 and
      IB1. Seven patients (58.3%) had squamous cell carcinoma. The median tumor size
      was 1.87 cm (range, focal to 4.6 cm) and two patients (16.7%) had a tumor lager
      than 2 cm. Lymphovascular space invasion in the tumor lesion was reported in six
      patients (50%). The following surgical complications were observed: neurogenic
      bladder (one patient), hemoperitoneum (one patient), and infection (one patient).
      A total of 33.3% had attempted to conceive, resulting in two pregnancies and two
      healthy babies. All pregnancies were achieved by in vitro fertilization and
      embryo transfer. Each woman underwent cesarean delivery because of premature pre
      labor rupture of membranes at gestational weeks 27.3 and 33.3. After a median
      follow-up time of 4.4 years (range, 1 to 8 years), there were no recurrences or
      deaths. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic radical trachelectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy
      should be offered as an alternative treatment for women with early stage cervical
      cancer who want to preserve their fertility.

PMID- 27668201
TI  - Etiologic characteristics and index pregnancy outcomes of recurrent pregnancy
      losses in Korean women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to evaluate the etiologies and clinical
      outcomes of Korean recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) patients. And also, we
      investigated the differences between primary and secondary RPL patients, between
      two and three or more pregnancy losses. METHODS: One hundred seventy eight women
      diagnosed as RPL were enrolled. We performed chromosomal analysis, thyroid
      stimulating hormone, prolactin, blood glucose, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1,
      natural killer cell proportion, anticardiolipin antibodies, antiphospholipid
      antibodies, lupus anticoagulant, anti-beta2glycoprotein-1 antibodies, antinuclear
      antibody, protein C, protein S, antithrombin III, homocysteine, MTFHR gene,
      factor V Leiden mutation, and hysterosalphingography/hysteroscopic evaluation.
      RESULTS: The mean age was 34.03+/-4.30 years, and mean number of miscarriages was
      2.69+/-1.11 (range, 2 to 11). Anatomical cause (13.5%), chromosomal abnormalities
      (5.6%), and endocrine disorders (34.3%) were observed in RPL women. Elevated
      natural killer cell and antiphospholipid antibodies were observed in 43.3% and
      7.3% each. Among of 178 women, 77 women were pregnant. After management of those
      women, live birth rate was 84.4% and mean gestational weeks was 37.63+/-5.12.
      Women with three or more RPL compared with women with two RPL had more common
      anatomical cause such as intrauterine adhesions and lower rates of spontaneous
      pregnancy. Compare with secondary RPL women, immunological abnormalities were
      more common in primary RPL. However, miscarriage rates were not different.
      CONCLUSION: Immunological factor including autoimmune and alloimmune disorders
      was most common etiology of RPL. Inherited thrombophilia showed different
      patterns with other ethnic countries. Miscarriage rates were not different
      between primary and secondary RPL, or between two and three or more miscarriages
      group.

PMID- 27668202
TI  - Umbilical cord ulceration: An underdiagnosed entity.
AB  - Umbilical cord ulceration is a rare condition presenting with sudden fetal
      bradycardia due to fetal hemorrhage and in most cases leading to intrauterine
      death. A strong association with intestinal atresia has been reported. Most cases
      present after 30 weeks of gestation, with preterm labor or rupture of membranes
      followed by sudden fetal bradycardia. We report two such cases of umbilical cord
      ulceration and review the available literature. One of the cases interestingly
      presented at 26 weeks, much earlier than what is reported in the world
      literature. In view of high perinatal mortality and morbidity, awareness of this
      condition is mandatory for timely and appropriate management to improve the fetal
      outcome. 

PMID- 27668203
TI  - An extremely rare case of prenatally diagnosed absent both aortic and pulmonary
      valves.
AB  - We describe a case of absent aortic and pulmonary valves, diagnosed at 16.4 weeks
      of gestation. Fetal echocardiography showed cardiomegaly with dilated both
      ventricles. No valve leaflets were observed in the aorta and pulmonary artery,
      and a typical to-and-fro flow pattern was noted in both great arteries on color
      Doppler imaging. Fetal hydrops was also detected. Follow-up ultrasonographic
      evaluation at 19 weeks demonstrated intrauterine fetal death. Postmortem autopsy
      revealed the absence of both aortic and pulmonary valve leaflets. To the best of
      our knowledge, this is the earliest diagnosed case of absent both aortic and
      pulmonary valves and only the second case to be diagnosed prenatally. 

PMID- 27668204
TI  - Hepatic infarction in a pregnant woman with antiphospholipid syndrome and triple
      antibody positivity: A case report focusing on catastrophic antiphospholipid
      syndrome.
AB  - Pregnant women with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) carry a high risk of arterial
      or venous thrombosis. Such thrombotic conditions occur more frequently in
      patients with triple positivity to antiphospholipid antibodies or with high
      antibody titers. Hepatic infarction is a rare complication in pregnant women with
      APS, and it sometimes mimics HELLP syndrome. This report describes a preeclamptic
      pregnant woman with APS who had high titers of three antiphospholipid antibodies.
      She experienced severe epigastric pain with elevated liver enzymes; in addition,
      she had tachycardia and tachypnea. The clinical findings suggested hepatic
      infarction and pulmonary thromboembolism, a partial manifestation of catastrophic
      APS. Therefore, she underwent emergent cesarean section at 25+2 weeks of
      gestation. After the delivery, her laboratory test indicated HELLP-like features,
      and computed tomography confirmed hepatic infarction and pulmonary micro
      thromboembolism. Here, we report a case of a partial manifestation of
      catastrophic APS in a pregnant woman with triple antibody positivity, including a
      brief literature review. 

PMID- 27668205
TI  - Aortic dissection accompanied by preeclampsia in a postpartum young woman.
AB  - Aortic dissection is very rare in obstetrics, but it is a fatal disease. A 37
      weeks primigravida woman with dyspnea and pitting edema presented to our
      emergency room. The patient was diagnosed with preeclampsia and underwent an
      emergency cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. The patient complained of
      severe dyspnea after the cesarean section, and the chest computed tomography scan
      was done. With the finding of aortic dissection, cardiopulmonary arrest occurred
      5 hours after the cesarean section, and the patient died without reaction to
      cardio-pulmonary resuscitation. If a patient with preeclampsia complains of
      severe dyspnea or chest pain, aortic dissection needs to be suspected and a
      diagnosis should not be delayed. 

PMID- 27668206
TI  - Fetal neuroblastoma: ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging findings in
      the prenatal and postnatal IV-S stage.
AB  - We report a case of a fetus with an ultrasonography diagnosis of a neuroblastoma
      during a routine third trimester fetal scan, which presented as a hyperechogenic
      nodule located above the right kidney. No other abnormalities were found in the
      ultrasonography scan; however, the follow-up ultrasonography during the 36th week
      of gestation revealed that the lesion had doubled in size. At the same time,
      magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a round mass in the topography of the
      right adrenal gland with a low signal on T1-weighted images and slightly high
      signal on T2-weighted images, causing a slight inferior displacement of the
      kidney. The liver had enlarged and had heterogeneous signal intensity,
      predominantly hypointense on T2-weighted sequences. Based on these findings, a
      diagnosis of congenital adrenal neuroblastoma with liver metastases was
      suggested. A newborn male was delivered by cesarean section 2 weeks later. The
      physical examination of the neonate revealed abdominal distention and
      hepatomegaly. The infant had a clinical follow-up in which no surgical or medical
      intervention was required. At 5 months of age, the infant was asymptomatic with a
      normal physical examination. 

PMID- 27668207
TI  - Cervical xanthogranuloma in a case of postmenopausal pyometra.
AB  - Xanthogranuloma is a non-neoplastic presentation of chronic inflammation commonly
      seen in gallbladder, kidney and rarely seen in genital organs. Only one case has
      been reported in cervix. Here, we report a case of 60-year-old postmenopausal
      lady who presented with history of fever and purulent discharge per-vaginum. On
      speculum examination, cervix had an ulcer extending from 3 to 5 o'clock position.
      Uterus was bulky. On probing the ulcer, a 1-cm deep sinus was identified.
      Ultrasound showed enlarged uterus and fluid collection suggestive of pyometra.
      Pyometra was drained and cervical biopsy was taken from the ulcerated lesion;
      histopathology revealed granulomatous inflammation with predominantly xanthous
      cells suggestive of tuberculosis. High index of clinical suspicion needs to be
      maintained in abnormal cervix. It is a perplexing and rare entity for a clinician
      and also a diagnosis of exclusion; only histopathology can help for diagnosis. It
      mimics like malignancy and chronic infections. 

PMID- 27668208
TI  - Primary malignant melanoma of cervix and vagina.
AB  - Primary malignant melanoma (MM) accounts for 1% of all cancers, and only 3% to 7%
      of these tumors occur in the female genital tract. Data are limited with respect
      to the basis for treatment recommendations because of the rarity of MM. The
      overall prognosis of melanomas of the female genital tract is very poor. Two
      cases of MM of the female genital tract are presented. The first case is of a 70
      year-old female patient who complained of left thigh pain and underwent magnetic
      resonance imaging that showed cervical cancer with involvement of the vagina,
      bladder, and parametrium, in addition to multiple bony metastases of the proximal
      femur, acetabulum, and both iliac bones. The second case is of a 35-year-old
      female patient who suffered from vaginal bleeding for 5 months, and she was
      diagnosed as having primary vaginal melanoma. The patient underwent radical
      surgery and two additional surgeries because of recurrence of cancer in both
      inguinal areas. After surgery, the patient received adjuvant immunotherapy,
      radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. In both the aforementioned cases, the
      pathologic diagnosis was made after immunohistochemical analysis, i.e., the tumor
      cells were stained with HMB-45 and S100, and were found to be positive for both
      immunostains. 

PMID- 27668209
TI  - High-intensity focused ultrasound combined with hysteroscopic resection to treat
      retained placenta accreta.
AB  - We present a case of retained placenta accreta treated by high-intensity focused
      ultrasound (HIFU) ablation followed by hysteroscopic resection. The patient was
      diagnosed as submucosal myoma based on ultrasonography in local clinic.
      Pathologic examination of several pieces of tumor mass from the hysteroscopic
      procedure revealed necrotic chorionic villi with calcification. HIFU was
      performed using an ultrasound-guided HIFU tumor therapeutic system. The
      ultrasound machine had been used for real-time monitoring of the HIFU procedure.
      After HIFU treatment, no additional vaginal bleeding or complications were
      observed. A hysteroscopic resection was performed to remove ablated placental
      tissue 7 days later. No abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge was seen after the
      procedure. The patient was stable postoperatively. We proposed HIFU and applied
      additional hysteroscopic resection for a safe and effective method for treating
      retained placenta accreta to prevent complications from the remaining placental
      tissue and to improve fertility options. 

PMID- 27668210
TI  - Erratum: Figure Correction.
AB  - [This corrects the article on p. 245 in vol. 59, PMID: 27200318.]. 

PMID- 27668211
TI  - The Eukaryotic Microbiome: Origins and Implications for Fetal and Neonatal Life.
AB  - All eukaryotic organisms are holobionts representing complex collaborations
      between the entire microbiome of each eukaryote and its innate cells. These
      linked constituencies form complex localized and interlocking ecologies in which
      the specific microbial constituents and their relative abundance differ
      substantially according to age and environmental exposures. Rapid advances in
      microbiology and genetic research techniques have uncovered a significant
      previous underestimate of the extent of that microbial contribution and its
      metabolic and developmental impact on holobionts. Therefore, a re-calibration of
      the neonatal period is suggested as a transitional phase in development that
      includes the acquisition of consequential collaborative microbial life from
      extensive environmental influences. These co-dependent, symbiotic relationships
      formed in the fetal and neonatal stages extend into adulthood and even across
      generations. 

PMID- 27668213
TI  - The Quest for Anti-inflammatory and Anti-infective Biomaterials in Clinical
      Translation.
AB  - Biomaterials are now being used or evaluated clinically as implants to supplement
      the severe shortage of available human donor organs. To date, however, such
      implants have mainly been developed as scaffolds to promote the regeneration of
      failing organs due to old age or congenital malformations. In the real world,
      however, infection or immunological issues often compromise patients. For
      example, bacterial and viral infections can result in uncontrolled
      immunopathological damage and lead to organ failure. Hence, there is a need for
      biomaterials and implants that not only promote regeneration but also address
      issues that are specific to compromised patients, such as infection and
      inflammation. Different strategies are needed to address the regeneration of
      organs that have been damaged by infection or inflammation for successful
      clinical translation. Therefore, the real quest is for multifunctional
      biomaterials with combined properties that can combat infections, modulate
      inflammation, and promote regeneration at the same time. These strategies will
      necessitate the inclusion of methodologies for management of the cellular and
      signaling components elicited within the local microenvironment. In the
      development of such biomaterials, strategies range from the inclusion of
      materials that have intrinsic anti-inflammatory properties, such as the synthetic
      lipid polymer, 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC), to silver
      nanoparticles that have antibacterial properties, to inclusion of nano- and micro
      particles in biomaterials composites that deliver active drugs. In this present
      review, we present examples of both kinds of materials in each group along with
      their pros and cons. Thus, as a promising next generation strategy to aid or
      replace tissue/organ transplantation, an integrated smart programmable platform
      is needed for regenerative medicine applications to create and/or restore normal
      function at the cell and tissue levels. Therefore, now it is of utmost importance
      to develop integrative biomaterials based on multifunctional biopolymers and
      nanosystem for their practical and successful clinical translation. 

PMID- 27668212
TI  - Metal Cations in G-Quadruplex Folding and Stability.
AB  - This review is focused on the structural and physicochemical aspects of metal
      cation coordination to G-Quadruplexes (GQ) and their effects on GQ stability and
      conformation. G-quadruplex structures are non-canonical secondary structures
      formed by both DNA and RNA. G-quadruplexes regulate a wide range of important
      biochemical processes. Besides the sequence requirements, the coordination of
      monovalent cations in the GQ is essential for its formation and determines the
      stability and polymorphism of GQ structures. The nature, location, and dynamics
      of the cation coordination and their impact on the overall GQ stability are
      dependent on several factors such as the ionic radii, hydration energy, and the
      bonding strength to the O6 of guanines. The intracellular monovalent cation
      concentration and the localized ion concentrations determine the formation of GQs
      and can potentially dictate their regulatory roles. A wide range of biochemical
      and biophysical studies on an array of GQ enabling sequences have generated at a
      minimum the knowledge base that allows us to often predict the stability of GQs
      in the presence of the physiologically relevant metal ions, however, prediction
      of conformation of such GQs is still out of the realm. 

PMID- 27668214
TI  - Super-Resolution Imaging of Plasma Membrane Proteins with Click Chemistry.
AB  - Besides its function as a passive cell wall, the plasma membrane (PM) serves as a
      platform for different physiological processes such as signal transduction and
      cell adhesion, determining the ability of cells to communicate with the exterior,
      and form tissues. Therefore, the spatial distribution of PM components, and the
      molecular mechanisms underlying it, have important implications in various
      biological fields including cell development, neurobiology, and immunology. The
      existence of confined compartments in the plasma membrane that vary on many
      length scales from protein multimers to micrometer-size domains with different
      protein and lipid composition is today beyond all questions. As much as the
      physiology of cells is controlled by the spatial organization of PM components,
      the study of distribution, size, and composition remains challenging.
      Visualization of the molecular distribution of PM components has been impeded
      mainly due to two problems: the specific labeling of lipids and proteins without
      perturbing their native distribution and the diffraction-limit of fluorescence
      microscopy restricting the resolution to about half the wavelength of light.
      Here, we present a bioorthogonal chemical reporter strategy based on click
      chemistry and metabolic labeling for efficient and specific visualization of PM
      proteins and glycans with organic fluorophores in combination with super
      resolution fluorescence imaging by direct stochastic optical reconstruction
      microscopy (dSTORM) with single-molecule sensitivity. 

PMID- 27668219
TI  - Clinical perception and simple laboratory tests: do not mistake the finger
      pointing at the moon.

PMID- 27668215
TI  - Identifying and Visualizing Macromolecular Flexibility in Structural Biology.
AB  - Structural biology comprises a variety of tools to obtain atomic resolution data
      for the investigation of macromolecules. Conventional structural methodologies
      including crystallography, NMR and electron microscopy often do not provide
      sufficient details concerning flexibility and dynamics, even though these aspects
      are critical for the physiological functions of the systems under investigation.
      However, the increasing complexity of the molecules studied by structural biology
      (including large macromolecular assemblies, integral membrane proteins,
      intrinsically disordered systems, and folding intermediates) continuously demands
      in-depth analyses of the roles of flexibility and conformational specificity
      involved in interactions with ligands and inhibitors. The intrinsic difficulties
      in capturing often subtle but critical molecular motions in biological systems
      have restrained the investigation of flexible molecules into a small niche of
      structural biology. Introduction of massive technological developments over the
      recent years, which include time-resolved studies, solution X-ray scattering, and
      new detectors for cryo-electron microscopy, have pushed the limits of structural
      investigation of flexible systems far beyond traditional approaches of NMR
      analysis. By integrating these modern methods with powerful biophysical and
      computational approaches such as generation of ensembles of molecular models and
      selective particle picking in electron microscopy, more feasible investigations
      of dynamic systems are now possible. Using some prominent examples from recent
      literature, we review how current structural biology methods can contribute
      useful data to accurately visualize flexibility in macromolecular structures and
      understand its important roles in regulation of biological processes. 

PMID- 27668216
TI  - Segrosome Complex Formation during DNA Trafficking in Bacterial Cell Division.
AB  - Bacterial extrachromosomal DNAs often contribute to virulence in pathogenic
      organisms or facilitate adaptation to particular environments. The transmission
      of genetic information from one generation to the next requires sufficient
      partitioning of DNA molecules to ensure that at least one copy reaches each side
      of the division plane and is inherited by the daughter cells. Segregation of the
      bacterial chromosome occurs during or after replication and probably involves a
      strategy in which several protein complexes participate to modify the folding
      pattern and distribution first of the origin domain and then of the rest of the
      chromosome. Low-copy number plasmids rely on specialized partitioning systems,
      which in some cases use a mechanism that show striking similarity to eukaryotic
      DNA segregation. Overall, there have been multiple systems implicated in the
      dynamic transport of DNA cargo to a new cellular position during the cell cycle
      but most seem to share a common initial DNA partitioning step, involving the
      formation of a nucleoprotein complex called the segrosome. The particular
      features and complex topologies of individual segrosomes depend on both the
      nature of the DNA binding protein involved and on the recognized centromeric DNA
      sequence, both of which vary across systems. The combination of in vivo and in
      vitro approaches, with structural biology has significantly furthered our
      understanding of the mechanisms underlying DNA trafficking in bacteria. Here, I
      discuss recent advances and the molecular details of the DNA segregation
      machinery, focusing on the formation of the segrosome complex. 

PMID- 27668218
TI  - The Use of Adipose-Derived Progenitor Cells and Platelet-Rich Plasma Combination
      for the Treatment of Supraspinatus Tendinopathy in 55 Dogs: A Retrospective
      Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To report clinical findings and outcomes for 55 dogs with
      supraspinatus tendinopathy (ST) treated with adipose-derived progenitor cells and
      platelet-rich plasma (ADPC-PRP) therapy. METHODS: Medical records of client-owned
      dogs diagnosed with ST that were treated with ADPC-PRP combination therapy were
      reviewed from 2006 to 2013. Data collected included signalment, medical history,
      limb involvement, prior treatments, physical and orthopedic examination,
      objective temporospatial gait analysis findings, diagnostic imaging results
      (radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, musculoskeletal ultrasonography),
      arthroscopy findings, and outcome. RESULTS: Following ultrasound-guided injection
      of ADPC-PRP, objective gait analysis was available on 25 of the 55 dogs at 90
      days post ADPC-PRP therapy. Following treatment, a significant increase in total
      pressure index percentage (TPI%) was noted in the injured (treated) forelimb at
      90 days post treatment (p = 0.036). At 90 days following treatment, 88% of cases
      had no significant difference in TPI% of the injured limb to the contralateral
      limb. The remaining 12% of cases had significantly improved (p = 0.036).
      Bilateral shoulder diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound revealed a significant
      reduction in tendon size (CSA) in the treated tendon at 90 days following
      treatment when compared to the initial CSA (p = 0.005). All cases showed
      significant improvement in fiber pattern of the affected supraspinatus tendon by
      the ultrasound shoulder pathology rating scale. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These
      findings suggest that ADPC-PRP therapy should be considered for dogs with ST.

PMID- 27668220
TI  - Neural networks: further insights into error function, generalized weights and
      others.
AB  - The article is a continuum of a previous one providing further insights into the
      structure of neural network (NN). Key concepts of NN including activation
      function, error function, learning rate and generalized weights are introduced.
      NN topology can be visualized with generic plot() function by passing a "nn"
      class object. Generalized weights assist interpretation of NN model with respect
      to the independent effect of individual input variables. A large variance of
      generalized weights for a covariate indicates non-linearity of its independent
      effect. If generalized weights of a covariate are approximately zero, the
      covariate is considered to have no effect on outcome. Finally, prediction of new
      observations can be performed using compute() function. Make sure that the
      feature variables passed to the compute() function are in the same order to that
      in the training NN. 

PMID- 27668217
TI  - Binding Mechanisms of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins: Theory, Simulation, and
      Experiment.
AB  - In recent years, protein science has been revolutionized by the discovery of
      intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs). In contrast to the classical paradigm
      that a given protein sequence corresponds to a defined structure and an
      associated function, we now know that proteins can be functional in the absence
      of a stable three-dimensional structure. In many cases, disordered proteins or
      protein regions become structured, at least locally, upon interacting with their
      physiological partners. Many, sometimes conflicting, hypotheses have been put
      forward regarding the interaction mechanisms of IDPs and the potential advantages
      of disorder for protein-protein interactions. Whether disorder may increase, as
      proposed, e.g., in the "fly-casting" hypothesis, or decrease binding rates,
      increase or decrease binding specificity, or what role pre-formed structure might
      play in interactions involving IDPs (conformational selection vs. induced fit),
      are subjects of intense debate. Experimentally, these questions remain difficult
      to address. Here, we review experimental studies of binding mechanisms of IDPs
      using NMR spectroscopy and transient kinetic techniques, as well as the
      underlying theoretical concepts and numerical methods that can be applied to
      describe these interactions at the atomic level. The available literature
      suggests that the kinetic and thermodynamic parameters characterizing
      interactions involving IDPs can vary widely and that there may be no single
      common mechanism that can explain the different binding modes observed
      experimentally. Rather, disordered proteins appear to make combined use of
      features such as pre-formed structure and flexibility, depending on the
      individual system and the functional context. 

PMID- 27668222
TI  - Mitral valve repair with the "respect" approach in dialysis-dependent patients: a
      single-center experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Morbidity and mortality risks in patients with end-stage renal
      disease (ESRD) undergoing mitral valve surgery are high; however, little is known
      regarding the risks and results of mitral valve repair in these patients.
      METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of dialysis-dependent
      patients who underwent mitral valve repair with the "respect" approach between
      April 2012 and April 2015 in our institution. RESULTS: All five identified
      patients survived and their data were included in the analysis. Follow-up ranged
      from 3 to 48 months with a median of 24+/-8.9 months. Patients' cardiac function
      improved postoperatively with two patients in New York Heart Association class I
      and three patients in class II. Three patients had no or trivial mitral valve
      regurgitation, two patients had mild regurgitation, and none had moderate or
      higher regurgitation. Left ventricular end diastolic volume decreased
      significantly: from 166.2+/-32.7 mL preoperatively to 123.1+/-24.5 mL
      postoperatively (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: With the "respect" approach, mitral valve
      repair in dialysis-dependent patients with prolapse of the posterior leaflet
      provided good and stable results; however, appropriate perioperative management
      was critical in these patients.

PMID- 27668221
TI  - CBLB502 administration protects gut mucosal tissue in ulcerative colitis by
      inhibiting inflammation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a nonspecific inflammatory disease for
      which medications and therapeutic strategies have only been moderately
      successful. CBLB502, a toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5) agonist derived from
      Salmonella flagellin, exhibits anticancer and radioprotective activities via
      modulation of TLRs and the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) signaling pathway
      and can protect against acute renal ischemic failure. In this study, we intend to
      examine the effects of CBLB502 on both TLR responses and the interleukin (IL) and
      NF-kappaB signaling pathways in UC treatment. METHODS: The UC mouse model was
      prepared in BALB/c mice by administering 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid
      (TNBS). CBLB502 was used as the therapeutic drug. After CBLB502 therapy, the IL
      and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) levels were measured by ELISA. Total
      RNA and protein of colon samples was extracted. RESULTS: We found that CBLB502
      had a distinctive therapeutic effect in the UC model. In control group animals,
      IL-10 expression in serum was 91.48+/-24.38 ng/mL; this was higher than in the
      model group (59.36+/-14.46 ng/mL, P<0.05) or the treatment group (54.29+/-5.83
      ng/mL, P<0.05). In model group animals, the concentration of TNF-alpha in serum
      was 140.11+/-12.70 ng/mL, which was lower than protein levels in the control
      group (173.86+/-29.26 ng/mL, P<0.05). The mRNA levels of TLR1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8,
      and 9 in the CBLB502 treatment group were significantly lower than in the model
      group (P<0.05). Western blot revealed that CBLB502 also reduced NF-kappaB
      expression in the mouse colon, but that NF-kappaB expression was not
      significantly lower than the model group. CONCLUSIONS: CBLB502 can reduce mucosal
      damage induced by TNBS and inhibit inflammation and TLR expression. The
      inhibition of UC by CBLB502 is strictly TLR-IL-dependent and is dose-dependent
      within the efficacious dose range. Therefore, our results suggested that CBLB502
      might be a candidate drug for the treatment of UC.

PMID- 27668223
TI  - History of previous knee surgery does not affect the clinical outcomes of primary
      total knee arthroplasty in an Asian population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with a history of previous knee surgeries, such as anterior
      cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and high tibial osteotomy (HTO), often
      have a higher likelihood of requiring a subsequent total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
      However, there is relatively limited data, especially in the Asian population, on
      how previous knee surgery could affect the clinical outcomes of TKA. Therefore,
      this study aims to evaluate the impact of previous knee surgeries on the clinical
      outcomes of future TKA. METHODS: We reviewed the prospectively-collected data of
      303 patients who underwent TKA by a single surgeon from a total joint registry of
      a tertiary hospital over a period of 5 years. Those with a history of previous
      knee surgery were identified. The SF-36 Health Survey, Oxford Knee Score (OKS)
      and Knee Society Score (KSS) were used to evaluate clinical outcomes pre
      operatively, at 6 months and 2 years. RESULTS: Previous knee surgery did not have
      a significant impact on the patients' pre-operative baseline clinical scores and
      body mass index (BMI). Patients with a history of knee surgery undergo TKA at a
      significantly younger age (mean of 6.6 years younger). On follow-up, patients
      with a history of knee surgery have similar post-operative outcome scores as
      those without previous knee surgery. Also, a high proportion of these patients
      are satisfied with their post-operative results and feel that their expectations
      have been met. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with previous knee surgery had TKA at a
      significantly younger age than those without. But these patients have similar
      clinical and quality of life outcomes after TKA. In addition, a high proportion
      of these patients are satisfied with the results of surgery and feel that their
      expectations of TKA are met. This is important for clinicians when counselling
      patients pre-operatively.

PMID- 27668224
TI  - Bronchial reacutization and gastroesophageal reflux: is there a potential
      clinical correlation?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pepsin plays a role in gastroesophageal reflux (GER). Aims of this
      study were to verify if pepsin could be the cause of frequent bronchial
      exacerbations and to check if the persistence of chronic respiratory symptoms
      were correlated with pre-existing respiratory diseases. METHODS: From January to
      May 2016, 42 patients underwent a diagnostic bronchoscopy. All patients had a
      history of at least one bronchial exacerbation during the previous year.
      Bronchial lavage fluid specimens were obtained. A semiquantitative assessment of
      pepsin in the samples was carried out based on the intensity of the test sample.
      RESULTS: Pepsin was present in 37 patients (88%), but in patients with bronchial
      asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the finding of pepsin in
      the bronchoalveolar fluid was 100%. There was a strong positive statistical
      correlation between pepsin detection and radiological signs of GER (rho=0.662),
      and between pepsin detection and diagnosis (rho=0.682). No correlation was found
      between the bacteriology and the presence of pepsin in the airways (rho=0.006).
      CONCLUSIONS: The presence of pepsin in the airways shows the occurrence of
      reflux. The persistence of respiratory symptoms by at least 2 months suggest an
      endoscopic bronchial examination. This straightforward test confirms the cause
      possible irritation of the airways and may prevent further diagnostic tests, such
      as an EGD or pH monitoring esophageal.

PMID- 27668225
TI  - The emerging role of immunotherapy in colorectal cancer.
AB  - Modulation of the interaction between the immune system and the tumor
      microenvironment has long been a target of cancer research, including colorectal
      cancer (CRC). Approaches explored to date include vaccines (autologous, peptide,
      dendritic cell, viral and bacterial), cytokine therapy, toll-like receptors
      (TLRs), autologous cell therapy and checkpoint inhibition. Until recently these
      approaches have been shown to have only modest efficacy in reducing tumor burden.
      However, significant breakthroughs have been made, with the use of checkpoint
      inhibitors targeting programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1), programmed cell
      death ligand-1 (PD-L1), and cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4).
      Immunotherapy now represents a possible avenue of curative treatment for those
      with chemo-otherwise refractory tumors. Success with this approach to
      immunotherapy has largely been confined to tumors with high mutational burdens
      such as melanoma, renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and non-small cell lung cancer. This
      observation led to the exploration and successful use of checkpoint inhibitors in
      those with mismatch repair colorectal cancer which have a relatively high
      mutational burden. Ongoing trials are focused on further exploring the use of
      checkpoint inhibitors in addition to investigating the various combinations of
      immunotherapeutic drugs. 

PMID- 27668226
TI  - Use of extracorporeal membranous oxygenator in transcatheter aortic valve
      replacement.
AB  - The superiority of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) compared with
      medical therapy for patients with aortic stenosis (AS) who are not suitable
      candidates for surgery had been proven. Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is rarely
      used in TAVR. Reports of early use of extracorporeal membranous oxygenator (ECMO)
      have promising outcomes. ECMO offers the option of cardiac support rescue in case
      of intraoperative hemodynamic instability and can be instituted in advance when
      hemodynamic instability is expected. Here we review the English literature about
      the use of ECMO in TAVR procedures, and discuss the indications and rationale for
      its use as well as its advantages. 

PMID- 27668227
TI  - PillCam colon capsule endoscopy (PCCE) in colonic diseases.
AB  - Diseases affecting the colon are common worldwide and can cause a major health
      problem. Colorectal cancer (CRC) as well as Inflammatory bowel diseases represent
      a major cause of morbidity and mortality in western countries. PillCam colon
      capsule endoscopy (PCCE) is a novel and promising technology that can be useful
      for the screening and monitoring of colonic diseases. In the recent years many
      articles examined the use of various versions of PCCE-the 1st and 2nd generation
      versus various other endoscopic or radiologic modalities both for detection of
      colonic polyps or cancer and in both ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease.
      The aim of the current review is to provide up to date information regarding the
      use and usefulness of this method in these disease. 

PMID- 27668229
TI  - A rare case of metastatic germ cell tumor to stomach and duodenum masquerading as
      signet ring cell adenocarcinoma.
AB  - Adenocarcinomas are the most common cancers affecting stomach. However
      gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), lymphomas and neuroendocrine tumors
      (NETs) can also affect the stomach. But stomach is relatively rare site of
      involvement by metastasis. In this case report a rare metastasis of germ cell
      tumor (GCT) into stomach is described which clinically and endoscopically
      masquerade as primary gastric cancers. But detailed clinical examination and
      vigilant histopathological reporting proves the origin of tumor distant from
      stomach and thereby change the whole approach of management. 

PMID- 27668228
TI  - Effectiveness of enteral feeding protocol on clinical outcomes in critically ill
      patients: a study protocol for before-and-after design.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Enteral feed is an important component of nutritional therapy in
      critically ill patients and underfeeding has been associated with adverse
      outcomes. The article developed an enteral feeding protocol and planed a before
      and-after comparative trial to explore whether implementation of enteral feeding
      protocol was able to improve clinical outcomes. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The study
      will be conducted in intensive care units (ICUs) of ten tertiary care academic
      centers. Critically ill patients expected to stay in ICU for over 3 days and
      require enteral nutrition (EN) were potentially eligible. This is a before-and
      after study comprising three phases: The first phase is the period without
      enteral feeding protocol; the second phase involves four-week training program,
      and the last phase is to perform the protocol in participating centers. We plan
      to enroll a total of 350 patients to provide an 80% power and 0.05 error rate to
      detect a 15% reduction of mortality. The primary outcome is 28-day mortality.
      ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval to conduct the research has been
      obtained from all participating centers. Additionally, the results will be
      published in peer-reviewed journal. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered
      at International Standard Registered Clinical/soCial sTudy Number (ISRCTN)
      registry (ISRCTN10583582).

PMID- 27668230
TI  - Mitral valve replacement in a dialysis-dependent patient.
AB  - Patients with end-stage renal disease have a higher risk of morbidity and
      mortality than those without end-stage renal disease in cardiovascular surgery.
      Poor outcomes are especially found in patients who undergo valve surgery. We
      report successful mitral valve replacement (MVR) in a dialysis-dependent patient.
      The patient recovered well at postoperation and had the complication of
      anticoagulation at follow-up. Based on this successful case, we believe that
      myocardial protection, prevention of infection, nutritional support, and close
      monitoring of blood coagulation function are important in dialysis-dependent
      patients undergoing valve replacement. 

PMID- 27668231
TI  - Autofluorescence bronchoscopy for lung cancer screening: a time to reflect.

PMID- 27668232
TI  - Preventing or treating anti-EGFR related skin rash with antibiotics?

PMID- 27668233
TI  - Skin communicates what we deeply feel: antibiotic prophylactic treatment to
      reduce epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors induced rash in lung cancer
      (the Pan Canadian rash trial).

PMID- 27668234
TI  - Remote ischemic preconditioning to prevent cardiac surgery-related acute kidney
      injury: how far away from a breakthrough?

PMID- 27668235
TI  - Radiofrequency ablation is one of safe and effective local control alternative
      for colorectal pulmonary metastases.

PMID- 27668236
TI  - Intensive care unit strain should not rush physicians into making inappropriate
      decisions, but merely reduce the time to the right decisions being made.

PMID- 27668237
TI  - How to determine the treatment options for lower-pole renal stones.

PMID- 27668238
TI  - Treatment strategies of epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor-induced skin
      toxicities: pre-emptive or reactive?

PMID- 27668239
TI  - Understanding the sepsis mortality belt: time to buckle down!

PMID- 27668240
TI  - Blood pressure in acute intra-cerebral hemorrhage.

PMID- 27668241
TI  - The relentless crumbling of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS)-blockade halo.

PMID- 27668242
TI  - Living legend in clinical biochemistry-Prof. Giuseppe Lippi: we should have
      strength to stick to things we do.

PMID- 27668243
TI  - Gender Differences in Exercise Habits and Quality of Life Reports: Assessing the
      Moderating Effects of Reasons for Exercise.
AB  - Men and women report different exercise habits and reasons for exercise. Given
      that quality of life is affected by exercise habits and reasons for exercise, the
      present study explored gender differences among these variables. Participants
      reported quality of life, exercise habits, and motives. Results revealed that
      women (n = 108) reported significantly higher exercise and quality of life levels
      than men (n = 72). Women reported exercising for weight loss and toning more than
      men, whereas men reported exercising for enjoyment more than women. Reasons for
      exercise predicted quality of life for women over exercise. For men, exercise was
      the best predictor of quality of life. Ultimately, exercise is not beneficial for
      a woman's quality of life under all conditions.

PMID- 27668244
TI  - Pancreatic DCLK1 marks quiescent but oncogenic progenitors: a possible link to
      neuroendocrine tumors.

PMID- 27668245
TI  - Wnt signalling meets epigenetics.

PMID- 27668246
TI  - From stem cells to comparative corticogenesis: a bridge too far?
AB  - It has been hypothesized that the higher number of neurons in human cortex
      compared to the chimpanzee and other primate species is key to high cognitive
      function. Are human cortical precursors endowed with specific properties that
      drive greater neuronal expansion than in other non-human primates? Otani et al.
      2016 addressed this issue taking advantage of comparative in vitro corticogenesis
      models based on human, chimpanzee and macaque pluripotent stem cells. Clonal
      analysis revealed a heterochrony of early developmental events possibly leading
      to a relatively higher expansion of human cortical precursor population. In
      absence of evidence going beyond putative correlation, the claim that stem cell
      models of cortical development indicate mechanism of cortical size regulation
      needs to be further examined notably with respect to in vivo observations of
      cortical precursor lineages. 

PMID- 27668247
TI  - Shedding light on HSC dormancy-a role for the DARC.

PMID- 27668248
TI  - Switching on regeneration.

PMID- 27668249
TI  - A role for miR-34 in colon cancer stem cell homeostasis.

PMID- 27668250
TI  - Aging vs. rejuvenation: reprogramming to iPSCs does not turn back the clock for
      somatic mitochondrial DNA mutations.

PMID- 27668251
TI  - The DARC-CD82 axis discloses bone marrow macrophages as guardians of long-term
      hematopoietic stem cells quiescence.

PMID- 27668252
TI  - Intercondylar Route of Prosthetic Infragenicular Femoropopliteal Bypass Has
      Better Primary, Assisted, and Secondary Patency but Not Limb Salvage Rate
      Compared to the Medial Route.
AB  - Aim. To compare the differences between medial and intercondylar infragenicular
      femoropopliteal prosthetic bypasses in terms of their midterm patency and limb
      salvage rates. Methods. Ninety-three consecutive patients with peripheral
      arterial disease who underwent a simple distal femoropopliteal bypass using a
      reinforced polytetrafluorethylene graft were included in this retrospective
      study. The bypass was constructed in the intercondylar route in 52 of the
      patients (group A) and in 41 in the medial route (group B). Results. Median
      observation time of the patients was 12.7 (IQR 4.6-18.5) months. There were 22
      and 24 interventional or surgical procedures (angioplasty, stenting,
      thrombolysis, thrombectomy, or correction of the anastomosis) performed to
      restore patency of the reconstruction in groups A and B, respectively (p = 0.14).
      The 20-month primary, assisted, and secondary patency rates and limb salvage
      rates were 57%, 57%, 81%, and 80% in group A compared to 21%, 23%, 55%, and 82%
      in group B (p = 0.0012, 0.0052, 0.022, and 0.44, resp.). Conclusion. Despite
      better primary, assisted, and secondary patency rates in patients with a
      prosthetic infragenicular femoropopliteal bypass embedded in the intercondylar
      fossa compared to patients with the medial approach, there is no benefit in terms
      of the limb salvage rate and the number of interventions required to maintain
      patency of the reconstruction.

PMID- 27668253
TI  - Enzymatic Synthesis of Sorboyl-Polydatin Prodrug in Biomass-Derived 2
      Methyltetrahydrofuran and Antiradical Activity of the Unsaturated Acylated
      Derivatives.
AB  - Efficient and highly regioselective synthesis of the potential 6''-O-sorboyl
      polydatin prodrug in biomass-derived 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (2-MeTHF) was
      achieved using Candida antarctica lipase B for the first time. Under the optimal
      conditions, the initial reaction rate, maximum substrate conversion, and 6''
      regioselectivity were as high as 8.65 mM/h, 100%, and 100%, respectively. Kinetic
      and operational stability investigations evidently demonstrated excellent enzyme
      compatibility of the 2-MeTHF compared to the traditional organic solvents. With
      respect to the antioxidant properties, three unsaturated ester derivatives showed
      slightly lower DPPH radical scavenging activities than the parent agent.
      Interestingly, further studies also revealed that the antiradical capacities of
      the acylates decreased with the elongation of the unsaturated aliphatic chain
      length from C4 to C11. The reason might be attributed to the increased steric
      hindrance derived from the acyl residues in derivatives.

PMID- 27668255
TI  - Obstacles and Enablers on the Way towards Integrated Physical Activity Policies
      for Childhood Obesity Prevention: An Exploration of Local Policy Officials'
      Views.
AB  - Background. Limited physical activity (PA) is a risk factor for childhood
      obesity. In Netherlands, as in many other countries worldwide, local policy
      officials bear responsibility for integrated PA policies, involving both health
      and nonhealth domains. In practice, its development seems hampered. We explore
      which obstacles local policy officials perceive in their effort. Methods. Fifteen
      semistructured interviews were held with policy officials from health and
      nonhealth policy domains, working at strategic, tactic, and operational level, in
      three relatively large municipalities. Questions focused on exploring perceived
      barriers for integrated PA policies. The interviews were deductively coded by
      applying the Behavior Change Ball framework. Findings. Childhood obesity
      prevention appeared on the governmental agenda and all officials understood the
      multicausal nature. However, operational officials had not yet developed a
      tradition to develop integrated PA policies due to insufficient boundary-spanning
      skills and structural and cultural differences between the domains. Tactical
      level officials did not sufficiently support intersectoral collaboration and
      strategic level officials mainly focused on public-private partnerships.
      Conclusion. Developing integrated PA policies is a bottom-up innovation process
      that needs to be supported by governmental leaders through better guiding
      organizational processes leading to such policies. Operational level officials
      can assist in this by making progress in intersectoral collaboration visible.

PMID- 27668254
TI  - A Systematised Review of Primary School Whole Class Child Obesity Interventions:
      Effectiveness, Characteristics, and Strategies.
AB  - Background. A systematised review was conducted to examine the effectiveness of
      school-based interventions that focus on changing dietary intake and physical
      activity levels to reduce childhood obesity. Methods. Multiple databases were
      searched for randomised and nonrandomised interventions from 2007 to 2016 in full
      time elementary schools, which were delivered to the whole class, included
      dietary and physical activity components, involved both sexes, were written in
      English, and used body mass index (BMI) as an outcome. Results. The database
      search produced 8,866 titles from which 78 were deemed relevant and assessed for
      inclusion resulting in 15 studies meeting all inclusion criteria. From these 15
      studies, 9 yielded a reduction or stabilisation in BMI or BMI z-score in the
      entire intervention group and/or subgroups. Programmes lasting between 6 and 12
      months that involve multiple environmental, educational, and physical strategies
      appear to be most likely to result in BMI or BMI z-score improvement. Moderators
      most likely influencing an improvement in BMI included increased physical
      activity, decreased sugar sweetened beverages intake, and increased fruit intake.
      Conclusions. School-based interventions may be an effective means for child
      obesity prevention. The identification of consistent elements used in school
      based interventions that have demonstrated effectiveness may aid in preventing
      child obesity.

PMID- 27668257
TI  - Evaluation of Smartphone Applications for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Training
      in South Korea.
AB  - Objective. There are many smartphone-based applications (apps) for
      cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training. We investigated the conformity and
      the learnability/usability of these apps for CPR training and real-life supports.
      Methods. We conducted a mixed-method, sequential explanatory study to assess CPR
      training apps downloaded on two apps stores in South Korea. Apps were collected
      with inclusion criteria as follows, Korean-language instruction, training
      features, and emergency supports for real-life incidents, and analyzed with two
      tests; 15 medical experts evaluated the apps' contents according to current Basic
      Life Support guidelines in conformity test, and 15 nonmedical individuals
      examined the apps using System Usability Scale (SUS) in the
      learnability/usability test. Results. Out of 79 selected apps, five apps were
      included and analyzed. For conformity (ICC, 0.95, p < 0.001), means of all apps
      were greater than 12 of 20 points, indicating that they were well designed
      according to current guidelines. Three of the five apps yielded acceptable level
      (greater than 68 of 100 points) for learnability/usability. Conclusion. All the
      included apps followed current BLS guidelines and a majority offered acceptable
      learnability/usability for layperson. Current and developmental smartphone-based
      CPR training apps should include accurate CPR information and be easy to use for
      laypersons that are potential rescuers in real-life incidents. For Clinical
      Trials. This is a clinical trial, registered at the Clinical Research Information
      Service (CRIS, cris.nih.go.kr), number KCT0001840.

PMID- 27668256
TI  - Evaluation of Influenza Vaccination Efficacy: A Universal Epidemic Model.
AB  - By means of a designed epidemic model, we evaluated the influence of seasonal
      vaccination coverage as well as a potential universal vaccine with differing
      efficacy on the aftermath of seasonal and pandemic influenza. The results of the
      modeling enabled us to conclude that, to control a seasonal influenza epidemic
      with a reproduction coefficient R0 <= 1.5, a 35% vaccination coverage with the
      current seasonal influenza vaccine formulation is sufficient, provided that other
      epidemiology measures are regularly implemented. Increasing R0 level of pandemic
      strains will obviously require stronger intervention. In addition, seasonal
      influenza vaccines fail to confer protection against antigenically distinct
      pandemic influenza strains. Therefore, the necessity of a universal influenza
      vaccine is clear. The model predicts that a potential universal vaccine will be
      able to provide sufficient reliable (90%) protection against pandemic influenza
      only if its efficacy is comparable with the effectiveness of modern vaccines
      against seasonal influenza strains (70%-80%); given that at least 40% of the
      population has been vaccinated in advance, ill individuals have been isolated
      (observed), and a quarantine has been introduced. If other antiepidemic measures
      are absent, a vaccination coverage of at least 80% is required.

PMID- 27668258
TI  - The Accuracy of Broselow Tape Weight Estimate among Pediatric Population.
AB  - Objective. To determine the accuracy of the Broselow Tape (BT) versions 2007 and
      2011 in estimating weight among pediatric population. Methods. A cross-sectional
      study was conducted at King Fahad Medical City and six schools across Riyadh
      province on 1-143-month-old children. BT 2007 and 2011 estimated weights were
      recorded. Both tapes via the child's height produce an estimated weight, which
      was compared with the actual weight. Results. A total of 3537 children were
      recruited. The height (cm) of the subjects was 97.7 +/- 24.1 and the actual
      weight (kg) was 16.07 +/- 8.9, whereas the estimated weight determined by BT 2007
      was 15.87 +/- 7.56 and by BT 2011 was 16.38 +/- 7.95. Across all the five age
      groups, correlation between actual weight and BT 2007 ranged between 0.702 and
      0.788, while correlation between actual weight and BT 2011 ranged between 0.698
      and 0.788. Correlation between BT 2007 and BT 2011 across all the five age groups
      ranged from 0.979 to 0.989. Accuracy of both the tape versions was adversely
      affected when age was >95 months and body weight was >26 kilograms. Conclusions.
      Our study showed that BT 2007 and 2011 provided accurate estimation of the body
      weight based on measured body height. However, 2011 version provided more precise
      estimate for weight.

PMID- 27668259
TI  - Complex Approach to Conceptual Design of Machine Mechanically Extracting Oil from
      Jatropha curcas L. Seeds for Biomass-Based Fuel Production.
AB  - One of important sources of biomass-based fuel is Jatropha curcas L. Great
      attention is paid to the biofuel produced from the oil extracted from the
      Jatropha curcas L. seeds. A mechanised extraction is the most efficient and
      feasible method for oil extraction for small-scale farmers but there is a need to
      extract oil in more efficient manner which would increase the labour
      productivity, decrease production costs, and increase benefits of small-scale
      farmers. On the other hand innovators should be aware that further machines
      development is possible only when applying the systematic approach and design
      methodology in all stages of engineering design. Systematic approach in this case
      means that designers and development engineers rigorously apply scientific
      knowledge, integrate different constraints and user priorities, carefully plan
      product and activities, and systematically solve technical problems. This paper
      therefore deals with the complex approach to design specification determining
      that can bring new innovative concepts to design of mechanical machines for oil
      extraction. The presented case study as the main part of the paper is focused on
      new concept of screw of machine mechanically extracting oil from Jatropha curcas
      L. seeds.

PMID- 27668260
TI  - Natural Language Processing Based Instrument for Classification of Free Text
      Medical Records.
AB  - According to the Ministry of Labor, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia a new
      health management system has to be introduced in the nearest future. In this
      context arises the problem of structuring and classifying documents containing
      all the history of medical services provided. The present work introduces the
      instrument for classification of medical records based on the Georgian language.
      It is the first attempt of such classification of the Georgian language based
      medical records. On the whole 24.855 examination records have been studied. The
      documents were classified into three main groups (ultrasonography, endoscopy, and
      X-ray) and 13 subgroups using two well-known methods: Support Vector Machine
      (SVM) and K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN). The results obtained demonstrated that both
      machine learning methods performed successfully, with a little supremacy of SVM.
      In the process of classification a "shrink" method, based on features selection,
      was introduced and applied. At the first stage of classification the results of
      the "shrink" case were better; however, on the second stage of classification
      into subclasses 23% of all documents could not be linked to only one definite
      individual subclass (liver or binary system) due to common features
      characterizing these subclasses. The overall results of the study were
      successful.

PMID- 27668261
TI  - Optimising Health Literacy and Access of Service Provision to Community Dwelling
      Older People with Diabetes Receiving Home Nursing Support.
AB  - Background. Health literacy is the ability to access, understand, and use
      information and services for good health. Among people with chronic conditions,
      health literacy requirements for effective self-management are high. The
      Optimising Health Literacy and Access (Ophelia) study engaged diverse
      organisations in the codesign of interventions involving the Health Literacy
      Questionnaire (HLQ) needs assessment, followed by development and evaluation of
      interventions addressing identified needs. This study reports the process and
      outcomes of one of the nine organisations, the Royal District Nursing Service
      (RDNS). Methods. Participants were home nursing clients with diabetes. The
      intervention included tailored diabetes self-management education according to
      preferred learning style, a standardised diabetes education tool, resources, and
      teach-back method. Results. Needs analysis of 113 quota-sampled clients showed
      difficulties managing health and finding and appraising health information. The
      service-wide diabetes education intervention was applied to 24 clients. The
      intervention was well received by clients and nurses. Positive impacts on
      clients' diabetes knowledge and behaviour were seen and nurses reported clear
      benefits to their practice. Conclusion. A structured method that supports
      healthcare services to codesign interventions that respond to the health literacy
      needs of their clients can lead to evidence-informed, sustainable practice
      changes that support clients to better understand effective diabetes self
      management.

PMID- 27668263
TI  - ESammon: A Computationaly Enhanced Sammon Mapping based on Data Density.
AB  - Sammon mapping is a widely used visualization technique to display complex data
      from high- to low-dimensional space. However, its extensive computational cost
      may pose potential computational challenges to big data visualization. This paper
      proposes a computationally-enhanced Sammon mapping (ESammon) by leveraging the
      characteristics of spatial data density. Unlike the conventional Sammon, ESammon
      preserves critical pairwise distances between data points in the process of
      projection, instead of all distances. Specifically, we integrated the Directed
      Acyclic-Graph (DAG) based data density characterization method to select the
      critical distances. The numerical results demonstrated that our ESammon can
      achieve comparable projection results as the conventional Sammon mapping while
      reducing the computational cost from O(N2) toO(N).

PMID- 27668262
TI  - Association between Serum Cystatin C and Diabetic Foot Ulceration in Patients
      with Type 2 Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study.
AB  - Serum cystatin C (CysC) has been identified as a possible potential biomarker in
      a variety of diabetic complications, including diabetic peripheral neuropathy and
      peripheral artery disease. We aimed to examine the association between CysC and
      diabetic foot ulceration (DFU) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). 411
      patients with T2D were enrolled in this cross-sectional study at a university
      hospital. Clinical manifestations and biochemical parameters were compared
      between DFU group and non-DFU group. The association between serum CysC and DFU
      was explored by binary logistic regression analysis. The cut point of CysC for
      DFU was also evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The
      prevalence of coronary artery disease, diabetic nephropathy (DN), and DFU
      dramatically increased with CysC (P < 0.01) in CysC quartiles. Multivariate
      logistic regression analysis indicated that the significant risk factors for DFU
      were serum CysC, coronary artery disease, hypertension, insulin use, the
      differences between supine and sitting TcPO2, and hypertension. ROC curve
      analysis revealed that the cut point of CysC for DFU was 0.735 mg/L. Serum CysC
      levels correlated with DFU and severity of tissue loss. Our study results
      indicated that serum CysC was associated with a high prevalence of DFU in Chinese
      T2D subjects.

PMID- 27668264
TI  - Effect of WIC Food Package Changes on Dietary Intake of Preschool Children in New
      Mexico.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study examined WIC policy change effects on dietary intake of
      preschool children from WIC-participating households in rural New Mexico
      communities. METHODS: Dietary intake of children enrolled in Head Start in 8
      communities was compared before and after 2009 WIC food package changes. RESULTS:
      Following the policy change, participants reported significantly increased
      consumption of lower-fat milk, reduced consumption of saturated fat (grams), and
      decreased consumption of vegetables without potatoes. No significant differences
      in fruit, fruit juice, vegetables including potatoes, whole-grains and saturated
      fat (percent-energy) consumption were observed. CONCLUSIONS: WIC policy changes
      have the potential to improve children's saturated fat intake. More research with
      robust designs is necessary to examine long-term effects of WIC policy changes.

PMID- 27668265
TI  - A General Framework for Considering Selection Bias in EHR-Based Studies: What
      Data Are Observed and Why?
AB  - Electronic health records (EHR) data are increasingly seen as a resource for cost
      effective comparative effectiveness research (CER). Since EHR data are collected
      primarily for clinical and/or billing purposes, their use for CER requires
      consideration of numerous methodologic challenges including the potential for
      confounding bias, due to a lack of randomization, and for selection bias, due to
      missing data. In contrast to the recent literature on confounding bias in EHR
      based CER, virtually no attention has been paid to selection bias possibly due to
      the belief that standard methods for missing data can be readily-applied. Such
      methods, however, hinge on an overly simplistic view of the available/missing EHR
      data, so that their application in the EHR setting will often fail to completely
      control selection bias. Motivated by challenges we face in an on-going EHR-based
      comparative effectiveness study of choice of antidepressant treatment and long
      term weight change, we propose a new general framework for selection bias in EHR
      based CER. Crucially, the framework provides structure within which researchers
      can consider the complex interplay between numerous decisions, made by patients
      and health care providers, which give rise to health-related information being
      recorded in the EHR system, as well as the wide variability across EHR systems
      themselves. This, in turn, provides structure within which: (i) the transparency
      of assumptions regarding missing data can be enhanced, (ii) factors relevant to
      each decision can be elicited, and (iii) statistical methods can be better
      aligned with the complexity of the data. 

PMID- 27668266
TI  - An Automated Method for Identifying Individuals with a Lung Nodule Can Be
      Feasibly Implemented Across Health Systems.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The incidence of incidentally detected lung nodules is rapidly
      rising, but little is known about their management or associated patient
      outcomes. One barrier to studying lung nodule care is the inability to
      efficiently and reliably identify the cohort of interest (i.e. cases).
      Investigators at Kaiser Permanente Southern California (KPSC) recently developed
      an automated method to identify individuals with an incidentally discovered lung
      nodule, but the feasibility of implementing this method across other health
      systems is unknown. METHODS: A random sample of Group Health (GH) members who had
      a computed tomography in 2012 underwent chart review to determine if a lung
      nodule was documented in the radiology report. A previously developed natural
      language processing (NLP) algorithm was implemented at our site using only
      knowledge of the key words, qualifiers, excluding terms, and the logic linking
      these parameters. RESULTS: Among 499 subjects, 156 (31%, 95% confidence interval
      [CI] 27-36%) had an incidentally detected lung nodule. NLP identified 189 (38%,
      95% CI 33-42%) individuals with a nodule. The accuracy of NLP at GH was similar
      to its accuracy at KPSC: sensitivity 90% (95% CI 85-95%) and specificity 86% (95%
      CI 82-89%) versus sensitivity 96% (95% CI 88-100%) and specificity 86% (95% CI 75
      94%). CONCLUSION: Automated methods designed to identify individuals with an
      incidentally detected lung nodule can feasibly and independently be implemented
      across health systems. Use of these methods will likely facilitate the efficient
      conduct of multi-site studies evaluating practice patterns and associated
      outcomes.

PMID- 27668267
TI  - DOXIL when combined with Withaferin A (WFA) targets ALDH1 positive cancer stem
      cells in ovarian cancer.
AB  - Ovarian cancer is a highly aggressive and deadly disease. Currently, the
      treatment for ovarian cancer entails cytoreductive surgery followed by
      chemotherapy, mainly cisplatin or carboplatin combined with paclitaxel. Although
      this regimen is initially effective in a high percentage of cases, unfortunately,
      after few months of initial treatment, tumor relapse occurs due to platinum
      resistance. DOXIL (liposomal preparation of doxorubicin) is a choice of drug for
      recurrent ovarian cancer. However, its response rate is very low and is
      accompanied by myocardial toxicity. Resistance to chemotherapy and recurrence of
      cancer is primarily attributed to the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs), a
      small population of cells present in cancer. Effect of DOXIL and withaferin A
      (WFA), both alone and in combination, was investigated on cell proliferation of
      ovarian cancer cell line A2780 and tumor growth in SCID mice bearing i.p. ovarian
      tumors. ALDH1 cells were isolated from A2780 using cell sorter, and effect of
      DOXIL and WFA both alone and in combination on tumorigenic function of ALDH1 was
      studied using spheroids formation assays in vitro. Western blots were performed
      to examine the expression of ALDH1 and Notch 1 genes. In our studies, we showed,
      for the first time, that DOXIL when combined with withaferin A (WFA) elicits
      synergistic effect on inhibition of cell proliferation of ovarian cancer cells
      and inhibits the expression of ALDH1 protein, a marker for ALDH1 positive cancer
      stem cells (CSCs), and Notch1, a signaling pathway gene required for self-renewal
      of CSCs. Inhibition of expression of both ALDH1 and Notch1 genes by WFA was found
      to be dose dependent, whereas DOXIL (200 nM) was found to be ineffective. SCID
      mice, bearing i.p. ovarian tumors, were treated with a small dose of DOXIL (2
      mg/kg) in combination with a sub-optimal dose of WFA (2 mg/kg) which resulted in
      a highly significant (60% to 70%) reduction in tumor growth, and complete
      inhibition of metastasis compared to control. In contrast, WFA treatment showed a
      significant reduction in tumor growth but no change in metastasis compared to
      control. DOXIL showed non-significant reduction in tumor growth and no change in
      metastasis compared to control. Isolated ALDH1 positive CSCs treated with the
      combination of DOXIL and WFA resulted in a significant reduction in spheroids
      formation (tumorigenic function of CSCs) and expression of ALDH1 protein. WFA
      when used alone at a concentration of 1.5 MUM was found to be highly effective in
      suppression of ALDH1 expression, whereas DOXIL at a concentration of 200 nM was
      found to be ineffective. DOXIL in combination with WFA elicits synergistic
      effects, targets cancer stem cells, and has potential to minimize induction of
      drug resistance and reoccurrence of cancer. Based on our studies, we conclude
      that the combination of DOXIL with WFA has the potential to be an effective
      therapy for ovarian cancer and may ameliorate DOXIL related side effects as well
      as recurrence of ovarian cancer leading to increase in patients' survival rate.

PMID- 27668268
TI  - Lenalidomide Polarizes Th1-specific Anti-tumor Immune Response and Expands XBP1
      Antigen-Specific Central Memory CD3+CD8+ T cells against Various Solid Tumors.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Effective combination immunotherapeutic strategies may be required
      to enhance effector cells' anti-tumor activities and improve clinical outcomes.
      METHODS: XBP1 antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (XBP1-CTL) generated using
      immunogenic heteroclitic XBP1 US184-192 (YISPWILAV) and XBP1 SP367-375
      (YLFPQLISV) peptides or various solid tumor cells over-expressing XBP1 target
      antigen were evaluated, either alone or in combination with lenalidomide, for
      phenotype and immune functional activity. RESULTS: Lenalidomide treatment of XBP1
      CTL increased the proportion of CD45RO+ memory CD3+CD8+ T cells, but not the
      total CD3+CD8+ T cells. Lenalidomide upregulated critical T cell activation
      markers and costimulatory molecules (CD28, CD38, CD40L, CD69, ICOS), especially
      within the central memory CTL subset of XBP1-CTL, while decreasing TCRalphabeta
      and T cell checkpoint blockade (CTLA-4, PD-1). Lenalidomide increased the anti
      tumor activities of XBP1-CTL memory subsets, which were associated with
      expression of Th1 transcriptional regulators (T-bet, Eomes) and Akt activation,
      thereby resulting in enhanced IFN-gamma production, granzyme B upregulation and
      specific CD28/CD38-positive and CTLA-4/PD-1-negative cell proliferation.
      CONCLUSIONS: These studies suggest the potential benefit of lenalidomide
      treatment to boost anti-tumor activities of XBP1-specific CTL against a variety
      of solid tumors and enhance response to an XBP1-directing cancer vaccine regime.

PMID- 27668269
TI  - FACS-based Satellite Cell Isolation From Mouse Hind Limb Muscles.
AB  - Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) is a sensitive and accurate method for
      purifying satellite cells, or muscle stem cells, from adult mouse skeletal muscle
      (Liu et al., 2013; Sacco et al., 2008; Tierney et al., 2014). Mechanical and
      enzymatic digestion of hind limb muscles releases mononuclear muscle cells into
      suspension. This protocol employs fractionation strategies to deplete cells
      expressing the cell surface markers CD45, CD31, CD11b and Ly-6A/E-Sca1, both by
      magnetic separation and FACS-based exclusion, and positively select for cells
      expressing a7-integrin and CD34. This enables the researcher to successfully
      enrich satellite cells that uniformly express the paired-box transcription factor
      Pax7 and are capable of long-term self-renewal, skeletal muscle repair and muscle
      stem cell pool repopulation.

PMID- 27668270
TI  - Eye Tracking Outcomes in Tobacco Control Regulation and Communication: A
      Systematic Review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In this paper we synthesize the evidence from eye tracking research in
      tobacco control to inform tobacco regulatory strategies and tobacco communication
      campaigns. METHODS: We systematically searched 11 databases for studies that
      reported eye tracking outcomes in regards to tobacco regulation and
      communication. Two coders independently reviewed studies for inclusion and
      abstracted study characteristics and findings. RESULTS: Eighteen studies met full
      criteria for inclusion. Eye tracking studies on health warnings consistently
      showed these warnings often were ignored, though eye tracking demonstrated that
      novel warnings, graphic warnings, and plain packaging can increase attention
      toward warnings. Eye tracking also revealed that greater visual attention to
      warnings on advertisements and packages consistently was associated with
      cognitive processing as measured by warning recall. CONCLUSIONS: Eye tracking is
      a valid indicator of attention, cognitive processing, and memory. The use of this
      technology in tobacco control research complements existing methods in tobacco
      regulatory and communication science; it also can be used to examine the effects
      of health warnings and other tobacco product communications on consumer behavior
      in experimental settings prior to the implementation of novel health
      communication policies. However, the utility of eye tracking will be enhanced by
      the standardization of methodology and reporting metrics.

PMID- 27668271
TI  - Respiratory Complications Due to Sulfur Mustard Exposure.
AB  - Sulfur mustard (SM) or bis (2-chloroethyl) sulfide is a vesicant and alkylating
      chemical weapon. SM was used in the 1980s against Iran by Iraqi forces. After
      exposure to SM in initial acute phase the greatest damage is incurred by the
      eyes, skin and lungs and the highest damage is caused to the lungs. This injury
      not only in the acute phase but also in the long-term has the highest prevalence
      among these patients. Clinical symptoms of people after exposure to SM start with
      irritation of the nose and sinuses in the mild doses to the runny nose and pain
      at higher doses and even irritation of the airways and bronchial engagement in
      very high doses. Respiratory complications in patients exposed to SM have been
      associated with long-term symptoms and these symptoms add to the intensity of the
      complication. Bloody sputum, feeling of tightness in the chest and shortness of
      breath over nights are among common symptoms; also the main respiratory symptoms
      including generalized wheezing, rale (crackle), decreased breath sounds and
      cyanosis and Apparently FEV1 is reduced by 50 mL/year. In these patients there
      are changes in blood cells especially in white blood cells and neutrophils and
      systemic inflammation and systemic changes with other comorbidities are observed.
      Although SM pulmonary patients' treatment is based on bronchodilators and long
      acting-beta2 agonists, paying attention to the comorbidities with prior systemic
      changes in these patients is a reason for the need to change treatment strategies
      of these patients with systemic and extra-pulmonary therapy.

PMID- 27668272
TI  - Data on serologic inflammatory biomarkers assessed using multiplex assays and
      host characteristics in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS).
AB  - This article contains data on the associations between fixed and modifiable host
      characteristics and twenty-three biomarkers of inflammation and immune activation
      measured longitudinally in a cohort of 250 HIV-uninfected men from the
      Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (1984-2009) after adjusting for age, study site,
      and blood draw time of day using generalized gamma regression. This article also
      presents associations between each biomarker and each host characteristic in a
      sample restricted to 2001-2009. These data are supplemental to our original
      research article entitled "Host factors associated with serologic inflammatory
      markers assessed using multiplex assays" (McKay, S. Heather, Bream, H. Jay,
      Margolick, B. Joseph, Martinez-Maza, Otoniel, Phair, P. John, Rinaldo, R.
      Charles, Abraham, G. Alison, L.P. Jacobson, 2016) [1]. 

PMID- 27668273
TI  - Diffusion tensor microscopy data (15.6 MUm in-plane) of white matter tracts in
      the human, pig, and rat spinal cord with corresponding tissue histology.
AB  - The following article contains nine diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) datasets
      acquired with magnetic resonance microscopy (MRM, 15.6 MUm in-plane). All data
      was collected in the region bordering the ventral horn and white matter of cross
      sections from the spinal cord enlargements along with each sample's corresponding
      tissue histology. These data are collected in fixed spinal cord sections of
      varying thicknesses taken from rat (2*21 direction DTI datasets), pig (1*21
      direction DTI dataset), and human (5*21 direction DTI datasets + 1*6 direction
      DTI dataset) tissue sources. Following MRM acquisition, the sections were
      histologically processed using Nissl or Black-Gold II (Histo-Chem Inc., 1BGII)
      myelin stain and imaged again using light microscopy techniques. Methodological
      procedures are an amalgamation of protocol components described previously
      (doi:10.1016/j.neuroimage.2010.04.031 [1], doi:10.1016/j.neuroimage.2011.04.052
      [2]). 

PMID- 27668274
TI  - Behavioral and cognitive data in mice with different tryptophan-metabolizing
      enzymes knocked out.
AB  - This article demonstrates behavioral changes in mice in response to free
      adaptation and drinking session adaptation modules implemented in their social
      home environment, the IntelliCage. These data complement the study "Deletion of
      TDO2, IDO-1 and IDO-2 differentially affects mouse behavior and cognitive
      function" (Too LK, Li KM, Suarna C, Maghzal GJ, Stocker R, McGregor IS, et al.,
      2016) [1]. Prior to programmed drinking sessions, all mice were exposed to a home
      cage adaptation module during which there was no time limit on water access - the
      free adaptation module. The exploratory behaviors are here expressed as
      percentages of visits with nosepokes and of visits with licks. The measurements
      by percentage of exploratory activity showed minimal genotype effects. The number
      of nosepokes or licks per corner visit also was compared between WT and gene
      knockout (GKO) IDO1 mice, WT and GKO IDO2 mice and WT and GKO TDO2 mice and
      demonstrated unremarkable behavioral changes during the free adaptation module.
      Analysis of drinking session adaptation behavior showed no genotype effect
      between WT and GKO of IDO1, IDO2 or TDO2 background. Notwithstanding the absence
      of genotype differences, each IDO1, IDO2 or TDO2 animal group displayed a
      specific pattern of adaptation to the drinking session modules. Furthermore, IDO1
      GKO mice showed a more rapid recovery of lick frequency to the baseline level
      compared to the WT equivalents in a simple patrolling task during the first
      complete testing cycle (R1). TDO2 GKO mice on the other hand did not differ from
      their WT equivalents in terms of lick frequency over the three test days of
      complex patrolling and discrimination reversal tasks. Lastly, IDO2 GKO mice
      reduced their visits to the permanently non-rewarding reference corners by the
      same degree as did the WT mice. 

PMID- 27668275
TI  - Pgu-Face: A dataset of partially covered facial images.
AB  - In this article we introduce a human face image dataset. Images were taken in
      close to real-world conditions using several cameras, often mobile phone's
      cameras. The dataset contains 224 subjects imaged under four different figures (a
      nearly clean-shaven countenance, a nearly clean-shaven countenance with
      sunglasses, an unshaven or stubble face countenance, an unshaven or stubble face
      countenance with sunglasses) in up to two recording sessions. Existence of
      partially covered face images in this dataset could reveal the robustness and
      efficiency of several facial image processing algorithms. In this work we present
      the dataset and explain the recording method. 

PMID- 27668276
TI  - Data from computational analysis of the peptide linkers in the MocR bacterial
      transcriptional regulators.
AB  - Detailed data from statistical analyses of the structural properties of the inter
      domain linker peptides of the bacterial regulators of the family MocR are herein
      reported. MocR regulators are a recently discovered subfamily of bacterial
      regulators possessing an N-terminal domain, 60 residue long on average, folded as
      the winged-helix-turn-helix architecture responsible for DNA recognition and
      binding, and a large C-terminal domain (350 residue on average) that belongs to
      the fold type-I pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP) dependent enzymes such aspartate
      aminotransferase. Data show the distribution of several structural
      characteristics of the linkers taken from bacterial species from five different
      phyla, namely Actinobacteria, Alpha-, Beta-, Gammaproteobacteria and Firmicutes.
      Interpretation and discussion of reported data refer to the article "Structural
      properties of the linkers connecting the N- and C- terminal domains in the MocR
      bacterial transcriptional regulators" (T. Milano, S. Angelaccio, A. Tramonti, M.
      L. Di Salvo, R. Contestabile, S. Pascarella, 2016) [1]. 

PMID- 27668277
TI  - Data set for transcriptome analysis of Escherichia coli exposed to nickel.
AB  - Ni is recognized as an element that is toxic to humans, acting as an allergen and
      a carcinogenic agent, and it is also toxic to plants. The toxicity of Ni has been
      understudied in microorganisms. The data presented here were obtained by
      submitting the model bacterium Escherichia coli K-12 to nickel stress. To
      identify expressed genes, RNA-Seq was performed. Bacteria were exposed to 50 uM
      NiCl2 during 10 min. Exposure to Ni lead to the deregulation of 57% of the E.
      coli transcripts. Further analysis using DAVID identified most affected
      biological pathways. The list of differentially expressed genes and physiological
      consequences of Ni stress are described in "Ni exposure impacts the pool of free
      Fe and modifies DNA supercoiling via metal-induced oxidative stress in
      Escherichia coli K-12" (M. Gault, G. Effantin, A. Rodrigue, 2016) [1]. 

PMID- 27668278
TI  - Data on combination effect of PEG-coated gold nanoparticles and non-thermal
      plasma inhibit growth of solid tumors.
AB  - Highly resistant tumor cells are hard to treat at low doses of plasma. Therefore,
      researchers have gained more attention to development of enhancers for plasma
      therapy. Some enhancers could improve the efficacy of plasma towards selectivity
      of cancer cells damage. In this dataset, we report the application of low doses
      of PEG-coated gold nanoparticles with addition of plasma treatment. This data
      consists of the effect of PEG-coated GNP and cold plasma on two solid tumor cell
      lines T98G glioblastoma and A549 lung adenocarcinoma. Cell proliferation,
      frequency of cancer stem cell population studies by this co-treatment was
      reported. Finally, we included in this dataset the effect of co-treatment in
      vivo, using tumor xenograft nude mice models. The data supplied in this article
      supports the accompanying publication "Low doses of PEG-coated gold nanoparticles
      sensitize solid tumors to cold plasma by blocking the PI3K/AKT-driven signaling
      axis to suppress cellular transformation by inhibiting growth and EMT" (N. K.
      Kaushik, N. Kaushik, K. C. Yoo, N Uddin, J. S. Kim, S. J. Lee et al., 2016) [1]. 

PMID- 27668280
TI  - Punica granatum L. (Pomegranate) Extract: In Vivo Study of Antimicrobial Activity
      against Porphyromonas gingivalis in Galleria mellonella Model.
AB  - Due to the increase of bacterial resistance, medicinal alternatives are being
      explored. Punica granatum L. is an effective herbal extract with broad spectrum
      of action and bactericidal, antifungal, anthelmintic potential and being able to
      modulate the immune response. The aim was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity
      of pomegranate glycolic extract (PGE) against the periodontal pathogen
      Porphyromonas gingivalis by using Galleria mellonella as in vivo model. Fifteen
      larvae were used per group. Injection of high concentration (200, 100, and 25
      mg/mL) of PGE showed a toxic effect, leading them to death. A suspension of P.
      gingivalis (106 cells/mL) was inoculated in the left last proleg and PGE (12.5,
      6.25, 3.1, and 2.5 mg/mL) were injected into the right proleg. The larvae were
      then kept at 37 degrees C under the dark. Injection of PGE at any dose
      statistically improved larvae survival rates. The data were analysed (log-rank
      test, Mantel-Cox, P < 0.05) and showed that all concentrations of PGE (12.5,
      6.25, 3.1, and 2.5 mg/mL) presented higher larval survival rates, with
      significant statistical difference in relation to control group (P. gingivalis).
      In conclusion, the PGE had antimicrobial action against P. gingivalis in vivo
      model using G. mellonella.

PMID- 27668279
TI  - Bias with respect to socioeconomic status: A closer look at zip code matching in
      a pneumococcal vaccine effectiveness study.
AB  - In 2010, 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) was introduced in the
      US for prevention of invasive pneumococcal disease in children. Individual-level
      socioeconomic status (SES) is a potential confounder of the estimated
      effectiveness of PCV13 and is often controlled for in observational studies using
      zip code as a proxy. We assessed the utility of zip code matching for control of
      SES in a post-licensure evaluation of the effectiveness of PCV13 (calculated as
      [1-matched odds ratio]*100). We used a directed acyclic graph to identify subsets
      of confounders and collected SES variables from birth certificates, geo-coding, a
      parent interview, and follow-up with medical providers. Cases tended to be more
      affluent than eligible controls (for example, 48.3% of cases had private
      insurance vs. 44.6% of eligible controls), but less affluent than enrolled
      controls (52.9% of whom had private insurance). Control of confounding subsets,
      however, did not result in a meaningful change in estimated vaccine effectiveness
      (original estimate: 85.1%, 95% CI 74.8-91.9%; adjusted estimate: 82.5%, 95% CI
      65.6-91.1%). In the context of a post-licensure vaccine effectiveness study, zip
      code appears to be an adequate, though not perfect, proxy for individual SES.

PMID- 27668281
TI  - Molecular Identification and Traceability of Illegal Trading in Lignobrycon
      myersi (Teleostei: Characiformes), a Threatened Brazilian Fish Species, Using DNA
      Barcode.
AB  - Lignobrycon myersi is a threatened freshwater fish species and endemic of a few
      coastal rivers in northeastern Brazil. Even though the Brazilian laws prohibit
      the fisheries of threatened species, L. myersi is occasionally found in street
      markets, being highly appreciated by local population. In order to provide a
      reliable DNA barcode dataset for L. myersi, we compared mitochondrial sequences
      of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) from fresh, frozen, and salt-preserved
      specimens. Phylogenetically related species (Triportheus spp.) and other fish
      species (Astyanax fasciatus) commonly mixed with L. myersi in street markets were
      also included to test the efficiency of molecular identification. In spite of the
      differences in conservation processes and advanced deterioration of some
      commercial samples, high-quality COI sequences were obtained and effective in
      discriminating L. myersi specimens. In addition, while populations from Contas
      and Almada River basins seem to comprise a single evolutionary lineage, the
      specimens from Cachoeira River were genetically differentiated, indicating
      population structuring. Therefore, DNA barcoding has proved to be useful to trace
      the illegal trading of L. myersi and to manage threatened populations, which
      should focus on conservation of distinct genetic stocks and mitigation on human
      impacts along their range.

PMID- 27668282
TI  - ABCC6 Out From the Cold: Identification of the ABCC6 Substrate as a Therapy for
      Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum and Cardiovascular Disease.

PMID- 27668283
TI  - Mutated CTSF in adult-onset neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis and FTD.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the molecular basis of a Belgian family with autosomal
      recessive adult-onset neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (ANCL or Kufs disease [KD])
      with pronounced frontal lobe involvement and to expand the findings to a cohort
      of unrelated Belgian patients with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). METHODS:
      Genetic screening in the ANCL family and FTD cohort (n = 461) was performed using
      exome sequencing and targeted massive parallel resequencing. RESULTS: We
      identified a homozygous mutation (p.Ile404Thr) in the Cathepsin F (CTSF) gene
      cosegregating in the ANCL family. No other mutations were found that could
      explain the disease in this family. All 4 affected sibs developed motor symptoms
      and early-onset dementia with prominent frontal features. Two of them evolved to
      akinetic mutism. Disease presentation showed marked phenotypic variation with the
      onset ranging from 26 to 50 years. Myoclonic epilepsy in one of the sibs was
      suggestive for KD type A, while epilepsy was not present in the other sibs who
      presented with clinical features of KD type B. In a Belgian cohort of unrelated
      patients with FTD, the same heterozygous p.Arg245His mutation was identified in 2
      patients who shared a common haplotype. CONCLUSIONS: A homozygous CTSF mutation
      was identified in a recessive ANCL pedigree. In contrast to the previous
      associations of CTSF with KD type B, our findings suggest that CTSF genetic
      testing should also be considered in patients with KD type A as well as in early
      onset dementia with prominent frontal lobe and motor symptoms.

PMID- 27668284
TI  - Novel GNB1 missense mutation in a patient with generalized dystonia, hypotonia,
      and intellectual disability.
AB  - Recently, exome sequencing has extended our knowledge of genetic causes of
      developmental delay through identification of de novo, germline mutations in the
      guanine nucleotide-binding protein, beta 1 (GNB1) in 13 patients with
      neurodevelopmental disability and a wide range of additional symptoms and signs
      including hypotonia in 11 and seizures in 10 of the patients. Limb/arm dystonia
      was found in 2 patients.(1). 

PMID- 27668285
TI  - Thermogenic profiling using magnetic resonance imaging of dermal and other
      adipose tissues.
AB  - Dermal white adipose tissue (dWAT) was recently recognized for its potential to
      modify whole body metabolism. Here, we show that dWAT can be quantified using a
      high-resolution, fat-specific magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique.
      Noninvasive MRI has been used to describe adipocyte depots for many years; the
      MRI technique we describe uses an advanced fat-specific method to measure the
      thickness of dWAT, together with the total volume of WAT and the relative
      activation/fat depletion of brown adipose tissues (BAT). Since skin-embedded
      adipocytes may provide natural insulation, they provide an important counterpoint
      to the activation of thermogenic brown and beige adipose tissues, whereby these
      distinct depots are functionally interrelated and require simultaneous assay.
      This method was validated using characterized mouse cohorts of a lipodystrophic,
      dWAT-deficient strain (syndecan-1 KO) and 2 obese models (diet-induced obese mice
      and genetically obese animals, ob/ob). Using a preliminary cohort of normal human
      subjects, we found the thickness of skin-associated fat varied 8-fold, from 0.13
      1.10 cm; on average, this depot is calculated to weigh 8.8 kg. 

PMID- 27668286
TI  - Characterization of candidate genes in inflammatory bowel disease-associated risk
      loci.
AB  - GWAS have linked SNPs to risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but a
      systematic characterization of disease-associated genes has been lacking. Prior
      studies utilized microarrays that did not capture many genes encoded within risk
      loci or defined expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) using peripheral
      blood, which is not the target tissue in IBD. To address these gaps, we sought to
      characterize the expression of IBD-associated risk genes in disease-relevant
      tissues and in the setting of active IBD. Terminal ileal (TI) and colonic mucosal
      tissues were obtained from patients with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
      and from healthy controls. We developed a NanoString code set to profile 678
      genes within IBD risk loci. A subset of patients and controls were genotyped for
      IBD-associated risk SNPs. Analyses included differential expression and variance
      analysis, weighted gene coexpression network analysis, and eQTL analysis. We
      identified 116 genes that discriminate between healthy TI and colon samples and
      uncovered patterns in variance of gene expression that highlight heterogeneity of
      disease. We identified 107 coexpressed gene pairs for which transcriptional
      regulation is either conserved or reversed in an inflammation-independent or 
      dependent manner. We demonstrate that on average approximately 60% of disease
      associated genes are differentially expressed in inflamed tissue. Last, we
      identified eQTLs with either genotype-only effects on expression or an
      interaction effect between genotype and inflammation. Our data reinforce tissue
      specificity of expression in disease-associated candidate genes, highlight genes
      and gene pairs that are regulated in disease-relevant tissue and inflammation,
      and provide a foundation to advance the understanding of IBD pathogenesis. 

PMID- 27668287
TI  - Enhanced protective antibody to a mutant meningococcal factor H-binding protein
      with low-factor H binding.
AB  - Meningococcal factor H-binding protein (FHbp) is an antigen in 2 serogroup B
      meningococcal vaccines. FHbp specifically binds human and some nonhuman primate
      complement FH. To investigate the effect of binding of FH to FHbp on protective
      antibody responses, we immunized infant rhesus macaques with either a control
      recombinant FHbp antigen that bound macaque FH or a mutant antigen with 2 amino
      acid substitutions and >250-fold lower affinity for FH. The mutant antigen
      elicited 3-fold higher serum IgG anti-FHbp titers and up to 15-fold higher serum
      bactericidal titers than the control FHbp vaccine. When comparing sera with
      similar IgG anti-FHbp titers, the antibodies elicited by the mutant antigen gave
      greater deposition of complement component C4b on live meningococci (classical
      complement pathway) and inhibited binding of FH, while the anti-FHbp antibodies
      elicited by the control vaccine enhanced FH binding. Thus, the mutant FHbp
      vaccine elicited an anti-FHbp antibody repertoire directed at FHbp epitopes
      within the FH binding site, which resulted in greater protective activity than
      the antibodies elicited by the control vaccine, which targeted FHbp epitopes
      outside of the FH combining site. Binding of a host protein to a vaccine antigen
      impairs protective antibody responses, which can be overcome with low-binding
      mutant antigens. 

PMID- 27668288
TI  - Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Regulator-Encoding Genes Have an Additive
      Effect on Virulence Gene Expression in a Vibrio cholerae Clinical Isolate.
AB  - Vibrio cholerae is the etiological agent of the infectious disease cholera, which
      is characterized by vomiting and severe watery diarrhea. Recently, V. cholerae
      clinical isolates have demonstrated increased virulence capabilities, causing
      more severe symptoms with a much higher rate of disease progression than
      previously observed. We have identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in
      four virulence-regulatory genes (hapR, hns, luxO, and vieA) of a hypervirulent V.
      cholerae clinical isolate, MQ1795. Herein, all SNPs and SNP combinations of
      interest were introduced into the prototypical El Tor reference strain N16961,
      and the effects on the production of numerous virulence-related factors,
      including cholera toxin (CT), the toxin-coregulated pilus (TCP), and ToxT, were
      analyzed. Our data show that triple-SNP (hapR hns luxO and hns luxO vieA) and
      quadruple-SNP combinations produced the greatest increases in CT, TCP, and ToxT
      production. The hns and hns luxO SNP combinations were sufficient for increased
      TCP and ToxT production. Notably, the hns luxO vieA triple-SNP combination strain
      produced TCP and ToxT levels similar to those of MQ1795. Certain SNP combinations
      (hapR and hapR vieA) had the opposite effect on CT, TCP, and ToxT expression.
      Interestingly, the hns vieA double-SNP combination strain increased TCP
      production while decreasing CT production. Our findings suggest that SNPs
      identified in the four regulatory genes, in various combinations, are associated
      with increased virulence capabilities observed in V. cholerae clinical isolates.
      These studies provide insight into the evolution of highly virulent strains.
      IMPORTANCE Cholera, an infectious disease of the small intestine caused by the
      aquatic bacterium Vibrio cholerae, often results in vomiting and acute watery
      diarrhea. If left untreated or if the response is too slow, the symptoms can
      quickly lead to extreme dehydration and ultimately death of the patient. Recent
      anecdotal evidence of cholera patients suffering from increasingly severe
      symptoms and of disease progression at a much higher rate than previously
      observed has emerged. As recent cholera outbreaks caused by increasingly virulent
      strains have resulted in higher mortality rates, the need to investigate the
      mechanism(s) allowing this observed increased virulence is apparent. The
      significance of our research is in identifying the mechanism for increased
      virulence capabilities, which will allow the development of a model that will
      greatly enhance our understanding of cholera disease and V. cholerae
      pathogenesis, leading to broader biomedical impacts, as cholera serves as a model
      for other enteric diarrheal diseases. 

PMID- 27668289
TI  - Orphanhood by AIDS-Related Causes and Child Mental Health: A Developmental
      Psychopathology Approach.
AB  - While the number of new HIV infections has declined, the number of orphans as a
      result of AIDS-related deaths continues to increase. The aim of this paper was to
      systematically review empirical research on the mental health of children
      affected by HIV/AIDS in the developing world, specifically with an eye on
      developing a theoretical framework to guide intervention and research. Articles
      for review were gathered by following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic
      Reviews and Meta Analyses (PRISMA standards), reviewed and then organized and
      synthesized with a Developmental Psychopathology framework. Results showed that
      the immediate and longterm effects of AIDS orphanhood are moderated by a number
      of important risk and protective factors that may serve as strategic targets for
      intervention. Research and clinical implications are discussed.

PMID- 27668290
TI  - Emerging role of mTOR in the response to cancer therapeutics.
AB  - The movement toward precision medicine with targeted therapeutics for cancer
      treatment has been hindered by both innate and acquired resistance. Understanding
      the molecular wiring and plasticity of oncogenic signaling networks is essential
      to the development of therapeutic strategies to avoid or overcome resistance. The
      mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex 1 (mTORC1) represents a highly
      integrated signaling node that is dysregulated in the majority of human cancers.
      Several studies have revealed that sustained mTORC1 inhibition is essential to
      avoid resistance to targeted therapeutics against the driving oncogenic pathway
      in a given cancer. Here we discuss the role of mTORC1 in dictating the response
      of tumors to targeted therapeutics and review recent examples from lung cancer,
      breast cancer, and melanoma.

PMID- 27668292
TI  - Enigmatic relationship between chlorophyll a concentrations and photosynthetic
      rates at Station ALOHA.
AB  - An ordinary least squares (OLS) analysis of the relationship between chlorophyll
      a (chl a) concentrations and photosynthetic rates at depths of 5 and 25 m at
      Station ALOHA produced a slope that was only 28% of the mean productivity index
      at those depths and an intercept at zero chl a that equaled 70% of the mean
      photosynthetic rate. OLS regression lines are known to produce a slope and
      intercept that are biased estimates of the true slope and intercept when the
      explanatory variable, X, is uncontrolled, but in this case the measurement errors
      and natural variability of the chl a concentrations were much too small to
      explain the apparent bias. The bias was traceable to the fact that the
      photosynthetic rates were determined by more than one explanatory variable, a
      source of variability that is typically overlooked in discussions of OLS bias.
      Modeling the photosynthetic rates as a function of the product of chl a and
      surface irradiance produced a much more accurate and realistic description of the
      data, but the OLS continued to be biased, presumably because the photosynthetic
      rates were functions of factors in addition to chl a and surface irradiance
      (e.g., temperature, macronutrients, trace metals, and vitamins). The results
      underscore the need to recognize that the absence of bias in an OLS when X is not
      controlled implies that all scatter in the data about the OLS is due to errors in
      the dependent variable, an unlikely scenario. In most cases, resolution of the
      bias problem will require identification of the explanatory variables in addition
      to X that determine the dependent variable. 

PMID- 27668291
TI  - Activated carbon from flash pyrolysis of eucalyptus residue.
AB  - Forestry waste (eucalyptus sp) was converted into activated carbon by initial
      flash pyrolysis followed carbonization and CO2 activation. These residues were
      obtained from a pilot plant in Spain that produces biofuel, the biochar
      represented 10-15% in weight. It was observed that the highest activation was
      achieved at a temperature of 800  degrees C, the specific surface increased with
      time but, on the contrary, high loss of matter was observed. At 600  degrees C,
      although there was an important increase of the specific surface and the volume
      of micropores, at this temperature it was observed that the activation time was
      not an influential parameter. Finally, at 400  degrees C it was observed that the
      activation process was not very significant. Assessing the average pore diameter
      it was found that the lowest value corresponded to the activation temperature of
      600  degrees C, which indicated the development of microporosity. When the
      activation temperature increases up to 800  degrees C the pore diameter increased
      developing mesoporosity. 

PMID- 27668293
TI  - A Cure for HIV Infection: "Not in My Lifetime" or "Just Around the Corner"?
AB  - With the advent and stunning success of combination antiretroviral therapy (ART)
      to prolong and improve quality of life for persons with HIV infection, HIV
      research has been afforded the opportunity to pivot towards studies aimed at
      finding "a cure." The mere idea that cure of HIV might be possible has energized
      researchers and the community towards achieving this goal. Funding agencies, both
      governmental and private, have targeted HIV cure as a high priority; many in the
      field have responded to these initiatives and the cure research agenda is robust.
      In this "salon" two editors of Pathogens and Immunity, Michael Lederman and
      Daniel Douek ask whether curing HIV is a realistic, scalable objective. We start
      with an overview perspective and have asked a number of prominent HIV researchers
      to add to the discussion.

PMID- 27668295
TI  - The variable nature of convection in the tropics and subtropics: A legacy of 16
      years of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission satellite.
AB  - For over 16 years, the Precipitation Radar of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring
      Mission (TRMM) satellite detected the three-dimensional structure of
      significantly precipitating clouds in the tropics and subtropics. This paper
      reviews and synthesizes studies using the TRMM radar data to present a global
      picture of the variation of convection throughout low latitudes. The multiyear
      data set shows convection varying not only in amount but also in its very nature
      across the oceans, continents, islands, and mountain ranges of the tropics and
      subtropics. Shallow isolated raining clouds are overwhelmingly an oceanic
      phenomenon. Extremely deep and intense convective elements occur almost
      exclusively over land. Upscale growth of convection into mesoscale systems takes
      a variety of forms. Oceanic cloud systems generally have less intense embedded
      convection but can form very wide stratiform regions. Continental mesoscale
      systems often have more intense embedded convection. Some of the most intense
      convective cells and mesoscale systems occur near the great mountain ranges of
      low latitudes. The Maritime Continent and Amazonia exhibit convective clouds with
      maritime characteristics although they are partially or wholly land. Convective
      systems containing broad stratiform areas manifest most strongly over oceans. The
      stratiform precipitation occurs in various forms. Often it occurs as quasi
      uniform precipitation with strong melting layers connected with intense
      convection. In monsoons and the Intertropical Convergence Zone, it takes the form
      of closely packed weak convective elements. Where fronts extend into the
      subtropics, broad stratiform regions are larger and have lower and sloping
      melting layers related to the baroclinic origin of the precipitation.

PMID- 27668294
TI  - INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE IS ASSOCIATED WITH INCREASED CD4+ T-CELL ACTIVATION
      AMONG HIV-NEGATIVE HIGH-RISK WOMEN.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Biological pathways mediating the link between intimate partner
      violence (IPV) and increased HIV risk remain unexplored. We hypothesized that IPV
      induced stress negatively affects HIV systemic immune defenses and aimed to
      evaluate whether IPV was associated with immune profiles linked to HIV
      susceptibility: CD4 activation and diminished regulatory T-cell (Treg) frequency.
      METHODS: Seventy-five HIV-negative high-risk women were surveyed regarding their
      IPV experience. They provided blood, urine, and (if present) genital ulcer
      samples for cortisol, immune assays, and STI testing. Using flow cytometry, we
      assessed activated CD4+ T-cell (%HLA-DR+/CD38+) and Treg (%CD4+CD25+FoxP3+)
      frequencies and phenotyping. Nonparametric tests evaluated the association
      between IPV and immune outcomes. Multivariate regression explored confounding and
      moderation of the IPV-CD4 activation pathway. RESULTS: Lifetime IPV was
      associated with increased CD4+ activation (r = 0.331, P = 0.004), a shift in CD4+
      phenotype from naive to effector memory (r = 0.343, P = 0.003), and a decrease in
      naive (%HLA-DR+/CD45RA-) Treg frequency (r = -0.337, P = 0.003). Experiencing IPV
      over the past year had similar trends. After controlling for sexual IPV, lifetime
      physical and psychological abuse remained significantly associated with CD4+
      activation (P = 0.004 and P = 0.033, respectively). After controlling for race
      (the only covariate linked to activation), the lifetime IPV-CD4 activation
      association remained significant (P = 0.012). Alcohol use and depression were
      identified as potential pathway moderators. CONCLUSION: Our data is the first to
      suggest an immune link between IPV and HIV, and may help explain differences at
      the individual level in HIV susceptibility and response to biological HIV
      prevention strategies. The association of psychological and physical abuse with
      CD4 activation independent of sexual abuse further supports the existence of a
      stress-induced immune pathway.

PMID- 27668296
TI  - Physical Therapy Intervention to Augment Outcomes Of Lymph Node Transfer Surgery
      for a Breast Cancer Survivor with Secondary Upper Extremity Lymphedema: A Case
      Report.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Lymphedema is an incurable complication of breast cancer
      treatment that affects roughly 20 percent of women. It is often managed via
      complete decongestive therapy, which includes manual lymph drainage, therapeutic
      compression, skin care, and exercise. Lymph node transfer is a new and expensive
      surgical intervention that uses one's own lymph nodes and implants them in the
      affected upper extremity. Previous research has investigated augmenting lymph
      node transfer surgery with complete decongestive therapy, but there is a lack of
      evidence regarding the success of focusing lymph drainage against the normal
      pressure gradient toward a surgical flap located on the wrist. The patient's main
      motivation for the surgical intervention was to alleviate her daily burden of
      complete decongestive therapy. The purpose of this case report was to compare the
      methods and results of pre-surgical complete decongestive physical therapy to a
      post-operation modified approach that directed lymph fluid away from the major
      lymphatic ducts and instead toward a surgical flap on the wrist of a patient with
      lymphedema. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 65-year-old female presented with secondary upper
      extremity lymphedema following breast cancer treatment. Her circumferential
      measurements and L-Dex score corroborated this diagnosis, and she had functional
      deficits in upper extremity range of motion. She was seen for 10 visits of
      traditional complete decongestive therapy prior to her lymph node transfer
      surgery and 24 treatments of modified complete decongestive therapy over the
      course of six months following surgery. OUTCOMES: At six months, the patient had
      minor improvements in the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy
      Fatigue, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire, range of
      motion, and upper extremity strength. However, her circumferential measurements
      and L-Dex scores showed a meaningful increase in limb girth. DISCUSSION: The
      patient's smallest upper extremity volumes were documented before the operation
      after two weeks of complete decongestive therapy. The surgical intervention
      supplemented by modified complete decongestive therapy resulted in increased limb
      girth after six months. Although the patient was able to stop wearing her
      compression garment while continuing independent manual lymph drainage and upper
      extremity wrapping, the post-surgical intervention was not a success because the
      patient's circumferential measurements remained meaningfully higher than at her
      initial examination. Further research is needed to determine the long-term
      effects of this surgery when coupled with physical therapy intervention, and
      whether it has better outcomes than the standard conservative treatment of
      complete decongestive therapy alone.

PMID- 27668297
TI  - An Agent-Based Model of School Closing in Under-Vacccinated Communities During
      Measles Outbreaks.
AB  - The winter 2014-15 measles outbreak in the US represents a significant crisis in
      the emergence of a functionally extirpated pathogen. Conclusively linking this
      outbreak to decreases in the measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccination rate (driven
      by anti-vaccine sentiment) is critical to motivating MMR vaccination. We used the
      NOVA modeling platform to build a stochastic, spatially-structured, individual
      based SEIR model of outbreaks, under the assumption that R0 ~ 7 for measles. We
      show this implies that herd immunity requires vaccination coverage of greater
      than approximately 85%. We used a network structured version of our NOVA model
      that involved two communities, one at the relatively low coverage of 85% coverage
      and one at the higher coverage of 95%, both of which had 400-student schools
      embedded, as well as students occasionally visiting superspreading sites (e.g.
      high-density theme parks, cinemas, etc.). These two vaccination coverage levels
      are within the range of values occurring across California counties. Transmission
      rates at schools and superspreading sites were arbitrarily set to respectively 5
      and 15 times background community rates. Simulations of our model demonstrate
      that a 'send unvaccinated students home' policy in low coverage counties is
      extremely effective at shutting down outbreaks of measles.

PMID- 27668298
TI  - Modeling Social Capital as Dynamic Networks to Promote Access to Oral Healthcare.
AB  - Social capital, as comprised of human connections in social networks and their
      associated benefits, is closely related to the health of individuals,
      communities, and societies at large. For disadvantaged population groups such as
      older adults and racial/ethnic minorities, social capital may play a particularly
      critical role in mitigating the negative effects and reinforcing the positive
      effects on health. In this project, we model social capital as both cause and
      effect by simulating dynamic networks. Informed in part by a community-based
      health promotion program, an agent-based model is contextualized in a GIS
      environment to explore the complexity of social disparities in oral and general
      health as experienced at the individual, interpersonal, and community scales.
      This study provides the foundation for future work investigating how health and
      healthcare accessibility may be influenced by social networks.

PMID- 27668299
TI  - Strong [(68)Ga]PSMA-HBED-CC accumulation in non-cancerous prostate tissue
      surrounding a PSMA-negative prostate carcinoma recurrence.

PMID- 27668300
TI  - Primary lymphoma involving cranial nerves and cauda equina detected by (18)F-FDG
      PET/CT and MRI.

PMID- 27668302
TI  - Devitalized bone in a multi-fragment femoral shaft fracture detected by (18)F-NaF
      PET-CT.

PMID- 27668301
TI  - The role of (18)F-FDG PET/CT in diagnosis and therapeutic approach in small child
      with MSMD.

PMID- 27668304
TI  - Regiodiscriminating Reactivity of Isolable NHC-Coordinated Disilenyl Germylene
      and Its Cyclic Isomer.
AB  - An isolable NHC-coordinated disilenyl germylene R2Si?SiR-GePh.NHCiPr2Me2 (5b: R =
      2,4,6-triisopropylphenyl, NHCiPr2Me2 = 1,3-diisopropyl-4,5-dimethylimidazol-2
      ylidene) is obtained from the reaction of the alpha-chloro silyl functionalized
      heavier vinylidene analogue R2(Cl)Si-RSi?Ge.NHCiPr2Me2 with phenyllithium. The
      disilenyl germylene 5b isomerizes at 40  degrees C to the NHC-adduct of the
      corresponding heavier cyclopropylidene analogue 6b. Both 5b and 6b display near
      perfect regiodiscrimination in their reactions with phenylacetylene and xylyl
      isocyanide, affording in the case of each reagent two different regioisomers of
      NHC-coordinated cyclic germylenes. DFT calculations reveal that the Si?Si bond
      accounts for the high reactivity of 5b even at low temperature while in the case
      of cyclic 6b the low-valent germanium center requires a considerable thermal
      activation.

PMID- 27668303
TI  - Trefoil factor family 2 expression inhibits gastric cancer cell growth and
      invasion in vitro via interactions with the transcription factor Sp3.
AB  - The trefoil factor family (TFF) is a group of short secretory peptides of gastric
      mucous neck cells. The loss of TFF2 protein expression enhances gastric
      inflammation and occurs in gastric cancer. In this study, we examined the effect
      of TFF2 on gastric cancer cell lines in vitro and characterized the interaction
      between TFF2 and Sp3, including the mechanisms that mediate this interaction,
      using genomics and proteomics approaches, as well as genetics techniques, such as
      RNA interference and gene knockdown. Assays were performed to examine the role of
      TFF2 and Sp3 in cancer cell proliferation, invasion and migration. We found that
      TFF2 expression inhibited the proliferation and invasion capacity of gastric
      cancer cells, and induced apoptosis. TFF2 interacted with the Sp3 protein, as
      shown by immunofluorescence staining and immunoprecipitation with western blot
      analysis. Sp3 knockdown in gastric cancer cells antagonized TFF2 antitumor
      activity. Additionally, TFF2 upregulated the expression of pro-apoptotic
      proteins, such as Bid, but downregulated the expression of NF-kappaB and the anti
      apoptotic proteins, Bcl-xL and Mcl-1. By contrast, Sp3 knockdown significantly
      blocked TFF2 activity, affecting the expression of these proteins. The data from
      our study demonstrate that the antitumor activity of TFF2 is mediated by an
      interaction with the Sp3 protein in gastric cancer cells. Additional in vivo and
      ex vivo warrned in order to fully characterize this interaction.

PMID- 27668305
TI  - Fabrication of Propeller-Shaped Supra-amphiphile for Construction of Enzyme
      Responsive Fluorescent Vesicles.
AB  - Propeller-shaped molecules have been recognized to display fantastic AIE
      (aggregation induced emission), but they can hardly self-assemble into
      nanostructures. Herein, we for the first time report that ionic complexation
      between a water-soluble tetrapheneyl derivative and an enzyme substrate in
      aqueous media produces a propeller-shaped supra-amphiphile that self-assembles
      into enzyme responsive fluorescent vesicles. The supra-amphiphile was fabricated
      upon complexation between a water-soluble propeller-shaped AIE luminogen TPE-BPA
      and myristoylcholine chloride (MChCl) in aqueous media. MChCl filled in the
      intramolecular voids of propeller-shaped TPE-BPA upon supra-amphiphile formation,
      which endows the supra-amphiphile superior self-assembling ability to the
      component molecules thus leading to the formation of fluorescent vesicles.
      Because MChCl is the substrate of cholinesterases, the vesicles dissemble in the
      presence of cholinesterases, and the fluorescent intensity can be correlated to
      the level of enzymes. The resulting fluorescent vesicles may be used to recognize
      the site of Alzheimer's disease, to encapsulate the enzyme inhibitor, and to
      release the inhibitor at the disease site.

PMID- 27668306
TI  - Photocontrollable Intermittent Release of Doxorubicin Hydrochloride from
      Liposomes Embedded by Azobenzene-Contained Glycolipid.
AB  - Azobenzene-contained glycolipids GlyAzoCns, newly structured azobenzene
      derivatives, which have an azobenzene moiety between the galactosyl and carbon
      chains of various sizes, have been synthesized. The GlyAzoCns undergo reversible
      photoinduced isomerization in both ethanol solution (free state) and liposomal
      bilayer (restricted state) upon irradiation with UV and vis light alternately.
      The drug release of Liposome@Gly induced by isomerization was found to be an
      instantaneous behavior. The photoinduced control of DOX release from liposome was
      investigated in various modes. The Liposome@Glys have been found to keep the
      entrapped DOX stably in the dark with less than 10% leakage in 10 h but release
      nearly 100% of cargos instantaneously with UV irradiation. The molecular
      structure of GlyAzoCns and the property of the liposomal bilayer were considered
      as important factors influencing drug release. Among the synthesized GlyAzoCns,
      GlyAzoC7 was shown to be the most efficient photosensitive actuator for
      controlling drug release. A lower proportion of cholesterol in Liposome@Glys was
      conducive to promote the release amount. Results indicated that the synthesized
      GlyAzoCns could act as a role of smart actuators in the liposome bilayer and
      control the drug to release temporarily and quantitatively.

PMID- 27668307
TI  - Lattice Dynamics of the Rhombohedral Polymorphs of CaSi2.
AB  - The structures of two trigonal-rhombohedral CaSi2 polymorphs (space group R3m)
      were studied by X-ray diffraction and polarized Raman scattering spectroscopy.
      Raman-active even-parity vibrational modes of A1g and Eg are unambiguously
      identified and assigned to the specific lattice eigenmodes. Experimental data are
      found to be in very good agreement with those predicted by density functional
      theory lattice dynamics calculations. The transformation of 6R structural
      modification of CaSi2 into its 3R polymorph, by high-temperature annealing in
      vacuum is also reported.

PMID- 27668308
TI  - You think you know where you looked? You better look again.
AB  - People are surprisingly bad at knowing where they have looked in a scene. We
      tested participants' ability to recall their own eye movements in 2 experiments
      using natural or artificial scenes. In each experiment, participants performed a
      change-detection (Exp.1) or search (Exp.2) task. On 25% of trials, after 3
      seconds of viewing the scene, participants were asked to indicate where they
      thought they had just fixated. They responded by making mouse clicks on 12
      locations in the unchanged scene. After 135 trials, observers saw 10 new scenes
      and were asked to put 12 clicks where they thought someone else would have
      looked. Although observers located their own fixations more successfully than a
      random model, their performance was no better than when they were guessing
      someone else's fixations. Performance with artificial scenes was worse, though
      judging one's own fixations was slightly superior. Even after repeating the
      fixation-location task on 30 scenes immediately after scene viewing, performance
      was far from the prediction of an ideal observer. Memory for our own fixation
      locations appears to add next to nothing beyond what common sense tells us about
      the likely fixations of others. These results have important implications for
      socially important visual search tasks. For example, a radiologist might think he
      has looked at "everything" in an image, but eye tracking data suggest that this
      is not so. Such shortcomings might be avoided by providing observers with better
      insights of where they have looked. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27668309
TI  - Exploring Protein Stability by Comparative Molecular Dynamics Simulations of
      Homologous Hyperthermophilic, Mesophilic, and Psychrophilic Proteins.
AB  - In the present studies, we analyzed the influence of temperature on the stability
      and dynamics of the alpha subunit of tryptophan synthase (TRPS) from
      hyperthermophilic, mesophilic, and psychrophilic homologues at different
      temperatures by molecular dynamics simulations. Employing different indicators
      such as root-mean-square deviations, root-mean-square fluctuations, principal
      component analysis, and free energy landscapes, this study manifests the diverse
      behavior of these homologues with changes in temperature. Especially, an
      enhancement in the collective motions, classified as representative motions, is
      observed at high temperature. Similarly, the criterion for the selection of
      electrostatic interactions in terms of their life span (duty cycle) has indeed
      helped in identifying the short- and long-lived electrostatic interactions and
      how they affect the protein's overall stability at different temperatures.
      Rigidity and flexibility patterns of the homologous proteins are examined using
      FIRST software along with the calculation of duty cycles with various threshold
      limits at different temperatures. Rigid cluster decomposition in TRPS of
      psychrophilic, mesophilic, and hyperthermophilic origin identifies the flexible
      and rigid regions in the protein. Early loss of rigidity is observed in
      mesophilic TRPS via loss of contact between the major fragments of the protein
      compared with the other homologues. In spite of the high similarity of their
      three-dimensional structures, the overall responses of the three proteins to
      varying temperatures are significantly different.

PMID- 27668310
TI  - Improved Efficiency and Enhanced Color Quality of Light-Emitting Diodes with
      Quantum Dot and Organic Hybrid Tandem Structure.
AB  - Light-emitting diodes based on organic (OLEDs) and colloidal quantum dot (QLEDs)
      are widely considered as next-generation display technologies because of their
      attractive advantages such as self-emitting and flexible form factor. The OLEDs
      exhibit relatively high efficiency, but their color saturation is quite poor
      compared with that of QLEDs. In contrast, the QLEDs show very pure color
      emission, but their efficiency is lower than that of OLEDs currently. To combine
      the advantages and compensate for the weaknesses of each other, we propose a
      hybrid tandem structure which integrates both OLED and QLED in a single device
      architecture. With ZnMgO/Al/HATCN interconnecting layer, hybrid tandem LEDs are
      successfully fabricated. The demonstrated hybrid tandem devices feature high
      efficiency and high color saturation simultaneously; for example, the devices
      exhibit maximum current efficiency and external quantum efficiency of 96.28 cd/A
      and 25.90%, respectively. Meanwhile, the full width at half-maximum of the
      emission spectra is remarkably reduced from 68 to 44 nm. With the proposed hybrid
      tandem structure, the color gamut of the displays can be effectively increased
      from 81% to 100% NTSC. The results indicate that the advantages of different LED
      technologies can be combined in a hybrid tandem structure.

PMID- 27668311
TI  - Low-Temperature Catalytic Decomposition of 130 Tetra- to Octa-PCDD/Fs Congeners
      over CuOX and MnOX Modified V2O5/TiO2-CNTs with the Assistance of O3.
AB  - In this study, a reliable and steady PCDD/F generation system was utilized to
      investigate the performance of catalysts, in which 130 congeners of tetra- to
      octapolychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) vapors were
      studied under simulated flue gas with/without O3. TiO2 and carbon nanotubes
      (CNTs) supported vanadium oxides (VOX/TiO2-CNTs) modified with MnOX and CuOX,
      which were reported to be beneficial to the decomposition of model molecules,
      were found to have a negative effect on the removal of real PCDD/Fs in the
      simulated flue gas without O3. Moreover, the addition of MnOX presented different
      effects depending on whether CuOX existed in catalysts or not, which was also
      contrary to its effects on the degradation of model molecules. In an O3
      containing atmosphere, low chlorination level PCDD/Fs congeners were removed well
      over VOX-MnOX/TiO2-CNTs, while high chlorination level PCDD/Fs congeners were
      removed well over VOX-CuOX/TiO2-CNTs. Fortunately, all PCDD/Fs congeners
      decomposed well over VOX-MnOX-CuOX/TiO2-CNTs. Finally, the effects of tetra- to
      octachlorination level for the adsorption and degradation behaviors of PCDD/Fs
      congeners were also investigated.

PMID- 27668313
TI  - Laplace Pressure of Individual H2 Nanobubbles from Pressure-Addition
      Electrochemistry.
AB  - The Young-Laplace equation is central to the thermodynamic description of liquids
      with highly curved interfaces, e.g., nanoscale droplets and their inverse,
      nanoscale bubbles. The equation relates the pressure difference across an
      interface to its surface tension and radius of curvature, but the validity in
      using the macroscopic surface tension for describing curved interfaces with radii
      smaller than tens of nanometers has been questioned. Here we present
      electrochemical measurement of Laplace pressures within single H2 bubbles between
      7 and 200 nm radius (corresponding, respectively, to between 200 and 7 atm). Our
      results demonstrate a linear relationship between a bubble's Laplace pressure and
      its reciprocal radius, verifying the classical thermodynamic description of H2
      nanobubbles as small as ~10 nm.

PMID- 27668314
TI  - Nanoelectronic Heterodyne Sensor: A New Electronic Sensing Paradigm.
AB  - Nanoelectronic devices based on nanomaterials such as nanowires, carbon
      nanotubes, graphene, and other 2D nanomaterials offer extremely large surface-to
      volume ratios, high carrier mobility, low power consumption, and high
      compatibility for integration with modern electronic technologies. These distinct
      advantages promise great potential for nanoelectronic devices as next generation
      chemical and biological sensors. Currently, majority of existing nanoelectronic
      sensors are direct current (DC) sensors, which rely ubiquitously on detection of
      conductance change associated with molecular adsorption. However, despite the
      simplicity of the conventional DC sensing technology, it also has severe
      limitations such as the Debye screening effect in ionic solutions, and the speed
      sensitivity trade-off for the detection of charge-neutral molecules. Hence, the
      development of nanoelectronic sensors calls for new sensing platform technologies
      that can truly showcase the advantages of electronic sensors. In this Account, we
      will summarize recent efforts from our group on the development of a new
      electronic sensing paradigm, the nanoelectronic heterodyne sensors. Unlike
      conventional charge-detection based sensors, the heterodyne sensor explores the
      frequency mixing response between molecular dipoles and a nanoscale transistor.
      As an example, we first discuss the capability of heterodyne sensing in gas
      sensing applications by using graphene devices. Rapid (down to 0.1 s) and
      sensitive (down to 1 ppb) detection of a wide range of vapor analytes is
      achieved, representing orders of magnitude improvement over state-of-the-art
      nanoelectronic sensors. Furthermore, the heterodyne sensing technique enables
      electrical probing and tuning of the noncovalent physisorption of polar molecules
      on graphene surface for the first time. These results provide insight into small
      molecule-nanomaterial interaction dynamics and signify the ability to
      electrically tailor interactions, which can lead to rational designs of complex
      chemical processes for catalysis and drug discovery. Finally, we discuss the
      application of heterodyne sensing in solution for chemical and biological sensors
      by using carbon nanotube devices. The fundamental ionic screening effect can be
      mitigated by operating carbon nanotube field effect transistor as a heterodyne
      biosensor. Electrical detection of streptavidin binding to biotin in 100 mM
      buffer solution can be achieved at a frequency beyond 1 MHz. The results should
      promise a new biosensing platform for point-of-care detection, where biosensors
      functioning directly in physiologically relevant condition are desired.

PMID- 27668315
TI  - Evaluation of Lecithinized Superoxide Dismutase for the Prevention of Acute
      Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Animal Models.
AB  - For acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), mechanical ventilation (MV) is a
      life-saving intervention without alternative; however, MV can cause ventilator
      induced lung injury. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play important roles in the
      pathogenesis of both ARDS and ventilator-induced lung injury. Lecithinized
      superoxide dismutase (PC-SOD) overcomes the limitations of superoxide dismutase
      such as low tissue affinity and low stability in plasma. In this study, we
      examined the effect of PC-SOD on tissue injury, edema, and inflammation in the
      lung and other organs of mice subjected to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), LPS
      administration, or MV. The severity of the lung injury was assessed on the basis
      of vascular permeability, histopathologic evaluation, and lung mechanics.
      Intravenous PC-SOD administration (the first administered just before CLP)
      increased the survival rate and decreased vascular permeability in mice subjected
      to CLP. PC-SOD, but not dexamethasone or sivelestat sodium hydrate (sivelestat),
      suppressed CLP-induced kidney injury and systemic inflammation. PC-SOD also
      suppressed vascular permeability, tissue injury, and inflammation in the lung
      induced by LPS administration. Moreover, PC-SOD, but not dexamethasone or
      sivelestat, suppressed vascular permeability, edema, tissue injury, and
      mechanical alterations in the lung induced by MV. In vivo imaging analysis of ROS
      revealed that CLP, LPS administration, and MV increased the level of ROS and that
      this increase was suppressed by PC-SOD. The results of this study thus suggest
      that, on the basis of its ROS-reducing properties, intravenous administration of
      PC-SOD may be beneficial for patients at high risk of developing ARDS.

PMID- 27668316
TI  - Expanding the nematode model system: The molecular basis of inflammation and
      infection recovery in C. elegans.

PMID- 27668317
TI  - Effects of PARP-1 inhibitor and ERK inhibitor on epithelial mesenchymal
      transitions of the ovarian cancer SKOV3 cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To assess the effects of the poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1)
      inhibitor PJ34 and ERK1/2 inhibitor U0126 on the proliferation and epithelial
      mesenchymal transitions (EMT) of cisplatin resistant ovarian cancer SKOV-3 cells.
      METHODS: Proliferation of SKOV-3 cells was evaluated using a 3-(4,5
      dimethylthazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay with PJ34 and U0126
      treatment. Expression changes of E-cadherin and vimentin with PJ34 and U0126
      treatment was examined using Western blot and quantitative PCR. In addition,
      invasion assay was performed in cells treated with PJ34 and U0126. RESULTS: PJ34
      and U0126 inhibited proliferation of SKOV-3 cells in a time dependent manner.
      PJ34 and U0126 suppressed the expression of vimentin and enhanced the expression
      of E-cadherin. PJ34 and U0126 reduced cell invasion. The inhibitory effects of
      PJ34 and U0126 were stronger than PJ34 alone. PJ34 inhibited the proliferation
      and invasion of SKOV-3 cells which can be enhanced by ERK1/2 inhibitor U0126.
      CONCLUSIONS: These inhibitory effects are partially due to PARP-1 and ERK1/2
      mediated attenuation of EMT activity.

PMID- 27668318
TI  - Health Literacy and Online Health Information Processing: Unraveling the
      Underlying Mechanisms.
AB  - The usefulness of the Internet as a health information source largely depends on
      the receiver's health literacy. This study investigates the mechanisms through
      which health literacy affects information recall and website attitudes. Using 2
      independent surveys addressing different Dutch health websites (N = 423 and N =
      395), we tested the mediating role of cognitive load, imagination ease, and
      website involvement. The results showed that the influence of health literacy on
      information recall and website attitudes was mediated by cognitive load and
      imagination ease but only marginally by website involvement. Thus, to improve
      recall and attitudes among people with lower health literacy, online health
      communication should consist of information that is not cognitively demanding and
      that is easy to imagine.

PMID- 27668321
TI  - Catalytic Asymmetric Synthesis of Morpholines. Using Mechanistic Insights To
      Realize the Enantioselective Synthesis of Piperazines.
AB  - An efficient and practical catalytic approach for the enantioselective synthesis
      of 3-substituted morpholines through a tandem sequential one-pot reaction
      employing both hydroamination and asymmetric transfer hydrogenation reactions is
      described. Starting from ether-containing aminoalkyne substrates, a commercially
      available bis(amidate)bis(amido)Ti catalyst is utilized to yield a cyclic imine
      that is subsequently reduced using the Noyori-Ikariya catalyst, RuCl [(S,S)-Ts
      DPEN] (eta6-p-cymene), to afford chiral 3-substituted morpholines in good yield
      and enantiomeric excesses of >95%. A wide range of functional groups is
      tolerated. Substrate scope investigations suggest that hydrogen-bonding
      interactions between the oxygen in the backbone of the ether-containing substrate
      and the [(S,S)-Ts-DPEN] ligand of the Ru catalyst are crucial for obtaining high
      ee's. This insight led to a mechanistic proposal that predicts the observed
      absolute stereochemistry. Most importantly, this mechanistic insight allowed for
      the extension of this strategy to include N as an alternative hydrogen bond
      acceptor that could be incorporated into the substrate. Thus, the catalytic,
      enantioselective synthesis of 3-substituted piperazines is also demonstrated.

PMID- 27668319
TI  - MiR-339 and especially miR-766 reactivate the expression of tumor suppressor
      genes in colorectal cancer cell lines through DNA methyltransferase 3B gene
      inhibition.
AB  - It is observed that upregulation of DNMT3B enzyme in some cancers, including
      colon cancer, could lead to silencing of tumor suppressor genes. MiR-339 and miR
      766 have been predicted to target 3'UTR of DNMT3B gene. Luciferase reporter assay
      validated that individual and co-transfection of miR-766 and miR-339 into the
      HEK293T cell reduced luciferase activity to 26% +/- 0.41%, 43% +/- 0.42 and 64%
      +/- 0.52%, respectively, compared to the control (P < 0.05). Furthermore,
      transduction of miR-339 and miR-766 expressing viruses into colon cancer cell
      lines (SW480 and HCT116) decreased DNMT3B expression (1.5, 3-fold) and (3, 4
      fold), respectively. In addition, DNA methylation of some tumor suppressor genes
      decreased. Expression of these genes such as SFRP1 (2 and 1.6-fold), SFRP2 (0.07
      and 4-fold), WIF1 (0.05 and 4-fold), and DKK2 (2 and 4-fold) increased in SW-339
      and SW-766 cell lines; besides, expression increments for these genes in HCT-339
      and HCT-766 cell lines were (2.8, 4-fold), (0.005, 1.5-fold), (1.7 and 3-fold)
      and (0.04, 1.7-fold), respectively. Also, while in SW-766, cell proliferation
      reduced to 2.8% and 21.7% after 24 and 48 hours, respectively, SW-339 showed no
      reduced proliferation. Meanwhile, HCT-766 and HCT-339 showed (3.5%, 12.8%) and
      (18.8%, 33.9%) reduced proliferation after 24 and 48 hours, respectively.
      Finally, targeting DNMT3B by these miRs, decreased methylation of tumor
      suppressor genes such as SFRP1, SFRP2, WIF1 and DKK2 in the mentioned cell lines,
      and returned the expression of these tumor suppressor genes which can contribute
      to lethal effect on colon cancer cells and reducing tumorigenicity of these
      cells.

PMID- 27668320
TI  - Patterns of youth tobacco and polytobacco usage: The shift to alternative tobacco
      products.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite significant declines in youth cigarette smoking, overall
      tobacco usage remains over 20% as non-cigarette tobacco product usage is
      increasingly common and polytobacco use (using 1+ tobacco product) remains
      steady. OBJECTIVES: The present study was designed to identify patterns of youth
      tobacco use and examine associations with sociodemographic characteristics and
      tobacco dependence. METHODS: The current analysis uses Latent Class Analysis
      (LCA) to examine the 6,958 tobacco users (n = 2,738 female) in the National Youth
      Tobacco Survey (2012 and 2013). We used as indicators past month use of tobacco
      products (cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, e-cigarettes, hookah, snus,
      pipes, bidis, and kreteks) and regressed resulting classes on sociodemographic
      characteristics and tobacco dependence. RESULTS: Nine classes emerged: cigarette
      smokers (33.4% of sample, also included small probabilities for use of cigars and
      e-cigarettes), cigar smokers (16.8%, nearly exclusive), smokeless tobacco users
      (12.3%, also included small probabilities for cigarettes, cigars, snus), hookah
      smokers (11.8%), tobacco smokers/chewers (10.7%, variety of primarily traditional
      tobacco products), tobacco/hookah smokers (7.2%), tobacco/snus/e-cig users
      (3.3%), e-cigarette users (2.9%,), and polytobacco users (1.7%, high
      probabilities for all products). Compared to cigarette smokers, tobacco/hookah
      smokers and hookah smokers were more likely to report Hispanic ethnicity.
      Polytobacco users were more likely to report dependence (AOR:2.77, 95% CI:[1.49
      5.18]), whereas e-cigarette users were less likely (AOR:0.49, 95% CI:[0.24
      0.97]). CONCLUSION: Findings are consistent with other research demonstrating
      shifts in adolescent tobacco product usage towards non-cigarette tobacco
      products. Continuous monitoring of these patterns is needed to help predict if
      this shift will ultimately result in improved public health.

PMID- 27668322
TI  - The variability of standard artificial soils: cadmium and phenanthrene sorption
      measured by a batch equilibrium method.
AB  - Artificial soil (AS) is used in soil ecotoxicology as a test medium or reference
      matrix. AS is prepared according to standard OECD/ISO protocols and components of
      local sources are usually used by laboratories. This may result in significant
      inter-laboratory variations in AS properties and, consequently, in the fate and
      bioavailability of tested chemicals. In order to reveal the extent and sources of
      variations, the batch equilibrium method was applied to measure the sorption of 2
      model compounds (phenanthrene and cadmium) to 21 artificial soils from different
      laboratories. The distribution coefficients (Kd) of phenanthrene and cadmium
      varied over one order of magnitude: from 5.3 to 61.5L/kg for phenanthrene and
      from 17.9 to 190L/kg for cadmium. Variations in phenanthrene sorption could not
      be reliably explained by measured soil properties; not even by the total organic
      carbon (TOC) content which was expected. Cadmium logKd values significantly
      correlated with cation exchange capacity (CEC), pHH2O and pHKCl, with Pearson
      correlation coefficients of 0.62, 0.80, and 0.79, respectively. CEC and pHH2O
      together were able to explain 72% of cadmium logKd variability in the following
      model: logKd=0.29pHH2O+0.0032 CEC -0.53. Similarly, 66% of cadmium logKd
      variability could be explained by CEC and pHKCl in the model:
      logKd=0.27pHKCl+0.0028 CEC -0.23. Variable cadmium sorption in differing ASs
      could be partially treated with these models. However, considering the
      unpredictable variability of phenanthrene sorption, a more reliable solution for
      reducing the variability of ASs from different laboratories would be better
      harmonization of AS preparation and composition.

PMID- 27668324
TI  - Physician and government disconnect is becoming a chasm.

PMID- 27668323
TI  - Association of paraoxonase 1 (PON1) gene polymorphisms and concentration with
      essential hypertension.
AB  - Human serum paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is carried by high-density lipoprotein in blood
      circulation and is shown to be effective in preventing oxidized phospholipids
      carried by low-density lipoprotein particles, thus it acts as an antioxidant.
      Polymorphism in this gene has been investigated for many metabolic diseases, but
      it is not thought to be a genetic risk factor for essential hypertension. The aim
      of this study was to determine whether there was an association between PON1 gene
      polymorphisms and concentration with essential hypertension. The study population
      was comprised of 100 patients with essential hypertension and 100 healthy
      controls. One promoter region [C(-108)T] and two coding region (Q192R and L55M)
      polymorphisms in the PON1 gene were genotyped in individuals by using the TaqMan
      assay. Plasma PON1 concentration in all volunteers was also measured
      spectrophotometrically by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. The
      genotype and allele frequencies of the PON1 C(-108)T polymorphism showed
      significant differences between the essential hypertensive and control groups (CT
      vs. CC: p<0.001; T allele vs. C allele: p<0.001). There was no significant
      difference for the PON1 L55M polymorphism between the groups, while the
      heterozygote genotype of the PON1 Q192R polymorphism showed significant
      difference (p = 0.03). The PON1 concentration was also found to be significantly
      lower in hypertensive patients (p < 0.001). Decline in the level of PON1 gene may
      be one of the main factors in the development of essential hypertension, and the
      PON1 C(-108)T polymorphism may have a prognostic value in the patients with
      essential hypertension.

PMID- 27668325
TI  - [Profession medicale et gouvernement : l'abime se creuse].

PMID- 27668326
TI  - A review of the literature and discussion: establishing a consensus for the
      definition of post-mastectomy pain syndrome to provide a standardized clinical
      and research approach.
AB  - SUMMARY: Chronic pain presents a management challenge for physicians and patients
      alike, and post-mastectomy pain is no exception. In this issue, Waltho and
      Rockwell present a review of post-mastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS) and propose a
      standard definition that should allow future studies to be comparable. The
      proposed definition of "post-breast surgery pain syndrome" includes pain after
      any type of breast surgery that is of at least moderate intensity and comprises
      neuropathic qualities, that is present in the ipsilateral breast/chest/arm, that
      lasts longer than 6 months and is present at least half the time. Further work is
      needed to clarify whether this pain syndrome is in fact driven by neuralgia
      resulting from the axillary dissection component of breast cancer surgery.

PMID- 27668327
TI  - Correction: The optimal time for surgery in women with serous ovarian cancer.

PMID- 27668328
TI  - Five things they don't teach you in medical school.
AB  - SUMMARY: You graduate from medical school with dreams of beginning your
      residency, during which you will study and train within the specialty you love
      more than any other. While you may be book-smart at this point in your career,
      medical school does not teach you everything you need to know. During residency
      you will learn the didactic and technical requirements for your future staff job,
      but medical school won't explicitly address many of the crucial "dos and don'ts"
      of a successful 2- to 5-year postgraduate training voyage. Here we discuss a few
      of the important things about residency that you'll need to know that they don't
      teach you in medical school.

PMID- 27668329
TI  - Conservative versus operative management in stable patients with penetrating
      abdominal trauma: the experience of a Canadian level 1 trauma centre.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The goal of conservative management (CM) of penetrating abdominal
      trauma is to avoid nontherapeutic laparotomies while identifying injuries early.
      Factors that may predict CM failure are not well established, and the experience
      of CM has not been well described in the Canadian context. METHODS: We searched a
      Canadian level 1 trauma centre database for all penetrating abdominal traumas
      treated between 2004 and 2014. Hemodynamically stable patients without
      peritonitis and without clear indications for immediate surgery were considered
      potential candidates for CM, and were included in the study. We compared those
      who were managed with CM with those who underwent immediate operative management
      (OM). Outcomes included mortality and length of stay (LOS). Further analysis was
      performed to identify predictors of CM failure. RESULTS: A total of 72 patients
      with penetrating abdominal trauma were classified as potential candidates for CM.
      Ten patients were managed with OM, and 62 with CM, with 9 (14.5%) ultimately
      failing CM and requiring laparotomy. The OM and CM groups were similar in terms
      of age, sex, injury severity, mechanism and number of injuries. There were no
      deaths in either group. The LOS in the intensive care (ICU)/trauma unit was 4.8
      +/- 3.2 days in the OM group and 2.9 +/- 2.6 days in the CM group (p = 0.039).
      The only predictor for CM failure was intra-abdominal fluid on computed
      tomography (CT) scan (odds ratio 5.3, 95% confidence interval 1.01-28.19).
      CONCLUSION: In select patients with penetrating abdominal trauma, CM is safe and
      results in a reduced LOS in the ICU/trauma unit of 1.9 days. Fluid on CT scan is
      a predictor for failure.

PMID- 27668330
TI  - The impact of blood transfusion on perioperative outcomes following gastric
      cancer resection: an analysis of the American College of Surgeons National
      Surgical Quality Improvement Program database.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Red blood cell transfusions (RBCT) carry risk of transfusion-related
      immunodulation that may impact postoperative recovery. This study examined the
      association between perioperative RBCT and short-term postoperative outcomes
      following gastrectomy for gastric cancer. METHODS: Using the American College of
      Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database, we compared
      outcomes of patients (transfused v. nontransfused) undergoing elective
      gastrectomy for gastric cancer (2007-2012). Outcomes were 30-day major morbidity,
      mortality and length of stay. The association between perioperative RBCT and
      outcomes was estimated using modified Poisson, logistic, or negative binomial
      regression. RESULTS: Of the 3243 patients in the entire cohort, we included 2884
      patients with nonmissing data, of whom 535 (18.6%) received RBCT. Overall 30-day
      major morbidity and mortality were 20% and 3.5%, respectively. After adjustment
      for baseline and clinical characteristics, RBCT was independently associated with
      increased 30-day mortality (relative risk [RR] 3.1, 95% confidence interval [CI]
      1.9-5.0), major morbidity (RR 1.4, 95% CI 1.2-1.8), length of stay (RR 1.2, 95%
      CI 1.1-1.2), infections (RR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1-1.6), cardiac complications (RR 1.8,
      95% CI 1.0-3.2) and respiratory failure (RR 2.3, 95% CI 1.6-3.3). CONCLUSION: Red
      blood cell transfusions are associated with worse postoperative short-term
      outcomes in patients with gastric cancer. Blood management strategies are needed
      to reduce the use of RBCT after gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

PMID- 27668331
TI  - Efficacy of intraoperative cell salvage in decreasing perioperative blood
      transfusion rates in first-time cardiac surgery patients: a retrospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of intraoperative cell
      salvage (ICS) in transfusion reduction during cardiac surgery remains
      conflicting. We sought to evaluate the impact of routine ICS on outcomes
      following cardiac surgery. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of
      patients who underwent nonemergent, first-time cardiac surgery 18 months before
      and 18 months after the implementation of routine ICS. Perioperative transfusion
      rates, postoperative bleeding, clinical and hematological outcomes, and overall
      cost were examined. We used multivariable logistic regression modelling to
      determine the risk-adjusted effect of ICS on likelihood of perioperative
      transfusion. RESULTS: A total of 389 patients formed the final study population
      (186 undergoing ICS and 203 controls). Patients undergoing ICS had significantly
      lower perioperative transfusion rates of packed red blood cells (pRBCs; 33.9% v.
      45.3% p = 0.021), coagulation products (16.7% v. 32.5% p < 0.001) and any blood
      product (38.2% v. 52.7%, p = 0.004). Patients receiving ICS had decreased
      mediastinal drainage at 12 h (mean 320 [range 230-550] mL v. mean 400 [range 260
      690] mL, p = 0.011) and increased postoperative hemoglobin (mean 104.7 +/- 13.2
      g/L v. 95.0 +/- 11.9 g/L, p < 0.001). Following adjustment for other baseline and
      intraoperative covariates, ICS emerged as an independent predictor of lower
      perioperative transfusion rates of pRBCs (odds ratio [OR] 0.52, 95% confidence
      interval [CI] 0.31-0.87), coagulation products (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.24-0.71) and
      any blood product (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.29-0.77). Additionally, ICS was associated
      with a cost benefit of $116 per patient. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative cell salvage
      could represent a clinically cost-effective way of reducing transfusion rates in
      patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Further research on systematic ICS is
      required before recommending it for routine use.

PMID- 27668332
TI  - Length of stay, wait time to surgery and 30-day mortality for patients with hip
      fractures after the opening of a dedicated orthopedic weekend trauma room.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In September 2011, Kingston General Hospital (KGH) opened a dedicated
      orthopedic weekend trauma room. Previously, 1 weekend operating room (OR) was
      used by all surgical services. We assessed the impact this dedicated weekend
      trauma room had on hospital length of stay (LOS), time to surgery and 30-day
      mortality for patients with hip fractures. METHODS: Patients admitted between
      Oct. 1, 2009, and Sept. 30, 2012, were identified through our trauma registry,
      representing the 2 years before and 1 year after the opening of the orthopedic
      weekend trauma room. We documented type of fracture, mode of fixation, age, sex,
      American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, time to OR, LOS, discharge
      disposition and 30-day mortality. We excluded patients with multiple fractures,
      open fractures and those requiring trauma team activation. RESULTS: Our study
      included 609 patients (405 pre- and 204 post-trauma room opening). Mean LOS
      decreased from 11.6 to 9.4 days (p = 0.005) and there was a decreasing trend in
      mean time to OR from 31.5 to 28.5 hours (p = 0.16). There was no difference in 30
      day mortality (p = 0.24). The LOS decreased by an average of 2 days following
      opening of the weekend trauma room (p = 0.031) and by an average of 2.2
      additional days if the patient was admitted on the weekend versus during the week
      (p = 0.024). CONCLUSION: The weekend trauma OR at KGH significantly decreased the
      LOS and appears to have decreased wait times to surgery. Further analysis is
      needed to assess the cost-effectiveness of the current strategy, the long-term
      outcome of this patient population and the impact the additional orthopedic
      weekend trauma room has had on other surgical services (i.e., general surgery)
      and their patients.

PMID- 27668333
TI  - Post-breast surgery pain syndrome: establishing a consensus for the definition of
      post-mastectomy pain syndrome to provide a standardized clinical and research
      approach - a review of the literature and discussion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Post-mastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS) is a frequent complication of
      breast surgery. There is currently no standard definition for this chronic pain
      syndrome. The purpose of this review was to establish a consensus for defining
      PMPS by identifying the various elements included in the definitions and how they
      vary across the literature, determining how these definitions affect the
      methodological components therein, and proposing a definition that appropriately
      encompasses all of the appropriate elements. METHODS: We searched PubMed to
      retrieve all studies and case reports on PMPS, and we analyzed definitions of
      PMPS, inclusion/exclusion criteria, and methods of measuring PMPS. RESULTS:
      Twenty-three studies were included in this review. We identified 7 independent
      domains for defining PMPS: surgical breast procedure, neuropathic nature, pain of
      at least moderate intensity, protracted duration, frequent symptoms, appropriate
      location of the symptoms and exacerbation with movement. These domains were used
      with varying frequency. Inclusion/exclusion criteria and methods for assessing
      PMPS also varied markedly. CONCLUSION: To prevent future discrepancies in both
      the clinical and research settings, we propose a new and complete definition
      based on the results of our review: PMPS is pain that occurs after any breast
      surgery; is of at least moderate severity; possesses neuropathic qualities; is
      located in the ipsilateral breast/chest wall, axilla, and/or arm; lasts at least
      6 months; occurs at least 50% of the time; and may be exacerbated by movements of
      the shoulder girdle.

PMID- 27668334
TI  - Users' guide to the surgical literature: how to assess an article about harm in
      surgery.
AB  - CLINICALSCENARIO: You are a new plastic surgeon in the community and you are
      referred a patient interested in breast reconstruction. The patient is a 35-year
      old female school teacher who had a bilateral prophylactic mastectomy 2 years
      earlier, as she was a BRCA gene carrier. Since she is of a petite build with very
      little subcutaneous tissue or extra skin in the lower abdomen, you decide that
      she is not a suitable candidate for an abdomen-based autologous tissue
      reconstruction. You recommend the technique of tissue expansion and silicone gel
      implants. She is concerned, however, about the possibility of anaplastic large
      cell lymphoma (ALCL) developing in her breasts. She read in a magazine recently
      that ALCL, an unusual form of breast cancer, has been occurring in patients who
      have breast implants. She is very concerned that she might be at risk and asks
      for your opinion as to whether she should proceed with the procedure or not.

PMID- 27668335
TI  - Upper limb ischemia: an uncommon clinical situation?

PMID- 27668336
TI  - Arterial thoracic outlet syndrome: rare and triggering.
AB  - Arterial thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is the least common type of TOS.
      Patient's symptoms, clinical examination and duplex ultrasonography usually
      suffice in deciding patient's management. Our proposed treatment strategies are
      based on the Scher classification. The choice of the procedure and approach
      should depend on surgeon's experience and need for arterial reconstruction. 

PMID- 27668337
TI  - Simple and effective reverse bent wiring technique for side branch access after
      crush stenting.

PMID- 27668338
TI  - ST-elevation myocardial infarction due to spontaneous coronary artery dissection:
      to touch or not to touch? The conundrum of invasive versus conservative
      treatment.

PMID- 27668339
TI  - The worsening renal failure in a chronic cardio-renal syndrome type II: efficacy
      of a single levosimendan infusion.

PMID- 27668340
TI  - A myocardial infarction in a patient with previous myocardial revascularization
      presenting with tachyarrhythmia. Is it type 1, 2 or 4c myocardial infarction?

PMID- 27668341
TI  - Symptomatic in-stent restenosis due to complete stent fracture treated with drug
      coated balloon.

PMID- 27668342
TI  - Left internal mammary artery graft stenosis and post-angioplasty restenosis:
      follow-up through multi-slice cardiac computed tomography angiography.

PMID- 27668343
TI  - Left main coronary artery thrombosis with distal coronary embolization in a
      patient with methyltetrahydrofolate reductase C677T mutation presenting with
      STEMI.

PMID- 27668344
TI  - Ultrastructural Assessment of 2-(acridin-9-ylmethylene)-N
      phenylhydrazinecarbothioamide activity on human breast adenocarcinoma cells.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to investigate ultrastructural changes induced
      by (Z)-2-(acridin-9-ylmethylene)-N-phenylhydrazinecarbothioamide (APHCA)
      treatment on human breast adenocarcinoma cancer cells MCF-7, besides the
      evaluation of phosphatidylserine externalization and DNA fragmentation in treated
      cells. Cell viability analysis demonstrated concentration and time-manner
      cytotoxicity. Treated MCF-7 cells did not expose phosphatidylserine residues to
      the external plasma membrane surface and DNA fragmentation was not visualized by
      electrophoresis. Light microscopy showed compromised cell density and presence of
      vacuolization after APHCA treatment with 60MUM. Scanning and transmission
      electron microscopies revealed hallmarks of autophagy, namely the presence of
      membrane bebbling and autophagosomes, besides shrunken cells and cell debris in
      treated MCF-7 cells. However, more specific tests such as the quantification of
      mammalian autophagy proteins are necessary to determine the kind of death that is
      trigged by APHCA.

PMID- 27668345
TI  - Molecular dynamics investigation on structural and transport properties of p7 ion
      channel.

PMID- 27668346
TI  - Transport of haloacids across biological membranes.
AB  - Haloacids are considered to be environmental pollutants, but some of them have
      also been tested in clinical research. The way that haloacids are transported
      across biological membranes is important for both biodegradation and drug
      delivery purposes. In this review, we will first summarize putative haloacids
      transporters and the information about haloacids transport when studying
      carboxylates transporters. We will then introduce MCT1 and SLC5A8, which are
      respective transporter for antitumor agent 3-bromopyruvic acid and dichloroacetic
      acid, and monochloroacetic acid transporters Deh4p and Dehp2 from a haloacids
      degrading bacterium. Phylogenetic analysis of these haloacids transporters and
      other monocarboxylate transporters reveals their evolutionary relationships.
      Haloacids transporters are not studied to the extent that they deserve compared
      with their great application potentials, thus future inter-discipline research
      are desired to better characterize their transport mechanisms for potential
      applications in both environmental and clinical fields.

PMID- 27668347
TI  - An Examination of United States Air Force Suicide Decedents Based on Documented
      Suicide Attempt Histories.
AB  - In this study, we compared United States military decedents who died by suicide
      on their first attempt with decedents who had made multiple attempts. Death
      investigation files for 217 United States Air Force (USAF) personnel who died by
      suicide between 1996 and 2006 were coded for demographic, psychosocial, and
      psychiatric characteristics. Among USAF suicide decedents, 77% died by suicide on
      their first attempt and 23% had a documented history of at least one prior
      attempt. Decedents with a history of prior attempts were more likely to have an
      interpersonal stressor within 3 months of death and were twice as likely to have
      a documented Axis I diagnosis. There were few differences between military
      suicide decedents based on history of prior attempts. Further research is needed
      to inform military suicide prevention endeavors.

PMID- 27668350
TI  - Commentary on Weiss.

PMID- 27668348
TI  - Assessing the modified receptive field (MRF) theory: Evidence from Sinhalese
      English bilinguals.
AB  - The current study aimed to test the applicability of the modified receptive field
      (MRF) theory (Tydgat & Grainger, 2009) with English native speakers (Experiment
      1) and Sinhalese native speakers (Experiment 2), who were skilled readers of both
      Sinhala and Roman scripts. A two-alternative forced choice (2AFC) procedure to
      measure identification accuracy for all positions in a string of five characters,
      which consisted of Roman script letters, Sinhala letters or symbols was
      conducted. For Roman script, the English and Sinhalese speakers displayed
      analogous results as in previous studies for Roman letters and symbols (i.e., an
      initial letter advantage and W-shaped function for Roman letters and a Lambda
      shaped function for symbols). In contrast for Sinhala script, the Sinhalese
      speakers displayed a strong linear function with accuracy for letter positions 1,
      2 and 3 similarly advantaged. We propose that this characteristic pattern for
      Sinhala script has developed as a specialised adaptive mechanism to optimise the
      processing of letters when reading in this distinctive script.

PMID- 27668349
TI  - Intensive Clinical and Subjective Studies.

PMID- 27668351
TI  - Study of association between pre-senile cataracts and rs11615 of ERCC1, rs13181
      of ERCC2, and rs25487 of XRCC1 polymorphisms in a Spanish population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to attempt to determine if the presence
      of certain polymorphisms in the DNA repair genes (ERCC1, ERCC2, and XRCC1) is
      associated with pre-senile cataract development. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We
      performed a retrospective study over three groups of patients. The first group
      with pre-senile cataract was formed by 72 patients younger than 55 years with
      cataract surgery. The second group with senile cataract was formed by 101
      patients older than 55 years with cataract surgery. And the third group, without
      cataract, was formed by 42 subjects older than 55 years without lens opacities.
      We analyzed the presence of SNP rs11615 from ERCC1, rs13181 from ERCC2, and
      rs25487 from XRCC1 and the relationship between risk factors such as smoking,
      alcohol intake, hypertension, and diabetes. RESULTS: The comparison of the
      genotype distribution in ERCC1 and ERCC2 did not show any statistically
      significant association in any of our analyses (p > 0.05). The comparison of the
      genotype distribution in XRCC1 within the different groups did not show any
      statistically significant associations (p > 0.05), except for the comparison
      between the pre-senile cataract group and the group without cataract, where an
      increased risk of developing pre-senile cataract for the genotype Gln/Gln (p =
      0.029; OR = 1.02-40.67) in recessive inheritance models was observed when
      adjusting for risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Allelic variants in ERCC1 and ERCC2 are
      not associated with an increased risk of developing pre-senile cataract. The
      presence of Gln/Gln in XRCC1 in the pre-senile cataract group with regard to the
      group without cataract is associated with a major risk of developing pre-senile
      cataract.

PMID- 27668352
TI  - Implementing Effective Policy in a National Mental Health Reengagement Program
      for Veterans.
AB  - Policy is a powerful motivator of clinical change, but implementation success can
      depend on organizational characteristics. This article used validated measures of
      organizational resources, culture, and climate to predict uptake of a nationwide
      Veteran's Health Administration (VA) policy aimed at implementing Re-Engage, a
      brief care management program that reestablishes contact with veterans with
      serious mental illness lost to care. Patient care databases were used to identify
      2738 veterans lost to care. Local recovery coordinators (LRCs) were to update
      disposition for 2738 veterans at 158 VA facilities and, as appropriate,
      facilitate a return to care. Multivariable regression was used to assess
      organizational culture and climate as predictors of early policy compliance (via
      LRC presence) and uptake at 6 months. Higher composite climate and culture scores
      were associated with higher odds of having a designated LRC but were not
      predictive of higher uptake. Sites with LRCs had significantly higher rates of
      updated documentation than sites without LRCs.

PMID- 27668353
TI  - The Role of Metacognitive Self-Reflectivity in Emotional Awareness and Subjective
      Indices of Recovery in Schizophrenia.
AB  - Emotional awareness deficits in people with schizophrenia have been linked to
      poorer objective outcomes, but no work has investigated the relationship between
      emotional awareness and subjective recovery indices or metacognitive self
      reflectivity. The authors hypothesized that increased emotional awareness would
      be associated with greater self-esteem, hope, and self-reflectivity and that self
      reflectivity would moderate links between emotional awareness and self-esteem and
      hope-such that significant relationships would only be observed at lower levels
      of self-reflectivity. Participants were 56 people with schizophrenia spectrum
      disorders. Correlations revealed that better emotional awareness was
      significantly associated with increased self-esteem and hope but not self
      reflectivity. Self-reflectivity moderated the relationship between emotional
      awareness and self-esteem but not hope. Overall, findings suggest that emotional
      awareness may affect self-esteem for those low in self-reflectivity, but other
      factors may be important for those with greater self-reflectivity. Results
      emphasize the importance of interventions tailored to enhance self-reflective
      capacity in clients with schizophrenia.

PMID- 27668354
TI  - Methylation Status of the Serotonin Transporter Promoter CpG Island Is Associated
      With Major Depressive Disorder in Chinese Han Population: A Case-Control Study.
AB  - This study was aimed to investigate the relationship between the methylation
      status of serotonin transporter (5-HTT) and major depressive disorder (MDD) in
      Chinese Han population. A total of 96 patients with MDD and 55 healthy volunteers
      were recruited, and the methylation index (MtI) at six positions in the cytosine
      phosphate-guanosine island of 5-HTT gene was measured for each subject using
      bisulfite pyrosequencing. MtIs at positions 5 and 6 were higher in patients with
      MDD than those in controls. According to the multivariable logistic regression
      analysis, MtIs at positions 4 and 5 were significantly associated with MDD.
      Besides, depression education was an independent risk factor, whereas higher
      educational levels were protective factors for MDD. In addition, positions 1 and
      4 were negatively correlated with weight and diurnal variation. Therefore, 5-HTT
      methylation might be closely related with MDD in Chinese Han population because
      of the correlation with diurnal variation and weight.

PMID- 27668355
TI  - Patient, Therapist, and System Factors Influencing the Effectiveness of Prolonged
      Exposure for Veterans With Comorbid Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic
      Brain Injury.
AB  - In contrast to concerns that cognitive limitations and neurobehavioral symptoms
      (NBS) associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI) may inhibit treatment
      effectiveness, a recent study found prolonged exposure (PE) led to large
      reductions in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among Iraq
      Afghanistan veterans with a range of TBI severity (article by Wolf, Kretzmer,
      Crawford, Thors, Wagner, Strom, Eftekhari, Klenk, Hayward, and Vanderploeg [J
      Trauma Stress 28:339-347, 2015]). We further examined this sample of 69 veterans
      to determine whether system, veteran, and therapist factors predicted clinically
      significant responses. Results of hierarchical, logistic regressions revealed
      that therapist training in PE and lower service connection were associated with
      increased odds of large decreases in PTSD symptoms after adjusting for the robust
      effect of PE sessions completed. Other patient-level factors including age, time
      since injury, and baseline NBS were unrelated to significant improvements.
      Findings emphasized the impact of PE dosage, indicated greater mastery of the
      protocol was beneficial, and showed that service connection could impede self
      reported, clinically significant change during PE in this important cohort.

PMID- 27668356
TI  - Cortical sources of resting state EEG rhythms are related to brain hypometabolism
      in subjects with Alzheimer's disease: an EEG-PET study.
AB  - Cortical sources of resting state electroencephalographic (EEG) delta (2-4 Hz)
      and low-frequency alpha (8-10.5 Hz) rhythms show abnormal activity (i.e., current
      density) in patients with dementia due to Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, we
      hypothesized that abnormality of this activity is related to relevant disease
      processes as revealed by cortical hypometabolism typically observed in AD
      patients by fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography. Resting state eyes
      closed EEG data were recorded in 19 AD patients with dementia and 40 healthy
      elderly (Nold) subjects. EEG frequency bands of interest were delta and low
      frequency alpha. EEG sources were estimated in these bands by low-resolution
      brain electromagnetic tomography (LORETA). Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission
      tomography images were recorded only in the AD patients, and cortical
      hypometabolism was indexed by the so-called Alzheimer's discrimination analysis
      tool (PALZ) in the frontal association, ventromedial frontal, temporoparietal
      association, posterior cingulate, and precuneus areas. Results showed that
      compared with the Nold group, the AD group pointed to higher activity of delta
      sources and lower activity of low-frequency alpha sources in a cortical region of
      interest formed by all cortical areas of the PALZ score. In the AD patients,
      there was a positive correlation between the PALZ score and the activity of delta
      sources in the cortical region of interest (p < 0.05). These results suggest a
      relationship between resting state cortical hypometabolism and synchronization of
      cortical neurons at delta rhythms in AD patients with dementia.

PMID- 27668358
TI  - The effect of surface nano-corrugation on the squeeze-out of molecular thin
      hydrocarbon films between curved surfaces with long range elasticity.
AB  - The properties of linear alkane lubricants confined between two approaching
      solids are investigated by a model that accounts for the roughness, curvature and
      elastic properties of the solid surfaces. We consider linear alkanes of different
      chain lengths from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text], confined between
      corrugated solid walls. The pressure necessary to squeeze out the lubricant
      increases rapidly with the alkane chain length, but is always much lower than in
      the case of smooth surfaces. The longest alkanes form domains of ordered chains
      and the squeeze-out appears to nucleate in the more disordered regions between
      these domains. The short alkanes stay fluid-like during the entire squeeze out
      process which result in a very small squeeze-out pressure which is almost
      constant during the squeeze-out of the last monolayer of the fluid. In all cases
      we observe lubricant trapped in the valley of the surface roughness, which cannot
      be removed independent of the magnitude of the squeezing pressures. 

PMID- 27668357
TI  - Efficacy and Safety of Rituximab Therapy in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum
      Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
AB  - Importance: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSDs) are autoimmune
      astrocytopathies characterized by predominant involvement of the optic nerves and
      spinal cord. In most patients, an IgG autoantibody binding to astrocytic
      aquaporin 4, the principal water channel of the central nervous system, is
      detected. Rituximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody specific for the CD20 B
      lymphocyte surface antigen, has been increasingly adopted as a first-line off
      label treatment for patients with NMOSDs. Objective: To perform a systematic
      review and a meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of rituximab use in NMOSDs,
      considering the potential predictive factors related to patient response to
      rituximab in this disease. Evidence Review: English-language studies published
      between January 1, 2000, and July 31, 2015, were searched in the MEDLINE, Central
      Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and clinicaltrials.gov databases.
      Patient characteristics, outcome measures, treatment regimens, and recorded
      adverse effects were extracted. Findings: Forty-six studies were included in the
      systematic review. Twenty-five studies that included 2 or more patients with
      NMOSDs treated with rituximab were included in the meta-analysis. Differences in
      the annualized relapse rate ratio and Expanded Disability Status Scale score
      before and after rituximab therapy were the main efficacy measures. Safety
      outcomes included the proportion of deaths, withdrawals because of toxic effects,
      and adverse effects. Results: Among 46 studies involving 438 patients (381 female
      and 56 male [sex was not specified in 1 patient]; mean age at the outset of
      treatment, 32 years [age range, 2-77 years]), rituximab therapy resulted in a
      mean (SE) 0.79 (0.15) (95% CI, -1.08 to -0.49) reduction in the mean annualized
      relapse rate ratio and a mean (SE) 0.64 (0.27) (95% CI, -1.18 to -0.10) reduction
      in the mean Expanded Disability Status Scale score. A significant correlation was
      observed between disease duration and the Expanded Disability Status Scale score.
      Adverse effects were recorded in 114 of 438 (26%) patients treated with
      rituximab. Specifically, 45 patients (10.3%) experienced infusion-related adverse
      effects, 40 patients (9.1%) had an infection, 20 patients (4.6%) developed
      persistent leukopenia, 2 patients (0.5%) were diagnosed as having posterior
      reversible encephalopathy, and 7 patients (1.6%) died. Conclusions and Relevance:
      This systematic review and meta-analysis provides evidence that rituximab therapy
      reduces the frequency of NMOSD relapses and neurological disability in patients
      with NMOSDs. However, the safety profile suggests caution in prescribing
      rituximab as a first-line therapy.

PMID- 27668359
TI  - Artificially Sweetened Beverage Consumption During Pregnancy and Infant Body Mass
      Index-Reply.

PMID- 27668360
TI  - A competitive trade-off limits the selective advantage of increased antibiotic
      production.
AB  - In structured environments, antibiotic-producing microorganisms can gain a
      selective advantage by inhibiting nearby competing species1. However, despite
      their genetic potential2,3, natural isolates often make only small amounts of
      antibiotics, and laboratory evolution can lead to loss rather than enhancement of
      antibiotic production4. Here, we show that, due to competition with antibiotic
      resistant cheater cells, increased levels of antibiotic production can actually
      decrease the selective advantage to producers. Competing fluorescently labelled
      Escherichia coli colicin producers with non-producing resistant and sensitive
      strains on solid media, we found that although producer colonies can greatly
      benefit from the inhibition of nearby sensitive colonies, this benefit is shared
      with resistant colonies growing in their vicinity. A simple model, which accounts
      for such local competitive and inhibitory interactions, suggests that the
      advantage of producers varies non-monotonically with the amount of production.
      Indeed, experimentally varying the amount of production shows a peak in selection
      for producers, reflecting a trade-off between benefit gained by inhibiting
      sensitive competitors and loss due to an increased contribution to resistant
      cheater colonies. These results help explain the low level of antibiotic
      production observed for natural species and can help direct laboratory evolution
      experiments selecting for increased or novel production of antibiotics.

PMID- 27668361
TI  - Vital Directions for US Health Care: Big Ideas on Small Signposts With Mixed
      Signals.

PMID- 27668363
TI  - Response to "The Evidence Behind Integrating Palliative Care Into Oncology
      Practice"?.
AB  - I am writing in response to "The Evidence Behind Integrating Palliative Care Into
      Oncology Practice" (Dailey, 2016). I have 16 years of oncology experience and
      work at the University Health Systems in San Antonio, Texas. Our facility's
      palliative care program holds the Advanced Certification awarded by the Joint
      Commission, and we have dedicated inpatient beds for palliative care patients. 

PMID- 27668362
TI  - After the Bell: Lifestyle Transformation After Cancer Treatment.
AB  - There are many traditions on the last day of chemotherapy. It is often a happy
      time when patients have pictures taken with their oncology nurses and ring the
      bell as they leave the infusion area. For many, the bell is symbolic of the
      completion of cancer treatment and the beginning of the rest of their lives as
      cancer survivors. After the bell, survivors often go home wondering what they can
      do to be healthier and reduce their risk of recurrence.?

PMID- 27668364
TI  - Potential Benefits of Oral Cryotherapy for Chemotherapy-Induced Mucositis.
AB  - Mucositis is a common side effect of cancer therapies that causes painful,
      erythematous lesions to develop in the gastrointestinal tract. These lesions can
      lead to malnutrition, increased risk for serious infection, prolonged hospital
      stays, and reduced quality of life. Oral cryotherapy, or the use of ice chips to
      cool the mucous membranes during bolus chemotherapy infusions (e.g., 5
      fluorouracil [Adrucil(r)] and melphalan [Alkeran(r)]), is the most readily
      accessible and cost-effective intervention available. Although many factors may
      contribute to the development of mucositis during cancer treatment, studies have
      found a reduction in the incidence and the severity of mucositis with the use of
      oral cryotherapy.?

PMID- 27668365
TI  - A Multidisciplinary Approach to Standardizing Processes for Blinatumomab
      Administration.
AB  - Blinatumomab (Blincyto(r)) has received accelerated approval for treatment of
      relapsed or refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia. This article describes the
      authors' experience with a multidisciplinary collaboration among nursing,
      pharmacy, prescribers, and support staff, which has proven to be key for safe
      administration. The approach can be applied to other institutions planning to use
      blinatumomab. 

PMID- 27668366
TI  - Using Technology to Give Patients a Voice After Surgery for Head and Neck Cancer.
AB  - For patients with head and neck cancer, altered communication is a frequently
      occurring and highly upsetting issue that has been associated with psychological
      distress, fear, and anger among those with temporary or permanent speech
      impairment postsurgery. Many postoperative patients express that the most
      terrifying situation is to wake up from surgery and not be able to speak. Mobile
      devices have become part of everyday life, and augmentative and alternative
      communication mobile applications have the potential to enhance the healthcare
      journey of the patient and provider.?

PMID- 27668367
TI  - Big Data and Pharmacovigilance: The Role of Oncology Nurses.
AB  - When new anticancer medications are approved, their safety profiles are often not
      fully understood. Oncology nurses have a responsibility to file reports of
      adverse drug events with safety registries such as MedWatch. If these registries
      receive prompt, complete, and accurate data from clinicians, agencies such as the
      U.S. Food and Drug Administration will have a stronger ability to detect hazards
      and to issue safety recommendations.?. 

PMID- 27668368
TI  - Addressing Disparities: The Alliance Breast Cancer Community-Based Program for
      Hispanic Women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Alliance Breast Cancer (ABC) program is a community-based
      initiative developed and implemented to address the needs of Hispanic women faced
      with a cancer diagnosis or cancer survivorship issues. OBJECTIVES: This article
      evaluates the effectiveness of a community effort to address breast cancer
      related disparities among Hispanic women. METHODS: Nurse scientists collaborated
      with program staff to conduct a systematic five-year program evaluation. Data
      sources included monthly and annual reports, participant tracking databases, and
      an annual satisfaction survey. FINDINGS: Hispanic breast cancer survivors who
      participated in the program expressed feeling very satisfied with the services
      and believe that it addresses the specific barriers faced by this population. The
      ABC program serves as a best practice example to other communities forging
      partnerships to address health disparities and community needs in a culturally
      tailored manner.

PMID- 27668369
TI  - Evaluation of Employee Vaccination Policies in Outpatient Oncology Clinics: A
      Pilot Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: All major hospital facilities in the state of Utah have employee
      vaccination policies. However, the presence of healthcare worker vaccination
      policies in outpatient oncology clinics was unknown. OBJECTIVES: The objectives
      of this article are to identify oncology outpatient employee vaccination policies
      in Utah and to identify what consequences, if any, are present for unvaccinated
      employees. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study design in which
      clinic managers from outpatient oncology clinics were asked, via questionnaire,
      to describe the clinic's employee vaccination policy and the consequences for
      refusing the policy. FINDINGS: Most vaccination policies applied to employees
      primarily assigned to work in the direct patient care area. Most commonly,
      influenza and hepatitis B vaccines were required as part of the vaccination
      policy. Most managers offered free vaccinations to employees, but most managers
      also allowed employees to refuse to follow the vaccination policy for medical,
      religious, or personal reasons.

PMID- 27668370
TI  - Computer-Based Cognitive Training for Chemotherapy-Related Cognitive Impairment
      in Breast Cancer Survivors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Advancements in chemotherapy have greatly increased breast cancer
      survival, leading to an increased focus on the management of long-term effects of
      treatment. Chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment, one such long-term effect,
      is experienced by as many as 90% of breast cancer survivors (BCS) and negatively
      affects employment, daily function, and quality of life. Chemotherapy-related
      cognitive impairment is a top research and clinical practice priority.
      OBJECTIVES: The aim of this article is to review computer-based cognitive
      training intervention studies tested in BCS, present implications for practice
      and directions for future research, and discuss neuroplasticity and cognitive
      reserve, the mechanisms by which computer-based cognitive training produces
      physiologic changes in the brain. METHODS: A search of PubMed, CINAHL(r), and
      PsycINFO(r) databases yielded two computer-based cognitive training intervention
      studies in BCS. FINDINGS: This review suggests that computer-based cognitive
      training may enhance cognitive function in BCS with chemotherapy-related
      cognitive impairment. Oncology nurses are in a unique position to support BCS
      experiencing chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment. In addition to
      acknowledging BCS' concerns, screening for other potential factors, and providing
      education on healthy living, nurses may suggest computer-based cognitive training
      as an approach to managing chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment. Future
      research should use imaging and larger populations.

PMID- 27668371
TI  - Comparing Self-Injection Teaching Strategies for Patients With Breast Cancer and
      Their Caregivers: A Pilot Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A prospective, quasiexperimental pilot study with a sequential design
      was performed to compare two methods of teaching self-injection. OBJECTIVES: The
      study examined 50 patients with breast cancer undergoing adjuvant or neoadjuvant
      treatment and their caregivers to determine if simulation during the teaching
      experience affects patient/caregiver satisfaction, worry, and self-confidence, as
      well as nurse satisfaction. METHODS: Structured questionnaires were administered
      before the teaching, immediately after the teaching, and after the injection was
      performed at home. Nurses who performed the teaching also completed a
      questionnaire after the teaching. FINDINGS: Use of simulation did not affect
      patient/caregiver satisfaction, worry, or self-confidence. The largest impact on
      learner worry was the actual teaching experience, regardless of the methodology
      used. Nurses reported greater levels of satisfaction when simulation was part of
      the teaching. Patient/caregiver satisfaction with the teaching experience
      decreased after performing the injection at home. Additional research is needed
      to identify the best methodology for teaching patients and caregivers self
      injection. Data from this study revealed that the addition of simulation during
      teaching does not always translate to better education. In addition, based on
      patient/caregiver reports, no substitution exists for actual injection
      administration.

PMID- 27668372
TI  - Impact of an Alert System on Quality Indicators in Patients With Acute
      Promyelocytic Leukemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), once the most lethal form of
      adult acute leukemia, has become the most curable. The goal of early and well
      managed treatment induction is to reduce the malignant burden of promyelocytes to
      below the cytologically detectable level. OBJECTIVES: Oncology nurses who care
      for patients with APL need to be acutely aware of the basic differences in this
      disease from other forms of leukemia, including the two main complications for
      the newly diagnosed patient. METHODS: This article will briefly review APL and
      its associated presenting symptoms, prognosis, treatment, and complications.
      FINDINGS: These complications require immediate activation of expert staff and
      resources to protect critically ill patients with APL from associated morbidity
      and mortality.

PMID- 27668373
TI  - Nursing Management of Cutaneous Toxicities From Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor
      Inhibitors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Personalized targeted therapies have become an emerging paradigm in
      cancer treatment. Although generally more tolerable than other chemotherapeutic
      agents, one therapy, epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFRIs),
      commonly results in the formation of cutaneous toxicities, which can negatively
      affect patients' treatment adherence and quality of life. OBJECTIVES: The aim of
      this article is to review nursing management strategies for EGFRI-related
      cutaneous toxicities. METHODS: A systematic literature review was performed,
      including database searches in PubMed/MEDLINE(r), CINAHL(r), Cochrane Library,
      PsycINFO(r), and Web of Science. FINDINGS: Nurses are essential to the management
      of EGFRI-related cutaneous toxicities and are in an ideal position to provide
      supportive care throughout the course of the EGFRI treatment. The aim of nursing
      management is to maintain patients' treatment adherence and quality of life by
      employing a preemptive and proactive approach. Patient education is the most
      frequently reported management strategy. However, treatment options and
      management strategies are largely anecdotal and based on individual reports and
      expert opinions. Although no evidence-based management strategies exist, nurses
      can rely on existing assessment tools and guidelines to provide patients with
      symptom management and supportive care.

PMID- 27668374
TI  - Genomic Variants Associated With Cancer-Related Fatigue: A Systematic Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is the most common stressful side effect
      caused by cancer and cancer treatments. Although CRF causes a significant burden
      to quality of life, no pharmacologic interventions are available because the
      mechanism remains unknown. OBJECTIVES: This systematic review analyzed the
      genomic variants that have been found to be associated with CRF. METHODS: A
      search for peer-reviewed articles through PubMed, EBSCOhost, and DePaul WorldCat
      Libraries Worldwide yielded 16 published studies. FINDINGS: The majority of
      genomic variants demonstrated that the inflammatory and immune response pathways,
      including the neuro-proinflammatory cytokine pathway, have statistically
      significant associations with CRF. Additional genomic studies are still needed to
      validate the findings in this systematic review. The exact biologic underpinnings
      that contribute to the development of CRF remain unknown.

PMID- 27668375
TI  - Using Relaxation and Guided Imagery to Address Pain, Fatigue, and Sleep
      Disturbances: A Pilot Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Few studies have been conducted on the use of patient-controlled
      relaxation and guided imagery interventions for the symptom cluster of pain,
      fatigue, and sleep disturbance during cancer treatment. OBJECTIVES: The primary
      aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and participant
      satisfaction with use of patient-controlled relaxation and/or imagery
      interventions for pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbance. A secondary aim was to
      examine the data for trends in pain, fatigue, and sleep improvement because of
      the effects of relaxation and guided imagery. METHODS: Twelve adult patients with
      cancer were randomized to one of four groups. FINDINGS: Patients reported a high
      degree of satisfaction with the relaxation and guided imagery interventions.
      Patients in the relaxation and guided imagery or combined groups showed a trend
      toward improvement in fatigue and sleep disturbance scores. Pain remained a
      problem for the majority of patients. Difficulties in recruiting participants
      resulted in an insufficient sample size for generalizable findings. With hospital
      environments tending to be noisy, relaxation and guided imagery may facilitate
      rest and sleep for hospitalized patients. An examination of individual scores
      showed a trend toward improvement in sleep quality.

PMID- 27668376
TI  - Benefits and Risks of Fosaprepitant in Patients Receiving Emetogenic Regimens.
AB  - Fosaprepitant dimeglumine (Emend IV(r)) is an IV antiemetic that may be
      beneficial to patients receiving highly emetogenic regimens. Aprepitant
      (Emend(r)) is an oral medication that is administered for three consecutive days,
      whereas fosaprepitant is a single-dose IV medication that is administered on the
      day of chemotherapy for 20-30 minutes (depending on the IV access type).
      Fosaprepitant may be useful, yet it can also present a risk for hypersensitivity
      reactions and phlebitis. Oncology nurses must be aware of the signs and symptoms
      of these potential adverse events to properly care for their patients.

PMID- 27668377
TI  - Development and Evaluation of a Lung Cancer Screening Decision Aid.
AB  - Lung cancer is the second most common cancer; however, it often is not diagnosed
      until the advanced stages. Early-stage lung cancer is curable, but screening
      tools are not usually implemented in practice because of a lack of provider
      awareness. A lung cancer screening decision aid may increase screening use and,
      ultimately, reduce lung cancer deaths.?

PMID- 27668378
TI  - Oncology Nursing and Shared Decision Making for Cancer Treatment.
AB  - This study aimed to describe the contemporary role of the oncology nurse
      throughout the entire cancer shared decision-making (SDM) process. Study
      participants consisted of 30 nurses and nurse practitioners who are actively
      involved in direct care of patients with cancer in the inpatient or outpatient
      setting. The major themes that emerged from the content analysis are: oncology
      nurses have various roles at different time points and settings of cancer SDM
      processes; patient education, advocacy, and treatment side effects management are
      among the top nursing roles; oncology nurses value their participation in the
      cancer SDM process; oncology nurses believe they have a voice, but with various
      degrees of influence in actual treatment decisions; nurses' level of disease
      knowledge influences the degree of participation in cancer SDM; and the nursing
      role during cancer SDM can be complicated and requires flexibility.?. 

PMID- 27668379
TI  - Healing My Whole Self.
AB  - Surviving cancer was the beginning of a long journey to healing my whole self.
      When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer, I was 39 years old. I had spent
      most of my life working in a number of high-stress communications positions in
      Massachusetts and had recently become the press secretary for Boston's mayor, the
      Honorable Thomas M. Menino. On day one, I had to tell my new boss that I would
      need to step down and help him find a replacement because I had cancer. It was an
      extremely difficult time personally and professionally, but the mayor insisted
      that I stay. He was gracious and positive, telling me I would get through this
      and not to give up. On the outside, I did my best to keep it together, but my
      internal voice said otherwise.?. 

PMID- 27668380
TI  - When "No" Is Not an Acceptable Answer for Treatment.
AB  - The focus of health care has moved toward prevention, and insurance companies are
      supporting preventive practices that enable their members to remain healthy. Many
      insurance companies have recorded healthy tips delivered by phone, employed case
      managers to assist patients in keeping physician appointments, created dedicated
      hot lines staffed by nurses, and developed resource centers. However, specific
      instances arise when insurance companies do not allow patients to have certain
      procedures because of contract language that was previously negotiated between
      the employer or individual and the insurance company. This was the case for my
      patient.?. 

PMID- 27668381
TI  - Quality of Life, Psychological Burden, and Sleep Quality in Patients With Brain
      Metastasis Undergoing Whole Brain Radiation Therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with brain metastasis (BM) usually suffer from poor quality
      of life (QOL), anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders in their reduced
      lifespan. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate QOL, anxiety,
      depression, and sleep characteristics in patients with BM at the beginning and
      end of whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) and three months after treatment.
      METHODS: Thirty-three patients undergoing WBRT for BM were featured in this
      study. The authors used the Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) scale to measure
      performance status, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) to evaluate
      anxiety and depression, the SF-36(r) to evaluate health-related QOL, and the
      Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index to evaluate sleep disorders at the start of WBRT,
      the end of WBRT, and three months after WBRT. FINDINGS: Statistically significant
      improvements were noted in KPS scores from baseline evaluation to the end of WBRT
      and to three months after WBRT. No significant differences were observed in SF-36
      and HADS scores between the start and the end of WBRT. Anxiety scores were
      negatively correlated with survival at the end of WBRT. Overall survival was
      better in those who reported better sleep. WBRT improves KPS scores and does not
      worsen sleep quality or mood, even in patients with poor performance status. When
      changes in mood and sleep quality are observed, survival and QOL may improve in
      patients with BM; consequently, nurses should be responsive to these changes.

PMID- 27668382
TI  - Significance of Nonphysical Predictors of Distress in Cancer Survivors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Distress Thermometer (DT) is a well-validated tool that is
      frequently used in patients with cancer to screen for general distress and to
      generate referrals. However, a majority of the DT problem list items relate to
      physical concerns; this may lead to psychosocial issues being overshadowed.
      OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the current study is to examine the endorsement rates
      for nonphysical items, as well as the relationship between these items and
      overall DT scores. METHODS: A multiple logistic regression analysis of the first
      time distress rating scale of 1,209 patients from 2005-2009 was conducted to
      determine whether nonphysical items on the DT significantly contributed to a
      patient falling into one of two categories. FINDINGS: This study provides
      evidence that emotional variables are particularly significant for patients who
      are at risk for distress and, consequently, should be prioritized for
      intervention when endorsed on the DT problem list.

PMID- 27668384
TI  - Improving Awareness, Identification, and Management of Sarcopenic Obesity in
      Cancer Survivors: An Evidence-Based Toolbox.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sarcopenic obesity, the dual condition of decreased muscle mass with
      increased fat mass, can affect morbidity, mortality, and quality of life in adult
      cancer survivors. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this project was to determine the
      effects of the use of an educational toolbox on advanced practice nurses' (APNs')
      confidence in identifying and managing adult cancer survivors at risk for
      sarcopenic obesity. METHODS: APNs in an outpatient practice who care for adult
      cancer survivors received an educational toolbox with strategies to identify and
      manage adult cancer survivors at risk for sarcopenic obesity. FINDINGS: APNs
      reported being more confident in their ability to identify adult patients with
      cancer at risk for sarcopenic obesity and in their ability to manage these
      patients compared to prior to the intervention. Educational resources provided an
      effective tool for identifying and managing patients at risk for sarcopenic
      obesity.

PMID- 27668383
TI  - Validation of Predictors of Fall Events in Hospitalized Patients With Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A seven-item cancer-specific fall risk tool (Cleveland Clinic Capone
      Albert [CC-CA] Fall Risk Score) was shown to have a strong concordance index for
      predicting falls; however, validation of the model is needed. OBJECTIVES: The
      aims of this study were to validate that the CC-CA Fall Risk Score, made up of
      six factors, predicts falls in patients with cancer and to determine if the CC-CA
      Fall Risk Score performs better than the Morse Fall Tool. METHODS: Using a
      prospective, comparative methodology, data were collected from electronic health
      records of patients hospitalized for cancer care in four hospitals. Risk factors
      from each tool were recorded, when applicable. Multivariable models were created
      to predict the probability of a fall. A concordance index for each fall tool was
      calculated. FINDINGS: The CC-CA Fall Risk Score provided higher discrimination
      than the Morse Fall Tool in predicting fall events in patients hospitalized for
      cancer management.

PMID- 27668385
TI  - Optune(r): Practical Nursing Applications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: After receiving U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for the
      treatment of newly diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM) in 2015, following initial
      approval for treatment of recurrent GBM in 2011, Optune(r), a device that uses
      tumor-treating fields (TTFields) therapy, continues to gain acceptance in the
      practice environment. OBJECTIVES: This article reviews how TTFields differ from
      traditional GBM treatment approaches and discusses the pivotal role nurses play
      in helping patients successfully use this therapy. This includes the importance
      of adherence to daily continuous therapy because adherence optimizes patient
      outcomes. METHODS: This article provides oncology nurses with practical guidance
      to share with patients who are candidates for treatment with TTFields, as well as
      information to facilitate patients' understanding of the use of Optune and how
      best to incorporate it into their activities of daily living. FINDINGS: Nurses
      are key members of the multidisciplinary treatment team that manages patients
      with GBM. Therefore, oncology nurses are well equipped to educate patients and
      caregivers about the use of and benefits of adherence to TTFields.

PMID- 27668387
TI  - Rationale and Background on Tumor-Treating Fields for Glioblastoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: More than 150 years after the first description of glioma cells,
      patients with glioblastoma (GBM) continue to have a poor prognosis despite
      standard-of-care therapy. With the introduction of tumor-treating fields
      (TTFields) therapy for the treatment of recurrent GBM in 2011 and for newly
      diagnosed GBM in 2015, the opportunity to increase progression-free survival and
      overall survival while improving quality of life provides a welcome option.
      OBJECTIVES: This article describes how TTFields therapy may be used in the
      treatment of patients with recurrent GBM. METHODS: This article provides oncology
      nurses with two case studies that examine how TTFields therapy can be integrated
      into the overall treatment paradigm. FINDINGS: These two patient case studies
      demonstrate the autonomy and lack of adverse effects that TTFields therapy offers
      to patients with GBM.

PMID- 27668386
TI  - Glioblastoma: Overview of Disease and Treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive malignant brain
      tumor in adults. Current treatment options at diagnosis are multimodal and
      include surgical resection, radiation, and chemotherapy. Significant advances in
      the understanding of the molecular pathology of GBM and associated cell signaling
      pathways have opened opportunities for new therapies for recurrent and newly
      diagnosed disease. Innovative treatments, such as tumor-treating fields
      (TTFields) and immunotherapy, give hope for enhanced survival. OBJECTIVES: This
      article reviews the background, risks, common complications, and treatment
      options for GBM. METHODS: A brief review of GBM, treatment options, and a look at
      new therapies that have been approved for new and recurrent disease are included
      in this article. FINDINGS: Despite aggressive resection and combined modality
      adjuvant treatment, most GBMs recur. Treatments, such as TTFields, drugs to
      target molecular receptors, and immunotherapy, are promising new options.

PMID- 27668388
TI  - Efficacy and Safety of Treating Glioblastoma With Tumor-Treating Fields Therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive astrocytoma with a dismal
      prognosis. Since 1976, only three chemotherapeutic agents have been approved for
      the treatment of GBM. Tumor-treating fields (TTFields) therapy, delivered via a
      noninvasive device, is a new therapy approved for use in patients with recurrent
      GBM and in combination with temozolomide for the treatment of newly diagnosed
      GBM. OBJECTIVES: This article reviews the mechanism of action and findings from
      preclinical and clinical studies supporting the use of TTFields for patients with
      newly diagnosed and recurrent GBM. METHODS: This article provides an overview of
      published literature on the efficacy and safety of treating GBM with TTFields.
      FINDINGS: For the first time in more than a decade, patients with GBM have a
      noninvasive treatment option that has been shown to increase progression-free
      survival and overall survival with minimal adverse events.

PMID- 27668391
TI  - Reframing US Maternity Care: Lessons Learned From End-of-Life Care.

PMID- 27668392
TI  - Research Into Brain Disorders as an Example of Targeted Science.

PMID- 27668390
TI  - MeCP2 and histone deacetylases 1 and 2 in dorsal striatum collectively suppress
      repetitive behaviors.
AB  - Class I histone deacetylases (HDACs) Hdac1 and Hdac2 can associate together in
      protein complexes with transcriptional factors such as methyl-CpG-binding protein
      2 (MeCP2). Given their high degree of sequence identity, we examined whether
      Hdac1 and Hdac2 were functionally redundant in mature mouse brain. We demonstrate
      that postnatal forebrain-specific deletion of both Hdac1 and Hdac2 in mice
      impacts neuronal survival and results in an excessive grooming phenotype caused
      by dysregulation of Sap90/Psd95-associated protein 3 (Sapap3; also known as
      Dlgap3) in striatum. Moreover, Hdac1- and Hdac2-dependent regulation of Sapap3
      expression requires MECP2, the gene involved in the pathophysiology of Rett
      syndrome. We show that postnatal forebrain-specific deletion of Mecp2 causes
      excessive grooming, which is rescued by restoring striatal Sapap3 expression. Our
      results provide new insight into the upstream regulation of Sapap3 and establish
      the essential role of striatal Hdac1, Hdac2 and MeCP2 for suppression of
      repetitive behaviors.

PMID- 27668393
TI  - Sensitivity of Follow-Up Methods in Patients After Fertility-Sparing Surgery for
      Cervical Cancers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to compare the sensitivity of various methods
      and their combinations in the follow-up of patients with cervical cancer after
      fertility-sparing surgery (FSS). METHODS: Included were women with cervical
      cancer in stages IA2 to IB2 who underwent FSS, which includes pelvic
      lymphadenectomy, sentinel lymph node biopsy, abdominal radical trachelectomy,
      vaginal trachelectomy, or needle conization. Follow-up visits were scheduled at 3
      month intervals and included symptom-oriented discussion, gynecological and
      physical examination, colposcopy, Papanicolaou test, human papillomavirus (HPV)
      DNA test, and ultrasound examination. All cases with a recurrent disease were
      thoroughly analyzed, and the results of individual examinations were compared.
      RESULTS: In total, 43 women (IA2, 8; IB1, 33; IB2, 2) were enrolled. The mean
      patient age was 31 years; most patients were nulliparous (68.4%, 26/38) with
      squamous cell cancers (26/38). Abdominal radical trachelectomy was performed in
      10 women, simple vaginal trachelectomy was performed in 11 women, and conization
      was performed in 22 women, according to the tumor characteristics and topography.
      The median duration of the follow-up reached 37 months. Invasive cancer and high-
      and low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions were detected in 8, 1, and 1
      patients, respectively. All except 1 event were central, detected within the
      first year after FSS. Only 2 cases were symptomatic. Colposcopy detected 7 of 10
      recurrences; 5 of them were HPV positive, and, in 2 cases, a Papanicolaou test
      revealed abnormalities. Papanicolaou tests were false positive in 27.7%,
      especially after trachelectomies. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients in whom cancer
      recurred after FSS reveal central or pelvic lesions, which can be successfully
      treated with salvage surgery or radiotherapy. The early detection of recurrence
      is an essential condition for a favorable oncological outcome. Colposcopy alone
      and in combination with HPV positivity showed the highest sensitivity for the
      detection of recurrent diseases, whereas other methods had limited reliability.

PMID- 27668394
TI  - The Predictive Value of Tumor Size, Volume, and Markers During Radiation Therapy
      in Patients With Cervical Cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We investigated the prognostic significance of changes in primary
      tumor volume and serum squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC-ag) levels during
      radiation therapy (RT) in patients with cervical cancer. METHODS: We conducted a
      review of 40 patients treated with RT. All patients received external beam RT and
      intracavitary brachytherapy. The primary tumor volume and squamous cell carcinoma
      antigen levels were measured pre-RT and mid-RT. Overall survival (OS) and
      progression free survival (PFS) were estimated, and possible prognostic factors
      for survival were analyzed. RESULTS: The correlation coefficient between primary
      tumor volume reduction rate (pTVRR) and serum squamous cell carcinoma antigen
      reduction rate in all patients was 0.550 (P < 0.001). In univariate analysis,
      stage more than II (P <0.001), pre-RT pTV of 55 cm or more (P = 0.05), mid-RT
      tumor size of 4 cm or more (P = 0.004), and pTVRR of 90% or less (P = 0.031) were
      significant unfavorable prognostic factors for PFS, whereas stage (P = 0.009) was
      the only significant prognostic factor for OS. Multivariable analysis revealed
      that none of these factors were independently associated with PFS or OS.
      CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant correlation between pTVRR and squamous cell
      carcinoma antigen reduction rate. Our findings indicate that the tumor parameters
      such as pre-RT pTV, mid-RT tumor size, and pTVRR are associated with PFS in women
      with cervical cancer.

PMID- 27668395
TI  - Extrauterine Spread, Adjuvant Treatment, and Prognosis in Noninvasive Uterine
      Papillary Serous Carcinoma of the Endometrium: A Retrospective Multicenter Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this retrospective multicenter study was to investigate
      the frequency of extrauterine metastasis and to evaluate the importance of
      surgical staging and adjuvant treatment among patients with noninvasive uterine
      papillary serous carcinoma (UPSC) of the endometrium. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A
      multicenter, retrospective department database review was performed to identify
      patients with UPSC of the endometrium who underwent surgical staging between 2000
      and 2015 at 4 Gynecologic Oncology Centers in Turkey. Demographic,
      clinicopathological, and survival data were collected. RESULTS: A total of 182
      patients with primary UPSC of the endometrium were identified. Of these, 33
      (18.1%) had tumors limited to the endometrium with no myometrial invasion. Twenty
      (60.6%) of these 33 patients had no extrauterine involvement and International
      Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics 2009 stage 1A disease was diagnosed after
      complete staging. The remaining 13 (39.4%) patients had disease beyond the
      uterine corpus including 5 with omental, 3 with adnexal, 1 with cervical stromal
      involvement, 1 with disease in the pelvic lymph nodes, and 1 with isolated para
      aortic lymph node metastasis. Two patients had metastases in more than one
      location including omentum/adnexa/pelvic-para-aortic lymph nodes and
      omentum/pelvic-para-aortic lymph nodes, respectively. Of the 20 patients with
      disease confined to the endometrium, 6 (30%) patients received adjuvant
      treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Noninvasive UPSC has a high tendency for extrauterine
      spread and omentum is the most commonly involved location. Therefore,
      comprehensive surgical staging including omentectomy and pelvic-para-aortic lymph
      node dissection is mandatory in this group of patients. Risk of extrauterine
      spread is significantly associated with the presence of lymphovascular space
      invasion, elevated preoperative CA 125 levels, and positive peritoneal cytology.
      Adjuvant therapy for women with endometrium-confined disease improves neither
      progression-free survival nor overall survival.

PMID- 27668389
TI  - Gene expression elucidates functional impact of polygenic risk for schizophrenia.
AB  - Over 100 genetic loci harbor schizophrenia-associated variants, yet how these
      variants confer liability is uncertain. The CommonMind Consortium sequenced RNA
      from dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of people with schizophrenia (N = 258) and
      control subjects (N = 279), creating a resource of gene expression and its
      genetic regulation. Using this resource, ~20% of schizophrenia loci have variants
      that could contribute to altered gene expression and liability. In five loci,
      only a single gene was involved: FURIN, TSNARE1, CNTN4, CLCN3 or SNAP91. Altering
      expression of FURIN, TSNARE1 or CNTN4 changed neurodevelopment in zebrafish;
      knockdown of FURIN in human neural progenitor cells yielded abnormal migration.
      Of 693 genes showing significant case-versus-control differential expression,
      their fold changes were <= 1.33, and an independent cohort yielded similar
      results. Gene co-expression implicates a network relevant for schizophrenia. Our
      findings show that schizophrenia is polygenic and highlight the utility of this
      resource for mechanistic interpretations of genetic liability for brain diseases.

PMID- 27668397
TI  - Role of Lymphadenectomy for Uterine Sarcoma: A Meta-Analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Uterine sarcomas are rare, highly aggressive tumors with an
      unfavorable prognosis. The role of lymphadenectomy (LAD) remains controversial
      for this particular tumor type. To examine whether LAD can assist in prognosis or
      clinical benefits for uterine sarcoma patients, we performed a meta-analysis
      based on published studies. METHODS: We initially identified published studies by
      searching the PubMed database up to 30 November 2015. Study quality was evaluated
      systematically using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for assessing the quality of
      studies for inclusion in meta-analyses. Pooled relative risks (RRs) and 95%
      confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using Stata software version 12.0.
      RESULTS: Our search retrieved 14 eligible studies, involving a total of 4867
      patients, including 1356 (27.9%) patients who had LAD. The pooled RR for uterine
      leiomyosarcoma (uLMS) in patients with LAD in 5 trials was 0.90 (95% CI, 0.62
      1.31) and for endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS) in 11 trials was 0.96 (95% CI,
      0.69-1.34), suggesting that there was no significant benefit of LAD in improving
      overall survival (P < 0.05). A random-effects model was chosen to estimate the
      RRs in view of the significant heterogeneity in the included studies (uLMS:
      Cochran Q test: P = 0.022, I = 64.9%; ESS: Cochran Q test: P = 0.005, I = 60.1%).
      No publication bias was detected by the Egger and Begg tests (uLMS: Begg: P =
      0.221, Egger: P = 0.148; ESS: Begg: P = 1.000, Egger: P = 0.928). CONCLUSIONS:
      Based on currently available evidence, the findings of this meta-analysis suggest
      that LAD bears little prognostic or therapeutic benefit in patients with uterine
      sarcoma. Systematic LAD may not be recommended in patients with uLMS or ESS
      unless the patient has obvious extrauterine involvement, clinically suspicious
      enlarged nodes, or advanced sarcomas.

PMID- 27668396
TI  - Radical Hysterectomy Plus Concurrent Chemoradiation/Radiation Therapy Is
      Negatively Associated With Return to Work in Patients With Cervical Cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Cervical cancer is one of the most common malignant diseases in
      working-age women. This study investigated the influence of adverse effects of
      various treatment modalities on return to work in women with cervical cancer.
      METHODS: Questionnaires and clinical data from medical records of 97 patients
      with early stage (stages I and II) cervical cancer were collected and assessed by
      treatment received. The following treatment groups were analyzed for correlations
      between time to return to work and various adverse effects: radical hysterectomy
      (RH) alone, RH group (n = 29); concurrent chemoradiation therapy (CCRT)/radiation
      therapy (RT) alone, CCRT/RT group (n = 21); and RH + CCRT/RT group (n = 47). The
      chi test was used to determine the significance of the correlations. RESULTS: The
      mean age at the time of diagnosis was 43.0 years and the average interval since
      treatment was 4.5 years. The RH + CCRT/RT group was the most strongly negatively
      associated with return to work in employed patients who had undergone CCRT/RT
      group of cervical cancer (P = 0.012). There was a significant association between
      failure to return to work and lower extremity lymphedema (P = 0.049). A more than
      6-month interval between treatment and return to work and reduced personal income
      occurred in a significantly higher percentage of patients in the RH + CCRT group
      than in the CCRT/RT group (P = 0.034 and P = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS: Of the
      treatments assessed, RH + CCRT/RT has the greatest negative effect on return to
      work in women with cervical cancer.

PMID- 27668398
TI  - Uterine Clear Cell Carcinoma: Does Adjuvant Chemotherapy Improve Outcomes?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Women with uterine clear cell carcinoma (UCCC) are at high risk of
      relapse. Adjuvant chemotherapy (CT) is often recommended, although its
      effectiveness remains controversial. Our objective was to evaluate treatment
      related outcomes of patients with UCCC, particularly those treated with adjuvant
      CT. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, patients diagnosed with UCCC at
      2 academic cancer centers from 2000 to 2014 were included. Clinical, surgical,
      and pathological data were collected. Survival estimates were obtained using the
      Kaplan-Meier method and compared by log rank test. Multivariable analysis was
      used to determine the effect of CT and radiation therapy (RT) on overall survival
      (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). RESULTS: We included 146 patients with
      UCCC, with a median follow-up of 27 months (range, 1-160). Ninety-five (65%)
      patients presented with stage I to II disease and 51 (35%) with stage III to IV
      disease. Forty-six percent of patients with clinical stage I were upstaged after
      surgery: 29% were upstaged to stages III and IV. Thirty-one percent of patients
      with early-stage disease and 70% with advanced-stage received CT. Among
      recurrences, the majority had distant relapse in both early-stage (61.5%) and
      advanced-stage (96.3%) diseases. In both patients with early-stage and advanced
      stage diseases, adjuvant CT did not improve OS or PFS. On multivariate analysis,
      CT was not a significant factor associated with improved PFS (hazard ratio [HR],
      1.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.69-2.71; P = 0.37) or OS (HR, 0.58; 95% CI,
      0.24-1.38; P = 0.22), whereas RT was associated with improved PFS (HR, 0.51; 95%
      CI, 0.29-0.90; P = 0.02) and OS (HR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.09-0.42; P < 0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: The high rate of upstaging after surgery highlights the importance
      of lymph node assessment. The high rate of distant recurrence questions the
      effectiveness of current CT regimens and warrants the development of novel
      systemic approaches. The role of adjuvant RT deserves further study.

PMID- 27668399
TI  - The management of cohesion in written narratives in students with specific
      language impairment: Differences between childhood and adolescence.
AB  - The goal of this study was to investigate the management of cohesion by children
      and adolescents with specific language impairment (SLI) when writing a narrative
      in a communicative situation. Twelve children with SLI (from 7 to 11 years old)
      and 12 adolescents with SLI (from 12 to 18 years old) were chronological age
      matched with 24 typically developing (TD) children and 24 TD adolescents. All
      participants attended mainstream classes: children in elementary schools and
      adolescents in middle and high schools. Analyses of cohesion focused on both
      density and diversity of connectives, punctuation marks and anaphors. Results
      attested that children with SLI were greatly impaired in their management of
      written cohesion and used specific forms previously observed in narrative speech
      such as left dislocations. By contrast, and not expected, the management of
      written cohesion by adolescents with SLI was close to that of their TD peers. The
      communicative writing situation we set up, which engaged participants to take
      into account the addressee, also made possible for adolescents with SLI to manage
      cohesion in writing.

PMID- 27668400
TI  - Impact of maladaptive behavior on school function in Down syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) are at an increased risk for
      certain maladaptive behaviors. This study characterized maladaptive behavior in
      school-aged children with DS and examined the extent to which maladaptive
      behaviors are associated with school function. METHODS AND PROCEDURES:
      Participants were 24 students with DS [mean nonverbal mental age
      (NVMA)=43.83months; mean chronological age (CA)=77.58months] who completed the
      Leiter Scales of Performance- Revised (Leiter-R; Roid & Miller, 1997). Their
      teachers completed the Behavior Assessment Scales for Children Version 2
      (Reynolds & Kamphaus, 2004), and the School Function Assessment (Coster et al.,
      1998), measures of maladaptive and adaptive behavior as observed in the school
      setting. RESULTS: Findings reveal a maladaptive behavior profile of elevated
      areas including Aggression, Attention Problems, and Somatization. When examining
      the association between maladaptive behavior and school function, multivariate
      regression results indicated a significant association between Aggression and
      Compliance, and Attention Problems and Task Completion. CONCLUSIONS AND
      IMPLICATIONS: Results underscore the importance of developing training for
      educators regarding the potential impact of maladaptive behavior on school
      function for students with Down syndrome.

PMID- 27668401
TI  - Benefits of augmentative signs in word learning: Evidence from children who are
      deaf/hard of hearing and children with specific language impairment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Augmentative signs may facilitate word learning in children with
      vocabulary difficulties, for example, children who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DHH)
      and children with Specific Language Impairment (SLI). Despite the fact that
      augmentative signs may aid second language learning in populations with a typical
      language development, empirical evidence in favor of this claim is lacking. AIMS:
      We aim to investigate whether augmentative signs facilitate word learning for DHH
      children, children with SLI, and typically developing (TD) children. METHODS AND
      PROCEDURES: Whereas previous studies taught children new labels for familiar
      objects, the present study taught new labels for new objects. In our word
      learning experiment children were presented with pictures of imaginary creatures
      and pseudo words. Half of the words were accompanied by an augmentative pseudo
      sign. The children were tested for their receptive word knowledge. OUTCOMES AND
      RESULTS: The DHH children benefitted significantly from augmentative signs, but
      the children with SLI and TD age-matched peers did not score significantly
      different on words from either the sign or no-sign condition. CONCLUSIONS AND
      IMPLICATIONS: These results suggest that using Sign-Supported speech in
      classrooms of bimodal bilingual DHH children may support their spoken language
      development. The difference between earlier research findings and the present
      results may be caused by a difference in methodology.

PMID- 27668403
TI  - Going Home, Dying.

PMID- 27668404
TI  - Repeated blood flow restriction induces muscle fiber hypertrophy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We recently developed an animal model to investigate the effects of
      eccentric contraction (ECC) and blood flow restriction (BFR) on muscle tissue at
      the cellular level. This study clarified the effects of repeated BFR, ECC, and
      BFR combined with ECC (BFR+ECC) on muscle fiber hypertrophy. METHODS: Male Wistar
      rats were assigned to 3 groups: BFR, ECC, and BFR+ECC. The contralateral leg in
      the BFR group served as a control (CONT). Muscle fiber cross-sectional area (CSA)
      of the tibialis anterior was determined after the respective treatments for 6
      weeks. RESULTS: CSA was greater in the BFR+ECC group than in the CONT (P < 0.01)
      and ECC (P < 0.05) groups. CSA was greater in the BFR group than that in the CONT
      group (P < 0.05). CNCLUSIONS: These results suggest that repeated BFR alone as
      well as BFR+ECC induces muscle fiber hypertrophy at the cellular level. Muscle
      Nerve 55: 274-276, 2017.

PMID- 27668402
TI  - 90K Glycoprotein Promotes Degradation of Mutant beta-Catenin Lacking the
      ISGylation or Phosphorylation Sites in the N-terminus.
AB  - beta-Catenin is a major transducer of the Wnt signaling pathway, which is
      aberrantly expressed in colorectal and other cancers. Previously, we showed that
      beta-catenin is downregulated by the 90K glycoprotein via ISGylation-dependent
      degradation. However, the further mechanisms of beta-catenin degradation by 90K
      mediated ISGylation pathway were not investigated. This study aimed to identify
      the beta-catenin domain responsible for the action of 90K and to compare the
      mechanism of 90K on beta-catenin degradation with phosphorylation-dependent
      ubiquitinational degradation of beta-catenin. The deletion mutants of beta
      catenin lacking N- or C-terminal domain or mutating the N-terminal lysine or
      nonlysine residue were employed to delineate the characteristics of beta-catenin
      degradation by 90K-mediated ISGylation pathway. 90K induced Herc5 and ISG15
      expression and reduced beta-catenin levels in HeLa and CSC221 cells. The N
      terminus of beta-catenin is required for 90K-induced beta-catenin degradation,
      but the N-terminus of beta-catenin is not essential for interaction with Herc5.
      However, substituting lysine residues in the N-terminus of beta-catenin with
      arginine or deleting serine or threonine residue containing domains from the N
      terminus does not affect 90K-induced beta-catenin degradation, indicating that
      the N-terminal 86 amino acids of beta-catenin are crucial for 90K-mediated
      ISGylation/degradation of beta-catenin in which the responsible lysine or
      nonlysine residues were not identified. Our present results highlight the action
      of 90K on promoting degradation of mutant beta-catenin lacking the
      phosphorylation sites in the N-terminus. It provides further insights into the
      discrete pathway downregulating the stabilized beta-catenin via acquiring
      mutations at the serine/threonine residues in the N-terminus.

PMID- 27668405
TI  - The Annals of Medical Assistance in Dying.

PMID- 27668406
TI  - [Time for Change: What We can Learn from the USA about Primary Care of the
      Depressed Elderly].
AB  - Depression is a common psychiatric disorder in older people. It is often
      accompanied by comorbid somatic conditions, and affected patients become frequent
      users of the health care system. Due to its relevance not only for the individual
      but also for society, reflection on the current health care service and
      optimization possibilities for the depressed elderly seems important and
      necessary. Mostly, the general practitioner is not only the first point of
      contact, but is also responsible for the entire treatment of depression. Due to
      the limited possibilities of primary care, for several years, there have been
      collaborative care programs in the USA that provide an optimized networking and
      collaboration between different health care providers and use specially trained
      care managers to support the usual primary health care service with short
      behavioral interventions. In Germany, there are also new approaches and models to
      improve the health care service for the depressed elderly, but these require
      further evaluation.

PMID- 27668408
TI  - Preface.

PMID- 27668407
TI  - Complex mixtures by NMR and complex NMR for mixtures: experimental and
      publication challenges.
AB  - Untargeted strategies have changed the rules of the game in complex mixture
      analysis, introducing an amazing potential for medical and biological
      applications that is just starting to be tapped. But with great power come great
      challenges; although untargeted mixture analysis opens the road for many exciting
      possibilities, the road is still full of perils. On the one hand, this article
      highlights some of the difficulties that need to be sorted for mixture analysis
      by NMR to fulfill its potential, along with insight on how they may be managed.
      Highlighted key points include the need for 'computer friendly' solutions for
      sharing data, experimental design and algorithm to facilitate the steady growth
      of knowledge and modeling ability in the field, and the need for large-scale
      studies to improve confidence in newly identified biomarkers. On the other hand,
      the second part of this article presents some breakthroughs in NMR experiments
      that, when combined, may modify the landscape of mixture analysis. Copyright (c)
      2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27668409
TI  - Advances in an Interdisciplinary Science.

PMID- 27668410
TI  - Synopsis of Scientific Contributions.

PMID- 27668413
TI  - Biotechnology and Bioengineering: Volume 113, Number 11, November 2016.

PMID- 27668411
TI  - Synergy of interleukin 10 and toll-like receptor 9 signalling in B cell
      proliferation: Implications for lymphoma pathogenesis.
AB  - A network of autocrine and paracrine signals defines B cell homeostasis and is
      thought to be involved in transformation processes. Investigating interactions of
      these microenvironmental factors and their relation to proto-oncogenes as c-Myc
      (MYC) is fundamental to understand the biology of B cell lymphoma. Therefore, B
      cells with conditional MYC expression were stimulated with CD40L, insulin-like
      growth factor 1, alpha-IgM, Interleukin-10 (IL10) and CpG alone or in
      combination. The impact of forty different interventions on cell proliferation
      was investigated in MYC deprived cells and calculated by linear regression.
      Combination of CpG and IL10 led to a strong synergistic activation of cell
      proliferation (S-phase/doubling of total cell number) comparable to cells with
      high MYC expression. A synergistic up-regulation of CDK4, CDK6 and CCND3
      expression by IL10 and CpG treatment was causal for this proliferative effect as
      shown by qRT-PCR analysis and inhibition of the CDK4/6 complex by PD0332991.
      Furthermore, treatment of stimulated MYC deprived cells with MLN120b, ACHP,
      Pyridone 6 or Ruxolitinib showed that IL10/CpG induced proliferation and CDK4
      expression were JAK/STAT3 and IKK/NF-kappaB dependent. This was further supported
      by STAT3 and p65/RELA knockdown experiments, showing strongest effects on cell
      proliferation and CDK4 expression after double knockdown. Additionally, chromatin
      immunoprecipitation revealed a dual binding of STAT3 and p65 to the proximal
      promotor of CDK4 after IL10/CpG treatment. Therefore, the observed synergism of
      IL10R and TLR9 signalling was able to induce proliferation in a comparable way as
      aberrant MYC and might play a role in B cell homeostasis or transformation.

PMID- 27668415
TI  - Geometry and expression drive yeast biopanning.

PMID- 27668414
TI  - Low pH bioproduction of succinic acid in yeast.

PMID- 27668412
TI  - Identification of rare variants in KCTD13 at the schizophrenia risk locus
      16p11.2.
AB  - Duplications in 16p11.2 are a risk factor for schizophrenia (SCZ). Using
      genetically modified zebrafish, Golzio and colleagues identified KCTD13 within
      16p11.2 as a major driver of the neuropsychiatric phenotype observed in humans.
      The aims of the present study were to explore the role of KCTD13 in the
      development of SCZ and to provide a more complete picture of the allelic
      architecture at this risk locus. The exons of KCTD13 were sequenced in 576
      patients. The mutations c.6G>T and c.598G>A were identified in one patient each.
      Both mutations were predicted to be functionally relevant and were absent from
      the 1000 Genomes Project data and the Exome Variant Server. The mutation c.6G>T
      was predicted to abolish a potential transcription factor-binding site for
      specifity protein 1. Altered specifity protein 1 expression has been reported in
      SCZ patients compared with controls. Further studies in large cohorts are
      warranted to determine the relevance of the two identified mutations.

PMID- 27668417
TI  - Genome-scale RNA interference screen.

PMID- 27668416
TI  - Engineering E. coli to improve the secretion capacity of SRP pathway.

PMID- 27668419
TI  - Chronic Disease Prevention: Tobacco Avoidance, Physical Activity, and Nutrition
      for a Healthy Start.

PMID- 27668420
TI  - Genetic disruption of the KLF1 gene to overexpress the gamma-globin gene using
      the CRISPR/Cas9 system.
AB  - BACKGROUND: beta-thalassemia comprises a major group of human genetic disorders
      involving a decrease in or an end to the normal synthesis of the beta-globin
      chains of hemoglobin. KLF1 is a key regulatory molecule involved in the gamma- to
      beta-globin gene switching process directly inducing the expression of the beta
      globin gene and indirectly repressing gamma-globin. The present study aimed to
      investigate the ability of an engineered CRISPR/Cas9 system with respect to
      disrupting the KLF1 gene to inhibit the gamma- to beta-hemoglobin switching
      process in K562 cells. METHODS: We targeted three sites on the KLF1 gene, two of
      which are upstream of codon 288 in exon 2 and the other site being in exon 3.
      RESULTS: The average indel percentage in the cells transfected with CRISPR a, b
      and c was approximately 24%. Relative quantification was performed for the
      assessment of gamma-globin expression. The levels of gamma-globin mRNA on day 5
      of differentiation were 8.1-, 7.7- and 1.8-fold in the cells treated with
      CRISPR/Cas9 a, b and c, respectively,compared to untreated cells. The measurement
      of HbF expression levels confirmed the same results. CONCLUSIONS: The findings
      obtained in the present study support the induction of an indel mutation in the
      KLF1 gene leading to a null allele. As a result, the effect of KLF1 on the
      expression of BCL11A is decreased and its inhibitory effect on gamma-globin gene
      expression is removed. Application of CRISPR technology to induce an indel in the
      KLF1 gene in adult erythroid progenitors may provide a method for activating
      fetal hemoglobin expression in individuals with beta-thalassemia or sickle cell
      disease.

PMID- 27668421
TI  - Changing dynamics: Time-varying autoregressive models using generalized additive
      modeling.
AB  - In psychology, the use of intensive longitudinal data has steeply increased
      during the past decade. As a result, studying temporal dependencies in such data
      with autoregressive modeling is becoming common practice. However, standard
      autoregressive models are often suboptimal as they assume that parameters are
      time-invariant. This is problematic if changing dynamics (e.g., changes in the
      temporal dependency of a process) govern the time series. Often a change in the
      process, such as emotional well-being during therapy, is the very reason why it
      is interesting and important to study psychological dynamics. As a result, there
      is a need for an easily applicable method for studying such nonstationary
      processes that result from changing dynamics. In this article we present such a
      tool: the semiparametric TV-AR model. We show with a simulation study and an
      empirical application that the TV-AR model can approximate nonstationary
      processes well if there are at least 100 time points available and no unknown
      abrupt changes in the data. Notably, no prior knowledge of the processes that
      drive change in the dynamic structure is necessary. We conclude that the TV-AR
      model has significant potential for studying changing dynamics in psychology.
      (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27668422
TI  - Cytogenetic Biomonitoring in Buccal Mucosa Cells of Young Smokers.

PMID- 27668423
TI  - Molecular Cytogenetic Characterization of New Wheat-Rye 1R(1B) Substitution and
      Translocation Lines from a Chinese Secale cereal L. Aigan with Resistance to
      Stripe Rust.
AB  - Secale cereale L. has been used worldwide as a source of genes for agronomic and
      resistance improvement. In this study, a stable wheat-rye substitution line and 3
      primary 1RS.1BL translocation lines were selected from the progeny of the
      crossing of the Chinese local rye Aigan variety and wheat cultivar Mianyang11.
      The substitution and translocation lines were identified by molecular cytogenetic
      analysis. PCR results, fluorescence in situ hybridization and acid polyacrylamide
      gel electrophoresis indicated that there were a pair of 1R chromosomes in the
      substitution line which have been named RS1200-3, and a pair of 1RS.1BL
      translocation chromosomes in the other 3 translocation lines, which have been
      named RT1163-4, RT1217-1, and RT1249. When inoculated with stripe rust isolates,
      these 4 lines expressed high resistance to several Puccinia striiformis f. sp
      Tritici pathotypes that are virulent on Yr9. Moreover, the different response
      pattern of resistance among them suggested that the diversity of resistance genes
      for wheat stripe rust exists in the rye. These 4 lines also showed better
      agronomic performances than their wheat parent. The GS indices also showed the
      genetic diversity of the 1RS which derived from same rye variety. The present
      study indicates that rye cultivars may carry untapped variations that could
      potentially be used for wheat improvement.

PMID- 27668425
TI  - Explicit spatial compatibility is not critical to the object handle effect.
AB  - In object perception studies, a response advantage arises when the handle of an
      object is congruent with the responding hand. This handle effect is thought to
      reflect increased motor activation of the hand most suited to grasp the object,
      consistent with affordance theories of object representation. An alternative
      explanation has been proposed, however, which suggests that the handle effect is
      related to a simple spatial compatibility effect (the Simon effect). In 3
      experiments, we determined whether the handle effect would emerge in the absence
      of explicit spatial compatibility between handle and response. Stimulus and
      response location was varied vertically and participants made horizontally
      orthogonal, bimanual responses to objects' kitchen/garage category, color (as in
      a traditional Simon effect) or upright/inverted orientation. Categorization and
      inversion tasks, which relied on object knowledge, elicited a handle effect and a
      vertical Simon effect regarding stimulus and response locations. When
      participants judged object color, as per standard Simon effect paradigms, the
      handle effect disappeared but the Simon effect strengthened. These data
      demonstrate a dissociation between affordance and spatial compatibility effects
      and prove that affordance plays an important role in the handle effect. Models
      that incorporate both affordance and spatial compatibility mechanisms are
      discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27668424
TI  - Hierarchical nesting of affordances in a tool use task.
AB  - In studying the perception of affordances, researchers have typically identified
      a single affordance and designed experiments to evaluate the perception of that
      affordance. Yet in daily life, multiple affordances always exist. One consequence
      of this is that there may be higher order, means-ends relations between different
      affordances. In 4 experiments, we created situations in which lower order,
      subordinate affordances could affect the realization of higher order,
      superordinate affordances, and we asked whether participants were sensitive to
      these hierarchical, nested relations. Participants wielded tools that varied in
      length, mass, and mass distribution. In Experiments 1 and 2, we asked them to
      evaluate these tools in terms of their suitability for executing specific
      interactions with target objects (striking vs. poking) that were positioned at
      different distances. In Experiments 3 and 4, we asked participants to select rods
      and masses and then to assemble them into tools that could be used to execute
      specific interactions with target objects at different distances. The results
      were compatible with the hypothesis that participants were simultaneously
      sensitive to affordances for tool assembly and affordances for tool use. We argue
      that the nesting of affordances is characteristic of many situations in daily
      life and that, consequently, sensitivity to hierarchical, means-ends relations
      among affordances may be an essential characteristic of perceptually guided
      action. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27668426
TI  - Modulating Behavior in C. elegans Using Electroshock and Antiepileptic Drugs.
AB  - The microscopic nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has emerged as a valuable model
      for understanding the molecular and cellular basis of neurological disorders. The
      worm offers important physiological similarities to mammalian models such as
      conserved neuron morphology, ion channels, and neurotransmitters. While a wide
      array of behavioral assays are available in C. elegans, an assay for
      electroshock/electroconvulsion remains absent. Here, we have developed a
      quantitative behavioral method to assess the locomotor response following
      electric shock in C. elegans. Electric shock impairs normal locomotion, and
      induces paralysis and muscle twitching; after a brief recovery period, shocked
      animals resume normal locomotion. We tested electric shock responses in loss-of
      function mutants for unc-25, which encodes the GABA biosynthetic enzyme GAD, and
      unc-49, which encodes the GABAA receptor. unc-25 and unc-49 mutants have
      decreased inhibitory GABAergic transmission to muscles, and take significantly
      more time to recover normal locomotion following electric shock compared to wild
      type. Importantly, increased sensitivity of unc-25 and unc-49 mutants to electric
      shock is rescued by treatment with antiepileptic drugs, such as retigabine.
      Additionally, we show that pentylenetetrazol (PTZ), a GABAA receptor antagonist
      and proconvulsant in mammalian and C. elegans seizure models, increases
      susceptibility of worms to electric shock.

PMID- 27668427
TI  - Characterization of the Expression of the RNA Binding Protein eIF4G1 and Its
      Clinicopathological Correlation with Serous Ovarian Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ovarian cancer is the most lethal type of malignant tumor in
      gynecological cancers and is associated with a high percentage of late diagnosis
      and chemotherapy resistance. Thus, it is urgent to identify a tumor marker or a
      molecular target that allows early detection and effective treatment. RNA-binding
      proteins (RBPs) are crucial in various cellular processes at the post
      transcriptional level. The eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4 gamma,
      1(eIF4G1), an RNA-binding protein, facilitates the recruitment of mRNA to the
      ribosome, which is a rate-limiting step during the initiation phase of protein
      synthesis. However, little is known regarding the characteristics of eIF4G1
      expression and its clinical significance in ovarian cancer. Therefore, we propose
      to investigate the expression and clinicopathological significance of eIF4G1 in
      ovarian cancer patients. METHODS: We performed Real-time PCR in 40 fresh serous
      ovarian cancer tissues and 27 normal ovarian surface epithelial cell specimens to
      assess eIF4G1mRNA expression. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to examine the
      expression of eIF4G1 at the protein level in 134 patients with serous ovarian
      cancer and 18 normal ovarian tissues. Statistical analysis was conducted to
      determine the correlation of the eIF4G1 protein levels with the
      clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis in ovarian cancer. RESULTS: The
      expression of eIF4G1 was upregulated in serous ovarian cancer tissues at both the
      mRNA (P = 0.0375) and the protein (P = 0.0007) levels. The eIF4G1 expression was
      significantly correlated with the clinical tumor stage (P = 0.0004) and omentum
      metastasis (P = 0.024). Moreover, patients with low eIF4G1 protein expression had
      a longer overall survival time (P = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS: These data revealed that
      eIF4G1 is markedly expressed in serous ovarian cancer and that upregulation of
      the eIF4G1 protein expression is significantly associated with an advanced tumor
      stage. Besides, the patients with lower expression of eIF4G1 tend to have a
      longer overall survival time. Thus, eIF4G1 may contribute to the occurrence and
      metastasis of ovarian cancer and can serve as a potential therapeutic target for
      the treatment of ovarian cancer.

PMID- 27668428
TI  - N6-(2-Hydroxyethyl)-Adenosine Exhibits Insecticidal Activity against Plutella
      xylostella via Adenosine Receptors.
AB  - The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, is one of the most important pests of
      cruciferous crops. We have earlier shown that N6-(2-hydroxyethyl)-adenosine (HEA)
      exhibits insecticidal activity against P. xylostella. In the present study we
      investigated the possible mechanism of insecticidal action of HEA on P.
      xylostella. HEA is a derivative of adenosine, therefore, we speculated whether it
      acts via P. xylostella adenosine receptor (PxAdoR). We used RNAi approach to
      silence PxAdoR gene and used antagonist of denosine receptor (AdoR) to study the
      insecticidal effect of HEA. We cloned the whole sequence of PxAdoR gene. A BLAST
      search using NCBI protein database showed a 61% identity with the Drosophila
      adenosine receptor (DmAdoR) and a 32-35% identity with human AdoR. Though the
      amino acids sequence of PxAdoR was different compared to other adenosine
      receptors, most of the amino acids that are known to be important for adenosine
      receptor ligand binding and signaling were present. However, only 30% binding
      sites key residues was similar between PxAdoR and A1R. HEA, at a dose of 1 mg/mL,
      was found to be lethal to the second-instar larvae of P. xylostella, and a
      significant reduction of mortality and growth inhibition ratio were obtained when
      HEA was administered to the larvae along with PxAdoR-dsRNA or antagonist of AdoR
      (SCH58261) for 36, 48, or 60 h. Especially at 48 h, the rate of growth inhibition
      of the PxAdoR knockdown group was 3.5-fold less than that of the HEA group, and
      the corrected mortality of SCH58261 group was reduced almost 2-fold compared with
      the HEA group. Our findings show that HEA may exert its insecticidal activity
      against P. xylostella larvae via acting on PxAdoR.

PMID- 27668430
TI  - Urinary Podocalyxin as a Biomarker to Diagnose Membranous Nephropathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A non-invasive diagnostic marker of membranous nephropathy (MN) is
      desirable. The urinary level of podocalyxin (PCX) is higher in various glomerular
      diseases, including MN. The aim of this study was to construct a diagnostic model
      of MN with the combination of urinary PCX and clinical parameters. METHODS: We
      performed this cross-sectional study to construct the diagnostic models for MN by
      using data and samples from the multicenter kidney biopsy registry of Nagoya
      University and its affiliated hospitals. Urinary (u-) PCX was measured by
      sandwich ELISA. We constructed 3 types of diagnostic models in 105 training
      samples: u-PCX univariate model, the combined model of clinical parameters other
      than u-PCX (clinical model), and the combined model of both u-PCX and clinical
      parameters (combined model). We assessed the clinical usefulness of the
      diagnostic models through the comparison of c-statistics and decision curve
      analysis (DCA) in 209 validation samples. RESULTS: The clinical model consisted
      of age, glomerular filtration rate, and diabetes mellitus. In the training
      cohort, the c-statistics were 0.868 [95% CI, 0.799-0.937] in the combined model.
      In the validation cohort, sensitivity was 80.5% and specificity was 73.5% on the
      cut-off value. The net benefit of the combined model was better between threshold
      probabilities of 40-80% in DCA. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we demonstrated the
      utility of u-PCX as a diagnostic marker for MN and the clinical usefulness of the
      diagnostic models, through the combination of u-PCX and clinical parameters
      including age, glomerular filtration rate, and diabetes mellitus.

PMID- 27668429
TI  - Movement Protein of Cucumber Mosaic Virus Associates with Apoplastic Ascorbate
      Oxidase.
AB  - Plant viral movement proteins facilitate virion movement mainly through
      interaction with a number of factors from the host. We report the association of
      a cell wall localized ascorbate oxidase (CsAO4) from Cucumis sativus with the
      movement protein (MP) of Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV). This was identified first
      in a yeast two-hybrid screen and validated by in vivo pull down and bimolecular
      fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays. The BiFC assay showed localization of
      the bimolecular complexes of these proteins around the cell wall periphery as
      punctate spots. The expression of CsAO4 was induced during the initial infection
      period (up to 72 h) in CMV infected Nicotiana benthamiana plants. To functionally
      validate its role in viral spread, we analyzed the virus accumulation in CsAO4
      overexpressing Arabidopsis thaliana and transiently silenced N. benthamiana
      plants (through a Tobacco rattle virus vector). Overexpression had no evident
      effect on virus accumulation in upper non-inoculated leaves of transgenic lines
      in comparison to WT plants at 7 days post inoculation (dpi). However, knockdown
      resulted in reduced CMV accumulation in systemic (non-inoculated) leaves of
      NbDeltaAO-pTRV2 silenced plants as compared to TRV inoculated control plants at 5
      dpi (up to 1.3 fold difference). In addition, functional validation supported the
      importance of AO in plant development. These findings suggest that AO and viral
      MP interaction helps in early viral movement; however, it had no major effect on
      viral accumulation after 7 dpi. This study suggests that initial induction of
      expression of AO on virus infection and its association with viral MP helps both
      towards targeting of the MP to the apoplast and disrupting formation of
      functional AO dimers for spread of virus to nearby cells, reducing the redox
      defense of the plant during initial stages of infection.

PMID- 27668432
TI  - Clinical Characteristics of Benign Pediatric Cranial Vault Tumors: Surgical
      Considerations Based on 100 Cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Tumors of the cranial vault occur at every age of childhood.
      Although they are mostly benign lesions, their symptomatology is variable and
      requires extended diagnostics. The choice of therapeutic strategy strongly
      depends on histopathological diagnosis, and therefore surgical excision is the
      elective treatment in such cases. Despite several published papers, the
      literature still lacks reliable clinical characteristics regarding this
      heterogeneous group of lesions in pediatric patients. METHODS: We present a
      series of 100 children (55 male, 45 female) with scalp and cranial vault masses
      (average age: 3.6 years; range: 1 month to 17 years). Eighty-three (83%) patients
      underwent surgical excision. Demographic data, clinical presentation, diagnostic
      studies, choice of therapy, and the results of treatment were evaluated. RESULTS:
      All removed tumors were benign pathologies: pilar cysts (30%), epidermoid/dermoid
      cysts (21%), vascular malformations (11%), inflammatory tumors (5%), and
      dysraphic remnants (2%). However, underlying bone destruction was observed in 61%
      of cases. Cranial extension occurred in 34%. Recurrence was noted in 1 case.
      CONCLUSIONS: Cranial vault tumors are characterized by constant growth and may
      penetrate the cranial cavity. Delayed surgery increases the risk of intracranial
      complications. Surgical problems include inappropriate planning, higher risk of
      intraoperative bleeding, and the need for subsequent cranioplasty.

PMID- 27668431
TI  - Modelling TFE renal cell carcinoma in mice reveals a critical role of WNT
      signaling.
AB  - TFE-fusion renal cell carcinomas (TFE-fusion RCCs) are caused by chromosomal
      translocations that lead to overexpression of the TFEB and TFE3 genes (Kauffman
      et al., 2014). The mechanisms leading to kidney tumor development remain
      uncharacterized and effective therapies are yet to be identified. Hence, the need
      to model these diseases in an experimental animal system (Kauffman et al., 2014).
      Here, we show that kidney-specific TFEB overexpression in transgenic mice,
      resulted in renal clear cells, multi-layered basement membranes, severe cystic
      pathology, and ultimately papillary carcinomas with hepatic metastases. These
      features closely recapitulate those observed in both TFEB- and TFE3-mediated
      human kidney tumors. Analysis of kidney samples revealed transcriptional
      induction and enhanced signaling of the WNT beta-catenin pathway. WNT signaling
      inhibitors normalized the proliferation rate of primary kidney cells and
      significantly rescued the disease phenotype in vivo. These data shed new light on
      the mechanisms underlying TFE-fusion RCCs and suggest a possible therapeutic
      strategy based on the inhibition of the WNT pathway.

PMID- 27668433
TI  - Quantifying the Twitter Influence of Third Party Commercial Entities versus
      Healthcare Providers in Thirteen Medical Conferences from 2011 - 2013.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Twitter channels are increasingly popular at medical conferences.
      Many groups, including healthcare providers and third party entities (e.g.,
      pharmaceutical or medical device companies) use these channels to communicate
      with one another. These channels are unregulated and can allow third party
      commercial entities to exert an equal or greater amount of Twitter influence than
      healthcare providers. Third parties can use this influence to promote their
      products or services instead of sharing unbiased, evidence-based information. In
      this investigation we quantified the Twitter influence that third party
      commercial entities had in 13 major medical conferences. METHODS: We analyzed
      tweets contained in the official Twitter hashtags of thirteen medical conferences
      from 2011 to 2013. We placed tweet authors into one of four categories based on
      their account profile: healthcare provider, third party commercial entity, none
      of the above and unknown. We measured Twitter activity by the number of tweet
      authors per category and the tweet-to-author ratio by category. We measured
      Twitter influence by the PageRank of tweet authors by category. RESULTS: We
      analyzed 51159 tweets authored by 8778 Twitter account holders in 13 conferences
      that were sponsored by 5 medical societies. A quarter of all authors identified
      themselves as healthcare providers, while only 18% could be identified as third
      party commercial entities. Healthcare providers had a greater tweet-to-author
      ratio than their third party commercial entity counterparts (8.98 versus 6.93
      tweets). Despite having less authors and composing less tweets, third party
      commercial entities had a statistically similar PageRank as healthcare providers
      (0.761 versus 0.797). CONCLUSION: The Twitter influence of third party commercial
      entities (PageRank) is similar to that of healthcare providers. This finding is
      interesting because the number of tweets and third party commercial entity
      authors required to achieve this PageRank is far fewer than that needed by
      healthcare providers. Without safety mechanisms in place, the Twitter channels of
      medical conferences can devolve into a venue for the spread of biased information
      rather than evidence-based medical knowledge that is expected at live
      conferences. Continuing to measure the Twitter influence that third parties exert
      can help conference organizers develop reasonable guidelines for Twitter channel
      activity.

PMID- 27668436
TI  - Health Care in a Digital Age.

PMID- 27668434
TI  - The Challenge of Stability in High-Throughput Gene Expression Analysis:
      Comprehensive Selection and Evaluation of Reference Genes for BALB/c Mice Spleen
      Samples in the Leishmania infantum Infection Model.
AB  - The interaction of Leishmania with BALB/c mice induces dramatic changes in
      transcriptome patterns in the parasite, but also in the target organs (spleen,
      liver...) due to its response against infection. Real-time quantitative PCR
      (qPCR) is an interesting approach to analyze these changes and understand the
      immunological pathways that lead to protection or progression of disease.
      However, qPCR results need to be normalized against one or more reference genes
      (RG) to correct for non-specific experimental variation. The development of
      technical platforms for high-throughput qPCR analysis, and powerful software for
      analysis of qPCR data, have acknowledged the problem that some reference genes
      widely used due to their known or suspected "housekeeping" roles, should be
      avoided due to high expression variability across different tissues or
      experimental conditions. In this paper we evaluated the stability of 112 genes
      using three different algorithms: geNorm, NormFinder and RefFinder in spleen
      samples from BALB/c mice under different experimental conditions (control and
      Leishmania infantum-infected mice). Despite minor discrepancies in the stability
      ranking shown by the three methods, most genes show very similar performance as
      RG (either good or poor) across this massive data set. Our results show that some
      of the genes traditionally used as RG in this model (i.e. B2m, Polr2a and Tbp)
      are clearly outperformed by others. In particular, the combination of Il2rg +
      Itgb2 was identified among the best scoring candidate RG for every group of mice
      and every algorithm used in this experimental model. Finally, we have
      demonstrated that using "traditional" vs rationally-selected RG for normalization
      of gene expression data may lead to loss of statistical significance of gene
      expression changes when using large-scale platforms, and therefore
      misinterpretation of results. Taken together, our results highlight the need for
      a comprehensive, high-throughput search for the most stable reference genes in
      each particular experimental model.

PMID- 27668435
TI  - Spatial Dynamics and High Risk Transmission Pathways of Poliovirus in Nigeria
      2001-2013.
AB  - The polio eradication programme in Nigeria has been successful in reducing
      incidence to just six confirmed cases in 2014 and zero to date in 2015, but
      prediction and management of future outbreaks remains a concern. A Poisson mixed
      effects model was used to describe poliovirus spread between January 2001 and
      November 2013, incorporating the strength of connectivity between districts
      (local government areas, LGAs) as estimated by three models of human mobility:
      simple distance, gravity and radiation models. Potential explanatory variables
      associated with the case numbers in each LGA were investigated and the model fit
      was tested by simulation. Spatial connectivity, the number of non-immune children
      under five years old, and season were associated with the incidence of
      poliomyelitis in an LGA (all P < 0.001). The best-fitting spatial model was the
      radiation model, outperforming the simple distance and gravity models (likelihood
      ratio test P < 0.05), under which the number of people estimated to move from an
      infected LGA to an uninfected LGA was strongly associated with the incidence of
      poliomyelitis in that LGA. We inferred transmission networks between LGAs based
      on this model and found these to be highly local, largely restricted to
      neighbouring LGAs (e.g. 67.7% of secondary spread from Kano was expected to occur
      within 10 km). The remaining secondary spread occurred along routes of high
      population movement. Poliovirus transmission in Nigeria is predominantly
      localised, occurring between spatially contiguous areas. Outbreak response should
      be guided by knowledge of high-probability pathways to ensure vulnerable children
      are protected.

PMID- 27668439
TI  - Navigating Medicare Part D Websites: Are the Part D Plans in Compliance?
AB  - Today, more than one half of older adults use the internet to obtain health
      related information, and there is growing interest from governmental agencies in
      providing information online. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
      provides guidance to Part D prescription drug plan sponsors about information to
      include on their websites. The current article examines compliance with the 2014
      CMS guidance for Medication Therapy Management (MTM) program information on Part
      D plan sponsors' websites. There were 59.5% of plan sponsors that had a dedicated
      MTM program webpage, accessible within two clicks from the plan sponsor's home
      page and provided basic information, eligibility for MTM services, and access to
      a blank copy of a personalized medication list document. Although improvements in
      the provision of information about plan sponsors' MTM programs can be made,
      future work should evaluate the usability and effectiveness of the online MTM
      program information provided to Medicare beneficiaries. [Journal of
      Gerontological Nursing, 42(10), 9-14.]. 

PMID- 27668440
TI  - Multidisciplinary Comprehensive Care for Early Recommencement of Oral Intake in
      Older Adults With Severe Pneumonia.
AB  - HOW TO OBTAIN CONTACT HOURS BY READING THIS ARTICLE INSTRUCTIONS 1.3 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 once you
      register, pay the registration fee, and complete the evaluation form online at
      http://goo.gl/gMfXaf. To obtain contact hours you must: 1. Read the article,
      "Multidisciplinary Comprehensive Care for Early Recommencement of Oral Intake in
      Older Adults With Severe Pneumonia" found on pages 21-29, 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 listed above 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 September 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. ACTIVITY OBJECTIVES 1. Describe the effect of
      multidisciplinary comprehensive care (MDCC) on oral intake in older adults with
      severe pneumonia at the time of discharge. 2. Explore the impact of MDCC on the
      length of stay for hospitalized older adults with severe pneumonia. DISCLOSURE
      STATEMENT Neither the planners nor the authors have any conflicts of interest to
      disclose. The current study was designed to assess the effect of
      multidisciplinary comprehensive care (MDCC) on (a) oral intake at discharge and
      (b) hospital stay duration in older adult patients with severe pneumonia.
      Participants were divided into two groups: receiving and not receiving MDCC. MDCC
      comprises regular assessment of swallowing ability, aspiration risk management,
      improvement of oral hygiene, serving of nutritious texture-modified foods, and
      encouragement of early mobilization. The MDCC group (164 women, 206 men; mean age
      = 82.7, SD = 8.4 years) had severe pneumonia as well as high proportions of poor
      premorbid physical function and consciousness disturbance compared to the non
      MDCC group (45 women, 56 men; mean age = 81.1, SD = 8.6 years). Nevertheless,
      MDCC was an independent determinant of hospital stay duration and oral intake
      (Functional Oral Intake Scale score >=4) at discharge with Cox regression
      analysis (hazard ratio = 1.42, 95% confidence interval [1.09, 1.85]). MDCC may
      promote early oral intake and hospital discharge in older adults with severe
      pneumonia. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 42(10), 21-29.]. 

PMID- 27668442
TI  - Lateral Diffusion and Molecular Interaction in a Bilayer Membrane Consisting of
      Partially Fluorinated Phospholipids.
AB  - Fluorinated lipids and surfactants are attractive biomimetic materials for the
      extraction and reorganization of membrane proteins because of the biological
      inertness of fluorocarbons. We investigated the fundamental physical properties
      of a partially fluorinated phospholipid (F4-DMPC), such as phase transition, area
      thermal expansion, and lateral lipid diffusion, to evaluate the intermolecular
      interaction of F4-DMPC in the hydrophobic region quantitatively on the basis of
      free-volume theory. Fluorescence microscope observation of the supported lipid
      bilayer (SLB) of F4-DMPC showed that the phase transition between the liquid
      crystalline and gel phases occurred at 5  degrees C and that the area thermal
      expansion coefficient was independent of the temperature near the phase
      transition temperature. We performed a single particle tracking of the F4-DMPC
      SLB on a SiO2/Si substrate, to measure the diffusion coefficient and its
      temperature dependence. The apparent activation energy (E'a) of lateral lipid
      diffusion, which is an indicator of intermolecular interaction, was 39.1 kJ/mol
      for F4-DMPC, and 48.2 kJ/mol for a nonfluorinated 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3
      phosphocholine as a control. The difference of 9 kJ/mol in E'a was significant
      compared with the difference due to the acyl chain species among nonfluorinated
      phosphatidylcholine and also that caused by the addition of cholesterol and
      alcohol in the bilayer membranes. We quantitatively evaluated the attenuation of
      intermolecular interaction, which results from the competition between the dipole
      induced packing effect and steric effect at the fluorocarbon segment in F4-DMPC.

PMID- 27668443
TI  - Effects of Differentiation and Antisenescence from BMSCs to Hepatocy-Like Cells
      of the PAAm-IGF-1/TNF-alpha Biomaterial.
AB  - Aiming at the cells' differentiation phenomenon and senescence problem in liver
      tissue engineering, this work is designed to synthesize three different
      chargeable polymers (polypropylene acid (PAAc), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and
      polypropylene amine (PAAm)) coimmobilized by the insulin-like growth factor 1
      (IGF-1) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). We explore the hepatocyte
      differentiation effect and the antisenecence effect of PSt-PAAm-IGF-1/TNF-alpha
      biomaterial which was selected from the three different chargeable polymers in
      bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Our work will establish a model for
      studying the biochemical molecular regulation mechanism and signal transduction
      pathway of cell senescence in liver tissue engineering, which provide a molecular
      basis for developing biomaterials for liver tissue engineering.

PMID- 27668444
TI  - Bisboronic Acids for Selective, Physiologically Relevant Direct Glucose Sensing
      with Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy.
AB  - This paper demonstrates the direct sensing of glucose at physiologically relevant
      concentrations with surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) on gold film-over
      nanosphere (AuFON) substrates functionalized with bisboronic acid receptors. The
      combination of selectivity in the bisboronic acid receptor and spectral
      resolution in the SERS data allow the sensors to resolve glucose in high
      backgrounds of fructose and, in combination with multivariate statistical
      analysis, detect glucose accurately in the 1-10 mM range. Computational modeling
      supports assignments of the normal modes and vibrational frequencies for the
      monoboronic acid base of our bisboronic acids, glucose and fructose. These
      results are promising for the use of bisboronic acids as receptors in SERS-based
      in vivo glucose monitoring sensors.

PMID- 27668445
TI  - Mechanistic Studies on RNA Strand Scission from a C2'-Radical.
AB  - The C2'-carbon-hydrogen bond in ribonucleotides is significantly weaker than
      other carbohydrate carbon-hydrogen bonds in RNA or DNA. Independent generation of
      the C2'-uridine radical (1) in RNA oligonucleotides via Norrish type I
      photocleavage of a ketone-substituted nucleotide yields direct strand breaks via
      cleavage of the beta-phosphate. The reactivity of 1 in different sequences and
      under a variety of conditions suggests that the rate constant for strand scission
      is significantly greater than 106 s-1 at pH 7.2. The initially formed C2'-radical
      (1) is not trapped under a variety of conditions, consistent with computational
      studies ( Chem.-Eur. J. 2009 , 15 , 2394 ) that suggest that the barrier to
      strand scission is very low and that synchronous proton transfer from the 2'
      hydroxyl to the departing phosphate group facilitates cleavage. The C2'-radical
      could be a significant contributor to RNA strand scission by the hydroxyl
      radical, particularly under anaerobic conditions where 1 can be produced from
      nucleobase radicals.

PMID- 27668446
TI  - Synthesis of Trifluoromethyl-allenes by Gold-Catalyzed Rearrangement of Propargyl
      Benzyl Ethers.
AB  - A new method for the synthesis of trifluoromethyl-allenes from easily accessible
      alpha-trifluoromethyl-propargyl benzyl ether derivatives following a gold
      catalyzed intramolecular hydride transfer has been developed. Various di- and
      trisubstituted trifluoromethyl-allenes were obtained in good to excellent yields.

PMID- 27668448
TI  - Chlorine Incorporation in the CH3NH3PbI3 Perovskite: Small Concentration, Big
      Effect.
AB  - The role of chlorine doping in CH3NH3PbI3 represents an important open issue in
      the use of hybrid perovskites for photovoltaic applications. In particular, even
      if a positive role of chlorine doping on perovskite film formation and on
      material morphology has been demonstrated, an inherent positive effect on the
      electronic and photovoltaic properties cannot be excluded. Here we carried out
      periodic density functional theory and Car-Parrinello molecular dynamics
      simulations, going down to ~1% doping, to investigate the effect of chlorine on
      CH3NH3PbI3. We found that such a small doping has important effects on the
      dynamics of the crystalline structure, both with respect to the inorganic
      framework and with respect to the cation libration motion. Together, we observe a
      dynamic spatial localization of the valence and conduction states in separated
      spatial material regions, which takes place in the 10-1 ps time scale and which
      could be the key to ease of exciton dissociation and, likely, to small charge
      recombination in hybrid perovskites. Moreover, such localization is enhanced by
      chlorine doping, demonstrating an inherent positive role of chlorine doping on
      the electronic properties of this class of materials.

PMID- 27668447
TI  - Molecular Plasmon-Phonon Coupling.
AB  - Charged polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), ultrasmall analogs of hydrogen
      terminated graphene consisting of only a few fused aromatic carbon rings, have
      been shown to possess molecular plasmon resonances in the visible region of the
      spectrum. Unlike larger nanostructures, the PAH absorption spectra reveal rich,
      highly structured spectral features due to the coupling of the molecular plasmons
      with the vibrations of the molecule. Here, we examine this molecular plasmon
      phonon interaction using a quantum mechanical approach based on the Franck-Condon
      approximation. We show that an independent boson model can be used to describe
      the complex features of the PAH absorption spectra, yielding an analytical and
      semiquantitative description of their spectral features. This investigation
      provides an initial insight into the coupling of fundamental excitations-plasmons
      and phonons-in molecules.

PMID- 27668449
TI  - Facet-Dependent Photocatalytic N2 Fixation of Bismuth-Rich Bi5O7I Nanosheets.
AB  - Bismuth-rich bismuth oxyhalides (Bi-O-X; X = Cl, Br, I) display high
      photocatalytic reduction activity due to the promoting conduction band potential.
      In this work, two Bi5O7I nanosheets with different dominant facets were
      synthesized using either molecular precursor hydrolysis or calcination. Crystal
      structure characterizations, included X-ray diffraction patterns (XRD), field
      emission electron microscopy and fast Fourier transformation (FFT) images, showed
      that hydrolysis and calcination resulted in the dominant exposure of {100} and
      {001} facets, respectively. Photocatalytic data revealed that Bi5O7I-001 had a
      higher activity than Bi5O7I-100 for N2 fixation and dye degradation.
      Photoelectrochemical data revealed that Bi5O7I-001 had higher photoinduced
      carrier separation efficiency than Bi5O7I-100. The band structure analysis also
      used to explain the underlying photocatalytic mechanism based on the different
      conduction band position. This work presents the first report about the facet
      dependent photocatalytic performance of bismuth-rich Bi-O-X photocatalysts.

PMID- 27668450
TI  - Kinetics and Products from Heterogeneous Oxidation of Squalene with Ozone.
AB  - Motivated by the importance of the heterogeneous chemistry of squalene contained
      within skin oil to indoor air chemistry, the surface reaction of squalene with
      gas-phase ozone has been investigated. Using direct analysis in real time mass
      spectrometry (DART-MS) to monitor squalene, the reactive uptake coefficients were
      determined to be (4.3 +/- 2.2) * 10-4 and (4.0 +/- 2.2) * 10-4 for ozone mixing
      ratios (MRO3) of 50 and 25 ppb, respectively, on squalene films deposited on
      glass surfaces. At an MRO3 of 25 ppb, the lifetime for oxidation was the same as
      that in an indoor office with an MRO3 between 22 and 32 ppb, suggesting that O3
      was the dominant oxidant in this indoor setting. While the heterogeneous kinetics
      of squalene and O3 were independent of relative humidity (RH), the RH
      significantly affected the reaction products. Under dry conditions (<5% RH), in
      addition to several products between m/z 300 and 350, the major condensed-phase
      end products were levulinic acid (LLA) and succinic acid (SCA). Under humid
      conditions (50% RH), the major end products were 4-oxopentanal, 4-oxobutanoic
      acid, and LLA. The molar yields of LLA and SCA were quantified as 230 +/- 43% and
      110 +/- 31%, respectively, under dry conditions and 91 +/- 15% and <5%,
      respectively, at 50% RH. Moreover, high-molecular weight (molecular weight of
      >450 Da) products were observed under dry conditions with indications that LLA
      was involved in their formation. The mechanism of squalene oxidation is discussed
      in light of these observations, with indications of an important role played by
      Criegee intermediates.

PMID- 27668451
TI  - Her Glistening Eyes.

PMID- 27668452
TI  - Symptoms associated with teething and response to three treatments, including
      homeopathic medicine: a multicenter prospective observational study among 190
      French pediatricians.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Primary tooth eruption in infants is associated with a range of local
      and systemic symptoms although this remains a subject of much debate. In
      addition, data is limited for the role of physicians in managing infant teething,
      and for the benefit of homeopathic treatments. METHODS: We conducted an
      observational, multicenter, prospective survey evaluating teething symptoms, and
      symptom course following routine medical management by French pediatricians in
      597 infants aged from 3 to 24 months. We also examined response to treatment with
      routinely prescribed teething medications; the homeopathic agent, Camilia(r) and
      topically applied gingival agents (Delabarre(r) or Dolodent(r)). RESULTS: Most
      infants (96.6%) had buccogingival symptoms and 93.3% had at least one general
      symptom. Fever (>=38 degrees C) was reported in 15.2% of infants. For teething,
      212 infants were prescribed Camilia(r), 172 a gingival solution (Delabarre(r) or
      Dolodent(r)) and 213 received Camilia(r) along with a gingival agent. Infants
      prescribed both a homeopathic and a gingival treatment had a significantly higher
      number of symptoms at presentation compared with those prescribed a single agent.
      There were no significant differences in symptom course across these three
      treatment groups. Systemic analgesics/antipyretics were prescribed in 68.8% of
      cases. Parent satisfaction with medical management and prescribed treatments was
      high. CONCLUSION: Teething is frequently associated with transient local and
      systemic upset in infants and is a significant concern to parents. Camilia(r)
      provides a similar benefit to topical therapy, and is frequently used by
      pediatricians in France.

PMID- 27668453
TI  - Usefulness of fecal calprotectin determination in pediatric intestinal diseases.
AB  - Calprotectin is a heterodimeric protein which belongs to the calcium-binding
      protein S100 family. Calprotectin is released by leukocytes at the site of
      inflammation and it can be detected in the feces where it remains stable for
      about a week. Hence, increased fecal calprotectin (FC) levels are found in
      several inflammatory conditions, mainly the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). In
      the setting of pediatric gastroenterology, the importance of FC has increased
      over time. This review aims to summarize the most recent findings concerning the
      role of FC in the algorithm of different inflammatory and non-inflammatory
      conditions among pediatric patients. Increasing evidences support the use of this
      biomarker for diagnosis, follow-up and evaluation of response to therapy of
      several pediatric gastrointestinal diseases, ranging from IBD to lymphocytic/
      eosinophilic/ and nonspecific colitis and necrotizing enterocolitis. More efforts
      should be done to clarify the optimal cut-off of FC levels in patients younger
      than 5 years.

PMID- 27668454
TI  - A Content Analysis of Newspaper Coverage of the Seasonal Flu Vaccine in Ontario,
      Canada, October 2001 to March 2011.
AB  - Seasonal flu vaccine uptake has fallen dramatically over the past decade in
      Ontario, Canada, despite promotional efforts by public health officials. Media
      can be particularly influential in shaping the public response to seasonal flu
      vaccine campaigns. We therefore sought to identify the nature of the relationship
      between risk messages about getting the seasonal flu vaccine in newspaper
      coverage and the uptake of the vaccine by Ontarians between 2001 and 2010. A
      content analysis was conducted to quantify risk messages in newspaper content for
      each year of analysis. The quantification allowed us to test the correlation
      between the frequency of risk messages and vaccination rates. During the time
      period 2001-2010, vaccination rates were positively and significantly related to
      the frequency of risk messages in newspaper coverage (r = .691, p < .05). The
      most commonly identified risk messages related to the flu vaccine being
      ineffective, the flu vaccine being poorly understood by science, and the flu
      vaccine causing harm. Newspaper coverage plays an important role in shaping
      public response to seasonal flu vaccine campaigns. Public health officials should
      work alongside media to ensure that the public are exposed to information
      necessary for making informed decisions regarding vaccination.

PMID- 27668455
TI  - The host-pathogen interaction in Campylobacter jejuni infection of chickens: An
      understudied aspect that is crucial for effective control.

PMID- 27668456
TI  - Purification and characterization of a novel fibrinolytic enzyme from Whitmania
      pigra Whitman.
AB  - A fibrinolytic enzyme was purified from the dry body of Whitmania pigra Whitman.
      The fibrinolytic enzyme was purified to homogeneity with a yield of 0.003% and a
      purification of 630.7 fold. The molecular weight of the enzyme was estimated to
      be 26.7 kDa by reduced sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis
      (SDS-PAGE). The enzyme was tested by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization
      time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) and it showed that the enzyme was
      a novel fibrinolytic enzyme. The optimal pH and temperature of the enzyme were
      8.5 and 55 degrees C, respectively. Enzyme activity was enhanced by Na+, Mg2+,
      and K+. On the contrary, the proteolytic activity was significantly inhibited by
      Mn2+, Fe2+, Fe3+, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and
      ethylenebis(oxyethylenenitrilo)tetraacetic acid (EGTA). Fibrinolytic and
      fibrinogenolytic assays showed that the enzyme preferentially hydrolyzed
      fibrinogen Aalpha-chains, followed by Bbeta- and gamma-chains. The alpha-, beta-,
      and gamma-gamma-chains of fibrin were also degraded by the enzyme.

PMID- 27668457
TI  - Sleep quality, chronotype and social jetlag differentially associate with
      symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults.
AB  - Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurobehavioural
      disorder which has been associated with sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances.
      Numerous studies have linked evening circadian typology with traits and
      behaviours associated with the disorder, although a precise reason for this
      relationship has not been clarified. The current study examines ADHD symptoms,
      impulsivity, cognitive failures, sleep quality and chronotype in a cohort of
      healthy young adults (N = 396). Results show significant, small magnitude
      associations between mid-point of sleep on free days, social jetlag (SJL) and
      ADHD symptoms and impulsivity, although not with cognitive failures. Similarly,
      sleep quality is also associated with ADHD symptoms and impulsivity. Group-wise
      approaches show that higher SJL is associated with significantly more ADHD
      symptoms and impulsivity, and later mid-sleep on free days is also associated
      with more ADHD symptoms. Stepwise multiple linear regression reveals that, when
      controlling for age and sex, SJL but not mid-sleep on free days is a significant
      predictor of ADHD symptoms and impulsivity. These results indicate that SJL may
      be an important factor to consider when exploring circadian rhythm associations
      with ADHD symptoms.

PMID- 27668459
TI  - A family harboring homozygous FZD4 deletion supports the existence of recessive
      FZD4-related familial exudative vitreoretinopathy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To document recessive FZD4-related familial exudative vitreoretinopathy.
      METHODS: Retrospective case series. RESULTS: Two brothers, the only two males
      among five siblings, had bilateral infantile retinal detachments and were
      referred for genetic counseling. Next-generation sequencing uncovered a
      homozygous FZD4 frameshift deletion in both affected brothers
      (c.40_49delCCCGGGGGCG; p.Pro14Serfs*44). None of the other immediate family
      members had clinical evidence for retinal disease, including the three family
      members who underwent confirmatory genetic testing and were found to be
      heterozygous for the mutation (both parents and one sister). CONCLUSIONS: The
      findings in this family support the concept that some mutated FZD4 alleles can be
      associated with recessive rather than dominant disease.

PMID- 27668458
TI  - In vitro circularization of RNA.
AB  - Over the past 2 decades, different types of circular RNAs have been discovered in
      all kingdoms of life, and apparently, those circular species are more abundant
      than previously thought. Apart from circRNAs in viroids and viruses, circular
      transcripts have been discovered in rodents more than 20 y ago and recently have
      been reported to be abundant in many organisms including humans. Their exact
      function remains still unknown, although one may expect extensive functional
      studies to follow the currently dominant research into identification and
      discovery of circRNA by sophisticated sequencing techniques and bioinformatics.
      Functional studies require models and as such methods for preparation of circRNA
      in vitro. Here, we will review current protocols for RNA circularization and
      discuss future prospects in the field.

PMID- 27668460
TI  - Attention Restoration Theory: A systematic review of the attention restoration
      potential of exposure to natural environments.
AB  - Attention Restoration Theory (ART) suggests the ability to concentrate may be
      restored by exposure to natural environments. Although widely cited, it is
      unclear as to the quantity of empirical evidence that supports this. A systematic
      review regarding the impact of exposure to natural environments on attention was
      conducted. Seven electronic databases were searched. Studies were included if (1)
      they were natural experiments, randomized investigations, or recorded "before and
      after" measurements; (2) compared natural and nonnatural/other settings; and (3)
      used objective measures of attention. Screening of articles for inclusion, data
      extraction, and quality appraisal were performed by one reviewer and checked by
      another. Where possible, random effects meta-analysis was used to pool effect
      sizes. Thirty-one studies were included. Meta-analyses provided some support for
      ART, with significant positive effects of exposure to natural environments for
      three measures (Digit Span Forward, Digit Span Backward, and Trail Making Test
      B). The remaining 10 meta-analyses did not show marked beneficial effects. Meta
      analysis was limited by small numbers of investigations, small samples,
      heterogeneity in reporting of study quality indicators, and heterogeneity of
      outcomes. This review highlights the diversity of evidence around ART in terms of
      populations, study design, and outcomes. There is uncertainty regarding which
      aspects of attention may be affected by exposure to natural environments.

PMID- 27668461
TI  - HSV2 reactivation and myelitis following influenza vaccination.
AB  - We report the case of a 57 year-old woman who developed transverse myelitis and
      acute HSV-2 reactivation following influenza vaccination. Over the next 5 years,
      she experienced a fluctuating course of improvement and regression for both
      myelitis and herpes.

PMID- 27668464
TI  - ?

PMID- 27668463
TI  - Modeling the Effects of Morphine on Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Dynamics.
AB  - Complications of HIV-1 infection in individuals who utilize drugs of abuse is a
      significant problem, because these drugs have been associated with higher virus
      replication and accelerated disease progression as well as severe
      neuropathogenesis. To gain further insight it is important to quantify the
      effects of drugs of abuse on HIV-1 infection dynamics. Here, we develop a
      mathematical model that incorporates experimentally observed effects of morphine
      on inducing HIV-1 co-receptor expression. For comparison we also considered viral
      dynamic models with cytolytic or noncytolytic effector cell responses. Based on
      the small sample size Akaike information criterion, these models were inferior to
      the new model based on changes in co-receptor expression. The model with morphine
      affecting co-receptor expression agrees well with the experimental data from
      simian immunodeficiency virus infections in morphine-addicted macaques. Our
      results show that morphine promotes a target cell subpopulation switch from a
      lower level of susceptibility to a state that is about 2-orders of magnitude
      higher in susceptibility to SIV infection. As a result, the proportion of target
      cells with higher susceptibility remains extremely high in morphine conditioning.
      Such a morphine-induced population switch not only has adverse effects on the
      replication rate, but also results in a higher steady state viral load and larger
      CD4 count drops. Moreover, morphine conditioning may pose extra obstacles to
      controlling viral load during antiretroviral therapy, such as pre-exposure
      prophylaxis and post infection treatments. This study provides, for the first
      time, a viral dynamics model, viral dynamics parameters, and related analytical
      and simulation results for SIV dynamics under drugs of abuse.

PMID- 27668462
TI  - Lrp5/beta-Catenin Signaling Controls Lung Macrophage Differentiation and Inhibits
      Resolution of Fibrosis.
AB  - Previous studies established that attenuating Wnt/beta-catenin signaling limits
      lung fibrosis in the bleomycin mouse model of this disease, but the contribution
      of this pathway to distinct lung cell phenotypes relevant to tissue repair and
      fibrosis remains incompletely understood. Using microarray analysis, we found
      that bleomycin-injured lungs from mice that lack the Wnt coreceptor low density
      lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (Lrp5) and exhibit reduced fibrosis showed
      enrichment for pathways related to extracellular matrix processing, immunity, and
      lymphocyte proliferation, suggesting the contribution of an immune-matrix
      remodeling axis relevant to fibrosis. Activation of beta-catenin signaling was
      seen in lung macrophages using the beta-catenin reporter mouse, Axin2+/LacZ.
      Analysis of lung immune cells by flow cytometry after bleomycin administration
      revealed that Lrp5-/- lungs contained significantly fewer Siglec Flow alveolar
      macrophages, a cell type previously implicated as positive effectors of fibrosis.
      Macrophage-specific deletion of beta-catenin in CD11ccre;beta-cateninflox mice
      did not prevent development of bleomycin-induced fibrosis but facilitated its
      resolution by 8 weeks. In a nonresolving model of fibrosis, intratracheal
      administration of asbestos in Lrp5-/- mice also did not prevent the development
      of fibrosis but hindered the progression of fibrosis in asbestos-treated Lrp5-/-
      lungs, phenocopying the findings in bleomycin-treated CD11ccre;beta-cateninflox
      mice. Activation of beta-catenin signaling using lithium chloride resulted in
      worsened fibrosis in wild-type mice, further supporting that the effects of loss
      of Lrp5 are directly mediated by Wnt/beta-catenin signaling. Together, these data
      suggest that lung myeloid cells are responsive to Lrp5/beta-catenin signaling,
      leading to differentiation of an alveolar macrophage subtype that antagonizes the
      resolution of lung fibrosis.

PMID- 27668465
TI  - A New IMIA Tradition.

PMID- 27668466
TI  - Sharing Knowledge and Information.

PMID- 27668467
TI  - The Unified Medical Language System.
AB  - In 1986, the National Library of Medicine began a long-term research and
      development project to build the Unified Medical Language System(r) (UMLS(r)).
      The purpose of the UMLS is to improve the ability of computer programs to
      "understand" the biomedical meaning in user inquiries and to use this
      understanding to retrieve and integrate relevant machine-readable information for
      users. Underlying the UMLS effort is the assumption that timely access to
      accurate and up-to-date information will improve decision making and ultimately
      the quality of patient care and research. The development of the UMLS is a
      distributed national experiment with a strong element of international
      collaboration. The general strategy is to develop UMLS components through a
      series of successive approximations of the capabilities ultimately desired. Three
      experimental Knowledge Sources, the Metathesaurus(r), the Semantic Network, and
      the Information Sources Map have been developed and are distributed annually to
      interested researchers, many of whom have tested and evaluated them in a range of
      applications. The UMLS project and current developments in high-speed, high
      capacity international networks are converging in ways that have great potential
      for enhancing access to biomedical information.

PMID- 27668469
TI  - Standardization in Medical Informatics.
AB  - This article stresses the importance of standardization in the domain of Health
      and Medical Informatics, and Telematics. It gives an overview of the current
      standing of the activities of CEN TC 251 (European Standardization Committee,
      Technical Committee on Health Care informatics) and describes the scope and
      content of a number of emerging European standards.

PMID- 27668468
TI  - Security in Medical Information Systems.
AB  - This review article addresses security in medical information systems. First, it
      is discussed why special attention is necessary for security in this field. Next,
      the history is considered, together with the role of IMIA. Current research
      issues are presented. The ongoing activities in the AIM SEISMED project are
      briefly described, followed by a consideration of standardization. The article
      concludes with an appeal to pay more attention to the security aspects of
      information systems.

PMID- 27668470
TI  - Health and Clinical Management.

PMID- 27668471
TI  - Integrated Information Systems.

PMID- 27668472
TI  - Patient Record Systems.

PMID- 27668473
TI  - Image and Signal Processing.

PMID- 27668474
TI  - Decision Support Systems.

PMID- 27668475
TI  - Knowledge-Based Systems.

PMID- 27668476
TI  - Editorial Opinion: Qualifying the Use of "Only" in Your Job Description.

PMID- 27668477
TI  - A Meta-analysis to Evaluate the Predictive Validity of the Braden Scale for
      Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment in Long-term Care.
AB  - Although it is among the most commonly used pressure ulcer risk assessment tools,
      the Braden Scale may lack strong predictive validity when used in the long-term
      care setting. A meta-analysis was conducted of English-language articles
      published in the PubMed database and Web of Science from the indices' inception
      through July 2015 to assess the predictive validity of the Braden Scale for
      pressure ulcers in long-term care residents. Search terms included pressure
      ulcer, pressure sore, bedsore, decubitus, long-term care, nursing home, skilled
      nursing facility, hospice, and Braden. Data extracted from the publications
      included sample and setting characteristics and predictive value indices. The
      pooled sensitivities, specificities, diagnostic odds ratios (DOR), and
      constructed summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curves were
      calculated. Eight studies (2 prospective cohorts and 6 cross-sectional studies)
      with 41 489 residents met selection criteria for inclusion in the analysis. The
      pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.80 (95% CI: 0.79-0.81) and 0.42 (95%
      CI: 0.42-0.43), respectively, yielding a combined DOR of 5.66 (95% CI: 3.77
      8.48). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.7686 +/- 0.0478 (95% CI: 0.6749
      0.8623), and the overall diagnostic accuracy (Q*) was 0.7090 +/- 0.0402 (95% CI:
      0.6302-0.7878). Significant heterogeneity was noted among the included studies; Q
      value was 302.54 (P = 0.000), and I2 for pooled sensitivity, pooled specificity,
      and pooled DOR was 97.4%, 98.7% and 96.4%, respectively. Meta-regression analysis
      showed no heterogeneity was noted among Braden scale cut-offs (P = 0.123) and
      pressure ulcer prevalence P = 0.547). The evidence showed the Braden Scale has
      moderate predictive validity and low predictive specificity for pressure ulcers
      in long-term care residents. The development and testing of new risk assessment
      scales for this population is warranted. 

PMID- 27668478
TI  - Negative Pressure Wound Therapy With Instillation and Dwell Time Used to Treat
      Infected Orthopedic Implants: A 4-patient Case Series.
AB  - Infection following orthopedic implants for bone fixation or joint replacement is
      always serious and may require removal of the osteosynthetic material. Negative
      pressure wound therapy with instillation and dwell time (NPWTi-d) is an emerging
      therapy for the treatment of complex wounds, including infected wounds with
      osteosynthetic material. The purpose of this case study was to evaluate the
      outcomes of 4 patients (1 man, 3 women; age range 49 to 71 years) with a
      postoperative wound infection (POWI) following fracture repair and internal
      fixation. All patients were at high risk for surgical complications, including
      infections. Standard infection treatments (antibiotics) had been unsuccessful.
      Based on the available literature, a NPWTi-d protocol was developed. Following
      surgical debridement, wounds were instilled with polyhexanide biguanide with a
      set dwell time of 15 minutes, followed by continuous NPWTi-d of -125 mm Hg for 4
      hours. The system was changed every 3 to 4 days until sufficient granulation
      tissue was evident and negative pressure without instillation could be used.
      Systemic antibiotics were continued in all patients. Granulation tissue was found
      to be sufficient in 12 to 35 days in the 4 cases, no recurrence of infection was
      noted, and the osteosynthesis material remained in place. No adverse events were
      observed. Research is needed to compare the safety and effectiveness of this
      adjunct treatment in the management of challenging wounds to other patient and
      wound management approaches. 

PMID- 27668479
TI  - Exploring the Effect of Educating Certified Nursing Assistants on Pressure Ulcer
      Knowledge and Incidence in a Nursing Home Setting.
AB  - The certified nursing assistant (CNA) is the caregiver who frequently identifies
      the first signs and symptoms of pressure ulcers (PUs) in the long-term care
      setting. A quality improvement effort was implemented to explore the effect of a
      1-hour CNA education program about early identification, treatment, and
      prevention of PUs on PU knowledge, PU incidence, and PU prevention interventions,
      including skin checks. All 33 CNAs employed in a care facility for residents 55+
      years old were invited to participate. CNA demographic and PU education variables
      were obtained. PU knowledge was assessed using the Pressure Ulcer Toolkit
      questionnaire before, immediately after, and 3 months following the educational
      intervention about PU prevention. PU incidence data were abstracted from monthly
      quality assurance reports for the 3 months pre-intervention and 3 months post
      intervention. Patient medical records were mined for data on
      turning/repositioning, skin checks, and informing care staff of suspicious areas
      of skin for the 3 months pre- and post educational intervention. Data for percent
      of short-stay residents (< 90 days) with PUs were collected via the quarterly
      Medicare Nursing Home Compare Quality Measures report for this facility before
      and 3 months after the educational intervention. Pre-intervention and post
      intervention PU incidence was statistically analyzed using the t-test. The CNA
      demographic survey was administered using an anonymous pencil-and-paper format
      and hand-tabulated by the primary investigator. Of the 31 CNAs surveyed (mean age
      32 years [range 18-65], mean years of experience 7.7 years [SD = 8.1, range 0.5
      40], 26 (84%) reported they received training regarding PU prevention in the
      classroom during their initial CNA training, and 81% received on-the-job training
      at some point in their careers regarding PU prevention. The Quality Indicator
      report showed a reduction from 5 PUs to 0 (12.3%) in the 3 months pre
      intervention to 0% in the 3 months post-intervention. CNA reporting of skin
      breakdown increased by 68% from 8 reports to 17. CNA training regarding PU
      identification and prevention measures did not significantly improve knowledge
      scores, but the rate of PU development was significantly lower and the number of
      documented skin assessments and PU interventions higher after the education
      program. Additional studies to evaluate the effect of CNA education on the rate
      of PU development in nursing homes are warranted. 

PMID- 27668480
TI  - Topical Corticosteroid for the Treatment of Hypergranulation Tissue at the
      Gastrostomy Tube Insertion Site: A Case Study.
AB  - Hypergranulation tissue formation around a gastrostomy tube insertion site is a
      common feeding tube-related complication that affects patients who receive long
      term enteral nutrition. Some clinicians recommend use of a topical corticosteroid
      in patients with gastrostomy tube insertion site hypergranulation. However,
      documentation is scant regarding appropriate treatment for this condition. This
      case report describes a 67-year-old bedridden man with spinocerebellar
      degeneration who presented with hypergranulation at the site of the gastrostomy
      tube, inserted 1 week earlier. The tissue was raw and inflamed, with bleeding and
      exudation. The gastrostomy site was gently cleansed with gauze dampened with tap
      water, and topical 0.05% clobetasol propionate ointment was applied directly to
      the hypergranulation tissue twice daily. After 4 days of treatment, the
      hypergranulation tissue almost completely disappeared, redness markedly
      decreased, and bleeding and exudation ceased, with no recurrence observed during
      the 6 months of follow-up. This case study supports other reports that short-term
      corticosteroid treatment may be a safe, quick, noninvasive, and effective
      treatment for hypergranulation at the gastrostomy tube insertion site. Further
      studies are needed to evaluate the safety, effectiveness, appropriate dosage, and
      duration of topical corticosteroid for the treatment of hypergranulation tissue. 

PMID- 27668481
TI  - Piloting systems reset path integration systems during position estimation.
AB  - During locomotion, individuals can determine their positions with either
      idiothetic cues from movement (path integration systems) or visual landmarks
      (piloting systems). This project investigated how these 2 systems interact in
      determining humans' positions. In 2 experiments, participants studied the
      locations of 5 target objects and 1 single landmark. They walked a path after the
      targets and the landmark had been removed and then replaced the targets at the
      end of the path. Participants' position estimations were calculated based on the
      replaced targets' locations (Mou & Zhang, 2014). In Experiment 1, participants
      walked a 2-leg path. The landmark reappeared in a different location during or
      after walking the second leg. The results showed that participants' position
      estimations followed idiothetic cues in the former case, but the displaced
      landmark in the latter case. In Experiment 2, participants saw the displaced
      landmark when they reached the end of the second leg and then walked a third leg
      without the view of the landmark. Participants were asked or not to point to 1 of
      the targets before they walked the third leg. The results showed that the initial
      position of the third leg was still influenced by the displaced landmark in the
      former case, but was determined by idiothetic cues in the latter case. These
      results suggest that the path integration system works dynamically and the
      piloting system resets the path integration system when people judge their
      positions in the presence of conflicting piloting cues. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27668482
TI  - The functional determinants of short-term memory: Evidence from perceptual-motor
      interference in verbal serial recall.
AB  - A functional, perceptual-motor, account of serial short-term memory (STM) is
      examined by investigating the way in which an irrelevant spoken sequence
      interferes with verbal serial recall. Even with visual list-presentation, verbal
      serial recall is particularly susceptible to disruption by irrelevant spoken
      stimuli that have the same identity as-but that are order-incongruent with-the to
      be-remembered items. We test the view that such interference is because of the
      obligatory perceptual organization of the spoken stimuli yielding a sequence that
      competes with a subvocal motor-plan assembled to support the reproduction of the
      to-be-remembered list. In support of this view, the interference can be
      eliminated without changing either the identities or objective serial order of
      the spoken stimuli but merely by promoting a subjective perceptual organization
      that strips them of their order-incongruent relation to the to-be-remembered list
      (Experiment 1). The interference is also eliminated if subvocal motor sequence
      planning is impeded via articulatory suppression (Experiment 2). The results are
      in line with the view that performance-limits in verbal serial STM are because of
      having to exploit perceptual and motor processes for purposes for which they did
      not evolve, not the inherently limited capacity of structures or mechanisms
      dedicated to storage. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27668483
TI  - On predicting form and meaning in a second language.
AB  - We used event-related potentials (ERP) to investigate whether Spanish-English
      bilinguals preactivate form and meaning of predictable words. Participants read
      high-cloze sentence contexts (e.g., "The student is going to the library to
      borrow a . . ."), followed by the predictable word (book), a word that was form
      related (hook) or semantically related (page) to the predictable word, or an
      unrelated word (sofa). Word stimulus onset synchrony (SOA) was 500 ms (Experiment
      1) or 700 ms (Experiment 2). In both experiments, all nonpredictable words
      elicited classic N400 effects. Form-related and unrelated words elicited similar
      N400 effects. Semantically related words elicited smaller N400s than unrelated
      words, which however, did not depend on cloze value of the predictable word.
      Thus, we found no N400 evidence for preactivation of form or meaning at either
      SOA, unlike native-speaker results (Ito, Corley et al., 2016). However, non
      native speakers did show the post-N400 posterior positivity (LPC effect) for form
      related words like native speakers, but only at the slower SOA. This LPC effect
      increased gradually with cloze value of the predictable word. We do not interpret
      this effect as necessarily demonstrating prediction, but rather as evincing
      combined effects of top-down activation (contextual meaning) and bottom-up
      activation (form similarity) that result in activation of unseen words that fit
      the context well, thereby leading to an interpretation conflict reflected in the
      LPC. Although there was no evidence that non-native speakers preactivate form or
      meaning, non-native speakers nonetheless appear to use bottom-up and top-down
      information to constrain incremental interpretation much like native speakers do.
      (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27668484
TI  - Rehearsal of to-be-remembered items is unnecessary to perform directed forgetting
      within working memory: Support for an active control mechanism.
AB  - Directed forgetting tasks instruct people to forget targeted memoranda. In the
      context of working memory, people attempt to forget representations that are
      currently held in mind. Here, we evaluated candidate mechanisms of directed
      forgetting within working memory, by (a) testing the influence of articulatory
      suppression, a rehearsal-reducing and attention-demanding secondary task, on
      directed forgetting efficacy, and by (b) assessing the ability of people to
      perform forgetting in the absence of to-be-remembered competitors to rehearse. In
      Experiment 1, articulatory suppression interfered with directed forgetting,
      increasing the proportion of false alarms to to-be-forgotten probes in the
      working memory phase and decreasing the magnitude of the directed forgetting
      effect as assessed by an incidental long-term memory recognition test. Experiment
      2 replicated the effects of articulatory suppression and tested whether the
      simultaneous requirement to retain, and presumably rehearse, to-be-remembered
      items was necessary for successful forgetting. The long-term directed forgetting
      effect was equivalent whether or not participants had to-be-remembered items to
      rehearse during the working memory phase. Experiment 3 included an additional
      comparison condition and confirmed that articulatory suppression interfered with
      directed forgetting and that participants were as efficient at directed
      forgetting with and without competitors to remember. In combination, these
      experiments suggest that directed forgetting in working memory requires an active
      control process that is limited by articulatory suppression, and that the demand
      to remember a concurrent memory set is unnecessary for this control process to
      operate. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27668485
TI  - Rapid forgetting results from competition over time between items in visual
      working memory.
AB  - Working memory is now established as a fundamental cognitive process across a
      range of species. Loss of information held in working memory has the potential to
      disrupt many aspects of cognitive function. However, despite its significance,
      the mechanisms underlying rapid forgetting remain unclear, with intense recent
      debate as to whether it is interference between stored items that leads to loss
      of information or simply temporal decay. Here we show that both factors are
      essential and interact in a highly specific manner. Although a single item can be
      maintained in memory with high fidelity, multiple items compete in working
      memory, progressively degrading each other's representations as time passes.
      Specifically, interaction between items is associated with both worsening
      precision and increased reporting errors of object features over time.
      Importantly, during the period of maintenance, although items are no longer
      visible, maintenance resources can be selectively redeployed to protect the
      probability to recall the correct feature and the precision with which cued items
      can be recalled, as if it was the only item in memory. These findings reveal that
      the biased competition concept could be applied not only to perceptual processes
      but also to active maintenance of working memory representations over time.
      (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27668487
TI  - Development and psychometric evaluation of the Assessment of Core CBT Skills
      (ACCS): An observation-based tool for assessing cognitive behavioral therapy
      competence.
AB  - This article outlines the development and psychometric evaluation of the
      Assessment of Core CBT Skills (ACCS) rating scale. The ACCS aims to provide a
      novel assessment framework to deliver formative and summative feedback regarding
      therapists' performance within observed cognitive-behavioral treatment sessions,
      and for therapists to rate and reflect on their own performance. Findings from 3
      studies are outlined: (a) a feedback study (n = 66) examining content validity,
      face validity and usability; (b) a focus group (n = 9) evaluating usability and
      utility; and (c) an evaluation of the psychometric properties of the ACCS in real
      world cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) training and routine clinical practice
      contexts. Results suggest that the ACCS has good face validity, content validity,
      and usability and provides a user-friendly tool that is useful for promoting self
      reflection and providing formative feedback. Scores on both the self and assessor
      rated versions of the ACCS demonstrate good internal consistency, interrater
      reliability, and discriminant validity. In addition, ACCS scores were found to be
      correlated with, but distinct from, the Revised Cognitive Therapy Scale (CTS-R)
      and were comparable to CTS-R scores in terms of internal consistency and
      discriminant validity. In addition, the ACCS may have advantages over the CTS-R
      in terms of interrater reliability of scores. The studies also provided insight
      into areas for refinement and a number of modifications were undertaken to
      improve the scale. In summary, the ACCS is an appropriate and useful measure of
      CBT competence that can be used to promote self-reflection and provide therapists
      with formative and summative feedback. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27668486
TI  - Verbalizing, visualizing, and navigating: The effect of strategies on encoding a
      large-scale virtual environment.
AB  - Using novel virtual cities, we investigated the influence of verbal and visual
      strategies on the encoding of navigation-relevant information in a large-scale
      virtual environment. In 2 experiments, participants watched videos of routes
      through 4 virtual cities and were subsequently tested on their memory for
      observed landmarks and their ability to make judgments regarding the relative
      directions of the different landmarks along the route. In the first experiment,
      self-report questionnaires measuring visual and verbal cognitive styles were
      administered to examine correlations between cognitive styles, landmark
      recognition, and judgments of relative direction. Results demonstrate a tradeoff
      in which the verbal cognitive style is more beneficial for recognizing individual
      landmarks than for judging relative directions between them, whereas the visual
      cognitive style is more beneficial for judging relative directions than for
      landmark recognition. In a second experiment, we manipulated the use of verbal
      and visual strategies by varying task instructions given to separate groups of
      participants. Results confirm that a verbal strategy benefits landmark memory,
      whereas a visual strategy benefits judgments of relative direction. The
      manipulation of strategy by altering task instructions appears to trump
      individual differences in cognitive style. Taken together, we find that
      processing different details during route encoding, whether due to individual
      proclivities (Experiment 1) or task instructions (Experiment 2), results in
      benefits for different components of navigation-relevant information. These
      findings also highlight the value of considering multiple sources of individual
      differences as part of spatial cognition investigations. (PsycINFO Database
      Record

PMID- 27668490
TI  - Effects of Lipid Supplements on Tear Biochemistry in Contact Lens Wearers.
AB  - PURPOSE: To establish the effect of lipid supplements on tear lipid biochemistry
      and their influence on lens wear comfort in habitual lens wearers. METHODS: Forty
      habitual soft contact lens wearers were recruited to a double-masked, randomized
      crossover trial. An emulsion drop containing phosphatidylglycerol (Systane
      Balance; Alcon) and a liposomal spray containing phosphatidylcholine (Tears
      again; BioRevive) along with saline placebos were used three times a day for 14
      days with 48 hours of washout between each intervention. The Contact Lens Dry Eye
      Questionnaire categorized participants into symptomatic and asymptomatic wearers.
      Ocular comfort was measured using the Ocular Comfort Index. Basal tears (15 MUl
      from each eye) were collected with lenses in situ and assayed for the
      concentration and activity of phospholipase (sPLA2) and the concentration of a
      malondialdehyde (MDA). Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry characterized
      the tear lipidome. RESULTS: Neither of the lipid supplements improved lens wear
      comfort compared to baseline. The spray treatment did not affect the
      concentration of the majority of lipid classes either at day 1 or at day 14. Both
      the lipid and placebo drops resulted in increased concentration of several lipid
      classes after day 1 of use, but by day 14, the concentration of most of the lipid
      classes had returned to baseline levels. With the lipid spray, sPLA2 activity
      (0.38 +/- 0.2 vs. 0.73 +/- 0.6 mmol/min/ml, p = 0.03) and
      lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE) (1.3 +/- 0.5 vs. 2.7 +/- 0.07 pmol/MUl, p =
      0.02) were higher in the symptomatic group compared to asymptomatic group at day
      1 but not at day 14. The lipid drop resulted in increased LPE concentration in
      symptomatic wearers at day 1 (1.7 +/- 0.3 vs. 2.4 +/- 0.3 pmol/MUl, p = 0.01) and
      at day 14 (1.7 +/- 0.4 vs. 2.5 +/- 0.5 pmol/MUl, p = 0.04). Ocular comfort was
      inversely proportional to the level (r = -0.21, p = 0.007) and activity of sPLA2
      (r = -0.20, p = 0.01). There was an association between sPLA2 and LPC (r = 0.41,
      p < 0.001) and LPE (r = 0.40, p = 0.001), and a negative association with (O
      acyl)-omega-hydroxy fatty acids (OAHFAs) (r = -0.30, p = 0.03) in tears.
      CONCLUSIONS: Contact lens wear comfort was associated with sPLA2 concentration
      and activity in tears. Lipid biochemistry was transiently influenced by exogenous
      supplements. Although the specific supplement formulations tested did not differ
      from placebo in this study, the results do suggest a potential role for
      lysophospholipids and OAHFAs in modulating symptoms during contact lens wear.

PMID- 27668489
TI  - Visual Acuity and Self-Reported Visual Function among Migrant Farmworkers.
AB  - PURPOSE: Visual impairment presents significant risks for occupational injuries
      among farmworkers, a vulnerable population with limited access to vision care.
      Although previous research has noted farmworkers' low lifetime experience with
      vision screening and high rates of complaints of eye ailments and poor vision,
      there have been few screening data collected to evaluate these self-reports. The
      objectives of this analysis are to (1) describe farmworker visual health using
      standardized visual acuity screening data and self-reported visual function, and
      (2) to compare the screening and self-report data. METHODS: Data are from a cross
      sectional study of eye health among Latino migrant farmworkers in North Carolina
      with uncorrected vision (n = 289). Workers were recruited using methods to
      achieve a representative sample of a hard-to-reach population. Visual acuity data
      were collected using Snellen Tumbling E charts for nearsightedness and
      farsightedness. Binocular data are reported here. Interviews were conducted to
      obtain personal characteristics and self-assessed visual function. RESULTS: About
      75% of farmworkers reported never having had a vision screening. Based on
      binocular screening, 1.7% (distance vision) and 6.9% (near vision) had moderate
      to severe visual impairment (>20/40). Farmworkers self-reported poorer visual
      function, compared with screening results; only 36.4% reported good or very good
      vision. Sensitivity of distance and near vision self-reports were 60 and 20%,
      respectively, but specificity was high. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms past
      reports of little vision screening among farmworkers. Visual impairment for
      distance is comparable to other studies of Latinos in the US, though these
      studies have not reported near vision. Self-reports of vision problems are not a
      sensitive measure of visual acuity among farmworkers. Screening is needed to
      identify visual impairment that can create occupational safety risks in this
      health disparate population.

PMID- 27668491
TI  - Tear Lipid Layer Thickness Change and Topical Anti-Glaucoma Medication Use.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of topical anti-glaucoma medications on tear
      lipid layer thickness (LLT) and the ocular surface. METHODS: This retrospective
      study examined ocular surface disease (OSD) subjects who had (n = 34) and who did
      not have (n = 51) open-angle glaucoma (OAG). OSD was evaluated with lipid layer
      thickness (using LipiView interferometer), tear breakup time (TBUT), total
      corneal and conjunctival staining (Oxford grading scale), and Ocular Surface
      Disease Index (OSDI). Four variables (total duration of anti-glaucoma medication
      use, duration of current anti-glaucoma medication use, total number of daily anti
      glaucoma medication drops applied, and total number of anti-glaucoma medications
      [bottles]) related to anti-glaucoma medication were used to verify associations
      with LLT. RESULTS: Among the parameters, only LLT showed significantly lower
      values in the OAG group. In both groups, total staining showed a significant
      negative correlation between LLT and TBUT. Only in the OAG group, the OSDI showed
      significant correlations with number of medications (r = 0.389, p = 0.012) and
      daily number of drops (r = 0.354, p = 0.02); LLT showed significant correlations
      with TBUT (r = 0.381, p = 0.026) and total medication duration (r = -0.387, p =
      0.013). In multivariate analyses, TBUT and total medication duration showed
      significant correlations with LLT (p = 0.032 and p = 0.015, respectively) in the
      OAG group. CONCLUSIONS: Topically medicated OAG subjects with OSD had a lower
      tear LLT than those with OSD who did not have OAG. Therefore, our results
      indicate that one should evaluate ocular surface disease status in patients who
      take anti-glaucoma medications.

PMID- 27668492
TI  - Holographic Refraction and the Measurement of Spherical Ametropia.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the performance of a holographic logMAR chart for the
      subjective spherical refraction of the human eye. METHODS: Bland-Altman analysis
      was used to assess the level of agreement between subjective spherical refraction
      using the holographic logMAR chart and conventional autorefraction and subjective
      spherical refraction. RESULTS: The 95% limits of agreement (LoA) were calculated
      between holographic refraction and the two standard methods (subjective and
      autorefraction). Holographic refraction has a lower mean spherical refraction
      when compared to conventional refraction (LoA 0.11 +/- 0.65 D) and when compared
      to autorefraction (LoA 0.36 +/- 0.77 D). After correcting for systemic bias, this
      is comparable between autorefraction and conventional subjective refraction (LoA
      0.45 +/- 0.79 D). After correcting for differences in vergence distance and
      chromatic aberration between holographic and conventional refraction,
      approximately 65% (group 1) of measurements between holography and conventional
      subjective refraction were similar (MD = 0.13 D, SD = 0.00 D). The remaining 35%
      (group 2) had a mean difference of 0.45 D (SD = 0.12 D) between the two
      subjective methods. Descriptive statistics showed group 2's mean age (21 years,
      SD = 13 years) was considerably lower than group 1's mean age (41 years, SD =
      17), suggesting accommodation may have a role in the greater mean difference of
      group 2. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, holographic refraction has good agreement with
      conventional refraction and is a viable alternative for spherical subjective
      refraction. A larger bias between holographic and conventional refraction was
      found in younger subjects than older subjects, suggesting an association between
      accommodation and myopic over-correction during holographic refraction.

PMID- 27668494
TI  - Type II Macular Telangiectasia Presenting as Bilateral Retinochoroidal
      Anastomosis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Retinochoroidal anastamosis (RCA) is known to be associated with retinal
      angiomatous proliferans rather than idiopathic macular telangiectasia. The case
      report describes a rare association of bilateral RCA with type II idiopathic
      macular telangiectasia in an elderly woman. CASE REPORT: A 65-year-old female
      patient presented with decreased vision in both eyes to the ophthalmology clinic.
      She was diagnosed with bilateral large serous retinal pigment epithelial
      detachments (PED). Atypical association of PED with IMT led to additional
      imaging, including fluorescein angiography (FA), spectral-domain optical
      coherence tomography (SD-OCT), and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA).
      Multimodal imaging analysis revealed characteristic signs of RCA such as the so
      called kissing sign on SD-OCT. The patient was not offered any treatment due to
      the poor prognosis associated with the condition. CONCLUSIONS: Although more
      commonly associated with retinal angiomatous proliferans (type III neovascular
      age-related macular degeneration), RCA can present in type II IMT Stage 5.

PMID- 27668495
TI  - Regressive Retinal Flecks in CRX-Mutated Early-Onset Retinal Dystrophy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe a peculiar flecked-retina phenotype in a young female
      affected by early-onset retinal dystrophy due to a heterozygous mutation in the
      cone-rod transcription factor CRX gene. CASE REPORT: A 5-year-old girl presented
      with poor vision and nystagmus from the first month after birth. Opththalmologic
      examination at baseline revealed an altered foveal reflex, epiretinal membrane,
      and yellow fleck-like retinal deposits in the mid- and extreme periphery
      bilaterally that disappeared after 3 years of follow-up. Electoretinogram was non
      recordable in both rods and cones components bilaterally. Genomic sequencing
      identified a heterozygous missense mutation -c.425A > G (Tyr142Cys) in CRX.
      CONCLUSIONS: We identified a novel early-onset retinal dystrophy-related
      heterozygous CRX mutation associated with early and severe rod and cone
      dysfunction and regressive flecked-retina appearance on ophthalmoscopy.

PMID- 27668493
TI  - In Vivo Angiography Quantifies Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy Vascular Recovery.
AB  - PURPOSE: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a potentially blinding
      vasoproliferative disease. There is no standardized way to quantify plus disease
      (tortuous and dilated retinal vessels) or characterize abnormal recovery during
      ROP monitoring. This study objectively studies vascular features in live mice
      during development using noninvasive retinal imaging. METHODS: Using fluorescein
      angiography (FA), retinal vascular features were quantified in live mice with
      oxygen induced retinopathy (OIR). A total of 105 wild-type mice were exposed to
      77% oxygen from postnatal day 7 (P7) till P12 (OIR mice). Also, 105 age-matched
      pups were raised in room air (RA mice). In vivo FA was performed at early (P16 to
      P20), mid (P23 to P27), late (P30 to P34), and mature (P47) phases of retinal
      vascular development. Retinal vascular area, retinal vein width, and retinal
      artery tortuosity were quantified. RESULTS: Retinal artery tortuosity was higher
      in OIR than RA mice at early (p < 0.0001), mid (p < 0.0001), late (p < 0.0001),
      and mature (p < 0.0001) phases. Retinal vascular area in OIR mice increased from
      early to mid-phase (p < 0.0001), but remained unchanged from mid to late (p =
      0.23), and from late to mature phase (p = 0.98). Retinal vein width was larger in
      OIR mice compared to RA mice during early phase only. Arteries in OIR mice were
      more tortuous from early to mid-phase (p < 0.0001), but tortuosity remained
      stable from mid through mature phase. RA mice had an increase in retinal vascular
      area from early to late phase, but maintained uniform retinal vein width and
      retinal artery tortuosity in all phases. CONCLUSIONS: In vivo FA distinguished
      arterial and venous features, similar to plus disease, and revealed aberrant
      recovery of OIR mice (arterial tortuosity, reduced capillary density, and absent
      neovascular buds) that persisted into adulthood. Retinal artery tortuosity may be
      a reliable, objective marker of severity of ROP. Infants with abnormal retinal
      vascular recovery may need extended monitoring.

PMID- 27668496
TI  - Five-Year PROSE Treatment for Aniridic Keratopathy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Aniridic keratopathy is vision-threatening condition in patients with
      aniridia. The keratopathy occurs due to limbal stem cell deficiency. When
      conventional treatments fail, surgical treatments such as corneal limbal
      transplantation or cultivated oral mucosal epithelium transplantation are the
      alternatives. Here, we report our experience with the management and monitoring
      of the progress of a case with aniridic keratopathy treated with a scleral lens.
      CASE REPORT: We describe the case of a 30-year-old woman with aniridic
      keratopathy in both eyes. She visited our outpatient clinic for treatment of
      visual disturbances in her left eye, which showed a 360 degrees  invasion of the
      conjunctiva. Despite conventional treatment with artificial tears and autologous
      serum eye drops, the left eye started to suffer from recurrent corneal erosions
      at 19 months after the initial visit. At 50 months after the initial visit, it
      presented with persistent epithelial defects and decrease in vision because of
      the invasion of the vascularized conjunctiva with subepithelial fibrosis. Upon
      concluding that conventional treatment was ineffective, we tried using a scleral
      lens (Prosthetic Replacement of the Ocular Surface Ecosystem; PROSE). After the
      scleral lens treatment, the epithelial defect quickly healed, and visual acuity
      improved. Six years after the initial visit, the patient's right eye also started
      to show epithelial irregularities, which were also treated with a scleral lens.
      The visual acuity in the right eye too recovered, and corneal transparency was
      maintained until 3 years after the scleral lens treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The
      current case showed that long-term scleral lens treatment is a promising option
      to maintain a healthy ocular surface and visual function in eyes with aniridia
      caused by limbal stem cell deficiency. Early treatment with a scleral lens may be
      beneficial in preventing stromal scar formation in the cornea affected by
      aniridic keratopathy.

PMID- 27668497
TI  - Bilateral Corneal Epithelial Lesions Associated with Paclitaxel.
AB  - PURPOSE: An antineoplastic drug, paclitaxel, is widely used in small cell lung
      cancer, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer. We report a case of bilateral, vision
      impairing corneal epithelial lesions that developed in a patient receiving
      paclitaxel monotherapy for breast cancer. CASE REPORT: A 45-year-old woman
      presented with a 1-month history of bilateral visual disturbances. She had been
      receiving paclitaxel chemotherapy after modified radical mastectomy for invasive
      ductal carcinoma in her left breast. Best-corrected visual acuity was 20/100 in
      the right eye and 20/40 in the left eye. Slit-lamp examination revealed irregular
      triangular corneal lesions in both eyes. The lesions extended to the center of
      the cornea involving the visual axis and showed late staining with fluorescein
      dye. The lesions resolved 5 months after discontinuation of paclitaxel
      chemotherapy, and best-corrected visual acuity was restored to 20/20 in both
      eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Microtubule-stabilizing chemotherapeutic drugs such as
      paclitaxel can cause visually significant corneal lesions, and these lesions
      appear to be reversible with discontinuation of the drug. This case highlights
      the need for regular ophthalmologic examinations for the detection of this
      reversible adverse ocular reaction.

PMID- 27668499
TI  - UNILATERAL BEST DISEASE: A CASE REPORT.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe the multimodal imaging findings observed unilaterally in a
      patient with Best disease due to a p.G15D mutation in the BEST1 gene. METHODS:
      The clinical history of a 62-year-old female patient with unilateral Best disease
      was reviewed. Retinal findings were documented by clinical examination and
      multimodal imaging. RESULTS: Posterior segment examination of the patient's right
      eye demonstrated retinal pigment epithelium hypopigmentation and clumping in the
      central macula beneath a chronic shallow serous retinal detachment (SRD),
      confirmed by optical coherence tomography. Fluorescein angiography showed central
      staining with no evidence of focal leakage or choroidal neovascularization, and
      correlated with the hypoautofluorescence seen on fundus autofluorescence. There
      was no evidence of choroidal hyperpermeability on indocyanine green angiography,
      nor was there any neovascularization detected on optical coherence tomography
      angiography. The left eye appeared normal with all imaging modalities.
      CONCLUSION: Best disease is an autosomal dominant disease that is generally
      bilateral. We present a case of a unilateral Best disease with serous retinal
      detachment in a patient with a p.G15D mutation in BEST1. Best disease should be
      considered in the differential diagnosis of serous retinal detachment and may
      masquerade as central serous chorioretinopathy.

PMID- 27668500
TI  - PARACENTRAL ACUTE MIDDLE MACULOPATHY AND DEEP RETINAL CAPILLARY PLEXUS INFARCTION
      SECONDARY TO REPERFUSED CENTRAL RETINAL ARTERY OCCLUSION.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report a case of reperfused central retinal artery occlusion causing
      a globular pattern of paracentral acute middle maculopathy with en face optical
      coherence tomography (OCT). METHODS: Retrospective case report. Widefield
      fluorescein angiography, en face OCT, and OCT-angiography were performed. Retinal
      capillary plexus vessel density (mm) was measured using OCT-angiography analysis
      and was defined as total vessel length (mm) per area (mm). RESULTS: A 76-year-old
      female presented with decreased vision in the left eye for 1 day. Widefield
      fluorescein angiography revealed delayed venous filling in the early phase and
      selective arterial staining in the late phase. Spectral domain OCT demonstrated
      paracentral acute middle maculopathy. Optical coherence tomography-angiography
      showed an ischemic deep retinal capillary plexus that colocalized with a globular
      shaped hyper-reflective pattern identified with structural en face OCT.
      Quantitative vessel density analysis comparing the fellow eye to the affected eye
      at presentation demonstrated 43% reduction in the superficial capillary plexus
      vessel density and 33% reduction of the deep capillary plexus in the affected
      eye. At 2 months follow-up, the reduction of superficial capillary plexus vessel
      density improved to 33%, whereas the deep capillary plexus vessel density reduced
      further to 35% compared with the fellow eye. CONCLUSION: The authors report a
      case of reperfused central retinal artery occlusion leading to a globular shaped
      paracentral acute middle maculopathy lesion with en face OCT. Quantitative OCT
      angiography vessel density analysis in the chronic phase revealed
      disproportionate reduction of deep capillary plexus vessel density. The globular
      pattern of paracentral acute middle maculopathy with en face OCT can be an
      important clue to the diagnosis of central retinal artery occlusion.

PMID- 27668501
TI  - CILIOCHOROIDAL EFFUSION AND ACUTE MACULAR NEURORETINOPATHY ASSOCIATED WITH
      CERVICAL TRACTION THERAPY.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report an unusual case of ciliochoroidal effusion and presumed acute
      macular neuroretinopathy associated with cervical traction therapy for the
      treatment of cervical spinal stenosis. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: A 75-year
      old man reported sudden onset of a wedge-shaped paracentral scotoma in the right
      eye. Fundus examination showed a ciliochoroidal effusion in the right eye.
      Optical coherence tomography revealed intraretinal fluid in both eyes without
      leakage on fluorescein angiography. B-scan ultrasonography and anterior segment
      ultrasound biomicroscopy of the right eye showed peripheral ciliochoroidal
      effusion. He had recently started intensive cervical traction therapy for the
      treatment of cervical spinal stenosis. There was spontaneous resolution of the
      choroidal effusion and intraretinal fluid after stopping cervical traction
      treatments. Optical coherence tomography imaging after resolution of the
      intraretinal fluid revealed thinning of the outer nuclear layer and attenuation
      of the ellipsoid and interdigitation zones corresponding to a persistent
      paracentral scotoma, consistent with acute macular neuroretinopathy. CONCLUSION:
      This is the first report of adverse ocular effects of cervical traction. We
      postulate that venous and arterial compromise during cervical traction therapy
      resulted in both ciliochoroidal effusion and a watershed infarct in the outer
      retina.

PMID- 27668502
TI  - CONGENITAL CONTRACTILE PERIPAPILLARY STAPHYLOMA WITH RHEGMATOGENOUS RETINAL
      DETACHMENT.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe the occurrence of a congenital contractile peripapillary
      staphyloma in association with a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. METHODS: The
      clinical course of a 17-year-old patient with a contractile peripapillary
      staphyloma and undergoing pars plana vitrectomy for repair of an associated
      retinal detachment was studied. RESULTS: The left eye showed a peripapillary
      staphyloma which during the ophthalmoscopical examination revealed contractile
      movements after the presentation of a light stimulus to either eye. The
      contraction of the peripapillary staphyloma was not correlated with a Valsalva
      maneuver, neck venous compression, forced lid closure, or respiratory movements.
      Because of a retinal detachment involving the inferior, nasal, and temporal
      retina, best-corrected visual acuity was 20/100. During pars plana vitrectomy
      under systemic anesthesia, the contractions of the peripapillary staphyloma
      subsided in the early phase of surgery, and reoccurred at approximately 80
      minutes after the start of general anesthesia, when the posterior pole was
      touched with an aspiration syringe. CONCLUSION: The etiology of the movements of
      the congenital peripapillary staphyloma in our patient may include a misbalance
      between intraocular pressure and orbital cerebrospinal fluid pressure or
      contractions of extraocular muscles. The observations may give information about
      the physiology and pathophysiology of the optic nerve head.

PMID- 27668503
TI  - Are Early Career Orthopaedic Trauma Surgeons Performing Less Complex Trauma
      Surgery?
AB  - PURPOSE: There has recently been an increase in the number of fellowship trained
      orthopaedic trauma surgeons, raising concerns that the surgical experience of
      early career surgeons may be diluted. We sought to evaluate the change in complex
      trauma case volume of orthopaedic trauma surgeons sitting for Part II of the
      American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons certification examination. METHODS: The
      case log data from all surgeons taking Part II of the American Board of
      Orthopaedic Surgeons examination over a 13-year period (2003-2015) was evaluated.
      Any surgeon who examined in the trauma subspecialty was included. We defined
      pelvis, acetabulum, and periarticular fracture surgeries as complex trauma
      procedures and evaluated changes in case volume over time. RESULTS: We included
      468 candidates who examined as trauma subspecialists and performed 90,261
      procedures. The number of candidates testing in trauma per year ranged from 15 to
      65 and increased significantly over time [beta = 4.05 (0.37), P < 0.0001]. Their
      case volume was stable over time [beta = -1.7 (1.1), P = 0.16]. The number of
      acetabulum fracture surgeries performed decreased significantly over time from a
      mean of 10.1 cases in 2003 to 5.2 cases in 2015 [beta = -0.34 (0.08), P =
      0.0015]. There was no significant change in the number of pelvic fracture
      surgeries [beta = -0.1 (0.1), P = 0.285]. There was a trend toward less
      periarticular fracture surgeries [beta = -0.3 (0.1), P = 0.072]. CONCLUSIONS:
      Although pelvic ring and periarticular fracture case volume have remained stable,
      early career surgeons have experienced a significant decrease in acetabular
      fracture case volume. The implications of this decreased surgical experience
      warrant careful consideration as the orthopaedic trauma workforce evolves.

PMID- 27668504
TI  - Alignment After Intramedullary Nailing of Distal Tibia Fractures Without Fibula
      Fixation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of intramedullary nailing of distal tibia
      fractures using modern techniques, without fibula fixation, in obtaining and
      maintaining alignment. DESIGN: Retrospective case review. SETTING: Level-I
      academic trauma center. PATIENTS: One hundred thirty-two consecutive patients
      with distal tibia fractures. INTERVENTION: Intramedullary nail of distal tibia
      fracture, without fibula fixation, was performed in consecutive patients using
      modern reduction techniques. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Malalignment and malunion
      were defined as >5 degrees of varus/valgus angulation or anterior/posterior
      angulation on the initial postoperative or final anteroposterior and lateral x
      rays. RESULTS: There were 122 consecutive patients (86 men and 36 women) 16-93
      years of age (average, 43 years) with 36 (30%) open and 85 (70%) closed fractures
      with complete follow-up. Mechanism of injury did not predict the presence or
      level of fibula fracture. Upon presentation, varus/valgus and
      procurvatum/recurvatum angulation was greatest when the fibula was fractured at
      the level of the tibia fracture (P = 0.001 and 0.028). The most common
      intraoperative reduction aids were nailing in relative extension, transfixion
      external fixation, and clamps at the fracture site. The OTA fracture type or
      level/presence of fibula fracture did not influence malalignment (P = 0.86 and
      0.66), malunion (P = 0.81 and 0.79), or the change in alignment during union,
      which averaged 0.9 degrees. CONCLUSIONS: We found an overall low rate of both
      malalignment (2%) and malunion (3%) after intramedullary nailing of distal tibial
      shaft fracture without fibula fixation. We conclude that when modern nailing
      techniques are used, which allow for confirmation of reduction by visualization
      in fluoroscopy, from nail placement to distal interlocking, fibula fixation is
      not necessary to obtain or maintain alignment. Furthermore, standard 2 medial to
      lateral screws distally afford adequate stability to hold the reduction during
      union with a 0.9-degree difference in the initial postoperative and final united
      films. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic level IV. See Instructions for Authors for
      a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID- 27668505
TI  - The Utility of the Tip-Apex Distance in Predicting Axial Migration and Cutout
      With the Trochanteric Fixation Nail System Helical Blade: Erratum.

PMID- 27668506
TI  - One-Step Maxillary Sinus Augmentation in Association With Endoscopic Sinus
      Surgery: Case Series and Review of the Literature.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Sinonasal anatomical anomalies and inflammatory conditions may
      reduce success rates of maxillary sinus elevation (MSE) procedures used to allow
      implant placement in the atrophic posterior maxilla. Approaches combining
      endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and MSE were firstly proposed by our group and
      have already been described in the literature. This article aims to re-evaluate
      the procedure in a larger sample of patients comparing results and indications
      with the pertaining literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-three patients (19
      men and 14 women, mean age 52.79 +/- 11.95 years) underwent combined ESS/MSE with
      48 MSE procedures performed. RESULTS: No intraoperative complications were
      reported. An uneventful and complete graft integration was obtained after 6
      months in all but one patient. All patients completed prosthetic rehabilitation
      within 9 to 12 months. CONCLUSION: Combined ESS and MSE has proven to be a safe
      and reliable procedure, which can be proposed to selected patients presenting
      with reversible sinonasal contraindications to MSE and should be no more
      considered an experimental procedure.

PMID- 27668507
TI  - The roles of acculturative stress and social constraints on psychological
      distress in Hispanic/Latino and Asian immigrant college students.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Acculturative stress has been linked to psychological distress, but
      few studies have explored the moderating role of social constraints on this
      relationship. Social constraints are the perception that social networks are
      unsupportive to stressor-related discussions. In the present study, the
      relationship between acculturative stress and psychological distress in
      Hispanic/Latino and Asian immigrants and the moderating role of social
      constraints in this relationship were examined. METHOD: Participants were 306
      college students (169 Hispanics/Latinos, 137 Asians; 33.9% first-generation
      immigrants, 66.1% second-generation immigrants) from two Texas universities.
      RESULTS: Correlation results showed that acculturative stress and social
      constraints were significantly associated with higher levels of psychological
      distress in Hispanics/Latinos and Asians. In addition, regression results
      indicated a significant three-way interaction effect among acculturative stress,
      social constraints, and racial/ethnic groups. Social constraints were found to
      moderate the relationship between acculturative stress and psychological distress
      in Asians but not in Hispanics/Latinos. Significant association between
      acculturative stress and psychological distress was found in Asians with higher
      levels of social constraints but not in Asians with lower levels of social
      constraints. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggested that the interaction effect of
      acculturative stress and social constraints on psychological distress may be
      subject to cultural influences, and social constraints may have differential
      roles in Hispanics/Latinos and Asians. Potential implications on the development
      of culturally adaptive interventions for different racial/ethnic minority groups
      were discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27668508
TI  - Surface-nitrogen-rich ordered mesoporous carbon as an efficient metal-free
      electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction.
AB  - Exploring efficient metal-free electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reactions
      (ORR) will have a great impact on the field of fuel cells and metal-air
      batteries. In this paper, we report a simple and efficient routine to coat
      ordered mesoporous carbon (CMK-3) with nitrogen-doped carbon via pyrolysis of the
      surface-self-polymerized polydopamine. The optimized CMK-3 catalyst with a
      coating of nitrogen-doped carbon demonstrates excellent electrocatalytic activity
      towards ORR in alkaline media. The coating procedure under optimized conditions
      lowers the ORR half-wave-potential by 80 mV, giving a genuine metal-free catalyst
      with an onset ORR potential of 0.96 V (vs reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE))
      and half-wave potential of 0.83 V (vs RHE) in 0.1 M KOH, which is much better
      than other carbon material-based catalysts (such as carbon nanotubes and their
      composites). The performance of this surface-nitrogen-rich CMK-3 catalyst is also
      superior to that of N-doped ordered mesoporous carbon synthesized by means of the
      'nanocasting' technique. Furthermore, the as-prepared catalyst performs
      comparably in terms of activity, superior durability, and higher tolerance to
      methanol compared with commercially available Pt/C. 

PMID- 27668509
TI  - Enhancing the Dispersibility of TiO2 Nanorods and Gaining Control over Region
      Selective Layer Formation.
AB  - We demonstrate that the dispersibility and reactivity of core-shell TiO2 nanorods
      (NRs) can be controlled significantly through functionalization with a
      combination of ligands based on phosphonic acid derivatives (PAs). Specifically,
      a glycol based PA allows dispersion of the NRs in methanol (MeOH). On the other
      hand, incorporating an alkyne terminated PA in the ligand shell of the NRs allows
      for a copper-catalyzed alkyne-azide cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction with an azide
      patterned aluminum oxide (AlOx) substrate and forms a region-selectively
      deposited film of NRs. We clearly demonstrate that the quality of the NR films
      correlates strongly with the stability of the NR dispersions in the reaction
      medium. In particular, tuning the concentration of alkyne PA in the ligand shell
      inhibits aggregation of the NRs on the substrate, while reactivity for the CuAAC
      reaction is maintained. The surface coverage with NRs fits the Langmuir model.
      This study illustrates that surface functionalization of AlOx substrates can be
      effectively and conveniently controlled through enhancing the dispersibility of
      the NRs using mixed ligand shells.

PMID- 27668510
TI  - Optimization of Pore Structure of Cathodic Carbon Supports for Solvate Ionic
      Liquid Electrolytes Based Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.
AB  - Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are a promising energy-storage technology owing
      to their high theoretical capacity and energy density. However, their practical
      application remains a challenge because of the serve shuttle effect caused by the
      dissolution of polysulfides in common organic electrolytes. Polysulfide-insoluble
      electrolytes, such as solvate ionic liquids (ILs), have recently emerged as
      alternative candidates and shown great potential in suppressing the shuttle
      effect and improving the cycle stability of Li-S batteries. Redox electrochemical
      reactions in polysulfide-insoluble electrolytes occur via a solid-state process
      at the interphase between the electrolyte and the composite cathode; therefore,
      creating an appropriate interface between sulfur and a carbon support is of great
      importance. Nevertheless, the porous carbon supports established for conventional
      organic electrolytes may not be suitable for polysulfide-insoluble electrolytes.
      In this work, we investigated the effect of the porous structure of carbon
      materials on the Li-S battery performance in polysulfide-insoluble electrolytes
      using solvate ILs as a model electrolyte. We determined that the pore volume
      (rather than the surface area) exerts a major influence on the discharge capacity
      of S composite cathodes. In particular, inverse opal carbons with three
      dimensionally ordered interconnected macropores and a large pore volume deliver
      the highest discharge capacity. The battery performance in both polysulfide
      soluble electrolytes and solvate ILs was used to study the effect of
      electrolytes. We propose a plausible mechanism to explain the different porous
      structure requirements in polysulfide-soluble and polysulfide-insoluble
      electrolytes.

PMID- 27668511
TI  - Biological Membranes in Extreme Conditions: Anionic Tetraether Lipid Membranes
      and Their Interactions with Sodium and Potassium.
AB  - Archaea such as Sulfolobus acidocaldarius tolerate extreme temperatures and high
      acidity and can grow in the presence of toxic metals and low concentrations of
      Na+ or K+. It is believed that their unique tetraether membranes protect them
      from harsh environments and allow their survival under such conditions. We used
      molecular dynamics simulations to study membranes comprising glycerol
      dialkylnonitol tetraether lipids, which are the main component of S.
      acidocaldarius membranes, in solutions containing different concentrations of
      NaCl and KCl or with Na+ or K+ counterions (trace cations, 0 M). Anionic binding
      sites on the membranes were almost 50% occupied in the presence of counterions.
      The free energy of cation-phosphate complexation and the residence times of ions
      near the membranes were found to be both ion- and concentration-dependent. Sodium
      ions had more favorable interactions with the membranes and a longer residence
      time, whereas higher cation concentrations led to shorter ion residence times.
      When only counterions were present in the solutions, large residence times
      suggested that the membrane may function as a cation-attracting reservoir. The
      results suggested that the ions can be easily transferred to the cytoplasm as
      needed, explaining the growth curves of S. acidocaldarius under different
      salinities and pH.

PMID- 27668512
TI  - Orientational Dynamics of a Functionalized Alkyl Planar Monolayer Probed by
      Polarization-Selective Angle-Resolved Infrared Pump-Probe Spectroscopy.
AB  - Polarization-selective angle-resolved infrared pump-probe spectroscopy was
      developed and used to study the orientational dynamics of a planar alkylsiloxane
      monolayer functionalized with a rhenium metal carbonyl headgroup on an SiO2
      surface. The technique, together with a time-averaged infrared linear dichroism
      measurement, characterized picosecond orientational relaxation of the headgroup
      occurring at the monolayer-air interface by employing several sets of incident
      angles of the infrared pulses relative to the sample surface. By application of
      this method and using a recently developed theory, it was possible to extract
      both the out-of-plane and "mainly"-in-plane orientational correlation functions
      in a model-independent manner. The observed correlation functions were compared
      with theoretically derived correlation functions based on several dynamical
      models. The out-of-plane correlation function reveals the highly restricted out
      of-plane motions of the head groups and also suggests that the angular
      distribution of the transition dipole moments is bimodal. The mainly-in-plane
      correlation function, for the sample studied here with the strongly restricted
      out-of-plane motions, essentially arises from the purely in-plane dynamics. In
      contrast to the out-of-plane dynamics, significant in-plane motions occurring
      over various time scales were observed including an inertial motion, a restricted
      wobbling motion of ~3 ps, and complete randomization occurring in ~25 ps.

PMID- 27668513
TI  - Enantioselective Synthesis of Polysubstituted Benzopyrano[3,4-c]pyrrolidine
      Frameworks via [3 + 2] Cycloaddition of Azomethine Ylides and Coumarin
      Derivatives.
AB  - An enantioselective synthesis of benzopyrano[3,4-c]pyrrolidine derivatives via
      organocatalyzed [3 + 2] cycloaddition has been achieved. Cinchona alkaloid
      derived organocatalysts as Bronsted bases have been examined for this asymmetric
      cycloaddition of o-hydroxy aromatic aldimines with 3-substituted coumarins. An
      unexpected rearrangement of the quaternary acyl moiety in the products resulted
      in an in situ protection of the o-hydroxy group.

PMID- 27668514
TI  - Proteins from the past.
AB  - Some fragments of ancient protein are less prone to degradation because they bind
      strongly to the surfaces of minerals.

PMID- 27668516
TI  - Relativistic Two-Component Particle-Particle Tamm-Dancoff Approximation.
AB  - With the recent introduction of the particle-particle random-phase and Tamm
      Dancoff approximations to ab initio theory, routine queries of traditionally
      difficult systems, such as diradicals and doubly excited states, have been made
      possible. However, although a wealth of inquiry has been directed to
      investigating these methods, the current formulations have been restricted to
      spin-collinear systems, leaving the methods incapable of treating noncollinearity
      and spin-orbit relativistic effects in excited states. In this work, we extend
      the particle-particle Tamm-Dancoff approximation to suit two-component
      Hamiltonians to explicitly treat relativistic effects in excited states. After
      reviewing the theory and computational implementation, we demonstrate the
      accuracy of this extension by evaluating the fine structure splittings some of
      atomic and molecular systems.

PMID- 27668517
TI  - Room Temperature Catalyst System for the Hydroarylation of Olefins.
AB  - A simple protocol for the hydroarylation of olefins to yield diarylmethine
      products is described. A Friedel-Crafts-type synthetic strategy allows direct
      access to biorelevant products in high atom efficiency. A combination of
      substoichiometric amounts of TMSCl and ZnBr2 promotes a rapid hydroarylation
      process at ambient temperature. The method is high yielding and is amenable to
      scale-up protocols.

PMID- 27668518
TI  - Graphene as a Promising Electrode for Low-Current Attenuation in Nonsymmetric
      Molecular Junctions.
AB  - We have measured the single-molecule conductance of 1,n-alkanedithiol molecular
      bridges (n = 4, 6, 8, 10, 12) on a graphene substrate using scanning tunneling
      microscopy (STM)-formed electrical junctions. The conductance values of this
      homologous series ranged from 2.3 nS (n = 12) to 53 nS (n = 4), with a decay
      constant betan of 0.40 per methylene (-CH2) group. This result is explained by a
      combination of density functional theory (DFT) and Keldysh-Green function
      calculations. The obtained decay, which is much lower than the one obtained for
      symmetric gold junctions, is related to the weak coupling at the molecule
      graphene interface and the electronic structure of graphene. As a consequence, we
      show that using graphene nonsymmetric junctions and appropriate anchoring groups
      may lead to a much-lower decay constant and more-conductive molecular junctions
      at longer lengths.

PMID- 27668515
TI  - Protein sequences bound to mineral surfaces persist into deep time.
AB  - Proteins persist longer in the fossil record than DNA, but the longevity,
      survival mechanisms and substrates remain contested. Here, we demonstrate the
      role of mineral binding in preserving the protein sequence in ostrich
      (Struthionidae) eggshell, including from the palaeontological sites of Laetoli
      (3.8 Ma) and Olduvai Gorge (1.3 Ma) in Tanzania. By tracking protein diagenesis
      back in time we find consistent patterns of preservation, demonstrating
      authenticity of the surviving sequences. Molecular dynamics simulations of
      struthiocalcin-1 and -2, the dominant proteins within the eggshell, reveal that
      distinct domains bind to the mineral surface. It is the domain with the strongest
      calculated binding energy to the calcite surface that is selectively preserved.
      Thermal age calculations demonstrate that the Laetoli and Olduvai peptides are 50
      times older than any previously authenticated sequence (equivalent to ~16 Ma at a
      constant 10 degrees C).

PMID- 27668519
TI  - 5-Substituted Pyrimidine and 7-Substituted 7-Deazapurine dNTPs as Substrates for
      DNA Polymerases in Competitive Primer Extension in the Presence of Natural dNTPs.
AB  - A complete series of 5-substituted uracil or cytosine, as well as 7-substituted 7
      deazaadenine and 7-deazaguanine 2'-deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates (dNTPs)
      bearing substituents of increasing bulkiness (H, Me, vinyl, ethynyl, and phenyl)
      were systematically studied in competitive primer extension in the presence of
      their natural counterparts (nonmodified dNTPs), and their kinetic data were
      determined. The results show that modified dNTPs bearing pi-electron-containing
      substituents (vinyl, ethynyl, Ph) are typically excellent substrates for DNA
      polymerases comparable to or better than natural dNTPs. The kinetic studies
      revealed that these modified dNTPs have higher affinity to the active site of the
      enzyme-primer-template complex, and the calculations (semiempirical quantum
      mechanical scoring function) suggest that it is due to the cation-pi interaction
      of the modified dNTP with Arg629 in the active site of Bst DNA polymerase.

PMID- 27668520
TI  - A Novel Mechanism for Chemical Sensing Based on Solvent-Fluorophore-Substrate
      Interaction: Highly Selective Alcohol and Water Sensor with Large Fluorescence
      Signal Contrast.
AB  - Differentiation of solvents having similar physicochemical properties, such as
      ethanol and methanol, is an important issue of interest. However, without
      performing chemical analyses, discrimination between methanol and ethanol is
      highly challenging due to their similarity in chemical structure as well as
      properties. Here, we present a novel type of alcohol and water sensor based on
      the subtle differences in interaction among solvent analytes, fluorescent organic
      molecules, and a mesoporous silica gel substrate. A gradual change in the
      chemical structure of the fluorescent diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) derivatives
      alters their interaction with the substrate and solvent analyte, which creates a
      distinct intermolecular aggregation of the DPP derivatives on the silica gel
      substrate depending on the solvent environment and produces a change in the
      fluorescence color and intensity as a sensory signal. The devised sensor device,
      which is fabricated with simple drop-casting of the DPP derivative solutions onto
      a silica gel substrate, exhibited a completely reversible fluorescence signal
      change with large fluorescence signal contrast, which allows selective solvent
      detection by simple optical observation with the naked eye under UV light.
      Superior selectivity of the alcohol and water sensor system, which can clearly
      distinguish among ethanol, methanol, ethylene glycol, and water, is demonstrated.

PMID- 27668521
TI  - Spectroscopic Investigation of Interfacial Interaction of Manganese Oxide with
      Triclosan, Aniline, and Phenol.
AB  - We investigated the reaction of manganese oxide [MnOx(s)] with phenol, aniline,
      and triclosan in batch experiments using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS),
      Raman spectroscopy, and aqueous chemistry measurements. Analyses of XPS high
      resolution spectra suggest that the Mn(III) content increased 8-10% and the
      content of Mn(II) increased 12-15% in the surface of reacted MnOx(s) compared to
      the control, indicating that the oxidation of organic compounds causes the
      reduction of MnOx(s). Fitting of C 1s XPS spectra suggests an increase in the
      number of aromatic and aliphatic bonds for MnOx(s) reacted with organic
      compounds. The presence of 2.7% Cl in the MnOx(s) surface after reaction with
      triclosan was detected by XPS survey scans, while no Cl was detected in MnOx
      phenol, MnOx-aniline, and MnOx-control. Raman spectra confirm the increased
      intensity of carbon features in MnOx(s) samples that reacted with organic
      compounds compared to unreacted MnOx(s). These spectroscopy results indicate that
      phenol, aniline, triclosan, and related byproducts are associated with the
      surface of MnOx(s)-reacted samples. The results from this research contribute to
      a better understanding of interactions between MnOx(s) and organic compounds that
      are relevant to natural and engineered environments.

PMID- 27668522
TI  - Quinazolinone azolyl ethanols: potential lead antimicrobial agents with dual
      action modes targeting methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus DNA.
AB  - AIM: Due to bacterial drug resistance, a new series of quinazolinone azolyl
      ethanols were synthesized and evaluated. RESULTS: In vitro antibacterial assay
      showed that triazolyl ethanol quinazolinone 3a was the most active compound,
      especially against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) with
      minimal inhibitory concentration value of 8 ug/ml, which was superior to
      chloromycin and comparable to norfloxacin. Molecular docking study displayed that
      compound 3a could interact with MRSA DNA by the formation of hydrogen bonds.
      Further interactions of quinazolinone 3a with MRSA DNA suggested that it could
      intercalate into MRSA DNA to form 3a-DNA complex. DNA cleavage properties of 3a
      Cu2+ and 3a-Zn2+ complexes were confirmed by agarose gel electrophoresis
      experiments. CONCLUSION: Compound 3a should be a potential lead antibacterial
      molecule with dual action modes.

PMID- 27668523
TI  - Associations Between Patient Characteristics and the Amount of Arthritis
      Medication Information Patients Receive.
AB  - Little is known about factors associated with the receipt of medication
      information among arthritis patients. This study explores information source
      receipt and associations between demographic and clinical/patient characteristics
      and the amount of arthritis medication information patients receive. Adult
      patients with osteoarthritis (OA) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA; n = 328) completed
      an online cross-sectional survey. Patients reported demographic and
      clinical/patient characteristics and the amount of arthritis medication
      information received from 15 information sources. Bivariate and multivariate
      linear regression analyses were used to investigate whether those characteristics
      were associated with the amount of medication information patients received.
      Arthritis patients received the most information from health professionals,
      followed by printed materials, media sources, and interpersonal sources. Greater
      receipt of information was associated with greater medication adherence, taking
      more medications, greater medication-taking concerns, more satisfaction with
      doctor medication-related support, and Black compared to White race. RA patients
      reported receiving more information compared to OA patients, and differences were
      found between RA patients and OA patients in characteristics associated with more
      information receipt. In conclusion, arthritis patients received the most
      medication information from professional sources, and both positive (e.g.,
      greater satisfaction with doctor support) and negative (e.g., more medication
      taking concerns) characteristics were associated with receiving more medication
      information.

PMID- 27668524
TI  - Smoking Prevalence and Its Clinical Correlations in Patients with Narcolepsy
      cataplexy.
AB  - Narcolepsy-cataplexy (NC) is a chronic neurological disease with suggested
      autoimmune etiopathogenesis. Nicotine stimulates central nervous system and
      smoking increases the risk of autoimmune diseases. Assessment of smoking habits
      and its correlation to clinical parameters among 87 adult NC patients (38 male,
      49 female) included night polysomnography and multiple sleep latency test. In our
      sample, 43.7% NC patients were regular smokers, and 19.5% former smokers compared
      to 22.2%, and 12.6%, respectively, in the general population. Patients started to
      smoke in the mean age of 20.0 (SD +/-6.0) years. 72.2% of NC smokers started to
      smoke before the onset of NC and the mean of the delay between smoking onset and
      NC onset was 9.1 (+/-5.8) years. We found a direct correlation between smoking
      duration and the number of awakenings, duration of N1 sleep, REM sleep latency,
      and apnoea/hypopnoea index (AHI), and, on the contrary, indirect correlation
      between smoking duration and N3 sleep duration, showing that smoking duration
      consistently correlates with sleep macrostructure. Smoking is highly prevalent in
      NC and has relationship with clinical features of NC.

PMID- 27668525
TI  - CCL5 rs2107538 Polymorphism Increased the Risk of Tuberculosis in a Sample of
      Iranian Population.
AB  - Cysteine-cysteine chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5) with immunoregulatory and
      inflammatory activities has an important role in granuloma formations that
      activates and stimulates T-cells and macrophages. Cysteine-cysteine chemokine
      receptor 5 (CCR5) is a chemokine receptor, which is important for migration of
      immune cells to site of infection. In the present study we investigated the
      possible association between CCL5 -403G/A (rs2107538), CCL5 -28C/G (rs2280788)
      and CCR5 Delta32 polymorphisms and pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in an Iranian
      population. This case-control study was performed on 160 patients with pulmonary
      tuberculosis and 160 unrelated healthy subjects. The CCL5 -403G/A, CCL5 -28C/G
      and CCR5 Delta32 polymorphisms were genotyped by allele-specific polymerase chain
      reaction (AS-PCR), tetra amplification refractory mutation system polymerase
      chain reaction (T-ARMS PCR) and PCR, respectively. Our results showed that GA as
      well as GA+AA genotypes of CCL5 -403G/A (rs2107538) increased the risk of PTB in
      comparison with GG genotype (OR=1.70, 95% CI=1.03-2.81, P=0.038 and OR=1.64, 95%
      CI=1.00-2.68, P=0.049, respectively). No significant association was found
      between CCL5 -28C/G as well as CCR5 Delta32 polymorphism and PTB risk. In
      conclusion, our findings proposed that CCL5 -403G>A polymorphism may be a risk
      factor for susceptibility to PTB in our population. Larger sample sizes with
      different ethnicities are required to validate our findings.

PMID- 27668526
TI  - The Response of C19 Delta5-steroids to ACTH Stimulation and Hypoglycemia in
      Insulin Tolerance Test for Adrenal Insufficiency.
AB  - Studies on the time course of ACTH- or insulin-induced hypoglycemia stimulating
      adrenal androgens are usually limited to dehydroepiandrosterone and/or its
      sulphate. Our data on dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its hydroxylated
      metabolites clearly show that measurements of DHEA and its sulphate (DHEAS) are
      valuable markers of the integrity of the HPA (hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal)
      axis. Assessments of HPA function should rely on measurements of baseline and/or
      stimulated serum cortisol concentrations, and C19 Delta5-steroids may provide
      additional information. The art of stimulation of 7- and 16-hydroxylated
      metabolites of DHEA can help our understanding of the formation sequence of these
      compounds.

PMID- 27668527
TI  - The Effect of Infliximab on Intestinal Anastomosis Healing in Rats.
AB  - Intestinal anastomosis healing is a complex physiological process in which many
      local and systemic factors play a role. One of the significant cytokines in this
      process is TNF-alpha. Infliximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody which binds to
      TNF-alpha with high affinity. Although this agent is used in ulcerative colitis
      and Crohn's disease, intestinal surgery may be required in these patients. In
      this study it was aimed to determine whether or not there was any negative effect
      of preoperative single dose infliximab treatment on intestinal anastomosis
      healing. Two groups of 10 rats were formed. One of these groups was administered
      with a single dose of infliximab 8 mg/kg as a 20-minute intravenous infusion from
      the femoral vein. Four days after the infusion, a full layer incision was made to
      the colon and anastomosis was applied to all the rats. At 7 days after
      anastomosis, the subjects were sacrificed. The anastomosis segment was removed
      and the bursting pressure was measured. Tissue samples were taken from this
      segment for hydroxyproline concentration and histopathological examination. A
      blood sample was taken to measure TNF-alpha values. No statistically significant
      difference was determined between the groups in terms of bursting pressure,
      tissue hydroxyproline concentration or histopathological scoring. A single dose
      of 8 mg/kg infliximab administered 4 days preoperatively was not found to have
      any negative effect on intestinal anastomosis healing in rats.

PMID- 27668528
TI  - Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: A Significant Family Genetic Phenotypic Presentation.
AB  - We report on a very rare case of diagnosis and successful surgical treatment of
      three young family members with a four-fold presentation of thoracic outlet
      syndrome. In the relevant family case, we are considering and discussing the
      population incidence, a possible HOX genes disorder, and a significant phenotypic
      presentation.

PMID- 27668529
TI  - IgG4-related Diseases - A Rare Polycystic Form of Ormond's Disease.
AB  - Currently, Ormond's disease is classified among IgG4-associated diseases. Its
      clinical manifestation varies and is characterized by the presence of fibrous
      retroperitoneal tissue that often affects the ureters or abdominal aorta and
      iliac arteries. We present a unique case of the polycystic form of Ormond's
      disease, imitating tumour in the retroperitoneal space. At the time of diagnosis,
      the disease was not metabolically active and did not require immunosuppressive
      therapy. The polycystic mass was removed surgically. There has been no
      exacerbation of the disease during the last 12 months.

PMID- 27668530
TI  - Bone Metabolism of the Patient with a Malignant Melanoma during the Entry
      Examination and the Check-up of Whole-body Bone Scintigraphy.
AB  - Malignant melanoma is a malignancy located predominantly in the skin and the
      incidence of melanoma increases. We compared the markers of bone metabolism -
      osteocalcin (OC), beta-carboxyterminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I
      collagen (beta-CrossLaps, beta-CTx) and tumour marker - human epididymis protein
      4 (HE4) in the serum with finding during the entry examination and the check-up
      of whole-body bone scintigraphy of the patient with a malignant melanoma. Serum
      concentrations of OC, beta-CTx, HE4 were determined in 1 patient (female, age 64
      years) with malignant melanoma and correlated with the presence of equivocal bone
      metastases detected by whole-body bone scintigraphy (the entry examination and
      check-up after 6 months). Concentrations of bone metabolism markers decreased
      during six months and we observed progress in bone metastases. The change of the
      markers levels during the entry examination and the check-up of the whole-body
      bone scintigraphy with equivocal finding of bone metastases could be a sign of a
      possible initiating progression of malignant melanoma despite a clinically
      negative finding that does not prove the progression of the disease.

PMID- 27668531
TI  - Trichotillomania and co-occurring anxiety.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Trichotillomania appears to be a fairly common disorder, with high
      rates of co-occurring anxiety disorders. Many individuals with trichotillomania
      also report that pulling worsens during periods of increased anxiety. Even with
      these clinical links to anxiety, little research has explored whether
      trichotillomania with co-occurring anxiety is a meaningful subtype. METHODS: One
      hundred sixty-five adults with trichotillomania were examined on a variety of
      clinical measures including symptom severity, functioning, and comorbidity.
      Participants also underwent cognitive testing assessing motor inhibition and
      cognitive flexibility. Clinical features and cognitive functioning were compared
      between those with current co-occurring anxiety disorders (i.e. social anxiety,
      generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and anxiety disorder NOS) (n=38)
      and those with no anxiety disorder (n=127). RESULTS: Participants with
      trichotillomania and co-occurring anxiety reported significantly worse hair
      pulling symptoms, were more likely to have co-occurring depression, and were more
      likely to have a first-degree relative with obsessive compulsive disorder. Those
      with anxiety disorders also exhibited significantly worse motor inhibitory
      performance on a task of motor inhibition (stop-signal task). CONCLUSIONS: This
      study suggests that anxiety disorders affect the clinical presentation of hair
      pulling behavior. Further research is needed to validate our findings and to
      consider whether treatments should be specially tailored differently for adults
      with trichotillomania who have co-occurring anxiety disorders, or more pronounced
      cognitive impairment.

PMID- 27668532
TI  - Anti-proliferation effects, efficacy of cyasterone in vitro and in vivo and its
      mechanism.
AB  - Cyasterone was demonstrated potential inhibition effect in mouse skin carcinoma
      cells in published report. However, the molecular mechanisms of the cyasterone on
      cells remain unknown. Herein, we investigated the effects of cyasterone-induced
      apoptosis in A549 and MGC823 cells in vitro. MTT assay showed that cyasterone
      caused a significantly decreasing of the proliferation of A549 and MGC823 cells
      in a time-and dose-dependent manner with IC50 values of 38.50+/-3.73MUg/mL on
      A549 cells and 32.96+/-1.24MUg/mL on MGC823 cells at 48h, respectively. Hoechst
      staining and TUNEL staining results indicated the quintessential apoptosis
      features in immunofluorescence image. Apoptosis and cell cycle were determined by
      flow cytometry. Cyasterone treatment triggered inhibition of epidermal growth
      factor receptor- phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/protein kinase B (EGFR-AKT)
      signaling pathways and activation of P38 pathways. Furthermore, cyasterone
      inhibited MGC823 cells xenografted tumor growth in vivo with few changes in body
      weights. In conclusion, our findings provide the evidence that cyasterone
      inhibits growth of A549 and MGC823 cells, via regulating EGFR signaling pathway.
      Our results indicated that cyasterone, a natural EGFR inhibitor, maybe a
      promising anti-cancer agent.

PMID- 27668533
TI  - Inhibition of MMP-9 by green tea catechins and prediction of their interaction by
      molecular docking analysis.
AB  - Green tea polyphenolic catechins have been shown to prevent various types of
      diseases such as pulmonary hypertension (PAH), cancer and cardiac and
      neurological disorders. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play an important role
      in the development of PAH. The present study demonstrated that among the four
      green tea catechins (EGCG, ECG, EC and EGC), EGCG and ECG inhibit pro-/active MMP
      9 activities in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell culture supernatant. Based on
      the above, we investigated the interactions of pro-/active MMP-9 with the green
      tea catechins by computational methods. In silico molecular docking analysis
      revealed a strong interaction between pro-/active MMP-9 and EGCG/ECG, and galloyl
      group appears to be responsible for this enhanced interaction. The molecular
      docking studies corroborate our experimental observation that EGCG and ECG are
      mainly active in preventing both the proMMP-9 and MMP-9 activities.

PMID- 27668534
TI  - Effects of relaxin on cardiac fibrosis, apoptosis, and tachyarrhythmia in rats
      with myocardial infarction.
AB  - Relaxin is safe and efficient to use for treating acute heart failure. However,
      the electrophysiological and arrhythmogenic effects of relaxin in an experimental
      healing infarction model remain unknown. In this study, a rat model with
      myocardial infarction (MI) received relaxin (0.5mg/kg per day) or vehicle (sodium
      acetate) infusion via implantable mini-pumps for 2 weeks. Thereafter, hemodynamic
      measurement, electrophysiological study, histological examination, and
      immunofluorescence labeling were performed. Relaxin treatment significantly
      attenuated tachyarrhythmia inducibility and cardiac dysfunction in healing
      infarcted heart. Epicardial monophasic action potentials showed that relaxin
      significantly reduced the dispersion of action potential duration in
      postinfarcted hearts. Histological study revealed that relaxin significantly
      reduced myocardial apoptosis and cardiac fibrotic collagen deposition. Western
      blot revealed that relaxin treatment significantly suppressed the protein
      expression levels of TGFbeta1, alpha-SMA, and type I collagen. Furthermore,
      abnormal alterations of Connexin 43, including reduction and lateralization, were
      significantly attenuated by relaxin treatment at the infarcted border zone. This
      study provides strong evidence that continuous relaxin intervention ameliorates
      cardiac fibrosis and apoptosis, attenuates remodeling of gap junction and focal
      heterogeneity of repolarization, and reduces vulnerability to tachyarrhythmias.

PMID- 27668535
TI  - Potential blood clotting factors and anticoagulants.
AB  - Hemostasis initiates a wound healing process and stops bleeding of blood within a
      damaged tissue, an important process in human and animal systems. However, this
      process needs to revert temporarily during surgery and analyze the clotting
      mechanism. In the past decade, heparin has been used widely as an anticoagulant
      in surgery to prevent unwanted blood clotting as it is not expensive, not
      difficult to control, lack of suitable replacement as well as less harmful to the
      human. However, heparin has several disadvantages, which include thrombocytopenia
      and non-specific plasma binding. Moreover, using heparin it may lead dysfunction
      and platelet aggregation. In this overview, potential clotting factors and
      anticoagulants are reviewed and special focus was given to get more insights.

PMID- 27668536
TI  - Is ciprofloxacin safe in patients with solitary kidney and upper urinary tract
      infection?
AB  - The solitary kidney (SK) undergoes adaptive phenomena of hyperfunction and
      hyperfiltration. These secondary adaptive phenomena can make it more vulnerable
      to potentially nephrotoxic therapies. Adverse reactions of the kidneys to
      ciprofloxacin are rare, but sometimes severe. Therefore, our study sought to
      assess the reactions to ciprofloxacin of patients with solitary kidney (SK) and
      urinary tract infection (UTI) by means of urinary biomarkers. We studied 19
      patients with SK and urinary tract infection (UTI) who had been administered a 7
      day treatment with intravenous ciprofloxacin. Urinary N-acetyl-beta-d
      glucosaminidase, alpha 1-microglobulin, and estimated glomerular filtration rate
      (eGFR) of these patients were measured at the initiation and at the end of
      treatment. In 47.37% patients NAG diminished under ciprofloxacin treatment. This
      observation has the significance of favourable evolution of the
      tubulointerstitial lesions caused by UTI and lack of nephrotoxic effects; 52.63%
      cases presented an increase of urinary NAG, a fact that suggests a nephrotoxic
      effect of ciprofloxacin. The evolution of urinary alpha 1-microglobulin was
      similar to that one of urinary NAG. Only one of three cases with chronic kidney
      disease (CKD) stage 5 presented acute kidney injury, associated with increase in
      the tubular markers. In spite of the high variability of the urinary biomarkers,
      UTI evolved favourably in these cases; eGFR increased in 16 out of 19 patients, a
      fact which is indicative of a good outcome of renal function, even in patients
      with elevated levels of the tubular damage biomarkers. This observation supports
      the hypothesis that eGFR may be dissociated from the biomarkers which assess
      tubular injury. In SK patients the occurrence of AKI is not frequent, although
      the urinary biomarkers rise in some patients treated with ciprofloxacin. This is
      related not only to the nephrotoxic effect of the drug, but probably to the
      association of other factors (allergy, individual susceptibility). In SK
      patients, renal tubular biomarkers, especially NAG, allow monitoring of tubular
      injury and impose caution in prescribing ciprofloxacin treatment, mainly to
      patients at risk. Ciprofloxacin is relatively safe regarding its nephrotoxicity,
      while caution is required in vulnerable patients.

PMID- 27668537
TI  - A recombinant protein TmSm(T34A) can inhibit proliferation and proapoptosis to
      breast cancer stem cells(BCSCs) by down-regulating the expression of Cyclin D1.
AB  - Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a small fraction of cancer cells lines proved with stem
      cell characteristics, were regarded as "bad seeds" related to recurrence,
      metastasis and chemotherapy resistance of breast carcinoma in recent years. So
      inhibiting the growth or inducing the differentiation and apoptosis of CSCs were
      considered as one of the effective pathways to fight against breast cancer. Based
      on the recombinant protein TmSm(T34A) that was designed and prepared in our
      previous experiments for targeting survivin, an inhibitor of apoptosis
      protein(IAP), in this study, we explored the effects of TmSm(T34A) on BCSCs
      obtained by enriching in serum-free suspension, sorting and characterizing of MCF
      7/ADM. The results showed that TmSm(T34A) could not only inhibit the
      proliferation and growth of BCSCs by decreasing CD44+CD24- proportion and down
      regulating the expression of Cyclin D1 significantly, but also induce BCSCs
      apoptosis evidently. Furthermore, in BCSCs xenograft nude mice administrated
      TmSm(T34A), the tumor growth was slower than that of the control obviously. Thus
      it can be seen TmSm(T34A) would be a promising potential protein for treatment of
      breast cancer by effecting on BCSCs.

PMID- 27668538
TI  - Neuromodulatory effects of Calyptranthes grandifolia extracts against 6
      hydroxydopamine-induced neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells.
AB  - Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases are neurodegenerative disorders
      characterized by progressive neuronal dysfunction. Previous studies revealed that
      some natural products have neuroprotective properties, including species of the
      Myrtaceae family. However, the neuromodulatory potential of Calyptranthes
      grandifolia is not clear. In the present study, we examined the ability of the
      ethanol and hexane leaf extracts of C. grandifolia to prevent 6-hydroxydopamine
      (6-OHDA)-induced neurotoxicity in vitro. Initially, we investigated the potential
      of the extracts to inhibit the neurodegenerative-related enzymes c-Jun N-terminal
      kinase 3 (JNK3) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE). In addition, SH-SY5Y cell
      viability was assessed by MTT assay after 100MUM 6-OHDA-induced cell damage. In
      order to verify the possible effects of both extracts on 6-OHDA-induced cell
      death, hydrogen peroxide generation, mitochondrial potential and caspases-3
      activity were assessed. Our findings revealed that ethanol extract exhibited
      inhibitory activity against JNK3 and AChE. In addition, when co-treating SH-SY5Y
      cells with 6-OHDA and the extracts, oxidative stress was inhibited by both
      extracts through a decrease of mitochondrial depolarization and caspases-3
      activity. In summary, ethanol and hexane extracts of C. grandifolia have some
      suppressive property against neurotoxicity induced by 6-OHDA.

PMID- 27668539
TI  - Neuroprotective effects of Caralluma tuberculata on ameliorating cognitive
      impairment in a d-galactose-induced mouse model.
AB  - Cognitive deficiency and oxidative stress have been well documented in aging
      disorders including Alzheimer's disease. The aim of this study was to investigate
      the therapeutic efficacy of Caralluma tuberculata methanolic extract (CTME) on
      cognitive impairment in mice induced with d-galactose. In this study we assessed
      the therapeutic efficacy of CTME on cognitive impairment in mice induced with d
      galactose by conduction of behavioral and cognitive performance tests. In order
      to explore the possible role of CTME against d-galactose-induced oxidative
      damages, various biochemical indicators were assessed. Chronic administration of
      d-galactose (150mg/kgd, s.c.) for 7 weeks significantly impaired cognitive
      performance (in step-through passive, active avoidance test, Hole-Board test,
      Novel object recognition task and Morris water maze) and oxidative defense as
      compared to the control group. The results revealed that CTME treatment for two
      weeks (100, 200 and 300mg/kg p.o) significantly ameliorated cognitive performance
      and oxidative defense. All groups of CTME enhanced the learning and memory
      ability in step-through passive, active avoidance test, Hole-Board test Novel
      object recognition task and Morris water maze. Furthermore, high and middle level
      of CTME (300 and 200mg/kg p.o) significantly increased Total antioxidative
      capacity (T-AOC), Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD)
      activity, neprilysin (NEP), and beta-site AbetaPP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1)
      expression while Nitric Oxide (NO), Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS) activity and
      Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, and the level of Abeta1-42 and presenilin 1
      (PS1) were decreased. The present study showed that CTME have a significant
      relieving effect on learning, memory and spontaneous activities in d-galactose
      induced mice model, and ameliorates cognitive impairment and biochemical
      dysfunction in mice.

PMID- 27668540
TI  - Small-molecule GSK-3 inhibitor rescued apoptosis and neurodegeneration in
      anesthetics-injured dorsal root ganglion neurons.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Application of general anesthetics may induce neurotoxicity in dorsal
      root ganglia (DRG) neurons. In this study, we examined the possible protective
      mechanism and associated signaling pathways of small-molecule glycogen synthase
      kinase-3 (GSK-3) inhibitor, SB216763, in bupivacaine-injured mouse DRG neurons in
      vitro. METHODS: In vitro DRG explant of 6-week old mice was treated with 5mM
      bupivacaine to induce neurotoxicity. The explants were also pre-treated with
      SB216763 for 72h. Neural protection of SB216763 on bupivacaine-injured DRG
      neurons was investigated by TUNEL assay, neurite outgrowth assay and western blot
      assay, respectively. Possible downstream gene of GSK-3 signaling pathway, protein
      kinase C (PKC) was knocked down by siRNA in DRG explant. Its function in
      regulating GSK-3 inhibition induced DRG neural protection was also examined by
      TUNEL, neurite outgrowth and western blot assays. RESULTS: Pre-treatment of
      SB216763 significantly ameliorated bupivacaine induced apoptosis and neurite loss
      in DRG neurons. Western blot showed that, in addition to the decrease of
      phosphorylated-GSK-3 alpha/beta protein, SB216763 increased PKC and decreased
      caspase-3 (Casp-3) in bupivacaine-injured DRG neurons. SiRNA-mediated PKC
      knockdown was able to reverse the neural protection of SB216763 in bupivacaine
      injured DRG neurons. Western blot showed that PKC knockdown increased
      phosphorylated-GSK-3 alpha/beta and Casp-3 protein in DRG neurons, confirming
      that PKC was directly involved in GSK-3-inhibition induced neural protection in
      DRG. CONCLUSIONS: GSK-3 inhibitor SB216763, through PKC, is effective in
      protecting anesthetics-induced neurotoxicity in DRG.

PMID- 27668541
TI  - Evaluation of the antiproliferative activity of 2-amino thiophene derivatives
      against human cancer cells lines.
AB  - In spite of great progress in understanding cancer biology, current therapeutic
      procedures remain unsatisfactory. Chemotherapy is often followed by secondary
      effects with cellular toxicity negatively affecting the results. The discovery
      and development of new safe and efficient antitumor agents is necessary.
      Derivatives of 2-amino thiophene have been a topic of constant investigation due
      to their versatile synthetic applicability and broad spectrum of biological
      applications; among which are antifungal and antiproliferative activity shown in
      prior studies of our group. In the current study, compounds 6CN09, 6CN10, 6CN12,
      6CN14, 7CN09 and 7CN11 were analyzed as to antiproliferative effect in human
      cells of cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa), human pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PANC-1)
      and mice fibroblasts (3T3), which were exposed to the compounds in concentrations
      of 5, 10, 25 and 50MUM during 24 and 48h. They were submitted to MTT assay. In
      order to elucidate the action mechanism of antitumor thiophene derivatives flow
      cytometry was performed to evaluate cell death and cell cycle analysis. The
      results showed that thiophene derivatives demonstrated great antiproliferative
      potential in the HeLa and PANC-1 cell lines when compared with the control, and
      the percentage of cell proliferation inhibition approximated or was higher than
      the standard drug used; doxorubicin (Dox). In highlight were the derivatives
      6CN14 and 7CN09 that showed greater efficiency in the antiproliferative
      evaluation. Further, all compounds had a protective effect on the non-tumor 3T3
      cell line. The flow cytometry analysis showed few cells in apoptosis in both the
      HeLa and PANC-1 lines, although the compounds interfered with the progression of
      the cell cycle, and avoided cell growth and multiplication in the HeLa tumor
      line. These thiophene derivatives demonstrated cytostatic and antiproliferative
      effects and may be considered as promising molecular candidates for anticancer
      drugs.

PMID- 27668542
TI  - Evaluation of anti-diabetic and anti-tumoral activities of bioactive compounds
      from Phoenix dactylifera L's leaf: In vitro and in vivo approach.
AB  - Among various chronic disorders, cancer and diabetes mellitus are the most common
      disorders. This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of
      hydroalcoholic extract of Phoenix dactylifera L. leaves (HEPdL) in animal models
      of type II diabetes in vitro/in vivo and in a human melanoma-derived cell line
      (IGR-39). A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis
      was also performed to determine the amount of phenolic and flavonoid compounds in
      this plant. The physicochemical results by LC-MS/MS analysis of HEPdL showed the
      presence of 10 phenolic compounds. The in vitro study showed that the extract
      exhibited a more specific and potent inhibitor of alpha-glucosidase than alpha
      amylase with an IC50 value of 20+/-1MUg/mL and 30+/-0.8MUg/mL, respectively. More
      importantly, the in vivo study of the postprandial hyperglycemia activity with
      (20mg/kg) of HEPdL showed a decrease in plasma glucose levels after 60min in
      resemblance to the glucor (acarbose) (50mg/kg) effect. The oral administration of
      HEPdL (20mg/kg) in alloxan-induced diabetic mices for 28days showed a more
      significant anti-diabetic activity than that of the drug (50mg/kg). Moreover,
      cytotoxicity effects of HEPdL in IGR-39 cancer cell lines were tested by MTT
      assay. This extract was effective in inhibiting cancer cells growth (IGR-39) at
      dose 35 and 75MUg/mL. These results confirm ethnopharmacological significance of
      the plant and could be taken further for the development of an effective
      pharmaceutical drug against diabetes and cancer.

PMID- 27668543
TI  - What Patient Characteristics Influence Nurses' Assessment of Health Literacy?
AB  - Overestimation of patients' health literacy skills is common among nurses and
      physicians. At Vanderbilt University Hospital, nurses routinely ask patients the
      3 Brief Health Literacy Screen (BHLS) questions. Data from 2 studies that
      recruited patients at Vanderbilt University Hospital-the Health Literacy
      Screening (HEALS) study and the Vanderbilt Inpatient Cohort Study (VICS)-were
      analyzed to compare the BHLS score recorded by nurses during clinical care with
      the score recorded by trained research assistants during the same
      hospitalization. Logistic regression models determined which patient
      characteristics were associated with nurses documenting higher health literacy
      scores than research assistants. Overall, the majority (60%) of health literacy
      scores were accurate, though nurses recorded meaningfully higher health literacy
      scores in 28.4% of HEALS patients and 35.6% of VICS patients. In the HEALS
      cohort, patients who were male and had less education were more likely to have
      higher health literacy scores recorded by nurses (odds ratio [OR] = 1.93, 95%
      confidence interval [CI] [1.24, 3.00]; and OR = 0.80, 95% CI [0.74, 0.88],
      respectively). In the VICS cohort, patients who were older, were male, and had
      less education were more likely to have higher health literacy scores recorded by
      nurses (OR = 1.01, 95% CI [1.003, 1.02]; OR = 1.49, 95% CI [1.20, 1.84]; and OR =
      0.87, 95% CI [0.83, 0.90], respectively). These findings suggest that health
      literacy scores recorded by nurses for male patients and patients with less
      education could be overestimated. Thus, health care professionals should be aware
      of this tendency and should verify the results of routine health literacy
      screening tests, especially in certain patient groups.

PMID- 27668544
TI  - Appendectomy in Pregnancy: Appraisal of the Minimally Invasive Approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The optimal surgical approach to acute appendicitis in pregnancy
      remains controversial. Our aim was to compare perioperative and obstetric
      outcomes associated with laparoscopic and open appendectomy in a large
      contemporary cohort of pregnant women. METHODS: Retrospective review of all women
      who underwent appendectomy during pregnancy in a single hospital during 2000
      2014. RESULTS: Ninety-two patients met the study criteria. Fifty (54%) underwent
      laparoscopic appendectomy and 42 (46%) open appendectomy. The laparoscopy group
      had a lower median gestational age at surgery (16 weeks versus 24 weeks, P <
      .001), a shorter median hospital stay (5 days versus 3 days, P < .001), and a
      lower rate of postoperative complications (8% versus 24%, P = .04). There were no
      significant between-group differences in the rates of gestational age at
      delivery, Apgar scores, preterm delivery, and fetal loss. CONCLUSIONS:
      Laparoscopic appendectomy during pregnancy is safe and associated with better
      surgical outcomes than open appendectomy, with no difference in obstetric
      outcomes.

PMID- 27668545
TI  - Verification of Frequency in Species of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria in Kermanshah
      Drinking Water Supplies Using the PCR-Sequencing Method.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nontuberculous mycobacteria are habitants of environment, especially
      in aquatic systems. Some of them cause problems in immunodeficient patients. Over
      the last decade, 16S rRNA gene sequencing was established in 45 novel species of
      nontuberculous mycobacteria. Experiences revealed that this method underestimates
      the diversity, but does not distinguish between some of mycobacterium subsp. To
      recognize emerging rapidly growing mycobacteria and identify their subsp, rpoB
      gene sequencing has been developed. OBJECTIVES: To better understand the
      transmission of nontuberculous mycobacterial species from drinking water and
      preventing the spread of illness with these bacteria, the aim of this study was
      to detect the presence of bacteria by PCR-sequencing techniques. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Drinking water samples were collected from different areas of Kermanshah
      city in west of IRAN. After decontamination with cetylpyridinium chloride,
      samples were filtered with 0.45-micron filters, the filter transferred directly
      on growth medium waiting to appear in colonies, then DNA extraction and PCR were
      performed, and products were sent to sequencing. RESULTS: We found 35/110 (32%)
      nontuberculous mycobacterial species in drinking water samples, isolates included
      Mycobacterium goodii, Mycobacterium aurum, and Mycobacterium gastri with the most
      abundance (11.5%), followed by Mycobacterium smegmatis, Mycobacterium porcinum,
      Mycobacterium peregrinum, Mycobacterium mucogenicum, and Mycobacterium chelonae
      (8%). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we recognized the evidence of contamination by
      nontuberculous mycobacteria in corroded water pipes. As a result of the high
      prevalence of these bacteria in drinking water in Kermanshah, this is important
      evidence of transmission through drinking water. This finding can also help
      public health policy makers control these isolates in drinking water supplies in
      Kermanshah.

PMID- 27668547
TI  - Ultradian feeding in mice not only affects the peripheral clock in the liver, but
      also the master clock in the brain.
AB  - Restricted feeding during the resting period causes pronounced shifts in a number
      of peripheral clocks, but not the central clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus
      (SCN). By contrast, daily caloric restriction impacts also the light-entrained
      SCN clock, as indicated by shifted oscillations of clock (PER1) and clock
      controlled (vasopressin) proteins. To determine if these SCN changes are due to
      the metabolic or timing cues of the restricted feeding, mice were challenged with
      an ultradian 6-meals schedule (1 food access every 4 h) to abolish the daily
      periodicity of feeding. Mice fed with ultradian feeding that lost <10% body mass
      (i.e. isocaloric) displayed 1.5-h phase-advance of body temperature rhythm, but
      remained mostly nocturnal, together with up-regulated vasopressin and down
      regulated PER1 and PER2 levels in the SCN. Hepatic expression of clock genes
      (Per2, Rev-erbalpha, and Clock) and Fgf21 was, respectively, phase-advanced and
      up-regulated by ultradian feeding. Mice fed with ultradian feeding that lost >10%
      body mass (i.e. hypocaloric) became more diurnal, hypothermic in late night, and
      displayed larger (3.5 h) advance of body temperature rhythm, more reduced PER1
      expression in the SCN, and further modified gene expression in the liver (e.g.
      larger phase-advance of Per2 and up-regulated levels of Pgc-1alpha). While
      glucose rhythmicity was lost under ultradian feeding, the phase of daily rhythms
      in liver glycogen and plasma corticosterone (albeit increased in amplitude)
      remained unchanged. In conclusion, the additional impact of hypocaloric
      conditions on the SCN are mainly due to the metabolic and not the timing effects
      of restricted daytime feeding.

PMID- 27668546
TI  - An abuse-deterrent, microsphere-in-capsule formulation of extended-release
      oxycodone: alternative modes of administration to facilitate pain management in
      patients with dysphagia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic pain may experience difficulty swallowing, in
      part due to worsening disease, comorbid conditions, iatrogenic etiology, or age.
      Patients or caregivers may manipulate extended-release (ER) opioid formulations
      to facilitate oral dosing due to a lack of therapeutic options that allow for
      sprinkle or enteral feeding tube administration. If crushed or broken, current
      oral ER opioids can be associated with adverse sequelae, including risk of
      potentially fatal overdose. OBJECTIVE: To review the safety, in vitro dissolution
      data, and in vivo pharmacokinetic data that support alternative modes of
      administration of oxycodone DETERx (Xtampza ER) via sprinkling onto soft foods
      for oral ingestion or via enteral feeding tubes. METHODS: A review of oxycodone
      DETERx data from in vitro and in vivo studies was conducted to demonstrate
      support for alternative routes and modes of administration. RESULTS: There was no
      difference in the dissolution profile when administered with various soft foods
      or when mixed with various liquid vehicles and administered via nasogastric (NG)
      or gastrostomy (G) tubes, based on in vitro studies. When sprinkled onto
      applesauce and administered orally, the microspheres were bioequivalent to the
      intact oxycodone capsules. When crushed or chewed, the formulation maintained its
      pharmacokinetic profile; no bolus dose of opioid was released. The sprinkle-dose
      study was limited by the single-dose study design, as well as the small sample
      size. CONCLUSIONS: Oxycodone DETERx is the first ER oxycodone formulation that
      can be administered either intact, sprinkled onto soft foods, or via NG/G tubes,
      thereby providing options for treating pain in patients who have difficulty
      swallowing.

PMID- 27668548
TI  - Development of a measure to evaluate gains among spanish dementia caregivers: The
      gains associated with caregiving (GAC) scale.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The study is aimed at developing a new measure devised to evaluate
      gains associated with caregiving for a person with dementia. METHODS: We
      conducted two studies with Spanish informal caregivers. In Study 1 a total of 152
      participants responded to a preliminary set of 62 items referred to gains related
      with caregiving. After exploring their psychometric properties, we studied its
      factor structure, concurrent validity, and internal consistency reliability by
      means of, respectively, an exploratory factor analysis (EFA), its correlation
      with the similar measures, and Cronbach's alpha coefficients. In Study 2 we
      undertook a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to obtain further evidence
      regarding the scale dimensionality and we studied its construct validity by
      calculating its correlations with the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), the Geriatric
      Depression Scale - Short Form (GDS-SF), and the Satisfaction With Life Scale
      (SWLS). RESULTS: The final version of the Gains Associated with Caregiving (GAC)
      scale comprised 22 items, all of which seemed to belong to the same factor
      according to both the EFA and the CFA. The correlation between the GAC scale and
      similar measures was statistically significant and strong, and the Cronbach's
      alpha coefficient was 0.95. Statistically significant correlations in the
      expected direction were found between the GAC and the ZBI, the GDS-SF, and the
      SWLS. CONCLUSIONS: The high internal consistency of the GAC scale, and its
      adequate concurrent and construct validity suggest that it is a suitable
      instrument for evaluating gains among Spanish informal dementia caregivers.

PMID- 27668549
TI  - Salivary estradiol as a surrogate marker for serum estradiol in assisted
      reproduction treatment.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Controlled ovarian hyper-stimulation for in vitro fertilization or
      intra cytoplasmatic sperm injection necessitates close monitoring using
      ultrasound and estradiol measurements. Monitoring is also important to prevent or
      limit the severity of ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome, an iatrogenic and
      potentially life-threatening complication. Self-operated endovaginal
      telemonitoring has been shown to offer an attractive and less costly alternative
      to classic consultation and saliva estradiol measurements could be a stress-free
      and practical alternative to serial blood determinations. Objectives were to
      evaluate whether saliva can be a surrogate marker for serum estradiol and its
      potential applicability in assisted reproduction treatment monitoring. MATERIAL
      AND METHODS: Serial blood and saliva samples were collected from 31 patients
      undergoing ovarian hyper-stimulation. All patients were followed-up using in
      house serial vaginal sonograms and immunoassay serum estradiol measurements.
      Afterwards estradiol was determined in saliva and serum by LC-MS/MS. For a subset
      equilibrium dialysis and measurement of free serum estradiol was performed.
      RESULTS: About 1% of estradiol is present in serum in its free, unbound, form.
      Salivary estradiol correlates well to both serum free estradiol and serum total
      estradiol (r=0.80). The concentration of salivary estradiol corresponds to the
      unbound concentration in serum. The dynamics observed in serum monitoring during
      treatment are closely mimicked in saliva. ROC analysis on the current limited
      dataset suggested a saliva cut-off of 22pg/mL (81pmol/L) could help predict risk
      for OHSS. CONCLUSIONS: Salivary E2 can be considered a surrogate marker for free
      serum estradiol and total serum estradiol in assisted reproduction treatment.
      Additionally there might be a role as a prediction marker for OHSS although this
      finding has to be validated in larger datasets.

PMID- 27668550
TI  - Analytical investigation of Mudejar polychrome on the carpentry in the Casa de
      Pilatos palace in Seville using non-destructive XRF and complementary techniques.
AB  - The pigments, execution technique and repainting used on the polychrome wood
      ceilings and doors in the Casa de Pilatos (Seville, Spain) were studied using
      portable X-ray fluorescence equipment. Cross-sections of small samples were also
      analysed by optical microscopy, SEM with EDX analysis, micro-Raman and micro
      infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. These carpentry works are
      magnificent examples of the Mudejar art made in Spain in the early 16th century.
      Portable X-ray fluorescence gave good information on the different components of
      the polychrome. The SEM-EDX study of the surfaces of small samples gave
      information on their components and also characterized the compounds that had
      been deposited or formed by environmental contamination or by the alteration of
      some pigments. The SEM-EDX study of cross-sections facilitated the
      characterization of all layers and pigments from the support to the most external
      layer. The following pigments were characterized: red (cinnabar/vermillion, lead
      oxide, iron oxides and orpiment/realgar), black (carbon black), white (white lead
      and titanium barium white), yellow-orange-red-brown (orpiment/realgar and iron
      oxides), green (chromium oxide), blue (indigo blue and ultramarine blue), and
      gilding (gold leaf on bole). False gold, bronze and brass were also found. The
      pigments were applied with the oil painting technique over a support layer that
      had been primed with animal glue. This support layer was gypsum in some cases and
      white lead in others. This study is essential to the polychrome conservation of
      the studied artwork, and it will help clarify uncertainties in the history and
      painting of Mudejar art.

PMID- 27668552
TI  - Management of traumatic blunt IVC injury.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Injuries to the inferior vena cava (IVC) secondary to blunt trauma
      are rare and occurs in less than 1% of all blunt trauma patients. Mortality rates
      for IVC injuries reported in the literature range from 34% to 70%. Inferior vena
      cava (IVC) pseudoaneurysms resulting from these injuries are also rare clinical
      entities with an uncertain natural history due to limited follow-up information.
      CASE PRESENTATION: This case report describes a 23-year-old woman with traumatic
      IVC dissection resulting in pseudoaneurysms. It also details our treatment plan,
      with follow-up through radiographic resolution of the pseudoaneurysms.
      DISCUSSION: Due to rarity of these injuries, management of these injuries has not
      been subjected to major studies, but several case reports and small retrospective
      studies have demonstrated that management can be tailored to the hemodynamic
      status of the patient. Stable patients whose injuries have achieved local venous
      tamponade have been successfully treated without surgical intervention, while
      unstable patients require operative management. CONCLUSION: Of all incoming
      patients, IVC injuries are highly fatal with mortality rates between 70 and 90%.
      Management of these injuries should be tailored based on hemodynamic stability of
      such patients.

PMID- 27668551
TI  - Association of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor Val66Met polymorphism with
      negative symptoms severity, but not cognitive function, in first-episode
      schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: A functional polymorphism of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor
      gene (BDNF) Val66Met has been associated with cognitive function and symptom
      severity in patients with schizophrenia. It has been suggested that the Val66Met
      polymorphism has a role as a modulator in a range of clinical features of the
      illness, including symptoms severity, therapeutic responsiveness, age of onset,
      brain morphology and cognitive function. However, little work has been done in
      first-episode schizophrenia (FES) spectrum disorders. The objective of this study
      is to investigate the association of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism on cognitive
      function and clinical symptomatology in FES patients. METHODS: Using a cross
      sectional design in a cohort of 204 patients with FES or a schizophrenia spectrum
      disorder and 204 healthy matched controls, we performed BDNF Val66Met genotyping
      and tested its relationship with cognitive testing (attention, working memory,
      learning/verbal memory and reasoning/problem-solving) and assessment of clinical
      symptom severity. RESULTS: There was no significant influence of the BDNF allele
      frequency on cognitive factor scores in either patients or controls. An augmented
      severity of negative symptoms was found in FES patients that carried the Met
      allele. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that in patients with a
      first-episode of schizophrenia or a schizophrenia spectrum disorder, the BDNF
      Val66Met polymorphism does not exert an influence on cognitive functioning, but
      is associated with negative symptoms severity. BDNF may serve as suitable marker
      of negative symptomatology severity in FES patients within the schizophrenia
      spectrum.

PMID- 27668553
TI  - Aquaporin 4 Antibody in the Korean Patient with New-Onset Optic Neuritis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence of aquaporin 4 antibody (AQP4-Ab) in new
      onset optic neuritis patients and investigate the characteristics of seropositive
      patients. METHODS: Thirty-six women and six men with new-onset isolated optic
      neuritis were included in this study between January 2013 and December 2014. AQP4
      Ab was detected and all blood samples were obtained prior to treatment and within
      one week from attack. The patients were sub-grouped into either a seropositive
      group or a seronegative group according to AQP4-Ab. Differences in age, gender,
      initial visual acuity, and final visual acuity between groups were analyzed.
      RESULTS: Six (14.3%) of these patients (five women and one man) exhibited AQP4
      Ab. There was no significant difference in mean age between study groups
      (positive group: 38.7 +/- 11.5 years, negative group: 42.3 +/- 14.7 years,
      P=0.548). Bilateral simultaneous involvement was more common in seropositive
      patients than in seronegative patients (occurred in two out of six seropositive
      patients and in one out of 36 seronegative patients, P = 0.007). With regards to
      poor visual outcome (worse than 1.0 LogMAR), seropositive patients exhibited more
      severe visual loss than seronegative patients. None of the seropositive patients
      exhibited myelitis symptoms during the follow-up period (mean follow-up period: 8
      32 months). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of AQP4 antibody was often detected in new
      onset optic neuritis patients. In patients with bilateral involvement or poor
      initial visual acuity, the AQP4 antibody test should be considered.

PMID- 27668554
TI  - Pharmaceutical applications of affinity-ultrafiltration mass spectrometry: Recent
      advances and future prospects.
AB  - The immunoaffinity of protein with ligand is broadly involved in many
      bioanalytical methods. Affinity-ultrafiltration mass spectrometry (AUF-MS), a
      platform based on interaction of protein-ligand affinity, has been developed to
      fish out interesting molecules from complex matrixes. Here we reviewed the basics
      of AUF-MS and its recent applications to pharmaceutical field, i.e. target
      oriented discovery of lead compounds from combinatorial libraries and natural
      product extracts, and determination of free drug concentration in biosamples.
      Selected practical examples were highlighted to illustrate the advances of AUF-MS
      in pharmaceutical fields. The future prospects were also presented.

PMID- 27668559
TI  - The GRACE Checklist: A Validated Assessment Tool for High Quality Observational
      Studies of Comparative Effectiveness.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recognizing the growing need for robust evidence about treatment
      effectiveness in real-world populations, the Good Research for Comparative
      Effectiveness (GRACE) guidelines have been developed for noninterventional
      studies of comparative effectiveness to determine which studies are sufficiently
      rigorous to be reliable enough for use in health technology assessments.
      OBJECTIVE: To evaluate which aspects of the GRACE Checklist contribute most
      strongly to recognition of quality. METHODS: We assembled 28 observational
      comparative effectiveness articles published from 2001 to 2010 that compared
      treatment effectiveness and/or safety of drugs, medical devices, and medical
      procedures. Twenty-two volunteers from academia, pharmaceutical companies, and
      government agencies applied the GRACE Checklist to those articles, providing 56
      assessments. Ten senior academic and industry experts provided assessments of
      overall article quality for the purpose of decision support. We also rated each
      article based on the number of annual citations and impact factor of the journal
      in which the article was published. To identify checklist items that were most
      predictive of quality, classification and regression tree (CART) analysis, a
      binary, recursive, partitioning methodology, was used to create 3 decision trees,
      which compared the 56 article assessments with 3 external quality outcomes: (1)
      expert assessment of overall quality, (2) citation frequency, and (3) impact
      factor. A fourth tree looked at the composite outcome of all 3 quality
      indicators. RESULTS: The best predictors of quality included the following: use
      of concurrent comparators, limiting the study to new initiators of the study
      drug, equivalent measurement of outcomes in study groups, collecting data on most
      if not all known confounders or effect modifiers, accounting for immortal time
      bias in the analysis, and use of sensitivity analyses to test how much effect
      estimates depended on various assumptions. Only sensitivity analyses appeared
      consistently as a predictor of quality in all 4 trees. When a composite outcome
      of the 3 quality measures was used, the GRACE Checklist showed high sensitivity
      and specificity (71.43% and 80.95%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The GRACE
      Checklist stands out from other consensus-driven and expert guidance documents
      because of its extensive validation efforts. This most recent work shows that the
      checklist has strong sensitivity and specificity, increasing its utility as a
      screening tool to identify high-quality observational comparative effectiveness
      research worthy of in-depth review and applicability for decision support.
      DISCLOSURES: No outside funding supported this research. All authors are full
      time employees of Quintiles, which provides research and consulting services to
      the biopharmaceutical industry. The authors have no other disclosures to report.
      Two of the 3 CART trees were presented at the International Society of
      Pharmacepidemiology in 2015 ("Article Citations per Year" and "Journal Impact
      Factor"). The original validation study was published in the March 2014 issue of
      the Journal of Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy. The checklist questions and
      scoring were included using a table that was originally published by this journal
      in 2014. Study concept and design were primarily contributed by Dreyer and
      Velentgas, along with Bryant. Bryant took the lead in data collection and
      analysis, along with Dreyer and Velentgas, and data interpretation was performed
      by Dreyer, Velentgas, and Bryant. The manuscript was written and revised
      primarily by Dreyer, along with Bryant and Velentgas.

PMID- 27668560
TI  - The Central Role of Physician Leadership for Driving Change in Value-Based Care
      Environments.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In 2013, it was reported that about 1 of every 3 U.S. adults has
      hypertension. Of these 70 million individuals, approximately 50% have their blood
      pressure under control. Achieving hypertension control, especially in at-risk
      populations, requires a multipronged approach that includes lifestyle
      modifications and pharmacological treatment. As provider groups, hospital
      systems, and integrated delivery networks optimize their care processes to
      promote population health activities in support of the accountable care
      organization (ACO) model of care, managing hypertension and other chronic
      diseases will be essential to their success. A critical aspect of managing
      populations in an ACO environment is optimization of care processes among
      providers to increase care efficiency and improve patient outcomes. PROGRAM
      DESCRIPTION: Launched in 2013, Measure Up/Pressure Down is a 3-year campaign
      developed by the American Medical Group Foundation (AMGF) to reduce the burden of
      high blood pressure. The goal of the campaign is for participating medical
      groups, health systems, and other organized systems of care to achieve
      hypertension control for 80% of their patients with high blood pressure by 2016,
      according to national standards. The role of physician leadership at Cornerstone
      Health Care (CHC) and Summit Medical Group (SMG) in facilitating organizational
      change to improve hypertension management through the implementation of the
      Measure Up/Pressure Down national hypertension campaign is examined.
      OBSERVATIONS: Using patient stratification via its electronic health record, SMG
      identified 16,000 patients with hypertension. The baseline percentage of
      hypertension control for this patient population was 66%. Within 7 months, SMG
      was able to meet the 80% goal set forth by the AMGF's Measure Up/Pressure Down
      campaign. CHC diagnosed 25,312 patients with hypertension. The baseline
      percentage of hypertension control for this subgroup of patients was 51.5% when
      the initiative was first implemented. To date, the organization has achieved 72%
      hypertension control for at-risk patients and continues work towards the 80%
      campaign goal. The implementation of the Measure Up/Pressure Down campaign by CHC
      and SMG provides some valuable lessons. To further explore important aspects of
      successfully implementing the Measure Up/Pressure Down campaign in real-world
      settings, 6 key themes were identified that drove quality improvement and may be
      helpful to other organizations that implement similar quality improvement
      initiatives: (1) transitioning to value-based payments, (2) creating an
      environment for success, (3) leveraging program champions, (4) sharing quality
      data, (5) promoting care team collaboration, and (6) leveraging health
      information technology. IMPLICATIONS: The strategies employed by SMG and CHC,
      such as leveraging data analysis to identify at-risk patients and comparing
      physician performance, as well as identifying leaders to institute change, can be
      replicated by an ACO or a managed care organization (MCO). An MCO can provide
      data analysis services, sparing the provider groups the analytic burden and
      helping the MCO build a more meaningful relationship with their providers.
      DISCLOSURES: No outside funding supported this project. The authors declare no
      conflicts of interest. The authors are members of the Working Group on Optimizing
      Medication Therapy in Value-Based Healthcare. Odgen is employed by Cornerstone
      Health Care; Brenner is employed by Summit Medical Group; and Penso is employed
      by American Medical Group Association. Lustig, Westrich, and Dubois are employed
      by the National Pharmaceutical Council, an industry-funded health policy research
      organization that is not involved in lobbying or advocacy. Study concept and
      design were contributed by Lustig, Penso, Westrich, and Dubois. Lustig, Ogden,
      Brenner, and Penso collected the data, and data interpretation was performed by
      all authors. The manuscript was written primarily by Lustig, along with the other
      authors, and revised by Lustig, Penso, Westrich, and Dubois, assisted by Ogden
      and Brenner.

PMID- 27668561
TI  - Quality Assessment of Medical Apps that Target Medication-Related Problems.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The advent of smartphones has enabled a plethora of medical apps for
      disease management. As of 2012, there are 40,000 health care-related mobile apps
      available in the market. Since most of these medical apps do not go through any
      stringent quality assessment, there is a risk of consumers being misinformed or
      misled by unreliable information. In this regard, apps that target medication
      related problems (MRPs) are not an exception. There is little information on what
      constitutes quality in apps that target MRPs and how good the existing apps are.
      OBJECTIVE: To develop a quality assessment tool for evaluating apps that target
      MRPs and assess the quality of such apps available in the major mobile app stores
      (iTunes and Google Play). METHODS: The top 100 free and paid apps in the medical
      categories of iTunes and Google Play stores (total of 400 apps) were screened for
      inclusion in the final analysis. English language apps that targeted MRPs were
      downloaded on test devices to evaluate their quality. Apps intended for
      clinicians, patients, or both were eligible for evaluation. The quality
      assessment tool consisted of 4 sections (appropriateness, reliability, usability,
      privacy), which determined the overall quality of the apps. Apps that fulfilled
      the inclusion criteria were classified based on the presence of any 1 or more of
      the 5 features considered important for apps targeting MRPs (monitoring,
      interaction checker, dose calculator, medication information, medication record).
      Descriptive statistics and Mann-Whitney tests were used for analysis. RESULTS:
      Final analysis was based on 59 apps that fulfilled the study inclusion criteria.
      Apps with interaction checker (66.9%) and monitoring features (54.8%) had the
      highest and lowest overall qualities. Paid apps generally scored higher for
      usability than free apps (P = 0.006) but lower for privacy (P = 0.003). Half of
      the interaction checker apps were unable to detect interactions with herbal
      medications. Blood pressure and heart rate monitoring apps had the highest
      overall quality scores (67.7%), while apps that monitored visual, hearing, and
      temperature changes scored the lowest (35.5%). CONCLUSIONS: A quality assessment
      tool for evaluating medical apps targeting MRPs has been developed. Clinicians
      can use this tool to guide their assessments of medical apps that are appropriate
      for use in the health care setting. Although potentially useful apps were
      identified, many apps were found to have deficiencies in quality, among which was
      poor reliability scores for most of the apps. Continued assessments of the
      quality of apps targeting MRPs are recommended to ensure their usefulness for
      clinicians and patients. DISCLOSURES: No outside funding supported this study.
      The authors have no conflicts of interests directly related to this study. Study
      concept and design were contributed by Loy and Yap. Loy collected the data and
      took the lead in data interpretation, along with Ali and Yap. The manuscript was
      primarily written by Loy, along with Yap, and revised primarily by Ali, along
      with Yap.

PMID- 27668562
TI  - Estimating Generic Drug Use with Electronic Health Records Data from a Health
      Care Delivery System: Implications for Quality Improvement and Research.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Generic drug use in the outpatient setting is typically measured with
      adjudicated pharmacy claims; however, not all delivery systems have access to
      these data for their clinical populations. OBJECTIVE: To develop an algorithm to
      estimate generic drug use in an outpatient setting using electronic health
      records (EHR) data. METHODS: Twenty-five therapeutic classes were chosen with the
      potential for low generic use that were prescribed to managed care beneficiaries
      in a health care system in Northern California. An algorithm was developed to
      estimate generic drug use based on medication names and dispense-as-written
      requests from electronic prescriptions, as well as information on generic
      availability at the time the prescriptions were written. The algorithm was used
      to quantify a generic utilization rate (GUR) across therapeutic classes and was
      validated by comparing the estimated GUR to the true GUR, using pharmacy claims
      corresponding to prescriptions in the same patient cohort. RESULTS: Among managed
      care beneficiaries, 104,859 prescriptions were identified for drugs in the
      therapeutic classes of interest with corresponding pharmacy claims. The algorithm
      estimated a GUR of 73.7% across 25 unique classes. The actual GUR based on
      pharmacy claims was 73.1%. Sensitivity (97%) and specificity (89%) of the
      algorithm were high, and total percentage of agreement was 95%. CONCLUSIONS: An
      algorithm that estimates generic drug use performed well in a population of
      managed care beneficiaries. Health care delivery systems may apply methods
      described in this article to quantify generic drug use in their ambulatory
      populations for quality improvement and research initiatives, particularly when
      pharmacy claims are unavailable. DISCLOSURES: This study was funded by a grant
      from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in cooperative agreement with the
      Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and the Palo Alto Medical Foundation Research
      Institute (1U01FD005267-01). Romanelli has received research grant support from
      Pfizer and Janssen Scientific Affairs. Authors have no other conflicts to
      disclose. Romanelli and Segal contributed the study concept and design. Nimbal
      took the lead in data collection, assisted by Romanelli. All authors were
      involved with data interpretation and revision of the manuscript. The manuscript
      was written by Romanelli and Nimbal.

PMID- 27668563
TI  - Financial Hardship from Purchasing Medications for Senior Citizens Before and
      After the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 and the Patient Protection and
      Affordable Care Act of 2010: Findings from 1998, 2001, and 2015.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 (Medicare Part D) added
      prescription drug coverage for senior citizens aged 65 years and older and
      applied managed care approaches to contain costs. The Patient Protection and
      Affordable Care Act of 2010 (ACA) had the goals of expanding health care
      insurance coverage and slowing growth in health care expenditures. OBJECTIVES: To
      (a) describe the proportion of senior citizens who had prescription drug
      insurance coverage and the proportion who experienced financial hardship from
      purchasing medications in 2015, and (b) compare the findings with those collected
      in 1998 and 2001. METHODS: Data were obtained in 1998 and 2001 via surveys mailed
      to national random samples of seniors. Of 2,434 deliverable surveys, 946 (39%)
      were returned, and 700 (29%) provided usable data. Data were collected in 2015
      via an online survey sent to a national sample of adults. Of 26,173 usable
      responses, 3,933 were aged 65 years or older. Descriptive statistics and logistic
      regression analyses described relationships among study variables. RESULTS:
      Results showed that the proportion of seniors without prescription coverage was
      9% in 2015, a decrease from 29% in 2001 and 32% in 1998. The proportion of senior
      citizens reporting financial hardship from medication purchases was 36% in 2015,
      a rise from 31% in 2001 and 19% in 1998. For those without prescription drug
      coverage, 34%, 55%, and 49% reported financial hardship in 1998, 2001, and 2015,
      respectively. For those with drug coverage, 12%, 22%, and 35% reported financial
      hardship in 1998, 2001, and 2015, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: After implementation
      of Medicare Part D and the ACA, the proportion of seniors without prescription
      drug coverage decreased. However, self-reported financial hardship from
      purchasing medications increased. Senior citizens with prescription drug
      insurance may be experiencing financial hardship from increasing out-of-pocket
      costs for insurance premiums, cost sharing, and full-cost obligation for some
      medications. DISCLOSURES: Funding was provided by the American Association of
      Colleges of Pharmacy New Investigator Program, the University of Minnesota Grant
      in-Aid of Research Program, and the Peters Endowment for Pharmacy Practice
      Innovation. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. Schommer, Mott,
      and Brown contributed to study design and collected the data, with assistance
      from Olson. Data interpretation was performed by Olson, Schommer, Mott, and
      Brown. The manuscript was written and revised by Olson, Schommer, Mott, and
      Brown.

PMID- 27668564
TI  - Overview of Comprehensive Hepatitis C Virus Medication Management in a State
      Medicaid Program.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Breakthrough direct-acting antivirals set a new standard in the
      management of hepatitis C virus (HCV) with regard to cure rates and improved
      tolerability; however, the health care system is challenged by the cost of these
      medications. OBJECTIVE: To describe the effect of a comprehensive HCV medication
      management program on optimized regimen use, prior authorization (PA)
      modifications, and medication cost avoidance in a state Medicaid program.
      METHODS: This program consists of a 2-tiered prescriber outreach: (1) regimen
      outreach to promote optimized regimen selection and (2) refill outreach to
      support medication adherence. PA criteria were developed to identify optimized
      regimens, taking into account member- and virus-specific factors as well as cost.
      Prescriber outreach was conducted to recommend the use of an optimized regimen as
      applicable. Successful regimen outreach was defined as the number of members for
      whom a recommendation was accepted. A refill report identified members without a
      subsequent paid HCV medication claim within 25 days of the previous claim and
      outreach to the prescriber's office was performed. The outcome measure for refill
      outreach was the number and type of PA modifications made secondary to outreach
      (closure or extension). Cost avoidance was calculated for members who completed
      treatment with an optimized regimen. Return on investment (ROI) was calculated
      for the program. RESULTS: Between December 18, 2013, and January 31, 2015, 911
      members had PA requests approved for simeprevir, sofosbuvir, or ledipasvir/
      sofosbuvir. Of these members, 223 (24.5%) met the criteria for regimen outreach.
      Pharmacist interventions to treat with an optimized regimen were accepted for 135
      members (60.5%). Following implementation of prescriber outreach to promote
      refills, between March 10, 2014, and January 31, 2015, offices were informed of
      an upcoming refill for 515 members. As a result of outreach, 19.6% of members had
      a subsequent PA modification. Sixty-nine approved PAs (for 68 members) were
      closed after correspondence with the prescriber, and 33 approved PAs (for 33
      members) were extended. The total projected cost avoidance was $3,770,097. The
      comprehensive HCV medication management program demonstrated an ROI of $10.28 for
      every $1 spent. CONCLUSIONS: A comprehensive HCV medication management program
      can help contain costs while ensuring that members have access to most clinically
      appropriate regimens. DISCLOSURES: No outside funding supported this study.
      Lavitas reports personal fees and nonfinancial support from University of
      Tennessee, Advanced Studies in Medicine and grant funding from Bristol-Myers
      Squibb, outside the submitted work. All other authors report no conflicts of
      interest. The poster "Overview of a Hepatitis C Medication Monitoring Program in
      a State Medicaid Program" was presented October 8, 2014, by Lavitas at the AMCP
      Nexus 2014 meeting in Boston, Massachusetts. A program update was presented at
      the 2015 American Drug Utilization Review Society Meeting on February 27, 2015.
      Study concept and design were contributed by Price, Lenz, and Jeffrey, with
      assistance from Lavitas, Tesell, and Hydery. Lavitas, Tesell, and Hydery
      collected the data, assisted by Price, Lenz, and Jeffrey, and data interpretation
      was performed by all authors. The manuscript was written by Greenwood, Lavitas,
      Tesell, and Hydery, with assistance from the other authors, and was revised by
      all authors.

PMID- 27668565
TI  - Impact of Pharmacy Intervention on Prior Authorization Success and Efficiency at
      a University Medical Center.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prior authorizations (PAs) may improve appropriate use of
      prescription medications. Despite potential savings for health insurance plans,
      the PA process is time consuming for the ordering provider, pharmacy, and
      patient. The UC Davis Health System (UCDHS) has created a centralized pharmacy
      run clinic PA process. OBJECTIVE: To compare the mean PA processing time between
      the new centralized clinic and usual care and provide secondary endpoints for PA
      approval rates, time to prescription fill, time to prescription pick-up, total
      staff time, and estimated labor costs. METHODS: This is a prospective
      observational study comparing sequential PA requests at the UCDHS centralized
      clinic (intervention) and other UCDHS clinics (usual care) between January 1,
      2014, and December 31, 2014. The Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test was used to compare
      dichotomous outcomes (approval/denial rates) between the 2 groups, controlling
      for insurance type. A generalized linear model was applied for comparing the
      continuous outcomes (PA process time, time to first fill, time to pick-up, and
      cost) with insurance type as covariate. RESULTS: For the intervention group, 47
      PAs were evaluated, and 77 PAs were evaluated in the usual care group. The
      average PA process time was 0.53 days for the intervention group versus 7.02 days
      for usual care (P < 0.001), and the PA approval rate was 93% for the intervention
      group versus 68% for usual care (P < 0.002). The mean time to fill was 2.49 days
      and 5.52 days for the intervention and usual care clinics, respectively (P =
      0.02). The pick-up percentage was 75% versus 52% for intervention and usual care,
      respectively (P < 0.001). The intervention clinic spent a significantly lower
      mean time processing PAs (15 minutes vs. 64 minutes) compared with the usual care
      clinics (P < 0.001). It is estimated that the mean total labor cost per PA at the
      intervention clinic was $11.50 compared with $37.50 for the usual care clinics (P
      < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacy-led interventions in PA processing resulted in a
      statistically significant benefit in improving time to PA approval, time to first
      fill, and time to pick-up. DISCLOSURES: No outside funding supported this study.
      The authors report no conflicting interests. Melnikow and Cutler contributed the
      study concept and design, with assistance from the other authors. Lester, Barca,
      and She collected the data, and Xin performed all statistical analysis. Cutler
      was the major contributor to manuscript preparation, with assistance from the
      other authors.

PMID- 27668566
TI  - Variation in Private Payer Coverage of Rheumatoid Arthritis Drugs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Payers in the United States issue coverage determinations to guide
      how their enrolled beneficiaries use prescription drugs. Because payers create
      their own coverage policies, how they cover drugs can vary, which in turn can
      affect access to care by beneficiaries. OBJECTIVE: To examine how the largest
      private payers based on membership cover drugs indicated for rheumatoid arthritis
      and to determine what evidence the payers reported reviewing when formulating
      their coverage policies. METHODS: Coverage policies issued by the 10 largest
      private payers that make their policies publicly available were identified for
      rheumatoid arthritis drugs. Each coverage determination was compared with the
      drug's corresponding FDA label and categorized according to the following: (a)
      consistent with the label, (b) more restrictive than the label, (c) less
      restrictive than the label, or (d) mixed (i.e., more restrictive than the label
      in one way but less restrictive in another). Each coverage determination was also
      compared with the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 2012 treatment
      recommendations and categorized using the same relative restrictiveness criteria.
      The policies were then reviewed to identify the evidence that the payers reported
      reviewing. The identified evidence was divided into the following 6 categories:
      randomized controlled trials; other clinical studies (e.g., observational
      studies); health technology assessments; clinical reviews; cost-effectiveness
      analyses; and clinical guidelines. RESULTS: Sixty-nine percent of coverage
      determinations were more restrictive than the corresponding FDA label; 15% were
      consistent; 3% were less restrictive; and 13% were mixed. Thirty-four percent of
      coverage determinations were consistent with the ACR recommendations, 33% were
      more restrictive; 17% were less restrictive; and 17% were mixed. Payers most
      often reported reviewing randomized controlled trials for their coverage policies
      (an average of 2.3 per policy). The payers reported reviewing an average of 1.4
      clinical guidelines, 1.1 clinical reviews, 0.8 other clinical studies, and 0.5
      technology assessments per policy. Only 1 payer reported reviewing cost
      effectiveness analyses. The evidence base that the payers reported reviewing
      varied in terms of volume and composition. CONCLUSIONS: Payers most often covered
      rheumatoid arthritis drugs more restrictively than the corresponding FDA label
      indication and the ACR treatment recommendations. Payers reported reviewing a
      varied evidence base in their coverage policies. DISCLOSURES: Funding for this
      study was provided by Genentech. Chambers has participated in a Sanofi advisory
      board, unrelated to this study. The authors report no other potential conflicts
      of interest. Study concept and design were contributed by Chambers. Anderson,
      Wilkinson, and Chenoweth collected the data, assisted by Chambers, and data
      interpretation was primarily performed by Chambers, along with Anderson and with
      assistance from Wilkinson and Chenoweth. The manuscript was written primarily by
      Chambers, along with Wilkinson and with assistance from Anderson and Chenoweth.
      Chambers, Chenoweth, Wilkinson, and Anderson revised the manuscript.

PMID- 27668567
TI  - Predictors of Appropriate Pharmacotherapy Management of COPD Exacerbations and
      Impact on 6-Month Readmission.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Suboptimal treatment of exacerbations is a major concern in
      management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The Pharmacotherapy
      Management of COPD Exacerbation (PCE) Healthcare Effectiveness Data and
      Information Set (HEDIS) measure is a quality measure included by the National
      Committee for Quality Assurance that focuses on appropriate use of steroids and
      bronchodilators during an acute COPD exacerbation. There is limited evidence
      evaluating predictors of this quality measure, as well as its association with
      hospital readmission and cost outcomes. OBJECTIVES: To (a) describe
      characteristics of patients hospitalized for COPD, (b) evaluate factors
      associated with appropriate receipt of pharmacotherapy upon discharge, and (c)
      evaluate factors associated with the rate of readmission. METHODS: In this
      retrospective, observational, event-based study of COPD-related hospital and ED
      visits, events were identified between 2007 and 2013 from a Central Texas health
      plan using administrative claims data. The index date was defined as the date of
      admission. Subjects were included if they were aged >= 40 years and had a medical
      claim with a primary diagnosis for COPD or a pharmacy claim for a COPD
      maintenance medication during the 1-year pre-index period. Study groups were
      identified based on the receipt of PCE within the time frame specified by HEDIS:
      (a) a systemic corticosteroid within 14 days of discharge (PCE-C) or (b) a
      bronchodilator within 30 days of discharge (PCE-D). Bivariate analyses of
      potential factors associated with the receipt of PCE were performed using t-tests
      for continuous data and chi-square tests for categorical data. Generalized
      estimating equations, including significant predictors from the bivariate
      analyses, were used to determine factors associated with receipt of PCE-C and/or
      PCE-D, as well association with COPD-related and all-cause readmission within 6
      months of discharge. RESULTS: Of 375 identified index admissions, 254 (68%)
      patients received PCE-C; 299 (80%) received PCE-D; and 229 (61%) received both.
      Patients were more likely to receive PCE with an index inpatient visit as
      compared with an ED visit (PCE-C: RR = 2.25, 95% CI = 1.21-4.17, P = 0.010; PCE
      D: RR = 1.90, 95% CI = 1.01-3.58, P = 0.048). Those with previous use of rescue
      medication were also more likely to receive PCE (PCE-C: RR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.12
      3.17, P = 0.018; PCE-D: RR = 2.11, 95% CI = 1.16-3.83, P = 0.014). Patients with
      greater adherence (proportion of days covered [PDC] >= 75%) to COPD maintenance
      medication before admission (RR = 8.67, 95% CI = 1.60-46.78, P = 0.012) were also
      more likely to receive PCE-D. Older patients were more likely to have a COPD
      related readmission (RR = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.01-1.13, P = 0.028), while use of
      maintenance medication before admission was associated with lower risk of an all
      cause readmission (RR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.30-0.79, P = 0.004). In addition,
      patients with higher medical and pharmacy costs before the index event were more
      likely to have all-cause readmission (RR = 1.01, 95% CI = 1.00-1.02, P = 0.013).
      Receipt of PCE was not shown to be a significant predictor of all-cause or COPD
      related readmission. CONCLUSIONS: The use of bronchodilators and systemic
      corticosteroids after a COPD-related inpatient or ED visit may be related to the
      severity of the index COPD exacerbation or patients' previous pattern of
      bronchodilator use. However, the use of maintenance medication before the index
      event was associated with a significant reduction in all-cause readmission, so
      proper treatment of the underlying disease may be an effective strategy in
      reducing readmission. DISCLOSURES: Funding for this study was provided by
      GlaxoSmithKline (HO-14-15081). Tran was a Fellow at Scott & White Health Plan
      (SWHP) during year 1 of this study and a Fellow at Novartis during year 2 of this
      study. Novartis did not have any input in this study nor did it contribute any
      funding or support for this research. Tran, Xiang, Godley, and Stock were
      employed by SWHP at the time of this study. Rascati is employed by the University
      of Texas at Austin and also by the Journal of Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy
      and has received consulting fees from GlaxoSmithKline. Coleman, Bogart, and
      Stanford are GlaxoSmithKline employees and shareholders. Study design was created
      by Rascati, Tran, and Godley, with assistance from Stock, Coleman, Bogart, and
      Stanford. Tran and Xiang collected the data, with data analysis and
      interpretation performed by Stock and Rascati. The manuscript was written by
      Tran, Rascati, and Xiang and revised by Godley, Stock, Coleman, Bogart, and
      Stanford.

PMID- 27668568
TI  - Biopsy Procedures and Molecular Testing Utilization and Related Costs in Patients
      with Metastatic Lung Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutations and anaplastic
      lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene rearrangements are key therapeutic targets for
      biomarker-driven treatment with an EGFR or ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) in
      patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). To appropriately
      guide treatment decisions, since 2011, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network
      and the American Society of Clinical Oncology therefore recommend EGFR and ALK
      analysis in tumor samples obtained at the time of diagnosis in patients with non
      squamous NSCLC. Currently, there are limited data on utilization patterns and
      cost of biopsy procedures and biomarker tests in patients with metastatic NSCLC
      who receive an EGFR or ALK TKI. OBJECTIVES: To (a) describe utilization patterns
      and costs associated with biopsy procedures and biomarker testing in patients
      with NSCLC who received erlotinib or crizotinib between 2009 and 2012 and (b)
      investigate the timing of these procedures relative to the erlotinib or
      crizotinib index date. METHODS: Adult patients with metastatic lung cancer were
      identified by ICD-9-CM diagnostic codes within the Truven Health Analytic
      MarketScan database. Patients were included in the analysis if they had an index
      erlotinib or crizotinib claim between January 1, 2009, and September 30, 2012
      (index period) and were continuously enrolled for >= 12 months before the index
      claim. Because there is no specific ICD-9-CM diagnostic code for NSCLC, patients
      with metastatic lung cancer who received erlotinib or crizotinib were considered
      to have metastatic NSCLC. Using CPT and ICD-9-CM codes, lung biopsy procedures
      performed during the 24 months before or 12 months after the index claim date
      were identified. For every patient, biomarker testing claims for EGFR and ALK
      were identified using the molecular pathology stacked CPT code during the 2
      months before or 1 month after the index date. The frequency of claims for biopsy
      procedures and biomarker testing was analyzed descriptively. The overall summary
      measures for biomarker testing, especially frequency of EGFR testing in patients
      receiving erlotinib, was also described as before and after 2011, the year when
      biomarker testing became part of the guidelines. Per patient and overall costs
      for biopsy procedures and biomarker testing were calculated from payer and
      patient perspectives. RESULTS: Of the 4,926 identified patients, 4,801 (97.5%)
      received erlotinib, and 125 (2.5%) received crizotinib. Biopsy procedure claims
      were identified for 3,579 (72.7%) patients, including 3,503 (73.0%) erlotinib
      recipients and 76 (60.8%) crizotinib recipients. Biomarker testing claims were
      identified for 675 (13.7%) patients, including 634 (13.2%) erlotinib recipients
      and 41 (32.8%) crizotinib recipients. Overall, most biomarker testing procedures
      (476 of 741) were identified in 435 (of 675) patients after year 2011. Also,
      among erlotinib recipients, percentage of patients receiving EGFR testing was
      increased over the index period. Per patient mean (SD) numbers of biopsy
      procedures and biomarker tests were 1.2 (1.1) and 0.2 (0.4), respectively. In the
      outpatient setting, per patient mean (SD) cost per biopsy procedure was $1,223
      ($1,899) from the payer perspective and $60 ($147) from the patient perspective,
      whereas in the inpatient setting, it was $8,163 ($18,712) and $180 ($691),
      respectively. Among patients receiving at least 1 biomarker test, the per patient
      mean (SD) cost for the overall population was $891 ($1,062) and $43 ($229); for
      erlotinib recipients, it was $906 ($1,084) and $42 ($228); and for crizotinib
      recipients, it was $664 ($576) and $55 ($243) in payer and patient perspectives,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides insight into the use and cost of
      biopsy and biomarker testing procedures in patients with metastatic NSCLC. The
      low frequency of biomarker testing highlights the need for more awareness of
      testing to guide treatment decisions in these patients. Costs associated with
      biopsy procedures and biomarker testing provide insight into the economic impact
      on metastatic NSCLC patients treated with targeted therapy. DISCLOSURES: This
      study was sponsored by Merck & Co. Shinde is a study manager working for Merck
      under contract with AllSourcePPS, an Agile 1 company in Huntington Beach,
      California. Cao and Kothari are employees of Merck & Co., Kenilworth, New Jersey.
      Study concept and design were contributed primarily by Shinde and Kothari. Data
      analysis was performed by Cao. Data interpretation was performed by Shinde, Cao,
      and Kothari. Shinde wrote the manuscript with assistance from Cao and Kothari.
      The revision was completed primarily by Shinde and Kothari.

PMID- 27668569
TI  - Comparing Clinical and Economic Outcomes Associated with Early Initiation of
      Combination Therapy of an Alpha Blocker and Dutasteride or Finasteride in Men
      with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in the United States.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common disease in men that is
      characterized by lower urinary tract symptoms. Pharmacologic treatment with alpha
      blockers (ABs) and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5ARIs) is recommended to
      alleviate symptoms, prevent disease progression that can lead to complications,
      and reduce health care costs. OBJECTIVE: To compare clinical, economic, and
      health care resource utilization outcomes among BPH patients treated with early
      continuous combination AB and 5ARI therapy (dutasteride vs. finasteride) using
      administrative claims data from the United States. METHODS: A retrospective
      analysis of administrative claims data from 2003-2013 was conducted to compare
      outcomes between patients with claims for early combination therapy with
      dutasteride + AB and patients with claims for early finasteride + AB. The study
      population included males aged older than 50 years with at least 1 medical claim
      with a diagnosis of BPH and pharmacy dispensing for AB and 5ARI therapies.
      Outcomes included acute urinary retention (AUR), prostate-related surgery,
      clinical progression, medical and pharmacy costs, and health care resource
      utilization. Inverse probability of treatment (IPT) weighted Cox proportional
      hazards, linear, and Poisson regression models were used to assess the
      association between outcomes and early combination therapy as appropriate.
      RESULTS: A total of 2,778 patients were included in the early finasteride + AB
      treatment cohort, and 4,125 patients were included in the early dutasteride + AB
      cohort. Dutasteride users were younger than finasteride users (mean age: 64.8 vs.
      67.5 years, P < 0.001) and had a greater mean number of urologist visits (10.7
      vs. 7.9, P < 0.001) during baseline. After adjusting for confounding using IPT
      weighting, no statistically significant difference was observed between
      dutasteride and finasteride for AUR (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.845, 95% CI = 0.660
      1.070, P = 0.1643), prostate-related surgery (HR = 0.806, 95% CI = 0.568-1.171, P
      = 0.2525), and clinical progression (HR = 0.834, 95% CI = 0.663-1.043, P =
      0.1122). While dutasteride was associated with higher pharmacy costs per month
      (adjusted monthly cost difference = $79, 95% CI = $45-$105), total all-cause
      medical costs were not significantly different between the 2 cohorts (adjusted
      monthly cost difference = -$44, 95% CI = -$110-$22). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical and
      economic outcomes were similar between the early dutasteride + AB and early
      finasteride + AB cohorts, with no statistically significant differences detected.
      DISCLOSURES: Funding for this study was provided by GlaxoSmithKline (HO-14-15325
      and AVO110072). Bell and Swensen are employees of GlaxoSmithKline. DerSarkissian,
      Xiao, Duh, and Lefebvre are employed by Analysis Group, a consulting company that
      received research grants from GlaxoSmithKline to conduct this study. Study
      concept and design were contributed by Bell, Swensen, Lefebvre, and Duh. Bell and
      Duh acquired the data. DerSarkissian and Xiao performed the statistical analysis
      and interpreted the data along with Lefebvre, Duh, and Bell. DerSarkissian and
      Bell drafted the manuscript. All authors contributed equally to critically
      revising the manuscript and providing final approval of the submitted manuscript.

PMID- 27668570
TI  - Plasma inactivation of microorganisms on sprout seeds in a dielectric barrier
      discharge.
AB  - Fresh produce is frequently contaminated by microorganisms, which may lead to
      spoilage or even pose a threat to human health. In particular sprouts are
      considered to be among the most risky foods sold at retail since they are grown
      in an environment practically ideal for growth of bacteria and usually consumed
      raw. Because heat treatment has a detrimental effect on the germination abilities
      of sprout seeds, alternative treatment technologies need to be developed for
      microbial inactivation purposes. In this study, non-thermal plasma
      decontamination of sprout seeds is evaluated as a promising option to enhance
      food safety while maintaining the seed germination capabilities. In detail,
      investigations focus on understanding the efficiency of non-thermal plasma
      inactivation of microorganisms as influenced by the type of microbial
      contamination, substrate surface properties and moisture content, as well as
      variations in the power input to the plasma device. To evaluate the impact of
      these parameters, we studied the reduction of native microbiota or artificially
      applied E. coli on alfalfa, onion, radish and cress seeds exposed to non-thermal
      plasma in an atmospheric pressure pulsed dielectric barrier discharge streamed
      with argon. Plasma treatment resulted in a maximum reduction of 3.4 logarithmic
      units for E. coli on cress seeds. A major challenge in plasma decontamination of
      granular food products turned out to be the complex surface topology, where the
      rough surface with cracks and crevices can shield microorganisms from plasma
      generated reactive species, thus reducing the treatment efficiency. However,
      improvement of the inactivation efficiency was possible by optimizing substrate
      characteristics such as the moisture level and by tuning the power supply
      settings (voltage, frequency) to increase the production of reactive species.
      While the germination ability of alfalfa seeds was considerably decreased by
      harsh plasma treatment, enhanced germination was observed under mild conditions.
      In conclusion, the results from this study indicate that cold plasma treatment
      represents a promising technology for inactivation of bacteria on seeds used for
      sprout production while preserving their germination properties.

PMID- 27668571
TI  - Increased proportions of Tc17 cells and NK cells may be risk factors for disease
      progression in Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
AB  - Both cellular and humoral responses play important roles in the pathogenesis of
      Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). However, the immunological differences between
      euthyroid (mild HT) and hypothyroid (severe HT) patients are unknown. This study
      aimed to investigate the distribution of lymphocyte subsets and cytokine profiles
      in HT patients with differences in thyroid function. Peripheral blood was drawn
      from 18 healthy controls and 54 HT patients (33 patients with mild HT, 21
      patients with severe HT). The percentages of B cell subsets, T cell subsets and
      NK cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. The levels of IL-21 and Bcl-6 mRNA were
      assessed using real-time PCR. The levels of serum IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, TGF-beta,
      IL-4, IL-6, IL-10 and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) were measured by
      ELISA or cytometric bead array. The percentages of double-negative memory B
      cells, plasma cells, Tfh cells and Tc17 cells were higher in HT patients than in
      the healthy controls. The percentages of Tc17 cells and NK cells were higher in
      the patients with severe HT than in the patients with mild HT. The levels of
      serum APRIL, IL-6 and IL-10 were higher in the patients with severe HT than in
      those with mild HT. The percentage of NK cells was positively correlated with TSH
      levels in the HT patients. Our data indicate that the distribution of lymphocyte
      subsets and cytokine profiles is aberrant in HT patients, and the increased
      percentages of Tc17 cells and NK cells and increased cytokine levels might be
      involved in the progression of HT.

PMID- 27668572
TI  - Effects of prolonged vibration to vastus intermedius muscle on force steadiness
      of knee extensor muscles during isometric force-matching task.
AB  - Afferent inputs from Ia fibers in muscle spindles are essential for the control
      of force and prolonged vibration has been applied to muscle-tendon units to
      manipulate the synaptic input from Ia afferents onto alpha-motor neurons. The
      vastus intermedius (VI) reportedly provides the highest contribution to the low
      level knee extension torque among the individual synergists of quadriceps femoris
      (QF). The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of prolonged
      vibration to the VI on force steadiness of the QF. Nine healthy men (25.1+/
      4.3years) performed submaximal force-matching task of isometric knee extension
      for 15s before and after mechanical vibration to the superficial region of VI for
      30min. Target forces were 2.5%, 10%, and 30% of maximal voluntary contraction
      (MVC), and force steadiness was determined by the coefficient of variation (CV)
      of force. After the prolonged VI vibration, the CV of force at 2.5%MVC was
      significantly increased, but CVs at 10% and 30%MVCs were not significantly
      changed. The present study concluded that application of prolonged vibration to
      the VI increased force fluctuations of the QF during a very low-level force
      matching task.

PMID- 27668573
TI  - Validation of a DNA methylation reference panel for the estimation of nucleated
      cells types in cord blood.
AB  - Cord blood is widely used as surrogate tissue in epigenome-wide association
      studies of prenatal conditions. Cell type composition variation across samples
      can be an important confounder of epigenome-wide association studies in blood
      that constitute a mixture of cells. We evaluated a newly developed cord blood
      reference panel to impute cell type composition from DNA methylation levels,
      including nucleated red blood cells (nRBCs). We estimated cell type composition
      from 154 unique cord blood samples with available DNA methylation data as well as
      direct measurements of nucleated cell types. We observed high correlations
      between the estimated and measured composition for nRBCs (r = 0.92, R2 = 0.85),
      lymphocytes (r = 0.77, R2 = 0.58), and granulocytes (r = 0.72, R2 = 0.52), and a
      moderate correlation for monocytes (r = 0.51, R2 = 0.25) as well as relatively
      low root mean square errors from the residuals ranging from 1.4 to 5.4%. These
      results validate the use of the cord blood reference panel and highlight its
      utility and limitations for epidemiological studies.

PMID- 27668576
TI  - Effect of dexmedetomidine hydrochloride on tiletamine hydrochloride-zolazepam
      hydrochloride anesthesia in alpacas.
AB  - OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of IM administration of a tiletamine
      hydrochloride-zolazepam hydrochloride (TZ) combination with either
      dexmedetomidine hydrochloride or saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (SS) on the motor
      response to claw clamping, selected cardiorespiratory variables, and quality of
      recovery from anesthesia in alpacas. ANIMALS 5 adult sexually intact male
      alpacas. PROCEDURES Each alpaca was given the TZ combination (2 mg/kg) with
      dexmedetomidine (5 [D5], 10 [D10], 15 [D15], or 20 [D20] ug/kg) or SS IM at 1
      week intervals (5 experiments); motor response to claw clamping was assessed, and
      characteristics of anesthesia, recovery from anesthesia, and selected
      cardiorespiratory variables were recorded. RESULTS Mean +/- SEM duration of lack
      of motor response to claw clamping was longest when alpacas received treatments
      D15 (30.9 +/- 5.9 minutes) and D20 (40.8 +/- 5.9 minutes). Duration of lateral
      recumbency was significantly longer with dexmedetomidine administration. The
      longest time (81.3 +/- 10.4 minutes) to standing was observed when alpacas
      received treatment D20. Following treatment SS, 4 alpacas moved in response to
      claw clamping at the 5-minute time point. Heart rate decreased from pretreatment
      values in all alpacas when dexmedetomidine was administered. Treatments D10, D15,
      and D20 decreased Pao2, compared with treatment SS, during the first 15 minutes.
      During recovery, muscle stiffness and multiple efforts to regain a sternal
      position were observed in 3 SS-treated and 1 D5-treated alpacas; all other
      recoveries were graded as excellent. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In TZ
      anesthetized alpacas, dexmedetomidine (10, 15, and 20 ug/kg) administered IM
      increased the duration of lack of motor response to claw clamping, compared with
      the effect of SS. 

PMID- 27668577
TI  - Efficacy of intravenous administration of hyaluronan, sodium chondroitin sulfate,
      and N-acetyl-d-glucosamine for prevention or treatment of osteoarthritis in
      horses.
AB  - OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of IV administration of a product containing
      hyaluronan, sodium chondroitin sulfate, and N-acetyl-d-glucosamine for prevention
      or treatment of osteoarthritis in horses. ANIMALS 32 healthy 2- to 5-year-old
      horses. PROCEDURES The study involved 2 portions. To evaluate prophylactic
      efficacy of the test product, horses received 5 mL of the product (n = 8) or
      saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (8; placebo) IV every fifth day, starting on day 0
      (when osteoarthritis was induced in the middle carpal joint of 1 forelimb) and
      ending on day 70. To evaluate treatment efficacy, horses received either the
      product or placebo (n = 8/treatment) on days 16, 23, 30, 37, and 44 after
      osteoarthritis induction. Clinical, diagnostic imaging, synovial fluid, gross
      anatomic, and histologic evaluations and other tests were performed. Results of
      each study portion were compared between treatment groups. RESULTS Limb flexion
      and radiographic findings were significantly worse for horses that received the
      test product in the prophylactic efficacy portion than for placebo-treated horses
      or product-treated horses in the treatment efficacy portion. In the prophylactic
      efficacy portion, significantly less articular cartilage erosion was identified
      in product-treated versus placebo-treated horses. In the treatment efficacy
      portion, joints of product-treated horses had a greater degree of bone edema
      identified via MRI than did joints of placebo-treated horses but fewer
      microscopic articular cartilage abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE
      Results suggested that caution should be used when administering the evaluated
      product IV to horses, particularly when administering it prophylactically, as it
      may have no benefit or may even cause harm. 

PMID- 27668578
TI  - In vitro biomechanical evaluation of four surgical techniques for fusion of
      equine centrodistal and tarsometatarsal joints.
AB  - OBJECTIVE To evaluate the biomechanical properties of 4 methods for fusion of the
      centrodistal and tarsometatarsal joints in horses and compare them among each
      other and with control tarsi. SAMPLE 24 sets of paired tarsi without substantial
      signs of osteoarthritis harvested from equine cadavers. PROCEDURES Test
      constructs (n = 6/type) were prepared from 1 tarsus from each pair to represent
      surgical drilling; 2 medially to laterally placed kerf-cut cylinders (MLKCs); a
      single large, dorsally applied kerf-cut cylinder (DKC); and a dorsomedially
      applied locking compression plate (DMLCP). Constructs and their contralateral
      control tarsi were evaluated in 4-point bending in the dorsoplantar,
      lateromedial, and mediolateral directions; internal and external rotation; and
      axial compression. Bending, torsional, and axial stiffness values were
      calculated. RESULTS Mean stiffness values were consistently lower for surgical
      drilling constructs than for contralateral control tarsi. Over all biomechanical
      testing, surgical drilling significantly reduced joint stability. The MLKC
      constructs had superior biomechanical properties to those of control tarsi for 4
      point bending but inferior properties for external and internal rotation. The
      DMLCP and DKC constructs were superior to control tarsi in dorsoplantar,
      rotational, and axial compression directions only; DMLCP constructs had no
      superior stiffness in lateromedial or mediolateral directions. Only the DKC
      constructs had greater stiffness in the mediolateral direction than did control
      tarsi. Over all biomechanical testing, DMLCP and DKC constructs were superior to
      the other constructs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE These biomechanical
      results suggested that a surgical drilling approach to joint fusion may reduce
      tarsal stability in horses without clinical osteoarthritis, compared with
      stability with no intervention, whereas the DMLCP and DKC approaches may
      significantly enhance stability. 

PMID- 27668579
TI  - Computed tomographic findings of pulmonary atelectasis in healthy anesthetized
      Beagles.
AB  - OBJECTIVE To characterize the extent and location of atelectasis in healthy
      anesthetized dogs positioned in lateral recumbency and to determine whether
      repositioning dogs in sternal recumbency would resolve atelectasis. ANIMALS 6
      healthy adult Beagles. PROCEDURES Each dog was anesthetized and underwent a CT
      examination twice with a 2-week interval between examinations. Once anesthetized,
      each dog was positioned in sternal recumbency, and a breath-hold helical
      transverse thoracic CT scan was acquired. The dog was then positioned in lateral
      recumbency for 30 minutes, and images were obtained at 5 preselected sites at 3,
      8, 13, 20, and 30 minutes after repositioning (phase 1). Then, the dog was
      repositioned in sternal recumbency, and CT images were obtained at the 5
      preselected sites at 5, 10, and 20 minutes after repositioning (phase 2). The
      protocol for the second examination was the same as the first except the dog was
      positioned in the opposite lateral recumbency during phase 1. The attenuation and
      cross-sectional area of the lung lobes at the preselected sites were measured and
      compared over time. RESULTS Lateral recumbency did not cause atelectasis in any
      of the dogs. Patchy areas of abnormally increased attenuation were infrequently
      detected in the left cranial lung lobe when dogs were positioned in left lateral
      recumbency, and those areas failed to resolve when dogs were positioned in
      sternal recumbency. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that the
      extent of lung attenuation changes was minimal in healthy anesthetized Beagles
      positioned in lateral recumbency and should not preclude CT examination. 

PMID- 27668580
TI  - Estimation of time to peak contrast enhancement of the aorta and liver for dual
      phase computed tomography on the basis of contrast medium arrival time, injection
      duration, and injection technique in dogs.
AB  - OBJECTIVE To evaluate the accuracy of estimating time to peak enhancement (TPE)
      of the aorta and liver parenchyma on the basis of contrast medium arrival time in
      the aorta, injection duration, and injection technique in dogs. ANIMALS 18 dogs
      of specific body weight categories (>= 2 dogs/category) with no liver
      abnormalities detected via CT. PROCEDURES Dogs were randomly assigned within
      weight categories to receive contrast medium IV at a fixed injection rate (5
      mL/s) or fixed injection duration (20 seconds). Time-contrast attenuation curves
      were generated from dynamic CT scans acquired at the hepatic hilus. Data
      collected for contrast medium arrival time and injection duration were used to
      estimate TPEs of the aorta and liver, and results were compared with the observed
      TPEs for the aorta and liver. RESULTS Contrast medium arrival time, injection
      duration, and injection technique were significantly associated with observed
      values for aortic TPE and explained 96.1% of variation in TPE. For the fixed rate
      technique, the regression equation for estimating aortic TPE was 0.8 * (injection
      duration + contrast medium arrival time) + 1.6. For the fixed duration technique,
      the regression equation changed by only the constant (-2.6). However, the hepatic
      TPE estimated from the 3 predictor variables was not significantly different from
      the mean of observed TPEs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Aortic TPE could be
      accurately estimated from contrast medium arrival time, injection duration, and
      injection technique in dogs with apparently healthy livers. The regression
      equations derived from this relationship can be used to improve the efficiency of
      dual-phase CT of the liver in dogs. 

PMID- 27668581
TI  - Serum cholecystokinin concentrations in dogs with naturally acquired pituitary
      dependent hyperadrenocorticism.
AB  - OBJECTIVE To determine serum cholecystokinin (CCK) concentrations in dogs with
      pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH) and to evaluate associations among
      CCK concentration, PDH, and gallbladder mucocele (GBM). ANIMALS 14 client-owned
      dogs with PDH and 14 healthy dogs. PROCEDURES Dogs were separated into 4 groups:
      healthy dogs without gallbladder sludge (group A; n = 7), healthy dogs with
      gallbladder sludge (group B; 7), dogs with PDH and gallbladder sludge (group C;
      8), and dogs with PDH and GBM (group D; 6). Serum CCK concentrations were then
      measured before and 1, 2, and 4 hours after consumption of a high-fat meal.
      Concentrations in dogs with PDH were also measured before and after trilostane
      treatment. Results were compared among groups and assessment points. RESULTS
      Preprandial serum CCK concentrations in group C were significantly lower than
      those in groups A, B, and D, but no significant differences in postprandial CCK
      concentrations were identified among the groups 1, 2, or 4 hours after the meal.
      With respect to trilostane treatment of dogs with PDH, no significant differences
      were identified between pre- and post-trilostane serum CCK concentrations in
      group C or D. Median CCK concentration after trilostane treatment was higher in
      group D than in group C, but this difference was not significant. CONCLUSIONS AND
      CLINICAL RELEVANCE The outcomes in this study did not support the hypothesis that
      a low circulating CCK concentration affects the development of GBM in dogs with
      PDH. 

PMID- 27668583
TI  - Evaluation of the dynactin 1 gene in Leonbergers and Labrador Retrievers with
      laryngeal paralysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE To sequence exons and splice consensus sites of the dynactin subunit 1
      (DCTN1) gene in Leonbergers and Labrador Retrievers with clinical laryngeal
      paralysis. ANIMALS 5 unrelated Leonbergers with laryngeal paralysis, 2 clinically
      normal Leonbergers, 7 unrelated Labrador Retrievers with laryngeal paralysis, and
      2 clinically normal Labrador Retrievers. PROCEDURES Primers were designed for the
      entire coding regions of the DCTN1 gene, a noncoding exon at the 5' end of the
      gene, and a 900-bp single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-rich region located 17 kb
      upstream of the DCTN1 gene by use of the CanFam3 assembly of the canine genome
      sequence. Sequences were generated and compared between clinically normal and
      affected dogs. The SNPs flanking the DCTN1 gene as well as a previously
      identified nonsynonymous SNP in exon 32 were genotyped in affected and clinically
      normal Leonbergers and Labrador Retrievers. RESULTS None of the affected dogs
      were homozygous for any mutation affecting coding regions or splicing consensus
      sequences. Of the 16 dogs tested for the missense SNP in exon 32, all were
      homozygous for the reference allele, except for 2 affected and 1 clinically
      normal Labrador Retriever and 1 clinically normal Leonberger. The DCTN1 gene
      sequences (5 dogs) and haplotypes of polymorphic markers surrounding the DCTN1
      gene (all dogs) were not consistent with the hypothesis that laryngeal paralysis
      was associated with inheritance of the same DCTN1 disease-causing allele within
      all Labrador Retrievers or Leonbergers evaluated. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL
      RELEVANCE Mutations in the DCTN1 gene did not appear to cause laryngeal paralysis
      in Leonbergers or Labrador Retrievers. 

PMID- 27668582
TI  - Evaluation of the minimum infectious dose of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus in
      virus-inoculated feed.
AB  - OBJECTIVE To determine the minimum infectious dose of porcine epidemic diarrhea
      virus (PEDV) in virus-inoculated feed. ANIMALS 30 crossbred 10-day-old pigs.
      PROCEDURES Tissue culture PEDV was diluted to form 8 serial 10-fold dilutions. An
      aliquot of stock virus (5.6 * 10(5) TCID50/mL) and each serial PEDV dilution were
      mixed into 4.5-kg batches of feed to create 9 PEDV-inoculated feed doses; 1 virus
      negative dose of culture medium in feed was also created. Pigs were challenge
      exposed via oral administration of PEDV-inoculated feed, and fecal swab specimens
      were collected. All pigs were euthanized 7 days after challenge exposure; fresh
      tissues were collected and used for PCR assay, histologic examination, and
      immunohistochemical analysis. RESULTS The PCR cycle threshold (Ct) decreased by
      approximately 10 when PEDV was added to feed, compared with results for
      equivalent PEDV diluted in tissue culture medium. Pigs became infected with PEDV
      when challenge exposed with the 4 highest concentrations (lowest concentration to
      cause infection, 5.6 * 10(1) TCID50/g; Ct = 27 in tissue culture medium and 37 in
      feed). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In this study, PEDV in feed with
      detectable Ct values of 27 to 37 was infective. The Ct was 37 for the lowest
      infective PEDV dose in feed, which may be above the limit of detection
      established for PEDV PCR assays used by some diagnostic laboratories. Overall,
      results indicated 5.6 * 10(1) TCID50/g was the minimum PEDV dose in feed that can
      lead to infection in 10-day-old pigs under the conditions of this study. 

PMID- 27668584
TI  - An attempt to detect lameness in galloping horses by use of body-mounted inertial
      sensors.
AB  - OBJECTIVE To evaluate head, pelvic, and limb movement to detect lameness in
      galloping horses. ANIMALS 12 Thoroughbreds. PROCEDURES Movement data were
      collected with inertial sensors mounted on the head, pelvis, and limbs of horses
      trotting and galloping in a straight line before and after induction of forelimb
      and hind limb lameness by use of sole pressure. Successful induction of lameness
      was determined by measurement of asymmetric vertical head and pelvic movement
      during trotting. Differences in gallop strides before and after induction of
      lameness were evaluated with paired-sample statistical analysis and neural
      network training and testing. Variables included maximum, minimum, range, and
      time indices of vertical head and pelvic acceleration, head rotation in the
      sagittal plane, pelvic rotation in the frontal plane, limb contact intervals,
      stride durations, and limb lead preference. Difference between median
      standardized gallop strides for each limb lead before and after induction of
      lameness was calculated as the sum of squared differences at each time index and
      assessed with a 2-way ANOVA. RESULTS Head and pelvic acceleration and rotation,
      limb timing, stride duration measurements, and limb lead preference during
      galloping were not significantly different before and after induction of lameness
      in the forelimb or hind limb. Differences between limb leads before induction of
      lameness were similar to or greater than differences within limb leads before and
      after lameness induction. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Galloping horses
      maintained asymmetry of head, pelvic, and limb motion between limb leads that was
      unrelated to lameness. 

PMID- 27668586
TI  - Effects of topical ocular application of 1% trifluridine ophthalmic solution in
      dogs with experimentally induced recurrent ocular canine herpesvirus-1 infection.
AB  - OBJECTIVE To determine the effects of topical ocular application of 1%
      trifluridine ophthalmic solution in dogs with experimentally induced recurrent
      ocular canine herpesvirus-1 (CHV-1) infection. ANIMALS 10 specific pathogen-free
      Beagles. PROCEDURES 12 months prior to the beginning of the randomized, masked,
      placebo-controlled 30-day trial, latent ocular CHV-1 infection was experimentally
      induced in each dog by topical ocular inoculation of both eyes with a field
      strain of CHV-1. Recurrent ocular CHV-1 infection was induced by oral
      administration of prednisolone for 7 days (starting day 1). Starting on the
      fourth day of prednisolone administration, each dog received 1% trifluridine
      solution or artificial tears (placebo) topically in both eyes 6 times daily for 2
      days and then 4 times daily for 12 days. Ophthalmic examinations were performed
      every 2 days, and ocular disease scores were calculated. Ocular samples for CHV-1
      PCR assays and blood samples for clinicopathologic analyses and assessment of CHV
      1 serum neutralization antibody titers were collected at predetermined intervals.
      RESULTS Conjunctivitis was clinically detected in all dogs by day 4. Compared
      with dogs receiving placebo, mean and total clinical ocular disease scores were
      significantly lower and median CHV-1 shedding duration was significantly shorter
      for the trifluridine-treated dogs. Both groups had increasing CHV-1 serum
      neutralization antibody titers over time, but no significant differences between
      groups were detected. Clinicopathologic findings were unremarkable throughout the
      study. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Topical ocular application of 1%
      trifluridine ophthalmic solution was well tolerated and effective at reducing
      disease scores and viral shedding duration in dogs with experimentally induced
      ocular CHV-1 infection, but may require frequent administration. 

PMID- 27668585
TI  - Clinical effects of computed tomography-guided lumbosacral facet joint,
      transforaminal epidural, and translaminar epidural injections of
      methylprednisolone acetate in healthy dogs.
AB  - OBJECTIVE To determine clinical effects of CT-guided lumbosacral facet joint,
      transforaminal epidural, and translaminar epidural injections of
      methylprednisolone acetate in healthy dogs. ANIMALS 15 healthy Beagles.
      PROCEDURES Dogs were randomly assigned to 3 groups (5 dogs/group) and received a
      single CT-guided lumbosacral facet joint, transforaminal epidural, or
      translaminar epidural injection of methylprednisolone acetate (0.1 mg/kg).
      Contrast medium was injected prior to injection of methylprednisolone to verify
      needle placement. Neurologic examinations were performed 1, 3, 7, and 10 days
      after the injection. In dogs with neurologic abnormalities, a final neurologic
      examination was performed 24 days after the procedure. RESULTS Methylprednisolone
      injections were successfully performed in 14 of the 15 dogs. In 1 dog, vascular
      puncture occurred, and the methylprednisolone injection was not performed. No
      major or minor complications were identified during or immediately after the
      procedure, other than mild transient hyperthermia. During follow-up neurologic
      examinations, no motor, sensory, or postural deficits were identified, other than
      mild alterations in the patellar, withdrawal, cranial tibial, and perineal
      reflexes in some dogs. Overall, altered reflexes were observed in 11 of the 14
      dogs, during 27 of 65 neurologic examinations. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE
      Results suggested that CT-guided lumbosacral facet joint, transforaminal
      epidural, and translaminar epidural injections of methylprednisolone acetate were
      associated with few complications in healthy dogs. However, the number of dogs
      evaluated was small, and additional studies are needed to assess clinical
      efficacy and safety of these procedures. 

PMID- 27668587
TI  - Expression of T helper cell-associated inflammatory mediator mRNAs in cells of
      bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples and oxygen concentration in arterial blood
      samples from healthy horses exposed to hyperbaric oxygen.
AB  - OBJECTIVE To evaluate the mRNA expression of T helper (Th)1, Th2, and Th17 cell
      associated inflammatory mediators in cells of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid
      samples collected from healthy horses exposed to hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) and to
      monitor blood oxygen concentration during and following HBO therapy. ANIMALS 8
      healthy horses. PROCEDURES In a randomized controlled crossover design study,
      each horse was exposed (beginning day 1) to 100% oxygen at a maximum of 3
      atmospheres absolute (304 kPa) daily for 10 days or ambient air at atmospheric
      pressure in the HBO chamber for an equivalent amount of time (control).
      Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples were collected on days 0 and 10. After
      validation of candidate reference genes, relative mRNA expressions of various
      innate inflammatory, Th1 cell-derived, Th2 cell-derived (including eotaxin-2),
      Th17 cell-derived, and regulatory cytokines were measured by quantitative PCR
      assays. For 3 horses, arterial blood samples were collected for blood gas
      analysis during a separate HBO session. RESULTS The optimal combination of
      reference genes was glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, hypoxanthine
      ribosyltransferase, and ribosomal protein L32. Compared with day 0 findings,
      expression of eotaxin-2 mRNA was significantly lower (0.12-fold reduction) and
      the percentage of neutrophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples was
      significantly lower on day 10 when horses received HBO therapy. Values of Pao2
      rapidly increased (> 800 mm Hg) but immediately decreased to pretreatment values
      when HBO sessions ended. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated
      that HBO therapy does not increase mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines, but
      reduces eotaxin-2 mRNA transcription. The Pao2 increase was transient with no
      cumulative effects of HBO. 

PMID- 27668588
TI  - Isolation of endothelial colony-forming cells from blood samples collected from
      the jugular and cephalic veins of healthy adult horses.
AB  - OBJECTIVE To evaluate optimal isolation of endothelial colony-forming cells
      (ECFCs) from peripheral blood of horses. SAMPLE Jugular and cephalic venous blood
      samples from 17 adult horses. PROCEDURES Each blood sample was divided; isolation
      was performed with whole blood adherence (WBA) and density gradient
      centrifugation (DGC). Isolated cells were characterized by uptake of 1,1'
      dioctadecyl-3,3,3',3'-tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate-labeled acetylated
      low-density lipoprotein (DiI-Ac-LDL), vascular tubule formation, and expression
      of endothelial (CD34, CD105, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2, and
      von Willebrand factor) and hematopoietic (CD14) cell markers by use of indirect
      immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and flow cytometry. RESULTS Colonies with
      cobblestone morphology were isolated from 15 of 17 horses. Blood collected from
      the cephalic vein yielded colonies significantly more often (14/17 horses) than
      did blood collected from the jugular vein (8/17 horses). Of 14 cephalic blood
      samples with colonies, 13 were obtained with DGC and 8 with WBA. Of 8 jugular
      blood samples with colonies, 8 were obtained with DGC and 4 with WBA. Colony
      frequency (colonies per milliliter of blood) was significantly higher for
      cephalic blood samples and samples isolated with DGC. Cells formed vascular
      tubules, had uptake of DiI-Ac-LDL, and expressed endothelial markers by use of
      IFA and flow cytometry, which confirmed their identity as ECFCs. CONCLUSIONS AND
      CLINICAL RELEVANCE Maximum yield of ECFCs was obtained for blood samples
      collected from both the jugular and cephalic veins and use of DGC to isolate
      cells. Consistent yield of ECFCs from peripheral blood of horses will enable
      studies to evaluate diagnostic and therapeutic uses. 

PMID- 27668590
TI  - Correction: Effects of experimental cardiac volume loading on left atrial phasic
      function in healthy dogs.

PMID- 27668589
TI  - Generation of pure cultures of autologous Schwann cells by use of biopsy
      specimens of the dorsal cutaneous branches of the cervical nerves of young adult
      dogs.
AB  - OBJECTIVE To identify an optimal technique for isolation, purification, and
      amplification of Schwann cells (SCs) from biopsy specimens of the dorsal
      cutaneous branches of the cervical nerves of dogs. SAMPLE Biopsy specimens of
      dorsal cervical cutaneous nerves from the cadavers of three 1- to 2-year-old
      dogs. PROCEDURES Nerve specimens were dissected, predegenerated, and dissociated
      to isolate single cells. After culture to enhance SC growth, cells were
      immunopurified by use of magnetic beads. Cell purity was evaluated by assessing
      expression of cell surface antigens p75 (to detect SCs) and CD90 (to detect
      fibroblasts). Effects of various concentrations of recombinant human glial growth
      factor 2 (rhGGF2) on SC proliferation were tested. Cell doubling time was
      assessed in SC cultures with selected concentrations of rhGGF2. RESULTS Mean +/-
      SD wet weight of nerve fascicles obtained from the biopsy specimens was 16.8 +/-
      2.8 mg. A mean predegeneration period of 8.6 days yielded approximately 6,000
      cells/mg of nerve tissue, and primary culture yielded 43,000 cells/mg of nerve
      tissue in a mean of 11 days, of which 39.9 +/- 9.1% expressed p75.
      Immunopurification with magnetic beads yielded a mean of 85.4 +/- 1.9% p75
      positive cells. Two passages of subculture with 10MUM cytosine arabinoside
      further enhanced SC purity to a mean of 97.8 +/- 1.2% p75-positive cells.
      Finally, rhGGF2 supplementation at a range of 40 to 100 ng/mL increased the SC
      proliferation rate up to 3-fold. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE SCs could be
      cultured from biopsy specimens of dorsal cervical cutaneous nerves and purified
      and expanded to generate adequate numbers for autologous transplants to treat
      dogs with spinal cord and peripheral nerve injuries. 

PMID- 27668591
TI  - Community belonging and sedentary behavior among First Nations adults in Canada:
      The moderating role of income.
AB  - This study examined how income and community belonging may interact to influence
      leisure sedentary behavior among Indigenous adults. Data were obtained from 1,304
      First Nations adults who completed the Canadian Community Health Survey in 2012.
      Among average-income earners, a strong sense of belonging to local community was
      associated with less sedentary behavior, a finding also documented in the general
      population. Among low-income earners, a strong sense of belonging to local
      community was associated with more sedentary behavior, a finding that is novel in
      the literature. These associations remained significant after adjustment for
      sociodemographic covariates and mental and physical health, suggesting other
      factors are influencing this correlation. 

PMID- 27668592
TI  - An urban American Indian health clinic's response to a community needs
      assessment.
AB  - Utilizing community-based methods, we assessed the behavioral and physical health
      needs of a Detroit metropolitan Indian health clinic. The project goal was to
      identify health service needs for urban American Indians/Alaska Natives and
      develop the infrastructure for culturally competent and integrative behavioral
      and physical health care. We conducted 38 semi-structured interviews and 12 focus
      groups with service providers and community members. Interview and focus group
      data indicated a need for 1) more culturally competent services and providers, 2)
      more specialized health services, and 3) more transportation options. We then
      report on the Indian health clinic's and community's accomplishments in response
      to the needs assessment. 

PMID- 27668593
TI  - Identifying and understanding Indigenous ways of evaluating physical activity
      programs.
AB  - Indigenous evaluation frameworks have not been investigated in the context of
      American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) physical activity programs, an
      important area given the relationship between effective physical activity
      programs and quality of life among these populations. To address this gap, staff
      members of AI/AN physical activity programs were interviewed to explore their
      understanding of and experiences with evaluation. Findings suggest that
      Indigenous evaluation is perceived as narrative and holistic, Indigenous
      knowledge is used in program decision making, though it is not always
      acknowledged as evaluation, and there is not a universally desired way to
      evaluate AI/AN physical activity programs.

PMID- 27668594
TI  - Native Generations: A campaign addressing infant mortality among American Indians
      and Alaska Natives in urban areas.
AB  - This study describes the development and evaluation of Native Generations, a
      campaign addressing high rates of infant mortality (IM) among American Indians
      and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) in urban areas. Campaign development included reviews
      of literature and previous campaigns, an advisory council, and focus groups.
      Campaign messages are strength-based, encouraging AI/AN caregivers to utilize
      available Native-specific resources, including health care, support services, and
      programming as IM protective factors. The primary campaign material is an 11
      minute video. Pilot survey data indicate the video may help increase awareness of
      IM and Native-specific resources, and increase connection to Native identity,
      culture, and community. 

PMID- 27668595
TI  - [To the 80th anniversary of Lev Kisselev].

PMID- 27668596
TI  - [A glimpse on Staphylococcus aureus translation machinery and its control].
AB  - Staphylococcus aureus is a major opportunistic and versatile pathogen. Because
      the bacteria rapidly evolve multi-resistances towards antibiotics, there is an
      urgent need to find novel targets and alternative strategies to cure bacterial
      infections. Here, we provide a brief overview on the knowledge acquired on S.
      aureus ribosomes, which is one of the major antibiotic targets. We will show that
      subtle differences exist between the translation at the initiation step of Gram
      negative and Gram-positive bacteria although their ribosomes display a remarkable
      degree of resemblance. In addition, we will illustrate using specific examples
      the diversity of mechanisms controlling translation initiation in S. aureus that
      contribute to shape the expression of the virulence factors in a temporal and
      dynamic manner.

PMID- 27668597
TI  - [The true story and advantages of the famous Hepatitis B virus core particles:
      Outlook 2016].
AB  - This review article is a continuation of the paper "Hepatitis B core particles as
      a universal display model: a structure-function basis for development" written by
      Pumpens P. and Grens E., ordered by Professor Lev Kisselev and published in FEBS
      Letters, 1999, 442, 1-6. The past 17 years have strengthened the paper's finding
      that the human hepatitis B virus core protein, along with other Hepadnaviridae
      family member core proteins, is a mysterious, multifunctional protein. The core
      gene of the Hepadnaviridae genome encodes five partially collinear proteins. The
      most important of these is the HBV core protein p21, or HBc. It can self-assemble
      by forming viral HBc particles, but also plays a crucial role in the regulation
      of viral replication. Since 1986, the HBc protein has been one of the first and
      the most successful tools of the virus-like particle (VLP) technology. Later, the
      woodchuck hepatitis virus core protein (WHc) was also used as a VLP carrier. The
      Hepadnaviridae core proteins remain favourite VLP candidates for the knowledge
      based design of future vaccines, gene therapy vectors, specifically targeted
      nanocontainers, and other modern nanotechnological tools for prospective medical
      use.

PMID- 27668599
TI  - [Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor family ligands and their therapeutic
      potential].
AB  - Four glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family ligands (GFLs)
      have been characterized: GDNF, neurturin (NRTN), artemin (ARTN) and persephin
      (PSPN). These proteins support and restore multiple neuronal populations such as
      dopaminergic, sensory, motor, hippocampal, basal forebrain, enteric, sympathetic
      and parasympathetic neurons. Therefore, GFLs attracted significant attention as a
      potential cure for the diseases caused by neuronal injury and degeneration.
      Results of multiple experiments indicate that GFLs can alleviate behavioral
      symptoms and restore affected neurons in animal models of several neurological
      disorders including, among others, Parkinson's disease (PD). During the last
      decade, GDNF protein and NRTN gene therapy have been tested in several clinical
      trials in patients with PD. Although the results of phase I clinical trials were
      positive, phase II clinical trials failed to reach primary end-points. Poor
      pharmacokinetic properties of GFLs (inability to penetrate tissues barriers, high
      affinity for extracellular matrix, etc.) could contribute to the absence of clear
      clinical benefits of these proteins for the patients. The purpose of this paper
      was to review therapeutic potential of GFLs and discuss possibilities to overcome
      difficulties associated with pharmacokinetic properties and delivery of GFLs to
      target neurons.

PMID- 27668598
TI  - [S100A4, a link between metastasis and inflammation].
AB  - Chronic inflammation is acknowledged to be a hallmark of neoplasia - both in
      cancer initiation and metastasis progression. Here we summarise data suggesting
      that S100A4 is a trigger of the cascade events that establish an inflammatory
      milieu and provide a potent flame for primary tumour growth and especially for
      its metastatic dissemination. The S100A4 protein belongs to the S100 superfamily
      of small Ca^(2+)-binding proteins. Well established function of S100A4 is
      associated with induction and promotion of tumour metastasis. However, this
      protein is also involved in the pathogenesis of major human non-communicable
      diseases (NCD), such as autoimmune diseases, fibrosis, and other disorders.
      Therefore, we suggest that S100A4 is a common pro-inflammatory factor involved in
      the pathogenesis of diverse NCD including cancer.

PMID- 27668600
TI  - [Inhibiting the pro-tumor and transcription factor FACT: Mechanisms].
AB  - Conventional antitumor therapy is often complicated by the emergence of the so
      called cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are characterized by low metabolic rates
      and high resistance to almost all existing therapies. Many problems of clinical
      oncology and a poor efficacy of current treatments in particular are ascribed to
      CSCs. Therefore, it is important to develop new compounds capable of eliminating
      both rapidly proliferating tumor cells and standard treatment-resistant CSCs.
      Curaxins have been demonstrated to manifest various types of antitumor activity.
      Curaxins simultaneously affect at least three key molecular cascades involved in
      tumor development, including the p53, NF-kappaB, and HSF1 metabolic pathways. In
      addition, studies of some curaxins indicate that they can inhibit the
      transcriptional induction of the genes for matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 8
      (MMP1 and MMP8); the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling cascades; cIAP-1 (apoptosis protein
      1) inhibitor activity; topoisomerase II; and a number of oncogenes, such as c-MYC
      and others. In vivo experiments have shown that the CSC population increases on
      gemcitabine monotherapy and is reduced on treatment with curaxin CBL0137. The
      data support the prospective use of FACT inhibitors as new anticancer drugs with
      multiple effects on cell metabolism.

PMID- 27668601
TI  - [Genome: Origins and evolution of the term].
AB  - The appearance of a new scientific term is a significant event in the human
      cognitive process and the result of the realization of the separateness of an
      object or a phenomenon. Our article concentrates on the origins of basic genetic
      terms, such as genetics, gene, genotype, genome, gene pool, and genomics. We
      propose using the term karyogenomics for the special direction of genomics
      related to the study of the organization and evolution of eukaryotic genomes by
      means of modern chromosome analysis, as well as by full genome sequencing.

PMID- 27668602
TI  - [Novel human DNA viruses and their putative associations with human diseases].
AB  - In this review, we described human small DNA viruses discovered on the cusp of
      the 20th and 21st centuries as a result of cutting-edge technologies established
      in molecular biology. The problems of obtaining an evidence of the etiological
      role of new viruses in human diseases have been considered.

PMID- 27668603
TI  - [Role of DNA-dependent protein kinase in the HIV-1 replication cycle].
AB  - Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is among the best-studied viruses,
      but some aspects of HIV-1 biology remain obscure. The role of cell proteins in
      virus replication raises especially many questions. One of the proteins is DNA
      dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK), which performs crucially important functions
      in the human body. DNA-PK is known to influence at least two stages in the HIV-1
      life cycle, the integration of viral genome in cell DNA and transcription of the
      integrated provirus. Many details regarding this influence remain unresolved. The
      review summarizes the known data on the DNA-PK role in the HIV-1 life cycle and
      its influence on the replication of other members of the family Retroviridae. In
      the beginning of this review there is a short explanation of the DNA-PK cellular
      functions that are especially important for understanding its role in the HIV-1
      replication.

PMID- 27668604
TI  - [Poly(ADP-Ribose) polymerase 1 as a key regulator of DNA repair].
AB  - Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation (PARylation) of proteins is one of the immediate cell
      responses to DNA damage and is catalyzed by poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs).
      When bound to damaged DNA, some members of the PARP family are activated and use
      NAD^(+) as a source of ADP to catalyze synthesis of poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR)
      covalently attached to a target protein. PAR synthesis is considered as a
      mechanism that provides a local signal of DNA damage and modulates protein
      functions in response to genotoxic agents. PARP1 is the best-studied protein of
      the PARP family and is widely known as a regulator of repair of damaged bases and
      single-strand nicks. Data are accumulating that PARP1 is additionally involved in
      double-strand break repair and nucleotide excision repair. The review summarizes
      the literature data on the role that PARP1 and PARylation play in DNA repair and
      particularly in base excision repair; original data obtained in our lab are
      considered in more detail.

PMID- 27668605
TI  - [Multilocus analysis of the association of polymorphic variants of inflammation
      genes with ischemic stroke in Russians].
AB  - Carriage frequencies of alleles and genotypes of polymorphic loci of inflammation
      genes (49A>G CTLA4, 41G>A and 87C>T PDE4D, -590C>T IL4, -308A>G TNF, 252G>A LTA,
      874A>T IFNG, -509S>T, 869T>C and 915G>C TGFB1) were determined in a sample of 200
      patients diagnosed with ischemic stroke and in the control group similar in
      gender and age (146 individuals), all ethnic Russians. The positive association
      of the allele PDE4D*87C (r = 0.028) and genotype TGFB1*-509T/T (r = 0.02)
      carriage with ischemic stroke was shown. The association of the disease with the
      carriage of the allele PDE4D*41A (r = 0.009) in individuals under the age of 60
      and with carriage of the allele IFNG*874T (r = 0.02) in individuals older than 60
      was observed among the subgroups of patients stratified by age when they suffered
      the stroke compared to a control group of the same age. In subgroups stratified
      by gender, carriage of the genotype TGFB1*915G/G (r = 0.0015) was identified as a
      risk factor in male patients, while no significant differences between female
      patients and healthy women were observed. Multilocus analysis was undertaken to
      search for the association of several combinations of studied gene variants with
      ischemic stroke. The polymorphic locus-174G>C of the IL6 gene, for which an
      association with the disease was previously demonstrated, was also included in
      this analysis. The disease-predisposing biallelic combinations include the IL6*
      174G, PDE4D*87C, TGFB1*-509T and TGFB1*915G alleles. In the subgroups stratified
      by gender, the allelic combinations mainly include the similar risk alleles as in
      the total group, while between the subgroups stratified by age (patients who
      suffered the first stroke at the age of 18 and no older than 60 years and older
      than 60 years), greater differences were observed. However, a new risk allele,
      LTA*252G, was identified in combination with PDE4D*41A in women. These findings
      demonstrate the important role of inflammation in ischemic stroke. The identified
      single and combined markers may be used further to determine an individual risk
      for ischemic stroke.

PMID- 27668606
TI  - [Lessons from cyanobacterial transcriptomics: Universal genes and triggers of
      stress responses].
AB  - A systemic transcriptome analysis of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC
      6803 revealed a number of genes whose transcription is induced in response to
      almost all abiotic stresses (heat shock, salt stress, osmotic stress, oxidative
      stress, changes in light intensity or spectral composition, and changes in the
      redox potential of electron transport chain (ETC) components). Heat shock protein
      (HSP) genes were induced by all types of stress, forming a group of genes that
      universally react to various changes in the environment. Reactive oxygen species
      (ROS), including H2O2 in particular, and changes in the redox potential of
      components of the photosynthetic ETC were assumed to function as universal
      triggers of stress responses in cyanobacteria.

PMID- 27668607
TI  - [Ratio of transcription factor PHF10 splice variants in lymphocytes as a
      molecular marker of Parkinson's disease].
AB  - Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder and
      causes degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the nigrostriatal system of the
      brain. PHF10 is one of the most important regulatory subunits of the SWI/SNF
      chromatin-remodeling protein complex, which controls the gene function and
      chromatin state in neurons. Two alternative RHF10 isoforms, PHF10-P and PHF10-S,
      replace each other in the complex to change the target gene pattern. Expression
      of the PHF10-P and PHF10-S transcripts in the nigrostriatal system and their
      ratio in blood lymphocytes were found to change in a mouse model of early
      clinical stage of PD as compared with control mice. Changes in PHF10-S level were
      also observed in peripheral blood lymphocytes from patients with early clinical
      stage of PD. A ratio of the PHF10-P and PHF10-S transcripts in peripheral blood
      cells was assumed to provide a potential marker of early stage PD.

PMID- 27668608
TI  - [Inhibition of the expression of proteasomal genes Saccharomyces cerevisiae by
      artificial transcriptional repressor].
AB  - 26S proteasome is an ATP-dependent protease complex that takes part in cell
      homeostasis maintenance by the selective degradation of regulatory and damaged
      proteins. The proteasomal genes expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast is
      coordinately regulated by the system, which consists of the Rpn4 transcription
      factor and its binding site, called PACE. The ability to modulate proteasomal
      activity by changing the expression of its genes is an essential tool that can be
      used in fundamental studies devoted to the mechanisms of proteasome dependent
      cell processes, as well as in applied research for developing strategies to
      correct proteasome activity in some pathological processes. In this work, we
      present a detailed description of our SaxBricks method that allows one to
      construct DNA-binding domains with custom specificity from nucleotide- specific
      TAL domains. Having applied the SaxBricks method, we created a modular
      transcriptional repressor for Rpn4-dependent genes that effectively suppresses
      the expression of proteasomal genes.

PMID- 27668609
TI  - [The role of Piwi nuclear localization in the differentiation and proliferation
      of germline stem cells].
AB  - The Piwi protein and its orthologs are considered as the key components of the
      piRNA machinery implicated in transcriptional silencing of transposons. Nere, we
      show that nuclear localization of the Piwi protein is required not only for
      transposon repression, but also for proper differentiation of germline stem cells
      (GSCs). piwi^(Nt) mutation that causes loss of nuclear Piwi and its retention in
      the cytoplasm leads to the accumulation of undifferentiated GSC-like cells. The
      analysis of piwi^(Nt) mutation in combination with a bam gene mutation blocking
      GSC differentiation shows that the loss of nuclear Piwi decreases GSC
      proliferation rate. This is accompanied by the accumulation of DNA double-strand
      breaks in GSCs that may be caused by transposition events. Here, for the first
      time a set of transposons repressed by Piwi in GSCs and surrounding niche cells
      has been identified. The present study together with our previous data show that
      nuclear and cytoplasmic Piwi can regulate different stages of the functioning of
      germinal cells: cytoplasmic Piwi is sufficient to maintain GSCs, while nuclear
      Piwi localization is necessary for their proper proliferation and
      differentiation.

PMID- 27668610
TI  - Medical Informatics as a Set of Human Sciences? Why Not?

PMID- 27668611
TI  - Advanced Communications in Health Care.

PMID- 27668612
TI  - Integrated Advanced Medical Information Systems (IAIMS): Payoffs and Problems.
AB  - IAIMS (Integrated Advanced Information Management Systems) is an initiative to
      improve the access to information needed to provide patient care, health-oriented
      education, biomedical research, and management of large medical center
      environments. This paper will review the goals, history, and accomplishments of
      the IAIMS initiative. Shortcomings and frustrations, lessons learned, and the
      future of such initiatives will also be discussed.

PMID- 27668613
TI  - Medical Image Processing in an Era of High-Performance Computing.
AB  - Advanced radiology practices are already benefiting from powerful and
      increasingly more economical computing and networking facilities. Medical image
      processing methods have improved dramatically over the past five years, with
      sophisticated 3D display, visualization and analysis techniques allowing
      increased integration of multiple modalities of imaging, flexible environments
      for imaging analysis, and PACS (picture archiving and communication systems) for
      ease of transmission and retrieval. Emerging directions involve teleradiology and
      telesurgery virtual reality applications, the development of new image database
      techniques, and the building of large visual databases like that of the Visible
      Human Project. Challenging problems of image segmentation, registration, and
      multimodal image fusion are still with us. Building dynamic, flexible electronic
      atlases will have a profound effect on the understanding of structure and
      function from the level of cellular physiology to gross anatomy, but requires the
      development of new techniques of visual knowledge representation and more
      standardized ways of defining the conceptual and linguistic constructs of visual
      objects in biomedicine, for linkage to medical records, research results, and
      educational materials. Methods for reasoning with visual information in the
      context of multimedia information systems present an inviting challenge to the
      upcoming generation of researchers in medical informatics.

PMID- 27668614
TI  - Communication in Health Care.
AB  - For routine communication, care providers still rely on paper documents and paper
      mail. At present, new technologies are emerging that have considerable potential
      for improving communication in health care. This paper reviews existing
      communication problems, and discusses electronic communication techniques that
      are gradually replacing paper-based communication.

PMID- 27668615
TI  - Next Generation - Health Professional Workstations.

PMID- 27668616
TI  - Nursing Informatics: State of the Science.
AB  - Nursing informatics is a combination of computer science, information science and
      nursing science designed to support the practice and delivery of patient care.
      Using the informatics model of data, information and knowledge, the nature of
      automated systems to support clinicians in their delivery of high-quality care
      are described from their inception to their current state, and the importance of
      research to advance the state of nursing knowledge are emphasized. The evolution
      of clinical care systems and nursing management systems are viewed,as is the
      progress of the scientific work relative to nursing informatics. Milestones in
      the advancing state of the science are identified and the conclusion is drawn
      that although nursing informatics has evolved, much scientifically based work
      remains. Key nursing informatics resources identified in the paper support this
      conclusion about what remains to be accomplished.

PMID- 27668617
TI  - Hospital Information Systems: A Review in Perspective.
AB  - The demand for information for health care is increasing exponentially in volume,
      content and the number and geographical distribution of users. Most HIS systems
      commercially available today are based on designs and philosophies of the 1970s.
      Even though new technology has improved these systems' performance, to meet
      current demands, concepts must be shifted from the paper-driven system to an
      electronic system in which the patient is the focus. We need a merger of the
      functionality of existing systems along with new functionalities and a computer
      based patient record. These new health care information system must have no
      boundaries; data collection must permeate all locations at which a patient
      receives care, and seamless linkages must connect all individuals who contribute
      to that patient's care. Even though systems are being designed today to meet
      these expanded informational requirements, we will not see such systems in use
      before the next century.

PMID- 27668619
TI  - Twenty Years Medical Informatics Education at Heidelberg/Heilbronn: Evolution of
      a Specialized Curriculum.
AB  - The medical informatics curriculum at University of Heidelberg/School of
      Technology Heilbronn started in 1972 as a specialized university curriculum. In
      this paper, we report on 20 years of experience and the evolution of this
      educational approach with respect to structure and content of the curriculum. We
      emphasize that this evolution parallels the development of medical informatics to
      a medical discipline in its own right, with distinct application domains and
      specific methodological approaches. Based on our experience and on
      recommendations from the national and international community, we describe and
      discuss the features of the curriculum.

PMID- 27668618
TI  - The Harvard-MIT-NEMC Research Training Program in Medical Informatics.
AB  - The Harvard-MIT-NEMC Research Training Program in Medical Informatics brings
      together five separate research groups to provide a diversified training
      experience in Boston with sponsorship by the National Library of Medicine. This
      program offers predoctoral and postdoctoral programs, supplemented by many
      opportunities for collegial exchange and interaction among the groups.

PMID- 27668620
TI  - Graduate Program in Medical Informatics at the University of Utah.
AB  - The graduate student program in medical informatics at the University of Utah
      described in this paper comprises a Master of Science degree (since 1976) and a
      Ph.D. degree (since 1962). The average program length is 2 years for M.Sc. and 3
      5 years for Ph.D. The aims of the program are to prepare graduates for careers in
      medical informatics in academic, hospital or industrial settings. There are
      several different courses of study, or tracks, within the department ranging from
      Expert Systems, Genetic Epidemiology, Health Care Quality, Hospital Information
      Systems, Medical Imaging, Medical Physics, to an intensive oneyear M.Sc. degree
      course for physicians. After the first three quarters the students are required
      to take a qualifying examination in which they qualify for a Masters or Ph.D.
      degree. The program covers the total spectrum of medical informatics. About 10
      students are admitted each year. There are 14 full-time faculty and 9 adjunct
      faculty. The total number of graduates is 151.

PMID- 27668621
TI  - Health and Clinical Management.

PMID- 27668623
TI  - Information Systems.

PMID- 27668622
TI  - Computer-Based Patient Records.

PMID- 27668624
TI  - Image and Signal Processing.

PMID- 27668625
TI  - Decision-Support Systems.

PMID- 27668626
TI  - Knowledge Processing.

PMID- 27668627
TI  - Education.

PMID- 27668629
TI  - Better Information for Better Healthcare.

PMID- 27668628
TI  - Research and Development Programmes of The European Union in Health Telematics: A
      Leverage for Convergence.

PMID- 27668630
TI  - Overview of diabetic macular edema.
AB  - Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a rapidly growing epidemic in the United States, and it
      is expected to affect 592 million individuals within the next 20 years. Diabetic
      retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME) are the 2 most common
      ophthalmic complications of DM. DR is the leading cause of blindness among
      working-age adults around the world, and development of DR is tied to DM disease
      duration. With the only identifier of early markers of DR being a complete
      ophthalmic exam, early signs of the disease are asymptomatic. Yearly, or at least
      every other year, ophthalmic exams are recommended for all patients with DM; but
      often, individuals with DM have not undergone screening exams and do not have
      regular eye exams until vision loss has occurred. With spending estimates of $490
      million to treat the vision complications of DM, it is clear that DR and DME
      impose a substantial burden for patients, caregivers, and healthcare systems.

PMID- 27668631
TI  - Current approaches to the management of diabetic macular edema.
AB  - Three modalities have a role in the primary management of diabetic macular edema
      (DME): laser photocoagulation, intravitreal vascular endothelial growth factor
      (VEGF) inhibitors, and intravitreal corticosteroid implants. Intravitreal VEGF
      inhibitors are most commonly used for center-involved DME, but laser
      photocoagulation and intravitreal corticosteroids also have an important role in
      DME management. Until recently, the selection of a VEGF inhibitor for a patient
      was complicated by a lack of comparative data and a much lower cost for
      bevacizumab compared with other agents. Two-year results of the landmark head-to
      head Protocol T trial will inform treatment selection for ophthalmologists and
      formulary decisions for managed care organizations. The study found that patients
      with better baseline visual acuity benefited from aflibercept, bevacizumab, or
      ranibizumab. However, aflibercept and ranibizumab were more effective than
      bevacizumab for patients with worse baseline visual acuity. A higher rate of
      nonfatal stroke and vascular death with ranibizumab in the Protocol T trial has
      raised concern in the community and needs to be investigated further. Emerging
      drugs for DME include VEGF inhibitors with less-frequent dosing intervals, and
      new agents that target other pathologic processes that contribute to vascular
      leakage and angiogenesis in DME.

PMID- 27668632
TI  - Managed care implications of diabetic macular edema.
AB  - Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is both the leading cause of blindness among adults
      aged 20 to 74 in the United States, and the leading ocular complication
      associated with diabetes mellitus (DM). An estimated 4.4% of adults with DM over
      40 years of age have the more advanced form of DR: diabetic macular edema (DME),
      which significantly increases the risk of blindness. Medical costs for Medicare
      patients with DME are a third higher than for patients without DME. The majority
      of these costs stem from other DM-related complications, as DME is a marker for
      poorly controlled DM overall. Commercially insured patients with DME incur direct
      and indirect costs up to 75% higher than for those with DR without DME. Early
      detection, treatment, and improved glycemic control can limit the onset or
      progression of microvascular complications of DR, including DME, resulting in
      significant savings for payers. However, there are significant gaps in adherence
      to national guidelines regarding DM control and early identification of DR. In
      addition, patients face several barriers to screening. Improving screening for
      and management of early DR could decrease progression to DME, which would provide
      significant savings for payers, as well as improve the quality of care and
      outcomes for patients with DM. Managed care organizations and employers should
      also consider the cost-effectiveness of currently available treatments for DME:
      focal laser photocoagulation, vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors, and
      intravitreal corticosteroid injections and implants, in their formulary design;
      they should also identify opportunities to improve patient adherence to
      treatment.

PMID- 27668633
TI  - Expanding Advocacy for Head Trauma Vision Research Funding.
AB  - In this article, we explore the roles of media, research, and advocacy in
      education and research funding. All three have played critical roles in advancing
      our understanding of eye, vision, and brain injuries in sports and in the
      military.

PMID- 27668636
TI  - Descemet's Membrane Detachment with Schisis Induced by Phacoemulsification.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe a case of Descemet's membrane detachment and schisis
      (Descemet's membrane separated into multiple layers) with confirmation by high
      definition anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) after
      phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation. CASE REPORT: A 72-year-old
      woman presented with persistent corneal edema after phacoemulsification. She was
      diagnosed with herpes simplex keratitis and had been unsuccessfully treated for
      60 days in her local hospital. Slit-lamp examination revealed moderate
      conjunctival injection, disciform-like stromal edema, and diffuse superficial
      punctate epithelial erosions. Descemet's membrane schisis and detachment with an
      interlayer tear were verified by high-definition AS-OCT. After 2 weeks of
      medication with topical 0.1% fluorometholone eye drops four times daily together
      with 3% ofloxacin eye ointment twice daily, Descemet's membrane was reattached
      with complete resolution of conjunctival injection, corneal edema, and epithelial
      erosions. CONCLUSIONS: This is a report of Descemet's membrane schisis in vivo
      that is documented and confirmed by high-definition AS-OCT. Descemet's membrane
      detachment and schisis caused by phacoemulsification can be misdiagnosed as
      herpetic keratitis due to stromal edema and epithelial erosion. Topical steroid
      and lubrication may help reattach Descemet's membrane to its original position.

PMID- 27668635
TI  - Assessment of Lower Tear Meniscus.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the applicability of the fourth-generation OCULUS
      keratograph in measuring lower tear meniscus height. METHODS: Seventy cases (140
      eyes) with dry eye disease and 37 controls (74 eyes) were enrolled. Tear breakup
      time (TBUT), Schirmer test I, and corneal fluorescein staining were examined. The
      images of lower tear meniscus were obtained by OCULUS keratograph. The tear
      meniscus height was measured and its correlation with traditional tear film
      diagnostic tests were analyzed. RESULTS: Using the hyper-reflective lines, the
      height of the tear meniscus was measured using the images of the OCULUS
      keratograph. For the inter-individual variation, the intraclass correlation
      coefficients and coefficient of variation values were 0.914 and 16.4%,
      respectively. For the intra-individual variation, the intraclass correlation
      coefficients and coefficient of variation values were 0.939 and 15.9%,
      respectively. The interobserver reproducibility and the intraobserver
      repeatability were for the control only. The average tear meniscus height value
      in dry eye disease group was 0.22 (0.19-0.24) mm, being significantly lower
      compared with 0.29 (0.26-0.34) mm in the control group (p<0.001). Tear meniscus
      height value had significantly correlation with TBUT and Schirmer test I (r=0.619
      and 0.626, both p<0.001). The measurement of lower tear meniscus by OCULUS had
      lower individual variability and better repeatability. CONCLUSIONS: OCULUS
      keratograph is a quick, noninvasive, and reliable method to measure lower tear
      meniscus, whose value has a significant correlation with traditional dry eye
      disease diagnostic tests.

PMID- 27668637
TI  - Effect of Pupil Size on Wavefront Refraction during Orthokeratology.
AB  - PURPOSE: It has been hypothesized that central and peripheral refraction, in eyes
      treated with myopic overnight orthokeratology, might vary with changes in pupil
      diameter. The aim of this work was to evaluate the axial and peripheral
      refraction and optical quality after orthokeratology, using ray tracing software
      for different pupil sizes. METHODS: Zemax-EE was used to generate a series of 29
      semi-customized model eyes based on the corneal topography changes from 29
      patients who had undergone myopic orthokeratology. Wavefront refraction in the
      central 80 degrees of the visual field was calculated using three different
      quality metrics criteria: Paraxial curvature matching, minimum root mean square
      error (minRMS), and the Through Focus Visual Strehl of the Modulation Transfer
      Function (VSMTF), for 3- and 6-mm pupil diameters. RESULTS: The three metrics
      predicted significantly different values for foveal and peripheral refractions.
      Compared with the Paraxial criteria, the other two metrics predicted more myopic
      refractions on- and off-axis. Interestingly, the VSMTF predicts only a marginal
      myopic shift in the axial refraction as the pupil changes from 3 to 6 mm. For
      peripheral refraction, minRMS and VSMTF metric criteria predicted a higher
      exposure to peripheral defocus as the pupil increases from 3 to 6 mm.
      CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the supposed effect of myopic control
      produced by ortho-k treatments might be dependent on pupil size. Although the
      foveal refractive error does not seem to change appreciably with the increase in
      pupil diameter (VSMTF criteria), the high levels of positive spherical aberration
      will lead to a degradation of lower spatial frequencies, that is more significant
      under low illumination levels.

PMID- 27668634
TI  - Validation of Macular Choroidal Thickness Measurements from Automated SD-OCT
      Image Segmentation.
AB  - PURPOSE: Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) imaging permits in
      vivo visualization of the choroid with micron-level resolution over wide areas
      and is of interest for studies of ocular growth and myopia control. We evaluated
      the speed, repeatability, and accuracy of a new image segmentation method to
      quantify choroid thickness compared to manual segmentation. METHODS: Two macular
      volumetric scans (25 * 30 degrees ) were taken from 30 eyes of 30 young adult
      subjects in two sessions, 1 hour apart. A single rater manually delineated
      choroid thickness as the distance between Bruch's membrane and sclera across
      three B-scans (foveal, inferior, and superior-most scan locations). Manual
      segmentation was compared to an automated method based on graph theory, dynamic
      programming, and wavelet-based texture analysis. Segmentation performance
      comparisons included processing speed, choroid thickness measurements across the
      foveal horizontal midline, and measurement repeatability (95% limits of agreement
      (LoA)). RESULTS: Subjects were healthy young adults (n = 30; 24 +/- 2 years; mean
      +/- SD; 63% female) with spherical equivalent refractive error of -3.46 +/- 2.69D
      (range: +2.62 to -8.50D). Manual segmentation took 200 times longer than
      automated segmentation (780 vs. 4 seconds). Mean choroid thickness at the foveal
      center was 263 +/- 24 MUm (manual) and 259 +/- 23 MUm (automated), and this
      difference was not significant (p = 0.10). Regional segmentation errors across
      the foveal horizontal midline (+/-15 degrees ) were <=9 MUm (median) except for
      nasal-most regions closest to the nasal peripapillary margin-15 degrees (19 MUm)
      and 12 degrees (16 MUm) from the foveal center. Repeatability of choroidal
      thickness measurements had similar repeatability between segmentation methods
      (manual LoA: +/-15 MUm; automated LoA: +/-14 MUm). CONCLUSIONS: Automated
      segmentation of SD-OCT data by graph theory and dynamic programming is a fast,
      accurate, and reliable method to delineate the choroid. This approach will
      facilitate longitudinal studies evaluating changes in choroid thickness in
      response to novel optical corrections and in ocular disease.

PMID- 27668638
TI  - Methods to Develop the Eye-tem Bank to Measure Ophthalmic Quality of Life.
AB  - PURPOSE: There is an increasing demand for high-standard, comprehensive, and
      reliable patient-reported outcome (PRO) instruments in all the disciplines of
      health care including in ophthalmology and optometry. Over the past two decades,
      a plethora of PRO instruments have been developed to assess the impact of eye
      diseases and their treatments. Despite this large number of instruments,
      significant shortcomings exist for the measurement of ophthalmic quality of life
      (QoL). Most PRO instruments are short-form instruments designed for clinical use,
      but this limits their content coverage often poorly targeting any study
      population other than that which they were developed for. Also, existing
      instruments are static paper and pencil based and unable to be updated easily
      leading to outdated and irrelevant item content. Scores obtained from different
      PRO instruments may not be directly comparable. These shortcomings can be
      addressed using item banking implemented with computer-adaptive testing (CAT).
      Therefore, we designed a multicenter project (The Eye-tem Bank project) to
      develop and validate such PROs to enable comprehensive measurement of ophthalmic
      QoL in eye diseases. METHODS: Development of the Eye-tem Bank follows four
      phases: Phase I, Content Development; Phase II, Pilot Testing and Item
      Calibration; Phase III, Validation; and Phase IV, Evaluation.
      CONCLUSIONS/DISCUSSION: This project will deliver technologically advanced
      comprehensive QoL PROs in the form of item banking implemented via a CAT system
      in eye diseases. Here, we present a detailed methodological framework of this
      project.

PMID- 27668640
TI  - Evaluation of the SVOne Handheld Autorefractor in a Pediatric Population.
AB  - PURPOSE: The SVOne is a portable, Hartmann-Shack wavefront aberrometer, which can
      be attached to a smartphone to determine the refractive error of the eye
      objectively. Previous results have shown the device to provide measurements
      equivalent to those of standard clinical techniques in young, healthy adults. The
      aim of the present study was to compare the findings of the SVOne with
      retinoscopy, subjective refraction, and two commercially available autorefractors
      (Retinomax-3 and WAM-5500) in a pediatric population. METHOD: The refractive
      error of the right eye was assessed both without and with cycloplegia in 40
      visually normal children between 5 and 17 years of age (mean age = 11.3 years)
      using the five techniques described above. Further, to assess repeatability of
      the instruments, the entire procedure was repeated in a subgroup of five
      subjects. All data were analyzed in terms of power vectors (M, J0, and J45).
      RESULTS: No significant difference was observed between the mean values of M
      (spherical equivalent) for the different techniques. Retinoscopy showed the best
      agreement with subjective refraction, both without and with cycloplegia, followed
      by the open-field WAM-5500. The most repeatable procedures, when measured without
      and with cycloplegia, were the WAM-5500 and retinoscopy, respectively.
      Measurements with the SVOne showed a decline in repeatability under cycloplegia.
      CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the SVOne provides measurements of
      refractive error in a normal, pediatric population that are not significantly
      different from other subjective and objective procedures. Accurate alignment
      along the visual axis, especially when measuring through a dilated pupil, is
      critical. This instrument is valuable for vision screenings, for examinations
      taking place outside the clinical office, and a starting point for the refractive
      assessment.

PMID- 27668639
TI  - Fundus Autofluorescence in Age-related Macular Degeneration.
AB  - : Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) provides detailed insight into the health of the
      retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). This is highly valuable in age-related macular
      degeneration (AMD) as RPE damage is a hallmark of the disease. The purpose of
      this paper is to critically appraise current clinical descriptions regarding the
      appearance of AMD using FAF and to integrate these findings into a chair-side
      reference. A wide variety of FAF patterns have been described in AMD, which is
      consistent with the clinical heterogeneity of the disease. In particular, FAF
      imaging in early to intermediate AMD has the capacity to reveal RPE alterations
      in areas that appear normal on funduscopy, which aids in the stratification of
      cases and may have visually significant prognostic implications. It can assist in
      differential diagnoses and also represents a reliable, sensitive method for
      distinguishing reticular pseudodrusen. FAF is especially valuable in the
      detection, evaluation, and monitoring of geographic atrophy and has been used as
      an endpoint in clinical trials. In neovascular AMD, FAF reveals distinct patterns
      of classic choroidal neovascularization noninvasively and may be especially
      useful for determining which eyes are likely to benefit from therapeutic
      intervention. FAF represents a rapid, effective, noninvasive imaging method that
      has been underutilized, and incorporation into the routine assessment of AMD
      cases should be considered. However, the practicing clinician should also be
      aware of the limitations of the modality, such as in the detection of foveal
      involvement and in the distinction of phenotypes (hypo-autofluorescent drusen
      from small areas of geographic atrophy).

PMID- 27668643
TI  - Co-transfer of blaNDM-5 and mcr-1 by an IncX3-X4 hybrid plasmid in Escherichia
      coli.
AB  - Carbapenem and colistin are the last-resort antibiotics used for treating
      multidrug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens. Here, we report, for the first time,
      co-transfer of resistance to both classes of antibiotics by a mobile IncX3-X4
      hybrid plasmid in an Escherichia coli isolate. Spread of such a plasmid is of
      great concern for clinical therapy, and heightened efforts are needed to control
      its dissemination.

PMID- 27668641
TI  - Academic Difficulty and Vision Symptoms in Children with Concussion.
AB  - PURPOSE: Academic difficulty is reported in children with prolonged post
      concussive symptoms. Despite growing evidence that vestibular-ocular and vision
      specific dysfunction are common in children after concussion, vision is rarely
      mentioned in return-to-learn protocols. The purpose of this project was to
      evaluate a cohort of children with prolonged post-concussive symptoms to
      determine if vision symptoms are associated with those reporting academic
      difficulty. METHODS: Data were obtained from the Children's of Alabama Concussion
      Clinic REDCap dataset from the period January 2007 to October 2013. From this
      dataset of 1033 concussion events, a cohort of 276 children aged 5 to 18 years
      with three or more concussion-related symptoms present for 10 days or more was
      identified. A cross-sectional cohort study was undertaken to evaluate the
      association of concussion symptoms, SCAT2 scores, and demographic and concussion
      severity markers to reported educational difficulty among children with prolonged
      post-concussive symptoms. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression
      techniques were used to model the association of reported educational difficulty
      to self-reported vision abnormalities. RESULTS: Mean age was 13.8 years. Median
      time since the concussive event was 21 days, with 33% (95/276) reporting their
      concussion more than 30 days before data collection. Academic difficulty was
      reported by 29% (79/270) and vision abnormalities in 46% (128/274). After model
      reduction, vision symptoms (OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.02, 4.62), hearing disturbance (OR
      2.39, 95% CI 1.06, 5.36), and concentration difficulty (OR 21.62, 95% CI 9.50,
      44.47) remained associated with academic difficulty. For those with symptoms 30
      days or more after concussion, only vision (OR 3.15, 95% CI 1.06, 9.38) and
      concentration difficulty (OR 15.33, 95% CI 4.99, 47.05) remained statistically
      significant. CONCLUSIONS: Vision problems were commonly reported in children with
      concussions and were independently associated with those reporting academic
      difficulty. Comprehensive vision assessment should be considered in children
      reporting academic difficulty and in the development of return-to-learn
      protocols.

PMID- 27668644
TI  - The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) - physiology and molecular
      mechanisms of functioning.
AB  - Secretion of renin juxtaglomerular cells into bloodstream initiates activation of
      an enzymatic-hormonal cascade known as the RAAS (renin - angiotensin -
      aldosterone system). As a result, blood pressure is increased by the means
      several interrelated mechanisms. Mechanism of Zjednoczoaction of this system has
      been known for decades, but a few previously unknown components were recently
      added, such as ACE-2 and Ang(1-7), and their role often seems to be opposite to
      that of the conventional components. Local tissue systems also have important
      biological functions. They operate largely independently of the systemic
      activity, and their activity is observed primarily in the kidney, heart, in blood
      vessels, adrenal gland and nervous system. Angiotensin-2 (Ang-2), the main RAAS
      effector, has a wide scope of action, and thus abnormalities in its functioning
      have many consequences. Excessive activation is accompanied by chronic
      inflammation, as Ang-2 stimulates inflammatory mediators. As a result,
      degenerative processes and atherosclerosis are initiated. RAAS imbalance is
      associated with the most common diseases of civilization, such as cardio-vascular
      diseases, diabetes, kidney diseases, preeclampsia, osteoporosis and even
      neurodegenerative diseases. Many of these pathological processes are attributed
      to the excessive activation of tissue RA system. Therapeutic strategies based on
      inhibition of the RAAS are commonly used mainly in the treatment of hypertension
      and other cardiovascular disorders. The benefits of this class of drugs is
      primarily a decrease in blood pressure, but also the suppression of inflammatory
      processes and other pathological phenomena resulting from excessive activation of
      the RAAS. For that reason, some consider to use RAAS inhibitors in other
      diseases, e.g. Parkinson's disease. Further studies give hope for the improvement
      of RAAS inhibitor therapy and the development of new therapeutic strategies.

PMID- 27668645
TI  - Growth hormone deficiency in children and young adults.
AB  - Growth hormone (GH) is a naturally occurring polypeptide hormone produced by
      somatotropic cells in the anterior pituitary. The main function of somatotropin
      is stimulation of linear growth, but it also affects carbohydrate metabolism,
      increases bone mass and has potent lipolytic, antinatriuretic and antidiuretic
      effects. Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) may occur both in children and in
      adults. At the moment there is no gold standard for the diagnosis of GHD, and the
      diagnosis should take into account clinical, auxological, biochemical and
      radiological changes and, if necessary, genetic testing. Recent studies have
      highlighted that the biochemical diagnosis of GH deficiency is still imperfect.
      Stimuli used in the tests are non-physiological, and various substances are
      characterized by a different mechanism of action and potency. A few years ago it
      was thought that GHD treatment in children must be completed at the end of linear
      growth. Studies performed in the last two decades have shown that GHD deficiency
      in adults may result in complex clinical problems, and if untreated shortens the
      life expectancy and worsens its comfort. Discontinuation of GH therapy after the
      final height has been reached in fact negatively impacts the physiological
      processes associated with the transition phase, which is the period of human life
      between achieving the final height and 25-30 years of age. Given the adverse
      metabolic effects of GH treatment interruption after linear growth has been
      completed, the latest recommendations propose reassessment of GH secretion in the
      period at least one month after cessation of treatment and continuation of the
      therapy in case of persistent deficit.

PMID- 27668646
TI  - The role of 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase (PFK-2)/fructose 2,6-bisphosphatase (FBPase
      2) in metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells.
AB  - The high rate of glucose breakdown is the fingerprint of cancer. Increased
      glycolysis allows tumour cells to fulfil their high energetic and biosynthetic
      demands. Interestingly, however, rather than metabolizing glucose in the
      oxidative phosphorylation pathway, cancer cells generally use glucose for aerobic
      glycolysis. This phenomenon is known as the Warburg effect and is considered as
      one of the most fundamental forms of metabolic reprogramming during
      cancerogenesis. Changes in the rate of glycolytic activity of cancer cells are
      caused mainly by the increased expression of glycolytic enzymes as a consequence
      of activation of oncogenes or loss of tumour suppressors. In addition, the
      hypoxic tumour environment also triggers upregulation of a series of genes
      involved in glucose metabolism. Among the metabolic enzymes that are modulated by
      these factors in cancer cells are the 6-phosphofructo 2-kinase/fructose 2,6
      bisphosphatases (PFKFBs), a family of bifunctional enzymes that control the
      levels of fructose 2,6-bisphosphate (Fru-2,6-P2), an essential activator of the
      glycolytic flux. Fru-2,6-P2 strongly activates glucose breakdown in glycolysis
      through allosteric modulation of the rate-limiting enzyme of glycolysis,
      phosphofructokinase-1 (PFK-1). Thus far, many studies have reported a correlation
      between aberrant PFKFB expression level and the grade of tumour aggressiveness,
      which directly indicates that these enzymes may play a crucial role in
      cancerogenesis. The objective of this review is to highlight the recent studies
      on aberrant expression of PFKFBs and its influence on cancer progression.

PMID- 27668647
TI  - The role of extracellular vesicles in parasite-host interaction.
AB  - Zewnatrzkomorkowe pecherzyki blonowe (EVs, extracellular vesicles), poczatkowo
      uwazane za elementy zniszczonych komorek, okazaly sie niezwykle istotnym sposobem
      przekazywania informacji miedzy komorkami, bez ich bezposredniego kontaktu. Ze
      wzgledu na powszechne wystepowanie EVs w komorkach organizmow zarowno jedno-, jak
      i wielokomorkowych nalezacych do roznych grup systematycznych oraz ze wzgledu na
      pelniona role w komunikacji miedzykomorkowej staly sie przedmiotem licznych badan
      i dyskusji. EVs sa uwalniane przez komorki prokariotyczne, jak i eukariotyczne,
      zarowno w warunkach in vivo, jak i in vitro. Chociaz uzyskiwane frakcje EVs sa
      zwykle mieszanina roznorodnych struktur pochodzenia blonowego wprowadzono
      klasyfikacje pecherzykow przede wszystkim na podstawie ich wielkosci i
      prawdopodobnego mechanizmu powstawania. EVs jako nosniki informacji zawieraja
      roznorodny material komorkowy, a jednak dzieki intensywnym pracom badawczym coraz
      wiecej wiadomo o ich funkcji w roznego rodzaju procesach np. nowotworowych. W
      pracy przedstawiono obecny stan wiedzy na temat pecherzykow blonowych bioracych
      udzial w szeroko pojetych interakcjach zywiciel-pasozyt, obejmujacych inwazje i
      kolonizacje zywiciela, ustalanie rownowagi miedzy partnerami czy modulacje
      odpowiedzi immunologicznej zywiciela w czasie zarazenia. Poruszono kwestie
      potencjalnego wykorzystania pecherzykow w immunoprofilaktyce oraz diagnostyce
      chorob inwazyjnych. Najwiecej miejsca poswiecono inwazjom spowodowanym przez
      pierwotniaki, ze szczegolnym uwzglednieniem parazytoz o najwiekszym znaczeniu
      medycznym i spolecznym w skali globalnej, co znajduje takze swoje
      odzwierciedlenie w literaturze swiatowej. Zebrano takze dosc skape na razie
      doniesienia na temat udzialu EVs w przebiegu inwazji wywolywanych przez gatunki
      pasozytnicze zaliczane do grupy helmintow.

PMID- 27668648
TI  - Assessment of the influence of peripheral blood mononuclear cell stimulation with
      Streptococcus pneumoniae polysaccharides on expression of selected Toll-like
      receptors, activation markers and Fas antigen in patients with chronic
      lymphocytic leukemia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Since 2012, both the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine
      (PCV13) and the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) have been
      recommended for pneumococcal infection prevention in patients with chronic
      lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Available literature data indicate that leukemic
      cells may respond to the presence of pathogens through specific Toll-like
      receptors (TLR). OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of in
      vitro PPV23 stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) on
      expression of TLR-2, TLR-4, CD25, CD69, and CD95 on the surface of CD3+ T cells
      and CD19+ B cells in CLL patients. METHODS: A total of 30 previously untreated
      patients with CLL, stage 0 according to the Rai classification, were included in
      the study. PBMCs obtained from each patient were cultured with and without PPV23
      antigens. After 24-, 48-, and 72 h cultures, the viable cells underwent labeling
      with fluorochrome-conjugated monoclonal antibodies, and were analyzed using a
      flow cytometer. RESULTS: Between 24 h and 72 h (p=0.002) stimulation with PPV23
      and between 48 h and 72 h (p=0.034) stimulation with PPV23 the frequencies of
      CD3+TLR-2+ cells were diminished. Increase of the value of the percentage of
      CD19+CD69+ cells was observed after 24 h (p=0.003), 48 h (p=0.025) and 72 h
      (p=0.012) of stimulation with PPV23. Stimulation with PPV23 led to an increase of
      the percentage of CD19+CD95+ cells after 24 h (p=0.003), 48 h (p=0.015), and 72 h
      (p=0.006). CONCLUSIONS: We found that both T and B cells respond to antigens of
      PPV23 by inducing TLR-dependent pathways, lymphocyte activation and CD95
      expression.

PMID- 27668649
TI  - Expression and activity of SNAIL transcription factor during Epithelial to
      Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) in cancer progression.
AB  - Inhibition of E-cadherin gene expression by transcription factor SNAIL is known
      to be a crucial element of Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition; EMT. Epigenetic
      regulation of E-cadherin expression is regulated by SNAIL binding to E-box
      sequences in the CDH1 gene promoter and recruiting enzymes belonging to repressor
      complexes that are directly engaged in histone modifications and DNA methylation
      leading to the modification of chromatin structure. SNAIL involvement in cell
      acquisition of invasive phenotype is based on direct suppression of tight
      junction and gap junction proteins. The nuclear localization of SNAIL is required
      for SNAIL activity and protects this factor from proteasomal degradation in the
      cytoplasm. The main factor engaged in that process is GSK- 3beta kinase.
      Expression and stability of SNAIL is regulated on the transctriptional and
      posttranscriptional levels by a number of signaling molecules and biological
      factors, for example: TGF-beta, TNF-alpha, ILK and NFkappaB. The expression of
      SNAIL in cancer cells is also regulated by micro-RNA, mainly by miR-34. Increased
      expression of SNAIL, observed in many human cancers, has been correlated with
      increased resistance to chemio-, radio - or immunotherapy, gain of cancer stem
      cells features and migrative and invasive characteristics, which leads to tumor
      metastases. Understanding of the SNAIL's mechanism of action may lead to new
      treatment strategies in cancer directed to interfere with signaling pathways that
      either activate SNAIL or are activated by SNAIL.

PMID- 27668650
TI  - Adropin - physiological and pathophysiological role.
AB  - Adropin is a peptide hormone that was discovered in 2008 by Kumar et al. This
      protein consists of 76 amino acids, and it was originally described as a secreted
      peptide, with residues 1-33 encoding a secretory signal peptide sequence. The
      amino acid sequence of this protein in humans, mice and rats is identical. While
      our knowledge of the exact physiological roles of this poorly understood peptide
      continues to evolve, recent data suggest a role in energy homeostasis and the
      control of glucose and fatty acid metabolism. This protein is encoded by the Enho
      gene, which is expressed primarily in the liver and the central nervous system.
      The regulation of adropin secretion is controversial. Adropin immunoreactivity
      has been reported by several laboratories in the circulation of humans, non-human
      primates and rodents. However, more recently it has been suggested that adropin
      is a membrane-bound protein that modulates cell-cell communication. Moreover,
      adropin has been detected in various tissues and body fluids, such as brain,
      cerebellum, liver, kidney, heart, pancreas, small intestine, endothelial cells,
      colostrum, cheese whey and milk. The protein level, as shown by previous
      research, changes in various physiological and pathophysiological conditions.
      Adropin is involved in carbohydrate-lipid metabolism, metabolic diseases, central
      nervous system function, endothelial function and cardiovascular disease. The
      knowledge of this interesting protein, its exact role and mechanism of action is
      insufficient. This article provides an overview of the existing literature about
      the role of adropin, both in physiological and pathophysiological conditions.

PMID- 27668651
TI  - Bacteriophages to combat foodborne infections caused by food contamination by
      bacteria of the Campylobacter genus.
AB  - It is estimated that each year more than 2 million people suffer from diarrheal
      diseases, resulting from the consumption of contaminated meat. Foodborne
      infections are most frequently caused by small Gram-negative rods Campylobacter.
      The hosts of these bacteria are mainly birds wherein they are part of the normal
      intestinal flora. During the commercial slaughter, there is a likelihood of
      contamination of carcasses by the bacteria found in the intestinal content. In
      Europe, up to 90% of poultry flocks can be a reservoir of the pathogen. According
      to the European Food Safety Authority report from 2015, the number of reported
      and confirmed cases of human campylobacteriosis exceeds 200 thousands per year,
      and such trend remains at constant level for several years. The occurrence of
      growing antibiotic resistance in bacteria forces the limitation of antibiotic use
      in the animal production. Therefore, the European Union allows only using
      stringent preventive and hygienic treatment on farms. Achieving Campylobacter
      free chickens using these methods is possible, but difficult to implement and
      expensive. Utilization of bacterial viruses - bacteriophages, can be a path to
      provide the hygienic conditions of poultry production and food processing.
      Formulations applied in the food protection should contain strictly lytic
      bacteriophages, be non-pyrogenic and retain long lasting biological activity.
      Currently, on the market there are available commercial bacteriophage
      preparations for agricultural use, but neither includes phages against
      Campylobacter. However, papers on the application of bacteriophages against
      Campylobacter in chickens and poultry products were published in the last few
      years. In accordance with the estimates, 2-logarithm reduction of Campylobacter
      in poultry carcases will contribute to the 30-fold reduction in the incidence of
      campylobacteriosis in humans. Research on bacteriophages against Campylobacter
      have cognitive and economic importance. The paper presents current state of
      research on bacteriophages targeted against Campylobacter.

PMID- 27668652
TI  - LOSS OF EXTERNAL LIMITING MEMBRANE INTEGRITY PREDICTS PROGRESSION OF
      HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE RETINAL TOXICITY AFTER DRUG DISCONTINUATION.
AB  - PURPOSE: To quantify external limiting membrane (ELM) disruption and
      photoreceptor volume over time, using spectral domain optical coherence
      tomography in eyes with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) toxic effects after
      discontinuation. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of patients
      who were screened for toxic effects of HCQ between January 1, 2009 and August 31,
      2014, and identified 10 patients diagnosed as having HCQ retinal toxic effects.
      Intact ELM and the Bruch membrane were manually traced using ImageJ software and
      their lengths from each scan of the spectral domain optical coherence tomography
      macular volume were summed. The ratio of intact ELM length/Bruch membrane length
      was calculated. We measured the two-dimensional photoreceptor area between the
      intact ELM and Bruch membrane in every cross-sectional B-scan. We calculated the
      total volume of photoreceptors in a volumetric OCT by multiplying photoreceptor
      area by the distance between B-scans. RESULTS: Of the 10 patients (120 eyes), 1
      eye was excluded because of the presence of vitreomacular traction. The mean
      cumulative dose of HCQ was 1,951 g (range, 584-3,650 g). The mean follow-up
      duration was 34.1 months (range, 11-64 months). Based on the extent of ELM
      integrity at diagnosis of HCQ toxicity, we classified eyes into 2 groups: 1) 12
      eyes showed severe ELM disruption and 2) 7 eyes had intact ELM. All 19 eyes
      showed characteristic signs of HCQ toxicity on the visual field examination at
      the baseline. Seven of 12 eyes with ELM disruption showed progressive ELM
      changes, including 7 eyes that additionally developed progressive photoreceptor
      volume decline, whereas 5 eyes remained stable. All 7 eyes with intact ELM
      remained stable over time. CONCLUSION: Intact ELM status at the time of HCQ
      discontinuation is a good prognostic sign, and ELM status may allow clinicians to
      predict patients at risk for progression of retinopathy. Quantitative
      measurements of ELM disruption and photoreceptors volume may provide an objective
      tool to monitor outer retinal changes due to HCQ.

PMID- 27668653
TI  - Epiretinal Membrane Peeling Without Forceps: An Alternative Use of the 27-Gauge
      Vitrectomy Probe.

PMID- 27668654
TI  - Treatment of Pulmonary Exacerbations Improves Short But Not Long-Term Growth
      Trajectory in Children With Cystic Fibrosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The present study sought to determine the long-term growth
      consequences after a pulmonary exacerbation in children with cystic fibrosis
      (CF). METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of pediatric patients with CF with a
      hospital admission for a pulmonary exacerbation. Logistic regression used to
      determine risk factors for failure to recover baseline body mass index (BMI)
      percentile. RESULTS: Of 72 patients, 43% failed to recover their baseline BMI
      percentile 12 months after discharge and these patients also had a lower forced
      expiratory volume in 1 second at follow-up. A greater decrease in weight
      percentile from baseline to admission was the only risk factor identified (odds
      ratio 0.83, P = 0.0015). CONCLUSIONS: Greater decrease in weight percentile from
      baseline to admission predicts failure to recover BMI percentile 1 year after a
      pulmonary exacerbation. Children with CF with poor growth preceding a pulmonary
      exacerbation continue to be at risk for long-term nutritional failure despite
      treatment for pulmonary exacerbation.

PMID- 27668655
TI  - Recurrent SERPINB3 and SERPINB4 mutations in patients who respond to anti-CTLA4
      immunotherapy.
AB  - Immune checkpoint blockade has shown significant promise as an anticancer
      treatment, yet the determinants of response are not completely understood. Here
      we show that somatic mutations in SERPINB3 and SERPINB4 are associated with
      survival after anti-CTLA4 immunotherapy in two independent cohorts of patients
      with melanoma (n = 174). Interestingly, serpins are homologs of the well-known
      ovalbumin antigen and are associated with autoimmunity. Our findings have
      implications for the personalization of immunotherapy.

PMID- 27668656
TI  - TSHZ3 deletion causes an autism syndrome and defects in cortical projection
      neurons.
AB  - TSHZ3, which encodes a zinc-finger transcription factor, was recently positioned
      as a hub gene in a module of the genes with the highest expression in the
      developing human neocortex, but its functions remained unknown. Here we identify
      TSHZ3 as the critical region for a syndrome associated with heterozygous
      deletions at 19q12-q13.11, which includes autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In
      Tshz3-null mice, differentially expressed genes include layer-specific markers of
      cerebral cortical projection neurons (CPNs), and the human orthologs of these
      genes are strongly associated with ASD. Furthermore, mice heterozygous for Tshz3
      show functional changes at synapses established by CPNs and exhibit core ASD-like
      behavioral abnormalities. These findings highlight essential roles for Tshz3 in
      CPN development and function, whose alterations can account for ASD in the newly
      defined TSHZ3 deletion syndrome.

PMID- 27668657
TI  - Analysis of allelic expression patterns in clonal somatic cells by single-cell
      RNA-seq.
AB  - Cellular heterogeneity can emerge from the expression of only one parental
      allele. However, it has remained controversial whether, or to what degree, random
      monoallelic expression of autosomal genes (aRME) is mitotically inherited
      (clonal) or stochastic (dynamic) in somatic cells, particularly in vivo. Here we
      used allele-sensitive single-cell RNA-seq on clonal primary mouse fibroblasts and
      freshly isolated human CD8+ T cells to dissect clonal and dynamic monoallelic
      expression patterns. Dynamic aRME affected a considerable portion of the cells'
      transcriptomes, with levels dependent on the cells' transcriptional activity.
      Notably, clonal aRME was detected, but it was surprisingly scarce (<1% of genes)
      and mainly affected the most weakly expressed genes. Consequently, the
      overwhelming majority of aRME occurs transiently within individual cells, and
      patterns of aRME are thus primarily scattered throughout somatic cell populations
      rather than, as previously hypothesized, confined to patches of clonally related
      cells.

PMID- 27668659
TI  - Histone H3K9 methylation is dispensable for Caenorhabditis elegans development
      but suppresses RNA:DNA hybrid-associated repeat instability.
AB  - Histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) methylation is a conserved modification that generally
      represses transcription. In Caenorhabditis elegans it is enriched on silent
      tissue-specific genes and repetitive elements. In met-2 set-25 double mutants,
      which lack all H3K9 methylation (H3K9me), embryos differentiate normally,
      although mutant adults are sterile owing to extensive DNA-damage-driven apoptosis
      in the germ line. Transposons and simple repeats are derepressed in both germline
      and somatic tissues. This unprogrammed transcription correlates with increased
      rates of repeat-specific insertions and deletions, copy number variation, R loops
      and enhanced sensitivity to replication stress. We propose that H3K9me2 or
      H3K9me3 stabilizes and protects repeat-rich genomes by suppressing transcription
      induced replication stress.

PMID- 27668661
TI  - Children's allocation of resources in social dominance situations.
AB  - Two experiments with preschoolers (36 to 78 months) and 8-year-old children
      (Experiment 1, N = 173; Experiment 2, N = 132) investigated the development of
      children's resource distribution in dominance contexts. On the basis of the
      distributive justice literature, 2 opposite predictions were tested. Children
      could match resource allocation with the unequal social setting they observe and
      thus favor a dominant individual over a subordinate 1. Alternatively, children
      could choose to compensate the subordinate if they consider that the dominance
      asymmetry should be counteracted. Two experiments using a giving task (Experiment
      1) and a taking task (Experiment 2) led to the same results. In both experiments,
      children took dominance into account when allocating resources. Moreover, their
      distributive decisions were similarly affected by age: Although 3- and 4-year-old
      children favored the dominant individual, 5-year-old children showed no
      preference and 8-year-old children strongly favored the subordinate. Several
      mechanisms accounting for this developmental pattern are discussed. (PsycINFO
      Database Record

PMID- 27668660
TI  - An inducible long noncoding RNA amplifies DNA damage signaling.
AB  - Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are prevalent genes with frequently precise
      regulation but mostly unknown functions. Here we demonstrate that lncRNAs guide
      the organismal DNA damage response. DNA damage activated transcription of the
      DINO (Damage Induced Noncoding) lncRNA via p53. DINO was required for p53
      dependent gene expression, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in response to DNA
      damage, and DINO expression was sufficient to activate damage signaling and cell
      cycle arrest in the absence of DNA damage. DINO bound to p53 protein and promoted
      its stabilization, mediating a p53 auto-amplification loop. Dino knockout or
      promoter inactivation in mice dampened p53 signaling and ameliorated acute
      radiation syndrome in vivo. Thus, inducible lncRNA can create a feedback loop
      with its cognate transcription factor to amplify cellular signaling networks.

PMID- 27668662
TI  - Boron-doped few-walled carbon nanotubes: novel synthesis and properties.
AB  - Few-walled carbon nanotubes offer a unique marriage of graphitic quality and
      robustness to ink-processing; however, doping procedures that may alter the band
      structure of these few-walled nanotubes are still lacking. This report introduces
      a novel solution-injected chemical vapor deposition growth process to fabricate
      the first boron-doped few-walled carbon nanotubes (B-FWNTs) reported in
      literature, which may have extensive applications in battery devices. A
      comprehensive characterization of the as-grown B-FWNTs confirms successful boron
      substitution in the graphitic lattice, and reveals varying growth parameters
      impact the structural properties of B-FWNT yield. An investigation into the
      optimal growth purification parameters and ink-making procedures was also
      conducted. This study introduces the first process technique to successfully grow
      intrinsically p-doped FWNTs, and provides the first investigation into the impact
      factors of the growth parameters, purification steps, and ink-making processes on
      the structural properties of the B-FWNTs and the electrical properties of the
      resulting spray-coated thin-film electrodes. 

PMID- 27668664
TI  - Elegant Shadow Making Tiny Force Visible for Water-Walking Arthropods and Updated
      Archimedes' Principle.
AB  - Forces acted on legs of water-walking arthropods with weights in dynes are of
      great interest for entomologist, physicists, and engineers. While their floating
      mechanism has been recognized, the in vivo leg forces stationary have not yet
      been simultaneously achieved. In this study, their elegant bright-edged leg
      shadows are used to make the tiny forces visible and measurable based on the
      updated Archimedes' principle. The force was approximately proportional to the
      shadow area with a resolution from nanonewton to piconewton/pixel. The sum of leg
      forces agreed well with the body weight measured with an accurate electronic
      balance, which verified updated Archimedes' principle at the arthropod level. The
      slight changes of vertical body weight focus position and the body pitch angle
      have also been revealed for the first time. The visualization of tiny force by
      shadow is cost-effective and very sensitive and could be used in many other
      applications.

PMID- 27668658
TI  - Discovery and refinement of genetic loci associated with cardiometabolic risk
      using dense imputation maps.
AB  - Large-scale whole-genome sequence data sets offer novel opportunities to identify
      genetic variation underlying human traits. Here we apply genotype imputation
      based on whole-genome sequence data from the UK10K and 1000 Genomes Project into
      35,981 study participants of European ancestry, followed by association analysis
      with 20 quantitative cardiometabolic and hematological traits. We describe 17 new
      associations, including 6 rare (minor allele frequency (MAF) < 1%) or low
      frequency (1% < MAF < 5%) variants with platelet count (PLT), red blood cell
      indices (MCH and MCV) and HDL cholesterol. Applying fine-mapping analysis to 233
      known and new loci associated with the 20 traits, we resolve the associations of
      59 loci to credible sets of 20 or fewer variants and describe trait enrichments
      within regions of predicted regulatory function. These findings improve
      understanding of the allelic architecture of risk factors for cardiometabolic and
      hematological diseases and provide additional functional insights with the
      identification of potentially novel biological targets.

PMID- 27668663
TI  - Simultaneous Bilateral Versus Staged Bilateral Carpal Tunnel Release: A Cost
      effectiveness Analysis.
AB  - : The purpose of this study was to determine if simultaneous bilateral carpal
      tunnel release (CTR) is a cost-effective strategy compared with bilateral staged
      CTR for the treatment of bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. METHODS: A decision
      analytic model was created to compare the cost effectiveness of three strategies
      (ie, bilateral simultaneous CTR, bilateral staged CTR, and no treatment). Direct
      medical costs were estimated from 2013 Medicare reimbursement rates and wholesale
      drug costs in US dollars. Indirect costs were derived from consecutive patients
      undergoing unilateral or simultaneous bilateral CTR at our institution and from
      national average wages for 2013. Health state utility values were derived from a
      general population of volunteers using the Short Form-6 dimensions (SF-6D) health
      questionnaire. RESULTS: Both surgical strategies were cost effective compared
      with the no-treatment strategy. Bilateral simultaneous CTR had lower total costs
      and higher total effectiveness than bilateral staged CTR, and had an incremental
      cost-effectiveness ratio of $921 per quality-adjusted life year compared with the
      no-treatment strategy. The conclusions of the analysis remained unchanged though
      all sensitivity analyses, displaying robustness against parameter uncertainty.
      CONCLUSIONS: Surgical management is cost effective for the treatment of bilateral
      carpal tunnel syndrome. Bilateral simultaneous CTR, however, has lower total
      costs and higher total effectiveness compared with bilateral staged CTR. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: Economic and Decision Analysis I.

PMID- 27668665
TI  - Bottom-Up Fabrication of Hybrid Plasmonic Sensors: Gold-Capped Hydrogel
      Microspheres Embedded in Periodic Metal Hole Arrays.
AB  - The high potential of bottom-up fabrication strategies for realizing
      sophisticated optical sensors combining the high sensitivity of a surface plasmon
      resonance with the exceptional properties of stimuli-responsive hydrogel is
      demonstrated. The sensor is composed of a periodic hole array in a gold film
      whose holes are filled with gold-capped poly(N-isoproyl-acrylamide) (polyNIPAM)
      microspheres. The production of this sensor relies on a pure chemical approach
      enabling simple, time-efficient, and cost-efficient preparation of sensor
      platforms covering areas of cm2. The transmission spectrum of this plasmonic
      sensor shows a strong interaction between propagating surface plasmon polaritons
      at the metal film surface and localized surface plasmon resonance of the gold cap
      on top of the polyNIPAM microspheres. Computer simulations support this
      experimental observation. These interactions lead to distinct changes in the
      transmission spectrum, which allow for the simultaneous, sensitive optical
      detection of refractive index changes in the surrounding medium and the swelling
      state of the embedded polyNIPAM microsphere under the gold cap. The volume of the
      polyNIPAM microsphere located underneath the gold cap can be changed by certain
      stimuli such as temperature, pH, ionic strength, and distinct molecules bound to
      the hydrogel matrix facilitating the detection of analytes which do not change
      the refractive index of the surrounding medium significantly.

PMID- 27668666
TI  - Nanorod-Nanoflake Interconnected LiMnPO4.Li3V2(PO4)3/C Composite for High-Rate
      and Long-Life Lithium-Ion Batteries.
AB  - Olivine-type structured LiMnPO4 has been extensively studied as a high-energy
      density cathode material for lithium-ion batteries. However, preparation of high
      performance LiMnPO4 is still a large obstacle due to its intrinsically sluggish
      electrochemical kinetics. Recently, making the composites from both active
      components has been proven to be a good proposal to improve the electrochemical
      properties of cathode materials. The composite materials can combine the
      advantages of each phase and improve the comprehensive properties. Herein, a
      LiMnPO4.Li3V2(PO4)3/C composite with interconnected nanorods and nanoflakes has
      been synthesized via a one-pot, solid-state reaction in molten hydrocarbon, where
      the oleic acid functions as a surfactant. With a highly uniform hybrid
      architecture, conductive carbon coating, and mutual cross-doping, the
      LiMnPO4.Li3V2(PO4)3/C composite manifests high capacity, good rate capability,
      and excellent cyclic stability in lithium-ion batteries. The composite electrodes
      deliver a high reversible capacity of 101.3 mAh g-1 at the rate up to 16 C. After
      4000 long-term cycles, the electrodes can still retain 79.39% and 72.74% of its
      maximum specific discharge capacities at the rates of 4C and 8C, respectively.
      The results demonstrate that the nanorod-nanoflake interconnected
      LiMnPO4.Li3V2(PO4)3/C composite is a promising cathode material for high
      performance lithium ion batteries.

PMID- 27668668
TI  - Data Acquisition, Curation, and Use for a Continuously Learning Health System.

PMID- 27668667
TI  - Aberrations in Peripheral Inflammatory Cytokine Levels in Parkinson Disease: A
      Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
AB  - Importance: The association of nonmotor features and Parkinson disease (PD) is
      increasingly recognized. Evidence suggests that inflammation may play a role in
      PD pathologic features and symptoms. Objective: To quantitatively summarize the
      peripheral inflammatory cytokine data available for patients with PD. Data
      Source: A systematic search of peer-reviewed English-language articles from
      PubMed, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library without year limitation was performed
      from December 7, 2015, to March 23, 2016. The search terms included inflammation
      or cytokine or chemokine or tumor necrosis factor or interleukin or interferon or
      C-reactive protein AND Parkinson disease. Study Selection: Studies were included
      if they provided data on peripheral blood cytokine concentrations in patients
      with PD and a healthy control group. Studies were excluded if they contained in
      vitro analysis of stimulated or unstimulated levels of cytokines, samples that
      overlapped with other studies, patients not diagnosed with PD at blood sampling,
      or if the cytokine analyzed was assessed in fewer than 3 studies. Data Extraction
      and Synthesis: Data were extracted from the 25 included studies encompassing 1547
      unique patients with PD and 1107 unique controls by 2 independent investigators.
      Data were pooled using a random-effects model with the Comprehensive Meta
      analysis software. Effect sizes were generated as standardized mean differences
      of cytokine concentrations between patients with PD and healthy controls and
      converted to the Hedges g statistic. Main Outcomes and Measures: Blood cytokine
      concentrations in patients with PD compared with controls. Aberrations in
      peripheral cytokine levels were hypothesized to be related to PD. Results: Among
      the 2654 study participants, concentrations of interleukin 6 (IL-6) (Hedges g,
      0.325; 95% CI, 0.007-0.643; P = .045) in 13 studies, tumor necrosis factor
      (Hedges g, 0.354; 95% CI, 0.144-0.563; P = .001) in 9 studies, IL-1beta (Hedges
      g, 0.382; 95% CI, 0.142-0.621; P = .002) in 6 studies, C-reactive protein (Hedges
      g, 0.323; 95% CI, 0.052-0.593; P = .02) in 6 studies, IL-10 (Hedges g, 0.329; 95%
      CI, 0.051-0.607; P = .02) in 5 studies, RANTES (regulated on activation, normal T
      expressed, and presumably secreted) (Hedges g, 0.605; 95% CI, 0.111-1.099; P =
      .02) in 5 studies, and IL-2 (Hedges g, 0.789; 95% CI, 0.105-1.472; P = .02) in 3
      studies were significantly higher in patients with PD compared with healthy
      controls. No differences were found between patients with PD and healthy controls
      for concentrations of interferon-gamma (Hedges g, 0.745; 95% CI, -0.192 to 1.682;
      P = .12) in 5 studies, IL-4 (Hedges g, 0.031; 95% CI, -0.191 to 0.253; P = .79)
      in 3 studies, and IL-8 (Hedges g, 0.072; 95% CI, -0.136 to 0.279; P = .50) in 3
      studies. Conclusions and Relevance: The findings of the meta-analysis
      demonstrated higher peripheral concentrations of IL-6, tumor necrosis factor, IL
      1beta, IL-2, IL-10, C-reactive protein, and RANTES in patients with PD,
      strengthening the clinical evidence that PD is accompanied by an inflammatory
      response.

PMID- 27668669
TI  - A Distal Disulfide Bridge in OXA-1 beta-Lactamase Stabilizes the Catalytic Center
      and Alters the Dynamics of the Specificity Determining Omega Loop.
AB  - Widespread antibiotic resistance, particularly when mediated by broad-spectrum
      beta-lactamases, has major implications for public health. Substitutions in the
      active site often allow broad-spectrum enzymes to accommodate diverse types of
      beta-lactams. Substitutions observed outside the active site are thought to
      compensate for the loss of thermal stability. The OXA-1 clade of class D beta
      lactamases contains a pair of conserved cysteines located outside the active site
      that forms a disulfide bond in the periplasm. Here, the effect of the distal
      disulfide bond on the structure and dynamics of OXA-1 was investigated via 4 MUs
      molecular dynamics simulations. The results reveal that the disulfide promotes
      the preorganized orientation of the catalytic residues and affects the
      conformation of the functionally important Omega loop. Furthermore, principal
      component analysis reveals differences in the global dynamics between the
      oxidized and reduced forms, especially in the motions involving the Omega loop. A
      dynamical network analysis indicates that, in the oxidized form, in addition to
      its role in ligand binding, the KTG family motif is a central hub of the global
      dynamics. As activity of OXA-1 has been measured only in the reduced form, we
      suggest that accurate assessment of its functional profile would require
      oxidative conditions mimicking periplasm.

PMID- 27668670
TI  - Health Status Among Adults Born With an Oral Cleft in Norway.
AB  - Importance: Parents regularly express concern about long-term health outcomes for
      children who are born with an oral cleft. Objective: To assess whether oral
      clefts affect the health and ability to work of young adults. Design, Setting,
      and Participants: A population-based cohort study was conducted on all
      individuals born in Norway between calendar years 1967 and 1992 (n = 1 490 401).
      All patients treated for clefts in Norway during the study period were invited to
      participate (n = 2860). This study used population-based, long-term follow-up
      data from national registries to focus on the future health outcomes of
      individuals with cleft and no additional chronic medical conditions or congenital
      anomalies. A total of 523 individuals were excluded from the study cohort because
      they declined participation, could not be reached by mail, or had birth defects
      other than clefts. The final cohort, consisting of 2337 cases with isolated
      clefts and 1 413 819 unaffected individuals, was followed up until December 31,
      2010, using compulsory national registries and clinical data. Data analysis was
      conducted from February 13, 2014, to April 18, 2016. Exposures: Oral clefts. Main
      Outcomes and Measures: Death, intellectual disability, schizophrenia, mood
      affective disorders, anxiety disorders, autism spectrum disorders, attention
      deficit/hyperactivity disorder, severe learning disability, cerebral palsy,
      epilepsy, muscle or skeletal disorders, trauma, and episodes of reduced health.
      Results: Of 2860 individuals born with an oral cleft, 2337 were included in the
      analysis; of these, 1401 were male (59.9%). Mean (SD) age in 2010 was 30.6 (7.7)
      years. Compared with unaffected individuals, no increased risks were found
      regarding morbidity or mortality among persons with isolated cleft lip only.
      Among individuals with isolated cleft lip and cleft palate, increased risks of
      intellectual disability (relative risk [RR], 2.2; 95% CI, 1.2-4.1) and cerebral
      palsy (RR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.1-6.2) were found. Individuals with isolated cleft
      palate (ie, without cleft lip) had increased mortality (hazard ratio, 3.4; 95%
      CI, 2.1-5.7) in addition to an increased risk of intellectual disability (RR,
      11.5; 95% CI, 8.5-15.6), anxiety disorders (RR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.3-6.5), autism
      spectrum disorders (RR, 6.6; 95% CI, 2.8-15.7), severe learning disabilities (RR,
      10.6; 95% CI, 5.5-20.2), cerebral palsy (RR, 4.8; 95% CI, 2.3-10.0), epilepsy
      (RR, 4.9; 95% CI, 2.2-10.8), and muscle or skeletal disorders (RR, 2.7; 95% CI,
      1.4-5.4). Conclusions and Relevance: Young adults who were born with isolated
      cleft lip only did not differ significantly from unaffected individuals in their
      risk of health problems. However, individuals with isolated cleft palate had
      increased health risks and mortality. This information should be provided to
      genetic counselors, parents of children with clefts, and health care workers
      involved in the treatment or follow-up of these children.

PMID- 27668671
TI  - Exercise as Medicine.

PMID- 27668672
TI  - Antidepressant Prescription in the Geriatric Population: A Teachable Moment.

PMID- 27668673
TI  - Eosinophilia in a Man With Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome.

PMID- 27668674
TI  - More Value From Payment Reform in Health Care and Biomedical Innovation.

PMID- 27668675
TI  - Construction of Furan Derivatives with a Trifluoromethyl Stereogenic Center:
      Enantioselective Friedel-Crafts Alkylations via Formal Trienamine Catalysis.
AB  - An asymmetric Friedel-Crafts alkylation reaction of 2-furfuryl ketones with beta
      trifluoromethyl enones has been developed via formal trienamine catalysis of a
      bifunctional primary amine-thiourea substance derived from L-tert-leucine,
      delivering the furan derivatives incorporating a stereogenic trifluoromethyl
      (CF3) group in good to high yields with excellent enantioselectivity.

PMID- 27668676
TI  - Unilateral peripheral corneal thinning with negative workup: April consultation
      #1.

PMID- 27668677
TI  - April consultation #2.

PMID- 27668678
TI  - April consultation #4.

PMID- 27668679
TI  - April consultation #3.

PMID- 27668680
TI  - April consultation #5.

PMID- 27668681
TI  - April consultation #6.

PMID- 27668682
TI  - April consultation #7.

PMID- 27668683
TI  - Luminescent Ru(II) Phenanthroline Complexes as a Probe for Real-Time Imaging of
      Abeta Self-Aggregation and Therapeutic Applications in Alzheimer's Disease.
AB  - The complexes cis-[Ru(phen)2(Apy)2]2+, Apy = 4-aminopyridine and 3,4
      aminopyridine, are stable in aqueous solution with strong visible absorption.
      They present emission in the visible region with long lifetime that accumulates
      in the cytoplasm of Neuro2A cell line without appreciable cytotoxicity. The
      complexes also serve as mixed-type reversible inhibitors of human AChE and BuChE
      with high active site contact. cis-[Ru(phen)2(3,4Apy)2]2+ competes efficiently
      with DMPO by the OH* radical. Luminescence using fluorescence lifetime imaging
      (FLIM) enables real-time imaging of the conformational changes of the self
      aggregation of Abeta with incubation of complexes (0-24 h) in phosphate buffer at
      micromolar concentrations. By this technique, we identified protofibrills in the
      self-assembly of Abeta1-40 and globular structures in the short fragment Abeta15
      21 in aqueous solution.

PMID- 27668685
TI  - Atomistic Design of CdSe/CdS Core-Shell Quantum Dots with Suppressed Auger
      Recombination.
AB  - We design quasi-type-II CdSe/CdS core-shell colloidal quantum dots (CQDs)
      exhibiting a suppressed Auger recombination rate. We do so using fully atomistic
      tight-binding wave functions and microscopic Coulomb interactions. The
      recombination rate as a function of the core and shell size and shape is tested
      against experiments. Because of a higher density of deep hole states and stronger
      hole confinement, Auger recombination is found to be up to six times faster for
      positive trions compared to negative ones in 4 nm core/10 nm shell CQDs. Soft
      confinement at the interface results in weak suppression of Auger recombination
      compared to same-bandgap sharp-interface CQDs. We find that the suppression is
      due to increased volume of the core resulting in delocalization of the wave
      functions, rather than due to soft-confinement itself. We show that our results
      are consistent with previous effective mass models with the same system
      parameters. Increasing the dot volume remains the most efficient way to suppress
      Auger recombination. We predict that a 4-fold suppression of Auger recombination
      can be achieved in 10 nm CQDs by increasing the core volume by using rodlike
      cores embedded in thick shells.

PMID- 27668684
TI  - Alkylation of Nonacidic C(sp3)-H Bonds by Photoinduced Catalytic Michael-Type
      Radical Addition.
AB  - Photoinduced catalytic Michael-type radical addition was achieved via olefin
      insertion into a nonacidic C(sp3)-H bond, utilizing 2-chloroanthraquinone as a C
      H bond-cleaving catalyst and 1,1-bis(phenylsulfonyl)ethylene as an olefinic
      substrate. The present radical protocol allows carbon chain extension stemming
      from nonacidic C-H bonds, which complements alkylation at acidic C-H bonds under
      ionic conditions and installs the active methine site that acts as a versatile
      synthetic handle for further transformations.

PMID- 27668686
TI  - A New Design Strategy and Diagnostic to Tailor the DNA-Binding Mechanism of Small
      Organic Molecules and Drugs.
AB  - The classical model for DNA groove binding states that groove binding molecules
      should adopt a crescent shape that closely matches the helical groove of DNA.
      Here, we present a new design strategy that does not obey this classical model.
      The DNA-binding mechanism of small organic molecules was investigated by
      synthesizing and examining a series of novel compounds that bind with DNA. This
      study has led to the emergence of structure-property relationships for DNA
      binding molecules and/or drugs, which reveals that the structure can be designed
      to either intercalate or groove bind with calf thymus dsDNA by modifying the
      electron acceptor properties of the central heterocyclic core. This suggests that
      the electron accepting abilities of the central core play a key role in the DNA
      binding mechanism. These small molecules were characterized by steady-state and
      ultrafast nonlinear spectroscopies. Bioimaging experiments were performed in live
      cells to evaluate cellular uptake and localization of the novel small molecules.
      This report paves a new route for the design and development of small organic
      molecules, such as therapeutics, targeted at DNA as their performance and
      specificity is dependent on the DNA-binding mechanism.

PMID- 27668687
TI  - 99mTc-Labeled 2-Arylbenzothiazoles: Abeta Imaging Probes with Favorable Brain
      Pharmacokinetics for Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography.
AB  - A series of 2-arylbenzothiazole derivatives conjugated with bis(aminoethanethiol)
      (BAT) chelating groups were designed and synthesized. A competitive binding assay
      based screening was used to select seven rhenium complexes with potent binding
      affinity toward Abeta1-42 aggregates (Ki < 50 nM) for 99mTc labeling and further
      evaluation. The 99mTc-labeled probes showed good affinity and specificity to
      Abeta plaques in Tg mouse brain tissue in in vitro autoradiography studies.
      Moreover, [99mTc]14b exhibited favorable brain pharmacokinetics in normal mice
      (2.11% ID/g at 2 min and 0.62% ID/g at 60 min). Ex vivo autoradiography revealed
      extensive labeling of Abeta plaques by [99mTc]14b in the brain of Tg mice.
      Furthermore, we performed the first single-photon emission computed tomography
      (SPECT) imaging study in nonhuman primates with 99mTc-labeled Abeta probes. The
      semiquantitative data showed that [99mTc]14b penetrated the brains of rhesus
      monkeys. These results indicate that [99mTc]14b could be utilized as a SPECT
      imaging probe for Abeta plaques.

PMID- 27668688
TI  - Local Controllable Laser Patterning of Polymers Induced by Graphene Material.
AB  - Graphene has been successfully applied to the field of polymer laser patterning.
      As an efficient 1064 nm near-infrared (NIR) pulsed laser absorber, only 0.005 wt
      % (50 ppm) of graphene prepared by mechanical exfoliation endowed polymer
      materials with very good NIR pulsed laser patterning. Optical microscopy observed
      that the generated black patterns came from the local discoloration of the
      polymer surface subjected to the laser irradiation, and the depth of the
      discolored layer was determined to be within 221-348 MUm. The X-ray photoelectron
      spectroscopy confirmed that the polymer surface discoloration was contributed by
      the local carbonization of polymers caused by graphene due to its high
      photothermal conversion capacity. Raman depth imaging successfully detected that
      the generated carbon in the discolored layer was composed of amorphous carbon and
      complex sp/sp2-carbon compounds containing C=C or conjugated C?C/C=C structures.
      This study also provides a simple guideline to fabricate laser-patterning polymer
      materials based on graphene. We believe that graphene has broad application
      prospects in the field of polymer laser patterning. Importantly, this work opens
      up a valuable, feasible direction for the practical application of this new
      carbon material.

PMID- 27668689
TI  - Conceptual Framework To Extend Life Cycle Assessment Using Near-Field Human
      Exposure Modeling and High-Throughput Tools for Chemicals.
AB  - Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a decision-making tool that accounts for multiple
      impacts across the life cycle of a product or service. This paper presents a
      conceptual framework to integrate human health impact assessment with risk
      screening approaches to extend LCA to include near-field chemical sources (e.g.,
      those originating from consumer products and building materials) that have
      traditionally been excluded from LCA. A new generation of rapid human exposure
      modeling and high-throughput toxicity testing is transforming chemical risk
      prioritization and provides an opportunity for integration of screening-level
      risk assessment (RA) with LCA. The combined LCA and RA approach considers
      environmental impacts of products alongside risks to human health, which is
      consistent with regulatory frameworks addressing RA within a sustainability
      mindset. A case study is presented to juxtapose LCA and risk screening approaches
      for a chemical used in a consumer product. The case study demonstrates how these
      new risk screening tools can be used to inform toxicity impact estimates in LCA
      and highlights needs for future research. The framework provides a basis for
      developing tools and methods to support decision making on the use of chemicals
      in products.

PMID- 27668690
TI  - Reconceiving the New World Order: Genes, Reproduction, and the Politics of
      Regenerative Medicine.

PMID- 27668692
TI  - Health Literacy-An Important Element in Patient-Centered Outcomes Research.

PMID- 27668691
TI  - Health Literacy Mediates the Relationship Between Educational Attainment and
      Health Behavior: A Danish Population-Based Study.
AB  - Individuals with a lower education level frequently have unhealthier behaviors
      than individuals with a higher education level, but the pathway is not fully
      understood. The aim of this study was to investigate whether health literacy
      mediates the association between educational attainment and health behavior
      (smoking, physical inactivity, poor diet) and obesity. The study included
      respondents ages 25 years or older drawn from a large population-based survey
      conducted in 2013 (N = 29,473). Two scales from the Health Literacy Questionnaire
      were used: (a) Understanding health information well enough to know what to do
      and (b) Ability to actively engage with health care providers. Multiple mediation
      analyses were conducted using the Karlson-Holm-Breen method. The study showed
      that health literacy in general and the ability to understand health information
      in particular mediated the relationship between educational attainment and health
      behavior, especially in relation to being physically inactive (accounting for 20%
      of the variance), having a poor diet (accounting for 13% of the variance), and
      being obese (accounting for 16% of the variance). These findings suggest that
      strategies for improving health behavior and reducing health inequalities may
      benefit from adopting a stronger focus on health literacy within prevention,
      patient education, and other public health interventions.

PMID- 27668693
TI  - Retroperitoneoscopic Partial Nephrectomy for Moderately Complex Ventral Hilar
      Tumors: Surgical Technique and Trifecta Outcomes from a Single Institution in
      China.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: T1 ventral renal hilar tumors (VRHTs) represent a very special type
      of tumor, for which laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) by the retroperitoneal
      approach is challenging. In this study, we report our surgical technique and
      Trifecta results. METHODS: Renal rotation technique has been established for
      retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RLPN) for VRHTs in our
      institution. Trifecta was used as a composite outcome measure for assessing
      quality of PLPN using this technique. A retrospective analysis of RLPN cases in
      12 patients with VRHTs was performed. RESULTS: Mean tumor size was 3.4 cm and
      median R.E.N.A.L. score was 8 (range 7-9). Mean warm ischemia time was 23.1
      minutes, suture time 28.1 minutes, estimated blood loss 139.2 mL, operation time
      122.8 minutes, and median hospital stay was 4 days. Three patients (25.0%) had
      Clavien-Dindo grade I-II complications. Seven patients (58.3%) achieved Trifecta.
      Postoperative pathological examination showed renal cell carcinoma in all cases
      with negative surgical margin. A median follow-up of 7 months revealed no local
      recurrence or distant metastases. CONCLUSIONS: Our Trifecta outcomes demonstrate
      that RLPN with renal rotation technique is feasible, safe, and effective for
      moderately complex VRHTs. The short-term functional and oncologic outcomes are
      promising; however, long-term follow-up is needed.

PMID- 27668694
TI  - Autophagy in osteoarthritis.
AB  - Osteoarthritis is characterized by continuous degeneration of articular cartilage
      resulting in disability. The death of chondrocytes and the loss of the
      extracellular matrix are the central peculiarities in cartilage degeneration
      during osteoarthritis pathogenesis. Autophagy is an essential cellular
      homeostasis mechanism whereby cellular organelles and macromolecules are recycled
      to maintain cellular metabolism. Autophagy is reported to be cytoprotective
      effects for articular cartilage, and osteoarthritis is associated with decreased
      autophagy. While autophagy is known to be cytoprotective to chondrocytes, its
      role may vary with differing stages and models of osteoarthritis. Therefore, more
      in-depth studies on autophagy are needed to determine its impact on cell survival
      and death in articular cartilage under various in vitro and in vivo conditions.
      Application of autophagy on osteoarthritis therapeutics will be possible after a
      profound understanding is established on the role of autophagy in osteoarthritis
      pathogenesis.

PMID- 27668695
TI  - Pharmacokinetic drug interaction study using fimasartan and rosuvastatin in
      healthy volunteers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the possible pharmacokinetic interactions between
      rosuvastatin and fimasartan, an angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor blocker
      (ARB), approved in Korea for the treatment of mild to moderate hypertension.
      METHODS: In this open-label, multiple-dose, two-period, single-sequence study,
      the enrolled subjects were randomized into two separate parts (A and B). In part
      A, subjects received 120 mg of fimasartan alone for 7 days during period I, and
      120 mg fimasartan with 20 mg rosuvastatin for 7 days during period II. In Part B,
      subjects received rosuvastatin alone, followed by concomitant administration of
      fimasartan, with the same doses used as in Part A. There was a 7-day washout
      between periods I and II. Serial blood samples were collected for up to 48 hours
      for fimasartan and for up to 72 hours for rosuvastatin after the last dose of
      each period to determine the steady-state pharmacokinetics of both drugs.
      RESULTS: The mean C<sub>max,ss</sub> and AUC<sub>tau,ss</sub> values of
      fimasartan were 258.03 +/- 176.75 ng/mL and 746.52 +/- 273.49 ng*h/mL for
      fimasartan alone, and 289.40 +/- 231.44 ng/mL and 848.43 +/- 267.45 ng*h/mL for
      fimasartan and rosuvastatin coadministration, respectively (p-values for
      C<sub>max,ss</sub> and AUC<sub>tau,ss</sub>, 0. 513 and 0.006, respectively). The
      mean C<sub>max,ss</sub> and AUC<sub>tau,ss</sub> values of rosuvastatin were 9.94
      +/- 4.48 ng/mL and 85.29 +/- 36.25 ng*h/mL for rosuvastatin alone and 11.94 +/-
      8.47 ng/mL and 77.33 +/- 38.71 ng*h/mL for fimasartan and rosuvastatin
      coadministration, respectively (p-values for C<sub>max,ss</sub> and
      AUC<sub>tau,ss</sub>, 0.066 and 0.009, respectively). The geometric mean ratio
      (GMR) and 90% confidence intervals (CI) for the C<sub>max,ss</sub> and
      AUC<sub>tau,ss</sub> of fimasartan (with/without rosuvastatin) were 1.109 (0.813 
      1.511) and 1.159 (1.061 - 1.265), respectively. The GMR and 90% CI for the
      C<sub>max,ss</sub> and AUC<sub>tau,ss</sub> of rosuvastatin (with/without
      fimasartan) were 1.090 (0.979 - 1.213) and 0.870 (0.804 - 0.940), respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that fimasartan and rosuvastatin have no
      relevant pharmacokinetic drug-drug interactions. All treatments were well
      tolerated during this study, with no serious adverse effects.?.

PMID- 27668696
TI  - Corrective effect of norepinephrine on hypotension induced by dexmedetomidine in
      critically ill patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the corrective effect of norepinephrine on hypotension
      induced by dexmedetomidine through monitoring sedation status, hemodynamics as
      well as oxygen metabolism. METHODS: 100 patients administered standard-dose
      dexmedetomidine therapy with RASS between -2 and 0 in the intensive care unit
      (ICU) were included in the study. According to the application of norepinephrine
      to correct hypotension after dexmedetomidine therapy, the patients were divided
      into two groups: group A and group B. Group A (dexmedetomidine + norepinephrine
      group): those who had a systolic arterial pressure < 90 mmHg, a mean arterial
      pressure < 70 mmHg, or a decline in systolic arterial pressure > 40 mmHg or more
      than 30% of its base value after dexmedetomidine therapy and then received
      additional norepinephrine intravenously in order to maintain the arterial
      pressure at its base value. Group B (dexmedetomidine group): patients received
      the equivalent dose of dexmedetomidine to maintain the pressure at normal value
      without extra vasoconstrictor substance. Sedation (CPOT and RASS) and hemodynamic
      and oxygen metabolism indexes (heart rate, mean arterial pressure, respiratory
      rate, arterial oxygen saturation, central venous pressure, venous oxygen
      saturation, arteriovenous carbon dioxide difference, blood lactate level, blood
      lactate clearance rate, and average hourly urine output) were evaluated in the
      two groups at baseline, 6<sup>th</sup> hour, 12<sup>th</sup> hour, and
      24<sup>th</sup> hour after the administration of intravenous dexmedetomidine.
      RESULTS: 39 cases were enrolled in group A and 61 cases in group B. Patients of
      both groups received adequate analgesia and sedation, and there was no
      significant statistical difference in analgesia and sedation at any point (both p
      > 0.05). Basal hemodynamic indexes and oxygen metabolism indexes also had no
      significant statistical difference (both p > 0.05). Central venous pressure (CVP)
      of group A was significantly higher than that of group B at the 6<sup>th</sup>
      hour and 12<sup>th</sup> hour after administration of intravenous dexmedetomidine
      (p = 0.005), and the heart rate (HR) of group A was markedly higher than that of
      group B at the 24<sup>th</sup> hour after dexmedetomidine therapy (p = 0.017),
      while the other indexes had no significant difference at any point (both p >
      0.05). CONCLUSION: Dexmedetomidine plays an important role in ICU patients due to
      its pharmacological ability of sedation and analgesia. In our study,
      dexmedetomidine was successfully applied to ensure goal-directed sedation therapy
      (GDST). Norepinephrine can correct hypotension and bradycardia induced by
      intravenous dexmedetomidine. According to the hemodynamic indexes and oxygen
      metabolism indexes, the application of dexmedetomidine or the combination of
      dexmedetomidine with norepinephrine are both safe and appropriate to maintain the
      sedation status and hemodynamic situation in ICU patients.?.

PMID- 27668697
TI  - Evaluation of a novel autoinjector for subcutaneous self-administration of
      belimumab in systemic lupus erythematosus?.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study self-administration and pharmacokinetics (PK) of subcutaneous
      (SC) belimumab in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS:
      Patients previously treated with belimumab self-administered belimumab 200 mg SC
      weekly for 8 weeks using an autoinjector. The primary endpoint was the proportion
      of patients able to self-administer their first and second dose (weeks 1 and 2)
      in the clinic. The proportion able to self-administer at weeks 4 and 8 (clinic)
      and weeks 3, 5, 6, and 7 (home) were secondary endpoints. Belimumab PK, safety,
      and injection-site pain were assessed. RESULTS: 91/95 patients completed the
      study (withdrawals: adverse events (AEs): 3; lost to follow-up: 1). 93% were
      female, and mean (SD) age was 44.8 (12.50) years. The majority (99%, 89/90; no
      attempt, n = 5) successfully self-administered belimumab SC at weeks 1 and 2 (5
      had clinic staff assistance), and 98% (85/87) successfully self-administered at
      weeks 4 and 8. Home-administration success rates were high (93%, (81/87) at weeks
      3, 5, 6, and 7). Week 8 median trough concentration was 113 ug/mL. For patients
      with a <= 1.5-week interval between IV SC administration, week-1 concentrations
      were higher vs. week 8 (+ 51% median) but within a range observed with IV dosing;
      those with a >= 2.5-week interval had median differences close to 0. AEs and
      serious AEs were low, with no deaths; pain levels were low and decreased with
      subsequent injections. CONCLUSION: Patients with SLE successfully self
      administered belimumab SC using a novel autoinjector; the PK profile was stable
      following a switch from IV with acceptable AE and pain levels. The recommended
      dosing interval between IV to SC dosing is 1 - 4 weeks.?.

PMID- 27668698
TI  - Ocular safety of propiverine hydrochloride in elderly patients with primary open-
      and narrow-angle glaucoma?.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Propiverine hydrochloride (P4) is an antimuscarinic drug used in
      overactive bladder syndrome. METHODS: Two studies were performed: one in 24
      patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) treated with topical beta-blockers, one
      in 24 patients with narrow-angle glaucoma (NAG) treated with pilocarpine +/-
      topical beta-blockers. Patients were treated in randomized, placebo-controlled,
      double-blind parallel-group fashion (15 : 9 attribution to P4 vs. placebo (PL)).
      TREATMENTS: Single-blind PL dose in the morning of day 1 for baseline; double
      blind 15 mg P4 or matched placebo t.i.d. from the afternoon of day 1 until the
      morning of day 7. RESULTS: In the morning of day 7, trough mean serum P4
      concentrations were 169.4 ng/mL (CV (coefficient of variation): 0.55) and 140.7
      ng/mL (CV: 0.56) in OAG and NAG; at 3:15 hours after dosing: 237.4 ng/mL (CV:
      0.47) and 212.4 ng/mL P4 (CV: 0.38), respectively. P4-treatment led to a prompt
      (OAG) or more gradient (NAG) increase in pupil diameter (PUD), with a maximum
      difference from PL of 0.97 mm (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.67 - 1.27) and
      0.87 mm (95% CI: 0.36 - 1.39) in OAG and NAG, respectively. However, there was no
      average increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) or increase in noteworthy safety
      relevant individual IOP values (or changes thereof). There was no effect on
      visual acuity or accommodation. CONCLUSIONS: 1-week treatment with P4 appeared to
      be safe 1) in OAG patients treated with topical beta-blockers and 2) in NAG
      patients treated with topical pilocarpine +/- beta-blockers, irrespective of
      whether the eyes had previously been treated with glaucoma surgery or laser
      therapy.?.

PMID- 27668699
TI  - Novel mutation in CNTNAP1 results in congenital hypomyelinating neuropathy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Congenital hypomyelinating neuropathy (CHN) is a rare congenital
      neuropathy that presents in the neonatal period and has been linked previously to
      mutations in several genes associated with myelination. A recent study has linked
      4 homozygous frameshift mutations in the contactin-associated protein 1 (CNTNAP1)
      gene with this condition. METHODS: We report a neonate with CHN who was found to
      have absent sensory nerve and compound muscle action potentials and
      hypomyelination on nerve biopsy. RESULTS: On whole exome sequencing, we
      identified a novel CNTNAP1 homozygous missense mutation (p.Arg388Pro) in the
      proband, and both parents were carriers. Molecular modeling suggests that this
      variant disrupts a beta-strand to cause an unstable structure and likely
      significant changes in protein function. CONCLUSIONS: This report links a
      missense CNTNAP1 variant to the disease phenotype previously associated only with
      frameshift mutations. Muscle Nerve 55: 761-765, 2017.

PMID- 27668700
TI  - Natural gene expression variation studies in yeast.
AB  - The rise of sequence information across different yeast species and strains is
      driving an increasing number of studies in the emerging field of genomics to
      associate polymorphic variants, mRNA abundance and phenotypic differences between
      individuals. Here, we gathered evidence from recent studies covering several
      layers that define the genotype-phenotype gap, such as mRNA abundance, allele
      specific expression and translation efficiency to demonstrate how genetic
      variants co-evolve and define an individual's genome. Moreover, we exposed
      several antecedents where inter- and intra-specific studies led to opposite
      conclusions, probably owing to genetic divergence. Future studies in this area
      will benefit from the access to a massive array of well-annotated genomes and new
      sequencing technologies, which will allow the fine breakdown of the complex
      layers that delineate the genotype-phenotype map. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley &
      Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27668702
TI  - Devil in the detail: a closer look at childhood obesity and the gut microbiota.

PMID- 27668703
TI  - Metabolic engineering of Escherichia coli W3110 to produce L-malate.
AB  - A four-carbon dicarboxylic acid L-malate has recently attracted attention due to
      its potential applications in the fields of medicine and agriculture. In this
      study, Escherichia coli W3110 was engineered and optimized for L-malate
      production via one-step L-malate synthesis pathway. First, deletion of the genes
      encoding lactate dehydrogenase (ldhA), pyruvate oxidase (poxB), pyruvate formate
      lyase (pflB), phosphotransacetylase (pta), and acetate kinase A (ackA) in pta
      ackA pathway led to accumulate 20.9 g/L pyruvate. Then, overexpression of NADP+ 
      dependent malic enzyme C490S mutant in this multi-deletion mutant resulted in the
      direct conversion of pyruvate into L-malate (3.62 g/L). Next, deletion of the
      genes responsible for succinate biosynthesis further enhanced L-malate production
      up to 7.78 g/L. Finally, L-malate production was elevated to 21.65 g/L with the L
      malate yield to 0.36 g/g in a 5 L bioreactor by overexpressing the pos5 gene
      encoding NADH kinase in the engineered E. coli F0931 strain. This study
      demonstrates the potential utility of one-step pathway for efficient L-malate
      production. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 656-664. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals,
      Inc.

PMID- 27668704
TI  - A nonrandomized, prospective, clinical study on the impact of circulating tumor
      cells on outcomes of urothelial carcinoma of the bladder patients treated with
      radical cystectomy with or without adjuvant chemotherapy.
AB  - To investigate outcomes of urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB) patients
      treated with radical cystectomy (RC) according to the presence of circulating
      tumor cells (CTC) and the administration of adjuvant chemotherapy (AC). We
      prospectively enrolled 226 UCB patients treated with RC without neoadjuvant
      chemotherapy at our institution between 2007 and 2013. Blood samples were
      obtained from all patients preoperatively and analyzed for CTC using the
      CellSearch(r) system. Platinum-based AC was administered in 50 patients (27.0%).
      Cox regression models evaluated the association of CTC with disease recurrence,
      cancer-specific and overall mortality according to AC administration. 185
      patients were available for analyses. CTC were present in 41 patients (22.2%).
      Patients with presence of CTC received AC more frequently, compared to patients
      without CTC (p = 0.027). At a median follow-up of 31 months, the presence of CTC
      was associated with disease recurrence, cancer-specific and overall mortality (p
      values < 0.001) in patients without AC administration. In patients who received
      AC, there was no difference in either endpoint between patients with or without
      presence of CTC. In multivariable analysis of patients without AC administration,
      the presence of CTC was an independent predictor for disease recurrence (HR: 4.9;
      p < 0.001), cancer-specific (HR: 4.2; p = 0.003) and overall mortality (HR: 4.2;
      p = 0.001). The CTC status may be implemented in decision-making regarding AC
      administration in UCB patients following RC. CTC measurement should be
      implemented in future UCB studies on systemic chemotherapy to validate our
      findings.

PMID- 27668705
TI  - Effect of serum YKL-40 on coronary collateral development and SYNTAX score in
      stable coronary artery disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Many studies have revealed a role of YKL-40 as a new inflammatory
      biomarker in angiogenesis, inflammation, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular
      events. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the association of serum
      YKL-40 level with coronary collateral development and SYNTAX score in patients
      with stable coronary artery disease. METHODS: A total of 165 patients who had
      >=90% stenosis in at least one major coronary artery were prospectively enrolled
      in the study. Collateral degree was graded according to Rentrop-Cohen
      classification. Patients with grade 2 or 3 collateral degree were included in
      good collateral group and patients with grade 0 or 1 collateral degree were
      included in poor collateral group. The patients were also classified according to
      SYNTAX criteria, those with low (<=22) and those with high (>22) SYNTAX score.
      RESULTS: Serum YKL-40 and hs-CRP levels were significantly lower in good
      collateral group. Furthermore, YKL-40 level showed significant positive
      correlations with SYNTAX score (r=0.486, p<0.001) and hs-CRP level (r=0.340,
      p<0.001). In multivariate regression analysis, serum YKL-40 (odds ratio: 0.928;
      95% confidence interval: 0.917-0.940; p<0.001), duration of ischemic symptom and
      total occlusion were independent predictors of good collateral development. In
      ROC curve analysis, a YKL-40 value cut-off point of >=168.5 predicted the high
      SYNTAX score with a sensitivity of 81.0% and specificity of 72.4%. CONCLUSIONS:
      Increased serum YKL-40 level was related with poor collateral development and
      high SYNTAX score. According to these findings YKL-40 can be used as a predictor
      of good collateral development and high SYNTAX score.

PMID- 27668706
TI  - Histological evaluation disqualifies IMT and calcification scores as surrogates
      for grading coronary and aortic atherosclerosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Carotid intimal media thickness (IMT) and coronary calcium
      scores (CCS) are thought to reflect atherosclerotic burden. The validity of this
      assumption for IMT is challenged by recent meta-analyses; for CCS by absence of a
      relationship between negative scores, and freedom of future events. As such, we
      considered evaluation of the relationship between tissue IMT and CCS, and extend
      of atherosclerotic disease relevant. METHODS: Analyses were performed on donor
      aortas obtained during renal graft procurement, and on coronary arteries
      collected during heart valve procurement for tissue donation. Movat pentachrome
      and Hematoxylin staining was performed, and the degree of atherosclerosis
      histologically graded. IMT and presence of calcium deposits were quantified on
      graded tissue sections. RESULTS: 304 aortas and 185 coronary arteries covering
      the full atherosclerotic spectrum were evaluated. Aortas and coronaries showed
      similar relationships between tissue IMT and degree of atherosclerosis, with
      gradual increase in tissue IMT during earlier phases of atherosclerosis (r=0.68
      and r=0.30, P<0.00001 for aorta and coronaries respectively), followed by
      plateauing of the curve in intermediate and advanced stages. Results for tissue
      IMT reveal high variability, resulting in wide confidence intervals. Results for
      CCS are similar for aorta and coronaries, with calcium depositions limited to
      advanced lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Histological IMT measurements for the aorta and
      coronaries show large variations around the trend and plateauing of, and possibly
      reductions in IMT in late stage atherosclerotic disease. These observations for
      the aorta and coronaries may (partly) explain the limited benefit of including
      carotid IMT in risk prediction algorithms.

PMID- 27668701
TI  - Bacterial fatty acid metabolism in modern antibiotic discovery.
AB  - Bacterial fatty acid synthesis is essential for many pathogens and different from
      the mammalian counterpart. These features make bacterial fatty acid synthesis a
      desirable target for antibiotic discovery. The structural divergence of the
      conserved enzymes and the presence of different isozymes catalyzing the same
      reactions in the pathway make bacterial fatty acid synthesis a narrow spectrum
      target rather than the traditional broad spectrum target. Furthermore, bacterial
      fatty acid synthesis inhibitors are single-targeting, rather than multi-targeting
      like traditional monotherapeutic, broad-spectrum antibiotics. The single
      targeting nature of bacterial fatty acid synthesis inhibitors makes overcoming
      fast-developing, target-based resistance a necessary consideration for antibiotic
      development. Target-based resistance can be overcome through multi-targeting
      inhibitors, a cocktail of single-targeting inhibitors, or by making the single
      targeting inhibitor sufficiently high affinity through a pathogen selective
      approach such that target-based mutants are still susceptible to therapeutic
      concentrations of drug. Many of the pathogens requiring new antibiotic treatment
      options encode for essential bacterial fatty acid synthesis enzymes. This review
      will evaluate the most promising targets in bacterial fatty acid metabolism for
      antibiotic therapeutics development and review the potential and challenges in
      advancing each of these targets to the clinic and circumventing target-based
      resistance. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Bacterial Lipids
      edited by Russell E. Bishop.

PMID- 27668707
TI  - Acutely malapposed bioresorbable vascular scaffold during primary angioplasty for
      spontaneous coronary artery dissection: Is a no-metal strategy better?

PMID- 27668710
TI  - Reply by Authors.

PMID- 27668708
TI  - Usefulness of late gadolinium enhancement MRI combined with stress imaging in
      predictive significant coronary stenosis in new-diagnosed left ventricular
      dysfunction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To evaluate the accuracy of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) cardiac
      magnetic resonance (CMR) and imaging stress test in predicting significant
      coronary artery disease (CAD) in left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. METHODS: We
      enrolled 187 consecutive out-patients (61+/-17years) with new evidence of
      depressed (<45%) ejection fraction and no history of previous heart diseases and
      absence of Q-waves. All patients underwent coronary angiography (CA) and to LGE
      CMR examination to identify ischemic and non-ischemic LGE. All patients underwent
      stress imaging to determine the presence of myocardial ischemia. RESULTS:
      Ischemic-LGE was found in 83 patients and non-ischemic-LGE in 104. Significant
      CAD on CA was found in 86/187 patients. Ischemic-LGE showed a specificity of 94%,
      a sensitivity of 89% and an accuracy of 92% in identifying significant CAD.
      Imaging stress test was negative in 98/105 patients without CAD, and positive in
      42/82 with significant CAD, showing a specificity of 93%, a sensitivity of 51%
      and an accuracy of 75% in identifying CAD. Combining CMR and stress test imaging,
      94 patients had ischemic-LGE pattern and/or positive stress test for ischemia; of
      these 81/94 had significant CAD on CA and 13 had no CAD. Among the 93 patients
      with both tests negative, significant CAD was found in 5/93 patients. The
      combination of LGE and stress respect to only LGE did not improve the diagnostic
      accuracy (90 vs 92% respectively). CONCLUSION: LGE-CMR had high accuracy in
      predicting significant CAD in ischemic LV dysfunction or as a bystander in non
      ischemic dysfunction.

PMID- 27668709
TI  - Self-reported symptoms 8weeks after discharge: A comparison of takotsubo syndrome
      and myocardial infarction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Takotsubo syndrome is a form of acute, reversible heart failure that
      has gained increasing attention. It affects mostly postmenopausal women, and its
      acute onset and symptoms mimic acute myocardial infarction. The distinct feature
      of takotsubo syndrome is the ballooning of a ventricle, but the complete
      pathophysiological mechanisms are not fully understood. Both short-term and long
      term survival are affected, but little is known about the illness experience and
      self-reported residual symptoms after discharge from hospital. AIM: To measure
      and compare self-reported residual symptoms between patients with takotsubo
      syndrome and those with acute myocardial infarction. METHOD: Questionnaire data
      measuring self-reported symptoms were collected from 48 patients with takotsubo
      syndrome and 79 patients with acute myocardial infarction 8weeks after discharge.
      A multivariate adjusted complete case regression model was used to compare the
      frequency and severity of symptoms. RESULTS: Self-reported symptoms 8weeks after
      discharge differed little between patients with takotsubo syndrome and those with
      acute myocardial infarction. Both groups reported symptoms, including pain,
      fatigue, breathlessness, and sleep disturbance. At onset there were significant
      differences between the groups concerning previous diabetes mellitus, cardiac
      troponin T, ejection fraction and Killip class. There were no significant between
      group differences in frequency or severity of symptoms after adjusting for these
      differences. CONCLUSION: Patients with takotsubo syndrome experience residual
      symptoms after discharge. Symptoms in several cardiovascular diseases predict
      quality of life, re-admission, and mortality. Symptom management should be
      integrated into follow-up care for patients with takotsubo syndrome. One way of
      achieving this is through person-centered care.

PMID- 27668711
TI  - Editorial Comment.

PMID- 27668713
TI  - Reply by Authors.

PMID- 27668712
TI  - Editorial Comment.

PMID- 27668714
TI  - Editorial Comment.

PMID- 27668715
TI  - The distribution, contamination and risk assessment of heavy metals in sediment
      and shellfish from the Red Sea coast, Egypt.
AB  - Zn, Cu, Ni, V, Al, Pb, Cd, Hg, lipid and water contents were determined in the
      soft tissues of different shellfish species collected along the Red Sea
      shoreline. Metal contents showed a descending order of Zn > Cu > Ni > Al > V > Pb
      > Cd > Hg. The leachable concentrations found in the sediments gathered from the
      studied locations gave another descending order: Al > Zn > Ni > Pb > V > Cu > Cd.
      The determined leachable heavy metal contents in the sediment did not exceed the
      NOAA and CCME (Anonymous 1999) sediment quality guidelines. Accordingly, the
      sediments along the Egyptian Red Sea area did not pose any adverse impacts on the
      biological life. According to the hazard quotient (HQ) calculations for heavy
      metal contents in the soft tissue of shellfish, mercury did not pose any risk on
      human health; whereas, the other determined heavy metals gave HQ values of 1 < HQ
      < 10 and showed a possibility of risk on the long term. Cu is above the desirable
      levels in mussels. The RQ calculations of toddlers and adults reflected that Cu
      was the only heavy metal that had an adverse effect on toddlers' health. Based on
      the human organizations (EPA, BOE, MAFF, and NHMRC) that proposed safety
      concentrations of heavy metals, the studied shellfish were somewhat safe for
      human consumption.

PMID- 27668716
TI  - Biomonitoring trace metal contamination by seven sympatric alpine species in
      Eastern Tibetan Plateau.
AB  - Biomonitoring permits determinations of trace metal contamination in remote areas
      like the high mountain ecosystems. In this study, six trace metals (Cd, Cr, Cu,
      Ni, Pb, and Zn) in seven sympatric alpine species (five tree species: Salix
      rehderiana, Populus purdomii, Betula albosinensis, Abies fabri, Picea brachytyla,
      and two dominant mosses: Pleurozium schreberi, Papillaria crocea) at the
      Hailuogou Glacier foreland, Eastern Tibetan Plateau, were investigated to monitor
      their contamination. The concentrations of trace metals and Pb isotopic ratios
      (206Pb/207Pb and 208Pb/206Pb) in leaves/needles, twigs, bark, roots, and mosses
      were determined, and the biological factors and enrichment factors were
      calculated. The concentrations of Cd, Cr, Pb, and Zn in mosses were significantly
      higher than those in tree tissues and normal plants indicating the exogenous
      sources. The accumulation of trace metals (except Cd and Zn) was relatively
      higher in the tree roots, whereas their enrichments were significant in the
      leaves/needles and bark. According to biological factors, enrichment factors, and
      factor analysis, Cd, Pb, and Zn in trees and mosses were markedly impacted by
      anthropogenic emissions, whereas Cr, Cu, and Ni in trees were mainly from root
      adsorption from soils. The Pb isotopic compositions identified the anthropogenic
      Pb mainly from mining and smelting, coal combustion, and vehicle exhausts. The
      results indicated that mosses were still priority indicator of trace metal
      contamination from atmospheric deposition, and the leaves and bark of S.
      rehderiana, P. purdomii, and B. albosinensis were the better alternatives to
      monitor the atmospheric contamination of trace metals in the alpine ecosystem.

PMID- 27668717
TI  - Porous cellulose spheres: Preparation, modification and adsorption properties.
AB  - Porous cellulose spheres (PCS) were fabricated by precipitating the spheres from
      a cellulose ionic liquid solution, followed by freezing, solvent exchange, and
      drying. PCS had low crystallinity and a large surface area that facilitated
      modification with trisodium trimetaphosphate (STMP) to introduce phosphate ester
      groups into the porous structure of the heterogeneous system. The STMP-modified
      PCS (SPCS) were used to remove heavy metal ions from aqueous solution. With
      increasing STMP dosage, the adsorption capacity of SPCS obviously improved due to
      chelation between Pb2+ and phosphate ester groups. The kinetic adsorption and
      isotherm data matched the pseudo-second order model and the Langmuir model well.
      The maximum adsorption capacity reached 150.6 mg g-1 for SPCS. SPCS were
      competitive with other absorbents because the phosphate ester groups and porous
      structure contributed to Pb2+ adsorption. Moreover, SPCS can be regenerated with
      ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid disodium salt (EDTA) solution for repetitious
      adsorption of Pb2+.

PMID- 27668718
TI  - Behavior persistence in defining threshold switch in stepwise response of aquatic
      organisms exposed to toxic chemicals.
AB  - As a characteristic in bacterial colony, persistence model described the dynamics
      of two subpopulations (normal (n) and persister (p)). In order to illustrate the
      switch of "Threshold" in the stepwise behavior responses of organisms, it is
      hypothesized that total behavior (Bt) of organisms consists of two types in
      behavior tendency, intoxication (Bp) and normal/recovery behavior (Bn). Both Bp
      and Bn could be concurrently affected by environmental stress E, and behavior
      response modes (M) are decided by the relationship between E and toxicity
      threshold of test organisms (Ti). The results suggested stress constant lambda
      was decided by the constant rates gnE,gpE, an and ap. Due to different stress
      constant lambda, the behavior responses of indicators showed great difference in
      different M, which included 'safe mode' (Ms), 'acclimation mode' (Mac),
      'adjustment mode' (Maj) and 'toxic effect' (Mte). Usually, Bt during Ms could
      maintain around 0.8, and Mte would happen once it is lower than 0.2. According to
      the relationship between Bt values and E changes in 7 Majs, behavior persistence
      relying on adjustment could reflect the behavior homeostasis of organisms under
      environmental stress and be regarded as a threshold switch for the stepwise
      behavior responses. The mathematical analysis of behavior persistence allows
      making a quantitative prediction on environment assessment that would promote the
      emergence of persistence, as well as evaluating its ecological implications.

PMID- 27668719
TI  - Retrospective biomonitoring of chemical contamination in the marine coastal
      environment of Terra Nova Bay (Ross Sea, Antarctica) by environmental specimen
      banking.
AB  - Antarctica offers a good opportunity to investigate planetary-scale pollution and
      climate change, and provides baseline values for contaminants such as Trace
      Elements (TEs) and Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). Literature data on
      contaminant levels in the Antarctic environment indicate that long-range
      atmospheric transport is the primary pathway by which pollutants from surrounding
      continents are carried to this pristine environment. However, local contamination
      sources represented by the scientific stations are also not negligible. Climate
      change and global warming are altering the global budget of anthropogenic
      contaminants and their monitoring in Antarctica ecosystems is very important to
      protect the global environment. In this work, eighty specimens of Adamussium
      colbecki (Smith, 1902), a benthic Antarctic scallop, collected from 1996 to 2009
      and stored in the Antarctic Environmental Specimen Bank, were analyzed to
      quantify TEs and POPs, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs),
      polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
      Metals concentrations were not affected by anthropogenic contributions,
      highlighting a natural accumulation with the age of the organism. Similarly, no
      temporal trend was found for PCNs, PCBs and PAHs. However, specimens collected
      during the summer 1997-98 showed enhanced concentration levels of PCBs and PAHs
      that could refer to a local anthropogenic source of contamination.

PMID- 27668720
TI  - Prediction of acute toxicity of phenol derivatives using multiple linear
      regression approach for Tetrahymena pyriformis contaminant identification in a
      median-size database.
AB  - In this article, the modeling of inhibitory grown activity against Tetrahymena
      pyriformis is described. The 0-2D Dragon descriptors based on structural aspects
      to gain some knowledge of factors influencing aquatic toxicity are mainly used.
      Besides, it is done by some enlarged data of phenol derivatives described for the
      first time and composed of 358 chemicals. It overcomes the previous datasets with
      about one hundred compounds. Moreover, the results of the model evaluation by the
      parameters in the training, prediction and validation give adequate results
      comparable with those of the previous works. The more influential descriptors
      included in the model are: X3A, MWC02, MWC10 and piPC03 with positive
      contributions to the dependent variable; and MWC09, piPC02 and TPC with negative
      contributions. In a next step, a median-size database of nearly 8000 phenolic
      compounds extracted from ChEMBL was evaluated with the quantitative-structure
      toxicity relationship (QSTR) model developed providing some clues (SARs) for
      identification of ecotoxicological compounds. The outcome of this report is very
      useful to screen chemical databases for finding the compounds responsible of
      aquatic contamination in the biomarker used in the current work.

PMID- 27668721
TI  - Ecotoxicological relevance of nano-NiO and acetaminophen to Hordeum vulgare L.:
      Combining standardized procedures and physiological endpoints.
AB  - The present work aimed to assess the ecotoxicological relevance of acetaminophen
      (AC) and nickel oxide nanomaterial (nano-NiO) to barley plants. Combining
      standard procedures and several biochemical determinations, a global approach
      regarding the biological effects of these two contaminants was performed. After
      14 days of growth, the exposure of barley to increased concentrations (0, 87.8,
      131.3, 197.5, 296.5, 444.4, 666.6, and 1000 mg kg-1) of each contaminant resulted
      in a marked decrease in biomass production and biometric parameters.
      Photosynthetic pigments and markers of oxidative stress were analyzed to assess
      if any of the treatments interfered with the physiological performance and with
      the cellular redox state. Our observations revealed that only nano-NiO induced a
      negative response in total chlorophylls and carotenoids, confirming the
      macroscopic phytotoxicity symptoms (chlorosis). However, both contaminants led to
      a significant increase in lipid peroxidation (LP), superoxide anion (O2.-), and
      cell death for all the tested concentrations, suggesting that AC and nano-NiO
      cause oxidative stress in barley, even at the lowest applied dose (87.8 mg kg-1).
      Comparing the two studied approaches (parameters included in standard protocols
      and several biochemical determinations), it is concluded that the inclusion of
      several biochemical endpoints, especially those related to oxidative stress,
      resulted in a more sensitive analysis and thus, a more sensitive risk evaluation
      of these two contaminants for barley plants.

PMID- 27668722
TI  - Effect of single-dose carbapenem exposure on transcriptional expression of blaNDM
      1 and mexA in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
AB  - The therapeutic option of a carbapenem antibiotic is compromised in Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa owing both to acquired and intrinsic resistance mechanisms. In recent
      years, New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase has been the focus as a predominant
      carbapenem resistance determinant. However, it is unclear which of the mechanisms
      might be adopted by a P. aeruginosa strain possessing both blaNDM-1 and an
      overexpressed MexAB-OprM system during carbapenem therapy. This study
      investigated the interplay of both mechanisms in clinical isolates of P.
      aeruginosa when exposed to meropenem. Five strains were used: (i) strain
      overexpressing MexAB-OprM but with no blaNDM-1; (ii) strain harbouring blaNDM-1
      but expressing MexAB-OprM at basal level; (iii) strain possessing blaNDM-1 and
      overexpressing MexAB-OprM; (iv) P. aeruginosa PAO1; and (v) P. aeruginosa K2733
      PAO1 (DeltaMexAB-OprMDeltaMexCD-OprJDeltaMexEF-OprNDeltaMexXY-OprM) into which
      blaNDM-1 was cloned. Strains were incubated in Luria-Bertani broth with and
      without 1MUg/mL meropenem. Total RNA was isolated at 45-min intervals and was
      immediately reverse transcribed to cDNA. This was repeated for 6h. Quantitative
      real-time PCR was performed for both resistance mechanisms. Meropenem exposure
      did not significantly elevate transcription of either the blaNDM-1 or mexA gene.
      However, an interesting finding was that upon single-dose exposure to carbapenem,
      the efflux pump system played a major role in bacterial survival compared with
      NDM-1. This study gives an insight into the bacterial response to carbapenem
      antibiotic when two different resistance mechanisms coexist. This type of study
      would be helpful in designing future antimicrobials.

PMID- 27668724
TI  - Sensitive electrochemical assay of alkaline phosphatase activity based on TdT
      mediated hemin/G-quadruplex DNAzyme nanowires for signal amplification.
AB  - Taking TdT-mediated hemin/G-quadruplex DNAzyme nanowires as NADH oxidase and HRP
      mimicking DNAzyme, a novel DNA-based electrochemical method has been developed
      for sensitive and selective assay of alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity. The
      double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) probe consisted of thiol-functionalized DNA1 and 3'
      phosphorylated DNA2, was immobilized on a gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) modified
      glassy carbon (GC) electrode. In the presence of AP, 3'-phosphoryl end of DNA2
      was dephosphorylated. Terminal deoxynucletidyl transferase (TdT) catalyzed the
      sequential addition of deoxynucleotides (dTTPs) at 3'-OH end of DNA2 to extend
      DNA2 with a poly-T sequence. Then, G-rich DNA3 strand hybridized with the poly-T
      sequence of DNA2. Upon addition of hemin, the hemin/G-quadruplex DNAzyme was
      formed. In the presence of NADH, the hemin/G-quadruplex DNAzyme oxidased NADH to
      NAD+, accompanied by the formation of H2O2 which was further catalyzed by hemin/G
      quadruplex DNAzyme (served as a HRP-mimicking DNAzyme) with the thionine (Thi) as
      electron transfer mediator, leading to the amplified electrochemical signal.
      Under optimized conditions, the response peak current was linear with the
      concentration of AP in the range from 0.1UL-1 to 5UL-1 with the detection limit
      of 0.03UL-1. Also, the developed biosensor possessed good selectivity,
      reproducibility and stability, and simple sensing structure, showing promising
      practical applications in AP activity assay.

PMID- 27668725
TI  - Liquid crystal-based biosensor with backscattering interferometry: A quantitative
      approach.
AB  - We developed a new technology that uses backscattering interferometry (BSI) to
      quantitatively measure nematic liquid crystal (NLC)-based biosensors, those
      usually relied on texture reading for on/off signals. The LC-based BSI comprised
      an octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS)-coated square capillary filled with 4-cyano-4'
      pentylbiphenyl (5CB, a nematic LC at room temperature). The LC/water interface in
      the capillary was functionalized by a coating of poly(acrylicacid-b-4
      cyanobiphenyl-4'-oxyundecylacrylate) (PAA-b-LCP) and immobilized with the enzymes
      glucose oxidase (GOx) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) through covalent linkage
      to the PAA chains (5CBPAA-GOx:HRP) for glucose detection. Laser irradiation of
      the LC near the LC/water interface resulted in backscattered fringes with high
      contrast. The change in the spatial position of the fringes (because of the
      change in the orientation of the LC caused by the GOx:HRP enzymatic reaction of
      glucose) altered the output voltage of the photodetector when its active area was
      aligned with the edge of one of the fringes. The change in the intensity at the
      photodetector allowed the detection limit of the instrument to be as low as
      0.008mM with a linear range of 0.02-9mM in a short response time (~60s). This LC
      based BSI technique allows for quantitative, sensitive, selective, reproducible,
      easily obtainable, and interference-free detection in a large linear dynamic
      range and for practical applications with human serum.

PMID- 27668723
TI  - Psychological treatment of comorbid asthma and panic disorder in Latino adults:
      Results from a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - Confusion between panic and asthma symptoms can result in serious self-management
      errors. A cognitive behavior psychophysiological therapy (CBPT) intervention was
      culturally adapted for Latinos consisting of CBT for panic disorder (PD), asthma
      education, differentiation between panic and asthma symptoms, and heart rate
      variability biofeedback. An RCT compared CBPT to music and relaxation therapy
      (MRT), which included listening to relaxing music and paced breathing at resting
      respiration rates. Fifty-three Latino (primarily Puerto Rican) adults with asthma
      and PD were randomly assigned to CBPT or MRT for 8 weekly sessions. Both groups
      showed improvements in PD severity, asthma control, and several other anxiety and
      asthma outcome measures from baseline to post-treatment and 3-month follow-up.
      CBPT showed an advantage over MRT for improvement in adherence to inhaled
      corticosteroids. Improvements in PD severity were mediated by anxiety sensitivity
      in CBPT and by depression in MRT, although earlier levels of these mediators did
      not predict subsequent improvements. Attrition was high (40%) in both groups,
      albeit comparable to CBT studies targeting anxiety in Latinos. Additional
      strategies are needed to improve retention in this high-risk population. Both
      CBPT and MRT may be efficacious interventions for comorbid asthma-PD, and CBPT
      may offer additional benefits for improving medication adherence.

PMID- 27668726
TI  - Fluorescent trimethyl-substituted naphthyridine as a label-free signal reporter
      for one-step and highly sensitive fluorescent detection of DNA in serum samples.
AB  - A facile label-free sensing method is developed for the one-step and highly
      sensitive fluorescent detection of DNA, which couples the specific C-C mismatch
      bonding and fluorescent quenching property of a trimethyl-substituted
      naphthyridine dye (ATMND) with the exonuclease III (Exo III) assisted cascade
      target recycling amplification strategy. In the absence of target DNA, the DNA
      hairpin probe with a C-C mismatch in the stem and more than 4 bases overhung at
      the 3' terminus could entrap and quench the fluorescence of ATMND and resist the
      digestion of Exo III, thus showing a low fluorescence background. In the presence
      of the target, however, the hybridization event between the two protruding
      segments and the target triggers the digestion reaction of Exo III, recycles the
      initial target, and simultaneously releases both the secondary target analogue
      and the ATMND caged in the stem. The released initial and secondary targets take
      part in another cycle of digestion, thus leading to the release of a huge amount
      of free ATMND for signal transducing. Based on the fluorescence recovery, the as
      proposed label-free fluorescent sensing strategy shows very good analytical
      performances towards DNA detection, such as a wide linear range from 10pM to
      1MUM, a low limit of detection of 6pM, good selectivity, and a facile one-step
      operation at room temperature. Practical sample analysis in serum samples
      indicates the method has good precision and accuracy, which may thus have
      application potentials for point-of-care screening of DNA in complex clinical and
      environmental samples.

PMID- 27668727
TI  - Susceptibility of inhibitors against 3C protease of coxsackievirus A16 and
      enterovirus A71 causing hand, foot and mouth disease: A molecular dynamics study.
AB  - Hand foot and mouth disease (HFMD) epidemic has occurred in many countries.
      Coxsackievirus A16 (CV-A16) and Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) are the main causes of
      HFMD. Up to now, there are no anti-HFMD drugs available. Rupintrivir, a broad
      spectrum inhibitor, is a drug candidate for HFMD treatment, while other HFMD
      inhibitors designed from several studies have a relatively low efficiency.
      Therefore, in this work we aim to study the binding mechanisms of rupintrivir and
      a peptidic alpha,beta-unsaturated ethyl ester (SG85) against both CV-A16 and EV
      A71 3C proteases (3Cpro) using all-atoms molecular dynamics simulation. The
      obtained results indicate that SG85 shows a stronger binding affinity than
      rupintrivir against CV-A16. Both inhibitors exhibit a comparable affinity against
      EV-A71 3Cpro. The molecular information of the binding of the two inhibitors to
      the proteases will be elucidated. Thus, it is implied that these two compounds
      may be used as leads for further anti-HFMD drug design and development.

PMID- 27668728
TI  - Hookah Smoking Outcome Expectations Among Young Adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the dangers associated with hookah tobacco smoking, use and
      popularity in the United States among young adults continue to increase. While
      quantitative studies have assessed users' attitudes toward hookah, qualitative
      research can provide a more in-depth description of positive and negative
      attitudes and beliefs associated with hookah use. OBJECTIVES: To determine
      outcome expectancies associated with hookah use among young adults. METHODS: We
      conducted six focus groups in 2013 to identify outcome expectancies associated
      with hookah use. Participants (N = 40) were young adults aged 18-23 who reported
      hookah use in the past three months. Using Outcome Expectancy Theory perspective,
      we posed the question "Hookah smoking is _______?" to elicit words or phrases
      that users associate with hookah use. RESULTS: Over 75% of the users' hookah use
      outcome expectancies were positive, including associating hookah smoking with
      relaxation and a social experience. Content analysis of the words engendered six
      themes. These themes included Social Appeal, Physical Attractiveness, Pleasant
      Smoke, Comparison to Cigarettes, Relaxation, and Deterrents. Fewer negative
      hookah use expectancy words and phrases were identified, but included "tar" and
      "cough." CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that participants lacked basic
      knowledge about hookah tobacco smoking, had misconceptions about its danger, and
      had many positive associations with hookah use. Incorporating components
      addressing positive hookah expectancies may improve the efficacy of established
      and new hookah use prevention and cessation interventions and policies.

PMID- 27668730
TI  - Laparoscopic Transcystic Common Bile Duct Exploration: Advantages over
      Laparoscopic Choledochotomy.
AB  - PURPOSE: The ideal treatment for choledocholithiasis should be simple, readily
      available, reliable, minimally invasive and cost-effective for patients. We
      performed this study to compare the benefits and drawbacks of different
      laparoscopic approaches (transcystic and choledochotomy) for removal of common
      bile duct stones. METHODS: A systematic search was implemented for relevant
      literature using Cochrane, PubMed, Ovid Medline, EMBASE and Wanfang databases.
      Both the fixed-effects and random-effects models were used to calculate the odds
      ratio (OR) or the mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for this
      study. RESULTS: The meta-analysis included 18 trials involving 2,782 patients.
      There were no statistically significant differences between laparoscopic
      choledochotomy for common bile duct exploration (LCCBDE) (n = 1,222) and
      laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct exploration (LTCBDE) (n = 1,560)
      regarding stone clearance (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.50-1.07; P = 0.11), conversion to
      other procedures (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.21-1.79; P = 0.38), total morbidity (OR 1.65,
      95% CI 0.92-2.96; P = 0.09), operative time (MD 12.34, 95% CI -0.10-24.78; P =
      0.05), and blood loss (MD 1.95, 95% CI -9.56-13.46; P = 0.74). However, the
      LTCBDE group showed significantly better results for biliary morbidity (OR 4.25,
      95% CI 2.30-7.85; P<0.001), hospital stay (MD 2.52, 95% CI 1.29-3.75; P<0.001),
      and hospital expenses (MD 0.30, 95% CI 0.23-0.37; P<0.001) than the LCCBDE group.
      CONCLUSIONS: LTCBDE is safer than LCCBDE, and is the ideal treatment for common
      bile duct stones.

PMID- 27668729
TI  - Genomic Mining of Phylogenetically Informative Nuclear Markers in Bark and
      Ambrosia Beetles.
AB  - Deep level insect relationships are generally difficult to resolve, especially
      within taxa of the most diverse and species rich holometabolous orders. In
      beetles, the major diversity occurs in the Phytophaga, including charismatic
      groups such as leaf beetles, longhorn beetles and weevils. Bark and ambrosia
      beetles are wood boring weevils that contribute 12 percent of the diversity
      encountered in Curculionidae, one of the largest families of beetles with more
      than 50000 described species. Phylogenetic resolution in groups of Cretaceous age
      has proven particularly difficult and requires large quantity of data. In this
      study, we investigated 100 nuclear genes in order to select a number of markers
      with low evolutionary rates and high phylogenetic signal. A PCR screening using
      degenerate primers was applied to 26 different weevil species. We obtained
      sequences from 57 of the 100 targeted genes. Sequences from each nuclear marker
      were aligned and examined for detecting multiple copies, pseudogenes and introns.
      Phylogenetic informativeness (PI) and the capacity for reconstruction of
      previously established phylogenetic relationships were used as proxies for
      selecting a subset of the 57 amplified genes. Finally, we selected 16 markers
      suitable for large-scale phylogenetics of Scolytinae and related weevil taxa.

PMID- 27668732
TI  - Teaching Health Centers: A Possible Model for Nursing Education.

PMID- 27668731
TI  - Reducing the Use of Pesticides with Site-Specific Application: The Chemical
      Control of Rhizoctonia solani as a Case of Study for the Management of Soil-Borne
      Diseases.
AB  - Reducing our reliance on pesticides is an essential step towards the
      sustainability of agricultural production. One approach involves the rational use
      of pesticides combined with innovative crop management. Most control strategies
      currently focus on the temporal aspect of epidemics, e.g. determining the optimal
      date for spraying, regardless of the spatial mechanics and ecology of disease
      spread. Designing innovative pest management strategies incorporating the spatial
      aspect of epidemics involves thorough knowledge on how disease control affects
      the life-history traits of the pathogen. In this study, using Rhizoctonia
      solani/Raphanus sativus as an example of a soil-borne pathosystem, we
      investigated the effects of a chemical control currently used by growers,
      Monceren(r) L, on key epidemiological components (saprotrophic spread and
      infectivity). We tested the potential "shield effect" of Monceren(r) L on
      pathogenic spread in a site-specific application context, i.e. the efficiency of
      this chemical to contain the spread of the fungus from an infected host when
      application is spatially localized, in our case, a strip placed between the
      infected host and a recipient bait. Our results showed that Monceren(r) L mainly
      inhibits the saprotrophic spread of the fungus in soil and may prevent the fungus
      from reaching its host plant. However, perhaps surprisingly we did not detect any
      significant effect of the fungicide on the pathogen infectivity. Finally, highly
      localized application of the fungicide-a narrow strip of soil (12.5 mm wide)
      sprayed with Monceren(r) L-significantly decreased local transmission of the
      pathogen, suggesting lowered risk of occurrence of invasive epidemics. Our
      results highlight that detailed knowledge on epidemiological processes could
      contribute to the design of innovative management strategies based on precision
      agriculture tools to improve the efficacy of disease control and reduce pesticide
      use.

PMID- 27668733
TI  - Anxiety, Nursing Students, and Simulation: State of the Science.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this state-of-the-science article is to review the
      existing literature on the effect of anxiety on nursing students' simulation
      experience and to identify gaps for future research. METHOD: A comprehensive
      literature review to determine the state of the science focused on anxiety,
      nursing students, and simulation in peer-reviewed journal articles and
      dissertations. The review led to a critical appraisal of 10 articles that met the
      inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Three clear themes emerged from the review: (a) The
      Unknown, (b) Critique by Peers and Faculty, and (c) The Experience of Making
      Mistakes. In addition to these themes, knowledge gaps were identified.
      CONCLUSION: Research is needed to develop interventions to effectively decrease
      student anxiety during simulation and to develop best practices for student
      preparation. [J Nurs Educ. 2016;55(10):551-554.].

PMID- 27668734
TI  - Development and Testing of the Healthy Work Environment Inventory: A Reliable
      Tool for Assessing Work Environment Health and Satisfaction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fostering healthy work environments that enhance job satisfaction and
      reflect high levels of employee engagement and productivity is imperative for all
      organizations. This is especially true for health care organizations where
      unhealthy work conditions can lead to poor patient outcomes. METHOD: A
      convenience sample of 520 nursing faculty and practice-based nurses in the United
      States participated in a study to test the psychometric properties of the Healthy
      Work Environment Inventory (HWEI). RESULTS: A factor analysis and other
      reliability analyses support the use of the HWEI as a valid and reliable
      instrument to measure perceptions of work environment health. CONCLUSION: The
      HWEI is a 20-item psychometrically sound instrument to measure perceptions of the
      health of the work environment. It may be completed either as an individual
      exercise or by all members of a team to compare perceptions of work environment
      health, to determine areas of strength and improvement, and to form the basis for
      interviewing. [J Nurs Educ. 2016;55(10):555-562.].

PMID- 27668736
TI  - Shifts in Attitudes, Knowledge, and Social Goals in Nursing Students Following
      Structured Contact With Community-Dwelling Older Adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Traditional nursing pedagogies have not systematically addressed the
      ageist perspectives students bring into training that threaten competent care for
      older adults. The current study evaluated nursing students' shifts in attitudes,
      knowledge about aging, and social goals during a program of repeated and
      structured social interactions with community-dwelling older adults. METHOD:
      Beginning nursing students in pairs met with high-functioning older adults four
      times over 8 months to provide brief health promotion activities. Students'
      knowledge and attitudes on aging were assessed at baseline and prior to each
      visit; social goals were assessed after each visit. RESULTS: Multilevel growth
      curves revealed increases in students' knowledge about aging and positive views
      on caring for older adults. Motivation to help older adults (i.e., compassionate
      goals) did not change, but students' motivation to defend their competence (i.e.,
      self-image goals) declined. CONCLUSION: A relational contact-based program may
      shift knowledge, attitudes, and social goals in nursing students, complementing
      traditional classroom nursing education. [J Nurs Educ. 2016;55(10):569-573.].

PMID- 27668735
TI  - Recommendations From an Early Adopter of a Doctor of Nursing Practice Program.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many changes have occurred in DNP programs since they first began.
      University of Tennessee Health Science Center began the practice doctoral program
      in 1999 and today enrolls over 100 new baccalaureate nursing (BSN)-to-Doctor of
      Nursing Practice (DNP) students each year. More than 500 DNPs have graduated to
      date. METHOD: A review of the history and challenges of this program are
      presented as a potential exemplar for other programs to consider. RESULTS:
      Several changes have taken place, including a shift from Master of Science in
      Nursing (MSN)-to-DNP programs to almost all BSN-to-DNP programs, a new
      appreciation for writing skills, and movement away from a separate DNP project.
      CONCLUSION: Understanding these changes may help other schools of nursing as they
      begin DNP programs or transition from their MSN-to-DNP programs to BSN-to-DNP
      programs. [J Nurs Educ. 2016;55(10):563-567.].

PMID- 27668737
TI  - A Partnership Approach to Genetic and Genomic Graduate Nursing Curriculum: Report
      of a New Course's Impact on Student Confidence.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Genetics and genomics have historically not been included in nursing
      curricula but are increasingly important in health care delivery. A course was
      developed through a collaboration between nursing and pathology faculty,
      combining nursing practice and genomics content expertise. METHOD: Graduate
      nursing students enrolled in the course self-reported confidence in the 38
      American Nurses Association essential genetic and genomic competencies prior to,
      immediately after, and 9 months after completing the course. RESULTS: Before the
      course, students reported low confidence across all competencies. Students
      indicated a significant improvement in confidence in all competencies with an
      average 2-point improvement on a 5-point Likert scale, both immediately and 9
      months after course completion. CONCLUSION: A course rooted in basic science
      directly linked to nursing application can prepare nurses to develop a sustained
      confidence in core competencies. Cross-disciplinary collaborations with faculty
      who have expertise in genomics may be an effective strategy for nursing programs.
      [J Nurs Educ. 2016;55(10):574-578.].

PMID- 27668738
TI  - Developing PhD Nurse Scientists: Do Bachelor of Science in Nursing Honors
      Programs Help?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The critical need for more nurses with research doctoral degrees to
      replace vacancies among retiring nursing faculty and nurse administrators is
      identified. The Future of Nursing report recommends that the number of nurses
      with PhD degrees double by 2020. METHOD: Encouraging nursing students to begin
      doctoral education early in their careers is essential to meeting this goal now
      and in the future. One method to promote early enrollment into doctoral education
      is participation in a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) honors program. We
      describe the recruitment and application process, mentor selection, scholarly
      activities, and publication of final manuscripts for one such program. RESULTS:
      The success of one BSN honors program in enabling graduation with university
      honors and encouraging enrollment and graduation with doctoral degrees is
      described. CONCLUSIONS: The development of more BSN Honors programs and
      enhancement of activities of current programs are recommended. [J Nurs Educ.
      2016;55(10):579-582.].

PMID- 27668739
TI  - Policy-Focused Service-Learning as a Capstone: Teaching Essentials of
      Baccalaureate Nursing Education.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The advancing accountability of nurses and nurse educators requires
      students to develop knowledge, skills, and judgment on a continuum of focus from
      individual patients to the broader context of care. METHOD: A dynamic capstone
      policy course was developed by applying the American Association of Colleges of
      Nursing's Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice
      and capitalizing on related benefits of service-learning pedagogy. It shifts the
      approach from an intangible didactic lecture on policy and institutional
      structures to hands-on experiences in actual policy environment and patient
      health intersections. Acting as nurse consultants, students help clients address
      a system-based problem. Reflective assignments reinforce student learning as they
      take cumulative inventory of baccalaureate accomplishments. RESULTS: Competencies
      in professionalism, teamwork and collaboration, communication, problem solving,
      and quality assurance are assessed. Students have engaged at sophisticated levels
      of practice and advocacy. CONCLUSION: Situating capstone service-learning in a
      nursing policy course appears to sensitize students to perspectives of all
      ecological levels and desensitizes their discomfort in the policy arena.
      Implications for research include identifying and implementing measures of
      success in program outcomes. [J Nurs Educ. 2016;55(10):583-586.].

PMID- 27668740
TI  - Development of Formative Capstone Simulations to Prepare Novice Students for
      Initial Clinical Practicum.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nursing students often describe initial clinical experiences as
      extremely anxiety producing. Anxiety can decrease performance ability and,
      consequently, increase the risk for patient harm. Strategies to decrease this
      anxiety related to clinical experiences are limited within the nursing education
      literature. METHOD: Faculty in a 4-year baccalaureate nursing program developed
      and implemented formative capstone simulation scenarios with standardized
      patients, integrating therapeutic communication, essential patient care skills,
      and clinical reasoning for novice nursing students prior to their entry into
      their first clinical practicum. This article discusses the rationale,
      development, and implementation of these formative capstone simulation scenarios.
      RESULTS: Anecdotal student and faculty comments related to the formative capstone
      simulation scenarios were positive. CONCLUSIONS: Formative capstone simulation
      scenarios offer a method to prepare novice students for initial clinical
      practicum that is well received. Research is needed to formally examine the
      relationship between formative capstone simulation scenarios and student anxiety
      related to initial clinical practicum. [J Nurs Educ. 2016;55(10):587-589.].

PMID- 27668741
TI  - Use of iPads to Decrease Faculty Workload.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multiple faculty were present during a simulation for competency
      assessments of students, thus creating an increased workload and fatigue. Faculty
      used technology to reduce the workload and maintain interrater reliability, at
      little to no cost. METHOD: The use of high-fidelity simulators, tablet computers,
      and a university video platform were used to record student competency
      assessments. One faculty member could perform the assessment, but other course
      faculty could review the results. RESULTS: Seventy-four competency assessments
      were recorded, and faculty determined that the tablet provided a viable and
      inexpensive method to record the competency assessments. The ability for faculty
      to review the recordings helped in maintaining rater and interrater reliability
      and a method for student remediation. Time spent in the competency assessment,
      especially during evening hours, was decreased. CONCLUSION: A tablet computer and
      video platform provided an inexpensive method to reduce faculty contact hours and
      maintain interrater reliability. It also provided a valuable method to allow
      students to review their own performance for remediation. [J Nurs Educ.
      2016;55(10):590-591.].

PMID- 27668742
TI  - Development and Implementation of an Advanced Therapeutic Communication Course:
      An Interprofessional Collaboration.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Interprofessional education and practice have been gaining
      recognition during the past decade. However, little has been written on person
      centered care (PCC) within interprofessional practice and how it could be taught
      to interprofessional learners. METHOD: A key element of PCC is therapeutic
      communication. Consequently, a group of interprofessional faculty innovated a
      graduate-level elective course on advanced therapeutic communication where
      interprofessional learners together explore PCC within interprofessional care.
      The course curriculum is underpinned by mindfulness in education, nonviolent
      communication, and reflective writing. Various teaching- learning strategies,
      including creative self-expression, are also used. RESULTS: The created
      competencies and conceptual framework may be used by other educators in creating
      a similar interprofessional course. Interprofessional learners gained a deeper
      and broader understanding of PCC in interprofessional care. CONCLUSION: On the
      basis of this undertaking, the faculty gained a deeper appreciation for
      interprofessional collaboration in the development of innovative educational
      methodologies that advance interprofessional teamwork in education and
      professional practice. [J Nurs Educ. 2016;55(10):592-597.].

PMID- 27668743
TI  - Applying Leadership Theory to Practice Using a Structured Clinical Journal.

PMID- 27668744
TI  - The Literature Table as a Prompt for Careful Appraisal.

PMID- 27668746
TI  - Open Surgical versus Minimal Invasive Necrosectomy of the Pancreas-A
      Retrospective Multicenter Analysis of the German Pancreatitis Study Group.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Necrotising pancreatitis, and particularly infected necrosis, are
      still associated with high morbidity and mortality. Since 2011, a step-up
      approach with lower morbidity rates compared to initial open necrosectomy has
      been established. However, mortality and complication rates of this complex
      treatment are hardly studied thereafter. METHODS: The German Pancreatitis Study
      Group performed a multicenter, retrospective study including 220 patients with
      necrotising pancreatitis requiring intervention, treated at 10 hospitals in
      Germany between January 2008 and June 2014. Data were analysed for the primary
      endpoints "severe complications" and "mortality" as well as secondary endpoints
      including "length of hospital stay", "follow up", and predisposing or prognostic
      factors. RESULTS: Of all patients 13.6% were treated primarily with surgery and
      86.4% underwent a step-up approach. More men (71.8%) required intervention for
      necrotising pancreatitis. The most frequent etiology was biliary (41.4%) followed
      by alcohol (29.1%). Compared to open necrosectomy, the step-up approach was
      associated with a lower number of severe complications (primary composite
      endpoint including sepsis, persistent multiorgan dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and
      erosion bleeding: 44.7% vs. 73.3%), lower mortality (10.5% vs. 33.3%) and lower
      rates of diabetes mellitus type 3c (4.7% vs. 33.3%). Low hematocrit and low blood
      urea nitrogen at admission as well as a history of acute pancreatitis were
      prognostic for less complications in necrotising pancreatitis. A combination of
      drainage with endoscopic necrosectomy resulted in the lowest rate of severe
      complications. CONCLUSION: A step-up approach starting with minimal invasive
      drainage techniques and endoscopic necrosectomy results in a significant
      reduction of morbidity and mortality in necrotising pancreatitis compared to a
      primarily surgical intervention.

PMID- 27668745
TI  - Blood Mercury Levels of Zebra Finches Are Heritable: Implications for the
      Evolution of Mercury Resistance.
AB  - Mercury is a ubiquitous metal contaminant that negatively impacts reproduction of
      wildlife and has many other sub-lethal effects. Songbirds are sensitive
      bioindicators of mercury toxicity and may suffer population declines as a result
      of mercury pollution. Current predictions of mercury accumulation and
      biomagnification often overlook possible genetic variation in mercury uptake and
      elimination within species and the potential for evolution in affected
      populations. We conducted a study of dietary mercury exposure in a model songbird
      species, maintaining a breeding population of zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata)
      on standardized diets ranging from 0.0-2.4 MUg/g methylmercury. We applied a
      quantitative genetics approach to examine patterns of variation and heritability
      of mercury accumulation within dietary treatments using a method of mixed effects
      modeling known as the 'animal model'. Significant variation in blood mercury
      accumulation existed within each treatment for birds exposed at the same dietary
      level; moreover, this variation was highly repeatable for individuals. We
      observed substantial genetic variation in blood mercury accumulation for birds
      exposed at intermediate dietary concentrations. Taken together, this is evidence
      that genetic variation for factors affecting blood mercury accumulation could be
      acted on by selection. If similar heritability for mercury accumulation exists in
      wild populations, selection could result in genetic differentiation for
      populations in contaminated locations, with possible consequences for mercury
      biomagnification in food webs.

PMID- 27668747
TI  - Reducing the Salt Added to Takeaway Food: Within-Subjects Comparison of Salt
      Delivered by Five and 17 Holed Salt Shakers in Controlled Conditions.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine if the amount of salt delivered by standard salt shakers
      commonly used in English independent takeaways varies between those with five and
      17 holes; and to determine if any differences are robust to variations in: the
      amount of salt in the shaker, the length of time spent shaking, and the person
      serving. DESIGN: Four laboratory experiments comparing the amount of salt
      delivered by shakers. Independent variables considered were: type of shaker used
      (five or 17 holes), amount of salt in the shaker before shaking commences (shaker
      full, half full or nearly empty), time spent shaking (3s, 5s or 10s), and
      individual serving. SETTING: Controlled, laboratory, conditions. PARTICIPANTS: A
      quota-based convenience sample of 10 participants (five women) aged 18-59 years.
      MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Amount of salt delivered by salt shakers. RESULTS: Across
      all trials, the 17 holed shaker delivered a mean (SD) of 7.86g (4.54) per trial,
      whilst the five holed shaker delivered 2.65g (1.22). The five holed shaker
      delivered a mean of 33.7% of the salt of the 17 holed shaker. There was a
      significant difference in salt delivered between the five and 17 holed salt
      shakers when time spent shaking, amount of salt in the shaker and participant
      were all kept constant (p<0.001). This difference was robust to variations in the
      starting weight of shakers, time spent shaking and participant shaking (ps</ =
      0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Five holed salt shakers have the potential to reduce the
      salt content of takeaway food, and particularly food from Fish & Chip shops,
      where these shakers are particularly used. Further research will be required to
      determine the effects of this intervention on customers' salt intake with
      takeaway food and on total dietary salt intake.

PMID- 27668748
TI  - Technique for Early Reliability Prediction of Software Components Using Behaviour
      Models.
AB  - Behaviour models are the most commonly used input for predicting the reliability
      of a software system at the early design stage. A component behaviour model
      reveals the structure and behaviour of the component during the execution of
      system-level functionalities. There are various challenges related to component
      reliability prediction at the early design stage based on behaviour models. For
      example, most of the current reliability techniques do not provide fine-grained
      sequential behaviour models of individual components and fail to consider the
      loop entry and exit points in the reliability computation. Moreover, some of the
      current techniques do not tackle the problem of operational data unavailability
      and the lack of analysis results that can be valuable for software architects at
      the early design stage. This paper proposes a reliability prediction technique
      that, pragmatically, synthesizes system behaviour in the form of a state machine,
      given a set of scenarios and corresponding constraints as input. The state
      machine is utilized as a base for generating the component-relevant operational
      data. The state machine is also used as a source for identifying the nodes and
      edges of a component probabilistic dependency graph (CPDG). Based on the CPDG, a
      stack-based algorithm is used to compute the reliability. The proposed technique
      is evaluated by a comparison with existing techniques and the application of
      sensitivity analysis to a robotic wheelchair system as a case study. The results
      indicate that the proposed technique is more relevant at the early design stage
      compared to existing works, and can provide a more realistic and meaningful
      prediction.

PMID- 27668750
TI  - Analyses of the Distribution Patterns of Burkholderia pseudomallei and Associated
      Phages in Soil Samples in Thailand Suggest That Phage Presence Reduces the
      Frequency of Bacterial Isolation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Burkholderia pseudomallei is a soil saprophytic bacterium that causes
      melioidosis. The infection occurs through cutaneous inoculation, inhalation or
      ingestion. Bacteriophages (phages) in the same ecosystem may significantly impact
      the biology of this bacterium in the environment, and in their culturability in
      the laboratory. METHODS/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The soil samples were analysed for
      the presence of bacteria using culture methods, and for phages using plaque
      assays on B. pseudomallei strain 1106a lawns. Of the 86 soil samples collected
      from northeastern Thailand, B. pseudomallei was cultured from 23 (26.7%) samples;
      no phage capable of infecting B. pseudomallei was detected in these samples. In
      contrast, phages capable of infecting B. pseudomallei, but no bacteria, were
      present in 10 (11.6%) samples. B. pseudomallei and their phages were co-isolated
      from only 3 (3.5%) of soil samples. Since phage capable of infecting B.
      pseudomallei could not have appeared in the samples without the prior presence of
      bacteria, or exposure to bacteria nearby, our data suggest that all phage
      positive/bacteria-negative samples have had B. pseudomallei in or in a close
      proximity to them. Taken together, these findings indicate that the presence of
      phages may influence the success of B. pseudomallei isolation. Transmission
      electron microscopy revealed that the isolated phages are podoviruses. The
      temperate phages residing in soil-isolated strains of B. pseudomallei that were
      resistant to the dominant soil borne phages could be induced by mitomycin C.
      These induced-temperate phages were closely related, but not identical, to the
      more dominant soil-isolated phage type. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: The presence of
      podoviruses capable of infecting B. pseudomallei may affect the success of the
      pathogen isolation from the soil. The currently used culture-based methods of B.
      pseudomallei isolation appear to under-estimate the bacterial abundance. The
      detection of phage capable of infecting B. pseudomallei from environmental
      samples could be a useful preliminary test to indicate the likely presence of B.
      pseudomallei in environmental samples.

PMID- 27668749
TI  - Identification of Genome-Wide Mutations in Ciprofloxacin-Resistant F. tularensis
      LVS Using Whole Genome Tiling Arrays and Next Generation Sequencing.
AB  - Francisella tularensis is classified as a Class A bioterrorism agent by the U.S.
      government due to its high virulence and the ease with which it can be spread as
      an aerosol. It is a facultative intracellular pathogen and the causative agent of
      tularemia. Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) is a broad spectrum antibiotic effective against
      Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Increased Cipro resistance in
      pathogenic microbes is of serious concern when considering options for medical
      treatment of bacterial infections. Identification of genes and loci that are
      associated with Ciprofloxacin resistance will help advance the understanding of
      resistance mechanisms and may, in the future, provide better treatment options
      for patients. It may also provide information for development of assays that can
      rapidly identify Cipro-resistant isolates of this pathogen. In this study, we
      selected a large number of F. tularensis live vaccine strain (LVS) isolates that
      survived in progressively higher Ciprofloxacin concentrations, screened the
      isolates using a whole genome F. tularensis LVS tiling microarray and Illumina
      sequencing, and identified both known and novel mutations associated with
      resistance. Genes containing mutations encode DNA gyrase subunit A, a
      hypothetical protein, an asparagine synthase, a sugar transamine/perosamine
      synthetase and others. Structural modeling performed on these proteins provides
      insights into the potential function of these proteins and how they might
      contribute to Cipro resistance mechanisms.

PMID- 27668752
TI  - Intensive Clinical and Subjective Studies.

PMID- 27668751
TI  - Expression of 6-Cys Gene Superfamily Defines Babesia bovis Sexual Stage
      Development within Rhipicephalus microplus.
AB  - Babesia bovis, an intra-erythrocytic tick-borne apicomplexan protozoan, is one of
      the causative agents of bovine babesiosis. Its life cycle includes sexual
      reproduction within cattle fever ticks, Rhipicephalus spp. Six B. bovis 6-Cys
      gene superfamily members were previously identified (A, B, C, D, E, F) where
      their orthologues in Plasmodium parasite have been shown to encode for proteins
      required for the development of sexual stages. The current study identified four
      additional 6-Cys genes (G, H, I, J) in the B. bovis genome. These four genes are
      described in the context of the complete ten 6-Cys gene superfamily. The proteins
      expressed by this gene family are predicted to be secreted or surface membrane
      directed. Genetic analysis comparing the 6-Cys superfamily among five distinct B.
      bovis strains shows limited sequence variation. Additionally, A, B, E, H, I and J
      genes were transcribed in B. bovis infected tick midgut while genes A, B and E
      were also transcribed in the subsequent B. bovis kinete stage. Transcription of
      gene C was found exclusively in the kinete. In contrast, transcription of genes
      D, F and G in either B. bovis infected midguts or kinetes was not detected. None
      of the 6-Cys transcripts were detected in B. bovis blood stages. Subsequent
      protein analysis of 6-Cys A and B is concordant with their transcript profile.
      The collective data indicate as in Plasmodium parasite, certain B. bovis 6-Cys
      family members are uniquely expressed during sexual stages and therefore, they
      are likely required for parasite reproduction. Within B. bovis specifically,
      proteins encoded by 6-Cys genes A and B are markers for sexual stages and
      candidate antigens for developing novel vaccines able to interfere with the
      development of B. bovis within the tick vector.

PMID- 27668756
TI  - When shared group membership signifies shared subjective experience: I-sharing
      and the minimal group paradigm.
AB  - Ingroup favoritism is pervasive. It emerges even in the minimal group paradigm,
      where participants are assigned to novel groups based on seemingly insignificant
      characteristics. Yet many of the grouping schemes used in minimal group research
      may imply something significant: namely, that ingroup members will share in-the
      moment subjective experience, or I-share. Two studies examine the role of
      inferred I-sharing in the minimal group paradigm. We found that (1) people
      inferred that they would I-share with ingroup members more than outgroup members;
      (2) inferred I-sharing increased ingroup favoritism; and (3) inferred I-sharing
      accounted for this ingroup favoritism. Moreover, expecting to I-share with the
      outgroup improved participants' attitudes toward the outgroup. These results
      converge with other research suggesting that people favor ingroup members, in
      part, because they expect to I-share with them.

PMID- 27668757
TI  - Mountain-Cultivated Ginseng Attenuates Phencyclidine-Induced Abnormal Behaviors
      in Mice by Positive Modulation of Glutathione in the Prefrontal Cortex of Mice.
AB  - Escalating evidence indicates that ginseng treatment protects against psychotoxic
      behaviors and memory impairment. Although the underlying mechanism of
      schizophrenia remains elusive, recent investigations proposed that downregulation
      of glutathione (GSH) can be involved in the pathogenesis of this disorder. Since
      little is known about the effects of ginseng in a schizophrenia-like animal
      model, we selected mountain-cultivated ginseng (MG) from a variety of ginseng
      extracts to investigate the effect of ginseng on the psychosis induced by
      phencyclidine (PCP) in mice. PCP (10 mg/kg/day, s.c.) was administered for 14
      consecutive days. Novel object recognition, forced swimming, and social
      interaction tests were performed during the withdrawal period of 7 days. In
      addition, behavioral sensitization to an acute challenge of PCP was evaluated.
      The parameters of the GSH-dependent system in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) were
      examined. MG (200 mg/kg, i.p./day) or antipsychotic clozapine (10 mg/kg,
      p.o./day) was administered for seven consecutive days after the final PCP
      treatment. PCP significantly produced abnormal behaviors, followed by increases
      in Nrf2 nuclear translocation, its DNA binding activity, and glutamate-cysteine
      ligase (GCL) mRNA expression in the PFC. PCP treatment significantly decreased
      GSH/glutathione disulfide (GSSG) ratio and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity.
      MG significantly attenuated abnormal behaviors and the decreases in GSH/GSSG
      ratio and GPx activity induced by PCP. MG attenuated the increases in Nrf2
      activity and GCL expression caused by PCP. The protective potentials of MG were
      comparable to those of clozapine. MG ameliorates PCP-induced schizophrenia-like
      psychosis in mice through the positive modulation of the glutathione system.

PMID- 27668755
TI  - Olfactory circuits and behaviors of nematodes.
AB  - Over one billion people worldwide are infected with parasitic nematodes. Many
      parasitic nematodes actively search for hosts to infect using volatile chemical
      cues, so understanding the olfactory signals that drive host seeking may
      elucidate new pathways for preventing infections. The free-living nematode
      Caenorhabditis elegans is a powerful model for parasitic nematodes: because
      sensory neuroanatomy is conserved across nematode species, an understanding of
      the microcircuits that mediate olfaction in C. elegans may inform studies of
      olfaction in parasitic nematodes. Here we review circuit mechanisms that allow C.
      elegans to respond to odorants, gases, and pheromones. We also highlight work on
      the olfactory behaviors of parasitic nematodes that lays the groundwork for
      future studies of their olfactory microcircuits.

PMID- 27668758
TI  - Evaluation of the anti-malarial activity and cytotoxicity of 2,4-diamino
      pyrimidine-based kinase inhibitors.
AB  - A series of 2,4 diamino-pyrimidines have been identified from an analysis of open
      access high throughput anti-malarial screening data reported by GlaxoSmithKline
      at the 3D7 and resistant Dd2 strains. SAR expansion has been performed using
      structural knowledge of the most plausible parasite target. Seventeen new analogs
      have been synthesized and tested against the resistant K1 strain of Plasmodium
      falciparum (Pf). The cytotoxicity of the compounds was assessed in Vero and A549
      cells and their selectivity towards human kinases including JAK2 and EGFR were
      undertaken. We identified compound 5n and 5m as sub-micromolar inhibitors, with
      equivalent anti-malarial activity to Chloroquine (CQ). Compounds 5d and 5k, MUM
      inhibitors of Pf, displayed improved cytotoxicity with weak inhibition of the
      human kinases.

PMID- 27668759
TI  - Local delivery of checkpoints antibodies.
AB  - Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) based cancer immunotherapy has recently
      attracted considerable interest in the field of cancer therapy. The relevant
      immunotherapeutic agents do not directly attack the tumor, but boost the body's
      immune system to recognize and kill cancer cells. In this commentary, recent
      efforts utilizing immunoengineering for local delivery of these immune checkpoint
      antibodies are introduced. Future opportunities and challenges in this research
      theme are also commented.

PMID- 27668760
TI  - Autologous stem cell transplantation is still a valid option in good- and
      intermediate-risk AML: a GITMO survey on 809 patients autografted in first
      complete remission.

PMID- 27668761
TI  - Assessing pilot vial material as a surrogate for functional and phenotypic stem
      cell markers in cryopreserved haematopoietic stem cell product.

PMID- 27668763
TI  - Peripheral blood versus bone marrow transplant in patients with aplastic anemia,
      an unresolved issue.

PMID- 27668764
TI  - Rapid identification of cytokine release syndrome after haploidentical PBSC
      transplantation and successful therapy with tocilizumab.

PMID- 27668762
TI  - Control of infectious mortality due to carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella
      pneumoniae in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
AB  - Carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-Kp) infections are an emerging
      cause of death after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). In
      allogeneic transplants, mortality rate may rise up to 60%. We retrospectively
      evaluated 540 patients receiving a transplant from an auto- or an allogeneic
      source between January 2011 and October 2015. After an Institutional increase in
      the prevalence of KPC-Kp bloodstream infections (BSI) in June 2012, from July
      2012, 366 consecutive patients received the following preventive measures: (i)
      weekly rectal swabs for surveillance; (ii) contact precautions in carriers (iii)
      early-targeted therapy in neutropenic febrile carriers. Molecular typing
      identified KPC-Kp clone ST512 as the main clone responsible for colonization, BSI
      and outbreaks. After the introduction of these preventive measures, the
      cumulative incidence of KPC-Kp BSI (P=0.01) and septic shocks (P=0.01) at 1 year
      after HSCT was significantly reduced. KPC-Kp infection-mortality dropped from
      62.5% (pre-intervention) to 16.6% (post-intervention). Day 100 transplant-related
      mortality and KPC-Kp infection-related mortality after allogeneic HSCT were
      reduced from 22% to 10% (P=0.001) and from 4% to 1% (P=0.04), respectively. None
      of the pre-HSCT carriers was excluded from transplant. These results suggest that
      active surveillance, contact precautions and early-targeted therapies, may
      efficiently control KPC-Kp spread and related mortality even after allogeneic
      HSCT.

PMID- 27668765
TI  - Diagnosis of veno-occlusive disease/sinusoidal obstruction syndrome of the liver:
      problems of interpretation.

PMID- 27668767
TI  - Effects of methylphenidate on sensitivity to reinforcement delay and to
      reinforcement amount in pigeons: Implications for impulsive choice.
AB  - Methylphenidate has been shown to decrease impulsive choice (increase choices of
      a larger more delayed reinforcer). The purpose of this study was to investigate 2
      potential behavioral mechanisms of this effect: a drug-induced change in control
      by reinforcement delay (Experiment 1) and/or by reinforcement amount (Experiment
      2). In Experiment 1, pigeons responded under a rapid-acquisition, concurrent
      chains choice procedure involving delay to reinforcement; the option with the
      shorter delay varied unpredictably across sessions. The pigeons accurately
      tracked the shorter delay across sessions (i.e., a preference for the option with
      the shorter delay developed within each session). Methylphenidate selectively
      decreased sensitivity to reinforcement delay-it attenuated the acquisition of
      preference at doses that did not systematically affect bias or response rates. In
      Experiment 2, pigeons responded under a rapid-acquisition, concurrent-chains
      choice procedure involving reinforcement amount. The pigeons accurately tracked
      the option with the larger reinforcement amount across sessions. Methylphenidate
      selectively decreased sensitivity to reinforcement amount-it attenuated the
      acquisition of preference at doses that did not systematically affect bias or
      response rates. These data suggest that methylphenidate attenuates the degree to
      which the various reinforcement dimensions control choice, and that drug effects
      on impulsive choice depend upon the relative contributions of drug-induced
      changes in control of behavior by each relevant dimension. (PsycINFO Database
      Record

PMID- 27668768
TI  - Preface.

PMID- 27668766
TI  - Immunosuppressive therapy versus alternative donor hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation for children with severe aplastic anemia who lack an HLA-matched
      familial donor.
AB  - We compared the outcomes of immunosuppressive treatment (IST) with those of
      alternative donor hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in children and
      adolescents with severe aplastic anemia (SAA). The medical records of 42 patients
      with SAA who received frontline IST (N=19) or frontline HSCT with an alternative
      donor (N=23) between 1998 and 2012 were analyzed retrospectively. Six patients
      responded in the frontline IST group, whereas 11 underwent salvage HSCT after IST
      failure. Twenty-one of 23 patients who underwent frontline HSCT survived without
      treatment failure. The estimated failure-free survival rate of the frontline HSCT
      group was higher than that of the frontline IST group (91.3% vs 30.7%
      respectively, P<0.001). Six of 11 patients who underwent salvage HSCT experienced
      event-free survival (EFS). The estimated EFS of the frontline HSCT group was
      higher than that of the salvage HSCT group (91.3% vs 50.9% respectively,
      P=0.015). The outcome of alternative donor HSCT was better than commonly reported
      rates, especially in patients who underwent frontline HSCT. These results suggest
      that frontline alternative donor HSCT may be a better treatment option than IST
      for children and adolescents with SAA who lack a human leukocyte Ag-matched
      familial donor.

PMID- 27668769
TI  - The Computer-based Patient Record.

PMID- 27668770
TI  - Countdown to 2001: The Computer-based Patient Record After the Institute of
      Medicine Report.

PMID- 27668771
TI  - The Structure of Data in Medical Records.
AB  - With the growing complexity of health care, patient data are more and more in
      demand for purposes such as research, education, postmarketing surveillance,
      quality assessment, and outcome analysis. Many of these purposes require patient
      data to be available in a structured, electronic format. Despite the rapid
      advances in computer technology, which allow patient data to be organized,
      analyzed, and shared, the majority of physicians still use paper medical records.
      Apparently, most physicians still perceive the paper record as being more
      suitable for their task than present day computerized versions. Both the
      shortcomings and the strengths of paper medical records have been identified and
      it proves difficult to design a computerized medical record that exploits the
      strengths of computers without loosing the advantages of the paper chart. The
      structure of patient data is an area of high interest, since structure determines
      how physicians, other health care workers, and patients may benefit from these
      data. An overview of research efforts in structuring patient data will offer
      insight in the problems that still impede a widespread use of the computerized
      patient record in clinical practice.

PMID- 27668772
TI  - Coding Systems in Health Care.
AB  - Computer-based patient data which are represented in a coded form have a variety
      of uses, including direct patient care, statistical reporting, automated decision
      support, and clinical research. No standard exists which supports all of these
      functions. Abstracting coding systems, such as ICD, CPT, DRGs and MeSH fail to
      provide adequate detail, forcing application developers to create their own
      coding schemes for systems. Some of these schemes have been put forward as
      possible standards, but they have not been widely accepted. This paper reviews
      existing schemes used for abstracting, electronic record systems, and
      comprehensive coding. It also discusses the remaining impediments to acceptance
      of standards and the current efforts to overcome them, including SNOMED, the
      Gabrieli Medical Nomenclature, the Read Clinical Codes, GALEN, and the Unified
      Medical Language System (UMLS).

PMID- 27668773
TI  - DIOGENE 2, a distributed Hospital Information System with an emphasis on ist
      Medical Information Contenct.
AB  - DIOGENE 1 has been a mainframe-based centralised HIS with a star network of
      communication operating on a daily basis with 120 nursing ward units since 1978.
      Together the limited and costly growth capabilities of such a system with its
      extreme difficulty in cooperating jointly with other heterogeneous medical
      systems, with the need for faster networking expansions, led to the new design of
      a distributed architecture called DIOGENE 2. In 1989, a migration process between
      DIOGENE 1 and DIOGENE 2 was initiated and is now on the verge of being achieved.
      During the time of this new expansion of the HIS, it has been easy to cooperate
      with the decentralisation process of the new hospital organisation as well as
      facilitating the integration of new functionalities like i.e. new WIS
      architecture, medical office patient histories, integration based upon PCs with
      UNIX based client/server platforms. That approach combines the handling of
      paragraphs structured patient records with the use of medical natural language
      processing and semi-automatic encoding as well. Amongst these new functionalities
      the PACS are associated with image manipulation platforms called OSIRIS for X-Ray
      images as well as other tools devoted to molecular biology and genetics up to the
      ExPASy server on Internet using WWW / Mosaic which is accessible from all over
      the world. The distributed architecture appears well suited not only for the
      integration of these new functionalities but to keep them growing as smoothly as
      possible.

PMID- 27668774
TI  - Electronic Patient Records and Clinical Research.
AB  - The digitalization of patient records promises clinicians, researchers, health
      administrators, and politicians new tools to transform data into information,
      information into knowledge, and perhaps even knowledge into wisdom. This paper
      will review the status of clinical databases that can be derived from electronic
      patient records, discuss how databases derived from routine clinical care are
      being used, and outline the pitfalls and limitations of using electronic patient
      records for clinical research.

PMID- 27668775
TI  - Medical Informatics Training at Stanford University School of Medicine.
AB  - Stanford University School of Medicine has offered graduate degrees in medical
      informatics since 1982. Located approximately 50 kilometers south of San
      Francisco near the city of Palo Alto, the university offers both MS and PhD
      degrees, combining research training with formal course requirements in clinical
      information sciences, bioinformatics, computer science, decision science, basic
      biomedicine, health economics, and social and ethical issues. Requirements are
      adapted to the varying backgrounds of trainees. Graduates of the program work in
      a variety of capacities, although the majority have sought careers in academia or
      in industrial research settings.

PMID- 27668776
TI  - Graduate Programs in Medical Informatics at the Patis Universities.
AB  - Most medical schools in France have chairs in Biostatistics and Medical
      Informatics to coordinate the teaching of these two disciplines both within the
      regular curriculum of the medical studies and as a specialized teaching. This
      paper describes the current medical informatics specialized program offered at
      the Paris Universities. Since 1968 the program has comprised a Master of Science
      and a Ph.D. degree. At the Master Level, despite several reforms and in-depth
      program revisions, the curriculum is still organized as a set of modules of 100
      hours teaching with a large freedom for the medical faculties to define the
      contents of the courses and for the students to organize their studies and
      combine medical informatics, biomathematics and biostatistics training. Since
      1990, an intensive one-year full-time course is offered, called Advanced Study
      Diploma in Medical Informatics, which is strongly research oriented. This program
      seems a good strategy to form medical informatics specialists who have initially
      received a broader education in informatics and statistics.

PMID- 27668777
TI  - Study Programs in Medical Informatics at Linkoping Univerity.

PMID- 27668778
TI  - Medical Informatics, Statistics and Epidemiology Education: In the Framework of
      the Tempus-Phare Joint European Project.
AB  - Medicine and health care should react to the changing composition of the
      population, to diseases and new treatments, to the needs of medical ethics and
      law, and to changing economic conditions and to social needs. The main goal of
      health care is to improve the health status of the population. To reach this goal
      the appropriate use of available information, including for example biomedical
      knowledge, epidemiological data or patient data, is necessary. The need for
      education in this field of medical informatics, statistics, and epidemiology is a
      requirement to solve health-care problems, to develop a long-term perspective and
      successful functioning of health-care systems. The information sciences can play
      an important role in promoting the construction of basic data, vocabularies and
      decision procedures, as well as developing formal methods for problem solving.

PMID- 27668779
TI  - Medical Informatics Training at Columbia University and the Columbia-Presbyterian
      Medical Center.
AB  - The Department of Medical Informatics at Columbia University College of
      Physicians and Surgeons consists of a faculty of 17 full- and part-time faculty.
      The Department faculty collaborate with the Department of Computer Science and
      several clinical departments of the medical center. We offer courses in medical
      informatics, formal degrees (M.A., M.Phil. and Ph.D.) and a postdoctoral training
      program. In addition to academic offerings, the close affiliation with the
      Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center and the primary responsibilities for
      clinical information systems offers trainees unique opportunities to work with
      and develop real-world applications. Faculty research programs include work on
      the Integrated Advanced Information Management System (IAIMS), Unified Medical
      Language System (UMLS), High-Performance Computing and Communications (HPCC),
      Electronic Medical Records, automated decision support and technology transfer
      through the Center for Advanced Technology.

PMID- 27668780
TI  - Health and Clinical Management.

PMID- 27668781
TI  - Computer-Based Patient Records.

PMID- 27668782
TI  - Information Systems.

PMID- 27668783
TI  - Image and Signal Processing.

PMID- 27668784
TI  - Decision Support Systems.

PMID- 27668785
TI  - Knowledge Processing.

PMID- 27668786
TI  - Education.

PMID- 27668787
TI  - A Genome-Wide Association Study to Identify Potential Germline Copy Number
      Variants for Sporadic Breast Cancer Susceptibility.
AB  - Breast cancer (BC) predisposition in populations arises from both genetic and
      nongenetic risk factors. Structural variations such as copy number variations
      (CNVs) are heritable determinants for disease susceptibility. The primary
      objectives of this study are (1) to identify CNVs associated with sporadic BC
      using a genome-wide association study (GWAS) design; (2) to utilize 2 distinct
      CNV calling algorithms to identify concordant CNVs as a strategy to reduce false
      positive associations in the hypothesis-generating GWAS discovery phase, and (3)
      to identify potential candidate CNVs for follow-up replication studies. We used
      Affymetrix SNP Array 6.0 data profiled on Caucasian subjects (422 cases/348
      controls) to call CNVs using algorithms implemented in Nexus Copy Number and
      Partek Genomics Suite software. Nexus algorithm identified CNVs associated with
      BC (731 autosomal CNVs with >5% frequency in the total sample and Q < 0.05).
      Thirteen CNVs were identified when Partek algorithm-called CNVs were overlapped
      with Nexus-identified CNVs; these CNVs showed concordances for frequency, effect
      size, and direction. Coding genes present within BC-associated CNVs were known to
      play a role in disease etiology and prognosis. Long noncoding RNAs identified
      within CNVs showed tissue-specific expression, indicating potential functional
      relevance of the findings. The identified candidate CNVs warrant independent
      replication.

PMID- 27668789
TI  - Evaluation of clinical outcomes and costs based on prescribed dose level of renin
      angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors.

PMID- 27668788
TI  - The Impact of Parent-Infant Interaction on Epigenetic Plasticity Mediating
      Synaptic Adaptations in the Infant Brain.
AB  - The development of the brain depends on an individual's nature (genes) and
      nurture (environments). This interaction between genetic predispositions and
      environmental events during brain development drives the maturation of functional
      brain circuits such as sensory, motor, emotional, and complex cognitive pathways.
      Adverse environmental conditions such as early life stress can interfere with the
      functional development of emotional and cognitive brain systems and thereby
      increase the risk of developing psychiatric disorders later in life. In order to
      develop more efficient and individualized protective and therapeutic
      interventions, it is essential to understand how environmental stressors during
      infancy affect cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in brain maturation.
      Animal models of early life stress have been able to reveal brain structural and
      metabolic changes in prefrontolimbic circuits, which are time, brain region,
      neuron, and sex specific. By focusing on animal models of separation stress
      during infancy, this review highlights epigenetic and cytoarchitectural
      modifications which are assumed to mediate lasting changes of brain function and
      behavior.

PMID- 27668790
TI  - Flat-Panel CT for Cochlear Implant Electrode Imaging: Comparison to Multi
      Detector CT.
AB  - HYPOTHESIS: Flat-panel computed tomography (FPCT) will allow more accurate
      localization of cochlear implants with decreased metallic artifact and decreased
      radiation dose when compared with multi-detector CT (MDCT). BACKGROUND: The
      measurement of scalar location and intra-scalar position of cochlear implantation
      (CI) electrodes using computed tomography (CT) is complicated by metallic image
      artifact and insufficient scalar resolution. FPCT has been shown to improve upon
      the resolution of MDCT while reducing artifact. Previous studies of FPCT imaging
      employed isolated temporal bones and did not compare FPCT with MDCT. METHODS: A
      total of 11 CI electrodes (Flex-24, MED-EL Corp, Innsbruck, Austria) were
      intentionally placed into either the scala tympani (ST) or scala vestibule (SV)
      in whole cadaver heads and imaged with MDCT and FPCT. The relative radiation dose
      was measured at the ocular lens for each modality. The implanted cochleae were
      then isolated and imaged with micro-CT which was used to assess electrode
      position. Images were reviewed and scored according to electrode array scalar
      compartment (ST, SV, scala media [SM]), intra-scalar position within each
      compartment (perimodiolar, mid modiolor, lateral wall) and for the presence of
      artifact by five readers blinded to the imaging method and approach for electrode
      insertion. RESULTS: FPCT showed less metallic CI artifact (p = 0.002) and
      decreased radiation dosage when compared with MDCT. Reviewers were able to
      identify the scalar compartment and intra-scalar position of all electrodes more
      accurately with FPCT than with MDCT (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: FPCT more accurately
      resolves the scalar compartment and intra-scalar position of CI electrodes with
      reduced radiation exposure and metallic artifact than MDCT.

PMID- 27668791
TI  - Serial cVEMP Testing is Sensitive to Disease Progression in Meniere Patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMPs)
      ability to track disease progression in Meniere's disease patients over time and
      identify the most sensitive outcome measurement. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective.
      SETTING: Large specialty hospital, department of otolaryngology. SUBJECTS: Twenty
      nine Meniere's patients and seven migraine associated vertigo (MAV) patients.
      INTERVENTION: All patients underwent two cervical vestibular evoked myogenic
      potential tests at 250, 500, 750, and 1000 Hz with a minimum test interval of 3
      months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Threshold, peak-to-peak (PP) amplitude, interaural
      asymmetry ratio, and effect size. RESULTS: In affected Meniere's ears all outcome
      measures were worse during the second test, for threshold this difference was
      statistically significant at 750 and 1000 Hz compared with the first test.
      Compared with young healthy ears the threshold was significantly worse at all
      frequencies. PP amplitude was significantly decreased at the second test at 750
      Hz compared with the first test. In MAV no significant difference between tests
      was found at any frequency in PP amplitude or threshold. In Meniere's ears,
      threshold showed a higher first-to-second effect size at 500, 750, and 1000 Hz
      compared with PP amplitude. CONCLUSION: cVEMP is able to track progression in
      Meniere's disease over time. Thresholds were the most effective outcome measure
      to both track progression and to distinguish between MAV and Meniere's patients.

PMID- 27668794
TI  - Intratemporal Intraneural Perineurioma of the Facial Nerve.

PMID- 27668793
TI  - Single Institutional Experience With Observing 564 Vestibular Schwannomas:
      Factors Associated With Tumor Growth.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To characterize the risk and predictors of growth during observation
      of vestibular schwannomas (VS). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. SETTING:
      Single academic, tertiary care center. PATIENTS: Five hundred sixty-four
      consecutive VS patients who underwent at least two magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI) studies before intervention. INTERVENTION(S): Serial MRI studies. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Tumor growth, defined as a >=2 mm increase in the maximum
      tumor diameter between consecutive MRI studies, or between the first and last
      study. RESULTS: A total of 1296 patients (1995-2015) with VS were identified. Of
      those, 564 patients (median age 59.2 years; 53.5% female) were initially observed
      and underwent multiple MRI studies (median follow-up 22.9 months, interquartile
      range [IQR] 11.7-42.7). The median maximum tumor diameter at presentation was
      1.00 cm (IQR 0.6-1.51 cm). In all, 40.8% of tumors demonstrated growth and 32.1%
      underwent intervention (21.5% microsurgery, 10.5% radiation) during the
      surveillance period. Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that for each
      tumor, the risk of growth or intervention was significantly increased for larger
      initial VS diameters (HR = 2.22; 95% CI: 1.90-2.61) and when disequilibrium was a
      presenting symptom (HR = 1.70; 95% CI: 1.30-2.23). Patient age, sex, aspirin use,
      and presenting symptoms of asymmetric hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo were
      not associated with tumor growth. CONCLUSION: To date, this is the largest series
      of observed VS reported in the literature. Risk of VS growth is significantly
      increased among patients who present with larger tumors and who have concomitant
      disequilibrium.IRB:: 151481. DEFINE PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE GAP AND EDUCATIONAL
      NEED: No cohort with this sample size has assessed vestibular schwannoma growth
      rates in conjunction with this number of variables. LEARNING OBJECTIVE: To
      characterize vestibular schwannoma growth rates and predictors of growth.

PMID- 27668792
TI  - Minimally Invasive Surgery for the Treatment of Hyperacusis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of a minimally invasive surgical procedure in
      patients with severe hyperacusis. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, longitudinal design.
      SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Adult patients with history of
      severe hyperacusis. INTERVENTION: Using a transcanal approach, the round and oval
      window was reinforced with temporalis fascia or tragal perichondrium in six
      subjects (nine ears) and was subdivided into two groups (unilateral or bilateral
      reinforcement procedure). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pre- and postoperative noise
      tolerance was measured using uncomfortable loudness level (ULL) test scores. In
      addition, a self-report hyperacusis questionnaire (HQ) was used to assess
      hypersensitivity to sound before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Analysis of
      the data reveals improved postoperative mean ULL test scores of 14 dB (confidence
      interval [CI], 70-98 dB) in the unilateral group. For the bilateral group,
      improved mean scores were 13 dB (CI, 63-88 dB) in the first ear and 8 dB (CI, 71
      86 dB) for the second ear. Further, a negative linear trend was observed in the
      mean subjective scores for the HQ when both groups measures were analyzed
      together decreasing from a mean score of 32.0 (standard deviation [SD] = 3.32)
      preoperative to a mean score of 11.5 (SD = 7.42) after surgery. Postoperatively,
      the patients reported no change in hearing and improved quality of life after the
      procedure. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that reinforcement of the round and
      oval window with temporalis fascia or tragal perichondrium may offer significant
      benefit for individuals with severe hyperacusis that has not responded to
      traditional therapy. ULL scores and self-report measures postoperatively
      demonstrate improved noise tolerance, high patient satisfaction, and enhanced
      quality of life.

PMID- 27668797
TI  - Nanomedicine: An iron age for cancer therapy.

PMID- 27668795
TI  - Iron oxide nanoparticles inhibit tumour growth by inducing pro-inflammatory
      macrophage polarization in tumour tissues.
AB  - Until now, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved iron supplement
      ferumoxytol and other iron oxide nanoparticles have been used for treating iron
      deficiency, as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging and as drug
      carriers. Here, we show an intrinsic therapeutic effect of ferumoxytol on the
      growth of early mammary cancers, and lung cancer metastases in liver and lungs.
      In vitro, adenocarcinoma cells co-incubated with ferumoxytol and macrophages
      showed increased caspase-3 activity. Macrophages exposed to ferumoxytol displayed
      increased mRNA associated with pro-inflammatory Th1-type responses. In vivo,
      ferumoxytol significantly inhibited growth of subcutaneous adenocarcinomas in
      mice. In addition, intravenous ferumoxytol treatment before intravenous tumour
      cell challenge prevented development of liver metastasis. Fluorescence-activated
      cell sorting (FACS) and histopathology studies showed that the observed tumour
      growth inhibition was accompanied by increased presence of pro-inflammatory M1
      macrophages in the tumour tissues. Our results suggest that ferumoxytol could be
      applied 'off label' to protect the liver from metastatic seeds and potentiate
      macrophage-modulating cancer immunotherapies.

PMID- 27668796
TI  - Ultrasmall nanoparticles induce ferroptosis in nutrient-deprived cancer cells and
      suppress tumour growth.
AB  - The design of cancer-targeting particles with precisely tuned physicochemical
      properties may enhance the delivery of therapeutics and access to pharmacological
      targets. However, a molecular-level understanding of the interactions driving the
      fate of nanomedicine in biological systems remains elusive. Here, we show that
      ultrasmall (<10 nm in diameter) poly(ethylene glycol)-coated silica
      nanoparticles, functionalized with melanoma-targeting peptides, can induce a form
      of programmed cell death known as ferroptosis in starved cancer cells and cancer
      bearing mice. Tumour xenografts in mice intravenously injected with nanoparticles
      using a high-dose multiple injection scheme exhibit reduced growth or regression,
      in a manner that is reversed by the pharmacological inhibitor of ferroptosis,
      liproxstatin-1. These data demonstrate that ferroptosis can be targeted by
      ultrasmall silica nanoparticles and may have therapeutic potential.

PMID- 27668798
TI  - The ubiquitin ligase Huwe1 regulates the maintenance and lymphoid commitment of
      hematopoietic stem cells.
AB  - Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are dormant in the bone marrow and can be
      activated in response to diverse stresses to replenish all blood cell types. We
      identified the ubiquitin ligase Huwe1 as a crucial regulator of HSC function via
      its post-translational control of the oncoprotein N-myc (encoded by Mycn). We
      found Huwe1 to be essential for HSC self-renewal, quiescence and lymphoid-fate
      specification in mice. Through the use of a fluorescent fusion allele (MycnM), we
      observed that N-myc expression was restricted to the most immature, multipotent
      stem and progenitor populations. N-myc expression was upregulated in response to
      stress or following loss of Huwe1, which led to increased proliferation and stem
      cell exhaustion. Mycn depletion reversed most of these phenotypes in vivo, which
      suggested that the attenuation of N-myc by Huwe1 is essential for reestablishing
      homeostasis following stress.

PMID- 27668799
TI  - A three-stage intrathymic development pathway for the mucosal-associated
      invariant T cell lineage.
AB  - Mucosal-associated invariant T cells (MAIT cells) detect microbial vitamin B2
      derivatives presented by the antigen-presenting molecule MR1. Here we defined
      three developmental stages and checkpoints for the MAIT cell lineage in humans
      and mice. Stage 1 and stage 2 MAIT cells predominated in thymus, while stage 3
      cells progressively increased in abundance extrathymically. Transition through
      each checkpoint was regulated by MR1, whereas the final checkpoint that generated
      mature functional MAIT cells was controlled by multiple factors, including the
      transcription factor PLZF and microbial colonization. Furthermore, stage 3 MAIT
      cell populations were expanded in mice deficient in the antigen-presenting
      molecule CD1d, suggestive of a niche shared by MAIT cells and natural killer T
      cells (NKT cells). Accordingly, this study maps the developmental pathway and
      checkpoints that control the generation of functional MAIT cells.

PMID- 27668802
TI  - Are empathy and concern psychologically distinct?
AB  - Researchers have long been interested in the relationship between feeling what
      you believe others feel-often described as empathy-and caring about the welfare
      of others-often described as compassion or concern. Many propose that empathy is
      a prerequisite for concern and is therefore the ultimate motivator of prosocial
      actions. To assess this hypothesis, the authors developed the Empathy Index,
      which consists of 2 novel scales, and explored their relationship to a measure of
      concern as well as to measures of cooperative and altruistic behavior. A series
      of factor analyses reveal that empathy and concern consistently load on different
      factors. Furthermore, they show that empathy and concern motivate different
      behaviors: concern for others is a uniquely positive predictor of prosocial
      action whereas empathy is either not predictive or negatively predictive of
      prosocial actions. Together these studies suggest that empathy and concern are
      psychologically distinct and empathy plays a more limited role in our moral lives
      than many believe. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27668800
TI  - CCL19-CCR7-dependent reverse transendothelial migration of myeloid cells clears
      Chlamydia muridarum from the arterial intima.
AB  - Regions of the normal arterial intima predisposed to atherosclerosis are sites of
      ongoing monocyte trafficking and also contain resident myeloid cells with
      features of dendritic cells. However, the pathophysiological roles of these cells
      are poorly understood. Here we found that intimal myeloid cells underwent reverse
      transendothelial migration (RTM) into the arterial circulation after systemic
      stimulation of pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs). This process was dependent
      on expression of the chemokine receptor CCR7 and its ligand CCL19 by intimal
      myeloid cells. In mice infected with the intracellular pathogen Chlamydia
      muridarum, blood monocytes disseminated infection to the intima. Subsequent CCL19
      CCR7-dependent RTM was critical for the clearance of intimal C. muridarum. This
      process was inhibited by hypercholesterolemia. Thus, RTM protects the normal
      arterial intima, and compromised RTM during atherogenesis might contribute to the
      intracellular retention of pathogens in atherosclerotic lesions.

PMID- 27668803
TI  - Defective iron-oxide nanoparticles synthesised by high temperature plasma
      processing: a magnetic characterisation versus temperature.
AB  - Magnetic properties and phase compositions of iron-oxide nanoparticles
      synthesised by a high temperature arc plasma route have been investigated by
      Mossbauer spectroscopy and high harmonic magnetic AC susceptibility measurements,
      and correlated with morphological and structural properties for different
      synthesis conditions. The Mossbauer spectra precisely determined the presence of
      different iron-oxide fractions in the investigated nanoparticles, while the high
      harmonic magnetic susceptibility measurements revealed the occurrence of
      metastable magnetic phases evolving in temperature and time. This study
      illustrates magnetic properties and dynamics of the magnetic configurations of
      iron-oxide nanoparticles grown by high temperature plasma, a process less
      explored so far but extremely useful for synthesising large numbers of
      nanoparticles for industrial applications. 

PMID- 27668801
TI  - Timing and duration of MHC I positive selection signals are adjusted in the
      thymus to prevent lineage errors.
AB  - Major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I) positive selection of CD8+ T
      cells in the thymus requires that T cell antigen receptor (TCR) signaling end in
      time for cytokines to induce Runx3d, the CD8-lineage transcription factor. We
      examined the time required for these events and found that the overall duration
      of positive selection was similar for all CD8+ thymocytes in mice, despite
      markedly different TCR signaling times. Notably, prolonged TCR signaling times
      were counter-balanced by accelerated Runx3d induction by cytokines and
      accelerated differentiation into CD8+ T cells. Consequently, lineage errors did
      not occur except when MHC I-TCR signaling was so prolonged that the CD4-lineage
      specifying transcription factor ThPOK was expressed, preventing Runx3d induction.
      Thus, our results identify a compensatory signaling mechanism that prevents
      lineage-fate errors by dynamically modulating Runx3d induction rates during MHC I
      positive selection.

PMID- 27668805
TI  - Comparison of Graphene Oxide and Reduced Graphene Oxide for DNA Adsorption and
      Sensing.
AB  - Fluorescently labeled DNA adsorbed on graphene oxide (GO) is a well-established
      sensing platform for detecting a diverse range of analytes. GO is a loosely
      defined material and its oxygen content may vary depending on the condition of
      preparation. Sometimes, a further reduction step is intentionally performed to
      decrease the oxygen content, and the resulting material is called reduced GO
      (rGO). In this study, DNA adsorption and desorption from GO and rGO is
      systematically compared. Under the same salt concentration, DNA adsorbs slightly
      faster with a 2.6-fold higher capacity on rGO. At the same time, DNA adsorbed on
      rGO is more resistant to desorption induced by temperature, pH, urea, and organic
      solvents. Various lengths and sequences of DNA probes have been tested. When its
      complementary DNA is added as a model target analyte, the rGO sample has a higher
      signal-to-background and signal-to-noise ratio, whereas the GO sample has a
      slightly higher absolute signal increase and faster signaling kinetics. DNAs
      adsorbed on GO or rGO are still susceptible to nonspecific displacement by other
      DNA and proteins. Overall, although rGO adsorbs DNA more tightly, it allows
      efficient DNA sensing with an extremely low background fluorescence signal.

PMID- 27668804
TI  - Improving Depression Among HIV-Infected Adults: Transporting the Effect of a
      Depression Treatment Intervention to Routine Care.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Depression affects 20%-30% of people with HIV. Randomized controlled
      trials (RCTs) have demonstrated the effectiveness of interventions to improve
      depression among HIV-infected adults, but typically have highly selected
      populations which may limit generalizability. Inverse probability of sampling
      weights (IPSW) is a recently proposed method to transport (or standardize)
      findings from RCTs to a specific external target population. METHODS: We used
      IPSW to transport the 6-month effect of the Measurement-Based Care (MBC)
      intervention on depression from the SLAM DUNC trial to a population of HIV
      infected, depressed adults in routine care in the United States between 2010 and
      2014. RESULTS: In the RCT, MBC was associated with an improvement in depression
      at 6 months of 3.6 points on the Hamilton Depression Rating scale [95% confidence
      interval (CI): -5.9 to -1.3]. When IPSW were used to standardize results from the
      trial to the target population, the intervention effect was attenuated by 1.2
      points (mean improvement 2.4 points; 95% CI: -6.1 to 1.3). CONCLUSIONS: If
      implemented among HIV-infected, depressed adults in routine care, MBC may be less
      effective than in the RCT but can still be expected to reduce depression.
      Attenuation of the intervention effect among adults in routine care reflects the
      fact that the trial enrolled a larger proportion of individuals for whom the
      intervention was more effective. Given the burden of depression among HIV
      infected adults, more effective interventions to improve depression are urgently
      needed. However, examining the transportability of trial findings is essential to
      understand whether similar effects can be expected if interventions are scaled
      up.

PMID- 27668806
TI  - Controlling the Cross-Sensitivity of Carbon Nanotube-Based Gas Sensors to Water
      Using Zeolites.
AB  - Carbon nanotube-based gas sensors can be used to detect harmful environmental
      pollutants such as NO2 at room temperature. Although they show promise as low
      powered, sensitive, and affordable monitoring devices, cross-sensitivity of
      functionalized carbon nanotubes to water vapor often obscures the detection of
      target molecules. This is a barrier to adoption for monitoring of airborne
      pollutants because of the varying humidity levels found in real world
      environments. Zeolites, also known as molecular sieves because of their selective
      adsorption properties, are used in this work to control the cross-sensitivity of
      single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT)-based sensors to water vapor. Zeolites
      incorporated into the sensing layer are found to reduce interference effects that
      would otherwise obscure the identification of NO2 gas, permitting repeatable
      detection over a range of relative humidities. This significant improvement is
      found to depend on the arrangement of the SWCNT-zeolite layers in the sensing
      device, as well as the hydrophilicity of the chosen zeolite.

PMID- 27668808
TI  - Improving Benefit Design to Promote Effective, Efficient, and Affordable Care.

PMID- 27668807
TI  - Genome Editing of Monogenic Neuromuscular Diseases: A Systematic Review.
AB  - Importance: Muscle weakness, the most common symptom of neuromuscular disease,
      may result from muscle dysfunction or may be caused indirectly by neuronal and
      neuromuscular junction abnormalities. To date, more than 780 monogenic
      neuromuscular diseases, linked to 417 different genes, have been identified in
      humans. Genome-editing methods, especially the CRISPR (clustered regularly
      interspaced short palindromic repeats)-Cas9 (CRISPR-associated protein 9) system,
      hold clinical potential for curing many monogenic disorders, including
      neuromuscular diseases such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular
      atrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and myotonic dystrophy type 1.
      Objectives: To provide an overview of genome-editing approaches; to summarize
      published reports on the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of current genome
      editing methods as they relate to the potential correction of monogenic
      neuromuscular diseases; and to highlight scientific and clinical opportunities
      and obstacles toward permanent correction of disease-causing mutations
      responsible for monogenic neuromuscular diseases by genome editing. Evidence
      Review: PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for articles published from June
      30, 1989, through June 9, 2016, using the following keywords: genome editing,
      CRISPR-Cas9, neuromuscular disease, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular
      atrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and myotonic dystrophy type 1. The
      following sources were reviewed: 341 articles describing different approaches to
      edit mammalian genomes; 330 articles describing CRISPR-Cas9-mediated genome
      editing in cell culture lines (in vitro) and animal models (in vivo); 16 websites
      used to generate single-guide RNA; 4 websites for off-target effects; and 382
      articles describing viral and nonviral delivery systems. Articles describing
      neuromuscular diseases, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular
      atrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and myotonic dystrophy type 1, were also
      reviewed. Findings: Multiple proof-of-concept studies reveal the feasibility and
      efficacy of genome-editing-meditated correction of monogenic neuromuscular
      diseases in cultured cells and animal models. Conclusions and Relevance: Genome
      editing is a rapidly evolving technology with enormous translational potential
      once efficacy, delivery, and safety issues are addressed. The clinical impact of
      this technology is that genome editing can permanently correct disease-causing
      mutations and circumvent the hurdles of traditional gene- and cell-based
      therapies.

PMID- 27668809
TI  - Kawasaki Disease at 50 Years.
AB  - Importance: Kawasaki disease (KD) is the most recognized vasculitis of childhood.
      The condition's characteristic high fever, rash, mucositis, conjunctivitis,
      lymphadenopathy, and extremity changes are superficially unexceptional, and
      resolve spontaneously within a mean of 12 days. It is the acuity and the
      potential for life-changing damage to the coronary arteries that distinguish KD
      from conditions that mimic it and exemplify the unique aspects and challenges of
      vascular inflammation in children. Observations: Although KD is an orphan
      disease, its role as a leading cause of acquired heart disease in children has
      led to significant efforts to determine its etiology, optimize diagnosis, and
      customize treatment according to individuals' needs. The result is that KD can
      now be controlled without sequelae in more than 95% of cases. Furthermore,
      advances in stratifying patients according to measurable risk factors allow
      therapy to be personalized in increasingly effective ways. High-risk patients,
      such as infants younger than 6 months, those with early evidence of coronary
      artery dilatation, and those with extreme abnormalities in laboratory test
      results, are often identified at presentation. This early identification allows
      them to be treated with corticosteroids in addition to intravenous immunoglobulin
      to improve their outcomes. Children with similar findings on laboratory tests and
      echocardiography may be treated based on algorithms for managing "incomplete KD"
      despite falling short of fulfilling classic diagnostic criteria. Children who do
      not respond to intravenous immunoglobulin are the focus of trials to minimize the
      duration of inflammation and thereby protect their coronary arteries in ways
      never before considered. Conclusions and Relevance: Kawasaki disease is a hybrid
      condition at the junction of infectious diseases, immunology, rheumatology, and
      cardiology. Rather than being left an orphan disease, KD is bringing disciplines
      together to identify its genetic, pathophysiological, and hemodynamic features.
      In turn, this work promises to shed light on many other inflammatory conditions
      as well.

PMID- 27668810
TI  - Structure Making and Breaking Effects of Cations in Aqueous Solution: Nitrous
      Oxide Pump-Probe Measurements.
AB  - Ultrafast IR pump-probe responses resonant with the nu3 asymmetric stretch of
      nitrous oxide (N2O) at ~2230 cm-1 are reported for 2 M aqueous salt solutions of
      MgCl2, CaCl2, NaCl, KCl, and CsCl at room temperature. The solvated cations of
      these chloride solutions span the range from strongly to weakly hydrating ions,
      and correspondingly are often categorized as structure makers and structure
      breakers, respectively. The observed salt dependent trends of the N2O nu3
      vibrational energy relaxation (VER) and rotational reorientation anisotropy
      (R(t)) decays are consistent with the categorization of these cations as
      structure breakers or makers, and show evidence of effects on the water hydrogen
      bonding network beyond the first solvation shell of these ions. This N2O mode is
      resonant with the H2O bend-libration band region. The corresponding FTIR is
      fitted well by a two Gaussian plus sloping continuum baseline model that allows a
      framework for characterizing the salt perturbations of the solvent spectral
      density in the nu3 resonant region. Both coupling strengths and density of states
      effects appear to contribute the systematic cation dependent T1 effects reported
      here. R(t) decays follow bulk viscosity values. These results are contrasted with
      previous IR pump-probe studies predominantly based on the relaxation dynamics of
      the OH/OD vibrational stretch of HOD hydrogen bonded to anions in salt solutions.

PMID- 27668811
TI  - Effect of a Structured Exercise Program on the Overall Burden of Major Mobility
      Disability Among Older Adults.

PMID- 27668812
TI  - Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Milestones-Time for
      a Revolt?

PMID- 27668813
TI  - Simple Measures to Reduce Chemical Exposure.

PMID- 27668814
TI  - OCEAN: Optimized Cross rEActivity estimatioN.
AB  - The prediction of molecular targets is highly beneficial during the drug
      discovery process, be it for off-target elucidation or deconvolution of
      phenotypic screens. Here, we present OCEAN, a target prediction tool exclusively
      utilizing publically available ChEMBL data. OCEAN uses a heuristics approach
      based on a validation set containing almost 1000 drug <- -> target relationships.
      New ChEMBL data (ChEMBL20 as well as ChEMBL21) released after the validation was
      used for a prospective OCEAN performance check. The success rates of OCEAN to
      predict correctly the targets within the TOP10 ranks are 77% for recently
      marketed drugs and 62% for all new ChEMBL20 compounds and 51% for all new
      ChEMBL21 compounds. OCEAN is also capable of identifying polypharmacological
      compounds; the success rate for molecules simultaneously hitting at least two
      targets is 64% to be correctly predicted within the TOP10 ranks. The source code
      of OCEAN can be found at http://www.github.com/rdkit/OCEAN.

PMID- 27668816
TI  - Sustainable Synthesis of Oximes, Hydrazones, and Thiosemicarbazones under Mild
      Organocatalyzed Reaction Conditions.
AB  - Pyrrolidine catalyzes very efficiently, presumably via iminium activation, the
      formation of acyloximes, acylhydrazones, and thiosemicarbazones derived from
      aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes using equimolar amounts of reagents and green
      solvents. Experimental simplicity and excellent yields after a simple filtration
      are the main advantages of the method, being an alternative to those currently
      available especially for the acyl derivatives, which do not work under
      uncatalyzed conditions. Its application to the synthesis of acyloximes by direct
      condensation between aldehydes and acylhydroxylamines is unprecedented.

PMID- 27668815
TI  - Putting the Health of Communities and Populations First.

PMID- 27668818
TI  - May consultation #2.

PMID- 27668817
TI  - Luxated capsule-IOL complex with capsular tension ring lying upside down on
      retina: May consultation #1.

PMID- 27668819
TI  - May consultation #3.

PMID- 27668820
TI  - May consultation #4.

PMID- 27668821
TI  - May consultation #5.

PMID- 27668823
TI  - May consultation #7.

PMID- 27668822
TI  - May consultation #6.

PMID- 27668824
TI  - No Denying It: Medicinal Chemistry Training Is in Big Trouble.
AB  - There has been little consensus between the pharmaceutical industry and academic
      communities concerning the best approach to train medicinal chemists for drug
      discovery. For decades the pharmaceutical industry has shown preference for
      synthetic organic graduates over candidates with degrees from medicinal chemistry
      programs on the assumption that medicinal chemistry expertise will be acquired on
      the job. However, ongoing changes to pharmaceutical drug discovery organizations
      and practices threaten to undermine this training model. There is a compelling
      argument to be made for establishment of a strong industry-academic partnership
      to train new candidates with sophisticated knowledge of contemporary drug design
      concepts and techniques to ensure that the future needs of both industry and
      academic drug discovery research can be served.

PMID- 27668825
TI  - Synthesis of Isothiazole via the Rhodium-Catalyzed Transannulation of 1,2,3
      Thiadiazoles with Nitriles.
AB  - A synthetic method for obtaining a wide variety of isothiazoles by the Rh
      catalyzed transannulation of 1,2,3-thiadiazoles with alkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl
      nitriles, which proceeds via an alpha-thiavinyl Rh-carbenoid intermediate, was
      developed. The results suggest that during its reaction with nitriles, the alpha
      thiavinyl carbene acts as an umpolung 1,3-dipole equivalent, in contrast to its
      behavior during its reaction with alkynes. The developed method was successfully
      employed to synthesize pentaoligomeric arylene compounds consisting of three
      benzene and two isothiazole rings.

PMID- 27668826
TI  - Engineering Topological Surface States of Cr-Doped Bi2Se3 Films by Spin
      Reorientation and Electric Field.
AB  - The tailoring of topological surface states in topological insulators is
      essential for device applications and for exploring new topological phase. Here,
      we propose a practical way to induce the quantum anomalous Hall phase and unusual
      metal-insulator transitions in Cr-doped Bi2Se3 films based on the model
      Hamiltonian and first-principles calculations. Using the combination of in-plane
      and plane-normal components of the spin along with external electric fields, we
      demonstrate that the topological state and band structures of topological
      insulating films exhibit rich features such as the shift of Dirac cones and the
      opening of nontrivial band gaps. We also show that the in-plane magnetization
      leads to significant suppression of inter-TSS scattering in Cr-doped Bi2Se3. Our
      work provides new strategies to obtain the desired electronic structures for the
      device, complementary to the efforts of an extensive material search.

PMID- 27668827
TI  - Confined Chemical Etching for Electrochemical Machining with Nanoscale Accuracy.
AB  - In the past several decades, electrochemical machining (ECM) has enjoyed the
      reputation of a powerful technique in the manufacturing industry. Conventional
      ECM methods can be classified as electrolytic machining and electroforming: the
      former is based on anodic dissolution and the latter is based on cathodic
      deposition of metallic materials. Strikingly, ECM possesses several advantages
      over mechanical machining, such as high removal rate, the capability of making
      complex three-dimensional structures, and the practicability for difficult-to-cut
      materials. Additionally, ECM avoids tool wear and thermal or mechanical stress on
      machining surfaces. Thus, ECM is widely used for various industrial applications
      in the fields of aerospace, automobiles, electronics, etc. Nowadays,
      miniaturization and integration of functional components are becoming significant
      in ultralarge scale integration (ULSI) circuits, microelectromechanical systems
      (MEMS), and miniaturized total analysis systems (MU-TAS). As predicted by Moore's
      law, the feature size of interconnectors in ULSI circuits are down to several
      nanometers. In this Account, we present our perseverant research in the last two
      decades on how to "confine" the ECM processes to occur at micrometer or even
      nanometer scale, that is, to ensure ECM with nanoscale accuracy. We have been
      developing the confined etchant layer technique (CELT) to fabricate three
      dimensional micro- and nanostructures (3D-MNS) on different metals and
      semiconductor materials since 1992. In general, there are three procedures in
      CELT: (1) generating the etchant on the surface of the tool electrode by
      electrochemical or photoelectrochemical reactions; (2) confining the etchant in a
      depleted layer with a thickness of micro- or nanometer scale; (3) feeding the
      tool electrode to etch the workpiece. Scavengers, which can react with the
      etchant, are usually adopted to form a confined etchant layer. Through the
      subsequent homogeneous reaction between the scavenger and the photo- or
      electrogenerated etchant in the electrolyte solution, the diffusion distance of
      the etchant is confined to micro- or nanometer scale, which ensures the nanoscale
      accuracy of electrochemical machining. To focus on the "confinement" of chemical
      etching reactions, external physical-field modulations have recently been
      introduced into CELT by introducing various factors such as light field, force
      field, hydrodynamics, and so on. Meanwhile, kinetic investigations of the
      confined chemical etching (CCE) systems are established based on the finite
      element analysis and simulations. Based on the obtained kinetic parameters, the
      machining accuracy is tunable and well controlled. CELT is now applicable for 1D
      milling, 2D polishing, and 3D microfabrication with an accuracy at nanometer
      scale. CELT not only inherits all the advantages of electrochemical machining but
      also provides advantages over photolithography and nanoimprint for its
      applicability to different functional materials without involving any photocuring
      and thermoplastic resists. Although there are some technical problems, for
      example, mass transfer and balance, which need to be solved, CELT has shown its
      prospective competitiveness in electrochemical micromachining, especially in the
      semiconductor industry.

PMID- 27668829
TI  - Surfaces with Sustainable Superhydrophobicity upon Mechanical Abrasion.
AB  - Surfaces with sustainable superhydrophobicity have drawn much attention in recent
      years for improved durability in practical applications. In this study, hollow
      mesoporous silica nanoparticles (HMSNs) were prepared and used as reservoirs to
      load dodecyltrimethoxysilane (DDTMS). Then superhydrophobic surfaces were
      fabricated by spray coating HMSNs with DDTMS as particle stacking structure and
      polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as hydrophobic interconnection. The mechanical
      durability of the obtained superhydrophobic surface was evaluated by a cyclic
      sand abrasion. It was found that once the surface was mechanically damaged, new
      roughening structures made of the cavity of the HMSNs would expose and maintain
      suitable hierarchical roughness surrounded by PDMS and DDTMS, favoring
      sustainable superhydrphobicity of the coating. The surfaces could sustain
      superhydrophobicity even after 1000 cycles of sand abrasion. This facile strategy
      may pave the way to the development of robust superhydrophobic surfaces in
      practical applications.

PMID- 27668828
TI  - A Carboxylate Shift Regulates Dioxygen Activation by the Diiron Nonheme beta
      Hydroxylase CmlA upon Binding of a Substrate-Loaded Nonribosomal Peptide
      Synthetase.
AB  - The first step in the nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS)-based biosynthesis
      of chloramphenicol is the beta-hydroxylation of the precursor l-p
      aminophenylalanine (l-PAPA) catalyzed by the monooxygenase CmlA. The active site
      of CmlA contains a dinuclear iron cluster that is reduced to the diferrous state
      (WTR) to initiate O2 activation. However, rapid O2 activation occurs only when
      WTR is bound to CmlP, the NRPS to which l-PAPA is covalently attached. Here the X
      ray crystal structure of WTR is reported, which is very similar to that of the as
      isolated diferric enzyme in which the irons are coordinately saturated. X-ray
      absorption spectroscopy is used to investigate the WTR cluster ligand structure
      as well as the structures of WTR in complex with a functional CmlP variant
      (CmlPAT) with and without l-PAPA attached. It is found that formation of the
      active WTR:CmlPAT-l-PAPA complex converts at least one iron of the cluster from
      six- to five-coordinate by changing a bidentately bound amino acid carboxylate to
      monodentate on Fe1. The only bidentate carboxylate in the structure of WTR is
      E377. The crystal structure of the CmlA variant E377D shows only monodentate
      carboxylate coordination. Reduced E377D reacts rapidly with O2 in the presence or
      absence of CmlPAT-l-PAPA, showing loss of regulation. However, this variant fails
      to catalyze hydroxylation, suggesting that E377 has the dual role of coupling
      regulation of O2 reactivity with juxtaposition of the substrate and the reactive
      oxygen species. The carboxylate shift in response to substrate binding represents
      a novel regulatory strategy for oxygen activation in diiron oxygenases.

PMID- 27668830
TI  - Structure-Based Virtual Screening Protocol for in Silico Identification of
      Potential Thyroid Disrupting Chemicals Targeting Transthyretin.
AB  - Thyroid disruption by xenobiotics is associated with a broad spectrum of severe
      adverse outcomes. One possible molecular target of thyroid hormone disrupting
      chemicals (THDCs) is transthyretin (TTR), a thyroid hormone transporter in
      vertebrates. To better understand the interactions between TTR and THDCs, we
      determined the crystallographic structures of human TTR in complex with
      perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and 2,2',4,4'
      tetrahydroxybenzophenone (BP2). The molecular interactions between the ligands
      and TTR were further characterized using molecular dynamics simulations. A
      structure-based virtual screening (VS) protocol was developed with the intention
      of providing an efficient tool for the discovery of novel TTR-binders from the
      Tox21 inventory. Among the 192 predicted binders, 12 representatives were
      selected, and their TTR binding affinities were studied with isothermal titration
      calorimetry, of which seven compounds had binding affinities between 0.26 and 100
      MUM. To elucidate structural details in their binding to TTR, crystal structures
      were determined of TTR in complex with four of the identified compounds including
      2,6-dinitro-p-cresol, bisphenol S, clonixin, and triclopyr. The compounds were
      found to bind in the TTR hormone binding sites as predicted. Our results show
      that the developed VS protocol is able to successfully identify potential THDCs,
      and we suggest that it can be used to propose THDCs for future toxicological
      evaluations.

PMID- 27668831
TI  - When Health Information Meets Social Media: Exploring Virality on Sina Weibo.
AB  - This study explored the impacts social media bring about on health communication.
      The impacts involved four factors: authority, privacy, evidence, and incentive
      appeals. They were adopted to predict virality of health messages on Sina Weibo
      in terms of retweeting, endorsing, and replying. A quantitative content analysis
      was conducted with a two-stage probability sample of 1,261 messages from 34
      accounts. The results illustrated two modes Weibo users employed to process
      health information. The heuristic mode was used for retweeting that was sensitive
      to public messages, negative appeals, and nonprofessional authority. The
      systematic mode was used for endorsing and replying that were sensitive to
      private messages, positive appeals, and both professional and nonprofessional
      authorities.

PMID- 27668832
TI  - Tapping Into Motivations for Drinking Among Youth: Normative Beliefs About
      Alcohol Use Among Underage Drinkers in the United States.
AB  - Social norms affect human behavior, and underage drinking is no exception. Using
      the theory of normative social behavior, this study tested the proposition that
      the association between perceptions about the prevalence of drinking (descriptive
      norms) and underage drinking is strengthened when perceived pressures to conform
      (injunctive norms) and beliefs about the benefits of drinking (outcome
      expectations) are high. This proposition was tested on a nationally
      representative sample of underage drinkers ages 13-20 (N = 1,031) in relation to
      their alcohol consumption, expanding on research with college-age youth. On
      average, males and females reported drinking 23 and 18 drinks per month,
      respectively. The main effect of descriptive norms (beta = .10, p < .01) on
      alcohol consumption was modified by interactions with injunctive norms (beta =
      .11, p < .01), benefit to self (beta = .12, p < .001), and benefit to others
      (beta = .10, p < .01). Underage drinkers are most vulnerable to excessive
      drinking if they believe that most others drink, that they themselves are
      expected to drink, and that drinking confers several benefits. Norms-based
      interventions to reduce youth alcohol use need to focus on changing not only
      descriptive norms but also injunctive norms and outcome expectations.

PMID- 27668833
TI  - The notochord curvature in medaka (Oryzias latipes) embryos as a response to
      ultraviolet A irradiation.
AB  - In the present work, the destructive effects of ultraviolet A (UVA; 366nm)
      irradiation on the developmental stages of Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) are
      revealed in terms of hatching success, mortality rate, and morphological
      malformations (yolk sac edema, body curvature, fin blistering, and dwarfism).
      Fertilized eggs in stage 4 were exposed to 15, 30, and 60min/day UVA for 3days in
      replicates. Fish were staged and aged following the stages established by
      Iwamatsu [1]. We observed and recorded the hatching time and deformed and dead
      embryos continuously. The hatching time was prolonged and the deformed and dead
      embryos numbers were increased by UVA dose increase. At stage 40, samples from
      each group were fixed to investigate their morphology and histopathology. Some
      morphological malformations were recorded after UVA exposure in both strains.
      Histopathological changes were represented as different shapes of curvature in
      notochord with collapse. The degree of collapsation was depended on the dose and
      time of UVA exposure. Our findings show that exposure to UVA irradiation caused
      less vertebral column curvature in medaka fry. Moreover, p53-deficient embryos
      were more tolerant than those of wild-type (Hd-rR) Japanese medaka. This study
      indicated the dangerous effects of the UVA on medaka.

PMID- 27668835
TI  - Laparoscopic Resection and End-to-End Ureteroureterostomy for Midureteral
      Obstruction in Children.
AB  - PURPOSE: Midureteral obstruction is an extremely rare condition. This
      retrospective study assessed the outcomes of laparoscopic ureteroureterostomy
      (UU) in 13 children with midureteral obstructions. METHODS: Records of patients
      with midureteral obstruction who underwent laparoscopic end-to-end UU between
      July 2011 and August 2015 were reviewed. The medical records comprised patient
      demographic data, intraoperative details, postoperative outcomes, and related
      complications. Renal ultrasound, magnetic resonance urography, and radioisotope
      renography were used for pre- and postoperative assessment. Success was defined
      as removal of symptomatic obstruction or improvement of hydronephrosis. RESULTS:
      Thirteen patients from 3.0 months to 12 years old were identified: 6 patients
      presented with asymptomatic hydronephrosis (according to the renal
      ultrasonography), 3 with intermittent abdominal pain, and 2 with gross hematuria.
      The remaining 2 patients presented with urinary extravasation after inguinal
      hernia repair and the Soave procedure, respectively. All patients underwent
      laparoscopic end-to-end UU. Procedures were performed using either the
      laparoscopic transperitoneal approach or laparoscopic retroperitoneal approach.
      All surgeries were performed successfully except for one case that required open
      surgery because of difficult anastomosis. There were no intraoperative or
      immediate postoperative complications. The etiology of the midureteral
      obstruction included congenital midureteral stricture, ureteral polyp, retrocaval
      ureter, and iatrogenic injury. The mean surgical time was 148.4 min, and
      postoperative hospital stay was 4.0-9.0 d. Postoperative outcomes were successful
      in all 13 patients (100%); median follow-up was 19.1 months. CONCLUSION:
      Laparoscopic UU was found to be feasible and safe for the management of
      midureteral obstruction in children.

PMID- 27668834
TI  - The Association of Graph Literacy With Use of and Skills Using an Online Personal
      Health Record in Outpatient Veterans.
AB  - Personal health records (PHRs) are intended to increase patients' access to and
      ownership over their health care information for self-management purposes. The
      purpose of this study was to determine the association of graph literacy with
      adoption of an online PHR and, among adopters with self-reported skills, the
      frequency of use and intent to return to use the PHR . We conducted a cross
      sectional survey of veterans receiving outpatient care. We measured health
      literacy, numeracy, graph literacy, and Internet and PHR adoption and use. We
      compared subgroups of veterans using analyses of covariance. We used hierarchical
      logistic regression models to estimate the effects of the literacy variables on
      PHR use. A total of 600 veterans (age = 22-94) participated in the survey. After
      we adjusted for known covariates, we found that adopters of a PHR were more
      likely to demonstrate higher health and graph literacy than nonadopters. Among
      PHR adopters, self-reported frequent and skillful users were more likely to have
      higher graph literacy than lower frequency and less skillful users. Adopters with
      higher intentions to return to use the PHR were more likely to show lower graph
      literacy than those less likely to return to use the PHR. Inadequate graph
      literacy was associated with lower adoption of a PHR and, among users, with lower
      self-reported frequent use and skills . As PHR use becomes more widespread,
      stakeholders will need to consider patients' levels of graph literacy when
      implementing PHRs.

PMID- 27668836
TI  - Reorganization of neural systems mediating peripheral visual selective attention
      in the deaf: An optical imaging study.
AB  - Theories of brain plasticity propose that, in the absence of input from the
      preferred sensory modality, some specialized brain areas may be recruited when
      processing information from other modalities, which may result in improved
      performance. The Useful Field of View task has previously been used to
      demonstrate that early deafness positively impacts peripheral visual attention.
      The current study sought to determine the neural changes associated with those
      deafness-related enhancements in visual performance. Based on previous findings,
      we hypothesized that recruitment of posterior portions of Brodmann area 22, a
      brain region most commonly associated with auditory processing, would be
      correlated with peripheral selective attention as measured using the Useful Field
      of View task. We report data from severe to profoundly deaf adults and normal
      hearing controls who performed the Useful Field of View task while cortical
      activity was recorded using the event-related optical signal. Behavioral
      performance, obtained in a separate session, showed that deaf subjects had lower
      thresholds (i.e., better performance) on the Useful Field of View task. The event
      related optical data indicated greater activity for the deaf adults than for the
      normal-hearing controls during the task in the posterior portion of Brodmann area
      22 in the right hemisphere. Furthermore, the behavioral thresholds correlated
      significantly with this neural activity. This work provides further support for
      the hypothesis that cross-modal plasticity in deaf individuals appears in higher
      order auditory cortices, whereas no similar evidence was obtained for primary
      auditory areas. It is also the only neuroimaging study to date that has linked
      deaf-related changes in the right temporal lobe to visual task performance
      outside of the imaging environment. The event-related optical signal is a
      valuable technique for studying cross-modal plasticity in deaf humans. The non
      invasive and relatively quiet characteristics of this technique have great
      potential utility in research with clinical populations such as deaf children and
      adults who have received cochlear or auditory brainstem implants.

PMID- 27668837
TI  - [Formula: see text]Education, training and practice of clinical
      neuropsychologists in the United States of America.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This invited paper is intended to give an overview regarding the
      education and training pathways for the practice of neuropsychology in the United
      States. It is also meant to describe the types of activities engaged in by
      neuropsychologists, a description of their work settings and the amounts/ways in
      which they are compensated for their work. METHOD: The authors reviewed the
      literature and relied on their professional and organizational experiences to
      collect the necessary data. RESULTS: The United States has well-defined pathways
      for one to follow to gain the experiences and knowledge necessary to practice
      clinical neuropsychology in a competent way. Compensation varies widely among
      workplace settings but overall neuropsychologists appear to be well-paid.
      Challenges now and in the foreseeable future include a need to develop tests that
      have better ecological validity and that better reflect the demographics of a
      changing population, and an increasing need for neuropsychologists to identify
      key roles as members of integrated care teams. CONCLUSIONS: The United States has
      played an important role in the development of the practice and science of
      neuropsychology. Its continued success will, at least in part, depend on
      innovations in test development and application, and further demonstration of its
      relevance to health care and academic settings.

PMID- 27668838
TI  - Muscle MRI of classic infantile pompe patients: Fatty substitution and edema-like
      changes.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the muscle MRI pattern of 9
      patients (median age: 6.5 +/- 2.74 years) affected by classic infantile-onset
      Pompe disease who were treated with enzyme replacement therapy. METHODS: We
      performed and qualitatively scored T1-weighted (T1-w) sequences of the facial,
      shoulder girdle, paravertebral, and lower limb muscles and short-tau inversion
      recovery (STIR) sequences of the lower limbs using the Mercuri and Morrow scales,
      respectively. RESULTS: On T1-w images, mild (grade 1) or moderate (grade 2)
      involvement was found in the tongue in 6 of 6 patients and in the adductor magnus
      muscle in 6 of 9. STIR hyperintensity was detected in all areas examined and was
      categorized as limited to mild in 5 of 8 patients. CONCLUSIONS: On T1-w
      sequences, mild/moderate adipose substitution in the adductor magnus and tongue
      muscles was documented. STIR edema-like alterations of thigh and calf muscles are
      novel findings. Correlations with biopsy findings and clinical parameters are
      needed to fully understand these findings. Muscle Nerve 55: 841-848, 2017.

PMID- 27668840
TI  - Ankle-brachial index and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity are associated with
      albuminuria in community-based Han Chinese.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Our study aimed to explore whether the ankle-brachial
      index (ABI) and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) were associated with
      albuminuria in community-based Han Chinese. METHODS: Total 2127 subjects (860 men
      and 1267 women) aged 60 years and over were recruited in Beijing. Albuminuria was
      assessed by the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) of >=30 mg/g. BaPWV
      was divided by quartile. The logistic regression was used to determine the odds
      ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of ABI and baPWV with albuminuria.
      RESULTS: ABI was associated with albuminuria in the interaction model (OR 0.89,
      95% CI 0.81-0.99 by every 0.1 unit increase of ABI), especially in hypertension
      (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.73-0.92) and diabetes (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.68-0.98) groups.
      BaPWV groups were also significantly associated with albuminuria, ORs of having
      albuminuria for baPWV quartile II, III, and IV were 1.02(0.65-1.52), 1.05(0.72
      1.61), and 1.18(1.04-1.47) in the interaction model. For hypertension and
      diabetes patients, only the baPWV quartile IV group had higher OR. CONCLUSIONS:
      ABI and baPWV were associated with albuminuria after adjusting for other risk
      factors in Chinese community-based elderly Han population. The association of ABI
      with albuminuria was stronger in hypertension and diabetes patients.

PMID- 27668841
TI  - Rapid Response Teams: Is it Time to Reframe the Questions of Rapid Response Team
      Measurement?
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to present an overview of rapid response
      team (RRT) history in the United States, provide a review of prior RRT
      effectiveness research, and propose the reframing of four new questions of RRT
      measurement that are designed to better understand RRTs in the context of
      contemporary nursing practice as well as patient outcomes. ORGANIZING CONSTRUCT:
      RRTs were adopted in the United States because of their intuitive appeal, and
      despite a lack of evidence for their effectiveness. Subsequent studies used
      mortality and cardiac arrest rates to measure whether or not RRTs "work." Few
      studies have thoroughly examined the effect of RRTs on nurses and on nursing
      practice. METHODS: An extensive literature review provided the background.
      Suppositions and four critical, unanswered questions arising from the literature
      are suggested. FINDINGS: The results of RRT effectiveness, which have focused on
      patient-oriented outcomes, have been ambiguous, contradictory, and difficult to
      interpret. Additionally, they have not taken into account the multiple ways in
      which these teams have impacted nurses and nursing practice as well as patient
      outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: What happens in terms of RRT process and utilization is
      likely to have a major impact on nurses and nursing care on general medical and
      surgical wards. What that impact will be depends on what we can learn from
      measuring with an expanded yardstick, in order to answer the question, "Do RRTs
      work?" CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Evidence for the benefits of RRTs depends on proper
      framing of questions relating to their effectiveness, including the multiple ways
      RRTs contribute to nursing efficacy.

PMID- 27668839
TI  - Proteomic and genomic characterization of a yeast model for Ogden syndrome.
AB  - Naa10 is an Nalpha -terminal acetyltransferase that, in a complex with its
      auxiliary subunit Naa15, co-translationally acetylates the alpha-amino group of
      newly synthetized proteins as they emerge from the ribosome. Roughly 40-50% of
      the human proteome is acetylated by Naa10, rendering this an enzyme one of the
      most broad substrate ranges known. Recently, we reported an X-linked disorder of
      infancy, Ogden syndrome, in two families harbouring a c.109 T > C (p.Ser37Pro)
      variant in NAA10. In the present study we performed in-depth characterization of
      a yeast model of Ogden syndrome. Stress tests and proteomic analyses suggest that
      the S37P mutation disrupts Naa10 function and reduces cellular fitness during
      heat shock, possibly owing to dysregulation of chaperone expression and
      accumulation. Microarray and RNA-seq revealed a pseudo-diploid gene expression
      profile in DeltaNaa10 cells, probably responsible for a mating defect. In
      conclusion, the data presented here further support the disruptive nature of the
      S37P/Ogden mutation and identify affected cellular processes potentially
      contributing to the severe phenotype seen in Ogden syndrome. Data are available
      via GEO under identifier GSE86482 or with ProteomeXchange under identifier
      PXD004923. (c) 2016 The Authors. Yeast published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27668842
TI  - Phylogeography and pigment type diversity of Synechococcus cyanobacteria in
      surface waters of the northwestern pacific ocean.
AB  - The widespread unicellular cyanobacteria Synechococcus are major contributors to
      global marine primary production. Here, we report their abundance, phylogenetic
      diversity (as assessed using the RNA polymerase gamma subunit gene rpoC1) and
      pigment diversity (as indirectly assessed using the laterally transferred cpeBA
      genes, encoding phycoerythrin-I) in surface waters of the northwestern Pacific
      Ocean, sampled over nine distinct cruises (2008-2015). Abundance of Synechococcus
      was low in the subarctic ocean and South China Sea, intermediate in the western
      subtropical Pacific Ocean, and the highest in the Japan and East China seas.
      Clades I and II were by far the most abundant Synechococcus lineages, the former
      dominating in temperate cold waters and the latter in (sub)tropical waters.
      Clades III and VI were also fairly abundant in warm waters, but with a narrower
      distribution than clade II. One type of chromatic acclimater (3dA) largely
      dominated the Synechococcus communities in the subarctic ocean, while another
      (3dB) and/or cells with a fixed high phycourobilin to phycoerythrobilin ratio
      (pigment type 3c) predominated at mid and low latitudes. Altogether, our results
      suggest that the variety of pigment content found in most Synechococcus clades
      considerably extends the niches that they can colonize and therefore the whole
      genus habitat.

PMID- 27668843
TI  - Development of in situ product removal strategies in biocatalysis applying scaled
      down unit operations.
AB  - An experimental platform based on scaled-down unit operations combined in a plug
      and-play manner enables easy and highly flexible testing of advanced biocatalytic
      process options such as in situ product removal (ISPR) process strategies. In
      such a platform, it is possible to compartmentalize different process steps while
      operating it as a combined system, giving the possibility to test and
      characterize the performance of novel process concepts and biocatalysts with
      minimal influence of inhibitory products. Here the capabilities of performing
      process development by applying scaled-down unit operations are highlighted
      through a case study investigating the asymmetric synthesis of 1-methyl-3
      phenylpropylamine (MPPA) using omega-transaminase, an enzyme in the sub-family of
      amino transferases (ATAs). An on-line HPLC system was applied to avoid manual
      sample handling and to semi-automatically characterize omega-transaminases in a
      scaled-down packed-bed reactor (PBR) module, showing MPPA as a strong inhibitor.
      To overcome the inhibition, a two-step liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) ISPR
      concept was tested using scaled-down unit operations combined in a plug-and-play
      manner. Through the tested ISPR concept, it was possible to continuously feed the
      main substrate benzylacetone (BA) and extract the main product MPPA throughout
      the reaction, thereby overcoming the challenges of low substrate solubility and
      product inhibition. The tested ISPR concept achieved a product concentration of
      26.5 gMPPA  . L-1 , a purity up to 70% gMPPA  . gtot-1 and a recovery in the
      range of 80% mol . mol-1 of MPPA in 20 h, with the possibility to increase the
      concentration, purity, and recovery further. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 600
      609. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27668845
TI  - Desmoplastic infantile astrocytoma and ganglioglioma: case report and review of
      the literature.
AB  - Desmoplastic infantile astrocytoma (DIA) is a rare, supratentorial, dural-based,
      large cystic tumor that usually arises in the first 24 months of life. However,
      non-infantile cases were also reported in the literature. Desmoplastic infantile
      astrocytoma and desmoplastic infantile ganglioglioma (DIG) are both classified as
      grade I astrocytoma by the World Health Organization (WHO). Grossly, DIA/DIG are
      large tumors composed of solid and cystic portions. Although large in nature,
      they are slow-growing tumors, with good prognosis after complete surgical
      removal, and rarely require a chemotherapy or radiotherapy. However, there have
      been few cases of DIA that demonstrated malignant features and/or spontaneous
      recurrence or metastases which necessitates close-up monitoring after surgical
      intervention. Herein, we report a case of an 18-month-old boy who presented with
      progressive head enlargement that was discovered to be due to a large left
      frontal predominantly cystic tumor. The patient underwent subtotal resection
      (STR) and was diagnosed as DIA on histopathological examination. Over a duration
      of 18 months of follow-up, the patient's status deteriorated, and he eventually
      died.?.

PMID- 27668844
TI  - Sorafenib with ASC-J9(r) synergistically suppresses the HCC progression via
      altering the pSTAT3-CCL2/Bcl2 signals.
AB  - Sorafenib is currently used as a standard treatment to suppress the progression
      of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), especially in advanced stages. However,
      patients who receive Sorafenib treatment eventually develop resistance without
      clear mechanisms. There is a great need for better efficacy of Sorafenib
      treatment in combination with other therapies. Here, we demonstrated that the
      treatment combining Sorafenib with ASC-J9(r) could synergistically suppress HCC
      progression via altering cell-cycle regulation, apoptosis and invasion. Mechanism
      dissection suggests that while Sorafenib impacts little or even slightly
      increases the activated/phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3), a key stimulator to
      promote the HCC progression, adding ASC-J9(r) significantly suppresses the p
      STAT3 expression and its downstream genes including CCL2 and Bcl2. Interrupting
      these signals via constitutively active STAT3 partially reverses the synergistic
      suppression of Sorafenib-ASC-J9(r) combination on HCC progression. In vivo
      studies further confirmed the synergistic effect of Sorafenib-ASC-J9(r)
      combination. Together, these results suggest the newly developed Sorafenib-ASC
      J9(r) combination is a novel therapy to better suppress HCC progression.

PMID- 27668846
TI  - Quantifying varus and valgus thrust in individuals with severe knee
      osteoarthritis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Varus-valgus thrust is a biomechanical characteristic linked to knee
      osteoarthritis disease progression. This study aimed to determine: i) direction
      of thrust in individuals awaiting total knee arthroplasty versus controls, ii)
      whether thrust and related parameters differed between groups, iii) differences
      between osteoarthritis patients awaiting surgery with varus and valgus thrust.
      METHODS: 44 patients scheduled for surgery and 40 asymptomatic participants were
      recruited. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES: varus-valgus thrust excursion and absolute
      thrust magnitude, quantified by 3D gait analysis. FINDINGS: Few differences were
      found between the osteoarthritis group and controls. The osteoarthritis group as
      a whole had a more varus knee angle during early- (p<0.0001) and mid-stance
      (p=0.010) versus controls. The varus thrust osteoarthritis subgroup had a more
      varus knee angle in overall (p=0.012), early- (p<0.001), and mid- (p<0.001)
      stance, and a higher peak knee adduction moment (p=0.019) and impulse (p=0.001)
      when compared to varus thrust controls. No differences were found between the
      valgus thrust osteoarthritis and control groups. The varus thrust osteoarthritis
      group had a greater varus peak knee angle in overall (p<0.001), early- (p<0.001),
      and mid- (p<0.001) stance, higher peak knee adduction moment (p<0.001) and
      impulse (p=0.001), more varus static alignment (p=0.014), and lower quadriceps
      strength (p=0.035) than the valgus thrust osteoarthritis group. INTERPRETATION:
      Those with severe osteoarthritis and a varus thrust have poorer biomechanics,
      more varus static knee alignment, and lower quadriceps strength compared to those
      with osteoarthritis with a valgus thrust. Further work is needed to determine if
      these findings impact total knee arthroplasty outcome.

PMID- 27668847
TI  - Case fatality models for epidemics in growing populations.
AB  - The asymptotically homogeneous SIR model of Thieme (1992) for growing
      populations, with incidence depending in a general way on total population size,
      is reconsidered with respect to other parameterizations that give clear insight
      into epidemiological relevant relations and thresholds. One important feature of
      the present approach is case fatality as opposed to differential mortality.
      Although case fatality models and differential mortality models are equivalent
      via a transformation in parameter space, the underlying ideas and the dynamic
      behaviors are different, e.g. the basic reproduction number depends on
      differential mortality but not on case fatality. The persistent distributions and
      exponents of growth of infected solutions are computed and discussed in terms of
      the parameters. The notion of asymptotically exponentially growing state (as
      opposed to stationary state or exponential solution) coined by Thieme is
      interpreted in terms of stability theory. Of some interest are limiting cases of
      models without recovery where two infected solutions exist.

PMID- 27668848
TI  - Interactions of infectious F-specific RNA bacteriophages with suspended matter
      and sediment: Towards an understanding of FRNAPH distribution in a river water
      system.
AB  - The association of viruses with settling particles is certainly a major process
      controlling the spread of viral pollution in surface water and sediment. To
      better understand the viral distribution in a river system, the behavior of F
      specific RNA bacteriophages (FRNAPHs) was investigated in relationship with the
      suspended solids and sediment. The partitioning of phage particles (free or
      associated with solids) in surface water and the attachment capabilities of eight
      distinct strains of phages to sediment were studied in lab experiments. In situ
      observations were also performed with the genotyping of 166 individual plaques of
      FRNAPHs isolated from surface water and sediment. The results reported here
      demonstrate a variation of the status of infectious phages as a function of the
      hydro-climatological conditions. Phage-solid association seems to mainly occur
      during the peak of rainfall-runoff events but also to a certain extent during the
      recession phase compared to low flow conditions. The transfer of phages from the
      water column to sediment may occur at this time. Furthermore, the ability of
      FRNAPHs to interact with sediment was established for six strains out of eight,
      belonging to genogroups II, III and IV. A similar dynamic was observed for
      strains within a same genogroup despite different intensity of attachment and
      inactivation rates for strains of genogroups III and IV. The latter results match
      the in situ observations in the water and sediment compartments of the studied
      area. Infectious FRNAPH genogroup II was more abundant in sediment than in
      surface water. Its capability to sorb to sediment and its higher persistence in
      the environment compared to genogroups III and IV were the two main explanations.
      Together, lab and in situ experiments produce an overall vision of the mechanisms
      governing FRNAPH distribution among the water column and riverbed sediment.

PMID- 27668849
TI  - Floristic and vegetation successional processes within landslides in a
      Mediterranean environment.
AB  - Floristic and vegetation analysis in seven Mediterranean landslides led to the
      understanding of the successional processes occurring in different landslide
      disturbed sectors. Our study showed that in landslides that occurred between 1996
      and 2010 there is a clear differentiation between the three main landslide
      sectors (scarp, main body and foot) concerning floristic composition, vegetation
      structure, floristic richness, successional processes and plant functional type.
      Additional differences were found between landslide areas and undisturbed
      agricultural areas adjacent to landslides. In this study 48 floristic releves
      were made using a stratified random sampling design. The main landslide body
      exhibits the highest floristic richness whereas the landslide scarp has the
      lowest coverage rate and the highest presence of characteristic species from
      ruderal and strongly perturbed habitats. Finally, the landslide foot shows a late
      stage in the succession (maquis or pre-forest stage) with a high dominance of
      vines. We further discuss the importance of landslides as reservoirs of
      biodiversity especially for Mediterranean orchids.

PMID- 27668850
TI  - Soil moisture and its role in growth-climate relationships across an aridity
      gradient in semiarid Pinus halepensis forests.
AB  - In Mediterranean areas with limited availability of water, an accurate knowledge
      of growth response to hydrological variables could contribute to improving
      management and stability of forest resources. The main goal of this study is to
      assess the temporal dynamic of soil moisture to better understand the water
      growth relationship of Pinus halepensis forests in semiarid areas. The estimates
      of modelled soil moisture and measured tree growth were used at four sites
      dominated by afforested Pinus halepensis Mill. in south-eastern Spain with 300 to
      609mm mean annual precipitation. Firstly, dendrochronological samples were
      extracted and the widths of annual tree rings were measured to compute basal area
      increments (BAI). Secondly, soil moisture was estimated over 20 hydrological
      years (1992-2012) by means of the HYDROBAL ecohydrological model. Finally, the
      tree growth was linked, to mean monthly and seasonal temperature, precipitation
      and soil moisture. Results depict the effect of soil moisture on growth (BAI) and
      explain 69-73% of the variance in semiarid forests, but only 51% in the subhumid
      forests. This highlights the fact that that soil moisture is a suitable and
      promising variable to explain growth variations of afforested Pinus halepensis in
      semiarid conditions and useful for guiding adaptation plans to respond pro
      actively to water-related global challenges.

PMID- 27668851
TI  - Composition and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in cryoconites of the
      Tibetan Plateau glaciers.
AB  - Dark-colored cryoconite can absorb substantial solar radiation, reduce the
      surface albedo of glaciers, and thus greatly accelerate glacier melting. Organic
      matters in cryoconites such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are kind
      of the light absorbing compositions. In this study, 15 PAHs containing 3-7 rings
      were identified in 61 cryoconites samples collected from seven glaciers over the
      Tibetan Plateau (TP). The average concentration of total PAHs in cryoconites
      samples was in the range of 6.67-3906.66ngg-1 dry weight. The highest average
      total PAH concentration was found in the southeastern TP, followed by the
      northern TP. The central TP contained the lowest amount of PAHs. Moreover,
      correlation analysis showed that total organic carbon (TOC) and grain size were
      only a minor factor for the accumulation of PAHs in cryoconites of the TP. Factor
      analysis and diagnostic ratios indicated that the PAHs were produced mainly from
      the incomplete combustion of coal, fossil fuels and biomasses. The exhaust gas of
      locomotives also contributed to the accumulation of PAHs in the glaciers. The
      PAHs in these seven glaciers showed low toxic equivalent quantity (TEQ), and thus
      had low biological risk. Nevertheless, the pollution of PAHs in the southeastern
      TP needs to be addressed.

PMID- 27668852
TI  - Impacts of road network expansion on landscape ecological risk in a megacity,
      China: A case study of Beijing.
AB  - Road networks affect the spatial structure of urban landscapes, and with
      continuous expansion, it will also exert more widespread influences on the
      regional ecological environment. With the support of geographic information
      system (GIS) technology, based on the application of various spatial analysis
      methods, this study analyzed the spatiotemporal changes of road networks and
      landscape ecological risk in the research area of Beijing to explore the impacts
      of road network expansion on ecological risk in the urban landscape. The results
      showed the following: 1) In the dynamic processes of change in the overall
      landscape pattern, the changing differences in landscape indices of various
      landscape types were obvious and were primarily related to land-use type. 2) For
      the changes in a time series, the expansion of the road kernel area was
      consistent with the extension of the sub-low-risk area in the urban center, but
      some differences were observed during different stages of development. 3) For the
      spatial position, the expanding changes in the road kernel area were consistent
      with the grade changes of the urban central ecological risk, primarily because
      both had a certain spatial correlation with the expressways. 4) The influence of
      road network expansion on the ecological risk in the study area had obvious
      spatial differences, which may be closely associated with the distribution of
      ecosystem types.

PMID- 27668853
TI  - 3,4-Dichloroaniline revisited: A study on the fate of the priority pollutant in a
      sediment-water system derived from a rice growing region in Italy.
AB  - As ultimate sink for xenobiotics released into the environment, sediments play an
      important role concerning the evaluation of the fate of foreign compounds. 3,4
      Dichloroaniline (3,4-DCA) is a degradation product of herbicide propanil and some
      urea herbicides. Propanil was extensively used worldwide in rice cultivation. The
      aim of the study was to examine the fate of 14C-labeled 3,4-DCA in a sediment
      water system; the sediment was derived from a rice field in Northern Italy. After
      application of 14C-3,4-DCA, a time-course study was performed using incubation
      periods from 4h to 56days. Fractions obtained from assays were water phase,
      sediment phase including methanol and Soxhlet extract as well as non-extractable
      residues (NER), and mineralized portion (14CO2). Soluble fractions were examined
      by TLC, HPLC and GC-MS. NER found in sediment phases were further fractionated in
      non-humics, humic acids, fulvic acids and humin. Stability of systems was checked
      by microbial activity, dissolved oxygen and pH. After 56days of incubation, 23.1%
      of applied 14C was mineralized, only 1.30% remained in the water phase, whereas
      60.8% was found in the sediment phase, 53.3% of which were NER. Minor metabolites
      identified were 3,4-dichloroacetanilide (3,4-DCAA) and 3,3',4,4'
      tetrachloroazobenzene (TCAB; 2.63% after 56days). According to pH, dissolved
      oxygen and microbial activity, systems appeared to be stable and not influenced
      by applied 3,4-DCA. Most striking result was the high mineralization rate as
      compared to previously published data. This finding suggested an adaptation of
      the microbial community in the sediment possibly due to decade-long treatment of
      rice fields with propanil.

PMID- 27668854
TI  - Tropospheric volatile organic compounds in China.
AB  - Photochemical smog, characterized by high concentrations of ozone (O3) and fine
      particles (PM2.5) in the atmosphere, has become one of the top environmental
      concerns in China. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), one of the key precursors
      of O3 and secondary organic aerosol (SOA) (an important component of PM2.5), have
      a critical influence on atmospheric chemistry and subsequently affect regional
      and global climate. Thus, VOCs have been extensively studied in many cities and
      regions in China, especially in the North China Plain, the Yangtze River Delta
      and the Pearl River Delta regions where photochemical smog pollution has become
      increasingly worse over recent decades. This paper reviews the main studies
      conducted in China on the characteristics and sources of VOCs, their relationship
      with O3 and SOA, and their removal technology. This paper also provides an
      integrated literature review on the formulation and implementation of effective
      control strategies of VOCs and photochemical smog, as well as suggestions for
      future directions of VOCs study in China.

PMID- 27668855
TI  - Automated identification of wound information in clinical notes of patients with
      heart diseases: Developing and validating a natural language processing
      application.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Electronic health records are being increasingly used by nurses with
      up to 80% of the health data recorded as free text. However, only a few studies
      have developed nursing-relevant tools that help busy clinicians to identify
      information they need at the point of care. OBJECTIVE: This study developed and
      validated one of the first automated natural language processing applications to
      extract wound information (wound type, pressure ulcer stage, wound size, anatomic
      location, and wound treatment) from free text clinical notes. METHODS AND DESIGN:
      First, two human annotators manually reviewed a purposeful training sample
      (n=360) and random test sample (n=1100) of clinical notes (including 50%
      discharge summaries and 50% outpatient notes), identified wound cases, and
      created a gold standard dataset. We then trained and tested our natural language
      processing system (known as MTERMS) to process the wound information. Finally, we
      assessed our automated approach by comparing system-generated findings against
      the gold standard. We also compared the prevalence of wound cases identified from
      free-text data with coded diagnoses in the structured data. RESULTS: The testing
      dataset included 101 notes (9.2%) with wound information. The overall system
      performance was good (F-measure is a compiled measure of system's
      accuracy=92.7%), with best results for wound treatment (F-measure=95.7%) and
      poorest results for wound size (F-measure=81.9%). Only 46.5% of wound notes had a
      structured code for a wound diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: The natural language
      processing system achieved good performance on a subset of randomly selected
      discharge summaries and outpatient notes. In more than half of the wound notes,
      there were no coded wound diagnoses, which highlight the significance of using
      natural language processing to enrich clinical decision making. Our future steps
      will include expansion of the application's information coverage to other
      relevant wound factors and validation of the model with external data.

PMID- 27668856
TI  - Tumor microenvironment-mediated chemoresistance in breast cancer.
AB  - Therapy resistance or tumor relapse in cancer is common. Tumors develop
      resistance to chemotherapeutic through a variety of mechanisms, with tumor
      microenvironment (TM) serving pivotal roles. Using breast cancer as a paradigm,
      we propose that responses of cancer cells to drugs are not exclusively determined
      by their intrinsic characteristics but are also controlled by deriving signals
      from TM. Affected microenvironment by chemotherapy is an avenue to promote
      phenotype which tends to resist on to be ruined. Therefore, exclusively targeting
      cancer cells does not demolish tumor recurrence after chemotherapy. Regardless of
      tumor-microenvironment pathways and their profound influence on the
      responsiveness of treatment, diversity of molecular properties of breast cancer
      also behave differently in terms of response to chemotherapy. And also it is
      assumed that there is cross-talk between phenotypic diversity and TM.
      Collectively, raising complex signal from TM in chemotherapy condition often
      encourages cancer cells are not killed but strengthen. Here, we summarized how TM
      modifies responses to chemotherapy in breast cancer. We also discussed successful
      treatment strategies have been considered TM in breast cancer treatment.

PMID- 27668857
TI  - The significance of sentinel lymph node micrometastasis in breast cancer:
      Comparing outcomes with and without axillary clearance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Management of micrometastasis in the sentinel node is a controversial
      topic. Most of the guidelines don't recommend further axillary treatment if
      micrometastasis are the only finding in the sentinel node. However, some evidence
      suggests that micrometastasis have significant effect on long term outcomes and
      therefore indicate systemic treatment. METHOD: Retrospective cohort study
      reviewing the management of patients with micrometastasis in the sentinel nodes.
      Two groups were compared, those who had further axillary clearance and those who
      had not. The primary endpoints were loco-regional recurrence and lymphedema rate.
      The secondary endpoints were distant metastasis rate, OS and DFS. RESULTS: 95
      patients were found to have micrometastasis or ITC in the axillary SNB over a
      period of 10 years. Of those, 38 patients had axillary clearance after SNB, while
      57 did not. Lymphedema rate was 18.4% in the axillary clearance group versus 0%
      in the no axillary clearance group (p < 0.001). The LRR event was rare therefore
      not compared. Distant metastasis rate was 7.01% in the SNB group versus 2.6% in
      the axillary clearance group. There were no mortalities in the axillary clearance
      group. This compares to 7.01% among the patients who didn't have axillary
      clearance. All the patients who died had developed distant metastasis as a cause
      of death. There was a difference in OS between the two groups in favor of the
      axillary clearance group (p = 0.004). DISCUSSION: Although not an indication for
      axillary clearance recent guidelines, micrometastasis and ITC found in the SNB
      are a sign of a biologically different disease. This important information should
      be taken in consideration when planning the adjuvant treatment in those patients
      among other factors considered.

PMID- 27668858
TI  - Safety and outcomes of preoperative embolization of intracranial
      hemangioblastomas: A systematic review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: While preoperative embolization is often reserved for large and
      highly vascular tumors in order to minimize blood loss, its safety and efficacy
      in the treatment of hemangioblastomas (HB) is unclear. We present the largest
      systematic review focusing on the safety and outcome of preoperative embolization
      of intracranial HB. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To identify all cases of preoperative
      embolization for HB, a literature search was conducted via Medline (OVID and
      PubMed), Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science. Studies that were in English,
      included intracranial hemangioblastomas treated with preoperative embolization
      and provided sufficient disaggregated clinical data for each patient were
      included. Historical control patients with non-embolized intracranial HB
      undergoing resection were similarly identified. RESULTS: A total of 111 patients
      that underwent preoperative embolization of HB prior to planned resection were
      identified. Patient age ranged from 12 to 72 years, with a cohort of 63% males
      and 36% females. Nine studies comprising 392 non-embolized patients were included
      as controls. Gross total resection was achieved in 83.7% of embolized and 95.6%
      of non-embolized patients. Intraoperative blood transfusion was required in 15.3%
      of embolized and 0.51% of non-embolized controls, while rates of post-operative
      hemorrhage were 8.4% and 1.6%, respectively. Complication rates from embolization
      were 11.7% and following consequent surgery were 20.7%. DISCUSSION: Embolization
      did not increase rates of gross total resection, decrease estimated blood loss,
      or decrease incidence of complications. Not only does embolization fail to
      mitigate surgical risks, the embolization procedure itself carries significant
      risk for complications. Embolization should not be standard of care for
      intracranial HB.

PMID- 27668860
TI  - Mapping genetic factors in high-grade glioma patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tumor location, which serves as a prognostic factor for high-grade
      gliomas, may reflect the molecular and genetic phenotype of tumor initiate cells
      and thus predict tumor origin. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to
      combine radiographic atlases and tumor biomarkers through a voxel-based
      neuroimaging approach. METHODS: Preoperative MRIs were collected from 65 newly
      diagnosed patients with histologically confirmed high-grades gliomas. These
      samples were analyzed for TP53 mutations and MMP-9.PTEN, MGMT, EGFR and IDH1
      statuses using a statistical voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping (VLSM) method,
      which correlates the anatomical location of HGGs with their molecular profile.
      RESULTS: VLSM analysis identified P53, Wild-type IDH and EGFR overexpression
      mutations in the white matter of the periventricular region in the left
      hemisphere, which can be predicted by a short overall survival from the time of
      diagnosis. The lack of MGMT promoter methylation deep in the right frontal lobe
      region indicates a poor prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that
      different molecular phenotypes are related to specific brain regions. In
      addition, the structural MRI and genetic profile-based analysis of brain regions
      associated with survival-associated factors could be used in planning glioma
      operations and clinical survival predictions.

PMID- 27668859
TI  - Evaluation of median nerve T2 signal changes in patients with surgically treated
      carpal tunnel syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the accuracy of median nerve T2 evaluation and its
      relation with Boston Questionnaire (BQ) and nerve conduction studies (NCSs) in
      pre-operative and post-operative carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) patients in
      comparison with healthy volunteers. METHODS: Twenty-three CTS patients and 24
      healthy volunteers underwent NCSs, median nerve T2 evaluation and self
      administered BQ. Pre-operative and 1st year post-operative median nerve T2 values
      and cross-sectional areas (CSAs) were compared both within pre-operative and post
      operative CTS groups, and with healthy volunteers. The relationship between MRI
      findings and BQ and NCSs was analyzed. The ROC curve analysis was used for
      determining the accuracy. RESULTS: The comparison of pre-operative and post
      operative T2 values and CSAs revealed statistically significant improvements in
      the post-operative patient group (p<0.001 for all parameters). There were
      positive correlations between T2 values at all levels and BQ values, and positive
      and negative correlations were also found regarding T2 values and NCS findings in
      CTS patients. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for defined
      cut-off levels of median nerve T2 values in hands with severe CTS yielded
      excellent accuracy at all levels. However, this accuracy could not be
      demonstrated in hands with mild CTS. CONCLUSION: This study is the first to
      analyze T2 values in both pre-operative and post-operative CTS patients. The
      presence of increased T2 values in CTS patients compared to controls and
      excellent accuracy in hands with severe CTS indicates T2 signal changes related
      to CTS pathophysiology and possible utilization of T2 signal evaluation in hands
      with severe CTS.

PMID- 27668861
TI  - Drinking to Cope With Depressive Symptoms and Ruminative Thinking: A Multiple
      Mediation Model Among College Students.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Understanding the potential psychosocial mechanisms that explain
      (i.e., mediate) the associations between depressive symptoms and alcohol-related
      problems can improve interventions targeting college students. OBJECTIVES: The
      current research examined four distinct facets of rumination (e.g., problem
      focused thoughts, counterfactual thinking, repetitive thoughts, and anticipatory
      thoughts) and drinking to cope motives as potential explanatory mechanisms by
      which depressive symptoms are associated with increased alcohol-related problems.
      METHOD: Participants were undergraduate students from a large, southeastern
      university in the United States that consumed at least one drink per typical week
      in the previous month (n = 403). The majority of participants were female (n =
      291; 72.2%), identified as being either White, non-Hispanic (n = 210; 52.1%), or
      African American (n = 110; 27.3%), and reported a mean age of 21.92 (SD = 5.75)
      years. RESULTS: Structural equation modeling was conducted examining the
      concurrent associations between depressive symptoms, rumination facets, drinking
      to cope motives, and alcohol-related problems (i.e., cross-sectional). There was
      one significant double-mediated association that suggested that increased
      depressive symptoms is associated with increased problem-focused thoughts, which
      is associated with higher drinking to cope motives and alcohol-related problems.
      Conclusions/Importance: Our results suggests that problem-focused thoughts at
      least partially explains the associations between depression and maladaptive
      coping (i.e., drinking to cope), which in turn is related to problematic drinking
      among college students. Limitations and future directions are discussed.

PMID- 27668862
TI  - A High-Resolution Magic Angle Spinning NMR Study of the Enantiodiscrimination of
      3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) by an Immobilized Polysaccharide-Based
      Chiral Phase.
AB  - This paper reports the investigation of the chiral interaction between 3,4
      methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA) enantiomers and an immobilized
      polysaccharide-based chiral phase. For that, suspended-state high-resolution
      magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H HR-MAS NMR) was
      used. 1H HR-MAS longitudinal relaxation time and Saturation Transfer Difference
      (STD NMR) titration experiments were carried out yielding information at the
      molecular level of the transient diastereoisomeric complexes of MDMA enantiomers
      and the chiral stationary phase. The interaction of the enantiomers takes place
      through the aromatic moiety of MDMA and the aromatic group of the chiral selector
      by pi-pi stacking for both enantiomers; however, a stronger interaction was
      observed for the (R)-enantiomer, which is the second one to elute at the
      chromatographic conditions.

PMID- 27668863
TI  - The Effects of Lack of Joint Goal Planning on Divorce over 10 Years.
AB  - Given the negative consequences of divorce on health and well-being, it is
      important to try to identify its predictors. In the current study we used data
      from the National Survey of Midlife Development (N = 2801) to examine the
      longitudinal effects of lack of joint goal planning with a romantic relationship
      partner on divorce over a 10-year period. Multilevel regression analyses showed
      that lack of joint planning with the relationship partner was associated with a
      19% increase in the odds of divorce, even when controlling for various
      demographic (i.e., age, gender, relationship length, number of children in the
      household), individual (i.e., neuroticism, positive affect, negative affect,
      physical symptoms, planning), and relationship (i.e., marital empathy, partner
      strain, partner disagreement, marital satisfaction, commitment). These results
      demonstrate the importance of considering one's partner when making decisions and
      plans for the future, given that it has clear implications for relationship
      dissolution.

PMID- 27668864
TI  - Altered Satellite Cell Responsiveness and Denervation Implicated in Progression
      of Rotator-Cuff Injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rotator-cuff injury (RCI) is common and painful; even after surgery,
      joint stability and function may not recover. Relative contributions to atrophy
      from disuse, fibrosis, denervation, and satellite-cell responsiveness to
      activating stimuli are not known. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Potential contributions
      of denervation and disrupted satellite cell responses to growth signals were
      examined in supraspinatus (SS) and control (ipsilateral deltoid) muscles biopsied
      from participants with RCI (N = 27). Biopsies were prepared for explant culture
      (to study satellite cell activity), immunostained to localize Pax7, BrdU, and
      Semaphorin 3A in satellite cells, sectioning to study blood vessel density, and
      western blotting to measure the fetal (gamma) subunit of acetylcholine receptor
      (gamma-AchR). Principal component analysis (PCA) for 35 parameters extracted
      components identified variables that contributed most to variability in the
      dataset. gamma-AchR was higher in SS than control, indicating denervation.
      Satellite cells in SS had a low baseline level of activity (Pax7+ cells labelled
      in S-phase) versus control; only satellite cells in SS showed increased
      proliferative activity after nitric oxide-donor treatment. Interestingly,
      satellite cell localization of Semaphorin 3A, a neuro-chemorepellent, was greater
      in SS (consistent with fiber denervation) than control muscle at baseline. PCAs
      extracted components including fiber atrophy, satellite cell activity, fibrosis,
      atrogin-1, smoking status, vascular density, gammaAchR, and the time between
      symptoms and surgery. Use of deltoid as a control for SS was supported by PCA
      findings since "muscle" was not extracted as a variable in the first two
      principal components. SS muscle in RCI is therefore atrophic, denervated, and
      fibrotic, and has satellite cells that respond to activating stimuli.
      CONCLUSIONS: Since SS satellite cells can be activated in culture, a NO-donor
      drug combined with stretching could promote muscle growth and improve functional
      outcome after RCI. PCAs suggest indices including satellite cell responsiveness,
      atrogin-1, atrophy, and innervation may predict surgical outcome.

PMID- 27668865
TI  - Tcf7l2/Tcf4 Transcriptional Repressor Function Requires HDAC Activity in the
      Developing Vertebrate CNS.
AB  - The generation of functionally distinct neuronal subtypes within the vertebrate
      central nervous system (CNS) requires the precise regulation of progenitor gene
      expression in specific neuronal territories during early embryogenesis.
      Accumulating evidence has implicated histone deacetylase (HDAC) proteins in cell
      specification, proliferation, and differentiation in diverse embryonic and adult
      tissues. However, although HDAC proteins have shown to be expressed in the
      developing vertebrate neural tube, their specific role in CNS neural progenitor
      fate specification remains unclear. Prior work from our lab showed that the
      Tcf7l2/Tcf4 transcription factor plays a key role in ventral progenitor lineage
      segregation by differential repression of two key specification factors, Nkx2.2
      and Olig2. In this study, we found that administration of HDAC inhibitors
      (Valproic Acid (VPA), Trichostatin-A (TSA), or sodium butyrate) in chick embryos
      in ovo disrupted normal progenitor gene segregation in the developing neural
      tube, indicating that HDAC activity is required for this process. Further, using
      functional and pharmacological approaches in vivo, we found that HDAC activity is
      required for the differential repression of Nkx2.2 and Olig2 by Tcf7l2/Tcf4.
      Finally, using dominant-negative functional assays, we provide evidence that
      Tcf7l2/Tcf4 repression also requires Gro/TLE/Grg co-repressor factors. Together,
      our data support a model where the transcriptional repressor activity of
      Tcf7l2/Tcf4 involves functional interactions with both HDAC and Gro/TLE/Grg co
      factors at specific target gene regulatory elements in the developing neural
      tube, and that this activity is required for the proper segregation of the Nkx2.2
      (p3) and Olig2 (pMN) expressing cells from a common progenitor pool.

PMID- 27668867
TI  - An Editor's Farewell.

PMID- 27668866
TI  - SNP-SNP Interaction Analysis on Soybean Oil Content under Multi-Environments.
AB  - Soybean oil content is one of main quality traits. In this study, we used the
      multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) method and a soybean high-density
      genetic map including 5,308 markers to identify stable single nucleotide
      polymorphism (SNP)-SNP interactions controlling oil content in soybean across 23
      environments. In total, 36,442,756 SNP-SNP interaction pairs were detected, 1865
      of all interaction pairs associated with soybean oil content were identified
      under multiple environments by the Bonferroni correction with p <3.55*10-11. Two
      and 1863 SNP-SNP interaction pairs detected stable across 12 and 11 environments,
      respectively, which account around 50% of total environments. Epistasis values
      and contribution rates of stable interaction (the SNP interaction pairs were
      detected in more than 2 environments) pairs were detected by the two way ANOVA
      test, the available interaction pairs were ranged 0.01 to 0.89 and from 0.01 to
      0.85, respectively. Some of one side of the interaction pairs were identified
      with previously research as a major QTL without epistasis effects. The results of
      this study provide insights into the genetic architecture of soybean oil content
      and can serve as a basis for marker-assisted selection breeding.

PMID- 27668868
TI  - Longitudinal Changes in Refractive Error in a Pediatric Referral Population in
      Korea.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate changes in the spherical equivalent (SE) refractive error
      and astigmatism in a pediatric referral population in Korea with longitudinal
      follow-up and to evaluate the effect of risk factors on changes in refractive
      error. METHODS: This was a retrospective case series. In total, 221 patients who
      presented to a tertiary care hospital when aged 3 to 9 years and who underwent at
      least 10 years of follow-up were enrolled. The patients were divided into groups
      in terms of the initial extent of SE refractive error, the initial extent of
      astigmatism, sex, and ocular alignment. Changes in SE and astigmatism were
      compared among the groups. RESULTS: The patients were followed up for a mean of
      11.19 +/- 1.81 years. An overall negative shift in SE refractive error and
      increasing tendency in astigmatism during the follow-up period were noted. The
      negative shift in SE refractive error in the myopia group was significantly
      greater than those in the emmetropia and hyperopia groups. The change in
      astigmatism in the myopia group was significantly greater than that in the
      hyperopia group. The change in astigmatism in the low astigmatism group was
      significantly greater than those in the moderate and high astigmatism groups. Sex
      did not influence the changes in SE refractive error or astigmatism. CONCLUSIONS:
      A pediatric referral population in Korea showed a negative shift in SE refractive
      error and increasing tendency in astigmatism during childhood. Changes in
      refractive error may be influenced by the initial degree of SE refractive error
      and astigmatism. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2017;54(1):43-51.].

PMID- 27668869
TI  - Visual, Topographic, and Pachymetric Effects of Pediatric Corneal Collagen Cross
      linking.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of pediatric corneal collagen cross-linking
      (CXL) on corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), maximum keratometry (Kmax), and
      other Scheimpflug imaging system parameters during 2 years of follow-up. METHODS:
      The records of 29 eyes of 29 pediatric patients who underwent unilateral CXL
      treatment for progressive keratoconus were reviewed. Changes in CDVA, Kmax,
      anterior chamber depth, anterior chamber volume, anterior chamber angle, pupil
      center pachymetry, apical pachymetry, thinnest pachymetry, corneal volume, and
      topographic indices (index of surface variance [ISV], index of vertical asymmetry
      [IVA], index of height asymmetry [IHA], keratoconus index [KI], center
      keratoconus index [CKI], index of height decentration [IHD], and minimum radius
      of curvature [Rmin]) were analyzed among baseline and 1 and 2 years after the CXL
      treatment. RESULTS: Mean CDVA and Kmax significantly improved from baseline at 1
      year (-0.17 logMAR, P < .0001; -1.18 diopters [D], P = .012, respectively) and 2
      years (-0.21 logMAR, P < .0001; -1.40 D, P = .001, respectively) after the CXL
      treatment. Anterior chamber parameters, corneal thicknesses, and corneal volume
      remained unchanged during the period following CXL (P > .05). Five of the seven
      Scheimpflug topographic indices (including ISV, KI, CKI, IHD, and Rmin) showed
      significant improvement after CXL between baseline and 2 years (P < .05).
      CONCLUSIONS: In pediatric patients with progressive keratoconus, CXL appears to
      be effective in improving CDVA, Kmax, and corneal topographic irregularity at 2
      years' follow-up. However, long-term effects of CXL should be tested by further
      studies in pediatric keratoconus. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2017;54(2):84
      89.].

PMID- 27668870
TI  - Comparison of Pediatric and Adult Ophthalmology Consultations in an Urban
      Academic Medical Center.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare pediatric and adult
      ophthalmology consultations in an urban academic center. METHODS: A retrospective
      chart review of patients evaluated by the ophthalmology consultation service from
      January through June 2014 was conducted. RESULTS: A total of 751 inpatients and
      emergency department patients were evaluated by the ophthalmology consultation
      service, of whom 152 (20.4%) were children and 598 (79.6%) were adults. The
      emergency department requested most of these consultations (42.8%), followed by
      internal medicine (39.1%) and pediatrics (18.4%) inpatients. More adult patients
      (94.5%) than children (76.5%) had abnormal findings on examination (P < .001).
      Altering management was recommended at a similar rate: 51.6% of pediatric
      patients and 54.3% of adult patients (P = .59). All children were initially seen
      by residents; children (38.6%) were more likely than adults (9.0%) to be seen
      with an attending physician (P < .001). Children (54.9%) were also more likely
      than adults (42.7%) to attend their recommended outpatient appointments (P =
      .027). CONCLUSIONS: The authors identified several interesting differences
      between the pediatric and adult consultation services. Although adult patients
      were more likely to have abnormal findings, the ophthalmology team recommended a
      change in management for more than half of each group. These rates of
      intervention suggest that it is equally important that children be considered for
      an ophthalmology consultation and examined as soon as possible. In addition,
      residents may need particular guidance in evaluating pediatric inpatients. [J
      Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabimus. 2017;54(1):17-21.].

PMID- 27668871
TI  - Management of Pediatric Aphakic Glaucoma With Vitrectomy and Tube Shunts.
AB  - PURPOSE: To review the impact of vitrectomy and tube shunts on mean intraocular
      pressure (IOP) and number of glaucoma medications in pediatric aphakic glaucoma.
      METHODS: A retrospective review of pediatric patients who underwent combined
      vitrectomy and glaucoma tube shunt surgery for aphakic glaucoma was conducted.
      Inclusion criteria were: age 18 years or younger, diagnosis of aphakic glaucoma,
      preoperative IOP data, and postoperative IOP data for at least 6 months. Mean IOP
      lowering at 1 year, number of glaucoma medications at 1 year, and surgical
      complications, including tube occlusion in the postoperative period, were noted.
      RESULTS: The mean +/- standard deviation preoperative IOP was 33.9 +/- 10.6 mm Hg
      (range: 18 to 57 mm Hg) with a mean of three topical IOP-lowering medications. A
      total of 5 (36%) Ahmed and 9 (64%) Baerveldt tube shunts were placed. One of the
      Baerveldt tube shunt procedures was combined with revision of a traumatically
      dislocated tube. The mean IOP at 12 months postoperatively was 16.6 +/- 5.8 mm Hg
      (range: 6 to 28 mm Hg; P < .01, t = 3.74, df = 13) with a mean of 2.3 glaucoma
      medications. There were no cases of tube occlusion, corneal decompensation,
      endophthalmitis, or retinal detachment over the 12 months of follow-up.
      CONCLUSIONS: Combined vitrectomy and placement of a glaucoma tube shunt can be
      safe and effective in lowering IOP based on mean IOP values and number of
      glaucoma medications at 1 year. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2016;53(6):339
      343.].

PMID- 27668872
TI  - Ophthalmologic Outcomes of Children Born Premature Without ROP: Correlations With
      Gestational Age and Psychomotor Development.
AB  - PURPOSE: To study ophthalmological outcomes of premature children with no
      retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and correlate with neurodevelopmental outcomes.
      METHODS: A total of 69 former preterm infants were evaluated at 2 to 7 years of
      age. Detailed ophthalmologic examinations were performed. Neurodevelopment was
      assessed using the Peabody Developmental Motor Scale and Wechsler Preschool and
      Primary Scale of Intelligence. Another 69 healthy children served as controls.
      RESULTS: The 69 preterm children (38 of 69 boys) and 69 controls (38 of 69 boys)
      had a mean age of 4.9 +/- 1.5 and 4.9 +/- 1.4 years, respectively. Compared to
      controls, preterm infants had vision impairment of 19% versus 1.4% (P = .001),
      hyperopia of 87% versus 98.5% (P = .21), myopia of 11% versus 1.4% (P = .017),
      and astigmatism of 39% versus 30.4% (P = .37). Children with any motor disability
      tended to have worse vision. CONCLUSIONS: In the absence of ROP, hyperopia was
      more common in infants 32 weeks or older who weighed more than 1,500 g at birth;
      other vision problems were similar in subgroups. This may represent impending
      myopia in those younger than 32 weeks weighing less than 1,500 g. [J Pediatr
      Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2017;54(1):32-38.].

PMID- 27668873
TI  - Robust and Accurate Discrimination of Self/Non-Self Antigen Presentations by
      Regulatory T Cell Suppression.
AB  - The immune response by T cells usually discriminates self and non-self antigens,
      even though the negative selection of self-reactive T cells is imperfect and a
      certain fraction of T cells can respond to self-antigens. In this study, we
      construct a simple mathematical model of T cell populations to analyze how such
      self/non-self discrimination is possible. The results demonstrate that the
      control of the immune response by regulatory T cells enables a robust and
      accurate discrimination of self and non-self antigens, even when there is a
      significant overlap between the affinity distribution of T cells to self and non
      self antigens. Here, the number of regulatory T cells in the system acts as a
      global variable controlling the T cell population dynamics. The present study
      provides a basis for the development of a quantitative theory for self and non
      self discrimination in the immune system and a possible strategy for its
      experimental verification.

PMID- 27668875
TI  - Beverages Sales in Mexico before and after Implementation of a Sugar Sweetened
      Beverage Tax.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate changes in sales of sugar sweetened beverages (SSB) and
      plain water after a 1 peso per liter excise SSB tax was implemented in Mexico in
      January 2014. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We used sales data from the Monthly Surveys
      of the Manufacturing Industry from January 2007 to December 2015. We estimated
      Ordinary Least Squares models to assess changes in per capita sales of SSB and
      plain water adjusting for seasonality and the global indicator of economic
      activity. RESULTS: We found a decrease of 7.3% in per capita sales of SSB and an
      increase of 5.2% of per capita sales of plain water in 2014-2015 compared to the
      pre-tax period (2007-2013). CONCLUSIONS: Adjusting for variables that change over
      time and that are associated with the demand for SSB, we found the tax was
      associated with a reduction in per capita sales of SSB. The effectiveness of the
      tax should be evaluated in the medium and long term.

PMID- 27668874
TI  - Global Analysis of Type Three Secretion System and Quorum Sensing Inhibition of
      Pseudomonas savastanoi by Polyphenols Extracts from Vegetable Residues.
AB  - Protection of plants against bacterial diseases still mainly relies on the use of
      chemical pesticides, which in Europe correspond essentially to copper-based
      compounds. However, recently plant diseases control is oriented towards a
      rational use of molecules and extracts, generally with natural origin, with lower
      intrinsic toxicity and a reduced negative environmental impact. In this work,
      polyphenolic extracts from vegetable no food/feed residues of typical
      Mediterranean crops, as Olea europaea, Cynara scolymus, and Vitis vinifera were
      obtained and their inhibitory activity on the Type Three Secretion System (TTSS)
      and the Quorum Sensing (QS) of the Gram-negative phytopathogenic bacterium
      Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. nerii strain Psn23 was assessed. Extract from green
      tea (Camellia sinensis) was used as a positive control. Collectively, the data
      obtained through gfp-promoter fusion system and real-time PCR show that all the
      polyphenolic extracts here studied have a high inhibitory activity on both the
      TTSS and QS of Psn23, without any depressing effect on bacterial viability.
      Extracts from green tea and grape seeds were shown to be the most active. Such
      activity was confirmed in planta by a strong reduction in the ability of Psn23 to
      develop hyperplastic galls on explants from adult oleander plants, as well as to
      elicit hypersensitive response on tobacco. By using a newly developed Congo red
      assay and an ELISA test, we demonstrated that the TTSS-targeted activity of these
      polyphenolic extracts also affects the TTSS pilus assembly. In consideration of
      the potential application of polyphenolic extracts in plant protection, the
      absence of any toxicity of these polyphenolic compounds was also assessed. A
      widely and evolutionary conserved molecular target such as Ca2+-ATPase, essential
      for the survival of any living organism, was used for the toxicity assessment.

PMID- 27668876
TI  - Biochemical compositions and fatty acid profiles in four species of microalgae
      cultivated on household sewage and agro-industrial residues.
AB  - The potential of four regional microalgae species was evaluated in relation to
      their cell growth and biomass production when cultured in the following
      alternative media: bio-composts of fruit/horticultural wastes (HB), sugarcane
      waste and vinasse (VB) chicken excrements (BCE), raw chicken manure (RCM), and
      municipal domestic sewage (MDS). The cultures were maintained under controlled
      conditions and their growth responses, productivities, biochemical compositions,
      and the ester profiles of their biomasses were compared to the results obtained
      in the synthetic media. The MDS and HB media demonstrated promising results for
      cultivation, especially of Chlorella sp., Chlamydomonas sp., and Lagerheimia
      longiseta, which demonstrated productivities superior to those seen when grown on
      the control media. The highest lipid levels were obtained with the HB medium. The
      data obtained demonstrated the viability of cultivating microalgae and producing
      biomass in alternative media prepared from MDS and HB effluents to produce
      biodiesel.

PMID- 27668877
TI  - Ensiling characteristics, structural and nonstructural carbohydrate composition
      and enzymatic digestibility of Napier grass ensiled with additives.
AB  - Ensiling characteristics, structural and nonstructural carbohydrate composition
      and enzymatic digestibility (ED) of Napier grass silage was examined. Napier
      grass ensiled with no additive control, 0.2% formic acid, 0.4% molasses, and 0.3%
      fibrolytic enzyme for, 7, 30, 60 and 90days. Additives increased lactic acid,
      soluble carbohydrate and decreased all of lignocellulosic contents except acid
      detergent lignin and pH than control. The highest value of nonstructural
      carbohydrate and large reduction in lignocellulosic contents was observed in
      formic acid and fibrolytic enzyme silage respectively. The content of glucose and
      fructose showed rapid drop in the first 7days of ensilage. Ensilage decreased
      lignocellulosic contents and increased ED compared to fresh material. The ED of
      formic acid and molasses silage was significantly higher than control and
      fibrolytic enzyme silages in all tested days. In summery the ensiling quality
      structural and nonstructural carbohydrate and ED value of mature Napier grass
      silage improved through additives.

PMID- 27668878
TI  - Microalgal biomass generation by phycoremediation of dairy industry wastewater:
      An integrated approach towards sustainable biofuel production.
AB  - Dairy wastewater collected from local dairy industry was used as a growth media
      (without any pre-treatment) for the cultivation of microalgae Acutodesmus
      dimorphus. The level of COD reduced over 90% (from 2593.33+/-277.37 to 215+/
      7.07mg/L) after 4days of cultivation; whereas, ammoniacal nitrogen was consumed
      completely (277.4+/-10.75mg/L) after 6days of cultivation. Dry biomass of 840 and
      790mg/L was observed after 4 and 8days of cultivation, respectively, which is
      about 5-6 times more than that of BG-11 grown culture (149mg/L after 8days). This
      biomass contains around 25% lipid and 30% carbohydrate, which can be further
      converted into biodiesel and bioethanol, respectively. Theoretical calculations
      based on the recently reported conversion yield suggest that 1kg biomass of A.
      dimorphus might produce around 195g of biodiesel and 78g of bioethanol, which
      sums up to 273g of biofuels.

PMID- 27668879
TI  - Enhancement of high-solids enzymatic hydrolysis of corncob residues by bisulfite
      pretreatment for biorefinery.
AB  - Co-production of glucose, furfural and other green materials based on a
      lignocellulosic biorefinery is a promising way to realize the commercial
      application of corncob residues. An effective process was developed for glucose
      production using low temperature bisulfite pretreatment and high-solids enzymatic
      hydrolysis. Corncob residues from furfural production (FRs) were pretreated with
      0.1g NaHSO3/g dry substrate at 100 degrees C for 3h. Lignin was sulfonated and
      sulfonic groups were produced during pretreatment, which resulted in decreasing
      the zeta potential of the samples. Compared with raw material, bisulfite
      pretreatment of FRs increased the glucose yield from 18.6 to 99.45% after 72h
      hydrolysis at a solids loading of 12.5%. The hydrolysis residues showed a
      relatively high thermal stability and concentrated high derivatives. Direct
      pretreatment followed by enzymatic hydrolysis is an environmentally-friendly and
      economically-feasible method for the production of glucose and high-purity
      lignin, which could be further converted into high-value products.

PMID- 27668880
TI  - Valorization of sugar-to-ethanol process waste vinasse: A novel biorefinery
      approach using edible ascomycetes filamentous fungi.
AB  - The aim of the present work was to study the integration of edible ascomycetes
      filamentous fungi into the existing sugar- or molasses-to-ethanol processes, to
      grow on vinasse or stillage and produce ethanol and protein-rich fungal biomass.
      Two fungal strains, Neurospora intermedia and Aspergillus oryzae were examined in
      shake flasks and airlift-bioreactors, resulting in reduction of vinasse COD by
      34% and viscosity by 21%. Utilization of glycerol and sugars were observed,
      yielding 202.4 or 222.8g dry fungal biomass of N. intermedia or A. oryzae
      respectively, per liter of vinasse. Integration of the current process at an
      existing ethanol facility producing about 100,000m3 of ethanol per year could
      produce around 200,000-250,000tons of dry fungal biomass (40-45% protein)
      together with about 8800-12,600m3 extra ethanol (8.8-12.6% of production-rate
      improvement).

PMID- 27668881
TI  - Hydrothermal liquefaction of Undaria pinnatifida residues to organic acids with
      recyclable trimethylamine.
AB  - This study investigated the effect of trimethylamine (TMA) on the hydrothermal
      liquefaction (HTL) process and the recycle of TMA. The results suggest that the
      peeling reaction occurred on the surface and the cleavage of cellulose leading to
      water-soluble substances and bio-oil. The highest content of organic acids was
      found in the water-soluble phase. Model compounds, different glucides with TMA
      were used to investigate the mechanism of the HTL. Results suggest that the OH-
      appeared to selectively interact with C-O-C bonds, and thus causing the key
      linkages of cellulose to become much easier to be cleaved under mild conditions.
      In addition, the conditions for TMA recovery were optimized and the highest TMA
      recovery rate reached 98.89%. The recovered TMA had the same properties as the
      original compound, and it was perfectly re-usable in the conversion process of
      HTL.

PMID- 27668882
TI  - The Association of CXC Receptor 4 Mediated Signaling Pathway with Oxaliplatin
      Resistant Human Colorectal Cancer Cells.
AB  - The stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1)/CXC receptor 4 (CXCR4) axis plays an
      important role in tumor angiogenesis and invasiveness in colorectal cancer (CRC)
      progression. In addition, metastatic CRC remains one of the most difficult human
      malignancies to treat because of its chemoresistant behavior. However, the
      mechanism by which correlation occurs between CXCR4 and the clinical response of
      CRC to chemotherapy remains unknown. We generated chemoresistant cells with
      increasing doses of oxaliplatin (OXA) and 5-Fluorouracil (5FU) to develop
      resistance at a clinical dose. We found that the putative markers did not change
      in the parental cells, but HCT-116/OxR and HCT-116/5-FUR were more aggressive and
      had higher tumor growth (demonstrated by wound healing, chemotaxis assay, and a
      nude mice xenograft model) with the use of oxaliplatin. Apoptosis induced by
      oxaliplatin treatment was significantly decreased in HCT-116/OxR compared to the
      parental cells. Moreover, HCT-116/OxR cells displayed increased levels of p-gp, p
      Akt p-ERK, p-IKBbeta, CXCR4, and Bcl-2, but they also significantly inhibited the
      apoptotic pathways when compared to the parental strain. We evaluated the
      molecular mechanism governing the signaling pathway associated with anti
      apoptosis activity and the aggressive status of chemoresistant cells. Experiments
      involving specific inhibitors demonstrated that the activation of the pathways
      associated with CXCR4, ERK1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and
      phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt is critical to the functioning of the
      HCT-116/OxR and HCT-116/5-FUR characteristics of chemosensitivity. These findings
      elucidate the mechanism of CXCR4/PI3K/Akt downstream signaling and provide
      strategies to inhibit CXCR4 mediated signaling pathway in order to overcome CRC's
      resistance to chemotherapy.

PMID- 27668883
TI  - The Validity and Reliability of the Mini-Mental State Examination-2 for Detecting
      Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease in a Korean Population.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the validity and reliability of the MMSE-2 for assessing
      patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) in a
      Korean population. Specifically, the usefulness of the MMSE-2 as a screening
      measure for detecting early cognitive change, which has not been detectable
      through the MMSE, was examined. METHODS: Two-hundred and twenty-six patients with
      MCI, 97 patients with AD, and 91 healthy older adults were recruited. All
      participants consented to examination with the MMSE-2, the MMSE, and other
      detailed neuropsychological assessments. RESULTS: The MMSE-2 performed well in
      discriminating participants across Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) stages and CDR
      Sum of Boxes (CDR-SOB), and it showed excellent internal consistency, high test
      retest reliability, high interrater reliability, and good concurrent validity
      with the MMSE and other detailed neuropsychological assessments. The MMSE-2 was
      divided into two factors (tests that are sensitive to decline in cognitive
      functions vs. tests that are not sensitive to decline in cognitive functions) in
      normal cognitive aging. Moreover, the MMSE-2 was divided into two factors (tests
      related overall cognitive functioning other than memory vs. tests related to
      episodic memory) in patients with AD. Finally, the MMSE-2 was divided into three
      factors (tests related to working memory and frontal lobe functioning vs. tests
      related to verbal memory vs. tests related to orientation and immediate recall)
      in patients with MCI. The sensitivity and specificity of the three versions of
      the MMSE-2 were relatively high in discriminating participants with normal
      cognitive aging from patients with MCI and AD. CONCLUSION: The MMSE-2 is a valid
      and reliable cognitive screening instrument for assessing cognitive impairment in
      a Korean population, but its ability to distinguish patients with MCI from those
      with normal cognitive aging may not be as highly sensitive as expected.

PMID- 27668884
TI  - Expression analysis of fertilization/early embryogenesis-associated genes in
      Phalaenopsis orchids.
AB  - One of the distinct reproductive programs in orchid species is pollination
      triggered ovule development and megasporogenesis. During sexual reproduction,
      fertilization occurs days to months after pollination. The molecular mechanisms
      evolved to carry out this strategic reproductive program remain unclear. In the
      August issue of Plant Physiology 1 , we report comprehensive studies of
      comparative genome-wide gene expression in various reproductive tissues and the
      molecular events associated with developmental transitions unique to sexual
      reproduction of Phalaenopsis aphrodite. Transcriptional factors and signaling
      components whose expression is specifically enriched in interior ovary tissues
      when fertilization occurs and embryos start to develop have been identified.
      Here, we report verification of additional fertilization-associated genes,
      DOMAINS REARRANGED METHYLTRANSFERASE 1 (PaDRM1), CHROMOMETHYLTRANSFERASE 1
      (PaCMT1), SU(VAR)3-9 RELATED PROTEIN 1 (PaSUVR1), INDOLE-3-ACETIC ACID inducible
      30-like 1 (PaIAA30L1), and ETHYLENE INSENSITIVE 3-like 1 (PaEIN3L1), and discuss
      their potential roles in gametophyte development, epigenetic reprogramming, and
      hormone regulation during fertilization and establishment of embryo development
      in Phalaenopsis orchids.

PMID- 27668885
TI  - A mechanistic approach to explore novel HDAC1 inhibitor using pharmacophore
      modeling, 3D- QSAR analysis, molecular docking, density functional and molecular
      dynamics simulation study.
AB  - Deregulated epigenetic activity of Histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) in tumor
      development and carcinogenesis pronounces it as promising therapeutic target for
      cancer treatment. HDAC1 has recently captured the attention of researchers owing
      to its decisive role in multiple types of cancer. In the present study a
      multistep framework combining ligand based 3D-QSAR, molecular docking and
      Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation studies were performed to explore potential
      compound with good HDAC1 binding affinity. Four different pharmacophore
      hypotheses Hypo1 (AADR), Hypo2 (AAAH), Hypo3 (AAAR) and Hypo4 (ADDR) were
      obtained. The hypothesis Hypo1 (AADR) with two hydrogen bond acceptors (A), one
      hydrogen bond donor (D) and one aromatics ring (R) was selected to build 3D-QSAR
      model on the basis of statistical parameter. The pharmacophore hypothesis
      produced a statistically significant QSAR model, with co-efficient of correlation
      r2=0.82 and cross validation correlation co-efficient q2=0.70. External
      validation result displays high predictive power with r2 (o) value of 0.88 and r2
      (m) value of 0.58 to carry out further in silico studies. Virtual screening
      result shows ZINC70450932 as the most promising lead where HDAC1 interacts with
      residues Asp99, His178, Tyr204, Phe205 and Leu271 forming seven hydrogen bonds. A
      high docking score (-11.17kcal/mol) and lower docking energy -37.84kcal/mol)
      displays the binding efficiency of the ligand. Binding free energy calculation
      was done using MM/GBSA to access affinity of ligands towards protein. Density
      Functional Theory was employed to explore electronic features of the ligands
      describing intramolcular charge transfer reaction. Molecular dynamics simulation
      studies at 50ns display metal ion (Zn)-ligand interaction which is vital to
      inhibit the enzymatic activity of the protein.

PMID- 27668886
TI  - Long time immunogenicity of measles vaccine in the vaccination era: An open
      question.
AB  - After WHO European Region determined the 2005 - 2010 Strategic Plan for measles
      elimination, the number of reported measles cases in Europe fell dramatically.
      This decrease is related to the vaccination strategy carried out by European
      countries. This extensive immunization strategy changes the epidemiological
      patter and could influence the effectiveness and the long-time immunogenicity of
      the vaccine. To evaluate the long-time immunogenicity of the measles vaccine in
      the vaccination era, a pilot study among vaccinated blood donors in Apulia was
      designed. Of 174 enrolled patients, 93.7% presented an anti-measles IgG titer
      positive. GMT seems to increase by age (p = 0.001). The GMT seems to increase by
      age and this could be related to the exposition to natural boosters, that was
      more probable before the beginning of universal mass vaccination against measles.
      Future studies have to focus the correlation between GMT and age.

PMID- 27668887
TI  - Achieving protection against HBV in HIV patients: Finding the best strategy.
AB  - HBV and HIV coinfection is common and entails important morbi-mortality.
      Vaccination and anti-HBs seroconvertion is a desirable goal in HIV infected
      patients. New strategies are necessary to predict seroconversion and clinical
      endpoints. More studies, in the subgroup of HIV patients with poor
      immunovirological status are needed.

PMID- 27668888
TI  - Racial Differences in Mortality from Severe Acute Respiratory Failure in the
      United States, 2008-2012.
AB  - RATIONALE: Racial disparities in health and healthcare in the United States are
      well documented and are increasingly recognized in acute critical illnesses such
      as sepsis and acute respiratory failure. OBJECTIVES: Using a large,
      representative, U.S. nationwide database, we examined the hypothesis that black
      and Hispanic patients with severe acute respiratory failure have higher mortality
      rates when compared with non-Hispanic whites. METHODS: This retrospective
      analysis used discharge data from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality,
      Nationwide Inpatient Sample, Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, for the
      years 2008-2012. We identified hospitalizations with acute respiratory failure
      using a combination of International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision,
      Clinical Modification, codes. A logistic regression model was fitted to compare
      in-hospital mortality rates by race. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: After
      adjusting for sex, age, race, disease severity, type of hospital, and median
      household income for patient ZIP code, blacks had a greater odds ratio of in
      hospital death when compared with non-Hispanic whites (odds ratio [OR], 1.13; 95%
      confidence interval [CI], 1.11-1.14; P < 0.001), and Hispanics also had a greater
      odds ratio of in-hospital death when compared with non-Hispanic whites (OR, 1.17;
      95% CI, 1.15-1.19; P < 0.001), and so did Asian and Pacific Islanders (OR, 1.15;
      95% CI, 1.12-1.18; P < 0.001) and Native Americans (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.00-1.15;
      P < 0.001) when compared with non-Hispanic whites (OR, 1.0). CONCLUSIONS: Blacks,
      Hispanics, and other racial minorities in the United States were observed to
      exhibit significantly higher in-hospital sepsis-related respiratory failure
      associated mortality when compared with non-Hispanic whites.

PMID- 27668891
TI  - Interventions to encourage uptake of cancer screening for people with severe
      mental illness.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adults with severe mental illness (i.e. schizophrenia or other
      related psychotic disorders and bipolar disorder) can be at greater risk of
      cancer than those without severe mental illness (SMI). Early detection of cancer
      through screening is effective in improving patient outcomes including death.
      However, people with SMI are less likely than others to take up available cancer
      screening. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effectiveness of interventions targeted
      at adults with SMI, or their carers or health professionals, and aimed at
      increasing the uptake of cancer screening tests for which the adults with SMI are
      eligible. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Schizophrenia Group's Trials
      Register (October 25, 2012; December 19, 2014; April 07, 2015; July 04, 2016).
      SELECTION CRITERIA: All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions,
      targeted towards adults with SMI or their carers or health professionals, to
      encourage uptake of cancer screening tests for which the adults with SMI were
      eligible. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently screened
      titles and abstracts and assessed these against the inclusion criteria. MAIN
      RESULTS: We did not find any trials that met the inclusion criteria. AUTHORS'
      CONCLUSIONS: A comprehensive search showed that currently there is no RCT
      evidence for any method of encouraging cancer screening uptake in people with
      SMI. No specific approach can therefore be recommended. High-quality, large-scale
      RCTs are needed urgently to help address the disparity between people with SMI
      and others in cancer screening uptake.

PMID- 27668889
TI  - MiR-139-5p is associated with inflammatory regulation through c-FOS suppression,
      and contributes to the progression of primary biliary cholangitis.
AB  - Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease
      characterized pathologically by destruction of intrahepatic bile ducts. PBC is
      largely classified into three subtypes based on clinical course: (i) gradually
      progressive, (ii) portal hypertension, and (iii) hepatic failure. Previous
      studies have indicated that serum levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF
      alpha, is elevated in PBC patients with fibrosis. Although the severity of
      cholangitis might also be related to the PBC subtype, its etiology has been
      unclear. Several studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) demonstrate specific
      expression patterns in various diseases. In the present study, we evaluated miRNA
      expression patterns among the PBC subtypes using comprehensive deep sequencing.
      We also carried out histologic examination by laser capture microdissection and
      investigated how the identified miRNAs were involved in PBC clinical progression
      using the miRNA transfection method. On average, ~11 million 32-mer short RNA
      reads per sample were obtained, and we found that the expression levels of 97
      miRNAs differed significantly among the four groups. Heat mapping demonstrated
      that the miRNA profiles from hepatic failure and portal hypertension type were
      clustered differently from those of the gradually progressive type and controls.
      Furthermore, we focused on miR-139-5p, which has an adequate number of total
      short reads. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR showed that miR-139-5p was
      significantly downregulated in clinically advanced PBC. Also, examination of
      liver tissues demonstrated that the expression of lymphocyte-derived miR-139-5p
      was significantly higher in hepatocytes. In vitro, the level of TNF-alpha was
      significantly elevated in supernatant of cells with upregulation of miR-139-5p.
      Furthermore, c-FOS gene transcription was repressed. Thus, we have demonstrated a
      novel inflammation-regulatory mechanism involving TNF-alpha and c-FOS
      transcription through miR-139-5p in the NF-kappaB signaling pathway. We conclude
      that the specific miRNA miR-139-5p might be involved in the pathogenesis of PBC,
      especially during clinical progression.

PMID- 27668892
TI  - Belief in the immutability of attitudes both increases and decreases advocacy.
AB  - People with an entity theory of attitudes (i.e., the belief that attitudes are
      relatively unchanging) are more certain of their attitudes than are people with
      an incremental theory (i.e., the belief that attitudes are relatively malleable),
      and people with greater attitude certainty are generally more willing to try to
      persuade others. Combined, these findings suggest that an entity theory should
      foster greater advocacy. Yet, people with entity theories may be less willing to
      advocate because they also perceive others' attitudes as unchanging. Across 5
      studies, we show that both of these countervailing effects occur simultaneously
      and cancel each other out. However, by manipulating how advocacy is framed (as
      standing up for one's views or exchanging one's views with others), whom people
      focus on (themselves or others), or which implicit theory applies to oneself
      versus others, each implicit theory can either increase or decrease willingness
      to advocate. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27668893
TI  - Who wants to get to the top? Class and lay theories about power.
AB  - We investigated class-based differences in the propensity to seek positions of
      power. We first proposed that people's lay theories suggest that acquiring power
      requires playing politics-manipulating one's way through the social world,
      relying on a pragmatic and Machiavellian approach to impression management and
      social relationships to get ahead. Then, drawing on empirical work portraying
      individuals with relatively low social class as more strongly focused on others
      and less focused on themselves, we hypothesized that these individuals would show
      less interest in seeking positions of power than their high-class counterparts,
      because they feel less comfortable engaging in political behavior. We tested
      these ideas in 7 studies. Our findings indicated that, even though individuals
      with relatively low social class see political behavior as necessary and
      effective for acquiring positions of power, they are reluctant to do it; as a
      result, they have a weaker tendency to seek positions of power compared to
      individuals with relatively high social class. Consistent with our theorizing, we
      also found that individuals with relatively low social class intend to seek
      positions of power as much as their high-class counterparts when they can acquire
      it through prosocial means (Study 2), and when they reconstrue power as serving a
      superordinate goal of helping others (Study 4). Moreover, we checked the
      robustness of our findings by measuring social class in a number of ways within
      each study, and examined whether our results held across each measure. Together,
      our findings suggest that the common belief that political behavior is required
      for advancement may help explain why class inequalities persist and why creating
      class-based diversity in upper-level positions poses a serious challenge.
      (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27668890
TI  - Tenascin-C secreted by transdifferentiated retinal pigment epithelial cells
      promotes choroidal neovascularization via integrin alphaV.
AB  - Tenascin-C is expressed in choroidal neovascular (CNV) membranes in eyes with age
      related macular degeneration (AMD). However, its role in the pathogenesis of CNV
      remains to be elucidated. Here we investigated the role of tenascin-C in CNV
      formation. In immunofluorescence analyses, tenascin-C co-stained with alpha-SMA,
      pan-cytokeratin, CD31, CD34, and integrin alphaV in the CNV membranes of patients
      with AMD and a mouse model of laser-induced CNV. A marked increase in the
      expression of tenascin-C mRNA and protein was observed 3 days after laser
      photocoagulation in the mouse CNV model. Tenascin-C was also shown to promote
      proliferation and inhibit adhesion of human retinal pigment epithelial (hRPE)
      cells in vitro. Moreover, tenascin-C promoted proliferation, adhesion, migration,
      and tube formation in human microvascular endothelial cells (HMVECs); these
      functions were, however, blocked by cilengitide, an integrin alphaV inhibitor.
      Exposure to TGF-beta2 increased tenascin-C expression in hRPE cells. Conditioned
      media harvested from TGF-beta2-treated hRPE cell cultures enhanced HMVEC
      proliferation and tube formation, which were inhibited by pretreatment with
      tenascin-C siRNA. The CNV volume was significantly reduced in tenascin-C knockout
      mice and tenascin-C siRNA-injected mice. These findings suggest that tenascin-C
      is secreted by transdifferentiated RPE cells and promotes the development of CNV
      via integrin alphaV in a paracrine manner. Therefore, tenascin-C could be a
      potential therapeutic target for the inhibition of CNV development associated
      with AMD.

PMID- 27668894
TI  - American individualism rises and falls with the economy: Cross-temporal evidence
      that individualism declines when the economy falters.
AB  - Past work has shown that economic growth often engenders greater individualism.
      Yet much of this work charts changes in wealth and individualism over long
      periods of time, making it unclear whether rising individualism is primarily
      driven by wealth or by the social and generational changes that often accompany
      large-scale economic transformations. This article explores whether individualism
      is sensitive to more transient macroeconomic fluctuations, even in the absence of
      transformative social changes or generational turnover. Six studies found that
      individualism swelled during prosperous times and fell during recessionary times.
      In good economic times, Americans were more likely to give newborns uncommon
      names (Study 1), champion autonomy in children (Study 2), aspire to look
      different from others (Study 3), and favor music with self-focused language
      (Study 4). Conversely, when the economy was floundering, Americans were more
      likely to socialize children to attend to the needs of others (Study 2) and favor
      music with other-oriented language (Study 4). Subsequent studies found that
      recessions engendered uncertainty (Study 5) which in turn tempered individualism
      and fostered interdependence (Study 6). (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27668895
TI  - Preparing for Better Health and Health Care for an Aging Population.

PMID- 27668896
TI  - Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI): a real host defence or a permanent threat?
AB  - Screening of latent infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (LTBI) and treatment
      of positive subjects is the key point in the prevention of TB; such a strategy
      should be performed mainly among individuals with risk of progression.
      Progression from LTBI to active TB is highest both in recent contacts of patients
      with active TB, and in immunocompromised subjects. Therefore, LTBI could either
      be considered a permanent host defence or, seen from the opposite point of view,
      it could represent a long-lasting threat if the efficiency of the immune system
      declines over a lifetime. Interferon gamma release assays (IGRAs) show better
      sensitivity and specificity than the Mantoux test. 

PMID- 27668897
TI  - Innovations in the field of fungal biofilms: looking for new targets and new
      chemical compounds.
AB  - Biofilms pose a serious problem for public health. Penetration of pharmacological
      agents within a biofilm is hampered by the morphological structure of such
      microbial communities. A biofilm infection therefore entails adverse outcomes
      both in the field of cost management and patient prognosis. The problem is
      further complicated if the drugs available to combat a biofilm-related fungal
      infection versus a bacterial one are compared: in the case of a fungal infection,
      the drugs available are less efficacious than antibiotics used to counteract a
      bacterial infection. Furthermore, even the fairly recent introduction of
      antifungals, such as echinocandins, start presenting some limits of usage, such
      as ineffectiveness in treating some fungal populations and increased resistance.
      It therefore becomes imperative to search for innovative molecules in order to
      combat this condition. The discovery of new molecules and/or new targets can make
      a difference. This paper illustrates the main innovative molecules that are
      coming to light in the field of infection by fungal biofilms. 

PMID- 27668898
TI  - Antimicrobial susceptibility against penicillin, ampicillin and vancomycin of
      viridans group Streptococcus in oral microbiota of patients at risk of infective
      endocarditis.
AB  - The viridans group Streptococci (VGS) are most abundant in the mouth; in some
      instances they might emerge as pathogens particularly in infective endocarditis
      (IE). In this study, we aimed to define and determine the susceptibility against
      antibiotics of VGS that are members of the oral microbiota of patients exhibiting
      a risk of developing IE. Forty-nine patients at risk of infective endocarditis
      were included in the study. Identification of the bacteria was performed using
      API STREP (bioMerieux, France). Gradient test strips (E-Test, France) were used
      to determine MIC of the bacteria against penicillin, ampicillin, and vancomycin.
      The distribution of the isolated VGS groups was determined as follows:
      Streptococcus mitis 32.6% and anginosus group - 32.6%, S. sanguinis group -
      16.3%, S. mutans group - 12.2%, and S. salivarius group - 6.1%. The rates of
      resistance and reduced sensitivity of the isolates for penicillin and ampicillin
      were determined at 61.2% and 55.1%, respectively. However, all isolates were
      found to be susceptible to vancomycin. We conclude that the antimicrobial
      resistance of VGS should be determined on a regular basis locally, and decisions
      on therapeutic and prophylactic interventions should be given taking this
      resistance into consideration. 

PMID- 27668899
TI  - Report of data on children with non-typhi Salmonella gastroenteritis in a three
      year period.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and laboratory data of
      children with acute gastroenteritis caused by non-typhoid Salmonella spp.
      infections. Clinical (demographic data, symptoms and findings) and laboratory
      data (stool microscopy, rapid antigen tests, culture, multiplex polymerase chain
      reaction and blood test results) of children with acute gastroenteritis caused by
      non-typhoid Salmonella spp. between January 2010 and October 2012 were evaluated.
      Differences between the groups for categorical variables were estimated with a
      chi-square or Fisher exact test; for continuous variables with two independent
      samples a t test was used. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically
      significant. Sixty-seven children, 39 (58.2%) males and 28 (41.8%) females aged
      between 1 - 16 years (mean +/- SD: 4.64 +/- 2.91), were diagnosed with acute
      bacterial gastroenteritis caused by non-typhoid Salmonella spp. The main
      serotypes are Salmonella enteritidis (85%) and Salmonella typhimurium (7.5%). The
      presenting symptoms were diarrhoea (95.5%), fever (61.1%), vomiting (34.3%),
      abdominal pain (32.8%), loss of appetite (7.4%) and malaise (7.4%). Fever and
      dehydration (moderate and/or severe) were detected in 11 (16.4%) patients. The
      mean leukocyte count was 10.930/MUL [95% confidence interval (CI), SD: +/-
      5.710/MUL], neutrophil count was 7.880/MUL (95% CI, SD: +/- 4.960/MUL), CRP was
      64.16 mg/L (95% CI, SD: +/- 76.24 mg/L), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate was
      34.72 mm/hour (95% CI, SD: +/- 13.64 mm/h). Stool microscopy was positive for
      leukocytes in 18 patients (26.8%). The definitive diagnosis was made with
      positive stool culture (n = 65) and/or PCR test (n = 4). Viral antigen positivity
      was detected in 10 patients (14.9%), evaluated as viral co-infection and false
      positive results. Antibiotic therapy and hospitalization were required in 26
      (38.8%) and 23 (34.3%) patients, respectively. Salmonella carriage was detected
      in one patient (1.5%). Bloody diarrhoea, leukocytes in stool with an increased
      erythrocyte sedimentation rate and a CRP level without overt leukocytosis may
      indicate Salmonella infection. Viral antigens may cause false positive results in
      fast antigen tests in cases where clinical and laboratory findings indicate
      bacterial aetiology. Stool culture is a reference method in diagnosis whereas
      some agents may be detected via molecular techniques (polymerase chain reaction)
      in spite of negative culture. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction may be used to
      detect Salmonella spp. and may reveal false positivity for viruses as well as the
      detection of other bacteria. 

PMID- 27668901
TI  - Hepatitis C and immigration: a multicentre study.
AB  - This retrospective multicentre study aims to evaluate the clinical and
      epidemiological features of HCV infection in a cohort of immigrants in Italy.
      Tests were carried out on 194 HCV positive subjects, who represented 5.7% of the
      participants at baseline screening: the virological (viral load, genotype) and
      biochemical appearance of their infection was determined, and the disease was
      staged by histological examination in the patients who had indicated their
      willingness. Standard therapy (peg-interferon + ribavirin) was implemented in
      patients who agreed to undergo treatment. The majority of immigrants were of East
      European origin (48.4%), females were globally slightly predominant and the
      average age was 41.4 years. Of the 194 patients, 119 (63.1%) proved to be
      viraemic: genotype 1 was the most frequent, followed by genotype 4, the latter
      mainly in African patients. The histological staging of liver disease conducted
      in 25 patients showed mild hepatitis in 13 subjects, moderate/severe hepatitis in
      eight subjects and cirrhosis in four. Although 45 out of 119 patients (37.8%)
      with determinable HCV RNA agreed to undergo treatment, 11 of them independently
      stopped taking medication before the course of therapy was completed, without any
      significant side effects. At the sixth month of follow-up, the overall sustained
      virological response (SVR) was shown by 22/45 patients (48.8%). In our study,
      migrant populations had higher rates of HCV-related chronic hepatitis than the
      indigenous population; in some cases the infections were contracted in the
      country of origin, but in others the infection took place in Italy. The most
      commonly represented genotype, besides 1, was 4, especially among Africans. The
      therapeutic management of immigrants proved to be very difficult, mostly but not
      exclusively because of social factors. 

PMID- 27668900
TI  - Risk factors for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonisation or
      infection in intensive care units and their reliability for predicting MRSA on
      ICU admission.
AB  - Predicting methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in intensive care
      units (ICUs) avoids inappropriate antimicrobial empirical treatment and enhances
      infection control. We describe risk factors for colonisation/infection related to
      MRSA (MRSA-C/I) in critically ill patients once in the ICU and on ICU admission,
      and search for an easy-to-use predictive model for MRSA colonisation/infection on
      ICU admission. This multicentre cohort study included 69,894 patients admitted
      consecutively (stay>24h) in April-June in the five-year period 2006-2010 from 147
      Spanish ICUs participating in the National Surveillance Study of Nosocomial
      Infections in ICUs (ENVIN-HELICS). Data from all patients included were used to
      identify risk factors for MRSA-C/I during ICU stays, from admission to discharge,
      using uni- and multivariable analysis (Poisson regression) to check that the
      sample to be used to develop the predictive models was representative of standard
      critical care population. To identify risk factors for MRSA-C/I on ICU admission
      and to develop prediction models, multivariable logistic regression analysis were
      then performed only on those admitted in 2010 (n=16950, 2/3 for analysis and 1/3
      for subsequent validation). We found that, in the period 2006-2010, 1046 patients
      were MRSA-C/I. Independent risk factors for MRSA-C/I in ICU were: age>65, trauma
      or medical patient, high APACHE-II score, admitted from a long-term care
      facility, urinary catheter, previous antibiotic treatment and skin-soft tissue or
      post-surgical superficial skin infections. Colonisation with several different
      MDRs significantly increased the risk of MRSA-C/I. Risk factors on ICU admission
      were: male gender, trauma critical patient, urgent surgery, admitted from other
      ICUs, hospital ward or long-term facility, immunosuppression and skin-soft tissue
      infection. Although the best model to identify carriers of MRSA had a good
      discrimination (AUC-ROC, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.72-0.82), sensitivity was 67% and
      specificity 76.5%. Including more complex variables did not improve prediction
      capability. Our conclusion is that clinical-demographic risk factors for
      colonisation/infection related to MRSA should not be used to accurately identify
      patients who would benefit from empirical anti-MRSA treatment or from specific
      preventive measures. Independent risk factors for MRSA colonisation/infection
      during ICU stay and on ICU admission are described. The latter should be
      considered in future studies for MRSA prediction. 

PMID- 27668902
TI  - Streptococcus agalactiae: prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in vaginal and
      rectal swabs in Italian pregnant women.
AB  - Intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) reduces both the vertical transmission
      of Streptococcus agalactiae or Group B Streptococcus (GBS) and the early onset of
      neonatal sepsis. However, existing guidelines do not recommend that antimicrobial
      susceptibility testing (AST) be routinely performed. Penicillin or ampicillin are
      indicated as first-choice antibiotics, cefazolin being an alternative in the case
      of history of mild allergic reactions, and vancomycin or clindamycin an
      alternative in the event of severe reactions. We performed a cross-sectional
      analysis to identify the presence of any bacterial resistance towards the
      antibiotics most frequently used for IAP in pregnant women with GBS positive
      vaginal-rectal swabs, in the Pistoia area of central Italy. Of the 255 tested
      samples, 65 (25.5%) were positive for GBS. Sensitivity to glycopeptides was over
      90%, but lower to ampicillin and penicillin (87.10% and 87.93% respectively).
      Resistance towards clindamycin and erythromycin was as high as 43.75% and 32.20%.
      All tested GBS proved susceptible to moxifloxacin, linezolid and tigecycline. Our
      observed prevalence is aligned or slightly higher than data reported in other
      series. The less than full effectiveness and low percentages of ampicillin and
      penicillin sensitivity observed give cause for concern. We confirmed the increase
      in clindamycin and erythromycin resistance. Glycopeptides can be used as second
      line antibiotics, but the complete AST of GBS should always be performed before
      IAP. Given that gentamicin is used synergically with penicillin when treating
      chorioamnionitis, it needs to be always included in the AST. This is the first
      study on the GBS sensitivity profile in Tuscany. Further investigation on a
      larger scale is required prior to implementing any changes in the current
      guidelines. 

PMID- 27668903
TI  - Identification of aminoglycoside resistance genes by Triplex PCR in Enterococcus
      spp. isolated from ICUs.
AB  - Early detection of antibiotic-resistant enterococci is an important part of
      patient treatment. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the
      resistance patterns and simultaneously identify and characterise the resistance
      genes in Enterococcus spp. using a triplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
      method. In all, 150 consecutive Enterococcus spp were collected from several
      hospitals in Tehran (Iran) from January to December 2015. The Enterococcus
      species were identified by standard phenotypic/biochemical tests and PCR. The
      antimicrobial resistance patterns were determined using a disk diffusion method.
      The triplex PCR method was designed to identify gentamicin and other
      aminoglycoside resistance genes. Among the 150 Enterococcus specimens, 87 cases
      (58%) were Enterococcus faecalis, and 63 cases (42%) were Enterococcus faecium.
      The highest frequency of resistance was observed for tetracycline while the
      lowest was found for vancomycin. Among the identified samples, 56.9% contained
      the aac(6')-Ie-aph(2'')-Ia gene, 22.2% contained the aph(3')-IIIa gene, and 38.8%
      contained the ant(4')-?a gene. Eight percent of the isolates contained the three
      aminoglycoside resistance genes. Data analysis showed that there was a
      significant correlation between the phenotypic gentamicin resistance and the
      presence of the aminoglycoside resistance genes (18.9%, p <0.05), while the
      correlation between the phenotypic streptomycin resistance and the corresponding
      genes was not significant (2.8%, p >=0.5). Nearly half of the identified
      Enterococcus strains had increased aminoglycoside resistance. The direct
      correlation between resistance genes, such as the aminoglycoside resistance
      factor, and phenotypic resistance was not significant (p > 0.05). 

PMID- 27668904
TI  - A family cluster of hepatitis A virus due to an uncommon IA strain circulating in
      Campania (southern Italy), not associated with raw shellfish or berries: a wake
      up call to implement vaccination against hepatitis A?
AB  - Hepatitis A virus is a widely occurring disease, with different prevalence rates
      between countries in the North and West and those in the South and East. In Italy
      endemicity is low/medium, but not homogeneously distributed: in the
      northern/central regions a large hepatitis A outbreak due to genotype IA, related
      to the consumption of contaminated mixed frozen berries, occurred between 2013
      and 2014, whereas in southern Italian regions recurrent outbreaks of hepatitis A,
      due to the IB genotype, still result from consumption of raw seafood. In 2014 an
      uncommon genotype IA strain was isolated from five patients (2 adults and 3
      children) with hepatitis A, living in the surroundings of Naples (Campania) who
      did not have any of the most common risk factors for hepatitis A in Italy, such
      as consumption of raw shellfish or frozen berries, or travel to endemic
      countries. Moreover, based on the analysis of viral sequences obtained, this
      strain differed from several others in the national database, which had been
      recently isolated during Italian outbreaks. This case report reinforces the need
      to implement both information campaigns about the prevention of hepatitis A and
      vaccination programmes in childhood; in addition, it would be suitable to
      sequence strains routinely not only during large outbreaks of hepatitis A in
      order to obtain a more detailed national database of HAV strains circulating in
      Italy. 

PMID- 27668906
TI  - Postnatal cytomegalovirus infection in an infant with congenital
      thrombocytopenia: how it can support or mislead the diagnosis of Wiskott-Aldrich
      syndrome.
AB  - A male newborn developed a post-natal cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, arising in
      the clinical setting of congenital thrombocytopenia, which was diagnosed as being
      alloimmune. The evidence of active CMV infection in an infant showing slow
      resolution lower airways infection, persistent neonatal and low platelet volume
      thrombocytopenia, and diffuse eczema (associated to very high levels of serum
      immunoglobulin E) led to the diagnosis of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) before
      the third month of life, despite the presence of several confounding clinical
      factors. The correct interpretation of all clinical features supported the
      precocious diagnosis of WAS. 

PMID- 27668905
TI  - Atypical clinical presentation of meningococcal meningitis: a case report.
AB  - A young woman was examined in the Emergency Department for fever, pharyngitis and
      widespread petechial rash. Physical examination, including neurological
      evaluation, did not show any other abnormalities. Chest X-ray was negative. Blood
      exams showed leukocytosis and CPR 20 mg/dL (nv<0.5 mg/dL). On the basis of these
      results and petechial rash evidence, lumbar puncture was performed. CSF was
      opalescent; physico-chemical examination showed: total proteins 2.8 (nv 0.15
      0.45), glucose 5 (nv 59-80), WBC 7600/MUL (nv 0-4/ MUL). In the hypothesis of
      meningococcal meningitis, antimicrobial therapy was started. Blood and
      cerebrospinal fluid cultures were positive for N. meningitidis. During the first
      hours the patient experienced hallucinations and mild psychomotor agitation,
      making a spontaneous recovery. A brain MRI showed minimal extra-axial
      inflammatory exudates. She was discharged after 10 days in good condition. We
      underline the need to consider meningococcal meningitis diagnosis when any
      suggestive symptom or sign is present, even in the absence of the classic
      meningitis triad, to obtain earlier diagnosis and an improved prognosis. 

PMID- 27668907
TI  - Recurrent complicated urinary tract infection due to rare pathogen Sphingomonas
      paucimobilis: contamination or real deal?
AB  - Sphingomonas paucimobilis is an aerobic, oxidase-positive, yellow-pigmented, non
      fermentative, Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen that rarely causes infections
      in humans. It is commonly found in nosocomial environments and, despite its low
      clinical virulence, it can be responsible for several different infections
      especially among patients with underlying disease. Here we describe a clinical
      case of a 46-year-old male paraplegic patient with a history of neurogenic
      bladder due to insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and renal failure who was
      admitted to the urology clinic of a university hospital in Kirsehir, Turkey, with
      the complaints of urinary tract infection (UTI) including fever, chills, dysuria,
      abdominal and back pain. The urine culture was positive for Sphingomonas
      paucimobilis identified by the Vitek-2 system and the patient was successfully
      treated with oral co-trimoxazole 800/160 mg twice a day for ten days associated
      to cefixime and fosfomycin. A literature review of UTIs associated to
      Sphingomonas paucimobilis is reported as well. 

PMID- 27668909
TI  - Zika virus infection: Challenge.
AB  - Not available. 

PMID- 27668908
TI  - HIV positive patient with HSV-2 encephalitis: case report.
AB  - Incidence of brain infections in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive
      patients is reduced after the availability of current high active antiretroviral
      therapy (HAART). Herpes Simplex Virus type 2 (HSV-2) is an infrequent cause of
      encephalitis in HIV patients despite it is frequently involved in sexual
      transmitted infections. Here, we report a case of HSV-2 encephalitis occurring in
      a patient without full suppression of HIV replication within the brain. A 38 year
      old HIV infected man was admitted to our department because of recurrent
      generalized seizure and fever during the previous 24 hours. Eight months before
      our observation the patient was switched from a protease inhibitor based regimen
      to a rilpivirine-based regimen without any evidence of HIV-RNA replication in the
      plasma. When the patient was admitted in our hospital, he was febrile and
      moderately confused, no deficit of cranial nerves was reported, motility was
      conserved, but he was unable to walk. Laboratory examinations performed at
      admission demonstrated an increase of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein and cells
      with lymphocyte prevalence, and normal CSF glucose. HSV-2-DNA and HIV-RNA were
      present within CSF at admission. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance imaging of the brain
      revealed lesions of the medial part of both temporal lobes including hippocampus
      without any sign of bleeding. A 21-day course of acyclovir therapy was
      administered with consistent improvement of clinical findings and disappearance
      of HSV-2-DNA within CSF. After the episode, HAART was switched to a regimen with
      high CSF penetrability containing abacavir, lamivudine, darunavir and ritonavir.
      Twelve months after HSV-2 encephalitis neurologic evaluation was normal, but
      symptoms of depression were reported, HIV-RNA remained undetectable both in the
      plasma and CSF, and CD4+ lymphocytes were above 500/MUL. No opportunistic
      infection was reported. Patients switched to regimen well tolerated such those
      containing rilpivirine, that have poor drug concentration within CSF could be
      considered at risk for opportunistic infection of the brain. Further larger
      investigation needs to confirm this finding. 

PMID- 27668910
TI  - Daniel Molliere (1848-1890), the French anatomist and surgeon, and his encounters
      with nosocomial infections in the operating theatre.
AB  - Daniel Molliere, was a French anatomist and surgeon, born in Lyon, who succeeded
      in his short life in making his mark in surgery. He was a prolific writer who
      left a series of medical treatises and a committed surgeon who was responsible
      for various significant innovative apparatuses in the medical sper. As he lived
      in an era when the role of microbe had already been recognized, he was among the
      first to use antisepsis and install extreme measures against microbes, both in
      the air and on the skin'. Fountains with fresh clean water, carbonic acid, cross
      ventilation, medical blouses, combined with Valette's apparatus for the dressing
      of amputations, were some of his precautions to reduce surgical infections and
      post-operative mortality. 

PMID- 27668911
TI  - National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences: 50 Years of Advancing
      Science and Improving Lung Health.
AB  - The American Thoracic Society celebrates the 50th anniversary of the National
      Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). The NIEHS has had enormous
      impact through its focus on research, training, and translational science on lung
      health. It has been an advocate for clean air both in the United States and
      across the world. The cutting-edge science funded by the NIEHS has led to major
      discoveries that have broadened our understanding of the pathogenesis and
      treatment for lung disease. Importantly, the NIEHS has developed and fostered
      mechanisms that require cross-cutting science across the spectrum of areas of
      inquiry, bringing together environmental and social scientists with clinicians to
      bring their expertise on specific areas of investigation. The intramural program
      of the NIEHS nurtures cutting-edge science, and the extramural program encourages
      investigator-initiated research while at the same time providing broader
      direction through important initiatives. Under the umbrella of the NIEHS and
      guided by Dr. Linda Birnbaum, the director of the NIEHS, important collaborative
      programs, such as the Superfund Program and the National Toxicology Program, work
      to discover mechanisms to protect from environmental toxins. The American
      Thoracic Society has overlapping goals with the NIEHS, and the strategic plans of
      both august bodies converge to synergize on population lung health. These bonds
      must be tightened and highlighted as we work toward our common goals.

PMID- 27668912
TI  - Unilateral Lung Whiteout in Children: Four Cases and a Discussion of Management.
AB  - Unilateral lung whiteout is not a common pediatric chest radiograph finding, but
      when it is encountered, timely and accurate interpretations of the radiograph are
      required because life-threatening respiratory failure can be associated. Lung
      whiteout may result from several conditions, and the differential diagnosis has a
      broad range. We describe 4 pediatric patients with different etiologies of
      unilateral lung whiteout: a large pleural effusion, mainstem bronchial plugging
      with a large cast, a mediastinal tumor, and consolidation. The ultimate causal
      diagnosis may not be initially obvious, but valuable clues can usually be found
      in the conventional chest radiograph to assist with appropriate early management.
      Chest ultrasound provides additional information, and we recommend it as the
      second examination for such patients.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 without permission from the journal.

PMID- 27668913
TI  - Interventricular Septal Pseudoaneurysm After Blunt Chest Trauma in a 6 Year Old:
      An Illustrative Case and Review.
AB  - Motor vehicle accident is the most common cause of blunt cardiac injury (BCI) in
      children (85.3%) due to the height of the child in relation to proper restraints
      and the compliant pediatric rib cage (J Trauma. 1996;40:200-202). Trauma to the
      chest wall may lead to injury of the myocardium, resulting in myocardial
      contusion, ventricular septal defect (VSD), ventricular free wall rupture, or
      valve compromise (J Trauma. 1996;40; 200-202; Heart Lung. 2012;41:200-202; J Inj
      Violence Res. 2012;4:98-100). There are several proposed mechanisms for the
      formation of VSD after blunt chest trauma including rupture of ischemic
      myocardium related to the initial trauma and reopening of a spontaneously closed
      congenital VSD. Also, chest trauma during isovolumetric contraction of the
      ventricles may generate enough intraventricular force to cause myocardial rupture
      (J Trauma. 1996;40:200-202; J Inj Violence Res. 2012;4:98-100; Korean J Pediatr.
      2011;54:86-89; Ann Thorac Surg. 2012;94:1714-1716; J Emerg Trauma Shock.
      2012;5:184-187). Previous case reports highlight the formation of a true VSD
      after BCI and the requirement of emergent repair (J Emerg Trauma Shock.
      2012;5:184-187; Am Heart J. 1996;131:1039-1041; Korean Circ J. 2011;41:625-628;
      Ann Thorac Surg 2013;96:297-298; Kardiol Pol. 2013;71:992; Chin Med J.
      2013;126:1592-1593). Reported is a case of a 6-year-old girl who developed an
      interventricular septal pseudoaneurysm after a motor vehicle accident of
      pedestrian versus car. On the day of presentation, she developed bradycardia
      after emergent surgical repair for abdominal trauma that required cardiopulmonary
      resuscitation including 5 minutes of chest compressions. At the time of
      resuscitation, an emergent transthoracic echocardiogram noted an interventricular
      pseudoaneurysm. She has been followed with serial transthoracic echocardiograms
      and has not required surgical intervention. We discuss the risk factors,
      prevalence, and diagnostic studies and recommended treatment options for
      structural heart disease after BCI.

PMID- 27668914
TI  - Evaluation and Management of Acute-Onset Hemiparesis in an Adolescent With
      Leukemia.
AB  - Emergency departments (EDs) are alert to the possibility of stroke and the need
      for early interventions to improve long-term clinical outcomes. However, new
      onset hemiparesis in pediatric patients with leukemia may be due to a number of
      different etiologies, including most common side effects from chemotherapeutic
      agents. We present a case of a 15-year-old boy with pre-B acute lymphoblastic
      leukemia on chemotherapy, having recently received a high-dose methotrexate
      infusion in addition to intrathecal methotrexate therapy, who presented to our ED
      with acute right-sided hemiparesis. He was initially suspected as having a
      possible ischemic stroke. Magnetic resonance imaging (diffusion-weighted and
      fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequence) demonstrated focal areas of
      diffusion restriction, an early sign of delayed-onset methotrexate neurotoxicity.
      Our patient received appropriate supportive care and leucovorin rescue with
      gradual clinical recovery, after a prolonged hospitalization and acute care
      rehabilitation over the course of several months. Our case illustrates the need
      for ED providers to consider methotrexate neurotoxicity in pediatric oncology
      patients presenting with acute neurologic changes.

PMID- 27668915
TI  - The Impact of Mental Health Services in a Pediatric Emergency Department: The
      Implications of Having Trained Psychiatric Professionals.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study assessed improvement in the emergency department (ED)
      length of stay and costs after implementation of an ED program which added board
      certified psychiatrists and trained psychiatric social workers to the pediatric
      ED. METHODS: A retrospective medical record and administrative data review were
      conducted for all pediatric psychiatric visits of children aged 5 to 18 years who
      were seen and discharged from the Greenville Memorial Hospital ED between January
      1, 2007, and June 31, 2013. These subjects were diagnosed by the ED physician at
      the time of the visit using codes ranging from 290.0 to 319.0 based on the
      International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems,
      Ninth Revision codes. RESULTS: The mean (SD) age of children in the postprogram
      period (14.3 +/- 3.1) was younger than during the preprogram period (14.9 +/-
      3.1) (P < 0.001) with the greatest increase in the 11- to 15-year age group (42%
      vs 35%, respectively). Patients in the postprogram period were significantly more
      likely to be discharged to a psychiatric hospital than during the pre-program
      period (18% vs 9%, respectively). After the initiation of the program, ED length
      of stay decreased significantly from 14.7 to 12.1 hours (P < 0.001) and costs per
      visit decreased slightly from US $602 to US $588 (this difference was not
      statistically significant). CONCLUSIONS: Although this model of care has
      significant costs associated with it, the efficiency of care for psychiatric
      pediatric patients in the ED improved after targeted training of ED staff and
      provision of these specialized services within the ED.

PMID- 27668916
TI  - Carotid Artery Dissection With Associated Territory Stroke After a Minor Head
      Trauma in a Healthy 4-Month-Old Child.
AB  - Internal carotid artery (ICA) dissections with associated stroke are rare events
      in infants. The usual pathomechanisms include direct trauma to the artery, blunt
      intraoral trauma, or child abuse. We describe the case of a 4-month-old male
      patient with ICA dissection and associated middle cerebral artery territory
      infarction associated with hyperextension/hyperrotation after a minor head
      injury. Upon treatment with anticoagulants, the patient showed significant
      improvement of the left-sided hemiparesis. Hemorrhagic transformation that
      presented shortly after middle cerebral artery infarction did not further
      increase under heparin treatment and prevented further embolism. In conclusion,
      hyperextension and/or hyperrotation in minor head trauma is a possible
      pathomechanism for ICA dissection in infants. However, the scenario is extremely
      rare, and to our best knowledge, this is the first report describing it. In our
      patient, anticoagulation did not worsen hemorrhagic transformation.

PMID- 27668917
TI  - Predictive Factors for Clinical Severity and Cardiopulmonary Arrest in Pediatric
      Electrical Injuries in Southeastern Turkey.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: An electrical injury (EI) is an emergency that causes high morbidity
      and mortality each year. The aim of this study was to define the epidemiological,
      clinical, and laboratory factors that might predict severe patients and cardiac
      arrest in pediatric EI cases. METHODS: All of the patients' medical files were
      reviewed retrospectively through a 2-year period for the demographic, clinical,
      and laboratory findings. The patients were classified into the severe injury
      group or the mild injury group. The SPSS (Chicago, Ill) software was used to
      analyze the data. RESULTS: Among the 38 patients, 18 patients (47.4%) were in the
      mild group, and 20 patients (52.6%) were in the severe group. Low-voltage
      injuries were observed in 35 (92.1%) of the patients. Most of the severe patients
      were injured with low voltage (75%) and in household settings (85%). Plug and
      sockets were the most observed source of the injuries in all of the patients,
      whereas water-related injuries were most prevalent in the severe group. The
      source of injury was different in the mild and severe groups (P = 0.009). In the
      severe group, 13 patients (34.2%) were resuscitated after cardiopulmonary arrest.
      In the multivariate analysis of the demographic data, the most predictive
      parameters for cardiac arrest and the clinical severity in EIs are the factors of
      electrical cables and water. CONCLUSIONS: Electrical injuries are a significant
      concern in the pediatric population. Our results showed that low voltage and
      household electricity could cause morbidity and mortality.

PMID- 27668918
TI  - Profile of Interfacility Emergency Department Transfers: Transferring Medical
      Providers and Reasons for Transfer.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the reasons for pediatric
      emergency department (ED) transfers and the professional characteristics of
      transferring providers. METHODS: We performed a multicenter, cross-sectional
      survey of ED medical providers transferring patients younger than 18 years to 1
      of 4 tertiary care children's hospitals. Referring providers completed surveys
      detailing the primary reasons for transfer and their medical training. RESULTS:
      The survey data were collected for 25 months, during which 641 medical providers
      completed 890 surveys, with an overall response rate of 25%. Most pediatric
      patients were seen by physicians (89.4%) with predominantly general emergency
      medicine training (64.2%). The median age of patients seen was 5.6 years. The 3
      most common diagnoses were closed extremity fracture (12.2%), appendicitis
      (11.6%), and pneumonia (3.7%). The 3 most common reasons for transfer were need
      for medical/surgical subspecialist consultation (62.6%), admission to the
      inpatient unit (17.1%), and admission to the intensive care unit (6.5%). When
      asked about the need for supportive pediatric services, referring providers
      ranked pediatric subspecialty and pediatric inpatient unit availability as the
      highest. CONCLUSIONS: Most pediatric interfacility ED transfers are referred by
      general emergency medicine physicians who often transfer for inpatient admission
      or subspecialty consultation. Understanding the needs of the community-based ED
      providers is an important step to forming more collaborative efforts for
      regionalized pediatric emergency care.

PMID- 27668919
TI  - The Utility of Bedside Lung Ultrasound Findings in Bronchiolitis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Recent literature suggests that bedside lung ultrasound may have a
      role in the evaluation of infants with bronchiolitis. B lines, which are multiple
      and diffuse vertical artifacts spreading from the lung pleural interface to the
      edge of the ultrasound screen, have been associated with thickened interlobular
      septa, extravascular lung water, and diffuse parenchymal disease. The aims of
      this study were (1) to describe the prevalence of B lines in children younger
      than 24 months presenting to the emergency department with wheezing, (2) to
      determine the interrater reliability of lung ultrasound findings in this setting,
      and (3) to determine the association of B lines with atopy and other clinical
      findings. METHODS: This was a pilot, prospective, observational study of a
      convenience sample of patients younger than 2 years presenting with wheezing to a
      large academic pediatric hospital emergency department. Investigators performed
      lung ultrasound examinations, and a second provider reviewed the ultrasound
      examinations to determine interrater reliability. We performed univariate
      analyses to test for associations between ultrasound findings and atopy, acute
      illness severity, age, and treatment response. RESULTS: Studies were obtained on
      29 patients (mean [SD] age, 291 [187] days; 62% male). Twenty-one patients (72%)
      had compact B lines. B lines were significantly associated with older age and an
      absence of atopic features. There was poor correlation of lung ultrasound
      examination interpretation among enrolling providers. CONCLUSIONS: In this small
      sample of patients with bronchiolitis, B lines were associated with older age and
      an absence of atopic features. Lung ultrasound interpretation had poor interrater
      reliability.

PMID- 27668920
TI  - Two-Thumb Encircling Technique Over the Head of Patients in the Setting of Lone
      Rescuer Infant CPR Occurred During Ambulance Transfer: A Crossover Simulation
      Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine if the over-the-head 2
      thumb encircling technique (OTTT) provides better overall quality of
      cardiopulmonary resuscitation compared with conventional 2-finger technique (TFT)
      for a lone rescuer in the setting of infant cardiac arrest in ambulance. METHODS:
      Fifty medical emergency service students were voluntarily recruited to perform
      lone rescuer infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation for 2 minutes on a manikin
      simulating a 3-month-old baby in an ambulance. Participants who performed OTTT
      sat over the head of manikins to compress the chest using a 2-thumb encircling
      technique and provide bag-valve mask ventilations, whereas those who performed
      TFT sat at the side of the manikins to compress using 2-fingers and provide
      pocket-mask ventilations. RESULTS: Mean hands-off time was not significantly
      different between OTTT and TFT (7.6 +/- 1.1 seconds vs 7.9 +/- 1.3 seconds, P =
      0.885). Over-the-head 2-thumb encircling technique resulted in greater depth of
      compression (42.6 +/- 1.4 mm vs 41.0 +/- 1.4 mm, P < 0.001) and faster rate of
      compressions (114.4 +/- 8.0 per minute vs 112.2 +/- 8.2 per minute, P = 0.019)
      than TFT. Over-the-head 2-thumb encircling technique resulted in a smaller
      fatigue score than TFT (1.7 +/- 1.5 vs 2.5 +/- 1.6, P < 0.001). In addition,
      subjects reported that compression, ventilation, and changing compression to
      ventilation were easier in OTTT than in TFT. CONCLUSIONS: The use of OTTT may be
      a suitable alternative to TFT in the setting of cardiac arrest of infants during
      ambulance transfer.

PMID- 27668921
TI  - Script Concordance Testing to Determine Infant Lumbar Puncture Practice
      Variation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Script concordance testing (SCT) is used to assess clinical decision
      making. We explore the use of SCT to (1) quantify practice variations in infant
      lumbar puncture (LP) and (2) analyze physician's characteristics affecting LP
      decision making. METHODS: Using standard SCT processes, a panel of pediatric
      subspecialty physicians constructed 15 infant LP case vignettes, each with 2 to 4
      SCT questions (a total of 47). The vignettes were distributed to pediatric
      attending physicians and fellows at 10 hospitals within the INSPIRE Network. We
      determined both raw scores (tendency to perform LP) and SCT scores (agreement
      with the reference panel) as well as the variation with participant factors.
      RESULTS: Two hundred twenty-six respondents completed all 47 SCT questions.
      Pediatric emergency medicine physicians tended to select LP more frequently than
      did general pediatricians, with pediatric emergency medicine physicians showing
      significantly higher raw scores (20.2 +/- 10.2) than general pediatricians (13 +/
      15; 95% confidence interval for difference, 1, 13). Concordance with the
      reference panel varied among subspecialties and by the frequency with which
      practitioners perform LPs in their practices. CONCLUSION: Script concordance
      testing questions can be used as a tool to detect subspecialty practice
      variation. We are able to detect significant practice variation in the self
      report of use of LP for infants among different pediatric subspecialties.

PMID- 27668922
TI  - System Stresses in 2 Pediatric Emergency Departments and 2 Pediatric Urgent Care
      Centers During the 2014 Enterovirus-D68 Outbreak.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the association of an unprecedented large-scale
      Enterovirus-D68 outbreak in 2014 with changes in patient volume and acuity and
      system stress in 2 pediatric emergency departments and 2 pediatric urgent care
      centers of a single children's hospital. METHODS: We compared measures of patient
      volume, acuity, and system stress during the 2014 Enterovirus-D68 outbreak and
      the corresponding dates of the previous year. RESULTS: Both settings experienced
      large census increases during the Enterovirus-D68 outbreak; patient census
      increased significantly more in the pediatric urgent care setting (20.3%) than in
      the pediatric emergency departments (14.3%). Both settings had significant
      increases in patient acuity. The proportion of pediatric emergency department
      patients requiring hospital admission increased; the proportion of patients who
      left the pediatric urgent care setting without being seen also increased.
      Although there was no emergency department inpatient boarding during the 2013
      comparison period, 4.4% of admitted patients required emergency department
      boarding during the 2014 outbreak. There was no significant change in the mean
      length of stay or the probability that patient admission was to the pediatric
      intensive care unit. CONCLUSIONS: Both the pediatric emergency departments and
      the pediatric urgent care centers experienced increased patient volumes and
      acuity and significant system stress in association with the 2014 Enterovirus-D68
      outbreak. These data will inform those planning resource allocation for future
      large-scale viral outbreaks.

PMID- 27668924
TI  - Improving Health-Related Quality of Life in Wounded Warriors: The Promising
      Benefits of Laser Hair Removal to the Residual Limb-Prosthetic Interface.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Wounded warriors with lower limb amputations using prosthetics
      commonly develop dermatologic complaints at the residual limb-prosthetic
      interface, which impact their health-related quality of life (HRQOL). To optimize
      this interface, military dermatologists routinely treat the subset of issues
      related to the pilosebaceous unit with laser hair removal (LHR). OBJECTIVE: To
      characterize the impact of residual limb skin conditions on HRQOL in wounded
      warriors using lower limb prosthetics before and after treatment with LHR.
      METHODS AND MATERIALS: Twenty wounded warriors with lower limb amputations using
      prosthetics were administered a validated HRQOL survey, the Skindex-16, before
      and after an average of 3 treatments of LHR to their residual lower limbs.
      Responses were statistically analyzed within the symptoms, emotions, and
      functioning subscales of the survey and in aggregate. RESULTS: Statistically
      significant (p < .05) improvement in HRQOL was observed across the symptoms,
      emotions, and functioning subscales and in aggregate. CONCLUSION: Dermatologic
      complaints at the residual limb-prosthetic interface in patients with traumatic
      lower limb amputation are well-established in the literature. The authors present
      the first report subjectively quantifying this impact on HRQOL and the marked
      improvement observed with LHR to the residual limb.

PMID- 27668923
TI  - Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia as the Etiology of
      Emergency Medical Services-Reported Traumatic Arrest.
AB  - A 13-year-old girl had a witnessed loss of consciousness after a scuffle with
      another student at school and was found in ventricular fibrillation at the time
      of arrival of emergency medical services personnel. The patient was successfully
      defibrillated in the field and was transported to the emergency department as a
      presumed "traumatic arrest". The patient's initial electrocardiogram was
      remarkable for a prolonged QT interval, and it was discovered that multiple
      family members had died of cardiac events as young adults. Genetic testing
      subsequently revealed a mutation in the RYR2 gene, which is implicated in
      catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.

PMID- 27668925
TI  - Consensus Recommendations for Combined Aesthetic Interventions Using Botulinum
      Toxin, Fillers, and Microfocused Ultrasound in the Neck, Decolletage, Hands, and
      Other Areas of the Body.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The popularity of aesthetic procedures in the face has led to greater
      disparity between treated areas and those that still show evidence of true age.
      Although many areas of the body often require multiple treatment procedures for
      optimal rejuvenation, combination therapy for specific areas is not yet well
      defined. OBJECTIVE: To develop recommendations for the optimal combination and
      ideal sequence of botulinum toxin (BoNT), hyaluronic acid, calcium
      hydroxylapatite (CaHA), and microfocused ultrasound with visualization in
      nonfacial areas across all skin phototypes. METHODS: Fifteen specialists convened
      under the guidance of a certified moderator. Consensus was defined as approval
      from 75% to 94% of all participants, whereas agreement of >=95% denoted a strong
      consensus. RESULTS: Recommendations have been provided for the neck, decolletage,
      and hands and include the timing and sequence of specific procedures when used
      concurrently or over several treatment sessions. Position statements are offered
      in lieu of consensus for the upper arms, abdomen, buttocks, and knees.
      CONCLUSION: Nonfacial rejuvenation often requires multiple procedures for optimal
      results in individuals with significant age-related changes. Further clinical
      studies are recommended to raise awareness of non-facial indications and provide
      clinicians with the best evidence for best treatment practices.

PMID- 27668926
TI  - Cotton plants export microRNAs to inhibit virulence gene expression in a fungal
      pathogen.
AB  - Plant pathogenic fungi represent the largest group of disease-causing agents on
      crop plants, and are a constant and major threat to agriculture worldwide. Recent
      studies have shown that engineered production of RNA interference (RNAi)-inducing
      dsRNA in host plants can trigger specific fungal gene silencing and confer
      resistance to fungal pathogens1-7. Although these findings illustrate efficient
      uptake of host RNAi triggers by pathogenic fungi, it is unknown whether or not
      such an uptake mechanism has been evolved for a natural biological function in
      fungus-host interactions. Here, we show that in response to infection with
      Verticillium dahliae (a vascular fungal pathogen responsible for devastating wilt
      diseases in many crops) cotton plants increase production of microRNA 166
      (miR166) and miR159 and export both to the fungal hyphae for specific silencing.
      We found that two V. dahliae genes encoding a Ca2+-dependent cysteine protease
      (Clp-1) and an isotrichodermin C-15 hydroxylase (HiC-15), and targeted by miR166
      and miR159, respectively, are both essential for fungal virulence. Notably, V.
      dahliae strains expressing either Clp-1 or HiC-15 rendered resistant to the
      respective miRNA exhibited drastically enhanced virulence in cotton plants.
      Together, our findings identify a novel defence strategy of host plants by
      exporting specific miRNAs to induce cross-kingdom gene silencing in pathogenic
      fungi and confer disease resistance.

PMID- 27668927
TI  - Characteristics Associated with Quality of Life in Long-Term Care Residents with
      Dementia: A Cross-Sectional Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To determine which characteristics are associated with quality of
      life (QOL) in residents with moderate to very severe dementia in long-term care
      facilities (LTCFs). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional analysis of
      a cluster randomized controlled study in 12 Dutch LTCFs that enrolled 288
      residents, with moderate to severe dementia assessed with the Reisberg Global
      Deterioration Scale (Reisberg GDS) and QOL with the QUALIDEM. Characteristics
      that were hypothesized to be associated with the six domains of QOL (applicable
      to very severe dementia) included demographic variables, activities of daily
      living (Katz ADL), cognitive performance (Cognitive Performance Scale; CPS), pain
      (Pain Assessment Checklist for Seniors with Limited Ability to Communicate;
      PACSLAC-D), neuropsychiatric symptoms (Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Nursing Home
      Version; NPI-NH) and comorbidities. RESULTS: Multivariate logistic regression
      modelling showed associations with age in the domain Social isolation [odds
      ratio, OR, 0.95 (95% confidence interval, CI, 0.91-0.99)], ADL level in the
      domain Positive affect [OR 0.89 (95% CI 0.83-0.95)] and the domain Social
      relations [OR 0.87 (95% CI 0.81-0.93)], severity of dementia in the domain Social
      relations [OR 0.28 (95% CI 0.12-0.62)] and in the domain Social isolation [OR
      2.10 (95% CI 1.17-3.78)], psychiatric disorders in the domain Positive affect [OR
      0.39 (95% CI 0.17-0.87)] and pulmonary diseases in the domain Negative affect [OR
      0.14 (95% CI 0.03-0.61)] of the QUALIDEM. Neuropsychiatric symptoms were
      independently associated with all six domains of the QUALIDEM [OR 0.93 (95% CI
      0.90-0.96) to OR 0.97 (95% CI 0.95-0.99)]. Pain was associated with the domains
      Care relationship [OR 0.92 (95% CI 0.84-1.00)] and Negative affect [OR 0.92 (95%
      CI 0.85-1.00)]. CONCLUSION: QOL in dementia is independently associated with age,
      ADL, dementia severity, pain, psychiatric disorders, pulmonary diseases and
      neuropsychiatric symptoms. It is possible to detect persons with dementia at risk
      for a lower QOL. This information is important for developing personalized
      interventions to improve QOL in persons with dementia in LTCFs.

PMID- 27668928
TI  - RESPONSIVENESS OF THE NATIONAL EYE INSTITUTE VISUAL FUNCTION QUESTIONNAIRE-25 TO
      VISUAL ACUITY GAINS IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETIC MACULAR EDEMA: Evidence From the
      RIDE and RISE Trials.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the responsiveness of the National Eye Institute Visual
      Function Questionnaire-25 (NEI VFQ-25) in patients with diabetic macular edema
      using data from the RIDE and RISE trials. METHODS: Patients were randomized to
      monthly intravitreal ranibizumab 0.3 mg, 0.5 mg, or sham injections for 2 years.
      The NEI VFQ-25 was administered at baseline and at Months 6, 12, 18, and 24. The
      least-squares mean change in NEI VFQ-25 for >=15 letters gained or lost was
      derived from analysis of covariance models. RESULTS: The mean improvement in NEI
      VFQ-25 composite score associated with a >=15-letter gain in best-corrected
      visual acuity over 24 months was 9.0 (95% confidence interval, 6.3-11.7) points
      in RIDE and 7.1 (95% confidence interval, 4.7-9.6) points in RISE. In patients
      who lost >=15 letters, the mean worsening in overall NEI VFQ-25 composite score
      was -6.6 (95% confidence interval, -13.6 to 0.5) in RIDE and -2.7 (95% confidence
      interval, -8.9 to 3.5) in RISE. CONCLUSION: This exploratory analysis of data
      from the RIDE and RISE studies supports the responsiveness of the NEI VFQ-25 to
      changes in best-corrected visual acuity over time in patients with diabetic
      macular edema.

PMID- 27668929
TI  - HYPERREFLECTIVE RETINAL SPOTS IN NORMAL AND DIABETIC EYES: B-Scan and En Face
      Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Evaluation.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate hyperreflective retinal spots (HRS), in normal subjects and
      diabetic patients without and with macular edema (diabetic macular edema, DME),
      on linear B-scans and corresponding en face image of spectral-domain optical
      coherence tomography. METHODS: Retrospective evaluation of images of 54
      eyes/subjects (16 normal subjects, 19 diabetic patients without DME, and 19 with
      DME). On horizontal B-scan spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, passing
      through the center of the fovea, the following characteristics of HRS were
      evaluated: location (inner retina or outer retina), size (<=30 or >30 MUm),
      reflectivity (similar to nerve fiber layer or to retinal pigment epithelium-Bruch
      complex), and presence or absence of back shadowing. On en face spectral-domain
      optical coherence tomography, the following patterns were evaluated: 1) isolated
      HRS (not corresponding to any visible lesion); 2) HRS corresponding to a segment
      of retinal capillary or microaneurysm wall; and 3) HRS corresponding to hard
      exudate. All gradings were performed twice by two graders in a masked fashion.
      RESULTS: Size <=30 MUm, reflectivity similar to nerve fiber layer, and absence of
      back shadowing were associated with absence of vessels or any other lesion on en
      face image (P = 0.0001 for all). Size >30 MUm, reflectivity similar to retinal
      pigment epithelium-Bruch complex, presence of back shadowing, and location in the
      outer retina were all associated with presence of hard exudate on en face imaging
      (P < 0.0001 for all). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that HRS
      present in the inner retina (P < 0.0001), size >30 MUm (P = 0.0029), and presence
      of back shadowing (P < 0.0001) are directly associated with presence of
      microaneurysms on en face image. Intragrader and intergrader repeatability were
      excellent for all evaluations. CONCLUSION: Hyperreflective retinal spots <=30
      MUm, reflectivity similar to nerve fiber layer, and absence of back shadowing may
      represent activated microglial cells; HRS >30 MUm, reflectivity similar to
      retinal pigment epithelium-Bruch complex, presence of back shadowing, and
      location in the outer retina may represent hard exudate; HRS >30 MUm, presence of
      back shadowing, and location in the inner retina may represent microaneurysms.
      These hypotheses may be tested in further studies.

PMID- 27668930
TI  - ANALYSIS OF PARS PLANA VITRECTOMY INCISIONS USING LIVE BACTERIA.
AB  - PURPOSE: To analyze small gauge pars plana vitrectomy sclerotomies using live
      bacteria transformed with green fluorescent protein (GFP). METHODS: Twenty-eight
      human cadaver eyes were specially harvested for this study. Small gauge
      vitrectomy was performed on each eye and the wounds were closed with various
      techniques (sutured, sutureless, and cauterization). Live Staphylococcus
      epidermidis that has been transformed with a green fluorescent protein was
      applied to the overlying conjunctival surface. Analysis of all vitreous samples
      was analyzed with confocal laser microscopy to identify the presence of bacteria.
      All wounds were analyzed histopathologically. RESULTS: A high concentration of
      bacteria was noted in 2 of 3 eyes in the sutureless, 23-G perpendicular incision
      group postinoculation. There were no bacteria detected in any postvitrectomy
      sample that were closed with cautery or a beveled incision. No bacteria were
      found in postvitrectomy samples of sutureless 27-G perpendicular incisions and
      sutureless 27-G beveled incisions. Finally, there were no bacteria detected in
      both eyes with 23-G perpendicular incisions that had a partial air-fill.
      CONCLUSION: Live bacteria can be effectively used to analyze wound integrity.
      Closing sclerotomy sites with cautery proved effective in a model using fresh,
      human cadaver eyes. 27-G perpendicular incisions may be just as competent as 27-G
      beveled incisions.

PMID- 27668931
TI  - Torpedo Maculopathy Presenting With a Vitelliform Lesion.

PMID- 27668932
TI  - Perfluorobutylpentane (F4H5) Solvent-Assisted Silicon Oil Removal Technique.

PMID- 27668933
TI  - Relationship satisfaction, PTSD symptom severity, and mental healthcare
      utilization among OEF/OIF veterans.
AB  - Despite the availability of evidence-based PTSD treatments at most facilities
      within the VA Healthcare System, most Iraq and Afghanistan veterans returning
      from deployments with posttraumatic stress symptoms do not receive an adequate
      dose of mental health treatment, prompting the need to identify potential
      barriers to or facilitators of mental health care utilization. Previous research
      demonstrated self-reported mental health care utilization in the prior year
      varies as a function of PTSD symptom severity, and the interaction of PTSD
      symptom severity and romantic relationship satisfaction (Meis et al., 2010). We
      extended these findings by objectively measuring the degree of utilization over a
      1-year period (i.e., number of sessions attended) in a sample of 130 Iraq and
      Afghanistan veterans who presented to primary care/deployment health and
      completed an initial mental health evaluation. Results indicated main and
      interactive effects of PTSD symptom severity and relationship satisfaction, such
      that greater PTSD symptom severity was associated with greater utilization at
      average to high relationship satisfaction (p < .05), but not low relationship
      satisfaction. Implications for future research and couple/family based
      interventions for veterans with PTSD are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27668934
TI  - Dyadic coping and salivary interleukin-6 responses to interpersonal stress.
AB  - Dysregulated immune responses to stress are a potential pathway linking close
      relationship processes to health, and couples' abilities to cope with stress
      together (dyadic coping) likely impact such immune responses. Most stress
      research has focused on immune reactivity, whereas knowledge of immune recovery
      remains limited. The present study examined how acute interpersonal stress
      affects immune reactivity and recovery, as well as whether dyadic coping
      moderates these effects. Healthy couples (N = 24) completed the Dyadic Coping
      Inventory and provided saliva samples 4 times each day for 5 days, including 2
      days before a laboratory dyadic stressor (discussing an area of disagreement),
      the day of, and 2 days after. Four additional saliva samples were taken
      throughout the laboratory stressor. Saliva samples were assayed for interleukin
      (IL)-6. Multilevel models that adjusted for demographic and health variables
      indicated that partners low in dyadic coping showed immune reactivity to the
      stressor whereas partners high in dyadic coping did not. Dyadic coping did not
      moderate immune recovery, which had occurred by 5 hr poststressor across all
      participants. Results suggest that partners low in dyadic coping show increased
      reactivity of immune responses to interpersonal stress. Enhancing dyadic coping
      in couples may impact not only their mental health and relationship quality, but
      also their risk of stress-related immune disorders. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27668935
TI  - Dual effects of carbon monoxide on pericytes and neurogenesis in traumatic brain
      injury.
AB  - At low levels, carbon monoxide (CO) has physiological roles as a second messenger
      and neuromodulator. Here we assess the effects of CO in a mouse model of
      traumatic brain injury (TBI). Treatment with CO-releasing molecule (CORM)-3
      reduced pericyte death and ameliorated the progression of neurological deficits.
      In contrast, although treatment with the radical scavenger N-tert-butyl-a
      phenylnitrone (PBN) also reduced pericyte death, neurological outcomes were not
      rescued. As compared to vehicle-treated control and PBN-treated mice, CORM-3
      treated mice showed higher levels of phosphorylated neural nitric oxide synthase
      within neural stem cells (NSCs). Inhibition of nitric oxide synthase diminished
      the CORM-3-mediated increase in the number of cells that stained positive for
      both the neuronal marker NeuN and 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU; a marker for
      proliferating cells) in vivo, consequently interfering with neurological recovery
      after TBI. Because NSCs seemed to be in close proximity to pericytes, we asked
      whether cross-talk between pericytes and NSCs was induced by CORM-3, thereby
      promoting neurogenesis. In pericyte cultures that were undergoing oxygen and
      glucose deprivation, conditioned cell culture medium collected after CORM-3
      treatment enhanced the in vitro differentiation of NSCs into mature neurons.
      Taken together, these findings suggest that CO treatment may provide a
      therapeutic approach for TBI by preventing pericyte death, rescuing cross-talk
      with NSCs and promoting neurogenesis.

PMID- 27668939
TI  - Development of a novel in silico model of zeta potential for metal oxide
      nanoparticles: a nano-QSPR approach.
AB  - Once released into the aquatic environment, nanoparticles (NPs) are expected to
      interact (e.g. dissolve, agglomerate/aggregate, settle), with important
      consequences for NP fate and toxicity. A clear understanding of how internal and
      environmental factors influence the NP toxicity and fate in the environment is
      still in its infancy. In this study, a quantitative structure-property
      relationship (QSPR) approach was employed to systematically explore factors that
      affect surface charge (zeta potential) under environmentally realistic
      conditions. The nano-QSPR model developed with multiple linear regression (MLR)
      was characterized by high robustness [Formula: see text] and external
      predictivity [Formula: see text] The results clearly showed that zeta potential
      values varied markedly as functions of the ionic radius of the metal atom in the
      metal oxides, confirming that agglomeration and the extent of release of free
      MexOy largely depend on their intrinsic properties. A developed nano-QSPR model
      was successfully applied to predict zeta potential in an ionized solution of NPs
      for which experimentally determined values of response have been unavailable.
      Hence, the application of our model is possible when the values of zeta potential
      in the ionized solution for metal oxide nanoparticles are undetermined, without
      the necessity of performing more time consuming and expensive experiments. We
      believe that our studies will be helpful in predicting the conditions under which
      MexOy is likely to become problematic for the environment and human health. 

PMID- 27668937
TI  - Efficient derivation of microglia-like cells from human pluripotent stem cells.
AB  - Microglia, the only lifelong resident immune cells of the central nervous system
      (CNS), are highly specialized macrophages that have been recognized to have a
      crucial role in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and
      adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). However, in contrast to other cell types of the human
      CNS, bona fide microglia have not yet been derived from cultured human
      pluripotent stem cells. Here we establish a robust and efficient protocol for the
      rapid production of microglia-like cells from human (h) embryonic stem (ES) and
      induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells that uses defined serum-free culture
      conditions. These in vitro pluripotent stem cell-derived microglia-like cells
      (termed pMGLs) faithfully recapitulate the expected ontogeny and characteristics
      of their in vivo counterparts, and they resemble primary fetal human and mouse
      microglia. We generated these cells from multiple disease-specific cell lines and
      find that pMGLs derived from an hES model of Rett syndrome are smaller than their
      isogenic controls. We further describe a platform to study the integration and
      live behavior of pMGLs in organotypic 3D cultures. This modular differentiation
      system allows for the study of microglia in highly defined conditions as they
      mature in response to developmentally relevant cues, and it provides a framework
      in which to study the long-term interactions of microglia residing in a tissue
      like environment.

PMID- 27668941
TI  - A Camptocormia Case Treated With Electroconvulsive Therapy.

PMID- 27668940
TI  - Evidence of the Key Role of H3O+ in Phospholipid Membrane Morphology.
AB  - This study explains the importance of the phosphate moiety and H3O+ in
      controlling the ionic flux through phospholipid membranes. We show that despite
      an increase in the H3O+ concentration when the pH is decreased, the level of
      ionic conduction through phospholipid bilayers is reduced. By modifying the lipid
      structure, we show the dominant determinant of membrane conduction is the
      hydrogen bonding between the phosphate oxygens on adjacent phospholipids. The
      modulation of conduction with pH is proposed to arise from the varying H3O+
      concentrations altering the molecular area per lipid and modifying the geometry
      of conductive defects already present in the membrane. Given the geometrical
      constraints that control the lipid phase structure of membranes, these area
      changes predict that organisms evolving in environments with different pHs will
      select for different phospholipid chain lengths, as is found for organisms near
      highly acidic volcanic vents (short chains) or in highly alkaline salt lakes
      (long chains). The stabilizing effect of the hydration shells around phosphate
      groups also accounts for the prevalence of phospholipids across biology.
      Measurement of ion permeation through lipid bilayers was made tractable using
      sparsely tethered bilayer lipid membranes with swept frequency electrical
      impedance spectroscopy and ramped dc amperometry. Additional evidence of the
      effect of a change in pH on lipid packing density is obtained from neutron
      reflectometry data of tethered membranes containing perdeuterated lipids.

PMID- 27668938
TI  - Dietary zinc alters the microbiota and decreases resistance to Clostridium
      difficile infection.
AB  - Clostridium difficile is the most commonly reported nosocomial pathogen in the
      United States and is an urgent public health concern worldwide. Over the past
      decade, incidence, severity and costs associated with C. difficile infection
      (CDI) have increased dramatically. CDI is most commonly initiated by antibiotic
      mediated disruption of the gut microbiota; however, non-antibiotic-associated CDI
      cases are well documented and on the rise. This suggests that unexplored
      environmental, nutrient and host factors probably influence CDI. Here we show
      that excess dietary zinc (Zn) substantially alters the gut microbiota and, in
      turn, reduces the minimum amount of antibiotics needed to confer susceptibility
      to CDI. In mice colonized with C. difficile, excess dietary Zn severely
      exacerbated C. difficile-associated disease by increasing toxin activity and
      altering the host immune response. In addition, we show that the Zn-binding S100
      protein calprotectin has antimicrobial effects against C. difficile and is an
      essential component of the innate immune response to CDI. Taken together, these
      data suggest that nutrient Zn levels have a key role in determining
      susceptibility to CDI and severity of disease, and that calprotectin-mediated
      metal limitation is an important factor in the host immune response to C.
      difficile.

PMID- 27668936
TI  - Determinants of HIV-1 broadly neutralizing antibody induction.
AB  - Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) are a focal component of HIV-1 vaccine
      design, yet basic aspects of their induction remain poorly understood. Here we
      report on viral, host and disease factors that steer bnAb evolution using the
      results of a systematic survey in 4,484 HIV-1-infected individuals that
      identified 239 bnAb inducers. We show that three parameters that reflect the
      exposure to antigen-viral load, length of untreated infection and viral diversity
      independently drive bnAb evolution. Notably, black participants showed
      significantly (P = 0.0086-0.038) higher rates of bnAb induction than white
      participants. Neutralization fingerprint analysis, which was used to delineate
      plasma specificity, identified strong virus subtype dependencies, with higher
      frequencies of CD4-binding-site bnAbs in infection with subtype B viruses (P =
      0.02) and higher frequencies of V2-glycan-specific bnAbs in infection with non
      subtype B viruses (P = 1 * 10-5). Thus, key host, disease and viral determinants,
      including subtype-specific envelope features that determine bnAb specificity,
      remain to be unraveled and harnessed for bnAb-based vaccine design.

PMID- 27668942
TI  - Clozapine-Resistant Schizophrenia Treated With Ultra-brief Pulse, Unilateral
      Electroconvulsive Therapy.

PMID- 27668943
TI  - Concomitant Anticonvulsants With Bitemporal Electroconvulsive Therapy: A
      Randomized Controlled Trial With Clinical and Neurobiological Application.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective treatment for major
      affective disorders. The combined use of ECT and anticonvulsant mood stabilizers
      is a common clinical scenario. There is dearth of systematic studies on the use
      of this combination with regard to clinical or cognitive outcomes.
      OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: We aimed to compare clinical improvement and cognitive
      adverse effects between patients who received only ECT versus those who received
      ECT and anticonvulsants. We hypothesized that improvement would be fastest in
      patients who received only ECT. METHODS: We conducted a randomized controlled
      trial in which patients prescribed ECT while being treated with anticonvulsants
      were randomized into 3 groups: full-dose (FD), half-dose (HD), and stop
      anticonvulsant. A blind rater assessed clinical improvement in patients using
      rating scales [Young's Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) and Clinical Global Impression]
      for clinical improvement and cognitive adverse effects (Postgraduate Institute
      memory scale). Analysis was done using mixed-effects modeling to delineate
      differences in clinical and cognitive outcomes across the 3 arms of the study
      over the course of ECT. RESULTS: Of the 54 patients recruited, 36 patients went
      into treatment allocation arms per the initial randomization plan. The main
      anticonvulsants prescribed were sodium valproate and carbamazepine. Patients in
      the 3 groups were comparable on clinical features. The most common diagnosis was
      bipolar affective disorder-with current episode of mania. Overall, there was no
      difference across the 3 groups in final clinical outcome scores (YMRS and
      Clinical Global Impression) when analyzed as intention to treat (ITT) or "as
      treated." In both analyses, group * time interaction was significant when
      comparing trend of YMRS scores between the FD anticonvulsant group and the HD
      group from baseline to last ECT (P = 0.0435 in ITT and P = 0.0055 in as treated).
      Patients in the FD group improved faster than those in the HD group. There were
      no differences across the 3 groups with regard to their cognitive adverse effects
      in the ITT analysis; "as-treated analysis" showed the HD patients to have
      performed poorly on some domains. Seizure parameters showed no significant
      difference across the 3 groups. CONCLUSION: This is a preliminary prospective
      study examining whether coprescription of anticonvulsants with ECT affected
      clinical or cognitive outcomes. The most important takeaway point from this study
      is the significant reduction in YMRS scores when ECT was given with FD
      anticonvulsant compared with halving the dose (HD) of anticonvulsant. This
      difference was shown in both ITT and as-treated analysis. There is a need for
      more prospective studies to examine this clinical question.

PMID- 27668944
TI  - Factors Related to the Changes in Quality of Life for Patients With Depression
      After an Acute Course of Electroconvulsive Therapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of electroconvulsive
      therapy (ECT) on quality of life (QOL), depressive symptoms, and functioning for
      patients with depression, and to explore the variables related to QOL changes.
      METHODS: Ninety-five inpatients with depression receiving at least 6 ECT sessions
      and completed all measures were included. Quality of life, symptom severity, and
      functioning were assessed using Short Form 36 (SF-36), the 17-item Hamilton
      Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD-17), and the Modified Work and Social
      Adjustment Scale (MWSAS), before and after ECT. The SF-36 includes 8 subscales,
      physical component summary (PCS), and mental component summary (MCS). Adverse
      effects after ECT, including headache, muscle pain, and nausea/vomiting, were
      also recorded. RESULTS: All 8 SF-36 subscales, PCS, MCS, HAMD-17, and MWSAS
      improved significantly after treatment. Using multiple linear regression
      analysis, MWSAS changes predicted PCS changes significantly after adjusting for
      baseline PCS. Similarly, using multiple linear regression analysis, MWSAS changes
      were significant variables associated with MCS changes after adjusting for ECT
      frequency, HAMD-17 changes, and baseline MCS. The ECT improved QOL, depressive
      symptoms, and functioning. CONCLUSIONS: Whether strategies to enhance functioning
      during an acute course of ECT could improve QOL is needed to be examined in a
      further study.

PMID- 27668946
TI  - Ti3+-Promoted High Oxygen-Reduction Activity of Pd Nanodots Supported by Black
      Titania Nanobelts.
AB  - One-dimensional nanocrystals favoring efficient charge transfer have attracted
      enormous attentions, and conductive nanobelts of black titania with a unique band
      structure and high electrical conductivity would be interestingly used in
      electrocatalysis. Here, Pd nanodots supported by two kinds of black titania, the
      oxygen-deficient titania (TiO2-x) and nitrogen-doped titania (TiO2-x:N), were
      synthesized as efficient composite catalysts for oxygen-reduction reaction (ORR).
      These composite catalysts show improved catalytic activity with lower
      overpotential and higher limited current, compared to the Pd nanodots supported
      on the white titania (Pd/TiO2). The improved activity is attributed to the
      relatively high conductivity of black titania nanobelts for efficient charge
      transfer (CT) between Ti3+ species and Pd nanodots. The CT process enhances the
      strong metal-support interaction (SMSI) between Pd and TiO2, which lowers the
      absorption energy of O2 on Pd and makes it more suitable for oxygen reduction.
      Because of the stronger interaction between Pd and support, the Pd/TiO2-x:N also
      shows excellent durability and immunity to methanol poisoning.

PMID- 27668947
TI  - Building Better Systems for Stroke: The Time Is Now.

PMID- 27668945
TI  - Cell cycle controls stress response and longevity in C. elegans.
AB  - Recent studies have revealed a variety of genes and mechanisms that influence the
      rate of aging progression. In this study, we identified cell cycle factors as
      potent regulators of health and longevity in C. elegans. Focusing on the cyclin
      dependent kinase 2 (cdk-2) and cyclin E (cye-1), we show that inhibition of cell
      cycle genes leads to tolerance towards environmental stress and longevity. The
      reproductive system is known as a key regulator of longevity in C. elegans. We
      uncovered the gonad as the central organ mediating the effects of cell cycle
      inhibition on lifespan. In particular, the proliferating germ cells were
      essential for conferring longevity. Steroid hormone signaling and the FOXO
      transcription factor DAF-16 were required for longevity associated with cell
      cycle inhibition. Furthermore, we discovered that SKN-1 (ortholog of mammalian
      Nrf proteins) activates protective gene expression and induces longevity when
      cell cycle genes are inactivated. We conclude that both, germline absence and
      inhibition through impairment of cell cycle machinery results in longevity
      through similar pathways. In addition, our studies suggest further roles of cell
      cycle genes beyond cell cycle progression and support the recently described
      connection of SKN-1/Nrf to signals deriving from the germline.

PMID- 27668949
TI  - E-Cigarettes, Youth, and the US Food and Drug Administration's "Deeming"
      Regulation.

PMID- 27668948
TI  - Improving Access to Effective Care for People With Mental Health and Substance
      Use Disorders.

PMID- 27668950
TI  - Merging Structural Information from X-ray Crystallography, Quantum Chemistry, and
      EXAFS Spectra: The Oxygen-Evolving Complex in PSII.
AB  - Structural data of the oxygen-evolving complex (OEC) in photosystem II (PSII)
      determined by X-ray crystallography, quantum chemistry (QC), and extended X-ray
      absorption fine structure (EXAFS) analyses are presently inconsistent. Therefore,
      a detailed study of what information can be gained about the OEC through a
      comparison of QC and crystallographic structure information combined with the
      information from range-extended EXAFS spectra was undertaken. An analysis for
      determining the precision of the atomic coordinates of the OEC by QC is carried
      out. OEC model structures based on crystallographic data that are obtained by QC
      from different research groups are compared with one another and with structures
      obtained by high-resolution crystallography. The theory of EXAFS spectra is
      summarized, and the application of EXAFS spectra to the experimental
      determination of the structure of the OEC is detailed. We discriminate three
      types of parameters entering the formula for the EXAFS spectrum: (1) model
      independent, predefined, and fixed; (2) model-dependent that can be computed or
      adjusted; and (3) model-dependent that must be adjusted. The information content
      of EXAFS spectra is estimated and is related to the precision of atomic
      coordinates and resolution power to discriminate different atom-pair distances of
      the OEC. It is demonstrated how a precise adjustment of atomic coordinates can
      yield a nearly perfect representation of the experimental OEC EXAFS spectrum, but
      at the expense of overfitting and losing the knowledge of the initial OEC model
      structure. Introducing a novel type of penalty function, it is shown that
      moderate adjustment of atomic coordinates to the EXAFS spectrum limited by
      constraints avoids overfitting and can be used to validate different OEC model
      structures. This technique is used to identify the OEC model structures whose
      computed OEC EXAFS spectra agree best with the measured spectrum. In this way,
      the most likely S-state and protonation pattern of the OEC for the most recent
      high-resolution crystal structure of PSII are determined. We find that the X-ray
      free-electron laser (XFEL) structure is indeed not significantly affected by
      exposure to XFEL pulses and thus results in a radiation-damage-free model of the
      OEC.

PMID- 27668951
TI  - Mueller matrix approach for probing multifractality in the underlying anisotropic
      connective tissue.
AB  - Spatial variation of refractive index (RI) in connective tissues exhibits
      multifractality, which encodes useful morphological and ultrastructural
      information about the disease. We present a spectral Mueller matrix (MM)-based
      approach in combination with multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis (MFDFA)
      to exclusively pick out the signature of the underlying connective tissue
      multifractality through the superficial epithelium layer. The method is based on
      inverse analysis on selected spectral scattering MM elements encoding the
      birefringence information on the anisotropic connective tissue. The light
      scattering spectra corresponding to the birefringence carrying MM elements are
      then subjected to the Born approximation-based Fourier domain preprocessing to
      extract ultrastructural RI fluctuations of anisotropic tissue. The extracted RI
      fluctuations are subsequently analyzed via MFDFA to yield the multifractal tissue
      parameters. The approach was experimentally validated on a simple tissue model
      comprising of TiO2 as scatterers of the superficial isotropic layer and rat tail
      collagen as an underlying anisotropic layer. Finally, the method enabled probing
      of precancer-related subtle alterations in underlying connective tissue
      ultrastructural multifractality from intact tissues.

PMID- 27668952
TI  - Evaluation of Raman spectroscopy in comparison to commonly performed dengue
      diagnostic tests.
AB  - This study demonstrates the evaluation of Raman spectroscopy as a rapid
      diagnostic test in comparison to commonly performed tests for an accurate
      detection of dengue fever in human blood sera. Blood samples of 104 suspected
      dengue patients collected from Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, have
      been used in this study. Out of 104 samples, 52 (50%) were positive based on
      immunoglobulin G (IgG), whereas 54 (52%) were positive based on immunoglobulin M
      (IgM) antibody tests. For the determination of the diagnostic capabilities of
      Raman spectroscopy, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and false positive rate
      have been calculated in comparison to normally performed IgM and IgG captured
      enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay tests. Accuracy, precision, specificity, and
      sensitivity for Raman spectroscopy in comparison to IgM were found to be 66%,
      70%, 72%, and 61%, whereas based on IgG they were 47%, 46%, 52%, and 43%,
      respectively.

PMID- 27668953
TI  - Milestones and Competency-Based Medical Education in Internal Medicine.

PMID- 27668954
TI  - Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals.

PMID- 27668956
TI  - Significant haze after photorefractive keratectomy in a cornea with previous
      arcuate keratotomy: June consultation #1.

PMID- 27668957
TI  - June consultation #2.

PMID- 27668955
TI  - Systems Strategies for Health Throughout the Life Course.

PMID- 27668958
TI  - June consultation #3.

PMID- 27668959
TI  - June consultation #4.

PMID- 27668960
TI  - June consultation #5.

PMID- 27668961
TI  - June consultation #6.

PMID- 27668962
TI  - June consultation #7.

PMID- 27668963
TI  - Isolation, Structure Elucidation, and Absolute Configuration of Highly Oxygenated
      Germacranolides from Carpesium cernuum.
AB  - The new highly oxygenated germacranolides cernuumolides A-J (1-10) and the known
      compounds 11-20 were isolated from Carpesium cernuum. Among these compounds, 1-4
      are 11-methoxymethylgermacranolides and 5-7 as well as 11-17 are 2,9-hemiacetal
      linked germacranolides. Their structures were elucidated using NMR and HRESIMS
      analyses, and X-ray diffraction studies were used to confirm the absolute
      configurations of 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, and 9. Cernuumolides A-J were evaluated for
      their in vitro cytotoxicity against the A549, HCT116, MDA-MB-231, and BEL7404
      cell lines, and 8 exhibited moderate cytotoxicity with IC50 values in the 0.87
      2.02 MUM range.

PMID- 27668964
TI  - A Nanoscale Tool for Photoacoustic-Based Measurements of Clotting Time and
      Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Heparin.
AB  - Heparin anticoagulation therapy is an indispensable feature of clinical care yet
      has a narrow therapeutic window and is the second most common intensive care unit
      (ICU) medication error. The active partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) monitors
      heparin but suffers from long turnaround times, a variable reference range,
      limited utility with low molecular weight heparin, and poor correlation to dose.
      Here, we describe a photoacoustic imaging technique to monitor heparin
      concentration using methylene blue as a simple and Federal Drug Administration
      approved contrast agent. We found a strong correlation between heparin
      concentration and photoacoustic signal measured in phosphate buffered saline
      (PBS) and blood. Clinically relevant heparin concentrations were detected in
      blood in 32 s with a detection limit of 0.28 U/mL. We validated this imaging
      approach by correlation to the aPTT (Pearson's r = 0.86; p < 0.05) as well as
      with protamine sulfate treatment. This technique also has good utility with low
      molecular weight heparin (enoxaparin) including a blood detection limit of 72
      MUg/mL. We then used these findings to create a nanoparticle-based hybrid
      material that can immobilize methylene blue for potential applications as a
      wearable/implantable heparin sensor to maintain drug levels in the therapeutic
      window. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first use of photoacoustics to
      image anticoagulation therapy with significant potential implications to the
      cardiovascular and surgical community.

PMID- 27668966
TI  - Discovery of a Small-Molecule Inhibitor of Protein-MicroRNA Interaction Using
      Binding Assay with a Site-Specifically Labeled Lin28.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression by targeting protein-coding
      transcripts that are involved in various cellular processes. Thus, miRNA
      biogenesis has been recognized as a novel therapeutic target. Especially, the let
      7 miRNA family is well-known for its tumor suppressor functions and is
      downregulated in many cancer cells. Lin28 protein binds to let-7 miRNA precursors
      to inhibit their maturation. Herein, we developed a FRET-based, high-throughput
      screening system to identify small-molecule inhibitors of the Lin28-let-7
      interaction. We employed unnatural amino acid mutagenesis and bioorthogonal
      chemistry for the site-specific fluorescent labeling of Lin28, which ensures the
      robustness and reliability of the FRET-based protein-miRNA binding assay. Using
      this direct binding assay, we identified an inhibitor of the oncogenic Lin28-let
      7 interaction. The inhibitor enhanced the production of let-7 miRNAs in Lin28
      expressing cancer cells and reduced the level of let-7 target oncogene products.

PMID- 27668965
TI  - Oxidative Damage of Biomolecules by the Environmental Pollutants NO2* and NO3*.
AB  - Air pollution is responsible for the premature death of about 7 million people
      every year. Ozone (O3) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2*) are the key gaseous pollutants
      in the troposphere, which predominantly result from combustion processes. Their
      inhalation leads to reactions with constituents in the airway surface fluids
      (ASF) of the respiratory tract and/or lungs. ASF contain small molecular-weight
      antioxidants, which protect the underlying epithelial cells against oxidative
      damage. When this defense system is overwhelmed, proteins and lipids present on
      cell surfaces or within the ASF become vulnerable to attack. The resulting highly
      reactive protein and lipid oxidation products could subsequently damage the
      epithelial cells through secondary reactions, thereby causing inflammation. While
      reactions of NO2* with biological molecules are considered to proceed through
      radical pathways, the biological effect of O3 is attributed to its high
      reactivity with pi systems. Because O3 and NO2* always coexist in the polluted
      ambient atmosphere, synergistic effects resulting from in situ formed strongly
      oxidizing nitrate radicals (NO3*) may also require consideration. For example, in
      vitro product studies revealed that phenylalanine, which is inert not only to
      oxidants produced through biochemical processes, but also to NO2* or O3 in
      isolation, is damaged by NO3*. The reaction is initiated by oxidation of the
      aromatic ring and, depending on the availability of NO2*, leads to formation of
      nitrophenylalanine or beta-nitrooxyphenylalanine, which could serve as marker for
      NO3*-induced oxidative damage in peptides. More easily oxidizable aromatic amino
      acids are directly attacked by NO2* and are converted to the same products
      independent of whether O3 is also present. Remarkably, NO2*-induced oxidative
      damage in peptides occurs not only through the well-established radical oxidation
      of peptide side chains, but also through an unprecedented
      fragmentation/rearrangement of the peptide backbone. This process is initiated by
      a nonradical N-nitrosation of a peptide bond involving the dimer of NO2*, i.e.,
      N2O4, and contracts the peptide chain in the N -> C direction by expelling one
      amino acid residue with simultaneous fusion of the remaining molecular termini,
      thereby forming a new peptide bond. This peptide cleavage could potentially be
      highly relevant for peptide segments with "nonvulnerable" side chains closer to
      the terminus that are not tied up in complex secondary and tertiary structures
      and therefore accessible for environmental oxidants. Likewise, NO2* reacts with
      cholesterol at the C?C moiety through an ionic mechanism, which leads to
      formation of 6-nitrocholesterol in the presence of moisture. Contrary to common
      belief, this clearly shows that ionic chemistry, in particular nitrosation
      reactions by intermediately formed NO+, requires consideration when assessing
      NO2* toxicity. This conclusion is supported by recent work by Colussi et al.
      (Enami, S.; Hoffmann, M. R.; Colussi, A. J. Absorption of inhaled NO2. J. Phys.
      Chem. B. 2009, 113, 7977-7981), who showed that anions in the airway surfaces
      fluids mediate NO2* absorption by catalyzing its hydrolytic disproportionation
      into NO2-/HNO2 and NO3-. These findings could be the key to our understanding why
      NO2*, despite its low water solubility, has such pronounced biological effects in
      vivo.

PMID- 27668967
TI  - Achieving High Energy Density in PVDF-Based Polymer Blends: Suppression of Early
      Polarization Saturation and Enhancement of Breakdown Strength.
AB  - Polymers with high dielectric strength and favorable flexibility have been
      considered promising materials for dielectrics and energy storage applications,
      while the achievable energy density (Ue) of polymer is rather limited by the
      intrinsic low dielectric constant and ferroelectric hysteresis. Polyvinylidene
      fluoride-trifluoroethylene-chlorofluoroethylene (P(VDF-TrFE-CFE)) with ultrahigh
      epsilonr of >50 is considered promising in achieving high Ue of polymer
      dielectrics. However, P(VDF-TrFE-CFE) only exhibits moderate Ue due to the early
      saturation of electrical polarization at low electric field. In this
      contribution, we show that, by blending P(VDF-TrFE-CFE) with polyvinylidene
      fluoride (PVDF), the early saturation of P(VDF-TrFE-CFE) is substantially
      suppressed, giving rise to concomitant enhancement of dielectric permittivity and
      breakdown strength. An ultrahigh energy density of 19.6 J/cm3 is thus achieved at
      ~640 kV/mm, which is 1600% greater than Ue of the benchmark biaxially oriented
      polypropylene (BOPP, 1.2 J/cm3 at 640 kV/mm). Results of phase field simulations
      reveal that the interfaces between PVDF and P(VDF-TrFE-CFE) play a critical role
      by not only suppressing early saturation of electrical polarization in P(VDF-TrFE
      CFE) but also inducing additional interfacial polarization. Binary phase diagram
      of P(VDF-TrFE-CFE)/PVDF blends is also systematically explored with their
      dielectric and energy storage behavior studied.

PMID- 27668969
TI  - The Grim Reaper, Hounds of Hell, and Dr. Death: The Role of Storytelling for
      Palliative Care in Competing Medical Meaning Systems.
AB  - Palliative care (PC) is a medical specialty that strives to fulfill the physical,
      psychosocial, emotional, practical, and spiritual needs of individuals at end of
      life or in tandem with curative treatment. Although exponentially rising in use
      and beneficial to patient well-being at end of life, the purpose of PC is often
      misunderstood and those providing its services frequently report resistance from
      organizational members. Such resistance can be attributed to tensions between
      traditional biomedical models of medicine that privilege curative treatment and
      biosocial models of medicine that holistically care for patients. Thus, this
      study addresses what tensions PC providers experience in their institutions and
      what communicative strategies they use at the interpersonal level in managing
      those tensions. Using structuration theory in tandem with relational dialectics
      theory, we inductively analyzed semistructured interviews with 24 Circle of Life
      award-winning PC providers. Findings indicate two dialectics experienced by PC
      providers in their institutions: the living-dying dialectic and the practicing
      advocating dialectic. We conclude that these interpersonal dialectics emerge
      through interaction in competing medical meaning systems and found that
      storytelling was a particularly salient form of communication that participants
      used for management.

PMID- 27668968
TI  - Water-Soluble and Highly Luminescent Europium(III) Complexes with Favorable
      Photostability and Sensitive pH Response Behavior.
AB  - Two highly luminescent and water-soluble Eu(III) complexes, Eu1 and Eu2, based on
      novel carboxyl-functionalized 1,5-naphthyridine derivatives 8-hydroxy-1,5
      naphthyridine-2-carboxylic acid (H2L1) and 7-cyano-8-hydroxy-1,5-naphthyridine-2
      carboxylic acid (H2L2), respectively, are designed and synthesized. The crystal
      structure of Eu2 indicates that the central Eu(III) ion is nine-coordinated by
      three tridentate ligands (O^N^O). Both Eu1 and Eu2 show strong luminescence in
      aqueous solution with quantum yields (lifetimes) of 28% (1.1 ms) and 14% (0.76
      ms), respectively. The chelates display unique UV-light stability in solution and
      remain highly emissive after 100 min of strong UV irradiation (~300 W.m-2 at 345
      nm). Moreover, they exhibit reversible luminescence intensity changes with varied
      pH values, and the response mechanism is investigated. "Turn-on" of the Eu(III)
      emission upon increasing pH is realized by ligand structure change from keto to
      enol anion form, resulting in red-shifted absorption band and suppressed
      quenching from solvents and N-H vibration upon deprotonating. The results show
      that these novel Eu(III) complexes are quite intriguing for potential application
      as bioimaging agents and pH probes.

PMID- 27668970
TI  - Integrating the Principles of Socioecology and Critical Pedagogy for Health
      Promotion Health Literacy Interventions.
AB  - While health literacy research has experienced tremendous growth in the last two
      decades, the field still struggles to devise interventions that lead to lasting
      change. Most health literacy interventions are at the individual level and focus
      on resolving clinician-patient communication difficulties. As a result, the
      interventions use a deficit model that treats health literacy as a patient
      problem that needs to be fixed or circumvented. We propose that public health
      health literacy interventions integrate the principles of socioecology and
      critical pedagogy to develop interventions that build capacity and empower
      individuals and communities. Socioecology operates on the premise that health
      outcome is hinged on the interplay between individuals and their environment.
      Critical pedagogy assumes education is inherently political, and the ultimate
      goal of education is social change. Integrating these two approaches will provide
      a useful frame in which to develop interventions that move beyond the individual
      level.

PMID- 27668971
TI  - Serum B-cell activating factor predicts prognosis in nasal type, extranodal NK/T
      cell lymphoma.
AB  - B-cell activating factor (BAFF) plays important roles in a variety of lymphoid
      malignancies. Compared with healthy adults, patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma
      had higher level of serum BAFF, and it corresponded with disease severity,
      response for therapy and clinical outcome. Latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1)
      encoded by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) which is a known agent of nasal, extranodal
      NK/T cell lymphoma (ENKTCL) can switch the BAFF activating promoter leading to
      higher expression of BAFF in EBV-related tumor cells. However, the relationship
      between BAFF and ENKTCL has not been reported. Here we proposed a hypothesis that
      BAFF might play a regulatory role in ENKTCL development and maintenance. Our
      results showed that serum BAFF in ENKTCL patients was significantly higher than
      that in control group and negatively correlated with patients' survival. It may
      be a valuable prognostic factor and deserved further study.

PMID- 27668972
TI  - Antenatal glucocorticoids and neonatal inflammation-associated proteins.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To date, studies of the relationship between antenatal
      glucocorticoids (AGC) and neonatal inflammation in preterm newborns have been
      largely limited to umbilical cord blood specimens. AIM: To explore the
      association between exposure to antenatal glucocorticoids and concentrations of
      inflammation-related proteins in whole blood collected from very preterm newborns
      at multiple times during the first postnatal month. METHODS: We measured the
      protein concentrations on postnatal day 1 (N=1118), day 7 (N=1138), day 14
      (N=1030), day 21 (N=936) and day 28 (N=877) from infants born before the 28th
      week of gestation and explored the relationship between antenatal steroid receipt
      and protein concentrations in the highest and lowest quartiles. The creation of
      multinomial logistic regression models (adjusted for potential confounders)
      allowed us calculate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Twenty of
      420 assessments [21 (proteins)*2 (exposure levels: partial and full)*2 (quartile
      levels: top and bottom)*5 (days)] were statistically significant without any
      cohesive pattern. CONCLUSION: Among infants born before 28 weeks of gestational
      age, neither full, nor partial courses of antenatal glucocorticoids have a
      sustained anti-inflammatory effect.

PMID- 27668973
TI  - Evaluation of a Mobile Health Approach to Tuberculosis Contact Tracing in
      Botswana.
AB  - Tuberculosis (TB) contact tracing is typically conducted in resource-limited
      settings with paper forms, but this approach may be limited by inefficiencies in
      data collection, storage, and retrieval and poor data quality. In Botswana, we
      developed, piloted, and evaluated a mobile health (mHealth) approach to TB
      contact tracing that replaced the paper form-based approach for a period of six
      months. For both approaches, we compared the time required to complete TB contact
      tracing and the quality of data collected. For the mHealth approach, we also
      administered the Computer System Usability Questionnaire to 2 health care workers
      who used the new approach, and we identified and addressed operational
      considerations for implementation. Compared to the paper form-based approach, the
      mHealth approach reduced the median time required to complete TB contact tracing
      and improved data quality. The mHealth approach also had favorable overall
      rating, system usefulness, information quality, and interface quality scores on
      the Computer System Usability Questionnaire. Overall, the mHealth approach to TB
      contact tracing improved on the paper form-based approach used in Botswana. This
      new approach may similarly benefit TB contact tracing efforts in other resource
      limited settings.

PMID- 27668976
TI  - Population-based norms in crisis.

PMID- 27668974
TI  - A Study of VITOM in Pediatric Surgery and Urology: Evaluation of Technology
      Acceptance and Usability by Operating Team and Surgeon Musculoskeletal
      Discomfort.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We studied operating team acceptability of Video Telescopic Monitor
      (VITOM(r)) exoscope by exploring the ease of use of the device in two centers. We
      also assessed factors affecting surgeon musculoskeletal discomfort. METHODS: We
      focused on how the operating team interacted with the VITOM system with surrogate
      measures of usefulness, image quality, ease of use, workload, and setup time.
      Multivariable linear regression was used to model the relationships between team
      role, experience, and setup time. Relationships between localized musculoskeletal
      discomfort and use of VITOM alone, and with loupes, were also analyzed. RESULTS:
      Four surgeons, 7 surgical techs, 7 circulating nurses, and 13 surgical residents
      performed 70 pediatric surgical and urological operations. We found that
      subjective views of each team member were consistently positive with 69%-74%
      agreed or strongly agreed that VITOM enhanced their ability to perform their job
      and improved the surgical process. Unexpectedly, the scrub techs and nurses
      perceived more value and utility of VITOM, presumably because it provides them a
      view of the operative field that would otherwise be unavailable to them. Team
      members rated perceptions of image quality highly and workload generally
      satisfactory. Not surprisingly, setup time decreased with team experience and
      multivariable modeling showed significant correlations with surgeon and surgical
      tech experience, but not circulating nurse. An important finding was that surgeon
      neck discomfort was reduced with use of VITOM alone for magnification, compared
      with use of loupes and VITOM. The most likely explanation for these findings is
      improved posture with the neck at a neutral position when viewing the VITOM
      images, compared with neck flexion with loupes, and thus, a less favorable
      ergonomic position. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that there may be small
      drawbacks associated with VITOM use initially, but these reduce with increased
      experience and benefit both the surgeon and the rest of the team.

PMID- 27668975
TI  - Discharge Education on Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Provided by Nurses to
      Women in the Postpartum Period.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore what types of educational materials and discharge
      information are currently used by postpartum nurses to educate women about the
      warning signs of postpartum complications to determine what key messages should
      be presented to women after birth and before discharge. DESIGN: Exploratory
      qualitative. SETTING: Six hospitals located in New Jersey and Georgia.
      PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-two nurses. METHODS: Six focus group discussions were
      conducted using a semistructured interview guide to elicit data on how and what
      nurses taught women about maternal post-birth warning signs. The focus group
      discussions were audiotaped, transcribed, coded, and clustered into categories.
      RESULTS: Most nurses described some of the warning signs related to maternal
      morbidity and mortality to the women; however, these elements were not the
      primary focus of the education throughout the hospital stay and were most often
      discussed on the day of discharge. Nurses also did not consistently describe the
      same signs and symptoms of the warning signs with each and every woman. The
      primary mechanism for education consisted of individualized instruction with
      booklets or folders of information. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that
      improvements may be needed in how nurses educate women who just gave birth about
      the most common post-birth warning signs before they are discharged from the
      hospital. These findings also suggest that nurses need more information and
      guidance on how to teach all women about the post-birth warning signs.

PMID- 27668977
TI  - A new assessment tool for patients with multiple sclerosis from Spanish-speaking
      countries: validation of the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for MS
      (BICAMS) in Argentina.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis
      (BICAMS) is an international assessment tool for monitoring cognitive function in
      multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. BICAMS comprises the Symbol Digit Modalities
      Test (SDMT), the California Verbal Learning Test - Second Edition (CVLT II) and
      the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test - Revised (BVMT-R). Our objective was to
      validate and assess the reliability of BICAMS as applied in Argentina and to
      obtain normative data in Spanish for this population. METHOD: The sample composed
      of 50 MS patients and 100 healthy controls (HC). In order to test its
      reliability, BICAMS was re-administered in a subset of 25 patients. RESULTS: The
      sample's average age was 43.42 +/- 10.17 years old, and average years of
      schooling were 14.86 +/- 2.78. About 74% of the participants were women. The
      groups did not differ in age, years of schooling, or gender. The MS group
      performed significantly worse than the HC group across the three
      neuropsychological tests, yielding the following Cohen's d values: SDMT: .85;
      CVLT I: .87; and BVMT-R: .40. The mean raw scores for Argentina normative data
      were as follows: SDMT: 56.71 +/- 10.85; CVLT I: 60.88 +/- 10.46; and BVMT-R:
      23.44 +/- 5.84. Finally, test-retest reliability coefficients for each test were
      as follows: SDMT: r = .95; CVLT I: r = .87; and BVMT-R: r = .82. CONCLUSION: This
      BICAMS version is reliable and useful as a monitoring tool for identifying MS
      patients with cognitive impairment.

PMID- 27668978
TI  - Ultrasound versus MRI in common fibular neuropathy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We prospectively compared ultrasound (US) and MRI in patients with
      common fibular neuropathy. METHODS: Forty adult patients with clinical suspicion
      of common fibular neuropathy and 40 healthy controls underwent both US and MRI.
      US and MRI datasets were randomized for prospective reading. RESULTS: The overall
      sensitivity of US and MRI for diagnosing fibular neuropathy was 90% (95%
      confidence interval [CI], 79.7%-97.3%) and 87.5% (95% CI, 71.55%-93.1%),
      respectively. The overall specificity of US and MRI was 92% (95% CI, 77.45%
      96.1%) and 85% (95% CI, 73.3%-94.4%), respectively. The overall sensitivity and
      specificity of US combined with MRI were 94% (95% CI, 0.80%-0.99%) and 84% (95%
      CI, 0.70%-0.91%), respectively. Overall intra- and inter-observer agreements
      among 3 readers were 0.76% (95% CI, 0.62%-0.85%) and 0.74% (95% CI, 0.65%-0.81%).
      CONCLUSIONS: US diagnostic accuracy for common fibular neuropathy was slightly
      higher than that of MRI. Muscle Nerve 55: 849-857, 2017.

PMID- 27668979
TI  - ERG6 gene deletion modifies Kluyveromyces lactis susceptibility to various growth
      inhibitors.
AB  - The ERG6 gene encodes an S-adenosylmethionine dependent sterol C-24
      methyltransferase in the ergosterol biosynthetic pathway. In this work we report
      the results of functional analysis of the Kluyveromyces lactis ERG6 gene. We
      cloned the KlERG6 gene, which was able to complement the erg6Delta mutation in
      both K. lactis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The lack of ergosterol in the Klerg6
      deletion mutant was accompanied by increased expression of genes encoding the
      last steps of the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway as well as the KlPDR5 gene
      encoding an ABC transporter. The Klerg6Delta mutation resulted in reduced cell
      susceptibility to amphotericin B, nystatin and pimaricin and increased
      susceptibility to azole antifungals, fluphenazine, terbinafine, brefeldin A and
      caffeine. The susceptibility phenotype was suppressed by the KlPDR16 gene
      encoding one of the phosphatidylinositol transfer proteins belonging to the Sec14
      family. Decreased activity of KlPdr5p in Klerg6Delta mutant (measured as the
      ability to efflux rhodamine 6G) together with increased amount of KlPDR5 mRNA
      suggest that the zymosterol which accumulates in the Klerg6Delta mutant may not
      fully compensate for ergosterol in the membrane targeting of efflux pumps. These
      results point to the fact that defects in sterol transmethylation appear to cause
      a multitude of physiological effects in K. lactis cells. Copyright (c) 2016 John
      Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27668980
TI  - VEGF-A and VEGFR1 SNPs associate with preeclampsia in a Philippine population.
AB  - The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family is important for
      establishing normal pregnancy, and related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)
      are implicated in abnormal placentation and preeclampsia. We evaluated the
      association between preeclampsia and several VEGF SNPs among Filipinos, an
      ethnically distinct group with high prevalence of preeclampsia. The genotypes and
      allelic variants were determined in a case-control study (191 controls and 165
      preeclampsia patients) through SNP analysis of VEGF-A (rs2010963, rs3025039) and
      VEGF-C (rs7664413) and their corresponding receptors VEGFR1 (rs722503,
      rs12584067, rs7335588) and VEGFR3 (rs307826) from venous blood DNA. VEGF-A
      rs3025039 C allele has been shown to associate with preeclampsia (odds ratio of
      1.648 (1.03-2.62)), while the T allele bestowed an additive effect for the
      maintenance of normal, uncomplicated pregnancy and against the development of
      preeclampsia (odds ratio of 0.62 (0.39-0.98)). VEGFR1 rs722503 is associated with
      preeclampsia occurring at or after the age of 40 years. The results showed that
      genetic variability of VEGF-A and VEGFR1 are important in the etiology of
      preeclampsia among Filipinos.

PMID- 27668981
TI  - Stability of FeNO and airway hyperresponsiveness to mannitol in untreated
      asthmatics.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Airway hyperresponsiveness and airway inflammation are important
      hallmarks of asthma and are useful in asthma diagnosing, monitoring and
      treatment. The aim of the study was to assess whether two commonly used clinical
      tests, the mannitol challenge and Fraction of exhaled NO (FeNO), were stable
      clinical indicators over time in stable untreated asthmatics. METHODS: 54 non
      smoking, asthma patients not treated with steroids were enrolled in the study and
      assessed at baseline and a median of 6 months later. At baseline and follow-up,
      FeNO and airway hyperesponsiveness to mannitol were measured, and asthma control
      was assessed with the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ). RESULTS: A total of 41
      subjects completed both visits. Mean (SD) FEV1% at baseline was 94.1% (17.7) and
      at re-examination 94.6% (19.7) (ns). The ACQ score was unchanged from baseline
      (Mean (SD): 0.90 (+/- 0.73)) to follow-up 0.90 (+/- 0.74) (ns), as was the FEV1%
      (94.1% (+/-17.1%) vs 94.6% (19.7%)(ns) indicating that patients were clinically
      stable during follow-up. The response to mannitol was unchanged at follow-up
      (Geometric mean (CI) of Response Dose Ratio (RDR) to mannitol: 0.026(0.013-0.046)
      vs 0.026(0.012-0.050) (ns). There was a slight decrease in FeNO at follow-up
      (25.5 ppb (19.7-32.9) to 21.9 ppb (17.1-28.2) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In
      steroid-free non-smoking asthmatics with constant symptom scores and lung
      function, airway responsiveness to mannitol remained at the same level over a
      period of months, while a minor change in exhaled FeNO was reported. These
      results suggest that mannitol is a stable, reliable marker of clinical disease
      activity.

PMID- 27668982
TI  - Differences in Symptom Distress Based on Gender and Palliative Care Designation
      Among Hospitalized Patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: To explore patient-reported symptom distress in relation to
      documentation of symptoms and palliative care designation in hospital inpatients.
      DESIGN: This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 710 inpatients at two large
      hospitals in Sweden using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale and the Memorial
      Symptom Assessment Scale. Chart reviews focused on nurses' and physicians'
      symptom documentation and palliative turning point. METHODS: Descriptive
      statistics were calculated for all variables and provided summaries about the
      sample. Patients were grouped according to gender, age, palliative care
      designation, and symptom documentation. The t test and chi-square test were used
      to calculate whether symptom distress varied between groups. A two-way analysis
      of variance was conducted for multiple comparisons to explore the impact of
      gender and age on mean symptom distress. FINDINGS: Females reported higher levels
      of symptom distress than did males related to pain, fatigue, and nausea. When
      comparing symptom distress between males and females with documentation
      pertaining to symptoms, there were significant differences implying that females
      had to report higher levels of symptom distress than males in order to have their
      symptoms documented. CONCLUSIONS: Females need to report higher levels of symptom
      distress than do males for healthcare professionals to identify and document
      their symptoms. It can be hypothesized that females are not receiving the same
      attention and symptom alleviation as men. If so, this highlights a serious
      inequality in care that requires further exploration. CLINICAL RELEVANCE:
      Considering that common reasons why people seek health care are troublesome
      symptoms of illness, and that the clinical and demographic characteristics of
      inpatients are changing towards more advanced ages with serious illnesses,
      inadequate symptom assessment and management are a serious threat to the care
      quality.

PMID- 27668983
TI  - CAZyme content of Pochonia chlamydosporia reflects that chitin and chitosan
      modification are involved in nematode parasitism.
AB  - Pochonia chlamydosporia is a soil fungus with a multitrophic lifestyle combining
      endophytic and saprophytic behaviors, in addition to a nematophagous activity
      directed against eggs of root-knot and other plant parasitic nematodes. The
      carbohydrate-active enzymes encoded by the genome of P. chlamydosporia suggest
      that the endophytic and saprophytic lifestyles make use of a plant cell wall
      polysaccharide degradation machinery that can target cellulose, xylan and, to a
      lesser extent, pectin. This enzymatic machinery is completed by a chitin
      breakdown system that involves not only chitinases, but also chitin deacetylases
      and a large number of chitosanases. P. chlamydosporia can degrade and grow on
      chitin and is particularly efficient on chitosan. The relevance of chitosan
      breakdown during nematode egg infection is supported by the immunolocalization of
      chitosan in Meloidogyne javanica eggs infected by P. chlamydosporia and by the
      fact that the fungus expresses chitosanase and chitin deacetylase genes during
      egg infection. This suggests that these enzymes are important for the
      nematophagous activity of the fungus and they are targets for improving the
      capabilities of P. chlamydosporia as a biocontrol agent in agriculture.

PMID- 27668985
TI  - Severe Traumatic Brain Injury In Children: An Evidence-Based Review Of Emergency
      Department Management.
AB  - More than 1.7 million traumatic brain injuries occur in adults and children each
      year in the United States, with approximately 30% occurring in children aged < 14
      years. Traumatic brain injury is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality
      in pediatric trauma patients. Early identification and management of severe
      traumatic brain injury is crucial in decreasing the risk of secondary brain
      injury and optimizing outcome. The main focus for early management of severe
      traumatic brain injury is to mitigate and prevent secondary injury, specifically
      by avoiding hypotension and hypoxia, which have been associated with poorer
      outcomes. This issue discusses methods to maintain adequate oxygenation, maximize
      management of intracranial hypertension, and optimize blood pressure in the
      emergency department to improve neurologic outcomes following pediatric severe
      traumatic brain injury.

PMID- 27668984
TI  - Deletion of AMPKalpha1 attenuates the anticontractile effect of perivascular
      adipose tissue (PVAT) and reduces adiponectin release.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) surrounds most blood
      vessels and secretes numerous active substances, including adiponectin, which
      produce a net anticontractile effect in healthy individuals. AMPK is a key
      mediator of cellular energy balance and may mediate the vascular effects of
      adiponectin. In this study, we investigated the role of AMPK within PVAT in
      mediating the anticontractile effect of PVAT. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Endothelium
      denuded aortic rings from wild-type (WT; Sv129) and alpha1 AMPK knockout (KO)
      mice were mounted on a wire myograph. Dose-response curves to the AMPK
      independent vasodilator cromakalim were studied in vessels with and without PVAT,
      and effect of pre-incubation with conditioned media and adiponectin on relaxation
      was also studied. The effect of AMPKalpha1 KO on the secretory profile of PVAT
      was assessed by elisa. KEY RESULTS: Thoracic aortic PVAT from KO mice was
      morphologically indistinct from that of WT and primarily composed of brown
      adipose tissue. PVAT augmented relaxation to cromakalim in WT but not KO aortic
      rings. Addition of WT PVAT augmented relaxation in KO aortic rings but KO PVAT
      had no effect in WT rings. PVAT from KO mice secreted significantly less
      adiponectin and addition of adiponectin to either KO or WT aortic rings without
      PVAT augmented relaxation to cromakalim. An adiponectin blocking peptide
      significantly attenuated relaxation in WT rings with PVAT but not in KO rings.
      CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: AMPKalpha1 has a critical role in maintaining the
      anticontractile actions of PVAT; an effect independent of the endothelium but
      likely mediated through altered adiponectin secretion or sensitivity. LINKED
      ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed section on Molecular Mechanisms
      Regulating Perivascular Adipose Tissue - Potential Pharmacological Targets? To
      view the other articles in this section visit
      http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.20/issuetoc.

PMID- 27668986
TI  - Estimation of heritability for nine common cancers using data from genome-wide
      association studies in Chinese population.
AB  - The familial aggregation indicated the inheritance of cancer risk. Recent genome
      wide association studies (GWASs) have identified a number of common single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Following heritability analyses have shown that
      SNPs could explain a moderate amount of variance for different cancer phenotypes
      among Caucasians. However, little information was available in Chinese
      population. We performed a genome-wide complex trait analysis for common cancers
      at nine anatomical sites in Chinese population (14,629 cancer cases vs. 17,554
      controls) and estimated the heritability of these cancers based on the common
      SNPs. We found that common SNPs explained certain amount of heritability with
      significance for all nine cancer sites: gastric cancer (20.26%), esophageal
      squamous cell carcinoma (19.86%), colorectal cancer (16.30%), lung cancer (LC)
      (15.17%), and epithelial ovarian cancer (13.31%), and a similar heritability
      around 10% for hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma, prostate
      cancer, breast cancer and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. We found that nearly or less
      than 25% change was shown when removing the regions expanding 250 kb or 500 kb
      upward and downward of the GWAS-reported SNPs. We also found strong linear
      correlations between variance partitioned by each chromosome and chromosomal
      length only for LC (R2  = 0.641, p = 0.001) and esophageal squamous cell cancer
      (R2  = 0.633, p = 0.002), which implied us the complex heterogeneity of cancers.
      These results indicate polygenic genetic architecture of the nine common cancers
      in Chinese population. Further efforts should be made to discover the hidden
      heritability of different cancer types among Chinese.

PMID- 27668987
TI  - Ingredients for a Dutch radon action plan, based on a national survey in more
      than 2500 dwellings.
AB  - A new Euratom directive demands that Member States establish a national action
      plan for indoor radon. Important requirements are a national reference level for
      the radon concentration in dwellings, actions to identify dwellings with radon
      concentrations that might exceed this reference level and the encouragement of
      appropriate measures to reduce the radon concentrations in dwellings where these
      are high. This paper provides ingredients and recommendations for a national
      action plan for radon in dwellings, applicable to the Netherlands. The approach
      presented here, which may serve as a model for other countries or regions with a
      comparatively favourable indoor radon situation, is based on the analysis of
      radon data from a national survey in more than 2500 Dutch dwellings, built since
      1930. The annual average activity concentration of radon in dwellings in the
      Netherlands equals 15.6 +/- 0.3 Bq m-3. The 50th and 95th percentiles were found
      to be 12.2 and 38.0 Bq m-3, respectively. In 0.4 per cent of the dwellings we
      found values above 100 Bq m-3. Radon concentrations showed correlations with type
      of dwelling, year of construction, ventilation system, soil type and smoking
      behaviour of inhabitants. The survey data suggest that it is feasible for the
      Netherlands to adopt a national reference level for radon in dwellings of 100 Bq
      m-3, in line with recommendations by WHO and ICRP. We were able to predict
      dwellings with a moderate probability for radon concentrations above 100 Bq m-3
      by applying a combination of three selection criteria: location, type of dwelling
      and manner of ventilation. Of the existing 6.2 million dwellings in the
      Netherlands (built since 1930), approximately 23-24 thousand are suspected to
      exceed this level. Some 80% of these are found in the group of naturally
      ventilated single-family dwellings in either the southern part of Limburg
      (approx. 13 thousand) or the Meuse-Rhine-Waal river delta (approx. six thousand).
      This selected group of dwellings represents 7% of the housing stock. In contrast
      to many other countries in Europe and elsewhere, radon concentrations in
      dwellings above 200 Bq m-3 are very rare in the Netherlands. As a result,
      relatively simple and inexpensive measures in existing Dutch single-family
      dwellings will be sufficient to reduce indoor radon concentrations above the
      proposed national reference level of 100 Bq m-3 to values well below.

PMID- 27668988
TI  - Internet-delivered cognitive behavior therapy for children and adolescents: A
      systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - Internet-delivered cognitive behavior therapy (ICBT) is a relatively novel
      treatment format with the potential to increase accessibility of evidence-based
      care. However, little is known about the feasibility and efficacy of ICBT in
      children and adolescents. We conducted a comprehensive systematic review and meta
      analysis of ICBT for children and adolescents to provide an overview of the field
      and assess the efficacy of these interventions. A systematic literature search of
      six electronic databases was performed to identify ICBT intervention studies for
      children with a psychiatric condition, such as social anxiety disorder, or a
      somatic condition, such as chronic pain. Two reviewers independently rated study
      quality. Twenty-five studies, targeting 11 different disorders, were included in
      the review. Study quality and presentation of treatment variables, such as
      therapist time and treatment adherence, varied largely. Twenty-four studies
      (N=1882) were included in the meta-analysis and ICBT yielded moderate between
      group effect sizes when compared with waitlist, g=0.62, 95% CI [0.41, 0.84]. The
      results suggest that CBT for psychiatric and somatic conditions in children and
      adolescents can be successfully adapted to an internet-delivered format.

PMID- 27668989
TI  - The pattern ERG in chicks - Stimulus dependence and optic nerve section.
AB  - The chick is widely used in studies of eye growth regulation and myopia. The aim
      of this study was to explore the utility of pattern (p)ERG as a tool to assess
      retinal function in such studies. Effects of optical defocus and diffusing blur,
      manipulations used to alter eye growth experimentally, were evaluated. PERGs were
      recorded from White-Leghorn chickens, using a checkerboard pattern, including 8
      spatial frequencies (0.05-2.2c/d SF), 13 contrast levels (1-100%), and 8 temporal
      reversal frequencies (0.5-20Hz). The acute effects of defocus and diffusing blur
      were examined. Flash- and pERGs were also recorded from chicks that underwent
      monocular optic nerve section (ONS), to explore the contribution of retinal
      ganglion cells (RGCs). Measurements were made up to 6weeks post-ONS, complemented
      with SD-OCT imaging. In normal chicks, the response to 1Hz, 100% contrast stimuli
      showed positive- and negative-going waveforms at 43ms (P1) and 75ms (N95),
      respectively, with 0.06-0.1c/d SF eliciting the largest P1 amplitudes of 21.9+/
      2.5MUV. Contrast levels above 5% yielded measurable P1 responses. Responses were
      transient and monophasic for 0.5-5Hzreversal rates, with higher temporal
      frequencies yielding steady state responses. Defocus and diffusing blur decreased
      pERG amplitude across all SFs. pERG responses remained normal after ONS, despite
      the loss of RGCs. In conclusion, chicks show robust pERG responses, which are
      attenuated by defocus and diffusing blur. The pERG response is not affected by
      ONS, suggesting that RGCs do not contribute to the chick pERG.

PMID- 27668991
TI  - Characterization of key organic compounds affecting sludge dewaterability during
      ultrasonication and acidification treatments.
AB  - This study investigated the mechanism and effects of ultrasonic pretreatment
      followed by acidification on sludge dewaterability through looking at the changes
      of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) content, composition and
      stratification. The results suggested sludge filterability was closely correlated
      with quantity of protein (R = 0.94, p < 0.01) and polysaccharide (R = 0.97, p <
      0.01) present in loosely bound EPS rather than in soluble and tightly bound EPS.
      The fractions of polymers, especially tryptophan-like proteins and microbial by
      product like material at molecular weight of 106-5 * 107 Da, were the key
      compounds related to sludge filterability. Ultrasonication may increase
      biopolymers concentrations that in turn deteriorate sludge filterability as
      evidenced at high ultrasonic power conditions. However, the subsequent
      acidification can reduce the concentrations of these organic compounds, reduce
      negative zeta potential, and increase floc size, thus increase sludge
      filterability. Combined ultrasonic-acid pretreamtent was more effective than the
      acidification treatment alone in reducing the concentrations of macromolecular
      compounds that may deteriorate sludge filterability.

PMID- 27668992
TI  - Strongly enhanced Fenton degradation of organic pollutants by cysteine: An
      aliphatic amino acid accelerator outweighs hydroquinone analogues.
AB  - Quinone-hydroquinone analogues have been proven to be efficient promoters of
      Fenton reactions by accelerating the Fe(III)/Fe(II) redox cycle along with self
      destruction. However, so far there is little information on non-quinone
      hydroquinone cocatalyst for Fenton reactions. This study found that cysteine, a
      common aliphatic amino acid, can strongly enhance Fenton degradation of organic
      pollutants by accelerating Fe(III)/Fe(II) redox cycle, as quinone-hydroquinone
      analogues do. Further, cysteine is superior to quinone-hydroquinone analogues in
      catalytic activity, H2O2 utilization and atmospheric limits. The cocatalysis
      mechanism based on the cycle of cysteine/cystine was proposed.

PMID- 27668993
TI  - Life cycle assessment and costing of urine source separation: Focus on
      nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug removal.
AB  - Urine source separation has the potential to reduce pharmaceutical loading to the
      environment, while enhancing nutrient recovery. The focus of this life cycle
      assessment (LCA) was to evaluate the environmental impacts and economic costs to
      manage nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (i.e., diclofenac,
      ibuprofen, ketoprofen and naproxen) and nutrients in human urine. Urine source
      separation was compared with centralized wastewater treatment (WWT) (biological
      or upgraded with ozonation). The current treatment method (i.e., centralized
      biological WWT) was compared with hypothetical treatment scenarios (i.e.,
      centralized biological WWT upgraded with ozonation, and urine source separation).
      Alternative urine source separation scenarios included varying collection and
      handling methods (i.e., collection by vacuum truck, vacuum sewer, or
      decentralized treatment), pharmaceuticals removal by ion-exchange, and struvite
      precipitation. Urine source separation scenarios had 90% lower environmental
      impact (based on the TRACI impact assessment method) compared with the
      centralized wastewater scenarios due to reduced potable water production for
      flush water, reduced electricity use at the wastewater treatment plant, and
      nutrient offsets from struvite precipitation. Despite the greatest reduction of
      pharmaceutical toxicity, centralized treatment upgraded with ozone had the
      greatest ecotoxicity impacts due to ozonation operation and infrastructure. Among
      urine source separation scenarios, decentralized treatment of urine and
      centralized treatment of urine collected by vacuum truck had negligible cost
      differences compared with centralized wastewater treatment. Centralized treatment
      of urine collected by vacuum sewer and centralized treatment with ozone cost 30%
      more compared with conventional wastewater treatment.

PMID- 27668994
TI  - Mineralizing urban net-zero water treatment: Phase II field results and design
      recommendations.
AB  - Net-zero water (NZW) systems, or water management systems achieving high
      recycling rates and low residuals generation so as to avoid water import and
      export, can also conserve energy used to heat and convey water, while
      economically restoring local eco-hydrology. However, design and operating
      experience are extremely limited. The objective of this paper is to present the
      results of the second phase of operation of an advanced oxidation-based NZW pilot
      system designed, constructed, and operated for a period of two years, serving an
      occupied four-person apartment. System water was monitored, either continuously
      or thrice daily, for routine water quality parameters, minerals, and MicroTox(r)
      in-vitro toxicity, and intermittently for somatic and male-specific coliphage,
      adenovirus, Cryptosporidium, Giardia, emerging organic constituents (non
      quantitative), and the Florida drinking water standards. All 115 drinking water
      standards with the exception of bromate were met in this phase. Neither virus nor
      protozoa were detected in the treated water, with the exception of measurement of
      adenovirus genome copies attributed to accumulation of inactive genetic material
      in hydraulic dead zones. Chemical oxygen demand was mineralized to <0.7 mg/L, and
      all but six of 1006 emerging organic constituents analyzed were either undetected
      or removed >90% in treatment. Total dissolved solids were maintained at ~500 mg/L
      at steady state, partially through aerated aluminum electrocoagulation. Bromate
      accumulation is projected to be controlled by aluminum electrocoagulation with
      separate disposal of backwash water. Further development of such systems and
      their automated/remote process control systems is recommended.

PMID- 27668995
TI  - Community structure, population dynamics and diversity of fungi in a full-scale
      membrane bioreactor (MBR) for urban wastewater treatment.
AB  - Community structure, population dynamics and diversity of fungi were monitored in
      a full-scale membrane bioreactor (MBR) operated throughout four experimental
      phases (Summer 2009, Autumn 2009, Summer 2010 and Winter, 2012) under different
      conditions, using the 18S-rRNA gene and the intergenic transcribed spacer (ITS2
      region) as molecular markers, and a combination of temperature-gradient gel
      electrophoresis and 454-pyrosequencing. Both total and metabolically-active
      fungal populations were fingerprinted, by amplification of molecular markers from
      community DNA and retrotranscribed RNA, respectively. Fingerprinting and 454
      pyrosequencing evidenced that the MBR sheltered a dynamic fungal community
      composed of a low number of species, in accordance with the knowledge of fungal
      diversity in freshwater environments, and displaying a medium-high level of
      functional organization with few numerically dominant phylotypes. Population
      shifts were experienced in strong correlation with the changes of environmental
      variables and operation parameters, with pH contributing the highest level of
      explanation. Phylotypes assigned to nine different fungal Phyla were detected,
      although the community was mainly composed of Ascomycota, Basidiomycota and
      Chytridiomycota/Blastocladiomycota. Prevailing fungal phylotypes were affiliated
      to Saccharomycetes and Chytridiomycetes/Blastocladiomycetes, which displayed
      antagonistic trends in their relative abundance throughout the experimental
      period. Fungi identified in the activated sludge were closely related to genera
      of relevance for the degradation of organic matter and trace-organic
      contaminants, as well as genera of dimorphic fungi potentially able to produce
      plant operational issues such as foaming or biofouling. Phylotypes closely
      related to genera of human and plant pathogenic fungi were also detected.

PMID- 27668990
TI  - Neural mechanisms of information storage in visual short-term memory.
AB  - The capacity to briefly memorize fleeting sensory information supports visual
      search and behavioral interactions with relevant stimuli in the environment.
      Traditionally, studies investigating the neural basis of visual short term memory
      (STM) have focused on the role of prefrontal cortex (PFC) in exerting executive
      control over what information is stored and how it is adaptively used to guide
      behavior. However, the neural substrates that support the actual storage of
      content-specific information in STM are more controversial, with some attributing
      this function to PFC and others to the specialized areas of early visual cortex
      that initially encode incoming sensory stimuli. In contrast to these traditional
      views, I will review evidence suggesting that content-specific information can be
      flexibly maintained in areas across the cortical hierarchy ranging from early
      visual cortex to PFC. While the factors that determine exactly where content
      specific information is represented are not yet entirely clear, recognizing the
      importance of task-demands and better understanding the operation of non-spiking
      neural codes may help to constrain new theories about how memories are maintained
      at different resolutions, across different timescales, and in the presence of
      distracting information.

PMID- 27668996
TI  - Azo dye decolorization in an up-flow bioelectrochemical reactor with domestic
      wastewater as a cost-effective yet highly efficient electron donor source.
AB  - A major challenge of employing bioelectrochemical system (BES) for reductively
      degrading recalcitrant contaminants in industrial wastewater is lacking
      sufficient electron donors. In this work, domestic wastewater (DW) was
      demonstrated to efficiently drive BES for implementing the decolorization of azo
      dye, acid orange 7 (AO7). Side benefit was the simultaneous treatment of DW.
      Decolorization efficiency in BES fed with DW (RDW) was found to be comparable
      with that either fed with glucose (RGlu) or acetate (RAc). Much lower reductant
      usage ratio was observed in RDW. As a result, when the ratio of electron donors
      to azo dye decreased to 4.4 mol COD mol-1 AO7, DE of RDW kept over 90% while DEs
      of RAc and RGlu were significantly dropped due to the insufficient electrons
      donation. Besides serving as electron donor, DW was proved to also provide some
      conductivity and buffer capacity. Accordingly, DE of RDW was less deteriorated
      when fully removing the external buffer slats. This study comprehensively
      revealed the feasibility and superiority of DW as a cost-effective electron donor
      source in BES and brings this technology closer to the practice.

PMID- 27668998
TI  - Evaluation and comparison of current biopsy needle localization and tracking
      methods using 3D ultrasound.
AB  - This article compares four different biopsy needle localization algorithms in
      both 3D and 4D situations to evaluate their accuracy and execution time. The
      localization algorithms were: Principle component analysis (PCA), random Hough
      transform (RHT), parallel integral projection (PIP) and ROI-RK (ROI based RANSAC
      and Kalman filter). To enhance the contrast of the biopsy needle and background
      tissue, a line filtering pre-processing step was implemented. To make the PCA,
      RHT and PIP algorithms comparable with the ROI-RK method, a region of interest
      (ROI) strategy was added. Simulated and ex-vivo data were used to evaluate the
      performance of the different biopsy needle localization algorithms. The
      resolutions of the sectorial and cylindrical volumes were
      0.3mm*0.4mm*0.6mmand0.1mm*0.1mm*0.2mm (axial*lateral*azimuthal) respectively. In
      so far as the simulation and experimental results show, the ROI-RK method
      successfully located and tracked the biopsy needle in both 3D and 4D situations.
      The tip localization error was within 1.5mm and the axis accuracy was within
      1.6mm. To the best of our knowledge, considering both localization accuracy and
      execution time, the ROI-RK was the most stable and time-saving method. Normally,
      accuracy comes at the expense of time. However, the ROI-RK method was able to
      locate the biopsy needle with high accuracy in real time, which makes it a
      promising method for clinical applications.

PMID- 27668997
TI  - Rhesus rotavirus VP6 regulates ERK-dependent calcium influx in cholangiocytes.
AB  - The Rhesus rotavirus (RRV) induced murine model of biliary atresia (BA) is a
      useful tool in studying the pathogenesis of this neonatal biliary obstructive
      disease. In this model, the mitogen associated protein kinase pathway is involved
      in RRV infection of biliary epithelial cells (cholangiocytes). We hypothesized
      that extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) phosphorylation is integral to
      calcium influx, allowing for viral replication within the cholangiocyte.
      Utilizing ERK and calcium inhibitors in immortalized cholangiocytes and BALB/c
      pups, we determined that ERK inhibition resulted in reduced viral yield and
      subsequent decreased symptomatology in mice. In vitro, the RRV VP6 protein
      induced ERK phosphorylation, leading to cellular calcium influx. Pre-treatment
      with an ERK inhibitor or Verapamil resulted in lower viral yields. We conclude
      that the pathogenesis of RRV-induced murine BA is dependent on the VP6 protein
      causing ERK phosphorylation and triggering calcium influx allowing replication in
      cholangiocytes.

PMID- 27668999
TI  - A pre-trained convolutional neural network based method for thyroid nodule
      diagnosis.
AB  - In ultrasound images, most thyroid nodules are in heterogeneous appearances with
      various internal components and also have vague boundaries, so it is difficult
      for physicians to discriminate malignant thyroid nodules from benign ones. In
      this study, we propose a hybrid method for thyroid nodule diagnosis, which is a
      fusion of two pre-trained convolutional neural networks (CNNs) with different
      convolutional layers and fully-connected layers. Firstly, the two networks pre
      trained with ImageNet database are separately trained. Secondly, we fuse feature
      maps learned by trained convolutional filters, pooling and normalization
      operations of the two CNNs. Finally, with the fused feature maps, a softmax
      classifier is used to diagnose thyroid nodules. The proposed method is validated
      on 15,000 ultrasound images collected from two local hospitals. Experiment
      results show that the proposed CNN based methods can accurately and effectively
      diagnose thyroid nodules. In addition, the fusion of the two CNN based models
      lead to significant performance improvement, with an accuracy of 83.02%+/-0.72%.
      These demonstrate the potential clinical applications of this method.

PMID- 27669002
TI  - Editorial Statement.

PMID- 27669000
TI  - Investigating Differences Between Drugs Used in the Australian Night-Time
      Economy: Demographics, Substance Use, and Harm.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Understanding the characteristics of drug users in the night-time
      economy (NTE), and whether particular drugs are associated with risky practices
      and experience of harm, is necessary to inform targeted policy responses in this
      context. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the correlates of drugs used in the
      Australian NTE relating to demographics, alcohol use, and experience of harm.
      METHODS: Patrons were interviewed in the NTE of five Australian cities in 2012
      2013 (n = 7,028; 61.9% male, median age 22 years). A custom designed survey
      gathered demographic data, alcohol, and substance use on the current night, and
      experience of harm in/around licensed venues in the past 3 months. Multivariate
      logistic regression analyses examined the correlates of drug use. RESULTS:
      Ecstasy was most commonly reported (4.0%), followed by cannabis (2.9%),
      methamphetamine (2.6%), and cocaine (1.6%). Ecstasy users were more likely to be
      younger and report energy drink consumption. Cannabis users were more likely to
      be male, and to have been involved in intoxication-related accidents/injuries and
      sexual aggression in/around licensed venues in the past 3 months. Methamphetamine
      users were more likely to have been interviewed later, and to have engaged in pre
      drinking. Cocaine users were more likely to be male, aged 21 years or more, have
      a blood alcohol concentration of greater than 0.10%, and to have been involved in
      intoxication-related accidents/injuries in the past three months.
      Conclusions/Importance: We identified significant differences between types of
      drug users and the harms they experience, underscoring the need to develop
      innovative harm reduction policies in the NTE rather than blanket population
      based approaches.

PMID- 27669001
TI  - Editorial Notes.

PMID- 27669003
TI  - Two Cases of Retinoblastoma Invading the Optic Nerve Sheath.
AB  - The authors report two cases of retinoblastoma with extension along the optic
      nerve sheath with negative surgical margins, a pattern not considered in current
      classifications but suggesting a high risk of metastasis. Both patients were
      treated with adjuvant chemotherapy alone and remain free of extraocular disease
      15 and 22 months later. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2016;53:e51-e53.].

PMID- 27669004
TI  - Development and Characterization of Genic SSR Markers from Indian Mulberry
      Transcriptome and Their Transferability to Related Species of Moraceae.
AB  - Improving mulberry leaf production with enhanced leaf quality holds the key to
      sustain the ever increasing demand for silk. Adoption of modern genomic
      approaches for crop improvement is severely constrained by the lack of sufficient
      molecular markers in mulberry. Here, we report development and validation of 206
      EST derived SSR markers using transcriptome data generated from leaf tissue of a
      drought tolerant mulberry genotype, Dudia white. Analysis of transcriptome data
      containing 10169 EST sequences, revealed 1469 sequences with microsatellite
      repeat motifs. We designed a total of 264 primers to the most appropriate repeat
      regions, of which 206 were locus specific. These markers were validated with 25
      diverse mulberry accessions and their transferability to closely related species
      belonging to family Moraceae was examined. Of these markers, 189 revealed
      polymorphism with up to 8 allelic forms across mulberry species, genotypes and
      varieties with a mean of 3.5 alleles per locus. The markers also revealed higher
      polymorphic information content of 0.824 among the accessions. These markers
      effectively segregated the species and genotypes and hence, can be used for both
      diversity analysis and in breeding applications. Around 40% of these markers were
      transferable to other closely related species. Along with the other genic and
      genomic markers, we report a set of over 750 co-dominant markers. Using these
      markers we constructed the first genetic linkage map of mulberry exclusively with
      co-dominant markers.

PMID- 27669005
TI  - Design of Distributed Engine Control Systems with Uncertain Delay.
AB  - Future gas turbine engine control systems will be based on distributed
      architecture, in which, the sensors and actuators will be connected to the
      controllers via a communication network. The performance of the distributed
      engine control (DEC) is dependent on the network performance. This study
      introduces a distributed control system architecture based on a networked cascade
      control system (NCCS). Typical turboshaft engine-distributed controllers are
      designed based on the NCCS framework with a Hinfinity output feedback under
      network-induced time delays and uncertain disturbances. The sufficient conditions
      for robust stability are derived via the Lyapunov stability theory and linear
      matrix inequality approach. Both numerical and hardware-in-loop simulations
      illustrate the effectiveness of the presented method.

PMID- 27669006
TI  - Albuminuria Is Associated with Endothelial Dysfunction and Elevated Plasma
      Endothelin-1 in Sickle Cell Anemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of albuminuria in SCD remains incompletely
      understood. We evaluated the association of albuminuria with measures of
      endothelial function, and explored associations of both albuminuria and measures
      of endothelial function with selected biological variables (vascular endothelial
      growth factor [VEGF], endothelin-1 [ET-1], soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1
      [sFLT-1], soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 [soluble VCAM-1] and plasma
      hemoglobin). METHODS: Spot urine measurements for albumin-creatinine ratio (UACR)
      and 24-hour urine protein were obtained. Endothelial function was assessed using
      brachial artery ultrasound with measurements of flow-mediated dilation (FMD),
      nitroglycerin-mediated dilation (NTMD) and hyperemic velocity. RESULTS: Twenty
      three subjects with varying degrees of albuminuria were evaluated. UACR was
      significantly correlated with FMD (rho = -0.45, p = 0.031). In univariate
      analysis, UACR was correlated with VEGF (rho = -0.49; 95% CI: -0.75 --0.1, p =
      0.015), plasma hemoglobin (rho = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.11-0.75, p = 0.013) and ET-1
      (rho = 0.40; 95% CI: -0.03-0.69, p = 0.06). Multivariable analysis showed
      significant associations of ET-1 (estimate: 455.1 [SE: 198.3], p = 0.02), VEGF
      (estimate: -1.1 [SE: 0.53], p = 0.04) and sFLT-1 (estimate: -1.14 [SE: 0.49], p =
      0.02) with UACR. Only ET-1 (estimate: -8.03 [SE: 3.87], p = 0.04) was
      significantly associated with FMD in multivariable analyses. Finally, UACR was
      correlated with both 24-hour urine protein (rho = 0.90, p < 0.0001) and urine
      aliquots for albumin-creatinine ratio obtained from the 24-hour urine collection
      (rho = 0.97, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: This study provides more definitive
      evidence for the association of albuminuria with endothelial dysfunction in SCD.
      Elevated circulating levels of ET-1 may contribute to SCD-related glomerulopathy
      by mediating endothelial dysfunction.

PMID- 27669007
TI  - Spatial Heterogeneity of Gut Microbial Composition along the Gastrointestinal
      Tract in Natural Populations of House Mice.
AB  - There is a growing appreciation of the role of gut microbial communities in host
      biology. However, the nature of variation in microbial communities among
      different segments of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is not well understood.
      Here, we describe microbial communities from ten different segments of the GI
      tract (mouth, esophagus, stomach, duodenum, ileum, proximal cecum, distal cecum,
      colon, rectum, and feces) in wild house mice using 16S rRNA gene amplicon
      sequencing. We also measured carbon and nitrogen stable isotopic ratios from hair
      samples of individual mice as a proxy for diet. We identified factors that may
      explain differences in microbial composition among gut segments, and we tested
      for differences among individual mice in the composition of the microbiota.
      Consistent with previous studies, the lower GI tract was characterized by a
      greater relative abundance of anaerobic bacteria and greater microbial diversity
      relative to the upper GI tract. The upper and lower GI tracts also differed in
      the relative abundances of predicted microbial gene functions, including those
      involved in metabolic pathways. However, when the upper and lower GI tracts were
      considered separately, gut microbial composition was associated with individual
      mice. Finally, microbial communities derived from fecal samples were similar to
      those derived from the lower GI tract of their respective hosts, supporting the
      utility of fecal sampling for studying the gut microbiota of mice. These results
      show that while there is substantial heterogeneity among segments of the GI
      tract, individual hosts play a significant role in structuring microbial
      communities within particular segments of the GI tract.

PMID- 27669009
TI  - SURVEILLANCE FOR VIRAL AND PARASITIC PATHOGENS IN A VULNERABLE AFRICAN LION
      (PANTHERA LEO) POPULATION IN THE NORTHERN TULI GAME RESERVE, BOTSWANA.
AB  - African lion ( Panthera leo ) numbers are decreasing rapidly and populations are
      becoming smaller and more fragmented. Infectious diseases are one of numerous
      issues threatening free-ranging lion populations, and low-density populations are
      particularly at risk. We collected data on the prevalence and diversity of viral
      and parasitic pathogens in a small lion population in eastern Botswana. During
      2012 and 2014, blood samples were collected from 59% (n=13) of the adult-subadult
      lions in the Northern Tuli Game Reserve in eastern Botswana. One lion had
      antibodies to feline panleukopenia virus, two had antibodies to canine distemper
      virus, and two had feline calicivirus antibodies. Ten of the 13 had antibodies to
      feline immunodeficiency virus and 11 had feline herpesvirus antibodies. All lions
      were negative for antibodies to feline coronavirus. Blood samples from all lions
      were negative for Trypanosoma, Anaplasma, Theileria, and Ehrlichia spp. by
      molecular testing; however, all lions were positive for Babesia spp. by reverse
      line blot hybridization assay. Sequencing of amplicons from four lions revealed
      four groups of Babesia spp. including several genetic variants of Babesia felis ,
      Babesia lengau, and Babesia canis and a group of novel Babesia sequences which
      were only 96% similar to other Babesia spp. Six lions were infested with four
      species of ticks (Rhipicentor nuttalli, Rhipicephalus simus, Rhipicephalus
      sulcatus, and Rhipicephalus appendiculatus). These data provide the first health
      assessment of this population and can be used to identify management and
      conservation strategies to decrease the impact of pathogens on this population.
      This is particularly important as there is an initiative to incorporate this
      population into a larger metapopulation of lions from adjacent South Africa and
      Zimbabwe.

PMID- 27669010
TI  - Neospora caninum in Axis Deer ( Axis axis ) and Fallow Deer ( Dama dama ) in
      Northern Mexico.
AB  - Serum samples from 18 axis deer ( Axis axis ) and 19 fallow deer ( Dama dama )
      were analyzed with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for Neospora caninum
      antibodies. Two axis (11%) and two fallow deer (11%) were positive for N. caninum
      antibodies.

PMID- 27669008
TI  - Normal Hematopoietic Progenitor Subsets Have Distinct Reactive Oxygen Species,
      BCL2 and Cell-Cycle Profiles That Are Decoupled from Maturation in Acute Myeloid
      Leukemia.
AB  - In acute myeloid leukemia (AML) quiescence and low oxidative state, linked to
      BCL2 mitochondrial regulation, endow leukemic stem cells (LSC) with treatment
      resistance. LSC in CD34+ and more mature CD34- AML have heterogeneous
      immunophenotypes overlapping with normal stem/progenitor cells (SPC) but may be
      differentiated by functional markers. We therefore investigated the
      oxidative/reactive oxygen species (ROS) profile, its relationship with cell
      cycle/BCL2 for normal SPC, and whether altered in AML and myelodysplasia (MDS).
      In control BM (n = 24), ROS levels were highest in granulocyte-macrophage
      progenitors (GMP) and CD34- myeloid precursors but megakaryocyte-erythroid
      progenitors had equivalent levels to CD34+CD38low immature-SPC although they were
      ki67high. BCL2 upregulation was specific to GMPs. This profile was also observed
      for CD34+SPC in MDS-without-excess-blasts (MDS-noEB, n = 12). Erythroid CD34-
      precursors were, however, abnormally ROS-high in MDS-noEB, potentially linking
      oxidative stress to cell loss. In pre-treatment AML (n = 93) and MDS-with-excess
      blasts (MDS-RAEB) (n = 14), immunophenotypic mature-SPC had similar ROS levels to
      co-existing immature-SPC. However ROS levels varied between AMLs;
      Flt3ITD+/NPM1wild-type CD34+SPC had higher ROS than NPM1mutated CD34+ or CD34-
      SPC. An aberrant ki67lowBCL2high immunophenotype was observed in CD34+AML (most
      prominent in Flt3ITD AMLs) but also in CD34- AMLs and MDS-RAEB, suggesting a
      shared redox/pro-survival adaptation. Some patients had BCL2 overexpression in
      CD34+ ROS-high as well as ROS-low fractions which may be indicative of poor early
      response to standard chemotherapy. Thus normal SPC subsets have distinct ROS,
      cell-cycle, BCL2 profiles that in AML /MDS-RAEB are decoupled from maturation.
      The combined profile of these functional properties in AML subpopulations may be
      relevant to differential treatment resistance.

PMID- 27669011
TI  - Comparison of Two Bacterial Transport Media for Culture of Tonsilar Swabs from
      Bighorn Sheep ( Ovis canadensis ) and Mountain Goats ( Oreamnos americanus ).
AB  - Duplicate tonsilar swabs were collected from 77 bighorn sheep ( Ovis canadensis )
      and 19 mountain goats ( Oreamnos americanus ) in Utah. Swabs were refrigerated in
      bacterial transport medium or frozen in cryopreservation medium prior to
      bacteriologic culture. The cryopreservation medium yielded comparable or superior
      bacterial growth while permitting more flexibility in specimen shipment to the
      laboratory.

PMID- 27669012
TI  - SARCOPTIC MANGE IN ENDANGERED KIT FOXES (VULPES MACROTIS MUTICA): CASE HISTORIES,
      DIAGNOSES, AND IMPLICATIONS FOR CONSERVATION.
AB  - The San Joaquin kit fox ( Vulpes macrotis mutica) is a federally endangered small
      carnivore whose distribution is limited to the San Joaquin Valley in central
      California. Population decline is due to profound habitat loss, and conservation
      of all remaining populations is critical. A robust urban population occurs in the
      city of Bakersfield. In spring of 2013, putative cases of mange were reported in
      this population. Mites from affected animals were confirmed to be Sarcoptes
      scabiei morphologically and by DNA sequencing. By the end of 2014, 15 cases of
      kit foxes with mange had been confirmed. As with other species, sarcoptic mange
      in kit foxes is characterized by intense pruritus and dermatitis, caused by mites
      burrowing into the epidermal layers, as well as alopecia, hyperkeratosis, and
      encrustations, secondary bacterial infections, and finally extreme morbidity and
      death. Of the 15 cases, six foxes were found dead, six were captured but died
      during attempted rehabilitation, and three were successfully treated. We have no
      evidence that untreated kit foxes can recover from mange. Sarcoptic mange
      constitutes a significant threat to the Bakersfield kit fox population and could
      pose an even greater threat to this imperiled species if it spreads to
      populations in nearby natural lands.

PMID- 27669013
TI  - Non-Invasive Detection of Protein Content in Several Types of Plant Feed
      Materials Using a Hybrid Near Infrared Spectroscopy Model.
AB  - Near-infrared spectroscopy combined with chemometrics was applied to construct a
      hybrid model for the non-invasive detection of protein content in different types
      of plant feed materials. In total, 829 samples of plant feed materials, which
      included corn distillers' dried grains with solubles (DDGS), corn germ meal, corn
      gluten meal, distillers' dried grains (DDG) and rapeseed meal, were collected
      from markets in China. Based on the different preprocessed spectral data,
      specific models for each type of plant feed material and a hybrid model for all
      the materials were built. Performances of specific model and hybrid model
      constructed with full spectrum (full spectrum model) and selected wavenumbers
      with VIP (variable importance in the projection) scores value bigger than 1.00
      (VIP scores model) were also compared. The best spectral preprocessing method for
      this study was found to be the standard normal variate transformation combined
      with the first derivative. For both full spectrum and VIP scores model, the
      prediction performance of the hybrid model was slightly worse than those of the
      specific models but was nevertheless satisfactory. Moreover, the VIP scores model
      obtained generally better performances than corresponding full spectrum model.
      Wavenumbers around 4500 cm-1, 4664 cm-1 and 4836 cm-1 were found to be the key
      wavenumbers in modeling protein content in these plant feed materials. The values
      for the root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) and the relative prediction
      deviation (RPD) obtained with the VIP scores hybrid model were 1.05% and 2.53 for
      corn DDGS, 0.98% and 4.17 for corn germ meal, 0.75% and 6.99 for corn gluten
      meal, 1.54% and 4.59 for DDG, and 0.90% and 3.33 for rapeseed meal, respectively.
      The results of this study demonstrate that the protein content in several types
      of plant feed materials can be determined using a hybrid near-infrared
      spectroscopy model. And VIP scores method can be used to improve the general
      predictability of hybrid model.

PMID- 27669014
TI  - Taxes on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages to Reduce Overweight and Obesity in Middle
      Income Countries: A Systematic Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), which can lead
      to weight gain, is rising in middle-income countries (MICs). Taxing SSBs may help
      address this challenge. Systematic reviews focused on high-income countries
      indicate that taxing SSBs may reduce SSB consumption. Responsiveness to price
      changes may differ in MICs, where governments are considering the tax. To help
      inform their policy decisions, this review compiles evidence from MICs, assessing
      post-tax price increases (objective 1), changes in demand for SSBs and other
      products, overall and by socio-economic groups (objective 2), and effects on
      overweight and obesity prevalence (objective 3). METHODS AND FINDINGS: We
      conducted a systematic review on the effectiveness of SSB taxation in MICs (1990
      2016) and identified nine studies from Brazil, Ecuador, India, Mexico, Peru, and
      South Africa. Estimates for own-price elasticity ranged from -0.6 to -1.2, and
      decreases in SSB consumption ranged from 5 to 39 kilojoules per person per day
      given a 10% increase in SSB prices. The review found that milk is a likely
      substitute, and foods prepared away from home, snacks, and candy are likely
      complements to SSBs. A quasi-experimental study and two modeling studies also
      found a negative relationship between SSB prices and obesity outcomes after
      accounting for substitution effects. Estimates are consistent despite variation
      in baseline obesity prevalence and per person per day consumption of SSBs across
      countries studied. CONCLUSIONS: The review indicates that taxing SSBs will
      increase the prices of SSBs, especially sugary soda, in markets with few
      producers. Taxing SSBs will also reduce net energy intake by enough to prevent
      further growth in obesity prevalence, but not to reduce population weight
      permanently. Additional research using better survey data and stronger study
      designs is needed to ascertain the long-term effectiveness of an SSB tax on
      obesity prevalence in MICs.

PMID- 27669016
TI  - Hydroxylation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes: Enhanced biocompatibility through
      reduction of oxidative stress initiated cell membrane damage, cell cycle
      arrestment and extrinsic apoptotic pathway.
AB  - Modification of CNTs with hydroxyl group promotes their applications in
      biomedical area. However, the impact of hydroxylation on their biocompatibility
      is far from being completely understood. In this study, we carried out a
      comprehensive evaluation of hydroxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs
      OH) on the human normal liver L02 cell line, and compared it with that of
      pristine multi-walled carbon nanotubes (p-MWCNTs). Results demonstrated that
      compared with p-MWCNTs, MWCNTs-OH induced significantly lower oxidative stress as
      indicated by the level of intracellular antioxidant glutathione (GSH),
      subsequently lead to less cell membrane damage as demonstrated by lactate
      dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage assay, and showed slightly decreased arrestment of
      cell cycle distribution at G0/G1. More interestingly, MWCNTs-OH exhibited
      significantly lower tendency to activate caspase-8, a key molecule involved in
      the extrinsic apoptotic pathway. All these in vitro results demonstrated that
      hydroxylation of MWCNTs enhanced their biocompatibility compare with p-MWCNTs.

PMID- 27669015
TI  - Adrenergic Receptor Polymorphism and Maximal Exercise Capacity after Orthotopic
      Heart Transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Maximal exercise capacity after heart transplantion (HTx) is reduced
      to the 50-70% level of healthy controls when assessed by cardiopulmonary exercise
      testing (CPET) despite of normal left ventricular function of the donor heart.
      This study investigates the role of donor heart beta1 and beta2- adrenergic
      receptor (AR) polymorphisms for maximal exercise capacity after orthotopic HTx.
      METHODS: CPET measured peak VO2 as outcome parameter for maximal exercise in HTx
      recipients >=9 months and <=4 years post-transplant (n = 41; mean peak VO2: 57+/
      15% of predicted value). Donor hearts were genotyped for polymorphisms of the
      beta1-AR (Ser49Gly, Arg389Gly) and the beta2-AR (Arg16Gly, Gln27Glu).
      Circumferential shortening of the left ventricle was measured using magnetic
      resonance based CSPAMM tagging. RESULTS: Peak VO2 was higher in donor hearts
      expressing the beta1-Ser49Ser alleles when compared with beta1-Gly49 carriers
      (60+/-15% vs. 47+/-10% of the predicted value; p = 0.015), and by trend in
      cardiac allografts with the beta1-AR Gly389Gly vs. beta1-Arg389 (61+/-15% vs.
      54+/-14%, p = 0.093). Peak VO2 was highest for the haplotype Ser49Ser-Gly389, and
      decreased progressively for Ser49Ser-Arg389Arg > 49Gly-389Gly > 49Gly-Arg389Arg
      (adjusted R2 = 0.56, p = 0.003). Peak VO2 was not different for the tested beta2
      AR polymorphisms. Independent predictors of peak VO2 (adjusted R2 = 0.55) were
      beta1-AR Ser49Gly SNP (p = 0.005), heart rate increase (p = 0.016), and peak
      systolic blood pressure (p = 0.031). Left ventricular (LV) motion kinetics as
      measured by cardiac MRI CSPAMM tagging at rest was not different between carriers
      and non-carriers of the beta1-AR Gly49allele. CONCLUSION: Similar LV cardiac
      motion kinetics at rest in donor hearts carrying either beta1-AR Gly49 or beta1
      Ser49Ser variant suggests exercise-induced desensitization and down-regulation of
      the beta1-AR Gly49 variant as relevant pathomechanism for reduced peak VO2 in
      beta1-AR Gly49 carriers.

PMID- 27669017
TI  - High-dose inactivated influenza vaccine is associated with cost savings and
      better outcomes compared to standard-dose inactivated influenza vaccine in
      Canadian seniors.
AB  - Seasonal influenza infects approximately 10-20% of Canadians each year, causing
      an estimated 12,200 hospitalizations and 3,500 deaths annually, mostly occurring
      in adults >=65 years old (seniors). A 32,000-participant, randomized controlled
      clinical trial (FIM12; Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01427309) showed that high-dose
      inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV-HD) is superior to standard-dose vaccine (SD)
      in preventing laboratory-confirmed influenza illness in seniors. In this study,
      we performed a cost-utility analysis (CUA) of IIV-HD versus SD in FIM12
      participants from a Canadian perspective. Healthcare resource utilization data
      collected in FIM12 included: medications, non-routine/urgent care and emergency
      room visits, and hospitalizations. Unit costs were applied using standard
      Canadian cost sources to estimate the mean direct medical and societal costs
      associated with each vaccine (2014 CAD). Clinical illness data from the trial
      were mapped to quality-of-life data from the literature to estimate differences
      in effectiveness between vaccines. Time horizon was one influenza season,
      however, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) lost due to death during the study
      were captured over a lifetime. A probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA) was
      also performed. Average per-participant medical costs were $47 lower and societal
      costs $60 lower in the IIV-HD arm. Hospitalizations contributed 91% of the total
      cost and were less frequent in the IIV-HD arm. IIV-HD provided a gain in QALYs
      and, due to cost savings, dominated SD in the CUA. The PSA indicated that IIV-HD
      is 89% likely to be cost saving. In Canada, IIV-HD is expected to be a less
      costly and more effective alternative to SD, driven by a reduction in
      hospitalizations.

PMID- 27669018
TI  - Dynamic Control of Synchronous Activity in Networks of Spiking Neurons.
AB  - Oscillatory brain activity is believed to play a central role in neural coding.
      Accumulating evidence shows that features of these oscillations are highly
      dynamic: power, frequency and phase fluctuate alongside changes in behavior and
      task demands. The role and mechanism supporting this variability is however
      poorly understood. We here analyze a network of recurrently connected spiking
      neurons with time delay displaying stable synchronous dynamics. Using mean-field
      and stability analyses, we investigate the influence of dynamic inputs on the
      frequency of firing rate oscillations. We show that afferent noise, mimicking
      inputs to the neurons, causes smoothing of the system's response function,
      displacing equilibria and altering the stability of oscillatory states. Our
      analysis further shows that these noise-induced changes cause a shift of the peak
      frequency of synchronous oscillations that scales with input intensity, leading
      the network towards critical states. We lastly discuss the extension of these
      principles to periodic stimulation, in which externally applied driving signals
      can trigger analogous phenomena. Our results reveal one possible mechanism
      involved in shaping oscillatory activity in the brain and associated control
      principles.

PMID- 27669019
TI  - Effect of participants' static stretching knowledge or deception on the responses
      to prolonged stretching.
AB  - Much of the static stretching (SS) literature reports performance impairments
      with prolonged SS. However, it has been acknowledged that a limitation of these
      studies is participants' knowledge or bias. Since many participants have
      knowledge of the literature, their performance may be subconsciously influenced
      by expectations. Hence, the objective of this study was to examine the effect of
      stretching knowledge or deception on subsequent force output following SS. Two
      groups of male participants who were either aware (BIASED: 14) or unaware
      (DECEPTION: 14) of the SS literature participated. Unaware participants were
      misinformed that SS increases force production. Testing involved maximal
      voluntary isometric contractions (MVC) of the quadriceps and hamstrings at pre-,
      post-, and 5 min post-intervention (three 30-s passive hamstring stretches to the
      point of discomfort with 30-s rest intervals) or control. While the DECEPTION
      group displayed impaired knee flexion force (p = 0.04; 3.6% and 10.4%) following
      hamstrings SS, there was no significant impairment with the BIASED (-1.1% and
      +0.9%) group. Both groups exhibited hamstrings F200 (force produced in the first
      200 ms) impairments following SS. Whereas BIASED participants exhibited an
      overall decrease (p < 0.05; 1.8% and 4.2%) in knee extension MVC, DECEPTION
      participants showed (p = 0.005; 8.8% and 5.1%) force increases. The quadriceps
      F200 was not significantly affected with the BIASED group but overall there were
      4.5% and 8.7% F200 impairments at 1 and 5 min post-intervention (p = 0.05) with
      the DECEPTION group. Thus while deception resulted in enhanced quadriceps muscle
      force output, there was no knowledge or deception advantage when stretching the
      hamstrings.

PMID- 27669020
TI  - Wild blueberry consumption attenuates local inflammation in the perivascular
      adipose tissue of obese Zucker rats.
AB  - Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) has been shown to play important roles in
      regulating vascular tone and linking local and systemic vascular inflammation. We
      examined the impact of PVAT on phenylephrine-mediated vasoconstriction in the
      aorta of obese Zucker rats (OZR) and their lean littermates (LZR) by comparing
      aortic rings with or without PVAT. Subsequently we placed OZR and LZR on a
      control (C) or an 8% wild blueberry (WB) diet and evaluated the effect of WB
      consumption on such response. PVAT-released adipokine concentrations were also
      measured as a function of WB diet. Maximal constrictor force (Fmax) in aortic
      rings without PVAT was significantly lower in OZR-C compared with LZR-C (0.41 +/-
      0.05 and 0.71 +/- 0.06 g, respectively). Following WB diet, Fmax significantly
      increased in OZR (0.54 +/- 0.06 g). In aortas with intact PVAT, Fmax was
      significantly lower in all groups (0.31 +/- 0.06 OZR-C, 0.30 +/- 0.05 OZR-WB,
      0.29 +/- 0.03 LZR-C, and 0.30 +/- 0.04 g LZR-WB), but no difference was observed
      between treatments. PVAT concentrations of monocyte chemoactractant protein 1
      (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor alpha, and adiponectin were significantly higher
      in OZR compared with LZR (+102%, +108%, and +45%, respectively). Following WB
      diet, PVAT concentrations of interleukin-8 were significantly lower in both OZR (
      37%) and LZR (-30%), while adiponectin concentrations significantly increased in
      both OZR (+11%) and LZR (+16%). MCP-1 concentrations significantly decreased (
      31%) in the PVAT of OZR with the WB diet. WB consumption appears to attenuate
      local inflammation in PVAT, which may impact systemic vascular inflammation and
      endothelial function.

PMID- 27669021
TI  - Salivary Gland Proteome during Adult Development and after Blood Feeding of
      Female Anopheles dissidens Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae).
AB  - Understanding changes in mosquito salivary proteins during the time that
      sporozoite maturation occurs and after blood feeding may give information
      regarding the roles of salivary proteins during the malarial transmission.
      Anopheles dissidens (formerly Anopheles barbirostris species A1) is a potential
      vector of Plasmodium vivax in Thailand. In this study, analyses of the proteomic
      profiles of female An. dissidens salivary glands during adult development and
      after blood feeding were carried out using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis
      coupled with nano-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results showed at
      least 17 major salivary gland proteins present from day one to day 21 post
      emergence at 8 different time points sampled. Although there was variation
      observed, the patterns of protein expression could be placed into one of four
      groups. Fifteen protein spots showed significant depletion after blood feeding
      with the percentages of the amount of depletion ranging from 8.5% to 68.11%. The
      overall results identified various proteins, including a putative mucin-like
      protein, an anti-platelet protein, a long form D7 salivary protein, a putative
      gVAG protein precursor, a D7-related 3.2 protein, gSG7 salivary proteins, and a
      gSG6 protein. These results allow better understanding of the changes of the
      salivary proteins during the adult mosquito development. They also provide
      candidate proteins to investigate any possible link or not between sporozoite
      maturation, or survival of skin stage sporozoites, and salivary proteins.

PMID- 27669023
TI  - Enhanced flexoelectric-like response in oxide semiconductors.
AB  - Flexoelectricity is a property of all dielectric materials whereby they polarize
      in response to deformation gradients such as those produced by bending. Although
      it is generally thought of as a property of dielectric insulators, insulation is
      not a formal requirement: in principle, semiconductors can also redistribute
      their free charge in response to strain gradients. Here we show that bending a
      semiconductor not only generates a flexoelectric-like response, but that this
      response can in fact be much larger than in insulators. By doping single crystals
      of wide-bandgap oxides to increase their conductivity, their effective
      flexoelectric coefficient was increased by orders of magnitude. This large
      response can be explained by a barrier-layer mechanism that remains important
      even at the macroscale, where conventional (insulator) flexoelectricity otherwise
      tends to be small. Our results open up the possibility of using semiconductors as
      active ingredients in electromechanical transducer applications.

PMID- 27669022
TI  - A cross-modal genetic framework for the development and plasticity of sensory
      pathways.
AB  - Modality-specific sensory inputs from individual sense organs are processed in
      parallel in distinct areas of the neocortex. For each sensory modality, input
      follows a cortico-thalamo-cortical loop in which a 'first-order' exteroceptive
      thalamic nucleus sends peripheral input to the primary sensory cortex, which
      projects back to a 'higher order' thalamic nucleus that targets a secondary
      sensory cortex. This conserved circuit motif raises the possibility that shared
      genetic programs exist across sensory modalities. Here we report that, despite
      their association with distinct sensory modalities, first-order nuclei in mice
      are genetically homologous across somatosensory, visual, and auditory pathways,
      as are higher order nuclei. We further reveal peripheral input-dependent control
      over the transcriptional identity and connectivity of first-order nuclei by
      showing that input ablation leads to induction of higher-order-type
      transcriptional programs and rewiring of higher-order-directed descending
      cortical input to deprived first-order nuclei. These findings uncover an input
      dependent genetic logic for the design and plasticity of sensory pathways, in
      which conserved developmental programs lead to conserved circuit motifs across
      sensory modalities.

PMID- 27669024
TI  - Evolution of global temperature over the past two million years.
AB  - Reconstructions of Earth's past climate strongly influence our understanding of
      the dynamics and sensitivity of the climate system. Yet global temperature has
      been reconstructed for only a few isolated windows of time, and continuous
      reconstructions across glacial cycles remain elusive. Here I present a spatially
      weighted proxy reconstruction of global temperature over the past 2 million years
      estimated from a multi-proxy database of over 20,000 sea surface temperature
      point reconstructions. Global temperature gradually cooled until roughly 1.2
      million years ago and cooling then stalled until the present. The cooling trend
      probably stalled before the beginning of the mid-Pleistocene transition, and pre
      dated the increase in the maximum size of ice sheets around 0.9 million years
      ago. Thus, global cooling may have been a pre-condition for, but probably is not
      the sole causal mechanism of, the shift to quasi-100,000-year glacial cycles at
      the mid-Pleistocene transition. Over the past 800,000 years, polar amplification
      (the amplification of temperature change at the poles relative to global
      temperature change) has been stable over time, and global temperature and
      atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations have been closely coupled across
      glacial cycles. A comparison of the new temperature reconstruction with radiative
      forcing from greenhouse gases estimates an Earth system sensitivity of 9 degrees
      Celsius (range 7 to 13 degrees Celsius, 95 per cent credible interval) change in
      global average surface temperature per doubling of atmospheric carbon dioxide
      over millennium timescales. This result suggests that stabilization at today's
      greenhouse gas levels may already commit Earth to an eventual total warming of 5
      degrees Celsius (range 3 to 7 degrees Celsius, 95 per cent credible interval)
      over the next few millennia as ice sheets, vegetation and atmospheric dust
      continue to respond to global warming.

PMID- 27669026
TI  - Health Information Technology Interoperability and Use for Better Care and
      Evidence.

PMID- 27669025
TI  - Two distinct RNase activities of CRISPR-C2c2 enable guide-RNA processing and RNA
      detection.
AB  - Bacterial adaptive immune systems use CRISPRs (clustered regularly interspaced
      short palindromic repeats) and CRISPR-associated (Cas) proteins for RNA-guided
      nucleic acid cleavage. Although most prokaryotic adaptive immune systems
      generally target DNA substrates, type III and VI CRISPR systems direct
      interference complexes against single-stranded RNA substrates. In type VI
      systems, the single-subunit C2c2 protein functions as an RNA-guided RNA
      endonuclease (RNase). How this enzyme acquires mature CRISPR RNAs (crRNAs) that
      are essential for immune surveillance and how it carries out crRNA-mediated RNA
      cleavage remain unclear. Here we show that bacterial C2c2 possesses a unique
      RNase activity responsible for CRISPR RNA maturation that is distinct from its
      RNA-activated single-stranded RNA degradation activity. These dual RNase
      functions are chemically and mechanistically different from each other and from
      the crRNA-processing behaviour of the evolutionarily unrelated CRISPR enzyme Cpf1
      (ref. 11). The two RNase activities of C2c2 enable multiplexed processing and
      loading of guide RNAs that in turn allow sensitive detection of cellular
      transcripts.

PMID- 27669028
TI  - Polymyxin B Direct Hemoperfusion Using Regional Citrate-Calcium Anticoagulation:
      A Case Report.
AB  - Direct hemoperfusion with polymyxin B (PMX-DHP) is an extracorporeal treatment to
      add to conventional therapy during unresponsive endotoxic septic shock. So far,
      only heparin has been used as an anticoagulant during polymyxin B therapy. We
      present a case report of a postsurgical septic patient treated with 2 cycles of
      PMX-DHP using citrate anticoagulation. Monitoring of serum calcium, postcartridge
      calcium, and acid-base balance was performed. The treatments were accomplished
      without complications. To our knowledge, this is the first published report on
      the use of citrate anticoagulation during PMX-DHP. We conclude that citrate
      anticoagulation is feasible during hemoperfusion therapy in patients with
      increased hemorrhagic risk.

PMID- 27669030
TI  - Fully Automated Anesthesia and Fluid Management Using Multiple Physiologic Closed
      Loop Systems in a Patient Undergoing High-Risk Surgery.
AB  - Automated delivery of anesthesia guided by processed electroencephalogram
      monitoring using a closed-loop system is no longer a novel concept. However,
      combining multiple independent physiologic closed-loop systems together has never
      been documented before. The purpose of this case report was to evaluate the
      feasibility of automated anesthesia and fluid management based on a combination
      of physiological variables (bispectral index, stroke volume, and stroke volume
      variations) using 2 independent closed-loop systems.

PMID- 27669029
TI  - Anesthetic Management for Pediatric Awake Tracheostomy.
AB  - Awake tracheostomy is indicated for acute upper airway obstruction, when other
      methods of securing the airway, such as intubation and cricothyrotomy, have
      failed or are inappropriate. This option is rarely considered in pediatrics
      because of the concerns of patient cooperation and safety and has not been
      described in the literature. We describe the anesthetic management of an awake
      tracheostomy performed on a 7-year-old girl, with a large supraglottic mass
      obstructing the laryngeal introitus.

PMID- 27669027
TI  - Genome-Wide Association Study of the Genetic Determinants of Emphysema
      Distribution.
AB  - RATIONALE: Emphysema has considerable variability in the severity and
      distribution of parenchymal destruction throughout the lungs. Upper lobe
      predominant emphysema has emerged as an important predictor of response to lung
      volume reduction surgery. Yet, aside from alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, the
      genetic determinants of emphysema distribution remain largely unknown.
      OBJECTIVES: To identify the genetic influences of emphysema distribution in non
      alpha-1 antitrypsin-deficient smokers. METHODS: A total of 11,532 subjects with
      complete genotype and computed tomography densitometry data in the COPDGene
      (Genetic Epidemiology of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease [COPD]; non
      Hispanic white and African American), ECLIPSE (Evaluation of COPD Longitudinally
      to Identify Predictive Surrogate Endpoints), and GenKOLS (Genetics of Chronic
      Obstructive Lung Disease) studies were analyzed. Two computed tomography scan
      emphysema distribution measures (difference between upper-third and lower-third
      emphysema; ratio of upper-third to lower-third emphysema) were tested for genetic
      associations in all study subjects. Separate analyses in each study population
      were followed by a fixed effect metaanalysis. Single-nucleotide polymorphism-,
      gene-, and pathway-based approaches were used. In silico functional evaluation
      was also performed. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: We identified five loci
      associated with emphysema distribution at genome-wide significance. These loci
      included two previously reported associations with COPD susceptibility (4q31 near
      HHIP and 15q25 near CHRNA5) and three new associations near SOWAHB, TRAPPC9, and
      KIAA1462. Gene set analysis and in silico functional evaluation revealed pathways
      and cell types that may potentially contribute to the pathogenesis of emphysema
      distribution. CONCLUSIONS: This multicohort genome-wide association study
      identified new genomic loci associated with differential emphysematous
      destruction throughout the lungs. These findings may point to new biologic
      pathways on which to expand diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease. Clinical trial registered with
      www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT 00608764).

PMID- 27669031
TI  - Reversal of Anticoagulation With Dabigatran in an 82-Year-Old Patient With
      Traumatic Retroperitoneal Arterial Bleeding Using the New Antidote Idarucizumab:
      A Case Report.
AB  - Dabigatran etexilate is a direct oral anticoagulant used for the prevention of
      stroke in atrial fibrillation. Idarucizumab is a recently approved specific
      antidote that reverses the effect of dabigatran within minutes. We report the
      case of an 82-year-old patient with traumatic retroperitoneal arterial bleeding
      under anticoagulation with dabigatran etexilate. By administration of
      idarucizumab, we successfully normalized coagulation and saved the patient from
      an operation. In the course of the disease, a slight reincrease in dabigatran
      etexilate plasma levels was observed 2 days after the reversal, which could lead
      to a new onset of bleeding.

PMID- 27669032
TI  - Unsuccessful Redo MitraClip Procedure Leads to Acute Right Ventricular Failure in
      a Patient With Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia and a Preexisting Atrial
      Septal Defect.
AB  - The MitraClip procedure is an emerging endovascular technique for treating mitral
      regurgitation and an attractive alternative for patients who are at high risk for
      open heart mitral valve repair or replacement. We present the case of a failed
      redo MitraClip procedure that led to acute right ventricular failure in a patient
      with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia and a preexisting secundum atrial
      septal defect. We highlight the sequelae of the failed redo MitraClip procedure
      and the anesthetic challenges associated with the emergent redo sternotomy and
      cardiopulmonary bypass procedure required to replace the mitral valve and repair
      the tricuspid valve and atrial septal defect.

PMID- 27669033
TI  - Validation of the 'CHRESI' questionnaire on habits related to sun exposure during
      childhood.
AB  - Sun exposure in childhood is the main risk determinant for skin cancer in
      adulthood. Several questionnaires have been used to examine behaviour patterns in
      terms of sun exposure in childhood, but none have been subjected to a rigorous
      analysis of their measurement properties. To evaluate the psychometric properties
      of a questionnaire adapted to investigate children's sun exposure behaviour, a
      two-stage validation study was carried out. First, in a transverse study, the
      questionnaire was administered to a sample of 333 children recruited from
      schools, and the validity and internal consistency were analysed. Second, 32
      children recruited in a hospital setting were interviewed for the test-retest
      analysis. All the items in the 'Photoprotection habits' category were
      significantly correlated. Principal components analysis showed that two
      components accounted for over 53% of the variance. The Cronbach's alpha
      coefficient was 0.63 for the first component and 0.43 for the second. In the
      stability analysis, the percentage of absolute agreement exceeded 70% for all the
      questions. The Questionnaire on Habits RElated to Sun exposure during Infancy
      (CHRESI) questionnaire examines sun protection habits by children. Its proven
      reliability, validity and stability make it a useful tool both in epidemiologic
      research and in the development and evaluation of campaigns to reduce the risk of
      skin cancer.

PMID- 27669035
TI  - E4 ligase-specific ubiquitination hubs coordinate DNA double-strand-break repair
      and apoptosis.
AB  - Multiple protein ubiquitination events at DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs)
      regulate damage recognition, signaling and repair. It has remained poorly
      understood how the repair process of DSBs is coordinated with the apoptotic
      response. Here, we identified the E4 ubiquitin ligase UFD-2 as a mediator of DNA
      damage-induced apoptosis in a genetic screen in Caenorhabditis elegans. We found
      that, after initiation of homologous recombination by RAD-51, UFD-2 forms foci
      that contain substrate-processivity factors including the ubiquitin-selective
      segregase CDC-48 (p97), the deubiquitination enzyme ATX-3 (Ataxin-3) and the
      proteasome. In the absence of UFD-2, RAD-51 foci persist, and DNA damage-induced
      apoptosis is prevented. In contrast, UFD-2 foci are retained until recombination
      intermediates are removed by the Holliday-junction-processing enzymes GEN-1, MUS
      81 or XPF-1. Formation of UFD-2 foci also requires proapoptotic CEP-1 (p53)
      signaling. Our findings establish a central role of UFD-2 in the coordination
      between the DNA-repair process and the apoptotic response.

PMID- 27669034
TI  - Dual interaction of the Hsp70 J-protein cochaperone Zuotin with the 40S and 60S
      ribosomal subunits.
AB  - Ribosome-associated J protein-Hsp70 chaperones promote nascent-polypeptide
      folding and normal translational fidelity. The J protein Zuo1 is known to span
      the ribosomal subunits, but understanding of its function is limited. Here we
      present new structural and cross-linking data allowing more precise positioning
      of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Zuo1 near the 60S polypeptide-exit site and
      suggesting interactions of Zuo1 with the ribosomal protein eL31 and 25S rRNA
      helix 24. The junction between the 60S-interacting and subunit-spanning helices
      is a hinge that positions Zuo1 on the 40S yet accommodates subunit rotation.
      Interaction between the Zuo1 C terminus and 40S occurs via 18S rRNA expansion
      segment 12 (ES12) of helix 44, which originates at the decoding site. Deletions
      in either ES12 or the Zuo1 C terminus alter readthrough of stop codons and -1
      frameshifting. Our study offers insight into how this cotranslational chaperone
      system may monitor decoding-site activity and nascent-polypeptide transit,
      thereby coordinating protein translation and folding.

PMID- 27669038
TI  - Prognostication in Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip Using the Ossific Nucleus
      Center Edge Angle.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this paper was to determine the prognostic potential of
      the ossific nucleus center edge angle (ONCEA) in patients below 5 years of age
      treated for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) to predict final outcome and
      the need for a secondary procedure. METHODS: The interobserver and intraobserver
      reliability was calculated using the intraclass correlation coefficient for
      measurement of the ONCEA. The ONCEA was divided a priori into 3 groups: group
      A>=10 degrees, group B -9 to 9 degrees, and group C <=-10 degrees. Final outcome
      was measured using the McKay score and Severin classification. The presence of
      osteonecrosis was recorded at final follow-up. RESULTS: One hundred one patients
      with 133 dislocated hips underwent closed or open reduction for DDH. Mean age at
      presentation was 19 months with a mean age at final follow-up of 12.4 years. A
      significant difference was shown in a comparison of the 3 ONCEA groups using the
      McKay score, Severin classification, and need for a secondary procedure. Eighty
      seven of the 101 patients underwent ONCEA reliability measurements. The ONCEA was
      shown to have a mean intrarater reliability of 0.89, and a mean interrater
      reliability of 0.77. CONCLUSIONS: The ONCEA is a reliable measurement in
      predicting medium-term outcome of the hip post reduction in children under the
      age of 5 years with DDH and might be useful as a predictor for a secondary
      procedure before the age of 5 years. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-prognostic case
      control study. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This case control study shows the importance
      of measuring the ONCEA within 6 months of removing the final cast after reduction
      of a dislocated hip and its implications for further management and outcome.

PMID- 27669037
TI  - Substrate-translocating loops regulate mechanochemical coupling and power
      production in AAA+ protease ClpXP.
AB  - ATP-dependent proteases of the AAA+ family, including Escherichia coli ClpXP and
      the eukaryotic proteasome, contribute to maintenance of cellular proteostasis.
      ClpXP unfolds and translocates substrates into an internal degradation chamber,
      using cycles of alternating dwell and burst phases. The ClpX motor performs
      chemical transformations during the dwell and translocates the substrate in
      increments of 1-4 nm during the burst, but the processes occurring during these
      phases remain unknown. Here we characterized the complete mechanochemical cycle
      of ClpXP, showing that ADP release and ATP binding occur nonsequentially during
      the dwell, whereas ATP hydrolysis and phosphate release occur during the burst.
      The highly conserved translocating loops within the ClpX pore are optimized to
      maximize motor power generation, the coupling between chemical and mechanical
      tasks, and the efficiency of protein processing. Conformational resetting of
      these loops between consecutive bursts appears to determine ADP release from
      individual ATPase subunits and the overall duration of the motor's cycle.

PMID- 27669039
TI  - Cross-cultural Adaptation, Reliability, and Validity of the Yoruba Version of the
      Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: A translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and psychometric
      analysis. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to translate, cross-culturally
      adapt, and validate the Yoruba version of the RMDQ. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA:
      The Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) is a valid outcome tool for low
      back pain (LBP) in clinical and research settings. There seems to be no valid and
      reliable version of the RMDQ in the Nigerian languages. METHODS: Following the
      Guillemin criteria, the English version of the RMDQ was forward and back
      translated. Two Yoruba translated versions of the RMDQ were assessed for clarity,
      common language usage, and conceptual equivalence. Consequently, a harmonized
      Yoruba version was produced and was pilot-tested among 20 patients with
      nonspecific long-term LBP (NSLBP) for cognitive debriefing. The final version of
      the Yoruba RMDQ was tested for its construct validity and re-retest reliability
      among 120 and 87 patients with NSLBP, respectively. RESULTS: Pearson product
      moment correlation coefficient (r) of 0.82 was obtained for reliability of the
      Yoruba version of the RMDQ. The test-retest reliability of the Yoruba RMDQ
      yielded Cronbach alpha 0.932, while the intraclass correlation (ICC) ranged
      between 0.896 and 0.956. The analysis of the global scores of both the English
      and Yoruba versions of the RMDQ yielded ICC value of between 0.995 (95%
      confidence interval 0.996-0.997), with the item-by-item Kappa agreement ranging
      between 0.824 and 1.000. The external validity of RMDQ using Quadruple Visual
      Analogue Scale was r = -0.596 (P = 0.001). The Yoruba version of the RMDQ had no
      floor/ceiling effects, as no patient achieved either of the maximum or the
      minimum possible scores. CONCLUSION: The Yoruba version of the RMDQ has excellent
      reliability and validity and may be an appropriate outcome tool for clinical and
      research purposes among Yoruba-speaking patients with LBP. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

PMID- 27669036
TI  - Skywalker-TBC1D24 has a lipid-binding pocket mutated in epilepsy and required for
      synaptic function.
AB  - Mutations in TBC1D24 cause severe epilepsy and DOORS syndrome, but the molecular
      mechanisms underlying these pathologies are unresolved. We solved the crystal
      structure of the TBC domain of the Drosophila ortholog Skywalker, revealing an
      unanticipated cationic pocket conserved among TBC1D24 homologs. Cocrystallization
      and biochemistry showed that this pocket binds phosphoinositides phosphorylated
      at the 4 and 5 positions. The most prevalent patient mutations affect the
      phosphoinositide-binding pocket and inhibit lipid binding. Using in vivo
      photobleaching of Skywalker-GFP mutants, including pathogenic mutants, we showed
      that membrane binding via this pocket restricts Skywalker diffusion in
      presynaptic terminals. Additionally, the pathogenic mutations cause severe
      neurological defects in flies, including impaired synaptic-vesicle trafficking
      and seizures, and these defects are reversed by genetically increasing synaptic
      PI(4,5)P2 concentrations through synaptojanin mutations. Hence, we discovered
      that a TBC domain affected by clinical mutations directly binds phosphoinositides
      through a cationic pocket and that phosphoinositide binding is critical for
      presynaptic function.

PMID- 27669040
TI  - Comparison of Three Reconstructive Techniques in the Surgical Management of
      Patients With Four-Level Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective clinical series. OBJECTIVE: To compare perioperative
      parameters, clinical outcomes, radiographic parameters, and complication rates of
      three reconstructive techniques after the anterior decompression of four-level
      cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: At present,
      the decision to treat multilevel CSM, especially four-level CSM, remains
      controversial. No one compares multilevel anterior cervical discectomy and fusion
      (mACDF), segmental anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (sACCF) to multilevel
      anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with cage alone (mACDF-CA) in four-level
      constructs. METHODS: Between July 2006 and February 2014, 97 consecutive patients
      with four-level CSM were enrolled in this study and divided into sACCF (n = 39)
      group, mACDF (n = 31) group, and mACDF-CA (n = 27) group. The study compared
      perioperative parameters, complication rates, clinical and radiologic parameters
      of three reconstructive techniques after the anterior decompression of four-level
      CSM. RESULTS: The mACDF-CA group had the least bleeding and cost of index surgery
      compared with the sACCF group having the most bleeding and cost. Although
      significant pain relief and functional activity improvement have been achieved in
      the three groups at the final follow-up, there was no significant difference in
      the Japanese Orthopedic Association, SF-36 and NDI scores among the three groups
      (P >0.05). The mACDF group maintained the best cervical lordosis at the final
      follow-up, compared with the sACCF group maintained the worst cervical lordosis.
      Solid fusion was achieved in 87.1% of subjects in sACCF group, 90.3% in mACDF,
      and in 88.9% in mACDF-CA. The mACDF-CA group had a higher rate of subsidence and
      lower rate of dysphagia than other two groups. CONCLUSION: mACDF-CA can be
      considered an effective and safe alternative procedure in the treatment of the
      four-level CSM. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

PMID- 27669041
TI  - Early Spinal Surgery Following Thoracolumbar Spinal Cord Injury: Process of Care
      From Trauma to Theater.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study
      were to (1) determine the timing of surgery for traumatic thoracolumbar spinal
      cord injury (TLSCI) between 2010 and 2014 and (2) identify major delays in the
      process of care from accident scene to surgery. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Early
      spinal surgery may promote neurological recovery and reduce acute complications
      after TLSCI; however, it is difficult to achieve due to logistical issues and the
      frequent presence of other nonlife-threatening injuries. METHODS: Data were
      extracted from the medical records of 46 cases of acute traumatic TLSCI (AIS
      level T1-L1) aged between 15 and 70 years. Patients with life-threatening
      injuries, not requiring spinal surgery or with poor general health, were
      excluded. RESULTS: The median time to surgery was 27 hours [interquartile range
      (IQR): 20-43 hours] and improved from 27 hours in 2010 to 22 hours in 2014. Cases
      admitted via a pre-surgical hospital had a longer median time to surgery than
      direct surgical hospital admissions (28 vs. 24 hours, respectively). The median
      time from completion of radiological investigations to surgery was 18 hours,
      suggesting that theater access and organization of a surgical team were the major
      factors contributing to surgical delay. Number of vertebral levels fractured
      (>=5) and upper thoracic level of injury (T1-8) were also found to be associated
      with surgical delay. CONCLUSION: Earlier spinal surgery in TLSCI would be
      facilitated by direct surgical hospital admission and improved access to the
      operating theater and surgical teams. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

PMID- 27669042
TI  - Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion With and Without an "Access Surgeon": A
      Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this
      study was to investigate the outcomes of anterior lumber interbody fusion (ALIF)
      with and without an "access surgeon." SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Anterior
      approaches for spine operations have become increasingly popular but may often
      involve unfamiliar anatomy and territory for spine surgeons, potentially placing
      the patient at risk to a greater proportion of approach-related complications.
      Thus, many spine surgeons require or prefer the assistance of an "access surgeon"
      to perform the exposure. However, there has been much debate about the necessity
      of an "access surgeon." METHODS: A systematic search of six databases from
      inception to April 2016 was performed by two independent reviewers. Meta-analysis
      was used to pool overall rates, and compare the outcomes of ALIF with an access
      surgeon and without. RESULTS: A total of 58 (8028 patients) studies were included
      in this meta-analysis. The overall intraoperative complications were similar with
      and without an "access surgeon." The overall pooled rate of arterial injuries [no
      access 0.44% vs. access 1.16%, odds ratio (OR) 2.67, P < 0.001], retrograde
      ejaculation (0.41% vs. 0.96%, OR 2.34, P = 0.005), and ileus (1.93% vs. 2.26%, OR
      2.45, P < 0.001) was higher with an "access surgeon." However, the overall pooled
      rates of peritoneal injury (0.44% vs. 0.16%, OR 0.36, P = 0.034) and neurological
      injury (0.99% vs. 0.11%, OR 0.11, P < 0.001) were lower with an "access surgeon."
      Total postoperative complications (5.95% vs. 4.08%, OR 0.67, P < 0.001) were
      lower with an "access surgeon" along with prosthesis complications (1.59% vs.
      0.89%, OR 0.56, P < 0.001) and reoperation rates (2.28% vs. 1.31%, OR 0.57, P <
      0.001). CONCLUSION: Compared with no access surgeon, the use of an access surgeon
      was associated with similar intraoperative complication rates, higher arterial
      injuries, retrograde ejaculation, ileus, and lower prosthesis complications,
      reoperation rates, and postoperative complications. In cases wherein exposure may
      be difficult, support from an "access surgeon" should be available. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: 1.

PMID- 27669043
TI  - Standing Balance and Compensatory Mechanisms in Patients With Adult Spinal
      Deformity.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: A prospective case series. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to
      compare the standing balance and posture between patients with adult spinal
      deformity (ASD) and healthy volunteers (HVs). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The
      effect of ASD on standing posture and balance has not been fully documented.
      METHODS: Forty consecutive female patients with ASD (65.4 +/- 6.7 yrs, Cobb angle
      48.6 +/- 20.2 degrees , C7PL 9.1 +/- 6.4 cm, and PI-LL 41.1 +/- 25.2 degrees )
      and 33 matched HV (72.4 +/- 4.6 yrs) were included. We reviewed charts and x-rays
      from ASDs and categorized the patients as having a PI-LL mismatch that was severe
      (>20 degrees ) or moderate (10 degrees <PI-LL<20 degrees ). We compared the
      standing balance with that of 33 matched HVs. All subjects underwent motion
      analysis while standing naturally on a custom-built force platform using optical
      markers on the ear canal and on all joints and spinal processes. The distances
      from the center of gravity (CoG) to the head, heel, and sacrum were also
      measured, and the spinal tilt, pelvic obliquity, and pelvic tilt were calculated.
      RESULTS: There were significant differences between the ASDs and HVs in the
      recorded CoG area (RecCoG), and the left-to-right differences in ground reaction
      force (dGRF), hip angle (dHip), and the knee angle (dKnee) while standing. The
      sagittal CoG distance, head-CoG distance, and sacrum-CoG distance were
      significantly worse in ASDs. Multiple regression analysis showed a significant
      correlation between two-dimensional head deviation and hip angle, thoracolumbar
      kyphosis, spinal tilt, and head-sacrum distance in the severe PI-LL mismatch
      group and in knee angle, pelvic obliquity, and pelvic retroversion in the
      moderate PI-LL mismatch group. CONCLUSION: ASDs had significantly worse standing
      balance, and were found to compensate for spinal malalignment mostly through the
      knee and pelvis in both the coronal and sagittal planes to maintain the CoG. As a
      surrogate of this compensation, we observed significant head deviation, pelvic
      shift, and truncal sway in ASDs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

PMID- 27669045
TI  - Cervical Sagittal Alignment Limited Adjustment After Selective Posterior
      Thoracolumbar/Lumbar Curve Correction in Patients With Lenke Type 5C Adolescent
      Idiopathic Scoliosis.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective clinical and radiographic study. OBJECTIVE: The aim
      of this study was to analyze the radiographic change in cervical sagittal
      alignment (CSA) and identify the possible factors influencing the postoperative
      CSA in selective posterior thoracolumbar/lumbar (TL/L) curve correction. SUMMARY
      OF BACKGROUND DATA: The correlation between the CSA and thoracic sagittal
      alignment (TSA) is a well-recognized phenomenon in patients with thoracic
      idiopathic scoliosis. However, little has been published about the influence of
      TL/L curve instrumentation on CSA. METHODS: Thirty patients with Lenke type 5C
      adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) received the selective posterior TL/L
      curves fusion by pedicle screws. Preoperative and postoperative radiographic and
      clinical parameters were analyzed. C2-C7 lordosis less than 0 was considered a
      lordotic cervical spine (LCS), whereas more than 0 was considered a kyphotic
      cervical spine (KCS). RESULTS: Preoperatively, 43% of patients showed a KCS,
      whereas the remaining 57% showed a LCS. C2-C7 lordosis was correlated with T1
      slope, thoracic kyphosis (TK), and global-TK (Gl-TK) (P < 0.05). The patients in
      the KCS group showed a smaller T1-slope, TK, and Gl-TK than those in the LCS
      group. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the T1-slope [odds ratio (OR) =
      0.86, P = 0.008] and Gl-TK (OR = 0.90, P = 0.019) were risk factors for
      developing KCS. In the LCS group, 5 of 12 patients with LCS exhibited KCS after
      surgery. The T1-slope and Gl-TK in the changed group were considerably smaller
      than those in the maintained group (P = 0.004 and 0.035, respectively). In the
      KCS group, 6 of 13 patients with KCS unrecovered to LCS after the operation. The
      T1-slope in the unrecovered group was smaller than that in the recovered group (P
      = 0.045). CONCLUSION: C2-C7 lordosis was strongly correlated with the T1-slope.
      C2-C7 lordosis of Lenke 5C AIS was related to the global TSA rather than TK and
      proximal TK. As time progresses, spontaneous adjustment of CSA is limited because
      of the inherent rigidity of the cervical spine. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

PMID- 27669046
TI  - Propionibacterium acnes, Coagulase-Negative Staphylococcus, and the "Biofilm
      like" Intervertebral Disc.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Patients scheduled for spinal surgery were screened prospectively
      for a microbial presence associated with intervertebral disc specimens. Inclusion
      was limited to patients requiring surgery for any of five conditions: study
      patients with cervical spine intervertebral herniation (IVH), lumbar spine IVH,
      lumbar spine discogenic pain, and control patients with idiopathic
      scoliosis/Scheurermann's kyphosis or trauma/neuromuscular deformity. Exclusion
      criteria included ongoing systemic infection, abnormal pre-operative white cell
      counts, documented or suspected spinal infection, or previous surgery to the
      involved disc. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to test for an association
      between the presence of a bacterial entity in operated discs and a diagnosis of
      pathologic disc disease. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: An association has been
      described between microbial colonization and progressive intervertebral disc
      degeneration in 36 herniation patients undergoing microdiscectomies. A total of
      19 patients had positive cultures on long-term incubation, with Propionibacterium
      acnes present in 84% of discs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Discs were harvested during
      surgery, using strict sterile technique. Each disc was divided, with half the
      sample sealed in a sterile, commercially prepared anaerobic culture transport
      container, and half fixed in formalin. Live specimens were cultured for bacteria
      at a university-affiliated laboratory in a blinded fashion. Fixed pathologic
      specimens were gram-stained and read by a board-certified pathologist. RESULTS: A
      total of 169 intervertebral discs from 87 patients were evaluated (46 males, 41
      females). Positive cultures were noted in 76 of 169 discs (45%), with 34 discs
      positive for P. acnes and 30 discs positive for Staphylococcus. No pathologic
      evidence was seen of microorganisms, acute or chronic inflammation, or infection.
      Pooling the IVH and discogenic pain patients and contrasting them with control
      patients showed a significant association of IVH with positive bacterial cultures
      (chi = 15.37; P = 0.000088). CONCLUSION: Endemic bacterial biofilms are
      significantly associated with IVH and discogenic pain. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A.

PMID- 27669047
TI  - Imaging Pediatric Spondylolysis: A Systematic Review.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to
      provide an evidence-based recommendation for when and how to employ imaging
      studies when diagnosing back pain thought to be caused by spondylolysis in
      pediatric patients. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Spondylolysis is a common
      structural cause of back pain in pediatric patients. The radiologic methods and
      algorithms used to diagnose spondylolysis are inconsistent among practitioners.
      METHODS: A literature review was performed in PubMed and Cochrane databases using
      the search terms "spondylolysis," "pediatric," "adolescent," "juvenile," "young,"
      "lumbar," "MRI," "bone scan," "CT," and "SPECT." After inclusion criteria were
      applied, 13 articles pertaining to diagnostic imaging of pediatric spondylolysis
      were analyzed. RESULTS: Ten papers included sensitivity calculations for
      comparing imaging performance. The average sensitivity of magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI) with computed tomography (CT) as the standard of reference was
      81.4%. When compared with single-photon emission CT (SPECT), the average
      sensitivity of CT was 85% and the sensitivity of MRI was 80%. Thirteen studies
      made a recommendation as to how best to perform diagnostic imaging of patients
      with clinically suspected spondylolysis. When compared with two-view plain films,
      bone scans had seven to nine times the effective radiation dose, while four-view
      plain films and CT were approximately double. Of the diagnostic methods examined,
      MRI was the most expensive followed by CT, bone scan, four-view plain films, and
      two-view plain films. CONCLUSION: Due to their efficacy, low cost, and low
      radiation exposure, we find two-view plain films to be the best initial study.
      With unusual presentations or refractory courses, practitioners should pursue
      advanced imaging. MRI should be used in early diagnosis and CT in more persistent
      courses. However, the lack of rigorous studies makes it difficult to formulate
      concrete recommendations. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

PMID- 27669048
TI  - Surgical Consideration for Adolescents and Young Adults With Cervical Chordoma.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to
      compare the clinical outcomes between adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients
      and old adult patients with cervical chordoma who were treated surgically and
      present the surgical consideration for adolescents and young adults with cervical
      chordoma. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: With predominance in senior patients,
      chordoma is distinctively rare in AYAs. Because of the rarity of AYA chordoma,
      individual case report represents most of the literature on this disease entity
      on mobile spine and lack of long-term follow up, which leads to the paucity of
      clinical evidence for treatment planning and prognosis prediction. METHODS: A
      retrospective study was conducted to investigate the prognosis of AYA patients
      with cervical chordoma who were treated surgically. We collected the clinical
      data of these patients and their older counterparts, and further compared the
      prognosis of the patients in different age groups. To estimate survival curves,
      Kaplan-Meier method was used, and significance was assessed using a log-rank
      test. RESULTS: Forty consecutive patients with chordoma of the cervical spine
      treated in our institution were included in the study. Two groups were identified
      according to age. Group 1 comprised children and adolescents (age <= 25 yrs; n =
      9) and Group 2 comprised adults (age > 25 years; n = 31). In comparison, Group 1
      was featured by significantly higher rate of recurrence and shorter overall
      survival, although no difference found in the surgical modality between two
      groups. CONCLUSION: There is a dismal prognosis in young patients with chordoma,
      and thus support the notion that as radical a total en bloc spondylectomy (TES)
      of the lesions as possible may benefit the overall survival of these young
      patients. Although the ensuing neurological deficits may be devastating, it will
      be worth sacrificing if the life expectancy of these young patients is prolonged.
      LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: 4.

PMID- 27669049
TI  - Long-term Outcome of Surgical Treatment for Superior Cluneal Nerve Entrapment
      Neuropathy.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational cohort study. OBJECTIVE: The objective of
      this study was to present the long-term surgical outcomes of operative treatment
      for superior cluneal nerve (SCN) entrapment neuropathy (SCNEN) and to analyze the
      causes of poor results and further treatment required. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND
      DATA: There are a few reports of the outcomes of surgical treatment for SCNEN,
      and most studies describe results for operations conducted under general
      anesthesia with short follow-up periods. METHODS: Surgery was performed for SCNEN
      in 52 consecutive patients on 79 sides, excluding patients who had undergone
      previous surgery on the lumbar spine. Entrapment was unilateral in 25 patients
      and bilateral in 27. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 41.3 months
      (range, 29-58 months). All patients had received conservative treatment without
      improvements, and operations were performed under local anesthesia. RESULTS:
      Twenty-three cases (44%) involved only low-back pain (LBP), and 31 cases (60%)
      involved LBP associated with leg numbness or pain. The mean number of SCN
      branches decompressed in the operative field at the first operation was 1.4
      (range, 1-4 branches). There were no local or systemic complications during or
      after the operation. All patients reported symptom improvement, but LBP caused by
      SCNEN recurrence was reported for 10 sides (13%) in seven patients who
      subsequently underwent repeat surgery. In the second surgery, the number of
      additionally treated SCN branches was 2.0 (range, 1-5). Additional surgeries were
      performed in two cases for lumbar disorders. All patients showed significant
      improvement at the last follow-up visit (P < 0.05), including those who developed
      recurrence. CONCLUSION: Long-term outcomes of surgical treatment for SCNEN were
      satisfactory. For prevention of recurrence, as many SCN branches as possible
      should be decompressed in the operation field during the first operation. LEVEL
      OF EVIDENCE: 4.

PMID- 27669050
TI  - Comparison of integrated behavioral health treatment for internalizing
      psychiatric disorders in patients with and without Type 2 diabetes.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Type 2 diabetes is often comorbid with internalizing mental health
      disorders and associated with greater psychiatric treatment resistance.
      Integrating psychotherapy into primary care can help treat internalizing
      disorders generally. We explored whether such treatment had comparable
      effectiveness in patients with and without Type 2 diabetes. METHOD: Participants
      were 468 consecutive adults (23% male; 62% Hispanic, Mage = 41.46 years) referred
      by medical staff for psychotherapy appointments to address internalizing symptoms
      (e.g., depression). After each visit, patients completed a self-report measure
      and clinicians assessed patient symptom severity. These data and demographics
      extracted from electronic medical records were analyzed using descriptive and
      multilevel modeling analyses. RESULTS: Patients with and without diabetes were
      similar in types of internalizing disorders experienced and baseline clinician-
      and self-reported symptomology. Multilevel modeling suggested improvements in
      self-reported symptomology was comparable across patient groups; however, only
      patients without diabetes significantly improved according to clinician reports.
      DISCUSSION: Although findings suggested integrated psychotherapy resulted in
      comparable patient-reported reductions of internalizing symptoms, these effects
      were not evident in clinician reports of diabetic patients. Possible reasons for
      this discrepancy (e.g., reporting biases) are discussed. Integrated psychotherapy
      for internalizing disorders may be effective for Type 2 diabetic patients, though
      caution is warranted. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27669051
TI  - Generation of subnanometric platinum with high stability during transformation of
      a 2D zeolite into 3D.
AB  - Single metal atoms and metal clusters have attracted much attention thanks to
      their advantageous capabilities as heterogeneous catalysts. However, the
      generation of stable single atoms and clusters on a solid support is still
      challenging. Herein, we report a new strategy for the generation of single Pt
      atoms and Pt clusters with exceptionally high thermal stability, formed within
      purely siliceous MCM-22 during the growth of a two-dimensional zeolite into three
      dimensions. These subnanometric Pt species are stabilized by MCM-22, even after
      treatment in air up to 540  degrees C. Furthermore, these stable Pt species
      confined within internal framework cavities show size-selective catalysis for the
      hydrogenation of alkenes. High-temperature oxidation-reduction treatments result
      in the growth of encapsulated Pt species to small nanoparticles in the
      approximate size range of 1 to 2 nm. The stability and catalytic activity of
      encapsulated Pt species is also reflected in the dehydrogenation of propane to
      propylene.

PMID- 27669052
TI  - Memristors with diffusive dynamics as synaptic emulators for neuromorphic
      computing.
AB  - The accumulation and extrusion of Ca2+ in the pre- and postsynaptic compartments
      play a critical role in initiating plastic changes in biological synapses. To
      emulate this fundamental process in electronic devices, we developed diffusive Ag
      in-oxide memristors with a temporal response during and after stimulation similar
      to that of the synaptic Ca2+ dynamics. In situ high-resolution transmission
      electron microscopy and nanoparticle dynamics simulations both demonstrate that
      Ag atoms disperse under electrical bias and regroup spontaneously under zero bias
      because of interfacial energy minimization, closely resembling synaptic influx
      and extrusion of Ca2+, respectively. The diffusive memristor and its dynamics
      enable a direct emulation of both short- and long-term plasticity of biological
      synapses, representing an advance in hardware implementation of neuromorphic
      functionalities.

PMID- 27669055
TI  - Phonon transport in single-layer boron nanoribbons.
AB  - Inspired by the successful synthesis of three two-dimensional (2D) allotropes,
      the boron sheet has recently been one of the hottest 2D materials around.
      However, to date, phonon transport properties of these new materials are still
      unknown. By using the non-equilibrium Green's function (NEGF) combined with the
      first principles method, we study ballistic phonon transport in three types of
      boron sheets; two of them correspond to the structures reported in the
      experiments, while the third one is a stable structure that has not been
      synthesized yet. At room temperature, the highest thermal conductance of the
      boron nanoribbons is comparable with that of graphene, while the lowest thermal
      conductance is less than half of graphene's. Compared with graphene, the three
      boron sheets exhibit diverse anisotropic transport characteristics. With an
      analysis of phonon dispersion, bonding charge density, and simplified models of
      atomic chains, the mechanisms of the diverse phonon properties are discussed.
      Moreover, we find that many hybrid patterns based on the boron allotropes can be
      constructed naturally without doping, adsorption, and defects. This provides
      abundant nanostructures for thermal management and thermoelectric applications. 

PMID- 27669054
TI  - Factors of Resilience in Informal Caregivers of People with Dementia from
      Integrative International Data Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Although caring for a person with dementia can be stressful,
      some caregivers appear to experience few negative consequences to their well
      being. This study aimed to examine what proportion of caregivers demonstrates
      resilience under different challenging circumstances and to identify factors
      related to their resilience. METHODS: Baseline data from 4 studies from the
      Netherlands and UK among informal caregivers of people with dementia were
      harmonized and integrated. Caregiver resilience was defined as high levels of
      psychological well-being despite different types of high caregiving demands.
      Multivariate regression analyses identified factors significantly related to
      caregiver resilience. RESULTS: The integrated data set included 15 harmonized
      variables with data from 1,048 caregivers facing a high care demand. The
      prevalence of resilience varied between 35 and 43%, depending on the demand for
      high care. Being a male caregiver, caring for a female, living apart from your
      relative, and low caregiver burden were positively related to caregiver
      resilience. CONCLUSION: Caregivers have the capacity to demonstrate resilience
      despite significant challenges. This study demonstrates how harmonization of data
      from multiple existing studies can be used to increase power and explore the
      consistency of findings. This contributes to a better understanding of which
      factors are likely to facilitate caregiver resilience and offers insights for
      developing services.

PMID- 27669053
TI  - Quasicrystalline nanocrystal superlattice with partial matching rules.
AB  - Expanding the library of self-assembled superstructures provides insight into the
      behaviour of atomic crystals and supports the development of materials with
      mesoscale order. Here we build on recent findings of soft matter quasicrystals
      and report a quasicrystalline binary nanocrystal superlattice that exhibits
      correlations in the form of partial matching rules reducing tiling disorder. We
      determine a three-dimensional structure model through electron tomography and
      direct imaging of surface topography. The 12-fold rotational symmetry of the
      quasicrystal is broken in sublayers, forming a random tiling of rectangles, large
      triangles and small triangles with 6-fold symmetry. We analyse the geometry of
      the experimental tiling and discuss factors relevant for the stabilization of the
      quasicrystal. Our joint experimental-computational study demonstrates the power
      of nanocrystal superlattice engineering and further narrows the gap between the
      richness of crystal structures found with atoms and in soft matter assemblies.

PMID- 27669058
TI  - Improved Internal Quantum Efficiency and Light-Extraction Efficiency of Organic
      Light-Emitting Diodes via Synergistic Doping with Au and Ag Nanoparticles.
AB  - This paper reports the distinct roles of Au and Ag nanoparticles (NPs) in organic
      light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) depending on their sizes. Au and Ag NPs that are 40
      and 50 nm in size, respectively, are the most effective for enhancing the
      performance of green OLEDs. The external quantum efficiencies (EQEs) of green
      OLEDs doped with Au and Ag NPs (40 and 50 nm, respectively) are improved by 29.5%
      and 36.1%, respectively, while the power efficiencies (PEs) are enhanced by 47.9%
      and 37.5%, respectively. Furthermore, combining the Au and Ag NPs produces
      greater enhancements. The EQE and PE of the codoped OLEDs are improved by 63.9%
      and 68.8%, respectively, through the synergistic behavior of the different NPs.
      Finite-difference time-domain simulations confirm that the localized surface
      plasmon resonance of the Au NPs near 580 nm improves the radiative recombination
      rate (krad) of green-light emitters locally (<50 nm), while the Ag NPs cause
      relatively long-range and broadband enhancements in krad. The simulations of
      various domain sizes verify that the light-extraction efficiency (LEE) can be
      enhanced by more than 4.2% by applying Ag NPs. Thus, size-controlled Au and Ag
      NPs can synergistically enhance OLEDs by improving both the internal quantum
      efficiency and LEE.

PMID- 27669057
TI  - Antifouling Electrospun Nanofiber Mats Functionalized with Polymer Zwitterions.
AB  - In this study, we exploit the excellent fouling resistance of polymer zwitterions
      and present electrospun nanofiber mats surface functionalized with poly(2
      methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (polyMPC). This zwitterionic polymer
      coating maximizes the accessibility of the zwitterion to effectively limit
      biofouling on nanofiber membranes. Two facile, scalable methods yielded a coating
      on cellulose nanofibers: (i) a two-step sequential deposition featuring dopamine
      polymerization followed by the physioadsorption of polyMPC, and (ii) a one-step
      codeposition of polydopamine (PDA) with polyMPC. While the sequential and
      codeposited nanofiber mat assemblies have an equivalent average fiber diameter,
      hydrophilic contact angle, surface chemistry, and stability, the topography of
      nanofibers prepared by codeposition were smoother. Protein and microbial
      antifouling performance of the zwitterion modified nanofiber mats along with two
      controls, cellulose (unmodified) and PDA coated nanofiber mats were evaluated by
      dynamic protein fouling and prolonged bacterial exposure. Following 21 days of
      exposure to bovine serum albumin, the sequential nanofiber mats significantly
      resisted protein fouling, as indicated by their 95% flux recovery ratio in a
      water flux experiment, a 300% improvement over the cellulose nanofiber mats. When
      challenged with two model microbes Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus for
      24 h, both zwitterion modifications demonstrated superior fouling resistance by
      statistically reducing microbial attachment over the two controls. This study
      demonstrates that, by decorating the surfaces of chemically and mechanically
      robust cellulose nanofiber mats with polyMPC, we can generate high performance,
      free-standing nanofiber mats that hold potential in applications where
      antifouling materials are imperative, such as tissue engineering scaffolds and
      water purification technologies.

PMID- 27669056
TI  - Targeting the Neuropeptide Y1 Receptor for Cancer Imaging by Positron Emission
      Tomography Using Novel Truncated Peptides.
AB  - The neuropeptide Y1 receptor (Y1R) is overexpressed in many human cancers,
      particularly breast cancer. Due to stability issues, limited success has been
      achieved for Y1R imaging agents, including full length and truncated neuropeptide
      Y (NPY) analogues. The goal of this study was to evaluate the possibility of
      using radiolabeled truncated NPY analogues to visualize Y1R expression in a
      preclinical model of Y1R-positive tumor. Four truncated NPY analogues were
      synthesized based on the sequence of [Pro30, Tyr32, Leu34]NPY(28-36), also known
      as BVD15. We substituted Tyr5 and Arg6 with unnatural amino acids aiming to
      enhance plasma stability while maintaining good receptor binding affinity to Y1R.
      In addition, we substituted Leu4 to Lys4 in order to conjugate via an optional
      linker the DOTA chelator for 68Ga labeling. Receptor binding affinity and plasma
      stability of these compounds were evaluated. Positron emission
      tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging and biodistribution studies were
      performed using immune-compromised mice bearing HEK293T::WT and HEK293T::hY1R
      tumors. [Lys(Ga-DOTA)4, Bip5]BVD15 (CCZ01035), [Lys(Ahx-Ga-DOTA)4, Bip5]BVD15
      (CCZ01053), and [Lys(Pip-Ga-DOTA)4, Bip5]BVD15 (CCZ01055) demonstrated good
      binding affinity to Y1R (Ki = 23.4-32.3 nM), while [Lys(Ga-DOTA)4, Har6]BVD15
      (P05067) showed poor binding affinity (Ki > 1000 nM). In addition, CCZ01055
      exhibited low binding affinity (Ki > 1000 nM) to Y2R and Y4R, demonstrating its
      selectivity to Y1R. The former three peptides showed improved in vitro plasma
      stability of 7-16% remaining intact after 1 h incubation. PET/CT imaging and
      biodistribution studies for 68Ga-labeled CCZ01053, CCZ01035, and CCZ01055 showed
      that radioactivity was mainly cleared by the renal pathway, and HEK293T::hY1R
      tumors were clearly visualized with minimal background activity with the latter
      two. Of these two tracers, [68Ga]CCZ01055 provided lower kidney accumulation and
      higher contrast, i.e., average uptake ratios of Y1R tumor to wild type tumor,
      blood, and muscle are 3.87 +/- 0.83, 4.12 +/- 1.14, and 17.6 +/- 4.64,
      respectively. Furthermore, Y1R tumor uptake with [68Ga]CCZ01055 was significantly
      reduced with coinjection of 100 MUg of peptide YY, confirming the specificity of
      tumor accumulation was receptor mediated. We successfully developed the first Y1R
      targeting truncated NPY analogues for PET imaging in a preclinical model, and
      [68Ga]CCZ01055 is a critical template for designing improved imaging agents to
      detect Y1R expressing cancers.

PMID- 27669059
TI  - Evaluation of Adults Born With an Oral Cleft: Aren't Adults Just Big Kids?

PMID- 27669060
TI  - Workforce for 21st-Century Health and Health Care.

PMID- 27669061
TI  - Chosen Listening Levels for Music With and Without the Use of Hearing Aids.
AB  - PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to describe chosen listening levels
      (CLLs) for recorded music for listeners with hearing loss in aided and unaided
      conditions. METHOD: The study used a within-subject, repeated-measures design
      with 13 adult hearing-aid users. The music included rock and classical samples
      with different amounts of audio-industry compression limiting. CLL measurements
      were taken at ear level (i.e., at input to the hearing aid) and at the tympanic
      membrane. RESULTS: For aided listening, average CLLs were 69.3 dBA at the input
      to the hearing aid and 80.3 dBA at the tympanic membrane. For unaided listening,
      average CLLs were 76.9 dBA at the entrance to the ear canal and 77.1 dBA at the
      tympanic membrane. Although wide intersubject variability was observed, CLLs were
      not associated with audiometric thresholds. CLLs for rock music were higher than
      for classical music at the tympanic membrane, but no differences were observed
      between genres for ear-level CLLs. The amount of audio-industry compression had
      no significant effect on CLLs. CONCLUSION: By describing the levels of recorded
      music chosen by hearing-aid users, this study provides a basis for ecologically
      valid testing conditions in clinical and laboratory settings.

PMID- 27669062
TI  - Detection of malignant pleural mesothelioma in exhaled breath by multicapillary
      column/ion mobility spectrometry (MCC/IMS).
AB  - Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is predominantly caused by previous asbestos
      exposure. Diagnosis often happens in advanced stages restricting any therapeutic
      perspectives. Early stage detection via breath analysis was explored using
      multicapillary column/ion mobility spectrometry (MCC/IMS) to detect volatile
      organic compounds (VOCs) in the exhaled breath of MPM patients in comparison to
      former occupational asbestos-exposed and non-exposed controls. Breath and
      background samples of 23 MPM patients, 22 asymptomatic former asbestos (AEx)
      workers and 21 healthy non-asbestos exposed persons were taken for analysis.
      After background correction, we performed a logistic least absolute shrinkage and
      selection operator (lasso) regression to select the most important VOCs, followed
      by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. MPM patients were
      discriminated from both controls with 87% sensitivity, 70% specificity and
      respective positive and negative predictive values of 61% and 91%. The overall
      accuracy was 76% and the area under the ROC-curve was 0.81. AEx individuals could
      be discriminated from MPM patients with 87% sensitivity, 86% specificity and
      respective positive and negative predictive values of 87% and 86%. The overall
      accuracy was 87% with an area under the ROC-curve of 0.86. Breath analysis by
      MCC/IMS allows MPM patients to be discriminated from controls and holds promise
      for further investigation as a screening tool for former asbestos-exposed persons
      at risk of developing MPM.

PMID- 27669063
TI  - Cytokines as Potential Biomarkers of Parkinson Disease.

PMID- 27669064
TI  - Eliminating Unnecessary Processes in Primary Care.

PMID- 27669065
TI  - Empathy: A Vital Sign for the Osteopathic Medical Profession.

PMID- 27669066
TI  - Preventing Chronic Nonmalignant Pain: A Family Physician's Response to the Opioid
      Abuse Crisis.

PMID- 27669067
TI  - Correlation Between Standardize Patients' Perceptions of Osteopathic Medical
      Students and Students' Self-Rated Empathy.
AB  - CONTEXT: The use of standardized patients (SPs) promotes and enhances
      interpersonal skill sets of medical students and provides a critical opportunity
      for students to display their relational competence during simulated patient
      encounters. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether SPs' ratings of osteopathic medical
      students' empathy and interpersonal skills correlate with students' self-rated
      empathy. METHODS: The study used a cross-sectional quantitative design. After SP
      encounters, first-, second-, and third-year osteopathic medical students self
      rated empathy using the Jefferson Scale of Empathy medical student version.
      Standardized patients also assessed students' empathy using the Jefferson Scale
      of Patient Perceptions of Physician Empathy and interpersonal skills using the
      Professionalism Assessment Ratings Scale. RESULTS: Of 780 first-, second-, and
      third-year students, 717 students returned the survey (91.9%). In total, 383
      students were women (53.4%) and 334 were men (46.6%). Of 717 SP encounters, SPs
      returned surveys for 648 encounters (90.3%). Ratings from SPs regarding their
      perceptions of osteopathic medical students' empathetic abilities and
      interpersonal skills did not correlate with students' self-rated empathy scores.
      Second- and third-year students were perceived by SPs as having better-developed
      empathetic and interpersonal skill sets when compared with first-year students.
      Results of SPs' ratings indicated that the higher the interpersonal skills, the
      higher the SP-perceived empathy for students across all years (r=0.66; P<.001).
      CONCLUSION: Students' self-rated empathy did not correlate with SP-perceived
      empathy. However, the findings validated that students' core relational
      competencies increase as they progress through medical school.

PMID- 27669068
TI  - Validation of a Functional Pyelocalyceal Renal Model for the Evaluation of Renal
      Calculi Passage While Riding a Roller Coaster.
AB  - CONTEXT: The identification and evaluation of activities capable of dislodging
      calyceal renal calculi require a patient surrogate or validated functional
      pyelocalyceal renal model. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate roller coaster facilitation of
      calyceal renal calculi passage using a functional pyelocalyceal renal model.
      METHODS: A previously described adult ureteroscopy and renoscopy simulator (Ideal
      Anatomic) was modified and remolded to function as a patient surrogate. Three
      renal calculi of different sizes from the patient who provided the original
      computed tomographic urograph on which the simulator was based were used. The
      renal calculi were suspended in urine in the model and taken for 20 rides on the
      Big Thunder Mountain Railroad roller coaster at Walt Disney World in Orlando,
      Florida. The roller coaster rides were analyzed using variables of renal calculi
      volume, calyceal location, model position on the roller coaster, and renal
      calculi passage. RESULTS: Sixty renal calculi rides were analyzed. Independent of
      renal calculi volume and calyceal location, front seating on the roller coaster
      resulted in a passage rate of 4 of 24. Independent of renal calculi volume and
      calyceal location, rear seating on the roller coaster resulted in a passage rate
      of 23 of 36. Independent of renal calculi volume in rear seating, calyceal
      location differed in passage rates, with an upper calyceal calculi passage rate
      of 100%; a middle calyceal passage rate of 55.6%; and a lower calyceal passage
      rate of 40.0%. CONCLUSION: The functional pyelocalyceal renal model serves as a
      functional patient surrogate to evaluate activities that facilitate calyceal
      renal calculi passage. The rear seating position on the roller coaster led to the
      most renal calculi passages.

PMID- 27669069
TI  - A.T. Still's Osteopathic Lesion Theory and Evidence-Based Models Supporting the
      Emerged Concept of Somatic Dysfunction.
AB  - Andrew Taylor Still, MD, DO, coined the original idea of lesion based on the
      obstruction of flow of body fluids, but primarily referring to bony structures
      and more precisely to the spine. Throughout the 20th century, this idea was
      shaped and developed into the concept of somatic dysfunction, a term that is
      familiar to both US-trained osteopathic physicians and foreign-trained osteopaths
      and has been an essential cornerstone of osteopathic practice and teaching. The
      present historical narrative review offers an overview of the evolution of
      Still's original lesion concept, major evidence-based models of somatic
      dysfunction that attempt to explain the clinical findings, and a critique of the
      concept. 

PMID- 27669070
TI  - Using Patient Perspective Sessions to Increase Empathy and Recall in Preclinical
      Medical Students.
AB  - CONTEXT: At the author's institution, patient perspective sessions were added to
      the preclinical curricula, in which actual patients present their medical stories
      and experiences to large groups of first- and second-year medical students. This
      curricular approach was designed to help address concerns about limited patient
      interaction during these years, which could lead to empathy erosion, academic
      burnout, and poor memory retention. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether patient
      perspective sessions conducted in the first and second years of medical school
      had an effect on students' empathy toward patients and perceived retention of
      material. METHODS: In the summer of 2014, an anonymous electronic survey was sent
      to medical students in the class of 2016 who had completed the mandatory patient
      perspective curricula. The patient perspective sessions had started in the
      academic year of 2012-2013, and they involved real patients who presented their
      medical stories and experiences in the medical setting. RESULTS: Of 135 surveys
      sent, 43 completed surveys (32%) were returned. Twenty-seven respondents (89%)
      reported that the patient perspective sessions met the objective of "enhancing
      empathy toward the patient experience," and 23 respondents (75%) reported that
      the sessions made the material easier to remember. Further, 24 respondents (91%)
      reported enjoying the sessions, and all respondents reported that they wanted the
      patient perspective sessions to continue. CONCLUSION: Patient perspective
      sessions are a unique way to add more clinical exposure to the preclinical
      curriculum. These sessions have the potential to increase students' empathy
      toward patients, to increase their retention of material, and to provide new
      perspective. Further, students reported enjoying the sessions, which can help
      decrease the potential for academic burnout.

PMID- 27669072
TI  - Requirements for Certification in Surgery: A Comparison of the American Board of
      Surgery and the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery.
AB  - In early 2014, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, the
      American Osteopathic Association, and the American Association of Colleges of
      Osteopathic Medicine agreed to a memorandum of understanding describing a single
      accreditation system for graduate medical education in the United States.
      Although there are many benefits, such as consistent quality of graduate medical
      education, alignment of competency standards, alignment with policymakers'
      expectations, unification of voices on graduate medical education access and
      funding issues, and visibility of osteopathic medicine, there are also many
      challenges in creating a uniform system of graduate medical education. The
      authors review the pathways to initial certification for both the American Board
      of Surgery and the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery and discuss
      recertification and maintenance of certification. 

PMID- 27669071
TI  - Effect of Medical Education on Empathy in Osteopathic Medical Students.
AB  - CONTEXT: Empathy is an integral component of the patient-physician relationship
      and involves a cognitive ability to connect with others in a meaningful fashion.
      Multiple longitudinal studies have shown that self-reported allopathic medical
      student empathy declines significantly during year 3. However, to date, only 4
      cross-sectional studies have been published on osteopathic medical students'
      empathy. Whereas studies of allopathic medical students reported a decline in
      empathy, similar results were not found in osteopathic studies. OBJECTIVE: To
      investigate (1) self-reported empathy through years 1 to 3 of osteopathic medical
      students and (2) whether empathy declines during year 3. DESIGN: Design included
      cross-sectional and test-retest data collection. SETTING: Private osteopathic
      medical school in the Northeast region of the United States. PARTICIPANTS:
      Osteopathic medical students. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The Jefferson Scale of
      Empathy medical student version. RESULTS: Respondents (N=717) included 383 women
      (53%) and 334 men (47%). When empathy levels were examined by demographics, the
      only significant finding was that women reported significantly higher empathy
      levels than men (112.3 vs 109.3; P<.001). Cross-sectional results indicate that
      mean empathy levels were significantly lower for third-year students at the end
      of the year (108.7) compared with first- and second-year students at the
      beginning of the year (111.3 and 112.4, respectively; P<.05). Test-retest
      analyses of year 3 indicated significantly lower empathy levels from the
      beginning to the end of the academic year (111.2 and 108.7, respectively; P<.05).
      CONCLUSION: Osteopathic medical students' empathy declined significantly during
      year 3, which is consistent with the findings from allopathic samples but differs
      from findings from osteopathic samples. More research is needed to build the data
      on osteopathic medical student samples and to achieve a better understanding of
      changes in empathy in osteopathic and allopathic medical students.

PMID- 27669073
TI  - Japanese Massage Improves Shoulder Range of Motion in Elderly Patients With Late
      Stage Parkinson Disease.

PMID- 27669074
TI  - Manual Therapy and OMT May Be of Benefit in the Management of Somatosensory
      Tinnitus.

PMID- 27669075
TI  - Manual Therapy Shown To Improve Diabetic Foot Ulcer Healing.

PMID- 27669077
TI  - Transcendence From Patient-Centered Care to Person-Centered Care: A Study of the
      Biopsychosocial Impact of Personality on Health.

PMID- 27669076
TI  - Ineffectiveness of Spinal Manipulation for Acute Musculoskeletal Thoracic or
      Chest Wall Pain.

PMID- 27669078
TI  - Porphyria Cutanea Tarda.

PMID- 27669079
TI  - Experimental and Chemoinformatics Study of Tautomerism in a Database of
      Commercially Available Screening Samples.
AB  - We investigated how many cases of the same chemical sold as different products
      (at possibly different prices) occurred in a prototypical large aggregated
      database and simultaneously tested the tautomerism definitions in the
      chemoinformatics toolkit CACTVS. We applied the standard CACTVS tautomeric
      transforms plus a set of recently developed ring-chain transforms to the Aldrich
      Market Select (AMS) database of 6 million screening samples and building blocks.
      In 30 000 cases, two or more AMS products were found to be just different
      tautomeric forms of the same compound. We purchased and analyzed 166 such
      tautomer pairs and triplets by 1H and 13C NMR to determine whether the CACTVS
      transforms accurately predicted what is the same "stuff in the bottle".
      Essentially all prototropic transforms with examples in the AMS were confirmed.
      Some of the ring-chain transforms were found to be too "aggressive", i.e. to
      equate structures with one another that were different compounds.

PMID- 27669080
TI  - Innovation in Medicine and Device Development, Regulatory Review, and Use of
      Clinical Advances.

PMID- 27669081
TI  - Intersystem Crossing in Diplatinum Complexes.
AB  - Intersystem crossing (ISC) in solid [(C4H9)4N]4[Pt2(MU-P2O5(BF2)2)4], abbreviated
      Pt(pop-BF2), is remarkably slow for a third-row transition metal complex, ranging
      from tauISC ~ 0.9 ns at 310 K to tauISC ~ 29 ns below 100 K. A classical model
      based on Boltzmann population of one temperature-independent and two thermally
      activated pathways was previously employed to account for the ISC rate behavior.
      An alternative we prefer is to treat Pt(pop-BF2) ISC quantum mechanically, using
      expressions for multiphonon radiationless transitions. Here we show that a two
      channel model with physically plausible parameters can account for the observed
      ISC temperature dependence. In channel 1, 1A2u intersystem crosses directly into
      3A2u using a high energy B-F or P-O vibration as accepting mode, resulting in a
      temperature-independent ISC rate. In channel 2, ISC occurs via a deactivating
      state of triplet character (which then rapidly decays to 3A2u), using Pt-Pt
      stretching (160 cm-1) as a distorting mode to provide the energy needed. Fitting
      indicates that the deactivating state, 3X, is moderately displaced (S = 0.5-3)
      and blue-shifted (DeltaE = 1420-2550 cm-1) from 1A2u. Our model accounts for the
      experimental observation that ISC in both temperature independent and thermally
      activated channels is faster for Pt(pop) than for Pt(pop-BF2): in the temperature
      independent channel because O-H modes in the former more effectively accept than
      B-F modes in the latter, and in the thermally activated pathway because the
      energy gap to 3X is larger in the latter complex.

PMID- 27669082
TI  - Photoisomerization of Self-Assembled Monolayers of Azobiphenyls: Simulations
      Highlight the Role of Packing and Defects.
AB  - We present surface hopping simulations of the photodynamics of self-assembled
      monolayers (SAMs) of 4'-(biphenyl-4-ylazo)-biphenyl-4-thiol (ABPT) on Au(111). We
      show that trans -> cis photoisomerization is suppressed because of steric
      hindrance in a well-ordered SAM. Photoisomerization is instead viable in the
      presence of defects. Two particularly important defects are the boundaries
      between domains of trans-ABPT molecules leaning in different directions (a line
      defect) and single cis molecules embedded in a SAM of trans (a point defect). Our
      findings explain the cooperative behavior observed during the photoisomerization
      of a trans-ABPT SAM, leading to large domains of pure cis and trans isomers. The
      line and point defects are predicted to produce different patterns of cis-ABPT
      molecules during the early stages of the photoconversion.

PMID- 27669083
TI  - Managing an unstable subluxated intraocular lens with uncontrolled intraocular
      pressure and progressing glaucoma: July consultation #1.

PMID- 27669084
TI  - July consultation #2.

PMID- 27669086
TI  - July consultation #5.

PMID- 27669085
TI  - July consultation #3.

PMID- 27669087
TI  - July consultation #4.

PMID- 27669088
TI  - July consultation #6.

PMID- 27669089
TI  - July consultation #7.

PMID- 27669090
TI  - July consultation #8.

PMID- 27669091
TI  - Multiplatform Mass Spectrometry-Based Approach Identifies Extracellular
      Glycolipids of the Yeast Rhodotorula babjevae UCDFST 04-877.
AB  - A multiplatform mass spectrometry-based approach was used for elucidating
      extracellular lipids with biosurfactant properties produced by the oleaginous
      yeast Rhodotorula babjevae UCDFST 04-877. This strain secreted 8.6 +/- 0.1 g/L
      extracellular lipids when grown in a benchtop bioreactor fed with 100 g/L glucose
      in medium without addition of hydrophobic substrate, such as oleic acid.
      Untargeted reversed-phase liquid chromatography-quadrupole/time-of-flight mass
      spectrometry (QTOFMS) detected native glycolipid molecules with masses of 574-716
      Da. After hydrolysis into the fatty acid and sugar components and hydrophilic
      interaction chromatography-QTOFMS analysis, the extracellular lipids were found
      to consist of hydroxy fatty acids and sugar alcohols. Derivatization and chiral
      separation gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) identified these
      components as d-arabitol, d-mannitol, (R)-3-hydroxymyristate, (R)-3
      hydroxypalmitate, and (R)-3-hydroxystearate. In order to assemble these
      substructures back into intact glycolipids that were detected in the initial
      screen, potential structures were in-silico acetylated to match the observed
      molar masses and subsequently characterized by matching predicted and observed
      MS/MS fragmentation using the Mass Frontier software program. Eleven species of
      acetylated sugar alcohol esters of hydroxy fatty acids were characterized for
      this yeast strain.

PMID- 27669092
TI  - Pin-Based Flow Injection Electroanalysis.
AB  - This work describes the use of mass-fabricated stainless-steel pins as new low
      cost electrodes for a flow injection analysis (FIA) system with electrochemical
      detection. The pins serving as electrodes are directly punched in the tubing
      where solutions flow, being one of the simplest flow cells for FIA. This cell
      consists of a carbon ink coated pin as working electrode and two bare pins as
      counter and reference electrodes. The pins are able to perform at least 300
      measurements. Moreover, they can be easily replaced showing good repeatability
      and reproducibility (RSD lower than 6% in all the cases). As a proof-of-concept,
      the feasibility of the system to determine glucose was evaluated by an enzymatic
      assay using glucose oxidase, horseradish peroxidase, and ferrocyanide as electron
      transfer mediator. The application of this system to real food samples has shown
      accurate results.

PMID- 27669093
TI  - How is the effect of adolescent e-cigarette use on smoking onset mediated: A
      longitudinal analysis.
AB  - E-cigarette use by adolescents has been related to onset of cigarette smoking but
      there is little knowledge about the process(es) through which this occurs.
      Accordingly, we tested the role of cognitive and social factors for mediating the
      relation between e-cigarette use and smoking onset. A school-based survey was
      conducted with a baseline sample of 2,338 students in Hawaii (9th and 10th
      graders, mean age 14.7 years) who were surveyed in 2013 (Time 1, T1) and followed
      up 1 year later (Time 2, T2). We assessed e-cigarette use, cigarette smoking,
      demographic covariates, and 4 hypothesized mediators: smoking-related
      expectancies, prototypes, and peer affiliations as well as marijuana use. The
      primary structural modeling analysis, based on initial never-smokers, used an
      autoregressive model (entering T2 mediator values adjusted for T1 values) to test
      for mediational pathways in the relation between e-cigarette use at T1 and
      cigarette smoking status at T2. Results showed that e-cigarette use was related
      to all of the mediators. Tests of indirect effects indicated that changes in
      expectancies, affiliations, and marijuana use were significant pathways in the
      relation between e-cigarette use and smoking onset. A direct effect from e
      cigarette use to smoking onset was nonsignificant. Findings were replicated
      across autoregressive and prospective models. We conclude that the relation
      between adolescent e-cigarette use and smoking onset is in part attributable to
      cognitive and social processes that follow from e-cigarette use. Further research
      is needed to understand the relative role of nicotine and psychosocial factors in
      smoking onset. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27669094
TI  - Briefer assessment of social network drinking: A test of the Important People
      Instrument-5 (IP-5).
AB  - The Important People instrument (IP; Longabaugh et al., 2010) is one of the most
      commonly used measures of social network drinking. Although its reliability and
      validity are well-supported, the length of the instrument may limit its use in
      many settings. The present study evaluated whether a briefer, 5-person version of
      the IP (IP-5) adequately reproduces scores from the full IP. College freshmen (N
      = 1,053) reported their own past-month drinking, alcohol-related consequences,
      and information about drinking in their close social networks at baseline and 1
      year later. From this we derived network members' drinking frequency, percentage
      of drinkers, and percentage of heavy drinkers, assessed for up to 10 (full IP) or
      5 (IP-5) network members. We first modeled the expected concordance between full
      IP scores and scores from simulated shorter IP instruments by sampling smaller
      subsets of network members from full IP data. Then, using quasi-experimental
      methods, we administered the full IP and IP-5 and compared the 2 instruments'
      score distributions and concurrent and year-lagged associations with
      participants' alcohol consumption and consequences. Most of the full-IP variance
      was reproduced from simulated shorter versions of the IP (ICCs >= 0.80). The full
      IP and IP-5 yielded similar score distributions, concurrent associations with
      drinking (r = 0.22 to 0.52), and year-lagged associations with drinking. The IP-5
      retains most of the information about social network drinking from the full IP.
      The shorter instrument may be useful in clinical and research settings that
      require frequent measure administration, yielding greater temporal resolution for
      monitoring social network drinking. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27669095
TI  - Sedentary college student drinkers can start exercising and reduce drinking after
      intervention.
AB  - Heavy drinking by college students is exceedingly harmful to the individuals and
      to the overall college environment. Current interventions to reduce drinking and
      negative consequences are infrequently utilized. This randomized clinical trial
      examined an alternative approach that sought to increase exercise behavior, a
      substance free activity, in sedentary heavy drinking college students.
      Participants (N = 70) were randomized to an 8-week exercise intervention: (a)
      motivational interviewing plus weekly exercise contracting (MI + EC) or (b)
      motivational interviewing and weekly contingency management for exercise (MI +
      CM). Follow-up evaluations occurred at posttreatment (2 months) and 6 months post
      baseline. Participants in both interventions significantly increased exercise
      frequency initially, and the MI + CM participants exercised significantly more
      than the MI + EC intervention participants during the intervention period (d =
      1.70). Exercise behavior decreased during the follow-up period in both groups.
      Significant reductions in drinking behaviors and consequences were noted over
      time, but were not related to changes in exercise or the interventions (ds <=
      0.01). This study underscores the complex nature of promoting 1 specific health
      behavior change with the goal of changing another. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27669097
TI  - Mechanistic Perspectives on Organic Photoredox Catalysis for Aromatic
      Substitutions.
AB  - Photoredox catalysis has emerged as a powerful tool for the utilization of
      visible light to drive chemical reactions between organic molecules that exhibit
      two rather ubiquitous properties: colorlessness and redox-activity. The
      photocatalyst, however, requires significant absorption in the visible spectrum
      and reversible redox activity. This very general framework has led to the
      development of several new modes of reactivity based on electron and energy
      transfer steps between photoexcited catalyst states and various organic
      molecules. In the past years, major effort has been devoted to photoredox
      catalytic aromatic substitutions involving an initial reductive activation of
      various aryl electrophiles by the photocatalyst, which opens a new entry into
      selective arene functionalizations within organic synthesis endeavors. This,
      however, has led to a unilateral emphasis of synthetic developments including
      catalyst modifications, substrate scope studies, and combinations with other
      chemical processes. This Account summarizes recent reports of new protocols for
      the synthesis of aromatic esters, thioethers, boronates, sulfonates,
      heterobiaryls, deuteroarenes, and other functionalized arenes under mild
      photoredox conditions with organic dyes. On the other hand, mechanistic studies
      were largely neglected. This Account emphasizes the most relevant experiments and
      techniques, which can greatly assist in the exploration of the mechanistic
      foundation of aromatic photoredox substitutions and the design of new chemical
      reactivities. The nature and physicochemical properties of the employed organic
      dyes, the control of its acid-base chemistry, the choice of the irradiation
      sources, and the concentrations of substrates and dyes are demonstrated to
      decisively affect the activity of organic photocatalysts, the chemo- and
      regioselectivities of reactions, and the operating mechanisms. Several methods of
      distinction between photocatalytic and radical chain processes are being
      discussed such as the determination of quantum yields by conventional
      actinometric studies or modern photon counter devices. Careful analyses of key
      thermodynamic and kinetic data of the single electron transfer steps involved in
      aromatic photoredox substitutions by experimental and theoretical techniques are
      being exemplified with recent examples from the literature including the
      determination of redox potentials by DFT and CV, fluorescence quenching studies,
      and transient absorption/emission spectroscopy. This Account provides the
      uninitiated reader with an overview of the potential of organic photoredox
      catalysis for aromatic substitution reactions and encourages the practitioners to
      consult highly instructive synthetic, mechanistic, theoretical, and spectroscopic
      tools that are available in research laboratories.

PMID- 27669098
TI  - A Mechanosensor Mechanism Controls the G-Quadruplex/i-Motif Molecular Switch in
      the MYC Promoter NHE III1.
AB  - MYC is overexpressed in many different cancer types and is an intensively studied
      oncogene because of its contributions to tumorigenesis. The regulation of MYC is
      complex, and the NHE III1 and FUSE elements rely upon noncanonical DNA structures
      and transcriptionally induced negative superhelicity. In the NHE III1 only the G
      quadruplex has been extensively studied, whereas the role of the i-motif, formed
      on the opposite C-rich strand, is much less understood. We demonstrate here that
      the i-motif is formed within the 4CT element and is recognized by hnRNP K, which
      leads to a low level of transcription activation. For maximal hnRNP K
      transcription activation, two additional cytosine runs, located seven bases
      downstream of the i-motif-forming region, are also required. To access these
      additional runs of cytosine, increased negative superhelicity is necessary, which
      leads to a thermodynamically stable complex between hnRNP K and the unfolded i
      motif. We also demonstrate mutual exclusivity between the MYC G-quadruplex and i
      motif, providing a rationale for a molecular switch mechanism driven by SP1
      induced negative superhelicity, where relative hnRNP K and nucleolin expression
      shifts the equilibrium to the on or off state.

PMID- 27669096
TI  - RNAi Screening of the Glucose-Regulated Chaperones in Cancer with Self-Assembled
      siRNA Nanostructures.
AB  - The emerging field of RNA nanotechnology has been used to design well-programmed,
      self-assembled nanostructures for applications in chemistry, biology, and
      medicine. At the forefront of its utility in cancer is the unrestricted ability
      to self-assemble multiple siRNAs within a single nanostructure formulation for
      the RNAi screening of a wide range of oncogenes while potentiating the gene
      therapy of malignant tumors. In our RNAi nanotechnology approach, V- and Y-shape
      RNA templates were designed and constructed for the self-assembly of discrete,
      higher-ordered siRNA nanostructures targeting the oncogenic glucose regulated
      chaperones. The GRP78-targeting siRNAs self-assembled into genetically encoded
      spheres, triangles, squares, pentagons and hexagons of discrete sizes and shapes
      according to TEM imaging. Furthermore, gel electrophoresis, thermal denaturation,
      and CD spectroscopy validated the prerequisite siRNA hybrids for their RNAi
      application. In a 24 sample siRNA screen conducted within the AN3CA endometrial
      cancer cells known to overexpress oncogenic GRP78 activity, the self-assembled
      siRNAs targeting multiple sites of GRP78 expression demonstrated more potent and
      long-lasting anticancer activity relative to their linear controls. Extending the
      scope of our RNAi screening approach, the self-assembled siRNA hybrids (5 nM)
      targeting of GRP-75, 78, and 94 resulted in significant (50-95%) knockdown of the
      glucose regulated chaperones, which led to synergistic effects in tumor cell
      cycle arrest (50-80%) and death (50-60%) within endometrial (AN3CA), cervical
      (HeLa), and breast (MDA-MB-231) cancer cell lines. Interestingly, a
      nontumorigenic lung (MRC5) cell line displaying normal glucose regulated
      chaperone levels was found to tolerate siRNA treatment and demonstrated less
      toxicity (5-20%) relative to the cancer cells that were found to be addicted to
      glucose regulated chaperones. These remarkable self-assembled siRNA
      nanostructures may thus encompass a new class of potent siRNAs that may be useful
      in screening important oncogene targets while improving siRNA therapeutic
      efficacy and specificity in cancer.

PMID- 27669099
TI  - Large-Area Accurate Position Registry of Microparticles on Flexible, Stretchable
      Substrates Using Elastomer Templates.
AB  - This work introduces a robust means for excellent position registry of
      microparticles via a forced assembly technique on flexible or stretchable
      substrates. It is based on the dry powder rubbing process which allows assembly
      of a microparticle monolayer in a short time without requiring any solvent or
      thermal treatment. Elastic physical templates are used as substrates for the
      forced assembly in this study. Since the elastic templates can reduce the stress
      accumulation between the closely packed particles, they can minimize the defect
      formation in the particle assembly in large areas. The method can be used with
      powders comprising irregularly shaped particles with a relatively large size
      distribution that cannot be periodically ordered by conventional self-assembly.
      Furthermore, a non-closely packed particle array can be fabricated readily in
      large area, which is highly desirable for practical uses of the particle
      monolayers. The particle monolayers formed on the elastomer templates can be
      transferred to surfaces coated with thermoplastic block copolymers. Once
      transferred, the particle monolayers are flexible and stretchable over their
      entire surface. This work uses the particle monolayers on a large-area flexible
      substrate as photomasks to produce various photoresist patterns.

PMID- 27669100
TI  - Extraction of Oil from an Aqueous Emulsion by Coupling Thermal Swing with a
      Capillary Pump.
AB  - Separation of oil from water is an area of increasing interest because of the
      ever-increasing emphasis on reducing discharge of oily wastewater streams and for
      managing accidental oil spills. While several methods to separate oil from water
      are available, the current methods often require elaborate processing steps
      and/or have low extraction rates. Here, we report two simple and potentially
      inexpensive methods of separating oil from aqueous emulsions. The first method
      employs hydrophobized glass wool in a pressure-driven capillary pump, while the
      second method employs novel zeolite pellets the exterior surface of which is
      hydrophobic. These pellets selectively absorb oil from an aqueous emulsion, which
      can subsequently be recovered using thermal swing with hot fluid at a temperature
      far below the boiling point of the oil. Separation of oil with a very high yield
      (ca. 97%) appears possible using a combination of the two methods.

PMID- 27669101
TI  - Effects of the Orientation of [B5O11]7- Fundamental Building Blocks on Layered
      Structures Based on the Pentaborates.
AB  - Four new layered pentaborates Rb4Ba2.5B20O34Br, Rb2Ba4B20O34Br2,
      Rb4Ba2.5B20O34Cl, and KBaB5O9 have been successfully synthesized via a high
      temperature solution method; the former three are the first series of compounds
      reported in the Rb-Ba-B-O-X (X = halogen) system. Interestingly, the structures
      of the above compounds are composed of the same [B5O11]7- fundamental building
      block (FBB), which could be further linked to form 2infinity[B10O17]4- double
      layers for the former three compounds and 2infinity[B5O9]3- single layers for the
      last one. The structure comparisons among all the available anhydrous
      pentaborates reveal that the structures of the anionic framework are affected by
      the relationship between the orientation of [B5O11]7- FBB axes and the layer
      plane (parallel or perpendicular), which will produce the different number of
      terminal O atoms in the initial pentaborate blocks. The viewpoints give us a
      feasible way to investigate the layered structures and expand the structural
      diversity of borates. Furthermore, the infrared spectra, UV-vis-NIR diffuse
      reflectance spectra, and thermal behaviors of these compounds were also studied.

PMID- 27669102
TI  - Communicating Delicately: Introducing the Need to Make a Decision About the Use
      of Life-Sustaining Treatment.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to explore how clinicians introduce the need to
      make a decision about the use of life-sustaining treatment and how surrogates
      respond to these introductions during family conferences in the intensive care
      unit. This article focuses on the use of the perspective-display sequence as a
      way to introduce the decision-making conversation. In the family conferences, the
      perspective-display sequence involved (a) the clinician's perspective-display
      invitation of the surrogates' assessment of the patient's wishes, (b) the
      surrogates' reply or assessment, and (c) the clinician's decision proposal, which
      often incorporates the surrogates' assessment. Asking about the patient's wishes
      is a delicate way to ease into the decision-making conversation. By using the
      perspective-display sequence, clinicians are also participating in shared
      decision making; their decision proposal is co-constructed with surrogates'
      understanding of the patient's wishes regarding the treatment.

PMID- 27669103
TI  - Do You Get What You Paid For? An Examination of Products Advertised as Kratom.
AB  - Although some novel psychoactive substances (NPS) are newly discovered chemicals,
      others are traditional or indigenous substances that are introduced to new
      markets. One of these latter substances is a plant many people refer to as
      kratom. Indigenous to Southeast Asia and used for a variety of instrumental and
      recreational purposes, kratom has recently become available to Western drug
      users. Kratom is somewhat unique in that the plant contains two different
      psychoactive chemicals, which have both stimulant (mitragynine) and narcotic (7
      hydroxymitragynine) properties. Thus, kratom may appeal to different types of
      drug users for reasons other than curiosity. In the current study, 15 samples of
      products that were either directly advertised as kratom or were listed in the
      results of a web search (but were not directly advertised as kratom) were
      purchased for testing. After laboratory testing, it was determined that all
      products advertised as kratom contained the active chemical mitragynine, but 7
      hydroxymitragynine was not detected in any of the samples. Implications are
      discussed.

PMID- 27669104
TI  - "Drunk in Love": The Portrayal of Risk Behavior in Music Lyrics.
AB  - The current study investigated the prevalence of multiple risk behaviors in
      popular music lyrics as well as the contexts within which they occur. We
      conducted a content analysis of the top 20 Billboard songs from 2009 to 2013 in
      the genres of rap, country, adult contemporary, rock, R&B/hip-hop, and pop,
      coding for the presence of alcohol, marijuana, nonmarijuana drugs, and sex as
      well as the contexts intoxication, binging/addiction, partying/socializing,
      disregard for consequences, and emotional states. The contexts relationship
      status and degradation were also coded for when sex was present. Of the 600
      songs, 212 mentioned sexual behaviors, which were most frequent in rap and
      R&B/hip-hop. Alcohol was the next most frequent risk behavior, again with
      greatest mention in rap and R&B/hip-hop. Alcohol, marijuana, and nonmarijuana
      drugs were most often associated with positive emotions, and sex was most often
      described within the context of casual relationships. Alcohol and sex were
      associated with disregard for consequences most often in 2011, when the "you only
      live once" motto was most popular. These findings are concerning because exposure
      to popular music is associated with increased risk behaviors for adolescents and
      young adults, who are the greatest consumers of music.

PMID- 27669105
TI  - Checking distributional assumptions for pharmacokinetic summary statistics based
      on simulations with compartmental models.
AB  - Bioequivalence (BE) studies are an essential part of the evaluation of generic
      drugs. The most common in vivo BE study design is the two-period two-treatment
      crossover design. AUC (area under the concentration-time curve) and Cmax (maximum
      concentration) are obtained from the observed concentration-time profiles for
      each subject from each treatment under each sequence. In the BE evaluation of
      pharmacokinetic crossover studies, the normality of the univariate response
      variable, e.g. log(AUC)1 or log(Cmax), is often assumed in the literature without
      much evidence. Therefore, we investigate the distributional assumption of the
      normality of response variables, log(AUC) and log(Cmax), by simulating
      concentration-time profiles from two-stage pharmacokinetic models (commonly used
      in pharmacokinetic research) for a wide range of pharmacokinetic parameters and
      measurement error structures. Our simulations show that, under reasonable
      distributional assumptions on the pharmacokinetic parameters, log(AUC) has heavy
      tails and log(Cmax) is skewed. Sensitivity analyses are conducted to investigate
      how the distribution of the standardized log(AUC) (or the standardized log(Cmax))
      for a large number of simulated subjects deviates from normality if distributions
      of errors in the pharmacokinetic model for plasma concentrations deviate from
      normality and if the plasma concentration can be described by different
      compartmental models.

PMID- 27669106
TI  - Fixed Implant-Supported Full-Arch Prosthesis in Epidermolysis Bullosa With Severe
      Symptoms.

PMID- 27669107
TI  - Mental representations of vowel features asymmetrically modulate activity in
      superior temporal sulcus.
AB  - Research in auditory neuroscience illustrated the importance of superior temporal
      sulcus (STS) for speech sound processing. However, evidence for abstract
      processing beyond the level of phonetics in STS has remained elusive. In this
      study, we follow an underspecification approach according to which the
      phonological representation of vowels is based on the presence vs. absence of
      abstract features. We hypothesized that phonological mismatch in a same/different
      task is governed by underspecification: A less specified vowel in second position
      of same/different minimal pairs (e.g. [e]) compared to its more specified
      counterpart in first position (e.g. [o]) should result in stronger activation in
      STS than in the reverse presentation. Whole-brain analyses confirmed this
      hypothesis in a bilateral cluster in STS. However, this effect interacted with
      the feature-distance between first and second vowel and was most pronounced for a
      minimal, one-feature distance, evidencing the benefit of phonological information
      for processing acoustically minimal sound differences.

PMID- 27669108
TI  - Immunotherapy for malignant mesothelioma: reality check.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Initial data of immune based therapy showed promise for improving
      malignant mesothelioma (MM) treatment. However, the results of such treatments
      have neither been predictable nor consistent and recent clinical studies of
      immune checkpoint inhibitors in MM have dampened initial enthusiasm. Areas
      covered: We comprehensively discuss the basis, modalities and updated results of
      immunotherapy in MM. An online search was conducted for relevant literature and
      abstracts of recent meetings. Expert commentary: Although initial studies have
      demonstrated proof of principle that manipulating the immune checkpoint axis
      holds promise in MM, results of some recent large studies using checkpoint
      inhibitors have been disappointing. This is not surprising given the low
      mutational load in MM and suggests that single agent immunotherapy has limited
      benefit in this disease. We believe that in order to demonstrate durable survival
      benefits, they will need to be used in combination approaches with other
      immunotherapies, vaccines or chemotherapy.

PMID- 27669109
TI  - Split lesion randomized comparative study between long pulsed Nd:YAG laser 532
      and 1,064 nm in treatment of facial port-wine stain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lasers have been the treatment of choice for Port-wine stain (PWS).
      However, only one type of laser is not a panacea for all PWS malformations. This
      is may be due to the great heterogeneity of phenotypic presentation of this
      congenital anomaly as color, depth, and the site of the lesion. For the treatment
      of PWS, flash lamp-pumped pulsed dye laser, carbon dioxide, argon, krypton,
      copper bromide, frequency-doubled neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG), and
      also intense pulsed light sources can be used. OBJECTIVES: To assess and compare
      the effectiveness of wavelength 532 and 1,064 nanometers (nm) long pulse Nd:YAG
      laser in the treatment of facial port-wine stain. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was
      a comparative therapeutic study for the treatment of facial port-wine stain. We
      divided the lesion into two halves, medial and lateral, and then each half was
      treated by 532 or 1,064 nm Nd:YAG. The sessions were done every 4 weeks for six
      sessions and follow-up after 3 months, then assess the response before and after
      the sessions and at the end follow-up period objectively (degree of improvement,
      Photo comparison) and subjectively (Patient satisfaction). RESULTS: Fourteen out
      of nineteen patients completed all sessions of the treatment, and the other five
      patients were defaulted from the study due to different causes, including
      marriage, poor compliance for treatment, and for unknown causes. They were 13
      (92.85%) females and 1 (7.15%) male. The mean age of patients was 22.07 +/- 9.003
      years (range 8-44 years). Three patients (21.4%) were Fitzpatrick's skin type III
      and four patients (78.6%) were typed IV. There was no hypertrophy in any of the
      lesions. All facial PWSs lie along the distribution of the trigeminal nerve. Four
      patients (28.6%) have V1 (ophthalmic), 12 patients (85.7%) have V2 (maxillary),
      and 9 (64.3%) have V3 (mandibular). The color of PWSs was pink-red in eight
      patients (57.1%), dark-red in four patients (28.6%), and purple-dark two patients
      (14.3%). The improvement score for the halves of the PWS treated with long pulsed
      Nd:YAG 532 nm were: failure = 0%, mild = 14.3%, moderate = 28.6%, good = 28.6%,
      excellent = 28.6%, while the score for long pulsed Nd:YAG 1,064 nm were: failure
      = 7.1%, mild = 85.7%, moderate = 7.1%, good = 0%, excellent = 0%. There are
      highly significant differences between the two parameters (P-value = <0.001). The
      visual analog scale regarding the halves of PWS treated by long pulsed Nd:YAG 532
      nm before the treatment was 5.00 +/- 0.96 and after treatment was 2.28 +/- 1.43.
      There is a highly significant difference between the two scores (P-value <0.001).
      The visual analog scale for the halves of PWS before the use of long pulsed
      Nd:YAG 1,064 nm was 5.14 +/- 0.77 and after treatment was 3.71 +/- 0.82. There is
      a highly significant difference between the two scores (P-value <0.001). At the
      end of follow-up period, mean score +/- SD for 532 nm was 2.28 +/- 1.43 and for
      1,064 nm was 3.71 +/- 0.82. There is a highly significant difference in both
      wavelengths, when compared with scores for each before the treatment. In
      comparison, between 532 and 1,064 nm, the difference in the visual analog scale
      for 532 nm before and at the end of the follow-up period was 2.7143 +/- 1.069,
      while for 1,064 nm was 1.4286 +/- 0.513. There is a highly significant difference
      between the two wavelengths (P-value <0.001). The mean score for the satisfaction
      of long pulsed Nd:YAG 532 nm was 76 +/- 23, while for 1,064 nm was 33 +/- 8, so
      there is a highly significant difference between the two parameters (P-value =
      <0.001). None of the patients showed recurrence, scar, or hyperpigmentation after
      3 months of the last treatment session. One patient developed hyperpigmentation
      that resolved with hydroquinone cream 4% and no scarring was seen at the end of
      follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: The long pulsed Nd:YAG laser 532 nm is more
      effective in the treatment of superficial bright red facial PWSs than the long
      pulse Nd:YAG 1,064 nm. More treatment sessions may lead to better clearance of
      the lesions. The use of non-invasive imaging technique such as dermoscopy, skin
      analyzer likes spatial frequency domain imaging (SFDI) device, or confocal
      microscopy to assess the level of malformations and the changes before and after
      the treatment with each type can give a clearer view of tissue response to laser
      irradiation. Lasers Surg. Med. 48:852-858, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27669110
TI  - Development of stable haploid strains and molecular genetic tools for Naumovozyma
      castellii (Saccharomyces castellii).
AB  - The budding yeast Naumovozyma castellii (syn. Saccharomyces castellii) has been
      included in comparative genomics studies and functional analyses of centromere
      DNA elements, and has been shown to possess beneficial traits for telomere
      biology research. To provide useful tools for molecular genetic approaches, we
      produced stable haploid heterothallic strains from an early ancestral strain
      derived from the N. castellii collection strain CBS 4310. To this end, we deleted
      the gene encoding the Ho endonuclease, which is essential for the mating type
      switching. Gene replacement of HO with the kanMX3 resistance cassette was
      performed in diploid strains, followed by sporulation and tetrad microdissection
      of the haploid spores. The mating type (MATa or MATalpha) was determined for each
      hoDelta mutant, and was stable under sporulation-inducing conditions, showing
      that the switching system was totally non-functional. The hoDeltastrains showed
      wild-type growth rates and were successfully transformed with linear DNA using
      the general protocol. Opposite mating types of the hoDeltastrains were mated,
      resulting in diploid cells that efficiently formed asci and generated viable
      spores when microdissected. By introduction of a point mutation in the URA3 gene,
      we created a uracil auxotrophic strain, and by exchanging the kanMX3 cassette for
      the hphMX4 cassette we show that hygromycin B resistance can be used as a
      selection marker in N. castellii. These haploid strains containing genetic
      markers will be useful tools for performing genetic analyses in N. castellii.
      Moreover, we demonstrate that homology regions of 200-230 bp can be successfully
      used for target site-specific integration into genomic loci. Copyright (c) 2016
      John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27669111
TI  - Progression of hypertension and kidney disease in aging fawn-hooded rats is
      mediated by enhanced influence of renin-angiotensin system and suppression of
      nitric oxide system and epoxyeicosanoids.
AB  - The fawn-hooded hypertensive (FHH) rat serves as a genetic model of spontaneous
      hypertension associated with glomerular hyperfiltration and proteinuria. However,
      the knowledge of the natural course of hypertension and kidney disease in FHH
      rats remains fragmentary and the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are
      unclear. In this study, over the animals' lifetime, we followed the survival
      rate, blood pressure (telemetry), indices of kidney damage, the activity of renin
      angiotensin (RAS) and nitric oxide (NO) systems, and CYP450-epoxygenase products
      (EETs). Compared to normotensive controls, no elevation of plasma and renal RAS
      was observed in prehypertensive and hypertensive FHH rats; however, RAS
      inhibition significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (137 +/- 9 to 116 +/- 8,
      and 159 +/- 8 to 126 +/- 4 mmHg, respectively) and proteinuria (62 +/- 2 to 37 +/
      3, and 132 +/- 8 to 87 +/- 5 mg/day, respectively). Moreover, pharmacological
      RAS inhibition reduced angiotensin (ANG) II and increased ANG 1-7 in the kidney
      and thereby may have delayed the progression of kidney disease. Furthermore,
      renal NO and EETs declined in the aging FHH rats but not in the control strain.
      The present results, especially the demonstration of exaggerated vascular
      responsiveness to ANG II, indicate that RAS may contribute to the development of
      hypertension and kidney disease in FHH rats. The activity of factors opposing the
      development of hypertension and protecting the kidney declined with age in this
      model. Therefore, therapeutic enhancement of this activity besides RAS inhibition
      could be attempted in the therapy of human hypertension associated with kidney
      disease.

PMID- 27669112
TI  - Use of Yunnan Baiyao and epsilon aminocaproic acid in dogs with right atrial
      masses and pericardial effusion.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the utility of Yunnan Baiyao (YB) alone or in combination
      with epsilon aminocaproic acid (EAC) for the treatment of dogs with
      echocardiographically identified right atrial (RA) masses and pericardial
      effusion (PE). DESIGN: Retrospective case-controlled study. SETTING: Two private
      practice referral hospitals. ANIMALS: Client-owned dogs with RA masses and PE
      identified echocardiographically over a 3-year period. INTERVENTIONS: None.
      MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: There were 67 dogs identified with RA masses and
      PE during the study period. Sixteen dogs were treated with YB alone while 8 dogs
      were treated with YB in combination with EAC in addition to pericardiocentesis.
      Forty-three dogs were treated with pericardiocentesis alone and were considered
      to be the control group. There was no difference between the groups in regards to
      signalment, physical examination abnormalities, and diagnostic test results on
      presentation. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups with
      respect to number of pericardiocenteses performed and there were no side effects
      attributed to the YB or EAC in any of the dogs. Median time to recurrence of
      clinical signs was not significantly different between the treatment (12 d, range
      1-186 d) and control group (14.5 d, range 1-277 d). The median survival of dogs
      treated with YB alone or in combination with EAC (18 d, range 1-186 d) was also
      not significantly improved compared to dogs treated with pericardiocenteses alone
      (16 d, range 1-277 d). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests YB alone or in
      combination with EAC is relatively safe but does not significantly delay
      recurrence of clinical signs or improve survival in dogs with RA masses and PE.
      Due to the small cohort size, further prospective studies evaluating these drugs
      and their effects on hemostasis in dogs with RA masses and PE are warranted.

PMID- 27669113
TI  - Biased signalling is an essential feature of TLR4 in glioma cells.
AB  - A distinct feature of the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is its ability to trigger
      both MyD88-dependent and MyD88-independent signalling, culminating in activation
      of pro-inflammatory NF-kappaB and/or the antiviral IRF3. Although TLR4 agonists
      (lipopolysaccharides; LPSs) derived from different bacterial species have
      different endotoxic activity, the impact of LPS chemotype on the downstream
      signalling is not fully understood. Notably, different TLR4 agonists exhibit anti
      tumoural activity in animal models of glioma, but the underlying molecular
      mechanisms are largely unknown. Thus, we investigated the impact of LPS chemotype
      on the signalling events in the human glioma cell line U251. We found that LPS of
      Escherichia coli origin (LPSEC) leads to NF-kappaB-biased downstream signalling
      compared to Salmonella minnesota-derived LPS (LPSSM). Exposure of U251 cells to
      LPSEC resulted in faster nuclear translocation of the NF-kappaB subunit p65,
      higher NF-kappaB-activity and expression of its targets genes, and higher amount
      of secreted IL-6 compared to LPSSM. Using super-resolution microscopy we showed
      that the biased agonism of TLR4 in glioma cells is neither a result of
      differential regulation of receptor density nor of formation of higher order
      oligomers. Consistent with previous reports, LPSEC-mediated NF-kappaB activation
      led to significantly increased U251 proliferation, whereas LPSSM-induced IRF3
      activity negatively influenced their invasiveness. Finally, treatment with methyl
      beta-cyclodextrin (MCD) selectively increased LPSSM-induced nuclear translocation
      of p65 and NF-kappaB activity without affecting IRF3. Our data may explain how
      TLR4 agonists differently affect glioma cell proliferation and migration.

PMID- 27669114
TI  - Rabs and GAPs in starvation-induced autophagy.
AB  - Formation of autophagosomes requires vesicular trafficking from virtually every
      subcellular compartment to the formation site. This traffic must be tightly
      regulated but also adaptable as different membrane compartments will contribute
      varying amounts of membrane, lipids and proteins to the forming autophagosome
      depending on the stimulus. In mammalian cells, efforts to understand how
      autophagosomes form have been focused on the role of Rab proteins in autophagy.
      Rab proteins provide specificity through their interaction with coat proteins,
      vesicle tethers and SNAREs. Recent data emerging from these studies have defined
      a subset of Rab proteins and their regulators, the RabGAPS (GTPase activating
      proteins) in both autophagosome formation and maturation. This review will focus
      on the role of a set of RabGAPs shown to regulate autophagy, in particular
      TBC1D14, and its interactors, RAB11 and TRAPPIII. Through our studies on TBC1D14,
      we have gained an understanding of the contribution of membrane from the
      recycling endosome, and the role of TRAPPIII in maintaining ATG (Autophagy
      protein) 9 trafficking in autophagosome formation.

PMID- 27669115
TI  - Effect of fructose on the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase and
      acetyl-CoA carboxylase in HepG2 cells stimulated with placental lactogen.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High fructose intake induces disruption of lipid metabolism via AMP
      activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling in the liver and peripheral tissues.
      Maternal lipid metabolism is physiologically altered by the activity of pregnancy
      hormones such as human placental lactogen (PL). To elucidate the influence of
      high fructose intake on hepatic lipid metabolism during pregnancy, we examined
      the effects of fructose on lipid metabolism via the AMPK pathway in hepatocytes
      stimulated with PL. METHODS: Human hepatoma cells (HepG2) were treated with D(-)
      fructose in the presence or absence of PL. Intracellular lipid contents were
      measured. The total and phosphorylated protein content of AMPK and acetyl-CoA
      carboxylase (ACC) was quantified by Western blotting. RESULTS: The intracellular
      triacylglycerol level in fructose-treated HepG2 cells decreased significantly
      compared with that in untreated cells in the presence, but not absence, of PL.
      AMPK and ACC phosphorylation increased significantly and concentration
      dependently in fructose-treated HepG2 cells in the presence of PL. CONCLUSION:
      Our results suggest that fructose treatment reduces triacylglycerol levels via
      AMPK/ACC signaling in PL-stimulated hepatocytes. These findings suggest that high
      fructose intake during pregnancy might impair lipid metabolism in the maternal
      liver.

PMID- 27669116
TI  - Diverse Functions and Signal Transduction of the Exocyst Complex in Tumor Cells.
AB  - The exocyst complex is a large conserved hetero-oligomeric complex that consists
      of Sec3, Sec5, Sec6, Sec8, Sec10, Sec15, Exo70, and Exo84 subunits. It has been
      implicated in the targeting of vesicles for regulated exocytosis in various cell
      types, and is also important for targeted exocytosis of post-Golgi transport
      vesicles to the plasma membrane. The exocyst complex is essential for membrane
      growth, secretion, and function during exocytosis and endocytosis. Moreover, the
      individual components of the complex are thought to act on specific biological
      processes, such as cytokinesis, ciliogenesis, apoptosis, autophagy, and
      epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). As a result, recent studies suggest that
      the exocyst complex may be involved in several diseases such as kidney disease,
      neuropathogenesis, diabetes, and cancer. In this review, we focus on the diverse
      functions and cellular signaling pathways of the exocyst complex in various
      tumors. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 939-957, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27669117
TI  - Anti-inflammatory effects of infliximab in mice are independent of tumour
      necrosis factor alpha neutralization.
AB  - Infliximab (IFX) has been used repeatedly in mouse preclinical models with
      associated claims that anti-inflammatory effects are due to inhibition of mouse
      tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. However, the mechanism of action in mice
      remains unclear. In this study, the binding specificity of IFX for mouse TNF
      alpha was investigated ex vivo using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA),
      flow cytometry and Western blot. Infliximab (IFX) did not bind directly to
      soluble or membrane-bound mouse TNF-alpha nor did it have any effect on TNF-alpha
      induced nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) stimulation in mouse fibroblasts. The
      efficacy of IFX treatment was then investigated in vivo using a TNF-alpha
      independent Trichuris muris-induced infection model of chronic colitis. Infection
      provoked severe transmural colonic inflammation by day 35 post-infection. Colonic
      pathology, macrophage phenotype and cell death were determined. As predicted from
      the in-vitro data, in-vivo treatment of T. muris-infected mice with IFX had no
      effect on clinical outcome, nor did it affect macrophage cell phenotype or
      number. IFX enhanced apoptosis of colonic immune cells significantly, likely to
      be driven by a direct effect of the humanized antibody itself. We have
      demonstrated that although IFX does not bind directly to TNF-alpha, observed anti
      inflammatory effects in other mouse models may be through host cell apoptosis. We
      suggest that more careful consideration of xenogeneic responses should be made
      when utilizing IFX in preclinical models.

PMID- 27669119
TI  - Coumarin sulfonates: As potential leads for ROS inhibition.
AB  - Coumarin sulfonates 4-43 were synthesized by reacting 3-hydroxy coumarin 1, 4
      hydroxy coumarin 2and6-hydroxy coumarin 3 with different substituted sulfonyl
      chlorides and subjected to evaluate for their in vitro immunomodulatory
      potential. The compounds were investigated for their effect on oxidative burst
      activity of zymosan stimulated whole blood phagocytes using a luminol enhanced
      chemiluminescence technique. Ibuprofen was used as standard drug (IC50=54.2+/
      9.2MUM). Eleven compounds 6 (IC50=46.60+/-14.6MUM), 8 (IC50=11.50+/-6.5MUM), 15
      (IC50=21.40+/-12.2MUM), 19 (IC50=5.75+/-0.86MUM), 22 (IC50=10.27+/-1.06MUM), 23
      (IC50=33.09+/-5.61MUM), 24 (IC50=4.93+/-0.58MUM), 25 (IC50=21.96+/-14.74MUM), 29
      (IC50=12.47+/-9.2MUM), 35 (IC50=20.20+/-13.4MUM) and 37 (IC50=14.47+/-5.02MUM)
      out of forty demonstrated their potential suppressive effect on production of
      reactive oxygen species (ROS) as compared to ibuprofen. All the synthetic
      derivatives 4-43 were characterized by different available spectroscopic
      techniques such as 1H NMR, 13C NMR, EIMS and HRMS. CHN analysis was also
      performed.

PMID- 27669118
TI  - Molecular docking studies and biological evaluation of 1,3,4-thiadiazole
      derivatives bearing Schiff base moieties as tyrosinase inhibitors.
AB  - 1,3,4-Thiadiazole derivatives bearing Schiff base moieties were designed,
      synthesized, and their tyrosinase inhibitory activities were evaluated. Some
      compounds displayed potent tyrosinase inhibitory activities, especially, 4-(((5
      mercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)-imino)methyl)-2-methoxy-phenol (14) exhibited
      superior inhibitory effect to the other compounds with an IC50 value of 0.036MUM.
      The structure-activity relationships (SARs) were preliminarily discussed and
      docking studies showed compound 14 had strong binding affinity to mushroom
      tyrosinase. Hydroxy might be the active groups. The inhibition kinetics study
      revealed that compounds (13 and 14) inhibited tyrosinase by acting as
      uncompetitive inhibitors. The LD50 value of the compound 14 was 5000mg/kg.

PMID- 27669120
TI  - Novel 1,3,4-oxadiazole/oxime hybrids: Synthesis, docking studies and
      investigation of anti-inflammatory, ulcerogenic liability and analgesic
      activities.
AB  - A novel group of 1,3,4-oxadaiazoles, a group known for their anti-inflammatory
      activity, is hybridized with nitric oxide (NO) releasing group, oxime, for its
      gastro-protective action and potential synergistic effect. The synthesized
      hybrids were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant and
      ulcerogenic activities. Most of the tested compounds showed excellent anti
      inflammatory activity with compound 8e being more active than indomethacin. They
      also showed moderate analgesic activity but no antioxidant one. The ability of
      the synthesized compounds to inhibit COX-1 and COX-2 is studied and the prepared
      compounds were able to inhibit both COXs non-selectively with IC50s of 0.75
      70.50MUM. Docking studies revealed the mode of interaction of the tested
      compounds into the empty pocket of the isozymes. All of the synthesized compounds
      interact with COXs active site with energy scores comparable to that of
      ibuprofen. All compounds showed a safer profile on the stomach tissue integrity
      compared to conventional NSAIDs. The designed strategy was applied to ibuprofen
      to introduce ibuprofen/oxadiazole/NO hybrid. The synthesized ibuprofen hybrid is
      a promising alternative to ibuprofen having similar anti-inflammatory activity
      but with safer GIT profile.

PMID- 27669122
TI  - Are subversion and conflict component parts of social cohesion?: A reply to
      Lindstrom.

PMID- 27669121
TI  - Vulnerability to unintentional injuries associated with land-use activities and
      search and rescue in Nunavut, Canada.
AB  - Injury is the leading cause of death for Canadians aged 1 to 44, occurring
      disproportionately across regions and communities. In the Inuit territory of
      Nunavut, for instance, unintentional injury rates are over three times the
      Canadian average. In this paper, we develop a framework for assessing
      vulnerability to injury and use it to identify and characterize the determinants
      of injuries on the land in Nunavut. We specifically examine unintentional
      injuries on the land (outside of hamlets) because of the importance of land-based
      activities to Inuit culture, health, and well-being. Semi-structured interviews
      (n = 45) were conducted in three communities that have varying rates of search
      and rescue (SAR), complemented by an analysis of SAR case data for the territory.
      We found that risk of land-based injuries is affected by socioeconomic status,
      Inuit traditional knowledge, community organizations, and territorial and
      national policies. Notably, by moving beyond common conceptualizations of
      unintentional injury, we are able to better assess root causes of unintentional
      injury and outline paths for prevention.

PMID- 27669123
TI  - "Benches become like porches": Built and social environment influences on older
      adults' experiences of mobility and well-being.
AB  - Neighbourhood environments significantly influence health and well-being,
      especially as people age. Our study uniquely highlights how one microscale
      feature (benches) influence older adults experiences of mobility and well-being,
      from their perspective. We also explore how these experiences affect and are
      affected by the social environment of the neighbourhoods where older adults live.
      We conducted one-on-one seated and walk-along interviews with individuals aged
      60+ that live in three adjacent neighbourhoods in Vancouver, Canada. We collected
      data at two time points (n = 28, 2012; n = 22, 2014). We found that benches
      positively contributed to older adults' mobility experiences by: (i) enhancing
      their use and enjoyment of green and blue spaces, (ii) serving as a mobility aid,
      and (iii) contributing to social cohesion and social capital. To address the
      increased needs of an aging demographic, urban planners might consider the
      quality and presence of microfeatures as part of an immediate and inexpensive
      strategy to create supportive neighbourhoods for people of all ages and
      abilities.

PMID- 27669124
TI  - A novel role of bone morphogenetic protein-7 in the regulation of adhesion and
      migration of human monocytic cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) 7 is abundant in atherosclerotic
      plaques and increases monocyte pro-coagulant activity by enhancing tissue factor
      (TF) expression. While several members of the BMP superfamily are able to serve
      as chemotactic agents for monocytes, the role of BMP-7 in regulation of monocyte
      motility is not known. AIMS: To assess the effect of BMP-7 on adhesive and
      migratory properties of human monocytes. METHODS: Chemokinesis, adhesion, and
      transendothelial migration of BMP-7-treated THP-1 cells and human monocytes were
      analysed using live-cell imaging, orbital shear, and Boyden chamber assays.
      Surface presentation of beta2 integrins and phosphorylation status of Akt & focal
      adhesion kinase (FAK) were studied by flow cytometry and Western blot. RESULTS:
      High levels of BMP-7 protein were detectable in intimal regions of
      atherosclerotic plaques; BMP-7 significantly enhanced THP-1 and monocyte
      chemokinetic properties in vitro (1.21+0.01 and 1.76+0.21 fold increase in
      crawling distance, respectively). Under orbital shear, adhesion of monocytic
      cells to microvascular endothelial cell (MVEC) monolayers was also significantly
      increased by BMP-7 (3.89+1.56 and 2.57+0.97 fold over vehicle). Moreover, BMP-7
      accelerated transendothelial migration of THP-1 cells and monocytes towards MCP-1
      (5.91+0.88 and 2.96+/-0.65 fold increase, respectively). BMP-7 enhanced cell
      surface presentation of beta2 integrins in the active conformation. Observed
      effects were determined to be Akt and FAK dependent, as shown by pharmacological
      inhibition. CONCLUSION: BMP-7 directly upregulates adhesion and migration of
      human monocytic cells via activation of beta2 integrins, Akt, and FAK. Our
      findings suggest that BMP-7 may serve as a novel contributor to atherogenesis.

PMID- 27669125
TI  - Effect of extremes of body weight on drug level in patient treated with standard
      dose of rivaroxaban for venous thromboembolism; real life experience.

PMID- 27669126
TI  - Endothelial cell senescence and thrombosis: Ageing clots.
AB  - Age is an important cardiovascular risk factor. Among others, age is associated
      with an increased risk to develop thrombotic cardiovascular complications, both
      in the arterial (acute myocardial infarction, stroke) and the venous (deep vein
      thrombosis, pulmonary embolism) system, which cannot be explained by the age
      associated increase in cardiovascular risk factors alone. A number of studies
      have demonstrated that the accumulation of senescent endothelial cells and
      specific phenotypic and functional alterations associated with endothelial cell
      senescence may play an important role during the development and progression of
      cardiovascular disease. Prevention of platelet aggregation and thrombosis as well
      as fibrinolysis are important functions of the endothelium lining the
      vasculature. Moreover, impaired proliferation and migration of local endothelial
      cells as well as exhaustion of endogenous endothelial repair mechanisms involving
      progenitor cells may also contribute to thrombosis and its complications with age
      by impairing re-endothelialisation. In this short review, we present and discuss
      important findings regarding the effects of the cardiovascular risk factor age on
      endothelial cell morphology and function including the senescence-associated
      secretory phenotype and altered expression of factors involved in thrombosis and
      fibrinolysis. We also summarize results from clinical and experimental studies in
      rodent and other models on the possible connection between endothelial senescence
      and thrombotic events. Furthermore, major mechanisms and pathways underlying
      endothelial cell senescence and models to study its pathomechanisms are
      presented. Finally, we briefly discuss potential targets and therapeutic options
      to prevent, postpone or treat endothelial senescence and thus the increased
      burden of thrombosis associated with age.

PMID- 27669127
TI  - Incidental pulmonary embolism in cancer patients: Interobserver agreement on the
      diagnosis and extent with a focus on distal clots.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The incidence of incidental pulmonary embolism (IPE) in cancer
      patients is increasing. There is scant information on the interobserver agreement
      among radiologists about the diagnosis of distal incidental clots and the actual
      radiologic extension of IPE. METHODS: A total of 88 contrast-enhanced computed
      tomography (CT) scans of cancer patients with IPE were reassessed blindly by two
      expert thoracic radiologists. First, 62 scans were reassessed and the
      interobserver agreement on most proximal extent of IPE was calculated between the
      two expert radiologists as well as between the initial and expert reading, using
      the kappa statistic. The sample was enriched with 26 additional scans for a total
      of 30 segmental and 29 subsegmental IPE to determine the interobserver agreement
      on distal clots. RESULTS: The level of agreement regarding the most proximal
      extent of IPE between the expert radiologists was very good (kappa 0.84; 95% CI,
      0.73-0.95) and poor between the original radiologist and expert radiologists
      (kappa 0.39; 95% CI, 0.22-0.56). In the patients with segmental or subsegmental
      IPE on initial reading, the expert radiologists agreed with the segmental
      location in 12 out of 30 patients (40%) and with the subsegmental location in 17
      out of 29 patients (59%). The interobserver agreement between the expert
      radiologists was good (kappa 0.68; 95% CI, 0.46-0.90) and moderate (kappa 0.48;
      95% CI, 0.25-0.71), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: While the interobserver agreement
      between radiologists on the most proximal location of IPE in cancer patients
      appears to be fairly good, it decreases significantly for more distally located
      incidental clots.

PMID- 27669128
TI  - Diagnosis of congenital and infantile nephrotic syndromes in renal biopsies in
      Minas Gerais, Brazil: Six case reports.
AB  - Congenital or infantile nephrotic syndromes (CNS/INS) correspond to a
      heterogeneous group of rare diseases in which glomerular renal dysfunction and
      proteinuria are prominent. The aim of this study is to present six cases of
      possible CNS/INS with diagnoses based on clinical findings and especially
      histological, ultrastructural, and immunohistochemical characteristics of renal
      biopsies. Four cases are presented with diffuse mesangial sclerosis, one of them
      possibly part of Denys-Drash syndrome and two cases with CNS probably of the
      Finnish type in patients between 3 months old and 13 years old. The study focuses
      on the late evolution of Denys-Drash syndrome to end-stage renal disease in a 13
      year-old patient and the diagnosis of diffuse mesangial sclerosis in an 8-year
      old patient. Thus, it contributes to a better epidemiological characterization of
      these syndromes, demonstrating cases of CNS/INS in infrequent age groups.

PMID- 27669130
TI  - Comparison of two angles of approach for trigger point dry needling of the lumbar
      multifidus in human donors (cadavers).
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive comparison study. OBJECTIVE: To assess the accuracy of
      two needle angle approaches for dry needling of the lumbar multifidus.
      BACKGROUND: Low back pain is a leading cause of disability around the world; the
      lumbar multifidus plays a vital role in low back health. Manual therapy such as
      dry needling can improve pain mediation and motor control activation of the
      lumbar multifidus. Clinicians practicing dry needling at the lumbar multifidus
      typically use an inferomedial approach considered non-controversial. Clinicians
      practicing electromyography and nerve conduction studies commonly sample the
      lumbar multifidus in a directly posteroanterior approach that may provide another
      option for dry needling technique. METHODS: Four human donors were used for a
      total of eight needle placements-four with an inferomedial orientation and four
      with a posteroanterior orientation. Each needle was placed from 1 to 1.5 cm
      lateral to the spinous process of L4 to the depth of the lumbar lamina. Each
      lower lumbar spine was then dissected to determine the structures that the needle
      traversed and the needle's final resting place. RESULTS: All four inferomedial
      approach needles ended at the lamina of the vertebrae below. All four posterior
      anterior approach needles ended in the lamina of the same level. CONCLUSIONS: All
      eight needles traversed the lumbar multifidus and ended in the lumbar lamina with
      little possibility of the needle entering the subarachnoid space. Thus both the
      inferomedial and the posteroanterior angles of approach are efficacious for
      clinicians to use in dry needling of the lumbar mulifidus.

PMID- 27669131
TI  - Overcoming Legal Impediments to Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment.
AB  - The Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST), otherwise known as
      the POLST paradigm, represents the next generation in end-of-life (EOL) planning
      for certain patients who wish to exercise prospective control over their own
      medical treatment in their final days. As is true for any physician treatment
      orders, a POLST is written in consultation with the patient or patient's
      surrogate. There are a number of practical impediments to widespread adoption and
      implementation of the POLST paradigm in medical practice. One of these
      impediments has to do with some physicians' anxiety about potential negative
      legal repercussions they might suffer for writing or following a patient's POLST;
      this is the focus of the present article. After describing the POLST paradigm and
      physicians' anxieties about it, this article argues that the feared potential
      negative legal consequences of writing or following a patient's POLST are not
      well founded. Instead of succumbing to legal and ethical paralysis, resulting in
      the failure to integrate the POLST paradigm robustly into practice, physicians
      should feel comfortable under current and developing law to write and honor
      POLSTs for appropriate patients. This article explains the basis for such
      physician comfort. 

PMID- 27669133
TI  - Prioritizing Cross-Disciplinary Teaching and Learning and Patient Safety in
      Hospital-Based Environments.
AB  - In this case scenario, Darvid is a medical student who perceives that practicing
      his physical examination of a patient at a specific time conflicts with nursing
      care. His predicament highlights the importance of interprofessional
      communication. Darvid is hesitant to communicate with the nurse, and his fear is
      exacerbated by the hierarchical structure of the academic health care setting,
      exemplified by the senior resident's dismissive response to his concerns. This
      paper argues that every opportunity should be made to prioritize students'
      learning but that the patient's needs must come first. The nurse in this case is
      in a position to help Darvid assess the priorities in this situation, but he must
      first feel comfortable discussing his concerns. Interprofessional education can
      serve a valuable role in facilitating open communication. 

PMID- 27669132
TI  - The Limits of Informed Consent for an Overwhelmed Patient: Clinicians' Role in
      Protecting Patients and Preventing Overwhelm.
AB  - In this paper, we examine the limits of informed consent with particular focus on
      ways in which various factors can overwhelm decision-making capacity. We
      introduce overwhelm as a phenomenon commonly experienced by patients in clinical
      settings and distinguish between emotional overwhelm and informational overload.
      We argue that in these situations, a clinician's primary duty is prevention of
      harm and suggest ways in which clinicians can discharge this obligation. To
      illustrate our argument, we consider the clinical application of genetic
      sequencing testing, which involves scientific and technical information that can
      compromise the understanding and decisional capacity of most patients. Finally,
      we consider and rebut objections that this could lead to paternalism. 

PMID- 27669134
TI  - Interprofessional Training: Not Optional in Good Medical Education.
AB  - Interprofessional education is a vital part of medical education, and students
      should not be permitted to exempt themselves from it. Physicians are part of a
      team, and the importance of teamwork will only increase as physician shortages
      continue and medical care becomes more complex. To learn to be good physicians in
      this emerging environment, students must appreciate the skills, strengths, and
      vocabularies of other professions. It is shortsighted to think that the best
      educators of future physicians can only be other physicians. 

PMID- 27669135
TI  - Resisting Outdated Models of Pedagogical Domination and Subordination in Health
      Professions Education.
AB  - This case highlights a dilemma for interprofessional trainees facing a
      traditional health professions hierarchy rather than an interprofessional
      collaborative practice culture within the clinical setting. In the case, the
      trainee must determine the best way to confront the attending physician, if at
      all, as well as the best way to mediate the situation with fellow health
      professions trainees and team members. The commentary provides guidelines for
      interprofessional collaborative practice as outlined by the Interprofessional
      Education Collaborative competencies, including determining team members' roles
      and responsibilities, providing clear communication, adopting clinical huddles,
      and embracing a sense of inquiry during times of conflict. Role modeling of
      interprofessional collaborative practice by faculty is crucial in training a
      future generation of health care professionals who can continue to improve
      patient outcomes and quality of care. 

PMID- 27669136
TI  - Walking the Walk in Team-Based Education: The Crimson Care Collaborative Clinic
      in Family Medicine.
AB  - Effective implementation of robust team-based care in the United States requires
      significant training for all team members. This education is integral to creating
      a culture of collaboration and respect among interprofessional members of the
      health care team. The lack of interprofessional clinical educational experiences
      contributes to a "hidden curriculum" that reinforces the problematic view that
      medicine is at the top of a hierarchy among health professions. However, learners
      themselves have started resisting this view by integrating cross-disciplinary
      team-based training into their own education. One example of learner-based
      leadership in interprofessional team care is the Crimson Care Collaborative at
      Cambridge Health Alliance, a student-faculty collaborative family medicine
      clinic. This successful clinic demonstrates that high-quality interprofessional
      clinical education can be accomplished through partnerships between educational
      institutions and existing patient-centered medical homes. 

PMID- 27669137
TI  - Interprofessional Clinical Ethics Education: The Promise of Cross-Disciplinary
      Problem-Based Learning.
AB  - A review of Lin et al.'s pilot study exploring the effects of an
      interprofessional, problem-based learning clinical ethics curriculum on Taiwanese
      medical and nursing students' attitudes towards interprofessional collaboration
      highlights the benefits of interprofessional collaboration and offers insight
      into how problem-based learning might be universally applied in ethics education.
      Interprofessional collaboration is an ideal approach for exploring ethical
      dilemmas because it involves all relevant professionals in discussions about
      ethical values that arise in patient care. Interprofessional ethics collaboration
      is challenging to implement, however, given time constraints and organizational
      and practice demands. Nevertheless, we suggest that when professionals
      collaborate, they can collectively express greater commitment to the patient. We
      also suggest future research avenues that can explore additional benefits of
      interprofessional collaboration in clinical ethics. 

PMID- 27669138
TI  - Time-out: The Professional and Organizational Ethics of Speaking Up in the OR.
AB  - Participation in patient safety is one concrete expression of a foundational
      principle of medical ethics: do no harm. Being an ethical professional requires
      taking action to prevent harm to patients in health care environments. Checklists
      and time-outs have become common patient safety tools in the US and other
      nations. While their use can support ethical practice, recent research has
      revealed their limitations and has underscored the importance of interpersonal
      collaboration in developing and using these patient safety tools. This article
      summarizes key research and discusses the professional and organizational ethics
      of patient safety, using the surgical time-out as a case study. 

PMID- 27669139
TI  - Teamwork in Health Care: Maximizing Collective Intelligence via Inclusive
      Collaboration and Open Communication.
AB  - Teams offer the potential to achieve more than any person could achieve working
      alone; yet, particularly in teams that span professional boundaries, it is
      critical to capitalize on the variety of knowledge, skills, and abilities
      available. This article reviews research from the field of organizational
      behavior to shed light on what makes for a collectively intelligent team. In
      doing so, we highlight the importance of moving beyond simply including smart
      people on a team to thinking about how those people can effectively coordinate
      and collaborate. In particular, we review the importance of two communication
      processes: ensuring that team members with relevant knowledge (1) speak up when
      one's expertise can be helpful and (2) influence the team's work so that the team
      does its collective best for the patient. 

PMID- 27669140
TI  - Overcoming Historical Separation between Oral and General Health Care:
      Interprofessional Collaboration for Promoting Health Equity.
AB  - Since the founding of dental schools as institutions distinct from medical
      schools, dentistry-its practice, service delivery, and insurance coverage, for
      example-and dental care have been kept separate from medical care in the United
      States. This separation is most detrimental to undeserved groups at highest risk
      for poor oral health. As awareness grows of the important links between oral and
      general health, physicians and dentists are collaborating to develop innovative
      service delivery and payment models that can reintegrate oral health care into
      medical care. Interprofessional education of medical and dental students can help
      produce clinicians who work together to the benefit of their patients. 

PMID- 27669141
TI  - Shared Responsibility: Massachusetts Legislators, Physicians, and An Act Relative
      to Substance Use Treatment, Education, and Prevention.
AB  - Recent passage of the Massachusetts law, An Act Relative to Substance Use,
      Treatment, Education, and Prevention, represents an admirable public health
      approach to substance use disorder (SUD), a stigmatized chronic disease that
      affects some of society's most vulnerable people. With its seven-day supply limit
      on first-time opioid prescriptions, this legislation takes an unusual approach to
      state government involvement in health care. By intervening in individual
      physicians' practices, state legislators have entered a space traditionally
      reserved for clinical teams. The seven-day supply limit and the process through
      which it was developed highlight competing priorities and dialogue between
      physicians and legislators, limits of physician self-regulation, and standards of
      evidence in policy making and health care. Addressing these issues requires both
      physicians and legislators to recognize and fulfill new responsibilities in order
      to better assist the populations they serve. 

PMID- 27669142
TI  - Decentering the Doctor: The Critical Value of a Patient Care Collective.
AB  - The rehabilitation environment is structured differently from the hospital-based
      environment in a way that lends itself to interdisciplinary care. Physicians work
      with other specialists on an interprofessional team while observing patients'
      participation in activities of daily living. This approach allows a patient to
      show rather than tell a physician what he or she can do, which helps the
      physician remove as many medical barriers to rehabilitation as possible. Another
      difference is the decentering of the physician on the health care team. Because a
      patient's functional status is beyond the scope of expertise of any individual
      health care team member, treatment plans are formed collaboratively, with input
      from every member of the team. The result is more comprehensive and holistic care
      for medically complex patients. 

PMID- 27669143
TI  - Thrombospondin expression in myofibers stabilizes muscle membranes.
AB  - Skeletal muscle is highly sensitive to mutations in genes that participate in
      membrane stability and cellular attachment, which often leads to muscular
      dystrophy. Here we show that Thrombospondin-4 (Thbs4) regulates skeletal muscle
      integrity and its susceptibility to muscular dystrophy through organization of
      membrane attachment complexes. Loss of the Thbs4 gene causes spontaneous
      dystrophic changes with aging and accelerates disease in 2 mouse models of
      muscular dystrophy, while overexpression of mouse Thbs4 is protective and
      mitigates dystrophic disease. In the myofiber, Thbs4 selectively enhances
      vesicular trafficking of dystrophin-glycoprotein and integrin attachment
      complexes to stabilize the sarcolemma. In agreement, muscle-specific
      overexpression of Drosophila Tsp or mouse Thbs4 rescues a Drosophila model of
      muscular dystrophy with augmented membrane residence of betaPS integrin. This
      functional conservation emphasizes the fundamental importance of Thbs' as
      regulators of cellular attachment and membrane stability and identifies Thbs4 as
      a potential therapeutic target for muscular dystrophy.

PMID- 27669144
TI  - Recruitment of inhibition and excitation across mouse visual cortex depends on
      the hierarchy of interconnecting areas.
AB  - Diverse features of sensory stimuli are selectively processed in distinct brain
      areas. The relative recruitment of inhibitory and excitatory neurons within an
      area controls the gain of neurons for appropriate stimulus coding. We examined
      how such a balance of inhibition and excitation is differentially recruited
      across multiple levels of a cortical hierarchy by mapping the locations and
      strengths of synaptic inputs to pyramidal and parvalbumin (PV)-expressing neurons
      in feedforward and feedback pathways interconnecting primary (V1) and two higher
      visual areas. While interareal excitation was stronger in PV than in pyramidal
      neurons in all layer 2/3 pathways, we observed a gradual scaling down of the
      inhibition/excitation ratio from the most feedforward to the most feedback
      pathway. Our results indicate that interareal gain control depends on the
      hierarchical position of the source and the target, the direction of information
      flow through the network, and the laminar location of target neurons.

PMID- 27669145
TI  - A visual circuit uses complementary mechanisms to support transient and sustained
      pupil constriction.
AB  - Rapid and stable control of pupil size in response to light is critical for
      vision, but the neural coding mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we investigated
      the neural basis of pupil control by monitoring pupil size across time while
      manipulating each photoreceptor input or neurotransmitter output of intrinsically
      photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs), a critical relay in the control
      of pupil size. We show that transient and sustained pupil responses are mediated
      by distinct photoreceptors and neurotransmitters. Transient responses utilize
      input from rod photoreceptors and output by the classical neurotransmitter
      glutamate, but adapt within minutes. In contrast, sustained responses are
      dominated by non-conventional signaling mechanisms: melanopsin phototransduction
      in ipRGCs and output by the neuropeptide PACAP, which provide stable pupil
      maintenance across the day. These results highlight a temporal switch in the
      coding mechanisms of a neural circuit to support proper behavioral dynamics.

PMID- 27669146
TI  - Cross-frequency synchronization connects networks of fast and slow oscillations
      during visual working memory maintenance.
AB  - Neuronal activity in sensory and fronto-parietal (FP) areas underlies the
      representation and attentional control, respectively, of sensory information
      maintained in visual working memory (VWM). Within these regions, beta/gamma phase
      synchronization supports the integration of sensory functions, while
      synchronization in theta/alpha bands supports the regulation of attentional
      functions. A key challenge is to understand which mechanisms integrate neuronal
      processing across these distinct frequencies and thereby the sensory and
      attentional functions. We investigated whether such integration could be achieved
      by cross-frequency phase synchrony (CFS). Using concurrent magneto- and
      electroencephalography, we found that CFS was load-dependently enhanced between
      theta and alpha-gamma and between alpha and beta-gamma oscillations during VWM
      maintenance among visual, FP, and dorsal attention (DA) systems. CFS also
      connected the hubs of within-frequency-synchronized networks and its strength
      predicted individual VWM capacity. We propose that CFS integrates processing
      among synchronized neuronal networks from theta to gamma frequencies to link
      sensory and attentional functions.

PMID- 27669147
TI  - Differences and similarities between human and chimpanzee neural progenitors
      during cerebral cortex development.
AB  - Human neocortex expansion likely contributed to the remarkable cognitive
      abilities of humans. This expansion is thought to primarily reflect differences
      in proliferation versus differentiation of neural progenitors during cortical
      development. Here, we have searched for such differences by analysing cerebral
      organoids from human and chimpanzees using immunohistofluorescence, live imaging,
      and single-cell transcriptomics. We find that the cytoarchitecture, cell type
      composition, and neurogenic gene expression programs of humans and chimpanzees
      are remarkably similar. Notably, however, live imaging of apical progenitor
      mitosis uncovered a lengthening of prometaphase-metaphase in humans compared to
      chimpanzees that is specific to proliferating progenitors and not observed in non
      neural cells. Consistent with this, the small set of genes more highly expressed
      in human apical progenitors points to increased proliferative capacity, and the
      proportion of neurogenic basal progenitors is lower in humans. These subtle
      differences in cortical progenitors between humans and chimpanzees may have
      consequences for human neocortex evolution.

PMID- 27669148
TI  - Automated structure refinement of macromolecular assemblies from cryo-EM maps
      using Rosetta.
AB  - Cryo-EM has revealed the structures of many challenging yet exciting
      macromolecular assemblies at near-atomic resolution (3-4.5A), providing
      biological phenomena with molecular descriptions. However, at these resolutions,
      accurately positioning individual atoms remains challenging and error-prone.
      Manually refining thousands of amino acids - typical in a macromolecular assembly
      - is tedious and time-consuming. We present an automated method that can improve
      the atomic details in models that are manually built in near-atomic-resolution
      cryo-EM maps. Applying the method to three systems recently solved by cryo-EM, we
      are able to improve model geometry while maintaining the fit-to-density. Backbone
      placement errors are automatically detected and corrected, and the refinement
      shows a large radius of convergence. The results demonstrate that the method is
      amenable to structures with symmetry, of very large size, and containing RNA as
      well as covalently bound ligands. The method should streamline the cryo-EM
      structure determination process, providing accurate and unbiased atomic structure
      interpretation of such maps.

PMID- 27669149
TI  - Schwann cells genetically modified to express S100A4 increases GAP43 expression
      in spiral ganglion neurons in vitro.
AB  - Schwann cells (SCs) have been reported as a possible source of neurotrophic
      support for spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs). This study was aimed to investigate
      whether S100A4 was contributed in the functional effects of SCs on SGNs. SCs were
      transfected with S100A4 vector or small interfering RNA (siRNA) against S100A4,
      and the transfection efficiency was verified by quantitative PCR (qPCR) and
      Western blot. The migration of transfected SCs was determined by Transwell assay,
      and the expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor precursor (VEGF)
      and matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9) were measured by Western blot. Co-culture
      of either S100A4 overexpressed or suppressed SCs with SGNs, and the growth
      associated protein 43 (GAP43) expression in SGNs was detected by
      immunofluorescence (IF), qPCR and Western blot. The migration of SCs was
      significantly enhanced by S100A4 overexpression (P < 0.001), while was suppressed
      by S100A4 knockdown (P < 0.01). Further, the expressions of VEGF and MMP-9 were
      notably up-regulated by S100A4 overexpression, while were down-regulated by
      S100A4 knockdown. Moreover, co-culture with the S100A4 overexpressed SCs
      significantly increased the expression of GAP43 in SGNs (P < 0.01). As expected,
      co-culture with S100A4 knockdown SCs decreased GAP43 level (P < 0.05). S100A4
      enhanced the migratory ability of SCs. SCs genetically modified to overexpress
      the S100A4 could up-regulate the GAP43 expression in SGNs.

PMID- 27669150
TI  - Shorter Duration of Post-Operative Antibiotics for Cecal Ligation and Puncture
      Does Not Increase Inflammation or Mortality.
AB  - Antimicrobial therapy for sepsis has beneficial effects, but prolonged use
      fosters emergence of resistant microorganisms, increases cost, and secondary
      infections. We tested whether 3 days versus 5 days of antibiotics in the murine
      model of cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) negatively influences outcomes.
      Following CLP mice were randomized to receive the antibiotic imipenem-cilastatin
      (25mg/kg) in dextrose 5% in Lactated Ringer's solution every 12 hours for either
      three or five days. Serial monitoring over 28 days included body weight,
      temperature, pulse oximetry, and facial vein sampling for hematological analysis
      and glucose. A separate group of mice were euthanized on post-CLP day 5 to
      measure cytokines and peritoneal bacterial counts. The first study examined no
      antimicrobial therapy and demonstrated that antibiotics significantly improved
      survival compared to fluids only (p = 0.004). We next tested imipenem-cilastatin
      therapy for 3 days versus 5 days. Body weight, temperature, glucose, and pulse
      oximetry measurements remained generally consistent between both groups as did
      the hematological profile. Pro-inflammatory plasma cytokines were comparable
      between both groups for IL-6, IL-1beta, MIP-2 and anti-inflammatory cytokines IL
      10, and TNF SRI. At 5 days post-CLP, i.e. 2 days after the termination of
      antibiotics in the 3 day group, there were no differences in the number of
      peritoneal bacteria. Importantly, shortening the course of antibiotics by 40%
      (from 5 days to 3 days) did not decrease survival. Our results indicate that
      reducing the duration of broad-spectrum antibiotics in murine sepsis did not
      increase inflammation or mortality.

PMID- 27669151
TI  - Cerebellar tDCS Does Not Improve Learning in a Complex Whole Body Dynamic Balance
      Task in Young Healthy Subjects.
AB  - Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the cerebellum is of increasing
      interest as a non-invasive technique to modulate motor performance and learning
      in health and disease. Previous studies have shown that cerebellar tDCS
      facilitates reach adaptation and associative motor learning in healthy subjects.
      In the present study it was tested whether cerebellar tDCS improves learning of a
      complex whole body motor skill. Because this task involves learning of posture
      and balance likely including learning of a new motor sequence and cognitive
      strategies, cerebellar tDCS was applied over midline cerebellar structures and
      the posterolateral cerebellar hemispheres. 30 young and healthy subjects
      performed two days of balance training on a Lafayette Instrument 16030 stability
      platform(r). Participants received either anodal, cathodal or sham cerebellar
      tDCS during training on day 1. The cerebellar electrode (7 cm width by 5 cm
      height) was centered 2 cm below the inion. Mean platform angle deviation and mean
      balance time were assessed. All subjects showed significant effects of learning.
      Learning rate was not different between the three modes of stimulation neither on
      day 1 nor on day 2. Cerebellar tDCS did not facilitate learning of a complex
      whole body dynamic balance task in young and healthy subjects. tDCS effects,
      however, may have been missed because of the small group size. Furthermore, it
      cannot be excluded that young and healthy subjects learned and performed already
      at a near optimal level with little room for further improvement. Future work has
      to evaluate potential benefits of cerebellar tDCS in elderly subjects and
      subjects with cerebellar deficits, whose motor control and motor learning network
      is not optimally tuned.

PMID- 27669152
TI  - Functional SNPs of INCENP Affect Semen Quality by Alternative Splicing Mode and
      Binding Affinity with the Target Bta-miR-378 in Chinese Holstein Bulls.
AB  - Inner centromere protein (INCENP) plays an important role in mitosis and meiosis
      as the main member of chromosomal passenger protein complex (CPC). To investigate
      the functional markers of the INCENP gene associated with semen quality, the
      single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) g.19970 A>G and g.34078 T>G were
      identified and analyzed. The new splice variant INCENP-TV is characterized by the
      deletion of exon 12. The g.19970 A>G in the exonic splicing enhancer (ESE) motif
      region results in an aberrant splice variant by constructing two minigene
      expression vectors using the pSPL3 exon capturing vector and transfecting vectors
      into MLTC-1 cells. INCENP-TV was more highly expressed than INCENP-reference in
      adult bull testes. The g.34078 T>G located in the binding region of bta-miR-378
      could affect the expression of INCENP, which was verified by luciferase assay. To
      analyze comprehensively the correlation of SNPs with sperm quality, haplotype
      combinations constructed by g.19970 A>G and g.34078 T>G, as well as g.-692 C>T
      and g.-556 G>T reported in our previous studies, were analyzed. The bulls with
      H1H12 and H2H2 exhibited a higher ejaculate volume than those with H2H10 and
      H9H12, respectively (P < 0.05). Bulls with H11H11 and H2H10 exhibited higher
      initial sperm motility than those with H2H2 (P < 0.05). The expression levels of
      INCENP in bulls with H1H12 and H11H11 were significantly higher than those in
      bulls with H9H12 (P < 0.05), as determined by qRT-PCR. Findings suggest that
      g.19970 A>G and g.34078 T>G in INCENP both of which appear to change the
      molecular and biological characteristics of the mRNA transcribed from the locus
      may serve as a biomarkers of male bovine fertility by affecting alternative
      splicing mode and binding affinity with the target bta-miR-378.

PMID- 27669153
TI  - Femoral Bone Marrow Insulin Sensitivity Is Increased by Resistance Training in
      Elderly Female Offspring of Overweight and Obese Mothers.
AB  - : Bone marrow insulin sensitivity may be an important factor for bone health in
      addition to bone mineral density especially in insulin resistant conditions.
      First we aimed to study if prenatal maternal obesity plays a role in determining
      bone marrow insulin sensitivity in elderly female offspring. Secondly we studied
      if a four-month individualized resistance training intervention increases bone
      marrow insulin sensitivity in elderly female offspring and whether this possible
      positive outcome is regulated by the offspring's mother's obesity status. 37
      frail elderly females (mean age 71.9 +/- 3.1 years) of which 20 were offspring of
      lean/normal-weight mothers (OLM, maternal BMI <= 26.3 kg/m2) and 17 were
      offspring of obese/overweight mothers (OOM, maternal BMI >= 28.1 kg/m2) were
      studied before and after a four-month individualized resistance training
      intervention. Nine age- and sex-matched non-frail controls (maternal BMI <= 26.3
      kg/m2) were studied at baseline. Femoral bone marrow (FBM) and vertebral bone
      marrow (VBM) insulin sensitivity were measured using [18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D
      glucose positron emission tomography with computer tomography under
      hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp. We found that bone marrow insulin sensitivity
      was not related to maternal obesity status but FBM insulin sensitivity correlated
      with whole body insulin sensitivity (R = 0.487, p = 0.001). A four-month
      resistance training intervention increased FBM insulin sensitivity by 47% (p =
      0.006) only in OOM, while VBM insulin sensitivity remained unchanged regardless
      of the maternal obesity status. In conclusion, FBM and VBM glucose metabolism
      reacts differently to a four-month resistance training intervention in elderly
      women according to their maternal obesity status. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01931540.

PMID- 27669155
TI  - Efficacy and safety of adjunctive lacosamide for the treatment of partial-onset
      seizures in Chinese and Japanese adults: A randomized, double-blind, placebo
      controlled study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of adjunctive lacosamide treatment
      in Chinese and Japanese adults with uncontrolled focal (partial-onset) seizures
      (POS), with or without secondary generalization. METHODS: A 24-week, randomized,
      double-blind, placebo-controlled study (EP0008; NCT01710657) was conducted in
      patients (aged 16-70 years) with uncontrolled POS and taking 1-3 concomitant
      antiepileptic drugs from 72 sites across China and Japan. Following an 8-week
      Baseline period, randomized patients received lacosamide 200mg/day (100mg twice
      daily), 400mg/day (200mg twice daily), or placebo for 4-week Titration and 12
      week Maintenance periods. The primary efficacy variable was the change in POS
      frequency per 28days from Baseline to Maintenance. RESULTS: Overall, 692 patients
      were screened; 548 were randomized to placebo (n=184), lacosamide 200mg/day
      (n=183), or lacosamide 400mg/day (n=181); 485 (88.5%) completed the study. The
      median change (range) in POS frequency per 28days from Baseline to Maintenance
      was -3.33 (-754.3 to 165.2), -4.50 (-97.5 to 28.2), and -1.22 (-93.0 to 39.8) in
      the lacosamide 200mg/day, 400mg/day, and placebo groups, respectively.
      Significant percentage reductions in POS frequency over placebo per 28days from
      Baseline to Maintenance were observed for lacosamide 200mg/day (29.4% [95% CI
      18.7-38.7%], p<0.001) and 400mg/day (39.6% [30.5-47.6%], p<0.001). Higher >=50%
      and >=75% responder and seizure freedom rates were observed in lacosamide-treated
      patients vs placebo. Treatment-emergent adverse events reported by >=10% of all
      lacosamide-treated patients occurring at >=2% difference compared with placebo
      were dizziness (25.9% vs 9.2%) and somnolence (10.2% vs 3.8%). Dose-proportional
      pharmacokinetics were consistent with earlier global pivotal trials. CONCLUSIONS:
      Adjunctive lacosamide (200 and 400mg/day) was efficacious in reducing POS
      frequency in Chinese and Japanese patients with a safety and tolerability profile
      consistent with the three global pivotal studies.

PMID- 27669154
TI  - Informatics-Based Discovery of Disease-Associated Immune Profiles.
AB  - Advances in flow and mass cytometry are enabling ultra-high resolution immune
      profiling in mice and humans on an unprecedented scale. However, the resulting
      high-content datasets challenge traditional views of cytometry data, which are
      both limited in scope and biased by pre-existing hypotheses. Computational
      solutions are now emerging (e.g., Citrus, AutoGate, SPADE) that automate cell
      gating or enable visualization of relative subset abundance within healthy versus
      diseased mice or humans. Yet these tools require significant computational
      fluency and fail to show quantitative relationships between discrete immune
      phenotypes and continuous disease variables. Here we describe a simple
      informatics platform that uses hierarchical clustering and nearest neighbor
      algorithms to associate manually gated immune phenotypes with clinical or pre
      clinical disease endpoints of interest in a rapid and unbiased manner. Using this
      approach, we identify discrete immune profiles that correspond with either weight
      loss or histologic colitis in a T cell transfer model of inflammatory bowel
      disease (IBD), and show distinct nodes of immune dysregulation in the IBDs,
      Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. This streamlined informatics approach for
      cytometry data analysis leverages publicly available software, can be applied to
      manually or computationally gated cytometry data, is suitable for any clinical or
      pre-clinical setting, and embraces ultra-high content flow and mass cytometry as
      a discovery engine.

PMID- 27669156
TI  - A cross-sectional vaccination coverage study in preschool children attending
      nurseries-kindergartens: Implications on economic crisis effect.
AB  - Vaccination coverage studies are important in determining a population's
      vaccination status and strategically adjusting national immunization programs.
      This study assessed full and timely vaccination coverage of preschool children
      aged 2-3 y attending nurseries-kindergartens (N-K) nationwide at the
      socioeconomic crisis onset. Geographically stratified cluster sampling was
      implemented considering prefectures as strata and N-K as clusters. The N-K were
      selected by simple random sampling from the sampling frame while their number was
      proportional to the stratum size. In total, 185 N-K (response rate 93.9%) and
      2539 children (response rate 81.5%) participated. Coverage with traditional
      vaccines for diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, polio and measles-mumps-rubella was
      very high (>95%), followed by Haemophilus influenzae type b and varicella
      vaccines. Despite very high final coverage, delayed vaccination was observed for
      hepatitis B (48.3% completed by 12 months). Significant delay was observed for
      the booster dose of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) and meningococcal C
      conjugate vaccines (MCC). Of the total population studied, 82.3% received 3 PCV
      doses by 12 months, while 62.3% received the fourth dose by 24 months and 76.2%
      by 30 months. However, 89.6% received at least one MCC dose over 12 months.
      Timely vaccinated for hepatitis A with 2 doses by 24 months were 6.1%. Coverage
      was significantly low for Rotavirus (<20%) and influenza (23.1% one dose). High
      vaccination coverage is maintained for most vaccines at the beginning of the
      crisis in Greece. Coverage and timeliness show an increasing trend compared to
      previous studies. Sustained efforts are needed to support the preventive medicine
      system as socioeconomic instability continues.

PMID- 27669157
TI  - A Patient Registry to Improve Patient Safety: Recording General Neurosurgery
      Complications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To improve the transparency of the local health care system,
      treatment cost was recently referenced to disease related groups. Treatment
      quality must be legally documented in a patient registry, in particular for the
      highly specialized treatments provided by neurosurgery departments. METHODS: In
      2013 we have installed a patient registry focused on cranial neurosurgery.
      Surgeries are characterized by indication, treatment, location and other specific
      neurosurgical parameters. Preoperative state and postoperative outcome are
      recorded prospectively using neurological and sociological scales. Complications
      are graded by their severity in a therapy-oriented complication score system
      (Clavien-Dindo-Grading system, CDG). Results are presented at the monthly
      clinical staff meeting. RESULTS: Data acquisition compatible with the clinic
      workflow permitted to include all eligible patients into the registry. Until
      December 2015, we have registered 2880 patients that were treated in 3959
      surgeries and 8528 consultations. Since the registry is fully operational (August
      2014), we have registered 325 complications on 1341 patient discharge forms
      (24%). In 64% of these complications, no or only pharmacological treatment was
      required. At discharge, there was a clear correlation of the severity of the
      complication and the Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS, rho = -0.3, slope -6 KPS
      percentage points per increment of CDG) and the length of stay (rho = 0.4, slope
      1.5 days per increment of CDG). CONCLUSIONS: While the therapy-oriented
      complication scores correlate reasonably well with outcome and length of stay,
      they do not account for new deficits that cannot be treated. Outcome grading and
      complication severity grading thus serve a complimentary purpose. Overall, the
      registry serves to streamline and to complete information flow in the clinic, to
      identify complication rates and trends early for the internal quality monitoring
      and communication with patients. Conversely, the registry influences clinical
      practice in that it demands rigorous documentation and standard operating
      procedures.

PMID- 27669158
TI  - TrpM, a Small Protein Modulating Tryptophan Biosynthesis and Morpho-Physiological
      Differentiation in Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2).
AB  - In the model actinomycete Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2), small open reading
      frames encoding proteins with unknown functions were identified in several amino
      acid biosynthetic gene operons, such as SCO2038 (trpX) in the tryptophan trpCXBA
      locus. In this study, the role of the corresponding protein in tryptophan
      biosynthesis was investigated by combining phenotypic and molecular analyses. The
      2038KO mutant strain was characterized by delayed growth, smaller aerial hyphae
      and reduced production of spores and actinorhodin antibiotic, with respect to the
      WT strain. The capability of this mutant to grow on minimal medium was rescued by
      tryptophan and tryptophan precursor (serine and/or indole) supplementation on
      minimal medium and by gene complementation, revealing the essential role of this
      protein, here named TrpM, as modulator of tryptophan biosynthesis. His-tag pull
      down and bacterial adenylate cyclase-based two hybrid assays revealed TrpM
      interaction with a putative leucyl-aminopeptidase (PepA), highly conserved
      component among various Streptomyces spp. In silico analyses showed that PepA is
      involved in the metabolism of serine, glycine and cysteine through a network
      including GlyA, CysK and CysM enzymes. Proteomic experiments suggested a TrpM
      dependent regulation of metabolic pathways and cellular processes that includes
      enzymes such as GlyA, which is required for the biosynthesis of tryptophan
      precursors and key proteins participating in the morpho-physiological
      differentiation program. Altogether, these findings reveal that TrpM controls
      tryptophan biosynthesis at the level of direct precursor availability and,
      therefore, it is able to exert a crucial effect on the morpho-physiological
      differentiation program in S. coelicolor A3(2).

PMID- 27669161
TI  - Longitudinal pathways of sexual victimization, sexual self-esteem, and depression
      in women and men.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This article presents a longitudinal analysis of the links between
      sexual assault victimization, depression, and sexual self-esteem by examining
      their cross-lagged paths among both men and women. METHOD: Male and female
      college students (N = 2,425) in Germany participated in the study that comprised
      3 data waves in their first, second, and third year of university, separated by
      12-month intervals. Sexual assault victimization was assessed at Time 1 (T1)
      since the age of 14 and at Time 2 (T2) and Time 3 (T3) for the last 12 months.
      Depression and sexual self-esteem were measured at each wave. RESULTS: Random
      intercept cross-lagged panel analyses, controlling for individual differences in
      depression and sexual self-esteem, showed that sexual assault at T1 predicted
      depression and lower sexual self-esteem at T2, and depression and lower self
      esteem at T2 predicted sexual assault victimization at T3. In addition,
      significant paths were found from T1 depression to T2 sexual assault
      victimization and from T2 sexual assault victimization to depression at T3.
      Sexual victimization at T1 was indirectly linked to sexual victimization at T3
      via depression at T2. Both depression and sexual self-esteem at T1 were
      indirectly linked to sexual victimization at T3. The paths did not differ
      significantly between men and women. CONCLUSION: Sexual assault victimization was
      shown to be a risk factor for both depression as a general mental health
      indicator and lowered sexual self-esteem as a specific outcome in the domain of
      sexuality. Moreover, depression and sexual self-esteem increased the
      vulnerability for sexual assault victimization, which has implications for
      prevention and intervention efforts. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27669160
TI  - A Bayesian integrative approach for multi-platform genomic data: A kidney cancer
      case study.
AB  - Integration of genomic data from multiple platforms has the capability to
      increase precision, accuracy, and statistical power in the identification of
      prognostic biomarkers. A fundamental problem faced in many multi-platform studies
      is unbalanced sample sizes due to the inability to obtain measurements from all
      the platforms for all the patients in the study. We have developed a novel
      Bayesian approach that integrates multi-regression models to identify a small set
      of biomarkers that can accurately predict time-to-event outcomes. This method
      fully exploits the amount of available information across platforms and does not
      exclude any of the subjects from the analysis. Through simulations, we
      demonstrate the utility of our method and compare its performance to that of
      methods that do not borrow information across regression models. Motivated by The
      Cancer Genome Atlas kidney renal cell carcinoma dataset, our methodology provides
      novel insights missed by non-integrative models.

PMID- 27669159
TI  - Using a Control to Better Understand Phyllosphere Microbiota.
AB  - An important data gap in our understanding of the phyllosphere surrounds the
      origin of the many microbes described as phyllosphere communities. Most sampling
      in phyllosphere research has focused on the collection of microbiota without the
      use of a control, so the opportunity to determine which taxa are actually driven
      by the biology and physiology of plants as opposed to introduced by environmental
      forces has yet to be fully realized. To address this data gap, we used plastic
      plants as inanimate controls adjacent to live tomato plants (phyllosphere) in the
      field with the hope of distinguishing between bacterial microbiota that may be
      endemic to plants as opposed to introduced by environmental forces. Using 16S
      rRNA gene amplicons to study bacterial membership at four time points, we found
      that the vast majority of all species-level operational taxonomic units were
      shared at all time-points. Very few taxa were unique to phyllosphere samples. A
      higher taxonomic diversity was consistently observed in the control samples. The
      high level of shared taxonomy suggests that environmental forces likely play a
      very important role in the introduction of microbes to plant surfaces. The
      observation that very few taxa were unique to the plants compared to the number
      that were unique to controls was surprising and further suggests that a subset of
      environmentally introduced taxa thrive on plants. This finding has important
      implications for improving our approach to the description of core phytobiomes as
      well as potentially helping us better understand how foodborne pathogens may
      become associated with plant surfaces.

PMID- 27669162
TI  - A randomized trial of cognitive behavior therapy and cognitive therapy for
      children with posttraumatic stress disorder following single-incident trauma:
      Predictors and outcome at 1-year follow-up.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The 1-year outcome and moderators of adjustment for children and youth
      receiving treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following single
      incident trauma was examined. METHOD: Children and youth who had experienced
      single-incident trauma (N = 33; 7-17 years old) were randomly assigned to receive
      9 weeks of either trauma-focused cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or trauma
      focused cognitive therapy (without exposure; CT) that was administered to them
      and their parents individually. RESULTS: Intent-to-treat analyses demonstrated
      that both groups maintained posttreatment gains in PTSD, depression and general
      anxiety symptoms reductions at 1-year follow-up, with no children meeting
      criteria for PTSD. A large proportion of children showed good end-state
      functioning at follow-up (CBT: 65%; CT: 71%). Contrary to 6-month outcomes,
      maternal adjustment no longer moderated children's outcome, nor did any other
      tested variables. CONCLUSION: The findings confirm the positive longer-term
      outcomes of using trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral methods for PTSD secondary
      to single-incident trauma and that these outcomes are not dependent on the use of
      exposure. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27669163
TI  - Conceptual model of male military sexual trauma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Male sexual trauma is understudied, leaving much to be known about the
      unique mental health needs of male survivors. This study examined veteran men's
      perceptions of the effects of military sexual trauma. METHOD: Military sexual
      trauma was defined as physically forced, verbally coerced, or substance
      incapacitated acts experienced during military service. Interviews were conducted
      with 21 male veterans who reported experiencing military sexual trauma. Data were
      drawn together using a grounded theory methodology. RESULTS: Three categories
      emerged from data analysis, including (a) types of military sexual trauma (being
      touched in a sexual way against their will [N = 18]; sexual remarks directed at
      them [N = 15]; being physically forced to have sex [N = 13]); (b) negative life
      effects (difficulty trusting others [N = 18]; fear of abandonment [N = 17];
      substance use [N = 13]; fear of interpersonal violence [N = 12]; conduct and
      vocational problems [N = 11]; irritability/aggression [N = 8]; insecurity about
      sexual performance [N = 8]; difficulty managing anger [N = 8]); and (c)
      posttraumatic growth (N = 15). CONCLUSIONS: Results from this study suggest
      sexual trauma in the military context may affect systems of self-organization,
      specifically problems in affective, self-concept, and relational domains, similar
      to symptoms of those who have experienced prolonged traumatic stressors. This
      model can be used by clinicians to select treatments that specifically target
      these symptoms and promote posttraumatic growth. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27669164
TI  - Mental disorders among Chernobyl cleanup workers from Estonia: A clinical
      assessment.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess, at a clinical level, the mental health of former Chernobyl
      cleanup workers from Estonia by comparing them with same-age controls. METHOD:
      The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) was administered during
      2011-2012 to 99 cleanup workers and 100 population-based controls previously
      screened for mental health symptoms. RESULTS: Logistic regression analysis showed
      that cleanup workers had higher odds of current depressive disorder (odds ratio
      [OR] = 3.07, 95% confidence interval [CI: 1.34, 7.01]), alcohol dependence (OR =
      3.47, 95% CI [1.29, 9.34]), and suicide ideation (OR = 3.44, 95% CI [1.28, 9.21])
      than did controls. Except for suicide ideation, associations with Chernobyl
      exposure became statistically nonsignificant when adjusted for education and
      ethnicity. CONCLUSION: A quarter of a century after the Chernobyl accident,
      Estonian cleanup workers were still at increased risk of mental disorders, which
      was partly attributable to sociodemographic factors. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27669166
TI  - Enhancing the pharmaceutical properties of protein drugs by ancestral sequence
      reconstruction.
AB  - Optimization of a protein's pharmaceutical properties is usually carried out by
      rational design and/or directed evolution. Here we test an alternative approach
      based on ancestral sequence reconstruction. Using available genomic sequence data
      on coagulation factor VIII and predictive models of molecular evolution, we
      engineer protein variants with improved activity, stability, and biosynthesis
      potential and reduced inhibition by anti-drug antibodies. In principle, this
      approach can be applied to any protein drug based on a conserved gene sequence.

PMID- 27669165
TI  - Mitochondrial protein functions elucidated by multi-omic mass spectrometry
      profiling.
AB  - Mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with many human diseases, including
      cancer and neurodegeneration, that are often linked to proteins and pathways that
      are not well-characterized. To begin defining the functions of such poorly
      characterized proteins, we used mass spectrometry to map the proteomes,
      lipidomes, and metabolomes of 174 yeast strains, each lacking a single gene
      related to mitochondrial biology. 144 of these genes have human homologs, 60 of
      which are associated with disease and 39 of which are uncharacterized. We present
      a multi-omic data analysis and visualization tool that we use to find covariance
      networks that can predict molecular functions, correlations between profiles of
      related gene deletions, gene-specific perturbations that reflect protein
      functions, and a global respiration deficiency response. Using this multi-omic
      approach, we link seven proteins including Hfd1p and its human homolog ALDH3A1 to
      mitochondrial coenzyme Q (CoQ) biosynthesis, an essential pathway disrupted in
      many human diseases. This Resource should provide molecular insights into
      mitochondrial protein functions.

PMID- 27669167
TI  - Modeling of RNA-seq fragment sequence bias reduces systematic errors in
      transcript abundance estimation.
AB  - We find that current computational methods for estimating transcript abundance
      from RNA-seq data can lead to hundreds of false-positive results. We show that
      these systematic errors stem largely from a failure to model fragment GC content
      bias. Sample-specific biases associated with fragment sequence features lead to
      misidentification of transcript isoforms. We introduce alpine, a method for
      estimating sample-specific bias-corrected transcript abundance. By incorporating
      fragment sequence features, alpine greatly increases the accuracy of transcript
      abundance estimates, enabling a fourfold reduction in the number of false
      positives for reported changes in expression compared with Cufflinks. Using
      simulated data, we also show that alpine retains the ability to discover true
      positives, similar to other approaches. The method is available as an
      R/Bioconductor package that includes data visualization tools useful for bias
      discovery.

PMID- 27669168
TI  - Tailoring Complex Care Management for High-Need, High-Cost Patients.

PMID- 27669171
TI  - Reactive oxygen species contribute toward Smac mimetic/temozolomide-induced cell
      death in glioblastoma cells.
AB  - Small-molecule inhibitors of Inhibitor of Apoptosis proteins such as Smac
      mimetics have been reported to provide a promising tool to sensitize glioblastoma
      (GBM) cells to cytotoxic therapies including chemotherapeutic drugs. However, the
      underlying molecular mechanisms of action have not yet been fully unraveled. In
      the present study, we therefore investigated the role of reactive oxygen species
      (ROS) in the regulation of Smac mimetic/temozolomide (TMZ)-induced cell death in
      GBM cells. Here, we show that the Smac mimetic BV6 and TMZ act in concert to
      stimulate the production of both cytosolic and mitochondrial ROS. This
      accumulation of ROS contributes toward the activation of the proapoptotic factor
      BAX upon BV6/TMZ cotreatment as several ROS scavengers (i.e. N-acetyl-L-cysteine,
      MnTBAP, or alpha-tocopherol) protect GBM cells against BV6/TMZ-mediated BAX
      activation. In addition, ROS scavengers significantly rescue GBM cells from
      BV6/TMZ-triggered cell death, indicating that ROS generation is required for the
      induction of cell death. By showing that ROS play an important role in the
      regulation of Smac mimetic/TMZ-induced cell death, our work sheds light on the
      crucial role of the oxidative system in the cooperative antitumor activity of
      Smac mimetic/TMZ combination therapy against GBM cells.

PMID- 27669170
TI  - Spatial Variations in Dengue Transmission in Schools in Thailand.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dengue is an important neglected tropical disease, with more than
      half of the world's population living in dengue endemic areas. Good understanding
      of dengue transmission sites is a critical factor to implement effective vector
      control measures. METHODS: A cohort of 1,811 students from 10 schools in rural,
      semi-rural and semi-urban Thailand participated in this study. Seroconversion
      data and location of participants' residences and schools were recorded to
      determine spatial patterns of dengue infections. Blood samples were taken to
      confirm dengue infections in participants at the beginning and the end of school
      term. Entomological factors included a survey of adult mosquito density using a
      portable vacuum aspirator during the school term and a follow up survey of
      breeding sites of Aedes vectors in schools after the school term. Clustering
      analyses were performed to detect spatial aggregation of dengue infections among
      participants. RESULTS: A total of 57 dengue seroconversions were detected among
      the 1,655 participants who provided paired blood samples. Of the 57 confirmed
      dengue infections, 23 (40.0%) occurred in students from 6 (6.8%) of the 88
      classrooms in 10 schools. Dengue infections did not show significant clustering
      by residential location in the study area. During the school term, a total of 66
      Aedes aegypti mosquitoes were identified from the 278 mosquitoes caught in 50
      classrooms of the 10 schools. In a follow-up survey of breeding sites, 484 out of
      2,399 water containers surveyed (20.2%) were identified as active mosquito
      breeding sites. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that dengue
      infections were clustered among schools and among classrooms within schools. The
      schools studied were found to contain a large number of different types of
      breeding sites. Aedes vector densities in schools were correlated with dengue
      infections and breeding sites in those schools. Given that only a small
      proportion of breeding sites in the schools were subjected to vector control
      measures (11%), this study emphasizes the urgent need to implement vector control
      strategies at schools, while maintaining efforts at the household level.

PMID- 27669169
TI  - Genetic Modifiers of Progression-Free Survival in Never-Smoking Lung
      Adenocarcinoma Patients Treated with First-Line Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors.
AB  - RATIONALE: Patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with mutated
      epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are relatively sensitive to EGFR-tyrosine
      kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment and have longer progression-free survival (PFS)
      when treated with EGFR-TKI compared with platinum-based chemotherapy. However,
      many patients with advanced NSCLC who have mutated EGFR do not respond to first
      line EGFR-TKI treatment and still have shorter PFS. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this
      study was to identify genetic variants associated with PFS among patients with
      lung adenocarcinoma who were treated with first-line EGFR-TKIs. METHODS: A genome
      wide association study on PFS was performed in never-smoking women diagnosed with
      lung adenocarcinoma and who were treated with first-line EGFR-TKIs (n = 128).
      Significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected for follow-up
      association analysis (n = 198) and for replication assay in another independent
      cohort (n = 153). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: We identified SNPs at 4q12
      associated with PFS at genome-wide significance (P < 10-8) and with an estimated
      hazard ratio of more than 4. This association was also replicated in a larger but
      similar cohort and in an independent NSCLC cohort. Follow-up functional analyses
      showed that these SNPs were associated with the expression of EGFR, which encodes
      the TKI target, and with a nearby gene neuromedin-U, which encodes a G protein
      coupled receptor ligand known to be involved in the progression of NSCLC.
      Considering these as possible prognostic biomarkers for the treatment of patients
      with late-stage lung cancer, we found that these SNPs were not associated with
      EGFR mutation status or with polymorphism of the Bcl2-interacting mediator of
      cell death gene. CONCLUSIONS: Genetic variants in 4q12 merit further
      investigation to assess their potential as pharmacogenomic predictors for and to
      understand the biology underlying its influence on PFS in patients treated with
      TKI therapy.

PMID- 27669172
TI  - UNC119 mediates gambogic acid-induced cell-cycle dysregulation through the
      Gsk3beta/beta-catenin pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma cells.
AB  - UNC119 (uncoordinated 119 or retinal protein 4), specifically expressed in the
      photoreceptors in the retina, has recently been found to be upregulated in
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues, predicting a poor prognosis. However, the
      biological role of UNC119 in cancer treatment is still poorly understood.
      Gambogic acid (GA), a major component of gambogic resin, has been shown to
      possess anticancer activity against multiple human cancer cell lines. In the
      present study, we discovered that GA was more effective in inhibiting cell
      proliferation in HCC cells with a higher level of UNC119. In addition, GA
      inhibited UNC119 expression and induced Hep3B cells G0/G1 arrest. Cell-cycle
      related proteins, such as cyclin A, E, D1, and p-cyclin-dependent kinase 2, 4, 6
      were downregulated in GA-treated cells. Glycogen synthase kinase 3beta
      (Gsk3beta)/beta-catenin signaling, the downstream of UNC119, was also found to be
      suppressed after GA treatment. UNC119 knockdown or over expression experiment
      further proved that UNC119 mediated the effect of GA on the HCC cell cycle and
      Gsk3beta/beta-catenin signaling. In BALB/c mice bearing xenotransplanted tumors,
      the growth of the Hep3B tumor was inhibited by GA treatment. Immunohistochemistry
      results of tumor tissues suggested that GA might also exert its anticancer effect
      by inhibiting UNC119 and regulating cell cycle in vivo. Thus, GA could be a
      potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of human HCC.

PMID- 27669173
TI  - Dietary Enrichment with 20% Fish Oil Decreases Mucus Production and the
      Inflammatory Response in Mice with Ovalbumin-Induced Allergic Lung Inflammation.
AB  - The prevalence of asthma has increased in recent decades, which may be related to
      higher dietary intake of (n-6) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and lower
      intake of (n-3) PUFA, e.g., those contained in fish oil. The objective of this
      study was to determine if dietary PUFA enrichment decreases mucus production or
      the inflammatory response associated with ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic lung
      inflammation. Mice (n = 10/group) were fed control, 20% fish oil, or 20% corn oil
      enriched diets for a total of 12 weeks. At 8 and 10 weeks, mice were given an
      intraperitoneal injection of saline (10 control-fed mice) or OVA (30 remaining
      mice). Once at 10 weeks and on 3 consecutive days during week 12, mice were
      challenged by nebulizing with saline or OVA. Mice were euthanized 24 hours after
      the last challenge and blood was collected for plasma FA analysis.
      Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid was collected to determine cell composition
      and Th2-type cytokine (IL-4, IL-13) concentrations. Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) +
      mucus-producing cells and CD45+ inflammatory cell infiltrates in lung tissue were
      quantified using morphometric analysis. Relative abundance of mRNA for mucin
      (Muc4, Muc5ac, and Muc5b) and Th2-type cytokine (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) genes
      were compared with beta-actin by qPCR. Supplementation with either corn oil or
      fish oil effectively altered plasma FA profiles towards more (n-6) FA or (n-3)
      FA, respectively (P < 0.0001). Sensitization and challenge with OVA increased the
      proportion of neutrophils, lymphocytes, and eosinophils, and decreased the
      proportion of macrophages and concentrations of IL-13 in BAL fluid; increased the
      percentage of PAS+ mucus-producing cells and CD45+ inflammatory cell infiltrates
      in lung tissue; and increased gene expression of mucins (Muc4, Muc5ac, and Muc5b)
      and Th2-type cytokines (IL-5 and IL-13) in lung tissue of control-fed mice.
      Dietary PUFA reversed the increase in PAS+ mucus-producing cells (P = 0.003). In
      addition, dietary enrichment with fish oil attenuated the percentage of CD45+
      inflammatory cell infiltrates in lung tissue, and increased Muc4 and Muc 5b gene
      expression compared with OVA-sensitized and challenged control mice. In
      conclusion, dietary enrichment with either (n-3) or (n-6) PUFA decreased mucus
      production in lung tissues of OVA-sensitized and challenged mice. More
      specifically, enrichment with dietary (n-3) PUFA decreased CD45+ inflammatory
      cell infiltrates, thus inducing potentially beneficial changes in lung tissue of
      OVA-sensitized and challenged mice.

PMID- 27669174
TI  - Short article: Buried bumper syndrome in children: incidence and risk factors.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Buried bumper syndrome (BBS) is a serious complication in gastrostomy
      dependent children. Many need surgical correction. On account of comorbidities,
      this becomes a high-risk procedure. Our aim was to review the incidence of BBS in
      children and to identify the risk factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective
      review of patients' records over 10 years, 2006-2015, was carried out. Types of
      tubes, operative interventions, comorbidities and records were noted. Two-tailed
      Fisher's exact test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: A total of 535
      patients were reviewed. Overall, 475 had only percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy
      (PEG) and 60 had a jejunal extension with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy
      (PEG-J). Twenty-nine patients (PEG-J - 16/26; PEG - 13/26) had a total of 31 BBS
      episodes. The overall incidence of BBS in our study was 5.4%. The age at
      presentation ranged from 1 to 18 years (median 8.6 years). All had significant
      comorbidities (neurodevelopmental 26/29, cardiorespiratory 14/29, genetic 16/29).
      Overall, 27/29 had two or more comorbidities. The mean time to development of BBS
      was 1025+/-634 days. BBS was found in the second or the subsequent tube in four
      patients with PEGs (P<0.0004) and in 10 PEG-Js (P<0.0001). Twenty-five patients
      needed laparotomy. There were no postoperative deaths. CONCLUSION: In BBS, the
      two significant risk factors identified were a having PEG-J and two or more
      previous gastrostomy insertions. Vigilance in documentation and prolonged follow
      up to provide regular education to carers can reduce the incidence of this
      preventable complication.

PMID- 27669175
TI  - Efficacy of prophylactic antiviral therapy and outcomes in HBsAg-negative, anti
      HBc-positive patients receiving chemotherapy: a real-life experience.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of hepatitis B
      surface antigen (HBsAg)-negative, anti-HBc-positive patients who received
      immunosuppressive therapies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated
      the medical records of HBsAg-negative, anti-HBc-positive patients with
      hematological diseases or solid tumors who underwent immunosuppressive therapies
      and were referred because of positive baseline hepatitis B virus (HBV) serology
      or HBV reactivation. The referral date was according to the judgment of the
      treating physician at the time of identification of any signs of HBV infection.
      RESULTS: We included 55 HBsAg-negative, anti-HBc-positive patients. Of these, 31
      received antiviral prophylaxis (group 1), whereas 24 patients did not receive any
      anti-HBV agent (group 2). The majority of patients [49/55 (89%)] had
      hematological malignancies and most of them 39/55 (71%) received rituximab
      containing regimens. Lamivudine was used as antiviral prophylaxis in 13/31 (42%)
      patients of group 1. One patient in this group experienced HBV reactivation and
      was treated successfully with tenofovir add-on therapy. All patients in the
      second group experienced HBV reactivation and most of them [19/24 (79%)] were
      treated with tenofovir or entecavir as rescue therapy. Two of these patients (one
      of the tenofovir/entecavir subgroup and one of the lamivudine subgroup)
      eventually died because of hepatic failure despite rescue treatment. CONCLUSION:
      Patients with serological markers of previous HBV infection are still at risk for
      HBV reactivation. Screening of both anti-HBs and anti-HBc is mandatory before
      chemotherapy. Pre-emptive antiviral prophylaxis, including lamivudine, is highly
      effective in all subgroups of such patients, whereas deferring treatment upon HBV
      reactivation is not enough to rescue all cases.

PMID- 27669176
TI  - Relative validity of a web-based food frequency questionnaire for patients with
      type 1 and type 2 diabetes in Denmark.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diet has an important role in the management of diabetes. However,
      little is known about dietary intake in Danish diabetes patients. A food
      frequency questionnaire (FFQ) focusing on most relevant nutrients in diabetes
      including carbohydrates, dietary fibres and simple sugars was developed and
      validated. OBJECTIVES: To examine the relative validity of nutrients calculated
      by a web-based food frequency questionnaire for patients with diabetes. DESIGN:
      The FFQ was validated against a 4-day pre-coded food diary (FD). Intakes of
      nutrients were calculated. Means of intake were compared and cross
      classifications of individuals according to intake were performed. To assess the
      agreement between the two methods, Pearson and Spearman's correlation
      coefficients and weighted kappa coefficients were calculated. SUBJECTS: Ninety
      patients (64 with type 1 diabetes and 26 with type 2 diabetes) accepted to
      participate in the study. Twenty-six were excluded from the final study
      population. SETTING: 64 volunteer diabetes patients at the Steno Diabetes Center.
      RESULTS: Intakes of carbohydrates, simple sugars, dietary fibres and total energy
      were higher according to the FFQ compared with the FD. However, intakes of
      nutrients were grossly classified in the same or adjacent quartiles with an
      average of 82% of the selected nutrients when comparing the two methods. In
      general, moderate agreement between the two methods was found. CONCLUSION: The
      FFQ was validated for assessment of a range of nutrients. Comparing the intakes
      of selected nutrients (carbohydrates, dietary fibres and simple sugars), patients
      were classified correctly according to low and high intakes. The FFQ is a
      reliable dietary assessment tool to use in research and evaluation of patient
      education for patients with diabetes.

PMID- 27669177
TI  - Situational cues and momentary food environment predict everyday eating behavior
      in adults with overweight and obesity.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Individual eating behavior is a risk factor for obesity and highly
      dependent on internal and external cues. Many studies also suggest that the food
      environment (i.e., food outlets) influences eating behavior. This study therefore
      examines the momentary food environment (at the time of eating) and the role of
      cues simultaneously in predicting everyday eating behavior in adults with
      overweight and obesity. METHOD: Intensive longitudinal study using ecological
      momentary assessment (EMA) over 14 days in 51 adults with overweight and obesity
      (average body mass index = 30.77; SD = 4.85) with a total of 745 participant days
      of data. Multiple daily assessments of eating (meals, high- or low-energy snacks)
      and randomly timed assessments. Cues and the momentary food environment were
      assessed during both assessment types. RESULTS: Random effects multinomial
      logistic regression shows that both internal (affect) and external (food
      availability, social situation, observing others eat) cues were associated with
      increased likelihood of eating. The momentary food environment predicted meals
      and snacking on top of cues, with a higher likelihood of high-energy snacks when
      fast food restaurants were close by (odds ratio [OR] = 1.89, 95% confidence
      interval [CI] = 1.22, 2.93) and a higher likelihood of low-energy snacks in
      proximity to supermarkets (OR = 2.29, 95% CI = 1.38, 3.82). CONCLUSIONS: Real
      time eating behavior, both in terms of main meals and snacks, is associated with
      internal and external cues in adults with overweight and obesity. In addition,
      perceptions of the momentary food environment influence eating choices,
      emphasizing the importance of an integrated perspective on eating behavior and
      obesity prevention. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27669178
TI  - Social support and physical activity change in Latinas: Results from the Seamos
      Saludables trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Family responsibilities and poor social support are barriers to
      physical activity among Latinas. This study evaluated the effects of a home- and
      print-based intervention on social support, moderating effects of familial ties
      on support and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and mediating
      effects of support on MVPA. METHOD: Participants were randomized to receive
      through the mail either individually tailored physical activity intervention or
      general wellness print materials. Familial ties and social support were assessed
      by marital and child status and the social support for physical activity measure,
      respectively. MVPA was measured using the 7-day Physical Activity Recall
      Interview and accelerometer. Assessments were conducted at baseline, 6 months
      posttreatment, and 12 months follow-up. RESULTS: Participants (n = 266; 40.6 +/-
      9.9 years old) were mostly immigrant and Spanish-speaking Latinas. The
      intervention group achieved greater increases in family and friend support
      compared to the wellness control group from baseline to posttreatment and follow
      up (p < .05). Intervention changes in support did not depend on marital or child
      status. The intervention also increased minutes per week of MVPA more than the
      wellness control (p < .05) and the effect did not depend on marital or child
      status. There were significant indirect effects of treatment, indicating the
      intervention achieved greater increases in MVPA by increasing family (ab = 5.21,
      SE = 2.94, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.91-14.11) and friend (ab = 6.83, SE =
      5.15, 95% CI = 0.16-20.56) support. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention improved and
      sustained support from family and friends and MVPA irrespective of familial ties.
      Social support mediated increases in MVPA. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27669182
TI  - Mechanical Demands of the Hang Power Clean and Jump Shrug: A Joint-Level
      Perspective.
AB  - Kipp, K, Malloy, PJ, Smith, J, Giordanelli, MD, Kiely, MT, Geiser, CF, and
      Suchomel, TJ. Mechanical demands of the hang power clean and jump shrug: a joint
      level perspective. J Strength Cond Res 32(2): 466-474, 2018-The purpose of this
      study was to investigate the joint- and load-dependent changes in the mechanical
      demands of the lower extremity joints during the hang power clean (HPC) and the
      jump shrug (JS). Fifteen male lacrosse players were recruited from a National
      Collegiate Athletic Association DI team, and completed 3 sets of the HPC and JS
      at 30, 50, and 70% of their HPC 1 repetition maximum (1RM HPC) in a
      counterbalanced and randomized order. Motion analysis and force plate technology
      were used to calculate the positive work, propulsive phase duration, and peak
      concentric power at the hip, knee, and ankle joints. Separate 3-way analysis of
      variances were used to determine the interaction and main effects of joint, load,
      and lift type on the 3 dependent variables. The results indicated that the
      mechanics during the HPC and JS exhibit joint-, load-, and lift-dependent
      behavior. When averaged across joints, the positive work during both lifts
      increased progressively with external load, but was greater during the JS at 30
      and 50% of 1RM HPC than during the HPC. The JS was also characterized by greater
      hip and knee work when averaged across loads. The joint-averaged propulsive phase
      duration was lower at 30% than at 50 and 70% of 1RM HPC for both lifts.
      Furthermore, the load-averaged propulsive phase duration was greater for the hip
      than the knee and ankle joint. The joint-averaged peak concentric power was the
      greatest at 70% of 1RM for the HPC and at 30%-50% of 1RM for the JS. In addition,
      the joint-averaged peak concentric power of the JS was greater than that of the
      HPC. Furthermore, the load-averaged peak knee and ankle concentric joint powers
      were greater during the execution of the JS than the HPC. However, the load
      averaged power of all joints differed only during the HPC, but was similar
      between the hip and knee joints for the JS. Collectively, these results indicate
      that compared with the HPC the JS is characterized by greater hip and knee
      positive joint work, and greater knee and ankle peak concentric joint power,
      especially if performed at 30 and 50% of 1RM HPC. This study provides important
      novel information about the mechanical demands of 2 commonly used exercises and
      should be considered in the design of resistance training programs that aim to
      improve the explosiveness of the lower extremity joints.

PMID- 27669179
TI  - The impact of stress at different life stages on physical health and the
      buffering effects of maternal sensitivity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Many studies indicate that early life stress leads to negative health
      outcomes in adulthood, and some suggest that high-quality parenting might buffer
      these effects. Most prior research, however, has relied on cross-sectional
      retrospective reports of stress and parenting. Our study tests how coder-rated
      stress and parenting quality assessed at different life stages predict adult
      health outcomes in a prospective, longitudinal study. METHOD: Participants were
      163 individuals in the Minnesota Longitudinal Study of Risk and Adaptation
      studied since birth. Physical health was assessed at age 32 with body mass index,
      self-reports of symptoms and illnesses experienced, and self-ratings of overall
      physical health. Stress was assessed by coder-rated interviews involving
      participants or their mothers at 16 time points partitioned into 5 life stages:
      early childhood, middle childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, and at age 32
      (when health was assessed). Parenting quality was measured by coder ratings of
      each mother's provision of sensitive, responsive support at 7 time points between
      birth and age 13. RESULTS: Early childhood, adolescent, and concurrent stress
      predicted adult health outcomes at age 32. Early childhood and adolescent stress,
      and adolescent and concurrent stress, both showed a "dual-risk" pattern, such
      that experiencing higher stress at both of these life stages predicted the worst
      health outcomes. Higher maternal sensitivity, however, buffered these deleterious
      effects. CONCLUSION: Our prospective data reveal that early childhood and
      adolescence are important developmental periods during which stress is
      influential for adult physical health. However, parenting interventions that
      promote greater sensitivity may help children in high-stress environments avoid
      negative adult health outcomes. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27669186
TI  - The Perceived Psychological Responsibilities of a Strength and Conditioning
      Coach.
AB  - Radcliffe, JN, Comfort, P, and Fawcett, T. The perceived psychological
      responsibilities of a strength and conditioning coach. J Strength Cond Res
      32(10): 2853-2862, 2016-Research is limited in exploring the specific psychology
      oriented responsibilities of the strength and conditioning professional. The
      present research explored the psychological responsibilities adopted by
      accredited strength and conditioning coaches. Participants comprised 10 coaches
      working within the United Kingdom, 3 within the United States, and 5 within
      Australia offering a cross-section of experience from various sport disciplines
      and educational backgrounds. Participants were interviewed either in person or
      via Skype. Thematic clustering was followed using interpretative phonological
      analysis to identify common themes. Over half (61%) of the respondents reported
      that their position as a strength and conditioning coach required additional
      psychology-oriented responsibilities. These comprised a counseling role in the
      absence of a psychologist and the use of "softer skills" in a mentoring role to
      the athlete during a challenging situation. The coach could play an influential
      role in shaping the mentality of the team. The coach identifies how the role
      results in working to relay information from the athlete to other support staff
      and similarly from the support staff to the athlete. In addition to identifying
      the resonant psychology-oriented responsibilities, discussion is made with
      specific focus on the ethical boundary within which strength and conditioning
      coaches must reside regarding the competencies to provide psychological support.

PMID- 27669187
TI  - Muscle-Specific Effective Mechanical Advantage and Joint Impulse in
      Weightlifting.
AB  - Kipp, K, and Harris, C. Muscle-specific effective mechanical advantage and joint
      impulse in weightlifting. J Strength Cond Res 31(7): 1905-1910, 2017-Lifting
      greater loads during weightlifting exercises may theoretically be achieved
      through increasing the magnitudes of net joint impulses or manipulating the
      joints' effective mechanical advantage (EMA). The purpose of this study was to
      investigate muscle-specific EMA and joint impulse as well as impulse-momentum
      characteristics of the lifter-barbell system across a range of external loads
      during the execution of the clean. Collegiate-level weightlifters performed
      submaximal cleans at 65, 75, and 85% of their 1-repetition maximum (1-RM),
      whereas data from a motion analysis system and a force plate were used to
      calculate lifter-barbell system impulse and velocity, as well as net extensor
      impulse generated at the hip, knee, and ankle joints and the EMA of the gluteus
      maximus, hamstrings, quadriceps, and triceps surae muscles. The results indicated
      that the lifter-barbell system impulse did not change as load increased, whereas
      the velocity of the lifter-barbell system decreased with greater load. In
      addition, the net extensor impulse at all joints increased as load increased. The
      EMA of all muscles did not, however, change as load increased. The load-dependent
      effects on the impulse-velocity characteristics of the lifter-barbell system may
      reflect musculoskeletal force-velocity behaviors, and may further indicate that
      the weightlifting performance is limited by the magnitude of ground reaction
      force impulse. In turn, the load-dependent effects observed at the joint level
      indicated that lifting greater loads were due to greater net extensor impulses
      generated at the joints of the lower extremity and not greater EMAs of the
      respective extensor muscles. In combination, these results suggest that lifting
      greater external loads during the clean is due to the ability to generate large
      extensor joint impulses, rather than manipulate EMA.

PMID- 27669188
TI  - Influence of Competition Day on Cognitive Control and HRV in Young Male Gymnasts.
AB  - Sartor, F, Capuzzoni, S, Rospo, G, La Torre, A, Vailati, F, and Vailati, E.
      Influence of competition day on cognitive control and HRV in young male gymnasts.
      J Strength Cond Res 31(7): 1982-1993, 2017-In gymnastics, high levels of
      executive attention and physical and coordinative capacities are required.
      However, training planning does not usually account for dynamic alterations in
      cognitive capacity. This study investigated whether cognitive capacity was
      altered by the approach of a competition. Ten elite male gymnasts (16 +/- 2
      years, 57.3 +/- 16.1 kg, 1.64 +/- 1.27 m) were monitored for sleep, life demands,
      rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and pain, starting 5 days before the
      competition and up to 5 days after it. Stroop task performance and concomitant
      heart rate variability (HRV) were monitored 5 days and 1 day before the
      competition and then 1 and 5 days after. Sleep and life demands were not affected
      by the competition. Localized pain ranged from mild to moderate levels throughout
      the observation period. It weakly correlated with RPE (r = 0.241, p = 0.010) and
      moderately with number of errors (NoEs) (r = 0.639, p = 0.047). The RPE was
      higher for the competition day (p = 0.002). Median reaction times during the
      Stroop task were higher in the period preceding the competition (p < 0.001) for
      similar NoEs. The HRV during the congruent stimuli task showed higher root mean
      square differences of successive beats, portion of normal to normal intervals
      exceeding 50 milliseconds, and high frequency after the competition (p <= 0.05).
      Poincare plot SD2 showed a positive correlation with Stroop task NoEs (r = 0.590,
      p < 0.001). In conclusion, the period preceding an important competition affected
      cognitive performance and HRV in young male gymnasts. A practical implication of
      this study is that training loads could be adjusted according to mental stress
      before a competition.

PMID- 27669189
TI  - Maximal Strength Performance and Muscle Activation for the Bench Press and
      Triceps Extension Exercises Adopting Dumbbell, Barbell, and Machine Modalities
      Over Multiple Sets.
AB  - Farias, DdA, Willardson, JM, Paz, GA, Bezerra, EdS, and Miranda, H. Maximal
      strength performance and muscle activation for the bench press and triceps
      extension exercises adopting dumbbell, barbell and machine modalities over
      multiple sets. J Strength Cond Res 31(7): 1879-1887, 2017-The purpose of this
      study was to investigate muscle activation, total repetitions, and training
      volume for 3 bench press (BP) exercise modes (Smith machine [SMBP], barbell
      [BBP], and dumbbell [DBP]) that were followed by a triceps extension (TE)
      exercise. Nineteen trained men performed 3 testing protocols in random order,
      which included: (P1) SMBP + TE; (P2) BBP + TE; and (P3) DBP + TE. Each protocol
      involved 4 sets with a 10-repetition maximum (RM) load, immediately followed by a
      TE exercise that was also performed for 4 sets with a 10RM load. A 2-minute rest
      interval was adopted between sets and exercises. Surface electromyographic
      activity was assessed for the pectoralis major (PM), anterior deltoid (AD),
      biceps brachii (BB), and triceps brachii (TB). The results indicated that
      significantly higher total repetitions were achieved for the DBP (31.2 +/- 3.2)
      vs. the BBP (27.8 +/- 4.8). For the TE, significantly greater volume was achieved
      when this exercise was performed after the BBP (1,204.4 +/- 249.4 kg) and DBP
      (1,216.8 +/- 287.5 kg) vs. the SMBP (1,097.5 +/- 193 kg). The DBP elicited
      significantly greater PM activity vs. the BBP. The SMBP elicited significantly
      greater AD activity vs. the BBP and DBP. During the different BP modes, the SMBP
      and BBP elicited significantly greater TB activity vs. the DBP. However, the DBP
      elicited significantly greater BB activity vs. the SMBP and BBP, respectively.
      During the succeeding TE exercise, significantly greater activity of the TB was
      observed when this exercise was performed after the BBP vs. the SMBP and DBP.
      Therefore, it seems that the variation in BP modes does influence both repetition
      performance and muscle activation patterns during the TE when these exercises are
      performed in succession.

PMID- 27669191
TI  - Influence of Physical Maturity Status on Sprinting Speed Among Youth Soccer
      Players.
AB  - McCunn, R, Weston, M, Hill, JKA, Johnston, RD, and Gibson, NV. Influence of
      physical maturity status on sprinting speed among youth soccer players. J
      Strength Cond Res 31(7): 1795-1801, 2017-The relative age effect is well
      documented with the maturation-selection hypothesis the most common explanation;
      however, conflicting evidence exists. We observed the birth date distribution
      within an elite junior soccer academy. The influence of physical maturity status
      on anthropometric variables and sprinting ability was also investigated. Annual
      fitness testing was conducted over an 8-year period with a total of 306 players
      (age: 12.5 +/- 1.7 years [range: 9.7-16.6 years]; stature: 156.9 +/- 12.9 cm;
      mass: 46.5 +/- 12.5 kg) drawn from 6 age categories (under-11s to under-17s) who
      attended the same Scottish Premiership club academy. Measurements included mass,
      stature, maturity offset and 0-15 m sprint. Odds ratios revealed a clear bias
      toward recruitment of players born in quartile 1 compared with quartile 4. The
      overall effect (all squads combined) of birth quartile was very likely small for
      maturity offset (0.85 years; 90% confidence interval [CI], 0.44-1.26 years) and
      stature (6.2 cm; 90% CI, 2.8-9.6 cm), and likely small for mass (5.1 kg; 90% CI,
      1.7-8.4 kg). The magnitude of the relationship between maturity offset and 15-m
      sprinting speed ranged from trivial for under-11s (r = 0.01; 90% CI, -0.14 to
      0.16) to very likely large for under-15s (r = -0.62; -0.71 to -0.51). Making
      decisions about which players to retain and release should not be based on
      sprinting ability around the under-14 and under-15 age categories because any
      interindividual differences may be confounded by transient inequalities in
      maturity offset.

PMID- 27669192
TI  - Reliability and Validity of the Load-Velocity Relationship to Predict the 1RM
      Back Squat.
AB  - Banyard, HG, Nosaka, K, and Haff, GG. Reliability and validity of the load
      velocity relationship to predict the 1RM back squat. J Strength Cond Res 31(7):
      1897-1904, 2017-This study investigated the reliability and validity of the load
      velocity relationship to predict the free-weight back squat one repetition
      maximum (1RM). Seventeen strength-trained males performed three 1RM assessments
      on 3 separate days. All repetitions were performed to full depth with maximal
      concentric effort. Predicted 1RMs were calculated by entering the mean concentric
      velocity of the 1RM (V1RM) into an individualized linear regression equation,
      which was derived from the load-velocity relationship of 3 (20, 40, 60% of 1RM),
      4 (20, 40, 60, 80% of 1RM), or 5 (20, 40, 60, 80, 90% of 1RM) incremental warm-up
      sets. The actual 1RM (140.3 +/- 27.2 kg) was very stable between 3 trials (ICC =
      0.99; SEM = 2.9 kg; CV = 2.1%; ES = 0.11). Predicted 1RM from 5 warm-up sets up
      to and including 90% of 1RM was the most reliable (ICC = 0.92; SEM = 8.6 kg; CV =
      5.7%; ES = -0.02) and valid (r = 0.93; SEE = 10.6 kg; CV = 7.4%; ES = 0.71) of
      the predicted 1RM methods. However, all predicted 1RMs were significantly
      different (p <= 0.05; ES = 0.71-1.04) from the actual 1RM. Individual variation
      for the actual 1RM was small between trials ranging from -5.6 to 4.8% compared
      with the most accurate predictive method up to 90% of 1RM, which was more
      variable (-5.5 to 27.8%). Importantly, the V1RM (0.24 +/- 0.06 m.s) was
      unreliable between trials (ICC = 0.42; SEM = 0.05 m.s; CV = 22.5%; ES = 0.14).
      The load-velocity relationship for the full depth free-weight back squat showed
      moderate reliability and validity but could not accurately predict 1RM, which was
      stable between trials. Thus, the load-velocity relationship 1RM prediction method
      used in this study cannot accurately modify sessional training loads because of
      large V1RM variability.

PMID- 27669193
TI  - Validity of Selected Bioimpedance Equations for Estimating Body Composition in
      Men and Women: A Four-Compartment Model Comparison.
AB  - Nickerson, BS, Esco, MR, Bishop, PA, Schumacker, RE, Richardson, MT, Fedewa, MV,
      Wingo, JE, and Welborn, BA. Validity of selected bioimpedance equations for
      estimating body composition in men and women: a four-compartment model
      comparison. J Strength Cond Res 31(7): 1963-1972, 2017-The purpose of this study
      was to compare body fat percentage (BF%) and fat-free mass (FFM) values from
      bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) equations to values determined from a 4
      compartment (4C) model. Eighty-two adults (42 men and 40 women) volunteered to
      participate (age = 23 +/- 5 years). Body fat percentage and FFM were estimated
      from previously developed BIA equations by Chumlea et al. (BIACH), Deurenberg et
      al. (BIADE), Kyle et al. (BIAKYLE), and Sun et al. (BIASUN). Four-compartment
      model body composition was derived from underwater weighing for body density,
      dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry for bone mineral content, and bioimpedance
      spectroscopy for total body water. The standard error of estimate (SEE) for group
      BF% and FFM ranged from 3.0 to 3.8% and 2.1 to 2.7 kg, respectively. The constant
      error (CE) was significantly higher and lower for BF% and FFM (p < 0.001),
      respectively, for 3 BIA equations (BIACH, CE = 3.1% and -2.2 kg; BIADE, CE = 3.7%
      and -2.9 kg; BIAKYLE, CE = 2.3% and -1.9 kg), but was not significant for BF% (p
      = 0.702) and FFM (p = 0.677) for BIASUN (CE = -0.1% and 0.1 kg). The 95% limits
      of agreement were narrowest for BIACH (+/-5.9%; +/-4.2 kg) and largest for BIADE
      (+/-7.4%; +/-6.2 kg). The significant CE yielded by BIACH, BIADE, and BIAKYLE
      indicates these equations tend to overpredict group BF% and underestimate group
      FFM. However, all BIA equations produced low SEEs and fairly narrow limits of
      agreement. When the use of a 4C model is not available, practitioners might
      consider using one of the selected BIA equations, but should consider the
      associated CE.

PMID- 27669194
TI  - Vertical and Horizontal Impact Force Comparison During Jump Landings With and
      Without Rotation in NCAA Division I Male Soccer Players.
AB  - Harry, JR, Barker, LA, Mercer, JA, and Dufek, JS. Vertical and horizontal impact
      force comparison during jump landings with and without rotation in NCAA Division
      I male soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 31(7): 1780-1786, 2017-There is a
      wealth of research on impact force characteristics when landing from a jump.
      However, there are no data on impact forces during landing from a jump with an
      airborne rotation about the vertical axis. We examined impact force parameters in
      the vertical and horizontal axes during vertical jump (VJ) landings and VJ
      landings with a 180 degrees  rotation (VJR). Twenty-four Division I male soccer
      players performed 3 VJ and VJR landings on a dual-force platform system. Paired
      samples t-tests (alpha = 0.05) compared differences in the first (F1) and second
      (F2) peak vertical ground reaction forces, times to F1 (tF1), F2 (tF2), and the
      end of the impact phase, vertical impulse, and anterior-posterior and medial
      lateral force couples. Effect sizes (ES; large >0.8) were computed to determine
      the magnitude of the differences. Lower jump height (41.60 +/- 4.03 cm, VJ
      landings; 39.40 +/- 4.05 cm, VJR landings; p = 0.002; ES = 0.39), greater F2
      (55.71 +/- 11.95 N.kg, VJ; 68.16 +/- 14.82 N.kg; p < 0.001; ES = 0.94), faster
      tF2 (0.057 +/- 0.012 seconds, VJ; 0.047 +/- 0.011 seconds, VJR; p = 0.001; ES =
      0.89), greater anterior-posterior (0.06 +/- 0.03 N.s.kg, VJ; 0.56 +/- 0.15
      N.s.kg, VJR; p < 0.001; ES = 1.83) and medial-lateral force couples (0.29 +/-
      0.11 N.s.kg, VJ; 0.56 +/- 0.14 N.s.kg, VJR; p < 0.001; ES = 1.46) occurred during
      VJR landings. No other differences were identified. This kinetic analysis
      determined that landing from a jump with 180 degrees  airborne rotation is
      different than landing from a jump without an airborne rotation. Male Division I
      soccer players could benefit from increasing the volume of VJR landings during
      training to address the differences in jump height and force parameters compared
      with VJ landings.

PMID- 27669197
TI  - Bioactivity of a Novel Glycolipid Produced by a Halophilic Buttiauxella sp. and
      Improving Submerged Fermentation Using a Response Surface Method.
AB  - An antimicrobial glycolipid biosurfactant (GBS), extracted and identified from a
      marine bacterium, was studied to inhibit pathogenic microorganisms. Production of
      the GBS was optimized using a statistical method, a response surface method (RSM)
      with a central composite design (CCD) for obtaining maximum yields on a cost
      effective substrate, molasses. The GBS-producing bacterium was identified as
      Buttiauxella Species in terms of biochemical and molecular characteristics. This
      compound showed a desirable antimicrobial activity against some pathogens such as
      E. coli, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Candida albicans, Aspergilus niger,
      Salmonella enterica. The rheological studies described the stability of the GBS
      at high values in a range of pH (7-8), temperature (20-60) and salinity (0%-3%).
      The statistical optimization of GBS fermentation was found to be pH 7,
      temperature 33  degrees C, Peptone 1%, NaCl 1% and molasses 1%. The potency of
      the GBS as an effective antimicrobial agent provides evidence for its use against
      food and human pathogens. Moreover, favorable production of the GBS in the
      presence of molasses as a cheap substrate and the feasibility of pilot scale
      fermentation using an RSM method could expand its uses in food, pharmaceutical
      products and oil industries. 

PMID- 27669199
TI  - Identification of Metabolites of 6'-Hydroxy-3,4,5,2',4'-pentamethoxychalcone in
      Rats by a Combination of Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Linear
      Ion Trap-Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry Based on Multiple Data Processing Techniques.
AB  - In this study, an efficient strategy was established using ultra-high-performance
      liquid chromatography coupled with linear ion trap-Orbitrap mass spectrometry
      (UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap MS) to profile the in vivo metabolic fate of 6'-hydroxy
      3,4,5,2',4'-pentamethoxychalcone (PTC) in rat urine and feces. The UHPLC-LTQ
      Orbitrap method combines the high trapping capacity and MS(n) scanning function
      of the linear ion trap along with accurate mass measurements within 5 ppm and a
      resolving power of up to 30,000 over a wider dynamic range compared to many other
      mass spectrometers. In order to reduce the potential interferences of endogenous
      substances, the post-acquisition processing method including high-resolution
      extracted ion chromatogram (HREIC) and multiple mass defect filters (MMDF) were
      developed for metabolite detection. As a result, a total of 60 and 35 metabolites
      were detected in the urine and feces, respectively. The corresponding in vivo
      reactions such as methylation, hydroxylation, hydrogenation, decarbonylation,
      demethylation, dehydration, methylation, demethoxylation, sulfate conjugation,
      glucuronide conjugation, and their composite reactions were all detected in this
      study. The result on PTC metabolites significantly expanded the understanding of
      its pharmacological effects, and could be targets for future studies on the
      important chemical constituents from herbal medicines. 

PMID- 27669198
TI  - Palladium-Catalyzed C-H Arylation of 1,2,3-Triazoles.
AB  - Palladium(II) acetate, in combination with triphenylphosphine, catalyzes direct
      arylation of 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles effectively. This C-H arylation
      reaction provides facile access to fully substituted triazoles with well-defined
      regiochemistry. 

PMID- 27669200
TI  - Efficacy of Pre- and Post-Treatment by Topical Formulations Containing Dissolved
      and Suspended Silybum marianum against UVB-Induced Oxidative Stress in Guinea Pig
      and on HaCaT Keratinocytes.
AB  - Plants with high amounts of antioxidants may be a promising therapy for
      preventing and curing UV-induced oxidative skin damage. The objective of this
      study was to verify the efficacy of topical formulations containing dissolved and
      suspended Silybum marianum extract against UVB-induced oxidative stress in guinea
      pig and HaCaT keratinocytes. Herbal extract was dissolved in Transcutol HP (TC)
      and sucrose-esters were incorporated as penetration enhancers in creams.
      Biocompatibility of compositions was tested on HeLa cells and HaCaT keratinocytes
      as in vitro models. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) tests were performed to
      prove the safety of formulations in vivo. Drug release of different compositions
      was assessed by Franz diffusion methods. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase
      (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and lipid peroxidation (MDA) activities were
      evaluated before and after UVB irradiation in a guinea pig model and HaCaT cells.
      Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) enzyme activity was measured in the epidermis of guinea
      pigs treated by different creams before and after UVB irradiation. Treatment with
      compositions containing silymarin powder (SM) dissolved in TC and sucrose
      stearate SP 50 or SP 70 resulted in increased activities of all reactive oxygen
      species (ROS) eliminating enzymes in the case of pre- and post-treatment as well.
      Reduction in the levels of lipid peroxidation end products was also detected
      after treatment with these two compositions. Post-treatment was more effective as
      the increase of the activity of antioxidants was higher. Lower HO-1 enzyme levels
      were measured in the case of pre- and post-treatment groups compared to control
      groups. Therefore, this study demonstrates the effectiveness of topical
      formulations containing silymarin in inhibiting UVB irradiation induced oxidative
      stress of the skin. 

PMID- 27669202
TI  - Potential of Natural Products in the Inhibition of Adipogenesis through
      Regulation of PPARgamma Expression and/or Its Transcriptional Activity.
AB  - Obesity is a global health problem characterized as an increase in the mass of
      adipose tissue. Adipogenesis is one of the key pathways that increases the mass
      of adipose tissue, by which preadipocytes mature into adipocytes through cell
      differentiation. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma),
      the chief regulator of adipogenesis, has been acutely investigated as a molecular
      target for natural products in the development of anti-obesity treatments. In
      this review, the regulation of PPARgamma expression by natural products through
      inhibition of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein beta (C/EBPbeta) and the farnesoid X
      receptor (FXR), increased expression of GATA-2 and GATA-3 and activation of the
      Wnt/beta-catenin pathway were analyzed. Furthermore, the regulation of PPARgamma
      transcriptional activity associated with natural products through the antagonism
      of PPARgamma and activation of Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) and AMP-activated protein kinase
      (AMPK) were discussed. Lastly, regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase
      (MAPK) by natural products, which might regulate both PPARgamma expression and
      PPARgamma transcriptional activity, was summarized. Understanding the role
      natural products play, as well as the mechanisms behind their regulation of
      PPARgamma activity is critical for future research into their therapeutic
      potential for fighting obesity. 

PMID- 27669201
TI  - Enhanced Cellular Uptake and Pharmacokinetic Characteristics of Doxorubicin
      Valine Amide Prodrug.
AB  - In this study, we synthesized the valine (Val)-conjugated amide prodrug of
      doxorubicin (DOX) by the formation of amide bonds between DOX and Val. The
      synthesis of the DOX-Val prodrug was identified by a proton nuclear magnetic
      resonance (1H-NMR) assay. In the MCF-7 cells (human breast adenocarcinoma cell;
      amino acid transporter-positive cell), the cellular accumulation efficiency of
      DOX-Val was higher than that of DOX according to the flow cytometry analysis
      data. Using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) imaging, it was confirmed
      that DOX-Val as well as DOX was mainly distributed in the nucleus of cancer
      cells. DOX-Val was intravenously administered to rats at a dose of 4 mg/kg, and
      the plasma concentrations of DOX-Val (prodrug) and DOX (formed metabolite) were
      quantitatively determined. Based on the systemic exposure (represented as area
      under the curve (AUC) values) of DOX-Val (prodrug) and DOX (formed metabolite),
      approximately half of DOX-Val seemed to be metabolized into DOX. However, it is
      expected that the remaining DOX-Val may exert improved cellular uptake efficiency
      in cancer cells after its delivery to the cancer region. 

PMID- 27669204
TI  - Theoretical Study on Regioselectivity of the Diels-Alder Reaction between 1,8
      Dichloroanthracene and Acrolein.
AB  - A theoretical study of the regioselectivity of the Diels-Alder reaction between
      1,8-dichloroanthracene and acrolein is performed using DFT at the B3LYP/6
      31G(d,p) level of theory. The FMO analysis, global and local reactivity indices
      confirmed the reported experimental results. Potential energy surface analysis
      showed that the cycloadditions (CAs) favor the formation of the anti product.
      These results are in good agreement with the reported results obtained
      experimentally where the anti is the major product. 

PMID- 27669203
TI  - Identification of Nematicidal Constituents of Notopterygium incisum Rhizomes
      against Bursaphelenchus xylophilus and Meloidogyne incognita.
AB  - During a screening program for new agrochemicals from Chinese medicinal herbs,
      the ethanol extract of Notopterygium incisum rhizomes was found to possess strong
      nematicidal activity against the two species of nematodes, Bursaphelenchus
      xylophilus and Meloidogyne incognita. Based on bioactivity-guided fractionation,
      the four constituents were isolated from the ethanol extract and identified as
      columbianetin, falcarindiol, falcarinol, and isoimperatorin. Among the four
      isolated constituents, two acetylenic compounds, falcarindiol and falcarinol
      (2.20-12.60 MUg/mL and 1.06-4.96 MUg/mL, respectively) exhibited stronger
      nematicidal activity than two furanocoumarins, columbianetin, and isoimperatorin
      (21.83-103.44 MUg/mL and 17.21-30.91 MUg/mL, respectively) against the two
      species of nematodes, B. xylophilus and M. incognita. The four isolated
      constituents also displayed phototoxic activity against the nematodes. The
      results indicate that the ethanol extract of N. incisum and its four isolated
      constituents have potential for development into natural nematicides for control
      of plant-parasitic nematodes. 

PMID- 27669205
TI  - Analysis of Flavonoids in Rhamnus davurica and Its Antiproliferative Activities.
AB  - Rhamnus davurica Pall. (R. davurica) has been used as a traditional medicinal
      herb for many years in China and abroad. It has been well documented as a rich
      source of flavonoids with diversified structures, which in turn results in far
      ranging biological activities, such as anti-inflammation, anticancer,
      antibacterial and antioxidant activities. In order to further correlate their
      anticancer potentials with the phytochemical components, the fingerprint profile
      of R. davurica herb from Dongbei was firstly investigated using HPLC-ESI-MS/MS.
      Thirty two peaks were detected and identified, 14 of which were found in R.
      davurica for the first time in this work. Furthermore, a total of 23 peaks were
      resolved as flavonoids, which are the major components found in R. davurica.
      Meanwhile, the antiproliferative activities against human cancer cells of HT-29
      and SGC-7901 in vitro exhibited distinct inhibitory effects with IC50 values at
      24.96 +/- 0.74 and 89.53 +/- 4.11 MUg/mL, respectively. Finally, the general
      toxicity against L-O2 cells displayed a much higher IC50 at 229.19 +/- 8.52
      MUg/mL, which suggested very low or no toxicity on hepatic cell viability. The
      current study revealed for the first time the correlations between the flavonoids
      of R. davurica with their antiproliferative activities, which indicated that the
      fingerprint profile of flavonoids and their anticancer activities could provide
      valuable information on the quality control for herbal medicines and their
      derived natural remedies from this valuable medicinal plant. 

PMID- 27669206
TI  - Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Citrus bergamia Derivatives: Where Do We Stand?
AB  - Inflammatory diseases affect a large portion of the worldwide population, and
      chronic inflammation is a major risk factor for several dangerous pathologies. To
      limit the side effects of both synthetic and biological anti-inflammatory drugs,
      the use of herbal medicines, nutraceuticals and food supplements has increased
      tremendously as alternative and/or complementary medicine to treat several
      pathologies, including inflammation. During the last decades, the biological
      properties of Citrus bergamia (bergamot) derivatives have obtained important
      scientific achievements, and it has been suggested their use in a context of a
      multitarget pharmacological strategy. Here, we present an overview of the anti
      inflammatory properties of bergamot extracts that could represent the scientific
      basis for develop novel and alternative strategies to improve health status and
      attenuate inflammatory conditions. 

PMID- 27669207
TI  - Development of an Innovative Intradermal siRNA Delivery System Using a
      Combination of a Functional Stearylated Cytoplasm-Responsive Peptide and a Tight
      Junction-Opening Peptide.
AB  - As a new category of therapeutics for skin diseases including atopic dermatitis
      (AD), nucleic acids are gaining importance in the clinical setting. Intradermal
      administration is noninvasive and improves patients' quality of life. However,
      intradermal small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery is difficult because of two
      barriers encountered in the skin: intercellular lipids in the stratum corneum and
      tight junctions in the stratum granulosum. Tight junctions are the major barrier
      in AD; therefore, we focused on functional peptides to devise an intradermal
      siRNA delivery system for topical skin application. In this study, we examined
      intradermal siRNA permeability in the tape-stripped (20 times) back skin of mice
      or AD-like skin of auricles treated with 6-carboxyfluorescein-aminohexyl
      phosphoramidite (FAM)-labeled siRNA, the tight junction modulator AT1002, and the
      functional cytoplasm-responsive stearylated peptide STR-CH2R4H2C by using
      confocal laser microscopy. We found that strong fluorescence was observed deep
      and wide in the epidermis and dermis of back skin and AD-like ears after siRNA
      with STR-CH2R4H2C and AT1002 treatment. After 10 h from administration,
      brightness of FAM-siRNA was significantly higher for STR-CH2R4H2C + AT1002,
      compared to other groups. In addition, we confirmed the nontoxicity of STR
      CH2R4H2C as a siRNA carrier using PAM212 cells. Thus, our results demonstrate the
      applicability of the combination of STR-CH2R4H2C and AT1002 for effective
      intradermal siRNA delivery. 

PMID- 27669208
TI  - Nanostructured Samarium Doped Fluorapatites and Their Catalytic Activity towards
      Synthesis of 1,2,4-Triazoles.
AB  - An investigation was conducted into the influence of the amino acids as organic
      modifiers in the facile synthesis of metal incorporated fluorapatites (FAp) and
      their properties. The nanostructured Sm doped fluorapatites (Sm-FAp) were
      prepared by a co-precipitation method using four different amino acids, namely
      glutamic acid, aspartic acid, glycine and histidine. The materials were
      characterized by various techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier
      transform infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IR), field emission scanning electron
      microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), high resolution
      transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), N2-adsorption/desorption isotherm,
      temperature programmed desorption (TPD) and fluorescence spectrophotometry. Under
      similar conditions, Sm-FAp prepared using different amino acids exhibited
      distinctly different morphological structures, surface area and pore properties.
      Their activity as catalysts was assessed and Sm-FAp/Glycine displayed excellent
      efficiency in the synthesis of 1,2,4-triazole catalyzing the reaction between 2
      nitrobenzaldehyde and thiosemicarbazide with exceptional selectivity and 98%
      yield in a short time interval (10 min). The study provides an insight into the
      role of organic modifiers as controllers of nucleation, growth and aggregation
      which significantly influence the nature and activity of the catalytic sites on
      Sm-FAp. Sm-FAp could also have potential as photoactive material. 

PMID- 27669209
TI  - Cytoproliferative and Cytoprotective Effects of Striatisporolide A Isolated from
      Rhizomes of Athyrium multidentatum (Doell.) Ching on Human Umbilical Vein
      Endothelial Cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the proliferative and
      protective effects of striatisporolide A (SA) obtained from the rhizomes of
      Athyrium multidentatum (Doell.) Ching on human umbilical vein endothelial cells
      (HUVECs). METHODS: Cell viability was measured by the MTT method. Cell apoptosis
      was determined by flow cytometry. Intracellular ROS was measured by the 2,7
      dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) fluorescent probe. RESULTS: The
      viability rate in cells treated with 100 uM SA alone was increased to 128.72% +/-
      0.19% and showed a significant difference compared with the control group (p <
      0.05). Meanwhile, SA augmented the cell viabilities in H2O2-treated HUVECs, and
      the cell viability was enhanced to 56.94% +/- 0.13% (p < 0.01) when pre-incubated
      with 50 uM SA. The cell apoptosis rates were reduced to 2.17% +/- 0.20% (p <
      0.05) and 3.1% +/- 0.34% (p < 0.01), respectively, after treatment with SA alone
      or SA/H2O2. SA inhibited the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in
      HUVECs induced by H2O2 and the fluorescent intensity was abated to 9.47 +/- 0.61
      after pre-incubated with 100 MUM SA. CONCLUSIONS: The biological activities of SA
      were explored for the first time. Our results stated that SA exhibited
      significant cytoproliferative and minor cytoprotective effects on HUVECs. We
      presume that the mechanisms of the proliferation and protection actions of SA
      involve interference with the generation of ROS and the cell apoptosis. These
      findings provide a new perspective on the biological potential of butenolides.

PMID- 27669211
TI  - Identification of Resistance to Wet Bubble Disease and Genetic Diversity in Wild
      and Cultivated Strains of Agaricus bisporus.
AB  - Outbreaks of wet bubble disease (WBD) caused by Mycogone perniciosa are
      increasing across the world and seriously affecting the yield of Agaricus
      bisporus. However, highly WBD-resistant strains are rare. Here, we tested 28 A.
      bisporus strains for WBD resistance by inoculating M. perniciosa spore suspension
      on casing soil, and assessed genetic diversity of these strains using 17 new
      simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers developed in this study. We found that 10
      wild strains originating from the Tibetan Plateau in China were highly WBD
      resistant strains, and 13 cultivated strains from six countries were highly
      susceptible strains. A total of 88 alleles were detected in these 28 strains, and
      the observed number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 8. Cluster and genetic
      structure analysis results revealed the wild resources from China have a
      relatively high level of genetic diversity and occur at low level of gene flow
      and introgression with cultivated strains. Moreover, the wild strains from China
      potentially have the consensus ancestral genotypes different from the cultivated
      strains and evolved independently. Therefore, the highly WBD-resistant wild
      strains from China and newly developed SSR markers could be used as novel sources
      for WBD-resistant breeding and quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping of WBD
      resistant gene of A. bisporus. 

PMID- 27669210
TI  - Histone Posttranslational Modifications of CD4+ T Cell in Autoimmune Diseases.
AB  - The complexity of immune system is tempered by precise regulation to maintain
      stabilization when exposed to various conditions. A subtle change in gene
      expression may be magnified when drastic changes are brought about in cellular
      development and function. Posttranslational modifications (PTMs) timely alter the
      functional activity of immune system, and work proceeded in these years has begun
      to throw light upon it. Posttranslational modifications of histone tails have
      been mentioned in a large scale of biological developments and disease
      progression, thereby making them a central field to investigate. Conventional
      assessments of these changes are centered on the transcription factors and
      cytokines in T cells regulated by variable histone codes to achieve chromatin
      remodeling, as well as involved in many human diseases, especially autoimmune
      diseases. We here put forward an essential review of core posttranslational
      modulations that regulate T cell function and differentiation in the immune
      system, with a special emphasis on histone modifications in different T helper
      cell subsets as well as in autoimmune diseases. 

PMID- 27669213
TI  - Characterization of a beta-Adrenergic-Like Octopamine Receptor in the Oriental
      Fruit Fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel).
AB  - The biogenic amine octopamine plays a critical role in the regulation of many
      physiological processes in insects. Octopamine transmits its action through a set
      of specific G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), namely octopamine receptors.
      Here, we report on a beta-adrenergic-like octopamine receptor gene (BdOctbetaR1)
      from the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), a destructive
      agricultural pest that occurs in North America and the Asia-Pacific region. As
      indicated by RT-qPCR, BdOctbetaR1 was highly expressed in the central nervous
      system (CNS) and Malpighian tubules (MT) in the adult flies, suggesting it may
      undertake important roles in neural signaling in the CNS as well as physiological
      functions in the MT of this fly. Furthermore, its ligand specificities were
      tested in a heterologous expression system where BdOctbetaR1 was expressed in HEK
      293 cells. Based on cyclic AMP response assays, we found that BdOctbetaR1 could
      be activated by octopamine in a concentration-dependent manner, confirming that
      this receptor was functional, while tyramine and dopamine had much less potency
      than octopamine. Naphazoline possessed the highest agonistic activity among the
      tested agonists. In antagonistic assays, mianserin had the strongest activity and
      was followed by phentolamine and chlorpromazine. Furthermore, when the flies were
      kept under starvation, there was a corresponding increase in the transcript level
      of BdOctbetaR1, while high or low temperature stress could not induce significant
      expression changes. The above results suggest that BdOctbetaR1 may be involved in
      the regulation of feeding processes in Bactrocera dorsalis and may provide new
      potential insecticide leads targeting octopamine receptors. 

PMID- 27669212
TI  - Prenatal Dexamethasone and Postnatal High-Fat Diet Decrease Interferon Gamma
      Production through an Age-Dependent Histone Modification in Male Sprague-Dawley
      Rats.
AB  - Overexposure to prenatal glucocorticoid (GC) disturbs hypothalamic-pituitary
      adrenocortical axis-associated neuroendocrine metabolism and susceptibility to
      metabolic syndrome. A high-fat (HF) diet is a major environmental factor that can
      cause metabolic syndrome. We aimed to investigate whether prenatal GC plus a
      postnatal HF diet could alter immune programming in rat offspring. Pregnant
      Sprague-Dawley rats were given intraperitoneal injections of dexamethasone or
      saline at 14-21 days of gestation. Male offspring were then divided into four
      groups: vehicle, prenatal dexamethasone exposure, postnatal HF diet (VHF), and
      prenatal dexamethasone exposure plus a postnatal HF diet (DHF). The rats were
      sacrificed and adaptive immune function was evaluated. Compared to the vehicle,
      the DHF group had lower interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) production by splenocytes at
      postnatal day 120. Decreases in H3K9 acetylation and H3K36me3 levels at the IFN
      gamma promoter correlated with decreased IFN-gamma production. The impaired IFN
      gamma production and aberrant site-specific histone modification at the IFN-gamma
      promoter by prenatal dexamethasone treatment plus a postnatal HF diet resulted in
      resilience at postnatal day 180. Prenatal dexamethasone and a postnatal HF diet
      decreased IFN-gamma production through a site-specific and an age-dependent
      histone modification. These findings suggest a mechanism by which prenatal
      exposure to GC and a postnatal environment exert effects on fetal immunity
      programming. 

PMID- 27669214
TI  - Fine Mapping of Virescent Leaf Gene v-1 in Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.).
AB  - Leaf color mutants are common in higher plants that can be used as markers in
      crop breeding or as an important tool in understanding regulatory mechanisms in
      chlorophyll biosynthesis and chloroplast development. In virescent leaf mutants,
      young leaves are yellow in color, which gradually return to normal green when the
      seedlings grow large. In the present study, we conducted phenotypic
      characterization and genetic mapping of the cucumber virescent leaf mutant 9110Gt
      conferred by the v-1 locus. Total chlorophyll and carotenoid content in 9110Gt
      was reduced by 44% and 21%, respectively, as compared with its wild type parental
      line 9110G. Electron microscopic investigation revealed fewer chloroplasts per
      cell and thylakoids per chloroplast in 9110Gt than in 9110G. Fine genetic mapping
      allowed for the assignment of the v-1 locus to a 50.4 kb genomic DNA region in
      chromosome 6 with two flanking markers that were 0.14 and 0.16 cM away from v-1,
      respectively. Multiple lines of evidence supported CsaCNGCs as the only candidate
      gene for the v-1 locus, which encoded a cyclic-nucleotide-gated ion channel
      protein. A single nucleotide change in the promoter region of v-1 seemed to be
      associated with the virescent color change in 9110Gt. Real-time PCR revealed
      significantly lower expression of CsaCNGCs in the true leaves of 9110Gt than in
      9110G. This was the first report that connected the CsaCNGCs gene to virescent
      leaf color change, which provided a useful tool to establish linkages among
      virescent leaf color change, chloroplast development, chlorophyll biosynthesis,
      and the functions of the CsaCNGCs gene. 

PMID- 27669216
TI  - Protein/CaCO3/Chitin Nanofiber Complex Prepared from Crab Shells by Simple
      Mechanical Treatment and Its Effect on Plant Growth.
AB  - A protein/CaCO3/chitin nanofiber complex was prepared from crab shells by a
      simple mechanical treatment with a high-pressure water-jet (HPWJ) system. The
      preparation process did not involve chemical treatments, such as removal of
      protein and calcium carbonate with sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid,
      respectively. Thus, it was economically and environmentally friendly. The
      nanofibers obtained had uniform width and dispersed homogeneously in water.
      Nanofibers were characterized in morphology, transparency, and viscosity. Results
      indicated that the shell was mostly disintegrated into nanofibers at above five
      cycles of the HPWJ system. The chemical structure of the nanofiber was maintained
      even after extensive mechanical treatments. Subsequently, the nanofiber complex
      was found to improve the growth of tomatoes in a hydroponics system, suggesting
      the mechanical treatments efficiently released minerals into the system. The
      homogeneous dispersion of the nanofiber complex enabled easier application as a
      fertilizer compared to the crab shell flakes. 

PMID- 27669215
TI  - Vitamin D-Related Gene Polymorphisms, Plasma 25-Hydroxy-Vitamin D, Cigarette
      Smoke and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Risk.
AB  - Epidemiological studies regarding the relationship between vitamin D, genetic
      polymorphisms in the vitamin D metabolism, cigarette smoke and non-small cell
      lung cancer (NSCLC) risk have not been investigated comprehensively. To search
      for additional evidence, the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment
      length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique and radioimmunoassay method were
      utilized to evaluate 5 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in vitamin D
      receptor (VDR), 6 SNPs in 24-hydroxylase (CYP24A1), 2 SNPs in 1alpha-hydroxylase
      (CYP27B1) and 2 SNPs in vitamin D-binding protein (group-specific component, GC)
      and plasma vitamin D levels in 426 NSCLC cases and 445 controls from China.
      Exposure to cigarette smoke was ascertained through questionnaire information.
      Multivariable linear regressions and mixed effects models were used in
      statistical analysis. The results showed that Reference SNP rs6068816 in CYP24A1,
      rs1544410 and rs731236 in VDR and rs7041 in GC were statistically significant in
      relation to reduction in NSCLC risk (p < 0.001-0.05). No significant connection
      was seen between NSCLC risk and overall plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]
      concentrations, regardless of smoking status. However, the mutation genotype of
      CYP24A1 rs6068816 and VDR rs1544410 were also significantly associated with
      increased 25(OH)D levels only in both the smoker and non-smoker cases (p < 0.01
      0.05). Meanwhile, smokers and non-smokers with mutated homozygous rs2181874 in
      CYP24A1 had significantly increased NSCLC risk (odds ratio (OR) = 2.14, 95%
      confidence interval (CI) 1.47-3.43; p = 0.031; OR = 3.57, 95% CI 2.66-4.74; p =
      0.019, respectively). Smokers with mutated homozygous rs10735810 in VDR had
      significantly increased NSCLC risk (OR = 1.93, 95% CI 1.41-2.76; p = 0.015).
      However, smokers with mutated homozygous rs6068816 in CYP24A1 had significantly
      decreased NSCLC risk (OR = 0.43, 95% CI 0.27-1.02; p = 0.006); and smokers and
      non-smokers with mutated homozygous rs1544410 in VDR had significantly decreased
      NSCLC risk (OR = 0.51, 95% CI 0.34-1.17; p = 0.002; OR = 0.26, 95% CI 0.20-0.69;
      p = 0.001, respectively). There are significant joint effects between smoking and
      CYP24A1 rs2181874, CYP24A1 rs6068816, VDR rs10735810, and VDR rs1544410 (p < 0.01
      0.05). Smokers with mutated homozygous rs10735810 in VDR had significantly
      increased NSCLC risk (OR = 1.93, 95% CI 1.41-2.76; p = 0.015). In summary, the
      results suggested that the lower the distribution of vitamin D concentration, the
      more the genetic variations in CYP24A1, VDR and GC genes may be associated with
      NSCLC risk. In addition, there are significant joint associations of cigarette
      smoking and vitamin D deficiency on NSCLC risk. 

PMID- 27669217
TI  - Inducible Expression of both ermB and ermT Conferred High Macrolide Resistance in
      Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus Isolates in China.
AB  - Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus is an under-recognized pathogen
      and zoonotic agent causing opportunistic infections in humans. Despite increasing
      recognition of this subspecies as a cause for human infectious diseases, limited
      information is known about its antibiotic resistance mechanism. In this study, we
      aim to identify the molecular mechanism underlying the high macrolide resistance
      of six S. gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus isolates from dead ducklings collected
      in several natural outbreaks in China during 2010-2013. All isolates exhibited
      multi-drug resistance including high macrolide resistance (MIC >= 1024 mg/L for
      erythromycin, and 512 mg/L for clarithromycin). Efflux-encoding mefA and mefE
      genes were not detectable in these isolates. The presence of 23S rRNA mutations
      in specific isolates did not significantly change macrolide MICs. No nucleotide
      substitutions were found in genes encoding ribosomal proteins L4 or L22. The ermB
      and ermT genes were found in the genomes of all isolates. These two genes were
      acquired independently in one highly virulent isolate AL101002, and clustered
      with Tn916 and IS1216, respectively. The expression of both ermB and ermT in all
      isolates was erythromycin inducible and yielded comparable macrolide MICs in all
      six isolates. Taken together, inducible expression of both ermB and ermT
      conferred high macrolide resistance in these S. gallolyticus subsp. pasterianus
      isolates. Our findings reveal new macrolide resistance features in S.
      gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus by both ermB and ermT. 

PMID- 27669220
TI  - A Novel Tetraenoic Fatty Acid Isolated from Amaranthus spinosus Inhibits
      Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis of Human Liver Cancer Cells.
AB  - Amaranthus spinosus Linn. (Family: Amaranthaceae) has been shown to be useful in
      preventing and mitigating adverse pathophysiological conditions and complex
      diseases. However, only limited information is available on the anticancer
      potential of this plant. In this study, we examined the antiproliferative and pro
      apoptotic effects of a novel fatty acid isolated from A. spinosus
      (14E,18E,22E,26E)-methyl nonacosa-14,18,22,26 tetraenoate-against HepG2 human
      liver cancer cells. We used 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium
      bromide (MTT) assay to determine cell viability, flow cytometry assay for cell
      cycle analysis, and Western blot analysis to measure protein expression of Cdc2),
      cyclin B1, Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2). The
      MTT assay showed that the fatty acid markedly inhibited the proliferation of
      HepG2 cells in a dosage-dependent fashion, with a half maximal inhibitory
      concentration (IC50) value of 25.52 umol/L. This antiproliferative result was
      superior to that of another known fatty acid, linoleic acid (IC50 38.65 umol/L),
      but comparable to that of standard anticancer drug doxorubicin (IC50 24.68
      umol/L). The novel fatty acid also induced apoptosis mediated by downregulation
      of cyclin B1, upregulation of Bax, and downregulation of Bcl-2, resulting in the
      G2/M transition arrest. Our results provide the first experimental evidence that
      a novel fatty acid isolated from A. spinosus exhibits significant
      antiproliferative activity mediated through the induction of apoptosis in HepG2
      cells. These encouraging results may facilitate the development of A. spinosus
      fatty acid for the prevention and intervention of hepatocellular carcinoma. 

PMID- 27669219
TI  - MicroRNA Transcriptome of Poly I:C-Stimulated Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells
      Reveals Evidence for MicroRNAs in Regulating Host Response to RNA Viruses in
      Pigs.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are one family of small noncoding RNAs that function to
      modulate the activity of specific mRNA targets in animals. To understand the role
      of miRNAs in regulating genes involved in the host immune response to RNA
      viruses, we profiled and characterized the miRNAs of swine peripheral blood
      mononuclear cells (PBMC) stimulated with poly I:C, a synthetic dsRNA analog, by
      miRNA-sequencing (miRNA-seq). We identified a total of 905 miRNAs, of which 503
      miRNAs were firstly exploited herein with no annotation in the latest miRBase
      21.0. Expression analysis demonstrated that poly I:C stimulation can elicit
      significantly differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs in Dapulian (n = 20), one
      Chinese indigenous breed, as well as Landrace (n = 23). By integrating the mRNA
      expression profiles of the same sample with miRNA profiles, we carried out
      function analyses of the target genes of these DE miRNAs, with the results
      indicating that target genes were most enriched in some immune-related pathways
      and gene ontology (GO) terms, suggesting that DE miRNAs play an important role in
      the regulation of host to poly I:C stimulation. Furthermore, we also detected 43
      and 61 significantly DE miRNAs between the two breeds in the control sample
      groups and poly I:C stimulation groups, respectively, which may be involved in
      regulation of the different characteristics of the two breeds. This study
      describes for the first time the PBMC miRNA transcriptomic response to poly I:C
      stimulation in pigs, which not only contributes to a broad view of the pig
      miRNAome but improves our understanding of miRNA function in regulating host
      immune response to RNA viruses. 

PMID- 27669218
TI  - Synergistic Anticancer Effect of Tocotrienol Combined with Chemotherapeutic
      Agents or Dietary Components: A Review.
AB  - Tocotrienol (T3), unsaturated vitamin E, is gaining a lot of attention owing to
      its potent anticancer effect, since its efficacy is much greater than that of
      tocopherol (Toc). Various factors are known to be involved in such antitumor
      action, including cell cycle arrest, apoptosis induction, antiangiogenesis, anti
      metastasis, nuclear factor-kappaB suppression, and telomerase inhibition. Owing
      to a difference in the affinity of T3 and Toc for the alpha-tocopherol transfer
      protein, the bioavailability of orally ingested T3 is lower than that of Toc.
      Furthermore, cellular uptake of T3 is interrupted by coadministration of alpha
      Toc in vitro and in vivo. Based on this, several studies are in progress to
      screen for molecules that can synergize with T3 in order to augment its potency.
      Combinations of T3 with chemotherapeutic drugs (e.g., statins, celecoxib, and
      gefitinib) or dietary components (e.g., polyphenols, sesamin, and ferulic acid)
      exhibit synergistic actions on cancer cell growth and signaling pathways. In this
      review, we summarize the current status of synergistic effects of T3 and an array
      of agents on cancer cells, and discuss their molecular mechanisms of action.
      These combination strategies would encourage further investigation and
      application in cancer prevention and therapy. 

PMID- 27669222
TI  - Keratinocyte Growth Factor Combined with a Sodium Hyaluronate Gel Inhibits
      Postoperative Intra-Abdominal Adhesions.
AB  - Postoperative intra-abdominal adhesion is a very common complication after
      abdominal surgery. One clinical problem that remains to be solved is to identify
      an ideal strategy to prevent abdominal adhesions. Keratinocyte growth factor
      (KGF) has been proven to improve the proliferation of mesothelial cells, which
      may enhance fibrinolytic activity to suppress postoperative adhesions. This study
      investigated whether the combined administration of KGF and a sodium hyaluronate
      (HA) gel can prevent intra-abdominal adhesions by improving the orderly repair of
      the peritoneal mesothelial cells. The possible prevention mechanism was also
      explored. The cecum wall and its opposite parietal peritoneum were abraded after
      laparotomy to induce intra-abdominal adhesion formation. Animals were randomly
      allocated to receive topical application of HA, KGF, KGF + HA, or normal saline
      (Control). On postoperative day 7, the adhesion score was assessed with a visual
      scoring system. Masson's trichrome staining, picrosirius red staining and
      hydroxyproline assays were used to assess the magnitude of adhesion and tissue
      fibrosis. Cytokeratin, a marker of the mesothelial cells, was detected by
      immunohistochemistry. The levels of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA),
      interleukin-6 (IL-6), and transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) in the
      abdominal fluid were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays
      (ELISAs). Western blotting was performed to examine the expression of the TGF
      beta1, fibrinogen and alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) proteins in the rat
      peritoneal adhesion tissue. The combined administration of KGF and HA
      significantly reduced intra-abdominal adhesion formation and fibrin deposition
      and improved the orderly repair of the peritoneal mesothelial cells in the rat
      model. Furthermore, the combined administration of KGF and HA significantly
      increased the tPA levels but reduced the levels of IL-6, tumor necrosis factor
      alpha (TNF-alpha) and TGF-beta1 in the abdominal fluid. The expression levels of
      TGF-beta1, fibrinogen and alpha-SMA protein and mRNA in the rat peritoneum or
      adhesion tissues were also down-regulated following the combined administration
      of KGF and HA. The combined administration of KGF and HA can significantly
      prevent postoperative intra-abdominal adhesion formation by maintaining the
      separation of the injured peritoneum and promoting mesothelial cell regeneration.
      The potential mechanism may be associated with rapid mesothelial cell repair in
      the injured peritoneum. This study suggests that combined administration of KGF
      and HA may be a promising pharmacotherapeutic strategy for preventing abdominal
      adhesions, which is worth further study, and has potential value in clinical
      applications. 

PMID- 27669221
TI  - Silver Nanoparticle-Mediated Cellular Responses in Various Cell Lines: An in
      Vitro Model.
AB  - Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have attracted increased interest and are currently
      used in various industries including medicine, cosmetics, textiles, electronics,
      and pharmaceuticals, owing to their unique physical and chemical properties,
      particularly as antimicrobial and anticancer agents. Recently, several studies
      have reported both beneficial and toxic effects of AgNPs on various prokaryotic
      and eukaryotic systems. To develop nanoparticles for mediated therapy, several
      laboratories have used a variety of cell lines under in vitro conditions to
      evaluate the properties, mode of action, differential responses, and mechanisms
      of action of AgNPs. In vitro models are simple, cost-effective, rapid, and can be
      used to easily assess efficacy and performance. The cytotoxicity, genotoxicity,
      and biocompatibility of AgNPs depend on many factors such as size, shape, surface
      charge, surface coating, solubility, concentration, surface functionalization,
      distribution of particles, mode of entry, mode of action, growth media, exposure
      time, and cell type. Cellular responses to AgNPs are different in each cell type
      and depend on the physical and chemical nature of AgNPs. This review evaluates
      significant contributions to the literature on biological applications of AgNPs.
      It begins with an introduction to AgNPs, with particular attention to their
      overall impact on cellular effects. The main objective of this review is to
      elucidate the reasons for different cell types exhibiting differential responses
      to nanoparticles even when they possess similar size, shape, and other
      parameters. Firstly, we discuss the cellular effects of AgNPs on a variety of
      cell lines; Secondly, we discuss the mechanisms of action of AgNPs in various
      cellular systems, and try to elucidate how AgNPs interact with different
      mammalian cell lines and produce significant effects; Finally, we discuss the
      cellular activation of various signaling molecules in response to AgNPs, and
      conclude with future perspectives on research into AgNPs. 

PMID- 27669223
TI  - Designing Efficient Double RNA trans-Splicing Molecules for Targeted RNA Repair.
AB  - RNA trans-splicing is a promising tool for mRNA modification in a diversity of
      genetic disorders. In particular, the substitution of internal exons of a gene by
      combining 3' and 5' RNA trans-splicing seems to be an elegant way to modify
      especially large pre-mRNAs. Here we discuss a robust method for designing double
      RNA trans-splicing molecules (dRTM). We demonstrate how the technique can be
      implemented in an endogenous setting, using COL7A1, the gene encoding type VII
      collagen, as a target. An RTM screening system was developed with the aim of
      testing the replacement of two internal COL7A1 exons, harbouring a homozygous
      mutation, with the wild-type version. The most efficient RTMs from a pool of
      randomly generated variants were selected via our fluorescence-based screening
      system and adapted for use in an in vitro disease model system. Transduction of
      type VII collagen-deficient keratinocytes with the selected dRTM led to accurate
      replacement of two internal COL7A1 exons resulting in a restored wild-type RNA
      sequence. This is the first study demonstrating specific exon replacement by
      double RNA trans-splicing within an endogenous transcript in cultured cells,
      corroborating the utility of this technology for mRNA repair in a variety of
      genetic disorders. 

PMID- 27669224
TI  - Virus-Induced Gene Silencing Identifies an Important Role of the TaRSR1
      Transcription Factor in Starch Synthesis in Bread Wheat.
AB  - The function of a wheat starch regulator 1 (TaRSR1) in regulating the synthesis
      of grain storage starch was determined using the barley stripe mosaic virus-virus
      induced gene-silencing (BSMV-VIGS) method in field experiments. Chlorotic stripes
      appeared on the wheat spikes infected with barley stripe mosaic virus-virus
      induced gene-silencing- wheat starch regulator 1 (BSMV-VIGS-TaRSR1) at 15 days
      after anthesis, at which time the transcription levels of the TaRSR1 gene
      significantly decreased. Quantitative real-time PCR was also used to measure the
      transcription levels of 26 starch synthesis-related enzyme genes in the grains of
      BSMV-VIGS-TaRSR1-silenced wheat plants at 20, 27, and 31 days after anthesis. The
      results showed that the transcription levels of some starch synthesis-related
      enzyme genes were markedly induced at different sampling time points: TaSSI,
      TaSSIV, TaBEIII, TaISA1, TaISA3, TaPHOL, and TaDPE1 genes were induced at each of
      the three sampling time points and TaAGPS1-b, TaAGPL1, TaAGPL2, TaSSIIb, TaSSIIc,
      TaSSIIIb, TaBEI, TaBEIIa, TaBEIIb, TaISA2, TaPHOH, and TaDPE2 genes were induced
      at one sampling time point. Moreover, both the grain starch contents, one
      thousand kernel weights, grain length and width of BSMV-VIGS-TaRSR1-infected
      wheat plants significantly increased. These results suggest that TaRSR1 acts as a
      negative regulator and plays an important role in starch synthesis in wheat
      grains by temporally regulating the expression of specific starch synthesis
      related enzyme genes. 

PMID- 27669225
TI  - PlGF and VEGF-A Regulate Growth of High-Risk MYCN-Single Copy Neuroblastoma
      Xenografts via Different Mechanisms.
AB  - Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial solid tumor of childhood and
      is a rapidly growing, highly-vascularized cancer. NBs frequently express
      angiogenic factors and high tumor angiogenesis has been associated with poor
      outcomes. Placental growth factor (PlGF) is an angiogenic protein belonging to
      the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family and is up-regulated mainly
      in pathologic conditions. Recently, PlGF was identified as a member of a gene
      expression signature characterizing highly malignant NB stem cells drawing
      attention as a potential therapeutic target in NB. In the present study, we
      sought to investigate the expression of PlGF in NB patients and the effect of
      PlGF inhibition on high-risk MYCN-non-amplified SK-N-AS NB xenografts. Human SK-N
      AS cells, which are poorly differentiated and express PlGF and VEGF-A, were
      implanted subcutaneously in athymic nude mice. Treatment was done by intratumoral
      injection of replication-incompetent adenoviruses (Ad) expressing PlGF- or VEGF
      specific short hairpin (sh)RNA, or soluble (s)VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2). The
      effect on tumor growth and angiogenesis was analyzed. High PlGF expression levels
      were observed in human advanced-stage NBs. Down-regulating PlGF significantly
      reduced NB growth in established NB xenografts by reducing cancer cell
      proliferation but did not suppress angiogenesis. In contrast, blocking VEGF by
      administration of Ad(sh)VEGF and Ad(s)VEGFR2 reduced tumor growth associated with
      decreased tumor vasculature. These findings suggest that PlGF and VEGF-A modulate
      MYCN-non-amplified NB tumors by different mechanisms and support a role for PlGF
      in NB biology. 

PMID- 27669226
TI  - APEH Inhibition Affects Osteosarcoma Cell Viability via Downregulation of the
      Proteasome.
AB  - The proteasome is a multienzymatic complex that controls the half-life of the
      majority of intracellular proteins, including those involved in apoptosis and
      cell-cycle progression. Recently, proteasome inhibition has been shown to be an
      effective anticancer strategy, although its downregulation is often accompanied
      by severe undesired side effects. We previously reported that the inhibition of
      acylpeptide hydrolase (APEH) by the peptide SsCEI 4 can significantly affect the
      proteasome activity in A375 melanoma or Caco-2 adenocarcinoma cell lines, thus
      shedding new light on therapeutic strategies based on downstream regulation of
      proteasome functions. In this work, we investigated the functional correlation
      between APEH and proteasome in a panel of cancer cell lines, and evaluated the
      cell proliferation upon SsCEI 4-treatments. Results revealed that SsCEI 4
      triggered a proliferative arrest specifically in osteosarcoma U2OS cells via
      downregulation of the APEH-proteasome system, with the accumulation of the
      typical hallmarks of proteasome: NF-kappaB, p21(Waf1), and polyubiquitinylated
      proteins. We found that the SsCEI 4 anti-proliferative effect involved a
      senescence-like growth arrest without noticeable cytotoxicity. These findings
      represent an important step toward understanding the mechanism(s) underlying the
      APEH-mediated downregulation of proteasome in order to design new molecules able
      to efficiently regulate the proteasome system for alternative therapeutic
      strategies. 

PMID- 27669228
TI  - Radiological Patterns of Brain Metastases in Breast Cancer Patients: A Subproject
      of the German Brain Metastases in Breast Cancer (BMBC) Registry.
AB  - Evidence about distribution patterns of brain metastases with regard to breast
      cancer subtypes and its influence on the prognosis of patients is insufficient.
      Clinical data, cranial computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI) scans of 300 breast cancer patients with brain metastases (BMs) were
      collected retrospectively in four centers participating in the Brain Metastases
      in Breast Cancer Registry (BMBC) in Germany. Patients with positive estrogen
      (ER), progesterone (PR), or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)
      statuses, had a significantly lower number of BMs at diagnosis. Concerning the
      treatment mode, HER2-positive patients treated with trastuzumab before the
      diagnosis of BMs showed a lower number of intracranial metastases (p < 0.001).
      Patients with a HER2-positive tumor-subtype developed cerebellar metastases more
      often compared with HER2-negative patients (59.8% vs. 44.5%, p = 0.021), whereas
      patients with triple-negative primary tumors had leptomeningeal disease more
      often (31.4% vs. 18.3%, p = 0.038). The localization of Brain metastases (BMs)
      was associated with prognosis: patients with leptomeningeal disease had shorter
      survival compared with patients without signs of leptomeningeal disease (median
      survival 3 vs. 5 months, p = 0.025). A shorter survival could also be observed in
      the patients with metastases in the occipital lobe (median survival 3 vs. 5
      months, p = 0.012). Our findings suggest a different tumor cell homing to
      different brain regions depending on subtype and treatment. 

PMID- 27669227
TI  - Waste Soybean Oil and Corn Steep Liquor as Economic Substrates for Bioemulsifier
      and Biodiesel Production by Candida lipolytica UCP 0998.
AB  - Almost all oleaginous microorganisms are available for biodiesel production, and
      for the mechanism of oil accumulation, which is what makes a microbial approach
      economically competitive. This study investigated the potential that the yeast
      Candida lipolytica UCP0988, in an anamorphous state, has to produce
      simultaneously a bioemulsifier and to accumulate lipids using inexpensive and
      alternative substrates. Cultivation was carried out using waste soybean oil and
      corn steep liquor in accordance with 22 experimental designs with 1% inoculums
      (107 cells/mL). The bioemulsifier was produced in the cell-free metabolic liquid
      in the late exponential phase (96 h), at Assay 4 (corn steep liquor 5% and waste
      soybean oil 8%), with 6.704 UEA, IE24 of 96.66%, and showed an anionic profile.
      The emulsion formed consisted of compact small and stable droplets (size 0.2-5
      um), stable at all temperatures, at pH 2 and 4, and 2% salinity, and showed an
      ability to remove 93.74% of diesel oil from sand. The displacement oil (ODA)
      showed 45.34 cm2 of dispersion (central point of the factorial design). The
      biomass obtained from Assay 4 was able to accumulate lipids of 0.425 g/g biomass
      (corresponding to 42.5%), which consisted of Palmitic acid (28.4%), Stearic acid
      (7.7%), Oleic acid (42.8%), Linoleic acid (19.0%), and gamma-Linolenic acid
      (2.1%). The results showed the ability of C. lipopytica to produce both
      bioemulsifier and biodiesel using the metabolic conversion of waste soybean oil
      and corn steep liquor, which are economic renewable sources. 

PMID- 27669231
TI  - Development of 12 Microsatellite Markers in Dorcus titanus castanicolor
      (Motschulsky, 1861) (Lucanidae, Coleoptera) from Korea Using Next-Generation
      Sequencing.
AB  - In the present study, we used next-generation sequencing to develop 12 novel
      microsatellite markers for genetic structural analysis of Dorcus titanus
      castanicolor (Lucanidae; Coleoptera), a popular pet insect in China, Korea, and
      Japan. We identified 52,357 microsatellite loci in 339,287,381 bp of genomic
      sequence and selected 19 of the loci based on their PCR amplification efficiency
      and polymorphism. The 19 selected markers were then tested for the presence of
      null alleles and linkage disequilibrium. We did not detect any evidence of null
      alleles; however, four pairs of loci (DT03 and DT11, DT05 and DT26, DT08 and
      DT26, DT26 and DT35) exhibited linkage disequilibrium. Thus, we assessed the
      genetic diversity of a D. titanus castanicolor population from the Daejeon region
      of Korea (n = 22) using 13 markers. Among them, one marker (DT17) deviated from
      Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Therefore, 12 markers may be useful for further
      analyzing the genetic diversity of D. titanus castanicolor. 

PMID- 27669230
TI  - Genome-Wide Characterization and Expression Analysis of the Germin-Like Protein
      Family in Rice and Arabidopsis.
AB  - Previous studies have shown that germin-like proteins (GLPs) are present
      ubiquitously in rice and Arabidopsis. However, the understanding regarding their
      role in development and abiotic/biotic stress resistance remains limited. In the
      present study, we report genome-wide identification, characterisation,
      subcellular localization, enzyme activity, and expression analysis of the GLP
      gene family in rice and Arabidopsis to study their functions. In total, 43 and 32
      GLPs in the rice and Arabidopsis genome were identified based on a systematic
      analysis, respectively. The GLP genes were clustered into six clades based on
      phylogenetic analysis, and many stress and developmental-related cis-elements
      were detected in promoters of GLP genes. In addition, subcellular location and
      superoxide dismutase (SOD) analysis demonstrated that the random selected OsGLP
      genes on chromosomes 8 and 4 of rice were expressed in the cell wall with SOD
      activity. Overall, our results showed that tandem duplication events, especially
      the clusters of tandem duplication genes on chromosome 8 in rice, play a major
      role in expansion of the GLP family and thus increase our understanding of the
      role of the GLP family in abiotic/biotic stress and development. 

PMID- 27669229
TI  - The Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Inhibitor Gefitinib Reduces but Does
      Not Prevent Tumorigenesis in Chemical and Hormonal Induced Hepatocarcinogenesis
      Rat Models.
AB  - Activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway
      promotes the development of hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) and carcinoma (HCC). The
      selective EGFR inhibitor Gefitinib was found to prevent hepatocarcinogenesis in
      rat cirrhotic livers. Thus, Gefitinib might reduce progression of pre-neoplastic
      liver lesions to HCC. In short- and long-term experiments, administration of N
      Nitrosomorpholine (NNM) or intrahepatic transplantation of pancreatic islets in
      diabetic (PTx), thyroid follicles in thyroidectomized (TTx) and ovarian fragments
      in ovariectomized (OTx) rats was conducted for the induction of foci of altered
      hepatocytes (FAH). Gefitinib was administered for two weeks (20 mg/kg) or three
      and nine months (10 mg/kg). In NNM-treated rats, Gefitinib administration
      decreased the amount of FAH when compared to controls. The amount of HCA and HCC
      was decreased, but development was not prevented. Upon all transplantation
      models, proliferative activity of FAH was lower after administration of Gefitinib
      in short-term experiments. Nevertheless, the burden of HCA and HCC was not
      changed in later stages. Thus, EGFR inhibition by Gefitinib diminishes chemical
      and hormonal also induced hepatocarcinogenesis in the initiation stage in the non
      cirrhotic liver. However, progression to malignant hepatocellular tumors was not
      prevented, indicating only a limited relevance of the EGFR signaling cascade in
      later stages of hepatocarcinogenesis. 

PMID- 27669232
TI  - Long Noncoding RNA lncCAMTA1 Promotes Proliferation and Cancer Stem Cell-Like
      Properties of Liver Cancer by Inhibiting CAMTA1.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common subtype of liver malignancy,
      and it is characterized by poor prognosis because of cancer stem cell (CSC)
      mediated high postsurgical recurrence rates. Thus, targeting CSCs, or HCC cells
      with CSC-like properties, is an effective strategy for HCC therapy. Here, using
      long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) microarray analysis, we identified a novel lncRNA
      termed lncCAMTA1 that is increased in both liver CSCs and HCC. High lncCAMTA1
      expression in HCC indicates poor clinical outcome. In vitro and in vivo
      functional experiments showed that overexpression of lncCAMTA1 promotes HCC cell
      proliferation, CSC-like properties, and tumorigenesis. Conversely, depletion of
      lncCAMTA1 inhibits HCC cell proliferation, CSC-like properties, and
      tumorigenesis. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that lncCAMTA1 physically
      associates with the calmodulin binding transcription activator 1 (CAMTA1)
      promoter, induces a repressive chromatin structure, and inhibits CAMTA1
      transcription. Furthermore, CAMTA1 is required for the effects of lncCAMTA1 on
      HCC cell proliferation and CSC-like properties, and the expression of lncCAMTA1
      and CAMTA1 is significantly negatively correlated in HCC tissues. Collectively,
      our study revealed the important roles and underlying molecular mechanisms of
      lncCAMTA1 on HCC, and suggested that lncCAMTA1 could be an effective prognostic
      factor and a potential therapeutic target for HCC. 

PMID- 27669233
TI  - Hepatic Fasting-Induced PPARalpha Activity Does Not Depend on Essential Fatty
      Acids.
AB  - The liver plays a central role in the regulation of fatty acid metabolism, which
      is highly sensitive to transcriptional responses to nutrients and hormones.
      Transcription factors involved in this process include nuclear hormone receptors.
      One such receptor, PPARalpha, which is highly expressed in the liver and
      activated by a variety of fatty acids, is a critical regulator of hepatic fatty
      acid catabolism during fasting. The present study compared the influence of
      dietary fatty acids and fasting on hepatic PPARalpha-dependent responses.
      Pparalpha(-/-) male mice and their wild-type controls were fed diets containing
      different fatty acids for 10 weeks prior to being subjected to fasting or normal
      feeding. In line with the role of PPARalpha in sensing dietary fatty acids,
      changes in chronic dietary fat consumption influenced liver damage during
      fasting. The changes were particularly marked in mice fed diets lacking essential
      fatty acids. However, fasting, rather than specific dietary fatty acids, induced
      acute PPARalpha activity in the liver. Taken together, the data imply that the
      potent signalling involved in triggering PPARalpha activity during fasting does
      not rely on essential fatty acid-derived ligand. 

PMID- 27669235
TI  - New Potential Biomarker for Methasterone Misuse in Human Urine by Liquid
      Chromatography Quadrupole Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry.
AB  - In this study, methasterone urinary metabolic profiles were investigated by
      liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS) in
      full scan and targeted MS/MS modes with accurate mass measurement. A healthy male
      volunteer was asked to take the drug and liquid-liquid extraction was employed to
      process urine samples. Chromatographic peaks for potential metabolites were
      hunted out with the theoretical [M - H](-) as a target ion in a full scan
      experiment and actual deprotonated ions were studied in targeted MS/MS
      experiment. Fifteen metabolites including two new sulfates (S1 and S2), three
      glucuronide conjugates (G2, G6 and G7), and three free metabolites (M2, M4 and
      M6) were detected for methasterone. Three metabolites involving G4, G5 and M5
      were obtained for the first time in human urine samples. Owing to the absence of
      helpful fragments to elucidate the steroid ring structure of methasterone phase
      II metabolites, gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was employed to
      obtain structural information of the trimethylsilylated phase I metabolite
      released after enzymatic hydrolysis and the potential structure was inferred
      using a combined MS method. Metabolite detection times were also analyzed and G2
      (18-nor-17beta-hydroxymethyl-2alpha, 17alpha-dimethyl-androst-13-en-3alpha-ol-xi
      O-glucuronide) was thought to be new potential biomarker for methasterone misuse
      which can be detected up to 10 days. 

PMID- 27669234
TI  - Autoimmunity and Cytokine Imbalance in Inherited Epidermolysis Bullosa.
AB  - In order to evaluate the serum anti-skin autoantibodies and cytokine
      concentrations in patients with different epidermolysis bullosa (EB) types and
      severity, 42 EB patients and 38 controls were enrolled. Serum anti-skin
      antibodies were significantly higher in the patients than in the controls (p =
      0.008, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001 and p < 0.001 for desmoglein 1 (DSG1)
      desmoglein 3 (DSG3), bullous pemphigoid 180 (BP180), BP230 and type VII collagen
      (COL7), respectively). The same trend was observed for interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL
      2, IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-beta, and interferon-gamma (p < 0.001, p <
      0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.008, p < 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively). Increases in
      anti-skin antibodies and cytokine concentrations were higher in patients with
      recessive dystrophic EB than in those with different types of EB, in generalized
      cases than in localized ones, and in patients with higher Birmingham
      Epidermolysis Bullosa Severity (BEBS) scores than in those with a lower score.
      The BEBS score was directly correlated with BP180, BP230, COL7 (p = 0.015, p =
      0.008 and p < 0.001, respectively) and IL-6 (p = 0.03), whereas IL-6 appeared
      significantly associated with DSG1, DSG3, BP180, BP230 and COL7 (p = 0.015, p =
      0.023, p = 0.023, p = 0.015 and p = 0.005, respectively). This study showed that
      autoimmunity and inflammatory responses are frequently activated in EB, mainly in
      severe forms, suggesting the use of immunosuppressive drugs or biologicals that
      are active against pro-inflammatory cytokines to reduce clinical signs and
      symptoms of disease. 

PMID- 27669237
TI  - Direct LAMP Assay without Prior DNA Purification for Sex Determination of Papaya.
AB  - Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is an economically important tropical fruit tree with
      hermaphrodite, male and female sex types. Hermaphroditic plants are the major
      type used for papaya production because their fruits have more commercial
      advantages than those of female plants. Sex determination of the seedlings, or
      during the early growth stages, is very important for the papaya seedling
      industry. Thus far, the only method for determining the sex type of a papaya at
      the seedling stage has been DNA analysis. In this study, a molecular technique
      based on DNA analysis-was developed for detecting male-hermaphrodite-specific
      markers to examine the papaya's sex type. This method is based on the loop
      mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and does not require prior DNA
      purification. The results show that the method is an easy, efficient, and
      inexpensive way to determine a papaya's sex. This is the first report on the LAMP
      assay, using intact plant materials-without DNA purification-as samples for the
      analysis of sex determination of papaya. We found that using high-efficiency DNA
      polymerase was essential for successful DNA amplification, using trace intact
      plant material as a template DNA source. 

PMID- 27669238
TI  - Potential of LC Coupled to Fluorescence Detection in Food Metabolomics:
      Determination of Phenolic Compounds in Virgin Olive Oil.
AB  - A powerful chromatographic method coupled to a fluorescence detector was
      developed to determine the phenolic compounds present in virgin olive oil (VOO),
      with the aim to propose an appropriate alternative to liquid chromatography-mass
      spectrometry. An excitation wavelength of 285 nm was selected and four different
      emission wavelengths (316, 328, 350 and 450 nm) were simultaneously recorded,
      working therefore on "multi-emission" detection mode. With the use of
      commercially available standards and other standards obtained by semipreparative
      high performance liquid chromatography, it was possible to identify simple
      phenols, lignans, several complex phenols, and other phenolic compounds present
      in the matrix under study. A total of 26 phenolic compounds belonging to
      different chemical families were identified (23 of them were susceptible of being
      quantified). The proposed methodology provided detection and quantification
      limits within the ranges of 0.004-7.143 MUg.mL(-1) and 0.013-23.810 MUg.mL(-1),
      respectively. As far as the repeatability is concerned, the relative standard
      deviation values were below 0.43% for retention time, and 9.05% for peak area.
      The developed methodology was applied for the determination of phenolic compounds
      in ten VOOs, both monovarietals and blends. Secoiridoids were the most abundant
      fraction in all the samples, followed by simple phenolic alcohols, lignans,
      flavonoids, and phenolic acids (being the abundance order of the latter chemical
      classes logically depending on the variety and origin of the VOOs). 

PMID- 27669236
TI  - miR33a/miR33b* and miR122 as Possible Contributors to Hepatic Lipid Metabolism in
      Obese Women with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.
AB  - Specific miRNA expression profiles have been shown to be associated with
      nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We examined the correlation between the
      circulating levels and hepatic expression of miR122 and miR33a/b*, the key lipid
      metabolism-related gene expression and the clinicopathological factors of obese
      women with NAFLD. We measured miR122 and miR33a/b* expression in liver samples
      from 62 morbidly obese (MO), 30 moderately obese (ModO), and eight normal-weight
      controls. MiR122 and miR33a/b* expression was analyzed by qRT-PCR. Additionally,
      miR122 and miR33b* circulating levels were analyzed in 122 women. Hepatic miR33b*
      expression was increased in MO compared to ModO and controls, whereas miR122
      expression was decreased in the MO group compared to ModO. In obese cohorts,
      miR33b* expression was increased in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
      Regarding circulating levels, MO patients with NASH showed higher miR122 levels
      than MO with simple steatosis (SS). These circulating levels are good predictors
      of histological features associated with disease severity. MO is associated with
      altered hepatic miRNA expression. In obese women, higher miR33b* liver expression
      is associated with NASH. Moreover, multiple correlations between miRNAs and the
      expression of genes related to lipid metabolism were found, that would suggest a
      miRNA-host gene circuit. Finally, miR122 circulating levels could be included in
      a panel of different biomarkers to improve accuracy in the non-invasive diagnosis
      of NASH. 

PMID- 27669239
TI  - Identification of Protein-Protein Interactions via a Novel Matrix-Based Sequence
      Representation Model with Amino Acid Contact Information.
AB  - Identification of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) is a difficult and
      important problem in biology. Since experimental methods for predicting PPIs are
      both expensive and time-consuming, many computational methods have been developed
      to predict PPIs and interaction networks, which can be used to complement
      experimental approaches. However, these methods have limitations to overcome.
      They need a large number of homology proteins or literature to be applied in
      their method. In this paper, we propose a novel matrix-based protein sequence
      representation approach to predict PPIs, using an ensemble learning method for
      classification. We construct the matrix of Amino Acid Contact (AAC), based on the
      statistical analysis of residue-pairing frequencies in a database of 6323 protein
      protein complexes. We first represent the protein sequence as a Substitution
      Matrix Representation (SMR) matrix. Then, the feature vector is extracted by
      applying algorithms of Histogram of Oriented Gradient (HOG) and Singular Value
      Decomposition (SVD) on the SMR matrix. Finally, we feed the feature vector into a
      Random Forest (RF) for judging interaction pairs and non-interaction pairs. Our
      method is applied to several PPI datasets to evaluate its performance. On the S .
      c e r e v i s i a e dataset, our method achieves 94 . 83 % accuracy and 92 . 40 %
      sensitivity. Compared with existing methods, and the accuracy of our method is
      increased by 0 . 11 percentage points. On the H . p y l o r i dataset, our method
      achieves 89 . 06 % accuracy and 88 . 15 % sensitivity, the accuracy of our method
      is increased by 0 . 76 % . On the H u m a n PPI dataset, our method achieves 97 .
      60 % accuracy and 96 . 37 % sensitivity, and the accuracy of our method is
      increased by 1 . 30 % . In addition, we test our method on a very important PPI
      network, and it achieves 92 . 71 % accuracy. In the Wnt-related network, the
      accuracy of our method is increased by 16 . 67 % . The source code and all
      datasets are available at https://figshare.com/s/580c11dce13e63cb9a53. 

PMID- 27669241
TI  - Performance Evaluation of Analog Beamforming with Hardware Impairments for mmW
      Massive MIMO Communication in an Urban Scenario.
AB  - The use of massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) techniques for
      communication at millimeter-Wave (mmW) frequency bands has become a key enabler
      to meet the data rate demands of the upcoming fifth generation (5G) cellular
      systems. In particular, analog and hybrid beamforming solutions are receiving
      increasing attention as less expensive and more power efficient alternatives to
      fully digital precoding schemes. Despite their proven good performance in simple
      setups, their suitability for realistic cellular systems with many interfering
      base stations and users is still unclear. Furthermore, the performance of massive
      MIMO beamforming and precoding methods are in practice also affected by practical
      limitations and hardware constraints. In this sense, this paper assesses the
      performance of digital precoding and analog beamforming in an urban cellular
      system with an accurate mmW channel model under both ideal and realistic
      assumptions. The results show that analog beamforming can reach the performance
      of fully digital maximum ratio transmission under line of sight conditions and
      with a sufficient number of parallel radio-frequency (RF) chains, especially when
      the practical limitations of outdated channel information and per antenna power
      constraints are considered. This work also shows the impact of the phase shifter
      errors and combiner losses introduced by real phase shifter and combiner
      implementations over analog beamforming, where the former ones have minor impact
      on the performance, while the latter ones determine the optimum number of RF
      chains to be used in practice. 

PMID- 27669242
TI  - Reference Beam Pattern Design for Frequency Invariant Beamforming Based on Fast
      Fourier Transform.
AB  - In the field of fast Fourier transform (FFT)-based frequency invariant
      beamforming (FIB), there is still an unsolved problem. That is the selection of
      the reference beam to make the designed wideband pattern frequency invariant (FI)
      over a given frequency range. This problem is studied in this paper. The research
      shows that for a given array, the selection of the reference beam pattern is
      determined by the number of sensors and the ratio of the highest frequency to the
      lowest frequency of the signal (RHL). The length of the weight vector
      corresponding to a given reference beam pattern depends on the reference
      frequency. In addition, the upper bound of the weight length to ensure the FI
      property over the whole frequency band of interest is also given. When the
      constraints are added to the reference beam, it does not affect the FI property
      of the designed wideband beam as long as the symmetry of the reference beam is
      ensured. Based on this conclusion, a scheme for reference beam design is
      proposed. 

PMID- 27669240
TI  - Extracts of Magnolia Species-Induced Prevention of Diabetic Complications: A
      Brief Review.
AB  - Diabetic complications are the major cause of mortality for the patients with
      diabetes. Oxidative stress and inflammation have been recognized as important
      contributors for the development of many diabetic complications, such as diabetic
      nephropathy, hepatopathy, cardiomyopathy, and other cardiovascular diseases.
      Several studies have established the anti-inflammatory and oxidative roles of
      bioactive constituents in Magnolia bark, which has been widely used in the
      traditional herbal medicines in Chinese society. These findings have attracted
      various scientists to investigate the effect of bioactive constituents in
      Magnolia bark on diabetic complications. The aim of this review is to present a
      systematic overview of bioactive constituents in Magnolia bark that induce the
      prevention of obesity, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and diabetic complications,
      including cardiovascular, liver, and kidney. 

PMID- 27669243
TI  - Gateway-Assisted Retransmission for Lightweight and Reliable IoT Communications.
AB  - Message Queuing Telemetry Transport for Sensor Networks (MQTT-SN) and Constrained
      Application Protocol (CoAP) are two protocols supporting publish/subscribe models
      for IoT devices to publish messages to interested subscribers. Retransmission
      mechanisms are introduced to compensate for the lack of data reliability. If the
      device does not receive the acknowledgement (ACK) before retransmission timeout
      (RTO) expires, the device will retransmit data. Setting an appropriate RTO is
      important because the delay may be large or retransmission may be too frequent
      when the RTO is inappropriate. We propose a Gateway-assisted CoAP (GaCoAP) to
      dynamically compute RTO for devices. Simulation models are proposed to
      investigate the performance of GaCoAP compared with four other methods. The
      experiment results show that GaCoAP is more suitable for IoT devices. 

PMID- 27669244
TI  - An Off-Grid Turbo Channel Estimation Algorithm for Millimeter Wave
      Communications.
AB  - The bandwidth shortage has motivated the exploration of the millimeter wave
      (mmWave) frequency spectrum for future communication networks. To compensate for
      the severe propagation attenuation in the mmWave band, massive antenna arrays can
      be adopted at both the transmitter and receiver to provide large array gains via
      directional beamforming. To achieve such array gains, channel estimation (CE)
      with high resolution and low latency is of great importance for mmWave
      communications. However, classic super-resolution subspace CE methods such as
      multiple signal classification (MUSIC) and estimation of signal parameters via
      rotation invariant technique (ESPRIT) cannot be applied here due to RF chain
      constraints. In this paper, an enhanced CE algorithm is developed for the off
      grid problem when quantizing the angles of mmWave channel in the spatial domain
      where off-grid problem refers to the scenario that angles do not lie on the
      quantization grids with high probability, and it results in power leakage and
      severe reduction of the CE performance. A new model is first proposed to
      formulate the off-grid problem. The new model divides the continuously
      distributed angle into a quantized discrete grid part, referred to as the
      integral grid angle, and an offset part, termed fractional off-grid angle.
      Accordingly, an iterative off-grid turbo CE (IOTCE) algorithm is proposed to
      renew and upgrade the CE between the integral grid part and the fractional off
      grid part under the Turbo principle. By fully exploiting the sparse structure of
      mmWave channels, the integral grid part is estimated by a soft-decoding based
      compressed sensing (CS) method called improved turbo compressed channel sensing
      (ITCCS). It iteratively updates the soft information between the linear minimum
      mean square error (LMMSE) estimator and the sparsity combiner. Monte Carlo
      simulations are presented to evaluate the performance of the proposed method, and
      the results show that it enhances the angle detection resolution greatly. 

PMID- 27669245
TI  - Analysis of Uncertainty in a Middle-Cost Device for 3D Measurements in BIM
      Perspective.
AB  - Medium-cost devices equipped with sensors are being developed to get 3D
      measurements. Some allow for generating geometric models and point clouds.
      Nevertheless, the accuracy of these measurements should be evaluated, taking into
      account the requirements of the Building Information Model (BIM). This paper
      analyzes the uncertainty in outdoor/indoor three-dimensional coordinate measures
      and point clouds (using Spherical Accuracy Standard (SAS) methods) for Eyes Map,
      a medium-cost tablet manufactured by e-Capture Research & Development Company,
      Merida, Spain. To achieve it, in outdoor tests, by means of this device, the
      coordinates of targets were measured from 1 to 6 m and cloud points were
      obtained. Subsequently, these were compared to the coordinates of the same
      targets measured by a Total Station. The Euclidean average distance error was
      0.005-0.027 m for measurements by Photogrammetry and 0.013-0.021 m for the point
      clouds. All of them satisfy the tolerance for point cloud acquisition (0.051 m)
      according to the BIM Guide for 3D Imaging (General Services Administration);
      similar results are obtained in the indoor tests, with values of 0.022 m. In this
      paper, we establish the optimal distances for the observations in both,
      Photogrammetry and 3D Photomodeling modes (outdoor) and point out some working
      conditions to avoid in indoor environments. Finally, the authors discuss some
      recommendations for improving the performance and working methods of the device. 

PMID- 27669246
TI  - Six-Port Based Interferometry for Precise Radar and Sensing Applications.
AB  - Microwave technology plays a more important role in modern industrial sensing
      applications. Pushed by the significant progress in monolithic microwave
      integrated circuit technology over the past decades, complex sensing systems
      operating in the microwave and even millimeter-wave range are available for
      reasonable costs combined with exquisite performance. In the context of
      industrial sensing, this stimulates new approaches for metrology based on
      microwave technology. An old measurement principle nearly forgotten over the
      years has recently gained more and more attention in both academia and industry:
      the six-port interferometer. This paper reviews the basic concept, investigates
      promising applications in remote, as well as contact-based sensing and compares
      the system with state-of-the-art metrology. The significant advantages will be
      discussed just as the limitations of the six-port architecture. Particular
      attention will be paid to impairment effects and non-ideal behavior, as well as
      compensation and linearization concepts. It will be shown that in application
      fields, like remote distance sensing, precise alignment measurements, as well as
      interferometrically-evaluated mechanical strain analysis, the six-port
      architecture delivers extraordinary measurement results combined with high
      measurement data update rates for reasonable system costs. This makes the six
      port architecture a promising candidate for industrial metrology. 

PMID- 27669247
TI  - ReliefF-Based EEG Sensor Selection Methods for Emotion Recognition.
AB  - Electroencephalogram (EEG) signals recorded from sensor electrodes on the scalp
      can directly detect the brain dynamics in response to different emotional states.
      Emotion recognition from EEG signals has attracted broad attention, partly due to
      the rapid development of wearable computing and the needs of a more immersive
      human-computer interface (HCI) environment. To improve the recognition
      performance, multi-channel EEG signals are usually used. A large set of EEG
      sensor channels will add to the computational complexity and cause users
      inconvenience. ReliefF-based channel selection methods were systematically
      investigated for EEG-based emotion recognition on a database for emotion analysis
      using physiological signals (DEAP). Three strategies were employed to select the
      best channels in classifying four emotional states (joy, fear, sadness and
      relaxation). Furthermore, support vector machine (SVM) was used as a classifier
      to validate the performance of the channel selection results. The experimental
      results showed the effectiveness of our methods and the comparison with the
      similar strategies, based on the F-score, was given. Strategies to evaluate a
      channel as a unity gave better performance in channel reduction with an
      acceptable loss of accuracy. In the third strategy, after adjusting channels'
      weights according to their contribution to the classification accuracy, the
      number of channels was reduced to eight with a slight loss of accuracy (58.51% +/
      10.05% versus the best classification accuracy 59.13% +/- 11.00% using 19
      channels). In addition, the study of selecting subject-independent channels,
      related to emotion processing, was also implemented. The sensors, selected
      subject-independently from frontal, parietal lobes, have been identified to
      provide more discriminative information associated with emotion processing, and
      are distributed symmetrically over the scalp, which is consistent with the
      existing literature. The results will make a contribution to the realization of a
      practical EEG-based emotion recognition system. 

PMID- 27669248
TI  - A MoS2 Nanosheet-Based Fluorescence Biosensor for Simple and Quantitative
      Analysis of DNA Methylation.
AB  - MoS2 nanomaterial has unique properties, including innate affinity with ss-DNA
      and quenching ability for fluorescence dyes. Here, we present the development of
      a simple fluorescence biosensor based on water-soluble MoS2 nanosheets and
      restriction endonuclease BstUI for methylation analysis of p16 promoter. The
      biosensing platform exhibited excellent sensitivity in detecting DNA with a
      linear range of 100 pM~20 nM and a detection limit of 140 pM. More importantly,
      our method could distinguish as low as 1% difference in methylation level.
      Compared with previous methylation analysis, our design is both time saving and
      simple to operate, avoiding the limitations of PCR-based assays without
      compromising performance. 

PMID- 27669249
TI  - Estimation of Energy Expenditure Using a Patch-Type Sensor Module with an
      Incremental Radial Basis Function Neural Network.
AB  - Conventionally, indirect calorimetry has been used to estimate oxygen consumption
      in an effort to accurately measure human body energy expenditure. However,
      calorimetry requires the subject to wear a mask that is neither convenient nor
      comfortable. The purpose of our study is to develop a patch-type sensor module
      with an embedded incremental radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) for
      estimating the energy expenditure. The sensor module contains one ECG electrode
      and a three-axis accelerometer, and can perform real-time heart rate (HR) and
      movement index (MI) monitoring. The embedded incremental network includes linear
      regression (LR) and RBFNN based on context-based fuzzy c-means (CFCM) clustering.
      This incremental network is constructed by building a collection of information
      granules through CFCM clustering that is guided by the distribution of error of
      the linear part of the LR model. 

PMID- 27669250
TI  - An Online Dictionary Learning-Based Compressive Data Gathering Algorithm in
      Wireless Sensor Networks.
AB  - To adapt to sense signals of enormous diversities and dynamics, and to decrease
      the reconstruction errors caused by ambient noise, a novel online dictionary
      learning method-based compressive data gathering (ODL-CDG) algorithm is proposed.
      The proposed dictionary is learned from a two-stage iterative procedure,
      alternately changing between a sparse coding step and a dictionary update step.
      The self-coherence of the learned dictionary is introduced as a penalty term
      during the dictionary update procedure. The dictionary is also constrained with
      sparse structure. It's theoretically demonstrated that the sensing matrix
      satisfies the restricted isometry property (RIP) with high probability. In
      addition, the lower bound of necessary number of measurements for compressive
      sensing (CS) reconstruction is given. Simulation results show that the proposed
      ODL-CDG algorithm can enhance the recovery accuracy in the presence of noise, and
      reduce the energy consumption in comparison with other dictionary based data
      gathering methods. 

PMID- 27669251
TI  - Strain Sharing Assessment in Woven Fiber Reinforced Concrete Beams Using Fiber
      Bragg Grating Sensors.
AB  - Embedded fiber Bragg grating sensors have been extensively used worldwide for
      health monitoring of smart structures. In civil engineering, they provide a
      powerful method for monitoring the performance of composite reinforcements used
      for concrete structure rehabilitation and retrofitting. This paper discusses the
      problem of investigating the strain transfer mechanism in composite strengthened
      concrete beams subjected to three-point bending tests. Fiber Bragg grating
      sensors were embedded both in the concrete tensioned surface and in the woven
      fiber reinforcement. It has been shown that, if interface decoupling occurs,
      strain in the concrete can be up to 3.8 times higher than that developed in the
      reinforcement. A zero friction slipping model was developed which fitted very
      well the experimental data. 

PMID- 27669252
TI  - Indoor-Outdoor Detection Using a Smart Phone Sensor.
AB  - In the era of mobile internet, Location Based Services (LBS) have developed
      dramatically. Seamless Indoor and Outdoor Navigation and Localization (SNAL) has
      attracted a lot of attention. No single positioning technology was capable of
      meeting the various positioning requirements in different environments. Selecting
      different positioning techniques for different environments is an alternative
      method. Detecting the users' current environment is crucial for this technique.
      In this paper, we proposed to detect the indoor/outdoor environment automatically
      without high energy consumption. The basic idea was simple: we applied a machine
      learning algorithm to classify the neighboring Global System for Mobile (GSM)
      communication cellular base station's signal strength in different environments,
      and identified the users' current context by signal pattern recognition. We
      tested the algorithm in four different environments. The results showed that the
      proposed algorithm was capable of identifying open outdoors, semi-outdoors, light
      indoors and deep indoors environments with 100% accuracy using the signal
      strength of four nearby GSM stations. The required hardware and signal are widely
      available in our daily lives, implying its high compatibility and availability. 

PMID- 27669253
TI  - Secure Nearest Neighbor Query on Crowd-Sensing Data.
AB  - Nearest neighbor queries are fundamental in location-based services, and secure
      nearest neighbor queries mainly focus on how to securely and quickly retrieve the
      nearest neighbor in the outsourced cloud server. However, the previous big data
      system structure has changed because of the crowd-sensing data. On the one hand,
      sensing data terminals as the data owner are numerous and mistrustful, while, on
      the other hand, in most cases, the terminals find it difficult to finish many
      safety operation due to computation and storage capability constraints. In light
      of they Multi Owners and Multi Users (MOMU) situation in the crowd-sensing data
      cloud environment, this paper presents a secure nearest neighbor query scheme
      based on the proxy server architecture, which is constructed by protocols of
      secure two-party computation and secure Voronoi diagram algorithm. It not only
      preserves the data confidentiality and query privacy but also effectively resists
      the collusion between the cloud server and the data owners or users. Finally,
      extensive theoretical and experimental evaluations are presented to show that our
      proposed scheme achieves a superior balance between the security and query
      performance compared to other schemes. 

PMID- 27669254
TI  - A Geographical Heuristic Routing Protocol for VANETs.
AB  - Vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) leverage the communication system of
      Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). Recently, Delay-Tolerant Network (DTN)
      routing protocols have increased their popularity among the research community
      for being used in non-safety VANET applications and services like traffic
      reporting. Vehicular DTN protocols use geographical and local information to make
      forwarding decisions. However, current proposals only consider the selection of
      the best candidate based on a local-search. In this paper, we propose a generic
      Geographical Heuristic Routing (GHR) protocol that can be applied to any DTN
      geographical routing protocol that makes forwarding decisions hop by hop. GHR
      includes in its operation adaptations simulated annealing and Tabu-search meta
      heuristics, which have largely been used to improve local-search results in
      discrete optimization. We include a complete performance evaluation of GHR in a
      multi-hop VANET simulation scenario for a reporting service. Our study analyzes
      all of the meaningful configurations of GHR and offers a statistical analysis of
      our findings by means of MANOVA tests. Our results indicate that the use of a
      Tabu list contributes to improving the packet delivery ratio by around 5% to 10%.
      Moreover, if Tabu is used, then the simulated annealing routing strategy gets a
      better performance than the selection of the best node used with carry and
      forwarding (default operation). 

PMID- 27669255
TI  - A Wireless and Batteryless Intelligent Carbon Monoxide Sensor.
AB  - Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from natural gas water heaters is a common
      household accident in Taiwan. We propose a wireless and batteryless intelligent
      CO sensor for improving the safety of operating natural gas water heaters. A
      micro-hydropower generator supplies power to a CO sensor without battery (COSWOB)
      (2.5 W at a flow rate of 4.2 L/min), and the power consumption of the COSWOB is
      only ~13 mW. The COSWOB monitors the CO concentration in ambient conditions
      around natural gas water heaters and transmits it to an intelligent gateway. When
      the CO level reaches a dangerous level, the COSWOB alarm sounds loudly.
      Meanwhile, the intelligent gateway also sends a trigger to activate Wi-Fi alarms
      and sends notifications to the mobile device through the Internet. Our strategy
      can warn people indoors and outdoors, thereby reducing CO poisoning accidents. We
      also believe that our technique not only can be used for home security but also
      can be used in industrial applications (for example, to monitor leak occurrence
      in a pipeline). 

PMID- 27669256
TI  - A Low Power Digital Accumulation Technique for Digital-Domain CMOS TDI Image
      Sensor.
AB  - In this paper, an accumulation technique suitable for digital domain CMOS time
      delay integration (TDI) image sensors is proposed to reduce power consumption
      without degrading the rate of imaging. In terms of the slight variations of
      quantization codes among different pixel exposures towards the same object, the
      pixel array is divided into two groups: one is for coarse quantization of high
      bits only, and the other one is for fine quantization of low bits. Then, the
      complete quantization codes are composed of both results from the coarse-and-fine
      quantization. The equivalent operation comparably reduces the total required bit
      numbers of the quantization. In the 0.18 um CMOS process, two versions of 16
      stage digital domain CMOS TDI image sensor chains based on a 10-bit successive
      approximate register (SAR) analog-to-digital converter (ADC), with and without
      the proposed technique, are designed. The simulation results show that the
      average power consumption of slices of the two versions are 6 . 47 * 10 - 8
      J/line and 7 . 4 * 10 - 8 J/line, respectively. Meanwhile, the linearity of the
      two versions are 99.74% and 99.99%, respectively. 

PMID- 27669258
TI  - Patterns-of-Life Aided Authentication.
AB  - Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN) applications have grown immensely in the past
      few years. However, security and privacy of the user are two major obstacles in
      their development. The complex and very sensitive nature of the body-mounted
      sensors means the traditional network layer security arrangements are not
      sufficient to employ their full potential, and novel solutions are necessary. In
      contrast, security methods based on physical layers tend to be more suitable and
      have simple requirements. The problem of initial trust needs to be addressed as a
      prelude to the physical layer security key arrangement. This paper proposes a
      patterns-of-life aided authentication model to solve this issue. The model
      employs the wireless channel fingerprint created by the user's behavior
      characterization. The performance of the proposed model is established through
      experimental measurements at 2.45 GHz. Experimental results show that high
      correlation values of 0.852 to 0.959 with the habitual action of the user in
      different scenarios can be used for auxiliary identity authentication, which is a
      scalable result for future studies. 

PMID- 27669257
TI  - Characterization of Biosensors Based on Recombinant Glutamate Oxidase: Comparison
      of Crosslinking Agents in Terms of Enzyme Loading and Efficiency Parameters.
AB  - Amperometric l-glutamate (Glu) biosensors, based on both wild-type and a
      recombinant form of l-glutamate oxidase (GluOx), were designed and characterized
      in terms of enzyme-kinetic, sensitivity and stability parameters in attempts to
      fabricate a real-time Glu monitoring device suitable for future long-term
      detection of this amino acid in biological and other complex media. A comparison
      of the enzyme from these two sources showed that they were similar in terms of
      biosensor performance. Optimization of the loading of the polycationic
      stabilization agent, polyethyleneimine (PEI), was established before
      investigating a range of crosslinking agents under different conditions:
      glutaraldehyde (GA), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and polyethylene glycol
      diglycidyl ether (PEGDE). Whereas PEI-free biosensor designs lost most of their
      meager Glu sensitivity after one or two days, configurations with a 2:5 ratio of
      dip-evaporation applications of PEI(1%):GluOx(400 U/mL) displayed a 20-fold
      increase in their initial sensitivity, and a decay half-life extended to 10 days.
      All the crosslinkers studied had no effect on initial Glu sensitivity, but
      enhanced biosensor stability, provided the crosslinking procedure was carried out
      under well-defined conditions. The resulting biosensor design based on the
      recombinant enzyme deposited on a permselective layer of poly-(ortho
      phenylenediamine), PoPD/PEI2/GluOx5/PEGDE, displayed good sensitivity (LOD < 0.2
      MUM), response time (t90% < 1 s) and stability over a 90-day period, making it an
      attractive candidate for future long-term monitoring of Glu concentration
      dynamics in complex media. 

PMID- 27669259
TI  - Data Analytics for Smart Parking Applications.
AB  - We consider real-life smart parking systems where parking lot occupancy data are
      collected from field sensor devices and sent to backend servers for further
      processing and usage for applications. Our objective is to make these data useful
      to end users, such as parking managers, and, ultimately, to citizens. To this
      end, we concoct and validate an automated classification algorithm having two
      objectives: (1) outlier detection: to detect sensors with anomalous behavioral
      patterns, i.e., outliers; and (2) clustering: to group the parking sensors
      exhibiting similar patterns into distinct clusters. We first analyze the
      statistics of real parking data, obtaining suitable simulation models for parking
      traces. We then consider a simple classification algorithm based on the empirical
      complementary distribution function of occupancy times and show its limitations.
      Hence, we design a more sophisticated algorithm exploiting unsupervised learning
      techniques (self-organizing maps). These are tuned following a supervised
      approach using our trace generator and are compared against other clustering
      schemes, namely expectation maximization, k-means clustering and DBSCAN,
      considering six months of data from a real sensor deployment. Our approach is
      found to be superior in terms of classification accuracy, while also being
      capable of identifying all of the outliers in the dataset. 

PMID- 27669261
TI  - An Online Gravity Modeling Method Applied for High Precision Free-INS.
AB  - For real-time solution of inertial navigation system (INS), the high-degree
      spherical harmonic gravity model (SHM) is not applicable because of its time and
      space complexity, in which traditional normal gravity model (NGM) has been the
      dominant technique for gravity compensation. In this paper, a two-dimensional
      second-order polynomial model is derived from SHM according to the approximate
      linear characteristic of regional disturbing potential. Firstly, deflections of
      vertical (DOVs) on dense grids are calculated with SHM in an external computer.
      And then, the polynomial coefficients are obtained using these DOVs. To achieve
      global navigation, the coefficients and applicable region of polynomial model are
      both updated synchronously in above computer. Compared with high-degree SHM, the
      polynomial model takes less storage and computational time at the expense of
      minor precision. Meanwhile, the model is more accurate than NGM. Finally,
      numerical test and INS experiment show that the proposed method outperforms
      traditional gravity models applied for high precision free-INS. 

PMID- 27669260
TI  - Sensor Fusion and Smart Sensor in Sports and Biomedical Applications.
AB  - The following work presents an overview of smart sensors and sensor fusion
      targeted at biomedical applications and sports areas. In this work, the
      integration of these areas is demonstrated, promoting a reflection about
      techniques and applications to collect, quantify and qualify some physical
      variables associated with the human body. These techniques are presented in
      various biomedical and sports applications, which cover areas related to
      diagnostics, rehabilitation, physical monitoring, and the development of
      performance in athletes, among others. Although some applications are described
      in only one of two fields of study (biomedicine and sports), it is very likely
      that the same application fits in both, with small peculiarities or adaptations.
      To illustrate the contemporaneity of applications, an analysis of specialized
      papers published in the last six years has been made. In this context, the main
      characteristic of this review is to present the largest quantity of relevant
      examples of sensor fusion and smart sensors focusing on their utilization and
      proposals, without deeply addressing one specific system or technique, to the
      detriment of the others. 

PMID- 27669262
TI  - Assessment of Receiver Signal Strength Sensing for Location Estimation Based on
      Fisher Information.
AB  - Currently there is almost ubiquitous availability of wireless signaling for data
      communications within commercial building complexes resulting in receiver signal
      strength (RSS) observables that are typically sufficient for generating viable
      location estimates of mobile wireless devices. However, while RSS observables are
      generally plentiful, achieving an accurate estimation of location is difficult
      due to several factors affecting the electromagnetic coupling between the mobile
      antenna and the building access points that are not modeled and hence contribute
      to the overall estimation uncertainty. Such uncertainty is typically mitigated
      with a moderate redundancy of RSS sensor observations in combination with other
      constraints imposed on the mobile trajectory. In this paper, the Fisher
      Information (FI) of a set of RSS sensor observations in the context of variables
      related to the mobile location is developed. This provides a practical method of
      determining the potential location accuracy for the given set of wireless signals
      available. Furthermore, the information value of individual RSS measurements can
      be quantified and the RSS observables weighted accordingly in estimation
      combining algorithms. The practical utility of using FI in this context was
      demonstrated experimentally with an extensive set of RSS measurements recorded in
      an office complex. The resulting deviation of the mobile location estimation
      based on application of weighted likelihood processing to the experimental RSS
      data was shown to agree closely with the Cramer Rao bound determined from the FI
      analysis. 

PMID- 27669265
TI  - Micro-Doppler Signal Time-Frequency Algorithm Based on STFRFT.
AB  - This paper proposes a time-frequency algorithm based on short-time fractional
      order Fourier transformation (STFRFT) for identification of a complicated
      movement targets. This algorithm, consisting of a STFRFT order-changing and quick
      selection method, is effective in reducing the computation load. A multi-order
      STFRFT time-frequency algorithm is also developed that makes use of the time
      frequency feature of each micro-Doppler component signal. This algorithm improves
      the estimation accuracy of time-frequency curve fitting through multi-order
      matching. Finally, experiment data were used to demonstrate STFRFT's performance
      in micro-Doppler time-frequency analysis. The results validated the higher
      estimate accuracy of the proposed algorithm. It may be applied to an LFM (Linear
      frequency modulated) pulse radar, SAR (Synthetic aperture radar), or ISAR
      (Inverse synthetic aperture radar), for improving the probability of target
      recognition. 

PMID- 27669263
TI  - Design and Evaluation of Novel Textile Wearable Systems for the Surveillance of
      Vital Signals.
AB  - This article addresses the design, development, and evaluation of T-shirt
      prototypes that embed novel textile sensors for the capture of cardio and
      respiratory signals. The sensors are connected through textile interconnects to
      either an embedded custom-designed data acquisition and transmission unit or to
      snap fastener terminals for connection to external monitoring devices. The
      performance of the T-shirt prototype is evaluated in terms of signal-to-noise
      ratio amplitude and signal interference caused by baseline wander and motion
      artefacts, through laboratory tests with subjects in standing and walking
      conditions. Performance tests were also conducted in a hospital environment using
      a T-shirt prototype connected to a commercial three-channel Holter monitoring
      device. The textile sensors and interconnects were realized with the assistance
      of an industrial six-needle digital embroidery tool and their resistance to wear
      addressed with normalized tests of laundering and abrasion. The performance of
      these wearable systems is discussed, and pathways and methods for their
      optimization are highlighted. 

PMID- 27669264
TI  - A Wireless 32-Channel Implantable Bidirectional Brain Machine Interface.
AB  - All neural information systems (NIS) rely on sensing neural activity to supply
      commands and control signals for computers, machines and a variety of prosthetic
      devices. Invasive systems achieve a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) by
      eliminating the volume conduction problems caused by tissue and bone. An
      implantable brain machine interface (BMI) using intracortical electrodes provides
      excellent detection of a broad range of frequency oscillatory activities through
      the placement of a sensor in direct contact with cortex. This paper introduces a
      compact-sized implantable wireless 32-channel bidirectional brain machine
      interface (BBMI) to be used with freely-moving primates. The system is designed
      to monitor brain sensorimotor rhythms and present current stimuli with a
      configurable duration, frequency and amplitude in real time to the brain based on
      the brain activity report. The battery is charged via a novel ultrasonic wireless
      power delivery module developed for efficient delivery of power into a deeply
      implanted system. The system was successfully tested through bench tests and in
      vivo tests on a behaving primate to record the local field potential (LFP)
      oscillation and stimulate the target area at the same time. 

PMID- 27669266
TI  - A Novel Zero Velocity Interval Detection Algorithm for Self-Contained Pedestrian
      Navigation System with Inertial Sensors.
AB  - Zero velocity update (ZUPT) plays an important role in pedestrian navigation
      algorithms with the premise that the zero velocity interval (ZVI) should be
      detected accurately and effectively. A novel adaptive ZVI detection algorithm
      based on a smoothed pseudo Wigner-Ville distribution to remove multiple
      frequencies intelligently (SPWVD-RMFI) is proposed in this paper. The novel
      algorithm adopts the SPWVD-RMFI method to extract the pedestrian gait frequency
      and to calculate the optimal ZVI detection threshold in real time by establishing
      the function relationships between the thresholds and the gait frequency; then,
      the adaptive adjustment of thresholds with gait frequency is realized and
      improves the ZVI detection precision. To put it into practice, a ZVI detection
      experiment is carried out; the result shows that compared with the traditional
      fixed threshold ZVI detection method, the adaptive ZVI detection algorithm can
      effectively reduce the false and missed detection rate of ZVI; this indicates
      that the novel algorithm has high detection precision and good robustness.
      Furthermore, pedestrian trajectory positioning experiments at different walking
      speeds are carried out to evaluate the influence of the novel algorithm on
      positioning precision. The results show that the ZVI detected by the adaptive ZVI
      detection algorithm for pedestrian trajectory calculation can achieve better
      performance. 

PMID- 27669267
TI  - A Human Serum-Based Enzyme-Free Continuous Glucose Monitoring Technique Using a
      Needle-Type Bio-Layer Interference Sensor.
AB  - The incidence of diabetes is continually increasing, and by 2030, it is expected
      to have increased by 69% and 20% in underdeveloped and developed countries,
      respectively. Therefore, glucose sensors are likely to remain in high demand in
      medical device markets. For the current study, we developed a needle-type bio
      layer interference (BLI) sensor that can continuously monitor glucose levels.
      Using dialysis procedures, we were able to obtain hypoglycemic samples from
      commercial human serum. These dialysis-derived samples, alongside samples of
      normal human serum were used to evaluate the utility of the sensor for the
      detection of the clinical interest range of glucose concentrations (70-200
      mg/dL), revealing high system performance for a wide glycemic state range (45-500
      mg/dL). Reversibility and reproducibility were also tested over a range of time
      spans. Combined with existing BLI system technology, this sensor holds great
      promise for use as a wearable online continuous glucose monitoring system for
      patients in a hospital setting. 

PMID- 27669269
TI  - Exploring Typical and Atypical Safety Climate Perceptions of Practitioners in the
      Repair, Maintenance, Minor Alteration and Addition (RMAA) Sector in Hong Kong.
AB  - The safety of repair, maintenance, minor alteration and addition (RMAA) work is
      an under-explored area. This study explored the typical and atypical safety
      climate perceptions of practitioners in the RMAA sector in Hong Kong, based on a
      self-administered questionnaire survey of 662 local practitioners in the
      industry. Profile analysis, via multidimensional scaling of the respondents'
      scores of three safety climate scales, identified one typical perception: high in
      management commitment to occupational health and safety (OHS) and employee
      involvement, low in applicability for safety rules and regulations, and low in
      responsibility for OHS. The respondents were clustered into typical and atypical
      perception groups according to their safety climate scores' match to the typical
      perception. A comparison of demographics between the two groups with logistic
      regression found that work level and direct employer significantly affect their
      classification. A multivariate analysis of variance of safety performance
      measures between the two groups indicated that the typical group had a
      significantly higher level of safety compliance than the atypical group, with no
      significant difference in safety participation or injury. The significance of
      this study lies in revealing the typical safety climate perception profile
      pattern of RMAA works and offering a new perspective of safety climate research.

PMID- 27669268
TI  - Marine Microbiological Enzymes: Studies with Multiple Strategies and Prospects.
AB  - Marine microorganisms produce a series of promising enzymes that have been widely
      used or are potentially valuable for our daily life. Both classic and newly
      developed biochemistry technologies have been broadly used to study marine and
      terrestrial microbiological enzymes. In this brief review, we provide a research
      update and prospects regarding regulatory mechanisms and related strategies of
      acyl-homoserine lactones (AHL) lactonase, which is an important but largely
      unexplored enzyme. We also detail the status and catalytic mechanism of the main
      types of polysaccharide-degrading enzymes that broadly exist among marine
      microorganisms but have been poorly explored. In order to facilitate
      understanding, the regulatory and synthetic biology strategies of terrestrial
      microorganisms are also mentioned in comparison. We anticipate that this review
      will provide an outline of multiple strategies for promising marine microbial
      enzymes and open new avenues for the exploration, engineering and application of
      various enzymes. 

PMID- 27669270
TI  - Menopausal Age and Chronic Diseases in Elderly Women: A Cross-Sectional Study in
      Northeast China.
AB  - Many factors affect menopausal age, and early or late onset of menopause may be
      associated with many chronic health problems. However, limited data are available
      regarding this phenomenon in the Northeast China population. For this study, 2011
      elderly women were selected as a sample from participants in a cross-sectional
      survey performed using stratified, clustered multistage, and random sampling
      methods. Early menopause was more prevalent in subjects born from 1943 to 1947
      (OR = 1.708, 95% CI = 1.205, 2.420) and 1933 to 1937 (OR = 2.445, 95% CI: 1.525,
      3.921) and in physical laborers (OR = 1.413, 95% CI = 1.021, 1.957). Women with
      less than nine years of education (OR = 0.515, 95% CI: 0.327, 0.812) and who were
      current smokers (OR = 0.577, 95% CI: 0.347, 0.959) were less likely to have late
      menopause. BMIs between 25 and 30 (OR = 1.565, 95% CI: 1.152, 2.125) and greater
      than 30 (OR = 2.440, 95% CI: 1.482, 4.016) were associated with later menopausal
      age. Late menopause was positively associated with diabetes (OR = 1.611, 95% CI:
      1.142, 2.274) but protective against chronic gastroenteritis/peptic ulcers (OR =
      0.533, 95% CI: 0.333, 0.855). Results showed that (1) Being born in an earlier
      year, having a lower education, and engaging in physical labor were associated
      with an earlier menopausal age, while a higher BMI was associated with a later
      menopausal age; and that (2) menopausal age was associated with diabetes and
      gastroenteritis in elderly women living in Northeast China.

PMID- 27669272
TI  - Socioeconomic Drivers of PM2.5 in the Accumulation Phase of Air Pollution
      Episodes in the Yangtze River Delta of China.
AB  - Recent studies in PM2.5 sources show that anthropogenic emissions are the main
      contributors to haze pollution. Due to their essential roles in establishing
      policies for improving air quality, socioeconomic drivers of PM2.5 levels have
      attracted increasing attention. Unlike previous studies focusing on the annual
      PM2.5 concentration (Cyear), this paper focuses on the accumulation phase of
      PM2.5 during the pollution episode (PMAE) in the Yangtze River Delta in China.
      This paper mainly explores the spatial variations of PMAE and its links to the
      socioeconomic factors using a geographical detector and simple linear regression.
      The results indicated that PM2.5 was more likely to accumulate in more developed
      cities, such as Nanjing and Shanghai. Compared with Cyear, PMAE was more
      sensitive to socioeconomic impacts. Among the twelve indicators chosen for this
      study, population density was an especially critical factor that could affect the
      accumulation of PM2.5 dramatically and accounted for the regional difference. A
      1% increase in population density could cause a 0.167% rise in the maximal
      increment and a 0.214% rise in the daily increase rate of PM2.5. Additionally,
      industry, energy consumption, and vehicles were also significantly associated
      with PM2.5 accumulation. These conclusions could serve to remediate the severe
      PM2.5 pollution in China.

PMID- 27669271
TI  - Acetamiprid Accumulates in Different Amounts in Murine Brain Regions.
AB  - Neonicotinoids such as acetamiprid (ACE) belong to a new and widely used single
      class of pesticides. Neonicotinoids mimic the chemical structure of nicotine and
      share agonist activity with the nicotine acetylcholine receptor (nAchR).
      Neonicotinoids are widely considered to be safe in humans; however, they have
      recently been implicated in a number of human health disorders. A wide range of
      musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders associated with high doses of
      neonicotinoids administered to animals have also been reported. Consequently, we
      used a mouse model to investigate the response of the central nervous system to
      ACE treatment. Our results show that exposure to ACE-containing water for three
      or seven days (decuple and centuple of no observable adverse effect level
      (NOAEL)/day) caused a decrease in body weight in 10-week old A/JJmsSlc (A/J)
      mice. However, the treatments did not affect brain histology or expression of
      CD34. ACE concentrations were significantly higher in the midbrain of ACE-treated
      mice than that of the normal and vehicle groups. Expression levels of alpha7,
      alpha4, and beta2 nAChRs were found to be low in the olfactory bulb and midbrain
      of normal mice. Furthermore, in the experimental group (centuple ACE-containing
      water for seven days), beta2 nAChR expression decreased in many brain regions.
      Information regarding the amount of accumulated ACE and expression levels of the
      acetylcholine receptor in each region of the brain is important for understanding
      any clinical symptoms that may be associated with ACE exposure.

PMID- 27669273
TI  - Time Effectiveness of Ultraviolet C Light (UVC) Emitted by Light Emitting Diodes
      (LEDs) in Reducing Stethoscope Contamination.
AB  - Today it is well demonstrated that stethoscopes can be as contaminated as hands,
      which are a recognized source of Health-Care Associated Infections (HCAIs).
      Ultraviolet C (UVC) light has proven disinfection capacity and the innovative UVC
      technology of Light Emitting Diode (LED) shows several potential benefits. To
      verify whether the use of UVC LEDs is effective and reliable in stethoscope
      membrane disinfection after prolonged use, a pre-post intervention study was
      conducted. A total of 1668 five-minute cycles were performed on two UVC LEDs to
      simulate their use; thereafter, their disinfection capacity was tested on
      stethoscope membranes used on a previously auscultated volunteer. Then, a further
      1249 cycles were run and finally the LEDs were tested to assess performance in
      reducing experimental contamination by Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa and Escherichia coli on the stethoscope membrane. Baseline volunteer
      contamination identified 104 Colony Forming Units (CFUs) while treated Petri
      dishes had 12 and 15 CFUs (p < 0.001). Statistically significant differences (p <
      0.001) were also found relating to the reduction of specific bacteria: in
      particular, after treatment no CFU were observed for S. aureus and E. coli. UVC
      LEDs demonstrated the capacity to maintain high levels of disinfection after more
      than 240 h of use and they were effective against common microorganisms that are
      causative agents of HCAIs.

PMID- 27669274
TI  - Trace Elements Contamination and Human Health Risk Assessment in Drinking Water
      from the Agricultural and Pastoral Areas of Bay County, Xinjiang, China.
AB  - Tap water samples were collected from 180 families in four agricultural (KYR:
      Keyir, KRW: Kariwak, YTR: Yatur, DW: Dawanqi) and two pastoral areas (B: Bulong
      and Y: Yangchang) in Bay County, Xinjiang, China, and levels of seven trace
      elements (Cd, Cr, As Ni, Pb, Zn, Se) were analyzed using inductively-coupled
      plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to assess potential health risks. Remarkable
      spatial variations of contamination were observed. Overall, the health risk was
      more severe for carcinogenic versus non-carcinogenic pollutants due to heavy
      metal. The risk index was greater for children overall (Cr > As > Cd and Zn > Se
      for carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic elements, respectively). The total risk
      index was greater in agricultural areas (DW > KYR > YTR > KRW > B > Y). Total
      risk indices were greater where well water was the source versus fountain water;
      for the latter, the total health risk index was greater versus glacier water.
      Main health risk factors were Cr and As in DW, KYR, YTR, KRW, and B, and Zn, Cr,
      and As in the Y region. Overall, total trace element-induced health risk
      (including for DW adults) was higher than acceptable (10(-6)) and lower than
      priority risk levels (10(-4)) (KYR, YTR, KRW, Y, and B). For DW children, total
      health risk reached 1.08 * 10(-4), higher than acceptable and priority risk
      levels (10(-4)).

PMID- 27669275
TI  - Polymorphisms in GEMIN4 and AGO1 Genes Are Associated with the Risk of Lung
      Cancer: A Case-Control Study in Chinese Female Non-Smokers.
AB  - MicroRNA biosynthesis genes can affect the regulatory effect of global microRNAs
      to target mRNA and hence influence the genesis and development of human cancer.
      Here, we selected five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs7813, rs2740349,
      rs2291778, rs910924, rs595961) in two key microRNA biosynthesis genes (GEMIN4 and
      AGO1) and systematically evaluated the association between these SNPs, the gene
      environment interaction and lung cancer risk. To control the impact of cigarette
      smoking on lung cancer, we recruited Chinese female non-smokers for the study.
      The total number of lung cancer cases and cancer-free controls were 473 and 395
      in the case-control study. Four SNPs showed statistically significant
      associations with lung cancer risk. After Bonferroni correction, rs7813 and
      rs595961 were evidently still associated with lung cancer risk. In the stratified
      analysis, our results revealed that all five SNPs were associated with the risk
      of lung adenocarcinoma; after Bonferroni correction, significant association was
      maintained for rs7813, rs910924 and rs595961. Haplotype analysis showed GEMIN4
      haplotype C-A-G-T was a protective haplotype for lung cancer. In the combined
      unfavorable genotype analysis, with the increasing number of unfavorable
      genotypes, a progressively increased gene-dose effect was observed in lung
      adenocarcinoma. We also found that individuals exposed to cooking oil fumes
      showed a relatively high risk of lung cancer, but no interactions were found
      between cooking oil fume exposure or passive smoking exposure with these SNPs,
      either on an additive scale or a multiplicative scale. Overall, this is the first
      study showing that rs7813 and rs595961 could be meaningful as genetic markers for
      lung cancer risk.

PMID- 27669276
TI  - Pesticide Residues on Three Cut Flower Species and Potential Exposure of Florists
      in Belgium.
AB  - In order to assess the prevalence of pesticide contamination and the risk of
      florists' exposure when handling cut flowers, sampling and analysis of 90
      bouquets of the most commonly sold cut flowers in Belgium (50 bouquets of roses;
      20 of gerberas, and 20 of chrysanthemums) were carried out. The bouquets were
      collected from 50 florists located in the seven largest cities of Belgium
      (Antwerp, Brussels, Charleroi, Ghent, Leuven, Liege, and Namur) and from five
      supermarkets located in the different regions. To have a better understanding of
      the route of exposure and professional practices a questionnaire was also
      addressed to a group of 25 florists who volunteered to take part in the survey.
      All florists were interviewed individually when collecting the questionnaire. The
      residual pesticide deposit values on cut flowers were determined in an accredited
      laboratory using a multi-residue (QuEChERS Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged
      Safe) method and a combination of gas chromatography (GC) and liquid
      chormatograhphy (LC) analysis. A total of 107 active substances were detected
      from all samples; i.e., an average of about 10 active substances per bouquet. The
      most severely contaminated bouquet accumulated a total concentration of residues
      up to 97 mg/kg. Results show that roses are the most contaminated cut flowers;
      with an average of 14 substances detected per sample and a total concentration
      per rose sample of 26 mg/kg. Some active substances present an acute toxicity
      (acephate, methiocarb, monocrotophos, methomyl, deltamethrin, etc.) and exposure
      can generate a direct effect on the nervous system of florists. Nevertheless,
      fungicides (dodemorph, propamocarb, and procymidone) were the most frequently
      detected in samples and had the highest maximum concentrations out of all the
      active substances analysed. Dodemorph was the most frequently detected substance
      with the highest maximum concentration (41.9 mg/kg) measured in the rose samples.
      It appears from the survey that, despite being exposed to high deposits of
      residues, florists usually do not protect themselves from contact with residues
      even if they spend several hours handling cut flowers and preparing bouquets
      (from 2 to 6 h/day, depending on the time of year and/or selling periods) daily.
      Bad habits (eating, drinking, or smoking at work) and absence of personal
      protective equipment of most florists also increase the risk of contact with
      pesticide residues.

PMID- 27669277
TI  - The Use of Exenatide in Managing Markers of Cardiovascular Risk in Patients with
      Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This review examines the use of exenatide twice daily in managing
      changes in markers of cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes.
      BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes is a progressive metabolic disorder, which results
      from defects in insulin secretion and/or insulin action leading to chronic
      hyperglycaemia and associated cardiovascular complications. Despite the use of
      diet, exercise, oral antihyperglycaemic agents and insulin, the progressive
      nature of the condition means that the levels of the preventive and treatment
      measures would have to be increased and/or new therapies have to be developed in
      order to address the long term impact of type 2 diabetes. The advent of
      exenatide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist provides a useful basis for
      managing type 2 diabetes and related cardiovascular complications without the
      side effects of regular diabetes therapies. However, exenatide twice daily is
      often used in combination with other therapies, although the mechanism of
      exenatide in managing diabetes and and associated cardiovascular risks and
      complications remain complex and still evolving. METHOD: A range of databases
      including EBSCOhost online research database were used to access articles based
      on PICO (Population, Interventions, Comparative Interventions, Outcomes)
      framework and Boolean operators. RESULTS: Eleven randomised controlled studies
      which met the inclusion criteria were selected for this review. Nine of the
      eleven studies showed significant decrease in body weight among participants in
      the exenatide group compared with placebo or control group while the other two
      studies did not report statistically significant differences in body weight. In
      adition, all the studies showed statistically significant decrease in glycated
      haemoglobin (HbA1c) in the exenatide group compared to controls except in one
      study. In the present review, the seven studies, which looked at the effect of
      exenatide twice daily on lipid profile, did not find any significant difference
      between the exenatide group and the control group except for High density
      lipoprotein-cholesterol in two of the studies. However, statistically significant
      decrease was observed between exenatide group and controls with respect to blood
      pressure (systolic and/or diastolic) in these studies. DISCUSSION: It would
      appear that exenatide is more effective in reducing body weight in patients with
      type 2 diabetes when used in combination with metformin than when used alone or
      in combination with thiazolidinedione. The findings of this review would suggest
      that exenatide twice daily may be useful in managing cardiovascular risks and
      complications by reducing body weight, HbA1c and blood pressure.

PMID- 27669278
TI  - The Possibility of Decreasing 50-Hz Electric Field Exposure near 400-kV Power
      Lines with Arc Flash Personal Protective Equipment.
AB  - Various guidelines for the protection of human beings against possible adverse
      effects resulting from exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) have been
      published with a view towards continual improvement; therefore, decreasing
      exposure is an important research area. The aim of this study was to investigate
      the possibility of decreasing electric field exposure with arc flash rated
      personal protective equipment (PPE), which in this case was a set of coveralls,
      and to compare the measurement results to calculations using the helmet-mask
      measuring system. We collected the data under a 400-kV power line. The test
      person stood on isolated aluminum paper, and the current between the ground and
      the aluminum paper was measured. When the test subject wore the arc flash PPE,
      the current to the ground was only 9.5% of the current measured when wearing
      normal clothes, which represents a clear decrease in exposure.

PMID- 27669279
TI  - Estimation of the Disease Burden Attributable to 11 Risk Factors in Hubei
      Province, China: A Comparative Risk Assessment.
AB  - In order to estimate the health losses caused by common risk factors in the Hubei
      province, China, we calculated the deaths and disability-adjusted life years
      (DALYs) attributable to 11 risk factors. We estimated the exposure distributions
      of risk factors in Hubei Province in 2013 from the monitoring system on chronic
      disease and related risk factors, combined with relative risk (RR) in order to
      calculate the population attributable fraction. Deaths and DALYs attributed to
      the selected risk factors were then estimated together with cause-specific deaths
      and DALYs. In total, 53.39% of the total deaths and 36.23% of the total DALYs in
      Hubei were a result of the 11 selected risk factors. The top five risk factors
      were high blood pressure, smoking, high body mass index, diet low in fruits and
      alcohol use, accounting for 14.68%, 12.57%, 6.03%, 3.90% and 3.19% of total
      deaths, respectively, and 9.41%, 7.22%, 4.42%, 2.51% and 2.44% of total DALYs,
      respectively. These risk factors, especially high blood pressure, smoking and
      high body mass index, significantly influenced quality of life, causing a large
      number of deaths and DALYs. The burden of chronic disease could be substantially
      reduced if these risk factors were effectively controlled, which would allow
      people to enjoy healthier lives.

PMID- 27669280
TI  - Effects of Particulate Matter and Its Chemical Constituents on Elderly Hospital
      Admissions Due to Circulatory and Respiratory Diseases.
AB  - Various fractions of particulate matter have been associated with increased
      mortality and morbidity. The purpose of our study is to analyze the associations
      between concentrations of PM2.5, PM2.5-10, PM10 and their chemical constituents
      (soluble ions) with hospital admissions due to circulatory and respiratory
      diseases among the elderly in a medium-sized city in Brazil. A time series study
      was conducted using Poisson regression with generalized additive models adjusted
      for confounders. Statistically significant associations were identified between
      PM10 and PM2.5-10 and respiratory diseases. Risks of hospitalization increased by
      23.5% (95% CI: 13.5; 34.3) and 12.8% (95% CI: 6.0; 20.0) per 10 MUg/m3 of PM2.5
      10 and PM10, respectively. PM2.5 exhibited a significant association with
      circulatory system diseases, with the risk of hospitalization increasing by 19.6%
      (95% CI: 6.4; 34.6) per 10 MUg/m3. Regarding the chemical species; SO4(2-), NO3(
      ), NH4+ and K+ exhibited specific patterns of risk, relative to the investigated
      outcomes. Overall, SO4(2-) in PM2.5-10 and K+ in PM2.5 were associated with
      increased risk of hospital admissions due to both types of diseases. The results
      agree with evidence indicating that the risks for different health outcomes vary
      in relation to the fractions and chemical composition of PM10. Thus, PM10
      speciation studies may contribute to the establishment of more selective
      pollution control policies.

PMID- 27669281
TI  - Relationship between Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether Exposure and Non-Alcoholic Fatty
      Liver Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study among Petrol Station Attendants in
      Southern China.
AB  - Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE)-A well known gasoline additive substituting
      for lead alkyls-causes lipid disorders and liver dysfunctions in animal models.
      However, whether MTBE exposure is a risk factor for non-alcoholic fatty liver
      disease (NAFLD) remains uncertain. We evaluate the possible relationship between
      MTBE exposure and the prevalence of NAFLD among 71 petrol station attendants in
      southern China. The personal exposure concentrations of MTBE were analyzed by
      Head Space Solid Phase Microextraction GC/MS. NAFLD was diagnosed by using
      abdominal ultrasonography according to the guidelines for the diagnosis and
      treatment of NAFLD suggested by the Chinese Hepatology Association. Demographic
      and clinical characteristics potentially associated with NAFLD were investigated.
      Mutivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to measure odds ratios and
      95% confidence intervals (CI). The result showed that the total prevalence of
      NAFLD was 15.49% (11/71) among the study subjects. The average exposure
      concentrations of MTBE were 292.98 +/- 154.90 MUg/m3 and 286.64 +/- 122.28 MUg/m3
      in NAFLD and non-NAFLD groups, respectively, and there was no statistically
      significant difference between them (p > 0.05). After adjusting for age, gender,
      physical exercise, body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP),
      diastolic blood pressure (DBP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), white blood cell
      (WBC), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL),
      and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the odds ratios were 1.31 (95% CI: 0.85-1.54;
      p > 0.05), 1.14 (95% CI: 0.81-1.32; p > 0.05), 1.52 (95% CI: 0.93-1.61; p > 0.05)
      in the groups (including men and women) with exposure concentrations of MTBE of
      100-200 MUg/m3, 200-300 MUg/m3, and >=300 MUg/m3, respectively, as compared to
      the group (including men and women) <=100 MUg/m3. Our investigation indicates
      that exposure to MTBE does not seem to be a significant risk factor for the
      prevalence of NAFLD among petrol station attendants in southern China.

PMID- 27669282
TI  - Lessons and Perspectives from a 25-Year Bioelectromagnetics Research Program.
AB  - The question of whether electromagnetic fields from electric power or
      telecommunications systems can be linked unequivocally to health detriments has
      occupied scientific research endeavors for nearly half a century. For 25 years,
      the bioelectromagnetic research group at Swinburne University in Melbourne,
      Australia, has pursued a series of investigations with relevant endpoints, such
      as neurophysiological and neuropsychological effects, cell calcium level changes,
      proliferation, and genotoxic effects. Most have shown no significant changes due
      to fields, however, in some pilot studies significant changes were revealed, but
      in most cases these were not replicated in follow-up studies. This highlights a
      feature of this research area, generally; the unambiguous identification of small
      changes in noisy data where the understanding of possible interaction mechanisms
      is lacking. On the other hand, mathematical modelling studies, particularly with
      respect to fields near metallic implants, in workers exposed to fields in harsh
      environmental conditions and at very high frequencies (THz), continue to add to
      the expanding knowledge database on the characteristics of the complex
      electromagnetic environment we live in today.

PMID- 27669284
TI  - The Health, Enlightenment, Awareness, and Living (HEAL) Intervention: Outcome of
      an HIV and Hepatitis B and C Risk Reduction Intervention.
AB  - African American women have among the highest HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B and C
      incidence rates in the United States, especially among those homeless or
      incarcerated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the Health
      Enlightenment, Awareness and Living Intervention, designed to decrease HIV/AIDS,
      hepatitis and related risky behaviors. The thirteen-session intervention was
      implemented among homeless and formerly incarcerated low-income African American
      women, ages 18 to 55, in Atlanta, Georgia from 2006 to 2010. A single group
      repeated measures study design was employed and consisted of a pre-test (n = 355)
      group, an immediate post-test (n = 228) group with a response rate of 64%, and a
      six-month follow up (n = 110) group with response rate of 48%, completing a 135
      item survey. Paired-sample t-tests, McNemar tests, and repeated measures ANOVA
      were applied to compare survey results. Participants demonstrated statistically
      significant increases in hepatitis B and C knowledge over time (p < 0.001).
      Statistically significant decreases were also reported for unprotected sex in
      exchange for money, drugs or shelter (p = 0.008), and sex under the influence of
      drugs or alcohol (p < 0.001). Reported substance use decreased with statistical
      significance for alcohol (p = 0.011), marijuana (p = 0.011), illegal drugs (p =
      0.002), and crack/cocaine (p = 0.003). Findings broaden the evidence base related
      to the effectiveness of HIV/AIDS and hepatitis risk reduction interventions
      designed for homeless and previously incarcerated African American women.

PMID- 27669283
TI  - First Trimester Phthalate Exposure and Infant Birth Weight in the Infant
      Development and Environment Study.
AB  - Phthalate exposure is widespread among pregnant women but whether it is related
      to fetal growth and birth weight remains to be determined. We examined whether
      first trimester prenatal phthalate exposure was associated with birth weight in a
      pregnancy cohort study. We recruited first trimester pregnant women from 2010
      2012 from four centers and analyzed mother/infant dyads who had complete urinary
      phthalate and birth record data (N = 753). We conducted multiple linear
      regression to examine if prenatal log specific gravity adjusted urinary phthalate
      exposure was related to birthweight in term and preterm (<=37 weeks) infants,
      stratified by sex. We observed a significant association between mono carboxy
      isononyl phthalate (MCOP) exposure and increased birthweight in term males, 0.13
      kg (95% CI 0.03, 0.23). In preterm infants, we observed a 0.49 kg (95% CI 0.09,
      0.89) increase in birthweight in relation to a one log unit change in the sum of
      di-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) metabolite concentrations in females (N = 33). In
      summary, we observed few associations between prenatal phthalate exposure and
      birthweight. Positive associations may be attributable to unresolved confounding
      in term infants and limited sample size in preterm infants.

PMID- 27669285
TI  - Prevalence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Other
      Staphylococcus Species in Raw Meat Samples Intended for Human Consumption in
      Benin City, Nigeria: Implications for Public Health.
AB  - The present study was designed to characterize methicillin-resistant
      staphylococci from raw meat. A total of 126 meat samples were obtained from open
      markets between February and April, 2015. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing
      was carried out using the disc diffusion method. Molecular profiling was
      conducted using 16S rRNA, mecA, nuc, and PVL gene signatures were detected by
      polymerase chain reaction assay. Fifty isolates of methicillin-resistant
      Staphylococcus spp. were detected in 26 (52%) pork, 14 (28%) beef and 10 (20%)
      chicken samples. The staphylococcal isolates were identified through partial 16S
      ribosomal ribonucleic acid (16S rRNA) nucleotide sequencing, and BLAST analysis
      of the gene sequence revealed 98%-100% staphylococcal similarity. All isolates
      from beef and chicken samples amplified the mecA gene, while 100% of the MRSA
      isolates amplified the PVL gene. The multidrug resistance profile (resistant to
      >=1 antimicrobial agent in >=3 classes of antimicrobial agents) of the
      staphylococcal isolates showed that 7 isolates were resistant to methicillin,
      penicillin, clindamycin, chloramphenicol, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole,
      kanamycin, amoxicillin, cloxacillin, erythromycin, vancomycin, and gentamycin.
      There was a significant regression effect from the multidrug-resistant profile on
      the number of isolates (p < 0.05) suggesting a consequence of the dissemination
      of resistant strains within bacterial populations. The findings of the present
      study indicate that raw meats in the Benin metropolis were possibly contaminated
      with pathogenic and multi-drug resistant staphylococci strains and therefore
      could constitute a risk to public health communities.

PMID- 27669286
TI  - Mechanistic Study of Common Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor
      Resistant Mutations with K103N and Y181C Substitutions.
AB  - Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) are a mainstay of
      therapy for human immunodeficiency type 1 virus (HIV-1) infections. However,
      their effectiveness can be hampered by the emergence of resistant mutations. To
      aid in designing effective NNRTIs against the resistant mutants, it is important
      to understand the resistance mechanism of the mutations. Here, we investigate the
      mechanism of the two most prevalent NNRTI-associated mutations with K103N or
      Y181C substitution. Virus and reverse transcriptase (RT) with K103N/Y188F, K103A,
      or K103E substitutions and with Y181F, Y188F, or Y181F/Y188F substitutions were
      employed to study the resistance mechanism of the K103N and Y181C mutants,
      respectively. Results showed that the virus and RT with K103N/Y188F substitutions
      displayed similar resistance levels to the virus and RT with K103N substitution
      versus NNRTIs. Virus and RT containing Y181F, Y188F, or Y181F/Y188F substitution
      exhibited either enhanced or similar susceptibility to NNRTIs compared with the
      wild type (WT) virus. These results suggest that the hydrogen bond between N103
      and Y188 may not play an important role in the resistance of the K103N variant to
      NNRTIs. Furthermore, the results from the studies with the Y181 or Y188 variant
      provide the direct evidence that aromatic pi-pi stacking plays a crucial role in
      the binding of NNRTIs to RT.

PMID- 27669287
TI  - Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid Attenuates Renal Tubular Injury in a Mouse Model of
      Type 2 Diabetes.
AB  - Renal tubular injury is a critical factor in the pathogenesis of diabetic
      nephropathy (DN). Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is involved in diabetic
      nephropathy. Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) is an effective inhibitor of ER
      stress. Here, we investigated the role of TUDCA in the progression of tubular
      injury in DN. For eight weeks, being treated with TUDCA at 250 mg/kg
      intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) twice a day, diabetic db/db mice had
      significantly reduced blood glucose, albuminuria and attenuated renal
      histopathology. These changes were associated with a significant decreased
      expression of ER stress markers. At the same time, diabetic db/db mice had more
      TUNEL-positive nuclei in the renal tubule, which were attenuated by TUDCA
      treatment, along with decreases in ER stress-associated apoptotic markers in the
      kidneys. In summary, the effect of TUDCA on tubular injury, in part, is
      associated with inhibition of ER stress in the kidneys of diabetic db/db mice.
      TUDCA shows potential as a therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of
      DN. 

PMID- 27669288
TI  - Effect of 12-Week Vitamin D Supplementation on 25[OH]D Status and Performance in
      Athletes with a Spinal Cord Injury.
AB  - (1) BACKGROUND: studies with able-bodied athletes showed that performance might
      possibly be influenced by vitamin D status. Vitamin D seems to have a direct
      impact on neuromuscular function by docking on vitamin D receptors in the muscle
      tissue. Additionally, a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was shown not
      only in infants and in the elderly but also in healthy adults and spinal cord
      injured individuals. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate whether a
      vitamin D dose of 6000 IU daily over 12 weeks would be sufficient to increase
      vitamin D status in indoor wheelchair athletes to a normal or optimal vitamin D
      level and whether vitamin D deficiency is associated with an impairment in muscle
      performance in these individuals; (2) METHODS: vitamin D status was assessed in
      indoor elite wheelchair athletes in order to have a baseline measurement. If
      vitamin D status was below 75 nmol/L, athletes were supplemented with 6000 IU of
      vitamin D daily over 12 weeks. A vitamin D status over 75 nmol/L was supplemented
      with a placebo supplement. Vitamin D status, as well as a Wingate test and an
      isokinetic dynamometer test, were performed at baseline and after six and 12
      weeks; (3) RESULTS: 20 indoor elite wheelchair athletes participated in this
      double-blind study. All of these athletes showed an insufficient vitamin D status
      at baseline and were, therefore, supplemented with vitamin D. All athletes
      increased vitamin D status significantly over 12 weeks and reached an optimal
      level. Wingate performance was not significantly increased. Isokinetic
      dynamometer strength was significantly increased but only in the non-dominant arm
      in isometric and concentric elbow flexion; (4) CONCLUSION: a dose of 6000 IU of
      vitamin D daily over a duration of 12 weeks seems to be sufficient to increase
      vitamin D status to an optimal level in indoor wheelchair athletes. It remains
      unclear, whether upper body performance or muscle strength and vitamin D status
      are associated with each other. 

PMID- 27669289
TI  - Using Two Different Approaches to Assess Dietary Patterns: Hypothesis-Driven and
      Data-Driven Analysis.
AB  - The use of dietary patterns to assess dietary intake has become increasingly
      common in nutritional epidemiology studies due to the complexity and
      multidimensionality of the diet. Currently, two main approaches have been widely
      used to assess dietary patterns: data-driven and hypothesis-driven analysis.
      Since the methods explore different angles of dietary intake, using both
      approaches simultaneously might yield complementary and useful information; thus,
      we aimed to use both approaches to gain knowledge of adolescents' dietary
      patterns. Food intake from a cross-sectional survey with 295 adolescents was
      assessed by 24 h dietary recall (24HR). In hypothesis-driven analysis, based on
      the American National Cancer Institute method, the usual intake of Brazilian
      Healthy Eating Index Revised components were estimated. In the data-driven
      approach, the usual intake of foods/food groups was estimated by the Multiple
      Source Method. In the results, hypothesis-driven analysis showed low scores for
      Whole grains, Total vegetables, Total fruit and Whole fruits), while, in data
      driven analysis, fruits and whole grains were not presented in any pattern. High
      intakes of sodium, fats and sugars were observed in hypothesis-driven analysis
      with low total scores for Sodium, Saturated fat and SoFAA (calories from solid
      fat, alcohol and added sugar) components in agreement, while the data-driven
      approach showed the intake of several foods/food groups rich in these nutrients,
      such as butter/margarine, cookies, chocolate powder, whole milk, cheese,
      processed meat/cold cuts and candies. In this study, using both approaches at the
      same time provided consistent and complementary information with regard to
      assessing the overall dietary habits that will be important in order to drive
      public health programs, and improve their efficiency to monitor and evaluate the
      dietary patterns of populations. 

PMID- 27669290
TI  - Can Parenting Practices Explain the Differences in Beverage Intake According to
      Socio-Economic Status: The Toybox-Study.
AB  - Previous research indicated that preschoolers of lower socioeconomic status (SES)
      consume less healthy beverages than high SES preschoolers. The purpose of this
      study is to investigate the mediating role of parenting practices in the
      relationship between SES and plain water, soft drink and prepacked fruit juice
      (FJ) consumption in European preschoolers. Parents/caregivers of 3.5 to 5.5 years
      old (n = 6776) recruited through kindergartens in six European countries within
      the ToyBox-study completed questionnaires on socio-demographics, parenting
      practices and a food frequency questionnaire. Availability of sugared beverages
      and plain water, permissiveness towards sugared beverages and lack of self
      efficacy showed a mediating effect on SES-differences in all three beverages.
      Rewarding with sugared beverages significantly mediated SES-differences for both
      plain water and prepacked FJ. Encouragement to drink plain water and awareness
      significantly mediated SES-differences for, respectively, plain water and
      prepacked FJ consumption. Avoiding negative modelling did not mediate any
      associations. Overall, lower SES preschoolers were more likely to be confronted
      with lower levels of favourable and higher levels of unfavourable parenting
      practices, which may lead to higher sugared beverage and lower plain water
      consumption. The current study highlights the importance of parenting practices
      in explaining the relation between SES and both healthy and unhealthy beverage
      consumption. 

PMID- 27669291
TI  - Seasonal Epidemiology of Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations among Healthy
      Adults Living in Rural and Urban Areas in Mongolia.
AB  - Many factors put Mongolians at risk of vitamin D deficiency. Despite low levels
      observed in Mongolian children and pregnant women, there are few data published
      on the vitamin D status of non-pregnant adults. Between summer 2011 and winter
      2013, paired summer and winter blood samples were collected from 320 healthy men
      and women (20-58 years) living in eight Mongolian provinces. Mean serum 25(OH)D
      concentrations were 22.5 ng/mL (95% CI: 14.5, 32.5) in summer and 7.7 ng/mL (95%
      CI: 4.6, 10.8) in winter, with a distribution (<10/10-20/20-30/>=30 ng/mL) of
      3.1%/39.3%/39.6%/17.9% in summer and 80.1%/19.5%/0.3%/0.0% in winter. Residents
      of the capital, Ulaanbaatar, had lower levels in both seasons than any other
      region, whereas residents of the Gobi desert had the highest. In summer, indoor
      workers had significantly lower levels than outdoor workers (-2.3 ng/mL; 95% CI: 
      4.1, -5.7) while levels in males exceeded those in females (4.0 ng/mL; 95% CI:
      2.3, 5.7). Effects of region, occupation, and sex were also significant in
      multivariable regression. In conclusion, Mongolian adults had extremely low serum
      25(OH)D, particularly in winter, when 80.1% had concentrations below 10 ng/mL.
      These results indicate a need for effective vitamin D interventions for the
      Mongolian adult population, particularly among women and residents of
      Ulaanbaatar. 

PMID- 27669293
TI  - Excess Folic Acid Increases Lipid Storage, Weight Gain, and Adipose Tissue
      Inflammation in High Fat Diet-Fed Rats.
AB  - Folic acid intake has increased to high levels in many countries, raising
      concerns about possible adverse effects, including disturbances to energy and
      lipid metabolism. Our aim was to investigate the effects of excess folic acid
      (EFA) intake compared to adequate folic acid (AFA) intake on metabolic health in
      a rodent model. We conducted these investigations in the setting of either a 15%
      energy low fat (LF) diet or 60% energy high fat (HF) diet. There was no
      difference in weight gain, fat mass, or glucose tolerance in EFA-fed rats
      compared to AFA-fed rats when they were fed a LF diet. However, rats fed EFA in
      combination with a HF diet had significantly greater weight gain and fat mass
      compared to rats fed AFA (p < 0.05). Gene expression analysis showed increased
      mRNA levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) and
      some of its target genes in adipose tissue of high fat-excess folic acid (HF-EFA)
      fed rats. Inflammation was increased in HF-EFA fed rats, associated with impaired
      glucose tolerance compared to high fat-adequate folic acid (HF-AFA) fed rats (p <
      0.05). In addition, folic acid induced PPARgamma expression and triglyceride
      accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells. Our results suggest that excess folic acid may
      exacerbate weight gain, fat accumulation, and inflammation caused by consumption
      of a HF diet. 

PMID- 27669292
TI  - YAP Inhibition by Resveratrol via Activation of AMPK Enhances the Sensitivity of
      Pancreatic Cancer Cells to Gemcitabine.
AB  - Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol present in most plants, inhibits the growth of
      numerous cancers both in vitro and in vivo. Aberrant expression of YAP has been
      reported to activate multiple growth-regulatory pathways and confer anti
      apoptotic abilities to many cancer cells. However, the role of resveratrol in YES
      activated protein (YAP) expression and that of YAP in pancreatic cancer cells'
      response to gemcitabine resistance remain elusive. In this study, we found that
      resveratrol suppressed the proliferation and cloning ability and induced the
      apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells. These multiple biological effects might
      result from the activation of AMP-activation protein kinase (AMPK) (Thr172) and,
      thus, the induction of YAP cytoplasmic retention, Ser127 phosphorylation, and the
      inhibition of YAP transcriptional activity by resveratrol. YAP silencing by siRNA
      or resveratrol enhanced the sensitivity of gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer
      cells. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that resveratrol could increase
      the sensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells to gemcitabine by inhibiting YAP
      expression. More importantly, our work reveals that resveratrol is a potential
      anticancer agent for the treatment of pancreatic cancer, and YAP may serve as a
      promising target for sensitizing pancreatic cancer cells to chemotherapy. 

PMID- 27669295
TI  - Parental Encouragement of Healthy Lifestyles for Their Children and Personally
      Caring about Healthy Lifestyles Is Positively Associated with Children Using
      Vitamin D Supplements.
AB  - Supplement users have better vitamin D status, and parenting is key to promoting
      a child's healthy behaviours. We examined the association of parental
      encouragement of and caring about healthy lifestyles with children's use of
      vitamin D supplements and multivitamins. A provincially representative sample of
      grade 5 students (n = 2686; 10-11 years) and their parents across the province of
      Alberta, Canada, was surveyed in 2014. Students were asked about use of
      multivitamins and/or vitamin D supplements. Parents were asked whether they cared
      about and encouraged healthy lifestyles. Mixed effect multiple logistic
      regression identified the association of parental responses with children's use
      of supplements; 29% and 54% of children took vitamin D supplements and
      multivitamins, respectively. They were more likely to take vitamin D supplements
      if their parents cared 'very much' vs. 'not at all/a little bit' about eating
      healthy foods (OR = 1.43; 95% CI = 1.08, 1.89), cared 'quite a lot' (OR = 1.55;
      95% CI = 1.17, 2.04) and 'very much' (OR = 1.67; 95% CI = 1.26, 2.21) vs. 'not at
      all/a little bit' about physical activity, and encouraged 'very much' vs. 'not at
      all/a little bit' their children to eat healthy foods (OR = 1.51; 95% CI = 1.05,
      2.17). Children whose parents personally cared for eating healthy foods were more
      likely to take multivitamins ('quite a lot' and 'very much' compared to 'not at
      all/a little bit' (OR = 1.60; 95% CI = 1.13, 2.28 and OR = 1.46; 95% CI = 1.04,
      2.06, respectively). Education and parental encouragement of healthy lifestyles
      should be part of the public health initiatives to promote supplementation of
      vitamin D among children. 

PMID- 27669294
TI  - Triceps and Subscapular Skinfold Thickness Percentiles and Cut-Offs for
      Overweight and Obesity in a Population-Based Sample of Schoolchildren and
      Adolescents in Bogota, Colombia.
AB  - The assessment of skinfold thickness is an objective measure of adiposity. The
      aims of this study were to establish Colombian smoothed centile charts and LMS L
      (Box-Cox transformation), M (median), and S (coefficient of variation) tables for
      triceps, subscapular, and triceps + subscapular skinfolds; appropriate cut-offs
      were selected using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis based on a
      population-based sample of children and adolescents in Bogota, Colombia. A cross
      sectional study was conducted in 9618 children and adolescents (55.7% girls; age
      range of 9-17.9 years). Triceps and subscapular skinfold measurements were
      obtained using standardized methods. We calculated the triceps + subscapular
      skinfold (T + SS) sum. Smoothed percentile curves for triceps and subscapular
      skinfold thickness were derived using the LMS method. ROC curve analyses were
      used to evaluate the optimal cut-off point of skinfold thickness for overweight
      and obesity, based on the International Obesity Task Force definitions.
      Subscapular and triceps skinfolds and T + SS were significantly higher in girls
      than in boys (p < 0.001). The ROC analysis showed that subscapular and triceps
      skinfolds and T + SS have a high discriminatory power in the identification of
      overweight and obesity in the sample population in this study. Our results
      provide sex- and age-specific normative reference standards for skinfold
      thickness values from a population from Bogota, Colombia. 

PMID- 27669296
TI  - Providing Flaxseed Oil but Not Menhaden Oil Protects against OVX Induced Bone
      Loss in the Mandible of Sprague-Dawley Rats.
AB  - Higher intakes of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are associated with benefits
      at several skeletal sites in postmenopausal women and in rodent models, but the
      effect of PUFA-containing oils on tooth-supporting alveolar bone of the mandible
      has not been studied. Moreover, direct comparison of the effect of flaxseed oil
      (a source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)) and menhaden oil (a source of
      eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)) is unknown. One-month
      old female Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 48) were randomized to and fed a diet
      containing flaxseed oil or menhaden oil from one to six months of age. At three
      months of age, rats were randomized to receive SHAM or ovariectomy (OVX) surgery
      (n = 12/diet). The inter-radicular septum below the first molar of the mandible
      was imaged at 6 months of age (study endpoint) using micro-computed tomography
      (MUCT) at a resolution of 9 MUm. As expected, OVX significantly reduced percent
      bone volume (BV/TV), connectivity density (Conn. D.), trabecular number (Tb. N.),
      and increased trabecular separation (Tb. Sp.) compared to SHAM rats (p < 0.001).
      However, post hoc analysis revealed these differences were present in rats fed
      menhaden oil but not those fed flaxseed oil. These results suggest that providing
      flaxseed oil, possibly through its high ALA content, provides protection against
      the OVX-induced alveolar bone loss in rats. 

PMID- 27669297
TI  - Protective Effects of Intratracheally-Administered Bee Venom Phospholipase A2 on
      Ovalbumin-Induced Allergic Asthma in Mice.
AB  - Asthma is a common chronic disease characterized by bronchial inflammation,
      reversible airway obstruction, and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). Current
      therapeutic options for the management of asthma include inhaled corticosteroids
      and beta2 agonists, which elicit harmful side effects. In the present study, we
      examined the capacity of phospholipase A2 (PLA2), one of the major components of
      bee venom (BV), to reduce airway inflammation and improve lung function in an
      experimental model of asthma. Allergic asthma was induced in female BALB/c mice
      by intraperitoneal administration of ovalbumin (OVA) on days 0 and 14, followed
      by intratracheal challenge with 1% OVA six times between days 22 and 30. The
      infiltration of immune cells, such as Th2 cytokines in the lungs, and the lung
      histology, were assessed in the OVA-challenged mice in the presence and absence
      of an intratracheal administration of bvPLA2. We showed that the intratracheal
      administration of bvPLA2 markedly suppressed the OVA-induced allergic airway
      inflammation by reducing AHR, overall area of inflammation, and goblet cell
      hyperplasia. Furthermore, the suppression was associated with a significant
      decrease in the production of Th2 cytokines, such as IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, and a
      reduction in the number of total cells, including eosinophils, macrophages, and
      neutrophils in the airway.

PMID- 27669298
TI  - Phosphoproteome Analysis Reveals the Molecular Mechanisms Underlying
      Deoxynivalenol-Induced Intestinal Toxicity in IPEC-J2 Cells.
AB  - Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a widespread trichothecene mycotoxin that commonly
      contaminates cereal crops and has various toxic effects in animals and humans.
      DON primarily targets the gastrointestinal tract, the first barrier against
      ingested food contaminants. In this study, an isobaric tag for relative and
      absolute quantitation (iTRAQ)-based phosphoproteomic approach was employed to
      elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying DON-mediated intestinal toxicity in
      porcine epithelial cells (IPEC-J2) exposed to 20 MUM DON for 60 min. There were
      4153 unique phosphopeptides, representing 389 phosphorylation sites, detected in
      1821 phosphoproteins. We found that 289 phosphopeptides corresponding to 255
      phosphoproteins were differentially phosphorylated in response to DON.
      Comprehensive Gene Ontology (GO) analysis combined with Kyoto Encyclopedia of
      Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment revealed that, in addition to
      previously well-characterized mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling,
      DON exposure altered phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt (PI3K/Akt) and Janus
      kinase/signal transducer, and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathways.
      These pathways are involved in a wide range of biological processes, including
      apoptosis, the intestinal barrier, intestinal inflammation, and the intestinal
      absorption of glucose. DON-induced changes are likely to contribute to the
      intestinal dysfunction. Overall, identification of relevant signaling pathways
      yielded new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying DON-induced
      intestinal toxicity, and might help in the development of improved mechanism
      based risk assessments in animals and humans.

PMID- 27669299
TI  - Vasoactivity and Vasoconstriction Changes in Cattle Related to Time off Toxic
      Endophyte-Infected Tall Fescue.
AB  - Previous research has indicated that serotonergic and alpha-adrenergic receptors
      in peripheral vasculature are affected by exposure of cattle grazing toxic
      endophyte-infected (E+; Epichloe coenophialia) tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum).
      The objective of this experiment was to determine the period of time necessary
      for the vascular effects of ergot alkaloids to subside. Two experiments were
      conducted to investigate changes in vascular contractile response and
      vasoconstriction over time relative to removal from an ergot alkaloid-containing
      E+ tall fescue pasture. In Experiment 1, lateral saphenous vein biopsies were
      conducted on 21 predominantly Angus steers (357 +/- 3 kg body weight) at 0 (n =
      6), 7 (n = 6), 14 (n = 5), or 28 days (n = 4) after removal from grazing pasture
      (3.0 ha; endpoint ergovaline + ergovalinine = 1.35 mg/kg DM) for 126 days. In
      Experiment 2, lateral saphenous veins were biopsied from 24 Angus-cross steers
      (361 +/- 4 kg body weight) at 0, 21, 42, and 63 days (n = 6 per time point)
      following removal from grazing tall fescue pastures (3.0 ha; first 88 days
      endpoint ergovaline + ergovalinine = 0.15 mg/kg DM; last 18 days endpoint
      ergovaline + ergovalinine = 0.57 mg/kg DM) for 106 total days. Six steers (370 +/
      18 kg body weight) off of bermudagrass pasture for the same time interval were
      also biopsied on Day 0 and Day 63 (n = 3 per time point). Additionally, in
      Experiment 2, cross-sectional ultrasound scans of caudal artery at the fourth
      coccygeal vertebra were taken on Days 0, 8, 15, 21, 29, 36, 42, and 45 to
      determine mean artery luminal area to evaluate vasoconstriction. In both
      experiments, steers were removed from pasture and housed in a dry lot and fed a
      corn silage diet for the duration of biopsies and ultrasound scans. Biopsied
      vessels used to evaluate vasoactivity were cleaned, incubated in a multimyograph,
      and exposed to increasing concentrations of 4-Bromo-3,6-dimethoxybenzocyclobuten
      1-yl) methylamine hydrobromide (TCB2; 5HT2A agonist), guanfacine (GF; alpha2A
      adrenergic agonist), and (R)-(+)-m-nitrobiphenyline oxalate (NBP; alpha2C
      adrenergic agonist) in both experiments and ergovaline (ERV) and ergotamine (ERT)
      in Experiments 1 and 2, respectively. In Experiment 1, days off pasture * agonist
      concentration was not significant (p > 0.1) for all four compounds tested. In
      Experiment 2, GF, NBP, TCB2 and ERT were significant for days off pasture *
      agonist concentration interaction (p < 0.02) and vasoactivity increased over
      time. Vasoactivity to agonists was reduced (p < 0.05) when steers were initially
      removed from E+ tall fescue pasture compared to bermudagrass, but did not differ
      by Day 63 for any variable. Luminal areas of caudal arteries in steers grazed on
      E+ tall fescue relaxed and were similar to steers that had grazed bermudagrass
      for 36 days on non-toxic diet (p = 0.15). These data demonstrate changes in
      peripheral vasoactivity and recovery from vasoconstriction occur beyond five
      weeks off toxic pasture and 5HT2A receptors appear to be more dramatically
      affected in the lateral saphenous vein by grazing E+ tall fescue pasture than
      adrenergic receptors.

PMID- 27669300
TI  - Different Toxicity Mechanisms for Citrinin and Ochratoxin A Revealed by
      Transcriptomic Analysis in Yeast.
AB  - Citrinin (CIT) and ochratoxin A (OTA) are important mycotoxins, which frequently
      co-contaminate foodstuff. In order to assess the toxicologic threat posed by the
      two mycotoxins separately or in combination, their biological effects were
      studied here using genomic transcription profiling and specific live cell gene
      expression reporters in yeast cells. Both CIT and OTA cause highly transient
      transcriptional activation of different stress genes, which is greatly enhanced
      by the disruption of the multidrug exporter Pdr5. Therefore, we performed genome
      wide transcription profiling experiments with the pdr5 mutant in response to
      acute CIT, OTA, or combined CIT/OTA exposure. We found that CIT and OTA activate
      divergent and largely nonoverlapping gene sets in yeast. CIT mainly caused the
      rapid induction of antioxidant and drug extrusion-related gene functions, while
      OTA mainly deregulated developmental genes related with yeast sporulation and
      sexual reproduction, having only a minor effect on the antioxidant response. The
      simultaneous exposure to CIT and OTA gave rise to a genomic response, which
      combined the specific features of the separated mycotoxin treatments. The
      application of stress-specific mutants and reporter gene fusions further
      confirmed that both mycotoxins have divergent biological effects in cells. Our
      results indicate that CIT exposure causes a strong oxidative stress, which
      triggers a massive transcriptional antioxidant and drug extrusion response, while
      OTA mainly deregulates developmental genes and only marginally induces the
      antioxidant defense.

PMID- 27669301
TI  - Glypican-3 Targeting Immunotoxins for the Treatment of Liver Cancer.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of primary liver cancer,
      yet no effective therapeutics exist. This review provides an overview of the
      recent development of recombinant immunotoxins for the treatment of glypican-3
      (GPC3) expressing HCC. GPC3 is a cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycan that
      is overexpressed in HCC, but is absent from normal adult human tissues. Treatment
      of HCC with anti-GPC3 immunotoxins represents a new therapeutic option. Using
      phage display and hybridoma technologies, three high affinity antibodies (HN3,
      HS20 and YP7) have been generated against GPC3. Two of these antibodies (HN3 and
      HS20) have demonstrated the ability to inhibit Wnt/Yap signaling, leading to a
      reduction in liver cancer cell proliferation. By combining the HN3 antibody
      capable of inhibiting Wnt/Yap signaling with the protein synthesis inhibitory
      domain of the Pseudomonas exotoxin, a recombinant immunotoxin that exhibits a
      dual inhibitory mechanism was generated. This immunotoxin was found to be highly
      effective in the treatment of human HCCs in mouse xenograft models. Engineering
      of the toxin fragment to reduce the level of immunogenicity is currently being
      explored. The development of immunotoxins provides opportunities for novel liver
      cancer therapies.

PMID- 27669302
TI  - The Mechanism of Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning Toxin Production in Prorocentrum
      spp.: Physiological and Molecular Perspectives.
AB  - Diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP) is a gastrointestinal disorder caused by the
      consumption of seafood contaminated with okadaic acid (OA) and dinophysistoxins
      (DTXs). OA and DTXs are potent inhibitors of protein phosphatases 2A, 1B, and 2B,
      which may promote cancer in the human digestive system. Their expression in
      dinoflagellates is strongly affected by nutritional and environmental factors.
      Studies have indicated that the level of these biotoxins is inversely associated
      with the growth of dinoflagellates at low concentrations of nitrogen or
      phosphorus, or at extreme temperature. However, the presence of leucine or
      glycerophosphate enhances both growth and cellular toxin level. Moreover, the
      presence of ammonia and incubation in continuous darkness do not favor the toxin
      production. Currently, studies on the mechanism of this biotoxin production are
      scant. Full genome sequencing of dinoflagellates is challenging because of the
      massive genomic size; however, current advanced molecular and omics technologies
      may provide valuable insight into the biotoxin production mechanism and novel
      research perspectives on microalgae. This review presents a comprehensive
      analysis on the effects of various nutritional and physical factors on the OA and
      DTX production in the DSP toxin-producing Prorocentrum spp. Moreover, the
      applications of the current molecular technologies in the study on the mechanism
      of DSP toxin production are discussed.

PMID- 27669303
TI  - Development of an Innovative in Vitro Potency Assay for Anti-Botulinum
      Antitoxins.
AB  - Botulinum neurotoxins are bacterial proteins that cause botulism, a life
      threatening disease. Therapy relies mostly on post-intoxication antibody
      treatment. The only accepted method to measure the potency of, and to approve,
      antitoxin preparations is the mouse lethality neutralization bioassay. However,
      this assay is time-consuming, labor-intensive, costly, and raises ethical issues
      related to the large numbers of laboratory animals needed. Until now, all efforts
      to develop an alternative in vitro assay have not provided a valid replacement to
      the mouse potency assay. In the present study, we report the development of an
      innovative in vitro assay for determining botulinum antitoxin potency, using
      botulinum type B as a model. The concept of the assay is to mimic two fundamental
      steps in botulinum intoxication: receptor binding and catalytic activity. By
      simulating these steps in vitro we were able to accurately determine the potency
      of antitoxin preparations. The reproducibility of the assay was high with a CV <
      13%. Most importantly, the antitoxin potency measured by the in vitro assay
      highly correlated with that measured by the standard in vivo mouse assay (r =
      0.9842, p < 0.0001). Thus, this new in vitro assay has the potential to be
      considered, after validation, as a replacement to the mouse assay for
      quantitating neutralizing antibody concentrations in pharmaceutical botulinum
      antitoxin preparations. Future adoption of this in vitro assay would minimize the
      use of laboratory animals, speed up the time, and reduce the cost of botulinum
      antitoxin approval.

PMID- 27669305
TI  - Protective Effects of Sporoderm-Broken Spores of Ganderma lucidum on Growth
      Performance, Antioxidant Capacity and Immune Function of Broiler Chickens Exposed
      to Low Level of Aflatoxin B1.
AB  - This study was conducted to investigate the toxic effects of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)
      and evaluate the effects of sporoderm-broken spores of Ganoderma lucidum (SSGL)
      in relieving aflatoxicosis in broilers. A total of 300 one-day-old male Arbor
      Acre broiler chickens were randomly divided into four dietary treatments; the
      treatment diets were: Control (a basal diet containing normal peanut meal); AFB1
      (the basal diet containing AFB1-contaminated peanut meal); SSGL (basal diet with
      200 mg/kg of SSGL); AFB1+SSGL (supplementation of 200 mg/kg of SSGL in AFB1
      diet). The contents of AFB1 in AFB1 and AFB1+SSGL diets were 25.0 MUg/kg in the
      starter period and 22.5 MUg/kg in the finisher period. The results showed that
      diet contaminated with a low level of AFB1 significantly decreased (p < 0.05) the
      average daily feed intake and average daily gain during the entire experiment and
      reduced (p < 0.05) serum contents of total protein IgA and IgG. Furthermore, a
      dietary low level of AFB1 not only increased (p < 0.05) levels of hydrogen
      peroxide and lipid peroxidation, but also decreased (p < 0.05) total antioxidant
      capability, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and hydroxyl radical scavenger
      activity in the liver and spleen of broilers. Moreover, the addition of SSGL to
      AFB1-contaminated diet counteracted these negative effects, indicating that SSGL
      has a protective effect against aflatoxicosis.

PMID- 27669307
TI  - Photodynamic Therapy in Gynecologic Malignancies: A Review of the Roswell Park
      Cancer Institute Experience.
AB  - Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment modality used in the management of
      solid tumor malignancies that employs the use of a photosensitizing agent, a
      light source and oxygen in order to illicit a direct cytotoxic effect. Its use in
      gynecologic malignancies is somewhat novel and has been used for palliative and
      curative intent. At the Roswell Park Cancer Institute, the use of PDT in the
      management of gynecologic cancers began in the mid 1980s and since that time 35
      patients have received PDT as a treatment for recurrent or metastatic cutaneous
      and vulvar, vaginal, anal, and cervical recurrences. In our experience, 85%
      patients with metastatic cutaneous lesions had a complete response. Twenty-seven
      percent of patients with metastatic vaginal, cervical or anal recurrences had a
      complete response to therapy with a median response time of 28 months. Side
      effects from the treatment included moderate to severe burning sensation, pain
      and edema at the treatment site requiring narcotic pain medication for symptom
      management in patients who underwent treatment to cutaneous lesions as well as
      lower genital tract recurrences. PDT should be considered an option in patients
      who are too frail to undergo the standard of care or decline the standard of care
      in lieu of a less invasive treatment modality. 

PMID- 27669304
TI  - Aerobic De-Epoxydation of Trichothecene Mycotoxins by a Soil Bacterial Consortium
      Isolated Using In Situ Soil Enrichment.
AB  - Globally, the trichothecene mycotoxins deoxynivalenol (DON) and nivalenol (NIV)
      are among the most widely distributed mycotoxins that contaminate small grain
      cereals. In this study, a bacterial consortium, PGC-3, with de-epoxydation
      activity was isolated from soil by an in situ soil enrichment method. Screening
      of 14 soil samples that were sprayed with DON revealed that 4 samples were able
      to biotransform DON into de-epoxydized DON (dE-DON). Among these, the PGC-3
      consortium showed the highest and most stable activity to biotransform DON into
      dE-DON and NIV into dE-NIV. PGC-3 exhibited de-epoxydation activity at a wide
      range of pH (5-10) and temperatures (20-37  degrees C) values under aerobic
      conditions. Sequential subculturing with a continued exposure to DON
      substantially reduced the microbial population diversity of this consortium.
      Analyses of the 16S rDNA sequences indicated that PGC-3 comprised 10 bacterial
      genera. Among these, one species, Desulfitobacterium, showed a steady increase in
      relative abundance, from 0.03% to 1.55% (a 52-fold increase), as higher
      concentrations of DON were used in the subculture media, from 0 to 500 MUg/mL.
      This study establishes the foundation to further develop bioactive agents that
      can detoxify trichothecene mycotoxins in cereals and enables for the
      characterization of detoxifying genes and their regulation.

PMID- 27669306
TI  - Novel Immunotherapeutic Approaches for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
AB  - The immune system plays a key role in preventing tumor formation by recognizing
      and destroying malignant cells. For over a century, researchers have attempted to
      harness the immune response as a cancer treatment, although this approach has
      only recently achieved clinical success. Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
      (HNSCC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and is associated with
      cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, betel nut use, and human papillomavirus
      infection. Unfortunately, worldwide mortality from HNSCC remains high, partially
      due to limits on therapy secondary to the significant morbidity associated with
      current treatments. Therefore, immunotherapeutic approaches to HNSCC treatment
      are attractive for their potential to reduce morbidity while improving survival.
      However, the application of immunotherapies to this disease has been challenging
      because HNSCC is profoundly immunosuppressive, resulting in decreased absolute
      lymphocyte counts, impaired natural killer cell function, reduced antigen
      presenting cell function, and a tumor-permissive cytokine profile. Despite these
      challenges, numerous clinical trials testing the safety and efficacy of
      immunotherapeutic approaches to HNSCC treatment are currently underway, many of
      which have produced promising results. This review will summarize
      immunotherapeutic approaches to HNSCC that are currently undergoing clinical
      trials. 

PMID- 27669308
TI  - Making Sense of the Tangle: Insights into Chromatin Folding and Gene Regulation.
AB  - Proximity ligation assays such as circularized chromosome conformation capture
      and high-throughput chromosome capture assays have shed light on the structural
      organization of the interphase genome. Functional topologically associating
      domains (TADs) that constitute the building blocks of genomic organization are
      disrupted and reconstructed during the cell cycle. Epigenetic memory, as well as
      the sequence of chromosomes, regulate TAD reconstitution. Sub-TAD domains that
      are invariant across cell types have been identified, and contacts between these
      domains, rather than looping, are speculated to drive chromatin folding.
      Replication domains are established simultaneously with TADs during the cell
      cycle and the two correlate well in terms of characteristic features, such as
      lamin association and histone modifications. CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) and
      cohesin cooperate across different cell types to regulate genes and genome
      organization. CTCF elements that demarcate TAD boundaries are commonly disrupted
      in cancer and promote oncogene activation. Chromatin looping facilitates
      interactions between distant promoters and enhancers, and the resulting
      enhanceosome complex promotes gene expression. Deciphering the chromatin tangle
      requires comprehensive integrative analyses of DNA- and protein-dependent factors
      that regulate genomic organization. 

PMID- 27669309
TI  - Transition and Transversion Mutations Are Biased towards GC in Transposons of
      Chilo suppressalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae).
AB  - Transposons are often regulated by their hosts, and as a result, there are
      transposons with several mutations within their host organisms. To gain insight
      into the patterns of the variations, nucleotide substitutions and indels of
      transposons were analysed in Chilo suppressalis Walker. The CsuPLE1.1 is a member
      of the piggyBac-like element (PLE) family, which belongs to the DNA transposons,
      and the Csu-Ty3 is a member of the Ty3/gypsy family, which belongs to the RNA
      transposons. Copies of CsuPLE1.1 and Csu-Ty3 were cloned separately from
      different C. suppressalis individuals, and then multiple sequence alignments were
      performed. There were numerous single-base substitutions in CsuPLE1.1 and Csu
      Ty3, but only a few insertion and deletion mutations. Similarly, in both
      transposons, the occurring frequencies of transitions were significantly higher
      than transversions (p <= 0.01). In the single-base substitutions, the most
      frequently occurring base changes were A->G and T->C in both types of
      transposons. Additionally, single-base substitution frequencies occurring at
      positions 1, 2 or 3 (pos1, pos2 or pos3) of a given codon in the element
      transposase were not significantly different. Both in CsuPLE1.1 and Csu-Ty3, the
      patterns of nucleotide substitution had the same characteristics and nucleotide
      mutations were biased toward GC. This research provides a perspective on the
      understanding of transposon mutation patterns. 

PMID- 27669310
TI  - Association of XPC Gene Polymorphisms with Colorectal Cancer Risk in a Southern
      Chinese Population: A Case-Control Study and Meta-Analysis.
AB  - Xeroderma pigmentosum group C (XPC) is a key component of the nucleotide excision
      repair (NER) pathway. Dysfunctional XPC protein may impair NER-mediated DNA
      repair capacity and further lead to genomic instability and carcinogenesis. Two
      common nonsynonymous polymorphisms in the XPC gene, Lys939Gln (rs2228001 A > C)
      and Ala499Val (rs2228000 C > T), have been investigated in various types of
      cancer. We genotyped these two polymorphisms in 1141 cases with histologically
      confirmed colorectal cancer (CRC) and 1173 healthy controls to explore their
      causative association with CRC susceptibility. Overall, no association was
      observed between these two variants and the risk of CRC. Our meta-analysis also
      confirmed a lack of overall association. Stratified analyses were performed by
      age, gender, smoking status, pack-year, drinking status, tumor sites, and Duke's
      stages. We found that XPC Lys939Gln polymorphism was significantly associated
      with an increased CRC risk in subjects at 57 years of age or younger (adjusted
      odds ratio (OR) = 1.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.004-1.86, p = 0.047) and
      non-drinkers (adjusted OR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.10-2.12, p = 0.011). Our results
      indicated that XPC Lys939Gln may be a low-penetrance CRC susceptibility
      polymorphism. Our findings warrant further validation. 

PMID- 27669311
TI  - Presence of a Prophage Determines Temperature-Dependent Capsule Production in
      Streptococcus pyogenes.
AB  - A hyaluronic acid capsule is a major virulence factor in the pathogenesis of
      Streptococcus pyogenes. It acts as an anti-phagocytic agent and adhesin to
      keratinocytes. The expression of the capsule is primarily regulated at the
      transcriptional level by the two-component regulatory system CovRS, in which CovR
      acts as a transcriptional repressor. The covRS genes are frequently mutated in
      many invasive strains, and a subset of the invasive CovRS mutants does not
      produce a detectable level of the capsule at 37  degrees C, but produces a
      significant amount of the capsule at sub-body temperatures. Here, we report that
      a prophage has a crucial role in this capsule thermoregulation. Passaging CovR
      null strains showing capsule thermoregulation using a lab medium produced
      spontaneous mutants producing a significant amount of the capsule regardless of
      incubation temperature and this phenotypic change was caused by curing of a
      particular prophage. The lab strain HSC5 contains three prophages on the
      chromosome, and only PhiHSC5.3 was cured in all spontaneous mutants. This result
      indicates that the prophage PhiHSC5.3 plays a crucial role in capsule
      thermoregulation, most likely by repressing capsule production at 37  degrees C. 

PMID- 27669312
TI  - Comparison of Model Predictions and Laboratory Observations of Transgene
      Frequencies in Continuously-Breeding Mosquito Populations.
AB  - The persistence of transgenes in the environment is a consideration in risk
      assessments of transgenic organisms. Combining mathematical models that predict
      the frequency of transgenes and experimental demonstrations can validate the
      model predictions, or can detect significant biological deviations that were
      neither apparent nor included as model parameters. In order to assess the
      correlation between predictions and observations, models were constructed to
      estimate the frequency of a transgene causing male sexual sterility in simulated
      populations of a malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae that were seeded with
      transgenic females at various proportions. Concurrently, overlapping-generation
      laboratory populations similar to those being modeled were initialized with
      various starting transgene proportions, and the subsequent proportions of
      transgenic individuals in populations were determined weekly until the transgene
      disappeared. The specific transgene being tested contained a homing endonuclease
      gene expressed in testes, I-PpoI, that cleaves the ribosomal DNA and results in
      complete male sexual sterility with no effect on female fertility. The transgene
      was observed to disappear more rapidly than the model predicted in all cases. The
      period before ovipositions that contained no transgenic progeny ranged from as
      little as three weeks after cage initiation to as long as 11 weeks. 

PMID- 27669313
TI  - Moving beyond the "Five Freedoms" by Updating the "Five Provisions" and
      Introducing Aligned "Animal Welfare Aims".
AB  - Although the Five Freedoms paradigm has been very influential in shaping animal
      welfare thinking for the last two decades, it has two key disadvantages. First,
      the focus on "freedom" from a range of negative experiences and states has been
      misunderstood in a number of quarters to mean that complete freedom from these
      experiences and states is possible, when in fact the best that can be achieved is
      for them to be minimised. Second, the major focus of the Freedoms on negative
      experiences and states is now seen to be a disadvantage in view of current
      understanding that animal welfare management should also include the promotion of
      positive experiences and states. The challenge therefore was to formulate a
      paradigm that overcame these two main problems and yet was straightforward enough
      to be accessible to non-specialists, including members of the lay public who are
      interested in animal welfare. This was achieved by highlighting the Five
      Provisions, originally aligned with the Five Freedoms, but now updated to direct
      welfare management towards activities that both minimise negative experiences or
      states and promote positive experiences or states as specified by particular
      Animal Welfare Aims assigned to each Provision. Aspects of the four welfare
      principles from the European Welfare Quality assessment system (WQ ((r)) ) and
      elements of all domains of the Five Domains Model for animal welfare assessment
      have been incorporated into the new Five Provisions/Welfare Aims paradigm. Thus,
      the paradigm is easily understood and provides clear guidance on beneficial
      objectives for animal welfare management. It is anticipated that the paradigm
      will have application to many species found in a wide range of circumstances. 

PMID- 27669314
TI  - The Effect of Computerized Testing on Sun Bear Behavior and Enrichment
      Preferences.
AB  - The field of comparative cognition investigates species' differences and
      similarities in cognitive abilities, and sheds light on the evolutionary origins
      of such capacities. Cognitive testing has been carried out in a variety of
      species; however, there are some taxa that are underrepresented in this field.
      The current work follows on a recent increase in cognitive research in the order
      Carnivora with a specific focus on sun bears. Sun bears are the smallest existing
      bear species and live in tropical regions of Southeast Asia. They have an
      omnivorous diet and use their tongues to forage for insects and sap. Little is
      known about sun bear cognition, although much like other bear species, anecdotes
      suggest a high level of intelligence. The current work explored training sun
      bears to use a touchscreen computer. This effort allows for insight into
      cognitive abilities as well as providing a complex source of enrichment for the
      bears. The bears use their tongues to respond to a touchscreen computer, and the
      effects on stereotypic behaviors on exhibit and preference for this over other
      forms of enrichment were examined. Overall, bears performed well on the task and
      showed a preference for the computer. 

PMID- 27669316
TI  - OSAnalyzer: A Bioinformatics Tool for the Analysis of Gene Polymorphisms Enriched
      with Clinical Outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The identification of biomarkers for the estimation of cancer
      patients' survival is a crucial problem in modern oncology. Recently, the
      Affymetrix DMET (Drug Metabolizing Enzymes and Transporters) microarray platform
      has offered the possibility to determine the ADME (absorption, distribution,
      metabolism, and excretion) gene variants of a patient and to correlate them with
      drug-dependent adverse events. Therefore, the analysis of survival distribution
      of patients starting from their profile obtained using DMET data may reveal
      important information to clinicians about possible correlations among drug
      response, survival rate, and gene variants. METHODS: In order to provide support
      to this analysis we developed OSAnalyzer, a software tool able to compute the
      overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of cancer patients and
      evaluate their association with ADME gene variants. RESULTS: The tool is able to
      perform an automatic analysis of DMET data enriched with survival events.
      Moreover, results are ranked according to statistical significance obtained by
      comparing the area under the curves that is computed by using the log-rank test,
      allowing a quick and easy analysis and visualization of high-throughput data.
      CONCLUSIONS: Finally, we present a case study to highlight the usefulness of
      OSAnalyzer when analyzing a large cohort of patients.

PMID- 27669315
TI  - Immunomodulators as Therapeutic Agents in Mitigating the Progression of
      Parkinson's Disease.
AB  - Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder that primarily
      afflicts the elderly. It is characterized by motor dysfunction due to extensive
      neuron loss in the substantia nigra pars compacta. There are multiple biological
      processes that are negatively impacted during the pathogenesis of PD, and are
      implicated in the cell death in this region. Neuroinflammation is evidently
      involved in PD pathology and mitigating the inflammatory cascade has been a
      therapeutic strategy. Age is the number one risk factor for PD and thus needs to
      be considered in the context of disease pathology. Here, we discuss the role of
      neuroinflammation within the context of aging as it applies to the development of
      PD, and the potential for two representative compounds, fractalkine and
      astaxanthin, to attenuate the pathophysiology that modulates neurodegeneration
      that occurs in Parkinson's disease. 

PMID- 27669317
TI  - Tart Cherry Extracts Reduce Inflammatory and Oxidative Stress Signaling in
      Microglial Cells.
AB  - Tart cherries contain an array of polyphenols that can decrease inflammation and
      oxidative stress (OS), which contribute to cognitive declines seen in aging
      populations. Previous studies have shown that polyphenols from dark-colored
      fruits can reduce stress-mediated signaling in BV-2 mouse microglial cells,
      leading to decreases in nitric oxide (NO) production and inducible nitric oxide
      synthase (iNOS) expression. Thus, the present study sought to determine if tart
      cherries-which improved cognitive behavior in aged rats-would be efficacious in
      reducing inflammatory and OS signaling in HAPI rat microglial cells. Cells were
      pretreated with different concentrations (0-1.0 mg/mL) of Montmorency tart cherry
      powder for 1-4 h, then treated with 0 or 100 ng/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS)
      overnight. LPS application increased extracellular levels of NO and tumor
      necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and intracellular levels of iNOS and
      cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Pretreatment with tart cherry decreased levels of NO,
      TNF-alpha, and COX-2 in a dose- and time-dependent manner versus those without
      pretreatment; the optimal combination was between 0.125 and 0.25 mg/mL tart
      cherry for 2 h. Higher concentrations of tart cherry powder and longer exposure
      times negatively affected cell viability. Therefore, tart cherries (like other
      dark-colored fruits), may be effective in reducing inflammatory and OS-mediated
      signals. 

PMID- 27669318
TI  - Immunotherapy for Gastroesophageal Cancer.
AB  - Survival for patients with advanced oesophageal and stomach cancer is poor;
      together these cancers are responsible for more than a million deaths per year
      globally. As chemotherapy and targeted therapies such as trastuzumab and
      ramucirumab result in modest improvements in survival but not long-term cure for
      such patients, development of alternative treatment approaches is warranted.
      Novel immunotherapy drugs such as checkpoint inhibitors have been paradigm
      changing in melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer and urothelial cancers. In this
      review, we assess the early evidence for efficacy of immunotherapy in patients
      with gastroesophageal cancer in addition to considering biomarkers associated
      with response to these treatments. Early results of Anti- Programmed Cell Death
      Protein-1 (anti-PD-1), anti-PD-L1 and anti-Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte assosciated
      protein-4 (anti-CTLA4) trials are examined, and we conclude with a discussion on
      the future direction for immunotherapy for gastroesophageal cancer patients. 

PMID- 27669319
TI  - Platypnea-Orthodeoxia Syndrome: Multiple Pathophysiological Interpretations of a
      Clinical Picture Primarily Consisting of Orthostatic Dyspnea.
AB  - Platypnea-orthodexia syndrome (POS) is often a challenging diagnostic problem. It
      is characterized by dyspnea that is accentuated by standing or sitting positions
      due to a marked fall in blood oxygen saturation, and instead is improved by
      assuming the lying position. In the present brief review, the authors address the
      pathophysiology of POS, and outline its clinical symptoms as well as the main
      modalities of diagnostic evaluation and possible therapeutic options. Moreover,
      some problems concerning much-debated issues and persistent uncertainties about
      the pathophysiology of POS are presented along with the description of the
      diagnostic and therapeutic resources currently available for this syndrome. 

PMID- 27669320
TI  - Rapid, Portable, Multiplexed Detection of Bacterial Pathogens Directly from
      Clinical Sample Matrices.
AB  - Enteric and diarrheal diseases are a major cause of childhood illness and death
      in countries with developing economies. Each year, more than half of a million
      children under the age of five die from these diseases. We have developed a
      portable, microfluidic platform capable of simultaneous, multiplexed detection of
      several of the bacterial pathogens that cause these diseases. This platform can
      perform fast, sensitive immunoassays directly from relevant, complex clinical
      matrices such as stool without extensive sample cleanup or preparation. Using
      only 1 uL of sample per assay, we demonstrate simultaneous multiplexed detection
      of four bacterial pathogens implicated in diarrheal and enteric diseases in less
      than 20 min. 

PMID- 27669321
TI  - The Novel Aminomethylcycline Omadacycline Has High Specificity for the Primary
      Tetracycline-Binding Site on the Bacterial Ribosome.
AB  - Omadacycline is an aminomethylcycline antibiotic with potent activity against
      many Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens, including strains carrying the
      major efflux and ribosome protection resistance determinants. This makes it a
      promising candidate for therapy of severe infectious diseases. Omadacycline
      inhibits bacterial protein biosynthesis and competes with tetracycline for
      binding to the ribosome. Its interactions with the 70S ribosome were, therefore,
      analyzed in great detail and compared with tigecycline and tetracycline. All
      three antibiotics are inhibited by mutations in the 16S rRNA that mediate
      resistance to tetracycline in Brachyspira hyodysenteriae, Helicobacter pylori,
      Mycoplasma hominis, and Propionibacterium acnes. Chemical probing with dimethyl
      sulfate and Fenton cleavage with iron(II)-complexes of the tetracycline
      derivatives revealed that each antibiotic interacts in an idiosyncratic manner
      with the ribosome. X-ray crystallography had previously revealed one primary
      binding site for tetracycline on the ribosome and up to five secondary sites. All
      tetracyclines analyzed here interact with the primary site and tetracycline also
      with two secondary sites. In addition, each derivative displays a unique set of
      non-specific interactions with the 16S rRNA. 

PMID- 27669322
TI  - The Peptidoglycan Pattern of Staphylococcus carnosus TM300-Detailed Analysis and
      Variations Due to Genetic and Metabolic Influences.
AB  - The Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus carnosus (S. carnosus) TM300 is an
      apathogenic staphylococcal species commonly used in meat starter cultures. As
      with all Gram-positive bacteria, its cytoplasmic membrane is surrounded by a
      thick peptidoglycan (PGN) or murein sacculus consisting of several layers of
      glycan strands cross-linked by peptides. In contrast to pathogenic staphylococci,
      mainly Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), the chemical composition of S. carnosus
      PGN is not well studied so far. UPLC/MS analysis of enzymatically digested S.
      carnosus TM300 PGN revealed substantial differences in its composition compared
      to the known pattern of S. aureus. While in S. aureus the uncross-linked stem
      peptide consists of a pentapeptide, in S. carnosus, this part of the PGN is
      shortened to tripeptides. Furthermore, we found the PGN composition to vary when
      cells were incubated under certain conditions. The collective overproduction of
      HlyD, FtsE and FtsX-a putative protein complex interacting with penicillin
      binding protein 2 (PBP2)-caused the reappearance of classical penta stem
      peptides. In addition, under high sugar conditions, tetra stem peptides occur due
      to overflow metabolism. This indicates that S. carnosus TM300 cells adapt to
      various conditions by modification of their PGN. 

PMID- 27669324
TI  - Symptom Management in Patients with Stage 5 CKD Opting for Conservative
      Management.
AB  - Chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3-5 now affects 8.5% of adults in the United
      Kingdom; with 4% of patients expected to reach stage 5 CKD. Increasing numbers of
      older patients are contributing to the growth of demand of kidney services. With
      the exception of transplantation, dialysis has been the main form of renal
      replacement therapy (RRT) for advanced CKD. This elderly population is usually
      too frail and has many other co-existing medical complaints or co morbidities to
      undergo transplantation. Dialysis is an invasive treatment, and some frail
      elderly patients can experience many dialysis related symptoms. An alternative
      option for these patients is to choose conservative management (CM) of their
      stage 5 CKD. These patients often have complex supportive and palliative care
      needs. The frequency, severity and distress caused by symptoms related to stage 5
      CKD are often under recognized and under treated. There is a need for early
      identification and management of symptoms as they present in patients with stage
      5 CKD being managed conservatively. Symptom assessment should be focused on
      anticipating, identifying and alleviating any symptoms. This needs to be
      incorporated into the regular practice of those managing CM patients. 

PMID- 27669323
TI  - Optimized Method for Untargeted Metabolomics Analysis of MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer
      Cells.
AB  - Cancer cells often have dysregulated metabolism, which is largely characterized
      by the Warburg effect-an increase in glycolytic activity at the expense of
      oxidative phosphorylation-and increased glutamine utilization. Modern
      metabolomics tools offer an efficient means to investigate metabolism in cancer
      cells. Currently, a number of protocols have been described for harvesting
      adherent cells for metabolomics analysis, but the techniques vary greatly and
      they lack specificity to particular cancer cell lines with diverse metabolic and
      structural features. Here we present an optimized method for untargeted
      metabolomics characterization of MDA-MB-231 triple negative breast cancer cells,
      which are commonly used to study metastatic breast cancer. We found that an
      approach that extracted all metabolites in a single step within the culture dish
      optimally detected both polar and non-polar metabolite classes with higher
      relative abundance than methods that involved removal of cells from the dish. We
      show that this method is highly suited to diverse applications, including the
      characterization of central metabolic flux by stable isotope labelling and
      differential analysis of cells subjected to specific pharmacological
      interventions. 

PMID- 27669325
TI  - Malnutrition Affects the Urban-Poor Disproportionately: A Study of Nigerian Urban
      Children of Different Socio-Economic Statuses.
AB  - Income inequality within the same place of residence may impact the nutritional
      status of children. This study therefore investigated the impact of income
      inequality on the nutritional status of children living in the same place of
      residence, using anthropometric tools. Children in four schools (Schools 1-4)
      within the vicinity of a housing estate in Umuahia, Nigeria, that charge fees
      making them 'very affordable', 'affordable', 'expensive' and 'very expensive',
      respectively, were recruited for the study. Thinness, overweight and obesity were
      defined using the Cole et al. reference standards. Thinness was present in 10.4%
      (13.0% of boys, 7.6% of girls); 20.4% (15.6% of boys, 27.3% of girls; and 0.7%
      (1.4% of boys, 0.0% of girls) of children in Schools 1-3, respectively; but
      absent in school 4. Only 3.7% (1.4% of boys, 6.1% of girls) and 5.6% (6.3% of
      boys, 4.5% of girls) of children in Schools 1 and 2, respectively, were
      overweight/obese. Conversely, 25.8% (18.9% of boys, 32.5% of girls) and 41.6%
      (38.8% of boys, 45.3% of girls) of children in Schools 3 and 4, respectively,
      were overweight/obese. The urban-poor (School 2) are clearly affected by
      malnutrition disproportionately. 

PMID- 27669327
TI  - Mechanically stable nanostructures with desirable characteristic field
      enhancement factors: a response from scale invariance in electrostatics.
AB  - This work presents an accurate numerical study of the electrostatics of a system
      formed by individual nanostructures mounted on support substrate tips, which
      provides a theoretical prototype for applications in field electron emission or
      for the construction of tips in probe microscopy that requires high resolution.
      The aim is to describe the conditions to produce structures mechanically robust
      with desirable field enhancement factor (FEF). We modeled a substrate tip with a
      height h 1, radius r 1 and characteristic FEF [Formula: see text], and a top
      nanostructure with a height h 2, radius [Formula: see text] and FEF [Formula: see
      text], for both hemispheres on post-like structures. The nanostructure mounted on
      the support substrate tip then has a characteristic FEF, [Formula: see text].
      Defining the relative difference [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text]
      corresponds to the reference FEF for a hemisphere of the post structure with a
      radius [Formula: see text] and height [Formula: see text], our results show, from
      a numerical solution of Laplace's equation using a finite element scheme, a
      scaling [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].
      Given a characteristic variable u c, for [Formula: see text], we found a power
      law [Formula: see text], with [Formula: see text]. For [Formula: see text],
      [Formula: see text], which led to conditions where [Formula: see text]. As a
      consequence of scale invariance, it is possible to derive a simple expression for
      [Formula: see text] and to predict the conditions needed to produce related
      systems with a desirable FEF that are robust owing to the presence of the
      substrate tip. Finally, we discuss the validity of Schottky's conjecture (SC) for
      these systems, showing that, while to obey SC is indicative of scale invariance,
      the opposite is not necessarily true. This result suggests that a careful
      analysis must be performed before attributing SC as an origin of giant FEF in
      experiments. 

PMID- 27669326
TI  - Enzyme-catalyzed expressed protein ligation.
AB  - Expressed protein ligation is a valuable method for protein semisynthesis that
      involves the reaction of recombinant protein C-terminal thioesters with N
      terminal cysteine (N-Cys)-containing peptides, but the requirement of a Cys
      residue at the ligation junction can limit the utility of this method. Here we
      employ subtiligase variants to efficiently ligate Cys-free peptides to protein
      thioesters. Using this method, we have more accurately determined the effect of C
      terminal phosphorylation on the tumor suppressor protein PTEN.

PMID- 27669328
TI  - Na-Rich Na3+xV2-xNix(PO4)3/C for Sodium Ion Batteries: Controlling the Doping
      Site and Improving the Electrochemical Performances.
AB  - In order to get an element substituted into Na3V2(PO4)3/C in an appointed V site,
      the simple sol-gel method is used to design and prepare a series of Na-rich
      Na3+xV2-xNix(PO4)3/C (x = 0-0.07) compounds. To get a charge balance, the ratio
      of Na, V, and Ni would be changed if Ni goes into a different site. Hence, ICP is
      applied to probe the real stoichiometry of the as-prepared Na3+xV2-xNix(PO4)3/C
      (x = 0-0.07). According to the Na/V ratio from the ICP result, it indicates that
      Ni2+ goes to a V site, and more Na+ will be introduced into the crystal to keep
      the charge balance. In addition, the crystal structure changes are explored by
      XRD and Rietveld refinement, it is indicated from the results that Ni2+ doping
      does not destroy the lattice structure of Na3V2(PO4)3. When applied as Na-storage
      material, the electrochemical property of all Ni2+ doped Na3+xV2-xNix(PO4)3/C
      composites have been significantly improved, especially for the
      Na3.03V1.97Ni0.03(PO4)3/C sample. For example, 107.1 mAh g-1 can be obtained at
      the first cycle; after 100 cycles, the capacity retention is as high as 95.5%.
      Moreover, when charging/discharging at a higher rate of 5 C, the capacity still
      remains 88.9 mAh g-1, displaying good rate performance. The good electrochemical
      performance is ascribed to the optimized morphology, stable crystal structure,
      and improved ionic conductivity.

PMID- 27669329
TI  - Ciliary Body/Iris Appositioning Producing Mechanical Pupillary Defects in Carotid
      Cavernous Sinus Fistula: An Overlooked Pathophysiologic Mechanism.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Variable pupillary responses have been described with carotid
      cavernous sinus fistulas. These often are associated with a decrease in visual
      acuity and attributed to retinal ischemia. We propose a novel pathophysiologic
      mechanism for changes in pupillary reactivity involving anatomic changes
      secondary to choroidal effusion. METHODS: To demonstrate proof-of-concept, we
      investigated 2 consecutive patients with carotid-cavernous sinus fistulas and
      pupillary disturbances using repeated refractions and anterior segment ultrasound
      biomicroscopy. RESULTS: Ultrasound biomicroscopy demonstrated choroidal
      thickening and ciliary body effusion with forward rotation of the lens-iris
      diaphragm altering refraction and mechanically limiting iris movements.
      CONCLUSIONS: Where there are acute elevations in orbital venous pressure causing
      ciliary body effusion, changes in visual acuity and pupillary abnormalities can
      be produced by mechanical effects.

PMID- 27669330
TI  - Enhanced Stability of Laminated Graphene Oxide Membranes for Nanofiltration via
      Interstitial Amide Bonding.
AB  - Laminated graphene oxide (GO) has promising use as a membrane because of its high
      permeance, chemical and mechanical stability, as well as the molecular sieving
      effect of its interlayers. However, the hydrophilic surface of GO, which is
      highly decorated with oxygen groups, easily induces delamination of stacked GO
      films in aqueous media, thereby limiting the practical application. To stabilize
      GO films in aqueous media, we functionalized a polymer support with branched
      polyethylene-imine (BPEI). BPEI adsorbed intercalated into the stacked GO sheets
      via diffusion during filtration. The GO/BPEI membrane obtained exhibits high
      stability during sonication (>1 h duration, 40 kHz frequency) in water within a
      broad pH range (2-12). In contrast, the GO film spontaneously delaminated upon
      sonication. Furthermore, BPEI treatment did not affect the filtration performance
      of the GO film, as evidenced by the high rejection rates (>90%) for the dye
      molecules methylene blue, rose bengal, and brilliant blue and by their permeation
      rates of ca. 124, 34.8, 12.2, and 5.1%, respectively, relative to those of a
      typical GO membrane.

PMID- 27669331
TI  - Rates of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Amid Efforts to Combat the Opioid Abuse
      Epidemic.

PMID- 27669332
TI  - Fostering Transparency in Outcomes, Quality, Safety, and Costs.

PMID- 27669333
TI  - A Call for a Patient-Centered Response to Legalized Assisted Dying.

PMID- 27669334
TI  - Spirometry filters can be used to detect exhaled respiratory viruses.
AB  - Respiratory viruses are very common in the community and contribute to the burden
      of illness for patients with chronic respiratory diseases, including acute
      exacerbations. Traditional sampling methods are invasive and problematic to
      repeat. Accordingly, we explored whether respiratory viruses could be isolated
      from disposable spirometry filters and whether detection of viruses in this
      context represented presence in the upper or lower respiratory tract. Discovery
      (n  =  53) and validation (n  =  49) cohorts were recruited from a hospital
      outpatient department during two different time periods. Spirometry mouthpiece
      filters were collected from all participants. Respiratory secretions were sampled
      from the upper and lower respiratory tract by nasal washing (NW), sputum, and
      bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). All samples were examined using RT-PCR to identify
      a panel of respiratory viruses (rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus,
      influenza A, influenza B, parainfluenza virus 1, 2 & 3, and human
      metapneumovirus). Rhinovirus was quantified using qPCR. Paired filter-NW samples
      (n  =  29), filter-sputum samples (n  =  24), filter-BAL samples (n  =  39) and
      filter-NW-BAL samples (n  =  10) provided a range of comparisons. At least one
      virus was detected in any sample in 85% of participants in the discovery cohort
      versus 45% in the validation cohort. Overall, 72% of viruses identified in the
      paired comparator method matched those detected in spirometry filters. There was
      a high correlation between viruses identified in spirometry filters compared with
      viruses identified in both the upper and lower respiratory tract using
      traditional sampling methods. Our results suggest that examination of spirometry
      filters may be a novel and inexpensive sampling method for the presence of
      respiratory viruses in exhaled breath.

PMID- 27669335
TI  - Iron Deficiency Impairs Developing Hippocampal Neuron Gene Expression, Energy
      Metabolism, and Dendrite Complexity.
AB  - Iron deficiency (ID), with and without anemia, affects an estimated 2 billion
      people worldwide. ID is particularly deleterious during early-life brain
      development, leading to long-term neurological impairments including deficits in
      hippocampus-mediated learning and memory. Neonatal rats with fetal/neonatal ID
      anemia (IDA) have shorter hippocampal CA1 apical dendrites with disorganized
      branching. ID-induced dendritic structural abnormalities persist into adulthood
      despite normalization of the iron status. However, the specific developmental
      effects of neuronal iron loss on hippocampal neuron dendrite growth and branching
      are unknown. Embryonic hippocampal neuron cultures were chronically treated with
      deferoxamine (DFO, an iron chelator) beginning at 3 days in vitro (DIV). Levels
      of mRNA for Tfr1 and Slc11a2, iron-responsive genes involved in iron uptake, were
      significantly elevated in DFO-treated cultures at 11DIV and 18DIV, indicating a
      degree of neuronal ID similar to that seen in rodent ID models. DFO treatment
      decreased mRNA levels for genes indexing dendritic and synaptic development (i.e.
      BdnfVI,Camk2a,Vamp1,Psd95,Cfl1, Pfn1,Pfn2, and Gda) and mitochondrial function
      (i.e. Ucp2,Pink1, and Cox6a1). At 18DIV, DFO reduced key aspects of energy
      metabolism including basal respiration, maximal respiration, spare respiratory
      capacity, ATP production, and glycolytic rate, capacity, and reserve. Sholl
      analysis revealed a significant decrease in distal dendritic complexity in DFO
      treated neurons at both 11DIV and 18DIV. At 11DIV, the length of primary
      dendrites and the number and length of branches in DFO-treated neurons were
      reduced. By 18DIV, partial recovery of the dendritic branch number in DFO-treated
      neurons was counteracted by a significant reduction in the number and length of
      primary dendrites and the length of branches. Our findings suggest that early
      neuronal iron loss, at least partially driven through altered mitochondrial
      function and neuronal energy metabolism, is responsible for the effects of
      fetal/neonatal ID and IDA on hippocampal neuron dendritic and synaptic
      maturation. Impairments in these neurodevelopmental processes likely underlie the
      negative impact of early life ID and IDA on hippocampus-mediated learning and
      memory.

PMID- 27669337
TI  - Toward a Deeper Understanding of Nausea, Vomiting, and Pregnancy Loss.

PMID- 27669336
TI  - Rebound Syndrome in Multiple Sclerosis After Fingolimod Cessation.

PMID- 27669338
TI  - ChemDataExtractor: A Toolkit for Automated Extraction of Chemical Information
      from the Scientific Literature.
AB  - The emergence of "big data" initiatives has led to the need for tools that can
      automatically extract valuable chemical information from large volumes of
      unstructured data, such as the scientific literature. Since chemical information
      can be present in figures, tables, and textual paragraphs, successful information
      extraction often depends on the ability to interpret all of these domains
      simultaneously. We present a complete toolkit for the automated extraction of
      chemical entities and their associated properties, measurements, and
      relationships from scientific documents that can be used to populate structured
      chemical databases. Our system provides an extensible, chemistry-aware, natural
      language processing pipeline for tokenization, part-of-speech tagging, named
      entity recognition, and phrase parsing. Within this scope, we report improved
      performance for chemical named entity recognition through the use of unsupervised
      word clustering based on a massive corpus of chemistry articles. For phrase
      parsing and information extraction, we present the novel use of multiple rule
      based grammars that are tailored for interpreting specific document domains such
      as textual paragraphs, captions, and tables. We also describe document-level
      processing to resolve data interdependencies and show that this is particularly
      necessary for the autogeneration of chemical databases since captions and tables
      commonly contain chemical identifiers and references that are defined elsewhere
      in the text. The performance of the toolkit to correctly extract various types of
      data was evaluated, affording an F-score of 93.4%, 86.8%, and 91.5% for
      extracting chemical identifiers, spectroscopic attributes, and chemical property
      attributes, respectively; set against the CHEMDNER chemical name extraction
      challenge, ChemDataExtractor yields a competitive F-score of 87.8%. All tools
      have been released under the MIT license and are available to download from
      http://www.chemdataextractor.org .

PMID- 27669345
TI  - Democratization of Health Care.

PMID- 27669346
TI  - Spin Crossover in the {Fe(pz)[Pt(CN)4]} Metal-Organic Framework upon Pyrazine
      Adsorption.
AB  - The spin-crossover behavior of the {Fe(pz)[Pt(CN)4]} metal-organic framework
      (MOF) upon pyrazine adsorption is investigated through hybrid Monte
      Carlo/molecular dynamics (MC/MD) simulations. In contrast to previous theoretical
      studies, which reported a transition temperature of ~140 K, the present MC/MD
      simulations predict that the high-spin state is the most stable state at all
      temperatures, in agreement with the experimental observations. The MC/MD
      simulations also indicate that the pyrazine molecules adsorbed in the MOF pores
      lie nearly parallel but staggered by 60 degrees  relative to the pyrazine ligands
      of the framework. The analysis of the magnetization curve as a function of the
      temperature demonstrates that the staggered configuration assumed by the guest
      pyrazine molecules within the framework is responsible for the stabilization of
      the high-spin state. Both the guest pyrazine molecules and the pyrazine ligands
      of the framework are effectively locked into the minimum-energy configuration and
      do not display any rotational mobility.

PMID- 27669347
TI  - August consultation #2.

PMID- 27669348
TI  - Fifty-six-year-old woman unable to drive at night after routine cataract surgery:
      August consultation #1.

PMID- 27669349
TI  - August consultation #3.

PMID- 27669350
TI  - August consultation #5.

PMID- 27669351
TI  - August consultation #4.

PMID- 27669352
TI  - August consultation #7.

PMID- 27669353
TI  - August consultation #6.

PMID- 27669354
TI  - August consultation #8.

PMID- 27669355
TI  - "A qualitative meta-analysis examining clients' experiences of psychotherapy: A
      new agenda": Correction to Levitt, Pomerville, and Surace (2016).
AB  - Reports an error in "A qualitative meta-analysis examining clients' experiences
      of psychotherapy: A new agenda" by Heidi M. Levitt, Andrew Pomerville and
      Francisco I. Surace (Psychological Bulletin, 2016[Aug], Vol 142[8], 801-830). In
      the article, the 2nd sentence in the Broadening the Forms of Power When
      Considering Client-Therapist Differences section, "Indeed, most of the studies
      (55/66, 83.3%) in these categories focused either on the power differential
      within the therapeutic relationship (37) or culturally based power differences
      between therapists and clients (29)." should read: "Indeed, most of the studies
      (49/59, 83.1%) in these categories focused either on the power differential
      within the therapeutic relationship (38) or culturally based power differences
      between therapists and clients (31)." (The following abstract of the original
      article appeared in record 2016-21269-001.) 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.

PMID- 27669356
TI  - Absorption Spectroscopy of an Individual Fano Cluster.
AB  - Plasmonic clusters can exhibit Fano resonances with unique and tunable asymmetric
      line shapes, which arise due to the coupling of bright and dark plasmon modes
      within each multiparticle structure. These structures are capable of generating
      remarkably large local electromagnetic field enhancements and should give rise to
      high hot carrier yields relative to other plasmonic nanostructures. While the
      scattering properties of individual plasmonic Fano resonances have been
      characterized extensively both experimentally and theoretically, their absorption
      properties, critical for hot carrier generation, have not yet been measured.
      Here, we utilize single-particle absorption spectroscopy based on photothermal
      imaging to distinguish between the radiative and nonradiative properties of an
      individual Fano cluster. In observing the absorption spectrum of individual Fano
      clusters, we directly verify the theoretical prediction that while Fano
      interference may be prominent in scattering, it is completely absent in
      absorption. Our results provide microscopic insight into the nature of Fano
      interference in systems of coupled plasmonic nanoparticles and should pave the
      way for the optimization of hot carrier production using plasmonic Fano clusters.

PMID- 27669357
TI  - Surface Chemistry of Semiconducting Quantum Dots: Theoretical Perspectives.
AB  - Colloidal quantum dots (QDs) are near-ideal nanomaterials for energy conversion
      and lighting technologies. However, their photophysics exhibits supreme
      sensitivity to surface passivation and defects, of which control is problematic.
      The role of passivating ligands in photodynamics remains questionable and is a
      focus of ongoing research. The optically forbidden nature of surface-associated
      states makes direct measurements on them challenging. Therefore, computational
      modeling is imperative for insights into surface passivation and its impact on
      light-driven processes in QDs. This Account discusses challenges and recent
      progress in understanding surface effects on the photophysics of QDs addressed
      via quantum-chemical calculations. We overview different methods, including the
      effective mass approximation (EMA), time-dependent density functional theory
      (TDDFT), and multiconfiguration approaches, considering their strengths and
      weaknesses relevant to modeling of QDs with a complicated surface. We focus on
      CdSe, PbSe, and Si QDs, where calculations successfully explain experimental
      trends sensitive to surface defects, doping, and ligands. We show that the EMA
      accurately describes both linear and nonlinear optical properties of large-sized
      CdSe QDs (>2.5 nm), while TDDFT is required for smaller QDs where surface effects
      dominate. Both approaches confirm efficient two-photon absorption enabling
      applications of QDs as nonlinear optical materials. TDDFT also describes the
      effects of morphology on the optical response of QDs: the photophysics of
      stoichiometric, magic-sized XnYn (X = Cd, Pb; Y = S, Se) QDs is less sensitive to
      their passivation compared with nonstoichiometric Xn?mYm QDs. In the latter,
      surface-driven optically inactive midgap states can be eliminated by anionic
      ligands, explaining the better emission of metal-enriched QDs compared with
      nonmetal-enriched QDs. Ideal passivation of magic-sized QDs by amines and
      phosphine oxides leaves lower-energy transitions intact, while thiol derivatives
      add ligand-localized trap states to the band gap. Depending on its position, any
      loss of ligand from the QD's surface also introduces electron or hole traps,
      decreasing the QD's luminescence. TDDFT investigations of QD-ligand and QD-QD
      interactions provide an explanation of experimentally detected enhancement of
      blinking on-times in closely packed Si QDs and establish favorable conditions for
      hole transfer from the photoexcited CdSe QD to metal-organic dyes. While TDDFT
      well describes qualitative trends in optical response to stoichiometry and ligand
      modifications of QDs, it is unable to calculate highly correlated electronic
      states like biexcitons and magnetic-dopant-derived states. In these cases,
      multiconfiguration methods are applied to small nanoclusters and the results are
      extrapolated to larger-sized QDs, providing reasonable explanations of
      experimental observables. For light-driven dynamics, the electron-phonon
      couplings are important, and nonadiabatic dynamics (NAD) is applied. NAD based on
      first-principles calculations is a current grand challenge for the theory.
      However, it can be accomplished through sets of semiclassical approximations such
      as surface hopping (SH). We discuss validations of approximations used in
      photodynamics of ligated and doped QDs. Time-domain DFT-based SH-NAD reveals the
      ligand's role in ultrafast energy relaxation and the connection between the
      phonon bottleneck and the Zeno effect in CdSe QDs. The calculated results are
      helpful in controlling both dissipation and radiative processes in QDs via
      surface engineering and in explanations of experimental data.

PMID- 27669358
TI  - Allosteric Regulation of the Rotational Speed in a Light-Driven Molecular Motor.
AB  - The rotational speed of an overcrowded alkene-based molecular rotary motor,
      having an integrated 4,5-diazafluorenyl coordination motif, can be regulated
      allosterically via the binding of metal ions. DFT calculations have been used to
      predict the relative speed of rotation of three different (i.e., zinc, palladium,
      and platinum) metal dichloride complexes. The photochemical and thermal
      isomerization behavior of these complexes has been studied in detail using UV-vis
      and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Our results confirm that metal coordination induces a
      contraction of the diazafluorenyl lower half, resulting in a reduction of the
      steric hindrance in the "fjord" region of the molecule, which causes an increase
      of the rotational speed. Importantly, metal complexation can be accomplished in
      situ and is found to be reversible upon the addition of a competing ligand.
      Consequently, the rotational behavior of these molecular motors can be
      dynamically controlled with chemical additives.

PMID- 27669359
TI  - Controlled Interfacial Permeation, Nanostructure Formation, Catalytic Efficiency,
      Signal Enhancement Capability, and Cell Spreading by Adjusting Photochemical
      Cross-Linking Degrees of Layer-by-Layer Films.
AB  - Interfacial properties including permeation, catalytic efficiency, Raman signal
      enhancement capabilities, and cell spreading efficiencies are important features
      that determine material functionality and applications. Here, we propose a facile
      method to adjust the above-mentioned properties by controlling the cross-linking
      degrees of multilayer using a photoactive molecule. After treating the cross
      linked films in basic solutions, films with different cross-linking degrees
      presented varying residue thicknesses and film morphologies. As a result, these
      different films possessed distinct molecular loading and release characteristics.
      In addition, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) of different morphological traits were
      generated by redox reactions coupled with diffusion within these films. The AuNP
      polyelectrolyte obtained from the polyelectrolyte films of the medium cross
      linking degrees displayed the highest catalytic efficiency and signal enhancement
      capabilities. Furthermore, cells responded to the variation of film cross-linking
      degrees, and on the films with the highest cross-linking degree, cells adhered
      with the highest speed. We expect this report to provide a general interfacial
      material engineering strategy for material designs.

PMID- 27669360
TI  - Host-Sensitized and Tunable Luminescence of GdNbO4:Ln3+ (Ln3+ = Eu3+/Tb3+/Tm3+)
      Nanocrystalline Phosphors with Abundant Color.
AB  - Up to now, GdNbO4 has always been regarded as an essentially inert material in
      the visible region with excitation of UV light and electron beams. Nevertheless,
      here we demonstrate a new recreating blue emission of GdNbO4 nanocrystalline
      phosphors with a quantum efficiency of 41.6% and host sensitized luminescence in
      GdNbO4:Ln3+ (Ln3+ = Eu3+/Tb3+/Tm3+) nanocrystalline phosphors with abundant color
      in response to UV light and electron beams. The GdNbO4 and GdNbO4:Ln3+ (Ln3+ =
      Eu3+/Tb3+/Tm3+) nanocrystalline phosphors were synthesized by a Pechini-type sol
      gel process. With excitation of UV light and low-voltage electron beams, the
      obtained GdNbO4 nanocrystalline phosphor presents a strong blue luminescence from
      280 to 650 nm centered around 440 nm, and the GdNbO4:Ln3+ nanocrystalline
      phosphors show both host emission and respective emission lines derived from the
      characterize f-f transitions of the doping Eu3+, Tb3+, and Tm3+ ions. The
      luminescence color of GdNbO4:Ln3+ nanocrystalline phosphors can be tuned from
      blue to green, red, blue-green, orange, pinkish, white, etc. by varying the
      doping species, concentration, and relative ratio of the codoping rare earth ions
      in GdNbO4 host lattice. A single-phase white-light-emission has been realized in
      Eu3+/Tb3+/Tm3+ triply doped GdNbO4 nanocrystalline phosphors. The luminescence
      properties and mechanisms of GdNbO4 and GdNbO4:Ln3+ (Ln3+ = Eu3+/Tb3+/Tm3+) are
      updated.

PMID- 27669361
TI  - Examination of MMPI-2-RF Substantive Scales as Indicators of Acute Suicidal
      Affective Disturbance Components.
AB  - A new suicide-specific diagnostic entity, acute suicidal affective disturbance
      (ASAD), was recently proposed to fill a void in the nomenclature. Although
      several studies have examined the reliability, validity, and potential clinical
      utility of ASAD, no studies have examined personality indicators of ASAD. This
      study sought to examine the association between personality and psychopathology
      factors, as assessed by the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Revised
      Form (MMPI-2-RF), and constructs that comprise ASAD in a sample of 554
      psychiatric outpatients who completed all measures prior to their intake
      appointments. A smaller subset of patients (N = 58) also completed a measure
      designed to assess lifetime ASAD symptoms. Results indicated that ASAD symptoms
      were associated with traits characterized by emotional turmoil and atypical
      cognitive processes. Further, suicide-related criteria that comprise ASAD were
      related to low positive emotionality and hopelessness, whereas the overarousal
      criteria were associated with somatic symptoms and an inability to tolerate
      frustration and stress. These findings expand on previous research that examines
      the convergent and discriminant validity of ASAD and could inform clinical
      treatment by providing insight into personality traits that might be associated
      with acute suicide risk.

PMID- 27669364
TI  - Methods for efficacy evaluations of antibacterial treatments in multiple body
      site infection trials.
AB  - Unmet medical need exists for serious bacterial diseases caused by multidrug
      resistant infections, necessitating an urgent need for newer therapies with
      greater treatment benefits to patients. For meeting this need, the usual approach
      has been to conduct separate clinical trials, each trial targeting infection at a
      single body-site, e.g., for respiratory tract, intra-abdominal site, urinary
      tract, or blood. However, for the unmet medical need situations, this approach
      seems inefficient for developing antibacterial drugs with activity against single
      species or against multiple species of bacteria for a broader indication.
      Instead, a streamlined clinical development program for such situations can
      benefit by considering multiple body-site infection trials. Such trials would
      enroll patients with infections at different body-sites, but with similar
      severity and comorbidity for avoiding potential treatment effect heterogeneity.
      Such trials, when properly designed and conducted, can be informative and can
      save time and resources in drug development. Goals for such trials would be to
      first demonstrate that there is evidence of an overall treatment effect, and then
      to show that the treatment effects at individual body-sites reveal consistency in
      contributing to the overall treatment effect, or to identify a subset of body
      sites for which greater treatment effect can be supported by a specified
      statistical decision criterion. For this, we propose here an information-based
      procedure for the demonstration of treatment effect overall across all body
      sites, or for a subset of body-sites, on considering two types of error rates of
      falsely concluding treatment effect.

PMID- 27669363
TI  - The Association of Health Literacy with Health Behavior, Socioeconomic
      Indicators, and Self-Assessed Health From a National Adult Survey in Israel.
AB  - There is a growing need to understand how health literacy influences health
      outcomes in diverse populations. The aim of this study was to examine the
      relationship between health literacy, health behavior, sociodemographic
      indicators, and self-assessed health in the adult population in Israel while
      identifying populations at risk for low health literacy. A cross-sectional
      national survey was conducted among 600 adults randomly selected from a national
      database. The Health Literacy Survey-Europe-Q16 (HLS-EU-Q16) research instrument,
      adapted for use in Israel, was the basis for home interviews in Hebrew, Russian,
      and Arabic. Three levels of health literacy were distinguished: More than 31% of
      the sample had inadequate or problematic health literacy, and 69% showed likely
      sufficient health literacy. Logistic regression analyses showed that after we
      controlled for other determinants, years of education (beta = 1.8) and income
      (beta = 2.2) were significantly associated with health literacy. Multinomial
      logistic regression analysis showed that health literacy, along with age, was the
      strongest independent variable associated with self-assessed health. Thus, health
      literacy, strongly influenced by income and years of education, may play a key
      role in determining self-assessed health, a proxy health outcome, beyond
      sociodemographic variables. The study results contribute to understanding the
      role of health literacy in health disparities and identifying action areas for
      health promotion.

PMID- 27669362
TI  - Human Herpesvirus 6 replication predicts Cytomegalovirus reactivation after
      allogeneic stem cell transplantation from haploidentical donor.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Since HHV-6 reactivation after transplant has been
      reported to increase the risk of CMV infection, we tested this hypothesis in the
      HLA-haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation setting. STUDY DESIGN:
      From February 2011 to October 2015, 75 patients received hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation using a T-cell replete graft from a HLA-haploidentical donor at
      our Institution. RESULTS: Interestingly, 87% of HHV-6 reactivations were followed
      by a CMV reactivation, at a median of 15days between the two viruses. Incidence
      of CMV reactivation was 14.5-fold higher in those patients with prior HHV-6
      reactivation vs. those without it (p-value<0.001). CONCLUSION: The present
      results suggest that HHV-6 can be considered as a predicting indicator of
      cellular immunosuppression preceding the onset of CMV infection.

PMID- 27669366
TI  - Prenatal diagnosis and early postnatal management of pyriform sinus cyst:
      experience at a single medical center in mainland China.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether prenatal diagnosis of
      pyriform sinus cyst can improve the prognosis of this disorder. METHODS: A
      retrospective review was performed in 15 neonates with a pyriform sinus cyst seen
      at a single center between 2010 and 2014. Among the 15 cases, the diagnosis was
      made prenatally in eight cases (PreD), while the diagnosis was made postnatally
      in seven cases (PostD). Neonatal outcome was compared in the two subgroups.
      RESULTS: The mean gestational age at diagnosis of PreD was 27 +/- 6.8 weeks,
      while the mean age at admission of PostD was 10.1 +/- 8.8 days. Cervical mass,
      fever, respiratory distress, and hoarseness were common symptoms. The mean
      duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation was 11.5 +/- 13.9 and 100.71 +/-
      80.0 h, respectively, in PreD and PostD (p < 0.01). The average postoperative
      length of stay and the length of hospital stay were 11.3 +/- 3.34 and 19.6 +/-
      4.41 days in PreD, and 15.14 +/- 8.28 and 24.14 +/- 8.51 days in PostD,
      respectively. CONCLUSION: Prenatal diagnosis and timely postnatal sequential
      intervention were associated with less complications and shortened duration of
      postoperative mechanical ventilation. (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27669365
TI  - Environmental nanoparticles are significantly over-expressed in acute myeloid
      leukemia.
AB  - The increase in the incidence of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) may suggest a
      possible environmental etiology. PM2.5 was declared by IARC a Class I carcinogen.
      No report has focused on particulate environmental pollution together with AML.
      The study investigated the presence and composition of particulate matter in
      blood with a Scanning Electron Microscope coupled with an Energy Dispersive
      Spectroscope, a sensor capable of identifying the composition of foreign bodies.
      38 peripheral blood samples, 19 AML cases and 19 healthy controls, were analyzed.
      A significant overload of particulate matter-derived nanoparticles linked or
      aggregated to blood components was found in AML patients, while almost absent in
      matched healthy controls. Two-tailed Student's t-test, MANOVA and Principal
      Component Analysis indicated that the total numbers of aggregates and particles
      were statistically different between cases and controls (MANOVA, P<0.001 and
      P=0.009 respectively). The particles detected showed to contain highly-reactive,
      non-biocompatible and non-biodegradable metals; in particular, micro- and nano
      sized particles grouped in organic/inorganic clusters, with statistically higher
      frequency of a subgroup of elements in AML samples. The demonstration, for the
      first time, of an overload of nanoparticles linked to blood components in AML
      patients could be the basis for a possible, novel pathogenetic mechanism for AML
      development.

PMID- 27669367
TI  - Exome sequencing reveals novel homozygous FOXE3 mutation in microphthalmos with
      staphylomatous malformation.

PMID- 27669368
TI  - Retrospective evaluation of the effect of red blood cell product age on
      occurrence of acute transfusion-related complications in dogs: 210 cases (2010
      2012).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether red blood cell (RBC) product age influences the
      occurrence of acute transfusion-related complications and mortality in dogs. The
      hypothesis was that acute transfusion-related complications and mortality would
      increase with age of product. DESIGN: Retrospective study (2010-2012). SETTING:
      University teaching hospital. ANIMALS: Two hundred and ten clinical canine
      patients. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Medical records
      were reviewed for dogs receiving RBC-containing products. Patient signalment;
      reason for transfusion; product type, dose, age, and source; pretransfusion
      compatibility; rate, route, and method of administration; administration of
      multiple transfusions; underlying disease; occurrence of transfusion-related
      complications (eg, fever, hemolysis, gastrointestinal distress, cardiovascular,
      neurologic, and respiratory complications); various hematologic parameters; and
      survival were recorded. Data were analyzed for association between potential risk
      factors and occurrence of transfusion-related complications as well as between
      transfusion-related complications and survival. Of 333 transfusion events in 210
      patients, 84 transfusion-related complications occurred. Fever was most common
      (41/333), followed by hemolysis (21/333). For every additional day of product
      age, the odds of hemolysis increased significantly (odds ratio, 1.11; 95%
      confidence interval, 1.06-1.16; P < 0.0001). Transfusion-related complications
      when considered as a whole were associated with higher dose of product, longer
      duration of administration per transfusion event, and immune-mediated disease,
      but not with source of product or general category of anemia. Administration rate
      was significantly slower in patients with febrile transfusion-related
      complications (P < 0.0001). Product age was not associated with increased
      mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Age of stored RBC products is associated with increased
      risk of transfusion-related hemolysis, but not with fever. Prospective clinical
      studies evaluating the influence of storage duration on development of in vitro
      versus in vivo hemolysis are warranted.

PMID- 27669369
TI  - Evaluation of insulin sensitivity and secretion in primary aldosteronism.
AB  - In primary aldosteronism (PA), insulin response to glucose is not fully
      understood. Insulin action was elucidated using indices in 32 PA and 21 essential
      hypertension (EH) patients. These patients were evaluated using homeostasis model
      assessment (HOMA) indices, quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI),
      and insulinogenic index (IGI), which were expressed for insulin
      sensitivity/secretion and the early phase of insulin secretion. Insulin
      sensitivity and early phase of insulin secretion were decreased in PA, and there
      was a negative correlation between serum potassium concentration and insulin
      sensitivity indices. These findings suggest that glucose intolerance in PA may be
      caused by hypokalemia-induced insulin resistance and hypokalemia-independent
      impairment of early-phase insulin secretion.

PMID- 27669370
TI  - What a Shame: Increased Rates of OMS Resident Burnout May Be Related to the
      Frequency of Shamed Events During Training.
AB  - PURPOSE: Shame is an ineffective tool in residency education that often results
      in depression, isolation, and worse patient care. This study aimed to assess
      burnout, depersonalization, and personal achievement levels in current oral and
      maxillofacial surgery (OMS) residents, to assess the prevalence of the use of
      shame in OMS residency training, and to determine whether there is a relation
      between shame exposure and resident burnout, depersonalization, and personal
      achievement levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An anonymous 20-question cross
      sectional survey was developed incorporating the Maslach Burnout Index and a
      previously validated shame questionnaire and sent to all OMS program directors
      affiliated with the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons for
      distribution among their respective residents in 2016. Univariate analyses were
      used to determine the distribution of the predictor (shame) and outcome (burnout)
      by gender and by frequency of shaming events. Multivariable logistic regression
      analysis was used to assess the relation of shame to burnout. A 2-sided P value
      less than .05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Two hundred
      seventeen responses were received; 82% of respondents were men (n = 178), 95%
      were 25 to 34 years old (n = 206), and 58% (n = 126) were enrolled in a 4-year
      program. Frequently shamed residents were more likely to have depression (58 vs
      22%; P < .0001), isolation (55 vs 22%; P < .0001), and poor job performance (50
      vs 30%; P < .0001). Residents who were frequently shamed were more likely to
      experience moderate to severe burnout (odds ratio = 4.6; 95% confidence interval,
      2.1-10.0; P < .001) and severe depersonalization (odds ratio = 5.1; 95%
      confidence interval, 2.1-12.0; P < .0001) than residents who had never or
      infrequently been shamed. CONCLUSION: There is a clear relation between the
      number of shame events and burnout and depersonalization levels. It is important
      to understand the negative impact that the experience of shame has on residents,
      including its unintended consequences.

PMID- 27669371
TI  - Intuitive Facial Imaging Method for Evaluation of Postoperative Swelling: A
      Combination of 3-Dimensional Computed Tomography and Laser Surface Scanning in
      Orthognathic Surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE: Postoperative facial swelling after orthognathic surgery may be
      prolonged and of concern in some patients. In recent years, there have been
      several reports of analysis of postoperative facial swelling by volume data;
      however, such evaluations cannot exclude the possibility of error in the measured
      point because there are no clear anatomic landmarks on the cheek. Three
      dimensional laser scanning is a noninvasive tool that can be used to measure
      surface changes in soft tissue over time. The aim of this study was to quantify
      postoperative swelling in orthognathic surgery by fusing surface scanned images
      with skin images reconstructed from 3-dimensional computed tomography data and
      identifying a set of reference points on the bone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The
      study comprised 30 patients undergoing bilateral sagittal split osteotomy. Facial
      scans were obtained with the Artec Eva Scan imaging system (Data Design, Aichi,
      Japan) at 9 time points from before surgery to 6 months postoperatively.
      Postoperative scan images were compared with the baseline facial scan obtained 6
      months postoperatively. RESULTS: On average, 66% of the initial postoperative
      edema subsided in 1 month. After 3 months, only 5% of the swelling remained.
      There were statistically significant correlations between subcutaneous tissue
      thickness and swelling (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: We were able to monitor facial
      swelling after orthognathic surgery with very high precision using the described
      method. Subcutaneous tissue thickness is an important determinant of facial
      swelling.

PMID- 27669372
TI  - Tooth-Borne Anterior Maxillary Distraction for Cleft Maxillary Hypoplasia: Our
      Experience With 147 Patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of anterior maxillary distraction for its
      efficacy and long-term stability in the management of cleft maxillary hypoplasia
      in a large series of patients with a long-term follow-up extending to 4 years.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred sixty-four patients at least 10 years old with
      cleft maxillary hypoplasia who presented to the authors' unit from January 2009
      through October 2014 were evaluated retrospectively, irrespective of gender, type
      of cleft lip and palate, and amount of advancement needed. Anterior maxillary
      distraction using a tooth-borne distractor appliance was carried out in all
      patients and all patients were followed up to 4 years (range, 1 to 4 yr) to
      evaluate the stability of the procedure and to document any relapse using
      digitalized lateral cephalograms taken before distraction, immediately after
      distraction (T2), and at the last follow-up visit (T3; range, 1 to 4 yr).
      Seventeen patients were subsequently lost to follow-up; therefore, a complete set
      of records was available for 147 patients. In a subset of 50 patients, perceptual
      speech assessment was carried out preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively by
      2 speech pathologists using the Perkins scoring system that allowed the
      evaluation of 5 parameters (velopharyngeal insufficiency, resonance, nasal air
      emission, articulation, and intelligibility). None of these patients underwent
      speech therapy during the course of evaluation. The development of complications
      intra- or postoperatively was noted. The data were tabulated and analyzed.
      RESULTS: An advancement ranging from 4.0 to 13.1 mm (mean, 9.42 mm) was achieved
      in all patients. One hundred forty patients (95.23%) showed stable results on
      lateral cephalograms and when T2 values were compared with T3 values. Seven
      patients (4.76%) exhibited skeletal relapse in various linear and angular
      measurements assessed on lateral cephalograms. At 6-month follow-up, improvements
      of 62% (n = 31), 64% (n = 32), 50% (n = 25), 68% (n = 34), and 70% (n = 35) in
      velopharyngeal insufficiency, resonance, nasal air emission, articulation, and
      intelligibility, respectively, were observed, with worsening of all parameters in
      1 patient (2%). An overall complication rate of 25.17% (n = 37) was noted, with
      bleeding being the most common intra- and postoperative complication noted in 15
      patients (10.2%). No serious consequences related to any complication were noted.
      CONCLUSION: Anterior maxillary distraction can be considered a suitable treatment
      option for the management of mild to moderate cleft maxillary hypoplasia because
      the anteroposterior deficiency can be addressed at a young age, immediately after
      the eruption of the maxillary second premolars. Stable long-term results with
      negligible skeletal relapse are possible with this technique, with an added
      advantage of unhampered or even improved velopharyngeal function.

PMID- 27669373
TI  - Prevention of Oral Candidiasis After Free Flap Surgery: Role of 3% Sodium
      Bicarbonate Saline in Oral Care.
AB  - PURPOSE: Relevant reports about oral candidiasis status and prevention measures
      after free flap surgery for the oral and maxillofacial region are limited. The
      present study explored oral candidiasis status after free flap surgery and its
      prevention through a prospective comparative study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One
      hundred four patients were randomized to a control group (n = 54) and an
      experimental group (n = 50). Compared with the control group, the experimental
      group was provided an additional 3% sodium bicarbonate saline solution for oral
      care after free flap surgery. The incidence of oral candidiasis was evaluated by
      objective examination (saliva culture and salivary pH measurement) and subjective
      evaluation (clinical signs of oral candidiasis) at admission and from
      postoperative days 1 to 14. RESULTS: The salivary pH values of the 2 groups were
      lower than the normal salivary pH, and postoperative salivary pH values were
      always lower than the active range of oral lysozymes in the control group. The
      salivary pH values of the experimental group were higher than those of the
      control group from postoperative days 6 to 14 (P < .05). The incidence of oral
      candidiasis was 13.0% in the control group, which was higher than that in the
      experimental group (2.0%; P < .05). In addition, advanced age, use of a free flap
      for the simultaneous repair of intraoral and paraoral defects, and a combination
      of 2 antibiotic types were risk factors for oral candidiasis. CONCLUSION: Oral
      candidiasis was common in patients after free flap reconstruction surgery, and
      the use of 3% sodium bicarbonate saline solution for oral care effectively
      prevented it.

PMID- 27669374
TI  - Correlations between macrophage polarizing cytokines, inflammatory mediators,
      osteoclast activity, and toll-like receptors in tissues around aseptically
      loosened hip implants.
AB  - Aseptic loosening and osteolysis of joint replacements are driven by macrophage
      mediated inflammatory reactions to implant-derived wear debris, but many aspects
      of these events remain poorly characterized. To better understand the
      relationships among inflammatory and chemotactic mediators, macrophage phenotype
      and polarizing cytokines, osteoclast activity, and Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in
      the pathogenesis of aseptic loosening, we determined how the relative expressions
      of these factors in the peri-implant tissues correlate to each other and to the
      life span of the implants using Pearson correlation. The expression of pro
      inflammatory mediators and chemokines showed positive correlations among
      themselves, and with TLR4. Furthermore, M1-polarizing IFN-gamma showed positive
      correlations with a number of pro-inflammatory and chemotactic mediators, whereas
      M2-polarizing IL-4 showed no such association. IL-8 expression significantly
      correlated with early time to revision. Similar trends were observed for TNF
      alpha, IFN-gamma, and CCL3, while the opposite was detected for IL-4. However,
      none of the inflammatory mediators correlated with the markers of osteoclast
      activity or the RANKL/OPG ratio. The results highlight the importance of the
      inflammatory mediators, IFN-gamma and TLR4, in the pathogenesis of aseptic
      loosening; increased pro-inflammatory status was associated with early time to
      revision, whereas IL-4 correlated with longer implant survival. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 454-463, 2017.

PMID- 27669375
TI  - Designing a Clean Label Sponge Cake with Reduced Fat Content.
AB  - The fat in a sponge cake formulation was partially replaced (0%, 30%, 50%, and
      70%) with OptiSolTM5300.This natural functional ingredient derived from flax
      seeds, rich in fiber and alpha-linoleic acid, provides a natural substitute for
      guar and xanthan gums, avoiding E-numbers on labels. The structure and some
      physicochemical properties of the formulations were examined, sensory analysis
      was conducted and changes in starch digestibility due to adding this ingredient
      were determined. Increasing quantities of OptiSolTM5300 gave harder cakes, with
      less weight loss during baking, without affecting the final cake height. There
      were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in texture, flavor and overall
      acceptance between the control and the 30% substitution cake, nor in the rapidly
      digestible starch values. Consequently, replacing up to 30% of the fat with
      OptiSolTM5300 gives a new product with health benefits and a clean label that
      resembles the full-fat sponge cake.

PMID- 27669376
TI  - Impact of glycerin and lignosulfonate on biodegradation of high explosives in
      soil.
AB  - Soil microcosms were constructed and monitored to evaluate the impact of
      substrate addition and transient aerobic and anaerobic conditions on TNT, RDX and
      HMX biodegradation in grenade range soils. While TNT was rapidly biodegraded
      under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions with and without organic substrate,
      substantial biodegradation of RDX, HMX, and RDX daughter products was not
      observed under aerobic conditions. However, RDX and HMX were significantly
      biodegraded under anaerobic conditions, without accumulation of TNT or RDX
      daughter products (2-ADNT, 4-ADNT, MNX, DNX, and TNX). In separate microcosms
      containing grenade range soil, glycerin and lignosulfonate addition enhanced
      oxygen consumption, increasing the consumption rate >200% compared to untreated
      soils. Mathematical model simulations indicate that oxygen consumption rates of 5
      to 20g/m3/d can be achieved with reasonable amendment loading rates. These
      results indicate that glycerin and lignosulfonate can be potentially used to
      stimulate RDX and HMX biodegradation by increasing oxygen consumption rates in
      soil.

PMID- 27669377
TI  - Effect of compositional heterogeneity on dissolution of non-ideal LNAPL mixtures.
AB  - The extent of dissolution of petroleum hydrocarbon fuels into groundwater depends
      greatly on fuel composition. Petroleum fuels can consist of thousands of
      compounds creating different interactions within the non-aqueous phase liquid
      (NAPL), thereby affecting the relative dissolution of the components and hence a
      groundwater plume's composition over long periods. Laboratory experiments were
      conducted to study the variability in the effective solubilities and activity
      coefficients for common constituents of gasoline fuels (benzene, toluene, p
      xylene and 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene) (BTX) in matrices with an extreme range of
      molar volumes and chemical affinities. Four synthetic mixtures were investigated
      comprising BTX with the bulk of the NAPL mixtures made up of either, ethylbenzene
      (an aromatic like BTX with similar molar volume); 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene (an
      aromatic with a greater molar volume); n-hexane (an aliphatic with a low molar
      volume); and n-decane (an aliphatic with a high molar volume). Equilibrium
      solubility values for the constituents were under-predicted by Raoult's law by up
      to 30% (higher experimental concentrations) for the mixture with n-hexane as a
      filler and over-predicted by up to 12% (lower experimental concentrations) for
      the aromatic mixtures with ethylbenzene and 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene as fillers.
      Application of PP-LFER (poly-parameter linear free energy relationship) model for
      non-ideal mixtures also resulted in poor correlation between experimentally
      measured and predicted concentrations, indicating that differences in chemical
      affinities can be the major cause of deviation from ideal behavior. Synthetic
      mixtures were compared with the dissolution behavior of fresh and naturally
      weathered unleaded gasoline. The presence of lighter aliphatic components in the
      gasoline had a profound effect on estimating effective solubility due to chemical
      affinity differences (estimated at 0.0055 per percentage increase in the molar
      proportion of aliphatic) as well as reduced molar volumes (estimated at -0.0091
      in the activity coefficient per unit increase in molar volume, mL/mol).
      Previously measured changes in activity coefficients due to natural weathering of
      0.25 compares well to 0.27 calculated here based on changes in the chemical
      affinity and molar volumes. The study suggests that the initial estimation of the
      composition of a fuel is crucial in evaluating dissolution processes due to ideal
      and non-ideal dissolution, and in predicting long term dissolution trends and the
      longevity of NAPL petroleum plume risks.

PMID- 27669378
TI  - Mathematical modeling of simultaneous carbon-nitrogen-sulfur removal from
      industrial wastewater.
AB  - A mathematical model of carbon, nitrogen and sulfur removal (C-N-S) from
      industrial wastewater was constructed considering the interactions of sulfate
      reducing bacteria (SRB), sulfide-oxidizing bacteria (SOB), nitrate-reducing
      bacteria (NRB), facultative bacteria (FB), and methane producing archaea (MPA).
      For the kinetic network, the bioconversion of C-N by heterotrophic denitrifiers
      (NO3-->NO2-->N2), and that of C-S by SRB (SO42-->S2-) and SOB (S2-->S0) was
      proposed and calibrated based on batch experimental data. The model closely
      predicted the profiles of nitrate, nitrite, sulfate, sulfide, lactate, acetate,
      methane and oxygen under both anaerobic and micro-aerobic conditions. The best
      fit kinetic parameters had small 95% confidence regions with mean values
      approximately at the center. The model was further validated using independent
      data sets generated under different operating conditions. This work was the first
      successful mathematical modeling of simultaneous C-N-S removal from industrial
      wastewater and more importantly, the proposed model was proven feasible to
      simulate other relevant processes, such as sulfate-reducing, sulfide-oxidizing
      process (SR-SO) and denitrifying sulfide removal (DSR) process. The model
      developed is expected to enhance our ability to predict the treatment of carbon
      nitrogen-sulfur contaminated industrial wastewater.

PMID- 27669379
TI  - Effect of dissimilatory iron and sulfate reduction on arsenic dynamics in the
      wetland rhizosphere and its bioaccumulation in wetland plants (Scirpus actus).
AB  - Microbial redox transformations of arsenic (As) are coupled to dissimilatory iron
      and sulfate reduction in the wetlands, however, the processes involved are
      complex and poorly defined. In this study, we investigated the effect of
      dissimilatory iron and sulfate reduction on As dynamics in the wetland
      rhizosphere and its bioaccumulation in plants using greenhouse mesocosms. Results
      show that high Fe (50MUM ferrihydrite/g solid medium) and SO42- (5mM) treatments
      are most favorable for As sequestration in the presence of wetland plants
      (Scirpus actus), probably because root exudates facilitate the microbial
      reduction of Fe(III), SO42-, and As(V) to sequester As(III) by incorporation into
      iron sulfides and/or plant uptake. As retention in the solid medium and
      accumulation in plants were mainly controlled by SO42- rather than Fe levels.
      Compared to the low SO42- (0.1mM) treatment, high SO42- resulted in 2 times more
      As sequestered in the solid medium, 30 times more As in roots, and 49% less As in
      leaves. An As speciation analysis in pore water indicated that 19% more dissolved
      As was reduced under high SO42- than low SO42- levels, which is consistent with
      the fact that more dissimilatory arsenate-respiring bacteria were found under
      high SO42- levels.

PMID- 27669381
TI  - Efficient degradation of phenol using iron-montmorillonite as a Fenton catalyst:
      Importance of visible light irradiation and intermediates.
AB  - Iron-montmorillonite (Fe-Mt) with delaminated structures was synthesized via the
      introduction of iron oxides into Na-montmorillonite. Fe-Mt showed significant
      increases in the available iron content, surface area and pore volume, along with
      a slight increase in the basal spacing from d001=1.26 (Na-Mt) to 1.53nm (Fe-Mt).
      The Fenton process was efficient for phenol removal using Fe-Mt as a catalyst
      under visible light irradiation, and the process had two-stage pseudo-first order
      kinetics. The overall reaction had a higher degradation rate even when it was
      only irradiated with visible light for the first 40min period. Further
      investigation confirmed that the irradiation increased the presence of certain
      intermediates. Among them, 1,4-benzoquinone, hydroquinone, and catechol all
      enhanced the Fenton reaction rates. Either catechol or hydroquinone was added to
      the Fenton system with Fe-Mt/H2O2 with or without visible light irradiation, and
      they both accelerated phenol degradation because catechol and hydroquinone are
      capable of reductively and effectively transforming Fe(III) into Fe(II). The
      concentrations of dissolved total Fe increased with the increase in the oxalic
      acid concentration, which can strongly chelate Fe(III). Hence, iron was released
      from Fe-Mt, and reductive transformation played an important role in promoting
      the Fenton reaction process for phenol removal.

PMID- 27669380
TI  - The interactions between nanoscale zero-valent iron and microbes in the
      subsurface environment: A review.
AB  - Nanoscale zero-valent iron (NZVI) particles, applied for in-situ subsurface
      remediation, are inevitable to interact with various microbes in the remediation
      sites directly or indirectly. This review summarizes their interactions,
      including the effects of NZVI on microbial activity and growth, the synergistic
      effect of NZVI and microbes on the contaminant removal, and the effects of
      microbes on the aging of NZVI. NZVI could exert either inhibitive or stimulative
      effects on the growth of microbes. The mechanisms of NZVI cytotoxicity (i.e., the
      inhibitive effect) include physical damage and biochemical destruction. The
      stimulative effects of NZVI on certain bacteria are associated with the creation
      of appropriate living environment, either through providing electron donor (e.g.,
      H2) or carbon sources (e.g., the engineered organic surface modifiers), or
      through eliminating the noxious substances that can cause bactericidal
      consequence. As a result of the positive interaction, the combination of NZVI and
      some microbes shows synergistic effect on contaminant removal. Additionally, the
      aged NZVI can be utilized by some iron-reducing bacteria, resulting in the
      transformation of Fe(III) to Fe(II), which can further contribute to the
      contaminant reduction. However, the Fe(III)-reduction process can probably induce
      environmental risks, such as environmental methylation and remobilization of the
      previously entrapped heavy metals.

PMID- 27669382
TI  - Utilization of unmodified gold nanoparticles for label-free detection of mercury
      (II): Insight into rational design of mercury-specific oligonucleotides.
AB  - Colorimetric detection of mercury (II) with the use of DNA oligonucleotides and
      unmodified gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as indicators has been extensively studied.
      This study provides in-depth insights into the rational design of mercury
      specific oligonucleotides (MSO) in the biosensing system. The leftover bases of
      MSO, as a result of the formation of T-Hg2+-T base pairs, can adsorb on the AuNPs
      and hinder their aggregation at concentrations of salt. This phenomenon was
      directly verified by the changes in particle sizes characterized by dynamic light
      scattering for the first time. Based on these findings, we proposed a rational
      design for the MSO with approximately 20-fold improvement in detection
      sensitivity. The detection limit of the proposed assay decreased to 15nM with a
      linear working range from 50nM to 300nM for Hg2+. The cross-reactivity against
      eight other metal ions was negligible compared with the response to Hg2+.
      Considering the diverse applications of AuNPs with oligonucleotides, this study
      can serve as a good reference and provides important implications in sensing and
      DNA-directed nanoparticle assembly.

PMID- 27669383
TI  - The impact of alkali metal halide electron donor complexes in the photocatalytic
      degradation of pentachlorophenol.
AB  - The performance of photocatalytic oxidation of chemical pollutants is subjected
      to the presence of anion complexes in natural waters. This study investigated the
      influence of alkali metal (Na+ (sodium), K+ (potassium)) halides (Cl- (chloride),
      Br- (bromide), F- (fluoride)) as inorganic ion sources in the photocatalytic
      degradation of pentachlorophenol (PCP) in batch systems. It was found that the
      exclusive presence of halides in the absence of an electron acceptor adequately
      facilitated the photocatalyst process below critical levels of anion populations,
      where beyond the critical point the process was significantly hindered. Below the
      determined critical point, the performance in some cases near matches that of the
      facilitation of the photocatalytic process by exclusive oxygen, acting as an
      electron scavenger. The coupling of halide ions and oxygenation presented
      significantly improved photo-oxidation of PCP, this was confirmed by the
      inclusion of formic acid as a comparative electron donor. The Langmuir
      Hinshelwood kinetic expression was used to calculate the performance rate
      kinetics. The probable impact of the halide anions was discussed with regards to
      the process of electron hole pair recombination prevention.

PMID- 27669384
TI  - Associations between arsenic in drinking water and the progression of chronic
      kidney disease: A nationwide study in Taiwan.
AB  - To evaluate the associations between exposure to arsenic in drinking water and
      the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD), we conducted a study in Taiwan.
      We recruited 8854 participants from a nationwide health screening program from
      2000 to 2009 who were at least 20 years old and had two checkups in a 24-month
      period with at least 12 months apart. We defined CKD as having an estimated
      glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)<90ml/min/1.73m2 or renal dysfunction
      demonstrated by proteinuria and a rapid progression of CKD as a decline in
      eGFR>5ml/min/1.73m2/year. Arsenic levels were assessed on the basis of a
      governmental nationwide survey. Of the 8854 participants, 1341 exhibited rapid
      progression. Participants who lived in areas with arsenic levels>=50MUg/L had a
      higher risk of rapid progression, with an odds ratio of 1.22 (95% confidence
      interval: 1.05-1.42, p<0.01) after adjusting for hypertension, diabetes mellitus,
      proteinuria, and anemia. The results showed that a high arsenic level in drinking
      water was a risk factor for rapid progression of CKD, independent of most of the
      documented risk factors. Screening and intervention programs should be
      implemented in endemic areas of exposure to reduce the risk.

PMID- 27669385
TI  - Inert gas influence on the laminar burning velocity of methane-air mixtures.
AB  - Flame propagation was studied in methane-air-inert (He, Ar, N2 or CO2) mixtures
      with various initial pressures and compositions using pressure-time records
      obtained in a spherical vessel with central ignition. The laminar burning
      velocities of CH4-air and CH4-air-inert mixtures obtained from experimental p(t)
      records of the early stage of combustion were compared with literature data and
      with those obtained from numerical modeling of 1D flames. The overall reaction
      orders of methane oxidation were determined from the baric coefficients of the
      laminar burning velocities determined from power-law equations. For all mixtures,
      the adiabatic flames temperatures were computed, assuming that the chemical
      equilibrium is reached in the flame front. The overall activation energy for the
      propagation stage of the combustion process was determined from the temperature
      dependence of the laminar burning velocity.

PMID- 27669386
TI  - Detoxification and immobilization of chromite ore processing residue in spinel
      based glass-ceramic.
AB  - A promising strategy for the detoxification and immobilization of chromite ore
      processing residue (COPR) in a spinel-based glass-ceramic matrix is reported in
      this study. In the search for a more chemically durable matrix for COPR, the most
      critical crystalline phase for Cr immobilization was found to be a spinel solid
      solution with a chemical composition of MgCr1.32Fe0.19Al0.49O4. Using Rietveld
      quantitative X-ray diffraction analysis, we identified this final product is with
      the phases of spinel (3.5wt.%), diopside (5.2wt.%), and some amorphous contents
      (91.2wt.%). The partitioning ratio of Cr reveals that about 77% of the Cr was
      incorporated into the more chemically durable spinel phase. The results of Cr K
      edge X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy show that no Cr(VI) was observed
      after conversion of COPR into a glass-ceramic, which indicates successful
      detoxification of Cr(VI) into Cr(III) in the COPR-incorporated glass-ceramic. The
      leaching performances of Cr2O3 and COPR-incorporated glass-ceramic were compared
      with a prolonged acid-leaching test, and the results demonstrate the superiority
      of the COPR-incorporated glass-ceramic matrix in the immobilization of Cr. The
      overall results suggest that the use of affordable additives has potential in
      more reliably immobilizing COPR with a spinel-based glass-ceramic for safer
      disposal of this hazardous waste.

PMID- 27669387
TI  - Toxicity of 2,6-dichloro-1,4-benzoquinone and five regulated drinking water
      disinfection by-products for the Caenorhabditis elegans nematode.
AB  - Scarce toxicological data are available for 2,6-dichloro-1,4-benzoquinone (DCBQ),
      an emerging water disinfection by-product (DBP) that is of potential public
      health concern. This study investigated the effects of DCBQ on the lethality,
      respiration rate, and DNA damage in the Caenorhabditis elegans nematode.
      Meanwhile, the toxic effects of five regulated DBPs, dichloroacetic acid (DCA),
      trichloroacetic acid (TCA), monobromoacetic acid (MBA), dibromoacetic acid (DBA),
      and N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), have also been evaluated. The tested DBPs
      increased the lethality and inhibited the respiration of C. elegans with an
      identical order of toxicity as follows: DCBQ>MBA>DBA>DCA>TCA>NDMA. The EC50 value
      (median concentration causing 50% reduction in respiration compared with
      untreated C. elegans) is at least 30-fold lower than the corresponding LC50 value
      (median lethal concentration). Exposure to DCBQ and NDMA, but not to MBA, DBA,
      DCA, or TCA, resulted in DNA damage to C. elegans. The study suggested that DCBQ
      was more potent in inducing general toxicity than some regulated DBPs, and it
      revealed the in vivo genotoxic effect of DCBQ. Furthermore, the C. elegans-based
      bioassays may provide potentially useful tools for the toxicology assessment and
      ranking of DBPs.

PMID- 27669388
TI  - Rose-like I-doped Bi2O2CO3 microspheres with enhanced visible light response: DFT
      calculation, synthesis and photocatalytic performance.
AB  - Based on the crystal structure and the DFT calculation of Bi2O2CO3, I- can partly
      replace the CO32-in Bi2O2CO3 to narrow its bandgap and to enhance its visible
      light absorption. With this in mind, rose-like I-doped Bi2O2CO3 microspheres were
      prepared via a hydrothermal process. This method can also be extended to
      synthesize rose-like Cl- or Br-doped Bi2O2CO3 microspheres. Photoelectrochemical
      test supports the DFT calculation result that I- doping narrows the bandgap of
      Bi2O2CO3 by forming two intermediate levels in its forbidden band. Further study
      reveals that I-doped Bi2O2CO3 microspheres with optimized composition exhibit the
      best photocatalytic activity. Rhodamine B can be completely degraded within 6min
      and about 90% of Cr(VI) can be reduced after 25min under the irradiation of
      visible light (lambda>400nm).

PMID- 27669390
TI  - Ionic liquid technology to recover volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
AB  - Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) comprise a wide variety of carbon-based
      materials which are volatile at relatively low temperatures. Most of VOCs pose a
      hazard to both human health and the environment. For this reason, in the last
      years, big efforts have been made to develop efficient techniques for the
      recovery of VOCs produced from industry. The use of ionic liquids (ILs) is among
      the most promising separation technologies in this field. This article offers a
      critical overview on the use of ionic liquids for the separation of VOCs both in
      bulk and in immobilized form. It covers the most relevant works within this field
      and provides a global outlook on the limitations and future prospects of this
      technology. The extraction processes of VOCs by using different IL-based
      assemblies are described in detail and compared with conventional methods This
      review also underlines the advantages and limitations posed by ionic liquids
      according to the nature of the cation and the anions present in their structure
      and the stability of the membrane configurations in which ILs are used as liquid
      phase.

PMID- 27669389
TI  - Adsorption of Cu2+ and Zn2+ by extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in
      different sludges: Effect of EPS fractional polarity on binding mechanism.
AB  - Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in sludge samples played a major role in
      heavy metals removal during wastewater treatment. In this study, the binding
      quality, adsorption mechanism, as well as the chemical fractional contribution of
      the sludge EPS from activated sludge, anaerobic granular sludge and anaerobic
      flocculent sludge to the adsorption of Zn2+ and Cu2+ was investigated. For all
      three sludge samples, Cu2+ could be more easily adsorbed than Zn2+, and EPS
      extracted from the anaerobic granular sludge exhibited a relatively higher
      adsorption capacity than that of anaerobic flocculent sludge and activated
      sludge. Specifically, hydrophobic EPS of the activated sludge and anaerobic
      flocculent sludge was more efficient in adsorbing Cu2+ and Zn2+ than that of the
      hydrophilic EPS. However, hydrophilic EPS in anaerobic granular sludge played a
      greater role in heavy metals removal. The adsorption of those two heavy metals
      onto the unfractionated and hydrophobic EPS could be better described by the
      Langmuir isotherm, while Freundlich models fitted hydrophilic EPS. In addition,
      the effect of the heavy metals adsorption on the spectrum characteristics of the
      sludge EPS was also explored by analysis of FT-IR and fluorescent spectra.

PMID- 27669391
TI  - Simultaneous removal of multi-pollutants from flue gas by a vaporized composite
      absorbent.
AB  - An economical process that was used to remove SO2, NO and Hg0 simultaneously was
      developed, based on the pre-oxidations of Hg0 and NO by a vaporized Fenton-based
      complex oxidant (FO) consisted of Fenton and NaClO. The effects of concentrations
      of FeSO4 and NaClO in the oxidant, the molar ratio of vaporized oxidant to multi
      pollutant, the oxidant solution pH, the reaction temperature, the gas flow ratio
      of vaporized FO to multi-pollutants, the flue gas flow and the concentrations of
      coexistence gases in flue gas on the simultaneous removals were investigated
      experimentally. The results showed that the removals of NO and Hg0 were
      significantly depended on FeSO4 and NaClO concentrations, the molar ratio of
      vaporized oxidant to multi-pollutants, the FO solution pH, the reaction
      temperature, the gas flow ratio of vaporized FO to multi-pollutants and flue gas
      flow. And higher concentration of SO2 and an appropriate concentration of NO had
      the promotion for Hg0 removal. The average simultaneous removal efficiencies of
      100% for SO2, 81% for NO and 91% for Hg0 were obtained under the optimal reaction
      conditions. According to the characterization of the reaction removal products by
      SEM, EDS, XRD and AFS, the reaction mechanism was speculated.

PMID- 27669392
TI  - Understanding and exploring the potentials of household water treatment methods
      for volatile disinfection by-products control: Kinetics, mechanisms, and
      influencing factors.
AB  - This study systematically evaluates the capabilities of five types of household
      water treatment (HWT) methods (including boiler heating, microwave irradiation,
      pouring, stirring, and shaking) on the removals of four regulated trihalomethanes
      (THM4) and three iodinated halomethanes (IHMs) under a variety of conditions
      simulative of residential uses. Overall, the results clearly showed promising
      capabilities of all five HWT methods in controlling volatile disinfection by
      products (DBPs), and heating with a boiler was the most effective approach among
      all methods due to the synergistic effects of water turbulence and bubbling
      phenomena. A contemporary boiler equipped with an automatic switch-off function
      reduced on average 92% of seven halomethanes (HM7) at favourable conditions. The
      removal increased significantly with increasing initial concentrations and the
      rates correlated well with the logarithmic Henry's law constants and molecular
      weights of compounds, with triiodomethane being the most refractory species.
      Meanwhile, the importance of water handling habits was revealed, including power
      input, operation time, volume, heating/cooling speed, cooling method, and capping
      conditions. The findings hence explored the potentials of HWTs on DBP control and
      pointed out a potential limit to DBP epidemiology studies that do not consider
      water handling habits.

PMID- 27669393
TI  - Process evaluation of a preschool physical activity intervention using web-based
      delivery.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Preschool/childcare settings offer a practical target for
      physical activity interventions. Online learning programs have the potential for
      greater public health reach and impact. The SHAPES-Dissemination (SHAPES-D)
      project adapted the original SHAPES in-person intervention for online delivery to
      teachers. The purpose of this paper is to describe the implementation monitoring
      and process evaluation for the SHAPES-D project. METHODS: Nine preschools with 26
      classrooms participated. A total of 41 teachers were trained via online learning
      to implement the SHAPES-D program in their classrooms. The dose received,
      completeness, and fidelity of implementation were assessed through website
      metrics, teacher surveys and interviews, and classroom observations. RESULTS:
      Dose received was adequate (73%). Observed completeness and physical activity
      enjoyment fidelity were high (100%), although moderate-to-vigorous physical
      activity fidelity and social environment fidelity were low (25% each). Overall
      implementation was high (91%). DISCUSSION: Results indicate that the online
      method of delivery is viable for dissemination. The online delivery system
      provides an easy method of monitoring dose received. This may be the first
      structural intervention to monitor dose received through web metrics. CONCLUSION:
      The adaptation of an in-person intervention to an online delivery system
      increases the potential for dissemination of a successful program to increase
      physical activity in preschool settings.

PMID- 27669394
TI  - A participatory evaluation framework in the establishment and implementation of
      transdisciplinary collaborative centers for health disparities research.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We describe the formulation and implementation of a participatory
      evaluation plan for three Transdisciplinary Collaborative Centers for Health
      Disparities Research funded by the National Institute of Minority Health and
      Health Disparities. METHODS: Although different in scope of work, all three
      centers share a common goal of establishing sustainable centers in health
      disparities science in three priority areas - social determinants of health,
      men's health research, and health policy research. RESULTS: The logic model
      guides the process, impact, and outcome evaluation. Emphasis is placed on process
      evaluation in order to establish a "blue print" that can guide other efforts as
      well as assure that activities are being implemented as planned. CONCLUSION: We
      have learned three major lessons in this process: (1) Significant engagement,
      participation, and commitment of all involved is critical for the evaluation
      process; (2) Having a "roadmap" (logic model) and "directions" (evaluation
      worksheets) are instrumental in getting members from different backgrounds to
      follow the same path; and (3) Participation of the evaluator in the leadership
      and core meetings facilitates continuous feedback.

PMID- 27669395
TI  - A selective serotonin 5-HT1B receptor inhibition suppresses cells proliferation
      and induces apoptosis in human uterine leiomyoma cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Uterine leiomyomas (fibroids or myomas) are the most common pelvic
      tumor in women with about 70% lifetime incidence rate. Currently, the only
      definitive treatment is surgery, causing undesirable side effects and negative
      impact on women's quality of life, reproductive ability, and a substantial impact
      on healthcare costs. Therefore, curative medical treatments are needed to be
      developed. In this study, we investigated the impact of serotonin receptor 5-HT1B
      on cell proliferation and survival in human uterine leiomyoma cells (huLM). STUDY
      DESIGN: The impact of 5-HT1B receptor on cell proliferation, survival and
      apoptosis was investigated using a selective 5-HTR1B antagonist SB216641 in huLM
      cells, utilizing MTS, colony formation assay and Annexin V staining,
      respectively. Mechanisms of inhibition of cell proliferation, survival and
      induction of apoptosis were investigated by Western blot analysis after treatment
      with various doses of HT1B antagonist. RESULTS: 5-HT1B receptor inhibition leads
      to a significant decrease in proliferation and colony formation in huLM cells,
      reduction of cyclin D1 and alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) expressions and
      the activity of Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) ERK and Elongation Factor
      2 kinase (EF2K) pathways. 5-HT1B receptor blockage also induces apoptotic cell
      death by inducing cleavage of caspase-8, -9, and -3 and PARP. CONCLUSION: Our
      findings show for the first time that 5-HT1B receptor promotes uterine leiomyoma
      cell survival and proliferation and its inhibition may be a potential therapeutic
      approach for human uterine leiomyomas. Thus, 5-HT1B expression and antagonists
      should be further investigated in leiomyoma tumors.

PMID- 27669396
TI  - Drought increases cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp.) susceptibility to cowpea
      severe mosaic virus (CPSMV) at early stage of infection.
AB  - The physiological and biochemical responses of a drought tolerant, virus
      susceptible cowpea genotype exposed to drought stress (D), infected by Cowpea
      severe mosaic virus (CPSMV) (V), and to these two combined stresses (DV), at 2
      and 6 days post viral inoculation (DPI), were evaluated. Gas exchange parameters
      (net photosynthesis, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, and internal CO2
      partial pressure) were reduced in D and DV at 2 and 6 DPI compared to control
      plants (C). Photosynthesis was reduced by stomatal and biochemical limitations.
      Water use efficiency increased at 2 DPI in D, DV, and V, but at 6 DPI only in D
      and DV compared to C. Photochemical parameters (effective quantum efficiency of
      photosystem II and electron transport rate) decreased in D and DV compared to C,
      especially at 6 DPI. The potential quantum efficiency of photosystem II did not
      change, indicating reversible photoinhibition of photosystem II. In DV, catalase
      decreased at 2 and 6 DPI, ascorbate peroxidase increased at 2 DPI, but decreased
      at 6 DPI. Hydrogen peroxide increased at 2 and 6 DPI. Peroxidase increased at 6
      DPI and chitinase at 2 and 6 DPI. beta-1,3-glucanase decreased in DV at 6 DPI
      compared to V. Drought increased cowpea susceptibility to CPSMV at 2 DPI, as
      verified by RT-PCR. However, at 6 DPI, the cowpea plants overcome this effect.
      Likewise, CPSMV increased the negative effects of drought at 2 DPI, but not at 6
      DPI. It was concluded that the responses to combined stresses are not additive
      and cannot be extrapolated from the study of individual stresses.

PMID- 27669397
TI  - GhCaM7-like, a calcium sensor gene, influences cotton fiber elongation and
      biomass production.
AB  - Calcium signaling regulates many developmental processes in plants. Calmodulin
      (CaM) is one of the most conserved calcium sensors and has a flexible
      conformation in eukaryotes. The molecular functions of CaM are unknown in cotton,
      which is a major source of natural fiber. In this study, a Gossypium hirsutum
      L.CaM7-like gene was isolated from upland cotton. Bioinformatics analysis
      indicated that the GhCaM7-like gene was highly conserved as compared with
      Arabidopsis AtCaM7. The GhCaM7-like gene showed a high expression level in
      elongating fibers. Expression of beta-glucuronidase was observed in trichomes on
      the stem, leaf and root in transgenic Arabidopsis plants of a PROGhCaM7-like:GUS
      fusion. Silencing of the GhCaM7-like gene resulted in decreased fiber length, but
      also caused reduction in stem height, leaf dimensions, seed length and 100-seed
      weight, in comparison with those of the control. Reduced expression of the GhCaM7
      like gene caused decreased Ca2+ influx in cells of the leaf hypodermis and stem
      apex, and down-regulation of GhIQD1 (IQ67-domain containing protein), GhAnn2
      (Annexins) and GhEXP2 (Expansin). These results indicate that the GhCaM7-like
      gene plays a vital role in calcium signaling pathways, and may regulate cotton
      fiber elongation and biomass production by affecting Ca2+ signatures and
      downstream signaling pathways of CaM.

PMID- 27669399
TI  - The International Association of Student Surgical Societies: creation and
      dissemination.
AB  - SUMMARY: While initiatives exist to address the worldwide need for surgeons, none
      involve a student-driven solution from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
      In response to falling surgical residency enrolment in South Africa, the students
      at the University of Cape Town (UCT) founded the UCT Surgical Society and were
      subsequently instrumental in creating the International Association of Student
      Surgical Societies (IASSS). The IASSS currently includes 25 societies in 15
      countries. Its primary objectives are building sustainable networks for mutually
      beneficial exchanges, supporting student-driven projects, understanding issues
      impacting student interest in surgery, promoting global fellowship, creating an
      elective database and providing assistance to student surgical societies. The
      IASSS is a unique student-led initiative trying to improve surgical care in
      LMICs.

PMID- 27669398
TI  - Aggressive human neuroblastomas show a massive increase in the numbers of
      autophagic vacuoles and damaged mitochondria.
AB  - Autophagy is activated in cancer cells in response to multiple stresses and has
      been demonstrated to promote tumor cell survival and drug resistance in
      neuroblastoma (NB). This study was conducted to analyze the ultrastructural
      features of peripheral neuroblastic tumors (pNTs) and identify the relation of
      the types of NTs, the proliferation rate, and MYCN gene amplification with a
      number of autophagic vacuoles. Our results indicate that aggressive human NBs
      show a massive increase in the number of autophagic vacuoles associated with
      proliferation rate and that alteration of the mitochondria might be an important
      factor for the induction of autophagy in NTs. 

PMID- 27669400
TI  - Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis in the Maritimes: examining the waves of change
      over time.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Changing patterns of referral and management of pediatric surgical
      conditions, including hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS), have recently been
      described and often relate to comfort with early nonoperative management,
      anesthesia and corrective surgery. Travelling distance required for treatment at
      pediatric centres can also be burdensome for families. We assessed referral
      patterns for HPS in the maritime provinces of Canada over 10 years to quantify
      the burden on families travelling for surgical care. METHODS: We reviewed the
      charts of all patients with HPS in the Maritimes. Length of hospital stay (LOS)
      and complication rates were analyzed in regards to resuscitation and management
      at a pediatric centre and/or peripheral centres. We used postal codes for each
      patient to track distance travelled for management. RESULTS: We assessed 751
      cases of HPS. During the study period (Jan. 1, 2001-Dec. 31, 2010), referral to
      pediatric centres increased from 49% to 71%. Postoperative complications were 2.5
      fold higher in peripheral centres. Infants referred to pediatric centres were 78%
      less likely to have an LOS longer than 3 days. Laparoscopic pyloromyotomy, which
      was performed only in pediatric centres, was associated with a shorter
      postoperative LOS. CONCLUSION: Our study supports the current literature
      demonstrating improved outcomes, shorter overall LOS and decreased risk of
      complications when infants with HPS are treated in pediatric centres. This should
      be considered when planning access to pediatric surgical resources.

PMID- 27669401
TI  - Preoperative repeat endoscopy for colorectal cancer: What is its role and when is
      it necessary?
AB  - SUMMARY: Many surgeons consider repeat endoscopy to be the standard of care for
      colorectal cancer; however, its utility in the preoperative setting is not well
      understood, especially given the lack of standardized guidelines on appropriate
      tumour localization and colonoscopic reporting. This often results in patients
      undergoing an unnecessary medical procedure during their preoperative evaluation.
      We discuss some of the issues surrounding the practice of preoperative repeat
      endoscopy as well as patient perspectives on the procedure. Our observations
      suggest that repeat endoscopy in the setting of colorectal cancer surgery may
      play a role in enabling transition of patient care between the initial
      endoscopist and the treating surgeon and in improving the patient experience.
      Patients with operable colorectal cancer appear to understand and support the
      current use of repeat endoscopy. However, improving preoperative care will
      require further research and ultimately the development of evidence-based
      clinical guidelines.

PMID- 27669402
TI  - Sustainability of a proactive geriatric trauma consultation service.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Proactive geriatric trauma consultation service (GTCS) models have
      been associated with better delivery of geriatric care and functional outcomes.
      Whether such collaborative models can be improved and sustained remains
      uncertain. We describe the sustainability and process improvements of an
      inpatient GTCS. METHODS: We assessed workflow using interviews and surveys to
      identify opportunities to optimize the referral process for the GTCS.
      Sustainability of the service was assessed via a prospective case series (July
      2012-December 2013). Study data were derived from a review of the medical record
      and trauma registry database. Metrics to determine sustainability included volume
      of cases, staffing levels, rate of adherence to recommendations, geriatric
      specific clinical outcomes, trauma quality indicators, consultation requests and
      discharge destination. RESULTS: Through process changes, we were able to ensure
      every eligible patient was referred for a comprehensive geriatric assessment.
      Compared with the implementation phase, volume of assessments increased and
      recommendation adherence rates were maintained. Delirium and/or dementia were the
      most common geriatric issue addressed. The rate of adherence to recommendations
      made by the GTCS team was 88.2%. Only 1.4% of patients were discharged to a
      nursing home. CONCLUSION: Workflow assessment is a useful means to optimize the
      referral process for comprehensive geriatric assessment. Sustainability of a GTCS
      was shown by volume, staffing and recommendation adherence.

PMID- 27669403
TI  - Sustainability of a proactive geriatric trauma consultation service.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Proactive geriatric trauma consultation service (GTCS) models have
      been associated with better delivery of geriatric care and functional outcomes.
      Whether such collaborative models can be improved and sustained remains
      uncertain. We describe the sustainability and process improvements of an
      inpatient GTCS. METHODS: We assessed workflow using interviews and surveys to
      identify opportunities to optimize the referral process for the GTCS.
      Sustainability of the service was assessed via a prospective case series (July
      2012-December 2013). Study data were derived from a review of the medical record
      and trauma registry database. Metrics to determine sustainability included volume
      of cases, staffing levels, rate of adherence to recommendations, geriatric
      specific clinical outcomes, trauma quality indicators, consultation requests and
      discharge destination. RESULTS: Through process changes, we were able to ensure
      every eligible patient was referred for a comprehensive geriatric assessment.
      Compared with the implementation phase, volume of assessments increased and
      recommendation adherence rates were maintained. Delirium and/or dementia were the
      most common geriatric issue addressed. The rate of adherence to recommendations
      made by the GTCS team was 88.2%. Only 1.4% of patients were discharged to a
      nursing home. CONCLUSION: Workflow assessment is a useful means to optimize the
      referral process for comprehensive geriatric assessment. Sustainability of a GTCS
      was demonstrated by volume, staffing and recommendation adherence.

PMID- 27669404
TI  - Use of intraosseous devices in trauma: a survey of trauma practitioners in
      Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although used primarily in the pediatric population for decades, the
      use of intraosseous (IO) devices in the resuscitation of severely injured adult
      trauma patients has recently become more commonplace. The objective of this study
      was to determine the experience level, beliefs and attitudes of trauma
      practitioners in Canada, Australia and New Zealand regarding the use of IO
      devices in adult trauma patients. METHODS: We administered a web-based survey to
      all members of 4 national trauma and emergency medicine organizations in Canada,
      Australia and New Zealand. Survey responses were analyzed using descriptive
      statistics, univariate comparisons and a proportional odds model. RESULTS:
      Overall, 425 of 1771 members completed the survey, with 375 being trauma
      practitioners. IO devices were available to 97% (353 of 363), with EZ-IO being
      the most common. Nearly all physicians (98%, 357 of 366) had previous training
      with IO devices, and 85% (223 of 261) had previously used an IO device in adult
      trauma patients. Most respondents (79%, 285 of 361) were very comfortable placing
      an IO catheter in the proximal tibia. Most physicians would always or often use
      an IO catheter in a patient without intravenous access undergoing CPR for
      traumatic cardiac arrest (84%, 274 of 326) or in a hypotensive patient (without
      peripheral intravenous access) after 2 attempts or 90 s of trying to establish
      vascular access (81%, 264 of 326). CONCLUSION: Intraosseous devices are readily
      available to trauma practitioners in Canada, Australia and New Zealand, and most
      physicians are trained in device placement. Most physicians surveyed felt
      comfortable using an IO device in resuscitation of adult trauma patients and
      would do so for indications broader than current guidelines.

PMID- 27669406
TI  - Effects of cigarette smoking on cortical thickness in major depressive disorder.
AB  - Findings of surface-based morphometry studies in major depressive disorder (MDD)
      are still inconsistent. Given that cigarette smoking is highly prevalent in MDD
      and has documented negative effects on the brain, it is possible that some of the
      inconsistencies may be partly explained by cigarette use. The aim of the current
      study was to examine the influence of cigarette smoking on brain structure in
      MDD. 50 MDD patients (25 smokers and 25 non-smokers) and 22 age, education,
      gender and BMI matched non-smoker healthy controls underwent structural magnetic
      resonance imaging. Thickness and area of the cortex were measured using surface
      based morphometry implemented with Freesurfer (v5.3.0). The non-smoker MDD
      patients had significantly increased cortical thickness, including in the left
      temporal cortex (p < 0.001), right insular cortex (p = 0.033) and left pre- and
      postcentral gyrus (p = 0.045), compared to healthy controls. We also found
      decreased cortical thickness in MDD patients who smoked compared to non-smoking
      patients in regions that overlapped with the regions found to be increased in non
      smoking patients in comparison to controls. Non-smoker MDD patients had increased
      surface area in the right lateral occipital cortex (p = 0.009). We did not find
      any region where cortical thickness or surface area significantly differed
      between controls and either smoker MDD patients or all MDD patients. The findings
      of the current study suggest that cigarette smoking is associated with cortical
      thinning in regions found to be increased in patients with MDD. However, these
      results should be considered preliminary due to methodological limitations.

PMID- 27669405
TI  - Aberrant adhesion impacts early development in a Dictyostelium model for juvenile
      neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis.
AB  - Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL), also known as Batten disease, refers to a
      group of severe neurodegenerative disorders that primarily affect children. The
      most common subtype of the disease is caused by loss-of-function mutations in
      CLN3, which is conserved across model species from yeast to human. The precise
      function of the CLN3 protein is not known, which has made targeted therapy
      development challenging. In the social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum, loss of
      Cln3 causes aberrant mid-to-late stage multicellular development. In this study,
      we show that Cln3-deficiency causes aberrant adhesion and aggregation during the
      early stages of Dictyostelium development. cln3- cells form ~30% more
      multicellular aggregates that are comparatively smaller than those formed by wild
      type cells. Loss of Cln3 delays aggregation, but has no significant effect on
      cell speed or cAMP-mediated chemotaxis. The aberrant aggregation of cln3- cells
      cannot be corrected by manually pulsing cells with cAMP. Moreover, there are no
      significant differences between wild-type and cln3- cells in the expression of
      genes linked to cAMP chemotaxis (e.g., adenylyl cyclase, acaA; the cAMP receptor,
      carA; cAMP phosphodiesterase, pdsA; g-protein alpha 9 subunit, gpaI). However,
      during this time in development, cln3- cells show reduced cell-substrate and cell
      cell adhesion, which correlate with changes in the levels of the cell adhesion
      proteins CadA and CsaA. Specifically, loss of Cln3 decreases the intracellular
      level of CsaA and increases the amount of soluble CadA in conditioned media.
      Together, these results suggest that the aberrant aggregation of cln3- cells is
      due to reduced adhesion during the early stages of development. Revealing the
      molecular basis underlying this phenotype may provide fresh new insight into CLN3
      function.

PMID- 27669407
TI  - Hippocampal and amygdala volumes in adults with posttraumatic stress disorder
      secondary to childhood abuse or maltreatment: A systematic review.
AB  - We systematically reviewed differences in hippocampal and amygdala volumes
      between adults with childhood maltreatment-related posttraumatic stress disorder
      (PTSD) and healthy controls. Using the terms "adults", "MRI", "magnetic resonance
      imaging", with "posttraumatic stress disorder" "PTSD", "child abuse", and "child
      maltreatment", we conducted searches on several electronic databases. We
      identified 10 studies that met our inclusion criteria; 7 of which were included
      in a meta-analysis of hippocampal volume and 4 that were included in a meta
      analysis of amygdala volume. Mean hippocampal and amygdala volumes were used to
      determine effect sizes. We found bilateral reduction of both the hippocampus and
      amygdala in the PTSD group compared to healthy controls, with effect sizes of 
      0.66 and -0.67 for the left and right hippocampus (p<0.00001 and p=0.002) and 
      1.08 and -1.15 for the left and right amygdala, (p=0.013 and p=0.003),
      respectively. Confidence intervals were -0.93,-0.39 and -1.26,-0.29 for the left
      and right hippocampus, respectively. For the amygdala, confidence intervals were 
      1.92,-0.23 and -1.19, -0.39 for the left and right amygdala. The relatively few
      studies available for analysis is a limitation. Additionally, sex diverse MRI
      studies in PTSD are needed to determine whether sex plays a significant role in
      the hippocampal effects associated with childhood-onset trauma.

PMID- 27669411
TI  - Barriers to adult immunization and solutions: Personalized approaches.
AB  - Immunization is an important component of preventive healthcare services aiming
      to prevent and eventually eradicate infectious diseases by immunizing people
      before they become infected. Although immunization is an integral part of
      children's healthcare, this fact is underrated, even ignored in adults. In
      Turkey, adult immunization is available only for certain high risk groups such as
      health care professionals and populations aged > 65 y and under certain
      conditions including pregnancy, military service, travel-pilgrimage, and
      employment procedures. The fact that diseases such as pneumococcal pneumonia,
      influenza, rubeola, varicella, hepatitis A, and tetanus, which could be
      associated with severe complications in adults, are vaccine-preventable indicates
      the importance of adult immunization. In addition to the healthcare providers'
      knowledge about immunization, effective policies of related professional
      associations and the management of this issue by regulatory authorities, people's
      awareness in protecting their own health is of utmost importance in achieving the
      targeted level of adult immunization. This article focuses on the characteristics
      of the individuals as one of the 3 main cornerstones (individual, healthcare
      providers, regulatory authorities and supporting organizations) of immunization
      practices and discusses barriers to adult immunization and recommends solutions.

PMID- 27669409
TI  - Hippocampal neurogenesis enhancers promote forgetting of remote fear memory after
      hippocampal reactivation by retrieval.
AB  - Forgetting of recent fear memory is promoted by treatment with memantine (MEM),
      which increases hippocampal neurogenesis. The approaches for treatment of post
      traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) using rodent models have focused on the
      extinction and reconsolidation of recent, but not remote, memories. Here we show
      that, following prolonged re-exposure to the conditioning context, enhancers of
      hippocampal neurogenesis, including MEM, promote forgetting of remote contextual
      fear memory. However, these interventions are ineffective following shorter re
      exposures. Importantly, we find that long, but not short re-exposures activate
      gene expression in the hippocampus and induce hippocampus-dependent
      reconsolidation of remote contextual fear memory. Furthermore, remote memory
      retrieval becomes hippocampus-dependent after the long-time recall, suggesting
      that remote fear memory returns to a hippocampus dependent state after the long
      time recall, thereby allowing enhanced forgetting by increased hippocampal
      neurogenesis. Forgetting of traumatic memory may contribute to the development of
      PTSD treatment.

PMID- 27669408
TI  - Sensitivity Analysis of the NPM-ALK Signalling Network Reveals Important Pathways
      for Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma Combination Therapy.
AB  - A large subset of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) patients harbour a
      somatic aberration in which anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is fused to
      nucleophosmin (NPM) resulting in a constitutively active signalling fusion
      protein, NPM-ALK. We computationally simulated the signalling network which
      mediates pathological cell survival and proliferation through NPM-ALK to identify
      therapeutically targetable nodes through which it may be possible to regain
      control of the tumourigenic process. The simulations reveal the predominant role
      of the VAV1-CDC42 (cell division control protein 42) pathway in NPM-ALK-driven
      cellular proliferation and of the Ras / mitogen-activated ERK kinase (MEK) /
      extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) cascade in controlling cell survival.
      Our results also highlight the importance of a group of interleukins together
      with the Janus kinase 3 (JAK3) / signal transducer and activator of transcription
      3 (STAT3) signalling in the development of NPM-ALK derived ALCL. Depending on the
      activity of JAK3 and STAT3, the system may also be sensitive to activation of
      protein tyrosine phosphatase-1 (SHP1), which has an inhibitory effect on cell
      survival and proliferation. The identification of signalling pathways active in
      tumourigenic processes is of fundamental importance for effective therapies. The
      prediction of alternative pathways that circumvent classical therapeutic targets
      opens the way to preventive approaches for countering the emergence of cancer
      resistance.

PMID- 27669410
TI  - Secretagogin expression delineates functionally-specialized populations of
      striatal parvalbumin-containing interneurons.
AB  - Corticostriatal afferents can engage parvalbumin-expressing (PV+) interneurons to
      rapidly curtail the activity of striatal projection neurons (SPNs), thus shaping
      striatal output. Schemes of basal ganglia circuit dynamics generally consider
      striatal PV+ interneurons to be homogenous, despite considerable heterogeneity in
      both form and function. We demonstrate that the selective co-expression of
      another calcium-binding protein, secretagogin (Scgn), separates PV+ interneurons
      in rat and primate striatum into two topographically-, physiologically- and
      structurally-distinct cell populations. In rats, these two interneuron
      populations differed in their firing rates, patterns and relationships with
      cortical oscillations in vivo. Moreover, the axons of identified PV+/Scgn+
      interneurons preferentially targeted the somata of SPNs of the so-called 'direct
      pathway', whereas PV+/Scgn- interneurons preferentially targeted 'indirect
      pathway' SPNs. These two populations of interneurons could therefore provide a
      substrate through which either of the striatal output pathways can be rapidly and
      selectively inhibited to subsequently mediate the expression of behavioral
      routines.

PMID- 27669412
TI  - Immune-Mediated Nephropathy and Systemic Autoimmunity in Mice Does Not Require
      Receptor Interacting Protein Kinase 3 (RIPK3).
AB  - Immune mediated nephropathy is one of the most serious manifestations of lupus
      and is characterized by severe inflammation and necrosis that, if untreated,
      eventually leads to renal failure. Although lupus has a higher incidence in
      women, both sexes can develop lupus glomerulonephritis; nephritis in men develops
      earlier and is more severe than in women. It is therefore important to understand
      the cellular and molecular mechanisms mediating nephritis in each sex. Previous
      work by our lab found that the absence or pharmacological inhibition of Poly [ADP
      ribose] polymerase 1 (PARP-1), an enzyme involved in DNA repair and necrotic cell
      death, affects only male mice and results in milder nephritis, with less in situ
      inflammation, and diminished incidence of necrotic lesions, allowing for higher
      survival rates. A second pathway mediating necrosis involves Receptor-Interacting
      Serine-Threonine Kinase 3 (RIPK3); in this study we sought to investigate the
      impact of RIPK3 on the development of lupus and nephritis in both sexes. To this
      end, we used two inducible murine models of lupus: chronic graft versus host
      disease (cGvHD) and pristane-induced lupus; and nephrotoxic serum (NTS)-induced
      nephritis as a model of immune mediated nephropathy. We found that the absence of
      RIPK3 has neither positive nor negative impact on the disease development or
      progression of lupus and nephritis in all three models, and in both male and
      female mice. We conclude that RIPK3 is dispensable for the pathogenesis of lupus
      and immune mediated nephropathy as to accelerate, worsen or ameliorate the
      disease.

PMID- 27669413
TI  - Distributed and Lumped Parameter Models for the Characterization of High
      Throughput Bioreactors.
AB  - Next generation bioreactors are being developed to generate multiple human cell
      based tissue analogs within the same fluidic system, to better recapitulate the
      complexity and interconnection of human physiology [1, 2]. The effective
      development of these devices requires a solid understanding of their
      interconnected fluidics, to predict the transport of nutrients and waste through
      the constructs and improve the design accordingly. In this work, we focus on a
      specific model of bioreactor, with multiple input/outputs, aimed at generating
      osteochondral constructs, i.e., a biphasic construct in which one side is
      cartilaginous in nature, while the other is osseous. We next develop a general
      computational approach to model the microfluidics of a multi-chamber,
      interconnected system that may be applied to human-on-chip devices. This
      objective requires overcoming several challenges at the level of computational
      modeling. The main one consists of addressing the multi-physics nature of the
      problem that combines free flow in channels with hindered flow in porous media.
      Fluid dynamics is also coupled with advection-diffusion-reaction equations that
      model the transport of biomolecules throughout the system and their interaction
      with living tissues and C constructs. Ultimately, we aim at providing a
      predictive approach useful for the general organ-on-chip community. To this end,
      we have developed a lumped parameter approach that allows us to analyze the
      behavior of multi-unit bioreactor systems with modest computational effort,
      provided that the behavior of a single unit can be fully characterized.

PMID- 27669414
TI  - Testing violations of the exponential assumption in cancer clinical trials with
      survival endpoints.
AB  - Personalized cancer therapy requires clinical trials with smaller sample sizes
      compared to trials involving unselected populations that have not been divided
      into biomarker subgroups. The use of exponential survival modeling for survival
      endpoints has the potential of gaining 35% efficiency or saving 28% required
      sample size (Miller, 1983), making personalized therapy trials more feasible.
      However, the use of exponential survival has not been fully accepted in cancer
      research practice due to uncertainty about whether or not the exponential
      assumption holds. We propose a test for identifying violations of the exponential
      assumption using a reduced piecewise exponential approach. Compared with an
      alternative goodness-of-fit test, which suffers from inflation of type I error
      rate under various censoring mechanisms, the proposed test maintains the correct
      type I error rate. We conduct power analysis using simulated data based on
      different types of cancer survival distribution in the SEER registry database,
      and demonstrate the implementation of this approach in existing cancer clinical
      trials.

PMID- 27669415
TI  - Multilocus Variable Number of Tandem Repeat Analysis Reveals Multiple
      Introductions in Spain of Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni, the Causal Agent of
      Bacterial Spot Disease of Stone Fruits and Almond.
AB  - Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni is the causal agent of the bacterial spot
      disease of stone fruits, almond and some ornamental Prunus species. In Spain it
      was first detected in 2002 and since then, several outbreaks have occurred in
      different regions affecting mainly Japanese plum, peach and almond, both in
      commercial orchards and nurseries. As the origin of the introduction(s) was
      unknown, we have assessed the genetic diversity of 239 X. arboricola pv. pruni
      strains collected from 11 Spanish provinces from 2002 to 2013 and 25 reference
      strains from international collections. We have developed an optimized multilocus
      variable number of tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) scheme targeting 18
      microsatellites and five minisatellites. A high discriminatory power was achieved
      since almost 50% of the Spanish strains were distinguishable, confirming the
      usefulness of this genotyping technique at small spatio-temporal scales. Spanish
      strains grouped in 18 genetic clusters (conservatively delineated so that each
      cluster contained haplotype networks linked by up to quadruple-locus variations).
      Furthermore, pairwise comparisons among populations from different provinces
      showed a strong genetic differentiation. Our results suggest multiple
      introductions of this pathogen in Spain and redistribution through contaminated
      nursery propagative plant material.

PMID- 27669418
TI  - Roger Y. Tsien 1952-2016.

PMID- 27669417
TI  - Structural basis for precursor protein-directed ribosomal peptide
      macrocyclization.
AB  - Macrocyclization is a common feature of natural product biosynthetic pathways
      including the diverse family of ribosomal peptides. Microviridins are
      architecturally complex cyanobacterial ribosomal peptides that target proteases
      with potent reversible inhibition. The product structure is constructed via three
      macrocyclizations catalyzed sequentially by two members of the ATP-grasp family,
      a unique strategy for ribosomal peptide macrocyclization. Here we describe in
      detail the structural basis for the enzyme-catalyzed macrocyclizations in the
      microviridin J pathway of Microcystis aeruginosa. The macrocyclases MdnC and MdnB
      interact with a conserved alpha-helix of the precursor peptide using a novel
      precursor-peptide recognition mechanism. The results provide insight into the
      unique protein-protein interactions that are key to the chemistry, suggest an
      origin for the natural combinatorial synthesis of microviridin peptides, and
      provide a framework for future engineering efforts to generate designed
      compounds.

PMID- 27669416
TI  - Reproducibility of Search Strategies Is Poor in Systematic Reviews Published in
      High-Impact Pediatrics, Cardiology and Surgery Journals: A Cross-Sectional Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A high-quality search strategy is considered an essential component
      of systematic reviews but many do not contain reproducible search strategies. It
      is unclear if low reproducibility spans medical disciplines, is affected by
      librarian/search specialist involvement or has improved with increased awareness
      of reporting guidelines. OBJECTIVES: To examine the reporting of search
      strategies in systematic reviews published in Pediatrics, Surgery or Cardiology
      journals in 2012 and determine rates and predictors of including a reproducible
      search strategy. METHODS: We identified all systematic reviews published in 2012
      in the ten highest impact factor journals in Pediatrics, Surgery and Cardiology.
      Each search strategy was coded to indicate what elements were reported and
      whether the overall search was reproducible. Reporting and reproducibility rates
      were compared across disciplines and we measured the influence of
      librarian/search specialist involvement, discipline or endorsement of a reporting
      guideline on search reproducibility. RESULTS: 272 articles from 25 journals were
      included. Reporting of search elements ranged widely from 91% of articles naming
      search terms to 33% providing a full search strategy and 22% indicating the date
      the search was executed. Only 22% of articles provided at least one reproducible
      search strategy and 13% provided a reproducible strategy for all databases
      searched in the article. Librarians or search specialists were reported as
      involved in 17% of articles. There were strong disciplinary differences on the
      reporting of search elements. In the multivariable analysis, only discipline
      (Pediatrics) was a significant predictor of the inclusion of a reproducible
      search strategy. CONCLUSIONS: Despite recommendations to report full,
      reproducible search strategies, many articles still do not. In addition, authors
      often report a single strategy as covering all databases searched, further
      decreasing reproducibility. Further research is needed to determine how
      disciplinary culture may encourage reproducibility and the role that journal
      editors and peer reviewers could play.

PMID- 27669420
TI  - Training the Workforce for 21st-Century Science.

PMID- 27669419
TI  - Thermal profiling reveals phenylalanine hydroxylase as an off-target of
      panobinostat.
AB  - We describe a two-dimensional thermal proteome profiling strategy that can be
      combined with an orthogonal chemoproteomics approach to enable comprehensive
      target profiling of the marketed histone deacetylase inhibitor panobinostat. The
      N-hydroxycinnamide moiety is identified as critical for potent and
      tetrahydrobiopterin-competitive inhibition of phenylalanine hydroxylase leading
      to increases in phenylalanine and decreases in tyrosine levels. These findings
      provide a rationale for adverse clinical observations and suggest repurposing of
      the drug for treatment of tyrosinemia.

PMID- 27669421
TI  - Analysis of SOX2-Regulated Transcriptome in Glioma Stem Cells.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Glioblastoma is the most malignant brain tumor in adults and is
      associated with poor survival despite multimodal treatments. Glioma stem-like
      cells (GSCs) are cells functionally defined by their self-renewal potential and
      the ability to reconstitute the original tumor upon orthotopic implantation. They
      have been postulated to be the culprit of glioma chemo- and radio-resistance
      ultimately leading to relapse. Understanding the molecular circuits governing the
      GSC compartment is essential. SOX2, a critical transcription regulator of
      embryonic and neural stem cell function, is deregulated in GSCs however; the
      precise molecular pathways regulated by this gene in GSCs remain poorly
      understood. RESULTS: We performed a genome-wide analysis of SOX2-regulated
      transcripts in GSCs, using a microarray. We identified a total of 2048
      differentially expressed coding transcripts and 261 non-coding transcripts. Cell
      adhesion and cell-cell signaling are among the most enriched terms using Gene
      Ontology (GO) classification. The pathways altered after SOX2 down-modulation
      includes multiple cellular processes such as amino-acid metabolism and
      intercellular signaling cascades. We also defined and classified the set of non
      coding transcripts differentially expressed regulated by SOX2 in GSCs, and
      validated two of them. CONCLUSIONS: We present a comprehensive analysis of the
      transcriptome controlled by SOX2 in GSCs, gaining insights in the understanding
      of the potential roles of SOX2 in glioblastoma.

PMID- 27669422
TI  - Exclusive concurrent radiochemotherapy for advanced head and neck cancers with
      'fractionated' 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin.
AB  - Concurrent radiochemotherapy (CRC) is a standard treatment in patients with
      inoperable locoregionally advanced ear-nose-throat (ENT) cancer. We report the
      safety and efficacy of CRC with daily fractionated 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin
      ('F' 5FU-CDDP) in a monocentric retrospective cohort. From January 2006 to August
      2012, all patients with unresectable (or inoperable) nonmetastatic locoregionally
      advanced ENT cancer treated curatively by means of radiotherapy (normal
      fractionated 70 Gy to the macroscopic tumor and prophylactic 50 Gy) with three
      courses (week 1-week 4-week 7) of 'F' 5FU-CDDP regimen (800 mg/m/day of 5
      fluorouracil and 20 mg/m/day of CDDP from day 1 to day 4) were included. Seventy
      patients underwent CRC (86% men, median age 58 years old, 100% squamous cell
      carcinoma, 97% stage III/IV). Fifty-six patients received the three complete
      courses of chemotherapy with cumulative doses of CDDP of 217 mg/m/patient (dose
      intensity ratio of 90.5%). After a median follow-up period of 30.7 months, median
      overall and disease-free survivals were 34.1 [95% confidence interval (CI) (21.6
      56.8)] and 50.2 months [95% CI (17.4-NA)] with 71% [95% CI (57.5-81)] and 67%
      [95% CI (51.8-78.5)] for locoregional control at 2 and 5 years, respectively. In
      all, 58.5% of grade 3 or higher mucositis and 24% of radioepithelitis were
      observed, but only 11.5, 3, and 1.5% of grade 3 or higher neutropenia,
      nephrotoxicity, and neurotoxicity were observed, respectively. No deaths from
      toxicity occurred. CRC with three courses of 'F' 5FU-CDDP appears effective and
      could be an alternative to standard CRC treatment. Randomized studies are
      required to be able to use this treatment regimen routinely.

PMID- 27669424
TI  - A contemporary decennial examination of changing agricultural field sizes using
      Landsat time series data.
AB  - Field size distributions and their changes have not been studied over large areas
      as field size change datasets are not available. This study quantifies
      agricultural field size changes in a consistent manner using Landsat satellite
      data that also provide geographic context for the observed decadal scale changes.
      Growing season cloud-free Landsat 30 m resolution images acquired from 9 to 25
      years apart were used to extract field object classifications at seven sites
      located by examination of a global agricultural yield map, agricultural
      production statistics, literature review, and analysis of the imagery in the US
      Landsat archive. High spatial resolution data were used to illustrate issues
      identifying small fields that are not reliably discernible at 30 m Landsat
      resolution. The predominant driver of field size change was attributed by
      literature review. Significant field size changes were driven by different
      factors, including technological advancements (Argentina and USA), government
      land use and agricultural policies (Malaysia, Brazil, France), and political
      changes (Albania and Zimbabwe). While observed local field size changes were
      complex, the reported results suggest that median field sizes are increasing due
      to technological advancements and changes to government policy, but may decrease
      where abrupt political changes affect the agricultural sector and where pastures
      are converted to arable land uses. In the limited sample considered, median field
      sizes increased from 45% (France) to 159% (Argentina) and decreased from 47%
      (Brazil) to 86% (Albania). These changes imply significant impacts on landscape
      spatial configuration and land use diversity with ecological and biogeochemical
      consequences.

PMID- 27669423
TI  - Docetaxel and mitoxantrone before radical prostatectomy in men with high-risk
      prostate cancer: 10-year follow-up and immune correlates.
AB  - The aims of this study were to report the clinical outcomes in a cohort of men
      with high-risk prostate cancer treated with neoadjuvant docetaxel and
      mitoxantrone 10 years after treatment, identify pretreatment clinical parameters
      that may be predictors of recurrence, and describe tumor-infiltrating leukocytes
      present in radical prostatectomy specimens. We conducted a phase I/II study of
      neoadjuvant docetaxel and mitoxantrone before radical prostatectomy in high-risk
      localized prostate cancer to determine the feasibility of this combination and
      predictors of prostate cancer recurrence after cytotoxic chemotherapy. After 10
      years of follow-up, 34 (63%) of 54 participants experience a recurrence. In
      univariate analysis, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) density (P=0.01),
      pathological stage (P=0.03), lymph node status (P<0.0001), seminal vesicle
      invasion (P=0.003), and tissue vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)
      expression (P=0.016) were significantly associated with recurrence. In
      multivariate analysis, only lymph node status, PSA density, and VEGF expression
      were significant predictors of disease recurrence. We used a tissue microarray
      for the first 50 participants to characterize the tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes
      and evaluate them for association with recurrence. We measured CD3, CD4, CD8,
      FoxP3, CD20, CD15, CD68, and CD163 by immunohistochemistry in both tumor and
      normal prostate specimens, but did not find an association between
      immunophenotype and recurrence. There was a significantly different density of
      CD68 and CD163 cells between normal and tumor tissue. Lymph node status, PSA
      density, and tissue VEGF expression predict recurrence after chemotherapy for
      high-risk prostate cancer. Additional studies are needed to determine the
      potential benefit of chemotherapy in the neoadjuvant setting.

PMID- 27669426
TI  - The Impact of Race on Patient Satisfaction With Primary Care Physicians.
AB  - Patient satisfaction has become an important measure of health care services and
      outcomes. The purpose of this empirical study was to investigate factors that
      impact the satisfaction of primary care physicians (PCPs) by patients of
      different races in the United States. This is an empirical analysis of the Center
      for Studying Health System Change's 2010 Health Tracking Household Survey.
      Correlation and regression analyses were done to examine the impact of various
      factors on PCP satisfaction of 12 472 American respondents. Whites were most
      satisfied with their PCPs, and Hispanics were least satisfied with their PCPs.
      Satisfaction with health care received in the last 12 months and the need to
      defer medical treatment due to financial issues had a significant impact on
      patients' satisfaction with PCPs across all races. General health status
      significantly impacted satisfaction with PCPs for African American and Hispanic
      respondents. Satisfaction with PCPs significantly varied among different races
      based on the type of their health insurance. Education negatively impacted PCP
      satisfaction of white and non-Hispanic respondents. Satisfaction with PCPs varies
      based on the race of patients. It can be impacted by a number of factors outside
      the control of the physician such as the general health of patients, type of
      insurance, and patients' need to defer medical treatment due to financial issues.
      The use of patient satisfaction surveys by health care administrators to measure
      organizational outcomes may have limited validity.

PMID- 27669428
TI  - A Trend Analysis of Succession Planning in Health Care as Perceived by Chief
      Executive Officers in US Hospitals.
AB  - A study was conducted to analyze the perceptions of chief executive officers in
      US hospitals regarding leadership development and succession planning. Results of
      the study were compared to identical surveys delivered in previous years for the
      purposes of identifying possible trends and changing perspectives related to how
      executives use succession planning in their facilities, what factors influence
      the identification of successors, what positions are the more likely to use
      succession planning efforts, and who specifically should be responsible for
      building the leadership pipeline.

PMID- 27669427
TI  - Consumer Health Informatics: Promoting Patient Self-care Management of Illnesses
      and Health.
AB  - Consumer health informatics (CHI) is propelling important changes for medical
      providers and the lives of patients through information and communications
      technology. Independently, medical consumers seek, collect, and use health
      information for decision making. However, when constructing a CHI-based medical
      platform, high technology must be applied in a fully understandable and usable
      format for both health care providers and consumers. This study examines the
      present status of CHI and its effect on medical consumers. For the development of
      CHI, we discuss the need for tailored health communications and capacity building
      with chronic patients at the medical center. First, empowerment is a key
      characteristic needed for medical consumer health care management. However,
      promoting patient self-care management of illnesses and health is necessary to
      create conjugation where cooperation with medical service providers is possible.
      Also, establishing a health care delivery system that will support cooperation is
      necessary. Second, tailored health communications can uniquely construct the
      health information of patients, which prevents unnecessary or excessive
      information from leading patients to confused and inappropriate decisions.
      Ultimately, through the present environment of health communication, the
      innovation of a consumer health care information system has become the tide of
      the times and the positive effect of improved health can be expected.

PMID- 27669425
TI  - Characteristics of Pos19 - A Small Coding RNA in the Oxidative Stress Response of
      Rhodobacter sphaeroides.
AB  - The phototrophic bacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides induces several small RNAs
      (sRNAs) when singlet oxygen (1O2) levels are elevated, a situation also referred
      to as photo-oxidative stress. An RNA-seq study identified the RSs0019 sRNA, which
      is renamed Pos19 (photo-oxidative stress induced sRNA 19). Pos19 is part of the
      RpoE regulon and consequently induced upon 1O2 and peroxide stress. The 219 nt
      long Pos19 transcript contains a small open reading frame (sORF) of 150 nt, which
      is translated in vivo. Over-expression of Pos19 results in reduced mRNA levels
      for several genes, of which numerous are involved in sulfur metabolism. The
      negative effect on the potential targets is maintained even when translation of
      the sORF is abolished, arguing that regulation is entailed by the sRNA itself.
      Reporter studies further revealed that regulation of the most affected mRNA,
      namely RSP_0557, by Pos19 is Hfq-dependent. Direct binding of Pos19 to Hfq was
      shown by co-immunoprecipitation. Physiological experiments indicated Pos19 to be
      involved in the balance of glutathione biosynthesis. Moreover, a lack of Pos19
      leads to elevated reactive oxygen species levels. Taken together our data
      identify the sRNA Pos19 as a coding sRNA with a distinct expression pattern and
      potential role under oxidative stress in the phototrophic bacterium R.
      sphaeroides.

PMID- 27669429
TI  - Using Organizational Development for Electronic Medical Record Transformation.
AB  - With mandates requiring the transition from paper medical records to the use of
      electronic medical records, organizations are embarking on a change process. To
      engender this process, organizational development models and interventions based
      predominantly on the theories of Chris Argyris, Warren Bennis, and the team of
      Paul Lawrence and Jay Lorsch are explored. Interventions are subdivided into
      behavioral and structural as organizations benefit by recognizing a need for
      change and, perhaps, a cultural shift in addition to refocusing their mission. To
      support these interventions, a champion or super user is recommended to maintain
      the momentum of the transformation and enculturation. With so many changes in the
      internal and external environments, organizations must respond systematically
      for, in health care, lives depend on it.

PMID- 27669430
TI  - Identification of Genes Potentially Associated with the Fertility Instability of
      S-Type Cytoplasmic Male Sterility in Maize via Bulked Segregant RNA-Seq.
AB  - S-type cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS-S) is the largest group among the three
      major types of CMS in maize. CMS-S exhibits fertility instability as a partial
      fertility restoration in a specific nuclear genetic background, which impedes its
      commercial application in hybrid breeding programs. The fertility instability
      phenomenon of CMS-S is controlled by several minor quantitative trait locus
      (QTLs), but not the major nuclear fertility restorer (Rf3). However, the gene
      mapping of these minor QTLs and the molecular mechanism of the genetic
      modifications are still unclear. Using completely sterile and partially rescued
      plants of fertility instable line (FIL)-B, we performed bulk segregant RNA-Seq
      and identified six potential associated genes in minor effect QTLs contributing
      to fertility instability. Analyses demonstrate that these potential associated
      genes may be involved in biological processes, such as floral organ
      differentiation and development regulation, energy metabolism and carbohydrates
      biosynthesis, which results in a partial anther exsertion and pollen fertility
      restoration in the partially rescued plants. The single nucleotide polymorphisms
      (SNPs) identified in two potential associated genes were validated to be related
      to the fertility restoration phenotype by KASP marker assays. This novel
      knowledge contributes to the understanding of the molecular mechanism of the
      partial fertility restoration of CMS-S in maize and thus helps to guide the
      breeding programs.

PMID- 27669431
TI  - The Role of Chronic Psychosocial Stress in Explaining Racial Differences in
      Stress Reactivity and Pain Sensitivity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the role of psychosocial factors in mediating the
      relationship between African American (AA) race and both increased pain
      sensitivity and blunted stress reactivity. METHODS: Participants included 133 AA
      and non-Hispanic white (nHW) individuals (mean [SD] age, 37 [9]) matched for age,
      sex, and socioeconomic status. Participants underwent mental stress testing
      (Trier Social Stress Test) while cardiovascular, hemodynamic, and neuroendocrine
      reactivity were measured. Participants completed questionnaires assessing
      potential sources of psychosocial stress and were tested for pain responses to
      cold pain and the temporal summation of heat pulses. Mediation analyses were used
      to determine the extent to which exposure to psychosocial stress accounted for
      the observed racial differences in stress reactivity and pain. RESULTS: Chronic
      stress exposure and reactivity to mental stress was largely similar among AAs and
      nHWs; however, AAs exhibited heightened pain to both cold (p = .012) and heat (p
      = .004). Racial differences in the relationship between stress reactivity and
      pain were also observed: while greater stress reactivity was associated with
      decreased pain among nHWs, reactivity was either unrelated to or even positively
      associated with pain among AAs (e.g., r = -.21 among nHWs and r = .41 among AAs
      for stroke volume reactivity and cold pressor intensity). Adjusting for minor
      racial differences in chronic psychosocial stress did not change these findings.
      CONCLUSIONS: Accounting for psychosocial factors eliminated racial differences in
      stress reactivity but not racial differences in sensitivity to experimental pain
      tasks. Increased exposure to chronic stress may not explain AAs' increased pain
      sensitivity in laboratory settings.

PMID- 27669432
TI  - Cell cycle-coupled expansion of AR activity promotes cancer progression.
AB  - The androgen receptor (AR) is required for prostate cancer (PCa) survival and
      progression, and ablation of AR activity is the first line of therapeutic
      intervention for disseminated disease. While initially effective, recurrent
      tumors ultimately arise for which there is no durable cure. Despite the
      dependence of PCa on AR activity throughout the course of disease, delineation of
      the AR-dependent transcriptional network that governs disease progression remains
      elusive, and the function of AR in mitotically active cells is not well
      understood. Analyzing AR activity as a function of cell cycle revealed an
      unexpected and highly expanded repertoire of AR-regulated gene networks in
      actively cycling cells. New AR functions segregated into two major clusters:
      those that are specific to cycling cells and retained throughout the mitotic cell
      cycle ('Cell Cycle Common'), versus those that were specifically enriched in a
      subset of cell cycle phases ('Phase Restricted'). Further analyses identified
      previously unrecognized AR functions in major pathways associated with clinical
      PCa progression. Illustrating the impact of these unmasked AR-driven pathways,
      dihydroceramide desaturase 1 was identified as an AR-regulated gene in
      mitotically active cells that promoted pro-metastatic phenotypes, and in advanced
      PCa proved to be highly associated with development of metastases, recurrence
      after therapeutic intervention and reduced overall survival. Taken together,
      these findings delineate AR function in mitotically active tumor cells, thus
      providing critical insight into the molecular basis by which AR promotes
      development of lethal PCa and nominate new avenues for therapeutic intervention.

PMID- 27669433
TI  - Targeting of RAGE-ligand signaling impairs breast cancer cell invasion and
      metastasis.
AB  - The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is highly expressed in
      various cancers and is correlated with poorer outcome in breast and other
      cancers. Here we tested the role of targeting RAGE by multiple approaches in the
      tumor and tumor microenvironment, to inhibit the metastatic process. We first
      tested how RAGE impacts tumor cell-intrinsic mechanisms using either RAGE
      overexpression or knockdown with short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs). RAGE ectopic
      overexpression in breast cancer cells increased MEK-EMT (MEK-epithelial-to
      mesenchymal transition) signaling, transwell invasion and soft agar colony
      formation, and in vivo promoted lung metastasis independent of tumor growth. RAGE
      knockdown with multiple independent shRNAs in breast cancer cells led to
      decreased transwell invasion and soft agar colony formation, without affecting
      proliferation. In vivo, targeting RAGE shRNA knockdown in human and mouse breast
      cancer cells, decreased orthotopic tumor growth, reduced tumor angiogenesis and
      recruitment of inflammatory cells, and markedly decreased metastasis to the lung
      and liver in multiple xenograft and syngeneic mouse models. To test the non-tumor
      cell microenvironment role of RAGE, we performed syngeneic studies with
      orthotopically injected breast cancer cells in wild-type and RAGE-knockout C57BL6
      mice. RAGE-knockout mice displayed striking impairment of tumor cell growth
      compared with wild-type mice, along with decreased mitogen-activated protein
      kinase signaling, tumor angiogenesis and inflammatory cell recruitment. To test
      the combined inhibition of RAGE in both tumor cell-intrinsic and non-tumor cells
      of the microenvironment, we performed in vivo treatment of xenografted tumors
      with FPS-ZM1 (1 mg/kg, two times per week). Compared with vehicle, FPS-ZM1
      inhibited primary tumor growth, inhibited tumor angiogenesis and inflammatory
      cell recruitment and, most importantly, prevented metastasis to the lung and
      liver. These data demonstrate that RAGE drives tumor progression and metastasis
      through distinct tumor cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic mechanisms, and may
      represent a novel and therapeutically viable approach for treating metastatic
      cancers.

PMID- 27669434
TI  - Targeting KRas-dependent tumour growth, circulating tumour cells and metastasis
      in vivo by clinically significant miR-193a-3p.
AB  - KRas is mutated in a significant number of human cancers and so there is an
      urgent therapeutic need to target KRas signalling. To target KRas in lung cancers
      we used a systems approach of integrating a genome-wide miRNA screen with patient
      derived phospho-proteomic signatures of the KRas downstream pathway, and
      identified miR-193a-3p, which directly targets KRas. Unique aspects of miR-193a
      3p biology include two functionally independent target sites in the KRas 3'UTR
      and clinically significant correlation between miR-193a-3p and KRas expression in
      patients. Rescue experiments with mutated KRas 3'UTR showed very significantly
      that the anti-tumour effect of miR-193a-3p is via specific direct targeting of
      KRas and not due to other targets. Ex vivo and in vivo studies utilizing
      nanoliposome packaged miR-193a-3p demonstrated significant inhibition of tumour
      growth, circulating tumour cell viability and decreased metastasis. These studies
      show the broader applicability of using miR-193a-3p as a therapeutic agent to
      target KRas-mutant cancer.

PMID- 27669435
TI  - The interaction between acetylation and serine-574 phosphorylation regulates the
      apoptotic function of FOXO3.
AB  - The multispecific transcription factor and tumor suppressor FOXO3 is an important
      mediator of apoptosis, but the mechanisms that control its proapoptotic function
      are poorly understood. There has long been evidence that acetylation promotes
      FOXO3-driven apoptosis and recently a specific JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase)
      dependent S574 phosphorylated form (p-FOXO3) has been shown to be specifically
      apoptotic. This study examined whether acetylation and S574 phosphorylation act
      independently or in concert to regulate the apoptotic function of FOXO3. We
      observed that both sirtuins 1 and 7 (SIRT1 and SIRT7) are able to deacetylate
      FOXO3 in vitro and in vivo, and that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment of THP-1
      monocytes induced a rapid increase of FOXO3 acetylation, partly by suppression of
      SIRT1 and SIRT7. Acetylation was required for S574 phosphorylation and cellular
      apoptosis. Deacetylation of FOXO3 by SIRT activation or SIRT1 or SIRT7
      overexpression prevented its S574 phosphorylation and blocked apoptosis in
      response to LPS. We also found that acetylated FOXO3 preferentially bound JNK1,
      and a mutant FOXO3 lacking four known acetylation sites (K242, 259, 290 and 569R)
      abolished JNK1 binding and failed to induce apoptosis. This interplay of
      acetylation and phosphorylation also regulated cell death in primary human
      peripheral blood monocytes (PBMs). PBMs isolated from alcoholic hepatitis
      patients had high expression of SIRT1 and SIRT7 and failed to induce p-FOXO3 and
      apoptosis in response to LPS. PBMs from healthy controls had lower SIRT1 and
      SIRT7 and readily formed p-FOXO3 and underwent apoptosis when similarly treated.
      These results reveal that acetylation is permissive for generation of the
      apoptotic form of FOXO3 and the activity of SIRT1 and particularly SIRT7 regulate
      this process in vivo, allowing control of monocyte apoptosis in response to LPS.

PMID- 27669436
TI  - Downregulation of CXCL12 in mesenchymal stromal cells by TGFbeta promotes breast
      cancer metastasis.
AB  - Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are one of major components of the tumour
      microenvironment. Recent studies have shown that MSC tumour residence and their
      close interactions with inflammatory factors are important factors that affect
      tumour progression. Among tumour-associated inflammatory factors, transforming
      growth factor beta (TGFbeta) is regarded as a key determinant of malignancy. By
      employing a lung metastasis model of a murine breast cancer, we show here that
      the prometastatic effect of MSCs was dependent on their response to TGFbeta.
      Interestingly, we found that MSC-produced CXCL12, an important chemokine in
      tumour metastasis, was markedly inhibited by TGFbeta. Furthermore, silencing of
      CXCL12 in TGFbeta-unresponsive MSCs restored their ability to promote tumour
      metastasis. We found that 4T1 breast cancer cells expressed high levels of CXCR7,
      but not of CXCR4, both of which are CXCL12 receptors. In presence of CXCL12,
      CXCR7 expression on tumour cells was decreased. Indeed, when CXCR7 was silenced
      in breast cancer cells, their metastatic ability was inhibited. Therefore, our
      data demonstrated that sustained expression of CXCL12 by MSCs in the primary
      tumour site inhibits metastasis through reduction of CXCR7, while, in the
      presence of TGFbeta, this CXCL12 effect of MSCs on tumour cells is relieved.
      Importantly, elevated CXCR7 and depressed CXCL12 expression levels were prominent
      features of clinical breast cancer lesions and were related significantly with
      poor survival. Our findings reveal a novel mechanism of MSC effects on malignant
      cells through which crosstalk between MSCs and TGFbeta regulates tumour
      metastasis.

PMID- 27669437
TI  - The focal adhesion-associated proteins DOCK5 and GIT2 comprise a rheostat in
      control of epithelial invasion.
AB  - DOCK proteins are guanine nucleotide exchange factors for Rac and Cdc42 GTPases.
      DOCK1 is the founding member of the family and acts downstream of integrins via
      the canonical Crk-p130Cas complex to activate Rac GTPases in numerous contexts.
      In contrast, DOCK5, which possesses the greatest similarity to DOCK1, remains
      sparingly studied. Here we establish that DOCK5 has a non-redundant role in
      regulating motile and invasive capacities of epithelial cells. DOCK1 is
      constitutively associated with sites of integrin attachment termed focal
      adhesions (FAs). In contrast, we demonstrate that DOCK5 recruitment to FAs in
      Hela cells is restricted by GIT2, an established regulator of FA signaling. We
      determine that GIT2 is targeted to FAs in response to Rho-ROCK signaling and
      actomyosin contractility. Accordingly, inhibition of ROCK activity or MLC
      function promotes enrichment of DOCK5 in membrane protrusions and nascent cell
      substratum adhesions. We further demonstrate that GIT2 inhibits the interaction
      of DOCK5 with Crk. Moreover, we show that depletion of GIT2 promotes DOCK5
      dependent activation of the Crk-p130Cas signaling cascade to promote Rac1
      mediated lamellipodial protrusion and FA turnover. The antagonism between GIT2
      and DOCK5 extends to non-transformed MCF10A mammary epithelial cells, with DOCK5
      'dialing-up' and GIT2 'dialing-down' invasiveness. Finally, we determine that
      DOCK5 inhibition attenuates invasion and metastasis of MDA-MB-231 cells and
      prolongs life span of mice injected with these cells. Collectively, our work
      identifies DOCK5 as a key regulator of epithelial invasion and metastasis, and
      demonstrates that suppression of DOCK5 by GIT2 represents a previously
      unappreciated mechanism for coordination of Rho and Rac GTPases.

PMID- 27669438
TI  - CXCR4 inhibitors could benefit to HER2 but not to triple-negative breast cancer
      patients.
AB  - The CXCR4 receptor and its ligand CXCL12 (also named stromal cell-derived factor
      1, SDF1) have a critical role in chemotaxis and homing, key steps in cancer
      metastasis. Although myofibroblasts expressing CXCL12 are associated with the
      presence of axillary metastases in HER2 breast cancers (BC), the therapeutic
      interest of targeting CXCR4/CXCL12 axis in the different BC subtypes remains
      unclear. Here, we investigate this question by testing antitumor activity of
      CXCR4 inhibitors in patient-derived xenografts (PDX), which faithfully reproduce
      human tumor properties. We observed that two CXCR4 inhibitors, AMD3100 and
      TN14003, efficiently impair tumor growth and metastasis dissemination in both
      Herceptin-sensitive and Herceptin-resistant HER2 BC. Conversely, blocking
      CXCR4/CXCL12 pathway in triple-negative (TN) BC does not reduce tumor growth, and
      can even increase metastatic spread. Moreover, although CXCR4 inhibitors
      significantly reduce myofibroblast content in all BC subtypes, they decrease
      angiogenesis only in HER2 BC. Thus, our findings suggest that targeting CXCR4
      could provide some therapeutic interest for HER2 BC patients, whereas it has no
      impact or could even be detrimental for TN BC patients.

PMID- 27669439
TI  - The MACC1-SPON2 axis: a new biomarker and therapeutic target in colorectal
      cancer.
AB  - In this issue of the Journal, Schmid et al identify Spondin 2 (SPON2) as a
      prominent downstream signaling target of metastasis-associated in colon cancer 1
      (MACC1) in colorectal cancer (CRC). It is shown that SPON2 mediates MACC1-induced
      CRC cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis in vitro and in vivo, while its
      high expression correlates with adverse disease free survival in clinical
      samples. Therefore, not only does this study shed further light into the
      complexity of colorectal carcinogenesis, but it also puts forward a potential
      novel prognostic biomarker to predict high-risk tumors before they metastasize.
      The MACC1/SPON2 axis may also have utility beyond an indicator of tumor
      aggressiveness and lends itself as a promising therapeutic target for colorectal
      and potentially other solid tumors.

PMID- 27669442
TI  - Arterial Stiffness Is Reduced Regardless of Resistance Training Load in Young
      Men.
AB  - PURPOSE: Discrepancies regarding the effect of resistance exercise training (RET)
      on arterial stiffness have led to uncertainty regarding the effect of RET on
      cardiovascular health. Confounding our understanding in this area are the roles
      of the following: load (heavier vs lighter), participant cardiovascular health,
      and arterial stiffness assessment method. We aimed to investigate the effects of
      a heavier versus a lighter load resistance training protocol on both central and
      local arterial stiffness in previously trained young men. METHODS: Participants
      were randomly assigned to a 12-wk supervised whole-body RET program consisting of
      three sets of 8-12 repetitions (heavier-load, lower-repetition [LR]; n = 16) or
      three sets of 20-25 repetitions (lighter-load, higher-repetition [HR]; n = 16) to
      volitional failure, or a control group who maintained their regular activity
      habits (n = 14). Central arterial stiffness (carotid-femoral pulse wave
      velocity), local arterial stiffness (common carotid arterial distensibility), and
      left ventricular mass were measured before and after 12 wk of RET. RESULTS: There
      was a reduction in carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity in both LR (6.24 +/- 0.56
      vs 5.77 +/- 0.76 m.s; P < 0.05) and HR (6.42 +/- 0.70 vs 5.72 +/- 0.60 m.s; P <
      0.05) with no changes in carotid distensibility (P = 0.52) or left ventricular
      mass allometrically scaled to fat-free mass (P = 0.60). There were no changes in
      any variable in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Using current criterion-standard
      assessment methods, central arterial stiffness was reduced after resistance
      training, regardless of the load lifted during RET, with no effect on local
      carotid artery distensibility or left ventricular mass. Our results support a
      role of RET in the promotion of positive adaptations in vascular function.

PMID- 27669440
TI  - From identification of the BTK kinase to effective management of leukemia.
AB  - BTK is a cytoplasmic protein-tyrosine kinase, whose corresponding gene was
      isolated in the early 1990s. BTK was initially identified by positional cloning
      of the gene causing X-linked agammaglobulinemia and independently in a search for
      new kinases. Given the phenotype of affected patients, namely lack of B
      lymphocytes and plasma cells with the ensuing inability to mount humoral immune
      responses, BTK inhibitors were anticipated to have beneficial effects on antibody
      mediated pathologies, such as autoimmunity. In contrast to, for example, the SRC
      family of cytoplasmic kinases, there was no obvious way in which structural
      alterations would yield constitutively active forms of BTK, and such mutations
      were also not found in leukemias or lymphomas. In 2007, the first efficient
      inhibitor, ibrutinib, was reported and soon became approved both in the United
      States and in Europe for the treatment of three B-cell malignancies, mantle cell
      lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia and Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia. Over
      the past few years, additional inhibitors have been developed, with acalabrutinib
      being more selective, and recently demonstrating fewer clinical adverse effects.
      The antitumor mechanism is also not related to mutations in BTK. Instead tumor
      residency in lymphoid organs is inhibited, making these drugs highly versatile.
      BTK is one of the only 10 human kinases that carry a cysteine in the adenosine
      triphosphate-binding cleft. As this allows for covalent, irreversible inhibitor
      binding, it provides these compounds with a highly advantageous character. This
      quality may be crucial and bodes well for the future of BTK-modifying medicines,
      which have been estimated to reach annual multi-billion dollar sales in the
      future.

PMID- 27669443
TI  - Spinal Cord Injury Level Influences Acute Plasma Caffeine Responses.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the absorption curve and acute effects
      of caffeine at rest in individuals with no spinal cord injury (SCI), paraplegia
      (PARA), and tetraplegia (TETRA). METHODS: Twenty-four healthy males (eight able
      bodied [AB], eight PARA, and eight TETRA) consumed 3 mg.kg caffeine anhydrous
      (CAF) in a fasted state. Plasma caffeine [CAF], glucose, lactate, free fatty
      acid, and catecholamine concentrations were measured during a 150-min rest
      period. RESULTS: Peak [CAF] was greater in TETRA (21.5 MUM) compared with AB
      (12.2 MUM) and PARA (15.1 MUM), and mean peak [CAF] occurred at 70, 80, and 80
      min, respectively. Moderate and large effect sizes were revealed for TETRA
      compared with PARA and AB (-0.55 and -1.14, respectively) for the total area
      under the [CAF] versus time curve. Large interindividual responses were apparent
      in SCI groups. The change in plasma catecholamine concentrations after CAF did
      not reach significance (P > 0.05); however, both adrenaline and noradrenaline
      concentrations were lowest in TETRA. Significant increases in free fatty acid
      were seen over time (P < 0.0005), but there was no significant influence of SCI
      level. Blood lactate concentration reduced over time (P = 0.022), whereas blood
      glucose concentration decreased modestly (P = 0.695), and no difference between
      groups was seen (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The level of SCI influenced the caffeine
      absorption curve, and there was large interindividual variation within and
      between groups. Individual curves should be considered when using caffeine as an
      ergogenic aid in athletes with an SCI. The results indicate TETRA should trial
      low doses in training and PARA may consider consuming caffeine greater than 60
      min before exercise performance. The study also supports caffeine's direct effect
      on adipose tissue, which is not secondary to catecholamine release.

PMID- 27669441
TI  - Cancer-associated fibroblast exosomes regulate survival and proliferation of
      pancreatic cancer cells.
AB  - Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) comprise the majority of the tumor bulk of
      pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs). Current efforts to eradicate these
      tumors focus predominantly on targeting the proliferation of rapidly growing
      cancer epithelial cells. We know that this is largely ineffective with resistance
      arising in most tumors following exposure to chemotherapy. Despite the long
      standing recognition of the prominence of CAFs in PDAC, the effect of
      chemotherapy on CAFs and how they may contribute to drug resistance in
      neighboring cancer cells is not well characterized. Here, we show that CAFs
      exposed to chemotherapy have an active role in regulating the survival and
      proliferation of cancer cells. We found that CAFs are intrinsically resistant to
      gemcitabine, the chemotherapeutic standard of care for PDAC. Further, CAFs
      exposed to gemcitabine significantly increase the release of extracellular
      vesicles called exosomes. These exosomes increased chemoresistance-inducing
      factor, Snail, in recipient epithelial cells and promote proliferation and drug
      resistance. Finally, treatment of gemcitabine-exposed CAFs with an inhibitor of
      exosome release, GW4869, significantly reduces survival in co-cultured epithelial
      cells, signifying an important role of CAF exosomes in chemotherapeutic drug
      resistance. Collectively, these findings show the potential for exosome
      inhibitors as treatment options alongside chemotherapy for overcoming PDAC
      chemoresistance.

PMID- 27669445
TI  - Triathletes Lose Their Advantageous Pain Modulation under Acute Psychosocial
      Stress.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Triathletes, who constantly engage in intensely stressful sport,
      were recently found to exhibit greater pain tolerance and more efficient pain
      inhibition capabilities than nonathletes. However, pain inhibition correlated
      negatively with retrospective reports of mental stress during training and
      competition. The aim of the current study was to test pain inhibition
      capabilities of triathletes under acute, controlled psychological stress
      manipulation. METHODS: Participants were 25 triathletes and ironman triathletes
      who underwent the measurement of pain threshold, pain intolerance, tonic
      suprathreshold pain, and conditioned pain modulation before and during exposure
      to the Montreal Imaging Stress Task (MIST). Perceived ratings of stress and
      anxiety, autonomic variables, and salivary cortisol levels were obtained as
      indices of stress. RESULTS: The MIST induced a significant stress reaction
      manifested in the subjective and objective indices. Overall, a significant
      reduction in pain threshold and in conditioned pain modulation efficacy was
      observed after the MIST, which reached the baseline levels observed previously in
      nonathletes. Paradoxically, the magnitude of this stress-induced hyperalgesia
      (SIH) correlated negatively with the magnitude of the stress response; low-stress
      responders exhibited greater SIH than high-stress responders. CONCLUSION: The
      results suggest that under acute psychological stress, triathletes not only react
      with SIH and a reduction in pain modulation but also lose their advantageous pain
      modulation over nonathletes. The stronger the stress response recorded, the
      weaker the SIH. It appears that triathletes are not resilient to stress,
      responding with an increase in the sensitivity to pain as well as a decrease in
      pain inhibition. The possible effects of athletes' baseline pain profile and
      stress reactivity on SIH are discussed.

PMID- 27669444
TI  - The Effect of a Healthy Lifestyle on Future Physical Functioning in Midlife
      Women.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the prospective association between healthy
      lifestyle behaviors and objectively measured physical function in midlife women.
      METHODS: Participants included 1769 racially/ethnically diverse women, ages 56-68
      yr, from the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation cohort. Physical function
      was assessed at the 13th follow-up visit with the Short Physical Performance
      Battery (4-m walk, repeated chair stands, and balance test) and grip strength. A
      healthy lifestyle score (HLS), which ranged from 0 to 6, was calculated by
      averaging as many as three repeated measures of self-reported smoking, physical
      activity, and diet, all assessed before the 13th follow-up. Multivariable linear
      and logistic regressions modeled each component of physical performance as a
      function of HLS and, in separate models, of each lifestyle behavior, adjusted for
      the other behaviors. RESULTS: In multivariable analyses, the time for the 4-m
      walk was 0.06 s faster (P = 0.001) for every 1 point increase in the HLS. The
      time for the repeated chair stands was significantly shorter by approximately
      0.20 s. Neither grip strength nor balance problems were significantly associated
      with the HLS (P = 0.28 and P = 0.19, respectively). The model examining the
      individual health behaviors showed that only physical activity was significantly
      associated with physical performance. CONCLUSION: Regular physical activity in
      early midlife has the potential to reduce the likelihood of physical functional
      limitations later in midlife.

PMID- 27669447
TI  - High-Intensity Interval Training Increases Cardiac Output and VO2max.
AB  - : Increases in maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) frequently occur with high
      intensity interval training (HIIT), yet the specific adaptation explaining this
      result remains elusive. PURPOSE: This study examined changes in VO2max and
      cardiac output (CO) in response to periodized HIIT. METHODS: Thirty-nine active
      men and women (mean age and VO2max = 22.9 +/- 5.4 yr and 39.6 +/- 5.6 mL.kg.min)
      performed HIIT and 32 men and women (age and VO2max = 25.7 +/- 4.5 yr and 40.7 +/
      5.2 mL.kg.min) were nonexercising controls (CON). The first 10 sessions of HIIT
      required eight to ten 60 s bouts of cycling at 90%-110% percent peak power output
      interspersed with 75 s recovery, followed by randomization to one of three
      regimes (sprint interval training (SIT), high-volume interval training (HIITHI),
      or periodized interval training (PER) for the subsequent 10 sessions. Before,
      midway, and at the end of training, progressive cycling to exhaustion was
      completed during which VO2max and maximal CO were estimated. RESULTS: Compared
      with CON, significant (P < 0.001) increases in VO2max in HIIT + SIT (39.8 +/- 7.3
      mL.kg.min to 43.6 +/- 6.1 mL.kg.min), HIIT + HIITHI (41.1 +/- 4.9 mL.kg.min to
      44.6 +/- 7.0 mL.kg.min), and HIIT + PER (39.5 +/- 5.6 mL.kg.min to 44.1 +/- 5.4
      mL.kg.min) occurred which were mediated by significant increases in maximal CO
      (20.0 +/- 3.1 L.min to 21.7 +/- 3.2 L.min, P = 0.04). Maximal stroke volume was
      increased with HIIT (P = 0.04), although there was no change in maximal HR (P =
      0.88) or arteriovenous O2 difference (P = 0.36). These CO data are accurate and
      represent the mean changes from pre- to post-HIIT across all three training
      groups. CONCLUSIONS: Increases in VO2max exhibited in response to different HIIT
      regimes are due to improvements in oxygen delivery.

PMID- 27669446
TI  - Metabolic Responses to the Yukon Arctic Ultra: Longest and Coldest in the World.
AB  - PURPOSE: The Yukon Arctic Ultra is considered the longest and coldest
      ultraendurance event in the world. Cold exposure and exercise has been reported
      to influence circulating levels of myokines, adipokines, and hepatokines that may
      influence considerable alterations in the regulation of metabolism. The purpose
      of the study was to evaluate the influence of the Yukon Arctic Ultra (430-mile
      event) on potential activators of brown fat, metabolites, and body composition in
      healthy individuals. METHODS: Eight male and female participants (mean +/- SEM:
      age, 44 +/- 3 yr; body mass index, 23.4 +/- 0.9) were recruited for
      participation. Blood samples were collected at pre-event, mid-event, and post
      event checkpoints. RESULTS: The temperature during the event ranged from -45
      degrees C to -8 degrees C. Because of these extremely challenging conditions, 50%
      of the participants withdrew from competition by the 300-mile mark, and those
      that surpassed 300 miles lost a significant (P = 0.002; P = 0.01) amount of body
      weight (76 +/- 5 kg to 73 +/- 4 kg) and fat mass (13 +/- 1 kg to 12 +/- 3 kg),
      respectively. With respect to serum irisin, there was a trend (P = 0.06) toward
      significance from pre-event (1033 +/- 88 ng.mL), mid-event (1265 +/- 23 ng.mL) to
      post-event (1289 +/- 24 ng.mL). Serum meteorin-like and fibroblast growth factor
      21 remained stable throughout the event. There were no changes in creatinine,
      acetoacetate, acetate, and valine. Serum lactate decreased (P = 0.04) during the
      event. CONCLUSIONS: The influence of cold exposure and extreme physical exertion
      may promote substantial increases in serum irisin, and specific alterations in
      substrate metabolism that largely preserve skeletal muscle and physiological
      resilience.

PMID- 27669448
TI  - Knee Joint Loading during Single-Leg Forward Hopping.
AB  - : Increased or abnormal loading on the intact limb is thought to contribute to
      the relatively high risk of knee osteoarthritis in this limb for individuals with
      unilateral lower limb loss. This theory has been assessed previously by studying
      walking, but knee joint loading during walking is often similar between
      individuals with and without limb loss, prompting assessment of other movements
      that may place unusual loads on the knee. One such movement, hopping, is a form
      of locomotion that individuals with unilateral lower limb loss may situationally
      use instead of walking, but the mechanical effects of hopping on the intact limb
      are unknown. PURPOSE: Compare knee joint kinetics of healthy adults during single
      leg forward hopping compared to walking, a more traditional form of locomotion.
      METHODS: Twenty-four healthy adults walked and hopped at self-selected speeds of
      1.5 and 2.3 m.s, respectively. Joint moments were calculated using inverse
      dynamics. A paired Student's t-test was utilized to compare peak, impulse, and
      loading rate (LR) of knee adduction moment (KAM), and peak knee flexion moment
      (KFM) between walking and hopping. RESULTS: Peak KFM and KAM LR were greater
      during hopping compared to walking (peak KFM: 20.73% vs 5.51% body weight (BW) *
      height (Ht), P < 0.001; KAM LR: 0.47 vs. 0.33 BW.Ht.s, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS:
      Kinetic measures affecting knee joint loading are greater in hopping compared to
      walking. It may be advisable to limit single-leg forward hopping in the limb loss
      population until it is known if these loads increase knee osteoarthritis risk.

PMID- 27669449
TI  - Voluntary Running Attenuates Metabolic Dysfunction in Ovariectomized Low-Fit
      Rats.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Ovariectomy and high-fat diet (HFD) worsen obesity and metabolic
      dysfunction associated with low aerobic fitness. Exercise training mitigates
      metabolic abnormalities induced by low aerobic fitness, but whether the
      protective effect is maintained after ovariectomy and HFD is unknown. PURPOSE:
      This study determined whether, after ovariectomy and HFD, exercise training
      improves metabolic function in rats bred for low intrinsic aerobic capacity.
      METHODS: Female rats selectively bred for low (LCR) and high (HCR) intrinsic
      aerobic capacity (n = 30) were ovariectomized, fed HFD, and randomized to either
      a sedentary (SED) or voluntary wheel running (EX) group. Resting energy
      expenditure, glucose tolerance, and spontaneous physical activity were determined
      midway through the experiment, whereas body weight, wheel running volume, and
      food intake were assessed throughout the study. Body composition, circulating
      metabolic markers, and skeletal muscle gene and protein expression were measured
      at sacrifice. RESULTS: EX reduced body weight and adiposity in LCR rats (-10% and
      -50%, respectively; P < 0.05) and, unexpectedly, increased these variables in HCR
      rats (+7% and +37%, respectively; P < 0.05) compared with their respective SED
      controls, likely because of dietary overcompensation. Wheel running volume was
      approximately fivefold greater in HCR than LCR rats, yet EX enhanced insulin
      sensitivity equally in LCR and HCR rats (P < 0.05). This EX-mediated improvement
      in metabolic function was associated with thee gene upregulation of skeletal
      muscle interleukin-6 and interleukin-10. EX also increased resting energy
      expenditure, skeletal muscle mitochondrial content (oxidative phosphorylation
      complexes and citrate synthase activity), and adenosine monophosphate-activated
      protein kinase activation similarly in both lines (all P <0.05). CONCLUSION:
      Despite a fivefold difference in running volume between rat lines, EX similarly
      improved systemic insulin sensitivity, resting energy expenditure, and skeletal
      muscle mitochondrial content and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase
      activation in ovariectomized LCR and HCR rats fed HFD compared with their
      respective SED controls.

PMID- 27669450
TI  - Step-Based Physical Activity Metrics and Cardiometabolic Risk: NHANES 2005-2006.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aimed to catalog the relationships between step-based
      accelerometer metrics indicative of physical activity volume (steps per day,
      adjusted to a pedometer scale), intensity (mean steps per minute from the
      highest, not necessarily consecutive, minutes in a day; peak 30-min cadence), and
      sedentary behavior (percent time at zero cadence relative to wear time; %TZC) and
      cardiometabolic risk factors. METHODS: We analyzed data from 3388 participants,
      20+ yr old, in the 2005-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
      with >=1 valid day of accelerometer data and at least some data on weight, body
      mass index, waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, glucose,
      insulin, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and/or glycohemoglobin. Linear trends
      were evaluated for cardiometabolic variables, adjusted for age and race, across
      quintiles of steps per day, peak 30-min cadence, and %TZC. RESULTS: Median steps
      per day ranged from 2247 to 12,334 steps per day for men and from 1755 to 9824
      steps per day for women, and median peak 30-min cadence ranged from 48.1 to 96.0
      steps per minute for men and from 40.8 to 96.2 steps per minute for women for the
      first and fifth quintiles, respectively. Linear trends were statistically
      significant (all P < 0.001), with increasing quintiles of steps per day and peak
      30-min cadence inversely associated with waist circumference, weight, body mass
      index, and insulin for both men and women. Median %TZC ranged from 17.6% to 51.0%
      for men and from 19.9% to 47.6% for women for the first and fifth quintiles,
      respectively. Linear trends were statistically significant (all P < 0.05), with
      increasing quintiles of %TZC associated with increased waist circumference,
      weight and insulin for men, and insulin for women. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis
      identified strong linear relationships between step-based movement/nonmovement
      dimensions and cardiometabolic risk factors. These data offer a set of quantified
      access points for studying the potential dose-response effects of each of these
      dimensions separately or collectively in longitudinal observational or
      intervention study designs.

PMID- 27669451
TI  - Combined Exercise Training Improves Glycemic Control in Adult with Cystic
      Fibrosis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Glucose abnormality and diabetes are the most common comorbidities in
      cystic fibrosis (CF). Combined (aerobic and resistance) exercise program in type
      2 patients with diabetes demonstrated an improvement of glycemic control. The aim
      of the study was to determine whether a combined exercise program is beneficial
      to improve plasma glucose at 2 h of the oral glucose tolerance test in CF.
      METHOD: Eighteen adults with CF with glucose abnormality were recruited
      (Clinicaltrial.gov: NTC02127957), and 17 were randomly assigned to a control or
      exercise group for 12 wk. VO2max, oral glucose tolerance test, muscular endurance
      and strength, and quality of life were measured pre- and postintervention.
      RESULTS: Fourteen participants completed the protocol. Patients in the exercise
      group improved significantly their 2-h plasma glucose values (-2.34 +/- 1.26
      mmol.L, P < 0.007, confidence interval = 99.22%) and presented a reduction of
      17.2% (P < 0.05) in total glucose excursion. No significant change for other
      parameters was observed. CONCLUSION: A combined exercise program improves
      glycemic control in CF.

PMID- 27669452
TI  - Combined Use of Morphological and Molecular Tools to Resolve Species Mis
      Identifications in the Bivalvia The Case of Glycymeris glycymeris and G. pilosa.
AB  - Morphological and molecular tools were combined to resolve the misidentification
      between Glycymeris glycymeris and Glycymeris pilosa from Atlantic and
      Mediterranean populations. The ambiguous literature on the taxonomic status of
      these species requires this confirmation as a baseline to studies on their
      ecology and sclerochronology. We used classical and landmark-based morphometric
      approaches and performed bivariate and multivariate analyses to test for shell
      character interactions at the individual and population level. Both approaches
      generated complementary information. The former showed the shell width to length
      ratio and the valve asymmetry to be the main discriminant characters between
      Atlantic and Mediterranean populations. Additionally, the external microsculpture
      of additional and finer secondary ribs in G. glycymeris discriminates it from G.
      pilosa. Likewise, landmark-based geometric morphometrics revealed a stronger
      opisthogyrate beak and prosodetic ligament in G. pilosa than G. glycymeris. Our
      Bayesian and maximum likelihood phylogenetic analyses based on COI and ITS2 genes
      identified that G. glycymeris and G. pilosa form two separate monophyletic clades
      with mean interspecific divergence of 11% and 0.9% for COI and ITS2,
      respectively. The congruent patterns of morphometric analysis together with
      mitochondrial and nuclear phylogenetic reconstructions indicated the separation
      of the two coexisting species. The intraspecific divergence occurred during the
      Eocene and accelerated during the late Pliocene and Pleistocene. Glycymeris
      pilosa showed a high level of genetic diversity, appearing as a more robust
      species whose tolerance of environmental conditions allowed its expansion
      throughout the Mediterranean.

PMID- 27669453
TI  - Root-hair endophyte stacking in finger millet creates a physicochemical barrier
      to trap the fungal pathogen Fusarium graminearum.
AB  - The ancient African crop, finger millet, has broad resistance to pathogens
      including the toxigenic fungus Fusarium graminearum. Here, we report the
      discovery of a novel plant defence mechanism resulting from an unusual symbiosis
      between finger millet and a root-inhabiting bacterial endophyte, M6 (Enterobacter
      sp.). Seed-coated M6 swarms towards root-invading Fusarium and is associated with
      the growth of root hairs, which then bend parallel to the root axis, subsequently
      forming biofilm-mediated microcolonies, resulting in a remarkable, multilayer
      root-hair endophyte stack (RHESt). The RHESt results in a physical barrier that
      prevents entry and/or traps F. graminearum, which is then killed. M6 thus creates
      its own specialized killing microhabitat. Tn5-mutagenesis shows that M6 killing
      requires c-di-GMP-dependent signalling, diverse fungicides and resistance to a
      Fusarium-derived antibiotic. Further molecular evidence suggests long-term host
      endophyte-pathogen co-evolution. The end result of this remarkable symbiosis is
      reduced deoxynivalenol mycotoxin, potentially benefiting millions of subsistence
      farmers and livestock. Further results suggest that the anti-Fusarium activity of
      M6 may be transferable to maize and wheat. RHESt demonstrates the value of
      exploring ancient, orphan crop microbiomes.

PMID- 27669454
TI  - A Comparative Animal Study of Tendon Grafts Healing After Remnant-Preserving
      Versus Conventional Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.
AB  - BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to determine if anterior cruciate ligament
      (ACL) reconstruction by remnant preservation promotes cell proliferation,
      vascularization, proprioception recovery, and improved biomechanical properties
      of the tendon grafts. MATERIAL AND METHODS 75 New Zealand rabbits were randomly
      assigned into the control group (group A), conventional ACL reconstruction group
      (group B), ACL reconstruction using remnant preservation and graft through
      remnant sleeve technique group (group C), and ACL reconstruction using remnant
      preservation and remnant tensioning technique group (group D). The remnant and
      healing of tendon grafts in groups C and D were observed at 3, 6, and 12 weeks
      after surgery, and the mRNA expression levels of VEGF, NT-3 and GAP-43 in ACL
      (group A) or tendon graft samples (groups B, C, and D) were determined by real
      time PCR. Tendon graft cell count, microvessel density (MVD), and proprioceptors
      were determined by H&E staining, CD34, and S-100 immunohistochemical staining.
      The biomechanical properties of the tendon graft at week 12 in groups B, C, and D
      were examined by using a tensile strength test. RESULTS Remnant and tendon grafts
      were not healed at 3, 6, and 12 weeks after the operation in groups C and D.
      VEGF, NT-3, and GAP-43 mRNA expressions in groups B, C, and D were higher than
      those in group A (P<0.05), but no significant difference was observed between
      groups B, C, and D (P>0.05). Furthermore, tendon graft cell count, MVD,
      proprioception, and biomechanical properties showed no significant differences
      (P>0.05) among groups B, C, and D at various time points. CONCLUSIONS There was
      no significant difference in cell proliferation, vascularization, proprioception
      recovery, or biomechanical properties of the tendon grafts between remnant
      preserving and conventional ACL reconstruction methods.

PMID- 27669455
TI  - Artificially Sweetened Beverage Consumption During Pregnancy and Infant Body Mass
      Index.

PMID- 27669456
TI  - Addressing Social Determinants of Health and Health Inequalities.

PMID- 27669458
TI  - Effective approach to strengthen plasmon resonance localized on top surfaces of
      Ag nanoparticles and application in surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy.
AB  - The spatial distribution of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) plays a
      key role in many plasmonic applications. Based on the thermal stability of
      alumina templates, this work reports a novel approach to manipulate the
      distribution of LSPR and exhibits its significance for an important plasmonic
      application, the surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). A suitable thermal
      annealing sharpens the edges in top surfaces (far from the substrates) of Ag
      nanoparticles, which significantly strengthens the distal mode (DM) with the LSPR
      excited on the top surfaces. Because the top surface is the major place to adsorb
      probe molecules, this manipulation greatly improves the detection sensitivity of
      SERS. Our research provides a new way to improve the sensitivity of SERS, which
      also indicates that great care has to be taken on special LSPR mode which is
      largely responsible for a certain plasmonic application (e.g., the DM for SERS
      although it is not the major mode). 

PMID- 27669457
TI  - Effect of Structured Physical Activity on Overall Burden and Transitions Between
      States of Major Mobility Disability in Older Persons: Secondary Analysis of a
      Randomized Trial.
AB  - Background: The total time a patient is disabled likely has a greater influence
      on his or her quality of life than the initial occurrence of disability alone.
      Objective: To compare the effect of a long-term, structured physical activity
      program with that of a health education intervention on the proportion of patient
      assessments indicating major mobility disability (MMD) (that is, MMD burden) and
      on the risk for transitions into and out of MMD. Design: Single-blinded, parallel
      group, randomized trial. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01072500). Setting: 8 U.S.
      centers between February 2010 and December 2013. Participants: 1635 sedentary
      persons, aged 70 to 89 years, who had functional limitations but could walk 400
      m. Intervention: Physical activity (n = 818) and health education (n = 817).
      Measurements: MMD, defined as the inability to walk 400 m, was assessed every 6
      months for up to 3.5 years. Results: During a median follow-up of 2.7 years, the
      proportion of assessments showing MMD was substantially lower in the physical
      activity (0.13 [95% CI, 0.11 to 0.15]) than the health education (0.17 [CI, 0.15
      to 0.19]) group, yielding a risk ratio of 0.75 (CI, 0.64 to 0.89). In a
      multistate model, the hazard ratios for comparisons of physical activity with
      health education were 0.87 (CI, 0.73 to 1.03) for the transition from no MMD to
      MMD; 0.52 (CI, 0.10 to 2.67) for no MMD to death; 1.33 (CI, 0.99 to 1.77) for MMD
      to no MMD; and 1.92 (CI, 1.15 to 3.20) for MMD to death. Limitation: The
      intention-to-treat principle was maintained for MMD burden and first transition
      out of no MMD, but not for subsequent transitions. Conclusion: A structured
      physical activity program reduced the MMD burden for an extended period, in part
      through enhanced recovery after the onset of disability and diminished risk for
      subsequent disability episodes. Primary Funding Source: National Institute on
      Aging, National Institutes of Health.

PMID- 27669459
TI  - Sustained ERK inhibition maximizes responses of BrafV600E thyroid cancers to
      radioiodine.
AB  - Radioiodide (RAI) therapy of thyroid cancer exploits the relatively selective
      ability of thyroid cells to transport and accumulate iodide. Iodide uptake
      requires expression of critical genes that are involved in various steps of
      thyroid hormone biosynthesis. ERK signaling, which is markedly increased in
      thyroid cancer cells driven by oncogenic BRAF, represses the genetic program that
      enables iodide transport. Here, we determined that a critical threshold for
      inhibition of MAPK signaling is required to optimally restore expression of
      thyroid differentiation genes in thyroid cells and in mice with BrafV600E-induced
      thyroid cancer. Although the MEK inhibitor selumetinib transiently inhibited ERK
      signaling, which subsequently rebounded, the MEK inhibitor CKI suppressed ERK
      signaling in a sustained manner by preventing RAF reactivation. A small increase
      in ERK inhibition markedly increased the expression of thyroid differentiation
      genes, increased iodide accumulation in cancer cells, and thereby improved
      responses to RAI therapy. Only a short exposure to the drug was necessary to
      obtain a maximal response to RAI. These data suggest that potent inhibition of
      ERK signaling is required to adequately induce iodide uptake and indicate that
      this is a promising strategy for the treatment of BRAF-mutant thyroid cancer.

PMID- 27669460
TI  - ChREBP regulates fructose-induced glucose production independently of insulin
      signaling.
AB  - Obese, insulin-resistant states are characterized by a paradoxical pathogenic
      condition in which the liver appears to be selectively insulin resistant.
      Specifically, insulin fails to suppress glucose production, yet successfully
      stimulates de novo lipogenesis. The mechanisms underlying this dysregulation
      remain controversial. Here, we hypothesized that carbohydrate-responsive element
      binding protein (ChREBP), a transcriptional activator of glycolytic and lipogenic
      genes, plays a central role in this paradox. Administration of fructose increased
      hepatic hexose-phosphate levels, activated ChREBP, and caused glucose
      intolerance, hyperinsulinemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and hepatic steatosis in
      mice. Activation of ChREBP was required for the increased expression of
      glycolytic and lipogenic genes as well as glucose-6-phosphatase (G6pc) that was
      associated with the effects of fructose administration. We found that fructose
      induced G6PC activity is a major determinant of hepatic glucose production and
      reduces hepatic glucose-6-phosphate levels to complete a homeostatic loop.
      Moreover, fructose activated ChREBP and induced G6pc in the absence of Foxo1a,
      indicating that carbohydrate-induced activation of ChREBP and G6PC dominates over
      the suppressive effects of insulin to enhance glucose production. This
      ChREBP/G6PC signaling axis is conserved in humans. Together, these findings
      support a carbohydrate-mediated, ChREBP-driven mechanism that contributes to
      hepatic insulin resistance.

PMID- 27669461
TI  - Targeting cancer metabolism by simultaneously disrupting parallel nutrient access
      pathways.
AB  - Oncogenic mutations drive anabolic metabolism, creating a dependency on nutrient
      influx through transporters, receptors, and macropinocytosis. While sphingolipids
      suppress tumor growth by downregulating nutrient transporters, macropinocytosis
      and autophagy still provide cancer cells with fuel. Therapeutics that
      simultaneously disrupt these parallel nutrient access pathways have potential as
      powerful starvation agents. Here, we describe a water-soluble, orally
      bioavailable synthetic sphingolipid, SH-BC-893, that triggers nutrient
      transporter internalization and also blocks lysosome-dependent nutrient
      generation pathways. SH-BC-893 activated protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), leading
      to mislocalization of the lipid kinase PIKfyve. The concomitant mislocalization
      of the PIKfyve product PI(3,5)P2 triggered cytosolic vacuolation and blocked
      lysosomal fusion reactions essential for LDL, autophagosome, and macropinosome
      degradation. By simultaneously limiting access to both extracellular and
      intracellular nutrients, SH-BC-893 selectively killed cells expressing an
      activated form of the anabolic oncogene Ras in vitro and in vivo. However, slower
      growing, autochthonous PTEN-deficient prostate tumors that did not exhibit a
      classic Warburg phenotype were equally sensitive. Remarkably, normal
      proliferative tissues were unaffected by doses of SH-BC-893 that profoundly
      inhibited tumor growth. These studies demonstrate that simultaneously blocking
      parallel nutrient access pathways with sphingolipid-based drugs is broadly
      effective and cancer selective, suggesting a potential strategy for overcoming
      the resistance conferred by tumor heterogeneity.

PMID- 27669463
TI  - Rebound Syndrome in Multiple Sclerosis After Fingolimod Cessation.

PMID- 27669462
TI  - Mast cell desensitization inhibits calcium flux and aberrantly remodels actin.
AB  - Rush desensitization (DS) is a widely used and effective clinical strategy for
      the rapid inhibition of IgE-mediated anaphylactic responses. However, the
      cellular targets and underlying mechanisms behind this process remain unclear.
      Recent studies have implicated mast cells (MCs) as the primary target cells for
      DS. Here, we developed a murine model of passive anaphylaxis with demonstrated MC
      involvement and an in vitro assay to evaluate the effect of DS on MCs. In
      contrast with previous reports, we determined that functional IgE remains on the
      cell surface of desensitized MCs following DS. Despite notable reductions in MC
      degranulation following DS, the high-affinity IgE receptor FcepsilonRI was still
      capable of transducing signals in desensitized MCs. Additionally, we found that
      displacement of the actin cytoskeleton and its continued association with
      FcepsilonRI impede the capacity of desensitized MCs to evoke the calcium response
      that is essential for MC degranulation. Together, these findings suggest that
      reduced degranulation responses in desensitized MCs arise from aberrant actin
      remodeling, providing insights that may lead to improvement of DS treatments for
      anaphylactic responses.

PMID- 27669464
TI  - Eliminating Routine Glucometer Readings in the Office Setting: Correcting a
      Foolish Consistency.

PMID- 27669465
TI  - Research questions: What questions need to be answered? What kind of answers does
      Endoscopy aim to publish?

PMID- 27669466
TI  - Finding disease patterns by shining a light on life: A work in progress.

PMID- 27669467
TI  - Addressing bias in polyp size measurement.

PMID- 27669468
TI  - Lumen restoration of long esophageal strictures. Should we shift towards
      endoscopic submucosal dissection?

PMID- 27669469
TI  - Reply to Mavrogenis et al.

PMID- 27669470
TI  - Peroral endoscopic myotomy for sigmoid-type achalasia: the myotomy length and
      ways to facilitate the procedure.

PMID- 27669471
TI  - Reply to Huo et al.

PMID- 27669472
TI  - Repeated cannulation attempts or late precut: which is more risky for post-ERCP
      pancreatitis?

PMID- 27669473
TI  - Reply to Kadayifci and Yildirim.

PMID- 27669476
TI  - French comment on article: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy -
      Establishing the key unanswered research questions within gastrointestinal
      endoscopy.

PMID- 27669478
TI  - French comment on article: Terminal digit preference biases polyp size
      measurements at endoscopy, computed tomographic colonography, and histopathology.

PMID- 27669477
TI  - French comment on article: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided needle-based confocal
      laser endomicroscopy in solid pancreatic masses.

PMID- 27669479
TI  - French comment on article: Narrow-band imaging vs. high definition white light
      for optical diagnosis of small colorectal polyps: a randomized multicenter trial.

PMID- 27669480
TI  - French comment on article: Magnetic endoscope imaging for routine colonoscopy:
      impact on propofol dosage and patient safety - a randomized trial.

PMID- 27669482
TI  - Video Comment on Klare et al.

PMID- 27669481
TI  - Video Comment on Plumb et al.

PMID- 27669483
TI  - Video Comment on Klare et al.

PMID- 27669484
TI  - Realizing the Full Potential of Precision Medicine in Health and Health Care.

PMID- 27669485
TI  - Guillain-Barre Syndrome and Cerebral Hemorrhage: Two Cases and Literature Review.
AB  - AIMS: The study aimed to investigate the potential relationships between Guillain
      Barre syndrome (GBS) and cerebral hemorrhage. METHODS: Two patients diagnosed
      with hemorrhagic stroke and GBS were reported. More specifically, the sequential
      occurrence and the corresponding mechanisms of these 2 diseases were analyzed.
      RESULTS: Two patients with cerebral hemorrhagic stroke developed progressive
      flaccid quadriplegia and life-threatening dyspnea in acute stage. Combined with
      the cerebrospinal fluid and electromyogram results, they were diagnosed as having
      acute GBS. It was found that GBS and cerebral nervous system (CNS) hemorrhage can
      occur successively, but the different sequences of occurrence had completely
      different pathogeneses. GBS following CNS hemorrhage was found to be related to
      the imbalance of systemic inflammatory responses, whereas CNS hemorrhage
      following GBS was due to blood vessel autonomous dysfunction and the use of
      immunoglobulin intravenously. Both groups of patients had only good prognoses
      when they were intensively observed. CONCLUSIONS: Despite being rare, GBS
      complicated with CNS hemorrhage deserves more attention due to its notable
      impact.

PMID- 27669487
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 27669486
TI  - Distinctive neuronal firing patterns in subterritories of the subthalamic
      nucleus.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN-DBS) is an
      established treatment for Parkinson's disease (PD). Anatomical connectivity
      analyses and task-related physiological studies have divided the STN into
      different functional domains: sensorimotor, limbic, and associative - located in
      its dorsolateral (dSTN), anteroventral (vSTN) and medial territories,
      respectively. Targeting sensorimotor STN is essential for stimulation efficacy
      and is supported by intraoperative micro-electrode recordings. A different
      neuronal signature in microelectrode recordings across STN subterritories was
      explored in this study. METHODS: Stable recordings from 30 PD patients were
      assigned to dSTN or vSTN by means of an anatomical method (based on fused
      computed tomography/magnetic resonance images) and through a priori tri-segmented
      partition of the recording itself. We computed the inter-spike interval (ISI) and
      ISI-characteristics, mean firing rate (MFR), discharge patterns and mean burst
      rate (MBR) of each detected single unit activity. RESULTS: We showed a different
      MBR between dSTN and vSTN (1.51+/-0.18 vs. 1.76+/-0.22events/minute, Wilcoxon
      rank sum test, p<0.05) and a trend in the difference between their MFR (12.78 vs.
      15.05Hz, Wilcoxon rank sum test, p=0.053) only with the anatomically based
      method. CONCLUSION: Burst firing differs across STN subterritories. SIGNIFICANCE:
      Different functions of subthalamic domains might be reflected by distinctive
      burst signalling of its subterritories.

PMID- 27669489
TI  - Towards Enzyme-like, Sustainable Catalysis: Switchable, Highly Efficient
      Asymmetric Synthesis of Enantiopure Biginelli Dihydropyrimidinones or
      Hexahydropyrimidinones.
AB  - Organocatalysts displaying a network of cooperative hydrogen bonds (NCHB) have
      been employed in an enzyme-like manner for a direct, switchable synthesis of
      enantiopure hexahydropyrimidinones (HHPMs) or dihydropyrimidinones (DHPMs), which
      starts at a common, easily accessible alpha-ureidosulfone stage. The NCHB
      organocatalyst exploits all its potential as a pure hydrogen-bond biomimetic
      catalyst even in the presence of organic bases. This one-pot, diastereo- and
      enantioselective synthetic procedure has been proven to be robust, scalable,
      highly efficient, and environmentally benign. A straightforward and truly
      practical entry to enantiopure HHPMs is reported for the first time.

PMID- 27669488
TI  - Urinary microbiome of kidney transplant patients reveals dysbiosis with potential
      for antibiotic resistance.
AB  - Recent studies have established that a complex community of microbes colonize the
      human urinary tract; however, their role in kidney transplant patients treated
      with prophylactic antibiotics remains poorly investigated. Our aim was to
      investigate the urinary microbiome of kidney transplant recipients. Urine samples
      from 21 patients after kidney transplantation and 8 healthy controls were
      collected. All patients received prophylactic treatment with the antibiotic
      combination trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Metagenomic DNA was isolated from
      urine samples, sequenced using shotgun sequencing approach on Illumina HiSeq 2000
      platform, and analyzed for microbial taxonomic and functional annotations. Our
      results demonstrate that the urine microbiome of kidney transplants was markedly
      different at all taxonomic levels from phyla to species, had decreased microbial
      diversity, and increased abundance of potentially pathogenic species compared
      with healthy controls. Specifically, at the phylum level, we detected a
      significant decrease in Actinobacteria and increase in Firmicutes due to
      increases in Enterococcus faecalis. In addition, there was an increase in the
      Proteobacteria due to increases in Escherichia coli. Analysis of predicted
      functions of the urinary metagenome revealed increased abundance of enzymes in
      the folate pathway including dihydrofolate synthase that are not inhibited by
      trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, but can augment folate metabolism. This report
      characterizes the urinary microbiome of kidney transplants using shotgun
      metagenomics approach. Our results indicate that the urinary microbiota may be
      modified in the context of prophylactic antibiotics, indicating that a
      therapeutic intervention may shift the urinary microbiota to select bacterial
      species with increased resistance to antibiotics. The evaluation and development
      of optimal prophylactic regimens that do not promote antibiotic resistance is an
      important future goal.

PMID- 27669491
TI  - AR Video Cover, November 2016 (ARV-15-0294.R1).

PMID- 27669490
TI  - Treatment of ibuprofen toxicity with serial charcoal hemoperfusion and
      hemodialysis in a dog.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the efficacy of serial charcoal hemoperfusion and
      hemodialysis in removing ibuprofen from a dog with severe clinical signs of
      toxicity. CASE SUMMARY: A dog ingested a minimum of 2,200 mg/kg of ibuprofen
      resulting in progressive neurologic dysfunction that progressed to a comatose
      state by the time of presentation. Extracorporeal charcoal hemoperfusion coupled
      serially with hemodialysis was performed to remove ibuprofen from this patient.
      Serial charcoal hemoperfusion and hemodialysis therapy resulted in complete
      reversal of the neurologic dysfunction in this dog. No evidence of acute kidney
      or hepatic injury was observed. Serum ibuprofen concentrations confirmed the
      efficacy of this treatment. NEW INFORMATION PROVIDED: This report details the
      technique for extracorporeal extraction of ibuprofen, a methodology that could be
      employed for other toxicities due to substances with similar pharmacokinetics.
      Complications and limitations (eg, saturation of the charcoal cartridge) of the
      therapy are discussed.

PMID- 27669492
TI  - Use of Multi-Intake Temporal Dominance of Sensations (TDS) to Evaluate the
      Influence of Cheese on Wine Perception.
AB  - Though the gastronomic sector recommends certain wine-cheese associations, there
      is little sensory evidence on how cheese influences the perception of wine. It
      was the aim of this study to dynamically characterize 4 wines as they would be
      perceived when consumed with and without cheese. The tasting protocol was based
      on multi-intake temporal dominance of sensations (TDS) coupled with hedonic
      rating. In the 1st session, 31 French wine and cheese consumers evaluated the
      wines (Pacherenc, Sancerre, Bourgogne, and Madiran) over 3 consecutive sips. In
      the following sessions, they performed the same task, but eating small portions
      of cheese (Epoisses, Comte, Roquefort, Crottin de Chavignol) between sips. All
      cheeses were tasted with all wines over 4 sessions. TDS data were mainly analyzed
      in terms of each attribute's duration of dominance by analysis of variance,
      multivariate analysis of variance, and canonical variate analysis. Results showed
      that cheese consumption had an impact (P < 0.1) on dominance duration of
      attributes and on preference for most wines. For example, in Madiran, all cheeses
      reduced dominance duration (P < 0.01) of astringency and sourness and increased
      duration of red fruit aroma. Although the number of consumers was small to make
      extended general conclusions on wine's preference, significant changes were
      observed before and after cheese intake.

PMID- 27669494
TI  - Column Theme: Groundwater Management Directions-Stewardship to Sustain Our Water
      Resources.

PMID- 27669493
TI  - Potato root system development and factors that determine its architecture.
AB  - The potato root system is often characterized as shallow and inefficient, with
      poor ability to extract water and minerals from the soil. Potato root system
      architecture (RSA) refers to its 3-dimensional structure as determined by
      adventitious root (AR) growth and branching through lateral roots (LR).
      Understanding how the root system develops holds potential to increase plant
      yield and optimize agricultural land use. Root system development was monitored
      in greenhouse-grown potato while a root-on-a-plate assay was developed to explore
      factors that affect AR and LR development. Expression study of LR-related genes
      was conducted. Transgenic plants carrying DR5:GFP and CycB1:GUS reporter genes
      were used to monitor auxin signaling and cell division during root primordia
      formation, respectively. Maximum root development occurred mainly during the 6
      week post seed-tuber planting and slowed during the onset of tuberization. AR and
      LR development was coordinated - a positive correlation was found between the
      length of AR and LR and between LR length and number. The expression of LR
      related genes was higher in LR than in AR. High nitrate levels reduced LR number
      and length, however ablation of root-cap by high temperature (33 degrees C) or
      cutting resulted with enhanced formation of LR. Growth conditions affect AR and
      LR development in potato, determining the final architecture of its root system.
      The overall results indicate that LR formation in potato follows similar pattern
      as in model plants, facilitating study and manipulation of its RSA to improve
      soil exploitation and yield.

PMID- 27669495
TI  - Are executive functions related to emotional intelligence? A correlational study
      in schizophrenia and borderline personality disorder.
AB  - This research explored the relationship between executive functions (working
      memory and reasoning subtests of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Trail
      Making and Stroop tests, fluency and planning tasks, and Wisconsin Card Sorting
      Test) and emotional intelligence measured by the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional
      Intelligence Test in patients with schizophrenia or borderline personality
      disorder compared to a control group. As expected, both clinical groups performed
      worse than the control group in executive functions and emotional intelligence,
      although the impairment was greater in the borderline personality disorder group.
      Executive functions significantly correlated with social functioning. Results are
      discussed in relation to the brain circuits that mediate executive functions and
      emotional intelligence and the findings obtained with other models of social
      cognition.

PMID- 27669496
TI  - Serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein: A delicate sentinel elevated in drug
      free acutely agitated patients with schizophrenia.
AB  - Increased levels of high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hsCRP) have been
      reported in schizophrenia, but to date, no study is designed to examine serum
      hsCRP in acutely agitated patients with schizophrenia, an extreme state that
      requires immediate diagnosis and medical treatment. Serum hsCRP levels were
      assessed in 32 clinically acutely agitated patients and 42 healthy control
      subjects matched for demographic properties. Further, serum hsCRP levels in
      acutely agitated patients were compared with control subjects and with the levels
      after the patients were treated with anti-psychiatric medications. Meanwhile, the
      influence of clinical subtypes, family history, and gender, as well as the levels
      of white blood cell (WBC) counts were also considered. In results, serum hsCRP
      levels were significantly higher in acutely agitated patients with schizophrenia
      than in healthy subjects. The elevation of serum hsCRP in patients was not
      affected by gender, family history (P>0.05), and clinical classification of
      schizophrenia (P>0.05). However, the elevation of hsCRP was suppressed by the
      medical treatment for schizophrenia with acute agitation (P<0.05). In addition,
      WBC counts, another inflammation-related indicator, were also increased
      significantly in acutely agitated patients compared with healthy subjects,
      consistent with the elevation of serum hsCRP. In conclusion, hsCRP is an
      important indicator of immune alterations in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia
      and has potential to be developed into a sensitive marker for the acute agitation
      in schizophrenia.

PMID- 27669497
TI  - Evaluation of rapid maxillary expansion through acoustic emission technique and
      relative soft tissue attenuation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Acoustic emission (AE) is a non-destructive test to detect energy
      release. This technique was applied during rapid maxillary expansion (RME) to
      evaluate the reaction of the craniofacial skeleton. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A
      swine model was analysed. Soft tissues were removed from two heads, while other
      two were preserved intact. A palatal expander (PE) was positioned and AE sensors
      were placed on the intermaxillary, fronto-nasal, and maxillo-lacrimal sutures.
      The PE was activated and AE recorded during RME. Differences between parameters
      were analysed with Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis test, and correlations
      with Spearman-Rho test (significance p<0.05). RESULTS: PE activations were
      accompanied by clusters of AE hits. In the presence of soft tissues, amplitudes
      were generally lower (p<0.001) and durations were higher (p<0.001). No
      differences were found in the respective energy values. Differences were found in
      the AE (p<0.05) among the four channels, with AE characterised by higher values
      in proximity of the maxillo-lacrimal sutures. High-energy hits were represented
      by burst-type waves, and low-energy ones by continuous-type. CONCLUSIONS:
      Although soft tissues create possible attenuation of the signal, AE can be
      detected during RME with sensors on the skin. AE provided further information of
      energy release, on top of the mechanical parameters. Source location was one of
      the main limitations.

PMID- 27669499
TI  - Remarkably Improved Electrochemical Performance of Li- and Mn-Rich Cathodes upon
      Substitution of Mn with Ni.
AB  - Li- and Mn-rich transition-metal oxides of layered structure are promising
      cathodes for Li-ion batteries because of their high capacity values, >=250 mAh g
      1. These cathodes suffer from capacity fading and discharge voltage decay upon
      prolonged cycling to potential higher than 4.5 V. Most of these Li- and Mn-rich
      cathodes contain Ni in a 2+ oxidation state. The fine details of the composition
      of these materials may be critically important in determining their performance.
      In the present study, we used Li1.2Ni0.13Mn0.54Co0.13O2 as the reference cathode
      composition in which Mn ions are substituted by Ni ions so that their average
      oxidation state in Li1.2Ni0.27Mn0.4Co0.13O2 could change from 2+ to 3+. Upon
      substitution of Mn with Ni, the specific capacity decreases but, in turn, an
      impressive stability was gained, about 95% capacity retention after 150 cycles,
      compared to 77% capacity retention for Li1.2Ni0.13Mn0.54Co0.13O2 cathodes when
      cycled at a C/5 rate. Also, a higher average discharge voltage of 3.7 V is
      obtained for Li1.2Ni0.27Mn0.4Co0.13O2 cathodes, which decreases to 3.5 V after
      150 cycles, while the voltage fading of cathodes comprising the reference
      material is more pronounced. The Li1.2Ni0.27Mn0.4Co0.13O2 cathodes also
      demonstrate higher rate capability compared to the reference
      Li1.2Ni0.13Mn0.54Co0.13O2 cathodes. These results clearly indicate the importance
      of the fine composition of cathode materials containing the five elements Li, Mn,
      Ni, Co, and O. The present study should encourage rigorous optimization efforts
      related to the fine composition of these cathode materials, before external means
      such as doping and coating are applied.

PMID- 27669498
TI  - Biocompatibility of implantable materials: An oxidative stress viewpoint.
AB  - Oxidative stress occurs when the production of oxidants surpasses the antioxidant
      capacity in living cells. Oxidative stress is implicated in a number of
      pathological conditions such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases but
      it also has crucial roles in the regulation of cellular activities. Over the last
      few decades, many studies have identified significant connections between
      oxidative stress, inflammation and healing. In particular, increasing evidence
      indicates that the production of oxidants and the cellular response to oxidative
      stress are intricately connected to the fate of implanted biomaterials. This
      review article provides an overview of the major mechanisms underlying the link
      between oxidative stress and the biocompatibility of biomaterials. ROS, RNS and
      lipid peroxidation products act as chemo-attractants, signalling molecules and
      agents of degradation during the inflammation and healing phases. As chemo
      attractants and signalling molecules, they contribute to the recruitment and
      activation of inflammatory and healing cells, which in turn produce more
      oxidants. As agents of degradation, they contribute to the maturation of the
      extracellular matrix at the healing site and to the degradation of the implanted
      material. Oxidative stress is itself influenced by the material properties, such
      as by their composition, their surface properties and their degradation products.
      Because both cells and materials produce and react with oxidants, oxidative
      stress may be the most direct route mediating the communication between cells and
      materials. Improved understanding of the oxidative stress mechanisms following
      biomaterial implantation may therefore help the development of new biomaterials
      with enhanced biocompatibility.

PMID- 27669500
TI  - Mapping current research trends on neuromuscular risk factors of non-contact ACL
      injury.
AB  - The aim of this systematic review was (i) to identify neuromuscular markers that
      have been predictive of a primary non-contact ACL injury, (ii) to assess whether
      proposed risk factors have been supported or refuted in the literature from
      cohort and case-control studies, and (iii) to reflect on the body of research
      that aims at developing field based tools to assess risk through an association
      with these risk factors. Electronic searches were undertaken, of PubMed, SCOPUS,
      Web of Science, CINAHL and SPORTDiscus examining neuromuscular risk factors
      associated with ACL injury published between January 1990 and July 2015. The
      evidence supporting neuromuscular risk factors of ACL injury is limited where
      only 4 prospective cohort studies were found. Three of which looked into muscular
      capacity and one looked into muscular activation patterns but none of the studies
      found strong evidence of how muscular capacity or muscular activation deficits
      are a risk factor for a primary non-contact ACL injury. A number of factors
      associated to neural control and muscular capacity have been suggested to be
      related to non-contact ACL injury risk but the level of evidence supporting these
      risk factors remains often elusive, leaving researchers and practitioners
      uncertain when developing evidence-based injury prevention programs.

PMID- 27669501
TI  - CD8+ T cell response to human papillomavirus 16 E7 is able to predict survival
      outcome in oropharyngeal cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Immunological response to human papillomavirus (HPV) in the
      development and progression of HPV16+ oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
      (OPSCC) (accounting for the majority of viral associated cases) is largely
      unknown and may provide important insights for new therapeutic strategies.
      METHODS: In this prospective clinical trial (UKCRN11945), we examined cell
      mediated immune responses to HPV16 E2, E6 and E7 in peripheral blood using IFN
      gamma enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot assay. CD56+, CD4+, CD8+ and regulatory T
      cell frequencies were also discerned by flow cytometry. Fifty-one study
      participants with oropharyngeal carcinoma were recruited. Control subjects were
      those undergoing tonsillectomy for benign disease. All patients were treated with
      curative intent by radiotherapy +/- chemotherapy. Disease-specific survival was
      investigated by multivariate analysis. RESULTS: HPV16 DNA was detected in 41/51
      of the OPSCC participants. T cell responses against HPV16 E6 or E7 peptides were
      detected in 33/51 evaluable patients, respectively and correlated with HPV
      status. Matched pre- and post-treatment T cell responses were available for 39/51
      OPSCC cases. Within the whole cohort, elevated post-treatment CD8+ response to
      HPV16 E7 correlated with longer disease free survival (multivariate DFS p <
      0.03). Within the HPV + OPSCC cohort, a significant increase in regulatory T
      cells (p < 0.02) was noted after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study
      to provide survival data in OPSCC stratified by cell-mediated immune response to
      HPV16 peptides. Within the HPV16+ OPSCC cohort, enhanced immunoreactivity to
      antigen E7 was linked to improved survival. An increase in regulatory T cell
      frequencies after treatment may suggest that immunosuppression can contribute to
      a reduced HPV-specific cell-mediated response.

PMID- 27669503
TI  - Effects of time interval between primary melanoma excision and sentinel node
      biopsy on positivity rate and survival.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sentinel node biopsy (SNB) is essential for adequate melanoma
      staging. Most melanoma guidelines advocate to perform wide local excision and SNB
      as soon as possible, causing time pressure. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of
      time interval between melanoma diagnosis and SNB on sentinel node (SN) positivity
      and survival. METHODS: This is a retrospective observational study concerning a
      cohort of melanoma patients from four European Organization for Research and
      Treatment of Cancer Melanoma Group tertiary referral centres from 1997 to 2013. A
      total of 4124 melanoma patients underwent SNB. Patients were selected if date of
      diagnosis and follow-up (FU) information were available, and SNB was performed in
      <180 d. A total of 3546 patients were included. Multivariable logistic regression
      and Cox regression analyses were performed to investigate how baseline
      characteristics and time interval until SNB are related to positivity rate,
      disease-free survival (DFS) and melanoma-specific survival (MSS). FINDINGS:
      Median time interval was 43 d (interquartile range [IQR] 29-60 d), and 705
      (19.9%) of 3546 patients had a positive SN. Sentinel node positivity was equal
      for early surgery (<=43 d) versus late surgery (>43 d): 19.7% versus 20.1% (p =
      0.771). Median FU was 50 months (IQR 24-84 months). Sentinel node metastasis
      (hazard ratio [HR] 3.17, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 2.53-3.97), ulceration
      (HR 1.99, 95% CI 1.58-2.51), Breslow thickness (HR 1.06, 95% CI 1.04-1.08), and
      male gender (HR 1.58, 95% CI 1.26-1.98) (all p < 0.00001) were independently
      associated with worse MSS and DFS; time interval was not. INTERPRETATION: No
      effect of time interval between melanoma diagnosis and SNB on 5-year survival or
      SN positivity rate was found for a time interval of up to 3 months. This
      information can be used to counsel patients and remove strict time limits from
      melanoma guidelines.

PMID- 27669502
TI  - Cyclin A1 expression and paclitaxel resistance in human ovarian cancer cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The development of intrinsic and acquired resistance to
      antineoplastic agents is a major obstacle to successful chemotherapy in ovarian
      cancers. Identification and characterisation of chemoresponse-associated
      biomarkers are of paramount importance for novel therapeutic development.
      METHODS: Global RNA expression profiles were obtained by high-throughput
      microarray analysis. Cell cycle, proliferation rate, and paclitaxel sensitivity
      of ovarian cancer cells harbouring cyclin A1-inducible expression construct were
      compared with and without tetracycline induction, as well as when the cyclin A1
      expression was suppressed by short inhibiting RNA (siRNA). Cellular senescence
      was evaluated by beta-galactosidase activity staining. RESULTS: Global RNA
      expression profiling and subsequent correlation studies of gene expression level
      and drug response has identified that elevated expression of cyclin A1 (CCNA1)
      was significantly associated with cellular resistance to paclitaxel, doxorubicin
      and 5-fluorouracil. The role of cyclin A1 in paclitaxel resistance was confirmed
      in ovarian cancer cells that harbour an inducible cyclin A1 expression construct,
      which showed reduced paclitaxel-mediated growth inhibition and apoptosis when
      cyclin A1 expression was induced, whereas downregulation of cyclin A1 expression
      in the same cell lines using cyclin A1-specific siRNAs sensitised the cells to
      paclitaxel toxicity. However, ovarian cancer cells with ectopic expression of
      cyclin A1 demonstrated slowdown of proliferation and senescence-associated beta
      galactosidase activity. CONCLUSIONS: Our profiling and correlation studies have
      identified cyclin A1 as one chemoresistance-associated biomarker in ovarian
      cancer. The results of the characterisation studies suggest that cyclin A1
      functions as an oncogene that controls proliferative and survival activities in
      tumourigenesis and chemoresistance of ovarian cancer.

PMID- 27669504
TI  - Impact of cisplatin dose intensity on human papillomavirus-related and -unrelated
      locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - AIM: The aim is to evaluate the impact of cisplatin dose modification on outcomes
      of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related (HPV+) and HPV-unrelated (HPV-) locally
      advanced head and neck cancer (LAHNC) treated with chemoradiotherapy (CRT).
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: A pooled analysis was conducted of stage III/IV
      oropharyngeal cancer (OPC), carcinoma of unknown primary (CUP) and laryngo
      hypopharyngeal cancer (LHC) patients treated with single-agent cisplatin CRT in
      2000-2012 from two tertiary academic cancer centres. HPV status was determined by
      p16 staining and/or in situ hybridisation. LHC was assumed to be HPV-. Unknown
      HPV status OPC/CUPs were excluded. Overall survival (OS) was calculated.
      Multivariable analysis (MVA) evaluated the impact of cisplatin dose intensity on
      survival for HPV+ and HPV- cohorts separately. RESULTS: A total of 404 HPV+ and
      255 HPV- LAHNC (481 OPC, 18 CUP, 160 LHC) patients were included. Median follow
      up was 4.3 (0.5-11.9) years. Three-year OS for cisplatin <200, =200, and >200
      mg/m2 subgroups were 52%, 60%, and 72% (P = 0.001) for the HPV- and 91%, 90%, and
      91% (P = 0.30) for the HPV+ patients. MVA confirmed a survival benefit with
      cisplatin >200 mg/m2 for the HPV- (hazard ratio [HR] 0.5, 95% confidence interval
      [CI]: 0.3-0.7, P < 0.001) but not for HPV+ (HR 0.6, 95% CI: 0.4-1.1, P = 0.104).
      There was a superior OS trend in the HPV+ T4 or N3 high-risk subset (N = 107)
      with cisplatin >200 mg/m2 (HR 0.5, 95% CI: 0.2-1.1, P = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: A
      survival benefit of cisplatin dose >200 mg/m2 is evident for HPV- LAHNC patients,
      but not for HPV+ cohort overall, although the T4 or N3 subset may benefit from a
      higher cumulative cisplatin dose.

PMID- 27669505
TI  - Biomimetic ELISA detection of malachite green based on magnetic molecularly
      imprinted polymers.
AB  - A direct competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was used
      for the detection of malachite green (MG) with a high sensitivity and selectivity
      using magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers (MMIPs) as a bionic antibody. MMIPs
      were prepared through emulsion polymerization using Fe3O4 nanoparticles as
      magnetic nuclei, MG as a template, methacrylic acid (MAA) as a functional
      monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as a crosslinking agent and span
      80/tween-80 as mixed emulsifiers. The MMIPs were characterized by scanning
      electron micrographs (SEM), thermal-gravimetric analyzer (TGA), Fourier transform
      infrared spectrometer (FT-IR) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM),
      respectively. A high magnetic saturation value of 54.1emug-1 was obtained,
      resulting in rapid magnetic separation of MMIPs with an external magnet. The IC50
      of the established ELISA method was 20.1MUgL-1 and the detection limit (based on
      IC85) was 0.1MUgL-1. The MMIPs exhibited high selective binding capacity for MG
      with cross-reactivities less than 3.9% for MG structural analogues. The MG
      spiking recoveries were 85.0%-106% with the relative standard deviations less
      than 4.7%. The results showed that the biomimetic ELISA method by using MMIPs as
      bionic antibody could be used to detect MG rapidly in fish samples with a high
      sensitivity and accuracy.

PMID- 27669506
TI  - Multi-mycotoxins analysis in Pheretima using ultra-high-performance liquid
      chromatography tandem mass spectrometry based on a modified QuEChERS method.
AB  - A sensitive and high-throughput method was established and validated for the
      simultaneous determination of 22 mycotoxins in Pheretima aspergillum (E.Perrier)
      and Pheretima guillelmi (Michaelsen). A modified Quick Easy Cheap Effective
      Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) method was used for sample preparation with recoveries
      ranging from 73% to 105% with relative standard deviations (RSDs) <8.0% for all
      target analytes. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple
      quadrupole mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) was applied for separation and
      detection in ESI (+) and ESI (-) modes with the limits of detection (LOD) in the
      range of 0.05-10MUgkg-1. The 22 compounds could be accurately quantified in the
      0.5-1000MUgkg-1 concentration range with correlation coefficients >0.99. In all
      cases, the intra- and inter-day precisions were lower than 6% and 10%,
      respectively. Matrix-matched calibration was utilized for quantification purposes
      to compensate for the matrix effects. Furthermore, the established method was
      successfully applied in 17 batches of normal real samples collected from
      different areas of China and 2 batches of moldy samples due to improper storage,
      only mold-contaminated samples were confirmed to have fumonisin B1 (FB1) and
      fumonisin B2 (FB2) contamination at 2.54-3.78MUgkg-1. The constructed method
      could serve as a practical application of the UHPLC-MS/MS method for the trace
      analysis of multiple mycotoxins in complex matrixes, especially for those with
      high lipid contents.

PMID- 27669507
TI  - Simultaneous targeted analysis of trimethylamine-N-oxide, choline, betaine, and
      carnitine by high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.
AB  - Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) is a metabolite generated from choline, betaine and
      carnitine in a gut microbiota-dependent way. This molecule is associated with
      development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events. A sensitive liquid
      chromatographic electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS)
      has been developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of TMAO
      related molecules including TMAO, betaine, choline, and carnitine in mouse
      plasma. Analytes are extracted after protein precipitation by methanol and
      subjected to LC-ESI-MS/MS without preliminary derivatization. Separation of
      analytes was achieved on an amide column with acetonitrile-water as the mobile
      phase. This method has been fully validated in this study in terms of
      selectivity, linearity, sensitivity, precision, accuracy, and carryover effect,
      and the stability of the analyte under various conditions has been confirmed.
      This developed method has successfully been applied to plasma samples of our
      mouse model.

PMID- 27669508
TI  - Utility of a Phylogenetic Perspective in Structural Analysis of CYP72A Enzymes
      from Flowering Plants.
AB  - Plant adaptation to external pressures depends on functional diversity in
      cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes. CYPs contain structural domains necessary for the
      characteristic P450 fold that allows monooxygenation, but they also have great
      variation in substrate binding affinity. Plant genomes typically contain hundreds
      of CYPs that contribute to essential functions and species-specific metabolism.
      The CYP72A subfamily is conserved in angiosperms but its contribution to
      physiological functions is largely unknown. With genomic information available
      for many plants, a focused analysis of CYP subfamily diversity is important to
      understand the contributions of these enzymes to plant evolution. This study
      examines the extent to which independent gene duplication and evolution have
      contributed to structural diversification of CYP72A enzymes in different plant
      lineages. CYP72A genes are prevalent across angiosperms, but the number of genes
      within each genome varies greatly. The prevalence of CYP72As suggest that the
      last common ancestor of flowering plants contained a CYP72A sequence, but gene
      duplication and retention has varied greatly for this CYP subfamily. Sequence
      comparisons show that CYP72As are involved in species-specific metabolic
      functions in some plants while there is likely functional conservation between
      closely related species. Analysis of structural and functional domains within
      groups of CYP72As reveals clade-specific residues that contribute to functional
      constraints within subsets of CYP72As. This study provides a phylogenetic
      framework that allows comparisons of structural features within subsets of the
      CYP72A subfamily. We examined a large number of sequences from a broad collection
      of plant species to detect patterns of functional conservation across the
      subfamily. The evolutionary relationships between CYPs in plant genomes are an
      important component in understanding the evolution of biochemical diversity in
      plants.

PMID- 27669509
TI  - Rapid Multiplexed Immunoassay for Detection of Antibodies to Kaposi's Sarcoma
      Associated Herpesvirus.
AB  - Diagnosis of KSHV-infected individuals remains a challenge. KSHV prevalence is
      high in several populations with high prevalence of HIV, leading to increased
      risk of development of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). While current assays are reliable
      for detecting antibodies to KSHV, none are routinely utilized to identify
      individuals with KSHV infection and thus at increased risk for KS due to assay
      complexity, lack of access to testing, and cost, particularly in resource-limited
      settings. Here we describe the addition of KSHV proteins LANA and K8.1 to a
      previously evaluated HIV/co-infection multiplexed fluorescence immunoassay
      system. This study demonstrates assay performance by measuring antibody
      reactivity for KSHV and HIV-1 in a collection of clinical specimens from patients
      with biopsy-proven KS and sourced negative controls. The KSHV assay correctly
      identified 155 of 164 plasma samples from patients with biopsy-proven KS and 85
      of 93 KSHV antibody (Ab)-negative samples for a sensitivity of 95.1% and
      specificity of 91.4%. Assay performance for HIV-1 detection was also assessed
      with 100% agreement with independently verified HIV-1 Ab-positive and Ab-negative
      samples. These results demonstrate good sensitivity and specificity for detection
      of antibody to KSHV antigens, and demonstrate the potential for multiplexed co
      infection testing in resource-limited settings to identify those at increased
      risk for HIV-1-related complications.

PMID- 27669511
TI  - Effect of Vitamin A on Listeria monocytogenes Infection in a Silkworm Model.
AB  - Insect infection models have been used increasingly to study various pathogenic
      agents in evaluations of pathogenicity and drug efficacy. In this study, we
      demonstrated that larvae of the silkworm Bombyx mori are useful for studying
      Listeria monocytogenes infections in insects. Infection with the L. monocytogenes
      wild-type strain induced silkworm death. Infection by a listeriolysin O (LLO)
      deletion mutant also induced silkworm death, but the bacterial numbers in
      silkworms were lower than those of the wild-type strain. Intracellular growth was
      observed when the silkworm ovary-derived cell line BmN4 was infected with the
      wild-type strain. Explosive replication was not observed in BmN4 cells infected
      with the LLO mutant and the bacterial numbers of the LLO mutant were lower than
      those of the wild-type strain. Pretreatment with vitamin A did not affect
      silkworm mortality after bacterial infection, but the efficiency of infecting the
      hemocytes and BmN4 cells was decreased with vitamin A treatment. Our results
      indicate that silkworm larvae are a useful insect infection model for L.
      monocytogenes and that vitamin A has protective effects against bacterial
      infection in silkworms.

PMID- 27669510
TI  - A Structural Equation Model of HIV-Related Stigma, Racial Discrimination, Housing
      Insecurity and Wellbeing among African and Caribbean Black Women Living with HIV
      in Ontario, Canada.
AB  - African and Caribbean Black women in Canada have new HIV infection rates 7 times
      higher than their white counterparts. This overrepresentation is situated in
      structural contexts of inequities that result in social, economic and health
      disparities among African and Caribbean Black populations. Economic insecurity is
      a distal driver of HIV vulnerability, reducing access to HIV testing, prevention
      and care. Less is known about how economic insecurity indicators, such as housing
      security, continue to influence the lives of women living with HIV following HIV
      positive diagnoses. The aim of this study was to test a conceptual model of the
      pathways linking HIV-related stigma, racial discrimination, housing insecurity,
      and wellbeing (depression, social support, self-rated health). We implemented a
      cross-sectional survey with African and Caribbean Black women living with HIV in
      5 Ontario cities, and included 157 participants with complete data in the
      analyses. We conducted structural equation modeling using maximum likelihood
      estimation to evaluate the hypothesized conceptual model. One-fifth (22.5%; n =
      39) of participants reported housing insecurity. As hypothesized, racial
      discrimination had significant direct effects on: HIV-related stigma, depression
      and social support, and an indirect effect on self-rated health via HIV-related
      stigma. HIV-related stigma and housing insecurity had direct effects on
      depression and social support, and HIV-related stigma had a direct effect on self
      rated health. The model fit the data well: chi2 (45, n = 154) = 54.28, p = 0.387;
      CFI = 0.997; TLI = 0.996; RMSEA = 0.016. Findings highlight the need to address
      housing insecurity and intersecting forms of stigma and discrimination among
      African and Caribbean Black women living with HIV. Understanding the complex
      relationships between housing insecurity, HIV-related stigma, racial
      discrimination, and wellbeing can inform multi-level interventions to reduce
      stigma and enhance health.

PMID- 27669512
TI  - Is Geo-Environmental Exposure a Risk Factor for Multiple Sclerosis? A Population
      Based Cross-Sectional Study in South-Western Sardinia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: South-Western Sardinia (SWS) is a high risk area for Multiple
      Sclerosis (MS) with high prevalence and spatial clustering; its population is
      genetically representative of Sardinians and presents a peculiar environment. We
      evaluated the MS environmental risk of specific heavy metals (HM) and
      geographical factors such as solar UV exposure and urbanization by undertaking a
      population-based cross-sectional study in SWS. METHODS: Geochemical data on HM,
      UV exposure, urbanization and epidemiological MS data were available for all SWS
      municipalities. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied to the geochemical
      data to reduce multicollinearity and confounding criticalities. Generalized
      Linear Mixed Models (GLMM) were applied to evaluate the causal effects of the
      potential risk factors, and a model selection was performed using Akaike
      Information Criterion. RESULTS: The PCA revealed that copper (Cu) does not
      cluster, while two component scores were extracted: 'basic rocks', including
      cobalt, chromium and nickel, and 'ore deposits', including lead and zinc. The
      selected multivariable GLMM highlighted Cu and sex as MS risk factors, adjusting
      for age and 'ore deposits'. When the Cu concentration increases by 50 ppm, the MS
      odds are 2.827 (95% CI: 1.645; 5.07) times higher; females have a MS odds 2.04
      times (95% CI: 1.59; 2.60) higher than males. CONCLUSIONS: The high frequency of
      MS in industrialized countries, where pollution by HM and CO poisoning is
      widespread, suggests a relationship between environmental exposure to metals and
      MS. Hence, we suggested a role of Cu homeostasis in MS. This is a preliminary
      study aimed at generating hypotheses that will need to be confirmed further.

PMID- 27669513
TI  - Sickness Presence among Disabled Workers at the University Medical Centre
      Ljubljana.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of the article is to investigate the differences in sickness
      present and non-sickness present in the group of disabled health care
      professionals. METHODS: Data were gathered from all disabled health care
      professionals suffering from invalidity of category II or III who were identified
      in the research among all health care professionals at the University Medical
      Centre Ljubljana and who were employed there in the period between 1 January 2010
      and 31 December 2010. Each employee obtained a questionnaire composed of three
      standardized international questionnaires. RESULTS: There were 248 disabled
      workers of the II. and III. category of invalidity among the participants.
      Disabled sickness present reported to have more chronic diseases than disabled
      non-sickness present (OR = 57.0; 95% CI = 24.4-133.2), lower salary when on sick
      leave (OR = 13.1; 95% CI = 5.7-30.2) and poor self-rated health (OR = 5.8; 95% CI
      = 2.7-12.3). CONCLUSIONS: The prerequisite for sickness presence among disabled
      workers is their chronic bad health. It is also formally recognized with the
      degree of disability. Economic factors are among the most important to direct
      disabled workers towards sickness presence. The results indicate that workplaces
      are not adapted to disabled workers in regard to their limitations.

PMID- 27669514
TI  - Risk Factors Associated with Overweight among Adolescents in Serbia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The pandemic of obesity in adolescents is one of the challenges of
      public health. AIM: The aim of this study was to examine the association of
      overweight with demographic, socioeconomic and lifestyle factors among Serbian
      adolescents. METHOD: A cross-sectional study of 2139 adolescents aged 10 to 19
      years was carried out. Data used in this study were from the 2006 Health Survey.
      In accordance with the international sex- and age-specific Body Mass Index cut
      off points, all participants were classified as being normal weight or
      overweight, including obese. The association between the risk factors and
      overweight were examined using a multivariate logistic regression model. RESULTS:
      The study showed that 28.9% of boys and 17.0% of girls were overweight, while
      14.5% of boys and 8.1% of girls were obese. Boys were more likely to be
      overweight/obese, compared with girls. Being younger (p< 0.01 for 14 to 15 years)
      and (p< 0.01, for 16 to 19 years), engaging in physical activities that last less
      than 7 hours a week, in such a manner that they breathe quickly and become
      sweaty, (p< 0.01) and skipping breakfast (p< 0.05) were risk factors
      significantly associated with overweight among adolescents. No significant
      association was found with wealth index. CONCLUSION: These findings should be an
      integral part of further preventive interventions, especially oriented towards
      younger adolescents, who are physically inactive, have a habit of skipping
      breakfast and are boys.

PMID- 27669515
TI  - Management of Gastrointestinal Disorders in Central and Eastern Europe: Self
      Reported Practice of Primary Care Physicians.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal disorders account for 7-10% of all consultations in
      primary care. General practitioners' management of digestive disorders in Central
      and Eastern European countries is largely unknown. AIMS: To identify and compare
      variations in the self-perceived responsibilities of general practitioners in the
      management of digestive disorders in Central and Eastern Europe. METHODS: A cross
      sectional survey of a randomized sample of primary care physicians from 9
      countries was conducted. An anonymous questionnaire was sent via post to primary
      care doctors. RESULTS: We received 867 responses; the response rate was 28.9%.
      Over 70% of respondents reported familiarity with available guidelines for
      gastrointestinal diseases. For uninvestigated dyspepsia in patients under 45
      years, the "test and treat" strategy was twice as popular as "test and scope".
      The majority (59.8%) of family physicians would refer patients with rectal
      bleeding without alarm symptoms to a specialist (from 7.6% of doctors in Slovenia
      to 85.1% of doctors in Bulgaria; p<0.001). 93.4% of respondents declared their
      involvement in colorectal cancer screening. In the majority of countries,
      responding doctors most often reported that they order fecal occult blood tests.
      The exceptions were Estonia and Hungary, where the majority of family physicians
      referred patients to a specialist (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Physicians from Central
      and Eastern European countries understood the need for the use of guidelines for
      the care of patients with gastrointestinal problems, but there is broad variation
      between countries in their management. Numerous efforts should be undertaken to
      establish and implement international standards for digestive disorders'
      management in general practice.

PMID- 27669517
TI  - Dissipation induced by phonon elastic scattering in crystals.
AB  - We demonstrate that the phonon elastic scattering leads to a dominant dissipation
      in crystals at low temperature. The two-level systems (TLSs) should be
      responsible for the elastic scattering, whereas the dissipation induced by static
      point defects (SPDs) can not be neglected. One purpose of this work is to show
      how the energy splitting distribution of the TLS ensemble affects the
      dissipation. Besides, this article displays the proportion of phonon-TLS elastic
      scattering to total phonon dissipation. The coupling coefficient of phonon-SPD
      scattering and the constant P0 of the TLS distribution are important that we
      estimate their magnitudes in this paper. Our results is useful to understand the
      phonon dissipation mechanism, and give some clues to improve the performance of
      mechanical resonators, apply the desired defects, or reveal the atom
      configuration in lattice structure of disordered crystals.

PMID- 27669516
TI  - Voice Disorders in Occupations with Vocal Load in Slovenia.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this paper is to compare the prevalence of voice disorders and
      the risk factors for them in different occupations with a vocal load in Slovenia.
      METHODS: A meta-analysis of six different Slovenian studies involving teachers,
      physicians, salespeople, catholic priests, nurses and speech-and-language
      therapists (SLTs) was performed. In all six studies, similar questions about the
      prevalence of voice disorders and the causes for them were included. RESULTS: The
      comparison of the six studies showed that more than 82% of the 2347 included
      subjects had voice problems at some time during their career. The teachers were
      the most affected by voice problems. The prevalent cause of voice problems was
      the vocal load in teachers and salespeople and respiratory-tract infections in
      all the other occupational groups. When the occupational groups were compared, it
      was stated that the teachers had more voice problems and showed less care for
      their voices than the priests. The physicians had more voice problems and showed
      better consideration of vocal hygiene rules than the SLTs. The majority of all
      the included subjects did not receive instructions about voice care during
      education. CONCLUSIONS: In order to decrease the prevalence of voice disorders in
      vocal professionals, a screening program is recommended before the beginning of
      their studies. Regular courses on voice care and proper vocal technique should be
      obligatory for all professional voice users during their career. The inclusion of
      dysphonia in the list of occupational diseases should be considered in Slovenia
      as it is in some European countries.

PMID- 27669519
TI  - The dissemination of multidrug-resistant Enterobacter cloacae throughout the UK
      and Ireland.
AB  - Enterobacter cloacae is a clinically important Gram-negative member of the
      Enterobacteriaceae, which has increasingly been recognized as a major pathogen in
      nosocomial infections. Despite this, knowledge about the population structure and
      the distribution of virulence factors and antibiotic-resistance determinants of
      this species is scarce. In this study, we analysed a systematic collection of
      multidrug-resistant E. cloacae isolated between 2001 and 2011 from bloodstream
      infections across hospitals in the UK and Ireland. We found that the population
      is characterized by the presence of multiple clones formed at widely different
      time periods in the past. The clones exhibit a high degree of geographical
      heterogeneity, which indicates extensive dissemination of these E. cloacae clones
      across the UK and Ireland. These findings suggest that a diverse, community
      based, commensal population underlies multidrug-resistant E. cloacae infections
      within hospitals.

PMID- 27669518
TI  - Probing Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Cigarette Smoke-Induced Immune
      Response in the Progression of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Using
      Multiscale Network Modeling.
AB  - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder
      characterized by progressive destruction of lung tissues and airway obstruction.
      COPD is currently the third leading cause of death worldwide and there is no
      curative treatment available so far. Cigarette smoke (CS) is the major risk
      factor for COPD. Yet, only a relatively small percentage of smokers develop the
      disease, showing that disease susceptibility varies significantly among smokers.
      As smoking cessation can prevent the disease in some smokers, quitting smoking
      cannot halt the progression of COPD in others. Despite extensive research
      efforts, cellular and molecular mechanisms of COPD remain elusive. In particular,
      the disease susceptibility and smoking cessation effects are poorly understood.
      To address these issues in this work, we develop a multiscale network model that
      consists of nodes, which represent molecular mediators, immune cells and lung
      tissues, and edges describing the interactions between the nodes. Our model study
      identifies several positive feedback loops and network elements playing a
      determinant role in the CS-induced immune response and COPD progression. The
      results are in agreement with clinic and laboratory measurements, offering novel
      insight into the cellular and molecular mechanisms of COPD. The study in this
      work also provides a rationale for targeted therapy and personalized medicine for
      the disease in future.

PMID- 27669520
TI  - Modeling Periodic Impulsive Effects on Online TV Series Diffusion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Online broadcasting substantially affects the production,
      distribution, and profit of TV series. In addition, online word-of-mouth
      significantly affects the diffusion of TV series. Because on-demand streaming
      rates are the most important factor that influences the earnings of online video
      suppliers, streaming statistics and forecasting trends are valuable. In this
      paper, we investigate the effects of periodic impulsive stimulation and pre
      launch promotion on on-demand streaming dynamics. We consider imbalanced audience
      feverish distribution using an impulsive susceptible-infected-removed(SIR)-like
      model. In addition, we perform a correlation analysis of online buzz volume based
      on Baidu Index data. METHODS: We propose a PI-SIR model to evolve audience
      dynamics and translate them into on-demand streaming fluctuations, which can be
      observed and comprehended by online video suppliers. Six South Korean TV series
      datasets are used to test the model. We develop a coarse-to-fine two-step fitting
      scheme to estimate the model parameters, first by fitting inter-period
      accumulation and then by fitting inner-period feverish distribution. RESULTS: We
      find that audience members display similar viewing habits. That is, they seek new
      episodes every update day but fade away. This outcome means that impulsive
      intensity plays a crucial role in on-demand streaming diffusion. In addition, the
      initial audience size and online buzz are significant factors. On-demand
      streaming fluctuation is highly correlated with online buzz fluctuation.
      CONCLUSION: To stimulate audience attention and interpersonal diffusion, it is
      worthwhile to invest in promotion near update days. Strong pre-launch promotion
      is also a good marketing tool to improve overall performance. It is not advisable
      for online video providers to promote several popular TV series on the same
      update day. Inter-period accumulation is a feasible forecasting tool to predict
      the future trend of the on-demand streaming amount. The buzz in public social
      communities also represents a highly correlated analysis tool to evaluate the
      advertising value of TV series.

PMID- 27669521
TI  - Feasibility and Safety of Evaluating Patients with Prior Coronary Artery Disease
      Using an Accelerated Diagnostic Algorithm in a Chest Pain Unit.
AB  - An accelerated diagnostic protocol for evaluating low-risk patients with acute
      chest pain in a cardiologist-based chest pain unit (CPU) is widely employed
      today. However, limited data exist regarding the feasibility of such an algorithm
      for patients with a history of prior coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of
      the current study was to assess the feasibility and safety of evaluating patients
      with a history of prior CAD using an accelerated diagnostic protocol. We
      evaluated 1,220 consecutive patients presenting with acute chest pain and
      hospitalized in our CPU. Patients were stratified according to whether they had a
      history of prior CAD or not. The primary composite outcome was defined as a
      composite of readmission due to chest pain, acute coronary syndrome, coronary
      revascularization, or death during a 60-day follow-up period. Overall, 268 (22%)
      patients had a history of prior CAD. Non-invasive evaluation was performed in
      1,112 (91%) patients. While patients with a history of prior CAD had more
      comorbidities, the two study groups were similar regarding hospitalization rates
      (9% vs. 13%, p = 0.08), coronary angiography (13% vs. 11%, p = 0.41), and
      revascularization (6.5% vs. 5.7%, p = 0.8) performed during CPU evaluation. At 60
      days the primary endpoint was observed in 12 (1.6%) and 6 (3.2%) patients without
      and with a history of prior CAD, respectively (p = 0.836). No mortalities were
      recorded. To conclude, Patients with a history of prior CAD can be expeditiously
      and safely evaluated using an accelerated diagnostic protocol in a CPU with
      outcomes not differing from patients without such a history.

PMID- 27669522
TI  - Artificially Sweetened Beverage Consumption During Pregnancy and Infant Body Mass
      Index.

PMID- 27669523
TI  - Competencies and Tools to Shift Payments From Volume to Value.

PMID- 27669525
TI  - What to Do When K-Means Clustering Fails: A Simple yet Principled Alternative
      Algorithm.
AB  - The K-means algorithm is one of the most popular clustering algorithms in current
      use as it is relatively fast yet simple to understand and deploy in practice.
      Nevertheless, its use entails certain restrictive assumptions about the data, the
      negative consequences of which are not always immediately apparent, as we
      demonstrate. While more flexible algorithms have been developed, their widespread
      use has been hindered by their computational and technical complexity. Motivated
      by these considerations, we present a flexible alternative to K-means that
      relaxes most of the assumptions, whilst remaining almost as fast and simple. This
      novel algorithm which we call MAP-DP (maximum a-posteriori Dirichlet process
      mixtures), is statistically rigorous as it is based on nonparametric Bayesian
      Dirichlet process mixture modeling. This approach allows us to overcome most of
      the limitations imposed by K-means. The number of clusters K is estimated from
      the data instead of being fixed a-priori as in K-means. In addition, while K
      means is restricted to continuous data, the MAP-DP framework can be applied to
      many kinds of data, for example, binary, count or ordinal data. Also, it can
      efficiently separate outliers from the data. This additional flexibility does not
      incur a significant computational overhead compared to K-means with MAP-DP
      convergence typically achieved in the order of seconds for many practical
      problems. Finally, in contrast to K-means, since the algorithm is based on an
      underlying statistical model, the MAP-DP framework can deal with missing data and
      enables model testing such as cross validation in a principled way. We
      demonstrate the simplicity and effectiveness of this algorithm on the health
      informatics problem of clinical sub-typing in a cluster of diseases known as
      parkinsonism.

PMID- 27669524
TI  - Effectiveness of Screening Colonoscopy to Prevent Colorectal Cancer Among
      Medicare Beneficiaries Aged 70 to 79 Years: A Prospective Observational Study.
AB  - Background: No randomized, controlled trials of screening colonoscopy have been
      completed, and ongoing trials exclude persons aged 75 years or older. The
      Medicare program, however, reimburses screening colonoscopy without an upper age
      limit. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of screening
      colonoscopy to prevent colorectal cancer (CRC) in persons aged 70 to 74 and those
      aged 75 to 79 years. Design: Large-scale, population-based, prospective study.
      The observational data were used to emulate a target trial with 2 groups:
      colonoscopy screening and no screening. Setting: United States. Participants: 1
      355 692 Medicare beneficiaries (2004 to 2012) aged 70 to 79 years at average risk
      for CRC who used Medicare preventive services and had no previous diagnostic or
      surveillance colonoscopies in the past 5 years. Measurements: 8-year risk for CRC
      and 30-day risk for adverse events. Results: In beneficiaries aged 70 to 74
      years, the 8-year risk for CRC was 2.19% (95% CI, 2.00% to 2.37%) in the
      screening colonoscopy group and 2.62% (CI, 2.56% to 2.67%) in the no-screening
      group (absolute risk difference, -0.42% [CI, -0.24% to -0.63%]). Among those aged
      75 to 79 years, the 8-year risk for CRC was 2.84% (CI, 2.54% to 3.13%) in the
      screening colonoscopy group and 2.97% (CI, 2.92% to 3.03%) in the no-screening
      group (risk difference, -0.14% [CI, -0.41 to 0.16]). The excess 30-day risk for
      any adverse event in the colonoscopy group was 5.6 events per 1000 individuals
      (CI, 4.4 to 6.8) in the 70- to 74-year age group and 10.3 per 1000 (CI, 8.6 to
      11.1) in the 75- to 79-year age group. Limitation: CRC-specific mortality was not
      available, but CRC incidence and stage were studied at diagnosis. Conclusion:
      Screening colonoscopy may have had a modest benefit in preventing CRC in
      beneficiaries aged 70 to 74 years and a smaller benefit in older beneficiaries.
      The risk for adverse events was low but greater among older persons. Primary
      Funding Source: National Institutes of Health.

PMID- 27669527
TI  - Salvage endoscopic ultrasound-radiologic rendezvous to re-establish biliary flow
      following duodenectomy with ablation of papilla.

PMID- 27669526
TI  - Rebound Syndrome in Multiple Sclerosis After Fingolimod Cessation-Reply.

PMID- 27669528
TI  - Pneumoscrotum after ERCP-related duodenal perforation.

PMID- 27669529
TI  - Retrieval of a migrated stent during endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage of
      duodenal diverticular abscess.

PMID- 27669530
TI  - Multimodal endoscopic treatment of primary esophago-pleural fistula.

PMID- 27669531
TI  - Dysphagia due to kyphosis-induced positional changes of the carotid artery.

PMID- 27669532
TI  - Radiofrequency ablation of gastric antral vascular ectasia of the gastric cardia.

PMID- 27669533
TI  - Neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreas with cystic appearance mimicking a
      progressive intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm: pitfall in medical imaging.

PMID- 27669534
TI  - Re-recurrence after distal gastrectomy for recurrence caused by needle tract
      seeding during endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of a
      pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

PMID- 27669535
TI  - Over-the-scope clipping in recurrent colonic diverticular bleeding.

PMID- 27669536
TI  - Use of a Roth Net Platinum Universal Retriever for the endoscopic management of a
      large symptomatic gallstone causing Bouveret's syndrome.

PMID- 27669537
TI  - Endoscopic submucosal dissection of a gastric neoplasm with osseous metaplasia.

PMID- 27669538
TI  - Adenomyomatous hyperplasia of the lower bile duct mimicking a papillary bile duct
      tumor.

PMID- 27669540
TI  - Improving Health and Health Care in the United States: Toward a State of Complete
      Well-being.

PMID- 27669539
TI  - Association of Nausea and Vomiting During Pregnancy With Pregnancy Loss: A
      Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial.
AB  - Importance: Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy have been associated with a
      reduced risk for pregnancy loss. However, most prior studies enrolled women with
      clinically recognized pregnancies, thereby missing early losses. Objective: To
      examine the association of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy with pregnancy
      loss. Design, Setting, and Participants: A randomized clinical trial, Effects of
      Aspirin in Gestation and Reproduction, enrolled women with 1 or 2 prior pregnancy
      losses at 4 US clinical centers from June 15, 2007, to July 15, 2011. This
      secondary analysis was limited to women with a pregnancy confirmed by positive
      results of a human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) test. Nausea symptoms were
      ascertained from daily preconception and pregnancy diaries for gestational weeks
      2 to 8. From weeks 12 to 36, participants completed monthly questionnaires
      summarizing symptoms for the preceding 4 weeks. A week-level variable included
      nausea only, nausea with vomiting, or neither. Main Outcomes and Measures: Peri
      implantation (hCG-detected pregnancy without ultrasonographic evidence) and
      clinically recognized pregnancy losses. Results: A total of 797 women (mean [SD]
      age, 28.7 [4.6] years) had an hCG-confirmed pregnancy. Of these, 188 pregnancies
      (23.6%) ended in loss. At gestational week 2, 73 of 409 women (17.8%) reported
      nausea without vomiting and 11 of 409 women (2.7%), nausea with vomiting. By week
      8, the proportions increased to 254 of 443 women (57.3%) and 118 of 443 women
      (26.6%), respectively. Hazard ratios (HRs) for nausea (0.50; 95% CI, 0.32-0.80)
      and nausea with vomiting (0.25; 95% CI, 0.12-0.51) were inversely associated with
      pregnancy loss. The associations of nausea (HR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.29-1.20) and
      nausea with vomiting (HR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.11-2.25) were similar for peri
      implantation losses but were not statistically significant. Nausea (HR, 0.44; 95%
      CI, 0.26-0.74) and nausea with vomiting (HR, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.09-0.44) were
      associated with a reduced risk for clinical pregnancy loss. Conclusions and
      Relevance: Among women with 1 or 2 prior pregnancy losses, nausea and vomiting
      were common very early in pregnancy and were associated with a reduced risk for
      pregnancy loss. These findings overcome prior analytic and design limitations and
      represent the most definitive data available to date indicating the protective
      association of nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy and the risk for pregnancy
      loss. Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00467363.

PMID- 27669542
TI  - Preface.

PMID- 27669543
TI  - Impact of vascular access intervention therapy on cardiac load in hemodialysis
      patients.
AB  - Vascular access intervention therapy (VAIVT) has been positioned as the first
      choice of treatment for stenosis lesions frequently observed in arteriovenous
      fistula (AVF) for hemodialysis patients in Japan. Furthermore, increased blood
      flow can provide a stable dialysis. In contrast, it has been reported that excess
      blood flow of AVF causes high-output heart failure. Although VAIVT is used to
      increase blood flow of AVF, the impact of VAIVT on cardiac load has been rarely
      reported. We examined the factors associated with cardiac load in hemodialysis
      patients undergoing VAIVT by measuring levels of alpha human atrial natriuretic
      polypeptide (hANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) before and after VAIVT.
      Data were extracted on hemodialysis patients who underwent measurements of
      alphahANP and BNP in before and after VAIVT at our facility and related
      facilities between February 2014 and December 2014. Nineteeen patients (median
      age, 73.0 [66.5-80.5] years; male, 52.6%; 36.8% with diabetes; median duration of
      dialysis treatment, 50.0 [21-109] months) were enrolled in this study. Flow
      volume of AVF was higher after VAIVT than that before VAIVT (442.0 vs. 758.0
      mL/minute, P < 0.001). Moreover, resistance index (RI) of AVF after VAIVT was
      lower than that before VAIVT (0.61 vs. 0.53, P < 0.01). Although alphahANP did
      not change before and after VAIVT (55.6 vs. 54.9 pg/mL, P = 0.099), BNP after
      VAIVT was significantly higher than that before VAIVT (145.2 vs. 175.0 pg/mL, P <
      0.05). Factors correlated with the increase in BNP were flow volume of AVF before
      VAIVT (r = -0.458, P = 0.049) and levels of BNP before VAIVT (r = 0.472, P =
      0.041). There was no significant correlation between the increase in alphahANP
      with flow volume of AVF before VAIVT, levels of alphahANP before VAIVT. Patients
      with high levels of BNP and low flow volume of AVF before VAIVT were considered
      to have a high risk of developing heart failure after VAIVT.

PMID- 27669541
TI  - Sucrose, But Not Glucose, Blocks IL1-beta-Induced Inflammatory Response in Human
      Chondrocytes by Inducing Autophagy via AKT/mTOR Pathway.
AB  - Pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) is multifactorial but interleukin-1beta (IL
      1beta) is known to be an important mediator of cartilage degradation. Autophagy
      is an essential cellular homeostasis mechanism and has been proposed to protect
      against cartilage degradation and chondrocyte death under pathological
      conditions. We investigated the role of autophagy activated by sucrose, a natural
      disaccharide, in suppressing inflammatory mediator's expression and cell death
      under pathological conditions in human chondrocytes. Autophagy activation was
      investigated by Western blotting for LC3 and Beclin-1, immunofluorescence
      staining for LC3 puncta, and measuring autophagic flux. Activation of mTOR, AKT,
      and P70S6K was evaluated by Western blotting. Chondrocyte apoptosis was evaluated
      by propidium iodide (PI) staining using flowcytometry, expression of Bax by
      Western blotting, gene expression by TaqMan assays and caspase 3/7 activity was
      measured using a luminescence-based assay. We found that sucrose-induced active
      autophagy in OA chondrocytes in vitro was dependent on the activation of
      AKT/mTOR/P70S6K signaling pathways but was independent of reactive oxygen species
      (ROS) production. Sucrose activated autophagy blocked IL-1beta-induced apoptosis
      and mRNA expression of MMP-13, COX-2, and IL-6 in human OA chondrocytes. Glucose
      or fructose, the two metabolites of sucrose, failed to induce autophagy
      indicating that autophagy was specifically mediated by sucrose. In conclusion,
      sucrose attenuated IL-1beta induced apoptosis and the expression of catabolic
      mediators by inducing autophagy, and the autophagy in part was mediated through
      the activation of AKT/mTOR/P70S6K signaling pathway in human OA chondrocytes. J.
      Cell. Biochem. 118: 629-639, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27669544
TI  - Comparisons of amino acids, body constituents and antioxidative response between
      long-time HD and normal HD.
AB  - Introduction Oxidative stress is one of the main mediators of progression of
      chronic kidney diseases (CKD). Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is the
      transcription factor of antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes and related proteins
      which play an important role in cellular defense. Long-time hemodialysis (HD)
      therapy (8 hours) has been considered to be more beneficial compared to normal HD
      therapy (4 hours). We investigated oxidative response related to Nrf2 in
      peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of long-time HD and normal HD
      patients. Methods Eight adult long-time HD therapy patients (44.5 +/- 3.0 years)
      and 10 normal HD therapy patients (68.1 +/- 2.7 years) were enrolled. PBMCs were
      isolated and processed for expression of Nrf2 and its related genes by qRT-PCR.
      Plasma indoxyl sulfate, amino acids, and body constituents were measured.
      Findings Plasma indoxyl sulfate was significantly low after long-time HD therapy
      compare to that of normal HD therapy. Although, skeletal muscle mass, lean body
      mass, mineral and protein were significantly decreased 2 months in normal HD
      patients, those in long-time HD patients were significantly increased after 2
      months. Almost of amino acids were significantly decreased after HD therapy in
      both HD therapies. Plasma amino acids were significantly low in long-time HD
      patients compared to normal HD patients. In PBMCs, the expression of Nrf2 was
      significantly decreased and hemooxygenase-1 expression was significantly
      increased in long-time HD compared to normal HD. Conclusion These observations
      indicate the beneficial effects of in long-time HD in improving oxidative stress
      in patients.

PMID- 27669545
TI  - Reliability of delivered dialysate sodium concentration.
AB  - Background The results of studies investigating the effects of hyponatraemic
      dialysates have been mixed, with some reporting positive effects including
      reduction in blood pressure and inter-dialytic weight gains, whereas others have
      not been able to demonstrate any effect. These studies assume that setting a
      lower dialysate sodium results in the delivery of a hyponatraemic dialysate. We
      therefore measured delivered sodium to determine reliability. Methods We measured
      dialysate sodium in 10 BBraun Dialog+(r) and 6 Fresenius 4008H dialysis machines,
      which had been set up to deliver a sodium of 136 mmol/L, using flame photometry
      and indirect ion selective electrode (ISE) methods. Results Dialysate
      conductivity was 13.85 +/- 0.05 mS/cm, but dialysate sodium measured by flame
      photometry was 141.8 +/- 2.9 mmol/L, and 142.5 +/- 2.4 mmol/L by ISE. Both
      dialysis machines delivered a dialysate sodium in excess of the 136 mmol/L set,
      with a mean bias of 7.0 +/-2.1 mmol/L for the Dialog+(r) , and 3.7 +/- 2.6 for
      the 4008 with the flame photometer method, and a mean bias of 6.3 +/- 1.3 mmol/L
      for the Dialog+(r) , and 6.8 +/- 3.7 for the 4008 by ISE. Conclusion It is
      assumed when setting a dialysate sodium concentration that this sodium
      concentration is delivered. However we found that the dialysate sodium
      concentration delivered was greater than that set, despite the dialysis machines
      reporting a conductivity measurement in keeping with a lower sodium dialysate.
      Trials of lowered dialysate sodium therefore need to measure dialysate sodium
      concentrations to ensure what has been set is delivered.

PMID- 27669546
TI  - Blood pressure targets for hemodialysis patients: Aspirational or practical?
AB  - Whereas there is strong relationship between high blood pressure and increased
      overall and cardiovascular mortality for the general population, observational
      studies in hemodialysis patients have reported a "U" shaped relationship between
      pre-hemodialysis blood pressure recordings and patient survival. Previous
      attempts to introduce pre and post-hemodialysis blood pressure targets were
      associated with an increased frequency of intra-dialytic hypotension, itself an
      independent risk factor for mortality. Conversely, meta-analyses of trials of
      antihypertensive medications in hemodialysis patients, reported survival benefit
      for those prescribed medication. More recently, further meta-analyses have
      suggested a reduced risk for cardiovascular mortality benefit with a systolic
      blood pressures (SBPs) of less than 140 mmHg, the absolute benefit, in terms of
      risk reduction was greatest in those with the highest vascular disease burden.
      Even though data from current observational studies and studies of
      antihypertensive medications would suggest that patient survival would be greater
      with pre-dialysis SBP should be less than 160 mmHg, there is no current data to
      propose specific blood pressure targets. Defining blood pressure targets can only
      be answered by adequately powered prospective randomized controlled trials
      comparing different targets. As the benefits of lowering blood pressure appear to
      be greatest for those with most vascular disease, then blood pressure targets may
      have to be adjusted on an individual risk basis, and future trials should
      therefore stratify patients according to vascular morbidity and have different
      targets for patients with differing degrees of pre-existing cardiovascular
      disease.

PMID- 27669547
TI  - Role of isolated ultrafiltration in the management of chronic refractory and
      acute decompensated heart failure.
AB  - Chronic congestive heart failure (CHF) and acute decompensated heart failure
      (ADHF) refractory to medical therapy represent therapeutic challenges. In such
      patients, attempts to reduce pulmonary and systemic congestion frequently produce
      deterioration of renal function. In studies of patients with chronic severe CHF
      refractory to medical therapy (including loop diuretics), isolated
      ultrafiltration was frequently able to relieve congestive symptoms by precise
      removal of extracellular water and sodium, and in some cases was able to restore
      responsiveness to loop diuretics. Randomized controlled trials comparing isolated
      ultrafiltration and medical therapy (mainly loop diuretics) in patients with ADHF
      failed to demonstrate the superiority of isolated ultrafiltration over diuretic
      therapy with respect to renal function and mortality. Isolated ultrafiltration
      reduced length of hospital stay in several studies. At this time, there is
      insufficient evidence to support the use of isolated ultrafiltration as initial
      therapy of ADHF.

PMID- 27669548
TI  - In tandem extracorporeal therapies during hemodialysis in pediatric patients.
AB  - We describe the successful treatment of a pediatric transplant patient with
      simultaneous intermittent hemodialysis and therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE). The
      patient presented with kidney graft failure. He had life threatening electrolyte
      disturbances and fluid overload due to antibody-mediated rejection. Therefore, he
      was in need of both emergent kidney replacement therapy and TPE. Both
      extracorporeal circuits were set up, established, and maintained safely and
      effectively without difficulty or alarms. Running intermittent hemodialysis and
      TPE simultaneously significantly reduced therapy time, allowed both needed
      therapies priority, and provided a superior pediatric patient experience in an
      acute situation.

PMID- 27669549
TI  - Reducing blood stream infection in patients on hemodialysis: Incorporating
      patient engagement into a quality improvement activity.
AB  - Introduction Infection in our immunocompromised patients is the second leading
      cause of death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
      (CDC). In an effort to improve quality of care, engage patients in their own
      care, and reduce morbidity and mortality secondary to infection, the Network
      designed a joint quality improvement/patient engagement activity to decrease
      bloodstream infection (BSI) rates. Methods Dialysis facilities were ranked
      utilizing 2014 National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) data. Selection included
      20% of Network 13 facilities (n = 58) with the highest BSI rates, which captured
      31% of the patient population. Findings Statistically significant (P < 0.001)
      improvement was reached in the reduction of BSIs; increasing patient engagement
      in the infection control process; and, correct completion of hand hygiene audits.
      Significant (P < 0.01) improvement was reached in correct completion of
      cannulation audits. There was also improvement in the catheter audits, but
      results were not significant. Discussion Involving patients in the infection
      control process contributed to our successful outcomes and could be replicated to
      meet the needs of the end stage renal disease community as a whole.

PMID- 27669550
TI  - Inflammatory demyelinating neuropathy heralding accelerated chediak-higashi
      syndrome.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Chediak-Higashi syndrome (CHS) is a very rare autosomal recessive
      disorder (gene CHS1/LYST) characterized by partial albinism, recurrent
      infections, and easy bruising. Survivors develop a constellation of slowly
      progressive neurological manifestations. METHODS: We describe clinical,
      laboratory, electrophysiological, and genetic findings of a patient who developed
      an immune-mediated demyelinating neuropathy as the main clinical feature of CHS.
      RESULTS: The patient presented with subacute flaccid paraparesis, absent
      reflexes, and reduced vibration sense. Protein and immunoglobulins (Igs) were
      elevated in the cerebrospinal fluid. Electrodiagnostic tests indicated an
      acquired chronic demyelinating polyneuropathy. Intravenous Ig and
      immunosuppressant treatment resulted in neurological improvement. The patient
      later developed organomegaly and pancytopenia. Bone-marrow smear revealed giant
      azurophilic granules pathognomonic for CHS. Two novel mutations in the LYST gene
      were identified through whole exome sequencing [c.7786C>T and c.9106 + 1G>T].
      CONCLUSIONS: This case expands the clinical phenotype of CHS and highlights
      inflammatory demyelinating neuropathy as a manifestation of the disease. Muscle
      Nerve 55: 756-760, 2017.

PMID- 27669551
TI  - Reply to Lago et al. Comment on "Use of Single-Well Tracer Dilution Tests to
      Evaluate LNAPL Flux at Seven Field Sites and Measurement of LNAPL Flux Using
      Single-Well Intermittent Mixing Tracer Dilution Tests".

PMID- 27669553
TI  - Control of the Environment in the Operating Room.
AB  - There is a direct relationship between the quality of the environment of a
      workplace and the productivity and efficiency of the work accomplished.
      Components such as temperature, humidity, ventilation, drafts, lighting, and
      noise each contribute to the quality of the overall environment and the sense of
      well-being of those who work there.The modern operating room is a unique
      workplace with specific, and frequently conflicting, environmental requirements
      for each of the inhabitants. Even minor disturbances in the internal environment
      of the operating room can have serious ramifications on the comfort,
      effectiveness, and safety of each of the inhabitants. A cool, well-ventilated,
      and dry climate is optimal for many members of the surgical team. Any significant
      deviation from these objectives raises the risk of decreased efficiency and
      productivity and adverse surgical outcomes. A warmer, more humid, and quieter
      environment is necessary for the patient. If these requirements are not met, the
      risk of surgical morbidity and mortality is increased. An important task for the
      surgical team is to find the correct balance between these 2 opposed
      requirements. Several of the components of the operating room environment,
      especially room temperature and airflow patterns, are easily manipulated by the
      members of the surgical team. In the following discussion, we will examine these
      elements to better understand the clinical ramifications of adjustments and
      accommodations that are frequently made to meet the requirements of both the
      surgical staff and the patient.

PMID- 27669554
TI  - Acute Normovolemic Hemodilution Reduces Allogeneic Red Blood Cell Transfusion in
      Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To better understand the role of acute normovolemic hemodilution
      (ANH) in a surgical setting with high risk of bleeding, we analyzed all
      randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the setting of cardiac surgery that
      compared ANH with standard intraoperative care. The aim was to assess the
      incidence of ANH-related number of allogeneic red blood cell units (RBCu)
      transfused. Secondary outcomes included the rate of allogeneic blood transfusion
      and estimated total blood loss. METHODS: Twenty-nine RCTs for a total of 2439
      patients (1252 patients in the ANH group and 1187 in the control group) were
      included in our meta-analysis using PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Controlled Trials
      Register, and EMBASE. RESULTS: Patients in the ANH group received fewer
      allogeneic RBCu transfusions (mean difference = -0.79; 95% confidence interval
      [CI], -1.25 to -0.34; P = .001; I = 95.1%). Patients in the ANH group were
      overall transfused less with allogeneic blood when compared with controls
      (356/845 [42.1%] in the ANH group versus 491/876 [56.1%] in controls; risk ratio
      = 0.74; 95% CI, 0.62 to 0.87; P < .0001; I = 72.5%), and they experienced less
      postoperative blood loss (388 mL in ANH versus 450 mL in control; mean difference
      = -0.64; 95% CI, -0.97 to -0.31; P < .0001; I = 91.8%). CONCLUSIONS: ANH reduces
      the number of allogeneic RBCu transfused in the cardiac surgery setting together
      with a reduction in the rate of patients transfused with allogeneic blood and
      with a reduction of bleeding.

PMID- 27669555
TI  - Lung Ultrasonography for the Assessment of Perioperative Atelectasis: A Pilot
      Feasibility Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Few diagnostic tools are available to anesthesiologists when
      confronted with intraoperative hypoxemia. Lung ultrasonography is a safe and
      accurate bedside imaging modality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the
      feasibility of lung ultrasonography during the perioperative period and assess
      its ability to detect intraoperative respiratory complications and oxygenation
      changes resulting from perioperative atelectasis. METHODS: In this prospective
      observational pilot study, 30 consecutive patients scheduled for laparoscopic
      surgery were recruited. Mechanical ventilation was standardized. Lung
      ultrasonography was performed at 5 predefined time points: before induction of
      general anesthesia (GA), after induction of GA, after pneumoperitoneum
      insufflation, on arrival in the recovery room, and before recovery room
      discharge. For each echographic examination, 12 pulmonary quadrants were imaged.
      From these, a semiquantitative score, the lung ultrasound (LUS) score, was
      calculated to assess lung aeration at each time point. RESULTS: Lung
      ultrasonography was possible in all patients. Changes in the LUS score between
      the postinduction period and arrival in the recovery room were correlated with
      changes in oxygenation (Spearman r = -0.43, P = .018). Induction of GA was
      associated with an increase in the LUS score, which gradually worsened at all
      time points until recovery room discharge. This increase was significantly worse
      in the basal and dependent lung zones. Lung ultrasonography helped in the
      detection of 2 capnothoraces, 1 endobronchial intubation, and 1 episode of
      subclinical pulmonary edema. CONCLUSIONS: Lung ultrasonography in the
      perioperative period is feasible, allows tracking of perioperative atelectasis,
      and facilitates the diagnosis of respiratory complications. The evolution of
      aeration loss correlates moderately with changes in oxygenation.

PMID- 27669556
TI  - Metformin Synergizes With Conventional and Adjuvant Analgesic Drugs to Reduce
      Inflammatory Hyperalgesia in Rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Metformin is a widely used and safe antidiabetic drug that has
      recently been shown to possess analgesic properties in models of inflammatory
      pain. Because various arthritic inflammatory disorders are highly prevalent in
      diabetic patients, we aimed to examine the type of interaction between metformin
      and several conventional and adjuvant analgesic drugs (ibuprofen, aspirin,
      tramadol, and pregabalin) in a rat model of somatic inflammatory hyperalgesia.
      METHODS: Inflammation of the rat hind paw was induced by an intraplantar
      injection of carrageenan (0.1 mL, 1%). The antihyperalgesic effects of metformin
      (intraperitoneally), analgesics (orally or intraperitoneally), and 2-drug
      metformin-analgesic combinations were assessed with an electronic Von Frey
      anesthesiometer, by measuring the change in paw withdrawal thresholds induced by
      carrageenan (n = 6 rats in drug/drug combination-treated groups). First, we
      determined the doses of individual drugs needed to produce an antihyperalgesic
      effect of 50% (ED50 values). In combination experiments, drugs were
      coadministered in fixed-dose fractions (1/16, 1/8, 1/4, and 1/2) of their
      individual ED50 values and the type of interaction between components was
      determined by isobolographic analysis. RESULTS: Metformin (50-200 mg/kg)
      significantly and dose-dependently reduced carrageenan-induced hyperalgesia with
      a maximal antihyperalgesic effect (mean +/- SEM) of 62 +/- 6% (all P <= .024).
      Ibuprofen (25-150 mg/kg), aspirin (100-400 mg/kg), tramadol (0.5-5 mg/kg), and
      pregabalin (2.5-20 mg/kg) also produced significant and dose-dependent
      antihyperalgesic effects (all P <= .042) of similar magnitude to metformin (the
      maximal antihyperalgesic effects were 73 +/- 4% for ibuprofen, 62 +/- 4.2% for
      aspirin, 69 +/- 5.9% for tramadol, and 56 +/- 3.9% for pregabalin). In
      combination experiments, administration of 2-drug metformin-analgesic
      combinations led to a significant and dose-dependent reduction of carrageenan
      induced hyperalgesia (all P <= .027). The isobolographic analysis revealed that
      metformin interacted synergistically with the examined analgesics (experimental
      ED50 values of 2-drug combinations were significantly lower than theoretical
      additive ED50 values; all P < .05) and that there was a similar, approximately 5
      fold, reduction of doses of both drugs in all tested combinations. CONCLUSIONS:
      Our results suggest that in patients who are already receiving metformin therapy,
      lower doses of ibuprofen/aspirin/tramadol/pregabalin might be sufficient for
      achieving satisfactory pain relief. Metformin-aspirin combination might be
      particularly useful because it may achieve multiple therapeutic goals
      (glucoregulation, pain relief, and cardioprotection).

PMID- 27669557
TI  - Preprocedure Ultrasonography Before Initiating a Neuraxial Anesthetic Procedure.

PMID- 27669558
TI  - The Three Laws of Autonomous and Closed-Loop Systems in Anesthesia.

PMID- 27669564
TI  - The Epidemiology of Meningitis among Adults in a South African Province with a
      High HIV Prevalence, 2009-2012.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Meningitis is a major cause of mortality in southern Africa. We
      aimed to describe the aetiologies and frequencies of laboratory-confirmed fungal
      and bacterial meningitis among adults in a South African province with an 11% HIV
      prevalence, over 4 years. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, observational
      study of secondary laboratory data, extracted on all cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
      specimens submitted to public-sector laboratories in Gauteng province from 2009
      through 2012. We calculated cause-specific incidence rates in the general and HIV
      infected populations and used Poisson regression to determine if trends were
      significant. RESULTS: We identified 11,891 (10.7%) incident cases of meningitis
      from 110,885 CSF specimens. Cryptococcal meningitis, tuberculous meningitis and
      pneumococcal meningitis accounted for 62.3% (n = 7,406), 24.6% (n = 2,928) and
      10.1% (n = 1,197) of cases over the four-year period. The overall incidence
      (cases per 100,000 persons) of cryptococcal meningitis declined by 23% from 24.4
      in 2009 to 18.7 in 2012 (p <0.001) and decreased by 19% among HIV-infected
      persons from 178.2 to 144.7 (p <0.001). Tuberculous meningitis decreased by 40%
      from 11.3 in 2009 to 6.8 in 2012 (p <0.001) and decreased by 36% among HIV
      infected persons from 54.4 to 34.9 (p <0.001). Pneumococcal meningitis decreased
      by 41% from 4.2 in 2009 to 2.5 in 2012 (p <0.001) and decreased by 38% among HIV
      infected persons from 28.0 to 17.5 (p <0.001). Among cases of other bacterial
      meningitis (248/11,891, 2.1%), Neisseria meningitidis (n = 93), Escherichia coli
      (n = 72) and Haemophilus influenzae (n = 20) were the most common organisms
      identified. CONCLUSIONS: In this high HIV-prevalence province, cryptococcal
      meningitis was the leading cause of laboratory-confirmed meningitis among adults.
      Over a 4-year period, there was a significant decrease in incidence of
      cryptococcal, tuberculous and pneumococcal meningitis. This coincided with
      expansion of the national antiretroviral treatment programme, enhanced
      tuberculosis control programme and routine childhood immunisation with
      pneumococcal conjugate vaccines.

PMID- 27669565
TI  - Suppression of Very Early Stage Of Adipogenesis by Baicalein, a Plant-Derived
      Flavonoid through Reduced Akt-C/EBPalpha-GLUT4 Signaling-Mediated Glucose Uptake
      in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes.
AB  - Baicalein has been used as a Chinese medicine, and is an abundant plant flavonoid
      present in fruits and vegetables. Here, we examined the effects of baicalein in
      adipogenesis and investigated its molecular mechanism in adipocytes. Baicalein
      lowered the intracellular lipid accumulation and decreased the transcription
      levels of the adipocyte-specific genes in mouse 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Glucose uptake
      mediated by glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) was reduced, causing down-regulation of
      the intracellular lipid accumulation. These reductions were also observed even
      when baicalein was added in only early stage of adipogenesis (0-2 days) of 6-day
      adipogenesis. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay showed that baicalein decreased
      the binding level of C/EBPalpha protein to the promoter region of the GLUT4 gene.
      Phosphorylation of Akt at 1 h after the initiation of adipogenesis was inhibited
      by the treatment with baicalein. Inhibition during only the first 1.5 h after the
      initiation of adipogenesis by baicalein or an Akt inhibitor was enough to
      decrease the lipid contents in the cells undergoing adipocyte differentiation for
      6 days. These results indicate that baicalein decreased the intracellular lipid
      accumulation by down-regulation of glucose uptake via repression of Akt
      C/EBPalpha-GLUT4 signaling in the very early stage of adipogenesis of 3T3-L1
      adipocytes.

PMID- 27669566
TI  - Critical Involvement of Environmental Carbon Dioxide Fixation to Drive Wax Ester
      Fermentation in Euglena.
AB  - Accumulation profiles of wax esters in Euglena gracilis Z were studied under
      several environmental conditions. The highest amount of total wax esters
      accumulated under hypoxia in the dark, and C28 (myristyl-myristate, C14:0-C14:0)
      was prevalent among all conditions investigated. The wax ester production was
      almost completely suppressed under anoxia in the light, and supplying exogenous
      inorganic carbon sources restored wax ester fermentation, indicating the need for
      external carbon sources for the wax ester fermentation. 13C-labeling experiments
      revealed specific isotopic enrichment in the odd-numbered fatty acids derived
      from wax esters, indicating that the exogenously-supplied CO2 was incorporated
      into wax esters via the propionyl-CoA pathway through the reverse tricarboxylic
      acid (TCA) cycle. The addition of 3-mercaptopicolinic acid, a phosphoenolpyruvate
      carboxykinase (PEPCK) inhibitor, significantly affected the incorporation of 13C
      into citrate and malate as the biosynthetic intermediates of the odd-numbered
      fatty acids, suggesting the involvement of PEPCK reaction to drive wax ester
      fermentation. Additionally, the 13C-enrichment pattern of succinate suggested
      that the CO2 assimilation might proceed through alternative pathways in addition
      to the PEPCK reaction. The current results indicate that the mechanisms of anoxic
      CO2 assimilation are an important target to reinforce wax ester fermentation in
      Euglena.

PMID- 27669567
TI  - PFK15, a Small Molecule Inhibitor of PFKFB3, Induces Cell Cycle Arrest, Apoptosis
      and Inhibits Invasion in Gastric Cancer.
AB  - PFKFB3 (6-phosphofructo-2-kinase) synthesizes fructose 2,6-bisphosphate (F2,6P2),
      which is an allosteric activator of 6-phosphofructo-1-kinase (PFK-1), the rate
      limiting enzyme of glycolysis. Overexpression of the PFKFB3 enzyme leads to high
      glycolytic metabolism, which is required for cancer cells to survive in the harsh
      tumor microenvironment. The objective of this study was to investigate the
      antitumor activity of PFK15 (1-(4-pyridinyl)-3-(2-quinolinyl)-2-propen-1-one), a
      small molecule inhibitor of PFKFB3, against gastric cancer and to explore its
      potential mechanisms. The effects of PFK15 on proliferation, apoptosis and cell
      cycle progression in gastric cancer cells were evaluated by cytotoxicity and
      apoptosis assays, flow cytometry, and western blotting. In addition, the invasion
      inhibition effects of PFK15 were measured by transwell invasion assay and western
      blot analysis, and a xenograft tumor model was used to verify the therapeutic
      effect of PFK15 in vivo. Results showed that PFK15 inhibited the proliferation,
      caused cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase by blocking the Cyclin-CDKs/Rb/E2F
      signaling pathway, and induced apoptosis through mitochondria in gastric cancer
      cells. Tumor volume and weight were also significantly reduced upon
      intraperitoneal injection with PFK15 at 25 mg/kg. In addition, PFK15 inhibited
      the invasion of gastric cancer cells by downregulating focal adhesion kinase
      (FAK) expression and upregulating E-cadherin expression. Taken together, our
      findings indicate that PFK15 is a promising anticancer drug for treating gastric
      cancer.

PMID- 27669568
TI  - The Effect of Spatial and Temporal Resolution of Cine Phase Contrast MRI on Wall
      Shear Stress and Oscillatory Shear Index Assessment.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Wall shear stress (WSS) and oscillatory shear index (OSI) are
      associated with atherosclerotic disease. Both parameters are derived from blood
      velocities, which can be measured with phase-contrast MRI (PC-MRI). Limitations
      in spatiotemporal resolution of PC-MRI are known to affect these measurements.
      Our aim was to investigate the effect of spatiotemporal resolution using a
      carotid artery phantom. METHODS: A carotid artery phantom was connected to a flow
      set-up supplying pulsatile flow. MRI measurement planes were placed at the common
      carotid artery (CCA) and internal carotid artery (ICA). Two-dimensional PC-MRI
      measurements were performed with thirty different spatiotemporal resolution
      settings. The MRI flow measurement was validated with ultrasound probe
      measurements. Mean flow, peak flow, flow waveform, WSS and OSI were compared for
      these spatiotemporal resolutions using regression analysis. The slopes of the
      regression lines were reported in %/mm and %/100ms. The distribution of low and
      high WSS and OSI was compared between different spatiotemporal resolutions.
      RESULTS: The mean PC-MRI CCA flow (2.5+/-0.2mL/s) agreed with the ultrasound
      probe measurements (2.7+/-0.02mL/s). Mean flow (mL/s) depended only on spatial
      resolution (CCA:-13%/mm, ICA:-49%/mm). Peak flow (mL/s) depended on both spatial
      (CCA:-13%/mm, ICA:-17%/mm) and temporal resolution (CCA:-19%/100ms, ICA:
      24%/100ms). Mean WSS (Pa) was in inverse relationship only with spatial
      resolution (CCA:-19%/mm, ICA:-33%/mm). OSI was dependent on spatial resolution
      for CCA (-26%/mm) and temporal resolution for ICA (-16%/100ms). The regions of
      low and high WSS and OSI matched for most of the spatiotemporal resolutions
      (CCA:30/30, ICA:28/30 cases for WSS; CCA:23/30, ICA:29/30 cases for OSI).
      CONCLUSION: We show that both mean flow and mean WSS are independent of temporal
      resolution. Peak flow and OSI are dependent on both spatial and temporal
      resolution. However, the magnitude of mean and peak flow, WSS and OSI, and the
      spatial distribution of OSI and WSS did not exhibit a strong dependency on
      spatiotemporal resolution.

PMID- 27669570
TI  - Phlorofucofuroeckol Improves Glutamate-Induced Neurotoxicity through Modulation
      of Oxidative Stress-Mediated Mitochondrial Dysfunction in PC12 Cells.
AB  - Stroke is a complex neurodegenerative disorder with a clinically high prevalence
      and mortality. Despite many efforts to protect against ischemic stroke, its
      incidence and related permanent disabilities continue to increase. In this study,
      we found that pretreatment with phlorofucofuroeckol (PFF), isolated from brown
      algae species, significantly increased cell viability in glutamate-stimulated
      PC12 cells. Additionally, glutamate-stimulated cells showed irregular morphology,
      but PFF pretreatment resulted in improved cell morphology, which resembled that
      in cells cultured under normal conditions. We further showed that PFF
      pretreatment effectively inhibited glutamate-induced apoptotic cell death in a
      caspase-dependent manner. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by oxidative
      stress are closely associated with ischemia-induced neurological diseases.
      Exposure of PC12 cells to glutamate induced abundant production of intracellular
      ROS and mitochondrial dysfunction, which was attenuated by PFF in a dose
      dependent manner. In vivo studies revealed that PFF-mediated prevention was
      achieved predominantly through inhibition of apoptosis and mitochondrial ROS
      generation. Taken together, these results suggest the possibility of PFF as a
      neuroprotective agent in ischemic stroke.

PMID- 27669571
TI  - Left Ventricular Function Evaluation on a 3T MR Scanner with Parallel RF
      Transmission Technique: Prospective Comparison of Cine Sequences Acquired before
      and after Gadolinium Injection.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To compare cine MR b-TFE sequences acquired before and after
      gadolinium injection, on a 3T scanner with a parallel RF transmission technique
      in order to potentially improve scanning time efficiency when evaluating LV
      function. METHODS: 25 consecutive patients scheduled for a cardiac MRI were
      prospectively included and had their b-TFE cine sequences acquired before and
      right after gadobutrol injection. Images were assessed qualitatively (overall
      image quality, LV edge sharpness, artifacts and LV wall motion) and
      quantitatively with measurement of LVEF, LV mass, and telediastolic volume and
      contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) between the myocardium and the cardiac chamber.
      Statistical analysis was conducted using a Bayesian paradigm. RESULTS: No
      difference was found before or after injection for the LVEF, LV mass and
      telediastolic volume evaluations. Overall image quality and CNR were
      significantly lower after injection (estimated coefficient cine after > cine
      before gadolinium: -1.75 CI = [-3.78;-0.0305], prob(coef>0) = 0% and -0.23 CI = [
      0.49;0.04], prob(coef>0) = 4%) respectively), but this decrease did not affect
      the visual assessment of LV wall motion (cine after > cine before gadolinium: 
      1.46 CI = [-4.72;1.13], prob(coef>0) = 15%). CONCLUSIONS: In 3T cardiac MRI
      acquired with parallel RF transmission technique, qualitative and quantitative
      assessment of LV function can reliably be performed with cine sequences acquired
      after gadolinium injection, despite a significant decrease in the CNR and the
      overall image quality.

PMID- 27669569
TI  - Diversification of Angraecum (Orchidaceae, Vandeae) in Madagascar: Revised
      Phylogeny Reveals Species Accumulation through Time Rather than Rapid Radiation.
AB  - Angraecum is the largest genus of subtribe Angraecinae (Orchidaceae) with about
      221 species. Madagascar is the center of the diversity for the genus with ca. 142
      species, of which 90% are endemic. The great morphological diversity associated
      with species diversification in the genus on the island of Madagascar offers
      valuable insights for macroevolutionary studies. Phylogenies of the Angraecinae
      have been published but a lack of taxon and character sampling and their limited
      taxonomic resolution limit their uses for macroevolutionary studies. We present a
      new phylogeny of Angraecum based on chloroplast sequence data (matk, rps16,
      trnL), nuclear ribosomal (ITS2) and 39 morphological characters from 194
      Angraecinae species of which 69 were newly sampled. Using this phylogeny, we
      evaluated the monophyly of the sections of Angraecum as defined by Garay and
      investigated the patterns of species diversification within the genus. We used
      maximum parsimony and bayesian analyses to generate phylogenetic trees and dated
      divergence times of the phylogeny. We analyzed diversification patterns within
      Angraecinae and Angraecum with an emphasis on four floral characters (flower
      color, flower size, labellum position, spur length) using macroevolutionary
      models to evaluate which characters or character states are associated with
      speciation rates, and inferred ancestral states of these characters. The
      phylogenetic analysis showed the polyphyly of Angraecum sensu lato and of all
      Angraecum sections except sect. Hadrangis, and that morphology can be consistent
      with the phylogeny. It appeared that the characters (flower color, flower size,
      spur length) formerly used by many authors to delineate Angraecum groups were
      insufficient to do so. However, the newly described character, position of the
      labellum (uppermost and lowermost), was the main character delimiting clades
      within a monophyletic Angraecum sensu stricto. This character also appeared to be
      associated with speciation rates in Angraecum. The macroevolutionary model-based
      phylogeny failed to detect shifts in diversification that could be associated
      directly with morphological diversification. Diversification in Angraecum
      resulted from gradual species accumulation through time rather than from rapid
      radiation, a diversification pattern often encountered in tropical rain forests.

PMID- 27669572
TI  - Venous Thromboembolism in Primary Nephrotic Syndrome - Is the Risk High Enough to
      Justify Prophylactic Anticoagulation?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The reported incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients
      with nephrotic syndrome (NS) varies widely, as does the approach to prophylactic
      anticoagulation. We aimed to assess the incidence of VTE in patients with primary
      NS in order to inform a sample size calculation to determine if a future clinical
      trial will ever be feasible. METHODS: All adults undergoing native renal biopsy
      for NS between 2008 and 2013 yielding a diagnosis of primary glomerulonephritis
      were identified. Baseline serum albumin, urine protein:creatinine ratio,
      estimated glomerular filtration rate, date of biopsy and histological diagnosis
      were recorded. Episodes of objectively verified VTE were identified using the
      electronic patient record. Sample size calculations were performed based on 2
      independent samples with a dichotomous outcome and to achieve a power of 80% and
      p < 0.05. RESULTS: Two hundred six patients were included of which 60% were male
      and mean age at biopsy was 55 years (SD 19). Median follow-up was 2.9 years
      (interquartile range (IQR) 1.6-4.7). Fourteen (6.8%) patients suffered VTE.
      Median time to diagnosis of VTE from renal biopsy was 36 days (IQR -22 to 178),
      with 6 VTEs occurring prior to biopsy and 1 during remission. In a total of 270
      patient years of NS, there were 7 VTE that could potentially have been avoided if
      anticoagulation was given for the duration of NS, that is, 2.6% risk per year of
      NS; this risk was highest for patients with minimal change nephropathy at 13.3%
      per year of NS, compared to 0.65% per year of NS for those with idiopathic
      membranous nephropathy. Assuming a 75% reduction in the incidence of VTE with
      prophylactic anticoagulation, 972 participants would be required for a future
      clinical trial to have 80% power. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with primary NS are at an
      increased risk of VTE. The timing of VTE means that only half of episodes would
      be targeted by prophylactic anticoagulation. Given the low frequency of events, a
      well-powered clinical trial would be challenging to achieve.

PMID- 27669573
TI  - Premenstrual syndrome health-related quality of life and psychiatric comorbidity
      in a clinical adolescent sample: a cross-sectional study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Adolescents who were admitted to the child and adolescent psychiatry
      clinic were compared with respect to the premenstrual symptom severity,
      psychiatric comorbidities and health related quality of life (HRQoL). METHODS:
      The research group was identified using the Schedule for Affective Disorders and
      Schizophrenia for School-Age Children-Present and Lifetime Version and
      Premenstrual Assessment Form. They completed the Pediatric Quality of Life
      Inventory (The PedsQL). RESULTS: There were 55 adolescents who were eligible for
      the study and 89% of participants were diagnosed with at least one psychiatric
      disorder. The most common psychiatric diagnoses among the diagnosed cases were
      anxiety and major depressive disorders. Of all of the cases, 78.2% were diagnosed
      with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and among those cases, 46.5% had mild, 34.8% had
      moderate and 18.6% had severe PMS. Most common PMS symptom was
      anger/irritability. HRQoL in the group with PMS was significantly lower than that
      of the adolescents without PMS. Moreover, HRQoL of adolescents with PMS was found
      to deteriorate with the increasing severity of PMS. CONCLUSIONS: This study is of
      great importance since it demonstrated that PMS frequency is very high in a
      clinical adolescent population and negatively affects their HRQoL as similar to
      non-clinical adolescent population studies.

PMID- 27669575
TI  - Editorial.
AB  - During the mid 1980s, the enterprising Burford Nurse Development Unit (NDU)
      established a nursing beds pilot. It was widely acclaimed and for a while it
      captivated the profession. Oxford followed suit and what had become an
      interesting experiment took on a new significance. It seemed we could be
      witnessing the start of a whole new approach to nursing care in acute hospital
      settings. But inexplicably the interest faded, enthusiasm waned and the unit
      closed in 1989, despite some positive outcomes of the unit's evaluation. It could
      be that like so many innovations in nursing, the success of nursing beds would
      survive and thrive - provided the right mix of personalities remained to drive
      them forward. Remove the innovators and the innovation slowly dies.

PMID- 27669574
TI  - Binding Site Geometry and Subdomain Valency Control Effects of Neutralizing
      Lectins on HIV-1 Viral Particles.
AB  - Carbohydrate binding proteins such as griffithsin, cyanovirin-N, and BanLec are
      potent HIV entry inhibitors and promising microbicides. Each binds to high
      mannose glycans on the surface envelope glycoprotein gp120, yet the mechanisms by
      which they engage viral spikes and exhibit inhibition constants ranging from
      nanomolar to picomolar are not understood. To determine the structural and
      mechanistic basis for recognition and potency, we selected a panel of lectins
      possessing different valencies per subunit, oligomeric states, and relative
      orientations of carbohydrate binding sites to systematically probe their
      contributions to inhibiting viral entry. Cryo-electron micrographs and immuno
      gold staining of lectin-treated viral particles revealed two distinct effects
      namely, viral aggregation or clustering of the HIV-1 envelope on the viral
      membrane-that were dictated by carbohydrate binding site geometry and valency.
      "Sandwich" surface plasmon resonance experiments revealed that a second binding
      event occurs only for those lectins that could aggregate viral particles.
      Furthermore, picomolar Kd values were observed for the second binding event,
      providing a mechanism by which picomolar IC50 values are achieved. We suggest
      that these binding and aggregation phenomena translate to neutralization potency.

PMID- 27669577
TI  - Trevor Clay has lung transplant.
AB  - Trevor Clay, former RCN General Secretary underwent a lung transplant at
      Harefield Hospital last week. His condition is said to be stable. He was
      transferred from the Royal Brompton where he had been for a number of weeks due
      to a deterioration in his condition caused by emphysema.

PMID- 27669576
TI  - New regional posts.
AB  - The new regional chief executives were due to be announced this week. The line up
      was expected to be; Chris Spry, S Thames; Ron Kerr, N Thames; Brian Edwards, West
      Midlands; Barbara Stocking, East Anglian and Oxford; Liam Donaldson North East
      and Yorkshire; Robert Tinston, North West and Keith McLean, Trent. No appointment
      was made in South West, with Pamela Charlwood, Alasdair Liddell, Bryan Harrison
      and Kevin Woods not among the appointments. Ken Jarrold was tipped to be the new
      ME Director of Human Resources.

PMID- 27669578
TI  - Mental Health Review gets a cool reception.
AB  - The long-awaited report into the future of mental health nursing was published
      last week amid fears it will be left to gather dust on the shelves of the health
      department.

PMID- 27669579
TI  - PREP plans likely to prove disappointing.
AB  - The Government is set to unveil its plans for PREP funding at the RCN Congress in
      Bournemouth next month but nurses are expected to be bitterly disappointed at the
      plans which will fall far short of expectations.

PMID- 27669580
TI  - Survey shows NHS workload hampers child protection.
AB  - Many 'designated nurses' are being prevented from providing the quality of child
      protection work outlined in the Children Act, an RCN survey has revealed.

PMID- 27669582
TI  - Plea for caution on prescribing.
AB  - An influential community nursing academic has issued 'a plea for caution' on
      nurse prescribing.

PMID- 27669581
TI  - Greenwich takes the rap for lost' patient.
AB  - An internal enquiry at the hospital where a woman died after being 'lost' has
      slammed management for what it described as 'indifferent medical leadership'.

PMID- 27669583
TI  - Link-making trip from the Highlands.
AB  - Staff nurse Mary Cullen, centre, from Raigmore Hospital in Inverness, recently
      spent a week at the regional paediatric oncology unit in Glasgow's Royal Hospital
      for Sick Children. The trip was part of a Malcolm Sargent Cancer Fund for
      Children initiative to help children suffering from cancer in the Highlands. It
      gave Ms Cullen the opportunity to forge links with the doctors and nurses who
      work with her patients when they travel to Glasgow for specialist treatment.

PMID- 27669584
TI  - Nursing unit relieves pressure.
AB  - Direct referrals may be the next stage in the development of a successful nursing
      led in-patient unit set up to take the pressure off acute services at a busy
      central London hospital, Department of Health Chief Nursing Officer Yvonne Moores
      said this week.

PMID- 27669585
TI  - Low standards in Northern Ireland?
AB  - The Northern Ireland health and social services department should carry out an
      investigation to discover why health care standards are so low in the province,
      an all-party committee of MPs has said.

PMID- 27669586
TI  - Row over Derby trust claims.
AB  - A fresh row between unions and a Derby trust broke out last week after trust
      managers issued a press release claiming success in their efforts to introduce
      new grading structures and performance-related pay for nurses.

PMID- 27669588
TI  - Unions move in dispute.
AB  - Nursing unions have threatened court action against Park- side Health if latest
      moves to settle a dispute over 70 redundancies fail.

PMID- 27669587
TI  - Unions criticise redundancy goal.
AB  - The RCN has slammed a West Midlands health authority for giving unions just days
      to respond to plans to axe 1,200 staff by the autumn.

PMID- 27669589
TI  - Nurses ignored in report on drugs.
AB  - The Royal College of Nursing has attacked an Audit Commission study of the NHS
      drugs bill for failing to acknowledge the impact of nurses on doctors'
      prescribing.

PMID- 27669590
TI  - Parliament.
AB  - * Moves by a Merseyside health trust to axe the number of school nurses by up to
      half have come under fire in the Commons. Labour MPs are furious over proposals
      by St Helens and Knowsley Community Health Trust to slash L80,000 from its school
      nurse budget. The decision threatens to reduce the number of posts by up to 16
      from a total of 34. Knowsley North Labour member George Howarth says the trust
      must think again and reverse its proposals.

PMID- 27669591
TI  - ?
AB  - The devolution of power to health service trusts stands in the way of improving
      MIS efficiency, Professor Sir Douglas Black said this week. Delivering the first
      Office of Health Economics lecture, Sir Douglas argued that a more coherent'
      system is needed so that innovations can be tried . on a large scale.

PMID- 27669592
TI  - Improved benefits still not enough.
AB  - The Government has been accused of not going far enough in extending maternity
      benefits and rights for women.

PMID- 27669594
TI  - Mothers support midwives.
AB  - Mothers supporting two midwives disciplined for allowing a woman to give birth in
      a waterpool at home delivered a petition to the health department last week.

PMID- 27669595
TI  - Staffing levels crucial after Allitt report.
AB  - The Royal College of Nursing's General Secretary Christine Hancock has told
      nurses to insist on proper ward staffing levels following the findings of the
      Clothier Report on the Beverly Allitt murders.

PMID- 27669596
TI  - 'Do as you would be done by' is the theme for nurses.
AB  - Treat others as you would want to be treated yourself is the concept behind the
      named nurse initiative, the Chief Executive of the NHS in Scotland said last
      week.

PMID- 27669597
TI  - Managers blamed for failure of nursing computer systems.
AB  - Nursing computer information management systems are failing in many areas because
      managers have not set out clear aims and objectives for their use, an independent
      study claims.

PMID- 27669598
TI  - Satellite teleconference will consider why anti-smoking measures do not help the
      poor.
AB  - A nationwide satellite teleconference for health professionals is to be held in
      May to discuss the implications of a report published this week which shows that
      anti-smoking campaigns have failed to reach people on lower incomes.

PMID- 27669599
TI  - Mind calls for women's right to choose single-sex wards.
AB  - Mentally ill women should never be forced to stay in mixed sex wards and must
      have the right to choose the gender of their key worker, the mental health
      charity Mind demanded last week.

PMID- 27669600
TI  - Give us back our civil rights service user tells conference.
AB  - Women lose many of their civil rights on admission to mental health units, a
      service user told the Mind conference. The conference in National Depression Week
      coincided with International Women's Day.

PMID- 27669602
TI  - ?

PMID- 27669601
TI  - Health visitors link with royal colleges.
AB  - The Health Visitors' Association last week joined forces with the Royal College
      of Psychiatrists and the Royal College of General Practitioners to promote
      awareness of post-natal depression.

PMID- 27669603
TI  - Public interest test proposal on NHS trust mergers.
AB  - A public interest test should be completed by nurses and carers to reveal their
      attitudes to NHS trust mergers, a report has said.

PMID- 27669605
TI  - BBC stonewalled in search for opinions.
AB  - By Simon Canning A BBC documentary maker has struck a wall of silence trying to
      find nurses willing to speak on record about the ethics of resuscitation
      practices.

PMID- 27669604
TI  - World news.
AB  - Europe Nurses across Europe are suffering from overwork and stress, with
      auxiliaries most hard pressed, a report from the European Parliament women's
      rights committee claims.

PMID- 27669606
TI  - Nurses need training for pressure sore mattresses.
AB  - The benefits of a new mattress aimed at helping to prevent pressure sores will
      only be fully realised if nurses receive careful and detailed education, a study
      by Dutch researchers claims.

PMID- 27669607
TI  - Public awareness of diabetes boosted by poster campaign.
AB  - A high profile advertising campaign on diabetes had a marked effect on public
      awareness without increasing fear or anxiety about the condition, a study on the
      programme's impact has found.

PMID- 27669608
TI  - Homeless people to get TB screening in London.
AB  - Levels of tuberculosis similar to those in developing countries and New York have
      been found among homeless people in London, the charity Crisis said this week.

PMID- 27669609
TI  - Treat mini peak flow readings with caution.
AB  - Mini peak flow meters may not accurately track clinically important changes in
      the lung function of children with asthma, researchers say.

PMID- 27669610
TI  - Eradication therapy in duodenal ulcer.
AB  - A one-week course of treatment to eradicate Helicobacter pylori heals duodenal
      ulceration in most infected patients without the need for anti-acid drugs,
      researchers from Hong Kong say.

PMID- 27669611
TI  - Benefits of osteopathy in general practice.
AB  - Osteopathy can reduce the number of GP consultations and the number of days of
      prescribed medication, according to a team of researchers in London.

PMID- 27669612
TI  - Scope for improvement in primary care.
AB  - Although primary care has an important role in the prevention and management of
      HIV, there is considerable scope for improvement in the acceptability of general
      practice to homosexual men.

PMID- 27669613
TI  - Fishing in murky waters.
AB  - Like the Loch Ness Monster, funding for PREP swims huge, but unseen within the
      pool of the health department budget. Some say they have seen the beast with
      their own eyes. Others deny it as a fairy tale, carefully spun to make nurses
      feel more at ease with their educational futures. As with Nessie, the money, they
      ; fear, does not exist.

PMID- 27669614
TI  - Women not men need group boost.
AB  - As a feminist I would support Mark Crump's call for a 'men's issues group'(Fed up
      with feminism - withered by women, Letters, February 23) - if men were
      concentrated in the lower grades in nursing; if men were forced to lose grade
      after having children; if men were hampered from achieving their full potential
      because of poor maternity leave provision, inflexible working patterns and
      inadequate child care facilities.

PMID- 27669615
TI  - More on familiarity and contempt.
AB  - I was pleased to read the article on addressing patients by first names (Names
      hurt, Viewpoint, February 23).

PMID- 27669616
TI  - Jumping off without a parachute?
AB  - At last - the debate begins. I very much enjoyed Annie Chellel's article, Divide
      and cruel (Viewpoint, March 2).

PMID- 27669617
TI  - Video could have nasty consequences.
AB  - I am a registered nurse and am therefore not easily shocked by the physical
      aspects of care, whether dealing with venous ulcers, amputations and so on. I
      was, however, greatly concerned by the inclusion of a little girl in the
      television component of the RCN Nursing Update learning unit on promoting
      continence.

PMID- 27669618
TI  - Annie Entwistle.
AB  - Annie Entwistle (known as Twizzy), a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to
      nursing, died last November at the age of 83. Until her retirement in 1970, she
      was senior tutor at Salford Royal Hospital. Miss Entwistle was held in affection
      and high regard by all who knew her, and she promoted a philosophy of care which
      was years ahead of the times.

PMID- 27669619
TI  - A breath of fresh air from the past.
AB  - Before the advent of steroids, there was very little relief for asthma and eczema
      sufferers, but what was to play a large part in their recovery, and that of many
      others with debilitating illnesses, was attendance at an open-air school.

PMID- 27669620
TI  - Causes of concern in nursing homes.
AB  - I think the reasons for the upsurge in complaints about nurses in nursing homes
      (UKCC warns of 'immense' crisis in nursing home sector, News, February 23) are
      threefold: the increase in the number of homes; the fact that we now deal with
      social workers more, who have a different philosophy of care; and the fact that
      we are inspected at least twice a year by health board inspection teams.

PMID- 27669621
TI  - Reunions.
AB  - * Forty years on, I would like to arrange a reunion of all September 1954 PTS
      nurses from The Royal Berkshire Hospital. Please contact: Iris Alsop (nee Robins)
      21 Vernon Road Poynton Cheshire SK12 1LP.

PMID- 27669622
TI  - Information exchange.
AB  - *We are beginning a project to identify areas of stress for staff working in a
      busy cardiology unit. If any specialist units have explored this area or
      successfully implemented a similar scheme, we would be most grateful for any help
      or advice.

PMID- 27669623
TI  - Delusions and Hallucinations in Old Age C Katona Delusions and Hallucinations in
      Old Age and R Levy , editors Gaskell 240pp L12.50 0-902241-47-8.
AB  - Although the last few years saw a whole range of new books available about old
      age psychiatry and caring for dementia sufferers, Delusions and Hallucinations in
      Old Age offers something new.

PMID- 27669624
TI  - Colour guide of holistic oral care J Griffiths Colour guide of holistic oral care
      Boyle S Mosby-Year Book Europe 266pp L14.95 0-7234-1779-2.
AB  - The Colour Guide of Holistic Oral Care: A Practical Approach provides a helpful
      and practical reference text which, although 'primarily written for nurses',
      could be utilised by a wide cross-section of professionals.

PMID- 27669625
TI  - The professional nurse: issues and actions The professional nurse: issues and
      actions A B Grant Springhouse 470pp L18.50 0-87434-504-9 [Formula: see text].
AB  - According to Colleen Ehrenberg's Foreword The Professional Nurse: Issues and
      Actions contains 'the content identified as necessary for socialisation into
      professionalnursing'. This content isarranged in 12 chapters, covering a wide
      range ofsubjects.

PMID- 27669626
TI  - International.
AB  - Nursing Standard regrets that it is no longer able to take listings over the
      telephone because of unprecedented demand. Readers are reminded that the listings
      section is for the use of charitable and professional organisations, unions and
      health authorities to publicise forthcoming events. Listings should contain all
      relevant details and be posted or faxed to Susan Blood-worth, Nursing Standard,
      Viking House, 17-19 Peterborough Road, Harrow, Middlesex HA 1 2AX. Fax: 081-423
      3861.

PMID- 27669627
TI  - Dynamics of the Orientational Factor in Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer.
AB  - A one-dimensional diffusion equation is derived for the time evolution of the
      orientational factor, kappa2, in the Forster energy transfer rate. The kappa2
      dependent diffusion coefficient is obtained in three different ways: (1) by
      requiring the kappa2 autocorrelation function, calculated using the kappa2
      diffusion equation, to be single-exponential with the exact characteristic time;
      (2) by projecting the multidimensional diffusion equation for the transition
      dipoles onto kappa2 using the local equilibrium approximation; and (3) by
      requiring exact and approximate kappa2 trajectories to be as close as possible
      using a Bayesian approach. Within the framework of this simple theory, the
      distance dependence of the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)
      efficiency can be calculated for all values of the ratio of the rotational
      correlation time of the transition dipoles to the lifetime of the donor excited
      state. The theoretical predictions are compared to the exact values obtained from
      Brownian dynamics simulations of the reorientation of the donor and acceptor
      transition dipoles.

PMID- 27669628
TI  - Screening methods for post-stroke visual impairment: a systematic review.
AB  - PURPOSE: To provide a systematic overview of the various tools available to
      screen for post-stroke visual impairment. METHODS: A review of the literature was
      conducted including randomised controlled trials, controlled trials, cohort
      studies, observational studies, systematic reviews and retrospective medical note
      reviews. All languages were included and translation was obtained. Participants
      included adults >=18 years old diagnosed with a visual impairment as a direct
      cause of a stroke. We searched a broad range of scholarly online resources and
      hand-searched articles registers of published, unpublished and on-going trials.
      Search terms included a variety of MESH terms and alternatives in relation to
      stroke and visual conditions. Study selection was performed by two authors
      independently. The quality of the evidence and risk of bias were assessed using
      the STROBE, GRACE and PRISMA statements. RESULTS: A total of 25 articles (n =
      2924) were included in this review. Articles appraised reported on tools
      screening solely for visual impairments or for general post-stroke disabilities
      inclusive of vision. The majority of identified tools screen for visual
      perception including visual neglect (VN), with few screening for visual acuity
      (VA), visual field (VF) loss or ocular motility (OM) defects. Six articles
      reported on nine screening tools which combined visual screening assessment
      alongside screening for general stroke disabilities. Of these, three included
      screening for VA; three screened for VF loss; three screened for OM defects and
      all screened for VN. Two tools screened for all visual impairments. A further 19
      articles were found which reported on individual vision screening tests in stroke
      populations; two for VF loss; 11 for VN and six for other visual perceptual
      defects. Most tools cannot accurately account for those with aphasia or
      communicative deficits, which are common problems following a stroke. CONCLUSION:
      There is currently no standardised visual screening tool which can accurately
      assess all potential post-stroke visual impairments. The current tools screen for
      only a number of potential stroke-related impairments, which means many visual
      defects may be missed. The sensitivity of those which screen for all impairments
      is significantly lowered when patients are unable to report their visual
      symptoms. Future research is required to develop a tool capable of assessing
      stroke patients which encompasses all potential visual deficits and can also be
      easily performed by both the patients and administered by health care
      professionals in order to ensure all stroke survivors with visual impairment are
      accurately identified and managed. Implications for Rehabilitation Over 65% of
      stroke survivors will suffer from a visual impairment, whereas 45% of stroke
      units do not assess vision. Visual impairment significantly reduces the quality
      of life, such as being unable to return to work, driving and depression. This
      review outlines the available screening methods to accurately identify stroke
      survivors with visual impairments. Identifying visual impairment after stroke can
      aid general rehabilitation and thus, improve the quality of life for these
      patients.

PMID- 27669629
TI  - Randomized controlled trials are needed to test videothoracoscopy versus
      thoracotomy for lung cancer lobectomy.
AB  - 3rd Mediterranean Symposium on Thoracic Surgical Oncology, Catania, Italy, 21-22
      April 2016 Surgeons presented their experience on videothoracoscopic lobectomy at
      the 3rd Mediterranean Symposium on Thoracic Surgical Oncology. The audience did
      not question that lobectomy could be done safely and as completely by
      videothoracoscopic techniques provided it was in expert and practiced hands and
      suitable patients. The question addressed here is whether video-assisted thoracic
      surgery can replace thoracotomy as a standard of care in patients suitable for
      either approach. To determine which provides the better outcome in terms of long
      term survival with equivalent quality of life, would require direct comparison in
      pragmatic randomized controlled trials.

PMID- 27669630
TI  - Preventing Biomolecular Adsorption in Electrowetting-Based Biofluidic Chips.
AB  - Electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) is a new method for moving liquids in
      biofluidic chips through electrical modification of the surface hydrophobicity.
      EWOD-based devices are reconfigurable, have low power requirements, and can
      handle neutral and charged analytes, as well as particulates. We show that
      biomolecular adsorption in EWOD is minimized by limiting the time during which no
      potential is applied and through choice of solution pH and electrode polarity.
      The same approach may be useful for controlling biomolecular adsorption in other
      applications of hydrophobic dielectric materials. These results demonstrate the
      feasibility of implementing EWOD for fluid actuation in biofluidic chips.

PMID- 27669631
TI  - Th1, Th17, CXCL16 and homocysteine elevated after intracranial and cervical stent
      implantation.
AB  - The presence of Th1 and Th17 cells has been observed as major inducers in
      inflammation and immune responses associated stenting. However, there is rare
      data on the impact of Th1, Th17, CXCL16 and homocysteine after cerebral stent
      implantation. Here, we performed the statistical analysis to first evaluate the
      variation of the Th17and Th1 cells and their related cytokines, CXCL16 and
      homocysteine in the peripheral blood of patients with cerebral stenting. The flow
      cytometry was used to detect the proportion of Th1 and Th17 cells in peripheral
      blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used
      to measure the serum concentrations of IFN-gamma, IL-17 and CXCL16. Plasma
      homocysteine was examined by immunoturbidimetry. The level of Th1, CXCL16 and
      homocysteine showed an increase at 3 d, followed by the continuous decrease at 7
      d and 3 months. The frequency of Th17 cells increased to a peak at three days,
      and subsequently decreased with a higher level than baseline. Our data revealed
      that the variation in Th1, Th17, CXCL16 and homocysteine in peripheral blood of
      patients with stenting may be implicated in inflammation after intracranial and
      cervical stent implantation. A better understanding of these factors will provide
      help for further drug design and clinical therapy.

PMID- 27669633
TI  - Aging with autism spectrum disorder: an emerging public health problem.
AB  - From 1943, when Leo Kanner originally described autism, and to the first
      objective criteria for "infantile autism" in DSM-III and the inclusion of
      Asperger's disorder in DSM-IV, the subsequent classification scheme for autistic
      disorders has led to a substantial change with the 2013 issuance of the DSM-5 by
      including subcategories into one umbrella diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder
      (ASD) (Baker, 2013). ASD is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder, characterized
      by social and communication impairments and restricted, stereotypical patterns of
      behavior (Baker, 2013). It is currently expected that most, or all of the actual
      cases of ASD, are identified in a timely way (i.e. in early childhood). However,
      there are many undiagnosed older adults who may have met the current diagnostic
      criteria for ASD as children, but never received such a diagnosis due to the fact
      it had yet to be established. In addition, some patients with relatively less
      impairing phenotypes may escape formal diagnosis in childhood, only to later be
      diagnosed in adulthood. Nevertheless, the first generation of diagnosed patients
      with ASD is now in old age. Many such ASD patients have needed family and
      institutional support for their lives subsequent to childhood diagnosis. Due to
      aging and death of their parents and other supportive figures leading to a loss
      of social structures, there is no better time than now for the medical community
      to act.

PMID- 27669632
TI  - A global assessment of phthalates burden and related links to health effects.
AB  - Phthalates are ubiquitous environmental contaminants which are used in industry
      as plasticizers and additives in cosmetics. They are classified as Endocrine
      Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) which impair the human endocrine system inducing
      fertility problems, respiratory diseases, childhood obesity and
      neuropsychological disorders. The aim of this review is to summarize the current
      state of knowledge on the toxicity that phthalates pose in humans based on human
      biomonitoring studies conducted over the last decade. Except for conventional
      biological matrices (such as urine and serum), amniotic fluid, human milk, semen,
      saliva, sweat, meconium and human hair are also employed for the estimation of
      exposure and distribution of pollutants in the human body, although data are not
      enough yet. Children are highly exposed to phthalates relative to adults and in
      most studies children's daily intake surpasses the maximum reference dose (RfD)
      set from US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). However, the global trend
      is that human exposure to phthalates is decreasing annually as a result of the
      strict regulations applied to phthalates.

PMID- 27669634
TI  - Effect of HEMA Phosphate as an Alternative to Phosphoric Acid for Dentin
      Treatment Prior to Hybridization with Etch-and-Rinse Adhesive Systems.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of dentin treatment using HEMA phosphate (HEMA-P)
      on the microtensile bond strength (MUTBS) and nanoleakage of an etch-and-rinse
      adhesive system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The occlusal surfaces of human molars
      were wet ground until superficial dentin was exposed. The specimens were then
      assigned to two groups according to dentin treatment: PA: 37% H3PO4 for 15 s; or
      HP: HEMA-P for 15 s. Adper Single Bond 2 was applied to the treated dentin
      surfaces and resin composite buildups were incrementally constructed over them.
      After 24-h storage in artificial saliva at 37 degrees C, the bonded teeth were
      cut into resin-dentin sticks with a cross-sectional area of 1 mm2, which were
      submitted to MUTBS testing immediately or after 3 months of storage in artificial
      saliva at 37 degrees C. Nanoleakage was assessed using SEM/EDS, and the
      interaction between dentin and H3PO4 or HEMA-P was evaluated by combining micro
      Raman and FT-IR spectroscopy. The data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and
      Tukey's HSD post-hoc test (alpha = 0.05). RESULTS: HP presented significantly
      higher MUTBS than PA at both times (p < 0.05). Both treatments maintained MUTBS
      stability after 3 months of artificial saliva storage (p > 0.005). At both times,
      PA presented higher nanoleakage than HP (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both dentin
      treatments maintained MUTBS stability after 3 months of artificial saliva
      storage. The use of HEMA-P was associated with less nanoleakage than was
      traditional phosphoric-acid etching.

PMID- 27669635
TI  - Tribochemical Glass Ceramic Coating as a New Approach for Resin Adhesion to
      Zirconia.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of a novel tribochemical silica coating
      technique with powders made from feldspathic ceramic and leucite-based ceramic on
      the bond strength of zirconia to resin cement before and after aging. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Zirconia blocks were divided into 3 groups according to the material
      used for airborne-particle abrasion: 1) SP (control): silica-coated alumina
      particles; 2) FP: feldspathic ceramic powder; 3) LP: leucite glass-ceramic
      powder. After silanization, composite resin cylinders were cemented on the
      zirconia surface using a dual-curing resin cement. Prior to the shear bond
      strength (SBS) test, half of the samples (n = 15) were stored in distilled water
      for 24 h; the other half (n = 15) were submitted to aging (10,000 thermocycles of
      5 degrees C to 55 degrees C; 150 days of water storage). The bond strength data
      were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (alpha = 0.05). Scanning
      electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and x-ray
      diffraction analysis were performed. RESULTS: The initial bond strengths did not
      differ significantly between the groups (p = 0.053). However, after aging
      procedures, airborne-particle abrasion with feldspathic ceramic powder (FP)
      resulted in higher values of bond strength (p = 0.0001). SEM and EDS indicated
      that all the treatments promoted silica deposition on the Y-TZP surface ceramic.
      Airborne-particle abrasion with FP and LP induced a lower percentage of the
      monoclinic phase. CONCLUSION: Airborne abrasion with fine feldspathic ceramic
      particles is a novel tribochemical technique and appears to be suitable for
      improving the bond strength between zirconia and resin cements.

PMID- 27669636
TI  - Comparison of Different Protocols for Performing Adhesive Restorations in Primary
      Teeth - A Retrospective Clinical Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine the influence of different adhesive restoration protocols on
      the survival of composite resin restorations in primary teeth. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: This study included 601 patients at risk of caries (319 males and 282
      females), with a mean age of 6.6 years (range: 1 to 13 years) and an average need
      for 3.6 restorations per patient (range: 1 to 20). The mean observation period
      was 1.3 years (+/- 1.4), with a maximum of 7 years. Six different adhesive
      restoration protocols with respect to etching, adhesives, and composite materials
      were analyzed. The statistical analyses included descriptive analyses and a Cox
      regression model from which hazard ratios (HR with 95% CI) for protocols and
      possible predictors were calculated. RESULTS: The mean dmft was 6.6 (+/- 4.0),
      which indicates a high risk population. Secondary caries was the most frequent
      reason for loss of restoration in this study (52.2%). Out of 2146 restorations,
      368 failed; the mean annual failure rate was 13.2%. Adhesive restoration
      protocols that employed a self-etching system performed significantly better (HR
      range: 1.0 to 1.8) than did the etch-and-rinse system (HR range: 1.8 to 2.8).
      Protocols using only flowable materials had a moderately increased probability of
      failure. CONCLUSION: With respect to the practice-based study design, young age,
      and high risk of caries in this population, comparatively high failure rates were
      observed for direct composite restorations in primary dentition, but adhesive
      restoration protocols using self-etching adhesives in combination with universal
      composites yielded a higher probability of survival.

PMID- 27669637
TI  - Large increase in the prevalence of self-reported diabetes based on a nationally
      representative survey in Hungary.
AB  - AIMS: To estimate and compare the prevalence of self-reported diabetes based on
      nationally representative surveys of the Hungarian adult population in 2002
      (published data - Hungarostudy) and a survey in 2012. METHODS: A cross-sectional
      computer-assisted telephone interview survey on a stratified representative
      sample of community-dwelling adults (n=1000) in 2012. To describe self-reported
      diabetes prevalence and its temporal changes generalized linear models were used
      and results were compared to figures from Hungarostudy. RESULTS: Age standardized
      prevalence of self-reported type 2 diabetes was 11.7% (95%CI 10.0-13.8%) without
      gender or rural-urban differences in 2012. People with self-reported diabetes
      were older than controls (mean [SE]: 63.9 [0.9] vs. 45.9 [0.3] years, p<0.0001).
      The prevalence of diabetes sharply increased after 40 years of age and peaked at
      age 70 (27.7% [2.5], page*age<0.0001). The prevalence of self-reported diabetes
      increased by 89% (OR 1.89, 95%CI 1.53-2.32) from 6.2 to 11.7% between the two
      surveys with the most pronounced increase in the age group 55-64 years (from 11.6
      to 24.4%). CONCLUSIONS: We reported an alarming increase in the prevalence of
      self-reported type 2 diabetes in the last decade that mostly affects working age
      people. If this trend continues, a major public health crisis in Hungary can be
      envisaged.

PMID- 27669638
TI  - Clinical and metabolic response to probiotic supplementation in patients with
      multiple sclerosis: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: This trial was performed to evaluate the effects of probiotic
      intake on disability, mental health and metabolic condition in subjects with
      multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS: This randomized double-blind placebo-controlled
      clinical trial was conducted among 60 MS patients. Participants were randomly
      allocated into two groups to receive either a probiotic capsule (n = 30) or
      placebo containing starch (n = 30) for 12 weeks. Expanded disability status scale
      (EDSS) scoring and parameters of mental health were recorded at the baseline and
      12 weeks after the intervention. RESULTS: Compared with the placebo, probiotic
      intake improved EDSS (-0.3 +/- 0.6 vs. +0.1 +/- 0.3, P = 0.001), beck depression
      inventory (-5.6 +/- 4.9 vs. -1.1 +/- 3.4, P < 0.001), general health
      questionnaire (-9.1 +/- 6.2 vs. -2.6 +/- 6.4, P < 0.001) and depression anxiety
      and stress scale (-16.5 +/- 12.9 vs. -6.2 +/- 11.0, P = 0.001). In addition,
      changes in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (-1.3 +/- 3.5 vs. +0.4 +/- 1.4
      MUg/mL, P = 0.01), plasma nitric oxide metabolites (+1.0 +/- 7.9 vs. -6.0 +/- 8.3
      MUmol/L, P = 0.002) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (+0.009 +/- 0.4 vs. +0.3 +/- 0.5
      MUmol/L, P = 0.04) in the probiotic group were significantly different from the
      changes in these parameters in the placebo group. Additionally, the consumption
      of probiotic capsule significantly decreased serum insulin (-2.9 +/- 3.7 vs. +1.1
      +/- 4.8 MUIU/mL, P < 0.001), homeostasis model of assessment-estimated insulin
      resistance (-0.6 +/- 0.8 vs.+0.2 +/- 1.0, P = 0.001), Beta cell function (-12.1
      +/- 15.5 vs. +4.4 +/- 17.5, P < 0.001) and total-/HDL-cholesterol (-0.1 +/- 0.3
      vs.0.1 +/- 0.3, P = 0.02), and significantly increased quantitative insulin
      sensitivity check index (+0.01 +/- 0.02 vs. -0.005 +/- 0.01, P < 0.001) and HDL
      cholesterol levels (2.7 +/- 3.4 vs. 0.9 +/- 2.9 mg/dL, P = 0.02) compared with
      the placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that the use of probiotic
      capsule for 12 weeks among subjects with MS had favorable effects on EDSS,
      parameters of mental health, inflammatory factors, markers of insulin resistance,
      HDL-, total-/HDL-cholesterol and MDA levels.

PMID- 27669639
TI  - Activation of NPFF2 receptor stimulates neurite outgrowth in Neuro 2A cells
      through activation of ERK signaling pathway.
AB  - Neurite outgrowth is an important process in neural regeneration and plasticity,
      especially after neural injury, and recent evidence indicates that several
      Galphai/o protein-coupled receptors play an important role in neurite outgrowth.
      The neuropeptide (NP)FF system contains two Galphai/o protein-coupled receptors,
      NPFF1 and NPFF2 receptors, which are mainly distributed in the central nervous
      system. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the NPFF system is
      involved in neurite outgrowth in Neuro 2A cells. We showed that Neuro 2A cells
      endogenously expressed NPFF2 receptor, and the NPFF2 receptor agonist dNPA
      inhibited cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production stimulated by
      forskolin in Neuro 2A cells. We also demonstrated that NPFF and dNPA dose
      dependently induced neurite outgrowth in Neuro 2A cells, which was completely
      abolished by the NPFF receptor antagonist RF9. Pretreatment with mitogen
      activated protein kinase inhibitors PD98059 and U0126 decreased dNPA-induced
      neurite outgrowth. In addition, dNPA increased phosphorylation of extracellular
      signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in Neuro 2A cells, which was completely antagonized
      by pretreatment with U0126. Our results suggest that activation of NPFF2 receptor
      stimulates neurite outgrowth in Neuro 2A cells through activation of the ERK
      signaling pathway. Moreover, NPFF2 receptor may be a potential therapeutic target
      for neural injury and degeneration in the future.

PMID- 27669640
TI  - Perioperative atherothrombotic stroke: Not everything is what it seems.

PMID- 27669641
TI  - Downregulation of Nrf2 promotes autophagy-dependent osteoblastic differentiation
      of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells.
AB  - Adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) are an important source of stem cells for
      tissue repair and regeneration; therefore, understanding the mechanisms that
      regulate stem cell differentiation into a specific lineage is critical. The NF-E2
      related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway and autophagy promote cell survival in response
      to oxidative stress. However, the roles of Nrf2 and autophagy in bone metabolism
      under oxidative stress are controversial. Here, we explored the involvement of
      Nrf2 signaling and autophagy on the differentiation of ADSCs under conditions of
      oxidative stress. Exposure of ADSCs to H2O2 promoted reactive oxygen species
      (ROS) accumulation concomitant with the reduction of cell viability, upregulation
      of Nrf2, the induction of apoptosis and autophagy, and the promotion of
      osteogenesis. Suppression of autophagic activity at particular stages resulted in
      the activation of the Nrf2 pathway, whereas osteoblastic differentiation of ADSCs
      was inhibited upon ROS stimulation. Silencing of Nrf2 promoted autophagy and
      osteoblastic differentiation upon ROS stimulation in vitro, and this effect was
      confirmed in vivo in a mouse model, in which bone formation was enhanced in mice
      receiving Nrf2-knockdown ADSCs. Taken together, these findings indicate that a
      negative interaction between the Nrf2 pathway and autophagy may modulate
      oxidative stress-induced ADSC osteogenesis, and suggest that Nrf2 is a potential
      target to regulate the differentiation of ADSCs into a specific lineage.

PMID- 27669642
TI  - Mammalian knock out cells reveal prominent roles for atlastin GTPases in ER
      network morphology.
AB  - Atlastins are large, membrane-bound GTPases that participate in the fusion of
      endoplasmic reticulum (ER) tubules to generate the polygonal ER network in
      eukaryotes. They also regulate lipid droplet size and inhibit bone morphogenetic
      protein (BMP) signaling, though mechanisms remain unclear. Humans have three
      atlastins (ATL1, ATL2, and ATL3), and ATL1 and ATL3 are mutated in autosomal
      dominant hereditary spastic paraplegia and hereditary sensory neuropathies.
      Cellular investigations of atlastin orthologs in most yeast, plants, flies and
      worms are facilitated by the presence of a single or predominant isoform, but
      loss-of-function studies in mammalian cells are complicated by multiple, broadly
      expressed paralogs. We have generated mouse NIH-3T3 cells lacking all three
      mammalian atlastins (Atl1/2/3) using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene knockout (KO). ER
      morphology is markedly disrupted in these triple KO cells, with prominent
      impairment in formation of three-way ER tubule junctions. This phenotype can be
      rescued by expression of distant orthologs from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Sey1p)
      and Arabidopsis (ROOT HAIR DEFECTIVE3) as well as any one of the three human
      atlastins. Minimal, if any, changes are observed in the morphology of
      mitochondria and the Golgi apparatus. Alterations in BMP signaling and increased
      sensitivity to ER stress are also noted, though effects appear more modest.
      Finally, atlastins appear required for the proper differentiation of NIH-3T3
      cells into an adipocyte-like phenotype. These findings have important
      implications for the pathogenesis of hereditary spastic paraplegias and sensory
      neuropathies associated with atlastin mutations.

PMID- 27669643
TI  - The regrowth kinetic of the surviving population is independent of acute and
      chronic responses to temozolomide in glioblastoma cell lines.
AB  - Chemotherapy acts on cancer cells by producing multiple effects on a cell
      population including cell cycle arrest, necrosis, apoptosis and senescence.
      However, often a subpopulation of cells survives and the behavior of this
      subpopulation, which is responsible for cancer recurrence, remains obscure. Here
      we investigated the in vitro short- and long-term responses of six glioblastoma
      cell lines to clinically relevant doses of temozolomide for 5 days followed by 23
      days of recovery, mimicking the standard schedule used in glioblastoma patient
      for this drug. These cells presented different profiles of sensitivity to
      temozolomide with varying levels of cell cycle arrest, autophagy and senescence,
      followed by a regrowth of the surviving cells. The initial reduction in cell
      number and the subsequent regrowth was analyzed with four new parameters applied
      to Cumulative Population Doubling (CPD) curves that describe the overall
      sensitivity of the population and the characteristic of the regrowth: the
      relative end point CPD (RendCPD); the relative Area Under Curve (rAUC); the
      Relative Time to Cross a Threshold (RTCT); and the Relative Proliferation Rate
      (RPR). Surprisingly, the kinetics of regrowth were not predicted by the
      mechanisms activated after treatment nor by the acute or overall sensitivity.
      With this study we added new parameters that describe key responses of
      glioblastoma cell populations to temozolomide treatment. These parameters can
      also be applied to other cell types and treatments and will help to understand
      the behavior of the surviving cancer cells after treatment and shed light on
      studies of cancer resistance and recurrence.

PMID- 27669644
TI  - The characterization and validation of 17beta-estradiol binding aptamers.
AB  - The rapid and sensitive detection of small molecules is garnering increasing
      importance, and aptamers show great promise in replacing expensive, elaborate
      detection platforms exploiting chromatographic separation or antibody-based
      assays. The characterization of aptamer interaction with small molecule targets
      is not facile, and there is a mature need for a rapid, high-throughput technique
      for the analysis of aptamer-small molecule kinetics and affinity. In this work we
      present methodologies for the evaluation of aptamer-small molecule interactions,
      using the aptamers reported against the steroid 17beta-estradiol as a model
      system. Microscale thermophoresis, apta-PCR affinity assay and surface plasmon
      resonance were explored to evaluate the reported aptamers' binding properties in
      terms of affinity and specificity, and were demonstrated to be successfully
      applied to the analysis of aptamer-small molecule interactions.

PMID- 27669645
TI  - Impact of Shaggy Aorta in Patients with Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Following Open
      or Endovascular Aneurysm Repair.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the impact of the presence of shaggy aorta on 30 day
      morbidity and mortality and long-term survival in patients undergoing abdominal
      aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair. METHODS: This retrospective observational study
      included 447 consecutive patients who underwent AAA repair between January 2009
      and December 2012. The study included 209 patients (47%) having open surgical
      repair (OSR) and 238 patients (53%) having endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).
      RESULTS: Of the 447 patients having elective AAA repair, 48 patients (11%) had
      shaggy aorta. Both the OSR (p = .005) and EVAR group (p = .007) demonstrated a
      higher 30 day morbidity and mortality in patients with shaggy aorta. On
      multivariate regression analysis, patients with shaggy aorta had 4.1 fold (95% CI
      = 1.7-9.7; p = .002) increase in 30 day morbidity and mortality. According to the
      Kaplan-Meier analysis, patients with shaggy aorta had significantly decreased
      long-term overall survival in comparison with the non-shaggy group (log-rank
      test; p = .005), and this resulted from comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: Shaggy aorta
      is a prominent risk factor associated with 30 day morbidity and mortality. Poor
      long-term survival was expected in patients with shaggy aorta.

PMID- 27669646
TI  - Association between exogenous testosterone and cardiovascular events: an overview
      of systematic reviews.
AB  - Given the conflicting evidence regarding the association between exogenous
      testosterone and cardiovascular events, we systematically assessed published
      systematic reviews for evidence of the association between exogenous testosterone
      and cardiovascular events. We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane
      Collaboration Clinical Trials, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the US Food and Drug
      Administration website for systematic reviews of randomised controlled trials
      published up to July 19, 2016. Two independent reviewers screened 954 full texts
      from 29 335 abstracts to identify systematic reviews of randomised controlled
      trials in which the cardiovascular effects of exogenous testosterone on men aged
      18 years or older were examined. We extracted data for study characteristics,
      analytic methods, and key findings, and applied the AMSTAR (A Measurement Tool to
      Assess Systematic Reviews) checklist to assess methodological quality of each
      review. Our primary outcome measure was the direction and magnitude of
      association between exogenous testosterone and cardiovascular events. We
      identified seven reviews and meta-analyses, which had substantial clinical
      heterogeneity, differing statistical methods, and variable methodological quality
      and quality of data abstraction. AMSTAR scores ranged from 3 to 9 out of 11. Six
      systematic reviews that each included a meta-analysis showed no significant
      association between exogenous testosterone and cardiovascular events, with
      summary estimates ranging from 1.07 to 1.82 and imprecise confidence intervals.
      Two of these six meta-analyses showed increased risk in subgroup analyses of oral
      testosterone and men aged 65 years or older during their first treatment year.
      One meta-analysis showed a significant association between exogenous testosterone
      and cardiovascular events, in men aged 18 years or older generally, with a
      summary estimate of 1.54 (95% CI 1.09-2.18). Our optimal information size
      analysis showed that any randomised controlled trial aiming to detect a true
      difference in cardiovascular risk between treatment groups receiving exogenous
      testosterone and their controls (with a two-sided p value of 0.05 and a power of
      80%) would require at least 17 664 participants in each trial group. Therefore,
      given the challenge of adequately powering clinical trials for rare outcomes,
      rigorous observational studies are needed to clarify the association between
      testosterone-replacement therapy and major adverse cardiovascular outcomes.

PMID- 27669648
TI  - Anammox Biochemistry: a Tale of Heme c Proteins.
AB  - Anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing (anammox) bacteria are one of the latest scientific
      discoveries in the biogeochemical nitrogen cycle. These microorganisms are able
      to oxidize ammonium (NH4+) with nitrite (NO2-) as the oxidant instead of oxygen
      and form dinitrogen (N2) as the end product. Recent research has shed a light on
      the biochemistry underlying anammox metabolism with two key intermediates, nitric
      oxide (NO) and hydrazine (N2H4). Substrates and intermediates are converted
      exploiting the catalytic and electron-transfer potentials of c-type heme proteins
      known from numerous biochemical reactions and that have acquired new
      functionality in anammox biochemistry. On a global scale, anammox bacteria
      significantly contribute to the removal of fixed nitrogen from the environment
      and the process finds rapidly increasing interest in wastewater treatment.

PMID- 27669647
TI  - The Tail That Wags the Dog: How the Disordered C-Terminal Domain Controls the
      Transcriptional Activities of the p53 Tumor-Suppressor Protein.
AB  - The p53 tumor suppressor is a transcription factor (TF) that exerts antitumor
      functions through its ability to regulate the expression of multiple genes.
      Within the p53 protein resides a relatively short unstructured C-terminal domain
      (CTD) that remarkably participates in virtually every aspect of p53 performance
      as a TF. Because these aspects are often interdependent and it is not always
      possible to dissect them experimentally, there has been a great deal of
      controversy about the CTD. In this review we evaluate the significance and key
      features of this interesting region of p53 and its impact on the many aspects of
      p53 function in light of previous and more recent findings.

PMID- 27669649
TI  - Cellular Functions and Molecular Mechanisms of the ESCRT Membrane-Scission
      Machinery.
AB  - The endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) machinery is an
      assembly of protein subcomplexes (ESCRT I-III) that cooperate with the ATPase
      VPS4 to mediate scission of membrane necks from the inside. The ESCRT machinery
      has evolved as a multipurpose toolbox for mediating receptor sorting, membrane
      remodeling, and membrane scission, with ESCRT-III as the major membrane
      remodeling component. Cellular membrane scission processes mediated by ESCRT-III
      include biogenesis of multivesicular endosomes, budding of enveloped viruses,
      cytokinetic abscission, neuron pruning, plasma membrane wound repair, nuclear
      pore quality control, nuclear envelope reformation, and nuclear envelope repair.
      We describe here the involvement of the ESCRT machinery in these processes and
      review current models for how ESCRT-III-containing multimeric filaments serve to
      mediate membrane remodeling and scission.

PMID- 27669652
TI  - High Resolution non-Markovianity in NMR.
AB  - Memoryless time evolutions are ubiquitous in nature but often correspond to a
      resolution-induced approximation, i.e. there are correlations in time whose
      effects are undetectable. Recent advances in the dynamical control of small
      quantum systems provide the ideal scenario to probe some of these effects. Here
      we experimentally demonstrate the precise induction of memory effects on the
      evolution of a quantum coin (qubit) by correlations engineered in its
      environment. In particular, we design a collisional model in Nuclear Magnetic
      Resonance (NMR) and precisely control the strength of the effects by changing the
      degree of correlation in the environment and its time of interaction with the
      qubit. We also show how these effects can be hidden by the limited resolution of
      the measurements performed on the qubit. The experiment reinforces NMR as a test
      bed for the study of open quantum systems and the simulation of their classical
      counterparts.

PMID- 27669650
TI  - Mechanism and Regulation of NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation.
AB  - Members of the nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat (LRR)-containing
      (NLR) family and the pyrin and HIN domain (PYHIN) family can form multiprotein
      complexes termed 'inflammasomes'. The biochemical function of inflammasomes is to
      activate caspase-1, which leads to the maturation of interleukin 1 beta (IL
      1beta) and IL-18 and the induction of pyroptosis, a form of cell death. Unlike
      other inflammasomes, the NLRP3 inflammasome can be activated by diverse stimuli.
      The importance of the NLRP3 inflammasome in immunity and human diseases has been
      well documented, but the mechanism and regulation of its activation remain
      unclear. In this review we summarize current understanding of the mechanism and
      regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome activation as well as recent advances in the
      noncanonical and alternative inflammasome pathways.

PMID- 27669651
TI  - Macromolecular Crowding In Vitro, In Vivo, and In Between.
AB  - Biochemical processes take place in heterogeneous and highly volume-occupied or
      crowded environments that can considerably influence the reactivity and
      distribution of participating macromolecules. We summarize here the thermodynamic
      consequences of excluded-volume and long-range nonspecific intermolecular
      interactions for macromolecular reactions in volume-occupied media. In addition,
      we summarize and compare the information content of studies of crowding in vitro
      and in vivo. We emphasize the importance of characterizing the behavior not only
      of labeled tracer macromolecules but also the composition and behavior of
      unlabeled macromolecules in the immediate vicinity of the tracer. Finally, we
      propose strategies for extending quantitative analyses of crowding in simple
      model systems to increasingly complex media up to and including intact cells.

PMID- 27669653
TI  - National Surgical Trends and Perioperative Outcomes of Midurethral Sling
      Placement for Stress Urinary Incontinence.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine contemporary trends, patient characteristics, and
      outcomes for midurethral sling placement (MUS) at inpatient and ambulatory
      facilities from a national database. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using the American
      College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database, we
      identified 7767 women who underwent isolated MUS 2006-2012. We stratified
      patients by hospitalization type (outpatient vs hospitalization). Primary
      outcomes were 30-day complications, readmissions, and reoperations. Multivariable
      logistic regression was used to determine patient and surgery factors associated
      with adverse perioperative outcomes. RESULTS: Among the 7767 women undergoing
      MUS, 84.3% underwent outpatient surgery (n = 6547), with greater use of
      outpatient facilities over time (P < .001). Overall, 3.9% of patients (n = 300)
      experienced one or more postoperative complications. Complications were more
      likely among inpatients (7.4% vs 3.2%; odds ratio [OR] 0.48, confidence interval
      [CI] 0.36-0.64, P < .001), with gynecologists as compared to urologists (4.4% vs
      3.1%; OR 1.53, CI 1.16-2.02, P = .003), and with resident participation (5.1% vs
      3.7%; OR 1.32, CI 1.01-1.73, P = .04). On multivariable analysis, outpatients
      were less likely to experience readmissions (0.9% vs 2.8%; OR 0.2, CI 0.09-0.56,
      P = .002) or undergo reoperation (0.3% vs 3.1%; OR 0.10, CI 0.02-0.38, P = .001).
      CONCLUSION: Use of outpatient surgical centers for MUS is increasing, with lower
      rates of complications, readmissions, and reoperations compared to inpatient
      treatment. Although there is a difference in complications by specialty and with
      resident involvement, overall incidence of complications is low.

PMID- 27669654
TI  - Impact of Anticoagulant and Antiplatelet Drugs on Perioperative Outcomes of
      Robotic-assisted Partial Nephrectomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of anticoagulant (AC) or antiplatelet (AP)
      therapy on the morbidity of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN). MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: From 2011 to 2015, we retrospectively analyzed a prospectively
      maintained institutional review board-approved database of RAPN from 2 academic
      departments of urology. We evaluated the occurrence of overall complications and
      hemorrhagic complications (pseudoaneurysm, arteriovenous fistula, hematoma,
      transfusion). Patients with therapeutic AC or AP, stopped or not before surgery,
      were compared with patients without therapeutic AC or AP. A logistic regression
      model was used to identify predictors of complications. RESULTS: Out of 533
      patients who underwent RAPN, 70 had AC or AP (50% aspirin, 25% clopidogrel, 28%
      AC, 8% direct oral AC). Clopidogrel, AC, and direct oral AC were always stopped
      preoperatively. Aspirin was continued in 25% of the cases. In univariate
      analysis, overall complications (39.2% vs 17.4%; P = .001) and hemorrhagic
      complications (32.7% vs 9.6%; P <.001) were higher in patients on AC or AP.
      Hospital stay was longer in the group with therapeutic AC or AP treatment (5.1 vs
      3.9 days; P <.001). In multivariate analysis, predictors of complications were
      intake of therapeutic AC (odds ratio [OR] = 4.3, IC95% [1.2-15.9], P = .03) and
      tumor size (OR = 1.8, IC95% [1.3-7.2], P = .03). Patients on aspirin tended to
      have more complications (OR = 2.4; IC95% [0.4-9.3]; P = .15). CONCLUSION: AP and
      therapeutic AC increase the morbidity of RAPN. These treatments should be taken
      into account in treatment decision-making algorithm of small renal masses.

PMID- 27669657
TI  - Tyrosine kinase receptor c-ros-oncogene 1 mediates TWIST-1 regulation of human
      mesenchymal stem cell lineage commitment.
AB  - The TWIST-1 gene encodes a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor
      important in mediating skeletal and head mesodermal tissue development. Bone
      marrow-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (BMSC), express high levels of
      TWIST-1, which is down regulated during ex vivo expansion. Cultured BMSC over
      expressing TWIST-1 display decreased capacity for osteogenic differentiation and
      an enhanced capacity to undergo adipogenesis, suggesting that TWIST-1 is a
      mediator of lineage commitment. However, little is known regarding the
      mechanism(s) by which TWIST-1 mediates cell fate determination. In this study,
      microarray analysis was used to identify a novel downstream TWIST-1 target,
      tyrosine kinase receptor c-ros-oncogene 1 (C-ROS-1), which was down regulated in
      TWIST-1 over-expressing BMSC. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis showed that
      TWIST-1 directly bound to two E-box binding sites on the proximal C-ROS-1
      promoter. Knock-down of C-ROS-1 in human BMSC and cranial bone cells resulted in
      a decreased capacity for osteogenic differentiation in vitro. Conversely,
      suppression of C-ROS-1 in BMSC resulted in an enhanced capacity to undergo
      adipogenesis. Furthermore, reduced C-ROS-1 levels led to activation of different
      components of the PI3K/AKT/mTORC1 signalling pathway during osteogenic and
      adipogenic differentiation. Collectively, these data suggest that C-ROS-1 is
      involved in BMSC fate switching between osteogenesis and adipogenesis, mediated
      via PI3K/AKT/mTORC1 signalling.

PMID- 27669655
TI  - Robust Oncolytic Virotherapy Induces Tumor Lysis Syndrome and Associated
      Toxicities in the MPC-11 Plasmacytoma Model.
AB  - Tumor-selective oncolytic vesicular stomatitis viruses (VSVs) are being evaluated
      in clinical trials. Here, we report that the MPC-11 murine plasmacytoma model is
      so extraordinarily susceptible to oncolytic VSVs that a low dose of virus leads
      to extensive intratumoral viral replication, sustained viremia, intravascular
      coagulation, and a rapidly fatal tumor lysis syndrome (TLS). Rapid softening,
      shrinkage and hemorrhagic necrosis of flank tumors was noted within 1-2 days
      after virus administration, leading to hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia,
      hypocalcemia, hyperuricemia, increase in plasma cell free DNA, lymphopenia,
      consumptive coagulopathy, increase in fibrinogen degradation products, decreased
      liver function tests, dehydration, weight loss, and euthanasia or death after 5-8
      days. Secondary viremia was observed but viral replication in normal host tissues
      was not detected. Toxicity could be mitigated by using VSVs with slowed
      replication kinetics, and was less marked in animals with smaller flank tumors.
      The MPC-11 tumor represents an interesting model to further study the complex
      interplay of robust intratumoral viral replication, tumor lysis, and associated
      toxicities in cases where tumors are highly responsive to oncolytic virotherapy.

PMID- 27669656
TI  - Inhibition of BET proteins and epigenetic signaling as a potential treatment for
      osteoporosis.
AB  - Histone modifications are important for maintaining the transcription program.
      BET proteins, an important class of "histone reading proteins", have recently
      been described as essential in bone biology. This study presents the therapeutic
      opportunity of BET protein inhibition in osteoporosis. We find that the
      pharmacological BET protein inhibitor JQ1 rescues pathologic bone loss in a post
      ovariectomy osteoporosis model by increasing the trabecular bone volume and
      restoring mechanical properties. The BET protein inhibition suppresses osteoclast
      differentiation and activity as well as the osteoblastogenesis in vitro.
      Moreover, we show that treated non-resorbing osteoclasts could still activate
      osteoblast differentiation. In addition, specific inhibition of BRD4 using RNA
      interference inhibits osteoclast differentiation but strongly activates
      osteoblast mineralization activity. Mechanistically, JQ1 inhibits expression of
      the master osteoclast transcription factor NFATc1 and the transcription factor of
      osteoblast Runx2. These findings strongly support that targeting epigenetic
      chromatin regulators such as BET proteins may offer a promising alternative for
      the treatment of bone-related disorders such as osteoporosis.

PMID- 27669659
TI  - In-vivo, non-invasive detection of hyperglycemic states in animal models using mm
      wave spectroscopy.
AB  - Chronic or sustained hyperglycemia associated to diabetes mellitus leads to many
      medical complications, thus, it is necessary to track the evolution of patients
      for providing the adequate management of the disease that is required for the
      restoration of the carbohydrate metabolism to a normal state. In this paper, a
      novel monitoring approach based on mm-wave spectroscopy is comprehensively
      described and experimentally validated using living animal models as target. The
      measurement method has proved the possibility of non-invasive, in-vivo, detection
      of hyperglycemia-associated conditions in different mouse models, making possible
      to clearly differentiate between several hyperglycemic states.

PMID- 27669660
TI  - Observation of a new superfluid phase for 3He embedded in nematically ordered
      aerogel.
AB  - In bulk superfluid 3He at zero magnetic field, two phases emerge with the B-phase
      stable everywhere except at high pressures and temperatures, where the A-phase is
      favoured. Aerogels with nanostructure smaller than the superfluid coherence
      length are the only means to introduce disorder into the superfluid. Here we use
      a torsion pendulum to study 3He confined in an extremely anisotropic, nematically
      ordered aerogel consisting of ~10 nm-thick alumina strands, spaced by ~100 nm,
      and aligned parallel to the pendulum axis. Kinks in the development of the
      superfluid fraction (at various pressures) as the temperature is varied
      correspond to phase transitions. Two such transitions are seen in the superfluid
      state, and we identify the superfluid phase closest to Tc at low pressure as the
      polar state, a phase that is not seen in bulk 3He.

PMID- 27669658
TI  - Reduced femoral bone mass in both diet-induced and genetic hyperlipidemia mice.
AB  - Growing evidence argues for a relationship between lipid and bone metabolisms
      with inconsistent conclusions. Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) has been recognized
      as a suitable candidate for possible link between lipid metabolism and bone
      metabolism. This study was designed to investigate the effects of hyperlipidemia
      on bone metabolism using diet-induced and genetic-induced hyperlipidemia animal
      models and to explore whether S1P is involved. Wild-type mice and low-density
      lipoprotein receptor gene deficient (LDLR-/-) mice at age of 8weeks were placed
      on either control diet or high-fat diet (HFD) for 12weeks. Bone structural
      parameters were determined using microCT. Cross-linked type I collagen (CTx) and
      S1P levels in plasma were measured by ELISA methods. Bone marrow cells from wild
      type and LDLR-/- mice were induced to differentiate into osteoblasts, osteoclasts
      and adipocytes respectively. Gene expressions in distal femur metaphyses and
      cultured cells were studied by qRT-PCR. Moderate hypercholesterolemia was found
      in HFD-feeding mice; severe hypercholesterolemia and moderate
      hypertriglyceridemia were present in LDLR-/- mice. Femoral trabecular bone mass
      was reduced in both diet-induced and genetic hyperlipidemia mice. Mice feeding on
      HFD showed higher CTx levels, and mice with hyperlipidemia had elevated S1P
      levels. Correlation analysis found a positive correlation between CTx and S1P
      levels. Lower Runx2 expression and higher TRAP expression were found in both diet
      induced and genetic hyperlipidemia mice, indicating decreased osteoblastic
      functions and increased osteoclastic functions in these mice. Bone marrow cells
      from LDLR-/- mice also showed increased adipogenesis and inhibited osteogenesis
      accompanied by enhanced PPARgamma expression. In conclusion, our study found
      decreased bone mass in both diet-induced and genetic hyperlipidemia mice.

PMID- 27669661
TI  - Medical interventions for the prevention of platinum-induced hearing loss in
      children with cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Platinum-based therapy, including cisplatin, carboplatin, oxaliplatin
      or a combination of these, is used to treat a variety of paediatric malignancies.
      One of the most important adverse effects is the occurrence of hearing loss or
      ototoxicity. In an effort to prevent this ototoxicity, different otoprotective
      medical interventions have been studied. This review is the second update of a
      previously published Cochrane review. OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy of
      medical interventions to prevent hearing loss and to determine possible effects
      of these interventions on anti-tumour efficacy, toxicities other than hearing
      loss and quality of life in children with cancer treated with platinum-based
      therapy. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled
      Trials (CENTRAL; 2016, Issue 6), MEDLINE (PubMed) (1945 to 8 July 2016) and
      EMBASE (Ovid) (1980 to 8 July 2016). In addition, we handsearched reference lists
      of relevant articles and we assessed the conference proceedings of the
      International Society for Paediatric Oncology (2006 up to and including 2015),
      the American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology (2007 up to and including
      2016) and the International Conference on Long-Term Complications of Treatment of
      Children and Adolescents for Cancer (2010 up to and including 2015). We scanned
      the International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN) Register
      (www.isrctn.com) and the National Institute of Health Register
      (www.clinicaltrials.gov) for ongoing trials (both searched on 12 July 2016).
      SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or controlled clinical
      trials (CCTs) evaluating platinum-based therapy together with an otoprotective
      medical intervention versus platinum-based therapy with placebo, no additional
      treatment or another protective medical intervention in children with cancer.
      DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently performed the
      study selection, data extraction, risk of bias assessment and GRADE assessment of
      included studies, including adverse effects. We performed analyses according to
      the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. MAIN RESULTS: We
      identified two RCTs and one CCT (total number of participants 149) evaluating the
      use of amifostine versus no additional treatment in the original version of the
      review; the updates identified no additional studies. Two studies included
      children with osteosarcoma, and the other study included children with
      hepatoblastoma. Children received cisplatin only or a combination of cisplatin
      and carboplatin, either intra-arterially or intravenously. Pooling of results of
      the included studies was not possible. However, in the individual studies there
      was no significant difference in symptomatic ototoxicity only (that is, grade 2
      or higher) and combined asymptomatic and symptomatic ototoxicity (that is, grade
      1 or higher) between children treated with or without amifostine. Only one study,
      including children with osteosarcoma treated with intra-arterial cisplatin,
      provided information on tumour response, defined as the number of participants
      with a good or partial remission. The available data analysis (data were missing
      for one participant), best case scenario analysis and worst case scenario
      analysis all showed a difference in favour of amifostine, but this difference was
      significant only in the worst case scenario analysis (P = 0.04). There was no
      information on survival for any of the included studies. Only one study,
      including children with osteosarcoma treated with intra-arterial cisplatin,
      provided data on the number of participants with adverse effects other than
      ototoxicity grade 3 or higher. There was a significant difference in favour of
      the control group in the occurrence of vomiting grade 3 or 4 (risk ratio (RR)
      9.04; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.99 to 41.12; P = 0.004). There was no
      significant difference between treatment groups for cardiotoxicity and renal
      toxicity grade 3 or 4. None of the studies evaluated quality of life. The quality
      of evidence for the different outcomes was low. We found no eligible studies for
      possible otoprotective medical interventions other than amifostine and other
      types of malignancies. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: At the moment there is no evidence
      from individual studies in children with osteosarcoma or hepatoblastoma treated
      with different platinum analogues and dosage schedules that underscores the use
      of amifostine as an otoprotective intervention as compared to no additional
      treatment. Since pooling of results was not possible and all studies had serious
      methodological limitations, no definitive conclusions can be made. It should be
      noted that 'no evidence of effect', as identified in this review, is not the same
      as 'evidence of no effect'. Based on the currently available evidence, we are
      unable to give recommendations for clinical practice. We identified no eligible
      studies for other possible otoprotective medical interventions and other types of
      malignancies, so no conclusions can be made about their efficacy in preventing
      ototoxicity in children treated with platinum-based therapy. More high quality
      research is needed.

PMID- 27669662
TI  - Advent of Continents: A New Hypothesis.
AB  - The straightforward but unexpected relationship presented here relates crustal
      thickness to magma type in the Izu-Ogasawara (Bonin) and Aleutian oceanic arcs.
      Volcanoes along the southern segment of the Izu-Ogasawara arc and the western
      Aleutian arc (west of Adak) are underlain by thin crust (10-20 km). In contrast
      those along the northern segment of the Izu-Ogasawara arc and eastern Aleutian
      arc are underlain by crust ~35 km thick. Interestingly, andesite magmas dominate
      eruptive products from the former volcanoes and mostly basaltic lavas erupt from
      the latter. According to the hypothesis presented here, rising mantle diapirs
      stall near the base of the oceanic crust at depths controlled by the thickness of
      the overlying crust. Where the crust is thin, melting occurs at relatively low
      pressures in the mantle wedge producing andesitic magmas. Where the crust is
      thick, melting pressures are higher and only basaltic magmas tend to be produced.
      The implications of this hypothesis are: (1) the rate of continental crust
      accumulation, which is andesitic in composition, would have been greatest soon
      after subduction initiated on Earth, when most crust was thin; and (2) most
      andesite magmas erupted on continental crust could be recycled from "primary"
      andesite originally produced in oceanic arcs.

PMID- 27669663
TI  - Chlorpyrifos exposure affects fgf8, sox9, and bmp4 expression required for
      cranial neural crest morphogenesis and chondrogenesis in Xenopus laevis embryos.
AB  - Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is an organophosphate insecticide used primarily to control
      foliage and soil-borne insect pests on a variety of food and feed crops. In
      mammals, maternal exposure to CPF has been reported to induce dose-related
      abnormalities such as slower brain growth and cerebral cortex thinning. In lower
      vertebrates, for example, fish and amphibians, teratogenic activity of this
      compound is correlated with several anatomical alterations. Little is known about
      the effects of CPF on mRNA expression of genes involved in early development of
      the anatomical structures appearing abnormal in embryos. This study investigated
      the effects of exposure to different CPF concentrations (10, 15 and 20 mg/L) on
      Xenopus laevis embryos from stage 4/8 to stage 46. Some of the morphological
      changes we detected in CPF-exposed embryos included cranial neural crest cell
      (NCC)-derived structures. For this reason, we analyzed the expression of select
      genes involved in hindbrain patterning (egr2), cranial neural crest
      chondrogenesis, and craniofacial development (fgf8, bmp4, sox9, hoxa2 and hoxb2).
      We found that CPF exposure induced a reduction in transcription of all the genes
      involved in NCC-dependent chondrogenesis, with largest reductions in fgf8 and
      sox9; whereas, in hindbrain, we did not find any alterations in egr2 expression.
      Changes in the expression of fgf8, bmp4, and sox9, which are master regulators of
      several developmental pathways, have important implications. If these changes are
      confirmed to belong to a general pattern of alterations in vertebrates prenatally
      exposed to OP, they might be useful to assess damage during vertebrate embryo
      development. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 57:589-604, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals,
      Inc.

PMID- 27669664
TI  - Oral Human Abuse Potential of Oxycodone DETERx(r) (Xtampza(r) ER).
AB  - Oxycodone DETERx(r) (Collegium Pharmaceutical Inc, Canton, Massachusetts) is an
      extended-release, microsphere-in-capsule, abuse-deterrent formulation designed to
      retain its extended-release properties after tampering (eg, chewing/crushing).
      This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, triple-dummy study evaluated
      the oral abuse potential of intact and chewed oxycodone DETERx capsules compared
      with crushed immediate-release oxycodone. Subjects with a history of recreational
      opioid use who were nondependent/nontolerant to opioids were enrolled. Treatments
      included intact oxycodone DETERx (high-fat, high-calorie meal and fasted), chewed
      oxycodone DETERx (high-fat, high-calorie meal and fasted), crushed immediate
      release oxycodone (fasted), and placebo (high-fat, high-calorie meal). Plasma
      samples were collected to determine pharmacokinetic parameters. The primary
      endpoint was drug liking at the moment; other endpoints included drug effects
      questionnaire scores, Addiction Research Center Inventory/Morphine Benzedrine
      Group score, pupillometry measurements, and safety. Thirty-eight subjects
      completed the study. Chewed and intact oxycodone DETERx were bioequivalent,
      unlike crushed immediate-release oxycodone, which yielded higher peak oxycodone
      plasma concentrations compared with all methods of oxycodone DETERx
      administration. The mean maximum (peak) effect (Emax ) for drug liking was
      significantly lower for chewed and intact oxycodone DETERx than for crushed
      immediate-release oxycodone (P < .01). The time to Emax was significantly longer
      for chewed and intact oxycodone DETERx than for crushed immediate-release
      oxycodone (P < .0001). Scores for feeling high and Addiction Research Center
      Inventory/Morphine Benzedrine Group scores demonstrated lower abuse potential for
      chewed and intact oxycodone DETERx compared with crushed immediate-release
      oxycodone. Study treatments were well tolerated; no subjects experienced serious
      adverse events. These results demonstrate the lower oral abuse potential of
      chewed and intact oxycodone DETERx than crushed immediate-release oxycodone.

PMID- 27669665
TI  - Immune Repertoire Diversity Correlated with Mortality in Avian Influenza A (H7N9)
      Virus Infected Patients.
AB  - Specific changes in immune repertoires at genetic level responding to the lethal
      H7N9 virus are still poorly understood. We performed deep sequencing on the T and
      B cells from patients recently infected with H7N9 to explore the correlation
      between clinical outcomes and immune repertoire alterations. T and B cell
      repertoires display highly dynamic yet distinct clonotype alterations. During
      infection, T cell beta chain repertoire continues to contract while the diversity
      of immunoglobulin heavy chain repertoire recovers. Patient recovery is correlated
      to the diversity of T cell and B cell repertoires in different ways - higher B
      cell diversity and lower T cell diversity are found in survivors. The sequences
      clonally related to known antibodies with binding affinity to H7 hemagglutinin
      could be identified from survivors. These findings suggest that utilizing deep
      sequencing may improve prognostication during influenza infection and could help
      in development of antibody discovery methodologies for the treatment of virus
      infection.

PMID- 27669666
TI  - Liver X Receptors and their Agonists: Targeting for Cholesterol Homeostasis and
      Cardiovascular Diseases.
AB  - Liver X receptors alpha (LXRalpha) and beta (LXRbeta) are essential for
      protection against cardiovascular diseases. LXRs are members of the nuclear
      receptor superfamily of DNA-binding transcription factors and act as sensors of
      cholesterol homeostasis. In this review, we introduce LXRs and briefly describe
      the roles of LXRs in reverse cholesterol transport and trans-intestinal
      cholesterol efflux. We discuss LXR agonists and the downstream genes of LXRs that
      are involved in the regulation of cholesterol transport. In addition, we describe
      the cardioprotective effects of LXRs against atherosclerosis, myocardial
      ischemia/reperfusion injury, diabetic cardiomyopathy, and myocardial hypertrophy.
      Finally, we expand our discussion to the actions of LXRs in atherosclerosis and
      suggest several potential research avenues that may be of interest to clinicians
      and basic scientists. The information included herein may be useful for the
      design of future experimental research studies and may advance the investigation
      of LXRs as therapeutic targets.

PMID- 27669667
TI  - Cost-effectiveness of negative pressure wound therapy in patients with many
      comorbidities and severe wounds of various etiology.
AB  - This study analyzed a cross-section of patients with severe chronic wounds and
      multiple comorbidities at an outpatient wound clinic, with regard to the cost
      effectiveness and cost-benefit of negative pressure wound therapy (intervention)
      vs. no negative pressure wound therapy (control) at 1 and 2 years. Medicare
      reimbursement charges for wound care were used to calculate costs. Amputation
      charges were assessed using diagnosis-related groups. Cost-benefit analysis was
      based on ulcer-free months and cost-effectiveness on quality-adjusted life-years.
      Undiscounted costs, benefits, quality-adjusted life-years, undiscounted and
      discounted incremental net health benefits, and incremental cost-effectiveness
      ratios were calculated for unmatched and matched cohorts. There were 150 subjects
      in the intervention group and 154 controls before matching and 103 subjects in
      each of the matched cohorts. Time to heal for the intervention cohort was
      significantly shorter compared to the controls (270 vs. 635 days, p = 1.0 * 10-7
      , matched cohorts). The intervention cohort had higher benefits and quality
      adjusted life-year gains compared to the control cohort at years 1 and 2; by year
      2, the gains were 68-73% higher. In the unmatched cohorts, the incremental net
      health benefit was $9,933 per ulcer-free month at year 2 for the intervention;
      the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was -825,271 per quality-adjusted life
      year gained (undiscounted costs and benefits). For the matched cohorts, the
      incremental net health benefits was only $1,371 per ulcer-free month for the
      intervention, but the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was $366,683 per
      quality-adjusted life-year gained for year 2 (discounted costs and benefits). In
      a patient population with severe chronic wounds and serious comorbidities,
      negative pressure wound therapy resulted in faster healing wounds and was more
      cost-effective with greater cost-benefits than not using negative pressure wound
      therapy. Regarding overall cost-effectiveness, the intervention was still
      expensive, but that is the reality amidst limited treatment options for such
      serious cases of chronic wounds.

PMID- 27669668
TI  - Is the experience of pain in patients with temporomandibular disorder associated
      with the presence of comorbidity?
AB  - The aim of this study was to explore the association between the presence of
      comorbidities and the pain experience in individual patients with
      temporomandibular disorder (TMD). This clinical trial comprised 112 patients with
      TMD pain. For all participants the presence of the following comorbid factors was
      assessed: pain in the neck; somatization; impaired sleep; and depression. Pain
      experience was evaluated using the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ). For each
      subject the TMD-pain experience was assessed for three dimensions - sensory,
      affective, and evaluative - as specified in the MPQ. The association between
      comorbid factors and these three dimensions of TMD-pain experience was then
      evaluated using linear regression models. Univariable regression analyses showed
      that all comorbid factors, except for one factor, were positively associated with
      the level of pain, as rated by the sensory description of pain, the affective
      component of pain, and the evaluative experience of pain. The multivariable
      regression analyses showed that for all MPQ dimensions, depression showed the
      strongest associations with pain experience. It was found that in the presence of
      comorbid disorders, patients with TMD experience elevated levels of TMD pain.
      This information should be taken into consideration in the diagnostic process, as
      well as in the choice of treatment.

PMID- 27669669
TI  - Bilateral C1 laminar hooks combined with C2 pedicle screw fixation in the
      treatment of atlantoaxial subluxation after Grisel syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Many etiologies can lead to atlantoaxial subluxaion. In
      Grisel syndrome (GS), this subluxation occurs spontaneously after inflammatory
      processes of the head and neck. Diagnosis is typically based on clinical history
      and a strong suspicion of this syndrome. Nonsurgical treatment most often
      resolves the symptoms; however, in some cases surgical treatment is necessary to
      repair the subluxation. Various surgical techniques and instrumentation systems
      have been used to treat atlantoaxial subluxation, although there is no consensus
      regarding the best treatment method for the pediatric population. PURPOSE: To
      describe a case of atlantoaxial subluxation in a child with GS treated surgically
      with an alternative construct. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: This is a case report and
      literature review. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our case study involves a 5-year-old
      girl with a 6-month history of unresolved Fielding type II atlantoaxial
      subluxation caused by GS. Despite conservative treatment, the patient's symptoms
      continued to progress. After two failed closed reduction attempts, open reduction
      and C1-C2 fusion were performed with atlas laminar hook and axis pedicle
      polyaxial screws. A literature review of the surgical treatment of GS was also
      performed. RESULTS: After surgery, the patient exhibited full clinical and
      functional recovery with complete resolution of symptoms. At the 36-month follow
      up examination, there was continual evidence of satisfactory reduction and
      fusion. No complications were observed. Upon completion of the literature review,
      eight GS cases were found to have been treated surgically with the minimum
      patient age being 9 years. CONCLUSIONS: Conservative management of GS is the most
      common and effective treatment; however, a few surgical cases have been reported
      in the literature with good results. Satisfactory clinical results and fusion at
      36 months post surgery were seen in a pediatric patient with atlantoaxial
      subluxation and instability using atlas laminar hook and axis pedicle polyaxial
      screws.

PMID- 27669670
TI  - Evaluation of American Society of Anesthesiologists classification as 30-day
      morbidity predictor after single-level elective anterior cervical discectomy and
      fusion.
AB  - BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA)
      classification is a known predictor of postoperative complication in diverse
      surgical settings. However, its predictive value is not established in single
      level elective anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (SLE-ACDF). PURPOSE: This
      study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of ASA classification system on 30
      day morbidity following SLE-ACDF. DESIGN/SETTING: Patients who underwent SLE-ACDF
      between 2011 and 2013 were selected from the American College of Surgeons
      National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. PATIENT SAMPLE: A total
      of 6,148 patients were selected from the 2011-2013 American College of Surgeons
      National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. OUTCOME MEASURES: All
      outcomes are self-report measures as tracked by dedicated clinical reviewers via
      prospective review of inpatient charts, outpatient clinic visits, and direct
      contact with the surgical team. METHODS: Propensity score matching and multiple
      logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate ASA classification as 30
      day morbidity predictor. This study has no financial conflict and has no
      potential conflict of interest to disclose. RESULTS: A total of 6,148 patients
      were analyzed in this study. Patients in the ASA >II cohort had higher incidence
      of comorbidities and postoperative complications (overall complication,
      pneumonia, unplanned intubation, ventilator dependent >48 hours, cerebrovascular
      accident or stroke, catastrophic outcome, and airway complication). Propensity
      score matching yielded 1,628 pairs of well-matched patients. Multivariable
      analyses with the propensity score matched dataset revealed the following
      associations between ASA class >II and 30-day outcomes: any complication (odds
      ratio [OR] 0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.48-1.41), pneumonia (OR 1.22, 95%
      CI 0.33-4.56), unplanned intubation (OR 1.49, 95% CI 0.41-5.36), ventilator >48
      hours (OR 5.92, 95% CI 0.69-50.96), catastrophic outcome (OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.39
      2.71), and airway complication (OR 2.21, 95% CI 0.67-7.29). CONCLUSIONS: Although
      we did not detect associations between ASA class >II and adverse 30-day outcomes
      following SLE-ACDF, imprecision of estimates precludes definitive inferences.
      Although ASA classification allows simple assessment of patients' physiological
      status, their overall perioperativerisk factors need to be considered
      collectively for adequate optimization and improved outcomes in SLE-ACDF.

PMID- 27669671
TI  - Preliminary analysis of the concurrent validity of the Spanish translation of the
      BEARS sleep screening tool for children.
AB  - : WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Paediatric sleep problems are clinical
      conditions that often coexist with other mental health problems and meet criteria
      that warrant the implementation of screening procedures, including high
      prevalence, and significant clinical impact. Researchers have designed the BEARS,
      a user-friendly paediatric sleep screening tool that seems to increase the amount
      of sleep information recorded, as well as the likelihood of identifying sleep
      problems during routine health encounters. Nonetheless, there are no studies
      using the BEARS in Spanish-speaking samples. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING
      KNOWLEDGE?: Using a sample of children with mental health problems, this study
      provides support for the use of the Spanish version of the BEARS to identify the
      most common sleep problems seen in paediatric populations. WHAT ARE THE
      IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: Considering how frequent sleep problems are, it is
      especially important for health professionals working with children in general,
      and with children with mental health problems in particular, to be aware of and
      be encouraged to use simple brief screening tools for paediatric sleep problems.
      ABSTRACT: Objective Research studies describe a high prevalence of sleep problems
      in children with mental health problems, up to 50%, and its role as a risk factor
      in the development of psychopathology. These often go unnoticed and are not
      evaluated in the clinical field. Our objective was to assess the concurrent
      validity of the BEARS, a brief paediatric sleep screening instrument, using the
      Children Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) as the comparison instrument. Methods
      In this cross-sectional descriptive study, the BEARS was applied by a registered
      nurse to a sample of parents of children aged 2-16 years (n = 60, 71.7% male) who
      attended a mental healthcare facility (located in Murcia, Spain) for the first
      time to receive a group psychoeducational intervention. The association between
      the information collected with the BEARS and scores on the related subscales of
      the CSHQ was assessed by Mann-Whitney U tests. Results Children who, according to
      the BEARS, had a sleep problem obtained scores on the CSHQ-related subscales
      significantly higher than children who did not have a sleep problem (all Ps  <
      0.05). Conclusion Our results support the concurrent validity of the Spanish
      translation of the BEARS to detect sleep problems in paediatric nursing
      assessments. Further studies, with bigger and more heterogeneous samples, are
      warranted.

PMID- 27669672
TI  - Poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix with sarcomatoid
      differentiation: Report of a case with cytohistological correlation.
AB  - Sarcomatoid squamous cell carcinoma (SSCC) of the uterine cervix is a rare
      malignancy with uncertain pathogenesis and aggressive clinical behavior. The
      diagnosis of this tumor poses a challenge to the cytopathologist since accurate
      diagnosis is based on identification of two malignant components, that is,
      epithelial and sarcomatoid. Most cases usually lack the sarcomatoid component on
      Papanicolaou test (Pap test). Therefore, a poorly differentiated carcinoma or
      malignant neoplasm is the most often rendered diagnosis. To date, less than 20
      cases have been reported. Most of these cases were diagnosed by histopathologic
      findings. To our knowledge, cytomorphologic findings of SSCC on a liquid-based
      Pap test, with utility of cell block sections, in recognition of the two
      components of tumor, with follow-up histopathologic correlation have not been
      described. A case of SSCC occurring in a 57-year-old postmenopausal woman,
      describing the cytologic features on a liquid-based Pap-test, histopathologic
      findings of subsequent cervical biopsy, differential diagnosis, and role of
      ancillary studies are illustrated and discussed. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2017;45:137
      142. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27669673
TI  - Quantifying the biases in metagenome mining for realistic assessment of microbial
      ecology of naturally fermented foods.
AB  - Cultivation-independent investigation of microbial ecology is biased by the DNA
      extraction methods used. We aimed to quantify those biases by comparative
      analysis of the metagenome mined from four diverse naturally fermented foods
      (bamboo shoot, milk, fish, soybean) using eight different DNA extraction methods
      with different cell lysis principles. Our findings revealed that the enzymatic
      lysis yielded higher eubacterial and yeast metagenomic DNA from the food matrices
      compared to the widely used chemical and mechanical lysis principles. Further
      analysis of the bacterial community structure by Illumina MiSeq amplicon
      sequencing revealed a high recovery of lactic acid bacteria by the enzymatic
      lysis in all food types. However, Bacillaceae, Acetobacteraceae, Clostridiaceae
      and Proteobacteria were more abundantly recovered when mechanical and chemical
      lysis principles were applied. The biases generated due to the differential
      recovery of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) by different DNA extraction
      methods including DNA and PCR amplicons mix from different methods have been
      quantitatively demonstrated here. The different methods shared only 29.9-52.0% of
      the total OTUs recovered. Although similar comparative research has been
      performed on other ecological niches, this is the first in-depth investigation of
      quantifying the biases in metagenome mining from naturally fermented foods.

PMID- 27669674
TI  - Comparison of chronic mixture toxicity of nickel-zinc-copper and nickel-zinc
      copper-cadmium mixtures between Ceriodaphnia dubia and Pseudokirchneriella
      subcapitata.
AB  - Although aquatic organisms in the environment are exposed to mixtures of metals,
      risk assessment for metals is most commonly performed on a metal-by-metal basis.
      To increase the knowledge about chronic mixture effects, the authors investigated
      whether metal mixture effects are dependent on the biological species, mixture
      composition, and metal concentration ratio. The authors evaluated the effects of
      quaternary Ni-Zn-Cu-Cd and ternary Ni-Zn-Cu mixtures on 48-h algal growth rate
      (Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata) and 7-d daphnid reproduction (Ceriodaphnia
      dubia) using a ray design. Single metals were 3-fold to 42-fold more toxic for C.
      dubia than for P. subcapitata, based on the 50% effective concentration expressed
      as free metal activity, the range representing different metals. Statistical
      analysis of mixture effects showed that the ternary and quaternary mixture
      effects were antagonistic on algal growth relative to the concentration addition
      (CA) model, when the analysis was based on dissolved concentrations and on free
      metal ion activities. Using the independent action (IA) model, mixture effects in
      both rays were statistically noninteractive for algal growth when the analysis
      was based on dissolved concentrations; however, the interactions shifted toward
      antagonism when based on free ion activities. The ternary Ni-Zn-Cu mixture acted
      antagonistically on daphnid reproduction relative to both reference models,
      either expressed as free ion activities or dissolved concentrations. When Cd was
      added to the mixture, however, the mixture effects shifted toward
      noninteractivity for daphnids. The metal concentration ratio did not
      significantly influence the magnitude of observed antagonistic effects.
      Regardless of statistical interactions observed, based on the present study, CA
      and in most instances also IA can serve as a protective model for ternary Ni-Zn
      Cu and quaternary Ni-Zn-Cu-Cd toxicity to both species. Environ Toxicol Chem
      2017;36:1056-1066. (c) 2016 SETAC.

PMID- 27669675
TI  - Continuous Consecutive Reactions with Inter-Reaction Solvent Exchange by Membrane
      Separation.
AB  - Pharmaceutical production typically involves multiple reaction steps with
      separations between successive reactions. Two processes which complicate the
      transition from batch to continuous operation in multistep synthesis are solvent
      exchange (especially high-boiling- to low-boiling-point solvent), and catalyst
      separation. Demonstrated here is membrane separation as an enabling platform for
      undertaking these processes during continuous operation. Two consecutive
      reactions are performed in different solvents, with catalyst separation and inter
      reaction solvent exchange achieved by continuous flow membrane units. A Heck
      coupling reaction is performed in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) in a continuous
      membrane reactor which retains the catalyst. The Heck reaction product undergoes
      solvent exchange in a counter-current membrane system where DMF is continuously
      replaced by ethanol. After exchange the product dissolved in ethanol passes
      through a column packed with an iron catalyst, and undergoes reduction (>99 %
      yield).

PMID- 27669676
TI  - High aspect ratio micro-explosions in the bulk of sapphire generated by
      femtosecond Bessel beams.
AB  - Femtosecond pulses provide an extreme degree of confinement of light matter
      interactions in high-bandgap materials because of the nonlinear nature of
      ionization. It was recognized very early on that a highly focused single pulse of
      only nanojoule energy could generate spherical voids in fused silica and sapphire
      crystal as the nanometric scale plasma generated has energy sufficient to
      compress the material around it and to generate new material phases. But the
      volumes of the nanometric void and of the compressed material are extremely
      small. Here we use single femtosecond pulses shaped into high-angle Bessel beams
      at microjoule energy, allowing for the creation of very high 100:1 aspect ratio
      voids in sapphire crystal, which is one of the hardest materials, twice as dense
      as glass. The void volume is 2 orders of magnitude higher than those created with
      Gaussian beams. Femtosecond and picosecond illumination regimes yield
      qualitatively different damage morphologies. These results open novel
      perspectives for laser processing and new materials synthesis by laser-induced
      compression.

PMID- 27669677
TI  - A preliminary study searching for the right dose of tacrolimus in very young (<=4
      years) renal transplant patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The Radboudumc Amalia Children's hospital in the Netherlands has a
      programme for renal transplantation in children aged <=4 years. Children receive
      chronic corticosteroid sparing immunosuppressive therapy that consists of
      tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil. This work aimed to describe the PK of
      tacrolimus in children <=4 years with renal transplants. METHODS: Paediatric
      renal transplant patients aged <=4 years were included in this analysis. A PK
      curve of tacrolimus recorded <=3 weeks after transplantation has been standard of
      care in our institution and aided in adjusting the dose in each patient to attain
      a target AUC0-12h of 210 MUg h/l early after transplantation. KEY FINDINGS: Eight
      patients were included. The first two patients received an initial twice-daily
      regimen and the subsequent six patients a three-times daily regimen. Median dose
      corrected AUCtau was 63 MUg h/l. AUC target attainment was 37.5%. Of the
      remaining patients, two had an AUC very close to (around 10% below) the target.
      CONCLUSIONS: Large interindividual variability of tacrolimus was observed and
      showed suboptimal AUC target attainment. In this population, an even more
      aggressive approach of higher doses (e.g. 0.4 mg/kg per day) and more early AUC
      determination should be considered. This should be evaluated prospectively in a
      larger group of patients.

PMID- 27669678
TI  - MR-based measurements and simulations of the magnetic field created by a
      realistic transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) coil and stimulator.
AB  - Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an emerging technique that allows non
      invasive neurostimulation. However, the correct validation of electromagnetic
      models of typical TMS coils and the correct assessment of the incident TMS field
      (BTMS ) produced by standard TMS stimulators are still lacking. Such a validation
      can be performed by mapping BTMS produced by a realistic TMS setup. In this
      study, we show that MRI can provide precise quantification of the magnetic field
      produced by a realistic TMS coil and a clinically used TMS stimulator in the
      region in which neurostimulation occurs. Measurements of the phase accumulation
      created by TMS pulses applied during a tailored MR sequence were performed in a
      phantom. Dedicated hardware was developed to synchronize a typical, clinically
      used, TMS setup with a 3-T MR scanner. For comparison purposes, electromagnetic
      simulations of BTMS were performed. MR-based measurements allow the mapping and
      quantification of BTMS starting 2.5 cm from the TMS coil. For closer regions, the
      intra-voxel dephasing induced by BTMS prohibits TMS field measurements. For 1%
      TMS output, the maximum measured value was ~0.1 mT. Simulations reflect
      quantitatively the experimental data. These measurements can be used to validate
      electromagnetic models of TMS coils, to guide TMS coil positioning, and for
      dosimetry and quality assessment of concurrent TMS-MRI studies without the need
      for crude methods, such as motor threshold, for stimulation dose determination.

PMID- 27669679
TI  - A prognostic model for predicting urinary incontinence after robot-assisted
      radical prostatectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to develop a novel prognostic model for
      estimating the risk of postoperative urinary incontinence (UI) after robot
      assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). METHODS: Participants comprised 131 men
      who underwent RARP at our hospital from 2011 to 2013. Cox regression analyses
      were performed to evaluate associations between UI and preoperative factors
      including filling cystometry and pressure-flow study results and magnetic
      resonance imaging. RESULTS: Logistic regression analyses revealed significant
      associations between membranous urethral length or levator thickness and UI at 3
      and 6 months. Stratification produced high (membranous urethral length < 9.5 mm
      or levator thickness < 9.0 mm) and low (membranous urethral length >= 9.5 mm and
      levator thickness >= 9.0 mm) UI risk groups. These inter-group differences in UI
      rate were significant. CONCLUSIONS: We developed a novel prognostic model based
      on preoperative patient data that can be used for patient counselling.

PMID- 27669680
TI  - Effects of baseline abdominal pain and bloating on response to lubiprostone in
      patients with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lubiprostone (8 MUg b.d.) received US Food and Drug Administration
      (FDA) approval in 2008 for the treatment of constipation-predominant irritable
      bowel syndrome (IBS-C) in women aged >=18 years. In 2012, the FDA issued new
      guidance for IBS-C clinical trials, recommending a composite endpoint
      incorporating both abdominal pain and stool frequency. AIM: In a post hoc
      analysis, similar criteria were applied to data from two pivotal, phase 3, double
      blind, randomised trials of lubiprostone in patients with IBS-C. METHODS:
      Included patients had a baseline spontaneous bowel movement (SBM) frequency
      <3/week and abdominal pain or bloating ratings >=1.36 on a 5-point scale [0
      (absent) to 4 (very severe)]. Responders (composite endpoint) had a mean pain
      reduction >=30% compared with baseline, and an increase from baseline of >=1
      SBM/week for >=6 of the 12 treatment weeks. Lubiprostone effects on abdominal
      pain alone were also evaluated, as were bloating alone and in a composite
      endpoint with stool frequency. RESULTS: In pooled data, 325 patients received
      lubiprostone and 180 received placebo. Rates of response were higher with
      lubiprostone vs. placebo for the composite endpoint of improved pain and stool
      frequency (26.3% vs. 15.3%, respectively; P = 0.008) and the composite endpoint
      of improved bloating and stool frequency (23.8% vs. 12.6%, respectively; P =
      0.012). Response rates were also higher with lubiprostone vs. placebo for
      abdominal pain alone (P = 0.005) and bloating alone (P = 0.012). CONCLUSION:
      Lubiprostone was significantly more effective than placebo in improving abdominal
      pain or bloating, and also in composite endpoints that included stool frequency.

PMID- 27669681
TI  - Naturally occurring compounds acting as potent anti-metastatic agents and their
      suppressing effects on Hedgehog and WNT/beta-catenin signalling pathways.
AB  - Despite numerous remarkable achievements in the field of anti-cancer therapy,
      tumour relapse and metastasis still remain major obstacles in improvement of
      overall cancer survival, which may be at least partially owing to epithelial
      mesenchymal transition (EMT). Multiple signalling pathways have been identified
      in EMT; however, it appears that the role of the Hedgehog and WNT/beta-catenin
      pathways are more prominent than others. These are well-known preserved
      intracellular regulatory pathways of different cellular functions including
      proliferation, survival, adhesion and differentiation. Over the last few decades,
      several naturally occurring compounds have been identified to significantly
      obstruct several intermediates in Hedgehog and WNT/beta-catenin signalling,
      eventually resulting in suppression of signal transduction. This article
      highlights the current state of knowledge associated with Hedgehog and WNT/beta
      catenin, their involvement in metastasis through EMT processes and introduction
      of the most potent naturally occurring agents with capability of suppressing
      them, eventually overcoming tumour relapse, invasion and metastasis.

PMID- 27669683
TI  - Woody climbers show greater population genetic differentiation than trees:
      Insights into the link between ecological traits and diversification.
AB  - The climbing habit is a key innovation in plants: climbing taxa have higher
      species richness than nonclimbing sister groups. We evaluated the hypothesis that
      climbing plant species show greater among-population genetic differentiation than
      nonclimber species. We compared the among-population genetic distance in woody
      climbers (eight species, 30 populations) and trees (seven species, 29
      populations) coexisting in nine communities in a temperate rainforest. We also
      compared within-population genetic diversity in co-occurring woody climbers and
      trees in two communities. Mean genetic distance between populations of climbers
      was twice that of trees. Isolation by distance (increase in genetic distance with
      geographic distance) was greater for climbers. Climbers and trees showed similar
      within-population genetic diversity. Our longevity estimate suggested that
      climbers had shorter generation times, while other biological features often
      associated with diversification (dispersal and pollination syndromes, mating
      system, size, and metabolic rate) did not show significant differences between
      groups. We hypothesize that the greater population differentiation in climbers
      could result from greater evolutionary responses to local selection acting on
      initially higher within-population genetic diversity, which could be driven by
      neutral processes associated with shorter generation times. Increased population
      genetic differentiation could be incorporated as another line of evidence when
      testing for key innovations.

PMID- 27669682
TI  - How best to use and evaluate Patient Information Leaflets given during a
      consultation: a systematic review of literature reviews.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the past, several authors have attempted to review randomized
      clinical trials (RCT) evaluating the impact of Patient Information Leaflets
      (PILs) used during a consultation and draw some general conclusions. However,
      this proved difficult because the clinical situations, size and quality of RCTs
      were too heterogeneous to pool relevant data. OBJECTIVE: To overcome this 30-year
      stalemate, we performed a review of reviews and propose general recommendations
      and suggestions for improving the quality of PILs, how to use them and methods
      for evaluating them. METHODOLOGY: We searched five databases for reviews,
      systematic reviews and meta-analyses describing PILs. We drew general and
      condition-linked conclusions concerning the impact of PILs. Checklists summarize
      criteria for quality PILs, and ways of using and evaluating them. RESULTS: Of 986
      articles found, 24 reviews were pertinent; the five oldest considered the impact
      of PILs irrespective of the condition the patient consulted for; the 19 more
      recent ones mostly addressed precise clinical situations. DISCUSSION: Whatever
      the clinical situation, PILs improve patients' knowledge and satisfaction. For
      acute conditions, in the short-term PILs also improve adherence to treatment. For
      chronic diseases, invasive procedures or screening situations, their impact on
      adherence varies depending on the context, how the PILs are given and the
      invasiveness of the intervention. CONCLUSION: PILs are considered to be very
      useful, especially for acute conditions where the patient is the first to suffer
      from lack of information. We propose checklists for writing, designing, using and
      evaluating PILs in RCTs to enable comparisons between different studies.

PMID- 27669684
TI  - Direct and label-free detection of the human growth hormone in urine by an
      ultrasensitive bimodal waveguide biosensor.
AB  - A label-free interferometric transducer showing a theoretical detection limit for
      homogeneous sensing of 5 * 10-8 RIU, being equivalent to a protein mass coverage
      resolution of 2.8 fg mm-2 , is used to develop a high sensitive biosensor for
      protein detection. The extreme sensitivity of this transducer combined with a
      selective bioreceptor layer enables the direct evaluation of the human growth
      hormone (hGH) in undiluted urine matrix in the 10 pg mL-1 range.

PMID- 27669685
TI  - Low prevalence of Kingella kingae carriage in children aged 6-48 months in
      Sydney, Australia.
AB  - AIM: A prospective observational study was conducted to estimate the prevalence
      of oropharyngeal carriage of Kingella kingae in healthy Australian pre-school
      children. METHODS: Screening for carriage of K. kingae as well as Streptococcus
      pyogenes, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus agalactiae, Staphylococcus
      aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, and K. kingae was undertaken using a single
      bacterial throat swab taken from well children aged 6 months to 4 years. Standard
      laboratory procedures were used for culture and identification of organisms.
      RESULTS: One hundred children were enrolled between October and December 2014 at
      the Children's Hospital at Westmead. Median age was 24.0 months (range 6.1-48.8
      months); 52 children were male and 36 attended day-care facilities. Forty-one
      children had siblings aged less than 5 years and 67 children had siblings of any
      age. K. kingae oropharyngeal carriage was not detected in any of the children.
      Rates of carriage of other organisms were: 30% S. aureus, 21% H. influenzae, 2%
      S. pneumoniae and 2% S. pyogenes. Thirty-eight children were colonised with
      Kingella denitrificans. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that prevalence of K.
      kingae carriage in pre-school children in Sydney is very low and support local
      and national guidelines that recommend flucloxacillin as empiric first-line
      therapy for children with osteoarticular infections. Studies conducted over the
      winter months and in other Australian centres could help answer outstanding
      questions regarding differences in carriage rates of K. kingae in children.

PMID- 27669686
TI  - Penetration of CdSe/ZnS quantum dots into differentiated vs undifferentiated Caco
      2 cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Quantum dots (QDs) have great potential as fluorescent labels but
      cytotoxicity relating to extra- and intracellular degradation in biological
      systems has to be addressed prior to biomedical applications. In this study,
      human intestinal cells (Caco-2) grown on transwell membranes were used to study
      penetration depth, intracellular localization, translocation and cytotoxicity of
      CdSe/ZnS QDs with amino and carboxyl surface modifications. The focus of this
      study was to compare the penetration depth of QDs in differentiated vs
      undifferentiated cells using confocal microscopy and image processing. RESULTS:
      Caco-2 cells were exposed to QDs with amino (NH2) and carboxyl (COOH) surface
      groups for 3 days using a concentration of 45 ug cadmium ml-1. Image analysis of
      confocal/multiphoton microscopy z-stacks revealed no penetration of QDs into the
      cell lumen of differentiated Caco-2 cells. Interestingly, translocation of
      cadmium ions onto the basolateral side of differentiated monolayers was observed
      using high resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).
      Membrane damage was neither detected after short nor long term incubation in Caco
      2 cells. On the other hand, intracellular localization of QDs after exposure to
      undifferentiated cells was observed and QDs were partially located within
      lysosomes. CONCLUSIONS: In differentiated Caco-2 monolayers, representing a model
      for small intestinal enterocytes, no penetration of amino and carboxyl
      functionalized CdSe/ZnS QDs into the cell lumen was detected using microscopy
      analysis and image processing. In contrast, translocation of cadmium ions onto
      the basolateral side could be detected using ICP-MS. However, even after long
      term incubation, the integrity of the cell monolayer was not impaired and no
      cytotoxic effects could be detected. In undifferentiated Caco-2 cells, both QD
      modifications could be found in the cell lumen. Only to some extend, QDs were
      localized in endosomes or lysosomes in these cells. The results indicate that the
      differentiation status of Caco-2 cells is an important factor in internalization
      and localization studies using Caco-2 cells. Furthermore, a combination of
      microscopy analysis and sensitive detection techniques like ICP-MS are necessary
      for studying the interaction of cadmium containing QDs with cells.

PMID- 27669687
TI  - An effective cytokine adjuvant vaccine induces autologous T-cell response against
      colon cancer in an animal model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite recent advances in early detection and improvements in
      chemotherapy for colon cancer, the patients still face poor prognosis of
      postoperative recurrence and metastasis, the median survival for patients with
      metastatic colorectal cancer is approximately 22-24 months. Some
      immunotherapeutic approaches had been attempted in colon cancer patients to
      significantly increase overall survival. A vaccine based approach has shown a
      novel direction for colon cancer prevention and therapy. METHODS: In this study,
      the experiments were designed including prevention and therapeutic stages in
      order to attain effect against tumor recurrence in clinical settings. The anti
      tumor efficacy of a novel cytokine adjuvant vaccine that contained cytokines GM
      CSF and IL-2 and inactivated colon CT26.WT whole cell antigen was evaluated in
      BALB/c mouse tumor models by measuring tumor growth post vaccination and the
      survival time of tumor-bearing mice, analyzing the expression and distribution of
      CD4, CD8, CD11c, CD80, CD86 and CD83 positive cells in control and treated mice
      by flow cytometry and immunochemistry. The tumor-specific cytotoxic T cells (CTL)
      were analyzed by tumor proliferation and the lactic dehydrogenates (LDH) release
      assays. IFN-gamma, IL-2 and GM-CSF secretion in serum was assayed by ELISA.
      RESULTS: Our results suggested that cytokine adjuvant vaccine significantly
      inhibited tumor growth and extended the survival period at least 160d. It was
      found that the levels of CD8 + T and the tumor-specific cytotoxicity were
      significantly higher in prevention and treatment group vaccinated by cytokine
      adjuvant vaccine. CD8 + T cells play a key role in anti-tumor response.
      CONCLUSIONS: The novel GM-CSF and IL-2 based adjuvant vaccine effectively
      activated autologous T-cell response and represented a promising
      immunotherapeutic approach for patients with colon cancer.

PMID- 27669688
TI  - Fluorouracil implants caused a diaphragmatic tumor to be misdiagnosed as liver
      metastasis: a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fluorouracil implants are widely used in peritoneal interstitial
      chemotherapy. Curative effects have been obtained, but implants have also caused
      some complications. CASE PRESENTATION: We performed an analysis of a 66-year-old
      male patient's case history, as well as conventional pathological analysis and
      Raman spectroscopic detection of the diaphragmatic tumor. We also analyzed the
      underlying causes of this condition to prevent complications and reduce
      misdiagnoses in future cases. The patient had a history of peritoneal
      fluorouracil implantation. Pathological analysis of the diaphragmatic mass
      revealed foreign particles, and Raman detection showed that the mass contained
      fluorouracil. CONCLUSION: Fluorouracil implants may persist due to the high
      concentrations of this drug used in peritoneal chemotherapy. This finding should
      provide guidance and improve the application of peritoneal implants. In clinical
      trials, and the diagnosis of liver metastasis should be based on pathological
      results.

PMID- 27669690
TI  - Autologous bone grafts with MSCs or FGF-2 accelerate bone union in large bone
      defects.
AB  - BACGROUND: Although the contribution of fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2 and
      mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) to bone formation is well known, few studies
      have investigated the combination of an autologous bone graft with FGF-2 or MSCs
      for large bone defects. METHODS: We studied an atrophic non-union model with a
      large bone defect, created by resecting a 10-mm section from the center of each
      femoral shaft of 12-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats. The periosteum of the proximal
      and distal ends of the femur was cauterized circumferentially, and excised
      portions were used in the contralateral femur as autologous bone grafts. The rats
      were randomized to three groups and given no further treatment (group A),
      administered FGF-2 at 20 MUg/20 MUL (group B), or 1.0 * 106 MSCs (group C).
      Radiographs were taken every 2 weeks up to 12 weeks, with CT performed at 12
      weeks. Harvested femurs were stained with toluidine blue and evaluated using
      radiographic and histology scores. RESULTS: Radiographic and histological
      evaluation showed that bone union had been achieved at 12 weeks in group C, while
      group B showed callus formation and bridging callus but non-union, and in group
      A, callus formation alone was evident. Both radiographic and histological scores
      were significantly higher at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 weeks in groups B and C than
      group A and also significantly higher in group C than group B at 12 weeks.
      CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that autologous bone grafts in combination with
      MSCs benefit difficult cases which cannot be treated with autologous bone grafts
      alone.

PMID- 27669689
TI  - Metamizole versus ibuprofen at home after day surgery: study protocol for a
      randomised controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Postoperative pain and, in a more extended perspective, quality of
      recovery (QOR) should be considered the principal endpoints after day surgery.
      Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and paracetamol are a cornerstone
      of pain treatment after painful day surgery. Nevertheless, NSAIDs are not always
      sufficiently effective, have numerous contraindications, and consequently are not
      suitable in up to 25 % of all patients. Metamizole is a non-opioid compound with
      a favourable gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular profile
      compared to NSAIDs. The aim of this study is to assess if a combination of
      metamizole and paracetamol is non-inferior to a combination of ibuprofen and
      paracetamol in the treatment of acute postoperative pain at home after painful
      day case surgery. In addition, we aim to assess and compare quality of recovery
      (QOR) profiles of both groups. METHODS/DESIGN: This is an investigator-initiated,
      double-blind, randomised controlled, non-inferiority trial. A total of 200
      patients undergoing elective haemorrhoid surgery, arthroscopic shoulder or knee
      surgery, or inguinal hernia repair in a day care setting will be randomised to
      receive either a combination of metamizole and paracetamol (MP) or a combination
      of ibuprofen and paracetamol (IP). Participants will take study medication orally
      for 4 days. Primary endpoints are average postoperative pain intensity measured
      by an 11-point Numeric Rating Scale at postoperative day 1 and QOR profile
      measured by the Functional Recovery Index (FRI), the 1-item Global Surgical
      Recovery (GSR) index and the EuroQol (EQ-5D) questionnaire at days 1, 2, 3, 4, 7,
      14 and 28 postoperatively. Secondary outcomes include compliance with study
      medication, adverse effects of study medication, use of rescue medication and
      satisfaction with study medication, surgery and hospital care and telephone
      follow-up. DISCUSSION: This study will provide clinical evidence on the analgesic
      efficacy and safety of a combination of metamizole and paracetamol in treating
      postoperative pain at home after painful day surgery. This study may also provide
      an insight into QOR profile after four different types of surgery and into the
      interrelationship between three different instruments used to assess QOR. TRIAL
      STATUS: Recruitment is currently ongoing. TRIAL REGISTRATION: European Union
      Clinical Trials Register 2015-003987-35 . Registered 10 November 2015.

PMID- 27669692
TI  - Profilin1 biology and its mutation, actin(g) in disease.
AB  - Profilins were discovered in the 1970s and were extensively studied for their
      significant physiological roles. Profilin1 is the most prominent isoform and has
      drawn special attention due to its role in the cytoskeleton, cell signaling, and
      its link to conditions such as cancer and vascular hypertrophy. Recently,
      multiple mutations in the profilin1 gene were linked to amyotrophic lateral
      sclerosis (ALS). In this review, we will discuss the physiological and
      pathological roles of profilin1. We will further highlight the cytoskeletal
      function and dysfunction caused by profilin1 dysregulation. Finally, we will
      discuss the implications of mutant profilin1 in various diseases with an emphasis
      on its contribution to the pathogenesis of ALS.

PMID- 27669691
TI  - Assessing heterogeneity in oligomeric AAA+ machines.
AB  - ATPases Associated with various cellular Activities (AAA+ ATPases) are molecular
      motors that use the energy of ATP binding and hydrolysis to remodel their target
      macromolecules. The majority of these ATPases form ring-shaped hexamers in which
      the active sites are located at the interfaces between neighboring subunits.
      Structural changes initiate in an active site and propagate to distant motor
      parts that interface and reshape the target macromolecules, thereby performing
      mechanical work. During the functioning cycle, the AAA+ motor transits through
      multiple distinct states. Ring architecture and placement of the catalytic sites
      at the intersubunit interfaces allow for a unique level of coordination among
      subunits of the motor. This in turn results in conformational differences among
      subunits and overall asymmetry of the motor ring as it functions. To date, a
      large amount of structural information has been gathered for different AAA+
      motors, but even for the most characterized of them only a few structural states
      are known and the full mechanistic cycle cannot be yet reconstructed. Therefore,
      the first part of this work will provide a broad overview of what arrangements of
      AAA+ subunits have been structurally observed focusing on diversity of ATPase
      oligomeric ensembles and heterogeneity within the ensembles. The second part of
      this review will concentrate on methods that assess structural and functional
      heterogeneity among subunits of AAA+ motors, thus bringing us closer to
      understanding the mechanism of these fascinating molecular motors.

PMID- 27669693
TI  - Mechanisms of ciliogenesis suppression in dividing cells.
AB  - The primary cilium is a non-motile and microtubule-enriched protrusion ensheathed
      by plasma membrane. Primary cilia function as mechano/chemosensors and signaling
      hubs and their disorders predispose to a wide spectrum of human diseases. Most
      types of cells assemble their primary cilia in response to cellular quiescence,
      whereas they start to retract the primary cilia upon cell-cycle reentry. The
      retardation of ciliary resorption process has been shown to delay cell-cycle
      progression to the S or M phase after cell-cycle reentry. Apart from this
      conventional concept of ciliary disassembly linked to cell-cycle reentry, recent
      studies have led to a novel concept, suggesting that cells can suppress primary
      cilia assembly during cell proliferation. Accumulating evidence has also
      demonstrated the importance of Aurora-A (a protein originally identified as one
      of mitotic kinases) not only in ciliary resorption after cell-cycle reentry but
      also in the suppression of ciliogenesis in proliferating cells, whereas Aurora-A
      activators are clearly distinct in both phenomena. Here, we summarize the current
      knowledge of how cycling cells suppress ciliogenesis and compare it with
      mechanisms underlying ciliary resorption after cell-cycle reentry. We also
      discuss a reciprocal relationship between primary cilia and cell proliferation.

PMID- 27669694
TI  - Production of human type II collagen using an efficient baculovirus-silkworm
      multigene expression system.
AB  - Human type II collagen is a macromolecular protein found throughout the human
      body. The baculovirus expression vector system is one of the most ideal systems
      for the routine production and display of recombinant eukaryotic proteins in
      insect, larvae, and mammalian cells. We use this system to express a full-length
      gene, human type II collagen cDNA (4257 bp), in cultured Spodoptera frugiperda 9
      cells (Sf9), Bombyx mori cells, and silkworm larvae. In this study, the
      expression of human type II collagen gene in both insect cells and silkworm
      larvae was purified by nickel column chromatography, leading to 300-kDa bands in
      SDS-PAGE and western blotting indicative of collagen alpha-chains organized in a
      triple-helical structure. About 1 mg/larva human type II collagen is purified
      from silkworm skin, which shows a putative large scale of collagen production
      way. An activity assay of recombinant human type II collagen expressed by
      silkworm larvae demonstrated that the recombinant protein has considerable
      bioactive properties. Scanning electron microscopy of purified proteins clearly
      reveals randomly distributed and pitted structures. We conclude that the
      baculovirus-silkworm multigene expression system can be used as an efficient
      platform for express active human type II collagen and other complicated
      eukaryotic proteins.

PMID- 27669696
TI  - Neurofibroma of the cervical spine in infants.

PMID- 27669695
TI  - Early history of neurofibromatosis type 2 and related forms: earliest
      descriptions of acoustic neuromas, medical curiosities, misconceptions, landmarks
      and the pioneers behind the eponyms.

PMID- 27669697
TI  - Percutaneous extrapedicular vertebroplasty with expandable intravertebral implant
      in compression vertebral body fracture in pediatric patient-technical note.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of the article is to present the new extrapedicular percutaneous
      technique for posttraumatic vertebral column fracture. METHODS: A 15-year-old boy
      needed a surgical Th8 posttraumatic vertebral body (VB) compressive fracture
      reduction due to insufficient conservative treatment and consistent severe
      clinical symptoms. After 6 months of external Jevett long-roll brace
      stabilization, progressive sagittal balance disturbance of thoracic kyphosis was
      measured and persistent clinical symptoms were observed. It was decided to
      present a surgical technique method allowing to attempt to reduce VB fracture,
      rebalance the vertebral column (VC) without any motion limitation, and decrease
      clinical symptoms. The procedure was performed percutaneously from extrapedicular
      approach with intravertebral implant (Spine Jack(r)-VeximTM) and cement
      (Interface(r)-VeximTM) under fluoroscopic imaging (ZiehmTM 8000(r)). RESULTS: The
      whole procedure was uneventful. Now, the child is free from clinical symptoms and
      the partial reduction of VB fracture was achieved. The patient has been followed
      for 3 months. In the control CT scans, the VB fracture reduction is stable and no
      progression of thoracic kyphosis angle is observed. Furthermore since the
      surgical procedure, the patient is clinical symptom free. CONCLUSION: The
      extrapedicular percutaneus technique of VB fracture reduction with intravertebral
      fixation allowed to partially reduce the VB compressive fracture, rebalance the
      VC without any motion limitation, avoid external long-roll brace, and eliminate
      clinical symptoms. The procedure is minimally invasive, fast, and clinically
      effective. However, the technique should be restricted only to carefully selected
      clinical cases.

PMID- 27669698
TI  - Congenital craniopharyngioma treated by radical surgery: case report and review
      of the literature.
AB  - PURPOSE: Craniopharyngiomas are 5-10 % of all pediatric tumors, but are seldomly
      encountered in the perinatal period. Only seven instances of a truly antenatal
      diagnosis of a congenital craniopharyngioma that subsequently underwent radical
      surgery have been reported. We present the case of a patient who received the
      diagnosis of a suprasellar tumor during the prenatal period and received radical
      surgery. METHODS: We report a case of a neonatal craniopharyngioma treated
      surgically. RESULTS: The pregnancy progressed uneventfully until a routine
      ultrasound at 37 weeks of gestation showed a 15 * 15 mm high echoic mass in the
      center of the fetal head. Neonatal Gd-enhanced T1-weighted MRI at 5 days of life
      showed a homogenously enhanced mass (16*22*15 mm) in the sellar and suprasellar
      lesion. As the tumor showed rapid growth at the 3rd month of life, the patient
      underwent a surgical treatment and the mass was totally removed. Three years
      later, the physical and mental development of the patient was normal, and Gd-MRI
      studies showed no tumor recurrence. CONCLUSION: The present case is the eighth
      case of a truly antenatal diagnosis of a craniopharyngioma that underwent
      successful radical surgery. Craniopharyngioma is a benign tumor and thought to be
      a slow growing tumor in childhood. The results of radical surgery were very poor,
      and the mortality and morbidity rates were high in the previous reports due to
      the huge size of tumor at operation. The present case demonstrated the rapid
      growth in short interval of Gd-MRI. This is the first report of tumor kinetics of
      congenital craniopharyngioma with previous reports. The calculated tumor doubling
      time in our case was 37 days.

PMID- 27669699
TI  - A program evaluation of Kids2Hear, a student-run hearing screening program for
      school children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hearing deficits in children are demonstrably negatively associated
      with language acquisition and cognition. Although universal neonatal hearing
      screening exists, it is not offered equally across Canada. Additionally, children
      emigrating from other countries are often not assessed. The objective of this
      study is to evaluate Kids2Hear, a free hearing screening program run by medical
      students at elementary schools, and to determine the rate of hearing deficits
      that were identified and referred for evaluation. METHODS: Retrospective analysis
      of screening program data from 228 participants seen at three inner-city
      elementary schools over six months. RESULTS: In our sample, the mean age was 5.8
      +/- 1.0 years with 48 % males. Approximately 21 participants (9.3 %) were
      screened positive for a hearing deficit and required referral for supplementary
      audiological evaluation. About 44 participants (19.3 %) were referred to a family
      physician for otoscopic abnormalities. Females were significantly more likely to
      be identified for both hearing deficits and otoscopic abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS:
      Hearing deficits and otoscopic abnormalities are common among young children.
      Female children may be at higher risk for developing hearing issues or otoscopic
      abnormalities compared to males. Additional research is needed to determine the
      effectiveness of hearing screening programs.

PMID- 27669700
TI  - Behaviour of two typical stents towards a new stent evolution.
AB  - This study explores the analysis of a new stent geometry from two typical stents
      used to treat the coronary artery disease. Two different finite element methods
      are applied with different boundary conditions to investigate the stenosis
      region. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models including fluid-structure
      interaction are used to assess the haemodynamic impact of two types of coronary
      stents implantation: (1) type 1-based on a strut-link stent geometry and (2) type
      2-a continuous helical stent. Using data from a recent clinical stenosis, flow
      disturbances and consequent shear stress alterations introduced by the stent
      treatment are investigated. A relationship between stenosis and the induced flow
      fields for the two types of stent designs is analysed as well as the correlation
      between haemodynamics and vessel wall biomechanical factors during the initiation
      and development of stenosis formation in the coronary artery. Both stents exhibit
      a good performance in reducing the obstruction artery. However, stent type 1
      presents higher radial deformation than the type 2. This deformation can be seen
      as a limitation with a long-term clinical impact.

PMID- 27669701
TI  - A new method to approximate load-displacement relationships of spinal motion
      segments for patient-specific multi-body models of scoliotic spine.
AB  - Load-displacement relationships of spinal motion segments are crucial factors in
      characterizing the stiffness of scoliotic spine models to mimic the spine
      responses to loads. Although nonlinear approach to approximation of the
      relationships can be superior to linear ones, little mention has been made to
      deriving personalized nonlinear load-displacement relationships in previous
      studies. A method is developed for nonlinear approximation of load-displacement
      relationships of spinal motion segments to assist characterizing in vivo the
      stiffness of spine models. We propose approximation by tangent functions and
      focus on rotational displacements in lateral direction. The tangent functions are
      characterized using lateral bending test. A multi-body model was characterized to
      18 patients and utilized to simulate four spine positions; right bending, left
      bending, neutral, and traction. The same was done using linear functions to
      assess the performance of the proposed tangent function in comparison with the
      linear function. Root-mean-square error (RMSE) of the displacements estimated by
      the tangent functions was 44 % smaller than the linear functions. This shows the
      ability of our tangent function in approximation of the relationships for a range
      of infinitesimal to large displacements involved in the spine movement to the
      four positions. In addition, the models based on the tangent functions yielded
      67, 55, and 39 % smaller RMSEs of Ferguson angles, locations of vertebrae, and
      orientations of vertebrae, respectively, implying better estimates of spine
      responses to loads. Overall, it can be concluded that our method for
      approximating load-displacement relationships of spinal motion segments can offer
      good estimates of scoliotic spine stiffness.

PMID- 27669703
TI  - Nearly one in 10 premature babies did not have a temperature check in first hour
      after birth, UK audit finds.

PMID- 27669702
TI  - Discrimination of numerical proportions: A comparison of binomial and Gaussian
      models.
AB  - Observers discriminated the numerical proportion of two sets of elements (N = 9,
      13, 33, and 65) that differed either by color or orientation. According to the
      standard Thurstonian approach, the accuracy of proportion discrimination is
      determined by irreducible noise in the nervous system that stochastically
      transforms the number of presented visual elements onto a continuum of
      psychological states representing numerosity. As an alternative to this customary
      approach, we propose a Thurstonian-binomial model, which assumes discrete
      perceptual states, each of which is associated with a certain visual element. It
      is shown that the probability beta with which each visual element can be noticed
      and registered by the perceptual system can explain data of numerical proportion
      discrimination at least as well as the continuous Thurstonian-Gaussian model, and
      better, if the greater parsimony of the Thurstonian-binomial model is taken into
      account using AIC model selection. We conclude that Gaussian and binomial models
      represent two different fundamental principles-internal noise vs. using only a
      fraction of available information-which are both plausible descriptions of visual
      perception.

PMID- 27669705
TI  - Lung Cancer Epidemiology in Korea.
AB  - PURPOSE: The current study was undertaken to examine the trends in the lung
      cancer incidence, mortality, and survival after a diagnosis in Korea. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Lung cancer incidence data according to the histologic type and
      mortality data were obtained from the Korea Central Cancer Registry and the
      Statistics Korea, respectively. The age-standardized incidence and mortality
      rates were calculated, and the Joinpoint model and age-period-cohort analyses
      were used to describe the trends in the rates. The 5-year relative survival rates
      of lung cancer were also calculated. RESULTS: Although the number of new lung
      cancer cases increased between 1999 and 2012, the age-standardized incidence rate
      decreased by 0.9% per year in men, whereas the incidence in women increased by
      1.7% per year over the same time. Until 2010, the most common histologic type in
      men was squamous cell carcinoma, then adenocarcinoma prevailed thereafter. Since
      1999, the most frequent histological type in women was adenocarcinoma. The lung
      cancer mortality started to decrease in 2002, with a more apparent decline for
      the younger age groups in both men and women. Overall, the 5-year relative
      survival rates have improved significantly from 11.2% for men and 14.7% for women
      among patients diagnosed between 1993 and 1997 to 19.3% for men and 28.2% for
      women among patients diagnosed between 2008 and 2012, respectively. An
      improvement in survival rate was observed for all major histology groups.
      CONCLUSION: The epidemiology of lung cancer in Korea has changed over a short
      time span, with decreasing mortality and improving survival rates. Further study
      is warranted to determine the cause of these changes.

PMID- 27669704
TI  - Nomograms Predicting Platinum Sensitivity, Progression-Free Survival, and Overall
      Survival Using Pretreatment Complete Blood Cell Counts in Epithelial Ovarian
      Cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study was conducted to evaluate the prognostic significance of pre
      treatment complete blood cell count (CBC), including white blood cell (WBC)
      differential, in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients with primary debulking
      surgery (PDS) and to develop nomograms for platinum sensitivity, progression-free
      survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We
      retrospectively reviewed the records of 757 patients with EOC whose primary
      treatment consisted of surgical debulking and chemotherapy at Samsung Medical
      Center from 2002 to 2012. We subsequently created nomograms for platinum
      sensitivity, 3-year PFS, and 5-year OS as prediction models for prognostic
      variables including age, stage, grade, cancer antigen 125 level, residual disease
      after PDS, and pre-treatment WBC differential counts. The models were then
      validated by 10-fold cross-validation (CV). RESULTS: In addition to stage and
      residual disease after PDS, which are known predictors, lymphocyte and monocyte
      count were found to be significant prognostic factors for platinum-sensitivity,
      platelet count for PFS, and neutrophil count for OS on multivariate analysis. The
      area under the curves of platinum sensitivity, 3-year PFS, and 5-year OS
      calculated by the 10-fold CV procedure were 0.7405, 0.8159, and 0.815,
      respectively. CONCLUSION: Prognostic factors including pre-treatment CBC were
      used to develop nomograms for platinum sensitivity, 3-year PFS, and 5-year OS of
      patients with EOC. These nomograms can be used to better estimate individual
      outcomes.

PMID- 27669706
TI  - Proton Pump Inhibition Enhances the Cytotoxicity of Paclitaxel in Cervical
      Cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study was conducted to investigate whether a proton pump inhibitor
      (PPI) could enhance chemosensitivity via the inhibition of vacuolar-type H+
      ATPase (V-ATPase) in cervical cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The expression of V
      ATPase was evaluated in 351 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded human cervical
      cancer tissues using immunohistochemistry and compared with clinicopathologic
      risk factors for disease prognosis. The influence of cell proliferation and
      apoptosis following V-ATPase siRNA transfection or esomeprazole pretreatment was
      assessed in cervical cancer cell lines using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5
      diphenyl tetrazolium bromide and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively.
      RESULTS: Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that V-ATPase was expressed in
      about 60% of cervical cancer tissue samples (211/351), and the expression was
      predominantly found in adenocarcinoma histology (p=0.016). Among patients with
      initially bulky cervical cancer (n=89), those with V-ATPase expression had
      shorter disease-free survival (p=0.005) and overall survival (p=0.023). Co
      treatment with V-ATPase siRNA or esomeprazole with paclitaxel significantly
      decreased the cell proliferation of cervical cancer cell lines, including HeLa
      and INT407, compared to cell lines treated with paclitaxel alone (p < 0.01).
      Moreover, V-ATPase siRNA or esomeprazole followed by paclitaxel significantly
      increased the expression of active caspase-3 in these cells compared to cells
      treated with paclitaxel alone (both, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: V-ATPase was
      predominantly expressed in cervical adenocarcinoma, and the expression of V
      ATPases was associated with poor prognosis. The inhibition of V-ATPase via siRNA
      or PPI (esomeprazole) might enhance the chemosensitivity of paclitaxel in
      cervical cancer cells.

PMID- 27669707
TI  - Vouchers: A Hot Ticket for Reaching the Poor and Other Special Groups With
      Voluntary Family Planning Services.

PMID- 27669709
TI  - Inflections of the Bayesian Paradigm in Perceptual Psychology.
AB  - Bayesian modeling has gained a conspicuous position in contemporary perceptual
      psychology. It can be examined from two viewpoints: a formal one, concerning the
      logical attributes of and the algebraic operations on the components of the
      models, and a substantive one, concerning the empirical meaning of those
      components. We maintain that, while there is homogeneity between Bayesian models
      of visual perception in their formal setup, remarkable differences can be found
      in their substantive aspect, that is, how the question "Where do probabilities
      come from?" is answered when designing the models. In particular, we focus on an
      inflection that we call "congenial" because it consistently embodies the
      inversion idea of the Bayes' rule in terms of optical inversion and highlight
      delicate issues that face this inflection for a consistent realization of the
      scientific program it represents. We also suggest ideas concerning the
      organization of the Bayesian area within perceptual psychology, which appears
      variegated, with the congenial inflection in a central position, and a fringe of
      disputable classification along the border.

PMID- 27669708
TI  - Persistent fifth arch anomalies - broadening the spectrum to include a variation
      of double aortic arch vascular ring.
AB  - Fifth arch anomalies are rare and complex and frequently misdiagnosed or mistaken
      for other entities. We report a double arch vascular ring that is thought to
      consist of right fourth arch and left fifth arch components, a previously
      undescribed persistent fifth arch variant. The currently recognized spectrum and
      classification of fifth arch vascular anomalies are expanded along with
      illustrative images to justify the proposed changes. Reviewing and expanding the
      classification of fifth arch anomalies to include a double arch ring variant will
      promote recognition, correct diagnosis and appropriate management of these
      anomalies.

PMID- 27669710
TI  - Commentary on "Transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) for rectal cancer: a
      systematic review and meta-analysis of oncological and perioperative outcomes
      compared with laparoscopic total mesorectal excision", published in BMC Cancer
      2016 Jul 4;16(1):380. doi:10.1186/s12885-016-2428-5.

PMID- 27669711
TI  - Short-term outcomes of a novel endoscopic clipping device for closure of the
      internal opening in 100 anorectal fistulas.
AB  - BACKGROUND: One hundred consecutive applications of a new clipping device, the
      OTSC(r) Proctology (Ovesco Endoscopy AG), were analyzed to assess its efficacy
      for the treatment of complex anorectal fistulas. METHODS: In patients with
      anorectal fistulas, minimally invasive surgery with the OTSC(r) Proctology system
      was performed according to a standardized technique: the fistula tract was
      debrided using a special fistula brush, and the clip was applied on the internal
      fistula opening. In some of the patients, postoperative pain was evaluated using
      a visual analog scale. After 6 months, the postoperative clinical course and the
      fistula healing were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 100 OTSC(r) Proctology
      procedures were performed in 96 patients with 55 transsphincteric, 38
      suprasphincteric, 2 extrasphincteric, and 5 rectovaginal fistulas. In all but 11
      fistulas (8 Crohn's disease, 3 ulcerative colitis), the fistulas were of
      cryptoglandular origin. The median operation time was 32 min (range 17-66 min).
      There were no major intraoperative technical problems. All patients found the
      postoperative pain to be tolerable with standard pain medication. The short-term
      results of 99 clip applications were analyzed: the healing rate for first-line
      fistula therapy was 79 %, whereas in recurrent fistulas, the success rate was 26
      %. OTSC(r) Proctology was successful in 45 % of fistulas associated with
      inflammatory bowel disease and in 20 % of rectovaginal fistulas. CONCLUSIONS:
      OTSC(r) Proctology provides convincing results as first-line treatment for
      complex cryptoglandular fistulas. It is a safe, effective, minimally invasive,
      and sphincter-sparing procedure with postoperative pain comparable to other types
      of fistula surgery.

PMID- 27669712
TI  - Bone morphogenetic protein-2 provokes interleukin-18-induced human intervertebral
      disc degeneration.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Interleukin 18 (IL-18) is a regulatory cytokine that degrades the
      disc matrix. Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) stimulates synthesis of the
      disc extracellular matrix. However, the combined effects of BMP-2 and IL-18 on
      human intervertebral disc degeneration have not previously been reported. The aim
      of this study was to investigate the effects of the anabolic cytokine BMP-2 and
      the catabolic cytokine IL-18 on human nucleus pulposus (NP) and annulus fibrosus
      (AF) cells and, therefore, to identify potential therapeutic and clinical
      benefits of recombinant human (rh)BMP-2 in intervertebral disc degeneration.
      METHODS: Levels of IL-18 were measured in the blood of patients with
      intervertebral disc degenerative disease and in control patients. Human NP and AF
      cells were cultured in a NP cell medium and treated with IL-18 or IL-18 plus BMP
      2. mRNA levels of target genes were measured by real-time polymerase chain
      reaction, and protein levels of aggrecan, type II collagen, SOX6, and matrix
      metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13) were assessed by western blot analysis. RESULTS: The
      serum level of patients (IL-18) increased significantly with the grade of IVD
      degeneration. There was a dramatic alteration in IL-18 level between the advanced
      degeneration (Grade III to V) group and the normal group (p = 0.008) Furthermore,
      IL-18 induced upregulation of the catabolic regulator MMP13 and downregulation of
      the anabolic regulators aggrecan, type II collagen, and SOX6 at 24 hours,
      contributing to degradation of disc matrix enzymes. However, BMP-2 antagonised
      the IL-18 induced upregulation of aggrecan, type II collagen, and SOX6, resulting
      in reversal of IL-18 mediated disc degeneration. CONCLUSIONS: BMP-2 is anti
      catabolic in human NP and AF cells, and its effects are partially mediated
      through provocation of the catabolic effect of IL-18. These findings indicate
      that BMP-2 may be a unique therapeutic option for prevention and reversal of disc
      degeneration.Cite this article: S. Ye, B. Ju, H. Wang, K-B. Lee. Bone
      morphogenetic protein-2 provokes interleukin-18-induced human intervertebral disc
      degeneration. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:412-418. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.59.BJR-2016
      0032.R1.

PMID- 27669713
TI  - Health insurance coverage, neonatal mortality and caesarean section deliveries:
      an analysis of vital registration data in Colombia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Low-income and middle-income countries have introduced different
      health insurance schemes over the past decades, but whether different schemes are
      associated with different neonatal outcomes is yet unknown. We examined the
      association between the health insurance coverage scheme and neonatal mortality
      in Colombia. METHODS: We used Colombian national vital registration data,
      including all live births (2 506 920) and neonatal deaths (17 712) between 2008
      and 2011. We used Poisson regression models to examine the association between
      health insurance coverage and the neonatal mortality rate (NMR), distinguishing
      between women insured via the contributory scheme (40% of births, financed
      through payroll and employer's contributions), government subsidised insurance
      (47%) and the uninsured (11%). RESULTS: NMR was lower among babies born to
      mothers in the contributory scheme (6.13/1000) than in the subsidised scheme
      (7.69/1000) or the uninsured (8.38/1000). Controlling for socioeconomic and
      demographic factors, NMRs remained higher for those in the subsidised scheme (OR
      1.09, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.14) and the uninsured (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.23)
      compared to those in the contributory scheme. These differences increased in
      models that additionally controlled for caesarean section (C-section) delivery.
      This increase was due to the higher fraction of C-section deliveries among women
      in the contributory scheme (49%, compared to 34% for the subsidised scheme and
      28% for the uninsured). CONCLUSIONS: Health insurance through the contributory
      system is associated with lower neonatal mortality than insurance through the
      subsidised system or lack of insurance. Universal health insurance may not be
      sufficient to close the gap in newborn mortality between socioeconomic groups.

PMID- 27669714
TI  - Demirjian's method is unsuitable for dental age estimation.

PMID- 27669715
TI  - Validation of ultraviolet, infrared, and narrow band light alternate light
      sources for detection of bruises in a pigskin model.
AB  - Alternate light sources such as ultraviolet, narrow band, and infrared have been
      used in an attempt to reveal the presence of bruising that is not otherwise
      apparent (inapparent). The following study evaluates the ability of alternate
      light sources to enhance visibility of bruises by employing an objective
      assessment of digital photography images in conjunction with histology. A pigskin
      model was employed with bruises created by injection of blood to be not visible
      or barely visible (inapparent) under white light. The pigskin was photographed
      using alternate light source illumination. Images were assessed using the program
      Fiji(r) to measure enhancement in terms of bruise length (cm). Photography
      results were compared with histology to confirm the presence of bruising. Violet
      and blue light sources produced the greatest enhancement, both with a p < 0.0001.
      Regions that were not bruises were also enhanced with light sources in this
      study, indicating that light sources are not specific, and that their use to
      enhance the visibility of bruising should be undertaken with caution.

PMID- 27669716
TI  - PCSK9: the Critical Role of Familial Hypercholesterolemia from Discovery to
      Benefit for all : Editorial to: "Efficacy and Safety of Alirocumab in Patients
      with Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia and LDL-C of 160 mg/Dl or Higher"
      by Henry N. Ginsberg et Al.

PMID- 27669718
TI  - Healthcare Disparities in Hispanic Diabetes Care: A Propensity Score-Matched
      Study.
AB  - Hispanics represent the largest minority group in the US. Research has shown that
      the ethnic minority especially Hispanics have a disproportionate burden of
      illness associated with diabetes mellitus. However, many have been focused on
      small sample sizes with potential selection bias. This study aims to examine the
      ethnicity disparity in health care utilization and expenditures between Hispanic
      and non-Hispanics after controlling for confounding variables. Cross-sectional
      with propensity score-matched design. The study revealed that Hispanics with
      diabetes had higher poverty rates, lower education, less physical activity, and
      less health care utilization/expenditures than did non-Hispanics. The assessment
      of ethnicity differences in health care is challenging because of the potential
      biases that require careful adjustment. This study successfully identified and
      controlled for confounding bias and concluded the Hispanics disparity in health
      care utilization still exists.

PMID- 27669717
TI  - Relationship Between Negative Mood and Health Behaviors in an Immigrant and
      Refugee Population.
AB  - Immigrants experience an escalation of negative health behaviors after arrival to
      the United States. Negative mood is associated with poorer health behaviors in
      the general population; however, this relationship is understudied in immigrant
      populations. Adolescent (n = 81) and adult (n = 70) participants completed a
      health behavior survey for immigrant families using a community-based
      participatory research approach. Data was collected for mood, nutrition, and
      physical activity. Adolescents with positive mood drank less regular soda, and
      demonstrated more minutes, higher levels, and greater social support for physical
      activity (all ps < .05). Adults with positive mood reported more snacking on
      fruits/vegetables, greater self-efficacy for physical activity, and better
      physical well-being (all ps < .05). Negative mood was associated with low
      physical activity level and poor nutritional habits in adolescent and adult
      immigrants. Designing community-based programs offering strategies for mood
      management and healthy lifestyle change may be efficacious for immigrant
      populations.

PMID- 27669719
TI  - A Representative Study of Deaths of North Indian Migrants and Its Medical
      Certification Across the World.
AB  - Many Indians is moving to other nations of the world in the search of employment,
      education or other reasons. The process of globalization along with the faster
      mode of traveling and communication has facilitated this movement in the hope of
      getting more opportunities and earning of easy money abroad, than in India.
      Unfortunately, sometimes they meet a tragic end and their families in India get
      only their dead bodies back from abroad. This study focuses on these kind of
      unfortunate tragic events faced by Indians in different countries and thereby
      raise a concern on their safety abroad and necessitate the need of relooking in
      to the quality of medical certification of death and medico legal investigations
      to find out the real reasons of deaths to avoid any kind of doubt in mind. Data
      was collected from medical death certificates and passports of the deceased
      Indians. There was a total of 711 dead bodies/human remains received in 2012 at
      IGI airport New Delhi. The Middle East countries together contributed a total of
      398 (55.98 %) cases. The distribution as per manner of death shows that in
      maximum number of cases (269), the manner of death was ambiguous with unspecified
      aetiology. The study therefore recommends for upgradation of the level of medico
      legal investigations in form of 2nd autopsy in recipient country and proper
      medical death certification.

PMID- 27669720
TI  - Evaluation of the periodontal conditions of teeth with restored and non-restored
      non-carious cervical lesions.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This research evaluated the periodontal conditions of teeth with
      restored and non-restored non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs). METHOD AND
      MATERIALS: Thirty-seven patients presenting at least two contralateral teeth with
      NCCL (one restored and another non-restored) were selected. Non-restored NCCL
      teeth were classified as a control group, while the contralateral teeth restored
      within at least 3 months with a Class 5 restoration located near the gingival
      margin were classified as the test group. The periodontal parameters analyzed
      were visible plaque, probing depth, bleeding on probing, gingival recession,
      clinical attachment level, and width of keratinized tissue. Restorative
      parameters such as finishing/polishing, overhanging margins, and terminal
      restoration level were also examined. Statistical analysis included the
      comparison of periodontal and restoration parameters between groups as well as
      associations between these parameters. Data were statistically analyzed by the
      Wilcoxon, Fisher's exact, Chi-squared, and Mann-Whitney tests. The significance
      level was set at 5% (alpha < .05). RESULTS: Statistically significant differences
      between test and control groups were observed for visible plaque (P = .002),
      bleeding on probing (P = .041), and width of keratinized tissue (P = .009). Other
      clinical parameters such as probing depth (P = .812), gingival recession (P =
      .571), and clinical attachment level (P = .484), as well their associations did
      not show any statistically significant differences (P > .05). CONCLUSION:
      Restorative treatment (Class 5) of teeth with NCCL partially influenced the
      clinical parameters.

PMID- 27669721
TI  - Is immediate implant placement possible in the maxillary molar area? An
      anatomical study.
AB  - The dimensions of maxillary first molars were investigated and measured using
      cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to examine the effectiveness of immediate
      placement of implants in the maxillary molar area. The CBCT images of 68 patients
      were collected. The dimensions of the maxillary first molar sockets were measured
      in both sagittal and coronal aspects, as well as the height of the alveolar bone
      crest (ABC) to the sinus membrane (SM) at optimal implant position. Sinus
      membrane and maxillary first molar relationships were analyzed sagittally and
      coronally. Interradicular bone presence and root intrusion into the sinus (IRS)
      were also noted. No statistically significant relationship was observed between
      IRS and age or sex. However, IRS was significantly related to sagittal type, as a
      type 1 sagittal relationship was characterized by greater root intrusion. The
      socket dimensions of male subjects were statistically significantly greater than
      those of female subjects, both coronally and sagittally. Changes in the socket
      dimensions were not significantly related to age in the sagittal plane. However,
      coronal plane measurements did increase with age. ABC-SM measurements decreased
      with age, but these changes were not statistically significant. These results
      showed that the socket dimensions in the maxillary first molar area are adequate
      for wider implant placement, but an implant longer than 8 mm increased the risk
      of perforation. All oral surgeons should be familiar with these anatomical
      variations so they can adopt appropriate additional practices and inform patients
      about the risks before operating.

PMID- 27669723
TI  - Transient lingual papillitis.
AB  - A case of recurrent, clinically innocuous, but painful papules involving the
      tongue dorsum of a 25-year-old man is presented. The lesions were interpreted to
      represent a transient lingual papillitis. This a poorly understood, but benign
      and self-limited condition involving the tongue fungiform papillae, which does
      not appear to be widely recognized.

PMID- 27669722
TI  - Clinical retrospective study of self-reported penicillin allergy on dental
      implant failures and infections.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate whether self
      reported allergy to penicillin may contribute to a higher rate of postsurgical
      infection and implant failure. METHOD AND MATERIALS: This retrospective, non
      interventional, open cohort study reports on implant survival and infection
      complications of 5,576 implants placed in private practice by one periodontist,
      and includes 4,132 implants that were followed for at least 1 year. Logistic
      regression was applied to examine the relationship between self-reported allergy
      to penicillin and implant survival, while controlling for potential confounders
      such as smoking, implant site, bone augmentation, loading protocol, immediate
      implantation, and bone level at baseline. The cumulative survival rate (CSR) was
      calculated according to the life table method and the Cox proportional hazard
      model was fitted to data. RESULTS: Out of 5,106 implants placed in patients
      taking penicillin it was found that 0.8% failed, while 2.1% failed of the 470
      implants placed for patients with self-reported allergy to penicillin (P = .002).
      Odds of failure for implants placed in penicillin-allergic patients were 3.1
      times higher than in non-allergic patients. For immediate implant placement,
      penicillin-allergic patients had a failure rate 10-times higher than the non
      allergic cohort. Timing of implant failure occurring within 6 months following
      implantation was 80% in the penicillin-allergic group versus 54% in the non
      allergic group. From the 48 implant sites showing postoperative infection:
      penicillin-allergic patients had an infection rate of 3.4% (n = 16/470) versus
      0.6% in the non-allergic group (n = 32/5,106) (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Self
      reported penicillin allergy was associated with a higher rate of infection, and
      primarily affected early implant failure.

PMID- 27669724
TI  - Invasive cervical resorption following orthodontic treatment: Two cases involving
      the same patient.
AB  - : Invasive cervical resorption (ICR), a destructive form of external root
      resorption, is characterized by invasion of the fibrovascular tissue. This
      phenomenon is very rare and appears in 0.02% of the general population where the
      leading factors are orthodontics in addition to trauma, restorations, and
      bleaching. Heavy orthodontic force may increase the incidence to 1%. One of the
      main concerns regarding ICR is that it is often misdiagnosed with conventional
      diagnostic tools. In recent decades, a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)
      imaging technique has become more common and can lead to a more accurate
      diagnosis and treatment plan. This case report describes a possible association
      between orthodontic treatment and ICR of a 14-year-old male, 18 months post
      orthodontic treatment. ICR in the mandibular right canine was diagnosed and
      verified by CBCT, and underwent combined endodontic-periodontal treatment.
      However, after orthodontic forced eruption was performed on this tooth to improve
      the bone defect, ICR was diagnosed on the mandibular right second premolar. The
      possible association between orthodontic treatment and ICR is discussed, as ICR
      was noted following orthodontic treatment on both occasions. This case report
      stresses the importance of ICR early detection by close attention to periodic
      radiographic checkups during orthodontic treatment. The use of modern diagnostic
      tools is highly recommended in suspicious cases. CONCLUSION: A case is described
      in which the patient underwent two types of orthodontic treatment in the mandible
      at different time periods and developed ICR in two different teeth.

PMID- 27669725
TI  - Comparison of self-perceived oral symptoms and periodontal parameters among
      habitual ?shamma-chewers, gutka-chewers, and non-chewers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: There are no studies that have (a) compared self-perceived oral
      symptoms and clinical and radiographic periodontal parameters (plaque index [PI],
      bleeding on probing [BoP], clinical attachment loss [CAL], and marginal bone loss
      [MBL]) among shamma-chewers (SC) and gutka-chewers (GC); and (b) assessed
      periodontal parameters among SC. The aim of the present study was to compare the
      self-perceived oral symptoms and periodontal parameters among SC, GC, and
      controls. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Information regarding demographic characteristics
      and self-perceived oral symptoms was gathered using a structured questionnaire.
      Odds ratios were computed for self-perceived oral symptoms and periodontal
      parameters and compared between the groups. For multiple comparisons, the
      Bonferroni post-hoc test was used. Level of significance was set at P < .05.
      RESULTS: Forty-seven SC, 45 GC, and 41 control individuals were included. Group
      comparisons for pain in teeth, pain on chewing, bleeding gums, and burning
      sensation in the mouth showed no statistically significant difference among SC
      and GC. These symptoms were significantly higher in SC (P < .01) and GC (P < .01)
      than controls. PI, BoP, PD (4-6 mm and > 6 mm), and CAL were significantly higher
      in SC (P < .05) and GC (P < .05) than controls. There was no statistically
      significant difference in PI, BoP, PD (4-6 mm and > 6 mm), and CAL among SC and
      GC. There was no statistically significant influence of daily frequency of
      smokeless tobacco consumption and duration of placement in the mouth on the
      severity of periodontal parameters. CONCLUSION: Self-perceived oral symptoms and
      periodontal parameters were worse among SC and GC than controls, with no
      statistically significant difference when comparing these findings between SC and
      GC.

PMID- 27669726
TI  - Factors associated with postobturation pain following single-visit nonsurgical
      root canal treatment: ?A systematic review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Reducing the pain after root canal therapy is a key aspect in
      endodontic practice. The present systematic review aimed to identify the factors
      that influence postobturation pain (POP) in patients receiving single-visit
      nonsurgical root canal treatment. DATA SOURCES: A literature search was performed
      manually and in Pubmed (Medline) database to identify relevant articles. A data
      extraction form was constructed and data were collected from the identified
      articles. RESULTS: In total, 24 articles were identified for the systematic
      review, and factors associated with POP were tabulated. CONCLUSION: Specific
      preoperative factors (old age, sex, molar teeth, mandibular teeth, presence of
      preoperative pain, and absence of periapical radiolucency) and procedures
      (administration of prophylactic drug, bupivicaine anesthetic agent, radiograph or
      apex locator working length determination methods, instrumentation, irrigating
      system, laser, cold lateral compaction obturation technique, reducing the
      occlusion, and postoperative drugs) were associated with POP.

PMID- 27669727
TI  - Evaluation of root canal transportation, centering ratio, and remaining dentin
      thickness of TRUShape and ProTaper Next systems in curved root canals using micro
      computed tomography.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the volume of removed dentin, transportation,
      and centering ability of TRUShape (TRS; Dentsply Tulsa Dental Specialties) system
      with ProTaper Next (PTN; Dentsply Maillefer) by using micro-computed tomography
      (uCT). METHOD AND MATERIALS: Twenty extracted human mandibular first molars with
      two separate mesial canals with curvatures of 25 to 35 degrees were divided into
      two experimental groups (n = 20) according to the rotary nickel-titanium file
      system used in canal instrumentation as follows: group TRS and group PTN. Canals
      were scanned before and after instrumentation using uCT to evaluate root canal
      transportation, centering ratio, and volumetric changes. Data of canal
      transportation and centering ratio values were analyzed using independent t test.
      Volume changes data were statistically analyzed using Mann-Whitney test.
      Statistical significance level was set at P < .05. RESULTS: The PTN group had a
      significantly lower mean volume of removed dentin (2.09 +/- 0.41 mm3) than the
      TRS group (2.77 +/- 0.72 mm3) (P < .05). At the coronal level, there was no
      significant difference in canal transportation (P = .170) and centering ratio (P
      = .111) between TRS and PTN groups. However, at the apical and middle levels, the
      PTN group had a significantly lower mean transportation value and higher
      centering ratio than the TRS group (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Root canal preparation
      with the PTN system revealed better performance with fewer canal aberrations than
      the TRS system in curved root canals.

PMID- 27669728
TI  - Epicardial potentials computed from the body surface potential map using inverse
      electrocardiography and an individualised torso model improve sensitivity for
      acute myocardial infarction diagnosis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Epicardial potentials (EPs) derived from the body surface potential
      map (BSPM) improve acute myocardial infarction (AMI) diagnosis. In this study, we
      compared EPs derived from the 80-lead BSPM using a standard thoracic volume
      conductor model (TVCM) with those derived using a patient-specific torso model
      (PSTM) based on body mass index (BMI). METHODS: Consecutive patients presenting
      to both the emergency department and pre-hospital coronary care unit between
      August 2009 and August 2011 with acute ischaemic-type chest pain at rest were
      enrolled. At first medical contact, 12-lead electrocardiograms and BSPMs were
      recorded. The BMI for each patient was calculated. Cardiac troponin T (cTnT) was
      sampled 12 hours after symptom onset. Patients were excluded from analysis if
      they had any ECG confounders to interpretation of the ST-segment. A cardiologist
      assessed the 12-lead ECG for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction by
      Minnesota criteria and the BSPM. BSPM ST-elevation (STE) was ?0.2 mV in anterior,
      ?0.1 mV in lateral, inferior, right ventricular or high right anterior and ?0.05
      mV in posterior territories. To derive EPs, the BSPM data were interpolated to
      yield values at 352 nodes of a Dalhousie torso. Using an inverse solution based
      on the boundary element method, EPs at 98 cardiac nodes positioned within a
      standard TVCM were derived. The TVCM was then scaled to produce a PSTM using a
      model developed from computed tomography in 48 patients of varying BMIs, and EPs
      were recalculated. EPs >0.3 mV defined STE. A cardiologist blinded to both the 12
      lead ECG and BSPM interpreted the EP map. AMI was defined as cTnT ?0.1 ug/L.
      RESULTS: Enrolled were 400 patients (age 62 +/- 13 years; 57% male); 80 patients
      had exclusion criteria. Of the remaining 320 patients, the BMI was an average of
      27.8 +/- 5.6 kg/m2. Of these, 180 (56%) had AMI. Overall, 132 had Minnesota STE
      on ECG (sensitivity 65%, specificity 89%) and 160 had BSPM STE (sensitivity 81%,
      specificity 90%). EP STE occurred in 165 patients using TVCM (sensitivity 88%,
      specificity 95%; p < 0.001) and in 206 patients using PSTM (sensitivity 98%,
      specificity 79%; p < 0.001). Of those with AMI by cTnT and EPs ?0.3 mV using TVCM
      ( n = 22), 18 (82%) patients had EPs >0.3 mV when an individualised PSTM was
      used. CONCLUSION: Among patients presenting with ischaemic-type chest pain at
      rest, EPs derived from BSPM using a novel PSTM significantly improve sensitivity
      for AMI diagnosis.

PMID- 27669729
TI  - Age-specific prognostication after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest - The ethical
      dilemma between 'life-sustaining treatment' and 'the right to die' in the
      elderly.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While prognostic values on survival after out-of-hospital cardiac
      arrest have been well investigated, less attention has been paid to their age
      specific relevance. Therefore, we aimed to identify suitable age-specific early
      prognostication in elderly patients suffering out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in
      order to reduce the burden of unnecessary treatment and harm. METHODS: In a
      prospective population-based observational trial on individuals suffering out-of
      hospital cardiac arrest, a total of 2223 patients receiving resuscitation
      attempts by the local emergency medical service in Vienna, Austria, were
      enrolled. Patients were stratified according to age as follows: young and middle
      aged individuals (<65 years), young old individuals (65-74 years), old
      individuals (75-84 years) and very old individuals (>85 years). RESULTS: There
      was an increasing rate of 30-day mortality (+21.8%, p < 0.001) and unfavourable
      neurological outcome (+18.8%, p < 0.001) with increasing age among age groups.
      Established predictive variables lost their prognostic potential with increasing
      age, even after adjusting for potential confounders. Independently, an initially
      shockable electrocardiogram proved to be directly associated with survival, with
      an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 2.04 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.89-2.38, p
      = 0.003) for >85-year-olds. Frailty was directly associated with mortality (HR
      1.22, 95% CI 1.01-1.51, p = 0.049), showing a 30-day survival of 5.6% and a
      favourable neurological outcome of 1.1% among elderly individuals. CONCLUSION: An
      initially shockable electrocardiogram proved to be a suitable tool for risk
      assessment and decision making in order to predict a successful outcome in
      elderly victims of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. However, the outcomes of
      elderly patients seemed to be exceptionally poor in frail individuals and need to
      be considered in order to reduce unnecessary treatment decisions.

PMID- 27669731
TI  - A Randomized Controlled Trial Exploring the Effects of Brief Anger Management on
      Community-Based Offenders in Malta.
AB  - The aim of this article is to examine the effects of a short-term one-to-one
      anger management program delivered to community-based offenders in Malta. The
      program delivered was the Individual Managing Anger Program (I-MAP), a Cognitive
      behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based anger management intervention
      developed as an EU project. A randomized control trial (RCT)with waitlist
      controls was carried out to investigate the effects of I-MAP on the reduction in
      anger dysfunction among offenders serving a community-based sanction.
      Participants were 24 male offenders aged between 18 and 57. Eligibility for
      treatment was based on screening for anger dysfunction and success of
      interventions was determined through psychometric measures. All the statistical
      analyses carried out showed significant reduction in psychometric scores on anger
      symptoms. Results of the interventions show clinical significance. These results
      are discussed in light of recent research.

PMID- 27669732
TI  - Sex Offending and Situational Motivation: Findings From a Qualitative Analysis of
      Desistance From Sexual Offending.
AB  - Sex offending is typically understood from a pathology perspective with the
      origin of the behavior thought to be within the offending individual. Such a
      perspective may not be beneficial for those seeking to desist from sexual
      offending and reintegrate into mainstream society. A thematic analysis of 32 self
      narratives of men convicted of sexual offences against children suggests that
      such individuals typically explain their pasts utilizing a script consistent with
      routine activity theory, emphasizing the role of circumstantial changes in both
      the onset of and desistance from sexual offending. It is argued that the self
      framing of serious offending in this way might be understood as a form of "shame
      management," a protective cognition that enables desistance by shielding
      individuals from internalizing stigma for past violence.

PMID- 27669730
TI  - Antithymocyte Globulin Plus G-CSF Combination Therapy Leads to Sustained
      Immunomodulatory and Metabolic Effects in a Subset of Responders With Established
      Type 1 Diabetes.
AB  - Low-dose antithymocyte globulin (ATG) plus pegylated granulocyte colony
      stimulating factor (G-CSF) preserves beta-cell function for at least 12 months in
      type 1 diabetes. Herein, we describe metabolic and immunological parameters 24
      months following treatment. Patients with established type 1 diabetes (duration 4
      24 months) were randomized to ATG and pegylated G-CSF (ATG+G-CSF) (N = 17) or
      placebo (N = 8). Primary outcomes included C-peptide area under the curve (AUC)
      following a mixed-meal tolerance test (MMTT) and flow cytometry. "Responders" (12
      month C-peptide >= baseline), "super responders" (24-month C-peptide >=
      baseline), and "nonresponders" (12-month C-peptide < baseline) were evaluated for
      biomarkers of outcome. At 24 months, MMTT-stimulated AUC C-peptide was not
      significantly different in ATG+G-CSF (0.49 nmol/L/min) versus placebo (0.29
      nmol/L/min). Subjects treated with ATG+G-CSF demonstrated reduced CD4+ T cells
      and CD4+/CD8+ T-cell ratio and increased CD16+CD56hi natural killer cells (NK),
      CD4+ effector memory T cells (Tem), CD4+PD-1+ central memory T cells (Tcm), Tcm
      PD-1 expression, and neutrophils. FOXP3+Helios+ regulatory T cells (Treg) were
      elevated in ATG+G-CSF subjects at 6, 12, and 18 but not 24 months.
      Immunophenotyping identified differential HLA-DR expression on monocytes and NK
      and altered CXCR3 and PD-1 expression on T-cell subsets. As such, a group of
      metabolic and immunological responders was identified. A phase II study of ATG+G
      CSF in patients with new-onset type 1 diabetes is ongoing and may support ATG+G
      CSF as a prevention strategy in high-risk subjects.

PMID- 27669733
TI  - Mechanisms Underlying Acrolein-Mediated Inhibition of Chromatin Assembly.
AB  - Acrolein is a major component of cigarette smoke and cooking fumes. Previously,
      we reported that acrolein compromises chromatin assembly; however, underlying
      mechanisms have not been defined. Here, we report that acrolein reacts with
      lysine residues, including lysines 5 and 12, sites important for chromatin
      assembly, on histone H4 in vitro and in vivo Acrolein-modified histones are
      resistant to acetylation, suggesting that the reduced H4K12 acetylation that
      occurs following acrolein exposure is probably due to the formation of acrolein
      histone lysine adducts. Accordingly, the association of H3/H4 with the histone
      chaperone ASF1 and importin 4 is disrupted and the translocation of green
      fluorescent protein-tagged H3 is inhibited in cells exposed to acrolein.
      Interestingly, in vitro plasmid supercoiling assays revealed that treatment of
      either histones or ASF1 with acrolein has no effect on the formation of plasmid
      supercoiling, indicating that acrolein-protein adduct formation itself does not
      directly interfere with nucleosome assembly. Notably, exposure of histones to
      acrolein prior to histone acetylation leads to the inhibition of remodeling and
      spacing factor chromatin assembly, which requires acetylated histones for
      efficient assembly. These results suggest that acrolein compromises chromatin
      assembly by reacting with histone lysine residues at the sites critical for
      chromatin assembly and prevents these sites from physiological modifications.

PMID- 27669735
TI  - Bone Densitometry in Children and Adolescents.
AB  - Concerns about bone health and potential fragility in children and adolescents
      have led to a high interest in bone densitometry. Pediatric patients with genetic
      and acquired chronic diseases, immobility, and inadequate nutrition may fail to
      achieve expected gains in bone size, mass, and strength, leaving them vulnerable
      to fracture. In older adults, bone densitometry has been shown to predict
      fracture risk and reflect response to therapy. The role of densitometry in the
      management of children at risk of bone fragility is less clear. This clinical
      report summarizes current knowledge about bone densitometry in the pediatric
      population, including indications for its use, interpretation of results, and
      risks and costs. The report emphasizes updated consensus statements generated at
      the 2013 Pediatric Position Development Conference of the International Society
      of Clinical Densitometry by an international panel of bone experts. Some of these
      recommendations are evidence-based, whereas others reflect expert opinion,
      because data are sparse on many topics. The statements from this and other expert
      panels provide general guidance to the pediatrician, but decisions about ordering
      and interpreting bone densitometry still require clinical judgment. The
      interpretation of bone densitometry results in children differs from that in
      older adults. The terms "osteopenia" and "osteoporosis" based on bone
      densitometry findings alone should not be used in younger patients; instead, bone
      mineral content or density that falls >2 SDs below expected is labeled "low for
      age." Pediatric osteoporosis is defined by the Pediatric Position Development
      Conference by using 1 of the following criteria: >=1 vertebral fractures
      occurring in the absence of local disease or high-energy trauma (without or with
      densitometry measurements) or low bone density for age and a significant fracture
      history (defined as >=2 long bone fractures before 10 years of age or >=3 long
      bone fractures before 19 years of age). Ongoing research will help define the
      indications and best methods for assessing bone strength in children and the
      clinical factors that contribute to fracture risk. The Pediatric Endocrine
      Society affirms the educational value of this publication.

PMID- 27669734
TI  - Regulation of Linear Ubiquitin Chain Assembly Complex by Caspase-Mediated
      Cleavage of RNF31.
AB  - Cell death and survival signaling pathways have opposed but fundamental functions
      for various cellular processes and maintain cell homeostasis through cross talk.
      Here we report a novel mechanism of interaction between these two pathways
      through the cleavage of RNF31 by caspases. RNF31, a component of the linear
      ubiquitin chain assembly complex (LUBAC), regulates cell survival by inducing
      linear ubiquitination of NF-kappaB signaling components. We found that RNF31 is
      cleaved under apoptosis conditions through various stimulations. The effector
      caspases caspase 3 and caspase 6 are responsible for this event, and aspartates
      348, 387, and 390 were identified as target sites for this cleavage. Cleavage of
      RNF31 suppressed its ability to activate NF-kappaB signaling; thus, mutation of
      cleavage sites inhibited the induction of apoptosis by treatment with tumor
      necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). Our findings elucidate a novel regulatory loop
      between cell death and the survival signal and may provide guidance for the
      development of therapeutic strategies for cancers through the sensitization of
      tumor cells to death-inducing drugs.

PMID- 27669736
TI  - Risk of Autism Associated With Hyperbilirubinemia and Phototherapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Whether neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and/or phototherapy increase the
      risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is unclear. We sought to quantify the risk
      of ASD associated with elevated total serum bilirubin (TSB) levels and with
      phototherapy. METHODS: In a retrospective cohort study of 525 409 infants born at
      >=35 weeks' gestation in 15 Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC)
      hospitals, 1995-2011, we obtained all TSB levels and determined which infants
      received phototherapy. From the KPNC Autism Registry, we identified patients with
      ASD diagnosed at a KPNC Autism Center, by a clinical specialist, or by a
      pediatrician. We calculated Cox proportional hazard ratios (HRs) for time to
      diagnosis of ASD, adjusting for confounding factors. RESULTS: Among infants in
      the birth cohort, 2% had at least 1 TSB level >=20 mg/dL, and 8% received
      phototherapy. The rate of ASD was 13 per 1000 births. Crude analyses revealed an
      association between TSB >=20 and ASD (relative risk: 1.4; 95% confidence interval
      [CI]: 1.1-1.6), and between phototherapy and ASD (relative risk: 1.7; 95% CI: 1.5
      1.8). After adjusting for confounders, TSB >=20 (HR: 1.09; 95% CI: 0.89-1.35) and
      phototherapy (HR: 1.10; 95% CI: 0.98-1.24) were no longer significantly
      associated with ASD. Independent risk factors for ASD included maternal and
      paternal age; maternal and paternal higher education; male sex; birth weight
      <2500 g or >=4200 g; and later year of birth. CONCLUSIONS: After adjustment for
      the effects of sociodemographic factors and birth weight, neither
      hyperbilirubinemia nor phototherapy was an independent risk factor for ASD.

PMID- 27669737
TI  - Changes in Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity Among Older Adolescents.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Examined patterns and determinants of objectively measured moderate
      to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) over 4 years in US emerging adults. METHODS:
      Waves 1 through 4 (W1 [10th grade] to W4 data of a national cohort starting in
      2010 (N = 561; 16.19 +/- 0.51 years) were used. MVPA was assessed annually from
      accelerometers; BMI calculated from measured height/weight; and surveys
      ascertained self-reported physical activity (PA) planning, peer PA , family
      support, W1 sociodemographics, W4 school status, W4 residence, and W4 employment.
      Latent growth modeling estimated trajectories in log-transformed duration
      (minutes/day) of MVPA and associations with covariates. RESULTS: Less than 9% of
      participants met the recommended 60+ minutes/day MVPA across W1 through W4. W1
      MVPA was greater in males versus females (B = 0.46, P < .001) and Hispanic versus
      White (B = 0.34, P < .001) participants. Increased BMI change (W1 to W4 slope)
      was associated with decreased MVPA. MVPA was positively associated with PA
      planning (W1-W3: B = 0.10, B = 0.06, B = 0.08, Ps < .05), but not with peer PA or
      family support. Participants attending 4-year college versus not-attending school
      (B = 0.52, P < .001), and college students living on campus versus at home (B =
      0.37, P < .001) were more likely to engage in MVPA at W4. Weekend MVPA remained
      relatively constant from W1 through W4. CONCLUSIONS: High-school students engaged
      in little MVPA and maintained this low level through the transition to adulthood.
      Emerging adults' MVPA engagement may vary according to social contexts. Those
      with high BMI may benefit most from interventions to promote MVPA.

PMID- 27669740
TI  - Daptomycin Leakage Is Selective.
AB  - Daptomycin is a lipopeptide antibiotic approved for use against Gram-positive
      organisms, including highly resistant species. A number of studies have suggested
      that daptomycin kills bacteria by membrane permeabilization and depolarization.
      Recently a model membrane system consisting of 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3
      phosphocholine and 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-(1'-rac-glycerol) in a
      1:1 ratio and the ionophore CCCP was proposed as a simple model to investigate
      the mode of action of daptomycin and resistance mechanisms at a molecular level.
      This study investigates how this model depends on the composition of the membrane
      and the role of CCCP. Results obtained from a fluorescence assay using pyranine
      show that daptomycin causes leakage in liposomes of limited stability and that
      CCCP promotes this leakage. A different model membrane system used here, which
      relies on ion selective dyes such as 4,4'-[1,4,10,13-tetraoxa-7,16
      diazacyclooctadecane-7,16-diylbis(5-methoxy-6,2-benzofurandiyl)]bis-,
      tetrakis[(acetyloxy)methyl] ester (PBFI), and 4,4'-[1,4,10-trioxa-7,13
      diazacyclopentadecane-7,13-diylbis(5-methoxy-6,2-benzofurandiyl)]bis-,
      tetraammonium salt (SBFI), is a more robust alternative. Findings based on this
      newer model suggest that daptomycin is selective for potassium.

PMID- 27669738
TI  - Associations of P16INK4a promoter hypermethylation with squamous intra-epithelial
      lesion, cervical cancer and their clinicopathological features: a meta-analysis.
AB  - To assess the associations of P16INK4a methylation status with low-grade squamous
      intra-epithelial lesion (LSIL), high-grade squamous intra-epithelial lesion
      (HSIL), cervical cancer (CC) and their clinicopathological features, a meta
      analysis with 29 eligible studies was conducted. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with
      their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated to assess the strength of the
      associations. Heterogeneity, sensitivity of pooled results and publication bias
      were also evaluated. Overall, there was an increasing trend of P16INK4a
      hypermethylation rates among LSIL (21.4%), HSIL (30.9%) and CC (35.0%) specimens.
      P16INK4a hypermethylation was significantly associated with the increased risk of
      LSIL, HSIL and CC, with the pooled ORs of 3.26 (95% CI: 1.86-5.71), 5.80 (95% CI:
      3.80-8.84) and 12.17 (95% CI: 5.86-25.27), respectively. A significant
      association was also found between P16INK4a hypermethylation and smoking habit
      (OR = 3.88, 95% CI: 2.13-7.08). Taken together, meta-analysis results support
      P16INK4a hypermethylation as an epigenetic marker for the progression of cervical
      carcinogenesis.

PMID- 27669739
TI  - The human nucleophosmin 1 mutation A inhibits myeloid differentiation of leukemia
      cells by modulating miR-10b.
AB  - Mutations in the nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1) gene are the most frequent genetic
      alteration in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Here, we showed that enforced
      expression of NPM1 mutation type A (NPM1-mA) inhibits myeloid differentiation of
      leukemia cells, whereas knockdown of NPM1-mA has the opposite effect. Our
      analyses of normal karyotype AML samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)
      dataset revealed that miR-10b is commonly overexpressed in NPM1-mutated AMLs. We
      also found high expression of miR-10b in primary NPM1-mutated AML blasts and NPM1
      mA positive OCI-AML3 cells. In addition, NPM1-mA knockdown enhanced myeloid
      differentiation, while induced expression of miR-10b reversed this effect.
      Finally, we showed that KLF4 is downregulated in NPM1-mutated AMLs. These results
      demonstrated that miR-10b exerts its effects by repressing the translation of
      KLF4 and that NPM1-mA inhibits myeloid differentiation through the miR-10b/KLF4
      axis. This sheds new light on the effect of NPM1 mutations' on leukemogenesis.

PMID- 27669741
TI  - The factor structure of the 12-item general health questionnaire (GHQ-12) in
      young Chinese civil servants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) is a commonly used
      screening instrument for measuring mental disorders. However, few studies have
      measured the mental health of Chinese professionals or explored the factor
      structure of the GHQ-12 through investigations of young Chinese civil servants.
      METHOD: This study analyses the factor structure of the GHQ-12 on young Chinese
      civil servants. Respondents include 1051 participants from six cities in eastern
      China. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) is used to identify the potential factor
      structure of the GHQ-12. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) models of previous
      studies are referred to for model fitting. RESULTS: The results indicate the GHQ
      12 has very good reliability and validity. All ten CFA models are well fitted
      with the actual data. CONCLUSION: All the ten models are feasible and fit the
      data equally well. The Chinese version of the GHQ-12 is suitable for professional
      groups and can serve as a screening tool to detect anxiety and psychiatric
      disorders.

PMID- 27669742
TI  - ITRAQ-Based Proteomic Analysis of the Metabolic Mechanisms Behind Lipid
      Accumulation and Degradation during Peanut Seed Development and Postgermination.
AB  - Peanut seeds have a high oil content making them an important oil crop. During
      development and germination, seeds undergo complex dynamic and physiological
      changes. Changes in lipid metabolism and underlying mechanisms during seed
      development have been studied extensively by DNA and RNA sequencing; however,
      there are few studies on dynamic changes of proteomics during peanut seed
      development and germination. In this study, proteomic analyses were carried out
      20, 40, 60, and 80 days after pollination and 5, 10, 20, and 30 days after
      germination using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ)
      technology to determine the protein profiles of lipid dynamics during peanut seed
      development and postgermination. A total of 5712 of 8505 proteins were
      identified, quantified, and divided into 23 functional groups, the largest of
      which was metabolism-related. Further analyses of the proteins and their pathways
      revealed initiation of fatty acid accumulation at early stages after flowering,
      while lipid degradation occurred largely through the lipoxygenase-dependent
      pathway. Protein expression patterns related to lipid accumulation and
      degradation were also verified at transcript levels using quantitative real-time
      polymerase chain reaction. The proteome profiles determined here will
      significantly enrich our understanding of the process of lipid accumulation and
      degradation and the dynamic changes in metabolic networks during peanut
      development.

PMID- 27669743
TI  - Couplings Across the Vibrational Spectrum Caused by Strong Hydrogen Bonds: A
      Continuum 2D IR Study of the 7-Azaindole-Acetic Acid Heterodimer.
AB  - Strongly hydrogen-bonded motifs provide structural stability and can act as
      proton transfer relays to drive chemical processes in biological and chemical
      systems. However, structures with medium and strong hydrogen bonds are difficult
      to study due to their characteristically broad vibrational bands and large
      anharmonicity. This is further complicated by strong interactions between the
      high-frequency hydrogen-bonded vibrational modes, fingerprint modes, and low
      frequency intradimer modes that modulate the hydrogen-bonding. Understanding
      these structures and their associated dynamics requires studying much of the
      vibrational spectrum. Here, mid-IR continuum spectroscopy of the cyclic 7
      azaindole-acetic acid (7AI-AcOH) heterodimer reveals the vibrational relaxation
      dynamics and couplings of this complex hydrogen-bonded system. Within this dimer,
      the NH bond of 7AI exhibits a band at 3250 cm-1 caused by a medium strength
      hydrogen bond, while the strongly hydrogen-bonded OH modes of acetic acid exhibit
      a broad double-peaked vibrational feature spanning 1750 to 2750 cm-1. Transient
      IR and 2D IR experiments were performed using three excitation frequencies,
      centered on the high-frequency OH and NH modes, and probed with a mid-IR
      continuum to measure the spectral response from 1000 to 3500 cm-1. While the NH
      stretch is observed to relax in 300 fs, the strongly hydrogen-bonded OH modes
      relax within the time resolution of the experiment (sub-100 fs). The difference
      in the strength of the hydrogen bonds is also reflected in the coupling pattern
      in the fingerprint region observed with 2D IR spectroscopy. Here the NH is
      strongly coupled to fingerprint modes involving the 7AI monomer, while the OH
      vibrations are strongly coupled to vibrational modes across the entire dimer.
      Together, the results show strong coupling and rapid energy transfer across the
      hydrogen-bonded interface and through the structure of the 7-azaindole-acetic
      acid heterodimer, highlighting the need to study the full vibrational spectrum
      for strongly hydrogen-bonded systems.

PMID- 27669744
TI  - De novo transcriptomic analysis of Chlorella sorokiniana reveals differential
      genes expression in photosynthetic carbon fixation and lipid production.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Microalgae, which can absorb carbon dioxide and then transform it
      into lipid, are promising candidates to produce renewable energy, especially
      biodiesel. The paucity of genomic information, however, limits the development of
      genome-based genetic modification to improve lipid production in many microalgae.
      Here, we describe the de novo sequencing, transcriptome assembly, annotation and
      differential expression analysis for Chlorella sorokiniana cultivated in
      different conditions to reveal the change of genes expression associated with
      lipid accumulation and photosynthetic carbon fixation. RESULTS: Six cultivation
      conditions were selected to cultivate C. sorokiniana. Lipid content of C.
      sorokiniana under nitrogen-limited condition was 2.96 times than that under
      nitrogen-replete condition. When cultivated in light with nitrogen-limited
      supply, C. sorokiniana can use carbon dioxide to accumulate lipid. Then,
      transcriptome of C. sorokiniana was sequenced using Illumina paired-end
      sequencing technology, and 244,291,069 raw reads with length of 100 bp were
      produced. After preprocessed, these reads were de novo assembled into 63,811
      contigs among which 23,528 contigs were found homologous sequences in public
      databases through Blastx. Gene expression abundance under six conditions were
      quantified by calculating FPKM value. Ultimately, we found 385 genes at least 2
      fold up-regulated while 71 genes at least 2-fold down-regulated in nitrogen
      limited condition. Also, 204 genes were at least 2-fold up-regulated in light
      while 638 genes at least 2-fold down-regulated. Finally, 16 genes were selected
      to conduct RT-qPCR and 15 genes showed the similar results as those identified by
      transcriptomic analysis in term of differential expression. CONCLUSIONS: De novo
      transcriptomic analyses have generated enormous information over C. sorokiniana,
      revealing a broad overview of genomic information related to lipid accumulation
      and photosynthetic carbon fixation. The genes with expression change under
      different conditions are highly likely the potential targets for genetic
      modification to improve lipid production and CO2 fixation efficiency in
      oleaginous microalgae.

PMID- 27669745
TI  - Ethnic inequalities in cancer incidence and mortality: census-linked cohort
      studies with 87 million years of person-time follow-up.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cancer makes up a large and increasing proportion of excess mortality
      for indigenous, marginalised and socioeconomically deprived populations, and much
      of this inequality is preventable. This study aimed to determine which cancers
      give rise to changing ethnic inequalities over time. METHODS: New Zealand census
      data from 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, and 2006, were all probabilistically
      linked to three to five subsequent years of mortality (68 million person-years)
      and cancer registrations (87 million person years) and weighted for linkage bias.
      Age-standardised rate differences (SRDs) for Maori (indigenous) and Pacific
      peoples, each compared to European/Other, were decomposed by cancer type.
      RESULTS: The absolute size and percentage of the cancer contribution to excess
      mortality increased from 1981-86 to 2006-11 in Maori males (SRD 72.5 to 102.0 per
      100,000) and females (SRD 72.2 to 109.4), and Pacific females (SRD -9.8 to 42.2)
      each compared to European/Other. Specifically, excess mortality (SRDs) increased
      for breast cancer in Maori females (linear trend p < 0.01) and prostate (p <
      0.01) and colorectal cancers (p < 0.01) in Maori males. The incidence gap (SRDs)
      increased for breast (Maori and Pacific females p < 0.01), endometrial (Pacific
      females p < 0.01) and liver cancers (Maori males p = 0.04), and for cervical
      cancer it decreased (Maori females p = 0.03). The colorectal cancer incidence gap
      which formerly favoured Maori, decreased for Maori males and females (p < 0.01).
      The greatest contributors to absolute inequalities (SRDs) in mortality in 2006-11
      were lung cancer (Maori males 50 %, Maori females 44 %, Pacific males 81 %),
      breast cancer (Maori females 18 %, Pacific females 23 %) and stomach cancers
      (Maori males 9 %, Pacific males 16 %, Pacific females 20 %). The top contributors
      to the ethnic gap in cancer incidence were lung, breast, stomach, endometrial and
      liver cancer. CONCLUSIONS: A transition is occurring in what diseases contribute
      to inequalities. The increasing excess incidence and mortality rates in several
      obesity- and health care access-related cancers provide a sentinel warning of the
      emerging drivers of ethnic inequalities. Action to further address inequalities
      in cancer burden needs to be multi-pronged with attention to enhanced control of
      tobacco, obesity, and carcinogenic infectious agents, and focus on addressing
      access to effective screening and quality health care.

PMID- 27669746
TI  - The effectiveness of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in a patient with post
      myocardial infarct ventricular septal defect.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Post infarction ventricular septal defect (VSD) is an uncommon but
      life threatening complication of acute myocardial infarction. CASE PRESENTATION:
      A 62-year-old woman was admitted with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However,
      the day after angioplasty and stenting, Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE)
      showed post infarction VSD. We decided to insert an extracorporeal membrane
      oxygenation (ECMO) device for stabilization purposes before surgical repair.
      After 4 days from the implantation, we performed surgical repair successfully.
      CONCLUSIONS: When optimal medical treatment fails to stabilize a patient in
      cardiogenic shock, peripheral ECMO could be used as a bridge to definitive
      surgical therapy.

PMID- 27669748
TI  - Erratum to: Multiplex immunoassay characterization and species comparison of
      inflammation in acute and non-acute ischemic infarcts in human and mouse brain
      tissue.

PMID- 27669747
TI  - Assessment of three fasting plasma glucose targets for insulin glargine-based
      therapy in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus in China: study protocol for a
      randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A large proportion of patients with T2DM in China do not meet
      accepted HbA1c targets despite the availability of guidelines that describe a
      treatment pathway for achieving glycemic control. The aim of this study is to
      identify the fasting plasma glucose (FPG) target that will provide the highest
      control rate of HbA1c <7 % in Chinese patients with T2DM treated with an insulin
      glargine-based regimen as an adjunct to an established OAD regimen. This
      information will support improvements in diabetes care management in China.
      METHODS: Approximately 934 men and women aged >=18 to <=65 years with poorly
      controlled T2DM will be enrolled and randomized to one of three FPG target
      groups; <=5.6 mmol/L, <=6.1 mmol/L, or <=7.0 mmol/L. They will be initiated on
      daily insulin glargine (Lantus(r)) in addition to their usual OAD regimen for 24
      weeks. Patients will self-monitor fasting blood glucose (SM-FBG), and the study
      physician will titrate the basal insulin dose according to the SM-FBG results. In
      addition, HbA1c and safety will be recorded. We plan to statistically derive the
      optimal FPG target for an HbA1c of <7 %. DISCUSSION: In China, treatment
      strategies that would achieve an optimum balance between glycemic control (as per
      HbA1c) and hypoglycemia are imperative to ensure improvements in the management
      of T2DM. Furthermore, elucidating the contribution of FPG to HbA1c in Chinese
      patients with T2DM and identifying a predictable relationship between FPG and
      HbA1c would be a valuable tool for patient self-management of diabetes. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: NCT02545842 . Registered on 8 September 2015.

PMID- 27669754
TI  - Evaluation of metal contamination and phytoremediation potential of aquatic
      macrophytes of East Kolkata Wetlands, India.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The present study analyzes metal contamination in sediment of the
      East Kolkata Wetlands, a Ramsar site, which is receiving a huge amount of
      domestic and industrial wastewater from surrounding areas. The subsequent uptake
      and accumulation of metals in different macrophytes are also examined in regard
      to their phytoremediation potential. METHODS: Metals like cadmium (Cd), copper
      (Cu), manganese (Mn), and lead (Pb) were estimated in sediment, water and
      different parts of the macrophytes Colocasia esculenta and Scirpus articulatus.
      RESULTS: The concentration of metals in sediment were, from highest to lowest, Mn
      (205.0+/-65.5 mg/kg)>Cu (29.9+/-10.2 mg/kg)>Pb (22.7+/-10.3 mg/kg)>Cd (3.7+/-2.2
      mg/kg). The phytoaccumulation tendency of these metals showed similar trends in
      both native aquatic macrophyte species. The rate of accumulation of metals in
      roots was higher than in shoots. There were strong positive correlations
      (p<0.001) between soil organic carbon (OC) percentage and Mn (r =0.771), and
      sediment OC percentage and Pb (r=0.832). Cation exchange capacity (CEC) also
      showed a positive correlation (p<0.001) with Cu (r=0.721), Mn (r=0.713), and Pb
      (r=0.788), while correlations between sediment OC percentage and Cu (r=0.628),
      sediment OC percentage and Cd (r=0.559), and CEC and Cd (r=0.625) were
      significant at the p<0.05 level. CONCLUSIONS: Bioaccumulation factor and
      translocation factors of these two plants revealed that S. articulatus was
      comparatively more efficient for phytoremediation, whereas phytostabilization
      potential was higher in C. esculenta.

PMID- 27669757
TI  - An Update from Flatland.

PMID- 27669756
TI  - Reproducibility with repeat CT in radiomics study for rectal cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the reproducibility of radiomics features by repeating
      computed tomographic (CT) scans in rectal cancer. To choose stable radiomics
      features for rectal cancer. RESULTS: Volume normalized features are much more
      reproducible than unnormalized features. The average value of all slices is the
      most reproducible feature type in rectal cancer. Different filters have little
      effect for the reproducibility of radiomics features. For the average type
      features, 496 out of 775 features showed high reproducibility (ICC >= 0.8), 225
      out of 775 features showed medium reproducibility (0.8 > ICC >= 0.5) and 54 out
      of 775 features showed low reproducibility (ICC < 0.5). METHODS: 40 rectal cancer
      patients with stage II were enrolled in this study, each of whom underwent two CT
      scans within average 8.7 days. 775 radiomics features were defined in this study.
      For each features, five different values (value from the largest slice, maximum
      value, minimum value, average value of all slices and value from superposed
      intermediate matrix) were extracted. Meanwhile a LOG filter with different
      parameters was applied to these images to find stable filter value. Concordance
      correlation coefficients (CCC) and inter-class correlation coefficients (ICC) of
      two CT scans were calculated to assess the reproducibility, based on original
      features and volume normalized features. CONCLUSIONS: Features are recommended to
      be normalized to volume in radiomics analysis. The average type radiomics
      features are the most stable features in rectal cancer. Further analysis of these
      features of rectal cancer can be warranted for treatment monitoring and prognosis
      prediction.to modulate two anticancer compounds in well-defined sets of GBM
      patients.

PMID- 27669755
TI  - Fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) alterations in squamous differentiated
      bladder cancer: a putative therapeutic target for a small subgroup.
AB  - Although drugable fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) alterations in
      squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) of various entities are well known, little is
      known about FGFR modifications in squamous differentiated bladder cancer.
      Therefore, our study evaluated FGFR1-3 alterations as a putative therapeutic
      target in this subgroup. We analyzed 73 squamous differentiated bladder cancers
      (n = 10 pT2, n = 55 pT3, n = 8 pT4) for FGFR1-3 protein expression, FGFR1-3 copy
      number variations, FGFR3 chromosomal rearrangements (fluorescence in situ
      hybridization (FISH)) and FGFR3 mutations (SNapShot analysis). Only single cases
      displayed enhanced protein expression, most frequently FGFR3 overexpression (9.4%
      (6/64)). FISH showed no amplifications of FGFR1, 2 or 3. Break apart events were
      only slightly above the cut off in 12.1% (8/66) of cases and no FGFR3-TACC3
      rearrangements could be proven by qPCR. FGFR3 mutations (p.S249C) were found in
      8.5% (6/71) of tumors and were significantly associated with FGFR3 protein
      overexpression (p < 0.001), and unfavourable clinical outcome (p = 0.001). Our
      findings are consistent with the results of the TCGA data set for the "squamous
      like" subtype of bladder cancer (n = 85), which revealed reduced overall
      expression of FGFR1 and FGFR2 in tumors compared to normal tissue, while
      expression of FGFR3 remained high. In the TCGA "squamous-like" subtype FGFR3
      mutations were found in 4.9% and correlated with high FGFR3 RNA expression.
      Mutations of FGFR1 and FGFR2 were less frequent (2.4% and 1.2%). Hence, our
      comprehensive study provides novel insights into a subgroup of squamous
      differentiated bladder tumors that hold clues for novel therapeutic regimens and
      may benefit from FGFR3-targeted therapies.

PMID- 27669759
TI  - Spent mushroom substrate biochar as a potential amendment in pig manure and rice
      straw composting processes.
AB  - Spent mushroom substrate (SMS) is a bulky waste byproduct of commercial mushroom
      production, which can cause serious environmental problems and, therefore, poses
      a significant barrier to future expansion of the mushroom industry. In the
      present study, we explored the use of SMS as a biochar to improve the quality of
      bio-fertilizer. Specifically, we performed a series of experiments using
      composting reactors to investigate the effects of SMS biochar on the physio
      chemical properties of bio-fertilizer. Biochar was derived from dry SMS pyrolysed
      at 500 degrees C and mixed with pig manure and rice straw. Results from this
      study demonstrate that the addition of biochar significantly reduced electrical
      conductivity and loss of organic matter in compost material. Nutrient analysis
      revealed that the SMS-derived biochar is rich in fertilizer nutrients such as P,
      K, Na, and N. All of these findings suggest that SMS biochar could be an
      excellent medium for compost.

PMID- 27669760
TI  - Combined Antibody/Lectin Enrichment Identifies Extensive Changes in the O-GlcNAc
      Sub-proteome upon Oxidative Stress.
AB  - O-Linked N-acetyl-beta-d-glucosamine (O-GlcNAc) is a dynamic post-translational
      modification that modifies and regulates over 3000 nuclear, cytoplasmic, and
      mitochondrial proteins. Upon exposure to stress and injury, cells and tissues
      increase the O-GlcNAc modification, or O-GlcNAcylation, of numerous proteins
      promoting the cellular stress response and thus survival. The aim of this study
      was to identify proteins that are differentially O-GlcNAcylated upon acute
      oxidative stress (H2O2) to provide insight into the mechanisms by which O-GlcNAc
      promotes survival. We achieved this goal by employing Stable Isotope Labeling of
      Amino Acids in Cell Culture (SILAC) and a novel "G5-lectibody"
      immunoprecipitation strategy that combines four O-GlcNAc-specific antibodies
      (CTD110.6, RL2, HGAC39, and HGAC85) and the lectin WGA. Using the G5-lectibody
      column in combination with basic reversed phase chromatography and C18 RPLC
      MS/MS, 990 proteins were identified and quantified. Hundreds of proteins that
      were identified demonstrated increased (>250) or decreased (>110) association
      with the G5-lectibody column upon oxidative stress, of which we validated the O
      GlcNAcylation status of 24 proteins. Analysis of proteins with altered
      glycosylation suggests that stress-induced changes in O-GlcNAcylation cluster
      into pathways known to regulate the cell's response to injury and include protein
      folding, transcriptional regulation, epigenetics, and proteins involved in RNA
      biogenesis. Together, these data suggest that stress-induced O-GlcNAcylation
      regulates numerous and diverse cellular pathways to promote cell and tissue
      survival.

PMID- 27669761
TI  - Early effects of fluoro-edenite: correlation between IL-18 serum levels and
      pleural and parenchymal abnormalities.
AB  - Fluoro-edenite (FE) is a natural mineral asbestos-like fibrous species first
      isolated in Biancavilla, Sicily. In order to clarify potential involvement of IL
      18 in the pathogenesis of FE-induced chest abnormalities, we analyzed IL-18 serum
      levels in FE-exposed workers (FEEW) and correlated them with pleural and
      parenchymal abnormalities. A total of 21 FEEWs, residing in Biancavilla for >30
      years, with a working seniority of 17 +/- 6.1 years were examined. High
      resolution computed tomography scans revealed low grade of fibrosis in 8 (38%)
      FEEWs, and pleural plaques (PPs) in 13 (62%) FEEWs. The mean IL-18 level was
      203.13 +/- 90.43 pg/ml. Pearson correlation showed a significant association (p <
      0.0001) between IL-18 and PPs and parenchymal abnormality scores. Data suggest a
      potential role of IL-18 in the pathogenesis of these diseases.

PMID- 27669763
TI  - Editorial.
AB  - Last week hundreds of GPs and nurses gathered to discuss the brave new world of
      fundholding. Quite an achievement, given the historical demarcation lines between
      both professions. The doctor-nurse relationship of the handmaiden nurse and
      paternalistic medic moved on some decads ago. But the relationship that replaced
      it was an uneasy marriage of two groups who tolerated one another's existence.

PMID- 27669765
TI  - Bottomley moves on nurse prescribing.
AB  - Nurses at eight pilot sites will be able to prescribe a range of products this
      autumn, health secretary Virginia Bottomley told the first joint conference of
      the Royal College of Nursing and the National Association of Fundholding
      Practices last week.

PMID- 27669762
TI  - Pharmacological treatment of borderline personality disorder: a retrospective
      observational study at inpatient unit in Italy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a high prevalence personality
      disorder. Pharmacotherapy is commonly used, however, a minority of studies
      investigated patterns of prescription for BPD, particularly in inpatients unit.
      We aimed to describe the clinical features and the prescribing practice for BPD
      patients, and to investigate the possible advantages of a single class of
      medications or of combined drug treatments in terms of length of stay in
      hospital. METHODS: This is a retrospective observational study evaluating 109 BPD
      inpatients from June 2011 to June 2013. RESULTS: There was evidence of an
      extensive use of drugs: benzodiazepines/hypnotics (85.2%), antipsychotics
      (78.7%), mood stabilizers (70.4%) and antidepressants (31.5%). Polypharmacy was
      common (83.5%). A longer length of stay in hospital was associated with the
      prescription of antipsychotic and/or antidepressant medication, while a shorter
      hospitalization was associated with the use of a mood stabilizer. CONCLUSIONS:
      The rates of prescription of different classes of drugs reported in our sample
      and in similar 'naturalistic' studies highlight a heterogeneous pattern of
      prescriptions for BPD. Mood stabilizers showed a more favourable profile in terms
      in length of stay in hospital than antipsychotic and/or antidepressant. Our
      results reiterate the discrepancy between international recommendations and
      everyday clinical practice.

PMID- 27669766
TI  - RCN backs sex lesson nurse.
AB  - A school nurse at the centre of a row over sex education classes has been backed
      by the RCN, the school where she was teaching and the trust she works for,
      despite attacks by politicians.

PMID- 27669767
TI  - ?
AB  - There was a huge surprise awaiting Royal College of Midwives General Secretary
      Ruth Ashton at her retirement party last week. BBC social services correspondent
      Niall Dickson was on hand with the big red book' to say 'Ruth Ashton, this is
      your professional life'. Friends, family and colleagues organised the event in
      which key figures, including her sister Alison and health secretary Virginia
      Bottomley, paid tribute to Ms Ashton, retiring after 15 years in the top post.
      She is pictured handing on a relay baton to her successor, Julia Allison, right,
      after the event at London's Cafe Royal.

PMID- 27669768
TI  - Nurse tutors angry at loss of autonomy.
AB  - Nurse tutors are furious that students dismissed from courses are being
      reinstated on appeal by university bosses with little knowlege of nursing, a
      United Kingdom Central Council conference in Cardiff was . told last week.

PMID- 27669769
TI  - ?
AB  - Four-year-old Belma Salaka who was rescued from Sarajevo on the first children's
      mercy flight last year has been transferred to the bruin injury rehabilitation
      unit at Tadworth Court Trust in Surrey. Belma was first treated at Great Ormond
      Street in August, where she was diagnosed as having a rare form of brain damage
      possibly caused by an infection brought on by war conditions. The rehabilitation
      team are working to help Belma do things for herself. Current!)', she Is unable
      to speak, eat or move independently. She is pictured above with her mother Ziba
      and sister Samira, who have spent most of their time in hospital with her.

PMID- 27669770
TI  - Unions win compensation cuts review.
AB  - Nursing unions have cleared the first hurdle in a bid to halt the government's
      plan to cut criminal injury compensation.

PMID- 27669771
TI  - Police may reopen Rampton probe after inquest verdict.
AB  - Police may reopen investigations into the death of Rampton patient Bryan Marsh
      after the inquest jury returned an open verdict last week.

PMID- 27669774
TI  - Croatian hospitals under fire.
AB  - Researchers fear that humanitarian rules of war have been disregarded with the
      blatant targeting of hospitals in Croatia during the conflict in the former
      Yugoslavia.

PMID- 27669775
TI  - Students facing massive rent rises.
AB  - New student nurses at Leicester Royal Infirmary are facing a giant 250 per cent
      rent rise.

PMID- 27669776
TI  - RCM to fight water birth case.
AB  - The Royal College of Midwives has launched a legal challenge against a trust's
      decision to discipline two midwives for taking part in a water birth. It is
      calling for a Rill judicial review of the case, claiming that the trust's actions
      were not 'fair or equitable'.

PMID- 27669778
TI  - Leading the way.
AB  - The public health function of general practices should underpin everything
      community nurses and GPs do, said Graham Winyard, medical director at the
      Department of Health. He said the whole primary health care team must make sure
      data collected at practice level is sufficiently accurate to plan for the whole
      community.

PMID- 27669777
TI  - Nurses need to become GPs' partners.
AB  - Practice nurses must become full partners in GP practices if clients are to
      receive highly skilled and appropriate services, the President of the RCN claimed
      last week.

PMID- 27669779
TI  - Oncology in community trial works.
AB  - Shifting oncology nursing services to the community can have a marked impact on
      the lifestyles of cancer patients, the conference heard.

PMID- 27669781
TI  - Rehab training vital for nurses.
AB  - Intensive nurse-led rehabilitation can dramatically cut hospital stays, releasing
      acute hospital beds and saving money, a clinical nurse manager told the
      conference.

PMID- 27669780
TI  - Fundholding so successful 'it could rival private sector'.
AB  - The benefits to patients from fundholding will increase further as more practices
      join the scheme, a leading health economist told a conference press briefing.

PMID- 27669782
TI  - Improving primary health care through partnership.

PMID- 27669783
TI  - Promotion needs input from elderly.
AB  - Older people must be allowed to set their own health promotion agenda rather than
      having national targets thrust upon them, Stuart Darby, head of Islington Health
      Authority's community nursing development team told the conference.

PMID- 27669784
TI  - Purchasing decisions should reflect nursing quality.
AB  - GP fundholders should base hospital purchasing decisions on the quality of
      nursing care on offer rather than on the length of the hospital's waiting list,
      Royal College of Nursing General Secretary Christine Hancock told the conference.

PMID- 27669786
TI  - PCNs left out of the reckoning.
AB  - Nursing staff shortages are preventing sick children from getting care at home, a
      conference session heard.

PMID- 27669785
TI  - ?
AB  - Practice nurses must beware of pricing themselves out of work, the conference
      heard. Stephen Henry, Executive Chair of the National Association of Fundholding
      Practices, claimed the average cost to a practice of a nurse-patient consultation
      was up to ten times higher than when patients see a GP.

PMID- 27669787
TI  - Psychiatric nursing courses on the increase.
AB  - Recruitment to community psychiatric nursing courses has jumped by 18 per cent in
      the past year - the first time in five years there has been an increase.

PMID- 27669790
TI  - ?
AB  - Water pollution poses a massive threat to the health of millions of people unless
      steps are taken to provide many of the world's fastest growing cities with dean
      supplies, the government-sponsored charity Water Aid has warned.

PMID- 27669788
TI  - Nursing home care to come under review in Scotland.
AB  - The Government is considering amendments to the 1938 Nursing Homes Registration
      Act due to controversy over the quality of care provided by homes, it emerged
      last week.

PMID- 27669791
TI  - Death from asthma higher in children from poorer homes.
AB  - A major national survey of asthma in children has found 'worryingly high'
      morbidity levels and produced calls for better management of the condition.

PMID- 27669792
TI  - BMT units still in need of intensive nursing care.
AB  - The workloads of nurses working in bone marrow transplant units will not be cut
      by the quicker method of Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation (PBSCT) for
      patients with myeloma, a nursing-led study has revealed.

PMID- 27669793
TI  - Endometriosis Awareness Week.
AB  - At least 1.5 million women in the UK are affected by endometriosis, The
      Endometriosis Society claimed last week. The charity, bunching International
      Endometriosis Awareness Week, said the lives of women affected were being mined
      by the failure to diagnose the condition and by unnecessary hysterectomies
      carried out in attempted 'cures'. Pictured is an ovarian cyst caused by the
      condition.

PMID- 27669794
TI  - Elderly people urged not to bath when home alone.
AB  - Elderly people should only have a batch when someone else is in the house and
      should never lock the door, researchers have urged. The calls follow a survey
      which found one in seven older people have been trapped in the bath at least
      once.

PMID- 27669796
TI  - Fundamental decisions.
AB  - Though Cecilia Gill is looking forward to getting back to work, she is reluctant
      to talk about why she has been on sick leave since January. She prefers instead
      to concentrate on the recent inquest into the death of one of her patients.

PMID- 27669795
TI  - Two cheers for the changes.
AB  - The Government's 'care in the community' policy is now a year old. There were
      many supporters who saw in it official confirmation that large, dehumanising,
      health and social care institution were finally coming to an end. But others
      thought that it was mainly a device to allow the Department of Health to shuffle
      off responsibility for an increasingly expensive area of care.

PMID- 27669797
TI  - The shape of things to come.
AB  - The NHS reforms initiated by this government have brought about changes on a
      scale the service has not experienced since its inception. The mechanisms of the
      market place have been introduced into this massive national organisation, the
      biggest employer in Europe. Many commentators remain apprehensive about what can
      be expected when harsh economic realities replace intangible concepts such as
      'public service' as the system's driving force. Will patient care fall by the
      wayside? Will staff morale be affected?

PMID- 27669798
TI  - Infection control.
AB  - This series of ten articles by Dinah Gould looks at infection control in the
      context of the nursing process, using the activities of daily living model as a
      framework. The aim of the articles is to emphasise the importance of infection
      control to clinical nursing practice. The information is not intended to be
      exhaustive nor to replicate that found in the many textbooks concerned with this
      subject. It is also important to remember that no model is perfect. Much more is
      known about the relevant aspects of infection control for some activities of
      living than for others, so in some cases a category may contain little or even no
      information. Nevertheless, the articles will help clinical nurses and students to
      identify the most sensible infection control activities.

PMID- 27669799
TI  - Footage handled with an eye to sensitivity.
AB  - As the person responsible for Nursing Update, I write in reply to the
      correspondent who was concerned at seeing the child about to perform intermittent
      urinary catheterisation, on the Nursing Update learning unit 'Asking Simple
      Questions: Promoting Continence' (Video could have nasty consequences, Letters,
      March 16).

PMID- 27669800
TI  - Men 'not all bad' - shock claim.
AB  - I am writing in response to correspondence regarding Mark Crump's letter (Fed up
      with feminism - withered by women, Letters, February 23).

PMID- 27669801
TI  - Patient paperwork peeves Penpusher.
AB  - I am writing as a very disillusioned, concerned, second year Project 2000
      student. Please tell me, are wc meant to be nursing paper or patients?

PMID- 27669803
TI  - Information exchange.
AB  - I am a third-year Project 2000 nurse searching for information regarding the
      nursing assessment and management of patients with communication difficulties
      following a CVA and would be very grateful for any help.

PMID- 27669802
TI  - Let me through! I'm a helicopter.
AB  - I enjoyed Pat Goodwin's article about the helicopter emergency medical services
      in London (Flying to the rescue, Features, March 16). But in a spirit of inquiry
      and not criticism, would she tell me why, in the case she described of a man who
      had fallen down basement steps where 'a paramedic team was present', the HEMS
      team had to clear an airway, intubate and set up an infusion. Surely the
      paramedic team should have already done all that as a bare minimum?

PMID- 27669804
TI  - Martha E Rogers.
AB  - Martha Rogers, a nurse leader and theorist whose significant contribution to the
      development of nursing theory', practice, education and research cannot be
      surpassed, died on March 12 at the age of 79.

PMID- 27669805
TI  - Why is nurses' drinking deemed to he acceptable but not that of patients? Antony
      Sheehan and Jim Murphy challenge the stereotype.
AB  - Cutting Edge's recent programme Nurses on Channel 4 was a fine attempt to focus
      on the plight of nurses at a large teaching hospital in Glasgow.

PMID- 27669806
TI  - Susie togs on and fights with bytes.
AB  - Hi there, Health Care Workers! Remember I told you we were about to be
      computerised? On a whim of the head of the directorate who thought it would make
      the Unit look more modern?

PMID- 27669808
TI  - Social Skills for Nursing Practice P French Social Skills for Nursing Practice
      Chapman & Hall 300pp L13.99 0-412-47840-4 [Formula: see text].
AB  - I found Social Skills for Nursing Practice, 2nd edition a frustrating book to
      review. It has some good material encouraging reflective practice and self
      direction, but it is presented in a format more in tune with an instructional
      learning-by-numbers approach.

PMID- 27669807
TI  - What Katie did next.
AB  - It was a little over a year ago that I first wrote about my quest for employment
      as a D Grade Staff Nurse; and it was three months later when I wrote of my
      success in obtaining a post on an infectious diseases unit.

PMID- 27669809
TI  - The voluntary agencies directory 1993/94 J Sallon The voluntary agencies
      directory 1993/94 NCVO 270pp L12.95 0-7199-1339-X.
AB  - Millions of pounds' worth of valuable resources are available from countless
      voluntary organisations. At a time of Draconian cuts in public spending, there is
      a growing need to tap into charities and similar agencies.

PMID- 27669810
TI  - Elder Abuse G Bennet Kingston P Elder Abuse Chapman & Hall l62pp L14.95 0-412
      45310-X.
AB  - The impact of Elder Abuse: Concepts, Theories and Interventions is in the speed
      with which it builds up a picture of abuse and inadequate care in all sections of
      society. There is an extensive review of literature concerning all aspects of the
      subject of abuse.

PMID- 27669812
TI  - Listings.

PMID- 27669811
TI  - Personal power.
AB  - Aims and intended learning outcomes The aim of this article is to encourage
      nurses to become aware of their personal power, harness it and use it to enable
      them to develop personally and professionally. After reading this article the
      nurse should have an understanding of: ? Definitions and theories of 'power',
      personal power' and 'powerlessness ? Some of the barriers which stand between
      people and their personal power: fear, anger, gender issues and lack of values
      clarification ? Actions which can be taken to begin to dismantle these barriers ?
      Specific means of enhancing personal power on a personal and professional level.
      The article relates to UKCC PREP category: Patient, clietit and colleague
      support.

PMID- 27669813
TI  - Transitioning from hospitals to the community: perspectives of rehabilitation
      patients with neurological disorders and their service providers.
AB  - PURPOSE: To identify the contextual factors that influence community
      participation in rehabilitation outpatients from the perspectives of patients and
      their service providers. METHOD: Five focus groups with rehabilitation
      outpatients (n = 22) and three focus groups with occupational and physical
      therapists (n = 17) were conducted. Two independent coders thematically analyzed
      the transcribed data. RESULTS: Patients and their providers identified three
      common personal factors (personal interests, personal values, and finances) and
      four major categories of environmental factors (products and technology; support
      and relationships; attitudes; and services, systems, and policies) that have
      great influence on patients' participation in the community. Additionally, some
      patients perceived the impacts of fear of falling and climate on their
      participation, whereas some service providers reported that age, adaptability,
      and successful experiences could determine the patients' participation in the
      community. CONCLUSIONS: This study synthesized and contrasted perspectives from
      both rehabilitation outpatients and their service providers to identify the
      contextual factors that enable or restrict patients from participating in the
      community. Both patients and service providers identified numerous personal and
      environmental factors associated with participation, thus highlighting areas that
      can be addressed in rehabilitation outpatient programs and considered in policy
      development. Implications for Rehabilitation Community participation is an
      outcome of dynamic interactions among multiple factors and is highly
      environmentally and culturally sensitive. Both personal and environmental factors
      have substantial impacts on rehabilitation patients' participation outcomes.
      Rehabilitation practitioners and policy-makers need to incorporate perspectives
      from both patients and providers when developing interventions targeting to
      improve patients' community participation.

PMID- 27669814
TI  - A comparison of the use of cone-beam computed tomography and panoramic
      radiography in the assessment of pre-eruptive intracoronal resorption.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of pre-eruptive
      intracoronal resorption (PIR) using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and
      panoramic radiography and to compare the findings of these imaging techniques.
      METHODS: This retrospective study consisted of 733 patients who had at least one
      unerupted tooth and had undergoneimaging with both three-dimensional (3D) CBCT
      and two-dimensional (2D) panoramic radiography. In all the images, the number of
      teeth with intracoronal resorption, affected tooth type and number, and size and
      location of the PIR defects were recorded. The McNemar test was used to compare
      the prevalence of PIR in the CBCT and panoramic images. RESULTS: Fewer PIR
      defects were detected in the panoramic images (3.1% of the patients) than in the
      CBCT images (9.5% of the patients) (p< .001). According to the CBCT images, the
      distribution of PIR defects was as follows: third molars (59.5%), canine teeth
      (11.4%), second molars and premolars (7.6% for both), supernumerary teeth (5.1%),
      second molars (3.8%), central incisors (2.5%), and first premolar and primary
      second molar teeth (1.5% for both). According to the scoring classification
      system for PIR defects, PIR 1 defects were the most common (65.8%), followed by
      PIR 3 (24.1%) and PIR 2 (10.1%). Of these defects, 69.6% were located in the
      central aspect of the crown. Ectopically positioned teeth showing intracoronal
      resorption accounted for 51.9% of the cases of PIR. CONCLUSIONS: CBCT detected
      more cases of PIR than panoramic radiography. The mandibular third permanent
      molar was the most commonly affected tooth.

PMID- 27669815
TI  - Guttiferone A Aggregates Modulate Silent Information Regulator 1 (SIRT1)
      Activity.
AB  - Natural products guttiferone A, hyperforin, and aristoforin were able to inhibit
      or increase SIRT1 catalytic activity, depending on protein concentration and
      presence of detergent. On the basis of NMR data for guttiferone A, we
      demonstrated that the aggregation state of the natural product played a crucial
      role for its interaction with the enzyme. These results are useful to interpret
      future in vitro structure-activity relationship studies on these natural products
      in the quest of their biological target(s).

PMID- 27669816
TI  - Rapid Covalent Immobilization of Proteins by Phenol-Based Photochemical Cross
      Linking.
AB  - A strategy for photoinduced covalent immobilization of proteins on phenol
      functionalized surfaces is described. Under visible light irradiation, the
      reaction can be completed within seconds at ambient temperature, with high yields
      in aqueous solution of physiological conditions. Protein immobilization is based
      on a ruthenium-catalyzed radical cross-linking reaction between proteins and
      phenol-modified surfaces, and the process has proven mild enough for lipase,
      Staphylococcus aureus protein A, and streptavidin to preserve their bioactivity.
      This strategy was successfully applied to antibody immobilization on different
      material platforms, including agarose beads, cellulose membranes, and glass
      wafers, thus providing a generic procedure for rapid biomodification of surfaces.

PMID- 27669817
TI  - Association between dietary patterns and low bone mineral density among adults
      aged 50 years and above: findings from the North West Adelaide Health Study
      (NWAHS).
AB  - Studies on the association between dietary patterns and bone mineral density
      (BMD) have reported inconsistent findings. Data from the North West Adelaide
      Health Study, a population-based cohort study undertaken in Australia, were used
      to assess this association among adults aged 50 years and above. In this specific
      study, 1182 adults (545 males, 45.9 %) had dietary data collected using a FFQ and
      also had BMD measurements taken using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Factor
      analysis with principal component method was applied to ascertain dietary
      patterns. Two distinct dietary patterns were identified. Pattern 1 ('prudent
      pattern') was characterised by high intake of fruits, vegetables, sugar, nut
      based milk, fish, legumes and high-fibre bread. In contrast, pattern 2 ('Western
      pattern') was characterised by high levels of processed and red meat, snacks,
      takeaway foods, jam, beer, soft drinks, white bread, poultry, potato with fat,
      high-fat dairy products and eggs. Compared with the study participants in the
      first tertile (T1, lowest consumption) of the prudent pattern, participants in
      the third tertile (T3) had a lower prevalence of low BMD (prevalence ratio
      (PR)=0.52; 95 % CI 0.33, 0.83) after adjusting for socio-demographic, lifestyle
      and behavioural characteristics, chronic conditions and energy intake.
      Participants in T3 of the Western pattern had a higher prevalence of low BMD
      (PR=1.68; 95 % CI 1.02, 2.77) compared with those in T1. In contrast to the
      Western diet, a dietary pattern characterised by high intake of fruits,
      vegetables and dairy products is positively associated with BMD.

PMID- 27669819
TI  - Schizo-obsessive spectrum disorders: an update.
AB  - The presence of obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS) and obsessive-compulsive
      disorders (OCD) in schizophrenia is frequent, and a new clinical entity has been
      proposed for those who show the dual diagnosis: the schizo-obsessive disorder.
      This review scrutinizes the literature across the main academic databases, and
      provides an update on different aspects of schizo-obsessive spectrum disorders,
      which include schizophrenia, schizotypal personality disorder (SPD) with OCD, OCD
      with poor insight, schizophrenia with OCS, and schizophrenia with OCD (schizo
      obsessive disorder). An epidemiological discussion on the discrepancies observed
      in the prevalence of OCS and OCD in schizophrenia across time is provided,
      followed by an overview of the main clinical and phenomenological features of the
      disorder in comparison to the primary conditions under a spectral perspective. An
      updated and comparative analysis of the main genetic, neurobiological,
      neurocognitive, and pharmacological treatment aspects for the schizo-obsessive
      spectrum is provided, and a discussion on endophenotypic markers is introduced in
      order to better understand its substrate. There is sufficient evidence in the
      literature to demonstrate the clinical relevance of the schizo-obsessive
      spectrum, although little is known about the neurobiology, genetics, and
      neurocognitive aspects of these groups. The pharmacological treatment of these
      patients is still challenging, and efforts to search for possible specific
      endophenotypic markers would open new avenues in the knowledge of schizo
      obsessive spectrum.

PMID- 27669818
TI  - A minor but deadly surgery of colonic polypectomy in an elderly and fragile
      patient: a case report and the review of literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Epithelial dysplasia and adenomatous polyps of colorectum are
      precancerous lesions. Surgical removal is still one of the important treatment
      approaches for colorectal polyps. CASE PRESENTATION: A male patient over 78 years
      was admitted due to bloody stool and abdominal pain. Colonoscopic biopsy showed a
      high-grade epithelial dysplasia in an adenomatous polyp of sigmoid colon. Anemia,
      COPD, ischemic heart disease (IHD), arrhythmias, and hypoproteinemia were
      comorbidities. The preoperative preparation was carefully made consisting of oral
      nutritional supplements (ONS), blood transfusion, cardiorespiratory management,
      and hemostatic therapy. However, his illness did not improve but deteriorate
      mainly due to polyp rebleeding during preparative period. The open polypectomy
      was performed within 60 min under epidural anesthesia. Postoperative treatments
      included oxygen inhalation, bronchodilation, parenteral and enteral nutrition,
      human serum albumin, antibiotics, and blood transfusion. Unluckily, these did not
      significantly facilitate to surgical recovery on account of severe comorbidities
      and complications. The most serious complications were colonic leakage and
      secondary abdominal severe infection. The patient finally gave up treatment due
      to multiple organ dysfunction syndromes. CONCLUSIONS: The polypectomy for colonic
      polyp is a seemingly minor but potentially deadly surgery for patients with
      severe comorbidities, and prophylactic ostomy should be considered for the
      safety.

PMID- 27669820
TI  - The similar and different evolutionary trends of MATE family occurred between
      rice and Arabidopsis thaliana.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) transporter proteins
      are present in all organisms. Although the functions of some MATE gene family
      members have been studied in plants, few studies have investigated the gene
      expansion patterns, functional divergence, or the effects of positive selection.
      RESULTS: Forty-five MATE genes from rice and 56 from Arabidopsis were identified
      and grouped into four subfamilies. MATE family genes have similar exon-intron
      structures in rice and Arabidopsis; MATE gene structures are conserved in each
      subfamily but differ among subfamilies. In both species, the MATE gene family has
      expanded mainly through tandem and segmental duplications. A transcriptome atlas
      showed considerable differences in expression among the genes, in terms of
      transcript abundance and expression patterns under normal growth conditions,
      indicating wide functional divergence in this family. In both rice and
      Arabidopsis, the MATE genes showed consistent functional divergence trends, with
      highly significant Type-I divergence in each subfamily, while Type-II divergence
      mainly occurred in subfamily III. The Type-II coefficients between rice
      subfamilies I/III, II/III, and IV/III were all significantly greater than zero,
      while only the Type-II coefficient between Arabidopsis IV/III subfamilies was
      significantly greater than zero. A site-specific model analysis indicated that
      MATE genes have relatively conserved evolutionary trends. A branch-site model
      suggested that the extent of positive selection on each subfamily of rice and
      Arabidopsis was different: subfamily II of Arabidopsis showed higher positive
      selection than other subfamilies, whereas in rice, positive selection was highest
      in subfamily III. In addition, the analyses identified 18 rice sites and 7
      Arabidopsis sites that were responsible for positive selection and for Type-I and
      Type-II functional divergence; there were no common sites between rice and
      Arabidopsis. Five coevolving amino acid sites were identified in rice and three
      in Arabidopsis; these sites might have important roles in maintaining local
      structural stability and protein functional domains. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate
      that the MATE gene family expanded through tandem and segmental duplication in
      both rice and Arabidopsis. Overall, the results of our analyses contribute to
      improved understanding of the molecular evolution and functions of the MATE gene
      family in plants.

PMID- 27669821
TI  - Everolimus safety and efficacy for renal angiomyolipomas associated with tuberous
      sclerosis complex: a Spanish expanded access trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Renal angiomyolipomas (AML) are usual manifestations of tuberous
      sclerosis complex (TSC) that may cause aneurism-related haemorrhages and renal
      impairment. Everolimus has emerged as an alternative to surgery/embolization. We
      provide further insight into everolimus safety and efficacy for TSC-related AML.
      METHODS: This was a Spanish expanded access trial including patients aged >=18
      years with TSC-related AML. They received 10 mg everolimus once daily until AML
      progression, unacceptable toxicity, death/withdrawal, commercialisation for TSC
      related AML, or 1 year after first patient enrolment. The primary outcome was
      dose-limiting safety according to grade 3/4 adverse events, serious adverse
      events, or adverse events leading to treatment modification. Secondary outcomes
      included overall safety and efficacy. RESULTS: Nineteen patients were enrolled
      and received everolimus for a median of 6.6 (5.3-10.9) months. Eleven (57.9 %)
      remained on 10 mg/day throughout the study and eight (42.1 %) required treatment
      modifications due to adverse events; none permanently discontinued treatment.
      Adverse events were overall grade 1/2 and most frequently included aphthous
      stomatitis/mucosal inflammation, hypercholesterolaemia/hypertriglyceridaemia,
      urinary tract infection, hypertension, dermatitis acneiform, and insomnia. Four
      (21.1 %) patients experienced grade 3 adverse events, none was grade 4, and only
      one (5.3 %) was serious (pneumonia). AML volume was reduced >=30 % in 11 (57.9 %)
      patients and >=50 % in 9 (47.4 %); none progressed. Right and left kidney sizes
      decreased in 16 and 14 patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These findings
      support the benefit of everolimus for renal AML due to a manageable safety
      profile accompanied by reduced AML and kidney volumes. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      EudraCT number 2012-005397-63 ; date of registration 22 Nov 2012.

PMID- 27669823
TI  - Recruitment of older adults with type 2 diabetes into a community-based exercise
      and nutrition randomised controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recruitment of participants into long-term community-based lifestyle
      intervention trials, particularly adults with a chronic disease, is often slow
      and challenging. Currently there is limited data on successful recruitment
      strategies suitable for older adults with type 2 diabetes into community-based
      exercise and nutrition programs, and no information on cost estimates associated
      with such recruitment. The aim of this report is to describe the recruitment
      strategies used and the success of each approach in recruiting older adults with
      type 2 diabetes into a 6-month community-based exercise and nutritional
      supplementation randomised controlled trial (RCT). A secondary aim is to assess
      the costs associated with the recruitment methods used. METHODS: The Resistance
      Exercise, Vitamin D and Muscle Protein Intervention Trial (REVAMP-IT) for type 2
      diabetes is a 24-week RCT targeting 202 adults with type 2 diabetes which is
      designed to evaluate whether post-exercise ingestion of a whey- protein and
      vitamin D-enriched drink can enhance the effects of progressive resistance
      training (PRT) on glycaemic control, body composition and cardiometabolic health.
      Participants in this trial were randomly allocated to either: (1) the Lift for
      Life(r) community-based PRT program combined with additional whey protein and
      vitamin D, or (2) the Lift for Life(r) PRT program alone. Recruitment strategies
      included state and local newspaper and radio advertisements, targeted mail-outs,
      doctor and allied health referrals, community presentations, web-based media and
      word of mouth. The number of expressions of interest, participants screened and
      included in the trial, and how they first heard about the study were recorded by
      research staff during the screening process. Reasons for ineligibility or non
      participation in the trial were also recorded as was the cost of each recruitment
      method used. RESULTS: A total of 1157 expressions of interest were received over
      a 21-month recruitment period. Overall 959 (83 %) individuals were screened and
      found to be ineligible for the trial or chose not to participate or could not be
      contacted further following their initial enquiry. As a result, 198 participants
      were randomised to the 24-week intervention. The most effective recruitment
      strategies were targeted mass mail-outs (39 % of the total participant sample),
      state (27 %) and local (14 %) print media. In total recruitment expenditure was
      AUD$40,421, which equated to AUD$35 per enquiry and AUD$204 per eligible
      participant. Targeted mail-outs and state print media were the most expensive
      strategies each accounting for 38 % of total expenditure. CONCLUSIONS: To recruit
      around 200 older adults with type 2 diabetes into a community-based lifestyle
      intervention trial in a timely manner, it is important to ensure that an adequate
      budget is allocated to recruitment as targeted mail-outs and state/local print
      media were the most costly but effective strategies. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry reference ACTRN12613000592741 .
      Registered on 27 May 2013.

PMID- 27669824
TI  - Multistacking from Two Sample Streams in Nonaqueous Microchip Electrophoresis.
AB  - The translation of stacking techniques used in capillary electrophoresis (CE) to
      microchip CE (MCE) in order to improve concentration sensitivity is an important
      area of study. The success in stacking relies on the generation and control of
      the stacking boundaries which is a challenge in MCE because the manipulation of
      solutions is not as straightforward as in CE with a single channel. Here, a
      simple and rapid online sample concentration (stacking strategy) in a battery
      operated nonaqueous MCE device with a commercially available double T-junction
      glass chip is presented. A multistacking approach was developed in order to
      circumvent the issues for stacking in nonaqueous MCE. The cationic analytes from
      the two loading channels were injected under field-enhanced conditions and were
      focused by micelle-to-solvent stacking. This was achieved by the application of
      high electric fields along the two loading channels and a low electric field in
      the separation channel, with one ground electrode in the reservoir closest to the
      junction. At the junction, the stacked zones were restacked under field-enhanced
      conditions and then injected into the separation channels. The multistacking was
      verified under a fluorescence microscope using Rhodamine 6G as the analyte,
      revealing a sensitivity enhancement factor (SEF) of 110. The stacking approach
      was also implemented in the nonaqueous MCE with contactless conductivity
      detection of the anticancer drug tamoxifen as well as its metabolites. The
      multistacking and analysis time was 40 and 110 s, respectively, the limit of
      detections was from 10 to 35 ng/mL and the SEFs were 20 to 50. The method was
      able to quantify the target analytes from breast cancer patients.

PMID- 27669822
TI  - Cross-cultural comparison of perspectives on healthy eating among Chinese and
      American undergraduate students.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Understanding views about what constitutes a healthy diet in diverse
      populations may inform design of culturally tailored behavior change
      interventions. The objective of this study was to describe perspectives on
      healthy eating among Chinese and American young adults and identify similarities
      and differences between these groups. METHODS: Chinese (n = 55) and American (n =
      57) undergraduate students in Changsha, Hunan, China and Honolulu, Hawai'i,
      U.S.A. composed one- to two-paragraph responses to the following prompt: "What
      does the phrase 'a healthy diet' mean to you?" Researchers used content analysis
      to identify predominant themes using Dedoose (version 5.2.0, SocioCultural
      Research Consultants, LLC, Los Angeles, CA, 2015). Three researchers
      independently coded essays and grouped codes with similar content. The team then
      identified themes and sorted them in discussion. Two researchers then deductively
      coded the entire data set using eight codes developed from the initial coding and
      calculated total code counts for each group of participants. RESULTS: Chinese
      students mentioned physical outcomes, such as maintaining immunity and digestive
      health. Timing of eating, with regular meals and greater intake during day than
      night, was emphasized. American students described balancing among food groups
      and balancing consumption with exercise, with physical activity considered
      essential. Students also stated that food components such as sugar, salt and fat
      should be avoided in large quantities. Similarities included principles such as
      moderation and fruits and vegetables as nutritious, and differences included
      foods to be restricted and meal timing. While both groups emphasized specific
      foods and guiding dietary principles, several distinctions in viewpoints emerged.
      CONCLUSIONS: The diverse views may reflect food-related messages to which
      participants are exposed both through the media and educational systems in their
      respective countries. Future studies may further examine themes that may not
      typically be addressed in nutrition education programs in diverse populations of
      young adults. Gaining greater knowledge of the ways in which healthy eating is
      viewed will allow for development of interventions that are sensitive to the
      traditional values and predominant views of health in various groups.

PMID- 27669826
TI  - DRG2 Regulates G2/M Progression via the Cyclin B1-Cdk1 Complex.
AB  - Developmentally regulated GTP-binding protein 2 (DRG2) plays an important role in
      cell growth. Here we explored the linkage between DRG2 and G2/M phase checkpoint
      function in cell cycle progression. We observed that knockdown of DRG2 in HeLa
      cells affected growth in a wound-healing assay, and tumorigenicity in nude mice
      xenografts. Flow cytometry assays and [(3)H] incorporation assays indicated that
      G2/M phase arrest was responsible for the decreased proliferation of these cells.
      Knockdown of DRG2 elicited down-regulation of the major mitotic promoting factor,
      the cyclin B1/Cdk1 complex, but up-regulation of the cell cycle arresting
      proteins, Wee1, Myt1, and p21. These findings identify a novel role of DRG2 in
      G2/M progression. 

PMID- 27669827
TI  - Bioemulsifier (BE-AM1) produced by Solibacillus silvestris AM1 is a functional
      amyloid that modulates bacterial cell-surface properties.
AB  - A novel estuarine bacterial strain, Solibacillus silvestris AM1, produces an
      extracellular, thermostable and fibrous, glycoprotein bioemulsifier (BE-AM1). The
      amyloid nature of the bioemulsifier (BE-AM1) was confirmed by biophysical
      techniques (Congo red based polarization microscopy, ThioflavinS based
      fluorescent microscopy, fibrous arrangement in transmission electron microscopy
      and secondary structure measurement by FTIR and CD spectrum analysis). Cell-bound
      BE-AM1 production by S. silvestris AM1 during the mid-logarithmic phase of growth
      coincided with a decrease in cell surface hydrophobicity, and an increase in cell
      autoaggregation and biofilm formation. It was observed that the total interfacial
      interaction energy ([Formula: see text]) for the surface of the bioemulsifier
      producing S. silvestris AM1 and different derivatized surfaces of polystyrene
      (silanized and sulfonated) was found to support biofilm formation. This study has
      revealed that the BE-AM1, a bacterial bioemulsifier, is a functional amyloid and
      has a role in biofilm formation and cell surface modulation in S. silvestris AM1.

PMID- 27669825
TI  - Protein Phosphatases Involved in Regulating Mitosis: Facts and Hypotheses.
AB  - Almost all eukaryotic proteins are subject to post-translational modifications
      during mitosis and cell cycle, and in particular, reversible phosphorylation
      being a key event. The recent use of high-throughput experimental analyses has
      revealed that more than 70% of all eukaryotic proteins are regulated by
      phosphorylation; however, the mechanism of dephosphorylation, counteracting
      phosphorylation, is relatively unknown. Recent discoveries have shown that many
      of the protein phosphatases are involved in the temporal and spatial control of
      mitotic events, such as mitotic entry, mitotic spindle assembly, chromosome
      architecture changes and cohesion, and mitotic exit. This implies that certain
      phosphatases are tightly regulated for timely dephosphorylation of key mitotic
      phosphoproteins and are essential for control of various mitotic processes. This
      review describes the physiological and pathological roles of mitotic
      phosphatases, as well as the versatile role of various protein phosphatases in
      several mitotic events. 

PMID- 27669830
TI  - Welcome to Bournemouth '94.
AB  - Welcome to the 1994 RCN Congress Exhibition and Jobs Fair. This special
      supplement provides an overview of the Congress, highlights from the agenda and a
      detailed listing of all of the exhibitors. Bournemouth 94 is now the single
      biggest event in the nursing calendar. For the career minded nurse, the RCN
      Congress and Exhibition is a must.

PMID- 27669829
TI  - Chronic Intestinal Pseudo-obstruction: Clinical and Manometric Characteristics in
      the Chilean Population.
AB  - Background/Aims: Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO) is a rare syndrome
      characterized by a failure of the propulsion of intraluminal contents and
      recurrent symptoms of partial bowel obstruction in the absence of mechanical
      obstruction. Regional variations of the intestinal compromise have been
      described. Intestinal manometry can indicate the pathophysiology and prognosis.
      Our objective is to establish the demographic and clinical characteristics of
      group Chilean patients and analyze the motility of the small intestine and its
      prognostic value. Methods: Patients with symptoms of intestinal pseudo
      obstruction with dilated bowel loops were included, in all of whom a manometry of
      the small intestine was performed using perfused catheters. Results: Of the 64
      patients included, 51 women (average age 41.5 +/- 17.6 years), 54 primary and 10
      secondary CIPO were included. Dilatation of the small intestine was the only
      finding in 38 patients; in the remaining, the compromise was associated with
      other segments, primarily the colon. Forty-nine patients underwent 65 surgeries,
      mainly exploratory laparotomies and colectomies. Intestinal manometry was
      performed on all patients; 4 "patterns" were observed: neuropathic (n = 26),
      myopathic (n = 3), mixed (n = 24), and a group without motor activity (n = 11).
      The most relevant findings were the complex migrating motor disorders and
      decreased frequency and propagation of contractions. The 9 patients who died had
      a severe myopathic compromise. Conclusions: In our series, isolated small bowel
      compromise was the most common disorder. Neuropathic motor compromise was
      observed in most of the patients. Mortality was associated with severe myopathic
      compromise.

PMID- 27669828
TI  - Weight change trends and overall survival in United States veterans with
      follicular lymphoma treated with chemotherapy.
AB  - Understanding weight change patterns in follicular lymphoma (FL) may be important
      for the assessment of prognosis as well as the long-term care of survivors. A
      retrospective cohort of United States veterans with a new diagnosis of FL between
      October 1, 1998 and September 30, 2010 was assembled. Weight changes were
      evaluated before, during, and after treatment in 896 FL patients who received
      cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone, with or without
      rituximab (CHOP +/- R); cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone, with or
      without rituximab (CVP +/- R); or rituximab monotherapy. Weight decreased an
      average of 1.4 kg during therapy, and >5% weight loss during this time period was
      associated with worse overall survival. Weight increased to an average of 1.4 kg
      above baseline by 24 months after treatment initiation, with 15% gaining greater
      than 10% of their baseline weight. Weight management strategies may be an
      important part of long-term survivorship planning.

PMID- 27669831
TI  - ?
AB  - There have been many 'visions' of nursing, and now the profession is being asked
      to look towards the challenges for nursing and midwifery in the 21st century in a
      new document from the four UK Chief Nursing Officers. In the face of massive
      change, says the document, there will be 'an urgent need for a new view of the
      role of nursing across the board'.

PMID- 27669834
TI  - Red Cross trio in Rwanda capital.
AB  - A British Red Cross nurse arrived in the besieged capital of Rwanda last week as
      part of an international relief effort in the African country.

PMID- 27669833
TI  - The silence of the lambs.
AB  - Driving home the other day I noticed Suffolk ewes and their bedraggled lambs in
      the fields around Penrith, rather like fleecy islands amongst the large portions
      of the Irish Sea which currently fill up the rest of the low lying fields.

PMID- 27669835
TI  - College seeks Bottomless assurance over job titles dispute.
AB  - The Royal College of Nursing is seeking an assurance from health secretary
      Virginia Bottomley that qualified nurses will be allowed to keep their job titles
      when trusts introduce new systems such as Patient Focused Care.

PMID- 27669836
TI  - Sweeping change in nurse roles forecast.
AB  - A vision of nursing in the 21st century has been unveiled by the United Kingdom's
      Chief Nursing Officers and leading nurses.

PMID- 27669837
TI  - RCN Congress to hear decision on nurse prescribing.
AB  - Junior health minister Baroness Cumberlege (right) is expected to make
      announcements on nurse prescribing and funding for the Post-registration
      Education and Practice initiative when she addresses the Royal College of Nursing
      Congress in Bournemouth next week.

PMID- 27669838
TI  - Confusion over implementing Clothier recommendations.
AB  - An internal hospital memo warning of the risks of employing 'someone with
      murderous tendencies' has highlighted the confusion and lack of guidance over how
      hospitals should deal with the recommendations of the Clothier report .

PMID- 27669839
TI  - RCN subscription rates should be linked to inflation.
AB  - The RCN has deferred until July any decision on automatic subscription increases.

PMID- 27669840
TI  - Extra L1.6 billion should finance pay award, says RCN.
AB  - The Government should fund the 3 per cent pay increase awarded last month to
      nurses from the L1.6 billion increase in NHS funding, RCN Council agreed.

PMID- 27669841
TI  - Opposition to all-graduate recruitment expected as RCN considers education
      issues.
AB  - A task force is to be set up to take forward the findings of the Royal College of
      Nursing's Future of Nursing Education Consensus Conference held last September.

PMID- 27669842
TI  - Blowing your own trumpet.
AB  - Nursing Standard have telephoned, please ring back today, the note reads. Yes,
      it's that time of year, as the RCN is getting ready to 'go on the road' and
      Nursing Standard prepares the Congress edition of the journal. Congress seems to
      come around more quickly each year, this could be a sign of a busy life, or more
      probably ageing, it seems to be only weeks since I put away my Harrogate
      memorabilia and emptied the carrier bags! Now it is time to start preparing and
      packing for Bournemouth and Questions of Health', a contemporary theme for this
      years Congress.

PMID- 27669843
TI  - Donation deferred.
AB  - The RCN has deferred a decision on whether to donate L1,500 for renowned US nurse
      Virginia Henderson to live in a supported community setting.

PMID- 27669844
TI  - A year to be proud of.
AB  - The eve of RCN Congress 94 offers an important opportunity for reflecting on the
      achievements of the last year. And there have indeed been achievements, despite
      continuing pressures at work for all nurses. Perhaps most significantly, the RCN
      welcomed its 300,000th member. A small step in terms of statistics, this
      represents a giant step for nursing, once more confirming the RCN's position as
      the world's largest and most diverse professional organisation for nurses and the
      UK's sixth largest union.

PMID- 27669845
TI  - ?
AB  - Donkey work: 'The ward round' by Achille Formis, is one of the paintings on show
      at the Wellcome Foundation in Euston Road, London NW1, as part of the Look out!
      exhibition which 'explores experiences on the edge'. It moves to Berkshire on
      April 27.

PMID- 27669846
TI  - Plans to cut 13,000 beds in Scotland.
AB  - The NHS in Scotland is looking to cut 5,000 beds from the acute sector 'as soon
      as possible' and 8,000 long-stay beds from the end of the century.

PMID- 27669848
TI  - ENB members back chief executive.
AB  - English National Board Chief Executive Tony Smith has received messages of
      support from all ENB members in response to an anonymous letter calling for his
      resignation.

PMID- 27669849
TI  - Unions alarmed at 'ageism' in health service treatment.
AB  - Nursing unions have expressed alarm over reports that two elderly patients were
      refused hospital treatment because of their age.

PMID- 27669850
TI  - The year that was.
AB  - Calls for improvements in child protection proved to be a hot topic on the 1993
      Congress agenda and the College's Child Protection Special Interest Group has now
      produced guidance, aimed particularly at student nurses, which will be available
      at this year's Congress. And following publication of the Clothier Inquiry report
      into the Allitt tragedy, the RCN launched a new publication on The Care of Sick
      Children: A Review of the Guidelines in the Wake of the Allitt Inquiry which will
      also be available in Bournemouth.

PMID- 27669851
TI  - Sleepless in London.
AB  - This year the RCN Congress and exhibition returns to Bournemouth for the first
      time since 1985. It was the year that the Representative Body was re-named
      Congress and the first year that the event was given a slogan. That year Congress
      was coming 'Out of the shell' and in the nine years since we were last in
      Bournemouth the event has evolved and blossomed into the most significant
      conference and exhibition in the nursing calendar.

PMID- 27669852
TI  - Nurses confused over role of HCAs.
AB  - Newly qualified nurses have difficulty defining the differences between their
      roles and those of health care assistants, a researcher has claimed.

PMID- 27669854
TI  - Sister role no substitute for team spirit.
AB  - The cohesion of the ward team may have greater potential as a predictor of the
      effectiveness ot nursing care than the teambuilding skills of the ward sister, a
      study has suggested.

PMID- 27669853
TI  - Hospice nurses with support less likely to use 'blocking'.
AB  - Hospice nurses are less likely to use 'blocking' tactics with patients if they
      feel they are supported by their ward sisters, a study has shown.

PMID- 27669855
TI  - Research still dominated by doctors.
AB  - Nursing has an important contribution to make to multidisciplinary health
      services research, but there are difficulties in ensuring the nursing dimension
      is clearly defined, the conference heard.

PMID- 27669856
TI  - Teachers unclear about their Project 2000 clinical status.
AB  - Research commissioned by the English National Board shows nurse teachers feel
      unable to practise in clinical areas with credibility, and they disagree about
      whether Project 2000 I requires them to spend more or less time in clinical
      areas.

PMID- 27669857
TI  - Patients divided over first name terms.
AB  - A 'substantial minority' of hospital patients do not wish to be referred to by
      their first names, research carried out in Manchester has shown.

PMID- 27669858
TI  - Exhibitor list/stand no.

PMID- 27669859
TI  - Stress blamed for absenteeism.
AB  - Nursing unions have blamed macho managers and the pace of change in the NHS for
      high nurse sickness levels uncovered by an Audit Commission report published last
      week. It claimed the NHS could save up to L180 million a year by better
      management of nurse sickness.

PMID- 27669860
TI  - Parliament.
AB  - Health minister Dr Brian Mawhinney has confirmed in the Commons that the UKCC's
      Code of Professional Conduct does take precedence over the NHS Executive's
      guidelines on staff relations with the public and the media.

PMID- 27669861
TI  - Firm appointments aim in Patients Charter.
AB  - Community nurses will be required to set firm appoint-ments times as apart of the
      Patients' Charter, health secretary Virginia Bottomley announced last week. Mrs
      Bot-tomley said the introduction of timed appointment was a part of the
      'expansion' and improvement of the Charter standards.

PMID- 27669863
TI  - Study reveals failure in identification of women at risk from alcohol abuse.
AB  - Health professionals may be failing to recognise and treat women with serious
      alcohol problems, researchers have suggested.

PMID- 27669862
TI  - The history of the RCN congress.
AB  - The RCN Congress started life in 1924 when the Annual General Meeting (AGM) was
      held, on 26th June, in the Hall, Mortimer Street, at 3-0 pm, a 'public
      conference' was held that in the Lecture Theatre of the Hospital. The title of
      the confer- was 'What is an Ideal Nursing service.

PMID- 27669865
TI  - Hospital staff lack nutritional skills.
AB  - Patients' nutritional needs are often neglected in hospital, with many losing
      weight due to staffs lack of knowledge of clinical nutrition, researchers in
      Scotland have claimed.

PMID- 27669864
TI  - Women 'should be screened for incontinence'.
AB  - Women attending for cervical smear tests should be screened for and advised about
      urinary incontinence, researchers in Bristol have suggested.

PMID- 27669866
TI  - Congress Agenda at a glance.
AB  - 1 UKCC elections Submitted by the RCN Society of Orthopaedic Nursing. That this
      meeting of the RCN Congress discusses the future structure of UKCC elections and
      RCN strategy for future election campaigns.

PMID- 27669868
TI  - Fluid balance during hysteroscopic surgery.
AB  - Researchers from the The Netherlands have devised an accurate and cheap solution
      for monitoring for fluid overload during hysteroscopic surgery.

PMID- 27669867
TI  - Short antibiotic courses save money.
AB  - Major savings could be made in the drugs' budget if GPs prescribed antibiotics
      for five rather than seven days.

PMID- 27669870
TI  - Alternative to liver transplant in children?
AB  - A call for a controlled study to determine whether liver transplant is better
      than medical treatment for fulminant hepatic failure has been made by Japanese
      researchers.

PMID- 27669869
TI  - Pollution and hay fever link questioned.
AB  - The incidence of hay fever shows no consistent upward trend and local pollution
      is unlikely to affect the incidence greatly, Birmingham researchers report.

PMID- 27669871
TI  - Reviewing the Agenda.
AB  - By the end of next week RCN Congress could have agreed to call for cannabis to be
      decriminalised, for smokers to pay for treatment of smoking-related illnesses and
      for the introduction of equal ages of consent for hetero and homosexuals.

PMID- 27669872
TI  - Decriminalising drugs.
AB  - RCN Congress last year saw one of its most volatile debates - around a matter for
      discussion on the issue of decriminalisation of drugs. There is no doubt this is
      an issue which can polarise opinion.

PMID- 27669873
TI  - An agenda for nurse leaders.
AB  - The health service's new ' chief executive, Alan Langlands, is now in place. Also
      in place, perhaps surprisingly, is his broad strategy for the future of nursing
      management. Mr Langlands officially took up his post as Chief Executive of the
      NHS Management Executive (ME) on the first of this montli and has given every
      indication of his enthusiasm to stop nursing drifting into the policy doldrums
      that have threatened it over recent years. While there have been nursing
      initiatives aplenty since the beginning of the NHS marketplace changes, many now
      languish on forgotten shelves through lack of central will, pushed aside by the
      latest 'urgent' ministerial agenda. Remember the original Strategy for Nursing?

PMID- 27669874
TI  - Hay bailed out by student support..
AB  - I read with some relief the article by Robert Hay on nursing research (A nurse's
      place..., Viewpoint, March 30).

PMID- 27669875
TI  - ?
AB  - * On reading 'A nurse's place...', I was incensed. I was shocked to think we had
      such small-minded, uninformed and sexist members of our profession. I was
      therefore relieved to note that the author was not a nurse, but a consultant
      surgeon.

PMID- 27669876
TI  - ...but condemned by others.
AB  - Far from taking an unbiased interest in the development of the nursing
      profession, Mr Hay sadly undermines any valuable contribution that research-based
      care could bring to the benefit of patients.

PMID- 27669877
TI  - Angry and hard up - a student's lot.
AB  - I am a student nurse undertaking a Project 2000 diploma at Portsmouth University.
      In common with other students, I receive a bursary for the duration of the three
      year course.

PMID- 27669878
TI  - Nurses' needs ignored in study day scam.
AB  - After attending a recent study day, we wish to alert our nursing colleagues to a
      negative aspect of consumerism in the NHS.

PMID- 27669879
TI  - Axed nurse gets little support.
AB  - I wrote to you recently about the abolition of the title 'matron', except in
      nursing homes, and had a satisfactory reply which said the title was retained
      there because it signified who was who.

PMID- 27669880
TI  - Therapeutic touch: the debate goes on.
AB  - We take exception to Jean Sayer-Adams' ad hominem arguments regarding the
      Skeptical Inquirer (Letters, April 6. Therapeutic touch: a nursing function,
      Clinical, January19).

PMID- 27669881
TI  - Information exchange.
AB  - I am a district nurse student researching the use of nursing assessments in the
      community. I would be grateful for any information on this subject, particularly
      copies of health authority/trust assessment forms and information about where
      assessment forms are kept, eg, at a base or in the client's home, and your views
      on this.

PMID- 27669882
TI  - Gossip.
AB  - * Brighton Health Care NHS Trust has produced a very worthy booklet detailing
      action taken on suggestions to improve the lot of patients and staff. Among the
      138 ideas received, 'The chairman should purchase a second suit and bin the tatty
      blue pinstripe which gives us a bad image.' Agreed,' says the managers' response.
      'The chairman hits now purchased a second new suit at his own expense.' Good to
      know democracy in the NHS is not dead.

PMID- 27669883
TI  - Mother russia.

PMID- 27669884
TI  - Oropharyngeal dysphagia in children with cerebral palsy: comparisons between a
      high- and low-resource country.
AB  - PURPOSE: There is paucity of research investigating oropharyngeal dysphagia (OPD)
      in young children with cerebral palsy (CP), and most studies explore OPD in high
      resource countries. This study aimed at determining the proportion and severity
      of OPD in preschool children with CP in Bangladesh, compared to Australia.
      METHOD: Cross-sectional, comparison of two cohorts. Two hundred and eleven
      children with CP aged 18-36 months, 81 in Bangladesh (mean = 27.6 months, 61.7%
      males), and 130 in Australia (mean = 27.4 months, 62.3% males). The Dysphagia
      Disorders Survey (DDS) - Part 2 was the primary OPD outcome for proportion and
      severity of OPD. Gross motor skills were classified using the Gross Motor
      Function Classification System (GMFCS), motor type/distribution. RESULTS: (i)
      Bangladesh sample: proportion OPD = 68.1%; severity = 10.4 SD = 7.9. Australia
      sample: proportion OPD = 55.7%; severity = 7.0 SD = 7.5. (ii) There were no
      differences in the proportion or severity of OPD between samples when stratified
      for GMFCS (OR = 2.4, p = 0.051 and beta = 1.2, p = 0.08, respectively).
      CONCLUSIONS: Despite overall differences in patterns of OPD between Bangladesh
      and Australia, proportion and severity of OPD (when adjusted for the functional
      gross motor severity of the samples) were equivalent. This provides support for
      the robust association between functional motor severity and OPD
      proportion/severity in children with CP, regardless of the resource context.
      Implications for Rehabilitation The proportion and severity of OPD according to
      gross motor function level were equivalent between high- and low-resource
      countries (LCs). Literature from high-resource countries may be usefully
      interpreted by rehabilitation professionals for low-resource contexts using the
      GMFCS as a framework. The GMFCS is a useful classification in LCs to improve
      earlier detection of children at risk of OPD and streamline management pathways
      for optimal nutritional outcomes. Rehabilitation professionals working in LCs are
      likely to have a caseload weighted towards GMFCS III-V, with less compensatory
      OPD management options available (such as non-oral nutrition through tubes).

PMID- 27669885
TI  - Use of platelet concentrates in oral and maxillofacial surgery: an overview.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe and provide a comprehensive overview on the development,
      use and efficacy of autologous platelet concentrates in different in vitro and in
      vivo studies focusing on oral and maxillofacial pathologies. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Present work employs an extensive critical overview of the literature on
      the development and application of platelet concentrates. RESULTS: Platelet
      concentrates are innovative endogenous therapeutic agents which gained a lot of
      interest in different medical and dental disciplines due to their potential
      ability to stimulate and increase regeneration of soft and hard tissues. The
      effect of platelet-derived products is considered to be a result of the high
      number of platelets which contain a wide range of growth factors. They are not
      just therapeutic products but autologous blood concentrates containing active
      molecules. The quality of platelet concentrates may vary according to the
      individual physical state of donors making it difficult to to compare the
      outcomes of their application. Although, there are many studies analyzing the
      properties of these biomaterials both in vivo and in vitro, a consensus regarding
      their efficacy still has to be reached. CONCLUSION: Evidences described in the
      literature on the efficacy of platelet concentrates in procedures in oral and
      maxillofacial region are controversial and limited. In order to clarify the real
      advantages and priorities for the patients, when the blood-derived products are
      applied, further in vitro and in vivo research about the activity of PRP and PRF
      on the dental cells biology should be conducted.

PMID- 27669886
TI  - Morphology and molecular analysis of Oncicola venezuelensis (Acanthocephala:
      Oligacanthorhynchidae) from the ocelot Leopardus pardalis in Brazil.
AB  - Oncicola venezuelensis Marteau, 1977 was found parasitizing adults of Leopardus
      pardalis (Linnaeus) found dead in Serra da Capivara National Park, Piaui state,
      Brazil, a new geographical locality reported for the species. The diversity of
      Oncicola Travassos, 1916 species is large, but genetic data are scarce. This
      article presents the results of genetic, morphological and ultrastructural
      studies carried out for taxonomic purposes. The first ultrastructural view showed
      a globular, short proboscis with 36 hooks, divided into six longitudinal rows of
      six hooks each. Hooks differ in size and shape: hooks I, II and III have a
      'chisel-shaped' tip. The genetic profile included new sequences of ribosomal DNA
      ITS1, 5.8S and ITS2, and partial 28S rRNA regions. The results of maximum
      likelihood tree analyses for each region showed Oligacanthorhynchidae Southwell
      et Macfie, 1925 close to Gigantorhynchidae Hamann, 1892 (supported >91%). Both
      use mammals and birds as definitive hosts. Morphological and ultrastructural
      studies combined with genetic analysis shed more light on the diversity of
      Oncicola species.

PMID- 27669887
TI  - Group-Based Relaxation Response Skills Training for Pharmacologically-Resistant
      Depressed and Anxious Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Drug-resistance for depression and anxiety is a major limitation in
      the treatment of these common disorders, and adjunct support interventions may be
      beneficial in the treatment of these patients. AIMS: The purpose of this study
      was to evaluate the effects of a short-term (8 session) Relaxation Response
      Skills Training (RRST) programme for a population of psychiatric outpatients with
      anxiety and mood disorders who were unresponsive to drug treatment, and to test
      the feasibility of this intervention as complementary treatment for a psychiatric
      setting. METHOD: Forty patients were measured for overall psychopathological
      symptoms, depression, and anxiety, and were then given an 8-week course of RRST,
      while continuing their pharmacological treatment. Following the RRST
      intervention, participants were again assessed. RESULTS: The results demonstrated
      reductions in overall symptoms (large effect size and reasonable clinically
      significant change), and also in depression and anxiety (medium effect sizes and
      clinically significant change). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that this
      short-term RRT offers a simple and cost-effective way to augment drug management
      for participants with common psychiatric disorders who are less responsive to the
      drug treatment.

PMID- 27669888
TI  - Micelles with Sheddable Dendritic Polyglycerol Sulfate Shells Show Extraordinary
      Tumor Targetability and Chemotherapy in Vivo.
AB  - Cancer nanomedicines are typically stealthed by a poly(ethylene glycol) layer
      that is important to obtain extended blood circulation and elevated tumor
      accumulation. PEG stealth, however, also leads to poor tumor cell selectivity and
      uptake thereby reducing treatment efficacy. Here, we report that biodegradable
      micelles with sheddable dendritic polyglycerol sulfate (dPGS) shells show an
      unusual tumor targetability and chemotherapy in vivo. The self-assembly of dPGS
      SS-poly(epsilon-caprolactone) amphiphilic block copolymer with an Mn of 4.8-3.7
      kg mol-1 affords negatively charged and small sized micelles (dPGS-SS-PCL Ms).
      dPGS-SS-PCL Ms reveal a low cytotoxicity, decent doxorubicin (DOX) loading, and
      accelerated drug release under a reductive condition. Notably, DOX-loaded dPGS-SS
      PCL Ms exhibit a high tolerable dosage of more than 40 mg kg-1, a long plasma
      half-life of ca. 2.8 h, and an extraordinary tumor accumulation. Intriguingly,
      therapeutic results demonstrate that DOX-loaded dPGS-SS-PCL Ms induce complete
      tumor suppression, significantly improved survival rate, and diminishing adverse
      effects as compared to free drug (DOX.HCl) in MCF-7 human mammary carcinoma
      models. Dendritic polyglycerol sulfate with a superior tumor homing ability
      appears to be an attractive alternative to PEG in formulating targeted cancer
      nanomedicines.

PMID- 27669889
TI  - Comment on "Biosimilar FSH preparations- are they identical twins or just
      siblings?"

PMID- 27669890
TI  - Epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor-ligand based molecular staging predicts
      prognosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma partly due to deregulated EGF-
      induced amphiregulin expression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increased expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and
      its ligands is associated with poor prognosis and chemoresistance in many
      carcinoma types, but its role in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is
      unclear. Our aim was to clarify whether mRNA expression of EGFR-ligands was
      linked to prognosis and cisplatin resistance, and if so, which ligand was most
      important and how was the expression regulated. METHODS: To examine the
      prognostic effect of EGFR-ligand expression, we analyzed tumorous mRNA expression
      in 399 HNSCC patients. The intracellular signaling pathways controlling epidermal
      growth factor (EGF)-induced amphiregulin (AREG) expression were examined in three
      oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cell lines. Effect of AREG on cisplatin
      resistance was examined by viability assays in four-, and by association in 11
      OSCC cell lines. RESULTS: The patients were divided into five groups according to
      the median mRNA expression levels of four EGFR ligands, i.e. AREG, EGF, heparin
      binding EGF-like growth factor (HBEGF) and beta-cellulin (BTC). The number of
      increased-expressed EGFR-ligands were progressively correlated to five-year
      survival, even in advanced TNM-stage IV patients, where five-year mortality
      increased from 26 % if tumor expressed none to one EGFR-ligand, to 45 % in three
      to four ligand expressing tumors. Thus, staging the tumor according to these EGFR
      ligand mRNA expression pattern completely out performed TNM staging in predicting
      prognosis. Multivariate analysis identified AREG as the dominating predictor, and
      AREG was overexpressed in OSCC compared to tumors from other sites. Both EGF and
      HBEGF stimulation induced strong AREG increase in OSCC cell lines, which was
      partially mediated by the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 pathway, and
      negatively regulated by p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and phosphoinositide-3
      kinase. Although increased AREG mRNA expression predicted unfavorable prognosis
      in platinum treated HNSCC patients, AREG did not mediate cisplatin resistance in
      the OSCC cell lines. CONCLUSIONS: Increased tumorous mRNA expression of four EGFR
      ligands was progressively associated with poor prognosis in HNSCC. Thus, EGFR
      ligands mRNA expression pattern may be a new prognostic biomarker. The tightly
      regulated EGF-induced AREG mRNA expression was partly lost in the OSCC cell lines
      and restoring its regulation may be a new target in cancer treatment. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: Not applicable as the clinical data of the 498 HNSCC patients and
      their mRNA expression profiles were collected from the open TCGA database:
      http://cancergenome.nih.gov/cancersselected/headandneck .

PMID- 27669892
TI  - Beliefs and motives related to eating and body size: a comparison of high-BMI and
      normal-weight young adult women from rural and urban areas in Mexico.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Effective treatment and prevention of obesity and its co-morbidities
      requires the recognition and understanding of cultural and social aspects of
      eating practices. The objective of the present study was to identify social
      factors and beliefs that may explain undesirable eating practices among women
      with high body mass index (HBMI) compared with normal-weight (NW) women from
      rural and urban areas classified as middle-low socioeconomic status (SES) in the
      State of Queretaro, Mexico. METHODS: A qualitative technique with individual in
      depth interviews was used. Fifty-five women with either NW or HBMI from rural and
      urban areas participated in the study. The responses were analyzed by coding and
      grouping text fragments into categories in a data matrix, in order to make
      comparisons between BMI groups and between rural and urban women. RESULTS: The
      habit of skipping breakfast prevailed among women with HBMI who also reported
      childhood food deprivation. Feelings related to eating seemed to be more
      important than losing weight among women with HBMI from urban and rural areas.
      Thus, overweight might be interpreted as a social symbol of the enjoyment of a
      good life, primarily in rural areas. Overweight was socially accepted when it
      occurred in children and in married woman, mainly because it is a symbol of the
      good life that the head of the household provides, and also because women may
      feel more relaxed about their weight when they already have a partner. The study
      also revealed that women with HBMI were not sufficiently motivated to lose weight
      unless they experience a physical indication of poor health. CONCLUSION: The
      findings from this study are helpful in the understanding of the reasons why
      strategies for the prevention and treatment of obesity may not be as effective as
      expected. The belief system of particular social groups within different SESs
      should be considered in order to understand the etiology of obesity and develop
      effective strategies.

PMID- 27669891
TI  - A novel mutant allele of SSI2 confers a better balance between disease resistance
      and plant growth inhibition on Arabidopsis thaliana.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Resistance and growth are opposing characteristics in plants. SA
      INSENSITIVITY OF npr1-5 (SSI2) encodes a stearoyl-ACP desaturase (S-ACP DES) that
      has previously been reported to simultaneously enhance resistance and repress
      growth. RESULTS: Here, we characterize ssi2-2, a novel mutant allele of SSI2 that
      has two amino acid substitutions. Compared with wild-type and two other mutants
      of SSI2, ssi2-2 showed intermediate phenotypes in growth size, punctate necrosis,
      resistance to the bacterial pathogen Pst DC3000, salicylic acid (SA) content,
      pathogenesis-related (PR) gene levels and 18:1 content. These results indicate
      that ssi2-2 is a weak mutant of SSI2. Additionally, by using ssi2-2 as an
      intermediate control, a number of differentially expressed genes were identified
      in transcriptome profiling analysis. These results suggest that constitutive
      expression of defense-related genes and repression of IAA signaling-associated
      genes is present in all SSI2 mutants. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our results
      suggest that the weak ssi2-2 mutant maintains a better balance between plant
      immunity and vegetative growth than other mutants, consequently providing a basis
      to genetically engineer disease resistance in crop plants.

PMID- 27669893
TI  - How to design clinical rehabilitation trials for the upper paretic limb early
      post stroke?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The impact of spontaneous neurobiological recovery is still neglected
      in designing rehabilitation trials early post stroke. We aimed to investigate the
      impact of the timing of randomization and prognostic stratification on the
      required sample sizes that are needed to reveal significant intervention effects
      on upper limb function at 26 weeks after first-ever ischemic stroke. METHOD:
      Sample size calculations were based on a cohort study of 159 patients, using the
      Fugl-Meyer Assessment Upper Extremity and Action Research Arm Test as outcome
      measures (power = 80 %; two-tailed alpha = 0.05). We investigated different
      scenarios: random sampling of patients within five time intervals (stroke onset
      to 1, 3, 5, 8 and 12 weeks post stroke), and within stratified groups according
      to the presence or absence of voluntary extension of the thumb and/or two or more
      fingers at intake. RESULTS: The heterogeneity between outcome scores of patients,
      and subsequently the required sample sizes, increased from the first to the fifth
      time interval. Compared to the whole group, the sample sizes for both stratified
      groups (i.e., patients with and without Voluntary Finger Extension (VFE)) were
      lower. The required sample sizes for the patient group without VFE markedly
      increased when the time interval was broadened from 1 to 12 weeks post stroke, as
      opposed to the decrease seen for the group of patients with VFE. CONCLUSION:
      These results are fundamental for designing upper limb trials early post stroke.
      To prevent type II error, future upper limb trials should randomize patients at a
      fixed moment early post stroke and stratify patients according to their potential
      neurobiological recovery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Netherlands Trial Registry,
      www.trialregister.nl , NTR1424 , registered on 27 August 2008.

PMID- 27669894
TI  - Caloric restriction promotes cell survival in a mouse model of normal tension
      glaucoma.
AB  - Glaucoma is characterized by progressive degeneration of retinal ganglion cells
      (RGCs) and their axons. We previously reported that loss of glutamate
      transporters (EAAC1 or GLAST) in mice leads to RGC degeneration that is similar
      to normal tension glaucoma and these animal models are useful in examining
      potential therapeutic strategies. Caloric restriction has been reported to
      increase longevity and has potential benefits in injury and disease. Here we
      investigated the effects of every-other-day fasting (EODF), a form of caloric
      restriction, on glaucomatous pathology in EAAC1-/- mice. EODF suppressed RGC
      death and retinal degeneration without altering intraocular pressure. Moreover,
      visual impairment was ameliorated with EODF, indicating the functional
      significance of the neuroprotective effect of EODF. Several mechanisms associated
      with this neuroprotection were explored. We found that EODF upregulated blood
      beta-hydroxybutyrate levels and increased histone acetylation in the retina.
      Furthermore, it elevated retinal mRNA expression levels of neurotrophic factors
      and catalase, whereas it decreased oxidative stress levels in the retina. Our
      findings suggest that EODF, a safe, non-invasive, and low-cost treatment, may be
      available for glaucoma therapy.

PMID- 27669895
TI  - Isolation, purification and analysis of dissolved organic carbon from Gohagoda
      uncontrolled open dumpsite leachate, Sri Lanka.
AB  - Extract and analysis of the Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) fractions were
      analyzed from the leachate of an uncontrolled dumpsite at Gohagoda, Sri Lanka.
      DOC fractions, humic acid (HA), fulvic acid (FA) and the hydrophilic (Hyd)
      fractions were isolated and purified with the resin techniques. Spectroscopic
      techniques and elemental analysis were performed to characterize DOCs. Maximum
      TOC and DOC values recorded were 56,955 and 28,493 mg/L, respectively. Based on
      the total amount of DOC fractionation, Hyd dominated accounting for ~60%, and HA
      and FA constituted ~22% and ~17%, respectively, exhibiting the mature phase of
      the dumpsite. The elemental analysis of DOCs revealed carbon variation following
      HA > FA > Hyd, while hydrogen and nitrogen were similar in each fraction. The N/C
      ratio for HA was recorded as 0.18, following a similar trend in old dumpsite
      leachate elsewhere. The O/C ratios for HA and FA were recorded higher as much as
      1.0 and 9.3, respectively, indicating high degree of carbon mineralization in the
      leachates. High content of carboxylic, phenolic and lactone groups in all DOCs
      was observed disclosing their potential for toxic substances transportation. The
      results strongly suggest the risk associated with DOCs in dumpsite leachate to
      the aquatic and terrestrial environment.

PMID- 27669896
TI  - Using an Optical Probe as the Microdrop Holder in Headspace Single Drop
      Microextraction: Determination of Sulfite in Food Samples.
AB  - A novel headspace single-drop microextraction method (HS-SDME) for determination
      of sulfite in the form of sulfur dioxide was developed. An optical probe was used
      as the droplet holder in the HS-SDME procedure, and the analytical signal
      (absorbance) was monitored online during the extraction process. The method is
      based on the conversion of sulfite to volatile sulfur dioxide by acidification of
      the analyzed solution. The liberated SO2 was absorbed by 25 MUL of an aqueous
      mixed reagent solution placed on the optical probe tip and containing Fe(III),
      1,10-phenantroline, and an acetic buffer solution of pH 5.6. During the
      extraction process, Fe(III) reduces to Fe(II) and the Fe(II) formed then reacts
      with 1,10-phenantroline to form a colored complex. Absorbance was measured at 510
      nm. The calibration plot was linear in the range 0.032-0.320 mg L-1 of sulfite
      (as SO2), with a correlation coefficient of 0.9989. The limit of detection (LOD),
      calculated as three times the standard deviation of the blank test (n = 10), was
      found to be 8 MUg L-1. The method was applied for analysis of real food samples,
      such as wine, jam, and juice.

PMID- 27669897
TI  - Shortcuts to adiabaticity by counterdiabatic driving for trapped-ion displacement
      in phase space.
AB  - The application of adiabatic protocols in quantum technologies is severely
      limited by environmental sources of noise and decoherence. Shortcuts to
      adiabaticity by counterdiabatic driving constitute a powerful alternative that
      speed up time-evolution while mimicking adiabatic dynamics. Here we report the
      experimental implementation of counterdiabatic driving in a continuous variable
      system, a shortcut to the adiabatic transport of a trapped ion in phase space.
      The resulting dynamics is equivalent to a 'fast-motion video' of the adiabatic
      trajectory. The robustness of this protocol is shown to surpass that of competing
      schemes based on classical local controls and Fourier optimization methods. Our
      results demonstrate that shortcuts to adiabaticity provide a robust speedup of
      quantum protocols of wide applicability in quantum technologies.

PMID- 27669898
TI  - Heat production and error probability relation in Landauer reset at effective
      temperature.
AB  - The erasure of a classical bit of information is a dissipative process. The
      minimum heat produced during this operation has been theorized by Rolf Landauer
      in 1961 to be equal to kBT ln2 and takes the name of Landauer limit, Landauer
      reset or Landauer principle. Despite its fundamental importance, the Landauer
      limit remained untested experimentally for more than fifty years until recently
      when it has been tested using colloidal particles and magnetic dots. Experimental
      measurements on different devices, like micro-mechanical systems or nano
      electronic devices are still missing. Here we show the results obtained in
      performing the Landauer reset operation in a micro-mechanical system, operated at
      an effective temperature. The measured heat exchange is in accordance with the
      theory reaching values close to the expected limit. The data obtained for the
      heat production is then correlated to the probability of error in accomplishing
      the reset operation.

PMID- 27669899
TI  - Developing an antibacterial super-hydrophilic barrier between bacteria and
      membranes to mitigate the severe impacts of biofouling.
AB  - Biofouling produces concentrated microbial populations with highly resistive
      biofilms and is considered to be a serious obstacle for a wide range of membrane
      technology applications. An antibacterial super-hydrophilic barrier could help to
      reduce biofouling by preventing direct contact between membranes and bacteria. In
      this study, an antibacterial super-hydrophilic barrier consisting of a layer of
      TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) was developed on polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)-based
      membrane via a facile technique. The results demonstrated that the presence of
      TiO2 NPs eliminated the first step of biofouling, ie bacterial adhesion to the
      membrane. In addition, after bacterial deposition onto the membrane during
      ultrafiltration (UF), the TiO2 NPs significantly retarded bacterial growth and
      reproduction (the second step of biofouling). During UF, the membrane flux
      decreased due to bacterial deposition, but 85% of the flux was recovered through
      physical cleaning using water. This study sheds light on the potential advantages
      of antibacterial super-hydrophilic membranes for biofouling mitigation.

PMID- 27669900
TI  - Biofilm forming potential and antimicrobial susceptibility of newly emerged
      Western Australian Bordetella pertussis clinical isolates.
AB  - Whooping cough caused by Bordetella pertussis is increasing in several countries
      despite high vaccine coverage. One potential reason for the resurgence is the
      emergence of genetic variants of the bacterium. Biofilm formation has recently
      been associated with the pathogenesis of B. pertussis. Biofilm formation of 21
      Western Australian B. pertussis clinical isolates was investigated. All isolates
      formed thicker biofilms than the reference vaccine strain Tohama I while
      retaining susceptibility to ampicillin, erythromycin, azithromycin and
      streptomycin. When two biofilm-forming clinical isolates were compared with
      Tohama I, minimum bactericidal concentrations of antimicrobial agents increased.
      Isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ)-based proteomic
      analysis revealed significant differences in protein expression in B. pertussis
      biofilms, providing an opportunity for identification of novel biofilm-associated
      antigens for incorporation in current pertussis vaccines to improve their
      protective efficacy. The study also highlights the importance of determining
      antibiograms for biofilms to formulate improved antimicrobial therapeutic
      regimens.

PMID- 27669901
TI  - Leucine zipper-EF-hand containing transmembrane protein 1 (LETM1) forms a Ca2+/H+
      antiporter.
AB  - Leucine zipper-EF-hand-containing transmembrane protein1 (LETM1) is located in
      the mitochondrial inner membrane and is defective in Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome.
      LETM1 contains only one transmembrane helix, but it behaves as a putative
      transporter. Our data shows that LETM1 knockdown or overexpression robustly
      increases or decreases mitochondrial Ca2+ level in HeLa cells, respectively. Also
      the residue Glu221 of mouse LETM1 is identified to be necessary for Ca2+ flux.
      The mutation of Glu221 to glutamine abolishes the Ca2+-transport activity of
      LETM1 in cells. Furthermore, the purified LETM1 exhibits Ca2+/H+ anti-transport
      activity, and the activity is enhanced as the proton gradient is increased. More
      importantly, electron microscopy studies reveal a hexameric LETM1 with a central
      cavity, and also, observe two different conformational states under alkaline and
      acidic conditions, respectively. Our results indicate that LETM1 is a Ca2+/H+
      antiporter and most likely responsible for mitochondrial Ca2+ output.

PMID- 27669903
TI  - The Evolution of Hyperedge Cardinalities and Bose-Einstein Condensation in
      Hypernetworks.
AB  - To depict the complex relationship among nodes and the evolving process of a
      complex system, a Bose-Einstein hypernetwork is proposed in this paper. Based on
      two basic evolutionary mechanisms, growth and preference jumping, the
      distribution of hyperedge cardinalities is studied. The Poisson process theory is
      used to describe the arrival process of new node batches. And, by using the
      Poisson process theory and a continuity technique, the hypernetwork is analyzed
      and the characteristic equation of hyperedge cardinalities is obtained.
      Additionally, an analytical expression for the stationary average hyperedge
      cardinality distribution is derived by employing the characteristic equation,
      from which Bose-Einstein condensation in the hypernetwork is obtained. The
      theoretical analyses in this paper agree with the conducted numerical
      simulations. This is the first study on the hyperedge cardinality in
      hypernetworks, where Bose-Einstein condensation can be regarded as a special case
      of hypernetworks. Moreover, a condensation degree is also discussed with which
      Bose-Einstein condensation can be classified.

PMID- 27669902
TI  - Gene expression profiling reveals aryl hydrocarbon receptor as a possible target
      for photobiomodulation when using blue light.
AB  - Photobiomodulation (PBM) with blue light induces a biphasic dose response curve
      in proliferation of immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaT), with a maximum anti
      proliferative effect reached with 30min (41.4 J/cm2). The aim of this study was
      to test the photobiomodulatory effect of 41.4 J/cm2 blue light irradiation on ROS
      production, apoptosis and gene expression at different time points after
      irradiation of HaCaT cells in vitro and assess its safety. ROS concentration was
      increased 30 min after irradiation. However, already 1 h after irradiation, cells
      were able to reduce ROS and balance the concentration to a normal level. The
      sudden increase in ROS did not damage the cells, which was demonstrated with FACS
      analysis where HaCaT cells did not show any sign of apoptosis after blue light
      irradiation. Furthermore, a time course could be seen in gene expression analysis
      after blue light, with an early response of stimulated genes already 1 h after
      blue light irradiation, leading to the discovery of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor
      as possible target for blue light irradiation.

PMID- 27669904
TI  - Identification and molecular characterization of bacteriophage phiAxp-2 of
      Achromobacter xylosoxidans.
AB  - A novel Achromobacter xylosoxidans bacteriophage, phiAxp-2, was isolated from
      hospital sewage in China. The phage was morphologically and microbiologically
      characterized, and its one-step growth curve, host range, genomic sequence, and
      receptor were determined. Its morphology showed that phiAxp-2 belongs to the
      family Siphoviridae. Microbiological characterization demonstrated that pH 7 is
      most suitable for phage phiAxp-2; its titer decreased when the temperature
      exceeded 50  degrees C; phiAxp-2 is sensitive to ethanol and isopropanol; and the
      presence of calcium and magnesium ions is necessary to accelerate cell lysis and
      improve the formation of phiAxp-2 plaques. Genomic sequencing and a bioinformatic
      analysis showed that phage phiAxp-2 is a novel bacteriophage, consisting of a
      circular, double-stranded 62,220-bp DNA molecule with a GC content of 60.11% that
      encodes 86 putative open reading frames (ORFs). The lipopolysaccharide of A.
      xylosoxidans is involved in the adsorption of phiAxp-2.

PMID- 27669906
TI  - "The beneficiaries of development funding have more often been the managerial
      elite rather than front-line nurses".
AB  - The effects of the internal market on the health service have been under constant
      scrutiny. But the market's impact on nurse education, while largely hidden, has
      been as dramatic if not as emotive. For colleges of nursing, the transition into
      the commercial world has been quick and painful. Many believe that the market
      poses a real threat to the future of the profession. Intake figures have dropped
      alarmingly, not because of any thorough examination of future supply needs, but
      through crude and inaccurate estimations by education commissioners.

PMID- 27669905
TI  - Development and user validation of driving tasks for a power wheelchair
      simulator.
AB  - : Mobility is important for participation in daily activities and a power
      wheelchair (PW) can improve quality of life of individuals with mobility
      impairments. A virtual reality simulator may be helpful in complementing PW
      skills training, which is generally seen as insufficient by both clinicians and
      PW users. To this end, specific, ecologically valid activities, such as entering
      an elevator and navigating through a shopping mall crowd, have been added to the
      McGill wheelchair (miWe) simulator through a user-centred approach. PURPOSE: The
      objective of this study was to validate the choice of simulated activities in a
      group of newly trained PW users. METHODS: We recruited 17 new PW users, who
      practiced with the miWe simulator at home for two weeks. They then related their
      experience through the Short Feedback Questionnaire, the perceived Ease of Use
      Questionnaire, and semi-structured interviews. RESULTS: Participants in general
      greatly appreciated their experience with the simulator. During the interviews,
      this group made similar comments about the activities as our previous group of
      expert PW users had done. They also insisted on the importance of realism in the
      miWe activities, for their use in training. DISCUSSION: A PW simulator may be
      helpful if it supports the practice of activities in specific contexts (such as a
      bathroom or supermarket), to complement the basic skills training received in the
      clinic (such as driving forward, backward, turning, and avoiding obstacles).
      Implications for Rehabilitation New power wheelchair users appreciate practicing
      on a virtual reality simulator and find the experience useful when the simulated
      diving activities are realistic and ecologically valid. User-centred development
      can lead to simulated power wheelchair activities that adequately capture
      everyday driving challenges experienced in various environmental contexts.

PMID- 27669907
TI  - ?
AB  - Home at last: Stacey Gilmore who spent the first 16 months of her life hi the
      care of staff at Birmingham City Hospital, Dudley Road, has finally gone home.
      Stacey was born 14 weeks premature and weighing only 875gms (lib 13oz). She went
      home briefly last year but had to return because of a lung infection. Senior
      midwife Margaret Clarke, right, said: 'It is marvellous to see Stacey in such
      good health. She suffered more illnesses in the first year of life than most of
      us do in a lifetime.' Also pictured are staff nurse Gwen Jackson, left, and
      Stacey's mother Sharon Brinton.

PMID- 27669908
TI  - DoH plans for nurse education welcomed.
AB  - A major Department of Health strategy document on the future of nurse education
      in England has been warmly welcomed by the profession.

PMID- 27669909
TI  - Reforms announced for special hospitals.
AB  - Radical reforms proposed for the UK's top security hospitals are in danger of
      foundering unless nurses move quickly to promote the 'golden opportunity' they
      represent, a leading nurse has warned.

PMID- 27669910
TI  - Job scheme gets funding into 1996.
AB  - A scheme to help newly-qualified nurses find jobs by offering work experience is
      set to continue into 1996, Nursing Standard was told last week.

PMID- 27669911
TI  - Praise for breast care nurses.
AB  - Breast care nurses have been 'vital' in helping the NHS Breast Screening
      Programme exceed screening targets in England and Wales for the third year
      running, the RCN said last week.

PMID- 27669912
TI  - Nurses face new PRP scheme based on trust performance.
AB  - A row has erupted over attempts by a Northern trust to impose a new performance
      related pay scheme which the RCN has warned is open to 'management bias and
      unfairness'.

PMID- 27669914
TI  - Midwives to call for extra security.
AB  - An emergency motion at the Royal College of Midwives' Annual Conference this week
      will call for tighter security in maternity units.

PMID- 27669913
TI  - Nurse records can be 'vital' in court.
AB  - Nursing records are often crucial in establishing the facts when a medical
      negligence claim comes to trial, Susan Parker, a nurse adviser with the Medical
      Defence Union claimed this week.

PMID- 27669916
TI  - Nursing staff in limbo as two military hospitals face closure.
AB  - Severe cuts in the number of nurses working in the Defence Medical Service are
      expected as a result of the defence savings announced by the Government last
      week.

PMID- 27669915
TI  - ?

PMID- 27669917
TI  - UKCC leaders silent as grievance begins.
AB  - A stony silence continued to envelop the leadership of the UK Central Council as
      angered staff began official grievance procedures, demanding that ethical
      questions over the appointment of an administrative manager be addressed.

PMID- 27669918
TI  - RCN alert before axe attack.
AB  - A Royal College of Nursing officer wrote to a south Wales hospital about security
      concerns just a week before a man armed with an axe injured six people including
      three nurses and a policeman.

PMID- 27669919
TI  - RCN attacks health service for failing to invest in its staff.
AB  - The health service's failure to invest in its staff is its biggest failing, RCN
      Director of Education Tom Bolger told the conference.

PMID- 27669920
TI  - Nurses set for roles as chief executives.
AB  - Nurses will soon be trust chief executives as the NHS realises their general
      management potential, outspoken health commentator Professor Eric Caines
      predicted last week.

PMID- 27669921
TI  - Rowden: patients should be told of surgeons' death rates.
AB  - Nurses have more valuable information to share with the public, such as under
      which surgeons patients arc most likely to die, than has been offered in the new
      hospital league tables, Ray Rowden, Institute of Health Services Management
      director claimed last week.

PMID- 27669922
TI  - CHCs' concern over confidentiality.
AB  - Community health councils called for a new 'whistleblowers' charter' to allow NHS
      staff to raise concerns about services and patient care wthout risking
      disciplinary action.

PMID- 27669923
TI  - Cuts spark no confidence vote.
AB  - Furious nursing staff at a struggling trust hospital have taken a vote of no
      confidence in the trust managers after an announcement of sweeping redundancies.

PMID- 27669926
TI  - Guidelines on child abuse from the HVA.
AB  - Health visitors and school nurses have been urged to lead the fight against the
      rising incidence of child abuse.

PMID- 27669924
TI  - Nurses must ensure health resources are properly targeted.
AB  - Health visitors and public health nurses must battle to ensure resources are
      being targeted at the people who most need them, a senior nurse in public health
      has urged.

PMID- 27669927
TI  - Whitehall ditches nurse transfers.
AB  - Plans for transferring thousands of nurses from the NHS to local authority
      employment have been ditched by the Government.

PMID- 27669928
TI  - Male rape law.
AB  - A new offence of male rape with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment is to be
      introduced in England and Wales.

PMID- 27669929
TI  - Blunkett welcome for joint ventures.
AB  - Shadow Health Secretary David Blunkett has lamented his party's failure to
      embrace joint commissioning with local authorities early enough.

PMID- 27669931
TI  - Disaster procedure success for south african nurses during pre-election riots.
AB  - South African nurses have hailed the success of a disaster plan which was put
      into full effect during recent riots in Johannesburg.

PMID- 27669932
TI  - Child health staff accused of not keeping up with research.
AB  - Workers in child health services have been criticised for failure to keep abreast
      of the latest research.

PMID- 27669933
TI  - Nurses must act on DoH report.
AB  - Mental health nurses will be doomed to a fossilised existence' if they fail to
      focus services on patient need, John Tait, Deputy Chief Nursing Officer at the
      health department, told the conference.

PMID- 27669934
TI  - ?
AB  - The executive committee of the Northern Ireland Royal College of Nursing Society
      of Mental Health Nursing held its first meeting in Belfast last month. Pictured,
      back left to right, are: Hugo Kelly, senior staff nurse at St Luke's Hospital;
      John Hall, charge nurse at Tyrone Manor Hospital; and Tom Sandford, RCN Mental
      Health Adviser: and front, left to right: Arleen Hill, staff nurse; Teresa Kelly,
      staff nurse at St Luke's Hospital; Eileen Scott, RCN Northern Ireland Board
      officer; Rosalee Corvan, Society secretary; and Ester McKee, community
      psychiatric nurse, Dunlace Health Centre.

PMID- 27669935
TI  - Mental health services heading for crisis.
AB  - Mental health services in many parts of the UK are 'dangerously close to crisis
      point', RCN mental health nursing adviser Tom Sandford claimed last week.

PMID- 27669937
TI  - Calls for replacing project 2000 are misplaced.
AB  - Calls for generic all-graduate nurse training to replace Project 2000 are rooted
      in the vanity of the profession rather than in a desire to meet patient need, the
      conference was told.

PMID- 27669938
TI  - Wide variation in immunity to hepatitis B found in midwives.
AB  - The immunity of nurses and midwives to hepatitis B varies enormously across the
      country, despite government guidelines that all staff involved in exposure-prone
      procedures should be immune to the virus by next year.

PMID- 27669939
TI  - We must all drink 1.1 litres a day.

PMID- 27669940
TI  - Caesarean births soar in britain.
AB  - The number of Caesarean births carried out in Britain has jumped dramatically
      over the past year, according to latest figures. Both doctors and midwives blame
      the growing fear of litigation as the cause for the rise.

PMID- 27669941
TI  - New TB screening for developing countries.
AB  - A new method for preparing smears to detect tuberculosis which is appropriate for
      developing countries has been devised by researchers in Ethiopia.

PMID- 27669942
TI  - Improved breast cancer survival in all age groups.
AB  - Both short and long term survival of women with breast cancer has improved
      considerably in all age groups, results of a study from The Netherlands suggests.

PMID- 27669944
TI  - Warning of iritis after streptokinase.
AB  - Severe bilateral iritis might be a delayed allergic reaction to intravenous
      streptokinase injection, doctors from South Glamorgan report.

PMID- 27669943
TI  - Flooring developed to be more 'faller-friendly'.
AB  - A floor covering which might protect older people from fractured bones if they
      fall has been devised by American researchers.

PMID- 27669945
TI  - Women doing it for themselves.
AB  - A Leicester nurse, concerned by the amount of mental health problems on a city
      housing estate, has finally achieved her ambition to set up a self-help group for
      stressed and depressed women.

PMID- 27669946
TI  - Oppressed cannot lead healthy lives.
AB  - The government is trying to criminalise 'aggravated' trespass and many forms of
      protest. It also wants to repeal the 1968 Caravans Act, which obliges councils to
      provide sites for gypsy families, to abolish the right to remain silent when
      arrested, to give the police new powers to arrest those who they think might be
      ravers, protestors or travellers (including gypsies) and the power to form
      exclusion zones, thus limiting totally the rights to freedom of movement and of
      association.

PMID- 27669947
TI  - A case for cannabis in the relief of pain.
AB  - I was pleased to see in your News section that at hist some MPs are taking up the
      case in favour of legalising cannabis prescribing for the relief of pain in
      multiple sclerosis (Move to legalise cannabis for multiple sclerosis sufferers,
      June 29).

PMID- 27669948
TI  - Let's have a balanced view of nursing homes.
AB  - How sad it makes me to read so much about the poor standard of our nursing homes.

PMID- 27669949
TI  - Twelve-hour shifts are not the answer.
AB  - In Linda Nazarko's article, 'Short shrift for long shifts' (Viewpoint, June 29),
      she puts forward the case against 12-hour shifts in her usual articulate way.

PMID- 27669950
TI  - NHS 'company cars' not seen as a perk.
AB  - Regarding your news item headed 'Unfair tax trap system penalises community
      nurses' (June 29). This spiralling cost does not only apply to the cost of lease
      car schemes. The users of Crown and fleet cars provided by the health authorities
      are also penalised by this unfair tax treatment.

PMID- 27669952
TI  - Elizabeth mary 'emily' hughes.
AB  - Emily Hughes, a founder member of the Gwynedd Branch of the Royal College of
      Nursing died last month at the age of 91.

PMID- 27669951
TI  - Taking the risk out of risk assessment.
AB  - Risk assessment is indeed a tried and tested management tool in industry that is
      new to the health service. Mary Spinks' article indicates that it is new to her,
      too (Patient safety, risky business, Features,June 29).

PMID- 27669953
TI  - Victorian values and mental health nursing.
AB  - It was disappointing to read the article on mental health nursing featured in the
      Appointments section because it gave no indication of the positive side of those
      large psychiatric institutions (Mental health nursing, June 29).

PMID- 27669955
TI  - Integrating Social Support in Nursing Integrating Social Support in Nursing M. j
      . Stewart SAGE 246pp L12.95 0-8039-4274-5.
AB  - The first thing which one notices about Integrating Social Support in Nursing is
      that it is a Canadian publication with American- English spelling and terminology
      throughout. Early examples are: 'operationalization of the construct and
      hypothesis' and 'explicates the critical bidirectional nature'. These are not
      isolated examples, and similar wording permeates the whole book.

PMID- 27669954
TI  - Information exchange.
AB  - I am a staff nurse researching the best format for a 24 hour admission sheet for
      day case patients admitted to our ward which usually accommodates longer stay
      patients. These patients generally include emergencies and day case surgery.

PMID- 27669956
TI  - Developing a Philosophy of Nursing Developing a Philosophy of Nursing J Kikuchi H
      Simmons SAGE 126pp L13.95 0-8039-5423-9 [Formula: see text].
AB  - Developing a Philosophy of Nursing is a collection of essays based on papers
      presented at a 1991 conference at the Institute for Philosophical Nursing
      Research in Canada. The aim was to air and explore opposing arguments about how a
      sound philosophy of nursing should be developed.

PMID- 27669957
TI  - Taking drugs seriously Taking drugs seriously J Cohen J Kay Thorsons 174pp L4.99
      0-7225-2858-2.
AB  - In 1979, when I began giving talks about drugs and my experiences as a social
      worker in London's East End, alcohol and nicotine were the only substances which
      were featured. Recently, however, my talks have included heroin and other
      similarly 'heavy' drugs.

PMID- 27669958
TI  - Listings.
AB  - Nursing Standard regrets that it is no longer able to take listings over the
      telephone because of unprecedented demand. Readers are reminded that the listings
      section is for the use of charitable and professional organisations, unions and
      health authorities to publicise forthcoming events. Listings should contain all
      relevant details and be posted or faxed to Susan Bloodworth, Nursing Standard,
      Viking House, 17-19 Peterborough Road. Harrow, Middlesex HA1 2AX. Fax: 081-423
      3867.

PMID- 27669959
TI  - Peripheral calcifying cystic odontogenic tumour and peripheral dentinogenic ghost
      cell tumour: an updated systematic review of 117 cases reported in the
      literature.
AB  - PURPOSE: To integrate the available data published on peripheral calcifying
      cystic odontogenic tumour (CCOT) and peripheral dentinogenic ghost cell tumour
      (DGCT) into a comprehensive analysis of its clinical and radiologic features.
      METHODS: An electronic search was undertaken in May, 2016. Eligibility criteria
      included publications reporting cases of peripheral CCOTs/DGCTs having enough
      clinical, radiological and histological information to confirm a definite
      diagnosis. Demographic data, lesion site and size, treatment approach and
      recurrence were analyzed. RESULTS: Hundred and thirty-eight lesions were found
      (65 publications), and 117 lesions (63 publications) with enough information were
      analyzed (55 CCOTs, 50 DGCTs, 12 unknown). Mean age of patients was 51.3 +/- 23.4
      (min-max, 1-92), with higher mean age for the DGCTs variant. The lesions were
      more prevalent in the mandible, anterior region of the jaws, and in the second,
      sixth and eighth decades, with an equal sexual distribution. About 20% of all
      lesions showed signs of erosion of the underlying bone, with a higher rate for
      DGCTs. The mean lesion size was 1.3 +/- 0.8 (min-max, 0.4-3.0). Time of follow-up
      was informed for 37 lesions, with a mean +/- SD of 30.2 +/- 21.0 months (min-max,
      6-84). Almost all lesions were treated by conservative surgery; only three
      recurrences were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Peripheral CCOTs/DGCTs are rare lesions.
      Most of the lesions were treated by simple excision with or without curettage of
      the underlying bone. As the recurrence rate is very low, a conservative approach
      seems to be enough for the great majority of cases.

PMID- 27669960
TI  - Molecular determinants for the strictly compartmentalized expression of kainate
      receptors in CA3 pyramidal cells.
AB  - Distinct subtypes of ionotropic glutamate receptors can segregate to specific
      synaptic inputs in a given neuron. Using functional mapping by focal glutamate
      uncaging in CA3 pyramidal cells (PCs), we observe that kainate receptors (KARs)
      are strictly confined to the postsynaptic elements of mossy fibre (mf) synapses
      and excluded from other glutamatergic inputs and from extrasynaptic compartments.
      By molecular replacement in organotypic slices from GluK2 knockout mice, we show
      that the faithful rescue of KAR segregation at mf-CA3 synapses critically depends
      on the amount of GluK2a cDNA transfected and on a sequence in the GluK2a C
      terminal domain responsible for interaction with N-cadherin. Targeted deletion of
      N-cadherin in CA3 PCs greatly reduces KAR content in thorny excrescences and KAR
      EPSCs at mf-CA3 synapses. Hence, multiple mechanisms combine to confine KARs at
      mf-CA3 synapses, including a stringent control of the amount of GluK2 subunit in
      CA3 PCs and the recruitment/stabilization of KARs by N-cadherins.

PMID- 27669961
TI  - Clinical photoacoustic imaging of cancer.
AB  - Photoacoustic imaging is a hybrid technique that shines laser light on tissue and
      measures optically induced ultrasound signal. There is growing interest in the
      clinical community over this new technique and its possible clinical
      applications. One of the most prominent features of photoacoustic imaging is its
      ability to characterize tissue, leveraging differences in the optical absorption
      of underlying tissue components such as hemoglobin, lipids, melanin, collagen and
      water among many others. In this review, the state-of-the-art photoacoustic
      imaging techniques and some of the key outcomes pertaining to different cancer
      applications in the clinic are presented. 

PMID- 27669963
TI  - Specific Aspects of Drug Hypersensitivity in Children.
AB  - Suspicion for drug hypersensitivity (DH) is a common reason for children's
      referral to an allergy department, with beta-lactam antibiotics and nonsteroidal
      anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as the most frequently involved drugs. The
      prevalence of DH in children remains not well defined as epidemiologic studies in
      children are lacking, and the most of those take into account adverse drug
      reactions (ADR) without a systematic allergy work-up to confirm or exclude
      hypersensitivity. The clinical history is mandatory in order to classify the
      reaction as being immediate or non-immediate and then to subsequently adapt the
      allergy work-up. Mainly due to the lack of studies, the same guidelines used for
      diagnosis of drug allergy in adults are generally used in the pediatric
      population, and the diagnosis is based mainly on in vivo tests (i.e. skin tests
      and/or drug provocation test) and rarely on in vitro tests. However, specific
      aspects of management of DH in children have been recently highlighted.

PMID- 27669964
TI  - Predictive Modeling of Ocular Pharmacokinetics and Adverse Effects.
AB  - Treatment of ocular disorders is a challenge due to the difficulty of delivering
      drugs to the target tissues within the eye at sufficient concentrations to
      produce a therapeutic effect. The cornea and the blood-retinal barrier,
      comprising of the retinal pigment epithelium and the retinal capillaries, are the
      main barriers for delivering drugs to treat diseases in the anterior and
      posterior parts of the eye, respectively. The eye has a rich blood supply and
      relatively small mass, and drugs can distribute from the systemic blood
      circulation to the choroid through the fenestrated choroidal blood vessels, but
      further permeation into the eye is limited by the blood-retinal barrier.
      Computational prediction of the ocular pharmacokinetics of drugs can help improve
      drug delivery and predict ocular adverse effects resulting from ocular or
      systemic drugs. Computational models predicting ocular adverse effects of drugs
      are still scarce, even though prediction of eye irritation and corrosion of
      chemicals has been well studied as a consequence of recent European Union
      legislation. Predictive modeling of adverse effects suffers from the wide
      distribution of data resources, but databases that integrate data on adverse
      effects, drugs, targets and other related biological data from different sources
      offer improved prospects for predictive modeling.

PMID- 27669962
TI  - Diagnostic vascular ultrasonography with the help of color Doppler and contrast
      enhanced ultrasonography.
AB  - The use of ultrasonography and especially of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography
      (CEUS) in the diagnosis of vascular pathologies before and after interventions
      has significantly increased over the past years due to the broader availability
      of modern ultrasound systems with CEUS capabilities and more trained user
      experience in this imaging modality. For the preinterventional and
      postinterventional work-up of carotid diseases, duplex ultrasound as well as CEUS
      have been established as the standard-of-care examination procedures for
      diagnosis, evaluation, and follow-up. In addition to its use for carotid arterial
      diseases, ultrasonography has also become the primary modality for the screening
      of vascular pathologies. This review describes the most common pathologies found
      in ultrasonography of the carotid arteries, the abdominal aorta, and the femoral
      arteries. 

PMID- 27669966
TI  - Identification of Useful Nanobodies by Phage Display of Immune Single Domain
      Libraries Derived from Camelid Heavy Chain Antibodies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The discovery of functional heavy chain-only antibodies devoid of
      light chains in sera of camelids and sharks in the early nineties provided access
      to the generation of minimal-sized, single-domain, in vivo affinity-matured,
      recombinant antigenbinding fragments, also known as Nanobodies. METHODS:
      Recombinant DNA technology and adaptation of phage display vectors form the basis
      to construct large naive, synthetic or medium sized immune libraries from where
      multiple Nanobodies have been retrieved. Alternative selection methods (i.e.
      bacterial display, bacterial two-hybrid, Cis-display and ribosome display) have
      also been developed to identify Nanobodies. The antigen affinity, stability,
      expression yields and structural details of the Nanobodies have been determined
      by standard technology. Nanobodies were subsequently engineered for higher
      stability and affinity, to have a sequence closer to that of human immunoglobulin
      domains, or to add designed effector functions. RESULTS: Antigen specific
      Nanobodies recognizing with high affinity their cognate antigen were retrieved
      from various libraries. High expression yields are obtained from microorganisms,
      even when expressed in the cytoplasm. The purified Nanobodies are shown to
      possess beneficial biochemical and biophysical properties. The crystal structure
      of Nanobody::antigen complexes reveal the preference of Nanobodies for cavities
      on the antigen surface. CONCLUSION: Thanks to the properties described above,
      Nanobodies became a highly valued and versatile tool for biomolecular research.
      Moreover, numerous diagnostic and therapeutic Nanobody-based applications have
      been developed in the past decade.

PMID- 27669967
TI  - Therapeutic Antibodies by Phage Display.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Antibody phage display is a major technological platform for the
      generation of fully human antibodies for therapeutic purposes. The in vitro
      binder selection by phage display allows researchers to have more extensive
      control over binding parameters and facilitates the isolation of clinical
      candidate antibodies with desired binding and/or functional profiles. METHODS:
      Since the invention of antibody phage display in late 1980s, significant
      technological advancements in the design, construction, and selection of the
      antibody libraries have been made, and several fully human antibodies generated
      by phage display are currently approved or in various clinical development
      stages. RESULTS: In this review, the background and details of antibody phage
      display technology, and representative antibody libraries with natural or
      synthetic sequence diversity and different construction strategies are described.
      The generation, optimization, functional and biophysical properties, and
      preclinical and clinical developments of some of the phage display-derived
      therapeutic antibodies approved for use in patients or in late-stage clinical
      trials are also discussed. CONCLUSION: With evolving novel disease targets and
      therapeutic strategies, antibody phage display is expected to continue to play a
      central role in the development of the next generation of therapeutic antibodies.

PMID- 27669965
TI  - Polypharmacology in Precision Oncology: Current Applications and Future
      Prospects.
AB  - Over the past decade, a more comprehensive, large-scale approach to studying
      cancer genetics and biology has revealed the challenges of tumor heterogeneity,
      adaption, evolution and drug resistance, while systems-based pharmacology and
      chemical biology strategies have uncovered a much more complex interaction
      between drugs and the human proteome than was previously anticipated. In this
      mini-review we assess the progress and potential of drug polypharmacology in
      biomarker-driven precision oncology. Polypharmacology not only provides great
      opportunities for drug repurposing to exploit off-target effects in a new single
      target indication but through simultaneous blockade of multiple targets or
      pathways offers exciting opportunities to slow, overcome or even prevent inherent
      or adaptive drug resistance. We highlight the many challenges associated with
      exploiting known or desired polypharmacology in drug design and development, and
      assess computational and experimental methods to uncover unknown
      polypharmacology. A comprehensive understanding of the intricate links between
      polypharmacology, efficacy and safety is urgently needed if we are to tackle the
      enduring challenge of cancer drug resistance and to fully exploit
      polypharmacology for the ultimate benefit of cancer patients.

PMID- 27669968
TI  - Unraveling Antibody Display: Systems Biology and Personalized Medicine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The identification of combinatorial antibodies against many different
      targets in oncology, autoimmune, inflammatory and infectious diseases has
      uncovered novel strategies to control and prevent diseases' onset and
      progression, and represents the fastest growing market for the pharmaceutical
      industry. Phage Display has been successfully used in the identification of
      unknown targets, which combines shotgun approaches with high throughput selection
      schemes. METHODS: This specific review covers many aspects of combinatorial phage
      display technology starting from antibody selection strategies to its redesign
      for application purposes. Emphasis is specifically directed to how these
      biotherapeutics function on specific targets with an interactome view, especially
      within complex diseases. CONCLUSION: Novel combinatorial antibodies will lead to
      improved interventions in cancer, autoimmune and infectious diseases; however,
      the very large genetic diversity associated with environmental variations
      highlight the importance of the personalized medicine using a system's biology
      approach. Therefore, combined therapies are expected in the near future.

PMID- 27669969
TI  - Immune Antibody Libraries: Manipulating The Diverse Immune Repertoire for
      Antibody Discovery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Antibody phage display is highly dependent on the availability of
      antibody libraries. There are several forms of libraries depending mainly on the
      origin of the source materials. There are three major classes of libraries,
      mainly the naive, immune and synthetic libraries. METHODS: Immune antibody
      libraries are designed to isolate specific and high affinity antibodies against
      disease antigens. The pre-exposure of the host to an infection results in the
      production of a skewed population of antibodies against the particular infection.
      RESULTS: This characteristic takes advantage of the in vivo editing machinery to
      generate bias and specific immune repertoire. The skewed but diverse repertoire
      of immune libraries has been adapted successfully in the generation of antibodies
      against a wide range of diseases. CONCLUSION: We envisage immune antibody
      libraries to play a greater role in the discovery of antibodies for diseases in
      the near future.

PMID- 27669970
TI  - Intestinal Dysbiosis, Gut Hyperpermeability and Bacterial Translocation: Missing
      Links Between Depression, Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes.
AB  - The comorbid prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) with obesity and type
      II diabetes mellitus reflects the existence of a subset of individuals with a
      complex common pathophysiology and overlapping risk factors. Such comorbid
      disease presentations imply a number of difficulties, including: decreased
      treatment responsivity and adherence; altered glycemic control and increased risk
      of wider medical complications. A number of factors link MDD to metabolic
      associated disorders, including: higher rates of shared risk factors such as poor
      diet and physical inactivity and biological elements including increased
      inflammation; insulin resistance; oxidative and nitrosative stress; and
      mitochondrial dysfunction. All of these biological factors have been extensively
      investigated in the pathophysiology of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus as
      well as MDD. In this review, we aim to: (1) overview the epidemiological links
      between MDD, obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus; (2) discuss the role of
      synergistic neurotoxic effects in MDD comorbid with obesity, and type 2 diabetes
      mellitus; (3) review evidence of intestinal dysbiosis, leaky gut and increased
      bacterial translocation, in the pathophysiology of MDD, obesity and type 2
      diabetes mellitus; and (4) propose a model in which the gut-brain axis could play
      a pivotal role in the comorbidity of these disorders.

PMID- 27669971
TI  - A randomised, single-blind comparison of high-level disinfectants for flexible
      nasendoscopes.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To compare the microbiological efficacy, turnaround time, cost,
      convenience, and patient and user tolerance of Tristel Trio Wipes, PeraSafe
      solution and Cidex OPA solution for the high-level disinfection of flexible
      nasendoscopes. METHODS: Flexible nasendoscopes were used in routine clinical
      encounters. They were then disinfected with one of the three disinfectant
      methods. Surveillance cultures were taken before and after each disinfection
      process. Data relating to each of the study parameters were recorded. RESULTS:
      Positive bacterial cultures were discovered on nasendoscopes disinfected with
      PeraSafe and Cidex OPA. Tristel Trio Wipes have no capital outlay cost, the
      lowest running cost, the greatest convenience and the fastest turnaround time.
      PeraSafe had a faster turnaround time than Cidex OPA, and lower running costs.
      CONCLUSION: Tristel Trio Wipes are equal to PeraSafe and Cidex OPA in terms of
      microbiological efficacy. Turnaround time and cost are dramatically reduced when
      using Tristel Trio Wipes compared to the other disinfectant methods.

PMID- 27669972
TI  - Long-range antiferromagnetic order and possible field induced spin-flop
      transition in BiMnVO5.
AB  - We report the bulk magnetic characterization of a dimeric chain material,
      BiMnVO5, by means of magnetic susceptibility, magnetization and heat capacity
      measurements. Our results provide compelling evidence of an antiferromagnetic
      (AFM) transition at (T N) ~ 11.5 K. Moreover, the magnetic entropy change in zero
      field saturates to 14.6 J mol-1 K-1 which is close to the total spin entropy of
      Mn2+. The development of long-range magnetic order in this chain material
      demonstrates the interplay of strong intra-chain and inter-chain interactions
      between the dimers, in addition to the intra-dimer interaction. Low-temperature
      (T  <  T N) heat capacity data indicate the presence of a gap (Delta/k B  ~  5 K)
      in the spin excitations. Furthermore, the isothermal magnetization below T N
      shows an anomaly in the slope between 30 and 40 kOe which is suggestive of a spin
      flop transition. Such a low-field spin-flop transition and gapped spin wave
      excitations may be attributed to the presence of (weak) magnetic anisotropy in
      this material. We attempt to construct a phase diagram in the magnetic field
      temperature plane by extracting data from in-field heat capacity and isothermal
      magnetization measurements.

PMID- 27669973
TI  - C-X-C motif chemokine 10 in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: role as a pro
      inflammatory factor and clinical implication.
AB  - Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic
      liver disease. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a more severe form of
      NAFLD and causes subsequent pathological changes including cirrhosis and
      hepatocellular carcinoma. Inflammation is the key pathological change in NASH and
      involves a series of cytokines and chemokines. The C-X-C motif chemokine 10
      (CXCL10), which is known as a pro-inflammation chemokine, was recently proven to
      play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of NASH. Hepatic CXCL10 is mainly
      secreted by hepatocytes and liver sinusoidal endothelium. By binding to its
      specific receptor CXCR3, CXCL10 recruits activated CXCR3+ T lymphocytes and
      macrophages to parenchyma and promotes inflammation, apoptosis and fibrosis. The
      circulating CXCL10 level correlates with the severity of lobular inflammation and
      is an independent risk factor for NASH patients. Thus, CXCL10 may be both a
      potential prognostic tool and a therapeutic target for the treatment of patients
      with NASH. The aim of this review is to highlight the growing advances in basic
      knowledge and clinical interest of CXCL10 in NASH to propagate new insights into
      novel pharmacotherapeutic avenues.

PMID- 27669974
TI  - Graphdiyne as a High-Efficiency Membrane for Separating Oxygen from Harmful
      Gases: A First-Principles Study.
AB  - We theoretically explored the adsorption and diffusion properties of oxygen and
      several harmful gases penetrating the graphdiyne monolayer. According to our
      first-principles calculations, the oxidation of the acetylenic bond in graphdiyne
      needs to surmount an energy barrier of ca. 1.97 eV, implying that graphdiyne
      remains unaffected under oxygen-rich conditions. In a broad temperature range,
      graphdiyne with well-defined nanosized pores exhibits a perfect performance for
      oxygen separation from typical noxious gases, which should be of great potential
      in medical treatment and industry.

PMID- 27669975
TI  - Increased levels of 3-hydroxykynurenine parallel disease severity in human acute
      pancreatitis.
AB  - Inhibition of kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO) protects against multiple organ
      dysfunction (MODS) in experimental acute pancreatitis (AP). We aimed to precisely
      define the kynurenine pathway activation in relation to AP and AP-MODS in humans,
      by carrying out a prospective observational study of all persons presenting with
      a potential diagnosis of AP for 90 days. We sampled peripheral venous blood at 0,
      3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 168 hours post-recruitment. We measured tryptophan
      metabolite concentrations and analysed these in the context of clinical data and
      disease severity indices, cytokine profiles and C-reactive protein (CRP)
      concentrations. 79 individuals were recruited (median age: 59.6 years; 47 males,
      59.5%). 57 met the revised Atlanta definition of AP: 25 had mild, 23 moderate,
      and 9 severe AP. Plasma 3-hydroxykynurenine concentrations correlated with
      contemporaneous APACHE II scores (R2 = 0.273; Spearman rho = 0.581; P < 0.001)
      and CRP (R2 = 0.132; Spearman rho = 0.455, P < 0.001). Temporal profiling showed
      early tryptophan depletion and contemporaneous 3-hydroxykynurenine elevation.
      Furthermore, plasma concentrations of 3-hydroxykynurenine paralleled systemic
      inflammation and AP severity. These findings support the rationale for
      investigating early intervention with a KMO inhibitor, with the aim of reducing
      the incidence and severity of AP-associated organ dysfunction.

PMID- 27669977
TI  - Paper-Based, Hand-Drawn Free Chlorine Sensor with Poly(3,4
      ethylenedioxythiophene):Poly(styrenesulfonate).
AB  - The concentration of free chlorine used for disinfecting drinking water,
      recreational water, and food processing water is critical for environmental and
      human health conditions, and should be controlled within stipulated ranges. This
      report, for the first time, describes a paper-based electrochemical free chlorine
      sensor fabricated by hand-drawing. The electrical resistivity of a poly(3,4
      ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) chemoresistor
      increases when it is exposed to free chlorine in water due to oxidation
      reactions. Because the relative change of the electrical resistance represents
      the sensor's response, the sensor can be fabricated by hand-drawing with
      different shapes and dimensions. The fabrication steps are all at room
      temperature, require no instrumentation or equipment, and can be carried out by
      untrained personnel. The fabricated sensor is mechanically stable, reusable, has
      a wide sensing range, and can accurately measure free chlorine concentrations in
      real water samples. Therefore, the low-cost, hand-drawn free chlorine sensor is
      of great significance for water quality monitoring in less developed areas where
      fabrication facilities, analytical equipment, and trained personnel are limited,
      but the need for analytical devices is critical. In addition to the free chlorine
      sensor demonstrated in this study, other types of PEDOT:PSS-based sensors and
      electronic devices can be fabricated by the developed hand-drawing process.

PMID- 27669976
TI  - Histological and immunohistochemical characteristics of cerebral amyloid
      angiopathy in elderly dogs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a disorder characterized by
      amyloid deposition in the wall of cerebral blood vessels. The deposits of amyloid
      occur frequently in the blood vessels of the frontal, parietal and occipital
      cortex. OBJECTIVE: To examine the characteristics of CAA classified according to
      the Vonsattel scale in elderly dogs histologically and immunohistochemically as
      well as the semi-quantitative evaluation of the amyloid deposits in the different
      segments of the brain. ANIMALS AND METHODS: The brains of 36 dogs of different
      breeds and sexes, which had been routinely necropsied, were used and divided into
      two groups: dogs from 1 to 5 and 10 to 18 years old. The tissue sections were
      stained by hematoxylin-eosin, Congo red and immunohistochemically. RESULTS:
      Amyloid was accumulated in the wall of cerebral blood vessels in 70% of dogs over
      the age of 10 years predominantly in the frontal cortex. CAA was demonstrated in
      elderly dogs as follows: in the frontal cortex (n = 19 or 63%), the parietal
      cortex (n = 12 or 40%), the hippocampus (40%) and the cerebellum (n = 5 or 17%).
      The deposits of amyloid in the wall of blood vessels detected by Congo red
      staining were also Abeta1-14 and Abeta1-42 immunohistochemically positive. Most
      commonly, the amyloid deposits affected a moderate number of blood vessels. The
      accumulation of amyloid was immunohistochemically revealed in the blood vessel
      walls as well as in the senile plaques and neurons. CONCLUSION: The amount of
      amyloid in the arterial walls increased with age in dogs, whereas the amyloid
      accumulated in plaques was Congo red negative.

PMID- 27669978
TI  - Patient's experience with subcutaneous and oral methotrexate for the treatment of
      rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the prominent position of methotrexate (MTX) in Rheumatoid
      Arthiris (RA) therapeutics, its real-world effectiveness may be influenced by a
      relative lack of tolerability or other side effects that physicians may not be
      aware of but that are bothersome to patients. The aim of this study is to
      identify suboptimal patient experience with MTX and to raise awareness for
      clinicians to identify opportunities to mitigate bothersome symptoms and side
      effects and optimize response to MTX. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, cross
      sectional, online survey among RA patients who were members of Creakyjoints, a
      large arthritis patient community. Eligible participants must have recently
      initiated a new biologic, subcutaneous (SQ) MTX, or oral MTX in the last 12
      months and were uniquely assigned to one of these 3 groups. Descriptive
      statistics were used to compare patient-reported side effects and tolerability
      related to MTX use in the 3 medication groups (SQ MTX, oral MTX, and biologic).
      RESULTS: A total of 382 (85 %) of 448 eligible patients completed the survey and
      were grouped as: biologic (n = 218), SQ MTX (n = 49), and oral MTX (n = 115).
      Demographics were mean standard deviation (SD) age 48 (10) years, 92 % white, 91
      % women. Symptoms significantly more prevalent in the SQ and oral MTX groups
      included diarrhea, fatigue, malaise, and hair loss. Injection related pain was
      lower with SQ MTX compared to SQ biologics. Out of a total of 8 potential
      symptoms and side effects examined, higher dose MTX (> = 20 mg/week) was
      associated with a 2.26 (1.25-4.09) greater likelihood of more side effects
      referent to < =10 mg/week. CONCLUSION: Results from this real-world RA patient
      cohort suggest that MTX is accompanied by many patient-reported side effects and
      tolerability problems that may be under-recognized by physicians. These may
      impact both treatment satisfaction and medication adherence.

PMID- 27669979
TI  - Modulation of plant growth in vivo and identification of kinase substrates using
      an analog-sensitive variant of CYCLIN-DEPENDENT KINASE A;1.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Modulation of protein activity by phosphorylation through kinases and
      subsequent de-phosphorylation by phosphatases is one of the most prominent
      cellular control mechanisms. Thus, identification of kinase substrates is pivotal
      for the understanding of many - if not all - molecular biological processes.
      Equally, the possibility to deliberately tune kinase activity is of great value
      to analyze the biological process controlled by a particular kinase. RESULTS:
      Here we have applied a chemical genetic approach and generated an analog
      sensitive version of CDKA;1, the central cell-cycle regulator in Arabidopsis and
      homolog of the yeast Cdc2/CDC28 kinases. This variant could largely rescue a
      cdka;1 mutant and is biochemically active, albeit less than the wild type.
      Applying bulky kinase inhibitors allowed the reduction of kinase activity in an
      organismic context in vivo and the modulation of plant growth. To isolate CDK
      substrates, we have adopted a two-dimensional differential gel electrophoresis
      strategy, and searched for proteins that showed mobility changes in fluorescently
      labeled extracts from plants expressing the analog-sensitive version of CDKA;1
      with and without adding a bulky ATP variant. A pilot set of five proteins
      involved in a range of different processes could be confirmed in independent
      kinase assays to be phosphorylated by CDKA;1 approving the applicability of the
      here-developed method to identify substrates. CONCLUSION: The here presented
      generation of an analog-sensitive CDKA;1 version is functional and represent a
      novel tool to modulate kinase activity in vivo and identify kinase substrates.
      Our here performed pilot screen led to the identification of CDK targets that
      link cell proliferation control to sugar metabolism, proline proteolysis, and
      glucosinolate production providing a hint how cell proliferation and growth are
      integrated with plant development and physiology.

PMID- 27669981
TI  - Erratum to: 'Effectiveness of biomarker-based exclusion of ventilator-acquired
      pneumonia to reduce antibiotic use (VAPrapid-2): study protocol for a randomised
      controlled trial'.

PMID- 27669980
TI  - Lack of sleep as a contributor to obesity in adolescents: impacts on eating and
      activity behaviors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sleep is an important contributor to physical and mental health;
      however, chronic sleep deprivation has become common in adolescents, especially
      on weekdays. Adolescents aged 14-17 years are recommended to sleep between 8 and
      10 h per night to maximize overall health and well-being. Although sleep needs
      may vary between individuals, sleep duration recommendations are important for
      surveillance and help inform policies, interventions, and the population of
      healthy sleep behaviors. Long sleepers are very rare among teenagers and sleeping
      too much is not a problem per se; only insufficient sleep is associated with
      adverse health outcomes in the pediatric population. Causes of insufficient sleep
      are numerous and chronic sleep deprivation poses a serious threat to the academic
      success, health and safety of adolescents. This article focuses on the link
      between insufficient sleep and obesity in adolescents. DISCUSSION: This "call to
      action" article argues that sleep should be taken more seriously by the public
      health community and by our society in general, i.e., given as much attention and
      resources as nutrition and physical activity. Not only that having a good night's
      sleep is as important as eating a healthy diet and being regularly physically
      active for overall health, but sleeping habits also impact eating and screen time
      behaviors and, therefore, can influence body weight control. Short sleep
      duration, poor sleep quality, and late bedtimes are all associated with excess
      food intake, poor diet quality, and obesity in adolescents. Sleep, sedentary
      behavior, physical activity and diet all interact and influence each other to
      ultimately impact health. A holistic approach to health (i.e., the whole day
      matters) targeting all of these behaviors synergistically is needed to optimize
      the impact of our interventions. Sleep is not a waste of time and sleep hygiene
      is an important factor to consider in the prevention and treatment of obesity.

PMID- 27669983
TI  - Roger Tsien 1952-2016.

PMID- 27669982
TI  - TLE3 represses colorectal cancer proliferation by inhibiting MAPK and AKT
      signaling pathways.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transducin-like enhancer of Split3 (TLE3) serves as a transcriptional
      corepressor during cell differentiation and shows multiple roles in different
      kinds of cancers. Recently, TLE3 together with many other genes involved in
      Wnt/beta-catenin pathway were detected hyper-methylated in colorectal cancer
      (CRC). However, the potential role and the underlying mechanism of TLE3 in CRC
      progression remain scarce. METHODS: Gene expression profiles were analyzed in The
      Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) microarray dataset of 41 normal colorectal intestine
      tissues and 465 CRC tissues. Western blot and Real-time Quantitative PCR (RT
      qPCR) were respectively performed to detect protein and mRNA expression in 8
      pairs of CRC tissue and matched adjacent normal mucosa. Immunohistochemistry
      (IHC) was conducted to evaluate TLE3 protein expression in 105 paraffin-embedded,
      archived human CRC tissues from patients, whose survival data were analyzed with
      Kaplan-Meier method. In vitro experiments including MTT assay, colony formation
      assay, and soft agar formation assay were used to investigate the effects of TLE3
      on CRC cell growth and proliferation. Additionally, subcutaneous tumorigenesis
      assay was performed in nude mice to confirm the effects of TLE3 in vivo.
      Furthermore, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was run to explore potential
      mechanism of TLE3 in CRC, and then we measured the distribution of CRC cell cycle
      phases and apoptosis by flow cytometry, as well as the impacts of TLE3 on MAPK
      and AKT signaling pathways by Western blot and RT-qPCR. RESULTS: TLE3 was
      significantly down-regulated in 465 CRC tissues compared with 41 normal tissues.
      Both protein and mRNA expressions of TLE3 were down-regulated in CRC compared
      with matched adjacent normal mucosa. Lower expression of TLE3 was significantly
      associated with poorer survival of patients with CRC. Besides, knock down of TLE3
      promoted CRC cell growth and proliferation, while overexpression of TLE3 showed
      suppressive effects. Furthermore, overexpression of TLE3 caused G1-S phase
      transition arrest, inhibition of MAPK and AKT pathways, and up-regulation of
      p21Cip1/WAF1 and p27Kip1. CONCLUSION: This study indicated that TLE3 repressed
      CRC proliferation partly through inhibition of MAPK and AKT signaling pathways,
      suggesting the possibility of TLE3 as a biomarker for CRC prognosis.

PMID- 27669984
TI  - Life and death rest on a bivalent chromatin state.

PMID- 27669985
TI  - Too bored to stay awake.

PMID- 27669986
TI  - A useful code for sequences.

PMID- 27669987
TI  - Dorsal anterior cingulate: a Rorschach test for cognitive neuroscience.

PMID- 27669988
TI  - Value, search, persistence and model updating in anterior cingulate cortex.
AB  - Dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) carries a wealth of value-related
      information necessary for regulating behavioral flexibility and persistence. It
      signals error and reward events informing decisions about switching or staying
      with current behavior. During decision-making, it encodes the average value of
      exploring alternative choices (search value), even after controlling for response
      selection difficulty, and during learning, it encodes the degree to which
      internal models of the environment and current task must be updated. dACC value
      signals are derived in part from the history of recent reward integrated
      simultaneously over multiple time scales, thereby enabling comparison of
      experience over the recent and extended past. Such ACC signals may instigate
      attentionally demanding and difficult processes such as behavioral change via
      interactions with prefrontal cortex. However, the signal in dACC that instigates
      behavioral change need not itself be a conflict or difficulty signal.

PMID- 27669989
TI  - Dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and the value of control.
AB  - Debates over the function(s) of dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) have
      persisted for decades. So too have demonstrations of the region's association
      with cognitive control. Researchers have struggled to account for this
      association and, simultaneously, dACC's involvement in phenomena related to
      evaluation and motivation. We describe a recent integrative theory that achieves
      this goal. It proposes that dACC serves to specify the currently optimal
      allocation of control by determining the overall expected value of control (EVC),
      thereby licensing the associated cognitive effort. The EVC theory accounts for
      dACC's sensitivity to a wide array of experimental variables, and their
      relationship to subsequent control adjustments. Finally, we contrast our theory
      with a recent theory proposing a primary role for dACC in foraging-like
      decisions. We describe why the EVC theory offers a more comprehensive and
      coherent account of dACC function, including dACC's particular involvement in
      decisions regarding foraging or otherwise altering one's behavior.

PMID- 27669992
TI  - Predicting changes in mechanical properties of trabecular bone by adaptive
      remodeling.
AB  - Because changes in the mechanical properties of bone are closely related to
      trabecular bone remodeling, methods that consider the temporal morphological
      changes induced by adaptive remodeling of trabecular bone are needed to estimate
      long-term fracture risk and bone quality in osteoporosis. We simulated bone
      remodeling using simplified and pig trabecular bone models and estimated the
      morphology of healthy and osteoporotic cases. We then displayed the fracture risk
      of the remodeled models based on a cumulative histogram from high stress. The
      histogram showed more elements had higher stresses in the osteoporosis model,
      indicating that the osteoporosis model had a greater risk.

PMID- 27669990
TI  - Evolving insights into RNA modifications and their functional diversity in the
      brain.
AB  - In this Perspective, we expand the notion of temporal regulation of RNA in the
      brain and propose that the qualitative nature of RNA and its metabolism, together
      with RNA abundance, are essential for the molecular mechanisms underlying
      experience-dependent plasticity. We discuss emerging concepts in the newly
      burgeoning field of epitranscriptomics, which are predicted to be heavily
      involved in cognitive function. These include activity-induced RNA modifications,
      RNA editing, dynamic changes in the secondary structure of RNA, and RNA
      localization. Each is described with an emphasis on its role in regulating the
      function of both protein-coding genes, as well as various noncoding regulatory
      RNAs, and how each might influence learning and memory.

PMID- 27669993
TI  - Flow-induced HDAC1 phosphorylation and nuclear export in angiogenic sprouting.
AB  - Angiogenesis requires the coordinated growth and migration of endothelial cells
      (ECs), with each EC residing in the vessel wall integrating local signals to
      determine whether to remain quiescent or undergo morphogenesis. These signals
      include vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and flow-induced mechanical
      stimuli such as interstitial flow, which are both elevated in the tumor
      microenvironment. However, it is not clear how VEGF signaling and
      mechanobiological activation due to interstitial flow cooperate during
      angiogenesis. Here, we show that endothelial morphogenesis is histone deacetylase
      1- (HDAC1) dependent and that interstitial flow increases the phosphorylation of
      HDAC1, its activity, and its export from the nucleus. Furthermore, we show that
      HDAC1 inhibition decreases endothelial morphogenesis and matrix metalloproteinase
      14 (MMP14) expression. Our results suggest that HDAC1 modulates angiogenesis in
      response to flow, providing a new target for modulating vascularization in the
      clinic.

PMID- 27669994
TI  - Corrigendum to "Haemophilus parasuis induces activation of NF-kappaB and MAP
      kinase signaling pathways mediated by toll-like receptors" [Mol. Immunol. 65 (2)
      (2015) 360-366].

PMID- 27669991
TI  - LTD-like molecular pathways in developmental synaptic pruning.
AB  - In long-term depression (LTD) at synapses in the adult brain, synaptic strength
      is reduced in an experience-dependent manner. LTD thus provides a cellular
      mechanism for information storage in some forms of learning. A similar activity
      dependent reduction in synaptic strength also occurs in the developing brain and
      there provides an essential step in synaptic pruning and the postnatal
      development of neural circuits. Here we review evidence suggesting that LTD and
      synaptic pruning share components of their underlying molecular machinery and may
      thus represent two developmental stages of the same type of synaptic modulation
      that serve different, but related, functions in neural circuit plasticity. We
      also assess the relationship between LTD and synaptic pruning in the context of
      recent findings of LTD dysregulation in several mouse models of autism spectrum
      disorder (ASD) and discuss whether LTD deficits can indicate impaired pruning
      processes that are required for proper brain development.

PMID- 27669995
TI  - Reproductive toxicity and gender differences induced by cadmium telluride quantum
      dots in an invertebrate model organism.
AB  - Sexual glands are key sites affected by nanotoxicity, but there is no sensitive
      assay for measuring reproductive toxicity in animals. The aim of this study was
      to investigate the toxic effects of cadmium telluride quantum dots (CdTe-QDs) on
      gonads in a model organism, Bombyx mori. After dorsal vein injection of 0.32 nmol
      of CdTe-QDs per individual, the QDs passed through the outer membranes of gonads
      via the generation of ROS in the membranes of spermatocysts and ovarioles, as
      well as internal germ cells, thereby inducing early germ cell death or
      malformations via complex mechanisms related to apoptosis and autophagy through
      mitochondrial and lysosomal pathways. Histological observations of the gonads and
      quantitative analyses of germ cell development showed that the reproductive
      toxicity was characterized by obvious male sensitivity. Exposure to QDs in the
      early stage of males had severe adverse effects on the quantity and quality of
      sperm, which was the main reason for the occurrence of unfertilized eggs. Ala- or
      Gly-conjugated QDs could reduce the nanotoxicity of CdTe-QDs during germ cell
      development and fertilization of their offspring. The results demonstrate that
      males are preferable models for evaluating the reproductive toxicity of QDs in
      combined in vivo/in vitro investigations.

PMID- 27669996
TI  - [How to characterize and treat sleep complaints in bipolar disorders?]
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Sleep complaints are very common in bipolar disorders (BD) both
      during acute phases (manic and depressive episodes) and remission (about 80 % of
      patients with remitted BD have poor sleep quality). Sleep complaints during
      remission are of particular importance since they are associated with more mood
      relapses and worse outcomes. In this context, this review discusses the
      characterization and treatment of sleep complaints in BD. METHODS: We examined
      the international scientific literature in June 2016 and performed a literature
      search with PubMed electronic database using the following headings: "bipolar
      disorder" and ("sleep" or "insomnia" or "hypersomnia" or "circadian" or "apnoea"
      or "apnea" or "restless legs"). RESULTS: Patients with BD suffer from sleep and
      circadian rhythm abnormalities during major depressive episodes (insomnia or
      hypersomnia, nightmares, nocturnal and/or early awakenings, non-restorative
      sleep) and manic episodes (insomnia, decreased need for sleep without fatigue),
      but also some of these abnormalities may persist during remission. These
      remission phases are characterized by a reduced quality and quantity of sleep,
      with a longer sleep duration, increased sleep latency, a lengthening of the wake
      time after sleep onset (WASO), a decrease of sleep efficiency, and greater
      variability in sleep/wake rhythms. Patients also present frequent sleep
      comorbidities: chronic insomnia, sleepiness, sleep phase delay syndrome,
      obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS), and restless legs syndrome
      (RLS). These disorders are insufficiently diagnosed and treated whereas they are
      associated with mood relapses, treatment resistance, affect cognitive global
      functioning, reduce the quality of life, and contribute to weight gain or
      metabolic syndrome. Sleep and circadian rhythm abnormalities have been also
      associated with suicidal behaviors. Therefore, a clinical exploration with
      characterization of these abnormalities and disorders is essential. This
      exploration should be helped by questionnaires and documented on sleep diaries or
      even actimetric objective measures. Explorations such as ventilatory polygraphy,
      polysomnography or a more comprehensive assessment in a sleep laboratory may be
      required to complete the diagnostic assessment. Treatments obviously depend on
      the cause identified through assessment procedures. Treatment of chronic insomnia
      is primarily based on non-drug techniques (by restructuring behavior and sleep
      patterns), on psychotherapy (cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia [CBT-I];
      relaxation; interpersonal and social rhythm therapy [IPSRT]; etc.), and if
      necessary with hypnotics during less than four weeks. Specific treatments are
      needed in phase delay syndrome, OSAHS, or other more rare sleep disorders.
      CONCLUSIONS: BD are defined by several sleep and circadian rhythm abnormalities
      during all phases of the disorder. These abnormalities and disorders, especially
      during remitted phases, should be characterized and diagnosed to reduce mood
      relapses, treatment resistance and improve BD outcomes.

PMID- 27669997
TI  - Motor skill changes and neurophysiologic adaptation to recovery-oriented virtual
      rehabilitation of hand function in a person with subacute stroke: a case study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The complexity of upper extremity (UE) behavior requires recovery of
      near normal neuromuscular function to minimize residual disability following a
      stroke. This requirement places a premium on spontaneous recovery and
      neuroplastic adaptation to rehabilitation by the lesioned hemisphere. Motor skill
      learning is frequently cited as a requirement for neuroplasticity. Studies
      examining the links between training, motor learning, neuroplasticity, and
      improvements in hand motor function are indicated. METHODS: This case study
      describes a patient with slow recovering hand and finger movement (Total Upper
      Extremity Fugl-Meyer examination score = 25/66, Wrist and Hand items = 2/24 on
      poststroke day 37) following a stroke. The patient received an intensive eight
      session intervention utilizing simulated activities that focused on the recovery
      of finger extension, finger individuation, and pinch-grasp force modulation.
      RESULTS: Over the eight sessions, the patient demonstrated improvements on
      untrained transfer tasks, which suggest that motor learning had occurred, as well
      a dramatic increase in hand function and corresponding expansion of the cortical
      motor map area representing several key muscles of the paretic hand. Recovery of
      hand function and motor map expansion continued after discharge through the three
      month retention testing. CONCLUSION: This case study describes a neuroplasticity
      based intervention for UE hemiparesis and a model for examining the relationship
      between training, motor skill acquisition, neuroplasticity, and motor function
      changes. Implications for rehabilitation Intensive hand and finger rehabilitation
      activities can be added to an in-patient rehabilitation program for persons with
      subacute stroke. Targeted training of the thumb may have an impact on activity
      level function in persons with upper extremity hemiparesis. Untrained transfer
      tasks can be utilized to confirm that training tasks have elicited motor
      learning. Changes in cortical motor maps can be used to document changes in brain
      function which can be used to evaluate changes in motor behavior persons with
      subacute stroke.

PMID- 27669998
TI  - Onset of nonlinearity in a stochastic model for auto-chemotactic advancing
      epithelia.
AB  - We investigate the role of auto-chemotaxis in the growth and motility of an
      epithelium advancing on a solid substrate. In this process, cells create their
      own chemoattractant allowing communications among neighbours, thus leading to a
      signaling pathway. As known, chemotaxis provokes the onset of cellular density
      gradients and spatial inhomogeneities mostly at the front, a phenomenon able to
      predict some features revealed in in vitro experiments. A continuous model is
      proposed where the coupling between the cellular proliferation, the friction on
      the substrate and chemotaxis is investigated. According to our results, the
      friction and proliferation stabilize the front whereas auto-chemotaxis is a
      factor of destabilization. This antagonist role induces a fingering pattern with
      a selected wavenumber k0. However, in the planar front case, the translational
      invariance of the experimental set-up gives also a mode at k = 0 and the coupling
      between these two modes in the nonlinear regime is responsible for the onset of a
      Hopf-bifurcation. The time-dependent oscillations of patterns observed
      experimentally can be predicted simply in this continuous non-linear approach.
      Finally the effects of noise are also investigated below the instability
      threshold.

PMID- 27669999
TI  - Risk assessment of high-lying innominate artery with neck surgery.
AB  - CONCLUSION: A high-lying innominate artery (the upper edge of the innominate
      artery across the anterior midline of the trachea located 2 cm above the
      suprasternal notch), a rare situation, may produce disturbance to related
      anterior cervical tracheal surgery and even cause serious complications.
      OBJECTIVES: High-lying innominate artery is a high risk factor in anterior
      cervical tracheal surgery. Pre-operative assessment via imaging technique can
      help to familiarize the artery and reduce the related disturbance to the surgery.
      METHODS: A total of 829 patients were selected. Cervical computed tomography (CT)
      examination was conducted before surgery. The distance between the upper edge of
      the innominate artery across the anterior midline of the trachea and the
      suprasternal notch was measured. The exposure of innominate arteries in these
      cases during surgery was recorded. RESULTS: The upper edge of the innominate
      artery was located above the suprasternal notch in 26.4% (219/829) of patients.
      The upper edge of the innominate artery across the anterior midline of the
      trachea was 2 cm above the suprasternal notch in 18 cases, accounting for 2.2% of
      all cases, and innominate arteries were exposed in 11 cases (61.1%) during
      surgery.

PMID- 27670002
TI  - Nurses need more than public support says report.
AB  - Nurses can no longer rely on sentimental motives or public support alone if they
      are to remain at the centre of health care, says a major policy document on the
      future of nursing agreed at the Royal College of Nursing Council last week.

PMID- 27670001
TI  - Editorial.
AB  - Staff at a GP practice in Blackburn have hit upon an inspired method of
      recruiting new staff - they pray for divine assistance. The all-Christian
      practice apparently relies on group prayer when a vacancy arises. 'Sometimes it
      can take a while but we always find someone', says practice nurse Dorothy Vernon.

PMID- 27670000
TI  - Gram Negative Bacterial Inflammation Ameliorated by the Plasma Protein Beta 2
      Glycoprotein I.
AB  - Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a major component of the outer wall of gram negative
      bacteria. In high doses LPS contributes to the inflammation in gram negative
      sepsis, and in low doses contributes to the low grade inflammation characteristic
      of the metabolic syndrome. We wanted to assess the role of beta2-glycoprotein I
      (beta2GPI) a highly conserved plasma protein and its different biochemical forms
      in a mouse model of LPS systemic inflammation. Normal and beta2GPI deficient mice
      were administered LPS through their veins and assessed for a range of
      inflammation markers in their blood and liver. Different biochemical forms of
      beta2GPI were measured in normal mice given either saline or LPS. We show that
      beta2GPI has a significant role in inhibiting LPS induced inflammation. In this
      study we provide some evidence that beta2GPI serves a protective role in a mouse
      model of LPS inflammation. This resolves the controversy of previous studies
      which used LPS and beta2GPI in test tube based models of LPS induced activation
      of white cells. We also highlight the potential relevance of a newly discovered
      biochemical form of beta2GPI in LPS mediated inflammation and we speculate that
      this form has a protective role against LPS induced pathology.

PMID- 27670003
TI  - Speculation over Bottomley's plans.
AB  - Health organisations were looking forward to hearing health secretary Virginia
      Bottomley's plans for her next period of office after last week's Cabinet
      reshuffle.

PMID- 27670005
TI  - Library hours.
AB  - The Royal College of Nursing library in Cavendish Square, London, will open
      during August on Mondays to Thursdays between 9am and 6pm, and from 9am to 5pm on
      Fridays.

PMID- 27670004
TI  - GPs get largest slice of Childbirth grants.
AB  - Unions have attacked the Government over the level of grants it has awarded for
      the implementation of Changing Childbirth pilot projects.

PMID- 27670006
TI  - Three face phone fraud charges.
AB  - Three nurses suspended from Harlow's Princess Alexandra Hospital after
      allegations that they made thousands of pounds worth of private telephone calls
      are to face fraud charges.

PMID- 27670007
TI  - L205,000 for back injury.
AB  - A nurse who suffered a serious back injury at work six years ago has been awarded
      record damages.

PMID- 27670008
TI  - Slough staff in snack storm.
AB  - A storm is brewing in Slough ' over the decision to make a new canteen, attached
      to the outpatient department of Wexham Park Hospital, out of bounds to nurses.

PMID- 27670009
TI  - Advice on holiday health risks.
AB  - Travellers are being warned of holiday health risks in a new booklet released
      last week by the Chief Medical Officer.

PMID- 27670010
TI  - Nurses fly out to orphanage overwhelmed by refugees.
AB  - British aid pouring into camps in Zaire to help Rwandan refugees is being backed
      by an influx of British nurses and doctors.

PMID- 27670011
TI  - Oh Lord, help us to fill our job vacancy.
AB  - A Blackburn GP practice has spurned the traditions of NHS recruitment and is
      relying on the power of prayer to fill its vacant posts.

PMID- 27670012
TI  - NHS trust in bath death case fined L50,000.
AB  - A trust was fined L50,(XX) with L6,000 costs after an elderly patient died in the
      bath when nurses on an understaffed ward left her unattended.

PMID- 27670013
TI  - CNO backs learning disability training.
AB  - Concerns that the mental handicap branch of Project 2000 could be dropped have
      been quashed by the Chief Nursing Officer Yvonne Moores, who last week announced
      her support for learning disability nurses.

PMID- 27670014
TI  - Changing childbirth threat to grading.
AB  - Midwives are being downgraded as managers use the Changing Childbirth report as
      'a weapon against midwives'.

PMID- 27670016
TI  - President calls for separate pay system.
AB  - The Government must act immediately to introduce a separate pay and grading
      structure for midwives, newly- elected Royal College of Midwives President
      Caroline Flint urged in her address to the conference.

PMID- 27670017
TI  - ?
AB  - Those in favour: delegates voting in Scarborough last week.

PMID- 27670015
TI  - National campaign decision.
AB  - A national campaign to raise mothers' awareness of theChanging Childbirthreport
      is set to be launched by the RCM.

PMID- 27670018
TI  - Call for more money for move to community.
AB  - More money to pay for the transfer of midwifery services to the community was
      demanded by conference. A motion proposed by the Royal College of Midwives
      Council called for the 'appropriate level of resources' to be allocated to the
      primary sector.

PMID- 27670019
TI  - Call to end open visiting.
AB  - Midwives last week voted overwhelmingly for an end to open visiting in the wake
      of the abduction of baby Abbie Humphries from a Nottingham hospital.

PMID- 27670020
TI  - Danger of car accidents due to overworking.
AB  - Midwives have been involved in car crashes and mothers have received lower
      standards of care because many midwives are expected to work excessive hours, the
      conference heard.

PMID- 27670022
TI  - Conference supports mothers' choice on water births.
AB  - Waterbirths should take place only in low risk pregnancies after at least 37
      weeks and must be the woman's choice, a position statement launched last week
      says. There should be no sedation within the last four hours and less than 24
      hours spontaneous rupture of membranes.

PMID- 27670023
TI  - UKCC PREP proposals will cause hardship.
AB  - Nurses will face hardship if they have to pay for their post-registration
      education, the Royal College of Nursing warned last week in its response to the
      United Kingdom Central Council's proposals on PREP.

PMID- 27670025
TI  - Council considers kitemark for care homes.
AB  - Nurses working in the independent sector feel vulnerable and need more support,
      Council heard during a discussion on the recent UKCC report which indicates
      continuing abuse of the elderly.

PMID- 27670024
TI  - Subscription rises.
AB  - Subscriptions could be increased by L3.50, and L6.50 for members who pay by
      DOCAS, Council agreed. A vote will be taken at the October AGM.

PMID- 27670026
TI  - ?
AB  - Last week RCN President June Clark accepted a posthumous award made to Trevor
      Clay by the Spanish College of Nursing for his 'outstanding contribution to
      nursing and his great friendship to the international nursing community'. It is
      the first time this award has been made to a non-Spaniard. From left to right:
      Taka Oguisso, deputy executive director of the International Council of Nurses,
      Council Vice Chair Pat Hughes, Council Chair Judith Hunter, RCN General Secretary
      Christine Hancock, June Clark and Miriam Ovalle Bernal representing the Spanish
      Royal College of Nursing.

PMID- 27670027
TI  - Axe attack confirms Welsh Board's worries over care in the community.
AB  - Psychiatric nurses in Wales feel that care in the community has failed them,
      following an axe attack on staff at the Princess of Wales Hospital, Bridgend by a
      man receiving treatment for his mental illness.

PMID- 27670028
TI  - Report calls for purchasing input from psychiatric nurses.
AB  - Psychiatric nurses should contribute to purchasing decisions if mental health
      services are to meet children's needs, according to a national review published
      last week.

PMID- 27670030
TI  - ?
AB  - Old midwives' tale: 'Alyson: healer and midwife' was the title of a play
      performed in the Old Operating Theatre museum and herb garret at St Thomas'
      Hospital last week as part of the South Thames Festival. The play tells the
      story' of a "wise woman' awaiting execution for witchcraft.

PMID- 27670031
TI  - Child care provision falls far short of shiftworkers' needs.
AB  - More health care workers use child care facilities during working hours than any
      other profession - but provision for child care is falling far short of need
      according to a new report on shiftworkers' childcare needs.

PMID- 27670032
TI  - RCN slams PRP in brief to Parliament.
AB  - Individual performance-related pay schemes are unworkable for nurses because they
      work in teams, co-ordinating different roles and tasks, the Royal College of
      Nursing has insisted in a briefing to MPs and members of the House of Lords.

PMID- 27670033
TI  - ?
AB  - On target: Anthony Stevens and his sister Joanna, raised L500 during last week's
      1994 Cadbury Strollerthon. Proceeds from the walk will be divided between a
      project to help improve the mobility of children with disabilities in the UK and
      Save the Children overseas schemes.

PMID- 27670034
TI  - Purchasers are not using private sector.
AB  - NHS purchasers have not yet used their new freedom to send patients for treatment
      in the private sector, figures published last week reveal.

PMID- 27670035
TI  - Northern exposure.
AB  - Nurses in Alaska have won a battle to be represented by unions in pay bargaining.

PMID- 27670036
TI  - Research congress attracts 400.
AB  - The impact of clinical research on nursing practice was one of the key matters
      for debate at a meeting of nurse scholars from around the globe in Australia.

PMID- 27670038
TI  - ?
AB  - Judgement day: Judging for theNursing StandardNurse 94 awards took place in
      London recently. Pictured, left to right, are five members of the core judging
      paneL Jenny Hunt, Nursing Practice Consultant at Luton and Dunstable Hospital;
      James Marr, Consultant Nurse with Tameside Nursing Development Unit; Ainna
      Fawcett-Henesy, Deputy Director of Nursing at the Department of Health;Nursing
      Standard'sEditor Norah Casey; and Carol Jones, Matron at the BUPA Hospital,
      Leicester.

PMID- 27670037
TI  - RCN praises 'sensible balance' of fetal egg ban for infertility.
AB  - The RCN has welcomed the ban on using eggs taken from aborted fetuses and dead
      women, announced last week by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority.

PMID- 27670039
TI  - Government considers national skin bank.
AB  - Britain could soon have a national skin bank providing tissue across the country.

PMID- 27670040
TI  - NHS crime losses halved to L2.1m.
AB  - Crime in the NHS has fallen for the first time in years.

PMID- 27670041
TI  - Nurses ideally placed for central role in identifying prostate disease.
AB  - Nurses should be given a central role in identifying and managing prostate
      disease, a study in Minnesota has demanded.

PMID- 27670042
TI  - Improvements in long-term survival rates of child cancer.
AB  - A study of the long-term survival rates of people who had childhood cancers has
      revealed increased mortality from treatment, but researchers say the benefits
      still outweigh the risks.

PMID- 27670043
TI  - Aspirin speeds up healing of leg ulcers.
AB  - Aspirin could speed up the healing rate of chronic venous leg ulcers, according
      to a recent study published in The Lancet.

PMID- 27670044
TI  - BP and diabetes linked to stroke progression.
AB  - Systolic blood pressure and the presence of diabetes are associated with
      progression of acute stroke, Danish research suggests.

PMID- 27670045
TI  - Ignorance about aspirin risks persist.
AB  - Despite warnings eight years ago from the Committee on Safety of Medicines,
      parents are continuing to give children under 12 aspirin.

PMID- 27670046
TI  - Exhaust suicides and catalytic convertors.
AB  - Car engine exhaust gases continue to be a hazard, irrespective of the presence of
      catalytic convertors, according to Aberdeen researchers.

PMID- 27670047
TI  - Chernobyl fallout and leukaemia incidence.
AB  - No major public health consequences can be expected as a result of fallout from
      the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, research suggests.

PMID- 27670048
TI  - Changes of opinion at CHC conference?
AB  - FORMER nurse Ray Rowden startled delegates at the Association of Community Health
      Councils' annual conference in Eastbourne by boldly welcoming some of the health
      service changes which are more often condemned by health professionals.

PMID- 27670049
TI  - Malone's your man.
AB  - BBC RADIO 4 presenter Jim Naughtie is not a happy man. For he is still likely to
      find health secretary Virginia Bottomley on the other end of his phoneline most
      mornings. For Mrs Bottomley defied predictions she was heading for a new job,
      remaining in charge of the Department of Health - at least for another year.

PMID- 27670050
TI  - Lack of childcare in NHS is causing nurses to quit.
AB  - HELEN Thomas' nursing ' career has been cut tragically short. Not by disease or
      redundancy, but by the health system's failure to , recognise one of its
      employees' most basic needs. Childcare for shiftworkers.

PMID- 27670051
TI  - Yes, let's change the record please.
AB  - Thank goodness for a little bit of common sense (Go with the Fo, Letters, July
      6). I am sick and fed up with this constant tirade against private nursing homes.

PMID- 27670052
TI  - Moaning minnies unite on project 2000.
AB  - In reply to Bruce Fraser's letter (July 6), I never thought I would hear myself
      described as a 'moaning minnie'.

PMID- 27670054
TI  - Passing on the word of mouth quickly.
AB  - Following the public expression by a number of world experts of their personal
      and professional concerns about chronic mercury poisoning on the BBC Panorama
      programme (July 11), I assume it will not be long before the.

PMID- 27670053
TI  - Go farther with a positive attitude.
AB  - Thank you, Mark Cooper. (The Standard guide to further study, Viewpoint, July
      13). That was the most positive article I've read in months. It's encouraging at
      the beginning of term two of a Project 2000 course to find such a plus on
      education instead of a load of moans and gripes about one thing and another.

PMID- 27670055
TI  - Compliments for the complementary.
AB  - We read with interest the news item 'Complementary therapy first' (June 15)
      regarding another centre for complementary therapies and research and would like
      to draw attention to the services offered at The Royal London Homeopathic
      Hospital NHS Trust. Based in Great Ormond Street, homeopathy and complementary
      therapies are and have been available on the NHS for many years.

PMID- 27670056
TI  - Welcome to the real world of caring.
AB  - The letter 'Mind your backs: NVQs march on', raises the question of the role of
      the trained nurse in conjunction with the development of level three NVQs.

PMID- 27670058
TI  - Information exchange.
AB  - * We are currently engaged in designing admission and discharge documentation for
      patients undergoing cataract surgery in our new day bed/short stay ward. We hope
      to keep the paperwork simple and would appreciate information or examples of
      documentation from anyone with experience in this area. Janet Wright.

PMID- 27670057
TI  - One in the eye for prescribers.
AB  - About the news item, 'Potential dangers of steroid eye drops' (Research news,
      July 13). Any ophthalmic trained nurse or nurse with ophthalmic experience has
      known for many years the side effects of over-used steroid drops.

PMID- 27670059
TI  - Yes, no, don't know.
AB  - Hello there, health care workers! I am glad to say that things have settled down
      here on my new nursing unit in the last couple of weeks. Nathan has returned to
      work after his brief spell of helping the police with their enquiries following
      the computer debacle. He is making rather too much of the experience in my
      opinion. I have told him that one person's emotional trauma is another person's
      experiential learning, and he should consider writing it all up in his reflective
      diary. If he adds it to his professional profile for the next time he is APEL'd,
      he will probably be awarded a degree on the strength of it.

PMID- 27670060
TI  - ?
AB  - "There, there, nurse. Why not write to Viewpoint and tell the world how you
      feel?"

PMID- 27670061
TI  - Manual of Critical Care Procedures K Craig editor Springhouse 496pp L21.00 0
      87434-691-6.

PMID- 27670062
TI  - Religion in aging and health Religion in aging and health JS Levin editor SAGE
      254pp L19.50 0-8039-5439-5.
AB  - Religion in Aging and Health: Theoretical Foundations and Methodological
      Frontiers presents a series of academic reflections and empirical studies about
      the relationships between religion and health and the process of ageing. Each
      contributor has an.

PMID- 27670063
TI  - Nursing informatics Nursing informatics P Wainwright editor Churchill Livingstone
      200pp L19.95 0-443-04705-7 [Formula: see text].
AB  - When editing a book written by a number of well-known and respected experts in
      their field, it is often difficult to prevent the final result being a number of
      loosely connected articles. ThatNursing Informaticsachieves a cohesion leading
      the reader from chapter to chapter easily and logically reflects well on the
      editor, Paul Wainwright.

PMID- 27670064
TI  - Listings.
AB  - Nursing Standard regrets that it is no longer able to take listings over the
      telephone because of unprecedented demand. Readers are reminded that the listings
      section is for the use of charitable and professional organisations, unions and
      health authorities to publicise forthcoming events. Listings should contain all
      relevant details and be posted or faxed to Susan Bloodworth, Nursing Standard.
      Viking House, 17-19 Peterborough Road, Harrow, Middlesex HA1 2AX. Fax: 081-423
      3867.

PMID- 27670065
TI  - The Perfect Match.

PMID- 27670066
TI  - Most American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Members Have Not
      Adopted the American Society of Anesthesiologists-Recommended Nil Per Os
      Guidelines.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine if American Association of
      Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons members have integrated the current American
      Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) nil per os (NPO) guidelines into their
      preoperative instructions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We designed and implemented a
      cross-sectional study and enrolled a random sample of private-practice American
      Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons members who practice in the United
      States. The predictor variables were year of graduation from residency, dual
      degree (MD and DDS or DMD) or single degree, and region. The primary outcome
      variable was adoption of the ASA NPO guidelines, defined as recommending fasting
      times of 2 hours for clear liquids and 6 hours for solid foods. To collect data,
      a systematic online search was implemented. Appropriate univariate and bivariate
      statistics were computed, and the level of significance was set at .05; in
      addition, 95% confidence intervals were calculated. RESULTS: The study sample was
      composed of 431 oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMSs). Almost all of the study
      sample (99.1%) did not adopt the ASA guidelines. The fasting recommendations were
      different from 2 hours for clear liquids and 6 hours for solid foods. However,
      recommendations of 2 hours or greater for clear liquids were made by 99.8% of
      OMSs, and recommendations of 6 hours or greater for solid foods were made by
      99.3%. Only 4.4% of OMSs made different recommendations for clear liquids and
      solid foods. No substantial association was found between whether OMSs adopted
      the most current ASA guidelines and the year they graduated from residency or the
      obtainment of dual degrees. CONCLUSIONS: OMSs in private practice are
      overwhelmingly recommending longer fasting times for clear liquids and solid
      foods on their Web sites when compared with the current ASA guidelines before
      ambulatory anesthesia. The ASA guidelines are based on meta-analysis; therefore,
      deviations in practice, although not incorrect, may call for discussion.

PMID- 27670067
TI  - Effects of Nitrite Addition to IGL-1 Solution on Rat Liver Preservation.
AB  - BACKGROUND The ability of nitrite to provide protection following
      ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) has been demonstrated, but its mechanism is still
      poorly understood. This study aimed to determine the optimal nitrite
      concentration to add into Institut Georges Lopez (IGL-1) storage solution and to
      assess its effect on antioxidant enzymes and autophagy. MATERIAL AND METHODS
      Livers from Sprague-Dawley rats were conserved in IGL-1 for 24 hours at 4 degrees
      C or in IGL-1 enriched with nitrite at 50, 500 and 1,000 nM, respectively, before
      being perfused ex-vivo at 37  degrees C for 120 minutes. Sham livers were
      perfused ex vivo without cold preservation. RESULTS All biological and functional
      parameters of the preserved livers were significantly impaired as compared to
      shams. Interestingly, the supplementation of nitrite to IGL-1 protected the liver
      from I/R injury. Among the doses of nitrite evaluated, the 50 nM was proved
      efficient: it significantly reduced cytolysis, mitochondrial damage, and lipid
      peroxidation, and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase,
      catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activity) and hepatic function parameters
      (portal resistance, bile flow, and bromosulfophthalein clearance). In addition,
      increased levels of the autophagy parameters were observed when 50 nM of nitrite
      were added to IGL-1 solution, but this effect disappeared completely with higher
      concentrations of nitrite. CONCLUSIONS It seems that 50 nM of nitrite added to
      IGL-1 is the optimal concentration able to maintain cell integrity and hepatic
      function through autophagy induction and oxidative stress prevention.

PMID- 27670068
TI  - Canine pulmonary vein-to-pulmonary artery ratio: echocardiographic technique and
      reference intervals.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The size of the pulmonary veins (PVs) and pulmonary arteries (PAs)
      changes in response to hemodynamic alterations caused by physiological events and
      disease. We sought to create standardized echocardiographic methods for imaging
      the right ostium of the pulmonary veins (RPVs) and the right pulmonary artery
      (RPA) using specific landmarks and timing to quantify vessel diameters and phasic
      changes during the cardiac cycle. ANIMALS: Fifty client-owned healthy dogs
      prospectively recruited. METHODS: M-mode and 2-dimensional images were obtained
      from modified right parasternal long and short axis views. Right ostium of the
      pulmonary veins and RPA measurements were timed with electrical [peak of the QRS
      complex (RPVQRS and RPAQRS) and end of T wave (RPVT and RPAT)] or mechanical
      events [RPV and RPA vessels at their respective maximal (RPVMAX; RPAMAX) and
      minimal (RPVMIN; RPAMIN) diameters]. Right ostium of the pulmonary veins and RPA
      measurements were also indexed to the aorta. RESULTS: In normal dogs regardless
      of the echocardiographic view or time in the cardiac cycle, the RPV/RPA ratio
      approximated 1.0. Mechanically timed fractional changes (distensibility indices)
      in RPV and RPA diameters did not differ (p=0.99; 36.9% and 36.8%, respectively).
      ECG-timed fractional changes (distensibility indices) in RPV and RPA diameter
      were at least 50% smaller than mechanically timed changes (p<0.05). RPV:Ao and
      RPA:Ao ranged between 0.3 and 0.6, with lower values obtained in diastole and
      larger values in systole (p<0.0001). Multiple positive and negative deflections
      were identified on the RPV and RPA M-mode tracings. CONCLUSION: This study
      provides detailed methodology and 2D and M-mode reference intervals for the RPV
      and RPA dimensions and the phasic changes during the cardiac cycle of the dog
      using echocardiography.

PMID- 27670069
TI  - The structure of a furin-antibody complex explains non-competitive inhibition by
      steric exclusion of substrate conformers.
AB  - Proprotein Convertases (PCs) represent highly selective serine proteases that
      activate their substrates upon proteolytic cleavage. Their inhibition is a
      promising strategy for the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases.
      Inhibitory camelid antibodies were developed, targeting the prototypical PC
      furin. Kinetic analyses of them revealed an enigmatic non-competitive mechanism,
      affecting the inhibition of large proprotein-like but not small peptidic
      substrates. Here we present the crystal structures of furin in complex with the
      antibody Nb14 and of free Nb14 at resolutions of 2.0 A and 2.3 A, respectively.
      Nb14 binds at a site distant to the substrate binding pocket to the P-domain of
      furin. Interestingly, no major conformational changes were observed upon complex
      formation, neither for the protease nor for the antibody. Inhibition of furin by
      Nb14 is instead explained by steric exclusion of specific substrate conformers,
      explaining why Nb14 inhibits the processing of bulky protein substrates but not
      of small peptide substrates. This mode of action was further supported by
      modelling studies with the ternary factor X-furin-antibody complex and a mutation
      that disrupted the interaction interface between furin and the antibody. The
      observed binding mode of Nb14 suggests a novel approach for the development of
      highly specific antibody-based proprotein convertase inhibitors.

PMID- 27670070
TI  - Protein kinase D regulates positive selection of CD4+ thymocytes through
      phosphorylation of SHP-1.
AB  - Thymic selection shapes an appropriate T cell antigen receptor (TCR) repertoire
      during T cell development. Here, we show that a serine/threonine kinase, protein
      kinase D (PKD), is crucial for thymocyte positive selection. In T cell-specific
      PKD-deficient (PKD2/PKD3 double-deficient) mice, the generation of CD4 single
      positive thymocytes is abrogated. This defect is likely caused by attenuated TCR
      signalling during positive selection and incomplete CD4 lineage specification in
      PKD-deficient thymocytes; however, TCR-proximal tyrosine phosphorylation is not
      affected. PKD is activated in CD4+CD8+ double positive (DP) thymocytes on
      stimulation with positively selecting peptides. By phosphoproteomic analysis, we
      identify SH2-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-1 (SHP-1) as a direct
      substrate of PKD. Substitution of wild-type SHP-1 by phosphorylation-defective
      mutant (SHP-1S557A) impairs generation of CD4+ thymocytes. These results suggest
      that the PKD-SHP-1 axis positively regulates TCR signalling to promote CD4+ T
      cell development.

PMID- 27670071
TI  - Effect of different vaccination strategies on IBV QX population dynamics and
      clinical outbreaks.
AB  - The extreme variability and rapid evolution of Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV)
      has always represented the key challenge for its control because of the limited
      cross-protection among different strains. Several experimental trials have proven
      a broadening of the protection spectrum when animals are vaccinated with multiple
      genotypes. Nevertheless, the conditions of vaccine administration in field are so
      different that the generalization of experimental results is, at least,
      questionable. In the present study a large scale epidemiological-phylodynamic
      approach was used to reconstruct the demographic history of the major field
      genotype (i.e. the QX one) circulating in Italy and Spain. These two countries
      were selected because, even if they share a comparable epidemiological scenario,
      the implemented vaccination protocols did not vary in Spain while changed
      dramatically in Italy over the time period considered. One hundred and ninety
      five Italian and 98 Spanish non-recombinant sequences of the hyper-variable
      region of the S1 gene obtained between 2012 and 2016 were analyzed using a serial
      coalescent-based approach to reconstruct viral population history over time.
      While the IBV QX population dynamics remained constant in Spain, a much more
      complex pattern was evidenced in Italy; both in terms of viral population size
      and clinical outbreak frequency. Remarkably, a strong association with changes in
      vaccination strategies was recognized. This allowed demonstrating, by
      accomplishing all Hill's criteria for causation, the cause-effect relationship
      between the vaccine administration/withdrawal and the variation in viral
      population dynamics and, above all, IBV related outbreaks. Thus, a robust
      confirmation about the efficacy of IBV vaccination in field conditions was
      provided. Additionally, the history herein reported testifies the primary
      importance of rigorously planning not only the intervention strategies but also
      their monitoring and evaluation.

PMID- 27670072
TI  - Retinaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 as a molecular adjuvant for enhancement of mucosal
      immunity during DNA vaccination.
AB  - In order for vaccines to induce efficacious immune responses against mucosally
      transmitted pathogens, such as HIV-1, activated lymphocytes must efficiently
      migrate to and enter targeted mucosal sites. We have previously shown that all
      trans retinoic acid (ATRA) can be used as a vaccine adjuvant to enhance mucosal
      CD8+ T cell responses during vaccination and improve protection against mucosal
      viral challenge. However, the ATRA formulation is incompatible with most
      recombinant vaccines, and the teratogenic potential of ATRA at high doses limits
      its usage in many clinical settings. We hypothesized that increasing in vivo
      production of retinoic acid (RA) during vaccination with a DNA vector expressing
      retinaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (RALDH2), the rate-limiting enzyme in RA
      biosynthesis, could similarly provide enhanced programming of mucosal homing to T
      cell responses while avoiding teratogenic effects. Administration of a RALDH2-
      expressing plasmid during immunization with a HIVgag DNA vaccine resulted in
      increased systemic and mucosal CD8+ T cell numbers with an increase in both
      effector and central memory T cells. Moreover, mice that received RALDH2 plasmid
      during DNA vaccination were more resistant to intravaginal challenge with a
      recombinant vaccinia virus expressing the same HIVgag antigen (VACVgag). Thus,
      RALDH2 can be used as an alternative adjuvant to ATRA during DNA vaccination
      leading to an increase in both systemic and mucosal T cell immunity and better
      protection from viral infection at mucosal sites.

PMID- 27670074
TI  - Trends in compliance with two-dose influenza vaccine recommendations in children
      aged 6 months through 8 years, 2010-2015.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Children aged 6 months through 8 years may require two doses of
      influenza vaccine for adequate immune response against the disease. However, poor
      two-dose compliance has been reported in the literature. METHODS: We analyzed
      data for >2.6million children from six immunization information system (IIS)
      sentinel sites, and assessed full vaccination coverage and two-dose compliance in
      the 2010-2015 influenza vaccination seasons. Full vaccination was defined as
      having received at least the recommended number of influenza vaccine doses (one
      or two), based on recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization
      Practices. Two-dose compliance was defined as the percentage of children during
      each season who received at least two doses of influenza vaccine among those who
      required two doses and initiated the series. RESULTS: Across seasons, ?1-dose
      influenza vaccination coverage was mainly unchanged among 6-23montholds (range:
      60.9-66.6%), 2-4yearolds (range: 44.8-47.4%), and 5-8yearolds (range: 34.5
      38.9%). However, full vaccination coverage showed increasing trends from 2010-11
      season to 2014-15 season (6-23months: 43.0-46.5%; 2-4yearolds: 26.3-39.7%; 5
      8yearolds, 18.5-33.9%). Across seasons, two-dose compliance remained modest in
      children 6-23months (range: 63.3-67.6%) and very low in older children (range:
      11.6-18.7% in children 2-4yearsand6.8-13.3% in children 5-8years). In the 2014-15
      season, among children who required and received 2 doses, only half completed the
      two-dose series before influenza activity peaked. CONCLUSIONS: Improved messaging
      of the two-dose influenza vaccine recommendations is needed for providers and
      parents. Providers are encouraged to determine a child's eligibility for two
      doses of influenza vaccine using the child's vaccination history, and to
      vaccinate children early in the season so that two-dose series are completed
      before influenza peaks.

PMID- 27670075
TI  - Supramolecular peptide hydrogel adjuvanted subunit vaccine elicits protective
      antibody responses against West Nile virus.
AB  - A crucial issue in vaccine development is to balance safety with immunogenicity.
      The low immunogenicity of most subunit antigens warrants a search for adjuvants
      able to stimulate both cell-mediated and humoral immunity. In recent years,
      successful applications of nanotechnology and bioengineering in the field of
      vaccine development have enabled the production of novel adjuvant technologies.
      In this work, we investigated totally synthetic and supramolecular peptide
      hydrogels as novel vaccine adjuvants in conjunction with the immunoprotective
      envelope protein domain III (EIII) of West Nile virus as an immunogen in a mouse
      model. Our results indicate that, compared to the clinically approved adjuvant
      alum, peptide hydrogel adjuvanted antigen elicited stronger antibody responses
      and conferred significant protection against mortality after virus challenge. The
      high chemical definition and biocompatibility of self-assembling peptide
      hydrogels makes them attractive as immune adjuvants for the production of subunit
      vaccines against viral and bacterial infections where antibody-mediated
      protection is desirable.

PMID- 27670073
TI  - Canine H3N8 influenza vaccines partially protect mice against the canine H3N2
      strain currently circulating in the United States.
AB  - Influenza A viruses infect many species and cross-species transmission occurs
      occasionally. An equine H3N8 influenza virus began circulating in dogs in 1999
      and an avian H3N2 influenza virus began circulating in dogs in 2006. The canine
      H3N8 (cH3N8) viral strain has become endemic in parts of the United States and
      there is a commercially available vaccine against this strain. The canine H3N2
      (cH3N2) strain did not circulate widely in the United States until 2015. Here, we
      used a mouse model to determine if the cH3N8 and cH3N2 strains are antigenically
      related and if a commercially available cH3N8 vaccine protects animals against
      the cH3N2 outbreak strain. We find that the cH3N8 vaccine elicits antibodies that
      react to internal viral proteins and the hemagglutinin stalk region of cH3N2
      viruses. These antibodies do not provide sterilizing immunity against cH3N2
      infection, but these antibodies limit cH3N2 replication in the lung.

PMID- 27670076
TI  - Improving cold chain systems: Challenges and solutions.
AB  - While a number of new vaccines have been rolled out across the developing world
      (with more vaccines in the pipeline), cold chain systems are struggling to
      efficiently support national immunization programs in ensuring the availability
      of safe and potent vaccines. This article reflects on the Clinton Health Access
      Initiative, Inc. (CHAI) experience working since 2010 with national immunization
      programs and partners to improve vaccines cold chains in 10 countries-Ethiopia,
      Nigeria, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, Cameroon, Mozambique, Lesotho and India
      - to identify the root causes and solutions for three common issues limiting cold
      chain performance. Key recommendations include: Collectively, the solutions
      detailed in this article chart a path to substantially improving the performance
      of the cold chain. Combined with an enabling global and in-country environment,
      it is possible to eliminate cold chain issues as a substantial barrier to
      effective and full immunization coverage over the next few years.

PMID- 27670077
TI  - Informing rubella vaccination strategies in East Java, Indonesia through
      transmission modelling.
AB  - An estimated 110,000 babies are born with congenital rubella syndrome (CRS)
      worldwide annually; a significant proportion of cases occur in Southeast Asia.
      Rubella vaccine programs have led to successful control of rubella and CRS, and
      even the elimination of disease in many countries. However, if vaccination is
      poorly implemented it might increase the number of women reaching childbearing
      age who remain susceptible to rubella and thereby paradoxically increase CRS. We
      used an age-structured transmission model to compare seven alternative vaccine
      strategies for their impact on reducing CRS disease burden in East Java, a
      setting which is yet to implement a rubella vaccine program. We also investigated
      the robustness of model predictions to variation in vaccine coverage and other
      key epidemiological factors. Without rubella vaccination, approximately 700
      babies are estimated to be born with CRS in East Java every year at an incidence
      of 0.77 per 1000live births. This incidence could be reduced to 0.0045 per 1000
      live births associated with 99.9% annual reduction in rubella infections after 20
      years if the existing two doses of measles vaccine are substituted with two doses
      of measles plus rubella combination vaccine with the same coverage (87.8% of 9
      month-old infants and 80% of 6-year-old children). By comparison a single dose of
      rubella vaccine will take longer to reduce the burden of rubella and CRS and will
      be less robust to lower vaccine coverage. While the findings of this study should
      be informative for settings similar to East Java, the conclusions are dependent
      on vaccine coverage which would need consideration before applying to all of
      Indonesia and elsewhere in Asia.

PMID- 27670078
TI  - Role of a sensor histidine kinase ChiS of Vibrio cholerae in pathogenesis.
AB  - Vibrio cholera survival in an aquatic environment depends on chitin utilization
      pathway that requires two factors, chitin binding protein and chitinases. The
      chitinases and the chitin utilization pathway are regulated by a two-component
      sensor histidine kinase ChiS in V. cholerae. In recent studies these two factors
      are also shown to be involved in V. cholerae pathogenesis. However, the role
      played by their upstream regulator ChiS in pathogenesis is yet to be known. In
      this study, we investigated the activation of ChiS in presence of mucin and its
      functional role in pathogenesis. We found ChiS is activated in mucin supplemented
      media. The isogenic chiS mutant (ChiS-) showed less growth compared to the wild
      type strain (ChiS+) in the presence of mucin supplemented media. The ChiS- strain
      also showed highly retarded motility as well as mucin layer penetration in vitro.
      Our result also showed that ChiS was important for adherence and survival in HT
      29 cell. These observations indicate that ChiS is activated in presence of
      intestinal mucin and subsequently switch on the chitin utilization pathway. In
      animal models, our results also supported the in vitro observation. We found
      reduced fluid accumulation and colonization during infection with ChiS- strain.
      We also found ChiS- mutant with reduced expression of ctxA, toxT and tcpA. The
      cumulative effect of these events made V. cholerae ChiS- strain hypovirulent.
      Hence, we propose that ChiS plays a vital role in V. cholerae pathogenesis.

PMID- 27670079
TI  - The JRC Nanomaterials Repository: A unique facility providing representative test
      materials for nanoEHS research.
AB  - The European Commission has established a Nanomaterials Repository that hosts
      industrially manufactured nanomaterials that are distributed world-wide for
      safety testing of nanomaterials. In a first instance these materials were tested
      in the OECD Testing Programme. They have then also been tested in several EU
      funded research projects. The JRC Repository of Nanomaterials has thus developed
      into serving the global scientific community active in the nanoEHS (regulatory)
      research. The unique Repository facility is a state-of-the-art installation that
      allows customised sub-sampling under the safest possible conditions, with
      traceable final sample vials distributed world-wide for research purposes. This
      paper describes the design of the Repository to perform a semi-automated
      subsampling procedure, offering high degree of flexibility and precision in the
      preparation of NM vials for customers, while guaranteeing the safety of the
      operators, and environmental protection. The JRC nanomaterials are representative
      for part of the world NMs market. Their wide use world-wide facilitates the
      generation of comparable and reliable experimental results and datasets in
      (regulatory) research by the scientific community, ultimately supporting the
      further development of the OECD regulatory test guidelines.

PMID- 27670080
TI  - Temporal kinetics of organ damage in copper toxicity: A histopathological
      correlation in rat model.
AB  - Excess of copper is toxic to different organs. We aim to study the
      histopathological changes of liver, kidney, and brain following oral CuSO4
      exposure for different duration and doses in rat model. Fifty-four males Wistar
      rats (205 +/- 10 g) were included and divided into control (group-I) and
      experimental (group-II and III) arms. An oral dose of 100 and 200 mg/kgBWt/Day
      CuSO4 was given to group-II and III respectively and group-I received normal
      saline by gavage. Six rats from each group were sacrificed on days 30, 60 and 90
      for biochemical and histopathological examinations. The histopathological changes
      were graded on 1-5 scores and correlated with respective laboratory parameters.
      The organ functions were worsened in experimental group with increasing dose and
      time. Histopathological study revealed edema, hemorrhage, necrosis and
      fibrosis/gliosis in experimental group. The worst histopathological severity
      score ranged from 4 to 5(median 5) in liver, 3-5(median 4) in kidney and 4
      5(median 5) in brain. The edema and hemorrhage were more marked at 30 days and
      fibrosis/gliosis at 90 days. In conclusion, high-dose Cu toxicity results in
      structural damage to liver, kidney, and brain that correlates with organ
      dysfunction, Cu, GSH, TAC, and MDA concentrations. Liver damage is more severe
      and occurs earlier than other organs.

PMID- 27670081
TI  - Modulation of heat shock protein 90 affects TGF-beta-induced collagen synthesis
      in human dermal fibroblast cells.
AB  - Heat shock protein 90 is a chaperone molecule that aids in proper folding of
      target proteins. Recently, heat shock protein 90 was found to play a role in
      would healing through regulation of fibroblast functions. The aim of the present
      study was to investigate the role of heat shock protein 90 in collagen synthesis
      in human dermal fibroblasts. The effects of transforming growth factor-beta, 17-N
      allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin, and transfection of heat shock protein 90
      were evaluated by real-time PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence assays. The
      Smad 2/3 and Akt pathways were evaluated to identify the signaling pathways
      involved in collagen synthesis. Heat shock protein 90 and collagen levels were
      compared in keloid and control tissues by immunohistochemical analysis. The
      expression of collagen was significantly increased after treatment with
      transforming growth factor-beta, while 17-N-allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin
      inhibited transforming growth factor-beta-induced collagen synthesis.
      Overexpression of heat shock protein 90 itself with or without transforming
      growth factor-beta increased collagen synthesis. These effects were dependent on
      Smad 2/3 pathway signaling. Finally, expression of heat shock protein 90 was
      increased in keloid tissue compared with control tissues. Taken together, these
      results demonstrate that modulation of heat shock protein 90 influences
      transforming growth factor-beta-induced collagen synthesis via regulation of Smad
      2/3 phosphorylation.

PMID- 27670082
TI  - Identification of Stem Cells in the Epithelium of the Stomach Corpus and Antrum
      of Mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Little is known about the mechanisms of gastric
      carcinogenesis, partly because it has been a challenge to identify characterize
      gastric stem cells. Runx genes regulate development and their products are
      transcription factors associated with cancer development. A Runx1 enhancer
      element, eR1, is a marker of hematopoietic stem cells. We studied expression from
      eR1 in the stomach and the roles of gastric stem cells in gastric carcinogenesis
      in transgenic mice. METHODS: We used in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence
      analyses to study expression of Runx1 in gastric tissues from C57BL/6 (control)
      mice. We then created mice that expressed enhanced green fluorescent protein
      (EGFP) or CreERT2 under the control of eR1 (eR1-CreERT2;Rosa-Lox-Stop-Lox [LSL]
      tdTomato, eR1-CreERT2;Rosa-LSL-EYFP mice). Gastric tissues were collected and
      lineage-tracing experiments were performed. Gastric organoids were cultured from
      eR1-CreERT2(5-2);Rosa-LSL-tdTomato mice and immunofluorescence analyses were
      performed. We investigated the effects of expressing oncogenic mutations in stem
      cells under control of eR1 using eR1-CreERT2;LSL-KrasG12D/+ mice; gastric tissues
      were collected and analyzed by histology and immunofluorescence. RESULTS: Most
      proliferation occurred in the isthmus; 86% of proliferating cells were RUNX1
      positive and 76% were MUC5AC-positive. In eR1-EGFP mice, EGFP signals were
      detected mainly in the upper part of the gastric unit, and 83% of EGFP-positive
      cells were located in the isthmus/pit region. We found that eR1 marked
      undifferentiated stem cells in the isthmus and a smaller number of terminally
      differentiated chief cells at the base. eR1 also marked cells in the pyloric
      gland in the antrum. Lineage-tracing experiments demonstrated that stem cells in
      the isthmus and antrum continuously gave rise to mature cells to maintain the
      gastric unit. eR1-positive cells in the isthmus and pyloric gland generated
      organoid cultures in vitro. In eR1-CreERT2;LSL-Kras G12D/+ mice, MUC5AC-positive
      cells rapidly differentiated from stem cells in the isthmus, resulting in
      distinct metaplastic lesions similar to that observed in human gastric atrophy.
      CONCLUSIONS: Using lineage-tracing experiments in mice, we found that a Runx1
      enhancer element, eR1, promotes its expression in the isthmus stem cells of
      stomach corpus as well as pyloric gland in the antrum. We were able to use eR1 to
      express oncogenic mutations in gastric stem cells, proving a new model for
      studies of gastric carcinogenesis.

PMID- 27670083
TI  - Identification and characterization of two Croquemort homologues in penaeid
      shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei.
AB  - Croquemort, the homologue of human CD36, is a member of class B scavenger
      receptors, which is involved in bacteria phagocytosis and cytokins release.
      However, there is still less information about Croquemort in crustaceans. Here, a
      Croquemort from Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei (LvCroquemort) and its
      truncated form (LvCroquemort-S1) cDNA sequences were identified, characterized
      and their role in bacteria clearance was investigated. The deduced protein of
      LvCroquemort is 533 amino acids and contains typical domains of CD36: the N
      terminus and C-terminus in cytoplasm, two transmembrane regions and a large
      extracellular loop-like domain. However, LvCroquemort-S1 losses partial cDNA
      sequence in its middle and its deduced protein losses the C-terminal
      transmembrane region and C-terminus in cytoplasm, the latter of which is found
      participating in cytokins release in human CD36. LvCroquemort transcript is
      highly expressed in gills, hemocytes, testis and slightly in heart,
      hepatopancreas and nerve. Besides, its responses to bacteria Vibrio anguillarum
      and white spot syndrome virus were examined. Knock-down of LvCroquemort by
      specific dsRNA reduces bacteria clearance. These initial data will help to
      further understand roles of Croquemort in crustacean innate immunity.

PMID- 27670084
TI  - Insights into the regulation of the MXR response in haemocytes of the
      Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis).
AB  - This study investigated functional and transcriptional modulation of the
      Multixenobiotic resistance (MXR) system as a cytoprotective mechanism
      contributing to the physiological chemoresistance of haemocytes in the
      Mediterranean mussel. Basal transport activity was assessed using the model
      substrate rhodamine 123 and specific inhibitors for the MXR-related transporters
      P-glycoprotein (ABCB mRNA) and Multidrug resistance-related protein (ABCC mRNA).
      Results showed that MXR activity in mussel haemocytes was mainly supported by the
      Mrp-mediated efflux. In agreement, ABCC was expressed at higher levels than ABCB.
      Activation of the cyclic-AMP (cAMP) dependent protein kinase A (PKA) resulted in
      increased rhodamine efflux, which was counteracted by the selective PKA inhibitor
      H89. Although serotonin, a physiological modulator of cAMP/PKA signaling and ABCB
      transcription in haemocytes, did not affect basal MXR transport, the
      environmental pharmaceuticals fluoxetine, propranolol, and carbamazepine, which
      interact in different ways with the adrenergic and serotoninergic pathways, were
      showed to act as modulators and substrates of MXR-related transporters and to
      affect cell viability. While the increased MXR activity may have lowered the
      cytotoxic effects of propranolol and carbamazepine, the lack of MXR efflux
      induction by fluoxetine may play a role in the observed cytotoxicity of the
      compound.

PMID- 27670085
TI  - Feeding pyridoxine prevents Saprolegnia parasitica infection in fish Labeo
      rohita.
AB  - A 60-day experiment was carried out to delineate the role of dietary pyridoxine
      (DP) in Labeo rohita fingerlings in modulating immunity and prevention of fungal
      infection. Two hundred and seventy fingerlings were randomly distributed into
      three treatments in triplicates. Three iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous purified
      diets were prepared with graded levels of pyridoxine. Three experimental groups
      were C (0.0% DP), T1 (0.01% DP) and T2 (0.02% DP). The role of dietary pyridoxine
      in modulating immunity and prevention of fungal infection was assessed by haemato
      immunological parameters like erythrocyte counts (EC), leucocyte counts (LC),
      haemoglobulin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean
      corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC),
      nitro-blue tetrazolium (NBT), phagocytic activity, albumin, globulin, total
      plasma protein, albumin/globulin and by challenge study with Saprolegnia
      parasitica, where relative percentage survival (RPS) were recorded. Hb, PCV, MCV,
      MCH, NBT, total plasma protein, albumin, globulin contents, lysozyme and
      phagocytic activity was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in DP fed group.
      Significantly (P < 0.05) higher RPS was recorded from T2 group fed with 0.02% DP
      for 45 days. Hence, DP has the capacity to stimulate nonspecific immunity and
      increase resistance to S. parasitica infection in L. rohita fingerlings.

PMID- 27670086
TI  - Dietary supplementation with xylanase-expressing B. amyloliquefaciens R8 improves
      growth performance and enhances immunity against Aeromonas hydrophila in Nile
      tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).
AB  - Bacillus amyloliquefaciens has attracted attention as a probiotic in aquaculture
      due to its immunostimulatory activity against pathogenic infection. Xylanases are
      extensively used in animal feed to degrade plant ingredients, enhancing nutrient
      utilization and increasing the growth rate of various animals. In the present
      study, the effects of dietary supplementation with B. amyloliquefaciens and
      xylanase-expressing B. amyloliquefaciens R8 on the growth of Nile tilapia
      (Oreochromis niloticus) and immunity against Aeromonas hydrophila were evaluated.
      The results showed that the xylanase activity in the intestine, weight gain (WG),
      feed efficiency (FE) and condition factor (CF) of Nile tilapia fed B.
      amyloliquefaciens R8 for 2 months were significantly increased compared with
      those of the fish fed the control diet and B. amyloliquefaciens. Moreover, the
      mRNA expression of growth- and metabolism-related genes, such as insulin-like
      growth factor-1 (igf-1), glucokinase (GK), glucose-6-phosphate 1-dehydrogenase
      (G6PD), and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase), was significantly induced in Nile
      tilapia fed administered B. amyloliquefaciens R8, and this group also exhibited a
      higher survival rate than the control fish following a challenge with A.
      hydrophila. The phagocytic activity and respiratory burst activity of head kidney
      leukocytes as well as the serum lysozyme activity of B. amyloliquefaciens R8-fed
      Nile tilapia were significantly higher than those of fish fed the control diet
      for 2 months. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in the head kidney leukocytes of
      Nile tilapia fed B. amyloliquefaciens R8 differed from those of fish fed the
      control diet, but this was not significant. These results indicate that dietary
      supplementation with xylanase-expressing B. amyloliquefaciens R8 improves growth
      performance and enhances immunity and disease resistance against A. hydrophila in
      Nile tilapia.

PMID- 27670088
TI  - The longitudinal relationship between post-traumatic stress disorder and
      perceived social support in survivors of traumatic injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although perceived social support is thought to be a strong predictor
      of psychological outcomes following trauma exposure, the temporal relationship
      between perceived positive and negative social support and post-traumatic stress
      disorder (PTSD) symptoms has not been empirically established. This study
      investigated the temporal sequencing of perceived positive social support,
      perceived negative social support, and PTSD symptoms in the 6 years following
      trauma exposure among survivors of traumatic injury. METHOD: Participants were
      1132 trauma survivors initially assessed upon admission to one of four Level 1
      trauma hospitals in Australia after experiencing a traumatic injury. Participants
      were followed up at 3 months, 12 months, 24 months, and 6 years after the
      traumatic event. RESULTS: Latent difference score analyses revealed that greater
      severity of PTSD symptoms predicted subsequent increases in perceived negative
      social support at each time-point. Greater severity of PTSD symptoms predicted
      subsequent decreases in perceived positive social support between 3 and 12
      months. High levels of perceived positive or negative social support did not
      predict subsequent changes in PTSD symptoms at any time-point. CONCLUSIONS:
      Results highlight the impact of PTSD symptoms on subsequent perceived social
      support, regardless of the type of support provided. The finding that perceived
      social support does not influence subsequent PTSD symptoms is novel, and
      indicates that the relationship between PTSD and perceived social support may be
      unidirectional.

PMID- 27670087
TI  - Flexible peptide recognition by HLA-DR triggers specific autoimmune T-cell
      responses in autoimmune thyroiditis and diabetes.
AB  - Autoimmune polyglandular syndrome 3 variant (APS3v) refers to the co-occurrence
      of autoimmune thyroiditis (AITD) and type 1 diabetes (T1D) within the same
      individual. HLA class II confers the strongest susceptibility to APS3v. We
      previously identified a unique amino acid signature of the HLA-DR pocket
      (designated APS3v HLA-DR pocket) that predisposes to APS3v. We hypothesized that
      both thyroid and islet peptides can be presented by the unique APS3v HLA-DR
      pocket, triggering AITD + T1D together. To test this hypothesis we screened islet
      and thyroid peptides for their ability to bind to the APS3v HLA-DR pocket.
      Virtual screen of all possible thyroglobulin (Tg), thyroid-stimulating hormone
      receptor (TSHR), thyroid peroxidase (TPO), insulin (Ins), and glutamic acid
      decarboxylase 65 (GAD65) peptides identified 36 peptides that bound to this
      unique pocket. In vitro binding assays using baculovirus-produced recombinant
      APS3v HLA-DR identified 11 thyroid/islet peptides (of the 36 predicted binders)
      that bound with high affinity. By immunizing humanized HLA-DR3 mice carrying the
      APS3v HLA-DR pocket we identified 4 peptides (Tg.1571, GAD.492, TPO.758, TPO.338)
      that were presented by antigen presenting cells and elicited T-cell response. We
      conclude that both thyroid and islet peptides can bind to this flexible APS3v HLA
      DR pocket and induce thyroid and islet specific T-cell responses. These findings
      set the stage to developing specific inhibitors of the APS3v HLA-DR pocket as a
      precision medicine approach to treating or preventing APS3v in patients that
      carry this genetic HLA-DR pocket variant.

PMID- 27670089
TI  - Quality in provision of maternity services: the missing link in health-care
      investments in LMICs?

PMID- 27670090
TI  - Quality of basic maternal care functions in health facilities of five African
      countries: an analysis of national health system surveys.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Global efforts to increase births at health-care facilities might not
      reduce maternal or newborn mortality if quality of care is insufficient. However,
      little systematic evidence exists for the quality at health facilities caring for
      women and newborn babies in low-income countries. We analysed the quality of
      basic maternal care functions and its association with volume of deliveries and
      surgical capacity in health-care facilities in five sub-Saharan African
      countries. METHODS: In this analysis, we combined nationally representative
      health system surveys (Service Provision Assessments by the Demographic and
      Health Survery Programme) with data for volume of deliveries and quality of
      delivery care from Kenya, Namibia, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. We measured the
      quality of basic maternal care functions in delivery facilities using an index of
      12 indicators of structure and processes of care, including infrastructure and
      use of evidence-based routine and emergency care interventions. We regressed the
      quality index on volume of births and confounders (public or privately managed,
      availability of antiretroviral therapy services, availability of skilled
      staffing, and country) stratified by facility type: primary (no caesarean
      capacity) or secondary (has caesarean capacity) care facilities. The Harvard
      University Human Research Protection Program approved this analysis as exempt
      from human subjects review. FINDINGS: The national surveys were completed between
      April, 2006, and May, 2010. Our sample consisted of 1715 (93%) of 1842 health
      care facilities that provided normal delivery service, after exclusion of
      facilities with missing (n=126) or invalid (n=1) data. 1511 (88%) study
      facilities (site of 276 965 [44%] of 622 864 facility births) did not have
      caesarean section capacity (primary care facilities). Quality of basic maternal
      care functions was substantially lower in primary (index score 0.38) than
      secondary care facilities (0.77). Low delivery volume was consistently associated
      with poor quality, with differences in quality between the lowest versus highest
      volume facilities of -0.22 (95% CI -0.26 to -0.19) in primary care facilities and
      -0.17 (-0.21 to -0.11) in secondary care facilities. INTERPRETATION: More than
      40% of facility deliveries in these five African countries occurred in primary
      care facilities, which scored poorly on basic measures of maternal care quality.
      Facilities with caesarean section capacity, particularly those with birth volumes
      higher than 500 per year, had higher scores for maternal care quality. Low-income
      and middle-income countries should systematically assess and improve the quality
      of delivery care in health facilities to accelerate reduction of maternal and
      newborn deaths. FUNDING: None.

PMID- 27670091
TI  - Mining Big Data in biomedicine and health care.

PMID- 27670092
TI  - Siatic nerve: beyond the sacral foramen.
AB  - Sciatica may result from pathologies affecting the nerve both in its intraspinal
      and extraspinal course. In daily routine, the vast majority of cases are caused
      by herniation of the lumbar discs compressing the neural roots. Extraspinal
      causes of sciatic pain are usually underestimated and the imaging study may be
      completed after reporting the lumbar MRIs. However, early diagnosis of the exact
      etiology of sciatica is paramount for both relieving the symptoms and preventing
      any additional neurologic injury. In this pictorial assay, some relatively rare
      causes of sciatic neuralgia along the route of the sciatic nerve after leaving
      the sacral foramen will be displayed.

PMID- 27670093
TI  - Isotretinoin treatment in a patient with known peanut allergy and positive IgE
      test results for soybean.

PMID- 27670095
TI  - Investigation of bombesin peptide as a targeting ligand for the gastrin releasing
      peptide (GRP) receptor.
AB  - Gastrin releasing peptide (GRP) receptor (GRPR), a bombesin family receptor, is
      overexpressed in many cancers including breast, prostate, pancreatic and lung.
      The targeting of therapeutics to GRPR can be achieved using the full-length (14
      amino acid) GRP analogue Bombesin (BBN) or the truncated BBN(6-14) sequence, both
      of which bind GRPR with high affinity and specificity. In this study, we have
      investigated the level of GRPR expression in various cancerous (Caco-2, HeLa,
      LNCap, MDA-MB-231, and PC-3) and non-cancerous (WPMY-1) cell lines using a
      western blotting approach. Such information is currently lacking in the
      literature, and is therefore of importance for the in vitro assessment of GRPR
      targeted therapeutics. Of the cell lines assessed, the PC-3 (prostate cancer) and
      Caco-2 (colon cancer) cell lines demonstrated the highest and lowest levels of
      GRPR expression respectively. Using this information, we further investigated the
      cellular uptake of carboxyfluorescein-labelled BBN and BBN(6-14) peptides by flow
      cytometry and confocal microscopy using cell lines that express GRPR (Caco-2,
      HeLa, PC-3). The uptake of each of these peptides was similar, suggesting that
      the shorter BBN(6-14) peptide is sufficient for GRPR targeting. Further, the
      uptake of these peptides could be inhibited by competition with unlabelled BBN
      peptides, suggesting their cellular uptake is GRPR-mediated, while the level of
      BBN uptake (as measured by flow cytometry) was found to be directly proportional
      to the level of GRPR expression. Overall, the information obtained from these
      studies provides useful information for the in vitro assessment of GRPR targeted
      therapeutics.

PMID- 27670094
TI  - Gonadal hormone modulation of ?9-tetrahydrocannabinol-induced antinociception and
      metabolism in female versus male rats.
AB  - The gonadal hormones testosterone (T) in adult males and estradiol (E2) in adult
      females have been reported to modulate behavioral effects of ?9
      tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This study determined whether activational effects of
      T and E2 are sex-specific, and whether hormones modulate production of the active
      metabolite 11-hydroxy-THC (11-OH-THC) and the inactive metabolite 11-nor-9
      carboxy-THC (THC-COOH). Adult male and female rats were gonadectomized (GDX) and
      treated with nothing (0), T (10-mm Silastic capsule/100g body weight), or E2 (1
      mm Silastic capsule/rat). Three weeks later, saline or the cytochrome P450
      inhibitor proadifen (25mg/kg; to block THC metabolism and boost THC's effects)
      was injected i.p.; 1h later, vehicle or THC (3mg/kg females, 5mg/kg males) was
      injected i.p., and rats were tested for antinociceptive and motoric effects 15
      240min post-injection. T did not consistently alter THC-induced antinociception
      in males, but decreased it in females (tail withdrawal test). Conversely, T
      decreased THC-induced catalepsy in males, but had no effect in females. E2 did
      not alter THC-induced antinociception in females, but enhanced it in males. The
      discrepant effects of T and E2 on males' and females' behavioral responses to THC
      suggests that sexual differentiation of THC sensitivity is not simply due to
      activational effects of hormones, but also occurs via organizational hormone or
      sex chromosome effects. Analysis of serum showed that proadifen increased THC
      levels, E2 increased 11-OH-THC in GDX males, and T decreased 11-OH-THC (and to a
      lesser extent, THC) in GDX females. Thus, hormone modulation of THC's behavioral
      effects is caused in part by hormone modulation of THC oxidation to its active
      metabolite. However, the fact that hormone modulation of metabolism did not alter
      THC sensitivity similarly on all behavioral measures within each sex suggests
      that other mechanisms also play a role in gonadal hormone modulation of THC
      sensitivity in adult rats.

PMID- 27670096
TI  - On the stability and biological behavior of cyclometallated Pt(IV) complexes with
      halido and aryl ligands in the axial positions.
AB  - A series of cyclometallated platinum(IV) compounds (3a, 3a' and 3b') with a
      meridional [C,N,N'] terdentate ligand, featuring an halido and an aryl group in
      the axial positions has been evaluated for electrochemical reduction and
      preliminary biological behavior against a panel of human adenocarcinoma (A-549
      lung, HCT-116 colon, and MCF-7 breast) cell lines and the normal bronquial
      epithelial BEAS-2B cells. Cathodic reduction potentials (shifting from -1.463 to 
      1.570V) reveal that the platinum(IV) compounds under study would be highly
      reluctant to be reduced in a biological environment. Actually ascorbic acid was
      not able to reduce complex 3a', the most prone to be reduced according its
      reduction potential, over a period of one week. These results suggest an
      intrinsic activity for the investigated platinum(IV) complexes (3a, 3a' and 3b'),
      which exhibit a remarkable cytotoxicity effectiveness (with IC50 values in the
      low micromolar range), even greater than that of cisplatin. The IC50 for A-549
      lung cells and clog P values were found to follow the same trend: 3b'>3a'>3a.
      However, no correlation was observed between reduction potential and in vitro
      activity. As a representative example, cyclometallated platinum(IV) compound 3a',
      exercise its antiproliferative activity directly over non-microcytic A-549 lung
      cancer cells through a mixture of cell cycle arrest (13% arrest at G1 phase and
      46% arrest at G2 phase) and apoptosis induction (increase of early apoptosis by
      30 times with regard to control). To gain further insights into the mode of
      action of the investigated platinum(IV) complexes, drug uptake, cathepsin B
      inhibition and ROS generation were also evaluated. Interestingly an increased ROS
      generation could be related with the antiproliferative activity of the
      cyclometallated platinum(IV) series under study in the cisplatin-resistant A-549
      lung and HCT-116 cancer cell lines.

PMID- 27670097
TI  - Effect of lysine methylation and acetylation on the RNA recognition and cellular
      uptake of Tat-derived peptides.
AB  - The two lysine (Lys) residues in the human immunodeficiency virus trans-activator
      of transcription protein (HIV Tat protein) basic region (residues 47-57) are
      crucial for two bioactivities: RNA recognition and cellular uptake. Since the
      post-translational modifications of these two Lys residues affect the biological
      function of the Tat protein, we investigated the effect of methylation and
      acetylation of Lys50 and Lys51 in Tat-derived peptides on the two bioactivities.
      Tat-derived peptides, in which each lysine was replaced with a methylated- or
      acetylated-Lys, were synthesized by solid phase peptide synthesis. TAR RNA
      recognition of the peptides was studied by electrophoretic mobility shift assays.
      Cellular uptake of the peptides into Jurkat cells was determined by flow
      cytometry. Our results showed that acetylation of either Lys residue attenuated
      both bioactivities. In contrast, the effect of Lys methylation on the
      bioactivities depended on position and number of methyl groups. These findings
      should be useful for the development of functional molecules containing ammonium
      groups for RNA recognition to affect biological processes and for cellular uptake
      for drug delivery.

PMID- 27670098
TI  - Discovery of a novel chimeric ubenimex-gemcitabine with potent oral antitumor
      activity.
AB  - Herein, a novel mutual prodrug BC-A1 was discovered by integrating ubenimex and
      gemcitabine into one molecule. Biological characterization revealed that compound
      BC-A1 could maintain both the anti-CD13 activity of ubenimex and the cytotoxic
      activity of gemcitabine in vitro. Further characterization also demonstrated that
      compound BC-A1 exhibited significant anti-invasion and anti-angiogenesis effects
      in vitro. The preliminary stability test of BC-A1 revealed that it could release
      gemcitabine in vitro. The in vivo anti-tumor results in liver cancer showed that
      at the same dosage, oral administration of BC-A1 was as potent as intraperitoneal
      administration of gemcitabine. This warranted the further research and
      development of the orally active prodrug BC-A1 because gemcitabine can not be
      orally administrated in clinic.

PMID- 27670099
TI  - Scaffold-hopping from xanthines to tricyclic guanines: A case study of dipeptidyl
      peptidase 4 (DPP4) inhibitors.
AB  - Molecular modeling of unbound tricyclic guanine scaffolds indicated that they can
      serve as effective bioisosteric replacements of xanthines. This notion was
      further confirmed by a combination of X-ray crystallography and SAR studies,
      indicating that tricyclic guanine DPP4 inhibitors mimic the binding mode of
      xanthine inhibitors, exemplified by linagliptin. Realization of the bioisosteric
      relationship between these scaffolds potentially will lead to a wider application
      of cyclic guanines as xanthine replacements in drug discovery programs for a
      variety of biological targets. Newly designed DPP4 inhibitors achieved sub
      nanomolar potency range and demonstrated oral activity in vivo in mouse glucose
      tolerance test.

PMID- 27670100
TI  - Tautomeric and non-tautomeric N-substituted 2-iminobenzimidazolines as new lead
      compounds for the design of anti-influenza drugs: An in vitro study.
AB  - A series of 1,3-disubstituted 2-iminobenzimidazolines as well as a number of
      their tautomeric analogs were synthesized. The synthesized compounds were tested
      for their cytotoxicity against MDCK cells and for inhibiting activity against
      influenza virus A/California/07/09 (H1N1)pdm09. Based on the results obtained,
      50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50), 50% inhibiting concentration (IC50) and
      selectivity index (SI) were calculated for each compound. It was found that some
      of synthesized benzimidazole derivatives (7 of 22, 32%) possess strong virus
      inhibiting activity against pandemic influenza virus (IC50's in low micromolar
      range) with quite moderate cytotoxicity (CC50 in the range of thousands
      micromoles). Due to their high selectivity (highest SI's=50-83) these compounds
      are of significant interest for further in vivo experiments as well as for
      further structural optimization and drug development.

PMID- 27670101
TI  - Direct protein-protein conjugation by genetically introducing bioorthogonal
      functional groups into proteins.
AB  - Proteins often function as complex structures in conjunction with other proteins.
      Because these complex structures are essential for sophisticated functions,
      developing protein-protein conjugates has gained research interest. In this
      study, site-specific protein-protein conjugation was performed by genetically
      incorporating an azide-containing amino acid into one protein and a bicyclononyne
      (BCN)-containing amino acid into the other. Three to four sites in each of the
      proteins were tested for conjugation efficiency, and three combinations showed
      excellent conjugation efficiency. The genetic incorporation of unnatural amino
      acids (UAAs) is technically simple and produces the mutant protein in high yield.
      In addition, the conjugation reaction can be conducted by simple mixing, and does
      not require additional reagents or linker molecules. Therefore, this method may
      prove very useful for generating protein-protein conjugates and protein complexes
      of biochemical significance.

PMID- 27670102
TI  - Magnetite Core-Shell Nanoparticles in Nondestructive Flaw Detection of Polymeric
      Materials.
AB  - Nondestructive flaw detection in polymeric materials is important but difficult
      to achieve. In this research, the application of magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs)
      in nondestructive flaw detection is studied and realized, to the best of our
      knowledge, for the first time. Superparamagnetic and highly magnetic (up to 63
      emu/g) magnetite core-shell nanoparticles are prepared by grafting bromo-end
      group-functionalized poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (Br-PGMA) onto surface-modified
      Fe3O4 NPs. These Fe3O4-PGMA NPs are blended into bisphenol A diglycidylether
      (BADGE)-based epoxy to form homogeneously distributed magnetic epoxy
      nanocomposites (MENCs) after curing. The core Fe3O4 of the Fe3O4-PGMA NPs endows
      the MENCs with magnetic property, which is crucial for nondestructive flaw
      detection of the materials, while the shell PGMA promotes colloidal stability and
      prevents NP aggregation during curing. The eddy current testing (ET) technique is
      first applied to detect flaws in the MENCs. Through the brightness contrast of
      the ET image, surficial and subsurficial flaws in MENCs can be detected, even for
      MENCs with low content of Fe3O4-PGMA NPs (1 wt %). The incorporation of Fe3O4
      PGMA NPs can be easily extended to other polymer and polymer-based composite
      systems and opens a new and very promising pathway toward MNP-based
      nondestructive flaw detection in polymeric materials.

PMID- 27670103
TI  - Twinning Rates in Isolates.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the twinning rates (TWRs) in isolates
      relative to the TWRs in the surrounding populations. It is not uncommon that the
      TWR shows extreme values (high or low rates) within isolated subpopulations.
      Starting from the isolated populations of the Aland Islands in Finland (high
      rates), we enlarged our studies to other isolated subpopulations in other
      countries: the island of Gotland (high rates), the county of Alvsborg located in
      the southwestern part of Sweden (low rates), and mountain villages in Norway. In
      our statistical analyses, we paid special attention to the robustness of the
      variance formula of the TWR and to alternative confidence intervals for the TWR.
      Particularly, we show how to obtain the most precise confidence intervals for the
      twinning rates. These statistical methods are crucial when the extreme TWRs
      within subpopulations are compared with the TWRs within the general population.
      One must decide whether the differences are real or caused by random fluctuations
      within the small isolates.

PMID- 27670105
TI  - 17. Unionstagung der Schweizerischen Gesellschaften fur Gefasskrankheiten
      gemeinsam mit der Schweizerischen Gesellschaft fur Ultraschall in der Medizin
      Sektion Gefasse.

PMID- 27670104
TI  - Thickness of Actinic Keratosis Does Not Predict Dysplasia Severity or P53
      Expression.
AB  - The severity of dysplasia and expression of p53 in actinic keratosis (AK) is of
      importance for the transformation to squamous cell carcinoma. It is assumed that
      it is most important to treat thick AKs as they are believed to be more
      dysplastic than thin AKs. However, a relation between AK thickness and dysplasia
      or the expression of p53 has never been demonstrated. The aim of this study was
      to investigate this possible relation. Sixty-six AKs were included for clinical
      and histological examination. Prior to performing a punch biopsy, the clinical
      thickness of each AK was measured objectively using two scale bars with a
      thickness of 0.5 mm and 1 mm. Subsequently, the thickness of the epidermis, the
      severity of dysplasia and the expression of p53 were assessed histologically. We
      found a strong and significant positive correlation between measured clinical
      thickness of the AKs and the histological thickness of epidermis (p < 0.0001).
      However, the clinical thickness did not correlate with either the severity of
      dysplasia (p = 0.7) or the expression of p53 (p = 0.5). In conclusion, thin AKs
      show the same severity of dysplasia and expression of p53 as thicker AK lesions.
      Consequently, clinical thickness cannot predict aggressiveness.

PMID- 27670106
TI  - Structure, Variation, and Co-occurrence of Soil Microbial Communities in
      Abandoned Sites of a Rare Earth Elements Mine.
AB  - Mining activity for rare earth elements (REEs) has caused serious environmental
      pollution, particularly for soil ecosystems. However, the effects of REEs on soil
      microbiota are still poorly understood. In this study, soils were collected from
      abandoned sites of a REEs mine, and the structure, diversity, and co-occurrence
      patterns of soil microbiota were evaluated by Illumina high-throughput sequencing
      targeting 16S rRNA genes. Although microbiota developed significantly along with
      the natural restoration, the microbial structure on the site abandoned for 10
      years still significantly differed from that on the unmined site. Potential plant
      growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) were identified by comparing 16S sequences
      against a self-constructed PGPB database via BLAST, and it was found that
      siderophore-producing and phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria were more abundant in
      the studied soils than in reference soils. Canonical correspondence analysis
      indicated that species richness of plant community was the prime factor affecting
      microbial structure, followed by limiting nutrients (total carbon and total
      nitrogen) and REEs content. Further co-occurring network analysis revealed
      nonrandom assembly patterns of microbiota in the studied soils. These results
      increase our understanding of microbial variation and assembly pattern during
      natural restoration in REE contaminated soils.

PMID- 27670107
TI  - Synthesis and Characterization of Polysubstituted Dibenzopyrenes as Charge
      Transporting Materials.
AB  - A new class of benzopyrene-based semiconducting molecules is prepared and
      characterized. A four-step protocol involving Suzuki coupling and aromatic
      dehydrogenation reactions renders the new unsymmetrical framework. Introduction
      of various substituents at the dibenzopyrene framework modulates mainly the
      optoelectronic properties rather than the packing motif. Single-crystal field
      effect transistors fabricated from these materials show a mobility ranging from
      0.7 to 3.2 cm2/(V s). The highest mobility, 3.2 cm2/(V s), with an on/off ratio
      of 104-105 was achieved for 11-methoxy-8-(4-methoxyphenyl)dibenzo[a,e]pyrene.

PMID- 27670108
TI  - A new glycosidic antioxidant from Ranunculus muricatus L. (Ranunculaceae)
      exhibited lipoxygenasae and xanthine oxidase inhibition properties.
AB  - Phytochemical investigation of Ranunculus muricatus L. (Ranunculaceae) led to the
      isolation of a new metabolite named as ranuncoside from the ethyl acetate
      fraction of the plant. Structure of the novel compound was elucidated through
      detailed spectroscopic analyses, using UV, IR, 1H, 13C NMR and 2D NMR in
      combination with EIMS and HR EI-MS techniques. The compound was evaluated for
      antioxidant activity using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical
      scavenging assay. Its inhibitory potential was tested against lipoxygenase and
      xanthine oxidase enzymes. Ranuncoside potently scavenged the DPPH free radicals
      (IC50 = 56.7 +/- 0.43 MUM) and strongly inhibited the activities of lipoxygenase
      (IC50 = 63.9 +/- 0.17 MUM) and xanthine oxidase (IC50 = 43.3 +/- 0.22 MUM).

PMID- 27670110
TI  - Probing the metabolic heterogeneity of live Euglena gracilis with stimulated
      Raman scattering microscopy.
AB  - Understanding metabolism in live microalgae is crucial for efficient biomaterial
      engineering, but conventional methods fail to evaluate heterogeneous populations
      of motile microalgae due to the labelling requirements and limited imaging
      speeds. Here, we demonstrate label-free video-rate metabolite imaging of live
      Euglena gracilis and statistical analysis of intracellular metabolite
      distributions under different culture conditions. Our approach provides further
      insights into understanding microalgal heterogeneity, optimizing culture methods
      and screening mutant microalgae.

PMID- 27670109
TI  - Enrichment of the lung microbiome with gut bacteria in sepsis and the acute
      respiratory distress syndrome.
AB  - Sepsis and the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are major causes of
      mortality without targeted therapies. Although many experimental and clinical
      observations have implicated gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of these
      diseases, culture-based studies have failed to demonstrate translocation of
      bacteria to the lungs in critically ill patients. Here, we report culture
      independent evidence that the lung microbiome is enriched with gut bacteria both
      in a murine model of sepsis and in humans with established ARDS. Following
      experimental sepsis, lung communities were dominated by viable gut-associated
      bacteria. Ecological analysis identified the lower gastrointestinal tract, rather
      than the upper respiratory tract, as the likely source community of post-sepsis
      lung bacteria. In bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from humans with ARDS, gut
      specific bacteria (Bacteroides spp.) were common and abundant, undetected by
      culture and correlated with the intensity of systemic inflammation. Alveolar TNF
      alpha, a key mediator of alveolar inflammation in ARDS, was significantly
      correlated with altered lung microbiota. Our results demonstrate that the lung
      microbiome is enriched with gut-associated bacteria in sepsis and ARDS,
      potentially representing a shared mechanism of pathogenesis in these common and
      lethal diseases.

PMID- 27670111
TI  - Interplay between microbial d-amino acids and host d-amino acid oxidase modifies
      murine mucosal defence and gut microbiota.
AB  - L-Amino acids are the building blocks for proteins synthesized in ribosomes in
      all kingdoms of life, but d-amino acids (d-aa) have important non-ribosome-based
      functions(1). Mammals synthesize d-Ser and d-Asp, primarily in the central
      nervous system, where d-Ser is critical for neurotransmission(2). Bacteria
      synthesize a largely distinct set of d-aa, which become integral components of
      the cell wall and are also released as free d-aa(3,4). However, the impact of
      free microbial d-aa on host physiology at the host-microbial interface has not
      been explored. Here, we show that the mouse intestine is rich in free d-aa that
      are derived from the microbiota. Furthermore, the microbiota induces production
      of d-amino acid oxidase (DAO) by intestinal epithelial cells, including goblet
      cells, which secrete the enzyme into the lumen. Oxidative deamination of
      intestinal d-aa by DAO, which yields the antimicrobial product H2O2, protects the
      mucosal surface in the small intestine from the cholera pathogen. DAO also
      modifies the composition of the microbiota and is associated with microbial
      induction of intestinal sIgA. Collectively, these results identify d-aa and DAO
      as previously unrecognized mediators of microbe-host interplay and homeostasis on
      the epithelial surface of the small intestine.

PMID- 27670112
TI  - Microbial mercury methylation in Antarctic sea ice.
AB  - Atmospheric deposition of mercury onto sea ice and circumpolar sea water provides
      mercury for microbial methylation, and contributes to the bioaccumulation of the
      potent neurotoxin methylmercury in the marine food web. Little is known about the
      abiotic and biotic controls on microbial mercury methylation in polar marine
      systems. However, mercury methylation is known to occur alongside photochemical
      and microbial mercury reduction and subsequent volatilization. Here, we combine
      mercury speciation measurements of total and methylated mercury with metagenomic
      analysis of whole-community microbial DNA from Antarctic snow, brine, sea ice and
      sea water to elucidate potential microbially mediated mercury methylation and
      volatilization pathways in polar marine environments. Our results identify the
      marine microaerophilic bacterium Nitrospina as a potential mercury methylator
      within sea ice. Anaerobic bacteria known to methylate mercury were notably absent
      from sea-ice metagenomes. We propose that Antarctic sea ice can harbour a
      microbial source of methylmercury in the Southern Ocean.

PMID- 27670113
TI  - The Mouse Intestinal Bacterial Collection (miBC) provides host-specific insight
      into cultured diversity and functional potential of the gut microbiota.
AB  - Intestinal bacteria influence mammalian physiology, but many types of bacteria
      are still uncharacterized. Moreover, reference strains of mouse gut bacteria are
      not easily available, although mouse models are extensively used in medical
      research. These are major limitations for the investigation of intestinal
      microbiomes and their interactions with diet and host. It is thus important to
      study in detail the diversity and functions of gut microbiota members, including
      those colonizing the mouse intestine. To address these issues, we aimed at
      establishing the Mouse Intestinal Bacterial Collection (miBC), a public
      repository of bacterial strains and associated genomes from the mouse gut, and
      studied host-specificity of colonization and sequence-based relevance of the
      resource. The collection includes several strains representing novel species,
      genera and even one family. Genomic analyses showed that certain species are
      specific to the mouse intestine and that a minimal consortium of 18 strains
      covered 50-75% of the known functional potential of metagenomes. The present work
      will sustain future research on microbiota-host interactions in health and
      disease, as it will facilitate targeted colonization and molecular studies. The
      resource is available at www.dsmz.de/miBC.

PMID- 27670114
TI  - Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection augments inflammation through miR-301b
      repression of c-Myb-mediated immune activation and infiltration.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play critical roles in various biological processes, including
      cell proliferation, development and host defence. However, the molecular
      mechanism for miRNAs in regulating bacterial-induced inflammation remains largely
      unclear. Here, we report that miR-301b augments pro-inflammatory response during
      pulmonary infection, and caffeine suppresses the effect of miR-301b and thereby
      augments respiratory immunity. LPS treatment or Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection
      induces miR-301b expression via a TLR4/MyD88/NF-kappaB pathway. Importantly,
      caffeine decreases miR-301b expression through negative regulation of the
      cAMP/PKA/NF-kappaB axis. Further, c-Myb is identified as a target of miR-301b,
      which positively modulates anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and TGF-beta1, but
      negatively regulates pro-inflammatory cytokines MIP-1alpha and IL-17A. Moreover,
      repression of miR-301b results in increased transcription of c-Myb and elevated
      levels of neutrophil infiltration, thereby alleviating infectious symptoms in
      mice. These findings reveal miR-301b as a new controller of inflammatory response
      by repressing c-Myb function to inhibit the anti-inflammatory response to
      bacterial infection, representing a novel mechanism for balancing inflammation.

PMID- 27670115
TI  - Spirochaete flagella hook proteins self-catalyse a lysinoalanine covalent
      crosslink for motility.
AB  - Spirochaetes are bacteria responsible for several serious diseases, including
      Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi), syphilis (Treponema pallidum) and
      leptospirosis (Leptospira interrogans), and contribute to periodontal diseases
      (Treponema denticola)(1). These spirochaetes employ an unusual form of flagella
      based motility necessary for pathogenicity; indeed, spirochaete flagella
      (periplasmic flagella) reside and rotate within the periplasmic space(2-11). The
      universal joint or hook that links the rotary motor to the filament is composed
      of ~120-130 FlgE proteins, which in spirochaetes form an unusually stable, high
      molecular-weight complex(9,12-17). In other bacteria, the hook can be readily
      dissociated by treatments such as heat(18). In contrast, spirochaete hooks are
      resistant to these treatments, and several lines of evidence indicate that the
      high-molecular-weight complex is the consequence of covalent
      crosslinking(12,13,17). Here, we show that T. denticola FlgE self-catalyses an
      interpeptide crosslinking reaction between conserved lysine and cysteine,
      resulting in the formation of an unusual lysinoalanine adduct that polymerizes
      the hook subunits. Lysinoalanine crosslinks are not needed for flagellar
      assembly, but they are required for cell motility and hence infection. The self
      catalytic nature of FlgE crosslinking has important implications for protein
      engineering, and its sensitivity to chemical inhibitors provides a new avenue for
      the development of antimicrobials targeting spirochaetes.

PMID- 27670116
TI  - NPF motifs in the vaccinia virus protein A36 recruit intersectin-1 to promote
      Cdc42:N-WASP-mediated viral release from infected cells.
AB  - During its egress, vaccinia virus transiently recruits AP-2 and clathrin after
      fusion with the plasma membrane. This recruitment polarizes the viral protein A36
      beneath the virus, enhancing actin polymerization and the spread of infection. We
      now demonstrate that three NPF motifs in the C-terminus of A36 recruit AP-2 and
      clathrin by interacting directly with the Epsin15 homology domains of Eps15 and
      intersectin-1. A36 is the first identified viral NPF motif containing protein
      shown to interact with endocytic machinery. Vaccinia still induces actin tails in
      the absence of the A36 NPF motifs. Their loss, however, reduces the cell-to-cell
      spread of vaccinia. This is due to a significant reduction in virus release from
      infected cells, as the lack of intersectin-1 recruitment leads to a loss of Cdc42
      activation, impairing N-WASP-driven Arp2/3-mediated actin polymerization. Our
      results suggest that initial A36-mediated virus release plays a more important
      role than A36-driven super-repulsion in promoting the cell-to-cell spread of
      vaccinia.

PMID- 27670117
TI  - Rescue of non-human primates from advanced Sudan ebolavirus infection with lipid
      encapsulated siRNA.
AB  - Although significant progress has been made in developing therapeutics against
      Zaire ebolavirus, these therapies do not protect against other Ebola species such
      as Sudan ebolavirus (SUDV). Here, we describe an RNA interference therapeutic
      comprising siRNA targeting the SUDV VP35 gene encapsulated in lipid nanoparticle
      (LNP) technology with increased potency beyond formulations used in TKM-Ebola
      clinical trials. Twenty-five rhesus monkeys were challenged with a lethal dose of
      SUDV. Twenty animals received siRNA-LNP beginning at 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 days post
      challenge. VP35-targeting siRNA-LNP treatment resulted in up to 100% survival,
      even when initiated when fever, viraemia and disease signs were evident.
      Treatment effectively controlled viral replication, mediating up to 4 log10
      reductions after dosing. Mirroring clinical findings, a correlation between high
      viral loads and fatal outcome was observed, emphasizing the importance of
      stratifying efficacy according to viral load. In summary, strong survival benefit
      and rapid control of SUDV replication by VP35-targeting LNP confirm its
      therapeutic potential in combatting this lethal disease.

PMID- 27670118
TI  - Widespread formation of alternative 3' UTR isoforms via transcription termination
      in archaea.
AB  - Transcription termination sets the 3' end boundaries of RNAs and plays key roles
      in gene regulation. Although termination has been well studied in bacteria, the
      signals that mediate termination in archaea remain poorly understood. Here, we
      applied term-seq to comprehensively map RNA 3' termini, with single-base
      precision, in two phylogenetically distant archaea: Methanosarcina mazei and
      Sulfolobus acidocaldarius. Comparison of RNA 3' ends across hundreds of genes
      revealed the sequence composition of transcriptional terminators in each
      organism, highlighting both common and divergent characteristics between the
      different archaeal phyla. We find that, in contrast to bacteria, a considerable
      portion of archaeal genes are controlled by multiple consecutive terminators,
      generating several alternative 3' untranslated region isoforms for >30% of the
      genes. These alternative isoforms often present marked length differences,
      implying that archaea can employ regulation via alternative 3' untranslated
      regions, similar to eukaryotes. Although most of the terminators are intergenic,
      we discover numerous cases in which termination of one gene occurs within the
      coding region of a downstream gene, implying that leaky termination may tune
      inter-transcript stoichiometry in multi-gene operons. These results provide the
      first high-throughput maps of transcriptional terminators in archaea and point to
      an evolutionary path linking bacterial and eukaryal non-coding regulatory
      strategies.

PMID- 27670119
TI  - Archaeal physiology: The secrets of termination.

PMID- 27670120
TI  - Biogeochemistry: Mercury methylation on ice.

PMID- 27670121
TI  - Culturing: Looking it up in our gut.

PMID- 27670122
TI  - Ensuring safety in artisanal food microbiology.

PMID- 27670123
TI  - Combatting antimicrobial resistance globally.

PMID- 27670124
TI  - Bacterial physiology: The ties that bind.

PMID- 27670125
TI  - Shooting for the Moon.

PMID- 27670127
TI  - The distinction of keratoacanthoma from various types of squamous cell carcinoma
      with crateriform architecture.

PMID- 27670126
TI  - Light therapies for acne.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris is a very common skin problem that presents with
      blackheads, whiteheads, and inflamed spots. It frequently results in physical
      scarring and may cause psychological distress. The use of oral and topical
      treatments can be limited in some people due to ineffectiveness, inconvenience,
      poor tolerability or side-effects. Some studies have suggested promising results
      for light therapies. OBJECTIVES: To explore the effects of light treatment of
      different wavelengths for acne. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the following
      databases up to September 2015: the Cochrane Skin Specialised Register, CENTRAL,
      MEDLINE, Embase and LILACS. We searched ISI Web of Science and Dissertation
      Abstracts International (from inception). We also searched five trials registers,
      and grey literature sources. We checked the reference lists of studies and
      reviews and consulted study authors and other experts in the field to identify
      further references to relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs). We updated
      these searches in July 2016 but these results have not yet been incorporated into
      the review. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included RCTs of light for treatment of acne
      vulgaris, regardless of language or publication status. DATA COLLECTION AND
      ANALYSIS: We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. MAIN
      RESULTS: We included 71 studies, randomising a total of 4211 participants.Most
      studies were small (median 31 participants) and included participants with mild
      to moderate acne of both sexes and with a mean age of 20 to 30 years. Light
      interventions differed greatly in wavelength, dose, active substances used in
      photodynamic therapy (PDT), and comparator interventions (most commonly no
      treatment, placebo, another light intervention, or various topical treatments).
      Numbers of light sessions varied from one to 112 (most commonly two to four).
      Frequency of application varied from twice daily to once monthly.Selection and
      performance bias were unclear in the majority of studies. Detection bias was
      unclear for participant-assessed outcomes and low for investigator-assessed
      outcomes in the majority of studies. Attrition and reporting bias were low in
      over half of the studies and unclear or high in the rest. Two thirds of studies
      were industry-sponsored; study authors either reported conflict of interest, or
      such information was not declared, so we judged the risk of bias as
      unclear.Comparisons of most interventions for our first primary outcome
      'Participant's global assessment of improvement' were not possible due to the
      variation in the interventions and the way the studies' outcomes were measured.
      We did not combine the effect estimates but rated the quality of the evidence as
      very low for the comparison of light therapies, including PDT to placebo, no
      treatment, topical treatment or other comparators for this outcome. One study
      which included 266 participants with moderate to severe acne showed little or no
      difference in effectiveness for this outcome between 20% aminolevulinic acid
      (ALA)-PDT (activated by blue light) versus vehicle plus blue light (risk ratio
      (RR) 0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.72 to 1.04, low-quality evidence). A
      study (n = 180) of a comparison of ALA-PDT (activated by red light)
      concentrations showed 20% ALA was no more effective than 15% (RR 1.05, 95% CI
      0.96 to 1.15) but better than 10% ALA (RR 1.22, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.42) and 5% ALA
      (RR 1.47, 95% CI 1.19 to 1.81). The number needed to treat for an additional
      beneficial outcome (NNTB) was 6 (95% CI 3 to 19) and 4 (95% CI 2 to 6) for the
      comparison of 20% ALA with 10% and 5% ALA, respectively.For our second primary
      outcome 'Investigator-assessed changes in lesion counts', we combined three RCTs,
      with 360 participants with moderate to severe acne and found methyl
      aminolevulinate (MAL) PDT (activated by red light) was no different to placebo
      cream plus red light with regard to change in inflamed lesions (ILs) (mean
      difference (MD) -2.85, 95% CI -7.51 to 1.81), percentage change in ILs (MD 
      10.09, 95% CI -20.25 to 0.06), change in non-inflamed lesions (NILs) (MD -2.01,
      95% CI -7.07 to 3.05), or in percentage change in NILs (MD -8.09, 95% CI -21.51
      to 5.32). We assessed the evidence as moderate quality for these outcomes meaning
      that there is little or no clinical difference between these two interventions
      for lesion counts.Studies comparing the effects of other interventions were
      inconsistent or had small samples and high risk of bias. We performed only
      narrative synthesis for the results of the remaining trials, due to great
      variation in many aspects of the studies, poor reporting, and failure to obtain
      necessary data. Several studies compared yellow light to placebo or no treatment,
      infrared light to no treatment, gold microparticle suspension to vehicle, and
      clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide combined with pulsed dye laser to
      clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide alone. There were also several other studies
      comparing MAL-PDT to light-only treatment, to adapalene and in combination with
      long-pulsed dye laser to long-pulsed dye laser alone. None of these showed any
      clinically significant effects.Our third primary outcome was 'Investigator
      assessed severe adverse effects'. Most studies reported adverse effects, but not
      adequately with scarring reported as absent, and blistering reported only in
      studies on intense pulsed light, infrared light and photodynamic therapies. We
      rated the quality of the evidence as very low, meaning we were uncertain of the
      adverse effects of the light therapies.Although our primary endpoint was long
      term outcomes, less than half of the studies performed assessments later than
      eight weeks after final treatment. Only a few studies assessed outcomes at more
      than three months after final treatment, and longer-term assessments are mostly
      not covered in this review. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: High-quality evidence on the
      use of light therapies for people with acne is lacking. There is low certainty of
      the usefulness of MAL-PDT (red light) or ALA-PDT (blue light) as standard
      therapies for people with moderate to severe acne.Carefully planned studies,
      using standardised outcome measures, comparing the effectiveness of common acne
      treatments with light therapies would be welcomed, together with adherence to the
      Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) guidelines.

PMID- 27670128
TI  - Percutaneous Pulmonary Valve Implantation-Associated Ventricular Tachycardia in
      Congenital Heart Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation (PPVI) is utilized for
      dysfunctional right ventricular outflow tracts (RVOT) to relieve obstruction,
      regurgitation, and RV dysfunction. PPVI has not been reported to induce
      arrhythmias. This study is the first to report the incidence of ventricular
      tachycardia (VT) after PPVI. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of all
      patients who had PPVI at a single institution. All patients were admitted after
      PPVI for overnight telemetry monitoring. Patients with no prior history of VT and
      newly detected VT within 24 hours post-PPVI were considered to have VT related to
      PPVI. RESULTS: In total, 79 patients had PPVI (age 17 +/- 9 years, 66% tetralogy
      of Fallot/pulmonary atresia). PPVI-related VT was detected in 6 patients (7.5%).
      These patients had a lower BMI (17.5 +/- 2.0 vs. 23.1 +/- 6.6, P = 0.04). There
      was no difference in age, native conduit or percutaneous valve size, or change in
      the minimum diameter of the RVOT from pre- to post-PPVI. In the 6 patients, VT
      was non-sustained and monomorphic at rates between 120 and 170. Five started on
      beta-blockers. No patient required surgical explantation of the valve. Over a
      median follow-up of 2 years, 4 have weaned off medications and all are free of
      recurrence of VT with normal Holters. CONCLUSIONS: PPVI may be associated with
      transient VT in the acute peri-procedural period. Patients of smaller size may be
      more susceptible. All patients were managed conservatively and none of the
      patients had a recurrence, which is suggestive of a transient phenomenon.

PMID- 27670129
TI  - Using a meta-ethnographic approach to explore the nature of facilitation and
      teaching approaches employed in interprofessional education.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Interprofessional facilitators and teachers are regarded as central
      to the effective delivery of interprofessional education (IPE). As the IPE
      literature continues to expand, most studies have focused on reporting learner
      outcomes, with little attention paid to IPE facilitation. However, a number of
      studies have recently emerged reporting on this phenomenon. AIM: To present a
      synthesis of qualitative evidence on the facilitation of IPE, using a meta
      ethnographic approach. METHODS: Electronic databases and journals were searched
      for the past 10 years. Of the 2164 abstracts initially found, 94 full papers were
      reviewed and subsequently 12 papers were included. Teams of two reviewers
      independently completed each step in the review process. The quality of these
      papers was assessed using a modified critical appraisal checklist. RESULTS: Seven
      key concepts embedded in the included studies were synthesized into three main
      factors which provided an insight into the nature of IPE facilitation.
      Specifically, the synthesis found that IPE facilitation is influenced by
      "contextual characteristics"; "facilitator experiences"; and the "use of
      different facilitation strategies". CONCLUSIONS: IPE facilitation is a complex
      activity affected by contextual, experiential and pedagogical factors. Further
      research is needed to explore the effects of these factors on the delivery of
      IPE.

PMID- 27670130
TI  - Self-Discrepancy and Eating Disorder Symptoms Across Eating Disorder Diagnostic
      Groups.
AB  - This study examined self-discrepancy, a construct of theoretical relevance to
      eating disorder (ED) psychopathology, across different types of EDs. Individuals
      with anorexia nervosa (AN; n = 112), bulimia nervosa (BN; n = 72), and binge
      eating disorder (BED; n = 199) completed semi-structured interviews assessing
      specific types of self-discrepancies. Results revealed that actual:ideal (A:I)
      discrepancy was positively associated with AN, actual:ought (A:O) discrepancy was
      positively associated with BN and BED, and self-discrepancies did not
      differentiate BN from BED. Across diagnoses, A:O discrepancy was positively
      associated with severity of purging, binge eating, and global ED psychopathology.
      Further, there were significant interactions between diagnosis and A:O
      discrepancy for global ED psychopathology and between diagnosis and A:I
      discrepancy for binge eating and driven exercise. These results support the
      importance of self-discrepancy as a potential causal and maintenance variable in
      EDs that differentiates among different types of EDs and symptom severity.
      Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.

PMID- 27670131
TI  - Displacement correlations between a single mesenchymal-like cell and its nucleus
      effectively link subcellular activities and motility in cell migration analysis.
AB  - Cell migration is an essential process in organism development and physiological
      maintenance. Although current methods permit accurate comparisons of the effects
      of molecular manipulations and drug applications on cell motility, effects of
      alterations in subcellular activities on motility cannot be fully elucidated from
      those methods. Here, we develop a strategy termed cell-nuclear (CN) correlation
      to parameterize represented dynamic subcellular activities and to quantify their
      contributions in mesenchymal-like migration. Based on the biophysical meaning of
      the CN correlation, we propose a cell migration potential index (CMPI) to measure
      cell motility. When the effectiveness of CMPI was evaluated with respect to one
      of the most popular cell migration analysis methods, Persistent Random Walk, we
      found that the cell motility estimates among six cell lines used in this study
      were highly consistent between these two approaches. Further evaluations
      indicated that CMPI can be determined using a shorter time period and smaller
      cell sample size, and it possesses excellent reliability and applicability, even
      in the presence of a wide range of noise, as might be generated from individual
      imaging acquisition systems. The novel approach outlined here introduces a robust
      strategy through an analysis of subcellular locomotion activities for single cell
      migration assessment.

PMID- 27670132
TI  - Productive performance of weanling piglets was improved by administration of a
      mixture of bacteriophages, targeted to control Coliforms and Clostridium spp.
      shedding in a challenging environment.
AB  - This study was conducted to investigate the effects of bacteriophages in
      different environments on growth performance, digestibility, ileal and caecal
      microbiota, gut morphology and immunity of weanling pigs. Two hundred piglets
      were randomly assigned to four treatment groups with five replicate pens with 10
      pigs per pen. A 2 * 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was used to investigate
      the response of weanling pigs to supplemental bacteriophages (0 and 1.0 g/kg of
      diet) in contaminated or hygienic environments. Bacteriophages supplementation
      did not affect average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI) and
      gain:feed in phases I and III; however, there was a significant improvement in
      ADG and gain:feed in phase II. The supplementation of bacteriophages increased
      the overall gain:feed of pigs. The overall result showed a greater ADG and ADFI
      in hygienic room. There were reductions in population of both ileal (p < 0.05)
      and caecal (p < 0.01) Clostridium spp. and ileal coliforms (p < 0.01) with the
      inclusion of bacteriophages in the diet. Bacteriophages increased ileal
      Lactobacillus and caecal Bifidobacterium and tended to increase ileal
      Bifidobacterium (p = 0.08). Contaminated environment decreased ileal
      Lactobacillus and caecal Bifidobacterium and tended to increase ileal Clostridium
      (p = 0.08) and coliforms (p = 0.08). Total anaerobic bacteria was tended to
      decrease (p = 0.06) in contaminated environment. Jejunal villus height increased
      in pigs received bacteriophages, but they did not affect other morphological
      items. The interaction between bacteriophages and environment tended to be
      significant (p = 0.06) for ileal villus height and ileal villus height to crypt
      depth ratio. The overall faecal score was significantly greater in hygienic
      environment and bacteriophages groups. The present findings indicate that there
      is an interactive effect on feed efficiency between bacteriophages and
      contaminated environment. In addition, bacteriophages improve jejunum morphology,
      and intestinal microbiota of pigs.

PMID- 27670133
TI  - Selexipag in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Most Updated Evidence From Recent
      Preclinical and Clinical Studies.
AB  - Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a relatively rare disease that, due to
      its chronic nature, has always been difficult to treat effectively. Selexipag is
      an oral prostacyclin (PGI2 ) agonist that was approved by US Food and Drug
      Administration (US FDA) in December 2015 for the treatment of PAH. After its
      success in phase 1 and phase 2 clinical trials regarding the convenient oral
      twice-daily dosing and low side-effect profile, selexipag raised the hope of
      controlling the disease progression in PAH patients. In the recently completed
      multicentered phase 3 study (GRIPHON), selexipag has been shown to reduce death
      and hospitalization due to PAH significantly, an effect that was consistent
      across different ranges of maintenance dose. In the same study selexipag use was
      also associated with an increase in 6-minute walk distance (a measure of symptom
      severity) from baseline, but no significant improvement in all-cause mortality
      could be observed. The results of the ongoing phase 3 studies (TRITON and TRANSIT
      1) are expected to throw some more light on the safety and efficacy of this novel
      molecule across various treatment scenarios. Hence, our article aims to summarize
      all the available information from preclinical and clinical studies published to
      date on the pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, safety (in general and
      in scenarios such as hepatic and renal function impairment), significant drug
      interactions (with warfarin and antiretroviral drugs), and clinical significance
      of oral selexipag in patients with PAH.

PMID- 27670135
TI  - Role of femoral anterior Bow in cephalomedullary nailing: finite element analysis
      and New index estimation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cephalomedullary Nail (CMN) is seen as the mainstay of internal
      fixation in femoral fractures. The purpose of the study was to present an
      accurate calculation method by simulating diverse anterior bow femoral models
      with finite element software. We hypothesized that anterior cortical penetration
      in distal femur would occur in patients whose femoral anterior bow was identified
      as too large for nailing by preoperative measurement of contralateral X-ray.
      METHODS: A 31-year healthy male was selected for building 3D bone model through
      computed tomography (CT) scan of right femoral femur. In Creo Parametric 2.0, the
      middle section of the femur was twisted gradually to simulate the different
      femoral anterior bow. Ratio of chord height and half chord length, belonging to
      the middle section arc, was defined as the tangent value of the femoral anterior
      bow. The value corresponding to the penetration of the CMN at the distal femur
      was regarded as critical value, showing the extreme curvature for CMN. RESULT:
      Three types of right femoral CMNs (o10, 11, 12 mm * 350 mm; Smith-Nephew Co.)
      were involved in our study. The CMN passed through distal femur anterior cortex
      when the tangent value of the femoral anterior bow are 0.140185, 0.133073,
      0.092415 respectively, and the corresponding central angle are 21.72 degrees ,
      20.92 degrees , 16.32 degrees . CONCLUSIONS: The tangent value of the femoral
      anterior bow would be a precise calculated method, that eliminate the deviation
      by description of ratio rather than length of radius. An application of this
      preoperative evaluation can aid surgeons during surgical planning. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered.

PMID- 27670136
TI  - The contribution of databases to the results of systematic reviews: a cross
      sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: One of the best sources for high quality information about healthcare
      interventions is a systematic review. A well-conducted systematic review includes
      a comprehensive literature search. There is limited empiric evidence to guide the
      extent of searching, in particular the number of electronic databases that should
      be searched. We conducted a cross-sectional quantitative analysis to examine the
      potential impact of selective database searching on results of meta-analyses.
      METHODS: Our sample included systematic reviews (SRs) with at least one meta
      analysis from three Cochrane Review Groups: Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI),
      Infectious Diseases (ID), Developmental Psychosocial and Learning Problems (DPLP)
      (n = 129). Outcomes included: 1) proportion of relevant studies indexed in each
      of 10 databases; and 2) changes in results and statistical significance of
      primary meta-analysis for studies identified in Medline only and in Medline plus
      each of the other databases. RESULTS: Due to variation across topics, we present
      results by group (ARI n = 57, ID n = 38, DPLP n = 34). For ARI, identification of
      relevant studies was highest for Medline (85 %) and Embase (80 %). Restricting
      meta-analyses to trials that appeared in Medline + Embase yielded fewest changes
      in statistical significance: 53/55 meta-analyses showed no change. Point
      estimates changed in 12 cases; in 7 the change was less than 20 %. For ID, yield
      was highest for Medline (92 %), Embase (81 %), and BIOSIS (67 %). Restricting
      meta-analyses to trials that appeared in Medline + BIOSIS yielded fewest changes
      with 1 meta-analysis changing in statistical significance. Point estimates
      changed in 8 of 31 meta-analyses; change less than 20 % in all cases. For DPLP,
      identification of relevant studies was highest for Medline (75 %) and Embase (62
      %). Restricting meta-analyses to trials that appeared in Medline + PsycINFO
      resulted in only one change in significance. Point estimates changed for 13 of 33
      meta-analyses; less than 20 % in 9 cases. CONCLUSIONS: Majority of relevant
      studies can be found within a limited number of databases. Results of meta
      analyses based on the majority of studies did not differ in most cases. There
      were very few cases of changes in statistical significance. Effect estimates
      changed in a minority of meta-analyses but in most the change was small. Results
      did not change in a systematic manner (i.e., regularly over- or underestimating
      treatment effects), suggesting that selective searching may not introduce bias in
      terms of effect estimates.

PMID- 27670134
TI  - Structural Considerations on the Use of Endo-Xylanases for the Production of
      prebiotic Xylooligosaccharides from Biomass.
AB  - Xylooligosaccharides (XOS) have gained increased interest as prebiotics during
      the last years. XOS and arabinoxylooligosaccharides (AXOS) can be produced from
      major fractions of biomass including agricultural by-products and other low cost
      raw materials. Endo-xylanases are key enzymes for the production of (A)XOS from
      xylan. As the xylan structure is broadly diverse due to different substitutions,
      diverse endo-xylanases have evolved for its degradation. In this review
      structural and functional aspects are discussed, focusing on the potential
      applications of endo-xylanases in the production of differently substituted
      (A)XOS as emerging prebiotics, as well as their implication in the processing of
      the raw materials. Endo-xylanases are found in at least eight different glycoside
      hydrolase families (GH), and can either have a retaining or an inverting
      catalytic mechanism. To date, it is mainly retaining endo-xylanases that are used
      in applications to produce (A)XOS. Enzymes from these GH-families (mainly GH10
      and GH11, and the more recently investigated GH30) are taken as prototypes to
      discuss substrate preferences and main products obtained. Finally, the need of
      new and accessory enzymes (new specificities from new families or sources) to
      increase the yield of different types of (A)XOS is discussed, along with in vitro
      tests of produced oligosaccharides and production of enzymes in GRAS organisms to
      facilitate use in functional food manufacturing.

PMID- 27670137
TI  - Comparison of sodium content of meals served by independent takeaways using
      standard versus reduced holed salt shakers: cross-sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Takeaway food has a relatively poor nutritional profile. Providing
      takeaway outlets with reduced-holed salt shakers is one method thought to reduce
      salt use in takeaways, but effects have not been formally tested. We aimed to
      determine if there was a difference in sodium content of standard fish and chip
      meals served by Fish & Chip Shops that use standard (17 holes) versus reduced
      holed (5 holes) salt shakers, taking advantage of natural variations in salt
      shakers used. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of all Fish & Chip
      Shops in two local government areas (n = 65), where servers added salt to meals
      as standard practice, and salt shaker used could be identified (n = 61). Standard
      fish and chip meals were purchased from each shop by incognito researchers and
      the purchase price and type of salt shaker used noted. Sodium content of full
      meals and their component parts (fish, chips, and fish batter) was determined
      using flame photometry. Differences in absolute and relative sodium content of
      meals and component parts between shops using reduced-holed versus standard salt
      shakers were compared using linear regression before and after adjustment for
      purchase price and area. RESULTS: Reduced-holed salt shakers were used in 29 of
      61 (47.5 %) included shops. There was no difference in absolute sodium content of
      meals purchased from shops using standard versus reduced-holed shakers (mean =
      1147 mg [equivalent to 2.9 g salt]; SD = 424 mg; p > 0.05). Relative sodium
      content was significantly lower in meals from shops using reduced-holed (mean =
      142.5 mg/100 g [equivalent to 0.4 g salt/100 g]; SD = 39.0 mg/100 g) versus
      standard shakers (mean = 182.0 mg/100 g; [equivalent to 0.5 g salt/100 g]; SD =
      68.3 mg/100 g; p = 0.008). This was driven by differences in the sodium content
      of chips and was extinguished by adjustment for purchase price and area. Price
      was inversely associated with relative sodium content (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:
      Using reduced-holed salt shakers in Fish & Chip Shops is associated with lower
      relative sodium content of fish and chip meals. This is driven by differences in
      sodium content of chips, making our results relevant to the wide range of
      takeaways serving chips. Shops serving higher priced meals, which may reflect a
      more affluent customer base, may be more likely to use reduced-holed shakers.

PMID- 27670138
TI  - The ABBA study - approach bias modification in bulimia nervosa and binge eating
      disorder: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The core symptoms of bulimia nervosa (BN) and binge eating disorder
      (BED) are recurrent episodes of binge eating. Despite negative psychological and
      physical consequences, BN/BED patients show uncontrollable approach tendencies
      towards food. This cognitive bias occurs at an early stage of information
      processing. Cognitive bias modification (CBM) directly targets such biases and
      has been shown to be effective in treating several mental disorders. In alcohol
      addiction, automatic action tendencies towards alcohol cues and relapse rates
      were successfully reduced by a specific form of CBM, termed approach bias
      modification. Based on these findings and data from a proof-of-concept study in
      people with high levels of food craving, CBM is considered a promising new
      treatment approach for BN/BED. Given the similarities between BN/BED and
      addictive disorders, the rationale for using approach bias modification appears
      to be particularly strong. The aim of the present study is to examine whether,
      compared to a sham training, computerised approach bias modification (10
      sessions) can reduce binge-eating episodes in BN/BED patients from pre-treatment
      to follow-up. Additionally, we will investigate whether this CBM programme also
      reduces global eating disorder psychopathology, trait and cue-elicited food
      craving, food intake as well as approach and attentional bias towards visual food
      cues. Treatment acceptance will be determined by attrition rates and responses on
      a feedback form. METHODS: This is a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled,
      parallel-group superiority trial with two parallel arms. A total of 54 BN/BED
      patients will be recruited. Approach bias towards food will be retrained by a
      computer task adopting an implicit learning paradigm. Patients in the control
      condition (sham) will conduct a similar task but will not be trained to avoid
      food cues. Methods against bias include public registration, randomisation by a
      central study office, standardisation of the treatments and blinding of
      assessors. Furthermore, the session number and duration will be equivalent in the
      two conditions. DISCUSSION: This is the first registered randomised controlled
      trial of approach bias modification in a clinical BN/BED sample. Results from
      this study will provide an indication of the efficacy of approach bias
      modification training for BN/BED and the potential mechanisms of action
      underlying this treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: DRKS00010231 (retrospectively
      registered on 24 March 2016; first version).

PMID- 27670139
TI  - Cell cycle checkpoint in cancer: a therapeutically targetable double-edged sword.
AB  - Major currently used anticancer therapeutics either directly damage DNA or target
      and upset basic cell division mechanisms like DNA replication and chromosome
      segregation. These insults elicit activation of cell cycle checkpoints, safeguard
      mechanisms that cells implement to correctly complete cell cycle phases, repair
      damage or eventually commit suicide in case damage is unrepairable. Although
      cancer cells appear to be advantageously defective in some aspects of checkpoint
      physiology, recent acquisitions on the biochemical mechanisms of the various
      checkpoints are offering new therapeutic approaches against cancer. Indeed,
      chemical manipulation of these mechanisms is providing new therapeutic strategies
      and tools to increase the killing efficacy of major cancer therapeutics as well
      as to directly promote cancer cell death. In this review we summarize developing
      concepts on how targeting cell cycle checkpoints may provide substantial
      improvement to cancer therapy.

PMID- 27670141
TI  - The Interplay between a Multifunctional Dehydratase Domain and a C
      Methyltransferase Effects Olefin Shift in Ambruticin Biosynthesis.
AB  - The olefin shift is an important modification during polyketide biosynthesis.
      Particularly for type I cis-AT PKS, little information has been gained on the
      enzymatic mechanisms involved. We present our in vitro investigations on the
      olefin shift occurring during ambruticin biosynthesis. The unique,
      multifunctional domain AmbDH4 catalyzes consecutive dehydration, epimerization,
      and enoyl isomerization. The resulting 3-enethioate is removed from the
      equilibrium by alpha-methylation catalyzed by the highly specific C
      methyltransferase AmbM. This thermodynamically unfavorable overall process is
      enabled by the high, concerted substrate specificity of the involved enzymes.
      AmbDH4 shows close relationship to DH domains and initial mechanistic studies
      suggest that the olefin shift occurs via a similar proton-shuttling mechanism as
      previously described for EI domains from trans-AT-PKS.

PMID- 27670140
TI  - Quantitative chemical exchange saturation transfer MRI of intervertebral disc in
      a porcine model.
AB  - PURPOSE: Previous studies have associated low pH in intervertebral discs (IVDs)
      with discogenic back pain. The purpose of this study was to determine whether
      quantitative CEST (qCEST) MRI can be used to detect pH changes in IVDs in vivo.
      METHODS: The exchange rate ksw between glycosaminoglycan (GAG) protons and water
      protons was determined from qCEST analysis. Its dependence on pH value was
      investigated in GAG phantoms with varying pH and concentrations. The relationship
      between ksw and pH was studied further in vivo in a porcine model on a 3T MR
      scanner and validated using a pH meter. Sodium lactate was injected into the IVDs
      to induce various pH values within the discs ranging from 5 to 7. RESULTS:
      Phantom and animal results revealed that ksw measured using qCEST MRI is highly
      correlated with pH level. In the animal studies, the relationship can be
      described as ksw  =9.2 * 106 * 10-pH + 196.9, R2  = 0.7883. CONCLUSION: The
      exchange rate between GAG and water protons determined from qCEST MRI is closely
      correlated with pH value. This technique has the potential to noninvasively
      measure pH in the IVDs of patients with discogenic pain. Magn Reson Med 76:1677
      1683, 2016. (c) 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

PMID- 27670142
TI  - StreetWise: developing a serious game to support forensic mental health service
      users' preparation for discharge: a feasibility study.
AB  - : WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Serious gaming can support learning and
      development. The use of serious games for skills development and the rehearsal of
      the management of events that cannot be replicated in real life is well
      established. Few serious games have been used in mental health services, and none
      in forensic mental health care. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: How
      a serious game may be coproduced by forensic mental health service users and game
      developers The acceptability of the therapeutic use of serious gaming by forensic
      mental health service users and providers. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR
      PRACTICE?: Computer games may be used by practitioners in their therapeutic work
      with forensic mental health service users. Mental health nurses to use serious
      games to creatively and safely bridge the gap for service users between receiving
      care in controlled environments and living more independent in the community.
      ABSTRACT: Introduction Assessment of users' skills and confidence to safely
      respond to risky community-based situations underpins discharge planning. Serious
      games have been used for skills development, and this study trialled their use in
      forensic mental health services. Aim The aim was to develop and test the
      acceptability and usability of an innovative serious game to support forensic
      mental health service users' preparation for discharge. Method A prototype
      serious game was developed by service users and researchers. Acceptability and
      usability testing was undertaken and service providers interviewed about the
      acceptability of serious gaming for forensic mental health services. Result A
      prototype game was produced and successfully trialled by service users. However,
      both service users and providers identified that work needed to be done to
      develop and test a game with greater complexity. Discussion The acceptability and
      usability of using serious games to support service users to develop skills
      needed for successful discharge was demonstrated. Implications for practice
      Mental health practitioners may use gaming to support their practice and work
      innovatively with other professions such as game developers to create new ways of
      working in forensic mental health services.

PMID- 27670143
TI  - Pancreatic neuroendocrine microadenomatosis: A case report of cytology and
      histology correlation.
AB  - Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasia is categorized by grade, size, and functional
      status. Neuroendocrine microadenoma (NEMA) is defined as a neuroendocrine tumor
      (NET) that measures less than 0.5 cm in diameter. Multiple NEMAs are termed
      neuroendocrine adenomatosis (NEMAtosis). The surgical pathology and clinical
      aspects of pancreatic NEMAtosis have been reported, but there has been no report
      regarding EUS-FNA cytology of NEMAtosis. We report a case of NEMAtosis with
      cytologic correlation and illustrate the diagnostic challenges and potential
      pitfalls. The pre-operative cytology can be problematic. The main differential
      diagnosis of the EUS-FNA specimen includes NET, normal pancreas, and islet cell
      hyperplasia/aggregation associated with chronic pancreatitis. The helpful
      cytopathologic feature of NEMAtosis is the presence of two intermingled
      populations of loosely-cohesive neuroendocrine cell clusters and tight acinar
      cell groups arranged in microacinar and/or grape-like structures. Although
      neuroendocrine cells and acinar cells possess different cytomorphology, the
      distinction is not always straightforward because both types of cells are small
      and cytologically bland. Cytologic assessment of both architecture and individual
      cell morphology is imperative to avoid interpretation error and further guide
      appropriate clinical management. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2017;45:143-147. (c) 2016
      Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27670144
TI  - Evaluation of renal oxygenation change under the influence of carbogen breathing
      using a dynamic R2 , R2 ' and R2 * quantification approach.
AB  - The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility of dynamic renal R2
      /R2 '/R2 * measurements based on a method, denoted psMASE-ME, in which a periodic
      180 degrees  pulse-shifting multi-echo asymmetric spin echo (psMASE) sequence,
      combined with a moving estimation (ME) strategy, is adopted. Following approval
      by the institutional animal care and use committee, a block design of respiratory
      challenge with interleaved air and carbogen (97% O2 , 3% CO2 ) breathing was
      employed in nine rabbits. Parametrical R2 /R2 '/R2 * maps were computed and
      average R2 /R2 '/R2 * values were measured in regions of interest in the renal
      medulla and cortex. Bland-Altman plots showed good agreement between the proposed
      method and reference standards of multi-echo spin echo and multi-echo gradient
      echo sequences. Renal R2 , R2 ' and R2 * decreased significantly from 16.2 +/-
      4.4 s-1 , 9.8 +/- 5.2 s-1 and 25.9 +/- 5.0 s-1 to 14.9 +/- 4.4 s-1 (p < 0.05),
      8.5 +/- 4.1 s-1 (p < 0.05) and 23.4 +/- 4.8 s-1 (p < 0.05) in the cortex when
      switching the gas mixture from room air to carbogen. In the renal medulla, R2 ,
      R2 ' and R2 * also decreased significantly from 12.9 +/- 4.7 s-1 , 15.1 +/- 5.8 s
      1 and 27.9 +/- 5.3 s-1 to 11.8 +/- 4.5 s-1 (p < 0.05), 14.2 +/- 4.2 s-1 (p <
      0.05) and 25.8 +/- 5.1 s-1 (p < 0.05). No statistically significant differences
      in relative R2 , R2 ' and R2 * changes were observed between the cortex and
      medulla (p = 0.72 for R2 , p = 0.39 for R2 ' and p = 0.61 for R2 *). The psMASE
      ME method for dynamic renal R2 /R2 '/R2 * measurements, together with the
      respiratory challenge, has potential use in the evaluation of renal oxygenation
      in many renal diseases.

PMID- 27670145
TI  - Zofenopril exerts a cardiovascular protective effect on rats infused with
      angiotensin II beyond angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Elevated levels of angiotensin II are implicated in the hypertensive
      pathophysiological process. Zofenopril has a sulphydryl group which gives it
      antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to investigate its beneficial
      effects beyond angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition using angiotensin
      II-infused rats as hypertension model. METHODS: Zofenopril was added in drinking
      water. Systolic blood pressure was assessed by the tail-cuff method. Left
      ventricular weight/body weight ratio was calculated as cardiac hypertrophy index.
      An estimate of the cardiac collagen was performed by measuring the content of
      hydroxyproline. Vascular reactivity was evaluated on aortic rings and isolated
      perfused kidney, and vascular structure in thoracic aorta was studied. Superoxide
      anion generation was quantified in aorta by lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence.
      KEY FINDINGS: Zofenopril partially prevented the increase in systolic blood
      pressure and cardiac hypertrophy induced by angiotensin II and avoided the
      increase in collagen deposition. The treatment improved vasorelaxing responses,
      reversed the vascular remodelling and abolished the effects of angiotensin II on
      the production of .O2-. It is worth to mention that all these results are
      observed even with high levels of plasma angiotensin. CONCLUSION: Zofenopril
      could exert additional beneficial effects beyond ACE inhibition that would
      justify the improvement of pathophysiological processes triggered by angiotensin
      II.

PMID- 27670146
TI  - Three cases of spontaneous lumbar artery rupture in hemodialysis patients.
AB  - We encountered three cases of retroperitoneal hematoma caused by spontaneous
      lumbar artery rupture, a rare vascular complication. At the time of
      retroperitoneal hematoma, two patients were on anticoagulant/antiplatelet
      therapy. One patient was not taking any anticoagulant/antiplatelet agents but was
      receiving hemodialysis treatment with heparin. Lumbar artery rupture was
      successfully controlled by transcatheter arterial embolization in all patients,
      but one patient developed multiple organ failure and died. We suggest that
      spontaneous lumbar artery rupture may occur in patients being treated with
      maintenance hemodialysis or anticoagulant/antiplatelet therapy. Therefore,
      clinicians should suspect lumbar artery rupture in patients with unstable vital
      signs and rapid onset of anemia because early diagnosis and appropriate
      intervention are necessary to decrease the risks of morbidity and mortality.

PMID- 27670147
TI  - Procedural and shunt-related complications and mortality of the transjugular
      intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPSS).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The implantation of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt
      (TIPSS) is a complex angiographic procedure performed in patients with end-stage
      liver disease. Numerous case reports and narrative reviews have been published so
      far; however, studies systematically investigating procedural and shunt-related
      complications are lacking. AIM: To systematically investigate complications and
      mortality occurring during the index hospital stay and the early (4-week) period
      after TIPSS implantation. METHODS: The study includes 389 patients who received a
      TIPSS implantation between 2004 and 2014. Data were obtained from the clinical
      records and technical reports of the TIPSS implantation. RESULTS: During the
      index hospital stay, procedure-related complications occurred in 42 patients
      (10.8%) with intraperitoneal bleeding in 8 patients (2.1%) and infections in 14
      patients (3.6%). Shunt- and disease-related complications consisted of hepatic
      encephalopathy (1-year incidence 29%), non-procedural infections (8.7%) and acute
      hepatic decompensation (4.1%). Nine patients (2.3%) died during the index
      hospital stay from procedure-related (two patients, 0.5%), shunt-related (four
      patients, 1%) or disease-related causes (three patients, 0.8%). 23 patients
      (5.9%) died during 4 weeks after TIPSS implantation. The 1-year probability of
      survival was 67.7% and was negatively associated with severe hepatic
      encephalopathy and acute hepatic decompensation. CONCLUSIONS: Except hepatic
      encephalopathy, severe procedure- and shunt-related complications are rare and
      early mortality is low.

PMID- 27670148
TI  - Keeping all options open: Parents' approaches to advance care planning.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early engagement in advance care planning (ACP) is seen as
      fundamental for ensuring the highest standard of care for children and young
      people with a life-limiting condition (LLC). However, most families have little
      knowledge or experience of ACP. OBJECTIVE: To investigate how parents of children
      and young people with LLCs approach and experience ACP. METHODS: Open-ended, semi
      structured interviews were conducted with parents of 18 children; nine children
      who were currently receiving palliative care services, and nine children who had
      received palliative care and died. Verbatim transcripts of audiotaped interviews
      were analysed following principles of grounded theory while acknowledging the use
      of deductive strategies, taking account of both the child's condition, and the
      timing and nature of decisions made. RESULTS: Parents reported having discussions
      and making decisions about the place of care, place of death and the limitation
      of treatment. Most decisions were made relatively late in the illness and by
      parents who wished to keep their options open. Parents reported different levels
      of involvement in a range of decisions; many wished to be involved in decision
      making but did not always feel able to do so. DISCUSSION: This study highlights
      that parents' approaches to decision making vary by the type of decision
      required. Their views may change over time, and it is important to allow them to
      keep their options open. We recommend that clinicians have regular discussions
      over the course of the illness in an effort to understand parents' approaches to
      particular decisions rather than to drive to closure prematurely.

PMID- 27670149
TI  - Value of Measuring Bone Microarchitecture in Fracture Discrimination in Older
      Women with Recent Hip Fracture: A Case-control Study with HR-pQCT.
AB  - We aimed to determine whether loss of volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) and
      deterioration of microarchitecture imaged by high-resolution peripheral
      quantitative computed tomography at the distal radius/tibia provided additional
      information in fracture discrimination in postmenopausal women with recent hip
      fracture. This case-control study involved 24 postmenopausal Chinese women with
      unilateral femoral neck fracture (average [SD] age: 79.6[5.6]) and 24 age-matched
      women without any history of fracture. Each SD decrease in T-score at femoral
      neck (FN) was associated with a higher fracture risk (odds ratio: 6.905, p =
      0.001). At the distal radius, fracture women had significantly lower total vBMD (
      17.5%), fewer (-20.3%) and more unevenly spaced (81.4%) trabeculae, and thinner
      cortices (-14.0%) (all p < 0.05). At the distal tibia, vBMD was on average -4.7%
      (cortical) to -25.4% (total) lower, trabecular microarchitecture was on average 
      19.8% (number) to 102% (inhomogeneity) inferior, cortices were thinner (-21.1%)
      and more porous (18.2%) (all p < 0.05). Adding parameters of vBMD and
      microarchitecture in multivariate models did not offer additional discriminative
      capacity of fracture status compared with using T-score at FN. In old
      postmenopausal women with already excessive loss of bone mass, measuring bone
      microarchitecture may provide limited added value to improve identification of
      risk of femoral neck fracture.

PMID- 27670150
TI  - In vitro investigation of intestinal transport mechanism of silicon, supplied as
      orthosilicic acid-vanillin complex.
AB  - SCOPE: Silicon (Si) is one of the most abundant trace elements in the body.
      Although pharmacokinetics data described its absorption from the diet and its
      body excretion, the mechanisms involved in the uptake and transport of Si across
      the gut wall have not been established. METHODS AND RESULTS: Caco-2 cells were
      used as a well-accepted in vitro model of the human intestinal epithelium to
      investigate the transport, across the intestinal barrier in both the absorption
      and excretion directions, of Si supplied as orthosilicic acid stabilized by
      vanillin complex (OSA-VC). The transport of this species was found proportional
      to the initial concentration and to the duration of incubation, with absorption
      and excretion mean rates similar to those of Lucifer yellow, a marker of
      paracellular diffusion, and increasing in the presence of EGTA, a chelator of
      divalents cations including calcium. A cellular accumulation of Si, polarized
      from the apical side of cells, was furthermore detected. CONCLUSION: These
      results provide evidence that Si, ingested as a food supplement containing OSA
      VC, crosses the intestinal mucosa by passive diffusion via the paracellular
      pathway through the intercellular tight junctions and accumulates
      intracellularly, probably by an uptake mechanism of facilitated diffusion. This
      study can help to further understand the kinetic of absorption of Si.

PMID- 27670151
TI  - Effectiveness and Cost Efficiency of Different Surveillance Components for
      Proving Freedom and Early Detection of Disease: Bluetongue Serotype 8 in Cattle
      as Case Study for Belgium, France and the Netherlands.
AB  - Quick detection and recovery of country's freedom status remain a constant
      challenge in animal health surveillance. The efficacy and cost efficiency of
      different surveillance components in proving the absence of infection or (early)
      detection of bluetongue serotype 8 in cattle populations within different
      countries (the Netherlands, France, Belgium) using surveillance data from years
      2006 and 2007 were investigated using an adapted scenario tree model approach.
      First, surveillance components (sentinel, yearly cross-sectional and passive
      clinical reporting) within each country were evaluated in terms of efficacy for
      substantiating freedom of infection. Yearly cross-sectional survey and passive
      clinical reporting performed well within each country with sensitivity of
      detection values ranging around 0.99. The sentinel component had a sensitivity of
      detection around 0.7. Secondly, how effective the components were for (early)
      detection of bluetongue serotype 8 and whether syndromic surveillance on
      reproductive performance, milk production and mortality data available from the
      Netherlands and Belgium could be of added value were evaluated. Epidemic curves
      were used to estimate the timeliness of detection. Sensitivity analysis revealed
      that expected within-herd prevalence and number of herds processed were the most
      influential parameters for proving freedom and early detection. Looking at the
      assumed direct costs, although total costs were low for sentinel and passive
      clinical surveillance components, passive clinical surveillance together with
      syndromic surveillance (based on reproductive performance data) turned out most
      cost-efficient for the detection of bluetongue serotype 8. To conclude, for
      emerging or re-emerging vectorborne disease that behaves such as bluetongue
      serotype 8, it is recommended to use passive clinical and syndromic surveillance
      as early detection systems for maximum cost efficiency and sensitivity. Once an
      infection is detected and eradicated, cross-sectional screening for
      substantiating freedom of infection and sentinel for monitoring the disease
      evolution are recommended.

PMID- 27670152
TI  - Hazard identification of exhausts from gasoline-ethanol fuel blends using a multi
      cellular human lung model.
AB  - Ethanol can be produced from biomass and as such is renewable, unlike petroleum
      based fuel. Almost all gasoline cars can drive with fuel containing 10% ethanol
      (E10), flex-fuel cars can even use 85% ethanol (E85). Brazil and the USA already
      include 10-27% ethanol in their standard fuel by law. Most health effect studies
      on car emissions are however performed with diesel exhausts, and only few data
      exists for other fuels. In this work we investigated possible toxic effects of
      exhaust aerosols from ethanol-gasoline blends using a multi-cellular model of the
      human lung. A flex-fuel passenger car was driven on a chassis dynamometer and
      fueled with E10, E85, or pure gasoline (E0). Exhausts obtained from a steady
      state cycle were directly applied for 6h at a dilution of 1:10 onto a multi
      cellular human lung model mimicking the bronchial compartment composed of human
      bronchial cells (16HBE14o-), supplemented with human monocyte-derived dendritic
      cells and monocyte-derived macrophages, cultured at the air-liquid interface.
      Biological endpoints were assessed after 6h post incubation and included
      cytotoxicity, pro-inflammation, oxidative stress, and DNA damage. Filtered air
      was applied to control cells in parallel to the different exhausts; for
      comparison an exposure to diesel exhaust was also included in the study. No
      differences were measured for the volatile compounds, i.e. CO, NOx, and T.HC for
      the different ethanol supplemented exhausts. Average particle number were 6*102
      #/cm3 (E0), 1*105 #/cm3 (E10), 3*103 #/cm3 (E85), and 2.8*106 #/cm3 (diesel). In
      ethanol-gasoline exposure conditions no cytotoxicity and no morphological changes
      were observed in the lung cell cultures, in addition no oxidative stress - as
      analyzed with the glutathione assay - was measured. Gene expression analysis also
      shows no induction in any of the tested genes, including mRNA levels of genes
      related to oxidative stress and pro-inflammation, as well as indoleamine 2,3
      dioxygenase 1 (IDO-1), transcription factor NFE2-related factor 2 (NFE2L2), and
      NAD(P)H dehydrogenase [quinone] 1 (NQO1). Finally, no DNA damage was observed
      with the OxyDNA assay. On the other hand, cell death, oxidative stress, as well
      as an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines was observed for cells exposed to
      diesel exhaust, confirming the results of other studies and the applicability of
      our exposure system. In conclusion, the tested exhausts from a flex-fuel gasoline
      vehicle using different ethanol-gasoline blends did not induce adverse cell
      responses in this acute exposure. So far ethanol-gasoline blends can promptly be
      used, though further studies, e.g. chronic and in vivo studies, are needed.

PMID- 27670153
TI  - Extending knowledge of the public awareness of aphasia in the Balkans: Serbia and
      Montenegro.
AB  - PURPOSE: Public awareness of aphasia has been surveyed in a number of countries
      revealing that it is universally low. We report results of surveys in the Balkan
      countries Serbia and Montenegro and compare results with data from Croatia and
      Slovenia. METHODS: Convenience surveys of the general public were conducted in
      public places like shopping centers/malls and parks in Serbia (N = 400) and
      Montenegro (N = 500) using an adapted version of the public awareness of aphasia
      survey questionnaire. Respondents were asked whether they have heard of aphasia
      and tested with questions about aphasia. Information on gender, age, occupation
      and education was recorded. OUTCOMES: Twelve percent (Serbia) and 11%
      (Montenegro) had heard of aphasia, but just 4% (Serbia) and 3.2% (Montenegro) had
      a basic knowledge of aphasia. Age, gender and occupation interacted variably with
      awareness. Between 16% (Slovenia) and 60% (Croatia) said they had heard of
      aphasia (10.5% overall mean for the four countries) and basic knowledge of
      aphasia across the four countries ranged between 3.2 and 7%. CONCLUSIONS: Levels
      of awareness of aphasia in the Balkans are low and variably associated with age,
      gender, socio-economic and educational levels. Respondents with some knowledge of
      aphasia gained it through personal or professional interaction with aphasia or
      the media. The data provide a basis for awareness raising in Balkan countries to
      reduce stigmatization, improve community access and understanding. Implications
      for rehabilitation Awareness of aphasia is low universally, even among healthcare
      workers. Low public awareness of a condition, like aphasia, results in under
      funded research and service provision. In order to raise public awareness of
      aphasia we need to know how many members of the general public know about it.
      Improvements in public awareness could positively affect funding, the quality of
      services, and the public understanding and acceptance of individuals with aphasia
      in the community. Improving awareness of aphasia in those who come into contact
      with aphasic people, like healthcare workers, could significantly improve the
      healthcare experience of people with aphasia and their families.

PMID- 27670154
TI  - Vitamin D in newborns. A randomised controlled trial comparing daily and single
      oral bolus vitamin D in infants.
AB  - AIM: There are no published data to demonstrate the efficacy of bolus dose
      vitamin D in newborn infants. The study sought to evaluate this alternative
      approach of supplementation. METHODS: This single centre, open randomised
      controlled trial was conducted from August 2013 to May 2014. It compared the
      efficacy and safety of daily (400 IU) versus a bolus dose (50 000 IU) of
      cholecalciferol in newborn infants of vitamin D deficient mothers. The primary
      outcome measure was the rate of 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) repletion-defined as
      25OHD greater than 50 nmol/L. The secondary objective was determining safety
      using adjusted total serum calcium. RESULTS: Of 70 eligible infants, 36 received
      a daily dose and 34 received a single high-dose cholecalciferol. Mean 25OHD in
      the bolus group (154 nmol/L, 95% confidence interval (CI) 131-177) was higher
      than the daily group (48 nmol/L, 95% CI 42-54) at 1-2 weeks of age. This was
      reversed at 3-4 months, (65 nmol/L, 95% CI 59-71) compared with the daily group
      (81 nmol/L, 95% CI 77-85). More infants in the single bolus group achieved
      vitamin D repletion (100 vs. 31%) at 1-2 weeks. By 3-4 months, both groups
      achieved similar vitamin D repletion rates (91 vs. 89%). Mean adjusted total
      serum calcium in the bolus group were normal at 1-2 weeks (2.73 mmol/L) and 3-4
      months (2.55 mmol/L). CONCLUSION: Single bolus dosing of 50 000 IU
      cholecalciferol achieves higher 25OHD repletion rates at 1-2 weeks of age
      compared with daily dosing, but repletion rates were similar by 3-4 months. There
      was no hypercalcaemia documented with single bolus dosing in this study.

PMID- 27670155
TI  - Mandibulofacial dysostosis with microcephaly: A case presenting with seizures.
AB  - We report a case of mandibulofacial dysostosis with microcephaly presenting with
      seizures. The proband, a 6-year-old Korean boy, had microcephaly, malar and
      mandibular hypoplasia, and deafness. He showed developmental delay and had
      suffered recurrent seizures beginning at 21months of age. Electroencephalography
      revealed occasional spike discharges from the right frontal area. Head magnetic
      resonance imaging revealed dilatation of the lateral ventricles and a small
      frontal lobe volume. Whole exome sequencing revealed a de novo frame shift
      mutation, c.2698_2701 del, of EFTUD2. The epileptic focus was consistent with the
      reduced frontal lobe volume on head magnetic resonance imaging. Seizures are thus
      a main feature of mandibulofacial dysostosis with microcephaly, which results
      from an embryonic development defect due to the EFTUD2 mutation.

PMID- 27670156
TI  - Complex Network Clustering by a Multi-objective Evolutionary Algorithm Based on
      Decomposition and Membrane Structure.
AB  - The field of complex network clustering is gaining considerable attention in
      recent years. In this study, a multi-objective evolutionary algorithm based on
      membranes is proposed to solve the network clustering problem. Population are
      divided into different membrane structures on average. The evolutionary algorithm
      is carried out in the membrane structures. The population are eliminated by the
      vector of membranes. In the proposed method, two evaluation objectives termed as
      Kernel J-means and Ratio Cut are to be minimized. Extensive experimental studies
      comparison with state-of-the-art algorithms proves that the proposed algorithm is
      effective and promising.

PMID- 27670157
TI  - Coupling of radiofrequency with magnetic nanoparticles treatment as an
      alternative physical antibacterial strategy against multiple drug resistant
      bacteria.
AB  - Antibiotic resistant bacteria not only affect human health and but also threatens
      the safety in hospitals and among communities. However, the emergence of drug
      resistant bacteria is inevitable due to evolutionary selection as a consequence
      of indiscriminate antibiotic usage. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a novel
      strategy by which pathogenic bacteria can be eliminated without triggering
      resistance. We propose a novel magnetic nanoparticle-based physical treatment
      against pathogenic bacteria, which blocks biofilm formation and kills bacteria.
      In this approach, multiple drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus USA300 and
      uropathogenic Escherichia coli CFT073 are trapped to the positively charged
      magnetic core-shell nanoparticles (MCSNPs) by electrostatic interaction. All the
      trapped bacteria can be completely killed within 30 min owing to the loss of
      membrane potential and dysfunction of membrane-associated complexes when exposed
      to the radiofrequency current. These results indicate that MCSNP-based physical
      treatment can be an alternative antibacterial strategy without leading to
      antibiotic resistance, and can be used for many purposes including environmental
      and therapeutic applications.

PMID- 27670159
TI  - ?
AB  - If you asked the country's 600,000 nurses to vote for a pay increase it would
      probably be significantly higher than the 4.7 per cent MPs awarded themselves
      last week. But then nurses, unlike politicians don't have the power to vote
      themselves a pay increase annually. But they have in the past been able to
      propose a pay rise - the crucial difference being that they rarely got what they
      asked for.

PMID- 27670158
TI  - CD16 is indispensable for antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity by human
      monocytes.
AB  - Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) is exerted by immune cells
      expressing surface Fcgamma receptors (FcgammaRs) against cells coated with
      antibody, such as virus-infected or transformed cells. CD16, the FcgammaRIIIA, is
      essential for ADCC by NK cells, and is also expressed by a subset of human blood
      monocytes. We found that human CD16- expressing monocytes have a broad spectrum
      of ADCC capacities and can kill cancer cell lines, primary leukemic cells and
      hepatitis B virus-infected cells in the presence of specific antibodies.
      Engagement of CD16 on monocytes by antibody bound to target cells activated beta2
      integrins and induced TNFalpha secretion. In turn, this induced TNFR expression
      on the target cells, making them susceptible to TNFalpha-mediated cell death.
      Treatment with TLR agonists, DAMPs or cytokines, such as IFNgamma, further
      enhanced ADCC. Monocytes lacking CD16 did not exert ADCC but acquired this
      property after CD16 expression was induced by either cytokine stimulation or
      transient transfection. Notably, CD16+ monocytes from patients with leukemia also
      exerted potent ADCC. Hence, CD16+ monocytes are important effectors of ADCC,
      suggesting further developments of this property in the context of cellular
      therapies for cancer and infectious diseases.

PMID- 27670160
TI  - Doctors back nurses in rejecting PRP.
AB  - Doctors have joined forces with nurses in rejecting performance related pay.

PMID- 27670161
TI  - Nurses urged to stay firm on pay as MPs get 4.7% increase.
AB  - The announcement of a 4.7 per cent pay rise for MPs will be used by staff side in
      the battle for an improved pay award, the Royal College of Nursing said last
      week.

PMID- 27670162
TI  - UKCC reveals new figures on nursing.
AB  - The profile of the average nurse is changing, statistics produced by the UK
      Central Council reveal.

PMID- 27670163
TI  - A&E under fire in King's Fund report.
AB  - Casualty departments in London's hospitals must be given 'enhanced roles', a
      scathing report by King's Fund Institute has said. The report, released this
      week, says emergency resources have been stripped to the point where they can no
      longer cope with unpredictable demand.

PMID- 27670164
TI  - Hancock: Highest paid but best value leader.
AB  - RCN General Secretary Christine Hancock is the highest paid union leader in the
      country, according to a survey by the Certification Office for Trade Unions and
      Employers Associations .

PMID- 27670165
TI  - Task group recommended to mediate in Ralph saga.
AB  - UK Central Council Registrar Colin Ralph, L84,000 a year chief executive of
      nursing's regulatory body, should go on a three month management course, the
      committee investigating an official grievance brought against him has
      recommended.

PMID- 27670166
TI  - Bottomley's 'openness' code disappoints College.
AB  - The RCN has expressed 'disappointment' at the draft axle of practice on openness
      in the NHS launched by health secretary, Virginia Bottomley.

PMID- 27670167
TI  - New director for SAHC.
AB  - Nurse Patricia Dawson has been appointed director of the Scottish Asociation of
      Health Councils.

PMID- 27670169
TI  - Skill mix exercise a success for health visitors.
AB  - Health visitors should be freed up to take on the most difficult cases in their
      areas by the . employment of B and F. grade nurses to handle routine work. Ann
      Stanton, a health visitor with Edinburgh's Lothian Health Care Trust, said she
      had initally approached a skill mix exercise with scepticism.

PMID- 27670168
TI  - Patient's religious and emotional needs important.
AB  - Nurses must have the knowledge to ask what a patient's religious and emotional
      needs are if they are to provide total and sensitive care, Rabbi Julia Neuberger
      told the conference in a keynote speech.

PMID- 27670170
TI  - New challenge on schizophrenia.
AB  - The International Council of Nurses has been challenged to bring together nursing
      research into schizophrenia from around the world and give mental health nurses a
      body of knowledge from which they could work. The call came last week at an
      international nursing conference held at the University of Ulster in Coleraine.
      Nurses heard the plea from Rutgers University Emeritus Professor Hilde- gard
      Peplau, who decried the failure of nurses to keep pace as other branches of the
      health professions study the disease.

PMID- 27670171
TI  - Emergency teams 'a waste of time'.
AB  - Sending emergency medical teams to strife tom regions is a 'waste of time', the
      head of nursing for the International Red Cross told the conference. Instead,
      medical teams should be replaced by engineers and sanitation experts who could
      provide conditions in which the diseases medical teams were brought in to fight
      would not survive.

PMID- 27670172
TI  - Nursing students should study abroad.
AB  - Nursing students should undertake overseas assignments as a part of their pre
      registration education, the conference heard.

PMID- 27670173
TI  - ?
AB  - Bike aid; a team of crack motorcycle paramedics has taken to the roads. The four
      person team, a specialist unit of the West Midlands Ambulance Service, will get
      rapid help to victims of road accidents.

PMID- 27670174
TI  - 'Genuine' nurses provide better care.
AB  - Nurses who show 'genuine interest' in the welfare of their patients and obviously
      enjoy their work provide better quality patient care, a study of quality
      assessment instruments for nursing has found.

PMID- 27670175
TI  - Labour Party urged to drop council purchasing plan.
AB  - The Labour Party has been urged to drop the idea of giving health purchasing
      power to local authorities.

PMID- 27670176
TI  - Lothian health signs contract for nurse-led minor injuries service.
AB  - A nurse-led minor injuries service is to open at Lothian's Western General
      Hospital in November.

PMID- 27670177
TI  - New leaflet for agency nurses.
AB  - The Health and Safety Executive has revised its occupational health guidance for
      agency nurses in a new leaflet.

PMID- 27670178
TI  - Tolerance of contraceptive implants improved by good counselling for women.
AB  - More women will continue using implant contraceptives if they receive careful
      counselling beforehand, despite disruptions to the menstrual cycle, according to
      a report published in The Pharmaceutical Journal.

PMID- 27670179
TI  - Eczema report highlights difficulties for children's health.
AB  - Atopic eczema has a more detrimental effect on the overall quality of children's
      health than almost every other skin condition, a recently published report has
      claimed.

PMID- 27670180
TI  - Early bypass surgery reduces mortality.
AB  - Patients suffering heart disease are likely to live longer if they undergo
      coronary bypass surgery immediately than if they are medically managed and
      treated with delayed surgery later, a report in The Lancet has claimed.

PMID- 27670182
TI  - Sudden, severe headache as warning of SAH.
AB  - Aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAM) is not preceded by sudden headaches or
      'warning leaks', researchers from the Netherlands report.

PMID- 27670183
TI  - Individual regimens in alcohol withdrawal.
AB  - Individualising the drug regimen used for treating symptoms of alcohol withdrawal
      has benefits over a fixed schedule, American researchers believe.

PMID- 27670184
TI  - Does a protein spread Creutzfeldt-Jakob?
AB  - A 'rogue protein' might be responsible for the transmission of spongiform
      encephalopathies - diseases such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) and bovine
      spongiform encephalitis (BSE).

PMID- 27670185
TI  - Alternative to nappies for urine collection.
AB  - One brand of sanitary towel is a suitable alternative to disposable nappies for
      collecting urine specimens for laboratory testing.

PMID- 27670187
TI  - Nail biting finish for NVQ academics.
AB  - The article in Nursing Standard entitled 'NVQ for the dole' (Viewpoint, August
      24) is yet another example of ostrich-like behaviour by nursing academics.

PMID- 27670186
TI  - Surveillance camera not candid enough.
AB  - I am writing to comment on Vic Tadd's article, 'Here's looking at you, kid'
      (Viewpoint, August 17).

PMID- 27670188
TI  - The trust conducts itself well...
AB  - We wish to voice our opinions over the matter of the dismissal of Sister Pat
      Cooksley (Hospital faces probe over disciplinary delay, News, August 24).

PMID- 27670190
TI  - Please listen to the voice of experience.
AB  - I do not really want to reopen the debate about standards within nursing homes.
      But a lot of nurses and care assistants frequently visit and work in these
      places, and if standards are not right, staff do speak out, either to the
      agencies that send us or to health authority inspectors. To my anguish, however,
      nothing really gets done.

PMID- 27670189
TI  - Peppercorn rent not to be sneezed at.
AB  - Unlike Dr Knape, I cannot view L250 a year as 'peppercorn', whatever the sum is
      used for (Pink, Hands, red faces: UKCC bites back, Letters, August 28). However,
      the rent was not the issue here, was it, Dr Knape?

PMID- 27670191
TI  - ...but maybe not that well.
AB  - I was delighted to read in the news item 'Hospital faces probe over disciplinary
      delay' (August 24) that the UKCC is likely to question the hospital in the Sister
      Cooksley affair about the delay of four months in reporting the matter.

PMID- 27670192
TI  - Common confusion with conduct and law.
AB  - I feel I must write to comment on what appears to be a fairly common confusion
      among nurses regarding the UKCC Code of Professional Conduct and the law.

PMID- 27670193
TI  - ?
AB  - We welcome all readers' letters but reserve the right to edit them, and withhold
      names and addresses or both. Please write to Nursing Standard. Viking House 17-19
      Peterborough Road, Harrow. Middlesex. HA I 2AX.

PMID- 27670194
TI  - Information exchange.
AB  - ?I am currently working with a child named Phillip who is 13 years old and has
      schleroderma encoup de sabre, a very rare and progressive condition. In order to
      help him and his family, I am trying to locate anyone who would be willing for
      Phillip to contact them to share experiences and provide support. And could any
      professionals working with people with schleroderma encoup de sabre contact me on
      0604 236095. Paul McKay Principal Social Worker Disability Services Team
      Northamptonshire County Council Social Services Team 27 Guildhall Road PU Box 290
      Northampton NN1 IBE.

PMID- 27670195
TI  - Gossip.
AB  - * It's easy to mock, I know, and we all have our own little peculiarities, but
      there's a new magazine out aimed specifically at collectors of phone cards. Yes,
      Publishing reports that Telecard Collector International is about to hit the
      streets, complete with the obligatory glamorous woman on the front to boost
      sales. In this case, the woman is Julia Swalha - Saffi, in Absolutely Fabulous -
      who is obviously a phonecard fan. (Whatever would Patsy say?) But titter ye not.
      'Overall, this is an infuriatingly compulsive read,' says Publishing. And with
      some cards apparently reaching asking prices of L950, the anorak brigade
      obviously knows a thing or two. But before you start hanging on to all those
      cards you feed into the nursing home phone, be warned. They apparently increase
      in value if they are unused. Fabulous.

PMID- 27670196
TI  - All the fun of the fayre.
AB  - Hello there, Health Gire Workers! Isn't it exciting to be in a research-based
      profession? You will remember that research is being carried out in my Unit at
      the moment to evaluate the effects of health promotion after major surgery. The
      study is now in full swing, and there have been some interesting results already.

PMID- 27670197
TI  - Couldn't care less.
AB  - Muriel is my mother. She is 86, and has not been in hospital since 1949. She has
      raised four children and is very proud of her 13 grandchildren and eight great
      grandchildren. She lives in sheltered accommodation near her younger son after
      retiring from her job as a cook and housekeeper in 1992.

PMID- 27670198
TI  - Phew, what a scorcher!
AB  - Viewpoint presents a special picture spread, looking back at events that made the
      news over the long, hot summer.

PMID- 27670200
TI  - Listings.
AB  - Nursing Standard regrets that it is no longer able to take listings over the
      telephone because of unprecedented demand. Readers are reminded that the listings
      section is for the use of charitable and professional organisations, unions and
      health authorities to publicise forthcoming events. Listings should contain all
      relevant details and be posted or faxed to Susan Bloodworth, Nursing Standard,
      Viking House, 17-19 Peterborough Road, Harrow, Middlesex HA1 2AX. Fax: 081-423
      3867.

PMID- 27670199
TI  - Nursing ethics I: Setting the scene.
AB  - The subject of ethics is increasingly important in all spheres of life. The
      changing climate in health care delivery has, however, made it more pressing than
      ever in the health care field.

PMID- 27670201
TI  - Loss of RNA expression and allele-specific expression associated with congenital
      heart disease.
AB  - Congenital heart disease (CHD), a prevalent birth defect occurring in 1% of
      newborns, likely results from aberrant expression of cardiac developmental genes.
      Mutations in a variety of cardiac transcription factors, developmental signalling
      molecules and molecules that modify chromatin cause at least 20% of disease, but
      most CHD remains unexplained. We employ RNAseq analyses to assess allele-specific
      expression (ASE) and biallelic loss-of-expression (LOE) in 172 tissue samples
      from 144 surgically repaired CHD subjects. Here we show that only 5% of known
      imprinted genes with paternal allele silencing are monoallelic versus 56% with
      paternal allele expression-this cardiac-specific phenomenon seems unrelated to
      CHD. Further, compared with control subjects, CHD subjects have a significant
      burden of both LOE genes and ASE events associated with altered gene expression.
      These studies identify FGFBP2, LBH, RBFOX2, SGSM1 and ZBTB16 as candidate CHD
      genes because of significantly altered transcriptional expression.

PMID- 27670202
TI  - Significant association between osteoporosis and hearing loss: a systematic
      review and meta-analysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There is inconclusive evidence whether osteoporosis increases risk
      of hearing loss in current literature. OBJECTIVE: We conducted this meta-analysis
      to determine whether there is an association between hearing loss and
      osteoporosis. METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted
      from studies of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and LILACS. Osteoporosis was defined as having a
      bone mineral density with a T-score of less than -2.5 standard deviation. The
      outcome was hearing loss as assessed by audiometry or self-reported assessment.
      Random-effects model and pooled hazard ratio, risk ratio, or odds ratio of
      hearing loss with 95% confidence intervals were compared between normal bone
      mineral density and low bone mineral density or osteoporosis. RESULTS: A total of
      16 articles underwent full-length review. Overall, there was a statistically
      significant increased odds of hearing loss in the low bone mineral density or
      osteoporosis group with odds ratio of 1.20 (95% confidence intervals 1.01-1.42,
      p=0.04, I2=82%, Pheterogeneity=0.01). However, the study from Helzner et al.
      reported significantly increase odds of hearing loss in the low bone mineral
      density in particular area and population included femoral neck of black men 1.37
      (95% confidence intervals 1.07-1.76, p=0.01) and total hip of black men 1.36 (95%
      confidence intervals 1.05-1.76, p=0.02). CONCLUSION: Our study proposed the first
      meta-analysis that demonstrated a probable association between hearing loss and
      bone mineral density. Osteoporosis could be a risk factor in hearing loss and
      might play an important role in age-related hearing loss.

PMID- 27670204
TI  - 210Po bioaccumulation and trophic transfer in marine food chains in the northern
      Arabian Gulf.
AB  - The tendency of 210Po to concentrate in body tissue poses a serious concern of
      radiological safety. This study compiles available information and presents
      recent 210Po data for the marine food web in the northern Gulf waters. Since
      210Po is concentrated in marine biota, a large number of samples of various
      marine organisms covering several trophic levels, from microalgae to sharks, were
      analyzed. 210Po was found to be highly concentrated in several marine species
      with the highest 210Po concentrations found in yellowfin tuna, i.e. 37.3-44.9,
      451-548, and 1511-1693 Bq kg-1 wwt in muscle, digestive system and liver,
      respectively. In most dissected fish samples, 210Po showed increasing
      concentrations in the following order: edible tissue, gills, digestive system,
      liver and fecal matter. Fish feces had 210Po concentrations several orders of
      magnitude higher than that in seawater, fish muscle, and the fishes' ingested
      food. The high 210Po concentration in fish fecal matter suggests that the bulk of
      210Po content in fish is eventually excreted back into the environment as fecal
      pellets. In most fish high concentrations were noted in liver, with the highest
      210Po concentration recorded in yellowfin tuna liver. Moreover, 210Po
      concentration in the soft tissue of tunicate and bryozoan samples were 872-1012
      and 402-527 Bq kg-1 wwt, respectively, far higher than that in fish muscle (0.04
      44.9 Bq kg-1 wwt). It was observed that the maximum 210Po concentration in edible
      fish tissue among the fish in trophic level 2 was an order of magnitude lower
      than those in trophic level 3 and two orders of magnitude lower compared to fish
      in trophic level 4. The highest concentrations in the muscle tissue were observed
      in the following order: tunicate > bryozoan > mollusc > crustacean > algae >
      fish. Among all the biota analyzed, the highest overall concentration of 210Po
      was noted in yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacores) indicating a potential
      biomagnification of 210Po in this particular top predator species. In general,
      210Po concentrations found in the commercially important fish from Kuwaiti waters
      were comparable to levels that have been reported for similar fish species from
      several other marine areas worldwide.

PMID- 27670203
TI  - Association between desloratadine and prednisolone in the treatment of children
      with acute symptoms of allergic rhinitis: a double-blind, randomized and
      controlled clinical trial.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: A combination of antihistamines and oral corticosteroids is often
      used to treat acute symptoms of allergic rhinitis. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate safety
      and efficacy of desloratadine plus prednisolone in the treatment of acute
      symptoms of children (2-12 years) with allergic rhinitis, and to compare it to
      dexchlorpheniramine plus betamethasone. METHODS: Children with moderate/severe
      persistent allergic rhinitis and symptomatic (nasal symptoms score [0-12]>=6)
      were allocated in a double-blind, randomized fashion to receive
      dexchlorpheniramine plus betamethasone (n=105; three daily doses) or
      desloratadine plus prednisolone (n=105; single dose followed by two of placebo)
      for 7 days. At the beginning and end of the evaluation, the following were
      obtained: nasal symptoms score, extra nasal symptoms score, peak nasal
      inspiratory flow, blood biochemistry, and electrocardiogram. Ninety-six children
      of the dexchlorpheniramine plus betamethasone group and 98 of the desloratadine
      plus prednisolone group completed the protocol. RESULTS: The two groups were
      similar regarding initial and final nasal symptoms scores, extra nasal symptoms
      scores and peak nasal inspiratory flow. A drop of 76.4% and 79.1% for nasal
      symptoms score, 86.0% and 79.2% for extra nasal symptoms score, as well as an
      increase of 25.2% and 24.3% for peak nasal inspiratory flow occurred for those
      treated with desloratadine plus prednisolone and dexchlorpheniramine plus
      betamethasone, respectively. There were no significant changes in blood
      chemistry. Sinus tachycardia was the most frequent electrocardiogram change, but
      with no clinical significance. Drowsiness was reported significantly more often
      among those of dexchlorpheniramine plus betamethasone group (17.14%*8.57%,
      respectively). CONCLUSION: The desloratadine plus prednisolone combination was
      able to effectively control acute symptoms of rhinitis in children, improving
      symptoms and nasal function. Compared to the dexchlorpheniramine plus
      betamethasone combination, it showed similar clinical action, but with a lower
      incidence of adverse events and higher dosing convenience.

PMID- 27670205
TI  - Modelling the relationship between zooplankton biomass and environmental
      variations in the distribution of 210Po during a one year cycle in northwestern
      Mediterranean coastal waters.
AB  - To clarify the relationship between zooplankton biomass and the environmental
      kinetics of the natural radionuclide 210Po during a one-year period (October 1995
      to November 1996) in northwestern Mediterranean coastal waters, a modelling
      analysis was applied. Using 210Po concentrations in seawater and zooplankton, the
      210Po uptake rate constant from food for zooplankton was evaluated using a
      biokinetics calculation involving the uptake and the excretion rate constants
      between seawater and zooplankton. Using the transfer constants obtained, the
      210Po concentrations in zooplankton were reconstructed and validated by observed
      concentrations. The simulation results were in good agreement with the measured
      210Po concentrations in zooplankton. Assuming that 210Po fecal excretion
      represents the majority of the excretion of 210Po from zooplankton, the fecal
      matter associated 210Po vertical flux was calculated, and compared with the
      observed vertical fluxes of 210Po measured in sediment traps. The modelling
      evaluation showed that fecal pellet vertical transport could not fully explain
      the observed sinking fluxes of particulate organic matter at 150 m depth,
      suggesting that other sinking biodetrital aggregates are also important
      components of the plankton-derived vertical flux of 210Po. The relationship
      between 210Po concentration in seawater and that in rain and dry fallout and
      their potential effect on 210Po concentrations in zooplankton at this location
      were also examined. A similar, but diphased trend between 210Po in zooplankton
      and 210Po in rain and dry fallout deposition rate was demonstrated. 210Po
      concentrations in the dissolved phase of seawater tended to diminish as mean
      daily rainfall increased suggesting that rain inputs serve as a 210Po dilution
      mechanism in seawater at this location.

PMID- 27670206
TI  - Malformations of Cortical Development: From Postnatal to Fetal Imaging.
AB  - Abnormal fetal corticogenesis results in malformations of cortical development
      (MCD). Abnormal cell proliferation leads to microcephaly or megalencephaly,
      incomplete neuronal migration results in heterotopia and lissencephaly, neuronal
      overmigration manifests as cobblestone malformations, and anomalous
      postmigrational cortical organization is responsible for polymicrogyria and focal
      cortical dysplasias. MCD comprises various congenital brain disorders, caused by
      different genetic, infectious, or vascular etiologies and is associated with
      significant neurological morbidity. Although MCD are rarely diagnosed prenatally,
      both dedicated multiplanar neurosonography and magnetic resonance imaging enable
      good demonstration of fetal cortical development. The imaging signs of fetal MCD
      are: delayed or absent cerebral sulcation; premature abnormal sulci; thin and
      irregular hemispheric parenchyma; wide abnormal overdeveloped gyri; wide opening
      of isolated sulci; nodular bulging into the lateral ventricles; cortical clefts;
      intraparenchymal echogenic nodules; and cortical thickening. The postnatal and
      prenatal imaging features of four main malformations of cortical development
      lissencephaly, cobblestone malformations, periventricular nodular heterotopia,
      and polymicrogyria-are described. 

PMID- 27670207
TI  - Medical Management of Parkinson's Disease after Initiation of Deep Brain
      Stimulation.
AB  - In this review, we have gathered all the available evidence to guide medication
      management after deep brain stimulation (DBS) in Parkinson's disease (PD).
      Surprisingly, we found that almost no study addressed drug-based management in
      the postoperative period. Dopaminergic medications are usually reduced, but
      whether the levodopa or dopamine agonist is to be reduced is left to the personal
      preference of the treating physician. We have summarized the pros and cons of
      both approaches. No study on the management of cognitive problems after DBS has
      been done, and only a few studies have explored the pharmacological management of
      such DBS-resistant symptoms as voice (amantadine), balance (donepezil) or gait
      disorders (amantadine, methylphenidate). As for the psychiatric problems so
      frequently reported in PD patients, researchers have directed their attention to
      the complex interplay between stimulation and reduction of dopaminergic drugs
      only recently. In conclusion, studies addressing medical management following DBS
      are still needed and will certainly contribute to the ultimate success of DBS
      procedures. 

PMID- 27670208
TI  - Fast-Track Systems Improve Timely Carotid Endarterectomy in Stroke Prevention
      Outpatients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: For optimal stroke prevention, best practices guidelines recommend
      carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for symptomatic patients within two weeks; however,
      2013 Ontario data indicated that only 9% of eligible patients from outpatient
      Stroke Prevention Clinics (SPCs) achieved this target. The goal of our study was
      to identify modifiable system factors that could enhance the quality and
      timeliness of care among patients needing urgent CEA. METHODS: We conducted a
      retrospective chart review of transient ischemic attack/stroke patients assessed
      in Champlain Local Health Integrated Network SPCs between 2011 and 2014 who
      subsequently underwent CEA. Descriptive statistics were used to define patient
      characteristics, timelines from symptom onset to CEA, and system factors that
      contributed to delays or improvements in care. Multivariate analysis was used to
      determine statistically significant variations between groups. RESULTS: Seventy
      five records were eligible for study inclusion. Median time from initial symptoms
      to CEA was 31 days, with 21.3% of patients undergoing surgery within 2 weeks.
      Significant delays were common in patient presentation and assessment following
      symptom onset, wait times for vascular imaging and neurological assessment, and
      time from surgical assessment to CEA completion. Rapid testing and triage,
      coupled with collaborative initiatives among SPC, surgical, and radiology teams
      were associated with significantly improved timelines. CONCLUSIONS: Success
      factors for rapid CEA are multifaceted, including system changes that address
      public awareness of stroke and 911 response, improvements in vascular imaging
      access, and redesign of clinical services to promote collaboration and fast
      tracking of care. Implementation of performance measures to monitor and guide
      clinical innovations is recommended.

PMID- 27670209
TI  - Validation of Montreal Cognitive Assessment, MoCA, Alternate French Versions.
AB  - Objective background: The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is a questionnaire
      that has been developed to help physicians around the world diagnose a patient's
      cognitive ability. Available in multiple languages and for use in multiple
      countries worldwide, the goal of this study was to validate the alternate
      versions 2 and 3 of the French MoCA test to assist physicians in the detection of
      mild cognitive impairment (MCI), while decreasing the learning effect upon
      frequent testing. METHODS: A validation study was conducted at the MoCA Clinic
      and Institute in Quebec, Canada. The subject population consisted of 25 patients
      diagnosed with MCI meeting Petersen criteria and 25 healthy subjects serving as
      the normal control (NC) group. Three MoCA test versions were administered in the
      French language in random order within one session. Scores obtained in all three
      versions in MCI and NC groups were assessed for reliability and consistency from
      one version to the next. RESULTS: On average, scores obtained in each subject
      group (MCI and NC) fell within their corresponding diagnostic ranges (score above
      26 points for NC patients versus scores below 26 points for MCI patients).
      Difference in scores observed between the original French MoCA version and the
      two alternate versions in each subject cohort were minimal and not considered
      clinically significant. CONCLUSIONS: All three test versions of the French MoCA
      are considered equivalent in diagnostic reliability and consistency and
      contribute to decreasing the potential learning effect when patients are required
      to repeat the test frequently.

PMID- 27670210
TI  - Knowledge and Attitudes About Epilepsy Surgery Among Family Doctors in Ontario.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Approximately 30% of patients with epilepsy have medically
      intractable seizures, and a proportion of them are candidates for surgical
      treatment. The efficacy and safety of epilepsy surgery have been supported by a
      large number of studies, yet only a small minority of such patients in Ontario
      receive surgery. METHODS: Family physicians in Ontario were surveyed regarding
      demographics, referral practices and general knowledge about epilepsy surgery.
      Four hundred surveys were mailed to randomly selected family physicians using
      contact information from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
      website. RESULTS: The response rate was 50%. The majority of family physicians
      (81%) always refer patients with epilepsy, most often to neurologists. General
      knowledge of epilepsy was mixed, with 53.7% feeling that surgery should be
      considered in selected cases for the treatment of epilepsy, though 53.2% did not
      know what type of epilepsy could be surgically treated. CONCLUSIONS: The results
      suggest a relatively low level of knowledge among family physicians in terms of
      when surgery ought to be considered, the types of epilepsy that are amenable to
      surgical treatment and the risks and benefits of epilepsy surgery. A lack of
      knowledge in these areas may partly underlie the low referral rates of epilepsy
      patients, though the results show that the majority of family physicians refer
      their patients with epilepsy to neurologists. Other factors must be considered,
      such as access to neurologists, epileptologists and surgical resources. Education
      campaigns directed at family physicians may improve knowledge and change referral
      practices. Future studies need to examine these possibilities.

PMID- 27670211
TI  - Myotonic Dystrophy and Huntington's Disease Care: "We Like to Think We're Making
      a Difference".
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patient-centered care for individuals with myotonic dystrophy (DM1)
      and Huntington's disease (HD)-chronic, progressive, and life-limiting
      neurological conditions-may be challenged by patients' cognitive and behavioral
      impairments. However, no research has explored health care providers' (HCPs')
      perspectives about patient-centered care provision for these patients along their
      disease trajectory. METHODS: Constructivist grounded theory informed the
      iterative data collection and analysis process. Eleven DM1 or HD HCPs
      participated in semistructured interviews, and three stages of coding were used
      to analyze their interview transcripts. Codes were collapsed into themes and
      categories. RESULTS: Three categories including an evolving care approach, fluid
      roles, and making a difference were identified. Participants described that their
      clinical care approach evolved depending on the patient's disease stage and
      caregivers' degree of involvement. HCPs described that their main goal was to
      provide hope to patients and caregivers through medical management, crisis
      prevention, support, and advocacy. Despite the lack of curative treatments, HCPs
      perceived that patients benefited from ongoing clinical care provided by
      proactive clinicians. CONCLUSIONS: Providing care for individuals with DM1 and HD
      is a balancing act. HCPs must strike a balance between (1) the frustrations and
      rewards of patient-centered care provision, (2) addressing symptoms and
      preventing and managing crises while focusing on patients' and caregivers'
      quality of life concerns, and (3) advocating for patients while addressing
      caregivers' needs. This raises important questions: Is patient-centered care
      possible for patients with cognitive decline? Does chronic neurological care need
      to evolve to better address patients' and caregivers' complex needs?

PMID- 27670212
TI  - Oxidative Stress and Environmental Exposures are Associated with Multiple System
      Atrophy in Chinese Patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of multiple system
      atrophy (MSA). The aim of this study is to examine oxidant biomarkers including
      homocysteine (Hcys), bilirubin, uric acid, lipids, and potential environmental
      risk factors and to ascertain whether these data correlate with MSA in a Chinese
      population. METHODS: In this study, serum levels of Hcys, bilirubin, uric acid,
      and lipids were studied in 55 MSA patients and 76 healthy controls (HCs).
      Education, anti-parkinsonian agent usage, smoking, drinking, farming, and living
      area of the subjects also were analyzed. The Unified MSA Rating Scale (UMSARS),
      Hoehn & Yahr stage, International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale, and Mini
      Mental State Examination were used to assess the disease severity, the
      parkinsonism, ataxia, and the cognitive ability of MSA, respectively. RESULTS:
      The levels of Hcys were higher (p<0.001) and those of total bilirubin (p=0.007),
      indirect bilirubin (p=0.011), and total cholesterol (p=0.046) were lower in MSA
      patients than in healthy controls, whereas uric acid levels did not differ
      significantly between MSA and healthy controls. Moreover, Hcys levels in MSA
      patients had positive correlations with illness duration (r s =0.422, p=0.001)
      and UMSARS-I (r s =0.555, p<0.001), respectively. High-density lipoprotein
      cholesterol levels were negatively correlated with UMSARS-I (r s =-0.325,
      p=0.015). Farming was more frequent in MSA patients (1-20 years: odds ratio,
      6.36; p20 years: odds ratio, 10.26; p=0.001), whereas current smoking was less
      frequent (odds ratio, 0.13, p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated Hcys and decreased
      high-density lipoprotein cholesterol may be associated with the disease severity
      of MSA. Environmental exposures such as farming and smoking may contribute to the
      occurrence but not the progression of MSA.

PMID- 27670213
TI  - Nonalcoholic Wernicke Encephalopathy: An Entity Not to Be Missed!

PMID- 27670214
TI  - Vessel Wall Contrast Enhancement on Magnetic Resonance Imaging May Be Suggestive
      for Future Development of Further Arterial Changes.

PMID- 27670215
TI  - Temporal Lobe Atrophy May Be Underrecognized in Older Patients with New-Onset
      Epilepsy.

PMID- 27670216
TI  - Oculomotor Palsy in Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension: Case Report and Review
      of the Literature.

PMID- 27670218
TI  - Yb3+/Ho3+ Co-Doped Apatite Upconversion Nanoparticles to Distinguish Implanted
      Material from Bone Tissue.
AB  - The exploration of bone reconstruction with time requires the combination of a
      biological method and a chemical technique. Lanthanide Yb3+ and Ho3+ co-doped
      fluorapatite (FA:Yb3+/Ho3+) and hydroxyapatite (HA:Yb3+/Ho3+) particles with
      varying dopant concentrations were prepared by hydrothermal synthesis and thermal
      activation. Controllable green and red upconversion emissions were generated
      under 980 nm near-infrared excitation; the FA:Yb3+/Ho3+ particles resulted in
      superior green luminescence, while HA:Yb3+/Ho3+ dominated in red emission. The
      difference in the green and red emission behavior was dependent on the lattice
      structure and composition. Two possible lattice models were proposed for
      Yb3+/Ho3+ co-doped HA and FA along the hydroxyl channel and fluorine channel of
      the apatite crystal structure. We first reported the use of the upconversion
      apatite particles to clearly distinguish implanted material from bone tissue on
      stained histological sections of harvested in vivo samples. The superposition of
      the tissue image and material image is a creative method to show the material
      tissue distribution and interrelation. The upconversion apatite particles and
      image superposition method provide a novel strategy for long-term discriminable
      fluorescence tracking of implanted material or scaffold during bone regeneration.

PMID- 27670217
TI  - Aberrant Meiotic Prophase I Leads to Genic Male Sterility in the Novel TE5A
      Mutant of Brassica napus.
AB  - Genic male sterility (GMS) has already been extensively utilized for hybrid
      rapeseed production. TE5A is a novel thermo-sensitive dominant GMS line in
      Brassica napus, however, its mechanisms of GMS remain largely unclear.
      Histological and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses of anthers
      showed that the male gamete development of TE5A was arrested at meiosis prophase
      I. EdU uptake of S-phase meiocytes revealed that the TE5A mutant could accomplish
      DNA replication, however, chromosomal and fluorescence in situ hybridization
      (FISH) analyses of TE5A showed that homologous chromosomes could not pair,
      synapse, condense and form bivalents. We then analyzed the transcriptome
      differences between young floral buds of sterile plants and its near-isogenic
      fertile plants through RNA-Seq. A total of 3,841 differentially expressed genes
      (DEGs) were obtained, some of which were associated with homologous chromosome
      behavior and cell cycle control during meiosis. Dynamic expression changes of
      selected candidate DEGs were then analyzed at different anther developmental
      stages. The present study not only demonstrated that the TE5A mutant had defects
      in meiotic prophase I via detailed cytological analysis, but also provided a
      global insight into GMS-associated DEGs and elucidated the mechanisms of GMS in
      TE5A through RNA-Seq.

PMID- 27670219
TI  - Advancing environmental health surveillance in the US through a national human
      biomonitoring network.
AB  - The United States lacks a comprehensive, nationally-coordinated, state-based
      environmental health surveillance system. This lack of infrastructure leads to: *
      varying levels of understanding of chemical exposures at the state & local levels
      * often inefficient public health responses to chemical exposure emergencies
      (such as those that occurred in the Flint drinking water crisis, the Gold King
      mine spill, the Elk river spill and the Gulf Coast oil spill) * reduced ability
      to measure the impact of public health interventions or environmental policies *
      less efficient use of resources for cleaning up environmental contamination
      Establishing the National Biomonitoring Network serves as a step toward building
      a national, state-based environmental health surveillance system. The Network
      builds upon CDC investments in emergency preparedness and environmental public
      health tracking, which have created advanced chemical analysis and information
      sharing capabilities in the state public health systems. The short-term goal of
      the network is to harmonize approaches to human biomonitoring in the US, thus
      increasing the comparability of human biomonitoring data across states and
      communities. The long-term goal is to compile baseline data on exposures at the
      state level, similar to data found in CDC's National Report on Human Exposure to
      Environmental Chemicals. Barriers to success for this network include: available
      resources, effective risk communication strategies, data comparability & sharing,
      and political will. Anticipated benefits include high quality data on which to
      base public health and environmental decisions, data with which to assess the
      success of public health interventions, improved risk assessments for chemicals,
      and new ways to prioritize environmental health research.

PMID- 27670221
TI  - Advances in the pathophysiology of primary immune thrombocytopenia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Classically, immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) was thought to be caused
      by the destruction and insufficient production of platelets, as mediated by
      autoantibodies. More recently other immune mechanisms that contribute to the
      disease have been discovered. This review attempts to address the main unresolved
      questions in ITP. METHODS: We review the most current knowledge of the
      pathophysiology of ITP. Immunological effects of available therapies are also
      described. DISCUSSION: The trigger may be a loss of tolerance due to molecular
      mimicry with cross-reaction of antibodies arising from infectious agents or
      drugs, genetic factors, and/or platelet Toll receptors. This loss of tolerance
      activates autoreactive effector B and T lymphocytes, which in turn initiates
      platelet destruction, mediated by cytotoxic T lymphocytes and the release of pro
      inflammatory cytokines (IL-2/IL-17) by T helper (Th) cells (Th1/Th17). Th2 (anti
      inflammatory) and regulatory B (Breg) and Treg cells are also inhibited (with
      decrease in IL-10/TGF-beta), which leads to the disease becoming chronic. Some
      isotypes of autoantibodies may increase the bleeding risk. Corticosteroids,
      rituximab, and thrombopoietin receptor agonists (A-TPOs) all increase levels of
      Tregs and TGF-beta. The A-TPOs also increase Breg levels, which could explain why
      complete remission has been seen in some cases. CONCLUSION: A better
      understanding of the immunomodulatory effects of each ITP therapy is needed to
      best manage the disease.

PMID- 27670220
TI  - RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, linalyl benzoate, CAS Registry
      Number 126-64-7.
AB  - The use of this material under current conditions is supported by existing
      information. This material was evaluated for genotoxicity, repeated dose
      toxicity, developmental and reproductive toxicity, local respiratory toxicity,
      phototoxicity/photoallergenicity, skin sensitization, as well as environmental
      safety. Data show that this material is not genotoxic. Data from the suitable
      read across analog linalyl phenylacetate (CAS # 7143-69-3) show that this
      material does not have skin sensitization potential. The repeated dose toxicity
      endpoint was completed using linalyl cinnamate (CAS # 78-37-5) as a suitable read
      across analog, which provided a MOE > 100. The developmental and reproductive
      toxicity endpoint was completed using linalool (CAS # 78-70-6), dehydrolinalool
      (CAS # 29171-20-8), benzoic acid (CAS # 65-85-0) and sodium benzoate (CAS # 532
      32-1) as suitable read across analogs, which provided a MOE > 100. The local
      respiratory toxicity endpoint was completed using linalool (CAS # 78-70-6) and
      benzoic acid (CAS # 65-85-0) as suitable read across analogs, which provided a
      MOE > 100. The phototoxicity/photoallergenicity endpoint was completed based on
      suitable UV spectra. The environmental endpoint was completed as described in the
      RIFM Framework along with data from the suitable read across analog linalyl
      cinnamate (CAS # 78-375).

PMID- 27670222
TI  - Evaluation of a Serious Self-Regulation Game Intervention for Overweight-Related
      Behaviors ("Balance It"): A Pilot Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Serious games have the potential to promote health behavior. Because
      overweight is still a major issue among secondary vocational education students
      in the Netherlands, this study piloted the effects of "Balance It," a serious
      self-regulation game intervention targeting students' overweight-related
      behaviors: dietary intake and physical activity (PA). OBJECTIVE: We aimed to
      pilot the effects of Balance It on secondary vocational education students'
      dietary intake and PA. METHODS: In total, 501 secondary vocational education
      students participated at baseline (intervention: n=250; control: n=251) in this
      pre-post cluster randomized trial. After 4 weeks, at immediate posttest, 231
      students filled in the posttest questionnaire (intervention: n=105; control:
      n=126). The sample had a mean age of 17.28 (SD 1.26, range 15-21) years, 62.8%
      (145/231) were female, and 26.8% (62/231) had a non-Dutch background. Body mass
      index (BMI kg/m2) ranged from 14.4 to 31.1 (mean 21.1, SD 3.3). The intervention
      and control groups were compared on the primary (behavioral) outcomes of dietary
      intake (fruit and vegetable consumption, snack consumption, and soft drink
      consumption) and PA (moderate and vigorous). Additionally, we explored (1)
      differences between the intervention and control groups in determinants of
      dietary intake and PA, including attitude, self-efficacy, intention, barrier
      identification, action planning, and action control, and (2) differences between
      active (intervention) users and the control group in dietary intake, PA, and
      associated determinants. RESULTS: After corrections for multiple testing, we did
      not find significant differences between the intervention group and control group
      in terms of dietary intake, PA, and determinants of dietary intake and PA.
      Exploratory research indicated that only 27.6% (29/105) of the intervention group
      reported actual intervention use (ie, active users). For exploratory reasons, we
      compared the active users (n=29) with the control group (n=124) and corrected for
      multiple testing. Results showed that active users' snack consumption decreased
      more strongly (active users: mean change=-0.20; control group: mean change=-0.08;
      beta=-0.36, P=.01, R2 change=.05), and their use of active transport had a
      stronger increase (active users: mean change=0.92; control group=-0.12;
      beta=1.58, P=.02, R2 change=.03) than the control group. Results also revealed
      significant differences in action planning (active users: mean change=0.42;
      control group: mean change=0.07; beta=0.91, P=.01, R2 change=.04) and action
      control (active users: mean change=0.63; control group: mean change=-0.05;
      beta=1.25, P=.001, R2 change=.08) in terms of unhealthy eating. CONCLUSIONS: The
      Balance It intervention did not show favorable effects on dietary intake and PA
      compared to the control condition. However, only a small number of people in the
      intervention condition actually used Balance It (27.6%). Exploratory analyses did
      suggest that, if used as planned, Balance It could contribute to changing dietary
      intake and PA behaviors, albeit it remains debatable whether this would be
      sufficient to prevent overweight.

PMID- 27670223
TI  - Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare hematological
      disease characterized by an excessive inflammatory response to various triggers,
      resulting in rapid multi-organ failure. Its incidence may be underestimated due
      to its rarity, its variable clinical presentation, and its high mortality rate
      prior to diagnosis. Oftentimes, HLH is mistaken for refractory sepsis and
      improperly treated as such. Left untreated, the disease is universally fatal.
      With treatment, case series of adults with HLH report a 30-day mortality of up to
      44% and an overall mortality of up to 75%. CASE REPORT We describe the use of
      extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in a previously healthy young man with
      HLH and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a common sequela of HLH. ECMO
      was employed to provide temporary hemodynamic support, allowing for recovery of
      pulmonary function compromised during the initial cytokine storm. Additionally,
      and perhaps more importantly, implementation of ECMO provided the time necessary
      for the eventual diagnosis and treatment of HLH. CONCLUSIONS Although limited
      case reports and case series suggest that the use of ECMO in pediatric patients
      with HLH is associated with high mortality, our experience suggests that ECMO
      should not be rejected as a supportive modality in adults with HLH who have
      potentially recoverable cardiopulmonary function. We believe that ECMO may be
      appropriately instituted in select patients with HLH, or in rapidly deteriorating
      patients with an unknown illness refractory to conventional therapy, to allow for
      end-organ recovery, to reach a diagnosis, and to administer appropriate therapy.

PMID- 27670224
TI  - Genetic variability and forensic efficiency of 39 microsatellite loci in the Li
      ethnic group from Hainan Island in the South China Sea.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Investigation of allele and genotype frequencies of microsatellite
      loci in various populations is an essential pre-requisite in forensic
      application. AIM: The present study obtained population genetic data and forensic
      parameters of 39 autosomal Short Tandem Repeats (STRs) loci from a Chinese Li
      ethnic group and estimated the genetic relationships between Li and other
      reference populations. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty-nine STR loci, which include
      D19S433, D5S818, D21S11, D18S51, D6S1043, D3S1358, D13S317, D7S820, D16S539,
      CSF1PO, Penta D, D2S441, vWA, D8S1179, TPOX, Penta E, TH01, D12S391, D2S1338,
      FGA, D6S477, D18S535, D19S253, D15S659, D11S2368, D20S470, D1S1656, D22
      GATA198B05, D8S1132, D4S2366, D21S1270, D13S325, D9S925, D3S3045, D14S608,
      D10S1435, D7S3048, D17S1290 and D5S2500, were amplified in two multiplex DNA-STR
      fluorescence detection systems for 189 unrelated healthy individuals of the
      Chinese Li ethnic group. The allele frequency distribution and several parameters
      commonly used in forensic science were statistically analysed. RESULTS: A total
      of 378 alleles were observed with corresponding allelic frequencies ranging from
      0.0026-0.5899. The power of discrimination and power of exclusion ranged from
      0.7569-0.9672 and 0.2513-0.7355, respectively. The power of exclusion (PE) ranged
      from 0.2580-0.7943 for trio paternity cases and 0.1693-0.5940 for duo paternity
      cases. The polymorphism information content (PIC) ranged from 0.5001-0.8611. The
      cumulative match probability across these 39 loci was 2.4242 * 10-38. CONCLUSION:
      The results indicate that 39 STR loci are polymorphic among the Li ethnic group
      in Hainan Island in the South China Sea. This set of polymorphic STR loci provide
      highly polymorphic information and forensic efficiency for forensic individual
      identification and paternity testing, as well as basic population data for
      population genetics and anthropological research.

PMID- 27670225
TI  - Role of Settling Particles on Mercury Methylation in the Oxic Water Column of
      Freshwater Systems.
AB  - As the methylation of inorganic mercury to neurotoxic methylmercury has been
      attributed to the activity of anaerobic bacteria, the formation of methylmercury
      in the oxic water column of marine ecosystems has puzzled scientists over the
      past years. Here we show for the first time that methylmercury can be produced in
      particles sinking through oxygenated water column of lakes. Total mercury and
      methylmercury concentrations were measured in the settling particles and in
      surface sediments of the largest freshwater lake in Western Europe (Lake Geneva).
      While total mercury concentration differences between sediments and settling
      particles were not significant, methylmercury concentrations were about ten-fold
      greater in settling particles. Methylmercury demethylation rate constants (kd)
      were of similar magnitude in both compartments. In contrast, mercury methylation
      rate constants (km) were one order of magnitude greater in settling particles.
      The net potential for methylmercury formation, assessed by the ratio between the
      two rate constants (km kd-1), was therefore up to ten fold greater in settling
      particles, denoting that in situ transformations likely contributed to the high
      methylmercury concentration found in settling particles. Mercury methylation was
      inhibited (~80%) in settling particles amended with molybdate, demonstrating the
      prominent role of biological sulfate-reduction in the process.

PMID- 27670226
TI  - Stereoselective Multicomponent Reactions Using Zincate Nucleophiles: beta
      Dicarbonyl Synthesis and Functionalization.
AB  - A general strategy for conjugate addition-C-acylation that enables the synthesis
      of enantioenriched beta-dicarbonyl compounds is described. A novel method for
      derivatizing these adducts by stereo- and site-selective zinc-catalyzed addition
      of alkyllithium reagents is also reported. These reactions can be performed in
      tandem to achieve an enantio- and diastereoselective four-component coupling. The
      in situ generation of weakly basic lithium zincate species is central to the
      success of all three transformations.

PMID- 27670228
TI  - Skin cancer: Avelumab effective against Merkel-cell carcinoma.

PMID- 27670229
TI  - Kidney cancer: Papillary features predict survival in ncRCC.

PMID- 27670230
TI  - Thyroid cancer: BRAF and/or TERT mutations increase mortality.

PMID- 27670227
TI  - Efficacy and safety outcomes of multimodal endoscopic eradication therapy in
      Barrett's esophagus-related neoplasia: a systematic review and pooled analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Focal EMR followed by radiofrequency ablation (f-EMR + RFA)
      and stepwise or complete EMR (s-EMR) are established strategies for eradication
      of Barrett's esophagus (BE)-related high-grade dysplasia (HGD) and/or esophageal
      adenocarcinoma (EAC)/intramucosal carcinoma (IMC). The objective of this study
      was to derive pooled rates of efficacy and safety of individual methods in a
      large cohort of patients with BE and to indirectly compare the 2 methods.
      METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane, and major conference
      proceedings were searched. A systematic review and pooled analysis were carried
      out to determine the following outcomes in patients with BE undergoing either f
      EMR + RFA or s-EMR: (1) complete eradication rates of neoplasia (CE-N) and
      intestinal metaplasia (CE-IM); (2) recurrence rates of cancer (EAC), dysplasia,
      and IM; (3) incidence rates of adverse events. Mixed logistic regression was
      performed as an exploratory analysis to examine differences in outcomes between
      the 2 methods. RESULTS: Nine studies (774 patients) of f-EMR + RFA and 11 studies
      (751 patients) of s-EMR were included. Patients undergoing f-EMR + RFA had high
      BE eradication rates (CE-N, 93.4%; CE-IM, 73.1%), whereas strictures occurred in
      10.2%, bleeding in 1.1%, and perforations in 0.2% of patients. Recurrence of EAC,
      dysplasia, and IM was 1.4%, 2.6%, and 16.1%, respectively, in this group.
      Patients undergoing s-EMR also showed high BE eradication rates (CE-N, 94.9%; CE
      IM, 79.6%) but a higher rate of adverse events (strictures in 33.5%, bleeding in
      7.5%, and perforation in 1.3%). Recurrence of EAC, dysplasia, and IM was 0.7%,
      3.3%, and 12.1%, respectively, in the s-EMR group. Mixed logistic regression
      showed that patients undergoing s-EMR might be more likely to develop esophageal
      strictures (odds ratio [OR], 4.73; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.61-13.85; P =
      .005), perforation (OR, 7.00; 95% CI, 1.56-31.33; P = .01), and bleeding (OR,
      6.88; 95% CI, 2.19-21.62; P = 0.001) compared with f-EMR + RFA. CONCLUSIONS: In
      patients with HGD/EAC, f-EMR followed by RFA seems to be equally effective as and
      safer than s-EMR.

PMID- 27670232
TI  - In the news: From IBCD 2016.

PMID- 27670231
TI  - Gastrointestinal cancer: Mutational signatures reveal distinct subgroups.

PMID- 27670233
TI  - Lung cancer: Stage III NSCLC - is it time to centralize care?

PMID- 27670234
TI  - Age-related changes in sleep EEG are attenuated in highly intelligent
      individuals.
AB  - Impaired sleep is a frequent complaint in ageing and a risk factor for many
      diseases. Non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep EEG delta power reflects neural
      plasticity and, in line with age-related cognitive decline, decreases with age.
      Individuals with higher general intelligence are less affected by age-related
      cognitive decline or other disorders and have longer lifespans. We investigated
      the correlation between age and EEG power in 159 healthy human subjects (age
      range: 17-69 years), and compared an average (IQ<120; N=87) with a high (IQ>=120;
      N=72) intelligence subgroup. We found less age-related decrease in all-night
      relative NREM sleep EEG delta power in the high intelligence subgroup. Our
      results suggest that highly intelligent individuals are less affected by the
      sleep-related effects of biological ageing, and therefore potentially less at
      risk for age-related cognitive deficits and other diseases.

PMID- 27670235
TI  - Conscious and unconscious performance monitoring: Evidence from patients with
      schizophrenia.
AB  - The ability to detect our own errors is an essential component of action
      monitoring. Using a masking paradigm in normal adults, we recently discovered
      that some error-detection processes can proceed without awareness, while other
      markers of performance monitoring such as the Error-Related Negativity (ERN) are
      tightly linked to conscious perception. Interestingly, research on cognitive
      deficit in schizophrenia has shown that the ERN is altered in these patients. In
      the present study, we therefore tested if the error detection impairment in
      schizophrenia is specific to conscious perception or is also found under non
      conscious conditions, probing whether these performance monitoring processes are
      truly distinct. Thirteen patients with schizophrenia and thirteen age-matched
      healthy control subjects performed a speeded number comparison task on masked
      stimuli while EEG and MEG signals were recorded. Conscious perception and error
      detection were assessed on a trial-by-trial basis using subjective reports of
      visibility and confidence. We found that patients with schizophrenia presented
      altered cingulate error-detection responses in conscious trials, as reflected by
      a decreased ERN. By contrast, on unconscious trials, both controls and
      schizophrenia patients performed above chance in evaluating the likelihood of
      having made an error. This dissociation confirms the existence of two distinct
      performance monitoring systems, and suggests that conscious metacognition in
      schizophrenia is specifically altered while non-conscious performance monitoring
      remains preserved.

PMID- 27670236
TI  - Psychotic-like experiences, trauma and related risk factors among "left-behind"
      children in China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Large scale migration of workers due to wage differences across
      regions of China has separated millions of children, called "left-behind
      children" from their parents. Psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) are thought to be
      associated with childhood deprivation and may predict later psychotic disorders
      but have not been studied in this potentially vulnerable population. METHODS:
      Data were collected from representative samples of students in thirteen middle
      schools in the Xiangxi region and Changsha city of Hunan province (N=6623), of
      whom 1360 (21.3%) were "left-behind" children. Children were surveyed with the
      positive frequency subscales of the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences
      and the Trauma History Questionnaire child version. RESULTS: More "left-behind"
      children reported experiencing PLEs than others. They also scored higher on the
      overall frequency of PLEs, severity of childhood trauma, and the subjectively
      perceived psychological impact of trauma both at the time of the events and at
      present. Compared with "left-behind" children raised by a parent or by
      grandparents, those raised by others reported suffering more severe impact both
      at the time of the events and at present. Among "left-behind" children trauma
      history was the most important correlate of PLEs followed by Han ethnicity, older
      age, and not having a stable family income. CONCLUSION: "Left-behind" children
      are at higher risk for PLEs and suffer more traumatic events than other Chinese
      children. Interventions that reduce trauma risk and improve relationships with
      caregivers may be helpful, especially for older "left-behind" children.

PMID- 27670237
TI  - A meta-analysis of metacognitive beliefs as implicated in the self-regulatory
      executive function model in clinical psychosis.
AB  - This meta-analysis investigated whether the five metacognitive beliefs implicated
      in the Self-Regulatory Executive Function (S-REF) model (Wells and Matthews,
      1994; Wells and Matthews, 1996) are elevated in people with clinical psychosis
      compared to people with emotional disorder and non-psychiatric controls. The
      review followed guidance set-out in the PRISMA statement. Primary analyses
      compared summary effect sizes on each sub-scale of the Metacognitions
      Questionnaire (MCQ) for people with psychosis and non-psychiatric controls; and
      people with psychosis and people with emotional disorder. Eleven eligible studies
      were identified comprised of 568 psychosis participants, 212 emotional disorder
      participants and 776 non-psychiatric controls. Findings indicated that people
      with psychosis had higher scores on all sub-scales of the MCQ compared to non
      psychiatric controls; and higher scores on the positive beliefs about worry sub
      scale compared to people with emotional disorder. This suggests metacognitive
      beliefs may be associated with the presence of psychological disorder and
      distress in general, rather than specific diagnoses. Implications for models of
      psychosis and treatment are discussed.

PMID- 27670238
TI  - Delusional ideation during the perinatal period in a community sample.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the prevalence of mental health problems during the perinatal
      period, little research has examined psychotic symptoms in a community sample
      across pregnancy and the postpartum. Exposure to environmental risk factors, and
      immigration in particular, are associated with increased risk for psychotic
      disorders. The current investigation examined whether psychosocial risk and
      immigrant status would predict levels of delusional ideation across the perinatal
      period when controlling for depression, anxiety, and demographic factors.
      METHODS: A community sample of 316 pregnant women was assessed at 12-14 and 32
      34weeks gestation during routine clinic visits, and at 7-9weeks postpartum during
      a home visit. Measures included self-report ratings of psychosocial risk (e.g.,
      history of mental health problems or abuse, stressful life events, lack of social
      support), pregnancy-related anxiety, depressive symptomatology, and delusional
      ideation. RESULTS: There was less delusional ideation during the postpartum
      period than during early pregnancy. Across all time points, levels of delusional
      ideation were lower than in the general population. Analyses using multilevel
      modeling indicated significant fixed-effects for the variables time, age,
      partnership, being religious and prenatal anxiety, but not depressive
      symptomatology, on delusional ideation. Immigrant status moderated the effect of
      psychosocial risk such that greater psychosocial risk predicted more symptoms of
      delusional ideation among immigrants, but not non-immigrants. CONCLUSION:
      Psychosocial risk factors place immigrant women at an increased likelihood for
      experiencing delusional ideation during the perinatal period.

PMID- 27670239
TI  - D-tryptophan from probiotic bacteria influences the gut microbiome and allergic
      airway disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic immune diseases, such as asthma, are highly prevalent.
      Currently available pharmaceuticals improve symptoms but cannot cure the disease.
      This prompted demands for alternatives to pharmaceuticals, such as probiotics,
      for the prevention of allergic disease. However, clinical trials have produced
      inconsistent results. This is at least partly explained by the highly complex
      crosstalk among probiotic bacteria, the host's microbiota, and immune cells. The
      identification of a bioactive substance from probiotic bacteria could circumvent
      this difficulty. OBJECTIVE: We sought to identify and characterize a bioactive
      probiotic metabolite for potential prevention of allergic airway disease.
      METHODS: Probiotic supernatants were screened for their ability to concordantly
      decrease the constitutive CCL17 secretion of a human Hodgkin lymphoma cell line
      and prevent upregulation of costimulatory molecules of LPS-stimulated human
      dendritic cells. RESULTS: Supernatants from 13 of 37 tested probiotic strains
      showed immunoactivity. Bioassay-guided chromatographic fractionation of 2
      supernatants according to polarity, followed by total ion chromatography and mass
      spectrometry, yielded C11H12N2O2 as the molecular formula of a bioactive
      substance. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance and enantiomeric separation
      identified D-tryptophan. In contrast, L-tryptophan and 11 other D-amino acids
      were inactive. Feeding D-tryptophan to mice before experimental asthma induction
      increased numbers of lung and gut regulatory T cells, decreased lung TH2
      responses, and ameliorated allergic airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness.
      Allergic airway inflammation reduced gut microbial diversity, which was increased
      by D-tryptophan. CONCLUSIONS: D-tryptophan is a newly identified product from
      probiotic bacteria. Our findings support the concept that defined bacterial
      products can be exploited in novel preventative strategies for chronic immune
      diseases.

PMID- 27670240
TI  - IFN-gamma orchestrates mesenchymal stem cell plasticity through the signal
      transducer and activator of transcription 1 and 3 and mammalian target of
      rapamycin pathways.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) display a therapeutic plasticity
      because of their ability to modulate immunity, foster tissue repair, and
      differentiate into mesodermal cells. IFN-gamma has been described to differently
      affect human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) and mouse mesenchymal stem cell (mMSC)
      immunomodulation and differentiation, depending on the inflammatory milieu.
      OBJECTIVE: We aimed at dissecting the relevant intracellular pathways through
      which IFN-gamma affects MSC plasticity and the consequence of their manipulation
      on MSC functions. METHODS: Modification of relevant IFN-gamma-dependent pathways
      in mMSCs was carried out in vitro through gene silencing or chemical inhibition
      of key components. Functional outcomes were assessed by means of Western
      blotting, real-time PCR, differentiation, and proliferation assays on MSCs. The
      effect on T cells was addressed by T-cell proliferation assays; the effect of
      mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) manipulation in MSCs was studied in vivo in
      a mouse model of delayed-type hypersensitivity assay. To address whether similar
      mechanisms are involved also in hMSCs on IFN-gamma stimulation, the effect of
      chemical inhibition on the same intracellular pathways was assessed by means of
      Western blotting, and the final outcome on immunomodulatory properties was
      evaluated based on real-time PCR and T-cell proliferation. RESULTS: We revealed
      that in mMSCs IFN-gamma-induced immunoregulation is mediated by early
      phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 1 and
      STAT3, which is significantly enhanced by an extracellular signal-regulated
      kinase 1/2-dependent mTOR inhibition, thereby promoting pSTAT1 nuclear
      translocation. Accordingly, after intracellular mTOR inhibition, MSCs augmented
      their ability to inhibit T-cell proliferation and control delayed-type
      hypersensitivity in vivo. Similarly, on mTOR blockade, hMSCs also enhanced their
      immunoregulatory features. A sustained exposure to IFN-gamma led to inhibition of
      STAT3 activity, which in mMSCs resulted in an impaired proliferation and
      differentiation. CONCLUSION: These results provide new insights about MSC
      intracellular pathways affected by IFN-gamma, demonstrating that pharmacologic or
      genetic manipulation of MSCs can enhance their immunomodulatory functions, which
      could be translated into novel therapeutic approaches.

PMID- 27670242
TI  - Dogs, cats, and asthma: Will we ever really know the true risks and benefits?

PMID- 27670241
TI  - Human lung natural killer cells are predominantly comprised of highly
      differentiated hypofunctional CD69-CD56dim cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In contrast to the extensive knowledge about human natural killer
      (NK) cells in peripheral blood, relatively little is known about NK cells in the
      human lung. Knowledge about the composition, differentiation, and function of
      human lung NK cells is critical to better understand their role in diseases
      affecting the lung, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,
      infections, and cancer. OBJECTIVE: We sought to analyze and compare the
      phenotypic and functional characteristics of NK cells in the human lung and
      peripheral blood at the single-cell level. METHODS: NK cells in human lung tissue
      and matched peripheral blood from 132 subjects were analyzed by using 16-color
      flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. RESULTS: CD56dimCD16+ NK cells made up
      the vast majority of NK cells in human lungs, had a more differentiated
      phenotype, and more frequently expressed educating killer cell immunoglobulin
      like receptors compared with NK cells in peripheral blood. Despite this, human
      lung NK cells were hyporesponsive toward target cell stimulation, even after
      priming with IFN-alpha. Furthermore, we detected a small subset of NK cells
      expressing CD69, a marker of tissue residency. These CD69+ NK cells in the lung
      consisted predominantly of immature CD56brightCD16- NK cells and less
      differentiated CD56dimCD16+ NK cells. CONCLUSION: Here, we characterize the major
      NK cell populations in the human lung. Our data suggest a model in which the
      majority of NK cells in the human lung dynamically move between blood and the
      lung rather than residing in the lung as bona fide tissue-resident CD69+ NK
      cells.

PMID- 27670244
TI  - Psychostimulant drugs for cocaine dependence.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cocaine dependence is a severe disorder for which no medication has
      been approved. Like opioids for heroin dependence, replacement therapy with
      psychostimulants could be an effective therapy for treatment. OBJECTIVES: To
      assess the effects of psychostimulants for cocaine abuse and dependence. Specific
      outcomes include sustained cocaine abstinence and retention in treatment. We also
      studied the influence of type of drug and comorbid disorders on psychostimulant
      efficacy. SEARCH METHODS: This is an update of the review previously published in
      2010. For this updated review, we searched the Cochrane Drugs and Alcohol Group
      Trials Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase and PsycINFO up to 15 February 2016. We
      handsearched references of obtained articles and consulted experts in the field.
      SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised parallel group controlled clinical
      trials comparing the efficacy of a psychostimulant drug versus placebo. DATA
      COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard methodological procedures expected by
      Cochrane. MAIN RESULTS: We included 26 studies involving 2366 participants. The
      included studies assessed nine drugs: bupropion, dexamphetamine,
      lisdexamfetamine, methylphenidate, modafinil, mazindol, methamphetamine, mixed
      amphetamine salts and selegiline. We did not consider any study to be at low risk
      of bias for all domains included in the Cochrane 'Risk of bias' tool. Attrition
      bias was the most frequently suspected potential source of bias of the included
      studies. We found very low quality evidence that psychostimulants improved
      sustained cocaine abstinence (risk ratio (RR) 1.36, 95% confidence interval (CI)
      1.05 to 1.77, P = 0.02), but they did not reduce cocaine use (standardised mean
      difference (SMD) 0.16, 95% CI -0.02 to 0.33) among participants who continued to
      use it. Furthermore, we found moderate quality evidence that psychostimulants did
      not improve retention in treatment (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.06). The proportion
      of adverse event-induced dropouts and cardiovascular adverse event-induced
      dropouts was similar for psychostimulants and placebo (RD 0.00, 95% CI -0.01 to
      0.01; RD 0.00, 95% CI -0.02 to 0.01, respectively). When we included the type of
      drug as a moderating variable, the proportion of patients achieving sustained
      cocaine abstinence was higher with bupropion and dexamphetamine than with
      placebo. Psychostimulants also appeared to increase the proportion of patients
      achieving sustained cocaine and heroin abstinence amongst methadone-maintained,
      dual heroin-cocaine addicts. Retention to treatment was low, though, so our
      results may be compromised by attrition bias. We found no evidence of publication
      bias. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: This review found mixed results. Psychostimulants
      improved cocaine abstinence compared to placebo in some analyses but did not
      improve treatment retention. Since treatment dropout was high, we cannot rule out
      the possibility that these results were influenced by attrition bias. Existing
      evidence does not clearly demonstrate the efficacy of any pharmacological
      treatment for cocaine dependence, but substitution treatment with
      psychostimulants appears promising and deserves further investigation.

PMID- 27670245
TI  - Self-organised silicide nanodot patterning by medium-energy ion beam sputtering
      of Si(100): local correlation between the morphology and metal content.
AB  - We have produced self-organised silicide nanodot patterns by medium-energy ion
      beam sputtering (IBS) of silicon targets with a simultaneous and isotropic
      molybdenum supply. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) studies show that these patterns
      are qualitatively similar to those produced thus far at low ion energies. We have
      determined the relevance of the ion species on the pattern ordering and
      properties. For the higher ordered patterns produced by Xe(+) ions, the pattern
      wavelength depends linearly on the ion energy. The dot nanostructures are
      silicide-rich as assessed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and emerge in
      height due to their lower sputtering yield, as observed by electron microscopy.
      Remarkably, a long wavelength corrugation is observed on the surface which is
      correlated with both the Mo content and the dot pattern properties. Thus, as
      assessed by electron microscopy, the protrusions are Mo-rich with higher and more
      spaced dots on their surface whereas the valleys are Mo-poor with smaller dots
      that are closer to each other. These findings indicate that there is a
      correlation between the local metal content of the surface and the nanodot
      pattern properties both at the nanodot and the large corrugation scales. These
      results contribute to advancing the understanding of this interesting
      nanofabrication method and aid in developing a comprehensive theory of nanodot
      pattern formation and evolution. 

PMID- 27670243
TI  - T-bet inhibits innate lymphoid cell-mediated eosinophilic airway inflammation by
      suppressing IL-9 production.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are emerging subsets of immune cells
      that produce large amounts of cytokines upon cytokine and/or alarmin stimulation.
      Recent studies have shown that T-bet plays pivotal roles in the development of
      ILC3s and type 1 ILCs; however, the roles of T-bet in lung type 2 innate lymphoid
      cells (ILC2s) remain unknown. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the role of T-bet
      in ILC2-mediated airway inflammation. METHODS: The expression of T-bet in lung
      ILCs (defined as Thy1.2+ Lin- cells) was examined. The roles of T-bet in the
      development of lung ILC2s and airway inflammation induced by IL-33 administration
      were examined by using T-bet-deficient (T-bet-/-) mice. Gene expression profiles
      of T-bet-/- lung ILCs were analyzed by RNA sequencing. RESULTS: T-bet was
      expressed in lung ILC2s (defined as Thy1.2+ Lin- cells expressing ST2 or CD25)
      and IFN-gamma enhanced its expression. Although the development of lung ILC2s at
      steady-state conditions was normal in T-bet-/- mice, IL-33-induced accumulation
      of lung ILC2s and eosinophilic airway inflammation were exacerbated in T-bet-/-
      mice. The exacerbated accumulation of ILC2s and eosinophilic airway inflammation
      by the absence of T-bet were evident even in a RAG2-/- background, suggesting
      that T-bet expressed in non-T/non-B population is involved in the suppression of
      IL-33-induced eosinophilic airway inflammation. Transcriptome analysis revealed
      that IL-9 expression in IL-33-stimulated lung ILCs was upregulated in T-bet-/-
      mice compared with that in wild-type mice. Importantly, neutralization of IL-9
      markedly attenuated IL-33-induced accumulation of lung ILC2s and eosinophilic
      inflammation in T-bet-/- mice. CONCLUSIONS: T-bet suppresses IL-9 production from
      lung ILC2s and thereby inhibits IL-33-induced eosinophilic airway inflammation.

PMID- 27670246
TI  - Managing extremes of assessor judgment within the OSCE.
AB  - CONTEXT: There is a growing body of research investigating assessor judgments in
      complex performance environments such as OSCE examinations. Post hoc analysis can
      be employed to identify some elements of "unwanted" assessor variance. However,
      the impact of individual, apparently "extreme" assessors on OSCE quality,
      assessment outcomes and pass/fail decisions has not been previously explored.
      This paper uses a range of "case studies" as examples to illustrate the impact
      that "extreme" examiners can have in OSCEs, and gives pragmatic suggestions to
      successfully alleviating problems. METHOD AND RESULTS: We used real OSCE
      assessment data from a number of examinations where at station level, a single
      examiner assesses student performance using a global grade and a key features
      checklist. Three exemplar case studies where initial post hoc analysis has
      indicated problematic individual assessor behavior are considered and discussed
      in detail, highlighting both the impact of individual examiner behavior and
      station design on subsequent judgments. CONCLUSIONS: In complex assessment
      environments, institutions have a duty to maximize the defensibility, quality and
      validity of the assessment process. A key element of this involves critical
      analysis, through a range of approaches, of assessor judgments. However, care
      must be taken when assuming that apparent aberrant examiner behavior is
      automatically just that.

PMID- 27670248
TI  - Discrimination of Axial and Central Stereogenic Elements in Chiral
      Bis(oxazolines) Based on Atropisomeric 3,3'-Bithiophene Scaffolds Through
      Chiroptical Spectroscopies.
AB  - Two diastereoisomeric pairs of bis-oxazolines, provided with a stereogenic center
      at carbon 4 and based on the 3,3'-bithiophene atropisomeric scaffold, were
      synthesized and structurally characterized. They differ in the substituents at
      positions 2 and 5 of the thiophene rings, which are functionalized with methyl
      (1) or phenyl (2) groups, respectively. In vibrational circular dichroism (VCD)
      spectra, recorded in CCl4 solutions, it is possible to distinctly recognize the
      characteristic features of axial and central stereogenic elements. In tandem with
      Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations, the absolute configuration (AC) of
      the diastereoisomers was safely established. In this case, VCD was shown to be
      superior to ECD (electronic circular dichroism) in the assignment of AC. The
      normal modes, evaluated from DFT calculations, show that the VCD signals in
      correspondence with the stereogenic axis of the bithiophene unit are different
      for 1 and 2. The VCD spectra of a molecular analog of 1, the (S)-2,2',5,5'
      tetramethyl-4,4'-bis-(diphenylphosphino)-3,3'-bithiophene oxide (3),
      characterized by the same 3,3'-bithiophene scaffold, but devoid of stereogenic
      centers, exhibits signals similar to those observed in the case of
      diastereoisomer (aS,R,R)-1a, associated with almost identical normal modes.
      Chirality 28:686-695, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27670247
TI  - Human Tear Fluid Reduces Culturability of Contact Lens-Associated Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa Biofilms but Induces Expression of the Virulence-Associated Type III
      Secretion System.
AB  - PURPOSE: The type III secretion system (T3SS) is a significant virulence
      determinant for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Using a rodent model, we found that
      contact lens (CL)-related corneal infections were associated with lens surface
      biofilms. Here, we studied the impact of human tear fluid on CL-associated
      biofilm growth and T3SS expression. METHODS: P. aeruginosa biofilms were formed
      on contact lenses for up to 7 days with or without human tear fluid, then exposed
      to tear fluid for 5 or 24 h. Biofilms were imaged using confocal microscopy.
      Bacterial culturability was quantified by viable counts, and T3SS gene expression
      measured by RT-qPCR. Controls included trypticase soy broth, PBS and planktonic
      bacteria. RESULTS: With or without tear fluid, biofilms grew to ~108 CFU viable
      bacteria by 24 h. Exposing biofilms to tear fluid after they had formed without
      it on lenses reduced bacterial culturability ~180-fold (P<.001). CL growth
      increased T3SS gene expression versus planktonic bacteria [5.46 +/- 0.24-fold for
      T3SS transcriptional activitor exsA (P=.02), and 3.76 +/- 0.36-fold for T3SS
      effector toxin exoS (P=.01)]. Tear fluid further enhanced exsA and exoS
      expression in CL-grown biofilms, but not planktonic bacteria, by 2.09 +/- 0.38
      fold (P=.04) and 1.89 +/- 0.26-fold (P<.001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS:
      Considering the pivitol role of the T3SS in P. aeruginosa infections, its
      induction in CL-grown P. aeruginosa biofilms by tear fluid might contribute to
      the pathogenesis of CL-related P. aeruginosa keratitis.

PMID- 27670249
TI  - Circularly Polarized Luminescence: A Review of Experimental and Theoretical
      Aspects.
AB  - We review the present status of experiments and calculations for circularly
      polarized luminescence (CPL) of simple organic molecules and of stimuli
      responsive organic molecules. Together with the historical report of the main
      instrumental approaches, a few crucial points about experiments are tackled, with
      the aim of defining measurement protocols, in view of the wide availability of
      commercial apparatuses in the near future. The calculations aimed at interpreting
      the CPL spectra, mostly based on time-dependent Density Functional Theory (TD
      DFT) calculations, which started around 2010, are reviewed, limiting the
      discussion to small to mid-sized molecules. Some applications of CPL spectra of
      organic molecules-based systems are presented, with a focus especially on two
      fields: material science and biology. Chirality 28:696-707, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc. 

PMID- 27670250
TI  - Phase Angle and Impedance Ratio: Reference Cut-Points From the United States
      National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2004 From Bioimpedance
      Spectroscopy Data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Raw bioimpedance parameters (eg, 50-kHz phase angle [PA] and 200
      kHz/5-kHz impedance ratio [IR]) have been investigated as predictors of nutrition
      status and/or clinical outcomes. However, their validity as prognostic measures
      depends on the availability of appropriate reference data. Using a large and
      ethnically diverse data set, we aimed to determine if ethnicity influences these
      measures and provide expanded bioimpedance reference data for the U.S.
      POPULATION:  METHODS: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
      (NHANES) is an ongoing compilation of studies conducted by the U.S. Centers for
      Disease Control and Prevention designed to monitor nutrition status of the U.S.
      POPULATION: The NHANES data sets analyzed were from the years 1999-2000, 2001
      2002, and 2003-2004. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis showed that PA and IR
      differed by body mass index (BMI), age, sex, and ethnicity (n = 6237; R2 = 41.2%,
      P < .0001). Suggested reference cut-points for PA stratified by age decade,
      ethnicity, and sex are provided. CONCLUSION: Ethnicity is an important variable
      that should be accounted for when determining population reference values for PA
      and IR. We have provided sex-, ethnicity-, and age decade-specific reference
      values from PA for use by future studies in U.S. POPULATIONS: Interdevice
      differences are likely to be important contributors to variability across
      published population-specific reference data and, where possible, should be
      evaluated in future research. Ultimately, further validation with physiologically
      relevant reference measures (eg, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) is necessary
      to determine if PA/IR are appropriate bedside tools for the assessment of
      nutrition status in a clinical population.

PMID- 27670251
TI  - In vivo MR imaging with simultaneous RF transmission and reception.
AB  - PURPOSE: To present a practical scheme of a simultaneous radiofrequency (RF)
      transmit (Tx) and receive (Rx) (STAR) system for MRI, discuss the challenges and
      solutions, and show preliminary in vivo MR images obtained with this new
      technique. METHODS: A remotely controlled STAR system was built and tested with a
      transverse electromagnetic head coil on a 4T (Oxford, 90 cm-bore) MRI scanner
      equipped with an Agilent DirectDrive console (Agilent, Santa Clara, CA). In vivo
      head images have been acquired using continuous sweep excitation and acquisition.
      RESULTS: The bench test and MR experimental results show our STAR system to have
      high isolation (60 dB) between Tx and Rx, with insensitivity to load swings
      created by head motion. To acquire in vivo head images, ultralow RF peak power of
      50 mW was used. CONCLUSION: A novel motion-insensitive STAR MRI technique was
      developed and experimentally tested. The first in vivo MR images using this
      method were acquired. Magn Reson Med 76:1932-1938, 2016. (c) 2016 International
      Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

PMID- 27670252
TI  - Estimates of the actual relationship between half-sibs in a pig population.
AB  - Genomic relationships based on markers capture the actual instead of the expected
      (based on pedigree) proportion of genome shared identical by descent (IBD).
      Several methods exist to estimate genomic relationships. In this research, we
      compare four such methods that were tested looking at the empirical distribution
      of the estimated relationships across 6704 pairs of half-sibs from a cross-bred
      pig population. The first method based on multiple marker linkage analysis
      displayed a mean and standard deviation (SD) in close agreement with the expected
      ones and was robust to changes in the minor allele frequencies (MAF). A single
      marker method that accounts for linkage disequilibrium (LD) and inbreeding came
      second, showing more sensitivity to changes in the MAF. Another single marker
      method that considers neither inbreeding nor LD showed the smallest empirical SD
      and was the most sensible to changes in MAF. A higher mean and SD were displayed
      by VanRaden's method, which was not sensitive to changes in MAF. Therefore, the
      method based on multiple marker linkage analysis and the single marker method
      that considers LD and inbreeding performed closer to theoretical values and were
      consistent with the estimates reported in literature for human half-sibs.

PMID- 27670254
TI  - Cardiorespiratory fitness cut points to avoid cardiovascular disease risk in
      children and adolescents; what level of fitness should raise a red flag? A
      systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Poor cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with cardiovascular
      disease risk factors. AIM: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of
      the relationship between poor cardiorespiratory fitness and cardiovascular
      disease risk in children and adolescents. METHODS: Systematic literature search
      (1980 to 11 April 2015) for studies that determined a cardiorespiratory fitness
      cut point that predicted cardiovascular disease risk in children and adolescents.
      RESULTS: We identified 7 studies that included 9280 children and adolescents (49%
      girls) aged 8-19 years from 14 countries. Cardiovascular disease risk was already
      present in boys (6-39%) and girls (6-86%). Boys with low fitness (<41.8
      mL/kg/min) had a 5.7 times greater likelihood of having cardiovascular disease
      risk (95% CI 4.8 to 6.7). The comparable diagnostic OR for girls with low fitness
      (<34.6 mL/kg/min) was 3.6 (95% CI 3.0 to 4.3). The 95% confidence region of
      cardiorespiratory fitness associated with low cardiovascular disease risk ranges,
      41.8-47.0 mL/kg/min in boys (eg, stages 6-8 for a boy aged 15 years) and 34.6
      39.5 mL/kg/min in girls (eg, stages 3-5 for a girl aged 15 years). The
      cardiorespiratory fitness cut point to avoid cardiovascular disease risk ranged
      41.8 mL/kg/min in boys and was 34.6 mL/kg/min in girls. SUMMARY: Fitness levels
      below 42 and 35 mL/kg/min for boys and girls, respectively, should raise a red
      flag. These translate to 6 and 3 stages on the shuttle run test for a boy and a
      girl, both aged 15 years, respectively. These cut points identify children and
      adolescents who may benefit from primary and secondary cardiovascular prevention
      programming.

PMID- 27670253
TI  - Cell-free synthesis of functional human epidermal growth factor receptor:
      Investigation of ligand-independent dimerization in Sf21 microsomal membranes
      using non-canonical amino acids.
AB  - Cell-free protein synthesis systems represent versatile tools for the synthesis
      and modification of human membrane proteins. In particular, eukaryotic cell-free
      systems provide a promising platform for their structural and functional
      characterization. Here, we present the cell-free synthesis of functional human
      epidermal growth factor receptor and its vIII deletion mutant in a microsome
      containing system derived from cultured Sf21 cells. We provide evidence for
      embedment of cell-free synthesized receptors into microsomal membranes and
      asparagine-linked glycosylation. Using the cricket paralysis virus internal
      ribosome entry site and a repetitive synthesis approach enrichment of receptors
      inside the microsomal fractions was facilitated thereby providing analytical
      amounts of functional protein. Receptor tyrosine kinase activation was
      demonstrated by monitoring receptor phosphorylation. Furthermore, an orthogonal
      cell-free translation system that provides the site-directed incorporation of p
      azido-L-phenylalanine is characterized and applied to investigate receptor
      dimerization in the absence of a ligand by photo-affinity cross-linking. Finally,
      incorporated azides are used to generate stable covalently linked receptor dimers
      by strain-promoted cycloaddition using a novel linker system.

PMID- 27670255
TI  - Dilatation and curettage is more accurate than endometrial aspiration biopsy in
      early-stage endometrial cancer patients treated with high dose oral progestin and
      levonorgestrel intrauterine system.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether less invasive endometrial (EM) aspiration biopsy
      is adequately accurate for evaluating treatment outcomes compared to the
      dilatation and curettage (D&C) biopsy in early-stage endometrial cancer (EC)
      patients treated with high dose oral progestin and levonorgestrel intrauterine
      system (LNG-IUS). METHODS: We conducted a prospective observational study with
      patients younger than 40 years who were diagnosed with clinical stage IA, The
      International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics grade 1 or 2 endometrioid
      adenocarcinoma and sought to maintain their fertility. The patients were treated
      with medroxyprogesterone acetate 500 mg/day and LNG-IUS. Treatment responses were
      evaluated every 3 months. EM aspiration biopsy was conducted after LNG-IUS
      removal followed D&C. The tissue samples were histologically compared. The
      diagnostic concordance rate of the two tests was examined with kappa statistics.
      RESULTS: Twenty-eight pairs of EM samples were obtained from five patients. The
      diagnostic concordance rate of D&C and EM aspiration biopsy was 39.3% (kappa
      value=0.26). Of the seven samples diagnosed as normal with D&C, three (42.8%)
      were diagnosed as normal by using EM aspiration biopsy. Of the eight samples
      diagnosed with endometrioid adenocarcinoma by using D&C, three (37.5%) were
      diagnosed with endometrioid adenocarcinoma by using EM aspiration biopsy. Of the
      13 complex EM hyperplasia samples diagnosed with the D&C, five (38.5%) were
      diagnosed with EM hyperplasia by using EM aspiration biopsy. Of the samples
      obtained through EM aspiration, 46.4% were insufficient for histological
      evaluation. CONCLUSION: To evaluate the treatment responses of patients with
      early-stage EC treated with high dose oral progestin and LNG-IUS, D&C should be
      conducted after LNG-IUS removal.

PMID- 27670256
TI  - Fertility preserving treatment with hysteroscopic resection followed by progestin
      therapy in young women with early endometrial cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To report our 15-year institutional experience of fertility-sparing
      treatment in young patients with early endometrial cancer (EC) treated by
      combined hysteroscopic resection and progestin therapy. METHODS: Twenty-eight
      patients (stage IA, G1 and 2 endometrioid EC) wishing to preserve their fertility
      were enrolled into this prospective study. Hysteroscopic resection was used to
      resect the tumor, endometrium adjacent to the tumor and myometrium underlying the
      tumor. Adjuvant hormonal therapy consisted of oral megestrol acetate or
      levonorgestrel intrauterine device for 6 months or more. RESULTS: After 3 months
      from the progestin start date, 25 patients (89.3%) showed a complete regression
      (median time to complete regression, 3 months [range, 3-9 months]), two (7.1%)
      showed persistent disease, while one patient (3.6%) presented with progressive
      disease and underwent definitive surgery (stage IA, G3 endometrioid). At 6
      months, one of the two patients with persistent disease underwent definitive
      surgery (stage IA, G1 endometrioid), while the other one was successfully re
      treated. Two recurrences were observed (7.7%) both involving the endometrium and
      synchronous ovarian cancer. The median duration of complete response was 94.5
      months (range, 8-175 months). More than half of the responders (57.7%) attempted
      to conceive with 93.3% and 86.6% pregnancy and live birth rates, respectively.
      CONCLUSION: The addition of a standardized three-step resectoscopy to progestin
      would seem to improve the efficacy of progestin alone. High pregnancy and live
      birth rates were observed in women attempting to conceive.

PMID- 27670257
TI  - Pathologic findings at risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) in germline
      BRCA mutation carriers with breast cancer: significance of bilateral RRSO at the
      optimal age in germline BRCA mutation carriers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Most BRCA1/2 carriers do not undergo risk-reducing salpingo
      oophorectomy (RRSO) by the recommended age. This study aimed to find the
      incidence of precursor lesions and cancer after RRSO. METHODS: We retrospectively
      reviewed breast cancer patients identified as BRCA mutation carriers who
      underwent RRSO at Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea, from 2010 to 2014. From
      2013, all cases were examined according to the Sectioning and Extensively
      Examining the Fimbria (SEE/FIM) protocol and underwent immunohistochemically
      staining. RRSO was performed in 63 patients, 27 in 2010 to 2012 and 36 in 2013 to
      2014. RESULTS: The median age at RRSO was 46.5 years (range, 32 to 73 years).
      Occult invasive cancer was detected in eight patients, of ovarian origin in five
      and of tubal origin in three. All occult invasive cancer cases with metastasis
      were detected in patients older than 40 years. Of the 36 patients from the 2013
      to 2014 cohort, seven showed p53 overexpression, one showed Ki-67 overexpression,
      two showed serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma, and three showed occult
      cancer. The detection rate of precursor lesions or cancer was 36.1% (13/36). In
      the analysis according to age, precursor lesions were more common in BRCA1
      mutation carriers younger than 40 years old (66.7% vs. 20.0%). In BRCA2 mutation
      carriers, precursor lesions were only detected in those older than 40 years of
      age, indicating the possible faster occurrence of precursor lesions in BRCA1
      mutation carriers. CONCLUSION: Many patients still tend to delay RRSO until after
      they are 40 years old. Our findings support the significance of RRSO before the
      age of 40 in germline BRCA mutation carriers.

PMID- 27670258
TI  - Genetic screening in young women diagnosed with endometrial cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the importance of Lynch syndrome associated risk screening
      in the patients aged less than 50 years affected from endometrial cancer.
      METHODS: From 2007 to 2014, 41 patients affected from endometrial cancer and aged
      less than 50 years underwent surgery at the Complex Operative Unit of Gynecology
      and Obstetrics, Cannizzaro Hospital of Catania, Italy. They were selected to
      undergo mismatch repair gene mutation analysis using immunohistochemistry (IHC;
      four markers: MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2) and microsatellite instability (MSI) test.
      For samples that resulted negative to IHC (abnormal finding), MSI test was
      performed to further study the suspected mutation. Samples were classified as MSI
      high (MSI-H) if more than one marker was identified as unstable; MSI-low (MSI-L)
      if only one marker was identified as unstable; or MSI-stable (MSI-S) if no marker
      was identified as unstable. Samples were subdivided into two groups: MSI-H/L and
      MSI-S. Statistical analysis was performed to assess differences regarding
      survival, tumor staging, grading, and invasion of lymphovascular space between
      these two groups. RESULTS: IHC analysis showed that in 46% (19/41) of samples
      there was negative outcome. Forty-two percent (8/19) of these negative samples
      were unstable (either low or high). Of eight patients showing MSI, 75% were MSI
      L, while 25% were MSI-H. Differences in survival, stage, grade, lymphovascular
      space invasion and Amsterdam criteria adherence were not statistically
      significant due to the small size of the cohort. CONCLUSION: IHC and MSI test
      results of our cohort lead us to assess the relevance of performing Lynch
      syndrome genetic screening in endometrial cancer patients aged less than 50 years
      at the time of diagnosis.

PMID- 27670259
TI  - Surgical manual of the Korean Gynecologic Oncology Group: classification of
      hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy.
AB  - The Surgery Treatment Modality Committee of the Korean Gynecologic Oncologic
      Group (KGOG) has determined to develop a surgical manual to facilitate clinical
      trials and to improve communication between investigators by standardizing and
      precisely describing operating procedures. The literature on anatomic
      terminology, identification of surgical components, and surgical techniques were
      reviewed and discussed in depth to develop a surgical manual for gynecologic
      oncology. The surgical procedures provided here represent the minimum
      requirements for participating in a clinical trial. These procedures should be
      described in the operation record form, and the pathologic findings obtained from
      the procedures should be recorded in the pathologic report form. Here, we focused
      on radical hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy, and we developed a KGOG
      classification for those conditions.

PMID- 27670260
TI  - Surgical manual of the Korean Gynecologic Oncology Group: ovarian, tubal, and
      peritoneal cancers.
AB  - The Surgery Treatment Modality Committee of the Korean Gynecologic Oncology Group
      has determined to develop a surgical manual to facilitate clinical trials and to
      improve communication between investigators by standardizing and precisely
      describing operating procedures. The literature on anatomic terminology,
      identification of surgical components, and surgical techniques were reviewed and
      discussed in depth to develop a surgical manual for gynecologic oncology. The
      surgical procedures provided here represent the minimum requirements for
      participating in a clinical trial. These procedures should be described in the
      operation record form, and the pathologic findings obtained from the procedures
      should be recorded in the pathologic report form. Here, we describe surgical
      procedure for ovarian, fallopian tubal, and peritoneal cancers.

PMID- 27670261
TI  - Perioperative changes in serum CA125 levels: a prognostic factor for disease
      specific survival in patients with ovarian cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In patients with advanced stage epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) the
      volume of residual tumor after debulking is known as prognostic factor for
      survival. We wanted to examine the relationship between postoperative decline in
      serum CA125 and residual disease after cytoreductive surgery and evaluate
      perioperative changes in serum CA125 levels as predictor for disease-specific
      survival. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted of patients with FIGO
      stage IIb-IV EOC treated with cytoreductive surgery, followed by chemotherapy
      between 1996 and 2010 in three hospitals in the Southeastern region of the
      Netherlands. Data were analyzed with the use of multilevel linear regression and
      Cox-proportional hazard regression models. RESULTS: A postoperative decline in
      serum CA125 level of >=80% was associated with complete primary cytoreduction
      (p=0.035). Univariate analyses showed favorable associations with survival for
      both the degree of decline in serum CA125 and residual tumor after primary
      cytoreduction. In multivariate analyses the decline in serum CA125 but not the
      outcome of surgery remained significantly associated with better survival (HR(50%
      79%)=0.52 [95% CI: 0.28-0.96] and HR(>=80%)=0.26 [95% CI: 0.13-0.54] vs. the
      serum CA125 decline of <50% [p<0.001]). CONCLUSION: The current study, although
      hampered by possible biases, suggests that the perioperative decline in serum
      CA125 is an early biomarker that predicts disease-specific survival in patients
      who underwent primary cytoreductive surgery for advanced stage EOC. If confirmed
      prospectively, the perioperative change in serum CA125 could be a better marker
      for residual tumor volume after primary cytoreductive surgery (and therewith
      disease-specific survival) than the surgeons' estimation of residual tumor
      volume.

PMID- 27670262
TI  - Novel mononuclear Pt2+ and Pd2+ complexes containing (2,3
      f)pyrazino(1,10)phenanthroline-2,3-dicarboxylic acid as a multi-donor ligand.
      Synthesis, structure, interaction with DNA, in vitro cytotoxicity, and apoptosis.
AB  - New cytotoxic, mononuclear Pt and Pd coordination complexes featuring the planar,
      multi-donor ligand (2,3-f)pyrazino(1,10)phenanthroline-2,3-dicarboxylic acid
      (H2PPDA) have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions (in water, at high
      temperature and pressure) and fully characterized. The complexes were proven to
      be isostructural by applying the single-crystal X-ray diffraction technique. UV
      Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy investigations on their interaction with fish
      sperm DNA revealed a considerable binding capacity while gel electrophoresis
      provided evidence in favor of cleavage of pBR322 plasmid DNA. The newly
      synthesized complexes manifested significant in vitro cytotoxic activity against
      two different human cancer cell lines, the KB and JEKO cells, with cell death
      mainly caused by apoptosis.

PMID- 27670263
TI  - Water-in-Supercritical CO2 Microemulsion Stabilized by a Metal Complex.
AB  - Herein we propose for the first time the utilization of a metal complex for
      forming water-in-supercritical CO2 (scCO2 ) microemulsions. The water solubility
      in the metal-complex-stabilized microemulsion is significantly improved compared
      with the conventional water-in-scCO2 microemulsions stabilized by hydrocarbons.
      Such a microemulsion provides a promising route for the in situ CO2 reduction
      catalyzed by a metal complex at the water/scCO2 interface.

PMID- 27670264
TI  - A strategy to expeditious invasive treatment improves clinical outcome in
      comatose patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In patients with poor clinical condition after aneurysmal
      subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH), treatment is often deferred until patients show
      signs of improvement. Early external ventricular drainage and aneurysm occlusion
      may improve prognosis also in poor grade patients. The clinical outcome of an
      expeditious approach was compared with that of a conservative approach. METHODS:
      In all, 285 consecutive World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS) grade V
      aSAH patients admitted to three university hospitals between January 2000 and
      June 2007 were included. Two hospitals followed an expeditious approach, one a
      more conservative approach. Groups were compared with respect to demographic and
      clinical characteristics and outcome. Univariable and multivariable analyses were
      performed to determine the associations with good outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale
      scores 4-5), using logistic regression models. RESULTS: Good outcome was seen
      more often in expeditiously treated patients [22% vs. 11%; odds ratio (OR) 2.24,
      95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17-4.27]. Expeditiously treated patients more
      often underwent aneurysm occlusion than conservatively treated patients (64% vs.
      27%; OR 4.86, 95% CI 2.93-8.05) and placement of an external ventricular catheter
      (82% vs. 31%; OR 10.05, CI 5.72-10.66). There was no significant difference in
      rebleeding between patient groups. Occlusion of the aneurysm was the only
      variable that remained significant in the multivariable model with an OR of 43.73
      (95% CI 10.34-184.97). CONCLUSIONS: An expeditious invasive treatment strategy in
      WFNS grade V aSAH patients can lead to a better outcome. Hesitance in the early
      stages seems a self-fulfilling prophecy for a poor outcome.

PMID- 27670265
TI  - Vision in the common bed bug Cimex lectularius L. (Hemiptera: Cimicidae): eye
      morphology and spectral sensitivity.
AB  - Bed bugs as pests of public health importance recently experienced a resurgence
      in populations throughout the U.S. and other countries. Consequently, recent
      research efforts have focused on improving understanding of bed bug physiology
      and behaviour to improve management. While few studies have investigated the
      visual capabilities of bed bugs, the present study focused specifically on eye
      morphology and spectral sensitivity. A 3-D imaging technique was used to document
      bed bug eye morphology from the first instar through adult and revealed
      morphological characteristics that differentiate the common bed bug from the
      tropical bed bug as well as sex-specific differences. Electrophysiological
      measurements were used to evaluate the spectral sensitivity of adult bed bugs.
      Male bed bugs were more responsive than females at some wavelengths.
      Electrophysiological studies provided evidence for at least one photoreceptor
      with a spectral sensitivity curve peak in the green (lambdamax 520 nm) region of
      the spectrum. The broadened long wavelength portion of the spectral sensitivity
      curve may potentially indicate another photoreceptor in the yellow-green
      (lambdamax 550 nm) portion of the spectrum or screening pigments. Understanding
      more about bed bug visual biology is vital for designing traps, which are an
      important component of integrated bed bug management.

PMID- 27670266
TI  - TEX13 is a novel male germ cell-specific nuclear protein potentially involved in
      transcriptional repression.
AB  - The identification and characterization of male germ cell-specific genes is
      crucial to understanding the mechanisms of male germ cell development. In this
      study, we investigated the protein encoded by the novel mouse germ cell-specific
      gene testis-expressed gene 13 (Tex13). We found that TEX13 expression is testis-
      and germ cell-specific and is regulated in a stage-specific manner via
      translational repression. Immunostaining of testicular cells and sperm showed
      that TEX13 is localized in the nuclei of spermatogenic cells and the redundant
      nuclear envelope of mature sperm. Remarkably, we found that TEX13 possesses
      transcriptional repressor activity and that its overexpression in GC-2 cells
      altered the expression levels of 130 genes. Our results suggest that TEX13 has a
      potential role in transcriptional regulation during spermatogenesis.

PMID- 27670267
TI  - The CLOCK trial, a double-blinded randomized controlled trial: Trisodium citrate
      30% and minocycline 3 mg/mL plus EDTA 30 mg/mL are effective and safe for
      catheter patency maintenance among CKD 5D patients on hemodialysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Poor blood flow rate (PF) is highly prevalent among CKD 5D patients
      with long-term central venous catheters. Heparin catheter lock solutions are
      commonly used to maintain catheter patency, however the incidence of PF remains
      high. The purpose of the CLOCK Trial was to evaluate two catheter lock solutions
      on reduction of PF incidence. METHODS: Seventy-five CKD 5D patients on high
      efficiency hemodialysis at the Integrated Centre of Nephrology (Guarulhos,
      Brazil) were randomized 1:1:1 to receive a lock solution combining minocycline 3
      mg/mL with the anticoagulant/chelation agent EDTA 30 mg/mL (M-EDTA) or heparin
      1000 IU/mL (H) or trisodium citrate 30% (TSC) vs. Hfor 15 weeks. A total of 68
      patients completed the trial in which both investigators and patients were
      blinded to treatment allocation. The primary end-point was the occurrence of
      hydraulic resistance and secondary safety end-point was adverse drug reactions
      related to the lock solutions. FINDINGS: At the beginning of the trial, 7
      patients were excluded from this trial due to their poor catheter care. The
      incidence of hydraulic resistance was significantly higher among patients on H
      (18/23) compared to TSC (4/22) and M-EDTA (2/23) lock solutions, (P < 0.001).
      DISCUSSION: The CLOCK Trial suggests TSC and M-EDTA may preserve catheter patency
      better than H. TSC may be a better option due the lack of association with long
      term antimicrobial resistance.

PMID- 27670268
TI  - Effect of silybin on the fibrillation of hen egg-white lysozyme.
AB  - In this study, the fibrillation of hen egg-white lysozyme (HEWL) in the absence
      and presence of different concentrations of silybin was studied by thioflavin T
      spectroscopy, Congo red binding assays, 8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid
      (ANS) fluorescence assay, circular dichroism, and transmission electron
      microscopy. The experimental results indicated that not only the fibrillation of
      HEWL at high temperature (65 degrees C) and low pH (pH = 2.0) could be inhibited
      effectively by silybin but also the inhibition of HEWL by silybin followed a dose
      dependent manner. Molecular docking studies indicated that 2 possible binding
      modes could be found in the interaction between silybin and HEWL via van der
      Waals forces and electrostatic forces as well as hydrogen bonding. One of these 2
      conformations was directly entered into the cavity of HEWL (binding site I); the
      other was bound to the surface of HEWL (binding site II). In this way, silybin
      could not only increase the hydrophobicity of the cavity or the surface of HEWL
      but also influence the microenvironment of the binding site, which was able to
      stabilize the structure of HEWL and delay the process of HEWL fibrosis.

PMID- 27670269
TI  - Primary Breast Cancer Tumor and Patient Characteristics as Predictors of Adjuvant
      Radiation Therapy.
AB  - Adjuvant radiation therapy reduces the risk of local recurrence of breast cancer.
      Our study identifies patient and tumor characteristics that guide the use of
      adjuvant radiation therapy and evaluates our adherence to recommended guidelines.
      A retrospective review was undertaken of 1,667 stage I-III breast cancer patients
      treated at a regional cancer center from 2004 to 2007. Univariate analysis was
      used to select factors for entry into a multivariate stepwise logistic regression
      model. Descriptive statistics was used to compare use of radiation therapy of 382
      stage I-III breast cancer patients diagnosed in 2013 to those from 2004 to 2007.
      The primary indicators for any radiation therapy (n = 935) were breast conserving
      surgery (OR 79.5, 95% CI [47.6-132.9]), four to nine positive lymph nodes (71.9,
      [17.0-304.7]), and greater than nine positive lymph nodes (60.5, [7.9-460.8]). In
      post-mastectomy patients (n = 408), the indicators for radiation therapy were
      four to nine positive lymph nodes (29.4, [12.9-67.4]) and greater than nine
      positive lymph nodes (108.3, [14.5-807.5]). In breast conserving surgery patients
      (n = 1,081) 96.1% were offered radiation therapy. Patients offered local-regional
      radiation therapy were more likely to have any positive nodes (ORs 4.3-91.0),
      have had a mastectomy (4.3, [2.2-8.4]), and had larger tumors (1.6, [1.3-2.0]).
      Local-regional radiation therapy was recommended less frequently in node positive
      patients in 2004-2007 (35.0%) compared to in 2013 (70.5%) [p < 0.001]. Patients
      who had a breast conserving surgery or had four or more positive lymph nodes were
      more likely to receive radiation therapy. Patients with any positive lymph nodes,
      larger tumors, or who had a mastectomy were more likely to receive local-regional
      radiation therapy. Our institution was more likely to offer local-regional
      radiation therapy in node positive breast cancer in 2013 compare to 2004-2007.

PMID- 27670270
TI  - Development and Preliminary Psychometric Evaluation of Decisional Balance and
      Self-Efficacy Measures for Managing Anxiety in a National Sample of Clinically
      Anxious Adults.
AB  - PURPOSE: Anxiety is the most common and costly mental illness in the United
      States. Reducing avoidance is a core element of evidence-based treatments. Past
      research shows readiness to address avoidance affects outcomes. Investigating
      avoidance from a transtheoretical model (TTM) perspective could facilitate
      tailored approaches for individuals with low readiness. This study developed and
      examined psychometric properties of TTM measures for addressing anxiety-based
      avoidance. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Community centers, online
      survey. PARTICIPANTS: Five hundred ninety-four individuals aged 18 to 70 with
      clinically significant anxiety. MEASURES: Overall Anxiety Severity Questionnaire,
      stages of change, decisional balance, and self-efficacy. ANALYSIS: The sample was
      randomly split into halves for principal component analyses (PCAs) and
      confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) to test measurement models. Further analyses
      examined relationships between constructs. RESULTS: For decisional balance, PCA
      indicated two 5-item factors (pros and cons). Confirmatory factor analysis
      supported a 2-factor correlated model, Satorra-Bentler scaled chi-square
      [Formula: see text], comparative fit index (CFI = 0.94), root mean square error
      of approximation (RMSEA = 0.07), pros: alpha = 0.87, rho = 0.87, cons: alpha =
      0.75, and rho = 0.75. For self-efficacy, PCA indicated one 6-item factor
      supported by CFA, [Formula: see text], P < .01, CFI = 0.98, RMSEA = 0.09, alpha =
      0.90, rho = 0.87. As hypothesized, significant cross-stage differences were
      observed for pros and self-efficacy, and significant relationships between
      anxiety severity and pros, cons, and self-efficacy were found. CONCLUSION:
      Findings show strong psychometric properties and support the application of a
      readiness-based model to anxiety. In contrast to findings of other behaviors,
      cons remain high in action and maintenance. These measures provide a solid
      empirical foundation to develop TTM-tailored interventions to enhance engagement
      in treatment.

PMID- 27670271
TI  - Bt Cry1Ie Toxin Does Not Impact the Survival and Pollen Consumption of Chinese
      Honey Bees, Apis cerana cerana (Hymenoptera, Apidae).
AB  - The cry1Ie gene may be a good candidate for the development of Bt maize because
      over-expression of Cry1Ie is highly toxic to Lepidopteran pests such as Heliothis
      armigera Hubner and Ostrinia furnacalis Guenee. The Bt cry1Ie gene also has no
      cross resistance with other insecticidal proteins such as Cry1Ab, Cry1Ac, Cry1Ah,
      or Cry1F. Chinese honey bees (Apis cerana cerana) are potentially exposed to
      insect-resistant genetically modified (IRGM) crops expressing Cry1Ie toxin via
      the collection of IRGM crop pollen. In this study, we tested whether Chinese
      honey bee workers are negatively affected by sugar syrup containing 20, 200, or
      20,000 ng/ml Cry1Ie toxin and 48 ng/ml imidacloprid under controlled laboratory
      conditions. Our results demonstrated that the Cry1Ie toxin does not adversely
      impact survival and pollen consumption of Chinese honey bees. However,
      imidacloprid decreases Chinese honey bee survival and the total pollen
      consumption on the 5th, 6th, and 18th d of exposure. The described bioassay is
      suitable to assess the effects of GM expressed toxins against honey bee.

PMID- 27670272
TI  - Layer-specific femorotibial cartilage T2 relaxation time in knees with and
      without early knee osteoarthritis: Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI).
AB  - Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based spin-spin relaxation time (T2) mapping has
      been shown to be associated with cartilage matrix composition (hydration,
      collagen content &orientation). To determine the impact of early radiographic
      knee osteoarthritis (ROA) and ROA risk factors on femorotibial cartilage
      composition, we studied baseline values and one-year change in superficial and
      deep cartilage T2 layers in 60 subjects (age 60.6 +/- 9.6 y; BMI 27.8 +/- 4.8)
      with definite osteophytes in one knee (earlyROA, n = 32) and with ROA risk
      factors in the contralateral knee (riskROA, n = 28), and 89 healthy subjects (age
      55.0 +/- 7.5 y; BMI 24.4 +/- 3.1) without signs or risk factors of ROA. Baseline
      T2 did not differ significantly between earlyROA and riskROA knees in the
      superficial (48.0 +/- 3.5 ms vs. 48.1 +/- 3.1 ms) or the deep layer (37.3 +/- 2.5
      ms vs. 37.3 +/- 1.8 ms). However, healthy knees showed significantly lower
      superficial layer T2 (45.4 +/- 2.3 ms) than earlyROA or riskROA knees (p <=
      0.001) and significantly lower deep layer T2 (35.8 +/- 1.8 ms) than riskROA knees
      (p = 0.006). Significant longitudinal change in T2 (superficial: 0.5 +/- 1.4 ms;
      deep: 0.8 +/- 1.3 ms) was only detected in healthy knees. These results do not
      suggest an association of early ROA (osteophytes) with cartilage composition, as
      assessed by T2 mapping, whereas cartilage composition was observed to differ
      between knees with and without ROA risk factors.

PMID- 27670273
TI  - Could Bat Cell Temperature and Filovirus Filament Length Explain the Emergence of
      Ebola Virus in Mammals? Predictions of a Thermodynamic Model.
AB  - The host reservoir of Zaire ebolavirus (EBOV) remains elusive. One suggestion is
      that EBOV emerges in mammals when the precursor virus jumps from mayflies (or
      other riverine insects) to insectivorous bats. However, this does not fit with
      the current view that filoviruses cannot infect arthropods. Here, it is first
      argued that the evidence that arthropods are refractory is not definitive.
      Second, it is proposed that a combination of filovirus filament length and the
      high temperature (~42 degrees C) experienced by an insect virus ingested by a
      flying bat, together with the large number of insects eaten by bats (e.g. during
      an ephemeral mass emergence of mayflies), facilitate jumping the species barrier.
      The length of a filovirus filament is related to the number of genome copies
      (GC). Predictions from a preliminary thermodynamic model developed here suggest
      that filament length could greatly affect EBOV infectivity to mammalian cells
      with infectivity peaking for filaments of a certain length. Importantly, the
      infectivity to mammals of even short filaments may be more than one million-fold
      higher than that for the single GC virion. Third, it is proposed that at the high
      temperature within the bat, the phospholipid phosphatidylserine in the virus
      envelope promotes filament formation through fusion of single GC particles within
      the ingested insect, thus hugely increasing their infectivity to bats. Forth,
      according to the thermodynamic model, increasing the temperature from 27 degrees
      C (insect cell temperature at average air temperature in Guinea, West Africa) to
      42 degrees C (bat) could increase the affinity of the filaments for bat cells by
      1-2 orders of magnitude, while having no effect on the binding affinity of the
      single GC virions. The thermodynamic model developed here is supported by the
      counterintuitive observation that high glycoprotein densities on the EBOV surface
      reduce its infectivity in contrast to other viruses such as HIV.

PMID- 27670275
TI  - Shear banding in nematogenic fluids with oscillating orientational dynamics.
AB  - We investigate the occurrence of shear banding in nematogenic fluids under planar
      Couette flow, based on mesoscopic dynamical equations for the orientational order
      parameter and the shear stress. We focus on parameter values where the sheared
      homogeneous system exhibits regular oscillatory orientational dynamics, whereas
      the equilibrium system is either isotropic (albeit close to the isotropic-nematic
      transition) or deep in its nematic phase. The numerical calculations are
      restricted to spatial variations in shear gradient direction. We find several new
      types of shear-banded states characterized by regions with regular oscillatory
      orientational dynamics. In all cases shear banding is accompanied by a non
      monotonicity of the flow curve of the homogeneous system; however, only in the
      case of the initially isotropic system this curve has the typical S-like shape.
      We also analyze the influence of different orientational boundary conditions and
      of the spatial correlation length.

PMID- 27670278
TI  - Awards from the Society for Pediatric Radiology and the European Society of
      Paediatric Radiology at the 2016 International Pediatric Radiology 7(th) Conjoint
      Meetingand Exhibition.

PMID- 27670274
TI  - 8-C-(E-phenylethenyl)quercetin from onion/beef soup induces autophagic cell death
      in colon cancer cells through ERK activation.
AB  - SCOPE: Quercetin, a flavonoid, widely distributed in edible fruits and
      vegetables, was reported to effectively inhibit 2-amino-1-methyl-6
      phenylimidazo[4, 5-b]pyridine (PhIP) formation in a food model (roast beef
      patties) with itself being converted into a novel compound 8-C-(E
      phenylethenyl)quercetin (8-CEPQ). Here we investigated whether 8-CEPQ could be
      formed in a real food system, and tested its anticancer activity in human colon
      cancer cell lines. METHODS AND RESULTS: LC-MS was applied for the determination
      of 8-CEPQ formation in onion/beef soup. Anticancer activity of 8-CEPQ was
      evaluated by using cell viability assay and flow cytometry. Results showed that 8
      CEPQ suppressed proliferation and caused G2 phase arrest in colon cancer cells.
      Based on immunofluorescent staining assay, western blot assay, and RNA knockdown
      data, we found that 8-CEPQ did not cause apoptotic cell death. Instead, it
      induced autophagic cell death. Moreover, treatment with 8-CEPQ induced
      phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Inhibition of ERK
      phosphorylation by the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)/ERK
      inhibitor U0126 attenuated 8-CEPQ-induced autophagy and reversed 8-CEPQ-mediated
      cell growth inhibition. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that 8-CEPQ, a novel
      quercetin derivative, could be formed in onion/beef soup. 8-CEPQ inhibited colon
      cancer cell growth by inducing autophagic cell death through ERK activation.

PMID- 27670279
TI  - Blockade of the renin-angiotensin system prevents acute and immunologically
      relevant colitis in murine models.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Blockade of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has been shown to
      alleviate inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract. The aim of this
      study was to determine if blockade of the RAS would be effective in an
      immunologically relevant colitis model, and to compare outcome with an acute
      colitis model. METHODS: A losartan analog, CCG-203025 (C23H26ClN3O5S) containing
      a highly polar sulfonic acid moiety that we expected would allow localized
      mucosal antagonism with minimal systemic absorption was selected as an
      angiotensin II type 1a receptor antagonist (AT1aR-A). Two colitis models were
      studied: (1) Acute colitis was induced in 8- to 10-week-old C57BL/6J mice by 2.5
      % dextran sodium sulfate (DSS, in drinking water) for 7 days. (2) IL10-/-colitis
      Piroxicam (200 ppm) was administered orally in feed to 5-week-old IL-10-/-mice
      (C57BL/6J background) for 14 days followed by enalaprilat (ACE-I), CCG-203025 or
      PBS administered transanally for 14 days. RESULTS: In the DSS model, weight loss
      and histologic score for CCG-203025 were better than with placebo. In the IL10-/
      model, ACE-I suppressed histologic damage better than CCG-203025. Both ACE-I and
      CCG-203025 reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. CONCLUSIONS: This
      study demonstrated the therapeutic efficacy of both ACE-I and AT1aR-A for
      preventing the development of both acute and immunologically relevant colitis.

PMID- 27670280
TI  - Assessing Spatial Relationships Between Rates of Crime and Rates of Gonorrhea and
      Chlamydia in Chicago, 2012.
AB  - Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain serious public health problems
      particularly in urban environments in the USA. Despite accumulating research into
      the role of aggregate rates of crime in shaping rates of STIs, few studies
      account for spatial dependence in the structure of geographical data. Using
      multiple spatial analysis methodologies, the following study investigated spatial
      patterns in community area rates of violent, drug, and property crimes and rates
      of infection of gonorrhea and chlamydia in 77 community areas in Chicago. Moran's
      I analyses confirmed global spatial dependence and statistically significant
      clusters of STI. Spatial lag regression analyses found that greater rates of drug
      crimes were associated with higher rates of chlamydia and gonorrhea after
      adjusting for percent in poverty and racial composition. Finally, a weighted
      geographic regression identified regions in the urban environment in which local
      regression coefficient values diverged from their global estimates. Spatial
      heterogeneity of STIs suggest that public health interventions must be targeted
      to specific areas of the urban environment with particular attention to substance
      use.

PMID- 27670281
TI  - Bone turnover markers and the factors associated with atypical femur fractures
      among Japanese patients.
AB  - Many previous reports have indicated that atypical femur fractures (AFFs) are
      associated with the administration of bisphosphonates (BPs). A number of risk
      factors and hypotheses regarding the pathogenesis of AFFs have been reported to
      date. The purpose of the present study was to identify the factors associated
      with AFFs in Japanese individuals and to elucidate the association between bone
      metabolism and AFFs by evaluating bone turnover markers (BTMs). We prospectively
      reviewed all patients with femur fractures and identified the patients with AFFs
      and typical femur fractures (TFFs). We collected the demographic and clinical
      data that were relevant to the present study, namely age, gender, affected side,
      affected site, concomitant medical history, and comorbid conditions, and measured
      the levels of BTMs within 24h after trauma. Welch's test and Fisher's exact
      probability test were used for the statistical analyses. A total of 338 patients,
      including 10 patients with AFFs and 328 patients with TFFs, were analyzed under
      the inclusion criteria. The use of BPs (p<0.001) and collagen disease and chronic
      granulomatous disease (CD/CGD) (p=0.025) were more frequently observed in
      patients with AFFs than in patients with TFFs, while the levels of BTMs,
      including N-terminal propeptides of type 1 procollagen (P1NP), isoform 5b of
      tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP-5b) and undercarboxylated osteocalcin
      (ucOC) were significantly lower in patients with AFFs than in patients with TFFs.
      Furthermore, the level of TRACP-5b was found to be significantly lower in
      patients with atypical subtrochanteric fractures than in atypical diaphyseal
      fractures (p=0.025). Moreover, the levels of P1NP (p=0.016) and TRACP-5b
      (p=0.015) were found to be significantly lower in patients with AFFs than in
      patients with TFFs in a subgroup analysis of BPs users. The use of BPs was
      considered to be a factor associated with AFFs. Our comparison of the BTMs in
      patients with AFFs and TFFs indicated that the severe suppression of bone
      turnover was associated with the pathogenesis of AFFs. The extent of the
      influence of suppressed turnover on the pathogenesis of AFFs may differ depending
      on the fracture site.

PMID- 27670283
TI  - Place orientation and visual construction subdomains of the Mini Mental State
      Examination test as predictors of rehabilitation outcome of post-acute hip
      fractured patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: The study aimed at assessing the relationship between various Mini
      Mental State Examination (MMSE) subdomains and rehabilitation achievements in
      post-acute hip-fractured patients. METHOD: Six hundred and five hip-fractured
      patients admitted during 2010-2013 to a post-acute geriatric rehabilitation
      center were included in the study. Main outcome measures were the Functional
      Independence Measure (FIM) instrument, the motor FIM (mFIM), the Montebello
      Rehabilitation Factor Score (MRFS) on the mFIM and length of stay (LOS). A
      logistic regression analysis tested the predictive value of MMSE subdomains for
      achieving a satisfactory functional gain (mFIM MRFS >30%) on operated patients
      admitted from community. RESULTS: Of all the six MMSE subdomains, place
      orientation and visual construction demonstrated significant predictive values
      for rehabilitation outcome. Patients who did not err on place orientation and
      visual construction MMSE domains had better probabilities [(OR 1.28, 95%CI, 1.05
      1.58; p = 0.017); (OR 2.15, 95%CI, 1.28-3.59; p = 0.004), respectively] of
      achieving better rehabilitation achievements. Similar results were obtained for
      cognitively impaired patient groups [(OR 1.40 95%CI, 1.11-1.77; p = 0.005); (OR
      2.47, 95%CI, 1.15-5.30; p = 0.021), respectively]. For the cognitively intact
      patient group, the variables with significant predictive value were time
      orientation and visual construction MMSE subdomains [(OR 2.26, 95%CI, 1.18-4.33;
      p = 0.014); (OR 2.87, 95%CI, 1.16-7.09; p = 0.022), respectively]. CONCLUSIONS:
      Post-acute hip-fractured patients scoring normally on place orientation and
      visual construction MMSE subdomains have a better chance of achieving favorable
      rehabilitation outcome. Implications for Rehabilitation Post-acute hip-fractured
      patients have a better chance to achieve a favorable rehabilitation outcome when
      scoring normally on place orientation and visual construction MMSE subdomains.
      Patients having difficulties in orientation and visual construction may need more
      rehabilitation time as they lack planning and organizational capacity to follow
      instructions. Assessing MMSE subdomains may reveal subtle cognitive impairment in
      patients scored within the normal range on the MMSE test. Identifying subtle
      cognitive impairment may assist in coordinating the patients and their
      caregivers' expectations, efficiently allocating resources and help in advanced
      care planning.

PMID- 27670282
TI  - Quantitative characterization of in vitro bystander effect of antibody-drug
      conjugates.
AB  - Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are designed to target antigen expressing (Ag+)
      cells in a tumor. Once processed by the Ag+ cells, ADCs can release cytotoxic
      drug molecules that can diffuse out of Ag+ cells into the neighboring antigen
      negative (Ag-) cells to induce their cytotoxicity. This additional efficacy of
      ADCs on Ag- cells in the presence of Ag+ cells is known as the 'bystander
      effect'. Although the importance of this phenomena is widely acknowledged for
      effective killing of a heterogeneous tumor, the rate and extent of the bystander
      killing in a heterogeneous system is not quantitatively understood yet. Thus, the
      objectives of this manuscript were to: (1) synthesize and characterize a tool ADC
      Trastuzumab-vc-MMAE that is capable of exhibiting bystander effect, (2) quantify
      the time course of the bystander effect for the tool ADC using in vitro co
      culture systems created using mixture of various HER2-expressing cell lines, and
      (3) develop a pharmacodynamic (PD) model that is capable of characterizing the
      bystander effect of ADCs. Co-culture studies conducted using GFP labelled MCF7
      cells as Ag- cells and N87, BT474, and SKBR3 as Ag+ cells revealed that the
      bystander effect of ADC increases with increasing fraction of Ag+ cells in a co
      culture system, and with increased expression level of target on Ag+ cells. A
      notable lag time after ADC incubation was also observed prior to significant
      bystander killing of Ag- cells. Based on our results we hypothesize that there
      may be other determinants apart from the antigen expression level that can also
      influence the ability of Ag+ cells to demonstrate the bystander effect in a co
      culture system. The co-culture analysis also suggested that the bystander effect
      of the ADC can dissipate over the period of time as the population of Ag+ cells
      declines. A novel PD model was developed to mathematically characterize the
      bystander effect of ADCs by combining two different cell distribution models to
      represent the population of Ag+ and Ag- cells in a co-culture system. This PD
      model can be integrated with the systems PK model for ADCs in the future to
      generate a quantitative framework that is capable of supporting the discovery and
      development of novel ADCs with optimal bystander killing capabilities.

PMID- 27670284
TI  - Measuring and Facilitating Client Engagement with Financial Incentives:
      Implications for Improving Clinical Outcomes in a Mental Health Setting.
AB  - Significant numbers of individuals with severe mental illnesses are difficult to
      engage in treatment services, presenting challenges for care. To be able to
      assess the relationship between engagement and discharge outcomes, we modified
      the "Milestones of Recovery Scale". This scale was modified for content to match
      the current clinical setting, evaluated for inter-rater reliability after
      modification in a sample of 233 cases receiving psychiatric rehabilitation, and
      then was administered to 423 additional psychiatric rehabilitation clients over a
      24-month study period. In an effort to determine whether provision of financial
      incentives lead to sustained increases in client engagement, a cut off for client
      eligibility for financial incentives was evaluated on the basis of the
      reliability study and the course of engagement was related to receipt of this
      incentive and successful completion of treatment in a new sample of 423 patients.
      Of this sample, 78 % received an initial financial incentive during treatment
      (were initially engaged), and 93.3 % of that subgroup sustained this level of
      engagement it over their entire course of treatment. Of the 22 % of cases not
      receiving an initial incentive, only 5.4 % improved in their engagement to levels
      required for the incentive. Longitudinal analysis demonstrated that individuals
      who maintained or increased their level of engagement over time were more likely
      to complete treatment in accordance with planned treatment goals. The initial
      engagement and the course of engagement in treatment predicted successful
      completion, but incentives did not lead to increased engagement in initially
      poorly engaged patients. These data are interpreted in terms of the likely
      success of extrinsic rewards to increase engagement in mental health services.

PMID- 27670285
TI  - Biochemical Characterization and Low-Resolution SAXS Molecular Envelope of GH1
      beta-Glycosidase from Saccharophagus degradans.
AB  - The marine bacteria Saccharophagus degradans (also known as Microbulbifer
      degradans), are rod-shaped and gram-negative motile gamma-proteobacteria, capable
      of both degrading a variety of complex polysaccharides and fermenting
      monosaccharides into ethanol. In order to obtain insights into structure-function
      relationships of the enzymes, involved in these biochemical processes, we
      characterized a S. degradans beta-glycosidase from glycoside hydrolase family 1
      (SdBgl1B). SdBgl1B has the optimum pH of 6.0 and a melting temperature T m of
      approximately 50  degrees C. The enzyme has high specificity toward short D
      glucose saccharides with beta-linkages with the following preferences beta-1,3 >
      beta-1,4 ? beta-1,6. The enzyme kinetic parameters, obtained using artificial
      substrates p-beta-NPGlu and p-beta-NPFuc and also the disaccharides cellobiose,
      gentiobiose and laminaribiose, revealed SdBgl1B preference for p-beta-NPGlu and
      laminaribiose, which indicates its affinity for glucose and also preference for
      beta-1,3 linkages. To better understand structural basis of the enzyme activity
      its 3D model was built and analysed. The 3D model fits well into the
      experimentally retrieved low-resolution SAXS-based envelope of the enzyme,
      confirming monomeric state of SdBgl1B in solution.

PMID- 27670286
TI  - Avian influenza A(H7N9) and (H5N1) infections among poultry and swine workers and
      the general population in Beijing, China, 2013-2015.
AB  - Although several studies have reported seroprevalences of antibody against avian
      influenza A(H7N9) virus among poultry workers in southern China, results have
      varied and data in northern China are scarce. To understand risks of H7N9 and
      H5N1 virus infections in northern China, a serological cohort study was
      conducted. Poultry workers, swine workers and the general population in Beijing,
      China, were evaluated through three surveys in November 2013, April 2014 and
      April 2015. The highest seroprevalence to H7N9 virus among poultry workers was
      recorded in the April 2014 and April 2015 surveys (0.4%), while that to H5N1
      clade 2.3.4 or clade 2.3.2.1 virus was noted in the April 2014 survey (1.6% and
      0.2%, respectively). The incidence of H7N9 virus infections among poultry workers
      (1.6/1000 person-months) was significantly lower than that of H5N1 clade 2.3.4
      infections (3.8/1000 person-months) but higher than that of H5N1 clade 2.3.2.1
      infections (0.3/1000 person-months). Compared with the general population,
      poultry workers were at higher risk of contracting H7N9 virus (IRR: 34.90; p <
      0.001) or H5N1 clade 2.3.4 virus (IRR: 10.58; p < 0.001). Although risks of H7N9
      and H5N1 virus infections remain low in Beijing, continued preventive measures
      are warranted for poultry workers.

PMID- 27670287
TI  - Incremental validity of the PID-5 in relation to the five factor model and
      traditional polythetic personality criteria of the DSM-5.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study assessed the incremental validity of the Personality
      Inventory for DSM-5 (PID-5) beyond the impact of demographic, burden of illness,
      five-factor model of personality, and DSM-5 personality disorder criteria with
      respect to associations with admission psychiatric symptoms and functional
      disability. METHODS: Psychiatric inpatients (N = 927) were administered the Big
      Five Inventory, PID-5, and personality disorder criteria counts. Prior treatment
      utilization, as well as baseline depression, anxiety, emotion regulation, and
      functional disability were administered within two days of the personality
      measures. Hierarchical regression models were used to explore the association of
      personality functioning with symptom functioning, emotion regulation and
      disability. RESULTS: Neuroticism was associated with all symptom measures,
      providing further support for its relevance in clinical populations. Personality
      trait domains (negative affect, detachment, and psychoticism) from the PID-5
      demonstrated incremental validity in predicting baseline symptom and disability
      functioning over and above demographic, burden of illness, and psychiatric
      comorbidity and five-factor model (FFM) personality traits. CONCLUSIONS:
      Dimensional measures of personality functioning were consistently associated with
      baseline symptom functioning, supporting the relevance of personality functioning
      as it relates to psychiatric symptoms. The PID-5 uniquely contributed to the
      prediction of baseline symptom functioning, thus providing incremental validity
      over gold-standard personality trait measures.

PMID- 27670288
TI  - The differential effects of emotional salience on direct associative and
      relational memory during a nap.
AB  - Relational memories are formed from shared components between directly learned
      memory associations, flexibly linking learned information to better inform future
      judgments. Sleep has been found to facilitate both direct associative and
      relational memories. However, the impact of incorporating emotionally salient
      information into learned material and the interaction of emotional salience and
      sleep in facilitating both types of memory is unknown. Participants encoded two
      sets of picture pairs, with either emotionally negative or neutral objects paired
      with neutral faces. The same objects were present in both sets, paired with two
      different faces across the sets. Baseline memory for these directly paired
      associates was tested immediately after encoding, followed by either a 90-min nap
      opportunity or wakefulness. Five hours after learning, a surprise test assessed
      relational memory, the indirect association between two faces paired with the
      same object during encoding, followed by a retest of direct associative memory.
      Overall, negative information was remembered better than neutral for directly
      learned pairs. A nap facilitated both preservation of direct associative memories
      and formation of relational memories, compared to remaining awake. Interestingly,
      however, this sleep benefit was observed specifically for neutral directly paired
      associates, while both neutral and negative relational associations benefitted
      from a nap. Finally, REM sleep played opposing roles in neutral direct and
      relational associative memory formation, with more REM sleep leading to
      forgetting of direct associations but promoting relational associations,
      suggesting that, while not benefitting memory consolidation for directly learned
      details, REM sleep may foster the memory reorganization needed for relational
      memory.

PMID- 27670290
TI  - Segmental Arterial Mediolysis.

PMID- 27670289
TI  - PLGA nanoparticles for intravitreal peptide delivery: statistical optimization,
      characterization and toxicity evaluation.
AB  - Frequent intravitreal injections are currently used to overcome the ocular
      barriers and provide sufficient drug to the posterior eye segment. However,
      intravitreal injections have been associated with a number of complications and
      high treatment costs. To overcome these limitations, peptide-loaded poly(d,l
      lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (PLGA NPs) were developed using the
      nanoprecipitation technique and were optimized via Box-Behnken Design (BBD) and
      Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Developed NPs were evaluated for potential
      toxicity and cell apoptosis using the zebrafish embryo toxicity (ZET) model with
      titanium dioxide NPs and ethanol (1% v/v) serving as positive controls. Developed
      NPs had a size of 75.6-153.8 nm, a polydispersity index between 0.11 and 0.25 and
      a zeta potential of -9.4 to -46.0 mV. Loaded peptide was found to be stable under
      various experimental conditions tested. BBD and RSM were validated through the
      characterization of optimized formulations. Survival and hatching rates of NP
      treated zebrafish 0-144 h post-fertilization were found to be normal with no
      significant malformations. Cellular apoptosis studies also endorsed the non
      cytotoxic nature of the NPs. The overall results indicate that optimized PLGA
      nanoparticles could be a promising platform for efficient peptide delivery to the
      posterior segment of the eye.

PMID- 27670291
TI  - Stathmin-dependent molecular targeting therapy for malignant tumor: the latest 5
      years' discoveries and developments.
AB  - Knowledge of the molecular mechanisms on malignant tumors is very critical for
      the development of new treatment strategies like molecularly targeted therapies.
      In last 5 years, many investigations suggest that stathmin is over-expressed in a
      variety of human malignant tumors, and potentially promotes the occurrence and
      development of tumors. Rather, down-regulation of stathmin can reduce cell
      proliferation, motility and metastasis and induce apoptosis of malignant tumors.
      Thus, a stathmin antagonist, such as a specific inhibitor (antibody, small
      molecule compound, peptide, or siRNA), may be a novel strategy of molecular
      targeted therapy. This review summarizes the research progress of recent 5 years
      on the role of stathmin in tumorigenesis, the molecular mechanisms and
      development of anti-stathmin treatment, which suggest that continued
      investigations into the function of stathmin in the tumorigenesis could lead to
      more rationally designed therapeutics targeting stathmin for treating human
      malignant tumors.

PMID- 27670292
TI  - Effect of fluoride varnish with added casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium
      phosphate on the acid resistance of the primary enamel.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the effects of a fluoride varnish
      with added Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (CPP-ACP) treatments
      on acid resistance of primary teeth enamel. METHODS: Enamel specimens obtained
      from 40 primary incisors (for surface microhardness testing) and 40 primary
      molars (for demineralization depth measurement) were randomly divided into four
      groups (n = 10 incisors and 10 molars) each according to surface treatment: no
      treatment (control), MI varnish (1-8 % sodium fluoride and 1-5 % CPP-ACP),
      Clinpro White (1-5 % sodium fluoride and <5 % modified tricalcium phosphate),
      Duraphat (<5 % sodium fluoride). Specimens were stored for 24 h in a moist
      environment. After varnish residues were removed, specimens were subjected to pH
      cycling. The effects of fluoride varnishes were evaluated according to surface
      microhardness, lesion depth and structural changes. Results were analyzed by
      ANOVA and Tukey's tests. RESULTS: The lowest changes in surface microhardness and
      lesion depth occurred in MI varnish group, followed by the Clinpro White,
      Duraphat and no treatment (control) group (for percentage of loss surface
      microhardness -20.80, -34.60, -57.80 and -73.40; for lesion depth values 23.60
      MUm +/- 3.36, 29.85 MUm +/- 3.27, 40.37 MUm +/- 3.41 and 54.56 MUm +/- 4.16,
      respectively). Statistically significant differences in both surface
      microhardness and lesion depth were observed among all groups (P < 0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this in vitro study, fluoride varnish
      containing CPP-ACP was more effective in increasing the acid resistance of
      primary enamel than other fluoride varnishes. However, further clinical research
      is needed to confirm these in vitro results.

PMID- 27670293
TI  - Whole exome sequencing identified novel CRB1 mutations in Chinese and Indian
      populations with autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa.
AB  - Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a leading cause of inherited blindness characterized
      by progressive degeneration of the retinal photoreceptor cells. This study aims
      to identify genetic mutations in a Chinese family RP-2236, an Indian family RP-IC
      90 and 100 sporadic Indian individuals with autosomal recessive RP (arRP). Whole
      exome sequencing was performed on the index patients of RP-2236, RP-IC-90 and all
      of the 100 sporadic Indian patients. Direct Sanger sequencing was used to
      validate the mutations identified. Four novel mutations and one reported mutation
      in the crumbs homolog 1 (CRB1) gene, which has been known to cause severe retinal
      dystrophies, were identified. A novel homozygous splicing mutation c.2129-1G>C
      was found in the three patients In family RP-2236. A homozygous point mutation
      p.R664C was found in RP-IC-90. A novel homozygous mutation p.G1310C was
      identified in patient I-44, while novel compound heterozygous mutations p.N629D
      and p.A593T were found in patient I-7. All mutations described above were not
      present in the 1000 normal controls. In conclusion, we identified four novel
      mutations in CRB1 in a cohort of RP patients from the Chinese and Indian
      populations. Our data enlarges the CRB1 mutation spectrums and may provide new
      target loci for RP diagnose and treatment.

PMID- 27670294
TI  - The implications of living with heart failure; the impact on everyday life,
      family support, co-morbidities and access to healthcare: a secondary qualitative
      analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to use secondary analysis to interrogate a
      qualitative data set to explore the experiences of patients living with heart
      failure. METHODS: The data-set comprised interviews with 11 patients who had
      participated in an ethnographic study of heart failure focusing on unplanned
      hospital admissions. Following an initial review of the literature, a framework
      was developed with which to interrogate the data-set. This was modified in light
      of analysis of the first two interviews, to focus on the rich data around
      patients' perceptions of living with heart failure, managing co-morbidities,
      accessing healthcare and the role of their family and friends, during their
      illness journey. RESULTS: Respondents described how the symptoms of heart failure
      impacted on their daily lives and how disruption of routine activity due to their
      symptoms caused them to seek medical care. Respondents disclosed the difficulties
      of living with other illnesses, in addition to their heart failure, particularly
      managing multiple and complex medication regimes and negotiating multiple
      appointments; all expressed a desire to return to their pre-morbid, more
      independent lives. Many respondents described uncertainty around diagnosis and
      delays in communication from their healthcare providers. The importance of family
      support was emphasised, but respondents worried about burdening relatives with
      their illness. CONCLUSION: Living with heart failure causes disruption to the
      lives of sufferers. Facilitation of access to healthcare, through good
      communication between services and having a strong support network of both family
      and clinicians can reduce the impact of heart failure on the lives of the patient
      and those around them.

PMID- 27670301
TI  - The challenge of cancer: improving essential nursing skills.
AB  - The aim of this Learning Unit is to identify the role of the registered nurse in
      facilitating the learning process and in supporting the student caring for people
      with cancer, by highlighting the necessary skills and demonstrating ways in which
      he or she can pass on his or her experience.

PMID- 27670302
TI  - Editorial.
AB  - Media coverage of the emotive issue of nurses' pay had the ministerial and
      management hardliners pontificating on the worth of nurses last week. Not worth
      enough however to warrant a decent pay increase. Kind words and sympathetic
      platitudes are in endless supply, it's just hard cash.

PMID- 27670300
TI  - Comparison of quartz vials with polypropylene vials for rapid cryopreservation of
      human ovarian tissue.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Because higher survival of follicles during the freezing/thawing
      procedure improves the quality of cryopreserved tissue reimplanted after
      oncological therapies, defining an optimal method for human ovarian tissue
      cryopreservation remains a major issue in this field. One option to improve the
      cryopreservation procedure is to use better materials, i.e., vials with better
      conductivity. The aim of this study was to compare polypropylene (PP) with quartz
      vials. Between September 2012 and January 2013, eight patients were recruited.
      The ovarian cortex was cut into 3 slices, assigned randomly to a fresh and a
      cryopreserved group in PP (method B) or quartz vials (method C). Histological and
      immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis were used. For IHC three antibodies were
      analyzed: Ki67 (proliferation index), Bcl2 (anti apoptotic index) and Hsp70
      (stress index). RESULTS: The majority of GCs showed positive staining for Bcl2 in
      both cryopreservation device, with higher expression in group C than in group B.
      Oocytes and their nuclei showed intense positive staining for ki67 in both
      methods B and C, and also a patch positive stromal cells staining for Ki67.
      Expression of hsp70 was not increased after cryopreservation. CONCLUSIONS:
      Cryopreservation using quartz vials led to larger numbers of good follicles while
      maintaining consistent preservation for stromal cells and vessels.

PMID- 27670299
TI  - Interferon alpha inhibits spinal cord synaptic and nociceptive transmission via
      neuronal-glial interactions.
AB  - It is well known that interferons (IFNs), such as type-I IFN (IFN-alpha) and type
      II IFN (IFN-gamma) are produced by immune cells to elicit antiviral effects. IFNs
      are also produced by glial cells in the CNS to regulate brain functions. As a
      proinflammatory cytokine, IFN-gamma drives neuropathic pain by inducing
      microglial activation in the spinal cord. However, little is known about the role
      of IFN-alpha in regulating pain sensitivity and synaptic transmission.
      Strikingly, we found that IFN-alpha/beta receptor (type-I IFN receptor) was
      expressed by primary afferent terminals in the superficial dorsal horn that co
      expressed the neuropeptide CGRP. In the spinal cord IFN-alpha was primarily
      expressed by astrocytes. Perfusion of spinal cord slices with IFN-alpha
      suppressed excitatory synaptic transmission by reducing the frequency of
      spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic current (sEPSCs). IFN-alpha also inhibited
      nociceptive transmission by reducing capsaicin-induced internalization of NK-1
      and phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in superficial
      dorsal horn neurons. Finally, spinal (intrathecal) administration of IFN-alpha
      reduced inflammatory pain and increased pain threshold in naive rats, whereas
      removal of endogenous IFN-alpha by a neutralizing antibody induced hyperalgesia.
      Our findings suggest a new form of neuronal-glial interaction by which IFN-alpha,
      produced by astrocytes, inhibits nociceptive transmission in the spinal cord.

PMID- 27670303
TI  - Four in five nurses against performance-related pay proposal, claims Unison.
AB  - Fury at the government's bid to introduce performance-related pay to nursing has
      continued to grow over the past year with four in five nurses opposed to the
      plans, Unison claims in its evidence.

PMID- 27670304
TI  - Rise in NHS productivity is due to nurses' unpaid overtime.
AB  - The government's boasted increase in the number of patients treated by the NHS is
      at the expense of nurses' unpaid overtime, it was revealed this week.

PMID- 27670305
TI  - Unions call for 8.34% pay increase.
AB  - The nurses' pay Review Body should reject government calls for a zero national
      pay increase and award a 'fair and just' rise, Staff Side urged last week.

PMID- 27670307
TI  - Extended use of bank nurses recommended.
AB  - The use of nursing banks should be extended to include areas other than
      traditional nursing where staff are needed on short notice, a report for the
      Scottish Office has recommended.

PMID- 27670306
TI  - ?
AB  - Tender touch: Incubated premature babies at Whipps Cross Hospital in east London
      have been receiving massage from Gill Tree, director of the local Essentials for
      Health School of Massage. Her work has generated so much interest that she is
      organising a series of one-day training workshops to teach nurses the technique
      and its application in special care. She claims 90 per cent of babies respond
      well, becoming more relaxed and happy.

PMID- 27670308
TI  - Monday launch for nurse prescribing.
AB  - District nurses and health visitors at eight selected fundholding practices will
      be able to prescribe from a limited formulary of drugs and products from Monday
      morning.

PMID- 27670309
TI  - Drastic loss of nursing jobs in London.
AB  - News that the number of nurses working in London has dropped by almost 11 per
      cent over the past year has been greeted with alarm by nursing unions.

PMID- 27670310
TI  - 'Poor' mental health care in prisons.
AB  - Poor co-operation between the NHS and the prison service is leaving prisoners
      with serious mental illness poorly cared for, a King's Fund report has alleged.

PMID- 27670312
TI  - Video aimed at nurses in measles campaign.
AB  - School nurses involved in the government's measles immunisation campaign have
      been urged to watch a special edition of the RCN's Nursing Update learning unit
      devoted to the campaign which will go out next month.

PMID- 27670311
TI  - New charity for bereaved families.
AB  - A new charity to improve professional support to families who have lost a child
      was launched in London this week.

PMID- 27670313
TI  - Nurses support sacked consultant who spoke out on trusts.
AB  - Nurses have rallied to the support of a hospital consultant who was sacked after
      leading an outcry against the hospital becoming an NHS trust.

PMID- 27670314
TI  - DoH accused of under funding school study.
AB  - The Department of Health has been criticised for under funding a highly
      successful pilot study on the use of service agreements for school nurses.

PMID- 27670316
TI  - ?
AB  - Changing face: Giant metal sculptures from the Yorkshire Sculpture Park have been
      put on show in the grounds of Ashworth Hospital in Merseyside. The nine-month
      exhibition is titled 'Facing the wall'.

PMID- 27670317
TI  - RCN wins Lib-Dem prize for best exhibition.
AB  - Liberal Democrat leader Paddy Ashdown handed over a magnum of champagne to the
      Royal College of Nursing after the College won first prize for the best
      exhibition at the Brighton conference.

PMID- 27670318
TI  - ?
AB  - Past and present: Photographer Maria Pedro's self-portrait as the pioneering 19th
      Century nurse Mary Seacole is currently on show at 76 Marylebone High Street,
      London until October 8, as part of the Signals Festival of Women Photographers
      which will cover up to 200 venues across the United Kingdom.

PMID- 27670319
TI  - UKCC ballot to choose mediators.
AB  - A ballot of UK Central Council members will determine who sits on the Council
      committee being set up in an attempt to mediate between Registrar Colin Ralph and
      disaffected senior staff.

PMID- 27670320
TI  - Nurses ill-prepared for new-look NHS.
AB  - Royal College of Nursing (RCN) General Secretary Christine Hancock believes a new
      agenda is now clearly emerging for the NHS but that nurses are inadequately
      prepared for the changes ahead. As a result nurses face an intolerable climate of
      insecurity, confronted by increased workloads and increasing administration. Her
      grim vision of the future was revealed as Miss Hancock began her annual tour of
      the party conferences at the Liberal Democrats conference.

PMID- 27670321
TI  - Sacked nurse holds ground against trust.
AB  - The stalemate between sacked nurse Pat Cooksley and Plymouth Hospitals Trust
      continued last week with both sides refusing to meet until the other had removed
      'preconditions'.

PMID- 27670322
TI  - ?
AB  - Binding memory: Veteran paratroopers who survived the Arnhem landing in September
      1944, honoured Dutch nurse Kate Ter Horst when they marked the 50th anniversary
      of the event. Kate nursed hundreds of the badly-wounded and dying during the raid
      and provided a haven for 300 British casualties at her home . A copy of her book
      Cloud over Arnhem was presented to the Lancashire College of Nursing and Health
      Studies by the Central Lancashire Branch of the Parachute Regimental Association.
      At the ceremony, third-year nursing student Catherine Kelly (pictured) read the
      same psalm which Kate Ter Horst read at the height of the battle. The original
      scene was portrayed in the film A Bridge Too Far.

PMID- 27670323
TI  - Hospitals relaxing infection controls.
AB  - Hospital acquired infection rates could reach epidemic proportions if managers do
      not maintain screening systems, the RCN warned last week.

PMID- 27670324
TI  - Government cot death campaign had only 'limited impact'.
AB  - The government's campaign to reduce the number of cot deaths has had only a
      limited impact. Despite the number of cot deaths being halved in the first year
      of the health department's 'Back to Sleep' initiative, there is little evidence
      child care practice has changed, researchers from Cambridge University argue. The
      campaign, launched in December 1991, advised parents that babies should not sleep
      on their front, be exposed to cigarette smoke or be overheated. The researchers
      say the campaign has had no influence on parents' smoking habits or on the
      prevalence of breast feeding. Royal College of Nursing midwifery' adviser Vicki
      Nix said nurses should continue to put across key health promotion messages
      forcefully to ensure the momentum of the campaign was not lost. Encouraging
      breast feeding and advising the baby's family to stop smoking should particularly
      be promoted, she said.

PMID- 27670325
TI  - Nurses vital in fight against obesity.
AB  - The Department of Health (DoH) nutrition task force will soon publish a document
      to identify the key nutritional components of health professional education and
      training and give advice on how to communicate nutritional messages, chief
      nursing officer Yvonne Moores said last week.

PMID- 27670326
TI  - RCN concerned over low life expectancy figures for Scottish women.
AB  - News that Scotland's women have the lowest life expectancy in western Europe has
      been deplored by the Royal College of Nursing.

PMID- 27670328
TI  - Campaign launched to support 'isolated' nurses.
AB  - A new campaign which aims to offer support to nurses who feel isolated and unable
      to express concerns about standards of care has been launched with the backing of
      sacked charge nurse Graham Pink.

PMID- 27670327
TI  - Pritchard off to Brussels.
AB  - Phylip Pritchard is leaving his post as European Officer at the RCN to head up
      the Brussels office of the Federation of European Cancer Nursing Societies from
      the beginning of February 1995.

PMID- 27670330
TI  - Routine data can help evaluate discharge planning.
AB  - Routinely available data does not make if possible to determine which
      readmissions are avoidable but could be better used to identify high risk
      patients, the first independent study into trauma and orthopaedics has shown.

PMID- 27670329
TI  - Kent school nurses help reduce under-age sex by 50.
AB  - School nurses in south-east Kent Community Healthcare Trust have made
      'staggering' progress to reduce unwanted teenage pregnancies and meet the Health
      of the Nation target to reduce under-age sex by 50 per cent, the conference heard
      last week.

PMID- 27670331
TI  - Relaxation techniques can ease pain.
AB  - People with chronic non- malignant pain could manage their pain better if they
      were taught relaxation, according to researchers in Oxford.

PMID- 27670332
TI  - RCN orthopaedic nursing conference.
AB  - The RCN Society of Orthopaedic Nursing international conference was staged at a
      hospital for the first time. Nurses attended workshops at the Royal National
      Orthopaedic Hospital Trust in Stanmore, including new techniques for treating
      primary bone cancer. Thelma, aged three, is wearing a halo jacket to correct a
      defect in the curvature of her spine. She is pictured here with nurse Marie
      Gallagher.

PMID- 27670333
TI  - 'Move into health' call.
AB  - Orthopaedic nurses should move into health and away from disease, developing
      their specialist skills to 'predict and prevent not diagnose and treat'
      conditions affecting the locomotor system, the conference heard.

PMID- 27670334
TI  - Maternal transmission of HSV underestimated?
AB  - The frequency of infant exposure to secretions containing herpes simplex virus
      (HSV) from seropositive women might be eight times higher than previously
      estimated and might be associated with an increased frequency of transmission.

PMID- 27670335
TI  - Potency of hypoxia in near-death experiences.
AB  - 'Near death experiences' might represent an agonal limbic syndrome rather than a
      glimpse into the afterlife, according to German researchers. While the existence
      of such experiences is no longer debatable, their origin is still a matter of
      controversy. Physiological, psychological and transcendental explanations have
      all been suggested.

PMID- 27670336
TI  - Fibromyalgia and psychological symptoms.
AB  - Fibromyalgia, as characterised by widespread persistent musculoskeletal pain,
      does not seem to be a distinct disease entity, researchers from Manchester say.

PMID- 27670338
TI  - No sympathy for men's problems.
AB  - Having read Verity Pink's recent article (Smear campaign, Viewpoint, August 31),
      I was pleased to see that she wondered how well health care workers understood
      male celibacy. This prompted me to write, to relate my recent experiences.

PMID- 27670337
TI  - Prolonging the life of dialysis catheters.
AB  - Urokinase is safe and effective in restoring patency to clotted, double lumen
      catheters used for renal dialysis, according to an American nurse researcher.

PMID- 27670339
TI  - Sister Cooksley's action 'dangerous' to patients.
AB  - The recent publicity focusing on Sister Cooksley has widened the debate about the
      evolving role of nurses in relation to the prescribing and administration of
      drugs. This may well lead to future changes to the law, local rules and
      professional guidelines issued to nurses.

PMID- 27670340
TI  - Weekly cardiology update, please.
AB  - In response to your request in Nursing Standard (August 31), I have put pen to
      paper in order to say that I find Cardiology Update extremely interesting,
      educational and useful in my work on an acute medical ward. The articles often
      help me to understand procedures and theories which in turn enhances my patient
      care.

PMID- 27670341
TI  - Continuing care not community care.
AB  - Well, they've done it again. On a Friday afternoon in August, the latest stab in
      the back for the beleagured NHS was announced, new 'guidelines' for the continued
      provision of continuing care by the NHS.

PMID- 27670343
TI  - Information exchange.
AB  - * As a clinical nurse specialist in HIV/AIDS, I am looking at forming a respite
      unit which, of necessity, has to be accommodated within the acute services
      setting. Has anyone any experience of this? Did the difference in ethos prove a
      problem? Does it work? I would appreciate any comments from anyone, in any field,
      with experience of this.

PMID- 27670342
TI  - Unfair grants penalise graduates.
AB  - I entered nursing with a degree in economics so I was especially interested in
      your editor's comments on graduate recruitment on GMTV this morning (September
      14). However, a unique and serious problems for graduate nurses is beginning co
      emerge.

PMID- 27670344
TI  - Glittering prizes.

PMID- 27670345
TI  - Listings.
AB  - Nursing Standard regrets that it is no longer able to take listings over the
      telephone became of unprecedented demand. Readers are reminded that the listings
      section is for the use of charitable and professional organisations, unions and
      health authorities to publicise forthcoming events. Listings should contain all
      relevant details and be posted or faxed to Susan Bloodworth, Nursing Standard,
      Viking House, 17-19 Peterborough Road, Harrow, Middlesex HA1 2AX. Fax: 081-423
      3867.

PMID- 27670346
TI  - Synthetic and Natural Nutritional Supplements: Health "Allies" or Risks to Public
      Health?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The modern way of life involves high stress levels, poor eating
      habits, lack of exercise, obesity and other detrimental health factors.
      Nutritional supplements (NS) are complexes of nutrients with variant activity
      that may infer reversal to nutrient depletion. They tend to be popular amongst
      social categories associated with the healthy life style, such as the elite and
      amateur athletes, military people and the general population. OBJECTIVE: An
      overview of the state of play with regard to nutritional supplements - natural
      and synthetic-, is important both from toxicological and commercial point of
      view. METHOD: From a thorough literature review on nutritional supplements,
      several patents of application have been identified and herewith reviewed which
      recommend natural vegetable extracts as food supplements for prophylaxis,
      therapy, protection of immune system, diabetes, oxidative stress, cancer, chronic
      inflammations and other health conditions. Besides, nutritional supplements of
      pharmacological validity and high popularity are discussed relative to their
      contents and group of use. RESULTS: Cases of adulteration or unintentional
      contamination of commercial products with abusing substances (doping substances,
      narcotics etc.) or toxic compounds (heavy metals, plant toxics) have shed light
      to the problem of causing recalls of some products by the FDA. CONCLUSION: From
      the safety/ quality point of view, NS lack of harmonisation and sovereign laws/
      institutional controls on the market and their wide commercialization may
      possibly lead to risks to public health.

PMID- 27670347
TI  - Twister ribozymes as highly versatile expression platforms for artificial
      riboswitches.
AB  - The utilization of ribozyme-based synthetic switches in biotechnology has many
      advantages such as an increased robustness due to in cis regulation, small coding
      space and a high degree of modularity. The report of small endonucleolytic
      twister ribozymes provides new opportunities for the development of advanced
      tools for engineering synthetic genetic switches. Here we show that the twister
      ribozyme is distinguished as an outstandingly flexible expression platform, which
      in conjugation with three different aptamer domains, enables the construction of
      many different one- and two-input regulators of gene expression in both bacteria
      and yeast. Besides important implications in biotechnology and synthetic biology,
      the observed versatility in artificial genetic control set-ups hints at possible
      natural roles of this widespread ribozyme class.

PMID- 27670348
TI  - Association of corrected QT interval with body mass index, and the impact of this
      association on mortality: Results from the Third National Health and Nutrition
      Examination Survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Both QT interval and body mass index (BMI) are independently
      associated with mortality. Those with higher BMI have longer QT, although
      evidence is inconsistent. The joint association of QT and BMI with mortality
      merits investigation. OBJECTIVE: To examine the association of QT with BMI, and
      to examine the joint association of QT and BMI with all-cause and cardiovascular
      mortality. METHODS: We followed 4036 participants from NHANES III for a median of
      14.7 years. Weighted sample was divided into 4 categories by BMI as: 18.5-24.9,
      25-29.9, 30-34.9 and >=35, and 2 categories by corrected QT interval (QTc) as:
      normal (<450ms in males, <460ms in females) or prolonged. Cox proportional
      hazards models were used with adjustment for demographic characteristics and
      cardiovascular risk factors. RESULTS: QTc was longer among those with higher BMI
      (mean QTc: 424.7, 425.8, 430.9 and 437.8 respectively for BMI 18.5-24.9, 25-29.9,
      30-34.9 and >=35, p-trend: <0.001). Overall, longer QTc or higher BMI were
      associated with increased all-cause and cardiovascular mortality risk compared to
      mean QTc or mean BMI, respectively. When combined, cardiovascular mortality was
      significantly increased among obese individuals with prolonged QTc [hazard ratio
      (95% CI): 3.1 (1.2-8.0) and 4.8 (1.2-19.9) but not when QTc was normal [1.0 (0.5
      2.0) and 1.4 (0.8-2.8)] for BMI 30-34.9 and >=35, respectively compared to BMI
      18.5-24.9 and normal QTc. Similar (although not statistically significant)
      findings were observed for all-cause mortality. Risk prediction for both all
      cause and cardiovascular mortality improved when QTc was added to the adjusted
      model with BMI (net reclassification index 0.14, p=0.01 and 0.14, p<0.0001 for
      all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, respectively). CONCLUSION: Individuals
      with higher BMI have a significantly longer QTc. BMI is associated with increased
      all-cause and cardiovascular mortality risk when QTc is prolonged but not when
      QTc is normal. These novel observations suggest that QTc should be factored into
      risk stratification of obese individuals with a screening electrocardiogram. This
      may help stratify individuals into lower risk categories when QTc is normal.

PMID- 27670349
TI  - The effect of high intensity statin use on liver density: A post hoc analysis of
      the coronary artery calcification treatment with zocor [CATZ] study.

PMID- 27670350
TI  - Overweight and obesity among Major League Baseball players: 1871-2015.
AB  - Professional athletes provide high-profile role models of health and human
      performance. Increased body mass can be adaptive for human performance but also
      presents a health threat. This paper examines 145 years of data on body mass in
      17,918 male professional baseball players in the United States at the time of
      their professional debut. Both height and weight at debut have increased over
      time. Controlling for age at debut, players debuting in the current decade were
      significantly more likely to be overweight or obese than at any time in history.
      The prevalence of overweight and obesity increased to approximately 70% and 10%,
      respectively, while normal weight prevalence decreased from approximately 60% to
      20% during that time. The causes of these changes over the past 25 years are not
      clear although they coincide with the steroid era. These trends warrant further
      attention because of the potential for adverse long-term health consequences in
      this population and those who perceive them as role models for health and human
      performance.

PMID- 27670351
TI  - Don't Save My Life: Do-Not-Resuscitate and End-of-Life Directives in the Context
      of EMS and Disaster Medicine.

PMID- 27670352
TI  - A systems biology approach to defining regulatory mechanisms for cartilage and
      tendon cell phenotypes.
AB  - Phenotypic plasticity of adult somatic cells has provided emerging avenues for
      the development of regenerative therapeutics. In musculoskeletal biology the
      mechanistic regulatory networks of genes governing the phenotypic plasticity of
      cartilage and tendon cells has not been considered systematically. Additionally,
      a lack of strategies to effectively reproduce in vitro functional models of
      cartilage and tendon is retarding progress in this field. De- and
      redifferentiation represent phenotypic transitions that may contribute to loss of
      function in ageing musculoskeletal tissues. Applying a systems biology network
      analysis approach to global gene expression profiles derived from common in vitro
      culture systems (monolayer and three-dimensional cultures) this study
      demonstrates common regulatory mechanisms governing de- and redifferentiation
      transitions in cartilage and tendon cells. Furthermore, evidence of convergence
      of gene expression profiles during monolayer expansion of cartilage and tendon
      cells, and the expression of key developmental markers, challenges the
      physiological relevance of this culture system. The study also suggests that
      oxidative stress and PI3K signalling pathways are key modulators of in vitro
      phenotypes for cells of musculoskeletal origin.

PMID- 27670353
TI  - Combined DOG1 and Mammaglobin Immunohistochemistry Is Comparable to ETV6
      breakapart Analysis for Differentiating Between Papillary Cystic Variants of
      Acinic Cell Carcinoma and Mammary Analogue Secretory Carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We investigated the reliability of combined DOG1 and mammaglobin
      immunohistochemistry compared with ETV6 fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)
      in the assessment of salivary tumors previously diagnosed as acinic cell
      carcinoma (ACC). Ultrastructural features of cases reclassified as mammary
      analogue secretory carcinoma (MASC) were assessed by transmission electron
      microscopy (TEM). METHODS: Immunohistochemical (IHC) reactivity to DOG1 and
      mammaglobin was validated against FISH targeting the ETV6 gene in all 14 cases.
      RESULTS: Three cases with papillary cystic histomorphology previously diagnosed
      as ACC were revised to MASC. TEM features of the ETV6 rearrangement-positive MASC
      cases showed large numbers of secretory granules with extrusion into the
      intercellular spaces, well-developed endoplasmic reticulum, lipid-laden vacuoles,
      well-formed microvilli, and large lining cystic spaces. CONCLUSIONS: Combined
      DOG1 and mammaglobin immunohistochemistry is comparable to ETV6 -breakapart
      analysis for differentiating between papillary cystic variants of ACC and MASC.

PMID- 27670354
TI  - Pseudomelanosis Duodeni.

PMID- 27670355
TI  - Highly Reproducible Ag NPs/CNT-Intercalated GO Membranes for Enrichment and SERS
      Detection of Antibiotics.
AB  - The increasing pollution of aquatic environments by antibiotics makes it
      necessary to develop efficient enrichment and sensitive detection methods for
      environmental antibiotics monitoring. In this work, silver nanoparticles and
      carbon nanotube-intercalated graphene oxide laminar membranes (Ag NPs/CNT-GO
      membranes) were successfully prepared for enrichment and surface-enhanced Raman
      scattering (SERS) detection of antibiotics. The prepared Ag NPs/CNT-GO membranes
      exhibited a high enrichment ability because of the pi-pi stacking and
      electrostatic interactions of GO toward antibiotic molecules, which enhanced the
      sensitivity of SERS measurements and enabled the antibiotics to be determined at
      sub-nM concentrations. In addition, the nanochannels created by the intercalation
      of CNTs into GO layers resulted in an 8-fold enhancement in the water permeance
      of Ag NPs/CNT-GO membranes compared to that of pure GO membranes. More
      importantly, the Ag NPs/CNT-GO membranes exhibited high reproducibility and long
      term stability. The spot-to-spot variation in SERS intensity was less than 15%,
      and the SERS performance was maintained for at least 70 days. The Ag NPs/CNT-GO
      membranes were also used for SERS detection of antibiotics in real samples; the
      results showed that the characteristic peaks of antibiotics were obviously
      recognizable. Thus, the sensitive SERS detection of antibiotics based on Ag
      NPs/CNT-GO offers great potential for practical applications in environmental
      analysis.

PMID- 27670356
TI  - Humeral elevation reduces the dynamic control ratio of the shoulder muscles
      during internal rotation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the differences in the dynamic control ratio of the
      glenohumeral joint rotators, during internal rotation at 20 degrees  and 60
      degrees  of humeral elevation in the scapular plan. Dynamic control ratio (DCR)
      is defined as the ratio between eccentric action of the lateral rotators and the
      concentric action of the medial rotators. DESIGN: A cross-sectional laboratory
      study. METHODS: Thirty asymptomatic participants (men n=14, women n=16, mean
      age=29.4+/-8.9years, BMI: 24.1+/-5.4) were tested. Peak torque generated by the
      concentric action of the MR and the eccentric action of the LR of the shoulder
      joint and the DCR were evaluated on the dominant arm using an isokinetic
      dynamometer at 20 degrees  and 60 degrees  of humeral elevation at a speed of 20
      degrees /s. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in the DCR at 60 degrees 
      humeral elevation when compared to 20 degrees  humeral elevation (p<0.05). This
      decrease was due to the significant decrease in eccentric peak torques at 60
      degrees  humeral elevation when compared to 20 degrees  (p<0.05). However, there
      was no significant difference in the concentric peak torques between 20 degrees 
      and 60 degrees  (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The significant decrease in the DCR as a
      consequence of a decrease in the eccentric peak torque of the LR when the humerus
      is in a more elevated position suggests that the introduction of humeral
      elevation can be used as a progression for improving the eccentric action of the
      shoulder LR and subsequently the dynamic control of the shoulder.

PMID- 27670357
TI  - Feasibility of the capnogram to monitor ventilation rate during cardiopulmonary
      resuscitation.
AB  - AIM: The rates of chest compressions (CCs) and ventilations are both important
      metrics to monitor the quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
      Capnography permits monitoring ventilation, but the CCs provided during CPR
      corrupt the capnogram and compromise the accuracy of automatic ventilation
      detectors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of an automatic
      algorithm based on the capnogram to detect ventilations and provide feedback on
      ventilation rate during CPR, specifically addressing intervals where CCs are
      delivered. METHODS: The dataset used to develop and test the algorithm contained
      in-hospital and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest episodes. The method relies on
      adaptive thresholding to detect ventilations in the first derivative of the
      capnogram. The performance of the detector was reported in terms of sensitivity
      (SE) and Positive Predictive Value (PPV). The overall performance was reported in
      terms of the rate error and errors in the hyperventilation alarms. Results were
      given separately for the intervals with CCs. RESULTS: A total of 83 episodes were
      considered, resulting in 4880min and 46,740 ventilations (8741 during CCs). The
      method showed an overall SE/PPV above 99% and 97% respectively, even in intervals
      with CCs. The error for the ventilation rate was below 1.8min-1 in any group, and
      >99% of the ventilation alarms were correctly detected. CONCLUSION: A method to
      provide accurate feedback on ventilation rate using only the capnogram is
      proposed. Its accuracy was proven even in intervals where canpography signal was
      severely corrupted by CCs. This algorithm could be integrated into
      monitor/defibrillators to provide reliable feedback on ventilation rate during
      CPR.

PMID- 27670358
TI  - Optimization of automated external defibrillator deployment outdoors: An evidence
      based approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The benefits of available automatic external defibrillators (AEDs)
      for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCAs) are well known, but strategies for
      their deployment outdoors remain somewhat arbitrary. Our study sought to assess
      different strategies for AED deployment. METHODS: All OHCAs in Paris between 2000
      and 2010 were prospectively recorded and geocoded. A guidelines-based strategy of
      placing an AED in locations where more than one OHCA had occurred within the past
      five years was compared to two novel strategies: a grid-based strategy with a
      regular distance between AEDs and a landmark-based strategy. The expected number
      of AEDs necessary and their median (IQR) distance to the nearest OHCA were
      assessed for each strategy. RESULTS: Of 4176 OHCAs, 1372 (33%) occurred in public
      settings. The first strategy would result in the placement of 170 AEDs, with a
      distance to OHCA of 416 (180-614) m and a continuous increase in the number of
      AEDS. In the second strategy, the number of AEDs and their distance to the
      closest OHCA would change with the grid size, with a number of AEDs between 200
      and 400 seeming optimal. In the third strategy, median distances between OHCAs
      and AEDs would be 324m if placed at post offices (n=195), 239 at subway stations
      (n=302), 137 at bike-sharing stations (n=957), and 142 at pharmacies (n=1466).
      CONCLUSION: This study presents an original evidence-based approach to strategies
      of AED deployment to optimize their number and location. This rational approach
      can estimate the optimal number of AEDs for any city.

PMID- 27670359
TI  - Low oxygen saturation and severe anemia in compound heterozygous Hb Louisville
      [beta42(CD1)Phe->Leu] and Hb La Desirade [beta129(H7)Ala->Val].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the cause(s) of a Thai male proband presenting low
      oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry (SpO2) and severe anemia. METHODS: As Hb
      variant was suspected, Hb typing was determined by high-performance liquid
      chromatography and capillary electrophoresis, and subsequently Hb variant was
      identified by DNA sequencing. Complete blood counts were performed using
      automated blood cell counter and oxygen saturation was measured by pulse
      oximetry. RESULTS: Proband was compound heterozygous for Hb Louisville
      [beta42(CD1)Phe->Leu] and Hb La Desirade [beta129(H7)Ala->Val]. Of the proband's
      two sons, one was compound heterozygous for Hb Louisville and Hb E and the other
      for Hb La Desirade and Hb E. The former son had similar clinical features and
      laboratory findings with those of the proband while the latter showed had no
      abnormal clinical manifestations. CONCLUSION: This the first report of compound
      heterozygosity of Hb Louisville and Hb La Desirade in an individual of Southeast
      Asian ethnicity. Hb variant identification is crucial for genetic counseling and
      appropriate treatment in regions where hemoglobinopathies are common.

PMID- 27670361
TI  - High Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid Inhibits Fibrosis of Endometrium.
AB  - BACKGROUND Elevated fibrosis has been found in patients with intrauterine
      adhesion, which indicates that fibrotic factors may play a critical role in
      formation of intrauterine adhesion. The aim of this study was to identify the
      effect of hyaluronic acid (HA) at high and low molecular weight on fibrosis of
      the endometrium in a mouse model of Asherman's syndrome. MATERIAL AND METHODS
      Endometrial fibrosis in a mouse model of Asherman's syndrome was confirmed. Then
      HA at high and low molecular weight was injected into the uterine cavity.
      Endometrial fibrosis was compared among the control group, LMW-HA, and HMW-HA
      group. The extent of endometrial fibrosis was calculated using Masson stain. The
      fibrosis markers (TGFbeta1, CTGF, collagen I, and collagen III) in endometrial
      tissue were detected using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. RESULTS The
      ratio of the area with endometrial fibrosis to total endometrial area in the HMW
      HA group was significantly decreased compared to the control group (P<0.05). The
      expression of fibrosis markers (TGFbeta1, CTGF, collagen I, and collagen III) in
      the endometrium was attenuated in the HMW-HA group compared to the control group,
      but the LMW-HA group had no similar effect. CONCLUSIONS Hyaluronic acid at high
      molecular weight may attenuate the degree of endometrial fibrosis after
      endometrial damage, which may contribute to preventing formation of intrauterine
      adhesions.

PMID- 27670363
TI  - In-Depth Magnetic Characterization of a [2 * 2] Mn(III) Square Grid Using SQUID
      Magnetometry, Inelastic Neutron Scattering, and High-Field Electron Paramagnetic
      Resonance Spectroscopy.
AB  - A tetranuclear [2 * 2] grid-like manganese(III) Schiff base complex, Mn4, has
      been synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography.
      Direct-current magnetization measurements were performed on the system and proved
      to be insufficient for an accurate magnetic model to be deduced. Combined
      inelastic neutron scattering (INS) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR)
      experiments provided the necessary information in order to successfully model the
      magnetic properties of Mn4. The resulting model takes into account both the
      magnitude and the relative orientations of the single-ion anisotropy tensors.

PMID- 27670360
TI  - The Inclusion of Ethnic Minority Patients and the Role of Language in Telehealth
      Trials for Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes is a serious, pervasive metabolic condition that
      disproportionately affects ethnic minority patients. Telehealth interventions can
      facilitate type 2 diabetes monitoring and prevent secondary complications.
      However, trials designed to test the effectiveness of telehealth interventions
      may underrecruit or exclude ethnic minority patients, with language a potential
      barrier to recruitment. The underrepresentation of minorities in trials limits
      the external validity of the findings for this key patient demographic.
      OBJECTIVE: This systematic review examines (1) the research reporting practices
      and prevalence of ethnic minority patients included in telehealth randomized
      controlled trials (RCTs) targeting type 2 diabetes and the trial characteristics
      associated with recruiting a high proportion of minority patients, and (2) the
      proportion of included RCTs that report using English language proficiency as a
      patient screening criterion and how and why they do so. METHODS: Telehealth RCTs
      published in refereed journals targeting type 2 diabetes as a primary condition
      for adults in Western majority English-speaking countries were included.
      Ethnically targeted RCTs were excluded from the main review, but were included in
      a post hoc subgroup analysis. Abstract and full-text screening, risk of bias
      assessment, and data extraction were independently conducted by two reviewers.
      RESULTS: Of 3358 records identified in the search, 79 articles comprising 58 RCTs
      were included. Nearly two-thirds of the RCTs (38/58) reported on the ethnic
      composition of participants, with a median proportion of 23.5% patients (range 0%
      97.7%). Fourteen studies (24%) that included at least 30% minority patients were
      all US-based, predominantly recruited from urban areas, and described the target
      population as underserved, financially deprived, or uninsured. Eight of these 14
      studies (57%) offered intervention materials in a language other than English or
      employed bilingual staff. Half of all identified RCTs (29/58) included language
      proficiency as a participant-screening criterion. Language proficiency was
      operationalized using nonstandardized measures (eg, having sufficient "verbal
      fluency"), with only three studies providing reasons for excluding patients on
      language grounds. CONCLUSIONS: There was considerable variability across studies
      in the inclusion of ethnic minority patients in RCTs, with higher participation
      rates in countries with legislation to mandate their inclusion (eg, United
      States) than in those without such legislation (eg, United Kingdom). Less than
      25% of the RCTs recruited a sizeable proportion of ethnic minorities, which
      raises concerns about external validity. The lack of objective measures or common
      procedures for assessing language proficiency across trials implies that language
      related eligibility decisions are often based on trial recruiters'
      impressionistic judgments, which could be subject to bias. The variability and
      inconsistent reporting on ethnicity and other socioeconomic factors in
      descriptions of research participants could be more specifically emphasized in
      trial reporting guidelines to promote best practice. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO
      International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews: CRD42015024899;
      http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.asp?ID=CRD42015024899 (Archived
      by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6kQmI2bdF).

PMID- 27670362
TI  - Weight-for-length/height growth curves for children and adolescents in China in
      comparison with body mass index in prevalence estimates of malnutrition.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is important to update weight-for-length/height growth curves in
      China and re-examine their performance in screening malnutrition. AIM: To develop
      weight-for-length/height growth curves for Chinese children and adolescents.
      SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 94 302 children aged 0-19 years with complete
      sex, age, weight and length/height data were obtained from two cross-sectional
      large-scaled national surveys in China. Weight-for-length/height growth curves
      were constructed using the LMS method before and after average
      spermarcheal/menarcheal ages, respectively. Screening performance in prevalence
      estimates of wasting, overweight and obesity was compared between weight-for
      height and body mass index (BMI) criteria based on a test population of 21 416
      children aged 3-18. RESULTS: The smoothed weight-for-length percentiles and Z
      scores growth curves with length 46-110 cm for both sexes and weight-for-height
      with height 70-180 cm for boys and 70-170 cm for girls were established. The
      weight-for-height and BMI-for-age had strong correlation in screening wasting,
      overweight and obesity in each age-sex group. There was no striking difference in
      prevalence estimates of wasting, overweight and obesity between two indicators
      except for obesity prevalence at ages 6-11. CONCLUSION: This set of smoothed
      weight-for-length/height growth curves may be useful in assessing nutritional
      status from infants to post-pubertal adolescents.

PMID- 27670364
TI  - Single-Electron-Transfer Strategy for Reductive Radical Cyclization: Fe(CO)5 and
      Phenanthroline System.
AB  - An electron-transfer strategy using low-valent iron pentacarbonyl [Fe(CO)5] to
      generate radical species from alkyl iodides was achieved. A range of
      pyrrolidines, tetrahydrofurans, and carbocycles were synthesized via 5-exo
      cyclization reactions of alkyl radical intermediates generated by electron
      transfer from a system involving Fe(CO)5, 1,10-phenanthroline, and
      diisopropylamine. Moreover, tandem addition reactions with Michael acceptors were
      also explored. Photophysical and electrochemical studies support a mechanism that
      involves electron transfer from the low-valent Fe reductant to alkyl iodide.

PMID- 27670367
TI  - B cells: Genomic reorganization in germinal centres.

PMID- 27670366
TI  - Parasites and invasions: changes in gastrointestinal helminth assemblages in
      invasive and native rodents in Senegal.
AB  - Understanding why some exotic species become widespread and abundant in their
      colonised range is a fundamental issue that still needs to be addressed. Among
      many hypotheses, newly established host populations may benefit from a parasite
      loss ("enemy release" hypothesis) through impoverishment of their original
      parasite communities or reduced infection levels. Moreover, the fitness of
      competing native hosts may be negatively affected by the acquisition of exotic
      taxa from invaders ("parasite spillover") and/or by an increased transmission
      risk of native parasites due to their amplification by invaders ("parasite
      spillback"). We focused on gastrointestinal helminth communities to determine
      whether these predictions could explain the ongoing invasion success of the
      commensal house mouse (Mus musculus domesticus) and black rat (Rattus rattus), as
      well as the associated decrease in native Mastomys spp., in Senegal. For both
      invasive species, our results were consistent with the predictions of the enemy
      release hypothesis. A decrease in overall gastrointestinal helminth prevalence
      and infracommunity species richness was observed along the invasion gradients as
      well as lower specific prevalence/abundance (Aspiculuris tetraptera in Mus
      musculus domesticus, Hymenolepis diminuta in Rattus rattus) on the invasion
      fronts. Conversely, we did not find strong evidence of GIH spillover or spillback
      in invasion fronts, where native and invasive rodents co-occurred. Further
      experimental research is needed to determine whether and how the loss of
      gastrointestinal helminths and reduced infection levels along invasion routes may
      result in any advantageous effects on invader fitness and competitive advantage.

PMID- 27670368
TI  - Immunometabolism: Feast or famine to combat infection.

PMID- 27670365
TI  - Severe malaria: what's new on the pathogenesis front?
AB  - Plasmodium falciparum causes the most severe and fatal form of malaria in humans
      with over half a million deaths each year. Cerebral malaria, a complex
      neurological syndrome of severe falciparum malaria, is often fatal and represents
      a major public health burden. Despite vigorous efforts, the pathophysiology of
      cerebral malaria remains to be elucidated, thereby hindering the development of
      adjunctive therapies. In recent years, multidisciplinary and collaborative
      approaches have led to groundbreaking progress both in the laboratory and in the
      field. Here we review the latest breakthroughs in severe malaria pathogenesis,
      with a specific focus on new pathogenetic mechanisms leading to cerebral malaria.
      The most recent findings point towards specific parasite phenotypes targeting
      brain microvasculature, endothelial dysfunction and subsequent oedema-induced
      brain swelling.

PMID- 27670369
TI  - Simultaneous quantification of gatifloxacin, moxifloxacin, and besifloxacin
      concentrations in cornea and aqueous humor by LC-QTOF/MS after topical ocular
      dosing.
AB  - The fourth-generation fluoroquinolones are widely used as ophthalmic
      antimicrobials. This study aimed to validate a new analytical technique for
      simultaneous quantification of gatifloxacin, moxifloxacin, and besifloxacin
      concentrations in the cornea and aqueous humor by liquid chromatography (LC)
      coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (QTOF/MS) at 10min and 1h
      after instillation of topical ophthalmic antimicrobial suspensions. It was used
      twenty-two male dogs without ocular lesions verified by ophthalmic and histologic
      examinations. Methanol:water (4:1) was used for the extraction procedure for
      cornea and acetonitrile:water (4:1) was used for aqueous humor. The
      chromatographic separations were carried out on a C18 column with a linear
      gradient of water and methanol, both containing 0.1% formic acid. The total
      chromatographic run time was 4min. Mass spectrometry analyses were performed on a
      XevoTM G2-S QTof tandem mass spectrometer, operated in a positive ion
      electrospray ionization (ESI+) mode. The retention times were approximately
      1.42min for gatifloxacin, 1.87min for moxifloxacin, and 3.01min for besifloxacin.
      No interference peak was detected for the three tested antimicrobials in samples
      obtained from both cornea and aqueous humor, ensuring that the peak response was
      exclusive to the analyte of interest. The limit of detection for the three
      antimicrobials was 0.11MUg/mL and the limit of quantification was 0.42MUg/mL for
      both cornea and aqueous humor samples. At both time points post instillation of
      the three antimicrobials, moxifloxacin had the highest corneal concentration and
      besifloxacin demonstrated the highest concentration in the aqueous humor.

PMID- 27670370
TI  - Rehabilitation of irradiated patients with chemically modified and conventional
      SLA implants: a clinical clarification.

PMID- 27670371
TI  - Synergistic killing by meropenem and colistin combination of carbapenem-resistant
      Acinetobacter baumannii isolates from Chinese patients in an in vitro
      pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model.
AB  - Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) is an important clinical
      threat. Combination therapy that exerts a synergistic effect has become a
      potential solution to combat CRAB. However, choosing an optimal combination
      regimen is challenging. A dynamic in vitro pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic
      (PK/PD) model that can simulate the pharmacokinetic profiles of antibiotics
      provides a powerful tool to compare antibacterial responses to different clinical
      dosage regimens. In this study, the synergistic effect of the combination of
      meropenem and colistin was tested in 12 clinical CRAB isolates from Chinese
      patients using the chequerboard technique. The antibacterial effect was
      investigated in an in vitro PK/PD diffusion model by simulating different dosage
      regimens: meropenem monotherapy (0.5 g with 0.5-h infusion or 1 g with 3-h
      infusion); colistin monotherapy (fixed unbound concentration maintained at 0.25,
      0.5 or 1 mg/L); and combination of meropenem and colistin. The chequerboard
      method showed that the combination of meropenem and colistin had synergistic
      effects against all 12 isolates, with fractional inhibitory concentration indices
      (FICIs) of <=0.5. Moreover, the dynamic in vitro PK/PD model demonstrated that
      for clinical CRAB isolates with a meropenem MIC of 128 mg/L, the combination
      (meropenem 1 g with 3-h infusion combined with colistin maintained at 1 mg/L)
      could achieve 3.8 log10 killing after 24 h, whereas monotherapy was unable to
      provide such an antibacterial effect. Taken together, these results suggest that
      the combination of meropenem and colistin might be a promising therapy against
      CRAB.

PMID- 27670372
TI  - Just how high-risk are ongoing smokers? Exploring clusters of health risk
      behaviours among current and ex-smokers.
AB  - There is limited research about the patterns of multiple health risks among
      smokers, despite the associated increased risk of poor health. This study aimed
      to identify which risk behaviours were evident in a sample of smokers and ex
      smokers who had previously been offered cessation support. A cross-sectional
      telephone interview in 2013 involved participants from New South Wales,
      Australia, from the control condition (self-help materials only) of a randomised
      smoking cessation trial conducted approximately five years earlier. The interview
      assessed smoking, weight, height, fruit and vegetable intake, physical activity,
      alcohol intake and depression. Of the 626 eligible participants, 321 were
      interviewed (consent rate=85.6%, response rate=51.3%); 62% were current smokers.
      Most participants (57%) reported four or five health risk behaviours. Three risk
      clusters were identified using latent class analysis: i) 'high risk' (42% of
      sample): smokers, overweight, inadequate intake of fruit and vegetables and low
      levels of physical activity; ii) 'lower risk non-depressed' (22% of sample):
      adequate physical activity and an absence of depression; and iii) 'lower risk,
      low alcohol' (36% of sample): low alcohol consumption, overweight and depressed.
      Males and current smokers were more likely to be 'high risk', while women and ex
      smokers were more likely to be members of the 'lower risk, low alcohol' cluster.
      Those who continue to smoke have multiple additional health risks; as do ex
      smokers in the 'lower risk, low alcohol' cluster. Achieving good health outcomes
      for these sizeable groups will require tailored, intensive or case-management
      approaches which can address multiple health risk behaviours.

PMID- 27670373
TI  - Real-world risk score for hepatocellular carcinoma risk prediction in CHBV: a
      validation outside of Asia.

PMID- 27670374
TI  - Inhibition of RAF1 kinase activity restores apicobasal polarity and impairs
      tumour growth in human colorectal cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the leading causes of
      cancer-related death. Novel therapeutics are urgently needed, especially for
      tumours with activating mutations in KRAS (~40%). Here we investigated the role
      of RAF1 in CRC, as a potential, novel target. METHODS: Colonosphere cultures were
      established from human tumour specimens obtained from patients who underwent
      colon or liver resection for primary or metastatic adenocarcinoma. The role of
      RAF1 was tested by generating knockdowns (KDs) using three independent shRNA
      constructs or by using RAF1-kinase inhibitor GW5074. Clone-initiating and tumour
      initiating capacities were assessed by single-cell cloning and injecting CRC
      cells into immune-deficient mice. Expression of tight junction (TJ) proteins,
      localisation of polarity proteins and activation of MEK-ERK pathway was analysed
      by western blot, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. RESULTS: KD or
      pharmacological inhibition of RAF1 significantly decreased clone-forming and
      tumour-forming capacity of all CRC cultures tested, including KRAS-mutants. This
      was not due to cytotoxicity but, at least in part, to differentiation of tumour
      cells into goblet-like cells. Inhibition of RAF1-kinase activity restored
      apicobasal polarity and the formation of TJs in vitro and in vivo, without
      reducing MEK-ERK phosphorylation. MEK-inhibition failed to restore polarity and
      TJs. Moreover, RAF1-impaired tumours were characterised by normalised tissue
      architecture. CONCLUSIONS: RAF1 plays a critical role in maintaining the
      transformed phenotype of CRC cells, including those with mutated KRAS. The
      effects of RAF1 are kinase-dependent, but MEK-independent. Despite the lack of
      activating mutations in RAF1, its kinase domain is an attractive therapeutic
      target for CRC.

PMID- 27670375
TI  - First-line Helicobacter pylori eradication therapies in countries with high and
      low clarithromycin resistance: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the optimal regimen of different first-line Helicobacter
      pylori eradication therapies according to the clarithromycin resistance rate.
      DESIGN: Electronic search for articles published between January 2005 and April
      2016. Randomised, controlled trials that reported the effectiveness of first-line
      eradication therapies in treatment-naive adults were included. Two independent
      reviewers performed articles screening and data extraction. Network and
      traditional meta-analyses were conducted using the random effect model. Subgroup
      analyses were performed to determine the ranking of regimens in countries with
      high (>15%) and low (<15%) clarithromycin resistance. Data including adverse
      events and therapeutic cure rate were also extracted and analysed. RESULTS: 117
      trials (totally 32 852 patients) for 17 H. pylori eradication regimens were
      eligible for inclusion. Compared with 7-day clarithromycin-based triple therapy,
      sequential therapy (ST) for 14 days had the highest effectiveness (OR=3.74, 95%
      CrI 2.37 to 5.96). ST-14 (OR=6.53, 95% CrI 3.23 to 13.63) and hybrid therapy (HY)
      for 10 days or more (OR=2.85, 95% CrI 1.58 to 5.37) represented the most
      effective regimen in areas with high and low clarithromycin resistance,
      respectively. The effectiveness of standard triple therapy was below therapeutic
      eradication rate in most of the countries. Longer duration was associated with
      higher eradication rate, but with a higher risk of events that lead to
      discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS: ST and HY appeared to be the most effective
      therapies in countries with high and low clarithromycin resistance, respectively.
      The clinical decision for optimal regimen can be supported by referring to the
      rank ordering of relative efficacies stratified by local eradication rates,
      antibiotic resistance and safety profile. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER:
      CRD42015025445.

PMID- 27670376
TI  - Characterisation of the faecal microbiota in Japanese patients with paediatric
      onset primary sclerosing cholangitis.

PMID- 27670377
TI  - Ecogeographic variation across morphofunctional units of the human nose.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Although the internal nose is overwhelmingly responsible for heat and
      moisture exchange during respiration, external nasal morphology is more commonly
      cited as evincing climatic adaptation in humans. Here, we assess variation across
      all four morphofunctional units of the complete nasorespiratory tract (external
      pyramid, nasal aperture, internal nasal fossa, and nasopharynx) to determine
      which units provide the strongest evidence of climatic adaptation. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: We employ 20 linear measurements collected on 837 modern human crania
      from major geographic (Arctic Circle, Asia, Australia, Europe, Africa) and
      climatic (polar, temperate, hot-arid, tropical) zones. In conjunction with
      associated climatic and geographic data, these morphological data are employed in
      multivariate analyses to evaluate the associations between each of these
      functional nasal units and climate. RESULTS: The external pyramid and nasopharynx
      exhibit virtually no evidence of climate-mediated morphology across the regional
      samples, while apparent associations between climate and nasal aperture
      morphology appear influenced by the geographic (and likely genetic) proximities
      of certain populations. Only the internal nasal fossa exhibits an ecogeographic
      distribution consistent with climatic adaptation, with crania from colder and/or
      drier environments displaying internal nasal fossae that are longer, taller, and
      narrower (especially superiorly) compared to those from hotter and more humid
      environments. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates that the internal nasal fossa
      exhibits a stronger association with climate compared to other aspects of the
      human nose. Further, our study supports suggestions that regional variation in
      internal nasal fossa morphology reflects demands for heat and moisture exchange
      via adjustment of internal nasal airway dimensions. Our study thus provides
      empirical support for theoretical assertions related to nasorespiratory function,
      with important implications for understanding human nasal evolution.

PMID- 27670378
TI  - Highly sensitive visible to infrared MoTe2 photodetectors enhanced by the
      photogating effect.
AB  - Two-dimensional materials are promising candidates for electronic and
      optoelectronic applications. MoTe2 has an appropriate bandgap for both visible
      and infrared light photodetection. Here we fabricate a high-performance
      photodetector based on few-layer MoTe2. Raman spectral properties have been
      studied for different thicknesses of MoTe2. The photodetector based on few-layer
      MoTe2 exhibits broad spectral range photodetection (0.6-1.55 MUm) and a stable
      and fast photoresponse. The detectivity is calculated to be 3.1 * 10(9) cm
      Hz(1/2) W(-1) for 637 nm light and 1.3 * 10(9) cm Hz(1/2) W(-1) for 1060 nm light
      at a backgate voltage of 10 V. The mechanisms of photocurrent generation have
      been analyzed in detail, and it is considered that a photogating effect plays an
      important role in photodetection. The appreciable performance and detection over
      a broad spectral range make it a promising material for high-performance
      photodetectors. 

PMID- 27670379
TI  - Opening our eyes to a critical approach to medicine: The humanities in medical
      education.
AB  - This paper examines a recent medical graduate's perspective on how undergraduate
      education tends to focus on imparting medical knowledge with little reference to
      the human aspects in clinical medicine. This is problematic because medicine is
      both about people and practiced by people. Students often have minimal exposure
      to the humanities prior to and in medical school and are frequently unaware of
      the societal trends that impact their view of medical practice. Familiarity with
      the humanities is a crucial means to understanding human nature, recognizing
      personal sociocultural biases, and practicing patient-centered medicine. This gap
      in knowledge may be due to the increase in medical information and optimistic
      ideologies related to medical progress. Philosophical paradigms and historical
      examples are considered to demonstrate the relevance of both fields in the
      humanities in understanding the role of moral human agents in applying medical
      knowledge. Educational changes in the humanities are proposed as a potential
      solution to our current deficits. Informal changes include mentorship
      relationships and shifting the general underpinning attitude in medical culture.
      Formal changes include specific courses teaching a critical approach to medicine.
      Changes in competency-based education and admissions are also suggested. These
      amendments are proposed to practice a fuller, truly human medicine.

PMID- 27670380
TI  - Secondary Sclerosing Cholangitis From Spontaneous Choledochoduodenal Fistula.

PMID- 27670381
TI  - Biomarkers of Reflux Disease.

PMID- 27670382
TI  - Level of Fecal Calprotectin and the Severity of Small Bowel Crohn's Disease.

PMID- 27670383
TI  - HCV Resistance Profile Evolution in a GT1b, DAA-Naive Patient Before, On, and
      After Failing Triple DAA Therapy.

PMID- 27670384
TI  - More Questions Than Answers: Comparison of the Risk of Cardiopulmonary Adverse
      Events Between Propofol and Traditional Anesthesia for Gastrointestinal
      Endoscopy.

PMID- 27670386
TI  - Effect of reciprocating agitation thermal processing (RA-TP) on quality of canned
      tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) puree.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reciprocating agitation thermal processing (RA-TP) is a recent
      innovation in the field of canning for obtaining high-quality canned food. The
      objective of this study was to compare RA-TP processing with conventional non
      agitated (still) processing with respect to the impact on quality (color,
      antioxidant capacity, total phenols, carotenoid and lycopene contents) of canned
      tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) puree. RESULTS: Owing to a 63-81% reduction in
      process times as compared with still processing, tomato puree with a brighter red
      color (closer to fresh) was obtained during RA-TP. At 3 Hz reciprocation
      frequency, the loss of antioxidant, lycopene and carotenoid contents could be
      reduced to 34, 8 and 8% respectively as compared with 96, 41 and 52% respectively
      during still processing. In fact, the phenolic content for RA-TP at 3 Hz was 5%
      higher than in fresh puree. Quality retention generally increased with an
      increase in frequency, although the differences were less significant at higher
      reciprocation frequencies (between 2 and 3 Hz). CONCLUSION: Research findings
      indicate that RA-TP can be effective to obtain thermally processed foods with
      high-quality attribute retention. It can also be concluded that a very high
      reciprocation frequency (>3 Hz) is not necessarily needed and significant quality
      improvement can be obtained at lower frequencies (~2 Hz). (c) 2016 Society of
      Chemical Industry.

PMID- 27670387
TI  - A roller-like bird (Coracii) from the Early Eocene of Denmark.
AB  - The fossil record of crown group birds (Neornithes) prior to the Cretaceous
      Paleogene boundary is scarce and fragmentary. Early Cenozoic bird fossils are
      more abundant, but are typically disarticulated and/or flattened. Here we report
      the oldest roller (Coracii), Septencoracias morsensis gen. et sp. nov.
      (Primobucconidae), based on a new specimen from the Early Eocene (about 54
      million years ago) Fur Formation of Denmark. The new fossil is a nearly complete,
      three-dimensionally preserved and articulated skeleton. It lies at the lower end
      of the size range for extant rollers. Salient diagnostic features of
      Septencoracias relative to other Coracii include the proportionally larger skull
      and the small, ovoid and dorsally positioned narial openings. Our discovery adds
      to the evidence that the Coracii had a widespread northern hemisphere
      distribution in the Eocene. Septencoracias is the oldest substantial record of
      the Picocoraciae and provides a reliable calibration point for molecular
      phylogenetic studies.

PMID- 27670385
TI  - Detection of cerebral NAD+ in humans at 7T.
AB  - PURPOSE: To develop 1 H-based MR detection of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide
      (NAD+ ) in the human brain at 7T and validate the 1 H results with NAD+ detection
      based on 31 P-MRS. METHODS: 1 H-MR detection of NAD+ was achieved with a one
      dimensional double-spin-echo method on a slice parallel to the surface coil
      transceiver. Perturbation of the water resonance was avoided through the use of
      frequency-selective excitation. 31 P-MR detection of NAD+ was performed with an
      unlocalized pulse-acquire sequence. RESULTS: Both 1 H- and 31 P-MRS allowed the
      detection of NAD+ signals on every subject in 16 min. Spectral fitting provided
      an NAD+ concentration of 107 +/- 28 MUM for 1 H-MRS and 367 +/- 78 MUM and 312 +/
      65 MUM for 31 P-MRS when uridine diphosphate glucose (UDPG) was excluded and
      included, respectively, as an overlapping signal. CONCLUSIONS: NAD+ detection by
      1 H-MRS is a simple method that comes at the price of reduced NMR visibility.
      NAD+ detection by 31 P-MRS has near-complete NMR visibility, but it is
      complicated by spectral overlap with NADH and UDPG. Overall, the 1 H- and 31 P-MR
      methods both provide exciting opportunities to study NAD+ metabolism on human
      brain in vivo. (c) 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
      Magn Reson Med 78:828-835, 2017. (c) 2016 International Society for Magnetic
      Resonance in Medicine.

PMID- 27670388
TI  - The comparative efficacy of kinesio taping and local injection therapy in
      patients with subacromial impingement syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the therapeutic effects of
      kinesio taping (KT) and local subacromial injection in patients with subacromial
      impingement, syndrome (SIS) with regard to pain, range of motion (ROM) and
      disability. METHODS: Sixty-one patients (48 females and 13 males; mean age: 43.04
      +/- 6.31, years) with SIS were enrolled into the study. The patients were
      randomized into two treatment groups receiving either a single corticosteroid and
      local anesthetic (LA) injection, or kinesio taping performed three times by
      intervals of 3 day. Visual analog scale (VAS) was used to assess pain intensity,
      range of motion (ROM) degrees of, shoulder were recorded and Shoulder Pain and
      Disability Index (SPADI) was, performed to evaluate functional disability, before
      treatment, at the first and fourth, weeks after therapies. A exercise program was
      prescribed for both groups including pendulum, active range of motion (ROM) and
      strengthening exercises. RESULTS: Pain, functional outcome measures were
      determined to have improved significantly in both groups at the end of therapies
      at first and fourth weeks (p < 0.05), but these improvements were more
      significant in the injection group than in kinesio taping group (p < 0.05). The
      improvements in pain at rest, shoulder abduction degrees, and SPADI scores at
      first and fourth weeks were statistically higher in injection group than in
      kinesio taping group. CONCLUSION: Although the improvement in pain intensity at
      rest, ROM and disability were better with local injection, KT may be an
      alternative noninvasive method to local subacromial injection for patients
      suffering from subacromial impingement syndrome. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I,
      Therapeutic study.

PMID- 27670389
TI  - G Protein-Coupled Receptors in Myelinating Glia.
AB  - The G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily represents the largest class of
      functionally selective drug targets for disease modulation and therapy. GPCRs
      have been studied in great detail in central nervous system (CNS) neurons, but
      these important molecules have been relatively understudied in glia. In recent
      years, however, exciting new roles for GPCRs in glial cell biology have emerged.
      We focus here on the key roles of GPCRs in a specialized subset of glia,
      myelinating glia. We highlight recent work firmly establishing GPCRs as
      regulators of myelinating glial cell development and myelin repair. These
      advances expand our understanding of myelinating glial cell biology and
      underscore the utility of targeting GPCRs to promote myelin repair in human
      disease.

PMID- 27670391
TI  - Relationship between chronic kidney disease with diabetes or hypertension and
      frailty in community-dwelling Japanese older adults.
AB  - AIM: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between kidney
      function with concomitant diabetes or hypertension and frailty in community
      dwelling Japanese older adults. METHODS: The participants were 9606 residents
      (community-dwelling Japanese older adults) who completed baseline assessments.
      The estimated glomerular filtration rate (mL/min/1.73 m2 ) was determined
      according to the serum creatinine level, and participants were classified into
      four mutually exclusive categories: >=60.0 (normal range), 45.0-59.9, 30.0-44.9
      and <30.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 . Frailty status was defined using five criteria as
      described by Fried: slow gait speed, muscle weakness, low physical activity,
      exhaustion and unintentional weight loss. Participants who met three, four or
      five criteria satisfied the definition of having frailty. Multivariate logistic
      regression was used to examine the relationships between estimated glomerular
      filtration rate and frailty. RESULTS: After multivariate adjustment, participants
      with lower kidney function (estimated glomerular filtration rate <30.0
      mL/min/1.73 m2 ) were more frail (odds ratio [OR] 1.90, 95% confidence interval
      [CI] 1.01-3.59). In addition, individuals with a history of diabetes (OR 2.76,
      95% CI 1.21-8.24) or hypertension (OR 2.53, 95% CI 1.45-5.12) showed a
      significantly increased risk of frailty in the lower kidney function group,
      regardless of multivariate controls. Furthermore, the analyses showed an even
      greater increase in the risk of frailty in patients with a history of both
      diabetes and hypertension (OR 3.67, 95% CI 1.13-14.1) CONCLUSIONS: A lower level
      of kidney function was associated with a higher risk of frailty in community
      dwelling Japanese older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1527-1533.

PMID- 27670392
TI  - Fatigue in early Parkinson's disease: the Norwegian ParkWest study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Fatigue is a common and disabling non-motor symptom in
      Parkinson's disease (PD). The pathogenesis is unknown, and the treatment options
      are limited. The aim of the present study was to investigate the development of
      fatigue during the first year after diagnosis. METHODS: The study design was a
      prospective, controlled population-based longitudinal cohort study, comprising
      181 de novo, drug-naive patients with PD and 162 control participants. PD was
      diagnosed according to the Gelb criteria. Fatigue was assessed by the Fatigue
      Severity Scale (FSS). Both groups were assessed for fatigue at baseline and after
      1 year. RESULTS: Patients reported more fatigue than the control subjects at
      baseline and at the 1-year follow-up evaluation. The FSS scores in the patient
      group improved from a mean score of 4.4 (SD 1.6) to 4.0 (SD 1.6). Patients with
      fatigue at baseline received higher doses of dopaminergic medication during
      follow-up. Patients who received dopamine agonists improved slightly more than
      patients who received levodopa. A regression analysis did not show a correlation
      between an improvement in fatigue and a change in disease severity, depressive
      symptoms, sleep problems, apathy or cognitive impairment. CONCLUSION: Fatigue is
      a common symptom in PD, also in early, untreated patients. During the first year
      of observation, an improvement in the fatigue scores was found. The improvement
      could not be attributed to a change in disease severity or depressive symptoms.
      The results indicate a better effect of dopamine agonists than of levodopa. This
      may have implications for treatment in patients with PD-associated fatigue.

PMID- 27670393
TI  - Response to tolvaptan and its effect on prognosis in cirrhotic patients with
      ascites.
AB  - AIM: The vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist tolvaptan has been used for the
      treatment of cirrhotic patients with ascites; however, no predictor of efficacy
      and prognosis has been developed. We evaluated candidate predictors of response
      to tolvaptan treatment. METHODS: This was a single-center retrospective study.
      Overall, 97 Japanese cirrhotic patients (60 men, median age 63 years), who were
      hospitalized for ascites treatment including oral tolvaptan coupled with
      conventional diuretics, were enrolled. The efficacy of tolvaptan was defined as a
      urination increase of >=500 mL or a urine volume >=2000 mL/day on the day
      following treatment. The prognosis of tolvaptan treatment was evaluated by the
      post-treatment survival time by Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: Tolvaptan therapy
      was effective in 67% of cirrhotic patients. Patients showed -1.5 (-17.2 to +6.2)
      kg change in body weight and 40% achieved >=2.0 kg reduction in body weight after
      1 week of treatment. Platelet counts, urine sodium (Na) level, and urine
      Na/potassium (Na/K) ratio were higher, and the blood urea nitrogen
      (BUN)/creatinine (Cr) ratio was lower, in cases showing a response to tolvaptan.
      The combination of a BUN/Cr ratio >=17.5 and urine Na/K ratio <3.09 was
      predictive of being non-responsive to tolvaptan, and the response rate in these
      patients was only 39% (P < 0.01). The mean post-treatment survival duration was
      significantly longer in patients who responded to tolvaptan therapy. CONCLUSIONS:
      Urinary BUN and Na excretion were predictive of a response to tolvaptan, and
      tolvaptan treatment may improve the prognosis of cirrhotic patients.

PMID- 27670390
TI  - Allostatic Mechanisms of Opioid Tolerance Beyond Desensitization and
      Downregulation.
AB  - Mechanisms of opioid tolerance have focused on adaptive modifications within
      cells containing opioid receptors, defined here as cellular allostasis,
      emphasizing regulation of the opioid receptor signalosome. We review additional
      regulatory and opponent processes involved in behavioral tolerance, and include
      mechanistic differences both between agonists (agonist bias), and between MU- and
      delta-opioid receptors. In a process we will refer to as pass-forward allostasis,
      cells modified directly by opioid drugs impute allostatic changes to downstream
      circuitry. Because of the broad distribution of opioid systems, every brain cell
      may be touched by pass-forward allostasis in the opioid-dependent/tolerant state.
      We will implicate neurons and microglia as interactive contributors to the
      cumulative allostatic processes creating analgesic and hedonic tolerance to
      opioid drugs.

PMID- 27670394
TI  - Carbon monoxide shifts energetic metabolism from glycolysis to oxidative
      phosphorylation in endothelial cells.
AB  - Carbon monoxide (CO) modulates mitochondrial respiration, but the mechanisms
      involved are not completely understood. The aim of the present study was to
      investigate the acute effects of CO on bioenergetics and metabolism in intact
      EA.hy926 endothelial cells using live cell imaging techniques. Our findings
      indicate that CORM-401, a compound that liberates CO, reduces ATP production from
      glycolysis, and induces a mild mitochondrial depolarization. In addition, CO from
      CORM-401 increases mitochondrial calcium and activates complexes I and II. The
      subsequent increase in mitochondrial respiration leads to ATP production through
      oxidative phosphorylation. Thus, our results show that nonactivated endothelial
      cells rely primarily on glycolysis, but in the presence of CO, mitochondrial Ca2+
      increases and activates respiration that shifts the metabolism of endothelial
      cells from glycolysis- to oxidative phosphorylation-dependent ATP production.

PMID- 27670395
TI  - Impact of serum and dialysates obtained from chronic hemodialysis patients
      maintained on high cut-off membranes on inflammation profile in human THP-1
      monocytes.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Patients with chronic kidney disease maintained on intermittent
      hemodialysis suffer from systemic chronic inflammation which is causally
      associated with high mortality. Inflammation mediators of 15-45 kDa range cannot
      be effectively removed by conventional dialysis membranes. In this study, we
      tested the influence of serum and dialysates obtained from patients maintained on
      High cut-off or High flux membranes on the inflammation profile of THP-1
      monocytes. METHODS: THP-1 monocytes were treated with serum or dialysates
      obtained from patients maintained on High cut-off and High flux membranes within
      a randomized crossover pilot trial. Serum-treated cells were subjected to qPCR
      analyses with TaqMan probes specific for IL6, TNFa, osteopontin and osteocalcin,
      and transcriptional screening with Inflammatory Array. Apoptosis assay was
      performed flow cytometrically with 7-AAD and Annexin V staining. FINDINGS:
      Treatment of the cells with High cut-off serum led to significant reduction of
      TNFa and IL-6 expression as well as inflammation-related osteopontin and
      osteocalcin as compared to High flux membrane treatment. As a complementary
      finding, treatment with High cut-off dialysates induced a pro-apoptotic phenotype
      in the cells as demonstrated by a significantly increased percentage of 7-AAD and
      Annexin V positivity. Global screening of serum-treated cells revealed noticeably
      decreased inflammation profile under High cut-off serum as compared to High flux
      treatment. DISCUSSION: Taken together, these data demonstrate that High cut-off 
      membranes eliminate a spectrum of mediators from serum into the dialysate that
      possess proinflammatory properties and may impair cellular viability.

PMID- 27670396
TI  - Primary Infarction of Breast Fibroadenoma in the Absence of Pregnancy or
      Lactation.

PMID- 27670397
TI  - Genome-wide association study suggests common variants within RP11-634B7.4 gene
      influencing severe pre-treatment pain in head and neck cancer patients.
AB  - Pain is often one of the first signs of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and
      neck (HNSCC). Pain at diagnosis is an important prognostic marker for the
      development of chronic pain, and importantly, for the overall survival time. To
      identify variants influencing severe pre-treatment pain in 1,368 patients newly
      diagnosed with HNSCC, we conducted a genome-wide association study based on
      730,525 tagging SNPs. The patients were all previously untreated for cancer.
      About 15% of the patients had severe pre-treatment pain, defined as pain score
      >=7 (0 = "no pain" and 10 = "worst pain"). We identified 3 common genetic
      variants in high linkage disequilibrium for severe pre-treatment pain,
      representing one genomic region at 1q44 (rs3862188, P = 3.45 * 10-8; rs880143, P
      = 3.45 * 10-8; and rs7526880, P = 4.92 * 10-8), which maps to the RP11-634B7.4
      gene, a novel antisense gene to three olfactory receptor genes. Olfactory
      receptor genes, upstream effectors of the MAPK signaling cascade, might be novel
      target genes for pain in HNSCC patients. Future experimental validation to
      explore biological mechanisms will be key to defining the role of the intronic
      variants and non-coding RNA for pain in patients with HNSCC.

PMID- 27670398
TI  - Advancing the revolution in the behavioral treatment of obesity.

PMID- 27670399
TI  - One-year postpartum outcomes following a weight management intervention in
      pregnant women with obesity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This analysis was focused on 1-year maternal and infant follow-up of a
      randomized trial that tested a weight management intervention conducted during
      pregnancy. METHODS: One hundred fourteen women with obesity (mean BMI 36.7
      kg/m(2) ) were randomly assigned at a mean of 15 weeks gestation to a weight
      management intervention or usual care control condition. The intervention ended
      at delivery and resulted in less gestational weight gain and a lower proportion
      of large-for-gestational-age newborns among intervention compared with control
      participants. The primary outcome at 12 months postpartum was maternal weight.
      Secondary outcomes included infant weight-for-age and weight-for-length z-scores.
      RESULTS: At 1 year, mothers in the intervention group weighed 96.3 +/- 18.6 kg
      and those in the control group 99.7 +/- 19.2 kg. There was no significant
      difference between groups in change in weight from randomization to 1 year
      postpartum (b = -0.47, 95% CI: -4.03 to 3.08). There was a significant main
      effect of group for infant weight-for-age z-scores (b = -0.40, 95% CI: -0.75 to 
      0.05) but not infant weight-for-length z-scores (b = -0.20, 95% CI: -0.59 to
      0.20). CONCLUSIONS: A gestational weight management intervention did not
      influence maternal weight or infant weight-for-length at 1 year postpartum.
      Future studies may be warranted to determine whether extending prenatal
      interventions into the postpartum period would be beneficial for maternal and
      infant outcomes.

PMID- 27670400
TI  - Acceptance-based versus standard behavioral treatment for obesity: Results from
      the mind your health randomized controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy, as well as potential moderators and
      mediators, of a revised acceptance-based behavioral treatment (ABT) for obesity,
      relative to standard behavioral treatment (SBT). METHODS: Participants with
      overweight and obesity (n = 190) were randomized to 25 sessions of ABT or SBT
      over 1 year. Primary outcome (weight), mediator, and moderator measurements were
      taken at baseline, 6 months, and/or 12 months, and weight was also measured every
      session. RESULTS: Participants assigned to ABT attained a significantly greater
      12-month weight loss (13.3% +/- 0.83%) than did those assigned to SBT (9.8% +/-
      0.87%; P = 0.005). A condition by quadratic time effect on session-by-session
      weights (P = 0.01) indicated that SBT had a shallower trajectory of weight loss
      followed by an upward deflection. ABT participants were also more likely to
      maintain a 10% weight loss at 12 months (64.0% vs. 48.9%; P = 0.04). No evidence
      of moderation was found. Results supported the mediating role of autonomous
      motivation and psychological acceptance of food-related urges. CONCLUSIONS:
      Behavioral weight loss outcomes can be improved by integrating self-regulation
      skills that are reflected in acceptance-based treatment, i.e., tolerating
      discomfort and reduction in pleasure, enacting commitment to valued behavior, and
      being mindfully aware during moments of decision-making.

PMID- 27670401
TI  - Do activity monitors increase physical activity in adults with overweight or
      obesity? A systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To systematically assess contemporary knowledge regarding behavioral
      physical activity interventions including an activity monitor (BPAI+) in adults
      with overweight or obesity. METHODS: PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO,
      CENTRAL, and PEDro were searched for eligible full-text articles up to 1 July
      2015. Studies eligible for inclusion were (randomized) controlled trials
      describing physical activity outcomes in adults with overweight or obesity.
      Methodological quality was independently assessed employing the Cochrane
      Collaboration's tool for risk of bias. RESULTS: Fourteen studies (1,157
      participants) were included for systematic review and 11 for meta-analysis. A
      positive trend in BPAI+ effects on several measures of physical activity was
      ascertained compared with both wait list or usual care and behavioral physical
      activity interventions without an activity monitor (BPAI-). No convincing
      evidence of BPAI+ effectiveness on weight loss was found compared with BPAI-.
      CONCLUSIONS: Behavioral physical activity interventions with an activity monitor
      increase physical activity in adults with overweight or obesity. Also, adding an
      activity monitor to behavioral physical activity interventions appears to
      increase the effect on physical activity, although current evidence has not yet
      provided conclusive evidence for its effectiveness.

PMID- 27670402
TI  - Changes in adiposity in an older Chinese population in rapid economic transition.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the changes in body mass index (BMI) and waist
      circumference (WC) in Guangzhou, South China, which is probably experiencing the
      most rapid economic transition in history. METHODS: In this study, 17,786 Chinese
      aged 50+ years were recruited from 2003 to 2008 and followed up until 2012. BMI
      and WC were measured at two time points. RESULTS: During the mean follow-up of
      3.6 years (median = 3, interquartile = 1), age-adjusted mean BMI increased only
      slightly. By contrast, mean WC increased sharply by 0.94 cm (95% confidence
      interval 0.93-0.94) annually in men and 1.29 cm (1.28-1.29) annually in women. In
      77% of women and 69% of men, WC increased, and among them, the mean annual
      increase was 2.01 cm and 1.70 cm, respectively. Among healthy, never-smoking
      participants, the incidence of central obesity was 29.0% (36.4% in women and
      14.2% in men). The incidence of general obesity was 1.9% and was similarly low in
      both men and women (2.1% vs. 1.8%). Conversely, 20.3% of individuals with general
      obesity became nonobese, and 12.8% of individuals with central obesity returned
      to normal. CONCLUSIONS: Central obesity has risen sharply in this cohort. Such
      increases may have been greatly underestimated previously and should form the
      basis of an even stronger warning for regions undergoing economic transitions in
      China and elsewhere.

PMID- 27670403
TI  - Erratum: Metabolic adaptation following massive weight loss is related to the
      degree of energy imbalance and changes in circulating leptin.

PMID- 27670405
TI  - Unexpected effects of the MIP-CreER transgene and tamoxifen on beta-cell growth
      in C57Bl6/J male mice.
AB  - Transgenic mouse models have been fundamental in the discovery of factors that
      regulate beta-cell development, mass, and function. Several groups have recently
      shown that some of these models display previously uncharacterized phenotypes due
      to the transgenic system itself. These include impaired islet function and
      increased beta-cell mass due to the presence of a human growth hormone (hGH)
      minigene as well as impaired beta-cell proliferation in response to tamoxifen
      (TM) administration. We aimed to determine how these systems impact beta-cell
      mass and proliferation during high fat diet (HFD). To this end, we utilized
      C57Bl6/J male MIP-CreER mice, which are known to express hGH, or wild-type (WT)
      mice treated with vehicle corn oil or TM In the absence of TM, MIP-CreER mice fed
      a chow diet have increased beta-cell mass due to hypertrophy, whereas replication
      is unchanged. Similarly, after 1 week on HFD, MIP-CreER mice have increased beta
      cell mass compared to WT, and this is due to hypertrophy rather than increased
      proliferation. To assess the impact of TM on beta-cell proliferation and mass, WT
      mice were treated with vehicle corn oil or TM and then fed a chow diet or HFD for
      3 days. We observed that TM-treated mice have improved glucose homeostasis on
      chow diet but impaired beta-cell proliferation in response to 3 days HFD feeding.
      These results unveil additional complications associated with commonly used
      pancreas-specific mouse models.

PMID- 27670404
TI  - Metabolic programming of a beige adipocyte phenotype by genistein.
AB  - SCOPE: Promoting the development of brown or beige adipose tissue may protect
      against obesity and related metabolic features, and potentially underlies
      protective effects of genistein in mice. METHODS AND RESULTS: We observed that
      application of genistein to 3T3-L1 adipocytes changed the lipid distribution from
      large droplets to a multilocular distribution, reduced mRNAs indicative of white
      adipocytes (ACC, Fasn, Fabp4, HSL, chemerin, and resistin) and increased mRNAs
      that are a characteristic feature of brown/beige adipocytes (CD-137 and UCP1).
      Transcripts with a role in adipocyte differentiation (Cebpbeta, Pgc1alpha, Sirt1)
      peaked at different times after application of genistein. These responses were
      not affected by the estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist fulvestrant, revealing that
      this action of genistein is not through the classical ER pathway. The Sirt1
      inhibitor Ex-527 curtailed the genistein-mediated increase in UCP1 and Cebpbeta
      mRNA, revealing a role for Sirt1 in mediating the effect. Baseline oxygen
      consumption and the proportional contribution of proton leak to maximal
      respiratory capacity was greater for cells exposed to genistein, demonstrating
      greater mitochondrial uncoupling. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that genistein acts
      directly on adipocytes or on adipocyte progenitor cells to programme the cells
      metabolically to adopt features of beige adipocytes. Thus, this natural dietary
      agent may protect against obesity and related metabolic disease.

PMID- 27670406
TI  - The role of atrial natriuretic peptide to attenuate inflammation in a mouse skin
      wound and individually perfused rat mesenteric microvessels.
AB  - We tested the hypothesis that the anti-inflammatory actions of atrial natriuretic
      peptide (ANP) result from the modulation of leukocyte adhesion to inflamed
      endothelium and not solely ANP ligation of endothelial receptors to stabilize
      endothelial barrier function. We measured vascular permeability to albumin and
      accumulation of fluorescent neutrophils in a full-thickness skin wound on the
      flank of LysM-EGFP mice 24 h after formation. Vascular permeability in
      individually perfused rat mesenteric microvessels was also measured after
      leukocytes were washed out of the vessel lumen. Thrombin increased albumin
      permeability and increased the accumulation of neutrophils. The thrombin-induced
      inflammatory responses were attenuated by pretreating the wound with ANP (30
      min). During pretreatment ANP did not lower permeability, but transiently
      increased baseline albumin permeability concomitant with the reduction in
      neutrophil accumulation. ANP did not attenuate acute increases in permeability to
      histamine and bradykinin in individually perfused rat microvessels. The
      hypothesis that anti-inflammatory actions of ANP depend solely on endothelial
      responses that stabilize the endothelial barrier is not supported by our results
      in either individually perfused microvessels in the absence of circulating
      leukocytes or the more chronic skin wound model. Our results conform to the
      alternate hypothesis that ANP modulates the interaction of leukocytes with the
      inflamed microvascular wall of the 24 h wound. Taken together with our previous
      observations that ANP reduces deformability of neutrophils and their strength of
      attachment, rolling, and transvascular migration, these observations provide the
      basis for additional investigations of ANP as an anti-inflammatory agent to
      modulate leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions.

PMID- 27670407
TI  - Serum lipase activity and concentration during intravenous infusions of GLP-1 and
      PYY3-36 and after ad libitum meal ingestion in overweight men.
AB  - To examine the effect on serum lipase activity and protein concentration of
      intravenous infusions of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and peptide YY (PYY3-36)
      and of an ad libitum meal in healthy overweight men. Twenty-five healthy, male
      subjects participated in this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled 4
      arm crossover study (Body Mass Index (BMI): 29 +/- 3 kg/m2, age: 33 +/- 9 years).
      On separate days, the subjects received a 150-min intravenous infusion of either
      (1) 0.8 pmol/kg/min PYY3-36, (2) 1.0 pmol/kg/min GLP-1, (3) 1 + 2, or (4)
      placebo. Samples were collected throughout the infusion and after intake of an ad
      libitum meal for measurement of serum lipase. Serum lipase levels measured by
      enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) following mono-infusions of GLP-1 and
      PYY3-36 were comparable to serum lipase levels following placebo (P = 0.054 and P
      = 0.873, respectively). Following the co-infusion of GLP-1 and PYY3-36, serum
      lipase levels measured by ELISA decreased over time compared to placebo (P =
      0.012). However, the between-group difference was not consistent when each time
      point was analyzed separately. On the placebo day, serum lipase levels measured
      by ELISA after an ad libitum meal rose slightly compared to the preprandial
      values (P = 0.003). There was strong correlation between serum lipase levels
      measured by ELISA and LIPC Lipase colorimetric assay (COBAS) (0.94 < r; <0.0001).
      Infusions of GLP-1 and PYY3-36, separately or in combination, did not increase
      serum lipase. However, a small increase in serum lipase may occur in response to
      a meal.

PMID- 27670408
TI  - Associations between measures of vascular structure and function and systemic
      circulating blood markers in humans.
AB  - Examination of relationships between systemic markers and functional measures of
      arterial structure and function may assist in determining alternative indices of
      vascular regulation and designing and evaluating interventions to improve
      arterial structure and function. Twenty young healthy individuals, 20 older
      healthy men, and 26 individuals with coronary artery disease (CAD), comprising a
      spectrum of vascular health, participated. Systemic markers of vascular structure
      and function included: pro-collagen type I C-peptide (PIP) - marker of collagen
      synthesis, C-telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) - marker of collagen
      degradation, endothelin-1 (ET-1) - vasoconstrictor, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) -
      inflammatory marker. Functional measures of arterial structure and function
      included carotid artery distensibility and brachial artery flow-mediated dilation
      (FMD). Moderate positive relationships were observed between carotid
      distensibility and CTX and PIP (r = 0.57, P < 0.0001 and r = 0.47, P < 0.0001). A
      negative correlation exists between ET-1 and FMD (r = -0.44, P = 0.0004);
      however, no relationship was observed between IL-6 and FMD (P = 0.25). Over a
      broad range of vascular health, relationships were observed between markers of
      type I collagen turnover and arterial stiffness and between a marker of
      vasoconstriction and endothelial function. These results indicate that regulatory
      links, between the indices examined, exist. Therefore, monitoring systemic
      markers rather than functional vascular measures, may provide sufficient
      information about vascular health and should be considered in the design and
      evaluation of vascular interventions.

PMID- 27670410
TI  - Hyperosmolality regulates UT-A6 urea transporter expression in the Caco-2 cell
      line.
AB  - Gastrointestinal facilitative urea transporters play a significant role in the
      urea nitrogen salvaging process, which supports the symbiotic relationship
      between mammals and their gut microbial populations. UT-A6 urea transporters have
      been previously reported in the human gastrointestinal tract, specifically in the
      colon. As renal UT-A transporters can be regulated by external osmolality, this
      study investigated whether UT-A6 expression could also be regulated in this
      manner. Initial end-point RT-PCR experiments confirmed UT-A6 expression along the
      human gastrointestinal tract (colon > small intestine ? stomach) and also in the
      Caco-2 intestinal cell line. Using Caco-2 cells exposed for 24 hours to changed
      external osmotic conditions (from 350 to 250, 500, or 600 mOsm), end-point PCR
      suggested UT-A6 expression increased in hyperosmotic conditions. Using
      quantitative PCR, it was confirmed that 24 h exposure to 600 mOsm stimulated a
      significant ~15-fold increase in UT-A6 expression (P < 0.001, N = 5, ANOVA).
      Finally, inhibitory experiments suggested that protein kinase C and calcium were
      involved in this hyperosmotic-stimulated regulatory pathway. In conclusion, these
      data demonstrated UT-A6 expression was indeed regulated by external osmolality.
      The physiological significance of this regulatory process upon gastrointestinal
      urea transport has yet to be determined.

PMID- 27670409
TI  - Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 does not contribute to the pulmonary pathology
      induced by acute exposure to ozone.
AB  - Expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1, the major physiological
      inhibitor of fibrinolysis, is increased in the lung following inhalation of ozone
      (O3), a gaseous air pollutant. PAI-1 regulates expression of interleukin (IL)-6,
      keratinocyte chemoattractant (KC), and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-2,
      which are cytokines that promote lung injury, pulmonary inflammation, and/or
      airway hyperresponsiveness following acute exposure to O3 Given these
      observations, we hypothesized that PAI-1 contributes to the severity of the
      aforementioned sequelae by regulating expression of IL-6, KC, and MIP-2 following
      acute exposure to O3 To test our hypothesis, wild-type mice and mice genetically
      deficient in PAI-1 (PAI-1-deficient mice) were acutely exposed to either filtered
      room air or O3 (2 ppm) for 3 h. Four and/or twenty-four hours following cessation
      of exposure, indices of lung injury [bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) protein
      and epithelial cells], pulmonary inflammation (BALF IL-6, KC, MIP-2, macrophages,
      and neutrophils), and airway responsiveness to aerosolized acetyl-beta
      methylcholine chloride (respiratory system resistance) were measured in wild-type
      and PAI-1-deficient mice. O3 significantly increased indices of lung injury,
      pulmonary inflammation, and airway responsiveness in wild-type and PAI-1
      deficient mice. With the exception of MIP-2, which was significantly lower in PAI
      1-deficient as compared to wild-type mice 24 h following cessation of exposure to
      O3, no other genotype-related differences occurred subsequent to O3 exposure.
      Thus, following acute exposure to O3, PAI-1 neither regulates pulmonary
      expression of IL-6 and KC nor functionally contributes to any of the pulmonary
      pathological sequelae that arise from the noxious effects of inhaled O3.

PMID- 27670411
TI  - Inhibition of alveolar Na transport and LPS causes hypoxemia and pulmonary
      arterial vasoconstriction in ventilated rats.
AB  - Oxygen diffusion across the alveolar wall is compromised by low alveolar oxygen
      but also by pulmonary edema, and leads to hypoxemia and hypoxic pulmonary
      vasoconstriction (HPV). To test, whether inhibition of alveolar fluid
      reabsorption results in an increased pulmonary arterial pressure and whether this
      effect enhances HPV, we established a model, where anesthetized rats were
      ventilated with normoxic (21% O2) and hypoxic (13.5% O2) gas received aerosolized
      amiloride and lipopolisaccharide (LPS) to inhibit alveolar fluid reabsorption.
      Right ventricular systolic pressure (RVsP) was measured as an indicator of
      pulmonary arterial pressure. Oxygen pressure (PaO2) and saturation (SaO2) in
      femoral arterial blood served as indicator of oxygen diffusion across the
      alveolar wall. Aerosolized amiloride and bacterial LPS decreased PaO2 and SaO2
      and increased RVsP even when animals were ventilated with normoxic gas.
      Ventilation with hypoxic gas decreased PaO2 by 35 mmHg and increased RVsP by 10
      mmHg. However, combining hypoxia with amiloride and LPS did not aggravate the
      decrease in PaO2 and SaO2 and had no effect on the increase in RVsP relative to
      hypoxia alone. There was a direct relation between SaO2 and PaO2 and the RVsP
      under all experimental conditions. Two hours but not 1 h exposure to aerosolized
      amiloride and LPS in normoxia as well as hypoxia increased the lung wet-to-dry
      weight ratio indicating edema formation. Together these findings indicate that
      inhibition of alveolar reabsorption causes pulmonary edema, impairs oxygen
      diffusion across the alveolar wall, and leads to an increased pulmonary arterial
      pressure.

PMID- 27670412
TI  - When Is It Important to Measure Unbound Drug in Evaluating Nanomedicine
      Pharmacokinetics?
AB  - Nanoformulations have become important tools for modifying drug disposition, be
      it from the perspective of enabling prolonged drug release, protecting the drug
      molecule from metabolism, or achieving targeted delivery. When examining the in
      vivo pharmacokinetic properties of these formulations, most investigations either
      focus on systemic concentrations of total (encapsulated plus unencapsulated)
      drug, or concentrations of encapsulated and unencapsulated drug. However, it is
      rare to find studies that differentiate between protein-bound and unbound (free)
      forms of the unencapsulated drug. In light of the unique attributes of these
      formulations, we cannot simply assume it appropriate to rely upon the protein
      binding properties of the traditionally formulated or legacy drug when trying to
      define the pharmacokinetic or pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic characteristics of
      these nanoformulations. Therefore, this commentary explores reasons why it is
      important to consider not only unencapsulated drug, but also the portion of
      unencapsulated drug that is not bound to plasma proteins. Specifically, we
      highlight those situations when it may be necessary to include measurement of
      unencapsulated, unbound drug concentrations as part of the nanoformulation
      pharmacokinetic evaluation.

PMID- 27670414
TI  - Seasonal dynamics with compensatory effects regulate populations of tropical
      forest marsupials: a 16-year study.
AB  - The conditions that a population experiences during one season can affect the
      strength of density dependence in the following season. In the tropics, many
      populations face their biggest challenges in the dry season due to limited food
      and cold-dry conditions. Seasonal environmental changes can be especially
      problematic for small, short-lived, seasonally breeding endotherms. To
      investigate the effects of seasonality on population dynamics, we studied five
      marsupial species in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, using a 16-year dataset. We
      tested if (1) compensatory density feedback is stronger in the dry season, due to
      the high population sizes and limited food; (2) lower temperatures and the
      overall abundance of small mammals negatively affect dry season population growth
      rates; and (3) rainfall, a proxy for food availability, is positively related to
      wet season population growth rates. Population growth rates were regressed
      against seasonal population sizes and exogenous variables, and analyzed with
      linear autoregressive models. Seasonal compensatory density feedback occurred in
      both seasons, with compensation processes in just one season being sufficient to
      allow population persistence. Rainfall and the overall abundance of small mammals
      had little influence on populations, while colder temperatures decreased
      population growth rate of smaller species in both seasons. Although the study
      marsupials share similar life histories and phylogeny, they varied with respect
      to the season when compensatory density feedback was strongest. Our results
      demonstrate that seasonality plays a key role in driving marsupial population
      dynamics, and highlight the need to account for seasonality in demographic
      studies even in tropical environments.

PMID- 27670413
TI  - A quantitative synthesis of the role of birds in carrying ticks and tick-borne
      pathogens in North America.
AB  - Birds play a central role in the ecology of tick-borne pathogens. They expand
      tick populations and pathogens across vast distances and serve as reservoirs that
      maintain and amplify transmission locally. Research into the role of birds for
      supporting ticks and tick-borne pathogens has largely been descriptive and
      focused in small areas. To expand inference beyond these studies, we conducted a
      quantitative review at the scale of North America to identify avian life history
      correlates of tick infestation and pathogen prevalence, calculate species-level
      indices of importance for carrying ticks, and identify research gaps limiting
      understanding of tick-borne pathogen transmission. Across studies, 78 of 162 bird
      species harbored ticks, yielding an infestation prevalence of 1981 of 38,929
      birds (5.1 %). Avian foraging and migratory strategies interacted to influence
      infestation. Ground-foraging species, especially non-migratory ground foragers,
      were disproportionately likely to have high prevalence and intensity of tick
      infestation. Studies largely focused on Borrelia burgdorferi, the agent of Lyme
      disease, and non-migratory ground foragers were especially likely to carry B.
      burgdorferi-infected ticks, a finding that highlights the potential importance of
      resident birds in local pathogen transmission. Based on infestation indices, all
      "super-carrier" bird species were passerines. Vast interior areas of North
      America, many bird and tick species, and most tick-borne pathogens, remain
      understudied, and research is needed to address these gaps. More studies are
      needed that quantify tick host preferences, host competence, and spatiotemporal
      variation in pathogen prevalence and vector and host abundance. This information
      is crucial for predicting pathogen transmission dynamics under future global
      change.

PMID- 27670415
TI  - Exotic trees modify the thermal landscape and food resources for lizard
      communities.
AB  - Increasing numbers of invasive plant species are establishing around the globe,
      and these species frequently form dense stands that alter habitat structure in
      critical ways. Nevertheless, little is known about the mechanisms underlying the
      impacts of invasive alien plant species on native fauna. We first ask whether
      alien pine trees impact lizard species richness in the Cape Floristic Region of
      South Africa, a world-renowned biodiversity hotspot, by examining differences in
      lizard species richness, abundance, and diversity between native mountain fynbos
      and exotic pine tree-dominated habitats. We then examine two mutually non
      exclusive processes: (i) changes in the thermal quality of the habitat and (ii)
      changes in the availability of food resources, to explain differences in lizard
      assemblages among habitat types. Lizard richness, abundance, and diversity were
      greater in fynbos habitat than in fynbos heavily invaded by pine and in pine
      plantations. The thermal quality of the environment and food resources was
      consistently higher in native fynbos than in pine forests, but these responses
      were more varied when comparisons were made along an invasion gradient and among
      seasons. Our results suggest that management strategies must consider spatially
      and temporally detailed measurements of thermal regimes and resources to assess
      the impacts of invasive vegetation on reptile diversity.

PMID- 27670416
TI  - 'It's not all just about the dying'. Kaumatua Maori attitudes towards physician
      aid-in dying: A narrative enquiry.
AB  - AIM: To explore kaumatua attitudes towards physician aid-in dying, to gain a
      clear understanding of how such attitudes may influence and shape their
      expectations of medical care at the end of life and to assist health
      professionals in Aotearoa/New Zealand to address the healthcare needs of older
      Maori near the end of life. DESIGN: A kaupapa Maori consistent approach was
      undertaken. A systematic narrative technique was employed for the qualitative
      data analysis. Data were triangulated through independent data coding by three
      researchers (two of whom identified as Maori researchers), to ensure a robust and
      consistent method of analysis as well as adhering to a kaupapa Maori research
      approach. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: Recruitment of participants was through kaumatua
      of Te Kupenga Hauora Maori (Maori leadership within the Faculty of Medical and
      Health Sciences), University of Auckland and local Auckland marae. Focus group or
      individual interviews (as per their preference) were undertaken with 20 Kaumatua
      from the Auckland region. RESULTS: Five closely interrelated themes were
      identified from kaumatua narratives regarding physician aid-in dying. These were
      (1) attitudes and understandings of physician aid-in dying, (2) influence of
      power, (3) significance of kawa, (4) whanau relationships and the (5)
      significance of wairua. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated that for these
      kaumatua, medical practices that hasten death such as physician aid-in dying are
      'not all just about the dying'. Tikanga and kawa are important processes and
      concepts to understand during death and dying, and whanau are central to such
      processes being respected by those involved in the dying process. These factors
      are so closely intertwined that they cannot be considered in separation of each
      other.

PMID- 27670417
TI  - 'The horse has bolted I suspect': A qualitative study of clinicians' attitudes
      and perceptions regarding palliative rehabilitation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Palliative care patients have numerous rehabilitation needs that
      increase with disease progression. Palliative rehabilitation practices and
      perceptions of palliative medicine physicians towards the role of rehabilitation
      are largely unstudied. AIM: To explore palliative medicine physicians' attitudes
      and perceptions towards rehabilitation delivered within inpatient palliative care
      units. DESIGN: Qualitative study utilizing semi-structured interviews.
      Transcribed interviews were analysed using thematic analysis and major themes
      reported as results. PARTICIPANTS: Australian palliative medicine physicians
      working in inpatient palliative care units. RESULTS: In total, 20 physicians
      participated, representing specialist palliative care services across Australia.
      A total of 11 (55%) were males with an average of 12.5 years' experience working
      in palliative care. Most participants believed rehabilitation was an important
      aspect of palliative care; however, few felt adequate rehabilitation programmes
      were available. Participants varied in their concepts of what palliative
      rehabilitation entailed. The term rehabilitation was seen by some as helpful
      (fostering hope and aiding transitions) and by others to be misleading (creating
      unrealistic expectations). Four key themes emerged when describing physicians'
      attitudes, including (1) integrating rehabilitation within palliative care, (2)
      the intervention, (3) possibilities and (4) the message of rehabilitation.
      CONCLUSION: A lack of consensus exists among palliative medicine specialists
      regarding the definition and scope of palliative rehabilitation. Participants
      generally expressed a wish to offer enhanced rehabilitation interventions,
      however described resource and skill-set limitations as significant barriers.
      Further research is required to establish an evidence base for palliative
      rehabilitation, to support its acceptance and widespread integration within
      specialist inpatient palliative care.

PMID- 27670419
TI  - Moving from parent "consultant" to parent "collaborator": one pediatric research
      team's experience.
AB  - We share our experiences as academic physical therapists and parents of young
      people with cerebral palsy working together as a research team, describe and
      critically review how our working relationship has evolved and propose further
      enhancements to realize our shared vision. This manuscript is informed by a call
      for "family-centered research," transcripts of face-to-face meetings held over a
      period of 11/2 days, the INVOLVE document and our experiences over almost a
      decade, as well as other related literature. Authentic collaborative research
      partnerships between academic researchers and parents embodying trust, mutual
      respect and shared social responsibility take time and effort to develop and
      sustain. Rehabilitation research is more meaningful and may be more impactful
      when strong collaborative partnerships between researchers and health service
      users are in place. Implications for Rehabilitation Involving service users in
      rehabilitation research is important, but not without challenges. Attaining
      authentic collaboration requires face-to-face meetings, time, effort, and ongoing
      open communication. Research processes are superior and outcomes may be improved
      with service user involvement. Impact of research on rehabilitation practice is
      anticipated to be more meaningful with service user involvement.

PMID- 27670418
TI  - What cost components are relevant for economic evaluations of palliative care,
      and what approaches are used to measure these costs? A systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is important to understand the costs of palliative and end-of-life
      care in order to inform decisions regarding cost allocation. However, economic
      research in palliative care is very limited and little is known about the range
      and extent of the costs that are involved in palliative care provision. AIM: To
      undertake a systematic review of the health and social care literature to
      determine the range of financial costs related to a palliative care approach and
      explore approaches used to measure these costs. DESIGN: A systematic review of
      empirical literature with thematic synthesis. Study quality was evaluated using
      the Weight of Evidence Framework. DATA SOURCES: The databases CINAHL, Cochrane,
      PsycINFO and Medline were searched from 1995 to November 2015 for empirical
      studies which presented data on the financial costs associated with palliative
      care. RESULTS: A total of 38 papers met our inclusion criteria. Components of
      palliative care costs were incurred within four broad domains: hospital care,
      community or home-based care, hospice care and informal care. These costs could
      be considered from the economic viewpoint of three providers: state or
      government, insurers/third-party/not-for-profit organisations and patient and
      family and/or society. A wide variety of costing approaches were used to derive
      costs. CONCLUSION: The evidence base regarding the economics of palliative care
      is sparse, particularly relating to the full economic costs of palliative care.
      Our review provides a framework for considering these costs from a variety of
      economic viewpoints; however, further research is required to develop and refine
      methodologies.

PMID- 27670420
TI  - Intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging.
AB  - Intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging is a widely accepted method for
      resection control of glial tumors. Increasingly, it is also used during the
      resection of skull base tumors. Several studies have independently demonstrated
      an increase in the extent of resection in these tumors with improved prognosis
      for the patients. Technical innovations combined with the easier operation of
      this imaging modality have led to its widespread implementation. The development
      of digital image processing has also brought other modalities such as ultrasound
      and computed tomography to the focus of skull base surgery.

PMID- 27670421
TI  - [Simulation of speech perception with cochlear implants : Influence of frequency
      and level of fundamental frequency components with electronic acoustic
      stimulation].
AB  - BACKGROUND: After implantation of cochlear implants with hearing preservation for
      combined electronic acoustic stimulation (EAS), the residual acoustic hearing
      ability relays fundamental speech frequency information in the low frequency
      range. With the help of acoustic simulation of EAS hearing perception the impact
      of frequency and level fine structure of speech signals can be systematically
      examined. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to measure the speech reception
      threshold (SRT) under various noise conditions with acoustic EAS simulation by
      variation of the frequency and level information of the fundamental frequency f0
      of speech. The study was carried out to determine to what extent the SRT is
      impaired by modification of the f0 fine structure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using
      partial tone time pattern analysis an acoustic EAS simulation of the speech
      material from the Oldenburg sentence test (OLSA) was generated. In addition,
      determination of the f0 curve of the speech material was conducted. Subsequently,
      either the parameter frequency or level of f0 was fixed in order to remove one of
      the two fine contour information of the speech signal. The processed OLSA
      sentences were used to determine the SRT in background noise under various test
      conditions. The conditions "f0 fixed frequency" and "f0 fixed level" were tested
      under two different situations, under "amplitude modulated background noise" and
      "continuous background noise" conditions. A total of 24 subjects with normal
      hearing participated in the study. RESULTS: The SRT in background noise for the
      condition "f0 fixed frequency" was more favorable in continuous noise with 2.7 dB
      and in modulated noise with 0.8 dB compared to the condition "f0 fixed level"
      with 3.7 dB and 2.9 dB, respectively. DISCUSSION: In the simulation of speech
      perception with cochlear implants and acoustic components, the level information
      of the fundamental frequency had a stronger impact on speech intelligibility than
      the frequency information. The method of simulation of transmission of cochlear
      implants allows investigation of how various parameters influence speech
      intelligibility in subjects with normal hearing.

PMID- 27670422
TI  - [An update on tonsillotomy studies].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tonsillotomy procedures (TT) are being increasingly performed owing
      to the low postoperative morbidity compared with extracapsular tonsillectomy
      (TE). Patients may experience regrowth of tonsillar tissue or tonsillitis in the
      tonsillar remnants eventually resulting in a secondary tonsillectomy. OBJECTIVES:
      A review of the literature was undertaken to evaluate the current indications and
      contraindications, surgical instruments, risks of surgery, and the need for
      further research related to TT. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A search of the PubMed
      database was performed with the following terms: "tonsillotomy," "partial
      tonsillectomy," "subtotal tonsillectomy," "intracapsular tonsillectomy," "RFITT,"
      and "tonsil ablation." Filters included language (English; German) and
      publication date (1960-2016). Articles were excluded if they were not related to
      tonsil surgery, did not provide clinical data, dealt with uncommon surgical
      techniques, or presented only data from polysomnographic studies. RESULTS: In
      all, 104 papers encompassing 97 studies and seven national surveys were eligible
      for analysis. In total, 13,270 patients had undergone TT and were compared with
      11,485 patients after TE. Partial resection of the tonsils was most commonly
      accomplished with a microdebrider (51.5 %), and less frequently with coblation
      (20.5 %), radiofrequency (9.1 %), CO2 laser (6.6 %), or other surgical
      instruments. The age in the study groups ranged between 6 months and 78 years
      (median: 6.0 years). The prevailing indication for surgery was upper airway
      obstruction resulting from tonsillar hyperplasia with (n = 20) or without (n =
      60) a history of tonsillits. In seven studies, TT was explicitly performed to
      resolve tonsillitis, while three authors did not specify the indication for
      surgery. The hemorrhage rate after TT was 0.2 % on average. CONCLUSION: TT is
      predominantly indicated for tonsillar hyperplasia, with or without tonsillitis.
      Restrictions related to age or surgical instruments are not reported in the
      literature data. Data concerning operation time, intraoperative bleeding, and
      outcome favor TT over TE. The median values for regrowth (3.0 %), postoperative
      tonsillitis (2.85 %), and secondary TE (1.37 %) emphasize the high success rate
      of TT. Further research utilizing a uniform terminology is mandatory to clarify
      the benefit of TT over TE in the long term and to resolve sleep-related breathing
      disorders resulting from tonsillar hyperplasia or tonsillitis.

PMID- 27670423
TI  - High selective pressure for Notch1 mutations that induce Myc in T-cell acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia.
AB  - Activating NOTCH1 mutations are frequent in human T-cell acute lymphoblastic
      leukemia (T-ALL) and Notch inhibitors (gamma-secretase inhibitors [GSIs]) have
      produced responses in patients with relapsed, refractory disease. However,
      sustained responses, although reported, are uncommon, suggesting that other
      pathways can substitute for Notch in T-ALL. To address this possibility, we first
      generated KrasG12D transgenic mice with T-cell-specific expression of the pan
      Notch inhibitor, dominant-negative Mastermind (DNMAML). These mice developed
      leukemia, but instead of accessing alternative oncogenic pathways, the tumor
      cells acquired Notch1 mutations and subsequently deleted DNMAML, reinforcing the
      notion that activated Notch1 is particularly transforming within the context of T
      cell progenitors. We next took a candidate approach to identify oncogenic
      pathways downstream of Notch, focusing on Myc and Akt, which are Notch targets in
      T-cell progenitors. KrasG12D mice transduced with Myc developed T-ALLs that were
      GSI-insensitive and lacked Notch1 mutations. In contrast, KrasG12D mice
      transduced with myristoylated AKT developed GSI-sensitive T-ALLs that acquired
      Notch1 mutations. Thus, Myc can substitute for Notch1 in leukemogenesis, whereas
      Akt cannot. These findings in primary tumors extend recent work using human T-ALL
      cell lines and xenografts and suggest that the Notch/Myc signaling axis is of
      predominant importance in understanding both the selective pressure for Notch
      mutations in T-ALL and response and resistance of T-ALL to Notch pathway
      inhibitors.

PMID- 27670425
TI  - New concepts for anticoagulant therapy in persons with hemophilia.

PMID- 27670426
TI  - Using rare earth elements to constrain particulate organic carbon flux in the
      East China Sea.
AB  - Fluxes of particulate organic carbon (POC) in the East China Sea (ECS) have been
      reported to decrease from the inner continental shelf towards the outer
      continental shelf. Recent research has shown that POC fluxes in the ECS may be
      overestimated due to active sediment resuspension. To better characterize the
      effect of sediment resuspension on particle fluxes in the ECS, rare earth
      elements (REEs) and organic carbon (OC) were used in separate two-member mixing
      models to evaluate trap-collected POC fluxes. The ratio of resuspended particles
      from sediments to total trap-collected particles in the ECS ranged from 82-94%
      using the OC mixing model, and 30-80% using the REEs mixing model, respectively.
      These results suggest that REEs may be better proxies for sediment resuspension
      than OC in high turbidity marginal seas because REEs do not appear to undergo
      degradation during particle sinking as compared to organic carbon. Our results
      suggest that REEs can be used as tracers to provide quantitative estimates of POC
      fluxes in marginal seas.

PMID- 27670424
TI  - Frequent NFKBIE deletions are associated with poor outcome in primary mediastinal
      B-cell lymphoma.
AB  - We recently reported a truncating deletion in the NFKBIE gene, which encodes
      IkappaBepsilon, a negative feedback regulator of NF-kappaB, in clinically
      aggressive chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Because preliminary data indicate
      enrichment of NFKBIE aberrations in other lymphoid malignancies, we screened a
      large patient cohort (n = 1460) diagnosed with different lymphoid neoplasms.
      While NFKBIE deletions were infrequent in follicular lymphoma, splenic marginal
      zone lymphoma, and T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (<2%), slightly higher
      frequencies were seen in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, and
      primary central nervous system lymphoma (3% to 4%). In contrast, a remarkably
      high frequency of NFKBIE aberrations (46/203 cases [22.7%]) was observed in
      primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma (PMBL) and Hodgkin lymphoma (3/11 cases
      [27.3%]). NFKBIE-deleted PMBL patients were more often therapy refractory (P =
      .022) and displayed inferior outcome compared with wild-type patients (5-year
      survival, 59% vs 78%; P = .034); however, they appeared to benefit from
      radiotherapy (P =022) and rituximab-containing regimens (P = .074). NFKBIE
      aberrations remained an independent factor in multivariate analysis (P = .003)
      and when restricting the analysis to immunochemotherapy-treated patients (P =
      .008). Whole-exome sequencing and gene expression profiling verified the
      importance of NF-kappaB deregulation in PMBL. In summary, we identify NFKBIE
      aberrations as a common genetic event across B-cell malignancies and highlight
      NFKBIE deletions as a novel poor-prognostic marker in PMBL.

PMID- 27670427
TI  - Cluster headache in Greece: an observational clinical and demographic study of
      302 patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cluster headache (CH) is considered the most excruciating primary
      headache syndrome; although much less prevalent than migraine, it is not rare as
      it affects more than 1/1000 people. While its clinical presentation is considered
      stereotypic, atypical features are often encountered. Internationally, cluster
      headache is often misdiagnosed, undertreated and mistreated. METHODS: We
      prospectively studied 302 CH patients, all examined by the same headache
      specialist. The aim of our study was to describe the demographic and clinical
      characteristics of CH patients in Greece and draw attention to under-management,
      under-treatment and mis-treatment often encountered in clinical practice; our
      purpose is to improve recognition and successful treatment of cluster patients by
      Greek neurologists and other physicians. RESULTS: In the present cohort, clinical
      characteristics of CH are similar to those described in other populations. Beyond
      the standard clinical characteristics, features like side shifts (12.6 %),
      location of maximal pain intensity outside the first trigeminal branch division
      (10.2 %), lack of autonomic features (7 %), presence of associated features of
      migraine and aggravation by physical activity (10 %) were encountered. Four out
      of five patients had consulted a physician prior to diagnosis. The median number
      of physicians seen prior to diagnosis was 3 and the median time to diagnosis was
      5 years, though it improved for patients with recent onset. Chronic cluster
      headache, side shifts, pain location in the face or the back of the head and
      aggravation by physical activity were found, among others, to be statistically
      significantly related to delayed diagnosis or more physicians seen prior to
      diagnosis. Even properly diagnosed patients were often undertreated or
      mistreated. CONCLUSIONS: Cluster headache, in a large cohort of Greek patients,
      has the same phenotypic characteristics as described internationally. Uncommon
      clinical features do exist and physicians should be aware of those, since they
      may eventuate in diagnostic problems. Most CH patients in Greece remain
      misdiagnosed or undiagnosed for rather lengthy periods of time, but time to
      diagnosis has improved recently. Even after diagnosis, treatment received was
      suboptimal.

PMID- 27670428
TI  - Altered functional connectivity of the marginal division in migraine: a resting
      state fMRI study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The marginal division of neostriatum (MrD) is a flat, pan-shaped zone
      between the neostriatum and the globus pallidus, and previous documents
      demonstrated that it was involved in the modulation of pain. The aim of this
      study is to investigate the roles of the MrD of the human brain in the
      chronicization migraine using resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging
      (rs-fMRI). METHODS: Conventional MRI, 3D structure images, and rs-fMRI were
      performed in 18 patients with episodic migraines (EM), 16 patients with chronic
      migraine (CM), 44 patients with medication overuse headache plus chronic migraine
      (MOH + CM), and 32 normal controls (NC). MrD was defined using manual delineation
      on structural images, and was selected as the seed to calculate the functional
      connectivity (FC). RESULTS: Compared with the NC group, the decreased FC of MrD
      was observed in the EM and CM groups, and increased FC of MrD was demonstrated in
      all patient groups. Compared with the EM group, the decreased FC of MrD was
      revealed in the CM and MOH + CM groups, and the increased FC occurred only in the
      CM group. Increased FC of MrD alone was observed in the MOH + CM group compared
      with that in the CM group. CONCLUSION: This study confirmed the double
      neuromodulation network of MrD in pain modulation and migraine chronicization;
      however, the mechanism requires further investigation.

PMID- 27670429
TI  - Phantom rectal sensations following abdominoperineal excision of the rectum
      (APER) and vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) flap perineal
      reconstruction.
AB  - AIM: Phantom rectum is the sensation of an intact and/or functioning rectum,
      despite excision at surgery. Abdominoperineal excision of the rectum (APER) may
      be complemented by reconstructive operations and recently it was reported that
      patients undergoing APER and vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) flap
      reconstruction are more prone to develop phantom sensations at an earlier
      timeframe and have more persistent symptoms than those who do not have perineal
      repairs. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of phantom rectal
      sensations in a cohort of these patients. METHOD: Patients who underwent APER and
      VRAM flap reconstruction for anorectal carcinomas were identified from May 2008
      to July 2012. Patients completed a questionnaire evaluating their experience of
      rectal symptoms post-surgery. RESULTS: Thirty-four of 47 eligible patients were
      enrolled in the study. PR sensations were experienced by 50 % of patients, the
      majority of which (65 %) were present for >1 year. The commonest sensation
      reported was the feeling of faeces in a normal rectum (24 %). Disturbances in
      quality of life were apparent in 44 %; notably, sleep was affected, patients
      expressed increased feelings of stress/sadness, heightened levels of anxiety and
      limitation of daily activities as consequences of PR symptoms. Few patients
      sought medical advice. CONCLUSION: Fifty percent of patients experience PR
      sensations post-surgery, comparable with reported data for patients who have
      undergone APER alone. The addition of VRAM reconstruction does not significantly
      alter the prevalence of PR symptoms. This paper provides further evidence that
      phantom rectum occurs frequently and thus all patients undergoing excision of the
      rectum should be counselled appropriately.

PMID- 27670430
TI  - Spatio-temporal Models of Lymphangiogenesis in Wound Healing.
AB  - Several studies suggest that one possible cause of impaired wound healing is
      failed or insufficient lymphangiogenesis, that is the formation of new lymphatic
      capillaries. Although many mathematical models have been developed to describe
      the formation of blood capillaries (angiogenesis), very few have been proposed
      for the regeneration of the lymphatic network. Lymphangiogenesis is a markedly
      different process from angiogenesis, occurring at different times and in response
      to different chemical stimuli. Two main hypotheses have been proposed: (1)
      lymphatic capillaries sprout from existing interrupted ones at the edge of the
      wound in analogy to the blood angiogenesis case and (2) lymphatic endothelial
      cells first pool in the wound region following the lymph flow and then, once
      sufficiently populated, start to form a network. Here, we present two PDE models
      describing lymphangiogenesis according to these two different hypotheses.
      Further, we include the effect of advection due to interstitial flow and lymph
      flow coming from open capillaries. The variables represent different cell
      densities and growth factor concentrations, and where possible the parameters are
      estimated from biological data. The models are then solved numerically and the
      results are compared with the available biological literature.

PMID- 27670431
TI  - Harnessing Intra-Host Strain Competition to Limit Antibiotic Resistance:
      Mathematical Model Results.
AB  - Antibiotic overuse has promoted the spread of antibiotic resistance. To compound
      the issue, treating individuals dually infected with antibiotic-resistant and
      antibiotic-vulnerable strains can make their infections completely resistant
      through competitive release. We formulate mathematical models of transmission
      dynamics accounting for dual infections and extensions accounting for lag times
      between infection and treatment or between cure and ending treatment. Analysis
      using the Next-Generation Matrix reveals how competition within hosts and the
      costs of resistance determine whether vulnerable and resistant strains persist,
      coexist, or drive each other to extinction. Invasion analysis predicts that
      treatment of dually infected cases will promote resistance. By varying antibiotic
      strength, the models suggest that physicians have two ways to achieve a
      particular resistance target: prescribe relatively weak antibiotics to everyone
      infected with an antibiotic-vulnerable strain or give more potent prescriptions
      to only those patients singly infected with the vulnerable strain after ruling
      out the possibility of them being dually infected with resistance. Through
      selectivity and moderation in antibiotic prescription, resistance might be
      limited.

PMID- 27670432
TI  - Protective effect of telomerase-based 16-mer peptide vaccine (GV1001) on inferior
      epigastric island skin flap survivability in ischaemia-reperfusion injury rat
      model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ischaemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) results in oxidative damage and a
      profound inflammatory reaction, leading to cell death. GV 1001 is a telomerase
      based 16-mer peptide vaccine developed against cancer. However, it has also been
      reported to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this
      study was to determine if GV 1001 can reduce the negative effects caused by IRI
      in a rat skin flap model owing to its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory
      properties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In order to evaluate the effect of GV 1001, 5
      * 5 cm2 inferior epigastric artery based island skin flaps were dissected in 39 8
      week-old Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 220-270 g. The rats were divided into three
      groups: (I) non-ischaemic group; (II) IRI with saline; and (III) IRI with 10 mg
      GV 1001 treatment. Drugs were administered intra-muscularly directly before and
      after ischaemia. Flap survival area, neutrophil infiltration, cytokine levels
      (interleukin [IL]-1, IL-6, and tumour necrosis factor-alpha), malondialdehyde
      (MDA) level, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were measured. Flap
      survivability was analysed at 7 days after surgery. RESULTS: Flap survival area
      was significantly larger in group III than in group II. Cytokine release level
      was also significantly lower in group III. Neutrophil infiltration grade, MDA
      level, and SOD activity slightly decreased in Group III; however, the changes
      were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: These results imply that GV 1001
      exerts a protective effect against IRI through antioxidant effects, reducing
      reactive oxygen species, and suppressing the inflammatory cascade.

PMID- 27670434
TI  - Erratum to: Revealing Both Sides of the Story: A Comparative Analysis of Mentors
      and Proteges Relational Perspectives.

PMID- 27670433
TI  - Application of Bioorganic Fertilizer Significantly Increased Apple Yields and
      Shaped Bacterial Community Structure in Orchard Soil.
AB  - Application of bioorganic fertilizers has been reported to improve crop yields
      and change soil bacterial community structure; however, little work has been done
      in apple orchard soils where the biological properties of the soils are being
      degraded due to long-term application of chemical fertilizers. In this study, we
      used Illumina-based sequencing approach to characterize the bacterial community
      in the 0-60-cm soil profile under different fertilizer regimes in the Loess
      Plateau. The experiment includes three treatments: (1) control without
      fertilization (CK); (2) application of chemical fertilizer (CF); and (3)
      application of bioorganic fertilizer and organic-inorganic mixed fertilizer
      (BOF). The results showed that the treatment BOF increased the apple yields by
      114 and 67 % compared to the CK and CF treatments, respectively. The treatment
      BOF also increased the soil organic matter (SOM) by 22 and 16 % compared to the
      CK and CF treatments, respectively. The Illumina-based sequencing showed that
      Acidobacteria and Proteobacteria were the predominant phyla and
      Alphaproteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria were the most abundant classes in the
      soil profile. The bacterial richness for ACE was increased after the addition of
      BOF. Compared to CK and CF treatments, BOF-treated soil revealed higher abundance
      of Proteobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria, Rhizobiales, and
      Xanthomonadales while Acidobacteria, Gp7, Gp17, and Sphaerobacter were found in
      lower abundance throughout the soil profile. Bacterial community structure varied
      with soil depth under different fertilizer treatments, e.g., the bacterial
      richness, diversity, and the relative abundance of Verruccomicrobia, Candidatus
      Brocadiales, and Skermanella were decreased with the soil depth in all three
      treatments. Permutational multivariate analysis showed that the fertilizer regime
      was the major factor than soil depth in the variations of the bacterial community
      composition. Two groups, Lysobacter and Rhodospirillaceae, were found to be the
      significantly increased by the BOF addition and the genus Lysobacter may identify
      members of this group effective in biological control-based plant disease
      management and the members of family Rhodospirillaceae had an important role in
      fixing molecular nitrogen. These results strengthen the understanding of
      responses to the BOF and possible interactions within bacterial communities in
      soil that can be associated with disease suppression and the accumulation of
      carbon and nitrogen. The increase of apple yields after the application of BOF
      might be attributed to the fact that the application of BOF increased SOM, and
      soil total nitrogen, and changed the bacterial community by enriching
      Rhodospirillaceae, Alphaprotreobateria, and Proteobacteria.

PMID- 27670435
TI  - BK channel agonist represents a potential therapeutic approach for lysosomal
      storage diseases.
AB  - Efficient lysosomal Ca2+ release plays an essential role in lysosomal
      trafficking. We have recently shown that lysosomal big conductance Ca2+-activated
      potassium (BK) channel forms a physical and functional coupling with the
      lysosomal Ca2+ release channel Transient Receptor Potential Mucolipin-1 (TRPML1).
      BK and TRPML1 forms a positive feedback loop to facilitate lysosomal Ca2+ release
      and subsequent lysosome membrane trafficking. However, it is unclear whether the
      positive feedback mechanism is common for other lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs)
      and whether BK channel agonists rescue abnormal lysosomal storage in LSDs. In
      this study, we assessed the effect of BK agonist, NS1619 and NS11021 in a number
      of LSDs including NPC1, mild cases of mucolipidosis type IV (ML4) (TRPML1-F408?),
      Niemann-Pick type A (NPA) and Fabry disease. We found that TRPML1-mediated Ca2+
      release was compromised in these LSDs. BK activation corrected the impaired Ca2+
      release in these LSDs and successfully rescued the abnormal lysosomal storage of
      these diseases by promoting TRPML1-mediated lysosomal exocytosis. Our study
      suggests that BK channel activation stimulates the TRPML1-BK positive reinforcing
      loop to correct abnormal lysosomal storage in LSDs. Drugs targeting BK channel
      represent a potential therapeutic approach for LSDs.

PMID- 27670436
TI  - The Reproductive Ecology of Industrial Societies, Part I : Why Measuring
      Fertility Matters.
AB  - Is fertility relevant to evolutionary analyses conducted in modern industrial
      societies? This question has been the subject of a highly contentious debate,
      beginning in the late 1980s and continuing to this day. Researchers in both
      evolutionary and social sciences have argued that the measurement of fitness
      related traits (e.g., fertility) offers little insight into evolutionary
      processes, on the grounds that modern industrial environments differ so greatly
      from those of our ancestral past that our behavior can no longer be expected to
      be adaptive. In contrast, we argue that fertility measurements in industrial
      society are essential for a complete evolutionary analysis: in particular, such
      data can provide evidence for any putative adaptive mismatch between ancestral
      environments and those of the present day, and they can provide insight into the
      selection pressures currently operating on contemporary populations. Having made
      this positive case, we then go on to discuss some challenges of fertility-related
      analyses among industrialized populations, particularly those that involve large
      scale databases. These include "researcher degrees of freedom" (i.e., the choices
      made about which variables to analyze and how) and the different biases that may
      exist in such data. Despite these concerns, large datasets from multiple
      populations represent an excellent opportunity to test evolutionary hypotheses in
      great detail, enriching the evolutionary understanding of human behavior.

PMID- 27670439
TI  - Erratum to Barco et al. "Home treatment of patients with lowrisk pulmonary
      embolism with the oral factor Xa inhibitor rivaroxaban. Rationale and design of
      the Hot-PE Trial" (Thromb Haemost 2016; 116: 191-197).
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1160/TH16-01-0004.]. 

PMID- 27670437
TI  - The Reproductive Ecology of Industrial Societies, Part II : The Association
      between Wealth and Fertility.
AB  - Studies of the association between wealth and fertility in industrial populations
      have a rich history in the evolutionary literature, and they have been used to
      argue both for and against a behavioral ecological approach to explaining human
      variability. We consider that there are strong arguments in favor of measuring
      fertility (and proxies thereof) in industrial populations, not least because of
      the wide availability of large-scale secondary databases. Such data sources bring
      challenges as well as advantages, however. The purpose of this article is to
      illustrate these by examining the association between wealth and reproductive
      success in the United States, using the National Longitudinal Study of Youth
      1979. We conduct a broad-based exploratory analysis of the relationship between
      wealth and fertility, employing both cross-sectional and longitudinal approaches,
      and multiple measures of both wealth (income and net worth) and fertility
      (lifetime reproductive success and transitions to first, second and third
      births). We highlight the kinds of decisions that have to be made regarding
      sample selection, along with the selection and construction of explanatory
      variables and control measures. Based on our analyses, we find a positive effect
      of both income and net worth on fertility for men, which is more pronounced for
      white men and for transitions to first and second births. Income tends to have a
      negative effect on fertility for women, while net worth is more likely to
      positively predict fertility. Different reproductive strategies among different
      groups within the same population highlight the complexity of the reproductive
      ecology of industrial societies. These results differ in a number of respects
      from other analyses using the same database. We suggest this reflects the
      impossibility of producing a definitive analysis, rather than a failure to
      identify the "correct" analytical strategy. Finally, we discuss how these
      findings inform us about (mal)adaptive decision-making.

PMID- 27670438
TI  - A scaffold-free surface culture of B16F10 murine melanoma cells based on magnetic
      levitation.
AB  - Multicellular spheroids are obtained in a variety of three-dimensional (3D)
      culture systems without the use of supporting scaffold. We present here a 3D
      culture method that resulted in a multicellular sheet under scaffold-free
      conditions. A floating disk-shaped 3D culture was prepared by magnetic levitation
      of B16F10 cells that has ingested Fe3O4-containing fibroin microspheres. The
      melanoma disk grew up to 19 mm in diameter and the thickness was ranged between
      80 and 100 MUm. The 3D culture was filled with closely packed cells that were
      proliferating exponentially at a specific growth rate of u = 0.015 h-1.
      Approximately half of the cells were Ki-67 positive with no detectable levels of
      apoptotic or autophagic cells. However, the percentage of propidium iodide
      permeable cells was 8.5 +/- 1.2 %, which was probably due to physical damage in
      the cell membrane caused by Fe3O4-containing microspheres under a strong magnetic
      field. Melanin production increased by a factor of 3.0-3.7 in the 3D culture, due
      to an increased population of pigmented cells. This study presented a surface 3D
      culture of B16F10 cells without the use of a scaffold based on magnetic
      levitation.

PMID- 27670441
TI  - A giant cervicothoracic cord lipoma: an uncommon finding.

PMID- 27670440
TI  - Effectiveness of coenzyme Q10 in prophylactic treatment of migraine headache: an
      open-label, add-on, controlled trial.
AB  - Despite the huge health and economic burden of migraine headache, few medications
      have been approved for its prophylactic treatment, most of which can potentially
      induce serious adverse effects. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a supplement and has
      shown preliminary benefits in migraine prophylaxis. We aimed to assess this
      effect in an adult population. This is an open-label, parallel, add-on, match
      controlled trial. Eighty patients diagnosed with migraine headache based on
      International Headache Society criteria were allocated to receiving only their
      current preventive drugs or their current preventive drugs plus 100 mg CoQ10
      daily, matching for their baseline characteristics, and were assessed for
      frequency and severity of attacks, and >=50 % reduction in attack frequency per
      month. Thirty-six and 37 patients were analyzed in CoQ10 and control groups,
      respectively. Number of attacks per month dropped significantly in the CoQ10
      group (mean decrease: 1.6 vs. 0.5 among CoQ10 and control groups, respectively, p
      < 0.001). A significant reduction was also evident in the severity of headaches
      (mean decrease: 2.3 vs. 0.6 among CoQ10 and control groups, respectively, p <
      0.001). For >=50 % reduction in the frequency of attacks per month, the number
      needed to treat was calculated as 1.6. No side effects for CoQ10 were observed.
      This study suggests that CoQ10 might reduce the frequency of headaches, and may
      also make them shorter in duration, and less severe, with a favorable safety
      profile.

PMID- 27670442
TI  - Contrast-associated transient cortical blindness: three cases with MRI and
      electrophysiology findings.
AB  - Transient cortical blindness (TCB) is a rare but striking complication following
      contrast agent injection. TCB might be secondary to a direct toxicity of the
      contrast agent, leading to an osmotic disruption of the blood-brain barrier
      (BBB), with a preferential involvement of the posterior circulation and occipital
      cortex. We report a series of three patients with contrast medium-associated TCB
      (intra-arterial injection of non-ionic contrast agent during diagnostic cerebral
      angiography for two of them and coronary angioplasty for the other one). In two
      patients, the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was unremarkable; in the other
      patient, typical MRI findings were observed, with FLAIR hyperintensities in the
      right occipital cortex and decreased apparent diffusions coefficient (ADC).
      Interestingly, this patient also presented posterior rhythmic epileptiform
      activities on electroencephalogram during the first 36 h. Visual evoked
      potentials (VEPs) showed normal retinal potential, but a massive destructuration
      of the later potentials of the cortical origin. To our knowledge, this is the
      first time that VEPs acquired during TCB are reported. We discuss these findings
      with respect to the pathophysiology of TCB.

PMID- 27670443
TI  - Effects of post-traumatic growth on the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex after a
      disaster.
AB  - The relating to others factor of post-traumatic growth (PTG), which involves
      mutual help and a strong sense of connection with humanity, is important for
      young people who are coping with stress. The prefrontal cortex (PFC), especially
      the dorsolateral PFC (DLPFC), may play an important role in post-traumatic stress
      disorder (PTSD) with regard to coping and resilience. We hypothesized that the
      neural correlates of PTG may be responsible for resilience to the correlates of
      PTSD. Our study tested this hypothesis by examining whether measures of PTG,
      particularly the measures of relating to others after a disaster, were associated
      with increased regional grey matter volume (rGMV) in the PFC by assessing
      individuals who had experienced the East Japan Great Earthquake. We calculated
      the delta-rGMV by subtracting the rGMV obtained 3 months before the disaster from
      the rGMV obtained after this disaster using voxel-based morphometry. The magnetic
      resonance imaging data obtained from 26 subjects (M/F: 21/5; age: 21.2 +/- 1.6
      yrs.) showed that the total scores on a PTG inventory and the subscore for
      relating to others at the post-assessment were positively and significantly
      associated with the delta-rGMV in the right DLPFC. The DLPFC seems to be the main
      neural correlate of PTG.

PMID- 27670444
TI  - Small cell lung cancer growth is inhibited by miR-342 through its effect of the
      target gene IA-2.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Small cell lung cancers (SCLC) are tumors of neuroendocrine origin.
      Previous in vitro studies from our laboratory showed that SCLC expresses high
      levels of the transmembrane dense core vesicle protein IA-2 (islet cell antigen
      2) as compared to normal lung cells. IA-2, through its effect on dense core
      vesicles (DCVs), is known to be involved in the secretion of hormones and
      neurotransmitters. It is believed that the dysregulated release of the
      neurotransmitter Acetylcholine (ACh) by DCVs has an autocrine effect on SCLC cell
      growth. Recently, we found that IA-2 is a target of the microRNA miR-342 and that
      miR-342 mimics suppress the expression of IA-2. The present experiments were
      initiated to see whether IA-2 and/or miR-342 affect the growth of SCLC. METHODS:
      SCLC cell growth was evaluated following the knockdown of endogenous IA-2 with
      RNAi or by overexpressing miR-342 with a mimic. The secretion and content of ACh
      in SCLC cells was analyzed using a human acetylcholine ELISA (enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay) kit. RESULTS: The knockdown of endogenous IA-2 by RNAi
      reduced SCLC cell growth within 4 days by 40 % or more. Similar results were
      obtained when these cell lines were transfected with a miR-342 mimic. The
      knockdown of IA-2 by RNAi or miR-342 with a mimic also resulted in a significant
      decrease in the secretion of ACh, one of the autocrine hormones secreted by SCLC.
      Further studies revealed that the growth of SCLC cell lines that had been treated
      with the miR-342 mimic was restored to nearly normal levels by treatment with
      ACh. CONCLUSION: Our studies show for the first time that both miR-342 and its
      target gene IA-2 are involved in the growth process of SCLC cells and act by
      their effect on autocrine secretion. These findings point to possible new
      therapeutic approaches for the treatment of autocrine-induced tumor
      proliferation.

PMID- 27670445
TI  - Dendrophthoe pentandra (L.) Miq extract effectively inhibits inflammation,
      proliferation and induces p53 expression on colitis-associated colon cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Indonesian mistletoe grows on various trees. Mango Mistletoes
      (Dendrophthoe pentandra) is one type of mistletoe that grown on mango tree
      (.benalu mangga in bahasa Indonesia). Our study used mistletoe as a parasitic
      plant that has been used for traditional medicine. It has been known that
      Dendrophtoe pentandra extract (DPE) anti-inflammatory and anticancer.
      Furthermore, it is necessary to follow-up study in vivo to evaluate the response
      to treatment of new cancer therapeutic agents. This research aimed to determine
      the levels of IL-22, myeloperoxide (MPO), proliferation and wild-type p53
      expression after the administration of DPE to murine models of CAC. METHODS:
      Mouse colitis associated colon cancer (CAC) was induced firstly by azoxymethane
      (AOM) and followed by administration of drinking water containing 5 % dextran
      sodium sulfate (DSS) in a cycle protocol, each cycle consisted of seven days of 5
      % DSS in the drinking water and followed by seven days of regular water. This
      study consists of five treatment groups: I was treated water only (control), II
      was administrated by (DSS only, without DPE), (III-V) were administrated by DPE
      (125 mg/kg BW, 250 mg/kg BW and 500 mg/kg BW) respectively. The administrated of
      DPE were started from the 8th weeks, were continued until 21 weeks. At the end of
      21 weeks of the experiment, mice were sacrificed, colon tissue was removed, and
      then subjected to ELISA, flow cytometry, real-time PCR and histology examination.
      RESULTS: Administration of DPE 250 mg/kgBW significantly reduce the levels of IL
      22 and MPO compared with DSS only group (p < 0.001; p < 0.001). Colonic
      epithelial cells proliferation of group IV (DPE 250 mg/kgBW) were significantly
      lower than III and V groups. There was no significant change in the S phase in
      mice were treated DPE 125 mg/kg BW and 500 mg/kg BW, while administration of DPE
      250 mg/kg BW was able to increase the percentage of cells in S phase. The
      expression of mRNA p53 was up regulated in mice received DPE 125 mg/kg BW.
      CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that the DPE could inhibit colonic epithelial
      cells proliferation through p53 pathway independently. This study also showed
      that DPE could be potential sources of new therapy.

PMID- 27670447
TI  - Aromatherapy: the essentials.
AB  - The aim of this Learning Unit is to raise your knowledge and professional
      awareness of the issues involved in the training and practice of aromatherapy and
      its applicability to nursing practice. This unit is not a substitute for
      professional training, but it is hoped that from the knowledge gained, more
      nurses may go on to investigate further and train in aromatherapy and other
      complementary therapies to enhance patient care.

PMID- 27670446
TI  - Influenza and pneumococcal vaccination in Australian adults: a systematic review
      of coverage and factors associated with uptake.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the absence of an adult vaccination register, coverage estimates
      for influenza and pneumococcal vaccination come from surveys and other data
      sources. METHODS: Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies examining
      vaccination coverage in Australian adults from 1990 to 2015, focusing on groups
      funded under the National Immunisation Program, and intervals prior to and
      following the introduction of universal funding. RESULTS: Twenty-two studies met
      the inclusion criteria; 18 used self-report to determine vaccination status.
      There were 130 unique estimates of coverage extracted. Among adults aged >=65y,
      during the period of universal funding (1999-onwards), the summary estimate of
      annual influenza vaccination coverage from 27 point estimates was 74.8 % (95 % CI
      73.4-76.2 %; range 63.9-82.4 %); prior to this period (1992-1998) from 10 point
      estimates it was 61.3 % (95 % CI 58.0-64.6 %; range 44.3-71.3 %). For the period
      of universal funding for pneumococcal vaccination (2005-onwards) the summary
      estimate for coverage was 56.0 % (95 % CI 53.2-58.8 %; range 51.2-72.8 %, 10
      point estimates); prior to 2005 it was 35.4 % (95 % CI 18.8-52.0 %; range 15.4
      45.2 %). Coverage for both vaccines was significantly higher following the
      introduction of universal funding. Influenza vaccination coverage in those aged
      18-65 years with a medical indication was lower but data were not combined. Seven
      studies reported on Aboriginal Australians with three studies reporting five
      coverage estimates for influenza vaccination in adults >=65 years (range 71 % -
      89 %). CONCLUSIONS: Adult influenza and pneumococcal vaccination coverage has
      increased since the introduction of universal funding, but remains sub-optimal,
      with pneumococcal coverage lower than influenza. IMPLICATIONS: This review
      highlights the need for more coverage data overall and in high risk groups, to
      support public health programs to improve coverage.

PMID- 27670448
TI  - Editorial.
AB  - People understand hospitals. If a hospital needs an item of technological
      wizardry, local people will go to extraordinary lengths to raise funds. If an old
      person at home needs regular qualified nursing care, will anyone sit in a bath of
      cold custard for a day to raise cash to provide this essential resource? At a
      more sophisticated level, there are endless examples of shroud-waving hospital
      consultants whose decision to go public to draw attention to a lack of resources
      has been followed by public sympathy and action to remedy the situation.

PMID- 27670449
TI  - Bassetlaw deaths investigation is widened.
AB  - Police have widened an investigation into the deaths of two patients at a
      Nottinghamshire Hospital to include eight other hospitals and over 50 suspicious
      incidents according to newspaper reports list weekend.

PMID- 27670450
TI  - Cot deaths programme 'set back research'.
AB  - Professional organisations were swamped with calls from worried members after a
      television programme claimed cot mattresses were a factor in sudden infant death
      syndrome.

PMID- 27670451
TI  - Community care faces crisis.
AB  - Nursing unions have called on the government to intervene after counties across
      England said they were on the brink of running out of money to fund community
      care.

PMID- 27670453
TI  - MPs urged to keep nurses' seat on purchasing body.
AB  - MPs were being urged to support the principle of a nurse executive on every new
      purchasing body in advance of this week's Commons debate on the health measures
      outlined in the Queen's Speech.

PMID- 27670452
TI  - Critic of staff levels suspended by trust.
AB  - A health visitor has been suspended by a London trust because she repeatedly
      raised concerns about staffing levels, the Health Visitors' Association claimed
      last week.

PMID- 27670454
TI  - Edinburgh to get L140m hospital.
AB  - Plans to close four Edinburgh hospitals and build a L140 million new Royal
      Infirmary for the city have been approved by the Scottish Office.

PMID- 27670455
TI  - Glasgow hospital announces 50 redundancies.
AB  - Receivers managing the troubled Health Care International announced almost 50
      redundancies last week, but only two of the nurses at the controversial private
      hospital were included.

PMID- 27670456
TI  - Sickness through stress could lead to compensation.
AB  - Nurses who become ill because of stress at work could be helped by a social
      worker's High Court victory, the Royal College of Nursing has said.

PMID- 27670457
TI  - Cancer centre faces job cuts after overspend.
AB  - A leading cancer treatment centre is calling for voluntary redundancies to help
      ease I a L650,000 overspend on its drugs budget.

PMID- 27670458
TI  - ?
AB  - Heaven must wait: Two-year-old Heaven de Jesus is to be featured in a TV
      documentary on Pittsburgh's pioneering transplant centre which will be shown next
      month. Heaven, pictured with her father Luis, is one of 33,000 people waiting for
      the life-saving operation in America. First Tuesday: Miracle Workers will be
      shown at 10pm on Tuesday 6 December on ITV channels.

PMID- 27670459
TI  - Big fall in deaths predicted.
AB  - More than 750,000 lives could be saved in the UK over the next 25 years through
      changes in lifestyle, new medicines and new biomedical technologies, according to
      a recent study carried out by the Office of Health Economics.

PMID- 27670461
TI  - Tribute to nurses but still no pay rise.
AB  - Health secretary Virginia Bot- tomley paid tribute to the nation's nurses last
      week, sparking calls from unions for her to match her words by boosting nurses'
      pay.

PMID- 27670462
TI  - Minister attacks jargon.
AB  - Yet another threat to the National Health Service has been revealed - watch out,
      there's an acronym about.

PMID- 27670463
TI  - New obstetric unit not being used.
AB  - Pregnant women are being denied use of a brand new L1.5 million obstetric unit,
      partly because elderly patients need the beds, says a Labour MP.

PMID- 27670464
TI  - Gender sensitivity needed in A&E.
AB  - A&E nurses should be more gender sensitive when asking patients questions about
      whom to contact in the event of an accident, the RCN A&E Association annual
      conference in Daresbury has been told.

PMID- 27670467
TI  - Easy-to-measure advantage.
AB  - Measuring clinical outcomes can give an unfair advantage to services which are
      easy to measure, a nurse academic has warned.

PMID- 27670466
TI  - ?
AB  - Team nursing: Nursing students from the University of Greenwich have been
      presented with the Duke of Edinburgh's Award after competing against 40 other
      teams in The Great Escape activity day at Eastnor Castle in Hertfordshire. The
      six, who met for the first time on the day, had to complete a range of
      activities, including orienteering, assault boat racing, abseiling, clay pigeon
      shooting, quizzes and an egg race. They are, left to right, back: Emma Starmer
      Smith, Sheila Cousins, Julie McKenzie. Front: Greg Watson, Mark Bottomley and
      Tony Convery.

PMID- 27670468
TI  - Outcome-based contracts initiative.
AB  - District nurses in east London have helped draw up a contract with a health
      authority based on how many patients they think they will cure.

PMID- 27670470
TI  - Health service money is 'wasted on nurses'.
AB  - Nurses in Wales have hit out against claims they should sacrifice their jobs to
      improve patient care.

PMID- 27670469
TI  - New rules from HSE.
AB  - New health and safety at work regulations to protect women who are pregnant, new
      mothers and those who arc breastfeeding, are due to come into effect on 1
      December.

PMID- 27670471
TI  - American nurses report safety risk to patients.
AB  - American nurses are reporting deteriorating levels of patient care and openly
      expressing concern about patient safety, the American Nurses' Association has
      claimed.

PMID- 27670472
TI  - Parents not fully involved in care of children in hospital.
AB  - Parental participation in the care of sick children in hospital is often limited
      to basic 'mothering work', with parents often unsure as to what is expected of
      them, delegates at the recent paediatric nursing conference heard.

PMID- 27670473
TI  - Teachers need guidelines to give drugs safely.
AB  - Teachers who have to give children medicines at school need national guidelines,
      a report in the Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin has argued.

PMID- 27670475
TI  - Risk factors in acute epiglottitis.
AB  - Most adults who have acute epiglottitis can be managed conservatively and have
      low morbidity and mortality, American researchers report.

PMID- 27670474
TI  - Hyponatraemia and transcervical surgery.
AB  - Absorption of more than a litre of of irrigating fluid during transcervical
      surgery is associated with cerebral oedema and nausea, secondary to dilutional
      hyponatraemia, researchers from Denmark report.

PMID- 27670476
TI  - Determining early pregnancy in A&E.
AB  - As many as 6 per cent of women attending accident and emergency departments might
      be pregnant but not realise the fact, American researchers report.

PMID- 27670478
TI  - Still a long way to go.
AB  - Support for women's employment issues among top managers is growing, according to
      the latest update from the government's project to bring equality to the
      workforce.

PMID- 27670477
TI  - Ethnic minority women keen to have smears.
AB  - Women from ethnic minority groups are enthusiastic about cervical cytology once
      they understand the purpose of the screening and call recall system.

PMID- 27670479
TI  - Sensationalist or blaming the messenger?
AB  - The announcement of a 'fundamental review' of the workings of the UK Central
      Council in the aftermath of registrar Colin Ralph's departure prompted immediate
      calls from nursing unions for the UKCC to become more open and accountable.

PMID- 27670480
TI  - More financial training needed.
AB  - Welsh nurses charged with managing ward budgets need much more training for the
      task, a new report has revealed.

PMID- 27670481
TI  - On your lobby horse.
AB  - From Des Lynam to district nurses and from Alan Partridge to practice nurses,
      support for the Right to Nurse campaign keeps on coming. The list of signatories
      to the Right to Nurse Contract is growing all the time and many of you have
      written or phoned with your experiences of nursing in the Nineties. But we still
      want more. If you haven't signed the Contract yet, please do so and encourage
      your chief executive to do so too. And if you feel your right to nurse is being
      restricted by inadequate resources, too few staff, or for any other reason,
      please let us know. This week, we take a break from looking at the clauses of the
      Right to Nurse Contract and feature an article by Kathleen Weekes, chief nursing
      consultant at the Employment Service.

PMID- 27670482
TI  - Statistically speaking...
AB  - The fact that nearly half the nurses who responded to a Nursing Standard survey
      earlier this year were looking for a new job may come as no surprise to those of
      you who live with the dissatisfaction and low morale which seem to characterise
      much of nursing today.

PMID- 27670483
TI  - Understanding the nature of sleep.
AB  - This is the first article in a series of three looking at patients' sleep in
      hospitals. This article explores the nature of sleep and reviews the various
      theories that have been put forward to explain why we need to sleep. The other
      two articles will concentrate on sleep disorders and hospitalisation, and the mle
      of the night nurse.

PMID- 27670484
TI  - Child abuse and the legal system Wattam Ianigmans Making a case in child
      protection 208pp L11.95 0-582-09281-7.
AB  - Quite simply Corinne Warrant has written one of the best texts I have ever read
      on child protection. Her book is based on ethnographic research carried out
      within both a child protection team and the Crown Prosecution Service, and
      explores the processes through which children become court witnesses to abuse
      that they themselves have received.

PMID- 27670485
TI  - Nurse researcher Nurse researcher Editor Mathieson Alex Scutari Press 96pp four
      times yearly L16 subscription 1-873853-16-5.
AB  - 'Of all research methods, observation is perhaps the closest to everyday life,'
      argues Maureen Swanwick in the latest issue of Nurse Researcher.

PMID- 27670487
TI  - New this month.

PMID- 27670486
TI  - ?
AB  - The International Nursing Review reports on an electronic journal giving nurses
      access to latest research findings. The Online Journal of Knowledge Synthesis for
      Nursing apparently needs a personal computer with Windows software and a
      communications network hookup such as Internet, or a modem. Details from the
      publisher, Sigma Theta Tau, 550 West North Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.

PMID- 27670490
TI  - Resources for nursing research: an annotated bibliography Resources for nursing
      research: an annotated bibliography Second edition Clamp Cynthia et al Library
      Association Publishing 458pp L45 1-85604-117-4.
AB  - How do you take the first step in identifying literature related to nursing
      research? The answer could be in Resources for Nursing Research.

PMID- 27670489
TI  - Ethics: education and research Ethics: education and research Tschudin Verena
      Editor Scutari Press 152pp L12.99 1-873853-1 1-4.
AB  - : Research can be an ethical minefield, particularly where it involves patients'
      interests, and especially when it involves commercial sponsorship. ETHICS:
      Education and Research is the latest in Scutari's series of specifically targeted
      books exploring ethical issues which are relevant to practising nurses and P2000
      students.

PMID- 27670491
TI  - Ann Bradshaw Scutari Press 362pp L19.99 1-873853-06-8.
AB  - Lighting the Lamp: The Spiritual Dimension of Nursing Care Spirituality plays a
      major, if ill-defined, role in the motivation to deliver high quality
      professional nursing care, yet the subject is hardly recognised and rarely
      discussed. The results of years of research, Lighting the Lamp: The Spiritual
      Dimension of Nursing Care discusses the history and theology of spirituality and
      guides the reader through the myths and misconceptions surrounding the subject,
      demonstrating how current practice can benefit from the practical application of
      spiritual concepts.

PMID- 27670492
TI  - New this month.

PMID- 27670493
TI  - Rosie Higgins Daniels Publishing. 38 Cambridge Place, Cambridge CB2 INS. Tel:
      0223 467144. Fax: 0223 467145.24 slides, 50pp of lecture notes in a freestanding
      folder, glossary of terms and definitions. L60 including postage and packing 0
      9517228-7-5.
AB  - Knowing the Score. A Drug Awareness Slide Set and Teaching Guide.

PMID- 27670495
TI  - Multimedia offers an overview of recent publications and resources with an
      invaluable star rating guide Robert M Youngson Multimedia offers an overview of
      recent publications and resources with an invaluable star rating guide Harper
      collins 284pp L4.99 0-00-470535-1 [Formula: see text].
AB  - Collins Pocket Reference Prescription Drugs: A Guide to Prescription Drugs and
      Their Uses.

PMID- 27670496
TI  - New this month.
AB  - ? Strategies for Interpreting Qualitative Data Martha S Feldman SAGE Publications
      72pp L7.50 ISBN 0-8039-5916-8.

PMID- 27670497
TI  - Learning disabilities.
AB  - The West Cheshire NHS Trust has produced a video entitled Valued Lives. Presented
      in two parts, it aims to.

PMID- 27670499
TI  - Lost for words?
AB  - Rhone-Poulenc Rorer has sponsored the publication of a new booklet from the
      British Association of Cancer United Patients (BACUP) entitled Lost for Words: l
      low to Talk to Someone with Cancer.

PMID- 27670498
TI  - New home for Graves.
AB  - Graves Medical Audiovisual library is now based with Concord Video and Film
      Council Ltd, 201 Felixstowe Road, Ipswich, Suffolk 1P3 9BJ. Tel: 0473
      726012/715754. Fax: 0473 274531. A registered charity, Concord claims that it is
      possibly the largest educational video and film library in the UK.

PMID- 27670500
TI  - Video health channel.
AB  - Leicestershire Health has just launched a video health channel in a bid to ensure
      that vital health messages are reaching target audiences. Twenty GP practices are
      taking part in the two-year pilot scheme which consists of a specially produced
      20-minute video played continually on a TV screen in the surgery waiting room. It
      is estimated that about 125,000 will have access to the Health Channel. Further
      information from Ted Longwith, associate director, primary care, Leicestershire
      Health on 0533 588972.

PMID- 27670501
TI  - Deaf directory.
AB  - The third edition of the 199415 Directory from the Council for the Advancement of
      Communication with Deaf People (CACDP) is now available. Information on 192 sign
      language interpreters, lipspeakers, interpreters for deafblind people and speech
      to text reporters is provided. Details from CACDP on 0191 374 3607.

PMID- 27670502
TI  - Free videos.
AB  - CFL Vision has produced a new catalogue of nursing videos which can be borrowed
      free of charge for a five-day period. The company runs a helpline on 019.37
      541010, with experienced staff to help search for the right programme from its
      library of around 500 titles.

PMID- 27670503
TI  - Tony shows you how.
AB  - The secret of successful presentations can be yours, according to BBC for
      Business which has produced a training video package starring Tony Slattery
      titled Speak for Yourself.

PMID- 27670504
TI  - Listen and learn.
AB  - A new health pack of audio tape programmes for practice libraries is now
      available. The Health Audio Pack aims to enable nurses and doctors to offer
      simple self-help management programmes to patients who have chronic health
      problems such as depression, asthma and back pain. The set of eight costs L61.60,
      inclusive of VAT, post and packing, from WLAP Ltd, PO Box 1, Wirral L47 7DD. For
      more information call 051-632 0662.

PMID- 27670505
TI  - We do bother to educate our nurses.
AB  - I write to refute the statements made by your correspondent who wrote the letter
      'Bad deal for nurses in private sector' (November 2).

PMID- 27670506
TI  - Nurses are more than up to the task.
AB  - Why is there so much agonising over nurses undertaking some of the work
      previously seen as the responsibility of junior doctors, when in reality it has
      been senior nurses who have taught junior doctors how to perform these tasks
      (Nurses forced to take on more work, News, November 2)?

PMID- 27670507
TI  - The system's painful sense of urgency.
AB  - It was with sadness and disgust that I read of the plight of Sean Kelly and his
      family (System failure, Viewpoint, November 9).

PMID- 27670508
TI  - Another invisible casualty of nursing.
AB  - I can relate very strongly to Roger Cowell's article, 'Backs to the wall'
      (Viewpoint, November 9).

PMID- 27670509
TI  - Left in the lurch by continuous testing.
AB  - I was interested in Julia Hopewell's letter regarding state finals versus
      continuous assessment (Continuous assessment fairest, Letters, November 2).

PMID- 27670510
TI  - Information exchange.
AB  - * I work on a paediatric unit where we are implementing team nursing. We are also
      going to update our philosophy of care and I would be interested in any help,
      advice, guidelines from anyone who has recently carried out work on their own
      philosophy of care.

PMID- 27670511
TI  - Prime contendersMaureen Lahiff describes the varied backgrounds of the entrants
      to the Clinical Practice and Management Awards, a joint initiative between Smith
      & Nephew Healthcare, the Royal College of Nursing and Nursing Standard.
AB  - More than 350 nurses entered the 1994 Smith & Nephew Healthcare/ Nursing
      Standard/Royal College of Nursing Clinical Practice and Management Awards. They
      came from all over the British Isles - from Stornaway to the Channel Islands,
      from Northern Ireland to Newcastle, from many points in between and with a
      sprinkling from the Continent.

PMID- 27670512
TI  - A golden opportunity.
AB  - The programme which awaits the 12 winners at Sundridge Park has been changed
      slightly from last year's. According to programme manager Steve Rath- born, this
      is an inevitable result of monitoring changes in nursing and management practice,
      and listening closely to what last year's and this year's winners say.

PMID- 27670513
TI  - Introducing this year's winners.
AB  - The judges were extremely impressed by the quality of this year's entrants. The
      essays showed insight, determination and a clear grasp of the needs of a changing
      profession. The winners come from a variety of backgrounds and will be able to
      offer a wealth of experience to the course at Sundridge Park.

PMID- 27670514
TI  - Listings.
AB  - Nursing Standard regrets that it is no longer able to take listings over the
      telephone because of unprecedented demand. Readers are reminded that the listings
      section is for the use of charitable and professional organisations, unions and
      health authorities to publicise forthcoming events. Listings should contain all
      relevant details and be posted or faxed to Susan Bloodivorth, Nursing Standard,
      Viking House, 17-19 Peterborough Road, Harrow, Middlesex HA1 2AX. Fax: 081-423
      3867.

PMID- 27670515
TI  - Effect of salt reduction on iodine status assessed by 24 hour urinary iodine
      excretion in children and their families in northern China: a substudy of a
      cluster randomised controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of salt reduction on iodine status and to
      determine whether iodine consumption was still adequate after salt reduction in a
      population where universal salt iodisation is mandatory. DESIGN: A substudy of a
      cluster randomised controlled trial, with schools randomly assigned to either the
      intervention or the control group. SETTING: 28 primary schools in Changzhi,
      northern China. PARTICIPANTS: 279 children in grade 5 of primary school (mean
      age: 10.1); 553 adults (age: 43.8). INTERVENTION: Children were educated about
      the harmful effects of salt and how to reduce salt intake using the schools'
      usual health education lessons. Children then delivered the message to their
      families. The duration was 1 school term (~3.5 months). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE:
      Difference between the intervention and control groups in the change of iodine
      intake as measured by repeat 24 hour urinary iodine from baseline to the end of
      the trial. RESULTS: At baseline, the mean salt intake was 7.0+/-2.5 g/day in
      children and 11.7+/-4.4 g/day in adults and the median iodine intake was 165.1
      MUg/day (IQR: 122.6-216.7) and 280.7 MUg/day (IQR: 205.1-380.9) in children and
      adults, respectively. At the end of the study, salt and iodine decreased in the
      intervention compared with control group. The mean effect on salt for
      intervention versus control was -1.9 g/day (95% CI -2.6 to -1.3) in children and 
      2.9 g/day (95% CI -3.7 to -2.2) in adults. The mean effect on iodine was -19.3%
      (95% CI -29.4% to -7.7%) in children and -11.4% (95% CI -20.3% to -1.5%) in
      adults. CONCLUSIONS: With ~25% reduction in salt intake, there was a significant
      reduction in iodine consumption in northern China where salt is iodised. Despite
      this, iodine intake was still adequate, and well above the estimated average
      requirement. Our findings indicate that reducing salt to the WHO's target-30%
      reduction by 2025-will not compromise iodine status. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER:
      ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01821144.

PMID- 27670516
TI  - Partnering with consumers to develop and evaluate a Vietnamese Dementia Talking
      Book to support low health literacy: a qualitative study incorporating codesign
      and participatory action research.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the Vietnamese Dementia talking-book was to address low
      health literacy in older people of Vietnamese background living with dementia
      through the provision of an online resource to help individuals, their families
      and carers better understand and manage this condition and provide information
      about available dementia services. DESIGN: This qualitative study used codesign
      and participatory action research to develop and refine the talking-book in
      consultation with expert stakeholders, a consumer advocacy group and the
      Vietnamese community to assess its utility and ensure cultural and linguistic
      appropriateness and relevance. PARTICIPANTS: 59 members of the Vietnamese
      community, 11 stakeholders from community health services and ethnic agencies,
      consumer advocacy groups and the research team participated in the codesign and
      refinement of the talking-book. 22 members of the Vietnamese community appraised
      the final product. SETTING: Vietnamese community planned activity groups in the
      Western, Northern and Southern suburbs of Melbourne, Australia. RESULTS: Our
      codesign study outlines the process required to develop a Vietnamese Dementia
      Talking-Book resource partnering with consumers and expert stakeholders to
      identify consumer need, selection of the content and appropriate language level,
      construction of the book, measuring acceptability of the talking-book,
      modification based on feedback and production and dissemination. Feedback on the
      final version of the talking-book revealed widespread consensus that the book
      enhanced the knowledge of members of the Vietnamese community in regard to
      understanding dementia and navigation and accessing of available services.
      CONCLUSIONS: This free internationally available online Vietnamese Dementia
      Talking-Book facilitates improved dementia-related health literacy in the
      Vietnamese community. The book also serves as a tool to facilitate the provision
      of care to Vietnamese people living with memory loss by assisting health
      professional staff to develop relationships with Vietnamese clients, their
      families and carers in a culturally appropriate manner.

PMID- 27670517
TI  - Maternal-related deaths and impoverishment among adolescent girls in India and
      Niger: findings from a modelling study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High levels of maternal mortality and large associated inequalities
      exist in low-income and middle-income countries. Adolescent pregnancies remain
      common, and pregnant adolescent women face elevated risks of maternal mortality
      and poverty. We examined the distribution across socioeconomic groups of maternal
      deaths and impoverishment among adolescent girls (15-19 years old) in Niger,
      which has the highest total fertility rate globally, and India, which has the
      largest number of maternal deaths. METHODS: In Niger and India, among adolescent
      girls, we estimated the distribution per income quintile of: the number of
      maternal deaths; and the impoverishment, measured by calculating the number of
      cases of catastrophic health expenditure incurred, caused by complicated
      pregnancies. We also examined the potential impact on maternal deaths and poverty
      of increasing adolescent girls' level of education by 1 year. We used
      epidemiological and cost inputs sourced from surveys and the literature. RESULTS:
      The number of maternal deaths would be larger among the poorer adolescents than
      among the richer adolescents in Niger and India. Impoverishment would largely
      incur among the richer adolescents in Niger and among the poorer adolescents in
      India. Increasing educational attainment of adolescent girls might avert both a
      large number of maternal deaths and a significant number of cases of catastrophic
      health expenditure in the 2 countries. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescent pregnancies can
      lead to large equity gaps and substantial impoverishment in low-income and middle
      income countries. Increasing female education can reduce such inequalities and
      provide financial risk protection and poverty alleviation to adolescent girls.

PMID- 27670518
TI  - Prospective comorbidity-matched study of Parkinson's disease and risk of
      mortality among women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) may have an increased risk
      of overall mortality compared to the general population. Women may have lower
      mortality rates from PD than men; however, studies among women on the effect of
      PD on mortality have been limited and may not have adequately controlled for
      confounding by comorbidities. METHODS: We conducted a matched cohort study among
      participants in the Women's Health Study. 396 incident PD cases were identified
      through self-report. Each PD case was matched by age to a comparator who was
      alive and had the same modified Charlson comorbidity score as the PD case. The PD
      cases and matched comparators were followed for all-cause mortality. Cox
      proportional hazards models adjusted for age at the index date, smoking, alcohol
      consumption, exercise and body mass index were used to determine the association
      between PD and mortality. RESULTS: During a median of 6.2 years of follow-up, 72
      women died (47 PD cases and 25 comparators). The multivariable-adjusted HR for
      mortality was 2.60 (95% CI 1.56 to 4.32). CONCLUSIONS: PD was associated with
      more than a twofold increased risk of all-cause mortality among women. Results
      are similar to those observed among men.

PMID- 27670519
TI  - Effects of added involvement from concerned significant others in internet
      delivered CBT treatments for problem gambling: study protocol for a randomised
      controlled trial.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Problem gambling is a public health concern affecting ~2.3% of the
      Swedish population. Problem gambling also severely affects concerned significant
      others (CSOs). Several studies have investigated the effect of individual
      treatments based on cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), but less is known of the
      effect of involving CSOs in treatment. This study aims to compare an intervention
      based on behavioural couples therapy (BCT), involving a CSO, with an individual
      CBT treatment to determine their relative efficacy. BCT has shown promising
      results in working with substance abuse, but this is the first time it is used as
      an intervention for problem gambling. Both interventions will be internet
      delivered, and participants will receive written support and telephone support.
      METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A sample of 120 couples will be randomised to either the
      BCT condition, involving the gambler and the CSO, or the CBT condition, involving
      the gambler alone. Measures will be conducted weekly and at 3, 6 and 12 months
      follow-up. The primary outcome measure is gambling behaviour, as measured by
      Timeline Followback for Gambling. This article describes the outline of the
      research methods, interventions and outcome measures used to evaluate gambling
      behaviour, mechanisms of change and relationship satisfaction. This study will be
      the first study on BCT for problem gambling. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study
      has been given ethical approval from the regional ethics board of Stockholm,
      Sweden. It will add to the body of knowledge as to how to treat problem gambling
      and how to involve CSOs in treatment. The findings of this study will be
      published in peer-reviewed journals and published at international and national
      conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02543372; Pre-results.

PMID- 27670520
TI  - Burden assessment of podoconiosis in Wayu Tuka woreda, east Wollega zone, western
      Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Podoconiosis is a neglected tropical disease characterised by a slowly
      progressive swelling of the foot and lower leg. It is prevalent among subsistence
      barefoot farmers who live and work in highland areas of the tropics. This study
      was conducted in Wayu Tuka 'woreda' (district), western Ethiopia to determine the
      prevalence of podoconiosis and assess factors associated with acute
      adenolymphangitis (ALA) episodes. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A two phase, community
      based cross-sectional study was conducted between January and March 2015. First,
      all households in the district were surveyed to determine the prevalence of
      podoconiosis. This was followed by a second phase in which 366 people with
      podoconiosis from four randomly selected 'kebeles' (subdistricts) were assessed
      for clinical features of the disease, shoe-wearing habits, personal hygiene,
      social stigma and functional impairment. Data entered into Epi DATA were then
      exported to SPSS. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors
      associated with ALA. RESULTS: Prevalence of podoconiosis in the population was
      3.05% (1197/39 256) (95% CI 2.9% to 3.2%). The prevalence was significantly
      higher among women than men (3.67% vs 2.4%). Most (92.2%) people with
      podoconiosis were in the economically active age group (15-64 years) in the first
      phase survey. Of participants in the second phase of the study, 43% had stage 2
      disease and 38.1% had 'moss'-like skin changes. On average, people with
      podoconiosis had 23.3 episodes of ALA/year and each person with podoconiosis lost
      149.5 days of activity/year. Never walking barefoot and daily foot washing were
      both associated with decreased odds of ALA (AOR=0.23; 95% CI 0.06 to 0.80 and
      0.09; 95% CI 0.01 to 0.75, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: A relatively high
      prevalence of podoconiosis, frequent ALA episodes and considerable decreases in
      daily activities were identified in this district. Footwear use and daily foot
      hygiene were associated with decreased odds of ALA. We recommend prevention and
      morbidity management interventions to address this developmental challenge.

PMID- 27670521
TI  - Cost-effectiveness modelling of telehealth for patients with raised
      cardiovascular disease risk: evidence from a cohort simulation conducted
      alongside the Healthlines randomised controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the long-term cost-effectiveness (measured as the
      ratio of incremental NHS cost to incremental quality-adjusted life years) of a
      telehealth intervention for patients with raised cardiovascular disease (CVD)
      risk. DESIGN: A cohort simulation model developed as part of the economic
      evaluation conducted alongside the Healthlines randomised controlled trial.
      SETTING: Patients recruited through primary care, and intervention delivered via
      telehealth service. PARTICIPANTS: Participants with a 10-year CVD risk >=20%, as
      measured by the QRISK2 algorithm, and with at least 1 modifiable risk factor,
      individually randomised from 42 general practices in England. INTERVENTION: A
      telehealth service delivered over a 12-month period. The intervention involved a
      series of responsive, theory-led encounters between patients and trained health
      information advisors who provided access to information resources and supported
      medication adherence and coordination of care. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME
      MEASURES: Cost-effectiveness measured by net monetary benefit over the simulated
      lifetime of trial participants from a UK National Health Service perspective.
      RESULTS: The probability that the intervention was cost-effective depended on the
      duration of the effect of the intervention. The intervention was cost-effective
      with high probability if effects persisted over the lifetime of intervention
      recipients. The probability of cost-effectiveness was lower for shorter durations
      of effect. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention was likely to be cost-effective under a
      lifetime perspective. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN27508731; Results.

PMID- 27670522
TI  - Data sharing through an NIH central database repository: a cross-sectional survey
      of BioLINCC users.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To characterise experiences using clinical research data shared
      through the National Institutes of Health (NIH)'s Biologic Specimen and Data
      Repository Information Coordinating Center (BioLINCC) clinical research data
      repository, along with data recipients' perceptions of the value, importance and
      challenges with using BioLINCC data. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional web
      based survey. PARTICIPANTS: All investigators who requested and received access
      to clinical research data from BioLINCC between 2007 and 2014. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: Reasons for BioLINCC data request, research project plans, interactions
      with original study investigators, BioLINCC experience and other project details.
      RESULTS: There were 536 investigators who requested and received access to
      clinical research data from BioLINCC between 2007 and 2014. Of 441 potential
      respondents, 195 completed the survey (response rate=44%); 89% (n=174) requested
      data for an independent study, 17% (n=33) for pilot/preliminary analysis.
      Commonly cited reasons for requesting data through BioLINCC were feasibility of
      collecting data of similar size and scope (n=122) and insufficient financial
      resources for primary data collection (n=76). For 95% of respondents (n=186), a
      primary research objective was to complete new research, as opposed to replicate
      prior analyses. Prior to requesting data from BioLINCC, 18% (n=36) of respondents
      had contacted the original study investigators to obtain data, whereas 24% (n=47)
      had done so to request collaboration. Nearly all (n=176; 90%) respondents found
      the data to be suitable for their proposed project; among those who found the
      data unsuitable (n=19; 10%), cited reasons were data too complicated to use (n=5)
      and data poorly organised (n=5). Half (n=98) of respondents had completed their
      proposed projects, of which 67% (n=66) have been published. CONCLUSIONS:
      Investigators were primarily using clinical research data from BioLINCC for
      independent research, making use of data that would otherwise have not been
      feasible to collect.

PMID- 27670523
TI  - Knowledge, beliefs and attitudes of Muslim footballers towards Ramadan fasting
      during the London 2012 Olympics: a cross-sectional study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Muslims observe fasting during the month of Ramadan by abstaining
      from eating and drinking from dawn to sunset. Available literature shows that
      although several studies have been conducted on athletes to determine the effects
      of Ramadan fasting in terms of physical fitness and performance, little data are
      available regarding the knowledge, beliefs and attitudes of athletes
      (particularly footballers) towards Ramadan fasting during high-level
      competitions. This study explored the knowledge, beliefs and attitudes towards
      Ramadan fasting among football players participating in the London 2012 Olympics
      football tournament. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTINGS: Team training
      facility. PARTICIPANTS: 54 Muslim footballers participating in the London
      Olympics, 2012 OUTCOME MEASURES: Each participant was asked to complete a pre
      validated structured questionnaire to assess knowledge, beliefs and attitudes
      regarding Ramadan fasting and their intention to fast during London 2012.
      RESULTS: Of the 54 participating athletes, 21(39%) reported that they intended to
      fast during Ramadan, but not on a match day. This attitude differed across three
      teams interviewed -83%, 15% and 0%-showing cross-cultural variation. Overall,
      there was a lack of knowledge among footballers regarding the effects of Ramadan
      fasting on sleep and performance; around 30% of athletes gave incorrect
      responses. This knowledge was independent of their decision to fast on non
      competition days (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to describe the
      knowledge, beliefs and attitudes towards Ramadan fasting among athletes from
      Muslim-majority countries participating in a high-level competition. Appropriate
      knowledge can ensure optimum performance for athletes during Ramadan fasting.
      Coaches, family members and friends also in possession of this knowledge can
      provide moral support to the players.

PMID- 27670524
TI  - Is tuberculosis health education reaching the public in China? A cross-sectional
      survey in Guizhou Province.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Knowledge about tuberculosis (TB) is important for TB control, and
      China's national TB control guidelines emphasise TB health promotion. A 2010
      national TB epidemiology survey showed that the general public had limited
      knowledge and awareness of TB. OBJECTIVE: To assess the level of TB knowledge
      after 5 years of TB health promotion in Guizhou Province, one of the regions with
      the highest TB burden in China. DESIGN AND SETTING: A community-based, cross
      sectional survey of 10 237 residents of Guizhou Province from June to August
      2015. Multiple logistic regression models were used to examine factors associated
      with core TB knowledge and TB health education among respondents. RESULTS:
      Overall, residents of Guizhou Province had inadequate knowledge of TB. The
      overall awareness of TB was 41.5%. Less than 30% of respondents were familiar
      with China's policy of free treatment for TB or knew that the disease could be
      cured. Factors associated with core TB knowledge included gender, age, ethnicity,
      education, occupation, region, and having received TB health education. Women,
      older adults, people employed in non-government institutions, and those living in
      counties with low TB burdens had little access to TB health education, whereas
      people with higher education levels had greater access. Respondents' sources of
      TB knowledge did not necessarily match their preferred channels for delivery of
      TB health education. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that TB health education
      should be further strengthened in China and other countries with a high TB
      burden. TB health education programmes require further formative and
      implementation research in order to improve programme effectiveness.

PMID- 27670525
TI  - Multi-pass microscopy.
AB  - Microscopy of biological specimens often requires low light levels to avoid
      damage. This yields images impaired by shot noise. An improved measurement
      accuracy at the Heisenberg limit can be achieved exploiting quantum correlations.
      If sample damage is the limiting resource, an equivalent limit can be reached by
      passing photons through a specimen multiple times sequentially. Here we use self
      imaging cavities and employ a temporal post-selection scheme to present full
      field multi-pass polarization and transmission micrographs with variance
      reductions of 4.4+/-0.8 dB (11.6+/-0.8 dB in a lossless setup) and 4.8+/-0.8 dB,
      respectively, compared with the single-pass shot-noise limit. If the accuracy is
      limited by the number of detected probe particles, our measurements show a
      variance reduction of 25.9+/-0.9 dB. The contrast enhancement capabilities in
      imaging and in diffraction studies are demonstrated with nanostructured samples
      and with embryonic kidney 293T cells. This approach to Heisenberg-limited
      microscopy does not rely on quantum state engineering.

PMID- 27670526
TI  - Hypermethylated APC in serous carcinoma based on a meta-analysis of ovarian
      cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The reduced expression of the Adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene,
      a tumor suppressor gene, through promoter hypermethylation has been reported to
      play a key role in the carcinogenesis. However, the correlation between APC
      promoter hypermethylation and ovarian cancer (OC) remains to be clarified.
      METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was carried out in related research
      databases. The overall odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95 % confidence interval
      (CI) were used to evaluate the effects of APC promoter hypermethylation on OC and
      clinicopathological characteristics. RESULTS: Ultimately, 12 eligible studies
      were used in our study, including 806 OC samples, 429 normal controls, 109 benign
      lesions and 75 LMP samples. The pooled OR showed that APC promoter
      hypermethylation was significantly higher in OC than in normal and benign
      controls (OR = 6.18 and OR = 3.26, respectively). No significant correlation was
      observed between OC and low malignant potential (LMP) tumors (P = 0.436). In the
      comparison of OC and normal controls, subgroup analysis based on race showed that
      the overall OR of APC promoter hypermethylation was significant and similar in
      Asians and Caucasians (OR = 8.34 and OR = 5.39, respectively). A subgroup
      analysis based on sample type found that the pooled OR was significantly higher
      in blood than in tissue (OR = 18.71 and OR = 5.74, respectively). A significant
      association was not observed between APC promoter hypermethylation and tumor
      grade or tumor stage. The pooled OR indicated that APC promoter hypermethylation
      was significantly lower in serous carcinoma than in non-serous carcinoma (OR =
      0.56, P = 0.02). No obvious publication bias was detected by Egger's test (all P
      > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: APC promoter hypermethylation may be linked to the
      increased risk of OC. It was associated with histological type, but not with
      tumor grade or tumor stage. Moreover, hypermethylated APC may be a noninvasive
      biomarker using blood samples. Future studies are required to validate these
      results.

PMID- 27670528
TI  - Caudal Duplication: Management of a Rare Congenital Condition.

PMID- 27670529
TI  - The Utility of Abdominal CT for Preoperative Planning of Percutaneous Endoscopic
      Gastrostomy Tube Placement.

PMID- 27670530
TI  - Benign Pneumatosis Intestinalis: Can We Avoid the Knife?

PMID- 27670531
TI  - A Novel Technique Using Intraoperative Fluoroscopy as a Tool to Achieve Negative
      Margins for Wire-Guided Partial Mastectomies.

PMID- 27670532
TI  - Retrograde Intussusception after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.

PMID- 27670533
TI  - Congenital Symmastia: A Reconstruction Technique.

PMID- 27670534
TI  - Impact of Health-Care Worker Attitudes Toward Organ Donation.

PMID- 27670535
TI  - Extralobar Pulmonary Sequestration with Accompanying Ipsilateral Diaphragmatic
      Eventration.

PMID- 27670536
TI  - Association between Blood Transfusion, Transfusion Setting, and the Risk of
      Venous Thromboembolism in Patients with Isolated Orthopedic Trauma.

PMID- 27670537
TI  - Tracheocarotid Fistula.

PMID- 27670538
TI  - Management of a Persistent Surgical Scalp Wound Complicated by Folliculitis and
      Dehiscence.

PMID- 27670539
TI  - Alcohol, Injuries, and Outcomes Comparing Injured Moped and Motorcycle Drivers.

PMID- 27670540
TI  - Hyperthyroidism and Thyroid Carcinoma.

PMID- 27670541
TI  - Laparoscopic-Assisted Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreaticography after Roux
      en-Y Gastric Bypass.

PMID- 27670542
TI  - A Rare Cause of Bowel Obstruction: An Incarcerated Obturator Hernia.

PMID- 27670543
TI  - Feasibility and Safety of Irreversible Electroporation in Locally Advanced Pelvic
      and Retroperitoneal Tumors.

PMID- 27670544
TI  - Association of Duration of Symptoms and Secondary Signs in Ultrasound for
      Pediatric Appendicitis.

PMID- 27670545
TI  - Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma of the Lingual Tonsil.

PMID- 27670546
TI  - Hiatal Hernia Cruroplasty with a Running Barbed Suture Compared to Interrupted
      Suture Repair.

PMID- 27670547
TI  - Recurrent Cervical Cancer Presenting as Inflammatory Breast Cancer.

PMID- 27670548
TI  - Analysis of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Rural Appalachia.

PMID- 27670549
TI  - A Violation of Occam's Razor: Acute Appendicitis after Motor Vehicle Collision.

PMID- 27670551
TI  - Unicentric Castleman's Disease Masquerading as a Carcinoid Tumor of the Small
      Intestine.

PMID- 27670550
TI  - Concomitant Laparoscopic Ileocolectomy and Ladd's Procedure for Crohn's
      Ileocolitis with Mesenteric Abscess and Congenital Megacolon.

PMID- 27670552
TI  - Penetrating Spinal Cord Trauma: A Unique Patient Presentation.

PMID- 27670553
TI  - Necrotizing Fasciitis in a Healthy Pediatric Patient Caused by Enterobacter
      cloacae and Serratia marcescens: A Discussion of Diagnosis and Management.

PMID- 27670554
TI  - Fetus in Fetu-A Case Report with a Variant Host Anastomosis.
AB  - Fetus in fetu is a rare congenital condition where a vertebrate fetus is found
      within the body of its host twin. It features a monozygotic parasitic twin
      attached via a vascular anastomosis to its host circulation. This report
      describes an instance of fetus in fetu with a variant presentation of its
      vascular pedicle to its host via the inferior epigastric vasculature. 

PMID- 27670555
TI  - Pediatric Secondary Overtriage in a Statewide Trauma System.
AB  - Secondary overtriage is a term that describes patients who are discharged home
      shortly after being transferred, an indication that transfer and hospitalization
      were unnecessary. The study goal was to identify factors associated with
      secondary triage. A statewide trauma registry was used to identify trauma
      patients aged less than 18 years during a 6-year period (2007-2012) who were
      discharged within 48 hours from arrival and did not undergo a surgical procedure.
      We compared those that were treated at initial facility and those transferred to
      a second facility using clinical indices including patterns of injury pattern
      using multivariate logistic regression. Of the 4441 patients who fit our
      inclusion criteria, 801 (18%) were transferred. Younger age groups were more
      likely to be transferred. Factors associated with being transferred included
      head, spinal, and facial injuries, and patient arrival during the nighttime work
      shifts. In conclusion, young patients who have signs of possible neurological or
      spinal injuries and those who arrive during nondaytime shifts during the workday
      are more likely to be transferred to another trauma center. These may reflect the
      comfort level and resources of the local facility. 

PMID- 27670556
TI  - Management of Patients with Gastroschisis Requiring Extracorporeal Membrane
      Oxygenation for Concurrent Respiratory Failure.
AB  - Treatment of gastroschisis often requires multiple surgical procedures to re
      establish abdominal domain, reduce abdominal contents, and eventually close the
      abdominal wall. In patients who have concomitant respiratory failure requiring
      extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), this process becomes further
      complicated. This situation is rare and only five such cases have been reported
      in the ECMO registry database. Management of three of the five patients along
      with results and implications for future care of similar patients is discussed
      here. Two patients had respiratory failure due to meconium aspiration syndrome
      and one patient had persistent acidosis as well as worsening pulmonary
      hypertension leading to the decision of ECMO. The abdominal contents were placed
      in a spring-loaded silastic silo while on ECMO and primary closure was performed
      three to six days after the decannulation. All three patients survived and are
      developmentally appropriate. We recommend avoiding aggressively reducing the
      abdominal contents and using a silo to conservatively reducing the gastroschisis
      while the patient is on ECMO therapy. Keeping the intra-abdominal pressure below
      20 mm Hg can possibly reduce ECMO days and ventilator time and has been shown to
      decrease morbidity and mortality. Patients with gastroschisis and respiratory
      failure requiring ECMO can have good outcomes despite the complexity of required
      care. 

PMID- 27670557
TI  - Laparoscopic Resection of a Congenital Solitary Hepatic Cyst in an Infant.

PMID- 27670558
TI  - Preduodenal Portal Vein: A Rare Cause of Neonatal Bowel Obstruction.

PMID- 27670559
TI  - Paratubal Cyst Torsion with Compromise of the Fallopian Tube in an Adolescent
      Girl.

PMID- 27670560
TI  - A Rare Diagnosis for Persistent, Unexplained Fevers and Abdominal Pain in the
      Pediatric Population.

PMID- 27670561
TI  - Complications Associated with Bar Fixation after Nuss Repair for Pectus
      Excavatum.

PMID- 27670562
TI  - Chylous Ascites in a Neonate with Hydrops Fetalis.

PMID- 27670563
TI  - Repair of Pectus Excavatum in an Adult: An Example of Disease Progression.

PMID- 27670564
TI  - Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Pediatric Respiratory Failure.
AB  - Conventional treatment of respiratory failure involves positive pressure
      ventilation that can worsen lung damage. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
      (ECMO) is typically used when conventional therapy fails. In this study, we
      evaluated the use of venovenous (VV)-ECMO for the treatment of severe pediatric
      respiratory failure at our institution. A retrospective analysis of pediatric
      patients (age 1-18) placed on ECMO in the last 15 years (1999-2014) by the
      pediatric surgery team for respiratory failure was performed. Five pediatric
      patients underwent ECMO (mean age 10 years; range, 2-16). All underwent VV-ECMO.
      Diagnoses were status asthmaticus (2), acute respiratory distress syndrome due to
      septic shock (1), aspergillus pneumonia (1), and respiratory failure due to
      parainfluenza (1). Two patients had severe barotrauma prior to ECMO initiation.
      Average oxygenation index (OI) prior to cannulation was 74 (range 23-122). No
      patients required conversion to VA-ECMO. The average ECMO run time was 4.4 days
      (range 2-6). The average number of days on the ventilator was 15 (range 4-27).
      There were no major complications due to the procedure. Survival to discharge was
      100%. Average follow up is 4.4 years (range 1-15). A short run of VV-ECMO can be
      lifesaving for pediatric patients in respiratory failure. Survival is excellent
      despite severely elevated oxygen indices. VV-ECMO may be well tolerated and can
      be considered for severe pediatric respiratory failure. 

PMID- 27670565
TI  - Closure of a Traumatic Esophagomediastinal Fistula in a Child by Endoscopic
      Fulguration and Fibrin Injection.
AB  - Posttraumatic esophagomediastinal fistula is an uncommon clinical entity that
      warrants surgical awareness due to its life-threatening potential. Its
      management, especially in previously operated field, is controversial and several
      endoscopic methods are being proposed as alternatives. Ours is the first report
      of endoscopic fulguration and fibrin injection in successful closure of such
      fistula. A 9-year-old female sustained complete tracheoesophageal transection
      from a gunshot wound to the neck and underwent immediate primary repair. She
      presented nine months later with fevers and swelling over anterior neck. CT
      revealed air tracking posteriorly to the dorsal neck and inferiorly to the
      mediastinum. Considering difficulty of open surgical approach, endoscopic
      intervention was attempted. Posterior wall fistula was identified via
      microlaryngoscopy above the esophageal anastomosis. The fistula tract was de
      epithelialized via a Bugbee fulgurating electrode and then sealed with fibrin
      glue. Consequent imaging studies demonstrated complete occlusion of the fistula.
      Posterior posttraumatic esophagomediastinal fistula presents a challenging
      scenario from a surgical standpoint, as it combines difficulty of safe approach,
      high rate of injury to surrounding structures, and significant postoperative
      recurrence rate. Endoscopic Bugbee fulguration and fibrin glue injection are a
      safe and effective alternative to the traditional approach. 

PMID- 27670566
TI  - Ileocolic and Jejunal Intussusceptions Requiring Surgical Intervention in a
      Pediatric Patient with Posttransplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder.
AB  - Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is not uncommon in pediatrics.
      This case report describes a case of intestinal intussusception that occurred
      secondary to lymphoid hyperplasia in a child with PTLD following a cardiac
      transplant. This case was unique in its presentation with multiple areas of
      intussusception and with need for surgical intervention. The diagnosis of
      intussusception secondary to lead points from PTLD should be strongly considered
      in pediatric transplant patients presenting with abdominal complaints. 

PMID- 27670567
TI  - Preoperative Bowel Preparation before Elective Bowel Resection or Ostomy Closure
      in the Pediatric Patient Population Has No Impact on Outcomes: A Prospective
      Randomized Study.
AB  - The role of preoperative bowel prep in the pediatric surgical population is
      uncertain. We performed a randomized prospective study to evaluate noninferiority
      between the presence or absence of a preoperative bowel prep in elective
      pediatric bowel surgery on postoperative outcomes. Patients aged three months to
      18 years were recruited and randomized to the bowel prep group or the no bowel
      prep group. Patients were evaluated in-hospital and at postoperative clinic
      visits. Thirty-two patients were recruited; 18 in the bowel prep group and 14 in
      the no bowel prep group. There was no statistical difference (P > 0.05) in
      complications between the groups. Complications were observed in five patients in
      each group (27.8% and 35.7%, respectively). In the bowel prep group, two (11.1%)
      had wound infection (vs three, 21.4%), 0 had an intra-abdominal abscess (vs one,
      7.1%), one (5.6%) had sepsis (vs one, 7.1%), one (5.6%) had an anastomotic leak
      (vs 0), and three (16.7%) had a bowel obstruction (vs one, 7.1%). There were no
      extra-abdominal complications. There were no significant differences in
      complications between the two groups. Further research is warranted, but may
      require a multi-institutional trial to recruit sufficient numbers to make
      conclusions about the significance of the need for bowel prep. 

PMID- 27670568
TI  - Timing of Adjuvant Radioactive Iodine Therapy Does Not Affect Overall Survival in
      Low- and Intermediate-Risk Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma.
AB  - There is no consensus regarding the timing of adjuvant radioactive iodine therapy
      (RAI) therapy in low- and intermediate-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). We
      analyzed the impact of adjuvant RAI on overall survival (OS) in low- and
      intermediate-risk PTC. The National Cancer Data Base was queried from 2004 to
      2011 for pN0M0 PTC patients having near/subtotal or total thyroidectomy and
      adjuvant RAI. Tumors <=1 cm with negative margins were low risk while 1.1- to 4
      cm tumors with negative margins or <=1 cm with microscopic margins were termed
      intermediate risk. RAI in <=3 months and between 3 and 12 months was termed as
      early and delayed, respectively. Survival analysis was performed after adjusting
      for patient and tumor-related variables. There were 7,306 low-risk and 16,609
      intermediate-risk patients. Seventeen per cent low-risk and 15 per cent
      intermediate-risk patients had delayed RAI. Kaplan-Meier analysis did not show a
      difference in OS for early versus delayed RAI administration in low- (10-year OS
      94.5% vs 94%, P = 0.627) or intermediate-risk (10-year OS 95.3% vs 95.9%, P =
      0.944) patients. In adjusted survival analysis, RAI timing did not affect OS in
      all patients (hazard ratios = 0.98, 95% confidence interval = 0.71-1.34, P =
      0.887). In conclusion, the timing of postthyroidectomy adjuvant RAI therapy does
      not affect OS in low- or intermediate-risk PTC. 

PMID- 27670569
TI  - Malignancy Rate, Number Needed to Treat, and Positive Predictive Value for Breast
      MRI.
AB  - Breast MRI is being used more frequently for advanced screening for breast
      cancer. Patients may be at increased risk, or are symptomatic, with nonsuspicious
      mammograms. There is little data regarding the likelihood of a recommendation for
      biopsy, or for detecting a malignancy, in this population. We intended to
      determine the malignancy rate, number needed to treat, and positive predictive
      value for patients receiving adjunctive MRI at our institution. A retrospective
      review of all breast MRIs from 2008 to 2010 was done. Patients with any prior
      diagnosis of breast cancer, or BRCA+ were excluded. There were 324 patients. Most
      common reasons for ordering the breast MRI included: abnormal test result 130
      (44%), palpable mass 74 (23%), family history 58 (18%), breast pain 47 (15%), and
      nipple discharge 45 (14%). Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System score
      (BIRADS) was 1 or 2 in 36 per cent, 4 or 5 in 18 per cent, 3 in 26 per cent, 0 in
      10 per cent, and not given in 9 per cent. Biopsy was recommended in 77 (24%),
      with biopsy actually performed in 57 (18%). Of the eight cancers identified, four
      (1.2%) were ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and four (1.2%) were invasive cancer,
      yielding a true-positive rate of 2.5 per cent. Number needed to treat was 40.
      Positive predictive value was 14 per cent with a false-positive rate of 86 per
      cent. In this group of generally higher risk women, typically prescreened with
      mammography, 1.2 per cent had an invasive cancer, and another 1.2 per cent had
      DCIS. Those who undergo biopsy are 6.1 times more likely to have benign
      pathology. The efficacy of adjunctive breast MRI could be improved through
      refinements in indication, test interpretation, or alternative screening
      strategies. 

PMID- 27670570
TI  - Arterial Injuries Associated with Blunt Fractures in the Lower Extremity.
AB  - Problems related to the combination of an arterial injury and a blunt fracture in
      the lower extremity are well known-delayed diagnosis, damaged soft tissue, and
      high amputation rate. The actual incidence of this injury pattern is, however,
      unknown. The purposes of this study were to determine the current incidence of
      named arterial injuries in patients with blunt fractures in the lower extremities
      and assess potential associated risk factors. This was a 7-year (2007-2013)
      retrospective review of patients >=18 years with blunt lower extremity fractures
      at a Level I trauma center. Fracture location and concomitant arterial injury
      were determined and patients stratified by age, gender, and injury velocity. Low
      injury velocity was defined as falls or assaults, whereas an injury secondary to
      a motorized vehicle was defined as high velocity. A total of 4413 patients (mean
      age 52.2 years, 54.3% male, mean Injury Severity Score 13.1) were identified.
      Forty-six patients (1.04%) had arterial injuries (20.4% common femoral, 8.2%
      superficial femoral, 44.9% popliteal, and 26.5% shank). After stratifying by age
      and injury velocity, younger age was associated with a significantly higher rate
      of vascular injury. For high-velocity injuries, there was no difference based on
      age. In conclusion, the prevalence of arterial injury after blunt lower extremity
      fractures is 1.04 per cent in our study. A significant paradoxical relationship
      exists between age and associated arterial injuries in patients with low-velocity
      injuries. If these data are confirmed in future studies, a low index of suspicion
      in patients >55 years after falls is appropriate. 

PMID- 27670571
TI  - Use of a Novel Accounting and Grouping Method for Major Trunk Injury-Analysis of
      Data from a Statewide Trauma Financial Survey.
AB  - Major trunk trauma is common and costly, but comparisons of costs between trauma
      centers (TCs) are rare. Understanding cost is essential to improve quality,
      manage trauma service lines, and to facilitate institutional commitment for
      trauma. We have used results of a statewide trauma financial survey of Levels I
      to IV TC to develop a useful grouping method for costs and clinical
      characteristics of major trunk trauma. The trauma financial survey collected
      billing and clinical data on 75 per cent of the state trauma registry patients
      for fiscal year 2012. Cost was calculated by separately accounting for embedded
      costs of trauma response and verification, and then adjusting reasonable costs
      from the Medicare cost report for each TC. The cost-to-charge ratios were then
      recalculated and used to determine uniform cost estimates for each patient. From
      the 13,215 patients submitted for the survey, we selected 1,094 patients with
      major trunk trauma: lengths of stay >= 48 hours and a maximum injury of AIS >=3
      for either thorax or abdominal trauma. These patients were then divided into
      three Injury Severity Score (ISS) groups of 9 to 15, 16 to 24, or 25+ to stratify
      patients into similar injury groups for analysis of cost and cost drivers. For
      abdominal injury, average total cost for patients with ISS 9 to 15 was $17,429.
      Total cost and cost per day increased with severity of injury, with $51,585 being
      the total cost for those with ISS 25. Similar trends existed for thoracic injury.
      Use of the Medicare cost report and cost-to-charge ratios to compute uniform
      costs with an innovative grouping method applied to data collected across a
      statewide trauma system provides unique information regarding cost and outcomes,
      which affects quality improvement, trauma service line management, and decisions
      on TC participation. 

PMID- 27670572
TI  - The Colectomy Improvement Project: Do Evidence-Based Guidelines Improve
      Institutional Colectomy Outcomes?
AB  - This study evaluates whether increased adherence to eight specific practice
      parameters leads to improved outcomes in patients undergoing elective colorectal
      resections. In addition, we analyzed whether physicians with better compliance
      achieved better patient outcomes. Compliance to practice parameters and
      subsequent outcomes were compared between two groups relative to an educational
      intervention promoting the eight best practice guidelines selected. A total of
      485 patients were identified over a 4-year period and were separated into a pre-
      (n = 273) and posteducation (n = 212) group. After the educational intervention,
      there was increased compliance in five of the eight practice parameters (P <
      0.05). When outcomes where examined, the readmission rate (2.4% vs 8.4%; P =
      0.005) and the incidence of deep surgical infections (0% vs 1.8%; P = 0.01) were
      significantly decreased when comparing the posteducational group to that of the
      group before intervention. A lower rate of anastomotic leaks were identified in
      the posteducation group, but this did not reach significance (1.9% vs 5.1%; P =
      .09). When analyzed individually, the most compliant physicians achieved better
      patient outcomes than their peers. Education of the operative team improved
      adherence to practice parameters and this may have contributed to improving
      patient outcomes. 

PMID- 27670573
TI  - The Goalposts Have Moved: Can Surgery Residents Meet Updated Quality Benchmarks
      for Adenoma Detection Rate in Colonoscopy?
AB  - The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE)/American College of
      Gastroenterology Task Force (ACGTF) on Quality in Endoscopy released updated
      quality benchmarks for colonoscopy in 2015. Our initial study concluded that
      surgery residents could perform safe and competent screening colonoscopy within a
      structured endoscopy curriculum. In this follow-up study, we sought to determine
      whether surgery residents could achieve the increased adenoma detection rate
      (ADR) benchmarks endorsed by the ASGE/ACGTF. An Institutional Review Board
      approved prospective analysis of colonoscopies performed by five postgraduate
      year 2 and 3 general surgery residents from 2013 to 2015 was completed. All
      colonoscopies were performed under the direct supervision of surgical
      endoscopists after each resident passed a structured endoscopy simulation
      curriculum. The following ASGE/ACG quality metrics were recorded: bowel
      preparation quality; cecal intubation rate; polyp and ADRs; and, complications.
      Power analysis determined that 108 procedures were required for an 80 per cent
      probability of data analysis accuracy. About 135 screening and diagnostic
      colonoscopies were performed. Bowel prep was considered "adequate" in 90 per cent
      of cases. The cecum was reached independently in 95 per cent of cases. Polyp(s)
      were visualized and removed in 39 per cent of patients. The overall ADR was 31.8
      per cent (>25%). Male ADR was 38.7 per cent (>30%). Female ADR was 26.0 per cent
      (>20%). Average polyp size was 8.7 mm (range: 1-22 mm). One patient was
      readmitted for postpolypectomy syndrome, and successfully managed nonoperatively.
      In conclusion, using our structured endoscopy curriculum, surgery residents
      achieved ADRs fully consistent with the updated benchmark values endorsed by the
      ASGE/ACGTF. 

PMID- 27670574
TI  - Neuropsychological Changes in Primary Hyperparathyroidism after
      Parathyroidectomy.
AB  - Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPSs) of sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT)
      are often subtle and effects of parathyroidectomy (PTX) on symptoms remains
      poorly characterized. Our aim was to evaluate effects of PTX on NPS in patients
      with PHPT. A prospective questionnaire was distributed to all patients undergoing
      PTX and to a thyroidectomy (TX) control group. The questionnaire included the
      validated scales Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety
      Disorder-7 (GAD-7) to assess for depression and anxiety respectively, as well as
      questions modified from Pasieka's Parathyroid Assessment of Symptoms (M-PAS).
      Point values were assigned to questionnaire answers to create a score, with a
      maximum of 63. Fifty-eight patients underwent PTX (58.6%) and 41 TX (41.4%). Mean
      preoperative scores were greater in PTX versus TX patients in total score, PHQ-9,
      GAD-7, and M-PAS (all P < 0.05). Post-PTX scores were lower than pre-PTX in total
      score, PHQ-9, GAD-7, and M-PAS (all P < 0.05), but not in pre- and post-TX. Post
      PTX 69.0 and 82.8 per cent of patients showed no symptoms of depression and
      anxiety, respectively, compared with 37.9 and 56.9 per cent pre-PTX. A total of
      16.2 and 10.3 per cent of patients had moderately severe to severe depression and
      anxiety, which fell to 0 per cent post-PTX. NPSs are more common in patients with
      PHPT when compared with TX. Patients undergoing PTX have improvements in NPS. NPS
      scoring should occur in all patients with PHPT and severity of NPS should be
      considered a relative indication for PTX. 

PMID- 27670575
TI  - Esophagectomy: Comparison of Short-Term Outcomes between Single-versus Two-Team
      Approach.
AB  - Literature about combining expertise of two specialties in esophageal cancer
      surgery is limited. We present the experience at a single institute comparing
      single-team (ST) versus two-team (TT) approach combining thoracic and abdominal
      surgeons. This is a retrospective study from a single tertiary care center. Data
      were collected from electronic medical records. Patients undergoing esophagectomy
      for esophageal cancer from November 2006 until August 2014 were included. The
      primary outcome measured was 30-day postoperative morbidity, secondary outcomes
      measured were operative time, intraoperative blood loss, and 30-day mortality.
      Results are reported as mean with an interquartile range. Forty-nine patients
      underwent esophagectomy by an ST and 51 patients by TT. Patient demographics,
      tumor characteristics, stage, pathology, and use of neoadjuvant therapy were
      comparable between groups. Charlson comorbidity index was significantly higher in
      TT group [3 (2, 4) vs 2 (2, 3), P = 0.02]. The TT group had a significantly
      shorter operative time compared to the ST group [304 (252,376) minutes vs 438
      (375, 494] minutes, P < 0.0001). Intraoperative blood loss was 300 (200, 550) mL
      for the TT group and 250 (200,400) mL for the ST group (P = 0.29). There was no
      difference in 30-day postoperative morbidity (68.6% for TT, 59.2% for ST, P =
      0.32) and mortality (2% each, P = 1) between the two groups. In conclusion, the
      operative time by the TT approach was significantly shorter than the ST approach
      with comparable postoperative morbidity and mortality. Long-term follow-up is
      needed to study this approach's effect on long-term survival. 

PMID- 27670576
TI  - Development of Electronic Medical Record-Based "Rounds Report" Results in
      Improved Resident Efficiency, More Time for Direct Patient Care and Education,
      and Less Resident Duty Hour Violations.
AB  - Surgeons frequently report frustration and loss of efficiency with electronic
      medical record (EMR) systems. Together, surgery residents and a programmer at
      Augusta University created a rounds report (RR) summarizing 24 hours of vitals,
      intake/output, labs, and other values for each inpatient that were previously
      transcribed by hand. The objective of this study was to evaluate the RR's effect
      on surgery residents. Surgery residents were queried to assess the RR's impact.
      Outcome measures were time spent preparing for rounds, direct patient care time,
      educational activity time, rates of incorrect/incomplete data on rounds, and rate
      of duty hour violations. Hospital wide, 17,200 RRs were generated in the 1-month
      study. Twenty-three surgery residents participated. Time spent preparing for
      rounds decreased per floor patient (15.6 +/- 3.0 vs 6.0 +/- 1.2, P < 0.0001) and
      per intensive care unit patient (19.9 +/- 2.9 vs 7.5 +/- 1.2 P < 0.0001). The
      work day spent in direct patient care increased from 45.1 +/- 5.6 to 54.0 +/- 5.7
      per cent (P = 0.0044). Educational activity time increased from 35.2 +/- 5.4 to
      54.7 +/- 7.1 minutes per resident per day (P = 0.0004). Reported duty hour
      violations decreased 58 per cent (P < 0.0001). American Board of Surgery in
      Training exam scores trended up, and estimates of departmental annual financial
      savings range from $66,598 to $273,141 per year. Significant improvements occur
      with surgeon designed EMR tools like the RR. Hospitals and EMR companies should
      pair interested surgeons with health information technology developers to
      facilitate EMR enhancements. Improvements like RRs can have broad ranging,
      multidisciplinary impact and should be standard in all EMRs used for inpatient
      care at academic medical centers. 

PMID- 27670577
TI  - Patients with Risk Factors for Complications Do Not Require Longer Antimicrobial
      Therapy for Complicated Intra-Abdominal Infection.
AB  - A prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial found that four days of
      antibiotics for source-controlled complicated intra-abdominal infection resulted
      in similar outcomes when compared with a longer duration. We hypothesized that
      patients with specific risk factors for complications also had similar outcomes.
      Short-course patients with obesity, diabetes, or Acute Physiology and Chronic
      Health Evaluation II >=15 from the STOP-IT trial were compared with longer
      duration patients. Outcomes included incidence of and days to infectious
      complications, mortality, and length of stay. Obese and diabetic patients had
      similar incidences of and days to surgical site infection, recurrent intra
      abdominal infection, extra-abdominal infection, and Clostridium difficile
      infection. Short- and long-course patients had similar incidences of
      complications among patients with Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation
      II >=15. However, there were fewer days to the diagnosis of surgical site
      infection (9.5 +/- 3.4 vs 21.6 +/- 6.2, P = 0.010) and extra-abdominal infection
      (12.4 +/- 6.9 vs 21.8 +/- 6.1, P = 0.029) in the short-course group. Mortality
      and length of stay was similar for all groups. A short course of antibiotics in
      complicated intra-abdominal infection with source control seems to have similar
      outcomes to a longer course in patients with diabetes, obesity, or increased
      severity of illness. 

PMID- 27670578
TI  - Solving Set Cover with Pairs Problem using Quantum Annealing.
AB  - Here we consider using quantum annealing to solve Set Cover with Pairs (SCP), an
      NP-hard combinatorial optimization problem that plays an important role in
      networking, computational biology, and biochemistry. We show an explicit
      construction of Ising Hamiltonians whose ground states encode the solution of SCP
      instances. We numerically simulate the time-dependent Schrodinger equation in
      order to test the performance of quantum annealing for random instances and
      compare with that of simulated annealing. We also discuss explicit embedding
      strategies for realizing our Hamiltonian construction on the D-wave type
      restricted Ising Hamiltonian based on Chimera graphs. Our embedding on the
      Chimera graph preserves the structure of the original SCP instance and in
      particular, the embedding for general complete bipartite graphs and logical
      disjunctions may be of broader use than that the specific problem we deal with.

PMID- 27670579
TI  - Pharmacological Effects of Biotin in Animals.
AB  - In recent decades, it was found that vitamins affect biological functions in ways
      other than their long-known functions; niacin is the best example of a water
      soluble vitamin known to possess multiple actions. Biotin, also known as vitamin
      B7 or vitamin H, is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin that serves as a covalently
      bound coenzyme of carboxylases. It is now well documented that biotin has actions
      other than participating in classical enzyme catalysis reactions. Several lines
      of evidence have demonstrated that pharmacological concentrations of biotin
      affect glucose and lipid metabolism, hypertension, reproduction, development, and
      immunity. The effect of biotin on these functions is related to its actions at
      the transcriptional, translational, and post-translational levels. The
      bestsupported mechanism involved in the genetic effects of biotin is the soluble
      guanylate cyclase/protein kinase G (PKG) signaling cascade. Although there are
      commercially-available products containing pharmacological concentrations of
      biotin, the toxic effects of biotin have been poorly studied. This review
      summarizes the known actions and molecular mechanisms of pharmacological doses of
      biotin in animals and current information regarding biotin toxicity.

PMID- 27670580
TI  - ent-Abietane Lactones from Euphorbia.
AB  - Extracted from Euphorbia, ent-Abietane lactones can be classified into several
      categories, such as Jolkinolides and Helioscopinolides, according to their
      structural features. The study of ent- Abietane lactones could date back to 1972,
      when Jolkinolide A and B were first isolated from Euphorbia jolkini Boiss. Since
      then, many other ent-Abietane lactones have been extracted from different species
      of Euphorbia. Their bio-activities include anti-tumor activity, anti-inflammatory
      activity as well as anti-bacterial activity. Among them, derivatives of
      Jolkinolide B draw the most attention for their high anti-tumor activity. There
      are many studies focus on the syntheses of Jolkinolides. In 1989, the first and
      efficient synthesis of Jolkinolides was accomplished by Katsumura et al. Their
      strategy to construct the last ring of Jolkinolides contributes a lot to the
      following studies. In the following thirty years, there are also other semi
      syntheses of Jolkinolides conducted, basing on different starting materials. In
      this review, we will give a brief clarification of ent-Abietane lactones, as well
      as their bio-activities and syntheses.

PMID- 27670581
TI  - Roles of Pyridine and Pyrimidine Derivatives as Privileged Scaffolds in
      Anticancer Agents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cancer has been considered to be a global health concern due to the
      impact of disease on the quality of life. The continual increase of cancer cases
      as well as the resistance of cancer cells to the existing drugs have driven the
      search for novel anticancer drugs with better potency and selectivity, improved
      pharmacokinetic profiles, and minimum toxicities. Pyridine and pyrimidine are
      presented in natural products and genetic materials. These pyridine/pyrimidine
      core structures have been noted for their roles in many biological processes as
      well as in cancer pathogenesis, which make such compounds become attractive
      scaffolds for discovery of novel drugs. RESULTS & CONCLUSION: In the recent
      years, pyridine- and pyrimidine-based anticancer drugs have been developed based
      on structural modification of these core structures (i.e., substitution with
      moieties and rings, conjugation with other compounds, and coordination with metal
      ions). Detailed discussion is provided in this review to highlight the potential
      of these small molecules as privileged scaffolds with attractive properties and
      biological activities for the search of novel anticancer agents.

PMID- 27670582
TI  - Tip60: Main Functions and Its Inhibitors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tip60, the founding member of MYST histone acetyltransferase family,
      was originally identified as a cellular acetyltransferase protein that interacts
      with HIV-1 Tat. Tip60 plays roles in many processes such as cellular signaling
      transmission, DNA damage repair, cell cycle and checkpoint control and apoptosis
      by acetylating its histone or non-histone substrates. RESULTS: Dysfunction of
      Tip60 could promote or suppress diseases including different kinds of cancers.
      CONCLUSION: Here, main functions and its known inhibitors were summarized.

PMID- 27670583
TI  - Assessing the Immunosafety of Engineered Nanoparticles with a Novel in Vitro
      Model Based on Human Primary Monocytes.
AB  - The possibility that nanomaterials could perturb the normal course of an
      inflammatory response is a key issue when assessing nanoimmunosafety. The
      alteration of the normal progress of an inflammatory response may have
      pathological consequences, since inflammation is a major defensive mechanism and
      its efficiency maintains the body's health. The immunosafety of engineered
      nanoparticles at nontoxic concentrations was investigated with the use of a human
      primary monocyte-based in vitro system, which reproduces in a simplified fashion
      the full course of the physiological inflammatory response, from initiation and
      development to resolution. The kinetics of expression and production of
      inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines and the proteomic profiles were used
      for describing the inflammatory defensive response. We assessed the ability of
      gold and silver nanoparticles to trigger inflammation and to interfere with the
      course of an ongoing defensive reaction. While neither nanoparticle type was able
      to directly activate monocytes, silver nanoparticles could exacerbate the
      inflammatory response of monocytes but did not interfere with the resolution of
      the inflammatory reaction. These findings support the use of human primary
      monocyte-based in vitro assays for realistically investigating the effects of
      engineered nanoparticles on human innate immune responses, in order to predict
      the immunological risk of nanomaterials and implement safe nanoparticle-based
      applications.

PMID- 27670584
TI  - Effect of Transradial Catheterisation on Patency Rates of Radial Arteries Used as
      a Conduit for Coronary Bypass.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transradial catheterisation is known to be associated with occlusion
      of the radial artery with an estimated incidence of 2-10% (1). There are very few
      studies looking at the patency of radial artery as a bypass graft after
      utilisation for catheterisation. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of
      patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) utilising a radial
      artery graft. RESULTS: Long term patency rates were 59% in radial artery grafts
      utilised for catheterisation prior to CABG, compared to 78% if it were not (p=
      0.035). CONCLUSION: Patency rates of radial artery grafts are significantly lower
      when the same radial artery was utilised for angiography prior to coronary artery
      bypass grafting (CABG).

PMID- 27670585
TI  - Cardiac Perforation by Migrated Fractured Strut of Inferior Vena Cava Filter
      Mimicking Acute Coronary Syndrome.
AB  - We present a rare late complication after inferior vena cava filter (IVC)
      placement. A 52-year-old woman with an IVC presented with sudden onset of chest
      pain. Cardiac catheterisation and echocardiography revealed an embolised IVC
      filter strut penetrating the right ventricle. Endovascular retrieval was
      considered but deemed unsafe due to proximity to the right coronary artery and
      concern for migration to pulmonary circulation. Urgent removal of the strut was
      performed via sternotomy. The postoperative course was uneventful. Two weeks
      later, she was asymptomatic. Minimally invasive approaches have been described
      for retrieval of intact IVC filters that have migrated to the right heart but not
      for embolised filter fragments. We recommend traditional sternotomy as the
      preferred method of retrieval as it limits the likelihood of further migration or
      trauma.

PMID- 27670586
TI  - Acute Haemodynamic and Echocardiographic Effects of Multiple Configurations of
      Left Ventricular Pacing Sites in Acute Myocardial Infarction: Experimental Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Left ventricular (LV) pacing is unsuccessful in a significant number
      of patients, mainly due to sub-optimal LV pacing location. Nevertheless, data
      about the impact of different pacing sites on LV function in ischaemic myocardium
      are scarce. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of
      combinations of alternative LV pacing sites on LV mechanics after experimental
      acute anterior myocardial infarction (AMI), in order to define the optimal
      configuration. METHODS: Atrioventricular epicardial pacing at alternative pacing
      sites was performed in 16 healthy pigs simultaneously, after experimental AMI.
      Standard right ventricular (RV) apical pacing was combined with: i) LV apex
      lateral wall; ii) LV basal posterior wall; iii) LV basal anterior wall, and; iv)
      LV basal anterior wall + LV basal posterior wall. Moreover the pacing
      configurations of, v) LV basal posterior wall + LV apex lateral wall; vi) LV
      basal posterior wall + LV basal anterior wall, and; vii) LV basal anterior wall +
      LV apex lateral wall were also investigated. Haemodynamic parameters, together
      with classic and novel echocardiographic indices were used, to evaluate the
      effect of each pacing combination. A speckle tracking technique using EchoPAC
      software was used. RESULTS: After AMI, the pacing combination of LV apex lateral
      wall and LV basal posterior wall had the most favourable effect on LV function,
      leading to similar haemodynamic and torsional effects with sinus rhythm (all
      variables p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In pig hearts after AMI, the combination of
      pacing LV apex lateral wall and LV basal posterior wall managed to maintain the
      LV function at a level comparable to the sinus rhythm.

PMID- 27670587
TI  - AC220 and AraC cause differential inhibitory dynamics in patient-derived M5-AML
      with FLT3-ITD and, thus, ultimately distinct therapeutic outcomes.
AB  - Engrafting the bone marrow cells of a patient with M5 acute myeloid leukemia into
      immunocompromised mice (AM7577) resulted in serially transferrable stable AML and
      eventual mortality. The disease starts in the bone marrow and then expands to
      peripheral areas, which is typical of M5 leukemogenesis, where high leukemic
      burden in blood is coincident with symptoms/mortality. The leukemic cells in the
      mice had myeloid morphology, phenotypes, and genotypes (including the internal
      tandem duplication of FMS-like tyrosine kinase receptor 3 gene [FLT3-ITD])
      similar to those of the original patient. Autocrine mechanisms of human
      granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor/interleukin-3 likely support
      AM7577 growth in mice. Treatment with FLT3 TKI (AC220) caused complete remission
      in peripheral blood, spleen, and bone, along with relief of symptoms and extended
      life, hinting that FLT3-ITD may be a key leukemogenic driver maintaining the
      disease. Interestingly, withdrawal of AC220 (high dose) did not result in relapse
      of disease, suggesting cure. These results, however, are in contrast to
      cytarabine (AraC) induction treatment: First, although AraC significantly
      suppresses the diseases in blood, and to a lesser degree in bone marrow and
      spleen, the suppression is temporary and does not prevent eventual onset of
      disease/death. Second, the withdrawal of AraC always resulted in rapid relapse in
      peripheral blood and eventually death. Our observation in this patient-derived
      model may provide useful information for clinical applications of the two drugs.

PMID- 27670588
TI  - Modeling of occupational exposure to accidentally released manufactured
      nanomaterials in a production facility and calculation of internal doses by
      inhalation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Occupational exposure to manufactured nanomaterials (MNMs) and its
      potential health impacts are of scientific and practical interest, as previous
      epidemiological studies associate exposure to nanoparticles with health effects,
      including increased morbidity of the respiratory and the circulatory system.
      OBJECTIVES: To estimate the occupational exposure and effective internal doses in
      a real production facility of TiO2 MNMs during hypothetical scenarios of
      accidental release. METHODS: Commercial software for geometry and mesh
      generation, as well as fluid flow and particle dispersion calculation, were used
      to estimate occupational exposure to MNMs. The results were introduced to in
      house software to calculate internal doses in the human respiratory tract by
      inhalation. RESULTS: Depending on the accidental scenario, different areas of the
      production facility were affected by the released MNMs, with a higher dose
      exposure among individuals closer to the particles source. CONCLUSIONS: Granted
      that the study of the accidental release of particles can only be performed by
      chance, this numerical approach provides valuable information regarding
      occupational exposure and contributes to better protection of personnel. The
      methodology can be used to identify occupational settings where the exposure to
      MNMs would be high during accidents, providing insight to health and safety
      officials.

PMID- 27670589
TI  - HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT OF MEDICAL DEVICES IN EUROPE: PROCESSES, PRACTICES,
      AND METHODS.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To review and compare current Health Technology Assessment (HTA)
      activities for medical devices (MDs) across European HTA institutions. METHODS: A
      comprehensive approach was adopted to identify institutions involved in HTA in
      European countries. We systematically searched institutional Web sites and other
      online sources by using a structured tool to extract information on the role and
      link to decision making, structure, scope, process, methodological approach, and
      available HTA reports for each included institution. RESULTS: Information was
      obtained from eighty-four institutions, forty-seven of which were analyzed. Fifty
      four methodological documents from twenty-three agencies in eighteen countries
      were identified. Only five agencies had separate documents for the assessment of
      MDs. A few agencies made separate provisions for the assessment of MDs in their
      general methods. The amount of publicly available HTA reports on MDs varied by
      device category and agency remit. CONCLUSIONS: Despite growing consensus on their
      importance and international initiatives, such as the EUnetHTA Core Model(r),
      specific tools for the assessment of MDs are rarely developed and implemented at
      the national level. Separate additional signposts incorporated in existing
      general methods guides may be sufficient for the evaluation of MDs.

PMID- 27670590
TI  - Protein C receptor (PROCR) is a negative regulator of Th17 pathogenicity.
AB  - Th17 cells are key players in defense against pathogens and maintaining tissue
      homeostasis, but also act as critical drivers of autoimmune diseases. Based on
      single-cell RNA-seq profiling of pathogenic versus nonpathogenic Th17 cells, we
      identified protein C receptor (PROCR) as a cell surface molecule expressed in
      covariance with the regulatory module of Th17 cells. Although PROCR expression in
      T cells was controlled by the cooperative action of the Th17 lineage-specific
      transcription factors RORgammat, IRF4, and STAT3, PROCR negatively regulated Th17
      differentiation. CD4+ T cells from PROCR low expressor mutant mice readily
      differentiated into Th17 cells, whereas addition of the PROCR ligand, activated
      protein C, inhibited Th17 differentiation in vitro. In addition, PROCR acted as a
      negative regulator of Th17 pathogenicity in that it down-regulated expression of
      several pathogenic signature genes, including IL-1 and IL-23 receptors.
      Furthermore, T cell-specific deficiency of PROCR resulted in the exacerbation of
      experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and higher frequencies of Th17
      cell in vivo, indicating that PROCR also inhibits pathogenicity of Th17 cells in
      vivo. PROCR thus does not globally inhibit Th17 responses but could be targeted
      to selectively inhibit proinflammatory Th17 cells.

PMID- 27670591
TI  - IL-6 promotes the differentiation of a subset of naive CD8+ T cells into IL-21
      producing B helper CD8+ T cells.
AB  - IL-6 is known to contribute to the differentiation of CD4+ T cells into different
      subsets of effector T helper cells. Less is known about the potential of IL-6 in
      regulating CD8+ T cell effector function. Here, we identify IL-6 as a master
      regulator of IL-21 in effector CD8+ T cells. IL-6 promotes the differentiation of
      a subset of naive CD8+ T cells that express IL-6R into a unique population of
      effector CD8+ T cells characterized by the production of high levels of IL-21 and
      low levels of IFN-gamma. Similar to CD4+ T follicular helper (Tfh) cells, IL-21
      producing CD8+ T cells generated in the presence of IL-6 directly provide help to
      B cells to induce isotype switching. CD8+ T cell-derived IL-21 contributes to the
      production of protective virus-specific IgG antibodies during influenza virus
      infection. Thus, this study reveals the presence of a new mechanism by which IL-6
      regulates antibody production during viral infection, and a novel function of
      effector CD8+ T cells in the protection against viruses.

PMID- 27670593
TI  - The aryl hydrocarbon receptor is required for the maintenance of liver-resident
      natural killer cells.
AB  - A tissue-resident population of natural killer cells (NK cells) in the liver has
      recently been described to have the unique capacity to confer immunological
      memory in the form of hapten-specific contact hypersensitivity independent of T
      and B cells. Factors regulating the development and maintenance of these liver
      resident NK cells are poorly understood. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a
      transcription factor modulated by exogenous and endogenous ligands that is
      important in the homeostasis of immune cells at barrier sites, such as the skin
      and gut. In this study, we show that liver-resident NK (NK1.1+CD3-) cells,
      defined as CD49a+TRAIL+CXCR6+DX5- cells in the mouse liver, constitutively
      express AhR. In AhR-/- mice, there is a significant reduction in the proportion
      and absolute number of these cells, which results from a cell-intrinsic
      dependence on AhR. This deficiency in liver-resident NK cells appears to be the
      result of higher turnover and increased susceptibility to cytokine-induced cell
      death. Finally, we show that this deficiency has functional implications in vivo.
      Upon hapten exposure, AhR-/- mice are not able to mount an NK cell memory
      response to hapten rechallenge. Together, these data demonstrate the requirement
      of AhR for the maintenance of CD49a+TRAIL+CXCR6+DX5- liver-resident NK cells and
      their hapten memory function.

PMID- 27670592
TI  - Psoriatic T cells recognize neolipid antigens generated by mast cell
      phospholipase delivered by exosomes and presented by CD1a.
AB  - Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease associated with a T helper 17
      response. Yet, it has proved challenging to identify relevant peptide-based T
      cell antigens. Antigen-presenting Langerhans cells show a differential migration
      phenotype in psoriatic lesions and express constitutively high levels of CD1a,
      which presents lipid antigens to T cells. In addition, phospholipase A2 (PLA2) is
      highly expressed in psoriatic lesions and is known to generate neolipid skin
      antigens for recognition by CD1a-reactive T cells. In this study, we observed
      expression of a cytoplasmic PLA2 (PLA2G4D) in psoriatic mast cells but,
      unexpectedly, also found PLA2G4D activity to be extracellular. This was explained
      by IFN-alpha-induced mast cell release of exosomes, which transferred cytoplasmic
      PLA2 activity to neighboring CD1a-expressing cells. This led to the generation of
      neolipid antigens and subsequent recognition by lipid-specific CD1a-reactive T
      cells inducing production of IL-22 and IL-17A. Circulating and skin-derived T
      cells from patients with psoriasis showed elevated PLA2G4D responsiveness
      compared with healthy controls. Overall, these data present an alternative model
      of psoriasis pathogenesis in which lipid-specific CD1a-reactive T cells
      contribute to psoriatic inflammation. The findings suggest that PLA2 inhibition
      or CD1a blockade may have therapeutic potential for psoriasis.

PMID- 27670595
TI  - Comparative study of the intake of toxic persistent and semi persistent
      pollutants through the consumption of fish and seafood from two modes of
      production (wild-caught and farmed).
AB  - Adverse effects of chemical contaminants associated with seafood counteract the
      undoubted benefits for the health of its valuable nutrients. So much so that many
      dietary guidelines recommend no more than one serving a week of fish and seafood.
      Although is estimated that aquaculture provides more than 50% of the fish and
      seafood consumed globally, few research studies have focused in the assessment of
      the intake of pollutants through aquaculture products. In this study we
      determined the levels of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated
      biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and toxic elements
      (Pb, Cd, Ni, Al, As, and Hg) in a large sample of farmed and wild-caught seafood,
      and we estimated the intake of these contaminants in two hypothetical models of
      consumers: those consuming only farmed fish, and those consuming only wild fish.
      Measured levels of most organic and many inorganic pollutants were higher in
      aquaculture products, and consequently intake levels if only such products were
      consumed would be also significantly higher. Thus, the intake of ?PAHs in adults
      consuming aquaculture seafood would be 3.30ng/kg-bw/day, and consuming seafood
      from extractive fishing 2.41ng/kg-bw/day (p<0.05); ?OCPs, 3.36 vs. 1.85ng/kg
      bw/day, respectively (p<0.05); ?PCBs, 2.35 vs. 2.11ng/kgbw/day, respectively; and
      the intake of Pb, Ni, As, and Al would be also significantly higher consuming
      farmed seafood. For children the estimations were very similar, but the
      difference of intake of PCBs reached statistical significance. The implementation
      of several decontamination practices in aquaculture would allow not only match
      the levels of pollution from wild-caught seafood, but also could provide products
      with much lower levels of pollutants than those, which in turn would allow to
      increase consumption over the "one serving per week", and so benefit the consumer
      of the enormous positive health effects of the valuable nutrients of seafood.

PMID- 27670596
TI  - Association between heavy metal exposure and poor working memory and possible
      mediation effect of antioxidant defenses during aging.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inverse associations have been observed between memory performance
      and blood concentrations of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb). Low antioxidant cell
      activity has also been linked to decline in memory due to aging. However, it has
      not yet been established whether the heavy metal-memory relationship is mediated
      by differences in antioxidant activity. METHODS: We examined Cd and Pb levels, as
      well as oxidative stress parameters, in blood samples from 125 older adults (age
      range 50-82years). The Counting Span Test (CST) was used to evaluate working
      memory capacity (WMC). The Monte Carlo Method for Assessing Mediation (MCMAM) was
      used to analyze the mediation role of antioxidant activity in the heavy metals
      memory association. RESULTS: High blood Cd (BCd) concentration alone, and in
      combination with elevated blood Pb (BPb) concentration, was associated with poor
      WMC (p<=0.001) and low enzymatic antioxidant defenses (p>=0.006). The variance in
      WMC accounted for by BCd or by BCd combine with BPb was 20.6% and 18.6%,
      respectively. The MCMAM revealed that the influence of BCd and BPb concentrations
      on WMC was mediated by low antioxidant capacity (confidence interval - CI: 0.072
      to -0.064 for BCd; CI: -0.062 to -0.045 for BPb). CONCLUSION: These findings
      showed Pb and Cd blood concentration in older adults, even at levels below the
      current recommended threshold, was negatively associated with WMC and that this
      relationship may be partly mediated by low antioxidant defenses. Knowledge on the
      environmental factors that negatively influence brain and cognition during aging
      can help inform public policy strategies to prevent and control the adverse
      effects of environmental contaminant exposure during aging.

PMID- 27670597
TI  - Effect of past peat cultivation practices on present dynamics of dissolved
      organic carbon.
AB  - Peatlands are a major source of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) for aquatic
      ecosystems. Naturally high DOC concentrations in peatlands may be increased
      further by drainage. For agricultural purposes, peat has frequently been mixed
      with sand, but the effect of this measure on the release and cycling of DOC has
      rarely been investigated. This study examined the effects of (i) mixing peat with
      sand and (ii) water table depth (WTD) on DOC concentrations at three grassland
      sites on shallow organic soils. The soil solution was sampled bi-weekly for two
      years with suction plates at 15, 30 and 60cm depth. Selected samples were
      analysed for dissolved organic nitrogen (DON), delta13CDOM and delta15NDOM.
      Average DOC concentrations were surprisingly high, ranging from 161 to 192mgl-1.
      There was no significant impact of soil organic carbon (SOC) content or WTD on
      mean DOC concentrations. At all sites, DOC concentrations were highest at the
      boundary between the SOC-rich horizon and the mineral subsoil. In contrast to the
      mean concentrations, the temporal patterns of DOC concentrations, their drivers
      and the properties of dissolved organic matter (DOM) differed between peat-sand
      mixtures and peat. DOC concentrations responded to changes in environmental
      conditions, but only after a lag period of a few weeks. At the sites with a peat
      sand mixture, temperature and therefore probably biological activity determined
      the DOC concentrations. At the peat site, the contribution of vegetation-derived
      DOM was higher. The highest concentrations occurred during long, cool periods of
      waterlogging, suggesting a stronger physicochemical-based DOC mobilisation.
      Overall, these results indicate that mixing peat with sand does not improve water
      quality and may result in DOC losses of around 200kg DOCha-1a-1.

PMID- 27670594
TI  - Calorie restriction protects against experimental abdominal aortic aneurysms in
      mice.
AB  - Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), characterized by a localized dilation of the
      abdominal aorta, is a life-threatening vascular pathology. Because of the current
      lack of effective treatment for AAA rupture, prevention is of prime importance
      for AAA management. Calorie restriction (CR) is a nonpharmacological intervention
      that delays the aging process and provides various health benefits. However,
      whether CR prevents AAA formation remains untested. In this study, we subjected
      Apoe-/- mice to 12 wk of CR and then examined the incidence of angiotensin II
      (AngII)-induced AAA formation. We found that CR markedly reduced the incidence of
      AAA formation and attenuated aortic elastin degradation in Apoe-/- mice. The
      expression and activity of Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), a key metabolism/energy sensor,
      were up-regulated in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) upon CR. Importantly,
      the specific ablation of SIRT1 in smooth muscle cells abolished the preventive
      effect of CR on AAA formation in Apoe-/- mice. Mechanistically, VSMC-SIRT1
      dependent deacetylation of histone H3 lysine 9 on the matrix metallopeptidase 2
      (Mmp2) promoter was required for CR-mediated suppression of AngII-induced MMP2
      expression. Together, our findings suggest that CR may be an effective
      intervention that protects against AAA formation.

PMID- 27670598
TI  - Cultural Adaptation of Minimally Guided Interventions for Common Mental
      Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cultural adaptation of mental health care interventions is key,
      particularly when there is little or no therapist interaction. There is little
      published information on the methods of adaptation of bibliotherapy and e-mental
      health interventions. OBJECTIVE: To systematically search for evidence of the
      effectiveness of minimally guided interventions for the treatment of common
      mental disorders among culturally diverse people with common mental disorders; to
      analyze the extent and effects of cultural adaptation of minimally guided
      interventions for the treatment of common mental disorders. METHODS: We searched
      Embase, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and PsycINFO for randomized controlled
      trials that tested the efficacy of minimally guided or self-help interventions
      for depression or anxiety among culturally diverse populations. We calculated
      pooled standardized mean differences using a random-effects model. In addition,
      we administered a questionnaire to the authors of primary studies to assess the
      cultural adaptation methods used in the included primary studies. We entered this
      information into a meta-regression to investigate effects of the extent of
      adaptation on intervention efficacy. RESULTS: We included eight randomized
      controlled trials (RCTs) out of the 4911 potentially eligible records identified
      by the search: four on e-mental health and four on bibliotherapy. The extent of
      cultural adaptation varied across the studies, with language translation and use
      of metaphors being the most frequently applied elements of adaptation. The pooled
      standardized mean difference for primary outcome measures of depression and
      anxiety was -0.81 (95% CI -0.10 to -0.62). Higher cultural adaptation scores were
      significantly associated with greater effect sizes (P=.04). CONCLUSIONS: Our
      results support the results of previous systematic reviews on the cultural
      adaptation of face-to-face interventions: the extent of cultural adaptation has
      an effect on intervention efficacy. More research is warranted to explore how
      cultural adaptation may contribute to improve the acceptability and effectiveness
      of minimally guided psychological interventions for common mental disorders.

PMID- 27670599
TI  - Crohn's Disease Activity and Concomitant Immunosuppressants Affect the Risk of
      Serious and Opportunistic Infections in Patients Treated With Adalimumab.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) drugs are commonly used to treat
      moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease (CD). Both the activity of CD and the
      concomitant immunosuppressants (corticosteroids and immunomodulators) used with
      anti-TNF drugs could increase the risk of infection. We determined the relative
      risk of serious and opportunistic infections associated with increasing disease
      activity and concomitant immunomodulators and corticosteroids in patients with CD
      treated with adalimumab. METHODS: This pooled analysis identified incident
      treatment-emergent serious and opportunistic infections among patients with CD in
      clinical trials of adalimumab. Disease activity was assessed with the Crohn's
      Disease Activity Index (CDAI). RESULTS: The analysis included 2,266 patients
      treated with adalimumab with median age 35 years. Higher disease activity was
      associated with significantly increased risks of both serious and opportunistic
      infections at 1 year, with each 100-point increase in CDAI associated with a >30%
      increased risk of each type of infection. Concomitant use of immunomodulators was
      associated with a significant >3-fold decreased risk of serious infection (hazard
      ratio (HR) 0.29 (0.08-0.98), P=0.045) by 1 year. Concomitant use of
      corticosteroids was associated with a significantly increased risk of serious
      infection by day 120 (HR 2.40 (1.33-4.35), P=0.004). Concomitant use of either
      category of immmunosuppressant was associated with numerically higher rates of
      opportunistic infection, 40% of which were due to herpes zoster, compared with
      adalimumab monotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Higher disease activity in CD is associated
      with significantly increased risks of both serious and opportunistic infections.
      In addition to corticosteroid-sparing strategies, consideration should be given
      to expanding herpes zoster vaccination guidelines to include younger patients.

PMID- 27670600
TI  - Risk and Predictors of Variceal Bleeding in Cirrhosis Patients Receiving Primary
      Prophylaxis With Non-Selective Beta-Blockers.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Prior studies have demonstrated the efficacy of non-selective beta
      blockers (NSBB) in preventing first variceal bleeding in patients with cirrhosis.
      However, little is known about the overall effectiveness of NSBB in routine
      clinical care. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of cirrhotic
      patients without prior bleeding who initiated a NSBB (propranolol, nadolol) at
      any Veterans Administration facility between 2008 and 2013. The primary outcome
      was variceal bleeding within 12 months. We conducted Cox-proportional hazards
      analyses to identify demographic, clinical, and NSBB-related (type of NSBB, mean
      dose, dose change, and heart rate response) factors associated with variceal
      bleeding. RESULTS: Of 5,775 patients, 678 (11.7%) developed variceal bleeding.
      Mean daily dose of NSBB was <40 mg in 58.8%, 18.1% had either upward or downward
      titration in NSBB dose, and 9.8% had hemodynamic response. Patients who were
      younger, with ascites, greater medical comorbidity, and higher MELD (Model for
      end-stage liver disease) scores had a higher risk of variceal bleeding. Patients
      on a higher daily dose (>60 vs. <40 mg, adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.64; 95%
      confidence interval (CI): 0.51-0.81), who had either upward or downward dose
      titration (adjusted HR 0.69; 95% CI: 0.52-0.90 and 0.64; 95% CI 0.45-0.90,
      respectively), and those who achieved hemodynamic response (adjusted HR 0.75; 95%
      CI=0.57-1.0) had lower risk. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 12% of patients bled
      while being on NSBB for primary prophylaxis. A higher NSBB dose and dose
      titration were protective; yet most patients did not have the NSBB dose titrated
      to the recommended levels. Our data highlight the need for careful monitoring of
      cirrhotic patients on NSBB.

PMID- 27670601
TI  - Diagnostic and Therapeutic Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiography Using a Short
      Type Double-Balloon Endoscope in Patients With Altered Gastrointestinal Anatomy:
      A Multicenter Prospective Study in Japan.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the utility and safety of a short-type double-balloon
      endoscope (DBE) in the treatment of biliary disease in patients with surgically
      altered gastrointestinal (GI) anatomy. METHODS: This study was conducted as a
      multicenter, single-arm, prospective trial at five tertiary academic care centers
      and three community-based hospitals in Japan. Consecutive patients with biliary
      disease with altered GI anatomy were prospectively included in this study.
      RESULTS: A total of 311 patients underwent double-balloon endoscopic retrograde
      cholangiography (ERC). The success rate of reaching the target site, the primary
      end point, was 97.7% (95% confidence interval (CI): 95.4-99.1). The success rate
      of biliary cannulation and contrast injection of the targeted duct, the secondary
      end point, was 96.4% (95% CI: 93.6-98.2), and the therapeutic success rate was
      97.9% (95% CI: 95.4-99.2). Adverse events occurred in 33 patients (10.6%, 95% CI:
      7.1-14.0) and were managed conservatively in all patients with the exception of 1
      in whom a perforation developed, requiring emergency surgery. CONCLUSIONS: ERC
      using a short-type DBE resulted in an excellent therapeutic success rate and a
      low rate of adverse events. This treatment can be a first-line treatment for
      biliary disease in patients with surgically altered GI anatomy.

PMID- 27670602
TI  - Biomarkers in Search of Precision Medicine in IBD.
AB  - The completion of the human genome project in 2003 represented a major scientific
      landmark, ushering in a new era with hopes and expectations of fresh insights
      into disease mechanisms and treatments. In inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), many
      important discoveries soon followed, notably the identification of >200 genetic
      susceptibility loci and characterization of the gut microbiome. As "big data",
      driven by advances in technology, becomes increasingly available and affordable,
      individuals with IBD and clinicians alike yearn for tangible outcomes from the
      promise of "precision medicine"-precise diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment.
      Here, we provide a commentary on the prospects and challenges of precision
      medicine and biomarkers in IBD. We focus on the three key areas where precision
      IBD will have the most impact: (1) disease susceptibility, activity, and
      behavior; (2) prediction of drug response and adverse effects; and (3)
      identification of subphenotypic mechanisms to facilitate drug discovery and
      selection of new treatments in IBD.

PMID- 27670603
TI  - Rescue Therapy for Helicobacter pylori Eradication: A Randomized Non-Inferiority
      Trial of Amoxicillin or Tetracycline in Bismuth Quadruple Therapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy and safety of bismuth-containing quadruple
      therapy with tetracycline or amoxicillin for rescue treatment of Helicobacter
      pylori. METHODS: The study was a non-inferiority trial of H. pylori eradication
      with at least two previous treatment failures. Subjects were randomized to
      receive 14-day therapy with b.i.d. lansoprazole 30 mg and bismuth 220 mg, plus
      metronidazole 400 mg q.i.d and amoxicillin 1 g t.i.d (amoxicillin group) or
      tetracycline 500 mg q.i.d (tetracycline group). Antimicrobial susceptibility was
      assessed by the agar-dilution method. Primary outcome was H. pylori eradication
      at 6 weeks after treatment. RESULTS: In all, 312 subjects were randomized, 13
      were lost to follow-up; 29 violated the protocol. The intention-to-treat, per
      protocol, and modified intention-to-treat eradication rates were (amoxicillin)
      88.5% (138/156, 95% confidence interval (CI) 83.4-93.5%), 93.7% (133/142, 95% CI
      89.7-97.7%), and 92.6% (138/149, 95% CI 88.4-96.8%). With tetracycline, they were
      87.2% (136/156, 95% CI 81.9-92.4%), 95.3% (122/128, 95% CI 91.7-99.0%), and 90.7%
      (136/150, 95% CI 86.0-95.3%). Amoxicillin-, tetracycline-, and metronidazole
      resistant rates were 8.3, 1.0, and 87.8%, respectively. Non-inferiority was
      confirmed (P<0.025). Metronidazole resistance did not affect the efficacy of
      either therapy. Compliance was greater and moderate and severe adverse events
      were less among those receiving amoxicillin than those receiving tetracycline.
      CONCLUSIONS: The novel bismuth-containing quadruple therapy with metronidazole
      and amoxicillin is an alternative to classical bismuth quadruple therapy for H.
      pylori rescue treatment as it provides similar eradication with superior safety
      and compliance.

PMID- 27670604
TI  - Refining Mild-to-Moderate Alzheimer Disease Screening: A Tool for Clinicians.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Recent evidence suggests that a substantial minority of people
      clinically diagnosed with probable Alzheimer disease (AD) in fact do not fulfill
      the neuropathological criteria for the disease. A clinical hallmark of these
      phenocopies of AD is that these individuals tend to remain cognitively stable for
      extended periods of time, in contrast to their peers with confirmed AD who show a
      progressive decline. We aimed to examine the prevalence of patients clinically
      diagnosed with mild-to-moderate AD who do not experience the expected clinically
      significant cognitive decline and identify markers easily available in routine
      medical practice predictive of a stable cognitive prognosis in this population.
      DESIGN: Data were obtained from two independent, longitudinal, observational
      multicenter studies in patients with mild-to-moderate AD. SETTING: The two
      studies were the European "Impact of Cholinergic Treatment Use" (ICTUS) and the
      French "REseau sur la maladie d'Alzheimer FRancais" (REAL.FR). PARTICIPANTS: We
      used prospective data of 756 patients enrolled in ICTUS and 340 enrolled in
      REAL.FR. MEASUREMENTS: A prediction rule of cognitive decline was derived on
      ICTUS using classification and regression tree analysis and then cross-validated
      on REAL.FR. A range of demographic, clinical and cognitive variables were tested
      as predictor variables. RESULTS: Overall, 27.9% of patients in ICTUS and 20.9% in
      REAL.FR did not decline over 2 years. We identified optimized cut-points on the
      verbal memory items of the Alzheimer Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale
      capable of classifying patients at baseline into those who went on to decline and
      those who remained stable or improved over the duration of the trial. CONCLUSION:
      The application of this simple rule would allow the identification of dementia
      cases where a more detailed differential diagnostic examination (eg, with
      biomarkers) is warranted. These findings are promising toward the refinement of
      AD screening in the clinic. For a further optimization of our classification
      rule, we encourage others to use our methodological approach on other episodic
      memory assessment tools designed to detect even small cognitive changes in
      patients with AD.

PMID- 27670606
TI  - Comment on: "Timing of cranioplasty: is early surgery associated with increased
      complications and poor outcome?"

PMID- 27670605
TI  - Protein Supplementation Does Not Significantly Augment the Effects of Resistance
      Exercise Training in Older Adults: A Systematic Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Physical activity and nutritional supplementation
      interventions may be used to ameliorate age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass
      and function. Previous reviews have demonstrated the beneficial effects of
      resistance exercise training (RET) combined with protein or essential amino acids
      (EAA) in younger populations. Whether or not older adults also benefit is
      unclear. The aim of this review was to determine whether regular dietary
      supplementation with protein/EAA during a RET regimen augments the effects of RET
      on skeletal muscle in older adults. METHODS: A literature search was conducted in
      August 2015 using MEDLINE, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, and CINAHL Plus to identify all
      controlled trials using a RET regimen with and without protein/EAA
      supplementation. Outcome variables included muscle strength, muscle size,
      functional ability, and body composition. RESULTS: Fifteen studies fulfilled the
      eligibility criteria, including 917 participants with a mean age of 77.4 years.
      Studies involving both healthy participants and those described as frail or
      sarcopenic were included. Overall, results indicated that protein supplementation
      did not significantly augment the effects of RET on any of the specified
      outcomes. Exceptions included some measures of muscle strength (3 studies) and
      body composition (2 studies). Meta-analyses were conducted but were limited
      because of methodologic differences between studies, and results were
      inconclusive. CONCLUSIONS: Systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled
      trials reveal that protein/EAA supplementation does not significantly augment the
      effects of progressive RET in older adults.

PMID- 27670608
TI  - Synthesis of Hindered Anilines: Three-Component Coupling of Arylboronic Acids,
      tert-Butyl Nitrite, and Alkyl Bromides.
AB  - The synthesis of sterically hindered amines has been a significant challenge in
      organic chemistry. Herein, we report a modular, three-component coupling that
      constructs two carbon-nitrogen bonds including a sterically hindered Csp3-N bond
      using commercially available materials. This process uses an earth-abundant
      copper catalyst and mild reaction conditions, allowing access to a variety of
      complex aromatic amines.

PMID- 27670610
TI  - Skin-Specific Deletion of Mis18alpha Impedes Proliferation and Stratification of
      Epidermal Keratinocytes.
AB  - The Mis18 proteins (Mis18alpha, Mis18beta, and M18BP1) are pivotal to the
      deposition of CENP-A at the centromere during cell cycle progression and are
      indispensable for embryonic development. Here, we show that Mis18alpha is
      critical for the proliferation of keratinocytes and stratification of the
      epidermis. Mice lacking Mis18alpha in the epidermis died shortly after birth,
      showing skin abnormalities like thin and translucent skin and defective skin
      barrier functions. The epidermis of newborn Mis18alpha-deficient mice lacked
      distinct stratification and mature hair follicles, with a reduction in the number
      of proliferating cells and increased cell death in the basal layer. Earlier
      expression of the Cre recombinase from keratin-14 promoter in the ventral region
      resulted in earlier keratinocyte death in the ventral part compared with the
      dorsal part in the absence of Mis18alpha, leading to more severe malformation of
      the ventral epidermal layers. As observed in Mis18alpha-deficient mouse
      keratinocytes, knockdown of Mis18alpha in HaCaT cells caused marked loss of
      centromeric CENP-A dots and chromosomal misalignment. Overall, we propose that
      Mis18alpha is important for epidermal cell proliferation and stratification,
      because it is required for the deposition of CENP-A at the centromeric
      nucleosomes.

PMID- 27670611
TI  - Kidney cancer: Micrometastases detectable using flow cytometry.

PMID- 27670607
TI  - Mechanistic and Evolutionary Insights from Comparative Enzymology of
      Phosphomonoesterases and Phosphodiesterases across the Alkaline Phosphatase
      Superfamily.
AB  - Naively one might have expected an early division between phosphate monoesterases
      and diesterases of the alkaline phosphatase (AP) superfamily. On the contrary,
      prior results and our structural and biochemical analyses of phosphate
      monoesterase PafA, from Chryseobacterium meningosepticum, indicate similarities
      to a superfamily phosphate diesterase [Xanthomonas citri nucleotide
      pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase (NPP)] and distinct differences from the three
      metal ion AP superfamily monoesterase, from Escherichia coli AP (EcAP). We
      carried out a series of experiments to map out and learn from the differences and
      similarities between these enzymes. First, we asked why there would be
      independent instances of monoesterases in the AP superfamily? PafA has a much
      weaker product inhibition and slightly higher activity relative to EcAP,
      suggesting that different metabolic evolutionary pressures favored distinct
      active-site architectures. Next, we addressed the preferential phosphate
      monoester and diester catalysis of PafA and NPP, respectively. We asked whether
      the >80% sequence differences throughout these scaffolds provide functional
      specialization for each enzyme's cognate reaction. In contrast to expectations
      from this model, PafA and NPP mutants with the common subset of active-site
      groups embedded in each native scaffold had the same monoesterase:diesterase
      specificities; thus, the >107-fold difference in native specificities appears to
      arise from distinct interactions at a single phosphoryl substituent. We also
      uncovered striking mechanistic similarities between the PafA and EcAP
      monoesterases, including evidence for ground-state destabilization and functional
      active-site networks that involve different active-site groups but may play
      analogous catalytic roles. Discovering common network functions may reveal active
      site architectural connections that are critical for function, and identifying
      regions of functional modularity may facilitate the design of new enzymes from
      existing promiscuous templates. More generally, comparative enzymology and
      analysis of catalytic promiscuity can provide mechanistic and evolutionary
      insights.

PMID- 27670612
TI  - Urinary incontinence: Use of alpha-blockers plus desmopressin is safe.

PMID- 27670609
TI  - Slug Modulates UV Radiation-Induced Cutaneous Inflammation by Regulating
      Epidermal Production of Proinflammatory Cytokines.

PMID- 27670613
TI  - BPH: Disrupting AR signalling promotes inflammation.

PMID- 27670614
TI  - Kidney cancer: HIF-2alpha - a new target in RCC.

PMID- 27670615
TI  - Testicular cancer: Radiotherapy increases pancreatic cancer risk.

PMID- 27670616
TI  - Bladder cancer: Rho-sensitive pathway mediates metastasis.

PMID- 27670617
TI  - Prostate cancer: Circulating miRNAs indicate high-risk disease.

PMID- 27670620
TI  - Qualitatively different memory states in Lymnaea as shown by differential
      responses to propranolol.
AB  - Mixed results with the synthetic beta-adrenergic receptor blocker, propranolol,
      have been reported in human populations with regards to its therapeutic efficacy
      for PTSD treatments targeting the memory reconsolidation process. Stress alters
      the ability to form and maintain memory, but whether the causal neuronal
      mechanisms underling memory formation in PTSD are similar to normal memory is not
      clear. Here, we use Lymnaea to study the effects of combinations of stressors on
      the quality of the formed memory state. We show reactivation dependent
      pharmacologic disruption of reconsolidation using propranolol in Lymnaea;
      specifically, we show that only certain memories created under conditions of a
      combination of stressors are susceptible to disruption. Our data suggest that
      phenotypically similar memories may be molecularly diverse, depending on the
      conditions under which they are formed. Applied to human PTSD, this could account
      for the mixed results in the literature on disrupting reconsolidation with
      propranolol.

PMID- 27670619
TI  - Cholinergic neurodegeneration in an Alzheimer mouse model overexpressing amyloid
      precursor protein with the Swedish-Dutch-Iowa mutations.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder that is mainly
      characterized by beta-amyloid (Abeta) plaque deposition, Tau pathology and
      dysfunction of the cholinergic system causing memory impairment. The aim of the
      present study was to examine (1) anxiety and cognition, (2) Abeta plaque
      deposition and (3) degeneration of cholinergic neurons in the nucleus basalis of
      Meynert (nbM) and cortical cholinergic innervation in an Alzheimer mouse model
      (APP_SweDI; overexpressing amyloid precursor protein (APP) with the Swedish
      K670N/M671L, Dutch E693Q, and Iowa D694N mutations). Our results show that 12
      month-old APP_SweDI mice were more anxious and had more memory impairment. A
      large number of Abeta plaques were already visible at the age of 6 months and
      increased with age. A significant decrease in cholinergic neurons was seen in the
      transgenic mouse model in comparison to the wild-type mice, identified by
      immunohistochemistry against choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and p75
      neurotrophin receptor as well as by in situ hybridization. Moreover, a
      significant decrease in cortical cholinergic fiber density was found in the
      transgenic mice as compared to the wild-type. In the cerebral cortex of APP_SweDI
      mice, swollen cholinergic varicosities were seen in the vicinity of Abeta
      plaques. In conclusion, the present study shows that in an AD mouse model
      (APP_SweDI mice) a high Abeta plaque load in the cortex causes damage to
      cholinergic axons in the cortex, followed by subsequent retrograde-induced cell
      death of cholinergic neurons and some forms of compensatory processes. This
      degeneration was accompanied by enhanced anxiety and impaired cognition.

PMID- 27670618
TI  - An update on focal therapy for prostate cancer.
AB  - Globally, the increased uptake of serum PSA level screening led to an increase in
      the number of diagnoses of low-risk and intermediate-risk prostate cancer.
      Traditionally, these patients have been considered for either active surveillance
      programmes or radical whole-gland therapies, such as prostatectomy or
      radiotherapy. Focal therapy is an emerging treatment option that involves the
      focal ablation of prostate cancer with preservation of surrounding healthy
      tissue. This approach might result in reduced morbidity when compared with whole
      gland therapies. In current practice, much controversy surrounds optimal patient
      selection and preoperative tumour localization strategies. Focal therapy
      modalities include cryotherapy, high-intensity focused ultrasound, laser
      ablation, photodynamic therapy, irreversible electroporation, radiofrequency
      ablation and focal brachytherapy. However, as long-term oncological data for
      focal therapies are lacking, formal recommendations for its use cannot be made.

PMID- 27670621
TI  - Management of Severely Subluxated Cataracts Using Femtosecond Laser-Assisted
      Cataract Surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the role of femtosecond laser technology in the management of
      severely subluxated cataracts. DESIGN: Retrospective, interventional case series.
      METHODS: All eyes with subluxated cataract seen between July 2012 and June 2015
      were assessed for suitability for femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery,
      with the use of capsular tension devices. Participants with subluxated cataracts
      of at least 6 clock hours of zonular weakness were included in the study. Data
      collected included patient demographics, preoperative and postoperative best
      corrected visual acuity (BCVA), nuclear density, extent of zonular weakness,
      completeness of capsulotomy, and complications. Poor visual outcome was defined
      as BCVA of worse than 20/40. Main outcome measure was the retention of the
      capsular bag. RESULTS: Of the 72 eyes with subluxated cataracts undergoing
      surgery during the study period, 47 eyes of 47 patients were eligible for
      analysis. Mean age of the patients was 60.7 years (standard deviation [SD] 13.2
      years). The majority were male (32, 68.1%) and Chinese (38, 80.8%). The mean
      duration of follow-up was 8 months (SD 5.6 months). The main identifiable cause
      of lens subluxation was trauma (11 eyes). Almost two thirds (30 eyes) had more
      than 9 clock hours of zonular weakness. Seventy percent of cataracts (33) were
      nuclear sclerosis grade 3 and above. The capsular bag was preserved in 43 eyes
      (91.5%). The intraocular lens was stable and centered at the last follow-up in
      all these 43 eyes. An anterior capsule tear occurred in 6 eyes, all of which had
      cataracts of nuclear sclerosis grade 3 and above, with posterior extension
      occurring in 3 eyes. Primary posterior capsule rupture occurred in 1 eye. At 1
      month 37 eyes (80.4%) had a BCVA of 20/40 or better. There was significant
      improvement in BCVA at 1 month (mean of 0.92 logMAR units [SD 0.88] to 0.22 [SD
      0.38] [P < .001, paired samples t test]), which was maintained at 1 year.
      CONCLUSIONS: Selected cases of severely subluxated cataracts may be managed using
      femtosecond laser technology to perform the capsulotomy and nuclear
      fragmentation, with successful preservation of the capsular bag in 90% of
      eligible cases, especially in eyes with soft cataracts.

PMID- 27670622
TI  - Endoscopic Transnasal Removal of Cavernous Hemangiomas of the Optic Canal.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the feasibility and efficacy of endoscopic transnasal removal
      of cavernous hemangiomas of the optic canal. DESIGN: Retrospective,
      noncomparative case series. METHODS: Eleven consecutive patients (11 eyes) with
      cavernous hemangioma of the optic canal underwent endoscopic trans-ethmoidal
      sphenoidal removal of the tumor at the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University
      from January 2009 to March 2016. In each case, the indication for surgery was
      decreased visual acuity due to the tumor. The removal was believed to be complete
      if the tumor was removed en bloc during the surgery. A mucoperiosteal flap was
      used to cover the defect in the optic nerve sheath after tumor removal. The tumor
      was pathologically confirmed to be cavernous hemangioma after surgery. The mean
      follow-up time was 9.9 +/- 5.5 months. Visual acuity before and after surgery was
      compared. RESULTS: All tumors were completely removed by the endoscopic approach.
      The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved after surgery in all patients.
      The mean preoperative BCVA was 6/30 (95% confidence interval [CI] 6/60-6/20) and
      the mean postoperative BCVA was 6/10 (95% CI 6/12-6/7.5). All patients showed
      cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea, which resolved with strict bed rest. Other
      complications included hyposmia in 2 patients; nasal bleeding in 3 patients,
      which resolved spontaneously; and temporary headache. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic
      trans-ethmoidal-sphenoidal approach is a feasible option for cavernous
      hemangiomas of the optic canal.

PMID- 27670623
TI  - The microbial epigenome in metabolic syndrome.
AB  - Dietary habits, lifestyle, medication, and food additives affect the composition
      and functions of the GI microbiota. Metabolic syndrome is already known to be
      associated with an aberrant gut microbiota affecting systemic low-grade
      inflammation, which is also outlined by differing epigenetic patterns. Thus,
      structural changes and compositional evaluation of gut microbial differences
      affecting epigenetic patterns in metabolic syndrome are of research interest. In
      the present review we focus on the disparities in the gut microbiota composition
      of metabolic syndrome and the resulting aberrant profile of bioactive microbial
      metabolites known to affect epigenetic modifications such as G-protein coupled
      receptors and inflammatory pathways.

PMID- 27670624
TI  - Perikymata distribution on anterior teeth of Miocene Lufengpithecus lufengensis
      from Yunnan, Southern China.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The present study investigated the distribution of perikymata on
      anterior teeth of Miocene Lufengpithecus lufengensis so as to broaden the
      comparative data of developmental variation within and among hominoids. We also
      compared perikymata-spacing pattern of Lufengpithecus lufengensis with hominins
      and extant African great apes to understand the implication of dental
      development. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 anterior teeth (including 6 I1,
      10 I2, and 14 C) of Lufengpithecus lufengensis were examined using a scanning
      electron microscope and Keyence VHX-600EOS digital microscope to document the
      number and distribution of perikymata on their labial surfaces. The labial crown
      height of each tooth was divided into 10 equal deciles and the total perikymata
      number in each decile was recorded. The mean number of perikymata per millimeter
      was then calculated for each decile. SPSS statistical software was used to
      perform analyses of these data, including t-tests for sexual dimorphism and plots
      showing the perikymata distribution in Lufengpithecus lufengensis. RESULTS:
      Perikymata counts of Lufengpithecus lufengensis in the first three deciles are
      fewer than the remaining deciles, and with perikymata becoming increasingly more
      closely packed as growth progresses from cusp to cervix, but decrease in density
      in the cervical decile. Besides, total labial perikymata counts of canines tend
      to display very significant sexual dimorphism. DISCUSSION: Lufengpithecus
      lufengensis anterior teeth are more similar in their distribution of labial
      perikymata to those of Australopithecus than those of other hominins and extant
      African great apes from previous studies.

PMID- 27670625
TI  - Intense conductivity suppression by edge defects in zigzag MoS2 and WSe2
      nanoribbons: a density functional based tight-binding study.
AB  - The effects of edge vacancies on the electron transport properties of zigzag
      MoS2/WSe2 nanoribbons are studied using a density functional theory (DFT)-based
      tight-binding model with a sp(3)d(5) basis set for the electronic structure
      calculation and applying the Landauer-Buttiker approach for the electronic
      transport. Our results show that the presence of a single edge vacancy, with a
      missing MoS2/WSe2 triplet, is enough to suppress the conductance of the system by
      almost one half for most energies around the Fermi level. Furthermore, the
      presence of other single defects along the same edge has little effect on the
      overall conductance, indicating that the conductance of that particular edge has
      been strongly suppressed by the first defect. The presence of another defect on
      the opposite edge further suppresses the quantum conductance, independently of
      the relative position between the two defects in opposite edges. The introduction
      of other defects cause the suppression to be energy dependent, leading to
      conductance peaks which depend on the geometry of the edges. The strong
      conductance dependence on the presence of edge defects is corroborated by DFT
      calculations using SIESTA, which show that the electronic bands near the Fermi
      energy are strongly localized at the edge. 

PMID- 27670626
TI  - Medical education of attention: A qualitative study of learning to listen to
      sound.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There has been little qualitative research examining how physical
      examination skills are learned, particularly the sensory and subjective aspects
      of learning. The authors set out to study how medical students are taught and
      learn the skills of listening to sound. METHODS: As part of an ethnographic study
      in Melbourne, 15 semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with students
      and teachers as a way to reflect explicitly on their learning and teaching.
      RESULTS: From these interviews, we found that learning the skills of listening to
      lung sounds was frequently difficult for students, with many experiencing
      awkwardness, uncertainty, pressure, and intimidation. However not everyone found
      this process difficult. Often those who had studied music reported finding it
      easier to be attentive to the frequency and rhythm of body sounds and find ways
      to describe them. CONCLUSIONS: By incorporating, distinctively in medical
      education, theoretical insights into "attentiveness" from anthropology and
      science and technology studies, the article suggests that musical education
      provides medical students with skills in sensory awareness. Training the senses
      is a critical aspect of diagnosis that needs to be better addressed in medical
      education. Practical approaches for improving students' education of attention
      are proposed.

PMID- 27670627
TI  - Simultaneous noninvasive recording of skin sympathetic nerve activity and
      electrocardiogram.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sympathetic nerve activity is important to cardiac arrhythmogenesis.
      OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to develop a method for simultaneous
      noninvasive recording of skin sympathetic nerve activity (SKNA) and
      electrocardiogram (ECG) using conventional ECG electrodes. This method (neuECG)
      can be used to adequately estimate sympathetic tone. METHODS: We recorded neuECG
      signals from the skin of 56 human subjects. The signals were low-pass filtered to
      show the ECG and high-pass filtered to show nerve activity. Protocol 1 included
      12 healthy volunteers who underwent cold water pressor test and Valsalva
      maneuver. Protocol 2 included 19 inpatients with epilepsy but without known heart
      diseases monitored for 24 hours. Protocol 3 included 22 patients admitted with
      electrical storm and monitored for 39.0 +/- 28.2 hours. Protocol 4 included 3
      patients who underwent bilateral stellate ganglion blockade with lidocaine
      injection. RESULTS: In patients without heart diseases, spontaneous nerve
      discharges were frequently observed at baseline and were associated with heart
      rate acceleration. SKNA recorded from chest leads (V1-V6) during cold water
      pressor test and Valsalva maneuver (protocol 1) was invariably higher than during
      baseline and recovery periods (P < .001). In protocol 2, the average SKNA
      correlated with heart rate acceleration (r = 0.73 +/- 0.14, P < .05) and
      shortening of QT interval (P < .001). Among 146 spontaneous ventricular
      tachycardia episodes recorded in 9 patients of protocol 3, 106 episodes (73%)
      were preceded by SKNA within 30 seconds of onset. Protocol 4 showed that
      bilateral stellate ganglia blockade by lidocaine inhibited SKNA. CONCLUSION: SKNA
      is detectable using conventional ECG electrodes in humans and may be useful in
      estimating sympathetic tone.

PMID- 27670629
TI  - Reply to the Editor- Novel Method for Earlier Detection of Phrenic Nerve Injury
      During Cryoballoon Applications for Electrical Isolation of Pulmonary Veins in
      Patients With Atrial Fibrillation.

PMID- 27670628
TI  - Regional distribution of T-tubule density in left and right atria in dogs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The peculiarities of transverse tubule (T-tubule) morphology and
      distribution in the atrium-and how they contribute to excitation-contraction
      coupling-are just beginning to be understood. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this
      study were to determine T-tubule density in the intact, live right and left atria
      in a large animal and to determine intraregional differences in T-tubule
      organization within each atrium. METHODS: Using confocal microscopy, T-tubules
      were imaged in both atria in intact, Langendorf-perfused normal dog hearts loaded
      with di-4-ANEPPS. T-tubules were imaged in large populations of myocytes from the
      endocardial surface of each atrium. Computerized data analysis was performed
      using a new MatLab (Mathworks, Natick, MA) routine, AutoTT. RESULTS: There was a
      large percentage of myocytes that had no T-tubules in both atria with a higher
      percentage in the right atrium (25.1%) than in the left atrium (12.5%) (P < .02).
      The density of transverse and longitudinal T-tubule elements was low in cells
      that did contain T-tubules, but there were no significant differences in density
      between the left atrial appendage, the pulmonary vein-posterior left atrium, the
      right atrial appendage, and the right atrial free wall. In contrast, there were
      significant differences in sarcomere spacing and cell width between different
      regions of the atria. CONCLUSION: There is a sparse T-tubule network in atrial
      myocytes throughout both dog atria, with significant numbers of myocytes in both
      atria-the right atrium more so than the left atrium-having no T-tubules at all.
      These regional differences in T-tubule distribution, along with differences in
      cell width and sarcomere spacing, may have implications for the emergence of
      substrate for atrial fibrillation.

PMID- 27670630
TI  - Further evidence that remote monitoring is cost-effective: It's time for all to
      adopt.

PMID- 27670631
TI  - Fragmentation and defragmenting: How to ablate in the age of connectivity?

PMID- 27670632
TI  - Evolution of MRI abnormalities in paediatric acute disseminated
      encephalomyelitis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Acute disseminating encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is an inflammatory
      demyelinating disease affecting the central nervous system and mainly occurs in
      young children. Children who initially presented with ADEM can be diagnosed with
      multiple sclerosis (MS) in case new non-encephalopathic clinical symptoms occur
      with new lesions on MRI at least three months after onset of ADEM. We aim to
      study the timing of MRI abnormalities related to the evolution of clinical
      symptoms in our Dutch paediatric ADEM cohort. METHODS: The Dutch database for
      acquired demyelinating syndromes (ADS) was screened for children under age
      eighteen fulfilling the international consensus diagnostic criteria for ADEM.
      Children were eligible when the first MRI was performed within the first three
      months after onset of clinical symptoms and at least one brain follow-up MRI was
      available for evaluation. Forty-two children with ADEM were included (median age
      four years two months). All available MRIs and medical records were assessed and
      categorised as 'improved', 'deteriorated' and 'unchanged'. RESULTS: We found that
      during clinical recovery, new lesions and enlargement of existing MRI lesions
      occurred in the first three months in about 50% of the performed MRIs. In
      contrast, this was rarely seen more than three months after first onset of ADEM.
      CONCLUSION: We recommend to perform a brain MRI as a reference scan three months
      after onset. Follow-up imaging should be compared with this scan in order to
      prevent an incorrect diagnosis of MS after ADEM.

PMID- 27670634
TI  - Inhibitory effects of Japanese horseradish (Wasabia japonica) on the formation
      and genotoxicity of a potent carcinogen, acrylamide.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The formation of acrylamide (AA) in cooked foods has raised human
      health concerns. AA is metabolized by cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) to glycidamide
      (GA), which forms DNA adducts. This study examined the inhibitory effects of
      wasabi (Japanese horseradish, Wasabia japonica) roots and leaves as well as their
      active component, allyl isothiocyanate (AIT), on the formation and genotoxicity
      of AA. RESULTS: AA formation (51.8 +/- 4.2 ug kg-1 ) was inhibited with >=2 mg mL
      1 of AIT. Wasabi roots also inhibited AA formation (~90% reduction), but wasabi
      leaves were not effective at 2 mg mL-1 . Wasabi roots and leaves decreased the
      number of cells with micronuclei by approximately 33 and 24% respectively
      compared with the AA treatment group. Moreover, wasabi roots and leaves (100 mg
      kg-1 body weight (BW) day-1 for each) decreased AA (100 mg kg-1 BW day-1 )
      induced DNA damage. The AA-induced CYP2E1 activity was decreased by 39 and 26%
      with wasabi roots and leaves respectively. Further, the activity of glutathione S
      transferase, which catalyzes the detoxification of AA via glutathione
      conjugation, increased by 54 and 33% with wasabi roots and leaves respectively.
      CONCLUSION: These results indicate that wasabi roots and leaves are effective
      ingredients for inhibiting the formation and genotoxicity of AA. (c) 2016 Society
      of Chemical Industry.

PMID- 27670635
TI  - Benchmarking Measures of Network Influence.
AB  - Identifying key agents for the transmission of diseases (ideas, technology, etc.)
      across social networks has predominantly relied on measures of centrality on a
      static base network or a temporally flattened graph of agent interactions.
      Various measures have been proposed as the best trackers of influence, such as
      degree centrality, betweenness, and k-shell, depending on the structure of the
      connectivity. We consider SIR and SIS propagation dynamics on a temporally
      extruded network of observed interactions and measure the conditional marginal
      spread as the change in the magnitude of the infection given the removal of each
      agent at each time: its temporal knockout (TKO) score. We argue that this TKO
      score is an effective benchmark measure for evaluating the accuracy of other,
      often more practical, measures of influence. We find that none of the network
      measures applied to the induced flat graphs are accurate predictors of network
      propagation influence on the systems studied; however, temporal networks and the
      TKO measure provide the requisite targets for the search for effective predictive
      measures.

PMID- 27670633
TI  - Evaluation of non-Gaussian diffusion in cardiac MRI.
AB  - PURPOSE: The diffusion tensor model assumes Gaussian diffusion and is widely
      applied in cardiac diffusion MRI. However, diffusion in biological tissue
      deviates from a Gaussian profile as a result of hindrance and restriction from
      cell and tissue microstructure, and may be quantified better by non-Gaussian
      modeling. The aim of this study was to investigate non-Gaussian diffusion in
      healthy and hypertrophic hearts. METHODS: Thirteen rat hearts (five healthy, four
      sham, four hypertrophic) were imaged ex vivo. Diffusion-weighted images were
      acquired at b-values up to 10,000 s/mm2 . Models of diffusion were fit to the
      data and ranked based on the Akaike information criterion. RESULTS: The diffusion
      tensor was ranked best at b-values up to 2000 s/mm2 but reflected the signal
      poorly in the high b-value regime, in which the best model was a non-Gaussian
      "beta distribution" model. Although there was considerable overlap in apparent
      diffusivities between the healthy, sham, and hypertrophic hearts, diffusion
      kurtosis and skewness in the hypertrophic hearts were more than 20% higher in the
      sheetlet and sheetlet-normal directions. CONCLUSION: Non-Gaussian diffusion
      models have a higher sensitivity for the detection of hypertrophy compared with
      the Gaussian model. In particular, diffusion kurtosis may serve as a useful
      biomarker for characterization of disease and remodeling in the heart. Magn Reson
      Med 78:1174-1186, 2017. (c) 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in
      Medicine.

PMID- 27670636
TI  - Mitochondria-Associated Membranes Response to Nutrient Availability and Role in
      Metabolic Diseases.
AB  - Metabolic diseases are associated with nutrient excess and metabolic
      inflexibility. Mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum are important organelles
      and nutrient sensors, and their dysfunction has been extensively and
      independently implicated in metabolic diseases. Both organelles interact at sites
      known as mitochondria-associated membranes (MAMs), in order to exchange
      metabolites and calcium. Recent evidence indicates that MAM could be a hub of
      hepatic insulin signaling and nutrient sensing. In this review, we discuss the
      roles organelle function and communication play in the cell's adaptation to
      nutrient availability, in both physiology and metabolic diseases. We highlight
      how dynamic regulation of MAM affects mitochondria physiology and adaptation of
      cellular metabolism to nutrient availability, and how chronic MAM disruption
      participates in the metabolic inflexibility associated with metabolic disorders.

PMID- 27670638
TI  - Quantifying full phenological event distributions reveals simultaneous advances,
      temporal stability and delays in spring and autumn migration timing in long
      distance migratory birds.
AB  - Phenological changes in key seasonally expressed life-history traits occurring
      across periods of climatic and environmental change can cause temporal mismatches
      between interacting species, and thereby impact population and community
      dynamics. However, studies quantifying long-term phenological changes have
      commonly only measured variation occurring in spring, measured as the first or
      mean dates on which focal traits or events were observed. Few studies have
      considered seasonally paired events spanning spring and autumn or tested the key
      assumption that single convenient metrics accurately capture entire event
      distributions. We used 60 years (1955-2014) of daily bird migration census data
      from Fair Isle, Scotland, to comprehensively quantify the degree to which the
      full distributions of spring and autumn migration timing of 13 species of long
      distance migratory bird changed across a period of substantial climatic and
      environmental change. In most species, mean spring and autumn migration dates
      changed little. However, the early migration phase (<=10th percentile date)
      commonly got earlier, while the late migration phase (>=90th percentile date)
      commonly got later. Consequently, species' total migration durations typically
      lengthened across years. Spring and autumn migration phenologies were not
      consistently correlated within or between years within species and hence were not
      tightly coupled. Furthermore, different metrics quantifying different aspects of
      migration phenology within seasons were not strongly cross-correlated, meaning
      that no single metric adequately described the full pattern of phenological
      change. These analyses therefore reveal complex patterns of simultaneous
      advancement, temporal stability and delay in spring and autumn migration
      phenologies, altering species' life-history structures. Additionally, they
      demonstrate that this complexity is only revealed if multiple metrics
      encompassing entire seasonal event distributions, rather than single metrics, are
      used to quantify phenological change. Existing evidence of long-term phenological
      changes detected using only one or two metrics should consequently be interpreted
      cautiously because divergent changes occurring simultaneously could potentially
      have remained undetected.

PMID- 27670637
TI  - A new framework for the documentation and interpretation of oral food challenges
      in population-based and clinical research.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The conduct of oral food challenges as the preferred diagnostic
      standard for food allergy (FA) was harmonized over the last years. However,
      documentation and interpretation of challenge results, particularly in research
      settings, are not sufficiently standardized to allow valid comparisons between
      studies. Our aim was to develop a diagnostic toolbox to capture and report
      clinical observations in double-blind placebo-controlled food challenges
      (DBPCFC). METHODS: A group of experienced allergists, paediatricians, dieticians,
      epidemiologists and data managers developed generic case report forms and
      standard operating procedures for DBPCFCs and piloted them in three clinical
      centres. The follow-up of the EuroPrevall/iFAAM birth cohort and other iFAAM work
      packages applied these methods. RECOMMENDATIONS: A set of newly developed
      questionnaire or interview items capture the history of FA. Together with
      sensitization status, this forms the basis for the decision to perform a DBPCFC,
      following a standardized decision algorithm. A generic form including details
      about severity and timing captures signs and symptoms observed during or after
      the procedures. In contrast to the commonly used dichotomous outcome FA vs no FA,
      the allergy status is interpreted in multiple categories to reflect the
      complexity of clinical decision-making. CONCLUSION: The proposed toolbox sets a
      standard for improved documentation and harmonized interpretation of DBPCFCs. By
      a detailed documentation and common terminology for communicating outcomes, these
      tools hope to reduce the influence of subjective judgment of supervising
      physicians. All forms are publicly available for further evolution and free use
      in clinical and research settings.

PMID- 27670639
TI  - Fixed-dose combination of nifedipine gastrointestinal therapeutic system and
      candesartan cilexetil in patients with moderate-to-severe essential hypertension:
      an open-label, long-term safety and efficacy study.
AB  - WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: The nifedipine gastrointestinal therapeutic system
      (GITS)/candesartan cilexetil (N/C) combination was demonstrated to be an
      effective, well-tolerated antihypertensive therapy in a short-term study. The
      current study investigated the long-term safety and efficacy of a fixed-dose
      combination (FDC) of N/C therapy in moderate-to-severe essential hypertension.
      METHODS: A multinational, 70-centre, open-label study of N/C treatment for 28 or
      52 weeks at a target dose of N60 mg/C32 mg. The primary assessment included the
      incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). Efficacy assessments
      included change from baseline in systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP).
      RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: A total of 508 patients were enrolled, with 417 (82.1%)
      completing week 28 of treatment. Of these, 200 patients continued treatment, as
      planned, to week 52, with 193 (96.5%) completing this period. At least one TEAE
      or drug-related TEAE were reported in 76.8% and 45.3% patients up to week 28, and
      in 80.7% and 46.9% up to week 52/end of study. Most TEAEs and drug-related TEAEs
      to week 52 (93.9% and 95.4%, respectively) were mild or moderate in intensity.
      Rates of drug-related serious AEs were low (0.6%). TEAE-related discontinuations
      occurred in 10% patients before week 28 and in no additional patients thereafter.
      N/C provided substantial, sustained reductions in mean systolic and diastolic BP
      from baseline: 30.1 +/- 18.4 and 12.8 +/- 10.7 mmHg, respectively, at week 52.
      WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSIONS: Nifedipine GITS/candesartan cilexetil FDC at the
      target dose of 60 mg/32 mg was well tolerated for a study duration up to 52 weeks
      and provided sustained reductions in systolic and diastolic BP.

PMID- 27670640
TI  - Bone morphogenetic protein-4 modulates proliferation and terminal differentiation
      of fetal hepatic stem/progenitor cells.
AB  - : Fetal hepatic stem/progenitor cells, called hepatoblasts, play central roles in
      liver organogenesis; however, molecular mechanisms regulating proliferation and
      terminal differentiation of such cells have not been completely elucidated. Bone
      morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP-4) is essential for the development of stem cells in
      various tissues, but its function in regulating the phenotype of hepatoblasts
      after the mid-gestational fetal stage remains unclear. The aim of this study is
      to clarify a functional role for BMP-4 in proliferation and terminal
      differentiation of murine hepatoblasts in mid-gestational fetal livers. METHODS:
      A functional role for BMP-4 in proliferation and terminal differentiation of
      murine hepatoblasts was validated by assay of colony formation, biliary luminal
      formation, and hepatic maturation using primary hepatoblasts in vitro. Molecular
      mechanisms regulating such effects of BMP-4 on primary hepatoblasts were also
      analyzed. RESULTS: Stimulation of BMP-4 upregulated phosphorylation of Smad1/5 in
      hepatoblasts. Bone morphogenetic protein-4 significantly suppressed colony
      formation of primary hepatoblasts in a dose-dependent manner, significantly
      suppressed cholangiocytic luminal formation of hepatoblasts, and promoted hepatic
      maturation of primary hepatoblasts. Stimulation of BMP-4 regulated the activation
      of several mitogen-activated protein kinases, such as extracellular signal
      regulated kinase, Akt, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, and
      calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IIalpha in primary hepatoblasts.
      Moreover, Wnt5a, a molecule regulating cholangiocytic luminal formation, and BMP
      4 coordinately suppressed proliferation and cholangiocytic luminal formation of
      hepatoblasts. CONCLUSION: This study shows that BMP-4-mediated signaling controls
      proliferation and terminal differentiation of fetal hepatic stem/progenitor
      cells.

PMID- 27670641
TI  - Torpor-responsive expression of novel microRNA regulating metabolism and other
      cellular pathways in the thirteen-lined ground squirrel, Ictidomys
      tridecemlineatus.
AB  - Research has demonstrated the importance of microRNA in cold-tolerant animals,
      including their dynamic regulation throughout mammalian hibernation. In this
      study, we used small RNA sequencing and bioinformatic methods to identify novel
      microRNA regulating gene expression during hibernation in thirteen-lined ground
      squirrels, Ictidomys tridecemlineatus. A group of 17 novel microRNA was
      identified, and their relative expression was quantitated using real-time
      quantitative polymerase chain reaction in liver, skeletal muscle, and heart
      tissues over four experimental conditions that represent the torpor-arousal
      cycle. Predicted mRNA targets of these novel microRNA were found to be enriched
      in biological processes known to be regulated during hibernation, such as lipid
      metabolism, ion-transport ATPases, and various cellular signaling cascades. This
      study provides an analysis of several novel microRNA that may be crucial to
      adaptation during hibernation.

PMID- 27670642
TI  - Extranodal Rosai-Dorfman Disease of the Breast.

PMID- 27670643
TI  - HydDB: A web tool for hydrogenase classification and analysis.
AB  - H2 metabolism is proposed to be the most ancient and diverse mechanism of energy
      conservation. The metalloenzymes mediating this metabolism, hydrogenases, are
      encoded by over 60 microbial phyla and are present in all major ecosystems. We
      developed a classification system and web tool, HydDB, for the structural and
      functional analysis of these enzymes. We show that hydrogenase function can be
      predicted by primary sequence alone using an expanded classification scheme
      (comprising 29 [NiFe], 8 [FeFe], and 1 [Fe] hydrogenase classes) that defines 11
      new classes with distinct biological functions. Using this scheme, we built a web
      tool that rapidly and reliably classifies hydrogenase primary sequences using a
      combination of k-nearest neighbors' algorithms and CDD referencing. Demonstrating
      its capacity, the tool reliably predicted hydrogenase content and function in 12
      newly-sequenced bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes. HydDB provides the capacity to
      browse the amino acid sequences of 3248 annotated hydrogenase catalytic subunits
      and also contains a detailed repository of physiological, biochemical, and
      structural information about the 38 hydrogenase classes defined here. The
      database and classifier are freely and publicly available at
      http://services.birc.au.dk/hyddb/.

PMID- 27670645
TI  - Simultaneous quantification of triterpenoid saponins in rat plasma by UHPLC-MS/MS
      and its application to a pharmacokinetic study after oral total saponin of Aralia
      elata leaves.
AB  - A rapid, sensitive, and reliable analytical ultra performance liquid
      chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for the
      simultaneous determination of Aralia-saponin IV, 3-O-beta-d-glucopyranosyl-(1->3)
      beta-d-glucopyranosyl-(1->3)-beta-d-glucopyranosyl oleanolic acid 28-O-beta-d
      glucopyranoside, Aralia-saponin A and Aralia-saponin B after the oral
      administration of total saponin of Aralia elata leaves in rat plasma. Plasma
      samples were pretreated by protein precipitation with methanol. The analysis was
      performed on an ACQUITY UPLC HSS T3 column. The detection was performed on a
      triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer in multiple reaction monitoring mode
      using an electrospray ionization source with negative ionization mode. Under the
      experimental conditions, the calibration curves of four analytes had good
      linearity values (r > 0.991). The intra- and inter-day precision values of the
      four analytes were <= 11.6%, and the accuracy was between -6.2 and 4.2%.The
      extraction recoveries of four triterpenoid saponins were in the range of 84.06
      91.66% (RSD < 10.5%), and all values of the matrix effect were more than 90.30%.
      The developed analytical method was successfully applied to pharmacokinetic study
      on simultaneous determination of the four triterpenoid saponins in rat plasma
      after oral administration of total saponin of Aralia elata leaves, which helps
      guiding clinical usage of Aralia elata leaves.

PMID- 27670644
TI  - Reduction in cardiometabolic risk factors by a multifunctional diet is mediated
      via several branches of metabolism as evidenced by nontargeted metabolite
      profiling approach.
AB  - SCOPE: Multifunctional diet (MFD), a diet based on multiple functional concepts
      and ingredients with anti-inflammatory activity, was previously shown to improve
      different cardiometabolic risk-associated markers in healthy subjects. Here, we
      assessed the impact of MFD on plasma metabolome and explored associations of the
      differential metabolites with clinical parameters, searching for metabolic
      determinants related to the effects of MFD. METHODS AND RESULTS: Forty-four
      overweight healthy volunteers completed a randomized crossover intervention
      comparing MFD with a control diet devoid of the active components of MFD. Fasting
      plasma samples were analyzed with nontargeted metabolite profiling at baseline
      and at the end (4 wk) of each diet period by LC coupled to quadrupole-TOF-MS
      system, revealing a vast impact of MFD on metabolic homeostasis. Main metabolite
      classes affected included acylcarnitines, furan fatty acids, phospholipids
      (plasmalogens, phosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylethanolamines), and various low
      molecular weight products from the bioactivity of gut microbiota. Circulating
      levels of several of these metabolites correlated with changes in clinical blood
      lipid biomarkers. CONCLUSIONS: The metabolomics approach revealed that
      consumption of MFD affected different areas of metabolism, highlighting the
      impact of a healthy diet on plasma metabolome. This seems linked to reduced
      cardiometabolic risk and provides mechanistic insight into the effects of MFD.

PMID- 27670646
TI  - Whole-body angular momentum during sloped walking using passive and powered lower
      limb prostheses.
AB  - Sloped walking requires altered strategies for maintaining dynamic balance
      relative to level-ground walking, as evidenced by changes in sagittal-plane whole
      body angular momentum (H) in able-bodied individuals. The ankle plantarflexor
      muscles are critical for regulating H, and functional loss of these muscles from
      transtibial amputation affects this regulation. However, it is unclear if a
      powered prosthesis, which more closely emulates intact ankle function than a
      passive energy-storage-and-return prosthesis, affects H differently during sloped
      walking. Therefore, our purpose was to investigate H in individuals with
      unilateral transtibial amputation when using powered and passive prostheses.
      Overall, the range of H was greater in people with a transtibial amputation
      relative to able-bodied individuals. On a -10 degrees  decline, individuals with
      amputation did not decrease H as much as able-bodied individuals, and had reduced
      prosthetic limb braking ground reaction forces and knee power absorption. On a
      +10 degrees  incline, individuals with amputation had a greater relative increase
      of H than able-bodied individuals, a more anterior placement of the prosthetic
      foot, and higher peak hip power generation. The powered prosthesis condition
      resulted in a smaller range of H during prosthetic stance relative to the passive
      condition, although it was still larger than able-bodied individuals. Our results
      suggest that prosthetic ankle power generation may help regulate dynamic balance
      during prosthetic stance, but alone is not sufficient for restoring H to that of
      able-bodied individuals on slopes. Contributions of knee extensor muscles and the
      biarticular gastrocnemius in regulating H on slopes should be further
      investigated.

PMID- 27670647
TI  - Community perspectives: evaluation of a community-based rehabilitation program in
      Southern Belize one year post-implementation.
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine community perspectives regarding the strengths, weaknesses,
      opportunities, and threats of a community-based rehabilitation (CBR) program in
      Toledo District, Belize. METHOD: A participatory approach was implemented using
      the CBR Matrix as a conceptual framework. Semi-structured interviews were
      conducted with CBR community partners and program participants living in Toledo
      District. Respondents were recruited until thematic saturation was achieved
      (i.e., no new themes were identified from subsequent interviews). Interviews were
      recorded and transcribed verbatim. Recurring themes were identified using
      thematic content analysis. RESULTS: Eight CBR community partners and 11 program
      participants completed interviews. Key strengths of the program included engaging
      CBR program participants as partners in the decision-making process and raising
      disability awareness. Key weaknesses of the program included lack of a vocational
      training program and lack of a systematic approach to identify people with
      disabilities (PWD) or risk factors for disease and disability. CONCLUSIONS: This
      participatory evaluation provided PWD, their families, and the community the
      opportunity to express their needs and priorities regarding CBR. Key
      recommendations included: (1) developing vocational training programs for PWD;
      (2) expanding collaborations with craftspeople and other community partners
      throughout Toledo District; (3) continuing the disability awareness program in
      schools and the broader community; and (4) strengthening community outreach and
      data collection. Implications for Rehabilitation Persons with disabilities, their
      families, and community partners should play an active role in the development,
      implementation, and evaluation of CBR programs to ensure program goals align with
      community priorities. The CBR evaluation process should strive to include diverse
      perspectives that represent the most marginalized populations (e.g., individuals
      with significant disabilities living in geographically remote areas). The CBR
      matrix can provide a comprehensive and flexible framework with which to examine
      community perspectives regarding the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and
      threats of CBR programs.

PMID- 27670648
TI  - An Automated Microwell Platform for Large-Scale Single Cell RNA-Seq.
AB  - Recent developments have enabled rapid, inexpensive RNA sequencing of thousands
      of individual cells from a single specimen, raising the possibility of unbiased
      and comprehensive expression profiling from complex tissues. Microwell arrays are
      a particularly attractive microfluidic platform for single cell analysis due to
      their scalability, cell capture efficiency, and compatibility with imaging. We
      report an automated microwell array platform for single cell RNA-Seq with
      significantly improved performance over previous implementations. We demonstrate
      cell capture efficiencies of >50%, compatibility with commercially available
      barcoded mRNA capture beads, and parallel expression profiling from thousands of
      individual cells. We evaluate the level of cross-contamination in our platform by
      both tracking fluorescent cell lysate in sealed microwells and with a human-mouse
      mixed species RNA-Seq experiment. Finally, we apply our system to comprehensively
      assess heterogeneity in gene expression of patient-derived glioma neurospheres
      and uncover subpopulations similar to those observed in human glioma tissue.

PMID- 27670649
TI  - Esophageal bougination: a novel ex vivo endoscopic training model correlated with
      clinical data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Esophageal bougination is a worldwide standard endoscopic procedure.
      Clinical methods and recommendations are based on clinical experiences only.
      Mechanical properties have never been described. Aim of the study was to
      establish a realistic ex vivo training model. Therefore, detailed assessment of
      relevant mechanical features of esophageal bougination should be evaluated ex
      vivo and in patient setting and correlated against. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A three
      step concept was used to evaluate mechanical properties at stenosis level. First,
      insertion forces were evaluated in an ex vivo linear single stenosis model during
      steady mechanical insertion. Second, adding friction and properties of the
      pharynx and upper esophagus, the model was integrated in an artificial endoscopic
      training model (ELITE training model). Third, in vivo measurements were taken to
      correlate ex vivo data with parameters of a realistic patient setting. RESULTS:
      With the presented setup, we were able to assess insertion force and pressure
      levels in an artificial stricture using different sizes of commercially available
      standard bougies. In all models, there was a relevant increase in insertion force
      with higher stricture pressure levels. Insertion force levels in the ELITE model
      show higher levels compared to the linear stenosis model. Having regard to the
      maximum forces in patients, there is also a constant increase in mean insertion
      force according to higher bougie sizes, but lower forces were measured as in the
      ELITE model. DISCUSSION: The applied models are suitable to appraise mechanical
      properties of esophageal bougination in an ex vivo model and patient setting.
      Forces could be constituted reliable, significant increase was documented
      according to stenosis level and results were comparable to patient data. This was
      comparable to patient data. Further clinical evaluation in different kinds of
      stenosis is necessary.

PMID- 27670650
TI  - [Management of systemic lupus erythematosus].
AB  - In the last few decades a number of small, often largely unrecognized steps have
      fundamentally changed the management of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The
      current goal is to stop all disease activity without long-term use of more than 5
      mg prednisolone per day. Remission, i.e. absence of activity in the SLE activity
      score of choice, is the defined target in the treat to target approach. The
      essential basic measures include life-long hydroxychloroquine as well as
      protection from sunlight (UV) and vitamin D substitution. Patients suffering from
      SLE need more vaccinations than the healthy population and control of risk
      factors for atherosclerosis is critical for long-term survival. Methotrexate is
      on par with azathioprine. If disease activity cannot be controlled in this way,
      belimumab is an approved therapeutic option. Cyclophosphamide is still used but
      only in life-threatening situations, such as lupus nephritis or central nervous
      system (CNS) vasculitis and in drastically reduced doses. Alternatively, off
      label mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) can be used particularly for lupus nephritis
      and off-label rituximab in refractory disease courses. Numerous novel approaches
      are being tested in controlled trials and it is hoped that new drugs will be
      available for SLE patients within a few years.

PMID- 27670652
TI  - Wearable fitness device does not help maintain weight loss, study finds.

PMID- 27670651
TI  - Predictors of pain during oocyte retrieval.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pain during oocyte retrieval remains prevalent despite detailed and
      specific pain management protocols. Exploring the role of psychosocial risk
      factors of pain during the oocyte retrieval could identify possible targets for
      prevention. The present study assessed pain prevalence and possible risk factors
      for experiencing extreme pain levels in a large cohort of women receiving
      assisted reproductive technologies (ART) treatment. METHODS: Participants were
      810 first attendees about to begin treatment with ART. The participants completed
      questionnaires at three time points: at their 21st day of the cycle, during the
      waiting time before the oocyte retrieval surgery and after the oocyte retrieval.
      RESULTS: Fifty-one (6.9%) of the women reported the oocyte retrieval to be very
      or extremely painful. The results of a multiple logistic regression indicated
      that the significant predictors of high pain intensity, measured before the
      oocyte retrieval, were negative gynecological experiences and side effects of
      hormonal treatment. Variables measured after the oocyte retrieval associated with
      pain intensity were higher levels of anxiety during the oocyte retrieval, lower
      levels of perceived control and longer duration of the procedure. DISCUSSION: The
      findings of the present study may help to identify those women who are at
      increased risk of experiencing unacceptable pain levels during oocyte retrieval
      procedures and the medical staff is advised to take psychological factors into
      account.

PMID- 27670654
TI  - Water uptake mechanism and germination of Erythrina velutina seeds treated with
      atmospheric plasma.
AB  - The effect of plasma applied to mulungu (Erythrina velutina) seeds was studied to
      verify its influence on the germination, water absorption, wettability and
      structure of the seeds. The plasma jet used in this study was produced by
      dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) in a helium gas flow of 0.03 L/s at a distance
      of 13 mm for 60 s. The plasma treatment significantly affected the seed
      germination rate, which was approximately 5% higher than that of the untreated
      group. Micropyle and hilum contributed a greater proportion to uptake. When
      sealed in the hilar or micropyle regions the amount of water absorbed into the
      seed decreased approximately 75% compared to the unsealed seed. This difference
      suggests that these two regions together act cooperatively in the water
      absorption. However, when plasma treated seed was blocked in the micropyle
      region, water absorption was higher higher than in seeds blocked hilum. This
      difference suggests that the plasma treatment changed the wettability of the
      hilum more effectively than it changed the micropyle. These results indicate that
      plasma can significantly change the hydrophilicity, water absorption and
      percentage of seed germination in E. velutina.

PMID- 27670653
TI  - Amputation trends for patients with lower extremity ulcers due to diabetes and
      peripheral artery disease using statewide data.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study reports all-payer amputation rates using state-based
      administrative claims data for high-risk patients with lower extremity (LE)
      ulcers and concomitant peripheral artery disease (PAD), diabetes mellitus (DM),
      or combination PAD/DM. In addition, we characterize patient factors that affect
      amputation-free survival. We also attempted to create a measure of a patient's
      ability to manage chronic diseases or to access appropriate outpatient care for
      ulcer management by accounting for hospital and emergency department (ED) visits
      in the preceding 60 days to determine how this also affects amputation-free
      survival. METHODS: Patients admitted to nonfederal hospitals, seen in an ED, or
      treated in an eligible ambulatory surgery center within California from 2005
      through 2013 with an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision,
      Clinical Modification diagnosis code for a disease-specific LE ulcer were
      identified in the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development
      database. All subsequent hospital, ED, and ambulatory surgery center visits and
      procedures are captured to identify whether a patient underwent major amputation.
      Yearly amputation rates were determined to analyze trends. Amputation-free
      survival for the PAD, DM, and PAD/DM groups was determined. Cox modeling was used
      to evaluate the effect of patient characteristics. RESULTS: There were 219,547
      patients identified with an incident LE ulcer throughout the state. Of these,
      131,731 were DM associated, 36,193 were PAD associated, and 51,623 were
      associated with both PAD and DM. From 2005 to 2013, the number of patients with
      LE ulcers who required inpatient admission, presented to the ED, or had
      outpatient procedures was stable. However, there was a statistically significant
      increase in overall disease-associated amputation rates from 5.1 in 2005 to 13.5
      in 2013 (P < .001). Patients with PAD/DM had the greatest increase in amputation
      rates from 10 per 100 patients with LE ulcers in 2005 to 28 per 100 patients in
      2013 (P < .001). Despite that patients with PAD/DM were 8 years younger than
      patients with PAD only, they had similar amputation-free survival. Within all age
      groups, men had worse amputation-free survival than women did. Race did not
      predict amputation-free survival, but having multiple prior ED or hospital
      admissions was a significant predictor of worse amputation-free survival.
      CONCLUSIONS: Potentially preventable amputations associated with high-risk
      diseases are increasing among patients who require inpatient hospital admission,
      present to the ED, or require outpatient interventional treatment. This trend is
      most notable among patients with a combination of PAD and DM. Patients with
      repeated hospitalizations before admission for the LE ulcer had the highest risk
      of amputation.

PMID- 27670655
TI  - Healthier lifestyles after retirement in Europe? Evidence from SHARE.
AB  - This paper investigates changes in health behaviours upon retirement, using data
      drawn from the Survey of Health Ageing and Retirement in Europe. By exploiting
      changes in eligibility rules for early and statutory retirement, we identify the
      causal effect of retiring from work on smoking, alcohol drinking, engagement in
      physical activity and visits to the general practitioner or specialist. We
      provide evidence about individual heterogeneous effects related to gender,
      education, net wealth, early-life conditions and job characteristics. Our main
      results--obtained using fixed-effect two-stage least squares--show that changes
      in health behaviours occur upon retirement and may be a key mechanism through
      which the latter affects health. In particular, the probability of not practicing
      any physical activity decreases significantly after retirement, and this effect
      is stronger for individuals with higher education. We also find that different
      frameworks of European health care systems (i.e. countries with or without a gate
      keeping system to regulate the access to specialist services) matter in shaping
      individuals' health behaviours after retirement. Our findings provide important
      information for the design of policies aiming to promote healthy lifestyles in
      later life, by identifying those who are potential target individuals and which
      factors may affect their behaviour. Our results also suggest the importance of
      policies promoting healthy lifestyles well before the end of the working life in
      order to anticipate the benefits deriving from individuals' health investments.

PMID- 27670658
TI  - Is It Time to Separate the Financial and Health Goals of Workplace Health
      Promotion Programs?

PMID- 27670659
TI  - The Art of Health Promotion ideas for improving health outcomes.

PMID- 27670656
TI  - Procedural safety of a fully implantable intravenous prostanoid pump for
      pulmonary hypertension.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In patients with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension, subcutaneous
      or catheter-based intravenous application of prostanoids carries a risk of local
      side effects or systemic infections, which limits their use and acceptance.
      Recently, a fully implantable pump for continuous application of intravenous
      treprostinil was approved in Germany. However, surgery is a major risk for
      patients with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension. The purpose of this study
      was to investigate the safety of a fully implantable pump inserted under local or
      general anesthesia in patients with severe pulmonary hypertension. METHODS: All
      patients with pulmonary hypertension undergoing pump implantation for the
      continuous application of intravenous treprostinil were included from two German
      centers. Surgery was performed under local or general anesthesia according to the
      protocol of the recruiting center. Intra-operative safety and in-hospital
      complications were analyzed for the two different implantation regimens. RESULTS:
      In total, 51 patients were included. No major intra-operative complications were
      recorded. During the observation period, two patients died of progressive right
      heart failure, and two patients required treatment in the intensive care unit for
      acute right heart decompensation and respiratory failure. In total, major
      complications occurred in 8 out of 51 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our observational
      study provides preliminary evidence supporting the procedural safety of a fully
      implantable pump inserted under local or general anesthesia for patients with
      severe pulmonary hypertension. The observation of major complications in a subset
      of patients requires extensive pre- and post-operative assessments. Future trials
      are required to provide further evidence for the long-term safety and efficacy of
      the pump using this approach.

PMID- 27670660
TI  - Interpretations of diffusion-weighted MR imaging by radiology residents in the
      emergency department: is diagnostic performance influenced by the level of
      residency training?
AB  - BACKGROUND: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of radiology residents'
      interpretations for diffusion-weighted MR imaging (DWI) in the emergency
      department at different levels of residency training. METHOD AND MATERIALS: A
      total of 160 patients who underwent DWI with acute neurologic symptoms were
      included in this retrospective study with an institutional review board approval.
      Four radiology residents with different training years and one attending
      neuroradiologist independently assessed the DWI results. Discordances between the
      results of residents and attending neuroradiologist were classified as follows:
      false positive (FP) and false negative (FN). We also evaluated the diagnostic
      performance of four residents according to the reference standard. RESULTS:
      Overall, the concordance rate was 84.8 %, with a 15.2 % overall discordance rate.
      There were 83 FN results. The most common misses were small vessel disease (n =
      55), acute focal infarction (n = 10), diffuse axonal injury (n = 6), solitary
      mass (n = 5), extraaxial hemorrhages (n = 3), posterior reversible encephalopathy
      syndrome (n = 2), and postictal change (n = 2). Fourteen FP results were
      interpreted as hemorrhage and acute infarction. The 4th year resident exhibited
      the highest diagnostic performance, and the level of training had a significant
      influence on the rates of concordance (P < 0.05). Interobserver reliability was
      good between the interpretations of the residents and the final interpretations
      of the attending neuroradiologists. CONCLUSION: The level of resident training
      had a significant effect on their diagnostic performance, and good interobserver
      reliability was noted between the results of the residents and attending
      neuroradiologist.

PMID- 27670662
TI  - Your Understanding Is My Understanding: Evidence for a Community of Knowledge.
AB  - In four experiments, we tested the community-of-knowledge hypothesis, that people
      fail to distinguish their own knowledge from other people's knowledge. In all the
      experiments, despite the absence of any actual explanatory information, people
      rated their own understanding of novel natural phenomena as higher when they were
      told that scientists understood the phenomena than when they were told that
      scientists did not yet understand them. In Experiment 2, we found that this
      occurs only when people have ostensible access to the scientists' explanations;
      the effect does not occur when the explanations exist but are held in secret. In
      Experiment 3, we further ruled out two classes of alternative explanations (one
      appealing to task demands and the other proposing that judgments were mediated by
      inferences about a phenomenon's understandability). In Experiment 4, we ruled out
      the possibility that the effect could be attributed to a pragmatic inference.

PMID- 27670661
TI  - Role of TRPC1 channels in pressure-mediated activation of murine pancreatic
      stellate cells.
AB  - The tumor environment contributes importantly to tumor cell behavior and cancer
      progression. Aside from biochemical constituents, physical factors of the
      environment also influence the tumor. Growing evidence suggests that mechanics
      [e.g., tumor (stroma) elasticity, tissue pressure] are critical players of cancer
      progression. Underlying mechanobiological mechanisms involve among others the
      regulation of focal adhesion molecules, cytoskeletal modifications, and
      mechanosensitive (MS) ion channels of cancer- and tumor-associated cells. After
      reviewing the current concepts of cancer mechanobiology, we will focus on the
      canonical transient receptor potential 1 (TRPC1) channel and its role in mechano
      signaling in tumor-associated pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs). PSCs are key
      players of pancreatic fibrosis, especially in cases of pancreatic ductal
      adenocarcinoma (PDAC). PDAC is characterized by the formation of a dense fibrotic
      stroma (desmoplasia), primarily formed by activated PSCs. Desmoplasia contributes
      to high pancreatic tissue pressure, which in turn activates PSCs, thereby
      perpetuating matrix deposition. Here, we investigated the role of the putatively
      mechanosensitive TRPC1 channels in murine PSCs exposed to elevated ambient
      pressure. Pressurization leads to inhibition of mRNA expression of MS ion
      channels. Migration of PSCs representing a readout of their activation is
      enhanced in pressurized PSCs. Knockout of TRPC1 leads to an attenuated phenotype.
      While TRPC1-mediated calcium influx is increased in wild-type PSCs after pressure
      incubation, loss of TRPC1 abolishes this effect. Our findings provide mechanistic
      insight how pressure, an important factor of the PDAC environment, contributes to
      PSC activation. TRPC1-mediated activation could be a potential target to disrupt
      the positive feedback of PSC activation and PDAC progression.

PMID- 27670663
TI  - Emotions in "Black and White" or Shades of Gray? How We Think About Emotion
      Shapes Our Perception and Neural Representation of Emotion.
AB  - The demands of social life often require categorically judging whether someone's
      continuously varying facial movements express "calm" or "fear," or whether one's
      fluctuating internal states mean one feels "good" or "bad." In two studies, we
      asked whether this kind of categorical, "black and white," thinking can shape the
      perception and neural representation of emotion. Using psychometric and
      neuroimaging methods, we found that (a) across participants, judging emotions
      using a categorical, "black and white" scale relative to judging emotions using a
      continuous, "shades of gray," scale shifted subjective emotion perception
      thresholds; (b) these shifts corresponded with activity in brain regions
      previously associated with affective responding (i.e., the amygdala and ventral
      anterior insula); and (c) connectivity of these regions with the medial
      prefrontal cortex correlated with the magnitude of categorization-related shifts.
      These findings suggest that categorical thinking about emotions may actively
      shape the perception and neural representation of the emotions in question.

PMID- 27670665
TI  - Sensitivity of Scenedesmus obliquus and Microcystis aeruginosa to atrazine:
      effects of acclimation and mixed cultures, and their removal ability.
AB  - Atrazine is an herbicide frequently detected in watercourses that can affect the
      phytoplankton community, thus impacting the whole food chain. This study aims,
      firstly, to measure the sensitivity of monocultures of the green alga Scenedemus
      obliquus and toxic and non-toxic strains of the cyanobacteria Microcystis
      aeruginosa before, during and after a 30-day acclimation period to 0.1 uM of
      atrazine. Secondly, the sensitivity of S. obliquus and M. aeruginosa to atrazine
      in mixed cultures was evaluated. Finally, the ability of these strains to remove
      atrazine from the media was measured. We demonstrated that both strains of M.
      aeruginosa had higher growth rate-based EC50 values than S. obliquus when exposed
      to atrazine, even though their photosynthesis-based EC50 values were lower. After
      being exposed to 0.1 uM of atrazine for 1 month, only the photosynthesis-based
      EC50 of S. obliquus increased significantly. In mixed cultures, the growth rate
      of the non-toxic strain of M. aeruginosa was higher than S. obliquus at high
      concentrations of atrazine, resulting in a ratio of M. aeruginosa to total cell
      count of 0.6. This lower sensitivity might be related to the higher growth rate
      of cyanobacteria at low light intensity. Finally, a negligible fraction of
      atrazine was removed from the culture media by S. obliquus or M. aeruginosa over
      6 days. These results bring new insights on the acclimation of some phytoplankton
      species to atrazine and its effect on the competition between S. obliquus and M.
      aeruginosa in mixed cultures.

PMID- 27670664
TI  - Understanding the Influence of Mental Health Diagnosis and Gender on Placement
      Decisions for Justice-Involved Youth.
AB  - Justice-involved youth have high rates of psychiatric diagnoses, and these youth
      are often placed out-of-home, although evidence identifies several negative
      implications of juvenile confinement, especially for youth with psychopathology.
      Furthermore, youth in the justice system may be processed differently based on
      gender. As males and females tend to manifest symptoms differently, the
      psychopathology of youth may act to moderate the relationship between gender and
      placement in the juvenile justice system. The present study used a large, diverse
      sample (n = 9 851, 19.8 % female) to examine whether youth placed in various
      types of out-of-home facilities differed in terms of externalizing,
      internalizing, substance use, or comorbid disorders, and to determine the
      predictive value of mental health diagnoses in placement decisions. The
      moderation effect of psychopathology and substance use on the relationship
      between gender and placement also was explored. The results indicated that each
      type of disorder differed across placements, with internalizing being most
      prevalent in non-secure, and externalizing, comorbid, and substance use being
      most prevalent in secure settings. Mental health diagnoses improved the
      prediction of placement in each out-of-home placement beyond legal and
      demographic factors such that externalizing and substance use disorders decreased
      the likelihood of placement in non-secure settings, and internalizing,
      externalizing, and substance use disorders increased the likelihood of placement
      in secure and state-secure facilities. The relationship between internalizing
      pathology and placement in more secure facilities was moderated by externalizing
      pathology. The relationship between gender and placement was significantly
      moderated by mental health such that females with mental health diagnoses receive
      less secure placements. Implications for policymakers and practitioners are
      discussed, as well as implications for reforming juvenile justice within a
      developmental approach.

PMID- 27670667
TI  - Congo red dye affects survival and reproduction in the cladoceran Ceriodaphnia
      dubia. Effects of direct and dietary exposure.
AB  - Nearly 7 00000 tons of dyes are produced annually throughout the world. Azo dyes
      are widely used in the textile and paper industries due to their low cost and
      ease of application. Their extensive use results in large volumes of wastewater
      being discharged into aquatic ecosystems. Large volume discharges constitute a
      health risk since many of these dyes, such as Congo Red, are elaborated with
      benzidine, a known carcinogenic compound. Information regarding dye toxicity in
      aquatic ecosystems is limited. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to
      evaluate the effect of Congo Red on survival and reproduction of Ceriodaphnia
      dubia. We determined the 48 h median lethal concentration (LC50) and evaluated
      the effects of sublethal concentrations in subchronic exposures by using as food
      either fresh algae or algae previously exposed to the dye. LC50 was 13.58 mg L-1.
      In subchronic assays, survival was reduced to 80 and 55 %, and fertility to 40
      and 70 %, as compared to the control, in C. dubia fed with intoxicated cells or
      with the mix of intoxicated + fresh algae, respectively, so the quantity and type
      of food had a significant effect. We determined that Congo Red is highly toxic to
      C. dubia since it inhibits survival and fertility in concentrations exceeding 3
      mg L-1. Our results show that this dye produces negative effects at very low
      concentrations. Furthermore, our findings warn of the risk associated with
      discharging dyes into aquatic environments. Lastly, the results emphasize the
      need to regulate the discharge of effluents containing azo dyes.

PMID- 27670666
TI  - Sublethal effects of imidacloprid on the predatory seven-spot ladybird beetle
      Coccinella septempunctata.
AB  - The seven-spot ladybird beetle, Coccinella septempunctata, is a major natural
      enemy of aphids in the field and in greenhouses in China and is part of
      integrated pest management (IPM). Imidacloprid, a highly efficient insecticide
      that not only kills aphids at lethal concentrations, but also can cause various
      sublethal effects in nontarget organisms. To strengthen IPM and its
      sustainability, it is important assessing possible side effects on natural
      enemies. When the effects of sublethal concentrations (LC5 and 10%LC5) of
      imidacloprid on C. septempunctata were evaluated, the adult longevity was
      shortened by 23.97 and 28.68 %, and the fecundity reduced by 52.81 and 56.09 %
      compared to control population. In the F1 generation (i.e., the progeny of the
      exposed individuals), the juvenile development was slower by 1.44 days and 0.66
      days, and the oviposition period was shortened by 10 and 13 days, respectively.
      The fecundity of the F1 generation decreased by 17.88, 44.03 and 51.69 % when
      exposed to 1%LC5, 10%LC5, and LC5, respectively. The results of demographical
      growth estimates showed that the intrinsic rate of increase (r m ) and net
      reproductive rate (R 0 ) were lower in C. septempunctata populations that had
      been exposed to sublethal concentrations of imidacloprid. The results emphasize
      the importance of assessing side effects of low imidacloprid concentrations on
      such predator species, even at the transgenerational level.

PMID- 27670669
TI  - (+/-)-Gossypol induces apoptosis and autophagy in head and neck carcinoma cell
      lines and inhibits the growth of transplanted salivary gland cancer cells in
      BALB/c mice.
AB  - Racemic Gossypol [(+/-)-GOS], composed of both (-)-GOS and (+)-GOS, is a small
      BH3-mimetic polyphenol derived from cotton seeds. (+/-)-GOS has been employed and
      well tolerated by cancer patients. Head and neck carcinoma (HNC) represents one
      of the most fatal cancers worldwide, and a significant proportion of HNC
      expresses high levels of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 proteins. In this study, we
      demonstrate that (+/-)-GOS inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis and
      autophagy of human pharynx, tongue, and salivary gland cancer cell lines and of
      mouse salivary gland cancer cells (SALTO). (+/-)-GOS was able to: (a) decrease
      the ErbB2 protein expression; (b) inhibit the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and AKT;
      (c) stimulate p38 and JNK1/2 protein phosphorylation. (+/-)-GOS administration
      was safe in BALB/c mice and it reduced the growth of transplanted SALTO cells in
      vivo and prolonged mice median survival. Our results suggest the potential role
      of (+/-)-GOS as an antitumor agent in HNC patients.

PMID- 27670668
TI  - Sublethal and transgenerational effects of sulfoxaflor on the biological traits
      of the cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae).
AB  - Sulfoxaflor is a novel insecticide belonging to sulfoximine chemical class that
      can be used to control sap-feeding insects, notably Aphis gossypii Glover. In
      addition to its acute toxicity, it is also important to consider the possible
      sublethal effects when establishing a comprehensive understanding of the toxicity
      of a new insecticide. We assessed the effects of a low lethal concentration
      (LC25) of sulfoxaflor on biological parameters of A. gossypii adults (F0) and
      subsequent transgenerational effects, i.e., on the progeny (F1 generation). The
      data were analyzed using an age-stage life table procedure. The results showed
      that the longevity and fecundity were not significantly affected by the LC25 of
      sulfoxaflor in the F0 or F1 generations. In addition, no significant differences
      were observed on the developmental time of each instar, the adult pre-oviposition
      period, and on the longevity of F1 individuals. However, the duration of their
      pre-adult stage and total pre-oviposition period, as well as their mean
      generation time were significantly increased. These observed effects affected
      aphid demographic traits; the survival rate, the intrinsic rate of increase (r i
      ), the finite rate of increase (lambda), the net reproductive rate (R0), and the
      gross reproduction rate (GRR) of the F1 individuals (i.e., from F0 mothers) were
      significantly lower compared to the control. Our results showed that sublethal
      effects of sulfoxaflor significantly slowed down A. gossypii population growth;
      they indicated that effects of sulfoxaflor might be increased (beyond lethal
      effect) through sublethal effects when concentrations decreased in sulfoxaflor
      treated areas after initial application in field.

PMID- 27670670
TI  - Lesion strength control by automatic temperature guided retinal photocoagulation.
AB  - Laser photocoagulation is an established treatment for a variety of retinal
      diseases. However, when using the same irradiation parameter, the size and
      strength of the lesions are unpredictable due to unknown inter- and
      intraindividual optical properties of the fundus layers. The aim of this work is
      to investigate a feedback system to generate desired lesions of preselectable
      strengths by automatically controlling the irradiation time. Optoacoustics were
      used for retinal temperature monitoring. A 532-nm continuous wave Nd:YAG laser
      was used for photocoagulation. A 75-ns/523-nm Q-switched Nd:YLF laser
      simultaneously excited temperature-dependent pressure transients, which were
      detected at the cornea by an ultrasonic transducer embedded in a contact lens.
      The temperature data were analyzed during the irradiation by a LabVIEW routine.
      The treatment laser was switched off automatically when the required lesion
      strength was achieved. Five different feedback control algorithms for different
      lesion sizes were developed and tested on rabbits in vivo. With a laser spot
      diameter of 133???m, five different lesion types with ophthalmoscopically visible
      diameters ranging mostly between 100 and 200???m, and different appearances were
      achieved by automatic exposure time control. The automatically controlled lesions
      were widely independent of the treatment laser power and the retinal
      pigmentation.

PMID- 27670671
TI  - It's Not Easy Not Being Green: Breakthroughs in Chlorophyll Breakdown.

PMID- 27670673
TI  - Animal choruses emerge from receiver psychology.
AB  - Synchrony and alternation in large animal choruses are often viewed as
      adaptations by which cooperating males increase their attractiveness to females
      or evade predators. Alternatively, these seemingly composed productions may
      simply emerge by default from the receiver psychology of mate choice. This
      second, emergent property hypothesis has been inferred from findings that females
      in various acoustic species ignore male calls that follow a neighbor's by a brief
      interval, that males often adjust the timing of their call rhythm and reduce the
      incidence of ineffective, following calls, and from simulations modeling the
      collective outcome of male adjustments. However, the purported connection between
      male song timing and female preference has never been tested experimentally, and
      the emergent property hypothesis has remained speculative. Studying a distinctive
      katydid species genetically structured as isolated populations, we conducted a
      comparative phylogenetic analysis of the correlation between male call timing and
      female preference. We report that across 17 sampled populations male adjustments
      match the interval over which females prefer leading calls; moreover, this
      correlation holds after correction for phylogenetic signal. Our study is the
      first demonstration that male adjustments coevolved with female preferences and
      thereby confirms the critical link in the emergent property model of chorus
      evolution.

PMID- 27670672
TI  - Identification of LATE BLOOMER2 as a CYCLING DOF FACTOR Homolog Reveals Conserved
      and Divergent Features of the Flowering Response to Photoperiod in Pea.
AB  - The molecular pathways responsible for the flowering response to photoperiod have
      been extensively studied in Arabidopsis thaliana and cereals but remain poorly
      understood in other major plant groups. Here, we describe a dominant mutant at
      the LATE BLOOMER2 (LATE2) locus in pea (Pisum sativum) that is late-flowering
      with a reduced response to photoperiod. LATE2 acts downstream of light signaling
      and the circadian clock to control expression of the main photoperiod-regulated
      FT gene, FTb2, implying that it plays a primary role in photoperiod measurement.
      Mapping identified the CYCLING DOF FACTOR gene CDFc1 as a strong candidate for
      LATE2, and the late2-1D mutant was found to carry a missense mutation in CDFc1
      that impairs its capacity to bind to the blue-light photoreceptor FKF1 in yeast
      two-hybrid assays and delays flowering in Arabidopsis when overexpressed.
      Arabidopsis CDF genes are important negative regulators of CONSTANS (CO)
      transcription, but we found no effect of LATE2 on the transcription of pea CO
      LIKE genes, nor on genes in any other families previously implicated in the
      activation of FT in Arabidopsis. Our results reveal an important component of the
      pea photoperiod response pathway and support the view that regulation of FTb2
      expression by photoperiod occurs via a CO-independent mechanism.

PMID- 27670674
TI  - Development of a ReaxFF Reactive Force Field for the Pt-Ni Alloy Catalyst.
AB  - We developed the ReaxFF force field for Pt/Ni/C/H/O interactions, specifically
      targeted for heterogeneous catalysis application of the Pt-Ni alloy. The force
      field is trained using the DFT data for equations of state of Pt3Ni, PtNi3 and
      PtNi alloys, the surface energy of the PtxNi1-x(111) (x = 0.67-0.83), and binding
      energies of various atomic and molecular species (O, H, C, CH, CH2, CH3, CO, OH,
      and H2O) on these surfaces. The ReaxFF force field shows a Pt surface segregation
      at x >= 0.67 for the (111) surface and x >= 0.62 for the (100) surface in vacuum.
      In addition, from the investigation of the preferential alloy component of the
      adsorbates, it is expected that H and CH3 on the alloy surface to induce a
      segregation of Pt whereas the oxidation intermediates and products such as C, O,
      OH, H2O, CO, CH, and CH2 are found to induce Ni segregation. The relative order
      of binding strengths among adsorbates is a function of alloy composition and the
      force field is trained to describe the trend observed in DFT calculations,
      namely, H2 < H2O < CH3 ~ O2 ~ CO < OH < CH2 < C ~ CH on Pt8Ni4, H2 < H2O < CO <
      O2 ~ CH3 < OH < CH2 < CH < C on Pt9Ni3, and H2 < H2O < O2 < CO < CH3 < OH < CH2 <
      C ~ CH on Pt10Ni2. Using this force field, we performed the grand-canonical Monte
      Carlo (GCMC) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations for a Pt3Ni slab and a
      truncated cuboctahedral nanoparticle terminated by (111) and (100) faces, to
      examine the surface segregation trend under different gas environments. It is
      found that Pt segregates to the alloy surface when the surface is exposed to
      vacuum and/or H2 environment while Ni segregates under the O2 environment. These
      results suggest that the Pt/Ni alloy force field can be successfully used for the
      preparation of Pt-Ni nanobimetallic catalysts structure using GCMC and run MD
      simulations to investigate its role and the catalytic chemistry in catalytic
      oxidation, dehydrogenation and coupling reactions. The current Pt/Ni force field
      still is found to have difficulties in describing the observed segregation trend
      in Ni-rich alloy compositions (x < 0.6), suggesting the need for additional force
      field training and evaluation for its application to describe the characteristics
      and chemistry of Ni-rich alloys.

PMID- 27670675
TI  - Individual patients are the primary source and the target of clinical research.

PMID- 27670676
TI  - Following international trends while subject to past traditions:
      neuropsychological test use in the Nordic countries.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Historically, the neuropsychological test traditions of the four
      Nordic countries have spanned from the flexible and qualitative tradition of
      Luria-Christensen to the quantitative large battery approach of Halstead and
      Klove-Matthews. This study reports current test use and discusses whether these
      traditions still influence attitudes toward test use and choice of tests. METHOD:
      The study is based on survey data from 702 Nordic neuropsychologists. RESULTS:
      The average participant used 9 tests in a standard assessment, and 25 tests
      overall in their practice. Test use was moderated by nationality, competence
      level, practice profile, and by attitude toward test selection. Participants who
      chose their tests flexibly used fewer tests than those adhering to the flexible
      battery approach, but had fewer tests from which to choose. Testing patients with
      psychiatric disorders was associated with using more tests. IQ, memory,
      attention, and executive function were the domains with the largest utilization
      rate, while tests of motor, visual/spatial, and language were used by few. There
      is a lack of academic achievement tests. Screening tests played a minor role in
      specialized assessments, and symptom validity tests were seldom applied on a
      standard basis. Most tests were of Anglo-American origin. CONCLUSIONS: New test
      methods are implemented rapidly in the Nordic countries, but test selection is
      also characterized by the dominating position of established and much researched
      tests. The Halstead-Reitan and Luria traditions are currently weak, but national
      differences in size of test batteries seem to be influenced by these longstanding
      traditions.

PMID- 27670678
TI  - Successful treatment of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa breakthrough
      bacteremia with ceftolozane/tazobactam.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Ceftolozane/tazobactam is a novel antibiotic approved for the
      treatment of complicated intra-abdominal and complicated urinary tract
      infections. CASE DESCRIPTION: We describe the use of off-label
      ceftolozane/tazobactam in the management of a multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa bacteremia that was already being treated with colistin and amikacin,
      the only active antibiotics according to the antibiogram.

PMID- 27670677
TI  - 14-3-3zeta regulates the mitochondrial respiratory reserve linked to platelet
      phosphatidylserine exposure and procoagulant function.
AB  - The 14-3-3 family of adaptor proteins regulate diverse cellular functions
      including cell proliferation, metabolism, adhesion and apoptosis. Platelets
      express numerous 14-3-3 isoforms, including 14-3-3zeta, which has previously been
      implicated in regulating GPIbalpha function. Here we show an important role for
      14-3-3zeta in regulating arterial thrombosis. Interestingly, this thrombosis
      defect is not related to alterations in von Willebrand factor (VWF)-GPIb adhesive
      function or platelet activation, but instead associated with reduced platelet
      phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure and procoagulant function. Decreased PS exposure
      in 14-3-3zeta-deficient platelets is associated with more sustained levels of
      metabolic ATP and increased mitochondrial respiratory reserve, independent of
      alterations in cytosolic calcium flux. Reduced platelet PS exposure in 14-3-3zeta
      deficient mice does not increase bleeding risk, but results in decreased thrombin
      generation and protection from pulmonary embolism, leading to prolonged survival.
      Our studies define an important role for 14-3-3zeta in regulating platelet
      bioenergetics, leading to decreased platelet PS exposure and procoagulant
      function.

PMID- 27670679
TI  - Tuberculous spondylitis diagnosed through Xpert MTB/RIF assay in urine: a case
      report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) is associated with high rates of
      morbidity and mortality. Diagnosis of EPTB is challenging in resource-limited
      settings due to difficulties in obtaining samples, as well as the
      paucibacillarity of the specimens. Skeletal tuberculosis accounts for 10-35 % of
      EPTB cases, with vertebral osteomyelitis (Pott's disease) representing 50 % of
      the cases. We present two cases of suspected Pott's disease, diagnosed through
      GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay in urine at a rural Tanzanian hospital. CASE
      PRESENTATION: Case I A 49-year old male, HIV-1 positive, on co-formulated
      tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/lamivudine/efavirenz since 2009 and CD4 counts of
      205 cells/MUL (13 %). He presented with lower back pain and progressive lower
      limb weakness for two weeks prior to admission. The physical examination revealed
      bilateral flaccid paraplegia with reduced reflexes, but otherwise unremarkable
      findings. A lateral lumbar X-ray showed noticeable reduction of intervertebral
      space between L4 and L5, and a small calcification in the anterior longitudinal
      ligament between L4 and L5, being compatible with focal spondylosis deformans but
      inconclusive with regard to tuberculous spondylitis. An abdominal ultrasound
      showed normal kidneys, bladder and prostate gland. The urinalysis and complete
      blood counts (CBC) were normal. M. Tuberculosis was detected through GeneXpert
      MTB/RIF in centrifuged urine, with no resistance to rifampicin. Case II A 76-year
      old female, HIV-1 negative, presented with lower back pain and progressive
      weakness and numbness of the lower limbs for two months prior to admission. The
      physical examination revealed paraplegia, but otherwise unremarkable findings.
      The lumbosacral X-ray findings were compatible with spondylosis deformans of the
      lumbar spine and possible tuberculous spondylitis in L3-L4. The abdominal and
      renal ultrasound showed normal kidneys and bladder. The urinalysis and CBC were
      normal. M. Tuberculosis was detected through GeneXpert MTB/RIF in centrifuged
      urine, with no resistance to rifampicin. CONCLUSION: We report two cases of
      suspected tuberculous spondylitis diagnosed through Xpert MTB/RIF in urine
      samples from a rural Tanzanian hospital. Urine testing using Xpert MTB/RIF
      reflects disseminated disease and renal involvement, and may offer a feasible
      additional diagnostic approach for Pott's disease in rural Africa.

PMID- 27670681
TI  - Anti-cancer activity of Psoralea fructus through the downregulation of cyclin D1
      and CDK4 in human colorectal cancer cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Psoralea Fructus (PF), the dried and ripe fruit of Psoralea
      corylifolia exhibits an anti-cancer activity. However, the molecular mechanisms
      by which PF inhibits the proliferation of cancer cells have not been elucidated
      in detail. Cyclin D1 and CDK4 are important regulatory proteins in cell growth
      and are overexpressed in many cancer cells. In this study, we investigated the
      molecular mechanism of PF on the downregulation of cyclin D1 and CDK4 level.
      METHODS: Cell growth was evaluated by MTT assay. The effect of PF on cyclin D1
      and CDK4 expression was evaluated by Western blot or RT-PCR. RESULTS: PF
      suppressed the proliferation of human colorectal cancer cell lines such as HCT116
      (IC50: 45.3 +/- 1.2 MUg/ml), SW480 (IC50: 37.9 +/- 1.6 MUg/ml), LoVo (IC50: 23.3
      +/- 1.9 MUg/ml MUg/ml) HT-29 (IC50 value: 40.7 +/- 1.5 MUg/ml). PF induced
      decrease in the protein expression of cyclin D1 and CDK4. However, the mRNA
      expression of cyclin D1 and CDK4 did not be changed by PF; rather it suppressed
      the expression of cyclin D1 and CDK4 via the proteasomal degradation. In cyclin
      D1 degradation, we found that T286 of cyclin D1 play a pivotal role in PF
      mediated cyclin D1 degradation. Subsequent experiments with several kinase
      inhibitors suggest that PF-mediated degradation of cyclin D1 and CDK4 is
      dependent on ERK1/2 and/or GSK3beta. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that PF has
      potential to be a candidate for the development of chemoprevention or therapeutic
      agents for human colorectal cancer.

PMID- 27670680
TI  - Enhanced antibody-mediated neutralization of HIV-1 variants that are resistant to
      fusion inhibitors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: HIV-1 typically develops resistance to any single antiretroviral
      agent. Combined anti-retroviral therapy to reduce drug-resistance development is
      necessary to control HIV-1 infection. Here, to assess the utility of a
      combination of antibody and fusion inhibitor treatments, we investigated the
      potency of monoclonal antibodies at neutralizing HIV-1 variants that are
      resistant to fusion inhibitors. RESULTS: Mutations that confer resistance to four
      fusion inhibitors, enfuvirtide, C34, SC34, and SC34EK, were introduced into the
      envelope of HIV-1JR-FL, a CCR5-tropic tier 2 strain. Pseudoviruses with these
      mutations were prepared and used for the assessment of neutralization sensitivity
      to an array of antibodies. The resulting neutralization data indicate that the
      potencies of some antibodies, especially of those against the CD4 binding site,
      V3 loop, and membrane-proximal external region epitopes, were increased by the
      mutations in gp41 that conferred resistance to the fusion inhibitors. C34-, SC34
      , and SC34EK-resistant mutants showed more sensitivity to monoclonal antibodies
      than enfuvirtide-resistant mutants. An analysis of C34-resistant mutations
      revealed that the I37K mutation in gp41 HR1 is a key mutation for C34 resistance,
      low infectivity, neutralization sensitivity, epitope exposure, and slow fusion
      kinetics. The N126K mutation in the gp41 HR2 domain contributed to C34 resistance
      and neutralization sensitivity to anti-CD4 binding site antibodies. In the
      absence of L204I, the effect of N126K was antagonistic to that of I37K. The
      results of a molecular dynamic simulation of the envelope trimer confirmation
      suggest that an I37K mutation induces the augmentation of structural fluctuations
      prominently in the interface between gp41 and gp120. Our observations indicate
      that the "conformational unmasking" of envelope glycoprotein by an I37K mutation
      is one of the mechanisms of neutralization sensitivity enhancement. Furthermore,
      the enhanced neutralization of C34-resistant mutants in vivo was shown by its
      high rate of neutralization by IgG from HIV patient samples. CONCLUSIONS:
      Mutations in gp41 that confer fusion inhibitor resistance exert enhanced
      sensitivity to broad neutralizing antibodies (e.g., VRC01 and 10E8) and other
      conventional antibodies developed in HIV-1 infected patients. Therefore, next
      generation fusion inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies could be a potential
      combination for future regimens of combined antiretroviral therapy.

PMID- 27670682
TI  - The impact of automating laboratory request forms on the quality of healthcare
      services.
AB  - In recent decades, healthcare organizations have undergone a significant
      transformation with the integration of Information and Communication Technologies
      within healthcare operations to improve healthcare services. Various technologies
      such as Hospital Information Systems (HIS), Electronic Health Records (EHR) and
      Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) have been incorporated into healthcare
      services. The aim of this study is to evaluate the completeness of outpatients'
      laboratory paper based request forms in comparison with a electronic laboratory
      request system. This study was carried out in the laboratory department at King
      Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC), National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi
      Arabia. We used a sample size calculator for comparing two proportions. We
      estimated the sample size to be 228 for each group. Any laboratory requests
      including paper and electronic forms were included. We categorized the clarity of
      the forms into understandable, readable, and unclear. A total of 57 incomplete
      paper forms or 25% were identified as being incomplete. For electronic forms,
      there were no incomplete fields, as all fields were mandatory, therefore,
      rendering them complete. The total of understandable paper-based laboratory forms
      was 11.4%. Additionally, it was found that the total of readable was 33.8% and
      the total for unclear was 54.8%, while for electronic-based forms, there were no
      unclear forms. Electronic based laboratory forms provide a more complete,
      accurate, clear, and understandable format than paper-based laboratory records.
      Based on these findings, KAMC should move toward the implementation of electronic
      based laboratory request forms for the outpatient laboratory department.

PMID- 27670683
TI  - Definition and management of varicella zoster virus-associated
      meningoradiculitis: a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The varicella zoster virus affects the central or peripheral nervous
      systems upon reactivation, especially when cell-mediated immunity is impaired.
      Among varicella zoster virus-related neurological syndromes, meningoradiculitis
      is an ill-defined condition for which clear management guidelines are still
      lacking. Zoster paresis is usually considered to be a varicella zoster virus
      peripheral nervous system complication and treated with oral antiviral therapy.
      Yet in the literature, the few reported cases of herpes zoster with mild cerebral
      spinal fluid inflammation were all considered meningoradiculitis and treated
      using intravenous antiviral drugs, despite absence of systemic signs of
      meningitis. Nevertheless, these two clinical pictures are very similar. CASE
      PRESENTATION: We report the case of an alcohol-dependent elderly Caucasian man
      presenting with left lower limb zoster paresis and mild cerebral spinal fluid
      inflammation, with favorable outcome upon IV antiviral treatment. We discuss
      interpretation of liquor inflammation in the absence of clinical meningitis and
      implications for the antiviral treatment route. CONCLUSION: From this case report
      we suggest that varicella zoster virus-associated meningoradiculitis should
      necessarily include meningitis symptoms with the peripheral neurological deficits
      and cerebral spinal fluid inflammation, requiring intravenous antiviral
      treatment. In the absence of (cell-mediated) immunosuppression, isolated zoster
      paresis does not necessitate spinal tap or intravenous antiviral therapy.

PMID- 27670684
TI  - Red Blood Cell Distribution Width in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary
      Disease and Healthy Subjects.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) increases the risk of
      cardiovascular disease (CVD). Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is accepted
      as a powerful predictor of outcomes in patients with CVD. AIMS: To study RDW in
      patients with COPD, and to compare the value of this measurement with clinical,
      echocardiographic, nutritional and laboratory status. Secondly, we aimed to
      determine the effect of smoking on RDW values in healthy subjects. METHODS: One
      hundred and seventy-five patients with stable COPD and 210 healthy controls were
      enrolled in the study. Demographic, clinical, nutritional status,
      echocardiographic, and laboratory characteristics, RDW values were recorded and
      compared. RESULTS: RDW values were higher in the COPD group than in controls
      (15+/-2.3% vs. 13.8+/-2.5%, p<0.001). In COPD patients, RDW levels positively
      correlated with CRP levels (r=0.27, P<.001), albumin levels (r=0.23, P=.04),
      right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) (r=0.24, P=.001), pulmonary hypertension
      (PAH) (r=0.1, P=.02), and presence of CVD (r=0.24, P=.02). In multivariable
      logistic regression suggested that presence of CVD (4.3; 95% CI: 1.3 to 11;
      P=.01), and presence of RVD (3.1; 95% CI: 1.7 to 8.3; P=.02) were independently
      related to elevated RDW levels in COPD patients. In the healthy population,
      correlations analysis showed only a significant correlation between RDW and
      cigarette smoking years (r=0.57, P<.001). CONCLUSION: RDW is independently
      associated with CVD and RVD in patients with COPD. In the healthy population, RDW
      is also associated with smoking status.

PMID- 27670685
TI  - Acquisition of natural humoral immunity to P. falciparum in early life in Benin:
      impact of clinical, environmental and host factors.
AB  - To our knowledge, effects of age, placental malaria infection, infections during
      follow-up, nutritional habits, sickle-cell trait and individual exposure to
      Anopheles bites were never explored together in a study focusing on the
      acquisition of malaria antibody responses among infants living in endemic
      areas.Five hundred and sixty-seven Beninese infants were weekly followed-up from
      birth to 18 months of age. Immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgG1 and IgG3 specific for 5
      malaria antigens were measured every 3 months. A linear mixed model was used to
      analyze the effect of each variable on the acquisition of antimalarial antibodies
      in 6-to18-month old infants in univariate and multivariate analyses. Placental
      malaria, nutrition intakes and sickle-cell trait did not influence the infant
      antibody levels to P. falciparum antigens. In contrary, age, malaria antibody
      levels at birth, previous and present malaria infections as well as exposure to
      Anopheles bites were significantly associated with the natural acquisition of
      malaria antibodies in 6-to18-month old Beninese infants. This study highlighted
      inescapable factors to consider simultaneously in an immuno-epidemiological study
      or a vaccine trial in early life.

PMID- 27670686
TI  - Magnetoresponsive Poly(ether sulfone)-Based Iron Oxide cum Hydrogel Mixed Matrix
      Composite Membranes for Switchable Molecular Sieving.
AB  - Stimuli-responsive membranes that can adjust mass transfer and interfacial
      properties "on demand" have drawn large interest over the last few decades. Here,
      we designed and prepared a novel magnetoresponsive separation membrane with
      remote switchable molecular sieving effect by simple one-step and scalable
      nonsolvent induced phase separation (NIPS) process. Specifically, poly(ether
      sulfone) (PES) as matrix for an anisotropic membrane, prefabricated poly(N
      isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) nanogel (NG) particles as functional gates, and
      iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) as localized heaters were combined in a
      synergistic way. Before membrane casting, the properties of the building blocks,
      including swelling property and size distribution for NG, and magnetic property
      and heating efficiency for MNP, were investigated. Further, to identify optimal
      film casting conditions for membrane preparation by NIPS, in-depth rheological
      study of the effects of composition and temperature on blend dope solutions was
      performed. At last, a composite membrane with 10% MNP and 10% NG blended in a
      porous PES matrix was obtained, which showed a large, reversible, and stable
      magneto-responsivity. It had 9 times higher water permeability at the "on" state
      of alternating magnetic field (AMF) than at the "off"-state. Moreover, the
      molecular weight cutoff of such membrane could be reversibly shifted from ~70 to
      1750 kDa by switching off or on the external AMF, as demonstrated in dextran
      ultrafiltration tests. Overall, it has been proved that the molecular sieving
      performance of the novel mixed matrix composite membrane can be controlled by the
      swollen/shrunken state of PNIPAAm NG embedded in the nanoporous barrier layer of
      a PES-based anisotropic porous matrix, via the heat generation of nearby MNP. And
      the structure of such membrane can be tailored by the NIPS process conditions.
      Such membrane has potential as enabling material for remote-controlled drug
      release systems or devices for tunable fractionations of biomacromolecule/
      particle mixtures.

PMID- 27670689
TI  - NoisyGOA: Noisy GO annotations prediction using taxonomic and semantic
      similarity.
AB  - Gene Ontology (GO) provides GO annotations (GOA) that associate gene products
      with GO terms that summarize their cellular, molecular and functional aspects in
      the context of biological pathways. GO Consortium (GOC) resorts to various
      quality assurances to ensure the correctness of annotations. Due to resources
      limitations, only a small portion of annotations are manually added/checked by GO
      curators, and a large portion of available annotations are computationally
      inferred. While computationally inferred annotations provide greater coverage of
      known genes, they may also introduce annotation errors (noise) that could mislead
      the interpretation of the gene functions and their roles in cellular and
      biological processes. In this paper, we investigate how to identify noisy
      annotations, a rarely addressed problem, and propose a novel approach called
      NoisyGOA. NoisyGOA first measures taxonomic similarity between ontological terms
      using the GO hierarchy and semantic similarity between genes. Next, it leverages
      the taxonomic similarity and semantic similarity to predict noisy annotations. We
      compare NoisyGOA with other alternative methods on identifying noisy annotations
      under different simulated cases of noisy annotations, and on archived GO
      annotations. NoisyGOA achieved higher accuracy than other alternative methods in
      comparison. These results demonstrated both taxonomic similarity and semantic
      similarity contribute to the identification of noisy annotations. Our study shows
      that annotation errors are predictable and removing noisy annotations improves
      the performance of gene function prediction. This study can prompt the community
      to study methods for removing inaccurate annotations, a critical step for
      annotating gene and pathway functions.

PMID- 27670688
TI  - Simultaneous Proteomic Discovery and Targeted Monitoring using Liquid
      Chromatography, Ion Mobility Spectrometry, and Mass Spectrometry.
AB  - Current proteomic approaches include both broad discovery measurements and
      quantitative targeted analyses. In many cases, discovery measurements are
      initially used to identify potentially important proteins (e.g. candidate
      biomarkers) and then targeted studies are employed to quantify a limited number
      of selected proteins. Both approaches, however, suffer from limitations.
      Discovery measurements aim to sample the whole proteome but have lower
      sensitivity, accuracy, and quantitation precision than targeted approaches,
      whereas targeted measurements are significantly more sensitive but only sample a
      limited portion of the proteome. Herein, we describe a new approach that performs
      both discovery and targeted monitoring (DTM) in a single analysis by combining
      liquid chromatography, ion mobility spectrometry and mass spectrometry (LC-IMS
      MS). In DTM, heavy labeled target peptides are spiked into tryptic digests and
      both the labeled and unlabeled peptides are detected using LC-IMS-MS
      instrumentation. Compared with the broad LC-MS discovery measurements, DTM yields
      greater peptide/protein coverage and detects lower abundance species. DTM also
      achieved detection limits similar to selected reaction monitoring (SRM)
      indicating its potential for combined high quality discovery and targeted
      analyses, which is a significant step toward the convergence of discovery and
      targeted approaches.

PMID- 27670687
TI  - Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) for the assessment of bone
      strength in most of bone affecting conditions in developmental age: a review.
AB  - Peripheral quantitative computed tomography provides an automatical scan analysis
      of trabecular and cortical bone compartments, calculating not only their bone
      mineral density (BMD), but also bone geometrical parameters, such as marrow and
      cortical Cross-Sectional Area (CSA), Cortical Thickness (CoTh), both periosteal
      and endosteal circumference, as well as biomechanical parameters like Cross
      Sectional Moment of Inertia (CSMI), a measure of bending, polar moment of
      inertia, indicating bone strength in torsion, and Strength Strain Index (SSI).
      Also CSA of muscle and fat can be extracted. Muscles, which are thought to
      stimulate bones to adapt their geometry and mineral content, are determinant to
      preserve or increase bone strength; thus, pQCT provides an evaluation of the
      functional 'muscle-bone unit', defined as BMC/muscle CSA ratio. This functional
      approach to bone densitometry can establish if bone strength is normally adapted
      to the muscle force, and if muscle force is adequate for body size, providing
      more detailed insights to targeted strategies for the prevention and treatment of
      bone fragility. The present paper offers an extensive review of technical
      features of pQCT and its possible clinical application in the diagnostic of bone
      status as well as in the monitoring of the skeleton's health follow-up.

PMID- 27670690
TI  - DNA methylation is not involved in specific down-regulation of HSD3B2, NR4A1 and
      RARB genes in androgen-secreting cells of human adrenal cortex.
AB  - We hypothesized that DNA methylation is involved in human adrenal functional
      zonation. mRNAs expression and methylation pattern of RARB, NR4A1 and HSD3B2
      genes in human adrenal tissues (HAT) and in pediatric virilizing adrenocortical
      tumors (VAT) were analyzed. For analysis of the results samples were divided into
      3 age groups according to FeZ involution, pre and post-adrenarche ages. In all
      HAT, similar RARB mRNA was found including microdissected zona reticularis (ZR)
      and zona fasciculata, but HSD3B2 and NR4A1 mRNAs were lower in ZR (p < 0.05).
      NR4A1 and RARB promoters remained unmethylated in HAT and VAT. No adrenal zone
      specific differences in NR4A1 methylation were observed. In summary, RARB was not
      associated with ZR-specific downregulation of HSD3B2 in postnatal human
      adrenocotical zonation. DNA methylation would not be involved in NR4A1
      adrenocortical cell-type specific downregulation. Lack of CpG islands in HSD3B2
      suggested that HSD3B2 ZR-specific downregulation would not be directly mediated
      by DNA methylation.

PMID- 27670691
TI  - Streptomyces kronopolitis sp. nov., an actinomycete that produces phoslactomycins
      isolated from a millipede (Kronopolites svenhedind Verhoeff).
AB  - A phoslactomycin-producing actinomycete, designated strain NEAU-ML8T, was
      isolated from a millipede (Kronopolites svenhedind Verhoeff) and characterized
      using a polyphasic approach. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain
      NEAU-ML8T belongs to the genus Streptomyces with the highest sequence
      similarities to Streptomyces lydicus NBRC 13058T (99.39 %) and Streptomyces
      chattanoogensis DSM 40002T (99.25 %). The maximum-likelihood phylogenetic tree
      based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the isolate formed a distinct
      phyletic line with NBRC 13058T and S. chattanoogensis DSM 40002T. This branching
      pattern was also supported by the tree rconstructed with the neighbour-joining
      method. A combination of DNA-DNA hybridization experiments and phenotypic tests
      were carried out between strain NEAU-ML8T and its phylogenetically closely
      related strains, which further clarified their relatedness and demonstrated that
      NEAU-ML8T could be distinguished from NBRC 13058T and S. chattanoogensis DSM
      40002T. Therefore, it is concluded that strain NEAU-ML8T can be classified as
      representing a novel species of the genus Streptomyces, for which the name
      Streptomyces kronopolitis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NEAU-ML8T
      (=DSM 101986T=CGMCC 4.7323T).

PMID- 27670693
TI  - PUBLIC AND PATIENT INVOLVEMENT IN HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT: A FRAMEWORK FOR
      ACTION.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: As health technology assessment (HTA) organizations in Canada and
      around the world seek to involve the public and patients in their activities,
      frameworks to guide decisions about whom to involve, through which mechanisms,
      and at what stages of the HTA process have been lacking. The aim of this study
      was to describe the development and outputs of a comprehensive framework for
      involving the public and patients in a government agency's HTA process. METHODS:
      The framework was informed by a synthesis of international practice and published
      literature, a dialogue with local, national and international stakeholders, and
      the deliberations of a government agency's public engagement subcommittee in
      Ontario, Canada. RESULTS: The practice and literature synthesis failed to
      identify a single, optimal approach to involving the public and patients in HTA.
      Choice of methods should be considered in the context of each HTA stage, goals
      for incorporating societal and/or patient perspectives into the process, and
      relevant societal and/or patient values at stake. The resulting framework is
      structured around four actionable elements: (i) guiding principles and goals for
      public and patient involvement (PPI) in HTA, (ii) the establishment of a common
      language to support PPI efforts, (iii) a flexible array of PPI approaches, and
      (iv) on-going evaluation of PPI to inform adjustments over time. CONCLUSIONS: A
      public and patient involvement framework has been developed for implementation in
      a government agency's HTA process. Core elements of this framework may apply to
      other organizations responsible for HTA and health system quality improvement.

PMID- 27670692
TI  - Phylogenesys and homology modeling in Zika virus epidemic: food for thought.
AB  - Zika virus (ZIKV) is an emerging Flavivirus that have recently caused an outbreak
      in Brazil and rapid spread in several countries. In this study, the consequences
      of ZIKV evolution on protein recognition by the host immune system have been
      analyzed. Evolutionary analysis was combined with homology modeling and T-B cells
      epitope predictions. Two separate clades, the African one with the Uganda
      sequence, as the most probable ancestor, and the second one containing all the
      most recent sequences from the equatorial belt were identified. Brazilian strains
      clustered all together and closely related to the French Polynesia isolates. A
      strong presence of a negatively selected site in the envelope gene (Env) protein
      was evidenced, suggesting a probable purging of deleterious polymorphisms in
      functionally important genes. Our results show relative conservancy of ZIKV
      sequences when envelope and other non-structural proteins (NS3 and NS5) are
      analyzed by homology modeling. However, some regions within the consensus
      sequence of NS5 protein and to a lesser extent in the envelope protein, show
      localized high mutation frequency corresponding to a considerable alteration in
      protein stability. In terms of viral immune escape, envelope protein is under a
      higher selective pressure than NS5 and NS3 proteins for HLA class I and II
      molecules. Moreover, envelope mutations that are not strictly related to T-cell
      immune responses are mostly located on the surface of the protein in putative B
      cell epitopes, suggesting an important contribution of B cells in the immune
      response as well.

PMID- 27670694
TI  - Modeling and Proposed Molecular Mechanism of Hydroxyurea Through Docking and
      Molecular Dynamic Simulation to Curtail the Action of Ribonucleotide Reductase.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ribonucleotide Reductase (RNR) is an important anticancer
      chemotherapy target. It has main key role in DNA synthesis and cell growth.
      Therefore several RNR inhibitors, such as hydroxyurea, have entered the clinical
      trials. Based on our proposed mechanism, radical site of RNR protein reacts with
      hydroxyurea in which hydroxyurea is converted into its oxidized form compound
      III, and whereby the tyrosyl radical is converted into a normal tyrosine residue.
      OBJECTIVE: In this study, docking and molecular dynamics simulations were used
      for proposed molecular mechanism of hydroxyurea in RNR inhibition as anticancer
      agent. METHOD: The binding affinity of hydroxyurea and compound III to RNR was
      studied by docking method. The docking study was performed for the crystal
      structure of human RNR with the radical scavenger Hydroxyurea and its oxidized
      form to inhibit the human RNR. hydroxyurea and compound III bind at the active
      site with Tyr-176, which are essential for free radical formation. This helps to
      understand the functional aspects and also aids in the development of novel
      inhibitors for the human RNR2. To confirm the binding mode of inhibitors, the
      molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed using GROMACS 4.5.5, based
      upon the docked conformation of inhibitors. RESULTS: Both of the studied
      compounds stayed in the active site. The results of MD simulations confirmed the
      binding mode of ligands, accuracy of docking and the reliability of active
      conformations which were obtained by AutoDock. CONCLUSION: MD studies confirm our
      proposed mechanism in which compound III reacts with the active site residues
      specially Tyr-176, and inhibits the radical generation and subsequently inhibits
      the RNR enzyme.

PMID- 27670695
TI  - The role of Dickkopf-1 in joint remodeling and fibrosis: A link connecting
      spondyloarthropathies and scleroderma?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dickkopf-1 (Dkk-1) is a soluble inhibitor of the canonical Wnt
      pathway, which plays critical roles in embryonic development. Evidence suggests
      that this molecule regulates several aspects of both bone biology and fibrosis.
      OBJECTIVES: To provide an overview of our current knowledge of the role of Dkk-1
      in joint remodeling and fibrosis. METHODS: We performed an electronic search
      (Medline) using the following key words: Dickkopf-1 (or Dkk-1), new bone
      formation, joint remodeling, ankylosing spondylitis, systemic sclerosis (or
      scleroderma), and fibrosis, supplemented by a manual search of references from
      retrieved articles. RESULTS: Dkk-1 is a master regulator of joint remodeling in
      animal models of arthritis shifting the balance toward new bone formation when
      its expression is decreased and toward erosion/joint destruction when its
      expression is increased. In humans, evidence suggests that Dkk-1 may be
      dysfunctional in patients with ankylosing spondylitis, a prototype bone forming
      disease. Moreover, data from animal models indicate that Dkk-1 has a protective
      role against fibrosis in several organs. Recent data suggest that inhibiting the
      canonical Wnt pathway by overexpression of Dkk-1 could be a way to target TGF
      beta signaling in fibrotic diseases. Finally, B-cell depletion therapy in
      systemic sclerosis may exert its effects through TGF-beta dependent upregulation
      of Dkk-1. CONCLUSIONS: Dkk-1 appears to play a crucial role in both joint
      remodeling/ectopic ossification and fibrosis, and may be a prospective
      therapeutic modality for fibrotic diseases or diseases characterized by
      pathologic joint remodeling.

PMID- 27670696
TI  - Design and Usability Evaluation of Social Mobile Diabetes Management System in
      the Gulf Region.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prevalence of diabetes in the Gulf States is one of the highest
      globally. It is estimated that 20% of the population in the region has been
      diagnosed with diabetes and according to the International Diabetes Federation
      (IDF), five of the IDF's "top 10" countries for diabetes prevalence in 2011 and
      projected for 2030 are in this region. In recent years, there have been an
      increasing number of clinical studies advocating the use of mobile phone
      technology for diabetes self-management with improved clinical outcomes. However,
      there are few studies to date addressing the application of mobile diabetes
      management in the Gulf region, particularly in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA),
      where there is exponential increase in mobile phone usage and access to social
      networking. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this paper is to present the design and
      development of a new mobile health system for social behavioral change and
      management tailored for Saudi patients with diabetes called Saudi Arabia
      Networking for Aiding Diabetes (SANAD). A usability study for the SANAD system is
      presented to validate the acceptability of using mobile technologies among
      patients with diabetes in the KSA and the Gulf region. METHODS: The SANAD system
      was developed using mobile phone technology with diabetes management and social
      networking modules. For the usability study the Questionnaire for User
      Interaction Satisfaction was used to evaluate the usability aspect of the SANAD
      system. A total of 33 users with type 2 diabetes participated in the study.
      RESULTS: The key modules of the SANAD system consist of (1) a mobile diabetes
      management module; (2) a social networking module; and (3) a cognitive behavioral
      therapy module for behavioral change issues. The preliminary results of the
      usability study indicated general acceptance of the patients in using the system
      with higher usability rating in patients with type 2 diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: We
      found that the acceptability of the system was high among Saudi patients with
      diabetes, and ongoing work in this research area is underway to conduct a
      clinical pilot study in the KSA for patients with type 2 diabetes. The wide
      deployment of such a system is timely and required in the Gulf region due to the
      wide use of mobile phones and social networking mediums.

PMID- 27670697
TI  - The genome-wide mutational landscape of pituitary adenomas.

PMID- 27670700
TI  - Pyoadenomyosis: A Rare Complication of Adenomyosis.

PMID- 27670701
TI  - Pyoadenomyose: rare complication de l'adenomyose.

PMID- 27670698
TI  - Elongator controls cortical interneuron migration by regulating actomyosin
      dynamics.
AB  - The migration of cortical interneurons is a fundamental process for the
      establishment of cortical connectivity and its impairment underlies several
      neurological disorders. During development, these neurons are born in the
      ganglionic eminences and they migrate tangentially to populate the cortical
      layers. This process relies on various morphological changes that are driven by
      dynamic cytoskeleton remodelings. By coupling time lapse imaging with molecular
      analyses, we show that the Elongator complex controls cortical interneuron
      migration in mouse embryos by regulating nucleokinesis and branching dynamics. At
      the molecular level, Elongator fine-tunes actomyosin forces by regulating the
      distribution and turnover of actin microfilaments during cell migration. Thus, we
      demonstrate that Elongator cell-autonomously promotes cortical interneuron
      migration by controlling actin cytoskeletal dynamics.

PMID- 27670703
TI  - Attendez une minute et faites un chois reflechi.

PMID- 27670702
TI  - Don't Just Do Something, Stand There.

PMID- 27670699
TI  - Identification of TRA2B-DNAH5 fusion as a novel oncogenic driver in human lung
      squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - Lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the major subtypes of lung cancer.
      Our current knowledge of oncogenic drivers in this specific subtype of lung
      cancer is largely limited compared with lung adenocarcinoma (ADC). Through exon
      array analyses, molecular analyses and functional studies, we here identify the
      TRA2B-DNAH5 fusion as a novel oncogenic driver in lung SCC. We found that this
      gene fusion occurs exclusively in lung SCC (3.1%, 5/163), but not in lung ADC
      (0/119). Through mechanistic studies, we further revealed that this TRA2B-DNAH5
      fusion promotes lung SCC malignant progression through regulating a SIRT6-ERK1/2
      MMP1 signaling axis. We show that inhibition of ERK1/2 activation using
      selumetinib efficiently inhibits the growth of lung SCC with TRA2B-DNAH5 fusion
      expression. These findings improve our current knowledge of oncogenic drivers in
      lung SCC and provide a potential therapeutic strategy for lung SCC patients with
      TRA2B-DNAH5 fusion.

PMID- 27670704
TI  - Adhesion Assessment at First Repeat Caesarean Section With or Without Prior
      Adhesion Barrier Use.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine if placing a carboxymethylcellulose adhesion barrier
      material at the time of primary Caesarean section (CS) leads to a reduction in
      adhesive disease, clinical outcomes, and hospital costs encountered at the time
      of a first repeat CS. METHODS: We performed a prospective cohort study of women
      at a large community hospital undergoing a first repeat CS with available prior
      operative records. A rating scale assessing the location and severity of
      adhesions (range 0 = no adhesions to 3 = dense and/or vascular adhesions
      requiring electrocautery) at the time of repeat CS was utilized by obstetric
      residents blinded to previous adhesion barrier use. RESULTS: One hundred fourteen
      women met the criteria for the study and were enrolled; 34 women had been exposed
      to the carboxymethylcellulose adhesion barrier and 80 had not. Demographics and
      clinical factors were similar between groups. In women exposed and not exposed to
      the barrier, there were differences in mean ratings of adhesions between fascia
      and muscle (1.18 +/- 1.00 vs. 1.67 +/- 0.83, P = 0.012, Cohen's d = 0.53) and the
      overall adhesion rate (67.6% vs. 91.3%; P = 0.004); there were also differences
      in mean ratings of adhesions between the uterus and omentum (0.00 +/- 0.00 vs.
      0.19 +/- 0.53, P = 0.032, Cohen's d = 0.51) and the overall adhesion rate (0% vs.
      12.5%; P = 0.032). No differences between the groups in time from incision to
      delivery, operating time, blood loss, or hospital costs were noted at first
      repeat CS. CONCLUSION: Use of a carboxymethylcellulose adhesion barrier is
      associated with a decrease in adhesions noted at the time of repeat CS. The
      limited clinical benefits observed do not support use of the material for
      prevention of adhesions after the first CS.

PMID- 27670705
TI  - Type of Labour in the First Pregnancy and Cumulative Perinatal Morbidity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate cumulative perinatal morbidity among infants delivered at
      term, according to the type of labour in the first pregnancy, when the first
      pregnancy was low risk. METHODS: In a 26-year population-based cohort study (1988
      2013) using the Nova Scotia Atlee Perinatal Database, we identified the type of
      labour in successive pregnancies in low-risk, nulliparous women at term in their
      first pregnancy (who had at least one subsequent pregnancy), and also identified
      perinatal outcomes in subsequent deliveries according to the type of labour in
      the first pregnancy. RESULTS: A total of 37 756 pregnancies satisfied inclusion
      and exclusion criteria; of these, 1382 (3.7%) had a Caesarean section without
      labour in the first pregnancy. Rates of most adverse perinatal outcomes were low
      (<= 1%). The risks for stillbirth were low in subsequent deliveries, including
      those that followed CS without labour in the first pregnancy, and the risks for
      the overall severe perinatal morbidity outcome were less than 10% for all
      subsequent deliveries. CONCLUSION: The absolute risks for severe perinatal
      morbidity outcomes in a population of low-risk women (with up to four additional
      pregnancies) were small, regardless of type of labour in the first pregnancy.
      This finding provides important information on perinatal outcomes in subsequent
      pregnancies when considering type of labour in the first pregnancy.

PMID- 27670706
TI  - Clinicians' Perspectives and Experiences Regarding Maternity Care in Women With
      Vulvodynia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess clinicians' frequency of and comfort with provision of
      maternity care for women with vulvodynia, their beliefs and practices regarding
      delivery mode, and frequency of maternal requests for Caesarean section (CS).
      METHODS: We invited physicians and midwives to complete a questionnaire assessing
      their frequency of contact with pregnant women with vulvodynia; their level of
      comfort providing antenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum care for these women;
      whether they believed that vulvodynia is an indication for elective CS and the
      frequency of making this recommendation; and the number of patients with
      vulvodynia who strongly requested CS. RESULTS: Of the 140 participating
      clinicians, 91 were physicians and 49 were midwives. Most physicians (n = 64;
      70.4%) saw patients with vulvodynia at least once per month. Clinicians who saw
      women with vulvodynia were most likely to see pregnant women with vulvodynia
      rarely (n = 54; 40.3%) or every six to 12 months (n = 29; 21.6%). Almost one
      third (n = 44; 31.4%) were not comfortable providing maternity care for these
      women, and 16.4% (n = 23) agreed that vulvodynia was an indication for elective
      CS. Of respondents who provided maternity care for women with vulvodynia, 15.4%
      (n = 18) had recommended CS; the most common reason for doing so was potential
      worsening of vulvar symptoms. The majority of clinicians who provided maternity
      care for women with vulvodynia (n = 73; 62.4%) indicated that maternal requests
      for CS were rare. CONCLUSION: Almost one third of participating clinicians
      (31.4%) were not comfortable providing maternity care for women with vulvodynia.
      Despite infrequent maternal requests, a minority of clinicians believed that
      vulvodynia is an indication for CS and/or made that recommendation. Additional
      research and education are needed to provide optimal obstetric care for women
      with vulvodynia.

PMID- 27670707
TI  - The Unmet Contraceptive Need of Incarcerated Women in Ontario.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Studies from the United States have shown that women in correctional
      facilities have higher rates of unintended pregnancy and unmet need for
      contraception compared with the general population, and that the provision of
      family planning services in correctional facilities may improve access to
      contraception. No study has examined these issues in women in correctional
      facilities in Canada. We aimed to describe the rates of unintended pregnancy and
      contraceptive use for incarcerated women in Ontario. METHODS: Women in a
      provincial correctional facility in Ontario completed a written survey in 2014.
      We calculated the prevalence of prior unintended pregnancy, prior therapeutic
      abortion, and contraception use. We calculated the unmet need for contraception,
      defined as the proportion of women who were not using reliable contraception
      among women who were sexually active and were not trying to conceive. RESULTS: Of
      85 participants, 82% had been pregnant, and of these women, 77% had experienced
      an unintended pregnancy and 57% reported having undergone a therapeutic abortion.
      Regarding the most recent pregnancy, 72% of women scored their pregnancy
      intention as unplanned or ambivalent. Of women who were at risk for unintended
      pregnancy prior to incarceration, 80% were not using a reliable form of
      contraception. CONCLUSION: Incarcerated women in Ontario have higher rates of
      unintended pregnancy and unmet need for contraception than does the general
      population. The provision of family planning services during and after
      incarceration may improve the health of individuals and reduce costs for society
      overall.

PMID- 27670708
TI  - The Long-Term Pelvic Floor Health Outcomes of Women After Childbirth: The
      Influence of Labour in the First Pregnancy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate the influence of labour and pregnancy factors on long-term
      pelvic floor health outcomes. METHODS: This population-based cohort study was
      conducted using linkage between the Nova Scotia Atlee Perinatal Database, the
      Medical Services Insurance Database, and the Canadian Institute for Health
      Information's Discharge Abstract Database from 1988 to 2006; this allowed for the
      evaluation of patient utilization of care providers for pelvic floor disorders
      and captured conservative and surgical interventions. We compared rates of
      urinary and anal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and fistula disorders in
      women undergoing Caesarean section (CS) without labour and women undergoing
      labour with any method of delivery. Multivariate logistic regression and survival
      (time-to-event) analyses were performed. RESULTS: Absolute risks for the selected
      pelvic floor health outcomes were low, regardless of whether labour was
      experienced in the first pregnancy. Women with one or more deliveries who had a
      CS without labour in their first pregnancy had reduced risks for all pelvic floor
      health outcomes, except fistula formation, and they were also less likely to
      develop these outcomes during the study period. CONCLUSION: Women undergoing
      obstetrically indicated CS without labour in their first delivery may have
      reduced risks of pelvic floor health disorders, even after multiple deliveries.
      These findings contribute important information for health care providers when
      counselling women and their families who are weighing the risk of long-term
      pelvic floor disorders against the benefits of spontaneous vaginal delivery.

PMID- 27670709
TI  - Complete Mesh Infection Following Repeat Retropubic Tension-Free Vaginal Tape.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Midurethral slings are the most widely used surgical treatment for
      stress urinary incontinence. Complications include bladder injury, voiding
      dysfunction, mesh exposure/erosion, dyspareunia, and failure to correct the
      incontinence. Complete mesh infection is rare. CASE: A 48-year-old woman
      underwent a repeat retropubic tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure for
      stress urinary incontinence. She presented eight weeks postoperatively with a
      tender suprapubic mass and urinary retention. A CT scan demonstrated thickening
      of the bladder wall and cystoscopy revealed severe inflammation with no
      intramural injury. The sling appeared to be infected and was removed vaginally.
      The patient's symptoms resolved following removal of the sling. CONCLUSION: Mesh
      infection following a midurethral sling procedure is rare. In suspected cases,
      cystoscopy should be performed to rule out bladder injury. Antibiotic therapy may
      be successful, but removal of the sling may be required for resolution of
      symptoms.

PMID- 27670710
TI  - Management of Spontaneous Labour at Term in Healthy Women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this guideline is to provide guidance for the
      intrapartum management of spontaneous labour, whether normal or abnormal, in
      term, healthy women, and to provide guidance in the management of first and
      second stage dystocia to increase the likelihood of a vaginal birth and optimize
      birth outcomes. EVIDENCE: Published literature was retrieved through searches of
      PubMed and the Cochrane Library in October 2011 using appropriate, controlled
      vocabulary (e.g., labour pain; labour, obstetric; dystocia) and key words (e.g.,
      obstetric labor, perineal care, dysfunctional labor). When appropriate, results
      were restricted to systematic reviews, randomized control trials/controlled
      clinical trials, and observational studies. Results were limited to the last 10
      years. Searches were updated on a regular basis and incorporated in the guideline
      up to June 15, 2015. VALUES: The quality of evidence in this document was rated
      using the criteria described in the Report of the Canadian Task Force on
      Preventive Health Care (Table 1). SUMMARY STATEMENTS: RECOMMENDATIONS.

PMID- 27670711
TI  - Prise en charge du travail spontane chez les femmes en sante, a terme.
AB  - OBJECTIF: La presente directive vise a fournir des conseils concernant la prise
      en charge du travail spontane intrapartum, normal ou anormal, a terme, chez les
      femmes en sante, ainsi que des conseils relatifs a la prise en charge de la
      dystocie lors du premier et du deuxieme stade du travail, pour favoriser
      l'accouchement vaginal et optimiser les issues de la grossesse. DONNeES
      PROBANTES: Des documents publies ont ete recuperes au moyen de recherches
      effectuees dans PubMed et la Cochrane Library, en octobre 2011, a partir d'une
      terminologie appropriee et controlee (p. ex., labour pain; labour, obstetric;
      dystocia) et de mots-cles (p. ex., obstetric labor, perineal care, dysfunctional
      labor). Lorsque cela convenait, on n'a tenu compte que des resultats qui
      proviennent de revues systematiques, d'essais controles aleatoires ou d'essais
      cliniques controles et d'etudes d'observation. Seuls les resultats des 10
      dernieres annees ont ete pris en consideration; les recherches ont ete
      regulierement mises a jour jusqu'au 15 juin 2015 et integrees a la directive.
      VALEURS: La qualite des donnees probantes a ete evaluee en fonction des criteres
      decrits dans le Rapport du Groupe d'etude canadien sur les soins de sante
      preventifs (tableau 1). DeCLARATIONS SOMMAIRES: RECOMMANDATIONS.

PMID- 27670712
TI  - Catalytic Anti-Markovnikov Transformations of Hindered Terminal Alkenes Enabled
      by Aldehyde-Selective Wacker-Type Oxidation.
AB  - A new strategy for the functionalization of sterically hindered terminal olefins
      is reported. Alkenes bearing quaternary carbons at the allylic or homoallylic
      position are readily oxidized to the corresponding aldehydes by
      palladium/copper/nitrite catalysis. A broad range of functional groups including
      esters, nitriles, silyl ethers, vinylogous esters, ketones, lactones, and beta
      ketoesters are tolerated under the reaction conditions. The crude aldehyde
      products can be transformed further, enabling direct conversion of hindered
      terminal alkenes to various other synthetically useful functional groups,
      resulting in formal anti-Markovnikov hydroamination, among other transformations.

PMID- 27670713
TI  - Observable indicators and behaviors for the identification of problem gamblers in
      venue environments.
AB  - Background and aims In many jurisdictions, where gambling services are provided,
      regulatory codes require gambling operators to apply a duty of care toward
      patrons. A common feature of these provisions is some expectation that venue
      staff identify and assist patrons who might be experiencing problems with their
      gambling. The effectiveness of such measures is, however, predicated on the
      assumption that there are reliable and observable indicators that might be used
      to allow problem gamblers to be distinguished from other gamblers. Methods In
      this study, we consolidate the findings from two large Australian studies (n =
      505 and n = 680) of regular gamblers that were designed to identify reliable and
      useful indicators for identifying problem gambling in venues. Results It was
      found that problem gamblers are much more likely to report potentially visible
      emotional reactions, unusual social behaviors, and very intense or frenetic
      gambling behavior. Discussion and conclusions This study shows that there are a
      range of indicators that could potentially be used to identify people
      experiencing problems in venues, but that decisions are most likely to be
      accurate if based on an accumulation of a diverse range of indicators. 

PMID- 27670714
TI  - New Insights into the Phage Genetic Switch: Effects of Bacteriophage Lambda
      Operator Mutations on DNA Looping and Regulation of PR, PL, and PRM.
AB  - One of the best understood systems in genetic regulatory biology is the so-called
      "genetic switch" that determines the choice the phage-encoded CI repressor binds
      cooperatively to tripartite operators, OL and OR, in a defined pattern, thus
      blocking the transcription at two lytic promoters, PL and PR, and auto-regulating
      the promoter, PRM, which directs CI synthesis by the prophage. Fine-tuning of the
      maintenance of lysogeny is facilitated by interactions between CI dimers bound to
      OR and OL through the formation of a loop by the intervening DNA segment. By
      using a purified in vitro transcription system, we have genetically dissected the
      roles of individual operator sites in the formation of the DNA loop and thus have
      gained several new and unexpected insights into the system. First, although both
      OR and OL are tripartite, the presence of only a single active CI binding site in
      one of the two operators is sufficient for DNA loop formation. Second, in PL,
      unlike in PR, the promoter distal operator site, OL3, is sufficient to directly
      repress PL. Third, DNA looping mediated by the formation of CI octamers arising
      through the interaction of pairs of dimers bound to adjacent operator sites in OR
      and OL does not require OR and OL to be aligned "in register", that is, CI bound
      to "out-of-register" sub-operators, for example, OL1~Ol2 and OR2~OR3, can also
      mediate loop formation. Finally, based on an examination of the mechanism of
      activation of PRM when only OR1 or OR2 are wild type, we hypothesize that RNA
      polymerase bound at PR interferes with DNA loop formation. Thus, the formation of
      DNA loops involves potential interactions between proteins bound at numerous cis
      acting sites, which therefore very subtly contribute to the regulation of the
      "switch".

PMID- 27670717
TI  - A meta-analysis of cardiovascular events in intermittent androgen-deprivation
      therapy versus continuous androgen-deprivation therapy for prostate cancer
      patients.

PMID- 27670716
TI  - Growing Slowly 1 locus encodes a PLS-type PPR protein required for RNA editing
      and plant development in Arabidopsis.
AB  - Most pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins are involved in organelle post
      transcriptional processes, including RNA editing. The PPR proteins include the
      PLS subfamily, containing characteristic triplets of P, L, and S motifs; however,
      their editing mechanisms and roles in developmental processes are not fully
      understood. In this study, we isolated the Arabidopsis thaliana Growing slowly 1
      (AtGRS1) gene and showed that it functions in RNA editing and plant development.
      Arabidopsis null mutants of grs1 exhibit slow growth and sterility. Further
      analysis showed that cell division activity was reduced dramatically in the roots
      of grs1 plants. We determined that GRS1 is a nuclear-encoded mitochondria
      localized PPR protein, and is a member of the PLS subfamily. GRS1 is responsible
      for the RNA editing at four specific sites of four mitochondrial mRNAs: nad1-265,
      nad4L-55, nad6-103, and rps4-377 The first three of these mRNAs encode for the
      subunits of complex I of the electron transport chain in mitochondria. Thus, the
      activity of complex I is strongly reduced in grs1 Changes in RPS4 editing in grs1
      plants affect mitochondrial ribosome biogenesis. Expression of the alternative
      respiratory pathway and the abscisic acid response gene ABI5 were up-regulated in
      grs1 mutant plants Genetic analysis revealed that ABI5 is involved in the short
      root phenotype of grs1 Taken together, our results indicate that AtGRS1 regulates
      plant development by controlling RNA editing in Arabidopsis.

PMID- 27670715
TI  - An Adaptive Mutation in Enterococcus faecium LiaR Associated with Antimicrobial
      Peptide Resistance Mimics Phosphorylation and Stabilizes LiaR in an Activated
      State.
AB  - The cyclic antimicrobial lipopeptide daptomycin (DAP) triggers the LiaFSR
      membrane stress response pathway in enterococci and many other Gram-positive
      organisms. LiaR is the response regulator that, upon phosphorylation, binds in a
      sequence-specific manner to DNA to regulate transcription in response to membrane
      stress. In clinical settings, non-susceptibility to DAP by Enterococcus faecium
      is correlated frequently with a mutation in LiaR of Trp73 to Cys (LiaRW73C). We
      have determined the structure of the activated E. faecium LiaR protein at 3.2A
      resolution and, in combination with solution studies, show that the activation of
      LiaR induces the formation of a LiaR dimer that increases LiaR affinity at least
      40-fold for the extended regulatory regions upstream of the liaFSR and liaXYZ
      operons. In vitro, LiaRW73C induces phosphorylation-independent dimerization of
      LiaR and provides a biochemical basis for non-susceptibility to DAP by the
      upregulation of the LiaFSR regulon. A comparison of the E. faecalis LiaR, E.
      faecium LiaR, and the LiaR homolog from Staphylococcus aureus (VraR) and the
      mutations associated with DAP resistance suggests that physicochemical properties
      such as oligomerization state and DNA specificity, although tuned to the biology
      of each organism, share some features that could be targeted for new
      antimicrobials.

PMID- 27670718
TI  - Impact of single-agent daily prednisone on outcomes in men with metastatic
      castration-resistant prostate cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite palliative benefits and PSA responses, the objective clinical
      impact of daily oral prednisone (P) for metastatic castration-resistant prostate
      cancer (mCRPC) is unknown. We performed a pooled analysis of control arms of
      randomized trials that either did or did not administer single-agent P to
      evaluate its impact on overall survival (OS) and toxicities. METHODS: Individual
      patient data from control arms of randomized trials of men with mCRPC who
      received placebo or P+placebo post docetaxel were eligible for analysis. The
      impact of P on OS and severe toxicities was investigated in Cox regression models
      adjusted for known prognostic factors. Statistical significance was defined as
      P<0.05 and all tests were two sided. RESULTS: Data from the control arms of two
      randomized phase III trials were available totaling 794 men: the COU-AA-301 trial
      (n=394) administered P plus placebo and the CA184-043 trial (n=400) administered
      placebo alone. P plus placebo was not significantly associated with OS compared
      with placebo in a multivariable analysis (hazard ratio=0.89 (95% confidence
      interval 0.72-1.10), P=0.27). Other factors associated with poor OS were Eastern
      Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG)-performance status (PS) ?1, Gleason score ?8,
      liver metastasis, high PSA, hypoalbuminemia and elevated lactate dehydrogenase
      (LDH). Grade ?3 therapy-related toxicities were significantly increased with P
      plus placebo compared with placebo (hazard ratio=1.48 (95% confidence interval
      1.03-2.13), P=0.034). Other baseline factors significantly associated with a
      higher risk of grade ?3 toxicities were ECOG-PS ?1, hypoalbuminemia and elevated
      LDH. Fatigue, asthenia, anorexia and pain were not different based on P
      administration. CONCLUSIONS: P plus placebo was associated with higher grade ?3
      toxicities but not extension of OS compared with placebo alone in men with mCRPC
      who received prior docetaxel. Except for the use of P with abiraterone to
      alleviate toxicities, the use of P should be questioned given its association
      with toxicities and resistance.

PMID- 27670719
TI  - Expanding functions of ADP-ribosylation in the maintenance of genome integrity.
AB  - Cell response to genotoxic stress requires a complex network of sensors and
      effectors from numerous signaling and repair pathways, among them the nuclear
      poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) plays a central role. PARP1 is
      catalytically activated in the setting of DNA breaks. It uses NAD+ as a donor and
      catalyses the synthesis and subsequent covalent attachment of branched ADP-ribose
      polymers onto itself and various acceptor proteins to promote repair. Its
      inhibition is now considered as an efficient therapeutic strategy to potentiate
      the cytotoxic effect of chemotherapy and radiation or to exploit synthetic
      lethality in tumours with defective homologous recombination mediated repair.
      Still, efforts made on understanding the role of PARylation in DNA repair
      continues to yield novel discoveries. Over the last years, our knowledge in this
      field has been particularly advanced by the discovery of novel biochemical and
      functional properties featuring PARP1, by the characterization of the other PARP
      family members and by the identification of a panel of enzymes capable of erasing
      poly(ADP-ribose). The aim of this review is to provide an overview of these
      newest findings and their relevance in genome surveillance.

PMID- 27670720
TI  - Beyond mice: Emerging and transdisciplinary models for the study of early-onset
      myopathies.
AB  - The use of the adapted models to decipher patho-physiological mechanisms of human
      diseases is always a great challenge. This is of particular importance for early
      onset myopathies, in which pathological mutations often impact not only on muscle
      structure and function but also on developmental processes. Mice are currently
      the main animal model used to study neuromuscular disorders including the early
      onset myopathies. However strategies based on simple animal models and on
      transdisciplinary approaches exploring mechanical muscle cell properties emerge
      as attractive, non-exclusive alternatives. These new ways provide valuable
      opportunities to improve our knowledge on how mechanical, biochemical, and
      genetic/epigenetic cues modulate the formation, organization and function of
      muscle tissues. Here we provide an overview of how single cell and micro-tissue
      engineering in parallel to non-mammalian, Drosophila and zebrafish models could
      contribute to filling gaps in our understanding of pathogenic mechanisms
      underlying early-onset myopathies. We also discuss their potential impact on
      designing new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

PMID- 27670721
TI  - Fibrosis development in early-onset muscular dystrophies: Mechanisms and
      translational implications.
AB  - Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is one of the most devastating neuromuscular
      genetic diseases caused by the absence of dystrophin. The continuous episodes of
      muscle degeneration and regeneration in dystrophic muscle are accompanied by
      chronic inflammation and fibrosis deposition, which exacerbate disease
      progression. Thus, in addition of investigating strategies to cure the primary
      defect by gene/cell therapeutic strategies, increasing efforts are being placed
      on identifying the causes of the substitution of muscle by non-functional
      fibrotic tissue in DMD, aiming to attenuate its severity. Congenital muscular
      dystrophies (CMDs) are early-onset diseases in which muscle fibrosis is also
      present. Here we review the emerging findings on the mechanisms that underlie
      fibrogenesis in muscular dystrophies, and potential anti-fibrotic treatments.

PMID- 27670722
TI  - Unbalanced lateral mandibular deviation associated with TMJ sound as a sign in
      TMJ disc dysfunction diagnosis.
AB  - The aim was to study the characteristics of lateral mandibular horizontal
      deviations during opening-closing movements and their association with TMJ sounds
      of the clicking type. Subjects were 28 healthy volunteers and 38 patients
      diagnosed with MRI imaging as having TMJ disc dysfunction, 22 with disc
      displacement without (DD) and 16 as having disc displacement with reduction
      (DDR). TMJ sounds were recorded with miniature microphones placed in the ear
      canals, and jaw movements were documented with a kinesiograph. A sign, unbalanced
      lateral deviation (ubd) was defined as a rapid, short duration, change in jaw
      movement direction from, and back to, a smooth deviation path in the horizontal
      plane. The hypotheses were that degrees of maximal deviations, proportions of
      unbalanced deviation (ubd) and such deviation associated with TMJ sounds (ubdS),
      differ between healthy subjects and patients with DD or DDR. Comparisons between
      groups were made using one-way anova and chi-square analysis, as appropriate. No
      differences were found between groups regarding degree of lateral deviation per
      se. The proportions of ubd and ubdS were significantly higher in patients with
      DDR than in healthy subjects and than in patients with DD (P < 0.001), but no
      such differences were found between healthy subjects and patients with DD. For
      prediction of DDR, the sensitivity and specificity of the sign ubdS were found to
      be 68.8% and 89.3%, respectively. For the sign ubd, they were 100.0% and 64.3%.
      This indicates that the sign ubdS has diagnostic value in screening for DDR.

PMID- 27670723
TI  - [Purple drank: A dangerous cocktail].
AB  - "Purple drank" is a dangerous hallucinogenic cocktail commonly used by teenagers,
      made popular by American rappers and social networks. It combines codeine-based
      cough syrup, antihistamines such as promethazine, and soda. Unknown by
      caregivers, it may be responsible for serious neuropsychological complications.
      We report the effects of this new risky behavior in three patients: a 14-year-old
      girl and her boyfriend, both found in an initial state of drowsiness, followed by
      hallucinations and anticholinergic toxidrome; and another teenager whose chronic
      use led to addiction with increasing doses. It is important to identify signs of
      such intoxication and to inform patients about the risks of respiratory
      depression, drowsiness, and delirium linked to acute medication misuse.

PMID- 27670724
TI  - [Diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis of an infant: A case report].
AB  - Mastocytosis is a group of diseases related to abnormal accumulation and
      proliferation of mast cells in one or more organs. They may be associated with an
      acquired point mutation and the activation of the receptor tyrosine-kinase c-KIT
      of CFS (mast cell growth factor). The clinical manifestations are varied and
      secondary to the release of mast cell mediators and/or infiltration of various
      organs. There are two main types of mastocytosis: pure cutaneous mastocytosis and
      systemic mastocytosis when more than two organs are involved in mast cell
      infiltration (bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract, bone, liver and spleen, lymph
      nodes). Mastocytosis affects children in two thirds of cases, most frequently as
      an isolated cutaneous form. The most common clinical form in children is
      urticaria pigmentosa and solitary mastocytoma; bullous diffuse mastocytosis is
      rare. We report the case of an 8-month-old infant who presented with a diffuse
      pruritic bullous eruption. The histology and immunohistochemistry results were
      suggestive of mastocytosis. A serum tryptase test yielded positive results.
      Laboratory investigations did not identify systemic involvement. The patient was
      given antihistamine H1 medication and local care. Advice regarding the disease
      was offered to the parents. The course of the disease was marked by a decrease in
      the number of blisters and attenuation of the pruritus at the 6-month follow-up.
      This observation emphasizes the importance of awareness of this rare entity,
      which should be considered in all cases of bullous dermatosis in children,
      thereby allowing for early treatment.

PMID- 27670725
TI  - Characterization of protein quality control components via dual reporter
      containing misfolded cytosolic model substrates.
AB  - Protein misfolding and protein aggregation are causes of severe diseases as
      neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes and cancer. Therefore, the cell has to
      constantly monitor the folding status of its proteome. Chaperones and components
      of the ubiquitin-proteasome system are key players in the cellular protein
      quality control process. In order to characterize components of the protein
      quality control system in a well-established model eukaryote - the yeast
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae - we established new cytosolic model substrates based on
      firefly luciferase and beta-isopropylmalate dehydrogenase (Leu2). The use of
      these two different enzymes arranged in tandem as reporters enabled us to analyse
      the folding status and the degradation propensity of these new model substrates
      in yeast cells mutated in components of the cellular protein quality control
      system. The Hsp70 chaperone system known to be essential in the cellular protein
      quality control was chosen as a model for showing the high value of the
      luciferase-based model substrates in the characterization of components of the
      cytosolic protein quality control system in yeast.

PMID- 27670726
TI  - Structural analysis of macromolecular levan produced by Bacillus megaterium
      GJT321 based on enzymatic method.
AB  - Extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) produced by Bacillus megaterium GJT321 was
      isolated from fermentation broth and further purified by gel filtration
      chromatography. The molecular weight of EPS was estimated as 1946kDa by gel
      permeation chromatography (GPC), so this EPS was determined as macromolecular
      polysaccharide. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FT-IR) showed that the
      kind of heterocyclic compound composing EPS was furanose. The structural
      characteristics of EPS were investigated by means of enzymatic method,
      electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and NMR spectra analysis. The
      structure elucidation of the EPS was accomplished, and it was beta - (2, 6) -D-
      fructofuranose, namely levan.

PMID- 27670727
TI  - Effect of pullulan on gel properties of Scomberomorus niphonius surimi.
AB  - Pullulan possesses uniquely good structural flexibility and solubility. Surimi is
      an aquatic product prepared from minced fish flesh, which is washed to remove
      most lipids, blood, enzymes and sarcoplasmic proteins. However, data on effect of
      pullulan on gel properties of fish surimi are limited. This study investigated
      the influence of pullulan at different concentrations (0-2g/100 g wet materials)
      on the properties of Scomberomorus niphonius surimi gel including the water
      holding capacity, adhesiveness, cohesiveness and microstructure. The addition of
      pullulan increased the water holding capacity, adhesiveness and cohesiveness and
      formed a more stable and ordered three-dimensional gel complex. Therefore, the
      addition of pullulan increased the gel properties of S. niphonius surimi gel.

PMID- 27670728
TI  - Homogeneous carboxymethylated orange pulp cellulose: Characterization and
      evaluation in terms of drug delivery.
AB  - The aim of the present study is to develop an environment-friendly method to
      convert orange pulp wastes to Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) by homogeneous
      substitution. Carboxymethylation of Orange pulp treated with alkaline PEG
      solutions was investigated and characterized by means of TGA, DSC, XRD and SEM
      and compared with commercial CMC. The TGA data reveals that shifting of peaks was
      observed towards lower temperature with increase in monochloroacetic acid (MCA).
      SEM studies showed greater blending of particulate powder with increasing MCA
      content. The crystallinity of synthesized CMC was found to be lower than the
      commercial CMC. Finally, the cellulosic materials were evaluated for the
      formulation and dissolution studies of prepared tablets. Dissolution release
      studies shows that synthesized cellulose (CMCOP5, CMCOP8, CMCOP11) release up to
      70.1+/-0.04%, whereas the commercial CMC 78.184+/-0.07% in 8h respectively and
      thereby suggests that it may be used in delayed drug delivery and targeting drugs
      to the colon. The synthesized CMC from orange pulp may be used as substitute for
      the commercial CMC.

PMID- 27670729
TI  - Traumatic injury risk and agricultural transitions: A view from the American
      Southeast and beyond.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Bioarchaeological research has documented a general decline in health
      with the transition from foraging to farming, primarily with respect to changing
      patterns of morbidity. Less is known about changes in injury risk, an aspect of
      health more obviously tied to particular landscapes and behaviors associated with
      different subsistence regimes. The purpose of this research is to evaluate
      several hypotheses emerging from the ideal free distribution model (Fretwell &
      Lucas, ) that predict injury risk based on subsistence-specific practices and
      land use patterns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Postcranial fracture frequencies for
      long bones and clavicles in human skeletal remains from three Southeast U.S.
      regions permit examination of variability in injury risk among low-intensity
      (floodplain) farmers. Published data on six hunter-gatherer samples, four low
      intensity agriculturalist samples, and six high-intensity agriculturalist samples
      comprise a comparative sample for examining variability in injury risk across
      three distinct subsistence traditions. Differences are evaluated using Z scores
      and the Fisher Exact test, Chi-Square test, and Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS:
      While statistically significant differences are apparent among low-intensity
      farming groups in the Southeast sample, in the global comparison postcranial
      fractures are significantly less common in low-intensity agriculturalists than in
      hunter-gatherers or high-intensity agriculturalists. DISCUSSION: The results of
      this study support the hypothesis that, with respect to traumatic injury risk,
      low-intensity farming is a risk-averse subsistence strategy in comparison with
      full-time foraging or high-intensity agriculture. These data suggest that it is
      not agriculture per se that predicts an increase in this health risk, but rather
      the mode and intensity of agricultural production, findings that have important
      ramifications for our understanding of the health consequences of major
      subsistence transitions.

PMID- 27670730
TI  - Adjustable hydrazine modulation of single-wall carbon nanotube network field
      effect transistors from p-type to n-type.
AB  - Single-wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) network field effect transistors (FETs),
      which show decent p-type electronic properties, have been fabricated. The use of
      hydrazine as an aqueous solution and a strong n-type dopant for the SWCNTs is
      demonstrated in this paper. The electrical properties are obviously tuned by
      hydrazine treatment at different concentrations on the surface of the SWCNT
      network FETs. The transport behavior of SWCNTs can be modulated from p-type to n
      type, demonstrating the controllable and adjustable doping effect of hydrazine.
      With a higher concentration of hydrazine, more electrons can be transferred from
      the hydrazine molecules to the SWCNT network films, thus resulting in a change of
      threshold voltage, carrier mobility and on-current. By cleaning the device, the
      hydrazine doping effects vanish, which indicates that the doping effects of
      hydrazine are reversible. Through x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)
      characterization, the doping effects of hydrazine have also been studied. 

PMID- 27670731
TI  - Not all unprofessional behaviors are equal: The creation of a checklist of bad
      behaviors.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Professionalism is a key component of medical education and
      training. However, there are few tools to aid educators in diagnosing
      unprofessional behavior at an early stage. The purpose of this study was to
      employ policy capturing methodology to develop two empirically validated
      checklists for identifying professionalism issues in early-career physicians.
      METHOD: In a series of workshops, a professionalism competency model containing
      74 positive and 70 negative professionalism behaviors was developed and
      validated. Subsequently, 23 subject matter experts indicated their level of
      concern if each negative behavior occurred 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more times during
      a six-month period. These ratings were used to create a "brief" and "extended"
      professionalism checklist for monitoring physician misconduct. RESULTS: This
      study confirmed the subjective impression that some unprofessional behaviors are
      more egregious than others. Fourteen negative behaviors (e.g. displaying obvious
      signs of substance abuse) were judged to be concerning if they occurred only
      once, whereas many others (e.g. arriving late for conferences) were judged to be
      concerning only when they occurred repeatedly. DISCUSSION: Medical educators can
      use the professionalism checklists developed in this study to aid in the early
      identification and subsequent remediation of unprofessional behavior in medical
      students and residents.

PMID- 27670732
TI  - Near-infrared Fluorescence-guided Sentinel Node Mapping of the Ovary With
      Indocyanine Green in a Minimally Invasive Setting: A Feasible Study.
AB  - Sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping has increased its feasibility in both early
      stage cervical and endometrial cancer. There are few SLN studies regarding the
      ovary because of the risk of tumor dissemination and perhaps because the ovary
      represents an inconvenient site for injection. In this preliminary study, we have
      shown the feasibility of SLN mapping of the ovary with indocyanine green during
      laparoscopic retroperitoneal aortic surgical staging. The 10 women who were
      included in this study underwent aortic with pelvic laparoscopic staging, which
      included SLN biopsy, extrafascial total hysterectomy, and bilateral salpingo
      oophorectomy in case of an ovarian tumor. The fluorescent dye was injected on the
      dorsal and ventral side of the proper ovarian ligament and the suspensory
      ligament, close to the ovary and just underneath the peritoneum. In all cases
      except 1, SLNs were detected soon after the injection in the aortic compartment
      and in 3 cases also in the common iliac region. Only 1 intraoperative
      complication occurred: a superficial lesion of the vena cava that was recovered
      with a laparoscopic suture. Laparoscopic ovarian SLN mapping performed by means
      of an injection of indocyanine green fluorescent tracer in the ovarian ligaments
      seems feasible and promising. Further investigation are encouraged and necessary
      to evaluate the possible applications of this new technique for staging patients
      with early-stage ovarian cancer.

PMID- 27670733
TI  - [New recommendations of 2016 European Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment
      of heart failure].

PMID- 27670734
TI  - [Cutaneous larva migrans. A case report].

PMID- 27670735
TI  - [Painful erythematous macular lesion in the ankle of a young woman].

PMID- 27670736
TI  - The prevalence of autoantibody and its relationship with genotypes of hepatitis C
      virus in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection.
AB  - The prevalence of autoantibody in the patients with chronic hepatitis C
      infection, and the relationship between the autoantibodies and HCV genotypes were
      investigated in this study. One hundred and eight anti-HCV positive and 86 anti
      HCV negative patients were included in the study. Anti-HCV were studied by enzyme
      immunassay (EIA). HCV RNA was determined by real time polymerase chain reaction
      (PCR) and HCV genotypes were determined by a reverse-line blot hybridization.
      Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA), anti-smooth muscle antibodies (ASMA), Anti
      mitochondrial antibodies (AMA), liver kidney microsomal antibodies (LKM) were
      detected by indirect immunofluorescence assay. Among patients, 13 (12.03%) of 108
      were positive for at least one autoantibody. The positivity was not observed in
      control group. The most prevalent autoantibody in anti-HCV positive group was
      ANA. ANA was positive in six HCV patients with genotype 1. In HCV patients with
      genotype 1, the frequencies of ANA, ASMA, AMA and LKM1 were six, two, three and
      one, respectively. In HCV patients with genotype 2, ANA was positive one patient
      and ASMA, AMA and LKM1 were not detected in HCV patients with genotype 2. In
      conclusion, the autoantibodies in patients with chronic hepatitis C in the study
      were low as compared to those reported in previous studies.

PMID- 27670737
TI  - Probabilistic analysis of the specific absorption rate intersubject variability
      safety factor in parallel transmission MRI.
AB  - PURPOSE: Specific absorption rate (SAR) calculations in parallel transmission are
      commonly performed by using electromagnetic simulations on generic models. In
      this study, we propose a probabilistic analysis to study the safety factor
      employed to account for SAR intersubject variability versus risk relationship in
      head imaging at 7T. METHODS: Thirty-three finite-element electromagnetic
      simulations were conducted to sample the four-dimensional parameter space
      consisting of the head length, head breadth, and shifts in Z and Y random
      variables. Based on the SAR matrices for each configuration, a multivariate
      second-order polynomial of the SAR versus the different parameters was
      reconstructed for different types of radiofrequency pulses. A Monte Carlo
      calculation was then performed to compute the probability of occurrence of a
      given SAR value. RESULTS: By testing a large number of radiofrequency excitation
      pulses, the SAR calculated for the average model amplified by a safety margin of
      1.5 was found to return a probability of less than 1% to be exceeded across the
      adult Caucasian population given the investigated parameters. CONCLUSION: The
      proposed method to study SAR intersubject variability uses a reasonable number of
      electromagnetic simulations. Look-ahead SAR safety margins can be deduced based
      on risk/benefit ratio assessments. Magn Reson Med 78:1217-1223, 2017. (c) 2016
      International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

PMID- 27670738
TI  - Transforming Health Care Through Interprofessional Graduate Education.
AB  - PURPOSE: We provide an overview of the Recovery-based Interprofessional Distance
      Education (RIDE) rotation for graduate students in psychiatric mental health
      (PMH) nursing, pharmacy, nutrition, and exercise physiology, with faculty from
      the four professions represented. CONCLUSIONS: Interprofessional education can
      enhance team concepts in these professions and is viewed positively by students
      and faculty. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Interprofessional learning opportunities
      prepare graduates to contribute to team-based care. We urge colleagues to join us
      in providing meaningful IPE experiences to students at all levels, with the goal
      of optimizing health care for all persons with mental health treatment needs.

PMID- 27670739
TI  - High throughput cell-based assay for identification of glycolate oxidase
      inhibitors as a potential treatment for Primary Hyperoxaluria Type 1.
AB  - Glycolate oxidase (GO) and alanine:glyoxylate aminotransferase (AGT) are both
      involved in the peroxisomal glyoxylate pathway. Deficiency in AGT function causes
      the accumulation of intracellular oxalate and the primary hyperoxaluria type 1
      (PH1). AGT enhancers or GO inhibitors may restore the abnormal peroxisomal
      glyoxylate pathway in PH1 patients. With stably transformed cells which mimic the
      glyoxylate metabolic pathway, we developed an indirect glycolate cytotoxicity
      assay in a 1,536-well plate format for high throughput screening. This assay can
      be used to identify compounds that reduce indirect glycolate-induced cytotoxicity
      by either enhancing AGT activity or inhibiting GO. A pilot screen of 4,096 known
      compounds identified two membrane permeable GO inhibitors: dichromate salt and
      colistimethate. We also developed a GO enzyme assay using the hydrogen peroxide
      Amplex red reporter system. The IC50 values of potassium dichromate, sodium
      dichromate, and colistimethate sodium were 0.096, 0.108, and 2.3 MUM in the GO
      enzyme assay, respectively. Further enzyme kinetic study revealed that both types
      of compounds inhibit GO activity by the mixed linear inhibition. Our results
      demonstrate that the cell-based assay and GO enzyme assay developed in this study
      are useful for further screening of large compound libraries for drug development
      to treat PH1.

PMID- 27670740
TI  - Sensitivity and specificity of real-time PCR and bacteriological culture for
      francisellosis in farm-raised Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.).
AB  - Despite the worldwide occurrence of Francisella noatunensis subsp. orientalis
      (Fno) infection in farmed tilapia, sensitivity and specificity estimates of
      commonly used diagnostic tests have not been reported. This study aimed to
      estimate the sensitivity and specificity of bacteriological culture and qPCR to
      detect Fno infection. We tested 559 fish, sampled from four farms with different
      epidemiological scenarios: (i) healthy fish in a hatchery free of Fno; (ii)
      targeted sampling of diseased fish with suggestive external clinical signs of
      francisellosis during an outbreak; (iii) convenience sampling of diseased and
      clinically healthy fish during an outbreak; and (iv) sampling of healthy fish in
      a cage farm without a history of outbreaks, but with francisellosis reported in
      other farms in the same reservoir. The qPCR had higher median sensitivity (range,
      48.8-99.5%) than culture (range, 1.6-74.4%). Culture had a substantially lower
      median sensitivity (1.6%) than qPCR (48.8%) to detect Fno in carrier tilapia
      (farm 4). Median specificity estimates for both tests were >99.2%. The qPCR is
      the superior test for use in surveillance and monitoring programmes for
      francisellosis in farmed Nile tilapia, but both tests have high sensitivity and
      specificity which make them fit for use in the diagnosis of Fno outbreaks.

PMID- 27670741
TI  - Global changes in soil stocks of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulphur as
      influenced by long-term agricultural production.
AB  - Quantifying changes in stocks of C, N, P, and S in agricultural soils is
      important not only for managing these soils sustainably as required to feed a
      growing human population, but for C and N, they are also important for
      understanding fluxes of greenhouse gases from the soil environment. In a global
      meta-analysis, 102 studies were examined to investigate changes in soil stocks of
      organic C, total N, total P, and total S associated with long-term land-use
      changes. Conversion of native vegetation to cropping resulted in substantial
      losses of C (-1.6 kg m-2 , -43%), N (-0.15 kg m-2 , -42%), P (-0.029 kg m-2 , 
      27%), and S (-0.015 kg m-2 , -33%). The subsequent conversion of conventional
      cropping systems to no-till, organic agriculture, or organic amendment systems
      subsequently increased stocks, but the magnitude of this increase (average of
      +0.47 kg m-2 for C and +0.051 kg m-2 for N) was small relative to the initial
      decrease. We also examined the conversion of native vegetation to pasture, with
      changes in C (-11%), N (+4.1%), and P (+25%) generally being modest relative to
      changes caused by conversion to cropping. The C:N ratio remained relatively
      constant irrespective of changes in land use, whilst in contrast, the C:S ratio
      decreased by 21% in soils converted to cropping - this suggesting that
      biochemical mineralization is of importance for S. The data presented here will
      assist in the assessment of different agricultural production systems on soil
      stocks of C, N, P, and S - this information assisting not only in quantifying the
      effects of existing agricultural production on these stocks, but also allowing
      for informed decision-making regarding the potential effects of future land-use
      changes.

PMID- 27670742
TI  - Curing the historically incurable: treatment success with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir
      for chronic hepatitis C virus in a heavily treatment-experienced individual.
AB  - WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Significant progression in the treatment of chronic
      hepatitis C virus has been made with the introduction of direct-acting antivirals
      (DAAs). However, limited data are available for the retreatment of individuals
      who have failed multiple prior DAAs. CASE DESCRIPTION: We report a single case of
      an individual who was unsuccessfully treated with five prior hepatitis C virus
      treatment regimens including simeprevir plus sofosbuvir who was successfully
      cured after treatment with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION:
      Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir may be an option for treating patients who have failed
      multiple prior DAA regimens; however, further research is warranted.

PMID- 27670743
TI  - Genetic variant in DICER gene is associated with prognosis of hepatocellular
      carcinoma in a Chinese cohort.
AB  - AIM: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) function as gene regulators and play crucial roles in the
      pathogenesis and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Genetic variants in
      miRNA processing genes may affect miRNA expression and contribute to HCC risk and
      survival. We hypothesized that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in miRNA
      processing genes may be associated with HCC susceptibility and prognosis. The
      study aims to verify whether this hypothesis is right or not. METHODS: We first
      genotyped the selected three SNPs in miRNA processing genes (RAN rs3803012 A>G,
      HIWI rs10773771 T>C, and DICER rs1057035 T>C) in 312 HCC patients and 320 cancer
      free controls using the TaqMan assay, and evaluated the associations of the three
      SNPs with HCC risk. We also investigated the effect of the three SNPs on the
      overall survival of 312 HCC patients. RESULTS: There were no significant
      associations between the three SNPs (RAN rs3803012 A>G, HIWI rs10773771 T>C, and
      DICER rs1057035 T>C) and HCC risk. However, HCC patients carrying DICER rs1057035
      CT + CC genotypes had significantly longer median survival time (log-rank, P =
      0.018) and decreased death risk (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.68; 95% confidence
      interval, 0.49-0.95; P = 0.022) than patients with rs1057035 TT genotypes. The
      DICER rs1057035 genotype was an independent protective factor for HCC survival
      (CT + CC vs. TT: hazard ratio = 0.72; 95% confidence interval, 0.55-0.96; P =
      0.031). CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence that DICER rs1057035 T>C
      polymorphism may be a prognostic biomarker for HCC patients.

PMID- 27670744
TI  - The cultural beliefs of Jordanian women during childbearing: implications for
      nursing care.
AB  - AIMS: To determine the cultural and religious beliefs and practices about
      childbirth among Jordanian women and to indicate how these beliefs and practices
      can be integrated into the maternity care of Muslim women in general, especially
      those immigrating to Western countries. BACKGROUND: The physiology of childbirth
      is similar for all women worldwide, but the surroundings in which it takes place
      makes it a unique experience for each woman. Every society has cultural practices
      and beliefs related to childbirth, and what is considered to be a vital practice
      in one culture may be seen as insignificant in another. METHODS: A qualitative
      research design with an interpretative phenomenological approach was used to
      conduct semi-structured, audiotaped interviews with nine Jordanian mothers.
      RESULTS: Five main themes identified: childbearing is a blessing of Allah, a time
      for special maternal care, a time for maternal self-renewal, a time for maternal
      spiritual purification and a time to prepare for the sacrifices of motherhood.
      DISCUSSION: The findings reflected the sensitivity of the grace of God in all the
      interviews, illustrating the permeating influence of religious beliefs on
      traditional Jordanian childbirth practices. POLICY IMPLICATIONS: In planning
      policies, health services globally should acknowledge the diverse need of migrant
      women during childbirth, in order to gain women's trust in maternity services. To
      offer sensitive care, nurses need to address mothers' cultural and spiritual
      needs and meet these needs respectfully. CONCLUSIONS: To improve the childbearing
      experience, maternity staff should consider these themes to help build trust with
      mothers based on an appreciation of their spiritual and cultural beliefs.

PMID- 27670745
TI  - Molluscum Contagiosum: A Rare Nipple Lesion.

PMID- 27670747
TI  - Measuring child personality when child personality was not measured: Application
      of a thin-slice approach.
AB  - Recent efforts have demonstrated that thin-slice (TS) assessment-or assessment of
      individual characteristics after only brief exposure to that individual's
      behaviour-can produce reliable and valid measurements of child personality
      traits. The extent to which this approach can be generalized to archival data not
      designed to measure personality, and whether it can be used to measure
      personality pathology traits in youth, is not yet known. Archival video data of a
      parent-child interaction task was collected as part of a clinical intervention
      trial for aggressive children (N = 177). Unacquainted observers independently
      watched the clips and rated children on normal-range (neuroticism, extraversion,
      agreeableness, conscientiousness and openness to experience) and pathological
      (callous-unemotional) personality traits. TS ratings of child personality showed
      strong internal consistency, valid associations with measures of externalizing
      problems and temperament, and revealed differentiated subgroups of children based
      on severity. As such, these findings demonstrate an ecologically valid
      application of TS methodology and illustrate how researchers and clinicians can
      extend their existing data by measuring child personality using TS methodology,
      even in cases where child personality was not originally measured. Copyright (c)
      2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27670746
TI  - Bartonella quintana lipopolysaccharide (LPS): structure and characteristics of a
      potent TLR4 antagonist for in-vitro and in-vivo applications.
AB  - The pattern recognition receptor TLR4 is well known as a crucial receptor during
      infection and inflammation. Several TLR4 antagonists have been reported to
      inhibit the function of TLR4. Both natural occurring antagonists,
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Gram-negative bacteria as well as synthetic
      compounds based on the lipid A structure of LPS have been described as potent
      inhibitors of TLR4. Here, we have examined the characteristics of a natural TLR4
      antagonist, isolated from Bartonella quintana bacterium by elucidating its
      chemical primary structure. We have found that this TLR4 antagonist is actually a
      lipooligosaccharide (LOS) instead of a LPS, and that it acts very effective, with
      a high inhibitory activity against triggering by the LPS-TLR4 system in the
      presence of a potent TLR4 agonist (E. coli LPS). Furthermore, we demonstrate that
      B. quintana LPS is not inactivated by polymyxin B, a classical cyclic cationic
      polypeptide antibiotic that bind the lipid A part of LPS, such as E. coli LPS.
      Using a murine LPS/D-galactosamine endotoxaemia model we showed that treatment
      with B. quintana LPS could improve the survival rate significantly. Since
      endogenous TLR4 ligands have been associated with several inflammatory- and
      immune-diseases, B. quintana LPS might be a novel therapeutic strategy for TLR4
      driven pathologies.

PMID- 27670748
TI  - Tracking the Fate of Surface Plasmon Resonance-Generated Hot Electrons by In Situ
      SERS Surveying of Catalyzed Reaction.
AB  - Plasmonic catalysis is an emerging process that utilizes surface plasmon
      resonance (SPR) process to harnesses solar energy for the promotion of catalyzed
      reactions. In most cases, SPR generated hot electrons (HEs) play an indispensable
      role in this solar-chemical energy shift process. Therefore, understanding the
      effectiveness of the HEs in promoting chemical reactions, and identifying the key
      factors that contribute to this utilization efficiency is of profound importance.
      Herein, the authors outline an in situ surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy
      protocol to track the fate of HEs. This is based on the unheeded HEs-acceleration
      nature of the p-nitirothiophenol hydrogenation reaction. By this way, the authors
      discover that unlike Au@Pd nanostructures which experience a 20-fold increase in
      rate constant, HEs primary leak to surrounding H+ /O species through Ag pinholes
      in Ag@Pd. This work sheds light on why Ag is seldom employed as a plasmonic
      cocatalyst, and provides a new viewpoint to design plasmonic nanocatalysts with
      efficient light utilization.

PMID- 27670749
TI  - Effervescence-assisted dispersive solid-phase extraction using ionic-liquid
      modified magnetic beta-cyclodextrin/attapulgite coupled with high-performance
      liquid chromatography for fungicide detection in honey and juice.
AB  - In this study, a simple effervescence-assisted dispersive solid-phase extraction
      method was developed to detect fungicides in honey and juice. Most significantly,
      an innovative ionic-liquid-modified magnetic beta-cyclodextrin/attapulgite
      sorbent was used because its large specific surface area enhanced the extraction
      capacity and also led to facile separation. A one-factor-at-a-time approach and
      orthogonal design were employed to optimize the experimental parameters. Under
      the optimized conditions, the entire extraction procedure was completed within 3
      min. In addition, the calibration curves exhibited good linearity, and high
      enrichment factors were achieved for pure water and honey samples. For the honey
      samples, the extraction efficiencies for the target fungicides ranged from 77.0
      to 94.3% with relative standard deviations of 2.3-5.44%. The detection and
      quantitation limits were in the ranges of 0.07-0.38 and 0.23-1.27 MUg/L,
      respectively. Finally, the developed technique was successfully applied to real
      samples, and satisfactory results were achieved. This analytical technique is
      cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and time-saving.

PMID- 27670750
TI  - Determination of isocyanate groups in the organic intermediates by reaction-based
      headspace gas chromatography.
AB  - This work reports on a novel method for the determination of isocyanate groups in
      the related organic intermediates by a reaction-based headspace gas
      chromatography. The method is based on measuring the CO2 formed from the reaction
      between the isocyanate groups in the organic intermediates and water in a closed
      headspace sample vial at 45 degrees C for 20min. The results showed that the
      method has a good precision and accuracy, in which the relative standard
      deviation in the repeatability measurement was 5.26%, and the relative
      differences between the data obtained by the HS-GC method and the reference back
      titration method were within 9.42%. The present method is simple and efficient
      and is particularly suitable to be used for determining the isocyanate groups in
      the batch sample analysis.

PMID- 27670751
TI  - Assessment of antioxidant activity in Victorian marine algal extracts using high
      performance thin-layer chromatography and multivariate analysis.
AB  - The aim of this study was to develop and validate a rapid and simple high
      performance thin layer chromatographic (HPTLC) method to screen for antioxidant
      activity in algal samples. 16 algal species were collected from local Victorian
      beaches. Fucoxanthin, one of the most abundant marine carotenoids was quantified
      directly from the HPTLC plates before derivatization, while derivatization either
      with 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) or ferric chloride (FeCl3) was used to
      analyze antioxidants in marine algae, based on their ability to scavenge non
      biological stable free radical (DPPH) or to chelate iron ions. Principal
      component analysis of obtained HPTLC fingerprints has classified algae species
      into 5 groups according to their chemical/antioxidant profiles. The investigated
      brown algae samples were found to be rich in non-and moderate-polar compounds and
      phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity. Most of the phenolic iron chelators
      also have shown free radical scavenging activity. Strong positive and significant
      correlations between total phenolic content and DPPH radical scavenging activity
      showed that, phenolic compounds, including flavonoids are the main contributors
      of antioxidant activity in these species. The results suggest that certain brown
      algae possess significantly higher antioxidant potential when compared to red or
      green algae and could be considered for future applications in medicine, dietary
      supplements, cosmetics or food industries. Cystophora monilifera extract was
      found to have the highest antioxidant concentration, followed by Zonaria
      angustata, Cystophora pectinate, Codium fragile, and Cystophora pectinata.
      Fucoxanthin was found mainly in the brown algae species. The proposed methods
      provide an edge in terms of screening for antioxidants and quantification of
      antioxidant constituents in complex mixtures. The current application also
      demonstrates flexibility and versatility of a standard HPTLC system in the drug
      discovery. Proposed methods could be used for the bioassay-guided isolation of
      unknown natural antioxidants and subsequent identification if combined with
      spectroscopic identification.

PMID- 27670752
TI  - Preparation of salvianolic acid A by the degradation reaction of salvianolic acid
      B in subcritical water integrated with pH-zone-refining counter-current
      chromatography.
AB  - Salvianolic acid A is the major bioactive compound in Danshen, however, due to
      the chemical instability and low content in Danshen, it is difficult to extract
      amount of salvianolic acid A. Therefore, this study was to establish an effective
      strategy for obtaining adequate amount of salvianolic acid A, subcritical water
      extraction was used to degrade salvianolic acid B and prepare salvianolic acid A.
      Different reaction conditions including temperature, time, concentration and pH
      value in subcritical water were investigated. Under 40mg/mL of reactant
      concentration, 180 degrees C of temperature, 4.0 of pH value and 60min of
      reaction time, the highest yield rate of salvianolic acid A reached 34.86%. Then,
      the degradation products were successfully separated by pH-zone-refining counter
      current chromatography with the solvent system Pet-EtAc-n-BuOH-H2O (2:3:1:9,
      v/v), where 10mM TFA was added in stationary phase and 10mM NH3.H2O in mobile
      phase. As a result, a total of 227.3mg of salvianolic acid A at 98.2% purity,
      38.9mg of danshensu at 99.3% purity, 9.5mg of salvianolic acid D at 92.7% purity,
      and 32.8mg of protocatechuic aldehyde at 93.1% purity were obtained from 1.2g
      degradation products of salvianolic acid B by one-step purification. The results
      demonstrated that the combinative application of subcritical water and pH-zone
      refining counter-current chromatography is a potential technique for the
      preparative separation of salvianolic acid A from salvianolic acid B.

PMID- 27670753
TI  - In honour of Professor Pieter R Cullis, recipient of the Journal of Drug
      Targeting's Lifetime Achievement Award for 2016.

PMID- 27670754
TI  - Co-stimulation of HaCaT keratinization with mechanical stress and air-exposure
      using a novel 3D culture device.
AB  - Artificial skin or skin equivalents have been used for clinical purpose to skin
      graft and as substitutes for animal experiments. The culture of cell lines such
      as HaCaT has the potential to produce large amounts of artificial skin at a low
      cost. However, there is a limit to keratinization due to the restriction of
      differentiation in HaCaT. In this study, a culture device that mimics the in vivo
      keratinization mechanism, co-stimulated by air-exposure and mechanical
      stimulation, was developed to construct skin equivalents. The device can
      reconstruct the epidermal morphology, including the cornified layer, similar to
      its formation in vivo. Under the condition, epidermis was differentiated in the
      spinous and granular layers. Formation of the stratum corneum is consistent with
      the mRNA and protein expressions of differentiation markers. The device is the
      first of its kind to combine air-exposure with mechanical stress to co-stimulate
      keratinization, which can facilitate the economically viable production of HaCaT
      based artificial skin substitutes.

PMID- 27670755
TI  - A sudden and unprecedented increase in low dose naltrexone (LDN) prescribing in
      Norway. Patient and prescriber characteristics, and dispense patterns. A drug
      utilization cohort study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Following a TV documentary in 2013, there was a tremendous increase in
      low dose naltrexone (LDN) use in a wide range of unapproved indications in
      Norway. We aim to describe the extent of this sudden and unprecedented increase
      in LDN prescribing, to characterize patients and LDN prescribers, and to estimate
      LDN dose sizes. METHODS: LDN prescriptions recorded in the Norwegian Prescription
      Database (NorPD) in 2013 and 2014, and sales data not recorded in NorPD from the
      only Norwegian LDN manufacturer were included in the study. RESULTS: According to
      NorPD, 15 297 patients (0.3% of population) collected at least one LDN
      prescription. The actual number of users was higher as at least 23% of total
      sales were not recorded in NorPD. After an initial wave, there was a steady
      stream of new and persistent users throughout the study period. Median patient
      age was 52 years, and 74% of patients were female. Median daily dose was 3.7 mg.
      Twenty percent of all doctors and 71% of general medicine practitioners
      registered in Norway in 2014 prescribed LDN at least once. CONCLUSIONS: The TV
      documentary on LDN in Norway was followed by a large increase in LDN prescribing,
      and the proportion of LDN users went from an insignificant number to 0.3% of the
      population. There was a high willingness to use and prescribe off label despite
      limited evidence. Observed median LDN dose, and age and gender distribution were
      as expected in typical LDN using patients. (c) 2016 The Authors.
      Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

PMID- 27670756
TI  - Fire-setting performed in adolescence or early adulthood predicts schizophrenia:
      a register-based follow-up study of pre-trial offenders.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aggressive and disruptive behaviours often precede the onset of
      serious mental illnesses. Fire-setting is a type of crime that is associated with
      psychotic disorders. AIM: The aim of this prospective follow-up study was to
      investigate if fire-setting performed in adolescence or early adulthood was
      associated with future diagnoses of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.
      METHODS: The consecutive sample consisted of 111 Finnish 15-25-year old males
      with fire-setting crimes, decreed to a pre-trial forensic psychiatric examination
      in 1973-1998, and showing no past nor current psychosis at the time of
      examination. For each firesetter, four age-, gender-, and place of birth-matched
      controls were randomly selected from the Central Population Register. The
      subjects were followed until the death of the individual, until they moved
      abroad, or until the end of 2012. RESULTS: Fourteen firesetters (12.6%) and five
      controls (1.1%) were diagnosed with either schizophrenia or schizoaffective
      disorder later in life, corresponding to a hazard ratio of 12.5. The delay
      between the fire-setting offense and the future diagnosis was on average nearly
      10 years. CONCLUSIONS: Young male offenders undergoing a forensic psychiatric
      examination because of fire-setting crimes had a significant propensity for
      schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. Accurate assessments should be made
      both during imprisonment and later in life to detect possible psychotic signs in
      these individuals.

PMID- 27670757
TI  - Scaffold-Free Tissue-Engineered Allogenic Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Promote
      Meniscus Healing.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine whether meniscal tissue could be healed histologically by
      the implantation of allogenic three-dimensional formed adipose-derived stem cells
      (ADSCs) in a rabbit model of partial meniscectomy. METHODS: Forty Japanese white
      rabbits (aged 15-17 weeks) were assigned to 2 groups. Defects 1.5 mm in diameter
      were created in the anterior horn of the medial menisci. The defects were left
      empty in the control group and were filled with cylindrical plugs of allogenic
      ADSCs extracted from adipose tissue in the experimental group. Macroscopic
      scoring (range, 0-3), histological scoring (range, 0-12), and immunohistological
      stainability of type I collagen were evaluated at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks
      postoperatively (n = 5 rabbits for each week). RESULTS: Macroscopically, the
      height of the healing tissue in the experimental group was significantly greater
      than that of the control group at 2 weeks (3 vs 0, P = .01), 4 weeks (3 vs 1, P =
      .01), and 8 weeks (3 vs 2, P = .02). Histologically, safranin-O staining was
      noted at 2 weeks and increased gradually over time in the experimental group. In
      contrast, the intensity of staining was lower in controls at all weeks. Tissue
      quality scores were significantly higher in the experimental group than in the
      controls at all weeks (3 vs 0 at 2 weeks [P = .00009], 4.5 vs 2 at 4 weeks [P =
      .00023], 9 vs 5 at 8 weeks [P = .0047], 10.5 vs 6 at 12 weeks [P = .00026]). The
      implanted tissue was positive for type I collagen, and stainability was increased
      gradually over time. CONCLUSIONS: Three-dimensional scaffold-free allogenic ADSCs
      implanted into a 1.5-mm avascular meniscal defect survived, adhered to the
      defect, and promoted histological meniscus healing in a rabbit model. CLINICAL
      RELEVANCE: ADSC implantation designed to promote meniscal healing may play an
      important role as a tool for meniscus healing.

PMID- 27670758
TI  - Trackways Produced by Lungfish During Terrestrial Locomotion.
AB  - Some primarily aquatic vertebrates make brief forays onto land, creating traces
      as they do. A lack of studies on aquatic trackmakers raises the possibility that
      such traces may be ignored or misidentified in the fossil record. Several
      terrestrial Actinopterygian and Sarcopterygian species have previously been
      proposed as possible models for ancestral tetrapod locomotion, despite extant
      fishes being quite distinct from Devonian fishes, both morphologically and
      phylogenetically. Although locomotion has been well-studied in some of these
      taxa, trackway production has not. We recorded terrestrial locomotion of a 35 cm
      African lungfish (Protopterus annectens; Dipnoi: Sarcopterygii) on compliant
      sediment. Terrestrial movement in the lungfish is accomplished by planting the
      head and then pivoting the trunk. Impressions are formed where the head impacts
      the substrate, while the body and fins produce few traces. The head leaves a
      series of alternating left-right impressions, where each impact can appear as two
      separate semi-circular impressions created by the upper and lower jaws, bearing
      some similarity to fossil traces interpreted as footprints. Further studies of
      trackways of extant terrestrial fishes are necessary to understand the
      behavioural repertoire that may be represented in the fossil track record.

PMID- 27670759
TI  - Faecal blood testing cuts unnecessary colonoscopies by a third, shows study.

PMID- 27670761
TI  - T-lymphoid progenitors - we know what they are, but know not what they may be.

PMID- 27670762
TI  - A comparison of fitting algorithms for diffusion-weighted MRI data analysis using
      an intravoxel incoherent motion model.
AB  - OBJECT: The objective of this study is to propose a modified VARiable PROjection
      (VARPRO) algorithm specifically tailored for fitting the intravoxel incoherent
      motion (IVIM) model to diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI)
      data from locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The
      proposed algorithm is compared with classical non-linear least squares (NLLS)
      analysis using the Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) algorithm and with two recently
      proposed algorithms for 'segmented' analysis. These latter two comprise two
      consecutive steps: first, a subset of parameters is estimated using a portion of
      data; second, the remaining parameters are estimated using the whole data and the
      previous estimates. The comparison between the algorithms was based on the
      [Formula: see text] goodness-of-fit measure: performance analysis was carried out
      on real data obtained by DW-MRI on 40 LARC patients. RESULTS: The performance of
      the proposed algorithm was higher than that of LM in 64 % of cases; 'segmented'
      methods were poorer than our algorithm in 100 % of cases. CONCLUSION: The
      proposed modified VARPRO algorithm can lead to better fit of the IVIM model to
      LARC DW-MRI data compared to other techniques.

PMID- 27670760
TI  - Membrane fission by dynamin: what we know and what we need to know.
AB  - The large GTPase dynamin is the first protein shown to catalyze membrane fission.
      Dynamin and its related proteins are essential to many cell functions, from
      endocytosis to organelle division and fusion, and it plays a critical role in
      many physiological functions such as synaptic transmission and muscle
      contraction. Research of the past three decades has focused on understanding how
      dynamin works. In this review, we present the basis for an emerging consensus on
      how dynamin functions. Three properties of dynamin are strongly supported by
      experimental data: first, dynamin oligomerizes into a helical polymer; second,
      dynamin oligomer constricts in the presence of GTP; and third, dynamin catalyzes
      membrane fission upon GTP hydrolysis. We present the two current models for
      fission, essentially diverging in how GTP energy is spent. We further discuss how
      future research might solve the remaining open questions presently under
      discussion.

PMID- 27670763
TI  - TREM1 facilitates microglial phagocytosis of amyloid beta.
AB  - As the most common type of neurodegenerative disease, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is
      characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-beta peptide (Abeta) within the
      brain. Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (TREM) 1 is an immune
      receptor expressed by mononuclear phagocytes including monocytes and microglia,
      coupling with TYRO protein tyrosine kinase binding protein to regulate immune
      reactions. Emerging evidence indicates that rs6910730G, an intronic variant of
      TREM1, is associated with an increased Abeta neuropathology in the brains of
      elderly subjects, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, using two
      independent cohorts of healthy individuals, we provided evidence that rs6910730G
      reduced the ability of human monocytes for Abeta phagocytosis, and this reduction
      was likely attributed to a decreased monocytic TREM1 expression. By knockdown and
      overexpression of Trem1 in mouse primary microglia, we showed that TREM1
      facilitated microglial phagocytosis of Abeta. In support of this finding,
      knockdown of Trem1 in the brains of APP/PSEN1 mice increased Abeta1-42 levels and
      total amyloid burden, whereas selective overexpression of Trem1 on microglia or
      activation of Trem1 signaling by an agonistic antibody ameliorated Abeta
      neuropathology and rescued AD-related spatial cognitive impairments. Altogether,
      these findings uncover the role of TREM1 in microglial Abeta clearance, and
      establish TREM1 as a potential therapeutic target for AD.

PMID- 27670764
TI  - A preliminary study of the role of extracellular -5'- nucleotidase in breast
      cancer stem cells and epithelial-mesenchymal transition.
AB  - Tumor stem cell theory may well explain a variety of malignant behaviors of
      tumors. Cells undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) share many
      characteristics with tumor stem cells. Our previous studies showed that
      extracellular -5'- nucleotidase (CD73), one of the important surface markers of
      mesenchymal stem cells, may promote growth and metastasis of breast cancer cells
      both in vivo and in vitro. In this study, we assessed breast cancer stem cell
      (BCSC) markers [acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH)+ and CD44+CD24-] in various
      breast cancer cell lines with flow cytometry after overexpression (by lentivirus
      infection) or suppression (by siRNA interference) of CD73. We measured CD73
      expression in breast cancer mammospheres with real-time PCR and western blots.
      Finally, we examined the expression of CD73 and EMT markers in different breast
      cancer cell lines, as well as in mammary cells (MCF10A) that underwent EMT
      induced by transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta). We found that CD73
      positively correlated with ALDH+ or CD44+CD24- subsets of breast cancer cells.
      CD73 was expressed more in breast cancer mammospheres than in adherent cells.
      CD73 and mesenchymal marker expression was higher in breast cancer cells with
      more malignant features, while CD73 was lower in low malignant breast cancer
      cells with higher epithelial markers. Furthermore, CD73 expression increased
      during the process of TGF-beta-induced EMT. Our results indicate that CD73 may
      play an important role in BCSCs.

PMID- 27670765
TI  - New polymorphisms associated with response to anti-TNF drugs in patients with
      moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.
AB  - Anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) drugs are effective against psoriasis,
      although 20-30% of patients are nonresponders. Few pharmacogenomic studies have
      been performed to predict the response to anti-TNF drugs in psoriasis. We studied
      173 polymorphisms to establish an association with the response to anti-TNF drugs
      in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis (N=144). We evaluated the
      response using PASI75 at 3, 6 and 12 months. The results of the multivariate
      analysis showed an association between polymorphisms in PGLYR4, ZNF816A, CTNNA2,
      IL12B, MAP3K1 and HLA-C genes and the response at 3 months. Besides, the results
      for polymorphisms in IL12B and MAP3K1 were replicated at 6 months. We also
      obtained significant results for IL12B polymorphism at 1 year. Moreover,
      polymorphisms in FCGR2A, HTR2A and CDKAL1 were significant at 6 months. This is
      the first study to show an association with these polymorphisms. However, these
      biomarkers should be validated in large-scale studies before implementation in
      clinical practice.

PMID- 27670766
TI  - IL17RA gene variants and anti-TNF response among psoriasis patients.
AB  - Polymorphisms at genes encoding proteins involved in the pathogenesis of
      psoriasis (Psor) or in the mechanism of action of biological drugs could
      influence the treatment response. Because the interleukin (IL)-17 family has a
      central role in the pathogenesis of Psor, we hypothesized that IL17RA variants
      could influence the response to anti-TNF drugs among Psor patients. To address
      this issue we performed a cross-sectional study of Psor patients who received the
      biological treatments for the first time, with a follow-up of at least 6 months.
      All of the patients were Caucasian, older than 18 years old, with chronic plaque
      Psor, and had completed at least 24 weeks of anti-TNF therapy (adalimumab,
      etanercept or infliximab). The treatment response to anti-TNF agents was
      evaluated according to the achievement of PASI50 and PASI75 at weeks 12 and 24.
      Those who achieved PASI75 at week 24 were considered good responders. All
      patients were genotyped for the selected single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)
      at IL17RA gene. A total of 238 patients were included (57% male, mean age 46
      years). One hundred and five patients received adalimumab, 91 patients etanercept
      and 42 infliximab. The rs4819554 promoter SNP allele A was significantly more
      common among responders at weeks 12 (P=0.01) and 24 (P=0.04). We found a higher
      frequency of AA versus AG+GG among responders, but the difference was only
      significant at week 12 (P=0.03, odd ratio=1.86, 95% confidence of interval=1.05
      3.27). Thus, in the study population, the SNP rs4819554 in the promoter region of
      IL17RA significantly influences the response to anti-TNF drugs at week 12.

PMID- 27670768
TI  - Genes differentially expressed by methylprednisolone in vivo in CD4 T lymphocytes
      from multiple sclerosis patients: potential biomarkers.
AB  - Intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) is the gold standard treatment in acute
      relapses of multiple sclerosis. Knowing the response to IVMP in advance could
      facilitate earlier selection of patients for subsequent courses of therapy.
      However, molecular mechanisms and changes in gene expression induced by
      methylprednisolone remain unknown. The aim of the study was to identify in vivo
      differentially expressed genes in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients
      after 3-6 days of treatment with IVMP. For this purpose, whole-genome
      transcription profiling of CD4+ T lymphocytes was performed before and after
      treatment with IVMP in 8 relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients during
      relapse using Human GE 4x44K v2 microarrays. Differentially expressed genes were
      identified using a paired t test on GeneSpring v13.0 software. A P-value <0.001
      and a twofold change were considered significant. Microarray data were confirmed
      using real-time PCR. Microarray revealed changes in gene expression: four genes
      were downregulated (B3GNT3, ZNF683, IFNG and TNF) and seven upregulated (DEFA4,
      CTSG, DEFA8P, AZU1, MPO, ELANE and PRTN3). Pathway analysis revealed the
      transforming growth factor-beta signaling pathway to be affected. Comparison with
      previously published data on in vitro methylprednisolone-regulated genes showed
      that SMAD7, TNF and CHI3L1 were also downregulated in vivo in relapsing-remitting
      multiple sclerosis patients. In summary, we performed the first in vivo
      transcriptome analysis in CD4+ T lymphocytes before and after the treatment with
      IVMP in patients with multiple sclerosis. Identification of differentially
      expressed genes in patients receiving IVMP could improve our understanding of the
      molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of IVMP and highlight
      potential biomarkers of the response to IVMP.

PMID- 27670767
TI  - Genome-wide association study identifies pharmacogenomic loci linked with
      specific antihypertensive drug treatment and new-onset diabetes.
AB  - We conducted a discovery genome-wide association study with expression
      quantitative trait loci (eQTL) annotation of new-onset diabetes (NOD) among
      European Americans, who were exposed to a calcium channel blocker-based strategy
      (CCB strategy) or a beta-blocker-based strategy (beta-blocker strategy) in the
      INternational VErapamil SR Trandolapril STudy. Replication of the top signal from
      the SNP*treatment interaction analysis was attempted in Hispanic and African
      Americans, and a joint meta-analysis was performed (total 334 NOD cases and 806
      matched controls). PLEKHH2 rs11124945 at 2p21 interacted with antihypertensive
      exposure for NOD (meta-analysis P=5.3 * 10-8). rs11124945 G allele carriers had
      lower odds for NOD when exposed to the beta-blocker strategy compared with the
      CCB strategy (Odds ratio OR=0.38(0.24-0.60), P=4.0 * 10-5), whereas A/A
      homozygotes exposed to the beta-blocker strategy had increased odds for NOD
      compared with the CCB strategy (OR=2.02(1.39-2.92), P=2.0 * 10-4). eQTL
      annotation of the 2p21 locus provides functional support for regulating gene
      expression.

PMID- 27670770
TI  - Code Saturation Versus Meaning Saturation: How Many Interviews Are Enough?
AB  - Saturation is a core guiding principle to determine sample sizes in qualitative
      research, yet little methodological research exists on parameters that influence
      saturation. Our study compared two approaches to assessing saturation: code
      saturation and meaning saturation. We examined sample sizes needed to reach
      saturation in each approach, what saturation meant, and how to assess saturation.
      Examining 25 in-depth interviews, we found that code saturation was reached at
      nine interviews, whereby the range of thematic issues was identified. However, 16
      to 24 interviews were needed to reach meaning saturation where we developed a
      richly textured understanding of issues. Thus, code saturation may indicate when
      researchers have "heard it all," but meaning saturation is needed to "understand
      it all." We used our results to develop parameters that influence saturation,
      which may be used to estimate sample sizes for qualitative research proposals or
      to document in publications the grounds on which saturation was achieved.

PMID- 27670769
TI  - Estrogen-like neuroprotection of isopsoralen against spinal cord injury through
      estrogen receptor ERalpha.
AB  - Isopsoralen is a type of furocoumarin that exhibits estrogen-like activities. The
      aim of this study was to determine the estrogen-like neuroprotection of
      isopsoralen in an animal model of spinal cord injury (SCI). Results indicated
      that isopsoralen (intraperitoneal injection of 5 and 10 mg/kg per day for two
      weeks) significantly enhanced the hindlimb locomotor functions of mice with SCI,
      as revealed in the BMS score and angle of inclined plane tests. Morphological
      data showed that isopsoralen significantly attenuated the injury of the gray
      matter of spinal cord and induced the up-regulation of ERalpha levels. The
      neuroprotective effects of isopsolaren were blocked by the ERalpha antagonist MPP
      (0.3 mg/kg), but not by the ERbeta receptor antagonist PHTPP (0.3 mg/kg).
      Isopsolaren treatment increased phosphorylated PI3K and AKT (P-PI3K and P-AKT) in
      the spinal cord of SCI mice and showed a significant anti-apoptotic activity.
      These results suggest that isopsoralen performs estrogen-like neuroprotection
      against SCI-induced apoptosis by activating ERalpha and regulating the PI3K/AKT
      pathway.

PMID- 27670772
TI  - Description of a Novel Monopartite Geminivirus and Its Defective Subviral Genome
      in Grapevine.
AB  - A novel virus was detected in grapevines by Illumina sequencing during the
      screening of two table grape (Vitis vinifera) accessions, cultivars Black Beet
      and Nagano Purple, from South Korea. The monopartite circular ssDNA genome
      sequence was subsequently confirmed by rolling cycle amplification, cloning and
      Sanger sequencing. The complete viral genomic sequence from both accessions
      ranged from 2,903 to 2,907 nucleotides in length and contained the conserved
      nonanucleotide sequence TAATATT?AC and other sequence features typical of the
      family Geminiviridae, including two predicted sense and four complementary-sense
      open reading frames. Phylogenetic analysis placed the novel virus in a unique
      taxon within the family Geminiviridae. A naturally occurring defective subviral
      DNA was also discovered. This defective DNA molecule carried a deletion of
      approximately 46% of the full-length genome. Both the genomic and defective DNA
      molecules were graft-transmissible although no disease is yet correlated with
      their occurrence in Vitis spp. The tentative names Grapevine geminivirus A (GGVA)
      and GGVA defective DNA (GGVA D-DNA) are proposed. PCR assays developed using
      primers designed in the coat protein gene led to the detection of GGVA in 1.74%
      of 1,262 vines derived from 15 grapevine cultivars from six countries across
      three continents.

PMID- 27670773
TI  - Predictors of Smoking Cessation and Relapse in Cancer Patients and Effect on
      Psychological Variables: an 18-Month Observational Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although cancer patients are generally strongly advised to quit
      smoking in order to improve treatment efficacy and survival, up to 68 % of
      patients who were smokers at the time of cancer diagnosis continue smoking.
      Psychological factors such as depression and anxiety are likely to be associated
      with smoking behavior following a cancer diagnosis, but the empirical evidence is
      scarce. PURPOSE: This observational study aimed at estimating smoking cessation
      rates and assessing the effect of smoking cessation on psychological symptoms, as
      well as the predictive role of the same psychological variables on smoking
      cessation and smoking relapse following cancer surgery. METHODS: As part of a
      larger prospective, epidemiological study, smokers (n = 175) with a first
      diagnosis of nonmetastatic cancer completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression
      Scale, the Insomnia Severity Index, and the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory.
      Quitters (n = 55) and pair-matched nonquitters (n = 55) were compared on each
      symptom at pre-quitting, post-quitting, and at a 4-month follow-up. Predictors of
      smoking cessation and smoking relapse, including psychological variables, were
      also investigated. RESULTS: Fifty-five patients (31.4 %) stopped smoking at least
      on one occasion during the study. Of the 55 quitters, 27 (49.1 %) experienced a
      relapse. At pre-quitting, quitters had significantly higher levels of anxiety (p
      = .03) and fear of cancer recurrence (p = .01) than nonquitters, symptoms that
      significantly diminished at post-quitting and 4 months later in this subgroup of
      patients. Having breast cancer significantly predicted smoking cessation
      (relative risk [RR] = 3.08), while depressive symptoms were a significant
      predictor of smoking relapse (RR = 1.07). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the
      importance of psychological symptoms in predicting tobacco cessation and relapse
      among individuals with cancer. Our findings suggest that breast cancer patients
      are more inclined to stop smoking than patients with other cancers, but future
      studies should attempt to delineate the effect on smoking cessation of gender and
      other demographics that characterize this subgroup. This study also suggests that
      a particular attention should be paid to the early management of depressive
      symptoms in order to prevent smoking relapse.

PMID- 27670774
TI  - Exposure factors of cadmium for residents in an abandoned metal mine area in
      Korea.
AB  - This study evaluated blood and urine cadmium (Cd) levels and human exposure
      factors for residents in an abandoned metal mine in Korea. We collected blood,
      urine, soil, water, and rice grain samples to analyze Cd concentrations and
      analyzed heavy metal concentration patterns in soil. We estimated the major
      exposure factor of Cd through non-carcinogenic risk assessment depending on
      exposure routes. The blood Cd concentration in the case group was 5.33 MUg/L
      (geometric mean), significantly higher than that in the control group (1.63
      MUg/L, geometric mean). Urine Cd concentrations were also similar. The Cd
      concentrations in paddy soil (1.29 mg/kg) and rice grains (0.14 mg/kg) in the
      study area were higher than those in the control area (0.91 and 0.07 mg/kg,
      respectively). The analysis of heavy metal concentration in soil showed that the
      Cd levels in agricultural soil in the case group were attributable to the mine.
      The hazard quotient (HQ) of Cd by rice ingestion in the case group (1.25) was 2
      times higher than that in the control group (0.6). We found that the HQ of rice
      ingestion contributed to more than 97 % of the total HQ, indicating that rice
      grains were the major exposure source. However, it is likely that the continuous
      intake of Cd-exposed crops led to chronic exposure among the residents in mine
      area.

PMID- 27670776
TI  - Social cognitive interventions for people with schizophrenia: A systematic
      review.
AB  - Social cognition is the mental process which underpins social interactions.
      Increasingly, it has been recognized to be impaired in people with schizophrenia,
      resulting in functional problems. Correspondingly, the past ten years have seen
      huge developments in the study of interventions to ameliorate social cognitive
      deficits among people with schizophrenia. In the present review, we
      systematically reviewed published studies on social cognitive interventions from
      2005 to 2015. Of the 61 studies included in this review, 20 were on broad-based
      social cognitive interventions, which incorporated neurocognitive training,
      specialized learning technique or virtual reality social skills training. On the
      other hand, 31 studies on targeted interventions either focused on specific
      social cognitive domains, or a range of domains. Improvements in emotion
      processing and theory of mind were often reported, while social perception and
      attributional style were less frequently measured. Both broad-based and targeted
      interventions achieved gains in social functioning, albeit inconsistently.
      Lastly, nine studies on the use of oxytocin and one study on transcranial direct
      current stimulation reported positive preliminary results in higher-order
      cognition and facial affect recognition respectively. This review revealed that a
      wide range of social cognitive interventions is currently available and most have
      shown some promise in improving social cognition outcomes. However, there is a
      need to use a common battery of measurements for better comparisons across
      interventions. Future research should examine combination therapies and the
      sustainability of gains beyond the intervention period.

PMID- 27670775
TI  - Platelet clearance via shear-induced unfolding of a membrane mechanoreceptor.
AB  - Mechanisms by which blood cells sense shear stress are poorly characterized. In
      platelets, glycoprotein (GP)Ib-IX receptor complex has been long suggested to be
      a shear sensor and receptor. Recently, a relatively unstable and mechanosensitive
      domain in the GPIbalpha subunit of GPIb-IX was identified. Here we show that
      binding of its ligand, von Willebrand factor, under physiological shear stress
      induces unfolding of this mechanosensory domain (MSD) on the platelet surface.
      The unfolded MSD, particularly the juxtamembrane 'Trigger' sequence therein,
      leads to intracellular signalling and rapid platelet clearance. These results
      illustrate the initial molecular event underlying platelet shear sensing and
      provide a mechanism linking GPIb-IX to platelet clearance. Our results have
      implications on the mechanism of platelet activation, and on the pathophysiology
      of von Willebrand disease and related thrombocytopenic disorders. The
      mechanosensation via receptor unfolding may be applicable for many other cell
      adhesion receptors.

PMID- 27670777
TI  - FAMSA: Fast and accurate multiple sequence alignment of huge protein families.
AB  - Rapid development of modern sequencing platforms has contributed to the
      unprecedented growth of protein families databases. The abundance of sets
      containing hundreds of thousands of sequences is a formidable challenge for
      multiple sequence alignment algorithms. The article introduces FAMSA, a new
      progressive algorithm designed for fast and accurate alignment of thousands of
      protein sequences. Its features include the utilization of the longest common
      subsequence measure for determining pairwise similarities, a novel method of
      evaluating gap costs, and a new iterative refinement scheme. What matters is that
      its implementation is highly optimized and parallelized to make the most of
      modern computer platforms. Thanks to the above, quality indicators, i.e. sum-of
      pairs and total-column scores, show FAMSA to be superior to competing algorithms,
      such as Clustal Omega or MAFFT for datasets exceeding a few thousand sequences.
      Quality does not compromise on time or memory requirements, which are an order of
      magnitude lower than those in the existing solutions. For example, a family of
      415519 sequences was analyzed in less than two hours and required no more than 8
      GB of RAM. FAMSA is available for free at http://sun.aei.polsl.pl/REFRESH/famsa.

PMID- 27670778
TI  - Multifunctional Reversible Fluorescent Controller Based on a One-Dimensional
      Photonic Crystal.
AB  - With the aim to build a multifunctional solid fluorescent controller, a one
      dimensional photonic crystal and CdSe fluorescent single layer were separated on
      the opposite sides of quartz substrates. The separation structure remarkably
      facilitates materials selection for the fluorescent controller, which allows one
      to freely choose the fluorescent substance and constituents of 1DPC from a wide
      range of available materials with the best desirable properties and without
      caring about the interactions between them. Fluorescent enhancement and weakened
      effect were successfully achieved when the excitation light was irradiated from
      different sides of the fluorescent device. In addition, the fluorescent intensity
      can be altered reversibly along with environmental pH values according to the
      change of a pH-responsive one-dimensional photonic crystal layer, which is quite
      different from a previously reported quenching mode. Meanwhile, the original
      position of the photonic stop band is essential for deciding what pH value would
      produce the best effect of fluorescent control. It provides a way to adjust the
      effect of fluorescent controller according to certain applied situations. The
      mechanism of fluorescent variation was confirmed by the assistance of a finite
      difference time-domain simulation. Furthermore, this device is also able to
      modulate fluorescent wavelength and full width at half-maximum by overlapping the
      photonic stop band and the emission of CdSe. Therefore, this method offers a
      universal strategy for the fabrication of fluorescent controllers.

PMID- 27670779
TI  - Targeting Neovasculature with Multitargeted Antiangiogenesis Tyrosine Kinase
      Inhibitors in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer.
AB  - Chemotherapy has reached a plateau in the efforts for survival improvement in non
      small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The growing knowledge of NSCLC molecular
      pathobiology has led to the development of new treatments that target specific
      tumor functions. Angiogenesis is a tumor function leading to the formation of new
      tumor vessels that are crucial for its survival. Although vascular endothelial
      growth factor (VEGF) plays a primary role in angiogenesis, the inhibition of the
      VEGF pathway with VEGF-receptor (VEGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) is
      associated with a modest survival benefit due to the development of resistance by
      the tumor that has been mainly attributed to the up-regulation of other
      stimulators of angiogenesis. Thus, the use of multitargeted antiangiogenesis TKIs
      (MATKIs) for simultaneous inhibition of multiple angiogenic pathways has been
      proposed. This review summarizes data about novel treatment strategies
      incorporating the inhibition of angiogenesis with MATKIs in NSCLC. The data from
      all relevant studies shows that MATKIs do not offer additional survival benefit
      to currently available chemotherapeutic options in unselected NSCLC patients.
      However, the diversity in disease response to MATKI-containing regimens implies
      that specific patient subgroups may benefit from or be harmed by these agents. In
      this context, most studies agree that the VEGFR-targeting MATKIs are harmful in
      squamous NSCLC while specific MATKIs (i.e., motesanib, vandetanib and nintedanib)
      are associated with improved progression free survival in non-squamous NSCLC.
      However, overall survival benefit was found only in adenocarcinoma and Asian non
      squamous NSCLC patients with the use of nintedanib and motesanib, respectively.

PMID- 27670780
TI  - Persistently high prevalence of primary resistance and multidrug resistance of
      tuberculosis in Heilongjiang Province, China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The spread of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) strains has been a big challenge to the TB control
      and prevention in China. Knowledge about patterns of drug resistance in TB high
      burden areas of China is crucial to develop appropriate control strategies. We
      conducted a comprehensive investigation of the resistance pattern of M.
      tuberculosis in Heilongjiang Province. METHODS: 1427 M. tuberculosis clinical
      strains were isolated from pulmonary TB patients hospitalized between 2007 and
      2012. The susceptibility of the isolates to the first-line anti-TB drugs and the
      resistance of MDR M. tuberculosis to fluoroquinolones were examined. We also
      performed a statistical analysis to identify the correlated risk factors for high
      burden of MDR-TB. RESULTS: The global resistance rates of 2007-2012 to the first
      line drugs and MDR were 57.0 and 22.8 %, respectively. Notably, the primary MDR
      TB and pan-resistance rates were as high as 13.6 and 5.0 %, respectively. Of MDR
      M. tuberculosis isolates (2009), approximately 13 % were not susceptible to any
      of the fluoroquinolones tested. Being age of 35 to 54, high re-treatment
      proportion, the presence of cavity lesion, and high proportion of shorter
      hospitalization are correlated with the development of MDR-TB. CONCLUSIONS: The
      high prevalence of drug resistant, MDR-TB, and fluoroquinolone-resistant MDR-TB
      is a big concern for TB control. More importantly, in order to control the
      development of MDR-TB effectively, we need to pay more attention to the primary
      resistance. Targeting reducing the prevalence of the risk factors may lead to
      better TB control in China.

PMID- 27670782
TI  - Differences in procedural knowledge after a "spaced" and a "massed" version of an
      intensive course in emergency medicine, investigating a very short spacing
      interval.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Distributing a fixed amount of teaching hours over a longer time
      period (spaced approach) may result in better learning than delivering the same
      amount of teaching within a shorter time (massed approach). While a spaced
      approach may provide more opportunities to elaborate the learning content, a
      massed approach allows for more economical utilisation of teaching facilities and
      to optimise time resources of faculty. Favourable effects of spacing have been
      demonstrated for postgraduate surgery training and for spacing intervals of weeks
      to months. It is however unknown, whether a spacing effect can also be observed
      for shorter intervals and in undergraduate medical education. Therefore, we aimed
      to evaluate the effect of a short spacing intervention within an undergraduate
      intensive course in emergency medicine (EM) on students' procedural knowledge.
      METHODS: An EM intensive course of 26 teaching hours was delivered over either
      4.5 days, or 3.0 days. After the course students' procedural knowledge was
      assessed by a specifically developed video-case based key-feature test (KF-test).
      RESULTS: Data sets of 156 students (81.7 %, 191 students eligible) were analysed,
      54 from the spaced, and 102 from the massed version. In the KF-test students from
      the spaced version reached a mean of 14.8 (SD 2.0) out of 22 points, compared to
      13.7 (SD 2.0) in the massed version (p = .002). Effect size was moderate (Cohen's
      d: 0.558). CONCLUSION: A significant spacing effect was observable even for a
      short spacing interval in undergraduate medical education. This effect was only
      moderate and may be weighed against planning needs of faculty and teaching
      resources.

PMID- 27670781
TI  - Host cytoskeleton in respiratory syncytial virus assembly and budding.
AB  - Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the major pathogens responsible for
      lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) in young children, the elderly, and the
      immunosuppressed. Currently, there are no antiviral drugs or vaccines available
      that effectively target RSV infections, proving a significant challenge in
      regards to prevention and treatment. An in-depth understanding of the host-virus
      interactions that underlie assembly and budding would inform new targets for
      antiviral development.Current research suggests that the polymerised form of
      actin, the filamentous or F-actin, plays a role in RSV assembly and budding.
      Treatment with cytochalasin D, which disrupts F-actin, has been shown to inhibit
      virus release. In addition, the actin cytoskeleton has been shown to interact
      with the RSV matrix (M) protein, which plays a central role in RSV assembly. For
      this reason, the interaction between these two components is hypothesised to
      facilitate the movement of viral components in the cytoplasm and to the budding
      site. Despite increases in our knowledge of RSV assembly and budding, M-actin
      interactions are not well understood. In this review, we discuss the current
      literature on the role of actin cytoskeleton during assembly and budding of RSV
      with the aim to integrate disparate studies to build a hypothetical model of the
      various molecular interactions between actin and RSV M protein that facilitate
      RSV assembly and budding.

PMID- 27670783
TI  - Shorter anogenital and anoscrotal distances correlate with the severity of
      hypospadias: A prospective study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Anogenital distance (AGD) is a recognised marker of in utero
      androgen action. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between
      severity of hypospadias and AGD. STUDY DESIGN: Boys undergoing hypospadias repair
      in a single tertiary centre between May 2012 and February 16 were included in the
      study. Anogenital distance was measured from the centre of the anus to the base
      of the penis, and anoscrotal distance (ASD) from the centre of the anus to the
      junction between the smooth perineal skin and scrotal skin. Trained paediatric
      urologists made all measurements using digital callipers. RESULTS: Fifty-nine
      boys with hypospadias and 31 age-matched controls undergoing circumcision (median
      age 1.37 years, range 1.01-1.96) had AGD and ASD measured under anaesthetic. The
      patients were divided into two groups, according to hypospadias severity: group 1
      - distal penile/subcoronal/glandular (n = 40); and group 2 -
      perineal/penoscrotal/midshaft (n = 19). The median AGD for controls was 74.0 mm
      (range 53.2-87.8) and for hypospadias it was 72.3 mm (range 50.7-90.0) (P =
      0.816). The median ASD for controls was 42.3 mm (range 31.0-56.1) and for
      hypospadias it was 39.4 mm (range 20.7-77.0) (P = 0.224). Considering severity of
      hypospadias, the median AGD for group 1 and group 2 was 73.7 mm (range 50.7-90.0)
      and 63.3 mm (range 53.6-77.0), respectively (P < 0.001). The median ASD was also
      higher in group 1, at 41.3 mm (range 20.7-65.0), compared to 35.2 mm (range 23.5
      77.0) in group 2 (P = 0.119) (Summary Fig.). DISCUSSION: This study showed that
      more severe forms of hypospadias are associated with shorter AGD and ASD. These
      findings agree with two previous studies that identified reduced AGD in boys with
      hypospadias. However, these studies did not investigate an association with
      severity of hypospadias. As hypospadias is multifactorial, only a small
      proportion of cases are thought to be associated with impaired in utero androgen
      exposure. The shorter AGD in boys with severe hypospadias compared with mild
      hypospadias would indicate that AGD is a marker of the severity of androgen
      production. This may also suggest that less severe forms of hypospadias have a
      different aetiology involving a later stage of development, and that they are not
      the result of reduced androgen exposure in the male programming window between
      the 8-14 weeks gestation. CONCLUSION: This study identified that boys with more
      severe hypospadias are more likely to have a shorter AGD and ASD than boys with
      mild hypospadias. This may indicate that there is a more profound impairment of
      in utero androgen action in severe hypospadias.

PMID- 27670784
TI  - Quantitative study of yeast Alg1 beta-1, 4 mannosyltransferase activity, a key
      enzyme involved in protein N-glycosylation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Asparagine (N)-linked glycosylation begins with a stepwise synthesis
      of the dolichol-linked oligosaccharide (DLO) precursor, Glc3Man9GlcNAc2-PP-Dol,
      which is catalyzed by a series of endoplasmic reticulum membrane-associated
      glycosyltransferases. Yeast ALG1 (asparagine-linked glycosylation 1) encodes a
      beta-1, 4 mannosyltransferase that adds the first mannose onto GlcNAc2-PP-Dol to
      produce a core trisaccharide Man1GlcNAc2-PP-Dol. ALG1 is essential for yeast
      viability, and in humans mutations in the ALG1 cause congenital disorders of
      glycosylation known as ALG1-CDG. Alg1 is difficult to purify because of its low
      expression level and as a consequence, has not been well studied biochemically.
      Here we report a new method to purify recombinant Alg1 in high yield, and a mass
      spectral approach for accurately measuring its beta-1, 4 mannosyltransferase
      activity. METHODS: N-terminally truncated yeast His-tagged Alg1 protein was
      expressed in Escherichia coli and purified by HisTrap HP affinity chromatography.
      In combination with LC-MS technology, we established a novel assay to accurately
      measure Alg1 enzyme activity. In this assay, a chemically synthesized dolichol
      linked oligosaccharide analogue, phytanyl-pyrophosphoryl-alpha-N, N'
      diacetylchitobioside (PPGn2), was used as the acceptor for the beta-1, 4 mannosyl
      transfer reaction. RESULTS: Using purified Alg1, its biochemical characteristics
      were investigated, including the apparent Km and Vmax values for acceptor,
      optimal conditions of activity, and the specificity of its nucleotide sugar
      donor. Furthermore, the effect of ALG1-CDG mutations on enzyme activity was also
      measured. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: This work provides an efficient method for
      production of Alg1 and a new MS-based quantitative assay of its activity.

PMID- 27670785
TI  - Infrared-emitting, peptidase-resistant fluorescent ligands of the bradykinin B2
      receptor: application to cytofluorometry and imaging.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We have previously reported the design, pharmacological properties
      and imaging application of bradykinin (BK) B2 receptor (B2R) ligands conjugated
      with fluorophores such as fluorescein derivatives at their N-terminus. To take
      advantage of the high penetration of infrared light into living tissues and their
      low autofluorescence in this region of the spectrum, additional probes conjugated
      with cyanine dye 7 (Cy7) were synthesized and characterized. RESULTS: The
      antagonist B-9430 (D-Arg-[Hyp3,Igl5,D-Igl7,Oic8]-BK) and the agonist B-9972 (D
      Arg-[Hyp3,Igl5,Oic7,Igl8]-BK) were N-terminally extended with the infrared
      fluorophore Cy7, producing the peptides B-10665 and B-10666, respectively.
      Pharmacological studies indicated that the agonist B-10666 lost much affinity for
      the B2R vs. the parent peptide, whereas the antagonist B-10665 better retained
      its potency vs. B-9430 (competition of [3H]BK binding to human B2R, contractility
      of the human isolated umbilical vein for which potency losses were more important
      in each case). Both probes stained HEK 293 cells that expressed the B2R-green
      fluorescent protein (GFP) construction in a specific manner (confocal microscopy)
      and with very extensive co-localization of the green and infrared fluorescence in
      either case. The agonist B-10666 at 100 nM promoted the endocytosis of B2R-GFP in
      live cells, but not the antagonist version at 10-25 nM. The Cy7-labeled peptides
      did not label cells expressing the beta2-adrenoceptor-GFP construction. B-10665
      at low nanomolar concentrations was an effective probe for the recombinant B2Rs
      in cytofluorometry and macroscopic imaging of cell wells (IVIS imaging system
      operated for infrared fluorescence detection). CONCLUSIONS: Despite a propensity
      for non-specific binding when used at high concentrations and limited
      sensitivity, Cy7-conjugated peptidase-resistant B2R ligands support original
      imaging and cytofluorometric applications.

PMID- 27670787
TI  - How salient are onomatopoeia in the early input? A prosodic analysis of infant
      directed speech.
AB  - Onomatopoeia are frequently identified amongst infants' earliest words (Menn &
      Vihman, 2011), yet few authors have considered why this might be, and even fewer
      have explored this phenomenon empirically. Here we analyze mothers' production of
      onomatopoeia in infant-directed speech (IDS) to provide an input-based
      perspective on these forms. Twelve mothers were recorded interacting with their 8
      month-olds; onomatopoeic words (e.g. quack) were compared acoustically with their
      corresponding conventional words (duck). Onomatopoeia were more salient than
      conventional words across all features measured: mean pitch, pitch range, word
      duration, repetition, and pause length. Furthermore, a systematic pattern was
      observed in the production of onomatopoeia, suggesting a conventionalized
      approach to mothers' production of these words in IDS.

PMID- 27670786
TI  - N-acetylcysteine inhibits kinase phosphorylation during 3T3-L1 adipocyte
      differentiation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Reports investigating the effects of antioxidants on obesity have
      provided contradictory results. We have previously demonstrated that treatment
      with the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) inhibits cellular triglyceride (Tg)
      accumulation as well as total cellular monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) expression in
      3T3-L1 mature adipocytes (Calzadilla et al., Redox Rep. 2013;210-218). Here we
      analyzed the role of NAC on adipogenic differentiation pathway. METHODS: Assays
      were conducted using 3T3-L1 preadipocytes (undifferentiated cells: CC), which are
      capable of differentiating into mature adipocytes (differentiated cells: DC). We
      studied the effects of different doses of NAC (0.01 or 1 mM) on DC, to evaluate
      cellular expression of phospho-JNK1/2 (pJNK1/2), phospho-ERK1/2 (pERK1/2) and,
      mitochondrial expression of citrate synthase, fumarate hydratase and MAOA.
      RESULTS: Following the differentiation of preadipocytes, an increase in the
      expression levels of pJNK1/2 and pERK1/2 was observed, together with mitotic
      clonal expansion (MCE). We found that both doses of NAC decreased the expression
      of pJNK1/2 and pERK1/2. Consistent with these results, NAC significantly
      inhibited MCE and modified the expression of different mitochondrial proteins.
      DISCUSSION: Our results suggested that NAC could inhibit Tg and mitochondrial
      protein expression by preventing both MCE and kinase phosphorylation.

PMID- 27670789
TI  - Postnatal morphological and lectin histochemical observation of the submucosal
      glands of rat nasopharynx.
AB  - The development of submucosal glands of rat nasopharynx was studied with respect
      to their morphological maturation and glycoprotein alterations during the
      postnatal period. This study examined the histological morphology with
      hematoxylin-eosin and the binding pattern of lectins, soybean agglutinin (SBA),
      Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA), Vicia villosa agglutinin (VVA), Ulex
      europaeus agglutinin-I (UEA-I), peanut agglutinin (PNA), wheat germ agglutinin
      (WGA), and succinylated WGA (sucWGA) on frozen sections from newborn into
      adulthood. At birth, nasopharyngeal glands consisted of rudimentary secretory
      units which by postnatal day 3 (PN3) showed the characteristic features of
      salivary glands comprised of mixed mucous and serous cells. With maturation,
      serous cells increased in number and were arranged in clusters. Lectin reactivity
      at birth was detected at the acinar cell basal membranes for DBA, SBA, VVA, UEA-1
      and PNA. At PN3, lectins labeled the apical cytoplasm and basolateral membranes
      of mucous cells and progressively with maturation, extended from the apical to
      basal portions of the cytoplasm with variable reactivity of VVA, PNA and sucWGA.
      Serous cells were labeled by UEA-1 starting from PN10 and also by PNA in adults.
      Ducts showed variable lectin reaction on the luminal membrane with strong
      reactivity of DBA and UEA-1 at PN21. Taken together, lectin histochemistry
      indicated the transitional occurrence of glycoproteins depending on the stage of
      maturation of the glands. Moreover, these results emphasize the difference in the
      morphology and lectin histochemistry between the nasopharyngeal and palatine
      glands.

PMID- 27670788
TI  - Acute kidney injury 2016: diagnosis and diagnostic workup.
AB  - Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common and is associated with serious short- and
      long-term complications. Early diagnosis and identification of the underlying
      aetiology are essential to guide management. In this review, we outline the
      current definition of AKI and the potential pitfalls, and summarise the existing
      and future tools to investigate AKI in critically ill patients.

PMID- 27670790
TI  - CD8+ T-cell specificity is compromised at a defined MHCI/CD8 affinity threshold.
AB  - The CD8 co-receptor engages peptide-major histocompatibility complex class I
      (pMHCI) molecules at a largely invariant site distinct from the T-cell receptor
      (TCR)-binding platform and enhances the sensitivity of antigen-driven activation
      to promote effective CD8+ T-cell immunity. A small increase in the strength of
      the pMHCI/CD8 interaction (~1.5-fold) can disproportionately amplify this effect,
      boosting antigen sensitivity by up to two orders of magnitude. However,
      recognition specificity is lost altogether with more substantial increases in
      pMHCI/CD8 affinity (~10-fold). In this study, we used a panel of MHCI mutants
      with altered CD8-binding properties to show that TCR-mediated antigen specificity
      is delimited by a pMHCI/CD8 affinity threshold. Our findings suggest that CD8 can
      be engineered within certain biophysical parameters to enhance the therapeutic
      efficacy of adoptive T-cell transfer irrespective of antigen specificity.

PMID- 27670792
TI  - Prognostic Usefulness of the Ballooning Pattern in Patients With Takotsubo
      Cardiomyopathy.
AB  - The aim of the present analysis was to evaluate the prognostic impact of
      different ballooning patterns in patients with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC). A
      total of 285 consecutive patients with TTC were included. Clinical
      characteristics and short- and long-term outcomes were compared between patients
      with typical apical ballooning (n = 204) and patients with an atypical ballooning
      pattern including midventricular and basal ballooning (n = 81). Patients with
      typical apical ballooning were significantly older (73.3 +/- 10.2 vs 68.4 +/-
      10.3 years; p <0.01) and had a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus (25.5% vs
      12.3%; p = 0.02). The initial left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction was
      significantly lower in case of apical ballooning (41.5 +/- 10.4% vs 46.9 +/-
      10.9%; p <0.01) but recovered to normal values in both groups (58.4 +/- 8.0 vs
      59.7 +/- 7.0; p = 0.25). Although 28-day mortality did not differ significantly
      (p = 0.10), typical apical ballooning was associated with an increased 6-month
      (13.4% vs 1.3%; hazard ratio [HR] 10.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.47 to
      79.66; p = 0.02) and long-term mortality rates (28.9% vs 14.5%; HR 2.24, 95% CI
      1.17 to 4.71; p = 0.02). A landmark analysis which included only patients who
      survived the first 6 months after the initial event demonstrated similar
      mortality rates in patients with typical (17.9%) and atypical (13.3%) ballooning
      (HR 1.36, 95% CI 0.67 to 2.79; p = 0.40). In conclusion, in patients with TTC,
      typical apical ballooning is associated with more severe LV dysfunction at acute
      presentation and higher mortality rates within the first 6 months after the
      initial event. After complete recovery of LV function, prognosis is similar in
      patients with typical and atypical ballooning patterns.

PMID- 27670794
TI  - Usefulness of the CHADS2 Score for Determining Risk of Seizure in Patients With
      Atrial Fibrillation.
AB  - Atrial fibrillation (AF) secondary to seizure has been described in case reports,
      but the association between AF and risk of seizure has never been evaluated in
      longitudinal studies. The objectives of this study were to investigate the role
      of AF on the risk of development of seizure and the usefulness of CHADS2 score
      for predicting the risk of seizure. Our analyses were conducted using information
      from a random sample of 1 million subjects enrolled in Taiwan National Health
      Insurance Research Database. A total of 11,552 subjects aged >=18 years,
      comprising 5,776 subjects diagnosed with AF during the study period and 5,776 age
      and sex-matched subjects without AF were enrolled in our study. During the mean
      follow-up of 6.7 +/- 3.3 years, seizure events occurred in 235 patients. In
      comparison, the AF group had a higher incidence rate of seizure occurrence (4.17
      vs 1.90 per 1,000 person-years). Cox proportional hazard regression model
      analysis showed that development of AF was independently associated with a higher
      risk of developing future seizure (adjusted HR 2.30; 95% confidence interval 1.73
      to 3.05). In multivariate Cox regression analysis adjusted for potentially
      confounding variables, a higher CHADS2 score was associated with a higher risk of
      seizure in a dose-dependent manner. AF may cause an ischemic stroke that
      subsequently leads to seizure, and present study further demonstrates that AF
      patients are associated with higher rate of subsequent seizure, even after
      adjusting for stroke. The CHADS2 score was found to be a useful scheme for
      predicting the risk of seizure occurrence.

PMID- 27670791
TI  - The contributions of lung macrophage and monocyte heterogeneity to influenza
      pathogenesis.
AB  - The lung myeloid cell microenvironment comprises airway, alveolar and
      interstitial macrophages, peripheral blood recruited lung monocytes as well as
      residential and migratory dendritic cell subsets. Findings from fate mapping,
      parabiosis, transcriptome and epigenome profiling studies now indicate that
      tissue macrophage and monocyte subsets possess specialized functions which
      differentially impact homoeostatic tolerance, pathogen detection and pathogen
      killing. In the lungs, residential alveolar macrophages are catabolic and
      immunosuppressive in contrast to the classically pro-inflammatory repertoire of
      lung monocytes and monocyte-derived dendritic cells recruited during acute
      inflammation. Here, we review the identity and functions of all lung macrophage
      and monocyte subsets during homoeostasis and acute lung inflammation, with a
      special focus on their contributions to influenza virus detection, clearance and
      the development of influenza-induced lung pathologies. Subsequent implications
      for the development of new therapeutic targets against influenza-induced lung
      pathologies will also be discussed.

PMID- 27670793
TI  - Relation of Statin Use and Mortality in Community-Dwelling Frail Older Patients
      With Coronary Artery Disease.
AB  - Clinical decision-making for statin treatment in older patients with coronary
      artery disease (CAD) is under debate, particularly in community-dwelling frail
      patients at high risk of death. In this retrospective observational study on
      2,597 community-dwelling patients aged >=65 years with a previous hospitalization
      for CAD, we estimated mortality risk assessed with the Multidimensional
      Prognostic Index (MPI), based on the Standardized Multidimensional Assessment
      Schedule for Adults and Aged Persons (SVaMA), used to determine accessibility to
      homecare services/nursing home admission in 2005 to 2013 in the Padua Health
      District, Veneto, Italy. Participants were categorized as having mild (MPI-SVaMA
      1), moderate (MPI-SVaMA-2), and high (MPI-SVaMA-3) baseline mortality risk, and
      propensity score-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of 3-year mortality rate were
      calculated according to statin treatment in these subgroups. Greater MPI-SVaMA
      scores were associated with lower rates of statin treatment and higher 3-year
      mortality rate (MPI-SVaMA-1 = 23.4%; MPI-SVaMA-2 = 39.1%; MPI-SVaMA-3 = 76.2%).
      After adjusting for propensity score quintiles, statin treatment was associated
      with lower 3-year mortality risk irrespective of MPI-SVaMA group (HRs [95%
      confidence intervals] 0.45 [0.37 to 0.55], 0.44 [0.36 to 0.53], and 0.28 [0.21 to
      0.39] in MPI-SVaMA-1, -2, and -3 groups, respectively [interaction test p =
      0.202]). Subgroup analyses showed that statin treatment was also beneficial
      irrespective of age (HRs [95% confidence intervals] 0.38 [0.27 to 0.53], 0.45
      [0.38 to 0.54], and 0.44 [0.37 to 0.54] in 65 to 74, 75 to 84, and >=85 year age
      groups, respectively [interaction test p = 0.597]). In conclusion, in community
      dwelling frail older patients with CAD, statin treatment was significantly
      associated with reduced 3-year mortality rate irrespective of age and
      multidimensional impairment, although the frailest patients were less likely to
      be treated with statins.

PMID- 27670796
TI  - Catheter Closure Through a Venous Approach of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Small
      Pediatric Patients Using Combined Angiographic and Echocardiographic Guidance.
AB  - The standard technique of catheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) may
      be associated with arterial complications particularly in small pediatric
      patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether catheter closure of PDA
      in small children using an exclusive venous approach is a safe and effective
      alternative to closure with the standard technique. One hundred-twelve patients,
      aged 2 to 24 months, were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to catheter closure of
      PDA using the standard technique (group 1) and an exclusive venous approach
      (group 2), respectively. In group 2, the procedure was guided using hand
      injections of contrast media through the delivery sheath and 2-dimensional and
      color Doppler echocardiography. Group 1: the PDA diameter ranged from 2 to 5.5 mm
      and the device diameter ranged from 4 to 8 mm. The PDA occluders were permanently
      implanted in all patients. Five losses of the arterial pulses that were restored
      with intravenous infusion of heparin and recombinant tissue plasminogen activator
      (rtPA), and 4 groin hematomas were the main complications of the procedure. Group
      2: the mean PDA diameter ranged from 2.5 to 6 mm and the device diameter ranged
      from 3 to 8 mm. The PDA occluders were permanently implanted in all but 2
      patients. There were no complications. Complete echocardiographic closure of PDA
      at 1-month follow-up was observed in all 110 patients. Exclusive transvenous PDA
      occlusion is an effective and safe technique that prevents the arterial
      complications of the standard approach in small children.

PMID- 27670795
TI  - Magnetic Resonance Venous Volume Measurements in Peripheral Artery Disease (from
      ELIMIT).
AB  - The relation between the arterial and venous systems in patients with impaired
      lower extremity blood flow remains poorly described. The objective of this
      secondary analysis of the Effectiveness of Intensive Lipid Modification
      Medication in Preventing the Progression on Peripheral Artery Disease Trial was
      to determine the association between femoral vein (FV) volumes and measurements
      of peripheral artery disease. FV wall, lumen, and total volumes were quantified
      with fast spin-echo proton density-weighted magnetic resonance imaging scans in
      79 patients with peripheral artery disease over 2 years. Reproducibility was
      excellent for FV total vessel (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.924,
      confidence interval 0.910 to 0.935) and lumen volumes (intraclass correlation
      coefficient 0.893, confidence interval 0.873 to 0.910). Baseline superficial
      femoral artery volumes were directly associated with FV wall (r = 0.46, p
      <0.0001), lumen (r = 0.42, p = 0.0001), and total volumes (r = 0.46, p <0.0001).
      The 2-year change in maximum walking time was inversely associated with the 24
      month change in FV total volume (r = -0.45, p = 0.03). In conclusion, FV volumes
      can be measured reliably with fast spin-echo proton density-weighted magnetic
      resonance imaging, and baseline superficial femoral artery plaque burden is
      positively associated with FV volumes, whereas the 2-year change in FV volumes
      and leg function show an inverse relation.

PMID- 27670797
TI  - Effect of Beta-Blocker Therapy, Maximal Heart Rate, and Exercise Capacity During
      Stress Testing on Long-Term Survival (from The Henry Ford Exercise Testing
      Project).
AB  - Whether lower heart rate thresholds (defined as the percentage of age-predicted
      maximal heart rate achieved, or ppMHR) should be used to determine chronotropic
      incompetence in patients on beta-blocker therapy (BBT) remains unclear. In this
      retrospective cohort study, we analyzed 64,549 adults without congestive heart
      failure or atrial fibrillation (54 +/- 13 years old, 46% women, 29% black) who
      underwent clinician-referred exercise stress testing at a single health care
      system in Detroit, Michigan from 1991 to 2009, with median follow-up of 10.6
      years for all-cause mortality (interquartile range 7.7 to 14.7 years). Using Cox
      regression models, we assessed the effect of BBT, ppMHR, and estimated exercise
      capacity on mortality, with adjustment for demographic data, medical history,
      pertinent medications, and propensity to be on BBT. There were 9,259 deaths
      during follow-up. BBT was associated with an 8% lower adjusted achieved ppMHR
      (91% in no BBT vs 83% in BBT). ppMHR was inversely associated with all-cause
      mortality but with significant attenuation by BBT (per 10% ppMHR HR: no BBT: 0.80
      [0.78 to 0.82] vs BBT: 0.89 [0.87 to 0.92]). Patients on BBT who achieved 65%
      ppMHR had a similar adjusted mortality rate as those not on BBT who achieved 85%
      ppMHR (p >0.05). Estimated exercise capacity further attenuated the prognostic
      value of ppMHR (per-10%-ppMHR HR: no BBT: 0.88 [0.86 to 0.90] vs BBT: 0.95 [0.93
      to 0.98]). In conclusion, the prognostic value of ppMHR was significantly
      attenuated by BBT. For patients on BBT, a lower threshold of 65% ppMHR may be
      considered for determining worsened prognosis. Estimated exercise capacity
      further diminished the prognostic value of ppMHR particularly in patients on BBT.

PMID- 27670798
TI  - Emendation of Propionibacterium acnes subsp. acnes (Deiko et al. 2015) and
      proposal of Propionibacterium acnes type II as Propionibacterium acnes subsp.
      defendens subsp. nov.
AB  - Recently, it has been proposed that strains of Propionibacterium acnes from the
      type III genetic division should be classified as P. acnessubsp. elongatum subsp.
      nov., with strains from the type I and II divisions collectively classified as P.
      acnessubsp. acnes subsp. nov. Under such a taxonomic re-appraisal, we believe
      that types I and II should also have their own separate rank of subspecies. In
      support of this, we describe a polyphasic taxonomic study based on the analysis
      of publicly available multilocus and whole-genome sequence datasets, alongside a
      systematic review of previously published phylogenetic, genomic, phenotypic and
      clinical data. Strains of types I and II form highly distinct clades on the basis
      of multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) and whole-genome phylogenetic
      reconstructions. In silico or digital DNA-DNA similarity values also fall within
      the 70-80 % boundary recommended for bacterial subspecies. Furthermore, we see
      important differences in genome content, including the presence of an active
      CRISPR/Cas system in type II strains, but not type I, and evidence for increasing
      linkage equilibrium within the separate divisions. Key biochemical differences
      include positive test results for beta-haemolytic, neuraminidase and sorbitol
      fermentation activities with type I strains, but not type II. We now propose that
      type I strains should be classified as P. acnessubsp. acnes subsp. nov., and type
      II as P. acnessubsp. defendens subsp. nov. The type strain of P. acnessubsp.
      acnes subsp. nov. is NCTC 737T (=ATCC 6919T=JCM 6425T=DSM 1897T=CCUG 1794T),
      while the type strain of P. acnessubsp. defendens subsp. nov. is ATCC 11828 (=JCM
      6473=CCUG 6369).

PMID- 27670800
TI  - Assembly of Heterometallic Silver(I)-Copper(I) Alkyl-1,3-diynyl Clusters via
      Inner-Core Expansion.
AB  - New tetranuclear supramolecular precursors [(R-C=C-C=C)Ag]4 (R = iPr, tBu, and
      chx) are employed to construct a series of heterometallic silver(I)-copper(I)
      alkyl-1,3-diynyl cluster complexes (1-9) that bear a common CuAg3 core (normally
      trigonal-planar, but can be distorted to pyramidal) consolidated by cupro
      argentophilic interaction under 3.12 A, as found in 1 and 2. The photophysical
      properties of the multinuclear supramolecular precursors and selected complexes
      have been investigated. The present results strongly suggest that the assembly of
      medium-nuclearity clusters 3 to 9 is initiated by accretion of additional Ag(I)
      ions by the ubiquitous CuAg3 template through argentophilic (<3.4 A) interaction,
      with cooperative cuprophilic enhancement (<2.76 A) in the case of compound 9. To
      our knowledge, the present study provides the first report of conversion of a
      Group 11 homonuclear cluster into a heteronuclear one of higher nuclearity via
      inner-core expansion.

PMID- 27670799
TI  - A population-wide applicable HLA-DQ2 and DQ8 genotyping using DNA from dried
      blood spots and duplex allele-specific qPCR amplification.
AB  - Genotyping of HLA-DQ2 and DQ8 haplotypes is important for diagnosis or for
      screening of early risk detection of celiac disease or type 1 diabetes. Usually,
      venous blood DNA extraction and expensive and time consuming amplification are
      used, that hinder population-wide studies. We assayed a friendly HLA-DQ2 and DQ8
      genotyping procedure using a combination of DNA from dried blood spot (DBS) and
      duplex allele-specific qPCR amplification using SYBR Green. DNA was extracted
      using home-made buffers and compared to an extraction commercial kit. Duplex
      reactions by qPCR were designed using each Tm allele amplicon for reference
      samples (positive HLA-DQ2 or DQ8) with allele-specific primers. DBS samples from
      558 children (7.99 +/- 2.47 y) were collected. The DNA final yield obtained by
      the home-made extractive procedure was higher than from the commercial kit (1.11
      +/- 0.56 vs 0.23 +/- 0.14 MUg), while the quality was similar for both DNA
      samples. There was concordance in the amplification profiles for DNA samples
      obtained with both methods. All of four alleles from DQ2 and DQ8 haplotypes were
      accurately identified in duplex reactions. By using DBS samples and DNA
      extraction home-made procedure, the costs were reduced by 60%. The whole
      procedure is cost-effective for HLA-DQ2 and DQ8 genotyping.

PMID- 27670801
TI  - Clinical Practice Audit of Perioperative Antimicrobial Prophylaxis in a Tertiary
      Care Hospital: Do Routine Academic Activities Improve Adherence to Practice
      Guidelines?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial prophylaxis should be used in circumstances where
      efficacy has been demonstrated and benefits outweigh the risk. Each hospital must
      have an antibiotic policy that is implementable and fully adhered to. METHODS: A
      prospective observational study was conducted in 209 patients, admitted to wards
      of various surgical departments including surgery, obstetrics & gynaecology
      (O&G), otorhinolaryngology (ENT) and orthopaedics. Relevant antimicrobial use
      data of each patient was collected in a customized Case Record Form (CRF) from
      day one until patient was discharged. RESULTS: Majority of the patients were
      young adults between 19-39 years of age. Preoperative antibiotics were given in
      151 and postoperative antibiotics were prescribed in all. Third generation
      cephalosporins was the most frequently prescribed group. The selection of
      antibiotics by different departments varied greatly and many prescribed (n=85)
      two antibiotics for preoperative prophylaxis. Average duration of surgical
      prophylaxis was 6.25 days. In 90 patients, preoperative antibiotic was
      administered before 3 hours. CONCLUSION: Despite routine interactive academic
      activities, pattern of antibiotic used was not as per guidelines suggested by
      competent authorities. Interventions are warranted to promote the development,
      dissemination and adoption of evidence based antibiotic policy. The policy should
      be simple, clear, noncontroversial, clinically relevant and implementable. The
      constant monitoring with periodic audit to ensure adherence is warranted.

PMID- 27670802
TI  - MMP-TIMP interactions in cancer invasion: An evolutionary game-theoretical
      framework.
AB  - One of the main steps in solid cancers to invade surrounding tissues is
      degradation of tissue barriers in the extracellular matrix. This operation that
      leads to initiate, angiogenesis and metastasis to other organs, is essentially
      consequence of collapsing dynamic balance between matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)
      and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP). In this work, we model the
      MMP-TIMP interaction in both normal tissue and invasive cancer using evolutionary
      game theory. Our model explains how invasive cancer cells get the upper hand in
      MMP-TIMP imbalance scenarios. We investigate dynamics of them over time and
      discuss stable and nonstable states in the population. Numerical simulations
      presented here provide the identification of key genotypic features in the tumor
      invasion and a natural description for phenotypic variability. The simulation
      results are consistent with the experimental results in vitro observations
      presented in medical literature. Finally, by the provided results the necessary
      conditions to inhibit cancer invasion or prolong its course are explained. In
      this way, two therapeutic approaches with respect to how they could meet the
      required conditions are considered.

PMID- 27670803
TI  - Combination with anti-tit-for-tat remedies problems of tit-for-tat.
AB  - One of the most important questions in game theory concerns how mutual
      cooperation can be achieved and maintained in a social dilemma. In Axelrod's
      tournaments of the iterated prisoner's dilemma, Tit-for-Tat (TFT) demonstrated
      the role of reciprocity in the emergence of cooperation. However, the stability
      of TFT does not hold in the presence of implementation error, and a TFT
      population is prone to neutral drift to unconditional cooperation, which
      eventually invites defectors. We argue that a combination of TFT and anti-TFT
      (ATFT) overcomes these difficulties in a noisy environment, provided that ATFT is
      defined as choosing the opposite to the opponent's last move. According to this
      TFT-ATFT strategy, a player normally uses TFT; turns to ATFT upon recognizing his
      or her own error; returns to TFT either when mutual cooperation is recovered or
      when the opponent unilaterally defects twice in a row. The proposed strategy
      provides simple and deterministic behavioral rules for correcting implementation
      error in a way that cannot be exploited by the opponent, and suppresses the
      neutral drift to unconditional cooperation.

PMID- 27670804
TI  - Medical and psychological factors related to pain in adults with pediatric-onset
      spinal cord injury: a biopsychosocial model.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to
      determine medical and psychological correlates of pain in individuals with
      pediatric-onset spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: Shriners Hospitals for
      Children-Chicago, Philadelphia and Northern California (USA). METHODS: A total of
      187 adults who had sustained an injury before 19 years of age completed
      interviews that included medical information, standardized measures of
      psychological functioning (Beck Anxiety Inventory and Patient Health
      Questionnaire) and a comprehensive pain questionnaire to assess the location,
      frequency, intensity and duration of pain and distress and disability related to
      pain. RESULTS: The findings identified the medical and psychological correlates
      of pain. Greater symptoms of depression and anxiety were strong and consistent
      predictors of several aspects of pain, above and beyond the impact of gender,
      injury-related characteristics and secondary medical complications. DISCUSSION:
      The findings support a biopsychosocial model of the development and persistence
      of pain in individuals with pediatric-onset SCI. Interdisciplinary rehabilitation
      may incorporate psychological treatment such as cognitive-behavioral therapy to
      reduce the pain and improve functioning. The assessment and treatment of pain in
      pediatric-onset SCI is a clinical and research priority. SPONSORSHIP: This study
      is supported by funding from Shriners Hospitals for Children and the Craig H.
      Neilsen Foundation, grant #324671.

PMID- 27670805
TI  - Identification of patients with cervical SCI suitable for early nerve transfer to
      achieve hand opening.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective audit. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to
      identify the proportion of patients with cervical spinal cord injury who would
      potentially benefit from nerve transfer surgery to gain active hand opening, and
      to determine when a safe nerve transfer decision can be made. SETTING:
      Christchurch, New Zealand. METHODS: Case note review of the first 12 months
      following acute cervical spinal cord injury (2007-2012). Neurological assessment
      at 6 weeks, 12 weeks and 1 year following injury. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients
      had complete assessments and showed changes in the level of injury and severity
      of neurological injury between assessments. Forty-two percent of patients had
      motor complete C5-7 level injuries 12 weeks following injury and would benefit
      from consideration for nerve transfer to improve hand opening. Fewer (26%) would
      benefit 1 year following injury owing to a change in the neurological level of
      injury. CONCLUSIONS: Twelve-week neurological assessment identifies patients who
      may benefit from nerve transfer surgery. This enables referral for comprehensive
      upper limb assessment and reassessment of motor function to determine suitability
      for surgical intervention. Nerve transfer within the window of opportunity
      provides active hand opening for patients following cervical spinal cord injury.

PMID- 27670806
TI  - Retrospective assessment of the validity and use of the community balance and
      mobility scale among individuals with subacute spinal cord injury.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective chart review. OBJECTIVES: The objective of
      this study was to evaluate the convergent validity, internal consistency and use
      of the Community Balance & Mobility Scale (CB&M) in individuals with incomplete
      spinal cord injury (iSCI) during inpatient rehabilitation. SETTING: This study
      was conducted in an SCI rehabilitation center in Canada. METHODS: Inpatient
      charts from January 2009 to October 2015 were screened. A chart was excluded if
      the inpatient was aged >65 years, did not complete a CB&M and/or had a comorbid
      condition. Demographics, CB&M score and injury-related characteristics were
      extracted. Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Six-Minute Walk Test (6 MWT) and Ten-Meter
      Walk Test (10 mWT) scores were obtained if completed within 1 week of the CB&M.
      chi2-Tests were used to identify CB&M items that were uniformly distributed,
      implying good discrimination between individuals. Convergent validity was
      assessed by correlating (Pearson's r) CB&M scores with BBS, 6 MWT and 10 mWT
      scores. Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) was evaluated. RESULTS: Thirty
      inpatients were included (23 male, 38.3+/-15.3 years old, three AIS C, 26 AIS D,
      C1-L4, 16 traumatic). BBS scores were ?51/56; however, CB&M scores showed a wider
      range (27-82/96). Unilateral Stance, Tandem Walking, Lateral Foot Scooting,
      Forward to Backward Walking and Descending Stairs showed uniform distributions.
      Scores on the CB&M correlated strongly with scores on the 6 MWT (r=0.72, P<0.001)
      and moderately strongly with 10 mWT and BBS scores (r=0.47-0.59, P=0.004-0.013).
      Cronbach's alpha=0.87. CONCLUSIONS: The CB&M is a valid measure in high
      functioning individuals with iSCI. Prospective studies are required to further
      evaluate the psychometric properties of the CB&M as a measure of high-level
      balance for SCI.

PMID- 27670807
TI  - Self-harm and suicide before and after spinal cord injury: a systematic review.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: This is a systematic literature review. OBJECTIVES: The objectives
      of this study were to investigate, first, the proportion of spinal cord injury
      (SCI) caused by suicidal behaviour; second, the proportion of deaths in the SCI
      population caused by suicide; and third, the risk factors associated with
      suicidal behaviour. SETTING: This study was conducted in the UK. METHODS: AMED,
      EMBASE, HMIC, BNI, Medline, PsycInfo, CINAHL and HEALTH BUSINESS ELITE were
      searched between January and February 2016, identifying a total of 404 articles
      published between 1990 and 2016. Full articles, written in English, looking at
      suicide before and after SCI were selected. On the basis of the inclusion
      criteria, 22 relevant articles were included in this literature review. RESULTS:
      Studies reported that between 0 and 6.8% of individuals with SCI had acquired
      their injury as a result of attempted suicide. The predominant method used in
      these attempts was deliberate falling/jumping from buildings and bridges.
      Suicidal behaviour post SCI was frequently reported as a cause of death; studies
      reported that between 5.8 and 11% of deaths were a result of suicide. The
      predominant methods used were gunshot and overdose. Psychiatric diagnoses were
      identified to be a major risk factor for suicidal behaviour. CONCLUSION:
      Individuals with SCI are at risk of attempting suicide; this risk is increased by
      the presence of a psychiatric diagnosis. There is a crucial need for risk
      assessment and psychological intervention for individuals with mental health
      issues following SCI.

PMID- 27670808
TI  - Pregnancy in spinal cord-injured women, a cohort study of 37 pregnancies in 25
      women.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective observational study. OBJECTIVE: To describe
      specificities of pregnancy in a traumatic spinal cord-injured (SCI) population
      managed by a coordinated medical care team involving physical medicine and
      rehabilitation (PMR) physicians, urologists, infectious diseases' physicians,
      obstetricians and anaesthesiologists. SETTING: NeuroUrology Department in a
      University Hospital, France. METHODS: All consecutive SCI pregnant women managed
      between 2001 and 2014 were included. A preconceptional consultation was proposed
      whenever possible. Obstetrical and urological outcomes, delivery mode and
      complications were reported. RESULTS: Overall, thirty-seven pregnancies in 25
      women, of a mean age of 32+/-4 years, were included. Thirty-five children were
      born alive (three miscarriages, a twin pregnancy) without complications except
      for a case of neonatal respiratory distress in premature twins born at 33 weeks.
      The mean birth weight was 2979+/-599 g. Twenty-one (57%) pregnancies benefited
      from preconceptional care. A weekly oral cyclic antibiotic programme was
      prescribed in 28 (75%) pregnancies. The main complications during pregnancy
      included pyelonephritis (30%), lower urinary tract infections (UTI) (32%),
      pressure sores (8.8%) and prematurity (12% deliveries before 37 weeks, with only
      one delivery before 36 weeks). Two patients suffered from autonomic dysreflexia,
      one with serious complication (brain haematoma). Caesarean sections were
      performed for 68% of deliveries (23/34) to prevent syringomyelia deterioration
      (n=10), stress urinary incontinence aggravation (n=3) or for obstetrical reasons
      (n=7). CONCLUSIONS: Mothers' and infants' outcomes were satisfying after
      pregnancy in SCI women, but required many adjustments. Pregnancy must be prepared
      by a preconceptional consultation, and managed by a multidisciplinary team
      involving specialists of neurological disability and pregnancy.

PMID- 27670810
TI  - Response to 'On Complicity and Compromise' by Chiara Lepora and Robert Goodin.

PMID- 27670809
TI  - The Colletotrichum gloeosporioides RhoB regulates cAMP and stress response
      pathways and is required for pathogenesis.
AB  - Rho GTPases regulate morphology and multiple cellular functions such as asexual
      development, polarity establishment, and differentiation in fungi. To determine
      the roles of CgRhoB, a Rho GTPase protein, here we characterized CgRhoB in the
      poplar anthracnose fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. First of all, we
      determined that conidial germination was inhibited and intracellular cyclic AMP
      (cAMP) level was increased in the CgRhoB deletion mutants. Loss of CgRhoB
      resulted in shorter germ tubes and enhanced appressoria formation after
      germination on the hydrophobic surface. Exogenous addition of cAMP to the wild
      type generated the similar phenotypes of DeltaCgRhoB inoculated in CM liquid.
      Furthermore, deletion of CgRhoB had discernible effect upon the sensitivity of C.
      gloeosporioides to cell wall perturbing agents and altered the distribution of
      chitin on the cell wall. H2O2 sensitivity assay showed the hypersensitive effect
      on the oxidative stress, and transcriptional analysis revealed that transcription
      of genes involved in peroxidase activities was altered in the mutants. Finally,
      virulence assay revealed that CgRhoB was required for pathogenicity. Taken
      together, our results showed that CgRhoB was associated with appressoria
      formation and pathogenicity, and affected cAMP level and stress pathways.

PMID- 27670811
TI  - Risk and radical uncertainty in HIV research.
AB  - How much risk can we expose our research subjects to? There is a special
      challenge answering this question when the evidence on which we base our
      assessments of risk is fragmentary, conflicting or sparse. Such evidence does not
      support precise assignments of risk (eg, there is a 24.8% chance that this
      patient will develop AIDS in the next year if she participates in my study). At
      best it supports imprecise assignments of risk (eg, there is between a 5% and 35%
      chance that this patient will develop AIDS in the next year if she participates
      in my study). Here I discuss three approaches to evaluating risk when probability
      assignments are imprecise-an optimistic approach, a moderate approach and a
      pessimistic approach. I offer a practical reason to favour the pessimistic
      approach.

PMID- 27670812
TI  - Erratum to Cytomegalovirus pUL50 is the multi-interacting determinant of the core
      nuclear egress complex (NEC) that recruits cellular accessory NEC components.

PMID- 27670814
TI  - Signaling by sulfur-containing molecules. Quantitative aspects.
AB  - There is currently interest in sulfur-containing molecules that may or may not
      play a role in signaling. We have collected relevant thermodynamic data, namely
      standard Gibbs energies of formation and electrode potentials at pH 7, and used
      these to construct a Frost diagram. Thermodynamic data not available in the
      literature could be estimated with reasonable confidence. At pH 7, the electrode
      potential of the RSS/RSS- couple is +0.68 V, 0.28 V less than that of the RS,
      H+/RSH couple. S2- is unstable with respect to HSS- and S2. Generally, polysulfur
      compounds, with the exception of RSSR, are thermodynamically unstable with
      respect to disproportionation and ultimately lead to formation of kinetically
      inert S8(s). About thermoneutral is the formation of RSS- from RSSR and HS-, but
      formation of HNO from HS- and SNO-, and from HS- and RSNO, is unfavorable. The
      formation of SSNO-in vivo is kinetically unlikely.

PMID- 27670813
TI  - A multifaceted intervention to reduce drug-related complications in surgical
      patients.
AB  - AIM: The P-REVIEW study was a prospective, multicenter, open intervention study,
      designed to determine whether a multifaceted intervention of educating the
      prescriber combined with medication review and pharmaceutical visits to the ward
      by the hospital pharmacist could lead to a reduction in drug-related
      complications among surgical patients. METHODS: A total of 6780 admissions of
      5940 patients to surgical, urological and orthopaedic wards during the usual care
      period and 6484 admissions of 5711 patients during the intervention period were
      included. An educational programme covering pain management, antithrombotics,
      fluid and electrolyte management, prescription in case of renal insufficiency and
      antibiotics was developed. National and local hospital guidelines were included.
      Hospital pharmacists performed medication safety consultations, combining
      medication review of high-risk patients and a visit to the physician on the ward.
      RESULTS: A significantly lower proportion of admissions with one or more
      clinically relevant, potentially preventable, drug-related problems (including
      death, temporary or sustained disability, increased length of hospital stay or
      readmission within 30 days) occurred in the intervention period (1.1% (73/6484)
      compared to the usual care period [1.6% (106/6780)] (P = 0.029). The relative
      risk (RR) was 0.72 (95% CI 0.53-0.97). Several types of drug-related problems
      occurred less frequently. Costs incurred as result of time spent on study-related
      activities were not different before and after the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The
      P-REVIEW study shows that education and support of the prescribing physician with
      respect to high-risk patients in surgical departments leads to a significant,
      clinically relevant benefit for patients without generating additional costs.

PMID- 27670815
TI  - Behavioural fever in zebrafish larvae.
AB  - Behavioural fever has been reported in different species of mobile ectotherms
      including the zebrafish, Danio rerio, in response to exogenous pyrogens. In this
      study we report, to our knowledge for the first time, upon the ontogenic onset of
      behavioural fever in zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae. For this, zebrafish larvae
      (from first feeding to juveniles) were placed in a continuous thermal gradient
      providing the opportunity to select their preferred temperature. The novel
      thermal preference aquarium was based upon a continuous vertical column system
      and allows for non-invasive observation of larvae vertical distribution under
      isothermal (TR at 28  degrees C) and thermal gradient conditions (TCH: 28-32 
      degrees C). Larval thermal preference was assessed under both conditions with or
      without an immersion challenge, in order to detect the onset of the behavioural
      fever response. Our results defined the onset of the dsRNA induced behavioural
      fever at 18-20 days post fertilization (dpf). Significant differences were
      observed in dsRNA challenged larvae, which prefer higher temperatures (1-4 
      degrees C increase) throughout the experimental period as compared to non
      challenged larvae. In parallel we measured the abundance of antiviral
      transcripts; viperin, gig2, irf7, trim25 and Mxb mRNAs in dsRNA challenged larvae
      under both thermal regimes: TR and TCh. Significant increases in the abundance of
      all measured transcripts were recorded under thermal choice conditions signifying
      that thermo-coupling and the resultant enhancement of the immune response to
      dsRNA challenge occurs from 18 dpf onwards in the zebrafish. The results are of
      importance as they identify a key developmental stage where the neuro-immune
      interface matures in the zebrafish likely providing increased resistance to viral
      infection.

PMID- 27670816
TI  - Evolutionary and Functional Analysis of Membrane-Bound NAC Transcription Factor
      Genes in Soybean.
AB  - Functional divergence is thought to be an important evolutionary driving force
      for the retention of duplicate genes. We reconstructed the evolutionary history
      of soybean (Glycine max) membrane-bound NAC transcription factor (NTL) genes.
      NTLs are thought to be components of stress signaling and unique in their
      requirement for proteolytic cleavage to free them from the membrane. Most of the
      15 GmNTL genes appear to have evolved under strong purifying selection. By
      analyzing the phylogenetic tree and gene synteny, we identified seven duplicate
      gene pairs generated by the latest whole-genome duplication. The members of each
      pair were shown to have variously diverged at the transcriptional (organ
      specificity and responsiveness to stress), posttranscriptional (alternative
      splicing), and protein (proteolysis-mediated membrane release and transactivation
      activity) levels. The dormant (full-length protein) and active (protein without a
      transmembrane motif) forms of one pair of duplicated gene products
      (GmNTL1/GmNLT11) were each separately constitutively expressed in Arabidopsis
      (Arabidopsis thaliana). The heteroexpression of active but not dormant forms of
      these proteins caused improved tolerance to abiotic stresses, suggesting that
      membrane release was required for their functionality. Arabidopsis carrying the
      dormant form of GmNTL1 was more tolerant to hydrogen peroxide, which induces its
      membrane release. Tolerance was not increased in the line carrying dormant
      GmNTL11, which was not released by hydrogen peroxide treatment. Thus, NTL-release
      pattern changes may cause phenotypic divergence. It was concluded that a variety
      of functional divergences contributed to the retention of these GmNTL duplicates.

PMID- 27670820
TI  - Man vs. manikin revisited - the ethical boundaries of simulating difficult
      airways in patients.

PMID- 27670818
TI  - Disclosing the Molecular Basis of the Postharvest Life of Berry in Different
      Grapevine Genotypes.
AB  - The molecular events that characterize postripening grapevine berries have rarely
      been investigated and are poorly defined. In particular, a detailed definition of
      changes occurring during the postharvest dehydration, a process undertaken to
      make some particularly special wine styles, would be of great interest for both
      winemakers and plant biologists. We report an exhaustive survey of transcriptomic
      and metabolomic responses in berries representing six grapevine genotypes
      subjected to postharvest dehydration under identical controlled conditions. The
      modulation of phenylpropanoid metabolism clearly distinguished the behavior of
      genotypes, with stilbene accumulation as the major metabolic event, although the
      transient accumulation/depletion of anthocyanins and flavonols was the prevalent
      variation in genotypes that do not accumulate stilbenes. The modulation of genes
      related to phenylpropanoid/stilbene metabolism highlighted the distinct
      metabolomic plasticity of genotypes, allowing for the identification of candidate
      structural and regulatory genes. In addition to genotype-specific responses, a
      core set of genes was consistently modulated in all genotypes, representing the
      common features of berries undergoing dehydration and/or commencing senescence.
      This included genes controlling ethylene and auxin metabolism as well as genes
      involved in oxidative and osmotic stress, defense responses, anaerobic
      respiration, and cell wall and carbohydrate metabolism. Several transcription
      factors were identified that may control these shared processes in the
      postharvest berry. Changes representing both common and genotype-specific
      responses to postharvest conditions shed light on the cellular processes taking
      place in harvested berries stored under dehydrating conditions for several
      months.

PMID- 27670817
TI  - The Genetics of Leaf Flecking in Maize and Its Relationship to Plant Defense and
      Disease Resistance.
AB  - Physiological leaf spotting, or flecking, is a mild-lesion phenotype observed on
      the leaves of several commonly used maize (Zea mays) inbred lines and has been
      anecdotally linked to enhanced broad-spectrum disease resistance. Flecking was
      assessed in the maize nested association mapping (NAM) population, comprising
      4,998 recombinant inbred lines from 25 biparental families, and in an association
      population, comprising 279 diverse maize inbreds. Joint family linkage analysis
      was conducted with 7,386 markers in the NAM population. Genome-wide association
      tests were performed with 26.5 million single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in
      the NAM population and with 246,497 SNPs in the association population, resulting
      in the identification of 18 and three loci associated with variation in flecking,
      respectively. Many of the candidate genes colocalizing with associated SNPs are
      similar to genes that function in plant defense response via cell wall
      modification, salicylic acid- and jasmonic acid-dependent pathways, redox
      homeostasis, stress response, and vesicle trafficking/remodeling. Significant
      positive correlations were found between increased flecking, stronger defense
      response, increased disease resistance, and increased pest resistance. A
      nonlinear relationship with total kernel weight also was observed whereby lines
      with relatively high levels of flecking had, on average, lower total kernel
      weight. We present evidence suggesting that mild flecking could be used as a
      selection criterion for breeding programs trying to incorporate broad-spectrum
      disease resistance.

PMID- 27670821
TI  - Thermal conductivity of amorphous Al2O3/TiO2 nanolaminates deposited by atomic
      layer deposition.
AB  - The thermophysical properties of Al2O3/TiO2 nanolaminates deposited by atomic
      layer deposition (ALD) are studied as a function of bilayer thickness and
      relative TiO2 content (0%-100%) while the total nominal thickness of the
      nanolaminates was kept at 100 nm. Cross-plane thermal conductivity of the
      nanolaminates is measured at room temperature using the nanosecond transient
      thermoreflectance method. Based on the measurements, the nanolaminates have
      reduced thermal conductivity as compared to the pure amorphous thin films,
      suggesting that interfaces have a non-negligible effect on thermal transport in
      amorphous nanolaminates. For a fixed number of interfaces, we find that
      approximately equal material content of Al2O3 and TiO2 produces the lowest value
      of thermal conductivity. The thermal conductivity reduces with increasing
      interface density up to 0.4 nm(-1), above which the thermal conductivity is found
      to be constant. The value of thermal interface resistance approximated by the use
      of diffuse mismatch model was found to be 0.45 m(2) K GW(-1), and a comparative
      study employing this value supports the interpretation of non-negligible
      interface resistance affecting the overall thermal conductivity also in the
      amorphous limit. Finally, no clear trend in thermal conductivity values was found
      for nanolaminates grown at different deposition temperatures, suggesting that the
      temperature in the ALD process has a non-trivial while modest effect on the
      overall thermal conductivity in amorphous nanolaminates. 

PMID- 27670822
TI  - The art of presenting - Failures, fonts and the future.
AB  - Many of you, like me, will have given countless presentations throughout your
      career and to wide and varied audiences. I too, like many of you, have never been
      formally taught how to present, if that is such a thing. So, I got to thinking:
      in any case, who are "expert presenter" teachers? Some people have it and some
      people do not - right? In this short piece, I explore what it is to present, how
      this evolves, and try to pin down the why rather than the how and give you a
      little insight into my haphazard journey along this process.

PMID- 27670819
TI  - Phloem Transport of the Receptor DWARF14 Protein Is Required for Full Function of
      Strigolactones.
AB  - The cell-to-cell transport of signaling molecules is essential for multicellular
      organisms to coordinate the action of their cells. Recent studies identified
      DWARF14 (D14) as a receptor of strigolactones (SLs), molecules that act as plant
      hormones and inhibit shoot branching. Here, we demonstrate that RAMOSUS3, a pea
      ortholog of D14, works as a graft-transmissible signal to suppress shoot
      branching. In addition, we show that D14 protein is contained in phloem sap and
      transported through the phloem to axillary buds in rice. SLs are not required for
      the transport of D14 protein. Disruption of D14 transport weakens the suppression
      of axillary bud outgrowth of rice. Taken together, we conclude that the D14
      protein works as an intercellular signaling molecule to fine-tune SL function.
      Our findings provide evidence that the intercellular transport of a receptor can
      regulate the action of plant hormones.

PMID- 27670824
TI  - [Immunology and immunosuppression in kidney transplantation. ABO and HLA
      incompatible kidney transplantation].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To perform a state of the art about immunological features in renal
      transplantation, immunosuppressive drugs and their mechanisms of action and
      immunologically high risk transplantations such as ABO and HLA-incompatible
      transplantation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An exhaustive systematic review of the
      scientific literature was performed in the Medline database
      (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) and Embase (http://www.embase.com) using different
      associations of the following keywords (MESH): "allogenic response; allograft;
      immunosuppression; ABO incompatible transplantation; donor specific antibodies;
      HLA incompatible; desensitization; kidney transplantation". Publications obtained
      were selected based on methodology, language, date of publication (last 10 years)
      and relevance. Prospective and retrospective studies, in English or French,
      review articles; meta-analysis and guidelines were selected and analyzed. This
      search found 4717 articles. After reading titles and abstracts, 141 were included
      in the text, based on their relevance. RESULTS: The considerable step in
      comprehension and knowledge allogeneic response this last few years allowed a
      better used of immunosuppression and the discover of news immunosuppressive
      drugs. In the first part of this article, the allogeneic response will be
      described. The different classes of immunosuppressive drugs will be presented and
      the actual management of immunosuppression will be discussed. Eventually, the
      modalities and results of immunologically high-risk transplantations such as ABO
      and HLA incompatible transplantations will be reported. CONCLUSIONS: The
      knowledge and the control of allogeneic response to allogeneic graft allowed the
      development of renal transplantation.

PMID- 27670825
TI  - Epigenetic and genetic changes in soft tissue sarcomas: a review.
AB  - Soft tissue sarcomas are a versatile group of tumors with a proposed origin from
      mesenchymal stem cells. During recent years, the molecular biologic mechanisms
      behind the histogenesis of these tumors have become clearer. In addition to
      translocations and other genomic changes, epigenetic mechanisms have been shown
      to be greatly involved in the histogenesis of sarcomas as well as other cancers.
      Even though the molecular mechanisms behind sarcomas appear to be more complex
      than previously expected, epigenetic mechanisms bring new opportunities and means
      for the treatment of these complex diseases.

PMID- 27670826
TI  - Hyperpolarized 13 C,15 N2 -Urea MRI for assessment of the urea gradient in the
      porcine kidney.
AB  - PURPOSE: A decline in cortico-medullary osmolality gradient of the kidney may
      serve as an early indicator of pathological disruption of the tubular
      reabsorption process. The purpose of this study was to investigate the
      feasibility of hyperpolarized 13 C,15 N2 -urea MRI as a biomarker of renal
      function in healthy porcine kidneys resembling the human physiology. METHODS:
      Five healthy female Danish domestic pigs (weight 30 kg) were scanned at 3 Tesla
      (T) using a 13 C 3D balanced steady-state MR pulse sequence following injection
      of hyperpolarized 13 C,15 N2 -urea via a femoral vein catheter. Images were
      acquired at different time points after urea injection, and following treatment
      with furosemide. RESULTS: A gradient in cortico-medullary urea was observed with
      an intramedullary accumulation 75 s after injection of hyperpolarized 13 C,15 N2 
      urea, whereas images acquired at earlier time points postinjection were dominated
      by cortical perfusion. Furosemide treatment resulted in an increased urea
      accumulation in the cortical space, leading to a reduction of the medullary-to
      cortical signal ratio of 49%. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that
      hyperpolarized 13 C,15 N2 -urea MRI is capable of identifying the intrarenal
      accumulation of urea and can differentiate acute renal functional states in
      multipapillary kidneys, highlighting the potential for human translation. Magn
      Reson Med 76:1895-1899, 2016. (c) 2016 International Society for Magnetic
      Resonance in Medicine.

PMID- 27670823
TI  - The IASLC Mesothelioma Staging Project: Improving Staging of a Rare Disease
      Through International Participation.
AB  - For nearly 40 years, there was no generally accepted staging system for malignant
      pleural mesothelioma. In 1994, members of the International Mesothelioma Interest
      Group, in collaboration with the International Association for the Study of Lung
      Cancer, proposed a TNM staging system based on analyses of outcomes in
      retrospective surgical series and small clinical trials. Subsequently accepted by
      the American Joint Commission on Cancer and the Union for International Cancer
      Control for the sixth editions of their staging manuals, this system has since
      been the international staging standard. However, it has significant limitations,
      particularly with respect to clinical staging and to the categories for lymph
      node staging. Here we provide an overview of the development of the International
      Association for the Study of Lung Cancer malignant pleural mesothelioma staging
      database, which was designed to address these limitations through the development
      of a large international data set. Analyses of this database, described in papers
      linked to this overview, are being used to inform revisions in the eighth
      editions of the American Joint Commission on Cancer and Union for International
      Cancer Control staging systems.

PMID- 27670827
TI  - Interactive patient blood management dashboards used in Western Australia.

PMID- 27670828
TI  - Atypical N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis and a hippocampal tumour.

PMID- 27670830
TI  - A comment on Starcevic (2016) the case of food addiction.

PMID- 27670829
TI  - The borderline paradox.

PMID- 27670831
TI  - Paediatric bipolar disorder: What are the dangers of treating a hypothetical
      disorder as a real disease?

PMID- 27670832
TI  - Data transparency in clinical trials: Implications of Restoring Study 329.

PMID- 27670833
TI  - Commentary on Galletly et al. (2016), The Royal Australian and New Zealand
      College of Psychiatrists clinical practice guidelines for the management of
      schizophrenia and related disorders.

PMID- 27670834
TI  - Plasmonic Metasurfaces with Conjugated Polymers for Flexible Electronic Paper in
      Color.
AB  - A flexible electronic paper in full color is realized by plasmonic metasurfaces
      with conjugated polymers. An ultrathin large-area electrochromic material is
      presented which provides high polarization-independent reflection, strong
      contrast, fast response time, and long-term stability. This technology opens up
      for new electronic readers and posters with ultralow power consumption.

PMID- 27670835
TI  - Systematic meta-analyses and field synopsis of genetic and epigenetic studies in
      paediatric inflammatory bowel disease.
AB  - We provide a comprehensive field synopsis of genetic and epigenetic associations
      for paediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). A systematic review was
      performed and included 84 genetic association studies reporting data for 183
      polymorphisms in 71 genes. Meta-analyses were conducted for 20 SNPs in 10 genes
      of paediatric Crohn's disease (CD) and for 8 SNPs in 5 genes of paediatric
      ulcerative colitis (UC). Five epigenetic studies were also included, but formal
      meta-analysis was not possible. Venice criteria and Bayesian false discovery
      probability test were applied to assess the credibility of associations. Nine
      SNPs in 4 genes were considered to have highly credible associations with
      paediatric CD, of which four variants (rs2066847, rs12521868, rs26313667,
      rs1800629) were not previously identified in paediatric GWAS. Differential DNA
      methylation in NOD2 and TNF-alpha, dysregulated expression in let-7 and miR-124
      were associated with paediatric IBD, but not as yet replicated. Highly credible
      SNPs associated with paediatric IBD have also been implicated in adult IBD, with
      similar magnitudes of associations. Early onset and distinct phenotypic features
      of paediatric IBD might be due to distinct epigenetic changes, but these findings
      need to be replicated. Further progress identifying genetic and epigenetic
      susceptibility of paediatric IBD will require international collaboration,
      population diversity and harmonization of protocols.

PMID- 27670836
TI  - Crystal structure of nonphosphorylated receiver domain of the stress response
      regulator RcsB from Escherichia coli.
AB  - RcsB, the transcription-associated response regulator of the Rcs phosphorelay two
      component signal transduction system, activates cell stress responses associated
      with desiccation, cell wall biosynthesis, cell division, virulence, biofilm
      formation, and antibiotic resistance in enteric bacterial pathogens. RcsB belongs
      to the FixJ/NarL family of transcriptional regulators, which are characterized by
      a highly conserved C-terminal DNA-binding domain. The N-terminal domain of RcsB
      belongs to the family of two-component receiver domains. This receiver domain
      contains the phosphoacceptor site and participates in RcsB dimer formation; it
      also contributes to dimer formation with other transcription factor partners.
      Here, we describe the crystal structure of the Escherichia coli RcsB receiver
      domain in its nonphosphorylated state. The structure reveals important molecular
      details of phosphorylation-independent dimerization of RcsB and has implication
      for the formation of heterodimers.

PMID- 27670837
TI  - Investigations into the temporal development of epitheliocystis infections in
      brown trout: a histological study.
AB  - Epitheliocystis in Swiss brown trout (Salmo trutta) is a chlamydial infection,
      mainly caused by Candidatus Piscichlamydia salmonis and Candidatus Clavichlamydia
      salmonicola. To gain a better understanding of the temporal development of
      infections in wild brown trout, we investigated epitheliocystis infections during
      the course of the summer and autumn months of a single year (2015), and compared
      this to sampling points over the span of the years 2012-2014. The survey focused
      on tributaries (Venoge and Boiron) of the Rhone flowing in to Lake Geneva. When
      evaluated histologically, epitheliocystis infections were found throughout the
      period of investigation with the exception of the month of June. Fifty to 86
      animals per sampling were investigated. Highest prevalence and infection
      intensities were seen in September. A correlation between epitheliocystis
      infection and water temperatures was not evident. Interyear comparison revealed
      consistent levels of prevalence and infection intensities in late summer. The
      absence of infections in June, combined with the consistent interyear results,
      indicates seasonal fluctuation of epitheliocystis infections in brown trout with
      a reservoir persisting during winter months from which infections can re-initiate
      each year. This could either be at levels below detection limits within the brown
      trout population itself or in an alternative host.

PMID- 27670838
TI  - Patterns of structural and defense investments in fine roots of Scots pine (Pinus
      sylvestris L.) across a strong temperature and latitudinal gradient in Europe.
AB  - Plant functional traits may be altered as plants adapt to various environmental
      constraints. Cold, low fertility growing conditions are often associated with
      root adjustments to increase acquisition of limiting nutrient resources, but they
      may also result in construction of roots with reduced uptake potential but higher
      tissue persistence. It is ultimately unclear whether plants produce fine roots of
      different structure in response to decreasing temperatures and whether these
      changes represent a trade-off between root function or potential root
      persistence. We assessed patterns of root construction based on various root
      morphological, biochemical and defense traits including root diameter, specific
      root length (SRL), root tissue density (RTD), C:N ratio, phenolic compounds, and
      number of phellem layers across up to 10 root orders in diverse populations of
      Scots pine along a 2000-km climatic gradient in Europe. Our results showed that
      different root traits are related to mean annual temperature (MAT) and expressed
      a pattern of higher root diameter and lower SRL and RTD in northern sites with
      lower MAT. Among absorptive roots, we observed a gradual decline in chemical
      defenses (phenolic compounds) with decreasing MAT. In contrast, decreasing MAT
      resulted in an increase of structural protection (number of phellem layers) in
      transport fine roots. This indicated that absorptive roots with high capacity for
      nutrient uptake, and transport roots with low uptake capacity, were characterized
      by distinct and contrasting trade-offs. Our observations suggest that diminishing
      structural and chemical investments into the more distal, absorptive roots in
      colder climates is consistent with building roots of higher absorptive capacity.
      At the same time, roots that play a more prominent role in transport of nutrients
      and water within the root system saw an increase in structural investment, which
      can increase persistence and reduce long-term costs associated with their
      frequent replacement.

PMID- 27670839
TI  - Tocilizumab-induced pancreatitis: case report and review of data from the FDA
      Adverse Event Reporting System.
AB  - WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Tocilizumab (TCZ) is a humanized monoclonal antibody
      acting against the IL-6 receptor. It is a drug used in the treatment of
      rheumatoid arthritis and can be either given intravenously every 4 weeks or
      subcutaneously once a week. Known adverse events (AE) associated with TCZ
      include: infections of the upper respiratory tract, arterial hypertension,
      hypercholesterolaemia and hypertriglyceridaemia. Here, we present the first well
      documented case of TCZ-induced acute pancreatitis (AP) and a systematic review of
      the literature including data from the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event
      Reporting System (FAERS) database. METHODS: Patient data collection was performed
      within the Berlin Case-Control Surveillance Study. A literature search for TCZ
      induced AP was conducted. Analysis of the FAERS database concerning TCZ
      associated pancreatic AE from the period of 2009 until the first quarter of 2013
      was conducted. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: A 40-year-old man presented with a 2-day
      history of progressive upper abdominal pain with elevated serum lipase and
      triglyceride levels. Biliary pancreatitis was ruled out by abdominal sonography
      and CT scan. Cessation of intravenously administered TCZ resulted in improvement
      of the patient's condition and a decline in elevated laboratory values,
      suggesting a probable relationship between TCZ intake and AP. Analysis of the
      FAERS database retrieved 52 cases of TCZ-associated AP that accounted for 70% of
      all pancreatic AE in association with TCZ use. Further literature search detected
      three additional cases in which TCZ use was associated with AP. WHAT IS NEW AND
      CONCLUSION: Physicians should be aware of the probable association between TCZ
      use and AP. Targeted post-authorization studies are needed to confirm and
      quantify the risk of TCZ-induced AP.

PMID- 27670841
TI  - Hyperexcitability of Mesencephalic Trigeminal Neurons and Reorganization of Ion
      Channel Expression in a Rett Syndrome Model.
AB  - People with Rett syndrome (RTT) have defects in motor function also seen in Mecp2
      null mice. Motor function depends on not only central motor commands but also
      sensory feedback that is vulnerable to changes in excitability of propriosensory
      neurons. Here we report evidence for hyperexcitability of mesencephalic
      trigeminal (Me5) neurons in Mecp2-null mice and a novel cellular mechanism for
      lowering its impact. In in vitro brain slices, the Me5 neurons in both Mecp2-/Y
      male and symptomatic Mecp2+/- female mice were overly excitable showing increased
      firing activity in comparison to their wild-type (WT) male and asymptomatic
      counterparts. In Mecp2-/Y males, Me5 neurons showed a reduced firing threshold.
      Consistently, the steady-state activation of voltage-gated Na+ currents (INa )
      displayed a hyperpolarizing shift in the Mecp2-null neurons with no change in the
      INa density. This seems to be due to NaV1.1, SCN1B and SCN4B overexpression and
      NaV1.2 and SCN3B under-expression. In contrast to the hyperexcitability, the sag
      potential and postinhibitory rebound (PIR) were reduced in Mecp2-null mice. In
      voltage-clamp, the IH density was deficient by ~33%, and the steady-state half
      activation had a depolarizing shift of ~10 mV in the Mecp2-null mice.
      Quantitative PCR analysis indicated that HCN2 was decreased, HCN1 was upregulated
      with no change in HCN4 in Mecp2-/Y mice compared to WT. Lastly, blocking IH
      reduced the firing rate much more in WT than in Mecp2-null neurons. These data
      suggest that the Mecp2 defect causes an increase in Me5 neuronal excitability
      likely attributable to alterations in INa , meanwhile IH is reduced likely
      altering neuronal excitability as well. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 1151-1164, 2017.
      (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27670840
TI  - Improvement in the prognosis and development of patients with methylmalonic
      acidemia after living donor liver transplant.
AB  - Liver transplant is a treatment option for patients with MMA-emia. While this
      therapy does not bring about a complete cure, it is expected to prolong survival
      and improve the QOL of patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the
      significance of LDLT for patients with MMA-emia in Japan. Clinical information on
      13 patients with MMA-emia who underwent LDLT was acquired using a self-developed
      questionnaire sent to the doctors who provided medical care to patients with MMA
      emia after LDLT. Almost all of the patients continued on a protein-restricted
      diet, and the number of acidosis attacks had significantly decreased. Physical
      growth had recovered to within the normal range by 2.5 years after LDLT,
      especially in patients who underwent LDLT before the age of 1 year. The average
      propionyl carnitine (C3) level had significantly decreased after LDLT, and the
      DQs had not worsened. Liver transplant should be performed for MMA-emia in early
      life. This can be expected to maintain neurological development and improve the
      growth and QOL of patients. However, LDLT is not a curative treatment for MMA
      emia. A protein-restricted diet should be continued, and renal function should be
      monitored closely, with consideration of a renal transplant.

PMID- 27670842
TI  - Genetically encoded photocrosslinkers for identifying and mapping protein-protein
      interactions in living cells.
AB  - Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) play pivotal roles in regulation of many
      biological processes. Conventional methods are capable of investigating stable
      and strong interactions within protein complexes, but remain difficult for
      studying dynamic, transient, and weak PPIs. Herein we review photo-affinity
      unnatural amino acids that can be site-specifically incorporated into a protein
      of interest to covalently trap noncovalent PPIs under living conditions. A newly
      developed cleavable photocrosslinker from our group will also be introduced,
      which facilitated the prey-bait separation for better enrichment and
      identification of photocrosslinked PPI complexes. (c) 2016 IUBMB Life, 68(11):879
      886, 2016.

PMID- 27670843
TI  - The Importance of a Maximum Threshold for Quality Indicators of a Breast Unit.

PMID- 27670845
TI  - Redefining dependency - a way forward.

PMID- 27670844
TI  - Monocytic MKP-1 is a Sensor of the Metabolic Environment and Regulates Function
      and Phenotypic Fate of Monocyte-Derived Macrophages in Atherosclerosis.
AB  - Diabetes promotes the S-glutathionylation, inactivation and subsequent
      degradation of mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase 1 (MKP-1) in blood
      monocytes, and hematopoietic MKP-1-deficiency in atherosclerosis-prone mice
      accelerates atherosclerotic lesion formation, but the underlying mechanisms were
      not known. Our aim was to determine the mechanisms through which MKP-1 deficiency
      in monocytes and macrophages promotes atherogenesis. Transplantation of MKP-1
      deficient bone marrow into LDL-R-/- (MKP-1LeuKO) mice accelerated high-fat diet
      (HFD)-induced atherosclerotic lesion formation. After 12 weeks of HFD feeding,
      MKP-1LeuKO mice showed increased lesion size in both the aortic root (1.2-fold)
      and the aorta (1.6-fold), despite reduced plasma cholesterol levels. Macrophage
      content was increased in lesions of MKP-1LeuKO mice compared to mice that
      received wildtype bone marrow. After only 6 weeks on a HFD, in vivo chemotactic
      activity of monocytes was already significantly increased in MKP-1LeuKO mice. MKP
      1 deficiency in monocytes and macrophages promotes and accelerates
      atherosclerotic lesion formation by hyper-sensitizing monocytes to chemokine
      induced recruitment, predisposing macrophages to M1 polarization, decreased
      autophagy and oxysterol-induced cell death whereas overexpression of MKP-1
      protects macrophages against metabolic stress-induced dysfunction. MKP-1 serves
      as a master-regulator of macrophage phenotype and function and its dysregulation
      by metabolic stress may be a major contributor to atherogenesis and the
      progression of atherosclerotic plaques.

PMID- 27670846
TI  - 3D Quantification of Low-Coordinate Surface Atom Density: Bridging Catalytic
      Activity to Concave Facets of Nanocatalysts in Fuel Cells.
AB  - A protocol to quantify the distribution of surface atoms of concave nanocatalysts
      according to their coordination number is proposed. The 3D surface of an Au@Pd
      concave nanocube is reconstructed and segmented. The crystallographic coordinates
      and low-coordinate surface atom densities of the concave facets are determined.
      The result shows that 32% of the surface atoms are low-coordinated, which may
      contribute to the high activity.

PMID- 27670847
TI  - Staging research of human lung cancer tissues by high-resolution magic angle
      spinning proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (HRMAS 1 H NMR) and
      multivariate data analysis.
AB  - AIM: High-resolution magic-angle spinning proton nuclear magnetic resonance
      (HRMAS 1 H NMR) spectroscopy technique was employed to analyze the metabonomic
      characterizations of lung cancer tissues in hope to identify potential diagnostic
      biomarkers for malignancy detection and staging research of lung tissues.
      METHODS: HRMAS 1 H NMR spectroscopy technique can rapidly provide important
      information for accurate diagnosis and staging of cancer tissues owing to its
      noninvasive nature and limited requirement for the samples, and thus has been
      acknowledged as an excellent tool to investigate tissue metabolism and provide a
      more realistic insight into the metabonomics of tissues when combined with
      multivariate data analysis (MVDA) such as component analysis and orthogonal
      partial least squares-discriminant analysis in particular. RESULTS: HRMAS 1 H NMR
      spectra displayed the metabonomic differences of 32 lung cancer tissues at the
      different stages from 32 patients. The significant changes (P < 0.05) of some
      important metabolites such as lipids, aspartate and choline-containing compounds
      in cancer tissues at the different stages had been identified. Furthermore, the
      combination of HRMAS 1 H NMR spectroscopy and MVDA might potentially and
      precisely provided for a high sensitivity, specificity, prediction accuracy in
      the positive identification of the staging for the cancer tissues in contrast
      with the pathological data in clinic. CONCLUSION: This study highlighted the
      potential of metabonomics in clinical settings so that the techniques might be
      further exploited for the diagnosis and staging prediction of lung cancer in
      future.

PMID- 27670848
TI  - The role of older siblings in infant motor development.
AB  - Previous research has suggested that infant motor skills may be affected by older
      siblings but has not considered whether this is due to specific characteristics
      of the older sibling or of the quality of the sibling relationship. The current
      study used a longitudinal diary method to record infant motor milestones from 23
      infants with older siblings along with parent reports and standardized
      assessments of motor skills. Parent reports of the older siblings' motor skills
      and the sibling relationship were also collected until the infants were 18months
      old. The motor skills, age, and sex of the older siblings were not significantly
      related to any measure of infant motor development. A significant correlation was
      revealed between perceived agonism between siblings and infant fine motor skills
      at 18months, suggesting the importance of considering reciprocal effects of motor
      development on sibling relationships. Overall, the suggestion that older siblings
      may provide a good model of motor skills for infants is not supported by the
      current data. In the future, it will be important to assess the dynamic
      interactions between different factors in predicting infant motor development,
      allowing early identification of motor difficulties, which could affect other
      areas of cognitive development and health.

PMID- 27670849
TI  - Identifying and removing the cell-cycle effect from single-cell RNA-Sequencing
      data.
AB  - Single-cell RNA-Sequencing (scRNA-Seq) is a revolutionary technique for
      discovering and describing cell types in heterogeneous tissues, yet its
      measurement of expression often suffers from large systematic bias. A major
      source of this bias is the cell cycle, which introduces large within-cell-type
      heterogeneity that can obscure the differences in expression between cell types.
      The current method for removing the cell-cycle effect is unable to effectively
      identify this effect and has a high risk of removing other biological components
      of interest, compromising downstream analysis. We present ccRemover, a new method
      that reliably identifies the cell-cycle effect and removes it. ccRemover
      preserves other biological signals of interest in the data and thus can serve as
      an important pre-processing step for many scRNA-Seq data analyses. The
      effectiveness of ccRemover is demonstrated using simulation data and three real
      scRNA-Seq datasets, where it boosts the performance of existing clustering
      algorithms in distinguishing between cell types.

PMID- 27670850
TI  - Differences between the United States and Japan in labels of oncological drugs.
AB  - PURPOSE: Our study addresses how the information in the labels differed between
      United States (US) and Japan, what factors were associated with the decision to
      place the boxed warning on the label, and the relation of both countries in terms
      of drug label policy. METHODS: We investigated adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in
      boxed warnings for 44 oncological drug labels approved from 2004 to 2014 in both
      Japan and the US. We applied conditional logistic regression to examine how
      likely it was for each ADR to be included in a boxed warning. RESULTS: There were
      substantial differences in all sections of the labels. The concordance rate
      between US and Japanese labels was 44.1% for serious adverse reactions and 30.5%
      for boxed warnings. Our regression analysis indicated that deaths and/or
      terminations related to specific ADRs reported in clinical trials were
      significantly associated with inclusion of the ADR in boxed warnings in Japan,
      but not in the US. The boxed warnings of similar drugs seemed to affect those of
      follow-on drugs in both countries. US drug labels were likely to influence
      Japanese labels, but not vice versa. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the
      observed differences are not solely due to differences in clinical outcomes
      between the two countries, but rather due to differences in regulatory
      considerations and historical factors in both local and global contexts. Further
      research is needed to examine the impact of these differences on public health
      and to determine how and to what extent we should intervene with this status quo.
      Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27670851
TI  - Comparison of shockwave frequencies of 30 and 60 shocks per minute for kidney
      stones: a prospective randomized study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: One of the factors that determines the treatment success of shockwave
      lithotripsy (SWL) is the frequency of the shockwaves during the procedure. This
      study compared the efficacy and pain perception of shockwave frequencies at 30
      versus 60 shocks/min for kidney stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From August 2013
      to May 2015, 160 patients with solitary, radiopaque kidney stones were randomized
      to SWL at 30 shocks/min (group 1) or 60 shocks/min (group 2), with 80 patients in
      each group. The primary outcome measure was success rate at 3 months after the
      last SWL session. The secondary outcome measure was pain perception during the
      procedures. RESULTS: Of the 160 randomized patients, data for a total of 148
      patients (74 patients in group 1 and 74 patients in group 2) were analyzed, after
      the exclusion of the patients lost to follow-up or who required secondary
      intervention within 3 months. There was no statistically significant difference
      between the two groups in terms of the success rate at 3 months (68.9% vs 71.6%,
      p = .719). However, the mean visual analogue scale scores of all the sessions
      were significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2 (5.83 vs 4.06, p < .05).
      Stone location, especially the lower calyceal location, was the only significant
      negative predictor for success according to multivariate logistic regression
      analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The success rate was similar between these two
      frequencies. However, pain perception was significantly higher at 30 than at 60
      shocks/min.

PMID- 27670852
TI  - Next Generation Sequencing of Pooled Samples: Guideline for Variants' Filtering.
AB  - Sequencing large number of individuals, which is often needed for population
      genetics studies, is still economically challenging despite falling costs of Next
      Generation Sequencing (NGS). Pool-seq is an alternative cost- and time-effective
      option in which DNA from several individuals is pooled for sequencing. However,
      pooling of DNA creates new problems and challenges for accurate variant call and
      allele frequency (AF) estimation. In particular, sequencing errors confound with
      the alleles present at low frequency in the pools possibly giving rise to false
      positive variants. We sequenced 996 individuals in 83 pools (12 individuals/pool)
      in a targeted re-sequencing experiment. We show that Pool-seq AFs are robust and
      reliable by comparing them with public variant databases and in-house SNP
      genotyping data of individual subjects of pools. Furthermore, we propose a simple
      filtering guideline for the removal of spurious variants based on the Kolmogorov
      Smirnov statistical test. We experimentally validated our filters by comparing
      Pool-seq to individual sequencing data showing that the filters remove most of
      the false variants while retaining majority of true variants. The proposed
      guideline is fairly generic in nature and could be easily applied in other Pool
      seq experiments.

PMID- 27670853
TI  - Recovery of sit-to-stand function in patients with intensive-care-unit-acquired
      muscle weakness: Results from the General Weakness Syndrome Therapy cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe the time course of recovery of sit-to-stand function in
      patients with intensive-care-unit-acquired muscle weakness and the impact of
      recovery. METHODS: A cohort study in post-acute intensive care unit and
      rehabilitation units. Patients with chronic critical illness and intensive-care
      unit-acquired muscle weakness were included. Sit-to-stand function was measured
      daily, using a standardized chair height, defined as 120% of the individual's
      knee height. RESULTS: A total of 150 patients were recruited according to the
      selection criteria. The primary outcome of independent sit-to-stand function was
      achieved by a median of 56 days (interquartile range Q1-Q3 = 32-90 days) after
      rehabilitation onset and a median of 113 days (Q1-Q3=70-148 days) after onset of
      illness. The final multivariate model for recovery of sit-to-stand function
      included 3 variables: age (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 0.96 (95% CI 0.94-0.99),
      duration of ventilation (HR=0.99 (95% CI 0.98-1.00) and Functional Status Score
      for the Intensive Care Unit (FSS-ICU) (adjusted HR=1.12 (95% CI 1.08-1.16)).
      CONCLUSION: Rapid recovery of sit-to-stand function for most patients with
      intensive-care-unit-acquired muscle weakness were seen. The variables older age
      and longer duration of ventilation decreased, and higher FSS-ICU increased the
      chance of regaining independent sit-to-stand function.

PMID- 27670854
TI  - Individual and Contextual Determinants of Social Homecare Usage in Slovenia.
AB  - THEORY: Social homecare is important for older people, as it enables them to
      remain in their own homes during worsening health, thus relieving the burden on
      institutional facilities such as homes for the elderly or nursing homes and
      hospitals. METHOD: A representative survey of social homecare users was employed
      to assess determinants of the scope of social homecare in Slovenia. Multiple
      regression analysis was used to evaluate determinants defined by Andersen's
      behavioral model that affect the scope of social homecare. RESULTS: As expected,
      need (Functional impairment B = .378, P = 0.000) was the most important
      explanatory component, followed by availability of informal care network (Lives
      alone B = -.136, P = 0.000; Has children B = - .142; P = 0.000) and other
      contextual factors such as total costs of the services (B = -.075; P = 0.003) and
      temporal availability of services (B=-.075, P=0.012). The model explained 18% of
      variability in the scope of social homecare. CONCLUSION: This study showed that
      data on the individual level, as opposed to data on an aggregated level, show
      different determinants of social homecare utilization. Moreover, the results
      showed that social homecare is especially important in two circumstances: when
      older people have a high level of need and when they do not have access to
      informal care networks. Contextual factors had a moderate effect on the scope of
      social homecare, which shows universal access to the latter at the individual
      level.

PMID- 27670856
TI  - Defensive medicine and overutilization of imaging-an issue of radiation
      protection.

PMID- 27670857
TI  - Fever of unknown origin (FUO) revised.
AB  - Fever of unknown origin (FUO) was originally characterised in 1961 by Petersdorf
      and Beeson as a disease condition of temperature exceeding 38.3  degrees C on at
      least three occasions over a period of at least three weeks, with no diagnosis
      made despite one week of inpatient investigation. However, since underlying
      diseases are often reported for classical FUO, these presentations may not be
      considered to be of "unknown origin". Rather, the aetiology of prolonged fever
      may resolve, or not resolve. The definition of fever with unresolved cause (true
      FUO) is difficult, as it is a moving target, given the constant advancement of
      imaging and biomarker analysis. Therefore, the prevalence of fever with
      unresolved cause (FUO) is unknown.In this review, we report such a case of
      prolonged fever, which initially has presented as classical FUO, and discuss
      current literature. Furthermore, we will give an outlook, how a prospective study
      on FUO will allow to solve outstanding issues like the utility of different
      diagnostic investigations, and the types and prevalence of various underlying
      diseases.

PMID- 27670858
TI  - Impact of gender on tumor stage and survival of upper urinary tract urothelial
      cancer : A population-based study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of gender on tumor
      stage, overall and cancer-specific mortality of upper urinary tract urothelial
      cancer (UTUC) in a population-based, nationwide analysis. METHODS: All Austrian
      patients with UTUC diagnosed between 1983 and 2010 were included in this study.
      Overall mortality was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Cancer-specific
      (UTUC) mortality was estimated by cumulative incidence with mortality due to
      other causes as a competing risk. The effect of age was adjusted in a descriptive
      as well as a statistical inferential way. RESULTS: This study included 2066
      patients (men n = 1169, mean age 68.3 +/-11.5 years, women n = 897, 72.6 +/-10.4
      years). Tumor stage distribution was as follows: pT1: men n = 411, women n = 268,
      pT2: men n = 263, women n = 187, pT3: men n = 382, women n = 328 and pT4: men n =
      113, women n = 114. The male:female ratio continuously declined from 1.5 for pT1
      tumors to 1.4 for pT2 tumors, 1.2 for pT3 tumors and 1.0 for pT4-tumors. In the
      entire cohort the 5-year cumulative overall mortality was 57 % for women versus
      50 % for men (p = 0.0002). For pT1 (women 33 %, men 31 %) and pT2 stage tumors
      (women 45 %, men 45 %) the 5-year overall mortality was comparable between both
      sexes. In pT3 (women 68 %, men 62 %) and pT4 (women 95 %, men 87 %) tumors women
      had a higher overall mortality rate. The 5-year cancer-specific mortality (CSM)
      of the entire cohort was 12 % for women and 10 % for men (p = 0.067): pT1 women 5
      % men 3 %, pT2 women 9 % men 10 %, pT3 women 14 % men 11 % and pT4 women 29 % men
      27 %. CONCLUSIONS: In this population-based nationwide analysis, sex differences
      were notable for UTUC. Women tended to have more advanced tumor stages at
      diagnosis and a higher overall and cancer-specific mortality in advanced tumor
      stages.

PMID- 27670859
TI  - 40. Jahrestagung der Osterreichischen Gesellschaft fur Pneumologie. Wien, 6.-8.
      Oktober 2016.

PMID- 27670855
TI  - Frailty and sarcopenia in elderly.
AB  - Frailty is a pre-disability syndrome where an older person can be identified as
      being at risk when exposed to stressors associated with high risk for disability
      or needing to be hospitalized. Two major frailty definitions exist. The physical
      phenotype of frailty and the multiple deficit model. A simple frailty screening
      tool-FRAIL-has been validated. Treatment of frailty involves resistance exercise,
      optimization of nutrition, and treatment of fatigue (sleep apnea, depression),
      treatable causes of weight loss and adjustment of polypharmacy. Sarcopenia
      (decline in function with low muscle mass) is a major cause of frailty. A simple
      sarcopenia screening tool-SARC-F-has been validated. The multiple causes of
      sarcopenia are reviewed. Optimal treatment is resistance exercise, leucine
      enriched essential amino acids and vitamin D replacement.

PMID- 27670860
TI  - Occurrence and Biological Effects of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals in the Yellow
      River (Zhengzhou Section).
AB  - Estrogenic activities of river water from four representative cross-sections of
      the Yellow River (Zhengzhou section) and their effects on reproduction and
      development of fish were assessed. MVLN assay showed estradiol equivalents of
      river water from Yiluohe, Xinmanghe, Qinhe and Huayuankou cross-sections were
      1.09 +/- 0.11, 0.72 +/- 0.01, 1.19 +/- 0.19 and 0.80 +/- 0.04 ng/L, respectively.
      Significant vitellogenin (VTG) inductions were observed in adult male Japanese
      madaka (Oryzias latipes) after 30 days of exposure to river water from Yiluohe
      and Qinhe cross-sections (p < 0.05). Hepatic-somatic index was significantly
      elevated in fish exposed to water from Qinhe cross-section (p < 0.05). A
      significant delay in time to hatching was observed in embryos treated by water
      from Xinmanghe cross-section (p < 0.05). Significant lower survivals were
      observed in fish treated by water from Yiluohe and Xinmanghe cross-sections after
      a full life cycle exposure (p < 0.05). Exposure of water from Yiluohe and Qinhe
      cross-sections induced significantly elevated VTG levels in the first sexually
      mature male fish (p < 0.05). Both the in vitro and in vivo bioassay demonstrate
      endocrine disrupting chemicals exist in the Yellow River (Zhengzhou section) and
      fish in Yiluohe and Qinhe cross-sections can be at a risk of reproductive and
      developmental impairment.

PMID- 27670862
TI  - BMA considers plans after suspending junior doctor strikes.

PMID- 27670861
TI  - Dynamics of Aromatase and Physiological Indexes in Male Fish as Potential
      Biomarkers of Anthropogenic Pollution.
AB  - Endocrine disruption on aquatic wildlife is being increasingly reported, and the
      changes in gene aromatase expression are used as indicators. However, natural
      fluctuations in brain and gonadal aromatase expression and physiological indexes
      have not been previously measured in a fish species (Jenynsia multidentata)
      throughout a complete reproductive cycle, nor the biological effects of
      anthropogenic inputs on these responses. Accordingly, males were monthly
      collected over a year in both, a reference and a contaminated site.
      Physicochemical analyses of water samples were done and reflected a strong
      anthropogenic impact. Brain aromatase fluctuates along the reproductive cycle of
      this species and, noticeably, the increase of brain gene expression begins with a
      1 month delay in the contaminated site. This mismatch is also evidenced for
      testes weight. Hepatosomatic index also revealed adverse effects in the polluted
      site. In turn, the alterations observed in biological responses could be
      affecting the reproduction of this fish species.

PMID- 27670863
TI  - Effect of low-impact aerobic exercise combined with music therapy on patients
      with fibromyalgia. A pilot study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Fibromyalgia is a pathological entity characterized by chronic
      widespread musculoskeletal pain and the presence of "tender points". It
      constitutes a significant health problem because of its prevalence and economic
      impact. The aim of the present study was to determine the therapeutic benefits of
      low impact aerobic exercise alone or in combination with music therapy in
      patients with fibromyalgia. METHODS: A single-blind randomized controlled pilot
      trial was performed. Thirty-five individuals with fibromyalgia were divided into
      three groups: (G1) therapeutic aerobic exercise with music therapy (n=13); (G2)
      therapeutic aerobic exercise at any rhythm (n=13) and (CG) control (n=9). The
      intervention period lasted eight weeks. Depression, quality of life, general
      discomfort and balance were assessed before and after intervention. RESULTS: At
      post-intervention, group G1 improved in all variables (depression (p=0.002),
      quality of life (p=0.017), general discomfort (p=0.001), and balance (p=0.000)),
      while group G2 improved in general discomfort (p=0.002). The change observed in
      balance was statistically different between groups (p=0.01). CONCLUSION:
      Therapeutic aerobic exercise is effective in improving depression and general
      discomfort in individuals with fibromyalgia. However, effectiveness is higher
      when combined with music therapy, which brings about further improvements in
      quality of life and balance.

PMID- 27670864
TI  - Short-term effects of traditional Thai massage on electromyogram, muscle tension
      and pain among patients with upper back pain associated with myofascial trigger
      points.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate effects of traditional Thai massage (TTM) on
      electromyographic (EMG) activity, muscle tension and pain intensity in patients
      with upper back pain associated with myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). DESIGN: A
      single-blind, randomized clinical trial. SETTING: The Department of Physical
      Therapy, School of Health Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Thailand.
      INTERVENTION: Fifty patients were randomly assigned to receive a 30-min session
      of either TTM or control (sham microwave diathermy). OUTCOMES: Electromyogram
      (EMG), Muscle tension rating, and pain intensity rating RESULTS: TTM were
      associated with significant decreases in EMG, muscle tension and pain intensity
      after the end of treatment session (p<0.05). For all outcomes, similar changes
      were not observed in the control group (p>0.05) except for muscle tension
      (p<0.05). In addition, there was a significantly greater reduction in all
      parameters for the TTM group when compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: We
      therefore suggest that TTM can increase physical relaxation and reduce pain in
      patients with upper back pain associated with MTrPs. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02067325.

PMID- 27670865
TI  - A mindfulness-based intervention to control weight after bariatric surgery:
      Preliminary results from a randomized controlled pilot trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop and test a novel mindfulness-based
      intervention (MBI) designed to control weight after bariatric surgery. DESIGN:
      Randomized, controlled pilot trial. SETTING: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical
      Center, Boston, MA, USA. INTERVENTIONS: Bariatric patients 1-5 years post-surgery
      (n=18) were randomized to receive a 10-week MBI or a standard intervention. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcomes were feasibility and acceptability of the MBI.
      Secondary outcomes included changes in weight, eating behaviors, psychosocial
      outcomes, and metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers. Qualitative exit interviews
      were conducted post-intervention. Major themes were coded and extracted. RESULTS:
      Attendance was excellent (6 of 9 patients attended >=7 of 10 classes). Patients
      reported high satisfaction and overall benefit of the MBI. The intervention was
      effective in reducing emotional eating at 6 months (-4.9+/-13.7 in mindfulness
      vs. 6.2+/-28.4 in standard, p for between-group difference=0.03) but not weight.
      We also observed a significant increase in HbA1C (0.34+/-0.38 vs. -0.06+/-0.31,
      p=0.03). Objective measures suggested trends of an increase in perceived stress
      and symptoms of depression, although patients reported reduced stress reactivity,
      improved eating behaviors, and a desire for continued mindfulness-based support
      in qualitative interviews. CONCLUSIONS: This novel mindfulness-based approach is
      highly acceptable to bariatric patients post-surgery and may be effective for
      reducing emotional eating, although it did not improve weight or glycemic control
      in the short term. Longer-term studies of mindfulness-based approaches may be
      warranted in this population. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov
      identifier NCT02603601.

PMID- 27670866
TI  - A mindful eating intervention: A theory-guided randomized anti-obesity
      feasibility study with adolescent Latino females.
AB  - While pediatric anti-obesity lifestyle interventions have received considerable
      attention, few show sustained impact on body mass index (BMI). Using the
      Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills Theory as a framework, we examined the
      effects of a satiety-focused mindful eating intervention (MEI) on BMI, weight and
      mindful awareness. METHOD:  DESIGN AND SETTING: Utilizing a two-group, repeated
      measures design, 37 adolescent females with a BMI >90th percentile, recruited
      from a public high school in a Latino community in the Southwestern United
      States, were randomized 2:1, one third to the group receiving a 6-week MEI and
      two thirds to the comparison group (CG) receiving the usual care (nutrition and
      exercise information). INTERVENTION: During six weekly 90-min after school MEI
      group sessions, the behavioral skills of slow intentional eating were practiced
      with foci on satiety cues and triggers to overeat. OUTCOMES: Feasibility and
      acceptability were measured as participant retention (goal >=55%) and evaluative
      comments from those in the MEI group, respectively. BMI and mindful awareness
      were measured on site at baseline, immediately post intervention, and at 4-week
      follow-up (week 10). RESULTS: Fifty-seven and 65% of those in the MEI and CG were
      retained throughout the study, respectively. MEI participants showed
      significantly lowered BMI compared with CG participants, whose weight increased
      (p<0.001). At six weeks, the MEI group BMI decreased by 1.1kg/m(2) (BMI continued
      to decline to 1.4kg/m(2) by week 10); while CG BMI increased by 0.7kg/m(2)
      (consistent with BMI >90th percentile standard growth projections). CONCLUSIONS:
      Initial and sustained decline of BMI in the MEI group supports further study of
      this theory-guided approach, and the value of practicing satiety-focused mindful
      eating behavioral skills to facilitate health behavior change.

PMID- 27670867
TI  - Expected and perceived efficacy of complementary and alternative medicine: A
      comparison views of patients with cancer and oncologists.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: This study sought to identify discrepancies between the
      expectations of patients with cancer and oncologists regarding the efficacy of
      complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs), and to determine how patients
      evaluate CAM efficacy after its use. METHODS: Data from the Cancer Patient
      Experience Study, a nationwide survey, were used. Seven subdivided efficacy
      domains were included in the survey. An oncologist-patient matching analysis was
      done to assess the concordance of CAM efficacies between oncologists and patients
      with cancer. In addition, the patients' expectations of CAM efficacies were
      compared before and after use. RESULTS: Out of 719 participants, 201 patients
      with cancer (28.0%) reported using CAMs. The patients with cancer generally
      tended to be more positive about CAM efficacies than the oncologists. The largest
      discrepancy in efficacy perception was found in the efficacy domain of survival
      benefit, which included complete disease remission and prolonged survival. Many
      patients reported that they did not experience the positive efficacy they had
      anticipated before use. However, a substantial proportion of patients indicated
      that CAMs were as effective as they had expected, even though there is little
      evidence supporting the CAM efficacies. CONCLUSIONS: There was a marked
      discrepancy and a lack of concordance in expectations of CAM efficacy between
      patients with cancer and oncologists. Better communication between the patients
      and oncologists regarding CAM efficacy would be needed to make the patients to
      have shared expectations, and to reduce unnecessary CAM use.

PMID- 27670868
TI  - Physiological and psychological responses of humans to the index of greenness of
      an interior space.
AB  - The objective of this study was to identify the optimal index of greenness in
      terms of psychophysiological responses and subjective preference. We recruited
      103 adult (51 male, 52 female) participants, who were examined individually in an
      interior space (lab) setting at Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea.
      Participants observed plants in the space for 3min per experimental index of
      greenness (5%, 20%, 50%, and 80%). During this period, heart rate variability
      (HRV) and electroencephalographic (EEG) physiological responses were measured,
      and the participant's preference for index of greenness and subjective index of
      greenness was determined via surveys. HRV values were normal, and not
      significantly different, except that male participants showed higher mean
      variability between cardiac NN intervals and greater autonomic activity than
      female participants (P<0.05). EEG data were not significantly different, except
      that female participants had a significantly higher mean amplitude at the left
      occipital (O1) electrode than male participants (P<0.01). Subjectively,
      participants preferred the 50% index of greenness the most, though they
      consistently reported the subjective index of greenness to be ~15% higher than
      the actual level. We conclude that given a limited interior space, even a small
      amount of greenery may exert a relaxing effect on people. 

PMID- 27670869
TI  - "Merging Yoga and Occupational Therapy (MY-OT): A feasibility and pilot study".
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the feasibility and benefits of the Merging Yoga and
      Occupational Therapy (MY-OT) intervention. DESIGN: This is the primary analysis
      of a non-controlled pretest-posttest pilot study to understand the feasibility
      and impact of MY-OT on balance, balance self-efficacy, and fall risk factor
      management in people with chronic stroke. SETTING: University research
      laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: People with chronic stroke were included in the study
      if they: had sustained a fall or had fear of falling, were able to stand, and
      hand impaired balance and were at risk for falls (<=46 on the Berg Balance Scale
      (BBS)). INTERVENTIONS: Individuals completed an 8 week intervention that included
      16 sessions of both yoga and group occupational therapy (OT). Yoga included
      physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. OT focused on post-stroke
      fall risk factor management. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The BBS was used to assess
      balance, the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC) was used to
      measure balance self-efficacy. Five fall risk factor management scales were used.
      RESULTS: Overall, the intervention was considered feasible, as individuals were
      able to safely complete the intervention with little attrition and high
      attendance. Balance improved by 30% (p=0.002). Balance self-efficacy improved by
      15% (p=0.034). Each of the five fall risk factor management scales improved, but
      only two significantly improved (Fall Prevention and Management Questionnaire,
      29%, p=0.004 and Fall Prevention Strategy Survey, 42%, p=0.032). CONCLUSION: The
      results demonstrate that MY-OT is a potential intervention to improve multiple
      fall related outcomes for people with stroke. Therapists may consider these
      interventions for people with stroke, but additional research is warranted.

PMID- 27670872
TI  - Core therapies in medicine: Environmental health.

PMID- 27670871
TI  - The effect of yoga practice on glycemic control and other health parameters in
      Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PMID- 27670870
TI  - CAM use in recently-returned OEF/OIF/OND US veterans: Demographic and
      psychosocial predictors.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Because the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is
      increasing among veterans, understanding more about the characteristics of
      veterans who use CAM is increasingly important. Studies reporting on predictors
      of use almost always discuss CAM in the aggregate, yet each CAM modality
      represents a unique approach to healthcare, and each may have different
      correlates as well as different effectiveness. Very little information is
      available about veterans' use of each distinct modality, and about psychosocial
      correlates of various forms of CAM use. DESIGN: We analyzed data from wave 1 of
      the Survey of the Experiences of Returning Veterans (SERV) Study, which included
      729 veterans returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), Operation Enduring
      Freedom (OEF) and Operation New Dawn (OND). SETTING: Data were collected by
      telephone interviews. MAIN MEASURES: We examined a range of potentially important
      correlates of CAM use, including demographics, military experiences, and current
      mental and physical health. RESULTS: Each predictor related to a unique
      constellation of CAM modalities; not one of the predictors examined was
      associated with more than half of the 12 modalities. For example, women were more
      likely to use acupuncture, massage, yoga, meditation and spiritual healing, and
      age related only to greater use of homeopathy, while deployment injuries related
      positively to use of chiropractic, nutrition and meditation. CONCLUSIONS: Results
      suggest that in order to understand CAM use, CAM modalities should be considered
      unique and separate practices. This greater understanding should be useful for
      future health service provision for veterans.

PMID- 27670873
TI  - Metaphorical mapping between raw-cooked food and strangeness-familiarity in
      Chinese culture.
AB  - Previous research has demonstrated metaphorical mappings between physical
      coldness-warmth and social distance-closeness. Since the concepts of
      interpersonal warmth are frequently expressed in terms of food-related words in
      Chinese, the present study sought to explore whether the concept of raw-cooked
      food could be unconsciously and automatically mapped onto strangeness
      familiarity. After rating the nutritive value of raw or cooked foods,
      participants were presented with morphing movies in which their acquaintances
      gradually transformed into strangers or strangers gradually morphed into
      acquaintances, and were asked to stop the movies when the combined images became
      predominantly target faces. The results demonstrated that unconscious and
      automatic metaphorical mappings between raw-cooked food and strangeness
      familiarity exist. This study provides a foundation for testing whether Chinese
      people can think about interpersonal familiarity using mental representations of
      raw-cooked food and supports cognitive metaphor theory from a crosslinguistic
      perspective.

PMID- 27670874
TI  - Neuroprotective Effects of Electroacupuncture Preventive Treatment in Senescence
      Accelerated Mouse Prone 8 Mice.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the preventive treatment effects of electroacupuncture
      (EA) on cognitive changes and brain damage in senescence-accelerated mouse prone
      8 (SAMP8) mice. METHODS: The 5-month-old male SAMP8 and age-matched homologous
      normal aging mice (SAMR1) were adopted in this study. EA stimulation at Baihui
      (GV 20) and Yintang (EX-HN 3) was performed every other day for 12 weeks, 4 weeks
      as a course. Morris water maze test and Nissl-stained with cresyl violet were
      used for cognitive impairments evaluation and brain morphometric analysis.
      Amyloid-beta (A beta) expression in hippocampus and parietal cortex was detected
      by immunohistochemistry, and apoptosis was observed by TUNEL staining. RESULTS:
      After 3 courses of EA preventive treatment, the escape latencies of 8-month-old
      SAMP8 mice in EA group were significantly shortened than those of un-pretreated
      SAMP8 mice. Compared with SAMR1 mice, extensive neuronal changes were visualized
      in the CA1 area of hippocampus in SAMP8 mice, while these pathological changes
      and attenuate cell loss in hippocampal CA1 area of SAMP8 mice markedly reduced
      after EA preventive treatment. Furthermore, A beta expression in hippocampus and
      parietal cortex of SAMP8 mice decreased significantly after EA treatment, and
      neuronal apoptosis decreased as well. CONCLUSION: EA preventive treatment at GV
      20 and EX-HN 3 might improve cognitive deficits and neuropathological changes in
      SAMP8 mice, which might be, at least in part, due to the effects of reducing
      brain neuronal damage, decreasing neuronal apoptosis and inhibiting A beta
      containing aggregates.

PMID- 27670875
TI  - A Clinical Observation of Functional Abdominal Pain Syndrome in Patients Treated
      by Traditional Chinese Spinal Orthopedic Manipulation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical effect of traditional Chinese spinal
      orthopedic manipulation (TCSOM) in treating patients with functional abdominal
      pain syndrome (FAPS) in comparison with Pinaverium Bromide (Dicetel, PBD), and to
      assess a possible cause for FAPS. METHODS: Eighty patients with FAPS were
      randomly and equally assigned to the TCSOM group and PBD group according to the
      random number table. All patients in the TCSOM group were treated with a maximum
      of 5 times of spinal manipulations. Patients in the PBD group were instructed to
      take 50 mg 3 times a day, consistently for 2 weeks. The symptoms of pre- and post
      treatment were assessed on a visual analog scale (VAS) pain score. A symptom
      improvement rating (SIR) was implemented to evaluate the effects of the
      treatments. RESULTS: The symptoms of 27 cases of the TCSOM group were relieved
      soon after the first TCSOM treatment and 9 cases were significantly improved. The
      VAS pain scores in the TCSOM group were significantly lower than those in the PBD
      group after 2 weeks treatment. According to the SIR based on VAS, the TCSOM group
      included 30 cases with excellent results, 7 cases with good, and 3 cases with
      poor. Adverse events to the treatment were not reported. Based on VAS, the PBD
      group reported 8 cases with excellent results, 10 cases with good and 22 cases
      with poor. There was a significant difference between the two groups (P<0.01).
      CONCLUSIONS: The displacement of intervertebral discs and/or vertebra in the
      thoracic or lumbar region seems to be a contributing factor in the symptoms of
      FAPS. TCSOM is an effective treatment for FAPS.

PMID- 27670876
TI  - Single minimal incision fasciotomy for the treatment of chronic exertional
      compartment syndrome: outcomes and complications.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is a common injury
      in young athletes, causing pain in the involved leg compartment during strenuous
      exercise. The gold standard treatment is fasciotomy, but most of the reports on
      its effectiveness include relatively small cohorts and relatively short follow-up
      periods. This study reports the long-term results of a large cohort of young
      athletes who underwent single-incision fasciotomy for CECS. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: This a retrospective case-series study. All patients treated by
      fasciotomies performed for CECS between 2007 and 2011, in a tertiary medical
      institution. CECS was diagnosed following history taking and clinical evaluation,
      and confirmed by compartment pressure measurements. Ninety-five legs that
      underwent single-incision subcutaneous fasciotomy were included. Data on the
      numerical analog scale (NAS), Tegner activity score, and quality-of-life (QOL) as
      measured via the short form-12 (SF-12) were retrieved from all patients
      preoperatively and at the end of follow-up. RESULTS: The average time to
      diagnosis was 22 months and the mean follow-up was 50.1 months. Sixty-three legs
      underwent anterior compartment fasciotomy (an additional 30 legs also underwent
      lateral compartment release), and two legs underwent lateral and peroneal
      compartment releases. The average change in Tegner score was an improvement of
      14.6 points. Similarly, the patients reported a significant improvement in the SF
      12 and NAS scores. Satisfaction rates were high (average 75.5 %). The main
      complications were wound infection (2 patients) and nerve injuries (4 patients).
      Eight patients had recurrence. CONCLUSION: Single-incision fasciotomy leads to
      long-term improvement in the activity level and QOL of patients with CECS.

PMID- 27670877
TI  - Comparison of prone vs. supine unenhanced CT imaging in patients with clinically
      suspected ureterolithiasis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To retrospectively evaluate whether prone CT scanning is superior to
      supine scanning for correct localization of distal urinary calculi in patients
      with acute flank pain. METHODS: Consecutively performed unenhanced CT scans in
      patients with acute flank pain were retrospectively analyzed in 150 patients in
      supine and another 150 patients in prone position. Images were reviewed by two
      radiologists on consensus. Findings in both groups were compared using two-sided
      Fisher Exact tests and Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: Urinary calculi were
      found in 67% of patients in each group. In the supine scanning group, there were
      16 cases, in which the location of the stone was equivocal being either located
      intramurally at the ureterovesical junction (UVJ) or having already passed into
      the bladder. In contrast, in the prone imaging group all distal stones could be
      allocated accurately, either to the intramural UVJ or the urinary bladder (37
      intramural UVJ stones and six bladder stones in prone scanning group vs. 21
      intramural UVJ stones and one bladder stone when scanned supine). CONCLUSION:
      Prone scanning is superior to supine CT scanning for acute flank pain to
      accurately distinguish intramural UVJ stones from stones that have already passed
      into the bladder, a distinction which influences patient management.

PMID- 27670878
TI  - Commentary regarding a recent collaborative consensus statement addressing
      prostate MRI and MRI-targeted biopsy in patients with a prior negative prostate
      biopsy.

PMID- 27670879
TI  - CARD9 negatively regulates NLRP3-induced IL-1beta production on Salmonella
      infection of macrophages.
AB  - Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) is a proinflammatory cytokine required for host
      control of bacterial infections, and its production must be tightly regulated to
      prevent excessive inflammation. Here we show that caspase recruitment domain
      containing protein 9 (CARD9), a protein associated with induction of
      proinflammatory cytokines by fungi, has a negative role on IL-1beta production
      during bacterial infection. Specifically, in response to activation of the
      nucleotide oligomerization domain receptor pyrin-domain containing protein 3
      (NLRP3) by Salmonella infection, CARD9 negatively regulates IL-1beta by fine
      tuning pro-IL-1beta expression, spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK)-mediated NLRP3
      activation and repressing inflammasome-associated caspase-8 activity. CARD9 is
      suppressed during Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium infection, facilitating
      increased IL-1beta production. CARD9 is, therefore, a central signalling hub that
      coordinates a pathogen-specific host inflammatory response.

PMID- 27670880
TI  - Synthesis of first ever 4-quinolone-3-carboxylic acid-appended spirooxindole
      pyrrolidine derivatives and their biological applications.
AB  - A series of 4-quinolone-3-carboxylic acid-containing spirooxindole-pyrrolidine
      derivatives was synthesized via multicomponent 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition
      reactions of azomethine ylides with new (E)-4-oxo-6-(3-phenyl-acryloyl)-1,4
      dihydroquinoline-3-carboxylic acids in good yields with high regioselectivity.
      The cycloadducts were characterized by analytical and spectral data including
      [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], 2D NMR and mass spectroscopy. The
      structure of one of the compounds (8a) was investigated theoretically by
      computational techniques. DFT studies support the proposed mechanism for this
      cycloaddition reaction. Furthermore, antibacterial activities of the new
      compounds were evaluated against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial
      strains. Compounds 8f, 8m and 8p showed potent inhibition activities against
      selected bacteria. The in vitro cytotoxicity of spirooxindole derivatives (8a-r)
      was evaluated against MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. Among the various compounds
      tested, compound 8f [Formula: see text] showed significant cytotoxic activity
      compared to the standard drug doxorubicin [Formula: see text].

PMID- 27670881
TI  - Indium triflate promoted one-pot multicomponent synthesis of structurally diverse
      3-amino-imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines.
AB  - An efficient, mild, and expeditious synthetic protocol has been developed for the
      synthesis of structurally diverse 3-amino-imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines, involving a
      three-component, one-pot cyclocondensation reaction of 2-aminobenzothiazole/2
      aminoazines, ethyl isocyanoacetate/tert-butyl isocyanides, and pyrazole-3(4)
      carbaldehyde/substituted aromatic carbonyl compounds in 45 min. using
      In(OTf)[Formula: see text] as a catalyst in toluene. Mild reaction conditions,
      high atom economy, operational simplicity, short reaction time, and structural
      diversity with high product conversion are among the advantages of the present
      synthetic protocol.

PMID- 27670882
TI  - Probiotic legacy effects on gut microbial assembly in tilapia larvae.
AB  - The exposure of fish to environmental free-living microbes and its effect on
      early colonization in the gut have been studied in recent years. However, little
      is known regarding how the host and environment interact to shape gut communities
      during early life. Here, we tested whether the early microbial exposure of
      tilapia larvae affects the gut microbiota at later life stages. The experimental
      period was divided into three stages: axenic, probiotic and active suspension.
      Axenic tilapia larvae were reared either under conventional conditions (active
      suspension systems) or exposed to a single strain probiotic (Bacillus subtilis)
      added to the water. Microbial characterization by Illumina HiSeq sequencing of
      16S rRNA gene amplicons showed the presence of B. subtilis in the gut during the
      seven days of probiotic application. Although B. subtilis was no longer detected
      in the guts of fish exposed to the probiotic after day 7, gut microbiota of the
      exposed tilapia larvae remained significantly different from that of the control
      treatment. Compared with the control, fish gut microbiota under probiotic
      treatment was less affected by spatial differences resulting from tank
      replication, suggesting that the early probiotic contact contributed to the
      subsequent observation of low inter-individual variation.

PMID- 27670883
TI  - Tailoring Nucleation at Two Interfaces Enables Single Crystalline NiO Nanowires
      via Vapor-Liquid-Solid Route.
AB  - Here we show a rational strategy to fabricate single crystalline NiO nanowires
      via a vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) route, which essentially allows us to tailor the
      diameter and the spatial position. Our strategy is based on the suppression of
      the nucleation at vapor-solid (VS) interface, which promotes nucleation only at
      the liquid-solid (LS) interface. Manipulating both the supplied material fluxes
      (oxygen and metal) and the growth temperature enables enhancement of the
      nucleation only at the LS interface. Furthermore, this strategy allows us to
      reduce the growth temperature of single crystalline NiO nanowires down to 550 
      degrees C, which is the lowest growth temperature so far reported.

PMID- 27670884
TI  - 53BP1 ablation rescues genomic instability in mice expressing 'RING-less' BRCA1.
AB  - BRCA1 mutations strongly predispose affected individuals to breast and ovarian
      cancer, but the mechanism by which BRCA1 acts as a tumor suppressor is not fully
      understood. Homozygous deletion of exon 2 of the mouse Brca1 gene normally causes
      embryonic lethality, but we show that exon 2-deleted alleles of Brca1 are
      expressed as a mutant isoform that lacks the N-terminal RING domain. This "RING
      less" BRCA1 protein is stable and efficiently recruited to the sites of DNA
      damage. Surprisingly, robust RAD51 foci form in cells expressing RING-less BRCA1
      in response to DNA damage, but the cells nonetheless display the substantial
      genomic instability. Genomic instability can be rescued by the deletion of
      Trp53bp1, which encodes the DNA damage response factor 53BP1, and mice expressing
      RING-less BRCA1 do not show an increased susceptibility to tumors in the absence
      of 53BP1. Genomic instability in cells expressing RING-less BRCA1 correlates with
      the loss of BARD1 and a defect in restart of replication forks after hydroxyurea
      treatment, suggesting a role of BRCA1-BARD1 in genomic integrity that is
      independent of RAD51 loading.

PMID- 27670885
TI  - Identification of PPM1D as an essential Ulk1 phosphatase for genotoxic stress
      induced autophagy.
AB  - Autophagy is an evolutionary conserved process that degrades subcellular
      constituents. Unlike starvation-induced autophagy, the molecular mechanism of
      genotoxic stress-induced autophagy has not yet been fully elucidated. In this
      study, we analyze the molecular mechanism of genotoxic stress-induced autophagy
      and identify an essential role of dephosphorylation of the Unc51-like kinase 1
      (Ulk1) at Ser637, which is catalyzed by the protein phosphatase 1D magnesium
      dependent delta isoform (PPM1D). We show that after exposure to genotoxic stress,
      PPM1D interacts with and dephosphorylates Ulk1 at Ser637 in a p53-dependent
      manner. The PPM1D-dependent Ulk1 dephosphorylation triggers Ulk1 puncta formation
      and induces autophagy. This happens not only in mouse embryonic fibroblasts but
      also in primary thymocytes, where the genetic ablation of PPM1D reduces the
      dephosphorylation of Ulk1 at Ser637, inhibits autophagy, and accelerates
      apoptosis induced by X-ray irradiation. This acceleration of apoptosis is caused
      mainly by the inability of the autophagic machinery to degrade the proapoptotic
      molecule Noxa. These findings indicate that the PPM1D-Ulk1 axis plays a pivotal
      role in genotoxic stress-induced autophagy.

PMID- 27670886
TI  - Application of ligninolytic potentials of a white-rot fungus Ganoderma lucidum
      for degradation of lindane.
AB  - Lindane, a broad-spectrum organochlorine pesticide, has caused a widespread
      environmental contamination along with other pesticides due to wrong agricultural
      practices. The high efficiency, sustainability and eco-friendly nature of the
      bioremediation process provide an edge over traditional physico-chemical
      remediation for managing pesticide pollution. In the present study, lindane
      degradation was studied by using a white-rot fungus, Ganoderma lucidum GL-2
      strain, grown on rice bran substrate for ligninolytic enzyme induction at 30 
      degrees C and pH 5.6 after incorporation of 4 and 40 ppm lindane in liquid as
      well as solid-state fermentation. The estimation of lindane residue was carried
      out by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in the selected
      ion monitoring mode. In liquid-state fermentation, 100.13 U/ml laccase, 50.96
      U/ml manganese peroxidase and 17.43 U/ml lignin peroxidase enzymes were obtained
      with a maximum of 75.50 % lindane degradation on the 28th day of incubation
      period, whereas under the solid-state fermentation system, 156.82 U/g laccase,
      80.11 U/g manganese peroxidase and 18.61 U/g lignin peroxidase enzyme activities
      with 37.50 % lindane degradation were obtained. The lindane incorporation was
      inhibitory to the production of ligninolytic enzymes and its own degradation but
      was stimulatory for extracellular protein production. The dialysed crude enzyme
      extracts of ligninolytic enzymes were though efficient in lindane degradation
      during in vitro studies, but their efficiencies tend to decrease with an increase
      in the incubation period. Hence, lindane-degrading capabilities of G. lucidum GL
      2 strain make it a potential candidate for managing lindane bioremediation at
      contaminated sites.

PMID- 27670887
TI  - The impact of seasonal variation on organochlorine pesticide residues in buffalo
      and cow milk of selected dairy farms from Faisalabad region.
AB  - Two hundred milk samples from 20 randomly selected dairy farms were screened for
      the incidence of organochlorine pesticide residues to evaluate the safety of milk
      in Faisalabad region. The results revealed that overall buffalo milk samples in
      winter (85 %) and in summer (78 %) were more contaminated as compared to cow milk
      samples 83 and 75 % in respective seasons. The residues of cyhalothrin were found
      only in summer season in milk of both species. Permethrin residues were detected
      at higher levels than perfinofos while DDT and methamedophos were found
      undetectable. The mean levels of permethrin were 0.042 and 0.033 mg kg-1in
      buffalo milk samples and 0.045 and 0.043 mg kg-1 in cow milk in winter and summer
      season, respectively. Perfinofos residues were found to be the least contaminated
      pesticides with mean values of 0.0006 and 0.0013 mg kg-1, respectively in winter
      season, and 0.004 and 0.0025 mg kg-1 in summer season. All analysed pesticide
      residues in milk samples in both seasons were below the maximum residual limit
      (MRL) values as described by European Union (EU) but milk samples contaminated
      with alpha, beta-endosulfan and endosulphate exceeded their respective Food and
      Agriculture Organization's (FAO) established MRLs both in winter and summer.

PMID- 27670888
TI  - Temporal variation in methane emissions in a shallow lake at a southern mid
      latitude during high and low rainfall periods.
AB  - The global methane (CH4) emission of lakes is estimated at between 6 and 16 % of
      total natural CH4 emissions. However, these values have a high uncertainty due to
      the wide variety of lakes with important differences in their morphological,
      biological, and physicochemical parameters and the relatively scarse data from
      southern mid-latitude lakes. For these reasons, we studied CH4 fluxes and CH4
      dissolved in water in a typical shallow lake in the Pampean Wetland, Argentina,
      during four periods of consecutive years (April 2011-March 2015) preceded by
      different rainfall conditions. Other water physicochemical parameters were
      measured and meteorological data were reported. We identified three different
      states of the lake throughout the study as the result of the irregular
      alternation between high and low rainfall periods, with similar water temperature
      values but with important variations in dissolved oxygen, chemical oxygen demand,
      water turbidity, electric conductivity, and water level. As a consequence, marked
      seasonal and interannual variations occurred in CH4 dissolved in water and CH4
      fluxes from the lake. These temporal variations were best reflected by water
      temperature and depth of the Secchi disk, as a water turbidity estimation, which
      had a significant double correlation with CH4 dissolved in water. The mean CH4
      fluxes values were 0.22 and 4.09 mg/m2/h for periods with low and high water
      turbidity, respectively. This work suggests that water temperature and turbidity
      measurements could serve as indicator parameters of the state of the lake and,
      therefore, of its behavior as either a CH4 source or sink.

PMID- 27670889
TI  - The contribution of cluster and discriminant analysis to the classification of
      complex aquifer systems.
AB  - This paper presents an innovated method for the discrimination of groundwater
      samples in common groups representing the hydrogeological units from where they
      have been pumped. This method proved very efficient even in areas with complex
      hydrogeological regimes. The proposed method requires chemical analyses of water
      samples only for major ions, meaning that it is applicable to most of cases
      worldwide. Another benefit of the method is that it gives a further insight of
      the aquifer hydrogeochemistry as it provides the ions that are responsible for
      the discrimination of the group. The procedure begins with cluster analysis of
      the dataset in order to classify the samples in the corresponding hydrogeological
      unit. The feasibility of the method is proven from the fact that the samples of
      volcanic origin were separated into two different clusters, namely the lava units
      and the pyroclastic-ignimbritic aquifer. The second step is the discriminant
      analysis of the data which provides the functions that distinguish the groups
      from each other and the most significant variables that define the hydrochemical
      composition of the aquifer. The whole procedure was highly successful as the 94.7
      % of the samples were classified to the correct aquifer system. Finally, the
      resulted functions can be safely used to categorize samples of either unknown or
      doubtful origin improving thus the quality and the size of existing hydrochemical
      databases.

PMID- 27670890
TI  - Radiosensitivity of Colon and Rectal Lung Oligometastasis Treated With
      Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) may present with
      oligometastatic lung lesions for which stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR)
      can be utilized. This study aims to report efficacy and prognostic factors
      associated with colorectal lung metastases treated with SABR. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: This is a retrospective study including patients who presented with lung
      oligometastasis from CRC treated with SABR from September 2007 to November 2014.
      RESULTS: We identified 53 oligometastatic patients with 87 lung lesions. The
      median prescription dose was 60 Gy in 3 fractions (median biological effective
      dose of 180 Gy). The median follow up was 33 months. The 1- and 2-year local
      control, metastasis-free survival, and overall survival were 79.8% and 78.2%,
      29.2% and 16.2%, and 83.8% and 69.3%, respectively. On multivariate analysis,
      rectal primary site (P = .001) and > 2 metastases (P = .02) were significantly
      associated with a lower local control rate. Rectal lesions were associated with
      higher radiation dose (169.3 Gy vs. 153.3 Gy; P = .01) and higher rate of KRAS
      mutations (73.3% vs. 40.4%; P = .02). KRAS mutation did not predict for local
      control, but predicted for a 1-year metastasis-free survival detriment (0% vs.
      37.5%; P = .04), when compared with KRAS wild-type. On multivariate analysis,
      there is an overall survival detriment associated with gross tumor volume >= 3266
      mm3 (P = .03) and > 2 metastases (P = .04). CONCLUSION: In CRC, oligometastatic
      lung lesions treated with SABR had a worse outcome in patients presenting with a
      rectal primary, > 2 metastases, or treated with a larger gross tumor volume. More
      aggressive treatment may be considered in this subset of patients to improve
      outcome.

PMID- 27670891
TI  - Exploring the Prognostic Role of Microsatellite Instability in Patients With
      Stage II Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many studies have disclosed the prognostic effect of microsatellite
      instability (MSI) and/or loss of mismatch repair proteins in colorectal cancer.
      Nevertheless, little evidence supports their role in the decision-making of
      adjuvant therapy for patients with stage II disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The
      aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the prognostic and/or predictive
      role of MSI status in patients with stage II colorectal cancer on disease-free
      survival and overall survival. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane libraries were
      searched to identify eligible studies. RESULTS: Only 2 of 389 articles identified
      fulfilled the eligibility criteria. In both treated and untreated patients, high
      level MSI improved disease-free survival compared with low-level MSI, suggesting
      a prognostic role but not supporting the hypothesis of a predictive effect of
      MSI. CONCLUSIONS: Further studies are needed to explore the predictive role of
      MSI/mismatch repair proteins, because available data do not allow definitive
      conclusions.

PMID- 27670892
TI  - Regorafenib Versus Trifluridine/Tipiracil for Refractory Metastatic Colorectal
      Cancer: A Retrospective Comparison.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Regorafenib and trifluridine/tipiracil (TAS-102) both prolong
      survival for patients with refractory metastatic colorectal cancer. However, it
      is unclear which drug should be administered first. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We
      retrospectively evaluated the data from patients who had received regorafenib or
      TAS-102 at 2 institutions from May 2013 to March 2015. The inclusion criteria
      were disease refractory or intolerant to fluoropyrimidines, oxaliplatin,
      irinotecan, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor antibodies, and anti
      epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibodies (if KRAS exon 2 wild-type),
      and no previous treatment with regorafenib or TAS-102. RESULTS: A total of 146
      and 54 patients received regorafenib and TAS-102, respectively. The baseline
      characteristics were similar between the 2 groups, except for a history of
      irinotecan and anti-EGFR therapy and high alkaline phosphatase levels. The median
      progression-free survival and overall survival were 2.1 months and 6.7 months,
      respectively, with regorafenib and 2.1 months and 6.5 months, respectively, with
      TAS-102 (progression-free survival hazard ratio 1.20, P = .27; overall survival
      hazard ratio, 1.01, P = .97). The analysis of overall survival for patients after
      the approval of TAS-102 in Japan was similar to the overall survival for the
      entire population. The frequency of hand-foot syndrome and increased aspartate
      aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and bilirubin levels was higher and
      the frequency of neutropenia, leukopenia, anemia, nausea, and febrile neutropenia
      was lower with regorafenib than with TAS-102. No remarkable differences were
      found in the efficacy and safety of TAS-102 between patients with and without
      previous regorafenib and vice versa. CONCLUSION: Regorafenib and TAS-102 had
      similar efficacy but resulted in different toxicities, which could guide the
      agent choice.

PMID- 27670893
TI  - Evaluation of Prognostic Factors and Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Patients With Small
      Bowel Adenocarcinoma Who Underwent Curative Resection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Small bowel adenocarcinoma (SBA) is a rare tumor of the
      gastrointestinal system with poor prognosis. Because these are rarely encountered
      tumors, the aim of this multicenter study was evaluation of prognostic factors
      and adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with curatively resected SBA. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A total of 78 patients diagnosed with curatively resected SBA were
      involved in the retrospective study. Forty-eight patients received 1 of 3
      different chemotherapy regimens, whereas 30 patients did not receive any adjuvant
      treatment. No adjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy cohorts were matched (1:1) by
      propensity scores based on the likelihood of receiving chemotherapy or the
      survival hazard from Cox modeling. Overall survival (OS) was compared with Kaplan
      Meier estimates. RESULTS: Median age of 78 patients with curatively resected SBA
      was 58, and 59% of these were men. According to TNM classification, 8 (10%) of
      the patients were at stage I, 26 (34%) were at stage II, and 44 (56%) were at
      stage III. Median follow-up duration was 29 months. Three-year median disease
      free survival (DFS) and OS were 62.5% and 67.0%, respectively. In univariate
      analysis, presence of vascular invasion, perineural invasion, lymph node
      involvement, and presence of positive surgical margin were significant predictors
      of poor survival. Multivariate analysis showed that the only adverse prognostic
      factor independently related with OS was the presence of positive surgical margin
      (hazard ratio, 0.37; 95% confidence interval, 0.11-1.26; P = .01). Neither DFS
      nor OS was found to be significantly improved by the adjuvant chemotherapy in
      both matched and unmatched cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: Only status of surgical margin
      was determined to be an independent prognostic factor in patients with SBA who
      underwent curative resection.

PMID- 27670894
TI  - Population-Based Patterns and Factors Associated With Underuse of Palliative
      Systemic Therapy in Elderly Patients With Metastatic Colon Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We compared the patterns and factors associated with chemotherapy and
      bevacizumab use in elderly versus young patients with metastatic colon cancer
      (mCC) and determined the effect of systemic therapy on overall survival (OS)
      according to age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients diagnosed with mCC from 2009 to
      2010 in British Columbia, Canada were reviewed and categorized as elderly
      patients (age >= 70 years) and young patients (age < 70 years). Cox regression
      models adjusted for age and confounders were used to determine the effect of
      systemic therapy on OS. RESULTS: We identified 1013 patients with a median age of
      67 years. Of the 1013 patients, 42% were elderly and 58% were young; 57% were
      men; and 66% had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status
      (PS) 0 or 1. Fewer elderly patients were offered systemic therapy compared with
      young patients (48% vs. 77%; P < .001). Among those treated, elderly patients
      were less likely than young patients to receive combination chemotherapy (47% vs.
      81%; P < .0001) and bevacizumab (19% vs. 47%; P < .0001). The most common reasons
      for no treatment were similar for the elderly and young patients: patient choice,
      poor ECOG PS, and significant comorbidities. Advanced age alone was also cited as
      a reason for elderly but not for young patients (7% vs. 0%). When treated, the
      risk of adverse events and treatment interruptions was comparable between age
      groups. The receipt of systemic therapy was associated with improved OS in both
      elderly (hazard ratio [HR], 0.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.37-0.56; P <
      .0001) and young (HR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.35-0.53; P < .0001) patients, regardless of
      age (interaction P > .05). CONCLUSION: In carefully selected elderly patients,
      the outcomes from systemic therapy were comparable to those for young patients.
      Thus, age alone should not be a barrier to treatment of mCC.

PMID- 27670895
TI  - Peritoneal Carcinomatosis in Colorectal Cancers - Management Perspective Needs a
      Change.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) from colorectal cancers (CRC) either
      at initial presentation or at subsequent recurrence presents a significant
      treatment challenge. The aim of our study was to find its incidence and analyze
      outcomes of patients with PC from CRC origin managed by different treatment
      modalities. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients, from
      August 2013 to July 2014, presenting with metastatic peritoneal disease from CRC
      with or without metastasis to other sites was performed. PC was classified as
      limited (peritoneal carcinomatosis index [PCI] < 10) and widespread (PCI > 10).
      RESULTS: This study included 70 patients; 45 patients had peritoneum as the only
      site of metastasis and the remaining 25 visceral metastasis with peritoneum.
      Resections were performed in 23 patients (19 underwent R0 resection and 4 were
      R+). All patients received systemic chemotherapy (FOLFOX [Oxaliplatin with
      fluorouracil and folinic acid]/CAPOX [oxaliplatin and capecitabine]). At a median
      follow-up of 11 months, the median OS was 14 months. Patients with PCI < 10 had
      significantly better survival (median not reached) as compared with those with
      PCI > 10 (15 months). Patients undergoing R0 resection had better survival (24
      months) versus those with R+ resection (16 months). The survival of patients
      receiving only systemic chemotherapy was 11 months. CONCLUSION: The incidence of
      peritoneal metastasis in CRC is about 10%. A select group of patients who have
      low PCI who undergo R0 resection of only the diseased portion, without entire
      peritonectomy, still do well. Where facilities for hyperthermic intraperitoneal
      chemotherapy are not available, cytoreduction followed by systemic chemotherapy
      should be considered. The added role of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy
      in this subgroup needs to be evaluated.

PMID- 27670896
TI  - Anthrax lethal toxin co-complexes are stabilized by contacts between adjacent
      lethal factors.

PMID- 27670897
TI  - Structure of anthrax lethal toxin prepore complex suggests a pathway for
      efficient cell entry.
AB  - Anthrax toxin comprises three soluble proteins: protective antigen (PA), lethal
      factor (LF), and edema factor (EF). PA must be cleaved by host proteases before
      it oligomerizes and forms a prepore, to which LF and EF bind. After endocytosis
      of this tripartite complex, the prepore transforms into a narrow transmembrane
      pore that delivers unfolded LF and EF into the host cytosol. Here, we find that
      translocation of multiple 90-kD LF molecules is rapid and efficient. To probe the
      molecular basis of this translocation, we calculated a three-dimensional map of
      the fully loaded (PA63)7-(LF)3 prepore complex by cryo-electron microscopy (cryo
      EM). The map shows three LFs bound in a similar way to one another, via their N
      terminal domains, to the surface of the PA heptamer. The model also reveals
      contacts between the N- and C-terminal domains of adjacent LF molecules. We
      propose that this molecular arrangement plays an important role in the
      maintenance of translocation efficiency through the narrow PA pore.

PMID- 27670898
TI  - Soluble adenylyl cyclase is essential for proper lysosomal acidification.
AB  - Lysosomes, the degradative organelles of the endocytic and autophagic pathways,
      function at an acidic pH. Lysosomes are acidified by the proton-pumping vacuolar
      ATPase (V-ATPase), but the molecular processes that set the organelle's pH are
      not completely understood. In particular, pH-sensitive signaling enzymes that can
      regulate lysosomal acidification in steady-state physiological conditions have
      yet to be identified. Soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC) is a widely expressed source
      of cAMP that serves as a physiological pH sensor in cells. For example, in proton
      secreting epithelial cells, sAC is responsible for pH-dependent translocation of
      V-ATPase to the luminal surface. Here we show genetically and pharmacologically
      that sAC is also essential for lysosomal acidification. In the absence of sAC, V
      ATPase does not properly localize to lysosomes, lysosomes fail to fully acidify,
      lysosomal degradative capacity is diminished, and autophagolysosomes accumulate.

PMID- 27670900
TI  - Correction: Specific contributions of the four voltage-sensing domains in L-type
      calcium channels to gating and modulation.

PMID- 27670901
TI  - Introduction: Early adversity and brain development.

PMID- 27670899
TI  - Simultaneous imaging of local calcium and single sarcomere length in rat neonatal
      cardiomyocytes using yellow Cameleon-Nano140.
AB  - In cardiac muscle, contraction is triggered by sarcolemmal depolarization,
      resulting in an intracellular Ca(2+) transient, binding of Ca(2+) to troponin,
      and subsequent cross-bridge formation (excitation-contraction [EC] coupling).
      Here, we develop a novel experimental system for simultaneous nano-imaging of
      intracellular Ca(2+) dynamics and single sarcomere length (SL) in rat neonatal
      cardiomyocytes. We achieve this by expressing a fluorescence resonance energy
      transfer (FRET)-based Ca(2+) sensor yellow Cameleon-Nano (YC-Nano) fused to alpha
      actinin in order to localize to the Z disks. We find that, among four different
      YC-Nanos, alpha-actinin-YC-Nano140 is best suited for high-precision analysis of
      EC coupling and alpha-actinin-YC-Nano140 enables quantitative analyses of
      intracellular calcium transients and sarcomere dynamics at low and high
      temperatures, during spontaneous beating and with electrical stimulation. We use
      this tool to show that calcium transients are synchronized along the length of a
      myofibril. However, the averaging of SL along myofibrils causes a marked
      underestimate (~50%) of the magnitude of displacement because of the different
      timing of individual SL changes, regardless of the absence or presence of
      positive inotropy (via beta-adrenergic stimulation or enhanced actomyosin
      interaction). Finally, we find that beta-adrenergic stimulation with 50 nM
      isoproterenol accelerated Ca(2+) dynamics, in association with an approximately
      twofold increase in sarcomere lengthening velocity. We conclude that our
      experimental system has a broad range of potential applications for the unveiling
      molecular mechanisms of EC coupling in cardiomyocytes at the single sarcomere
      level.

PMID- 27670902
TI  - Functional synchrony and stimulus selectivity of visual cortical units:
      Comparison between cats and mice.
AB  - In spite of the fact that the functional organization of primary visual cortices
      (V1) differs across species, the dynamic of orientation selectivity is highly
      structured within neuronal populations. In fact, neurons functionally connect
      each other in an organized Hebbian process, wherein their wiring and firing are
      intimately related. Moreover, neuronal ensembles have been suggested to be
      strongly implicated in sensory processing. Within these ensembles, neurons may be
      sharply or broadly tuned in relation to the stimulus. Therefore, it is important
      to determine the relationship between the response selectivity of neurons and
      their functional connectivity pattern across species. In the present
      investigation, we sought to compare the stimulus-evoked functional connectivity
      between the broadly tuned and the sharply tuned neurons in two species exhibiting
      different cortical organization for orientation selectivity: cats (columnar
      organized) and mice (salt-and-pepper organization). In addition, we examined the
      distribution of connectivity weights within cell-assemblies in the visual cortex
      during visual adaptation. First, we report that the sharply tuned neurons
      exhibited higher synchrony index than the broadly tuned cells in the cat visual
      cortex. On the contrary, in mice, the broadly tuned cells displayed higher
      connectivity index. Second, a significant correlation was found between the
      connectivity strength and the difference of preferred orientations of neurons for
      both species. Finally, we observed a systematic adjustment of the connectivity
      weights within neuronal ensembles in mouse primary visual cortex similarly to the
      cat V1.

PMID- 27670903
TI  - Anticonvulsant effect of Rhynchophylline involved in the inhibition of persistent
      sodium current and NMDA receptor current in the pilocarpine rat model of temporal
      lobe epilepsy.
AB  - Rhynchophylline (RIN) is a significant active component isolated from the Chinese
      herbal medicine Uncaria rhynchophylla. Several studies have demonstrated that RIN
      has a significant anticonvulsant effect in many types of epilepsy models in vivo.
      However, the mechanisms of the anticonvulsant effect remain elusive. Using
      combined methods of behavioral testing, immunofluorescence and
      electrophysiological recordings, we characterized the anticonvulsant effect of
      RIN in a pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (SE) rat model of temporal lobe
      epilepsy (TLE) and investigated the underlying cellular mechanisms. In one set of
      experiments, rats received RIN treatment prior to pilocarpine injection. In a
      second set of experiments, rats received RIN treatment following the onset of
      stage 3 seizures. Pretreatment and posttreatment with RIN effectively reduced the
      seizure severity in the acute phase of TLE. Furthermore, RIN protected medial
      entorhinal cortex (mEC) layer III neurons from neuronal death and terminated
      spontaneous epileptiform discharge of mEC layer II neurons in SE-experienced
      rats. Whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings indicated that RIN inhibited neuronal
      hyperexcitability via inhibition of the persistent sodium current (INaP) and NMDA
      receptor current. Immunofluorescence experiments also demonstrated that RIN
      rectified the pilocarpine-induced upregulation of Nav1.6 and NR2B protein
      expression. In conclusion, our results identified RIN as an anticonvulsant agent
      that inhibited ictal discharge via INap and NMDA receptor current inhibition.

PMID- 27670905
TI  - Independently ambulant, community-dwelling stroke survivors have reduced
      cardiorespiratory fitness, mobility and knee strength compared to an age- and
      gender-matched cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Most exercise interventions for stroke survivors are designed for
      those who have substantial motor and functional disabilities. There remains a
      group of well-recovered stroke survivors who have yet to be investigated in terms
      of their physical capacity and fitness levels. OBJECTIVE: To assess and compare
      the physical capacities of independently ambulant, community-dwelling stroke
      survivors to age- and gender-matched comparison participants. METHODS: Data were
      obtained from 17 stroke survivors participating in the How FITSS? Trial, all with
      functional ambulatory category of >=4 and a self-selected walking speed >=0.8 m s
      1. An additional 17 healthy control participants were recruited.
      Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) was measured using oxygen consumption (VO2peak),
      and additional measures of walking speed (m s-1), leg strength and body
      composition were also assessed. Differences between groups were assessed by
      matched pairs t-tests. Effect sizes were calculated using Cohen's d. RESULTS:
      There were no significant differences in age, BMI, muscle mass or body fat
      between groups (p > 0.05). Peak VO2 was lower in the stroke group for the shuttle
      walk test (p = 0.037) and progressive cycle test (p = 0.019), as were all CRF
      test performance measures (p < 0.05). Stroke survivors walked significantly (p <
      0.001) slower at both self-selected and fast speeds. Effect sizes of group
      differences for all leg strength variables were medium to large, with peak torque
      lower in the stroke group for all trials. CONCLUSIONS: Despite being
      independently ambulant and community dwelling, the CRF, walking speed and leg
      strength of this group were reduced compared to non-stroke comparison
      participants. These patients may benefit from undertaking targeted exercise
      programmes.

PMID- 27670904
TI  - Cooling During Exercise: An Overlooked Strategy for Enhancing Endurance
      Performance in the Heat.
AB  - It is well established that endurance performance is negatively affected by
      environmental heat stress due to a complex interaction of physical, physiological
      and psychological alterations. Numerous scientific investigations have attempted
      to improve performance in the heat with pre-cooling (cooling prior to an exercise
      test), and as such this has become a well-established ergogenic practice for
      endurance athletes. However, the use of mid-cooling (cooling during an exercise
      test) has received considerably less research attention in comparison, despite
      recent evidence to suggest that the advantage gained from mid-cooling may
      outweigh that of pre-cooling. A range of mid-cooling strategies are beneficial
      for endurance performance in the heat, including the ingestion of cold fluids and
      ice slurry, both with and without menthol, as well as cooling of the neck and
      face region via a cooling collar or water poured on the head and face. The
      combination of pre-cooling and mid-cooling has also been effective, but few
      comparisons exist between the timing and type of such interventions. Therefore,
      athletes should experiment with a range of suitable mid-cooling strategies for
      their event during mock competition scenarios, with the aim to determine their
      individual tolerable limits and performance benefits. Based on current evidence,
      the effect of mid-cooling on core temperature appears largely irrelevant to any
      subsequent performance improvements, while cardiovascular, skin temperature,
      central nervous system function and psychophysiological factors are likely
      involved. Research is lacking on elite athletes, and as such it is currently
      unclear how this population may benefit from mid-cooling.

PMID- 27670906
TI  - Early diagnosis of dengue disease severity in a resource-limited Asian country.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dengue is endemic throughout Cambodia, a country faced with
      significant health and economic challenges. We undertook a clinical study at the
      National Paediatric Hospital in Phnom Penh to evaluate clinical diagnostic
      parameters for dengue and predictors of disease outcome. METHODS: Between
      September 2011 and January 2013, all consecutive inpatients aged between 1 and 15
      years and presenting with suspected dengue were enrolled. They were clinically
      assessed using both the 1997 and 2009 WHO dengue classifications. Specimens were
      collected upon admission and discharge and tested for dengue at Institut Pasteur
      in Cambodia. RESULTS: A total of 701 patients were screened. Of these, 79 % were
      dengue-confirmed by laboratory testing, and 21 % tested dengue-negative. A
      positive tourniquet test, absence of upper respiratory symptoms, leukopenia,
      thrombocytopenia, and elevated liver transaminases were independent predictors
      for laboratory-confirmed dengue among the children. The presence of several
      warning signs on hospital admission was associated with a concurrent laboratory
      confirmed diagnosis of severe disease outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of two
      or more warning signs was associated with a concurrent laboratory-confirmed
      diagnosis of severe dengue at hospital admission. Thus, a cumulative score
      combining simple clinical parameters and first-line laboratory findings could be
      used to accurately predict dengue virus infection in pediatric populations,
      optimizing triage in settings with limited laboratory resources.

PMID- 27670907
TI  - The International Incidence of Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review and
      Meta-Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Understanding the epidemiology of traumatic brain injury (TBI) is
      essential to shape public health policy, implement prevention strategies, and
      justify allocation of resources toward research, education, and rehabilitation in
      TBI. There is not, to our knowledge, a systematic review of population-based
      studies addressing the epidemiology of TBI that includes all subtypes. We
      performed a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of the worldwide
      incidence of TBI. METHODS: A search was conducted on May 23, 2014, in Medline and
      EMBASE according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta
      Analyses guidelines. Abstracts were screened independently and in duplicate to
      identify original research. Study quality and ascertainment bias were assessed in
      duplicate using a previously published tool. Demographic data and incidence
      estimates from each study were recorded, along with stratification by age,
      gender, year of data collection, and severity. RESULTS: The search strategy
      yielded 4944 citations. Two hundred and sixteen articles met criteria for full
      text review; 144 were excluded. Hand searching resulted in ten additional
      articles. Eighty-two studies met all eligibility criteria. The pooled annual
      incidence proportion for all ages was 295 per 100,000 (95% confidence interval:
      274-317). The pooled incidence rate for all ages was 349 (95% confidence
      interval: 96.2-1266) per 100,000 person-years. Incidence proportion and incidence
      rate were examined to see if associated with age, sex, country, or severity.
      CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that most TBIs are mild and most TBIs occur in males
      among the adult population. The incidence of TBI varies widely by ages and
      between countries. Despite being an important medical, economic, and social
      problem, the global epidemiology of TBI is still not well-characterized in the
      current literature. Understanding the incidence of TBI, particularly mild TBI,
      remains challenging because of nonstandardized reporting among
      neuroepidemiological studies.

PMID- 27670908
TI  - Relationship between literacy skills and self-reported health in the Nordic
      countries.
AB  - AIMS: This study investigated the association between literacy skills and self
      reported health among Danish ( n = 7284), Finnish ( n = 5454), Norwegian ( n =
      4942) and Swedish ( n = 4555) participants aged 16-65 years. METHODS: Logistic
      regression models were used to assess the association between literacy skills and
      self-reported health after adjusting for sex, age and educational level. RESULTS:
      Nordic participants aged 16-65 years with literacy skills at the lowest level
      reported sub-optimal health more often (28-37%) than those with literacy skills
      at the highest level (7-9%). After adjusting for sex, age and educational level,
      the likelihood of reporting sub-optimal health was 1.99-3.24 times as high for
      those with literacy skills at the lowest level as for those with literacy skills
      at the highest level. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that poor literacy
      skills increase the likelihood of experiencing poor health in the Nordic
      countries, even after controlling for educational level.

PMID- 27670909
TI  - Tracking a female foetus: Preventing gender imbalance in India.

PMID- 27670910
TI  - Visual food stimulus changes resting oscillatory brain activities related to
      appetitive motive.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Changes of resting brain activities after visual food stimulation
      might affect the feeling of pleasure in eating food in daily life and spontaneous
      appetitive motives. We used magnetoencephalography (MEG) to identify brain areas
      related to the activity changes. METHODS: Fifteen healthy, right-handed males
      [age, 25.4 +/- 5.5 years; body mass index, 22.5 +/- 2.7 kg/m2 (mean +/- SD)] were
      enrolled. They were asked to watch food or mosaic pictures for 5 min and to close
      their eyes for 3 min before and after the picture presentation without thinking
      of anything. Resting brain activities were recorded during two eye-closed
      sessions. The feeling of pleasure in eating food in daily life and appetitive
      motives in the study setting were assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS) scores.
      RESULTS: The gamma-band power of resting oscillatory brain activities was
      decreased after the food picture presentation in the right insula [Brodmann's
      area (BA) 13], the left orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) (BA11), and the left frontal
      pole (BA10). Significant reductions of the alpha-band power were observed in the
      dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) (BA46). Particularly, the feeling of
      pleasure in eating food was positively correlated with the power decrease in the
      insula and negatively with that in the DLPFC. The changes in appetitive motives
      were associated with the power decrease in the frontal pole. CONCLUSIONS: These
      findings suggest automatic brain mechanics whereby changes of the resting brain
      activity might be associated with positive feeling in dietary life and have an
      impact on the irresistible appetitive motives through emotional and cognitive
      brain functions.

PMID- 27670911
TI  - Erratum to: Prescription reporting with immediate medication utilization mapping
      (PRIMUM): development of an alert to improve narcotic prescribing.

PMID- 27670912
TI  - Fatal respiratory disease due to a homozygous intronic ABCA3 mutation: a case
      report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pulmonary surfactant is a complex mixture of lipids and proteins.
      Mutations in surfactant protein-C, surfactant protein-D, and adenosine
      triphosphate-binding cassette subfamily A member 3 have been related to
      surfactant dysfunction and neonatal respiratory failure in full-term babies.
      Adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette subfamily A member 3 facilitates the
      transfer of lipids to lamellar bodies. We report the case of patient with a
      homozygous intronic ABCA3 mutation. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a newborn full
      term Colombian baby boy who was the son of non-consanguineous parents of mixed
      race ancestry (Mestizo), who was delivered with severe respiratory depression.
      Invasive treatment was unsuccessful and diagnosis was uncertain. Exons 4 and 5 of
      the SP-C gene showed heterozygous Thr138Asn polymorphism and homozygous Asn186Asn
      polymorphism respectively. At intron 25 at position -98 from exon 26 a homozygous
      C>T transition mutation was detected in ABCA3 gene. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical
      presentation and the histopathological findings of this case are consistent with
      a case of neonatal respiratory failure due to surfactant deficiency. Analysis of
      the five coding SP-C exons does not support surfactant deficiency. An analysis of
      the mutation IVS25-98 T was performed and a homozygous mutation responsible for
      our case's neonatal respiratory failure was detected. The findings suggest an
      autosomic recessive pattern of inheritance. Genetic counseling was provided and
      the relatives are now informed of the recurrence risks and treatment options.

PMID- 27670913
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 27670914
TI  - Impact of type of full-field digital image on mammographic density assessment and
      breast cancer risk estimation: a case-control study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Full-field digital mammography, which is gradually being introduced
      in most clinical and screening settings, produces two types of images: raw and
      processed. However, the extent to which mammographic density measurements, and
      their ability to predict breast cancer risk, vary according to type of image is
      not fully known. METHODS: We compared the performance of the semi-automated
      Cumulus method on digital raw, "analogue-like" raw and processed images, and the
      performance of a recently developed method - Laboratory for Breast Radiodensity
      Assessment (LIBRA) - on digital raw and processed images, in a case-control study
      (414 patients (cases) and 684 controls) by evaluating the extent to which their
      measurements were associated with breast cancer risk factors, and by comparing
      their ability to predict breast cancer risk. RESULTS: Valid Cumulus and LIBRA
      measurements were obtained from all available images, but the resulting
      distributions differed according to the method and type of image used. Both
      Cumulus and LIBRA percent density were inversely associated with age, body mass
      index (BMI), parity and postmenopausal status, regardless of type of image used.
      Cumulus percent density was strongly associated with breast cancer risk, but with
      the magnitude of the association slightly stronger for processed (risk increase
      per one SD increase in percent density (95 % CI): 1.55 (1.29, 1.85)) and
      "analogue-like" raw (1.52 (1.28, 1.80)) than for raw (1.35 (1.14, 1.60)) images.
      LIBRA percent density produced weaker associations with risk, albeit stronger for
      processed (1.32 (1.08, 1.61)) than raw images (1.17 (0.99, 1.37)). The percent
      density values yielded by the various density assessment/type of image
      combinations had similar ability to discriminate between patients and controls
      (area under the receiving operating curve values for percent density, age, BMI,
      parity and menopausal status combined ranged from 0.61 and 0.64). CONCLUSIONS:
      The findings showed that Cumulus can be used to measure density on all types of
      digital images. They also indicate that LIBRA may provide a valid fully automated
      alternative to the more labour-intensive Cumulus. However, the same digital image
      type and assessment method should be used when examining mammographic density
      across populations, or longitudinal changes in density within a single
      population.

PMID- 27670915
TI  - Early Postoperative Radiotherapy is Associated with Worse Functional Outcomes in
      Patients with Prostate Cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: The effect of time between radical prostatectomy and radiation therapy
      on postoperative functional outcomes is still unclear in patients with surgically
      managed prostate cancer. We hypothesized that a shorter time between radical
      prostatectomy and radiotherapy might be associated with worse functional recovery
      rates after radical prostatectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively
      evaluated 2,190 patients treated with radical prostatectomy and stratified
      according to radiotherapy schedule (adjuvant radiotherapy, salvage radiotherapy,
      no radiotherapy). We examined recovery rates for erectile function and urinary
      function according to adjuvant radiotherapy, salvage radiotherapy and no
      radiotherapy, and according to time from surgery to radiotherapy. Cox regression
      analyses were used to evaluate the impact of these predictors on functional
      outcomes. RESULTS: Median followup was 48 months. The 3-year erectile function
      recovery rates were 35.0%, 29.0% and 11.6% in patients who received no
      radiotherapy, salvage radiotherapy and adjuvant radiotherapy, respectively (p
      <0.001), and differed significantly according to time to radiotherapy (11.7% vs
      34.7% for less than 1 year vs 1 year or more, respectively, p <0.001). The 3-year
      urinary continence recovery rates were 70.7%, 59.0% and 42.2% in patients who
      received no radiotherapy, salvage radiotherapy and adjuvant radiotherapy,
      respectively (p <0.001), and differed according to time to radiotherapy (43.5% vs
      62.7% for less than 1 year vs 1 year or more, respectively, p <0.001). Cox
      regression analyses confirmed the negative impact of early radiotherapy on
      recovery rates for erectile function and urinary continence. CONCLUSIONS: Time
      from radical prostatectomy to radiotherapy has an important role in the recovery
      of erectile function and urinary continence. Delayed radiotherapy is preferred to
      improve functional outcomes after surgery.

PMID- 27670916
TI  - Postoperative Nomogram for Relapse-Free Survival in Patients with High Grade
      Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: We developed a prognostic nomogram for patients with high grade
      urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract after extirpative surgery.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical data were available for 2,926 patients diagnosed
      with high grade urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract who underwent
      extirpative surgery. Cox proportional hazard regression models identified
      independent prognosticators of relapse in the development cohort (838). A
      backward step-down selection process was applied to achieve the most informative
      nomogram with the least number of variables. The L2-regularized logistic
      regression was applied to generate the novel nomogram. Harrell's concordance
      indices were calculated to estimate the discriminative accuracy of the model.
      Internal validation processes were performed using bootstrapping, random
      sampling, tenfold cross-validation, LOOCV, Brier score, information score and F1
      score. External validation was performed on an external cohort (2,088). Decision
      tree analysis was used to develop a risk classification model. Kaplan-Meier
      curves were applied to estimate the relapse rate for each category. RESULTS:
      Overall 35.3% and 30.7% of patients experienced relapse in the development and
      external validation cohort. The final nomogram included age, pT stage, pN stage
      and architecture. It achieved a discriminative accuracy of 0.71 and 0.76, and the
      AUC was 0.78 and 0.77 in the development and external validation cohort,
      respectively. Rigorous testing showed constant results. The 5-year relapse-free
      survival rates were 88.6%, 68.1%, 40.2% and 12.5% for the patients with low risk,
      intermediate risk, high risk and very high risk disease, respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: The current nomogram, consisting of only 4 variables, shows high
      prognostic accuracy and risk stratification for patients with high grade
      urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract following extirpative surgery,
      thereby adding meaningful information for clinical decision making.

PMID- 27670917
TI  - Glycomyces lacisalsi sp. nov., an actinomycete isolated from a hypersaline
      habitat.
AB  - A novel actinomycete strain, designated XHU 5089T, was isolated from a
      hypersaline habitat in China. The strain was aerobic, Gram-stain-positive and the
      optimum NaCl concentration for growth was 1-3 % (w/v). Phylogenetic analysis
      based on the almost-complete 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain XHU 5089T showed
      that the organism was related most closely to Glycomyces albusTRM 49136T (97.7 %
      similarity). However, it had a relatively low mean DNA-DNA relatedness value with
      G. albusTRM 49136T (18.9+/-5.8 %). The whole-cell sugar pattern consisted of
      glucose and galactose. The predominant menaquinones were MK-10(H4) and MK-9(H4).
      The major fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0, iso-C16 : 1 and anteiso
      C17 : 0. The polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol,
      phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, two unidentified glycolipids and two
      unknown phospholipids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 68.6 mol%. A novel
      species, Glycomyces lacisalsi sp. nov., is proposed, with XHU 5089T (=CCTCC AA
      2015034T=KCTC 39688T) as the type strain.

PMID- 27670919
TI  - Airport door handles and the global spread of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria: a
      cross sectional study.

PMID- 27670918
TI  - Control of cortex development by ULK4, a rare risk gene for mental disorders
      including schizophrenia.
AB  - Schizophrenia is a debilitating familial neuropsychiatric disorder which affects
      1% of people worldwide. Although the heritability for schizophrenia approaches
      80% only a small proportion of the overall genetic risk has been accounted for,
      and to date only a limited number of genetic loci have been definitively
      implicated. We have identified recently through genetic and in vitro functional
      studies, a novel serine/threonine kinase gene, unc-51-like kinase 4 (ULK4), as a
      rare risk factor for major mental disorders including schizophrenia. Now using
      the approach of in utero gene transfer we have discovered that Ulk4 plays a key
      modulatory role in corticogenesis. Knockdown of Ulk4 leads to significantly
      decreased cell proliferation in germinal zones and profound deficits in radial
      migration and neurite ramification. These abnormalities can be reversed
      successfully by Ulk4 gene supplementation. Ulk4 also regulated acetylation of
      alpha-tubulin, an important post-translational modification of microtubules. We
      conclude that Ulk4 plays an essential role in normal brain development and when
      defective, the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders such as schizophrenia is
      increased.

PMID- 27670921
TI  - Estimating bias in derived body mass index in the Maternity Experiences Survey.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to assess bias in the body mass
      index (BMI) measure in the Canadian Maternity Experiences Survey (MES) and
      possible implications of bias on the relationship between BMI and selected
      pregnancy outcomes. METHODS: We assessed BMI classification based on self
      reported versus measured values. We used a random sample of 6175 women from the
      MES, which derived BMI from self-reported height and weight, and a random sample
      of 259 women who had previously given birth from the Canadian Health Measures
      Survey (CHMS), which derived BMI from self-reported and measured height and
      weight. Two correction equations were applied to self-reported based BMI, and the
      impact of these corrections on associations between BMI and caesarean section,
      small-for-gestational age (SGA) and large-for-gestational age (LGA) births was
      studied. RESULTS: Overall, 86.9% of the CHMS subsample was classified into the
      same BMI category based on self-reported versus measured data. However,
      misclassification had a substantial effect on the proportion of women in
      underweight and obese BMI categories. For example, 14.5% versus 20.8% of women
      were classified as obese based on self-reported data versus measured data.
      Corrections improved estimates of obesity prevalence, but over- and
      underestimated other BMI categories. Corrections had nonsignificant effects on
      the associations between BMI and SGA, LGA, and caesarean section. CONCLUSION:
      While there was high concordance in BMI classification based on selfreported
      versus measured height and weight, bias in self-reported based measures may
      slightly over- or underestimate the risks associated with a particular BMI class.
      However, the general trend in associations is unaffected.

PMID- 27670920
TI  - How perceptions of community environment influence health behaviours: using the
      Analysis Grid for Environments Linked to Obesity Framework as a mechanism for
      exploration.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Overweight and obesity are influenced by a complex interplay of
      individual and environmental factors that affect physical activity and healthy
      eating. Nevertheless, little has been reported on people's perceptions of those
      factors. Addressing this critical gap and community partner needs, this study
      explored how people perceived the influence of micro- and macroenvironmental
      factors on physical activity and healthy eating. METHODS: Community partners
      wanted the study results in a format that would be readily and easily used by
      local decision makers. We used photovoice to engage 35 community members across
      four municipalities in Alberta, Canada, and to share their narratives about their
      physical activity and healthy eating. A combination of inductive and deductive
      analysis categorized data by environmental level (micro vs. macro) and type
      (physical, political, economic, and sociocultural), guided by the Analysis Grid
      for Environments Linked to Obesity Framework. RESULTS: Participants
      conceptualized health-influencing factors more broadly than physical activity and
      healthy eating to include "community social health." Participants spoke most
      often about the influence of the microenvironment (n = 792 ANGELO Framework
      coding tallies) on their physical activity, healthy eating and community social
      health in comparison to the macroenvironment (n = 93). Photovoice results
      provided a visual narrative to community partners and decision makers about how
      people's ability to make healthy choices can be limited by macroenvironmental
      forces beyond their control. CONCLUSION: Focussing future research on macro- and
      microenvironmental influences and localized community social health can inform
      practice by providing strategies on how to implement healthy changes within
      communities, while ensuring that research and interventions echo diverse people's
      perceptions.

PMID- 27670922
TI  - Childhood overweight and obesity trends in Canada.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Excess weight is a key risk factor for chronic disease, and the
      systematic collection, analysis and reporting of key trends are important to
      surveillance of overweight and obesity. METHODS: We used univariate analyses to
      calculate current prevalence estimates of excess weight among Canadian children
      and youth. RESULTS: Almost 1 in 7 children and youth is obese. Rates vary based
      on sociodemographic factors such as age, sex, socioeconomic status and place of
      residence. Overall, the rates of excess weight have been relatively stable over
      the past decade. CONCLUSION: Ongoing monitoring of childhood obesity will provide
      useful information to assist with sustained actions to promote healthy weights.

PMID- 27670923
TI  - Correction: Health behaviours associated with indoor tanning based on the 2012/13
      Manitoba Youth Health Survey.
AB  - [This corrects the article http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/hpcdp-pspmc/36
      8/ar-02-eng.php].

PMID- 27670924
TI  - Disentangling the relative roles of resource acquisition and allocation on animal
      feed efficiency: insights from a dairy cow model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Feed efficiency of farm animals has greatly improved through genetic
      selection for production. Today, we are faced with the limits of our ability to
      predict the effect of selection on feed efficiency, partly because the relative
      importance of the components of this complex phenotype changes across
      environments. Thus, we developed a dairy cow model that incorporates the dynamic
      interplay between life functions and evaluated its behaviour with a global
      sensitivity analysis on two definitions of feed efficiency. A key model feature
      is to consider feed efficiency as the result of two processes, acquisition and
      allocation of resources. Acquisition encapsulates intake and digestion, and
      allocation encapsulates partitioning rules between physiological functions. The
      model generates genetically-driven trajectories of energy acquisition and
      allocation, with four genetic-scaling parameters controlling these processes.
      Model sensitivity to these parameters was assessed with a complete factorial
      design. RESULTS: Acquisition and allocation had contrasting effects on feed
      efficiency (ratio between energy in milk and energy acquired from the
      environment). When measured over a lactation period, feed efficiency was
      increased by increasing allocation to lactation. However, at the lifetime level,
      efficiency was increased by decreasing allocation to growth and increasing
      lactation acquisition. While there is a strong linear increase in feed efficiency
      with more allocation to lactation within a lactation cycle, our results suggest
      that there is an optimal level of allocation to lactation beyond which increasing
      allocation to lactation negatively affects lifetime feed efficiency. CONCLUSIONS:
      We developed a model to predict lactation and lifetime feed efficiency and show
      that breaking-down feed conversion into acquisition and allocation, and
      introducing genetically-driven trajectories that control these mechanisms,
      permitted quantification of their relative roles on feed efficiency. The life
      stage at which feed efficiency is evaluated appears to be a key aspect for
      selection. In this model, body reserves are also a key component in the
      prediction of lifetime feed efficiency since they integrate the feedback of
      acquisition and allocation on survival and reproduction. This modelling approach
      provided new insights into the processes that underpin lifetime feed efficiency
      in dairy cows.

PMID- 27670926
TI  - Posttraumatic Hydrocephalus as a Confounding Influence on Brain Injury
      Rehabilitation: Incidence, Clinical Characteristics, and Outcomes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe incidence, clinical characteristics, complications, and
      outcomes in posttraumatic hydrocephalus (PTH) after traumatic brain injury (TBI)
      for patients treated in an inpatient rehabilitation program. DESIGN: Cohort study
      with retrospective comparative analysis. SETTING: Inpatient rehabilitation
      hospital. PARTICIPANTS: All patients admitted for TBI from 2009 to 2013 diagnosed
      with PTH (N=59), defined as ventriculomegaly, delayed clinical recovery
      discordant with injury severity, hydrocephalus symptoms, or positive lumbar
      puncture results. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary measures
      were incidence of PTH and patient and injury characteristics. Secondary measures
      included frequency and timing of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt, related
      complications, emergence from and duration of posttraumatic amnesia (PTA), Rancho
      Los Amigos Scale (RLAS) score, and FIM score at rehabilitation admission and
      discharge. RESULTS: Of 701 patients with TBI admitted, 59 (8%) were diagnosed
      with PTH. Of these, the median age was 25 years, with 73% being men. At initial
      presentation, 52 (88%) did not follow commands. Fifty-two (90%) patients with PTH
      had a VP shunt placed. Median time from injury to shunt placement was 69 (range,
      9-366) days. Seven (12%) patients with PTH experienced postsurgical seizure, 3
      (6%) had shunt infection, and 7 (12%) had shunt malfunction. Thirty-six (61%)
      patients with PTH emerged from PTA during rehabilitation. Median total FIM score
      at rehabilitation admission was 20 (range, 18-76), and at discharge it was 43
      (range, 18-118). Injury severity predicted outcome at rehabilitation admission,
      whereas shunt timing predicted outcome at rehabilitation discharge. CONCLUSIONS:
      Incidence of PTH was observed in 8% of patients with TBI in inpatient
      rehabilitation. Earlier shunting predicted improved outcome during
      rehabilitation. Future studies should prospectively examine clinical decision
      rules, type, and timing of intervention and the coeffectiveness of rehabilitation
      treatment on outcomes.

PMID- 27670925
TI  - Use of Mobile Device Accelerometry to Enhance Evaluation of Postural Instability
      in Parkinson Disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the accuracy of inertial measurement unit data from a
      mobile device using the mobile device relative to posturography to quantify
      postural stability in individuals with Parkinson disease (PD). DESIGN: Criterion
      standard. SETTING: Motor control laboratory at a clinic. PARTICIPANTS: A sample
      (N=28) of individuals with mild to moderate PD (n=14) and age-matched community
      dwelling individuals without PD (n=14) completed the study. INTERVENTIONS: Not
      applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Center of mass (COM) acceleration measures
      were compared between the mobile device and the NeuroCom force platform to
      determine the accuracy of mobile device measurements during performance of the
      Sensory Organization Test (SOT). Analyses examined test-retest reliability of
      both systems and sensitivity of (1) the equilibrium score from the SOT and (2)
      COM acceleration measures from the force platform and mobile device to quantify
      postural stability across populations. RESULTS: Metrics of COM acceleration from
      inertial measurement unit data and the NeuroCom force platform were significantly
      correlated across balance conditions and groups (Pearson r range, .35 to .97).
      The SOT equilibrium scores failed to discriminate individuals with and without
      PD. However, the multiplanar measures of COM acceleration from the mobile device
      exhibited good to excellent reliability across SOT conditions and were able to
      discriminate individuals with and without PD in conditions with the greatest
      balance demands. CONCLUSIONS: Metrics employing medial-lateral movement produce a
      more sensitive outcome than the equilibrium score in identifying postural
      instability associated with PD. Overall, the output from the mobile device
      provides an accurate and reliable method of rapidly quantifying balance in
      individuals with PD. The portable and affordable nature of a mobile device with
      the application makes it ideally suited to use biomechanical data to aid in
      clinical decision making.

PMID- 27670928
TI  - The performance of rigid scopes for tracheal intubation: a randomised, controlled
      trial in patients with a simulated difficult airway.
AB  - We compared the BonfilsTM and SensaScopeTM rigid fibreoptic scopes in 200
      patients with a simulated difficult airway randomised to one of the two devices.
      A cervical collar inhibited neck movement and reduced mouth opening to a mean
      (SD) of 23 (3) mm. The primary outcome parameter was overall success of tracheal
      intubation; secondary outcomes included first-attempt success, intubation times,
      difficulty of intubation, fibreoptic view and side-effects. The mean (95% CI)
      overall success rate was 88 (80-94)% for the Bonfils and 89 (81-94)% for the
      SensaScope (p = 0.83). First-attempt intubation success rates were 63 (53-72)%
      for the Bonfils and 72 (62-81)% for the SensaScope (p = 0.17). Median (IQR
      [range]) intubation time was significantly shorter with the SensaScope (34 (20-84
      [5-240]) s vs. 45 (25-134 [12-230]) s), and fibreoptic view was significantly
      better with the SensaScope (full view of the glottis in 79% with the SensaScope
      vs. 61% with the Bonfils). This might be explained by its steerable tip and the S
      formed shape, contributing to better manoeuvrability. There were no differences
      in the difficulty of intubation or side-effects.

PMID- 27670927
TI  - A two-generation inhalation reproductive toxicity study upon the exposure to
      manganese chloride.
AB  - A number of published studies have suggested that high levels of exposure to
      manganese, especially those found in occupational settings, can adversely affect
      the reproductive system. The objective of this study was therefore to investigate
      if these findings can be replicated using the Sprague Dawley rat and, if so, to
      identify those parts of the reproductive system are more susceptible. Male and
      female rats were exposed to manganese dichloride (MnCl2) via inhalation at
      concentrations of 0 (air-control); 5, 10 and 20MUg/L air over 10 weeks (F0) and
      over 11 weeks (F1) prior to mating, and then throughout mating, gestation and
      lactation until termination after the F1 and F2 generation had reached Day 21 of
      lactation respectively. Animals were monitored for clinical signs of toxicity and
      for effects on body weight, food consumption, effects on the entire reproductive
      system including maternal care. The offspring were monitored for survival and
      growth up to weaning. Blood samples were taken from all adult animals for
      bioanalytical of manganese analysis prior to dosing, prior to mating and prior to
      weaning/necropsy. There were no deaths related to treatment, though respiratory
      tract effects were observed in F0 animals in the mid and high dose animals. Body
      weight and food consumption were affected at high dose in both generation. There
      were no treatment-related effects on the oestrous cycles, mating performance,
      sexual maturity, fertility or duration of gestation or litter size, the sperm
      motility, count of morphology (sperm) or the ovary follicle scoring in either
      generation. The No Observed Effect Level (NOEL) for reproductive performance was
      considered to be the target dose level of 20MUg/L. Based on these findings,
      manganese chloride could not be considered a reprotoxicant under these conditions
      of exposure. Therefore, soluble and insoluble forms of inorganic manganese
      compounds by extrapolation cannot be considered as reprotoxicants.

PMID- 27670929
TI  - Temperature-dependent photoluminescence emission and Raman scattering from Mo1-x
      W x S2 monolayers.
AB  - 2D transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) alloys with tunable band gaps have
      recently gained wide interest due to their potential applications in future
      nanoelectronics and optoelectronics. Here, we report the temperature-dependent
      photoluminescence (PL) and Raman spectra of Mo1-x W x S2 monolayers with W
      composition x = 0, 0.29, 0.53, 0.66 and 1 in the temperature range 93-493 K. We
      observed a linear temperature dependence of PL emission energy and Raman
      frequency. The PL intensity is enhanced at high temperature (>393 K). The
      temperature coefficients are negative for both PL and Raman bands, which may
      result from anharmonicity, thermal expansion and composition disorder. 

PMID- 27670930
TI  - Lottery for medical school admission.

PMID- 27670931
TI  - Expression of the insulinoma-associated 1 (insm1) gene in Xenopus laevis tadpole
      retina and brain.
AB  - The insulinoma-associated 1 (insm1) gene is involved in the differentiation of
      several neuronal and endoderm derived cell types. insm1 is expressed in the
      retina and brain of several vertebrates including Xenopus laevis. We report the
      detailed expression pattern of insm1 in the X. laevis tadpole retina and brain.
      X. laevis insm1 is expressed in most of the ciliary marginal zone of the mature
      retina and the optic tectum, dorsal pallium, hypothalamus and preoptic areas of
      the developing tadpole brain. Overall, insm1 is expressed in regions of the
      tadpole brain and retina harboring populations of progenitor cells.

PMID- 27670934
TI  - Cystic ovaries and ovarian neoplasia in the female dog - a systematic review.
AB  - Most common ovarian diseases appear to be cystic or ovarian tumours. These
      conditions may affect health, fertility or even the life of the animal.
      Literature related to ovarian cysts and neoplasia in dogs was assessed to
      summarize studies and case series on ovarian cysts and primary ovarian tumours in
      regard to epidemiologic, clinical and fertility aspects. Two research papers on
      histopathological examination of ovarian cysts could be identified. Seven
      research papers on ovarian tumours were also assessed, showing inconsistent
      results on the frequency of occurrence of different types of neoplasia. This
      might be due to different definitions of diseases and different diagnostic
      procedures. In conclusion, scarce research has been performed on ovarian diseases
      in the bitch in the last decades. Many publications are based on case reports.
      Most quality criteria of study methodology like blinding, randomization,
      sensitivity and specificity of test methods are not considered in papers on
      ovarian diseases. In the future, a multicentre data collection of cases could
      help to gather more data on the incidence, clinical relevance, treatment options
      and prognosis of ovarian diseases.

PMID- 27670933
TI  - Referral patterns of special needs patients at the Royal Dental Hospital of
      Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Special Needs Dentistry (SND) has been recognized as a dental
      specialty in Australia since 2003 but there have been no studies addressing the
      profile of patients for specialist care. The purpose of this study is to
      identify, via referrals received, the profile of patients and quality of
      referrals at the largest public SND unit in Victoria, Australia. METHODS: All
      referrals received over a 6-month period (1 January-30 June 2013) by the
      integrated SND unit (ISNU) were reviewed prior to allocation to the outpatient
      clinic (OP), domiciliary (DOM) or general anaesthetic (GA) services. RESULTS: Six
      hundred and eighty-eight referrals were received with the majority for the OP
      clinic (68.3%), followed by DOM (22.4%) and GA services (9.3%) (chi2  = 360.2, P
      < 0.001). A referral may have specified more than one special needs condition
      with the most common category being those who were medically compromised (81.7%).
      The reasons for referral included lack of compliance (27.2%), further management
      due to multiple medical conditions or GA services required (9.9%), or for
      multiple other reasons (62.9%). CONCLUSIONS: A diverse pattern of SND patients
      was referred to the ISNU with a majority of referrals having no specific referral
      reason cited, suggesting poor quality of referrals.

PMID- 27670932
TI  - Validity of using ad hoc methods to analyze secondary traits in case-control
      association studies.
AB  - Case-control association studies often collect from their subjects information on
      secondary phenotypes. Reusing the data and studying the association between genes
      and secondary phenotypes provide an attractive and cost-effective approach that
      can lead to discovery of new genetic associations. A number of approaches have
      been proposed, including simple and computationally efficient ad hoc methods that
      ignore ascertainment or stratify on case-control status. Justification for these
      approaches relies on the assumption of no covariates and the correct
      specification of the primary disease model as a logistic model. Both might not be
      true in practice, for example, in the presence of population stratification or
      the primary disease model following a probit model. In this paper, we investigate
      the validity of ad hoc methods in the presence of covariates and possible disease
      model misspecification. We show that in taking an ad hoc approach, it may be
      desirable to include covariates that affect the primary disease in the secondary
      phenotype model, even though these covariates are not necessarily associated with
      the secondary phenotype. We also show that when the disease is rare, ad hoc
      methods can lead to severely biased estimation and inference if the true disease
      model follows a probit model instead of a logistic model. Our results are
      justified theoretically and via simulations. Applied to real data analysis of
      genetic associations with cigarette smoking, ad hoc methods collectively
      identified as highly significant (P<10-5) single nucleotide polymorphisms from
      over 10 genes, genes that were identified in previous studies of smoking
      cessation.

PMID- 27670935
TI  - Determination of gestational time and prediction of parturition in dogs and cats:
      an update.
AB  - Accurate prediction of delivery date in canine and feline allows a better
      management of parturition, reducing the loss of neonates. This review evaluates
      the most common methods adopted to accurately predict the day of delivery:
      determination of ovulation and hormonal assays, first appearance of
      embryonic/foetal structures using ultrasound or radiography, echographic
      measurement of extra-foetal and foetal structures, or evaluation of foetal flux
      and heart rate. Determination of ovulation and hormonal assays at the time of
      breeding and close to pregnancy term is widely used to predict parturition in
      dogs (Concannon et al. American Journal of Veterinary Research 44, 1983, 1819;
      Hayer et al. Journal of Reproduction and Fertility, Suppl. 47, 1993, 93; Hase et
      al. Journal of Veterinary Medical Science, 62, 2000, 243; Kutzler et al.
      Theriogenology, 60, 2003a, 1187). In cats, some studies have been carried out,
      but no hormonal parameters for accurate prediction of parturition have been
      described so far (Buff et al. Journal of Reproduction and Fertility, Suppl. 57,
      2001, 187; De Haas van Dorsser et al. Biology of Reproduction, 74, 2006, 1090;
      DiGangi et al. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 237, 2010,
      1267; Dehnhard et al. Theriogenology, 77, 2012, 1088). Many studies suggested
      that gestational timing can be obtained by observation using ultrasound or
      radiography of specific structures in relation to the time of appearance during
      gestation (Concannon and Rendano American Journal of Veterinary Research, 44,
      1983, 1506; Rendano et al. Veterinary Radiology, 25, 1984, 132; Shille and
      Gontarek Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 187, 1985, 1021;
      Davidson et al. Veterinary Radiology, 27, 1986, 109; England et al. Journal of
      Small Animal Practice, 31, 1990, 324; Yeager et al. American Journal of
      Veterinary Research, 53, 1992, 342; Zambelli et al. Theriogenology, 57, 2002a,
      1981; Zambelli et al. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 4, 2002b, 95;
      Zambelli and Prati 2006; Lopate Theriogenology, 70, 2008, 397; Davidson and Baker
      Topics in Companion Animal Medicine, 24, 2009, 55). Ultrasonographic measurement
      of extra-foetal and foetal structures is a common and accurate method for the
      prediction of parturition day during pregnancy, when specific formulae are used
      depending on the ultrasonographic parameter, the species and, in canines, the
      size of the bitch (Shille and Gontarek Journal of the American Veterinary Medical
      Association, 187, 1985, 1021; England et al. Journal of Small Animal Practice,
      31, 1990, 324; Luvoni and Grioni Journal of Small Animal Practice, 41, 2000, 292;
      Luvoni and Beccaglia Reproduction in Domestic Animals, 41, 2006, 27; Lopate
      Theriogenology, 70, 2008, 397; Michel et al. Reproduction in Domestic Animals,
      46, 2011, 926; Beccaglia and Luvoni Reproduction in Domestic Animals, 47, 194,
      2012). Recent studies demonstrated that in dogs, the imminence of parturition
      could be predicted by evaluating foetal flux and foetal heart rate by ultrasound
      (Gil et al. Theriogenology, 82, 2014, 933; Giannico et al., Animal Reproduction
      Science, 154, 2015, 105). For an accurate prediction of parturition date, the
      combination of different methods is desirable.

PMID- 27670936
TI  - Fertility suppression of some wildlife species in southern Africa-a review.
AB  - Generally speaking, southern Africa's wildlife populations in small-to-medium
      sized protected game reserves (10,000-65,000 ha) reproduce at rapid rates which
      often lead overpopulation of certain species. Most commonly these are large
      predators such as lions, African wild dogs and cheetahs, and elephants.
      Overpopulation of large predators leads to depletion of prey species, breakouts
      into neighbouring communities and increased risks for disease transmission. An
      overabundance of elephants leads to habitat destruction which is to the detriment
      of not only other herbivores but also certain bird species. By far, the most
      acceptable and effective method of population control is contraception. Another
      problem, particularly in South Africa, is the large numbers of large predators
      that are held in zoos, wildlife sanctuaries or captive breeding facilities. Once
      again, there is a need for contraception to control the rate of reproduction. In
      this review, we discuss the methods that have been most commonly used for some
      wildlife species in southern Africa. The methods include hormonal control and
      immunocontraception. We also address the problem of androgen-related aggressive
      behaviours in elephant bulls and giraffe males and present solutions that have
      been used to ameliorate such behaviours.

PMID- 27670937
TI  - Advances in endoscopic surgery for small animal reproduction.
AB  - Although endoscopic surgery entered its "golden era" in the mid-1980s, it is
      still advancing at a tremendous pace. Novel surgical techniques and devices are
      continuously developed and applied, and new indications (and/or
      contraindications) for the use of endoscopic surgery are routinely reported in
      the literature and subjected to systematic assessments. Although endoscopic
      surgery (laparoscopy in particular) has already become established as the gold
      standard in human medicine, it has yet to be proven as a viable alternative to
      open surgery in the field of veterinary medicine. The advantages of minimally
      invasive surgery include better intra-operative visualization, reduced
      postoperative pain, reduced scar formation and increased postoperative mobility.
      Therefore, it is reasonable to expect that the application of this will continue
      to expand. Small animal reproduction, a field within the broad discipline of
      veterinary medicine, has already recognized and begun to reap the benefits of
      endoscopic surgery. Herein, we retrospectively review the most recent successful
      novel applications of endoscopic surgery in the small animal reproduction system
      to provide small animal reproductive surgeons with important knowledge to help
      improve their own veterinarian medical practice.

PMID- 27670939
TI  - Evaluation of spermatozoal function-useful tools or just science.
AB  - Conventional microscopic semen analysis does not provide precise information on
      the fertilizing potential of a male. The traditional basis for semen evaluation
      is that male fertility is dependent on production of a "proper"
      concentration/number of motile, morphologically normal spermatozoa in excess to
      achieve conception. Many independent studies, especially in human medicine, have
      demonstrated that the absolute number of spermatozoa does not accurately
      determine fertility, but their functional competence. Many functional tests of
      spermatozoa are developed over the last decades. Computer-assisted sperm analysis
      (CASA) and flow cytometry have become the gold standard for semen assessment in
      specialized andrology laboratories. Other functional assays, such as gamete
      interaction tests, provide additional information regarding the real fertilizing
      potential of sperm cells. From this point of view, such tests are valuable
      diagnostic tools in fertility disorders and may be helpful to make a decision
      which method of treatment to use: pharmacological therapy, intrauterine
      insemination, introduction of classic IVF, ICSI or exclusion from a breeding
      programme. The most useful gamete interaction tests include induced acrosome
      reaction, zona pellucida binding assay, oocyte penetration assay and hyaluronan
      binding assay. In recent years, andrology has entered into a new era of
      sophisticated OMICS methods. Genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics and
      proteomics brought high hopes for rapid progress in clinical diagnostics.

PMID- 27670938
TI  - Videovaginoscopy of the canine vagina.
AB  - Endoscopy enables a rapid and non-traumatic examination of the vaginal cavity of
      female dogs. Its implementation requires specific equipment as well as knowledge
      about the species-specific vaginal anatomy and the procedure. Vaginoscopy is the
      diagnostic tool of choice for several vaginal conditions and diseases such as
      congenital abnormalities, neoplasia or ectopic ureter. Furthermore, vaginal
      inspection may provide additional information in cases of vulvar discharge or
      infertility. Vaginoscopy is a superior tool compared to other methods in assisted
      reproduction. Changes of the vaginal mucosa during the oestrous cycle can be
      observed to determine the hormonal actions and the time of ovulations in addition
      to other routine examinations, such as progesterone assay and vaginal cytology.
      Finally, intrauterine insemination, which is recommended for insemination with
      frozen-thawed semen, can be performed endoscopically by transcervical
      catheterization.

PMID- 27670940
TI  - Assessment of canine neonatal viability-the Apgar score.
AB  - Perinatal mortality is relatively high in dogs, with deaths peaking around the
      time of birth and during the first week of age. Among the several causes of
      canine perinatal mortality, whelping is the greatest cause. Therefore, early
      neonatal assistance at birth should be mandatory with dogs. In comparison with
      human neonatology, knowledge and technological ability in canine neonatology is
      tremendously scarce. The Apgar score for the newborn viability assessment at
      birth represents a feasible method for the prompt recognition of newborns that
      will need special assistance immediately after birth. The five parameters of the
      Apgar score were adapted to the canine species by different studies. Advantages
      and limits, as well as clinical applications, are presented and discussed in
      further detail. It was concluded that the Apgar score represents the easiest and
      simplest, non-invasive and reliable method, that could be performed under every
      clinical and practical condition, for newborn puppies viability evaluations and
      short-term survival prognosis.

PMID- 27670941
TI  - Microgravity induces proteomics changes involved in endoplasmic reticulum stress
      and mitochondrial protection.
AB  - On Earth, biological systems have evolved in response to environmental stressors,
      interactions dictated by physical forces that include gravity. The absence of
      gravity is an extreme stressor and the impact of its absence on biological
      systems is ill-defined. Astronauts who have spent extended time under conditions
      of minimal gravity (microgravity) experience an array of biological alterations,
      including perturbations in cardiovascular function. We hypothesized that
      physiological perturbations in cardiac function in microgravity may be a
      consequence of alterations in molecular and organellar dynamics within the
      cellular milieu of cardiomyocytes. We used a combination of mass spectrometry
      based approaches to compare the relative abundance and turnover rates of 848 and
      196 proteins, respectively, in rat neonatal cardiomyocytes exposed to simulated
      microgravity or normal gravity. Gene functional enrichment analysis of these data
      suggested that the protein content and function of the mitochondria, ribosomes,
      and endoplasmic reticulum were differentially modulated in microgravity. We
      confirmed experimentally that in microgravity protein synthesis was decreased
      while apoptosis, cell viability, and protein degradation were largely unaffected.
      These data support our conclusion that in microgravity cardiomyocytes attempt to
      maintain mitochondrial homeostasis at the expense of protein synthesis. The
      overall response to this stress may culminate in cardiac muscle atrophy.

PMID- 27670942
TI  - Total chemical synthesis, refolding, and crystallographic structure of fully
      active immunophilin calstabin 2 (FKBP12.6).
AB  - Synthetic biology (or chemical biology) is a growing field to which the chemical
      synthesis of proteins, particularly enzymes, makes a fundamental contribution.
      However, the chemical synthesis of catalytically active proteins (enzymes)
      remains poorly documented because it is difficult to obtain enough material for
      biochemical experiments. We chose calstabin, a 107-amino-acid proline isomerase,
      as a model. We synthesized the enzyme using the native chemical ligation approach
      and obtained several tens of milligrams. The polypeptide was refolded properly,
      and we characterized its biophysical properties, measured its catalytic activity,
      and then crystallized it in order to obtain its tridimensional structure after X
      ray diffraction. The refolded enzyme was compared to the recombinant, wild-type
      enzyme. In addition, as a first step of validating the whole process, we
      incorporated exotic amino acids into the N-terminus. Surprisingly, none of the
      changes altered the catalytic activities of the corresponding mutants. Using this
      body of techniques, avenues are now open to further obtain enzymes modified with
      exotic amino acids in a way that is only barely accessible by molecular biology,
      obtaining detailed information on the structure-function relationship of enzymes
      reachable by complete chemical synthesis.

PMID- 27670943
TI  - Standardized Reporting in IR: A Prospective Multi-Institutional Pilot Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess adoption and survey-based satisfaction rates following
      deployment of standardized interventional radiology (IR) procedure reports across
      multiple institutions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Standardized reporting templates
      for 5 common interventional procedures (central venous access, inferior vena cava
      [IVC] filter insertion, IVC filter removal, uterine artery embolization, and
      vertebral augmentation) were distributed to 20 IR practices in a prospective
      quality-improvement study. Participating sites edited the reports according to
      institutional preferences and deployed them for a 1-year pilot study concluding
      in July 2015. Study compliance was measured by sampling 20 reports of each
      procedure type at each institution, and surveys of interventionalists and
      referring physicians were performed. Modifications to the standardized reporting
      templates at each site were analyzed. RESULTS: Ten institutions deployed the
      standardized reports, with 8 achieving deployment of 3-12 months. The mean report
      usage rate was 57%. Each site modified the original reports, with 26% mean
      reduction in length, 18% mean reduction in wordiness, and 60% mean reduction in
      the number of forced fill-in fields requiring user input. Linear-regression
      analysis revealed that reduced number of forced fill-in fields correlated
      significantly with increased usage rate (R2 = 0.444; P = .05). Surveys revealed
      high satisfaction rates among referring physicians but lower satisfaction rates
      among interventional radiologists. CONCLUSIONS: Standardized report adoption
      rates increased when reports were simplified by reducing the number of forced
      fill-in fields. Referring physicians preferred the standardized reports, whereas
      interventional radiologists preferred standard narrative reports.

PMID- 27670944
TI  - HMGB1 exacerbates experimental mouse colitis by enhancing innate lymphoid cells 3
      inflammatory responses via promoted IL-23 production.
AB  - In inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), as an
      endogenous inflammatory molecule, can promote inflammatory cytokines secretion by
      acting on TLR2/4 resulting in tissue damage. The underlying mechanisms remain
      unclear. Here we report a novel role of HMGB1 in controlling the maintenance and
      function of intestine-resident group-3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3s) that are
      important innate effector cells implicated in mucosal homeostasis and IBD
      pathogenesis. We showed that mice treated with anti-HMGB1 Ab, or genetically
      deficient for TLR2-/- or TLR4-/- mice, displayed reduced intestinal inflammation.
      In these mice, the numbers of colonic ILC3s were significantly reduced, and the
      levels of IL-17 and IL-22 that can be secreted by ILC3s were also decreased in
      the colon tissues. Furthermore, HMGB1 promoted DCs via TLR2/4 signaling to
      produce IL-23, activating ILC3s to produce IL-17 and IL-22. Our data thus
      indicated that the HMGB1-TLR2/4-DCs-IL-23 cascade pathway enhances the functions
      of ILC3s to produce IL-17 and IL-22, and this signal way might play a vital role
      in the development of IBD.

PMID- 27670946
TI  - Autophagy is induced by anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic Abs and promotes neutrophil
      extracellular traps formation.
AB  - Dysregulated neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation contributes to the
      pathogenesis of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic Ab (ANCA)-associated vasculitis
      (AAV). Increasing evidence indicates that autophagy is involved in the process of
      NETs formation. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether ANCA could induce
      autophagy in the process of NETs formation. Autophagy was detected using live
      cell imaging, microtubule-associated protein light chain 3B (LC3B) accumulation
      and Western blotting. The results showed that autophagy vacuolization was
      detected in neutrophils treated with ANCA-positive IgG by live cell imaging. This
      effect was enhanced by rapamycin, the autophagy inducer, and weakened by 3
      methyladenine (3-MA), the autophagy inhibitor. In line with these results, the
      autophagy marker, LC3B, showed a punctate distribution pattern in the neutrophils
      stimulated with ANCA-positive IgG. In the presence of rapamycin, LC3B
      accumulation was further increased; however, this effect was attenuated by 3-MA.
      Moreover, incubated with ANCA-positive IgG, the NETosis rate significantly
      increased compared with the unstimulated group. And, the rate significantly
      increased or decreased in the neutrophils pretreated with rapamycin or 3-MA,
      respectively, as compared with the cells incubated with ANCA-positive IgG.
      Overall, this study demonstrates that autophagy is induced by ANCA and promotes
      ANCA-induced NETs formation.

PMID- 27670945
TI  - Regulation of the IL-10-driven macrophage phenotype under incoherent stimuli.
AB  - Macrophages are ubiquitous innate immune cells that play a central role in health
      and disease by adopting distinct phenotypes, which are broadly divided into
      classical inflammatory responses and alternative responses that promote immune
      suppression and wound healing. Although macrophages are attractive therapeutic
      targets, incomplete understanding of this functional choice limits clinical
      manipulation. While individual stimuli, pathways, and genes involved in
      macrophage functional responses have been identified, how macrophages evaluate
      complex in vivo milieus comprising multiple divergent stimuli remains poorly
      understood. Here, we used combinations of "incoherent" stimuli-those that
      individually promote distinct macrophage phenotypes-to elucidate how the
      immunosuppressive, IL-10-driven macrophage phenotype is induced, maintained, and
      modulated under such combinatorial stimuli. The IL-10-induced immunosuppressive
      phenotype was largely insensitive to co-administered IL-12, which has been
      reported to modulate macrophage phenotype, but maintaining the immunosuppressive
      phenotype required sustained exposure to IL-10. Our data implicate the
      intracellular protein, BCL3, as a key mediator of the IL-10-driven phenotype.
      Notably, co-administration of IFN-gamma disrupted an IL-10-mediated positive
      feedback loop that may reinforce the immunosuppressive phenotype. This novel
      combinatorial perturbation approach thus generated new insights into macrophage
      decision making and local immune network function.

PMID- 27670947
TI  - Piperacillin/tazobactam-induced immune-mediated thrombocytopenia in the intensive
      care unit.
AB  - WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Drug-induced immune-mediated thrombocytopenia is a
      rare adverse event that remains a diagnostic challenge, especially in the
      critically ill population. There are only two previously reported cases of rapid
      and profound thrombocytopenia after administration of piperacillin/tazobactam.
      CASE SUMMARY: A 64-year-old man experienced several episodes of isolated
      thrombocytopenia after receiving piperacillin/tazobactam. Interestingly, the
      degree of thrombocytopenia varied with the amount of corticosteroid therapy the
      patient was receiving. Due to the complexity of thrombocytopenia in critically
      ill patients, other potential causes were extensively worked up and ruled out.
      WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: We describe the first case of piperacillin/tazobactam
      induced immune-mediated thrombocytopenia that was mitigated by the administration
      of corticosteroid therapy. This case highlights the importance of identifying
      potential drug-related causes of isolated thrombocytopenia.

PMID- 27670949
TI  - Pretransplant patient, parent, and family psychosocial functioning varies by
      organ type and patient age.
AB  - The goal of this study was to compare pretransplant patient HRQOL, parent
      psychological functioning, and the impact of the patient's ongoing illness on the
      family between organ types (ie, kidney, liver, heart) and age-groups (ie,
      children, AYAs). The sample included 80 pediatric patients with end-stage organ
      disease who were evaluated for transplantation and their parents. Parents
      completed self- and proxy reports at patients' pretransplant evaluations. Results
      indicated that patients evaluated for heart transplants consistently had lower
      HRQOL and their parents had greater psychological distress compared to the kidney
      and liver groups. Within the heart group, parents and families of children (<12
      years old) experienced significantly more distress and impact of the patient's
      illness on the family compared to those of AYAs (>=12 years old). Pediatric
      patients awaiting heart transplants, particularly younger children, and their
      parents and families may have greater psychosocial needs compared to patients
      awaiting kidney or liver transplants.

PMID- 27670950
TI  - Should we redefine the classic lateral pallium?
AB  - The quadripartite model of the telencephalic pallium of amniotes offered by the
      Puelles school includes a medial, dorsal, lateral, and ventral pallium. Watson
      and Puelles ([2016] J. Comp. Neurol. this issue) now newly propose that the
      mammalian ventral pallium gives rise not only to all of the pallial amygdala but
      also to the olfactory cortex, which hitherto was considered to arise from the
      lateral pallium. Thus, the region of the lateral pallium was misidentified in the
      quadripartite model, as the designated histogenetic unit gives rise to the
      insular cortex/claustrum and should therefore be considered a most ventrolateral
      part of the dorsal pallium (its ventrolateral subdivision). The mesopallium of
      birds then is the homologue of this ventrolateral dorsal pallial part, not of the
      classic lateral pallium. The region designated as the ventral pallium in the
      initial quadripartite model should therefore be divided in the new Watson/Puelles
      model into a smaller ventral pallium and a lateral pallium. J. Comp. Neurol.
      525:1509-1513, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27670951
TI  - The function of the DegP (HtrA) protein: Protease versus chaperone.
AB  - The DegP (or HtrA) is a highly conserved family of proteins functioning in all
      living organisms. It was initially identified as a protease functioning in the
      periplasmic space of the Gram-negative bacterial cells. It was later reported to
      also exhibit chaperone activity and thus has been designated as a bifunctional
      protein. However, recent studies demonstrated that in living cells it more likely
      functions only as a protease with hardly detectable chaperone activities. In this
      review, I will summarize the evidences clarifying that DegP more likely only
      functions as a protease rather than as a chaperone in cells. (c) 2016 IUBMB Life,
      68(11):904-907, 2016.

PMID- 27670953
TI  - Stretchable Materials for Robust Soft Actuators towards Assistive Wearable
      Devices.
AB  - Soft actuators made from elastomeric active materials can find widespread
      potential implementation in a variety of applications ranging from assistive
      wearable technologies targeted at biomedical rehabilitation or assistance with
      activities of daily living, bioinspired and biomimetic systems, to gripping and
      manipulating fragile objects, and adaptable locomotion. In this manuscript, we
      propose a novel two-component soft actuator design and design tool that produces
      actuators targeted towards these applications with enhanced mechanical
      performance and manufacturability. Our numerical models developed using the
      finite element method can predict the actuator behavior at large mechanical
      strains to allow efficient design iterations for system optimization. Based on
      two distinctive actuator prototypes' (linear and bending actuators) experimental
      results that include free displacement and blocked-forces, we have validated the
      efficacy of the numerical models. The presented extensive investigation of
      mechanical performance for soft actuators with varying geometric parameters
      demonstrates the practical application of the design tool, and the robustness of
      the actuator hardware design, towards diverse soft robotic systems for a wide set
      of assistive wearable technologies, including replicating the motion of several
      parts of the human body.

PMID- 27670952
TI  - Auto-Amputation of the Breast; a Rare Case Caused by Invasive Ductal Carcinoma.

PMID- 27670954
TI  - Quantification of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) in equine plasma and urine using HILIC
      MS/MS.
AB  - This paper describes quantitative methods for the determination of
      dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) in equine plasma and urine based on simple precipitation
      and dilution followed by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography coupled to
      tandem mass spectrometry (HILIC-MS/MS). DMSO is a polar solvent with analgesic
      and anti-inflammatory properties. Its pharmacological features make it prohibited
      in horse racing. However, since DMSO is naturally present in the horses'
      environment, international threshold values have been implemented for plasma and
      urine (1 and 15 ug/mL, respectively). Previously presented quantitative methods
      for the determination of DMSO are based on gas chromatography, thus demanding a
      tedious extraction step to transfer the analyte from the aqueous bodily fluid to
      an injectable organic solvent. The column used in the presented method was an
      Acquity BEH HILIC and the mobile phase was a mixture of ammonium acetate buffer
      and acetonitrile delivered as a gradient. Hexadeuterated DMSO (2 H6 -DMSO) was
      used as the internal standard. Validation was performed in the range of the
      international thresholds concerning selectivity, carry-over, linearity,
      precision, accuracy, stability and inter-individual matrix variation. The results
      fulfilled the predefined criteria and the methods were considered fit for
      purpose. Successful applications on real equine doping control samples were
      carried out with determined DMSO concentrations exceeding the international
      thresholds. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27670955
TI  - Perovskite Solar Cells on Corrugated Substrates with Enhanced Efficiency.
AB  - Organometallic halide perovskites solar cells are fabricated on nano-scaled
      corrugated substrates using a sequential deposition method. The corrugated
      substrates are fabricated using colloidal lithography followed by reactive ion
      etching. The corrugated structure is found to accelerate the chemical reaction
      between the sequentially deposited lead iodide (PbI2 ) and methyl ammonium iodide
      layers to form stoichiometric perovskite films, and the corrugated morphology is
      preserved at the interface of the hole transport layer (HTL) and the perovskite
      layer. The shunt resistance of the corrugated devices is found to be higher than
      that of the planar devices, leading to a higher open circuit voltage (VOC ) and
      fill factor (FF) in the corrugated devices. Finite-difference time-domain
      simulation is carried out on both planar and corrugated devices. The results
      revealed that light absorption is enhanced in the corrugated devices due to the
      corrugated HTL/perovskite interface, resulting in a significantly higher short
      circuit current (JSC ) observed in the corrugated devices. As a result, the
      average power conversion efficiency increases from 8.7% for the planar devices to
      13% for the corrugated devices.

PMID- 27670948
TI  - Denial of long-term issues with agriculture on tropical peatlands will have
      devastating consequences.

PMID- 27670956
TI  - Repeat Imaging in Idiopathic Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis: Is It Necessary?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Imaging plays a critical role in the evaluation of patients presenting
      with unilateral vocal fold paresis or paralysis of unknown etiology. In those
      with idiopathic unilateral vocal fold paralysis (iUVFP), there is no consensus
      regarding the need or timing of repeat imaging. This study seeks to establish the
      rate of delayed detection of alternate etiologies for these patients to determine
      if and when imaging should be repeated. METHODS: Retrospective chart review was
      conducted identifying patients at our institution with vocal fold movement
      impairment between 1998 and 2014. Idiopathic paralysis was diagnosed if physical
      examination, laryngoscopy, and initial imaging excluded a cause. Demographic
      data, length of follow-up, and the presence of late lesions were noted. Time to
      detection was plotted using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Of 3210 patients
      reviewed, 207 had a diagnosis of iUVFP. Of these patients, 8 went on to develop
      alternate diagnoses, including pulmonary disease, skull-base and laryngeal
      neoplasms, and thyroid malignancy. In Kaplan-Meir analysis, 90% remained
      "idiopathic" at 5 years of follow-up. The mean time to detection was 27 months.
      CONCLUSIONS: Patients initially diagnosed with iUVFP may have an occult cause
      that later becomes evident. We recommend repeat imaging within 2 years after
      diagnosis, but this is likely unnecessary beyond 5 years.

PMID- 27670957
TI  - Interactive iPhone/iPad App for Increased Tympanic Membrane Familiarity.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Otology relies on clinical examination to teach anatomy of the ear.
      The purpose of this report is to introduce the Buckingham Virtual Tympanum iPhone
      app as an adjuvant educational tool to teach the anatomical details of the
      tympanic membrane (TM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This app, available free at the
      Apple Store, was constructed using archival photographs of normal and abnormal
      TMs, stratified by difficulty. Each image has 4 labeled structures, linked to
      questions to encourage active learning. Third-year medical students then used the
      app to familiarize themselves with the TM. RESULTS: The free app was readily
      accessible and functioned without technical issues. By being interactive, it
      forced the user into the role of active learner. This pilot study found that
      students who used the app understood images of the TM better than those who did
      not use it. DISCUSSION: We introduce an interactive, iPhone-based smartphone
      application that we found to be a useful adjunct for teaching TM anatomy.

PMID- 27670958
TI  - Beneficial effects of mucous fistula refeeding in necrotizing enterocolitis
      neonates with enterostomies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Necrotizing enterocolitis in premature neonates often results in
      bowel resection and stoma formation. One way to promote bowel adaptation before
      stoma closure is to introduce proximal loop effluents into the mucous fistula. In
      this study, we reviewed our experience with distal loop refeeding with respect to
      control group. METHODS: All patients with necrotizing enterocolitis between 2000
      and 2014 necessitating initial diverting enterostomies and subsequent stoma
      closure in a tertiary referral center were included. Medical records were
      retrospectively reviewed. Demographic data, surgical procedures, and
      postoperative outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: 92 patients were identified, with
      77 patients receiving mucous fistula refeeding. The refeeding group showed less
      bowel ends size discrepancy (25 vs 53%, p=0.034) and less postoperative
      anastomotic leakage (3 vs 20%, p=0.029). Fewer refeeding group patients developed
      parenteral nutrition related cholestasis (42 vs 73%, p=0.045) and required
      shorter parenteral nutrition support (47 vs 135days, p=0.002). The mean peak
      bilirubin level was higher in the non-refeeding group (155 vs 275MUmol/L,
      p<0.001). No major complication was associated with refeeding. CONCLUSIONS:
      Mucous fistula refeeding is safe and can decrease risk of anastomotic
      complication and parental nutrition related cholestasis. It provides both
      diagnostic and therapeutic value preoperatively and its use should be advocated.
      Level III Treatment Study in a Case Control Manner.

PMID- 27670959
TI  - Mitigation of stomach dehiscence risk during gastrostomy tube changes - a
      retrospective analysis of patient outcomes.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Stomach dehiscence from the abdominal wall is a serious and
      potentially life-threatening complication of gastrostomy tube changes. This
      retrospective study evaluates gastric aspiration as an inexpensive and safe
      alternative to endoscopic or radiographic confirmation. METHODS: From August 1998
      to June 2016, 682 patients (301 female, 381 male) underwent 1713 gastrostomy tube
      changes in the medical setting, with an average age of 7.59years and an average
      site age of 3.43years. The most common diagnoses were GERD (304), aspiration
      (168), and failure to thrive (143). RESULTS: All newly inserted tubes were
      aspirated to visually inspect for gastric fluid. This procedure as a confirmatory
      test for intragastric placement was found to have a positive predictive value of
      99.5% and negative predictive value of 77.8%, with a sensitivity of 99.8% and
      specificity of 63.6%. In cases with successful aspiration of gastric fluid, 75.5%
      of changes resulted in no complications, with intraperitoneal insertion or leak
      in only 0.48% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Positive gastric aspirate is a strong
      predictor of proper G-tube placement with high sensitivity, eliminating the
      requirement of specialized equipment and the cost associated with endoscopic or
      radiographic guidance, and has a comparable or superior risk profile. LEVELS OF
      EVIDENCE: Study of diagnostic test level II.

PMID- 27670960
TI  - Diagnostic value of rectal suction biopsies using calretinin immunohistochemical
      staining in Hirschsprung's disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The study investigates the diagnostic value of calretinin
      immunohistochemical staining (CIS) on rectal suction biopsies (RSB) in
      Hirschsprung's disease (HD). METHODS: A prospective study was conducted at
      Children's Hospital 2 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from January through December
      2015. Patients suspected of HD during this period underwent RSB and were followed
      in order to assess the accuracy of the diagnostic test with CIS compared with
      conventional histology (H&E). RESULTS: A total of 188 children with RSB were
      investigated. Median age was 7.1 (range 0.2-159) months with 65.4% boys. HD was
      confirmed in 80 (42.6%) children. There were 1 false positive and no false
      negative cases. The sensitivity and specificity were 100% (80/80) and 99.1%
      (107/108) for CIS and 100% and 85.2% for H&E, respectively. Cohen's kappa
      coefficient was 0.9891 with a diagnostic accuracy of 99.5% for CIS, compared with
      0.8303 and 91.5% for H&E, respectively. There were no serious complications
      related to the RSB. CONCLUSION: RSB with CIS is a useful diagnostic method for
      HD, with easy interpretation and no need for cryostat. CIS has a high diagnostic
      accuracy and should be considered as the primary method for the diagnosis of HD
      by RSB. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic Studies - Level I.

PMID- 27670961
TI  - Injuries and outcomes associated with recreational vehicle accidents in pediatric
      trauma.
AB  - PURPOSE: To identify injuries and outcomes from Recreational/Off-Highway Vehicles
      (RV/OHV) accidents at a pediatric trauma center. METHODS: A retrospective review
      of a prospective pediatric trauma registry was performed to identify patients
      sustaining injuries from an RV/OHV between January 2007 and July 2015. Vehicles
      included: all-terrain vehicles (ATV), dirt bikes, utility-terrain vehicles (UTV),
      golf carts, go-karts, and dune buggies. RESULTS: Five hundred twenty-eight
      patients were injured while on an RV/OHV: 269 ATV, 135 dirt bike, 42 UTV, 38 golf
      cart, 34 go-kart, and 10 dune buggy. The majority (n=381, 72%) had at least one
      injury with an Abbreviated Injury Scale >=2; 39% (n=204) had orthopedic injuries
      and 22% (n=116) had central neurologic injuries. Over three-fourths (n=412, 78%)
      were admitted. For the 48% (n=253) of patients requiring surgery, 654 surgical
      procedures were performed. Median hospital charge was $27,565 (IQR: $15,553
      $44,935). Excluding golf carts, helmet use was 49% (n=231); 16% (n=76) wore
      protective clothing. Only 22% (n=26) wore a restraining belt. CONCLUSION: Severe
      injuries occur in children who ride RV/OHV often warranting admission and
      surgical intervention. Improved understanding of RV/OHV injuries may guide
      caregivers in decision-making about pediatric RV/OHV use and encourage use of
      protective gear. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, Prognosis Study.

PMID- 27670962
TI  - Enterocolitis and bowel function in children with Hirschsprung disease and
      trisomy 21.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to study the effect of trisomy
      21 (T21) on enterocolitis rates and bowel function among children with
      Hirschsprung disease (HD). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of patients with
      HD treated at our tertiary children's hospital (2000-2015) and a cohort of
      patients with HD treated in our pediatric colorectal center (CRC) (2011-2015)
      were performed. RESULTS: 26/207 (13%) patients with HD had T21. 70 (41%) with HD
      alone were diagnosed with enterocolitis episodes compared to 9 (38%) with HD+T21
      (p=0.71). 55/207 patients were managed in the CRC. 11/55 patients (20%) had
      HD+T21. 25 (58%) with HD had one or more enterocolitis episodes compared to 4
      (36%) with HD+T21 (p=0.20). Number of hospitalizations for enterocolitis was
      similar between all groups. Toilet training was assessed in 32 CRC patients (25
      HD, 7 HD+T21). One child with HD+T21 was toilet trained by age 4years versus 12
      with HD (p=0.20). Laxative or enema therapy was required for constipation
      management in 57% HD versus 64% HD+T21. CONCLUSION: Enterocolitis rates in
      children with HD+T21 did not differ from rates in children with HD alone. The
      majority of patients with CRC follow-up had constipation requiring laxative or
      enema therapy, which demonstrates the need for consistent postoperative follow
      up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective Study - Level II.

PMID- 27670963
TI  - Benchmarking the value of ultrasound for acute appendicitis in children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study appraises the diagnostic quality of ultrasound for acute
      appendicitis in children and consequently challenges the perception of inferior
      accuracy and suitability compared to computed tomography (CT). METHODS:
      Radiologist reports for consecutive "query appendicitis" ultrasound studies were
      retrieved from a hospital database for the study period 2009-2014. Children who
      subsequently underwent appendicectomy were identified. Corresponding operative
      and histopathology findings were evaluated. Diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound was
      determined by analyzing overall accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, predictivity,
      and likelihood ratios. RESULTS: A total of 3799 ultrasound examinations were
      evaluated. Mean age was 11.5+/-3.8years. The proportion of patients investigated
      with preoperative ultrasound was 59.9% (1103/1840). Appendix visualization rate
      was 91.7%. Overall diagnostic accuracy was 95.5%. Sensitivity and specificity
      values were 97.1% (95.9-98.1; 95% CI) and 94.8% (93.9-95.6; 95% CI),
      respectively. Separate analysis of only ultrasound positive and negative
      examinations (i.e., excluding nondiagnostic examinations) confirmed sensitivity
      and specificity values of 98.8% and 98.3%. CONCLUSION: In this largest reported
      single institution series of ultrasound examinations for appendicitis, we report
      benchmark standard quality of diagnostic accuracy and visualization rates. Given
      the radiation and cost implications of CT, there is a strong argument to
      recommend ultrasound as the primary imaging modality. Diagnostic Study-Level II.

PMID- 27670964
TI  - Biodegradable polydioxanone stent as a new treatment strategy for tracheal
      stenosis in a rabbit model.
AB  - PURPOSE: Congenital tracheal stenosis (CTS) is a rare condition and difficult to
      treat. Slide tracheoplasty has unsatisfactory outcomes for severe neonatal
      symptomatic CTS. This study evaluated the use of biodegradable polydioxanone
      stents (BD stent) in a rabbit model of CTS. METHODS: Tracheal stenosis was
      induced in female Japanese white rabbits, 9-10weeks old, by direct scraping of
      the tracheal mucosa with a nylon brush following transverse incision of the
      trachea (control group, n=4). Seven days later, we incised the trachea again and
      inserted a BD stent (15*5mm) into the trachea (stent group, n=4). Arterial blood
      gas analysis was performed twice weekly for 1month after the procedure. RESULTS:
      In the control group, respiratory acidosis arising from ventilatory failure was
      observed on postoperative days 7-10. Rabbits were sacrificed at 11.5days after
      scraping. Severe tracheal stenosis resulting from inflammatory granulation was
      detected in the scraped region in all rabbits. In the stent group, arterial blood
      gas analysis was normal at 28days after stent insertion. The BD stent maintained
      patency of the tracheal lumen and prolonged survival for 1month. CONCLUSIONS: The
      use of BD stent represents a promising new treatment method for tracheal
      stenosis.

PMID- 27670965
TI  - The development of targeted new agents to improve the outcome for children with
      leukemia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Survival rates in pediatric leukemia have greatly improved in the
      last decades but still a substantial number of patients will relapse and die. New
      agents are necessary to overcome the limitations of conventional chemotherapy and
      hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and to reduce their undesirable long-term
      toxicities. The identification of driving molecular alterations of leukemogenesis
      in subsets of patients will allow the incorporation of new-targeted therapies.
      Areas covered: In this article the authors present a detailed review of the most
      recent advances in targeted therapies for pediatric leukemias. A comprehensive
      description of the biological background, adult data and early clinical trials in
      pediatrics is provided. Expert opinion: Clinical trials are the way to evaluate
      new agents in pediatric cancer. The development of new drugs in pediatric
      leukemia must be preceded by a solid biological rationale. Agents in development
      exploit all possible vulnerabilities of leukemic cells. Drugs targeting cell
      surface antigens, intracellular signaling pathways and cell cycle inhibitors or
      epigenetic regulators are most prominent. Major advances have occurred thanks to
      new developments in engineering leading to optimized molecules such as anti-CD19
      bi-specific T-cell engagers (e.g. blinatumomab) and antibody-drug conjugates. The
      integration of new-targeted therapies in pediatric chemotherapy-based regimens
      will lead to improved outcomes.

PMID- 27670966
TI  - Valvular heart disease and pregnancy part II: management of prosthetic valves.

PMID- 27670968
TI  - Identifying anticancer peptides by using improved hybrid compositions.
AB  - Cancer is one of the main causes of threats to human life. Identification of
      anticancer peptides is important for developing effective anticancer drugs. In
      this paper, we developed an improved predictor to identify the anticancer
      peptides. The amino acid composition (AAC), the average chemical shifts (acACS)
      and the reduced amino acid composition (RAAC) were selected to predict the
      anticancer peptides by using the support vector machine (SVM). The overall
      prediction accuracy reaches to 93.61% in jackknife test. The results indicated
      that the combined parameter was helpful to the prediction for anticancer
      peptides.

PMID- 27670969
TI  - Determining prescription durations based on the parametric waiting time
      distribution.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to develop a method to estimate the duration
      of single prescriptions in pharmacoepidemiological studies when the single
      prescription duration is not available. METHODS: We developed an estimation
      algorithm based on maximum likelihood estimation of a parametric two-component
      mixture model for the waiting time distribution (WTD). The distribution component
      for prevalent users estimates the forward recurrence density (FRD), which is
      related to the distribution of time between subsequent prescription redemptions,
      the inter-arrival density (IAD), for users in continued treatment. We exploited
      this to estimate percentiles of the IAD by inversion of the estimated FRD and
      defined the duration of a prescription as the time within which 80% of current
      users will have presented themselves again. Statistical properties were examined
      in simulation studies, and the method was applied to empirical data for four
      model drugs: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), warfarin,
      bendroflumethiazide, and levothyroxine. RESULTS: Simulation studies found
      negligible bias when the data-generating model for the IAD coincided with the FRD
      used in the WTD estimation (Log-Normal). When the IAD consisted of a mixture of
      two Log-Normal distributions, but was analyzed with a single Log-Normal
      distribution, relative bias did not exceed 9%. Using a Log-Normal FRD, we
      estimated prescription durations of 117, 91, 137, and 118 days for NSAIDs,
      warfarin, bendroflumethiazide, and levothyroxine, respectively. Similar results
      were found with a Weibull FRD. CONCLUSIONS: The algorithm allows valid estimation
      of single prescription durations, especially when the WTD reliably separates
      current users from incident users, and may replace ad-hoc decision rules in
      automated implementations. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27670970
TI  - Close Obs.

PMID- 27670971
TI  - Recovery.

PMID- 27670972
TI  - Styx and Sarcoma.

PMID- 27670967
TI  - Estimated glomerular filtration rate and urine biomarkers in patients with single
      ventricle Fontan circulation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To define whether adults with a Fontan circulation, who have lifelong
      venous congestion and limited cardiac output, have impaired glomerular filtration
      rate (GFR) or elevated urinary biomarkers of kidney injury. METHODS: We measured
      circulating cystatin C and creatinine (n=70) and urinary creatinine, albumin,
      kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin
      (NGAL) and N-acetyl glucosaminidase (NAG) (n=59) in ambulatory adult Fontan
      patients and 20 age-matched and sex-matched controls. Urinary biomarkers were
      normalised to urine creatinine concentration. Survival free from non-elective
      cardiovascular hospitalisation was compared by estimated GFR and urinary
      biomarker levels using survival analysis. RESULTS: Cystatin C GFR was lower in
      the Fontan group compared with controls (114.2+/-22.8 vs 136.3+/-12.8 mL/min/1.73
      m2, p<0.0001); GFR<90 mL/min/1.73 m2 in 14.3% vs 0% of controls. Albumin-to
      creatinine ratio (ACR), KIM-1 and NAG were elevated compared with controls;
      ACR=23.2 (7.6-38.3) vs 3.6 (2.5-5.7) mg/g, p<0.0001; NAG=1.8 (1.1-2.6) vs 1.1
      (0.9-1.6) U/g, p=0.02; KIM-1=0.91 (0.52-1.45) vs 0.33 (0.24-0.74) ng/mg, p=0.001.
      Microalbuminuria, ACR>30 mg/g, was present in 33.9% of the Fontan patients but in
      none of the controls. Over median 707 (IQR 371-942)-day follow-up, 31.4% of
      patients had a clinical event. Higher KIM-1 and NAG were associated with higher
      risk of non-elective hospitalisation or death (HR/+1 SD=2.1, 95% CI 1.3 to 3.3,
      p=0.002; HR/+1 SD=1.6, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.4, p=0.03, respectively); cystatin C GFR
      was associated with risk of the outcome (HR/+1 SD=0.66, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.90,
      p=0.009) but creatinine-based GFR was not (HR/+1 SD=0.91, 95% CI 0.61 to 1.38,
      p=0.66). Neither ACR nor NGAL was associated with events. CONCLUSIONS: The Fontan
      circulation is commonly associated with reduced estimated GFR and evidence for
      glomerular and tubular injury. Those with lower cystatin C GFR and tubular injury
      are at increased risk of adverse outcomes.

PMID- 27670973
TI  - A fuller picture: evaluating an art therapy programme in a multidisciplinary
      mental health service.
AB  - Art therapy has a long history in mental healthcare, but requires an enhanced
      evidence base in order to better identify its precise role in contemporary
      services. This paper describes an evaluation of an art therapy programme in an
      acute adult psychiatry admission unit in Ireland. A mixed method research design
      was used. Quantitative data were collected through a survey of 35 staff members
      and 11 service users. Qualitative data included free text comments collected in
      the survey and individual feedback from service users. Both methods aimed to
      assess the role of art therapy as part of a multidisciplinary mental health
      service. Thematic content analysis was employed to analyse qualitative data.
      Staff demonstrated overwhelming support for art therapy as one element within
      multidisciplinary services available to patients in the acute psychiatry setting,
      Qualitative feedback associated art therapy with improvements in quality of life
      and individual support, and emphasised its role as a non-verbal intervention,
      especially useful for those who find talking therapy difficult. Creative self
      expression is valued by staff and service users as part of the recovery process.
      Recommendations arising from the research include continuing the art therapy
      service, expanding it to include patients under rehabilitation, provision of
      information and education sessions to staff, and further research to identify
      other potential long-term effects. The low response of staff and small sample in
      this study, however, must be noted as limitations to these findings.

PMID- 27670974
TI  - Effect of piperine on CYP2E1 enzyme activity of chlorzoxazone in healthy
      volunteers.
AB  - 1. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of piperine
      (PIP) on CYP2E1 enzyme activity and pharmacokinetics of chlorzoxazone (CHZ) in
      healthy volunteers. 2. An open-label, two period, sequential study was conducted
      in 12 healthy volunteers. A single dose of PIP 20 mg was administered daily for
      10 days during treatment phase. A single dose of CHZ 250 mg was administered
      during control and after treatment phases under fasting conditions. The blood
      samples were collected at predetermined time intervals after CHZ dosing and
      analyzed by HPLC. 3. Treatment with PIP significantly enhanced maximum plasma
      concentration (Cmax) (3.14-4.96 MUg/mL), area under the curve (AUC) (10.46-17.78
      MUg h/mL), half life (T1/2) (1.26-1.82 h) and significantly decreased elimination
      rate constant (Kel) (0.57-0.41 h - 1), apparent oral clearance (CL/F) (24.76
      13.65 L/h) of CHZ when compared to control. In addition, treatment with PIP
      significantly decreased Cmax (0.22-0.15 MUg/mL), AUC (0.94-0.68 MUg h/mL), T1/2
      (2.54-1.68 h) and significantly increased Kel (0.32-0.43 h - 1) of 6
      hydroxychlorzoxazone (6-OHCHZ) as compared to control. Furthermore, treatment
      with PIP significantly decreased metabolite to parent (6-OHCHZ/CHZ) ratios of
      Cmax, AUC, T1/2 and significantly increased Kel ratio of 6-OHCHZ/CHZ, which
      indicate the decreased formation of CHZ to 6-OHCHZ. 4. The results suggest that
      altered pharmacokinetics of CHZ might be attributed to PIP mediated inhibition of
      CYP2E1 enzyme, which indicate significant pharmacokinetic interaction present
      between PIP and CHZ. The inhibition of CYP2E1 by PIP may represent a novel
      therapeutic benefit for minimizing ethanol induced CYP2E1 enzyme activity and
      results in reduced hepatotoxicity of ethanol.

PMID- 27670975
TI  - Integration and Typologies of Vulnerability to Climate Change: A Case Study from
      Australian Wheat Sheep Zones.
AB  - Although the integrated indicator methods have become popular for assessing
      vulnerability to climate change, their proliferation has introduced a confusing
      array of scales and indicators that cause a science-policy gap. I argue for a
      clear adaptation pathway in an "integrative typology" of regional vulnerability
      that matches appropriate scales, optimal measurements and adaptive strategies in
      a six-dimensional and multi-level analysis framework of integration and typology
      inspired by the "5W1H" questions: "Who is concerned about how to adapt to the
      vulnerability of what to what in some place (where) at some time (when)?" Using
      the case of the vulnerability of wheat, barley and oats to drought in Australian
      wheat sheep zones during 1978-1999, I answer the "5W1H" questions through
      establishing the "six typologies" framework. I then optimize the measurement of
      vulnerability through contrasting twelve kinds of vulnerability scores with the
      divergence of crops yields from their regional mean. Through identifying the
      socioeconomic constraints, I propose seven generic types of crop-drought
      vulnerability and local adaptive strategy. Our results illustrate that the
      process of assessing vulnerability and selecting adaptations can be enhanced
      using a combination of integration, optimization and typology, which emphasize
      dynamic transitions and transformations between integration and typology.

PMID- 27670976
TI  - Correctional psychopharmacology: pitfalls, challenges, and victories of
      prescribing in a correctional setting.
AB  - Mentally ill patients are entering the criminal justice system at alarming rates,
      representing a significant percentage of those incarcerated. Correctional
      facilities are mandated to provide mental health treatment to inmates. The
      increasing number of inmate patients has made psychiatry an important part of
      institutional operations. Psychiatrists are called to provide
      psychopharmacological interventions to aid in the safe operation of institutions
      and provide effective treatment to those with mental illness. This article
      discusses the uniqueness of prescribing within correctional settings and
      delineates important aspects of correctional psychiatry. It includes information
      on navigating the rigid structure of correctional environments, providing
      effective interventions for behaviourally disruptive and manipulative inmates,
      prescribing within the limits of formulary restrictions, considerations for
      dispensing medication, preventing medication diversion, involuntarily medication
      practices, and treatment of aggressive inmates. The article concludes with case
      illustrations that depict the pitfalls, challenges, and victories of working with
      inmate patients.

PMID- 27670977
TI  - Effect of cumulative repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on freezing of
      gait in patients with atypical Parkinsonism: A pilot study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential of cumulative high-frequency repetitive
      transcranial magnetic stimulation (HF-rTMS) on freezing of gait in atypical
      Parkinsonism. DESIGN: Randomized, single-blinded, crossover study with a blinded
      observer. PARTICIPANTS: Eight patients with atypical Parkinsonism. METHODS: All
      participants received HF-rTMS over the lower leg primary motor cortex (M1-LL) for
      5 consecutive days. Alternative sham stimulation was also administered with a 2
      week wash-out period. Freezing of Gait Questionnaire (FOG-Q), turn steps in the
      modified Standing Start 180 degrees  Turn Test, the Timed Up and Go (TUG) task,
      and the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III (UPDRS-III) were
      performed before, after, and one week after rTMS. RESULTS: All participants
      completed this study without any significant adverse effects. FOG-Q and turn
      steps revealed significant improvements over time in the rTMS compared with the
      sham stimulation (chi2=6.067, p=0.048 and chi2=9.083, p=0.011). In addition, the
      TUG task and UPDRS-III showed significant improvements over time in the rTMS
      compared with the sham stimulation (chi2=7.200, p=0.02 and chi2=7.000, p=0.030).
      CONCLUSION: Cumulative HF-rTMS over the M1-LL might be effective for improving
      freezing of gait in patients with atypical Parkinsonism. Further investigation
      with a large number of participants is needed to clarify the effects of HF- rTMS
      on freezing of gait in atypical Parkinsonism.

PMID- 27670978
TI  - Caught in the Cross-Fire.
AB  - A psychiatrist's review of the state of knowledge about the effects of
      pornography and the reasons for the ferocious arguments on the subject. 

PMID- 27670979
TI  - Confusion Reigns.
AB  - The ex-film censor looks at the way ideas about what is Pornographic alter and
      suggests that although times change only some people change with them. 

PMID- 27670980
TI  - Under Control.
AB  - The new film of David Mercer's Family life poses some hard questions for
      psychiatry to answer and puts the Laingian case for 'schizophrenia' being an
      illness created within the family unit. 

PMID- 27670982
TI  - News Review.

PMID- 27670981
TI  - With the Eyes of a Child.
AB  - Children's art can be a guide to their rate of development and can also help to
      establish the reasons for disturbed behaviour. 

PMID- 27670983
TI  - Scan.
AB  - A personal view of the social services. 

PMID- 27670984
TI  - Utopia on the Rocks.
AB  - Analysing American society and finding little hope for it has almost become a
      'favourite sport' for sociologists. Another book on this theme illustrates the
      strongly-felt and yet somehow 'manufactured' crisis of conscience in the USA. 

PMID- 27670986
TI  - From Where I Sit: Editorial Comment.

PMID- 27670985
TI  - Insights Through Art.
AB  - For some reason art therapy is often viewed with tolerant amusement but, in fact,
      it often has a really 'solid' contribution to make to the treatment and recovery
      of the mentally ill. 

PMID- 27670987
TI  - First-Class Citizenship.
AB  - As a right, the mentally handicap deserve to live and work in the community to
      which they belong rather than being separated from it in the name of special
      treatment. A challenging new project in Sheffield, based on this principle, is
      just getting underway. 

PMID- 27670988
TI  - Power to the Manager.
AB  - The president of the Blue Cross Association of America thinks, among other
      things, that the National Health Service should have 'hospital managers' and an
      interrelation of its 'private' and 'public' sectors. A review of his contribution
      to a book suggesting radical remedies. 

PMID- 27670989
TI  - Let Be Be Finale of Seem: The Safety and Effectiveness of Inferior Vena Cava
      Filters.

PMID- 27670990
TI  - The Angiomyolipoma Conundrum.

PMID- 27670991
TI  - Percutaneous Esophagogastrostomy Creation for Gastric Bypass Reversal.

PMID- 27670992
TI  - Percutaneous Removal of Retained Bullet.

PMID- 27670994
TI  - Cryoablation of Facial Arteriovenous Malformations: Expanding the Scope of
      Treatment.

PMID- 27670993
TI  - Treatment of Residual Facial Arteriovenous Malformations after Embolization with
      Percutaneous Cryotherapy.
AB  - This report presents 4 patients (mean age, 22 y; range, 17-26 y) with facial
      arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) who underwent arterial ethanol and N-butyl
      cyanoacrylate embolization followed by percutaneous cryoablation of residual
      inaccessible AVMs. After the procedure, minor complications classified as type B
      according to the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) classification system
      occurred in 75% (3/4) of patients. One patient achieved 90% obliteration of AVM,
      and 3 patients had complete obliteration of AVM at 1-year follow-up. This reports
      shows that percutaneous ablation may be a viable treatment option for residual
      facial AVMs after ethanol and glue embolization. 

PMID- 27670995
TI  - Radiofrequency Ablation for Iatrogenic Thyroid Artery Pseudoaneurysm: Initial
      Experience.
AB  - Eight iatrogenic thyroid pseudoaneurysms (ITPAs) after thyroid biopsy are
      reported. The mean ITPA diameter was 7.2 mm (range 4 to 12 mm). Ultrasound (US)
      guided compression was initially performed at the neck of the ITPA in all cases.
      Among them, 4 ITPAs persisted (50%) in which radiofrequency (RF) ablation was
      performed. Mean RF ablation time and power were 13.5 seconds (range 5 to 24
      seconds) and 20 W (range 10 to 50 W), respectively. All 4 cases were treated with
      RF ablation without any complications. 

PMID- 27670996
TI  - Drill-Assisted Biopsy of the Axial and Appendicular Skeleton: Safety, Technical
      Success, and Diagnostic Efficacy.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety, technical success rate, and
      diagnostic efficacy of drill-assisted axial and appendicular bone biopsies.
      During a 3-y period, 703 drill-assisted biopsies were performed. The cohort
      included 54.2% men, with a mean age of 57.6 y +/- 17.1. Median lesion volume was
      10.9 mL (interquartile range, 3.4-30.2 mL). Lesions were lytic (31.7%), sclerotic
      (21.2%), mixed lytic and sclerotic (27.7%), or normal radiographic bone quality
      (19.3%). No complications were reported. The technical biopsy success rate was
      99.9%. Crush artifact was present in 5.8% of specimens submitted for surgical
      pathologic examination, and 2.1% of specimens were inadequate for histologic
      evaluation. 

PMID- 27670997
TI  - Choose Wisely: Choose IR.

PMID- 27670998
TI  - Reply to: "Biopsy of Paraganglioma and Takotsubo Syndrome".

PMID- 27671000
TI  - Hur S, Shin JH, Lee IJ, et al. Early Experience in the Management of
      Postoperative Lymphatic Leakage Using Lipiodol Lymphangiography and Adjunctive
      Glue Embolization. (J Vasc Interv Radiol 2016;27:1177-1186.

PMID- 27670999
TI  - Biopsy of Paraganglioma and Takotsubo Syndrome.

PMID- 27671001
TI  - The platypus in Edinburgh: Robert Jameson, Robert Knox and the place of the
      Ornithorhynchus in nature, 1821-24.
AB  - The duck-billed platypus, or Ornithorhynchus, was the subject of an intense
      debate among natural historians in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth
      centuries. Its paradoxical mixture of mammalian, avian and reptilian
      characteristics made it something of a taxonomic conundrum. In the early 1820s
      Robert Jameson (1774-1854), the professor of natural history at the University of
      Edinburgh and the curator of the University's natural history museum, was able to
      acquire three valuable specimens of this species. He passed one of these on to
      the anatomist Robert Knox (1791-1862), who dissected the animal and presented his
      results in a series of papers to the Wernerian Natural History Society, which
      later published them in its Memoirs. This paper takes Jameson's platypus as a
      case study on how natural history specimens were used to create and contest
      knowledge of the natural world in the early nineteenth century, at a time when
      interpretations of the relationships between animal taxa were in a state of flux.
      It shows how Jameson used his possession of this interesting specimen to provide
      a valuable opportunity for his protege Knox while also helping to consolidate his
      own position as a key figure in early nineteenth-century natural history.

PMID- 27671003
TI  - An electrical analogy to Mie scattering.
AB  - Mie scattering is an optical phenomenon that appears when electromagnetic waves,
      in particular light, are elastically scattered at a spherical or cylindrical
      object. A transfer of this phenomenon onto electron states in ballistic graphene
      has been proposed theoretically, assuming a well-defined incident wave scattered
      by a perfectly cylindrical nanometer scaled potential, but experimental
      fingerprints are lacking. We present an experimental demonstration of an
      electrical analogue to Mie scattering by using graphene as a conductor, and
      circular potentials arranged in a square two-dimensional array. The tabletop
      experiment is carried out under seemingly unfavourable conditions of diffusive
      transport at room-temperature. Nonetheless, when a canted arrangement of the
      array with respect to the incident current is chosen, cascaded Mie scattering
      results robustly in a transverse voltage. Its response on electrostatic gating
      and variation of potentials convincingly underscores Mie scattering as underlying
      mechanism. The findings presented here encourage the design of functional
      electronic metamaterials.

PMID- 27671004
TI  - PCPNDT seems to benefit India's birth sex ratios.

PMID- 27671002
TI  - A six-CpG panel with DNA methylation biomarkers predicting treatment response of
      chemoradiation in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prognosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients
      remains poor, and the chemoradiotherapy (CRT) applied to ESCC patients often
      failed. Therefore, development of biomarkers to predict CRT response is immensely
      important for choosing the best treatment strategy of an individual patient.
      METHODS: The methylation array and pyrosequencing methylation assay were
      performed in pre-treatment endoscopic biopsies to identify probes with
      differential CpG methylation levels between good and poor CRT responders in a
      cohort of 12 ESCC patients. Receiver operating characteristic curves and
      multivariate logistic regressions were conducted to build the risk score equation
      of selected CpG probes in another cohort of 91 ESCC patients to predict CRT
      response. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate progression-free survival or
      time-to-progression of patients predicted with good and poor CRT responses.
      RESULTS: Nine differentially methylated CpG probes were identified to be
      associated with CRT response. A risk score equation comprising six CpG probes
      located in IFNGR2, KCNK4, NOTCH4, NPY, PAX6, and SOX17 genes were built. The risk
      score was derived from the sum of each probe multiplied by its corresponding
      coefficient. Such a risk score has a good prediction performance in
      discriminating poor CRT responders from good responders (AUC: 0.930). Moreover,
      poor CRT responders predicted by risk score significantly had poorer prognosis in
      terms of shorter progression-free survival and time-to-progression (p = 0.004
      0.008). CONCLUSION: We established a proof-of-concept CRT response prediction
      panel consisting of six-CpG methylation biomarkers in identifying ESCC patients
      who are at high risk of CRT failure and need intensive care.

PMID- 27671005
TI  - Surgical revision of benign hepaticojejunostomy stricture using a robotic system
      (with video).

PMID- 27671006
TI  - Improvement of peri-operative patient management to enable outpatient colectomy.
AB  - AIM OF THE STUDY: Outpatient left colectomy has been described in several small
      series or case reports. We conducted a prospective study to determine whether an
      optimized management approach could allow performance of this procedure in a
      broader patient population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between December 2014 and
      December 2015, all eligible patients were prospectively and consecutively
      included in this study. They all underwent surgery following the same outpatient
      management protocol. After discharge, patients were followed by home health
      nurses with surgeon follow-up visits on days 10 and 21 (D10, D21) or earlier, if
      necessary. RESULTS: During this period, 56 patients underwent a left colectomy,
      47 of whom met the inclusion criteria. Seven patients refused the outpatient care
      approach, leaving a total of 40 patients included (8 ASA 3 [American Society of
      Anesthesiologists], 24 ASA 2, 8 ASA 1). All but one of the patients were able to
      return home the same evening. Bowel motility was restored on D1 for most
      patients. Two patients had abdominal pain that required a follow-up visit before
      D10 but their subsequent course was uneventful. No patient was re-hospitalized.
      An uncomplicated post-operative course was confirmed at follow-up visits on D10
      and D21. CONCLUSION: Our study confirms that outpatient left colectomy is
      feasible for most patients, including fragile patients and/or those undergoing
      more complex procedures. Communication and close coordination by all stakeholders
      as well AS optimal organization of downstream patient care are essential to
      guarantee quality and safety.

PMID- 27671007
TI  - Up-date on the NeoVitaA Trial: Obstacles, challenges, perspectives, and local
      experiences.
AB  - The aim of the NeoVitaA Trial is to assess the role of postnatal additional high
      dose oral vitamin A supplementation for 28 days in reducing Bronchopulmonary
      dysplasia (BPD) or death in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants at 36 weeks
      postmenstrual age (PMA). All infants (both intervention and control group) will
      be provided with basic vitamin A (1000 IU/kg/day) in addition to trial
      intervention.In this short communication, we will give an up-date on obstacles,
      challenges as well as perspectives and potential solutions when putting into
      place a multicenter, double-blind, randomized trial in this cohort of extremely
      susceptible infants.

PMID- 27671009
TI  - Efficient boron abstraction using honeycomb-like porous magnetic hybrids:
      Assessment of techno-economic recovery of boric acid.
AB  - Porous magnetic hybrids were synthesized and functionalized with glycidol to
      produce boron-selective adsorbent. The magnetic hybrid (MH) comparatively out
      performed the existing expensive adsorbents. MH had a saturation magnetisation of
      63.48 emu/g and average pore diameter ranging from meso to macropores. The
      magnetic hybrids showed excellent selectivity towards boron and resulted in 79
      93% boron removal even in the presence of competing metal ions (Na+ and Cr2+).
      Experiments were performed in a column system, and breakthrough time was observed
      to increase with bed depths and decreased with flow rates. The batch experiments
      revealed that 60 min was enough to achieve equilibrium, and the level of boron
      sorption was 108.5 mg/g from a synthetic solution. Several adsorption-desorption
      cycles were performed using a simple acid-water treatment and evaluated using
      various kinetic models. The spent adsorbents could be separated easily from the
      mixture by an external magnetic field. The cost-benefit analysis was performed
      for the treatment of 72 m3/year boron effluent, including five years straight
      line depreciation charges of equipment. The net profit and standard percentage
      confirmed that the recovery process is economically feasible.

PMID- 27671008
TI  - Autoimmune gastritis.
AB  - Autoimmune gastritis is a chronic inflammatory disease with destruction of
      parietal cells of the corpus and fundus of the stomach. The known consequence is
      vitamin B12 deficiency and, consequently, pernicious anemia. However, loss of
      parietal cells reduces secretion of gastric acid which is also required for
      absorption of inorganic iron; thus, iron deficiency is commonly found in patients
      with autoimmune gastritis. This usually precedes vitamin B12 deficiency and is
      found mainly in young women. Patients with chronic iron deficiency, especially
      those refractory to oral iron therapy, should therefore be evaluated for the
      presence of autoimmune gastritis.

PMID- 27671010
TI  - Desmoteplase for Acute Ischemic Stroke within 3 to 9 Hours after Symptom Onset:
      Evidence from Randomized Controlled Trials.
AB  - Recent studies have shown inconsistent results regarding the value of
      desmoteplase for treating acute ischemic stroke (AIS) when administered within an
      extended time window. We performed a meta-analysis to explore the value of
      desmoteplase in AIS treatment. The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library
      databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that had
      evaluated desmoteplase versus placebo for AIS. The primary outcomes were
      intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) within 72 hours and favorable outcome at Day 90. We
      pooled 819 patients from 5 RCTs. Desmoteplase treatment showed a neutral effect
      on favorable outcome (P = 0.42) but a favorable safety profile in terms of ICH (P
      = 0.64) compared with the placebo group. In the subgroup analysis, 90 MUg/kg
      desmoteplase, a late time to treatment (6-9 hours), and serious stroke symptoms
      at baseline (NIHSS > 12) subgroups showed high risks of ICH (P <= 0.02). A high
      dose of desmoteplase (125 MUg/kg) showed a tendency to improve recanalization (P
      = 0.05), but was also associated with an increased risk of death (P = 0.04). In
      conclusion, desmoteplase administered over an extended time window had no
      significant effect on functional recovery but exhibited a favorable safety
      profile in patients with AIS.

PMID- 27671011
TI  - Highly Twisted Dianchoring D-pi-A Sensitizers for Efficient Dye-Sensitized Solar
      Cells.
AB  - Two new organic dyes-BPDTA and BTTA-possessing dual D-pi-A units have been
      synthesized, characterized, and employed as efficient sensitizers for dye
      sensitized solar cells. The two individual D-pi-A, which are based on (E)-3-(5'
      (4-(bis(4-(hexyloxy)phenyl)amino)phenyl)-[2,2'-bithiophen]-5-yl)-2-cyanoacrylic
      acid unit (D21L6), are connected directly between phenylene or thiophene within
      linear pi-conjugated backbone to constitute a highly twisted architecture for
      suppressing the dye aggregation. The new dianchoring dyes exhibited pronounced
      absorption profile with higher molar extinction coefficient, which is consistent
      with the results obtained from density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The
      theoretical analysis also indicated that the charge transfer transition is mainly
      constituted of HOMO/HOMO-1 to LUMO/LUMO+1 that were found to be located on donor
      and acceptor segments, respectively. Theoretical calculations give the distance
      between two binding sites of 19.50 A for BPDTA and 12.04 A for BTTA. The
      proximity between two anchoring units of BTTA results in superior dye loading
      and, hence, higher cell efficiency. The BTTA-based device yielded an optimized
      efficiency of 6.86%, compared to 6.61% for the BPDTA-based device, whereas the
      model sensitizer D21L6 only delivered an inferior performance of 5.33% under
      similar conditions. Our molecular design strategy thus opens up a new horizon to
      establish efficient dianchoring dyes.

PMID- 27671012
TI  - Repeat caesarean: time to re-evaluate the current practice.

PMID- 27671013
TI  - The SaTH risk-assessment tool for the prediction of emergency cesarean section in
      women having induction of labor for all indications: a large-cohort based study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To develop a risk-assessment model for the prediction of emergency
      cesarean section (CS) in women having induction of labor (IOL). METHODS: This was
      an observational cohort study of women with IOL for any indication between 2007
      and 2013. Women induced for stillbirths and with multiple pregnancies were
      excluded. The primary objective was to identify risk factors associated with CS
      delivery and to construct a risk-prediction tool. RESULTS: 6169 women were
      identified with mean age of 28.9 years. Primiparity involved 47.1 %, CS rate was
      13.3 % and post-date pregnancies were 32.4 %. Risk factors for CS were: age >30
      years, BMI >25 kg/m2, primiparity, black-ethnicity, non post-date pregnancy,
      meconium-stained liquor, epidural analgesia, and male fetal gender. Each factor
      was assigned a score and with increasing scores the CS rate increased. The CS
      rate was 5.4 % for a score <11, while for a score >=11 it increased to 25.0 %.
      The model had a sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value and positive
      predictive value of 75.8, 65.1, 93.8 and 25.0 %, respectively. CONCLUSION: We
      have constructed a risk-prediction tool for CS delivery in women with IOL. The
      risk-assessment tool for the prediction of emergency CS in induced labor has a
      high negative-predictive value and can provide reassurance to presumed low-risk
      women.

PMID- 27671015
TI  - Role of Arsenic During Aluminum Droplet Etching of Nanoholes in AlGaAs.
AB  - Self-assembled nanoholes are drilled into (001) AlGaAs surfaces during molecular
      beam epitaxy (MBE) using local droplet etching (LDE) with Al droplets. It is
      known that this process requires a small amount of background arsenic for droplet
      material removal. The present work demonstrates that the As background can be
      supplied by both a small As flux to the surface as well as by the topmost As
      layer in an As-terminated surface reconstruction acting as a reservoir. We study
      the temperature-dependent evaporation of the As topmost layer with in situ
      electron diffraction and determine an activation energy of 2.49 eV. After thermal
      removal of the As topmost layer droplet etching is studied under well-defined As
      supply. We observe with decreasing As flux four regimes: planar growth, uniform
      nanoholes, non-uniform holes, and droplet conservation. The influence of the As
      supply is discussed quantitatively on the basis of a kinetic rate model. 

PMID- 27671014
TI  - Single-Incision and Natural Orifice Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery in
      Switzerland.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Single-incision laparoscopy (SIL) and natural orifice translumenal
      endoscopic surgery (NOTES) aim at reducing surgical access trauma. To monitor the
      introduction of emerging technologies, the Swiss Association for Laparo- and
      Thoracoscopic Surgeons launched a database in 2010. The current status of SIL and
      NOTES in Switzerland is reported, and the techniques are compared. METHODS: The
      number and type of procedures, surgeon experience, their impressions of
      performance, conversion, and complications between 2010 and 2015 are described. A
      survey was used to acquire additional data not included in the registry. RESULTS:
      Nine centers included 650 procedures. Cholecystectomy (55 %) and sigmoidectomy
      (26 %) were most prevalent in both techniques. The number of active centers
      declined from 9 to 2 during the study period. The frequencies of taught
      procedures were 4 and 43 % for SIL and NOTES (p < 0.001), and surgeon self
      estimated impression of performance was perfect in 50 and 89 %, respectively (p <
      0.0001). Conversions in total were 3.6 and 5.7 %, respectively, and 1.1 % to open
      for both techniques. Morbidity was 5 % in SIL and 2.7 % in NOTES, with 0.8 %
      access-related complications in NOTES and none in SIL (p = 0.29). Of laparoscopic
      cholecystectomy, sigmoidectomy, and right hemicolectomy, 11.4 and 15.6 % of cases
      were operated using SIL or NOTES, respectively (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS:
      Although in selected specialized centers, a considerable proportion of patients
      were treated using novel techniques, a fading interest of the surgical community
      in SIL and NOTES was observed. The proportion of SIL and NOTES procedures taught
      is insufficient and calls for improvement.

PMID- 27671017
TI  - Influence of Nanopore Shapes on Thermal Conductivity of Two-Dimensional
      Nanoporous Material.
AB  - The influence of nanopore shapes on the electronic thermal conductivity (ETC) was
      studied in this paper. It turns out that with same porosity, the ETC will be
      quite different for different nanopore shapes, caused by the different channel
      width for different nanopore shapes. With same channel width, the influence of
      different nanopore shapes can be approximately omitted if the nanopore is small
      enough (smaller than 0.5 times EMFP in this paper). The ETC anisotropy was
      discovered for triangle nanopores at a large porosity with a large nanopore size,
      while there is a similar ETC for small pore size. It confirmed that the structure
      difference for small pore size may not be seen by electrons in their moving. 

PMID- 27671016
TI  - Size effect of Au/PAMAM contrast agent on CT imaging of reticuloendothelial
      system and tumor tissue.
AB  - Polyamidoamine (PAMAM)-entrapped Au nanoparticles were synthesized with distinct
      sizes to figure out the size effect of Au-based contrast agent on CT imaging of
      passively targeted tissues. Au/PAMAM nanoparticles were first synthesized with
      narrow distribution of particles size of 22.2 +/- 3.1, 54.2 +/- 3.7, and 104.9 +/
      4.7 nm in diameters. Size effect leads no significant difference on X-ray
      attenuation when Au/PAMAM was <=0.05 mol/L. For CT imaging of a tumor model,
      small Au/PAMAM were more easily internalized via endocytosis in the liver,
      leading to more obviously enhanced contrast. Similarly, contrast agents with
      small sizes were more effective in tumor imaging because of the enhanced
      permeability and retention effect. Overall, the particle size of Au/PAMAM heavily
      affected the efficiency of CT enhancement in imaging RES and tumors. 

PMID- 27671018
TI  - Analyses of prognosis-related factors of intracranial solitary fibrous tumors and
      hemangiopericytomas help understand the relationship between the two sorts of
      tumors.
AB  - Increasing evidence has suggested a close relationship between solitary fibrous
      tumors (SFTs) and hemangiopericytomas (HPCs) in the central nervous system (CNS).
      However, CNS SFTs differentiate from HPCs in their clinical behavior and patient
      prognoses. Analyses of prognosis-related factors can help clarify the
      relationship between SFT and HPC. The intracranial SFT and HPC cases treated in
      our departments from January 2002 to December 2012 were retrospectively reviewed.
      The SFT and HPC cases were also combined into an SFT/HPC group. The factors
      associated with patient progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS)
      were statistically analyzed using uni- and multivariate analyses. Fifty-eight
      intracranial SFT/HPC patients including 38 SFT patients and 20 HPC patients were
      treated during this period. The "Marseille grading" evaluated upon the
      histological aggressive phenotypes was applied in this study. The grading
      reflected a malignant progression ranging from "conventional" SFTs (grade I) to
      WHO III HPCs (grade III), and grade was negatively correlated with the PFS and OS
      of the SFT, HPC and SFT/HPC patients (P < 0.05).The multivariate analyses
      revealed that gross total resection (GTR) was significantly positively correlated
      with PFS and OS in the SFT, HPC and SFT/HPC patients and that radiotherapy was
      significantly positively correlated with PFS in the HPC and SFT/HPC patients (P <
      0.05). In conclusion, the intracranial SFTs and HPCs share common prognostic
      factors including extent of surgery and pathology, moreover, the histological
      grading of the aggressive phenotypes supports the unifying of the CNS SFT and HPC
      into one tumor entity of SFT/HPC.

PMID- 27671019
TI  - Quaternized chitosan/kappa-carrageenan/caffeic acid-coated poly(3
      hydroxybutyrate) fibrous materials: Preparation, antibacterial and antioxidant
      activity.
AB  - Novel fibrous materials with antioxidant and antibacterial properties from poly(3
      hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), quaternized chitosan (QCh), kappa-carrageenan (Car) and
      caffeic acid (CA) were obtained. These materials were prepared by applying
      electrospinning or electrospinning in conjunction with dip-coating and
      polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) formation. It was found that the CA release
      depended on the fiber composition. X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and
      differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed that CA incorporated in the
      fibers was in the amorphous state, whereas CA included in the coating was in the
      crystalline state. In contrast to the neat PHB mats, the CA-containing mats and
      the PEC QCh/Car-coated mats were found to kill the Gram-positive bacteria S.
      aureus and the Gram-negative bacteria E. coli and were effective in suppressing
      the adhesion of pathogenic bacteria S. aureus. Enhancement of the antioxidant
      activity of the fibrous materials containing both CA and QCh/Car coating was
      observed.

PMID- 27671020
TI  - Do Commonly Used Functional Outcome Measures Capture Activities that Are Relevant
      for People with Stroke in India?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: In India, post-stroke outcomes are determined using functional
      outcome measures (FOMs), the contents of which have not been validated for their
      relevance to the Indian population. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the
      cultural validity of five frequently used stroke-specific FOMs by comparing their
      contents with the problems reported by patients with stroke in India. METHODS:
      Face-to-face structured interviews were conducted with 152 patients diagnosed
      with stroke in India. Problems and goals identified by the patients were compared
      to each item included in the FOMs used in stroke rehabilitation. RESULTS: The
      Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) and the Frenchay Activities Index (FAI) include items
      related to the most frequently identified problems. However, neither covers
      problems related to the need for squatting and sitting on the floor. Use of
      public transport and community walking are not included in the SIS. Leisure and
      recreational activities (e.g. gardening, reading books), cognitive and speech
      functions (e.g. memory, thinking) and bowel and bladder dysfunctions were the
      common items identified as "not a problem" or "not relevant" by the patients.
      DISCUSSION: Our findings suggest that the SIS and FAI are the most appropriate
      FOMs for patients with stroke in India as they include items related to the
      majority of problems identified by study participants. Many items on both
      measures, however, were identified as not a problem or not relevant. There is a
      need for developing culture-specific FOMs that incorporate all major concerns
      expressed by patients with stroke in India.

PMID- 27671021
TI  - Which unscheduled return visits indicate a quality-of-care issue?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The rate of unscheduled return visits is often used as a quality-of
      care indicator in EDs, although its validity is not yet fully established. Our
      aim was to identify the characteristics of return visits that may be attributed
      to problems in quality of care. METHODS: Retrospective paired review of medical
      charts in a random sample of return visits during the 72 hours following
      discharge from the ED in three hospitals of Andalusia, Spain in 2013. Charts were
      reviewed by senior medical physicians to determine which return visits reflected
      quality-of-care problems. Time frame for return visit, index and return visit
      acuity, disposition and diagnosis were compared with determine which variables
      were associated with a quality problem. Sensitivity and specificity for each
      variable to indicate a quality problem were determined. RESULTS: We studied the
      causes of 895 return visits, finding that 65 (7.3%) were due to inadequate
      quality of care in the index visit. Potentially avoidable return visits were more
      common in more severely ill patients, in those with greater severity in the
      return than in the index visit and in patients hospitalised after the return. The
      combination of this three variables presented sensitivity 66% and specificity 68%
      in identification of quality-related returns. CONCLUSIONS: The overall level of
      return visits cannot be considered a valid indicator of quality of care. However,
      certain specific variables, including the level of severity of the patient's
      condition or the discharge destination following the return visits, could be
      considered valid in this respect.

PMID- 27671022
TI  - Prevalence of and Factors Associated With Multidrug Resistant Organism (MDRO)
      Colonization in 3 Nursing Homes.
AB  - Nursing home residents are at risk for acquiring and transmitting MDROs. A serial
      point-prevalence study of 605 residents in 3 facilities using random sampling
      found MDRO colonization in 45% of residents: methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
      aureus (MRSA, 26%); extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae
      (ESBL, 17%); vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus spp. (VRE, 16%); carbapenem
      resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE, 1%). MDRO colonization was associated with
      history of MDRO, care needs, incontinence, and catheters. Infect Control Hosp
      Epidemiol 2016;1485-1488.

PMID- 27671024
TI  - Bench to bedside advances in the 21st century for primary headache disorders:
      migraine treatments for migraine patients.

PMID- 27671025
TI  - Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks: where is the headache
      generator?

PMID- 27671023
TI  - Characterization of new transposable element sub-families from white clover
      (Trifolium repens) using PCR amplification.
AB  - Transposable elements (TEs) dominate the landscapes of most plant and animal
      genomes. Once considered junk DNA and genetic parasites, these interspersed,
      repetitive DNA elements are now known to play major roles in both genetic and
      epigenetic processes that sponsor genome variation and regulate gene expression.
      Knowledge of TE consensus sequences from elements in species whose genomes have
      not been sequenced is limited, and the individual TEs that are encountered in
      clones or short-reads rarely represent potentially canonical, let alone,
      functional representatives. In this study, we queried the Repbase database with
      eight BAC clones from white clover (Trifolium repens), identified a large number
      of candidate TEs, and used polymerase chain reaction and Sanger sequencing to
      create consensus sequences for three new TE families. The results show that TE
      family consensus sequences can be obtained experimentally in species for which
      just a single, full-length member of a TE family has been sequenced.

PMID- 27671027
TI  - Targeting tubers in paediatric epilepsy surgery candidates.

PMID- 27671026
TI  - Memory in autoimmune NMDA receptor encephalitis: an issue for B cells and
      patients.

PMID- 27671028
TI  - Does BDNF Val66Met contribute to preclinical Alzheimer's disease?

PMID- 27671029
TI  - A case cluster of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease linked to the Kingdom of
      Saudi Arabia.
AB  - As of mid-2016, 231 cases of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease-the human form of
      a prion disease of cattle, bovine spongiform encephalopathy-have been reported
      from 12 countries. With few exceptions, the affected individuals had histories of
      extended residence in the UK or other Western European countries during the
      period (1980-96) of maximum global risk for human exposure to bovine spongiform
      encephalopathy. However, the possibility remains that other geographic foci of
      human infection exist, identification of which may help to foreshadow the future
      of the epidemic. We report results of a quantitative analysis of country-specific
      relative risks of infection for three individuals diagnosed with variant
      Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in the USA and Canada. All were born and raised in
      Saudi Arabia, but had histories of residence and travel in other countries. To
      calculate country-specific relative probabilities of infection, we aligned each
      patient's life history with published estimates of probability distributions of
      incubation period and age at infection parameters from a UK cohort of 171 variant
      Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease cases. The distributions were then partitioned into
      probability density fractions according to time intervals of the patient's
      residence and travel history, and the density fractions were combined by country.
      This calculation was performed for incubation period alone, age at infection
      alone, and jointly for incubation and age at infection. Country-specific
      fractions were normalized either to the total density between the individual's
      dates of birth and symptom onset ('lifetime'), or to that between 1980 and 1996,
      for a total of six combinations of parameter and interval. The country-specific
      relative probability of infection for Saudi Arabia clearly ranked highest under
      each of the six combinations of parameter * interval for Patients 1 and 2, with
      values ranging from 0.572 to 0.998, respectively, for Patient 2 (age at infection
      * lifetime) and Patient 1 (joint incubation and age at infection * 1980-96). For
      Patient 3, relative probabilities for Saudi Arabia were not as distinct from
      those for other countries using the lifetime interval: 0.394, 0.360 and 0.378,
      respectively, for incubation period, age at infection and jointly for incubation
      and age at infection. However, for this patient Saudi Arabia clearly ranked
      highest within the 1980-96 period: 0.859, 0.871 and 0.865, respectively, for
      incubation period, age at infection and jointly for incubation and age at
      infection. These findings support the hypothesis that human infection with bovine
      spongiform encephalopathy occurred in Saudi Arabia.

PMID- 27671030
TI  - Assessment of sexual difficulties associated with multi-modal treatment for
      cervical or endometrial cancer: A systematic review of measurement instruments.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Practitioners and researchers require an outcome measure that
      accurately identifies the range of common treatment-induced changes in sexual
      function and well-being experienced by women after cervical or endometrial
      cancer. This systematic review critically appraised the measurement properties
      and clinical utility of instruments validated for the measurement of female
      sexual dysfunction (FSD) in this clinical population. METHODS: A bibliographic
      database search for questionnaire development or validation papers was completed
      and methodological quality and measurement properties of selected studies rated
      using the Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement
      Instrument (COSMIN) checklist. RESULTS: 738 articles were screened, 13 articles
      retrieved for full text assessment and 7 studies excluded, resulting in
      evaluation of 6 papers; 2 QoL and 4 female sexual morbidity measures. Five of the
      six instruments omitted one or more dimension of female sexual function and only
      one instrument explicitly measured distress associated with sexual changes as per
      DSM V (APA 2013) diagnostic criteria. None of the papers reported measurement
      error, responsiveness data was available for only two instruments, three papers
      failed to report on criterion validity, and test-retest reliability reporting was
      inconsistent. Heterosexual penile-vaginal intercourse remains the dominant sexual
      activity focus for sexual morbidity PROMS terminology and instruments lack
      explicit reference to solo or non-coital sexual expression or validation in a non
      heterosexual sample. Four out of six instruments included mediating treatment or
      illness items such as vaginal changes, menopause or altered body image.
      CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI)
      remains the most robust sexual morbidity outcome measure, for research or
      clinical use, in sexually active women treated for cervical or endometrial
      cancer. Development of an instrument that measures sexual dysfunction in women
      who are infrequently/not sexually active due to treatment consequences is still
      required to identify women in need of sexual rehabilitation.

PMID- 27671031
TI  - Immediate and mediate furcal perforation treatment in primary molars: 24-month
      follow-up.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Furcal perforation consists of a communication between the pulp
      cavity and the periodontal tissues that can occur accidentally during cavity
      preparation or root canal instrumentation. This complication may lead to
      inflammatory reactions and compromise adjacent tissues irreversibly, resulting in
      the early loss of primary teeth. Perforation sealing with a biocompatible
      material is necessary to ensure a favourable prognosis. Among different
      materials, MTA has been employed due to its excellent healing and physical
      properties. CASE REPORT: The purpose of these case reports was to describe
      immediate and mediate cases of furcal perforation treatment using MTA in primary
      molars. In both the cases, after accidental perforation detection, the pulp
      chamber was cleaned with saline solution to clear off the debris. The wound
      surface was continuously irrigated with saline solution and a dry sterile cotton
      pellet was placed on the radicular pulp stumps and perforation area with slight
      pressure until the bleeding was controlled. The MTA was applied into the
      perforation and pulp chamber area with the aid of a sterile amalgam carrier. The
      teeth were restored with resin-modified glass ionomer cement. FOLLOW-UP: Clinical
      and radiographic follow-up examinations were carried out at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24
      months after perforation sealing. Both the cases remained asymptomatic,
      presenting no discomfort, mobility, swelling, or fistula after 24-months follow
      up. Radiographically, the radiolucent area disappeared as a result of bone
      formation in the inter-radicular space, showing adjacent tissue preservation.
      CONCLUSION: Thus, MTA may be considered as an ideal option for conservative
      treatment of immediate and mediate furcal perforation in primary teeth, once it
      promoted repair with tooth maintenance in both the cases.

PMID- 27671032
TI  - Is sentinel lymph node biopsy a viable alternative to complete axillary
      dissection following neoadjuvant chemotherapy in women with node-positive breast
      cancer at diagnosis? An updated meta-analysis involving 3,398 patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) following neoadjuvant
      chemotherapy (NAC) in patients presenting with clinically positive lymph nodes
      remains controversial. METHODS: A computer-aided search of the literature
      regarding SLNB in clinically node-positive breast cancer treated with NAC was
      carried out to identify the false negative rate (FNR), sentinel lymph node
      identification rate (IR), and axillary pathological complete response (pCR).
      RESULTS: Nineteen articles were used in the analysis yielding 3,398 patients. The
      pooled estimate of the FNR was 13% and that of the IR was 91%. The adjusted pCR
      rate was 47%. A trend toward significance was observed with only clinical stage
      N1 (cN1) disease whereby clinical stage N1 was associated with an increased pCR
      rate when compared to N2 or N3 disease (P = .06). CONCLUSIONS: SLNB after NAC in
      biopsy-proven node-positive patients results in reasonably acceptable FNR and IR,
      making it a valid alternative management strategy to axillary dissection. More
      refined patient selection and optimal techniques can improve the FNR and IR in
      this patient population.

PMID- 27671033
TI  - What people know about congenital CMV: an analysis of a large heterogeneous
      population through a web-based survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Congenital CMV (cCMV) infection is a serious public health issue due
      to both its worldwide prevalence and the severe and permanent impairments it
      causes. However, awareness of this infection is low in the general population and
      among pregnant women, and it also seems to be generally disregarded by healthcare
      providers. The identification of factors behind this inadequate level of
      knowledge could provide a basis for future preventive measures. This study aimed
      at evaluating awareness of CMV and cCMV infection and its correlation with socio
      demographic variables in a general population. METHODS: The survey was carried
      out by computer-assisted web interviewing (CAWI). A questionnaire was sent via e
      mail to the 70,975 individuals who comprised the whole population (students,
      administrative staff, teaching staff) of Milan University, Italy in 2015.
      RESULTS: Out of the 10,190 respondents, 5,351 (52.5 %) had already heard of CMV
      but only 3,216 (31.8 %) knew that this virus could be implicated in congenital
      infection. Urine and breastfeeding were the least recognized transmission routes
      for CMV infection; less than half of respondents accurately identified the right
      symptoms and sequelae caused by cCMV infection. The correct hygienic measures
      against cCMV infection were identified in percentages ranging from 55.6 to 75 %
      depending on the measures proposed but about one in three of interviewees deemed
      those measures unnecessary in the event of a pregnant woman already being CMV
      seropositive. From the mean knowledge scores the most complete quality of
      awareness of CMV turned out to be linked to childbearing-age (25-40 year) and
      with not having children, even if results for non-parents showed less of them
      having heard of cCMV than parents. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate a limited and
      confused awareness of cCMV infection in a large, fairly young and well-educated
      Italian population.

PMID- 27671034
TI  - The association between weight perception and BMI: report and measurement data
      from the growing up in Ireland Cohort Study of 9-year olds.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The gold standard for categorisation of weight status is clinically
      measured body mass index (BMI), but this is often not practical in large
      epidemiological studies. OBJECTIVES: To determine if a child's weight perception
      or a mother's perception of a child's weight status is a viable alternative to
      measured height and weight in determining BMI classification. Secondary outcomes
      are to determine the influence of a mother's BMI on her ability to categorise the
      child's BMI and a child's ability to recognise his/her own BMI. METHODS: Cross
      sectional analysis of the growing up in Ireland cohort study, a nationally
      representative cohort of 8568 9-year-old children. The variables considered for
      this analysis are the child's gender, BMI (International Obesity Taskforce grade
      derived from measured height and weight) and self-perceived weight status, and
      the mother's weight perception of the child, BMI (derived from measured height
      and weight) and self-perceived weight status. Cohen's weighted-kappa was used to
      evaluate the strength of the agreement between pairwise combinations of the BMI
      variables. Cumulative and adjacent categories logistic regression were used to
      predict how likely a person rates themselves as under, normal or overweight,
      based on explanatory variables. RESULTS: Mothers are more accurate at correctly
      classifying their child's BMI (kappa=0.5; confidence intervals (CI) 0.38-0.51)
      than the children themselves (kappa=0.25; CI 0.23-0.26). Overweight mothers are
      better raters of their child's BMI (kappa=0.51; CI 0.49-0.54), compared with
      normal (kappa=0.44; CI 0.41-0.47) or underweight mothers (kappa=0.4; CI 0.22
      0.58), regardless of whether the mother's BMI is derived from measured height and
      weight or self-perceived. The mother's perception of the child's weight status is
      not an influencing factor on the child's ability to correctly classify
      him/herself, but the child's self-perceived weight status influences the mother's
      ability to correctly classify the child. CONCLUSIONS: A mother's BMI
      classification of her child is a viable alternative to BMI measurement in large
      epidemiological studies.

PMID- 27671035
TI  - Modelling obesity trends in Australia: unravelling the past and predicting the
      future.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Modelling is increasingly being used to predict the
      epidemiology of obesity progression and its consequences. The aims of this study
      were: (a) to present and validate a model for prediction of obesity among
      Australian adults and (b) to use the model to project the prevalence of obesity
      and severe obesity by 2025. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Individual level simulation
      combined with survey estimation techniques to model changing population body mass
      index (BMI) distribution over time. The model input population was derived from a
      nationally representative survey in 1995, representing over 12 million adults.
      Simulations were run for 30 years. The model was validated retrospectively and
      then used to predict obesity and severe obesity by 2025 among different aged
      cohorts and at a whole population level. RESULTS: The changing BMI distribution
      over time was well predicted by the model and projected prevalence of weight
      status groups agreed with population level data in 2008, 2012 and 2014.The model
      predicts more growth in obesity among younger than older adult cohorts.
      Projections at a whole population level, were that healthy weight will decline,
      overweight will remain steady, but obesity and severe obesity prevalence will
      continue to increase beyond 2016. Adult obesity prevalence was projected to
      increase from 19% in 1995 to 35% by 2025. Severe obesity (BMI>35), which was only
      around 5% in 1995, was projected to be 13% by 2025, two to three times the 1995
      levels. CONCLUSIONS: The projected rise in obesity severe obesity will have more
      substantial cost and healthcare system implications than in previous decades.
      Having a robust epidemiological model is key to predicting these long-term costs
      and health outcomes into the future.

PMID- 27671036
TI  - Validation of NOViSE.
AB  - The goal of this study was to establish face, content, and construct validity of
      NOViSE-the first force-feedback enabled virtual reality (VR) simulator for
      natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES). Fourteen surgeons and
      surgical trainees performed 3 simulated hybrid transgastric cholecystectomies
      using a flexible endoscope on NOViSE. Four of them were classified as "NOTES
      experts" who had independently performed 10 or more simulated or human NOTES
      procedures. Seven participants were classified as "Novices" and 3 as
      "Gastroenterologists" with no or minimal NOTES experience. A standardized 5-point
      Likert-type scale questionnaire was administered to assess the face and content
      validity. NOViSE showed good overall face and content validity. In 14 out of 15
      statements pertaining to face validity (graphical appearance, endoscope and
      tissue behavior, overall realism), >=50% of responses were "agree" or "strongly
      agree." In terms of content validity, 85.7% of participants agreed or strongly
      agreed that NOViSE is a useful training tool for NOTES and 71.4% that they would
      recommend it to others. Construct validity was established by comparing a number
      of performance metrics such as task completion times, path lengths, applied
      forces, and so on. NOViSE demonstrated early signs of construct validity. Experts
      were faster and used a shorter endoscopic path length than novices in all but one
      task. The results indicate that NOViSE authentically recreates a transgastric
      hybrid cholecystectomy and sets promising foundations for the further development
      of a VR training curriculum for NOTES without compromising patient safety or
      requiring expensive animal facilities.

PMID- 27671038
TI  - Melanoma and obesity: Should antioxidant vitamins be addressed?
AB  - Melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer refractory to conventional
      therapies. Obesity has reached epidemic dimensions acting as a risk factor for
      several cancer types, such as melanoma. Several reactive species of oxygen are
      also involved in melanoma initiation and progression. Low levels of antioxidant
      content and/or activity in lightly pigmented cells could expose them to an
      extremely oxidative environment and rise the susceptibility to oxidative damage
      and consequently loss of cell homeostasis. Despite the knowledge about melanoma
      biology, pathogenesis and developed therapies, is extremely important to
      understand the antioxidant modulation of melanoma under an environment of
      obesity, especially the effect of some natural compounds of the diet, such as
      antioxidant vitamins A, C and E and selenium in order to establish alternatives
      to conventional therapies, which are known to be ineffective against melanoma.

PMID- 27671037
TI  - Assessing outcomes of enhanced chronic disease care through patient education and
      a value-based formulary study (ACCESS)-study protocol for a 2*2 factorial
      randomized trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic diseases result in significant morbidity and costs. Although
      medications and lifestyle changes are effective for improving outcomes in chronic
      diseases, many patients do not receive these treatments, in part because of
      financial barriers, patient and provider-level knowledge gaps, and low patient
      motivation. The Assessing outcomes of enhanced chronic disease care through
      patient education and a value-based formulary study (ACCESS) will determine the
      impact of two interventions: (1) a value-based formulary which eliminates
      copayment for high-value preventive medications; and (2) a comprehensive self
      management support program aimed at promoting health behavior change and
      medication adherence, combined with relay of information on medication use to
      healthcare providers, on cardiovascular events and/or mortality in low-income
      seniors with elevated cardiovascular risk. METHODS: The ACCESS study will use a
      parallel, open label, factorial randomized trial design, with blinded endpoint
      evaluation in 4714 participants who are over age >65 (and therefore have drug
      insurance provided by Alberta Blue Cross with 30 % co-payment); are at a high
      risk for cardiovascular events based on a history of any one of the following:
      coronary heart disease, prior stroke, chronic kidney disease, heart failure, or
      any two of the following: current cigarette smoking, diabetes mellitus,
      hypertension, or hypercholesterolemia; and have a household income <Can$50,000.
      This 3-year study is powered to detect a minimal clinically important relative
      risk reduction of 12 % in the composite clinical outcome of all-cause mortality,
      nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, need for coronary
      revascularization, and hospitalizations for chronic disease-related ambulatory
      care sensitive conditions, each of which will be assessed using healthcare
      administrative data. Secondary outcomes will include quality of life and
      healthcare costs. DISCUSSION: Given identified gaps in care in chronic disease,
      and the frequency of financial and knowledge-related barriers in low-income
      Albertans, this study will test the impact of providing free high-value
      preventive medications (i.e., value-based insurance) and a tailored self
      management education and facilitated relay strategy on outcomes and costs. By
      measuring the impact on both health outcomes and costs, as well as the impact on
      reducing health inequities in this vulnerable population, our study will
      facilitate informed policy decisions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov:
      NCT02579655 . Registered Oct 15, 2015.

PMID- 27671039
TI  - Resveratrol promotes myenteric neuroprotection in the ileum of rats after
      ischemia-reperfusion injury.
AB  - AIMS: The present study evaluated the effects of resveratrol in the myenteric
      plexus after intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury caused by occluding the
      superior mesenteric artery for 45min, followed by 7days of reperfusion. MAIN
      METHODS: Forty-two male Wistar rats were divided into seven groups: control (C
      group), untreated sham surgery control (SC group), sham surgery control treated
      with resveratrol before surgery (STA group), sham surgery control treated with
      resveratrol before and after surgery (STAD group), ischemic control (IRC group),
      ischemic treated before I/R (IRTA group), and ischemic treated before and after
      I/R (IRTAD group). Resveratrol (10mg/kg) was administered for 4days and 2h prior
      to surgery and/or 7days later. Morphometric analyses were performed, and the
      density of the general neuronal population (HuC/D-immunoreactive [IR]), nitrergic
      subpopulation (neuronal nitric oxide synthase [nNOS]-IR), vasoactive intestinal
      peptide (VIP)ergic varicosities (VIP-IR), and glial cells (S100-IR) was
      determined. KEY FINDINGS: Injury that was caused by I/R significantly reduced
      (p<0.01) the HuC/D-IR general neuronal population. Treatment with resveratrol
      before and after ischemia had a neuroprotective effect. Morphometric changes
      caused by I/R in nitrergic neurons and varicosities were also attenuated by
      resveratrol. Ischemia/reperfusion promoted the proliferation of enteric glial
      cells, and resveratrol treatment before and after I/R reversed this effect.
      SIGNIFICANCE: Resveratrol had neuroprotective effects, showing promise for
      application in intestinal surgery and transplants.

PMID- 27671040
TI  - Switching from weakly to strongly limited injection in self-aligned, nano
      patterned organic transistors.
AB  - Organic thin-film transistors for high frequency applications require large
      transconductances in combination with minimal parasitic capacitances. Techniques
      aiming at eliminating parasitic capacitances are prone to produce a mismatch
      between electrodes, in particular gaps between the gate and the interlayer
      electrodes. While such mismatches are typically undesirable, we demonstrate that,
      in fact, device structures with a small single-sided interlayer electrode gap
      directly probe the detrimental contact resistance arising from the presence of an
      injection barrier. By employing a self-alignment nanoimprint lithography
      technique, asymmetric coplanar organic transistors with an intentional gap of
      varying size (< 0.2 MUm) between gate and one interlayer electrode are
      fabricated. An electrode overlap exceeding 1 MUm with the other interlayer has
      been kept. Gaps, be them source or drain-sided, do not preclude transistor
      operation. The operation of the device with a source-gate gap reveals a current
      reduction up to two orders of magnitude compared to a source-sided overlap. Drift
      diffusion based simulations reveal that this marked reduction is a consequence of
      a weakened gate-induced field at the contact which strongly inhibits injection.

PMID- 27671042
TI  - [Emphasis in the multiple therapy of adenomyosis].

PMID- 27671041
TI  - Mitogen-activated protein kinases are required for effective infection of human
      choroid plexus epithelial cells by Listeria monocytogenes.
AB  - Listeria monocytogenes, a Gram-positive bacterium, can cause meningitis after
      invading the human central nervous system. The blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier
      (BCSFB), located at the epithelium of the choroid plexus, is a possible entry
      site for L. monocytogenes into the brain, and in vitro L. monocytogenes invades
      human choroid plexus epithelial papilloma (HIBCPP) cells. Although host cell
      signal transduction subsequent to infection by L. monocytogenes has been
      investigated, the role of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) is not
      clarified yet. We show that infection with L. monocytogenes causes activation of
      the MAPKs Erk1/2 and p38 preferentially when bacteria are added to the
      physiologically more relevant basolateral side of HIBCPP cells. Deletion of the
      listerial virulence factors Internalin (InlA) and InlB reduces MAPK activation.
      Whereas inhibition of either Erk1/2 or p38 signaling significantly attenuates
      infection of HIBCPP cells with L. monocytogenes, simultaneous inhibition of both
      MAPK pathways shows an additive effect, and Erk1/2 and p38 are involved in
      regulation of cytokine and chemokine expression following infection. Blocking of
      endocytosis with the synthetic dynamin inhibitor dynasore strongly abrogates
      infection of HIBCPP cells with L. monocytogenes. Concurrent inhibition of MAPK
      signaling further reduces infection, suggesting MAPKs mediate infection with L.
      monocytogenes during inhibition of dynamin-mediated endocytosis.

PMID- 27671043
TI  - [Clinical study of high intensity focused ultrasound ablation combined with GnRH
      a and LNG-IUS for the treatment of adenomyosis].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the clinical effect of dysmenorrhea in patients with
      adenomyosis treated by high intensity focused ultrasound(HIFU)ablation combined
      with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist(GnRH-a)and levonorgestrel-releasing
      intrauterine system(LNG-IUS). Methods: From April 2012 to December 2015, 477
      cases of adenomyosis patients with dysmenorrhea were treated by HIFU in the Third
      Xiangya Hospital. Among them, some patients were treated with HIFU alone, some of
      them were treated with HIFU combined with GnRH-a and(or)LNG-IUS, thus were
      classified as H group, H+G group, H+M group and H+G+M group. The improvements of
      clinical results were compared among the four groups and the influencing factors
      of HIFU treatment for adenomyosis were also analyzed. Results: During the follow
      up period, the overall effective rates of the treatment decreased with time, 3
      months 89.4%(345/386), 12 months 84.0%(221/263), 24 months 74.2%(98/132), and the
      overall recurrence rate was 12.9%(39/303). The significant difference in the
      curative at 3 months[H group 83.7%(170/203), H+M group 95.0%(95/100), H+G group
      100.0%(43/43), H+G+M group 96.8%(30/31)], 12 months[H group 79.4%(123/155), H+M
      group 93.2%(69/74), H+G group 11/12, H+G+M group 15/17], and 24 months[H group
      68.0%(51/75), H+M group 96.4%(27/28), H+G group 6/12, H+G+M group 15/15]after
      HIFU treatment and recurrence rate[H group 19.0%(29/153), H+M group 3.3%(3/90),
      H+G group 19.4%(6/31), H+G+M group 4.5%(1/22)]were observed among the four
      groups(P<0.05). Pairwise comparison further showed that, in 3 months after the
      treatment, the effect of H group was significantly lower than those of H+M group
      and H+G group(P= 0.003, P=0.005); in 12 months after the treatment, the effect of
      H group was significantly lower than that of H+M group(P=0.006); while in 24
      months after treatment, the effect of H group was significantly lower than that
      of H+G+M group(P=0.005), and the effect of H+G group was lower than that of H+G+M
      group(P= 0.001); and the recurrence rate of H group was significantly higher than
      that of H+M group(P<0.008). In patients of group H, the effect of HIFU was
      related to uterine size, the effect of patients with large uterine volume was
      significantly higher than that of small volume of uterine of patients(P=0.017,
      OR=2.739, 95%CI: 1.200- 6.251); with increasing of age, the improvement of
      dysmenorrhea had a increasing trend(P<0.05). Conclusions: HIFU combined with GnRH
      a and(or)LNG-IUS could improve the treatment effect in relief of dysmenorrhea.
      Based on our results, individual treatment protocol should be selected for
      different patients.

PMID- 27671044
TI  - [Analysis of related factors on effects of uterine artery embolization in the
      treatment of dysmenorrhea of adenomyosis and the construction and validation of
      prediction model].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the related factors on effects of uterine artery
      embolization(UAE)in the treatment of dysmenorrhea in patients with adenomyosis,
      and to construct and validate the efficacy prediction model. Methods: A total of
      127 cases of adenomyosis patients with symptoms of dysmenorrhea in Guangzhou No.1
      People's Hospital and Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University from June
      1999 to December 2009 were reviewed. The evaluation standard was to improve the
      degree of dysmenorrhea, the related factors of efficacy were analysed. Combined
      with artificial neural network theory, the effect prediction model was
      constructed, and the effectiveness of the model was evaluated using receiver
      operating characteristic(ROC)curve, and the effectiveness of the cut-off point
      was calculated. The model was validated by 68 cases of patients with adenomyosis
      in the Nanfang Hospital from January 2010 to November 2014. Results: (1)In 127
      cases of dysmenorrhea patients, UAE treatment was effective in 98 cases,
      effective rate was 77.2%(98/127).(2)Age was an independent predictor of effective
      UAE treatment(HR= 1.129, P=0.026); in the range of this study, the greater the
      age, the higher the UAE treatment efficiency.(3)The developing situation of ovary
      branches of uterine artery was an independent predictor of effective UAE
      treatment(HR=0.460, P=0.020), the efficiency of patients whose intraoperative
      bilateral uterine artery ovarian branch did not develop was 89.7%(35/39), the
      efficiency of patients whose unilateral uterine artery ovarian branch was
      developing was 84.1%(37/44)and the efficiency of patients whose bilateral uterine
      artery ovarian branch were developing was 59.1%(26/44).(4)Blood supply of
      adenomyosisis was an independent predictor of effective UAE treatment(HR=0.313,
      P=0.001). Type I(bilateral predominated)patients, efficiency was 93.5%(43/46);
      type II(bilateral balanced)patients, efficiency was 78.0%(39/50); type
      III(unilateral predominated)patients, efficiency was 51.6%(16/31).(5)UAE for the
      treatment of adenomyosis efficacy of artificial neural network prediction model
      was constructed, the model's area under the ROC curve was 0.808, the optimal cut
      off point was 0.669 13. Actual verification of the model, sensitivity was 96.5%,
      specificity was 81.8%, positive predictive value was 96.5% and negative
      predictive value was 81.8%, the total accuracy was 94.1%. Conclusions: (1)Age,
      the developing situation of ovary branches and blood supply of adenomyosis are
      the independent predictors of effective UAE treatment.(2)The artificial neural
      network prediction model is satisfied with the accuracy and the accuracy of
      prediction.

PMID- 27671045
TI  - [Changes of menstruation patterns and adverse effects during the treatment of LNG
      IUS for symptomatic adenomyosis].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the changes of mestruation patterns and adverse effects
      during the treatment of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system(LNG-IUS)for
      symptomatic adenomyosis in a prospective cohort study. Methods: From December,
      2006 to December, 2014, patients of symptomatic adenomyosis diagnosed by
      transvaginal ultrasound in Peking Union Medical College Hospital were given LNG
      IUS. Before and after placement of IUS, all patients' parameters were recorded,
      including carrying status of IUS, symptoms and scores of dysmenorrhea,
      menstruation scores, biochemical indicators, physical parameters, menstruation
      patterns and adverse effects. Risk factors for changes of menstruation patterns
      and adverse effects, and their impact on treatment effects were analyzed.
      Results: Totally 1 100 cases met inclusion criteria, with median age 36
      years(range 20-44 years), median follow-up 35 months(range 1 -108 months). During
      follow-up changes of menstruation patterns increased significantly with
      amenorrhea and shortened-menstruation being the most common manifestations. On 3,
      6, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 months after the placement of LNG-IUS, 0, 5.8%(43/744),
      6.9%(47/682), 10.1%(60/595), 17.3%(87/502), 27.2%(104/383)and
      29.6%(82/277)patients achieved amenorrhea respectively(P<0.01). Total and
      subclassification of adverse effects decreased significantly(P<0.01). Within 12
      months and >12 months after placement, abdominal pain and body weight increasing
      >=5 kg/year were the most common adverse effects. Changes of menstruation
      patterns, total and subclassifications of adverse effects were neither dependent
      on patient parameters, treatment modes and treatment effects, nor could predict
      future LNG-IUS carrying status(all P> 0.05). After taking out of LNG-IUS, most
      changes of menstruation and adverse effects disappeared. Conclusions: During the
      treatment of LNG-IUS for symptomatic adenomyosis, changes of menstruation
      patterns increase gradually with amenorrhea and shortened-menstruation being the
      most common manifestations, while adverse effects decrease significantly. Changes
      of menstruation patterns or adverse effects neither have any risk factor nor have
      impact on treatment effects.

PMID- 27671046
TI  - [Standardization of colposcopic terminology and its significance].

PMID- 27671047
TI  - [Study on the dynamic changes of D-dimer during pregnancy and early puerperium].
AB  - Objective: To explore the dynamic changes of D-dimers during pregnancy and early
      puerperium(within 3 days postpartum). Methods: A retrospective study was
      performed among 8 367 healthy women who had term singleton delivery in Women's
      Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University from January 2007 to December
      2014. D-dimers concentrations during pregnancy and early puerprium of all the
      cases were collected. Data of 21 065 D-dimers tests were assigned to 5 groups
      according to the time of sampling, including early pregnancy(<=12 gestation
      weeks), middle pregnancy(12-28 gestation weeks), late pregnancy(>28 gestation
      weeks), 1 postpartum(within 48 hours postpartum)and 2 postpartum(48- 72 hours
      postpartum). The D-dimers concentrations in different groups were compared. The
      effect of delivery mode on D-dimers of early pureperium was analyzed. The
      correlation between D-dimers and the thromboembolic disease was also explored. In
      this study, Student's t-test and Wilcoxon rank sum test were used for statistical
      analysis. D-dimers concentration <=0.5 mg/L was used as the normal range.
      Results: (1)D-dimers concentrations during pregnancy were higher than the non
      pregnant women(P<0.01), but there was no statistical difference between early
      pregnancy and late pregnancy(P=0.820). D-dimers concentration in the 1 postpartum
      group was higher than that of early pregnancy group or late pregnancy
      group(P<0.01). But in the 2 postpartum group, it was lower than early pregnancy,
      late pregnancy and 1 postpartum groups.(2)D-dimers in cesarean section cases was
      significantly higher than in vaginal delivery cases in each period of pregnancy
      and early pueprium.(3)The 95%CI of D-dimers in early pregnancy, late pregnancy,
      48 hours after vaginal delivery, 48- 72 hours after vaginal delivery, <=48 hours
      after cesarean section, 48- 72 hours after cesarean section were 0.58-8.28, 0.47
      11.52, 1.04-9.59, 0.87-5.22, 1.07-11.58 and 1.00-6.23 mg/L, respectively.(4)In 6
      cases with thromboembolic disease, D-dimers was 6.89- 19.89 mg/L, with the mean
      value of 13.66 mg/L. It was significantly higher than normal range. In 3 cases,
      all after cesarean section, with lower extremity vein thrombosis within 48 hours
      postpartum, the D-dimers concentrations, 9.77, 8.65 and 6.89 mg/L respectively,
      were in the 95% CI of the study population after cesarean section. Conclusions: D
      dimers concentration of 0.5 mg/L is not suitable for venous thromboembolism
      screening during pregnancy. D-dimers concentration in pregnancy and early
      puerprium is higher than non-pregnancy. It increases in the very early period
      postpartum and decreases with time. D-dimers should not be a routine screening
      test to exclude thromboembolic disease in pregnant women without high risk
      factors and clinical manifestation of thromboembolic disease.

PMID- 27671048
TI  - [Application of temporary balloon occlusion of the abdominal aorta in the
      treatment of complete placenta previa complicated with placenta accreta].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the value of temporary balloon occlusion of the
      abdominal aorta in the treatment of complete placenta previa with placenta
      accreta. Methods: From January 2015 to February 2016, 24 cases of complete
      placenta previa with placenta accreta were treated with temporary balloon
      occlusion of the abdominal aorta(the study group)before cesarean, and 24 cases of
      complete placenta previa with placenta accreta did not receive balloon
      occlusion(the control group). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss,
      intraoperative blood transfusion volume, the perioperative hemoglobin level, the
      hysterectomy rate and the related complications were compared
      retrospectively.Also, the hospitalization time, the blood coagulation parameters
      after operation, including activated partial thromboplastin time(APTT),
      fibrinogen(FIB), D-Dimer and reperfusion injury parameters including creatine
      phosphokinase(CK), creatine phosphokinase isoenzyme(CK-MB), lactate
      dehydrogenase(LDH)and serum creatinine were compared between the 2 groups.
      Results: The blood loss[750 ml(400- 2 000 ml)vs 2 000 ml(1 500- 2 375 ml); Z=
      3.214, P=0.001]and blood transfusion volume[200 ml(0-800 ml)vs 800 ml(0-1 200
      ml); Z=- 2.173, P=0.030]in the study group were lower than in the control group.
      The hemoglobin difference between before and after operation in the study group
      was lower than the control group[(12.8+/-13.4)g/L vs(22.9+/-20.1)g/L; t=-2.041,
      P=0.047]. In the study group, there were still bleeding in 13 cases after
      releasing the balloon, 5 of them received uterine artery embolization, 5 cases
      received uterine artery ligation, and 3 cases received uterine packing. One case
      had venous thrombosis in the right lower limb. Two cases(8%,2/24)in the control
      group had hysterectomy, while none in the study group, there was no statistical
      significance(P= 0.489). Conclusions: Temporary balloon occlusion of the abdominal
      aorta can effectively reduce blood loss and blood transfusion in the treatment of
      complete placenta previa with placenta accreta, but there is still the risk of
      continuing bleeding after releasing the balloon. Other methods of hemostasis
      might be needed.

PMID- 27671049
TI  - [Expression and significance of EPCR in plasma and placenta of patients with
      early onset severe preeclampsia].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the expression of endothelial protein C
      receptor(EPCR)and its roles in plasma and placenta of patients with early onset
      severe preeclampsia. Methods: Sixty cases of severe preeclampsia women who
      delivered in Xuzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital from March 2014 to
      February 2016, were recruited, which included 30 cases with early onset severe
      preeclampsia(early onset group, gestational week <34 weeks)and 30 patients with
      late onset severe preeclampsia(late onset group, gestational week >=34 weeks).
      Thirty cases of healthy late pregnant women at the same period(gestational week
      >=34 weeks)were selected as control group. Immunohistochemistry SP method was
      applied to detect the expression of in EPCR placenta. Reverse transcription(RT)-
      PCR was used to detect the expression of EPCR mRNA in placenta. ELISA method was
      used to detect the levels of soluble EPCR(sEPCR)level in plasma of the pregnant
      women of the three groups. Results: The expression of EPCR in placenta mainly
      distributed in the membrane and cytoplasm of placental syncytiotrophoblasts and
      vascular endothelial cells, a few in the cell nucleus. The expression of EPCR in
      early onset group(57%, 17/30)was significantly lower than that in late onset
      group(93%, 28/30; chi2=25.165, P=0.001). The expression of EPCR in late onset
      group had no significant difference from that in control group(97%, 29/30;
      chi2=0.540, P= 0.910). The expression of EPCR mRNA in placenta of early onset
      group(0.40+/-0.07)was significantly lower than that in late onset group(0.91+/
      0.06; t=-30.044, P=0.001), while there was no statistical difference of the
      expression of EPCR mRNA between the late onset group and the control group(0.92+/
      0.07; t=-0.631, P=0.538). Plasma sEPCR level in early onset group, late onset
      group and control group were(231 +/- 11),(124+/-6)and(121+/-4)MUg/L respectively,
      which is higher in early onset group than that in late onset group(t=48.080,
      P=0.001). There was no statistical difference of plasma sEPCR level between the
      late onset group and the control group(t=2.534, P=0.100). Conclusions: The
      pathogenesis of early onset and late onset severe preeclampsia may be different.
      Decreased expression of EPCR in placenta may be associated with the pathogenesis
      of early onset severe preeclampsia.

PMID- 27671050
TI  - [Analysis of clinical and pathological characteristics of high- risk HPV-negative
      carcinoma of the uterine cervix].
AB  - Objective: To study the clinical and pathological characteristics of HPV-negative
      cervical cancer patients. Methods: Retrospective analysis of 785 cervical cancer
      patients in Guangdong Women and Children Hospital from Jan. 2005 to Oct. 2015. By
      detecting high- risk HPV infection by flow-through hybridization genechip
      technique. Results: (1)Among 785 cases of cervical cancer, 71 cases were negative
      for HPV infection tested by genechip technique, accounting for 9.0%(71/785), and
      the relative light units/cut off(RLU/CO)ratios of these 71 cases were less than 1
      by hybird capture II(HC-II)methods. The results showed that the positive
      coincident rate of genechip technique detecting result with HC-II method was
      100.0%(71/71).(2)There was no difference between 43(60.6%)cases from 41-55 years
      old of 71 cases of HPV-negative patients and 392(54.9%)cases from 41- 55 years
      old of 714 cases of HPV infection patients(chi2=15.63, P=0.571). Among 71 cases
      of HPV-negative patients, 32 cases of patients with doing TCT, 6(18.8%)cases for
      normal, 10(31.2%)cases for atypical squamous cells of undetermined
      significance(ASCUS), 3(9.4%)cases for atypical squamous cells cannot exclude high
      grade squamous intraepithelial lesion(ASC-H), 3(9.4%)cases for low-grade squamous
      intraepithelial lesions(LSIL), 8(25.0%)cases for hight-grade squamous
      intraepithelial lesions(HSIL), 2(6.2%)cases for squamous cell carcinoma(SCC). And
      there were 391 cases of patients with doing thin-prep cytologic test(TCT)of 714
      HPV infection patients, 60(15.3%)cases for normal, 61(15.6%)cases for ASCUS,
      28(7.2%)cases for ASC-H, 29(7.4%)cases for LSIL, 164(41.9%)cases for HSIL,
      49(12.5%)cases for SCC. There was no difference of TCT between HPV infection and
      HPV-negative patients(P>0.05). Among 70 cases from 71 patients with negative for
      HPV infection, there were 8(11.4%)cases in stage I a, 26(37.1%)cases in stage I
      b1, 12(17.1%)cases in stage Ib2, 11(15.7%)cases in stage IIa, 10(14.3%)cases in
      stage IIb, 3(4.3%)cases in stage III-IV. There were 118(16.6%)cases in stage Ia,
      261(36.8%)cases in stage Ib1, 72(10.1%)cases in stage Ib2, 152(21.4%)cases in
      stage IIa, 87(12.3%)cases in stage IIb, 20(2.8%)cases in stage III-IV in 710
      cases of HPV infection patients, in which there were no difference of clinical
      stage between HPV infection and HPV-negative patients(P>0.05). Among 69 cases
      from 71 patients HPV-negative infection, there were 51(73.9%)cases for squamous
      carcinoma, 13(18.8%)cases for adenocarcinoma, 5(7.2%)cases for adenosquamous
      carcinoma; and 593(87.2%)cases for squamous carcinoma, 38(5.6%)cases for
      adenocarcinoma, 39(5.7%)cases for adenosquamous carcinoma, 10(1.5%)case for
      others were in 680 patients of HPV infection, in which there was significant
      difference of adenocarcinoma between HPV infection and HPV-negative
      patients(chi2=11.96, P=0.001). Conclusions: Flow-through hybridization genechip
      technique is the method of high sensitivity to detect high-risk type HPV, as like
      HC-II method. HPV-negative of cervical cancer occurs mainly in 41- 55 years old.
      Adenocarcinoma incidence is significantly higher in HPV-negative cases than those
      patients with infection of HPV positive.

PMID- 27671051
TI  - [Study of effects of micheliolide on ovarian cancer cell lines and its
      mechanism].
AB  - Objective: To study the roles of micheliolide on ovarian cancer cells. Methods:
      Firstly, human ovarian cancer cell lines HeyA8, SKOV3 and A2780/DDP were treated
      with different concentration of micheliolide(0.25, 0.5, 1, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 50
      MUmol/L)for 72 hours, then methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium(MTT)assay was used wo
      detect the growth of the human ovarian cancer cell lines and the stongest
      inhibited cell line were selected for the following test. Secondly, after HeyA8
      cell line was treated with different concentration(5, 10, 20 MUmol/L)of
      micheliolide for 24 hours, the HeyA8 cell apoptosis was measured byflow
      cytometry. Thirdly, the expression of RelA mRNA in HeyA8 cell was detected
      through real-time PCR, the expressions of nuclear factor kappaB(NF-kappaB)signal
      pathway related protein RelA and the activited cysteinyl aspartate specific
      proteinase(caspase-9)were detected by western blot analysis. Results: (1)The
      growth of HeyA8, SKOV3 and A2780/DDP cells were all significantly inhibited after
      being treated with different concentration of micheliolide for 72 hours and the
      roles of inhibition were all concentration dependant(P<0.05). The half maximal
      inhibitory concentration(IC50)of HeyA8, SKOV3 and A2780/DDP were(9.8+/
      2.2),(12.0+/-2.1)and(12.8+/-1.8)MUmol/L, respectively. We chose HeyA8 cell to do
      the following expreriments because of its best inhibited effect.(2)After HeyA8
      cell was treated with micheliolide of different concentrations, as the
      concentration increased(20 and 0 MUmol/L, for example), the apoptosis rate of
      HeyA8 cell raised from(7.2+/-1.0)% to(17.4+/-1.1)%, the percentage of survived
      cells reduce from(92.8 +/- 1.3)% to(82.6 +/- 1.4)%, and the relative mRNA level
      of RelA decreased from 1.00 +/- 0.13 to 0.18 +/- 0.00(P<0.01); furthermore, the
      expression of RelA protein was weaken and the activited caspase-9 protein
      expression was increased gradually. Conclusions: Micheliolide plays a
      significantly inhibited role in HeyA8, SKOV3 and A2780/DDP cells. The inhibited
      role of micheliolide inovarian cancer cells might through inhibiting nuclear
      factor-kappa B(NF-kB)signaling pathway, and inducing the expression of activited
      caspase-9 protein to promoting apoptosis of HeyA8 cell.

PMID- 27671053
TI  - Liver transplantation in transthyretin amyloidosis: Characteristics and
      management related to kidney disease.
AB  - Orthotopic liver transplantation (LT) was implemented as the inaugural disease
      modifying therapy for hereditary transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis, a systemic
      amyloidosis mainly affecting the peripheral nervous system and heart. The first
      approach to pharmacologic therapy was focused on the stabilization of the TTR
      tetramer; following that new advent LT was assumed as the second step of
      treatment, for those patients whose neuropathy becomes worse after a course of
      pharmacologic therapy. The renal disease has been ignored in hereditary ATTR
      amyloidosis. The low level of proteinuria or slight renal impairment does not
      suppose such a heavy glomerular and vascular amyloid deposition. Moreover,
      severity of renal deposits does not consistently parallel that of myelinated
      nerve fiber loss. These are pitfalls that limit the success of LT and suggest
      troublesome criteria for pharmacological therapy or LT. An algorithm of
      evaluation concerning renal disease and treatment options is presented and some
      bridges-to-decision are exposed. In stage 4 or 5 kidney disease, the approach
      remains to deliver combined or sequential liver-kidney transplantation in
      eligible patients. However, in the majority, hemodialysis is the only option even
      in the presence of a well-functioning liver graft. In this review, we highlight
      useful information to aid the transplant hepatologist in the clinical practice.

PMID- 27671054
TI  - All-atom molecular dynamics simulations of lung surfactant protein B: Structural
      features of SP-B promote lipid reorganization.
AB  - Lung surfactant protein B (SP-B), a 79 residue, hydrophobic protein from the
      saposin superfamily, plays an essential role in breathing. Because of the extreme
      hydrophobicity of SP-B, the experimental structure of this protein has not yet
      been determined. Here, we run all-atom molecular dynamics simulations using the
      OPLS-AA force field in GROMACS to study SP-B's structure and mechanisms for
      promoting lipid reorganization. Firstly, we find that the final structures
      indicate the need for some fine-tuning of the homology-based secondary structure
      predictions. Secondly, we find energetically feasible structures 1) with SP-B's
      helices in the plane of the bilayer, 2) with SP-B's helices inclined with respect
      to the bilayer, and 3) with SP-B in a closed structure interacting peripherally
      with the bilayer. Interestingly, SP-B structures that were bent at the hinge
      region between the pairs of helices promoted and/or stabilized defects in the
      lipid bilayer. Finally, particular salt bridge patterns and structural plasticity
      in the central loop and adjacent region of SP-B appeared to be involved in SP-B's
      lipid reorganization abilities.

PMID- 27671055
TI  - Paludifilum halophilum gen. nov., sp. nov., a thermoactinomycete isolated from
      superficial sediment of a solar saltern.
AB  - A novel filamentous, halophilic, thermotolerant bacterium, strain SMBg3T was
      isolated from superficial sediment of a solar saltern in Sfax, Tunisia. The
      isolate is Gram-staining-positive, aerobic, catalase- and oxidase-positive.
      Optimum growth occurred at 40-45  degrees C, with 10 % (w/v) NaCl and at pH 8.0
      9.0. Long and well developed aerial and substrate mycelia, with long chains of
      fluorescent and circular spores, were observed on all tested media. Phylogenetic
      analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain SMBg3T belongs to
      an independent phylogenetic lineage of the family Thermoactinomycetaceae and
      shows a gene sequence similarity of 94 % with Desmospora activa DSM 45169T 94.2 %
      with Kroppenstedtia eburnea DSM 45196T, 94.3 % with Kroppenstedtia guangzhouensis
      KCTC 29149T, 94.3 % with Melghirimyces algeriensisDSM 45474T and 94.5 % with
      Salinithrix halophila CECT 8506T. The predominant menaquinone is MK-7, but MK-8
      and some minor unidentified components are also present in trace amounts. The
      major cellular fatty acids are anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C17 : 0. In
      addition to four major polar lipids identified as phosphatidylethanolamine,
      phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylmethylethanolamine,
      five minor unknown lipids were detected in cell membranes. The DNA G+C content of
      strain SMBg3T is 51.2 mol%. Strain SMBg3T is distinct from recognized genera of
      the family Thermoactinomycetaceae by morphological, biochemical and
      chemotaxonomic characteristics. On the basis of physiological and phylogenetic
      data, strain SMBg3T represents a novel species of a new genus in the family
      Thermoactinomycetaceae for which the name Paludifilum halophilum gen. nov., sp.
      nov. is proposed. The type strain of the type species is SMBg3T (=DSM
      102817T=CCUG 68698T).

PMID- 27671052
TI  - Widespread natural variation of DNA methylation within angiosperms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: DNA methylation is an important feature of plant epigenomes, involved
      in the formation of heterochromatin and affecting gene expression. Extensive
      variation of DNA methylation patterns within a species has been uncovered from
      studies of natural variation. However, the extent to which DNA methylation varies
      between flowering plant species is still unclear. To understand the variation in
      genomic patterning of DNA methylation across flowering plant species, we compared
      single base resolution DNA methylomes of 34 diverse angiosperm species. RESULTS:
      By analyzing whole-genome bisulfite sequencing data in a phylogenetic context, it
      becomes clear that there is extensive variation throughout angiosperms in gene
      body DNA methylation, euchromatic silencing of transposons and repeats, as well
      as silencing of heterochromatic transposons. The Brassicaceae have reduced CHG
      methylation levels and also reduced or loss of CG gene body methylation. The
      Poaceae are characterized by a lack or reduction of heterochromatic CHH
      methylation and enrichment of CHH methylation in genic regions. Furthermore, low
      levels of CHH methylation are observed in a number of species, especially in
      clonally propagated species. CONCLUSIONS: These results reveal the extent of
      variation in DNA methylation in angiosperms and show that DNA methylation
      patterns are broadly a reflection of the evolutionary and life histories of plant
      species.

PMID- 27671056
TI  - Population Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics Modeling To Optimize Dosage
      Regimens of Sulbactam in Critically Ill Patients with Severe Sepsis Caused by
      Acinetobacter baumannii.
AB  - Sulbactam is being considered as an alternative concomitant medication with other
      effective antibiotics for the treatment of multidrug-resistant (MDR)
      Acinetobacter baumannii infections. Pathophysiological changes in critically ill
      patients with severe sepsis, resulting in altered pharmacokinetic (PK) patterns
      for antibiotics, are important factors in determining therapeutic success. The
      aims of this study were (i) to examine the population PK parameters and (ii) to
      assess the probability of target attainment (PTA) for sulbactam in patients with
      severe sepsis caused by A. baumannii PK studies were carried out following
      administration of 2 g of sulbactam every 12 h on the 4th day of drug
      administration in 27 patients, and a Monte Carlo simulation was performed to
      determine the PTA of achieving 40% exposure time during which the plasma drug
      concentration remained above the MIC (T>MIC) and 60% T>MIC The central and
      peripheral volumes of distribution were 14.56 and 9.55 liters, respectively, and
      total clearances of sulbactam were 2.26 liters/h and 7.64 liters/h in patients
      aged >65 years and <=65 years, respectively. The high PTAs (>=90%) for targets of
      40% T>MIC and 60% T>MIC with a MIC of 4 MUg/ml were observed when sulbactam was
      administered by a 4-h infusion of 1 g every 12 h and 1 g every 8 h, respectively.
      Sulbactam would be an alternative antibiotic option to coadminister with colistin
      for the treatment of infections caused by MDR A. baumannii However, for pathogens
      with MICs of >4 MUg/ml, higher dosage regimens of sulbactam are required.

PMID- 27671057
TI  - In Vitro Activities of Omadacycline (PTK 0796) and Other Antimicrobial Agents
      against Human Mycoplasmas and Ureaplasmas.
AB  - In vitro activities of omadacycline, a new aminomethylcycline, were determined
      for Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma spp. and compared with those of azithromycin,
      clindamycin, moxifloxacin, tetracycline, and doxycycline. All omadacycline MICs
      were <2 MUg/ml. MIC90s were 0.063 MUg/ml for Mycoplasma hominis, 0.25 MUg/ml for
      Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and 2 MUg/ml for Ureaplasma spp. Omadacycline had the
      lowest MIC90 among all drugs tested against M. hominis Omadacycline activity was
      not affected by macrolide, tetracycline, or fluoroquinolone resistance.

PMID- 27671058
TI  - Transposition of Tn125 Encoding the NDM-1 Carbapenemase in Acinetobacter
      baumannii.
AB  - The blaNDM-1 gene encodes a carbapenemase that confers resistance to almost all
      beta-lactams, including last-resort carbapenems. This is increasingly reported
      worldwide in nosocomial and community-acquired Gram-negative bacteria.
      Acinetobacter baumannii is an important opportunistic pathogen that is considered
      an intermediate reservoir for the blaNDM-1 gene. In this species, the blaNDM-1
      gene is located within the Tn125 composite transposon. The mechanism driving the
      mobility of Tn125 has not yet been elucidated. Here we experimentally
      demonstrated the transposition of Tn125 in A. baumannii Systematic 3-bp
      duplication of the target site, being the signature of transposition, was
      evidenced. The target site consensus sequence for Tn125 transposition was found
      to be GC enriched at the duplicated 3 bp and AT rich in the vicinity.
      Transposition frequency was not influenced by temperature changes or by exposure
      to subinhibitory concentrations of various antibiotics. This work is the first
      direct evidence of the functionality of a composite transposon in A. baumannii It
      provides a mechanistic clue for the dissemination of the blaNDM-1 gene in
      Acinetobacter spp. and subsequently among Enterobacteriaceae.

PMID- 27671059
TI  - Esculentin-1a-Derived Peptides Promote Clearance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
      Internalized in Bronchial Cells of Cystic Fibrosis Patients and Lung Cell
      Migration: Biochemical Properties and a Plausible Mode of Action.
AB  - Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the major microorganism colonizing the respiratory
      epithelium in cystic fibrosis (CF) sufferers. The widespread use of available
      antibiotics has drastically reduced their efficacy, and antimicrobial peptides
      (AMPs) are a promising alternative. Among them, the frog skin-derived AMPs, i.e.,
      Esc(1-21) and its diastereomer, Esc(1-21)-1c, have recently shown potent activity
      against free-living and sessile forms of P. aeruginosa Importantly, this pathogen
      also escapes antibiotics treatment by invading airway epithelial cells. Here, we
      demonstrate that both AMPs kill Pseudomonas once internalized into bronchial
      cells which express either the functional or the DeltaF508 mutant of the CF
      transmembrane conductance regulator. A higher efficacy is displayed by Esc(1-21)
      1c (90% killing at 15 MUM in 1 h). We also show the peptides' ability to
      stimulate migration of these cells and restore the induction of cell migration
      that is inhibited by Pseudomonas lipopolysaccharide when used at concentrations
      mimicking lung infection. This property of AMPs was not investigated before. Our
      findings suggest new therapeutics that not only eliminate bacteria but also can
      promote reepithelialization of the injured infected tissue. Confocal microscopy
      indicated that both peptides are intracellularly localized with a different
      distribution. Biochemical analyses highlighted that Esc(1-21)-1c is significantly
      more resistant than the all-l peptide to bacterial and human elastase, which is
      abundant in CF lungs. Besides proposing a plausible mechanism underlying the
      properties of the two AMPs, we discuss the data with regard to differences
      between them and suggest Esc(1-21)-1c as a candidate for the development of a new
      multifunctional drug against Pseudomonas respiratory infections.

PMID- 27671060
TI  - Crystal Structure of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa BEL-1 Extended-Spectrum beta
      Lactamase and Its Complexes with Moxalactam and Imipenem.
AB  - BEL-1 is an acquired class A extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) found in
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates from Belgium which is divergent from
      other ESBLs (maximum identity of 54% with GES-type enzymes). This enzyme is
      efficiently inhibited by clavulanate, imipenem, and moxalactam. Crystals of BEL-1
      were obtained at pH 5.6, and the structure of native BEL-1 was determined from
      orthorhombic and monoclinic crystal forms at 1.60-A and 1.48-A resolution,
      respectively. By soaking native BEL-1 crystals, complexes with imipenem
      (monoclinic form, 1.79-A resolution) and moxalactam (orthorhombic form, 1.85-A
      resolution) were also obtained. In the acyl-enzyme complexes, imipenem and
      moxalactam differ by the position of the alpha-substituent and of the carbonyl
      oxygen (in or out of the oxyanion hole). More surprisingly, the Omega-loop, which
      includes the catalytically relevant residue Glu166, was found in different
      conformations in the various subunits, resulting in the Glu166 side chain being
      rotated out of the active site or even in displacement of its Calpha atom up to
      approximately 10 A. A BEL-1 variant showing the single Leu162Phe substitution
      (BEL-2) confers a higher level of resistance to CAZ, CTX, and FEP and shows
      significantly lower Km values than BEL-1, especially with oxyiminocephalosporins.
      BEL-1 Leu162 is located at the beginning of the Omega-loop and is surrounded by
      Phe72, Leu139, and Leu148 (contact distances, 3.5 to 3.9 A). This small
      hydrophobic cavity could not reasonably accommodate the bulkier Phe162 found in
      BEL-2 without altering neighboring residues or the Omega-loop itself, thus likely
      causing an important alteration of the enzyme kinetic properties.

PMID- 27671061
TI  - A Bioluminescent Francisella tularensis SCHU S4 Strain Enables Noninvasive
      Tracking of Bacterial Dissemination and the Evaluation of Antibiotics in an
      Inhalational Mouse Model of Tularemia.
AB  - Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) enables real-time, noninvasive tracking of
      infection in vivo and longitudinal infection studies. In this study, a
      bioluminescent Francisella tularensis strain, SCHU S4-lux, was used to develop an
      inhalational infection model in BALB/c mice. Mice were infected intranasally, and
      the progression of infection was monitored in real time using BLI. A
      bioluminescent signal was detectable from 3 days postinfection (3 dpi), initially
      in the spleen and then in the liver and lymph nodes, before finally becoming
      systemic. The level of bioluminescent signal correlated with bacterial numbers in
      vivo, enabling noninvasive quantification of bacterial burdens in tissues.
      Treatment with levofloxacin (commencing at 4 dpi) significantly reduced the BLI
      signal. Furthermore, BLI was able to distinguish noninvasively between different
      levofloxacin treatment regimens and to identify sites of relapse following
      treatment cessation. These data demonstrate that BLI and SCHU S4-lux are suitable
      for the study of F. tularensis pathogenesis and the evaluation of therapeutics
      for tularemia.

PMID- 27671063
TI  - Pharmacodynamics of Ceftolozane Combined with Tazobactam against
      Enterobacteriaceae in a Neutropenic Mouse Thigh Model.
AB  - Ceftolozane is a new broad-spectrum cephalosporin and is combined with tazobactam
      to broaden the activity of ceftolozane against strains producing extended
      spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs). We determined the pharmacodynamics (PD) of the
      combination in the neutropenic mouse thigh model to determine the optimal
      exposure of tazobactam. Treatment of CD-1 neutropenic mice was started 2 h after
      infection with ceftolozane every 2 h (q2h) alone or in combination with
      tazobactam at different dosing frequencies for 24 h, and the number of CFU in the
      thighs was determined before and after treatment. The maximum effect model was
      fit to the dose-response and the pharmacokinetic/PD index (PDI)-response to
      determine the PDI values for ceftolozane alone and ceftolozane in combination
      with tazobactam resulting in a static effect and a 1-log kill. The effect of
      tazobactam was dependent on the percentage of time that the free drug
      concentration remained above the concentration threshold (percent [Formula: see
      text]), whereby dosing q2h was more efficacious than dosing every 8 h (q8h),
      reducing the tazobactam daily dose by a factor 6.9 to 59.0 (n = 3 strains) to
      obtain a static effect. Using R2 as an indicator of the best fit of the percent
      [Formula: see text]-response relationships, the concentration threshold best
      correlating with the response varied from 0.5 to 2 mg/liter, depending on the
      strain. A similar result was obtained when the q2h and q8h regimens were
      analyzed. For all isolates tested, the mean [Formula: see text] for 0.5 mg/liter
      tazobactam was 28.2% (range, 17.5 to 45.8%) and 44.4% (range, 26.6 to 54.7%) for
      a static effect and a 1-log kill, respectively, at ceftolozane exposures that
      produced a ceftolozane concentration of 4 mg/liter (a concentration greater than
      the MIC) for 33.9 to 63.3% of a 24-h period under steady-state pharmacokinetic
      conditions. The main PDI that correlated with the effect of tazobactam was the
      [Formula: see text] achieved with a CT of 0.5 mg/liter tazobactam.

PMID- 27671062
TI  - Association between embB Codon 306 Mutations, Phenotypic Resistance Profiles, and
      Genotypic Characterization in Clinical Mycobacterium tuberculosis Isolates from
      Hebei, China.
AB  - Ethambutol (EMB) is an essential first-line drug for tuberculosis (TB) treatment.
      Nucleotide substitutions at embB codon 306 (embB306) have been proposed to be a
      potential marker for EMB resistance and a predictor of broad drug resistance in
      clinical Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates. However, discordant findings about
      the association between embB306 mutations and EMB resistance were reported. Hebei
      Province is located in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei integration region in China;
      however, little information about the genetic diversity of the embB locus in this
      area is available. In this study, we sequenced the region surrounding embB306
      (codons 207 to 445) in 62 ethambutol-resistant (EMBr) isolates, 214 ethambutol
      susceptible isolates resistant to other first-line drugs (EMBs isolates), and 100
      pan-sensitive isolates. Our data indicated that none of the pan-sensitive
      isolates showed mutations at embB306 and 63 drug-resistant isolates harbored
      embB306 substitutions, with these substitutions being found in 56.5% (35/62) of
      EMBr isolates and 13.1% (28/214) of EMBs isolates. A significant association
      between the embB306 mutation and resistance to isoniazid, rifampin, EMB, and
      multiple drugs was observed, and the rate of mutation of embB306 increased with
      increasing numbers of first-line drugs to which the isolates were resistant. The
      embB306 mutation is not the sole causative factor for EMB resistance, and the
      poor sensitivity limits its utility as a marker for drug-resistant TB. However,
      it may be a potential marker for broad drug resistance, especially for multidrug
      resistance. The mycobacterial interspersed repetitive unit-variable-number tandem
      repeat profiles may serve as markers for predicting the embB306 substitutions
      that may occur in drug-resistant M. tuberculosis isolates under antimicrobial
      selection pressure.

PMID- 27671064
TI  - Mycobacterium tuberculosis Arylamine N-Acetyltransferase Acetylates and Thus
      Inactivates para-Aminosalicylic Acid.
AB  - Mycobacterium tuberculosis arylamine N-acetyltransferase (TBNAT) is able to
      acetylate para-aminosalicylic acid (PAS) both in vitro and in vivo as determined
      by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and electrospray ionization-mass
      spectrometry (ESI-MS) techniques. The antituberculosis activity of the acetylated
      PAS is significantly reduced. As a result, overexpression of TBNAT in M.
      tuberculosis results in PAS resistance, as determined by MIC tests and drug
      exposure experiments. Taken together, our results suggest that TBNAT from M.
      tuberculosis is able to inactivate PAS by acetylating the compound.

PMID- 27671065
TI  - Antimold Prophylaxis May Reduce the Risk of Invasive Fusariosis in Hematologic
      Patients with Superficial Skin Lesions with Positive Culture for Fusarium.
AB  - Hematologic patients with superficial skin lesions on admission growing Fusarium
      spp. are at a high risk for developing invasive fusariosis during neutropenia. We
      evaluated the impact of primary prophylaxis with a mold-active azole in
      preventing invasive fusariosis in these patients. Between August 2008 and
      December 2014, patients with acute leukemia or aplastic anemia and recipients of
      hematopoietic cell transplants were screened on admission with dermatologic and
      direct exams and fungal cultures of superficial skin lesions. Until November
      2009, no interventions were made. Beginning in December 2009, patients with
      baseline skin lesions and a direct exam and/or culture suggestive of the presence
      of Fusarium spp. received prophylaxis with voriconazole or posaconazole. Skin
      lesions in the extremities (mostly onychomycosis and interdigital intertrigo)
      were present on admission in 88 of 239 episodes (36.8%); 44 lesions had hyaline
      septate hyphae identified by direct exam, and cultures from 11 lesions grew
      Fusarium spp. Antimold prophylaxis was given for 20 episodes (voriconazole for 17
      and posaconazole for 3). Invasive fusariosis was diagnosed in 14 episodes (5.8%).
      Among patients with baseline skin lesions with positive cultures for Fusarium
      spp., 4 of 5 without antimold prophylaxis developed invasive fusariosis versus 0
      of 6 with antimold prophylaxis (P = 0.01; 95% confidence interval for the
      difference between proportions, 22% to 96%). Primary antifungal prophylaxis with
      an antimold azole may prevent the occurrence of invasive fusariosis in high-risk
      hematologic patients with superficial skin lesions on admission growing Fusarium
      spp.

PMID- 27671067
TI  - Presence of the optrA Gene in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus sciuri of
      Porcine Origin.
AB  - A total of 57 methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates and 475
      methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (MRCoNS) collected from
      pigs in the Guangdong province of China in 2014 were investigated for the
      presence of the novel oxazolidinone-phenicol resistance gene optrA The optrA gene
      was detected in 6.9% (n = 33) of the MRCoNS, all of which were Staphylococcus
      sciuri isolates, but in none of the MRSA isolates. Five optrA-carrying
      methicillin-resistant (MR) S. sciuri isolates also harbored the multiresistance
      gene cfr Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and dru typing of the 33 optrA
      carrying MR S. sciuri isolates revealed 25 patterns and 5 sequence types,
      respectively. S1 nuclease PFGE and Southern blotting confirmed that optrA was
      located in the chromosomal DNAs of 29 isolates, including 1 cfr-positive isolate.
      The remaining four isolates harbored a ~35-kb pWo28-3-like plasmid on which optrA
      and cfr were located together with other resistance genes, as confirmed by
      sequence analysis. Six different types of genetic environments (types I to VI) of
      the chromosome-borne optrA genes were identified; these types had the optrA gene
      and its transcriptional regulator araC in common. Tn558 was found to be
      associated with araC-optrA in types II to VI. The optrA gene in types II and III
      was found in close proximity to the ccr gene complex of the respective
      staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec element (SCCmec). Since oxazolidinones are
      last-resort antimicrobial agents for the control of serious infections caused by
      methicillin-resistant staphylococci in humans, the location of the optrA gene
      close to the ccr complex is an alarming observation.

PMID- 27671066
TI  - Whole-Genome Sequencing Identifies In Vivo Acquisition of a blaCTX-M-27-Carrying
      IncFII Transmissible Plasmid as the Cause of Ceftriaxone Treatment Failure for an
      Invasive Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Infection.
AB  - We report a case of ceftriaxone treatment failure for bacteremia caused by
      Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium, due to the in vivo
      acquisition of a blaCTX-M-27-encoding IncFII group transmissible plasmid. The
      original beta-lactamase-susceptible isolate ST882S was replaced by the resistant
      isolate ST931R during ceftriaxone treatment. After relapse, treatment was changed
      to ciprofloxacin, and the patient recovered. Isolate ST931R could transfer
      resistance to Escherichia coli at 37 degrees C. We used whole-genome sequencing
      of ST882S and ST931R, the E. coli transconjugant, and isolated plasmid DNA to
      unequivocally show that ST882S and ST931R had identical chromosomes, both having
      206 identical single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) versus S Typhimurium 14028s.
      We assembled a complete circular genome for ST931R, to which ST882S reads mapped
      with no SNPs. ST882S and ST931R were isogenic except for the presence of three
      additional plasmids in ST931R. ST931R and the E. coli transconjugant were
      ceftriaxone resistant due to the presence of a 60.5-kb IS26-flanked, blaCTX-M-27
      encoding IncFII plasmid. Compared to 14082s, ST931R has almost identical Gifsy-1,
      Gifsy-2, and ST64B prophages, lacks Gifsy-3, and instead carries a unique Fels-2
      prophage related to that found in LT2. ST882S and ST931R both had a 94-kb
      virulence plasmid showing >99% identity with pSLT14028s and a cryptic 3,904-bp
      replicon; ST931R also has cryptic 93-kb IncI1 and 62-kb IncI2 group plasmids. To
      the best of our knowledge, in vivo acquisition of extended-spectrum beta
      lactamase resistance by S Typhimurium and blaCTX-M-27 genes in U.S. isolates of
      Salmonella have not previously been reported.

PMID- 27671068
TI  - Clonal Dissemination of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Sequence Type 235 Isolates
      Carrying blaIMP-6 and Emergence of blaGES-24 and blaIMP-10 on Novel Genomic
      Islands PAGI-15 and -16 in South Korea.
AB  - A total of 431 Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates were collected from 29
      general hospitals in South Korea in 2015. Antimicrobial susceptibility was tested
      by the disk diffusion method, and MICs of carbapenems were determined by the agar
      dilution method. Carbapenemase genes were amplified by PCR and sequenced, and the
      structures of class 1 integrons surrounding the carbapenemase gene cassettes were
      analyzed by PCR mapping. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and pulsed-field gel
      electrophoresis (PFGE) were performed for strain typing. Whole-genome sequencing
      was carried out to analyze P. aeruginosa genomic islands (PAGIs) carrying the
      blaIMP-6, blaIMP-10, and blaGES-24 genes. The rates of carbapenem-nonsusceptible
      and carbapenemase-producing P. aeruginosa isolates were 34.3% (148/431) and 9.5%
      (41/431), respectively. IMP-6 was the most prevalent carbapenemase type, followed
      by VIM-2, IMP-10, and GES-24. All carbapenemase genes were located on class 1
      integrons of 6 different types on the chromosome. All isolates harboring
      carbapenemase genes exhibited genetic relatedness by PFGE (similarity > 80%);
      moreover, all isolates were identified as sequence type 235 (ST235), with the
      exception of two ST244 isolates by MLST. The blaIMP-6, blaIMP-10, and blaGES-24
      genes were found to be located on two novel PAGIs, designated PAGI-15 and PAGI
      16. Our data support the clonal spread of an IMP-6-producing P. aeruginosa ST235
      strain, and the emergence of IMP-10 and GES-24 demonstrates the diversification
      of carbapenemases in P. aeruginosa in Korea.

PMID- 27671069
TI  - Kluyvera ascorbata Strain from Hospital Sewage Carrying the mcr-1 Colistin
      Resistance Gene.
AB  - The newly identified plasmid-borne colistin resistance gene mcr-1 was found in a
      Kluyvera ascorbata isolate from hospital sewage in China. mcr-1 was carried by a
      57-kb self-transmissible IncI2 plasmid. Unlike in a previous report, mcr-1 was
      not associated with ISApl1 and was inserted into a gene encoding a putative
      membrane protein by an unknown mechanism. This study highlights that mcr-1 has
      spread to multiple bacterial species.

PMID- 27671070
TI  - Antibiofilm Activity and Synergistic Inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus Biofilms
      by Bactericidal Protein P128 in Combination with Antibiotics.
AB  - P128 is an antistaphylococcal protein, comprising a cell wall-degrading enzymatic
      region and a Staphylococcus-specific binding region, which possesses specific and
      potent bactericidal activity against sensitive and drug-resistant strains of
      Staphylococcus aureus To explore P128's ability to kill S. aureus in a range of
      environments relevant to clinical infection, we investigated the anti-S. aureus
      activity of P128 alone and in combination with standard-of-care antibiotics on
      planktonic and biofilm-embedded cells. P128 was found to have potent antibiofilm
      activity on preformed S. aureus biofilms as detected by CFU reduction and a
      colorimetric minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) assay. Scanning
      electron microscopic images of biofilms formed on the surfaces of microtiter
      plates and on catheters showed that P128 at low concentrations could destroy the
      biofilm structure and lyse the cells. When it was tested in combination with
      antibiotics which are known to be poor inhibitors of S. aureus in biofilms, such
      as vancomycin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, linezolid, and daptomycin, P128 showed
      highly synergistic antibiofilm activity that resulted in much reduced MBIC values
      for P128 and the individual antibiotics. The synergistic effect was seen for both
      sensitive and resistant isolates of S. aureus Additionally, in an in vitro mixed
      biofilm model mimicking the wound infection environment, P128 was able to prevent
      biofilm formation by virtue of its anti-Staphylococcus activity. The potent S.
      aureus biofilm-inhibiting activity of P128 both alone and in combination with
      antibiotics is an encouraging sign for the development of P128 for treatment of
      complicated S. aureus infections involving biofilms.

PMID- 27671071
TI  - Decreased Susceptibility to Tigecycline Mediated by a Mutation in mlaA in
      Escherichia coli Strains.

PMID- 27671072
TI  - A Novel Genome-Editing Platform for Drug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii
      Reveals an AdeR-Unrelated Tigecycline Resistance Mechanism.
AB  - Infections with the Gram-negative coccobacillus Acinetobacter baumannii are a
      major threat in hospital settings. The progressing emergence of multidrug
      resistant clinical strains significantly reduces the treatment options for
      clinicians to fight A. baumannii infections. The current lack of robust methods
      to genetically manipulate drug-resistant A. baumannii isolates impedes research
      on resistance and virulence mechanisms in clinically relevant strains. In this
      study, we developed a highly efficient and versatile genome-editing platform
      enabling the markerless modification of the genome of A. baumannii clinical and
      laboratory strains, regardless of their resistance profiles. We applied this
      method for the deletion of AdeR, a transcription factor that regulates the
      expression of the AdeABC efflux pump in tigecycline-resistant A. baumannii, to
      evaluate its function as a putative drug target. Loss of adeR reduced the MIC90
      of tigecycline from 25 MUg/ml in the parental strains to 3.1 MUg/ml in the
      DeltaadeR mutants, indicating its importance in the drug resistance phenotype.
      However, 60% of the clinical isolates remained nonsusceptible to tigecycline
      after adeR deletion. Evolution of artificial tigecycline resistance in two
      strains followed by whole-genome sequencing revealed loss-of-function mutations
      in trm, suggesting its role in an alternative AdeABC-independent tigecycline
      resistance mechanism. This finding was strengthened by the confirmation of trm
      disruption in the majority of the tigecycline-resistant clinical isolates. This
      study highlights the development and application of a powerful genome-editing
      platform for A. baumannii enabling future research on drug resistance and
      virulence pathways in clinically relevant strains.

PMID- 27671073
TI  - rRNA Operon Copy Number Can Explain the Distinct Epidemiology of Hospital
      Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
AB  - The distinct epidemiology of original hospital-associated methicillin-resistant
      Staphylococcus aureus (HA-MRSA) and early community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) is
      largely unexplained. S. aureus carries either five or six rRNA operon copies.
      Evidence is provided for a scenario in which MRSA has adapted to the hospital
      environment by rRNA operon loss (six to five copies) due to antibiotic pressure.
      Early CA-MRSA, in contrast, results from wild-type methicillin-susceptible S.
      aureus (MSSA) that acquired mecA without loss of an rRNA operon. Of the HA-MRSA
      isolates (n = 77), 67.5% had five rRNA operon copies, compared to 23.2% of the CA
      MRSA isolates (n = 69) and 7.7% of MSSA isolates (n = 195) (P < 0.001). In
      addition, 105 MSSA isolates from cystic fibrosis patients were tested, because
      these patients are repeatedly treated with antibiotics; 32.4% of these isolates
      had five rRNA operon copies. For all subsets, a correlation between resistance
      profile and rRNA copy number was found. Furthermore, we showed that in vitro
      antibiotic pressure may result in rRNA operon copy loss. We also showed that
      without antibiotic pressure, S. aureus isolates containing six rRNA copies are
      more fit than isolates with five copies. We conclude that HA-MRSA and cystic
      fibrosis isolates most likely have adapted to an environment with high antibiotic
      pressure by the loss of an rRNA operon copy. This loss has facilitated resistance
      development, which promoted survival in these niches. However, strain fitness
      decreased, which explains their lack of success in the community. In contrast, CA
      MRSA isolates retained six rRNA operon copies, rendering them fitter and thereby
      able to survive and spread in the community.

PMID- 27671077
TI  - Emeritus Professor William (Bill) Towler Clark BVMS, PhD, FRCVS 1935 - 2015.

PMID- 27671074
TI  - Topical Decolonization Does Not Eradicate the Skin Microbiota of Community
      Dwelling or Hospitalized Adults.
AB  - Topical antimicrobials are often employed for decolonization and infection
      prevention and may alter the endogenous microbiota of the skin. The objective of
      this study was to compare the microbial communities and levels of richness and
      diversity in community-dwelling subjects and intensive care unit (ICU) patients
      before and after the use of topical decolonization protocols. We enrolled 15
      adults at risk for Staphylococcus aureus infection. Community subjects (n = 8)
      underwent a 5-day decolonization protocol (twice daily intranasal mupirocin and
      daily dilute bleach-water baths), and ICU patients (n = 7) received daily
      chlorhexidine baths. Swab samples were collected from 5 anatomic sites
      immediately before and again after decolonization. A variety of culture media and
      incubation environments were used to recover bacteria and fungi; isolates were
      identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass
      spectrometry. Overall, 174 unique organisms were recovered. Unique communities of
      organisms were recovered from the community-dwelling and hospitalized cohorts. In
      the community-dwelling cohort, microbial richness and diversity did not differ
      significantly between collections across time points, although the number of body
      sites colonized with S. aureus decreased significantly over time (P = 0.004).
      Within the hospitalized cohort, richness and diversity decreased over time
      compared to those for the enrollment sampling (from enrollment to final sampling,
      P = 0.01 for both richness and diversity). Topical antimicrobials reduced the
      burden of S. aureus while preserving other components of the skin and nasal
      microbiota.

PMID- 27671078
TI  - Survey of horse transportation in Australia: issues and practices.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To survey amateur and professional participants on equine
      transportation management, practices and outcomes in Australia. METHODS: An
      online survey targeting people who organised horse movements at least monthly was
      made available to a broad cross-section of amateur and professional equine
      associations. Respondents were invited to provide demographic details and
      information relating to their routine transportation management practices and
      their experiences of issues relating to the transportation of horses. RESULTS: Of
      797 usable responses involving approximately 17,000 horses and 313,000 individual
      horse transport events, transport-related behavioural problems were reported by
      38% of respondents, particularly at loading. Transport-related health problems
      had been experienced during or after transportation by horses in the care of 67%
      of respondents. The most common problems reported were traumatic injuries
      (45.0%), diarrhoea (20.0%), muscular problems (13.0%), respiratory problems
      (12.3%), overheating (10.5%) and colic (10.3%). In the 2 years reviewed in the
      survey, 9.4% of participants reported at least one case of transport-associated
      pneumonia and 35 horses had died, most commonly from fractures, colic or
      pneumonia. Although respondents identifying as amateurs transported horses less
      frequently and over shorter distances, the incidence of transport-related
      problems was similar between amateurs and professionals. Respondents reported
      specific precautions before, during and after transportation, although management
      was often not compliant with the Australian Code of horse transportation.
      CONCLUSIONS: Responses indicated that there remains a substantial risk of adverse
      welfare and health outcomes for horses transported in Australia and management
      practices reported may not be compliant with current recommendations for
      transportation.

PMID- 27671075
TI  - Changes in cortico-spinal excitability following uphill versus downhill treadmill
      exercise.
AB  - An acute bout of aerobic exercise induces neuroplasticity in the motor cortex.
      Moreover, paired associative stimulation (PAS) is known to induce neuroplasticity
      in M1. However, the possible influence of the type of exercise on the
      neuroplastic changes remains unknown. The present study investigated the effects
      of two different modes of muscle contraction produced during locomotor exercise
      on changes in corticospinal (CS) excitability. Subjects performed two 30-min
      treadmill exercises at an intensity corresponding to 60% of their maximal heart
      rate with either a +10% (uphill) or -10% (downhill) slope. These exercises were
      followed or not by paired associative stimulation method (PAS25) which consisted
      of 200 paired stimuli (0.25Hz, 15min) of median nerve electrical stimulation
      followed by transcranial magnetic stimulation of the hand M1 area (ISI 25ms).
      Motor evoked potentials (MEP), assessed through abductor pollicis brevis (APB)
      activity were obtained before exercise, at 5min, 15min and 30min after exercise.
      A significant (P<0.05) increase of the MEP amplitude was observed 30min after
      both exercises but was not different between the two modes of locomotion. On the
      contrary, MEP amplitude with PAS25 increased only 30min after downhill exercise.
      We conclude that sub-maximal treadmill exercise increases CS excitability within
      a period of 30min. However, the predominant mode of muscle contraction during
      uphill versus downhill locomotion does not influence CS excitability when
      assessed using a non-exercised muscle. However, results from PAS25 suggest that
      specific neuroplastic changes occur likely due to homeostatic mechanisms induced
      by exercise plus a PAS protocol.

PMID- 27671079
TI  - Osteopetrosis in a neonatal donkey.
AB  - Osteopetrosis is a rare disorder characterised by a defect in osteoclastic bone
      resorption. This report describes osteopetrosis in a neonatal donkey that
      suffered a displaced tibial fracture. Radiographic examination identified
      generalised reduction in medullary cavity size, thickened mid-diaphyseal cortices
      and conical metaphyseal bone extending toward the mid-diaphysis of long bones.
      Postmortem examination identified additional fractures and brittle bones.
      Histologically, osteoclasts were absent in multiple bone sections. Diaphyseal
      cortices consisted of concentric bone lamellae with marrow tissue infiltration.
      Large wedges of secondary spongiosa extended from the metaphyseal growth plate.
      Clinical and histopathological features were similar to an osteoclast-deficient,
      autosomal recessive form of osteopetrosis in humans. 

PMID- 27671080
TI  - Viral neurotropism, peripheral neuropathy and other morphological abnormalities
      in bovine ephemeral fever virus-infected downer cattle.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the neurotropism of bovine ephemeral fever (BEF)
      virus (BEFV) and described histomorphological abnormalities of the brain, spinal
      cord and peripheral nerves that may causally contribute to paresis or paralysis
      in BEF. METHODS: Four paralysed and six asymptomatic but virus-infected cattle
      were monitored, and blood and serum samples screened by qRT-PCR, virus isolation
      and neutralisation tests. Fresh brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerve and other
      tissues were qRT-PCR-tested for viral RNA, while formalin-fixed specimens were
      processed routinely and immunohistochemically evaluated for histomorphological
      abnormalities and viral antigen distribution, respectively. RESULTS: The
      neurotropism of BEFV was immunohistochemically confirmed in the brain and
      peripheral nerves and peripheral neuropathy was demonstrated in three paralysed
      but not the six aneurological but virus-infected animals. Wallerian degeneration
      (WD) was present in the ventral funicular white matter of the lumbar spinal cord
      of a paralysed steer and in cervical and thoracic spinal cord segments of three
      paralysed animals. Although no spinal cord lesions were seen in the steer
      euthanased within 7 days of illness, peripheral neuropathy was present and more
      severe in nerves of the brachial plexuses than in the gluteal or fibular nerves.
      The only steer with WD in the lumbar spinal cord also showed intrahistiocytic
      cell viral antigen that was spatially distributed within areas of moderate brain
      stem encephalitis. CONCLUSION: The data confirmed neurotropism of BEFV in cattle
      and documented histomorphological abnormalities in peripheral nerves and brain
      which, together with spinal cord lesions, may contribute to chronic paralysis in
      BEFV-infected downer cattle.

PMID- 27671081
TI  - Phenotypic and genotypic profiling of antimicrobial resistance in enteric
      Escherichia coli communities isolated from finisher pigs in Australia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess herd-to-herd variation in antimicrobial resistance
      phenotypes and associated antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in faecal
      commensal Escherichia coli communities isolated from Australian slaughter-age
      pigs. METHODS: Hydrophobic grid-membrane filtration (HGMF) was used to screen
      populations of E. coli isolated from faecal samples obtained from pigs prior to
      or at slaughter. Multiplex PCRs were applied to the pooled DNA extracted from the
      samples to identify specific ARGs. METHODS: Pooled faecal samples from 30
      finishers, from 72 different Australian pig farms, produced 5003 isolates for
      screening. HGMF techniques and image analysis were used to confirm E. coli
      resistance phenotypes to four antimicrobial agents (ampicillin, gentamicin,
      florfenicol and ceftiofur) using selective agars. Multiplex PCRs were performed
      on DNA from pooled samples for 35 ARGs associated with seven chemical classes.
      RESULTS: The prevalence of E. coli isolates showing no resistance to any of the
      drugs was 50.2% (95% confidence interval (CI) 41.8-58.6%). Ceftiofur resistance
      was very low (1.8%; CI 0.8-3.9%) and no ARGs associated with 3rd-generation
      cephalosporin resistance were detected. By contrast, ampicillin (29.4%, CI 22.8
      37.0%), florfenicol (24.3%, CI 17.8-32.3%) and gentamicin (CI 17.5%, 10.7-27.2%)
      resistance prevalence varied greatly between farms and associated ARGs were
      common. The most common combined resistance phenotype was ampicillin-florfenicol.
      CONCLUSION: The use of registered antimicrobials in Australian pigs leads to the
      enteric commensal populations acquiring associated ARGs. However, despite a high
      intensity of sampling, ARGs imparting resistance to the critically important 3rd
      generation cephalosporins were not detected.

PMID- 27671082
TI  - Stabilisation of periarticular fractures and osteotomies with a notched head
      locking T-plate.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To report the clinical outcomes and complications of small animals
      that had articular or periarticular fractures or osteotomies stabilised with a
      notched head locking T-plate. METHODS: Medical records were searched
      retrospectively to identify animals that had a notched head locking T-plate used
      to stabilise a small articular or periarticular bone fragment. RESULTS: Nine dogs
      and two cats had an articular or periarticular bone fragment stabilised with a
      2.0- or 2.4-mm notched head locking T-plate (12 procedures). The median body
      weight was 4.7 kg. The plate was modified by removing holes in 10/12 procedures
      and a combination of locking and non-locking screws were used in 7/12 procedures.
      All fractures or osteotomies progressed to clinical union. There were two
      intraoperative complications (intra-articular screw placement and overlong screw)
      and two postoperative complications (skin necrosis and stress protection)
      CONCLUSIONS: This study reports the successful use of a 2.0- or 2.4-mm notched
      head locking T-plate for articular or periarticular fractures or osteotomies in a
      variety of small-breed dogs and cats. Care must be taken to prevent inadvertent
      penetration of the articular surface, particularly in regions such as the
      proximal tibia. The ability to modify the plate dimensions intraoperatively
      proved beneficial in most cases.

PMID- 27671083
TI  - Prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time using a point-of-care
      analyser (Abaxis VSpro(r)) in Bennett's wallabies (Macropus rufogriseus).
AB  - There are few reports of coagulation times in marsupial species. Blood samples
      collected from 14 Bennett's wallabies (Macropus rufogriseus) under anaesthesia
      during routine health assessments were analysed for prothrombin time (PT) and
      activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) using a point-of-care analyser (POC)
      (Abaxis VSPro(r)). The wallabies had an aPTT mean of 78.09 s and median of 78.1
      s. The PT for all wallabies was greater than 35 s, exceeding the longest time
      measured on the POC. Although PT was significantly longer, aPTT was similar to
      the manufacturer's domestic canine reference range. 

PMID- 27671084
TI  - Live and inactivated vaccine regimens against caecal Salmonella Typhimurium
      colonisation in laying hens.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In Australia, Salmonella serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) is the
      predominant zoonotic serovar in humans and is frequently isolated from layer
      hens. Vaccination against this serovar has been previously shown to be effective
      in broilers and the aim of this current study was to assess and determine the
      best vaccination strategy (live or inactivated) to minimise caecal colonisation
      by S. Typhimurium. METHODS: A long-term experiment (56 weeks) was conducted on
      ISABROWN pullets using a commercial live aroA deleted mutant S. Typhimurium
      vaccine and an autogenous inactivated multivalent Salmonella vaccine (containing
      serovars Typhimurium, Infantis, Montevideo and Zanzibar). These vaccines were
      administered PO or by SC or IM injection, either alone or in combination. Pullets
      were vaccinated throughout rearing (to 18 weeks of age) and sequentially bled for
      antibody titre levels. The birds, vaccinated and controls, were challenged orally
      with a field isolate of S. Typhimurium at different ages, held for 21 days post
      challenge, then euthanased and their caeca cultured for the presence of
      Salmonella. RESULTS: None of the oral live-vaccinated groups exhibited lasting
      protection. When administered twice, the inactivated vaccine gave significant
      protection at 17 weeks of age and the live vaccine given by SC injection given
      twice produced significant protection at 17, 25 and 34 weeks. CONCLUSIONS:
      Vaccination regimens that included parenteral administration of live or
      inactivated vaccines and thus achieved positive serum antibody levels were able
      to provide protection against challenge. Hence, vaccination may play a useful
      role in a management strategy for Salmonella carriage in layer flocks.

PMID- 27671086
TI  - Development of steady-state electrical-heating fluorescence-sensing (SEF)
      technique for thermal characterization of one dimensional (1D) structures by
      employing graphene quantum dots (GQDs) as temperature sensors.
AB  - A fluorescence signal has been demonstrated as an effective implement for
      micro/nanoscale temperature measurement which can be realized by either direct
      fluorescence excitation from materials or by employing nanoparticles as sensors.
      In this work, a steady-state electrical-heating fluorescence-sensing (SEF)
      technique is developed for the thermal characterization of one-dimensional (1D)
      materials. In this method, the sample is suspended between two electrodes and
      applied with steady-state Joule heating. The temperature response of the sample
      is monitored by collecting a simultaneous fluorescence signal from the sample
      itself or nanoparticles uniformly attached on it. According to the 1D heat
      conduction model, a linear temperature dependence of heating powers is obtained,
      thus the thermal conductivity of the sample can be readily determined. In this
      work, a standard platinum wire is selected to measure its thermal conductivity to
      validate this technique. Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are employed as the
      fluorescence agent for temperature sensing. Parallel measurement by using the
      transient electro-thermal (TET) technique demonstrates that a small dose of GQDs
      has negligible influence on the intrinsic thermal property of platinum wire. This
      SEF technique can be applied in two ways: for samples with a fluorescence
      excitation capability, this method can be implemented directly; for others with
      weak or no fluorescence excitation, a very small portion of nanoparticles with
      excellent fluorescence excitation can be used for temperature probing and
      thermophysical property measurement.

PMID- 27671087
TI  - Is it too difficult for disadvantaged applicants to get into medical school?

PMID- 27671090
TI  - A case of traumatic long thoracic nerve suffering: High-frequency ultrasound
      finding.

PMID- 27671088
TI  - Predictive computational phenotyping and biomarker discovery using reference-free
      genome comparisons.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The identification of genomic biomarkers is a key step towards
      improving diagnostic tests and therapies. We present a reference-free method for
      this task that relies on a k-mer representation of genomes and a machine learning
      algorithm that produces intelligible models. The method is computationally
      scalable and well-suited for whole genome sequencing studies. RESULTS: The method
      was validated by generating models that predict the antibiotic resistance of C.
      difficile, M. tuberculosis, P. aeruginosa, and S. pneumoniae for 17 antibiotics.
      The obtained models are accurate, faithful to the biological pathways targeted by
      the antibiotics, and they provide insight into the process of resistance
      acquisition. Moreover, a theoretical analysis of the method revealed tight
      statistical guarantees on the accuracy of the obtained models, supporting its
      relevance for genomic biomarker discovery. CONCLUSIONS: Our method allows the
      generation of accurate and interpretable predictive models of phenotypes, which
      rely on a small set of genomic variations. The method is not limited to
      predicting antibiotic resistance in bacteria and is applicable to a variety of
      organisms and phenotypes. Kover, an efficient implementation of our method, is
      open-source and should guide biological efforts to understand a plethora of
      phenotypes ( http://github.com/aldro61/kover/ ).

PMID- 27671091
TI  - Introduction.

PMID- 27671092
TI  - 33rd Annual Symposium on Nonhuman Primate Models for AIDS.

PMID- 27671089
TI  - Revisiting the systemic vasculitis in eosinophilic granulomatosis with
      polyangiitis (Churg-Strauss): A study of 157 patients by the Groupe d'Etudes et
      de Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines Pulmonaires and the European Respiratory
      Society Taskforce on eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Churg
      Strauss).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To guide nosology and classification of patients with eosinophilic
      granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) based on phenotype and presence or
      absence of ANCA. METHODS: Organ manifestations and ANCA status were
      retrospectively analyzed based on the presence or not of predefined definite
      vasculitis features or surrogates of vasculitis in patients asthma, eosinophilia,
      and at least one systemic organ manifestation attributable to systemic disease.
      RESULTS: The study population included 157 patients (mean age 49.4+/-14.1), with
      a follow-up of 7.4+/-6.4years. Patients with ANCA (31%) more frequently had
      weight loss, myalgias, arthralgias, biopsy-proven vasculitis, glomerulonephritis
      on biopsy, hematuria, leukocytoclastic capillaritis and/or eosinophilic
      infiltration of arterial wall on biopsy, and other renal disease. A total of 41%
      of patients had definite vasculitis manifestations (37%) or strong surrogates of
      vasculitis (4%), of whom only 53% had ANCA. Mononeuritis multiplex was associated
      with systemic vasculitis (p=0.005) and with the presence of ANCA (p<0.001).
      Overall, 59% of patients had polyangiitis as defined by definite vasculitis,
      strong surrogate of vasculitis, mononeuritis multiplex, and/or ANCA with at least
      one systemic manifestation other than ENT or respiratory. Patients with
      polyangiitis had more systemic manifestations including arthralgias (p=0.02) and
      renal disease (p=0.024), had higher peripheral eosinophilia (p=0.027), and a
      trend towards less myocarditis (p=0.057). Using predefined criteria of vasculitis
      and surrogates of vasculitis, ANCA alone were found to be insufficient to
      categorise patients with vasculitis features. CONCLUSION: We suggest a revised
      nomenclature and definition for EGPA and a new proposed entity referred to as
      hypereosinophilic asthma with systemic (non vasculitic) manifestations.

PMID- 27671093
TI  - Large Area Fabrication of Semiconducting Phosphorene by Langmuir-Blodgett
      Assembly.
AB  - Phosphorene is a recently new member of the family of two dimensional (2D)
      inorganic materials. Besides its synthesis it is of utmost importance to deposit
      this material as thin film in a way that represents a general applicability for
      2D materials. Although a considerable number of solvent based methodologies have
      been developed for exfoliating black phosphorus, so far there are no reports on
      controlled organization of these exfoliated nanosheets on substrates. Here, for
      the first time to the best of our knowledge, a mixture of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone
      and deoxygenated water is employed as a subphase in Langmuir-Blodgett trough for
      assembling the nanosheets followed by their deposition on substrates and studied
      its field-effect transistor characteristics. Electron microscopy reveals the
      presence of densely aligned, crystalline, ultra-thin sheets of pristine
      phosphorene having lateral dimensions larger than hundred of microns.
      Furthermore, these assembled nanosheets retain their electronic properties and
      show a high current modulation of 104 at room temperature in field-effect
      transistor devices. The proposed technique provides semiconducting phosphorene
      thin films that are amenable for large area applications.

PMID- 27671095
TI  - Long-Term Follow-Up for a Giant Basilar Trunk Aneurysm Surgically Treated by
      Proximal Occlusion and External Carotid Artery to Posterior Cerebral Artery
      Bypass Using a Saphenous Vein Graft.
AB  - The authors describe a case of a basilar trunk aneurysm with long-term follow-up
      after successful bypass and proximal occlusion. A 64-year-old woman had a giant
      aneurysm of the basilar trunk and underwent external carotid artery-to-posterior
      cerebral artery vein graft bypass surgery and proximal clipping of the basilar
      artery, which was followed by low-dose aspirin (100 mg/d) treatment. No ischemic
      symptoms and lesions developed and the thrombosed aneurysm was stable during 11
      years of follow-up. An extracranial-intracranial high flow bypass combined with
      immediate proximal occlusion and aspirin administration may be an acceptable
      treatment option for patients with giant posterior circulation aneurysms.

PMID- 27671096
TI  - Outcome of Repeated Thrombolysis in Debrecen Thrombolysis Database.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) is an efficient
      therapy of acute ischemic stroke. The risk of a recurrent ischemic stroke is
      high. This prospective single center study aimed to assess whether or not the
      repeated rtPA treatment is beneficial for acute stroke patients. METHODS: All
      thrombolysed patients' data at the Department of Neurology, University of
      Debrecen have been recorded in the Debrecen Thrombolysis Database (DTD) since
      2004. We identified 21 patients with repeated thrombolysis. Stroke severity by
      the NIH stroke scale score (NIHSSS) and imaging findings by the Alberta Stroke
      Programme Early CT Score were evaluated on admission and 1 day later. The
      modified Rankin Scale score at 3 months and case fatality at 1 year were
      evaluated. We compared the first and second thrombolyses, and we screened for
      bleeding and allergic reactions to determine safety. RESULTS: Within the 27-month
      median time, 18 patients were thrombolysed twice, with complete follow-up. In
      recurrent stroke patients, diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure, and
      anticoagulation were more common. Admission cholesterol levels were decreased.
      After the first and second treatments, 24-hour NIHSSS were 3 (1;6) and 7 (1;10),
      respectively. At 3 months, good outcome was significantly higher after the first
      treatment than those of DTD, with no differences between the 2 attempts. There
      was little difference in 3-month and 1-year outcomes, regardless of laterality
      ipsilateral or contralateral hemisphere-in recurrent strokes. One patient had
      nonsymptomatic intracranial bleeding after repeated rtPA treatment. DISCUSSION:
      Recurrent rtPA treatment may be safe and effective in patients who have mild or
      moderate residual symptoms after the index stroke.

PMID- 27671094
TI  - A guide to the 3D structure of the ryanodine receptor type 1 by cryoEM.
AB  - Signal transduction by the ryanodine receptor (RyR) is essential in many
      excitable cells including all striated contractile cells and some types of
      neurons. While its transmembrane domain is a classic tetrameric, six
      transmembrane cation channel, the cytoplasmic domain is uniquely large and
      complex, hosting a multiplicity of specialized domains. The overall outline and
      substructure readily recognizable by electron microscopy make RyR a geometrically
      well-behaved specimen. Hence, for the last two decades, the 3D structural study
      of the RyR has tracked closely the technological advances in electron microscopy,
      cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM), and computerized 3D reconstruction. This
      review summarizes the progress in the structural determination of RyR by cryoEM
      and, bearing in mind the leap in resolution provided by the recent implementation
      of direct electron detection, analyzes the first near-atomic structures of RyR.
      These reveal a complex orchestration of domains controlling the channel's
      function, and help to understand how this could break down as a consequence of
      disease-causing mutations.

PMID- 27671097
TI  - The Sex, Age, Medical History, Treatment, Tobacco Use, Race Risk (SAMe TT2R2)
      Score Predicts Warfarin Control in a Singaporean Population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Warfarin reduces stroke risk in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients but
      requires ongoing monitoring. Time in therapeutic range (TTR) is used as a measure
      of warfarin control, with a TTR less than 60% associated with adverse patient
      outcomes. The Sex, Age, Medical history, Treatment, Tobacco use, Race (SAMe
      TT2R2) score has been identified as a model able to predict warfarin control, but
      this has been tested in mainly Caucasian populations. Therefore, the aim of this
      study was to determine the ability of the SAMe-TT2R2 score to predict warfarin
      control in a Singaporean population consisting of Chinese, Malay, and Indian
      race. METHODS: Retrospective data were collected from the National Heart Centre
      Singapore for AF patients receiving warfarin between January and June 2014. The
      TTR and the SAMe-TT2R2 score were calculated for each patient. RESULTS: The 1137
      non-valvular AF patients had a mean TTR of 58.0 +/- 34.3% and a median SAMe-TT2R2
      score of 3. The categorized SAMe-TT2R2 scores (2 versus >2) showed a significant
      reduction in mean TTR for the entire population (63.2% versus 55.8%, P = .0004)
      and also when categorized according to race for Chinese (62.7% versus 56.9%, P =
      .0075) and Malay (68.4% versus 50.6%, P = .0131) populations. CONCLUSION: The
      SAMe-TT2R2 tool is effective in predicting warfarin control in a Singaporean
      population as patients with a score greater than 2 had poor control. The minimum
      score for non-Caucasian patients is 2; thus, in these patients, the presence of
      any additional risk factors identified in the SAMe-TT2R2 tool categorizes them as
      unlikely to achieve adequate warfarin control and possible candidates for
      alternative anticoagulants.

PMID- 27671098
TI  - Potential use of saliva samples to diagnose Zika virus infection.

PMID- 27671099
TI  - Public reporting and the quality of care of German nursing homes.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Since 2009, German nursing homes have been evaluated regularly by an
      external institution with quality report cards published online. We follow recent
      debates and argue that most of the information in the report cards does not
      reliably measure quality of care. However, a subset of up to seven measures does.
      Do these measures that reflect "risk factors" improve over time? METHOD: Using a
      sample of more than 3000 German nursing homes with information on two waves, we
      assume that the introduction of public reporting is an exogenous institutional
      change and apply before-after-estimations to obtain estimates for the relation
      between public reporting and quality. RESULTS: We find a significant improvement
      of the identified risk factors. Also, the two employed outcome quality indicators
      improve significantly. The improvements are driven by nursing homes with low
      quality in the first evaluation. CONCLUSION: To the extent that this can be
      interpreted as evidence that public reporting positively affects the (reported)
      quality in nursing homes, policy makers should carefully choose indicators
      reflecting care-sensitive quality.

PMID- 27671100
TI  - Clinicopathological differences between familial colorectal cancer type X and
      sporadic cancer in an isolated area of spain.
AB  - AIM: Very few studies have compared the epidemiological characteristics of
      patients with familial colorectal cancer Type X (FCCTX) with those of sporadic
      colorectal cancer (S-CRC). The aim of this study was to compare
      clinicopathological characteristics and survival between FCCTX and S-CRC in
      patients from a historically isolated geographical region. METHOD: A
      retrospective study was carried out of patients with S-CRC and FCCTX treated in
      the Canary Islands. Family and personal history of colorectal cancer (CRC) were
      recorded, together with genetic (microsatellite instability), immunohistochemical
      and clinical variables. RESULTS: Forty-eight (10.6%) of 451 patients were
      classified as FCCTX and the remaining 403 (89.4%) as S-CRC. Age at the diagnosis
      of tumour was significantly lower in FCCTX than in S-CRC (64.06 +/- 12.65 years
      vs 69.13 +/- 10.80 years; P = 0.01; Z = -2.48). Patients with FCCTX had a larger
      number of synchronous tumours (P = 0.09). Recurrence was significantly higher in
      FCCTX than in S-CRC (18.7% vs 8.6%; P = 0.01). Survival correlated significantly
      with the number of first-degree and second-degree relatives with CRC (P = 0.04;
      OR: 1.368, 95% CI: 1.01-1.84, and P = 0.04; OR: 1.363, 95% CI: 1.08-1.65) and
      with the total number of cases of CRC in the immediate family (P < 0.01; OR:
      1.377, 95% CI: 1.17-1.61). Recurrence-free time was significantly lower in
      patients with FCCTX (log-rank = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Significant differences were
      found in several demographic and clinicopathological variables between patients
      with FCCTX and patients with S-CRC. These included increased tumour presentation
      under the age of 50 years and a higher recurrence rate in patients with FCCTX,
      suggesting an increased risk of CRC in this group.

PMID- 27671101
TI  - Real-life use of digoxin in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation: data
      from the RAMSES study.
AB  - WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Although inappropriate use of digoxin has been
      described in various populations, a real-world evaluation of patterns of digoxin
      prescription has not been well studied in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).
      The aim of this study was to identify prevalence, indications and appropriateness
      of digoxin use in the general population of patients with non-valvular AF (NVAF)
      in Turkey. METHODS: We included and classified patients from the RAMSES (ReAl
      life Multicentre Survey Evaluating Stroke prevention strategies in Turkey) study,
      a prospective registry including 6273 patients with NVAF, on the basis of digoxin
      use. After excluding the data of 73 patients whose medical history about digoxin
      use or left ventricle function was absent, 6200 patients were included for the
      final analysis. Digoxin use was considered inappropriate if patients did not have
      left ventricular systolic dysfunction or symptomatic heart failure (HF). RESULTS
      AND DISCUSSION: Digoxin was used in 1274 (20.5%) patients. Patients treated with
      digoxin were older (71.4 +/- 9.8 years vs. 69.2 +/- 10.9 years, P < 0.001), more
      likely to be female (58.8% vs. 55.9%, P = 0.019) and had more common
      comorbidities such as HF (40.2% vs. 17.4%), diabetes (26.4% vs. 21.1%), coronary
      artery disease (35.3 vs. 27.6%) and persistent/permanent AF (93.4% vs. 78.4%; P <
      0.001 for each comparison). Of the 1274 patients, the indication of digoxin use
      was considered inappropriate in 762 (59.8%). WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: Our
      findings show that nearly one-fifth of the patients with NVAF were on digoxin
      therapy and nearly 60% of these patients were receiving digoxin with
      inappropriate indications in a real-world setting.

PMID- 27671102
TI  - Eltrombopag (thrombopoietin-receptor agonist) and plasmapheresis as rescue
      therapy of acute post-renal transplant immune thrombocytopenia in a child with
      Schimke immuno-osseous dysplasia-case report.
AB  - SIOD is rare disorder related to SMARCAL1 or SMARCAL2 gene mutation, including
      (among other comorbidities) T-cell immunodeficiency, nephrotic syndrome, and
      renal failure. Up to 22% of primary patients may develop various autoimmune
      disorders. We report the case of 11-year-old male with SIOD, who presented ITP at
      2 years after renal transplantation with decrease in platelet count (from normal)
      to 56 000/MUL and then (gradually) to 2000/MUL. There was no effect of iv.
      methylprednisolone/dexamethasone. As the presence of antibodies against
      GPIIb/IIIa, GPIb, and GPIaIIa platelet glycoproteins was confirmed, patient was
      given 50 g of IVIG and then was put on plasmapheresis; however, both showed poor
      direct effect. As we were afraid to give rituximab (due to expected
      overimmunosuppression), we prescribed the oral TPO-receptor agonist
      (eltrombopag). Patient responded after 17 days of therapy, to the final dose of
      50 mg/d (approx. 2 mg/kg). The antiplatelet antibodies disappeared after four
      plasmapheresis. Overall, the therapy was continued for 7 weeks and was stopped at
      platelet count of 433 000/MUL. Platelet count remained stable in 8-month follow
      up. Combination of plasmapheresis and TPO-receptor agonist was effective in post
      renal transplant acute ITP in patient with SIOD.

PMID- 27671103
TI  - Probing the global kinome and phosphoproteome in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii via
      sequential enrichment and quantitative proteomics.
AB  - The identification of dynamic protein phosphorylation events is critical for
      understanding kinase/phosphatase-regulated signaling pathways. To date, protein
      phosphorylation and kinase expression have been examined independently in
      photosynthetic organisms. Here we present a method to study the global kinome and
      phosphoproteome in tandem in a model photosynthetic organism, the alga
      Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (Chlamydomonas), using mass spectrometry-based label
      free proteomics. A dual enrichment strategy targets intact protein kinases via
      capture on immobilized multiplexed inhibitor beads with subsequent proteolytic
      digestion of unbound proteins and peptide-based phosphorylation enrichment. To
      increase depth of coverage, both data-dependent and data-independent (via SWATH,
      Sequential Windowed Acquisition of All Theoretical Fragment Ion Mass Spectra)
      mass spectrometric acquisitions were performed to obtain a more than 50% increase
      in coverage of the enriched Chlamydomonas kinome over coverage found with no
      enrichment. The quantitative phosphoproteomic dataset yielded 2250
      phosphopeptides and 1314 localized phosphosites with excellent reproducibility
      across biological replicates (90% of quantified sites with coefficient of
      variation below 11%). This approach enables simultaneous investigation of kinases
      and phosphorylation events at the global level to facilitate understanding of
      kinase networks and their influence in cell signaling events.

PMID- 27671104
TI  - Antibacterial and osteo-stimulatory effects of a borate-based glass series doped
      with strontium ions.
AB  - This work considered the effect of both increasing additions of Strontium (Sr2+)
      and incubation time on solubility and both antibacterial and osteo-stimulatory
      effects of a series of glasses based on the B2O3-P2O5-CaCO3-Na2CO3-TiO2-SrCO3
      series. The amorphous nature of all the glasses was confirmed by X-ray
      diffraction. Discs of each glass were immersed in de-ionized water for 1, 7 and
      30 days, and the water extracts were used for ion release profiles, pH
      measurements and cytotoxicity testing. Atomic absorption spectroscopy was
      employed to detect the release of Na+, Ca2+ and Sr2+ ions from the glasses with
      respect to maturation, which indicated that the addition of Sr2+ retarded
      solubility of the glass series. This effect was also confirmed by weight loss
      analysis through comparing the initial weight of glass discs before and after
      periods of incubation. The incorporation of Sr2+ in the glasses did not influence
      the pH of the water extracts when the glasses were stored for up to 30 days.
      Cytotoxicity testing with an osteoblastic cell line (MC3T3-E1) indicated that
      glasses with the higher (20 mol% and 25 mol%) Sr2+ incorporation promoted
      proliferation of osteoblast cells, while the glasses with lower Sr2+ contents
      inhibited cell growth. The glass series, except for Ly-B5 (which contained the
      highest Sr2+ incorporation; 25 mol%), were bacteriostatic against S. aureus in
      the short term (1-7 days) as a result of the dissolution products released.

PMID- 27671105
TI  - Sagittal Plane Postural Changes in Female Patients with Breast Cancer after
      Different Surgical Techniques.

PMID- 27671106
TI  - Reproductive switching analysis of Daphnia similoides between sexual female and
      parthenogenetic female by transcriptome comparison.
AB  - The water flea Daphnia are planktonic crustaceans commonly found in freshwater
      environment that can switch their reproduction mode from parthenogenesis to
      sexual reproduction to adapt to the external environment. As such, Daphnia are
      great model organisms to study the mechanism of reproductive switching, the
      underlying mechanism of reproduction and development in cladocerans and other
      animals. However, little is known about the Daphnia's reproductive behaviour at a
      molecular level. We constructed a genetic database of the genes expressed in a
      sexual female (SF) and a parthenogenetic female (PF) of D. similoides using
      Illumina HiSeq 2500. A total of 1,763 differentially expressed genes (865 up- and
      898 down-regulated) were detected in SF. Of the top 30 up-regulated SF unigenes,
      the top 4 unigenes belonged to the Chitin_bind_4 family. In contrast, of the top
      down-regulated SF unigenes, the top 3 unigenes belonged to the Vitellogenin_N
      family. This is the first study to indicate genes that may have a crucial role in
      reproductive switching of D. similoides, which could be used as candidate genes
      for further functional studies. Thus, this study provides a rich resource for
      investigation and elucidation of reproductive switching in D. similoides.

PMID- 27671107
TI  - Detection of the designer benzodiazepine metizolam in urine and preliminary data
      on its metabolism.
AB  - Designer benzodiazepines provide an attractive alternative to prescribed
      benzodiazepines for abuse purposes as they are readily available via the Internet
      without control. Metizolam was ordered via the Internet and a 2 mg blue tablet
      was orally administered to a 54-year-old man. Urine samples were collected over 6
      days in polypropylene tubes. After liquid/liquid extraction at pH 9.5, metizolam
      was analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization
      tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS/MS) using a standard method devoted to
      benzodiazepines, and ions transitions, at m/z 328.9 > 275.0 and 328.9 > 300.0.
      Metizolam was detectable in hydrolyzed urine during the 46-h period, with
      concentrations always lower than 11 ng/mL. About 0.3% of the initial dose was
      excreted in urines as total unchanged metizolam during the first 24 h. The most
      relevant potential CYP- and UGT-dependent metabolites of metizolam were
      investigated in vitro using human liver microsome incubation and, subsequently,
      liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry
      (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS) analysis. Three mono-hydroxylated metabolites were produced
      including a hydroxylation compound at the 2-ethyl moiety of metizolam (M1) as
      quantitatively main metabolite, and a N-hydroxymetiazolam (M2). The structure of
      the third metabolite (M3) could not be elucidated because of a too low
      experimental production rate. Two authentic urine samples were analyzed using the
      same analytical method to search for metabolites of metizolam. M1, together with
      its glucuronide (M1-Glu), and M2 were observed in urine at the 8 h mark, whereas
      only M1 and M1-Glu were still detected in urine at 30 h post administration.
      Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27671108
TI  - Antigen-Specific Immune Modulation Targets mTORC1 Function To Drive Chemokine
      Receptor-Mediated T Cell Tolerance.
AB  - To contain autoimmunity, pathogenic T cells must be eliminated or diverted from
      reaching the target organ. Recently, we defined a novel form of T cell tolerance
      whereby treatment with Ag downregulates expression of the chemokine receptor
      CXCR3 and prevents diabetogenic Th1 cells from reaching the pancreas, leading to
      suppression of type 1 diabetes (T1D). This report defines the signaling events
      underlying Ag-induced chemokine receptor-mediated tolerance. Specifically, we
      show that the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) is a major target
      for induction of CXCR3 downregulation and crippling of Th1 cells. Indeed, Ag
      administration induces upregulation of programmed death-ligand 1 on dendritic
      cells in a T cell-dependent manner. In return, programmed death-ligand 1
      interacts with the constitutively expressed programmed death-1 on the target T
      cells and stimulates docking of Src homology 2 domain-containing tyrosine
      phosphatase 2 phosphatase to the cytoplasmic tail of programmed death-1. Active
      Src homology 2 domain-containing tyrosine phosphatase 2 impairs the signaling
      function of the PI3K/protein kinase B (AKT) pathway, leading to functional defect
      of mTORC1, downregulation of CXCR3 expression, and suppression of T1D. Thus,
      mTORC1 component of the metabolic pathway serves as a target for chemokine
      receptor-mediated T cell tolerance and suppression of T1D.

PMID- 27671109
TI  - Antigen-Specific Development of Mucosal Foxp3+RORgammat+ T Cells from Regulatory
      T Cell Precursors.
AB  - Foxp3+retinoic acid-related orphan receptor (ROR)gammat+ T cells have recently
      been characterized as an immunoregulatory population highly enriched in the colon
      lamina propria. However, their developmental origin and relationship to RORgammat
      regulatory T and Th17 cells remain unclear. In this study, we use a fixed
      TCRbeta system to show that the TCR repertoire of the Foxp3+RORgammat+ population
      is mostly distinct compared with other colonic T cell subsets. However, of these
      TCRs, a fraction is also found in the Th17 subset, suggesting that TCR repertoire
      overlap may contribute to the reported ability of Foxp3+RORgammat+ cells to
      regulate Th17 immunity. Naive transgenic T cells expressing a Foxp3+RORgammat+
      restricted TCR first acquire a Foxp3+RORgammat- phenotype before coexpressing
      RORgammat, suggesting that Foxp3+RORgammat+ cell development can occur via an
      RORgammat- regulatory T cell intermediate.

PMID- 27671110
TI  - Antigen Targeting to Human HLA Class II Molecules Increases Efficacy of DNA
      Vaccination.
AB  - It has been difficult to translate promising results from DNA vaccination in mice
      to larger animals and humans. Previously, DNA vaccines encoding proteins that
      target Ag to MHC class II (MHC-II) molecules on APCs have been shown to induce
      rapid, enhanced, and long-lasting Ag-specific Ab titers in mice. In this study,
      we describe two novel DNA vaccines that as proteins target HLA class II (HLA-II)
      molecules. These vaccine proteins cross-react with MHC-II molecules in several
      species of larger mammals. When tested in ferrets and pigs, a single DNA delivery
      with low doses of the HLA-II-targeted vaccines resulted in rapid and increased Ab
      responses. Importantly, painless intradermal jet delivery of DNA was as effective
      as delivery by needle injection followed by electroporation. As an indication
      that the vaccines could also be useful for human application, HLA-II-targeted
      vaccine proteins were found to increase human CD4+ T cell responses by a factor
      of *103 in vitro. Thus, targeting of Ag to MHC-II molecules may represent an
      attractive strategy for increasing efficacy of DNA vaccines in larger animals and
      humans.

PMID- 27671112
TI  - CFHR1-Modified Neural Stem Cells Ameliorated Brain Injury in a Mouse Model of
      Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders.
AB  - A major hurdle for effective stem cell therapy is ongoing inflammation in the
      target organ. Reconditioning the lesion microenvironment may be an effective way
      to promote stem cell therapy. In this study, we showed that engineered neural
      stem cells (NSCs) with complement factor H-related protein 1, a complement
      inhibitor protein, can attenuate inflammatory infiltration and immune-mediated
      damage of astrocytes, an important pathogenic progress in patients with
      neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders. Furthermore, we demonstrated that
      transplantation of the complement factor H-related protein 1-modified NSCs
      effectively blocked the complement activation cascade and inhibited formation of
      the membrane attack complex, thus contributing to the protection of endogenous
      and transplanted NSC-differentiated astrocytes. Therefore, manipulation of the
      lesion microenvironment contributes to a more effective cell replacement
      therapeutic strategy for autoimmune diseases of the CNS.

PMID- 27671111
TI  - HIF-2alpha in Resting Macrophages Tempers Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species
      To Selectively Repress MARCO-Dependent Phagocytosis.
AB  - Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-alpha isoforms regulate key macrophage (MPhi)
      functions during ischemic inflammation. HIF-2alpha drives proinflammatory
      cytokine production; however, the requirements for HIF-2alpha during other key
      MPhi functions, including phagocytosis, are unknown. In contrast to HIF-1alpha,
      HIF-2alpha was not required for hypoxic phagocytic uptake. Surprisingly, basal
      HIF-2alpha levels under nonhypoxic conditions were necessary and sufficient to
      suppress phagocytosis. Screening approaches revealed selective induction of the
      scavenger receptor MARCO, which was required for enhanced engulfment. Chromatin
      immunoprecipitation identified the antioxidant NRF2 as being directly responsible
      for inducing Marco Concordantly, Hif-2alpha-/- MPhis exhibited reduced
      antioxidant gene expression, and inhibition of mitochondrial reactive oxygen
      species suppressed Marco expression and phagocytic uptake. Ex vivo findings were
      recapitulated in vivo; the enhanced engulfment phenotype resulted in increased
      bacterial clearance and cytokine suppression. Importantly, natural induction of
      Hif-2alpha by IL-4 also suppressed MARCO-dependent phagocytosis. Thus, unlike
      most characterized prophagocytic regulators, HIF-2alpha can act as a phagocytic
      repressor. Interestingly, this occurs in resting MPhis through tempering of
      steady-state mitochondrial reactive oxygen species. In turn, HIF-2alpha promotes
      MPhi quiescence by blocking a MARCO bacterial-response pathway. IL-4 also drives
      HIF-2alpha suppression of MARCO, leading to compromised bacterial
      immunosurveillance in vivo.

PMID- 27671113
TI  - Genome assembly and annotation of Arabidopsis halleri, a model for heavy metal
      hyperaccumulation and evolutionary ecology.
AB  - The self-incompatible species Arabidopsis halleri is a close relative of the self
      compatible model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. The broad European and Asian
      distribution and heavy metal hyperaccumulation ability make A. halleri a useful
      model for ecological genomics studies. We used long-insert mate-pair libraries to
      improve the genome assembly of the A. halleri ssp. gemmifera Tada mine genotype
      (W302) collected from a site with high contamination by heavy metals in Japan.
      After five rounds of forced selfing, heterozygosity was reduced to 0.04%, which
      facilitated subsequent genome assembly. Our assembly now covers 196 Mb or 78% of
      the estimated genome size and achieved scaffold N50 length of 712 kb. To validate
      assembly and annotation, we used synteny of A. halleri Tada mine with a
      previously published high-quality reference assembly of a closely related
      species, Arabidopsis lyrata. Further validation of the assembly quality comes
      from synteny and phylogenetic analysis of the HEAVY METAL ATPASE4 (HMA4) and
      METAL TOLERANCE PROTEIN1 (MTP1) regions using published sequences from European
      A. halleri for comparison. Three tandemly duplicated copies of HMA4, key gene
      involved in cadmium and zinc hyperaccumulation, were assembled on a single
      scaffold. The assembly will enhance the genomewide studies of A. halleri as well
      as the allopolyploid Arabidopsis kamchatica derived from A. lyrata and A.
      halleri.

PMID- 27671115
TI  - Bullous Scabies in a 5-Year-Old Child.

PMID- 27671116
TI  - Apples and Oranges: Serious Chronic Illness in Adults and Children.

PMID- 27671117
TI  - Early Diagnosis in Dedicator of Cytokinesis 8 (DOCK8) Deficiency.

PMID- 27671114
TI  - Preloading of Hydrophobic Anticancer Drug into Multifunctional Nanocarrier for
      Multimodal Imaging, NIR-Responsive Drug Release, and Synergistic Therapy.
AB  - Applications of hydrophobic drug-based nanocarriers (NCs) remain largely limited
      because of their low loading capacity. Here, development of a multifunctional
      hybrid NC made of a magnetic Fe3O4 core and a mesoporous silica shell embedded
      with carbon dots (CDs) and paclitaxel (PTX), and covered by another layer of
      silica is reported. The NC is prepared via a one-pot process under mild
      condition. The PTX loading method introduced in this study simplifies drug
      loading process and demonstrates a high loading capacity due to mesoporous silica
      dual-shell structure, supramolecular pi-stacking between conjugated rings of PTX
      molecules, and aromatic rings of the CDs in the hybrid NC. The CDs serve as both
      confocal and two-photon fluorescence imaging probes, while the Fe3O4 core serves
      as a magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent. Significantly, NC releases PTX in
      response to near infrared irradiation as a result of local heating of the
      embedded CDs and the heating of CDs also provides an additional therapeutic
      effect by thermally killing cancer cells in tumor in addition to the
      chemotherapeutic effect of released PTX. Both in vitro and in vivo results show
      that NC demonstrates high therapeutic efficacy through a synergistic effect from
      the combined chemo-photothermal treatments.

PMID- 27671118
TI  - HB-GAM (pleiotrophin) reverses inhibition of neural regeneration by the CNS
      extracellular matrix.
AB  - Chondroitin sulfate (CS) glycosaminoglycans inhibit regeneration in the adult
      central nervous system (CNS). We report here that HB-GAM (heparin-binding growth
      associated molecule; also known as pleiotrophin), a CS-binding protein expressed
      at high levels in the developing CNS, reverses the role of the CS chains in
      neurite growth of CNS neurons in vitro from inhibition to activation. The CS
      bound HB-GAM promotes neurite growth through binding to the cell surface
      proteoglycan glypican-2; furthermore, HB-GAM abrogates the CS ligand binding to
      the inhibitory receptor PTPsigma (protein tyrosine phosphatase sigma). Our in
      vivo studies using two-photon imaging of CNS injuries support the in vitro
      studies and show that HB-GAM increases dendrite regeneration in the adult
      cerebral cortex and axonal regeneration in the adult spinal cord. Our findings
      may enable the development of novel therapies for CNS injuries.

PMID- 27671119
TI  - Promotion and Persistence of HIV Testing and HIV/AIDS Knowledge: Evidence From a
      Randomized Controlled Trial in Ethiopia.
AB  - We use data from a randomized controlled trial in Ethiopia and examine the causal
      effects of HIV/AIDS education, home-based voluntary HIV counseling and testing
      (VCT), and conditional cash transfers (CCT) for facility-based VCT on HIV/AIDS
      knowledge and demand for HIV testing. HIV/AIDS education significantly increases
      HIV/AIDS knowledge but has a limited effect on testing take-up. However, when
      HIV/AIDS education is combined with either home-based VCT or CCT for facility
      based VCT, take-up increases substantially by about 63 and 57 percentage points,
      respectively. We also demonstrate evidence of persistence in test-taking
      behavior, where past HIV testing does not dampen demand for testing. Lastly, we
      find suggestive evidence that home-based VCT could be more effective at detecting
      HIV-positive cases relative to CCT for facility-based VCT. Our findings highlight
      the importance of geographic accessibility in the testing decision and
      persistence in demand for HIV testing. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27671120
TI  - Ethylene Biosynthesis and Signaling Is Required for Rice Immune Response and
      Basal Resistance Against Magnaporthe oryzae Infection.
AB  - Recent studies have suggested that ethylene enhances host resistance to fungal
      pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae, the causal agent of rice blast disease. Among the
      six 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid synthase genes in rice, OsACS1 and
      OsACS2 are induced within 24 h of inoculation by M. oryzae. This induction occurs
      simultaneously with an increase in ethylene production that is noticeable 12 h
      postinoculation. The purpose of this study was to examine the dynamics of
      ethylene production and signaling in wild type and RNA interference-mediated
      suppression lines deficient in ethylene production (acs2) or signaling (eil1)
      after challenge with M. oryzae as well as fungal cell-wall elicitors. Ethylene
      insensitive mutant lines show an attenuated basal defense response including
      lower basal expression of the genes encoding a chitin-binding receptor,
      pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins, and the enzymes involved in the synthesis of
      diterprenoid phytoalexins, a reduction on early hypersensitive response (HR)-like
      cell death, and reduced incidence of callose deposition. Ethylene-deficient
      mutants showed an intermediate phenotype, with a significant reduction in
      expression of defense-related genes and callose deposition, but only a slight
      reduction in HR-like cell death. As a result, all ethylene-insensitive mutants
      show increased susceptibility to M. oryzae, whereas the ethylene-deficient lines
      show a slight but less significant increase in disease severity. These results
      show that ethylene signaling and, to some extent, ethylene production are
      required for rice basal resistance against the blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae.

PMID- 27671121
TI  - PvPGIP2 Accumulation in Specific Floral Tissues But Not in the Endosperm Limits
      Fusarium graminearum Infection in Wheat.
AB  - Fusarium head blight (FHB) caused by Fusarium graminearum is one of the most
      destructive fungal diseases of wheat worldwide. The pathogen infects the spike at
      flowering time and causes severe yield losses, deterioration of grain quality,
      and accumulation of mycotoxins. The understanding of the precise means of
      pathogen entry and colonization of floral tissue is crucial to providing
      effective protection against FHB. Polygalacturonase (PG) inhibiting proteins
      (PGIPs) are cell-wall proteins that inhibit the activity of PGs, a class of
      pectin-depolymerizing enzymes secreted by microbial pathogens, including Fusarium
      spp. The constitutive expression of a bean PGIP (PvPGIP2) limits FHB symptoms and
      reduces mycotoxin accumulation in wheat grain. To better understand which spike
      tissues play major roles in limiting F. graminearum infection, we explored the
      use of PvPGIP2 to defend specific spike tissues. We show here that the
      simultaneous expression of PvPGIP2 in lemma, palea, rachis, and anthers reduced
      FHB symptoms caused by F. graminearum compared with symptoms in infected
      nontransgenic plants. However, the expression of PvPGIP2 only in the endosperm
      did not affect FHB symptom development, indicating that once the pathogen has
      reached the endosperm, inhibition of the pathogen's PG activity is not effective
      in preventing its further spread.

PMID- 27671122
TI  - Devitalisation of human cartilage by high hydrostatic pressure treatment:
      Subsequent cultivation of chondrocytes and mesenchymal stem cells on the
      devitalised tissue.
AB  - The regeneration of cartilage lesions still represents a major challenge.
      Cartilage has a tissue-specific architecture, complicating recreation by
      synthetic biomaterials. A novel approach for reconstruction is the use of
      devitalised cartilage. Treatment with high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) achieves
      devitalisation while biomechanical properties are remained. Therefore, in the
      present study, cartilage was devitalised using HHP treatment and the potential
      for revitalisation with chondrocytes and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) was
      investigated. The devitalisation of cartilage was performed by application of 480
      MPa over 10 minutes. Effective cellular inactivation was demonstrated by the
      trypan blue exclusion test and DNA quantification. Histology and electron
      microscopy examinations showed undamaged cartilage structure after HHP treatment.
      For revitalisation chondrocytes and MSCs were cultured on devitalised cartilage
      without supplementation of chondrogenic growth factors. Both chondrocytes and
      MSCs significantly increased expression of cartilage-specific genes. ECM
      stainings showed neocartilage-like structure with positive AZAN staining as well
      as collagen type II and aggrecan deposition after three weeks of cultivation. Our
      results showed that HHP treatment caused devitalisation of cartilage tissue. ECM
      proteins were not influenced, thus, providing a scaffold for chondrogenic
      differentiation of MSCs and chondrocytes. Therefore, using HHP-treated tissue
      might be a promising approach for cartilage repair.

PMID- 27671123
TI  - Concussion and its neurobehavioural sequelae.
AB  - A concussion results from a force to the brain that results in a transient loss
      of connectivity within the brain. Sport psychiatrists are increasingly called to
      be part of the concussion team and need to be prepared to manage issues related
      to concussion and its behavioural sequelae. Objectively, the best evidence
      available suggests that deficits in attention and/or in balance are the most
      reliable objective findings that a concussion has occurred. Prognosis after a
      concussion is generally very good, although a sub-set of patients that are yet
      well defined seem pre-disposed to delayed recovery. Neither head CT nor MRI are
      sufficiently sensitive to diagnose the type of injuries that pre-dispose patients
      to the neurobehavioural sequelae that have been associated with a concussion;
      confounding this is the finding that many of these signs and symptoms associated
      with concussion occur in other types of non-head injuries. Brain biomarkers and
      functional MRI (fMRI) hold promise in both diagnosis and prognosis of concussion,
      but are still research tools without validated clinical utility at this time.
      Finally, neurocognitive testing holds promise as a diagnostic criterion to
      demonstrate injury but, unfortunately, these tests are also limited in their
      prognostic utility and are of limited value.

PMID- 27671124
TI  - Multiple sclerosis and employment: Associations of psychological factors and work
      instability.
AB  - BACKGROUND: People with multiple sclerosis often stop working earlier than
      expected. Psychological factors may have an impact on job retention.
      Investigation may inform interventions to help people stay in work. OBJECTIVE: To
      investigate the associations between psychological factors and work instability
      in people with multiple sclerosis. METHODS: A multi-method, 2-phased study. Focus
      groups were held to identify key themes. Questionnaire packs using validated
      scales of the key themes were completed at baseline and at 8-month follow-up.
      RESULTS: Four key psychological themes emerged. Out of 208 study subjects 57.2%
      reported medium/high risk of job loss, with marginal changes at 8 months. Some
      psychological variables fluctuated significantly, e.g. depression fell from 24.6%
      to 14.5%. Work instability and anxiety and depression were strongly correlated
      (chi2 p < 0.001). Those with probable depression at baseline had 7.1 times
      increased odds of medium/high work instability, and baseline depression levels
      also predicted later work instability (Hosmer-Lemeshow test 0.899; Nagelkerke R
      Square 0.579). CONCLUSION: Psychological factors fluctuated over the 8-month
      follow-up period. Some psychological variables, including anxiety and depression,
      were significantly associated with, and predictive of, work instability.
      Longitudinal analysis should further identify how these psychological attributes
      impact on work instability and potential job loss in the longer term.

PMID- 27671126
TI  - What's Wrong with Sex Education?
AB  - Sex education is supposed to provide young people with knowledge and
      understanding but much of its seems to be moral propaganda with a thin veneer of
      liberality. 

PMID- 27671127
TI  - Making Sense of the Short-Hand.
AB  - When a patient complains of 'nerves' a doctor is immediately in the business of
      interpretation and 'reading between the lines'. 

PMID- 27671128
TI  - Verdicts on the High Life.
AB  - People rehoused in tower blocks are usually glad to be out of sub-standard
      housing but may soon long for the way of life that died when tenements and
      terraces were demolished. 

PMID- 27671129
TI  - Scan.
AB  - A personal view of the social services. 

PMID- 27671125
TI  - Evolution of Protein Domain Repeats in Metazoa.
AB  - Repeats are ubiquitous elements of proteins and they play important roles for
      cellular function and during evolution. Repeats are, however, also notoriously
      difficult to capture computationally and large scale studies so far had
      difficulties in linking genetic causes, structural properties and evolutionary
      trajectories of protein repeats. Here we apply recently developed methods for
      repeat detection and analysis to a large dataset comprising over hundred metazoan
      genomes. We find that repeats in larger protein families experience generally
      very few insertions or deletions (indels) of repeat units but there is also a
      significant fraction of noteworthy volatile outliers with very high indel rates.
      Analysis of structural data indicates that repeats with an open structure and
      independently folding units are more volatile and more likely to be intrinsically
      disordered. Such disordered repeats are also significantly enriched in sites with
      a high functional potential such as linear motifs. Furthermore, the most volatile
      repeats have a high sequence similarity between their units. Since many volatile
      repeats also show signs of recombination, we conclude they are often shaped by
      concerted evolution. Intriguingly, many of these conserved yet volatile repeats
      are involved in host-pathogen interactions where they might foster fast but
      subtle adaptation in biological arms races. KEY WORDS: protein evolution, domain
      rearrangements, protein repeats, concerted evolution.

PMID- 27671130
TI  - Finding the Real You.
AB  - Everyone has to sift through influences and affectations before settling into
      their enduring 'identity, but is there really a single 'Crisis' involved or is it
      a gradual process of discovery and self-acceptance? 

PMID- 27671132
TI  - News Review.

PMID- 27671131
TI  - Living with Schizophrenia.
AB  - It seems that, as far as the authorities are concerned, a schizophrenic is either
      ill enough to be under a compulsory order or he is a fully responsible adult with
      whom they can deal directly. In reality he is neither, but a mentally-handicapped
      person in need of care and protection. 

PMID- 27671133
TI  - To Preserve Innocence.
AB  - Scapegoats have always served to underline the standards of the majority, a new
      book suggests that society in the 19th and 20th centuries has used the mentally
      ill as the outcasts necessary to confirm its stability and righteousness. 

PMID- 27671134
TI  - From Where I Sit: Editorial Comment.

PMID- 27671135
TI  - Right of Reply.
AB  - The 'Laingian' concept of psychiatry seems to have effectively 'captured' the
      media and 'conventional' psychiatry is rapidly becoming a 'silent ogre'-perhaps
      more doctors should be putting their case before patients become too reluctant to
      come forward for treatment. 

PMID- 27671136
TI  - Cared for and Caring.
AB  - Being mentally handicapped doesn't relieve people of their capacity for emotion,
      tenderness and concern. In hospital they should still be able to experience the
      pleasures and annoyances of ordinary 'family' life to the greatest extent
      possible. 

PMID- 27671137
TI  - Letters.

PMID- 27671138
TI  - Letters.

PMID- 27671139
TI  - Papering over the Cracks.
AB  - Beyond the limelight of teaching hospitals, the psychiatric profession is in a
      state of near-collapse. A lack of resources and man-power is resulting in an
      incomplete service which is unfair to patients and demoralising for doctors-the
      situation needs salvaging, and soon. 

PMID- 27671140
TI  - Culture-independent study of bacterial communities in tropical river sediment.
AB  - Ubiquitous microbial communities in river sediments actively govern organic
      matter decomposition, nutrient recycling, and remediation of toxic compounds. In
      this study, prokaryotic diversity in two major rivers in central Thailand, the
      Chao Phraya (CP) and the Tha Chin (TC) distributary was investigated. Significant
      differences in sediment physicochemical properties, particularly silt content,
      were noted between the two rivers. Tagged 16S rRNA sequencing on a 454 platform
      showed that the sediment microbiomes were dominated by Gammaproteobacteria and
      sulfur/sulfate reducing Deltaproteobacteria, represented by orders
      Desulfobacteriales and Desulfluromonadales together with organic degraders
      Betaproteobacteria (orders Burkholderiales and Rhodocyclales) together with the
      co-existence of Bacteroidetes predominated by Sphingobacteriales. Enrichment of
      specific bacterial orders was found in the clayey CP and silt-rich TC sediments,
      including various genera with known metabolic capability on decomposition of
      organic matter and xenobiotic compounds. The data represent one of the pioneered
      works revealing heterogeneity of bacteria in river sediments in the tropics.

PMID- 27671141
TI  - Effects of Particle Size on the Attenuated Total Reflection Spectrum of Minerals.
AB  - This study focuses on particle size effect on monomineralic powders recorded
      using attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR FT-IR)
      spectroscopy. Six particle size fractions of quartz, feldspar, calcite, and
      dolomite were prepared (<2, 2-4, 4-8, 8-16, 16-32, and 32-63 um). It is found
      that the width, intensity, and area of bands in the ATR FT-IR spectra of minerals
      have explicit dependence on the particle size. As particle size increases, the
      intensity and area of IR bands usually decrease while the width of bands
      increases. The band positions usually shifted to higher wavenumbers with
      decreasing particle size. Infrared spectra of minerals are the most intensive in
      the particle size fraction of 2-4 um. However, if the particle size is very small
      (<2 um), due to the wavelength and penetration depth of the IR light, intensity
      decreases. Therefore, the quantity of very fine-grained minerals may be
      underestimated compared to the coarser phases. A nonlinear regression analysis of
      the data indicated that the average coefficients and indices of the power trend
      line equation imply a very simplistic relationship between median particle
      diameter and absorbance at a given wavenumber. It is concluded that when powder
      samples with substantially different particle size are compared, as in regression
      analysis for modal predictions using ATR FT-IR, it is also important to report
      the grain size distribution or surface area of samples. The band area of water
      (3000-3620 cm-1) is similar in each mineral fraction, except for the particles
      below 2 um. It indicates that the finest particles could have disproportionately
      more water adsorbed on their larger surface area. Thus, these higher wavenumbers
      of the ATR FT-IR spectra may be more sensitive to this spectral interference if
      the number of particles below 2 um is considerable. It is also concluded that at
      least a proportion of the moisture could be very adhesive to the particles due to
      the band shift towards lower wavenumbers in the IR range of 3000-3620 cm-1.

PMID- 27671142
TI  - Prediction of the Ultraviolet-Visible Absorption Spectra of Polycyclic Aromatic
      Hydrocarbons (Dibenzo and Naphtho) Derivatives of Fluoranthene.
AB  - The annellation theory method has been used to predict the locations of maximum
      absorbance (LMA) of the ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectral bands in the group
      of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) C24H14 (dibenzo and naphtho)
      derivatives of fluoranthene (DBNFl). In this group of 21 PAHs, ten PAHs present a
      sextet migration pattern with four or more benzenoid rings that is potentially
      related to a high molecular reactivity and high mutagenic conduct. This is the
      first time that the locations of maximum absorbance in the UV-Vis spectra of
      naphth[1,2- a]aceanthrylene, dibenz[ a,l]aceanthrylene, indeno[1,2,3-
      de]naphthacene, naphtho[1,2- j]fluoranthene, naphth[2,1- e]acephenanthrylene,
      naphth[2,1- a]aceanthrylene, dibenz[ a,j]aceanthrylene, naphth[1,2-
      e]acephenanthrylene, and naphtho[2,1- j]fluoranthene have been predicted. Also,
      this represents the first report about the application of the annellation theory
      for the calculation of the locations of maximum absorbance in the UV-Vis spectra
      of PAHs with five-membered rings. Furthermore, this study constitutes the premier
      investigation beyond the pure benzenoid classical approach toward the
      establishment of a generalized annellation theory that will encompass not only
      homocyclic benzenoid and non-benzenoid PAHs, but also heterocyclic compounds.

PMID- 27671143
TI  - Population and hierarchy of active species in gold iron oxide catalysts for
      carbon monoxide oxidation.
AB  - The identity of active species in supported gold catalysts for low temperature
      carbon monoxide oxidation remains an unsettled debate. With large amounts of
      experimental evidence supporting theories of either gold nanoparticles or sub-nm
      gold species being active, it was recently proposed that a size-dependent
      activity hierarchy should exist. Here we study the diverging catalytic behaviours
      after heat treatment of Au/FeOx materials prepared via co-precipitation and
      deposition precipitation methods. After ruling out any support effects, the gold
      particle size distributions in different catalysts are quantitatively studied
      using aberration corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). A
      counting protocol is developed to reveal the true particle size distribution from
      HAADF-STEM images, which reliably includes all the gold species present.
      Correlation of the populations of the various gold species present with catalysis
      results demonstrate that a size-dependent activity hierarchy must exist in the
      Au/FeOx catalyst.

PMID- 27671144
TI  - Radical Nephrectomy With or Without Lymph Node Dissection for Nonmetastatic Renal
      Cell Carcinoma: A Propensity Score-based Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is uncertain whether lymph node dissection (LND) provides a
      therapeutic benefit in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the
      association of LND with oncologic outcomes among patients undergoing radical
      nephrectomy (RN) for nonmetastatic RCC. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A
      retrospective cohort study of 1797 patients treated with RN for M0 RCC between
      1990 and 2010, including 606 (34%) who underwent LND. INTERVENTION: RN with or
      without LND. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The associations of
      LND with the development of distant metastases, cancer-specific mortality (CSM),
      and all-cause mortality (ACM) were evaluated using 1:1 propensity score (PS)
      matching, adjustment for/stratification by PS quintile, and inverse probability
      weighting. Cox models were used to evaluate the association of the number of
      lymph nodes removed with oncologic outcomes. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: A total of
      111 (6.2%) patients were pN1. The median follow-up after surgery was 10.6 yr.
      Following PS adjustment, there were no significant differences in
      clinicopathologic features between patients with and without LND. In the overall
      cohort, LND was not significantly associated with a reduced risk of distant
      metastases, CSM, or ACM. Moreover, LND was not associated with improved oncologic
      outcomes even among patients at increased risk of pN1 disease, including those
      with preoperative radiographic lymphadenopathy, or across increasing threshold
      probabilities for pN1 disease from 0.05 to 0.50. Among patients who underwent
      LND, the extent of LND was not significantly associated with the development of
      distant metastases, CSM, or ACM. Limitations include the retrospective design.
      CONCLUSIONS: We did not identify an oncologic benefit to LND in the overall
      cohort or among patients at increased risk of nodal disease. These findings do
      not support a therapeutic benefit to LND in patients with M0 RCC. PATIENT
      SUMMARY: Lymph node dissection does not appear to provide a therapeutic benefit
      in patients with nonmetastatic renal cell carcinoma.

PMID- 27671145
TI  - Individuals that are consistent in risk-taking benefit during collective
      foraging.
AB  - It is well established that living in groups helps animals avoid predation and
      locate resources, but maintaining a group requires collective coordination, which
      can be difficult when individuals differ from one another. Personality variation
      (consistent behavioural differences within a population) is already known to be
      important in group interactions. Growing evidence suggests that individuals also
      differ in their consistency, i.e. differing in how variable they are over time,
      and theoretical models predict that this consistency can be beneficial in social
      contexts. We used three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus) to test
      whether the consistency in, as well as average levels of, risk taking behaviour
      (i.e. boldness) when individuals were tested alone affects social interactions
      when fish were retested in groups of 2 and 4. Behavioural consistency,
      independently of average levels of risk-taking, can be advantageous: more
      consistent individuals showed higher rates of initiating group movements as
      leaders, more behavioural coordination by joining others as followers, and
      greater food consumption. Our results have implications for both group decision
      making, as groups composed of consistent individuals are more cohesive, and
      personality traits, as social interactions can have functional consequences for
      consistency in behaviour and hence the evolution of personality variation.

PMID- 27671146
TI  - Collinearity and multivariable analysis: response to comments by Claret et al.

PMID- 27671148
TI  - GMC was wrong to release report on GP's competence to patient, rules judge.

PMID- 27671147
TI  - Collinearity and multivariable analysis.

PMID- 27671149
TI  - Metastasectomy for Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma (mRCC): Lucky Break or
      Evidence-Based Approach?

PMID- 27671150
TI  - Cervical lymph node metastases of squamous cell carcinoma of unknown origin: the
      diagnostic value of FDG PET/CT and clinical outcome.
AB  - FDG PET/CT is perceived as a valuable diagnostic tool in addition to the standard
      diagnostic workup for patients with isolated neck lymph nodes of squamous cell
      carcinoma of unknown primary (SCCUP). For patients with SCCUP intended for
      primary radiotherapy, we hypothesize that the previously reported FDG PET/CT
      detection rates are too high. From 2008 to 2015, 30 SCCUP patients were examined
      with FDG PET/CT. The objective of the FDG PET/CT examination was twofold: (1)
      improve the radiotherapy target definition, and (2) identify the primary cancer.
      Before the FDG PET/CT, the patients had been through a standard workup consisting
      of CT of the neck and chest, examination with flexible endoscopy with patient
      awake, panendoscopy and examination under general anesthesia, tonsillectomy and
      sometimes blind sampling biopsies, and MRI (floor of the mouth). All FDG PET/CTs
      were performed applying a flat table, head support and fixation mask as part of
      the radiotherapy treatment planning. Diagnostic CT with contrast was an
      integrated part of the PET/CT examination. Only 1/30 patients (cancer of the
      vallecula) had their primary cancer detected by FDG PET/CT. In addition, a non
      biopsied patient with high uptake in the ipsilateral palatine tonsil was
      included, giving a detection rate of <=7 % (95 % CI 2-21 %). In this
      retrospective study, we found that the FDG PET/CT detection rate of the primary
      for SCCUP patients is lower than previously reported. It is questionable whether
      FDG PET/CT is necessary for these patients when improved, advanced workup is
      available.

PMID- 27671152
TI  - Balloon-Occluded Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration of a Gastric Vascular
      Malformation: An Innovative Approach to Treatment of a Rare Condition.
AB  - Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are a high-flow form of a vascular
      malformation, which can be found anywhere in the body. While historically treated
      surgically, a multidisciplinary approach utilizing multiple specialties and
      treatment modalities is now commonly employed. In order to effectively treat an
      AVM, the nidus must be targeted and eradicated, which can be done via multiple
      approaches. We present the case of a 43-year-old male with a gastric wall AVM,
      which was initially incompletely treated using a percutaneous transarterial
      approach. The gastric AVM was noted to have dominant drainage through a
      gastrorenal shunt; therefore, Balloon-occluded Retrograde Transvenous
      Obliteration (BRTO) was utilized to eradicate the AVM nidus. This case
      illustrates the utility of Interventional Radiology, specifically BRTO, as
      another treatment option for challenging AVMs.

PMID- 27671151
TI  - Differences in Patient Characteristics and Midterm Outcome Between Asian and
      European Patients Treated with Radiofrequency Ablation for Hepatocellular
      Carcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare patient characteristics and midterm
      outcomes after RFA for unresectable Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Asian and
      European cohorts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was based on retrospective
      analysis of 279 patients (mean 64.8 +/- 12.1 years; 208 males) treated with RFA
      for de novo HCC in tertiary referral centers in Singapore and the Netherlands,
      with median follow-up of 28.2 months (quartiles: 13.1-40.5 months). Cumulative
      incidence of recurrence and death were analyzed using a competing risk model.
      RESULTS: Age was higher in the Asian group: 66.5 versus 60.1 years (p < 0.0001).
      The most common etiology was hepatitis B in the Asian group (48.0 %) and alcohol
      induced cirrhosis in Europeans (54.4 %); p < 0.001. Asian patients had less
      advanced disease: 35.5, 55.0, and 3.0 %, respectively, had BCLC 0, A, and B
      versus 21.5, 58.2, and 15.2 % in the European group (p = 0.01). The cumulative
      incidences of recurrence in the Asian group at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years were 37.0,
      56.4, 62.3, and 67.7 %, respectively, compared to 32.6, 47.2, 49.7, and 53.4 % in
      the European group (p = 0.474). At 1, 2, 3, and 5 years, the cumulative incidence
      rates of death in the Asian group were 2.0, 3.9, 4.9, and 4.9 %, respectively,
      corresponding to 7.7, 9.2, 14.1, and 21.0 % in the European group (p = 0.155).
      CONCLUSION: Similar short-term treatment outcomes are achieved with RFA in HCC
      patients in the South-East Asian and Northern-European populations. Midterm
      recurrence and death rates differ between the groups as a result of differences
      in baseline patient characteristics and patient selection. Our study provides
      insight relevant to the design of future international studies.

PMID- 27671153
TI  - Percutaneous Intravascular Biopsy Using a Bronchoscopy Forceps Diagnosis of a
      Pulmonary Artery Intimal Sarcoma.

PMID- 27671154
TI  - A Decade of Drug-Eluting Technology in Peripheral Arterial Disease: Blurred by
      Dissembling Evidence.

PMID- 27671155
TI  - Radiologic Placement of Uncovered Stents for the Treatment of Malignant Colonic
      Obstruction Proximal to the Descending Colon.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety, feasibility, and patency rates of radiologic
      placement of uncovered stents for the treatment of malignant colonic obstruction
      proximal to the descending colon. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a
      retrospective, single-center study. From May 2003 to March 2015, 53 image-guided
      placements of uncovered stents (44 initial placements, 9 secondary placements)
      were attempted in 44 patients (male:female = 23:21; mean age, 71.8 years). The
      technical and clinical success, complication rates, and patency rates of the
      stents were also evaluated. Technical success was defined as the successful
      deployment of the stent under fluoroscopic guidance alone and clinical success
      was defined as the relief of obstructive symptoms or signs within 48 h of stent
      deployment. RESULTS: In total, 12 (27.3 %) patients underwent preoperative
      decompression, while 32 (72.7 %) underwent decompression with palliative intent.
      The technical success rate was 93.2 % (41/44) for initial placement and 88.9 %
      (8/9) for secondary placement. Secondary stent placement in the palliative group
      was required in nine patients after successful initial stent placement due to
      stent obstruction from tumor ingrowth (n = 7) and stent migration (n = 2). The
      symptoms of obstruction were relieved in all successful cases (100 %). In the
      palliative group, the patency rates were 94.4 % at 1 month, 84.0 % at 3 months,
      64.8 % at 6 months, and 48.6 % at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: The radiologic
      placement of uncovered stents for the treatment of malignant obstruction proximal
      to the descending colon is feasible and safe, and provides acceptable clinical
      results.

PMID- 27671156
TI  - Our Identity Crisis and a Solution: The One Mind.

PMID- 27671157
TI  - Differential tinnitus-related neuroplastic alterations of cortical thickness and
      surface area.
AB  - Structural neuroimaging techniques have been used to identify cortical and
      subcortical regions constituting the neuroarchitecture of tinnitus. One recent
      investigation used voxel-based morphometry (VBM) to analyze a sample of tinnitus
      patients (TI, n = 257) (Schecklmann et al., 2013). A negative relationship
      between individual distress and cortical volume (CV) in bilateral auditory
      regions was observed. However, CV has meanwhile been identified as a
      neuroanatomical measurement that confounds genetically distinct neuroanatomical
      traits, namely cortical thickness (CT) and cortical surface area (CSA). We
      performed a re-analysis of the identical sample using the automated FreeSurfer
      surface-based morphometry (SBM) approach (Fischl, 2012). First, we replicated the
      negative correlation between tinnitus distress and bilateral supratemporal gray
      matter volume. Second, we observed a negative correlation for CSA in the left
      periauditory cortex and anterior insula. Furthermore, we noted a positive
      correlation between tinnitus duration and CT in the left periauditory cortex as
      well as a negative correlation in the subcallosal anterior cingulate, a region
      collated to the serotonergic circuit and germane to inhibitory functions. In
      short, the results elucidate differential neuroanatomical alterations of CSA and
      CT for the two independent tinnitus-related psychological traits distress and
      duration. Beyond this, the study provides further evidence for the distinction
      and specific susceptibility of CSA and CT within the context of neuroplasticity
      of the human brain.

PMID- 27671158
TI  - Biomechanical factors behind toe clearance during the swing phase in hemiparetic
      patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The toe clearance of a paretic limb in the swing phase of gait is
      related to tripping, which is considered a major cause of falls. The
      biomechanical factors for obtaining toe clearance are more complicated in
      hemiparetic gait than that in normal gait because of the compensatory movements
      during swing phase. Understanding the biomechanical factors should help in
      targeting the point for rehabilitative interventions. OBJECTIVE: To clarify the
      biomechanical factors behind toe clearance during swing phase in hemiparetic
      gait. METHODS: Fifty patients with hemiparesis after a stroke participated in
      this study. Three-dimensional motion analysis was used for the kinematic analysis
      of the hemiparetic gait. The correlation coefficients between limb shortening and
      angle changes and between limb shortening and hip elevation and foot lateral
      shift were calculated. Limb shortening was defined as the shortening of the hip
      toe distance. The significant factors that determine toe clearance were examined
      by multiple regression analysis. Independent variables were limb shortening, hip
      elevation, and foot lateral shift. RESULTS: Limb shortening was negatively
      correlated with hip elevation (r = -0.75) and foot lateral shift (r = -0.41).
      Multiple regression analysis showed a significant contribution of limb shortening
      and hip elevation to toe clearance. The coefficient of determination was 0.95.
      CONCLUSIONS: Toe clearance was mainly determined by limb shortening and hip
      elevation, which were found to be in a trade-off relationship. These results
      warrant further investigation into the use of three-dimensional motion analysis
      in the rehabilitation clinic to facilitate targeted rehabilitative training to
      restore gait ability.

PMID- 27671159
TI  - Retrospective forecasting of the 2010-2014 Melbourne influenza seasons using
      multiple surveillance systems.
AB  - Accurate forecasting of seasonal influenza epidemics is of great concern to
      healthcare providers in temperate climates, since these epidemics vary
      substantially in their size, timing and duration from year to year, making it a
      challenge to deliver timely and proportionate responses. Previous studies have
      shown that Bayesian estimation techniques can accurately predict when an
      influenza epidemic will peak many weeks in advance, and we have previously
      tailored these methods for metropolitan Melbourne (Australia) and Google Flu
      Trends data. Here we extend these methods to clinical observation and laboratory
      confirmation data for Melbourne, on the grounds that these data sources provide
      more accurate characterizations of influenza activity. We show that from each of
      these data sources we can accurately predict the timing of the epidemic peak 4-6
      weeks in advance. We also show that making simultaneous use of multiple
      surveillance systems to improve forecast skill remains a fundamental challenge.
      Disparate systems provide complementary characterizations of disease activity,
      which may or may not be comparable, and it is unclear how a 'ground truth' for
      evaluating forecasts against these multiple characterizations might be defined.
      These findings are a significant step towards making optimal use of routine
      surveillance data for outbreak forecasting.

PMID- 27671160
TI  - Salinity-mediated transcriptional and post-translational regulation of the
      Arabidopsis aquaporin PIP2;7.
AB  - KEY MESSAGE: Salt stress triggers a simultaneous transcriptional repression and
      aquaporin internalization to modify root cell water conductivity. Plasma membrane
      intrinsic proteins (PIPs) are involved in the adjustment of plant water balance
      in response to changing environmental conditions. In this study, Arabidopsis wild
      type (Col-0) and transgenic lines overexpressing PIP2;7 were used to investigate
      and compare their response to salt stress. Hydraulic conductivity measurements
      using a high-pressure flowmeter (HPFM) revealed that overexpression of PIP2;7
      induced a sixfold increase in root hydraulic conductivity of four week-old
      Arabidopsis thaliana plants compared to WT. Exposure to a high salt stress (150
      mM NaCl) triggered a rapid repression of overall aquaporin activity in both
      genotypes. Response to salt stress was also investigated in 8 day-old seedlings.
      Exposure to salt led to a repression of PIP2;7 promoter activity and a
      significant decrease in PIP2;7 mRNA abundance within 2 h. Concomitantly, a rapid
      internalization of fluorescently-tagged PIP2;7 proteins was observed but removal
      from the cell membrane was not accompanied by further degradation of the protein
      within 4 h of exposure to salinity stress. These data suggest that PIP
      transcriptional repression and channel internalization act in concert during salt
      stress conditions to modulate aquaporin activity, thereby significantly altering
      the plant hydraulic parameters in the short term.

PMID- 27671161
TI  - Assessment of Isoprostanes in Human Plasma: Technical Considerations and the Use
      of Mass Spectrometry.
AB  - Oxygenated lipid mediators released from non-enzymatic peroxidation of
      polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are known to have functional roles in humans.
      Notably, among these lipid mediators, isoprostanes molecules are robust
      biomarkers of oxidative stress but those from n-3 PUFA are also bioactive
      molecules. In order to identify and assess the isoprostanes, the use of mass
      spectrometry (MS) for analysis is preferable and has been used for over two
      decades. Gas chromatography (GC) is commonly coupled to the MS to separate the
      derivatized isoprostanes of interest in biological samples. In order to increase
      the accuracy of the analytical performance, GC-MS/MS was also applied. Lately, MS
      or MS/MS has been coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography to assess
      multiple isoprostane molecules in a single biological sample without
      derivatization process. However, there are limitations for the use of LC-MS/MS in
      the measurement of plasma isoprostanes, which will be discussed in this review.

PMID- 27671162
TI  - Early-onset pediatric atopic dermatitis is TH2 but also TH17 polarized in skin.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) affects 15% to 25% of children and 4% to 7% of
      adults. Paradigm-shifting discoveries about AD have been based on adult
      biomarkers, reflecting decades of disease activity, although 85% of cases begin
      by 5 years. Blood phenotyping shows only TH2 skewing in patients with early-onset
      pediatric AD, but alterations in early pediatric skin lesions are unknown,
      limiting advancement of targeted therapies. OBJECTIVE: We sought to characterize
      the early pediatric AD skin phenotype and its differences from pediatric control
      subjects and adults with AD. METHODS: Using immunohistochemistry and quantitative
      real-time PCR, we assessed biopsy specimens from 19 children with AD younger than
      5 years within 6 months of disease onset in comparison with adults with AD or
      psoriasis and pediatric and adult control subjects. RESULTS: In lesional skin
      children showed comparable or greater epidermal hyperplasia (thickness and
      keratin 16) and cellular infiltration (CD3+, CD11c+, and FcepsilonRI+) than
      adults with AD. Similar to adults, strong activation of the TH2 (IL-13, IL-31,
      and CCL17) and TH22 (IL-22 and S100As) axes and some TH1 skewing (IFN-gamma and
      CXCL10) were present. Children showed significantly higher induction of TH17
      related cytokines and antimicrobials (IL-17A, IL-19, CCL20, LL37, and peptidase
      inhibitor 3/elafin), TH9/IL-9, IL-33, and innate markers (IL-8) than adults (P <
      .02). Despite the characteristic downregulation in adult patients with AD,
      filaggrin expression was similar in children with AD and healthy children.
      Nonlesional skin in pediatric patients with AD showed higher levels of
      inflammation (particularly IL-17A and the related molecules IL-19 and LL37) and
      epidermal proliferation (keratin 16 and S100As) markers (P < .001). CONCLUSION:
      The skin phenotype of new-onset pediatric AD is substantially different from that
      of adult AD. Although excess TH2 activation characterizes both, TH9 and TH17 are
      highly activated at disease initiation. Increases in IL-19 levels might link TH2
      and TH17 activation.

PMID- 27671165
TI  - Winners of the 2015 JA Medals for excellence.

PMID- 27671163
TI  - Advances in breeding for high grain Zinc in Rice.
AB  - Zinc (Zn) is one of the most essential micronutrients required for the growth and
      development of human beings. More than one billion people, particularly children
      and pregnant women suffer from Zn deficiency related health problems in Asia.
      Rice is the major staple food for Asians, but the presently grown popular high
      yielding rice varieties are poor supplier of Zn in their polished form. Breeding
      rice varieties with high grain Zn has been suggested to be a sustainable,
      targeted, food-based and cost effective approach in alleviating Zn deficiency.
      The physiological, genetic and molecular mechanisms of Zn homeostasis have been
      well studied, but these mechanisms need to be characterized from a
      biofortification perspective and should be well integrated with the breeding
      processes. There is a significant variation for grain Zn in rice germplasm and
      efforts are being directed at exploiting this variation through breeding to
      develop high Zn rice varieties. Several QTLs and gene specific markers have been
      identified for grain Zn and there is a great potential to use them in Marker
      Assisted Breeding. A thorough characterization of genotype and environmental
      interactions is essential to identify key environmental factors influencing grain
      Zn. Agronomic biofortification has shown inconsistent results, but a combination
      of genetic and agronomic biofortification strategies may be more effective.
      Significant progress has been made in developing high Zn rice lines for release
      in target countries. A holistic breeding approach involving high Zn trait
      development, high Zn product development, product testing and release, including
      bioefficacy and bioavailability studies is essential for successful Zn
      biofortification. 

PMID- 27671164
TI  - Analysis of Allelic Imbalance in Rice Hybrids Under Water Stress and Association
      of Asymmetrically Expressed Genes with Drought-Response QTLs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Information on the effect of stress on the allele-specific expression
      (ASE) profile of rice hybrids is limited. More so, the association of allelically
      imbalanced genes to important traits is yet to be understood. Here we assessed
      allelic imbalance (AI) in the heterozygote state of rice under non- and water
      stress treatments and determined association of asymmetrically expressed genes
      with grain yield (GY) under drought stress by in-silico co-localization analysis
      and selective genotyping. The genotypes IR64, Apo and their F1 hybrid (IR64 *
      Apo) were grown under normal and water-limiting conditions. We sequenced the
      total RNA transcripts for all genotypes then reconstructed the two chromosomes in
      the heterozygote. RESULTS: We are able to estimate the transcript abundance of
      and the differential expression (DE) between the two parent-specific alleles in
      the rice hybrids. The magnitude and direction of AI are classified into two
      categories: (1) symmetrical or biallelic and (2) asymmetrical. The latter can be
      further classified as either IR64- or Apo-favoring gene. Analysis showed that in
      the hybrids grown under non-stress conditions, 179 and 183 favor Apo- and IR64
      specific alleles, respectively. Hence, the number of IR64- and Apo-favoring genes
      is relatively equal. Under water-stress conditions, 179 and 255 favor Apo- and
      IR64-specific alleles, respectively, indicating that the number of allelically
      imbalanced genes is skewed towards IR64. This is nearly 40-60 % preference for
      Apo and IR64 alleles, respectively, to the hybrid transcriptome. We also observed
      genes which exhibit allele preference switching when exposed to water-stress
      conditions. Results of in-silico co-localization procedure and selective
      genotyping of Apo/IR64 F3:5 progenies revealed significant association of several
      asymmetrically expressed genes with GY under drought stress conditions.
      CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that water stress skews AI on a genome-wide scale
      towards the IR64 allele, the cross-specific maternal allele. Several
      asymmetrically expressed genes are strongly associated with GY under drought
      stress which may shed hints that genes associated with important traits are
      allelically imbalanced. Our approach of integrating hybrid expression analysis
      and QTL mapping analysis may be an efficient strategy for shortlisting candidate
      genes for gene discovery.

PMID- 27671166
TI  - Adherence to recommended exercise guidelines in patients with heart failure.
AB  - Exercise training has been shown to be beneficial in patients with heart failure,
      and its effectiveness is connected to adherence to the exercise program.
      Nonetheless, adherence to exercise in these patients remains a concern. Heart
      failure patients can be considered adherent to an exercise program if they meet
      80 % of the recommended dose. We summarize exercise recommendations for patients
      with heart failure, identify exercise prescription methodologies used in studies
      that have reported exercise adherence, identify strategies and tools used to
      improve adherence and examine whether these strategies were developed using a
      theoretical platform with the primary aim to change behavior and improve
      adherence to exercise. Factors which may also impact adherence such as exercise
      setting, intensity and length of participation, gender, race, New York Heart
      Association functional class and heart failure with preserved and reduced
      ejection fraction were also investigated. Finally, recommendations for future
      studies for improving adherence to exercise in patients with heart failure are
      provided.

PMID- 27671168
TI  - Pituitary function within the first year after traumatic brain injury or
      subarachnoid haemorrhage.
AB  - PURPOSE: Reports on long-term variations in pituitary function after traumatic
      brain injury (TBI) and subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) diverge. The aim of the
      current study was to evaluate the prevalence and changes in pituitary function
      during the first year after moderate and severe TBI and SAH and to explore the
      relation between pituitary function and injury variables. METHODS: Adults with
      moderate and severe TBI or SAH were evaluated at 10 days, 3, 6 and 12 months post
      injury/illness. Demographic, clinical, radiological, laboratory, including
      hormonal data were collected. RESULTS: A total of 91 adults, 56 (15 women/41 men)
      with TBI and 35 (27 women/8 men) with SAH were included. Perturbations in
      pituitary function were frequent early after the event but declined during the
      first year of follow-up. The most frequent deficiency was hypogonadotrope
      hypogonadism which was seen in approximately 25 % of the patients. Most of the
      variations were transient and without clinical significance. At 12 months, two
      patients were on replacement with hydrocortisone, four men on testosterone and
      one man on replacement with growth hormone. No relations were seen between
      hormonal levels and injury variables. CONCLUSIONS: Perturbations in pituitary
      function continue to occur during the first year after TBI and SAH, but only a
      few patients need replacement therapy. Our study could not identify a marker of
      increased risk of pituitary dysfunction that could guide routine screening.
      However, data demonstrate the need for systematic follow-up of pituitary function
      after moderate or severe TBI or SAH.

PMID- 27671169
TI  - Evaluating targeted interventions via meta-population models with multi-level
      mixing.
AB  - Among the several means by which heterogeneity can be modeled, Levins' (1969)
      meta-population approach preserves the most analytical tractability, a virtue to
      the extent that generality is desirable. When model populations are stratified,
      contacts among their respective sub-populations must be described. Using a simple
      meta-population model, Feng et al. (2015) showed that mixing among sub
      populations, as well as heterogeneity in characteristics affecting sub-population
      reproduction numbers, must be considered when evaluating public health
      interventions to prevent or control infectious disease outbreaks. They employed
      the convex combination of preferential within- and proportional among-group
      contacts first described by Nold (1980) and subsequently generalized by Jacquez
      et al. (1988). As the utility of meta-population modeling depends on more
      realistic mixing functions, the authors added preferential contacts between
      parents and children and among co-workers (Glasser et al., 2012). Here they
      further generalize this function by including preferential contacts between
      grandparents and grandchildren, but omit workplace contacts. They also describe a
      general multi-level mixing scheme, provide three two-level examples, and apply
      two of them. In their first application, the authors describe age- and gender
      specific patterns in face-to-face conversations (Mossong et al., 2008), proxies
      for contacts by which respiratory pathogens might be transmitted, that are
      consistent with everyday experience. This suggests that meta-population models
      with inter-generational mixing could be employed to evaluate prolonged school
      closures, a proposed pandemic mitigation measure that could expose grandparents,
      and other elderly surrogate caregivers for working parents, to infectious
      children. In their second application, the authors use a meta-population SEIR
      model stratified by 7 age groups and 50 states plus the District of Columbia, to
      compare actual with optimal vaccination during the 2009-2010 influenza pandemic
      in the United States. They also show that vaccination efforts could have been
      adjusted month-to-month during the fall of 2009 to ensure maximum impact. Such
      applications inspire confidence in the reliability of meta-population modeling in
      support of public health policymaking.

PMID- 27671170
TI  - Combination treatment with decitabine and ionizing radiation enhances tumor cells
      susceptibility of T cells.
AB  - Decitabine has been found to have anti-metabolic and anti-tumor activities in
      various tumor cells. Recently, the use of decitabine in combination with other
      conventional therapies reportedly resulted in improved anti-tumor activity
      against various tumors. Ionizing radiation (IR) is widely used as a cancer
      treatment. Decitabine and IR improve immunogenicity and susceptibility of tumor
      cells to immune cells by up-regulating the expression of various molecules such
      as major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I; natural-killer group 2, member
      D (NKG2D) ligands; and co-stimulatory molecules. However, the effects of
      combining decitabine and IR therapies are largely unknown. Our results indicate
      that decitabine or IR treatment upregulates MHC class I, along with various co
      stimulatory molecules in target tumor cells. Furthermore, decitabine and IR
      combination treatment further upregulates MHC class I, along with the co
      stimulatory molecules, when compared to the effect of each treatment alone.
      Importantly, decitabine treatment further enhanced T cell-mediated cytotoxicity
      and release of IFN- gamma against target tumor cells which is induced by IR.
      Interestingly, decitabine did not affect NKG2D ligand expression or NK cell
      mediated cytotoxicity in target tumor cells. These observations suggest that
      decitabine may be used as a useful immunomodulator to sensitize tumor cells in
      combination with other tumor therapies.

PMID- 27671167
TI  - Targeted Next Generation Sequencing Identifies Markers of Response to PD-1
      Blockade.
AB  - Therapeutic antibodies blocking programmed death-1 and its ligand (PD-1/PD-L1)
      induce durable responses in a substantial fraction of melanoma patients. We
      sought to determine whether the number and/or type of mutations identified using
      a next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel available in the clinic was correlated
      with response to anti-PD-1 in melanoma. Using archival melanoma samples from anti
      PD-1/PD-L1-treated patients, we performed hybrid capture-based NGS on 236-315
      genes and T-cell receptor (TCR) sequencing on initial and validation cohorts from
      two centers. Patients who responded to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 had higher mutational
      loads in an initial cohort (median, 45.6 vs. 3.9 mutations/MB; P = 0.003) and a
      validation cohort (37.1 vs. 12.8 mutations/MB; P = 0.002) compared with
      nonresponders. Response rate, progression-free survival, and overall survival
      were superior in the high, compared with intermediate and low, mutation load
      groups. Melanomas with NF1 mutations harbored high mutational loads (median, 62.7
      mutations/MB) and high response rates (74%), whereas BRAF/NRAS/NF1 wild-type
      melanomas had a lower mutational load. In these archival samples, TCR clonality
      did not predict response. Mutation numbers in the 315 genes in the NGS platform
      strongly correlated with those detected by whole-exome sequencing in The Cancer
      Genome Atlas samples, but was not associated with survival. In conclusion,
      mutational load, as determined by an NGS platform available in the clinic,
      effectively stratified patients by likelihood of response. This approach may
      provide a clinically feasible predictor of response to anti-PD-1/PD-L1. Cancer
      Immunol Res; 4(11); 959-67. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27671172
TI  - Community-Informed Health Promotion to Improve Health Behaviors in Honduras.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Honduras is the second poorest country in Central America. The
      already high burden of disease is disproportionately worse among individuals with
      less education and limited access to health care. Community engagement is needed
      to bridge the gap in health care resources with the need for health promotion and
      education. Culturally relevant health promotion activities can foster
      transcultural partnerships. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to partner
      nursing students with village leaders to assess a community's health needs and
      implement health promotion activities in Honduras. DESIGN: Participatory action
      research was used in the study. METHOD: U.S. nursing students ( n = 4) partnered
      with a nonprofit organization and community partners in Villa Soleada to
      interview mothers in Villa Soleada, a Honduran village of 44 families, and
      implement health promotion activities targeted to the health priorities of their
      families. RESULTS: Structured interviews with 24 mothers identified
      gastrointestinal issues, health care access and quality, and malaria as the top
      three priorities. Ninety-two percent of respondents were interested in nurse-led
      health promotion. Activities engaged new community partners. DISCUSSION: This
      partnership and learning model was well received and sustainable. The U.S. nurses
      involved in the partnership gained exposure to Honduran health issues and led
      locally tailored health promotions in Villa Soleada. The community's response to
      health promotion were positive and future activities were planned. IMPLICATIONS:
      Nursing student's immersion experiences to support population-based health
      activities in low-resource settings are a replicable model that can help build
      healthier communities with a sustainable local infrastructure. Transcultural
      nursing experiences enhance students' perspectives, increase personal and
      professional development, strengthen nursing students' critical thinking skills,
      and for some students, confirm their desire to practice in an international
      arena.

PMID- 27671173
TI  - Telomeres and Pace of Aging in the Developing World.

PMID- 27671174
TI  - Predictive Model for Blood Product Use in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To build a clinical predictive model to determine the need for
      transfusing blood and its products in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)
      procedures in South East Asian population. STUDY DESIGN: Analytical study. PLACE
      AND DURATION OF STUDY: Section of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Aga Khan University
      Hospital, Karachi, from January 2006 to October 2014. METHODOLOGY: Information on
      pre-, intra- and postoperative variables were collected for all adult patients
      who underwent on-pump CABG. The patients grouped into those who received blood
      and its components, and those who did not. Aunivariate as well as multivariate
      logistic model was built to determine the predictors of transfusion. RESULTS: A
      total of 3,550 patients underwent CABG and males were dominant in both groups (75
      vs. 93%). The transfusion rate was 56.4% (n=2001). Age (adjusted OR 1.03, p <
      0.001), obesity (1.50, p=0.001), tobacco use (1.29, p=0.001), and male gender
      (4.51, p < 0.001) found to be a stronger predictor. Among preoperative
      comorbidities, diabetes (1.20, p=0.016), myocardial infarction (1.22, p=0.009),
      preoperative creatinine (1.12, p=0.033), and left main vessel disease of > 50%
      (1.49, p < 0.001) were independently associated with the outcome. Compared to
      elective cases, transfusion rates were high in urgent and emergent cases (OR:
      1.93 and 3.36 respectively, p < 0.001 for both). CONCLUSION: Age, male gender,
      obesity, tobacco use, diabetes, myocardial infarction, high creatinine, urgent
      and emergent cases were independent predictors of transfusion in CABG procedure.
      This model can be utilized for preoperative risk stratification of patients and
      their management to improve the outcomes.

PMID- 27671175
TI  - Skeletonization of Left Internal Mammary Artery in Coronary Artery Bypass
      Grafting.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare mean per-operative flow capacity between skeletonized and
      pedicled left internal mammary artery (LIMA) in patients undergoing coronary
      artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized control trial.
      PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Department of Cardiac Surgery, Armed Forces
      Institute of Cardiology and National Institute of Heart Diseases (AFIC-NIHD),
      Rawalpindi, Pakistan from February to August, 2013. METHODOLOGY: Patients
      undergoing CABG for coronary artery disease, under 80 years, excluded by the
      exclusion criteria; and fulfilling the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned
      to two groups of 70 each. One group underwent skeletonized and the other
      underwent pedicled technique of LIMAharvesting. Free flow was checked just before
      anastamosis of each LIMAto the LAD, manually in blood flow in ml per minute
      during cardiopulmonary bypass by allowing it to bleed into a 100 ml container
      over 20 seconds. Aspecialized proforma was used to record the age, gender,
      weight, disease, type of IMA used, and free flow of the IMA. Data was analyzed
      using SPSS 18. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 57.16 years in 40
      patients, ranging from 36 to 75 years. Disease pattern analysis showed 5%, 10.7%
      and 84.3% single, double and triple vessel coronary artery disease, respectively.
      There was significantly higher free flow in the skeletonized group than the
      pedicled group (p=0.04). CONCLUSION: Skeletonized IMAhad superior flow to
      pedicled IMAin addition to its traditional proven advantages, which justifies its
      further use as a conduit for myocardial revascularization.

PMID- 27671176
TI  - Peripartum Cardiomyopathy in a Pakistani Cohort.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the demographics, risk factors, and clinical presentation
      in Pakistani patients with peripartum cardiomyopathy. STUDY DESIGN: A descriptive
      observational study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Rawalpindi Institute of
      Cardiology, Rawalpindi, from June 2014 to June 2015. METHODOLOGY: Seventy
      patients meeting criteria of peripartum cardiomyopathy were included in the
      study. Adetailed history, physical examination and investigations were done.
      Epidemiologic data, risk factors, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class and
      echocardiographic findings were recorded. Statistical analyses were done using
      SPSS version 19. RESULTS: The mean age was 28.66 +/-4.57 years. Mean parity and
      weight was 3.04 +/-1.7 and 60.97 +/-12.40 Kg, respectively. Fifty-five (78.6%)
      cases were diagnosed in the postpartum period. Thirty-three (50.8%) and 31
      patients (44.7%) presented in NYHA- III and IV classes, respectively. Pregnancy
      induced hypertension was seen in 16 (22.9%) cases, diabetes in 6 (8.6%), and twin
      pregnancy in 2 (2.9%) cases. The mean hemoglobin and brain natriuretic peptide
      (BNP) was 11.26 +/-1.61 gm/dl and 1583.70 +/-1237.65 pg/ml, respectively.
      Echocardiography showed mean ejection fraction of 21.74 +/-7.45%. Left ventricle
      systolic and diastolic diameters were 53.71 +/-9.74 mm and 63.37 +/-8.48 mm,
      respectively. CONCLUSION: Peripartum cardiomyopathy was seen in younger women
      with higher parity and pregnancy induced hypertension, often manifesting in the
      postpartum period with NHYAclass III and IV status.

PMID- 27671171
TI  - The neural retina in retinopathy of prematurity.
AB  - Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a neurovascular disease that affects
      prematurely born infants and is known to have significant long term effects on
      vision. We conducted the studies described herein not only to learn more about
      vision but also about the pathogenesis of ROP. The coincidence of ROP onset and
      rapid developmental elongation of the rod photoreceptor outer segments motivated
      us to consider the role of the rods in this disease. We used noninvasive
      electroretinographic (ERG), psychophysical, and retinal imaging procedures to
      study the function and structure of the neurosensory retina. Rod photoreceptor
      and post-receptor responses are significantly altered years after the preterm
      days during which ROP is an active disease. The alterations include persistent
      rod dysfunction, and evidence of compensatory remodeling of the post-receptor
      retina is found in ERG responses to full-field stimuli and in psychophysical
      thresholds that probe small retinal regions. In the central retina, both Mild and
      Severe ROP delay maturation of parafoveal scotopic thresholds and are associated
      with attenuation of cone mediated multifocal ERG responses, significant
      thickening of post-receptor retinal laminae, and dysmorphic cone photoreceptors.
      These results have implications for vision and control of eye growth and
      refractive development and suggest future research directions. These results also
      lead to a proposal for noninvasive management using light that may add to the
      currently invasive therapeutic armamentarium against ROP.

PMID- 27671177
TI  - Caries with Dental Fluorosis and Oral Health Behaviour Among 12-Year School
      Children in Moderate-Fluoride Drinking Water Community in Quetta, Pakistan.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of dental caries and its relationship with
      dental fluorosis, oral health behaviour and dietary behaviour among 12-year
      school children in moderate-fluoride drinking water community in Quetta,
      Pakistan. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY:
      Government and private schools of Quetta, from November 2012 to February 2013.
      METHODOLOGY: Atotal of 349 children aged 12-year from 14 randomly selected
      schools were included. The data collection was done on questionnaire designed for
      children. Dental caries status was examined by using WHO criteria. RESULTS:
      Dental caries was found in 81 children (23.2%) with mean DMFT0.61. Boys had 1.6
      times more chance to have dental caries than girls. Dental fluorosis was found in
      63.6% of children with majority of moderate degree (50.5%). Dental fluorosis
      status was found significantly associated with dental caries status in children.
      The children who had mild, moderate and severe fluorosis, had 4 times more
      chances to develop caries than those who did not have fluorosis. There was no
      significant association between children's caries status and use of paste,
      brushing habit, miswak, and visit to the dentist. The use of pastries and juices
      had a direct relation with the children's dental caries status. CONCLUSION:
      Dental caries in children of Quetta is not so much frequent as compared to the
      fluoride deficient countries. However, the high prevalence of moderate dental
      fluorosis and consumption of pastries and juices resulted in dental caries.

PMID- 27671178
TI  - An In-VitroEvaluation of Microleakage at the Cervical Margin Between two
      Different Class II Restorative Techniques Using Dye Penetration Method.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the coronal microleakage of packable composite using
      conventional incremental and posterior bulk fill flowable composite using Smart
      Dentine Replacement Single Step technique in the cervical margins of class II
      cavities in dentine using the dye penetration method. STUDY DESIGN: In
      vitroInterventional study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Department of Operative
      Dentistry, Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan Institute of Oral Health Sciences (DIKIOHS),
      Karachi, from November 2012 to April 2013. METHODOLOGY: One hundred and twenty
      extracted teeth (molars and premolars) were collected and randomly divided into
      two experimental groups (n=60 each) and were stored in normal saline until used.
      Fractured samples were excluded. Standardized class II proximal box only cavities
      were prepared and restored with conventional methacrylate based composite using
      incremental technique (Group A, n=40) and low stress methacrylate resin based
      composite SDR using single step technique (Group B, n=40). Samples were sectioned
      horizontally below the cervical margins and specimen disks were prepared. The
      specimens were thermocycled and sealed with acid resistant varnish leaving a 1-mm
      interface around cervical margin and immersed in 2% methylene blue buffered
      solution for 24 hours. Leakage was scored 0 - 4 and measured in mm. It washed and
      sectioned to evaluate under stereomicroscope. RESULTS: Mean penetration was
      2.4280 +/-0.79 mm for Group Aand 1.015 +/-0.45 mm for Group B (p < 0.001).
      Maximum dye penetration score for group Awas 4 and group B was 3. CONCLUSION: SDR
      technique in combination with total etch technique at the cervical margin of
      class II restorations improved the marginal seal, when were placed in dentine and
      thermocycled.

PMID- 27671179
TI  - Dentoalveolar Heights in Vertical and Sagittal Facial Patterns.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine and compare the mean dentoalveolar heights (mm) in
      different vertical and sagittal facial patterns. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional
      study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Orthodontics Clinic, The Aga Khan University
      Hospital, Karachi, from September to November 2013. METHODOLOGY: Subjects, aged
      15 - 20 years, having fully erupted first permanent molars and central incisors
      were included in the study from orthodontic records. The pretreatment
      cephalographs of subjects were traced manually over an illuminator. The various
      parameters like angles and dentoalveolar heights were measured and recorded on
      data collection form. Mean value +/- SD for the variables were generated.
      ANOVAwas used to compare the means of dentoalveolar heights among the vertical
      and sagittal facial patterns. Post Hoc Bonferroni test was applied to show
      difference among the three vertical and three sagittal facial patterns. P-value
      equal to or less than 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. RESULTS: The
      mean age of subjects was 15.8 +/-3.2 years in vertical group and 16.3 +/-2.9
      years in sagittal group. There was statistically significant difference (p=0.008)
      for the upper anterior dentoalveolar height (UADH) among vertical groups, with
      statistically significant difference for UADH between hyperdivergent and
      normodivergent (p=0.04) and hyperdivergent and hypodivergent (p=0.01) facial
      patterns. CONCLUSION: The UADH were significantly greater in the hyperdivergent
      group as compared to both the normodivergent and hypodivergent groups. The
      sagittal groups showed no statistically significant difference for dentoalveolar
      heights.

PMID- 27671180
TI  - Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter on Sonography in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension
      Versus Normal.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the mean optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) in patients
      with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) versus normal healthy individuals
      using B-scan ultrasonography as diagnostic tool. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional
      analytical study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Armed Forces Institute of
      Radiology and Imaging, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from June to December 2015.
      METHODOLOGY: Participants aged 30 - 50 years were divided into two groups. Group
      A(GP) comprised of patients who were diagnosed cases of idiopathic intracranial
      hypertension while normal healthy adults who volunteered to participate in the
      study were included in Group B (GC). Ocular B mode ultrasound scan was performed
      on all the participants and each eye was considered separately. The optic nerve
      head was visualized as a linear hypoechoic structure, and ONSD was measured 3 mm
      behind the retina. Atotal of three readings were taken by the same radiologist
      and the average of three was recorded. Mean values of both groups were compared
      by t-test with significance at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Fifty-two eyes of 26 patients
      (26 eyes in each group) were included in the study. Twenty-four out of 26 in
      Group A(GP) and 23 out of 26 in Group B (GC) were females. Mean age of the
      patients was 33.92 +/-4.89 years in group A(GP) while it was 34.69 +/-4.79 years
      in group B (GC). Mean ONSD was 6.61 +/-0.39 mm in group A(GP) and 4.33 +/-0.38 mm
      in group B(GC) which was significantly different (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION:
      Ultrasound can provide a reliable, non-invasive tool to measure optic nerve
      sheath diameter in monitoring the patients with benign intracranial hypertension
      (BIH).

PMID- 27671181
TI  - Effects of Glucose Administration on Development of Sclera in Chick Embryos.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of glucose administration on the development
      of sclera in the chick embryo Gallus domesticus. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental
      study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Anatomy Department, CPSPRegional Centre,
      Islamabad, from January 2013 to January 2014. METHODOLOGY: The study was carried
      out in two main groups, control Aand experimental B, which were subdivided into
      three subgroups comprising 30 eggs each. The group Awas injected with normal
      saline (0.3 ml) in the egg albumen. The group B was injected with 0.3 ml of 5%
      w/v solution of glucose equivalent to 15 mg of glucose. Subgroups A1 and B1 were
      opened on day 10 of incubation. Subgroups A2 and B2 were sacrificed on day 12 of
      incubation. Eggs from subgroups A3 and B3 were opened on day 15 of incubation.
      Experimental subgroups were compared with matched control subgroups and
      quantitative data was analysed statistically. RESULTS: Administration of glucose
      resulted in changes in thickness of sclera. The mean thickness (um) of sclera at
      day 10 of incubation was 43.54 +/-2.45 in control subgroup and 43.03 +/-5.86 in
      the experimental subgroup (p=0.673). The mean thickness (um) of sclera at day 15
      of incubation 77.48 +/-8.32 in control subgroup and 73.99 +/-8.62 in experimental
      subgroup (p=0.145). The mean number of chondrocytes/unit area of hyaline
      cartilage of sclera in day 10 was 17.40 +/-1.44 control subgroup and 14.57 +/
      1.87 in the experimental subgroup (p < 0.001). The mean number of
      chondrocytes/unit area of hyaline cartilage of sclera on day 15 was 10.02 +/-0.86
      in the control subgroup and 9.54 +/-0.59 in the experimental subgroup (p=0.025).
      There was disrupted ossicular formation indicating adverse effects on the
      development of bony sclera as well. CONCLUSION: Administration of glucose caused
      alteration in the histology of sclera in developing chick embryos.

PMID- 27671182
TI  - Endobronchial Ultrasound Guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) for
      Diagnosis of Mediastinal and Hilar Masses.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive
      predictive values, and diagnostic accuracy of Endobronchial Ultrasound Guided
      Transbronchial Needle Aspiration (EBUS-TBNA). STUDY DESIGN: Across-sectional
      validation study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Department of Histopathology, Army
      Medical College, in collaboration with Department of Pulmonology, Military
      Hospital Rawalpindi, from March 2014 to March 2015. METHODOLOGY: Cases of EBUS
      TBNAcomprised of both TBNAs and cell block/biopsy of the same patients. Diagnosis
      was made on the TBNAslides and cell block/biopsy material. Taking biopsy/cell
      block as the gold standard, the data was analysed to calculate the sensitivity,
      specificity, negative and positive predictive values, and diagnostic accuracy of
      EBUSTBNA. RESULTS: The sensitivity of EBUS-TBNAwas found to be 96.5%; whereas,
      specificity and positive predictive values were 100%. The negative predictive
      value was calculated at 50%. Diagnostic accuracy of the procedure was found to be
      96.67%. CONCLUSION: EBUS-TBNA is a sensitive and a specific test and is accurate
      in diagnosing mediastinal and hilar pathologies.

PMID- 27671184
TI  - Association of Smokeless Tobacco with Oral Cancer - Evidence From the South Asian
      Studies: A Systematic Review.
AB  - Smokeless tobacco (SLT) is associated with many heath hazards including oral
      cancer. Its use is more common in South Asian countries. The current paper aims
      to systematically review the South Asian studies to assess the association of SLT
      and oral cancer. Detailed automated literature searches of PubMed, Medline,
      EMBASE and ISI Web of Science from January 1980 to July 2015 were conducted using
      the key words "oral cancer", "oral precancer", "oral premalignant lesions", "oral
      squamous cell carcinoma", "smokeless tobacco", "betel quid", "areca nut",
      "Gutkha" in various combinations. Letters to the editor, review articles, and
      case-reports were excluded. Atotal of 21 studies were included. Three studies
      were of cohort design while the remaining were of case-control design. Nine
      studies reported betel quid as a risk factor for oral cancer, while fifteen
      studies reported data on other types of chewing tobacco. The odds ratio (OR) for
      betel quid and risk of oral cancer varied from 3.1 to 15.7 (11.0-22.1); and for
      chewable tobacco and risk of oral cancer varied from 1.2 (1.0-1.4) to 12.9 (7.5
      22.3). Astrong association between different types of SLTand oral cancer was
      observed. Well-structured programmes should be employed in South Asian region,
      both in terms of educating the general public about the health hazards of SLTas
      well as providing cessation assistance. 

PMID- 27671183
TI  - Efficacy of Probiotics Versus Placebo in the Prevention of Necrotizing
      Enterocolitis in Preterm Very Low Birth Weight Infants: A Double-Blind Randomized
      Controlled Trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of orally administered probiotics in
      preventing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm very low birth weight
      (VLBW) infants. STUDY DESIGN: Arandomized double blind controlled trial. PLACE
      AND DURATION OF STUDY: The Paediatrics Department of Sylhet M.A.G. Osmani Medical
      College Hospital, Sylhet Bangladesh, from July 2012 to June 2015. METHODOLOGY:
      Preterm (28 - 33 weeks gestation) VLBW (birth weight 1000 - 1499 g) neonates were
      enrolled. The study group was fed with probiotics once daily with breast milk
      from first feeding, and the control group with only breast milk without the
      addition of probiotics. Both the groups received other standard care. The primary
      outcome was the development of NEC (stage II and III), categorized by modified
      Bell's classification. RESULTS: In 108 neonates, development of NEC was
      significantly lower in the study group than that of control group [1 (1.9%) vs. 6
      (11.5%); p=0.044]. Age of achievement of full oral feeding was significantly
      earlier in the study group than that in the control group (14.88 +/-3.15 and
      18.80 +/-4.32 days; p < 0.001). Duration of hospital stay was significantly short
      in the study group compared to the control group (15.82 +/-2.94 days vs. 19.57 +/
      4.26 days; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Probiotic supplementation reduces the
      frequency of necrotising enterocolitis in preterm neonates with very low birth
      weight. It is also associated with faster achievement of full oral feeding and
      short duration of hospital stay.

PMID- 27671185
TI  - Parotid Cystic Lesion in Amelanotic Malignant Melanoma.
AB  - A 60-year Brazilian woman, presented with an enlarged lymph node in the neck for
      one year, and a superficial nonulcerated lesion was observed in the scalp. Fine
      needle aspiration and biopsy of the lymph node revealed amelanocytic metastasis,
      and immunohistochemistry study showed Melan-A/ Mart-1 antigen (clone A103 and S
      100 protein). The entire suspected area of the scalp was further resected and an
      amelanotic melanoma without angiolymphatic invasion was diagnosed.
      Ultrasonography and PET-computed tomography showed hypermetabolic cystic area in
      the right parotid. Furthermore, aspiration biopsy and surgical samples from
      parotid cyst confirmed the malignant amelanotic melanoma. Cystic metastases are
      scarcely reported in parotid gland, and can pose diagnostic challenges. 

PMID- 27671186
TI  - Congenital Limb Deficiency Associated with Intellectual Disability: Unusual
      Presentation in Two Subjects.
AB  - Congenital constriction ring (CCR) and symbrachydactyly are two distinct, rare,
      and heterogeneous limb deficiency conditions which affect the digits. Here, we
      report on two different individuals with an unusual presentation of limb
      deficiency accompanying intellectual disability (ID) and certain other
      malformations. In the first index female, CCR occurred with mild ID, squint eyes,
      obesity, and metatarsus adductus. The second index male was presented with
      symbrachydactyly, profound ID, and speech/hearing impairments. The association of
      limb deficiency conditions with these anomalies is very rare. Differential
      diagnosis and literature survey have been offered to establish the rarity of
      these entities. 

PMID- 27671188
TI  - Allgrove Syndrome: Adrenal Insufficiency with Hypertensive Encephalopathy.
AB  - Allgrove syndrome or triple-Asyndrome is a rare familial multisystem autosomal
      recessive disorder. It is characterised by triad of alacrima, achalasia and
      adrenal insufficiency due to adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) resistance. If it
      is associated with autonomic dysfunction, it is termed as 4-Asyndrome. This
      syndrome is caused by a mutation in the Achalasia - Addisonism - Alacrima (AAAS)
      gene on chromosome 12q13 encoding the nuclear pore protein ALADIN. A5-year boy
      presented with history of fits and altered sensorium for one day. He also had
      increased pigmentation of body and persistent vomiting since six months of age.
      Laboratory investigations and imaging revealed alacrimia, achalasia and adrenal
      insufficiency due to ACTH resistance. He had episodes of hypertensive crises, for
      which he was thoroughly investigated and it was found to be due to autonomic
      instability. Based on clinical findings and investigations he was diagnosed as
      case of Allgrove syndrome or 4-Asyndrome with autonomic dysfunction. 

PMID- 27671187
TI  - Chanarin-Dorfman Syndrome.
AB  - Chanarin-Dorfman syndrome is a rare, genetically determined autosomal recessive
      disorder, characterised by the presence of lipid droplets in the cytoplasm of
      multiple tissues of the body, particularly in the blood leukocytes and congenital
      non-bullous icthyosiform erythroderma. In this paper, we report one-year child
      who presented with skin lesions since birth and hepatomegaly. Liver biopsy showed
      steatohepatitis; and peripheral blood smear confirmed Jordan's anomaly, which is
      a permanent feature of Chanarin-Dorfman syndrome. 

PMID- 27671189
TI  - Hand-Foot and Mouth Disease and Reactive Arthritis: An Unusual Paediatric Case.
AB  - Reactive arthritis is defined as arthritis that occurs during or after an
      extraarticular infection. It is mostly difficult to determine the causative agent
      that causes inflammation in the joints. Initially, salmonella, shigella,
      chlamydiaand yersinia were considered to be pathogenic agents. But recently, in
      addition to demonstrated viral and bacterial agents, there are also other cases
      of reactive arthritis after vaccinations with Rubella and Influenza. Herein a 3
      year old boy is reported with reactive arthritis of left knee that developed
      shortly after hand-foot and mouth disease. This report represents the first
      detailed description of a paediatric case in literature with reactive arthritis
      following hand-foot and mouth disease. 

PMID- 27671190
TI  - Flipped Class - Making that One Hour Effective in a Resource Constrained Setting.
AB  - Flipped-class teaching has a great potential to replace traditional lectures in
      medical education. This study was designed to explore attitude of undergraduate
      medical students from Pakistan towards flipped-class. Five flipped classes were
      conducted in third year MBBS by a single teacher for a class of 100 students.
      Quantitative data was collected through a survey questionnaire to assess
      students' response to the new method. Afocused group discussion was then
      conducted with students who disliked the method and preferred traditional
      lectures. Asequential mixed methods approach was used for analysis. Seventy-one
      students participated in the survey, 84.5% students liked this method of
      teaching. Students identified fruitful interaction, better retention, better
      conceptualisation, prior knowledge, active learning, individual student
      attention, and application of knowledge as strengths of the class. Noise, limited
      time, lack of self-confidence, and presence of uninterested students were
      identified as problems for engaging in the class. 

PMID- 27671191
TI  - Clinical Utility of Immature Platelet Fraction - An Advanced Parameter in
      Laboratory Hematology.

PMID- 27671192
TI  - Tetanus Toxoid Vaccination of Pregnant Women in Pakistan.

PMID- 27671193
TI  - Intravascular Papillary Endothelial Hyperplasia of Palate.

PMID- 27671194
TI  - General Misconceptions Regarding Patient-Therapist Characteristics and
      Psychotherapy Outcome.

PMID- 27671195
TI  - Thickness of Achilles Tendon is BMI Dependant.

PMID- 27671196
TI  - Long-term disease-specific and cognitive quality of life after intensity
      modulated radiation therapy: a cross-sectional survey of nasopharyngeal carcinoma
      survivors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a lack of data on quality of life in long-term survivors of
      nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) who have been treated with intensity-modulated
      radiation therapy (IMRT). We characterized long-term disease-specific and
      cognitive QoL in NPC survivors after IMRT. METHODS: We conducted a cross
      sectional study of surviving patients diagnosed and treated for NPC at our center
      with curative-intent IMRT, with or without chemotherapy. Patients who were
      deceased, still undergoing treatment, with known recurrent disease, or treated
      with RT modality other than IMRT were excluded. QoL was measured by FACT-NP and
      FACT-Cog. RESULTS: Between May and November 2013, 44 patients completed cognitive
      (FACT-Cog), general (FACT-G), and NPC-specific (NPCS) QoL assessments. Patients
      were categorized into 4 cohorts based on duration since IMRT (<=2.5, >2.5-6, >6
      10, and >10-16 years). There was no significant difference in age (p = 0.20) or
      stage ((I/II vs III/IV: p = 0.78) among the cohorts. The 4 cohorts differed
      overall for all QoL measures (ANOVA: p < 0.02 for each), due to improved scores
      >2.5-6 years post-IMRT compared with <=2.5 years post-IMRT (post hoc tests: p <=
      0.04 for each). No differences were observed between >2.5-6 and >6-10 years post
      IMRT, but lower mean FACT-Cog and NPCS scores were observed for >10 years
      compared to >2.5-6 years post-IMRT (post hoc: p < 0.05 for each). CONCLUSIONS:
      All QoL measures were low during the initial recovery period (<=2.5 years) and
      were higher by 6 years post-IMRT. At >10 years post-IMRT, lower scores were
      observed in the domains of NPC-specific and cognitive QoL. Survivors of NPC, even
      if treated with IMRT, are at risk for detriment in domain-specific QoL measures
      at very long-term follow-up.

PMID- 27671197
TI  - Toward sensitive immuno-based detection of tau protein by surface plasmon
      resonance coupled to carbon nanostructures as signal amplifiers.
AB  - Interest on Tau protein is fast increasing in Alzheimer's disease (AD) diagnosis.
      There is the urgent need of highly sensitive and specific diagnostic platforms
      for its quantification, also in combination with the other AD hallmarks. Up to
      now, SPR has been poorly exploited for tau detection by immunosensing, due to
      sensitivity limits at nanomolar level, whereas the clinical requirement is in the
      picomolar range. Molecular architectures built in a layer-by-layer fashion,
      biomolecules and nanostructures (metallic or not) may amplify the SPR signal and
      improve the limit of detection to the desired sensitivity. Mostly gold
      nanostructures are widely employed to this aim, but great interest is also
      emerging in Multi Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs). Here MWCNTs are modified and
      then decorated with the secondary antibody for tau protein. Eventually we took
      advantage from MWCNTs-antibody conjugate to obtain a sandwich-based bioassay with
      the capability to increase the SPR signal of about 102 folds compared to direct
      detection and conventional unconjugated sandwich. With respect to these results,
      we hope to give a strong impulse for further investigation on studying possible
      roles of carbon nanotubes in optical-based biosensing.

PMID- 27671198
TI  - BMP signaling modulates the probability of neurotransmitter release and readily
      releasable pools in Drosophila neuromuscular junction synapses.
AB  - The structure and function of synapses is modulated by the interaction of
      presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons via cell adhesion molecules or secreted
      signal molecules. Bone morphogenic protein (BMP) is a secreted molecule mediating
      retrograde signaling that is involved in the formation and maintenance of
      synaptic structure throughout many animal species. However, how BMP signaling
      modulates presynaptic neurotransmitter release is not yet clear. We studied the
      function of BMP signaling factors in neurotransmitter release in Drosophila
      neuromuscular synapses using loss-of-function mutants in genes for BMP
      modulators, Wit, Mad, and Dad. Larvae with mutations in wit and mad commonly
      showed a decreased synaptic bouton number in neuromuscular synapses. Larvae with
      dad mutations showed an increased bouton number. The amplitudes of miniature EJC
      (mEJC) were normal for these mutants. Wit and mad mutants showed decreased evoked
      EJC (eEJC) amplitude and increased paired pulse facilitation, implying impaired
      presynaptic neurotransmitter release. We found a reduction in readily releasable
      neurotransmitters pool sizes in wit and mad mutants. However, dad mutants showed
      a normal probability of neurotransmitter release and readily releasable pool
      sizes and normal eEJC amplitude even with clear abnormalities in synaptic
      structure. These results suggested that BMP signaling was critical for each step
      of presynaptic neurotransmission. The results also suggested that BMP signaling
      modulated both synaptic structure and function independently and specifically.

PMID- 27671199
TI  - Chronic alcohol exposure induces muscle atrophy (myopathy) in zebrafish and
      alters the expression of microRNAs targeting the Notch pathway in skeletal
      muscle.
AB  - Muscle wasting is estimated to affect 40-60% of alcoholics, and is more common
      than cirrhosis among chronic alcohol abusers. The molecular and cellular
      mechanisms underlying alcohol-related musculoskeletal dysfunction are, however,
      poorly understood. Muscle-specific microRNAs (miRNAs) referred to as myoMirs are
      now known to play a key role in both myogenesis and muscle atrophy. Yet, no
      studies have investigated a role for myoMirs in alcohol-related skeletal muscle
      damage. We developed a zebrafish model of chronic ethanol exposure to better
      define the mechanisms mediating alcohol-induced muscle atrophy. Adult fish
      maintained at 0.5% ethanol for eight weeks demonstrated significantly reduced
      muscle fiber cross-sectional area (~12%, P < 0.05) compared to fish housed in
      normal water. Zebrafish miRNA microarray revealed marked changes in several
      miRNAs with ethanol treatment. Importantly, miR-140, a miRNA that shows 100%
      sequence homology with miR-140 from both mouse and human, is decreased 10-fold in
      ethanol treated fish. miR-140 targets several members of the Notch signaling
      pathway such as DNER, JAG1, and Hey1, and PCR data show that both Hey1 and Notch
      1 are significantly up-related (3-fold) in muscle of ethanol treated fish. In
      addition, miR-146a, which targets the Notch antagonist Numb, is elevated in
      muscle from ethanol-treated fish. Upregulation of Notch signaling suppresses
      myogenesis and maintains muscle satellite cell quiescence. These data suggest
      that miRNAs targeting Notch are likely to play important roles in alcohol-related
      myopathy. Furthermore, zebrafish may serve as a useful model for better
      understanding the role of microRNAs in alcohol-related tissue damage.

PMID- 27671200
TI  - Enzymatic and thermodynamic profiles of a heterotetramer lactate dehydrogenase
      isozyme in swine.
AB  - Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is a glycolytic enzyme that catalyzes the final step
      of glycolysis and produces NAD+. In somatic cells, LDH forms homotetramers and
      heterotetramers that are encoded by two different genes: LDHA (skeletal muscle
      type, M) and LDHB (heart type, H). Analysis of LDH isozymes is important for
      understanding the physiological role of homotetramers and heterotetramers and for
      optimizing inhibition of their enzymatic activity as it may result in distinct
      effects. Previously, we reported that hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) inhibited LDH
      activity, but we did not examine isozyme specificity. In the present study, we
      isolated heterotetrameric LDH (H2M2) from swine brain, determined its kinetic and
      thermodynamic properties, and examined the effect of HCQ on its activity compared
      to homotetrameric LDH isozymes. We show that: (1) the Km values for H2M2-mediated
      catalysis of pyruvate or lactate were intermediate compared to those for the
      homotetrameric isozymes, M4 and H4 whereas the Vmax values were similar; (2) the
      Km and Vmax values for H2M2-mediated catalysis of NADH were not significantly
      different among LDH isozymes; (3) the values for activation energy and van't Hoff
      enthalpy changes for pyruvate reduction of H2M2 were intermediate compared to
      those for the homotetrameric isozymes; (4) the temperature for half residual
      activity of H2M2 was closer to that for M4 than for H4. We also show that HCQ had
      different affinities for various LDH isozymes.

PMID- 27671201
TI  - Identification of the C-terminal domain of Daxx acts as a potential regulator of
      intracellular cholesterol synthesis in HepG2 cells.
AB  - Daxx is a highly conserved nuclear transcriptional factor, which has been
      implicated in many nuclear processes including transcription and cell cycle
      regulation. Our previous study demonstrated Daxx also plays a role in regulation
      of intracellular cholesterol content. Daxx contains several domains that are
      essential for interaction with a growing number of proteins. To delineate the
      underlying mechanism of hypocholesterolemic activity of Daxx, we constructed a
      set of plasmids which can be used to overexpress different fragments of Daxx and
      transfected to HepG2 cells. We found that the C- terminal region Daxx626-740
      clearly reduced intracellular cholesterol levels and inhibited the expression of
      SREBPs and SCAP. In GST pull-down experiments and Double immunofluorescence
      assays, Daxx626-740 was demonstrated to bind directly to androgen receptor (AR).
      Our findings suggest that the interaction of Daxx626-740 and AR abolishes the AR
      mediated activation of SCAP/SREBPs pathway, which suppresses the de novo
      cholesterol synthesis. Thus, C-terminal domain of Daxx acts as a potential
      regulator of intracellular cholesterol content in HepG2 cells.

PMID- 27671204
TI  - Field emission of carbon quantum dots synthesized from a single organic solvent.
AB  - In this paper, a facile synthesis of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) and its field
      emission performance are reported. The CQDs are prepared from a single N, N
      dimethylformamide acting as carbon and nitrogen-doping sources simultaneously.
      The CQDs are investigated by photoluminescence, transmission electron microscopy
      and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The CQDs have an average size of 3 nm and
      are doped with N atoms. CQD dispersion shows strong fluorescence under UV
      illumination. For the first time, the field emission behavior of CQDs coated on
      Si substrate is studied. As a candidate of cold cathode, the CQDs display good
      field emission performance. The CQD emitter reaches the current density of 1.1 mA
      cm(-2) at 7.0 V MUm(-1) and exhibits good long-term emission stability,
      suggesting promising application in field emission devices. 

PMID- 27671203
TI  - The essence of life.
AB  - : Although biology has achieved great successes in recent years, we have not got
      a clear idea on "what is life?" Actually, as explained here, the main reason for
      this situation is that there are two completely distinct aspects for "life",
      which are usually talked about together. Indeed, in respect to these two aspects:
      Darwinian evolution and self-sustaining, we must split the concept of life
      correspondingly, for example, by defining "life form" and "living entity",
      separately. For life's implementation (related to the two aspects) in nature,
      three mechanisms are crucial: the replication of DNA/RNA-like polymers by residue
      pairing, the sequence-dependent folding of RNA/protein-like polymers engendering
      special functions, and the assembly of phospholipid-like amphiphiles forming
      vesicles. The notion "information" is significant for us to comprehend life
      phenomenon: the life form of a living entity can just be defined by its genetic
      information; Darwinian evolution is essentially an evolution of such information,
      transferred across generations. The in-depth analysis concerning the essence of
      life would improve our cognition in the whole field of biology, and may have a
      direct influence on its subfields like the origin of life, artificial life and
      astrobiology. REVIEWERS: This article was reviewed by Anthony Poole and Thomas
      Dandekar.

PMID- 27671202
TI  - Expansion of medical vocabularies using distributional semantics on Japanese
      patient blogs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Research on medical vocabulary expansion from large corpora has
      primarily been conducted using text written in English or similar languages, due
      to a limited availability of large biomedical corpora in most languages. Medical
      vocabularies are, however, essential also for text mining from corpora written in
      other languages than English and belonging to a variety of medical genres. The
      aim of this study was therefore to evaluate medical vocabulary expansion using a
      corpus very different from those previously used, in terms of grammar and
      orthographics, as well as in terms of text genre. This was carried out by
      applying a method based on distributional semantics to the task of extracting
      medical vocabulary terms from a large corpus of Japanese patient blogs. METHODS:
      Distributional properties of terms were modelled with random indexing, followed
      by agglomerative hierarchical clustering of 3 *100 seed terms from existing
      vocabularies, belonging to three semantic categories: Medical Finding,
      Pharmaceutical Drug and Body Part. By automatically extracting unknown terms
      close to the centroids of the created clusters, candidates for new terms to
      include in the vocabulary were suggested. The method was evaluated for its
      ability to retrieve the remaining n terms in existing medical vocabularies.
      RESULTS: Removing case particles and using a context window size of 1+1 was a
      successful strategy for Medical Finding and Pharmaceutical Drug, while retaining
      case particles and using a window size of 8+8 was better for Body Part. For a 10n
      long candidate list, the use of different cluster sizes affected the result for
      Pharmaceutical Drug, while the effect was only marginal for the other two
      categories. For a list of top n candidates for Body Part, however, clusters with
      a size of up to two terms were slightly more useful than larger clusters. For
      Pharmaceutical Drug, the best settings resulted in a recall of 25 % for a
      candidate list of top n terms and a recall of 68 % for top 10n. For a candidate
      list of top 10n candidates, the second best results were obtained for Medical
      Finding: a recall of 58 %, compared to 46 % for Body Part. Only taking the top n
      candidates into account, however, resulted in a recall of 23 % for Body Part,
      compared to 16 % for Medical Finding. CONCLUSIONS: Different settings for corpus
      pre-processing, window sizes and cluster sizes were suitable for different
      semantic categories and for different lengths of candidate lists, showing the
      need to adapt parameters, not only to the language and text genre used, but also
      to the semantic category for which the vocabulary is to be expanded. The results
      show, however, that the investigated choices for pre-processing and parameter
      settings were successful, and that a Japanese blog corpus, which in many ways
      differs from those used in previous studies, can be a useful resource for medical
      vocabulary expansion.

PMID- 27671205
TI  - Acute breathing patterns in healthy and heart disease participants during cycling
      at different levels of immersion.
AB  - We aimed to determine the effect of aquatic cycling and different levels of
      immersion on respiratory responses in healthy and heart disease (HD) volunteers.
      Thirty-four age matched volunteers, 21 HD and 13 healthy controls (HC) took part
      in this study. The ventilatory pattern, phase 1VE and steady-state ventilatory
      responses to progressive exercise from 40 to peak rpm, were measured while
      participants exercised on a water stationary bike (WSB) at different levels of
      immersion. No effect of immersion was observed on steady-state respiratory
      responses in the HD group, but immersion reduced VE phase 1 by ~79% at pedaling
      cadences of 40, 50 and 60rpm. In conclusion, immersion at hips and xiphoid
      process blunted the fast drive to breathe in the HD group. This transient effect
      on the respiratory response to immersed exercise cannot be considered a
      contraindication for exercise in HD individuals.

PMID- 27671206
TI  - Isolated endosalpingiosis of the appendix in an adolescent girl.

PMID- 27671207
TI  - [Male breast cancer in Morocco: Epidemiology and prognostic factors. A report of
      140 cases].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Male breast cancer is rare; it constitutes 0.2-1.5 % of all malignant
      tumors in men and 1 % of all breast cancers. METHODS: The goal of this
      retrospective study is to analyze the epidemiologic, clinic, therapeutic and
      evolutive profiles of this disease in 140 cases collected at the National
      Institute of Oncology and military hospital in Rabat, Morocco, between the years
      1998 and 2007. RESULTS: The mean age was 61 years. A high incidence of overweight
      was found. The most frequent clinical presentation was a firm subareolar lump in
      83 % of cases. The most common pathological type was an infiltrating ductal
      carcinoma (93 %). Hormone receptors were positive in 86 % of cases. Eighty-five
      percent of patients underwent simple mastectomy and axillary dissection, 68 %
      chest wall irradiation after surgery, 54 % received chemotherapy and 82 %
      hormonal therapy. Median follow-up was 91.1 months. The estimated 5-year and 10
      year overall survival was respectively 68 % and 74 %. CONCLUSION: The management
      of male and female breast carcinoma is the same, as well as their prognosis at
      equal stages. Future research for better understanding of this disease are needed
      to improve the management and prognosis of male patients.

PMID- 27671208
TI  - Induction of tolerance to different types of fish through desensitization with
      hake.

PMID- 27671209
TI  - Anatomical versus non-anatomical resection for solitary hepatocellular carcinoma
      without macroscopic vascular invasion: A propensity score matching analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: The superiority of anatomical resection (AR) in patients with
      hepatocellular carcinoma compared with non-anatomical resection (NAR) remains
      controversial. We aimed to investigate the prognostic outcomes of AR and NAR for
      solitary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients without macroscopic vascular
      invasion, using a propensity score matching (PSM) analysis. METHODS: A total of
      305 consecutive HCC patients without macroscopic vascular invasion who underwent
      curative hepatectomy were included in our study. PSM was performed in order to
      eliminate possible selection bias. RESULTS: By PSM, the patients were divided
      into propensity-matched anatomical resection (PS-AR) (n = 114) and propensity
      matched non-anatomical resection (PS-NAR) (n = 114) groups. The 1-year, 3-year,
      and 5-year overall survival rates were 90.4%, 77.7%, and 65.7% in PS-AR and
      88.6%, 70.7%, and 52.2% in PS-NAR (P = 0.053), respectively. The 1-year, 3-year,
      and 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates were 84.1%, 64.9%, and 45.1% in
      PS-AR and 75.4%, 48.1%, and 31.0% in PS-NAR (P = 0.005), respectively.
      Multivariate analysis showed that ICG-R15 (P = 0.022); the Barcelona clinic liver
      cancer staging (P = 0.044) and microvascular invasion (MVI; P = 0.005) were
      independent risk factors for the overall survival rate, while type of resection
      (P = 0.027), surgical margin (P = 0.039), and MVI (P = 0.024) were independent
      risk factors for the RFS rate. Patients who underwent NAR were prone to early
      recurrence and marginal recurrence. Subgroup analysis indicated that the RFS rate
      was significantly better in PS-AR than that in PS-NAR (surgical margin >= 1 cm)
      (P = 0.025). Better RFS rate was observed in PS-AR with MVI compared with PS-NAR
      (P = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: Anatomical resection contributed to improve the RFS
      rate in solitary HCC patients without macroscopic vascular invasion using PSM
      analysis, especially in patients with MVI.

PMID- 27671210
TI  - Orthographic and phonological processing in developing readers revealed by ERPs.
AB  - The development of neurocognitive mechanisms in single word reading was studied
      in children ages 8-10 years using ERPs combined with priming manipulations aimed
      at dissociating orthographic and phonological processes. Transposed-letter (TL)
      priming (barin-BRAIN vs. bosin-BRAIN) was used to assess orthographic processing,
      and pseudohomophone (PH) priming (brane-BRAIN vs. brant-BRAIN) was used to assess
      phonological processing. Children showed TL and PH priming effects on both the
      N250 and N400 ERP components, and the magnitude of TL priming correlated
      positively with reading ability, with better readers showing larger TL priming
      effects. Phonological priming, on the other hand, did not correlate with reading
      ability. The positive correlations between TL priming and reading ability in
      children points to a key role for flexible sublexical orthographic
      representations in reading development, in line with their hypothesized role in
      the efficient mapping of orthographic information onto semantic information in
      skilled readers.

PMID- 27671211
TI  - Stretch Injury of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Derived Neurons in a 96
      Well Format.
AB  - Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity with
      limited therapeutic options. Traumatic axonal injury (TAI) is an important
      component of TBI pathology. It is difficult to reproduce TAI in animal models of
      closed head injury, but in vitro stretch injury models reproduce clinical TAI
      pathology. Existing in vitro models employ primary rodent neurons or human cancer
      cell line cells in low throughput formats. This in vitro neuronal stretch injury
      model employs human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons (hiPSCNs) in a
      96 well format. Silicone membranes were attached to 96 well plate tops to create
      stretchable, culture substrates. A custom-built device was designed and validated
      to apply repeatable, biofidelic strains and strain rates to these plates. A high
      content approach was used to measure injury in a hypothesis-free manner. These
      measurements are shown to provide a sensitive, dose-dependent, multi-modal
      description of the response to mechanical insult. hiPSCNs transition from healthy
      to injured phenotype at approximately 35% Lagrangian strain. Continued
      development of this model may create novel opportunities for drug discovery and
      exploration of the role of human genotype in TAI pathology.

PMID- 27671212
TI  - Developmental change in translation initiation alters the localization of a
      common microbial protein necessary for Toxoplasma chronic infection.
AB  - The Toxoplasma gondii cyst stage is resistant to drug therapy. To identify
      potential targets for new therapeutics, we screened insertional mutants of T.
      gondii for a reduced ability to form cysts in the brains of mice. In one of these
      mutants, named 38C3, the mutagenesis plasmid inserted into the mRNA of a protein
      that is highly conserved in microbes but is not present in humans. The mutation
      in 38C3 causes reduced brain cyst production during chronic infection, but does
      not affect acute virulence, so the disrupted gene and protein are called T.
      gondii Brain Colonization Protein 1 (TgBCP1). TgBCP1 has three potential in frame
      start codons that produce 51, 33 or 25 kDa proteins. In rapidly replicating
      tachyzoites, translation initiates at the third methionine, producing the 25 kDa
      form that is conserved in many bacteria and protozoans. Brain cysts exclusively
      express the 51 kDa form of TgBCP1, which is secreted from the parasites and
      localizes to the cyst wall. Only expression of the long form of TgBCP1 restored
      cyst formation in the 38C3 mutant. TgBCP1 is essential for cyst formation and is
      the first example of a developmental regulation in translation initiation site
      preference for a T. gondii protein.

PMID- 27671213
TI  - Genome-wide association and replication study of anti-tuberculosis drugs-induced
      liver toxicity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a well-recognized adverse event
      of anti tuberculosis drugs (ATD) possibly associated with genetic variations. The
      objective of this study was to perform genome-wide association study (GWAS) to
      identify genetic variants associated with the risk for ATD induced liver toxicity
      in Ethiopian patients. RESULT: Treatment-naive newly diagnosed tuberculosis
      patients (n = 646) were enrolled prospectively and treated with rifampicin based
      short course anti-tuberculosis therapy. Whole genome genotyping was done using
      Illumina Omni Express Exome Bead Chip genotyping array with 951,117 single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on 48 DILI cases and 354 ATD tolerants.
      Replication study was carried out for 50 SNPs with the lowest P-values (top SNPs)
      using an independent cohort consisting of 27 DILI cases and 217 ATD tolerants. In
      the combined analysis, the top SNP identified was rs10946737 (P = 4.4 * 10-6, OR
      = 3.4, 95 % confidence interval = 2.2-5.3) in the intron of FAM65B in chromosome
      6. In addition, we identified a cluster of SNPs with suggestive genome-wide
      significance in the intron of ATP/GTP binding protein-like 4 (AGBL4). CONCLUSION:
      We identified genetic variants that are potentially associated with ATD induced
      liver toxicity. Further studies with larger sample sizes are essential to confirm
      the findings.

PMID- 27671215
TI  - Short- and Medium-Term Effects of Combined Mitral Valve Surgery and Coronary
      Artery Bypass Grafting Versus Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Alone for Patients
      with Moderate Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation: A Meta-Analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the short- and medium-term effects of combined mitral
      valve surgery (MVS) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) versus CABG alone
      for patients with moderate ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR). DESIGN: Meta
      analysis of 4 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 5 observational studies.
      SETTING: Hospitals that perform cardiac surgery. PARTICIPANTS: The study included
      1,256 cardiac surgery patients from 4 RCTs and 5 observational studies.
      INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Four RCTs and 5 observational
      studies were included in this meta-analysis. Concomitant MVS significantly
      reduced the residual rate of postoperative IMR (moderate or severe) (RCTs: OR 
      0.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.58 to -0.07, p = 0.01; observational
      studies: OR -0.23, 95% CI -0.34 to -0.12, p<0.0001) and the proportion of
      surviving patients with New York Heart Association class III or IV (RCTs: OR
      0.45, 95% CI 0.31-1.8, p = 0.008), but did not improve early mortality (RCTs: OR
      0.91, 95% CI 0.30-2.74, p = 0.87; observational studies: OR 1.63, 95% CI 0.88
      3.05, p = 0.12) or medium-term mortality (RCTs: OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.46-1.74, p =
      0.73; observational studies: OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.65-1.37, p = 0.48) compared with
      CABG alone. Moreover, adding the mitral valve procedure did not significantly
      increase the risk of stroke (RCTs: OR 2.27, 95% CI 0.73-7.08, p = 0.16;
      observational studies: OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.10-3.06, p = 0.50). CONCLUSIONS: The
      potential benefits of combined MVS and CABG could outweigh its risks for patients
      with moderate IMR.

PMID- 27671214
TI  - Structural characterization reveals a novel bilobed architecture for the
      ectodomains of insect stage expressed Trypanosoma brucei PSSA-2 and Trypanosoma
      congolense ISA.
AB  - African trypanosomiasis, caused by parasites of the genus Trypanosoma, is a
      complex of devastating vector-borne diseases of humans and livestock in sub
      Saharan Africa. Central to the pathogenesis of African trypanosomes is their
      transmission by the arthropod vector, Glossina spp. (tsetse fly). Intriguingly,
      the efficiency of parasite transmission through the vector is reduced following
      depletion of Trypanosoma brucei Procyclic-Specific Surface Antigen-2 (TbPSSA-2).
      To investigate the underlying molecular mechanism of TbPSSA-2, we determined the
      crystal structures of its ectodomain and that of its homolog T. congolense Insect
      Stage Antigen (TcISA) to resolutions of 1.65 A and 2.45 A, respectively using
      single wavelength anomalous dispersion. Both proteins adopt a novel bilobed
      architecture with the individual lobes displaying rotational flexibility around
      the central tether that suggest a potential mechanism for coordinating a binding
      partner. In support of this hypothesis, electron density consistent with a bound
      peptide was observed in the inter-lob cleft of a TcISA monomer. These first
      reported structures of insect stage transmembrane proteins expressed by African
      trypanosomes provide potentially valuable insight into the interface between
      parasite and tsetse vector.

PMID- 27671216
TI  - Low-Cardiac-Output Syndrome After Cardiac Surgery.

PMID- 27671217
TI  - Defining Quality Markers for Cardiac Anesthesia: What, Why, How, Where to, and
      Who's on Board?

PMID- 27671218
TI  - Anesthetic Management of Transapical Off-Pump Mitral Valve Repair With NeoChord
      Implantation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Various minimally invasive surgical approaches have been used in
      mitral valve (MV) surgery. The transapical off-pump mitral valve intervention
      with NeoChord implantation (TOP-MINI) is a minimally invasive, alternative
      procedure for the treatment of degenerative mitral regurgitation. There are
      several special considerations for the anesthesiologist during the TOP-MINI
      procedure. The main purpose of this study was to present the anesthetic
      management of the TOP-MINI procedure. DESIGN: An observational study. SETTING:
      Training and research hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Adult patients who underwent MV
      repair with the NeoChord DS1000 system (NeoChord Inc, St Louis Park, MN).
      INTERVENTIONS: The study included 12 consecutive patients who underwent MV repair
      with the NeoChord DS1000 system at the Antalya Training and Research Hospital,
      Antalya, Turkey, between June 2014 and December 2015. A record was made of
      preoperative demographic details, comorbidities, preoperative and postoperative
      mitral regurgitation severity, preoperative and postoperative forced expiratory
      volume in 1 second values, use of blood products and vasoactive drugs, surgical
      times, mechanical ventilation times, intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital
      length of stay, visual analog scale scores, analgesic requirement in ICU and
      perioperative complications. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: TOP-MINI was
      performed completely off-pump in 12 patients. Intraoperative salvaged blood via
      cell-saver was 660+/-196 mL. Patients required 0.8+/-0.7 U of red blood cells and
      2.0+/-0.9 U of fresh frozen plasma in the ICU. Inotropic support was used in 5
      patients. There was a significant decline in mean arterial pressure from before
      surgery to during implantation (70.9+/-4.5 mmHg v 51.7+/-5.8 mmHg, respectively).
      A statistically significant increase was demonstrated in mean arterial pressure
      from during implantation to postimplantation (51.7+/-5.8 mmHg v 67.0+/-6.8 mmHg,
      respectively). There were no significant differences in preoperative and
      postoperative forced expiratory volume in 1 second values. Defibrillation was
      required in 1 patient, and temporary atrial fibrillation was observed in 1
      patient during the procedure. Atelectasis occurred in the postoperative period in
      1 patient. The mean visual analog scale score was 3.6+/-1.4, and the mean
      tramadol consumption was 77+/-39 mg in the ICU. Extubation time and the mean
      length of stay in the ICU and hospital were 2.6+/-0.5 hours, 19.8+/-2.7 hours,
      5+/-1 days, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The TOP-MINI procedure requires complex
      anesthetic management. Transesophageal echocardiographic guidance is essential
      for this procedure. One-lung ventilation, fluid administration, avoidance of
      hypothermia, and pain management are the bases for anesthetic management.

PMID- 27671219
TI  - Epidemiological and genetic analysis of hand-foot-mouth disease by enterovirus
      A71 in Taizhou, P. R. China, between 2010 and 2013.
AB  - Out of a population of 1,098 enteroviruses (EVs)-positive hand, foot, and mouth
      disease (HFMD) specimens, 352 were screened positive for EV-A71-accounting for
      32.1% of all EV-positive specimens. This percentage denotes EV-A71 as the second
      major serotype of enteroviruse among HFMD suffers in Taizhou. An epidemic
      outbreak of EV-A71 among HFMD children was found in Taizhou in the second quarter
      of 2012. Phylogeny analysis based on the VP1 complete sequences leads us to find
      a sub-clade (designated TZ1-1) of EV-A71 circulating in Taizhou, whose emergence
      might be correlated with the epidemic outbreak. This correlation was further
      supported by the followed two analyses (namely skyline plot of population history
      and birth-death SIR simulation of epidemic history). And more importantly, at a
      positively selected site of VP1 caspid, a mutation of N31D was found to be a
      synapomorphy of TZ1-1 and its occurrence might be correlated with the epidemic
      outbreak. J. Med. Virol. 89:782-790, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27671220
TI  - Acquired resistance to chlorhexidine - is it time to establish an 'antiseptic
      stewardship' initiative?
AB  - Chlorhexidine digluconate (CHG) is an antimicrobial agent used for different
      types of applications in hand hygiene, skin antisepsis, oral care, and patient
      washing. Increasing use raises concern regarding development of acquired
      bacterial resistance. Published data from clinical isolates with CHG minimum
      inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were reviewed and compared to epidemiological
      cut-off values to determine resistance. CHG resistance is rarely found in
      Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus or coagulase-negative
      staphylococci. In Enterobacter spp., Pseudomonas spp., Proteus spp., Providencia
      spp. and Enterococcus spp., however, isolates are more often CHG resistant. CHG
      resistance may be detected in multi-resistant isolates such as extremely drug
      resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. Isolates with a higher MIC are often less
      susceptible to CHG for disinfection. Although cross-resistance to antibiotics
      remains controversial, some studies indicate that the overall exposure to CHG
      increases the risk for resistance to some antibiotic agents. Resistance to CHG
      has resulted in numerous outbreaks and healthcare-associated infections. On an
      average intensive care unit, most of the CHG exposure would be explained by hand
      hygiene agents when liquid soaps or alcohol-based hand rubs contain CHG. Exposure
      to sub-lethal CHG concentration may enhance resistance in Acinetobacter spp., K.
      pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas spp., all species well known for emerging antibiotic
      resistance. In order to reduce additional selection pressure in nosocomial
      pathogens it seems to make sense to restrict the valuable agent CHG to those
      indications with a clear patient benefit and to eliminate it from applications
      without any benefit or with a doubtful benefit.

PMID- 27671221
TI  - The housefly Musca domestica as a mechanical vector of Clostridium difficile.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clostridium difficile is a bacterial healthcare-associated infection
      that may be transferred by houseflies (Musca domestica) due to their close
      ecological association with humans and cosmopolitan nature. AIM: To determine the
      ability of M. domestica to transfer C. difficile both mechanically and following
      ingestion. METHODS: M. domestica were exposed to independent suspensions of
      vegetative cells and spores of C. difficile, then sampled on to selective agar
      plates immediately postexposure and at 1-h intervals to assess the mechanical
      transfer of C. difficile. Fly excreta was cultured and alimentary canals were
      dissected to determine internalization of cells and spores. FINDINGS: M.
      domestica exposed to vegetative cell suspensions and spore suspensions of C.
      difficile were able to transfer the bacteria mechanically for up to 4h upon
      subsequent contact with surfaces. The greatest numbers of colony-forming units
      (CFUs) per fly were transferred immediately following exposure (mean CFUs 123.8
      +/- 66.9 for vegetative cell suspension and 288.2 +/- 83.2 for spore suspension).
      After 1h, this had reduced (21.2 +/- 11.4 for vegetative cell suspension and 19.9
      +/- 9 for spores). Mean C. difficile CFUs isolated from the M. domestica
      alimentary canal was 35 +/- 6.5, and mean C. difficile CFUs per faecal spot was
      1.04 +/- 0.58. C. difficile could be recovered from fly excreta for up to 96h.
      CONCLUSION: This study describes the potential for M. domestica to contribute to
      environmental persistence and spread of C. difficile in hospitals, highlighting
      flies as realistic vectors of this micro-organism in clinical areas.

PMID- 27671222
TI  - A collaborative review of the current concepts and challenges of anastomotic
      leaks in colorectal surgery.
AB  - The reduction of the incidence, detection and treatment of anastomotic leakage
      (AL) continues to challenge the colorectal surgical community. AL is not
      consistently defined and reported in clinical studies, its occurrence is variably
      reported and its impact on longterm morbidity and health-care resources has
      received relatively little attention. Controversy continues regarding the best
      strategies to reduce the risk. Diagnostic tests lack sensitivity and specificity,
      resulting in delayed diagnosis and increased morbidity. Intra-operative
      fluorescence angiography has recently been introduced as a means of real-time
      assessment of anastomotic perfusion and preliminary evidence suggests that it may
      reduce the rate of AL. In addition, concepts are emerging about the role of the
      rectal mucosal microbiome in AL and the possible role of new prophylactic
      therapies. In January 2016 a meeting of expert colorectal surgeons and
      pathologists was held in London, UK, to identify the ongoing controversies
      surrounding AL in colorectal surgery. The outcome of the meeting is presented in
      the form of research challenges that need to be addressed.

PMID- 27671224
TI  - Can we document the practice of dispensing? A systematic review.
AB  - WHAT IS KNOWN: Documentation is a process indicator utilized to evaluate quality
      clinical pharmacist services. In this framework, documentation of dispensing,
      besides supporting patient care, allows evaluation of the impact of counselling.
      OBJECTIVE: To identify and assess studies of documentation by pharmacists in the
      dispensing process. METHOD: A systematic review was carried out according to the
      following steps: (i) identification of studies in the following databases:
      PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus and Lilacs, using the descriptors
      'counselling', 'dispensing', 'community pharmacy services', 'pharmacies' and
      'pharmacists' in different combinations; (ii) evaluation of studies, in which the
      title, abstract and full text of the studies, and the evaluation of the
      methodological quality of the selected studies were analysed. RESULTS: In total,
      26 articles met the specific criteria. Few studies addressed documentation as
      part of the dispensing working process (3), and 16 articles reported
      documentation using non-electronic systems. The main variables documented were
      patient information, drug therapy problems and clinical interventions.
      Furthermore, 20 studies showed the effects of documentation in the dispensing
      process and 23 studies included statistical evidence. Eight articles met between
      42% and 75% of the 28 items recommended by the STROBE initiative, and two
      articles met approximately 60% of the 36 items recommended by the CONSORT
      initiative. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: Few studies address documentation as part
      of the dispensing working process. Thus, researchers should be concerned with
      standardizing documentation and implementing more robust designs and multicenter
      studies.

PMID- 27671223
TI  - Cost of treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain with pregabalin or gabapentin in
      routine clinical practice: impact of their loss of exclusivity.
AB  - To analyze the effect of loss of exclusivity of data on the cost of treatment of
      peripheral neuropathic pain (PNP) with pregabalin or gabapentin in routine
      clinical practice. A retrospective observational study, with electronic medical
      records for patients enrolled at primary care centers managed by the health care
      provider Badalona Serveis Assistencials, who initiated treatment of PNP with
      pregabalin or gabapentin. The analysis used drugs and resources prices for year
      2015. The 1163 electronic medical records (pregabalin; N = 764, gabapentin; N =
      399) for patients (62.2% women) with a mean (standard deviation) age of 59.2
      (14.7) years were analyzed. Treatment duration was slightly shorter with
      pregabalin than with gabapentin (5.2 vs 5.5 months; P = 0.124), with mean doses
      of 227.4 (178.6) mg and 900.0 (443.4) mg, respectively. The average study drug
      cost per patient was higher for pregabalin than for gabapentin; ?214.6 (206.3) vs
      ?157.4 (181.9), P < 0.001, although the cost of concomitant analgesic medication
      was lower; ?176.5 (271.8) vs ?306.7 (529.2), P < 0.001. The adjusted average
      total cost per patient was lower in those treated with pregabalin than in those
      treated with gabapentin; ?2,413 (2119-2708) vs ?3201 (2806-3.597); P = 0.002,
      owing to significantly lower health care costs; ?1307 (1247-1367) vs ?1538 (1458
      1618), P < 0.001, and also non-health care costs; ?1106 (819-1393) vs ?1663 (1279
      2048), P = 0.023, that was caused by a significantly lower use of concomitant
      medication, fewer medical visits to primary care, and fewer days of sick leave.
      After loss of exclusivity of both drugs, pregabalin continued to show lower
      health care and non-health care costs than gabapentin in the treatment of PNP in
      routine clinical practice.

PMID- 27671225
TI  - Fulminant respiratory failure due to progressive metastatic pulmonary
      calcification with no predisposing factors after successful renal
      transplantation: A case report.
AB  - We report the patient with MPC who developed fulminant respiratory failure that
      leads to death with no predisposing factors after successful renal
      transplantation. In addition to infectious diseases, MPC should be kept in mind
      when post-transplantation patients develop pulmonary symptoms. The majority of
      the patients with MPC are asymptomatic; however, some patients develop fulminant
      respiratory failure and may progress to death. MPC can develop or progress in
      patients with no predisposing factors after successful renal transplantation.

PMID- 27671226
TI  - The critical role of mast cell-derived hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha in
      regulating mast cell function.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: During colorectal tumour progression, the tumour microenvironment
      becomes hypoxic, and infiltration of a large number of inflammatory cells occurs.
      The mast cells (MCs) are a type of immune cells plays an important role in tumour
      angiogenesis. However, it is unclear whether the role of MC in colorectal cancer
      is to promote or to inhibit tumour growth. METHODS: Immunohistochemical analysis
      of clinical colorectal cancer samples and a colorectal carcinoma model were used.
      KEY FINDINGS: We found the carcinomas and the adjacent tissues were infiltrated
      with large numbers of mast cells, and the MC infiltration quantity increased with
      the Dukes' stage. After tumour inoculation, the survival time of MC-deficient
      mice was remarkably longer than wild-type C57BL/6 mice, and the tumour growth
      rate of MC-deficient mice was slower than wild type. In addition, the survival
      time and tumour growth rate can be recovered in MC reconstruction mice.
      Furthermore, inhibition of the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF
      1alpha) using siRNA reduced the release of inflammatory factors and the degree of
      MC degranulation. CONCLUSIONS: Mast cells promote the development of colorectal
      cancer, and MC-derived HIF-1alpha plays an important role in regulating MC
      function. Our study reveals a novel role of MC-derived HIF-1alpha in the
      colorectal carcinoma microenvironment.

PMID- 27671227
TI  - Generation of Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) conditional knockout mice.
AB  - The biological functions of the Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) are suggested to be
      pleiotropic since this signal transducer is ubiquitously expressed and coupled to
      a variety of cytokine receptors. Consequently, mice that are deficient in this
      tyrosine kinase were reported to die shortly after birth. To facilitate studies
      that address the biological and molecular functions of JAK1 during postnatal
      development, we performed gene targeting in embryonic stem cells and generated a
      Cre/lox-based conditional knockout mouse model. Expression of Cre recombinase in
      the germline converted the Jak1 conditional knockout allele (Jak1fl ) into a null
      allele (Jak1- ) that when subsequently crossed into homozygosity led to a
      complete absence of the JAK1 protein in developing embryos. JAK1 deficient
      embryos were visibly smaller starting at E15.5. Newborn pups exhibited signs of
      apnea and died within hours after birth. The examination of fibroblasts from
      conditional knockout embryos and their littermate wildtype controls expressing
      JAK1 showed that lack of this Janus kinase resulted in an impaired tyrosine
      phosphorylation and activation of the downstream Signal Transducers and
      Activators of Transcription (STATs) 1, 3, and 6. JAK1 conditional knockout mice
      will be an invaluable tool to study cytokine signaling during normal development
      and disease progression in adult animals.

PMID- 27671228
TI  - Neuroprotective effects of fingolimod in mouse models of Parkinson's disease.
AB  - Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by a progressive loss of dopaminergic
      neurons with limited treatment options. Emerging evidence shows that FTY720
      protects against neural injury via modulation of the sphingosine-1-phosphate 1
      receptor (S1PR1). However, it remains unclear whether FTY720 could influence
      neurodegeneration in PD. Therefore, the present study was designed to determine
      the impact of fingolimod (FTY720), a sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor (S1PR)
      agonist, on 2 mouse models of PD. We found that FTY720 significantly reduced the
      deficit of motor function, diminished the loss of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive
      neurons in the substantia nigra, and attenuated the decrease of striatal dopamine
      and metabolite levels in mice receiving 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) or rotenone to
      simulate PD. An S1PR1-selective antagonist, W146, blocked the neuroprotective
      effects of FTY720. Of note, FTY720 retained the phosphorylation of ERK, together
      with a decreased expression of cleaved caspase-3 in mice treated with 6-OHDA or
      rotenone. In vitro studies revealed that FTY720 also attenuated 6-OHDA- or
      rotenone-induced toxicity in SH-SY5Y cells. These findings suggest the potential
      of S1PR modulation as a treatment for PD.-Zhao, P., Yang, X., Yang, L., Li, M.,
      Wood, K., Liu, Q., Zhu, X. Neuroprotective effects of fingolimod in mouse models
      of Parkinson's disease.

PMID- 27671229
TI  - Intraluminal delivery of thrombospondin-2 small interfering RNA inhibits the
      vascular response to injury in a rat carotid balloon angioplasty model.
AB  - In an effort to inhibit the response to vascular injury that leads to intimal
      hyperplasia, this study investigated the in vivo efficacy of intraluminal
      delivery of thrombospondin-2 (TSP-2) small interfering RNA (siRNA). Common
      carotid artery (CCA) balloon angioplasty injury was performed in rats.
      Immediately after denudation, CCA was transfected intraluminally (15 min) with
      one of the following: polyethylenimine (PEI)+TSP-2 siRNA, saline, PEI only, or
      PEI+control siRNA. CCA was analyzed at 24 h or 21 d by using quantitative real
      time PCR and immunohistochemistry. TSP-2 gene and protein expression were
      significantly up-regulated after endothelial denudation at 24 h and 21 d compared
      with contralateral untreated, nondenuded CCA. Treatment with PEI+TSP-2 siRNA
      significantly suppressed TSP-2 gene expression (3.1-fold) at 24 h and TSP-2
      protein expression, cell proliferation, and collagen deposition up to 21 d. These
      changes could be attributed to changes in TGF-beta and matrix metalloproteinase
      9, the downstream effectors of TSP-2. TSP-2 knockdown induced anti-inflammatory
      M2 macrophage polarization at 21 d; however, it did not significantly affect
      intima/media ratios. In summary, these data demonstrate effective siRNA
      transfection of the injured arterial wall and provide a clinically effective and
      translationally applicable therapeutic strategy that involves nonviral siRNA
      delivery to ameliorate the response to vascular injury.-Bodewes, T. C. F.,
      Johnson, J. M., Auster, M., Huynh, C., Muralidharan, S., Contreras, M., LoGerfo,
      F. W., Pradhan-Nabzdyk, L. Intraluminal delivery of thrombospondin-2 small
      interfering RNA inhibits the vascular response to injury in a rat carotid balloon
      angioplasty model.

PMID- 27671230
TI  - Prognosis of Medullary Carcinoma of the Breast: 10 years' Experience in a Single
      Institution.

PMID- 27671231
TI  - Sanguisorba officinalis L synergistically enhanced 5-fluorouracil cytotoxicity in
      colorectal cancer cells by promoting a reactive oxygen species-mediated,
      mitochondria-caspase-dependent apoptotic pathway.
AB  - Sanguisorba officinalis L. radix is a widely used herb called DiYu (DY) in China
      and has an extensive range of bioactivities, including anti-cancer, anti
      inflammatory, and anti-oxidative activities. However, there is little evidence to
      support its anti-cancer effects against colorectal cancer (CRC). The first-line
      chemotherapeutic agent 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is used to treat CRC, but its
      efficiency is hampered by acquired drug resistance. This study found that a water
      extract of DY exerted anti-proliferative effects against two CRC cell lines (HCT
      116 and RKO), and it sensitized CRC cells to 5-FU therapy by activating a
      reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated, mitochondria-caspase-dependent apoptotic
      pathway. Co-treatment of DY and 5-FU significantly elevated ROS levels, up
      regulated Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and triggered mitochondrial dysfunction, followed by a
      release of cytochrome c and up-regulation of proteins such as cleaved-caspase-9/3
      and cleaved-PARP. Additionally, the induction of autophagy may be involved in
      mediating synergism of DY in HCT-116 cells. Gallic acid (GA), catechinic acid
      (CA) and ellagic acid (EA) were identified as the potential chief constituents
      responsible for the synergistic effects of DY. In conclusion, co-treatment of DY,
      specifically GA, CA and EA, with 5-FU may be a potential alternative therapeutic
      strategy for CRC by enhancing an intrinsic apoptotic pathway.

PMID- 27671232
TI  - KLF4 Knockdown Attenuates TBI-Induced Neuronal Damage through p53 and JAK-STAT3
      Signaling.
AB  - AIMS: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is induced by complex primary and secondary
      mechanisms that give rise to cell death, inflammation, and neurological
      dysfunction. Understanding the mechanisms that drive neurological damage as well
      as those that promote repair can guide the development of therapeutic drugs for
      TBI. Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) has been reported to negatively regulate axon
      regeneration of injured retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) through inhibition of JAK
      STAT3 signaling. However, the role of KLF4 in TBI remains unreported. Reactive
      oxygen species (ROS)-induced neuronal death is a pathophysiological hallmark of
      TBI. METHODS: In this study, we used H2 O2 -treated RGCs in vitro and the optic
      nerve crush model in vivo to simulate neuronal damage in TBI. The function of
      KLF4 in RGC survival and axon regeneration in these models was investigated. In
      addition, the effects of KLF4 knockdown on neuronal damage after a brain impact
      that mimics moderate TBI were studied. RESULTS: The results show that H2 O2
      induces p53-dependent apoptosis of RGCs in vitro through upregulation of KLF4.
      Additionally, KLF4 knockdown in vivo significantly enhances CNTF-induced axon
      regeneration of RGCs after optic nerve crush, and more importantly, prevents
      neuronal damage after a moderate brain impact in rats. Our Western blot analysis
      and immunoprecipitation assay results indicate that these effects of KLF4
      knockdown are mediated by the p53 and JAK-STAT3 pathways. CONCLUSION: These
      findings provide evidence that KLF4 plays an important role in the
      pathophysiology of TBI. Blocking KLF4 may be a potential therapeutic strategy for
      the treatment of TBI, either alone or in combination with agents that target
      complementary mechanisms.

PMID- 27671233
TI  - Theoretical Study of the Adsorption Mechanism of Cystine on Au(110) in Aqueous
      Solution.
AB  - The adsorption and dynamics of cystine, which is the oxidized dimer of cysteine
      where the monomers are connected through a disulfide bond, on the Au(110)
      surface, in water solution, is characterized by means of classical molecular
      dynamics simulations based on a recently developed reactive force field (ReaxFF).
      The adopted computational procedure and the force field description are able to
      give a complete and reliable picture, in line with experiments, of the molecule
      behavior in solution and in close contact with the metal support. Many different
      aspects, which have never been explored computationally at this level of theory,
      are disclosed, namely, physisorption, chemisorption, disulfide bridge
      breaking/creation, and formation of staples. It is demonstrated that all these
      events are connected with the specific orientation and location of cystine on the
      substrate. Simulations in pure water reveal that the disulfide bridge is stable,
      whereas dissociation is observed on gold. This is favored at low coverage,
      whereas at high coverage both intact and dissociated forms can be observed
      depending on local arrangements. The computed photoemission spectra at different
      K-edges for the predicted adsorbate structures satisfactorily agree with the
      experimental measurements extracted from literature.

PMID- 27671234
TI  - Characterization of Water and a Model Lipophilic Compound in Human Stratum
      Corneum by NMR Spectroscopy and Equilibrium Sorption.
AB  - The stratum corneum (SC) is the outermost skin layer in humans and other mammals
      and the primary barrier to water loss and environmental exposure to chemicals and
      microorganisms. It consists of flattened, keratin-filled corneocytes surrounded
      by well-organized lipid layers. Human SC at varying degrees of hydration with and
      without addition of a model lipophilic compound, 2-(trifluoromethyl) benzonitrile
      (TFMB), was studied using proton (1H) and fluorine (19F) nuclear magnetic
      resonance techniques. Proton spectral analyses revealed that water mainly
      occupies the corneocytes in agreement with prior studies. Observations from 19F
      spectral and spin-lattice relaxation time (T1) analyses showed that TFMB is
      primarily present in the lipids with small amounts in water, which is located
      within the corneocytes. This is consistent with TFMB sorption, which was measured
      in SC with and without lipid extraction. The presence of TFMB within the
      corneocytes supports the hypothesis that transcellular diffusion of a lipophilic
      compound like TFMB may contribute to SC permeation.

PMID- 27671235
TI  - Lung Retention by Lysosomal Trapping of Inhaled Drugs Can Be Predicted In Vitro
      With Lung Slices.
AB  - Modulating and optimizing the local pharmacokinetics of inhaled drugs by chemical
      design or formulation is challenged by the lack of predictive in vitro systems
      and in vivo techniques providing a detailed description of drug location in the
      lung. The present study investigated whether a new experimental setup of freshly
      prepared agarose-filled lung slices can be used to estimate lung retention in
      vitro, by comparing with in vivo lung retention after intratracheal instillation.
      Slices preloaded with inhaled beta-adrenergic compounds (salbutamol, formoterol,
      salmeterol, indacaterol or AZD3199) were incubated in a large volume of buffer
      (w/wo monensin to assess the role of lysosomal trapping), and the amount
      remaining in slices at different time points was determined with liquid
      chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The in vitro lung retention closely
      matched the in vivo lung retention (half-lives within 3-fold for 4/5 compounds),
      and monensin shortened the half-lives for all compounds. The results suggest that
      freshly prepared rat lungs slices can be used to predict lung retention and that
      slow kinetics of lysosomal trapping is a key mechanism by which retention in the
      lung and the effect duration of inhaled beta-adrenergic bronchodilators are
      prolonged.

PMID- 27671236
TI  - Microdialysis of Large Molecules.
AB  - Microdialysis is a validated and well-established technique for recovering and
      measurement of exogenous as well as endogenous small molecules in the
      interstitial spaces of various tissues. Microdialysis of large molecular weight
      compounds has become possible due to the availability of large molecular weight
      cutoff membranes and is being explored extensively. There are increasing reports
      of successful recovery of large molecules such as proteins, cytokines, and
      neuropeptides using microdialysis. This is not only useful for studying protein
      expression but also for clinical evaluation of disease biomarkers in different
      tissues. Large pore microdialysis along with open flow microperfusion offers
      great promise in determining interstitial tissue concentrations of therapeutic
      proteins including monoclonal antibodies and helps in understanding their
      pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic relationship.

PMID- 27671237
TI  - Population Pharmacokinetics of Vancomycin in Postoperative Neurosurgical Patients
      and the Application in Dosing Recommendation.
AB  - Our previous study indicates that cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) albumin level is a
      determinant of CSF vancomycin concentration for postoperative neurosurgical
      patients. We aimed to develop an improved vancomycin population pharmacokinetic
      model with incorporation of more covariates, and to provide dosing guidance for
      clinicians. Vancomycin was administered intravenously to 20 patients with
      external ventricular drains after neurosurgical operation. Blood and CSF were
      collected and vancomycin concentrations were measured by HPLC. A separate CSF
      compartment was considered, and was linked to the central compartment by a first
      order process (QCSF). The clearance of the CSF compartment (ClCSF) was used to
      characterize vancomycin elimination from CSF through external ventricular drain.
      Nonlinear mixed-effects modeling approach was used to develop the model. The CSF
      albumin level (mg/dL) was the covariate influencing QCSF:
      QCSF=0.0049+0.000021*(CSF albumin-279). The effect of body weight (BW, kg) was
      significant on central volume (VC): VC=27.84+0.96*(BW-69). All parameters were
      estimated with an acceptable precision (relative standard error: RSE% < 30.26).
      The performance of the final model was acceptable with our previous dataset. A
      simple to use dosage regimen table was created to guide clinicians with
      vancomycin dosing. This model incorporates variables of both CSF albumin and BW,
      which offers improvements to the previous pharmacokinetics model.

PMID- 27671238
TI  - An Opportunity for Industry-Academia Partnership: Training the Next Generation of
      Industrial Researchers in Characterizing Higher Order Protein Structure.
AB  - Training researchers for positions in the United States biopharmaceutical
      industry has long been driven by academia. This commentary explores how the
      changing landscape of academic training will impact the industrial workforce,
      particularly with regard to the development of protein therapeutics in the area
      of biophysical and higher order structural characterization. We discuss how to
      balance future training and employment opportunities, how academic-industrial
      partnerships can help young scientists acquire the skills needed by their future
      employer, and how an appropriately trained workforce can facilitate the
      translation of new technology from academic to industrial laboratories. We also
      present suggestions to facilitate the coordinated development of industrial
      academic educational partnerships to develop new training programs, and the
      ability of students to locate these programs, through the development of
      authoritative public resources.

PMID- 27671239
TI  - Matrix viscoplasticity and its shielding by active mechanics in microtissue
      models: experiments and mathematical modeling.
AB  - The biomechanical behavior of tissues under mechanical stimulation is critically
      important to physiological function. We report a combined experimental and
      modeling study of bioengineered 3D smooth muscle microtissues that reveals a
      previously unappreciated interaction between active cell mechanics and the
      viscoplastic properties of the extracellular matrix. The microtissues' response
      to stretch/unstretch actuations, as probed by microcantilever force sensors, was
      dominated by cellular actomyosin dynamics. However, cell lysis revealed a
      viscoplastic response of the underlying model collagen/fibrin matrix. A model
      coupling Hill-type actomyosin dynamics with a plastic perfectly viscoplastic
      description of the matrix quantitatively accounts for the microtissue dynamics,
      including notably the cells' shielding of the matrix plasticity. Stretch
      measurements of single cells confirmed the active cell dynamics, and were well
      described by a single-cell version of our model. These results reveal the need
      for new focus on matrix plasticity and its interactions with active cell
      mechanics in describing tissue dynamics.

PMID- 27671240
TI  - Adrenaline inhibits osteogenesis via repressing miR-21 expression.
AB  - Sympathetic signaling is involved in bone homeostasis; however, the cellular and
      molecular mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, we found that the
      psychological stress mediator adrenaline inhibited osteogenic differentiation of
      human bone marrow-derived stem cells (hMSC) by reducing microRNA-21 (miR-21)
      expression. Briefly, adrenaline significantly inhibited the osteogenic
      differentiation of hMSCs, as observed with both Alizarin red staining and maker
      gene expression (RUNX2, OSX, OCN, and OPN). During this process, miR-21 was
      suppressed by adrenaline via inhibition of histone acetylation, as verified by
      H3K9Ac chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay. MiR-21 was confirmed to
      promote hMSC osteogenic differentiation, and overexpression of miR-21 reversed
      the impeditive effect of adrenaline on hMSC osteogenic differentiation. Our
      results demonstrate that down-regulation of miR-21 is responsible for the
      adrenaline-mediated inhibition of hMSC osteogenic differentiation. These findings
      indicate a regulation of bone metabolism by psychological stress and also provide
      a molecular basis for psychological stress-associated bone diseases.

PMID- 27671242
TI  - Mitochondrial Membrane Protein-Associated Neurodegeneration Mimicking Juvenile
      Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mitochondrial membrane protein associated neurodegeneration (MPAN) is
      the third most common subtype of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation
      (NBIA) and caused by mutations of the orphan gene C19ORF12 encoding a
      transmembrane mitochondrial protein. Like other NBIA disorders, the hallmark of
      neuropathology is iron deposition in the basal ganglia, but the clinical
      presentation is highly variable. METHODS: We present the relevant clinical
      history, neurological examination, electrophysiological and neuroimaging tests of
      a currently ten-year-old girl. The genetic analysis was carried out by exome
      sequencing focused on known NBIA and juvenile amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
      genes. RESULTS: The patient presented at four years of age with progressive lower
      extremity weakness and generalized hypotonia. She was initially diagnosed with
      juvenile ALS based on clinical signs, negative brain magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI) and electromyography findings. As the disease progressed, a repeat brain
      MRI showed iron deposition in the basal ganglia at nine years of age. Exome
      sequencing of genes known to be associated with NBIA revealed a compound
      heterozygous mutation of C19ORF12 gene. CONCLUSIONS: A C19orf12 gene mutation
      should be considered in young children with clinical signs of progressive upper
      and lower motor neuron disease. Finding iron accumulation in the basal ganglia
      helps to focus the genetic testing, but it may not be apparent for several years.

PMID- 27671244
TI  - Erratum: Bona-fide method for the determination of short range order and
      transport properties in a ferro-aluminosilicate slag.

PMID- 27671241
TI  - Epilepsy Characteristics and Clinical Outcome in Patients With Mitochondrial
      Encephalomyopathy, Lactic Acidosis, and Stroke-Like Episodes (MELAS).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Epileptic seizures in patients with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy,
      lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) are heterogeneous with no
      pathognomonic features. We reviewed epilepsy characteristics and clinical outcome
      exclusively in a pediatric population. METHODS: Twenty-two children and
      adolescents (13 males) with confirmed mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic
      acidosis, and stroke-like episodes due to mitochondrial DNA A3243G mutation and
      epilepsy were recruited. Clinical data including seizure semiology, treatment
      response, neuroimaging findings, and electroencephalography were analyzed. We
      also examined the effect of the age at seizure onset and initial symptoms on the
      clinical variables. RESULTS: Seizure semiology and electroencephalography
      abnormalities showed no syndrome-specific findings. Focal seizures occurred in 21
      of 22 subjects (95.5%), whereas generalized seizures developed in seven of 22
      subjects (31.8%). Twenty of 22 subjects (90.9%) achieved partial to complete
      reduction of clinical seizures for more than one year with a combination of more
      than two antiepileptic drugs. The subgroup with earlier seizure onset presented
      significantly earlier and showed significantly higher rates of drug-resistant
      epilepsy compared with the late onset group, although there were no significant
      differences in the initial symptoms. The subjects with severe epileptic
      conditions tended to have more severe clinical dysfunction and more severe organ
      involvement. CONCLUSIONS: Both focal and generalized seizures occurred in
      patients with MELAS. Epilepsy in this population is drug resistant, but a certain
      degree of clinical seizure reduction was achievable with antiepileptic drugs,
      with more favorable outcomes than historically expected. Close observation and
      active epilepsy treatment of individuals with MELAS episodes and earlier seizure
      onset might improve the prognosis.

PMID- 27671243
TI  - Systematically developed pilot randomized controlled trial of exercise and
      cognition in persons with multiple sclerosis.
AB  - Cognitive impairment is common and debilitating among persons with multiple
      sclerosis (MS) and might be managed with exercise training. The present pilot
      study adopted a single-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT) design and is the
      first to examine the effect of a systematically developed, progressive treadmill
      walking exercise training intervention on cognition among fully ambulatory
      persons with MS. Ten fully ambulatory females with MS were randomly assigned into
      exercise training intervention or waitlist control conditions. The intervention
      condition involved 12 weeks of supervised, progressive chronic treadmill walking
      exercise training. Participants underwent measures of cognition (i.e., cognitive
      processing speed (CPS), executive function), walking performance, and
      cardiorespiratory fitness before and after the 12-week period; baseline and
      follow-up assessments were performed by blinded assessors. Overall, there were
      large intervention effects on CPS (d = 0.95), walking performance (d = 0.76), and
      cardiorespiratory fitness (d > 1.08). The change in cardiorespiratory fitness was
      significantly associated with change in CPS (r = .60), but not walking
      performance. This small pilot RCT provides preliminary proof-of-concept data
      supporting progressive treadmill walking exercise training for potentially
      improving CPS, walking performance, and cardiorespiratory fitness in fully
      ambulatory persons with MS, and that improved fitness might be a possible
      mechanism for improved CPS.

PMID- 27671245
TI  - Treatment satisfaction among patients with psoriasis at a large academic center:
      an observational study.

PMID- 27671248
TI  - Osmolyte Effects on the Growth of Amyloid Fibrils.
AB  - Understanding the role of naturally occurring protective osmolytes, such as
      trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), in the growth of amyloid fibrils implicated in
      neurodegenerative diseases is important to prevent fibril growth. The effect of
      TMAO on the growth of amyloid fibrils formed by the Sup35 prion peptide NNQQNY is
      studied using molecular dynamics simulations. The free-energy surface for the
      growth of the protofibril shows three major basins, corresponding to the free
      state where the peptide is in solution, the docked state where the peptide in
      solution interacts with the surface of the protofibril, and the locked state
      where the peptide is tightly bound to the protofibril, becoming a part of the
      fibril. The free-energy surface in the presence of TMAO shows that TMAO
      stabilizes the locked state of the peptide compared with the free state,
      indicating that TMAO aids in fibril growth. Dissecting the interaction of TMAO
      with individual amino acids in the peptide shows that TMAO interacts both
      directly and indirectly with the amino acids, depending on the nature of the side
      chains. The methyl groups in TMAO interact strongly with the hydrophobic aromatic
      ring in the Tyr residue. In the locked state, the surface area of Tyr available
      for interaction with TMAO decreases; as a result, the Tyr residue in the peptide
      flips out from the locked position, increasing the fluctuations of the peptide
      locked in the protofibril. Such strong direct interactions of amino acids with
      TMAO destabilize the folded or aggregated states of proteins. The overall
      increased stability of the peptide locked in the protofibril by TMAO is due to
      entropic or indirect interactions with the backbone Asn and Gln residues, which
      form major components of the NNQQNY peptide.

PMID- 27671247
TI  - Stochastic resonance therapy induces increased movement related caudate nucleus
      activity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Whole-body vibration can be used to supplement canonical physical
      treatment. It is performed while probands stand on a vibrating platform.
      Therapeutic vibration can be generated as a stochastic vibratory pattern,
      referred to as stochastic resonance whole-body vibration (SR-WBV). Despite the
      widespread use of SR-WBV its neurophysiological mechanism is unclear. DESIGN: A
      randomized sham-controlled double-blinded trial was performed as a pilot study.
      The experimental group received 6 cycles of SR-WBV at a frequency of 7 Hz with
      the SR-Zeptor device, and the sham group received the same treatment at a
      frequency of 1 Hz. At baseline 1.5 T functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
      was performed in the resting state, together with a finger/foot tapping test. A
      second fMRI was carried out after SR-WBV as sham treatment in both groups.
      Subsequently, a second cycle of SR-WBV was performed as sham or verum with
      consecutive fMRI, followed by a final fMRI on day 2. SUBJECTS: Nineteen healthy
      volunteers were allocated to the experimental or sham group, respectively.
      RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Analyses of specific effects revealed a significant
      treatment * time interaction effect (p < 0.05, small-volume corrected (SVC FWE
      corrected)) in the left caudate nucleus during intermediate difficulty when
      comparing pre- vs post-SR-WBV treatment in the verum group. This proof-of-concept
      study suggests the existence of cerebral effects of SR-WBV.

PMID- 27671246
TI  - Frontline Science: Defects in immune function in patients with sepsis are
      associated with PD-1 or PD-L1 expression and can be restored by antibodies
      targeting PD-1 or PD-L1.
AB  - Sepsis is a heterogeneous syndrome comprising a highly diverse and dynamic
      mixture of hyperinflammatory and compensatory anti-inflammatory immune responses.
      This immune phenotypic diversity highlights the importance of proper patient
      selection for treatment with the immunomodulatory drugs that are entering
      clinical trials. To better understand the serial changes in immunity of
      critically ill patients and to evaluate the potential efficacy of blocking key
      inhibitory pathways in sepsis, we undertook a broad phenotypic and functional
      analysis of innate and acquired immunity in the same aliquot of blood from
      septic, critically ill nonseptic, and healthy donors. We also tested the ability
      of blocking the checkpoint inhibitors programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) and its
      ligand (PD-L1) to restore the function of innate and acquired immune cells.
      Neutrophil and monocyte function (phagocytosis, CD163, cytokine expression) were
      progressively diminished as sepsis persisted. An increasing frequency in PD-L1+
      suppressor phenotype neutrophils [low-density neutrophils (LDNs)] was also noted.
      PD-L1+ LDNs and defective neutrophil function correlated with disease severity,
      consistent with the potential importance of suppressive neutrophil populations in
      sepsis. Reduced neutrophil and monocyte function correlated both with their own
      PD-L1 expression and with PD-1 expression on CD8+ T cells and NK cells.
      Conversely, reduced CD8+ T cell and NK cell functions (IFN-gamma production,
      granzyme B, and CD107a expression) correlated with elevated PD-L1+ LDNs.
      Importantly, addition of antibodies against PD-1 or PD-L1 restored function in
      neutrophil, monocyte, T cells, and NK cells, underlining the impact of the PD
      1:PD-L1 axis in sepsis-immune suppression and the ability to treat multiple
      deficits with a single immunomodulatory agent.

PMID- 27671249
TI  - Intranasal administration of vitamin D attenuates blood-brain barrier disruption
      through endogenous upregulation of osteopontin and activation of CD44/P-gp
      glycosylation signaling after subarachnoid hemorrhage in rats.
AB  - In this study, we investigated the role of vitamin D3 (VitD3) on endogenous
      osteopontin (OPN), a neuroprotective glycoprotein, after subarachnoid hemorrhage
      (SAH). The endovascular perforation SAH model in Sprague-Dawley rats was used to
      study the effect of intranasal VitD3 (30 ng/kg) before (Pre-SAH + VitD3) and
      after (Post-SAH + VitD3) subarachnoid hemorrhage. Vitamin D3 (30, 60, 120
      ng/kg/day) increased more than one fold endogenous OPN expression in astrocytes
      and endothelial cells of rat brain. Vitamin D3 significantly decreased brain
      edema and Evans blue extravasation. In addition, neurobehavioral scores were
      significantly higher in Pre-SAH + VitD3, but partly higher in Post-SAH + VitD3,
      group compared with SAH group. These protective effects of vitamin D3 were
      completely attenuated by intracerebroventricular injection of transcription
      inhibitor Actinomycin D and significantly inhibited by small interfering
      ribonucleic acid (siRNA) for vitamin D receptor and OPN in Pre-SAH + VitD3 rats.
      OPN expression was significantly higher in Pre-SAH + VitD3 rats, specifically A
      and C, but not B, isomers were upregulated in the astrocytes, leading to CD44
      splicing, and P-gp glycosylation in brain endothelial cells. The results show
      that intranasal vitamin D3 attenuates blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption
      through endogenous upregulation of OPN and subsequent CD44 and P-gp glycosylation
      signals in brain endothelial cells. Furthermore, this study identifies a novel
      strategy for the cost-effective management of subarachnoid hemorrhage.

PMID- 27671251
TI  - A new NAD+-dependent glyceraldehyde dehydrogenase obtained by rational design of
      l-lactaldehyde dehydrogenase from Escherichia coli.
AB  - NAD + -dependent glyceraldehyde dehydrogenases usually had lower activity in the
      nonphosphorylated Entner-Doudoroff (nED) pathway. In the present study, a new NAD
      + -dependent glyceraldehyde dehydrogenase was engineered from l-lactaldehyde
      dehydrogenase of E. coli (EC: 1.2.1.22). Through comparison of the sequence
      alignment and the active center model, we found that a residue N286 of l
      lactaldehyde dehydrogenase contributed an important structure role to substrate
      identification. By free energy calculation, three mutations (N286E, N286H, N286T)
      were chosen to investigate the change of substrate specificity of the enzyme. All
      mutants were able to oxidate glyceraldehyde. Especially, N286T showed the highest
      activity of 1.1U/mg, which was 5-fold higher than the reported NAD + -dependent
      glyceraldehyde dehydrogenases, and 70% activity was retained at 55  degrees C
      after an hour. Compared to l-lactaldehyde, N286T had a one-third lower Km value
      to glyceraldehyde.

PMID- 27671252
TI  - The System Is upon Me.
AB  - Although Spike Milligan is known to the public as a brilliant humorist, personal
      happiness and fulfilment seem to have eluded him. 

PMID- 27671253
TI  - Hit the Timber-Let Yourself Go.
AB  - Dance has been with us since prehistoric times. Now the psychiatric profession is
      beginning to accept its potential as a means of treating mental disorder. 

PMID- 27671250
TI  - Hyperglycemia is associated with more severe cytotoxic injury after stroke.
AB  - Hyperglycemia is a common complication after ischemic stroke, but its link to
      worse outcome is not well understood. We hypothesized that hyperglycemia may
      reflect an impaired metabolic response that is associated with worse cytotoxic
      brain injury. We performed retrospective analysis of magnetic resonance imaging
      from a cohort of acute ischemic stroke patients prospectively collected from 2006
      to 2010 with baseline demographic and laboratory data as well as three-month
      outcomes. The severity of cytotoxic injury was quantified in vivo using apparent
      diffusion coefficient imaging by measuring the signal intensity within the stroke
      relative to the normal signal intensity of the contralateral hemisphere. Both
      hyperglycemia and lower apparent diffusion coefficient signal were associated
      with worse outcome after ischemic stroke (OR 0.239, p = 0.017; OR 1.11, p <
      0.0001, respectively). Hyperglycemia was also associated with lower apparent
      diffusion coefficient (r = -0.32, p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, apparent
      diffusion coefficient but not hyperglycemia was associated with outcome,
      suggesting that cytotoxicity may mediate the effect of hyperglycemia. For
      interventions designed to target hyperglycemia in acute ischemic stroke, a
      concomitant effect on the evolution of apparent diffusion coefficient may provide
      insight into whether hyperglycemia leads to or reflects worse cytotoxic injury.

PMID- 27671254
TI  - The Bliss of Madness.
AB  - Although mental illness often brings feelings of gloom and despair, sometimes a
      person classified as mentally ill feels supremely happy-the bliss of madness. 

PMID- 27671255
TI  - Like Other People.
AB  - A new film, sponsored by the Mental Health Film Council, which pleads for the
      rights of the handicapped to enjoy emotional and sexual fulfilment in close
      personal relationships. 

PMID- 27671256
TI  - A Right to Love?
AB  - Extracts from a report on public and professional attitudes towards the sexual
      and emotional needs of handicapped People. 

PMID- 27671257
TI  - Nothing to Lose but Your Career Structure.
AB  - A growing number of students are casting aside the traditional view of work as a
      means of earning money, preferring to identify themselves more closely with a
      Particular community, where they can create their own life-style. 

PMID- 27671258
TI  - Letters.

PMID- 27671259
TI  - Letters.

PMID- 27671261
TI  - News Review.

PMID- 27671260
TI  - Letters.

PMID- 27671262
TI  - Ennals Errant.

PMID- 27671263
TI  - A Willingness to Be Involved.
AB  - Young people living near Farleigh Hospital are coming to understand something of
      the problems facing large mental hospitals, through their own concern and
      involvement. 

PMID- 27671264
TI  - From Where I Sit: Editorial Comment.

PMID- 27671266
TI  - The Rainbow Playgroup.
AB  - Photographs of a playgroup run by the Dagenham Association for Mental Health
      which caters for children at risk. 

PMID- 27671265
TI  - A Fragile Line.
AB  - The brutal murders carried out by Charles Manson and his 'family' seemed bizarre
      and abnormal in the extreme. But was Manson so uniquely evil or did his
      environment just happen to provide opportunities where a philosophy of violence
      could flourish unchecked? 

PMID- 27671267
TI  - Organised Chaos.
AB  - Learning to cope with the day-to-day tasks of life is a crucial factor in
      recovery from a depressive illness. A housewife explains how she has learnt to
      cope with the ups and downs by planning accordingly. 

PMID- 27671268
TI  - Scan.
AB  - A personal view of the social services. 

PMID- 27671269
TI  - Quantifying microstructural dynamics and electrochemical activity of graphite and
      silicon-graphite lithium ion battery anodes.
AB  - Despite numerous studies presenting advances in tomographic imaging and analysis
      of lithium ion batteries, graphite-based anodes have received little attention.
      Weak X-ray attenuation of graphite and, as a result, poor contrast between
      graphite and the other carbon-based components in an electrode pore space renders
      data analysis challenging. Here we demonstrate operando tomography of weakly
      attenuating electrodes during electrochemical (de)lithiation. We use propagation
      based phase contrast tomography to facilitate the differentiation between weakly
      attenuating materials and apply digital volume correlation to capture the
      dynamics of the electrodes during operation. After validating that we can
      quantify the local electrochemical activity and microstructural changes
      throughout graphite electrodes, we apply our technique to graphite-silicon
      composite electrodes. We show that microstructural changes that occur during
      (de)lithiation of a pure graphite electrode are of the same order of magnitude as
      spatial inhomogeneities within it, while strain in composite electrodes is
      locally pronounced and introduces significant microstructural changes.

PMID- 27671270
TI  - Illuminating Coronary Artery Involvement in Takayasu Arteritis.

PMID- 27671271
TI  - Reduced graphene oxide enwrapped phosphors for long-term thermally stable
      phosphor converted white light emitting diodes.
AB  - The long-term instability of the presently available best commercial phosphor
      converted light-emitting diodes (pcLEDs) is the most serious obstacle for the
      realization of low-cost and energy-saving lighting applications. Emission from
      pcLEDs starts to degrade after approximately 200 h of operation because of
      thermal degradation of the phosphors. We propose a new strategy to overcome this
      thermal degradation problem of phosphors by wrapping the phosphor particles with
      reduced graphene oxide (rGO). Through the rGO wrapping, we have succeeded in
      controlling the thermal degradation of phosphors and improving the stability of
      fabricated pcLEDs. We have fabricated pcLEDs with long-term stability that
      maintain nearly 98% of their initial luminescence emission intensity even after
      800 h of continuous operation at 85  degrees C and 85% relative humidity. The
      pcLEDs fabricated using SrBaSi2O2N2:Eu2+ phosphor particles wrapped with reduced
      graphene oxide are thermally stable because of enhanced heat dissipation that
      prevents the ionization of Eu2+ to Eu3+. We believe that this technique can be
      applied to other rare-earth doped phosphors for the realization of highly
      efficient and stable white LEDs.

PMID- 27671272
TI  - Impact of a Computerized Antithrombotic Risk Assessment Tool on the Prescription
      of Thromboprophylaxis in Atrial Fibrillation: Hospital Setting.
AB  - The computerized antithrombotic risk assessment tool (CARAT) is an online
      decision-support algorithm that facilitates a systematic review of a patient's
      stroke risk, bleeding risk, and pertinent medication safety considerations, to
      generate an individualized treatment recommendation. The CARAT was prospectively
      applied across 2 hospitals in the greater Sydney area. Its impact on
      antithrombotics utilization for thromboprophylaxis in patients with nonvalvular
      atrial fibrillation was evaluated. Factors influencing prescribers' treatment
      selection were identified. The CARAT recommended a change in baseline therapy for
      51.8% of patients. Among anticoagulant-eligible patients (ie, where the risk of
      stroke outweighed the risk of bleeding) using "nil therapy" or antiplatelet
      therapy at baseline, the CARAT recommended an upgrade to warfarin in 60 (30.8%)
      patients. For those in whom the bleeding risk outweighed the stroke risk, the
      CARAT recommended a downgrade from warfarin to safer alternatives (eg, aspirin)
      in 37 (19%) patients. Among the "most eligible" (ie, high stroke risk, low
      bleeding risk, no contraindications; n = 75), the CARAT recommended warfarin for
      all cases. Discharge therapy observed a marginal increase in anticoagulation
      prescription in eligible patients (n = 116; 57.8% vs 64.7%, P = .35) compared to
      baseline. Predictors of warfarin use (vs antiplatelets) included congestive
      cardiac failure, diabetes mellitus, and polypharmacy. The CARAT was able to
      optimize the selection of therapy, increasing anticoagulant use among eligible
      patients. With the increasing complexity of decision-making, such tools may be
      useful adjuncts in therapy selection in atrial fibrillation. Future studies
      should explore the utility of such tools in selecting therapies from within an
      expanded treatment armamentarium comprising the non-vitamin K antagonist oral
      anticoagulants.

PMID- 27671273
TI  - Community pharmacist's responsibilities with regards to traditional
      medicine/complementary medicine products: A systematic literature review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of Traditional Medicine/Complementary Medicine (TM/CM)
      products has gained popularity in many countries. There is a growing body of
      evidence to support that concomitant use of TM/CM products with certain
      pharmaceutical medicines may adversely affect treatment outcomes. There is a
      general consensus that pharmacists have a role to play in the safe and
      appropriate use of these products. However, the extent of their involvement and
      responsibilities are not yet defined. Clear guidelines that inform their duty of
      care are essential for pharmacists to establish their role in the management of
      TM/CM product use. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine
      pharmacist's responsibilities with regards to TM/CM products that have been
      discussed in the literature since 2000. METHODS: A literature search in 3
      electronic databases (Web of Science, Science Direct and PubMed) was used to
      extract publications from 2000 to 2015 that related pharmacist to TM/CM products.
      Out of the 2859 publications extracted for abstract review, 171 documents were
      selected for full text assessment. 41 publications which reported findings from
      exploratory studies or discussed pharmacists' responsibilities towards TM/CM
      products were selected for inclusion in this study. RESULTS: Seven major
      responsibilities were frequently discussed in the literature: (1) to acknowledge
      the use; (2) to be knowledgeable about the TM/CM products; (3) to ensure safe use
      of TM/CM products; (4) to document the use of TM/CM products; (5) to report ADRs
      related to TM/CM products; (6) to educate about TM/CM products; and (7) to
      collaborate with other health care professionals. CONCLUSION: Various forms and
      levels of pharmacists' responsibilities with TM/CM products have been mentioned
      in the literature. Subsequent work towards a common consensus must take into
      account three influential factors strategically: the scope of TM/CM products,
      objectives of pharmacists' involvement and the perspectives of key stakeholders.

PMID- 27671274
TI  - Minimal-invasive TLIF.

PMID- 27671276
TI  - Cervical total disc replacement (TDR).

PMID- 27671275
TI  - MIS revision of de novo scoliosis and stenosis, following open spinal
      instrumentation.

PMID- 27671277
TI  - Surgical management of thoracic disc herniation.

PMID- 27671278
TI  - Incidental occlusion of anterior spinal artery due to Onyx reflux in embolization
      of spinal type II arteriovenous malformation.
AB  - PURPOSE: Onyx embolization is one of the standard treatments for brain
      arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and is a promising method for spinal AVMs as
      well. Its advantages have been emphasized, and few complications have been
      reported with Onyx embolization in spinal AVMs. Here, we report an incidental
      anterior spinal artery (ASA) occlusion due to Onyx reflux during embolization of
      a spinal type II AVM. METHODS: A 15-year-old boy presented with weakness in both
      upper and lower extremities. Magnetic resonance imaging and spinal angiogram
      revealed a spinal type II AVM with two feeders including the right vertebral
      artery (VA) and the right deep cervical artery. RESULTS: Onyx embolization was
      performed gradually from the VA to the deep cervical artery and an unexpected
      Onyx reflux to the ASA was observed during the latter stage deep cervical artery
      embolization. Post-operative quadriplegia and low cranial nerves (CN) dysfunction
      were observed. Rehabilitation treatment was performed and the patient showed
      marked improvement of neurologic deterioration at 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS:
      Onyx is an effective treatment choice for spinal AVMs. However, due to the small
      vasculature of the spine compared to the brain, the nidus is rapidly packed with
      a small amount of Onyx, which allows Onyx reflux to unexpected vessels. Extreme
      caution is required and dual-lumen balloon catheter could be considered for Onyx
      embolization in spinal AVMs treatment.

PMID- 27671280
TI  - In vitro analysis of circumferential joint replacement, including bilateral facet
      joint replacement with lateral lumber disc prosthesis: a parametric investigation
      of disc sizing.
AB  - PURPOSE: Lateral lumbar disc prosthesis (LLDP) is an innovative device used to
      restore motion in select patients through a lateral retroperitoneal approach. No
      in vitro biomechanical studies have been published. Further, the potential for in
      toto circumferential joint restoration when use of this anterior disc is combined
      with facet replacement remains unqualified but signifies a potentially
      interesting clinical direction. METHODS: Researchers conducted a biomechanical
      feasibility study of an LLDP designed to investigate parameters of disc sizing
      used with bilateral facet joint replacement in a cadaveric model. Tested
      constructs at L4-L5 included (1) intact, (2) LLDP, (3) LLDP + wide discectomy,
      (4) LLDP + bilateral facetectomy, and (5) LLDP + bilateral facet joint
      replacement (BFJR). Investigators tested instrumented constructs (2-5) with an
      LLDP at compact-fit and lax-fit heights and used raw data to perform statistical
      analysis by repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), along with Student
      Newman-Keuls post hoc analysis (p <= 0.05). RESULTS: Increased height of the LLDP
      resulted in significantly less motion compared with intact. Widening the
      discectomy while using lax-fit sizing led to motion similar to intact in flexion
      extension. As expected, motion was greater with lax-fit height than with compact
      fit height in all loading modes and constructs, as is noted with a widened
      discectomy. The L4-L5 center of rotation was maintained regardless of placement
      of the LLDP. CONCLUSIONS: After bilateral facetectomy, reconstruction of the
      three-joint complex achieved by combining the LLDP with BFJR may provide a viable
      alternative to current clinical treatment regimens.

PMID- 27671279
TI  - Efficacy of antifibrinolytic agents on surgical bleeding and transfusion
      requirements in spine surgery: a meta-analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Spine surgery is usually associated with large amount of blood loss and
      blood transfusion. Excessive blood loss may cause hypotension, inadequate
      oxygenation of organs, necessitate allogeneic blood transfusion, and spinal
      epidural hematoma formation. Aprotinin, TXA, and EACA are antifibrinolytics
      currently offered as prophylactic agents to reduce surgery-associated blood loss.
      The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of using antifibrinolytic
      agents in reducing blood loss and blood transfusions in spine surgery. METHODS:
      PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane-controlled trials register were used to identify
      RCTs published before April 2015 that examined the effectiveness of intravenous
      aprotinin, tranexamic acid (TXA), and epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA) on
      reduction of blood loss and blood transfusions, compared with placebo in spine
      surgery. Randomized controlled trials reported the primary outcome that included
      total blood loss, intra-operative blood loss, post-operative blood loss, blood
      transfusion requirements, blood transfusion rate, and incidence of deep vein
      thrombosis. Meta-analysis was performed using the Stata12.0. Weighted mean
      difference with 95 % confidence intervals was used to summarize the findings
      across the trials for continuous outcomes. Dichotomous data were expressed as
      risk ratios with 95 % confidence intervals. A P < 0.05 was considered
      statistically significant. RESULTS: 17 studies involving 1191 patients were
      identified. Among them, 13 RCTs with 943 patients were included for the
      evaluation of total blood loss. Compared with the control group, the
      antifibrinolytic agents reduced total blood loss (SMD = -0.62; 95 % CI -0.75, 
      0.48; P = 0.000), The aprotinin group (SMD = -0.80; 95 % CI -1.22, -0.37; P =
      0.938), The TXA group (SMD = -0.75; 95 % CI -0.93, -0.57; P = 0.000), and the
      EACA group (SMD = -0.28; 95 % CI -0.54, -0.01; P = 0.185). Thirteen RCTs with
      eight hundred and ninety four patients were included for the evaluation of intra
      operative blood loss. Compared with the control group, the antifibrinolytic
      agents reduced intra-operative blood loss (SMD = -0.41; 95 % CI -0.55, -0.28; P =
      0.010), The aprotinin group (SMD = -0.62; 95 % CI -0.93, -0.30; P = 0.862), The
      TXA group (SMD = -0.47; 95 % CI -0.64, -0.29; P = 0.005), and the EACA group (SMD
      = -0.16; 95 % CI -0.42, -0.11; P = 0.897). Eight RCTs with six hundred and seven
      patients were included for the evaluation of post-operative blood loss. Compared
      with the control group, the antifibrinolytic agents reduced post-operative blood
      loss (SMD = -0.68; 95 % CI -0.85, -0.51; P = 0.000), the aprotinin group (SMD = 
      0.48; 95 % CI -0.85, -0.12; P = 0.036), the TXA group (SMD = -0.80; 95 % CI 
      1.01, -0.59; P = 0.000), and the EACA group (SMD = -0.32; 95 % CI -0.68, -0.04; P
      = 0.009). Ten RCTs with seven hundred and twenty twopatients were included for
      the evaluation of blood transfusion. Compared with the control group, the
      antifibrinolytic agents reduced blood transfusion (SMD = -0.68; 95 % CI -0.85, 
      0.51; P = 0.000), the aprotinin group (SMD = -0.80; 95 % CI -1.22, -0.37; P =
      0.938), the TXA group (SMD = -0.38; 95 % CI -0.58, -0.18; P = 0.000), and the
      EACA group (SMD = -0.28; 95 % CI -0.54, -0.01; P = 0.185). Twelve RCTs with eight
      hundred and fifteenpatients were included for the evaluation of blood transfusion
      rate. The transfusion rate was 35.6 % in the patients with antifibrinolytic
      agents and 55.2 % in the patients with placebo (RR = 0.75; 95 % CI 0.63, 0.89; P
      = 0.939). All studies were included for the evaluation of safety, with a total of
      eight thromboembolic events reported overall (two in the experimental group and
      six in the control group). CONCLUSIONS: The antifibrinolytic agents were able to
      reduce perioperative blood loss and transfusion requirements in spine surgery.
      TXA appeared more effective than aprotinin and EACA in reducing total blood loss,
      intra-operative blood loss, and blood transfusion according to the results of
      this analysis. The three groups in reducing the post-operative blood loss are
      significantly better than control groups. There was no evidence that the use of
      antifibrinolytic agents was a risk factor for thromboembolism in spine surgery.
      Further multicenter, large-sample, double-blind RCTs are required to confirm the
      efficacy and safety of the three antifibrinolytic agents in spine surgery.

PMID- 27671281
TI  - Normative spino-pelvic parameters in patients with the lumbarization of S1
      compared to a normal asymptomatic population.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Normal spino-pelvic values for patients with lumbarization of S1
      have not been described in the literature. Presented are the normal values for
      this population group, the prevalence of S1 lumbarization, and the correlation
      between pelvic incidence (PI) and lumbar lordosis (LL) in this group. METHODS:
      Two databases of asymptomatic patients were combined to identify 11 patients with
      the lumbarization of S1. The whole spine images were used to measure the true
      prevalence rate. Lumbar 3D EOS models were built to measure spino-pelvic
      parameters for the lumbarization group compared to the asymptomatic population.
      Seven patients appeared at first to have six lumbar vertebrae, but counting
      caudally from C2 showed this was not the case. RESULTS: 11/268 patients
      demonstrated the lumbarization of S1 to give a true prevalence rate of 4.1 %. The
      lumbarization group demonstrated a statistically significant difference with
      regard to PI, PT, and SS, and total lordosis measured from superior endplate of
      L1 to the superior endplate of the first fixed sacral segment. L6I was not
      significantly correlated to lordosis; however, PI did have a significant
      correlation with lordosis. Lordosis could be estimated in this group by the
      equation: [Formula: see text]. CONCLUSION: Incomplete imaging of the spine may
      lead to false estimation of the prevalence of lumbarization. Patients with
      lumbarization have higher lordosis values and lordosis can now be estimated
      during pre-operative planning for this group.

PMID- 27671282
TI  - Optimal area of lateral mass mini-screws implanted in plated cervical
      laminoplasty: a radiography anatomy study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Lateral mass mini-screws used in plated cervical laminoplasty might
      penetrate into facet joints. The objective is to observe this complication
      incidence and to identify the optimal areas for 5- and 7-mm-long mini-screws to
      implant on lateral mass. METHODS: 47 patients who underwent plated cervical
      laminoplasty were included. The optimal area for mini-screws implanting was set
      according to pre-operative 3D CT reconstruction data. Then, each posterior
      lateral mass surface was divided into three regions: 7-mm region, 5-mm region,
      and dangerous area. The mini-screw implanted region was recorded. Post-operative
      CT images were used to identify whether the mini-screws penetrated into facet
      joints. RESULTS: 235 mini-plates and 470 lateral mass mini-screws were used in
      the study. 117 (24.9%) mini-screws penetrated 88 (37.4%) facet joints. The 5-mm
      long mini-screw optimal area occupied the upper 72, 65, 65, 64, and 65 % area of
      the posterior-lateral mass surface for C3-7, while the 7-mm-long mini-screw
      optimal area encompassed the upper 54, 39, 40, 33, and 32 %. Only 7-mm-long mini
      screws were used to fix the plate to the lateral mass. 4 of 240 mini-screws in 7
      mm region, 67 of the 179 mini-screws in 5-mm region, and 46 of the 51 mini-screws
      in dangerous region penetrated into the facet joint. The differences in the rate
      of facet joint penetration related to region were statistically significant (P <
      0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The facet joint destruction by mini-screws was not a rare
      complication in plated cervical laminoplasty. The optimal areas we proposed may
      help guide the mini-screw implantation positions.

PMID- 27671283
TI  - Bacterial toxin's DNA vaccine serves as a strategy for the treatment of cancer,
      infectious and autoimmune diseases.
AB  - DNA vaccination -a third generation vaccine-is a modern approach to stimulate
      humoral and cellular responses against different diseases such as infectious
      diseases, cancer and autoimmunity. These vaccines are composed of a gene that
      encodes sequences of a desired protein under control of a proper (eukaryotic or
      viral) promoter. Immune response following DNA vaccination is influenced by the
      route and the dose of injection. In addition, antigen presentation following DNA
      administration has three different mechanisms including antigen presentation by
      transfected myocytes, transfection of professional antigen presenting cells
      (APCs) and cross priming. Recently, it has been shown that bacterial toxins and
      their components can stimulate and enhance immune responses in experimental
      models. A study demonstrated that DNA fusion vaccine encoding the first domain
      (DOM) of the Fragment C (FrC) of tetanus neurotoxin (CTN) coupled with tumor
      antigen sequences is highly immunogenic against colon carcinoma. DNA toxin
      vaccines against infectious and autoimmune diseases are less studied until now.
      All in all, this novel approach has shown encouraging results in animal models,
      but it has to go through adequate clinical trials to ensure its effectiveness in
      human. However, it has been proven that these vaccines are safe, multifaceted and
      simple and can be used widely in organisms which may be of advantage to public
      health in the near future. This paper outlines the mechanism of the action of DNA
      vaccines and their possible application for targeting infectious diseases, cancer
      and autoimmunity.

PMID- 27671284
TI  - Pyocyanin as anti-tyrosinase and anti tinea corporis: A novel treatment study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of pyocyanin
      pigment as a novel compound active against tyrosinase with its depigmentation
      efficiency for combating Trichophyton rubrum which could be a major causative
      agent of tinea corporis. METHODS: Fifty swabs of fungal tinea corporis infections
      were collected and identified. Five MDRPA isolates were tested for their levels
      of pyocyanin production. The purified extracted pyocyanin was characterized by UV
      spectrum and FT-IR analysis. Pyocyanin activity against tyrosinase was determined
      by dopachrome micro-plate. In addition, the antidermatophytic activity of
      pyocyanin against T. rubrum was detected by radial growth technique. In vivo
      novel trial was conducted to evaluate the efficiency and safety of pyocyanin as
      an alternative natural therapeutic compound against T. rubrum causing tinea
      corporis. RESULTS: Purified pyocyanin showed highly significant inhibitory
      activity against tyrosinase and T. rubrum. In vivo topical treatments with
      pyocyanin ointment revealed the efficiency of pyocyanin (MIC 2000 MUg/ml) to cure
      tinea corporis compared to fluconazole, which showed a partial curing at a higher
      concentration (MIC 3500 MUg/ml) after two weeks of treatment. In addition, the
      results revealed complete healing and disappear of hyperpigmentation by testing
      the safety of pyocyanin ointment and its histopathological efficiency in the skin
      treatment without any significant toxic effect. CONCLUSION: Pyocyanin pigment
      could be a promising anti-tyrosinase and a new active compound against T. rubrum,
      which could be a major causative agent of tinea corporis. In fact, if pyocyanin
      secondary metabolite is going to be used in practical medication, it will support
      the continuous demand of novel antimycotic natural agents against troublesome
      fungal infections.

PMID- 27671285
TI  - Estimation of anterior glenoid bone loss area using the ratio of bone defect
      length to the distance from posterior glenoid rim to the centre of the glenoid.
AB  - PURPOSE: Estimation of anterior glenoid bone loss is important for surgical
      decision-making. The purpose of this study was to describe a method for
      estimating anterior glenoid bone loss. METHODS: Thirty-nine cadaveric glenoids
      were digitized to obtain glenoid geometry. Glenoid bare spot centre, arthroscopic
      centre, and centre of the inferior glenoid circle relative to the geometric
      centre were measured. To simulate anterior glenoid bone loss, imaginary
      sequential osteotomies were created 0 degrees , 22.5 degrees , and 45 degrees  to
      the superior-inferior line in a 3D digitizing programme. Per cent of anterior
      glenoid bone loss area was calculated as the percentage of defect area relative
      to the entire area of the glenoid. The relationship between area loss and ratio
      of bone defect length to the distance from posterior glenoid to various centres
      was determined. RESULTS: As the ratio of bone defect length to the distance from
      posterior glenoid to all three centres increased, the per cent area of bone loss
      increased exponentially. The ratio using the inferior circle centre and
      arthroscopic centre was highly correlated to the actual glenoid bone loss in all
      osteotomies (R 2 > 0.90). The ratio using the centre of bare area had the lowest
      correlation. The ratio of defect length to distance from posterior glenoid to
      arthroscopic centre greater than 2.4 for 0 degrees  and 2.0 for 45 degrees 
      osteotomies results in bone loss area greater than 25 %. The bare area centre had
      the largest variation. Average bone loss was overestimated when the centre of
      bare spot was used compared to other centre locations. CONCLUSION: Per cent of
      anterior glenoid bone loss can be estimated using the ratio of bone defect length
      to the distance from posterior glenoid rim to the centre of inferior glenoid
      circle or arthroscopic centre either preoperatively using 3D CT or
      arthroscopically which can be useful for determining surgical treatment.

PMID- 27671288
TI  - We must go for gold in public health.

PMID- 27671289
TI  - Exploring the premise of lost altruism: content analysis of two codes of ethics.
AB  - As an ideal, altruism has long enjoyed privileged status in medicine and medical
      education. As a practice, altruism is perceived to be in decline in the current
      generation. A number of educational efforts are underway to reclaim this "lost
      value" of medicine. In this paper we explore constructions of altruism over a
      defined period of time through a content analysis of the Canadian and Australian
      Medical Associations (CMA and AMA respectively) Codes of Ethics. We analyzed all
      editions of both Codes (1868-2004), using a content analysis approach, including
      thematic analysis. We coded as altruistic or non-altruistic, respectively,
      statements in which the interest of the patient is placed ahead of the
      physician's and statements in which the interest of the physician is given
      primacy. We examined the pattern of appearance and disappearance of these
      statements over time. We identified 13 altruistic and 2 non-altruistic statements
      across all editions. There is a gradual and uneven loss of altruistic content
      over time. The CMA Codes of 1938, 1970 and 2004 and the AMA code of 1992
      represent significant change points. The most recent versions of both Codes
      contain only 1 altruistic statement and both non-altruistic statements. We
      conclude that altruism appears to be a fluid and changing concept over time. Loss
      of altruism is not merely a current generational issue but extends through the
      past century and is likely due to political and social forces. These results call
      into question current educational attempts to reclaim altruism, and point to the
      social evolution of the ideal.

PMID- 27671287
TI  - Evaluating the impact of two training interventions to improve diagnosis and case
      management of malaria and pneumonia in Uganda.
AB  - We present an age-structured mathematical model of malaria and pneumonia to study
      the effect of two capacity-building interventions: Integrated Management of
      Infectious Diseases (IMID) and On-site Support Services (OSS). IMID leads to a
      reduction in malaria prevalence by more than 2.4% across the [0,5), [5,14) and
      [14,50) age groups. IMID + OSS reduces it by more than 16.0% across all age
      groups. IMID decreases pneumonia prevalence by more than 3.0% across all age
      groups while IMID + OSS decreases it by more than 1.0% across all age groups. The
      number of malaria and pneumonia deaths is reduced by 7.8% by IMID across all age
      groups and IMID + OSS decreases this number by 30.5% across all age groups, which
      translates to saving a life of a child per month. Prevalence of malaria-pneumonia
      for the [0,5) age group is 0.52% at baseline, and IMID and IMID + OSS reduce it
      by 6.6% and 23.6%, respectively. There is no change in incidence of malaria or
      pneumonia disease episodes. The results also indicate that triaging of children
      contributes more than 50% to the effect of the interventions in reduction of
      deaths and a range of 14-91% in reduction of disease cases.

PMID- 27671286
TI  - Popliteus impingement after TKA may occur with well-sized prostheses.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the mechanisms and extents of popliteus impingements before
      and after TKA and to investigate the influence of implant sizing. The hypotheses
      were that (1) popliteus impingements after TKA may occur at both the tibia and
      the femur, and (2) even with an apparently well-sized prosthesis, popliteal
      tracking during knee flexion is modified compared to the preoperative situation.
      METHODS: The location of the popliteus in three cadaver knees was measured using
      computed tomography, before and after implantation of plastic TKA replicas, by
      injecting the tendon with radiopaque liquid. The pre- and post-operative
      positions of the popliteus were compared from full extension to deep flexion
      using normosized, oversized, and undersized implants (one size increments).
      RESULTS: At the tibia, TKA caused the popliteus to translate posteriorly, mostly
      in full extension: 4.1 +/- 2 mm for normosized implants, and 15.8 +/- 3 mm with
      oversized implants, but no translations were observed when using undersized
      implants. At the femur, TKA caused the popliteus to translate laterally at deeper
      flexion angles, peaking between 80 degrees  and 120 degrees : 2 +/- 0.4 mm for
      normosized implants and 2.6 +/- 0.5 mm with oversized implants. Three-dimensional
      analysis revealed prosthetic overhang at the posterosuperior corner of normosized
      and oversized femoral components (respectively, up to 2.9 mm and 6.6 mm).
      CONCLUSIONS: A well-sized tibial component modifies popliteal tracking, while an
      undersized tibial component maintains more physiologic patterns. Oversizing
      shifts the popliteus considerably throughout the full arc of motion. This study
      suggests that both femoro- and tibio-popliteus impingements could play a role in
      residual pain and stiffness after TKA.

PMID- 27671290
TI  - Association of luteal blood flow with follicular size, serum estrogen and
      progesterone concentrations, and the inducibility of luteolysis by PGF2alpha in
      dairy cows.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the compatibility of the visual
      evaluation result of the blood flow characteristics and the blood flow
      measurements of the CL and the predictability of the responses given by corpora
      lutea with varying levels of blood flow to an induction of luteolysis by a
      PGF2alpha injection and to determine the possibility of increase in serum
      estrogen and progesterone concentrations in parallel with increased luteal blood
      flow (LBF). The cows, bearing a CL (n = 60; postpartum 35 days), were injected
      with PGF2alpha and were monitored for signs of estrous following the first
      injection. The cows, which did not show estrous signs, were examined for the
      presence of a CL on Day 14, whereas those that showed signs of estrous were
      examined on Day 10 following the onset of estrous. The level of LBF was visually
      graded as + (low; GI), ++ (medium; GII), +++ (high; GIII), and ++++ (very high;
      GIV). Immediately after the examination of LBFs, a second intramuscular injection
      of PGF2alpha was injected. In the cows, which were determined to be in estrous,
      the diameter of the Graafian follicles was measured by B-mode ultrasonography.
      Subsequently, these animals were artificially inseminated. The animals, which did
      not show estrous after the second injection, were examined as previously
      described and monitored for signs of estrous. A strong correlation (r = 0.654; P
      < 0.001) was determined to exist between the results of the visual examination of
      the images and the results obtained for the LBF area with the use of the Pixel
      Flux software. GIII (0.83 +/- 0.15 cm2) and GIV (1.03 +/- 0.48 cm2) were found to
      differ from GI (0.47 +/- 0.23 cm2) and GII (0.51 +/- 0.12 cm2) for the size of
      the LBF (P < 0.001). Serum progesterone levels in groups (GI, GII, GIII, and GIV)
      were determined to be 4.44 +/- 2.42 ng/mL, 6.03 +/- 2.37 ng/mL, 7.01 +/- 2.94
      ng/mL, and 7.17 +/- 1.69 ng/mL, respectively. The comparative evaluation of the
      study groups showed that the groups did not statistically differ for the period
      between PGF2alpha injection and the onset of estrous, mean Graafian follicle size
      and estrogen levels. No direct correlation existed between these reproductive
      parameters and LBF.

PMID- 27671291
TI  - Searching biomarkers for mental disorders-lessons from Alzheimer's disease.

PMID- 27671292
TI  - Bacterial and Archaeal Diversities in Maotai Section of the Chishui River, China.
AB  - The Chishui River is the last undammed tributary of the upper Yangtze River,
      extends cross Sichuan, Yunnan and Guizhou provinces, and it is the significant
      water source of Maotai liquor, Southwest of China. We investigated microbial
      community of the Chishui River in the Maotai town section, because of deep
      relationship between the water and the most famous Chinese liquor, Maotai liquor.
      In this study, diversities of bacteria and archaea of four seasons were analyzed
      in two different sampling sites using a barcoded 16S rRNA gene-pyrosequencing
      approach. The results show that the predominant community among all bacteria is
      Proteobacteria (70.16-94.29 %), of which Gamma-proteobacteria made up the largest
      portion. Bacterial community structure in spring and autumn tended to group
      together, and the operational taxonomic units of bacteria peaked in summer. The
      quantitative PCR (q-PCR) results revealed significantly higher number of gene
      copies in the downstream than that in the upstream, and were slightly higher in
      summer and spring than other seasons. Archaeal community structures had no
      obvious regular pattern, and species richness was higher in downstream in all
      seasons. Euryarchaeota and Thaumarchaeota were the dominant groups in archaeal
      populations, and abundant ammonia-oxidizing archaea was detected. The study
      significantly improved our understanding of microbial community in Maotai section
      of the Chishui River, where the unique and world-famous Maotai liquor is
      produced.

PMID- 27671294
TI  - Synthesis of Arylpiperazine Derivatives as Protease Activated Receptor 1
      Antagonists and Their Evaluation as Antiproliferative Agents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Protease activated receptor-1 (PAR1) is a G-coupled receptor
      activated by alpha-thrombin and other proteases. Several reports have
      demonstrated the PAR1 involvement in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. In
      order to investigate on potential use of PAR1 antagonists as antiproliferative
      agents. AIMS: We have identified a series of arylpiperazine derivatives acting as
      PAR1 antagonists; the selected molecules have been evaluated for their
      antiproliferative properties. METHOD: All the compounds inhibited the growth of a
      panel of cell lines expressing PAR1; two of them, compounds 13 and 15, were able
      to inhibit, in a dose dependent manner, the growth of the selected cell lines
      with the lowest IC50 values, and were further characterized to define the
      mechanism responsible for the observed antiproliferative effect. RESULT: This
      study directed us to the identification of two interesting leads that may help to
      further validate PAR1 as an important therapeutic target for cancer treatment.

PMID- 27671295
TI  - Design and Synthesis of NO-releasing Betulinic Acid Derivatives as Potential
      Anticancer Agents.
AB  - A total of 16 targeted NO-releasing betulinic acid (BA) derivatives were designed
      and synthesized as potential anticancer agents. Most IC<sub>50</sub> values were
      under 1.0 MUM in vitro test against HepG2 and B16. The result suggested that
      derivatives of BA with alpha,beta-unsaturated ketone skeleton possessed
      significant cytotoxic activities than the others, among which derivatives with
      three carbons in diol linker (15b and 15c) exhibited the highest anti-cancer
      activity. NO-releasing amount detection of partial target compounds suggested
      that NO-releasing amount of this series of BA derivatives positively correlates
      with their cytotoxic activities. The anti-angiogenic activity of partial target
      compounds on zebrafish embryos in our experiment did not show any effects on the
      SIVs, however, they exhibited different influence on ISVs, with only 15a and 15d
      better than the negative control.

PMID- 27671296
TI  - Targeted Therapy Towards Cancer-A Perspective.
AB  - Radionuclide antibody conjugates (RACs) and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) can
      function as biotherapeutic missiles in order to target cancer cells and destroy
      them. The advent of new technology platforms consisting of imaging modalities,
      drug design and radiochemistry will facilitate the personalised approach for
      cancer patient treatment programmes. The utilisation of radionuclides and
      cytotoxic drugs conjugated to biovectors can deliver a cytotoxic drug payload
      with the ability to emit alpha and/or beta particles in the vicinity of the
      tumour by binding onto the cancer cells surface antigens initiating cell death.
      This perspective aims to provide an insight into targeted therapies in the
      treatment of various cancerous disease states including breast cancer, prostate
      bone metastases, lymphoma and leukaemia.

PMID- 27671297
TI  - Discovery of Potent Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors Using Ligand Based
      Modeling.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) is a one of the Tec tyrosine kinase
      family. It has an essential role in B-cell development and function. Activation
      of BTK has been associated with the pathogenesis of many types of lymphomas and
      leukemia, and involved in non-life threatening autoimmune diseases. OBJECTIVE: In
      this study, exhaustive pharmacophore modeling was combined with QSAR analyses to
      examine the structural requirements for anti-BTK activities. METHOD: Genetic
      function algorithm (GFA) was coupled with multiple linear regression (MLR)
      analysis to select the best combinations of physicochemical descriptors and
      pharmacophoric hypothesis capable of generating predictive and self-consistent
      QSAR models. The optimum pharmacophores were decorated with exclusion volumes to
      improve their receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve properties. The best
      predictive QSAR model and its corresponding pharmacophore models were validated
      by discovering of novel promising BTK inhibitors retrieved from the National
      Cancer Institute (NCI) database. RESULTS: Several potent hits exhibited anti
      proliferative activities on U-937 cell-line in low micromolar IC50, and one
      active compound showed nontoxic activities on normal fibroblast cell line.
      CONCLUSION: Our efforts culminated in the identification of potent BTK ligands
      having desired inhibitory activities and structurally distinct from known active
      reference compounds (i.e., training compounds) and represent new chemotypes.

PMID- 27671299
TI  - 4-Methylumbelliferones Analogues as Anticancer Agents: Synthesis and in Cell
      Pharmacological Studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cancer is one of the most serious clinical problems worldwide, and
      considerable efforts have been devoted to discovering therapeutic agents with
      novel modes of action. Natural and synthetic coumarin derivatives have attracted
      intense research interest due to their diverse structural features and remarkable
      array of biological properties. OBJECTIVE: In the present study, we synthesized a
      series of 4-MU derivatives containing urea-piperazine and thioureapiperazine
      moieties and evaluated their antitumor activities to find efficacy antitumor
      drugs. METHOD: Cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, the generation of
      reactive oxygen species and calcium were measured using MTT assay and flow
      cytometry, respectively. The expression of apoptosis- and proliferation-related
      proteins was determined by western blotting. The effect of 4l on apoptosis
      related mRNA expression in NCI-H460 cells was detected by RT-PCR. RESULTS: Most
      of the target compounds exhibited potential anticancer activities against tested
      cancer cells but had low cytotoxicity to normal cells. Compound 4l inhibited the
      growth and proliferation of NCI-H460 cells and resulted in apoptosis. Successive
      studies conducted with 4l in NCI-H460 cells demonstrated that this compound
      induced the intracellular reactive oxygen species generation and calcium
      overload, suppressed nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activity and regulated
      anti- and pro-apoptotic proteins. In addition, compound 4l effectively arrested
      NCI-H460 cells in G2 phase and altered the cell cycle regulatory proteins
      especially cyclin B1. CONCLUSION: Compound 4l exerts significant anticancer
      effects on NCI-H460 cells in vitro through targeting of mitochondria-dependent
      apoptotic pathway. These results indicate that the strategy for rational design
      of 4-MU derivatives may identify potential anticancer agents.

PMID- 27671298
TI  - Colorectal, Prostate and Pancreas Human Cancers Targeted Bioassay-guided
      Isolations and Characterization of Chemical Constituents from Tephrosia
      apollinea.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled cell division caused by
      dysregulation of cell proliferation. Therefore, agents that impair cancer cell
      proliferation could have potential therapeutic value. Higher plants are
      considered to be a good source of anticancer agents, and several clinically
      tested chemotherapeutic agents have been isolated from plants or derived from
      constituents of plant origin. METHODS: In the present study, a prenylated flavone
      (isoglabratephrin) was isolated from aerial parts of Tephrosia apollinea using a
      bioassay-guided technique. Chemical structure of the isolated compound was
      elucidated using spectroscopic techniques (NMR, IR, and LC-MC), elemental
      analysis and confirmed by using single crystal X-ray analysis. The
      antiproliferative effect of isoglabratephrin was tested using three human cancer
      cell lines (prostate (PC3), pancreatic (PANC-1), and colon (HCT-116) and one
      normal cell line (human fibroblast). RESULTS: Isoglabratephrin displayed
      selective inhibitory activity against proliferation of PC3 and PANC-1 cells with
      median inhibitory concentration values of 20.4 and 26.6 MUg/ml, respectively.
      Isoglabratephrin demonstrated proapoptotic features, as it induced chromatin
      dissolution, nuclear condensation, and fragmentation. It also disrupted the
      mitochondrial membrane potential in the treated cancer cells. CONCLUSION:
      Isoglabratephrin could be a new lead to treat human prostate (PC3) and pancreatic
      (PANC-1) malignancies.

PMID- 27671300
TI  - Synthetic Mono/di-halogenated Coumarin Derivatives and Their Anticancer
      Properties.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Coumarins are naturally occurring plant metabolites and several
      synthetic coumarin analogues are known for their various pharmacological
      properties such as anticoagulant, antimicrobial, anticancer, antioxidant, anti
      inflammatory and antiviral properties. Objective; Keeping this promising
      pharmacological properties in mind, in the present investigation,
      mono/dihalogenated coumarin analogues CMRN1-CMRN7 have been synthesized and
      evaluated for their anticancer activity. METHOD: The cytotoxicity potential of
      the test compounds was evaluated against UACC-62, MCF-7 and PBM (Peripheral Blood
      Mononuclear) cell lines using MTT assay. The apoptotic potential of the coumarin
      compounds was evaluated against UACC-62 cell by assessing membrane change,
      mitochondria membrane potential, pro-apoptotic changes were investigated using
      the AnnexinV-PI staining, JC-1, caspase-3 enzyme kits respectively on flow
      cytometer. RESULTS: The test compounds CMRN1, CMRN2, CMRN4 and CMRN5 have
      strongly suppressed the cell proliferation of UACC-62 and MCF-7 cancer cell
      lines. Furthermore the test compounds CMRN1, CMRN2, CMRN4 and CMRN5 exerted
      antiproliferative effects through apoptosis induction against UACC-62.
      CONCLUSION: Compounds CMRN1, CMRN2, CMRN4 and CMRN5 can be considered as lead
      compounds to arrive at a promising anticancer agents.

PMID- 27671302
TI  - Thiosemicarbazone Derivative Induces in vitro Apoptosis in Metastatic PC-3 Cells
      via Activation of Mitochondrial Pathway.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thiosemicarbazone (TSC) is a Schiff base that has been receiving
      considerable attention owing to its promising biological implication and
      remarkable pharmacological properties. The most promising drug candidate of this
      class would be Triapine (3-aminopyridine-2-carboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazone)
      which has entered phase II clinical trials as a potent anti-cancer
      chemotherapeutic agent. OBJECTIVE: The current research aimed to synthesize
      several Schiff base ligands from (3-formyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)
      methyltriphenylphosphonium (T). Additionally, the current research aimed to study
      the growth inhibitory effect of triphenylphosphonium containing thiosemicarbazone
      derivatives on PC-3 cells by deciphering the mechanisms involved in cell death.
      METHOD: The compounds were characterized by various spectroscopic methods
      (infrared spectra, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, HRESIMS and X-ray crystallography) and the
      results were in conformity with the structure of the targeted compounds. Growth
      inhibitory effect of the compounds were performed against six human cell lines.
      RESULTS: DM(tsc)T displayed most potent activity against PC-3 cells with IC50
      value of 2.64 +/- 0.33 MUM, surpassing that of the positive control cisplatin
      (5.47 +/- 0.06 MUM). There were marked morphological changes observed in DM(tsc)T
      treated cells stained with acridine orange and ethidium bromide which were
      indicative of cell apoptosis. Treatment with DM(tsc)T showed that the cell cycle
      is arrested in the G0/G1 phase after 72 hours. Mitochondrial membrane potential
      loss was observed in cells treated with DM(tsc)T, indicating the apoptosis could
      be due to mitochondria mediated pathway. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that
      DM(tsc)T would serve as a lead scaffold for rational anticancer agent
      development.

PMID- 27671301
TI  - Polo-like Kinase 1-targeting Chitosan Nanoparticles Suppress the Progression of
      Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent investigations have implicated that Chitosan-nucleotide
      nanoparticles might be useful non-viral carriers in gene therapy. Polo-like
      kinase 1 (PLK1) has been reported to be an important oncogene that exerted
      considerable therapeutic merit in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). OBJECTIVE: We
      explored whether Galactosylated chitosan-graft-poly(ethylene glycol) (GCP)
      nanoparticlemediated delivery of PLK1 siRNA nucleotides could serve as an
      effective anti-cancer agent for HCC therapy. METHOD: GCP nanoparticles were
      prepared to deliver PLK1 siRNA oligos into HCC cells and tissues. Real-time
      fluorescence quantitative PCR (RFQ-PCR) and western blotting analyses were used
      to examine the efficiency of nanoparticle-mediated depletion of PLK1 in HepG2
      cells. Cell proliferation and apoptotic death were also examined using flow
      cytometric, MTT and TUNEL assays. Xenograft mouse model was conducted to assess
      the impact of GCP/siRNA nanoparticles on the in vivo growth of HCC cells.
      RESULTS: GCP nanoparticles bind to PLK1 siRNA efficiently. The particle size and
      zeta potential of GCP/siRNA nanoparticles are suitable for cellular delivery.
      PLK1-targeting nanoparticles inhibited cell proliferation through inducing G2/M
      phase arrest with a higher efficacy than a selective and potent PLK1 inhibitor BI
      2536. Moreover, TUNEL assay revealed that PLK1-siRNA nanoparticles induced
      apparent apoptosis in HepG2 cells. In addition, PLK1-targeting nanoparticles
      induced significant upregulation of cellular p53, Bax and p21, whereas the level
      of Bcl-2 was impaired in HCC cells. Moreover, PLK1-targeting nanoparticles
      impaired the tumorigenicity of HepG2 cells in vivo. CONCLUSION: These findings
      indicate that PLK1-targeting nanoparticles exert considerable therapeutic merit
      and GCP/siRNA nanoparticles would be a valuable therapeutic carrier for HCC.

PMID- 27671303
TI  - TGF-beta Signal Transduction in Pancreatic Carcinoma Cells is Sensitive to
      Inhibition by the Src Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor AZM475271.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Earlier results from our group have shown that in pancreatic ductal
      adenocarcinoma (PDAC)-derived cells transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1
      dependent epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell motility was inhibited
      by the Src inhibitors PP2 and PP1 both of which targeted the TGF-beta receptors
      for inhibition. OBJECTIVE: In this study we evaluated the impact of another Src
      inhibitor, AZM475271, on various TGF-beta responses in PDAC cells. METHOD: The
      effect of AZM475271 on TGF-beta1-induced random cell migration (chemokinesis),
      the expression of EMT and migration/invasion-associated genes, TGF-beta-induced
      luciferase activity, and C-terminal phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3 was
      measured in the PDAC-derived Panc-1 and Colo357 cell lines using real-time cell
      migration assays, quantitative real-time PCR, luciferase reporter gene assays and
      phosphoimmunoblotting, respectively. RESULTS: AZM475271 effectively blocked TGF
      beta1-induced chemokinesis of Panc-1 cells in a dose-dependent fashion and
      inhibited the high chemokinetic activity of Panc-1 cells with ectopic expression
      of a constitutively active ALK5T204D mutant. AZM475271 but not another Src
      inhibitor, SU6656, partially relieved the suppressive effect of TGF-beta1 on E
      cadherin and inhibited TGF-beta1-induced upregulation of the MMP2, MMP9, N
      cadherin and vimentin genes, activity of a TGF-beta1-dependent reporter gene, and
      activation of Smad2 and Smad3. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that AZM475271 cross
      inhibits tumor-promoting TGF-beta signaling and may thus function as an inhibitor
      of both TGF-beta and Src in both experimental and clinical therapies against
      metastatic dissemination in late-stage PDAC.

PMID- 27671304
TI  - Dehydroleucodine Induces a TP73-dependent Transcriptional Regulation of Multiple
      Cell Death Target Genes in Human Glioblastoma Cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dehydroleucodine, a natural sesquiterpene lactone from Artemisia
      douglassiana Besser (Argentine) and Gynoxys verrucosa (Ecuador). OBJECTIVE: To
      define the molecular mechanisms underlying the effect of dehydroleucodine on the
      human glioblastoma cells. METHOD: Various techniques (cDNA expression array, real
      time quantitative PCR, chromatin immunprecipitation, luciferase reporter assay,
      use of phosphospecific antibodies, immunoprecipitation, immunoblotting, apoptosis
      and autophagy assays) were employed to define and validate multiple molecular
      gene targets affected in human glioblastoma cells upon dehydroleucodine exposure.
      RESULTS: Dehydroleucodine exposure upregulated the total and phosphorylated (p
      Y99) levels of TP73 in U87- MG glioblastoma cells. We found that TP73 silencing
      led to a partial rescue of U87-MG cells from the cell death induced by
      dehydroleucodine. Upon the dehydroleucodine exposure numerous gene targets were
      upregulated and downregulated through a TP73-dependent transcriptional mechanism.
      Some of these gene targets are known to be involved in cell cycle arrest,
      apoptosis, autophagy and necroptosis. Dehydroleucodine induced the TP73 binding
      to the specific genes promoters (CDKN1A, BAX, TP53AIP1, CYLD, RIPK1, and APG5L).
      Moreover, the exposure of U87-MG cells to dehydroleucodine upregulated the
      protein levels of CDKN1A, BAX, TP53AIP1, CYLD, RIPK1, APG5L, and downregulated
      the CASP8 level. The formation of RIPK1 protein complexes and phosphorylation of
      MLKL were induced by dehydroleucodine supporting the notion of multiple cell
      death mechanisms implicated in the tumor cell response to dehydroleucodine.
      CONCLUSION: This multifaceted study led to a conclusion that dehydroleucodine
      induces the phosphorylation of tumor protein TP73 and in turn activates numerous
      TP73-target genes regulating apoptosis, autophagy and necroptosis in human
      glioblastoma cells..

PMID- 27671305
TI  - Design and Synthesis of 4-substituted Quinazolines as Potent EGFR Inhibitors with
      Anti-breast Cancer Activity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cancer is a major health problem to human beings around the world.
      Many quinazoline derivatives were reported to have potent cytotoxic activity.
      AIMS: Our aim in this work is the discovery of potent epidermal growth factor
      receptor (EGFR) inhibitors with anti-breast cancer activity containing 4
      substituted quinazoline pharmacophore. METHOD: Novel series of 4-substituted 6,8
      dibromo-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-quinazoline derivatives have been designed and
      synthesized. New derivatives were tested against MCF-7 (human breast carcinoma
      cell line) and screened for their inhibition activity against epidermal growth
      factor receptor tyrosine kinase (EGFR-TK). RESULT: Most of the tested compounds
      show potent antiproliferative activity and EGFR-TK inhibitory activity. Compounds
      VIIIc and VIIIb exerted powerful cytotoxic activity (IC50 3.1 and 6.3 MUM) with
      potent inhibitory percent (91.1 and 88.4%) against EGFR-TK. Compounds IX, VIIa,
      X, VIIb, VIc, V, IV, VIa and VIb showed promising cytotoxic effects with IC50
      range (12-79 MUM) with good activity against EGFR-TK with the inhibitory percent
      (85.4-60.8%). On the other hand, compounds VIIc, VIIIa exerted low cytotoxic
      effects as revealed from their IC50 value (124 and 144 MUM) with low activity
      against EGFR-TK with inhibitory percent 30.6 and 29.1% respectively.

PMID- 27671306
TI  - Curcumin Targets Circulating Cancer Stem Cells by Inhibiting Self-Renewal
      Efficacy in Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The ultimate goal of the study was to find a role of curcumin in
      targeting lung cancer stem cells by reducing their self-renewal efficiency
      causing DNA damage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Circulating lung cancer stem cells
      were isolated by sphere formation assay and further analysed by flow-cytometry
      and qRT-PCR for the presence of stem cell and stem cell transcription markers.
      The IC50 values of gemcitabine and curcumin were analysed by MTT assay, while
      curcumin induced DNA damage was scrutinized by single cell gel electrophoresis
      assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that curcumin
      significantly affect the self-renewal ability of circulating lung cancer stem
      cells. The no. of spheres formed in the presence of curcumin was shown to be
      significantly decreased. Additionally, our results depicted that 4.52+/-0.72 %
      and 95.47+/-0.72 % (p < 0.0001) of DNA material was found to be present in head
      and tail, respectively, suggesting curcumin's functional potential to cause DNA
      damage. Thus, we can conclude that curcumin can be used to target lung cancer
      stem cells which is responsible for the disease progression and metastasis by
      causing DNA damage or inhibiting their DNA repair mechanisms.

PMID- 27671307
TI  - Mechanism and Anticancer Activity of the Metabolites of an Endophytic Fungi from
      Eucommia ulmoides Oliv.
AB  - : Backgroud: Pinoresinol (Pin) and pinoresinol monoglucoside (PMG) are plant
      derived lignan molecules with multiple functions. We showed previously that an
      endophytic fungus from Eucommia ulmoides Oliv., Phomopsis sp. XP-8 is able to
      produce Pin and PMG. OBJECTIVE: This study was carried out to test the anti-tumor
      capability of the culture of XP-8 and identify the major effective compounds.
      METHOD: The fungal culture was added in the culture of HepG2 and K562 cells, and
      the viabilities of these cells were detected and the possible mechanism was
      analyzed. RESULT: The fungal culture showed significant capaiblity in decreasing
      the viability of tumor cells and induce apoptosis via up-regulation of the
      expression of apoptosis-related genes. It also significantly inhibited the
      adhesion and migration of HepG2 cells by blocking MMP-9 expression. Pin and PMG
      were isolated from the growth culture and shown to be the major effective
      components for inhibition. CONCLUSION: The study indicated the potential
      application of XP-8 in the production of anti-tumour products by the
      bioconversion of glucose.

PMID- 27671308
TI  - 2-(&#969;-Carboxyethyl)pyrrole Antibody as a New Inhibitor of Tumor Angiogenesis
      and Growth.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Angiogenesis is a fundamental process in the progression, invasion,
      and metastasis of tumors. Therapeutic drugs such as bevacizumab and ranibuzumab
      have thus been developed to inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor (VEFG)
      promoted angiogenesis. While these anti-angiogenic drugs have been commonly used
      in the treatment of cancer, patients often develop significant resistance that
      limits the efficacy of anti-VEGF therapies to a short period of time. This is in
      part due to the fact that an independent pathway of angiogenesis exists, which is
      mediated by 2-(omega-carboxyethyl)pyrrole (CEP) in a TLR2 receptor-dependent
      manner that can compensate for inhibition of the VEGF-mediated pathway. AIMS: In
      this work, we evaluated a CEP antibody as a new tumor growth inhibitor that
      blocks CEP-induced angiogenesis. METHOD: We first evaluated the effectiveness of
      a CEP antibody as a monotherapy to impede tumor growth in two human tumor
      xenograft models. We then determined the synergistic effects of bevacizumab and
      CEP antibody in a combination therapy, which demonstrated that blocking of the
      CEP-mediated pathway significantly enhanced the anti-angiogenic efficacy of
      bevacizumab in tumor growth inhibition indicating that CEP antibody is a
      promising chemotherapeutic drug. To facilitate potential translational studies of
      CEP-antibody, we also conducted longitudinal imaging studies and identified that
      FMISO-PET is a non-invasive imaging tool that can be used to quantitatively
      monitor the anti-angiogenic effects of CEP-antibody in the clinical setting.
      RESULTS: That treatment with CEP antibody induces hypoxia in tumor tissue WHICH
      was indicated by 43% higher uptake of [18F]FMISO in CEP antibody-treated tumor
      xenografs than in the control PBS-treated littermates.

PMID- 27671309
TI  - Evaluation of Melatonin Effect on Human Breast Cancer Stem Cells Using a
      Threedimensional Growth Method of Mammospheres.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The high rates of women&#039;s death from breast cancer occur due to
      acquired resistance by patients to certain treatments, enabling the recurrence
      and/or tumor growth, invasion and metastasis. It has been demonstrated that the
      presence of cancer stem cells in human tumors, as responsible for recurrence and
      resistance to therapy. Studies have identified OCT4 as responsible for self
      renewal and maintenance of pluripotency of stem cells. Thus, it is interesting to
      study potential drugs that target this specific population in breast cancer.
      Melatonin, appears to have oncostatic effects on cancer cells, however, little is
      known about its therapeutic effect on cancer stem cells. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the
      viability and the expression of OCT4 in breast cancer stem cells, MCF-7 and MDA
      MB- 231, after melatonin treatment. METHOD: The cells were grown in a 3
      dimensional model of mammospheres, representing the breast cancer stem cell
      population and treated or not with melatonin. The cell viability of mammospheres
      were evaluated by MTT assay and the OCT4 expression, a cancer stem cells marker,
      was verified by immunocitochemistry. RESULTS: Our results demonstrated that the
      melatonin treatment decreased the cell viability of MCF-7 and MDAMB- 231
      mammospheres. Furthermore, it was observed that in both cell lines, the
      expression of OCT4 was decreased in melatonin-treated cells compared to the
      control group. CONCLUSIONS: This fact suggests that melatonin is effective
      against breast cancer stem cells inhibiting the cell viability via OCT 4. Based
      on that, we believe that melatonin has a high potential to be used as an
      alternative treatment for breast cancer.

PMID- 27671310
TI  - In Vivo Performance of a Ruthenium-cyclopentadienyl Compound in an Orthotopic
      Triple Negative Breast Cancer Model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ruthenium-based anti-cancer compounds are proposed as viable
      alternatives that might circumvent the disadvantages of platinum-based drugs, the
      only metallodrugs in clinical use for chemotherapy. Organometallic complexes in
      particular hold great potential as alternative therapeutic agents since their
      cytotoxicity involves different modes of action and present reduced toxicity
      profiles. OBJECTIVE: During the last few years our research group has been
      reporting on a series of organometallic ruthenium(II)- cyclopentadienyl complexes
      with important cytotoxicity against several cancer cell lines, surpassing
      cisplatin in activity. We report herein preliminary in vivo studies with one
      representative compound of this family, with exceptional activity against several
      human cancer cell lines, including the glycolytic and highly metastatic MDAMB231
      cell line used in this study. METHOD: The anti-tumor activity of our compound was
      studied in vivo on N:NIH(S)II-nu/nu nude female mice bearing triple negative
      breast cancer (TNBC) orthotopic tumors. Administration of 2.5 mg/kg/day during
      ten days caused cell death mostly by necrosis (in vitro and in vivo), inducing
      tumor growth suppression of about 50% in treated animals when compared to
      controls. RESULTS: The most remarkable result supporting the effectiveness and
      potential of this drug was the absence of metastases in the main organs of
      treated animals, while metastases were present in the lungs of all control mice,
      as revealed by histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis. CONCLUSION:
      These in vivo studies suggest a dual effect for our drug not only by suppressing
      growth at the primary tumor tissue but also by inhibiting its metastatic
      behavior. Altogether, these results represent a benchmark and a solid starting
      point for future studies.

PMID- 27671311
TI  - Synthesis and Anti-cancer Activity of 3-substituted Benzoyl-4-substituted Phenyl
      1H-pyrrole Derivatives.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cancer is considered a major public health problem worldwide.
      OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to design and synthesis of novel anticancer
      agents with potent anticancer activity and minimum side effects. METHOD: A series
      of pyrrole derivatives were synthesized, their anti-cancer activity against nine
      cancer cell lines and two non-cancer cell lines were evaluated by MTT assay, and
      their cell cycle progression were determined by flow cytometry analysis. RESULTS:
      The study of the structure-activity relationships revealed that the introduction
      of the electron-donation groups at the 4th position of the pyrrole ring increased
      the anti-cancer activity. Among the synthesized compounds, specially the
      compounds bearing 3,4-dimethoxy phenyl at the 4th position of the pyrrole ring
      showed potent anti-cancer activity, cpd 19 was the most potent against MGC 80-3,
      HCT-116 and CHO cell lines (IC50s = 1.0-1.7 MUM), cpd 21 was the most potent
      against HepG2, DU145 and CT-26 cell lines (IC50s = 0.5-0.9 MUM), and cpd 15 was
      the most potent against A549 (IC50 = 3.6 MUM). Moreover, these potent compounds
      showed weak cytotoxicity against HUVEC and NIH/3T3. Thus, the cpds 15, 19 and 21
      show potential anti-cancer for further investigation. Furthermore, the flow
      cytometry analysis revealed that cpd 21 arrested the CT-26 cells at S phase, and
      induced the cell apoptosis. CONCLUSION: Thus, these compounds with the potent
      anticancer activity and low toxicity have potential for the development of new
      anticancer chemotherapy agents.

PMID- 27671312
TI  - Honoring Jean-David Rochaix.
AB  - We honor Jean-David Rochaix, an outstanding scholar of chloroplast biogenesis and
      photosynthesis, who received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award of the
      International Society of Photosynthesis Research at its 17th International
      Photosynthesis Congress held in Maastricht, The Netherlands (August 5-12, 2016).
      With this award he joins other major discoverers in the field of photosynthesis:
      Pierre Joliot (of France, 2013); Ulrich W. Heber* (of Germany, 2010) and Kenneth
      Sauer (of USA, 2010); Jan M. Anderson* (of Australia, 2007); and Horst T. Witt*
      (of Germany, 2004). See "Appendix 1" for the list of those who have received the
      ISPR Communication, Innovation, Calvin-Benson, and Hill awards.

PMID- 27671313
TI  - Long-Term Survival of Individuals Born With Congenital Heart Disease: A
      Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PMID- 27671314
TI  - Distinguishing Tachycardia Mediated From Structural Cardiomyopathy: Association
      of Late Gadolinium Enhancement With Recovery of Ventricular Systolic Function
      Following Atrial Fibrillation Ablation.

PMID- 27671315
TI  - Role of Early Repolarization Pattern in Increasing Risk of Death.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An early repolarization pattern (ERP) has been hypothesized to be
      arrhythmogenic in experimental studies, but the prognostic significance of the
      ERP in the general population is controversial. We performed a meta-analysis to
      examine the link between ERP and the risk of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), cardiac
      death, and death from any cause. METHODS AND RESULTS: We performed a literature
      search using MEDLINE (January 1, 1966 to July 31, 2015) and EMBASE (January 1,
      1980 to July 31, 2015) with no restrictions. Studies that reported relative risk
      (RR) estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations of
      interest were included. Sixteen studies involving 334 524 subjects were
      identified. Compared with those without ERP, subjects with ERP experienced
      significantly increased risk for developing SCA (RR 2.18; 95% CI 1.29-3.68),
      cardiac death (RR 1.48; 95% CI 1.06-2.07), and death from any cause (RR 1.21; 95%
      CI 1.02-1.42), respectively. The increased risk was present predominantly in
      Asians and whites but not in African Americans. ERP with J-point elevation in
      inferior leads, notching configuration, and horizontal or descending ST segment
      connote higher risk. ERP was associated with an absolute risk increase of 139.6
      (95% CI 130.3-149.3) additional SCAs per 100 000 person-years and responsible for
      7.3% (95% CI 1.9-15.2) of SCA in the general population. CONCLUSIONS: ERP is
      associated with significant increased risk for SCA, cardiac death, and death from
      any cause. Future studies should focus on understanding the exact mechanisms for
      the arrhythmia risk and developing reliable tools for risk stratification.

PMID- 27671317
TI  - Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 Regulates Mitochondrial Membrane
      Potential and Myocardial Reperfusion Injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) mediates
      cellular responses to pain, heat, or noxious stimuli by calcium influx; however,
      the cellular localization and function of TRPV1 in the cardiomyocyte is largely
      unknown. We studied whether myocardial injury is regulated by TRPV1 and whether
      we could mitigate reperfusion injury by limiting the calcineurin interaction with
      TRPV1. METHODS AND RESULTS: In primary cardiomyocytes, confocal and electron
      microscopy demonstrates that TRPV1 is localized to the mitochondria. Capsaicin,
      the specific TRPV1 agonist, dose-dependently reduced mitochondrial membrane
      potential and was blocked by the TRPV1 antagonist capsazepine or the calcineurin
      inhibitor cyclosporine. Using in silico analysis, we discovered an interaction
      site for TRPV1 with calcineurin. We synthesized a peptide, V1-cal, to inhibit the
      interaction between TRPV1 and calcineurin. In an in vivo rat myocardial
      infarction model, V1-cal given just prior to reperfusion substantially mitigated
      myocardial infarct size compared with vehicle, capsaicin, or cyclosporine (24+/
      3% versus 61+/-2%, 45+/-1%, and 49+/-2%, respectively; n=6 per group; P<0.01
      versus all groups). Infarct size reduction by V1-cal was also not seen in TRPV1
      knockout rats. CONCLUSIONS: TRPV1 is localized at the mitochondria in
      cardiomyocytes and regulates mitochondrial membrane potential through an
      interaction with calcineurin. We developed a novel therapeutic, V1-cal, that
      substantially reduces reperfusion injury by inhibiting the interaction of
      calcineurin with TRPV1. These data suggest that TRPV1 is an end-effector of
      cardioprotection and that modulating the TRPV1 protein interaction with
      calcineurin limits reperfusion injury.

PMID- 27671316
TI  - Effect of Late Gadolinium Enhancement on the Recovery of Left Ventricular
      Systolic Function After Pulmonary Vein Isolation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The factors that predict recovery of left ventricular (LV) systolic
      dysfunction among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are not completely
      understood. Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) of the LV has been reported among
      patients with AF, and we aimed to test whether the presence LGE was associated
      with subsequent recovery of LV systolic function among patients with AF and LV
      dysfunction. METHODS AND RESULTS: From a registry of 720 consecutive patients
      undergoing a cardiac magnetic resonance study prior to pulmonary vein isolation
      (PVI), patients with LV systolic dysfunction (ejection fraction [EF] <50%) were
      identified. The primary outcome was recovery of LVEF defined as an EF >50%; a
      secondary outcome was a combined outcome of subsequent heart failure (HF),
      admission, and death. Of 720 patients, 172 (24%) had an LVEF of <50% prior to
      PVI. The mean LVEF pre-PVI was 41+/-6% (median 43%, range 20% to 49%). Forty
      three patients (25%) had LGE (25 [58%] ischemic), and the extent of LGE was 7.5+/
      4% (2% to 19%). During follow-up (mean 42 months), 91 patients (53%) had recovery
      of LVEF, 68 (40%) had early recurrence of AF, 65 (38%) had late AF, 18 (5%) were
      admitted for HF, and 23 died (13%). Factors associated with nonrecovery of LVEF
      were older age, history of myocardial infarction, early AF recurrence, late AF
      recurrence, and LGE. In a multivariable model, the presence of LGE and any
      recurrence of AF had the strongest association with persistence of LV
      dysfunction. Additionally, all patients without recurrence of AF and LGE had
      normalization of LVEF, and recovery of LVEF was associated with reduced HF
      admissions and death. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with AF and LV dysfunction
      undergoing PVI, the absence of LGE and AF recurrence are predictors of LVEF
      recovery and LVEF recovery in AF with associated reduction in subsequent death
      and heart failure.

PMID- 27671319
TI  - Detection of Atrial Fibrillation Among Patients With Stroke Due to Large or Small
      Vessel Disease: A Meta-Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent trials have demonstrated that extended cardiac monitoring
      increases the yield of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) detection in patients
      with cryptogenic stroke. The utility of extended cardiac monitoring is uncertain
      among patients with stroke caused by small and large vessel disease. We conducted
      a meta-analysis to estimate the yield of AF detection in this population. METHODS
      AND RESULTS: We searched PubMed, Cochrane, and SCOPUS databases for studies on AF
      detection in stroke patients and excluded studies restricted to patients with
      cryptogenic stroke or transient ischemic attack. We abstracted AF detection rates
      for 3 populations grouped by stroke etiology: large vessel stroke, small vessel
      stroke, and stroke of undefined etiology (a mixture of cryptogenic, small vessel,
      large vessel, and other stroke etiologies). Our search yielded 30 studies
      (n=5687). AF detection rates were similar in patients with large vessel (2.2%,
      95% CI 0.3-5.5; n=830) and small vessel stroke (2.4%, 95% CI 0.4-6.1; n=520). No
      studies had a monitoring duration longer than 7 days. The yield of AF detection
      in the undefined stroke population was higher (9.2%; 95% CI 7.1-11.5) compared to
      small vessel stroke (P=0.02) and large vessel stroke (P=0.02) populations.
      CONCLUSIONS: AF detection rate is similar in patients with small and large vessel
      strokes (2.2-2.4%). Because no studies reported on extended monitoring (>7 days)
      in these stroke populations, we could not estimate the yield of AF detection with
      long-term cardiac monitoring. Randomized controlled trials are needed to examine
      the utility of AF detection with long-term cardiac monitoring (>7 days) in this
      patient population.

PMID- 27671318
TI  - Irisin Inhibits Atherosclerosis by Promoting Endothelial Proliferation Through
      microRNA126-5p.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Irisin is a newly discovered myokine that has been considered a
      promising candidate for the treatment of cardiovascular disease through improving
      endothelial function. However, little is known about the role of irisin in the
      progression of atherosclerosis. METHODS AND RESULTS: We used a carotid partial
      ligation model of apolipoprotein E-deficient mice fed on a high-cholesterol diet
      to test the anti-atherosclerosis effect of irisin. Irisin treatment significantly
      suppressed carotid neointima formation. It was associated with increased
      endothelial cell proliferation. In addition, irisin promoted human umbilical vein
      endothelial cell survival via upregulating microRNA126-5p expression through the
      ERK signaling pathway. Inhibition of microRNA126-5p using the microRNA126-5p
      inhibitor abolished the prosurvival effect. The same results were demonstrated in
      vivo as the expression of microRNA126-5p noticeably increased in ligated carotid
      artery after irisin treatment. Furthermore, in vivo blockade of microRNA126-5p
      expression using the antagomir abolished the inhibitory effects of irisin on
      neointima formation, lesional lipid deposition, macrophage area, and the pro
      proliferation effects on endothelial cells. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our
      study demonstrates that irisin significantly reduces atherosclerosis in
      apolipoprotein E-deficient mice via promoting endothelial cell proliferation
      through microRNA126-5p, which may have a direct therapeutic effect on
      atherosclerotic diseases.

PMID- 27671320
TI  - Self-Care Disparities Among Adults with Type 2 Diabetes in the USA.
AB  - Suboptimal glycemic control is more common among non-Hispanic Blacks (NHBs) and
      Hispanics than non-Hispanic Whites (NHWs). Disparities in the performance of self
      care behaviors may contribute to this. To synthesize knowledge on current self
      care disparities, we reviewed studies from January 2011-March 2016 that included
      NHWs, NHBs, and Hispanics with type 2 diabetes in the USA. Self-care behaviors
      included diet, exercise, medications, self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG),
      self-foot exams, and not smoking. Of 1241 articles identified in PubMed, 25 met
      our inclusion criteria. These studies report consistent disparities in medication
      adherence. Surprisingly, we found consistent evidence of no disparities in
      exercise and some evidence of reverse disparities: compared to NHWs, Hispanics
      had healthier diets and NHBs had more regular SMBG. Consistent use of validated
      measures could further inform disparities in diet and exercise. Additional
      research is needed to test for disparities in self-foot exams, not smoking, and
      diabetes-specific problem solving and coping.

PMID- 27671322
TI  - Endoscopic transnasal surgery for planum and tuberculum sella meningiomas:
      decision-making, technique and outcomes.
AB  - Tuberculum sella and planum sphenoidale meningiomas pose a management challenge
      given their intimate relationship to surrounding critical neurovascular
      structures. The development and advancement of expanded endoscopic transnasal
      surgery has provided a good surgical option that in well-selected cases, may
      provide several advantages over a transcranial route. These include early
      devascularization, complete dura and bone removal, elimination of brain
      retraction and enhanced visualization of the optic apparatus perforating vessels.
      The authors review the endoscopic transnasal approach to these tumors and discuss
      surgical decision-making and case selection, surgical technique and outcomes. We
      also discuss the expanding role of stereotactic radiosurgery and fractionated
      stereotactic radiotherapy for these challenging lesions. 

PMID- 27671324
TI  - Subchronic vortioxetine treatment -but not escitalopram- enhances pyramidal
      neuron activity in the rat prefrontal cortex.
AB  - Vortioxetine (VOR) is a multimodal antidepressant drug. VOR is a 5-HT3-R, 5-HT7-R
      and 5-HT1D-R antagonist, 5-HT1B-R partial agonist, 5-HT1A-R agonist, and
      serotonin transporter (SERT) inhibitor. VOR shows pro-cognitive activity in
      animal models and beneficial effects on cognitive dysfunction in major depressive
      patients. Here we compared the effects of 14-day treatments with VOR and
      escitalopram (ESC, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) on neuronal activity
      in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Ten groups of rats (5 standard, 5
      depleted of 5-HT with p-chlorophenylalanine -pCPA-, used as model of cognitive
      impairment) were fed with control food or with two doses of VOR-containing food.
      Four groups were implanted with minipumps delivering vehicle or ESC 10 mg/kg.day
      s.c. The two VOR doses enable occupation by VOR of SERT+5-HT3-R and all targets,
      respectively, and correspond to SERT occupancies in patients treated with 5 and
      20 VOR mg/day, respectively. Putative pyramidal neurons (n = 985) were recorded
      extracellularly in the mPFC of anesthetized rats. Sub-chronic VOR administration
      (but not ESC) significantly increased neuronal discharge in standard and 5-HT
      depleted conditions, with a greater effect of the low VOR dose in standard rats.
      VOR increased neuronal discharge in infralimbic (IL) and prelimbic (PrL)
      cortices. Hence, oral VOR doses evoking SERT occupancies similar to those in
      treated patients increase mPFC neuronal discharge. The effect in 5-HT-depleted
      rats cannot be explained by an antagonist action of VOR at 5-HT3-R and suggests a
      non-canonical interaction of VOR with 5-HT3-R. These effects may underlie the
      superior pro-cognitive efficacy of VOR compared with SSRIs in animal models.

PMID- 27671323
TI  - The antidepressant bupropion is a negative allosteric modulator of serotonin type
      3A receptors.
AB  - The FDA-approved antidepressant and smoking cessation drug bupropion is known to
      inhibit dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake transporters, as well as nicotinic
      acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) which are cation-conducting members of the Cys
      loop superfamily of ion channels, and more broadly pentameric ligand-gated ion
      channels (pLGICs). In the present study, we examined the ability of bupropion and
      its primary metabolite hydroxybupropion to block the function of cation-selective
      serotonin type 3A receptors (5-HT3ARs), and further characterized bupropion's
      pharmacological effects at these receptors. Mouse 5-HT3ARs were heterologously
      expressed in HEK-293 cells or Xenopus laevis oocytes for equilibrium binding
      studies. In addition, the latter expression system was utilized for functional
      studies by employing two-electrode voltage-clamp recordings. Both bupropion and
      hydroxybupropion inhibited serotonin-gated currents from 5-HT3ARs reversibly and
      dose-dependently with inhibitory potencies of 87 MUM and 112 MUM, respectively.
      Notably, the measured IC50 value for hydroxybupropion is within its
      therapeutically-relevant concentrations. The blockade by bupropion was largely
      non-competitive and non-use-dependent. Unlike its modulation at cation-selective
      pLGICs, bupropion displayed no significant inhibition of the function of anion
      selective pLGICs. In summary, our results demonstrate allosteric blockade by
      bupropion of the 5-HT3AR. Importantly, given the possibility that bupropion's
      major active metabolite may achieve clinically relevant concentrations in the
      brain, our novel findings delineate a not yet identified pharmacological
      principle underlying its antidepressant effect.

PMID- 27671325
TI  - Early life disruption to the ghrelin system with over-eating is resolved in
      adulthood in male rats.
AB  - Early life overweight is a significant risk factor for developmental programming
      of adult obesity due to changes in the availability of metabolic factors crucial
      for the maturation of brain appetite-regulatory circuitry. The appetite
      stimulating hormone, ghrelin, has been recently identified as a major regulator
      of the establishment of hypothalamic feeding pathways. Ghrelin exists in
      circulation in two major forms, as acylated and des-acylated ghrelin. While most
      research has focused on acyl ghrelin, the role of neonatal des-acyl ghrelin in
      metabolic programming is currently unknown. Here we assessed the influences of
      early life overfeeding on the ghrelin system, including acyl and des-acyl
      ghrelin's ability to access the hypothalamus in male rats. Our data show that
      early life overfeeding influences the ghrelin system short-term, leading to an
      acute reduction in circulating des-acyl ghrelin and increased expression of the
      growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) in the arcuate nucleus of the
      hypothalamus (ARC). These changes are associated with increased neuronal
      activation in response to exogenous acyl, but not des-acyl, ghrelin in the ARC
      and the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN). Interestingly, while
      we observed no differences in the accessibility of the ARC to acyl or des-acyl
      ghrelin, less exogenous acyl ghrelin reaches the PVN in the neonatally overfed.
      Importantly, the influences of neonatal overfeeding on the ghrelin system were
      not maintained into adulthood. Therefore, while early life overfeeding results in
      excess body weight and stimulates acute changes in the brain's sensitivity to
      metabolic signals, this developmental mal-programming is at least partially
      alleviated in adulthood.

PMID- 27671327
TI  - Letter to the Editor Regarding: Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy as a Predictor of
      Asymptomatic Myocardial Ischemia in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional
      Study.

PMID- 27671328
TI  - Clinical Implications of Switching Lipid Lowering Treatment from Rosuvastatin to
      Other Agents in Primary Care.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Switching from any statin to another non-equipotent lipid lowering
      treatment (LLT) may cause a low-density lipoprotein cholesterol increase and has
      been associated with a higher probability of negative cardiovascular outcomes.
      The aim of the study was to assess the impact of switching from rosuvastatin to
      any other LLT on clinical outcomes in primary care. METHODS: This was a
      retrospective analysis based on data from IMS Health Longitudinal Patient
      Database, which is a general practice database including information of more than
      1.0 million patients representative of the Italian population by age, and medical
      conditions. Patients that started on rosuvastatin (10-40 mg/day) between January
      2011 and December 2013 were considered. The date of the first prescription was
      defined as the index date (ID). The observation period lasted from the ID to
      September 2015 or until LLT discontinuation, or the occurrence of an acute
      myocardial infarction (AMI), or death. RESULTS: The primary end point of the
      study was the occurrence of an AMI during the observation period. The final study
      population included 10,368 patients. During the observation period, 2452 (23.6%)
      patients were switched from rosuvastatin to another LLT. The majority of patients
      (55.6%) were switched to atorvastatin, followed by simvastatin (24.9%),
      simvastatin/ezetimibe combination (10.0%) and other statins (9.5%). Female gender
      (HR, hazard ratio, 1.10, 95% CI, confidence interval, 1.02-1.19, p = 0.04) and
      the presence of chronic kidney disease (HR 1.47, 95% CI 1.16-1.86, p = 0.05) were
      associated with a higher probability of switch. During the observation period,
      113 patients experienced an AMI (incidence of 6.7 AMI/1000 patient-years).
      Multivariate analysis with Cox proportional hazards method, including switching
      as a time-dependent covariate, demonstrated that changing from rosuvastatin to
      another LLT was an independent predictor of AMI (HR 2.2, 95% CI 1.4-3.5, p =
      0.001). CONCLUSION: We conclude that switching from rosuvastatin to another non
      equipotent LLT may impart an increased risk of AMI and should be avoided.
      FUNDING: AstraZeneca SpA.

PMID- 27671326
TI  - Hip Osteoarthritis: Etiopathogenesis and Implications for Management.
AB  - Highly prevalent among the elderly, hip osteoarthritis (OA) carries a heavy
      burden of disease. Guidelines for the management of hip OA are often extrapolated
      from knee OA research, despite clear differences in the etiopathogenesis and
      response to treatments of OA at these sites. We propose that hip OA requires
      specific attention separate from other OA phenotypes. Our understanding of the
      etiopathogenesis of hip OA has seen significant advance over the last 15 years,
      since Ganz and colleagues proposed femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) as an
      important etiological factor. This narrative review summarizes the current
      understanding of the etiopathogenesis of hip OA and identifies areas requiring
      further research. Therapeutic approaches for hip OA are considered in light of
      the condition's etiopathogenesis. The evidence for currently adopted management
      strategies is considered, especially those approaches that may have disease
      modifying potential. We propose that shifting the focus of hip OA research and
      public health intervention to primary prevention and early detection may greatly
      improve the current management paradigm.

PMID- 27671329
TI  - alpha-Chymotrypsin regulates free fatty acids and UCHL-1 to ameliorate N-methyl
      nitrosourea induced mammary gland carcinoma in albino wistar rats.
AB  - This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of alpha-chymotrypsin on
      methyl nitrosourea (MNU) induced mammary gland carcinoma in albino wistar rats.
      Animals were randomized into four groups (six animals in each). Group I (sham
      control 0.9 % normal saline p.o.); Group II (toxic control, MNU 47 mg/kg, i.v.);
      Group III (alpha-chymotrypsin, 5 mg/kg, p.o.); Group IV (alpha-chymotrypsin, 10
      mg/kg p.o.). Toxicity was induced by single i.v. injection of MNU followed by
      alpha-chymotrypsin supplementation therapy for 100 days. MNU treatment was
      evident with increased alveolar bud count, differentiation score, upregulated
      inflammatory enzymes markers (COX, LOX and NO) antioxidative stress markers
      (TBARs, SOD, catalase and GSH).MNU associated toxicity was also ascertained by
      PGP 9.5 and NF-kappaB expression in the mammary gland tissue followed by FAME
      analysis for fatty acid profiling. alpha-chymotrypsin afforded significant
      protection against the deleterious effects of MNU.

PMID- 27671330
TI  - Pharmacological and toxicological evaluations of the new pyrazole compound (LQFM
      021) as potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents.
AB  - Chronic inflammation is a world health problem. There is a need to develop new
      anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs with improved activity and reduced side
      effects. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the
      antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of the pyrazole compound LQFM-021
      after acute and sub-chronic administration in rats submitted to a CFA-induced
      chronic arthritis model, as well as compare the toxicity of this compound to that
      of dipyrone, given throughout 7 days. Firstly, we observed that acute oral
      administration of the higher dose (130 umol/kg) of LQFM-021 reduced paw lifting
      time (PET) and edema formation. These effects disappeared on the following day,
      requiring another dose to maintain the effects. This dose also promoted reduction
      of the polymorphonuclear recruitment in the synovial fluid. In another
      experiment, both treatments with LQFM-021, 65 umol/kg twice a day and 130 umol/kg
      once a day, produced a progressive and permanent reduction of the PET and edema,
      also reducing polymorphonuclear recruitment. However, the single treatment with
      130 umol/kg was more effective than the double treatment with 65 umol/kg. LQFM
      021 did not produce toxicity signs. However, dipyrone (130 umol/kg once a day)
      promoted erosion of the epithelial cells and decreased mucus in the gastric
      mucosa. These data indicate that LQFM-021 produced antinociceptive and anti
      inflammatory effects in CFA-induced arthritis in rats. These effects occurred in
      the absence of apparent toxic effects, indicating that the pyrazole compound LQFM
      021 may be considered a good prototype for development of new analgesic/anti
      inflammatory drug.

PMID- 27671331
TI  - Pharmacological studies on the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory role of
      pentoxifylline and its interaction with nitric oxide (NO) in experimental
      arthritis in rats.
AB  - AIM: Present study was designed to evaluate protective effects of pentoxifylline
      and its potentiation with low dose of nitric oxide (NO) modulators in adjuvant
      induced experimental arthritis in rats. METHOD: Wistar rats (200-300 g, n = 8 per
      group) of both sexes were used in the study. On day "0" experimental arthritis
      was induced by injecting 0.2 ml of Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) in sub
      planter region of right hind paw of animals. Pentoxifylline treatment alone and
      in combination with NO modulators was given (i.p.) from day 14 to 28. Various
      arthritic parameters were recorded and blood and joint synovial fluid was
      collected for biochemical analysis. RESULTS: CFA inoculation significantly
      increases (1) arthritic index (2) ankle diameter (3) paw volume (4)
      histopathology score (5) serum TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-1beta and synovial TNF-alpha
      levels (p < 0.001) (6) serum Th1 and Th2 cytokine levels g) MDA levels in rat paw
      tissue homogenates (7) serum NF-kappaB levels. Significant decrease in serum IL
      10 levels and SOD activity was observed in rats after CFA inoculation. Decrease
      in body weight and suppressed general quality of life of CFA inoculated rats was
      also observed. These CFA-induced arthritic changes were significantly reversed by
      pentoxifylline alone and in combination with low dose of NO modulators (p <
      0.05). CONCLUSION: These results are suggestive of protective effects of
      pentoxifylline and its potentiation in combination with low dose of NO
      modulators. These results may provide new pharmacological therapy for management
      of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

PMID- 27671332
TI  - Study on Synergistic Mechanism of Inhibitor Mixture Based on Electron Transfer
      Behavior.
AB  - Mixing is an important method to improve the performance of surfactants due to
      their synergistic effect. The changes in bonding interaction and adsorption
      structure of IM and OP molecules before and after co-adsorbed on Fe(001) surface
      is calculated by DFTB+ method. It is found that mixture enable the inhibitor
      molecules with higher EHOMO donate more electrons while the inhibitor molecules
      with lower ELUMO accept more electrons, which strengthens the bonding interaction
      of both inhibitor agent and inhibitor additive with metal surface. Meanwhile,
      water molecules in the compact layer of double electric layer are repulsed and
      the charge transfer resistance during the corrosion process increases.
      Accordingly, the correlation between the frontier orbital (EHOMO and ELUMO of
      inhibitor molecules and the Fermi level of metal) and inhibition efficiency is
      determined. Finally, we propose a frontier orbital matching principle for the
      synergistic effect of inhibitors, which is verified by electrochemical
      experiments. This frontier orbital matching principle provides an effective
      quantum chemistry calculation method for the optimal selection of inhibitor
      mixture.

PMID- 27671333
TI  - UTX-1 regulates Tat-induced HIV-1 transactivation via changing the methylated
      status of histone H3.
AB  - Epigenetic modifications are thought to be important for gene expression changes
      during HIV-1 transcription and replication. The removal of histone H3 lysine27
      (H3K27) trimethylation mark by UTX-1 is important for the robust induction of
      many specific genes during Tat-mediated HIV-1 transactvation. We found that UTX-1
      enzymatic activity is needed for Tat to remove a repressive mark H3K27me3 in the
      HIV-1 long terminal repeat (LTR). UTX-1 converted the chromatin structure to a
      more transcriptionally active state by up-regulation of H3K4 methylation and down
      regulation of H3K27 methylation on the specific regions of HIV-1 LTR. The
      increase in H3K27me3 and the decrease in H3K4me3 induced by UTX-1 knockdown was
      detected on the HIV-1 LTR, but not by control siRNA. Additionally, UTX-1 promotes
      HIV-1 gene expression by enhancing both the NF-kappaB p65's nuclear translocation
      and its p65 binding to HIV-1 LTR. And we further demonstrated that H3K27
      demethylase activity was required for increased HIV-1 transactivation induced by
      UTX-1. Together, our data reveal key roles for UTX-1 in a timely transition from
      poised to active chromatin in HIV-1 LTR during HIV-1 transcription and a
      fundamental mechanism by which a H3K27 demethylase triggers tissue-specific
      chromatin changes. Our findings provide a mechanistic link between UTX-1 and
      enhanced HIV-1 replication, and suggest that targeting at epigenetic mechanism
      may have a therapeutic benefit for HIV-1 patients.

PMID- 27671334
TI  - AXL Inhibition Suppresses the DNA Damage Response and Sensitizes Cells to PARP
      Inhibition in Multiple Cancers.
AB  - : Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is associated with a wide range of
      changes in cancer cells, including stemness, chemo- and radio-resistance, and
      metastasis. The mechanistic role of upstream mediators of EMT has not yet been
      well characterized. Recently, we showed that non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC)
      that have undergone EMT overexpress AXL, a receptor tyrosine kinase. AXL is also
      overexpressed in a subset of triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) and head and
      neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC), and its overexpression has been associated
      with more aggressive tumor behavior and linked to resistance to chemotherapy,
      radiotherapy, and targeted therapy. Because the DNA repair pathway is also
      altered in patient tumor specimens overexpressing AXL, it is hypothesized that
      modulation of AXL in cells that have undergone EMT will sensitize them to agents
      targeting the DNA repair pathway. Downregulation or inhibition of AXL directly
      reversed the EMT phenotype, led to decreased expression of DNA repair genes, and
      diminished efficiency of homologous recombination (HR) and RAD51 foci formation.
      As a result, AXL inhibition caused a state of HR deficiency in the cells, making
      them sensitive to inhibition of the DNA repair protein, PARP1. AXL inhibition
      synergized with PARP inhibition, leading to apoptotic cell death. AXL expression
      also associated positively with markers of DNA repair across TNBC, HNSCC, and
      NSCLC patient cohorts. IMPLICATIONS: The novel role for AXL in DNA repair,
      linking it to EMT, suggests that AXL can be an effective therapeutic target in
      combination with targeted therapy such as PARP inhibitors in several different
      malignancies. Mol Cancer Res; 15(1); 45-58. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27671335
TI  - ECM Composition and Rheology Regulate Growth, Motility, and Response to
      Photodynamic Therapy in 3D Models of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma.
AB  - : Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is characterized by prominent stromal
      involvement, which plays complex roles in regulating tumor growth and therapeutic
      response. The extracellular matrix (ECM)-rich stroma associated with this disease
      has been implicated as a barrier to drug penetration, although stromal depletion
      strategies have had mixed clinical success. It remains less clear how
      interactions with ECM, acting as a biophysical regulator of phenotype, not only a
      barrier to drug perfusion, regulate susceptibilities and resistance to specific
      therapies. In this context, an integrative approach is used to evaluate invasive
      behavior and motility in rheologically characterized ECM as determinants of
      chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy (PDT) responses. We show that in 3D
      cultures with ECM conditions that promote invasive progression, response to PDT
      is markedly enhanced in the most motile ECM-infiltrating populations, whereas the
      same cells exhibit chemoresistance. Conversely, drug-resistant sublines with
      enhanced invasive potential were generated to compare differential treatment
      response in identical ECM conditions, monitored by particle tracking
      microrheology measurements of matrix remodeling. In both scenarios, ECM
      infiltrating cell populations exhibit increased sensitivity to PDT, whether
      invasion is consequent to selection of chemoresistance, or whether
      chemoresistance is correlated with acquisition of invasive behavior. However,
      while ECM-invading, chemoresistant cells exhibit mesenchymal phenotype, induction
      of EMT in monolayers without ECM was not sufficient to enhance PDT sensitivity,
      yet does impart chemoresistance as expected. In addition to containing platform
      development with broader applicability to inform microenvironment-dependent
      therapeutics, these results reveal the efficacy of PDT for targeting the most
      aggressive, chemoresistant, invasive pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma associated
      with dismal outcomes for this disease. IMPLICATIONS: ECM-infiltrating and
      chemoresistant pancreatic tumor populations exhibit increased sensitivity to PDT.
      Mol Cancer Res; 15(1); 15-25. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27671336
TI  - Integrated Genetic, Epigenetic, and Transcriptional Profiling Identifies
      Molecular Pathways in the Development of Laterally Spreading Tumors.
AB  - : Laterally spreading tumors (LST) are colorectal adenomas that develop into
      extremely large lesions with predominantly slow progression to cancer, depending
      on lesion subtype. Comparing and contrasting the molecular profiles of LSTs and
      colorectal cancers offers an opportunity to delineate key molecular alterations
      that drive malignant transformation in the colorectum. In a discovery cohort of
      11 LSTs and paired normal mucosa, we performed a comprehensive and unbiased
      screen of the genome, epigenome, and transcriptome followed by bioinformatics
      integration of these data and validation in an additional 84 large, benign
      colorectal lesions. Mutation rates in LSTs were comparable with microsatellite
      stable colorectal cancers (2.4 vs. 2.6 mutations per megabase); however, copy
      number alterations were infrequent (averaging only 1.5 per LST). Frequent
      genetic, epigenetic, and transcriptional alterations were identified in genes not
      previously implicated in colorectal neoplasia (ANO5, MED12L, EPB41L4A, RGMB,
      SLITRK1, SLITRK5, NRXN1, ANK2). Alterations to pathways commonly mutated in
      colorectal cancers, namely, the p53, PI3K, and TGFbeta pathways, were rare.
      Instead, LST-altered genes converged on axonal guidance, Wnt, and actin
      cytoskeleton signaling. These integrated omics data identify molecular features
      associated with noncancerous LSTs and highlight that mutation load, which is
      relatively high in LSTs, is a poor predictor of invasive potential. IMPLICATIONS:
      The novel genetic, epigenetic, and transcriptional changes associated with LST
      development reveal important insights into why some adenomas do not progress to
      cancer. The finding that LSTs exhibit a mutational load similar to colorectal
      carcinomas has implications for the validity of molecular biomarkers for
      assessing cancer risk. Mol Cancer Res; 14(12); 1217-28. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27671337
TI  - Interplay between Cytoplasmic and Nuclear Androgen Receptor Splice Variants
      Mediates Castration Resistance.
AB  - : Androgen receptor splice variants (AR-V) are implicated in resistance of
      prostate cancer to androgen-directed therapies. When expressed alone in cells,
      some AR-Vs (e.g., AR-V7) localize primarily to the nucleus, whereas others (e.g.,
      AR-V1, AR-V4, and AR-V6) localize mainly to the cytoplasm. Significantly, the
      latter are often coexpressed with the nucleus-predominant AR-Vs and the full
      length AR (AR-FL). An important question to be addressed is whether the
      cytoplasmic-localized AR-Vs play a role in castration-resistant prostate cancer
      (CRPC) through interaction with the nucleus-predominant AR-Vs and AR-FL. Here, it
      is demonstrated that AR-V1, -V4, and -V6 can dimerize with both AR-V7 and AR-FL.
      Consequently, AR-V7 and androgen-bound AR-FL induced nuclear localization of AR
      V1, -V4, and -V6, and these variants, in turn, mitigated the ability of the
      antiandrogen enzalutamide to inhibit androgen-induced AR-FL nuclear localization.
      Interestingly, the impact of nuclear localization of AR-V4 and -V6 on AR
      transactivation differs from that of AR-V1. Nuclear localization leads to an
      increased ability of AR-V4 and -V6 to transactivate both canonical AR targets and
      AR-V-specific targets and to confer castration-resistant cell growth. However,
      although AR-V1, which lacks inherent transcriptional activity, appears to
      activate AR-FL in an androgen-independent manner, it significantly antagonizes AR
      V7 transactivation. Together, these data demonstrate that the complex
      interactions among different AR-Vs and AR-FL play a significant role in
      castration-resistant disease. IMPLICATIONS: This study suggests important
      consequences for clinical castration resistance due to simultaneous expression of
      AR-FL and AR-Vs in patient tumors and suggests that dissecting these interactions
      should help develop effective strategies to disrupt AR-V signaling. Mol Cancer
      Res; 15(1); 59-68. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27671339
TI  - Fertility-awareness practice and education in general practice.

PMID- 27671338
TI  - Molecular Triage of Premalignant Lesions in Liquid-Based Cervical Cytology and
      Circulating Cell-Free DNA from Urine, Using a Panel of Methylated Human Papilloma
      Virus and Host Genes.
AB  - Clinically useful molecular tools to triage women for a biopsy upon referral to
      colposcopy are not available. We aimed to develop a molecular panel to detect
      cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade 2 or higher lesions (CIN2+) in
      women with abnormal cervical cytology and high-risk HPV (HPV+). We tested a
      biomarker panel in cervical epithelium DNA obtained from 211 women evaluated in a
      cervical cancer clinic in Chile from 2006 to 2008. Results were verified in a
      prospective cohort of 107 women evaluated in a high-risk clinic in Puerto Rico
      from 2013 to 2015. Promoter methylation of ZNF516, FKBP6, and INTS1 discriminated
      cervical brush samples with CIN2+ lesions from samples with no intraepithelial
      lesions or malignancy (NILM) with 90% sensitivity, 88.9% specificity, 0.94 area
      under the curve (AUC), 93.1% positive predictive value (PPV), and 84.2% negative
      predictive value (NPV). The panel results were verified in liquid-based cervical
      cytology samples from an independent cohort with 90.9% sensitivity, 60.9%
      specificity, 0.90 AUC, 52.6% PPV, and 93.3% NPV, after adding HPV16-L1
      methylation to the panel. Next-generation sequencing results in HPV+ cultured
      cells, and urine circulating cell-free DNA (ccfDNA) were used to design assays
      that show clinical feasibility in a subset (n = 40) of paired plasma (AUC = 0.81)
      and urine (AUC = 0.86) ccfDNA samples obtained from the prospective cohort. Viral
      and host DNA methylation panels can be tested in liquid cytology and urine ccfDNA
      from women referred to colposcopy, to triage CIN2+ lesions for biopsy and inform
      personalized screening algorithms. Cancer Prev Res; 9(12); 915-24. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27671340
TI  - Effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) supplementation in resuscitation fluids on
      renal microcirculatory oxygenation, inflammation, and function in a rat model of
      endotoxemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Modulation of inflammation and oxidative stress appears to limit
      sepsis-induced damage in experimental models. The kidney is one of the most
      sensitive organs to injury during septic shock. In this study, we evaluated the
      effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) administration in conjunction with fluid
      resuscitation on renal oxygenation and function. We hypothesized that reducing
      inflammation would improve the microcirculatory oxygenation in the kidney and
      limit the onset of acute kidney injury (AKI). METHODS: Rats were randomized into
      five groups (n = 8 per group): (1) control group, (2) control + NAC, (3)
      endotoxemic shock with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) without fluids, (4) LPS + fluid
      resuscitation, and (5) LPS + fluid resuscitation + NAC (150 mg/kg/h). Fluid
      resuscitation was initiated at 120 min and maintained at fixed volume for 2 h
      with hydroxyethyl starch (HES 130/0.4) dissolved in acetate-balanced Ringer's
      solution (Volulyte) with or without supplementation with NAC (150 mg/kg/h).
      Oxygen tension in the renal cortex (CMUPO2), outer medulla (MMUPO2), and renal
      vein was measured using phosphorimetry. Biomarkers of renal injury, inflammation,
      and oxidative stress were assessed in kidney tissues. RESULTS: Fluid
      resuscitation significantly improved the systemic and renal macrohemodynamic
      parameters after LPS. However, the addition of NAC further improved cortical
      renal oxygenation, oxygen delivery, and oxygen consumption (p < 0.05). NAC
      supplementation dampened the accumulation of NGAL or L-FABP, hyaluronic acid, and
      nitric oxide in kidney tissue (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The addition of NAC to
      fluid resuscitation may improve renal oxygenation and attenuate microvascular
      dysfunction and AKI. Decreases in renal NO and hyaluronic acid levels may be
      involved in this beneficial effect. A therapeutic strategy combining initial
      fluid resuscitation with antioxidant therapies may prevent sepsis-induced AKI.

PMID- 27671341
TI  - New combination of xylanolytic bacteria isolated from the lignocellulose
      degradation microbial consortium XDC-2 with enhanced xylanase activity.
AB  - Three bacterial strains with extracellular xylanase activity were isolated from
      the microbial consortium XDC-2. The aerobic strain A7, belonging to Bacillus sp.,
      was combined with the anaerobe Clostridium sp. strain AA3 and/or Bacteroides sp.
      strain AA4 to obtain an efficient natural xylanolytic complex enzyme. The
      synthetic microbial community M1 consisting of strains Bacillus and Clostridium
      showed enhanced extracellular xylanase activity and production, and higher
      lignocelluloses degradation capability than any of the pure cultures and other
      synthetic microbial communities. Neither corn straw degradation nor extracellular
      xylanase activity was enhanced in the other synthetic microbial communities,
      Bacillus, Bacteroides with or without Clostridium. Quantitative polymerase chain
      reaction showed that the aerobic strain Bacillus enabled the growth of the
      anaerobic strain Clostridium, but not that of the anaerobic strain Bacteroides.
      These findings suggest that strains Bacillus and Clostridium can coexist well and
      have a positive synergistic interaction for extracellular xylanase secretion and
      lignocellulose degradation.

PMID- 27671343
TI  - Recent progress on biomass co-pyrolysis conversion into high-quality bio-oil.
AB  - Co-pyrolysis of biomass with abundantly available materials could be an
      economical method for production of bio-fuels. However, elimination of oxygenated
      compounds poses a considerable challenge. Catalytic co-pyrolysis is another
      potential technique for upgrading bio-oils for application as liquid fuels in
      standard engines. This technique promotes the production of high-quality bio-oil
      through acid catalyzed reduction of oxygenated compounds and mutagenic
      polyaromatic hydrocarbons. This work aims to review and summarize research
      progress on co-pyrolysis and catalytic co-pyrolysis, as well as their benefits on
      enhancement of bio-oils derived from biomass. This review focuses on the
      potential of plastic wastes and coal materials as co-feed in co-pyrolysis to
      produce valuable liquid fuel. This paper also proposes future directions for
      using this technique to obtain high yields of bio-oils.

PMID- 27671342
TI  - Pyrolysis of hornbeam (Carpinus betulus L.) sawdust: Characterization of bio-oil
      and bio-char.
AB  - Slow pyrolysis of hornbeam (Carpinus betulus L.) sawdust was performed to produce
      bio-oil and bio-char. The operational variables were as follows: pyrolysis
      temperature (400-600 degrees C), heating rate (10-50 degrees Cmin-1) and nitrogen
      flow rate (50-150cm3min-1). Physicochemical and thermogravimetric
      characterizations of hornbeam sawdust were performed. The characteristics of bio
      oil and bio-char were analyzed on the basis of various spectroscopic and
      chromatographic techniques such as FTIR, GC-MS, 1H NMR, SEM, BET. Higher heating
      value, density and kinematic viscosity of the bio-oil with maximum yield of
      35.28% were 23.22MJkg-1, 1289kgm-3 and 0.6mm2s-1, respectively. The bio-oil with
      relatively high fuel potential can be obtained from the pyrolysis of the hornbeam
      sawdust and the bio-char with a calorific value of 32.88MJkg-1 is a promising
      candidate for solid fuel applications that also contributes to the preservation
      of the environment.

PMID- 27671344
TI  - Characterization of the molecular mechanism of 5-lipoxygenase inhibition by 2
      aminothiazoles.
AB  - 5-Lipoxygenase (5-LO, EC1.13.11.34) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of
      inflammatory and immune diseases. Recently, aminothiazole comprising inhibitors
      have been discovered for this valuable target. Yet, the molecular mode of action
      of this class of substances is only poorly understood. Here, we present the
      detailed molecular mechanism of action of the compound class and the in vitro
      pharmacological profile of two lead compounds ST-1853 and ST-1906. Mechanistic
      studies with recombinant proteins as well as intact cell assays enabled us to
      define this class as a novel type of 5-LO inhibitors with unique characteristics.
      The parent compounds herein presented a certain reactivity concerning oxidation
      and thiol binding: Unsubstituted aminophenols bound covalently to C159 and C418
      of human 5-LO. Yet, dimethyl substitution of the aminophenol prevented this
      reactivity and slowed down phase II metabolism. Both ST-1853 and ST-1906
      confirmed their lead likeness by retaining their high potency in physiologically
      relevant 5-LO activity assays, high metabolic stability, high specificity and non
      cytotoxicity.

PMID- 27671345
TI  - Decreased IL-8 levels in CSF and serum of AD patients and negative correlation of
      MMSE and IL-1beta.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is widely accepted that neuroinflammatory processes play an
      important role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and high levels of
      cytokines and chemokines are detected around Abeta plaques. METHODS: As
      neuroinflammation is involved in the development and progression of AD, we
      measured the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta), IL-8 and
      tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
      samples from 45 AD patients and 53 age-matched control subjects using a highly
      sensitive multiplex electrochemiluminescence assay. To address the association
      with disease progression we correlated cognitive status with cytokine levels.
      RESULTS: CSF as well as serum IL-8 levels were found to be significantly lower in
      AD patients than in controls (p = 0.02). A statistically significant inverse
      correlation was observed between the CSF level of IL-1beta and the MMSE score (rs
      = -0.03, p = 0.02). We therefore stratified the AD patients by their MMSE scores
      into three equal groups and found that in the AD group with the most severe
      cognitive impairment CSF-IL-1beta was significantly increased compared to age
      matched controls (p < 0.05), whereas in the other investigated groups the
      increase was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Our results confirm data
      suggesting that cytokine alterations are involved in AD pathogenesis and may be
      helpful as a biomarker for monitoring disease progression.

PMID- 27671347
TI  - Cobalt phosphide nanowall array as an efficient 3D catalyst electrode for
      methanol electro-oxidation.
AB  - In this letter, we report on the use of a cobalt phosphide nanowall array on
      conductive carbon cloth (CoP NA/CC) as an efficient catalyst electrode for
      methanol electro-oxidation under alkaline conditions. This CoP NA/CC achieves a
      current density of 96 mA cm(-2) toward 0.5 M methanol at 0.5 V (versus a
      saturated calomel electrode (SCE)) in 1 M KOH. Moreover, this electrode exhibits
      superior stability and 93% of the initial anodic current density can be retained
      after 1000 cyclic voltammetry cycles when re-measured in new electrolyte. 

PMID- 27671346
TI  - A multiplex PCR for detection of Listeria monocytogenes and its lineages.
AB  - A novel multiplex PCR assay was developed to identify genus Listeria, and
      discriminate Listeria monocytogenes and its major lineages (LI, LII, LIII). This
      assay is a rapid and inexpensive subtyping method for screening and
      characterization of L. monocytogenes.

PMID- 27671348
TI  - A treatment planning study comparing tomotherapy, volumetric modulated arc
      therapy, Sliding Window and proton therapy for low-risk prostate carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Comparing radiation treatment plans to ascertain the optimal
      intensity-modulated radiation technique for low-risk prostate cancer. METHODS:
      Treatment plans for 20 randomly selected patients were generated using the same
      dose objectives. A dosimetric comparison was performed between various intensity
      modulated techniques, including protons. All treatment plans provided
      conventional treatment with 79.2Gy. Dosimetric indices for the target volume and
      organs at risk (OAR), including homogeneity index and four conformity indices
      were analyzed. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences between
      techniques were observed for homogeneity values. Dose distributions showed
      significant differences at low-to-medium doses. At doses above 50Gy all
      techniques revealed a steep dose gradient outside the planning target volume
      (PTV). Protons demonstrated superior rectum sparing at low-to-higher doses (V10
      V70, P < .05) and bladder sparing at low-to-medium doses (V10-V30, P < .05).
      Helical tomotherapy (HT) provided superior rectum sparing compared to Sliding
      Window (SW) and Rapid Arc (RA) (V10-V70, P < .05). SW displayed superior bladder
      sparing compared to HT and RA (V10-V50, P < .05). Protons generated significantly
      higher femoral heads exposure and HT had superior sparing of those. CONCLUSION:
      All techniques are able to provide a homogeneous and highly conformal dose
      distribution. Protons demonstrated superior sparing of the rectum and bladder at
      a wide dose spectrum. The radiation technique itself as well as treatment
      planning algorithms result in different OAR sparing between HT, SW and RA, with
      superior rectum sparing by HT and superior bladder sparing by SW. Radiation plans
      can be further optimized by individual modification of dose objectives dependent
      on treatment plan strategy.

PMID- 27671349
TI  - A soft decoding algorithm and hardware implementation for the visual prosthesis
      based on high order soft demodulation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High order modulation and demodulation technology can solve the
      frequency requirement between the wireless energy transmission and data
      communication. In order to achieve reliable wireless data communication based on
      high order modulation technology for visual prosthesis, this work proposed a Reed
      Solomon (RS) error correcting code (ECC) circuit on the basis of differential
      amplitude and phase shift keying (DAPSK) soft demodulation. Firstly, recognizing
      the weakness of the traditional DAPSK soft demodulation algorithm based on
      division that is complex for hardware implementation, an improved phase soft
      demodulation algorithm for visual prosthesis to reduce the hardware complexity is
      put forward. Based on this new algorithm, an improved RS soft decoding method is
      hence proposed. In this new decoding method, the combination of Chase algorithm
      and hard decoding algorithms is used to achieve soft decoding. In order to meet
      the requirements of implantable visual prosthesis, the method to calculate
      reliability of symbol-level based on multiplication of bit reliability is
      derived, which reduces the testing vectors number of Chase algorithm. The
      proposed algorithms are verified by MATLAB simulation and FPGA experimental
      results. During MATLAB simulation, the biological channel attenuation property
      model is added into the ECC circuit. RESULTS: The data rate is 8 Mbps in the
      MATLAB simulation and FPGA experiments. MATLAB simulation results show that the
      improved phase soft demodulation algorithm proposed in this paper saves hardware
      resources without losing bit error rate (BER) performance. Compared with the
      traditional demodulation circuit, the coding gain of the ECC circuit has been
      improved by about 3 dB under the same BER of [Formula: see text]. The FPGA
      experimental results show that under the condition of data demodulation error
      with wireless coils 3 cm away, the system can correct it. The greater the
      distance, the higher the BER. Then we use a bit error rate analyzer to measure
      BER of the demodulation circuit and the RS ECC circuit with different distance of
      two coils. And the experimental results show that the RS ECC circuit has about an
      order of magnitude lower BER than the demodulation circuit when under the same
      coils distance. Therefore, the RS ECC circuit has more higher reliability of the
      communication in the system. CONCLUSIONS: The improved phase soft demodulation
      algorithm and soft decoding algorithm proposed in this paper enables data
      communication that is more reliable than other demodulation system, which also
      provide a significant reference for further study to the visual prosthesis
      system.

PMID- 27671350
TI  - Apelin binding to human APJ receptor leads to biased signaling.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human APJ receptor (APJR), a rhodopsin family G-Protein Coupled
      Receptor (GPCR), activated by isoforms of peptide ligand apelin causing potent
      inotropic effect, is involved in cardiac function, angiogenesis and maintenance
      of fluid homeostasis. APJR is expressed in various organs e.g., heart, brain,
      kidney, muscles, etc. Hence, problems in APJR signaling lead to severe
      dysregulation in the pathophysiology of an organism. METHODS: Based on multiple
      sequence alignment of receptors from various organisms, we observe a large number
      of conserved residues in the extracellular side. Mutational studies including
      calcium mobilization, receptor internalization and ERK1/2 phosphorylation assays
      were performed. RESULTS: Stimulation of APJR and its mutants with apelin-13 led
      to mutation-dependent variation in receptor activation, intracellular Ca2+rise,
      and its subsequent downstream signaling. The mutant 183MDYS186-AAAA in ECL2
      showed Gi-biased signaling while 268KTL270-AAA in ECL3 showed Gq biasing. C281A
      mutant in ECL3 was deficient in all assays. CONCLUSION: Conserved residues in the
      ECL2 of APJR are key for ligand binding, activation mechanism, and selective
      downstream signaling. Additionally, we demonstrate that Cys281 (in ECL3) mediated
      disulfide linkage is important for ligand recognition and receptor activation.
      GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: This work explains the importance of extracellular loop
      domains in ligand binding, receptor activation and downstream signaling of human
      APJR.

PMID- 27671351
TI  - Dipotassium N-stearoyltyrosinate ameliorated pathological injuries in triple
      transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Recently, anandamide (AEA) analogues have been well recognized for its potent
      neuroprotective effects in counteracting the deterioration of Alzheimer's disease
      (AD) brains through multiple pathological processes. In our previous studies,
      dipotassium N-stearoyltyrosinate (NSTK), an AEA analogue synthesized by our
      laboratory was reported to exert significant efficacy through multiple
      interventions. Within this study, the amyloid precursor protein
      (APP)SWE/presenilin-1 (PS1)M146V/TauP301L mouse (3*Tg-AD) model was used to
      explore further the neuroprotective effects of NSTK and its underlying
      mechanisms. NSTK could increase spontaneous locomotor activity in the open field
      and low anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze, and improve the spatial
      memory deficits in the Morris water maze. The biochemical analysis suggested that
      NSTK could decrease Abeta42 deposition, abnormal tau aggregation, and the
      expressions of p-APP Thr668, PS1 and p-tau Ser202/Thr205 in the hippocampus of
      3*Tg-AD mice. Consistently, NSTK could reduce the level of malondialdehyde,
      increase the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase. Up-regulation of Bcl
      2, and down-regulation of BAX, caspase-3 and inflammatory cytokines also occurred
      in the hippocampus of 3*Tg-AD mice after treatment with NSTK. Thus, NSTK could
      intervene in multiple pathological processes of AD and would be a drug candidate
      against AD.

PMID- 27671352
TI  - The impact of sequence database choice on metaproteomic results in gut microbiota
      studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Elucidating the role of gut microbiota in physiological and
      pathological processes has recently emerged as a key research aim in life
      sciences. In this respect, metaproteomics, the study of the whole protein
      complement of a microbial community, can provide a unique contribution by
      revealing which functions are actually being expressed by specific microbial
      taxa. However, its wide application to gut microbiota research has been hindered
      by challenges in data analysis, especially related to the choice of the proper
      sequence databases for protein identification. RESULTS: Here, we present a
      systematic investigation of variables concerning database construction and
      annotation and evaluate their impact on human and mouse gut metaproteomic
      results. We found that both publicly available and experimental metagenomic
      databases lead to the identification of unique peptide assortments, suggesting
      parallel database searches as a mean to gain more complete information. In
      particular, the contribution of experimental metagenomic databases was revealed
      to be mandatory when dealing with mouse samples. Moreover, the use of a "merged"
      database, containing all metagenomic sequences from the population under study,
      was found to be generally preferable over the use of sample-matched databases. We
      also observed that taxonomic and functional results are strongly database
      dependent, in particular when analyzing the mouse gut microbiota. As a striking
      example, the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio varied up to tenfold depending on the
      database used. Finally, assembling reads into longer contigs provided significant
      advantages in terms of functional annotation yields. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      contributes to identify host- and database-specific biases which need to be taken
      into account in a metaproteomic experiment, providing meaningful insights on how
      to design gut microbiota studies and to perform metaproteomic data analysis. In
      particular, the use of multiple databases and annotation tools has to be
      encouraged, even though this requires appropriate bioinformatic resources.

PMID- 27671353
TI  - Pupillary reactivity to negative stimuli prospectively predicts recurrence of
      major depressive disorder in women.
AB  - There is a large body of research supporting the association between disrupted
      physiological reactivity to negative stimuli and depression. The present study
      aimed to examine whether physiological reactivity to emotional stimuli, assessed
      via pupil dilation, served as a biological marker of risk for depression
      recurrence among individuals who are known to be at a higher risk due to having
      previous history of depression. Participants were 57 women with a history of
      major depressive disorder (MDD). Pupil dilation to angry, happy, sad, and neutral
      faces was recorded. Participants' diagnoses and symptoms were assessed 24 months
      after the initial assessment. We found that women's pupillary reactivity to
      negative (sad or angry faces) but not positive stimuli prospectively predicted
      MDD recurrence. Additionally, we found that both hyper- and hypopupillary
      reactivity to angry faces predicted risk for MDD recurrence. These findings
      suggest that disrupted physiological response to negative stimuli indexed via
      pupillary dilation could serve as a physiological marker of MDD risk, thus
      presenting clinicians with a convenient and inexpensive method to predict which
      of the at-risk women are more likely to experience depression recurrence.

PMID- 27671354
TI  - JMJD8 is a positive regulator of TNF-induced NF-kappaB signaling.
AB  - TNF-induced signaling mediates pleiotropic biological consequences including
      inflammation, immunity, cell proliferation and apoptosis. Misregulation of TNF
      signaling has been attributed as a major cause of chronic inflammatory diseases
      and cancer. Jumonji domain-containing protein 8 (JMJD8) belongs to the JmjC
      family. However, only part of the family members has been described as
      hydroxylase enzymes that function as histone demethylases. Here, we report that
      JMJD8 positively regulates TNF-induced NF-kappaB signaling. Silencing the
      expression of JMJD8 using RNA interference (RNAi) greatly suppresses TNF-induced
      expression of several NF-kappaB-dependent genes. Furthermore, knockdown of JMJD8
      expression reduces RIP ubiquitination, IKK kinase activity, delays IkappaBalpha
      degradation and subsequently blocks nuclear translocation of p65. In addition,
      JMJD8 deficiency enhances TNF-induced apoptosis. Taken together, these findings
      indicate that JMJD8 functions as a positive regulator of TNF-induced NF-kappaB
      signaling.

PMID- 27671356
TI  - Making sense of genetic estimates of effective population size.
AB  - The last decade has seen an explosion of interest in use of genetic markers to
      estimate effective population size, Ne . Effective population size is important
      both theoretically (Ne is a key parameter in almost every aspect of evolutionary
      biology) and for practical application (Ne determines rates of genetic drift and
      loss of genetic variability and modulates the effectiveness of selection, so it
      is crucial to consider in conservation). As documented by Palstra & Fraser (),
      most of the recent growth in Ne estimation can be attributed to development or
      refinement of methods that can use a single sample of individuals (the older
      temporal method requires at least two samples separated in time). As with other
      population genetic methods, performance of new Ne estimators is typically
      evaluated with simulated data for a few scenarios selected by the author(s).
      Inevitably, these initial evaluations fail to fully consider the consequences of
      violating simplifying assumptions, such as discrete generations, closed
      populations of constant size and selective neutrality. Subsequently, many
      researchers studying natural or captive populations have reported estimates of Ne
      for multiple methods; often these estimates are congruent, but that is not always
      the case. Because true Ne is rarely known in these empirical studies, it is
      difficult to make sense of the results when estimates differ substantially among
      methods. What is needed is a rigorous, comparative analysis under realistic
      scenarios for which true Ne is known. Recently, Gilbert & Whitlock () did just
      that for both single-sample and temporal methods under a wide range of migration
      schemes. In the current issue of Molecular Ecology, Wang () uses simulations to
      evaluate performance of four single-sample Ne estimators. In addition to
      assessing effects of true Ne , sample size, and number of loci, Wang also
      evaluated performance under changing abundance, physical linkage and genotyping
      errors, as well as for some alternative life histories (high rates of selfing;
      haplodiploids). Wang showed that the sibship frequency (SF) and linkage
      disequilibrium (LD) methods perform dramatically better than the heterozygote
      excess and molecular coancestry methods under most scenarios (see Fig. 1,
      modified from figure 2 in Wang ), and he also concluded that SF is generally more
      versatile than LD. This article represents a truly Herculean effort, and results
      should be of considerable value to researchers interested in applying these
      methods to real-world situations. 

PMID- 27671358
TI  - Monte Carlo simulation algorithm for B-DNA.
AB  - Understanding the structure-function relationship of biomolecules containing DNA
      has motivated experiments aimed at determining molecular structure using methods
      such as small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering (SAXS and SANS). SAXS and SANS
      are useful for determining macromolecular shape in solution, a process which
      benefits by using atomistic models that reproduce the scattering data. The
      variety of algorithms available for creating and modifying model DNA structures
      lack the ability to rapidly modify all-atom models to generate structure
      ensembles. This article describes a Monte Carlo algorithm for simulating DNA, not
      with the goal of predicting an equilibrium structure, but rather to generate an
      ensemble of plausible structures which can be filtered using experimental results
      to identify a sub-ensemble of conformations that reproduce the solution
      scattering of DNA macromolecules. The algorithm generates an ensemble of atomic
      structures through an iterative cycle in which B-DNA is represented using a
      wormlike bead-rod model, new configurations are generated by sampling bend and
      twist moves, then atomic detail is recovered by back mapping from the final
      coarse-grained configuration. Using this algorithm on commodity computing
      hardware, one can rapidly generate an ensemble of atomic level models, each model
      representing a physically realistic configuration that could be further studied
      using molecular dynamics. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27671357
TI  - Measuring Adolescent Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Coverage: A Match of Sexually
      Transmitted Disease Clinic and Immunization Registry Data.
AB  - PURPOSE: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is recommended for adolescents. By
      the end of 2013, 64% of female and 40% of male New York City residents aged 13-18
      years had received >=1 HPV vaccine dose. Adolescents attending sexually
      transmitted disease (STD) clinics are at high risk for HPV exposure and could
      benefit from vaccination. Our objective was to estimate HPV vaccination coverage
      for this population. METHODS: We matched records of New York City's STD clinic
      patients aged 13-18 years during 2010-2013 with the Citywide Immunization
      Registry. We assessed HPV vaccine initiation (>=1 dose) and series completion
      (>=3 doses among those who initiated) as of clinic visit date and by patient
      demographics. We compared receipt of >=1 dose for HPV, tetanus-diphtheria
      acellular pertussis, and meningococcal conjugate vaccine. RESULTS: Eighty-two
      percent of clinic attendees (13,505/16,364) had records in the Citywide
      Immunization Registry. Receipt of >=1 HPV dose increased during 2010-2013
      (females: 57.6%-69.7%; males: 1.5%-36.3%). Among females, >=1-dose coverage was
      lowest among whites (53.4%) and highest among Hispanics (73.3%); among males, >=1
      dose coverage was lowest among whites (6.9%) and highest among Asians (20.9%).
      Series completion averaged 57.7% (females) and 28.0% (males), with little
      variation by race/ethnicity or poverty level. Receipt of >=1 dose was 59.7% for
      HPV, 82% for tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis, and 76% for meningococcal
      conjugate vaccines. CONCLUSIONS: HPV vaccine initiation and completion were low
      among adolescent STD clinic patients; coverage was lower compared with other
      recommended vaccines. STD clinics may be good venues for delivering HPV vaccine,
      thereby enhancing efforts to improve HPV vaccination.

PMID- 27671355
TI  - Staphylococcus aureus SufT: an essential iron-sulphur cluster assembly factor in
      cells experiencing a high-demand for lipoic acid.
AB  - Staphylococcus aureus SufT is composed solely of the domain of unknown function
      59 (DUF59) and has a role in the maturation of iron-sulphur (Fe-S) proteins. We
      report that SufT is essential for S. aureus when growth is heavily reliant upon
      lipoamide-utilizing enzymes, but dispensable when this reliance is decreased.
      LipA requires Fe-S clusters for lipoic acid (LA) synthesis and a DeltasufT strain
      had phenotypes suggestive of decreased LA production and decreased activities of
      lipoamide-requiring enzymes. Fermentative growth, a null clpC allele, or
      decreased flux through the TCA cycle diminished the demand for LA and rendered
      SufT non-essential. Abundance of the Fe-S cluster carrier Nfu was increased in a
      DeltaclpC strain and a null clpC allele was unable to suppress the LA requirement
      of a DeltasufT Deltanfu strain. Over-expression of nfu suppressed the LA
      requirement of the DeltasufT strain. We propose a model wherein SufT, and by
      extension the DUF59, is essential for the maturation of holo-LipA in S. aureus
      cells experiencing a high demand for lipoamide-dependent enzymes. The findings
      presented suggest that the demand for products of Fe-S enzymes is a factor
      governing the usage of one Fe-S cluster assembly factor over another in the
      maturation of apo-proteins.

PMID- 27671359
TI  - A QTAIM and stress tensor investigation of the torsion path of a light-driven
      fluorene molecular rotary motor.
AB  - The utility of the QTAIM/stress tensor analysis method for characterizing the
      photoisomerization of light driven molecular rotary machines is investigated on
      the example of the torsion path in fluorene molecular motor. The scalar and
      vector descriptors of QTAIM/stress tensor reveal additional information on the
      bonding interactions between the rotating units of the motor, which cannot be
      obtained from the analysis of the ground and excited state potential energy
      surfaces. The topological features of the fluorene motor molecular graph display
      that, upon the photoexcitation a certain increase in the torsional stiffness of
      the rotating bond can be attributed to the increasing topological stability of
      the rotor carbon atom attached to the rotation axle. The established variations
      in the torsional stiffness of the rotating bond may cause transfer of certain
      fraction of the torsional energy to other internal degrees of freedom, such as
      the pyramidalization distortion. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27671360
TI  - Sex differences in the risk factors for Staphylococcus aureus throat carriage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Male gender and adiposity are considered to be risk factors for
      Staphylococcus aureus carriage. We tested whether colonization is related to free
      testosterone (fT) level and adiposity, measured with body mass index (BMI) and
      body fat percentage (BFP), in healthy adults. METHODS: Blood sample and throat
      swabs were taken twice (at 4-week intervals) from healthy men and women aged 18
      36 years. fT level, height, weight, and BFP were measured. Participants were
      classified as persistent carriers, intermittent carriers (excluded from the
      analyses), and noncarriers. The final sample was 152 participants: 85 men and 67
      women. RESULTS: BFP, but not BMI, correlated positively with S aureus
      colonization (P = .02) in men. BMI became a significant predictor of carriage
      only when comparing groups within and above norms (P = .04). There was no
      relationship for BMI nor BFP in women. Higher fT level was related to persistent
      carriage (P = .02) in women, there was no relationship for fT level in men.
      CONCLUSION: Risk factors for S aureus carriage are sex dependent. Within-sex
      variation in colonization is related to fT level in women, whereas in men it is
      related to the amount of body fat.

PMID- 27671361
TI  - Bacterial contamination of nurses' white coats after first and second shift.
AB  - Microbial load of nurses' white coats in a hospital was determined on polyester
      cotton blend and polyester fabric after the first and second work shift.
      Contamination on the blend fabric was significantly higher (P < .05) than on
      polyester. After the second shift, bacterial colonies on polyester and blend
      fabrics increased by ~98% and ~70%, respectively. Among the isolates detected on
      polyester after the second shift, Escherichia coli was the most abundant (47.8%),
      followed by staphylococci (19.1%).

PMID- 27671362
TI  - Call for improvement in personal protective equipment guidance and research.

PMID- 27671363
TI  - Handwashing, but how? Microbial effectiveness of existing handwashing practices
      in high-density suburbs of Harare, Zimbabwe.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Consistent domestic hand hygiene can reduce diarrhea-related
      morbidity and mortality and the spread of other communicable diseases. However,
      it remains uncertain which technique of handwashing is most effective and
      practicable during everyday life. The goal of this study is to determine how the
      handwashing technique, as performed in the daily life by the participants of this
      case study in Harare, Zimbabwe, influences microbial handwashing effectiveness.
      METHODS: Handwashing technique of 173 primary caregivers was observed in their
      homes and hand rinse samples were collected before and after handwashing. Samples
      were analyzed for Escherichia coli and total coliform concentrations. Generalized
      linear models were used to predict fecal hand contamination after washing from
      observed handwashing technique. RESULTS: Cleaning under fingernails, scrubbing
      the fingertips, using soap, and drying hands through rubbing on clothes or a
      clean towel statistically significantly reduced E coli contamination of hands
      after washing. Tap use, scrubbing fingertips, and rubbing hands on clothes to dry
      them statistically significantly reduced total coliform contamination.
      CONCLUSIONS: Recommendations for effective and practicable domestic handwashing
      in Harare, Zimbabwe, should include performing specific handscrubbing steps (ie,
      cleaning under the fingernails and rubbing the fingertips), and soap and tap use.
      This calls for further research to develop behavior change interventions that
      explicitly promote effective handwashing technique at critical times.

PMID- 27671364
TI  - Characterization of Pectobacterium carotovorum proteins differentially expressed
      during infection of Zantedeschia elliotiana in vivo and in vitro which are
      essential for virulence.
AB  - The identification of phytopathogen proteins that are differentially expressed
      during the course of the establishment of an infection is important to better
      understand the infection process. In vitro approaches, using plant extracts added
      to culture medium, have been used to identify such proteins, but the biological
      relevance of these findings for in planta infection are often uncertain until
      confirmed by in vivo studies. Here, we compared the proteins of Pectobacterium
      carotovorum ssp. carotovorum strain PccS1 differentially expressed in Luria
      Bertani medium supplemented with extracts of the ornamental plant Zantedeschia
      elliotiana cultivar 'Black Magic' (in vitro) and in plant tissues (in vivo) by
      two-dimensional electrophoresis coupled with mass spectrometry. A total of 53
      differentially expressed proteins (>1.5-fold) were identified (up-regulated or
      down-regulated in vitro, in vivo or both). Proteins that exhibited increased
      expression in vivo but not in vitro, or in both conditions, were identified, and
      deletions were made in a number of genes encoding these proteins, four of which
      (clpP, mreB, flgK and eda) led to a loss of virulence on Z. elliotiana, although
      clpP and mreB were later also shown to be reduced in growth in rich and minimal
      media. Although clpP, flgK and mreB have previously been reported as playing a
      role in virulence in plants, this is the first report of such a role for eda,
      which encodes 2-keto-3-deoxy-6-phosphogluconate (KDPG) aldolase, a key enzyme in
      Entner-Doudoroff metabolism. The results highlight the value of undertaking in
      vivo as well as in vitro approaches for the identification of new bacterial
      virulence factors.

PMID- 27671366
TI  - Triggers for Preeclampsia Onset: a Case-Crossover Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Risk factors for preeclampsia are well established, whereas, the
      triggers associated with timing of preeclampsia onset are not. The aim of this
      study was to establish whether recent infection or other triggers were associated
      with timing of preeclampsia onset. METHODS: We used a case-crossover design with
      preeclampsia cases serving as their own controls. Women with singleton
      pregnancies of >=20 weeks gestation presenting at three hospitals were eligible
      for inclusion. Exposures to potential triggers were identified via guided
      questionnaire. Infective episodes included symptoms lasting >24 h. Preeclampsia
      was defined as hypertension (BP >=140 mmHg and/or >=90 mmHg) and proteinuria
      (protein/creatinine ratio >=30 mg/mmol). Conditional logistic regression was used
      to compare the odds of exposure to potential triggers in the case windows (1-7
      days preceding diagnosis of preeclampsia) and control windows (8-14 days prior to
      diagnosis); unadjusted odds ratios (ORs) are reported. RESULTS: Among 286
      recruited women, 25 (8.7%) reported a new infection in the 7 days prior to
      preeclampsia onset and 21 (7.3%) in the 8-14 days prior. There was no significant
      association between onset of infection in the 7 days prior and preeclampsia
      diagnosis (OR 1.24, 95% CI 0.65, 2.34). Consumption of caffeine (OR 0.51, 95% CI
      0.33, 0.77), spicy food (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.30, 0.81), and alcohol (OR 0.26, 95%
      CI 0.10, 0.71) were strongly inversely associated with preeclampsia onset.
      CONCLUSION: Recent infection does not appear to trigger preeclampsia. Decreased
      consumption of caffeine, spicy food, and alcohol may be prodromal markers. Such
      behaviours may be early markers of imminent preeclampsia.

PMID- 27671367
TI  - De-novo transcriptome assembly for gene identification, analysis, annotation, and
      molecular marker discovery in Onobrychis viciifolia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) is a highly nutritious tannin
      containing forage legume. In the diet of ruminants sainfoin can have anti
      parasitic effects and reduce methane emissions under in vitro conditions. Many of
      these benefits have been attributed to condensed tannins or proanthocyanidins in
      sainfoin. A combination of increased use of industrially produced nitrogen
      fertilizer, issues with establishment and productivity in the first year and more
      reliable alternatives, such as red clover led to a decline in the use of sainfoin
      since the middle of the last century. In recent years there has been a resurgence
      of interest in sainfoin due to its potential beneficial nutraceutical and
      environmental attributes. However, genomic resources are scarce, thus hampering
      progress in genetic analysis and improvement. To address this we have used next
      generation RNA sequencing technology to obtain the first transcriptome of
      sainfoin. We used the library to identify gene-based simple sequence repeats
      (SSRs) and potential single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). RESULTS: One
      genotype from each of five sainfoin accessions was sequenced. Paired-end (PE)
      sequences were generated from cDNA libraries of RNA extracted from 7 day old
      seedlings. A combined assembly of 92,772 transcripts was produced de novo using
      the Trinity programme. About 18,000 transcripts were annotated with at least one
      GO (gene ontology) term. A total of 63 transcripts were annotated as involved in
      the tannin biosynthesis pathway. We identified 3786 potential SSRs. SNPs were
      identified by mapping the reads of the individual assemblies against the combined
      assembly. After stringent filtering a total of 77,000 putative SNPs were
      identified. A phylogenetic analysis of single copy number genes showed that
      sainfoin was most closely related to red clover and Medicago truncatula, while
      Lotus japonicus, bean and soybean are more distant relatives. CONCLUSIONS: This
      work describes the first transcriptome assembly in sainfoin. The 92 K transcripts
      provide a rich source of SNP and SSR polymorphisms for future use in genetic
      studies of this crop. Annotation of genes involved in the condensed tannin
      biosynthesis pathway has provided the basis for further studies of the genetic
      control of this important trait in sainfoin.

PMID- 27671365
TI  - Predictable threats to public health through delaying universal access to
      innovative medicines for hepatitis C: a pharmaceutical standpoint.

PMID- 27671368
TI  - Potential of the Cnidium monnieri fruits as an immune enhancer in Escherichia
      coli infection model.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The Cnidium monnieri fruits (CMF) were studied how they act on immune
      system as a novel immunostimulator against the infectious disease. METHODS:
      Macrophages were treated with CMF, and nitric oxide (NO) and tumour necrosis
      factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were measured, and phagocytosis of macrophages was
      detected using FITC-labelled Escherichia coli. The protective effect of CMF
      against E. coli infection in mice was examined. The survival rate was monitored
      daily for up to 5 days. And then the viable bacteria count of serum and the
      immunological mediator (NO, TNF-alpha, interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-6) of serum,
      splenocyte and peritoneal macrophages were analysed. KEY FINDINGS: The CMF
      significantly enhanced the concentrations of NO and TNF-alpha and the
      phagocytosis activity in macrophages. The oral administration of CMF for five
      consecutive days before infection prolonged the survival rate. Treatment with CMF
      significantly stimulated the phagocytosis of peritoneal macrophages and induced
      the immunological mediator of serum, splenocyte and peritoneal macrophages
      against the E. coli infection. CONCLUSIONS: The host-protective effects of CMF
      might be archived by improving immune response, and CMF could act to prevent
      pathogenic microbial infections with immunomodulation.

PMID- 27671369
TI  - Incident cancers and late mortality in Australian children treated by allogeneic
      stem cell transplantation for non-malignant diseases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a life-saving
      procedure for children with a variety of non-malignant conditions. However, these
      children face an increased risk of late death and incident cancers after HSCT,
      which may occur many years after their initial HSCT. PROCEDURE: We examined
      cancer occurrence and late mortality in a population-based cohort of 318
      Australian children who underwent allogeneic HSCT for non-malignant disease.
      Standardized incident ratios (SIRs) and standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were
      calculated and compared with population controls. RESULTS: We identified six
      (1.9%) cancers at a median 9.2 years post-HSCT. Cancer occurred 15 times more
      frequently than in the general population (SIR 15.4, 95% CI = 6.9-34.2). Of the
      198 patients who survived for at least 2 years post-HSCT, 11 (5.6%) died at a
      median 7.5 years post-HSCT. The mortality rate was 17 times higher than in the
      general population (SMR 17.5, 95% CI = 9.7-31.2). DISCUSSION: Children
      transplanted for non-malignant conditions require evidence-based survivorship
      programs to reduce excess morbidity and mortality.

PMID- 27671370
TI  - Comparison of screening for pre-eclampsia at 31-34 weeks' gestation by sFlt
      1/PlGF ratio and a method combining maternal factors with sFlt-1 and PlGF.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate the patient-specific risk of pre-eclampsia (PE) at 31-34
      weeks' gestation by a combination of maternal characteristics and medical history
      with multiples of the median (MoM) values of serum placental growth factor (PlGF)
      and serum soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and to compare the
      performance of screening to that achieved by the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio. METHODS: This
      was a prospective observational study in women attending a third-trimester
      ultrasound scan at 31-34 weeks as part of routine pregnancy care. We estimated
      the performance of screening for PE with delivery within 4 weeks of assessment
      and PE with delivery from 4 weeks after assessment up to 40 weeks' gestation by
      the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio and by a method utilizing Bayes' theorem that combines
      maternal factors and MoM values of sFlt-1 and PlGF. The significance of the
      difference in screening performance between the two methods was assessed by
      comparison of the areas under the receiver-operating characteristics curves
      (AUC). RESULTS: The study population of 8063 singleton pregnancies included 231
      (2.9%) that subsequently developed PE. In the prediction of delivery with PE at <
      4 weeks from assessment, the performance of the method utilizing Bayes' theorem
      was similar to that using the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio (AUC, 0.987 (95% CI, 0.979-0.995)
      vs 0.988 (95% CI, 0.981-0.994); P = 0.961). In contrast, the performance of
      screening for delivery with PE at >= 4 weeks after assessment up to 40 weeks'
      gestation was better with the method utilizing Bayes' theorem than that with the
      sFlt-1/PlGF ratio (AUC, 0.884 (95% CI, 0.854-0.914) vs 0.818 (95% CI, 0.775
      0.860); P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: At 31-34 weeks' gestation the performance of
      screening for PE delivering at < 4 weeks from assessment by the method utilizing
      Bayes' theorem is similar to that using the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio, but the former is
      superior to the latter in prediction of PE delivering >= 4 weeks from assessment.
      Copyright (c) 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

PMID- 27671371
TI  - Changes in disc status in the reducing and nonreducing anterior disc displacement
      of temporomandibular joint: a longitudinal retrospective study.
AB  - Treatment procedures for anterior disc displacement (ADD) of temporomandibular
      joint (TMJ) are far from reaching a consensus. The aim of the study was to
      evaluate disc status changes of anterior disc displacement with reduction (ADDWR)
      and without reduction (ADDWoR) comparatively, to get a better understanding of
      the disease progress without intervention. This longitudinal retrospective study
      included 217 joints in 165 patients, which were divided into ADDWR group and
      ADDWoR group based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination. The joints
      were assessed quantitatively for disc length and displacement distance at initial
      and follow-up visits. Disc morphology, which was classified in 5 types, was also
      evaluated. Paired t-test and Wilcoxon signed rank test were used to assess intra
      group differences and independent t-test for inter-group differences. Moreover,
      analysis of covariance was applied to analyze influential factors for changes in
      disc length and displacement distance. According to our results, discs tended to
      become shorter, move further forward and distort more seriously in ADDWoR group
      than in ADDWR group after follow-up. Moreover, discs were prone to become shorter
      and more anteriorly displaced in teenagers, type I and III morphologies, advanced
      Wilkes stages, or those with joint effusion. Follow-up period seemed to be not
      critical.

PMID- 27671372
TI  - Comparison of The Canary System and DIAGNOdent for the in vitro detection of
      caries under opaque dental sealants.
AB  - AIM: The aim of the present study was to investigate the ability of operators
      using The Canary System and DIAGNOdent to detect natural pit and fissure caries
      under four commonly-used opaque dental sealants. METHODS: Mixed sound and carious
      pits/fissures (N = 105) selected from 40 human teeth were randomly assigned (10
      teeth/group) to one of four opaque sealant groups (Delton, Embrace WetBond,
      Helioseal F, UltraSeal XT Plus). Selected pits/fissures sites on occlusal
      surfaces were scanned with The Canary System and DIAGNOdent, sealed, re-scanned,
      and subjected to polarized light microscopy to confirm whether the scanned
      regions were sound or carious. Sensitivities and specificities for each detection
      method before and after sealant placement were calculated. RESULTS: The Canary
      System and DIAGNOdent were able to distinguish between sound and carious tissue
      beneath opaque sealants with an accuracy of 76% and 59%, respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: The Canary System can serve as a clinical tool to aid dental
      professionals to detect and monitor the status of caries lesions and tooth
      structure underneath sealant. The increased likelihood of false-positive
      diagnoses with DIAGNOdent due to intrinsic auto-fluorescence of sealant filler
      and opacifying agents might limit its usefulness as an aid to detect caries
      underneath opaque sealants.

PMID- 27671373
TI  - Impaired Spatial Learning is Associated with Disrupted Integrity of the White
      Matter in Akt3 Knockout Mice.

PMID- 27671374
TI  - Non-Volatile ReRAM Devices Based on Self-Assembled Multilayers of Modified
      Graphene Oxide 2D Nanosheets.
AB  - 2D nanomaterials have been actively utilized in non-volatile resistive switching
      random access memory (ReRAM) devices due to their high flexibility, 3D-stacking
      capability, simple structure, transparency, easy fabrication, and low cost.
      Herein, it demonstrates re-writable, bistable, transparent, and flexible solution
      processed crossbar ReRAM devices utilizing graphene oxide (GO) based multilayers
      as active dielectric layers. The devices employ single- or multi-component-based
      multilayers composed of positively charged GO (N-GO(+) or NS-GO(+)) with/without
      negatively charged GO(-) using layer-by-layer assembly method, sandwiched between
      Al bottom and Au top electrodes. The device based on the multi-component active
      layer Au/[N-GO(+)/GO(-)]n /Al/PES shows higher ON/OFF ratio of ~105 with
      switching voltage of -1.9 V and higher retention stability (~104 s), whereas the
      device based on single component (Au/[N-GO(+)]n /Al/PES) shows ~103 ON/OFF ratio
      at +/-3.5 V switching voltage. The superior ReRAM properties of the multi
      component-based device are attributed to a higher coating surface roughness. The
      Au/[N-GO(+)/GO(-)]n /Al/PES device prepared from lower GO concentration (0.01%)
      exhibits higher ON/OFF ratio (~109 ) at switching voltage of +/-2.0 V. However,
      better stability is achieved by increasing the concentration from 0.01% to 0.05%
      of all GO-based solutions. It is found that the devices containing MnO2 in the
      dielectric layer do not improve the ReRAM performance.

PMID- 27671375
TI  - Clinical and radiological investigations of mandibular overdentures supported by
      conventional or mini-dental implants: A 2-year prospective follow-up study.
AB  - STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Conventional dental implants are not applicable in the
      mandibular interforaminal region if bone volume is limited. Mini-dental implants
      offer an alternative means of supporting mandibular overdentures in a narrow
      residual ridge, without additional surgery. PURPOSE: The purpose of this
      nonrandomized clinical trial was to compare the ability of mini-dental implants
      with that of conventional dental implants in supporting mandibular overdentures
      during a 2-year clinical follow-up. Bone quality, bone resorption, implant
      stability, and oral health were assessed radiographically. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      A total of 32 participants with edentulism were included. Twenty-two participants
      (99 implants) received 4 to 5 mini-dental implants (diameter: 1.8-2.4 mm; length:
      13-15 mm, study group), and 10 participants (35 implants) received 2 to 4
      conventional dental implants (diameter: 3.3-3.7 mm; length: 11-13 mm, control
      group). The selection of the participants in the study or control group was based
      on the available bone volume in the mandible. The selection was not randomized.
      The density of cortical bone thickness was measured in Hounsfield units (HU) from
      computed tomography data, and patients were followed for 2 years. The
      participants were examined 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. Primary
      stability immediately after the insertion of dental implants (Periotest),
      secondary stability 6 months after implantation, modified plaque, bleeding on
      probing indices, and probing depth were measured and analyzed statistically
      (alpha=.05). RESULTS: The mean HU value 6 months after implantation in the
      participants who received mini-dental implants was significantly (P=.035) higher
      (1250 HU) than that in the participants who received conventional dental implants
      (1100 HU). The probing depths around the conventional dental implants (1.6 and
      1.8 mm, respectively) were significantly higher than those around the mini-dental
      implants (1.3 and 1.2 mm, respectively) 12 and 24 months after surgery,
      respectively (P<.001). The mean primary and secondary stability values for
      conventional dental implants were -4.0 and -4.9, respectively. The primary and
      secondary stability values for the mini-dental implants were -0.3 and -1.4,
      respectively. The Periotest values of the primary (measured immediately after
      implant insertion) and secondary implant stabilities (measured 6 months after
      implant insertion) were significantly higher for the conventional dental implants
      than for the mini-dental implants (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Based on this 2-year
      clinical trial, patients receiving mini-dental implants had clinical outcomes
      similar to those of patients receiving conventional dental implants to support
      overdenture prostheses.

PMID- 27671376
TI  - Upgrading HepG2 cells with adenoviral vectors that encode drug-metabolizing
      enzymes: application for drug hepatotoxicity testing.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Drug attrition rates due to hepatotoxicity are an important safety
      issue considered in drug development. The HepG2 hepatoma cell line is currently
      being used for drug-induced hepatotoxicity evaluations, but its expression of
      drug-metabolizing enzymes is poor compared with hepatocytes. Different approaches
      have been proposed to upgrade HepG2 cells for more reliable drug-induced liver
      injury predictions. Areas covered: We describe the advantages and limitations of
      HepG2 cells transduced with adenoviral vectors that encode drug-metabolizing
      enzymes for safety risk assessments of bioactivable compounds. Adenoviral
      transduction facilitates efficient and controlled delivery of multiple drug
      metabolizing activities to HepG2 cells at comparable levels to primary human
      hepatocytes by generating an 'artificial hepatocyte'. Furthermore, adenoviral
      transduction enables the design of tailored cells expressing particular metabolic
      capacities. Expert opinion: Upgraded HepG2 cells that recreate known inter
      individual variations in hepatic CYP and conjugating activities due to both
      genetic (e.g., polymorphisms) or environmental (e.g., induction, inhibition)
      factors seems a suitable model to identify bioactivable drug and conduct
      hepatotoxicity risk assessments. This strategy should enable the generation of
      customized cells by reproducing human pheno- and genotypic CYP variability to
      represent a valuable human hepatic cell model to develop new safer drugs and to
      improve existing predictive toxicity assays.

PMID- 27671378
TI  - Allitt's legacy.
AB  - Against a depressing backdrop of rising unemployment, plummeting morale and
      concern for lower standards of care, the RCN Congress last week heard time and
      again the pressures nurses are facing at the coal face.

PMID- 27671377
TI  - Biocompatibility and biodistribution of functionalized carbon nano-onions (f
      CNOs) in a vertebrate model.
AB  - Functionalized carbon nano-onions (f-CNOs) are of great interest as platforms for
      imaging, diagnostic and therapeutic applications due to their high cellular
      uptake and low cytotoxicity. To date, the toxicological effects of f-CNOs on
      vertebrates have not been reported. In this study, the possible biological impact
      of f-CNOs on zebrafish during development is investigated, evaluating different
      toxicity end-points such as the survival rate, hatching rate, and heart beat
      rate. Furthermore, a bio-distribution study of boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY)
      functionalized CNOs in zebrafish larvae is performed by utilizing inverted
      selective plane illumination microscopy (iSPIM), due to its intrinsic capability
      of allowing for fast 3D imaging. Our in vivo findings indicate that f-CNOs
      exhibit no toxicity, good biocompatibility (in the concentration range of 5-100
      MUg mL-1) and a homogenous biodistribution in zebrafish larvae.

PMID- 27671379
TI  - NHS cutbacks alarm Congress.
AB  - Nurses warned the NHS is 'on the edge of a crisis' as a result of government
      underfunding, when more than 1,000 RCN members met in Harrogate last week for
      their annual Congress.

PMID- 27671380
TI  - Call for an open inquiry on Allitt murders at Grantham.
AB  - By Jackie O'Byrne & Daniel Allen Nursing unions have joined the parents of
      children murdered by nurse Beverley Allitt in calling for a full public inquiry
      into the tragedy.

PMID- 27671381
TI  - CN training hits crisis in Scotland.
AB  - The number of Scottish community nurse trainees has plummeted by 80 per cent in
      the past four years.

PMID- 27671382
TI  - Community care 'mere lip service'.
AB  - Community care plan drafters have been accused of paying mere lip service to the
      principle of putting clients at the forefront of care.

PMID- 27671384
TI  - More than a thousand nurses gathered in Harrogate last week for the Royal College
      of Nursing Congress. Daniel Allen, Simon Canning and John Naish report.
AB  - Health Minister Brian Mawhinney announced at Congress a L1-million package
      designed to boost nursing, but gave no commitment on nurse prescribing or PREP.

PMID- 27671383
TI  - Unions outraged by drugs cuts.
AB  - Nursing unions have condemned as 'outrageous' government plans to consider
      charging pensioners and children for prescriptions.

PMID- 27671385
TI  - Revisions expected in maternity care.
AB  - Far reaching changes in maternity care - with greater emphasis on mothers' wishes
      - are expected to be unveiled later this year.

PMID- 27671386
TI  - World news.
AB  - Russia Millions of doses of vaccines to ward against an outbreak of childhood
      diseases are being sent to the former Soviet Union under a World Health
      Organization initiative.

PMID- 27671388
TI  - ?
AB  - Bosnia Mentally disturbed victims of the war in Bosnia, and other former Yugoslav
      states, are to receive help from the World Health Organization.

PMID- 27671389
TI  - Stop-smoking success linked to practice nurses.
AB  - Support from practice nurses is a key factor in helping people to quit smoking, a
      general practice study has found.

PMID- 27671390
TI  - Inexperienced doctors cause diagnostic errors.
AB  - Doctors in accident and emergency departments could be sued for negligence if
      they fail to check a nurse's diagnosis which later proves to be incorrect, a new
      report says.

PMID- 27671391
TI  - Study links computers to seizures in children.
AB  - A national survey to investigate links between computer games and seizures in
      children was launched last week by the National Society for Epilepsy.

PMID- 27671393
TI  - Skin gives due to meningococcal illness.
AB  - Microbiological examination of the skin might be useful in the diagnosis of
      meningococcal infections, researchers from the Netherlands suggest.

PMID- 27671392
TI  - Elderly people receive poor mental health care.
AB  - Older people are ignored by medical services when it comes to their mental health
      care, it was heard at the charity Council and Care's annual meeting last week.

PMID- 27671394
TI  - BP and smoking linked to renal disease.
AB  - An early rise in arterial pressure and smoking are implicated in the development
      of persistent microalbuminuria in diabetic patients with poor glucose control.

PMID- 27671395
TI  - US health awareness on the decline?
AB  - Healthy habits adopted by many Americans seem to be slipping, according to a
      recent Harris survey.

PMID- 27671396
TI  - UVA/UVB sunscreen for the ultrasensitive.
AB  - People with a particular sensitivity to the sun might benefit from using a
      sunscreen containing both UVA and UVB radiation.

PMID- 27671398
TI  - In the wake of Allitt.
AB  - Beverley Allitt will haunt the good name of nursing for a long time to come. The
      24-year old nurse, convicted of the murder of four children; and of attempting to
      murder three others, and harming six more, has given the profession more column
      inches in the newspapers than years of high quality care could ever do. The
      tabloids' 'Angel of Death' has entered the annals of nursing history.

PMID- 27671397
TI  - Hazards of warfarin during pregnancy.
AB  - Anticoagulation with warfarin during pregnancy is hazardous and maternal
      coagulation indices do not predict safety in the fetus.

PMID- 27671399
TI  - Implications for the future.
AB  - In the wake of the Beverley Allitt case, perhaps it is timely to consider the
      implications for all nurses involved in the care of children in tertiary,
      secondary and primary care settings.

PMID- 27671400
TI  - A dream come true or a nightmare?
AB  - I would like to share a recent dream with your readers in the hope that someone
      can offer me an interpretation.

PMID- 27671402
TI  - ?

PMID- 27671401
TI  - Bottomley adding insult to injury.
AB  - After the recent Beverley Allitt case and the subsequent media coverage, I was
      saddened to hear on the BBC's Six O'clock News on May 17 that members of the
      public may believe that the training nurses undergo leaves something to be
      desired.

PMID- 27671403
TI  - More software for less shekels, please.
AB  - I welcome the space devoted to demystifying computers and programs through the
      articles written by Philip Burnard, but am dismayed by his tendency to focus on
      the more expensive products.

PMID- 27671404
TI  - No need to feel alone in the private sector.
AB  - I was surprised to read that Joe Winters considers a move to the private sector
      by a nurse akin to being 'thrown in at the deep end' (Desperate diaspora,
      Viewpoint, May 12).

PMID- 27671405
TI  - Jettison jargon and get back to basics.
AB  - I must pick up on a point made by Geoffrey Hunt in a news item in the May 12
      issue. I agree that the slavish trotting out of self-important jargon such as
      'deontology, utilitarianism, beneficence, non-maleficence...' in teaching ethics
      should be avoided.

PMID- 27671406
TI  - Converts with get up and go should do so.
AB  - I recently completed the conversion course to RGN. After a year of hard work, I
      wonder what it was all for.

PMID- 27671407
TI  - Information exchange.
AB  - *We are looking to improve our discharge planning and would be interested to see
      any paediatric documentation other hospitals are using.

PMID- 27671409
TI  - New nurses act up.
AB  - Hi there, health care workers. How are things developing in your new nursing
      units? Bet there's hardly enough time to attend to the clients with all this
      quality assurance work and fund-raising for new equipment. I'm sure our unit's
      Standards of Care would never have been written if Roz and Jeremy hadn't taken
      some study leave to work on them.

PMID- 27671408
TI  - Gossip.
AB  - So the government is considering asking Tesco's and Sainsbury's to build
      hospitals on the cheap. It is hypermarket hypermania. But what is so crazy about
      that? It was only a matter of time before the hang 'em and flog 'em and the pile
      'em high and flog 'em brigades joined forces.

PMID- 27671410
TI  - Spiritual Care B Narayanasamy Spiritual Care Quay 66pp L5.50 1-85642-054-X.
AB  - Spiritual Care: A Practical Guide for Nurses is intended as a resource 'for
      nurses who want a quick guided introduction to the subject of spirituality and
      spiritual care' and aims to heighten nurses' awareness of it by focusing on this
      oft- neglected aspect of care. Particularly pertinent is that over 74 per cent of
      the UK population belongs to some religious organisation.

PMID- 27671411
TI  - An Active Retirement N Tuft An Active Retirement Age Concern 14pp L7.95 0-886242
      119-5.
AB  - In one study, people of retirement age were asked how well they adjusted to this
      new phase of their lives. The response divided two to one in negative terms and
      revealed that those with positive attitudes were motivated to restructure their
      lives and continue lifetime hobbies or develop new interests.

PMID- 27671412
TI  - Health Visiting K Luker J Orr Health Visiting editors Blackwell Scientific 262pp
      L12.99 0-632-03324-X [Formula: see text].
AB  - The danger inherent in reviewing any second edition is that one spends the whole
      time comparing it with the first edition. I have tried to look at Health
      Visiting: Towards Community Health Nursing in isolation from the first, but this
      has been quite difficult as I, among others, used the first edition so
      extensively during my health visitor training.

PMID- 27671413
TI  - The Home Office Computer Book The Home Office Computer Book Rimmer S Sybex Inc,
      Computer Manuals L17.95.
AB  - This book is not quite what it seems - its title would suggest it is about the
      ins and outs of working from home.

PMID- 27671415
TI  - Listings.

PMID- 27671414
TI  - Computers in General Practice Peckitt R Sigma Press , Computer Manuals L12.95.
AB  - This is a useful book for anyone in the health profession who is starting to work
      with computers.

PMID- 27671417
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 27671416
TI  - SMAR1 binds to T(C/G) repeat and inhibits tumor progression by regulating miR-371
      373 cluster.
AB  - Chromatin architecture and dynamics are regulated by various histone and non
      histone proteins. The matrix attachment region binding proteins (MARBPs) play a
      central role in chromatin organization and function through numerous regulatory
      proteins. In the present study, we demonstrate that nuclear matrix protein SMAR1
      orchestrates global gene regulation as determined by massively parallel ChIP
      sequencing. The study revealed that SMAR1 binds to T(C/G) repeat and targets
      genes involved in diverse biological pathways. We observe that SMAR1 binds and
      targets distinctly different genes based on the availability of p53. Our data
      suggest that SMAR1 binds and regulates one of the imperative microRNA clusters in
      cancer and metastasis, miR-371-373. It negatively regulates miR-371-373
      transcription as confirmed by SMAR1 overexpression and knockdown studies.
      Further, deletion studies indicate that a ~200 bp region in the miR-371-373
      promoter is necessary for SMAR1 binding and transcriptional repression.
      Recruitment of HDAC1/mSin3A complex by SMAR1, concomitant with alteration of
      histone marks results in downregulation of the miRNA cluster. The regulation of
      miR-371-373 by SMAR1 inhibits breast cancer tumorigenesis and metastasis as
      determined by in vivo experiments. Overall, our study highlights the binding of
      SMAR1 to T(C/G) repeat and its role in cancer through miR-371-373.

PMID- 27671418
TI  - Evaluation of patient wristbands and patient identification process in a training
      hospital in Turkey.
AB  - Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the utilisation of patient
      wristbands (PWs) and patient identification (PI) process in a training hospital
      in Ankara, Turkey. Design/methodology/approach This descriptive and cross
      sectional study was conducted in a training hospital with 640 beds, accreditied
      by Joint Commission International. The views of 348 patients and 419 hospital
      personnel on the implementation of patient wristbands and identification process
      were evaluated. Findings The results indicated that lack of information among
      patients about the importance of PWs and the misknowledge among staff
      participants on when, where, and by whom PWs should be put on and verified were
      the weakest points in this hospital. Research limitations/implications PI process
      must be strictly implemented according to the standard procedures of patient
      safety. Both patients and hospital personnel should be trained continuously, and
      training sessions must be held to increase their awareness about the importance
      of PWs and identification process. Practical implications Finding new ways and
      using new methods for increasing knowledge about PI and PWs are necessary.
      Hospital management should prepare a written PI and PW policy and procedure
      documents by taking the views of patients and hospital personnel and share these
      with them. Originality/value This study incorporates the views and attitudes of
      patients and health care personnel in improving health care quality by increasing
      awareness about PI and wristbands. 

PMID- 27671419
TI  - Barriers to accurately measuring patients' dietary intake in hospitals using the
      visual estimation method.
AB  - Purpose Visual estimation, an easy-to-perform technique, is commonly used in
      hospitals to assess dietary intake in patients. The authors performed a
      qualitative study where the authors interviewed nurses and dietitians about their
      perceptions of barriers to accurately measuring patients' dietary intake in
      hospitals using the visual estimation method. The paper aims to discuss these
      issues. Design/methodology/approach Ten dietitians and ten clinical nurses
      responded to 30-minute individual interviews in Tokyo, Japan, in September 2014.
      Each interview was conducted using a common protocol of open-ended questions
      focusing on the challenges of the visual estimation method and barriers to
      accurately measuring patients' dietary intake as part of their routine work. The
      tape-recorded interviews were transcribed and analyzed based on grounded theory.
      Findings Five main categories emerged: hospitals, meals, colleagues, raters, and
      patients. Various individual barriers such as skill, attitude, knowledge, and
      others that had not been considered in previous studies also emerged. External
      barriers that were out of the raters' control, such as shortage of time, human
      resources, financial ability, and others, emerged from the "hospitals" category.
      Research limitations/implications Research participants were all females and many
      of them had less than ten years of experience. Practical implications In addition
      to standardizing the visual estimation process, medical staff need to overcome
      various other internal and external barriers to accurate measurements.
      Originality/value This is the first study to articulate some important barriers
      that influence reliability and validity when measuring patients' dietary intake
      by visual estimation methods in typical clinical settings. 

PMID- 27671420
TI  - Dispensing medication refills without counselling.
AB  - Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the safety and efficiency of, and
      acceptance by, patients for an express refill service (ERS).
      Design/methodology/approach A pilot uncontrolled, cross-sectional, single-centred
      study was conducted at the outpatient pharmacy of a tertiary acute care hospital.
      Under ERS, prescriptions were dispensed without clinical review and counselling
      for patients refilling prescription medications. Efficiency was assessed by
      comparing processing times of ERS prescriptions with regular prescriptions.
      Safety was assessed by independent review of prescriptions by two pharmacists.
      Patient acceptance was assessed by a survey. Findings ERS reduced processing time
      of prescriptions by more than 30 per cent compared to the regular fill process.
      ERS was generally safe for patients, with drug-related problems identified in
      only one prescription which may have warranted closer monitoring. It was accepted
      by patients who opted for the service, as 91.4 per cent agreed or strongly agreed
      that they were satisfied with the service. Research limitations/implications The
      study was conducted on a small convenience sample of patients in a single centre,
      with no control group. Practical implications Results showed that ERS was
      efficient, safe and well-accepted for select patients refilling their
      prescriptions. This leads to shorter waiting times and greater patient
      satisfaction. Originality/value This is the first published study that has
      explored the feasibility of an express prescription refill service. Despite some
      limitations, this study showed that omitting prospective clinical review and
      patient counselling for a defined population segment is safe, and can reduce
      processing time and improve patient satisfaction. 

PMID- 27671421
TI  - Improving patient and staff outcomes using practice development.
AB  - Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of a practice
      development program, "Essentials of Care" (EOC), on patient and staff outcomes,
      workplace culture and service delivery. Design/methodology/approach A descriptive
      study design was used to explore the impact of EOC in a district hospital
      rehabilitation ward. EOC focuses on embedding a person-centered culture within
      clinical areas and is structured from practice development methodologies. EOC was
      implemented in a metropolitan district hospital rehabilitation, older person 20
      bed, ward. Findings Two projects were implemented during EOC. These projects led
      to nine significant patient and staff outcomes for medication and continence care
      practices. Outcomes included a reduction in older person complaints by 80
      percent, pressure injuries by 62 percent, ward multi resistant staphylococcus
      aureus infection rates by 50 percent, clinical incidents by 22 percent, older
      person falls by 14 percent (per 1,000 bed days) and nursing sick leave by 10
      percent. There was also a 13 percent improvement in the post nursing workplace
      satisfaction survey. Research limitations/implications This is a single site
      study and findings may not be suitable for generalizing across ward settings and
      broader population groups. Originality/value The EOC program led to significant
      improvements for and in clinical practices, staff satisfaction and ward culture.
      Specifically, the EOC program also identified significant cost savings and
      brought together the healthcare team in a cohesive and integrated way not
      previously experienced by staff. Practice development strategies can champion
      service quality improvement, optimal patient outcomes and consistency within
      healthcare. 

PMID- 27671422
TI  - Stakeholders' roles and responsibilities regarding quality of care.
AB  - Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe how different stakeholders
      (society, managers, employees and clients) can together ensure the quality of
      care. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative data were collected from four focus
      group interviews conducted in three countries. All interviewees were pursuing a
      master's degree in social and/or health care management and had begun working in
      their field after completing their bachelor's degree. The data were analysed
      using inductive content analysis. Findings The society and managers are
      responsible for the care system as a whole and must apply system-oriented, rather
      than sector-oriented, thinking. Employees are responsible for ensuring the
      continuity of client services in their work, and managers and employees share the
      responsibility of achieving the organisational goals and quality standards. The
      clients are responsible for acting as responsible service users and providing the
      required information to obtain care. Communication was strongly emphasised in the
      data, and it necessitates cross-professional and organisational boundaries,
      professional and political boundaries, as well as boundaries between the
      professional and the client. Research limitations/implications Since the
      interviewees were all pursuing a master's degree in social and/or health care
      management, when reflecting on their work experience, they may have also been
      reflecting what they had learned in university. Practical implications This study
      emphasises the importance of collaboration and communication between stakeholders
      in ensuring the quality of care. Unpredictable economies, the ageing population
      and the ongoing integration and reorganisation of health and social care services
      in Europe highlight systematic and strategic approach in quality of care.
      Originality/value This paper claims that communication between different care
      stakeholders gives a more systematic and coherent framework for the quality of
      care. Quality of care is a strategic choice and part of the strategic decision
      making at the societal, political, organisational and managerial levels. 

PMID- 27671423
TI  - The impact of Lean bundles on hospital performance: does size matter?
AB  - Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of the implementation of
      Lean bundles on hospital performance in private hospitals in Jordan and evaluate
      how much the size of organization can affect the relationship between Lean
      bundles implementation and hospital performance. Design/methodology/approach The
      research is considered as quantitative method (descriptive and hypothesis
      testing). Three statistical techniques were adopted to analyse the data.
      Structural equation modeling techniques and multi-group analysis were used to
      examine the research's hypothesis, and to perform the required statistical
      analysis of the data from the survey. Reliability analysis and confirmatory
      factor analysis were used to test the construct validity, reliability and
      measurement loadings that were performed. Findings Lean bundles have been
      identified as an effective approach that can dramatically improve the
      organizational performance of private hospitals in Jordan. Main Lean bundles -
      just in time, human resource management, and total quality management are
      applicable to large, small and medium hospitals without significant differences
      in advantages that depend on size. Originality/value According to the
      researchers' best knowledge, this is the first research that studies the impact
      of Lean bundles implementation in healthcare sector in Jordan. This research also
      makes a significant contribution for decision makers in healthcare to increase
      their awareness of Lean bundles. 

PMID- 27671424
TI  - Healthcare and aging: do European Union countries differ?
AB  - Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate socio-economic inequalities in
      the use, accessibility and satisfaction with health services amongst 60-84 year
      old people from seven European urban communities. Design/methodology/approach
      Data for this study were collected in 2009. The target population was people aged
      60-84 years from Stuttgart (Germany), Athens (Greece), Ancona (Italy), Kaunas
      (Lithuania), Porto (Portugal), Granada (Spain) and Stockholm (Sweden). The total
      sample comprised 4,467 respondents with a mean response rate across these
      countries of 45.2 per cent. Findings The study demonstrated that the majority of
      respondents had contact with a health care provider within the last 12 months.
      The highest percentages were reported by respondents from Spain (97.8 per cent)
      and Portugal (97.7 per cent). The results suggest that 13.0 per cent of
      respondents had refrained from seeking care services. The highest rates were
      amongst seniors from Lithuania (24.0 per cent), Germany (16.2 per cent) and
      Portugal (15.4 per cent). Logistic regression suggests that seniors who refrained
      from seeking health care was statistically significant associated with those with
      higher levels of education (odds ratios (OR)=1.21; 95 per cent confidence
      intervals (CI)=1.01-1.25) and financial strain (OR=1.26; 95 per cent CI=1.16
      1.37). Furthermore, the majority of respondents were satisfied with health care
      services. Originality/value The findings from the "Elder Abuse: a multinational
      prevalence survey" study indicate the existence of significant variations in use,
      accessibility and satisfaction with health services by country and for socio
      economic factors related to organizing and financing of care systems. 

PMID- 27671425
TI  - Health providers' perception of quality of care for neonates in health facilities
      in a municipality in Southern Ghana.
AB  - Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess available human resources for
      neonatal care and their skills, in order to explore health providers' perceptions
      of quality of neonatal care in health facilities in Ghana.
      Design/methodology/approach Data were gathered using qualitative interviews with
      health providers working in the maternity and paediatric wards and midwives;
      direct observation; and documentary review at a regional hospital, a municipal
      hospital and four health centres in a municipality in a region in Southern Ghana.
      Data were analysed using thematic framework through the process of coding in six
      phases to create and establish meaningful patterns. Findings The study revealed
      that health providers were concerned about the number of staff available, their
      competence and also equipment available for them to work more efficiently. Some
      essential equipment for neonatal care was either not available or was non
      functional where it was available, while aseptic procedures were not adhered to.
      Moreover, personal protective equipment such as facemask, caps, aprons were not
      used except in the labour wards where staff had to change their footwear before
      entering. Research limitations/implications Limited number of health providers
      and facilities used, lack of exploration of parents of neonates' perspective of
      quality of neonatal care in this study and other settings, including the teaching
      hospitals. The authors did not examine issues related to the ineffective use of
      IV cannulation for neonates by nurses as well as referral of neonates.
      Additionally, the authors did not explore the perspectives of management of the
      municipal and regional health directorates or policy makers of the Ministry of
      Health and Ghana Health Service regarding the shortage of staff, inadequate
      provision of medical equipment and infrastructure. Practical implications This
      paper suggests the need for policy makers to redirect their attention to the
      issues that would improve the quality of neonatal health care in health
      facilities in Ghana and in countries with similar challenges. Social implications
      The study found that the majority of nursing staff catering for sick newborns
      were not trained in neonatal nursing. Babies were found sleeping in separate cots
      but were mixed with older children. The study suggests that babies should be
      provided with a separate room and not mixed with older babies. Originality/value
      There seemed to be no defined policy framework for management of neonatal care in
      the country's health care facilities. The study recommends the adoption of
      paediatric and neonatal care nursing as a specialty in the curricula of health
      training institutions. In-service trainings should encompass issues related to
      management of sick babies, care of preterm babies, neonatal resuscitation and
      intravenouscannulation, among others. 

PMID- 27671426
TI  - Apoptosis May Explain the Pharmacological Mode of Action and Adverse Effects of
      Isotretinoin, Including Teratogenicity.
AB  - Isotretinoin (13-cis retinoic acid) is the most effective sebum-suppressive drug
      for the treatment of severe acne. Its effect depends on sebocyte apoptosis, which
      results from isotretinoin-induced expression of the apoptotic protein tumour
      necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand, insulin-like growth factor
      binding protein-3 and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin. This review
      proposes that the pharmacological mode of action of isotretinoin in the treatment
      of severe acne, acute promyelocytic leukaemia, and neuroblastoma results from
      apoptosis. Furthermore, apoptosis may be the underlying and unifying mechanism of
      the adverse effects of isotretinoin on neural crest cells (teratogenicity),
      hippocampal neurones (depression), epidermal keratinocytes and mucosa cells
      (mucocutaneous side-effects), hair follicle cells (telogen effluvium), intestinal
      epithelial cells (inflammatory bowel disease), skeletal muscle cells (myalgia and
      release of creatine kinase), and hepatocytes (release of transaminases and very
      low-density lipoproteins). Genetic variants of components of the apoptotic
      signalling cascade, such as RARA polymorphisms, might explain variations in the
      magnitude of isotretinoin-induced apoptotic signalling and apparently identify
      subgroups of patients who experience either stronger adverse effects with
      isotretinoin therapy or resistance to treatment.

PMID- 27671432
TI  - Restored to Life.
AB  - Long-stay psychiatric patients who may have become 'institutionalised' pose the
      greatest problem to the rehabilitation services-St. Wulstan's Hospital, Malvern,
      is showing how to overcome the problem. 

PMID- 27671433
TI  - On Finding a Job.
AB  - Coming out of psychiatric hospital back on to the labour market is often a
      daunting experience. A man who coped but is critical of the help available
      suggests where there is room for improvement. 

PMID- 27671427
TI  - Dynamics of Water in Gemini Surfactant-Based Lyotropic Liquid Crystals.
AB  - The dynamics of water confined to nanometer-sized domains is important in a
      variety of applications ranging from proton exchange membranes to crowding
      effects in biophysics. In this work, we study the dynamics of water in gemini
      surfactant-based lyotropic liquid crystals (LLCs) using molecular dynamics
      simulations. These systems have well characterized morphologies, for example,
      hexagonal, gyroid, and lamellar, and the surfaces of the confining regions can be
      controlled by modifying the headgroup of the surfactants. This allows one to
      study the effect of topology, functionalization, and interfacial curvature on the
      dynamics of confined water. Through analysis of the translational diffusion and
      rotational relaxation, we conclude that the hydration level and resulting
      confinement length scale is the predominate determiner of the rates of water
      dynamics, and other effects, namely, surface functionality and curvature, are
      largely secondary. This novel analysis of the water dynamics in these LLC systems
      provides an important comparison for previous studies of water dynamics in lipid
      bilayers and reverse micelles.

PMID- 27671434
TI  - From Where I Sit: Editorial Comment.

PMID- 27671435
TI  - Colleagues on the Beat.
AB  - The police often find themselves cast in the roles of counsellors or social
      workers by the very nature of their work yet there is hardly any 'mental health'
      content in their training and other social work agencies seem reluctant to count
      them as allies. 

PMID- 27671436
TI  - Choose Your Speed.
AB  - The pace of modern life is often quoted as a factor in mental ill-health although
      it is difficult to establish a scientific link. All the same, being able to
      'pace' your life properly to suit the conditions is an important factor in
      personal stability. 

PMID- 27671437
TI  - News Review.

PMID- 27671438
TI  - Letters.

PMID- 27671439
TI  - Towards Self-Discovery.
AB  - A woman who regularly takes part in group therapy sessions explains how she came
      to them and what they mean to her. 

PMID- 27671440
TI  - Crabbit Old Woman.
AB  - A poem about old age and its reflections of youth said to have been found among
      the effects of an old woman after her death in a geriatric hospital. 

PMID- 27671441
TI  - Combating Social Handicap.
AB  - Report on a group of parents with handicapped children who came together to
      organise activities to overcome their childrens' lack of social education. 

PMID- 27671442
TI  - Scan.
AB  - A personal view of the social services. 

PMID- 27671443
TI  - Kept in the Background.
AB  - An ex-patient draws on his own experience to suggest how life in mental hospital
      could be made more beneficial in simple ways and expresses reservations about the
      acceptance of patients back into the community. 

PMID- 27671444
TI  - Observation of unusual topological surface states in half-Heusler compounds
      LnPtBi (Ln=Lu, Y).
AB  - Topological quantum materials represent a new class of matter with both exotic
      physical phenomena and novel application potentials. Many Heusler compounds,
      which exhibit rich emergent properties such as unusual magnetism,
      superconductivity and heavy fermion behaviour, have been predicted to host non
      trivial topological electronic structures. The coexistence of topological order
      and other unusual properties makes Heusler materials ideal platform to search for
      new topological quantum phases (such as quantum anomalous Hall insulator and
      topological superconductor). By carrying out angle-resolved photoemission
      spectroscopy and ab initio calculations on rare-earth half-Heusler compounds
      LnPtBi (Ln=Lu, Y), we directly observe the unusual topological surface states on
      these materials, establishing them as first members with non-trivial topological
      electronic structure in this class of materials. Moreover, as LnPtBi compounds
      are non-centrosymmetric superconductors, our discovery further highlights them as
      promising candidates of topological superconductors.

PMID- 27671445
TI  - Adipocyte-derived microvesicles from obese mice induce M1 macrophage phenotype
      through secreted miR-155.
AB  - The pro-inflammatory profile of M1 macrophage accumulation in adipose tissue is a
      central event leading to the metabolic complications of obesity. However, the
      mechanisms by which M1 macrophages are enriched in adipose tissue during weight
      gain remain incompletely understood. Here, we investigated the effects of
      adipocyte-derived microvesicles (ADM) on modulating macrophage phenotype in mice
      and explored the involved molecular signalling pathways. We found that, compared
      with ADM from lean mice (SD ADM), ADM from obese mice (HFD ADM) significantly
      enhanced M1 marker expression. The quantitative RT-PCR assay demonstrated that
      miR-155 was upregulated in both HFD ADM and HFD ADM-treated macrophages. By
      depleting miR-155 expression in HFD ADM and increasing miR-155 level in SD ADM,
      we further illustrated that miR-155 in ADM-induced M1 macrophage polarization.
      Functionally, in contrast to SD ADM, HFD ADM significantly decreased the protein
      level of SOCS1, a proven miR-155 target, leading to activation of STAT1, and
      suppression of STAT6 signalling; these effects were reversed by silencing miR-155
      in HFD ADM. Furthermore, the supernatant of bone marrow-derived macrophages pre
      stimulated with miR-155-bearing ADM interfered with insulin signalling and
      insulin-induced glucose uptake in adipocytes. Collectively, these results provide
      the first evidence that M1 macrophage polarization can be mediated by miR-155
      bearing ADM, which reciprocally regulates insulin signalling and glucose uptake
      in adipocytes. Our study reveals a novel mechanism through which obesity induces
      an imbalance in the M1-to-M2 macrophage ratio in adipose tissue, thus causing
      chronic inflammation and local insulin resistance.

PMID- 27671447
TI  - Psychological Distress Among Older Prisoners: Associations With Health, Health
      Care Utilization, and the Prison Environment.
AB  - Physical and functional health issues among older prisoners may be difficult to
      address in an environment designed for younger inmates. This article investigates
      the relationships between older prisoners' health, their experiences of the
      prison environment and health services, and their levels of psychological
      distress. One hundred and seventy-three older prisoners (aged 50 years and older)
      from eight Australian prisons were interviewed using the Kessler Psychological
      Distress Scale, with additional information collected from prisoner interviews
      and correctional health files. Distress scores were significantly associated with
      measures of physical health, functional independence, and health care
      utilization. However, a hierarchical regression analysis determined that physical
      difficulties in the prison environment and issues accessing prison health care
      explained a significant proportion of the variation in older prisoners' distress
      scores.

PMID- 27671446
TI  - Characterization of aerosols containing Legionella generated upon nebulization.
AB  - Legionella pneumophila is, by far, the species most frequently associated with
      Legionnaires' disease (LD). Human infection occurs almost exclusively by aerosol
      inhalation which places the bacteria in juxtaposition with alveolar macrophages.
      LD risk management is based on controlling water quality by applying standardized
      procedures. However, to gain a better understanding of the real risk of exposure,
      there is a need (i) to investigate under which conditions Legionella may be
      aerosolized and (ii) to quantify bacterial deposition into the respiratory tract
      upon nebulization. In this study, we used an original experimental set-up that
      enables the generation of aerosol particles containing L. pneumophila under
      various conditions. Using flow cytometry in combination with qPCR and culture, we
      determined (i) the size of the aerosols and (ii) the concentration of viable
      Legionella forms that may reach the thoracic region. We determined that the 0.26
      2.5 MUm aerosol size range represents 7% of initial bacterial suspension. Among
      the viable forms, 0.7% of initial viable bacterial suspension may reach the
      pulmonary alveoli. In conclusion, these deposition profiles can be used to
      standardize the size of inoculum injected in any type of respiratory tract model
      to obtain new insights into the dose response for LD.

PMID- 27671448
TI  - Emergency Endovascular Interventions for Ruptured Descending Thoracic Aortic
      Aneurysm.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ruptured descending thoracic aortic aneurysm (rDAA) is a rare but
      devastating condition. Open aortic surgery which uses cardiopulmonary bypass is
      associated with a high mortality. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is
      a less-invasive approach for which it remains unclear whether outcomes are
      superior or equivalent to open aortic surgery. In this study, we report our early
      and midterm outcomes with TEVAR for rDAA. METHODS: This is an observational,
      retrospective, single-center study which included patients with rDAA and treated
      by TEVAR. The main objective was the 30-day in-hospital mortality. Secondary end
      points were 30-day in-hospital morbidity, 2-year mortality, and technical
      problems encountered during procedures. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were
      included: 14 men and 11 women with a median age of 76 years (69-82 years). Thirty
      day in-hospital mortality rate was 36% (95% confidence interval [CI], 20.6-57.9;
      n = 9), and the 2-year mortality rate was 44% (95% CI, 27.94-66.72; n = 11).
      Fifteen patients (60%) presented at least 1 major complication, and 8 of those
      patients had a second surgery because of it. There were 9 technical problems
      encountered that required additional open procedures to successfully deploy the
      aortic stent graft: lack of vascular access in 2 cases (8%), short proximal neck
      in 3 cases (12%), and short distal neck in 4 cases (16%). CONCLUSIONS: Mortality
      and morbidity remain high in patients treated for rDAA by TEVAR. Nonetheless,
      TEVAR remains an interesting alternative to open aortic surgery especially for
      older patients with a poor general health and functional status.

PMID- 27671449
TI  - Sarcoidosis-Associated Aortoesophageal Fistula-Multistage Interdisciplinary
      Surgical Therapy for a Rare and Life-Threatening Condition.
AB  - Aortoesophageal fistulas (AEFs) are rare and life-threatening conditions. Till
      date, an association between an AEF and sarcoidosis has not been reported yet.
      The aim of this report is to demonstrate a case of AEF secondary to sarcoidosis
      and its multistage interdisciplinary surgical therapy. A 66-year-old male was
      diagnosed with sarcoidosis in 2014. He has been treated with glucocorticoids
      since then and no severe health restrictions due to the disease have occurred. In
      December 2015, the patient presented with acute thoracic pain and hematemesis: an
      esophagogastroscopy revealed an AEF. First, stent-graft implantation in the
      thoracic aorta was urgently performed as a "bridging" procedure. Second,
      esophagectomy and local debridement were performed, followed by explantation of
      the stent graft and reconstruction by means of xenograft replacement of the
      stented aorta in a third operation. Finally, retrosternal gastric pull-up was
      performed in a fourth operative procedure. Sixteen days after the last operation
      the patient could be discharged to a rehabilitation clinic. Follow-up is
      uneventful so far; the antibiotic therapy was stopped at the time of hospital
      discharge. The pathogenesis of sarcoidosis, a rare autoimmunological disease, has
      not been completely clarified yet. The diagnosis relies on clinical symptoms and
      radiological as well as histopathological findings. Many cases of sarcoidosis
      show spontaneous regression, but severe complications may occur. While
      tracheoesophageal fistulas have been described in the literature, AEFs related to
      sarcoidosis have not been mentioned yet. Despite surgical and antibiotic
      treatment, the morbidity and mortality rates of AEF are high. Because the
      endovascular treatment has been established for emergency procedures of the
      aorta, it is considered as an appropriate first-line "bridging" treatment option.
      To achieve good long-term results, surgical treatment has to involve
      esophagectomy with secondary reconstruction of the upper gastrointestinal tract,
      as well as open aortic replacement using xenograft or homograft material.
      Sarcoidosis may lead to AEF as demonstrated in this case. Successful treatment
      can be realized by a multistage interdisciplinary surgical approach.

PMID- 27671450
TI  - Repair of Chronic Aneurysmal Aortic Dissection Using a Stent Graft and an
      Amplatzer(r) Vascular Plug: A Case Study.
AB  - We report a case in which a stent graft and an Amplatzer(r) vascular plug (AVP)
      were effective for the treatment of chronic aneurysmal aortic dissection. The
      patient was a 52-year-old man. At 45 years of age, he developed acute aortic
      dissection, for which he underwent surgery 4 times with prosthetic graft
      replacement in the abdominal aorta, descending thoracic, ascending aorta (without
      neck branch reconstruction), and thoracoabdominal aorta with the reconstruction
      of the celiac, superior mesenteric, and bilateral renal arteries. At the time of
      thoracoabdominal aortic surgery, strong adhesion was evident, particularly in the
      thoracoabdominal area. The adhesion was dissected in a part of the chest, and
      prosthetic graft replacement was performed the following day. Subsequently, the
      dissection of the residual distal aortic arch enlarged, and the patient was
      examined at our hospital. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a small intimal tear
      at the site of anastomosis distal to the graft in the ascending aorta and a large
      intimal tear in the descending thoracic aorta with a maximum diameter of 67 mm.
      Furthermore, open repair by prosthetic graft replacement seemed difficult;
      therefore, treatment with stent grafting was considered. Because the prosthetic
      graft in the abdomen was extremely tortuous, stent-graft insertion via the
      femoral artery seemed to be impossible. The planned treatment involved the
      placement of a thoracic stent graft using the chimney technique which included
      reconstruction of the brachiocephalic artery and left common carotid arteries
      using chimney stent graft and coverage of the left subclavian artery. The
      thoracic stent graft was planned to be inserted via the abdominal prosthetic
      graft site because the abdominal prosthetic graft was crooked and was located
      close to the body surface. However, a small intimal tear distal to the graft in
      the ascending aorta which had not been revealed by intraoperative aortography was
      detected by the selective angiography, and closure with an AVP was attempted for
      this. The site was successfully closed using an AVP with a wire passing through
      the tear and into the false lumen. Thereafter, the large tear in the descending
      thoracic aorta was closed using a stent graft. The patient made good
      postoperative progress without evidence of paraplegia, and complete thrombosis of
      the false lumen was confirmed by postoperative CT. CT at 1 year after thoracic
      endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR) showed complete thrombosis of false lumen
      and aneurysm shrinkage.

PMID- 27671451
TI  - Is Multilayer Bare Stent Safe or Effective for the Treatment of Aortic Aneurysms?
      A Meta-analysis with Early and Mid-term Outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As a novel endovascular treatment, multilayer bare stent implantation
      remains controversial. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of multilayer
      bare stent-based endovascular treatment applied in aortic aneurysms in the
      reported literature. METHODS: Articles regarding multilayer bare stent-based
      endovascular treatment published before and during February 2016 were obtained by
      searching PubMed, EMBASE, Wiley Online Library, and Web of Science. R software
      was employed for a meta-analysis. RESULTS: Five studies including 154 patients
      satisfied the inclusion criteria. The mean follow-up was 12.7 (8-22.1) months.
      The rate of aneurysm exclusion was 76.1%. The rate of aneurysm shrinkage and
      enlargement was 14.1% and 12.5%, respectively. The patency rate of branch vessels
      was 98.4%. The overall rate of aneurysm rupture was almost 0%. The 30-day
      postoperative and 1-year aneurysm-related mortality were 0% and 1.7%,
      respectively. Technical success was achieved in all patients. Only 6.7% of the
      patients needed reintervention. About 1.9% of the patients suffered endoleak.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates that treatment of aneurysms with multilayer bare
      stents is safe with high technical success rates and low incidence of
      complications. However, the low rates of aneurysm exclusion are not negligible.
      Due to the limitations of the existing studies, we only suggest its use for
      aortic aneurysms with branch vessels if the standard techniques are
      contraindicated.

PMID- 27671452
TI  - Radial Artery Compression with Threatened Transection: Catfish Injury in a
      Pediatric Patient.
AB  - Marine animal injuries are rare causes of emergency room visits and vascular
      injuries worldwide. Penetrating injuries from marine animals risk damage to
      vasculature, and physicians must be alert to such possibilities. We report a 7
      year-old boy with penetrating trauma and retained foreign body in the forearm
      from a catfish injury. Initial imaging suggested transection of the radial
      artery, but on exposure in a controlled setting the foreign body was found to
      compress the artery without any vascular injury. No vascular repair was needed
      after foreign body removal.

PMID- 27671453
TI  - Percutaneous Treatment of Multiple Recurrent Thromboembolization from a
      Descending Thoracic Aortic Intimal Sarcoma.
AB  - Aortic intimal sarcomas are rare tumors that may result in distal embolic
      ischemia. Here, we present a patient who presented with crescendo lower extremity
      and mesenteric ischemic events from malignant macroembolism. Management with
      percutaneous pharmacomechanical thromboembolectomy enabled restoration of distal
      perfusion and minimally invasive collection of tumor sample to confirm the
      suspected diagnosis of aortic sarcoma. The patient underwent definitive
      aortectomy and reconstruction and is recovering well.

PMID- 27671454
TI  - Outcomes of Left Subclavian Artery Transposition for Hybrid Aortic Arch
      Debranching.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes of left subclavian
      artery (LSA) revascularization for hybrid aortic arch debranching. METHODS:
      Between 1998 and 2015, 68 patients (41 men; mean age, 67 +/- 16 years) underwent
      thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) with LSA coverage, 19.2% (n = 13)
      were never revascularized, and the remaining patients underwent LSA
      revascularization (n = 55; 80.8%). Revascularization was achieved by LSA-carotid
      transposition via a medial approach in 81.8% (n = 45) and a lateral approach in
      18.2% (n = 10). The indication for TEVAR was aneurysmal disease in 30.9% (n =
      17), dissection in 29% (n = 16; acute, n = 5), traumatic aortic injury in 21.8%
      (n = 12), pseudoaneurysm in 10.9% (n = 6), aortobronchial fistula in 5.5% (n =
      3), and penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer in 1.9% (n = 1). Elective cases
      accounted for 52.7% (n = 29). Follow-up computed tomography scans were performed
      at 1 week, 3 and 6 months, and annually thereafter. RESULTS: LSA
      revascularization was achieved in all the cases. Thirty-day mortality rate was
      12.7%. Thirty-day mortality related to LSA revascularization was 0%. No patient
      suffered a stroke. Vocal cord paralysis was detected in 7.2% of patients (n = 4).
      Hematoma requiring surgical drainage was observed in 3.6% of patients (n = 2).
      Lymph leak requiring revision surgery was observed in 1.8% of patients (n = 1).
      Phrenic nerve palsy was not observed. The local complication rate was
      significantly higher (P = 0.03) in patients with LSA transposition via a lateral
      approach (20%; n = 2) when compared to patients with LSA revascularization via a
      medial approach (11.1%; n = 5). After a mean follow-up of 31.5 months (range, 2
      171 months), the patency of the LSA revascularization was maintained in all
      patients. CONCLUSIONS: During TEVAR, when LSA coverage is required, LSA
      revascularization is a durable procedure associated with a low morbidity rate.
      LSA transposition via a medial approach would appear to be associated with
      significantly fewer complications.

PMID- 27671455
TI  - Color Doppler Ultrasound with Superb Microvascular Imaging Compared to Contrast
      enhanced Ultrasound and Computed Tomography Angiography to Identify and Classify
      Endoleaks in Patients Undergoing EVAR.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic effectiveness of
      color Doppler ultrasound (CDUS) with superb microvascular imaging (SMI) compared
      to contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), computed tomography (CT) multislice
      angiography (64 slices), and angiography required for therapeutic reasons, for
      follow-up after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). METHODS: From March 2014 to
      May 2015, 57 patients treated with EVAR were evaluated with CT, CEUS, CDUS, SMI,
      and angiography in cases requiring treatment. Evaluation included sac diameter,
      stent-graft integrity, identification, and classification of endoleaks.
      Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and negative and positive predictive values
      were evaluated for each modality of endoleak identification. RESULTS: Eight
      endoleaks (16.3%), all type II, were documented. Sensitivity of CT, CEUS, CDUS
      and SMI was 88%, 100%, 63%, and 75%, respectively. Specificity of CT, CEUS, CDUS,
      and SMI was 100%, 100%, 96%, and 98%, respectively With SMI, CDUS sensitivity
      significantly increased, whereas specificity did not register great differences.
      CONCLUSIONS: SMI was more accurate than CDUS but less accurate than CEUS and CT
      to identify endoleaks after EVAR. SMI could be concretely used in the follow-up
      phase to increase CDUS accuracy especially in patients who cannot be studied with
      CEUS or CT.

PMID- 27671456
TI  - Comparison of Systemic Thrombolysis Versus Indirect Thrombolysis via the Superior
      Mesenteric Artery in Patients with Acute Portal Vein Thrombosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of
      indirect thrombolysis via the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) in patients with
      acute portal vein thrombosis. METHODS: Over 10 years, we studied the safety and
      efficacy of indirect thrombolysis via the SMA in 34 patients with acute portal
      vein thrombosis. Eighteen patients were categorized as the systemic thrombolysis
      (ST) group and 16 as the catheter thrombolysis (CT) group. The ST group was
      administered low-molecular-weight heparin, and patients in the CT group received
      catheter thrombolysis. Clinical data, such as comorbidities, laboratory test
      results, therapeutic methods, and prognosis, were recorded. All the patients
      underwent a routine clinical follow-up that was performed by inpatient
      examinations or outpatient visits at a mean follow-up time of 34 months. RESULTS:
      The thrombus score was significantly higher in the ST group (3.67 +/- 1.19) than
      in the CT group (2.38 +/- 0.62) after 2 weeks of treatment (P < 0.05). The
      average period of symptom alleviated was longer in the ST group (3.29 +/- 1.59
      days) than in the CT group (2.07 +/- 0.73 days, P < 0.05). Five patients (4 in
      the ST group and 1 in the CT group) underwent a laparotomy because of peritonitis
      after thrombolysis for 24 hr. One patient died of a malignant tumor after 18
      months. CONCLUSIONS: Indirect thrombolysis via the SMA is safer and more
      effective for patients with portal vein thrombosis compared with systemic
      thrombolysis.

PMID- 27671457
TI  - Anaphylactic Reaction during Implantation of Ovation Abdominal Stent Graft in
      Patients with Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.
AB  - The Ovation Abdominal Stent Graft System is a trimodular endoprosthesis planned
      to overcome the limitations of currently available stent grafts, allowing complex
      iliac and femoral access and providing a proximal seal in challenge infrarenal
      neck morphology. The proximal sealing is achieved by means of a network of
      inflatable rings filled with low-viscosity radiopaque polyethylene glycol-based
      polymer during stent-graft deployment. The leakage of polymer outside the channel
      to fill the rings into the vascular system may induce an hypersensitivity
      reaction and anaphylactic shock. We report a case of anaphylactic reaction during
      Ovation Abdominal Stent Graft System implantation. The endovascular procedure was
      successfully concluded.

PMID- 27671458
TI  - Impact of Integrated Vascular Residencies on Academic Productivity within
      Vascular Surgery Divisions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Changing training paradigms in vascular surgery have been introduced
      to reduce overall training time. Herein, we sought to examine how shortened
      training for vascular surgeons may have influenced overall divisional academic
      productivity. METHODS: Faculty from the top 55 surgery departments were
      identified according to National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding. Academic
      metrics of 315 vascular surgery, 1,132 general surgery, and 2,403 other surgical
      specialties faculty were examined using institutional Web sites, Scopus, and NIH
      Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tools from September 1, 2014, to January 31,
      2015. Individual-level and aggregate numbers of publications, citations, and NIH
      funding were determined. RESULTS: The mean size of the vascular divisions was 5
      faculty. There was no correlation between department size and academic
      productivity of individual faculty members (R2 = 0.68, P = 0.2). Overall
      percentage of vascular surgery faculty with current or former NIH funding was
      20%, of which 10.8% had major NIH grants (R01/U01/P01). Vascular surgery faculty
      associated with integrated vascular training programs demonstrated significantly
      greater academic productivity. Publications and citations were higher for
      vascular surgery faculty from institutions with both integrated and traditional
      training programs (48 of 1,051) compared to those from programs with integrated
      training alone (37 of 485) or traditional fellowships alone (26 of 439; P <
      0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective examination, academic productivity was
      improved within vascular surgery divisions with integrated training programs or
      both program types. These data suggest that the earlier specialization of
      integrated residencies in addition to increasing dedicated vascular training time
      may actually help promote research within the field of vascular surgery.

PMID- 27671459
TI  - Prospective Randomized Study of Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy Combined
      with Great Saphenous Vein High Ligation in the Treatment of Severe Lower
      Extremity Varicosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effect of ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS)
      in a single session combined with great saphenous vein (GSV) high ligation for
      severe lower extremity varicosis classified as C4-C6, compared with GSV stripping
      plus multistab avulsion or transilluminated powered phlebectomy (TIPP). METHODS:
      From January 2012 to December 2014, 177 patients with primary GSV insufficiency,
      classified as C4-C6, were randomized into the UGFS group or the control group.
      The UGFS group was managed by GSV high ligation and foam sclerotherapy in one
      session under the surveillance of ultrasonography, whereas the control group
      received GSV high ligation and stripping combined with multistab avulsion or
      TIPP. The patients were followed up at 1, 6, and 12 months after treatment.
      Outcome assessments included reflux recurrence rate, procedure-related adverse
      events, hemodynamic parameters, revised Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS),
      and Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire (AVVQ) score. The medical cost and
      operating time of the 2 groups were also compared. RESULTS: In total, 73 patients
      received UGFS, whereas 90 patients underwent traditional surgery. Sixty-five
      patients in the UGFS group (89.0%) and 74 patients in the control group (82.2%)
      completed the follow-up. At the end of 12 months, the cumulative reflux
      recurrence rate was 13.8% in the UGFS group and 13.5% in the control group (P =
      0.955). In the UGFS and control groups, minor complications (27.7% vs. 21.6%, P =
      0.406) and major complications (3.1% vs. 2.7%, P = 0.895) were not significantly
      different. Compared with baseline values, obvious improvements of the venous
      filling index, VCSS, and AVVQ scores after treatment were confirmed in both
      groups (P < 0.001). The average operating and recovery times were much shorter
      (38.3 vs. 81.2 min, 5.4 vs. 9.6 days, P < 0.001, respectively), and the average
      hospital cost was much lower ($853 vs. $1,575, P < 0.001) in the UGFS group than
      in the control group. The patient satisfaction rate reached 92.3% in the UGFS
      group and 89.2% in the control group 12 months after operation (P = 0.270).
      CONCLUSIONS: Our outcomes indicated that UGFS combined with GSV high ligation was
      safe and effective for severe lower extremity varicosis.

PMID- 27671460
TI  - Carbon Dioxide as Contrast Medium to Guide Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Iodine contrast medium (ICM) is considered to be gold standard in
      endovascular procedures, but its nephrotoxicity and hypersensitivity limit the
      widespread use. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is considered as an alternative for
      endovascular procedures in patients with contraindication to ICM. However, no
      studies have compared the outcomes of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR)
      performed with ICM or CO2 among patients with no contraindication to ICM.
      METHODS: From May 2012 to April 2014, 36 patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms
      underwent EVAR in a prospective, randomized, and controlled study. Patients were
      randomized into 2 groups, CO2 or ICM group. RESULTS: We were able to perform the
      proposed procedures in all patients in this study. There were no conversions to
      open surgery and no CO2-related complications. Endovascular material costs,
      duration of surgery, and time of fluoroscopy were similar between groups, and the
      cost of the contrast media was smaller in the CO2 group than in the ICM group.
      Among CO2 group procedures, 62.5% of the patients needed ICM complementary use.
      CONCLUSIONS: The use of CO2 as a contrast medium for EVAR is an alternative in
      patients with no restriction for ICM, with similar outcomes when compared to ICM,
      regarding duration of surgery, duration of fluoroscopy, and endovascular material
      costs. Using CO2, there were no changes in creatinine clearance and no risk of
      hypersensitivity reactions; moreover, there was a reduction in contrast-related
      costs for EVAR procedures. However, in our study, additional use of ICM to
      visualize the internal iliac artery was needed in most procedures.

PMID- 27671461
TI  - Hepatitis E in Norway: seroprevalence in humans and swine.
AB  - In Norway, no published data on seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in
      humans and swine exists. Serum samples from blood donors, veterinarians, swine
      farm workers and swine were analysed by ELISA to estimate the seroprevalence of
      HEV in Norway and to investigate the association between direct contact with
      swine and HEV seroprevalence in humans. The seroprevalence of HEV IgG antibodies
      was 30% (24/79) in farm workers, 13% (21/163) in veterinarians, 14% (162/1200) in
      blood donors and 90% (137/153) in swine. Our results show a high seroprevalence
      of HEV in humans and swine in Norway. HEV seroprevalence in farm workers and
      blood donors increased with age, and veterinarians working with swine were twice
      as likely to be HEV seropositive compared to other veterinarians. High HEV
      seroprevalence in farm workers and veterinarians working with swine support
      previous reports suggesting swine as a reservoir for HEV infections in humans in
      Europe.

PMID- 27671462
TI  - Development of long-term antimicrobial poly(methyl methacrylate) by incorporating
      mesoporous silica nanocarriers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) used as removable denture bases or
      orthodontic appliances has relatively poor antimicrobial properties, which
      accelerate oral infection and induce unfavorable odors. Mesoporous silica
      nanoparticles (MSNs) have been highlighted as a potential additive to overcome
      this issue because of their drug-loading capacity. Here, we present the long-term
      antimicrobial effect of MSN-incorporated PMMA with drug-loading capacity.
      METHODS: After the MSNs were characterized, MSN incorporation into chemically
      activated PMMA (0.5, 1, 2.5 or 5wt%) relative to the methyl methacrylate powder
      by mass was fabricated into a rectangular specimen (1.4*3.0*19.0mm) for a 3-point
      flexural test at a speed of 1mm/min or a disk (?=11.5mm and d=1.5mm) for
      investigation of its antimicrobial effects. RESULTS: A typical spherical
      morphology with a well-ordered mesoporous structure of the MSNs was visualized
      and is beneficial for loading drugs and combining in matrixes. Among the tested
      levels of MSN incorporation in PMMA (0.5, 1, 2.5 or 5wt%), only 5wt% decreased
      the flexural strength (p<0.05), whereas the flexural modulus was not
      significantly decreased (p>0.05). The surface roughness and surface energy were
      increased with 2.5wt% or 5wt% incorporation. An anti-adherent effect against
      Candida albicans and Streptococcus oralis after 1h of attachment was only
      observed with 2.5 and 5wt% incorporation compared to a lack of MSNs (p<0.05). A
      long-term antimicrobial effect was observed for 2 weeks with 2.5wt% MSN
      incorporated PMMA when amphotericin B was loaded into the MSNs on the PMMA
      surface. SIGNIFICANCE: The long-term antimicrobial performance after loading
      amphotericin B into the MSN-incorporated PMMA suggests the potential clinical
      usefulness of MSN-incorporated PMMA resin.

PMID- 27671463
TI  - Interaction between LPS and a dental resin monomer on cell viability in mouse
      macrophages.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from cariogenic microorganisms and resin
      monomers like HEMA (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) included in dentin adhesive are
      present in a clinical situation in deep dentinal cavity preparations. Here, cell
      survival, expression of proteins related to redox homeostasis, and viability of
      mouse macrophages exposed to LPS and HEMA were analyzed with respect to the
      influence of oxidative stress. METHODS: Cell survival of RAW264.7 mouse
      macrophages was determined using a crystal violet assay, protein expression was
      detected by Western blotting, and HEMA- or LPS-induced apoptosis (cell viability)
      was analyzed by flow cytometry. Cells were exposed to HEMA (0-8mM), LPS
      (0.1MUg/ml) or combinations of both substances for 24h. The influence of mitogen
      activated protein kinases (MAPK) was analyzed using the specific inhibitors
      PD98059 (ERK1/2), SB203580 (p38) or SP600125 (JNK), and oxidative stress was
      identified by the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC). RESULTS: Cell survival was
      reduced by HEMA. LPS, however, increased cell survival from 29% in cultures
      exposed to 8mM HEMA, to 46% in cultures co-exposed to 8mM HEMA/LPS. Notably, LPS
      induced apoptosis was neutralized by 4-6mM HEMA but apoptosis caused by 8mM HEMA
      was counteracted by LPS. Expression of NOS (nitric oxide synthase), p47phox and
      p67phox subunits of NADPH oxidase, catalase or heme oxygenase (HO-1) was
      associated with HEMA- or LPS-induced apoptosis. While no influence of MAPK was
      detected, NAC inhibited cytotoxic effects of HEMA. SIGNIFICANCE: HEMA- and LPS
      triggered pathways may induce apoptosis and interfere with physiological tissue
      responses as a result of the differential formation of oxidative stress.

PMID- 27671464
TI  - Evaluation of monomer leaching from a resin cement through dentin by a novel
      model.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the elution of HEMA, BPA, UDMA and BisGMA from a
      conventional resin cement (Multilink Automix(r), Ivoclar Vivadent) through human
      dentin, under constant positive pulpal pressure. METHODS: Ten human dentin disks
      (n=10) were adjusted in a new testing device and transparent glass slabs were
      luted with Multilink Automix(r) resin cement, following manufacturer's
      instructions, under a steady pressure of 25N. The device was filled with Ringer's
      solution. At 5min, 20min, 1h, 2h, 21h, 3 days, 7 days, 10days and 21days time
      intervals, the whole eluate was retrieved from each one of the ten specimens and
      then, the specimens were refilled with fresh Ringer's solution. The eluates were
      analyzed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). RESULTS: HEMA was
      detected in the eluate of all of the specimens, from 5min until 10 days. At four
      of the specimens, HEMA was also detected in the 21days eluate at very low
      concentrations. BPA, UDMA and BisGMA were not detected at any eluate. An unknown
      compound was also detected at 4.4min. SIGNIFICANCE: The concentrations of HEMA
      that enabled to diffuse from Multilink Automix(r) cement in an aqueous solution,
      through a dentin barrier, did not reach toxic levels and BPA, UDMA and BisGMA
      were not detected at all.

PMID- 27671465
TI  - Porcelain bonding to novel Co-Cr alloys: Influence of interfacial reactions on
      phase stability, plasticity and adhesion.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to determine the hardness and
      adhesion strength at the porcelain to alloy interface. METHODS: 15 bi-layer
      porcelain veneered Co-Cr specimens of each alloy group [cast, powder metallurgy
      (PM), CAD/CAM(CC)] were manufactured. 12 bi-layered specimens were tested using
      four-point bend strain energy release rate adhesion test. One before and after
      porcelain firing specimen of each alloy group were nano-indented at the bulk and
      metal-porcelain interface to determine the mechanical properties. Electron
      backscatter diffraction was used to determine the microstructure and phase of the
      indented areas. RESULTS: The results obtained from the four-point bend strain
      energy release rate test indicated highest adhesion energy of 92.15J/m2 observed
      in the CC produced Co-Cr alloy. This was followed by the PM alloy with an
      adhesion energy of 62.24J/m2 and cast alloy with an adhesion energy of 42.83J/m2.
      All comparisons of adhesion energy between the three alloys were found to be
      statistically significant (p<.05). Nano-indentation test indicated higher
      hardness values of 4.6-6.1GPa at the metal-porcelain interface compared to the
      bulk, which had hardness values of 3.1-3.9GPa. SIGNIFICANCE: The adhesion of the
      alloy to porcelain was found to be inversely related to the hardness of the
      interfacial layer at the alloy surface. Lower interfacial hardness was found to
      be accompanied with higher adhesion energy due to the additional plastic energy
      consumed during crack propagation along the more ductile interface region of the
      alloy.

PMID- 27671466
TI  - Fatigue behavior of resin-modified monolithic CAD-CAM RNC crowns and endocrowns.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of different types of modifications with
      resin on fatigue resistance and failure behavior of CAD-CAM resin nano ceramic
      (RNC) restorations for maxillary first premolars. METHODS: Sixty standardized
      resin composite root dies received CAD-CAM RNC endocrowns (n=30) and crowns
      (n=30) (Lava Ultimate, 3M Espe). Restorations were divided into six groups: full
      anatomic endocrowns (group A) and crowns (group D), buccal resin veneered
      endocrowns (group B) and crowns (group E) and buccal resin veneered endocrowns
      (group C) and crowns (group F) with a central groove resin filling. A nano-hybrid
      resin composite was used to veneer the restorations (Filtek Supreme, 3M Espe).
      All specimens were first submitted to thermo-mechanical cyclic loading (1.7Hz,
      49N, 600000 cycles, 1500 thermo-cycles) and then submitted to cyclic isometric
      stepwise loading (5Hz) until completion of 105000 cycles or failure after 5000
      cycles at 200N, followed by 20000 cycles at 400N, 600N, 800N, 1000N and 1200N. In
      case of fracture, fragments were analyzed using SEM and modes of failure were
      determined. Results were statistically analyzed by Kaplan-Meier life survival
      analysis and log rank test (p=0.05). RESULTS: The differences in survival between
      groups were not statistically significant, except between groups D and F
      (p=0.039). Endocrowns fractured predominantly with a mesio-distal wedge-opening
      fracture (82%). Partial cusp fractures were observed above all in crowns (70%).
      Analysis of the fractured specimens revealed that the origin of the fracture was
      mainly at the occlusal contact points of the stepwise loading. SIGNIFICANCE:
      Veneering of CAD-CAM RNC restorations has no influence on their fatigue
      resistance except when monolithic crowns are modified on their occlusal central
      groove.

PMID- 27671467
TI  - New acid BisGMA analogs for dental adhesive applications with antimicrobial
      activity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To achieve bisphenol A glycerolate dimethacrylate (BisGMA) analogs
      with reduced viscosity to be used in the formulation of dental adhesives
      containing biocidal components. METHODS: A series of low-viscosity BisGMA
      derivatives (eta: 39-12Pas) modified with 30, 60 and, respectively 80mol%
      carboxylic acid units were synthesized and characterized. Hydrogen bonding
      interactions in our monomers, the photopolymerization behavior and implicitly the
      conversion degree (DC) for some experimental adhesive formulations containing
      acid-modified BisGMA, commercial BisGMA (only in F1-F3), triethyleneglycol
      dimethacrylate and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate were examined by FTIR
      spectroscopy. The water effects on the photocrosslinked networks together with
      the flexural strength/modulus were also investigated. The adhesive penetration
      into the dentin surface was surveyed by SEM analysis, and the antimicrobial
      activity triggered by the incorporation of 0.5wt% AgNO3, 10wt% zinc methacrylate
      or 1wt% triclosan methacrylate in selected adhesive formulations on the growth of
      Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans strains was evidenced. RESULTS: The
      contribution of the hydrogen bonding interactions was found to be lower in BisGMA
      derivatives than in non-modified BisGMA, and the DC varied between 56.5 (F6) and
      83.7% (F1) compared with a control formulation based on BisGMA:TEGDMA (DC=58.2%).
      The flexural strength and flexural modulus varied in the range 33.7MPa (F6)
      54.4MPa (F8)MPa and 0.64 (F6)-1.43 (F8)GPa, respectively. SEM observation of
      adhesive-dentin interface revealed the formation of resin tags for the carboxyl
      containing adhesive, while for the control adhesive they are hardly formed. Also,
      the microorganism development was inhibited, the proposed materials displaying
      antimicrobial activity. SIGNIFICANCE: The experimental formulations based on
      carboxyl-functionalized BisGMA exhibit a similar or even improved behavior over
      control sample, suggesting their potential applicability as antimicrobial dental
      adhesives.

PMID- 27671468
TI  - High strength and toughness in chromatic polymer-infiltrated zirconia ceramics.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the microstructure and mechanical behavior of polymer
      infiltrated zirconia ceramics as a function of Fe2O3 concentration (0-0.3mol%).
      METHODS: Polymer-infiltrated zirconia ceramics with different concentrations of
      Fe2O3 were prepared by infiltration and polymerization. XRD was employed to
      determine phase structure. The microstructure and fracture mechanism was observed
      by SEM. Flexural strength and fracture toughness were measured by three-point
      bending method and single-edge-notched beam method, respectively. Data were
      analyzed by Weibull distribution. A nanoindentation system was employed to
      determine elastic modulus and hardness. RESULTS: With increasing content of
      Fe2O3, the flexural strength, fracture toughness, elastic modulus and hardness
      are all greatly enhanced and the chromatic behavior also improves significantly.
      As a tradeoff made between strength and elastic modulus, specimen containing
      0.2mol% Fe2O3 is found to be the better one, with flexural strength and fracture
      toughness values being 336.8MPa and 3.91MPam1/2, respectively. Moreover, it
      maintains a relatively low elastic modulus of 88.2GPa and a moderate hardness of
      4.8GPa, close to those of natural enamel. SIGNIFICANCE: This polymer-infiltrated
      zirconia ceramic material is a dental material of biomimetic chromatic and
      mechanical properties.

PMID- 27671469
TI  - Shrinkage behaviors of dental composite restorations-The experimental-numerical
      hybrid analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of light curing protocols on the shrinkage
      behaviors, contraction stress, and microleakage in composite restorations by an
      experimental-numerical hybrid analysis. METHODS: Three groups of human molars
      were collected to receive different light-curing protocols: vertical or oblique
      curing at regular intensity, and vertical curing at reduced intensity. For each
      tooth, the composite fillings were consecutively placed under unbonded and bonded
      states, and their shrinkage behaviors were examined with a digital image
      correlation (DIC) technique. The strains of the unbonded restorations were input
      into two finite element analysis (FEA) models with settings of the composite as
      either homogeneous or hardened along polymerization gradients. The preliminary
      solutions were verified by their individual deformations in the bonded
      restorations. The interfacial microleakage of restorations was also determined by
      micro-CT scanning and compared with the FEA results. RESULTS: The bonded
      restorations showed centripetal shrinkage patterns with greater downward
      displacements than their unbonded restorations. Vertical curing at regular
      intensity caused the greatest shrinkage strain, contraction stress, and
      microleakage among the three protocols. Low-intensity curing reduced overall
      shrinkage strain and displacements at cervical margin, but did not prevent the
      formation of microleakage. Oblique curing caused asymmetric shrinkage with the
      tooth-shielded side revealing less deformation. Setting the polymerization
      dependent elastic moduli of the composite enhanced the reliability of FEA.
      SIGNIFICANCE: This hybrid analysis comprehensively examined the polymerization
      shrinkage behaviors. Both the light intensity and direction affect the shrinkages
      and contraction stress. Oblique curing decreases shrinkage due to the attenuated
      irradiation by tooth-shielding rather than modulations of shrinkage direction.

PMID- 27671470
TI  - Co-Cr dental alloys induces cytotoxicity and inflammatory responses via
      activation of Nrf2/antioxidant signaling pathways in human gingival fibroblasts
      and osteoblasts.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Although cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) dental alloys are routinely used in
      prosthodontics, the biocompatibility of Co-Cr alloys is controversial. The aims
      of the present study were to investigate the effects of Co-Cr alloys on human
      gingival fibroblasts (HGF) and osteoblasts in an in vitro model as well as their
      potential molecular mechanisms, focusing on NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)
      pathways. METHODS: Cells were directly seeded on prepared Co-Cr alloy discs
      (15.0mm diameter, 1.0mm thickness) or indirectly treated with Co-Cr alloy located
      at the bottom of an insert well and incubated for 3 days. Cytotoxicity and
      reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was evaluated by MTS assay and flow
      cytometry, respectively. Protein and mRNA levels were determined by Western
      blotting and RT-PCR analysis, respectively. RESULTS: Cell viability and flow
      cytometric assay demonstrated that the Co-Cr alloy was cytotoxic to HGFs and
      osteoblasts, and significantly increased ROS production. In addition, the Co-Cr
      alloys upregulated pro-inflamamtory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, and IL
      8) and increased levels of various inflammatory mediators (iNOS derived nitrite
      oxide, and COX-2-derived PGE2) in both cells. A mechanistic study showed that Co
      Cr alloys activates the NRF2 pathway and up-regulate antioxidant enzymes
      including heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Co-Cr alloys activated JAK2/STAT3, p38/ERK/JNK
      MAPKs and NF-kappaB signaling pathways. Furthermore, antioxidants (resveratrol
      and NAC) and HO-1 inhibitor (SnPP) significantly inhibited the production of ROS
      and inflammatory mediators, as well as the activation of NF-kappaB signaling in
      Co-Cr alloy stimulated HGFs and osteoblasts. SIGNIFICANCE: This study is the
      first to show that Co-Cr alloys exert cytotoxic and inflammatory effects via
      activation of Nrf2/ARE signaling and up-regulation of downstream HO-1, which
      could represent candidate targets for the regulation of inflammatory responses to
      Co-Cr alloys.

PMID- 27671471
TI  - Novel bioactive nanocomposite for Class-V restorations to inhibit periodontitis
      related pathogens.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The occurrence of tooth root caries is increasing as the world
      population ages and tooth retention in seniors increases. Class V restorations
      with subgingival margins are difficult to clean and often lead to periodontitis.
      The objectives of this study were to develop a Class V composite containing
      dimethylaminohexadecyl methacrylate (DMAHDM) and nanoparticles of amorphous
      calcium phosphate (NACP), and investigate mechanical properties and the
      inhibition of six species of periodontitis-related biofilms for the first time.
      METHODS: Ethoxylated bisphenol A dimethacrylate (EBPADMA) and pyromellitic
      glycerol dimethacrylate (PMGDM) were mixed at 1:1 mass ratio to form the resin
      matrix. DMAHDM, NACP, and glass particles were incorporated at 3%, 20% and 50% by
      mass, respectively. Six species were tested: Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella
      intermedia, Prevotella nigrescens, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans,
      Fusobacterium nucleatum and Enterococcus faecalis. Colony-forming units (CFU),
      live/dead assay, biomass via crystal violet staining, and polysaccharide
      production by biofilms were determined on composites. RESULT: Adding 3% DMAHDM to
      composite did not affect the flexure strength and elastic modulus (p>0.1). For
      all six species of periodontal pathogens, the DMAHDM composite had biofilm CFU
      nearly three orders of magnitude less than that without DMAHDM. The killing
      efficacy of DMAHDM composite against the six species was: E. faecalis<F.
      nucleatum<P. nigrescens=P. intermedia<A. actinomycetemcomitans<P. gingivalis.
      Biofilm biomass and polysaccharide were also greatly reduced via DMAHDM (p<0.05).
      SIGNIFICANCE: The novel nanocomposite containing DMAHDM and NACP showed strong
      inhibiting effect against all six species of periodontitis-related pathogens.
      This composite is promising for Class V restorations to restore root caries and
      combat periodontitis.

PMID- 27671472
TI  - Surgical management of ventrally located spinal meningiomas via posterior
      approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Spinal meningioma is a relatively common tumor among intradural
      extramedullary spinal tumors. When the locus of the meningioma is located on the
      ventral side, tumor removal, dura mater resection, and reconstruction via a
      posterior approach safety become technically difficult. METHODS: Twelve patients,
      who received surgical treatment for ventral spinal meningioma via a posterior
      approach, were included. There were three male and nine female patients, with an
      average age of 66.3 years (47-88 years). The average observation period was 55.4
      months (22-132 months). In these cases, we analyzed the spinal level of tumor
      position, histopathological type (subtype), the grade of tumor resection (Simpson
      grade), pre- and post-operative walking state (Nurick grade), perioperative
      neurological complications, and the recurrence. RESULTS: Spinal meningioma
      occurred in the cervical spinal cord in three cases, with a further nine cases in
      the thoracic spinal cord. Histopathologically, all 12 tumors were assessed as
      grade I on the WHO classification system (eight cases of meningothelial type and
      four cases of psammomatous type). The level of tumor resection was Simpson grade
      I resection for two cases and Simpson grade II resection for the remaining ten
      cases. The average of Nurick grade improved from 3.3 preoperatively to 1.3
      postoperatively. In all cases, we identified no neurological complications. One
      incident of tumor recurrence was identified 11 years after an operation involving
      a Simpson grade II resection CONCLUSION: Posterior approaches provide adequate
      exposure to safely remove ventrally located meningioma. Posterior exposures with
      lateral bone resection, dentate ligament division, provide also adequate exposure
      for safe removal.

PMID- 27671473
TI  - Patient-based decision for resuming activity after ACL reconstruction: a single
      centre experience.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to report the functional outcome following
      anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in patients who decide when to
      resume work and normal sporting activity post-operatively. The hypothesis tested
      was that patient-based decision to return to work and sport was possible without
      compromising functional outcome and increased the rate of repeat rupture in
      comparison with the existing literature. METHODS: This was a monocentric,
      retrospective study. Seventy-two patients requiring primary ACL reconstruction
      were included. All patients were followed up for a mean period of 4.3 years.
      Return to work and to sporting activity was allowed based on patient's decision.
      No restriction was suggested by the physician. Delays to return to work and
      sports and occurrence of graft failure were documented. RESULTS: Sixty-six
      patients (92 %) returned to any sporting activity. The mean delay was 4.1 months
      for running, 6.1 months for pivoting sports, and 6.6 months for contact sports.
      Return to competitive sport was possible in 82 % of patients after a mean delay
      of 7.1 months. Return to work was possible for 96 % of patients after a mean
      delay of 2.3 months. Index Tegner score normalized in 71 % of patients. Four
      repeat ruptures (6 %) were observed, all of them following a significant knee
      injury. CONCLUSIONS: Patient-based decision to return to work and sport was
      possible without compromising functional outcome. The post-operative restrictions
      implemented by orthopaedic surgeons following ACL reconstructions may be relaxed
      and more patient based.

PMID- 27671474
TI  - ANTISTAPHYBASE: database of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and essential oils
      (EOs) against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and
      Staphylococcus aureus.
AB  - Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus are major pathogens.
      The antimicrobial peptides and essential oils (EOs) display narrow- or broad
      spectrum activity against bacteria including these strains. A centralized
      resource, such as a database, designed specifically for anti-S. aureus/anti
      methicillin-resistant S. aureus antimicrobial peptides and EOs is therefore
      needed to facilitate the comprehensive investigation of their structure/activity
      associations and combinations. The database ANTISTAPHYBASE is created to
      facilitate access to important information on antimicrobial peptides and
      essential peptides against methicillin-resistant S. aureus and S. aureus. At the
      moment, the database contains 596 sequences of antimicrobial peptides produced by
      diverse organisms and 287 essential oil records. It permits a quick and easy
      search of peptides based on their activity as well as their general,
      physicochemical properties and literature data. These data are very useful to
      perform further bioinformatic or chemometric analysis and would certainly be
      useful for the development of new drugs for medical use. The ANTISTAPHYBASE
      database is freely available at: https://www.antistaphybase.com/ .

PMID- 27671475
TI  - Transgenerational disruption of functional 5-HT1AR-induced connectivity in the
      adult mouse brain by traumatic stress in early life.
AB  - Traumatic stress in early life is a strong risk factor for psychiatric disorders
      that can affect individuals across several generations. Although the underlying
      mechanisms have been proposed to implicate serotonergic transmission in the
      brain, the neural circuits involved remain poorly delineated. Using
      pharmacological functional magnetic resonance imaging in mice, we demonstrate
      that traumatic stress in postnatal life alters 5-HT1A receptor-evoked local and
      global functions in both, the exposed animals and their progeny when adult.
      Disrupted functional connectivity is consistent across generations and match
      limbic circuits implicated in mood disorders, but also networks not previously
      linked to traumatic stress. These findings underscore the neurobiology and
      functional mapping of transgenerational effects of early life experiences.

PMID- 27671476
TI  - A novel mechanism of memory loss in Alzheimer's disease mice via the degeneration
      of entorhinal-CA1 synapses.
AB  - The entorhinal cortex (EC) is one of the most vulnerable brain regions that is
      attacked during the early stage of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, we report that
      the synaptic terminals of pyramidal neurons in the EC layer II (ECIIPN) directly
      innervate CA1 parvalbumin (PV) neurons (CA1PV) and are selectively degenerated in
      AD mice, which exhibit amyloid-beta plaques similar to those observed in AD
      patients. A loss of ECIIPN-CA1PV synapses disables the excitatory and inhibitory
      balance in the CA1 circuit and impairs spatial learning and memory. Optogenetic
      activation of ECIIPN using a theta burst paradigm rescues ECIIPN-CA1PV synaptic
      defects and intercepts the decline in spatial learning and memory. These data
      reveal a novel mechanism of memory loss in AD mice via the selective degeneration
      of the ECIIPN-CA1PV pathway.

PMID- 27671478
TI  - Students face deep conflict in reporting harassment.

PMID- 27671477
TI  - Formulation and evaluation of injectable in situ forming microparticles for
      sustained delivery of lornoxicam.
AB  - The objective of this study is to formulate biodegradable in situ microparticles
      (ISM) containing lornoxicam for post-operative and arthritic pain management. ISM
      emulsions were prepared according to 25 full factorial experimental design to
      investigate the influence of formulation variables on the release profile of the
      drug. The independent variables studied are the polymer type, polymer inherent
      viscosity, polymer concentration, oil type and polymer:oil ratio. In vitro drug
      release, microscopical examination, particle size determination and
      syringeability measurement were selected as dependent variables. The effect of
      gamma-sterilization on the prepared formulae was also examined. The prepared
      formulae showed extended drug release over two weeks, and flow time below 5 s/ml.
      Scanning electron microscope revealed that the prepared microparticles were
      spherical in shape, with diameter ranging from 3.45 to 22.78 um. In vivo
      pharmacokinetic evaluation of two selected optimum formulations in rabbits showed
      prolonged drug absorption indicated by delayed Tmax and the extended mean
      residence time. In conclusion, the prepared injectable ISM could be a promising
      approach for providing extended delivery of lornoxicam with low initial burst
      effect.

PMID- 27671480
TI  - Octyl Ester of Ginsenoside Rh2 Induces Apoptosis and G1 Cell Cycle Arrest in
      Human HepG2 Cells by Activating the Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway and Modulating
      the Akt/p38 MAPK Signaling Pathway.
AB  - Ginsenoside Rh2 is a potential active metabolite of ginseng that has antitumor
      activity against a variety of tumor cells. Previously, we reported that Rh2-O, an
      octyl ester derivative of ginsenoside Rh2, had a higher anticancer activity than
      Rh2 through activating the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. In this study, we found
      that the extrinsic apoptotic pathway was also involved in Rh2-O-induced HepG2
      cells apoptosis as evidenced by the up-regulation of Fas, FasL, TNFR1, and TNF
      alpha as well as the cleavage of caspase 8. Moreover, flow cytometric analysis
      demonstrated that Rh2-O induced G1 cell cycle arrest in HepG2 cells. Rh2-O
      induced G1 phase arrest was accompanied by the down-regulation of cyclin D3 and
      cyclin E and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) 4 and 6 and the up-regulation of
      p21WAF1/CIP1 and p27KIP1. In addition, Rh2-O down-regulated the phosphorylation
      of Akt, and its inhibitor LY294002 promoted Rh2-O-induced G1 phase arrest. Rh2-O
      treatment also activated p38 MAPK, JNK, and ERK expression. Inhibitors of p38
      MAPK (SB203580), but not those of JNK (SP600125) or ERK (PB98095), promoted Rh2-O
      induced G1 phase arrest in HepG2 cells. These results indicated that the
      disruption of Akt and p38 MAPK cascades played a pivotal role in Rh2-O-induced G1
      phase arrest.

PMID- 27671479
TI  - Understanding Patterns of Social Support and Their Relationship to an ART
      Adherence Intervention Among Adults in Rural Southwestern Uganda.
AB  - SMS is a widely used technology globally and may also improve ART adherence, yet
      SMS notifications to social supporters following real-time detection of missed
      doses showed no clear benefit in a recent pilot trial. We examine the demographic
      and social-cultural dynamics that may explain this finding. In the trial, 63 HIV
      positive individuals initiating ART received a real-time adherence monitor and
      were randomized to two types of SMS reminder interventions versus a control (no
      SMS). SMS notifications were also sent to 45 patient-identified social supporters
      for sustained adherence lapses. Like participants, social supporters were
      interviewed at enrollment, following their matched participant's adherence lapse
      and at exit. Social supporters with regular income (RR = 0.27, P = 0.001) were
      significantly associated with fewer adherence lapses. Instrumental support was
      associated with fewer adherence lapses only among social supporters who were food
      secure (RR = 0.58, P = 0.003). Qualitative interview data revealed diverse and
      complex economic and relationship dynamics, affecting social support. Resource
      availability in emotionally positive relationships seemingly facilitated helpful
      support, while limited resources prevented active provision of support for many.
      Effective social support appeared subject to social supporters' food security,
      economic stability and a well-functioning social network dependent on trust and
      supportive disclosure.

PMID- 27671481
TI  - Edwin Bickerstaff (1920-2008).

PMID- 27671482
TI  - National validation and proposed revision of REM sleep behavior disorder
      screening questionnaire (RBDSQ).
AB  - We validated the Italian version of the rapid eye movement sleep behavior
      disorder (RBD) screening questionnaire (RBDSQ) and calculated its cut-off value
      for discriminating RBD group from other sleep disorders and healthy controls
      (HC). 380 patients with sleep disorders and 101 HC were enrolled. RBDSQ achieved
      an acceptable Cronbach's alpha value of 0.787 and item 10 was the only one with a
      very low item-total biserial correlation (0.141). At ROC analysis, we obtained an
      AUC of 0.888, denoting a good performance of the RBDSQ total score for predicting
      the RBD status. The optimal cut-off value was 8 and it achieved good values of
      both sensitivity and specificity (0.842 and 0.780, respectively). Due to the poor
      performance of item 10 in our sample, we analyzed the RBDSQ without this item
      (called "revised RBDSQ"). We obtained a good Cronbach's alpha of 0.802. When
      evaluating the performance of the revised score in predicting the RBD status, we
      obtained an increased value of AUC (0.899). The optimal cut-off value was still 8
      (sensitivity = 0.829; specificity = 0.820). The Italian version of RBDSQ is a
      sensitive tool for the identification of RBD patients. An improvement of the
      instrument could be obtained by removing item 10 and define a higher cut-off
      value of 8. The "revised RBDSQ" represents a reliable screening questionnaire for
      primary care physicians and neurologists and its employment may facilitate the
      choice of subjects that should undergo a PSG that confirms the diagnosis of RBD,
      thus avoiding polysomnographic exams when not needed.

PMID- 27671483
TI  - The frontotemporal syndrome of ALS is associated with poor survival.
AB  - Thirty percent of ALS patients have a frontotemporal syndrome (FS), defined as
      behavioral changes or cognitive impairment. Despite previous studies, there are
      no firm conclusions on the effect of the FS on survival and the use of non
      invasive ventilation (NIV) in ALS. We examined the effect of the FS on survival
      and the start and duration of NIV in ALS. Behavioral changes were defined as >22
      points on the ALS-Frontotemporal-Dementia-Questionnaire or >=3 points on >=2
      items of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory. Cognitive impairment was defined as
      below the fifth percentile on >=2 tests of executive function, memory or
      language. Classic ALS was defined as ALS without the frontotemporal syndrome. We
      performed survival analyses from symptom onset and time from NIV initiation,
      respectively, to death. The impact of the explanatory variables on survival and
      NIV initiation were examined using Cox proportional hazards models. We included
      110 ALS patients (76 men) with a mean age of 62 years. Median survival time was
      4.3 years (95 % CI 3.53-5.13). Forty-seven patients (43 %) had an FS. Factors
      associated with shorter survival were FS, bulbar onset, older age at onset, short
      time to diagnosis and a C9orf72 repeat expansion. The adjusted hazard ratio (HR)
      for the FS was 2.29 (95 % CI 1.44-3.65, p < 0.001) in a multivariate model.
      Patients with an FS had a shorter survival after NIV initiation (adjusted HR
      2.70, 95 % CI 1.04-4.67, p = 0.04). In conclusion, there is an association
      between the frontotemporal syndrome and poor survival in ALS, which remains
      present after initiation of NIV.

PMID- 27671484
TI  - Two-boundary first exit time of Gauss-Markov processes for stochastic modeling of
      acto-myosin dynamics.
AB  - We consider a stochastic differential equation in a strip, with coefficients
      suitably chosen to describe the acto-myosin interaction subject to time-varying
      forces. By simulating trajectories of the stochastic dynamics via an Euler
      discretization-based algorithm, we fit experimental data and determine the values
      of involved parameters. The steps of the myosin are represented by the exit
      events from the strip. Motivated by these results, we propose a specific
      stochastic model based on the corresponding time-inhomogeneous Gauss-Markov and
      diffusion process evolving between two absorbing boundaries. We specify the mean
      and covariance functions of the stochastic modeling process taking into account
      time-dependent forces including the effect of an external load. We accurately
      determine the probability density function (pdf) of the first exit time (FET)
      from the strip by solving a system of two non singular second-type Volterra
      integral equations via a numerical quadrature. We provide numerical estimations
      of the mean of FET as approximations of the dwell-time of the proteins dynamics.
      The percentage of backward steps is given in agreement to experimental data.
      Numerical and simulation results are compared and discussed.

PMID- 27671485
TI  - Inhibition processes are dissociable and lateralized in human prefrontal cortex.
AB  - The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is known to make fundamental contributions to
      executive functions. However, the precise nature of these contributions is
      incompletely understood. We focused on a specific executive function, inhibition,
      the ability to suppress a pre-potent response. Functional imaging and animal
      studies have studied inhibition. However, there are only few lesion studies,
      typically reporting discrepant findings. For the first time, we conducted
      cognitive and neuroimaging investigations on patients with focal unilateral PFC
      lesions across two widely used inhibitory tasks requiring a verbal response: The
      Hayling Part 2 and Stroop Colour-Word Tests. We systematically explored the
      relationship between inhibition, fluid intelligence and lesion location using
      voxel-based lesion symptom mapping (VLSM). We found that PFC patients were
      significantly impaired compared with healthy comparison group (HC) on both
      suppression measures of the Hayling and on the Stroop, even when performance on a
      fluid intelligence test was covaried. No significant relationship was found
      between patients' performance on each Hayling suppression measure and the Stroop,
      once fluid intelligence was partialled out, suggesting that the two tests may
      involve different kinds of inhibition. After accounting for fluid intelligence,
      we found a significant interaction between tests, Hayling or Stroop, and site,
      left or right, of PFC damage. This finding suggesting lateralized functional
      organization was complemented and extended by our VLSM results. We found that
      performance on both Hayling suppression measures significantly relied on the
      integrity of a similar and relatively circumscribed region within the right
      lateral PFC, in the right lateral superior and middle frontal gyri. In stark
      contrast, performance on the Stroop relies on the integrity of left lateral
      superior and middle frontal gyri. Thus, lesion location, right or left PFC, is
      critical in producing impairments on two inhibitory tasks loading similarly on
      verbal control. This suggests that the two suppression measures of the Hayling
      and the Stroop are likely to assess dissociable components of executive
      functions, related to anatomically defined and lateralized PFC circuits. Our
      findings also suggest that inhibition may actually comprise qualitatively
      different forms with different neural substrates. This has clinical implications
      for the diagnosis and treatment of disinhibition impairments, a common
      behavioural problem caused by PFC lesions. Our results highlight the need to
      assess inhibition using a variety of tasks and to develop different types of
      treatments.

PMID- 27671486
TI  - The logarithmic relaxation process and the critical temperature of liquids in
      nano-confined states.
AB  - The logarithmic relaxation process is the slowest of all relaxation processes and
      is exhibited by only a few molecular liquids and proteins. Bulk salol, which is a
      glass-forming liquid, is known to exhibit logarithmic decay of intermediate
      scattering function for the beta-relaxation process. In this article, we report
      the influence of nanoscale confinements on the logarithmic relaxation process and
      changes in the microscopic glass-transition temperature of salol in the carbon
      and silica nanopores. The generalized vibrational density-of-states of the
      confined salol indicates that the interaction of salol with ordered nanoporous
      carbon is hydrophilic in nature whereas the interaction with silica surfaces is
      more hydrophobic. The mode-coupling theory critical temperature derived from the
      QENS data shows that the dynamic transition occurs at much lower temperature in
      the carbon pores than in silica pores. The results of this study indicate that,
      under nano-confinements, liquids that display logarithmic beta-relaxation
      phenomenon undergo a unique glass transition process.

PMID- 27671487
TI  - Dendrimer nanoarchitectures for cancer diagnosis and anticancer drug delivery.
AB  - Dendrimers are novel nanoarchitectures with unique properties including a
      globular 3D shape, a monodispersed unimicellar nature and a nanometric size
      range. The availability of multiple peripheral functional groups and tunable
      surface engineering enable the facile modification of the dendrimer surface with
      different therapeutic drugs, diagnostic agents and targeting ligands. Drug
      encapsulation, and solubilizing and passive targeting also equally contribute to
      the therapeutic use of dendrimers. In this review, we highlight recent advances
      in the delivery of anticancer drugs using dendrimers, as well as other biomedical
      and diagnostic applications. Taken together, the immense potential and utility of
      dendrimers are envisaged to have a significant positive impact on the growing
      arena of drug delivery and targeting.

PMID- 27671488
TI  - Assessment of health-related quality of life, mental health status and
      psychological distress based on the type of pharmacotherapy used among patients
      with depression.
AB  - PURPOSE: Effectiveness of antidepressants is generally comparable between and
      within classes. However, real-world studies on antidepressant treatment and its
      consequences on the overall quality of life and mental health of individuals are
      limited. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of specific
      class of antidepressants with the health-related quality of life, psychological
      distress and self-reported mental health of individuals suffering from depression
      who are on monotherapy. METHODS: This retrospective, longitudinal study included
      individuals with depression who were on antidepressant monotherapy, using data
      from 2008 to 2011 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). Changes in health
      related quality of life, self-reported mental health and psychological distress
      over a year's time were observed. A multinomial logistic regression model was
      built to examine the association between the class of antidepressant medications
      and the dependent variables. RESULTS: A total of 688 adults met the study
      inclusion criteria. No significant difference was observed in the change in
      Physical Component Summary (PCS), self-reported mental health and psychological
      distress based on the class of antidepressants. However, individuals on serotonin
      norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) (OR 0.337, 95 % CI 0.155-0.730) were
      significantly less likely to show improvement on Mental Component Summary (MCS)
      scores as compared to those on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
      CONCLUSIONS: The study findings suggest that practitioners should be aware of the
      differences in the health-related quality of life of those taking SSRIs versus
      other classes of antidepressants. Further research needs to be done to determine
      the reason for SSRIs to show greater improvement on mental health as compared to
      SNRIs.

PMID- 27671489
TI  - Development of a short form of the Spanish schedule of attitudes toward hastened
      death in a palliative care population.
AB  - PURPOSE: The schedule of attitudes toward hastened death (SAHD) is widely used to
      assess the wish to hasten death (WTHD) among patients with life-threatening
      conditions. A short form of the SAHD would increase its clinical applicability in
      this population. METHOD: Rasch analysis of data from 101 Spanish palliative
      inpatients. Item reduction involved selecting items with a high discrimination
      index (point-biserials >=0.70), removing items with inadequate fit statistics,
      and assessing unidimensionality and local dependency. We examined the test
      probability function to establish an empirical risk score for suffering a WTHD
      and tested convergence between the original and the reduced set of items.
      RESULTS: A set of five items met all quality criteria. In this sample, 20.8 % of
      participants had a higher risk of a WTHD (p > 50 %) at a score of 3. Correlation
      analysis confirmed convergent validity between the original and reduced forms.
      Concurrent validity was confirmed by the similar correlations shown by both
      versions of the SAHD (5 and 20 items) with other measures. CONCLUSION: This 5
      item Spanish form of the SAHD could be a suitable alternative to the full
      instrument. The cut-off score derived from the Rasch analysis may be able to
      detect patients at risk of a WTHD.

PMID- 27671490
TI  - Cardioprotector Activity of an Esteroidal Saponin: A Scientific and Technological
      Prospection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases are a group of disorders of the heart and
      blood vessels that account for a major cause of premature death worldwide.
      Diosgenin saponin is a steroid for therapeutic application in different clinical
      settings such as cardiovascular diseases, hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia control,
      antimicrobial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory agent. The aim of the study was
      to conduct a systematic review of Diosgenin, its pharmaceutical applications and
      perspectives on the application in the cardiovascular system diseases. METHODS:
      Periodic basis ScienceDirect, PubMed and Virtual Health Library were used as well
      as the European Office of the technological bases Patent Office, World
      Intellectual Property Organization, the Office US Patent and Trademark Office and
      the Brazilian database National Institute of Industrial Property. The keywords
      used were Diosgenin, cardiovascular system, hypertension, atherosclerosis and
      dyslipidemia and their correlations in English and Portuguese, with publications
      from January 2010 to June 2015. RESULTS: After analysis of the technological and
      scientific bases, the results show that there is a limited number of patents
      showing that the Diosgenin action on the cardiovascular system is centered in the
      areas for chemical studies of steroid Diosgenin. In the scientific basis, the
      results show that there is an interesting Diosgenin action on the cardiovascular
      system. CONCLUSION: Therefore, studies with Diosgenin are promising on account of
      its significant pharmacological potential from scientific and technological
      viewpoints, reaching for a technology transfer to generate economic and
      industrial growth.

PMID- 27671492
TI  - Multimodality Imaging: Bird's-Eye View from the 65th Annual Scientific Sessions
      of the American College of Cardiology, Chicago, Ill, April 2-4, 2016.

PMID- 27671491
TI  - Common Substances That May Contribute to Resistant Hypertension, and
      Recommendations for Limiting Their Clinical Effects.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to highlight common or important
      substances or habits that elevate blood pressure and offer suggestions, based on
      recent literature, to limit their use or effects. RECENT FINDINGS: Despite
      decades of advice to the general populace from public health authorities to avoid
      or reduce dietary sodium and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use,
      more evidence has accumulated from nationwide surveys, clinical trials, and
      pathophysiological or mechanistic studies that show how important these
      modalities can (and should) be for hypertensive and prehypertensive individuals
      and the general population. Other common stimuli that increase blood pressure can
      be divided into many that are easily avoided (e.g., phenethylamines, anabolic
      steroids), those that must be continued for important medical reasons (e.g.,
      erythropoietin, tyrosine kinase inhibitors) and therefore require intensified
      antihypertensive therapy, and a few (e.g., glucocorticoids, hormonal
      contraceptives) that fall between these two paradigms.

PMID- 27671493
TI  - Prognosis of stress-only SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging with prone imaging.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stress-only single-photon emission computed tomography myocardial
      perfusion imaging (SO SPECT MPI) is associated with similarly benign prognosis as
      stress-rest SPECT MPI. However, previous studies have used attenuation correction
      rather than prone imaging to increase the rate of SO studies. OBJECTIVES: To
      assess the prognosis of SO SPECT MPI performed with prone imaging. METHODS: We
      performed a retrospective cohort analysis of all patients who underwent a Tc-99m
      gated SPECT MPI over a 58-month period. RESULTS: Two thousand four hundred and
      sixty five patients were followed up. Of them, 1114 (45.2%) patients had a SO
      supine test, 388 (15.7%) underwent a SO supine and prone test, and the remaining
      963 (39.1%) patients underwent a full stress-rest SPECT MPI. There was a similar
      annual mortality rate between the SO supine/prone group (1.3%), the SO supine
      (1.5%), and the stress-rest (1.5%) group (P = 0.47). Patients in the stress-rest
      group were significantly more likely to suffer from myocardial infarction (MI) as
      compared to the other two groups with an annual rate of 0.7% as compared to 0.4%
      (P = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: Normal supine-prone SO SPECT MPI is associated with a
      similarly benign prognosis as stress-rest SPECT MPI. The adjunction of prone
      imaging to the stress supine significantly increases the rate of SO SPECT MPI.

PMID- 27671495
TI  - Treatment of massive subretinal hemorrhage from polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy
      and age-related macular degeneration.

PMID- 27671494
TI  - Comparison of Scheimpflug and swept-source anterior segment optical coherence
      tomography in normal and keratoconus eyes.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to assess the agreement of anterior segment
      optical coherence tomography with its older well-known opponent i.e., Sheimpflug
      imaging in evaluation of the cornea in normal and keratoconus subjects. METHODS:
      107 normal and 56 keratoconus eyes were evaluated with the anterior segment
      optical coherence tomography followed by the Scheimpflug imaging. Parameters
      included axial keratometry data in both of steep and flat meridians, mean
      keratometry and the astigmatism values in the central 4.0 mm zone, central,
      thinnest and apex corneal thicknesses, Q-value in 8 mm zone and pupil diameter.
      Corneal topographic maps were recorded and were evaluated for anterior highest
      and lowest points, posterior highest and lowest points. Average values were
      recorded for analysis. RESULTS: All anterior cornea keratometry indices showed
      perfect agreement between two devices in normal corneas; while the level of
      agreement in keratoconus cases ranged from moderate to strong. All posterior
      keratometry indices also showed perfect agreement in both groups; except for flat
      K in normal corneas and steep K in KC ones. The amount of corneal cylinder in
      normal corneas had perfect agreement, and moderate to strong agreement in
      anterior/posterior cornea in keratoconus group. Anterior highest and lowest
      points showed strong and perfect agreement in normal and keratoconus cases,
      respectively. Posterior highest and lowest points showed strong agreement in
      normal cases. Thickness indices (central, thinnest, and apex thicknesses) showed
      perfect agreement between two devices in both normal and KC groups. Mean values
      of anterior and posterior highest points were statistically higher in Scheimpflug
      system. CONCLUSIONS: Although two imaging technologies had statistically
      numerical different output, it seems that they have a good agreement in most
      parameters.

PMID- 27671496
TI  - Tetrahydroindazole derivatives as potent and peripherally selective cannabinoid-1
      (CB1) receptor inverse agonists.
AB  - A series of potent and receptor-selective cannabinoid-1 (CB1) receptor inverse
      agonists has been discovered. Peripheral selectivity of the compounds was
      assessed by a mouse tissue distribution study, in which the concentrations of a
      test compound in both plasma and brain were measured. A number of peripherally
      selective compounds have been identified through this process. Compound 2p was
      further evaluated in a 3-week efficacy study in the diet-induced obesity (DIO)
      mouse model. Beneficial effects on plasma glucose were observed from the compound
      treated mice.

PMID- 27671498
TI  - Identification and optimization of a new series of anti-tubercular
      quinazolinones.
AB  - A high throughput phenotypic screening against Mycobacterium smegmatis led us to
      the discovery of a new class of bacteriostatic, highly hydrophobic antitubercular
      quinazolinones that potently inhibited the in vitro growth of either
      extracellular or intramacrophagic M. tuberculosis (Mtb), via modulation of an
      unidentified but yet novel target. Optimization of the initial hit compound
      culminated in the identification of potent but poorly soluble Mtb growth
      inhibitors, three of which were progressed to in vivo efficacy studies. Despite
      nanomolar in vitro potency and attractive PK properties, none of these compounds
      was convincingly potent in our in vivo mouse tuberculosis models. This lack of
      efficacy may be linked to the poor drug-likeness of the test molecules and/or to
      the properties of the target.

PMID- 27671497
TI  - Synthesis of 3,5-dihydroxy-7,8-dimethoxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)benzopyran-4-one
      derivatives as anticancer agents.
AB  - Different alkyl amide (15a-l) and alkyl amine (16a-e) derivatives of 7,8
      dimethoxy-3-hydroxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)benzopyran-4-one were synthesized and
      evaluated for their anticancer activity against five different cancer cell lines
      using SRB assay. Compounds 15e, 15i, 15j and 16a-e showed significant anticancer
      activity within the range of IC50 2.58-34.86MUM. The most promising molecule,
      16c, was further analyzed for its effect on cell cycle and apoptosis of estrogen
      receptor positive cancer cells (MCF-7 cells) which showed that 16c triggered
      apoptosis in MCF-7 cells and arrested cells population at sub-G0 (apoptotic) and
      G2M phase. In tubulin polymerization assay, 16c interfered with kinetics of
      tubulin polymerization.

PMID- 27671499
TI  - Tetrahydropyrazolo[4,3-c]pyridine derivatives as potent and peripherally
      selective cannabinoid-1 (CB1) receptor inverse agonists.
AB  - Peripherally restricted CB1 receptor inverse agonists hold potential as useful
      therapeutics to treat obesity and related metabolic diseases without causing
      undesired CNS-mediated adverse effects. We identified a series of
      tetrahydropyrazolo[4,3-c]pyridine derivatives as potent and highly peripherally
      selective CB1 receptor inverse agonists. This discovery was achieved by
      introducing polar functional groups into the molecule, which increase the
      topological polar surface area and reduce its brain-penetrating ability.

PMID- 27671500
TI  - Wortmannilactones I-L, new NADH-fumarate reductase inhibitors, induced by adding
      suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid to the culture medium of Talaromyces wortmannii.
AB  - With the aim of finding more potential inhibitors against NADH-fumarate reductase
      (specific target for treating helminthiasis and cancer) from natural resources,
      Talaromyces wortmannii was treated with the epigenome regulatory agent
      suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid, which resulted in the isolation of four new
      wortmannilactones derivatives (wortmannilactones I-L, 1-4). The structures of
      these new compounds were elucidated based on IR, HRESIMS and NMR spectroscopic
      data analyses. These four new compounds showed potent inhibitory activity against
      NADH-fumarate reductase with the IC50 values ranging from 0.84 to 1.35MUM.

PMID- 27671501
TI  - HMG-CoA synthase isoenzymes 1 and 2 localize to satellite glial cells in dorsal
      root ganglia and are differentially regulated by peripheral nerve injury.
AB  - In dorsal root ganglia (DRG), satellite glial cells (SGCs) tightly ensheathe the
      somata of primary sensory neurons to form functional sensory units. SGCs are
      identified by their flattened and irregular morphology and expression of a
      variety of specific marker proteins. In this report, we present evidence that the
      3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A synthase isoenzymes 1 and 2 (HMGCS1 and
      HMGCS2) are abundantly expressed in SGCs. Immunolabeling with the validated
      antibodies revealed that both HMGCS1 and HMGCS2 are highly colabeled with a
      selection of SGC markers, including GS, GFAP, Kir4.1, GLAST1, GDNF, and S100 but
      not with microglial cell marker Iba1, myelin sheath marker MBP, and neuronal
      marker beta3-tubulin or phosphorylated CaMKII. HMGCS1 but not HMGCS2
      immunoreactivity in SGCs is reduced in the fifth lumbar (L5) DRGs that contain
      axotomized neurons following L5 spinal nerve ligation (SNL) in rats. Western blot
      showed that HMGCS1 protein level in axotomized L5 DRGs is reduced after SNL to
      66+/-8% at 3 days (p<0.01, n=4 animals in each group) and 58+/-13% at 28 days
      (p<0.001, n=9 animals in each group) of its level in control samples, whereas
      HMGCS2 protein was comparable between injured and control DRGs. These results
      identify HMGCSs as the alternative markers for SGCs in DRGs. Downregulated HMGCS1
      expression in DRGs after spinal nerve injury may reflect a potential role of
      abnormal sterol metabolism of SGCs in the nerve injured-induced neuropathic pain.

PMID- 27671503
TI  - The role of personality in dyadic interaction: A psychophysiological study.
AB  - Psychophysiological activity was recorded during development discussions of 44
      manager-subordinate pairs to examine the effects of the Big Five personality
      traits Extraversion and Conscientiousness, and personality similarity during
      dyadic social interaction. Facial electromyography and frontal
      electroencephalography (EEG) asymmetry were collected continuously during the 30
      min discussions. Different actor and partner effects and Actor*Partner
      interactions were observed. Matching levels of Extraversion led to higher
      periocular muscle activity, indicating positive valence emotional expressions.
      The results are discussed considering similarity attraction theories.

PMID- 27671502
TI  - Genome-wide association study of working memory brain activation.
AB  - In a population-based genome-wide association (GWA) study of n-back working
      memory task-related brain activation, we extracted the average percent BOLD
      signal change (2-back minus 0-back) from 46 regions-of-interest (ROIs) in
      functional MRI scans from 863 healthy twins and siblings. ROIs were obtained by
      creating spheres around group random effects analysis local maxima, and by
      thresholding a voxel-based heritability map of working memory brain activation at
      50%. Quality control for test-retest reliability and heritability of ROI measures
      yielded 20 reliable (r>0.7) and heritable (h2>20%) ROIs. For GWA analysis, the
      cohort was divided into a discovery (n=679) and replication (n=97) sample. No
      variants survived the stringent multiple-testing-corrected genome-wide
      significance threshold (p<4.5*10-9), or were replicated (p<0.0016), but several
      genes were identified that are worthy of further investigation. A search of
      529,379 genomic markers resulted in discovery of 31 independent single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with BOLD signal change at a discovery level of
      p<1*10-5. Two SNPs (rs7917410 and rs7672408) were associated at a significance
      level of p<1*10-7. Only one, most strongly affecting BOLD signal change in the
      left supramarginal gyrus (R2=5.5%), had multiple SNPs associated at p<1*10-5 in
      linkage disequilibrium with it, all located in and around the BANK1 gene. BANK1
      encodes a B-cell-specific scaffold protein and has been shown to negatively
      regulate CD40-mediated AKT activation. AKT is part of the dopamine-signaling
      pathway, suggesting a mechanism for the involvement of BANK1 in the BOLD response
      to working memory. Variants identified here may be relevant to (the
      susceptibility to) common disorders affecting brain function.

PMID- 27671504
TI  - Evidence of a prominent genetic basis for associations between psychoneurometric
      traits and common mental disorders.
AB  - Threat sensitivity (THT) and weak inhibitory control (or disinhibition; DIS) are
      trait constructs that relate to multiple types of psychopathology and can be
      assessed psychoneurometrically (i.e., using self-report and physiological
      indicators combined). However, to establish that psychoneurometric assessments of
      THT and DIS index biologically-based liabilities, it is important to clarify the
      etiologic bases of these variables and their associations with clinical problems.
      The current work addressed this important issue using data from a sample of
      identical and fraternal adult twins (N=454). THT was quantified using a scale
      measure and three physiological indicators of emotional reactivity to visual
      aversive stimuli. DIS was operationalized using scores on two scale measures
      combined with two brain indicators from cognitive processing tasks. THT and DIS
      operationalized in these ways both showed appreciable heritability (0.45, 0.68),
      and genetic variance in these traits accounted for most of their phenotypic
      associations with fear, distress, and substance use disorder symptoms. Our
      findings suggest that, as indices of basic dispositional liabilities for multiple
      forms of psychopathology with direct links to neurophysiology, psychoneurometric
      assessments of THT and DIS represent novel and important targets for biologically
      oriented research on psychopathology.

PMID- 27671505
TI  - Right frontal gamma and beta band enhancement while solving a spatial puzzle with
      insight.
AB  - Solving a problem with an "a-ha" effect is known as insight. Unlike incremental
      problem solving, insight is sudden and unique, and the question about its
      distinct brain activity, intrigues many researchers. In this study,
      electroencephalogram signals were recorded from 12 right handed, human
      participants before (baseline) and while they solved a spatial puzzle known as
      the '10 coin puzzle' that could be solved incrementally or by insight.
      Participants responded as soon as they reached a solution and reported whether
      the process was incremental or by sudden insight. EEG activity was recorded from
      19 scalp locations. We found significant differences between insight and
      incremental solvers in the Gamma and Beta 2 bands in frontal areas (F8) and in
      the alpha band in right temporal areas (T6). The right-frontal gamma indicates a
      process of restructuring which leads to an insight solution, in spatial problems,
      further suggesting a universal role of gamma in restructuring. These results
      further suggest that solving a spatial puzzle via insight requires exclusive
      brain areas and neurological-cognitive processes which may be important for meta
      cognitive components of insight solutions, including attention and monitoring of
      the solution.

PMID- 27671506
TI  - Optimizing neuronal differentiation of human pluripotent NT2 stem cells in
      monolayer cultures.
AB  - Human pluripotent embryonal carcinoma (NT2) cells are increasingly considered as
      a suitable model for in vitro developmental toxicity and neurotoxicity (DT/DNT)
      studies as they undergo neuronal differentiation upon stimulation with retinoic
      acid (RA) and allow toxicity testing at different stages of maturation. However,
      differentiation of NT2 cells is not straightforward. There are different
      protocols available in the literature reporting varying results with regard to
      differentiation efficiency, expression of neuronal markers and morphological
      characteristics of differentiated cells. Yet, the efficiency of available
      protocols has not been systematically compared. To address this question, we
      quantified the number and size of cell cluster formed during differentiation
      using published and modified protocols and analyzed the abundance of neuronal and
      non-neuronal expression markers using immunocytochemistry. In the course of the
      experiments we observed that differentiation results strongly depend on the cell
      density at differentiation-initiation as well as on the type of used cell culture
      plastic ware. Based on those observations and the results from our comparative
      analysis, we created our own optimized and robust protocol that reproducibly
      reveals differentiated cells with high yield. We conclude that our method may be
      superior to differentiation of NT2 cells for systematic in vitro-based primary
      screening for developmental toxicants and neurotoxicants at different stages of
      maturation over previous protocols used. Our approach will also contribute to
      reduce animal testing in the context of the 3Rs.

PMID- 27671507
TI  - Whole Tumor Cell Vaccine Adjuvants: Comparing IL-12 to IL-2 and IL-15.
AB  - Cancer immunotherapy (passive or active) involves treatments which promote the
      ability of the immune system to fight tumor cells. Several types of
      immunotherapeutic agents, such as monoclonal antibodies, immune checkpoint
      inhibitors, non-specific immunomodulatory agents, and cancer vaccines are
      currently under intensive investigation in preclinical and clinical trials.
      Cancer vaccines induce permanent activation of the immune system and may be
      considered the most promising method for cancer treatment, especially in
      combination with other agents of passive immunotherapy. Among various approaches
      to cancer vaccines, whole tumor cell vaccines have been attracting attention for
      several years. Despite their low to moderate clinical effects, these vaccines
      have numerous advantages. Their ability to generate immune responses against
      tumor-associated antigens reduces the possibility for tumor cells to escape and
      facilitates the development of "off-the-shelf" allogeneic tumor vaccines.
      Understanding the reciprocal interactions between tumor cells and leukocytes is a
      key to harness the full potential of whole cell vaccination. Cytokines are
      considered as potent immunomodulatory molecules which behave as adjuvants in
      whole tumor cell vaccines. Improved mechanistic understanding of key cytokines in
      tumor immunity will serve as a resource for rational design of whole cell cancer
      vaccines. Although there are several reports about the use of different
      immunostimulatory cytokines as adjuvants, interleukin (IL)-12 appears to have
      superior effects compared to other cytokines. This review describes the effects
      of IL-12 compared to other immunomodulatory cytokines, such as IL-2 and IL-15,
      and highlights its application in whole cell tumor vaccination. 

PMID- 27671508
TI  - Regulatory T Cells and Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in Patients with Peptic
      Ulcer and Gastric Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Regulatory T Cells (Tregs) and Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells
      (MDSCs) are two main regulatory cells modulating the immune responses in
      inflammation and cancer. OBJECTIVE: To investigate and compare Tregs and MDSCs in
      peptic ulcer and gastric cancer. METHODS: Patients with dyspepsia were selected
      and divided into three groups of non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD, n=22), peptic ulcer
      disease (PUD, n=25), and gastric cancer (GC, n=27) according to their endoscopic
      and histopathological examinations. Helicobacter pylori infection was diagnosed
      by rapid urease test and histopathology. The number of peripheral blood
      CD4+CD25+FoxP3+Tregs and CD14+HLA-DR- MDSCs were determined in all patients, by
      flow cytometry. The number of FoxP3+ regulatory T cells was also determined by
      immunohistochemistry (IHC). RESULTS: The percentage of peripheral blood Treg
      cells in both PUD (0.81 +/- 0.39, p<0.001) and GC groups (0.98 +/- 0.65, p<0.001)
      were significantly higher than in NUD group (0.46 +/- 0.10). These results were
      also confirmed by IHC. A significantly higher percentage of MDSCs in patients
      with PUD (0.73 +/- 0.19, p<0.001) and GC (0.73 +/- 0.16, p<0.001) was also
      observed when compared to NUD group (0.46 +/- 0.16). There was no difference in
      the percentages of these two cell types between the PUD and GC groups. The
      percentages of Tregs and MDSCs in patients with PUD and GC were not significantly
      correlated. CONCLUSIONS: Both Tregs and MDSCs showed higher frequencies in PUD
      and GC. These results suggest that immune-modulation by the Tregs and MDSCs may
      play a role in the pathogenesis of PUD and GC.

PMID- 27671509
TI  - Natural Killer Cell Cytotoxicity Against SKOV3 after HLA-G Downregulation by
      shRNA.
AB  - BACKGROUND: HLA-G is a nonclassical HLA class I molecule which, when elevated in
      tumor cells, is one of the main factors involved in tumor evasion of immune
      responses including NK and T cells. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of HLA-G
      downregulation on NK cell cytotoxicity in tumor cell lines. METHODS: The
      expression level of HLA-G was measured by real-time PCR and flowcytometry after
      transfection of SKOV3 by shRNA.1, which targets specific sequences in exon 4, or
      shRNA.2, which targets both exons 4 and 6. NK-92MI cell cytotoxicity against
      transfected or untransfected target cell lines was measured with the lactate
      dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay. The Jeg-3 cell line was used as a positive
      control. RESULTS: Membrane-bound HLA-G expression levels decreased significantly
      in both cell lines after transfection with both shRNAs compared to their
      corresponding untransfected cells (p<0.05). Jeg-3 cells were better lysed than
      SKOV3 cells by NK cells during the first 48 h after transfection with both
      shRNAs. Compared to untransfected cells, shRNA.1-transfected SKOV3 cells were
      significantly more lysed by NK cells 24 h post-transfection (p=0.043).
      CONCLUSION: As a clinical approach, HLA-G downregulation with shRNA may be
      effective in cancer therapy by improving immune cell activation.

PMID- 27671510
TI  - Altered Serum Cytokine Profiles in Relapse Phase of Relapsing-Remitting Multiple
      Sclerosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the central
      nervous system and cytokines may play a role in the development of MS lesions.
      OBJECTIVE: To determine levels of different cytokines in patients with relapsing
      remitting MS (RR-MS) compared to healthy controls. METHODS: Profiles of pro
      inflammatory, Th1-, Th2-, and Th17-related cytokines were compared by
      quantitative multiplexed ELISA-based chemiluminescent assay in 44 RR-MS and 44
      healthy age- and sex-matched individuals from the same ethnicity. RESULTS: Among
      pro-inflammatory cytokines, the levels of IL-6 (p=0.003), IL-8 (p=0.05) and TNF
      alpha (p=0.002) were higher in patients than controls, though IL-4 and IL-10 as
      well as SigmaTh2 cytokines were lower in patients (p=0.05, p=0.02 and p=0.05,
      respectively). After gender classification, the higher levels of IL-4 in male
      patients remained significant and IL-13 also showed significantly higher levels
      in male patients compared to male controls (p=0.003 and p=0.05, respectively). A
      significant negative correlation was detected between EDSS and IL-10 or SigmaTh2
      levels (p=0.005). In addition, IL-1alpha (r=0.4, p=0.05) and IFN-gamma (r=0.35,
      p=0.05) were also directly correlated with EDSS in female patients. CONCLUSIONS:
      Patients with RR MS who are in the relapse clinical phase exhibit higher levels
      of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduction in protective Th2-related cytokines.

PMID- 27671511
TI  - Effect of TNF-alpha Blockade in Gingival Crevicular Fluid on Periodontal
      Condition of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) share a number of
      clinical and pathologic features, one of which is the presence of the tumor
      necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha)-induced bone resorption that is involved in the
      pathogenesis of both. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of TNF-alpha blockade
      on periodontal conditions in patients with active RA. METHOD: The periodontal
      statuses of 36 patients (26 females, 10 males) diagnosed with active RA were
      evaluated both before and after anti-TNF-alpha therapy. Gingival index, bleeding
      on probing (BOP), probing pocket depth (PPD), oral hygiene index (OHI), and
      levels of TNF-alpha in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) were measured at the
      baseline and 6 weeks after the treatment. Wilcoxon signed ranked test was used
      for statistical analyses. RESULTS: Based on OHI (p=0.860), the level of plaque
      control did not change during the study period, but there was a significant
      reduction in gingival inflammation based on the mean BOP (p=0.049) and GI
      (p=0.036) before and after 6 weeks of anti-TNF-alpha therapy. The mean PPD index
      did not significantly differ at the baseline and 6 weeks after treatment
      (p=0.126). CONCLUSION: Anti-TNF-alpha therapy might have a desirable effect on
      periodontal conditions and might reduce TNF-alpha level in GCF of patients with
      RA.

PMID- 27671512
TI  - Immunogenicity of 23-Valent Pneumococcal Vaccine in Children with Systemic Lupus
      Erythematosus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease
      which is characterized by B-cell abnormality and auto-antibody generation. Since
      bacterial infections are the most important causes of mortality in these
      patients, pneumococcal vaccination is recommended for children with SLE.
      OBJECTIVE: To investigate humoral immunity and specific-antibody formation in
      response to a 23-valent polysaccharide pneumococcal vaccination in SLE children
      and asthmatic control group. METHOD: The case and control groups consisted of 30
      children with the mean age of 13 years who were matched by sex and age. Anti
      pneumococcal antibody titers were determined using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent
      Assay (ELISA) before the vaccination with the 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine and
      3 weeks later in both groups. Also the correlation between anti-pneumococcal
      antibody titer and different factors including age, sex, lupus activity, disease
      duration, medications, history of recurrent infections, and laboratory data were
      investigated. RESULTS: Both groups showed significant increases in anti
      pneumococcal antibody level after vaccination (p<=0.001). The increase in
      antibody level were almost the same in both groups (p>=0.05) such that 77.7% of
      SLE children and 86.2% of control children showed at least 2-fold increase in
      anti-pneumococcal antibody titer following immunization. Significant correlations
      were seen between the level of post-immunization anti-pneumococcal antibody with
      the age of children with SLE (p=0.02) and their age of disease onset (p=0.02).
      CONCLUSION: It is concluded that pneumococcal vaccination is generally
      immunogenic in children with SLE. However, a small group of patients show
      impaired response to the vaccine.

PMID- 27671513
TI  - The Immunostimulatory Effect of Lactic Acid Bacteria in a Rat Model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Probiotics are "live", beneficial microbes that provide important
      health benefits in their hosts. There is significant interest in the modulation
      and regulation of the immune function by probiotics. OBJECTIVE: To investigate
      the immunomodulatory effects of a probiotic mixture, including Lactobacillus and
      Bifidobacterium species, by detecting serum cytokine and immunoglobulin levels.
      METHODS: The rats were randomly divided into 4 groups. The first group was
      "Control group" and other 3 groups were probiotic application groups who received
      different doses of probiotics. The probiotic mixture included 12 probiotic
      bacteria, mostly Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains. Probiotic mixture was
      administered to rats for 12 consecutive days. TNF-alpha, TGF-beta, IL-1-beta, IL
      6, and IL-10 levels as well as serum IgG and IgA concentrations were detected in
      the sera after 12 days. RESULTS: Probiotics led to a decrease in the levels of
      TNF-alpha, IL-6 and TGF-beta; however, they led to increase in the serum levels
      of IL-10, IgG and IgA. There were significant differences between control group
      and probiotic application groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: These data suggest that
      the commensal microbiota are important for stimulating both proinflammatory and
      regulatory responses in order to rapidly clear infections and minimize
      inflammation-associated tissue damage.

PMID- 27671514
TI  - Maternal Serum and Cervicovaginal IL-6 in Patients with Symptoms of Preterm
      Labor.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Preterm birth is a common problem in obstetrics. OBJECTIVE: To
      measure maternal serum interlukin-6 in mothers with preterm uterine contractions
      and compare it with cervicovaginal interlukin-6 in the same women. METHODS: In
      this cross-sectional study, we measured interlukin-6 in the sera and
      cervicovaginal fluids of 86 women with preterm uterine contractions. All
      participants had an intact membrane. Interlukin-6 was measured by using ELISA
      method. Statistical analysis was done using U-Mann Whitney, Chi-Square and
      Kendall's tests. RESULTS: The mean and median (Quartile25, Quartile75) of
      interlukin-6 in cervicovaginal fluid was higher than maternal serum interlukin-6.
      There was a statically significant difference in the median of interlukin-6 in
      sera and cervicovaginal fluid (P<0.0001). There was no significant correlation
      between serum and cervicovaginal interlukin-6 (r=0.048, p=0.548). CONCLUSION: We
      found no relationship between serum interlukin-6 and preterm labor and the
      maternal serum Interlukin-6 does not seem to be a suitable biomarker for
      predicting preterm delivery.

PMID- 27671515
TI  - Processes of plasma protein N-homocysteinylation in multiple sclerosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Homocysteine thiolactone (HTL) is a cyclic thioester of homocysteine
      (Hcy) contributing to the toxicity of this amino acid. HTL spontaneously reacts
      with protein lysine residues leading to altered properties of target proteins and
      induction of immune response. HTL is hydrolyzed to Hcy by plasma enzyme,
      paraoxonase 1 (PON1). Although both Hcy and PON1 may be involved in the
      pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS), protein modification by HTL in this
      disease has not been studied so far. Purpose/Aim: The aim of this study was to
      assess the level of Hcy, HTL and autoantibodies against N-homocysteinylated
      proteins as well as PON1 activity in patients with MS. METHODS: The studies were
      performed in 61 MS patients with relapsing-remitting (RR group, n = 25) and
      secondary-progressive type of MS (SP group, n = 36), and in healthy people (C -
      control group, n = 44). RESULTS: Homocysteine level was significantly higher in
      MS patients comparing to control group (C vs. RR p < 0.01; C vs. SP p < 0.05).
      The level of HTL tended to be higher in RR-MS in comparison to control group, but
      it did not reach the level of significance. The level of antibodies against N
      homocysteinylated proteins did not differ significantly between studied groups.
      PON1 activity was significantly lower in SP type of MS (SP vs. C p < 0.05; SP vs.
      RR p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although plasma Hcy concentration is higher in MS
      patients and PON1 activity is reduced in the SP form, MS is associated with minor
      or no changes in protein-attached HTL and anti-homocysteinylated protein immune
      response.

PMID- 27671517
TI  - 5-Aminolevulinic acid in intraoperative photodynamic therapy of bladder cancer
      (results of multicenter trial).
AB  - The results of multicenter prospective trial for efficacy of combined modality
      treatment: transurethral resection (TUR)+photodynamic therapy (PDT) with alasens
      for bladder cancer are represented in the article. Trials were organized by
      Research Institute of Organic Intermediates and Dyes and conducted according to
      clinical protocol approved by Ministry of Health of Russia, at the sites of
      leading Russian cancer clinical centers. The trial included 45 subjects with
      verified diagnosis of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Patients underwent TUR
      of bladder with simultaneous PDT as anti-relapse treatment. Alasens was
      administered to patients as intravesicular instillation of 3% solution in volume
      of 50ml with 1.5-2h exposure (prior to TUR). TUR was performed after
      instillation. PDT session was conducted immediately after the completion of TUR
      on a single occasion by means of combined local irradiation on tumor bed with
      diffuse irradiation on whole urinary bladder mucosa (light dose of local
      irradiation - 100J/cm2, diffuse irradiation - 20J/cm2). Good tolerance of the
      treatment was noticed, there were no complications. Among 45 patients included in
      the trial, 35 (78%) completed 12 month protocol follow-up without relapse. In our
      study PDT with alasens after TUR reported a recurrence rate of non-muscle
      invasive bladder cancer for 1st year after treatment of 22%. TUR with
      intraoperative PDT with 5-aminolevulinic acid may offer an alternative in the
      treatment of non-muscle-invasive intermediate and high-risk bladder cancer.

PMID- 27671516
TI  - Triblock copolymers encapsulated poly (aryl benzyl ether) dendrimer zinc(II)
      phthalocyanine nanoparticles for enhancement in vitro photodynamic efficacy.
AB  - A novel series of nanoparticles formed via an electrostatic interaction between
      the periphery of negatively charged 1-2 generation aryl benzyl ether dendrimer
      zinc (II) phthalocyanines and positively charged poly(L-lysin) segment of
      triblock copolymer, poly(L-lysin)-block-poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(L
      lysin), was developed for the use as an effective photosensitizers in
      photodynamic therapy. The dynamic light scattering, atomic force microscopy
      showed that two nanoparticles has a relevant size of 80-150nm. The photophysical
      properties and singlet oxygen quantum yields of free dendrimer phthalocyanines
      and nanoparticles exhibited generation dependence. The intracellular uptake of
      dendrimer phthalocyanines in Hela cells was significantly elevated as they were
      incorporated into the micelles, but was inversely correlated with the generation
      of dendrimer phthalocyanines. The photocytotoxicity of dendrimer phthalocyanines
      incorporated into polymeric micelles was also increased. The presence of
      nanoparticles induced efficient cell death. Using a mitochondrial-sepcific dye
      rhodamine 123 (Rh123), our fluorescence microscopic result indicated that
      nanoparticles localized to the mitochondria.

PMID- 27671518
TI  - Biochemical assessment of human uterine cervix by micro-Raman mapping.
AB  - Raman spectroscopy and mapping are capable of probing the molecular changes due
      to oncogenesis. Here Raman maps of cervical tissues under different pathological
      conditions were studied. Multivariate analytical methods were utilized to
      reconstruct these Raman maps and were compared with Hematoxylin and Eosin stained
      histological images. The maps showed clear differences between the different
      regions of the tissue and there were spectral changes associated with neoplasia
      and malignancy. A semi-quantitative biochemical modeling was carried out to
      quantify these spectral changes and the relative contributions of the
      biochemicals. This method revealed gradual biochemical changes (nucleus to
      cytoplasm ratio, glycogen, collagen, lipids, protein and carotene) associated
      with the progression of cervical cancer. These biomolecules extracted for the
      disease prognosis would have greater significance for cervical cancer diagnosis.

PMID- 27671519
TI  - Optimization of ultrasonic circulating extraction of samara oil from Acer
      saccharum using combination of Plackett-Burman design and Box-Behnken design.
AB  - In this study, ultrasonic circulating extraction (UCE) technique was firstly and
      successfully applied for extraction of samara oil from Acer saccharum. The
      extraction kinetics were fitted and described, and the extraction mechanism was
      discussed. Through comparison, n-hexane was selected as the extraction solvent,
      the influence of solvent type on the responses was detailedly interpreted based
      on the influence of their properties on the occurrence and intensity of
      cavitation. Seven parameters potentially influencing the extraction yield of
      samara oil and content of nervonic acid, including ultrasound irradiation time,
      ultrasound irradiation power, ultrasound temperature, liquid-solid ratio, soaking
      time, particle size and stirring rate, were screened through Plackett-Burman
      design to determine the significant variables. Then, three parameters performed
      statistically significant, including liquid-solid ratio, ultrasound irradiation
      time and ultrasound irradiation power, were further optimized using Box-Behnken
      design to predict optimum extraction conditions. Satisfactory yield of samara oil
      (11.72+/-0.38%) and content of nervonic acid (5.28+/-0.18%) were achieved using
      the optimal conditions. 1% proportion of ethanol in extraction solvent, 120
      degrees C of drying temperature and 6.4% moisture were selected and applied for
      effective extraction. There were no distinct differences in the physicochemical
      properties of samara oil obtained by UCE and Soxhlet extraction, and the samara
      oil obtained by UCE exhibited better antioxidant activities. Therefore, UCE
      method has enormous potential for efficient extraction of edible oil with high
      quality from plant materials.

PMID- 27671520
TI  - The effect of foot overpronation on Achilles tendon blood supply in healthy male
      subjects.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate Achilles tendon blood flow in
      individuals with overpronated feet during non-weight- and weight-bearing
      positions. Achilles tendon blood flow was measured by means of the pulsatility
      index (PI) and the resistance index (RI) in 15 male individuals with overpronated
      feet and 15 counterparts with normal feet, using power Doppler ultrasonography
      (PDI). Achilles tendon ultrasonographic (US) assessment was performed at its
      musculo-tendinous junction (MTJ), mid-tendon (MT), and osseotendinous junction
      (OTJ) at a non-weight-bearing relaxed position (RP) and during two-leg stance
      (TLS) and one-leg upright stance (OLS). PI and RI indices were significantly
      greater in individuals with overpronated feet compared to individuals with normal
      feet at the OTJ in OLS position (P < 0.01), and at MT in both TLS (P < 0.001) and
      OLS positions (P < 0.001). All individuals demonstrated also greater PI and RI
      indices at MT followed by the OTJ and MTJ in all positions (P < 0.001), and in
      OLS compared to TLS and the RP at the OTJ (P < 0.01) as well as at MT and MTJ (P
      < 0.001). The findings of the present study suggest that foot overpronation may
      affect Achilles tendon blood flow, particularly at mid-tendon, thus enhancing the
      possibility for injury.

PMID- 27671521
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 27671522
TI  - Primary familial brain calcification in the 'IBGC2' kindred: All linkage roads
      lead to SLC20A2.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Linkage analyses of families with primary familial brain
      calcification (formerly idiopathic basal ganglia calcification [IBGC]) identified
      3 candidate loci (IBGC1-3). Recently, SLC20A2 mutations were found in the IBGC1
      and IBGC3 families, merging these 2 loci. We here elucidate the genetic cause of
      primary familial brain calcification in the 'IBGC2' kindred. METHODS: We
      sequenced known primary familial brain calcification genes and quantified SLC20A2
      and PDGFB. Moreover, CT scans of affected and unaffected family members were
      evaluated by 2 blinded neuroradiologists for distribution of brain calcification.
      RESULTS: A heterozygous multiexonic SLC20A2 deletion was detected in several
      affected family members. A reevaluation of neuroimaging data revealed a subset of
      mutation-negative individuals with only mild and/or unilateral calcification.
      CONCLUSIONS: The identified SLC20A2 mutation resolves the genetic cause of
      primary familial brain calcification in the 'IBGC2' kindred, collapsing 'IBGC2'
      into IBGC1. We suggest an algorithm for predicting the chances of finding genetic
      mutations that has to be validated in further studies. Our study enhances
      criteria for the evaluation of neuroimaging data, contributing further to the
      much needed harmonization of diagnostic and research data collection in primary
      familial brain calcification. (c) 2016 International Parkinson and Movement
      Disorder Society.

PMID- 27671524
TI  - Helium and methane sources and fluxes of shallow submarine hydrothermal plumes
      near the Tokara Islands, Southern Japan.
AB  - Shallow submarine volcanoes have been newly discovered near the Tokara Islands,
      which are situated at the volcanic front of the northern Ryukyu Arc in southern
      Japan. Here, we report for the first time the volatile geochemistry of shallow
      hydrothermal plumes, which were sampled using a CTD-RMS system after analyzing
      water column images collected by multi-beam echo sounder surveys. These surveys
      were performed during the research cruise KS-14-10 of the R/V Shinsei Maru in a
      region stretching from the Wakamiko Crater to the Tokara Islands. The 3He flux
      and methane flux in the investigated area are estimated to be (0.99-2.6) * 104
      atoms/cm2/sec and 6-60 t/yr, respectively. The methane in the region of the
      Tokara Islands is a mix between abiotic methane similar to that found in the East
      Pacific Rise and thermogenic one. Methane at the Wakamiko Crater is of abiotic
      origin but affected by isotopic fractionation through rapid microbial oxidation.
      The helium isotopes suggest the presence of subduction-type mantle helium at the
      Wakamiko Crater, while a larger crustal component is found close to the Tokara
      Islands. This suggests that the Tokara Islands submarine volcanoes are a key
      feature of the transition zone between the volcanic front and the spreading back
      arc basin.

PMID- 27671523
TI  - Women's and clinicians perspectives of presentation with reduced fetal movements:
      a qualitative study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Worldwide maternal perception of fetal movements has been used for
      many years to evaluate fetal wellbeing. It is intuitively regarded as an
      expression of fetal well-being as pregnancies in which women consistently report
      regular fetal movements have very low morbidity and mortality. Conversely,
      maternal perception of reduced fetal movements is associated with adverse
      pregnancy outcomes. We sought to gain insight into pregnant women's and
      clinicians views and experiences of reduced movements. METHOD: We performed
      qualitative semi-structured interviews with pregnant women who experienced
      reduced fetal movements in their current pregnancy and health professionals who
      provide maternity care. Our aim was to develop a better understanding of events,
      facilitators and barriers to presentation with reduced fetal movements. Data
      analysis was conducted using framework analysis principles. RESULTS: Twenty-one
      women and 10 clinicians were interviewed. The themes that emerged following the
      final coding were influences of social network, facilitators and barriers to
      presentation and the desire for normality. CONCLUSIONS: This study aids
      understanding about why women present with reduced movements and how they reach
      the decision to attend hospital. This should inform professionals' views and
      practice, such that appreciating and addressing women's concerns may reduce
      anxiety and make presentation with further reduced movements more likely, which
      is desirable as this group is at increased risk of adverse outcome. To address
      problems with information about normal and abnormal fetal movements, high-quality
      information is needed that is accessible to women and their families.

PMID- 27671525
TI  - Physiological and molecular responses to bariatric surgery: markers or mechanisms
      underlying T2DM resolution?
AB  - Bariatric surgery is currently the most effective treatment for obesity and
      associated comorbidities, including rapid resolution of type 2 diabetes mellitus
      (T2DM). Although the weight loss itself has substantial impact, bariatric surgery
      also has weight loss-independent effects on T2DM. Several variations of bariatric
      surgery exist, including the widely studied Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and vertical
      sleeve gastrectomy. The success of both of these bariatric surgeries was
      originally attributed to restrictive and malabsorptive modes of action; however,
      mounting evidence from both human and animal studies implicates mechanisms beyond
      surgery-induced mechanical changes to the gastrointestinal (GI) system. In fact,
      with bariatric surgery comes a spectrum of physiological responses, including
      postprandial enhancement of gut peptide and bile acids levels, restructuring of
      microbial composition, and changes in GI function and morphology. Although many
      of these processes are also essential for glucoregulation, the independent role
      of each in the success of surgery is still an open question. In this review, we
      explore whether these changes are necessary for the improvements in body mass and
      glucose homeostasis or whether they are simply markers of the physiological
      effect of surgery.

PMID- 27671526
TI  - Regulation, sensory domains and roles of two Desulfovibrio desulfuricans
      ATCC27774 Crp family transcription factors, HcpR1 and HcpR2, in response to
      nitrosative stress.
AB  - In silico analyses identified a Crp/Fnr family transcription factor (HcpR) in
      sulfate-reducing bacteria that controls expression of the hcp gene, which encodes
      the hybrid cluster protein and contributes to nitrosative stress responses. There
      is only one hcpR gene in the model sulfate-reducing bacterium Desulfovibrio
      vulgaris Hildenborough, but two copies in Desulfovibrio desulfuricans 27774,
      which can use nitrate as an alternative electron acceptor to sulfate. Structures
      of the D. desulfuricans hcpR1, hcpR2 and hcp operons are reported. We present
      evidence that hcp expression is regulated by HcpR2, not by HcpR1, and that these
      two regulators differ in both their DNA-binding site specificity and their
      sensory domains. HcpR1 is predicted to be a b-type cytochrome. HcpR1 binds
      upstream of the hcpR1 operon and its synthesis is regulated coordinately with hcp
      in response to NO. In contrast, hcpR2 expression was not induced by nitrate,
      nitrite or NO. HcpR2 is an iron-sulfur protein that reacts with NO and O2 . We
      propose that HcpR1 and HcpR2 use different sensory mechanisms to regulate subsets
      of genes required for defense against NO-induced nitrosative stress, and that
      diversification of signal perception and DNA recognition by these two proteins is
      a product of D. desulfuricans adaptation to its particular environmental niche.

PMID- 27671529
TI  - The effect of contouring on fatigue resistance of three types of fracture
      fixation plates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Metallic reconstruction plates used for fracture stabilization
      typically require intraoperative contouring for patient-specific anatomical fit.
      Despite this, characterization of plate mechanical properties after contouring
      has previously been limited. The objective of this study was to assess whether
      contouring affects fatigue resistance for three types of Stryker seven-hole
      stainless steel (SS) 316LVM fracture fixation plates. The hypothesis was that for
      each plate type, more contouring repetitions would result in lower fatigue
      resistance. METHODS: Plates were contoured using a bench-top plate bender to +/
      20 degrees  either 0*, 3*, 6*, or 9* (n = 5 per group) and tested in the straight
      configuration. Cyclic four-point bending was applied in an incremental stepwise
      staircase approach (one step = 100,000 cycles, 10 Hz) until failure (defined as
      brittle fracture or plastic deformation of 10 degrees  permanent bend). Moment
      cycle product (MCP) was computed as the summation of maximum moment * number of
      cycles and used as the primary measure of fatigue resistance. RESULTS: No
      significant differences in fatigue resistance were detected between contouring
      groups for Basic Fragment Set (BFS) Reconstruction Plates. Significantly lower
      fatigue resistance was measured for 9* contoured Matta Pelvic System (MPS)
      Straight Plates compared to 0* contoured plates (p = 0.023). MPS Flex Plates
      contoured 3* had greater fatigue resistance than 0* contoured (p = 0.031) and 9*
      contoured plates (p = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: This work provides fatigue resistance
      based evidence that clinicians should avoid high repetitions of contouring for
      MPS Straight Plates. Meanwhile, BFS Reconstruction Plates and MPS Flex Plates are
      not negatively affected by contouring. These results allow for improved
      intraoperative decisions about using or discarding plates after multiple
      contouring repetitions.

PMID- 27671527
TI  - Development of a Novel Antibody-Drug Conjugate for the Potential Treatment of
      Ovarian, Lung, and Renal Cell Carcinoma Expressing TIM-1.
AB  - T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 1 (TIM-1) is a type I transmembrane
      protein that was originally described as kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1) due to
      its elevated expression in kidney and urine after renal injury. TIM-1 expression
      is also upregulated in several human cancers, most notably in renal and ovarian
      carcinomas, but has very restricted expression in healthy tissues, thus
      representing a promising target for antibody-mediated therapy. To this end, we
      have developed a fully human monoclonal IgG1 antibody specific for the
      extracellular domain of TIM-1. This antibody was shown to bind purified
      recombinant chimeric TIM-1-Fc protein and TIM-1 expressed on a variety of
      transformed cell lines, including Caki-1 (human renal clear cell carcinoma),
      IGROV-1 (human ovarian adenocarcinoma), and A549 (human lung carcinoma).
      Internalization studies using confocal microscopy revealed the antibody was
      rapidly internalized by cells in vitro, and internalization was confirmed by
      quantitative imaging flow cytometry. An antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) was
      produced with the anti-TIM-1 antibody covalently linked to the potent cytotoxin,
      monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE), and designated CDX-014. The ADC was shown to
      exhibit in vitro cytostatic or cytotoxic activity against a variety of TIM-1
      expressing cell lines, but not on TIM-1-negative cell lines. Using the Caki-1,
      IGROV-1, and A549 xenograft mouse models, CDX-014 showed significant antitumor
      activity in a clinically relevant dose range. Safety evaluation in nonhuman
      primates has demonstrated a good profile and led to the initiation of clinical
      studies of CDX-014 in renal cell carcinoma and potentially other TIM-1-expressing
      tumors. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(12); 2946-54. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27671530
TI  - Here come the commensals.

PMID- 27671528
TI  - Novel ABCG2 Antagonists Reverse Topotecan-Mediated Chemotherapeutic Resistance in
      Ovarian Carcinoma Xenografts.
AB  - Chemotherapeutic resistance remains a challenge in the treatment of ovarian
      carcinoma, especially in recurrent disease. Despite the fact that most patients
      with newly diagnosed tumors attain complete remission following cytoreductive
      surgery and chemotherapy, ovarian carcinoma has a recurrence rate that exceeds
      75%. The ATP-binding cassette family G member 2 (ABCG2) efflux protein has been
      described as one mechanism that confers multiple-drug resistance to solid tumors
      and contributes to topotecan resistance in ovarian carcinoma. In fact, one
      clinical trial demonstrated ABCG2 expression in all patients with primary or
      recurrent ovarian carcinoma. On the basis of our previous work, we hypothesized
      that three compounds (CID44640177, CID1434724, and CID46245505), which represent
      a new piperazine-substituted pyrazolo[1,5]pyrimidine substructure class of ABCG2
      specific antagonists, would restore chemosensitivity to drug-resistant ovarian
      cancer in vitro and in vivo To address the treatment difficulties associated with
      chemotherapeutic resistance in ovarian cancer, we combined each compound
      (CID44640177, CID1434724, and CID46245505) with topotecan and administered the
      mixture to chemoresistant Igrov1/T8 ovarian cancer cells in vitro and Igrov1/T8
      xenografts in CB-17 SCID mice. We found that only nanomolar concentrations of
      each ABCG2 inhibitor in combination with topotecan were required to restore
      chemosensitivity to Igrov1/T8 cells in vitro In vivo, substantial tumor reduction
      was achieved with each compound in 4 days, with CID1434724 causing the largest
      reduction in excess of 60%. No signs of secondary toxic effects were observed
      with the ABCG2 antagonists. These novel compounds should be viewed as promising
      drug candidates to reverse ABCG2-mediated chemoresistance. Mol Cancer Ther;
      15(12); 2853-62. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27671531
TI  - Population genomics of divergence within an obligate pollination mutualism:
      Selection maintains differences between Joshua tree species.
AB  - PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Speciation is a complex process that can be shaped by many
      factors, from geographic isolation to interspecific interactions. In Joshua
      trees, selection from pollinators on style length has been hypothesized to
      contribute to the maintenance of differentiation between two hybridizing sister
      species. We used population genomics approaches to measure the extent of genetic
      differentiation between these species, test whether selection maintains
      differences between them, and determine whether genetic variants associated with
      style length show signatures of selection. METHODS: Using restriction-site
      associated DNA (RAD)-sequencing, we identified 9516 single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) across the Joshua tree genome. We characterized the genomic
      composition of trees in a narrow hybrid zone and used genomic scans to search for
      signatures of selection acting on these SNPs. We used a genome-wide association
      study to identify SNPs associated with variation in phenotypic traits, including
      style length, and asked whether those SNPs were overrepresented among the group
      under selection. KEY RESULTS: The two species were highly genetically
      differentiated (FST = 0.25), and hybrids were relatively rare in the hybrid zone.
      Approximately 20% of SNPs showed evidence of selection maintaining divergence.
      While SNPs associated with style length were overrepresented among those under
      selection (P << 0.0001), the same was true for SNPs associated with highly
      differentiated vegetative traits. CONCLUSIONS: The two species of Joshua tree are
      clearly genetically distinct, and selection is maintaining differences between
      them. We found that loci associated with differentiated traits were likely to be
      under selection. However, many traits other than style length appeared to be
      under selection. Together with the dearth of intermediate hybrids, these findings
      reveal that these taxa are more strongly diverged than previously suspected and
      that selection, likely on many targets, is maintaining separation where the two
      species meet and hybridize.

PMID- 27671532
TI  - Nitrogen addition does not influence pre-infection partner choice in the legume
      rhizobium symbiosis.
AB  - PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Resource mutualisms such as the symbiosis between legumes
      and nitrogen-fixing rhizobia are context dependent and are sensitive to various
      aspects of the environment, including nitrogen (N) addition. Mutualist hosts such
      as legumes are also thought to use mechanisms such as partner choice to
      discriminate among potential symbionts that vary in partner quality (fitness
      benefits conferred to hosts) and thus impose selection on rhizobium populations.
      Together, context dependency and partner choice might help explain why the legume
      rhizobium mutualism responds evolutionarily to N addition, since plant-mediated
      selection that shifts in response to N might be expected to favor different
      rhizobium strains in different N environments. METHODS: We test for the influence
      of context dependency on partner choice in the model legume, Medicago truncatula,
      using a factorial experiments with three plant families across three N levels
      with a mixed inoculation of three rhizobia strains. KEY RESULTS: Neither the
      relative frequencies of rhizobium strains occupying host nodules, nor the size of
      those nodules, differed in response to N level. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the lack of
      context dependence, plant genotypes respond very differently to mixed populations
      of rhizobia, suggesting that these traits are genetically variable and thus could
      evolve in response to longer-term increases in N.

PMID- 27671533
TI  - How old are you? Genet age estimates in a clonal animal.
AB  - Foundation species such as redwoods, seagrasses and corals are often long-lived
      and clonal. Genets may consist of hundreds of members (ramets) and originated
      hundreds to thousands of years ago. As climate change and other stressors exert
      selection pressure on species, the demography of populations changes. Yet,
      because size does not indicate age in clonal organisms, demographic models are
      missing data necessary to predict the resilience of many foundation species.
      Here, we correlate somatic mutations with genet age of corals and provide the
      first, preliminary estimates of genet age in a colonial animal. We observed
      somatic mutations at five microsatellite loci in rangewide samples of the
      endangered coral, Acropora palmata (n = 3352). Colonies harboured 342 unique
      mutations in 147 genets. Genet age ranged from 30 to 838 years assuming a
      mutation rate of 1.195-04 per locus per year based on colony growth rates and 236
      to 6500 years assuming a mutation rate of 1.542-05 per locus per year based on
      sea level changes to habitat availability. Long-lived A. palmata genets imply a
      large capacity to tolerate past environmental change, and yet recent mass
      mortality events in A. palmata suggest that capacity is now being frequently
      exceeded.

PMID- 27671534
TI  - Health and healthcare access among Zambia's female prisoners: a health systems
      analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Research exploring the drivers of health outcomes of women who are in
      prison in low- and middle-income settings is largely absent. This study aimed to
      identify and examine the interaction between structural, organisational and
      relational factors influencing Zambian women prisoners' health and healthcare
      access. METHODS: We conducted in-depth interviews of 23 female prisoners across
      four prisons, as well as 21 prison officers and health care workers. The
      prisoners were selected in a multi-stage sampling design with a purposive
      selection of prisons followed by a random sampling of cells and of female inmates
      within cells. Largely inductive thematic analysis was guided by the concepts of
      dynamic interaction and emergent behaviour, drawn from the theory of complex
      adaptive systems. RESULTS: We identified compounding and generally negative
      effects on health and access to healthcare from three factors: i) systemic health
      resource shortfalls, ii) an implicit prioritization of male prisoners' health
      needs, and iii) chronic and unchecked patterns of both officer- and inmate-led
      victimisation. Specifically, women's access to health services was shaped by the
      interactions between lack of in-house clinics, privileged male prisoner access to
      limited transport options, and weak responsiveness by female officers to prisoner
      requests for healthcare. Further intensifying these interactions were prisoners'
      differential wealth and access to family support, and appointments of senior
      'special stage' prisoners which enabled chronic victimisation of less wealthy or
      less powerful individuals. CONCLUSIONS: This systems-oriented analysis revealed
      how Zambian women's prisoners' health and access to healthcare is influenced by
      weak resourcing for prisoner health, administrative biases, and a prevailing
      organisational and inmate culture. Findings highlight the urgent need for
      investment in structural improvements in health service availability but also
      interventions to reform the organisational culture which shapes officers'
      understanding and responsiveness to women prisoners' health needs.

PMID- 27671535
TI  - Visit-to-visit systolic blood pressure variability and microvascular
      complications among patients with diabetes.
AB  - AIMS: To examine the relationship between systolic blood pressure (SBP)
      variability and the risk of microvascular complications in a non-elderly diabetic
      population. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of individuals aged
      <=60years treated for diabetes in 2003 in the US Department of Veterans Affairs
      healthcare system. Individuals were followed for five years for any new diagnosis
      of diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy, or neuropathy. In each year of follow-up,
      individuals were classified into quartiles based on their SBP variability.
      RESULTS: We identified 208,338 patients with diabetes without diabetic
      nephropathy, retinopathy, or neuropathy at baseline. Compared to individuals with
      the least SBP variability (Quartile 1), those with most variability (Quartile 4)
      had 81% (OR=1.81; 95% CI, 1.72-1.91), 17% (OR=1.17; 95% CI, 1.13-1.21), 30%
      (OR=1.30; 95% CI, 1.25-1.35), and 19% (OR=1.19; 95% CI, 1.15-1.23) higher
      incidence of nephropathy, retinopathy, neuropathy, and any complication,
      respectively, after adjusting for mean SBP, demographic and clinical factors.
      CONCLUSIONS: We found a significant graded relationship between SBP variability
      and the incidence of each complication and of any combined endpoint. This is the
      first study showing a significant association between SBP variability and the
      risk of diabetic retinopathy and neuropathy.

PMID- 27671536
TI  - A first-line diagnostic assay for limb-girdle muscular dystrophy and other
      myopathies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fifty random genetically unstudied families (limb-girdle muscular
      dystrophy (LGMD)/myopathy) were screened with a gene panel incorporating 759 OMIM
      genes associated with neurological disorders. Average coverage of the CDS and 10
      bp flanking regions of genes was 99 %. All families were referred to the
      Neurosciences Clinic of King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre,
      Saudi Arabia. Patients presented with muscle weakness affecting the pelvic and
      shoulder girdle. Muscle biopsy in all cases showed dystrophic or myopathic
      changes. Our main objective was to evaluate a neurological gene panel as a first
      line diagnostic test for LGMD/myopathies. RESULTS: Our panel identified the
      mutation in 76 % of families (38/50; 11 novel). Thirty-four families had
      mutations in LGMD-related genes with four others having variants not typically
      associated with LGMD. The majority of cases had recessive inheritance with
      homoallelic pathogenic variants (97.4 %, 37/38), as expected considering the high
      rate of consanguinity in the study population. In one case, we detected a
      heterozygous mutation in DNAJB responsible for LGMD-1E. Our cohort included seven
      different subtypes of LGMD2. Mutations of DYSF were the most commonly identified
      cause of disease followed by that in CAPN3 and FKRP. Non-LGMD myopathies were due
      to mutations in genes associated with congenital disorder of glycosylation
      (ALG2), rigid spine muscular dystrophy 1 (SEPN1), inclusion body myopathy2/Nonaka
      myopathy (GNE), and neuropathy (WNK1). Whole exome sequencing (WES) of patients
      who remained undiagnosed with the neurological panel did not improve our
      diagnostic yield. CONCLUSIONS: Our neurological panel achieved a high clinical
      sensitivity (76 %) and is an effective first-line laboratory test in patients
      with LGMD and other myopathies. This sensitive, cost-effective, and rapid assay
      significantly assists clinical practice especially in these phenotypically and
      genetically heterogeneous disorders. Moreover, the application of the American
      College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) and Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP)
      guidelines applied in the classification of variant pathogenecity provides a
      clear interpretation for physicians on the relevance of such findings.

PMID- 27671537
TI  - Meaning in stroke family caregiving: A literature review.
AB  - Meaning plays an important role in stroke family caregiving. Understanding
      meaning facilitates the development of effective interventions that support
      stroke family caregivers. However, knowledge about this subject is fragmented and
      sparse. This review fills this knowledge gap by examining existing findings
      regarding meanings in stroke family caregiving. Specifically, a search of seven
      databases and a manual search produced a total of five articles for review.
      Embedded in the lived experience of caregivers, meanings in stroke family
      caregiving were interpreted as a physical, psychological, and social suffering;
      an obligation resulting from moral ethics, religion doctrines, others'
      expectations, and social norms; and a subjective choice based on love, hope, and
      a sense of reciprocity. However, the detailed process of how and when caregivers
      identify meaning in caregiving needs further exploration. To gain a full picture
      of meaning in caregiving, more studies should be conducted among stroke family
      caregivers from different cultural, economic, and social backgrounds.

PMID- 27671538
TI  - Against compassion: in defence of a "hybrid" concept of empathy.
AB  - In this article, I argue that the recent emphasis on compassion in healthcare
      practice lacks conceptual richness and clarity. In particular, I argue that it
      would be helpful to focus on a larger concept of empathy rather than compassion
      alone and that compassion should be thought of as a component of this larger
      concept of empathy. The first part of the article outlines a critique of the
      current discourse of compassion on three grounds. This discourse naturalizes,
      individualizes, and reifies compassion leading to a decontextualized and
      simplified understanding of failures in healthcare practice. The second part uses
      resources from phenomenology and contemporary moral philosophy to construct a
      "hybrid" concept of empathy that includes both pre-reflective/intuitive and
      cognitive/imaginative components. This "hybrid" concept of empathy leads to a
      more complex understanding of the multiple responses to others' distress. I
      conclude that there are no straightforward normative naturalistic responses to
      others' distress. Rather than conceptualizing compassion as a naturalistic
      impulse or a character-based trait, we need to consider the complexity of our
      empathic recognition of vulnerable others.

PMID- 27671539
TI  - Impact of the introduction of mandatory generic substitution in South Africa:
      private sector sales of generic and originator medicines for chronic diseases.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of mandatory offer of generic substitution,
      introduced in South Africa in May 2003, on private sector sales of generic and
      originator medicines for chronic diseases. METHODS: Private sector sales data
      (June 2001 to May 2005) were obtained from IMS Health for proton pump inhibitors
      (PPIs; ATC code A02BC), HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins; C10AA),
      dihydropyridine calcium antagonists (C08CA), angiotensin-converting enzyme
      inhibitors (ACE-I; C09AA) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs;
      N06AB). Monthly sales were expressed as defined daily doses per 1000 insured
      population per month (DDD/TIM). Interrupted time-series models were used to
      estimate the changes in slope and level of medicines use after the policy change.
      ARIMA models were used to correct for autocorrelation and stationarity. RESULTS:
      Only the SSRIs saw a significant rise in level of generic utilisation (0.2
      DDD/TIM; P < 0.001) and a fall in originator usage (-0.1 DDD/TIM; P < 0.001)
      after the policy change. Utilisation of generic PPIs fell (level 0.06 DDD/TIM, P
      = 0.048; slope 0.01 DDD/TIM, P = 0.043), but utilisation of originator products
      also grew (level 0.05 DDD/TIM, P < 0.001; slope 0.003, P = 0.001). Generic
      calcium antagonists and ACE-I showed an increase in slope (0.01 DDD/TIM, P =
      0.016; 0.02 DDD/TIM, P < 0.001), while the originators showed a decrease in slope
      (-0.003 DDD/TIM, P = 0.046; -0.01 DDD/TIM, P < 0.001). There were insufficient
      data on generic statin use before the policy change to allow for analysis.
      CONCLUSION: The mandatory offer of generic substitution appeared to have had a
      quantifiable effect on utilisation patterns in the 2 years after May 2003.
      Managed care interventions that were already in place before the intervention may
      have blunted the extent of the changes seen in this period. Generic policies are
      an important enabling provision for cost-containment efforts. However, decisions
      taken outside of official policy may anticipate or differ from that policy, with
      important consequences.

PMID- 27671541
TI  - A Stable Crystalline Triarylphosphine Oxide Radical Anion.
AB  - Triarylphosphine oxides (Ar3 P=O) are being intensely studied as electron
      accepting (n-type) materials. Despite the widespread application of these
      compounds as electron conductors, experimental data regarding the structural and
      electronic properties of their negatively charged states remain scarce owing to
      their propensity for follow-up chemistry. Herein, a carefully designed
      triarylphosphine oxide scaffold is disclosed that comprises sterically demanding
      spirofluorenyl moieties to shield the central phosphoryl (P=O) moiety. This
      compound undergoes chemical one-electron reduction to afford an exceptionally
      stable radical anion, which was isolated and characterized by X-ray
      crystallography for the very first time. The experimental data, corroborated by
      computational studies, shall allow for the construction of phosphine oxide
      materials with enhanced stability.

PMID- 27671540
TI  - A feasibility study to prevent falls in older people who are sight impaired: the
      VIP2UK randomised controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Published evaluations of successful interventions to prevent falls in
      people with sight impairment (SI) are limited. The aim of this feasibility study
      is to optimise the design and investigation of home safety (HS) and home exercise
      (HE) programmes to prevent falls in older people with SI. METHODS: A community
      based feasibility study in north-west England comprising a three-arm randomised
      controlled trial (RCT) allocated participants to (1) a control group receiving
      usual care and social visits, (2) an experimental group receiving the HS
      programme and (3) an experimental group receiving the HS + HE programme.
      Participants were community-dwelling, aged 65 years and older and sight impaired.
      Primary outcome data on falls were collected continuously over 6 months.
      Secondary outcomes on physical activity (self-report and instrumented) and
      adherence were collected at baseline and 3 and 6 months for HE and at 6 months
      for the HS programme. Costs for the HS and HS + HE groups were calculated from
      logs of time spent on home visits, telephone calls and travel. The research
      assistant and statistician were blinded to group allocation. RESULTS: Altogether,
      49 people were recruited over a 9-month period (randomised: 16 to control, 16 to
      HS, 17 to HS + HE). The interventions were implemented over 6 months by an
      occupational therapist at a cost per person (pounds sterling, 2011) of L249 (HS)
      and L674 (HS + HE). Eighty-eight percent (43/49) completed the trial and 6-month
      follow-up. At 6-month follow-up, 100 % reported partially or completely adhering
      to HS recommendations but evidence for adherence to HE was equivocal. Although
      self-reported physical activity increased, instrumented monitoring showed a
      decrease in walking activity. There were no statistically significant differences
      in falls between the groups; however, the study was not powered to detect a
      difference. CONCLUSION: It is feasible and acceptable for an occupational
      therapist to deliver HS and HE falls prevention programmes to people with SI
      living independently in the community. Future studies could access Local
      Authority Registers of people with SI to improve recruitment rates. Further
      research is required to identify how to improve adherence to HE and to measure
      changes in physical activity before conducting a definitive RCT. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: ISRCTN53433311 , registered on 8 May 2014.

PMID- 27671542
TI  - Formulation of orodispersible films for paediatric therapy: investigation of
      feasibility and stability for tetrabenazine as drug model.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Orodispersible films (ODF) were formulated to facilitate
      tetrabenazine (TBZ) administration to paediatric population for the treatment of
      hyperkinetic movement disorders. METHODS: ODF were obtained by solvent
      casting/evaporation method using four different polymers (HPMC, PVP, pullulan and
      HEC). Physicochemical, mechanical and biopharmaceutical characterizations as well
      as API state in ODF by thermal analysis were investigated to define and compare
      formulations. ODF stability was also monitored during 6 months to follow
      evolution of properties. KEY FINDINGS: Analyses at T0 showed few differences
      between formulations: results of physicochemical and mechanical characterizations
      were almost similar for each formulation and TBZ appeared at the amorphous state
      in all cases. ODF delivery system allowed a major improvement of TBZ dissolution
      profile in buccal conditions compared with pure drug. However, after 3 and 6
      months of stability, a TBZ recrystallization occurred for formulations based on
      PVP and HEC associated with a decrease of drug release in saliva conditions.
      CONCLUSIONS: HPMC-ODF (F1) appeared as the best formulation. Indeed,
      physicochemical, mechanical and biopharmaceutical characteristic remained intact.
      In addition, TBZ remained in amorphous state during stability study.

PMID- 27671543
TI  - No impact of disease and its treatment on bone mineral density in survivors of
      childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and its treatment are often
      implicated in adversely affecting bone health. Conflicting reports in the
      literature and a paucity of studies from the developing world prompted us to
      study bone mineral density (BMD) in childhood ALL survivors. METHODS: BMD lumbar
      spine (LS) and whole body (WB) were evaluated, using dual energy x-ray
      absorptiometry in 65 pediatric ALL survivors who had been off-therapy for at
      least 2 years. The control group constituted of 50 age- and sex-matched healthy
      siblings. Kernel density plots were used to compare BMD among cases and controls.
      The disease-, treatment-, hormone- and lifestyle-related factors likely to
      modulate BMD were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test and Student's t-test.
      RESULTS: At a median of 4.3 years (range, 2-14.8 years) since cessation of
      therapy, height-adjusted (HA) mean BMD Z-scores of LS (-0.67 +/- 1.11, -0.607 +/-
      1.05, P = 0.759) and WB (-0.842 +/- 0.92, -0.513 +/- 0.97, P = 0.627) were
      comparable among the cases and controls. Disease, treatment (chemotherapy,
      cranial radiotherapy) and endocrine factors did not predict low BMD. However,
      survivors with calcium intake <800 mg/day (WB, P = 0.018) and hypovitaminosis D
      (<=25 nmol/L) had lower BMD values (HA-WB, P = 0.046) than the controls. A
      significant proportion of survivors were overweight or obese and had higher BMD Z
      scores (HA-LS, P = 0.003; HA-WB, P = 0.028). CONCLUSION: BMD Z-scores were
      similar among ALL survivors and controls. It was reassuring that there was no
      detrimental impact of the disease or its treatment on BMD. Future studies are
      required to determine the best possible ways to target the modifiable risk
      factors (diet, vitamin D) to optimize bone health.

PMID- 27671544
TI  - Proposed clinical management of pregnancies after combined screening for pre
      eclampsia at 30-34 weeks' gestation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate the patient-specific risk of pre-eclampsia (PE) at 30-34
      weeks' gestation by a combination of maternal characteristics and medical history
      with multiples of the median (MoM) values of mean arterial pressure (MAP),
      uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA-PI), serum placental growth factor (PlGF)
      and serum soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1), and stratify women into
      high-, intermediate- and low-risk management groups. METHODS: This was a
      prospective observational study in women attending a third-trimester ultrasound
      scan at 30-34 weeks as part of routine pregnancy care. Patient-specific risks of
      delivery with PE at < 4 weeks from assessment and at < 40 weeks' gestation were
      calculated using the competing-risks model to combine the prior risk from
      maternal characteristics and medical history with MoM values of MAP, UtA-PI, PlGF
      and sFlt-1. On the basis of these risks, the population was stratified into high
      , intermediate- and low-risk groups. Different risk cut-offs were used to vary
      the proportion of the population stratified into each risk category and the
      performance of screening for delivery with PE at < 4 weeks from assessment and
      delivery with PE from 4 weeks after assessment and up to 40 weeks' gestation was
      estimated. RESULTS: The study population of 8128 singleton pregnancies included
      234 (2.9%) that subsequently developed PE. Using a risk cut-off of 1 in 50 for PE
      delivering at < 4 weeks and a risk cut-off of 1 in 150 for PE delivering at < 40
      weeks' gestation, the proportion of the population stratified into high,
      intermediate and low risk was about 3%, 26% and 71%, respectively. The high-risk
      group contained 90% of pregnancies with PE at < 4 weeks and 40% of those with PE
      at 4 weeks from assessment to 40 weeks' gestation. The intermediate-risk group
      contained a further 49% of women with PE at 4 weeks from assessment to 40
      gestational weeks. In the low-risk group, none of the women developed PE at < 4
      weeks and only 0.3% developed PE at 4 weeks to 40 gestational weeks. CONCLUSION:
      The study presents risk stratification of PE by the combined test at 30-34 weeks,
      aiming to identify a high-risk group in need of intensive monitoring from the
      time of the initial assessment and up to 40 weeks' gestation and an intermediate
      risk group in need of monitoring from 4 weeks after the initial assessment and up
      to 40 weeks' gestation. All pregnancies would need to be reassessed at 40 weeks'
      gestation. Copyright (c) 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

PMID- 27671545
TI  - Alginate therapy is effective treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease
      symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - In patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and erosive esophagitis,
      treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) is highly effective. However, in
      some patients, especially those with non-erosive reflux disease or atypical GERD
      symptoms, acid suppressive therapy with PPIs is not as successful. Alginates are
      medications that work through an alternative mechanism by displacing the post
      prandial gastric acid pocket. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis
      to examine the benefit of alginate-containing compounds in the treatment of
      patients with symptoms of GERD.PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane library
      electronic databases were searched through October 2015 for randomized controlled
      trials comparing alginate-containing compounds to placebo, antacids, histamine-2
      receptor antagonists (H2RAs) or PPIs for the treatment of GERD symptoms.
      Additional studies were identified through bibliography review. Non-English
      studies and those with pediatric patients were excluded. Meta-analyses were
      performed using random-effects models to calculate odds ratios (OR).
      Heterogeneity between studies was estimated using the I2 statistic. Analyses were
      stratified by type of comparator. The search strategy yielded 665 studies and 15
      (2.3%) met inclusion criteria. Fourteen were included in the meta-analysis (N =
      2095 subjects). Alginate-based therapies increased the odds of resolution of GERD
      symptoms when compared to placebo or antacids (OR: 4.42; 95% CI 2.45-7.97) with a
      moderate degree of heterogeneity between studies (I2 = 71%, P = .001). Compared
      to PPIs or H2RAs, alginates appear less effective but the pooled estimate was not
      statistically significant (OR: 0.58; 95% CI 0.27-1.22). Alginates are more
      effective than placebo or antacids for treating GERD symptoms.

PMID- 27671546
TI  - Magnetic hyperthermia controlled drug release in the GI tract: solving the
      problem of detection.
AB  - Drug delivery to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is highly challenging due to the
      harsh environments any drug- delivery vehicle must experience before it releases
      it's drug payload. Effective targeted drug delivery systems often rely on
      external stimuli to effect release, therefore knowing the exact location of the
      capsule and when to apply an external stimulus is paramount. We present a drug
      delivery system for the GI tract based on coating standard gelatin drug capsules
      with a model eicosane- superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle composite
      coating, which is activated using magnetic hyperthermia as an on-demand release
      mechanism to heat and melt the coating. We also show that the capsules can be
      readily detected via rapid X-ray computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI), vital for progressing such a system towards clinical applications.
      This also offers the opportunity to image the dispersion of the drug payload post
      release. These imaging techniques also influenced capsule content and design and
      the delivered dosage form. The ability to easily change design demonstrates the
      versatility of this system, a vital advantage for modern, patient-specific
      medicine.

PMID- 27671547
TI  - Active immunization with human interleukin-15 induces neutralizing antibodies in
      non-human primates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Interleukin-15 is an immunostimulatory cytokine overexpressed in
      several autoimmune and inflammatory diseases such as Rheumatoid Arthritis,
      psoriasis and ulcerative colitis; thus, inhibition of IL-15-induced signaling
      could be clinically beneficial in these disorders. Our approach to neutralize IL
      15 consisted in active immunization with structurally modified human IL-15 (mhIL
      15) with the aim to induce neutralizing antibodies against native IL-15. In the
      present study, we characterized the antibody response in Macaca fascicularis, non
      human primates that were immunized with a vaccine candidate containing mhIL-15 in
      Aluminum hydroxide (Alum), Montanide and Incomplete Freund's Adjuvant. RESULTS:
      Immunization with mhIL-15 elicited a specific antibodies response that
      neutralized native IL-15-dependent biologic activity in a CTLL-2 cell
      proliferation assay. The highest neutralizing response was obtained in macaques
      immunized with mhIL-15 adjuvanted in Alum. This response, which was shown to be
      transient, also inhibited the activity of simian IL-15 and did not affect the
      human IL-2-induced proliferation of CTLL-2 cells. Also, in a pool of synovial
      fluid cells from two Rheumatoid Arthritis patients, the immune sera slightly
      inhibited TNF-alpha secretion. Finally, it was observed that this vaccine
      candidate neither affect animal behavior, clinical status, blood biochemistry nor
      the percentage of IL-15-dependent cell populations, specifically CD56+ NK and
      CD8+ T cells. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that vaccination with mhIL-15
      induced neutralizing antibodies to native IL-15 in non-human primates. Based on
      this fact, we propose that this vaccine candidate could be potentially beneficial
      for treatment of diseases where IL-15 overexpression is associated with their
      pathogenesis.

PMID- 27671549
TI  - Tetraphenylcyclopentadiene Derivatives: Aggregation-Induced Emission, Adjustable
      Luminescence from Green to Blue, Efficient Undoped OLED Performance and Good
      Mechanochromic Properties.
AB  - Silole derivatives, the first reported and famous AIEgens, are a series of Si
      containing conjugated rings with the sigma*-pi* conjugation, and this unique
      electronic structure imparts them high electron affinity and fast electron
      mobility, but not ideal blue luminogens due to their relatively long conjugation
      length. By replacing the Si atom with the C one, six new AIEgens without the
      sigma*-pi* conjugation effect are successfully synthesized based on a
      tetraphenylcyclopentadiene core. In addition to the sky-blue emission (lambdaEL =
      492 nm) with Lmax , etaC,max , and etaP,max up to 24 096 cd m-2 , 6.80 cd A-1 ,
      and 4.07 lm W-1 , respectively, the careful control of the conjugation degree by
      changing the linkage mode, results in the blue one (lambdaEL = 440 nm) with
      relatively good performance (Lmax : 8721 cd m-2 and etaC,max : 3.40 cd A-1 ),
      indicating that the replacement of the Si atom by C one is an alternative design
      strategy to yield blue even deep-blue AIEgens with good device performance.
      Meanwhile, their reversible mechanochromic properties are realized with apparent
      fluorescence changes between deep-blue and green emissive colors, offering them
      additional promising applications in optoelectronic devices.

PMID- 27671548
TI  - Role of the type I tumor necrosis factor receptor in inflammation-associated
      olfactory dysfunction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To understand mechanisms of human olfactory dysfunction in chronic
      rhinosinusitis, an inducible olfactory inflammation (IOI) model has been utilized
      to chronically express inflammatory cytokines locally, resulting in neuronal
      loss, diminished odorant responses, and repressed olfactory regeneration.
      Knockout of the minor tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor 2 (TNFR2) was
      previously shown to partially rescue these olfactory changes. The purpose of
      current study was to investigate the role of the major TNF receptor, TNFR1, in
      chronic olfactory inflammation. METHODS: Two experimental groups of mice were
      studied: TNFR1 knockout in IOI background and TNFR1 knockout with allergen
      induced inflammation. Olfactory function was assayed by electro-olfactogram
      (EOG), and olfactory tissue was processed for histology and immunohistochemical
      staining. RESULTS: TNF-alpha was dramatically induced in IOI-TNFR1 knockout mice,
      but the olfactory epithelium did not show inflammation. EOG responses were normal
      after either 2 or 8 weeks of TNF-alpha expression. Ovalbumin-sensitized TNFR1
      knockout mice developed markedly diminished eosinophilic inflammatory
      infiltration. CONCLUSION: Genetic deletion of TNFR1 completely blocks TNF-alpha
      induced inflammation and reduces allergen-induced inflammation. Preserved EOG
      responses suggest a TNFR1-dependent mechanism of TNF-alpha-induced olfactory
      neuron dysfunction.

PMID- 27671550
TI  - Is a hybrid strategy a lower-risk alternative to stage 1 Norwood operation?
AB  - BACKGROUND: For neonates with critical left ventricular outflow tract obstruction
      (LVOTO), hybrid procedures are an alternative to the Norwood stage 1 procedure.
      Despite perceived advantages, however, outcomes are not well defined. Therefore,
      we compared outcomes after stage 1 hybrid and Norwood procedures. METHODS: In a
      critical LVOTO inception cohort (2005-2014; 20 institutions), a total of 564
      neonates underwent stage 1 palliation with the Norwood operation with a modified
      Blalock-Taussig shunt (NW-BT; n = 232; 41%), Norwood operation with a right
      ventricle-to-pulmonary artery conduit (NW-RVPA; n = 222; 39%), or a hybrid
      procedure (n = 110; 20%). Post-stage 1 outcomes were analyzed via competing-risks
      and parametric hazard analyses and compared among all 564 patients and between
      patients who underwent propensity-matched hybrid and those who underwent NW-BT/NW
      RVPA. RESULTS: By 6 years after the stage 1 operation, 50% +/- 3%, 7% +/- 2%, and
      4% +/- 1% of patients transitioned to Fontan, transplantation, and biventricular
      repair, respectively, whereas 7% +/- 2% were alive without transition and 32% +/-
      2% died. Risk factors for death without transition included procedure type,
      smaller ascending aorta, aortic valve atresia, and lower birth weight. Risk
      adjusted 4-year survival was better after NW-RVPA than after NW-BT or hybrid (76%
      vs 60% vs 61%; P < .001). Furthermore, for neonates with lower birth weight (<~2
      kg), an interaction between birth weight and hybrid resulted in a trend toward
      better survival after hybrid compared with NW-BT or NW-RVPA. For propensity
      matched neonates between hybrid and NW-BT (88 pairs), 4-year survival was similar
      (62% vs 57%; P = .58). For propensity-matched neonates between hybrid and NW-RVPA
      (81 pairs), 4-year survival was better after NW-RVPA (59% vs 75%; P = .008).
      CONCLUSIONS: For neonates with critical LVOTO undergoing single-ventricle
      palliation, NW-RVPA was associated with the best overall survival. Hybrid
      strategies are not a lower-risk alternative to Norwood operations overall;
      however, the impact of lower birth weight on survival may be mitigated after
      hybrid procedures compared with Norwood operations.

PMID- 27671551
TI  - Structure valve degeneration in new bioprosthesis: New concerns and valve-in
      valve (VIV) bailout.

PMID- 27671552
TI  - The hybrid procedure for hypoplastic left heart syndrome: A procedure still
      looking for its place.

PMID- 27671554
TI  - A few home truths.
AB  - There will be those who nod sagely at news that the UKCC is concerned about the
      number of complaints received about nurses in care homes, particularly in the
      independent sector. Nurses who find themselves working in this sector, whether by
      necessity or choice, are olten seen by health service colleagues as a race apart,
      and a second-class race at that.

PMID- 27671553
TI  - 18F-FLT Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a Pharmacodynamic Marker for EWS
      FLI1 Activity and Ewing Sarcoma.
AB  - Ewing sarcoma is a bone and soft-tissue tumor that depends on the activity of the
      EWS-FLI1 transcription factor for cell survival. Although a number of compounds
      have been shown to inhibit EWS-FLI1 in vitro, a clinical EWS-FLI1-directed
      therapy has not been achieved. One problem plaguing drug development efforts is
      the lack of a suitable, non-invasive, pharmacodynamic marker of EWS-FLI1
      activity. Here we show that 18F-FLT PET (18F- 3'-deoxy-3'-fluorothymidine
      positron emission tomography) reflects EWS-FLI1 activity in Ewing sarcoma cells
      both in vitro and in vivo. 18F-FLT is transported into the cell by ENT1 and ENT2,
      where it is phosphorylated by TK1 and trapped intracellularly. In this report, we
      show that silencing of EWS-FLI1 with either siRNA or small-molecule EWS-FLI1
      inhibitors suppressed the expression of ENT1, ENT2, and TK1 and thus decreased
      18F-FLT PET activity. This effect was not through a generalized loss in viability
      or metabolic suppression, as there was no suppression of 18F-FDG PET activity and
      no suppression with chemotherapy. These results provide the basis for the
      clinical translation of 18F-FLT as a companion biomarker of EWS-FLI1 activity and
      a novel diagnostic imaging approach for Ewing sarcoma.

PMID- 27671556
TI  - Care study details.
AB  - A two-year study by the King's Fund Centre on the introduction of primary nursing
      to an elderly care ward was published this week. It shows that though patients
      were no more or less satisfied with the care, more were treated and successfully
      rehabilitated and fewer died than on two matched wards.

PMID- 27671555
TI  - UKCC warns of immense' crisis in nursing home sector.
AB  - The UK is on the brink of a crisis in the nursing home sector that is likely to
      match the scale of the mental health scandals in the Seventies, the UK Central
      Council hits warned.

PMID- 27671557
TI  - DoH drawing up guidelines on local PRP.
AB  - Guidelines for crusts on the assessment of nursing staff for performance-related
      pay (PRP) schemes are being drawn up by the Department of Health.

PMID- 27671558
TI  - ?
AB  - Blooming success: Sevenoaks nurse Eng-Choo Hitchcock was named Marie Curie Cancer
      Care Nurse of the Year 1994 at a ceremony in London last week. Mrs Hitchcock, who
      works for Tunbridge Wells, Maidstone and Bromley health districts, received the
      award from broadcaster and former nurse Claire Rayner.

PMID- 27671559
TI  - Welsh office acts to clear 1,250 grading appeals.
AB  - A new framework for handling the remaining clinical grading appeals in Wales has
      been set by the Welsh Office.

PMID- 27671562
TI  - Supervision register leaves gaps in care.
AB  - Government guidelines on supervision registers for severely mentally ill
      psychiatric patients, announced last week, have been dismissed as a 'cosmetic PR
      exercise' by the mental health charity MIND.

PMID- 27671561
TI  - Scottish prisons shake-up.
AB  - Proposals for a radical reshaping of prison nursing in Scotland have been
      accepted by the Scottish Prison Service (SPS).

PMID- 27671563
TI  - Birmingham aims to shed 1,200 jobs.
AB  - Hundreds of nurses face redundancy in Birmingham after a health authority
      announced it is to shed 1,200 staff.

PMID- 27671565
TI  - ?
AB  - Helen Betts, MBE, former director of Nursing Services at the Royal Liverpool
      University Hospital, was one of the contributors to 'Nursing Memories', an eye
      level history of nursing in Liverpool She Is pieftired with the book, published
      by National Museums and Galleries of Merseyside at L9.90.

PMID- 27671564
TI  - Students say P2000 makes better nurses.
AB  - Project 2000 students believe they will make better nurses than colleagues who
      are following traditional courses, a government-funded study on the
      implementation of P2000 reveals.

PMID- 27671566
TI  - 'Tell women about cancer drug risk'.
AB  - Women taking the anti-cancer drug Tamoxifen should he told of the risks so they
      can make informed choices about its use. a leading breast care nurse said last
      week. Anne Tate, board member of the RCN's Breast Care Nurses' Group, teas
      commenting on a Dutch study published in The Lancet that suggests a link between
      the drug and endometrial cancer. Though the study stresses that for women already
      being treated for breast cancer the benefits of 'Tamoxifen outweigh its possible
      side-effects, it claims that healthy women who use it to prevent breast cancer
      could be at risk. But a pilot study at the Royal Marsden Hospital on Tamoxifen's
      use in healthy women found minimal side-effects. And the UK Co-ordinating
      Committee on Cancer Research, now running a new study, says the Dutch research
      shows the risk is lower than expected.

PMID- 27671567
TI  - Check-ups can reduce use of drugs by elderly people.
AB  - Nurses who carry out health assessments can reduce elderly people's unnecessary
      use of drugs, according to a survey published yesterday by the Royal College of
      Nursing's Daphne Heald Research Unit.

PMID- 27671569
TI  - Prescription charge rise condemned.
AB  - The government's move to increase prescription charges has prompted widespread
      condemnation from health unions.

PMID- 27671568
TI  - Lords call for greater hospice funding.
AB  - Quality of life is the bedrock of care for terminally ill patients, the I louse
      of Lords Select Committee on Medical Ethics decided last week in a report warmly
      received by nurses and other health care professionals.

PMID- 27671570
TI  - RCN attacks plan to cut 80 nurse teacher posts.
AB  - The Royal College of Nursing has attacked plans by the Northern Ireland National
      Board to axe more than 80 nurse teacher posts over the next three years.

PMID- 27671571
TI  - Report demands greater public say on health services.
AB  - A major culture change towards a 'people-centred' health service, with the public
      allowed to have a real impact on services, is demanded in a report just
      published.

PMID- 27671572
TI  - Lothian health chiefs react angrily to unison's charges.
AB  - Unison's call for a public inquiry into the Lothian acute services strategy has
      been angrily dismissed by local health chiefs.

PMID- 27671575
TI  - Mental health nurses' skills training inadequate, says don.
AB  - Mental health nurses may become 'second best' to other health professionals
      because post-registration training is not providing them with the appropriate
      skills, a mental health professor has warned.

PMID- 27671573
TI  - Unions claim U-turn over skill mix review.
AB  - Unions arc claiming victory in their fight against a shadow West Midlands trust's
      plans to axe 50 G-grade community nursing posts.

PMID- 27671576
TI  - World news.
AB  - Cyprus The Cypriot health system has been dubbed 'outdated and inefficient', and
      should be replaced by a national health system, a team of international experts
      has warned.

PMID- 27671577
TI  - Conference told patient representatives can give a voice to the vulnerable.
AB  - Hospital patients think nurses are too busy to bother with their concerns, a
      conference on patient communication heard last week. Many fear their care will
      suffer if they raise worries with direct care givers, the Institute of Health
      Service Management conference heard.

PMID- 27671579
TI  - Cancer consensus statement.
AB  - A consensus statement on the cancer care content of pre- registration nurse
      training has been issued by the Royal College of Nursing.

PMID- 27671581
TI  - Low blood pressure linked to depression.
AB  - Older people with low blood pressure are more likely to suffer from fatigue,
      anorexia, crying spells and depressed moods, a recent study has revealed.

PMID- 27671582
TI  - Athletes don't benefit from diet supplements.
AB  - Dietary supplements are unlikely to be of benefit to athletes and are potentially
      dangerous, Florida researchers caution.

PMID- 27671583
TI  - Sunbeds and the risk of epidermal dysplasia.
AB  - Premalignant epidermal dysplasia should be added to the list of side effects of
      sunbed use, according to Newcastle dermatologists.

PMID- 27671585
TI  - Extensive sinusitis, asthma and allergy.
AB  - The associations between chronic sinusitis, asthma and allergy appear to be
      restricted to people with extensive disease, American researchers say.

PMID- 27671584
TI  - Small cholesterol drop, big gains for IHD.
AB  - A modest decrease in serum cholesterol can reduce the risk of ischaemic heart
      disease by 50 per cent, London researchers report. They analysed data on the
      incidence of ischaemic heart disease and serum cholesterol concentrations from
      ten prospective studies, three international studies, and 28 randomised
      controlled trials. From these they measured the decrease in the incidence of
      ischaemic heart disease or mortality for a 0.6mmol/ litre (about 10 per cent)
      decrease in cholesterol.

PMID- 27671586
TI  - Autoimmune disease and silicone implant link?
AB  - Can silicone implants induce autoimmune disease in children? New York researchers
      think it is a possibility. They report two cases where silicone implants had been
      used as a testicular or scleral prosthesis. Both children, aged 15 and ten,
      developed systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

PMID- 27671588
TI  - Qualified in caring.
AB  - The Beverly Allitt tragedy has focused attention on the care of children in
      hospital in a way that years of lobbying by pressure groups and professional
      organisations failed to do.

PMID- 27671587
TI  - More questions than answers.
AB  - It began with her school days and ended with her arrest. In between, four
      children died and nine others were attacked. A team of dedicated nurses and
      doctors were left struggling to comprehend what had happened in their midst and a
      nation was mortified. Such is the story of Beverly Allitt, as told by Sir Cecil
      Clothier QC.

PMID- 27671589
TI  - Corrupted Clothier fits up Allitt staff.
AB  - The publication of the official report of the Clothier Inquiry into the Beverly
      Allitt murders has confirmed what a great many of us suspected about the whole
      affair.

PMID- 27671590
TI  - Stroke patients in the right places.
AB  - We read with interest Deidre Wild's article, Stroke: a nursing rehabilitation
      role (Clinical, January 19).

PMID- 27671591
TI  - Carry on, chief nursing officer.
AB  - Why is a nurse in charge of a nursing home designated 'matron', when senior
      nurses in other areas of the health services have repudiated this title?

PMID- 27671592
TI  - Limousine bosses play roger the lodger.
AB  - Student nurses at the North Devon District Hospital, Barnstaple, have now heard
      of proposals to raise their rents by a massive 127 per cent.

PMID- 27671593
TI  - Fed up with feminism - withered by women.
AB  - The anonymous RCN steward's claim (Letters, February 9) that the College is the
      leader in equality issues, and 'no other organisation has done more for women's
      issues than the RCN,' leads me to question whether the College really does strive
      for true sexual equality.

PMID- 27671594
TI  - ?
AB  - We welcome all readers' letters but reserve the right to edit them and to
      withhold names and addresses - either to protect readers or the journal, or both.

PMID- 27671595
TI  - Information exchange.
AB  - * I am attempting to devise a lifting/handling risk calculator for use in a
      palliative care hospice setting, and would value any information which would help
      with this project. and would value any information which would help with this
      project.

PMID- 27671596
TI  - Nightie flight nurse groped in hotel fire.
AB  - Flu-enforccd bed rest has resulted in my reading every single word of the current
      Nursing Standard (February 2). I have even read the addresses and locations in
      the career listings.

PMID- 27671597
TI  - Susie transmits diseases.
AB  - Hi there, health care workers. I hope you have your video recorders ready because
      the first series of the latest fly-on-the-screens hospital documentary is coming
      soon.

PMID- 27671598
TI  - Singing in Tune with Time E Cairns Singing in Tune with Time editor Virago/Age
      Concern 254pp L6.99 1-85381-633-7.
AB  - As everyone must know by- now, 1993 was the European Year of Older People, and
      its aims, raising awareness of ageing, challenging ageism and linking the
      generations, permeate this anthology Singing in Tune with Time: Stories and Poems
      about Ageing.

PMID- 27671600
TI  - Health Promotion A Dines and A Cribb Health Promotion editors Blackwell
      Scientific 210pp L10.99 0-632-03543-9.
AB  - Health Promotion: Concepts and Practice is written by contributors from the UK
      and is aimed at those interested in the theory and practice of health promotion
      and related topics. The book is divided into two parts.

PMID- 27671599
TI  - Alcohol home detoxification and assessment D Cooper Alcohol home detoxification
      and assessment Radcliffe Medical 144pp L10.50 1-85775-060-8 [Formula: see text].
AB  - Douglas Cameron, senior lecturer in substance misuse at the University of
      Leicester, wrote the foreword to Alcohol Home Detoxification and Assessment and
      explains why such a book is necessary.

PMID- 27671601
TI  - Contrast media reactions.
AB  - I odinaced contrast media have been an important part of diagnostic radiology for
      more than 50 years. They are commonly used for imaging in excretion urography of
      the kidney and for vascular angiography of the myocardium, brain, spinal cord and
      kidney. Contrast media are classified as ionic or non-ionic. Chemically,
      conventional ionic media are salts and will create solutions of very high
      osmolality. Ionic media in iodine concentrations have osmolalities in the range
      five to seven times greater than the osmolality of blood.

PMID- 27671602
TI  - Heartlines.
AB  - Chelation trials The effectiveness of chelation therapy, which addresses the role
      of calcium in the treatment of arterial disease, has been a somewhat contentious
      issue. In response to requests from the Arterial Heart Foundation, the British
      Heart Foundation is looking into the possibility of setting up double-blind
      trials within centres specialising in chelation therapy.

PMID- 27671603
TI  - Listings.
AB  - Nursing Standard regrets that it is no longer able to take listings over the
      telephone because of unprecedented demand. Readers are reminded that the listings
      section is for the use of charitable and professional organisations, unions and
      health authorities to publicise forthcoming events. Listings should contain all
      relevant details and be posted or faxed to Susan Bloodworth, Nursing Standard,
      Viking House, 17-19 Peterborough Road, Harrow, Middlesex HA1 2AX. Fax: 081-423
      3867.

PMID- 27671605
TI  - Fibroblast Growth-factor 23 and Calcium-binding Proteins are not Associated with
      Chronic Itch in Patients on Haemodialysis.

PMID- 27671604
TI  - Endothelial to mesenchymal transition contributes to arsenic-trioxide-induced
      cardiac fibrosis.
AB  - Emerging evidence has suggested the critical role of endothelial to mesenchymal
      transition (EndMT) in fibrotic diseases. The present study was designed to
      examine whether EndMT is involved in arsenic trioxide (As2O3)-induced cardiac
      fibrosis and to explore the underlying mechanisms. Cardiac dysfunction was
      observed in rats after exposure to As2O3 for 15 days using echocardiography, and
      the deposition of collagen was detected by Masson's trichrome staining and
      electron microscope. EndMT was indicated by the loss of endothelial cell markers
      (VE-cadherin and CD31) and the acquisition of mesenchymal cell markers (alpha-SMA
      and FSP1) determined by RT-PCR at the mRNA level and Western blot and
      immunofluorescence analysis at the protein level. In the in-vitro experiments,
      endothelial cells acquired a spindle-shaped morphology accompanying
      downregulation of the endothelial cell markers and upregulation of the
      mesenchymal cell markers when exposed to As2O3. As2O3 activated the AKT/GSK
      3beta/Snail signaling pathway, and blocking this pathway with PI3K inhibitor
      (LY294002) abolished EndMT in As2O3-treated endothelial cells. Our results
      highlight that As2O3 is an EndMT-promoting factor during cardiac fibrosis,
      suggesting that targeting EndMT is beneficial for preventing As2O3-induced
      cardiac toxicity.

PMID- 27671607
TI  - The Way Ahead.
AB  - Priorities for creating a community with better mental health. 

PMID- 27671606
TI  - Carbene-catalysed reductive coupling of nitrobenzyl bromides and activated
      ketones or imines via single-electron-transfer process.
AB  - Benzyl bromides and related molecules are among the most common substrates in
      organic synthesis. They are typically used as electrophiles in nucleophilic
      substitution reactions. These molecules can also be activated via single-electron
      transfer (SET) process for radical reactions. Representative recent progress
      includes alpha-carbon benzylation of ketones and aldehydes via photoredox
      catalysis. Here we disclose the generation of (nitro)benzyl radicals via N
      heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalysis under reductive conditions. The radical
      intermediates generated via NHC catalysis undergo formal 1,2-addition with
      ketones to eventually afford tertiary alcohol products. The overall process
      constitutes a formal polarity-inversion of benzyl bromide, allowing a direct
      coupling of two initially electrophilic carbons. Our study provides a new carbene
      catalysed reaction mode that should enable unconventional transformation of
      (nitro)benzyl bromides under mild organocatalytic conditions.

PMID- 27671608
TI  - Focusing on Individual Needs.
AB  - Assessment of community care. 

PMID- 27671609
TI  - Wanted: A Job Definition.
AB  - Examination of the current state of psychiatry and its likely future. 

PMID- 27671610
TI  - Scan.
AB  - A personal view of the social work scene. 

PMID- 27671611
TI  - From Where I Sit: Editorial Comment.

PMID- 27671612
TI  - Planning Against Neglect.
AB  - Proposals for a new service for the elderly. 

PMID- 27671613
TI  - News Review.

PMID- 27671614
TI  - Swings and Roundabouts.
AB  - Recognition of the continuing need for 'psychiatric social work' within the
      context of generically based social services departments. 

PMID- 27671615
TI  - What's on Your Label?
AB  - Exploration of the way in which 'diagnostic labels' are handicaps in themselves
      and the way the attachment of a label governs thinking, responding and treatment.

PMID- 27671617
TI  - The Quiet Revolution.
AB  - Reflections on the progress, prospects and problems of the voluntary service in
      mental health movement. 

PMID- 27671616
TI  - Teamwork for the Mentally Handicapped.
AB  - Proposals for a new, community-based service for the mentally handicapped. 

PMID- 27671619
TI  - Lung Hot Spot Without Corresponding Computed Tomography Abnormality on
      Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography: Artifactual
      or Real, Iatrogenic or Pathologic?
AB  - Focal lung uptake without corresponding lesions or abnormalities on computed
      tomography (CT) scan poses a dilemma in the interpretation of fluorodeoxyglucose
      positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT). A limited number
      of case reports have previously suggested an artifactual or iatrogenic nature of
      the uptake. In the present study, 8 relevant cases were included within a
      retrospective search of the database. Medical records were reviewed for follow-up
      radiological and pathologic information. In 7 of 8 cases with focal increased FDG
      uptake but no corresponding lesions or abnormalities on CT scan, the lung hot
      spots were artifactual or iatrogenic upon follow-up diagnostic chest CT or
      repeated PET/CT or both the scans. Microemboli were most likely a potential cause
      of the pulmonary uptake, with or without partial paravenous injection. One case
      in the series had a real pulmonary lesion demonstrated on follow-up PET/CT scans
      and on surgical pathology, although the initial integrated CT and follow-up
      diagnostic chest CT scans revealed negative findings to demonstrate pulmonary
      abnormalities corresponding to the hot spot on the PET scan. In conclusion, the
      finding of a lung hot spot in the absence of anatomical abnormality on FDG PET/CT
      was most likely artifactual or iatrogenic, but it might also represent a real
      pulmonary lesion. Nonvisualization of anatomical abnormality could be because of
      its small size and position directly overlying a segmental vessel. Further image
      follow-up is necessary and important to clarify the nature of the uptake.

PMID- 27671618
TI  - Relationship Between Technical Errors and Decision-Making Skills in the Junior
      Resident.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to coevaluate resident technical errors
      and decision-making capabilities during placement of a subclavian central venous
      catheter (CVC). We hypothesize that there would be significant correlations
      between scenario-based decision-making skills and technical proficiency in
      central line insertion. We also predict residents would face problems in
      anticipating common difficulties and generating solutions associated with line
      placement. DESIGN: Participants were asked to insert a subclavian central line on
      a simulator. After completion, residents were presented with a real-life patient
      photograph depicting CVC placement and asked to anticipate difficulties and
      generate solutions. Error rates were analyzed using chi-square tests and a 5%
      expected error rate. Correlations were sought by comparing technical errors and
      scenario-based decision-making skills. SETTING: This study was performed at 7
      tertiary care centers. PARTICIPANTS: Study participants (N = 46) largely
      consisted of first-year research residents who could be followed longitudinally.
      Second-year research and clinical residents were not excluded. RESULTS: In total,
      6 checklist errors were committed more often than anticipated. Residents
      committed an average of 1.9 errors, significantly more than the 1 error, at most,
      per person expected (t(44) = 3.82, p < 0.001). The most common error was
      performance of the procedure steps in the wrong order (28.5%, p < 0.001). Some of
      the residents (24%) had no errors, 30% committed 1 error, and 46 % committed more
      than 1 error. The number of technical errors committed negatively correlated with
      the total number of commonly identified difficulties and generated solutions (r
      (33) = -0.429, p = 0.021, r (33) = -0.383, p = 0.044, respectively). CONCLUSIONS:
      Almost half of the surgical residents committed multiple errors while performing
      subclavian CVC placement. The correlation between technical errors and decision
      making skills suggests a critical need to train residents in both technique and
      error management.

PMID- 27671620
TI  - Historical colonization and dispersal limitation supplement climate and
      topography in shaping species richness of African lizards (Reptilia: Agaminae).
AB  - To what extent deep-time dispersal limitation shapes present-day biodiversity at
      broad spatial scales remains elusive. Here, we compiled a continental dataset on
      the distributions of African lizard species in the reptile subfamily Agaminae (a
      relatively young, Neogene radiation of agamid lizards which ancestors colonized
      Africa from the Arabian peninsula) and tested to what extent historical
      colonization and dispersal limitation (i.e. accessibility from areas of
      geographic origin) can explain present-day species richness relative to current
      climate, topography, and climate change since the late Miocene (~10 mya), the
      Pliocene (~3 mya), and the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM, 0.021 mya). Spatial and non
      spatial multi-predictor regression models revealed that time-limited dispersal
      via arid corridors is a key predictor to explain macro-scale patterns of species
      richness. In addition, current precipitation seasonality, current temperature of
      the warmest month, paleo-temperature changes since the LGM and late Miocene, and
      topographic relief emerged as important drivers. These results suggest that deep
      time dispersal constraints - in addition to climate and mountain building -
      strongly shape current species richness of Africa's arid-adapted taxa. Such
      historical dispersal limitation might indicate that natural movement rates of
      species are too slow to respond to rates of ongoing and projected future climate
      and land use change.

PMID- 27671621
TI  - Clinical value of the Integrated Pulmonary Index(r) during sedation for
      interventional upper GI-endoscopy: A randomized, prospective tri-center study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: The Integrated Pulmonary Index(r) (IPI) is a
      mathematically-determined factor based on parameters of capnography and pulse
      oximetry, which should enable sensitive detection of impaired respiratory
      function. Aim was to investigate whether an additional measurement of the IPI
      during sedation for interventional endoscopy, compared to standard monitoring
      alone, allows a reduction of sedation-related respiratory depression. PATIENTS
      AND METHODS: 170 patients with standard monitoring randomly underwent either a
      blinded recording of capnography (control group, n=87) or capnography, including
      automated IPI calculation (IPI group, n=83), during deep sedation with midazolam
      and propofol. The primary endpoint was the maximum decrease of oxygen saturation
      from the baseline level before sedation. Secondary endpoints: incidence of
      hypoxemia (SaO2<90%), other sedation-related complications (apnea rate,
      bradycardia, hypotension), patient cooperation and satisfaction (VAS). RESULTS:
      Mean propofol dose in the IPI group (245+/-61mg) was comparable to the control
      group (225+/-47mg). The average drop of the oxygen saturation in the IPI group
      (6.5+/-4.1%) was nearly identical to that of the control group (7.1+/-4.6%,
      p=0.44). Apnea episodes >15s was found in 46 patients of the control and 31 of
      the IPI group (p<0.05). Frequency of occurrence of a drop in pO2-saturation <90%,
      bradycardia <50/min or a drop of systolic pressure <90mmHg were not significantly
      different in both groups. Mechanical ventilation was not required in any case.
      Patient cooperation and satisfaction were assessed similar in both groups.
      CONCLUSION: A clinically appealing advantage of IPI-assessment during deep
      sedation with midazolam and propofol for interventional endoscopy could not be
      documented. However, IPI registration was more effective in reducing the
      incidence of apnea episodes.

PMID- 27671622
TI  - Association between physical activity and inflammatory bowel disease risk: A meta
      analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies of an association between physical activity and
      inflammatory bowel disease have yielded conflicting results. AIM: This meta
      analysis was conducted to clarify whether there is an association between
      physical activity and inflammatory bowel disease. METHODS: The PubMed and Web of
      Science databases were searched for relevant studies published up to October
      2015. Data were extracted and the summary relative risks (RRs) were calculated
      using a random effects or a fixed-effects model, according to heterogeneity.
      RESULTS: Seven studies were included in the analysis. Relative to individuals
      with low physical activity, those who participated in high physical activity had
      an RR of 0.63 (95% CI, 0.50-0.79) for developing Crohn's disease. In stratified
      analyses, a significantly lower risk for Crohn's disease was associated with high
      physical activity in Europeans only (RR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.43-0.91); population
      based control studies (RR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.41-0.76); and case-control studies
      (RR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.41-0.75). The data of 6 studies were pooled to analyze the
      effect of physical activity on the risk of ulcerative colitis, and no significant
      association was found (RR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.68-1.00). CONCLUSIONS: The pooled
      results of observational studies support that physical activity has a protective
      effect against Crohn's disease.

PMID- 27671623
TI  - Low concentrations of bromodichloromethane induce a toxicogenomic response in
      porcine embryos in vitro.
AB  - Bromodichloromethane (BDCM) is one of the trihalomethanes present in chlorinated
      water. Humans are thus daily exposed. Previous contradictory results failed to
      clearly establish the adverse effects of low concentrations of BDCM. By using the
      porcine preimplantation embryo as a sensitive model, we showed that exposure to
      low concentrations of BDCM (10 and 100ppb) during the first week of embryo
      development induced adverse effect on the blastocyst rate and alteration of the
      estradiol pathway. Our results also suggest that blastocysts exposed to BDCM
      present transcriptomic and epigenomic adaptive modifications compatible with the
      cardiac anomalies observed by previous studies of newborns exposed to BDCM during
      gestation. Thus, phenotypic observations and toxicogenomic adaptations of embryo
      to low concentration of BDCM provide insights for BDCM risk assessment. Indeed,
      our results support the use of sensitive toxicogenomic models using
      environmentally relevant concentrations to which humans are exposed in order to
      conduct the risk assessment.

PMID- 27671624
TI  - Laquinimod arrests experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by activating the
      aryl hydrocarbon receptor.
AB  - Laquinimod is an oral drug currently being evaluated for the treatment of
      relapsing, remitting, and primary progressive multiple sclerosis and Huntington's
      disease. Laquinimod exerts beneficial activities on both the peripheral immune
      system and the CNS with distinctive changes in CNS resident cell populations,
      especially astrocytes and microglia. Analysis of genome-wide expression data
      revealed activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) pathway in laquinimod
      treated mice. The AhR pathway modulates the differentiation and function of
      several cell populations, many of which play an important role in
      neuroinflammation. We therefore tested the consequences of AhR activation in
      myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-induced experimental autoimmune
      encephalomyelitis (EAE) using AhR knockout mice. We demonstrate that the
      pronounced effect of laquinimod on clinical score, CNS inflammation, and
      demyelination in EAE was abolished in AhR-/- mice. Furthermore, using bone marrow
      chimeras we show that deletion of AhR in the immune system fully abrogates,
      whereas deletion within the CNS partially abrogates the effect of laquinimod in
      EAE. These data strongly support the idea that AhR is necessary for the efficacy
      of laquinimod in EAE and that laquinimod may represent a first-in-class drug
      targeting AhR for the treatment of multiple sclerosis and other neurodegenerative
      diseases.

PMID- 27671625
TI  - Dopamine D2 receptors in striatal output neurons enable the psychomotor effects
      of cocaine.
AB  - The psychomotor effects of cocaine are mediated by dopamine (DA) through
      stimulation of striatal circuits. Gabaergic striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs)
      are the only output of this pivotal structure in the control of movements. The
      majority of MSNs express either the DA D1 or D2 receptors (D1R, D2R). Studies
      have shown that the motor effect of cocaine depends on the DA-mediated
      stimulation of D1R-expressing MSNs (dMSNs), which is mirrored at the cellular
      level by stimulation of signaling pathways leading to phosphorylation of ERKs and
      induction of c-fos Nevertheless, activation of dMSNs by cocaine is necessary but
      not sufficient, and D2R signaling is required for the behavioral and cellular
      effects of cocaine. Indeed, cocaine motor effects and activation of signaling in
      dMSNs are blunted in mice with the constitutive knockout of D2R (D2RKO). Using
      mouse lines with a cell-specific knockout of D2R either in MSNs (MSN-D2RKO) or in
      dopaminergic neurons (DA-D2RKO), we show that D2R signaling in MSNs is required
      and permissive for the motor stimulant effects of cocaine and the activation of
      signaling in dMSNs. MSN-D2RKO mice show the same phenotype as constitutive D2RKO
      mice both at the behavioral and cellular levels. Importantly, activation of
      signaling in dMSNs by cocaine is rescued by intrastriatal injection of the GABA
      antagonist, bicuculline. These results are in support of intrastriatal
      connections of D2R+-MSNs (iMSNs) with dMSNs and indicate that D2R signaling in
      MSNs is critical for the function of intrastriatal circuits.

PMID- 27671626
TI  - New twist on artificial muscles.
AB  - Lightweight artificial muscle fibers that can match the large tensile stroke of
      natural muscles have been elusive. In particular, low stroke, limited cycle life,
      and inefficient energy conversion have combined with high cost and hysteretic
      performance to restrict practical use. In recent years, a new class of artificial
      muscles, based on highly twisted fibers, has emerged that can deliver more than
      2,000 J/kg of specific work during muscle contraction, compared with just 40 J/kg
      for natural muscle. Thermally actuated muscles made from ordinary polymer fibers
      can deliver long-life, hysteresis-free tensile strokes of more than 30% and
      torsional actuation capable of spinning a paddle at speeds of more than 100,000
      rpm. In this perspective, we explore the mechanisms and potential applications of
      present twisted fiber muscles and the future opportunities and challenges for
      developing twisted muscles having improved cycle rates, efficiencies, and
      functionality. We also demonstrate artificial muscle sewing threads and textiles
      and coiled structures that exhibit nearly unlimited actuation strokes. In
      addition to robotics and prosthetics, future applications include smart textiles
      that change breathability in response to temperature and moisture and window
      shutters that automatically open and close to conserve energy.

PMID- 27671627
TI  - Testosterone causes both prosocial and antisocial status-enhancing behaviors in
      human males.
AB  - Although popular discussion of testosterone's influence on males often centers on
      aggression and antisocial behavior, contemporary theorists have proposed that it
      instead enhances behaviors involved in obtaining and maintaining a high social
      status. Two central distinguishing but untested predictions of this theory are
      that testosterone selectively increases status-relevant aggressive behaviors,
      such as responses to provocation, but that it also promotes nonaggressive
      behaviors, such as generosity toward others, when they are appropriate for
      increasing status. Here, we tested these hypotheses in healthy young males by
      injecting testosterone enanthate or a placebo in a double-blind, between
      subjects, randomized design (n = 40). Participants played a version of the
      Ultimatum Game that was modified so that, having accepted or rejected an offer
      from the proposer, participants then had the opportunity to punish or reward the
      proposer at a proportionate cost to themselves. We found that participants
      treated with testosterone were more likely to punish the proposer and that higher
      testosterone levels were specifically associated with increased punishment of
      proposers who made unfair offers, indicating that testosterone indeed potentiates
      aggressive responses to provocation. Furthermore, when participants administered
      testosterone received large offers, they were more likely to reward the proposer
      and also chose rewards of greater magnitude. This increased generosity in the
      absence of provocation indicates that testosterone can also cause prosocial
      behaviors that are appropriate for increasing status. These findings are
      inconsistent with a simple relationship between testosterone and aggression and
      provide causal evidence for a more complex role for testosterone in driving
      status-enhancing behaviors in males.

PMID- 27671628
TI  - The nature and implications of uniformity in the hierarchical organization of
      nanomaterials.
AB  - In this Perspective, we present a framework that defines how to understand and
      control material structure across length scales with inorganic nanoparticles.
      Three length scales, frequently discussed separately, are unified under the topic
      of hierarchical organization: atoms arranged into crystalline nanoparticles,
      ligands arranged on nanoparticle surfaces, and nanoparticles arranged into
      crystalline superlattices. Through this lens, we outline one potential pathway
      toward perfect colloidal matter that emphasizes the concept of uniformity.
      Uniformity is of both practical and functional importance, necessary to increase
      structural sophistication and realize the promise of nanostructured materials.
      Thus, we define the nature of nonuniformity at each length scale as a means to
      guide ongoing research efforts and highlight potential problems in the field.

PMID- 27671629
TI  - Grad-seq guides the discovery of ProQ as a major small RNA-binding protein.
AB  - The functional annotation of transcriptomes and identification of noncoding RNA
      (ncRNA) classes has been greatly facilitated by the advent of next-generation RNA
      sequencing which, by reading the nucleotide order of transcripts, theoretically
      allows the rapid profiling of all transcripts in a cell. However, primary
      sequence per se is a poor predictor of function, as ncRNAs dramatically vary in
      length and structure and often lack identifiable motifs. Therefore, to visualize
      an informative RNA landscape of organisms with potentially new RNA biology that
      are emerging from microbiome and environmental studies requires the use of more
      functionally relevant criteria. One such criterion is the association of RNAs
      with functionally important cognate RNA-binding proteins. Here we analyze the
      full ensemble of cellular RNAs using gradient profiling by sequencing (Grad-seq)
      in the bacterial pathogen Salmonella enterica, partitioning its coding and
      noncoding transcripts based on their network of RNA-protein interactions. In
      addition to capturing established RNA classes based on their biochemical
      profiles, the Grad-seq approach enabled the discovery of an overlooked large
      collective of structured small RNAs that form stable complexes with the conserved
      protein ProQ. We show that ProQ is an abundant RNA-binding protein with a wide
      range of ligands and a global influence on Salmonella gene expression. Given its
      generic ability to chart a functional RNA landscape irrespective of transcript
      length and sequence diversity, Grad-seq promises to define functional RNA classes
      and major RNA-binding proteins in both model species and genetically intractable
      organisms.

PMID- 27671630
TI  - Humans, water, and the colonization of Australia.
AB  - The Pleistocene global dispersal of modern humans required the transit of arid
      and semiarid regions where the distribution of potable water provided a primary
      constraint on dispersal pathways. Here, we provide a spatially explicit
      continental-scale assessment of the opportunities for Pleistocene human
      occupation of Australia, the driest inhabited continent on Earth. We establish
      the location and connectedness of persistent water in the landscape using the
      Australian Water Observations from Space dataset combined with the distribution
      of small permanent water bodies (springs, gnammas, native wells, waterholes, and
      rockholes). Results demonstrate a high degree of directed landscape connectivity
      during wet periods and a high density of permanent water points widely but
      unevenly distributed across the continental interior. A connected network
      representing the least-cost distance between water bodies and graded according to
      terrain cost shows that 84% of archaeological sites >30,000 y old are within 20
      km of modern permanent water. We further show that multiple, well-watered routes
      into the semiarid and arid continental interior were available throughout the
      period of early human occupation. Depletion of high-ranked resources over time in
      these paleohydrological corridors potentially drove a wave of dispersal farther
      along well-watered routes to patches with higher foraging returns.

PMID- 27671633
TI  - Statecraft and expansionary dynamics: A Viru outpost at Huaca Prieta, Chicama
      Valley, Peru.
AB  - Interpolity interaction and regional control were central features of all early
      state societies, taking the form of trade-embedded in political processes to
      varying degrees-or interregional conquest strategies meant to expand the polity's
      control or influence over neighboring territories. Cross-cultural analyses of
      early statecraft suggest that territorial expansion was an integral part of the
      process of primary state formation, closely associated with the delegation of
      authority to subordinate administrators and the construction of core outposts of
      the state in foreign territories. We report here on a potential case of a core
      outpost, associated with the early Viru state, at the site of Huaca Prieta in the
      Chicama Valley, located 75 km north of the Viru state heartland on the north
      coast of Peru. This site is discussed in the context of other possible Viru
      outposts in the Moche Valley, Pampa La Cruz, and Huaca Las Estrellas, and as part
      of a broader reflection on expansionary dynamics and statecraft.

PMID- 27671631
TI  - DNA-dependent homodimerization, sub-cellular partitioning, and protein
      destabilization control WUSCHEL levels and spatial patterning.
AB  - The homeodomain transcription factor WUSCHEL (WUS) promotes stem cell maintenance
      in inflorescence meristems of Arabidopsis thaliana WUS, which is synthesized in
      the rib meristem, migrates and accumulates at lower levels in adjacent cells.
      Maintenance of WUS protein levels and spatial patterning distribution is not well
      understood. Here, we show that the last 63-aa stretch of WUS is necessary for
      maintaining different levels of WUS protein in the rib meristem and adjacent
      cells. The 63-aa region contains the following transcriptional regulatory
      domains: the acidic region, the WUS-box, which is conserved in WUS-related
      HOMEOBOX family members, and the ethylene-responsive element binding factor
      associated amphiphilic repression (EAR-like) domain. Our analysis reveals that
      the opposing functions of WUS-box, which is required for nuclear retention, and
      EAR-like domain, which participates in nuclear export, are necessary to maintain
      higher nuclear levels of WUS in cells of the rib meristem and lower nuclear
      levels in adjacent cells. We also show that the N-terminal DNA binding domain,
      which is required for both DNA binding and homodimerization, along with the
      homodimerization sequence located in the central part of the protein, restricts
      WUS from spreading excessively and show that the homodimerization is critical for
      WUS function. Our analysis also reveals that a higher level of WUS outside the
      rib meristem leads to protein destabilization, suggesting a new tier of
      regulation in WUS protein regulation. Taken together our data show that processes
      that influence WUS protein levels and spatial distribution are highly coupled to
      its transcriptional activity.

PMID- 27671634
TI  - Green and blue water demand from large-scale land acquisitions in Africa.
AB  - In the last decade, more than 22 million ha of land have been contracted to large
      scale land acquisitions in Africa, leading to increased pressures, competition,
      and conflicts over freshwater resources. Currently, 3% of contracted land is in
      production, for which we model site-specific water demands to indicate where
      freshwater appropriation might pose high socioenvironmental challenges. We use
      the dynamic global vegetation model Lund-Potsdam-Jena managed Land to simulate
      green (precipitation stored in soils and consumed by plants through
      evapotranspiration) and blue (extracted from rivers, lakes, aquifers, and dams)
      water demand and crop yields for seven irrigation scenarios, and compare these
      data with two baseline scenarios of staple crops representing previous water
      demand. We find that most land acquisitions are planted with crops that demand
      large volumes of water (>9,000 m3?ha-1) like sugarcane, jatropha, and eucalyptus,
      and that staple crops have lower water requirements (<7,000 m3?ha-1). Blue water
      demand varies with irrigation system, crop choice, and climate. Even if the most
      efficient irrigation systems were implemented, 18% of the land acquisitions,
      totaling 91,000 ha, would still require more than 50% of water from blue water
      sources. These hotspots indicate areas at risk for transgressing regional
      constraints for freshwater use as a result of overconsumption of blue water,
      where socioenvironmental systems might face increased conflicts and tensions over
      water resources.

PMID- 27671632
TI  - Exogenous remodeling of lung resident macrophages protects against infectious
      consequences of bone marrow-suppressive chemotherapy.
AB  - Infection is the single greatest threat to survival during cancer chemotherapy
      because of depletion of bone marrow-derived immune cells. Phagocytes, especially
      neutrophils, are key effectors in immunity to extracellular pathogens, which has
      limited the development of new approaches to protect patients with cancer and
      chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. Using a model of vaccine-induced protection
      against lethal Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia in the setting of chemotherapy
      induced neutropenia, we found a population of resident lung macrophages in the
      immunized lung that mediated protection in the absence of neutrophils, bone
      marrow-derived monocytes, or antibodies. These vaccine-induced macrophages (ViMs)
      expanded after immunization, locally proliferated, and were closely related to
      alveolar macrophages (AMs) by surface phenotype and gene expression profiles. By
      contrast to AMs, numbers of ViMs were stable through chemotherapy, showed
      enhanced phagocytic activity, and prolonged survival of neutropenic mice from
      lethal P. aeruginosa pneumonia upon intratracheal adoptive transfer. Thus,
      induction of ViMs by tissue macrophage remodeling may become a framework for new
      strategies to activate immune-mediated reserves against infection in
      immunocompromised hosts.

PMID- 27671635
TI  - Exoplanet orbital eccentricities derived from LAMOST-Kepler analysis.
AB  - The nearly circular (mean eccentricity [Formula: see text]) and coplanar (mean
      mutual inclination [Formula: see text]) orbits of the solar system planets
      motivated Kant and Laplace to hypothesize that planets are formed in disks, which
      has developed into the widely accepted theory of planet formation. The first
      several hundred extrasolar planets (mostly Jovian) discovered using the radial
      velocity (RV) technique are commonly on eccentric orbits ([Formula: see text]).
      This raises a fundamental question: Are the solar system and its formation
      special? The Kepler mission has found thousands of transiting planets dominated
      by sub-Neptunes, but most of their orbital eccentricities remain unknown. By
      using the precise spectroscopic host star parameters from the Large Sky Area
      Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope (LAMOST) observations, we measure the
      eccentricity distributions for a large (698) and homogeneous Kepler planet sample
      with transit duration statistics. Nearly half of the planets are in systems with
      single transiting planets (singles), whereas the other half are multiple
      transiting planets (multiples). We find an eccentricity dichotomy: on average,
      Kepler singles are on eccentric orbits with [Formula: see text] 0.3, whereas the
      multiples are on nearly circular [Formula: see text] and coplanar [Formula: see
      text] degree) orbits similar to those of the solar system planets. Our results
      are consistent with previous studies of smaller samples and individual systems.
      We also show that Kepler multiples and solar system objects follow a common
      relation [[Formula: see text](1-2)[Formula: see text]] between mean
      eccentricities and mutual inclinations. The prevalence of circular orbits and the
      common relation may imply that the solar system is not so atypical in the galaxy
      after all.

PMID- 27671638
TI  - Limited role for methane in the mid-Proterozoic greenhouse.
AB  - Pervasive anoxia in the subsurface ocean during the Proterozoic may have allowed
      large fluxes of biogenic CH4 to the atmosphere, enhancing the climatic
      significance of CH4 early in Earth's history. Indeed, the assumption of elevated
      pCH4 during the Proterozoic underlies most models for both anomalous climatic
      stasis during the mid-Proterozoic and extreme climate perturbation during the
      Neoproterozoic; however, the geologic record cannot directly constrain
      atmospheric CH4 levels and attendant radiative forcing. Here, we revisit the role
      of CH4 in Earth's climate system during Proterozoic time. We use an Earth system
      model to quantify CH4 fluxes from the marine biosphere and to examine the
      capacity of biogenic CH4 to compensate for the faint young Sun during the "boring
      billion" years before the emergence of metazoan life. Our calculations
      demonstrate that anaerobic oxidation of CH4 coupled to SO42- reduction is a
      highly effective obstacle to CH4 accumulation in the atmosphere, possibly
      limiting atmospheric pCH4 to less than 10 ppm by volume for the second half of
      Earth history regardless of atmospheric pO2 If recent pO2 constraints from Cr
      isotopes are correct, we predict that reduced UV shielding by O3 should further
      limit pCH4 to very low levels similar to those seen today. Thus, our model
      results likely limit the potential climate warming by CH4 for the majority of
      Earth history-possibly reviving the faint young Sun paradox during Proterozoic
      time and challenging existing models for the initiation of low-latitude
      glaciation that depend on the oxidative collapse of a steady-state CH4
      greenhouse.

PMID- 27671636
TI  - B7-H1 shapes T-cell-mediated brain endothelial cell dysfunction and regional
      encephalitogenicity in spontaneous CNS autoimmunity.
AB  - Molecular mechanisms that determine lesion localization or phenotype variation in
      multiple sclerosis are mostly unidentified. Although transmigration of activated
      encephalitogenic T cells across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a crucial step
      in the disease pathogenesis of CNS autoimmunity, the consequences on brain
      endothelial barrier integrity upon interaction with such T cells and subsequent
      lesion formation and distribution are largely unknown. We made use of a
      transgenic spontaneous mouse model of CNS autoimmunity characterized by
      inflammatory demyelinating lesions confined to optic nerves and spinal cord (OSE
      mice). Genetic ablation of a single immune-regulatory molecule in this model
      [i.e., B7-homolog 1 (B7-H1, PD-L1)] not only significantly increased incidence of
      spontaneous CNS autoimmunity and aggravated disease course, especially in the
      later stages of disease, but also importantly resulted in encephalitogenic T-cell
      infiltration and lesion formation in normally unaffected brain regions, such as
      the cerebrum and cerebellum. Interestingly, B7-H1 ablation on myelin
      oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-specific CD4+ T cells, but not on antigen-presenting
      cells, amplified T-cell effector functions, such as IFN-gamma and granzyme B
      production. Therefore, these T cells were rendered more capable of eliciting cell
      contact-dependent brain endothelial cell dysfunction and increased barrier
      permeability in an in vitro model of the BBB. Our findings suggest that a single
      immune-regulatory molecule on T cells can be ultimately responsible for localized
      BBB breakdown, and thus substantial changes in lesion topography in the context
      of CNS autoimmunity.

PMID- 27671639
TI  - Direct observation of grain rotations during coarsening of a semisolid Al-Cu
      alloy.
AB  - Sintering is a key technology for processing ceramic and metallic powders into
      solid objects of complex geometry, particularly in the burgeoning field of energy
      storage materials. The modeling of sintering processes, however, has not kept
      pace with applications. Conventional models, which assume ideal arrangements of
      constituent powders while ignoring their underlying crystallinity, achieve at
      best a qualitative description of the rearrangement, densification, and
      coarsening of powder compacts during thermal processing. Treating a semisolid Al
      Cu alloy as a model system for late-stage sintering-during which densification
      plays a subordinate role to coarsening-we have used 3D X-ray diffraction
      microscopy to track the changes in sample microstructure induced by annealing.
      The results establish the occurrence of significant particle rotations, driven in
      part by the dependence of boundary energy on crystallographic misorientation.
      Evidently, a comprehensive model for sintering must incorporate crystallographic
      parameters into the thermodynamic driving forces governing microstructural
      evolution.

PMID- 27671637
TI  - Adenosine A1 receptor antagonist rolofylline alleviates axonopathy caused by
      human Tau DeltaK280.
AB  - Accumulation of Tau is a characteristic hallmark of several neurodegenerative
      diseases but the mode of toxic action of Tau is poorly understood. Here, we show
      that the Tau protein is toxic due to its aggregation propensity, whereas
      phosphorylation and/or missorting is not sufficient to cause neuronal
      dysfunction. Aggregate-prone Tau accumulates, when expressed in vitro at near
      endogenous levels, in axons as spindle-shaped grains. These axonal grains contain
      Tau that is folded in a pathological (MC-1) conformation. Proaggregant Tau
      induces a reduction of neuronal ATP, concomitant with loss of dendritic spines.
      Counterintuitively, axonal grains of Tau are not targeted for degradation and do
      not induce a molecular stress response. Proaggregant Tau causes neuronal and
      astrocytic hypoactivity and presynaptic dysfunction instead. Here, we show that
      the adenosine A1 receptor antagonist rolofylline (KW-3902) is alleviating the
      presynaptic dysfunction and restores neuronal activity as well as dendritic spine
      levels in vitro. Oral administration of rolofylline for 2-wk to 14-mo-old
      proaggregant Tau transgenic mice restores the spatial memory deficits and
      normalizes the basic synaptic transmission. These findings make rolofylline an
      interesting candidate to combat the hypometabolism and neuronal dysfunction
      associated with Tau-induced neurodegenerative diseases.

PMID- 27671641
TI  - Layerless fabrication with continuous liquid interface production.
AB  - Despite the increasing popularity of 3D printing, also known as additive
      manufacturing (AM), the technique has not developed beyond the realm of rapid
      prototyping. This confinement of the field can be attributed to the inherent
      flaws of layer-by-layer printing and, in particular, anisotropic mechanical
      properties that depend on print direction, visible by the staircasing surface
      finish effect. Continuous liquid interface production (CLIP) is an alternative
      approach to AM that capitalizes on the fundamental principle of oxygen-inhibited
      photopolymerization to generate a continual liquid interface of uncured resin
      between the growing part and the exposure window. This interface eliminates the
      necessity of an iterative layer-by-layer process, allowing for continuous
      production. Herein we report the advantages of continuous production,
      specifically the fabrication of layerless parts. These advantages enable the
      fabrication of large overhangs without the use of supports, reduction of the
      staircasing effect without compromising fabrication time, and isotropic
      mechanical properties. Combined, these advantages result in multiple indicators
      of layerless and monolithic fabrication using CLIP technology.

PMID- 27671640
TI  - Asymmetric cryo-EM structure of the canonical Allolevivirus Qbeta reveals a
      single maturation protein and the genomic ssRNA in situ.
AB  - Single-stranded (ss) RNA viruses infect all domains of life. To date, for most
      ssRNA virions, only the structures of the capsids and their associated protein
      components have been resolved to high resolution. Qbeta, an ssRNA phage specific
      for the conjugative F-pilus, has a T = 3 icosahedral lattice of coat proteins
      assembled around its 4,217 nucleotides of genomic RNA (gRNA). In the mature
      virion, the maturation protein, A2, binds to the gRNA and is required for
      adsorption to the F-pilus. Here, we report the cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM)
      structures of Qbeta with and without symmetry applied. The icosahedral structure,
      at 3.7-A resolution, resolves loops not previously seen in the published X-ray
      structure, whereas the asymmetric structure, at 7-A resolution, reveals A2 and
      the gRNA. A2 contains a bundle of alpha-helices and replaces one dimer of coat
      proteins at a twofold axis. The helix bundle binds gRNA, causing denser packing
      of RNA in its proximity, which asymmetrically expands the surrounding coat
      protein shell to potentially facilitate RNA release during infection. We observe
      a fixed pattern of gRNA organization among all viral particles, with the major
      and minor grooves of RNA helices clearly visible. A single layer of RNA directly
      contacts every copy of the coat protein, with one-third of the interactions
      occurring at operator-like RNA hairpins. These RNA-coat interactions stabilize
      the tertiary structure of gRNA within the virion, which could further provide a
      roadmap for capsid assembly.

PMID- 27671642
TI  - Neural correlate of the construction of sentence meaning.
AB  - The neural processes that underlie your ability to read and understand this
      sentence are unknown. Sentence comprehension occurs very rapidly, and can only be
      understood at a mechanistic level by discovering the precise sequence of
      underlying computational and neural events. However, we have no continuous and
      online neural measure of sentence processing with high spatial and temporal
      resolution. Here we report just such a measure: intracranial recordings from the
      surface of the human brain show that neural activity, indexed by gamma-power,
      increases monotonically over the course of a sentence as people read it. This
      steady increase in activity is absent when people read and remember nonword
      lists, despite the higher cognitive demand entailed, ruling out accounts in terms
      of generic attention, working memory, and cognitive load. Response increases are
      lower for sentence structure without meaning ("Jabberwocky" sentences) and word
      meaning without sentence structure (word-lists), showing that this effect is not
      explained by responses to syntax or word meaning alone. Instead, the full effect
      is found only for sentences, implicating compositional processes of sentence
      understanding, a striking and unique feature of human language not shared with
      animal communication systems. This work opens up new avenues for investigating
      the sequence of neural events that underlie the construction of linguistic
      meaning.

PMID- 27671643
TI  - Morphology and function of Neandertal and modern human ear ossicles.
AB  - The diminutive middle ear ossicles (malleus, incus, stapes) housed in the
      tympanic cavity of the temporal bone play an important role in audition. The few
      known ossicles of Neandertals are distinctly different from those of anatomically
      modern humans (AMHs), despite the close relationship between both human species.
      Although not mutually exclusive, these differences may affect hearing capacity or
      could reflect covariation with the surrounding temporal bone. Until now, detailed
      comparisons were hampered by the small sample of Neandertal ossicles and the
      unavailability of methods combining analyses of ossicles with surrounding
      structures. Here, we present an analysis of the largest sample of Neandertal
      ossicles to date, including many previously unknown specimens, covering a wide
      geographic and temporal range. Microcomputed tomography scans and 3D geometric
      morphometrics were used to quantify shape and functional properties of the
      ossicles and the tympanic cavity and make comparisons with recent and extinct
      AMHs as well as African apes. We find striking morphological differences between
      ossicles of AMHs and Neandertals. Ossicles of both Neandertals and AMHs appear
      derived compared with the inferred ancestral morphology, albeit in different
      ways. Brain size increase evolved separately in AMHs and Neandertals, leading to
      differences in the tympanic cavity and, consequently, the shape and spatial
      configuration of the ossicles. Despite these different evolutionary trajectories,
      functional properties of the middle ear of AMHs and Neandertals are largely
      similar. The relevance of these functionally equivalent solutions is likely to
      conserve a similar auditory sensitivity level inherited from their last common
      ancestor.

PMID- 27671644
TI  - SARM1-specific motifs in the TIR domain enable NAD+ loss and regulate injury
      induced SARM1 activation.
AB  - Axon injury in response to trauma or disease stimulates a self-destruction
      program that promotes the localized clearance of damaged axon segments. Sterile
      alpha and Toll/interleukin receptor (TIR) motif-containing protein 1 (SARM1) is
      an evolutionarily conserved executioner of this degeneration cascade, also known
      as Wallerian degeneration; however, the mechanism of SARM1-dependent neuronal
      destruction is still obscure. SARM1 possesses a TIR domain that is necessary for
      SARM1 activity. In other proteins, dimerized TIR domains serve as scaffolds for
      innate immune signaling. In contrast, dimerization of the SARM1 TIR domain
      promotes consumption of the essential metabolite NAD+ and induces neuronal
      destruction. This activity is unique to the SARM1 TIR domain, yet the structural
      elements that enable this activity are unknown. In this study, we identify
      fundamental properties of the SARM1 TIR domain that promote NAD+ loss and axon
      degeneration. Dimerization of the TIR domain from the Caenorhabditis elegans
      SARM1 ortholog TIR-1 leads to NAD+ loss and neuronal death, indicating these
      activities are an evolutionarily conserved feature of SARM1 function. Detailed
      analysis of sequence homology identifies canonical TIR motifs as well as a SARM1
      specific (SS) loop that are required for NAD+ loss and axon degeneration.
      Furthermore, we identify a residue in the SARM1 BB loop that is dispensable for
      TIR activity yet required for injury-induced activation of full-length SARM1,
      suggesting that SARM1 function requires multidomain interactions. Indeed, we
      identify a physical interaction between the autoinhibitory N terminus and the TIR
      domain of SARM1, revealing a previously unrecognized direct connection between
      these domains that we propose mediates autoinhibition and activation upon injury.

PMID- 27671645
TI  - Arid5a exacerbates IFN-gamma-mediated septic shock by stabilizing T-bet mRNA.
AB  - Adenine-thymine (AT)-rich interactive domain containing protein 5a (Arid5a) is an
      RNA-binding protein that has been shown to play an important immune regulatory
      function via the stabilization of IL-6 and STAT3 mRNA. However, the role of
      Arid5a in the overwhelming and uncontrolled immune response that leads to septic
      shock is unknown. Here, we report that Arid5a-deficient mice are highly resistant
      to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endotoxic shock and secrete lower levels of
      major proinflammatory cytokines, including IFN-gamma, IL-6, and TNF-alpha, than
      WT mice in response to LPS. Arid5a deficiency resulted in decreased levels of IFN
      gamma under Th1 cell conditions, in which T-box expressed in T cells (T-bet) mRNA
      expression was inhibited. Arid5a bound to the conserved stem loop structure of
      the 3'UTR of T-bet and stabilized its mRNA. Arid5a-deficient mice were also
      resistant to Propionibacterium acnes-primed LPS injection, which is considered to
      be a T-cell-mediated IFN-gamma dependent endotoxic shock mouse model. Thus,
      regulation of IFN-gamma by Arid5a via the stabilization of T-bet mRNA in Th1
      cells contributes to the development of septic shock in mice. In addition, our
      previous study suggests that Arid5a control the IL-6 level in vivo in response to
      LPS by stabilization of IL-6 mRNA. We also observed that neutralization of IFN
      gamma and IL-6 significantly recovered the mice from endotoxic shock. Taken
      together, we conclude that Arid5a regulates the augmentation of IL-6 and IFN
      gamma in response to LPS, which possibly works synergistically for amplification
      of various other cytokines that ultimately cause the development of septic shock
      in mice.

PMID- 27671646
TI  - Follicular dendritic cell disruption as a novel mechanism of virus-induced
      immunosuppression.
AB  - Arboviruses cause acute diseases that increasingly affect global health. We used
      bluetongue virus (BTV) and its natural sheep host to reveal a previously
      uncharacterized mechanism used by an arbovirus to manipulate host immunity. Our
      study shows that BTV, similarly to other antigens delivered through the skin, is
      transported rapidly via the lymph to the peripheral lymph nodes. Here, BTV
      infects and disrupts follicular dendritic cells, hindering B-cell division in
      germinal centers, which results in a delayed production of high affinity and
      virus neutralizing antibodies. Moreover, the humoral immune response to a second
      antigen is also hampered in BTV-infected animals. Thus, an arbovirus can evade
      the host antiviral response by inducing an acute immunosuppression. Although
      transient, this immunosuppression occurs at the critical early stages of
      infection when a delayed host humoral immune response likely affects virus
      systemic dissemination and the clinical outcome of disease.

PMID- 27671647
TI  - Codon usage is an important determinant of gene expression levels largely through
      its effects on transcription.
AB  - Codon usage biases are found in all eukaryotic and prokaryotic genomes, and
      preferred codons are more frequently used in highly expressed genes. The effects
      of codon usage on gene expression were previously thought to be mainly mediated
      by its impacts on translation. Here, we show that codon usage strongly correlates
      with both protein and mRNA levels genome-wide in the filamentous fungus
      Neurospora Gene codon optimization also results in strong up-regulation of
      protein and RNA levels, suggesting that codon usage is an important determinant
      of gene expression. Surprisingly, we found that the impact of codon usage on gene
      expression results mainly from effects on transcription and is largely
      independent of mRNA translation and mRNA stability. Furthermore, we show that
      histone H3 lysine 9 trimethylation is one of the mechanisms responsible for the
      codon usage-mediated transcriptional silencing of some genes with nonoptimal
      codons. Together, these results uncovered an unexpected important role of codon
      usage in ORF sequences in determining transcription levels and suggest that codon
      biases are an adaptation of protein coding sequences to both transcription and
      translation machineries. Therefore, synonymous codons not only specify protein
      sequences and translation dynamics, but also help determine gene expression
      levels.

PMID- 27671648
TI  - 24-Hydroxycholesterol participates in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor
      development.
AB  - Cells in the tumor microenvironment may be reprogrammed by tumor-derived
      metabolites. Cholesterol-oxidized products, namely oxysterols, have been shown to
      favor tumor growth directly by promoting tumor cell growth and indirectly by
      dampening antitumor immune responses. However, the cellular and molecular
      mechanisms governing oxysterol generation within tumor microenvironments remain
      elusive. We recently showed that tumor-derived oxysterols recruit neutrophils
      endowed with protumoral activities, such as neoangiogenesis. Here, we show that
      hypoxia inducible factor-1a (HIF-1alpha) controls the overexpression of the
      enzyme Cyp46a1, which generates the oxysterol 24-hydroxycholesterol (24S-HC) in a
      pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (pNET) model commonly used to study
      neoangiogenesis. The activation of the HIF-1alpha-24S-HC axis ultimately leads to
      the induction of the angiogenic switch through the positioning of proangiogenic
      neutrophils in proximity to Cyp46a1+ islets. Pharmacologic blockade or genetic
      inactivation of oxysterols controls pNET tumorigenesis by dampening the 24S-HC
      neutrophil axis. Finally, we show that in some human pNET samples Cyp46a1
      transcripts are overexpressed, which correlate with the HIF-1alpha target VEGF
      and with tumor diameter. This study reveals a layer in the angiogenic switch of
      pNETs and identifies a therapeutic target for pNET patients.

PMID- 27671651
TI  - Temporally flexible feedback signal to foveal cortex for peripheral object
      recognition.
AB  - Recent studies have shown that information from peripherally presented images is
      present in the human foveal retinotopic cortex, presumably because of feedback
      signals. We investigated this potential feedback signal by presenting noise in
      fovea at different object-noise stimulus onset asynchronies (SOAs), whereas
      subjects performed a discrimination task on peripheral objects. Results revealed
      a selective impairment of performance when foveal noise was presented at 250-ms
      SOA, but only for tasks that required comparing objects' spatial details,
      suggesting a task- and stimulus-dependent foveal processing mechanism.
      Critically, the temporal window of foveal processing was shifted when mental
      rotation was required for the peripheral objects, indicating that the foveal
      retinotopic processing is not automatically engaged at a fixed time following
      peripheral stimulation; rather, it occurs at a stage when detailed information is
      required. Moreover, fMRI measurements using multivoxel pattern analysis showed
      that both image and object category-relevant information of peripheral objects
      was represented in the foveal cortex. Taken together, our results support the
      hypothesis of a temporally flexible feedback signal to the foveal retinotopic
      cortex when discriminating objects in the visual periphery.

PMID- 27671649
TI  - Keratinocytes contribute intrinsically to psoriasis upon loss of Tnip1 function.
AB  - Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a clear genetic
      contribution, characterized by keratinocyte proliferation and immune cell
      infiltration. Various closely interacting cell types, including innate immune
      cells, T cells, and keratinocytes, are known to contribute to inflammation.
      Innate immune cells most likely initiate the inflammatory process by secretion of
      IL-23. IL-23 mediates expansion of T helper 17 (Th17) cells, whose effector
      functions, including IL-17A, activate keratinocytes. Keratinocyte activation in
      turn results in cell proliferation and chemokine expression, the latter of which
      fuels the inflammatory process through further immune cell recruitment. One
      question that remains largely unanswered is how genetic susceptibility
      contributes to this process and, specifically, which cell type causes disease due
      to psoriasis-specific genetic alterations. Here we describe a mouse model based
      on the human psoriasis susceptibility locus TNIP1, also referred to as ABIN1,
      whose gene product is a negative regulator of various inflammatory signaling
      pathways, including the Toll-like receptor pathway in innate immune cells. We
      find that Tnip1-deficient mice recapitulate major features of psoriasis on
      pathological, genomic, and therapeutic levels. Different genetic approaches,
      including tissue-specific gene deletion and the use of various inflammatory
      triggers, reveal that Tnip1 controls not only immune cells, but also keratinocyte
      biology. Loss of Tnip1 in keratinocytes leads to deregulation of IL-17-induced
      gene expression and exaggerated chemokine production in vitro and overt psoriasis
      like inflammation in vivo. Together, the data establish Tnip1 as a critical
      regulator of IL-17 biology and reveal a causal role of keratinocytes in the
      pathogenesis of psoriasis.

PMID- 27671652
TI  - Little evidence for enhanced phenotypic evolution in early teleosts relative to
      their living fossil sister group.
AB  - Since Darwin, biologists have been struck by the extraordinary diversity of
      teleost fishes, particularly in contrast to their closest "living fossil"
      holostean relatives. Hypothesized drivers of teleost success include innovations
      in jaw mechanics, reproductive biology and, particularly at present, genomic
      architecture, yet all scenarios presuppose enhanced phenotypic diversification in
      teleosts. We test this key assumption by quantifying evolutionary rate and
      capacity for innovation in size and shape for the first 160 million y (Permian
      Early Cretaceous) of evolution in neopterygian fishes (the more extensive clade
      containing teleosts and holosteans). We find that early teleosts do not show
      enhanced phenotypic evolution relative to holosteans. Instead, holostean rates
      and innovation often match or can even exceed those of stem-, crown-, and total
      group teleosts, belying the living fossil reputation of their extant
      representatives. In addition, we find some evidence for heterogeneity within the
      teleost lineage. Although stem teleosts excel at discovering new body shapes,
      early crown-group taxa commonly display higher rates of shape evolution. However,
      the latter reflects low rates of shape evolution in stem teleosts relative to all
      other neopterygian taxa, rather than an exceptional feature of early crown
      teleosts. These results complement those emerging from studies of both extant
      teleosts as a whole and their sublineages, which generally fail to detect an
      association between genome duplication and significant shifts in rates of lineage
      diversification.

PMID- 27671650
TI  - Tyrosine phosphorylation stimulates activity of human RAD51 recombinase through
      altered nucleoprotein filament dynamics.
AB  - The DNA strand exchange protein RAD51 facilitates the central step in homologous
      recombination, a process fundamentally important for accurate repair of damaged
      chromosomes, restart of collapsed replication forks, and telomere maintenance.
      The active form of RAD51 is a nucleoprotein filament that assembles on single
      stranded DNA (ssDNA) at the sites of DNA damage. The c-Abl tyrosine kinase and
      its oncogenic counterpart BCR-ABL fusion kinase phosphorylate human RAD51 on
      tyrosine residues 54 and 315. We combined biochemical reconstitutions of the DNA
      strand exchange reactions with total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy
      to determine how the two phosphorylation events affect the biochemical activities
      of human RAD51 and properties of the RAD51 nucleoprotein filament. By mimicking
      RAD51 tyrosine phosphorylation with a nonnatural amino acid, p-carboxymethyl-l
      phenylalanine (pCMF), we demonstrated that Y54 phosphorylation enhances the RAD51
      recombinase activity by at least two different mechanisms, modifies the RAD51
      nucleoprotein filament formation, and allows RAD51 to compete efficiently with
      ssDNA binding protein RPA. In contrast, Y315 phosphorylation has little effect on
      the RAD51 activities. Based on our work and previous cellular studies, we propose
      a mechanism underlying RAD51 activation by c-Abl/BCR-ABL kinases.

PMID- 27671653
TI  - Threshold-dependent transcriptional discrimination underlies stem cell
      homeostasis.
AB  - Transcriptional mechanisms that underlie the dose-dependent regulation of gene
      expression in animal development have been studied extensively. However, the
      mechanisms of dose-dependent transcriptional regulation in plant development have
      not been understood. In Arabidopsis shoot apical meristems, WUSCHEL (WUS), a stem
      cell-promoting transcription factor, accumulates at a higher level in the rib
      meristem and at a lower level in the central zone where it activates its own
      negative regulator, CLAVATA3 (CLV3). How WUS regulates CLV3 levels has not been
      understood. Here we show that WUS binds a group of cis-elements, cis- regulatory
      module, in the CLV3-regulatory region, with different affinities and
      conformations, consisting of monomers at lower concentration and as dimers at a
      higher level. By deleting cis elements, manipulating the WUS-binding affinity and
      the homodimerization threshold of cis elements, and manipulating WUS levels, we
      show that the same cis elements mediate both the activation and repression of
      CLV3 at lower and higher WUS levels, respectively. The concentration-dependent
      transcriptional discrimination provides a mechanistic framework to explain the
      regulation of CLV3 levels that is critical for stem cell homeostasis.

PMID- 27671654
TI  - Nanokit for single-cell electrochemical analyses.
AB  - The development of more intricate devices for the analysis of small molecules and
      protein activity in single cells would advance our knowledge of cellular
      heterogeneity and signaling cascades. Therefore, in this study, a nanokit was
      produced by filling a nanometer-sized capillary with a ring electrode at the tip
      with components from traditional kits, which could be egressed outside the
      capillary by electrochemical pumping. At the tip, femtoliter amounts of the kit
      components were reacted with the analyte to generate hydrogen peroxide for the
      electrochemical measurement by the ring electrode. Taking advantage of the
      nanotip and small volume injection, the nanokit was easily inserted into a single
      cell to determine the intracellular glucose levels and sphingomyelinase (SMase)
      activity, which had rarely been achieved. High cellular heterogeneities of these
      two molecules were observed, showing the significance of the nanokit. Compared
      with the current methods that use a complicated structural design or surface
      functionalization for the recognition of the analytes, the nanokit has adapted
      features of the well-established kits and integrated the kit components and
      detector in one nanometer-sized capillary, which provides a specific device to
      characterize the reactivity and concentrations of cellular compounds in single
      cells.

PMID- 27671655
TI  - RIM-binding protein 2 regulates release probability by fine-tuning calcium
      channel localization at murine hippocampal synapses.
AB  - The tight spatial coupling of synaptic vesicles and voltage-gated Ca2+ channels
      (CaVs) ensures efficient action potential-triggered neurotransmitter release from
      presynaptic active zones (AZs). Rab-interacting molecule-binding proteins (RIM
      BPs) interact with Ca2+ channels and via RIM with other components of the release
      machinery. Although human RIM-BPs have been implicated in autism spectrum
      disorders, little is known about the role of mammalian RIM-BPs in synaptic
      transmission. We investigated RIM-BP2-deficient murine hippocampal neurons in
      cultures and slices. Short-term facilitation is significantly enhanced in both
      model systems. Detailed analysis in culture revealed a reduction in initial
      release probability, which presumably underlies the increased short-term
      facilitation. Superresolution microscopy revealed an impairment in CaV2.1
      clustering at AZs, which likely alters Ca2+ nanodomains at release sites and
      thereby affects release probability. Additional deletion of RIM-BP1 does not
      exacerbate the phenotype, indicating that RIM-BP2 is the dominating RIM-BP
      isoform at these synapses.

PMID- 27671656
TI  - Trisaccharide containing alpha2,3-linked sialic acid is a receptor for mumps
      virus.
AB  - Mumps virus (MuV) remains an important pathogen worldwide, causing epidemic
      parotitis, orchitis, meningitis, and encephalitis. Here we show that MuV
      preferentially uses a trisaccharide containing alpha2,3-linked sialic acid in
      unbranched sugar chains as a receptor. Crystal structures of the MuV attachment
      protein hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (MuV-HN) alone and in complex with the
      alpha2,3-sialylated trisaccharide revealed that in addition to the interaction
      between the MuV-HN active site residues and sialic acid, other residues,
      including an aromatic residue, stabilize the third sugar of the trisaccharide.
      The importance of the aromatic residue and the third sugar in the MuV-HN-receptor
      interaction was confirmed by computational energy calculations, isothermal
      titration calorimetry studies, and glycan-binding assays. Furthermore, MuV-HN was
      found to bind more efficiently to unbranched alpha2,3-sialylated sugar chains
      compared with branched ones. Importantly, the strategically located aromatic
      residue is conserved among the HN proteins of sialic acid-using paramyxoviruses,
      and alanine substitution compromised their ability to support cell-cell fusion.
      These results suggest that not only the terminal sialic acid but also the
      adjacent sugar moiety contribute to receptor function for mumps and these
      paramyxoviruses. The distribution of structurally different sialylated glycans in
      tissues and organs may explain in part MuV's distinct tropism to glandular
      tissues and the central nervous system. In the crystal structure, the epitopes
      for neutralizing antibodies are located around the alpha-helices of MuV-HN that
      are not well conserved in amino acid sequences among different genotypes of MuV.
      This may explain the fact that MuV reinfection sometimes occurs.

PMID- 27671658
TI  - Shape-programmable magnetic soft matter.
AB  - Shape-programmable matter is a class of active materials whose geometry can be
      controlled to potentially achieve mechanical functionalities beyond those of
      traditional machines. Among these materials, magnetically actuated matter is
      particularly promising for achieving complex time-varying shapes at small scale
      (overall dimensions smaller than 1 cm). However, previous work can only program
      these materials for limited applications, as they rely solely on human intuition
      to approximate the required magnetization profile and actuating magnetic fields
      for their materials. Here, we propose a universal programming methodology that
      can automatically generate the required magnetization profile and actuating
      fields for soft matter to achieve new time-varying shapes. The universality of
      the proposed method can therefore inspire a vast number of miniature soft devices
      that are critical in robotics, smart engineering surfaces and materials, and
      biomedical devices. Our proposed method includes theoretical formulations,
      computational strategies, and fabrication procedures for programming magnetic
      soft matter. The presented theory and computational method are universal for
      programming 2D or 3D time-varying shapes, whereas the fabrication technique is
      generic only for creating planar beams. Based on the proposed programming method,
      we created a jellyfish-like robot, a spermatozoid-like undulating swimmer, and an
      artificial cilium that could mimic the complex beating patterns of its biological
      counterpart.

PMID- 27671659
TI  - Multiplicity of morphologies in poly (l-lactide) bioresorbable vascular
      scaffolds.
AB  - Poly(l-lactide) (PLLA) is the structural material of the first clinically
      approved bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS), a promising alternative to
      permanent metal stents for treatment of coronary heart disease. BVSs are
      transient implants that support the occluded artery for 6 mo and are completely
      resorbed in 2 y. Clinical trials of BVSs report restoration of arterial
      vasomotion and elimination of serious complications such as late stent
      thrombosis. It is remarkable that a scaffold made from PLLA, known as a brittle
      polymer, does not fracture when crimped onto a balloon catheter or during
      deployment in the artery. We used X-ray microdiffraction to discover how PLLA
      acquired ductile character and found that the crimping process creates localized
      regions of extreme anisotropy; PLLA chains in the scaffold change orientation
      from the hoop direction to the radial direction on micrometer-scale distances.
      This multiplicity of morphologies in the crimped scaffold works in tandem to
      enable a low-stress response during deployment, which avoids fracture of the PLLA
      hoops and leaves them with the strength needed to support the artery. Thus, the
      transformations of the semicrystalline PLLA microstructure during crimping
      explain the unexpected strength and ductility of the current BVS and point the
      way to thinner resorbable scaffolds in the future.

PMID- 27671657
TI  - Flow-dependent YAP/TAZ activities regulate endothelial phenotypes and
      atherosclerosis.
AB  - The focal nature of atherosclerotic lesions suggests an important role of local
      hemodynamic environment. Recent studies have demonstrated significant roles of
      Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding
      motif (TAZ) in mediating mechanotransduction and vascular homeostasis. The
      objective of this study is to investigate the functional role of YAP/TAZ in the
      flow regulation of atheroprone endothelial phenotypes and the consequential
      development of atherosclerotic lesions. We found that exposure of cultured
      endothelial cells (ECs) to the atheroprone disturbed flow resulted in YAP/TAZ
      activation and translocation into EC nucleus to up-regulate the target genes,
      including cysteine-rich angiogenic inducer 61 (CYR61), connective tissue growth
      factor (CTGF), and ankyrin repeat domain 1 (ANKRD1). In contrast, the athero
      protective laminar flow suppressed YAP/TAZ activities. En face analysis of mouse
      arteries demonstrated an increased nuclear localization of YAP/TAZ and elevated
      levels of the target genes in the endothelium in atheroprone areas compared with
      athero-protective areas. YAP/TAZ knockdown significantly attenuated the disturbed
      flow induction of EC proliferative and proinflammatory phenotypes, whereas
      overexpression of constitutively active YAP was sufficient to promote EC
      proliferation and inflammation. In addition, treatment with statin, an
      antiatherosclerotic drug, inhibited YAP/TAZ activities to diminish the disturbed
      flow-induced proliferation and inflammation. In vivo blockade of YAP/TAZ
      translation by morpholino oligos significantly reduced endothelial inflammation
      and the size of atherosclerotic lesions. Our results demonstrate a critical role
      of the activation of YAP/TAZ by disturbed flow in promoting atheroprone
      phenotypes and atherosclerotic lesion development. Therefore, inhibition of
      YAP/TAZ activation is a promising athero-protective therapeutic strategy.

PMID- 27671661
TI  - Pallidal spiking activity reflects learning dynamics and predicts performance.
AB  - The basal ganglia (BG) network has been divided into interacting actor and critic
      components, modulating the probabilities of different state-action combinations
      through learning. Most models of learning and decision making in the BG focus on
      the roles of the striatum and its dopaminergic inputs, commonly overlooking the
      complexities and interactions of BG downstream nuclei. In this study, we aimed to
      reveal the learning-related activity of the external segment of the globus
      pallidus (GPe), a downstream structure whose computational role has remained
      relatively unexplored. Recording from monkeys engaged in a deterministic three
      choice reversal learning task, we found that changes in GPe discharge rates
      predicted subsequent behavioral shifts on a trial-by-trial basis. Furthermore,
      the activity following the shift encoded whether it resulted in reward or not.
      The frequent changes in stimulus-outcome contingencies (i.e., reversals) allowed
      us to examine the learning-related neural activity and show that GPe discharge
      rates closely matched across-trial learning dynamics. Additionally, firing rates
      exhibited a linear decrease in sequences of correct responses, possibly
      reflecting a gradual shift from goal-directed execution to automaticity. Thus,
      modulations in GPe spiking activity are highest for attention-demanding aspects
      of behavior (i.e., switching choices) and decrease as attentional demands decline
      (i.e., as performance becomes automatic). These findings are contrasted with
      results from striatal tonically active neurons, which show none of these task
      related modulations. Our results demonstrate that GPe, commonly studied in motor
      contexts, takes part in cognitive functions, in which movement plays a marginal
      role.

PMID- 27671660
TI  - Mitochondrial DNA from the eradicated European Plasmodium vivax and P. falciparum
      from 70-year-old slides from the Ebro Delta in Spain.
AB  - Phylogenetic analysis of Plasmodium parasites has indicated that their modern-day
      distribution is a result of a series of human-mediated dispersals involving
      transport between Africa, Europe, America, and Asia. A major outstanding question
      is the phylogenetic affinity of the malaria causing parasites Plasmodium vivax
      and falciparum in historic southern Europe-where it was endemic until the mid
      20th century, after which it was eradicated across the region. Resolving the
      identity of these parasites will be critical for answering several hypotheses on
      the malaria dispersal. Recently, a set of slides with blood stains of malaria
      affected people from the Ebro Delta (Spain), dated between 1942 and 1944, have
      been found in a local medical collection. We extracted DNA from three slides, two
      of them stained with Giemsa (on which Plasmodium parasites could still be seen
      under the microscope) and another one consisting of dried blood spots. We
      generated the data using Illumina sequencing after using several strategies aimed
      at increasing the Plasmodium DNA yield: depletion of the human genomic (g)DNA
      content through hybridization with human gDNA baits, and capture-enrichment using
      gDNA derived from P. falciparum Plasmodium mitochondrial genome sequences were
      subsequently reconstructed from the resulting data. Phylogenetic analysis of the
      eradicated European P. vivax mtDNA genome indicates that the European isolate is
      closely related to the most common present-day American haplotype and likely
      entered the American continent post-Columbian contact. Furthermore, the European
      P. falciparum mtDNA indicates a link with current Indian strains that is in
      agreement with historical accounts.

PMID- 27671663
TI  - Consistency of dementia caregiver intervention classification: an evidence-based
      synthesis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are many systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRs) of
      interventions for family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease or a
      related dementia. A challenge when synthesizing the efficacy of dementia
      caregiver interventions is the potential discrepancy in how they are categorized.
      The objective of this study was to systematically examine inconsistencies in how
      dementia caregiver interventions are classified. METHODS: We searched Ovid
      Medline(r), Ovid PsycINFO(r), Ovid Embase(r), and the Cochrane Library to
      identify previous SRs published and indexed in bibliographic databases through
      January 2015. Following a graphical network analysis, open-coding of
      classification definitions was conducted. A descriptive analysis was then
      completed to examine classification consistency of individual interventions
      across SR grouping labels. RESULTS: Twenty-three SRs were identified. A graphical
      network analysis revealed a significant amount of overlap in individual studies
      included across SRs, but stark differences in how reviews labeled or categorized
      them. The qualitative content analysis identified seven themes; one of these,
      content of the intervention, was used to compare classification consistency. When
      subjecting the classification of interventions to descriptive empirical analysis,
      extensive inconsistency was apparent. CONCLUSIONS: The substantial inconsistency
      in how dementia caregiver interventions are classified across SRs has hindered
      the science and practice of dementia caregiver interventions. Specifically,
      accurate reporting of intervention components and SRs would allow for more
      precise assessments of efficacy as well as a fuller determination of how
      caregiver interventions can best yield benefits for caregivers and persons with
      dementia.

PMID- 27671662
TI  - Deletion of the mu opioid receptor gene in mice reshapes the reward-aversion
      connectome.
AB  - Connectome genetics seeks to uncover how genetic factors shape brain functional
      connectivity; however, the causal impact of a single gene's activity on whole
      brain networks remains unknown. We tested whether the sole targeted deletion of
      the mu opioid receptor gene (Oprm1) alters the brain connectome in living mice.
      Hypothesis-free analysis of combined resting-state fMRI diffusion tractography
      showed pronounced modifications of functional connectivity with only minor
      changes in structural pathways. Fine-grained resting-state fMRI mapping, graph
      theory, and intergroup comparison revealed Oprm1-specific hubs and captured a
      unique Oprm1 gene-to-network signature. Strongest perturbations occurred in
      connectional patterns of pain/aversion-related nodes, including the mu receptor
      enriched habenula node. Our data demonstrate that the main receptor for morphine
      predominantly shapes the so-called reward/aversion circuitry, with major
      influence on negative affect centers.

PMID- 27671664
TI  - Urban design and transport to promote healthy lives.

PMID- 27671665
TI  - Healthier neighbourhoods through healthier parks.

PMID- 27671666
TI  - Urban design: an important future force for health and wellbeing.

PMID- 27671667
TI  - A call to action and a lifecourse strategy to address the global burden of raised
      blood pressure on current and future generations: the Lancet Commission on
      hypertension.

PMID- 27671668
TI  - City planning and population health: a global challenge.
AB  - Significant global health challenges are being confronted in the 21st century,
      prompting calls to rethink approaches to disease prevention. A key part of the
      solution is city planning that reduces non-communicable diseases and road trauma
      while also managing rapid urbanisation. This Series of papers considers the
      health impacts of city planning through transport mode choices. In this, the
      first paper, we identify eight integrated regional and local interventions that,
      when combined, encourage walking, cycling, and public transport use, while
      reducing private motor vehicle use. These interventions are destination
      accessibility, equitable distribution of employment across cities, managing
      demand by reducing the availability and increasing the cost of parking, designing
      pedestrian-friendly and cycling-friendly movement networks, achieving optimum
      levels of residential density, reducing distance to public transport, and
      enhancing the desirability of active travel modes (eg, creating safe attractive
      neighbourhoods and safe, affordable, and convenient public transport). Together,
      these interventions will create healthier and more sustainable compact cities
      that reduce the environmental, social, and behavioural risk factors that affect
      lifestyle choices, levels of traffic, environmental pollution, noise, and crime.
      The health sector, including health ministers, must lead in advocating for
      integrated multisector city planning that prioritises health, sustainability, and
      liveability outcomes, particularly in rapidly changing low-income and middle
      income countries. We recommend establishing a set of indicators to benchmark and
      monitor progress towards achievement of more compact cities that promote health
      and reduce health inequities.

PMID- 27671669
TI  - Mark Stevenson: systems thinker for cities.

PMID- 27671670
TI  - Use of science to guide city planning policy and practice: how to achieve healthy
      and sustainable future cities.
AB  - Land-use and transport policies contribute to worldwide epidemics of injuries and
      non-communicable diseases through traffic exposure, noise, air pollution, social
      isolation, low physical activity, and sedentary behaviours. Motorised transport
      is a major cause of the greenhouse gas emissions that are threatening human
      health. Urban and transport planning and urban design policies in many cities do
      not reflect the accumulating evidence that, if policies would take health effects
      into account, they could benefit a wide range of common health problems. Enhanced
      research translation to increase the influence of health research on urban and
      transport planning decisions could address many global health problems. This
      paper illustrates the potential for such change by presenting conceptual models
      and case studies of research translation applied to urban and transport planning
      and urban design. The primary recommendation of this paper is for cities to
      actively pursue compact and mixed-use urban designs that encourage a transport
      modal shift away from private motor vehicles towards walking, cycling, and public
      transport. This Series concludes by urging a systematic approach to city design
      to enhance health and sustainability through active transport and a move towards
      new urban mobility. Such an approach promises to be a powerful strategy for
      improvements in population health on a permanent basis.

PMID- 27671672
TI  - TAK1 knockdown enhances lipopolysaccharide-induced secretion of proinflammatory
      cytokines in myeloid cells via unleashing MEKK3 activity.
AB  - TGF-beta activating protein kinase 1 (TAK1) belongs to the MAP kinase kinase
      kinase (MAP3K) family. TAK1 is involved in many signaling pathways, especially
      the innate and adaptive immune responses. TAK1 mediates nuclear factor kappaB (NF
      kappaB) and MAPK signaling pathway in response to interleukin-1, tumor necrosis
      factor-alpha (TNFalpha), and toll-like receptor agonists, such as
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The regulatory roles of TAK1 in LPS-induced
      proinflammatory cytokines production are dependent on the cell types. In this
      study, we examined the effects of TAK1 on the LPS induced production of
      proinflammatory cytokines in myeloid cells. Knockdown of TAK1 enhanced the
      secretion of interleukin 1-beta (IL-1beta) and TNFalpha induced by LPS. In
      addition, LPS-activated TAK1 negatively regulates mitogen-activated protein
      kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase kinase 3 (MEKK3). Moreover,
      TAK1 inhibited MEKK3 activation, which, in turn, activated NF-kappaB. These
      results indicate that TAK1 negatively regulates LPS-induced cytokine secretion in
      myeloid cells by inhibiting MEKK3 activities.

PMID- 27671671
TI  - Land use, transport, and population health: estimating the health benefits of
      compact cities.
AB  - Using a health impact assessment framework, we estimated the population health
      effects arising from alternative land-use and transport policy initiatives in six
      cities. Land-use changes were modelled to reflect a compact city in which land
      use density and diversity were increased and distances to public transport were
      reduced to produce low motorised mobility, namely a modal shift from private
      motor vehicles to walking, cycling, and public transport. The modelled compact
      city scenario resulted in health gains for all cities (for diabetes,
      cardiovascular disease, and respiratory disease) with overall health gains of 420
      826 disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) per 100 000 population. However, for
      moderate to highly motorised cities, such as Melbourne, London, and Boston, the
      compact city scenario predicted a small increase in road trauma for cyclists and
      pedestrians (health loss of between 34 and 41 DALYs per 100 000 population). The
      findings suggest that government policies need to actively pursue land-use
      elements-particularly a focus towards compact cities-that support a modal shift
      away from private motor vehicles towards walking, cycling, and low-emission
      public transport. At the same time, these policies need to ensure the provision
      of safe walking and cycling infrastructure. The findings highlight the
      opportunities for policy makers to positively influence the overall health of
      city populations.

PMID- 27671673
TI  - Extended use up to 5 years of the etonogestrel-releasing subdermal contraceptive
      implant: comparison to levonorgestrel-releasing subdermal implant.
AB  - STUDY QUESTION: Is it possible to extend the use of the 3-year one-rod
      etonogestrel (ENG)-releasing subdermal contraceptive implant to 5 years? SUMMARY
      ANSWER: The extended use of the one-rod ENG-releasing subdermal contraceptive
      implant showed 100% efficacy in years 4 and 5. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: The initial
      regulated trials on the ENG-releasing subdermal contraceptive implant conducted
      in the 1990 s were designed to measure cumulative 3-year efficacy. The ENG
      implant has both well established safety and efficacy for up to 3 years.
      Pharmacokinetic data on ENG show high levels at 3 years and some previous
      clinical research confirms efficacy beyond the current approved duration of 3
      years. Today, many women, because the labeled duration has been reached, have the
      ENG implant removed at 3 years, increasing costs, inconvenience and risks. STUDY
      DESIGN SIZE, DURATION: For the first 3 years, this study was an open-label, multi
      centre randomized trial comparing the 3-year ENG implant to the 5-year
      levonorgestrel (LNG)-releasing implant. After 3 years, a subset of 390 ENG
      participants, consented to extended use. We compared efficacy, side effects and
      removal procedures of both implants. We used Kaplan-Meier (K-M) analysis. We
      included an observational cohort of copper intrauterine device (IUD) users as non
      users of hormonal contraceptive method for comparative purposes.
      PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: The study took place in family planning
      clinics in seven countries worldwide. Women were enlisted after an eligibility
      check and informed consent, and 1328 women were enrolled: 390, 522 and 416 in the
      ENG-implant, LNG-implant and IUD groups, respectively. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE
      OF CHANCE: Over 200 women used the ENG implant for at least 5 years. No
      pregnancies occurred during the additional 2 years of follow up in the ENG or LNG
      implant group. The overall 5-year K-M cumulative pregnancy rates for ENG- and LNG
      implants were 0.6 per 100 women-years (W-Y) [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.2
      1.8] and 0.8 per 100 W-Y [95% CI: 0.2-2.3], respectively. Complaints of bleeding
      changes were similar; however, ENG-users were more likely than LNG-users to
      experience heavy bleeding (p < 0.05). The median duration of the implant removal
      procedure was 64 seconds shorter for the one-rod ENG-implant (inter-quartile
      range (IQR) = 30.5, 117.5) compared to the two-rod LNG product (IQR = 77.0,
      180.0). The 2-year rate for pregnancy in the IUD group compared with the two
      implant groups combined was 4.1 per 100 W-Y [95% CI: 2.5-6.5]. LIMITATIONS,
      REASONS FOR CAUTION: Few women were <=19 years old or nulligravida. Although
      there was no weight limit for enrolment in the study, the number of women >=70 kg
      were few. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: The results from this study
      corroborate previous evidence showing high contraceptive efficacy through 4 years
      for the ENG-implant. Data through 5 years are a novel contribution and further
      proof of the product's capability to provide safe and effective contraception
      that rivals the current 5-year LNG-subdermal implant. The findings provide
      valuable information for policy makers, family planning programmers and
      clinicians that the ENG-releasing subdermal implant is still highly effective up
      to 5 years after insertion. Compared to previous efforts, our study population
      was geographically diverse and our study had the highest number of participants
      completing at least 5 years of use. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered
      as ISRCTN33378571. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: The contraceptive devices
      and funds for conduct of the study were provided by the United Nations
      Development Programme/United Nations Population Fund/World Health Organization
      (WHO)/UNICEF/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research
      Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Reproductive Health and
      Research (RHR), WHO. This report contains the collective views of an
      international group of experts, and does not necessarily represent the decisions
      or the stated policy of the WHO. All stated authors have no conflict of interest,
      except Dr Hubacher who reported grants from United States Agency for
      International Development, during the conduct of the study; other from Advisory
      Boards (Teva, Bayer, OCON), outside the submitted work.

PMID- 27671674
TI  - Tumor-Intrinsic PD-L1 Signals Regulate Cell Growth, Pathogenesis, and Autophagy
      in Ovarian Cancer and Melanoma.
AB  - PD-L1 antibodies produce efficacious clinical responses in diverse human cancers,
      but the basis for their effects remains unclear, leaving a gap in the
      understanding of how to rationally leverage therapeutic activity. PD-L1 is widely
      expressed in tumor cells, but its contributions to tumor pathogenicity are
      incompletely understood. In this study, we evaluated the hypothesis that PD-L1
      exerts tumor cell-intrinsic signals that are critical for pathogenesis. Using
      RNAi methodology, we attenuated PD-L1 in the murine ovarian cell line ID8agg and
      the melanoma cell line B16 (termed PD-L1lo cells), which express basal PD-L1. We
      observed that PD-L1lo cells proliferated more weakly than control cells in vitro
      As expected, PD-L1lo cells formed tumors in immunocompetent mice relatively more
      slowly, but unexpectedly, they also formed tumors more slowly in immunodeficient
      NSG mice. RNA sequencing analysis identified a number of genes involved in
      autophagy and mTOR signaling that were affected by PD-L1 expression. In support
      of a functional role, PD-L1 attenuation augmented autophagy and blunted the
      ability of autophagy inhibitors to limit proliferation in vitro and in vivo in
      NSG mice. PD-L1 attenuation also reduced mTORC1 activity and augmented the
      antiproliferative effects of the mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin. PD-L1lo cells were
      also relatively deficient in metastasis to the lung, and we found that anti-PD-L1
      administration could block tumor cell growth and metastasis in NSG mice. This
      therapeutic effect was observed with B16 cells but not ID8agg cells, illustrating
      tumor- or compartmental-specific effects in the therapeutic setting. Overall, our
      findings extend understanding of PD-L1 functions, illustrate nonimmune effects of
      anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy, and suggest broader uses for PD-L1 as a biomarker for
      assessing cancer therapeutic responses. Cancer Res; 76(23); 6964-74. (c)2016
      AACR.

PMID- 27671675
TI  - FGF2 from Marrow Microenvironment Promotes Resistance to FLT3 Inhibitors in Acute
      Myeloid Leukemia.
AB  - Potent FLT3 inhibitors, such as quizartinib (AC220), have shown promise in
      treating acute myeloid leukemia (AML) containing FLT3 internal tandem duplication
      (ITD) mutations. However, responses are not durable and resistance develops
      within months. In this study, we outline a two-step model of resistance whereby
      extrinsic microenvironmental proteins FLT3 ligand (FL) and fibroblast growth
      factor 2 (FGF2) protect FLT3-ITD+ MOLM14 cells from AC220, providing time for
      subsequent accumulation of ligand-independent resistance mechanisms. FL directly
      attenuated AC220 inhibition of FLT3, consistent with previous reports.
      Conversely, FGF2 promoted resistance through activation of FGFR1 and downstream
      MAPK effectors; these resistant cells responded synergistically to combinatorial
      inhibition of FGFR1 and FLT3. Removing FL or FGF2 from ligand-dependent resistant
      cultures transiently restored sensitivity to AC220, but accelerated acquisition
      of secondary resistance via reactivation of FLT3 and RAS/MAPK signaling. FLT3-ITD
      AML patients treated with AC220 developed increased FGF2 expression in marrow
      stromal cells, which peaked prior to overt clinical relapse and detection of
      resistance mutations. Overall, these results support a strategy of early
      combination therapy to target early survival signals from the bone marrow
      microenvironment, in particular FGF2, to improve the depth of response in FLT3
      ITD AML. Cancer Res; 76(22); 6471-82. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27671676
TI  - Modulation of Immune Checkpoints and Graft-versus-Leukemia in Allogeneic
      Transplants by Antagonizing Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide Signaling.
AB  - The goal of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (allo-BMT) is elimination of
      leukemia cells through the graft-versus-leukemia (GvL) activity of donor cells,
      while limiting graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). Immune checkpoint pathways
      regulate GvL and GvHD activities, but blocking antibodies or genetic inactivation
      of these pathways can cause lethal GVHD. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is
      an immunosuppressive neuropeptide that regulates coinhibitory pathways; its role
      in allo-BMT has not been studied. We found VIP transiently expressed in donor NK,
      NK-T, dendritic cells, and T cells after allo transplant, as well as host
      leukocytes. A peptide antagonist of VIP signaling (VIPhyb) increased T-cell
      proliferation in vitro and reduced IL10 expression in donor T cells. Treatment of
      allo-BMT recipients with VIPhyb, or transplanting donor grafts lacking VIP (VIP
      KO), activated donor T-cells in lymphoid organs, reduced T-cell homing to GvHD
      target organs, and enhanced GvL without increasing GvHD in multiple allo-BMT
      models. Genetic or ex vivo depletion of donor NK cells or CD8+ T cells from
      allografts abrogated the VIPhyb-enhanced GvL activity. VIPhyb treatment led to
      downregulation of PD-1 and PD-L1 expression on donor immune cells, increased
      effector molecule expression, and expanded oligoclonal CD8+ T cells that
      protected secondary allo transplant recipients from leukemia. Blocking VIP
      signaling thus represents a novel pharmacologic approach to separate GvL from
      GvHD and enhance adaptive T-cell responses to leukemia-associated antigens in
      allo-BMT. Cancer Res; 76(23); 6802-15. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27671677
TI  - SPINK6 Promotes Metastasis of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma via Binding and Activation
      of Epithelial Growth Factor Receptor.
AB  - Nasopharyngeal carcinoma has the highest rate of metastasis among head and neck
      cancers, and distant metastasis is the major reason for treatment failure. The
      underlying molecular mechanisms of nasopharyngeal carcinoma metastasis are not
      fully understood. Here, we report the identification of serine protease inhibitor
      Kazal-type 6 (SPINK6) as a functional regulator of nasopharyngeal carcinoma
      metastasis via EGFR signaling. SPINK6 mRNA was upregulated in tumor and highly
      metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. Immunohistochemical staining of 534
      nasopharyngeal carcinomas revealed elevated SPINK6 expression as an independent
      unfavorable prognostic factor for overall, disease-free, and distant metastasis
      free survival. Ectopic SPINK6 expression promoted in vitro migration and invasion
      as well as in vivo lymph node metastasis and liver metastasis of nasopharyngeal
      carcinoma cells, whereas silencing SPINK6 exhibited opposing effects. SPINK6
      enhanced epithelial-mesenchymal transition by activating EGFR and the downstream
      AKT pathway. Inhibition of EGFR with a neutralizing antibody or erlotinib
      reversed SPINK6-induced nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell migration and invasion.
      Erlotinib also inhibited SPINK6-induced metastasis in vivo Notably, SPINK6 bound
      to the EGFR extracellular domain independent of serine protease-inhibitory
      activity. Overall, our results identified a novel EGFR-activating mechanism in
      which SPINK6 has a critical role in promoting nasopharyngeal carcinoma
      metastasis, with possible implications as a prognostic indicator in
      nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients. Cancer Res; 77(2); 579-89. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27671679
TI  - ZIC5 Drives Melanoma Aggressiveness by PDGFD-Mediated Activation of FAK and
      STAT3.
AB  - Insights into mechanisms of drug resistance could extend the efficacy of cancer
      therapy. To probe mechanisms in melanoma, we performed siRNA screening of genes
      that mediate the development of neural crest cells, from which melanocytes are
      derived. Here, we report the identification of ZIC5 as a mediator of melanoma
      drug resistance. ZIC5 is a transcriptional suppressor of E-cadherin expressed
      highly in human melanoma. ZIC5 enhanced melanoma cell proliferation, survival,
      drug resistance, in vivo growth and metastasis. Microarray analysis revealed that
      ZIC5 downstream signaling included PDGFD and FAK activation, which contributes to
      drug resistance by enhancing STAT3 activation. Silencing of ZIC5 or PDGFD
      enhanced the apoptotic effects of BRAF inhibition and blocked survival of
      melanoma cells resistant to BRAF inhibitors. Furthermore, inhibition of FAK or
      STAT3 suppressed expression of ZIC5, which was positively regulated by PDGFD,
      FAK, and STAT3 in a positive feedback loop. Taken together, our results identify
      ZIC5 and PDGFD as candidate therapeutic targets to overcome drug resistance in
      melanoma. Cancer Res; 77(2); 366-77. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27671678
TI  - Spatial Proximity to Fibroblasts Impacts Molecular Features and Therapeutic
      Sensitivity of Breast Cancer Cells Influencing Clinical Outcomes.
AB  - Using a three-dimensional coculture model, we identified significant subtype
      specific changes in gene expression, metabolic, and therapeutic sensitivity
      profiles of breast cancer cells in contact with cancer-associated fibroblasts
      (CAF). CAF-induced gene expression signatures predicted clinical outcome and
      immune-related differences in the microenvironment. We found that fibroblasts
      strongly protect carcinoma cells from lapatinib, attributable to its reduced
      accumulation in carcinoma cells and an elevated apoptotic threshold. Fibroblasts
      from normal breast tissues and stromal cultures of brain metastases of breast
      cancer had similar effects as CAFs. Using synthetic lethality approaches, we
      identified molecular pathways whose inhibition sensitizes HER2+ breast cancer
      cells to lapatinib both in vitro and in vivo, including JAK2/STAT3 and hyaluronic
      acid. Neoadjuvant lapatinib therapy in HER2+ breast tumors lead to a significant
      increase of phospho-STAT3+ cancer cells and a decrease in the spatial proximity
      of proliferating (Ki67+) cells to CAFs impacting therapeutic responses. Our
      studies identify CAF-induced physiologically and clinically relevant changes in
      cancer cells and offer novel approaches for overcoming microenvironment-mediated
      therapeutic resistance. Cancer Res; 76(22); 6495-506. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27671680
TI  - PP2A Inhibitor PME-1 Drives Kinase Inhibitor Resistance in Glioma Cells.
AB  - Glioblastoma multiforme lacks effective therapy options. Although deregulated
      kinase pathways are drivers of malignant progression in glioblastoma multiforme,
      glioma cells exhibit intrinsic resistance toward many kinase inhibitors, and the
      molecular basis of this resistance remains poorly understood. Here, we show that
      overexpression of the protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) inhibitor protein PME-1
      drives resistance of glioma cells to various multikinase inhibitors. The PME-1
      elicited resistance was dependent on specific PP2A complexes and was mediated by
      a decrease in cytoplasmic HDAC4 activity. Importantly, both PME-1 and HDAC4
      associated with human glioma progression, supporting clinical relevance of the
      identified mechanism. Synthetic lethality induced by both PME-1 and HDAC4
      inhibition was dependent on the coexpression of proapoptotic protein BAD. Thus,
      PME-1-mediated PP2A inhibition is a novel mechanistic explanation for multikinase
      inhibitor resistance in glioma cells. Clinically, these results may inform
      patient stratification strategies for future clinical trials with selected kinase
      inhibitors in glioblastoma multiforme. Cancer Res; 76(23); 7001-11. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27671682
TI  - Rebuttal - Factors affecting cognitive performance in children with special
      reference to sleep and sedentary behavior.

PMID- 27671681
TI  - Medications influencing central cholinergic neurotransmission affect saccadic and
      smooth pursuit eye movements in healthy young adults.
AB  - RATIONALE: Acetylcholine is an important neuromodulator in the central nervous
      system, where it plays a significant role in central functions such as the
      regulation of movement. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the pharmacological
      effects of over-the-counter anticholinergic medications on saccadic and smooth
      pursuit eye movements, in order to establish the significance of central
      cholinergic pathways in the control of these centrally regulated oculomotor
      processes. METHODS: Sixteen subjects (mean age 23 +/- 3 years, 9 females)
      performed pro-saccadic, anti-saccadic and smooth pursuit eye movement tests,
      while an eye tracker collected eye movement data. Oculomotor assessments were
      performed pre-ingestion, 0.5 and 2 h post-ingestion of drugs with varying degrees
      of central anticholinergic properties. The drugs tested were promethazine,
      hyoscine hydrobromide, hyoscine butylbromide and placebo. RESULTS: The drug
      intervention with stronger central anticholinergic properties, promethazine,
      decreased amplitude and increased velocity in the pro-saccadic task and increased
      duration in the anti-saccadic task. Promethazine, once again, was the only drug
      to decrease eye velocity in the smooth pursuit test. CONCLUSION: The prominent
      effects of the stronger central anticholinergic promethazine, on saccadic and
      smooth pursuit eye movements, potentially conveys the significance of central
      cholinergic pathways in the control of these centrally regulated oculomotor
      processes.

PMID- 27671684
TI  - Durable treatment of ameloblastoma with single agent BRAFi Re: Clinical and
      radiographic response with combined BRAF-targeted therapy in stage 4
      ameloblastoma.

PMID- 27671683
TI  - Programmable Potentials: Approximate N-body potentials from coarse-level logic.
AB  - This paper gives a systematic method for constructing an N-body potential,
      approximating the true potential, that accurately captures meso-scale behavior of
      the chemical or biological system using pairwise potentials coming from
      experimental data or ab initio methods. The meso-scale behavior is translated
      into logic rules for the dynamics. Each pairwise potential has an associated
      logic function that is constructed using the logic rules, a class of elementary
      logic functions, and AND, OR, and NOT gates. The effect of each logic function is
      to turn its associated potential on and off. The N-body potential is constructed
      as linear combination of the pairwise potentials, where the "coefficients" of the
      potentials are smoothed versions of the associated logic functions. These
      potentials allow a potentially low-dimensional description of complex processes
      while still accurately capturing the relevant physics at the meso-scale. We
      present the proposed formalism to construct coarse-grained potential models for
      three examples: an inhibitor molecular system, bond breaking in chemical
      reactions, and DNA transcription from biology. The method can potentially be used
      in reverse for design of molecular processes by specifying properties of
      molecules that can carry them out.

PMID- 27671685
TI  - Response.

PMID- 27671686
TI  - Diagnosis and prevalence of Theileria equi horses in western Mexico by nested
      PCR.
AB  - Theileria equi infection prevalence was calculated from 1000 blood samples
      obtained from apparently healthy horses in western Mexico. Samples were sent to
      the Animal Biotechnology Laboratory of the University of Guadalajara (Mexico) for
      T. equi diagnosis. Nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) was used as a
      diagnostic method to detect pathogen DNA. Using primers for the merozoite antigen
      1 (EMA-1) gene, 19.70+/-2.47% of the horses (95% CI, 17.23-22.17%) tested
      positive for T. equi. There was no significant association between gender and T.
      equi infection. However, prevalence was higher among stabled horses (25.81%) than
      that among grazing horses (15.02%). The positivity rate was also higher among
      Quarter Horse (24.70%), Lusitano (35.90%), and Costa Rican Saddle Horse (47.37%)
      breeds than that among the other seven breeds investigated in this study. The
      percentage of T. equi infection was higher among adult horses (>= 4years old,
      25.05%) than that among colts and fillies (2-4years old, 15.48%), yearlings (1
      2years old, 10.49%), and foals (<1year old, 10.34%). This is the first study of
      T. equi infection prevalence among horses in Mexico by nPCR . The results
      indicate that the equine piroplasmosis (EP) caused by T. equi is enzootic in
      western Mexico.

PMID- 27671688
TI  - SACN is committed to openness and engagement.

PMID- 27671687
TI  - Oxymatrine synergistically enhances antitumor activity of oxaliplatin in colon
      carcinoma through PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.
AB  - Oxymatrine (OMT), one of the main active components of extracts from the dry
      roots of Sophora flavescens, has been reported to possess many pharmacological
      properties including cancer-preventive and anti-cancer effects. The aim of the
      present study is to explore the efficiency of combination therapy with OMT and
      oxaliplatin (OXA) and identify the in vitro and in vivo cytotoxicity on colon
      cancer lines (HT29 and SW480) and mice model. Cells were treated with OMT and/or
      OXA and subjected to cell viability, colony formation, apoptosis, cell cycle,
      western blotting, xenograft tumorigenicity assay and immunohistochemistry. The
      results demonstrated that OMT and OXA inhibited the proliferation of colon cancer
      cells, and combination therapy of OMT and OXA resulted in a combination index <
      1, indicating a synergistic effect. Co-treatment with OMT and OXA caused G0/G1
      phase arrest by upregulating P21, P27 and downregulating cyclin D, and induced
      apoptosis through decreasing the expression of p-PI3K, p-AKT, p-mTOR, p-p70S6K.
      In addition, pretreatment with a specific PI3K/AKT activator (IGF-1)
      significantly neutralized the pro-apoptotic activity of OXA + OMT, demonstrating
      the important role of PI3K/AKT in this process. Moreover, in nude mice model, co
      treatment displayed more efficient inhibition of tumor weight and volume on SW480
      xenograft mouse model than single-agent treatment with OXA or OMT.
      Immunohistochemistry analysis suggests the combinations greatly suppressed tumor
      proliferation, which consistent with our in vitro results. In conclusion, our
      findings highlight that the combination therapy with OMT and OXA exerted
      synergistic antitumor effects in colon cancer cells through PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway
      and combination treatment with OMT and OXA would be a promising therapeutic
      strategy for colon carcinoma treatment.

PMID- 27671689
TI  - Taxes on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages: A Strategy to Reduce Epidemics of Diabetes,
      Obesity, and Dental Caries?

PMID- 27671691
TI  - ?

PMID- 27671690
TI  - Effects of Taxing Sugar-Sweetened Beverages on Caries and Treatment Costs.
AB  - Caries increment is affected by sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption.
      Taxing SSBs could reduce sugar consumption and caries increment. The authors
      aimed to estimate the impact of a 20% SSB sales tax on caries increment and
      associated treatment costs (as well as the resulting tax revenue) in the context
      of Germany. A model-based approach was taken, estimating the effects for the
      German population aged 14 to 79 y over a 10-y period. Taxation was assumed to
      affect beverage-associated sugar consumption via empirical demand elasticities.
      Altered consumption affected caries increments and treatment costs, with cost
      estimates being calculated under the perspective of the statutory health
      insurance. National representative consumption and price data were used to
      estimate tax revenue. Microsimulations were performed to estimate health
      outcomes, costs, and revenue impact in different age, sex, and income groups.
      Implementing a 20% SSB sales tax reduced sugar consumption in nearly all male
      groups but in fewer female groups. The reduction was larger among younger than
      older individuals and among those with low income. Taxation reduced caries
      increment and treatment costs especially in younger (rather than older)
      individuals and those with low income. Over 10 y, mean (SD) net caries increments
      at the population level were 82.27 (1.15) million and 83.02 (1.08) million teeth
      at 20% and 0% SSB tax, respectively. These generated treatment costs of 2.64
      (0.39) billion and 2.72 (0.35) billion euro, respectively. Additional tax revenue
      was 37.99 (3.41) billion euro over the 10 y. In conclusion and within the
      limitations of this study's perspective, database, and underlying assumptions,
      implementing a 20% sales tax on SSBs is likely to reduce caries increment,
      especially in young low-income males, thereby also reducing inequalities in the
      distribution of caries experience. Taxation would also reduce treatment costs.
      However, these reductions might be limited in the total population.

PMID- 27671692
TI  - [Peter Brunner : 20.09.1932 - 14.04.2016].

PMID- 27671693
TI  - Finding the balance between over- and under-treatment of ductal carcinoma in situ
      (DCIS).
AB  - With the widespread adoption of population-based breast cancer screening, ductal
      carcinoma in situ (DCIS) has come to represent 20-25% of all breast neoplastic
      lesions diagnosed. Current treatment aims at preventing invasive breast cancer,
      but the majority of DCIS lesions will never progress to invasive disease. Still,
      DCIS is treated by surgical excision, followed by radiotherapy as part of breast
      conserving treatment, and/or endocrine therapy. This implies over-treatment of
      the majority of DCIS, as less than 1% of DCIS patients will go on to develop
      invasive breast cancer annually. If we are able to identify which DCIS is likely
      to progress or recur as invasive breast cancer and which DCIS would remain
      indolent, we can treat the first group intensively, while sparing the second
      group from such unnecessary treatment (surgery, radiotherapy, endocrine therapy)
      preserving the quality of life of these women. This review summarizes our current
      knowledge on DCIS and the risks involved regarding progression into invasive
      breast cancer. It also shows current knowledge gaps, areas where profound
      research is highly necessary for women with DCIS to prevent their over-treatment
      in case of a harmless DCIS, but provide optimal treatment for potentially
      hazardous DCIS.

PMID- 27671694
TI  - Relationship between renal function and circulating microparticles, soluble P
      selectin and E-selectin levels in atrial fibrillation.
AB  - Atrial fibrillation (AF) and chronic kidney disease are closely related, and any
      associated risk of stroke and thromboembolism due to AF is increased by
      concurrent renal dysfunction. The mechanism(s) for this include abnormalities in
      platelets and endothelial cells. We hypothesized relationships between levels of
      circulating platelet microparticles (PMPs, defined by CD42b), soluble P selectin
      (both reflecting platelet activation), soluble E-selectin (reflecting endothelial
      activation) and endothelial/platelet microparticles (EPMPs, defined by CD31) with
      progressive renal dysfunction. Blood samples were obtained from 160
      anticoagulated AF patients. Microparticles were measured by flow cytometry,
      soluble E and P selectin levels by ELISA. Renal function was determined by
      estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). EPMP levels demonstrated a linear
      increased trend across quartiles of eGFR (p = 0.034) and CKD stage (p < 0.001),
      and correlated with eGFR and serum creatinine (p < 0.01). PMPs, P-selectin and E
      selectin levels were not significantly different across groupings of renal
      dysfunction, and no significant correlations with eGFR were evident (p = 0.186, p
      = 0.561, p = 0.746 respectively). Stepwise multivariable regression analysis
      demonstrated that worsening renal function was an independent predictor of EPMP
      levels (p < 0.001). In well-anticoagulated AF patients, there is potential
      relationship between endothelial function (as judged by elevated EPMP levels,
      with no change in PMPs) and renal function. Other markers of prothombotic state
      or cellular activation (PMP, P-selectin and E-selectin levels) were not
      significantly different across the various degree of renal dysfunction. Renal
      function must be addressed when measuring EPMP levels.

PMID- 27671695
TI  - Improved racemate resolution of pentan-2-ol and trans-(Z)-cyclooct-5-ene-1,2-diol
      by lipase catalysis.
AB  - Lipases are important catalysts in chiral synthesis due to their wide substrate
      recognition combined with a high stereoselectivity. We demonstrate here that the
      state, free or immobilized, of Candida antarctica lipase B (CaLB) affects
      enantioselectivity and also alters the temperature dependancy of the enzyme. This
      indicates that CaLB undergoes various conformations induced by its interaction
      with the different immobilization supports studied. Molecular imprinting
      experiments, using immobilized enzyme co-dried with mimic substrate molecules,
      enhanced the enantiomeric ratio two-fold or three-fold, depending on the
      immobilization support. The structure of the acyl donor has a pronounced effect
      on CaLB catalyzed resolution, due to the proximity of the acyl and alcohol
      moieties during catalysis. When the acylation of pentan-2-ol was examined, we
      found that the 3C methyl propanoate donor afforded the highest resolution. Trans
      (Z)-cyclooct-5-en-1,2-diol was used as a model racemic substrate to study the
      ability of lipase to catalyze the resolution of difunctionalized compounds. There
      was a clear enhancement in the enantiomer selectivity of the biotransformation of
      the diol when vinyl butanoate is used as the acyl donor. The conversion and
      enantiomeric excess of (1R,2R)-monoacetates were enhanced, using immobilized
      CaLB, when the chain length of the donors increased from C2 to C4.

PMID- 27671696
TI  - Complete genome sequence of Lactobacillus plantarum LZ206, a potential probiotic
      strain with antimicrobial activity against food-borne pathogenic microorganisms.
AB  - Lactobacilli strains have been considered as important candidates for
      manufacturing "natural food", due to their antimicrobial properties and generally
      regarded as safe (GRAS) status. Lactobacillus plantarum LZ206 is a potential
      probiotic strain isolated from raw cow milk, with antimicrobial activity against
      various pathogens, including Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and
      Listeria monocytogenes), Gram-negtive bacteria (Escherichia coli and Salmonella
      enterica), and fungus Candida albicans. To better understand molecular base for
      its antimicrobial activity, entire genome of LZ206 was sequenced. It was revealed
      that genome of LZ206 contained a circular 3,212,951-bp chromosome, two circular
      plasmids and one predicted linear plasmid. A plantaricin gene cluster, which is
      responsible for bacteriocins biosynthesis and could be associated with its broad
      spectrum antimicrobial activity, was identified based on comparative genomic
      analysis. Whole genome sequencing of L. plantarum LZ206 might facilitate its
      applications to protect food products from pathogens' contamination in the dairy
      industry.

PMID- 27671697
TI  - Complete genome sequence of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens subsp. plantarum S499, a
      rhizobacterium that triggers plant defences and inhibits fungal phytopathogens.
AB  - Bacillus amyloliquefaciens subsp. plantarum S499 is a plant beneficial
      rhizobacterium with a good antagonistic potential against phytopathogens through
      the release of active secondary metabolites. Moreover, it can induce systemic
      resistance in plants by producing considerable amounts of surfactins. The
      complete genome sequence of B. amyloliquefaciens subsp. plantarum S499 includes a
      circular chromosome of 3,927,922bp and a plasmid of 8,008bp. A remarkable
      abundance in genomic regions of putative horizontal origin emerged from the
      analysis. Furthermore, we highlighted the presence of genes involved in the
      establishment of interactions with the host plants at the root level and in the
      competition with other soil-borne microorganisms. More specifically, genes
      related to the synthesis of amylolysin, amylocyclicin, and butirosin were
      identified. These antimicrobials were not known before to be part of the
      antibiotic arsenal of the strain. The information embedded in the genome will
      support the upcoming studies regarding the application of B. amyloliquefaciens
      isolates as plant-growth promoters and biocontrol agents.

PMID- 27671698
TI  - Circular RNAs are miRNA sponges and can be used as a new class of biomarker.
AB  - Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that are
      involved in transcriptional and posttranscriptional gene expression regulation.
      The development of deep sequencing of ribosomal RNA (rRNA)-depleted RNA
      libraries, associated with improved computational tools, has provided the
      identification of several new circRNAs in all sorts of organisms, from protists,
      plants and fungi to animals. Recently, it was discovered that endogenous circRNAs
      can work as microRNA (miRNA) sponges. This means that the circRNAs bind to miRNAs
      and consequently repress their function, providing a new model of action for this
      class of ncRNA, as well as indicating another mechanism that regulates miRNA
      activity. As miRNAs control a large set of biological processes, circRNA sponge
      activity will also affect these pathways. Several studies have associated miRNA
      sponges with human diseases, including osteoarthritis, diabetes,
      neurodegenerative pathologies and several types of cancer. Additionally, high
      stability, abundance and tissue-specific expression patterns make circRNA sponges
      very attractive for clinical research. Herein, we review the biogenesis,
      properties and function of endogenous circRNA sponges, with a special focus on
      those related to human cancer. A list of web tools available for the study of
      circRNAs is also given. Additionally, we discuss the possibility of using
      circRNAs as molecular markers for the diagnosis of diseases.

PMID- 27671699
TI  - Development of a patient-reported outcome measure for upper limb function in
      Duchenne muscular dystrophy: DMD Upper Limb PROM.
AB  - AIM: To develop a patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) assessing upper limb
      function related to activities of daily living (ADL) that cannot be observed in a
      clinical setting, specifically for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy
      (DMD) across a wide age range, applicable in the different stages of the disease.
      METHOD: The developmental process was based on US Food and Drug Administration
      guidelines. This included item generation from a systematic review of existing
      tools and expert opinion on task difficulty and relevance, involving individuals
      with DMD. Cultural aspects affecting ADL were taken into consideration to make
      this tool applicable to the broad DMD community. Items were selected in relation
      to a conceptual framework reflecting disease progression covering the full range
      of upper limb function across different ADL domains. RESULTS: After pilot testing
      and iterative Rasch analyses, redundant or clinically irrelevant items were
      removed. The final questionnaire consists of 32 items covering four domains of
      ADL (food, self-care, household and environment, leisure and communication). Test
      retest reliability was excellent. INTERPRETATION: A DMD-specific upper limb PROM
      was developed on the basis of clinical relevance and psychometric robustness. Its
      main purpose is to document the patient self-reported natural history of DMD and
      assess the efficacy of interventions.

PMID- 27671700
TI  - Communication, Leadership, and Decision-Making in the Neuro-ICU.
AB  - The Neuro-ICU is a multidisciplinary location that presents peculiar challenges
      and opportunities for patients with life-threatening neurological disease.
      Communication skills are essential in supporting caregivers and other embedded
      providers (e.g., neurosurgeons, advanced practice providers, nurses,
      pharmacists), through leadership. Limitations to prognostication complicate how
      decisions are made on behalf of non-communicative patients. Cognitive dysfunction
      and durable reductions in health-related quality of life are difficult to
      predict, and the diagnosis of brain death may be challenging and confounded by
      medications and comorbidities. The Neuro-ICU team, as well as utilization of
      additional consultants, can be structured to optimize care. Future research
      should explore how to further improve the composition, communication and
      interactions of the Neuro-ICU team to maximize outcomes, minimize caregiver
      burden, and promote collegiality.

PMID- 27671703
TI  - Clinical implications of hepatobiliary scintigraphy and ultrasound in the
      diagnosis of acute cholecystitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We assess the performance of ultrasound (US) and hepatobiliary
      scintigraphy (HIDA) as confirmatory studies in acute cholecystitis (AC) and
      demonstrate our current imaging protocol's impact on outcomes. STUDY DESIGN:
      Between January 2013 to July 2014, 117 patients were admitted through the
      emergency room with a preliminary diagnosis of AC. Overall, 106/117 (91%) of the
      patients received US preadmission and 34/117 (29%) received a HIDA post
      admission. Primary end points included: 1) diagnostic test reliability for AC,
      and 2) outcome and quality measures (time to surgery, LOS, costs, etc.). RESULTS:
      Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed in 96/117 (82%) and open
      cholecystectomy in 21/117 (18%) of the patients. Overall, histopathologic
      features consistent with AC was present in 46/117 (39%). AC alone was present in
      23/117 (20%), and AC superimposed on chronic cholecystitis was present in 23/117
      (20%). For AC, US had a sensitivity and specificity of 26% and 80%, respectively.
      HIDA scan had a sensitivity and specificity of 87% and 79%, respectively. Time to
      surgery (TTS) was 4 vs 2.3 days in patients who received HIDA vs US alone (p =
      0.001), and length of stay (LOS) was 6.7 vs 4.3 days, respectively (p = 0.001).
      Age >50 years, glucose >140 (mg/dl), and WBC count >10 (*109 /L) were
      statistically significant independent variables associated with AC. CONCLUSION:
      HIDA scan is superior to US as a diagnostic study in the setting of AC. Our
      current protocol of delayed HIDA (post-admission) was associated with increased
      TTS, LOS, and overall costs. Early confirmation with HIDA in high risk patients
      may hasten treatment allocation and improve outcomes in the setting of AC.

PMID- 27671701
TI  - Derangement of calcium metabolism in diabetes mellitus: negative outcome from the
      synergy between impaired bone turnover and intestinal calcium absorption.
AB  - Both types 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus (T1DM and T2DM) are associated with profound
      deterioration of calcium and bone metabolism, partly from impaired intestinal
      calcium absorption, leading to a reduction in calcium uptake into the body. T1DM
      is associated with low bone mineral density (BMD) and osteoporosis, whereas the
      skeletal changes in T2DM are variable, ranging from normal to increased and to
      decreased BMD. However, both types of DM eventually compromise bone quality
      through production of advanced glycation end products and misalignment of
      collagen fibrils (so-called matrix failure), thereby culminating in a reduction
      of bone strength. The underlying cellular mechanisms (cellular failure) are
      related to suppression of osteoblast-induced bone formation and bone calcium
      accretion, as well as to enhancement of osteoclast-induced bone resorption.
      Several other T2DM-related pathophysiological changes, e.g., osteoblast insulin
      resistance, impaired productions of osteogenic growth factors (particularly
      insulin-like growth factor 1 and bone morphogenetic proteins), overproduction of
      pro-inflammatory cytokines, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia, also aggravate
      diabetic osteopathy. In the kidney, DM and the resultant hyperglycemia lead to
      calciuresis and hypercalciuria in both humans and rodents. Furthermore, DM causes
      deranged functions of endocrine factors related to mineral metabolism, e.g.,
      parathyroid hormone, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, and fibroblast growth factor-23.
      Despite the wealth of information regarding impaired bone remodeling in DM, the
      long-lasting effects of DM on calcium metabolism in young growing individuals,
      pregnant women, and neonates born to women with gestational DM have received
      scant attention, and their underlying mechanisms are almost unknown and worth
      exploring.

PMID- 27671704
TI  - Direct and indirect costs for anal fistula in Sweden.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Anal fistula is an abnormal tract with an external and internal
      opening that cause leakage, discomfort, and occasionally pain. Surgery is
      standard treatment, but recurrence and anal incontinence is common. The objective
      of the study was to analyze resource use, costs and sick leave for newly
      diagnosed patients with anal fistula in Sweden. METHODS: The study was based on
      register data from linkages between Swedish population-based registers including
      patients treated for anal fistula in Vastra Gotaland County, Sweden. Health care
      resource use, costs and sick leave were estimated. RESULTS: The sample included
      362 patients of which 27% had no surgery, 37% had one surgery and 36% had
      multiple surgeries. Patients with multiple surgeries underwent over four
      surgeries on average. Approximately 67% of the contacts occurred during the first
      year after diagnosis. Estimated mean sick leave was 10.4 full-time equivalent
      days per patient. Total discounted costs were ?5,561 per patient where
      approximately 80% were direct costs. DISCUSSION: To our knowledge this is the
      first study of resource use, costs and sick leave related to anal fistulas. The
      study indicates that anal fistula is a condition that is costly for society and
      that the burden of anal fistula in terms of health care resources and sick leave
      is especially high for patients experiencing multiple surgeries. CONCLUSION: Anal
      fistula is a condition that is costly for society and there is an unmet need for
      the group of patients with multiple surgeries to find appropriate treatment
      interventions.

PMID- 27671706
TI  - T1-weighted basal ganglia hyperintensities due to gadolinium deposition - a
      cautionary note.

PMID- 27671707
TI  - Strength and performance asymmetry during maximal velocity sprint running.
AB  - The aim of this study was to empirically examine the interaction of athlete
      specific kinematic kinetic and strength asymmetry in sprint running. Bilateral
      ground reaction force and kinematic data were collected during maximal velocity
      (mean = 9.05 m/s) sprinting for eight athletes. Bilateral ground reaction force
      data were also collected while the same athletes performed maximal effort squat
      jumps. Using novel composite asymmetry scores, interactions between kinematic and
      kinetic asymmetry were compared for the group of sprinters. Asymmetry was greater
      for kinematic variables than step characteristics, with largest respective values
      of 6.68% and 1.68%. Kinetic variables contained the largest asymmetry values,
      peaking at >90%. Asymmetry was present in all kinematic and kinetic variables
      analyzed during sprint trials. However, individual athlete asymmetry profiles
      were reported for sprint and jump trials. Athletes' sprint performance was not
      related to their overall asymmetry. Positive relationships were found between
      asymmetry in ankle work during sprint running and peak vertical force (r = 0.895)
      and power (r = 0.761) during jump trials, suggesting that the ankle joint may be
      key in regulating asymmetry in sprinting and highlighting the individual nature
      of asymmetry. The individual athlete asymmetry profiles and lack of relationship
      between asymmetry of limb strength and sprint performance suggest that athletes
      are not "limb dominant" and that strength imbalances are joint and task specific.
      Compensatory kinetic mechanisms may serve to reduce the effects of strength or
      biological asymmetry on the performance outcome of step velocity.

PMID- 27671705
TI  - Longitudinal Associations between Depression and Aggression in Children and
      Adolescents.
AB  - Due to the longstanding and detrimental effects of engaging in aggressive
      behaviour and of experiencing symptoms of internalizing problems in children and
      adolescents, there is an increasing interest in identifying the temporal sequence
      between these 2 problems with previous research yielding inconsistent findings.
      Therefore, the longitudinal links between relational aggression, physical
      aggression, and depression were examined across 7 years in a sample of 643
      children (54 % girls) aged 10 at Time 1. Three models were compared- (1) the
      failure model, in which aggression predicted depression, (2) the acting out
      model, in which depression predicted aggression, and (3) a reciprocal model, in
      which both aggression and depression shared a reciprocal relation over time.
      Cross-lagged path analyses using structural equation modeling supported the
      failure model (i.e., engaging in relational and physical aggression predicts
      subsequent depressive symptoms). Findings were similar for boys and girls. These
      findings add to the literature suggesting that externalizing problems precede
      internalizing problems.

PMID- 27671708
TI  - Neurophysiological correlates of abnormal somatosensory temporal discrimination
      in dystonia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold is often prolonged in
      patients with dystonia. Previous evidence suggested that this might be caused by
      impaired somatosensory processing in the time domain. Here, we tested if other
      markers of reduced inhibition in the somatosensory system might also contribute
      to abnormal somatosensory temporal discrimination in dystonia. METHODS:
      Somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold was measured in 19 patients with
      isolated cervical dystonia and 19 age-matched healthy controls. We evaluated
      temporal somatosensory inhibition using paired-pulse somatosensory evoked
      potentials, spatial somatosensory inhibition by measuring the somatosensory
      evoked potentials interaction between simultaneous stimulation of the digital
      nerves in thumb and index finger, and Gamma-aminobutyric acid-ergic (GABAergic)
      sensory inhibition using the early and late components of high-frequency
      oscillations in digital nerves somatosensory evoked potentials. RESULTS: When
      compared with healthy controls, dystonic patients had longer somatosensory
      temporal discrimination thresholds, reduced suppression of cortical and
      subcortical paired-pulse somatosensory evoked potentials, less spatial inhibition
      of simultaneous somatosensory evoked potentials, and a smaller area of the early
      component of the high-frequency oscillations. A logistic regression analysis
      found that paired pulse suppression of the N20 component at an interstimulus
      interval of 5 milliseconds and the late component of the high-frequency
      oscillations were independently related to somatosensory temporal discrimination
      thresholds. "Dystonia group" was also a predictor of enhanced somatosensory
      temporal discrimination threshold, indicating a dystonia-specific effect that
      independently influences this threshold. CONCLUSIONS: Increased somatosensory
      temporal discrimination threshold in dystonia is related to reduced activity of
      inhibitory circuits within the primary somatosensory cortex. (c) 2016
      International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

PMID- 27671709
TI  - Inverted Silicon Nanopencil Array Solar Cells with Enhanced Contact Structures.
AB  - Although three-dimensional nanostructured solar cells have attracted extensive
      research attention due to their superior broadband and omnidirectional light
      harvesting properties, majority of them are still suffered from complicated
      fabrication processes as well as disappointed photovoltaic performances. Here, we
      employed our newly-developed, low-cost and simple wet anisotropic etching to
      fabricate hierarchical silicon nanostructured arrays with different solar cell
      contact design, followed by systematic investigations of their photovoltaic
      characteristics. Specifically, nano-arrays with the tapered tips (e.g. inverted
      nanopencils) are found to enable the more conformal top electrode deposition
      directly onto the nanostructures for better series and shunt conductance, but its
      insufficient film coverage at the basal plane would still restrict the charge
      carrier collection. In contrast, the low-platform contact design facilitates a
      substantial photovoltaic device performance enhancement of ~24%, as compared to
      the one of conventional top electrode design, due to the shortened current path
      and improved lateral conductance for the minimized carrier recombination and
      series resistance. This enhanced contact structure can not only maintain
      excellent photon-trapping behaviors of nanostructures, but also help to eliminate
      adverse impacts of these tapered nano-morphological features on the contact
      resistance, providing further insight into design consideration in optimizing the
      contact geometry for high-performance nanostructured photovoltaic devices.

PMID- 27671710
TI  - Unlocking the black box: teaching mathematical modeling with popular culture.
AB  - Mathematical modeling is an important tool in biological research, allowing for
      the synthesis of results from many studies into an understanding of a system.
      Despite this, the need for extensive subject matter knowledge and complex
      mathematics often leaves modeling as an esoteric subspecialty. A 2-fold approach
      can be used to make modeling more approachable for students and those interested
      in obtaining a functional knowledge of modeling. The first is the use of a
      popular culture disease system-a zombie epidemic-to allow for exploration of the
      concepts of modeling using a flexible framework. The second is the use of
      available interactive and non-calculus-based tools to allow students to work with
      and implement models to cement their understanding.

PMID- 27671711
TI  - Degradation of carbonyl sulfide by Actinomycetes and detection of clade D of beta
      class carbonic anhydrase.
AB  - Carbonyl sulfide (COS) is an atmospheric trace gas and one of the sources of
      stratospheric aerosol contributing to climate change. Although one of the major
      sinks of COS is soil, the distribution of COS degradation ability among bacteria
      remains unclear. Seventeen out of 20 named bacteria belonging to Actinomycetales
      had COS degradation activity at mole fractions of 30 parts per million by volume
      (ppmv) COS. Dietzia maris NBRC 15801T and Mycobacterium sp. THI405 had the
      activity comparable to a chemolithoautotroph Thiobacillus thioparus THI115 that
      degrade COS by COS hydrolase for energy production. Among 12 bacteria manifesting
      rapid degradation at 30 ppmv COS, Dietzia maris NBRC 15801T and Streptomyces
      ambofaciens NBRC 12836T degraded ambient COS (~500 parts per trillion by volume).
      Geodermatophilus obscurus NBRC 13315T and Amycolatopsis orientalis NBRC 12806T
      increased COS concentrations. Moreover, six of eight COS degrading bacteria
      isolated from soils had partial nucleotide sequences similar to that of the gene
      encoding clade D of beta-class carbonic anhydrase, which included COS hydrolase.
      These results indicate the potential importance of Actinomycetes in the role of
      soils as sinks of atmospheric COS.

PMID- 27671712
TI  - The role of subchondral bone damage in post-traumatic osteoarthritis.
AB  - Osteoarthritis (OA), the most common musculoskeletal disease in the United
      States, is characterized by cartilage breakdown, pain, and restricted movement.
      Post-traumatic OA (PTOA) occurs subsequent to traumatic joint injury, such as
      anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture, and makes up 12% of the overall disease
      burden, with healthcare costs of approximately $3 billion/year. The current
      paradigm for PTOA is based on the observation that joint injury affects multiple
      tissues, all of which may contribute to subsequent joint failure. Subchondral
      bone plays a significant role in PTOA, as shown by magnetic resonance imaging
      evidence that subchondral bone marrow lesions (BMLs) are present in 80% of ACL
      rupture cases immediately after joint injury. The presence of BMLs indicates an
      acute consequence of injury, specifically in subchondral bone, which could be
      targeted with preventative therapy. BMLs may be a direct representation of
      physical damage to bone tissue. Interestingly, microdamage is known to induce
      osteoclast-mediated remodeling in bone. Furthermore, the contiguous link between
      subchondral bone and articular cartilage may allow transport of small molecules,
      resulting from these remodeling processes, to cross the osteochondral junction
      and contribute to PTOA development. Targeting subchondral bone by inhibiting
      subchondral remodeling, particularly in the early phase postinjury, may be a
      potential approach for preventing PTOA.

PMID- 27671713
TI  - Investigation on the anaerobic propionate degradation by Escherichia coli K12.
AB  - Propionate is an abundant carboxylic acid in nature. Microorganisms metabolize
      propionate aerobically via the 2-methylcitrate pathway. This pathway depends on a
      series of three reactions in the citric acid cycle that leads to the conversion
      of succinate to oxaloacetate. Interestingly, the gamma-proteobacterium
      Escherichia coli can use propionate as a carbon and electron source under oxic
      but not under anoxic conditions. RT-PCR and transcriptomic analysis revealed a
      posttranscriptional regulation of the prpBCDE-gene cluster encoding the necessary
      enzymes for propionate metabolism. The polycistronic mRNA seems to be hydrolyzed
      in the 3'-5' direction under anoxic conditions. This regulatory strategy is
      highly constructive because the last gene of the operon encodes the first enzyme
      of the propionate metabolism. Further analysis revealed that RNase R is involved
      in the hydrolysis of the prp transcripts. Consequently, an rnr-deletion strain
      could metabolize propionate under anoxic conditions. To the best of our
      knowledge, this is the first study describing the influence of RNase R on the
      anaerobic metabolism of E. coli.

PMID- 27671714
TI  - Vestibular Neuritis With Minimal Canal Paresis: Characteristics and Clinical
      Implication.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To analyze the clinical characteristics of vestibular neuritis
      patients with minimal canal paresis (canal paresis <25%). METHODS: Patients
      clinically diagnosed with vestibular neuritis and treated at our institute
      (n=201) underwent otoneurological examination and vestibular function tests.
      Patients were categorized in terms of the results of caloric testing (canal
      paresis<25%, n=58; canal paresis>=25%, n=143). Clinical characteristics and
      laboratory outcomes were compared between two groups. RESULTS: Existence of
      underlying diseases, preceding symptoms, and direction of spontaneous nystagmus
      were not different between the groups. The mean duration of spontaneous nystagmus
      was shortest in the minimal canal paresis group (P<0.001) and the direction of
      spontaneous nystagmus changed more frequently in this group (P<0.001) during
      recovery. Among the subgroup with minimal canal paresis, only 29.5% had an
      abnormal finding on the rotatory chair test, as compared to 81.5% of the canal
      paresis group. The minimal canal paresis group showed higher sensory organization
      test scores in computerized dynamic posturography. CONCLUSION: Patients with
      minimal canal paresis (canal paresis <25%) show similar clinical manifestations
      as conventional vestibular neuritis patients, but have faster recovery of
      symptoms and a higher incidence of recovery nystagmus. This finding support that
      the minimal canal paresis could be considered as a milder type of vestibular
      neuritis.

PMID- 27671715
TI  - The Efficacy of Fibroblast Growth Factor for the Treatment of Chronic Vocal Fold
      Scarring: From Animal Model to Clinical Application.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the regenerative efficacy of basic fibroblast
      growth factor (FGF) in a rabbit model of chronic vocal fold scarring and then
      confirmed its utility and safety in a prospective trial of patients with this
      condition. METHODS: FGF was injected three times, at 1-week intervals, into a
      chronic vocal fold scar created in a rabbit model. After 1 month, mRNA level of
      procollagen I, hyaluronic acid synthetase 2 (HAS 2), and matrix metalloproteinase
      2 (MMP 2) were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The relative
      densities of hyaluronic acid (HA) and collagen were examined 3 months post
      injection. From April 2012 to September 2014, a prospective clinical trial was
      conducted at a tertiary hospital in Korea. FGF was injected into the mild vocal
      fold scar of 17 consecutive patients with a small glottic gap. The patients
      underwent perceptual, stroboscopic, acoustic aerodynamic test, and Voice Handicap
      Index (VHI) survey prior to and 3, 6, and 12 months after FGF injection. RESULTS:
      FGF injection of the vocal fold scar decreased the density of collagen and
      increased mRNA level of HAS 2 and MMP 2 expression significantly compared to the
      control group injected with phosphate buffered solution in a rabbit model
      (P<0.05). In the clinical trial, significant improvements in the majority of the
      subjective and objective voice parameters were registered 3 months after FGF
      injection and were maintained at 12 months. Complications associated with the FGF
      injections, such as granuloma, were not observed during the follow-up period.
      CONCLUSION: Based on the animal model and the prospective clinical trial, vocal
      fold injections of FGF in patients with mild chronic vocal fold scarring can
      significantly improve voice quality for as long as 1 year and without side
      effects. Our results recommend the use of FGF vocal fold injection as an
      alternative treatment modality for mild chronic vocal fold scarring.

PMID- 27671717
TI  - Introduction.
AB  - Alternative approaches to animal testing are gaining momentum with an increasing
      number of test methods obtaining international acceptance, thanks in large part
      to the validation efforts conducted on these assays. The principles and process
      of validation were first established in the 1990s in Europe and USA, and further
      gained international recognition ensuring the broader acceptance of alternative
      test methods at a regulatory level. If these principles were successful in
      pioneering the regulatory acceptance of alternative methods for less complex
      endpoints, an evolution of concepts is needed to embrace emerging technologies
      and the increased complexity of endpoints. Innovative concepts and approaches of
      scientific validation can help to ensure the continued regulatory and
      international acceptance of novel alternative methods and technologies for
      toxicity testing such as human-based in vitro models derived from induced
      pluripotent stem cells and significant advances in bioengineering. This chapter
      provides a historical overview of the establishment and evolution of the
      principles of the scientific validation of alternative methods for toxicity
      testing as well as the challenges and opportunities for adapting those principles
      to keep pace with scientific progress whilst ensuring human safety and best serve
      the needs of society.

PMID- 27671716
TI  - Analysis of Prognostic Factors in Malignant External Otitis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Malignant external otitis (MEO) is a potentially fatal infection of
      the external auditory canal, temporal bone, and skull base. Despite treatment
      with modern antibiotics, MEO can lead to skull base osteomyelitis. Until now,
      there have been few studies on the prognostic factors of MEO. METHODS: We
      performed a retrospective study to identify prognostic factors of MEO, and a meta
      analysis of other articles investigating MEO. On the basis of disease progression
      the 28 patients in our study were divided into 'controlled' and 'uncontrolled'
      groups, consisting of 12 and 16 patients, respectively. We identified three
      categories of prognostic factors: those related to patient, disease, and
      treatment. We compared these prognostic factors between the controlled and
      uncontrolled groups. RESULTS: In our study, the duration of diabetes mellitus
      (DM), presence of inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein and erythrocyte
      sedimentation rate), and computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging
      findings influenced the prognosis of MEO. In contrast, prognosis was unrelated to
      age, gender, mean glucose level, hemoglobin A1c level, pathogen, comorbidity, or
      cranial nerve involvement. No factor related to treatment modality was correlated
      with prognosis, such as surgery, steroid therapy, or interval to the first
      appropriate treatment. Cranial nerve involvement has been proven to be associated
      with disease progression, but the relationship between cranial nerve involvement
      and the prognosis of MEO remains controversial. As a part of this study, we
      conducted a meta-analysis of cranial nerve involvement as a prognostic factor of
      MEO. We found that cranial nerve involvement has a statistically significant
      influence on the prognosis of MEO. CONCLUSION: We found that glycemic control in
      diabetes mellitus, cranial nerve involvement, and the extent of disease
      determined from various imaging modalities influence the prognosis of MEO. We
      suggest that significant prognostic factors should be monitored to determine the
      prognosis of patients with MEO.

PMID- 27671718
TI  - Validation in Support of Internationally Harmonised OECD Test Guidelines for
      Assessing the Safety of Chemicals.
AB  - Ten years elapsed since the OECD published the Guidance document on the
      validation and international regulatory acceptance of test methods for hazard
      assessment. Much experience has been gained since then in validation centres, in
      countries and at the OECD on a variety of test methods that were subjected to
      validation studies. This chapter reviews validation principles and highlights
      common features that appear to be important for further regulatory acceptance
      across studies. Existing OECD-agreed validation principles will most likely
      generally remain relevant and applicable to address challenges associated with
      the validation of future test methods. Some adaptations may be needed to take
      into account the level of technique introduced in test systems, but demonstration
      of relevance and reliability will continue to play a central role as pre
      requisite for the regulatory acceptance. Demonstration of relevance will become
      more challenging for test methods that form part of a set of predictive tools and
      methods, and that do not stand alone. OECD is keen on ensuring that while these
      concepts evolve, countries can continue to rely on valid methods and harmonised
      approaches for an efficient testing and assessment of chemicals.

PMID- 27671719
TI  - Regulatory Acceptance of Alternative Methods in the Development and Approval of
      Pharmaceuticals.
AB  - Animal studies may be carried out to support first administration of a new
      medicinal product to either humans or the target animal species, or before
      performing clinical trials in even larger populations, or before marketing
      authorisation, or to control quality during production. Ethical and animal
      welfare considerations require that animal use is limited as much as possible.
      Directive 2010/63/EU on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes
      unambiguously fosters the application of the principle of the 3Rs when
      considering the choice of methods to be used.As such, today, the 3Rs are embedded
      in the relevant regulatory guidance both at the European (European Medicines
      Agency (EMA)) and (Veterinary) International Conference on Harmonization ((V)ICH)
      levels. With respect to non-clinical testing requirements for human medicinal
      products, reduction and replacement of animal testing has been achieved by the
      regulatory acceptance of new in vitro methods, either as pivotal, supportive or
      exploratory mechanistic studies. Whilst replacement of animal studies remains the
      ultimate goal, approaches aimed at reducing or refining animal studies have also
      been routinely implemented in regulatory guidelines, where applicable. The
      chapter provides an overview of the implementation of 3Rs in the drafting of non
      clinical testing guidelines for human medicinal products at the level of the ICH.
      In addition, the revision of the ICH S2 guideline on genotoxicity testing and
      data interpretation for pharmaceuticals intended for human use is discussed as a
      case study.In October 2010, the EMA established a Joint ad hoc Expert Group (JEG
      3Rs) with the mandate to improve and foster the application of 3Rs principles to
      the regulatory testing of medicinal products throughout their lifecycle. As such,
      a Guideline on regulatory acceptance of 3R testing approaches was drafted that
      defines regulatory acceptance and provides guidance on the scientific and
      technical criteria for regulatory acceptance of 3R testing approaches, including
      a process for collection of real-life data (safe harbour). Pathways for
      regulatory acceptance of 3R testing approaches are depicted and a new procedure
      for submission and evaluation of a proposal for regulatory acceptance of 3R
      testing approaches is described.

PMID- 27671720
TI  - Validation of Alternative In Vitro Methods to Animal Testing: Concepts,
      Challenges, Processes and Tools.
AB  - This chapter explores the concepts, processes, tools and challenges relating to
      the validation of alternative methods for toxicity and safety testing. In general
      terms, validation is the process of assessing the appropriateness and usefulness
      of a tool for its intended purpose. Validation is routinely used in various
      contexts in science, technology, the manufacturing and services sectors. It
      serves to assess the fitness-for-purpose of devices, systems, software up to
      entire methodologies. In the area of toxicity testing, validation plays an
      indispensable role: "alternative approaches" are increasingly replacing animal
      models as predictive tools and it needs to be demonstrated that these novel
      methods are fit for purpose. Alternative approaches include in vitro test
      methods, non-testing approaches such as predictive computer models up to entire
      testing and assessment strategies composed of method suites, data sources and
      decision-aiding tools. Data generated with alternative approaches are ultimately
      used for decision-making on public health and the protection of the environment.
      It is therefore essential that the underlying methods and methodologies are
      thoroughly characterised, assessed and transparently documented through
      validation studies involving impartial actors. Importantly, validation serves as
      a filter to ensure that only test methods able to produce data that help to
      address legislative requirements (e.g. EU's REACH legislation) are accepted as
      official testing tools and, owing to the globalisation of markets, recognised on
      international level (e.g. through inclusion in OECD test guidelines). Since
      validation creates a credible and transparent evidence base on test methods, it
      provides a quality stamp, supporting companies developing and marketing
      alternative methods and creating considerable business opportunities. Validation
      of alternative methods is conducted through scientific studies assessing two key
      hypotheses, reliability and relevance of the test method for a given purpose.
      Relevance encapsulates the scientific basis of the test method, its capacity to
      predict adverse effects in the "target system" (i.e. human health or the
      environment) as well as its applicability for the intended purpose. In this
      chapter we focus on the validation of non-animal in vitro alternative testing
      methods and review the concepts, challenges, processes and tools fundamental to
      the validation of in vitro methods intended for hazard testing of chemicals. We
      explore major challenges and peculiarities of validation in this area. Based on
      the notion that validation per se is a scientific endeavour that needs to adhere
      to key scientific principles, namely objectivity and appropriate choice of
      methodology, we examine basic aspects of study design and management, and provide
      illustrations of statistical approaches to describe predictive performance of
      validated test methods as well as their reliability.

PMID- 27671722
TI  - Validation of Computational Methods.
AB  - In this chapter, we provide an overview of how (Quantitative) Structure Activity
      Relationships, (Q)SARs, are validated and applied for regulatory purposes. We
      outline how chemical categories are derived to facilitate endpoint specific read
      across using tools such as the OECD QSAR Toolbox and discuss some of the current
      difficulties in addressing the residual uncertainties of read-across. Finally we
      put forward a perspective of how non-testing approaches may evolve in light of
      the advances in new and emerging technologies and how these fit within the
      Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) framework.

PMID- 27671721
TI  - Practical Aspects of Designing and Conducting Validation Studies Involving Multi
      study Trials.
AB  - This chapter focuses on practical aspects of conducting prospective in vitro
      validation studies, and in particular, by laboratories that are members of the
      European Union Network of Laboratories for the Validation of Alternative Methods
      (EU-NETVAL) that is coordinated by the EU Reference Laboratory for Alternatives
      to Animal Testing (EURL ECVAM). Prospective validation studies involving EU
      NETVAL, comprising a multi-study trial involving several laboratories or "test
      facilities", typically consist of two main steps: (1) the design of the
      validation study by EURL ECVAM and (2) the execution of the multi-study trial by
      a number of qualified laboratories within EU-NETVAL, coordinated and supported by
      EURL ECVAM. The approach adopted in the conduct of these validation studies
      adheres to the principles described in the OECD Guidance Document on the
      Validation and International Acceptance of new or updated test methods for Hazard
      Assessment No. 34 (OECD 2005). The context and scope of conducting prospective in
      vitro validation studies is dealt with in Chap. 4 . Here we focus mainly on the
      processes followed to carry out a prospective validation of in vitro methods
      involving different laboratories with the ultimate aim of generating a dataset
      that can support a decision in relation to the possible development of an
      international test guideline (e.g. by the OECD) or the establishment of
      performance standards.

PMID- 27671723
TI  - Implementation of New Test Methods into Practical Testing.
AB  - New toxicology test methods, especially those using in vitro methods, are
      continually being developed. Some are used by industry for screening purposes;
      others are eventually validated for regulatory use. However, for a new test
      method to be firmly adopted by industry it must be readily available, generally
      through an in-house industry laboratory, an academic laboratory, or a contract
      research organization. Regardless of the type of laboratory which intends to
      implement the test method, certain steps must be taken to ascertain that the
      method that is put into place is reproducible and performs identically to the
      test method that was published or has undergone validation. This involves
      developing protocols and standard operating procedures, training staff,
      developing historic positive and negative control data, establishing acceptable
      performance with proficiency chemicals, and addressing all the safety concerns
      that may accompany the assay. From experience within a contract research
      laboratory, we provide guidance on how to most efficiently accomplish these
      tasks.

PMID- 27671724
TI  - Pathway Based Toxicology and Fit-for-Purpose Assays.
AB  - The field of toxicity testing for non-pharmaceutical chemicals is in flux with
      multiple initiatives in North America and the EU to move away from animal testing
      to mode-of-action based in vitro assays. In this arena, there are still obstacles
      to overcome, such as developing appropriate cellular assays, creating pathway
      based dose-response models and refining in vitro-in vivo extrapolation (IVIVE)
      tools. Overall, it is necessary to provide assurances that these new approaches
      are adequately protective of human and ecological health. Another major challenge
      for individual scientists and regulatory agencies is developing a cultural
      willingness to shed old biases developed around animal tests and become more
      comfortable with mode-of-action based assays in human cells. At present, most
      initiatives focus on developing in vitro alternatives and assessing how well
      these alternative methods reproduce past results related to predicting organism
      level toxicity in intact animals. The path forward requires looking beyond
      benchmarking against high dose animal studies. We need to develop targeted
      cellular assays, new cell biology-based extrapolation models for assessing
      regions of safety for chemical exposures in human populations, and mode-of-action
      based approaches which are constructed on an understanding of human biology.
      Furthermore, it is essential that assay developers have the flexibility to
      'validate' against the most appropriate mode-of-action data rather than against
      apical endpoints in high dose animal studies. This chapter demonstrates the
      principles of fit-for-purpose assay development using pathway-targeted case
      studies. The projects include p53-mdm2-mediated DNA-repair, estrogen receptor
      mediated cell proliferation and PPARalpha receptor-mediated liver responses.

PMID- 27671725
TI  - Evidence-Based Toxicology.
AB  - Evidence-based toxicology (EBT) was introduced independently by two groups in
      2005, in the context of toxicological risk assessment and causation as well as
      based on parallels between the evaluation of test methods in toxicology and
      evidence-based assessment of diagnostics tests in medicine. The role model of
      evidence-based medicine (EBM) motivated both proposals and guided the evolution
      of EBT, whereas especially systematic reviews and evidence quality assessment
      attract considerable attention in toxicology.Regarding test assessment, in the
      search of solutions for various problems related to validation, such as the
      imperfectness of the reference standard or the challenge to comprehensively
      evaluate tests, the field of Diagnostic Test Assessment (DTA) was identified as a
      potential resource. DTA being an EBM discipline, test method
      assessment/validation therefore became one of the main drivers spurring the
      development of EBT.In the context of pathway-based toxicology, EBT approaches,
      given their objectivity, transparency and consistency, have been proposed to be
      used for carrying out a (retrospective) mechanistic validation.In summary,
      implementation of more evidence-based approaches may provide the tools necessary
      to adapt the assessment/validation of toxicological test methods and testing
      strategies to face the challenges of toxicology in the twenty first century.

PMID- 27671726
TI  - Validation of Transcriptomics-Based In Vitro Methods.
AB  - The field of transcriptomics has expanded rapidly during the last decades. This
      methodology provides an exceptional framework to study not only molecular changes
      underlying the adverse effects of a given compound, but also to understand its
      Mode of Action (MoA). However, the implementation of transcriptomics-based tests
      within the regulatory arena is not a straightforward process. One of the major
      obstacles in their regulatory implementation is still the interpretation of this
      new class of data and the judgment of the level of confidence of these tests. A
      key element in the regulatory acceptance of transcriptomics-based tests is
      validation, which still represents a major challenge. Although important advances
      have been made in the development and standardisation of such tests, to date
      there is limited experience with their validation. Taking into account the
      experience acquired so far, this chapter describes those aspects that were
      identified as important in the validation process of transcriptomics-based tests,
      including the assessment of standardisation, reliability and relevance. It also
      critically discusses the challenges posed to validation in relation to the
      specific characteristics of these approaches and their application in the wider
      context of testing strategies.

PMID- 27671727
TI  - Ensuring the Quality of Stem Cell-Derived In Vitro Models for Toxicity Testing.
AB  - Quality control of cell cultures used in new in vitro toxicology assays is
      crucial to the provision of reliable, reproducible and accurate toxicity data on
      new drugs or constituents of new consumer products. This chapter explores the key
      scientific and ethical criteria that must be addressed at the earliest stages of
      developing toxicology assays based on human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) lines.
      It also identifies key considerations for such assays to be acceptable for
      regulatory, laboratory safety and commercial purposes. Also addressed is the
      development of hPSC-based assays for the tissue and cell types of greatest
      interest in drug toxicology. The chapter draws on a range of expert opinion
      within the European Commission/Cosmetics Europe-funded alternative testing
      cluster SEURAT-1 and consensus from international groups delivering this guidance
      such as the International Stem Cell Banking Initiative. Accordingly, the chapter
      summarizes the most up-date best practices in the use and quality control of
      human Pluripotent Stem Cell lines in the development of in vitro toxicity assays
      from leading experts in the field.

PMID- 27671728
TI  - Validation of Bioreactor and Human-on-a-Chip Devices for Chemical Safety
      Assessment.
AB  - Equipment and device qualification and test assay validation in the field of
      tissue engineered human organs for substance assessment remain formidable tasks
      with only a few successful examples so far. The hurdles seem to increase with the
      growing complexity of the biological systems, emulated by the respective models.
      Controlled single tissue or organ culture in bioreactors improves the organ
      specific functions and maintains their phenotypic stability for longer periods of
      time. The reproducibility attained with bioreactor operations is, per se, an
      advantage for the validation of safety assessment. Regulatory agencies have
      gradually altered the validation concept from exhaustive "product" to rigorous
      and detailed process characterization, valuing reproducibility as a standard for
      validation. "Human-on-a-chip" technologies applying micro-physiological systems
      to the in vitro combination of miniaturized human organ equivalents into
      functional human micro-organisms are nowadays thought to be the most elaborate
      solution created to date. They target the replacement of the current most complex
      models-laboratory animals. Therefore, we provide here a road map towards the
      validation of such "human-on-a-chip" models and qualification of their respective
      bioreactor and microchip equipment along a path currently used for the respective
      animal models.

PMID- 27671729
TI  - Integrated Approaches to Testing and Assessment.
AB  - In this chapter, we explain how Integrated Approaches to Testing and Assessment
      (IATA) offer a means of integrating and translating the data generated by
      toxicity testing methods, thereby serving as flexible and suitable tools for
      toxicological decision making in the twenty-first century. In addition to
      traditional in vitro and in vivo testing methods, IATA are increasingly
      incorporating newly developed in vitro systems and measurement technologies such
      as high throughput screening and high content imaging. Computational approaches
      are also being used in IATA development, both as a means of generating data (e.g.
      QSARs), interpreting data (bioinformatics and chemoinformatics), and as a means
      of integrating multiple sources of data (e.g. expert systems, bayesian models).
      Decision analytic methods derived from socioeconomic theory can also play a role
      in developing flexible and optimal IATA solutions. Some of the challenges
      involved in the development, validation and implementation of IATA are also
      discussed.

PMID- 27671731
TI  - Evolving the Principles and Practice of Validation for New Alternative Approaches
      to Toxicity Testing.
AB  - Validation is essential for the translation of newly developed alternative
      approaches to animal testing into tools and solutions suitable for regulatory
      applications. Formal approaches to validation have emerged over the past 20 years
      or so and although they have helped greatly to progress the field, it is
      essential that the principles and practice underpinning validation continue to
      evolve to keep pace with scientific progress. The modular approach to validation
      should be exploited to encourage more innovation and flexibility in study design
      and to increase efficiency in filling data gaps. With the focus now on integrated
      approaches to testing and assessment that are based on toxicological knowledge
      captured as adverse outcome pathways, and which incorporate the latest in vitro
      and computational methods, validation needs to adapt to ensure it adds value
      rather than hinders progress. Validation needs to be pursued both at the method
      level, to characterise the performance of in vitro methods in relation their
      ability to detect any association of a chemical with a particular pathway or key
      toxicological event, and at the methodological level, to assess how integrated
      approaches can predict toxicological endpoints relevant for regulatory decision
      making. To facilitate this, more emphasis needs to be given to the development of
      performance standards that can be applied to classes of methods and integrated
      approaches that provide similar information. Moreover, the challenge of selecting
      the right reference chemicals to support validation needs to be addressed more
      systematically, consistently and in a manner that better reflects the state of
      the science. Above all however, validation requires true partnership between the
      development and user communities of alternative methods and the appropriate
      investment of resources.

PMID- 27671730
TI  - International Harmonization and Cooperation in the Validation of Alternative
      Methods.
AB  - The development and validation of scientific alternatives to animal testing is
      important not only from an ethical perspective (implementation of 3Rs), but also
      to improve safety assessment decision making with the use of mechanistic
      information of higher relevance to humans. To be effective in these efforts, it
      is however imperative that validation centres, industry, regulatory bodies,
      academia and other interested parties ensure a strong international cooperation,
      cross-sector collaboration and intense communication in the design, execution,
      and peer review of validation studies. Such an approach is critical to achieve
      harmonized and more transparent approaches to method validation, peer-review and
      recommendation, which will ultimately expedite the international acceptance of
      valid alternative methods or strategies by regulatory authorities and their
      implementation and use by stakeholders. It also allows achieving greater
      efficiency and effectiveness by avoiding duplication of effort and leveraging
      limited resources. In view of achieving these goals, the International
      Cooperation on Alternative Test Methods (ICATM) was established in 2009 by
      validation centres from Europe, USA, Canada and Japan. ICATM was later joined by
      Korea in 2011 and currently also counts with Brazil and China as observers. This
      chapter describes the existing differences across world regions and major efforts
      carried out for achieving consistent international cooperation and harmonization
      in the validation and adoption of alternative approaches to animal testing.

PMID- 27671733
TI  - Amygdala-ventral striatum circuit activation decreases long-term fear.
AB  - In humans, activation of the ventral striatum, a region associated with reward
      processing, is associated with the extinction of fear, a goal in the treatment of
      fear-related disorders. This evidence suggests that extinction of aversive
      memories engages reward-related circuits, but a causal relationship between
      activity in a reward circuit and fear extinction has not been demonstrated. Here,
      we identify a basolateral amygdala (BLA)-ventral striatum (NAc) pathway that is
      activated by extinction training. Enhanced recruitment of this circuit during
      extinction learning, either by pairing reward with fear extinction training or by
      optogenetic stimulation of this circuit during fear extinction, reduces the
      return of fear that normally follows extinction training. Our findings thus
      identify a specific BLA-NAc reward circuit that can regulate the persistence of
      fear extinction and point toward a potential therapeutic target for disorders in
      which the return of fear following extinction therapy is an obstacle to
      treatment.

PMID- 27671732
TI  - Global genetic diversity of Aedes aegypti.
AB  - Mosquitoes, especially Aedes aegypti, are becoming important models for studying
      invasion biology. We characterized genetic variation at 12 microsatellite loci in
      79 populations of Ae. aegypti from 30 countries in six continents, and used them
      to infer historical and modern patterns of invasion. Our results support the two
      subspecies Ae. aegypti formosus and Ae. aegypti aegypti as genetically distinct
      units. Ae. aegypti aegypti populations outside Africa are derived from ancestral
      African populations and are monophyletic. The two subspecies co-occur in both
      East Africa (Kenya) and West Africa (Senegal). In rural/forest settings (Rabai
      District of Kenya), the two subspecies remain genetically distinct, whereas in
      urban settings, they introgress freely. Populations outside Africa are highly
      genetically structured likely due to a combination of recent founder effects,
      discrete discontinuous habitats and low migration rates. Ancestral populations in
      sub-Saharan Africa are less genetically structured, as are the populations in
      Asia. Introduction of Ae. aegypti to the New World coinciding with trans-Atlantic
      shipping in the 16th to 18th centuries was followed by its introduction to Asia
      in the late 19th century from the New World or from now extinct populations in
      the Mediterranean Basin. Aedes mascarensis is a genetically distinct sister
      species to Ae. aegypti s.l. This study provides a reference database of genetic
      diversity that can be used to determine the likely origin of new introductions
      that occur regularly for this invasive species. The genetic uniqueness of many
      populations and regions has important implications for attempts to control Ae.
      aegypti, especially for the methods using genetic modification of populations.

PMID- 27671735
TI  - Microbial contributions to subterranean methane sinks.
AB  - Sources and sinks of methane (CH4 ) are critical for understanding global
      biogeochemical cycles and their role in climate change. A growing number of
      studies have reported that CH4 concentrations in cave ecosystems are depleted,
      leading to the notion that these subterranean environments may act as sinks for
      atmospheric CH4 . Recently, it was hypothesized that this CH4 depletion may be
      caused by radiolysis, an abiotic process whereby CH4 is oxidized via interactions
      with ionizing radiation derived from radioactive decay. An alternate explanation
      is that the depletion of CH4 concentrations in caves could be due to biological
      processes, specifically oxidation by methanotrophic bacteria. We theoretically
      explored the radiolysis hypothesis and conclude that it is a kinetically
      constrained process that is unlikely to lead to the rapid loss of CH4 in
      subterranean environments. We present results from a controlled laboratory
      experiment to support this claim. We then tested the microbial oxidation
      hypothesis with a set of mesocosm experiments that were conducted in two
      Vietnamese caves. Our results reveal that methanotrophic bacteria associated with
      cave rocks consume CH4 at a rate of 1.3-2.7 mg CH4  . m-2  . d-1 . These CH4
      oxidation rates equal or exceed what has been reported in other habitats,
      including agricultural systems, grasslands, deciduous forests, and Arctic tundra.
      Together, our results suggest that depleted concentrations of CH4 in caves are
      most likely due to microbial activity, not radiolysis as has been recently
      claimed. Microbial methanotrophy has the potential to oxidize CH4 not only in
      caves, but also in smaller-size open subterranean spaces, such as cracks,
      fissures, and other pores that are connected to and rapidly exchange with the
      atmosphere. Future studies are needed to understand how subterranean CH4
      oxidation scales up to affect local, regional, and global CH4 cycling.

PMID- 27671734
TI  - Accelerated remyelination during inflammatory demyelination prevents axonal loss
      and improves functional recovery.
AB  - Demyelination in MS disrupts nerve signals and contributes to axon degeneration.
      While remyelination promises to restore lost function, it remains unclear whether
      remyelination will prevent axonal loss. Inflammatory demyelination is accompanied
      by significant neuronal loss in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
      (EAE) mouse model and evidence for remyelination in this model is complicated by
      ongoing inflammation, degeneration and possible remyelination. Demonstrating the
      functional significance of remyelination necessitates selectively altering the
      timing of remyelination relative to inflammation and degeneration. We demonstrate
      accelerated remyelination after EAE induction by direct lineage analysis and
      hypothesize that newly formed myelin remains stable at the height of inflammation
      due in part to the absence of MOG expression in immature myelin. Oligodendroglial
      specific genetic ablation of the M1 muscarinic receptor, a potent negative
      regulator of oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelination, results in
      accelerated remyelination, preventing axonal loss and improving functional
      recovery. Together our findings demonstrate that accelerated remyelination
      supports axonal integrity and neuronal function after inflammatory demyelination.

PMID- 27671736
TI  - Plasmodium falciparum infection in febrile Congolese children: prevalence of
      clinical malaria 10 years after introduction of artemisinin-combination
      therapies.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the proportion of malaria infection in febrile
      children consulting a paediatric hospital in Brazzaville, to determine the
      prevalence of submicroscopic malaria infection, to characterise Plasmodium
      falciparum infection and compare the prevalence of uncomplicated P. falciparum
      malaria according to haemoglobin profiles. METHODS: Blood samples were collected
      from children aged <10 years with an axillary temperature >=37.5  degrees C
      consulting the paediatric ward of Marien Ngouabi Hospital in Brazzaville.
      Parasite density was determined and all samples were screened for P. falciparum
      by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using the P. falciparum msp-2 marker to
      detect submicroscopic infections and characterise P. falciparum infection. Sickle
      cell trait was screened by PCR. RESULTS: A total of 229 children with fever were
      recruited, of whom 10% were diagnosed with uncomplicated malaria and 21% with
      submicroscopic infection. The mean parasite density in children with
      uncomplicated malaria was 42 824 parasites/MUl of blood. The multiplicity of
      infection (MOI) was 1.59 in children with uncomplicated malaria and 1.69 in
      children with submicroscopic infection. The mean haemoglobin level was 10.1 +/-
      1.7 for children with uncomplicated malaria and 12.0 +/- 8.6 for children with
      submicroscopic infection. About 13% of the children harboured the sickle cell
      trait (HbAS); the rest had normal haemoglobin (HbAA). No difference in prevalence
      of uncomplicated malaria and submicroscopic infection, parasite density,
      haemoglobin level, MOI and P. falciparum genetic diversity was observed according
      to haemoglobin type. CONCLUSION: The low prevalence of uncomplicated malaria in
      febrile Congolese children indicates the necessity to investigate carefully other
      causes of fever.

PMID- 27671738
TI  - Differential Counting of Asbestos Using Phase Contrast and Fluorescence
      Microscopy.
AB  - Considering the increasing use of various asbestos substitutes, asbestos risk
      management in many industries may require accurate techniques for detecting and
      distinguishing asbestos from non-asbestos fibers. Using fluorescently labeled
      asbestos-binding proteins, we previously developed a novel method for detection
      and counting of asbestos fibers under fluorescence microscopy (FM). This method
      can provide speedy, on-site detection and identification of the asbestos fibers
      and has higher sensitivity than phase contrast microscopy (PCM). However, current
      asbestos exposure limits are derived from risk assessments based on
      epidemiological studies that were conducted using PCM fiber counts. Therefore,
      the sensitivity of asbestos testing should be maintained at PCM level to properly
      assess compliance with these limit values. Here, we developed and tested a novel
      application of FM as a differential counting method that complements PCM analysis
      and is fully compatible with the PCM-based epidemiological data. In the combined
      PCM-FM method, the fluorescent asbestos-binding probe is applied prior to filter
      clearing. The method makes it possible to easily switch between two microscopic
      techniques while analyzing the same fields of view: PCM is used for counting
      fibers, and FM for differentiating asbestos from non-asbestos fibers. Using
      airborne dust samples from demolition sites in Japan, we compared PCM-FM with
      scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-based differential counting method.
      Statistical analysis indicated a slight conservative bias of PCM-FM method,
      combined with relatively high variability across the full range of fiber
      concentrations in our sample set. Using correlative microscopy, we also evaluated
      the specificity of FM staining, which is a potential cause of variability between
      the two methods. The energy-dispersive X-ray analysis indicated that ~95% of
      fluorescently stained fibers in the demolition site samples were correctly
      identified as asbestos. While further research is needed to fully clarify the
      causes of variability between FM- and SEM-based differential counting, PCM-FM
      could be used for rapid and selective detection of asbestos fibers in field
      samples.

PMID- 27671737
TI  - Is Early Appropriate Care of axial and femoral fractures appropriate in multiply
      injured elderly trauma patients?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous work established resuscitation parameters that minimize
      complications with early fracture management. This Early Appropriate Care (EAC)
      protocol was applied to patients with advanced age to determine if they require
      unique parameters to mitigate complications. METHODS: Between October 2010 and
      March 2013, 376 consecutive skeletally mature patients with unstable fractures of
      the pelvis, acetabulum, thoracolumbar spine, and/or proximal or diaphyseal femur
      fractures were treated at a level I trauma center and were prospectively studied.
      Patients aged <=30 years (n = 114), 30 to 60 years (n = 184), and >=60 years (n =
      37) with Injury Severity Scores (ISS) >=16 and unstable fractures of the pelvis,
      acetabulum, spine, and/or diaphyseal femur were treated within 36 h, provided
      they showed evidence of adequate resuscitation. ISS, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS),
      and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification were determined.
      Lactate, pH, and base excess (BE) were measured at 8-h intervals. Complications
      included pneumonia, pulmonary embolism (PE), acute renal failure, acute
      respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), multiple organ failure (MOF), deep vein
      thrombosis, infection, sepsis, and death. RESULTS: Patients <=30 years old (y/o)
      were more likely to sustain gunshot wounds (p = 0.039), while those >=60 y/o were
      more likely to fall from a height (p = 0.002). Complications occurred at similar
      rates for patients <=30 y/o, 30 to 60 y/o, and >=60 y/o. There were no
      differences in lactate, pH, or BE at the time of surgery. For patients <=30 y/o,
      there were increased overall complications if pH was <7.30 (p = 0.042) or BE <
      6.0 (p = 0.049); patients >=60 y/o demonstrated more sepsis if BE was <-6.0 (p =
      0.046). CONCLUSIONS: EAC aims to definitively manage axial and femoral shaft
      fractures once patients have been adequately resuscitated to minimize
      complications. EAC is associated with comparable complication rates in young and
      elderly patients. Further study is warranted with a larger sample to further
      validate EAC in elderly patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: level II prospective,
      comparative study.

PMID- 27671739
TI  - Excavation of Precious-Metal-Based Alloy Nanoparticles for Efficient Catalysis.
AB  - Methods have recently been developed for the synthesis of excavated alloy
      nanoparticles. However, various challenges still need to be overcome for a broad
      range of excavated nanoparticles with different sizes, surface structures,
      compositions, and constituent elements to be available for chemical and energy
      transformations through thermal catalysis and electrocatalysis.

PMID- 27671741
TI  - The potential role of polyphenols in the modulation of skin cell viability by
      Aspalathus linearis and Cyclopia spp. herbal tea extracts in vitro.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The relationship between polyphenol constituents, antioxidant
      properties of aqueous and methanol extracts of green tea (Camellia sinensis), the
      herbal teas, rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) and honeybush (Cyclopia spp.), against
      skin cell viability was investigated in vitro. METHODS: The effect of extracts,
      characterised in terms of polyphenol content and antioxidant properties, on cell
      viability of premalignant, normal and malignant skin cells was determined. KEY
      FINDINGS: Phenolic composition, particularly high levels of potent antioxidants,
      of rooibos and green tea methanol extracts was associated with a strong reduction
      in cell viability specifically targeting premalignant cells. In contrast, the
      aqueous extracts of Cyclopia spp. were more effective in reducing cell viability.
      This correlated with a relatively high flavanol/proanthocyanidin content and ABTS
      radical cation scavenging capacity. The major green tea flavanol
      (epigallocatechin gallate) and rooibos dihydrochalcone (aspalathin) exhibited
      differential effects against cell viability, while the major honeybush xanthone
      (mangiferin) and flavanone (hesperidin) lacked any effect presumably due to a
      cytoprotective effect. The underlying mechanisms against skin cell viability are
      likely to involve mitochondrial dysfunction resulting from polyphenol-iron
      interactions. CONCLUSIONS: The polyphenol constituents and antioxidant parameters
      of herbal tea extracts are useful tools to predict their activity against skin
      cell survival in vitro and potential chemopreventive effects in vivo.

PMID- 27671742
TI  - Study protocol of an RCT of EMOTION: An indicated intervention for children with
      symptoms of anxiety and depression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High levels of anxiety and depression are common psychological
      symptoms among children and adolescents. These symptoms affect young people in
      multiple life domains and are possible precursors of long-term psychological
      distress. Despite relatively high prevalence, few children with emotional
      problems are referred for clinical treatment, indicating the need for systematic
      prevention. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate an indicated preventive
      intervention, EMOTION Coping Kids Managing Anxiety and Depression (EMOTION), to
      reduce high levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a
      clustered randomized controlled trial involving 36 schools, which are assigned to
      one of two conditions: (a) group cognitive behavioral intervention EMOTION or (b)
      treatment as usual (TAU). Assessments will be undertaken at pre-, mid -
      intervention, post-, and one year after intervention. The children (8-11 years
      old) complete self-report questionnaires. Parents and teachers report on
      children. The primary outcome will be changes in depressive and anxiety symptoms
      as measured by the Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (SMFQ) and
      Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children (MASC) respectively. Secondary
      outcomes will be changes in self-esteem, quality of life, and school and daily
      functioning. Observers will assess implementation quality with ratings of
      fidelity based on video recordings of group leaders leading the EMOTION group
      sessions. DISCUSSION: The present study is an important contribution to the field
      regarding working with children with symptoms of anxiety and depression. The
      results of this study will provide an indication whether or not the EMOTION
      program is an effective intervention for the prevention of later depression
      and/or anxiety in children. The study will also provide information about the
      EMOTION program's effect on quality of life, self-esteem, and school functioning
      of the children participating in the study. Finally, the project will provide
      insight into implementation of an indicated intervention for school-aged children
      within Norwegian health, education, and mental health services. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials NCT02340637 , Registered on June 12, 2014, last
      updated on January 15, 2015. Retrospectively registered.

PMID- 27671740
TI  - Revisiting the membrane-centric view of diabetes.
AB  - Fundamental questions remain unresolved in diabetes: What is the actual mechanism
      of glucose toxicity? Why is there insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes? Why do
      diets rich in sugars or saturated fatty acids increase the risk of developing
      diabetes? Studying the C. elegans homologs of the anti-diabetic adiponectin
      receptors (AdipoR1 and AdipoR2) has led us to exciting new discoveries and to
      revisit what may be termed "The Membrane Theory of Diabetes". We hypothesize that
      excess saturated fatty acids (obtained through a diet rich in saturated fats or
      through conversion of sugars into saturated fats via lipogenesis) leads to rigid
      cellular membranes that in turn impair insulin signalling, glucose uptake and
      blood circulation, thus creating a vicious cycle that contributes to the
      development of overt type 2 diabetes. This hypothesis is supported by our own
      studies in C. elegans and by a wealth of literature concerning membrane
      composition in diabetics. The purpose of this review is to survey this literature
      in the light of the new results, and to provide an admittedly membrane-centric
      view of diabetes.

PMID- 27671743
TI  - Development of pre-eclampsia within 4 weeks of sFlt-1/PlGF ratio > 38: comparison
      of performance at 31-34 vs 35-37 weeks' gestation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the performance of screening by soluble fms-like tyrosine
      kinase 1 (sFlt-1) to placental growth factor (PlGF) ratio > 38 for the prediction
      of delivery with pre-eclampsia (PE) at < 1 week and < 4 weeks from assessment
      when the test is carried out at 31-34 vs 35-37 weeks' gestation. METHODS: This
      was a prospective observational study in women attending a third-trimester
      ultrasound scan as part of routine pregnancy care; the visit was at 30-34 weeks'
      gestation in the first phase of the study and at 35-37 weeks in the second phase.
      Serum sFlt-1 and PlGF were measured and their ratio calculated. We estimated the
      detection rate (DR) and false-positive rate (FPR) of sFlt-1/PlGF ratio > 38 for
      predicting delivery with PE at < 1 week and < 4 weeks after assessment and
      compared the performance of screening when the test was carried out at 31 + 0 to
      33 + 6 vs 35 + 0 to 36 + 6 weeks' gestation. RESULTS: The study population
      included 8063 singleton pregnancies that were examined at 31-34 weeks and 3703 at
      35-37 weeks. Delivery with PE occurred at < 1, < 4 and >= 4 weeks from assessment
      in five (0.1%), 29 (0.4%) and 202 (2.5%) women assessed at 31-34 weeks,
      respectively, and in seven (0.2%), 39 (1.1%) and 21 (0.6%) of those assessed at
      35-37 weeks. In women without PE, the median sFlt-1/PlGF ratio increased with
      gestational age at screening and a ratio of 38 was just below the 99th percentile
      at 32 weeks' gestation and just below the 90th percentile at 36 weeks. In the two
      gestational windows, the DR of PE delivering < 4 weeks from assessment was
      similar (75.9% (95% CI, 56.5-89.7%) vs 79.5% (95% CI, 63.5-90.7%)), but the FPR
      was substantially lower at 31-34 weeks than at 35-37 weeks (1.7% (95% CI, 1.4
      2.0%) vs 9.6% (95% CI, 8.7-10.6%)). The number of cases with PE delivering < 1
      week from assessment was small, but similarly, in the two gestational windows,
      the DR was comparable (80.0% (95% CI, 28.4-99.5%) vs 85.7% (95% CI, 42.1-99.6%)),
      and the FPR was substantially lower at 31-34 weeks than at 35-37 weeks (1.9% (95%
      CI, 1.6-2.2%) vs 10.2% (95% CI, 9.3-11.3%)). CONCLUSION: The performance of sFlt
      1/PlGF ratio > 38 in the prediction of delivery with PE at < 1 and < 4 weeks from
      assessment is substantially different when the assessment is at 31-34 weeks'
      gestation compared to at 35-37 weeks. Copyright (c) 2016 ISUOG. Published by John
      Wiley & Sons Ltd.

PMID- 27671744
TI  - Submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection using methylene-blue guidance for
      cardial subepithelial tumors originating from the muscularis propria layer.
AB  - Submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection (STER) of subepithelial tumors (SETs)
      originating from the muscularis propria (MP) layer in the cardia is rarely
      performed due to the difficulty of creating a submucosal tunnel for resection.
      The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of STER using methylene
      blue guidance for SETs originating from the MP layer in the cardia. From January
      2012 to December 2014, 56 patients with SETs originating from the MP layer in the
      cardia were treated with STER using methylene-blue guidance. The complete
      resection rate and adverse event rate were the main outcome measurements.
      Successful complete resection by STER was achieved in all 56 cases (100%). The
      median size of the tumor was 1.8 cm. Nine patients (15.3%) had adverse events
      including subcutaneous emphysema, pneumoperitoneum, pneumothorax, and pleural
      effusion. These nine patients recovered successfully after conservative treatment
      without endoscopic or surgical intervention. No residual or recurrent tumors were
      detected in any patient during the follow-up period (median, 25 months). The
      adverse event rate was significantly higher for tumors originating in the deeper
      MP layers (46.7%) than in the superficial MP layers (4.9%) (P < 0.05), differed
      significantly according to tumor size (5.4% for tumors < 2.0 cm vs. 36.8% for
      tumors >= 2.0 cm; P < 0.05), and also differed significantly in relation to the
      tumor growth pattern (4.1% for the intraluminal growth vs. 100% for the
      extraluminal growth; P < 0.001). STER using methylene-blue guidance appears to be
      a feasible method for removing SETs originating from the MP layer in the cardia.

PMID- 27671745
TI  - Unveiling the propagation dynamics of self-accelerating vector beams.
AB  - We study theoretically and experimentally the varying polarization states and
      intensity patterns of self-accelerating vector beams. It is shown that as these
      beams propagate, the main intensity lobe and the polarization singularity
      gradually drift apart. Furthermore, the propagation dynamics can be manipulated
      by controlling the beams' acceleration coefficients. We also demonstrate the self
      healing dynamics of these accelerating vector beams for which sections of the
      vector beam are being blocked by an opaque or polarizing obstacle. Our results
      indicate that the self-healing process is almost insensitive for the obstacles'
      polarization direction. Moreover, the spatial polarization structure also shows
      self- healing properties, and it is reconstructed as the beam propagates further
      beyond the perturbation plane. These results open various possibilities for
      generating, shaping and manipulating the intensity patterns and space variant
      polarization states of accelerating vector beams.

PMID- 27671746
TI  - The use of adjuvant chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer varies widely between
      hospitals: a nationwide population-based analysis.
AB  - Adjuvant chemotherapy after pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancer is
      currently considered standard of care. In this nationwide study, we investigated
      which characteristics determine the likelihood of receiving adjuvant chemotherapy
      and its effect on overall survival. The data were obtained from the Netherlands
      Cancer Registry. All patients alive 90 days after pancreatoduodenectomy for M0 
      pancreatic cancer between 2008 and 2013 in the Netherlands were included in this
      study. The likelihood to receive adjuvant chemotherapy was analyzed by multilevel
      logistic regression analysis and differences in time-to-first-chemotherapy were
      tested for significance by Mann-Whitney U test. Overall survival was assessed by
      Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis. Of the 1195 patients undergoing
      a pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancer, 642 (54%) patients received
      adjuvant chemotherapy. Proportions differed significantly between the 19
      pancreatic centers, ranging from 26% to 74% (P < 0.001). Median time-to-first
      chemotherapy was 6.7 weeks and did not differ between centers. Patients with a
      higher tumor stage, younger age, and diagnosed more recently were more likely to
      receive adjuvant treatment. The 5-year overall survival was significantly
      prolonged in patients treated with adjuvant chemotherapy-23% versus 17%, log-rank
      = 0.01. In Cox regression analysis, treatment with adjuvant chemotherapy
      significantly prolonged survival compared with treatment without adjuvant
      chemotherapy. The finding that elderly patients and patients with a low tumor
      stage are less likely to undergo treatment needs further attention, especially
      since adjuvant treatment is known to prolong survival in most of these patients.

PMID- 27671747
TI  - A Porphyrin-Based Conjugated Polymer for Highly Efficient In Vitro and In Vivo
      Photothermal Therapy.
AB  - Conjugated polymers have been increasingly studied for photothermal therapy (PTT)
      because of their merits including large absorption coefficient, facile tuning of
      exciton energy dissipation through nonradiative decay, and good therapeutic
      efficacy. The high photothermal conversion efficiency (PCE) is the key to realize
      efficient PTT. Herein, a donor-acceptor (D-A) structured porphyrin-containing
      conjugated polymer (PorCP) is reported for efficient PTT in vitro and in vivo.
      The D-A structure introduces intramolecular charge transfer along the backbone,
      resulting in redshifted Q band, broadened absorption, and increased extinction
      coefficient as compared to the state-of-art porphyrin-based photothermal reagent.
      Through nanoencapsulation, the dense packing of a large number of PorCP molecules
      in a single nanoparticle (NP) leads to favorable nonradiative decay, good
      photostability, and high extinction coefficient of 4.23 * 104 m-1 cm-1 at 800 nm
      based on porphyrin molar concentration and the highest PCE of 63.8% among
      conjugated polymer NPs. With the aid of coloaded fluorescent conjugated polymer,
      the cellular uptake and distribution of the PorCP in vitro can be clearly
      visualized, which also shows effective photothermal tumor ablation in vitro and
      in vivo. This research indicates a new design route of conjugated polymer-based
      photothermal therapeutic materials for potential personalized theranostic
      nanomedicine.

PMID- 27671748
TI  - Efficacy and mechanisms of imagery rescripting and imaginal exposure for
      nightmares: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recurrent nightmares can effectively be treated with cognitive
      behavioral techniques such as imagery rehearsal therapy, which involves imagery
      rescripting (IR) of nightmares, and imaginal exposure (IE) therapy. However, the
      underlying mechanisms of these treatments remain largely unknown. To investigate
      this, we identified a number of variables that might mediate the therapeutic
      effect of rescripting-based and/or exposure-based therapies. Also, to control for
      the possible confounding influence of (other) treatment components, we designed
      two stripped-down treatment protocols, which primarily consist of either (1)
      rescripting of, or (2) exposure to, the nightmare content. In a randomized
      controlled trial, we aim to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of these
      stripped-down IR and IE treatments, and explore their working mechanisms. METHOD:
      Three weekly sessions of either IR or IE will be compared to a waiting-list
      control group. Ninety participants suffering from nightmare disorder will be
      included and randomly allocated to one of the three groups. The primary clinical
      outcome measures are nightmare frequency and distress caused by nightmares.
      Secondary clinical outcome measures include sleep complaints, dysfunctional
      beliefs about nightmares, and posttraumatic stress symptom severity. Outcomes
      will be assessed weekly from week 1 (pre-assessment) to week 5 (post-assessment).
      Online follow-up assessments will take place at 3 and 6 months after post
      assessment. In order to investigate temporal relationships between mediators and
      outcome, we will measure the proposed mediators of the treatment effect 1 day
      after each outcome assessment (but not after the follow-ups). Mediators include
      nightmare distress and valence, mastery of the nightmare content, predictability,
      controllability, and tolerability of emotions elicited by nightmares, as well as
      sleep quality. DISCUSSION: The proposed trial allows us to investigate the
      efficacy of IR and IE as intervention techniques for the treatment of nightmares,
      and to explore mediators of their respective therapeutic effects. The results may
      advance our understanding of nightmare therapies by identifying possible
      mechanisms of psychological treatments for chronic nightmares. Moreover, the
      results of the proposed study might provide useful knowledge about the working
      mechanism of rescripting-based and exposure-based treatments in general. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: Netherlands Trial Register ( NTR4951 ), registered on 14 December
      2014.

PMID- 27671749
TI  - Arachidonic acid mediates the formation of abundant alpha-helical multimers of
      alpha-synuclein.
AB  - The protein alpha-synuclein (alphaS) self-assembles into toxic beta-sheet
      aggregates in Parkinson's disease, while it is proposed that alphaS forms soluble
      alpha-helical multimers in healthy neurons. Here, we have made alphaS multimers
      in vitro using arachidonic acid (ARA), one of the most abundant fatty acids in
      the brain, and characterized them by a combination of bulk experiments and single
      molecule Forster resonance energy transfer (sm-FRET) measurements. The data
      suggest that ARA-induced oligomers are alpha-helical, resistant to fibril
      formation, more prone to disaggregation, enzymatic digestion and degradation by
      the 26S proteasome, and lead to lower neuronal damage and reduced activation of
      microglia compared to the oligomers formed in the absence of ARA. These multimers
      can be formed at physiologically-relevant concentrations, and pathological
      mutants of alphaS form less multimers than wild-type alphaS. Our work provides
      strong biophysical evidence for the formation of alpha-helical multimers of
      alphaS in the presence of a biologically relevant fatty acid, which may have a
      protective role with respect to the generation of beta-sheet toxic structures
      during alphaS fibrillation.

PMID- 27671750
TI  - Concise Review: Stem Cell Population Biology: Insights from Hematopoiesis.
AB  - Stem cells are fundamental to human life and offer great therapeutic potential,
      yet their biology remains incompletely-or in cases even poorly-understood. The
      field of stem cell biology has grown substantially in recent years due to a
      combination of experimental and theoretical contributions: the experimental
      branch of this work provides data in an ever-increasing number of dimensions,
      while the theoretical branch seeks to determine suitable models of the
      fundamental stem cell processes that these data describe. The application of
      population dynamics to biology is amongst the oldest applications of mathematics
      to biology, and the population dynamics perspective continues to offer much
      today. Here we describe the impact that such a perspective has made in the field
      of stem cell biology. Using hematopoietic stem cells as our model system, we
      discuss the approaches that have been used to study their key properties, such as
      capacity for self-renewal, differentiation, and cell fate lineage choice. We will
      also discuss the relevance of population dynamics in models of stem cells and
      cancer, where competition naturally emerges as an influential factor on the
      temporal evolution of cell populations. Stem Cells 2017;35:80-88.

PMID- 27671752
TI  - Effects of Volume, Pitch, and Phonation Type on Oscillation Initiation and
      Termination Phases Investigated With High-speed Videoendoscopy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the effects of varying volume, pitch,
      and phonation types on the initiation and termination phases of vocal fold
      oscillation using high-speed digital videoendoscopy. Specifically, it addressed
      the effects of the variation of volume, pitch, and phonation type (normal,
      pressed, and breathy) on the transient duration of the vibrating glottal length
      (length transient duration, Tlen), the transient duration of the glottal area
      waveform (area transient duration, Tarea), the time offset between the beginning
      (or the end) of the full-length vibration and the full-amplitude vibration,
      TDelta, and the variation of the fundamental frequency during the vocal fold
      oscillation initiation and termination segments (pitch instability, %PI).
      METHODS: A female subject with no voice problem produced voices with varying
      pitch and loudness, including comfortable pitch and comfortable loudness, normal
      pitch loud, high pitch and comfortable loudness, and high pitch and loud. Breathy
      and pressed phonations were also recorded. Each of the six phonation types was
      recorded six times, which resulted in 72 transient segments (each recording
      included both initiation and termination phases). Mixed model statistical
      analyses were employed to the five objective high-speed digital videoendoscopy
      parameters. RESULTS: Preliminary findings demonstrated significant findings for
      voice type effects for the length and area transient durations for the
      oscillation initiation segment but not for the oscillation termination segment.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that voice types appear to influence
      vibration initiation patterns more than the vibration termination patterns.

PMID- 27671751
TI  - An Excised Canine Model of Anterior Glottic Web and Its Acoustic, Aerodynamic,
      and High-speed Measurements.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aims to build an excised anterior glottic web (AGW) model
      and study the basic voice-related mechanisms of the AGW through investigating the
      acoustic, aerodynamic, and vibratory properties. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:
      Overall, four conditions were tested for each of the eight canine larynges used.
      At baseline, 10%, 20%, and 33% occlusion (as determined by the placement of the
      suture), acoustic, aerodynamic, and high-speed video data were collected while
      each larynx was phonated in a soundproof booth. RESULTS: The phonation threshold
      pressure (PTP) and the phonation threshold flow significantly increased as
      percent occlusion increased (P < 0.001). There were significant increases in
      jitter % and shimmer % from baseline group to AGW model groups at PTP, 1.25 PTP,
      and 1.5 PTP (P = 0.039, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P =
      0.001, respectively). The fundamental frequency significantly increased as
      percent occlusion increased at all given pressures (P < 0.001). Correlation
      dimension (D2) was significantly higher in the AGW model groups than in the
      baseline group at PTP, 1.25 PTP, and 1.5 PTP (P = 0.002, P < 0.001, P = 0.01,
      respectively). High-speed videos revealed that, the left phase shift in the AGW
      model groups compared with the baseline at 1.25 PTP was significant (P = 0.027)
      and right phase shift at 1.5 PTP (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We presented an
      anatomically similar model of a type 1 AGW and confirmed its validity through
      aerodynamic, acoustic, and high-speed video analysis in our study. We observed
      and investigated the glottic web movement, which may be a new explanation for the
      pathologic voice-related mechanism of AGW.

PMID- 27671754
TI  - Gastrectomy is Associated with an Increased Risk of Pyogenic Liver Abscess: A 13
      Year Nationwide Cohort Study.
AB  - Whether patients who have undergone gastrectomy are at a high risk of developing
      pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) remains debatable. From the inpatient claims records
      of Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database, we identified 33 834
      patients with a history of 2000-2010 and135 336 controls without a history of
      gastrectomy. The 2cohorts were matched by age, sex, and admission year and
      followed-up until the end of 2011 for estimating the risk of PLA. Overall, the
      incidence of PLA was 3.5-fold higher in the gastrectomy cohort than in the
      control cohort (21.6 vs 5.76 per 10 000 person-y). The adjusted hazard ratio
      (aHR) for the gastrectomy cohort obtained using the multivariate Cox proportional
      hazards regression model was 3.08 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.60-3.64). An
      elevated post gastrectomy PLA risk was observed in both men and women. Age
      specific data revealed that the aHR for the gastrectomy cohort, compared with the
      control cohort, was the highest in patients younger than 50 years (aHR = 5.16,
      95% CI = 2.96-9.01). An addition analysis showed that the gastrectomy cohort
      exhibited an elevated PLA risk regardless of whether the patients underwent total
      or partial gastrectomy. Patients with a history of gastrectomy exhibit a high
      risk of PLA.

PMID- 27671753
TI  - Silencing of CD47 and SIRPalpha by Polypurine reverse Hoogsteen hairpins to
      promote MCF-7 breast cancer cells death by PMA-differentiated THP-1 cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the context of tumor immunology, tumor cells have been shown to
      overexpress CD47, an anti-phagocytic signal directed to macrophages to escape
      from phagocytosis by interacting with Signal Regulatory Protein alpha SIRPalpha.
      In the present work, we designed Polypurine reverse Hoogsteen hairpins, PPRHs, to
      silence the expression of CD47 in tumor cells and SIRPalpha in macrophages with
      the aim to eliminate tumor cells by macrophages in co-culture experiments.
      METHODS: THP-1 cells were differentiated to macrophages with PMA. The mRNA levels
      of differentiation markers CD14 and Mcl-1 mRNA and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL
      1beta, IL-18, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-alpha) were measured by qRT-PCR. The ability of
      PPRHs to silence CD47 and SIRPalpha was evaluated at the mRNA level by qRT-PCR
      and at the protein level by Western Blot. Macrophages were co-cultured with tumor
      cells in the presence of PPRHs to silence CD47 and/or SIRPalpha. Cell viability
      was assessed by MTT assays. RESULTS: THP-1 cells differentiated to macrophages
      with PMA showed an increase in macrophage surface markers (CD14, Mcl-1) and pro
      inflammatory cytokines (IL-1beta, IL-18, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-alpha). PPRHs were
      able to decrease both CD47 expression in MCF-7 cell line and SIRPalpha expression
      in macrophages at the mRNA and protein levels. In the presence of PPRHs, MCF-7
      cells were eliminated by macrophages in co-culture experiments, whereas they
      survived in the absence of PPRHs. CONCLUSIONS: Our data support the usage of
      PPRHs to diminish CD47/SIRPalpha interaction by decreasing the expression of both
      molecules thus resulting in an enhanced killing of MCF-7 cells by macrophages,
      which might translate into beneficial effects in cancer therapy. These results
      indicate that PPRHs could represent a new approach with immunotherapeutic
      applications.

PMID- 27671755
TI  - Vitamin A prevents round spermatid nuclear damage and promotes the production of
      motile sperm during in vitro maturation of vitrified pre-pubertal mouse
      testicular tissue.
AB  - STUDY QUESTION: Does vitamin A (retinol, Rol) prevent round spermatid nuclear
      damage and increase the production of motile sperm during in vitro maturation of
      vitrified pre-pubertal mouse testicular tissue? SUMMARY ANSWER: The
      supplementation of an in vitro culture of ~0.75 mm3 testicular explants from pre
      pubertal mice with Rol enhances spermatogenesis progression during the first
      spermatogenic wave. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: The production of functional
      spermatozoa in vitro has only been achieved in the mouse model and remains a rare
      event. Establishing an efficient culture medium for vitrified pre-pubertal
      testicular tissue is now a crucial step to improve the spermatic yield obtained
      in vitro. The role of Rol in promoting the differentiation of spermatogonia and
      their entry into meiosis is well established; however, it has been postulated
      that Rol is also required to support their full development into elongated
      spermatids. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: A total of 60 testes from 6.5 days post
      partum (dpp) mice were vitrified/warmed, cut into fragments and cultured for 30
      days: 20 testes were used for light microscopy and histological analyses, 20
      testes for DNA fragmentation assessment in round spermatids and 20 testes for
      induced sperm motility assessment. Overall, 16 testes of 6.5 dpp were used as in
      vitro fresh tissue controls and 12 testes of 36.5 dpp mice as in vivo controls.
      Testes were vitrified with the optimal solid surface vitrification procedure and
      cultured with an in vitro organ culture system until Day 30 (D30). Histological
      analysis, cell death, degenerating round spermatids, DNA fragmentation in round
      spermatids and induced sperm motility were assessed. Testosterone levels were
      measured in media throughout the culture by radioimmunoassay. MAIN RESULTS AND
      THE ROLE OF CHANCE: At D30, better tissue development together with higher
      differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells, and higher global cell division
      ability were observed for vitrified/warmed testicular fragments of ~0.75 mm3 with
      a culture medium supplemented with Rol compared to controls. During in vitro
      culture of vitrified pre-pubertal testicular tissue, Rol enhanced and maintained
      the entry of spermatogonia into meiosis and promoted a higher spermatic yield.
      Furthermore, decreased round spermatid nuclear alterations and DNA damage
      combined with induced sperm motility comparable to in vivo highlight the crucial
      role of Rol in the progression of spermatogenesis during the first wave.
      LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Despite our promising results, the culture
      media will have to be further improved and adapted within the context of a human
      application. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: The results have potential
      implications for the handling of human pre-pubertal testicular tissues
      cryopreserved for fertility preservation. However, because some alterations in
      round spermatids persist after in vitro culture with Rol, the procedure needs to
      be optimized before human application, bearing in mind that the murine and human
      spermatogenic processes differ in many respects. LARGE SCALE DATA: None. STUDY
      FUNDING AND COMPETING INTERESTS: This study was supported by a Ph.D. grant from
      the Normandy University and a financial support from 'la Ligue nationale contre
      le cancer' (both awarded to L.D.), funding from Rouen University Hospital,
      Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB) and Agence de la
      Biomedecine. The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

PMID- 27671757
TI  - It Takes Vision to Prepare for Our Future.

PMID- 27671756
TI  - Clinical Features, Complications and Autoimmunity in Male Lichen Sclerosus.
AB  - Lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with substantial
      morbidity. Knowledge of the aetiology and progression of lichen sclerosus is
      therefore needed. In this cross-sectional study, 100 male patients diagnosed with
      lichen sclerosus were interviewed and examined. Since there is a possible link
      between lichen sclerosus and autoimmunity, blood tests were analysed for thyroid
      disease, antinuclear antibodies and antibodies to extracellular matrix protein 1,
      but autoimmunity was found to be infrequent. In 72 participants active genital
      lichen sclerosis was observed and complications were common; 27 patients had
      preputial constriction and 12 meatal engagement. In total, 13 patients needed a
      referral to the Department of Urology, including 1 patient with suspected penile
      cancer. In conclusion, despite available treatment with ultra-potent steroids and
      circumcision, lichen sclerosus in males is frequently complicated by phimosis and
      meatal stenosis. However, the disease can also go into remission, as seen in 27%
      of our patients.

PMID- 27671758
TI  - MyPlate at FNCE & Beyond: Join the Fun!

PMID- 27671759
TI  - Practice Paper of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Role of the Registered
      Dietitian Nutritionist in the Diagnosis and Management of Food Allergies.
AB  - Incidence of food allergy has increased significantly over the past decade and
      represents an important health issue for millions of Americans. Diagnosis of
      immunoglobulin E-mediated food allergies is sometimes difficult because blood and
      skin tests have high rates of false positives, and oral food challenges are
      uncommon due to the expense and potential for serious reactions. Accurate
      diagnosis is crucial to avoid unnecessary dietary restriction, especially in
      children. Because registered dietitian nutritionists often work independently,
      receiving referrals for dietary education and guidance for a patient who is
      followed by one or several other practitioners, navigating the data available and
      making the appropriate follow-up contact optimizes treatment. The purpose of this
      paper is to provide guidance to the registered dietitian nutritionists and
      nutrition and dietetics technician, registered on appropriate and evidence-based
      nutrition counseling for diagnosis and management of food allergies.

PMID- 27671760
TI  - Entry-Level Dietetics Practice Today: Results from the 2015 Commission on
      Dietetic Registration Entry-Level Dietetics Practice Audit.

PMID- 27671761
TI  - Distinctions in Entry-Level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Nutrition and
      Dietetics Technicians, Registered, Practice: Further Results from the 2015
      Commission on Dietetic Registration Entry-Level Dietetics Practice Audit.

PMID- 27671762
TI  - Translating the Dietary Guidelines to Promote Behavior Change: Perspectives from
      the Food and Nutrition Science Solutions Joint Task Force.

PMID- 27671763
TI  - What Are the New Nutrition Standards for the Child and Adult Care Food Program?

PMID- 27671764
TI  - The mechanism of eutectic growth in highly anisotropic materials.
AB  - In the past 50 years, there has been increasing interest-both theoretically and
      experimentally-in the problem of pattern formation of a moving boundary, such as
      a solidification front. One example of pattern formation is that of irregular
      eutectic solidification, in which the solid-liquid interface is non-isothermal
      and the interphase spacing varies in ways that are poorly understood. Here, we
      identify the growth mode of irregular eutectics, using reconstructions from four
      dimensional (that is, time and space resolved) X-ray microtomography. Our results
      show that the eutectic growth process can be markedly different from that seen in
      previously used model systems and theories based on the ex situ analysis of
      microstructure. In light of our experimental findings, we present a coherent
      growth model of irregular eutectic solidification.

PMID- 27671765
TI  - Cardiac computed tomography for the detection of cardiac amyloidosis.

PMID- 27671766
TI  - Cost of Immediate Surgery Versus Non-operative Treatment for Trigger Finger in
      Diabetic Patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: As health care costs continue to rise, providers must increasingly
      identify and implement cost-effective practice measures without sacrificing
      quality of care. Corticosteroid injections are an established treatment for
      trigger finger; however, numerous clinical trials have documented the limited
      efficacy of these injections in the diabetic population. Furthermore, the most
      cost-effective treatment strategy for diabetic trigger finger has not been
      determined. The purpose of this study was to perform a decision analysis to
      identify the least costly strategy for effective treatment of diabetic trigger
      finger using existing evidence in the literature. METHODS: Four treatment
      strategies for diabetic trigger finger were identified: (1) 1 steroid injection
      followed by surgical release, (2) 2 steroid injections followed by surgical
      release, (3) immediate surgical release in the operating room, and (4) immediate
      surgical release in the clinic. A literature review was conducted to determine
      success rates of the different treatment strategies. Costing analysis was
      performed using our institutional reimbursement from Medicare. One-way
      sensitivity and threshold analysis was utilized to determine the least costly
      treatment strategy. RESULTS: The least costly treatment strategy was immediate
      surgical release in the clinic. In patients with insulin-dependent diabetes
      mellitus, this strategy results in a 32% and a 39% cost reduction when compared
      with treatment with 1 or 2 corticosteroid injections, respectively. For 1 or 2
      corticosteroid injections to be the most cost-effective strategy, injection
      failure rates would need to be less than 36% and 34%, respectively. The overall
      cost of care for immediate surgical release in the clinic was $642. CONCLUSIONS:
      Diabetic trigger finger is a common problem faced by hand surgeons, with a
      variety of acceptable treatment algorithms. Management of diabetic trigger finger
      with immediate surgical release in the clinic is the most cost-effective
      treatment strategy, assuming a corticosteroid injection failure rate of at least
      34%. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Economic/decision III.

PMID- 27671767
TI  - Scaphoid Fractures: Nonunion and Malunion.
AB  - The treatment of scaphoid nonunion and malunions has undergone a considerable
      transition since the 1960 modification of Matti's technique by Russe.1 We present
      a review of articles with clear data on union rates and functional status to
      review the current methods of treatment for scaphoid nonunion and malunion.

PMID- 27671768
TI  - Risk Factors for 30-Day Postoperative Complications Following Open Reduction
      Internal Fixation of Proximal Ulna Fractures.
AB  - PURPOSE: Fractures of the proximal ulna are common injuries in the elderly
      population. These fractures can be managed nonsurgically or with open reduction
      internal fixation (ORIF). Whereas nonsurgical management may lead to a relative
      loss of elbow extension and to nonunion, ORIF carries a risk of complications.
      Although complications specific to the orthopedic intervention have been
      reported, few studies have identified postoperative systemic complications in
      this higher-risk group. The purposes of this study were to determine the rate of
      systemic complications in patients undergoing surgical fixation of proximal ulna
      fractures and to determine risk factors for complications. METHODS: We queried
      the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program
      database for all cases of proximal ulna fracture ORIF between 2005 and 2013.
      Demographic, historical, and preoperative laboratory data and 30-day
      postoperative complications were recorded. Univariate and multivariable analyses
      were performed to identify independent risk factors for complications. RESULTS: A
      total of 650 patients met inclusion criteria. Within the 30-day postoperative
      period, 61 complications occurred in 45 patients (6.9%). Return to the operating
      room, which occurred in 19 patients (2.9%), was the most common major morbidity.
      American Society of Anesthesiologists class III or IV and dialysis dependence
      were independent risk factors for any complication. CONCLUSIONS: Proximal ulna
      fracture ORIF has a low rate of systemic complications. The most common
      morbidities are return to the operating room, blood transfusion, and urinary
      tract infections. Dialysis and American Society of Anesthesiologists class III or
      IV are independent risk factors for complications. These complications may be
      nonspecific and related more to the patient population than procedure. We believe
      that the relatively low risk of short-term complications makes operative
      treatment a suitable option even in elderly patients with multiple morbidities.
      TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic II.

PMID- 27671769
TI  - Novel enterobactin analogues as potential therapeutic chelating agents:
      Synthesis, thermodynamic and antioxidant studies.
AB  - A series of novel hexadentate enterobactin analogues, which contain three
      catechol chelating moieties attached to different molecular scaffolds with
      flexible alkyl chain lengths, were prepared. The solution thermodynamic
      stabilities of the complexes with uranyl, ferric(III), and zinc(II) ions were
      then investigated. The hexadentate ligands demonstrate effective binding ability
      to uranyl ion, and the average uranyl affinities are two orders of magnitude
      higher than 2,3-dihydroxy-N1,N4-bis[(1,2-hydroxypyridinone-6
      carboxamide)ethyl]terephthalamide [TMA(2Li-1,2-HOPO)2] ligand with similar
      denticity. The high affinity of hexadentate ligands could be due to the presence
      of the flexible scaffold, which favors the geometric agreement between the ligand
      and the uranyl coordination preference. The hexadentate ligands also exhibit
      higher antiradical efficiency than butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA). These results
      provide a basis for further studies on the potential applications of hexadentate
      ligands as therapeutic chelating agents.

PMID- 27671770
TI  - MnTE-2-PyP modulates thiol oxidation in a hydrogen peroxide-mediated manner in a
      human prostate cancer cell.
AB  - To improve the treatment of advanced prostate cancer, the development of
      effective and innovative antitumor agents is needed. Our previous work
      demonstrated that the ROS (reactive oxygen species) scavenger, MnTE-2-PyP,
      inhibited human prostate cancer growth and also inhibited prostate cancer
      migration and invasion. We showed that MnTE-2-PyP treatment altered the affinity
      of the histone acetyltransferase enzyme, p300, to bind to DNA. We speculate that
      this may be one mechanism by which MnTE-2-PyP inhibits prostate cancer
      progression. Specifically, MnTE-2-PyP decreased p300/HIF-1/CREB complex
      (p300/hypoxia-inducible factor-1/cAMP response element-binding protein) binding
      to a specific hypoxia-response element (HRE) motif within the plasminogen
      activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) gene promoter region, and consequently, repressed
      PAI-1 expression. However, it remains unclear how MnTE-2-PyP reduces p300 complex
      binding affinity to the promoter region of specific genes. In this study, we
      found that overexpression of Cu/ZnSOD (superoxide dismutase 1, SOD1)
      significantly suppressed PAI-1 gene expression and p300 complex binding to the
      promoter region of PAI-1 gene, just as was observed in cells treated with MnTE-2
      PyP. Furthermore, catalase (CAT) overexpression rescued the inhibition of PAI-1
      expression and p300 binding by MnTE-2-PyP. Taken together, the above findings
      suggest that hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is likely the mediator through which MnTE-2
      PyP inhibits the PAI-1 expression and p300 complex binding in PC3 cells. To
      confirm this, we measured the production of H2O2 following overexpression of SOD1
      or catalase with MnTE-2-PyP treatment in the presence or absence of radiation. We
      found that MnTE-2-PyP increased the intracellular steady-state levels of H2O2 and
      increased nuclear H2O2 levels. As expected, catalase overexpression significantly
      decreased the levels of intracellular H2O2 induced by MnTE-2-PyP. We then
      determined if this increased H2O2 production could result in oxidized protein
      thiol groups. In the presence of MnTE-2-PyP, there was a significant increase in
      oxidized thiols in PC3 cell lysates and this was reversed with catalase
      overexpression. Specifically, we showed that p300 was oxidized after MnTE-2-PyP
      treatment, indicating that MnTE-2-PyP is creating a more oxidizing environment
      and this is altering the oxidation state of p300 thiol residues. Our data provide
      an in depth mechanism by which MnTE-2-PyP regulates gene transcription through
      induced H2O2 mediated oxidation of particular proteins, supporting an important
      role for MnTE-2-PyP as an effective and innovative antitumor agent to enhance
      treatment outcomes in prostate cancer radiotherapy.

PMID- 27671771
TI  - Association of depression and anxiety status with 10-year cardiovascular disease
      incidence among apparently healthy Greek adults: The ATTICA Study.
AB  - Background Chronic stress frequently manifests with anxiety and/or depressive
      symptomatology and may have detrimental cardiometabolic effects over time. As
      such, recognising the potential links between stress-related psychological
      disorders and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is becoming increasingly important in
      cardiovascular epidemiology research. The primary aim of this study was to
      explore prospectively potential associations between clinically relevant
      depressive symptomatology and anxiety levels and the 10-year CVD incidence among
      apparently healthy Greek adults. Design A population-based, health and nutrition
      prospective survey. Methods In the context of the ATTICA Study (2002-2012), 853
      adult participants without previous CVD history (453 men (45 +/- 13 years) and
      400 women (44 +/- 18 years)) underwent psychological evaluations through
      validated, self-reporting depression and anxiety questionnaires. Results After
      adjustment for multiple established CVD risk factors, both reported depression
      and anxiety levels were positively and independently associated with the 10-year
      CVD incidence, with depression markedly increasing the CVD risk by approximately
      fourfold (adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) 3.6 (1.3, 11) for
      depression status; 1.03 (1.0, 1.1) for anxiety levels). Conclusions Our findings
      indicate that standardised psychological assessments focusing on depression and
      anxiety should be considered as an additional and distinct aspect in the context
      of CVD preventive strategies that are designed and implemented by health
      authorities at the general population level.

PMID- 27671772
TI  - The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in heart failure for the non-specialist:
      the past, the present and the future.
AB  - Heart failure is one of the major public health challenges facing the Western
      world. Its prevalence is increasing as the population ages and modern techniques
      are implemented to manage cardiac disease. In response, there has been a
      sustained effort to develop novel strategies to address the high levels of
      associated morbidity and mortality. Indeed, agents that target the renin
      angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) have transformed the way in which we manage
      heart failure. Despite this, mortality in heart failure is poorer than in many
      malignancies and a large burden of morbidity and recurrent hospitalisation
      remains. Here, we review the role of RAAS modulation within the field of systolic
      heart failure. In particular, we provide practical guidance on using current RAAS
      blockade agents and focus on the recent emergence of new agents that promise
      additional substantial benefit to those living with left ventricular systolic
      dysfunction.

PMID- 27671773
TI  - Characterization of heme oxygenase and biliverdin reductase gene expression in
      zebrafish (Danio rerio): Basal expression and response to pro-oxidant exposures.
AB  - While heme is an important cofactor for numerous proteins, it is highly toxic in
      its unbound form and can perpetuate the formation of reactive oxygen species.
      Heme oxygenase enzymes (HMOX1 and HMOX2) degrade heme into biliverdin and carbon
      monoxide, with biliverdin subsequently being converted to bilirubin by biliverdin
      reductase (BVRa or BVRb). As a result of the teleost-specific genome duplication
      event, zebrafish have paralogs of hmox1 (hmox1a and hmox1b) and hmox2 (hmox2a and
      hmox2b). Expression of all four hmox paralogs and two bvr isoforms were measured
      in adult tissues (gill, brain and liver) and sexually dimorphic differences were
      observed, most notably in the basal expression of hmox1a, hmox2a, hmox2b and bvrb
      in liver samples. hmox1a, hmox2a and hmox2b were significantly induced in male
      liver tissues in response to 96h cadmium exposure (20MUM). hmox2a and hmox2b were
      significantly induced in male brain samples, but only hmox2a was significantly
      reduced in male gill samples in response to the 96h cadmium exposure. hmox
      paralogs displayed significantly different levels of basal expression in most
      adult tissues, as well as during zebrafish development (24 to 120hpf).
      Furthermore, hmox1a, hmox1b and bvrb were significantly induced in zebrafish
      eleutheroembryos in response to multiple pro-oxidants (cadmium, hemin and tert
      butylhydroquinone). Knockdown of Nrf2a, a transcriptional regulator of hmox1a,
      was demonstrated to inhibit the Cd-mediated induction of hmox1b and bvrb. These
      results demonstrate distinct mechanisms of hmox and bvr transcriptional
      regulation in zebrafish, providing initial evidence of the partitioning of
      function of the hmox paralogs.

PMID- 27671776
TI  - Phylogenetic analysis of rabies virus isolated from canids in North and Northeast
      Brazil.
AB  - Cases of canine rabies continue to occur in North and Northeast Brazil, and the
      number of notifications of rabies cases in wild canids has increased as a result
      of the expansion of urban areas at the expense of areas with native vegetation.
      In light of this, we performed molecular characterization of rabies virus
      isolates from dogs and Cerdocyon thous from various states in North and Northeast
      Brazil. In all, 102 samples from dogs (n = 56) and Cerdocyon thous (n = 46)
      collected between 2006 and 2012 were used. The nucleotide sequences obtained for
      the N gene of rabies virus were analyzed, and phylogenetic analysis revealed the
      presence of two distinct genetic lineages, one associated with canids and one
      with bats, and, within the canid cluster, two distinct sublineages circulating
      among dogs and Cerdocyon thous. In addition, phylogenetic groups associated with
      geographic region and fourteen cases of interspecific infection were observed
      among the isolates from canids. Our findings show that analysis of rabies virus
      lineages isolated from reservoirs such as canids must be constantly evaluated
      because the mutation rate is high.

PMID- 27671775
TI  - Cell lipid metabolism modulators 2-bromopalmitate, D609, monensin, U18666A and
      probucol shift discoidal HDL formation to the smaller-sized particles:
      implications for the mechanism of HDL assembly.
AB  - ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) mediates formation of disc-shaped
      high-density lipoprotein (HDL) from cell lipid and lipid-free apolipoprotein A-I
      (apo A-I). Discoidal HDL particles are heterogeneous in physicochemical
      characteristics for reasons that are understood incompletely. Discoidal
      lipoprotein particles similar in characteristics and heterogeneity to cell-formed
      discoidal HDL can be reconstituted from purified lipids and apo A-I by cell-free,
      physicochemical methods. The heterogeneity of reconstituted HDL (rHDL) is
      sensitive to the lipid composition of the starting lipid/apo A-I mixture. To
      determine whether the heterogeneity of cell-formed HDL is similarly sensitive to
      changes in cell lipids, we investigated four compounds that have well-established
      effects on cell lipid metabolism and ABCA1-mediated cell cholesterol efflux. 2
      Bromopalmitate, D609, monensin and U18666A decreased formation of the larger
      sized, but dramatically increased formation of the smaller-sized HDL. 2
      Bromopalmitate did not appear to affect ABCA1 activity, subcellular localization
      or oligomerization, but induced dissolution of the cholesterol-phospholipid
      complexes in the plasma membrane. Arachidonic and linoleic acids shifted HDL
      formation to the smaller-sized species. Tangier disease mutations and inhibitors
      of ABCA1 activity wheat germ agglutinin and AG 490 reduced formation of both
      larger-sized and smaller-sized HDL. The effect of probucol was similar to the
      effect of 2-bromopalmitate. Taking rHDL formation as a paradigm, we propose that
      ABCA1 mutations and activity inhibitors reduce the amount of cell lipid available
      for HDL formation, and the compounds in the 2-bromopalmitate group and the
      polyunsaturated fatty acids change cell lipid composition from one that favors
      formation of the larger-sized HDL particles to one that favors formation of the
      smaller-sized species.

PMID- 27671774
TI  - DNA methylation profile of triple negative breast cancer-specific genes comparing
      lymph node positive patients to lymph node negative patients.
AB  - Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive breast cancer subtype
      with no targeted treatment available. Our previous study identified 38 TNBC
      specific genes with altered expression comparing tumour to normal samples. This
      study aimed to establish whether DNA methylation contributed to these expression
      changes in the same cohort as well as disease progression from primary breast
      tumour to lymph node metastasis associated with changes in the epigenome. We
      obtained DNA from 23 primary TNBC samples, 12 matched lymph node metastases, and
      11 matched normal adjacent tissues and assayed for differential methylation
      profiles using Illumina HumanMethylation450 BeadChips. The results were validated
      in an independent cohort of 70 primary TNBC samples. The expression of 16/38 TNBC
      specific genes was associated with alteration in DNA methylation. Novel
      methylation changes between primary tumours and lymph node metastases, as well as
      those associated with survival were identified. Altered methylation of 18 genes
      associated with lymph node metastasis were identified and validated. This study
      reveals the important role DNA methylation plays in altered gene expression of
      TNBC-specific genes and lymph node metastases. The novel insights into
      progression of TNBC to secondary disease may provide potential prognostic
      indicators for this hard-to-treat breast cancer subtype.

PMID- 27671777
TI  - Bustos virus, a new member of the negevirus group isolated from a Mansonia
      mosquito in the Philippines.
AB  - We isolated two distinct viruses from mosquitoes collected in Bustos, Bulacan
      province, Philippines, in 2009. These viruses show rapid replication and strong
      cytopathic effects in mosquito C6/36 cells. Whole-genome analysis of these
      viruses demonstrated that both viruses belong to the negevirus group. One of the
      viruses, from Culex vishunui mosquitoes, is a new strain of Negev virus. The
      other virus, from a Mansonia sp. mosquito, is a new negevirus designated Bustos
      virus. Gene expression analysis of the Bustos virus revealed that infected cells
      contain viral subgenomic RNAs that probably include open reading frame (ORF) 2 or
      ORF3. Purified Bustos virus particles contained at least three proteins, and the
      major component (a probable major capsid protein) is encoded by ORF3. Bustos
      virus did not show infectivity in mammalian BHK-21 cells, suggesting that it is
      an insect-specific virus, like other known negeviruses.

PMID- 27671779
TI  - Cryo-Electron Tomography: Can it Reveal the Molecular Sociology of Cells in
      Atomic Detail?
AB  - Traditionally, macromolecular structure determination is performed ex situ, that
      is, with purified materials. But, there are strong incentives to develop
      approaches to study them in situ in their native functional context. In recent
      years, cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) has emerged as a powerful method for
      visualizing the molecular organization of unperturbed cellular landscapes with
      the potential to attain near-atomic resolution. Here, we review recent work on
      several macromolecular assemblies, demonstrating the power of in situ studies. We
      also highlight technical challenges and discuss ways to meet them.

PMID- 27671778
TI  - Corticosteroids in IgA Nephropathy: Lessons from Recent Studies.
AB  - IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is a common chronic glomerular disease that, in most
      patients, slowly progresses to ESRD. The immune and autoimmune responses that
      characterize IgAN indicate a potential benefit for corticosteroids. The 2012
      Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcome (KDIGO) guidelines suggest giving
      corticosteroids to patients with rather preserved renal function (GFR>50 ml/min
      per 1.73 m2) and persistent proteinuria >1 g/d, despite 3-6 months of optimized
      supportive care with renin-angiotensin system blockers. However, the evidence
      supporting this guideline was considered of low quality. More recent results from
      large cohort studies and randomized, controlled trials have provided conflicting
      messages about the benefits of corticosteroid treatment over supportive care
      alone, mostly involving optimized renin-angiotensin system blockade, which might
      generate further uncertainty in the therapeutic choice. Overall, these results
      indicate that corticosteroids are a powerful tool for treating patients with
      IgAN; however, treatment success is not universal and mostly occurs in patients
      who are highly proteinuric with early CKD. In patients with advanced CKD, the
      side effects of corticosteroids increase, and the renal protection decreases.
      This brief review aimed at integrating the findings of these recently published
      reports to provide balanced advice for clinicians as well as suggestions for
      future trials.

PMID- 27671780
TI  - Tracking Multiple Statistics: Simultaneous Learning of Object Names and
      Categories in English and Mandarin Speakers.
AB  - Two experiments were conducted to examine adult learners' ability to extract
      multiple statistics in simultaneously presented visual and auditory input.
      Experiment 1 used a cross-situational learning paradigm to test whether English
      speakers were able to use co-occurrences to learn word-to-object mappings and
      concurrently form object categories based on the commonalities across training
      stimuli. Experiment 2 replicated the first experiment and further examined
      whether speakers of Mandarin, a language in which final syllables of object names
      are more predictive of category membership than English, were able to learn words
      and form object categories when trained with the same type of structures. The
      results indicate that both groups of learners successfully extracted multiple
      levels of co-occurrence and used them to learn words and object categories
      simultaneously. However, marked individual differences in performance were also
      found, suggesting possible interference and competition in processing the two
      concurrent streams of regularities.

PMID- 27671781
TI  - Online Partner Seeking and Sexual Risk Among HIV+ Gay and Bisexual Men: A
      Dialectical Perspective.
AB  - For almost two decades, researchers have explored the relationship between online
      partner seeking (OPS) and HIV/STI transmission risk behavior among men who have
      sex with men (MSM), including gay- and bisexual-identified men. A dichotomy has
      emerged with some findings that OPS is associated with greater sexual risk
      behavior, and a sparser but emerging literature that men may use OPS for sexual
      risk reduction. This study examined the association between proportion of
      partners met online and sexual risk behavior in a sample of 170 HIV-positive gay-
      and bisexual-identified men. Participants completed assessments including
      psychosocial factors and a comprehensive assessment of sexual behavior, including
      total number of male partners, and condomless insertive and receptive anal sex
      with HIV-negative/unknown serostatus partners or HIV-positive male partners. Our
      findings support taking a dialectical stance and indicate that OPS may impact
      risk differently given different individual and contextual circumstances.

PMID- 27671782
TI  - The Development of In Vivo Measures to Assess the Impact of Sex-Drive Reducing
      Medications in an Offender with an Intellectual Disability.
AB  - The ability to adequately evaluate medications in the treatment of paraphilias
      has been limited by reliance upon self-report as a measure of effectiveness over
      periods of time that may be too short to detect reoffending. One solution to this
      shortcoming is the development of valid, long-term, stable assessment measures.
      The purpose of this case study was to analyze the effects of Prozac and Provera
      on an array of behaviors germane to the successful treatment of paraphilias,
      including: (a) sexual arousal in the laboratory and natural environment, (b)
      sexual thoughts (deviant and nondeviant) accompanied by arousal in the natural
      environment, and (c) overt actions in the community associated with increased
      risk of reoffending over a 31-month period for an exhibitionist with an
      intellectual disability. Despite the ineffectiveness of the medications, the
      measures demonstrated long-term, differentiated significant clinical responding;
      further underscored the importance of assessing deviant sexual arousal and
      adherence to relapse-prevention procedures in the natural environment; and
      provided a new methodology to assess sexual preoccupations and sexual arousal.
      Use of these in vivo measures raises questions regarding their potential to
      improve the predictability of risk assessments, and serve as an aide in the
      analysis of whether a treatment procedure is effective for an individual.

PMID- 27671783
TI  - Differences Between Landline and Mobile Phone Users in Sexual Behavior Research.
AB  - This study investigated differences between the demographic characteristics,
      participation rates (i.e., agreeing to respond to questions about sexual
      behavior), and sexual behaviors of landline and mobile phone samples in
      Australia. A nationally representative sample of Australians aged 18 years and
      over was recruited via random digit dialing in December 2011 to collect data via
      computer-assisted telephone interviews. A total of 1012 people (370 men, 642
      women) completed a landline interview and 1002 (524 men, 478 women) completed a
      mobile phone interview. Results revealed that telephone user status was
      significantly related to all demographic variables: gender, age, educational
      attainment, area of residence, country of birth, household composition, and
      current ongoing relationship status. In unadjusted analyses, telephone status was
      also associated with women's participation rates, participants' number of other
      sex sexual partners in the previous year, and women's lifetime sexual experience.
      However, after controlling for significant demographic factors, telephone status
      was only independently related to women's participation rates. Post hoc analyses
      showed that significant, between-group differences for all other sexual behavior
      outcomes could be explained by demographic covariates. Results also suggested
      that telephone status may be associated with participation bias in research on
      sexual behavior. Taken together, these findings highlight the importance of
      sampling both landline and mobile phone users to improve the representativeness
      of sexual behavior data collected via telephone interviews.

PMID- 27671784
TI  - Men's and Women's Use and Creation of Online Sexually Explicit Materials
      Including Fandom-Related Works.
AB  - The Internet and mobile computing have been highly influential in shaping the
      modern technological era and subsequently the production of and access to online
      sexually explicit materials (SEM). Fandom-the realm of fans sharing a common
      interest-has also adapted to the Internet, which has changed how fans access and
      distribute fanworks (i.e., material created by fans such as stories and art),
      many of which contain SEM. The current study examined gender differences in the
      use and creation of online SEM by surveying 468 men and 347 women (ages 18 or
      older; mean age = 33.8 years) residing in North America. Participants completed
      anonymous measures assessing demographic information, experiences using and
      creating online SEM, and measures of related sexual attitudes. Use of online SEM
      was widely reported by participants, with men (87.8 %) indicating more use than
      with women (67.4 %). As expected, few participants reported creating online SEM
      (3.6 % of men, 4.9 % of women). Men and women reported similar levels of
      preferred sexual explicitness in the online SEM that they used. There were no
      significant gender differences in the use of fanworks reported by men (14.3 %)
      and women (14.7 %) or in the creation of fanworks (1.5 % of men, 3.2 % of women).
      Fandom-related online SEM use was predicted only by more permissive sexual
      attitudes (one of eight predictors). Although there were many similarities
      between men's and women's use of online SEM, some gender differences were found
      in their motives for online SEM use. Findings are discussed in terms of the
      context in which men and women experience online SEM.

PMID- 27671786
TI  - Participation restriction in childhood phenotype of myotonic dystrophy type 1: a
      systematic retrospective chart review.
AB  - AIM: Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), a neuromuscular disorder, is divided into
      four clinical phenotypes: congenital; childhood; adult-onset, and late-onset.
      Publications about the childhood phenotype, especially the long-term outcome, are
      scarce. The aims of this study were to assess and describe participation outcomes
      in adults with the childhood phenotype. METHOD: A retrospective chart
      methodology. Data were extracted from health records for 63 adults with childhood
      DM1 (32 males, 31 females; mean age 34y, standard deviation [SD] 11y 6mo; range
      18-54y) who had attended the Saguenay Neuromuscular Clinic, Canada. RESULTS:
      Thirty-four adults (54%) lived with their parents or in foster homes, and most
      patients needed services or help to live independently. A significant proportion
      (22%) were isolated in regard to friendship. Very few adults had children,
      although 33% lived with a spouse. The majority of patients (86%) relied on social
      security and only one person was currently working. Financial responsibilities
      were often an issue and 13 (21%) were under legal guardianship. INTERPRETATION:
      This study showed that patients with the childhood phenotype present a guarded
      prognosis regarding long-term social participation. These participation
      restrictions could be related to behavioural, cognitive, and social stigma
      problems in childhood. This study illustrates the absolute necessity to pursue an
      interdisciplinary follow-up of these patients when they are reaching adulthood.

PMID- 27671785
TI  - Whole genome sequencing of a rare rotavirus from archived stool sample
      demonstrates independent zoonotic origin of human G8P[14] strains in Hungary.
AB  - Genotype P[14] rotaviruses in humans are thought to be zoonotic strains
      originating from bovine or ovine host species. Over the past 30 years only few
      genotype P[14] strains were identified in Hungary totaling<0.1% of all human
      rotaviruses whose genotype had been determined. In this study we report the
      genome sequence and phylogenetic analysis of a human genotype G8P[14] strain,
      RVA/Human-wt/HUN/182-02/2001/G8P[14]. The whole genome constellation (G8-P[14]-I2
      R2-C2-M2-A11-N2-T6-E2-H3) of this strain was shared with another Hungarian
      zoonotic G8P[14] strain, RVA/Human-wt/HUN/BP1062/2004/G8P[14], although
      phylogenetic analyses revealed the two rotaviruses likely had different
      progenitors. Overall, our findings indicate that human G8P[14] rotavirus detected
      in Hungary in the past originated from independent zoonotic events. Further
      studies are needed to assess the public health risk associated with infections by
      various animal rotavirus strains.

PMID- 27671787
TI  - Bullying in surgery isn't just Australia's problem.

PMID- 27671788
TI  - In Focus in HCB.

PMID- 27671789
TI  - Proteomics analysis of the endogenous, constitutive, leaf SUMOylome.
AB  - : SUMOylation is a post-translational modification which regulates a number of
      critical biological processes in, for example mammals, yeast and plants. In order
      to fully understand the functional effects of SUMOylation an essential first step
      is the identification of endogenous targets for SUMOylation. Here we report the
      results of using a recently developed proteomic approach based on the use of 3D
      gels to identify the endogenous SUMO targets in leaves of Solanum tuberosum. By
      using 3D gels we avoid the problem of co-migration of proteins, which is a major
      limitation of 2D gels, and we enable the use of the highly sensitive CyDye DIGE
      fluor saturation dyes. Using this new method we have identified 39 individual
      proteins as probable SUMO targets in leaves of Solanum tuberosum. The advantages
      of this method compared with other approaches are discussed, and possible future
      developments are outlined. SIGNIFICANCE: The authors have no conflicts of
      interest to declare. All authors have approved the manuscript and agree with
      submission to Journal of Proteomics.

PMID- 27671790
TI  - The circadian gene Arntl2 on distal mouse chromosome 6 controls thymocyte
      apoptosis.
AB  - Nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice are a model for type 1 diabetes that displays
      defects in central immune tolerance, including impairment of thymocyte apoptosis
      and proliferation. Thymocyte apoptosis is decreased in NOD/Lt mice compared to
      nondiabetic C3H/HeJ and C57BL/6 mice. Analysis of a set of NOD.C3H and NOD.B6
      congenic mouse strains for distal chromosome 6 localizes the phenotype to the 700
      kb Idd6.3 interval. Idd6.3 contains the type 1 diabetes candidate gene aryl
      hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator-like 2 (Arntl2), encoding a circadian
      rhythm-related transcription factor. Newly generated Arntl2 -/- mouse strains
      reveal that inactivation of the B6 allele of Arntl2 is sufficient to both
      decrease thymocyte apoptosis and proliferation. When expressed from C3H or B6
      alleles, ARNTL2 inhibits the transcription of interleukin 21 (Il21), a major
      player in the regulation of immune responses. IL-21 injection abolishes the B6
      allele-mediated decrease of apoptosis and proliferation. Interestingly, IL-21
      also leads to an increase in thymic proinflammatory Th17 helper cells. Our
      results identify Arntl2 as a gene controlling thymocyte apoptosis and
      proliferation along with Th17 development through the IL-21 pathway.

PMID- 27671792
TI  - A test of basic psychological needs theory in young soccer players: time-lagged
      design at the individual and team levels.
AB  - Within the framework of basic psychological needs theory (Deci & Ryan, 2000),
      multilevel structural equation modeling (MSEM) with a time-lagged design was used
      to test a mediation model examining the relationship between perceptions of
      coaches' interpersonal styles (autonomy supportive and controlling), athletes'
      basic psychological needs (satisfaction and thwarting), and indicators of well
      being (subjective vitality) and ill-being (burnout), estimating separately
      between and within effects. The participants were 597 Spanish male soccer players
      aged between 11 and 14 years (M = 12.57, SD = 0.54) from 40 teams who completed a
      questionnaire package at two time points in a competitive season. Results
      revealed that at the individual level, athletes' perceptions of autonomy support
      positively predicted athletes' need satisfaction (autonomy, competence, and
      relatedness), whereas athletes' perceptions of controlling style positively
      predicted athletes' need thwarting (autonomy, competence, and relatedness). In
      turn, all three athletes' need satisfaction dimensions predicted athletes'
      subjective vitality and burnout (positively and negatively, respectively),
      whereas competence thwarting negatively predicted subjective vitality and
      competence and relatedness positively predicted burnout. At the team level, team
      perceptions of autonomy supportive style positively predicted team autonomy and
      relatedness satisfaction. Mediation effects only appeared at the individual
      level.

PMID- 27671793
TI  - Incidence and molecular characterisation of lumpy skin disease virus in Zimbabwe
      using the P32 gene.
AB  - Between January, 2013 and December, 2014, there was a lumpy skin disease (LSD)
      outbreak that affected cattle in different localities of Zimbabwe. The outbreak
      resulted in severe economic losses to the livestock industry. A retrospective
      study was conducted by examining stored veterinary records of the LSD outbreak at
      the Central Veterinary Laboratory (CVL) in Harare, Zimbabwe. Over the 2-year
      period, a total of 10,038 cases and 880 deaths (8.77 %) were recorded. LSD was
      reported from all regions of the country, with the highest incidence occurring in
      Mashonaland West (30.95 %) and Midlands province (14.59 %). The frequency of
      reported outbreaks was highest in March and April, with the lowest reported cases
      occurring in November. A total of 25 representative specimens (skin biopsies)
      were collected from nodular skin lesions of infected cattle, and after viral DNA
      isolation, the P32 gene was successfully amplified, by using PCR, in 88 % (22/25)
      of all assayed specimens. Out of the 22 samples that showed amplification, 16 (73
      %) were selected for DNA sequencing, and from these, 13 sequences were submitted
      to GenBank and assigned accession numbers: KX033494, KX033495, KX033496,
      KX033497, KXO33498, KX033499, KX033500, KX033501, KX033502, KX033503, KX033504,
      KX033505 and KX033506. Phylogenetic analyses of the 13 sequences was done by
      using MEGA 7 and showed that the viruses formed two major clusters implying that
      at least two strains of LSDV are in circulation in Zimbabwe. This study provides
      the first report on the incidence and molecular characterisation of LSDV in
      Zimbabwe.

PMID- 27671791
TI  - Viable Ednra Y129F mice feature human mandibulofacial dysostosis with alopecia
      (MFDA) syndrome due to the homologue mutation.
AB  - Animal models resembling human mutations are valuable tools to research the
      features of complex human craniofacial syndromes. This is the first report on a
      viable dominant mouse model carrying a non-synonymous sequence variation within
      the endothelin receptor type A gene (Ednra c.386A>T, p.Tyr129Phe) derived by an
      ENU mutagenesis program. The identical amino acid substitution was reported
      recently as disease causing in three individuals with the mandibulofacial
      dysostosis with alopecia (MFDA, OMIM 616367) syndrome. We performed standardized
      phenotyping of wild-type, heterozygous, and homozygous Ednra Y129F mice within
      the German Mouse Clinic. Mutant mice mimic the craniofacial phenotypes of jaw
      dysplasia, micrognathia, dysplastic temporomandibular joints, auricular
      dysmorphism, and missing of the squamosal zygomatic process as described for MFDA
      affected individuals. As observed in MFDA-affected individuals, mutant Ednra
      Y129F mice exhibit hearing impairment in line with strong abnormalities of the
      ossicles and further, reduction of some lung volumetric parameters. In general,
      heterozygous and homozygous mice demonstrated inter-individual diversity of
      expression of the craniofacial phenotypes as observed in MFDA patients but
      without showing any cleft palates, eyelid defects, or alopecia. Mutant Ednra
      Y129F mice represent a valuable viable model for complex human syndromes of the
      first and second pharyngeal arches and for further studies and analysis of
      impaired endothelin 1 (EDN1)-endothelin receptor type A (EDNRA) signaling. Above
      all, Ednra Y129F mice model the recently published human MFDA syndrome and may be
      helpful for further disease understanding and development of therapeutic
      interventions.

PMID- 27671794
TI  - SYNE1 mutations cause autosomal-recessive ataxia with retained reflexes in
      Brazilian patients.

PMID- 27671795
TI  - Fabrication of potato-like silver molybdate microstructures for photocatalytic
      degradation of chronic toxicity ciprofloxacin and highly selective
      electrochemical detection of H2O2.
AB  - In the present work, potato-like silver molybdate (Ag2MoO4) microstructures were
      synthesized through a simple hydrothermal method. The microstructures of Ag2MoO4
      were characterized by various analytical and spectroscopic techniques such as
      XRD, FTIR, Raman, SEM, EDX and XPS. Interestingly, the as-prepared Ag2MoO4 showed
      excellent photocatalytic and electrocatalytic activity for the degradation of
      ciprofloxacin (CIP) and electrochemical detection of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2),
      respectively. The ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy results revealed that
      the potato-like Ag2MoO4 microstructures could offer a high photocatalytic
      activity towards the degradation of CIP under UV-light illumination, leads to
      rapid degradation within 40 min with a degradation rate of above 98%. In
      addition, the cyclic voltammetry (CV) and amperometry studies were realized that
      the electrochemical performance of Ag2MoO4 modified electrode toward H2O2
      detection. Our H2O2 sensor shows a wide linear range and lower detection limit of
      0.04-240 MUM and 0.03 MUM, respectively. The Ag2MoO4 modified electrode exhibits
      a high selectivity towards the detection of H2O2 in the presence of different
      biological interferences. These results suggested that the development of potato
      like Ag2MoO4 microstructure could be an efficient photocatalyst as well as
      electrocatalyst in the potential application of environmental, biomedical and
      pharmaceutical samples.

PMID- 27671796
TI  - Inhibitory Effects of Multiple-Dose Treatment with Baicalein on the
      Pharmacokinetics of Ciprofloxacin in Rats.
AB  - Ciprofloxacin is used as a treatment for urinary and respiratory tract infections
      in clinical practice. Baicalein, a major flavonoid present in Scutellaria
      baicalensis, is a well-known and potent antibacterial compound used in
      complementary and alternative medicine practices. The present study aimed to
      clarify the effects of multiple-dose treatment with baicalein on the
      pharmacokinetics of ciprofloxacin in rats. Following the oral administration of
      baicalein (20, 40, or 80 mg/kg) for five consecutive days, the rats received an
      oral administration of ciprofloxacin (20 mg/kg). Blood samples were collected at
      specific time points, and the plasma concentrations of ciprofloxacin were
      determined by using high-performance liquid chromatography. To evaluate the
      mechanisms underlying the interaction between baicalein and ciprofloxacin, a
      rhodamine 123 accumulation assay was performed in LS-180 cells. A pharmacokinetic
      study revealed that multiple-dose treatment with baicalein significantly
      decreased the peak serum concentration (Cmax ), area under the curve (AUC0 -> 480
      min ), and relative bioavailability (Frel ) of ciprofloxacin (p < 0.05). The
      rhodamine 123 accumulation assay revealed that treatment with baicalein for 48 h
      markedly reduced the intracellular accumulation of rhodamine 123. Taken together,
      these findings suggest that baicalein may result in the therapeutic failure of
      ciprofloxacin or other quinolone-based antibiotics used for chemotherapy in
      clinical practice. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27671797
TI  - Perforator-based propeller flaps reliability in upper extremity soft tissue
      reconstruction: a systematic review.
AB  - : Current data on upper extremity propeller flaps are poor and do not allow the
      assessment of the safety of this technique. A systematic literature review was
      conducted searching PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library electronic
      databases, and the selection process was adapted from the preferred reporting
      items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis statement. The final analysis
      included ten relevant articles involving 117 flaps. The majority of flaps were
      used for the hand, distal wrist, and elbow. The radial artery perforator and
      ulnar artery perforator were the most frequently used flaps. The were 7% flaps
      with venous congestion and 3% with complete necrosis. No difference in
      complications rate was found for different flaps sites. Perforator-based
      propeller flaps appear to be an interesting procedure for covering soft tissue
      defects involving the upper extremities, even for large defects, but the
      procedure requires experience and close monitoring. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

PMID- 27671798
TI  - Comparing radial styloid size between osteoarthritic and healthy wrists: a
      pathoanatomical three-dimensional study.
AB  - : Radial styloid pointing due to spur formation is considered an early sign of
      osteoarthritis, but is sometimes difficult to distinguish from normal anatomic
      variation. In this pathoanatomical study we used three-dimensional imaging
      techniques to evaluate quantitatively whether the styloid size is larger in
      wrists with scaphoid non-union than in healthy wrists. We compared these findings
      with duration of the non-union and with the scaphoid non-union advanced collapse
      classification, which was based on radiographic assessment of the general level
      of wrist osteoarthritis. In 31 patients, the injured styloid was consistently
      larger than the contralateral healthy styloid. In 74% of the patients this
      pathoanatomical difference (maximum 5 mm) exceeded anatomical left-to-right
      variation in styloid size (maximum 2 mm), indicating significant pointing.
      Increased styloid pointing was associated with older non-unions, and with more
      severe osteoarthritis. Three-dimensional styloid pointing analysis is an
      objective method to assess osteoarthritic progression. Combining traditional
      qualitative evaluation and quantitative measurements may improve the
      classification of wrist osteoarthritis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

PMID- 27671799
TI  - Review of Recent Advances in Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS).
AB  - Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) for the treatment of chronic pain has become
      an increasingly important field in the arena of neuromodulation, given the
      ongoing advances in electrical neuromodulation technology since 1999 permitting
      minimally invasive approaches using an percutaneous approach as opposed to
      implantable systems. Our review aims to provide clinicians with the recent
      advances and studies in the field, with specific emphasis on clinical data and
      indications that have been accumulated over the last several years. In addition,
      we aim to address key basic science studies to further emphasize the importance
      of translational research outcomes driving clinical management.

PMID- 27671800
TI  - Late diagnosis of post-traumatic ruptured pericardium with cardiac herniation.

PMID- 27671801
TI  - Physical Activity, Screen-Time Behavior, and Obesity Among 13-Year Olds in
      Ireland with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder.
AB  - The primary purposes of this study were to compare (a) physical activity
      participation, screen-time habits, obesity, and (b) reported reasons for lack of
      participation in sport, between a nationally representative sample of Irish
      children with and without autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Participation in
      moderate to vigorous activity, light activity, and sports was significantly lower
      among the group with ASD. On examination of screen time variables, no significant
      differences were seen between groups. However, time spent watching TV was higher
      among children with ASD. Overweight or obese status was more prevalent among the
      group with ASD (34.4 vs. 24.7 %). The findings are discussed in relation to
      international statistics on youth physical activity, screen-time, and weight
      status, and recommendations are provided for future research.

PMID- 27671805
TI  - Current Research Outcomes From the Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems.

PMID- 27671803
TI  - Magnetic resonance imaging of infarct-induced canonical wingless/integrated
      (Wnt)/beta-catenin/T-cell factor pathway activation, in vivo.
AB  - AIMS: Combined magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of molecular and morpho
      functional changes might prove highly valuable for the elucidation of
      pathological processes involved in the development of cardiac diseases. Our aim
      was to test a novel MRI reporter gene for in vivo assessment of the canonical
      Wnt/beta-catenin/TCF pathway activation, an important regulator of post-ischaemic
      cardiac remodelling. METHODS AND RESULTS: We designed and developed a chimeric
      construct encoding for both of iron-binding human ferritin heavy chain (hFTH)
      controlled by the beta-catenin-responsive TCF/lymphoid-enhancer binding factor
      (Lef) promoter and constitutively expressed green fluorescent protein (GFP). It
      was carried by adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (rAAV9) vectors and delivered to
      the peri-infarct myocardium of rats subjected to coronary ligation (n = 11). By
      1.5 T MRI and a multiecho T2* gradient echo sequence, we detected iron
      accumulation only in the border zone of the transduced infarcted hearts. In the
      same cardiac area, post-mortem histological analysis confirmed the co-existence
      of iron accumulation and GFP. The iron signal was absent when rats (n = 6) were
      chronically treated with SEN195 (10 mg/kg/day), a small-molecular inhibitor of
      beta-catenin/TCF-dependent gene transcription. Canonical Wnt pathway inhibition
      attenuated the post-ischaemic remodelling process, as demonstrated by the
      significant preservation of cardiac function, the 42 +/- 1% increase of peri
      infarct arteriolar density and 43 +/- 3% reduction in infarct scar size compared
      with untreated animals. CONCLUSIONS: The TCF/Lef promoter-hFTH construct is a
      novel and reliable MRI reporter gene for in vivo detection of the canonical
      Wnt/beta-catenin/TCF activation state in response to cardiac injury and
      therapeutic interventions.

PMID- 27671806
TI  - Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems: Review of Program and National Database From
      1970 to 2015.
AB  - The Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems (SCIMS) centers have provided continuous,
      comprehensive multidisciplinary care for persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) in
      the United States since their inception in 1970. In addition, the research
      conducted and the analysis of data collected at these centers facilitate advances
      in the care and the overall quality of life for people with SCI. Over the past 45
      years, the SCIMS program and National Spinal Cord Injury Database (NSCID) have
      undergone major revisions, which must be recognized in the planning, conduct, and
      interpretation of SCIMS research to prevent misinterpretation of findings.
      Therefore, we provide herein a brief review of the SCIMS program and the
      associated NSCID throughout its history, emphasizing changes and accomplishments
      within the past 15 years, to facilitate a better understanding and interpretation
      of the data presented in SCIMS research publications, including the articles
      published in this special issue of the Archives.

PMID- 27671804
TI  - Runx2 deletion in smooth muscle cells inhibits vascular osteochondrogenesis and
      calcification but not atherosclerotic lesion formation.
AB  - Aims: Vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are major precursors contributing to
      osteochondrogenesis and calcification in atherosclerosis. Runt-related
      transcription factor-2 (Runx2) has been found essential for SMC differentiation
      to an osteochondrogenic phenotype and subsequent calcification in vitro. A recent
      study using a conditional targeting allele that produced a truncated Runx2
      protein in SMCs of ApoE-/- mice showed reduced vascular calcification, likely
      occurring via reduction of receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand
      (RANKL), macrophage infiltration, and atherosclerotic lesion formation. Using an
      improved conditional Runx2 knockout mouse model, we have elucidated new roles for
      SMC-specific Runx2 in arterial intimal calcification (AIC) without effects on
      atherosclerotic lesion size. Methods and results: We used an improved targeting
      construct to generate LDLr-/- mice with floxed-Runx2 alleles ( LDLr-/- :Runx2 f/f
      ) such that Cre-mediated recombination ( LDLr-/- :Runx2 DeltaSM ) does not
      produce functional truncated Runx2 protein, thereby avoiding off-target effects.
      We found that both LDLr-/- :Runx2 f/f and LDLr-/- :Runx2 DeltaSM mice fed with a
      high fat diet developed atherosclerosis. SMC-specific Runx2 deletion did not
      significantly reduce atherosclerotic lesion size, macrophage number, or
      expression of RANKL, MCP-1, and CCR2. However, it significantly reduced AIC by
      50%. Mechanistically, Sox9 and type II collagen were unaltered in vessels of LDLr
      /- :Runx2 DeltaSM mice compared to LDLr-/- :Runx2 f/f counterparts, while type X
      collagen, MMP13 and the osteoblastic marker osteocalcin were significantly
      reduced. Conclusions: SMC autonomous Runx2 is required for SMC differentiation
      towards osteoblast-like cells, SMC-derived chondrocyte maturation and AIC in
      atherosclerotic mice. These effects were independent of systemic lipid
      metabolism, RANKL expression, macrophage infiltration, and atheromatous lesion
      progression.

PMID- 27671807
TI  - [Cutaneous melanocytic tumors. Case 6].

PMID- 27671802
TI  - Endothelial repair in stented arteries is accelerated by inhibition of Rho
      associated protein kinase.
AB  - AIMS: Stent deployment causes endothelial cells (EC) denudation, which promotes
      in-stent restenosis and thrombosis. Thus endothelial regrowth in stented arteries
      is an important therapeutic goal. Stent struts modify local hemodynamics, however
      the effects of flow perturbation on EC injury and repair are incompletely
      understood. By studying the effects of stent struts on flow and EC migration, we
      identified an intervention that promotes endothelial repair in stented arteries.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: In vitro and in vivo models were developed to monitor
      endothelialization under flow and the influence of stent struts. A 2D parallel
      plate flow chamber with 100 MUm ridges arranged perpendicular to the flow was
      used. Live cell imaging coupled to computational fluid dynamic simulations
      revealed that EC migrate in the direction of flow upstream from the ridges but
      subsequently accumulate downstream from ridges at sites of bidirectional flow.
      The mechanism of EC trapping by bidirectional flow involved reduced migratory
      polarity associated with altered actin dynamics. Inhibition of Rho-associated
      protein kinase (ROCK) enhanced endothelialization of ridged surfaces by promoting
      migratory polarity under bidirectional flow (P < 0.01). To more closely mimic the
      in vivo situation, we cultured EC on the inner surface of polydimethylsiloxane
      tubing containing Coroflex Blue stents (65 MUm struts) and monitored migration.
      ROCK inhibition significantly enhanced EC accumulation downstream from struts
      under flow (P < 0.05). We investigated the effects of ROCK inhibition on re
      endothelialization in vivo using a porcine model of EC denudation and stent
      placement. En face staining and confocal microscopy revealed that inhibition of
      ROCK using fasudil (30 mg/day via osmotic minipump) significantly increased re
      endothelialization of stented carotid arteries (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Stent
      struts delay endothelial repair by generating localized bidirectional flow which
      traps migrating EC. ROCK inhibitors accelerate endothelial repair of stented
      arteries by enhancing EC polarity and migration through regions of bidirectional
      flow.

PMID- 27671808
TI  - [Cutaneous melanocytic tumors. Pre-test answers].

PMID- 27671809
TI  - Groundwater shapes sediment biogeochemistry and microbial diversity in a
      submerged Great Lake sinkhole.
AB  - For a large part of earth's history, cyanobacterial mats thrived in low-oxygen
      conditions, yet our understanding of their ecological functioning is limited.
      Extant cyanobacterial mats provide windows into the putative functioning of
      ancient ecosystems, and they continue to mediate biogeochemical transformations
      and nutrient transport across the sediment-water interface in modern ecosystems.
      The structure and function of benthic mats are shaped by biogeochemical processes
      in underlying sediments. A modern cyanobacterial mat system in a submerged
      sinkhole of Lake Huron (LH) provides a unique opportunity to explore such
      sediment-mat interactions. In the Middle Island Sinkhole (MIS), seeping
      groundwater establishes a low-oxygen, sulfidic environment in which a microbial
      mat dominated by Phormidium and Planktothrix that is capable of both anoxygenic
      and oxygenic photosynthesis, as well as chemosynthesis, thrives. We explored the
      coupled microbial community composition and biogeochemical functioning of organic
      rich, sulfidic sediments underlying the surface mat. Microbial communities were
      diverse and vertically stratified to 12 cm sediment depth. In contrast to
      previous studies, which used low-throughput or shotgun metagenomic approaches,
      our high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing approach revealed extensive
      diversity. This diversity was present within microbial groups, including putative
      sulfate-reducing taxa of Deltaproteobacteria, some of which exhibited
      differential abundance patterns in the mats and with depth in the underlying
      sediments. The biological and geochemical conditions in the MIS were distinctly
      different from those in typical LH sediments of comparable depth. We found
      evidence for active cycling of sulfur, methane, and nutrients leading to high
      concentrations of sulfide, ammonium, and phosphorus in sediments underlying
      cyanobacterial mats. Indicators of nutrient availability were significantly
      related to MIS microbial community composition, while LH communities were also
      shaped by indicators of subsurface groundwater influence. These results show that
      interactions between the mats and sediments are crucial for sustaining this hot
      spot of biological diversity and biogeochemical cycling.

PMID- 27671811
TI  - Berberine and Its Role in Chronic Disease.
AB  - Berberine is a quaternary ammonium salt from the protoberberine group of
      isoquinoline alkaloids. It is found in such plants as Berberis [e.g. Berberis
      aquifolium (Oregon grape), Berberis vulgaris (barberry), Berberis aristata (tree
      turmeric)], Hydrastis canadensis (goldenseal), Xanthorhiza simplicissima
      (yellowroot), Phellodendron amurense [2] (Amur corktree), Coptis chinensis
      (Chinese goldthread), Tinospora cordifolia, Argemone mexicana (prickly poppy) and
      Eschscholzia californica (Californian poppy). In vitro it exerts significant anti
      inflammatory and antioxidant activities. In animal models berberine has
      neuroprotective and cardiovascular protective effects. In humans, its lipid
      lowering and insulin-resistance improving actions have clearly been demonstrated
      in numerous randomized clinical trials. Moreover, preliminary clinical evidence
      suggest the ability of berberine to reduce endothelial inflammation improving
      vascular health, even in patients already affected by cardiovascular diseases.
      Altogether the available evidences suggest a possible application of berberine
      use in the management of chronic cardiometabolic disorders.

PMID- 27671810
TI  - Curcumin and Its Role in Chronic Diseases.
AB  - Curcumin, a yellow pigment from the spice turmeric, is used in Indian and Chinese
      medicine since ancient times for wide range of diseases. Extensive scientific
      research on this molecule performed over the last 3 to 4 decades has proved its
      potential as an important pharmacological agent. The antioxidant, anti
      inflammatory, antimicrobial and chemopreventive activities of curcumin have been
      extended to explore this molecule against many chronic diseases with promising
      results. Further, its multitargeting ability and nontoxic nature to humans even
      up to 12 g/day have attracted scientists to explore this as an anticancer agent
      in the clinic, which is in different phases of trials. With much more scope to be
      investigated and understood, curcumin becomes one of the very few inexpensive
      botanical molecules with potent therapeutic abilities.

PMID- 27671812
TI  - Emodin and Its Role in Chronic Diseases.
AB  - Diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, respiratory diseases, and
      diabetes, are by far the leading cause of mortality in the world, representing 60
      % of all deaths. Although substantial medical advances have been made and many
      therapeutic approaches proposed yet traditional medicine and medicinal plants
      find an important place in therapy. They have been providing invaluable solutions
      to the various health problems. Emodin (1,3,8-trihydroxy-6-methylanthraquinone)
      is a natural anthraquinone derivative found in various Chinese medicinal herbs.
      Traditionally, it has been used as an active constituent of many herbal
      laxatives. However, in the last few years, significant progress has been made in
      studying the biological effects of emodin at cellular and molecular levels and it
      is emerging as an important therapeutic agent. This review provides an overview
      of the modulatory effects of emodin in various diseases and cell signaling
      pathways, which may have important implications in its future clinical use.

PMID- 27671813
TI  - Ursolic Acid and Chronic Disease: An Overview of UA's Effects On Prevention and
      Treatment of Obesity and Cancer.
AB  - Chronic diseases pose a worldwide problem and are only continuing to increase in
      incidence. Two major factors contributing to the increased incidence in chronic
      disease are a lack of physical activity and poor diet. As the link between diet
      and lifestyle and the increased incidence of chronic disease has been well
      established in the literature, novel preventive, and therapeutic methods should
      be aimed at naturally derived compounds such as ursolic acid (UA), the focus of
      this chapter. As chronic diseases, obesity and cancer share the common thread of
      inflammation and dysregulation of many related pathways, the focus here will be
      on these two chronic diseases. Significant evidence in the literature supports an
      important role for natural compounds such as UA in the prevention and treatment
      of chronic diseases like obesity and cancer, and here we have highlighted many of
      the ways UA has been shown to be a beneficial and versatile phytochemical.

PMID- 27671814
TI  - Tocotrienol and Its Role in Chronic Diseases.
AB  - Tocotrienol is a member of vitamin E family and is well-known for its antioxidant
      and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also a suppressor of mevalonate pathway
      responsible for cholesterol and prenylated protein synthesis. This review aimed
      to discuss the health beneficial effects of tocotrienol, specifically in
      preventing or treating hyperlipidaemia, diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis and
      cancer with respect to these properties. Evidence from in vitro, in vivo and
      human studies has been examined. It is revealed that tocotrienol shows promising
      effects in preventing or treating the health conditions previously mentioned in
      in vivo and in vitro models. In some cases, alpha-tocopherol attenuates the
      biological activity of tocotrienol. Except for its cholesterol-lowering effects,
      data on the health-promoting effects of tocotrienol in human are limited. As a
      conclusion, the encouraging results on the health beneficial effects of
      tocotrienol should motivate researchers to explore its potential use in human.

PMID- 27671815
TI  - Indole-3-Carbinol and Its Role in Chronic Diseases.
AB  - Indole-3-carbinol (I3C), a common phytochemical in cruciferous vegetables, and
      its condensation product, 3,3'-diindolylmethane (DIM) exert several biological
      activities on cellular and molecular levels, which contribute to their well
      recognized chemoprevention potential. Initially, these compounds were classified
      as blocking agents that increase drug-metabolizing enzyme activity. Now it is
      widely accepted that I3C and DIM affect multiple signaling pathways and target
      molecules controlling cell division, apoptosis, or angiogenesis deregulated in
      cancer cells. Although most of the current data support the role of I3C and DIM
      in prevention of hormone-dependent cancers, it seems that their application in
      prevention of the other cancer as well as cardiovascular disease, obesity, and
      diabetes reduction is also possible. This chapter summarizes the current
      experimental data on the I3C and DIM activity and the results of clinical studies
      indicating their role in prevention of chronic diseases.

PMID- 27671816
TI  - Sanguinarine and Its Role in Chronic Diseases.
AB  - The use of natural products derived from plants as medicines precedes even the
      recorded human history. In the past few years there were renewed interests in
      developing natural compounds and understanding their target specificity for drug
      development for many devastating human diseases. This has been possible due to
      remarkable advancements in the development of sensitive chemistry and biology
      tools. Sanguinarine is a benzophenanthridine alkaloid derived from rhizomes of
      the plant species Sanguinaria canadensis. The alkaloid can exist in the cationic
      iminium and neutral alkanolamine forms. Sanguinarine is an excellent DNA and RNA
      intercalator where only the iminium ion binds. Both forms of the alkaloid,
      however, shows binding to functional proteins like serum albumins, lysozyme and
      hemoglobin. The molecule is endowed with remarkable biological activities and
      large number of studies on its various activities has been published potentiating
      its development as a therapeutic agent particularly for chronic human diseases
      like cancer, asthma, etc. In this article, we review the properties of this
      natural alkaloid, and its diverse medicinal applications in relation to how it
      modulates cell death signaling pathways and induce apoptosis through different
      ways, its utility as a therapeutic agent for chronic diseases and its biological
      effects in animal and human models. These data may be useful to understand the
      therapeutic potential of this important and highly abundant alkaloid that may aid
      in the development of sanguinarine-based therapeutic agents with high efficacy
      and specificity.

PMID- 27671817
TI  - Piperine and Its Role in Chronic Diseases.
AB  - Alkaloids include a family of naturally occurring chemical compounds containing
      mostly basic nitrogen atoms. Piperine is an alkaloid present in black pepper
      (Piper nigrum), one of the most widely used spices, in long pepper (Piper
      longum), and other Piper species fruits belonging to the family of Piperaceae.
      Piperine is responsible for the black pepper distinct biting quality. Piperine
      has many pharmacological effects and several health benefits, especially against
      chronic diseases, such as reduction of insulin-resistance, anti-inflammatory
      effects, and improvement of hepatic steatosis. The aim of this chapter is to
      summarize the effects of piperine, alone or in combination with other drugs and
      phytochemicals, in chronic diseases.

PMID- 27671818
TI  - Therapeutic Potential and Molecular Targets of Piceatannol in Chronic Diseases.
AB  - Piceatannol (3,3',4,5'-tetrahydroxy-trans-stilbene; PIC) is a naturally occurring
      stilbene present in diverse plant sources. PIC is a hydroxylated analog of
      resveratrol and produced from resveratrol by microsomal cytochrome P450 1A11/2
      and 1B1 activities. Like resveratrol, PIC has a broad spectrum of health
      beneficial effects, many of which are attributable to its antioxidative and anti
      inflammatory activities. PIC exerts anticarcinogenic effects by targeting
      specific proteins involved in regulating cancer cell proliferation,
      survival/death, invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, etc. in tumor
      microenvironment. PIC also has other health promoting and disease preventing
      functions, such as anti-obese, antidiabetic, neuroptotective, cardioprotective,
      anti-allergic, anti-aging properties. This review outlines the principal
      biological activities of PIC and underlying mechanisms with special focus on
      intracellular signaling molecules/pathways involved.

PMID- 27671819
TI  - Fisetin and Its Role in Chronic Diseases.
AB  - Chronic inflammation is a prolonged and dysregulated immune response leading to a
      wide variety of physiological and pathological conditions such as neurological
      abnormalities, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, pulmonary diseases,
      immunological diseases, cancers, and other life-threatening conditions.
      Therefore, inhibition of persistent inflammation will reduce the risk of
      inflammation-associated chronic diseases. Inflammation-related chronic diseases
      require chronic treatment without side effects. Use of traditional medicines and
      restricted diet has been utilized by mankind for ages to prevent or treat several
      chronic diseases. Bioactive dietary agents or "Nutraceuticals" present in several
      fruits, vegetables, legumes, cereals, fibers, and certain spices have shown
      potential to inhibit or reverse the inflammatory responses and several chronic
      diseases related to chronic inflammation. Due to safe, nontoxic, and preventive
      benefits, the use of nutraceuticals as dietary supplements or functional foods
      has increased in the Western world. Fisetin (3,3',4',7-tetrahydroxyflavone) is a
      dietary flavonoid found in various fruits (strawberries, apples, mangoes,
      persimmons, kiwis, and grapes), vegetables (tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers),
      nuts, and wine that has shown strong anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti
      tumorigenic, anti-invasive, anti-angiogenic, anti-diabetic, neuroprotective, and
      cardioprotective effects in cell culture and in animal models relevant to human
      diseases. In this chapter, we discuss the beneficial pharmacological effects of
      fisetin against different pathological conditions with special emphasis on
      diseases related to chronic inflammatory conditions.

PMID- 27671820
TI  - Honokiol, an Active Compound of Magnolia Plant, Inhibits Growth, and Progression
      of Cancers of Different Organs.
AB  - Honokiol (C18H18O2) is a biphenolic natural product isolated from the bark and
      leaves of Magnolia plant spp. During the last decade or more, honokiol has been
      extensively studied for its beneficial effect against several diseases.
      Investigations have demonstrated that honokiol possesses anti-carcinogenic, anti
      inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-angiogenic as well as inhibitory effect on
      malignant transformation of papillomas to carcinomas in vitro and in vivo animal
      models without any appreciable toxicity. Honokiol affects multiple signaling
      pathways, molecular and cellular targets including nuclear factor-kappaB (NF
      kappaB), STAT3, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), cell survival signaling,
      cell cycle, cyclooxygenase and other inflammatory mediators, etc. Its
      chemopreventive and/or therapeutic effects have been tested against chronic
      diseases, such as cancers of different organs. In this chapter, we describe and
      discuss briefly the effect of honokiol against cancers of different organs, such
      as melanoma, non-melanoma, lung, prostate, breast, head and neck squamous cell
      carcinoma, urinary bladder cancer, gastric cancer, and neuroblastoma, etc. and
      describe its mechanism of action including various molecular and cellular
      targets. Although more rigorous in vivo studies are still needed, however it is
      expected that therapeutic effects and activities of honokiol may help in the
      development and designing of clinical trials against chronic diseases in human
      subjects.

PMID- 27671821
TI  - Celastrol and Its Role in Controlling Chronic Diseases.
AB  - Celastrol, a triterpenoid derived from traditional Chinese medicinal plants, has
      anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. Celastrol has shown
      preventive/therapeutic effects in experimental models of several chronic
      diseases. These include, chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases (e.g.,
      rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus,
      inflammatory bowel disease, and psoriasis), neurodegenerative disorders (e.g.,
      Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis),
      atherosclerosis, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and cancer. Celastrol modulates
      intricate cellular pathways and networks associated with disease pathology, and
      it interrupts or redirects the aberrant cellular and molecular events so as to
      limit disease progression and facilitate recovery, where feasible. The major cell
      signaling pathways modulated by celastrol include the NF-kB pathway, MAPK
      pathway, JAK/STAT pathway, PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, and antioxidant defense
      mechanisms. Furthermore, celastrol modulates cell proliferation, apoptosis,
      proteasome activity, heat-shock protein response, innate and adaptive immune
      responses, angiogenesis, and bone remodeling. Current understanding of the
      mechanisms of action of celastrol and information about its disease-modulating
      activities in experimental models have set the stage for testing celastrol in
      clinical studies as a therapeutic agent for several chronic human diseases.

PMID- 27671822
TI  - Boswellic Acids and Their Role in Chronic Inflammatory Diseases.
AB  - : Boswellic acids, which are pentacyclic triterpenes belong to the active
      pharmacological compounds of the oleogum resin of different Boswellia species. In
      the resin, more than 12 different boswellic acids have been identified but only
      KBA and AKBA received significant pharmacological interest. Biological Activity:
      In an extract of the resin of Boswellia species multiple factors are responsible
      for the final outcome of a therapeutic effect, be it synergistic or antagonistic.
      Moreover, the anti-inflammatory actions of BAs are caused by different mechanisms
      of action. They include inhibition of leukotriene synthesis and to a less extend
      prostaglandin synthesis. Furthermore inhibition of the complement system at the
      level of conversion of C3 into C3a and C3b. A major target of BAs is the immune
      system. Here, BEs as well as BAs including KBA and AKBA, have been shown to
      decrease production of proinflammatory cytokines including IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, IFN
      gamma and TNF-alpha which finally are directed to destroy tissues such as
      cartilage, insulin producing cells, bronchial, intestinal and other tissues. NFKB
      is considered to be the target of AKBA. The complex actions of BEs and BAs in
      inflamed areas may be completed by some effects that are localized behind the
      inflammatory process as such tissue destruction. In this case, in vitro- and
      animal studies have shown that BAs and BEs suppress proteolytic activity of
      cathepsin G, human leucocyte elastase, formation of oxygen radicals and lysosomal
      enzymes. PHARMACOKINETICS: Whereas KBA is absorbed reaching blood levels being
      close to in vitro IC50, AKBA which is more active in in vitro studies than KBA,
      but undergoes much less absorption than KBA. However, absorption of both is
      increased more than twice when taken together with a high-fat meal.Clinical
      Studies There are a variety of chronic inflammatory diseases which respond to
      treatment with extracts from the resin of Boswellia species. Though, the number
      of cases is small in related clinical studies, their results are convincing and
      supported by the preclinical data. These studies include rheumatoid arthritis,
      osteoarthritis, chronic colitis, ulcerative colitis, collagenous colitis, Crohn's
      disease and bronchial asthma. It can not be expected that there is cure from
      these diseases but at least improvement of symptoms in about 60-70 % of the
      cases. Side Effects The number and severity of side effects is extremely low. The
      most reported complaints are gastrointestinal symptoms. Allergic reactions are
      rare. And most authors report, that treatment with BEs is well tolerated and the
      registered side effects in BE- and placebo groups are similar.

PMID- 27671823
TI  - Natural Withanolides in the Treatment of Chronic Diseases.
AB  - Withanolides, and in particular extracts from Withania somnifera, have been used
      for over 3,000 years in traditional Ayurvedic and Unani Indian medical systems as
      well as within several other Asian countries. Traditionally, the extracts were
      ascribed a wide range of pharmacologic properties with corresponding medical
      uses, including adaptogenic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, sedative/anxiolytic,
      cytotoxic, antitussive, and immunomodulatory. Since the discovery of the
      archetype withaferin A in 1965, approximately 900 of these naturally occurring,
      polyoxygenated steroidal lactones with 28-carbon ergostane skeletons have been
      discovered across 24 diverse structural types. Subsequently, extensive
      pharmacologic research has identified multiple mechanisms of action across key
      inflammatory pathways. In this chapter we identify and describe the major
      withanolides with anti-inflammatory properties, illustrate their role within
      essential and supportive inflammatory pathways (including NF-kappaB, JAK/STAT, AP
      1, PPARgamma, Hsp90 Nrf2, and HIF-1), and then discuss the clinical application
      of these withanolides in inflammation-mediated chronic diseases (including
      arthritis, autoimmune, cancer, neurodegenerative, and neurobehavioral). These
      naturally derived compounds exhibit remarkable biologic activity across these
      complex disease processes, while showing minimal adverse effects. As novel
      compounds and analogs continue to be discovered, characterized, and clinically
      evaluated, the interest in withanolides as a novel therapeutic only continues to
      grow.

PMID- 27671824
TI  - Gambogic Acid and Its Role in Chronic Diseases.
AB  - Kokum, a spice derived from the fruit of the Garcinia hanburyi tree, is
      traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicines to facilitate digestion and to treat
      sores, dermatitis, diarrhoea, dysentery, and ear infection. One of the major
      active components of kokum is gambogic acid, also known as guttic acid, guttatic
      acid, beta-guttilactone, and beta-guttiferin. Gambogic acid's anti-proliferative,
      anti-bacterial; antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects result from its
      modulation of numerous cell-signaling intermediates. This chapter discusses the
      sources, chemical components, mechanism of action, and disease targets of the
      kokum spice.

PMID- 27671825
TI  - Embelin and Its Role in Chronic Diseases.
AB  - Embelia ribes Burm of Myrsinaceae family has been widely used as an herb in the
      traditional medicine of India. Embelin is an active component extracted from the
      fruits of Embelia ribes. It has a wide spectrum of biological activities and is
      not toxic at low dose. This review focuses on the physical-chemical properties
      and bioactivities of Embelin, as well as its effects on chronic diseases such as
      tumors, autoimmune inflammatory diseases, parasitic infections, microbial
      infections, diabetes, obesity, and cardio-cerebral vascular diseases. The
      underlying mechanisms of the effects are also discussed. As a multiple-targeted
      therapeutic agent, Embelin has the potential to be used widely for the treatment
      of a variety of chronic diseases, including malignant tumors.

PMID- 27671826
TI  - Butein and Its Role in Chronic Diseases.
AB  - Natural compounds isolated from various plant sources have been used for
      therapeutic purpose for centuries. These compounds have been routinely used for
      the management of various chronic ailments and have gained considerable attention
      because of their significant efficacy and comparatively low side effects. Butein,
      a chacolnoid compound that has been isolated from various medicinal plants has
      exhibited a wide range of beneficial pharmacological effects, such as anti
      inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-angiogenic in diverse disease
      models. This article briefly summarizes the past published literature related to
      the therapeutic and protective effects of butein, as demonstrated in various
      models of human chronic diseases. Further analysis of its important cellular
      targets, toxicity, and pharmacokinetic profile may further significantly expand
      its therapeutic application.

PMID- 27671827
TI  - Garcinol and Its Role in Chronic Diseases.
AB  - The various bioactive compounds isolated from leaves and fruits of Garcinia sps
      plants, have been characterized and experimentally demonstrated to be anti
      oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer in nature. Garcinol, a
      polyisoprenylated benzophenone, obtained from plant Garcinia indica has been
      found to be an effective inhibitor of several key regulatory pathways (e.g., NF
      kB, STAT3 etc.) in cancer cells, thereby being able to control malignant growth
      of solid tumours in vivo. Despite its high potential as an anti-neoplastic
      modulator of several cancer types such as head and neck cancer, breast cancer,
      hepatocellular carcinoma, prostate cancer, colon cancer etc., it is still in
      preclinical stage due to lack of systematic and conclusive evaluation of
      pharmacological parameters. While it is promising anti-cancer effects are being
      positively ascertained for therapeutic development, studies on its effectiveness
      in ameliorating other chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes,
      allergy, neurodegenerative diseases etc., though seem favourable, are very recent
      and require in depth scientific investigation.

PMID- 27671828
TI  - Morin and Its Role in Chronic Diseases.
AB  - Chronic diseases can be referred to the long-term medical conditions which are
      mostly progressive in nature, i.e., it deteriorates over time. Diabetes,
      arthritis, heart disease, stroke, cancer, and chronic respiratory problems (e.g.,
      COPD) are not a few examples of chronic diseases and chronic diseases are the
      leading causes of death and disability all over the world. Chronic diseases and
      conditions are among the most common, costly, and preventable of all health
      problems. Affordable cost, presence mostly in the consumables, and minimal side
      effects make the naturally occurring compounds interesting and attractive for
      pharmacological study in recent years. Plants produce diverse types of low
      molecular weight products mainly for the defense purpose. Among them, the group
      of secondary metabolites related to a polyphenolic group has been named
      flavonoids and are of great interest due to their incredible pharmacological
      properties. In these regard, due to its potent anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic
      and many important pharmacological properties (relevant to chronic diseases,
      e.g., urate transporter inhibitor related to gout, modulator of immunosystem
      related to chronic hypersensitivity, etc.), morin [morin hydrate:2-(2,4
      dihydroxyphenyl)-3,5,7-trihydroxy-4H-1-benzopy ran-4-one; 3,5,7,20,40
      pentahydroxyflavone], widely found among the Moraceae family, considered as one
      of the most important key bioflavonols. However, little is known about the
      molecular mechanisms of its action on such conditions. In this chapter, we have
      summarized most of the findings, if not all, available till date.

PMID- 27671829
TI  - Ellagic Acid and Its Role in Chronic Diseases.
AB  - Ellagic acid is a natural anti-oxidant phenol found in numerous fruits and
      vegetables, in particular pomegranate, persimmon, raspberry, black raspberry,
      strawberry, peach, plumes, nuts (walnuts, almonds), and wine. The anti
      proliferative and anti-oxidant properties of ellagic acid have prompted research
      into its potential health benefits. The aim of this chapter will be to summarize
      potential benefits of ellagic acid supplementation in chronic diseases.

PMID- 27671830
TI  - The impact of thyroid autoimmunity on IVF/ICSI outcome: a systematic review and
      meta-analysis.

PMID- 27671831
TI  - Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (TREM-1) and cytokine gene
      variants in complicated and uncomplicated malaria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Malaria elicits inflammatory responses, which, if not well regulated,
      may exert detrimental effects. When activated, triggering receptor expressed on
      myeloid cells 1 (TREM-1) enhances inflammatory responses by increasing secretion
      of IL-8 and other Th1 cytokines. In contrast, TREM-like transcript 1 (TREML-1)
      promotes anti-inflammatory responses by binding to TREM-1 ligands and competing
      with TREM-1, thus antagonizing TREM-1 activation to reduce inflammation.
      Endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) also mediates anti-inflammatory responses
      by activating endothelial protein C (PC). Upon microbial stimulation, soluble
      forms of TREM-1 (sTREM-1) and soluble EPCR (sEPCR) are released. Their plasma
      levels reflect the degree of inflammation and the severity of infection. METHODS:
      In a cross-sectional study comparing patients with severe with uncomplicated
      malaria, sTREM-1, soluble TREML-1 (sTREML-1) and sEPCR plasma levels as well as
      plasma levels of sEPCR derived from convalescent patients were quantified.
      Samples were collected on admittance of paediatric patients infected with
      Plasmodium falciparum to hospitals in Accra, Ghana. Distinct genetic regions of
      the genes encoding TREM-1, EPCR, interleukin (IL)-8 and IL-18 encompassing known
      genetic polymorphisms that influence plasma levels underwent DNA sequencing.
      RESULTS: Higher sTREM-1 levels were observed among children suffering from severe
      malaria compared to those with uncomplicated malaria (P = 0.049). Low TREM-1 to
      TREML-1 ratios were associated with uncomplicated malaria (P = 0.033). The TREM1
      rs2234237T variant causing the amino acid exchange Thr25Ser, which has been
      associated with higher TREM-1 plasma levels, was significantly more frequent
      among patients with severe malaria than in those with uncomplicated malaria (P =
      0.036). Low levels of sEPCR were observed in severe and uncomplicated malaria,
      while variant genotypes of IL8, IL18 and EPCR did not show any association.
      CONCLUSION: Higher plasma levels of sTREM-1 alone or relative to sTREML-1 during
      malaria predispose to the phenotype of severe malaria. Carriage of the TREM1
      rs2234237T allele appears to be a risk factor for the development of severe
      malaria.

PMID- 27671832
TI  - 1 H-Detected Solid-State NMR Studies of Water-Inaccessible Proteins In Vitro and
      In Situ.
AB  - 1 H detection can significantly improve solid-state NMR spectral sensitivity and
      thereby allows studying more complex proteins. However, the common prerequisite
      for 1 H detection is the introduction of exchangeable protons in otherwise
      deuterated proteins, which has thus far significantly hampered studies of partly
      water-inaccessible proteins, such as membrane proteins. Herein, we present an
      approach that enables high-resolution 1 H-detected solid-state NMR (ssNMR)
      studies of water-inaccessible proteins, and that even works in highly complex
      environments such as cellular surfaces. In particular, the method was applied to
      study the K+ channel KcsA in liposomes and in situ in native bacterial cell
      membranes. We used our data for a dynamic analysis, and we show that the
      selectivity filter, which is responsible for ion conduction and highly conserved
      in K+ channels, undergoes pronounced molecular motion. We expect this approach to
      open new avenues for biomolecular ssNMR.

PMID- 27671834
TI  - Salicylic acid (SA)-eluting bone regeneration scaffolds with interconnected
      porosity and local and sustained SA release.
AB  - In previous work, we observed that localized and sustained delivery of an anti
      inflammatory drug, salicylic acid (SA), via a SA-based polymer (SAP) powder
      significantly enhanced diabetic bone regeneration through long-term mitigation of
      local inflammation. In this study, SAP was formulated into uniform microspheres
      and then sintered into a scaffold with an interconnected porous structure and
      modulus suitable for bone regeneration. The SAP scaffolds have ~45% SA loading,
      which is the highest among drug-eluting bone regeneration scaffolds to-date. In
      addition, the scaffold provides localized, controlled and sustained SA release
      that has been proven to enhance diabetic bone regeneration. With the combination
      of physical (interconnected porosity) and chemical therapeutic features (high
      drug loading and sustained release), the novel SAP scaffolds offer unique
      therapeutic advantages and are promising diabetic bone regeneration candidates.
      (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 311-318, 2017.

PMID- 27671833
TI  - Effect of metal-cation antacids on the pharmacokinetics of 1200 mg raltegravir.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Raltegravir is a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 integrase
      strand transfer inhibitor currently marketed at a dose of 400 mg twice daily
      (BID). Raltegravir for once-daily regimen (QD) at a dose of 1200 mg is under
      development. The effect of calcium carbonate and magnesium/aluminium hydroxide
      antacids on the pharmacokinetics of a 1200 mg dose of raltegravir was assessed in
      this study. METHODS: An open-label, four-period, four-treatment, fixed-sequence
      study in 20 HIV-infected patients was performed. Patients needed to be on
      raltegravir as part of a stable treatment regimen for HIV, and upon entry into
      the trial received 5 days of 1200 mg raltegravir as pretreatment, before they
      entered the four-period study: 1200 mg of raltegravir alone (period 1), calcium
      carbonate antacid as TUMS(r) Ultra Strength (US) 1000 and 1200 mg raltegravir
      given concomitantly (Period 2), magnesium/aluminium hydroxide antacid as 20 ml
      MAALOX(r) Maximum Strength substitute MS given 12 h after administration of 1200
      mg raltegravir (period 3), and calcium carbonate antacid as TUMS(r) US 1000 given
      12 h after administration of 1200 mg raltegravir (period 4). Patients received
      their dose of 1200 mg QD raltegravir during the intervals between periods to re
      establish steady state. AUC0-24 , C24 , Cmax and Tmax were calculated from the
      individual plasma concentrations of 1200 mg QD raltegravir after administration
      alone or with a calcium carbonate antacid or with a staggered dose of a calcium
      carbonate antacid or magnesium/aluminium hydroxide antacid. Adverse events, in
      addition to laboratory safety tests (haematology, serum chemistry and
      urinalysis), 12-lead electrocardiograms and vital signs were assessed. KEY
      FINDINGS: All treatments were well tolerated in the study. Metal-cation antacids
      variably affected the pharmacokinetics of 1200 mg QD raltegravir. When calcium
      carbonate antacid was given with 1200 mg raltegravir concomitantly, the geometric
      mean ratio (GMR) and its associated 90% confidence interval (90% CI) for AUC0-24
      , Cmax and C24 h were 0.28 (0.24, 0.32), 0.26 (0.21, 0.32) and 0.52 (0.45, 0.61),
      respectively. When calcium carbonate antacid and magnesium/aluminium hydroxide
      were given 12 h after raltegravir 1200 mg QD dosing, the GMR (90% CI) values for
      AUC0-24 and Cmax were 0.90 (0.80, 1.03), 0.98 (0.81, 1.17), and 0.86 (0.73,
      1.03), 0.86 (0.65, 1.15), respectively. However, significant reduction in the
      trough concentrations of raltegravir was observed: C24 h 0.43 (0.36, 0.51) in the
      presence of calcium carbonate antacids and 0.42 (0.34, 0.52) in presence of
      magnesium/aluminium hydroxide, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the use of
      metal-cation antacids with 1200 mg QD raltegravir is not recommended.

PMID- 27671835
TI  - Enterostomy-related complications and growth following reversal in infants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Infant enterostomies are used to manage various neonatal surgical
      conditions where it is not suitable or safe to form a primary anastomosis.
      Complications are common and there is no consensus regarding optimal timing of
      enterostomy reversal. Stoma reversal is thought to allow patients to thrive;
      however, this has not been demonstrated robustly. AIM: The study aimed to
      identify risk factors for enterostomy-related complications and to determine the
      relationship between enterostomy complications, enterostomy reversal and weight
      gain in infants with enterostomies. METHODS: A retrospective case note review of
      58 infants who underwent enterostomy formation and reversal during a 6-year
      period was undertaken; demographic data, diagnosis, enterostomy complications and
      serial weights were noted. Standardised growth charts were used to calculate z
      scores. RESULTS: Enterostomy complications were documented in 24 infants (41%).
      Infants of low birth weight and low gestational birth age were significantly more
      likely to have an enterostomy-related complication (1110 vs 2125 g, 28.5 vs 35
      weeks, respectively); they were more likely to have longer inpatient stays and
      remain dependent on parenteral nutrition prior to closure (median 92.5 vs 52
      days, 40% vs 16%, respectively). Irrespective of diagnosis, gestation and
      presence of an enterostomy complication, the mean z score prior to enterostomy
      closure was -0.747 vs +0.892 following closure. CONCLUSIONS: Around 40% of
      infants with an enterostomy will have an enterostomy-related complication.
      Whatever their weight, gestation or underlying pathology, most infants thrive
      after enterostomy closure and this should be considered when planning the optimal
      timing for this procedure.

PMID- 27671836
TI  - Two-hourly versus 3-hourly feeding for very low birthweight infants: a randomised
      controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether feeding with 2-hourly or 3-hourly feeding
      interval reduces the time to achieve full enteral feeding and to compare their
      outcome in very low birthweight preterm infants. DESIGN: Parallel-group
      randomised controlled trial with a 1:1 allocation ratio. SETTING: Two regional
      tertiary neonatal intensive care units. PATIENTS: 150 preterm infants less than
      35 weeks gestation with birth weight between 1.0 and 1.5 kg were recruited.
      INTERVENTIONS: Infants were enrolled to either 2-hourly or 3-hourly interval
      feeding after randomisation. Blinding was not possible due to the nature of the
      intervention. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was time to achieve full
      enteral feeding (>=100 mL/kg/day). Secondary outcomes include time to regain
      birth weight, episode of feeding intolerance, peak serum bilirubin levels,
      duration of phototherapy, episode of necrotising enterocolitis, nosocomial sepsis
      and gastro-oesophageal reflux. RESULTS: 72 infants were available for primary
      outcome analysis in each group as three were excluded due to death-three deaths
      in each group. The mean time to full enteral feeding was 11.3 days in the 3
      hourly group and 10.2 days in the 2-hourly group (mean difference 1.1 days; 95%
      CI -0.4 to 2.5; p=0.14). The mean time to regain birth weight was shorter in 3
      hourly group (12.9 vs 14.8 days, p=0.04). Other subgroup analyses did not reveal
      additional significant results. No difference in adverse events was found between
      the groups. CONCLUSION: 3-hourly feeding was comparable with 2-hourly feeding to
      achieve full enteral feeding without any evidence of increased adverse events.
      TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ACTRN12611000676910, pre-result.

PMID- 27671837
TI  - Maternal cardiovascular function at 35-37 weeks' gestation: relation to maternal
      characteristics.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the possible effects of maternal characteristics and
      obstetric and medical history on maternal cardiovascular parameters at 35-37
      weeks' gestation. METHODS: In 3013 singleton pregnancies at 35-37 weeks, maternal
      characteristics and medical history were recorded; uterine artery pulsatility
      index, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and maternal cardiovascular parameters were
      measured. Multivariable regression analysis was used to determine significant
      predictors of the cardiovascular parameters among gestational age (GA), maternal
      characteristics and medical history. RESULTS: Multivariable regression analysis
      demonstrated that significant independent prediction of log10 cardiac output and
      log10 cardiac power was provided by GA, maternal age, weight, weight gain from
      the first trimester, height, racial origin, smoking, assisted conception and
      previous neonatal birth-weight Z-score in parous women. For log10 total
      peripheral resistance, significant prediction was provided by GA, maternal age,
      height, racial origin, chronic hypertension, diabetes mellitus, assisted
      conception, previous neonatal birth-weight Z-score and prior pre-eclampsia (PE)
      in parous women. For log10 stroke volume, significant prediction was provided by
      maternal age, height, racial origin, smoking, chronic hypertension and diabetes
      mellitus. For heart rate, significant prediction was provided by GA, weight,
      weight gain, height, racial origin, chronic hypertension, previous neonatal birth
      weight Z-score and prior PE in parous women. For log10 MAP, significant
      prediction was provided by maternal weight, racial origin, family history of PE,
      chronic hypertension and diabetes mellitus. For log10 thoracic fluid capacity,
      significant prediction was provided by GA, maternal age, weight, height, racial
      origin and systemic lupus erythematosus or antiphospholipid syndrome. For log10
      ventricular ejection time, significant prediction was provided by GA, weight,
      height and racial origin. CONCLUSION: Maternal cardiovascular parameters are
      affected by maternal characteristics and medical and obstetric history, and they
      should therefore be converted into multiples of the normal median adjusted for
      significant independent predictors before their inclusion in combined screening
      for PE. Copyright (c) 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

PMID- 27671839
TI  - Impact of the 2015 El Nino event on winter air quality in China.
AB  - During the winter of 2015, there was a strong El Nino (ENSO) event, resulting in
      significant anomalies for meteorological conditions in China. Analysis shows that
      the meteorological conditions in December 2015 (compared to December 2014) had
      several important anomalies, including the following: (1) the surface
      southeasterly winds were significantly enhanced in the North China Plain (NCP);
      (2) the precipitation was increased in the south of eastern China; and (3) the
      wind speeds were decreased in the middle-north of eastern China, while slightly
      increased in the south of eastern China. These meteorological anomalies produced
      important impacts on the aerosol pollution in eastern China. In the NCP region,
      the PM2.5 concentrations were significantly increased, with a maximum increase of
      80-100 MUg m-3. A global chemical/transport model (MOZART-4) was applied to study
      the individual contribution of the changes in winds and precipitation to PM2.5
      concentrations. This study suggests that the 2015El Nino event had significant
      effects on air pollution in eastern China, especially in the NCP region,
      including the capital city of Beijing, in which aerosol pollution was
      significantly enhanced in the already heavily polluted capital city of China.

PMID- 27671838
TI  - Ciliated muconodular papillary tumor of the lung: A report of five cases.
AB  - Ciliated muconodular papillary tumor (CMPT) of the lung is a newly defined and
      extremely rare tumor characterized by a papillary growth pattern, consisting of
      ciliated columnar cells, mucous cells, and basal cells with abundant mucin
      production. Tumor definitions and clinicopathological features continue to be
      debated. Herein, we report five surgical cases of CMPT to characterize its
      radiographic, gross, and microscopic features. The five cases involved three male
      patients aged 80, 67, and 66 years, and two female patients aged 73 and 70 years.
      Three cases were discovered during health care screenings, and two cases were
      found during follow-up for another synchronous cancer. Histopathological
      examination revealed that the tumor tissue was composed of ciliated columnar
      cells, mucous cells, and basal cells with abundant mucin production. Neither
      nuclear atypia nor mitotic figures were observed. All patients had good
      prognoses. The benign histological features and clinical courses in these five
      cases suggest that CMPT is an independent and benign tumor of the lung.

PMID- 27671841
TI  - Acid-Base Switchable [2]- and [3]Rotaxane Molecular Shuttles with Benzimidazolium
      and Bis(pyridinium) Recognition Sites.
AB  - For the purpose of developing higher level mechanically interlocked molecules
      (MIMs), such as molecular switches and machines, a new rotaxane system was
      designed in which both the 1,2-bis(pyridinium)ethane and benzimidazolium
      recognition templating motifs were combined. These two very different recognition
      sites were successfully incorporated into [2]rotaxane and [3]rotaxane molecular
      shuttles which were fully characterized by 1 H NMR, 2D EXSY, single-crystal X-ray
      diffraction and VT NMR analysis. By utilizing benzimidazolium as both a
      recognition site and stoppering group it was possible to create not only an
      acid/base switchable [2]rotaxane molecular shuttle (energy barrier 20.9 kcal?mol
      1 ) but also a [3]rotaxane molecular shuttle that displays unique dynamic
      behavior involving the simultaneous motion of two macrocyclic wheels on a single
      dumbbell. This study provides new insights into the design of switchable
      molecular shuttles. Due to the unique properties of benzimidazoles, such as
      fluorescence and metal coordination, this new type of molecular shuttle may find
      further applications in developing functional molecular machines and materials.

PMID- 27671840
TI  - Regression in thin melanoma is associated with nodal recurrence after a negative
      sentinel node biopsy.
AB  - Prognostic markers for nodal metastasis in thin melanoma patients are debated. We
      present a single institution study looking at factors predictive of nodal disease
      in thin melanoma patients. Retrospective review from 1997 to 2012 identified 252
      patients with thin melanoma (<=1 mm) who underwent a sentinel lymph node biopsy
      (SLNB). Node-positive patients included positive SLNB patients and negative SLNB
      patients who developed a nodal recurrence (false-negative SLNB).
      Clinicopathologic characteristics were correlated with nodal status and outcome.
      Median follow-up was 45.5 months. Twelve of 252 patients (4.8%) were node
      positive including six positive SLNB (2.4%) and six false-negative SLNB (2.4%)
      patients. No clinicopathologic factors were significantly correlated with nodal
      disease. For the six false-negative SLNB patients, median time to nodal
      recurrence was 37.5 months. Regression was seen in only 16% of cases, but the
      rate increased to 60% for false-negative SLNB cases. Both age (odds ratio [OR]:
      1.09, 95% CI: 1.01-1.17; P = 0.02) and regression (OR: 8.33, 95% CI: 1.34-52.63;
      P = 0.02) were significantly associated with nodal recurrence after a negative
      SLNB on univariable analysis. Nodal disease in thin melanoma patients was seen in
      4.8% of cases. Although regression was not correlated with nodal metastasis, it
      was correlated with a false-negative SLNB. Patients with thin melanoma and
      regression may need more intensive surveillance after a negative SLNB. Further
      study is needed to determine if the same immune mechanisms that result in
      regression in primary tumors also lead to regression in lymph nodes, which may
      decrease detection of melanoma nodal metastases.

PMID- 27671842
TI  - Sustainable Hydrothermal Carbonization Synthesis of Iron/Nitrogen-Doped Carbon
      Nanofiber Aerogels as Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction.
AB  - It is urgent to develop new kinds of low-cost and high-performance nonprecious
      metal (NPM) catalysts as alternatives to Pt-based catalysts for oxygen reduction
      reaction (ORR) in fuel cells and metal-air batteries, which have been proved to
      be efficient to meet the challenge of increase of global energy demand and CO2
      emissions. Here, an economical and sustainable method is developed for the
      synthesis of Fe, N codoped carbon nanofibers (Fe-N/CNFs) aerogels as efficient
      NPM catalysts for ORR via a mild template-directed hydrothermal carbonization
      (HTC) process, where cost-effective biomass-derived d(+)-glucosamine
      hydrochloride and ferrous gluconate are used as precursors and recyclable
      ultrathin tellurium nanowires are used as templates. The prepared Fe/N-CNFs
      catalysts display outstanding ORR activity, i.e., onset potential of 0.88 V and
      half-wave potential of 0.78 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode in an alkaline
      medium, which is highly comparable to that of commercial Pt/C (20 wt% Pt)
      catalyst. Furthermore, the Fe/N-CNFs catalysts exhibit superior long-term
      stability and better tolerance to the methanol crossover effect than the Pt/C
      catalyst in both alkaline and acidic electrolytes. This work suggests the great
      promise of developing new families of NPM ORR catalysts by the economical and
      sustainable HTC process.

PMID- 27671843
TI  - Experimental factors affecting the robustness of DNA methylation analysis.
AB  - Diverging methylation frequencies are often reported for the same locus in the
      same disease, underscoring the need for limiting technical variability in DNA
      methylation analyses. We have investigated seven likely sources of variability at
      different steps of bisulfite PCR-based DNA methylation analyses using a fully
      automated quantitative methylation-specific PCR setup of six gene promoters
      across 20 colon cancer cell lines. Based on >15,000 individual PCRs, all tested
      parameters affected the normalized percent of methylated reference (PMR)
      differences, with a fourfold varying magnitude. Additionally, large variations
      were observed across the six genes analyzed. The highest variation was seen using
      single-copy genes as reference for normalization, followed by different amounts
      of template in the PCR, different amounts of DNA in the bisulfite reaction, and
      storage of bisulfite converted samples. Finally, when a highly standardized
      pipeline was repeated, the difference in PMR value for the same assay in the same
      cell line was on average limited to five (on a 0-100 scale). In conclusion, a
      standardized pipeline is essential for consistent methylation results, where
      parameters are kept constant for all samples. Nevertheless, a certain level of
      variation in methylation values must be expected, underscoring the need for
      careful interpretation of data.

PMID- 27671844
TI  - Factors controlling the origin of Cochlodinium polykrikoides blooms along the
      Goheung coast, South Korea.
AB  - We investigated the factors influencing the origin of Cochlodinium polykrikoides
      blooms along the Goheung coast (GH), and compared them to those along the Geoje
      (GJ) coast and in the East China Sea (ECS) which were used as reference sites.
      Stratification did not develop in GH during C. polykrikoides blooms, unlike that
      in GJ. The surface salinity during summer in ECS was equivalent to that of GH,
      whereas surface temperature and concentration of nutrients in ECS were markedly
      higher than those in GH or GJ. Thermohaline (or thermal) fronts appeared between
      the Korea Southern Coastal Water (KSCW) and the outer seawater during C.
      polykrikoides blooms. The result of numerical simulation models indicated that
      freshwater from the Yangtze River clearly affected KSCW. As a result, the origin
      of C. polykrikoides blooms in GH during summer could be attributed to the inflow
      of seawater from ECS with high water temperature and abundant nutrients.

PMID- 27671845
TI  - Degradation of crude oil in a contaminated tidal flat area and the resilience of
      bacterial community.
AB  - Crude oil spills, Hebei Spirit in South Korea, is considered as one of the worst
      environmental disasters of the region. Our understanding on activation of oil
      degrading bacteria and resilience of microbial community in oil contaminated
      sites are limited due to scarcity of such event. In the present study, tidal flat
      sediment contaminated by the oil spill were investigated for duration of 13months
      to identify temporal change in microbial community and functional genes
      responsible for PAH-degradation. The results showed predominance of previously
      known oil-degrading genera, such as Cycloclasticus, Alcanivorax, and
      Thalassolituus, displaying significant increase within first four months of the
      accident. The disturbance caused by the oil spill altered the microbial community
      and its functional structures, but they were almost restored to the original
      state after 13months. Present study demonstrated high detoxification capacity of
      indigenous bacterial populations in the tidal flat sediments and its resilience
      of microbial community.

PMID- 27671846
TI  - Characterization of phosphorus sorption on the sediments of Yangtze River Estuary
      and its adjacent areas.
AB  - This paper studied the kinetics, isotherm and thermodynamics of phosphorus
      sorption onto the sediments of the Yangtze River estuary and its adjacent waters,
      as well as the sediments' compositions and physicochemical properties. The
      process could be described well by a two-compartment first order equation. The
      sorbed phosphorus mainly consisted of Ex-P and Fe-P, with Ex-P being the
      dominant. The equilibrium isotherms could be fitted well with a modified Langmuir
      equation. The calculations of the thermodynamic parameters indicated that the
      process was spontaneous and exothermic. The CEC and the fractions of clay,
      calcite and organic matter were correlated with the sorption parameters, while
      the surface proton charge of the sediments was significantly negatively
      correlated with them. Considering the kinetics and phosphorus forms changes
      during the process, the sorption in our study could be considered that the
      physical process plays an important role.

PMID- 27671847
TI  - Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Secretion of Programmed Death-1 Ligands Regulates T Cell
      Mediated Immunosuppression.
AB  - Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) exert broad immunosuppressive potential,
      modulating the activity of cells of innate and adaptive immune systems. As MSCs
      become accepted as a therapeutic option for the treatment of immunological
      disorders such as Graft versus Host Disease, our need to understand the intricate
      details by which they exert their effects is crucial. Programmed death-1 (PD-1)
      is an important regulator in T cell activation and homeostatic control. It has
      been reported that this pathway may be important in contact-dependent mediated
      immunomodulation by MSCs. The aim of this study was to establish whether MSCs, in
      addition to their cell-surface expression, are able to secrete PD-1 ligands (PD
      L1 and PD-L2) and their potential importance in modulating contact-independent
      mechanisms of MSC immunosuppression. Here we report that MSCs express and secrete
      PD-L1 and PD-L2 and that this is regulated by exposure to interferon gamma and
      tumor necrosis factor alpha. MSCs, via their secretion of PD-1 ligands, suppress
      the activation of CD4+ T cells, downregulate interleukin-2 secretion and induce
      irreversible hyporesponsiveness and cell death. Suppressed T cells demonstrated a
      reduction in AKT phosphorylation at T308 and a subsequent increase in FOXO3
      expression that could be reversed with blockade of PD-L1. In conclusion, we
      demonstrate for the first time, that MSCs are able to secrete PD-1 ligands, with
      this being the first known report of a biological role for PD-L2 in MSCs. These
      soluble factors play an important role in modulating immunosuppressive effects of
      MSCs directly on T cell behavior and induction of peripheral tolerance. Stem
      Cells 2017;35:766-776.

PMID- 27671849
TI  - Unusual Facial "Acne": A Quiz.

PMID- 27671848
TI  - Expanded graphite embedded with aluminum nanoparticles as superior thermal
      conductivity anodes for high-performance lithium-ion batteries.
AB  - The development of high capacity and long-life lithium-ion batteries is a long
      term pursuing and under a close scrutiny. Most of the researches have been
      focused on exploring electrode materials and structures with high store
      capability of lithium ions and at the same time with a good electrical
      conductivity. Thermal conductivity of an electrode material will also have
      significant impacts on boosting battery capacity and prolonging battery lifetime,
      which is, however, underestimated. Here, we present the development of an
      expanded graphite embedded with Al metal nanoparticles (EG-MNPs-Al) synthesized
      by an oxidation-expansion process. The synthesized EG-MNPs-Al material exhibited
      a typical hierarchical structure with embedded Al metal nanoparticles into the
      interspaces of expanded graphite. The parallel thermal conductivity was up to
      11.6 W.m-1.K-1 with a bulk density of 453 kg.m-3 at room temperature, a 150%
      improvement compared to expanded graphite (4.6 W.m-1.K-1) owing to the existence
      of Al metal nanoparticles. The first reversible capacity of EG-MNPs-Al as anode
      material for lithium ion battery was 480 mAh.g-1 at a current density of 100 mA.g
      1, and retained 84% capacity after 300 cycles. The improved cycling stability and
      system security of lithium ion batteries is attributed to the excellent thermal
      conductivity of the EG-MNPs-Al anodes.

PMID- 27671850
TI  - Shedding Light on Shingles: The Power of Prevention.
AB  - Shingles, or herpes zoster (HZ), is a common secondary infection caused by a
      reactivated varicella zoster virus (VZV). More than 95% of immunocompetent
      individuals aged at least 50 years are seropositive for VZV and are therefore at
      risk for developing HZ. Age-related increased incidence of HZ and its
      complications are thought to be related to the decline in cell-mediated immunity.
      Complications of HZ, which create a significant patient and economic burden, may
      be neurological, ophthalmological, dermatological, or visceral. HZ vaccination is
      essential for the prevention of HZ and its consequences. This CME activity
      reviews the clinical presentations and complications of HZ as well as discusses
      strategies for prevention (Online access:
      http://courses.elseviercme.com/shingles/626). 

PMID- 27671851
TI  - Science Alone Is Not Enough.

PMID- 27671852
TI  - The Reply.

PMID- 27671853
TI  - One More Fact to Know About Inpatient Glycemic Control.

PMID- 27671854
TI  - The Reply.

PMID- 27671856
TI  - The Reply.

PMID- 27671855
TI  - Organic Chemistry: A Vital Part of Basic Understanding of Disease.

PMID- 27671857
TI  - Don't Overlook the Role of Intraabdominal Pressure.

PMID- 27671858
TI  - Caprini Score in Hospitalized Medical Patients.

PMID- 27671859
TI  - The Reply.

PMID- 27671861
TI  - Preoperative embolization of meningiomas with polyvinyl alcohol particles: The
      benefits are not outweighed by risks.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to define the feasibility, the efficacy
      and the safety of preoperative embolization (POE) of meningiomas using polyvinyl
      alcohol (PVA) particles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2006 and June
      2014, 191 consecutive patients were referred to our institution for the treatment
      of meningiomas; of these 57 patients were excluded from the study. A total of 64
      patients (22 men and 42 women) with a mean age of 58.4+/-10.8 [SD] years (range:
      14-82years) who underwent POE with PVA particles, achieving extensive (>90%)
      devascularization were ultimately included and compared to 70 patients who had
      surgery without POE. Surgical time and intraoperative blood loss were compared
      between the two groups. The duration of procedures and complications related to
      POE were analyzed. RESULTS: No differences were found between the two groups with
      respect to intraoperative blood loss. A significant reduction in surgical time
      was observed for the group who had POE (207.4+/-79.5 [SD] min vs. 226.9+/-117.6
      [SD] min; P=0.028). In a subgroup analysis, the size and location of meningiomas
      did not influence these results. The duration of procedures was 41.4+/-10.5 [SD]
      min. Minor complications related to POE occurred in 3 out of 64 patients (4.7%).
      CONCLUSION: POE of meningiomas using PVA particles is effective in reducing
      surgical time, when extensive tumor devascularization is achieved. However,
      radiation exposure, the duration of procedures and complications related to POE
      with PVA particles do not justify this technique in most patients.

PMID- 27671862
TI  - Plasma fetuin-A/alpha2-HS-glycoprotein correlates negatively with inflammatory
      cytokines, chemokines and activation biomarkers in individuals with type-2
      diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fetuin-A/AHSH is a novel hepatokine that acts as a vascular
      calcification inhibitor and as an endogenous TLR-4 ligand. Fetuin-A may act as a
      positive or negative acute phase protein (APP) in disease conditions. The
      relationship between circulatory fetuin-A and inflammatory biomarkers in type-2
      diabetes (T2D) remains controversial. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to
      determine the plasma fetuin-A levels in 53 T2D (BMI = 29.7 +/- 4.5 kg/m2) and 72
      non-diabetic individuals (BMI = 28.2 +/- 5.8 kg/m2) using premixed 38-plex MAP
      human cytokine/chemokine magnetic bead immunoassays and the data (mean +/- SEM)
      were statistically analyzed to determine Pearson's correlation (r) between fetuin
      A and detected analytes; P-values <=0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS:
      The data show that plasma fetuin-A levels were comparable in both groups (P =
      0.27) and in T2D individuals, fetuin-A associated negatively (P <= 0.05) with a
      large number of proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines and activation biomarkers
      including TNF-alpha, IFN-alpha2, IFN-gamma, IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-1RA, IL-3, IL
      4, IL-7, IL-9, IL-12p40/p70, IL-15, CCL-2, CCL-4, CCL-11, CCL-22, CXCL-8, CX3CL
      1, EFF-2, EGF, G-CSF, GM-CSF, GRO, sCD40L, and VEGF. In non-diabetics, fetuin-A
      also correlated positively with certain TH2 cytokines (IL-5, IL-13) and
      chemokines (CCL-3, CCL-5, CCL-7). Notably, in vitro fetuin-A production was
      significantly suppressed in HepG2 cells treated with TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IFN
      gamma which supported the clinical findings of a negative association between
      fetuin A and inflammatory mediators. CONCLUSIONS: The negative association
      between circulatory fetuin-A and systemic inflammatory mediators in T2D patients
      suggests that plasma fetuin-A may have predictive significance as a negative APP
      in metabolic disease.

PMID- 27671860
TI  - MicroRNA-155 influences B-cell function through PU.1 in rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - MicroRNA-155 (miR-155) is an important regulator of B cells in mice. B cells have
      a critical role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Here we show
      that miR-155 is highly expressed in peripheral blood B cells from RA patients
      compared with healthy individuals, particularly in the IgD-CD27- memory B-cell
      population in ACPA+ RA. MiR-155 is highly expressed in RA B cells from patients
      with synovial tissue containing ectopic germinal centres compared with diffuse
      synovial tissue. MiR-155 expression is associated reciprocally with lower
      expression of PU.1 at B-cell level in the synovial compartment. Stimulation of
      healthy donor B cells with CD40L, anti-IgM, IL-21, CpG, IFN-alpha, IL-6 or BAFF
      induces miR-155 and decreases PU.1 expression. Finally, inhibition of endogenous
      miR-155 in B cells of RA patients restores PU.1 and reduces production of
      antibodies. Our data suggest that miR-155 is an important regulator of B-cell
      activation in RA.

PMID- 27671863
TI  - pH/multichannel impedance monitoring in patients with laryngo-pharyngeal reflux
      symptoms - Prediction of therapy response in long-term follow-up.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM: Optimal therapy concepts in patients with laryngo
      pharyngeal reflux (LPR) are still under discussion. Aim of this study was to
      evaluate long term symptom relief according to results in combined
      pH/multichannel impedance (MII) monitoring to predict therapy response and
      symptom relief during long term follow-up. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In patients with
      predominant LPR symptoms, pH/MII monitoring and subsequent proton pump inhibitor
      (PPI) therapy were evaluated retrospectively after a minimum follow-up period of
      36months. Patients were asked to complete symptom based questionnaires. RESULTS:
      45 patients were evaluated and classified according to results of pH/MII. Twenty
      one patients showed a pathological finding in pH/MII. These patients reported
      significantly higher LPR-symptom intensity scores and a significantly higher LPR
      symptom-induced impairment of everyday life scores compared to patients with
      normal pH/MII monitoring at baseline and at follow-up. PPI associated symptom
      relief was significantly higher in patients with pathologic pH/MII monitoring
      (p=0.003). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, combined pH/MII monitoring can reliably
      predict therapy response to PPIs in LPR patients. With negative results, PPI
      therapy should be avoided. This approach should be assessed in future prospective
      clinical trials.

PMID- 27671864
TI  - Challenging drug target for Parkinson's disease: Pathological complex of the
      chameleon TPPP/p25 and alpha-synuclein proteins.
AB  - The hallmarks of Parkinson's disease and other synucleinopathies, Tubulin
      Polymerization Promoting Protein (TPPP/p25) and alpha-synuclein (SYN) have two
      key features: they are disordered and co-enriched/co-localized in brain
      inclusions. These Neomorphic Moonlighting Proteins display both physiological and
      pathological functions due to their interactions with distinct partners. To
      achieve the selective targeting of the pathological TPPP/p25-SYN but not the
      physiological TPPP/p25-tubulin complex, their interfaces were identified as a
      specific innovative strategy for the development of anti-Parkinson drugs.
      Therefore, the interactions of TPPP/p25 with tubulin and SYN were characterized
      which suggested the involvements of the 178-187 aa and 147-156 aa segments in the
      complexation of TPPP/p25 with tubulin and SYN, respectively. However, various
      truncated and deletion mutants reduced but did not abolish the interactions
      except one mutant; in addition synthetized fragments corresponding to the
      potential binding segments of TPPP/p25 failed to interact with SYN. In fact, the
      studies of the multiple interactions at molecular and cellular levels revealed
      the high conformational plasticity, chameleon feature, of TPPP/p25 that ensures
      exceptional functional resilience; the lack of previously identified binding
      segments could be replaced by other segments. The experimental results are
      underlined by distinct bioinformatics tools. All these data revealed that
      although targeting chameleon proteins is a challenging task, nevertheless, the
      validation of a drug target can be achieved by identifying the interface of
      complexes of the partner proteins existing at the given pathological conditions.

PMID- 27671865
TI  - Inter-laboratory consistency and variability in the buccal micronucleus cytome
      assay depends on biomarker scored and laboratory experience: results from the
      HUMNxl international inter-laboratory scoring exercise.
AB  - The buccal micronucleus cytome (BMNcyt) assay in uncultured exfoliated epithelial
      cells from oral mucosa is widely applied in biomonitoring human exposures to
      genotoxic agents and is also proposed as a suitable test for prescreening and
      follow-up of precancerous oral lesions. The main limitation of the assay is the
      large variability observed in the baseline values of micronuclei (MNi) and other
      nuclear anomalies mainly related to different scoring criteria. The aim of this
      international collaborative study, involving laboratories with different level of
      experience, was to evaluate the inter- and intra-laboratory variations in the
      BMNcyt parameters, using recently implemented guidelines, in scoring cells from
      the same pooled samples obtained from healthy subjects (control group) and from
      cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy (treated group). The results indicate
      that all laboratories correctly discriminated samples from the two groups by a
      significant increase of micronucleus (MN) and nuclear bud (NBUD) frequencies and
      differentiated binucleated (BN) cells, associated with the exposure to ionizing
      radiation. The experience of the laboratories was shown to play an important role
      in the identification of the different cell types and nuclear anomalies. MN
      frequency in differentiated mononucleated (MONO) and BN cells showed the greatest
      consistency among the laboratories and low variability was also detected in the
      frequencies of MONO and BN cells. A larger variability was observed in
      classifying the different cell types, indicating the subjectivity in the
      interpretation of some of the scoring criteria while reproducibility of the
      results between scoring sessions was very good. An inter-laboratory calibration
      exercise is strongly recommended before starting studies with BMNcyt assay
      involving multiple research centers.

PMID- 27671866
TI  - Device Therapies for Resistant Hypertension.
AB  - PURPOSE: Resistant hypertension (RH) is a major and growing public health
      problem. While noncompliance to antihypertensive medication is a major concern in
      RH patients, it is estimated that even with adequate multi-drug regimens,
      approximately 10% of patients diagnosed with hypertension fulfill the criteria of
      true RH. Patients with sustained blood pressure (BP) elevation display high risk
      for development of target organ damage and associated cardiovascular morbidity
      and mortality. While optimized pharmacologic therapy, including the use of
      mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists to guideline-based antihypertensive drug
      therapy, is effective for improving BP control in this patient cohort, a sizable
      proportion of RH patients' BP remains uncontrolled, and alternative therapeutic
      strategies are warranted. METHODS: In the past few years, device-based approaches
      have been studied extensively. Among these, robust clinical experience in
      patients with RH exists for renal denervation, baroreflex activation therapy,
      central arteriovenous anastomosis, and, to a lesser extent, deep brain
      stimulation. Carotid body modulation is the most recent approach under clinical
      investigation. The common aim of these approaches is direct targeting of relevant
      pathophysiologic mechanisms involved in BP control, most commonly activation of
      the sympathetic nervous system. FINDINGS: This review article briefly summarizes
      relevant clinical and experimental evidence and highlights the potential utility,
      as well as limitations, of each approach. IMPLICATIONS: Several device-based
      approaches show promise in the treatment of RH and have been associated with
      improved BP control, while generally finding an acceptable side effect profile.
      Ongoing research is addressing relevant issues relating to patient selection and
      technical and procedural aspects, and will help to define the future role of
      device-based approaches for RH in the next few years.

PMID- 27671867
TI  - Impact of CHA2DS2VASc Score on Candidacy for Anticoagulation in Patients With
      Atrial Fibrillation: A Multi-payer Analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to report on the effect of using
      CHA2DS2VASc (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age >=75 years [doubled],
      type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus, stroke or transient ischemic attack or
      thromboembolism [doubled], vascular disease [prior myocardial infarction,
      peripheral artery disease, or aortic plaque], age 65-75 years, sex category
      [female]) rather than CHADS2 (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age >=75
      years, diabetes mellitus, and prior stroke) to determine candidacy for
      anticoagulant prophylaxis in insured patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).
      METHODS: Six administrative claims databases that included medical and pharmacy
      claims for patients aged >=18 years with a new or existing diagnosis of AF and
      patient outcomes assessed for 1 year after diagnosis were analyzed. Retrospective
      health plan data analyses were performed using a software tool (Anticoagulant
      Quality Improvement Analyzer). Study measures included stroke risk (identified by
      CHADS2 and CHA2DS2VASc scores), bleeding risk (identified by the Anticoagulation
      and Risk Factors in Atrial Fibrillation score), and anticoagulant use. FINDINGS:
      A total of 115,906 patients with AF (range of mean ages among the 6 databases, 56
      79 years) met the inclusion criteria. All ranges reported represent the minimum
      and maximum values among the 6 databases. Using the CHA2DS2VASc compared with the
      CHADS2 index to assess stroke risk resulted in a 23% to 32% increase in patients
      considered potential candidates for anticoagulant prophylaxis. This translated to
      a 38% to 114% increase in the number of ostensibly undertreated patients. Among
      patients with high stroke and low bleeding risk, 18% to 28% more patients were
      considered potential candidates for anticoagulation treatment using CHA2DS2VASc
      compared with CHADS2, or a 57% to 151% increase in the number of undertreated
      patients. IMPLICATIONS: Use of the CHA2DS2VASc score to determine the risk of
      stroke increased the number of AF patients for whom oral anticoagulation would be
      recommended. Additional research is needed to determine whether this paradigm
      shift to greater use of oral anticoagulants improves patient outcomes.

PMID- 27671868
TI  - Use of low tube voltage and low contrast agent concentration yields good image
      quality for aortic CT angiography.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the impact of a "double-low" imaging protocol (low tube voltage
      and low contrast agent concentration) on image quality and radiation dose for
      aortic computed tomography (CT) angiography (CTA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This
      was a prospective study of 72 patients undergoing aortic CTA. They were
      randomised to the double-low and conventional CT (control) groups (n=36/group).
      Axial imaging was performed in the study group, and control patients were scanned
      with the conventional protocol. Double-low parameters were: 80-100 kV, 200 mAs,
      128*0.625 collimation, 1-mm section thickness, 0.5-mm increments, 300 mm field of
      view (FOV), iohexol (300 mg iodine/ml, 1-1.5 ml/kg, injected at 4-5 ml/s).
      Control CT parameters were: 120 kV, 200-300 mAs, iopamidol (370 mg iodine/ml; 1
      1.5 ml/kg, injected at 4-5 ml/s); the remaining parameters were the same as in
      the double-low group. RESULTS: Image noise and quality scores of the double-low
      and control groups were 15.05+/-1.53 versus 14.67+/-1.53 and 3.52+/-0.51 versus
      3.44+/-0.5 (both p>0.05), respectively. Radiation dose was 56% lower in the
      double-low group compared to control patients (6.76+/-1.08 versus 15.48+/-1.01
      mSv, p<0.001). Iodine intake per-capita in the double-low group was 18% lower
      compared to the control group (300.25+/-7.2 versus 367.86+/-5.54 mgI/kg,
      p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The "double-low" technique for aortic CTA significantly
      reduced the doses of radiation and iodine contrast agent, while maintaining good
      image quality.

PMID- 27671869
TI  - Ultrastructure of the salivary glands in Lithobius forficatus (Myriapoda,
      Chilopoda, Lithobiidae) according to seasonal and circadian rhythms.
AB  - The salivary glands (mandibular epidermal glands) of adult males and females of
      Lithobius forficatus (Myriapoda, Chilopoda) were isolated during spring, summer
      and autumn. In addition, the organs were isolated at different times of the day -
      at about 12:00 (noon) and about 00:00 (midnight). The ultrastructure of these
      organs depending on seasonal and circadian rhythms was analyzed using
      transmission and scanning electron microscopy and histochemical methods. The
      paired salivary glands of L. forficatus are situated in the vicinity of the
      foregut and they are formed by numerous acini that are surrounded by the fat
      body, hemocytes and tracheolae. The salivary glands are composed of a terminal
      acinar component and a system of tubular ducts that are lined with a cuticle. The
      glandular part is composed of secretory epithelial cells that are at various
      stages of their secretory activity. The saliva that is produced by the secretory
      cells of the acini is secreted into the salivary ducts, which are lined with a
      simple epithelium that is based on the non-cellular basal lamina. The
      ultrastructural variations suggest that salivary glands function differently
      depending on seasonal rhythms and prepare the animal for overwintering.
      Therefore, the salivary glands of the centipedes that were analyzed participate
      in the accumulation of proteins, lipids and polysaccharides during the spring,
      summer and autumn. Subtle differences in the ultrastructure of the secretory
      cells of the salivary glands during the circadian cycle must be related to the
      physiological reactions of the organism. The salivary ducts showed no differences
      in the specimens that were analyzed during the day/night cycle or during the
      seasonal cycle.

PMID- 27671870
TI  - Validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the pressure ulcer prevention
      knowledge assessment instrument.
AB  - STUDY AIM: Sound knowledge of pressure ulcers is important to enable good
      prevention. There are limited instruments assessing pressure ulcer knowledge. The
      Pressure Ulcer Prevention Knowledge Assessment Instrument is among the scales of
      which psychometric properties have been studied rigorously and reflects the
      latest evidence. This study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the
      Turkish version of the Pressure Ulcer Prevention Knowledge Assessment Instrument
      (PUPKAI-T), an instrument that assesses knowledge of pressure ulcer prevention by
      using multiple-choice questions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Linguistic validity was
      verified through front-to-back translation. Psychometric properties of the
      instrument were studied on a sample of 150 nurses working in a tertiary hospital
      in Istanbul, Turkey. RESULTS: The content validity index of the translated
      instrument was 0.94, intra-class correlation coefficients were between 0.37 and
      0.80, item difficulty indices were between 0.21 and 0.88, discrimination indices
      were 0.20-0.78, and the Kuder Richardson for the internal consistency was 0.803.
      CONCLUSIONS: The PUPKAI-T was found to be a valid and reliable tool to evaluate
      nurses' knowledge on pressure ulcer prevention. The PUPKAI-T may be a useful tool
      for determining educational needs of nurses on pressure ulcer prevention.

PMID- 27671871
TI  - A timecourse analysis of systemic and gonadal effects of temperature on sexual
      development of the red-eared slider turtle Trachemys scripta elegans.
AB  - Temperature dependent sex determination (TSD) is the process by which the
      environmental temperature experienced during embryogenesis influences the sex of
      an organism, as in the red-eared slider turtle Trachemys scripta elegans. In
      accord with current paradigms of vertebrate sex determination, temperature is
      believed to exert its effects on sexual development in T. scripta entirely within
      the middle third of development, when the gonad is forming. However, whether
      temperature regulates the transcriptome in T. scripta early embryos in a manner
      that could influence secondary sex characteristics or establish a pro-male or pro
      female environment has not been investigated. In addition, apart from a handful
      of candidate genes, very little is known about potential similarities between the
      expression cascade during TSD and the genetic cascade that drives mammalian sex
      determination. Here, we conducted an unbiased transcriptome-wide analysis of the
      effects of male- and female-promoting temperatures on the turtle embryo prior to
      gonad formation, and on the gonad during the temperature sensitive period. We
      found sexually dimorphic expression reflecting differences in steroidogenic
      enzymes and brain development prior to gonad formation. Within the gonad, we
      mapped a cascade of differential expression similar to the genetic cascade
      established in mammals. Using a Hidden Markov Model based clustering approach, we
      identified groups of genes that show heterochronic shifts between M. musculus and
      T. scripta. We propose a model in which multiple factors influenced by
      temperature accumulate during early gonadogenesis, and converge on the
      antagonistic regulation of aromatase to canalize sex determination near the end
      of the temperature sensitive window of development.

PMID- 27671874
TI  - The WWC Attrition Standard: Sensitivity to Assumptions and Opportunities for
      Refining and Adapting to New Contexts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To limit the influence of attrition bias in assessments of
      intervention effectiveness, several federal evidence reviews have established a
      standard for acceptable levels of sample attrition in randomized controlled
      trials. These evidence reviews include the What Works Clearinghouse (WWC), the
      Home Visiting Evidence of Effectiveness Review, and the Teen Pregnancy Prevention
      Evidence Review. We believe the WWC attrition standard may constitute the first
      use of model-based, empirically supported bounds on attrition bias in the context
      of a federally sponsored systematic evidence review. Meeting the WWC attrition
      standard (or one of the attrition standards based on the WWC standard) is now an
      important consideration for researchers conducting studies that could potentially
      be reviewed by the WWC (or other evidence reviews). OBJECTIVES: The purpose of
      this article is to explain the WWC attrition model, how that model is used to
      establish attrition bounds, and to assess the sensitivity of attrition bounds to
      key parameter values. RESEARCH DESIGN: Results are based on equations derived in
      the article and values generated by applying those equations to a range of
      parameter values. RESULTS: The authors find that the attrition boundaries are
      more sensitive to the maximum level of bias that an evidence review is willing to
      tolerate than to other parameters in the attrition model. CONCLUSIONS: The
      authors conclude that the most productive refinements to existing attrition
      standards may be with respect to the definition of "maximum tolerable bias."

PMID- 27671873
TI  - Three-dimensional microCT imaging of mouse development from early post
      implantation to early postnatal stages.
AB  - In this work, we report the use of iodine-contrast microCT to perform high
      throughput 3D morphological analysis of mouse embryos and neonates between
      embryonic day 8.5 to postnatal day 3, with high spatial resolution up to
      3um/voxel. We show that mouse embryos at early stages can be imaged either within
      extra embryonic tissues such as the yolk sac or the decidua without physically
      disturbing the embryos. This method enables a full, undisturbed analysis of
      embryo turning, allantois development, vitelline vessels remodeling, yolk sac and
      early placenta development, which provides increased insights into early
      embryonic lethality in mutant lines. Moreover, these methods are inexpensive,
      simple to learn and do not require substantial processing time, making them ideal
      for high throughput analysis of mouse mutants with embryonic and early postnatal
      lethality.

PMID- 27671872
TI  - Cerebrovascular defects in Foxc1 mutants correlate with aberrant WNT and VEGF-A
      pathways downstream of retinoic acid from the meninges.
AB  - Growth and maturation of the cerebrovasculature is a vital event in neocortical
      development however mechanisms that control cerebrovascular development remain
      poorly understood. Mutations in or deletions that include the FOXC1 gene are
      associated with congenital cerebrovascular anomalies and increased stroke risk in
      patients. Foxc1 mutant mice display severe cerebrovascular hemorrhage at late
      gestational ages. While these data demonstrate Foxc1 is required for
      cerebrovascular development, its broad expression in the brain vasculature
      combined with Foxc1 mutant's complex developmental defects have made it difficult
      to pinpoint its function(s). Using global and conditional Foxc1 mutants, we find
      1) significant cerebrovascular growth defects precede cerebral hemorrhage and 2)
      expression of Foxc1 in neural crest-derived meninges and brain pericytes, though
      not endothelial cells, is required for normal cerebrovascular development. We
      provide evidence that reduced levels of meninges-derived retinoic acid (RA),
      caused by defects in meninges formation in Foxc1 mutants, is a major contributing
      factor to the cerebrovascular growth defects in Foxc1 mutants. We provide data
      that suggests that meninges-derived RA ensures adequate growth of the neocortical
      vasculature via regulating expression of WNT pathway proteins and neural
      progenitor derived-VEGF-A. Our findings offer the first evidence for a role of
      the meninges in brain vascular development and provide new insight into potential
      causes of cerebrovascular defects in patients with FOXC1 mutations.

PMID- 27671875
TI  - Camelid single-domain antibodies: A versatile tool for in vivo imaging of
      extracellular and intracellular brain targets.
AB  - Detection of intracerebral targets with imaging probes is challenging due to the
      non-permissive nature of blood-brain barrier (BBB). The present work describes
      two novel single-domain antibodies (VHHs or nanobodies) that specifically
      recognize extracellular amyloid deposits and intracellular tau neurofibrillary
      tangles, the two core lesions of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Following intravenous
      administration in transgenic mouse models of AD, in vivo real-time two-photon
      microscopy showed gradual extravasation of the VHHs across the BBB, diffusion in
      the parenchyma and labeling of amyloid deposits and neurofibrillary tangles. Our
      results demonstrate that VHHs can be used as specific BBB-permeable probes for
      both extracellular and intracellular brain targets and suggest new avenues for
      therapeutic and diagnostic applications in neurology.

PMID- 27671876
TI  - ECM-based macroporous sponges release essential factors to support the growth of
      hematopoietic cells.
AB  - The success of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) transplantation is limited due to
      the low number of HSCs received from donors. In vivo, HSCs reside within a
      specialized niche inside the 3D porous spongy bone. The natural environment in
      the niche is composed of structural proteins, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and
      soluble factors that control cells fate. However, the designed scaffolds for in
      vitro culture do not fairly recapitulate this microenvironment and cannot
      efficiently control HSCs fate. Here we report on the development of new omental
      ECM-based 3D macroporous sponges for hematopoietic cell culture. The scaffolds'
      structure, porosity and stability were characterized and optimized. Analysis of
      the biochemical content revealed that they were composed of collagens and GAGs,
      including sulfated GAGs. This morphology and composition enabled growth factors
      interaction with the sulfated GAGs, as indicated by the high loading capacity and
      release profile of three different hematopoietic niche factors. Finally, the
      ability of the ECM-based scaffolds to efficiently support the growth of
      hematopoietic cells by releasing stem cell factor (SCF) was demonstrated.

PMID- 27671877
TI  - Preliminary evaluation of child self-rating using the Child Tourette Syndrome
      Impairment Scale.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate and compare how children with Tourette syndrome and parents rate
      tic and non-tic behavioral related impairment in home, school, and social
      domains; to compare these with clinician tic ratings; and to identify factors
      that may predict greater impairment. METHOD: In a sample of 85 Tourette syndrome
      and 92 healthy control families, the Child Tourette Syndrome Impairment Scale,
      designed for parent-report and which includes 37 items rated for tic and non-tic
      impairment, was administered to parents and, with the referent modified, to
      children ages 9 to 17 years. Tic severity was rated using the Yale Global Tic
      Severity Scale (YGTSS). Analyses utilized descriptive and multivariate
      statistics. RESULTS: Tourette syndrome children's and parents' impairment ratings
      were higher than HC (p<0.001) and correlated moderately (r=0.46 to 0.54;
      p<0.001). Children's and parents' tic impairment ratings correlated with YGTSS
      (r=0.36 to 0.37; p<0.001). Parents' average ratings were higher than children's
      for 19 tic and all 37 non-tic impairment items. For 29 items, children self-rated
      impairment higher for tics than non-tics. Diagnoses of attention-deficit
      hyperactivity disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder had larger effects on
      parent impairment ratings. INTERPRETATION: The Child Tourette Syndrome Impairment
      Scale appears informative for child self-rating in Tourette syndrome.

PMID- 27671878
TI  - Emotional context during encoding modulates recognition electrophysiological
      activity.
AB  - The aim of the study was to determine whether experiencing a non-emotional event
      in a positive or negative emotional context affected recognition of the event and
      the related electrophysiological activity. Twenty-eight adults participated in a
      betting-game task in which they could win (positive emotional context) or lose
      (negative emotional context) money. The participants also completed a non-betting
      task (non-emotional context). Afterward, the participants completed an old/new
      recognition task for faces with neutral expressions that were encoded during the
      betting and non-betting game. Event-related potentials and autonomic responses
      were recorded. The stimuli learned in the positive emotional context were better
      recognized than those learned in the non-emotional context. The FN400, the
      parietal old/new effect and the late frontal old/new effect were modulated by
      positive valence. Learning information under a positive emotional condition
      enhances its later recognition and the brain activity that underlies this
      process.

PMID- 27671879
TI  - Genetic Characterization of a Multifocal Ganglioglioma Originating Within the
      Spinal Cord.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gangliogliomas are rare, low-grade intra-axial tumors that exhibit
      both neuronal and glial components. Although the vast majority present as an
      intracranial lesion, a rare subset exist as isolated lesions of the spinal cord.
      Gangliogliomas have also been shown to harbor mutations in the p53 tumor
      suppressor gene and BRAF oncogene. Previous studies in ganglioglioma have
      correlated p53 mutations with histologic transformation and BRAF mutations with
      worse prognosis. CASE DESCRIPTION: In this report, we describe a 35-year-old
      female who presented with multifocal ganglioglioma, involving both the conus
      medullaris and filum terminale. The dominant lesion in the filum terminale was
      resected, which revealed World Health Organization I grade, p53 mutant, and BRAF
      wildtype status. Our study documents the first report of a multifocal
      ganglioglioma, originating within the spinal cord. CONCLUSIONS: Importantly, this
      case contradicts previous reports of p53 and BRAF mutations portending worsened
      tumor behavior and prognosis and demonstrates that further studies are needed to
      delineate the role of genetic characterization in the biologic understanding and
      management of gangliogliomas.

PMID- 27671880
TI  - Neurosurgical Infection Rates and Risk Factors: A National Surgical Quality
      Improvement Program Analysis of 132,000 Patients, 2006-2014.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The existing body of literature on postoperative neurosurgical
      infections lacks large multicenter reports on postoperative neurosurgical
      infections. This is the largest study to date of postoperative neurosurgical
      infections rates, time to event, and risk factors. METHODS: Demographics, medical
      history, and postoperative infections were assessed for all adult patients in the
      large, randomized, multicenter American College of Surgeons-National Surgical
      Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database undergoing an operation with a
      surgeon whose primary specialty was neurological surgery from 2006 to 2014.
      RESULTS: Of 3,723,797 cases from 517 institutions in the NSQIP from 2006 to 2014,
      132,063 neurosurgery cases were identified. Within these patients, the 30-day
      rate of postoperative infections was 5.3%. Postoperatively, 1.8% of patients
      developed surgical site infections (SSI), and 3.9% developed other infections
      including pneumonia and urinary tract infections. Superficial SSI had a
      cumulative incidence of 0.8% at a median of 16 (interquartile range [IQR], 11-22)
      days. Pneumonia had a cumulative incidence of 1.4% at a median of 5 days (IQR, 2
      10 days). Systemic inflammatory response syndrome had a cumulative incidence of
      1.6% at a median of 3 days (IQR, 8-16 days). Predictors of postoperative
      infections on multivariable analysis included female sex, older age, obesity,
      functionally dependent status before surgery, ventilator dependence, preoperative
      steroid use, bleeding disorders, hyponatremia, lymphocytosis, anemia,
      thrombocytosis, emergent case status, wound class II-IV, American Society of
      Anesthesiologists class 3-5, and longer operative times. CONCLUSION: The overall
      ACS-NSQIP reported rate of postoperative infections was 5.3% from 2006 to 2014.
      Multivariable analysis demonstrated several predictive factors for postoperative
      infections.

PMID- 27671881
TI  - Time Course of Resolution of Hyperprolactinemia After Transsphenoidal Surgery
      Among Patients Presenting with Pituitary Stalk Compression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Primary lactotroph disinhibition, or stalk effect, occurs when
      mechanical compression of the pituitary stalk disrupts the tonic inhibition by
      dopamine released by the hypothalamus. The resolution of pituitary stalk effect
      related hyperprolactinemia postoperatively has not been studied in a large cohort
      of patients. We performed a retrospective review to investigate the time course
      of recovery of lactotroph disinhibition after transsphenoidal surgery. METHODS:
      Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for all patients undergoing
      transsphenoidal surgery with the senior author from April 2008 to November 2014.
      RESULTS: Of 556 pituitary adenomas, 289 (52.0%) were eliminated: 77 (13.9%) had
      an immunohistochemically confirmed prolactinoma, 119 (21.4%) patients had
      previous surgery, 93 (16.7%) had incomplete medical records, leaving 267 patients
      (48.0%) for final analysis. Of these patients, 72 (27.0%) had increased serum
      prolactin levels (>=23.3 ng/mL), suggestive of pituitary stalk effect (maximum
      prolactin level = 148.0 ng/mL). Patients with stalk effect were more likely than
      those with normal serum prolactin levels to present with menstrual dysfunction
      (29.7% vs. 19.4%; P < 0.01) and galactorrhea (11.1% vs. 2.1%; P < 0.01). Patients
      with lactotroph disinhibition were more likely to harbor macroadenomas than were
      patients who did not show lactotroph disinhibition (81.9% vs. 70.2%; P = 0.06).
      Among patients with increased preoperative prolactin, 77.8% experienced
      normalization of serum prolactin postoperatively, galactorrhea improved in 100%,
      sexual dysfunction resolved in 66.6%, and menstrual dysfunction among
      premenopausal females normalized in 73.3% at last follow-up (mean, 5.35 years;
      range, 0.1-10 years). CONCLUSIONS: Transsphenoidal surgery can provide durable
      normalization of serum prolactin levels and related symptoms caused by pituitary
      stalk compression-related lactotroph disinhibition.

PMID- 27671882
TI  - The Results of Surgical Treatment of Cushing Tumors in the Republic of
      Uzbekistan: Establishing Transsphenoidal Surgery in A Developing Nation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) was introduced into the Republic of
      Uzbekistan in 2005 and has been developing since then. The principal center for
      the management of all pituitary disease is a single site for a nation with a
      population of approximately 30 million. Results in surgery for Cushing disease
      are a marker of surgical technical skill in TSS. All previously published series
      come from the developed world, where sophisticated investigations and management
      are available. Many of these investigations are not available in Uzbekistan.
      METHODS: This mixed series of 154 patients from 2000 to 2013 presents the data
      from Uzbekistan. The management of Cushing disease before the introduction of TSS
      was with unilateral adrenalectomy, a procedure virtually unknown in the West. It
      reduces cortisol burden but is, in the long-term, only a temporary measure
      because it allows the tumor to continue to grow. The results of this procedure
      are presented and show that in the short-term, surprisingly reasonable remission
      is obtained. RESULTS: These results are contrasted with the experience with TSS,
      for which the impact of the input from an experienced team including an
      endocrinologist and neurosurgeon from the United Kingdom allowed a transformation
      in management and enabled outcomes to match what can be expected in the West.
      CONCLUSIONS: TSS for Cushing's Disease achieved an early remission of 68.7%
      (early morning cortisol of <50 nmol/L), although 4 patients relapsed.

PMID- 27671883
TI  - Use of a Zero-Profile Device for Contiguous 2-Level Anterior Cervical Diskectomy
      and Fusion: Comparison with Cage with Plate Construct.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A new zero-profile, standalone device (Zero P) was recently developed
      and has shown a lower incidence rate of complications and competitive clinical
      outcomes compared with anterior cervical cage with plate construct (CP) in single
      and multilevel anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion (ACDF). However, there is
      still concern whether Zero P is appropriate for multilevel ACDF. In addition,
      there have been few reports of contiguous 2-level ACDF used in conjunction with
      Zero P. METHODS: We reviewed contiguous 2-level ACDF performed from December 2006
      to February 2015. A total of 63 patients met inclusion criteria for the study (CP
      group = 32 cases; Zero P group = 31 cases). All preoperative and postoperative
      clinical and radiologic parameters were recorded. These parameters were compared
      between both groups. RESULTS: The postoperative change of Cobb S over time in the
      Zero P group was significantly different from that in the CP group. The
      maintenance of Cobb S in the Zero P group was better than that in the CP group (P
      < 0.05). The maintenance of anterior intervertebral disk height (IDH) at
      postoperative assessment for the Zero P group was significantly better than that
      in the CP group (P < 0.05). Within-group comparison of the postoperative change
      of anterior and posterior IDH over time revealed that the anterior IDH was
      significantly lower than the posterior IDH in the Zero P group (P < 0.05).
      CONCLUSION: For 2-level contiguous ACDF, the use of a zero-profile device has the
      capacity to show compatible outcomes in correction and maintenance of segmental
      angle if the anterior titanium alloy plate is properly positioned at the anterior
      vertebral line.

PMID- 27671884
TI  - Development of De Novo Arteriovenous Malformation Following Ischemic Stroke: Case
      Report and Review of Current Literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are hypothesized to be static,
      congenital lesions developing as early as 4 weeks of fetal life. New literature
      has shown that AVMs may represent dynamic and reactive vascular lesions arising
      from cerebral infarction, inflammation, or trauma. A literature search reveals 17
      previously reported cases of new AVM formation after previous negative imaging
      studies. This reactive development or "second hit" theory suggests that at a
      molecular level, growth factors may play a vital role in aberrant angiogenesis
      and maturation of an arteriovenous fistula into an AVM. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 52
      year-old female presented with a ruptured left frontal AVM demonstrated by
      computed tomography angiography and digital subtraction angiography. The patient
      had suffered an acute ischemic stroke in the similar cerebral vascular territory
      8 years prior due to left internal carotid artery occlusion. Detailed
      neuroimaging at that time failed to reveal any vascular malformation, suggesting
      that the AVM might have developed in response to initial vascular insult.
      CONCLUSIONS: We believe that there might exist a subset of AVMs that display
      dynamic characteristics and could potentially appear, grow, or resolve
      spontaneously without intervention, especially in the presence of local growth
      factors and molecular signaling cascades. When combined with a previous cerebral
      insult such as stroke, trauma, or inflammation, de novo AVM formation may
      represent a "second hit" with abnormal angiogenesis and vessel formation.

PMID- 27671885
TI  - General Anesthesia Versus Local Anesthesia in Stereotactic Biopsies of Brain
      Lesions: A Prospective Randomized Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stereotactic biopsy of brain lesions with unknown entities is a
      common neurosurgical procedure to obtain tumor tissue. Pathologists can then
      provide an exact diagnosis on which further therapy, such as resection,
      radiotherapy, or chemotherapy, can be based. These procedures can be performed
      under local or general anesthesia. In this prospective study, we aim to show
      whether stress levels are higher for patients who undergo stereotactic biopsy
      under local or general anesthesia. METHODS: Between January 2013 and December
      2014, we screened 157 patients. Of these, 43 were included and evaluated in this
      study. Twenty-one patients gave their written consent and were randomized for
      either local or general anesthesia. A Post Traumatic Stress Score (PTSS)
      questionnaire was filled out by the patients preoperatively and postoperatively.
      Also, patients who did not agree to randomization had an opportunity to fill out
      the PTSS questionnaire. Twenty-two patients agreed only to fill out the stress
      level questionnaire but refused randomization. These patients were evaluated as a
      subgroup. Scores achieved in the PTSS were compared by using the Fisher exact
      test. RESULTS: Among the randomized patients, 9 underwent the procedure under
      local anesthesia and 12 under general anesthesia. Median PTSS was 24
      preoperatively in the patients who received local anesthesia versus 20 among the
      patients with general anesthesia (P = 0.37; Fisher exact test). Postoperatively,
      PTSS was 29.5 in median for patients with local anesthesia versus 23 for patients
      with general anesthesia (P = 0.30; Fisher exact test). Postoperatively, the PTSS
      showed a median increase of 5.5 points in the LA and 3 points in the GA group (P
      = 0.87; Fisher exact test). P values of 0.05 and lower were considered
      statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The willingness of patients to undergo
      randomization in this setting was low (13.3%). Within this highly selective group
      of patients, there was no significant difference for stress levels in patients
      who underwent stereotactic biopsy under local anesthesia versus general
      anesthesia. However, median values indicate a trend for higher stress-level
      values for patients undergoing local anesthesia.

PMID- 27671886
TI  - Factors for Overall Survival in Patients with Skull Base Chordoma: A
      Retrospective Analysis of 225 Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although a controversial and complex issue, the prognostic factors of
      skull base chordomas are worth exploring. METHODS: Prognostic factors associated
      with overall survival (OS) were retrospectively estimated in an individual cohort
      of skull base chordomas prospectively maintained for 10 years by a Kaplan-Meier
      method and univariate Cox proportional hazards model. Multivariate analysis by
      Cox regression analysis was performed to identify the independent prognostic
      factors. A nomogram was then formulated by R software based on the results.
      RESULTS: A total of 180 primary patients and 45 recurrent cases were included,
      with a mean follow-up period of 43.7 months (range, 4-127 months). The OS of the
      primary group at 5 years and 7 years was 84% and 78%, and the mean OS was 103.8
      months, which was significantly longer than the recurrent group, in which the
      mean postrecurrent OS was 68.4 months. In the primary group, preoperative
      Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) score (P = 0.004) and a decline of
      perioperative KPS score (P = 0.015) were identified as independent predictors of
      OS. A nomogram was contracted to predict 5-year, and 7-year OS, which was well
      calibrated and had good discriminative ability (adjusted Harrell C statistic,
      0.74). In the recurrent group, visual deficit was verified as an independent risk
      factor associated with postrecurrent OS (P = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: Both pathologic
      and perioperative KPS score evaluations are significant in OS prediction of both
      primary and recurrent cases. The nomogram for primary lesions, consisting of
      preoperative functional status and its perioperative changes, appears useful for
      risk stratification of long-term survival.

PMID- 27671887
TI  - Management Scheme for Cerebral Wegener Granulomatosis: An Unusual Pseudotumoral
      Skull Base Pathology.
AB  - Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener disease) is a rare antineutrophil
      cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-positive vasculitis that seldom involves brain and
      meninges. We present a case of a 35-year-old woman with granulomatosis with
      polyangiitis involving the brain and the meninges. The histologic diagnosis
      required a complete resection of the lesion. Despite the possibility of
      postoperative wound infection, surgery was mandatory to ascertain the diagnostic
      and to treat locally.

PMID- 27671888
TI  - Thinking about Thinking: 28 Years On.

PMID- 27671889
TI  - Antimicrobial activity and regulation of CXCL9 and CXCL10 in oral keratinocytes.
AB  - Chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand (CXCL)9 and CXCL10 are dysregulated in oral
      inflammatory conditions, and it is not known if these chemokines target
      microorganisms that form oral biofilm. The aim of this study was to investigate
      the antimicrobial activity of CXCL9 and CXCL10 on oral microflora and their
      expression profiles in oral keratinocytes following exposure to inflammatory and
      infectious stimuli. Streptococcus sanguinis was used as a model and Escherichia
      coli as a positive control. The antimicrobial effect of CXCL9/CXCL10 was tested
      using a radial diffusion assay. mRNA transcripts were isolated from
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated and untreated (control) oral keratinocyte cell
      lines at 2-, 4-, 6-, and 8-h time-points of culture. The CXCL9/10 expression
      profile in the presence or absence of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) was assessed
      using semiquantitative PCR. Although both chemokines demonstrated antimicrobial
      activity, CXCL9 was the most effective chemokine against both S. sanguinis and E
      coli. mRNA for CXCL10 was expressed in control cells and its production was
      enhanced at all time-points following stimulation with LPS. Conversely, CXCL9
      mRNA was not expressed in control or LPS-stimulated cells. Finally, stimulation
      with IFN-gamma enhanced basal expression of both CXCL9 and CXCL10 in oral
      keratinocytes. Chemokines derived from oral epithelium, particularly CXCL9,
      demonstrate antimicrobial properties. Bacterial and inflammatory-stimulated up
      regulation of CXCL9/10 could represent a key element in oral bacterial
      colonization homeostasis and host-defense mechanisms.

PMID- 27671890
TI  - Angiogenesis in alkaptonuria.
AB  - Alkaptonuria (AKU) is a rare genetic disease that affects the entire joint.
      Current standard of AKU treatment is palliative and little is known about its
      physiopathology. Neovascularization is involved in the pathogenesis of systemic
      inflammatory rheumatic diseases, a family of related disorders that includes AKU.
      Here, we investigated the presence of neoangiogenesis in AKU synovium and healthy
      controls. Synovium from AKU patients, who had undergone total joint replacement
      or arthroscopy, or from healthy patients without any history of rheumatic
      diseases, who underwent surgical operation following sport trauma was subjected
      to hematoxylin and eosin staining. Histologic grades were assigned for clinical
      disease activity and synovitis based on cellular content of the synovium. By
      immunofluorescence microscopy, using different endothelial cell markers, we
      observed large vascularization in AKU but not in healthy synovium. Moreover,
      Western blotting and quantification analyses confirmed strong expression of
      endothelial cell markers in AKU synovial tissues. Importantly, AKU synovium
      vascular endothelium expressed high levels of beta-dystroglycan, a protein
      previously involved in the regulation of angiogenesis in osteoarthritic synovium.
      This is the first report providing experimental evidences that new blood vessels
      are formed in AKU synovial tissues, opening new perspectives for AKU therapy.

PMID- 27671892
TI  - Sphingolipid biosynthesis upregulation by TOR complex 2-Ypk1 signaling during
      yeast adaptive response to acetic acid stress.
AB  - Acetic acid-induced inhibition of yeast growth and metabolism limits the
      productivity of industrial fermentation processes, especially when
      lignocellulosic hydrolysates are used as feedstock in industrial biotechnology.
      Tolerance to acetic acid of food spoilage yeasts is also a problem in the
      preservation of acidic foods and beverages. Thus understanding the molecular
      mechanisms underlying adaptation and tolerance to acetic acid stress is
      increasingly important in industrial biotechnology and the food industry. Prior
      genetic screens for Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutants with increased sensitivity
      to acetic acid identified loss-of-function mutations in the YPK1 gene, which
      encodes a protein kinase activated by the target of rapamycin (TOR) complex 2
      (TORC2). We show in the present study by several independent criteria that TORC2
      Ypk1 signaling is stimulated in response to acetic acid stress. Moreover, we
      demonstrate that TORC2-mediated Ypk1 phosphorylation and activation is necessary
      for acetic acid tolerance, and occurs independently of Hrk1, a protein kinase
      previously implicated in the cellular response to acetic acid. In addition, we
      show that TORC2-Ypk1-mediated activation of l-serine:palmitoyl-CoA
      acyltransferase, the enzyme complex that catalyzes the first committed step of
      sphingolipid biosynthesis, is required for acetic acid tolerance. Furthermore,
      analysis of the sphingolipid pathway using inhibitors and mutants indicates that
      it is production of certain complex sphingolipids that contributes to conferring
      acetic acid tolerance. Consistent with that conclusion, promoting sphingolipid
      synthesis by adding exogenous long-chain base precursor phytosphingosine to the
      growth medium enhanced acetic acid tolerance. Thus appropriate modulation of the
      TORC2-Ypk1-sphingolipid axis in industrial yeast strains may have utility in
      improving fermentations of acetic acid-containing feedstocks.

PMID- 27671891
TI  - Consensus recommendations for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of inherited
      methylation disorders.
AB  - Inherited methylation disorders are a group of rarely reported, probably largely
      underdiagnosed disorders affecting transmethylation processes in the metabolic
      pathway between methionine and homocysteine. These are methionine
      adenosyltransferase I/III, glycine N-methyltransferase, S-adenosylhomocysteine
      hydrolase and adenosine kinase deficiencies. This paper provides the first
      consensus recommendations for the diagnosis and management of methylation
      disorders. Following search of the literature and evaluation according to the
      SIGN-methodology of all reported patients with methylation defects, graded
      recommendations are provided in a structured way comprising diagnosis (clinical
      presentation, biochemical abnormalities, differential diagnosis, newborn
      screening, prenatal diagnosis), therapy and follow-up. Methylation disorders
      predominantly affect the liver, central nervous system and muscles, but clinical
      presentation can vary considerably between and within disorders. Although
      isolated hypermethioninemia is the biochemical hallmark of this group of
      disorders, it is not always present, especially in early infancy. Plasma S
      adenosylmethionine and S-adenosylhomocysteine are key metabolites for the
      biochemical clarification of isolated hypermethioninemia. Mild
      hyperhomocysteinemia can be present in all methylation disorders. Methylation
      disorders do not qualify as primary targets of newborn screening. A low
      methionine diet can be beneficial in patients with methionine adenosyltransferase
      I/III deficiency if plasma methionine concentrations exceed 800 MUmol/L. There is
      some evidence that this diet may also be beneficial in patients with S
      adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase and adenosine kinase deficiencies. S
      adenosylmethionine supplementation may be useful in patients with methionine
      adenosyltransferase I/III deficiency. Recommendations given in this article are
      based on general principles and in practice should be adjusted individually
      according to patient's age, severity of the disease, clinical and laboratory
      findings.

PMID- 27671893
TI  - Reappraisal of putative glyoxalase 1-deficient mouse and dicarbonyl stress on
      embryonic stem cells in vitro.
AB  - Glyoxalase 1 (Glo1) is a cytoplasmic enzyme with a cytoprotective function linked
      to metabolism of the cytotoxic side product of glycolysis, methylglyoxal (MG). It
      prevents dicarbonyl stress - the abnormal accumulation of reactive dicarbonyl
      metabolites, increasing protein and DNA damage. Increased Glo1 expression delays
      ageing and suppresses carcinogenesis, insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease
      and vascular complications of diabetes and renal failure. Surprisingly, gene
      trapping by the International Mouse Knockout Consortium (IMKC) to generate
      putative Glo1 knockout mice produced a mouse line with the phenotype
      characterised as normal and healthy. Here, we show that gene trapping mutation
      was successful, but the presence of Glo1 gene duplication, probably in the
      embryonic stem cells (ESCs) before gene trapping, maintained wild-type levels of
      Glo1 expression and activity and sustained the healthy phenotype. In further
      investigation of the consequences of dicarbonyl stress in ESCs, we found that
      prolonged exposure of mouse ESCs in culture to high concentrations of MG and/or
      hypoxia led to low-level increase in Glo1 copy number. In clinical translation,
      we found a high prevalence of low-level GLO1 copy number increase in renal
      failure where there is severe dicarbonyl stress. In conclusion, the IMKC Glo1
      mutant mouse is not deficient in Glo1 expression through duplication of the Glo1
      wild-type allele. Dicarbonyl stress and/or hypoxia induces low-level copy number
      alternation in ESCs. Similar processes may drive rare GLO1 duplication in health
      and disease.

PMID- 27671895
TI  - Recession may decrease mortality trends.

PMID- 27671896
TI  - In focus in HCB.

PMID- 27671894
TI  - Development of a motif-based topology-independent structure comparison method to
      identify evolutionarily related folds.
AB  - Structure conservation, functional similarities, and homologous relationships
      that exist across diverse protein topologies suggest that some regions of the
      protein fold universe are continuous. However, the current structure
      classification systems are based on hierarchical organizations, which cannot
      accommodate structural relationships that span fold definitions. Here, we
      describe a novel, super-secondary-structure motif-based, topology-independent
      structure comparison method (SmotifCOMP) that is able to quantitatively identify
      structural relationships between disparate topologies. The basis of SmotifCOMP is
      a systematically defined super-secondary-structure motif library whose
      representative geometries are shown to be saturated in the Protein Data Bank and
      exhibit a unique distribution within the known folds. SmotifCOMP offers a robust
      and quantitative technique to compare domains that adopt different topologies
      since the method does not rely on a global superposition. SmotifCOMP is used to
      perform an exhaustive comparison of the known folds and the identified
      relationships are used to produce a nonhierarchical representation of the fold
      space that reflects the notion of a continuous and connected fold universe. The
      current work offers insight into previously hypothesized evolutionary
      relationships between disparate folds and provides a resource for exploring novel
      ones. Proteins 2016; 84:1859-1874. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27671897
TI  - Blebbishields and mitotic cells exhibit robust macropinocytosis.
AB  - Cancer stem cells can survive and undergo transformation after apoptosis by
      initiating robust endocytosis. Endocytosis in-turn drives formation of serpentine
      filopodia, which promote construction of blebbishields from apoptotic bodies.
      However, the status and role of macropinocytosis in blebbishields is not known.
      Here, we show by scanning electron microscopy and by macropinocytosis assays that
      blebbishields exhibit robust macropinocytosis. Inhibiting dynamin-mediated
      endocytosis does not affect macropinocytosis in blebbishields or in mitotic
      cells. In addition, inhibiting macropinocytosis did not inhibit construction of
      blebbishields from apoptotic bodies. Thus, although apoptotic cancer stem cells
      exhibit robust macropinocytosis, macropinocytosis is not essential to generate
      blebbishields, although it may play other roles in blebbishield biology. (c) 2016
      BioFactors, 43(2):181-186, 2017.

PMID- 27671898
TI  - First clinical evaluation of a new single-use flexible ureteroscope (LithoVueTM):
      a European prospective multicentric feasibility study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We evaluated a new digital single-use flexible ureteroscope,
      LithoVueTM with respect to deflection, image quality and maneuverability.
      METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted in eight tertiary reference
      centers in Europe in December 2015 and January 2016. All consecutive patients
      included underwent flexible ureteroscopy and were 18 years or older. Deflection
      and image quality pre- and post-use and maneuverability were rated with a Likert
      scale. RESULTS: A total of 40 procedures were performed (five per institution).
      The indication for FURS was treatment of renal stones in 92.5 % of the cases.
      Before LithoVueTM usage, the median measured upward and downward deflections were
      both 270 degrees . Image quality was rated as "very good" in 65 % of cases and
      "good" in 30 %. Maneuverability was "very good" in 77.5 % and "good" in 17.5 %.
      At the final evaluation, median upward and downward deflections were both 270
      degrees . Image quality was still "very good" in 65 % of cases and "good" in 30 %
      with no significant difference compared with preoperative data (p = 1).
      Maneuverability was "very good" in 72.5 % and "good" in 17.5 %, with no
      significant difference compared with preoperative data (p = 0.92). Two LithoVueTM
      broke during surgery (5 %): one occurring in extreme deflection with acute
      infundibulopelvic angle and spontaneous loss of vision for the second one.
      CONCLUSION: The LithoVueTM displayed good image quality, active deflection and
      maneuverability. Further evaluation of surgical outcomes and cost analysis will
      help to present the best utility of this single-use FURS in current practice.

PMID- 27671899
TI  - Proctors exploit three-dimensional ghost tools during clinical-like training
      scenarios: a preliminary study.
AB  - PURPOSE: In this study, we examine three-dimensional (3D) proctoring tools (i.e.,
      semitransparent ghost tools overlaid on the surgeon's field of view) on realistic
      surgical tasks. Additionally, we develop novel, quantitative measures of whether
      proctors exploit the additional capabilities offered by ghost tools. METHODS:
      Seven proctor-trainee pairs completed realistic surgical tasks such as tissue
      dissection and suturing in a live porcine model using 3D ghost tools on the da
      Vinci Xi Surgical System. The usability and effectiveness of 3D ghost tools were
      evaluated using objective measures of proctor performance based on proctor hand
      movements and button presses, as well as post-study questionnaires. RESULTS:
      Proctors exploited the capabilities of ghost tools, such as 3D hand movement (p <
      0.001), wristedness (p < 0.001), finger pinch gestures (p < 0.001), and bimanual
      hand motions (p < 0.001). The median ghost tool excursion distances across
      proctors in the x-, y-, and z-directions were 57.6, 31.9, and 50.7, respectively.
      Proctors and trainees consistently evaluated the ghost tools as effective across
      multiple categories of mentoring. Trainees found ghost tools more helpful than
      proctors across all categories (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Proctors exploit the
      augmented capabilities of 3D ghost tools during clinical-like training scenarios.
      Additionally, both proctors and trainees evaluated ghost tools as effective
      mentoring tools, thereby confirming previous studies on simple, inanimate tasks.
      Based on this preliminary work, advanced mentoring technologies, such as 3D ghost
      tools, stand to improve current telementoring and training technologies in robot
      assisted minimally invasive surgery.

PMID- 27671900
TI  - The protective effects of moderate drinking: lies, damned lies, and... selection
      biases?

PMID- 27671902
TI  - Neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica.
AB  - Multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica (NMO) are autoimmune
      demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system (CNS), having distinct
      immunological and pathological features. They have two pathogenic components,
      'inflammation' and 'neurodegeneration', with different degrees of severity and
      pathogenetic mechanisms. The target antigen of autoimmunity in NMO is the water
      channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4), and antibodies directed against this antigen result
      in astrocyte damage. MS is a disease primarily affecting myelin and
      oligodendrocytes, but thus far, no MS-specific autoantigen has been identified.
      The distinct inflammatory processes in these diseases may trigger cascades of
      events leading to disease-specific neurodegeneration. Damage of the CNS tissue
      appears to be amplified by mechanisms that are in part shared by the two
      conditions and involve oxidative burst activation in microglia/macrophages,
      mitochondrial damage and axonal energy failure, Wallerian degeneration and
      meningeal inflammation. However, they appear to differ regarding the nature of
      the inflammatory response, the type and extent of cortical injury, and the type
      of astrocyte reaction and damage. Here, we provide a detailed comparison of the
      pathology between MS and NMO, which may help to define shared and disease
      specific mechanisms of neurodegeneration in these diseases.

PMID- 27671903
TI  - Giant anterior urethral calculus associated with urethrocutaneous fistula in an
      elderly man.

PMID- 27671901
TI  - Statins are underused in recent-onset Parkinson's disease with increased vascular
      risk: findings from the UK Tracking Parkinson's and Oxford Parkinson's Disease
      Centre (OPDC) discovery cohorts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) influences phenotypic variation in
      Parkinson's disease (PD), and is usually an indication for statin therapy. It is
      less clear whether cardiovascular risk factors influence PD phenotype, and if
      statins are prescribed appropriately. OBJECTIVES: To quantify vascular risk and
      statin use in recent-onset PD, and examine the relationship between vascular
      risk, PD severity and phenotype. METHODS: Cardiovascular risk was quantified
      using the QRISK2 calculator (high >=20%, medium >=10 and <20%, low risk <10%).
      Motor severity and phenotype were assessed using the Movement Disorder Society
      Unified PD Rating Scale (UPDRS) and cognition by the Montreal cognitive
      assessment. RESULTS: In 2909 individuals with recent-onset PD, the mean age was
      67.5 years (SD 9.3), 63.5% were men and the mean disease duration was 1.3 years
      (SD 0.9). 33.8% of cases had high vascular risk, 28.7% medium risk, and 22.3% low
      risk, while 15.2% of cases had established CVD. Increasing vascular risk and CVD
      were associated with older age (p<0.001), worse motor score (p<0.001), more
      cognitive impairment (p<0.001) and worse motor phenotype (p=0.021). Statins were
      prescribed in 37.2% with high vascular risk, 15.1% with medium vascular risk and
      6.5% with low vascular risk, which compared with statin usage in 75.3% of those
      with CVD. CONCLUSIONS: Over 60% of recent-onset PD patients have high or medium
      cardiovascular risk (meriting statin usage), which is associated with a worse
      motor and cognitive phenotype. Statins are underused in these patients, compared
      with those with vascular disease, which is a missed opportunity for preventive
      treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: GN11NE062, NCT02881099.

PMID- 27671904
TI  - Non-modifiable factors predict discharge quality after robotic partial
      nephrectomy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To identify predictors of poor discharge quality after robotic partial
      nephrectomy (RPN) at a large academic center. METHODS: We queried our
      institutional RPN database for consecutive patients treated between 2011 and
      2015. The primary outcome was poor discharge quality, defined as length of stay
      >3 days and/or unplanned readmission. The association between patient, disease,
      and provider factors and overall discharge quality was assessed using univariate
      and multivariable analyses. RESULTS: Of 791 cases, 219 (27.7 %) had poor
      discharge quality. On univariate analysis, factors associated with poor discharge
      quality were older age (p < .01), black race (p = .01), social insurance (p <
      .01), higher ASA score (p < .01), chronic kidney disease (p < .01), increased
      tumor size (p < .01), and higher tumor complexity (p = .01). Surgeon case volume
      did not predict discharge quality (p = .63). After adjustment for covariates on
      multivariable analysis, race (p = .01), ASA (p = .02), CKD (p < .01), tumor size
      (p = .02), and tumor complexity (p = .03) still predicted poor discharge quality.
      In particular, the odds of poor discharge quality were highest in the setting of
      CKD (OR 2.62, 95 % CI 1.72-4.01), black race (OR 2.17, 95 % CI 1.32-3.57), and
      higher ASA (OR 1.49, 95 % CI 1.07-2.08). CONCLUSIONS: Non-modifiable patient and
      disease factors predict poor discharge quality after RPN. Risk adjustment for
      these factors will be important for determining future reimbursement for RPN
      providers.

PMID- 27671905
TI  - Association between functional variant of inflammatory system gene (PSMA6) and
      end-stage kidney disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The proteasome system is involved in several disorders. The 5'
      untranslated region of PSMA6 gene contains a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)
      -8 C/G, associated with diabetes, myocardial infarction and coronary artery
      disease. METHODS: We examined 584 patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD)
      and 430 controls. All were genotyped for -8 C/G SNP by polymerase chain reaction
      and restriction analysis. RESULTS: We observed lower frequency of CG + GG
      genotypes in patients than in controls (20 vs. 42 %, p = 0.0038). The odds ratio
      of 0.34 (95 % CI 0.26-0.45) suggests association of CG + GG with decreased risk
      of ESKD. We investigated the association between PSMA6 polymorphism and LVH
      present in 54 % of patients. There was a significant association of CG + GG
      genotype with LVH, with over 75 % of CG + GG in patients with LVH. This effect
      was independent from other common causes of LVH-age (OR 1.12, p = 0.643) and
      hypertension (OR 1.72, p = 0.422). CONCLUSION: We demonstrated for the first time
      that PSMA6 polymorphism might be a protective factor for ESKD. On the other hand,
      CG + GG genotypes are independently related to LVH in ESKD patients.

PMID- 27671906
TI  - Correlation between pre- and post-dialysis blood pressure levels in hemodialysis
      patients with intradialytic hypertension.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the association between arterial systolic blood pressure
      values at the beginning and at the end of a hemodialysis (HD) session in
      intradialytic hypertension patients. METHODS: This study evaluated the arterial
      systolic blood pressure patterns in 154 chronic kidney failure patients; among
      these patients, 18 were identified as having intradialytic hypertension. In the
      patients with intradialytic hypertension, four consecutive HD sessions were
      analyzed in which the systolic, diastolic, mean, and pulse blood pressures were
      automatically determined every 30 min. RESULTS: A linear relationship was
      revealed between the systolic blood pressure levels measured after 30 min and
      those obtained after 240 min of HD (r = 0.3894, p = 0.001). This association
      became stronger after 90 min (r = 0.5471; p < 0.001), indicating that for
      intradialytic hypertension patients, systolic blood pressure values at the
      beginning of HD were correlated with systolic blood pressure values at the end of
      the session. CONCLUSIONS: For intradialytic hypertension patients, values
      obtained at the end of HD are correlated with the initial values. This
      information could facilitate planning and earlier treatment.

PMID- 27671908
TI  - For the Patient with "Low-risk Chest Pain"-How Low Is Low?

PMID- 27671909
TI  - Foreword.

PMID- 27671911
TI  - An update on gastric cancer.

PMID- 27671907
TI  - Therapy and prognosis of ANCA-associated vasculitis from the clinical
      nephrologist's perspective.
AB  - This paper reviews the recently published scientific information regarding ANCA
      associated vasculitis (AAV), aiming to highlight the most important data from the
      clinical nephrologists' perspective. The classification, pathomechanism, recent
      achievements of the treatment, short-term and long-term outcomes of the disease,
      and the difficulties nephrologists face when taking care for patients with AAV
      are summarized. There has been significant progress in the understanding of the
      genetic and pathologic background of the disease in the last years, and results
      of histological studies guide us to predict long-term renal function. Findings of
      several multicentered trials with reasonable number of participants provide
      comparison of the efficacy and safety of different remission induction and
      maintenance therapies, and evaluate recently introduced immunosuppressive agents.
      Although the clinical outcome of patients with AAV has improved significantly
      since modern immunosuppressive drugs are available, the treatment-related
      complications still contribute to the morbidity and mortality. To improve the
      survival and quality of life of patients with AAV further, knowledge of the
      predictors of relapse, end-stage kidney disease, and mortality, also prevention
      of infections and other treatment-related adverse events are important. The
      eligibility for renal transplantation and the option for successful pregnancies
      for young women are also important factors which influence the patients' quality
      of life. In order to provide favorable outcome, the clinicians need to establish
      personalized treatment strategies to optimize the intensity and minimize the
      toxicity of the immunosuppressive therapy.

PMID- 27671912
TI  - [Well's cellulitis: A case report].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Wells's cellulitis is a rare eosinophilic dermatose characterized
      by an inflammatory erythematous eruption, often associated with eosinophilia, and
      suggestive histologic features. The differential diagnosis with other
      eosinophilic dermatitis is problematic. The treatment is typically based on
      systemic steroids. CASE REPORT: We report a 63-year-old patient with an extensive
      pruritic maculo-papular eruption of the limbs and the trunk, forming large
      indurated and painful erythematous patches. Blood analysis revealed eosinophilia.
      Histologic examination showed perivascular eosinophilic inflammatory
      infiltration, also disposed around collagen fibers. The symptoms disappeared with
      topical corticosteroids. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of Well's cellulitis is
      difficult because of the lack of specific sign; it is based on suggestive
      clinical, biological and histological features. Topical corticosteroids are
      efficient and well-tolerated, and should be used as first treatment.

PMID- 27671913
TI  - [Subcutaneous nodules].

PMID- 27671914
TI  - Toxicological role of an acyl glucuronide metabolite in diclofenac-induced acute
      liver injury in mice.
AB  - The acyl glucuronide (AG) metabolites of carboxylic acid-containing drugs are
      potentially chemically reactive and are suggested to be implicated in toxicity,
      including hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity and drug hypersensitivity reactions.
      However, it remains unknown whether AG formation is related to toxicity in vivo.
      In this study, we sought to determine whether AG is involved in the pathogenesis
      of liver injury using a mouse model of diclofenac (DIC)-induced liver injury.
      Mice that were administered DIC alone exhibited significantly increased plasma
      alanine aminotransferase levels, whereas mice that were pretreated with the UDP
      glucuronosyltransferase inhibitor (-)-borneol (BOR) exhibited suppressed alanine
      aminotransferase levels at 3 and 6 h after DIC administration although not
      significant at 12 h. The plasma DIC-AG concentrations were significantly lower in
      BOR- and DIC-treated mice than in mice treated with DIC alone. The mRNA
      expression levels of chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL1), CXCL2 and the
      neutrophil marker CD11b were reduced in the livers of mice that had been
      pretreated with BOR compared to those that had been administered DIC alone,
      whereas mRNA expression of the macrophage marker F4/80 was not altered. An
      immunohistochemical analysis at 12 h samples revealed that the numbers of
      myeloperoxidase- and lymphocyte antigen 6 complex-positive cells that infiltrated
      the liver were significantly reduced in BOR- and DIC-treated mice compared to
      mice that were treated with DIC alone. These results indicate that DIC-AG is
      partly involved in the pathogenesis of DIC-induced acute liver injury in mice by
      activating innate immunity and neutrophils. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons,
      Ltd.

PMID- 27671916
TI  - Psychological Mechanisms of PTSD and Its Treatment.
AB  - Psychological mechanisms can be defined as processes or events that are
      responsible for specific changes in psychological outcomes. In psychotherapy
      research, mechanisms are the factors through which interventions produce change.
      In this article, we explain the importance of identifying psychological
      mechanisms, describe methods for identifying them, and analyze recent literature
      on the psychological mechanisms underlying the development and treatment of
      posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Based on the findings of recent
      investigations (from 2013 to present), we focus on four putative mechanisms:
      emotional engagement, extinction and contextualization, distress tolerance, and
      negative posttraumatic cognitions. Future directions for psychological mechanism
      research are also outlined, including possible opportunities for capitalizing on
      the most promising mechanisms identified to date. 

PMID- 27671915
TI  - A Slice of the Suicidal Brain: What Have Postmortem Molecular Studies Taught Us?
AB  - Suicide ranks amongst the leading causes of death worldwide. Contemporary models
      of suicide risk posit that suicide results from the interaction of distal and
      proximal factors, including neurobiological, psychological/clinical, and social
      factors. While a wealth of neurobiological studies aimed at identifying
      biological processes associated with suicidal behaviour have been conducted over
      the last decades, the more recent development of arrays and high-throughput
      sequencing methods have led to an increased capacity and interest in the study of
      genomic factors. Postmortem studies are a unique tool to directly investigate
      genomic processes that may be dysregulated in the suicidal brain. In this review,
      we discuss postmortem literature investigating functional genomic studies of
      suicide, particularly focusing on epigenetic mechanisms. 

PMID- 27671917
TI  - Emergency Department Screening for Suicide and Mental Health Risk.
AB  - Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth ages 10-24. An estimated
      1.5 million US adolescents receive their primary health care in the emergency
      department (ED); this is particularly true for low-income and minority youths who
      often lack a regular source of care. ED visits can provide a window of
      opportunity to screen and identify youths with suicide and mental health risk,
      triage youths based on need, and facilitate effective follow-up care. Recently
      developed brief therapeutic assessment approaches have demonstrated success in
      improving rates of follow-up care after discharge from the ED. Furthermore, there
      is some data supporting clinical benefits when youths receive evidence-based
      outpatient follow-up care. ED screening combined with effective follow-up,
      therefore, may provide one strategy for improving mental health and reducing
      health disparities in our nation. This paper reviews the context in which ED
      screenings occur, available tools and strategies, and evidence for the
      effectiveness of tested approaches. 

PMID- 27671919
TI  - Improving Access to Standardized Fertility Preservation Information for Older
      Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer: Using a User-Centered Approach with
      Young Adult Patients, Survivors, and Partners to Refine Fertility Knowledge
      Transfer.
AB  - Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients under 40 should be made aware of
      their fertility risks and preservation options throughout their care. However,
      discussions on fertility preservation (FP) do not routinely occur. With a dearth
      of FP resources, oncology providers may lack knowledge around FP. Thus,
      informational needs can be unmet, leading to anxiety and distress in patients.
      Provision of pertinent and timely information can help patients cope better with
      their diagnosis. FP pamphlets were developed for men and women with cancer. A
      cross-sectional in-house survey, using convenience sampling, evaluated the
      pamphlets' effectiveness and measured ease of understanding, acceptability, and
      perceived utility. Patients and partners were also asked to provide
      recommendations and complete the Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in
      Adults (S-TOFHLA) measuring health literacy level. This helps determine if health
      literacy influences perception of pamphlet effectiveness. All participants (n =
      56) reviewed both pamphlets. Fifty-four participants (96 %) found the pamphlet
      for men useful, while 29 participants (52 %) improved their male fertility
      knowledge. The pamphlet for women was useful for 52 participants (93 %) and
      improved knowledge in 35 (63 %) of them. Although the majority of participants
      had adequate health literacy (98 %), there was insufficient sample diversity to
      determine if health literacy influenced the pamphlet's effectiveness.
      Participants indicated preference in receiving verbal (73 %) and written (66 %)
      information over watching videos or in-class education. They recommended
      including fertility clinics, financial resources, and statistics in the
      brochures. These FP pamphlets were concluded as effective in supporting patients
      in making FP decisions.

PMID- 27671920
TI  - SmartSIM - a virtual reality simulator for laparoscopy training using a generic
      physics engine.
AB  - Virtual reality (VR) training simulators have started playing a vital role in
      enhancing surgical skills, such as hand-eye coordination in laparoscopy, and
      practicing surgical scenarios that cannot be easily created using physical
      models. We describe a new VR simulator for basic training in laparoscopy, i.e.
      SmartSIM, which has been developed using a generic open-source physics engine
      called the simulation open framework architecture (SOFA). This paper describes
      the systems perspective of SmartSIM including design details of both hardware and
      software components, while highlighting the critical design decisions. Some of
      the distinguishing features of SmartSIM include: (i) an easy-to-fabricate custom
      built hardware interface; (ii) use of a generic physics engine to facilitate
      wider accessibility of our work and flexibility in terms of using various
      graphical modelling algorithms and their implementations; and (iii) an
      intelligent and smart evaluation mechanism that facilitates unsupervised and
      independent learning.

PMID- 27671918
TI  - Anxiety Disorders and Cardiovascular Disease.
AB  - Anxiety and its associated disorders are common in patients with cardiovascular
      disease and may significantly influence cardiac health. Anxiety disorders are
      associated with the onset and progression of cardiac disease, and in many
      instances have been linked to adverse cardiovascular outcomes, including
      mortality. Both physiologic (autonomic dysfunction, inflammation, endothelial
      dysfunction, changes in platelet aggregation) and health behavior mechanisms may
      help to explain the relationships between anxiety disorders and cardiovascular
      disease. Given the associations between anxiety disorders and poor cardiac
      health, the timely and accurate identification and treatment of these conditions
      is of the utmost importance. Fortunately, pharmacologic and psychotherapeutic
      interventions for the management of anxiety disorders are generally safe and
      effective. Further study is needed to determine whether interventions to treat
      anxiety disorders ultimately impact both psychiatric and cardiovascular health. 

PMID- 27671921
TI  - Ataxia telangiectasia associated with nodular regenerative hyperplasia.

PMID- 27671922
TI  - Effects of planned, mistimed and unwanted pregnancies on the use of prenatal
      health services in sub-Saharan Africa: a multicountry analysis of Demographic and
      Health Survey data.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We analysed the extent of planned, mistimed and unwanted pregnancies
      and how they predict optimal use of prenatal (timing and number of antenatal)
      care services in 30 African countries. METHODS: We pooled data from Demographic
      and Health Surveys conducted in 30 African countries between 2006 and 2015. We
      described the extent of mistimed and unwanted pregnancies and further used mixed
      effects logistic and Poisson regression estimation techniques to examine the
      impacts of planned, mistimed and unwanted pregnancies on the use of prenatal
      health services. RESULTS: In total, 73.65% of pregnancies in all countries were
      planned. Mistimed pregnancy ranged from 7.43% in Burkina Faso to 41.33% in
      Namibia. Unwanted pregnancies were most common in Swaziland (39.54%) and least
      common in Niger (0.74%). Timely (first trimester) initiation of ANC was 37%
      overall in all countries; the multicountry average number of ANC visits was
      optimal [4.1; 95% CI: 4.1-4.2] but with notable disparities between countries.
      Overall, mistimed and unwanted pregnancies were strongly associated with late ANC
      attendance and fewer visits women made in the pooled analysis. CONCLUSIONS:
      Unintended pregnancies are critical risks to achieving improved maternal health
      in respect of early and optimal ANC coverage for women in Africa. Programmes
      targeted at advancing coverage of ANC in Africa need to deploy contextually
      appropriate mechanisms to prevent unintended pregnancies.

PMID- 27671924
TI  - Copper-Catalyzed Vicinal Diphosphination of Styrenes: Access to 1,2
      Bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane-Type Bidentate Ligands from Olefins.
AB  - A copper/N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalyzed oxidative vicinal diphosphination
      of styrenes with diphenyl(trimethylsilyl)phosphine proceeds in the presence of
      LiOtBu and a pyridine N-oxide/MnO2 combined oxidant to deliver the corresponding
      1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethanes (DPPEs) in good yields. The present copper
      catalysis can provide access to the DPPE-type ligands directly from the
      relatively simple alkenes.

PMID- 27671923
TI  - Skellam process with resetting: a neural spike train model.
AB  - This paper introduces the Skellam process with resetting. Resetting is a
      modification that accommodates the modeling of neural spike trains. We show this
      as a biologically plausible model, which codes the information content of neural
      spike trains with three, potentially, time-varying functions. We show that the
      interspike interval distribution under this model follows a mixture of gamma
      distributions, a flexible class covering a wide range of commonly used models.
      Through simulation studies and the analyses of connected retinal ganglion and
      lateral geniculate nucleus cells, we evaluate the performance of this model.
      Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27671925
TI  - How to optimise drug study design: pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics studies
      introduced to paediatricians.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: In children, there is often lack of sufficient information concerning
      the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of a study drug to support
      dose selection and effective evaluation of efficacy in a randomised clinical
      trial (RCT). Therefore, one should consider the relevance of relatively small
      PKPD studies, which can provide the appropriate data to optimise the design of an
      RCT. METHODS: Based on the experience of experts collaborating in the EU-funded
      Global Research in Paediatrics consortium, we aimed to inform clinician
      scientists working with children on the design of investigator-initiated PKPD
      studies. KEY FINDINGS: The importance of the identification of an optimal dose
      for the paediatric population is explained, followed by the differences and
      similarities of dose-ranging and efficacy studies. The input of clinical
      pharmacologists with modelling expertise is essential for an efficient dose
      finding study. CONCLUSIONS: The emergence of new laboratory techniques and
      statistical tools allows for the collection and analysis of sparse and unbalanced
      data, enabling the implementation of (observational) PKPD studies in the
      paediatric clinic. Understanding of the principles and methods discussed in this
      study is essential to improve the quality of paediatric PKPD investigations, and
      to prevent the conduct of paediatric RCTs that fail because of inadequate dosing.

PMID- 27671927
TI  - Notch signaling in oral squamous neoplasia.
AB  - Notch signaling is involved in cell-cell communication. It is an evolutionarily
      ancient mechanism and plays a fundamental role in development. The typical
      function of Notch signaling is the regulation of cell fate segregation at
      asymmetric division; however, a role in tumorigenesis has also been suggested.
      Inactivating mutations of NOTCH1 are present in about 10 % of cases of squamous
      cell carcinoma of the skin, oral cavity, esophagus, and lung, rendering it one of
      the most frequently mutated genes in squamous cell carcinoma. Mouse knockout
      studies have demonstrated that Notch1 is imperative for early development but is
      dispensable for formation of the squamous epithelium. However, loss of Notch
      signaling predisposes the epidermis to hyperplasia and increases tumor incidence.
      This tumor-inducing effect resulting from the loss of Notch signaling is
      associated with non-cell-autonomous effects that are elicited by subtle
      alteration of epithelial cell features, generating a wound-like microenvironment
      in the underlying stroma. We found that Notch1 was expressed specifically in the
      basal cells of the oral squamous epithelium. In cancer and oral epithelial
      dysplasia, it was significantly downregulated, suggesting that reduced Notch
      activity plays a distinct role in oral neoplasia.

PMID- 27671926
TI  - A novel NDUFS4 frameshift mutation causes Leigh disease in the Hutterite
      population.
AB  - Leigh disease is a progressive, infantile-onset, neurodegenerative disorder
      characterized by feeding difficulties, failure to thrive, hypotonia, seizures,
      and central respiratory compromise. Metabolic and neuroimaging investigations
      typically identify abnormalities consistent with a disorder of mitochondrial
      energy metabolism. Mutations in more than 35 genes affecting the mitochondrial
      respiratory chain encoded from both the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes have
      been associated with Leigh disease. The clinical presentations of five
      individuals of Hutterite descent with Leigh disease are described herein. An
      identity-by-descent mapping and candidate gene approach was used to identify a
      novel homozygous c.393dupA frameshift mutation in the NADH dehydrogenase
      (ubiquinone) Fe-S protein 4 (NDUFS4) gene. The carrier frequency of this mutation
      was estimated in >1,300 Hutterite individuals to be 1 in 27. (c) 2017 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27671928
TI  - A Guide to Using STITCHER for Overlapping Assembly PCR Applications.
AB  - Overlapping PCR is commonly used in many molecular applications that include
      stitching PCR fragments together, generating fluorescent transcriptional and
      translational fusions, inserting mutations, making deletions, and PCR cloning.
      Overlapping PCR is also used for genotyping and in detection experiments using
      techniques such as loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). STITCHER is a
      web tool providing a central resource for researchers conducting all types of
      overlapping assembly PCR experiments with an intuitive interface for automated
      primer design that's fast, easy to use, and freely available online.

PMID- 27671929
TI  - Synthetic Gene Design Using Codon Optimization On-Line (COOL).
AB  - Codon optimization has been widely used for designing native or synthetic genes
      to enhance their expression in heterologous host organisms. We recently developed
      Codon Optimization On-Line (COOL) which is a web-based tool to provide multi
      objective codon optimization functionality for synthetic gene design. COOL
      provides a simple and flexible interface for customizing codon optimization based
      on several design parameters such as individual codon usage, codon pairing, and
      codon adaptation index. User-defined sequences can also be compared against the
      COOL optimized ones to show the extent by which the user's sequences can be
      evaluated and further improved. The utility of COOL is demonstrated via a case
      study where the codon optimized sequence of an invertase enzyme is generated for
      the enhanced expression in E. coli.

PMID- 27671930
TI  - Shuffle Optimizer: A Program to Optimize DNA Shuffling for Protein Engineering.
AB  - DNA shuffling is a powerful tool to develop libraries of variants for protein
      engineering. Here, we present a protocol to use our freely available and easy-to
      use computer program, Shuffle Optimizer. Shuffle Optimizer is written in the
      Python computer language and increases the nucleotide homology between two pieces
      of DNA desired to be shuffled together without changing the amino acid sequence.
      In addition we also include sections on optimal primer design for DNA shuffling
      and library construction, a small-volume ultrasonicator method to create sheared
      DNA, and finally a method to reassemble the sheared fragments and recover and
      clone the library. The Shuffle Optimizer program and these protocols will be
      useful to anyone desiring to perform any of the nucleotide homology-dependent
      shuffling methods.

PMID- 27671931
TI  - Simple Cloning by Prolonged Overlap Extension-PCR with Application to the
      Preparation of Large-Size Random Gene Mutagenesis Library in Escherichia coli.
AB  - We developed a simple method (simple cloning) for subcloning DNA fragments into
      any location of a targeted vector without the need of restriction enzyme, ligase,
      exonuclease, or recombinase in Escherichia coli. This technology can be applied
      to common E. coli hosts (e.g., DH5alpha, JM109, TOP10, BL21(DE3)). The protocol
      includes three steps: (1) generate DNA insert and linear vector backbone by
      regular high-fidelity PCR, where these two DNA fragments contain 3' and 5'
      overlapping termini; (2) generate DNA multimers based on these two DNA fragments
      by using prolonged overlap extension-PCR (POE-PCR) without primers added; and (3)
      transform POE-PCR product to competent Escherichia coli cells directly, yielding
      the desired plasmid. Simple cloning provides a new cloning method with great
      simplicity and flexibility. Furthermore, this new method can be modified for the
      preparation of a large-size mutant library for directed evolution in E. coli.
      Using this method, it is very easy to generate a mutant library with a size of
      more than 10(7) per 50 MUL of the POE-PCR product within 1 day.

PMID- 27671932
TI  - SpeedyGenes: Exploiting an Improved Gene Synthesis Method for the Efficient
      Production of Synthetic Protein Libraries for Directed Evolution.
AB  - Gene synthesis is a fundamental technology underpinning much research in the life
      sciences. In particular, synthetic biology and biotechnology utilize gene
      synthesis to assemble any desired DNA sequence, which can then be incorporated
      into novel parts and pathways. Here, we describe SpeedyGenes, a gene synthesis
      method that can assemble DNA sequences with greater fidelity (fewer errors) than
      existing methods, but that can also be used to encode extensive, statistically
      designed sequence variation at any position in the sequence to create diverse
      (but accurate) variant libraries. We summarize the integrated use of GeneGenie to
      design DNA and oligonucleotide sequences, followed by the procedure for
      assembling these accurately and efficiently using SpeedyGenes.

PMID- 27671933
TI  - BASIC: A Simple and Accurate Modular DNA Assembly Method.
AB  - Biopart Assembly Standard for Idempotent Cloning (BASIC) is a simple, accurate,
      and robust DNA assembly method. The method is based on linker-mediated DNA
      assembly and provides highly accurate DNA assembly with 99 % correct assemblies
      for four parts and 90 % correct assemblies for seven parts [1]. The BASIC
      standard defines a single entry vector for all parts flanked by the same prefix
      and suffix sequences and its idempotent nature means that the assembled construct
      is returned in the same format. Once a part has been adapted into the BASIC
      format it can be placed at any position within a BASIC assembly without the need
      for reformatting. This allows laboratories to grow comprehensive and universal
      part libraries and to share them efficiently. The modularity within the BASIC
      framework is further extended by the possibility of encoding ribosomal binding
      sites (RBS) and peptide linker sequences directly on the linkers used for
      assembly. This makes BASIC a highly versatile library construction method for
      combinatorial part assembly including the construction of promoter, RBS, gene
      variant, and protein-tag libraries. In comparison with other DNA assembly
      standards and methods, BASIC offers a simple robust protocol; it relies on a
      single entry vector, provides for easy hierarchical assembly, and is highly
      accurate for up to seven parts per assembly round [2].

PMID- 27671934
TI  - Enzymatic Synthesis of Single-Stranded Clonal Pure Oligonucleotides.
AB  - Single-stranded oligonucleotides, or oligodeoxyribonucleotides (ODNs), are very
      important in several fields of science such as molecular biology, diagnostics,
      nanotechnology, and gene therapy. They are usually chemically synthesized. Here
      we describe an enzymatic method which enables us to synthesize pure
      oligonucleotides which can be up to several hundred long bases.

PMID- 27671935
TI  - Rapid Assembly of DNA via Ligase Cycling Reaction (LCR).
AB  - The assembly of multiple DNA parts into a larger DNA construct is a requirement
      in most synthetic biology laboratories. Here we describe a method for the
      efficient, high-throughput, assembly of DNA utilizing the ligase chain reaction
      (LCR). The LCR method utilizes non-overlapping DNA parts that are ligated
      together with the guidance of bridging oligos. Using this method, we have
      successfully assembled up to 20 DNA parts in a single reaction or DNA constructs
      up to 26 kb in size.

PMID- 27671936
TI  - PaperClip: A Simple Method for Flexible Multi-Part DNA Assembly.
AB  - Joining DNA sequences to create linear and circular constructs is a basic
      requirement in molecular biology. Here we describe PaperClip, a recently
      developed method, which enables assembly of multiple DNA sequences in one
      reaction in a combinatorial manner. In contrast to other homology-based multi
      part assembly methods currently available, PaperClip allows assembly of a given
      set of parts in any order without requiring specific single-use oligonucleotides
      for each assembly order.

PMID- 27671937
TI  - The Polymerase Step Reaction (PSR) Method for Gene and Library Synthesis.
AB  - Current gene synthesis methods often incorporate a PCR-amplifying step in order
      to yield sufficient final product that is detectable and resolvable from multiple
      off-products. This amplification step can cause stochastic sampling effects that
      propagate errors during the synthesis and lower the variability when applied
      towards the construction of randomized libraries. We present the method for
      polymerase step reaction (PSR), a simple DNA polymerase-based gene synthesis
      reaction that assembles DNA oligonucleotides in a unidirectional fashion without
      the need for a PCR-type amplification (Lee et al., BioTechniques 59:163-166,
      2015). The PSR method is simple and efficient with little off-product production,
      undetected stochastic sampling effects, and maximized variability when used to
      synthesize phage display libraries.

PMID- 27671938
TI  - Clonetegration Using OSIP Plasmids: One-Step DNA Assembly and Site-Specific
      Genomic Integration in Bacteria.
AB  - Clonetegration is a method for site-specific insertion of DNA into prokaryotic
      chromosomes, based on bacteriophage integrases. The method combines DNA
      cloning/assembly and chromosomal integration into a single step, providing a
      simple and rapid strategy for inserting DNA sequences into bacterial chromosomes.

PMID- 27671939
TI  - Generation of DNA Constructs Using the Golden GATEway Cloning Method.
AB  - One of the most frequently executed tasks for molecular biologists is the design
      and generation of complex DNA constructs. Recently, we established the Golden
      GATEway cloning kit for the fast and efficient generation of transgenesis
      vectors. This cloning kit allows the modular assembly of DNA fragments in a
      defined order. The modularity reflects how complex transgenesis constructs are
      set up. For example, genome modification tools such as the Cre-Lox system utilize
      small recombination elements that are combined with larger open reading frames
      and noncoding regulatory DNA. Another example is that proteinogenic genes can be
      extended with different localisation tags or fluorescent markers. The Golden
      GATEway cloning kit allows focusing on the design of a transgenesis construct
      without having to compromise it by so far available cloning strategies. Here, we
      provide a step-by-step introduction on how to use the Golden GATEway cloning kit.

PMID- 27671940
TI  - Gene Deletion by Synthesis in Yeast.
AB  - Targeted gene deletion is a useful tool for understanding the function of a gene
      and its protein product. We have developed an efficient and robust gene deletion
      approach in yeast that employs oligonucleotide-based gene synthesis. This
      approach requires a deletion cassette composed of three modules: a central 1397
      bp KanMX4 selection marker module and two 366-bp gene-specific flanking modules.
      The invariable KanMX4 module can be used in combination with different pairs of
      flanking modules targeting different genes. The two flanking modules consist of
      both sequences unique to each cassette (chromosomal homologous regions and
      barcodes) and those common to all deletion constructs (artificial linkers and
      restriction enzyme sites). Oligonucleotides for each module and junction regions
      are designed using the BatchBlock2Oligo program and are synthesized on a 96-well
      basis. The oligonucleotides are ligated into a single deletion cassette by ligase
      chain reaction, which is then amplified through two rounds of nested PCR to
      obtain sufficient quantities for yeast transformation. After removal of the
      artificial linkers, the deletion cassettes are transformed into wild-type diploid
      fission yeast SP286 cells. Verification of correct clone and gene deletion is
      achieved by performing check PCR and tetrad analysis. This method with proven
      effectiveness, as evidenced by a high success rate of gene deletion, can be
      potentially applicable to create systematic gene deletion libraries in a variety
      of yeast species.

PMID- 27671941
TI  - Efficient Assembly of DNA Using Yeast Homologous Recombination (YHR).
AB  - The assembly of multiple DNA parts into a larger DNA construct is a requirement
      in most synthetic biology laboratories. Here we describe a method for the
      efficient, high-throughput, assembly of DNA utilizing the yeast homologous
      recombination (YHR). The YHR method utilizes overlapping DNA parts that are
      assembled together by Saccharomyces cerevisiae via homologous recombination
      between designed overlapping regions. Using this method, we have successfully
      assembled up to 12 DNA parts in a single reaction.

PMID- 27671942
TI  - Simultaneous Removal of Multiple DNA Segments by Polymerase Chain Reactions.
AB  - Precise DNA manipulation is a key enabling technology for synthetic biology.
      Approaches based on restriction digestion are often limited by the presence of
      certain restriction enzyme recognition sites. Recent development of restriction
      free cloning approaches has greatly enhanced the flexibility and speed of
      molecular cloning. Most restriction-free cloning methods focus on DNA assembly.
      Much less work has been dedicated towards DNA removal. Here we introduce a
      protocol that allows simultaneous removal of multiple DNA segments from a plasmid
      using polymerase chain reactions (PCR). Our approach will be beneficial to
      applications in multiple sites mutagenesis, DNA library construction, genetic and
      protein engineering, and synthetic biology.

PMID- 27671943
TI  - Rapid Construction of Recombinant Plasmids by QuickStep-Cloning.
AB  - QuickStep-Cloning is a novel molecular cloning technique that builds upon the
      concepts of asymmetric PCR and megaprimer-based amplification of whole plasmid.
      It was designed specifically to address the major drawbacks of previously
      reported cloning methods. The fully optimized protocol allows for a seamless
      integration of a long DNA fragment into any position within a plasmid of choice,
      in a time-efficient and cost-effective manner, without the need of a tedious DNA
      gel purification, a restriction digestion, and an enzymatic ligation. QuickStep
      Cloning can be completed in less than 6 h, significantly faster than most of the
      existing cloning methods, while retaining high efficiency.

PMID- 27671944
TI  - Immobilized MutS-Mediated Error Removal of Microchip-Synthesized DNA.
AB  - Applications of microchip-synthesized oligonucleotides for de novo gene synthesis
      are limited primarily by their high error rates. The mismatch binding protein
      MutS, which can specifically recognize and bind to mismatches, is one of the
      cheapest tools for error correction of synthetic DNA. Here, we describe a
      protocol for removing errors in microchip-synthesized oligonucleotides and for
      the assembly of DNA segments using these oligonucleotides. This protocol can also
      be used in traditional de novo gene DNA synthesis.

PMID- 27671945
TI  - Selection of Error-Less Synthetic Genes in Yeast.
AB  - Conventional gene synthesis is usually accompanied by sequence errors, which are
      often deletions derived from chemically synthesized oligonucleotides. Such
      deletions lead to frame shifts and mostly result in premature translational
      terminations. Therefore, in-frame fusion of a marker gene to the downstream of a
      synthetic gene is an effective strategy to select for frame-shift-free synthetic
      genes. Functional expression of fused marker genes indicates that synthetic genes
      are translated without premature termination, i.e., error-less synthetic genes. A
      recently developed nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ)-mediated DNA cloning method
      in the yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus is suitable for the selection of frame-shift
      free synthetic genes. Transformation and NHEJ-mediated in-frame joining of a
      synthetic gene with a selection marker gene enables colony formation of only the
      yeast cells containing synthetic genes without premature termination. This method
      increased selection frequency of error-less synthetic genes by 3- to 12-fold.

PMID- 27671946
TI  - Injectable and Pathogen-Mimicking Hydrogels for Enhanced Protective Immunity
      against Emerging and Highly Pathogenic Influenza Virus.
AB  - Seasonal emerging infectious diseases such as influenza A impose substantial risk
      and need new translational strategies to achieve active immunomodulation. Here, a
      novel injectable pathogen-mimicking hydrogel (iPMH) that can enhance both
      cellular and humoral immune responses is suggested. By the help of poly(gamma
      glutamic acid) that has abundant carboxylate groups and dispersion helper
      function, hydrophobic immunostimulatory 3-O-desacyl-4'-monophosphoryl lipid A
      (MPLA) molecules and viral antigens (PR8, W150) can be successfully combined as
      pathogen-mimicking adjuvants. Polyelectrolyte complex between the poly(gamma
      glutamic acid)-based adjuvants and collagens generate in situ gel-forming
      hydrogel at physiological temperature. When the iPMH are immunized, they act as a
      pathogen-mimicking (MPLA, H1N1, H5N1) immune priming center and a depot for
      continuous stimulation of immune system, resulting in the induction of high
      levels (8.5 times higher) of antigen-specific IgG titers in the sera of mice and
      the increased number of IFN-gamma-producing cells (7.3 times higher) compared
      with those in the groups immunized with antigen plus clinically used aluminum
      gels. Following the intranasal infection of the mouse adapted virus (emerging
      infectious 2009 H1N1 and highly pathogenic 2006 H5N1) at 50 times the 50% lethal
      dose, the mice immunized with viral antigens plus iPMH exhibit 100% protective
      immunity against lethal virus challenge.

PMID- 27671947
TI  - Febrile syndrome of unknown origin: Indications for 18F-FDG PET/CT in
      inflammatory and infectious processes.
AB  - Fever of unknown origin is defined as a body temperature greater than 38.3
      degrees C lasting more than three weeks for which the cause could not be found
      within one week of hospital admission. More than 200 causes have been reported,
      and these can be classified into four categories: infections, inflammatory
      diseases, oncologic processes, and miscellaneous conditions. Noninvasive
      diagnostic techniques are used in 69.2% of cases and invasive techniques in
      30.8%. Structural imaging techniques show the morphological changes from
      infectious, inflammatory, and tumor-related processes, but they do not allow the
      detection of the early changes brought about by these processes. The metabolic
      information provided by 18F-FDG PET/CT has a promising role in these patients.
      18F-FDG uptake is based on the cells' use of glucose as a source of energy, so it
      can be observed in infectious, inflammatory, and tumor-related processes. The
      established non-oncologic indications for 18F-FDG PET/CT are sarcoidosis,
      osteomyelitis, spondylodiscitis, fever of unknown origin, and vasculitis, which
      together account for more than 85% of studies.

PMID- 27671948
TI  - A Bayesian approach to fiber orientation estimation guided by volumetric tract
      segmentation.
AB  - Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) provides information about the
      microstructure of white matter in the human brain. From dMRI, streamlining
      tractography is often used to reconstruct computational representations of white
      matter tracts from which differences in structural connectivity can be explored.
      In the fiber tracking process, anatomical information can help reduce tracking
      errors caused by crossing fibers and image noise. In this paper, we propose a
      Bayesian method for estimating fiber orientations (FOs) guided by anatomical
      tract information using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), which is a standard
      clinical and research dMRI protocol. The proposed method is named Fiber
      Orientation Reconstruction guided by Tract Segmentation (FORTS). A first step
      segments and labels the white matter tracts volumetrically, including explicit
      representations of crossing regions. A second step estimates the FOs using the
      diffusion information and the anatomical knowledge from segmented white matter
      tracts. A single FO is estimated in the noncrossing regions while two FOs are
      estimated in the crossing regions. A third step carries out streamlining
      tractography that uses information from both the segmented tracts and the
      estimated FOs. Experiments performed on a digital crossing phantom, a physical
      phantom, and brain DTI of 18 healthy subjects show that FORTS is able to use the
      anatomical information to produce FOs with better accuracy and to reduce
      anatomically incorrect streamlines. In particular, on the brain DTI data, we
      studied the connectivity of anatomically defined tracts to cortical areas, which
      is not straightforwardly achievable using only volumetric tract segmentation.
      These connectivity results demonstrate the potential application of FORTS to
      scientific studies.

PMID- 27671949
TI  - Automatic coronary artery segmentation based on multi-domains remapping and
      quantile regression in angiographies.
AB  - Coronary artery disease has become the most dangerous diseases to human life. And
      coronary artery segmentation is the basis of computer aided diagnosis and
      analysis. Existing segmentation methods are difficult to handle the complex
      vascular texture due to the projective nature in conventional coronary
      angiography. Due to large amount of data and complex vascular shapes, any manual
      annotation has become increasingly unrealistic. A fully automatic segmentation
      method is necessary in clinic practice. In this work, we study a method based on
      reliable boundaries via multi-domains remapping and robust discrepancy correction
      via distance balance and quantile regression for automatic coronary artery
      segmentation of angiography images. The proposed method can not only segment
      overlapping vascular structures robustly, but also achieve good performance in
      low contrast regions. The effectiveness of our approach is demonstrated on a
      variety of coronary blood vessels compared with the existing methods. The overall
      segmentation performances si, fnvf, fvpf and tpvf were 95.135%, 3.733%, 6.113%,
      96.268%, respectively.

PMID- 27671950
TI  - "Mouth Wide Shut": Strategies of Female Sex Workers for Coping With Intimate
      Partner Violence.
AB  - The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between possible violence
      suffered by female sex workers in their intimate relationships, with their
      affects, coping strategies, and emotional regulation to overcome such violence
      and improve their well-being. Structured personal interviews were carried out
      with female sex workers in three different settings: street, club, and flats. The
      sample was composed of 137 Spanish female sex workers (85.4% are foreign and 20%
      Spanish-born sex workers). High levels of tension and problems with their
      partners were linked to an affective imbalance and poor well-being. Positive
      affectivity determined the use of adaptive strategies, whereas negative
      affectivity predicted dysfunctional strategies. Three different path analyses and
      theoretical support concluded that self-control was the only strategy related to
      improve well-being in female sex workers who reported lower potential tension and
      difficulty in their intimate relationships. In contrast, inhibition was
      associated with an increase on distress levels when negative affectivity
      predominated and sex workers had reported potential tension and difficulty
      situations with their partners. It was a cross-sectional study, and thus we
      cannot infer causality or direction from the observed associations. Given these
      findings, violence prevention strategies in the intimate relationships should be
      prioritized in the prostitution context.

PMID- 27671951
TI  - Predicting the Effects of Sexual Assault Research Participation: Reactions,
      Perceived Insight, and Help-Seeking.
AB  - This study examined effects of participating in survey research for women sexual
      assault survivors with other trauma histories to understand the role of study
      participation on perceived insight and long-term help-seeking behaviors. A
      diverse sample of 1,863 women from a large Midwestern city participated in a 3
      year study on women's experiences with sexual assault. Regression analyses were
      conducted to (a) examine predictors of immediate positive and negative reactions
      to survey participation and (b) assess the impact of the survey on perceived
      insight and women's long-term help-seeking behavior. Overall, most women in the
      study had a higher positive than negative reaction to the survey (92%), with a
      significant proportion indicating they sought additional services as a result of
      participation (55%). Women with child sexual abuse (CSA), more emotion
      dysregulation, and more characterological self-blame had more negative reactions
      to the survey, whereas those with more education and individual adaptive coping
      had more positive reactions. Women who said they gained insight from answering
      survey questions were most likely to seek additional help. This study extends the
      literature by examining cumulative trauma and postassault symptoms in relation to
      the effects of survey participation. This is also the first study of women sexual
      assault survivors to find a relationship between gaining perceived insight from
      research and subsequent help-seeking. Participating in sexual assault research
      may help survivors gain greater insight into their recovery, which can lead them
      to seek out more resources for their ongoing trauma-related problems.

PMID- 27671952
TI  - Utilizing a General Strain Framework to Examine Behavioral Responses to
      Psychological Intimate Partner Violence: Are Responses Gendered?
AB  - We know from the violence literature that a distinct sex disparity exists in the
      perpetration of other-directed violence (ODV). Some scholars suggest that this
      disparity is explained in part by gendered reactions to stress, strain, or
      violence victimization, in which males and females engage in different coping
      mechanisms, with males more likely to engage in ODV than females. Using a college
      sample, we investigate the behavioral responses of male and female victims of
      psychological intimate partner abuse. We find that although there is a sex
      disparity in the use of ODV as a coping mechanism, there is also a distinct
      gender orientation disparity. Our results indicate that victims who ascribe to a
      masculine identity are more likely than those of a feminine identity to engage in
      ODV, regardless of biological sex. These findings shed light on the impact of
      gender orientation as both a risk and protective factor in the use of ODV.

PMID- 27671953
TI  - The Barber Pole Might Have Been an Early Sign for Patient-Centered Care: What Do
      Interprofessional Education and Interprofessional Collaborative Practice Look
      Like Now?
AB  - In 2009, the Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) was initiated. Its
      release of interprofessional collaborative practice (ICP) core competencies in
      2011 was pivotal for the engagement of health care professionals, including
      dentistry; in patient-centered, collaborative efforts for interprofessional
      education (IPE); and ICP. Thereby, IPEC is helping to put into application, in
      North America, the 2010 World Health Organization (WHO) Framework for Action on
      Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice. This article introduces
      IPE/ICP in 5 phases of evolution, emphasizing dental influence and inclusion,
      from historical perspectives through current applications that are expanded on in
      the accompanying articles elsewhere in this issue.

PMID- 27671954
TI  - Interprofessional Collaborative Practice Models in Chronic Disease Management.
AB  - Interprofessional collaboration in health has become essential to providing high
      quality care, decreased costs, and improved outcomes. Patient-centered care
      requires synthesis of all the components of primary and specialty medicine to
      address patient needs. For individuals living with chronic diseases, this model
      is even more critical to obtain better health outcomes. Studies have shown shown
      that oral health and systemic disease are correlated as it relates to disease
      development and progression. Thus, inclusion of oral health in many of the
      existing and new collaborative models could result in better management of
      chronic illnesses and improve overall health outcomes.

PMID- 27671955
TI  - Problems and Solutions for Interprofessional Education in North American Dental
      Schools.
AB  - Interprofessional education (IPE) is a relatively new part of dental education.
      Its implementation is mandated by accreditation standards, but it is also
      essential to good patient care. Diverse dental schools from various regions of
      North America outline problems they have faced in IPE and the solutions that they
      have found to surmount these problems. Commonalities and unique features of these
      problems and solutions are discussed.

PMID- 27671956
TI  - Interprofessional Education for the Dentist in Managing Acute and Chronic Pain.
AB  - Dental education is at the intersection of affordable health care, opioid-abuse
      crisis, and collaborative practice benefits. Students must engage in
      interprofessional education (IPE) for pain management. Graduates must recognize
      appropriate management of acute dental pain and understand the dentist's role in
      interprofessional treatment of chronic disease, including management of
      temporomandibular disorders and orofacial neuropathic pain, chronic pain in
      general, and the consideration of opioids. This article reviews accreditation
      standards, compares these standards with recommendations from the International
      Association for the Study of Pain and regulatory boards, and presents examples of
      enhanced pain education.

PMID- 27671957
TI  - Interprofessional Collaboration in Improving Oral Health for Special Populations.
AB  - People with complex medical, physical, and psychological conditions are among the
      most underserved groups in receiving dental care and consequently have the most
      significant oral health disparities of any group. The traditional dental care
      delivery system is not able to deliver adequate services to these people with
      "special needs" for a variety of reasons. New systems of care are evolving that
      better serve the needs of these groups by using interprofessional teams to reach
      these individuals and integrate oral health services into social, educational,
      and general health systems.

PMID- 27671958
TI  - Interprofessional Collaborative Practice: An Oral Health Paradigm for Women.
AB  - Interprofessional collaborative practice (IPC) is paramount to the future of oral
      health education. As such, it is critical that today's health care education
      continues to expand its curriculum to promote oral health as an essential
      component in the IPC approach to women's health. This article explores models
      that can be implemented using an IPC framework to foster better approaches in the
      delivery of care to female patients.

PMID- 27671959
TI  - Oral Health and Interprofessional Collaborative Practice: Examples of the Team
      Approach to Geriatric Care.
AB  - Oral health for the older adult patient is vital for function, comfort, and
      communication and is a critical component of overall health. Oral diseases such
      as dental caries, periodontal disease, and oral cancer may lead to pain,
      functional limitations, and decreased quality of life. Optimal oral health
      outcomes are often owing to effective interprofessional collaboration between and
      among health care providers, in conjunction with patient family members and
      caregivers. This article highlights 2 cases illustrating how interprofessional
      team dynamics can affect patient outcomes.

PMID- 27671960
TI  - Addressing Health Disparities via Coordination of Care and Interprofessional
      Education: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health and Oral Health Care.
AB  - Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons are a diverse group, but
      they share a common need for competent, accessible health care, dispensed without
      intolerance and with an understanding of their unique health needs. Dental
      practitioners need to understanding that LGBT persons have distinctive health
      (and oral health) needs. This article reviews the literature on oral and overall
      health of LGBT persons in the United States, and discusses ways in which dentists
      can improve the health care they provide to this vulnerable population, including
      how interprofessional education and collaborative practice may help to reduce
      oral health disparities within this group.

PMID- 27671962
TI  - Policy Development Fosters Collaborative Practice: The Example of the Minamata
      Convention on Mercury.
AB  - This article provides an example of interprofessional collaboration for policy
      development regarding environmental global health vis-a-vis the Minamata
      Convention on Mercury. It presents an overview of mercury and mercury-related
      environmental health issues; public policy processes and stakeholders; and
      specifics including organized dentistry's efforts to create global policy to
      restrict environmental contamination by mercury. Dentistry must participate in
      interprofessional collaborations and build on such experiences to be optimally
      placed for ongoing interprofessional policy development. Current areas requiring
      dental engagement for interprofessional policy development include education,
      disaster response, HPV vaccination, pain management, research priorities, and
      antibiotic resistance.

PMID- 27671961
TI  - The Evolving Role of Dental Responders on Interprofessional Emergency Response
      Teams.
AB  - Disaster and pandemic response events require an interprofessional team of health
      care responders to organize and work together in high-pressure, time-critical
      situations. Civilian oral health care professionals have traditionally been
      limited to forensic identification of human remains. However, after the bombing
      of the Twin Towers in New York, federal agencies realized that dentists can play
      significant roles in disaster and immunization response, especially on
      interprofessional responder teams. Several states have begun to incorporate
      dentists into the first responder community. This article discusses the roles of
      dental responders and highlights legislative advancements and advocacy efforts
      supporting the dental responder.

PMID- 27671963
TI  - Genetics: The Future Is Now with Interprofessional Collaboration.
AB  - With the growing complexity of health care, interprofessional communication and
      collaboration are essential to optimize the care of dental patients, including
      consideration of genetics. A dental case exemplifies the challenges and benefits
      of an interprofessional approach to managing pediatric patients with oligodontia
      and a family history of colon cancer. The interprofessional team includes dental,
      genetic, nutritional, and surgical experts.

PMID- 27671964
TI  - Integrating Oral Health and Primary Care: Federal Initiatives to Drive Systems
      Change.
AB  - This article describes federal programs, initiatives, and partnerships that have
      the demonstrated potential to initiate and institutionalize interprofessional
      practice that includes oral health providers as integral to the provider team. A
      discussion of landmark documents and reports, the role of legislation and
      statutory authority, and the influence of federal program priorities towards a
      national movement to increase access to care to bridge the chasms between the
      medical health care system, dental delivery system, and oral health is presented.

PMID- 27671965
TI  - The Alphabet Soup of Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice
      Acronyms with Dental Seasoning.

PMID- 27671967
TI  - The battlefield in the war against attaching-and-effacing bacterial pathogens:
      Monocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells in action.
AB  - The recent adoption of a unified nomenclature for the mononuclear phagocyte
      system has already led to the generation of novel strategies for specifically
      depleting a single subset of phagocytes in the presence of intact lymphoid
      structures. Herein, we provide a detailed description of how the various types of
      tissue phagocyte orchestrate the host's defense against enteric bacterial
      infections. From a bench-to-bedside perspective, we expect that this paradigm
      will accelerate the development of novel adjuvants and vaccines in human and
      veterinary microbiology.

PMID- 27671968
TI  - Sexual Satisfaction and the Importance of Sexual Health to Quality of Life
      Throughout the Life Course of U.S. Adults.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Discussions about sexual health are uncommon in clinical
      encounters, despite the sexual dysfunction associated with many common health
      conditions. Understanding of the importance of sexual health and sexual
      satisfaction in U.S. adults is limited. AIM: To provide epidemiologic data on the
      importance of sexual health for quality of life and people's satisfaction with
      their sex lives and to examine how each is associated with demographic and health
      factors. METHODS: Data are from a cross-sectional self-report questionnaire from
      a sample of 3,515 English-speaking U.S. adults recruited from an online panel
      that uses address-based probability sampling. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We report
      ratings of importance of sexual health to quality of life (single item with five
      point response) and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System
      Satisfaction With Sex Life score (five items, each with five-point responses,
      scores centered on the U.S. mean). RESULTS: High importance of sexual health to
      quality of life was reported by 62.2% of men (95% CI = 59.4-65.0) and 42.8% of
      women (95% CI = 39.6-46.1, P < .001). Importance of sexual health varied by sex,
      age, sexual activity status, and general self-rated health. For the 55% of men
      and 45% of women who reported sexual activity in the previous 30 days,
      satisfaction with sex life differed by sex, age, race-ethnicity (among men only),
      and health. Men and women in excellent health had significantly higher
      satisfaction than participants in fair or poor health. Women with hypertension
      reported significantly lower satisfaction (especially younger women), as did men
      with depression or anxiety (especially younger men). CONCLUSION: In this large
      study of U.S. adults' ratings of the importance of sexual health and satisfaction
      with sex life, sexual health was a highly important aspect of quality of life for
      many participants, including participants in poor health. Moreover, participants
      in poorer health reported lower sexual satisfaction. Accordingly, sexual health
      should be a routine part of clinicians' assessments of their patients. Health
      care systems that state a commitment to improving patients' overall health must
      have resources in place to address sexual concerns. These resources should be
      available for all patients across the lifespan.

PMID- 27671966
TI  - Phosphatidic acid and neurotransmission.
AB  - Lipids play a vital role in the health and functioning of neurons and interest in
      the physiological role of neuronal lipids is certainly increasing. One neuronal
      function in which neuronal lipids appears to play key roles in neurotransmission.
      Our understanding of the role of lipids in the synaptic vesicle cycle and
      neurotransmitter release is becoming increasingly more important. Much of the
      initial research in this area has highlighted the major roles played by the
      phosphoinositides (PtdIns), diacylglycerol (DAG), and phosphatidic acid (PtdOH).
      Of these, PtdOH has not received as much attention as the other lipids although
      its role and metabolism appears to be extremely important. This lipid has been
      shown to play a role in modulating both exocytosis and endocytosis although its
      precise role in either process is not well defined. The currently evidence
      suggest this lipid likely participates in key processes by altering membrane
      architecture necessary for membrane fusion, mediating the penetration of membrane
      proteins, serving as a precursor for other important SV cycling lipids, or
      activating essential enzymes. In this review, we address the sources of PtdOH,
      the enzymes involved in its production, the regulation of these enzymes, and its
      potential roles in neurotransmission in the central nervous system.

PMID- 27671969
TI  - Incidence of Venous Thromboembolism in Transgender Women Receiving Oral
      Estradiol.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: One of the most serious known adverse effects of feminizing cross
      sex hormone therapy (CSHT) is venous thromboembolism (VTE); however, no study has
      assessed the incidence of VTE from the hormone therapies used in the United
      States because previous publications on this topic have originated in Europe.
      CSHT in the United States typically includes estradiol with the antiandrogen
      spironolactone, whereas in Europe estradiol is prescribed with the progestin
      cyproterone acetate. AIM: To estimate the incidence of VTE from the standard
      feminizing CSHTs used in the United States. METHODS: A retrospective chart review
      of transgender women who had been prescribed oral estradiol at a District of
      Columbia community health center was performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The primary
      outcomes of interest were deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary emboli. RESULTS: From
      January 1, 2008 through March 31, 2016, 676 transgender women received oral
      estradiol-based CSHT for a total of 1,286 years of hormone treatment and a mean
      of 1.9 years of CSHT per patient. Only one individual, or 0.15% of the
      population, sustained a VTE, for an incidence of 7.8 events per 10,000 person
      years. CONCLUSION: There was a low incidence of VTE in this population of
      transgender women receiving oral estradiol.

PMID- 27671971
TI  - Effect of glycation inhibitors on aging and age-related diseases.
AB  - Vast evidence supports the view that glycation of proteins is one of the main
      factors contributing to aging and is an important element of etiopathology of age
      related diseases, especially type 2 diabetes mellitus, cataract and
      neurodegenerative diseases. Counteracting glycation can therefore be a means of
      increasing both the lifespan and healthspan. In this review, accumulation of
      glycation products during aging is presented, pathophysiological effects of
      glycation are discussed and ways of attenuation of the effects of glycation are
      described, concentrating on prevention of glycation. The effects of glycation and
      glycation inhibitors on the course of selected age-related diseases, such as
      Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and cataract are also reviewed.

PMID- 27671970
TI  - IMI - oral biopharmaceutics tools project - evaluation of bottom-up PBPK
      prediction success part 1: Characterisation of the OrBiTo database of compounds.
AB  - Predicting oral bioavailability (Foral) is of importance for estimating systemic
      exposure of orally administered drugs. Physiologically-based pharmacokinetic
      (PBPK) modelling and simulation have been applied extensively in biopharmaceutics
      recently. The Oral Biopharmaceutical Tools (OrBiTo) project (Innovative Medicines
      Initiative) aims to develop and improve upon biopharmaceutical tools, including
      PBPK absorption models. A large-scale evaluation of PBPK models may be considered
      the first step. Here we characterise the OrBiTo active pharmaceutical ingredient
      (API) database for use in a large-scale simulation study. The OrBiTo database
      comprised 83 APIs and 1475 study arms. The database displayed a median logP of
      3.60 (2.40-4.58), human blood-to-plasma ratio of 0.62 (0.57-0.71), and fraction
      unbound in plasma of 0.05 (0.01-0.17). The database mainly consisted of basic
      compounds (48.19%) and Biopharmaceutics Classification System class II compounds
      (55.81%). Median human intravenous clearance was 16.9L/h (interquartile range:
      11.6-43.6L/h; n=23), volume of distribution was 80.8L (54.5-239L; n=23). The
      majority of oral formulations were immediate release (IR: 87.6%). Human Foral
      displayed a median of 0.415 (0.203-0.724; n=22) for IR formulations. The OrBiTo
      database was found to be largely representative of previously published datasets.
      43 of the APIs were found to satisfy the minimum inclusion criteria for the
      simulation exercise, and many of these have significant gaps of other key
      parameters, which could potentially impact the interpretability of the simulation
      outcome. However, the OrBiTo simulation exercise represents a unique opportunity
      to perform a large-scale evaluation of the PBPK approach to predicting oral
      biopharmaceutics.

PMID- 27671973
TI  - Fire on cruise ships - A response to previous correspondence.

PMID- 27671972
TI  - Predictors of MERS-CoV infection: A large case control study of patients
      presenting with ILI at a MERS-CoV referral hospital in Saudi Arabia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A case control study to better characterize the clinical features,
      laboratory, and radiological abnormalities associated with MERS-CoV infection in
      order to help with early identification of this syndrome from other respiratory
      infections. METHODS: Eighty patients admitted to a hospital in Riyadh, diagnosed
      with MERS-CoV infection based on RT-PCR were matched on age, sex, and the
      presence of a co-morbid condition on a basis of 1:2 to other patients admitted
      with respiratory symptoms and tested negative for MERS-CoV on RT-PCR. RESULTS:
      None of the reported MERS-CoV presenting symptoms was significantly associated
      with being infected with MERS-CoV. On the other hand, WBC count was significantly
      lower in patients with confirmed MERS-CoV infection (median 5.7 vs 9.3, P:
      0.0004). Neutrophil count was as well significantly lower in MERS-CoV patients
      (median 3.7 vs 6.7, P: 0.0001). Both AST, and ALT values were significantly
      higher in MERS-CoV infected group (AST median 42 vs 36, P: 0.03, and ALT median
      33 vs 28, P: 0.003). Overall our MERS-CoV mortality rate was (10%) below the
      national figure of (40%). CONCLUSIONS: None of the presenting symptoms are
      specific for MERS-CoV infection. And out of all the investigations WBC,
      neutrophil counts, AST and ALT values have some predictive utility.

PMID- 27671974
TI  - Macitentan Improves Health-Related Quality of Life for Patients With Pulmonary
      Arterial Hypertension: Results From the Randomized Controlled SERAPHIN Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) leads to reduced health-related
      quality of life (HRQoL). The objectives of this analysis were to evaluate the
      effect of macitentan on HRQoL in patients with PAH in the Study with an
      Endothelin Receptor Antagonist in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension to Improve
      Clinical Outcome (SERAPHIN) study. The association between baseline HRQoL and
      long-term outcomes was also investigated. METHODS: Patients were randomized to
      placebo, macitentan 3 mg, or macitentan 10 mg once daily. Patients aged 14 years
      or older completed the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) at baseline, at month 6
      and month 12, and at the end of treatment (EOT). The absolute change from
      baseline to month 6 in SF-36 scores was calculated. The time to a clinically
      meaningful deterioration in the SF-36 physical component summary and mental
      component summary (PCS and MCS) scores and associations between baseline PCS/MCS
      scores and time to morbidity/mortality events were also assessed. RESULTS: At
      month 6, macitentan 10 mg significantly improved seven of eight SF-36 domains and
      the PCS and MCS scores vs placebo. Macitentan 10 mg significantly reduced the
      risk of a three-point or greater deterioration in PCS (hazard ratio [HR], 0.60;
      95% CI, 0.47-0.76; P < .0001) and MCS scores (HR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.61-0.95; P =
      .0173) until EOT vs placebo. Patients with a baseline PCS score greater than the
      median baseline value had a significantly reduced risk of morbidity/mortality
      compared with patients with a PCS score less than the median; a similar result
      was observed for the MCS score. CONCLUSIONS: Macitentan significantly improved
      HRQoL in patients with PAH compared with placebo and significantly reduced the
      risk of a clinically meaningful HRQoL deterioration. An association between
      better baseline HRQoL and improved long-term outcomes was shown. TRIAL REGISTRY:
      ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT00660179; URL: clinicaltrials.gov.

PMID- 27671975
TI  - Effects of preparatory and action planning instructions on situation-specific and
      general fruit and snack intake.
AB  - Evidence to date suggests heterogeneity in the effects of implementation
      intentions on health behaviour, including diet. Additional variables and study
      designs may impact on their effectiveness. Preparatory action, such as making
      sure fruits are available for consumption, may be an important additional
      variable. Likewise, most implementation intention research has focused on changes
      in general intake, yet implementation intention instructions typically require
      participants to consider behaviour in specific situations. Little is known on how
      implementation intentions impact situation-specific intake. The present study
      sought to add to the evidence base by comparing (1) the effects of action
      planning instructions versus preparatory planning instructions on (2) both
      situation-specific (as formulated in the implementation intention instruction)
      and general intake of fruits and in-between meal snack intake frequency. Fruit
      intake was assessed in average pieces per day, whereas snacking intake was
      assessed as average frequency in days per week. Using non-probability sampling,
      243 undergraduate students who intended to have a healthy diet were randomized to
      either a standard information control condition, an action planning condition, or
      a preparatory planning condition. Planning manipulations were based on previous
      work. Two weeks later, general and situation-specific intake was assessed again
      in 181 participants. Data were analysed using 2 (time) x 3 (conditions) analyses
      of variance. Results showed that both planning manipulations were successful in
      decreasing snack intake frequency in the specified situation, with larger effect
      sizes for the action planning condition than for the preparatory planning
      condition. No effects were found on general snack intake frequency or fruit
      intake. Future planning interventions should more explicitly compare changes in
      situational and general intake, as well as simultaneously assessed decreases in
      unhealthy intake and increases in healthy intake.

PMID- 27671976
TI  - Burnout syndrome in critical care team members: A monocentric cross sectional
      survey.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There has been a growing interest in evaluating the occurrence of
      burnout syndrome (BOS) among intensive care units (ICU) team over recent years.
      The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of BOS among staff
      working in the Amiens University Hospital and to assess associated factors.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective observational study based on self-administered
      questionnaires filled in by physicians and non-physicians working in 3 ICUs.
      Demographic data, well-being assessment, work relationships, level of BOS and
      depressive symptoms were investigated. Logistic regression analysis was performed
      to identify variables independently associated with BOS. RESULTS: One hundred and
      sixty-one questionnaires were analysed. Participation rate was 90%. Thirty-two
      respondents were physicians and 129 were non-physicians. The prevalence of BOS
      was 51% and was not significantly different between physicians and non-physicians
      (56% versus 50%; P=0.501). Respondents who reported BOS less frequently had
      regular leisure activities (54 [66%] versus 70 [87%], P=0.001). In the BOS group,
      well-being was significantly lower (4.8+/-2.5/10 versus 6+/-2/10, P=0.001), a
      desire to leave the job was more frequently expressed (50 [61%] versus 32 [40%],
      P=0.009) and depressive symptoms were significantly more frequent (41 [50%]
      versus 21 [27%], P=0.002). Factors independently associated with BOS were regular
      leisure activities (OR 0.24 [0.1-0.59]; P=0.002), the presence of depressive
      symptoms (OR 2.71 [1.26-5.84]; P=0.011) and a well-being visual analogue scale>=5
      (OR 0.40 [0.18-0.89]; P=0.024). CONCLUSIONS: BOS affects all ICU workers and is
      determined by multiple factors. Leisure activities and measures designed to
      improve well-being should be promoted.

PMID- 27671977
TI  - What are the factors associated with successful I-gelTM insertion and uneventful
      anaesthesia in children under age two?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Our purpose was to evaluate I-gelTM sizes 1 and 1.5. METHODS: I-gelTM
      insertion was attempted in 60 children<2 years of age undergoing short elective
      surgery. The main endpoints were the determination of independent factors
      associated with successful first attempt insertion and those associated with
      uneventful anaesthesia (i.e. no adverse events during insertion or during the
      intraoperative period of removal). RESULTS: Size 1 and size 1.5 I-gelTM devices
      were used (intraoperatively) in 33 and 27 cases, respectively. Median age and
      weight were 3 (1-12) months and 4.97 (4.00-9.00) kg. Ventilation modes were
      spontaneous breathing (8.3%), pressure support (45%), controlled pressure (15%)
      or volume (31.7%) ventilation. I-gelTM insertion was successful on the first
      attempt in 45 cases (75%). A time between induction and insertion>11min (OR: 4.85
      [1.08-21.77]) and age<6 months (OR: 5.501 [1.20-16.8]) were identified as the
      independent factors of successful first attempt insertion (AUC: 0.715). Adverse
      events were reported in 35 (58.3%) cases, during insertion in 18 (30%) cases,
      during the intraoperative period in 25 (41.7%) cases and/or during recovery in 3
      (5.08%) cases. Age<6 months (OR: 4.497 [1.197-16.89]) and I-gelTM removal in the
      operating room (OR: 6.034 [1.153-31.577]) were identified as independent factors
      associated with uneventful anaesthesia (AUC: 0.761). CONCLUSION: I-gelTM sizes 1
      and 1.5 were interesting alternatives to intubation with all ventilation modes.
      However, the high incidence of adverse events calls for careful monitoring. The
      superiority of removal under anaesthesia must be confirmed.

PMID- 27671978
TI  - Pulmonary embolism of cement after knee prosthesis replacement.

PMID- 27671979
TI  - Postoperative complications following neonatal and infant surgery: Common events
      and predictive factors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Data on major non-surgical postoperative complications following
      neonatal and infant surgery is lacking. The goal of the present study was to
      describe common major complications and their predictive factors. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: The study consisted of a retrospective review of medical charts of
      patients less than 6months of age operated in our institution over one calendar
      year, excluding herniorraphy surgery. The data collected included demographics,
      preoperative ICU bed status, ASA status, a history of cardiac malformation,
      hyaline membrane disease (HMD) or necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), preoperative
      haemoglobin, emergent surgery status, surgery type and duration, duration of
      anaesthesia and the need for intraoperative fluid boluses. Complications were
      analysed until the 30th postoperative day. Analyses included descriptive
      statistics and the determination of factors associated with non-surgical
      complications using univariate and multivariate statistics. RESULTS: The study
      included 168 patients. Their postnatal age was 48+/-48days. Overall, 37 patients
      experienced major postoperative non-surgical complications. The most common major
      complications were haemodynamic compromise (n=19, 11.3%), multiple organ
      dysfunction syndrome (MODS, n=8, 4.8%) and respiratory failure requiring
      ventilation (n=3, 1.8%). Surgical complications occurred in 8 cases (4.8%). Four
      factors were identified as being predictive of non-surgical complications: PCA<40
      weeks, a history of cardiac malformation, HMD or NEC, preoperative ICU status and
      intraoperative fluid bolus administration. CONCLUSION: This study describes
      common non-surgical postoperative complications in neonates and infants, and
      their risk factors. They were much more common than surgical complications.
      Further studies should focus on preventive strategies addressing these
      complications.

PMID- 27671980
TI  - Spinal bupivacaine and clonidine for orthopaedic and general paediatric surgery
      in remote location.

PMID- 27671981
TI  - Health beliefs affect the correct replacement of daily disposable contact lenses:
      Predicting compliance with the Health Belief Model and the Theory of Planned
      Behaviour.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the compliance of Daily Disposable Contact Lenses (DDCLs)
      wearers with replacing lenses at a manufacturer-recommended replacement
      frequency. To evaluate the ability of two different Health Behavioural Theories
      (HBT), The Health Belief Model (HBM) and The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB),
      in predicting compliance. METHOD: A multi-centre survey was conducted using a
      questionnaire completed anonymously by contact lens wearers during the purchase
      of DDCLs. RESULTS: Three hundred and fifty-four questionnaires were returned. The
      survey comprised 58.5% females and 41.5% males (mean age 34+/-12years). Twenty
      three percent of respondents were non-compliant with manufacturer-recommended
      replacement frequency (re-using DDCLs at least once). The main reason for re
      using DDCLs was "to save money" (35%). Predictions of compliance behaviour (past
      behaviour or future intentions) on the basis of the two HBT was investigated
      through logistic regression analysis: both TPB factors (subjective norms and
      perceived behavioural control) were significant (p<0.01); HBM was less predictive
      with only the severity (past behaviour and future intentions) and perceived
      benefit (only for past behaviour) as significant factors (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS:
      Non-compliance with DDCLs replacement is widespread, affecting 1 out of 4 Italian
      wearers. Results from the TPB model show that the involvement of persons socially
      close to the wearers (subjective norms) and the improvement of the procedure of
      behavioural control of daily replacement (behavioural control) are of paramount
      importance in improving compliance. With reference to the HBM, it is important to
      warn DDCLs wearers of the severity of a contact-lens-related eye infection, and
      to underline the possibility of its prevention.

PMID- 27671982
TI  - Measurement of saliva flow rate in healthy young humans: influence of collection
      time and mouthrinse water temperature.
AB  - The aim of the current study was to determine if unstimulated saliva flow
      (measured in MUl min-1 ) is affected by different durations of sample collection
      and by temperatures of mouthrinse water used before sample collection. In
      randomized order, participants provided 10 samples of unstimulated saliva at time
      points ranging from 1 to 6 min after rinsing with different temperatures of water
      (10, 20, and 30 degrees C). Data were analysed by one-way anova with post-hoc
      tests. Test-retest reliability was assessed using Bland-Altman plots and
      correlation coefficients. A larger volume of saliva was obtained over a longer
      collection time. No significant difference in saliva flow rate was observed
      between collection times [mean: 364 (95% CI: 332-397) MUl min-1 ]. Although
      rinsing with different temperatures of mouthrinse water resulted in no
      significant difference in saliva flow rates as a result of the mouthrinse water
      temperatures, 60% of the participants had a higher saliva flow rate after rinsing
      with mouthrinse water at a temperature of 10 degrees C compared with mouthrinse
      water at 20 and 30 degrees C, suggesting large individual variation (range: 24
      420 MUl min-1 ). These findings provide justification for using saliva collection
      times of 1-6 min during sampling of unstimulated saliva. The large individual
      variations in saliva flow rate in response to different mouthrinse water
      temperatures suggest that standardization, control, and reporting of mouthrinse
      water temperature is warranted.

PMID- 27671984
TI  - Acute coronary syndrome-like presentation with prolonged QT interval: an unusual
      case of pheochromocytoma.
AB  - Pheochromocytoma is a rare adrenal gland tumour, usually alerting the physician
      by causing hypertensive tachycardic attacks. Patients with pheochromocytoma can
      rarely present with clinical signs similar to acute coronary syndrome. QT
      interval prolongation and ST segment changes due to pheochromocytoma have also
      been reported in the literature in a few case reports. We report a patient who
      had been admitted to the emergency department with chest pain, ischaemic ECG
      changes and marked QT prolongation. Despite a normal coronary angiogram, we
      observed that the QT interval and ST segment morphologies had changed during the
      hospitalisation period. Adrenal adenoma was diagnosed incidentally on abdominal
      CT scan, and the final diagnosis was pheochromocytoma. The tumour was
      successfully excised and the patient is now symptom free. When there is lack of a
      typical clinical picture, the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma might be challenging.
      It is also very crucial, since misdiagnosis can be life-threatening.

PMID- 27671983
TI  - Effects of occupational exposure to carbon black on peripheral white blood cell
      counts and lymphocyte subsets.
AB  - The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified carbon black (CB)
      as a possible (Group 2B) human carcinogen. Given that most CB manufacturing
      processes result in the emission of various types of chemicals, it is uncertain
      if the adverse health effects that have been observed in CB-exposed workers are
      related to CB specifically or are due to other exposures. To address this issue,
      we conducted a cross-sectional molecular epidemiology study in China of 106 male
      factory workers who were occupationally exposed to pure CB and 112 unexposed male
      workers frequency-matched by age and smoking status from the same geographic
      region. Repeated personal exposure measurements were taken in workers before
      biological sample collection. Peripheral blood from all workers was used for the
      complete blood cell count and lymphocyte subsets analysis. Compared to unexposed
      workers, eosinophil counts in workers exposed to CB were increased by 30.8% (P =
      0.07) after adjusting for potential confounders. When stratified by smoking
      status, statistically significant differences in eosinophils between CB exposed
      and unexposed workers were only present among never smokers (P = 0.040). Smoking
      is associated with alterations in various cell counts; however, no significant
      interaction between CB exposure and smoking status for any cell counts was
      observed. Given that inflammation, characterized in part by elevated eosinophils
      in peripheral blood, may be associated with increased cancer risk, our findings
      provide new biologic insights into the potential relationship between CB exposure
      and lung carcinogenesis. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 57:589-604, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27671986
TI  - De novo Propionibacterium acnes septic arthritis.
AB  - We report the third identifiable case of septic arthritis due to
      Propionibacterium acnes arising in the absence of prior surgical intervention.
      This anaerobic Gram-positive bacillus is now recognised as an important cause of
      postoperative infections, typically presenting in an indolent fashion some months
      after surgery. Reports of de novo septic arthritis due to P. acnes are
      exceedingly rare. Our case adds to the literature and significantly broadens the
      reported pathogenic potential of the organism, which in this instance has caused
      rapid and serious joint destruction.

PMID- 27671987
TI  - Lymphomatoid granulomatosis associated with azathioprine use for immune-mediated
      neuropathy.
AB  - Lymphomatoid granulomatosis (LG) is a rare Epstein-Barr virus-driven
      lymphoproliferative disorder that generally arises in immunosuppressed patients
      and which can be life-threatening. Here we describe the development of pulmonary
      LG in a patient on long-term azathioprine for immune-mediated neuropathy.
      Although azathioprine carries a boxed warning for malignancy, its association
      specifically with LG, an otherwise rare entity, is poorly recognised. Early
      recognition of drug-induced LG is critical, since discontinuation of the
      offending agent, and implementation of effective therapy can provide rapid
      clinical benefit in some patients. In this case, rituximab was used as an
      effective treatment for LG, which also provided an additional benefit of
      controlling the patient's underlying neuropathy. Further research is needed to
      identify vulnerable patients who are at high risk of developing drug-induced LG.

PMID- 27671985
TI  - Rapunzel syndrome: a rare cause of hypoproteinaemia and review of literature.
AB  - Rapunzel syndrome is an extremely rare condition associated with trichophagia
      (hair eating disorder) secondary to a psychiatric illness called trichotillomania
      (hair-pulling behaviour). It is most commonly seen in children and adolescents.
      Untreated cases can lead to a number of complications. We present a case of a
      middle-aged woman with sudden intractable vomiting and constipation associated
      with bilateral pedal oedema and significant weight loss. Laboratory
      investigations revealed low serum protein levels. Laparotomy was performed, and a
      hairball was removed from her stomach and ileum. The patient was managed with the
      help of a psychiatrist and was given nutritional support. We performed a
      comprehensive search and summarised data for a total of 88 cases. No time or
      language limit was placed. The purpose of this discussion is to highlight the
      clinical spectrum of Rapunzel syndrome and also to report its rare association
      with hypoproteinaemia.

PMID- 27671988
TI  - Congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) with initial presentation in an
      adult: a rare presentation of a rare disease.
AB  - Congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) is a rare congenital abnormality
      with unknown exact aetiology or clear genetic association. It is characterised by
      a failure of bronchial development and localised glandular overgrowth. Typically,
      it is diagnosed on prenatal ultrasound, only infrequently in children, and even
      less commonly in adults. We present a case of a 25-year-old man, with no previous
      lung diseases who presented with right-sided chest pain, fever and cough
      suggestive of pulmonary infection. Chest imaging, including CT scan, showed a
      large focal cystic mass within the right lower lobe along with ground glass
      opacities suggestive of CPAM. He was started on intravenous antibiotics.
      Bronchoscopy showed a large amount of pus in the right lung and bronchoalveolar
      lavage confirmed the microbiological diagnosis of methicillin-resistant
      Staphylococcus aureus. He improved with antibiotic treatment. He was discharged
      with 6-week course of antibiotics and follow-up afterward.

PMID- 27671989
TI  - The Impact of Disease and Drugs on Hip Fracture Risk.
AB  - We report the risks of a comprehensive range of disease and drug categories on
      hip fracture occurrence using a strict population-based cohort design.
      Participants included the source population of a Swedish county, aged >=50 years
      (n = 117,494) including all incident hip fractures during 1 year (n = 477). The
      outcome was hospitalization for hip fracture (ICD-10 codes S72.0-S72.2) during 1
      year (2009-2010). Exposures included: prevalence of (1) inpatient diseases
      [International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes A00-T98 in the National
      Patient Register 1987-2010] and (2) prescribed drugs dispensed in 2010 or the
      year prior to fracture. We present age- and sex-standardized risk ratios (RRs),
      risk differences (RDs) and population attributable risks (PARs) of disease and
      drug categories in relation to hip fracture risk. All disease categories were
      associated with increased risk of hip fracture. Largest risk ratios and
      differences were for mental and behavioral disorders, diseases of the blood and
      previous fracture (RRs between 2.44 and 3.00; RDs (per 1000 person-years) between
      5.0 and 6.9). For specific drugs, strongest associations were seen for
      antiparkinson (RR 2.32 [95 % CI 1.48-1.65]; RD 5.2 [1.1-9.4]) and antidepressive
      drugs (RR 1.90 [1.55-2.32]; RD 3.1 [2.0-4.3]). Being prescribed >=10 drugs during
      1 year incurred an increased risk of hip fracture, whereas prescription of
      cardiovascular drugs or <=5 drugs did not appear to increase risk. Diseases
      inferring the greatest PARs included: cardiovascular diseases PAR 22 % (95 % CI
      14-29) and previous injuries (PAR 21 % [95 % CI 16-25]; for specific drugs,
      antidepressants posed the greatest risk (PAR 16 % [95 % CI 12.0-19.3]).

PMID- 27671990
TI  - Investigating intracranial tumour growth patterns with multiparametric MRI
      incorporating Gd-DTPA and USPIO-enhanced imaging.
AB  - High grade and metastatic brain tumours exhibit considerable spatial variations
      in proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion, necrosis and oedema. Vascular
      heterogeneity arising from vascular co-option in regions of invasive growth (in
      which the blood-brain barrier remains intact) and neoangiogenesis is a major
      challenge faced in the assessment of brain tumours by conventional MRI. A
      multiparametric MRI approach, incorporating native measurements and both Gd-DTPA
      (Magnevist) and ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (P904)-enhanced imaging,
      was used in combination with histogram and unsupervised cluster analysis using a
      k-means algorithm to examine the spatial distribution of vascular parameters,
      water diffusion characteristics and invasion in intracranially propagated rat RG2
      gliomas and human MDA-MB-231 LM2-4 breast adenocarcinomas in mice. Both tumour
      models presented with higher DeltaR1 (the change in transverse relaxation rate R1
      induced by Gd-DTPA), fractional blood volume (fBV) and apparent diffusion
      coefficient than uninvolved regions of the brain. MDA-MB-231 LM2-4 tumours were
      less densely cellular than RG2 tumours and exhibited substantial local invasion,
      associated with oedema, whereas invasion in RG2 tumours was minimal. These
      additional features were reflected in the more heterogeneous appearance of MDA-MB
      231 LM2-4 tumours on T2 -weighted images and maps of functional MRI parameters.
      Unsupervised cluster analysis separated subregions with distinct functional
      properties; areas with a low fBV and relatively impermeable blood vessels (low
      DeltaR1 ) were predominantly located at the tumour margins, regions of MDA-MB-231
      LM2-4 tumours with relatively high levels of water diffusion and low vascular
      permeability and/or fBV corresponded to histologically identified regions of
      invasion and oedema, and areas of mismatch between vascular permeability and
      blood volume were identified. We demonstrate that dual contrast MRI and
      evaluation of tissue diffusion properties, coupled with cluster analysis, allows
      for the assessment of heterogeneity within invasive brain tumours and the
      designation of functionally diverse subregions that may provide more informative
      predictive biomarkers.

PMID- 27671991
TI  - Prognostic models in male breast cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Breast cancer in men is uncommon; it accounts for 1 % of all patients
      with primary breast cancer. Its treatment is mostly extrapolated from its female
      counterpart. Accurate predictions are essential for adjuvant systemic treatment
      decision-making and informing patients. Several predictive models are available
      for female breast cancer (FBC) including the Morphometric Prognostic Index (MPI),
      Nottingham Prognostic Index (NPI), Adjuvant! Online and Predict. The aim of this
      study was to examine and compare the prognostic performance of these models for
      male breast cancer (MBC). METHODS: The population of this study consists of 166
      MBC patients. The prognostic scores of the patients are categorized by good,
      (moderate) and poor, defined by the test itself (MPI and NPI) or based on
      tertiles (Adjuvant! Online and Predict). Survival according to prognostic score
      was compared by Kaplan-Meier analysis and differences were tested by logRank. The
      prognostic performances were evaluated with C-statistics. Calibration was done
      with the aim to estimate to what extent the survival rates predicted by Predict
      were similar to the observed survival rates. RESULTS: All prediction models were
      capable of discriminating between good, moderate and poor survivors. P-values
      were highly significant. Comparison between the models using C-statistics (n =
      88) showed equal performance of MPI (0.67), NPI (0.68), Adjuvant! Online (0.69)
      and Predict (0.69). Calibration of Predict showed overestimation for MBC
      patients. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, MPI, NPI, Adjuvant! and Predict prognostic
      models, originally developed and validated for FBC patients, also perform quite
      well for MBC patients.

PMID- 27671992
TI  - Seasonal variability of respiratory syncytial virus infection in the Top End of
      the Northern Territory (2012-2014).
AB  - AIM: To determine the prevalence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in the Top
      End of the Northern Territory and investigate potential drivers of seasonality
      including rainfall and humidex (humidity and heat index). METHODS: We performed a
      retrospective audit of laboratory confirmed cases of RSV from January 2012 to
      August 2014. Demographic details including age, sex and ethnicity were examined.
      RSV cases were correlated with monthly rainfall and humidex. RESULTS: There were
      272 positive isolates detected from 4305 clinical samples (positivity rate 6.3%).
      The majority of cases occurred in children <12 months (n = 151, 55.5%), with a
      higher burden of disease seen in Indigenous compared to non-Indigenous infants in
      this age category (P < 0.005). The prevalence of RSV in the 0-5 years age
      category was 58/10 000 children per annum. Indigenous patients had higher
      prevalence rates (88.8/10 000 population per annum) and younger onset of
      infection (7.5 months; Interquartile range (IQR) 3-19 months compared to 13
      months for non-Indigenous children; IQR 5 months to 2.4 years). RSV cases
      correlated most strongly with rainfall in the preceding month (r = 0.72).
      CONCLUSIONS: The Top End of the Northern Territory has a distinct RSV season that
      correlates with rainfall and humidex, which differs from Southern Australian
      disease patterns.

PMID- 27671993
TI  - Steak and Stupor: seizures and E. coli O157 infection.
AB  - Neurological complications of haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) include altered
      states of consciousness, seizures, ischaemic stroke and encephalopathy. Adult
      onset HUS is uncommon, and there is only a limited literature reporting
      neurological complications in this population. We report an adult with Shiga
      toxin-associated HUS complicated by focal-onset non-convulsive status
      epilepticus, who made a full neurological recovery.

PMID- 27671995
TI  - Every operation is a special event.

PMID- 27671994
TI  - Retrospective evaluation of ultrasound-indeterminate renal multilocular cystic
      masses by using neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and computed tomography.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical usefulness of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR)
      in differentiating the ultrasound-indeterminate renal multilocular cystic masses
      (RMCM) in comparison with computed tomography (CT) and whether NLR has additional
      benefits to CT on sensitivity of detecting the malignant. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Overall, 93 patients who underwent normal ultrasound with a conclusion of
      indeterminate RMCM were examined by NLR and CT within 30 days before surgery or
      follow-up from March to September 2014 at PLA General Hospital and enrolled in
      this retrospective study. Logistic regression model was performed to find
      independent predictors for differentiating true nature of RMCM; differences in
      the validity parameters and diagnostic power of CT, NLR, and their combination
      were compared using McNemar tests and AUC model, respectively. RESULTS: The final
      diagnoses of the 93 patients consisted of 36 patients with benign complex cysts,
      16 with multilocular cystic renal cell carcinoma, 9 with multilocular cystic
      nephroma, and 32 with clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Higher NLR were strongly
      associated with malignant masses. Multivariate logistic regression analysis
      revealed that NLR could be an independent predictor for differentiating true
      nature of these masses (OR = 3.617; 95% CI: 1.219-10.727; P = 0.020). For
      detecting the malignant masses, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were
      71.9%, 80.6%, and 75.3% for CT and 57.9%, 88.9%, and 69.9% for NLR under cutoff
      value of 2.31, respectively, whereas those of CT+NLR were 89.5%, 69.4%, and
      81.7%. No significant difference was found between CT and NLR in sensitivity (P =
      0.185), specificity (P = 0.549), and accuracy (P = 0.428). But the sensitivity of
      CT+NLR was significantly higher than those of CT (P = 0.002) and NLR (P<0.001),
      respectively; AUC model analysis indicated that CT+NLR got the largest area of
      0.795 (P<0.001, 95% CI: 0.693-0.896) in comparison with those of CT (area =
      0.795, P<0.001, 95% CI: 0.661-0.864) and NLR (area = 0.734, P<0.001, 95% CI:
      0.631-0.836). CONCLUSIONS: Given that NLR, under cutoff value of 2.31, had no
      diagnostic difference with CT in evaluating the ultrasound-indeterminate RMCM.
      However, combination of CT and NLR could increase the sensitivity of detecting
      malignant masses and acquire the best diagnostic power. Prospectively larger
      cohort and multicenter studies are still necessary.

PMID- 27671996
TI  - Resistance-training exercises with different stability requirements: time course
      of task specificity.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to assess the task-specificity (greater
      improvements in trained compared to non-trained tasks), transferability and time
      course adaptations of resistance-training programs with varying instability
      requirements. METHOD: Thirty-six resistance-trained men were randomized to train
      chest press 2 days week-1 for 10 week (6 repetitions * 4 series) using a Swiss
      ball, Smith machine or dumbbells. A six-repetition maximum-strength test with the
      aforementioned exercises and traditional barbell chest press were performed by
      all participants at the first, 7th, 14th and final training session in addition
      to electromyographic activities of the prime movers measured during isometric
      bench press. RESULTS: The groups training with the unstable Swiss-ball and
      dumbbells, but not the stable Smith-machine, demonstrated task-specificity, which
      became apparent in the early phase and remained throughout the study. The
      improvements in the trained exercise tended to increase more with instability
      (dumbbells vs. Smith machine, p = 0.061). The group training with Smith machine
      had similar improvements in the non-trained exercises. Greater improvements were
      observed in the early phase of the strength-training program (first-7th session)
      for all groups in all three exercises, but most notably for the unstable
      exercises. No differences were observed between the groups or testing times for
      EMG activity. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that among resistance-trained
      individuals, the concept of task-specificity could be most relevant in resistance
      training with greater stability requirements, particularly due to rapid strength
      improvements for unstable resistance exercises.

PMID- 27671997
TI  - Not another type of potato: MC1R and the russet coloration of Burmese cats.
AB  - The Burmese is a breed of domestic cat that originated in Southeast Asia and was
      further developed in the United States. Variants in melanocortin 1 receptor
      (MC1R) causes common coat colour phenotypes in a variety of mammalian species but
      only limited colour variation in the domestic cat. Known as the extension (E)
      locus, melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) interacts with the agouti locus to produce
      the eumelanin and pheomelanin pigments. Recently, a novel reddish coloration,
      which is termed russet, was identified in the Burmese cat breed. Because this
      russet Burmese coloration changes with aging, MC1R was suggested as candidate
      gene. The similar colouration in specific lineages of Norwegian Forest cat known
      as amber (e) (c.250G>A; p.Asp84Asn) was excluded for this Burmese phenotype. The
      complete 954-bp coding region of MC1R was directly sequenced in russet Burmese
      and suspected carriers. A 3-bp deletion (c.439_441del) associated with the
      deletion of a phenyalanine (p.Phe146del) in the protein sequence was identified.
      All russet coloured cats were homozygous for the variant, and all obligate
      carriers were heterozygous, confirming that the deletion segregated concordantly
      with colouring in Burmese cats from the New Zealand foundation lineage. The
      variant was not identified in 442 cats from 26 different breeds and random-bred
      cats. Twenty-six Burmese from the USA did not have the variant. This MC1R variant
      defines a unique coloration and the second breed-specific MC1R variant in cats.
      The interactions of the two recessive feline MC1R alleles (E  >  e, er ) is
      unknown.

PMID- 27671999
TI  - [Von Hippel-Lindau disease : OCTA findings in retinal hemangioma].
AB  - : The case report of a 35-year-old woman suffering from Hippel-Lindau syndrome
      (VHL) with retinal hemangiomas is presented. The patient developed macular edema
      with loss of vision and metamorphopsia. Laser treatment of hemangiomas improved
      the clinical picture. Hemangiomas were visualized using fluorescein angiography
      and optical coherence angiography. To our knowledge we describe retinal
      hemangiomas in VHL disease with the optical coherence tomographical angiography
      (OCTA) for the first time. CONCLUSION: OCTA is suitable as a new non-invasive
      method to visualize retinal hemangioma without intravenous contrast agent.

PMID- 27671998
TI  - [Platelet aggregation inhibitors and anticoagulants during ophthalmic
      interventions].
AB  - In ophthalmology many patients undergo surgical treatment who need to take
      anticoagulant medication due to cardiovascular diseases. The proper handling of
      these drugs requires both correct assessment of the risk of thromboembolism as
      well as the rating of the risk of surgery-related hemorrhages. While there are
      established recommendations for estimation of the risk of thromboembolism based
      on a large body of prospective randomized trials, data regarding the evaluation
      of the related complications secondary to ophthalmic surgery are limited. In
      comparison to other surgical procedures, most interventions in ophthalmic surgery
      tend to have a relatively low risk of bleeding; therefore, in general there is no
      need to convert or discontinue anticoagulant drugs in patients undergoing
      opthalmic surgery. The sparse data available justifying the abrupt termination of
      anticoagulation are contrary to the approach currently widely distributed in
      clinical practice. This overview covers the relevant knowledge of the
      perioperative use of anticoagulant drugs. In addition, the data on the risk of
      hemorrhage in ophthalmological procedures are presented and discussed.

PMID- 27672000
TI  - A prospective, randomized, controlled trial of robot-assisted vs freehand pedicle
      screw fixation in spine surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy and safety of
      an instrumented posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) using a robot-assisted
      minimally invasive (Robot-PLIF) or a conventional open approach (Freehand-PLIF).
      METHODS: Patients undergoing an instrumented PLIF were randomly assigned to be
      treated using a Robot-PLIF (37 patients) and a Freehand-PLIF (41 patients).
      RESULTS: For intrapedicular accuracy, there was no significant difference between
      the groups (P = 0.534). For proximal facet joint accuracy, none of the 74 screws
      in the Robot-PLIF group violated the proximal facet joint, while 13 of 82 in the
      Freehand-PLIF group violated the proximal facet joint (P < 0.001). The average
      distance of the screws from the facets was 5.2 +/- 2.1 mm and 2.7 +/- 1.6 mm in
      the Robot-PLIF and Freehand-PLIF groups, respectively (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION:
      Robotic-assisted pedicle screw placement was associated with fewer proximal facet
      joint violations and better convergence orientations.

PMID- 27672001
TI  - Clarifying the PSA grey zone: The management of patients with a borderline PSA.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Prostate specific antigen is a marker for prostate cancer and a key
      diagnostic tool, yet when to refer patients with a borderline PSA is currently
      unclear. This review describes how to assess a patient with borderline PSA and
      provides an algorithm for management. METHODS: Current literature on reference
      values, factors affecting PSA, indications for referral, non-invasive
      investigations and the role of MRI were reviewed. Medline and EMBASE were
      searched using MeSH terms. RESULTS: The literature suggests that a PSA of over
      1.5 ng/mL should be used as a cut-off to consider further testing for all age
      groups. There is strong evidence to show that adjuncts are useful when
      interpreting PSA results, most notably percentage free PSA and proPSA.
      Considerable weighting should also be given to the ERSPC risk calculator when
      deciding when to refer. Multi-parametric MRI is valuable in closely examining
      suspicious lesions to reduce the number of negative biopsies. MRI fusion biopsy
      (TRUS, transrectal ultrasonography or transperineal) should be considered over
      standard TRUS biopsy to detect more clinically significant disease. CONCLUSIONS:
      Management of borderline PSA is not straightforward. A cut-off of 1.5 ng/mL
      should be used in conjunction with digital rectal exam, risk calculation and PSA
      adjuncts. Imaging and biopsy should utilise mpMRI to achieve improved diagnosis
      of clinically significant prostate cancer, with fewer unnecessary investigations.

PMID- 27672002
TI  - Segmented polynomials for incidence rate estimation from prevalence data.
AB  - The study considers the problem of estimating incidence of a non remissible
      infection (or disease) with possibly differential mortality using data from
      a(several) cross-sectional prevalence survey(s). Fitting segmented polynomial
      models is proposed to estimate the incidence as a function of age, using the
      maximum likelihood method. The approach allows automatic search for optimal
      position of knots, and model selection is performed using the Akaike information
      criterion. The method is applied to simulated data and to estimate HIV incidence
      among men in Zimbabwe using data from both the NIMH Project Accept (HPTN 043) and
      Zimbabwe Demographic Health Surveys (2005-2006). Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley &
      Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27672003
TI  - Closing Uranyl Polyoxometalate Capsules with Bismuth and Lead Polyoxocations.
AB  - Uranyl polyoxometalate clusters are both fundamentally fascinating and
      potentially relevant to nuclear energy applications. With only ten years of
      development, there is still much to be discovered about heterometal derivatives
      and aqueous speciation and behavior. Herein, we show that it is possible to
      encapsulate the polyoxocations [Bi6 O8 ]2+ and [Pb8 O6 ]4+ in [(UO2 )(O2
      )(OH)]2424- (denoted Bi@U24 and Pb@U24 ) in pure form and high yields despite the
      fact that under aqueous conditions, these compounds are stable on opposite ends
      of the pH scale. Moreover, [Pb8 O6 ]4+ is a formerly unknown PbII polynuclear
      species, both in solution and in the solid state. Raman spectroscopic and mass
      spectrometric analysis of the reaction solutions revealed the very rapid assembly
      of the nested clusters, driven by bismuth- or lead-promoted decomposition of
      excess peroxide, which inhibits U24 formation. Experimental and simulated small
      angle X-ray scattering data of Bi@U24 and Pb@U24 solutions revealed that this
      technique is very sensitive not only to the size and shape of the clusters, but
      also to the encapsulated species.

PMID- 27672004
TI  - Deferasirox pharmacokinetic and toxicity correlation in beta-thalassaemia major
      treatment.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Deferasirox adverse effects include the following: gastrointestinal
      disturbance, mild elevations in serum creatinine levels and intermittent
      proteinuria; these events are dose-dependent and reversible with drug
      discontinuation, but this solution can lead to an inadequate iron chelation. For
      these reasons, interindividual variability of drug plasma concentration could
      help the clinical management of deferasirox dosage. We sought to describe
      deferasirox plasma exposure in a cohort of 60 adult patients. METHODS: A fully
      validated chromatographic method was used to quantify deferasirox concentration
      in plasma collected from beta-thalassaemia adult patients. Samples obtained
      before and after 2, 4, 6 and 24 h drug administration were evaluated.
      Associations between variables were tested using the Pearson test. KEY FINDINGS:
      Concerning pharmacokinetic parameters, a higher interindividual variability was
      shown. A positive correlation was found between deferasirox area under the
      concentration curve over 24 h and serum creatinine (r = 0.314; P = 0.018) and
      between area and drug dose (r = 0.311; P = 0.016). Moreover, a negative
      correlation resulted among area under the concentration curve over 24 h and serum
      ferritin (r = -0.291; P = 0.026) and among drug half-life and its dose (r = 
      0.319; P = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment decision based on the individual
      characteristics could strongly contribute to minimize toxicity and increase
      efficacy of deferasirox therapy.

PMID- 27672006
TI  - p75 neurotrophin receptor regulates differential mineralization of rat
      ectomesenchymal stem cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate whether p75NTR (p75
      neurotrophin receptor) regulates differential mineralization capacity of rEMSCs
      (rat ectomesenchymal stem cells) and underlying mechanisms associated with Mage
      D1 (melanoma-associated antigens-D1). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Immunohistochemical
      staining of p75NTR in developing tooth germs was performed on E12.5d (embryonic
      12.5 days) and E19.5d (embryonic 19.5 days). E12.5d EMSCs and E19.5d EMSCs were
      isolated in the same pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats from embryonic maxillofacial
      processes and tooth germs. p75NTR small-interfering RNA, p75NTR overexpression
      plasmid, Mage-D1 small-interfering RNA and recombined rat NGF were used to
      transfect cells. RESULTS: p75NTR was expressed in epithelial-mesenchymal
      interaction areas at E12.5d and E19.5d tooth germ development stages. E19.5d
      EMSCs had higher p75NTR expression levels and differential mineralization
      capacity but lower levels of cell proliferation. Under induction by mineralized
      culture medium, the potential of differential mineralization had identical trends
      in regulation of p75NTR in EMSCs; Mage-D1 did not fluctuate and TrkA was not
      expressed. Binding of p75NTR and Mage-D1 were detected. Mage-D1 knockdown
      significantly down-regulated expression of related genes, which NGF could not
      rescue. CONCLUSION: p75NTR participated in tooth germ development stages and
      mediated differential mineralization of EMSCs. p75NTR played a critical role in
      regulating the potential of differential mineralization of EMSCs. Mage-D1 seemed
      to act as a bridge in the underlying mechanism of effects of p75NTR.

PMID- 27672007
TI  - A comparative study of renal care in Brazil and Mexico: hemodialysis treatment
      from the perspective of ESRD sufferers.
AB  - Renal replacement therapy is the indicated treatment for individuals with chronic
      kidney disease (CKD) to survive. However, not all sick people have access to the
      same treatment. This study compares renal care in two developing countries with
      different health systems. Specifically, it explores hemodialysis treatment from
      the perspective of low-income individuals. A qualitative, comparative study was
      performed in Brazil and Mexico. Using purposive sampling, the research was based
      on open-ended interviews with nineteen participants with kidney failure
      undergoing hemodialysis treatment in public hospitals and ten relatives.
      According to our results, Brazilian participants perceived hemodialysis care as
      satisfactory because of health personnel courtesy as well as free access to
      dialysis treatment, prescription drugs, hospitalization and transportation.
      However, they reported deficiencies in the care they were receiving due to
      shortages of specialists, prescription drugs, laboratory tests and
      transportation. Mexican participants, in contrast, highlighted the catastrophic
      costs of medical care because they had no free access to renal therapy, nor
      adequate financial resources. Our findings suggest that low-income Brazilian CKD
      sufferers experience renal care differently, as they are more satisfied and face
      less obstacles with hemodialysis compared with those of Mexico. More studies on
      the topic are needed.

PMID- 27672008
TI  - Longing: A Patient and Caregiver Focused Clinical Diagnostic Validity (CDV)
      Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To gather data from patients and caregivers about their personal
      experiences with longing. METHODS: Using Fehring's Clinical Diagnostic Validity
      model, patients and caregivers were surveyed for their experiences with longing.
      The survey was developed based on two previous research projects (a content
      analysis and survey of expert nurses). Approval for the study was received from
      the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Institutional Review Board. FINDINGS: None
      of the 84 attributes met major criteria (weighted ratios >= 0.8), but 19 met
      minor (weighted ratios of 0.60-0.79) across patients, caregivers, and combined
      scores. The proposed definition was supported by the respondents. CONCLUSIONS:
      The phenomenon of longing may exist. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: There is
      evidence justifying the submission to NANDA-I for a new nursing diagnosis for
      longing.

PMID- 27672005
TI  - Comparison of Magnetic Microbubbles and Dual-modified Microbubbles Targeted to P
      selectin for Imaging of Acute Endothelial Inflammation in the Abdominal Aorta.
AB  - PURPOSE: Ultrasound molecular imaging (UMI) has potential to evaluate an
      inflammatory profile of endothelium. However, it is less successful in large
      arteries. This study compared magnetic microbubbles (MBs) selectively targeted to
      endothelial P-selectin and dual-targeting MBs in vitro and in vivo. PROCEDURES:
      MBs were modified with P-selectin antibody (MBPM) or isotype control antibody
      (MBCM) via a magnetic streptavidin bridge, and MBs were conjugated to P-selectin
      antibody (MBP) or both P-selectin antibody and PAA-sialyl Lewisx (MBD) via
      regular streptavidin linker. Adherence of MBs was determined by using a parallel
      plate flow chamber at variable shear stress (0.5-24 dyn/cm2). Adhesive and
      magnetic behaviors of MBs were analyzed at 4.0 dyn/cm2 or at a flow rate of 50
      mm/s. Attachment of MBs to P-selectin was determined with contrast-enhanced
      ultrasound (CEU) imaging of murine abdominal aorta inflammation. The expression
      of P-selectin was assessed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The adhesive
      efficacy of MBD was greater than MBP and MBCM, but lower than MBPM under all
      shear stress conditions (P < 0.05). The behaviors of fast-binding and rolling
      slow down were noted in MBD and MBPM; meanwhile, magnetic shifting of MBs
      centerline was presented in MBPM. Contrast video intensity (VI) from adhered MBPM
      to P-selectin of the inflammatory aorta was significantly higher than those from
      MBD and MBP (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: MBPM may be a better molecular probe than
      MBD for detection of P-selectin on aorta with CEU, likely due to the shifting of
      axial distribution. Thus, it may improve the detection of the inflammatory
      profile on large arteries by UMI.

PMID- 27672009
TI  - High performance mass spectrometry based proteomics reveals enzyme and signaling
      pathway regulation in neutrophils during the early stage of surgical trauma.
AB  - PURPOSE: In clinical conditions trauma is associated with high mortality and
      morbidity. Neutrophils play a key role in the development of multiple organ
      failure after trauma EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: To have a detailed understanding of the
      neutrophil activation at primary stages after trauma, neutrophils are isolated
      from control and surgical trauma rats in this study. Extracted proteins are
      analyzed using nano liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry.
      RESULTS: A total of 2924 rat neutrophil proteins are identified in our analysis,
      of which 393 are found differentially regulated between control and trauma
      groups. By using functional pathways analysis of the 190 proteins up-regulated in
      surgical trauma, we found proteins related to transcription initiation and
      protein biosynthesis. On the other hand, among the 203 proteins down-regulated in
      surgical trauma we found enrichment for proteins of the immune response,
      proteasome degradation and actin cytoskeleton. Overall, enzyme prediction
      analysis revealed that regulated enzymes are directly involved in neutrophil
      apoptosis, directional migration and chemotaxis. Our observations are then
      confirmed by in silico protein-protein interaction analysis. CONCLUSIONS AND
      CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Collectively, our results reveal that neutrophils drastically
      regulate their biochemical pathways after the early stages of surgical trauma,
      showing lower activity. This implies higher susceptibility of the trauma patients
      to infection and bystander tissues damage.

PMID- 27672010
TI  - Biosynthesized Gold Nanoclusters and Iron Complexes as Scaffolds for Multimodal
      Cancer Bioimaging.
AB  - Cancer treatment has a far greater chance of success if the neoplasm is diagnosed
      before the onset of metastasis to vital organs. Hence, cancer early diagnosis is
      extremely important and remains a major challenge in modern therapeutics. In this
      contribution, facile and new method for rapid multimodal tumor bioimaging is
      reported by using biosynthesized iron complexes and gold nanoclusters via simple
      introduction of AuCl4- and Fe2+ ions. The observations demonstrate that the
      biosynthesized Au nanoclusters may act as fluorescent and computed tomography
      probes for cancer bioimaging while the iron complexes behave as effective
      contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging. The biosynthesized iron complexes
      and gold nanoclusters are found biocompatible in vitro (MTT (3-(4, 5
      dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay) and in vivo for
      all the vital organs of circulatory and excretory system. These observations
      raise the possibility that the biosynthesized probes may find applications in
      future clinical diagnosis for deep seated early neoplasms by multimodal imaging.

PMID- 27672011
TI  - The effect of adjunctive noncontact low frequency ultrasound on deep tissue
      pressure injury.
AB  - The optimal treatment for deep tissue pressure injuries has not been determined.
      Deep tissue pressure injuries represent a more ominous early stage pressure
      injury that may evolve into full thickness ulceration despite implementing the
      standard of care for pressure injury. A longitudinal prospective historical case
      control study design was used to determine the effectiveness of noncontact low
      frequency ultrasound plus standard of care (treatment group) in comparison to
      standard of care (control group) in reducing deep tissue pressure injury
      severity, total surface area, and final pressure injury stage. The Honaker
      Suspected Deep Tissue Injury Severity Scale (range 3-18[more severe]) was used to
      determine deep tissue pressure injury severity at enrollment (Time 1) and
      discharge (Time 2). A total of 60 subjects (Treatment = 30; Control= 30) were
      enrolled in the study. In comparison to the control group mean deep tissue
      pressure injury total surface area change at Time 2 (0.3 cm2 ), the treatment
      group had a greater decrease (8.8 cm2 ) that was significant (t = 2.41, p =
      0.014, r2  = 0.10). In regards to the Honaker Suspected Deep Tissue Injury
      Severity Scale scores, the treatment group had a significantly lower score (7.6)
      in comparison to the control group (11.9) at time 2, with a mean difference of
      4.6 (t = 6.146, p = 0.0001, r2  = 0.39). When considering the final pressure
      ulcer stage at Time 2, the control group were mostly composed of unstageable
      pressure ulcer (57%) and deep tissue pressure injury severity (27%). In contrast,
      the treatment group final pressure ulcer stages were less severe and were mostly
      composed of stage 2 pressure injury (50%) and deep tissue pressure injury
      severity (23%) were the most common at time 2. The results of this study have
      shown that deep tissue pressure injury severity treated with noncontact low
      frequency ultrasound within 5 days of onset and in conjunction with standard of
      care may improve outcomes as compared to standard of care only.

PMID- 27672012
TI  - Nonmodular Tapered Fluted Titanium Stems Osseointegrate Reliably at Short Term in
      Revision THAs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The ideal femoral component for revision THA is undecided.
      Cylindrical nonmodular stems have been associated with stress shielding, whereas
      junctional fractures have been reported with tapered fluted modular titanium
      stems. We have used a tapered fluted nonmodular titanium femoral component
      (Wagner Self-locking [SL] femoral stem) to mitigate this risk. This component has
      been used extensively in Europe by its designer surgeons, but to our knowledge,
      it has not been studied in North America. Added to this, the design of the
      component has changed since early reports. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We asked: (1) Does
      the Wagner SL stem have low rates of rerevision and other complications at a
      minimum 2 years after surgery? (2) Is the Wagner SL stem associated with high
      levels of patient function and pain relief at a minimum 2 years after surgery?
      (3) Does the Wagner SL stem have low rates of subsidence at a minimum 2 years
      after surgery? (4) Is the Wagner SL stem associated with proximal femoral bone
      remodeling at a minimum 2 years after surgery? METHOD: Between May 2011 and
      December 2012, we performed 198 femoral revisions, of which 104 (53%) were
      performed using the Wagner SL femoral stem; during that period, our institution
      gradually shifted toward increasing use of these stems for all but the most
      severe revisions, in which modular fluted stems and proximal femoral replacements
      still are used on an occasional basis. Median followup in this retrospective
      study was 32 months (range, 24-46 months), and one patient was lost to followup
      before the 2-year minimum. The femoral deformities in this series were Paprosky
      Type I (10 hips), Paprosky Type II (26), Paprosky Type IIIA (52), Paprosky Type
      IIIB (nine), and Paprosky Type IV (two). Functional assessment was performed
      using the Oxford Hip Score (OHS), WOMAC, SF-12, and the University of California
      Los Angeles (UCLA) activity score. All complications and cases of revision were
      documented. All patients had radiographs performed within 1 year of the latest
      followup. These were assessed by two surgeons for signs of proximal femoral bone
      remodeling and subsidence. RESULTS: Complete preoperative scores were available
      for 98 patients (98 of 104; 94%). The mean OHS preoperatively and at final
      followup were 39 (SD, 15) and 87 (SD, 19), respectively (p < 0.001; mean
      difference, 48; 95% CI, 43-53). Average WOMAC scores were 44 (SD, 15) and 87 (SD,
      20), respectively (p < 0.001; mean difference, 43; 95% CI, 38-48). At final
      followup, signs of restoration of proximal femoral bone stock was noted in 45 of
      103 hips (44%). Six (six of 104; 6%) patients had subsidence of 10 mm to 15 mm.
      In the remainder (98 of 104; 94%), the mean subsidence was 2 mm (range, 0-9 mm).
      One revision was performed for loosening associated with infection. CONCLUSIONS:
      The Wagner SL stem is a viable option for patients with Paprosky Types II and III
      defects undergoing revision THA. This component provides high levels of patient
      function with low revision rates and low rates of subsidence during the early
      postoperative phase. They provide a viable alternative to modular components for
      treatment of Types II and III defects without the risk of junctional fractures.
      They can be used for very selected Type IV defects, however this extent of bone
      loss is most easily addressed with other techniques such as a proximal femoral
      replacement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study.

PMID- 27672014
TI  - Efficacy of Foot and Ankle Corticosteroid Injections.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Corticosteroid injections have been used for a variety of foot and
      ankle pathologies over the years, and our aim was to evaluate the efficacy and
      safety of them in our clinic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective
      review of notes and a telephone questionnaire on the clinical outcome of all
      patients who underwent a corticosteroid injection of the foot or ankle in a year.
      All procedures were performed in an outpatient setting by a consultant
      musculoskeletal radiologist using either ultrasound or X-ray guidance and had a
      minimum of 2 years of follow-up. RESULTS: Overall, 314 of 365 (86%) patients
      reported a significant improvement in symptoms, and 242 (66%) reported complete
      resolution of their pain, with 107 (29%) remaining asymptomatic at the 2-year
      follow-up. The mode time of recurrence of pain was 3 months. Fifty-one (14%)
      underwent a further injection and 88 (24%) underwent operative intervention
      within the follow-up period. Complication rates in our series were low. There
      were no reported infections. Complications occurred in 5 patients (1.3%),
      including steroid flare, pain, and plantar plate ruptures. CONCLUSION:
      Corticosteroid injections were a safe and effective option for treating a variety
      of foot and ankle conditions and reduced the need for surgery. They were
      particularly effective for the treatment of ankle soft tissue impingement. They
      appear ineffective in providing significant improvement in pain for longer than 3
      months in conditions such as plantar fasciitis and hallux rigidus. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: IV, case series.

PMID- 27672013
TI  - What is the Diagnostic Accuracy of Aspirations Performed on Hips With Antibiotic
      Cement Spacers?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Periprosthetic joint infection is a serious complication after THA
      and commonly is treated with a two-stage revision. Antibiotic-eluting cement
      spacers are placed for local delivery of antibiotics. Aspirations may be
      performed before the second-stage reimplantation for identification of persistent
      infection. However, limited data exist regarding the diagnostic parameters of
      synovial fluid aspiration with or without saline lavage from a hip with an
      antibiotic-loaded cement spacer. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We asked: (1) For hips with
      antibiotic cement spacers, does saline lavage influence the diagnostic validity
      of aspirations? (2) What is the diagnostic accuracy of preoperative aspirations
      performed on hips with antibiotic cement spacers using the Musculoskeletal
      Infection Society (MSIS) criteria, stratified by saline and nonlavage? (3) For
      hips with antibiotic spacers, what are the optimal thresholds for synovial fluid
      white blood cell (WBC) count and polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) percentage
      for diagnosing infections? METHODS: One hundred seventy-four hips (155 patients)
      with antibiotic-eluting cement spacers inserted between October 2012 and July
      2015 were reviewed. Of these, 98 hips (80 patients) met the inclusion criteria
      and were included in the analysis (77 nonlavage, 21 saline lavage aspirations).
      Laboratory data from the aspiration and preoperative workup and intraoperative
      details were collected. Infection status of each hip procedure was determined
      based on a modified MSIS criteria using serologic, histologic, and intraoperative
      findings (sinus tract communicating with the joint at surgery or two positive
      intraoperative periprosthetic cultures with the same organism or two of the three
      following criteria: elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR] [> 30 mm/hour]
      and C-reactive protein [CRP] [> 10 mg/L], a single positive intraoperative
      periprosthetic tissue culture, or a positive histologic analysis of
      periprosthetic tissue [> 5 neutrophils per high power field]). The diagnostic
      parameters were calculated for the MSIS criteria thresholds for synovial fluid
      (ie, WBC count > 3000 cells/uL and PMN percentage > 80%). Optimal thresholds were
      calculated for the corrected synovial WBC count and PMN percentage with a
      receiver operating characteristic curve. Separate analyses were performed for the
      hips with successful aspirations (nonlavage group) and those with saline lavage
      aspirations. RESULTS: The WBC count and PMN percentage were higher in hips with
      infection than in hips without infection when nonlavage aspirations were done
      (WBC count, 6680 cells/uL +/- 6980 cells/uL vs 2001 +/- 4825; mean difference,
      4679; 95% CI, 923-8436; p = 0.015; PMN percentage, 83% +/- 13% vs 44% +/- 30%;
      mean difference, 39%; 95% CI, 39%-49%; p < 0.001) and the findings between
      infected and noninfected aspirations were not different when saline lavage
      aspirations were done (WBC count, 782 cells/uL +/- 696 vs 307 cells/uL +/- 343;
      mean difference, 475; 95% CI, -253 to 1203; p = 0.161; PMN percentage, 67% +/-
      15% vs 58% +/- 28%; mean difference, 10%; 95% CI, -11% to 30%; p = 0.331).
      Aspirations performed without lavage yielded good diagnostic accuracy in all
      parameters (WBC count, 78% [95% CI, 70%-86%]; PMN percentage. 79% [95% CI, 70%
      88%]; positive culture: 84% [95% CI, 81%-90%]; at least one of the above: 79%
      [95% CI, 70%-88%]); but in the saline lavage group, none had WBC counts above the
      threshold (diagnostic accuracies for WBC count, 0%; PMN percentage, 71% [95% CI,
      62%-86%]; positive culture, 76% [95% CI, 76%-86%]; at least one: 71% [95% CI, 57%
      91%]). Because saline lavage did not result in differences between aspirations
      from infected and noninfected hips, we calculated the optimal thresholds in the
      nonlavage group only; the optimal threshold for synovial WBC count was 1166
      cells/uL and for synovial PMN the percentage was 68%, which corresponds to WBC
      count diagnostic accuracy of 78% (95% CI, 69%-87%) and PMN percentage accuracy of
      78% (95% CI, 69%-87%). CONCLUSIONS: Because the MSIS criteria thresholds resulted
      in suboptimal sensitivities owing to a higher number of false negatives, we
      recommend considering lower WBC count and PMN percentage thresholds for hip
      spacer aspirations. Furthermore, the WBC count and PMN percentage results from
      aspirations performed with saline lavage are not reliable for treatment
      decisions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, diagnostic study.

PMID- 27672015
TI  - Realtime Achilles Ultrasound Thompson (RAUT) Test for the Evaluation and
      Diagnosis of Acute Achilles Tendon Ruptures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute complete Achilles tendon ruptures are commonly missed injuries.
      We propose the Realtime Achilles Ultrasound Thompson (RAUT) test, a Thompson test
      under ultrasound visualization, to aid in the diagnosis of these injuries. We
      hypothesized that RAUT testing would provide improved diagnostic characteristics
      compared with static ultrasound. METHODS: Twenty-two consecutive patients with
      operatively confirmed acute Achilles tendon ruptures were prospectively evaluated
      with RAUT testing and static ultrasonography. RAUT video recordings and static
      ultrasound images from both ruptured and uninjured sides were randomized and
      graded by a group of novice reviewers and a group of expert attendings. From
      these observations, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and
      negative predictive value for RAUT and static ultrasound were calculated. In
      addition, kappa interobserver coefficients were computed. Forty-seven novice
      reviewers and 11 foot and ankle attendings made a total of 4136 and 528
      observations, respectively. RESULTS: For static ultrasound, sensitivity and
      specificity were 76.8% and 74.8% for the novice reviewers and 79.6% and 86.4% for
      the attendings, respectively. For RAUT testing, sensitivity and specificity were
      87.2% and 81.1% for the novice group and 86.4% and 91.7% for the attending group,
      respectively. The kappa coefficient was 0.62 and 0.27 for novice and attending
      RAUT reviewers, indicating substantial and fair agreement, respectively, but only
      0.46 and 0.12 for static ultrasonography, representing moderate and slight
      agreement, respectively. CONCLUSION: RAUT testing was a sensitive and specific
      test, providing a cost-effective adjunct to the clinical examination when
      diagnosing acute Achilles tendon ruptures. This test can be used by surgeons with
      minimal training in ultrasonography. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, diagnostic
      study.

PMID- 27672016
TI  - Biomechanical Comparison of 3 Current Ankle Syndesmosis Repair Techniques.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Significant debate exists regarding optimal repair for unstable
      syndesmosis injuries. Techniques range from screw fixation, suture-button
      fixation, or a combination of the two. In this study, 3 common repairs were
      compared using a simulated weightbearing protocol with internal and external
      rotation of the foot. METHODS: Twenty-four lower leg specimens with mean age 54
      years (range, 38-68 years) were used for testing. Following creation of a
      complete syndesmotic injury (AITFL, ITFL, PITFL, interosseous membrane),
      specimens were repaired using 1 of 3 randomly assigned techniques: (1) one 3.5-mm
      syndesmotic screw, (2) 1 suture-button construct, and (3) 2 divergent suture
      button constructs. Repairs were cycled for 500 cycles between 7.5 Nm of
      internal/external rotation torque under a constant 750 N axial compressive load
      in a neutral dorsiflexion position. At 0, 10, 100, and 500 cycles, torsional
      cyclic loading was interrupted to assess torsional resistance to rotation within
      a physiologic range of motion (15 degrees external rotation to 10 degrees
      internal rotation). Torque (Nm), rotational position (degrees), and 3-dimensional
      data were collected throughout the testing to characterize relative spatial
      relationships of the tibiofibular articulation. RESULTS: There were no
      significant differences between repair techniques in resistance to internal and
      external rotation with respect to the intact syndesmosis. Three-dimensional
      analysis revealed significant differences between repair techniques for sagittal
      fibular translation with external rotation of the foot. Screw fixation had the
      smallest magnitude of posterior sagittal translation (2.5 mm), and a single
      suture-button construct demonstrated the largest magnitude of posterior sagittal
      translation (4.6 mm). Screw fixation also allowed for significantly less anterior
      sagittal translation with internal rotation of the foot (0.1 mm) when compared to
      both 1 (2.7 mm) and 2 (2.9 mm) suture-button constructs. CONCLUSION: All repairs
      provided comparable rotational stability to the syndesmosis; however, no repair
      technique completely restored rotational stability and tibiofibular anatomic
      relationships of the preinjury state. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Constructs were
      comparable across most conditions; however, when repairing injuries with a suture
      button construct, a single suture-button construct may not provide sufficient
      resistance to sagittal translation of the fibula.

PMID- 27672017
TI  - Effectiveness of Headless Bioabsorbable Screws for Fixation of the Scarf
      Osteotomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Scarf osteotomy has been used in hallux valgus surgery due to its
      large fixation surface for screws and low postoperative complications. However,
      screws may cause skin irritation from their head, which may require an additional
      surgical procedure to remove. METHODS: This study included 115 patients (106
      females and 9 males, 115 feet) who underwent hallux valgus correction with a
      scarf osteotomy using bioabsorbable screws between September 2010 and September
      2012. Preoperative and postoperative 1-month and 1-year radiographic
      measurements, including intermetatarsal angle (IMA), hallux valgus angle (HVA),
      distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA), proximal phalangeal articular angle
      (PPAA), and lateral translational distance (LTD), were obtained. American
      Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) hallux/forefoot scores were used for
      patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Preoperative mean values of HVA, IMA, and PPA of
      32.8 degrees, 14.6 degrees, and 7.52 degrees, respectively, improved to 10.7
      degrees, 6.0 degrees, and 4.6 degrees, respectively at 1-year follow up (P <
      .05). The difference in LTD between the 1-month and 1-year follow-up was not
      statistically significant. AOFAS hallux/forefoot score improved from 69.1 to 96.1
      at the 1-year follow up (P < .001). Complete screw absorption was not seen
      radiographically. Sixteen feet had complications reported. One patient complained
      of skin irritation over a small protrusion of the screw, and another patient had
      a foreign body reaction. There were 3 patients with neurologic injury from a
      popliteal block and 3 patients with dorsal cutaneous nerve symptoms. Four feet
      had metatarsal fracture during surgery. CONCLUSION: We found the scarf osteotomy
      using bioabsorbable screws to have satisfactory clinical and radiographic results
      with a low complication rate. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

PMID- 27672018
TI  - Microcirculation measured by vascular occlusion test during desflurane
      remifentanil anesthesia is superior to that in propofol-remifentanil anesthesia
      in patients undergoing thoracic surgery: subgroup analysis of a prospective
      randomized study.
AB  - General anesthesia can affect microcirculatory properties. However, differential
      effects on the microcirculation according to the anesthetic technique used during
      thoracoscopic surgery have not been well documented. We conducted a randomized
      clinical trial in which the effects of desflurane and propofol, both with
      remifentanil, on systemic arterial oxygenation during one-lung ventilation were
      compared in patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery. As a subgroup analysis, we
      compared the effects of two commonly used anesthetic techniques, desflurane
      remifentanil (n = 52) and propofol-remifentanil (n = 48), on tissue oxygen
      saturation using a vascular occlusion test in patients undergoing thoracoscopic
      surgery. Tissue oxygen saturation was higher in the desflurane than the propofol
      group (mean +/- standard deviation, 83 +/- 6 vs. 80 +/- 9, 84 +/- 6 vs. 76 +/-
      10, and 87 +/- 7 vs. 77 +/- 10 % at 30 and 60 min of one-lung ventilation and at
      two-lung ventilation; adjusted p = 0.026, <0.001, and <0.001, respectively). The
      recovery slope during the vascular occlusion test, reflecting microvascular
      reperfusion adequacy, was higher in the desflurane than the propofol group during
      surgery (mean difference, 0.5 %/s; 95 % CI 0.0-0.9 %/s; p = 0.037). Desflurane
      remifentanil anesthesia is associated with better microcirculation than propofol
      remifentanil anesthesia in patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery.

PMID- 27672019
TI  - Developing the Evidence Base in Pediatric Oncology Nursing Practice for Promoting
      Health-Related Quality of Life in Pediatric Oncology Patients.
AB  - Research has shown that self-esteem and hopefulness are positively related among
      female childhood cancer survivors (CCS) and contribute to their health-related
      quality of life (HRQOL). HRQOL remains a significant outcome of treatment for
      CCS. This study examined the relationships among self-esteem, hopefulness, and
      HRQOL in young adult female CCS to inform the development of evidence-based
      practice guidelines for pediatric oncology nursing practice. An online survey was
      conducted with a sample of young adult female CCS from 58 treatment centers
      across the United States at 4 time points: at baseline and at 6 weeks, 3 months,
      and 6 months after initial measurement time. The relationships between self
      esteem, hopefulness, and HRQOL were statistically significant (Time 1, P = .05;
      Times 2, 3, and 4, P = .01) across all measurement times. These findings identify
      hopefulness and self-esteem as determinants of HRQOL and suggest that caring
      practices among pediatric oncology nurses that support psychosocial adjustment
      through promoting self-esteem and hopefulness have the potential to support HRQOL
      among young adult female CCS. These outcomes support the development of evidence
      based practice guidelines to influence HRQOL outcomes among these survivors.

PMID- 27672020
TI  - The changing view of eukaryogenesis - fossils, cells, lineages and how they all
      come together.
AB  - Eukaryogenesis - the emergence of eukaryotic cells - represents a pivotal
      evolutionary event. With a fundamentally more complex cellular plan compared to
      prokaryotes, eukaryotes are major contributors to most aspects of life on Earth.
      For decades, we have understood that eukaryotic origins lie within both the
      Archaea domain and alpha-Proteobacteria. However, it is much less clear when, and
      from which precise ancestors, eukaryotes originated, or the order of emergence of
      distinctive eukaryotic cellular features. Many competing models for
      eukaryogenesis have been proposed, but until recently, the absence of
      discriminatory data meant that a consensus was elusive. Recent advances in
      paleogeology, phylogenetics, cell biology and microbial diversity, particularly
      the discovery of the 'Candidatus Lokiarcheaota' phylum, are now providing new
      insights into these aspects of eukaryogenesis. The new data have allowed the time
      frame during which eukaryogenesis occurred to be finessed, a more precise
      identification of the contributing lineages and the biological features of the
      contributors to be clarified. Considerable advances have now been used to
      pinpoint the prokaryotic origins of key eukaryotic cellular processes, such as
      intracellular compartmentalisation, with major implications for models of
      eukaryogenesis.

PMID- 27672021
TI  - Autophagy in adhesion and migration.
AB  - Autophagy, a pathway for lysosomal-mediated cellular degradation, has recently
      been described as a regulator of cell migration. Although the molecular
      mechanisms underlying autophagy-dependent motility are only beginning to emerge,
      new work demonstrates that selective autophagy mediated by the autophagy cargo
      receptor, NBR1, specifically promotes the dynamic turnover of integrin-based
      focal adhesion sites during motility. Here, we discuss the detailed mechanisms
      through which NBR1-dependent selective autophagy supports focal adhesion
      remodeling, and we describe the interconnections between this pathway and other
      established regulators of focal adhesion turnover, such as microtubules. We also
      highlight studies that examine the contribution of autophagy to selective
      degradation of proteins that mediate cellular tension and to integrin
      trafficking; these findings hint at further roles for autophagy in supporting
      adhesion and migration. Given the recently appreciated importance of selective
      autophagy in diverse cellular processes, we propose that further investigation
      into autophagy-mediated focal adhesion turnover will not only shed light onto how
      focal adhesions are regulated but will also unveil new mechanisms regulating
      selective autophagy.

PMID- 27672022
TI  - HMGB2 regulates satellite-cell-mediated skeletal muscle regeneration through
      IGF2BP2.
AB  - Although the mechanism underlying modulation of transcription factors in
      myogenesis has been well elucidated, the function of the transcription cofactors
      involved in this process remains poorly understood. Here, we identified HMGB2 as
      an essential nuclear transcriptional co-regulator in myogenesis. HMGB2 was highly
      expressed in undifferentiated myoblasts and regenerating muscle. Knockdown of
      HMGB2 inhibited myoblast proliferation and stimulated its differentiation. HMGB2
      depletion downregulated Myf5 and cyclin A2 at the protein but not mRNA level. In
      contrast, overexpression of HMGB2 promoted Myf5 and cyclin A2 protein
      upregulation. Furthermore, we found that the RNA-binding protein IGF2BP2 is a
      downstream target of HMGB2, as previously shown for HMGA2. IGF2BP2 binds to mRNAs
      of Myf5 or cyclin A2, resulting in translation enhancement or mRNA stabilization,
      respectively. Notably, overexpression of IGF2BP2 could partially rescue protein
      levels of Myf5 and cyclin A2, in response to HMGB2 decrease. Moreover, depletion
      of HMGB2 in vivo severely attenuated muscle repair; this was due to a decrease in
      satellite cells. Taken together, these results highlight the previously
      undiscovered and crucial role of the HMGB2-IGF2BP2 axis in myogenesis and muscle
      regeneration.

PMID- 27672023
TI  - Moderate Alcohol Consumption Is Associated With Left Ventricular Diastolic
      Dysfunction in Nonalcoholic Hypertensive Patients.
AB  - Ethanol consumption is associated with left ventricular dysfunction in heavy
      ethanol drinkers. The effect of moderate ethanol intake on left ventricular
      function in hypertension, however, is unknown. We investigated the relationship
      between ethanol consumption and cardiac changes in nonalcoholic hypertensive
      patients. In 335 patients with primary hypertension, we assessed daily ethanol
      consumption by questionnaires that combined evaluation of recent and lifetime
      ethanol exposure and examined cardiac structure and function by echocardiography.
      Patients with abnormal liver tests, previous cardiovascular events, left
      ventricular ejection fraction <50%, and creatinine clearance <30 mL/min 1.72 m2
      were excluded. Left ventricular hypertrophy was found in 21% of hypertensive
      patients and diastolic dysfunction was detected in 50% by tissue-Doppler imaging.
      Ethanol consumption was comparable in hypertensive patients with and without left
      ventricular hypertrophy, whereas patients with left ventricular diastolic
      dysfunction had significantly greater consumption than patients with normal
      ventricular filling. Left atrial diameter, e' wave velocity, e'/a' ratio, and
      E/e' ratio changed progressively with increasing levels of ethanol consumption,
      and prevalence of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction increased with a change
      that became statistically significant in patients consuming 20 g/d of ethanol or
      more. The e' wave velocity was inversely correlated with ethanol consumption, and
      multivariate logistic regression indicated that ethanol consumption predicted
      diastolic dysfunction independently of age, body mass index, blood pressure,
      insulin sensitivity, and left ventricular mass index. In conclusion, ethanol
      consumption is independently associated with left ventricular diastolic
      dysfunction in nonalcoholic hypertensive patients and might contribute to
      development of diastolic heart failure.

PMID- 27672024
TI  - Klotho and Pulmonary Hypertension: Spinning a Yarn or the Thread of Life?

PMID- 27672025
TI  - Monocrotaline-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension Involves Downregulation of Antiaging
      Protein Klotho and eNOS Activity.
AB  - The objective of this study is to investigate whether stem cell delivery of
      secreted Klotho (SKL), an aging-suppressor protein, attenuates monocrotaline
      induced pulmonary vascular dysfunction and remodeling. Overexpression of SKL in
      mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) was achieved by transfecting MSCs with lentiviral
      vectors expressing SKL-green fluorescent protein (GFP). Four groups of rats were
      treated with monocrotaline, whereas an additional group was given saline
      (control). Three days later, 4 monocrotaline-treated groups received intravenous
      delivery of nontransfected MSCs, MSC-GFP, MSC-SKL-GFP, and PBS, respectively. Ex
      vivo vascular relaxing responses to acetylcholine were diminished in small
      pulmonary arteries (PAs) in monocrotaline-treated rats, indicating pulmonary
      vascular endothelial dysfunction. Interestingly, delivery of MSCs overexpressing
      SKL (MSC-SKL-GFP) abolished monocrotaline-induced pulmonary vascular endothelial
      dysfunction and PA remodeling. Monocrotaline significantly increased right
      ventricular systolic blood pressure, which was attenuated significantly by MSC
      SKL-GFP, indicating improved PA hypertension. MSC-SKL-GFP also attenuated right
      ventricular hypertrophy. Nontransfected MSCs slightly, but not significantly,
      improved PA hypertension and pulmonary vascular endothelial dysfunction. MSC-SKL
      GFP attenuated monocrotaline-induced inflammation, as evidenced by decreased
      macrophage infiltration around PAs. MSC-SKL-GFP increased SKL levels, which
      rescued the downregulation of SIRT1 (Sirtuin 1) expression and endothelial NO
      synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation in the lungs of monocrotaline-treated rats. In
      cultured endothelial cells, SKL abolished monocrotaline-induced downregulation of
      eNOS activity and NO levels and enhanced cell viability. Therefore, stem cell
      delivery of SKL is an effective therapeutic strategy for pulmonary vascular
      endothelial dysfunction and PA remodeling. SKL attenuates monocrotaline-induced
      PA remodeling and PA smooth muscle cell proliferation, likely by reducing
      inflammation and restoring SIRT1 levels and eNOS activity.

PMID- 27672026
TI  - Central Angiotensin-II Increases Blood Pressure and Sympathetic Outflow via Rho
      Kinase Activation in Conscious Rabbits.
AB  - Elevated sympathetic tone and activation of the renin-angiotensin system are
      pathophysiologic hallmarks of hypertension, and the interactions between these
      systems are particularly deleterious. The importance of Rho kinase as a mediator
      of the effects of angiotensin-II (AngII) in the periphery is clear, but the role
      of Rho kinase in sympathoexcitation caused by central AngII is not well
      established. We hypothesized that AngII mediates its effects in the brain by the
      activation of the RhoA/Rho kinase pathway. Chronically instrumented, conscious
      rabbits received the following intracerebroventricular infusion treatments for 2
      weeks via osmotic minipump: AngII, Rho kinase inhibitor Fasudil, AngII plus
      Fasudil, or a vehicle control. AngII increased mean arterial pressure over the
      course of the infusion, and this effect was prevented by the coadministration of
      Fasudil. AngII increased cardiac and vascular sympathetic outflow as quantified
      by the heart rate response to metoprolol and the depressor effect of
      hexamethonium; coadministration of Fasudil abolished both of these effects. AngII
      increased baseline renal sympathetic nerve activity in conscious animals and
      impaired baroreflex control of sympathetic nerve activity; again Fasudil
      coinfusion prevented these effects. Each of these end points showed a
      statistically significant interaction between AngII and Fasudil. Quantitative
      immunofluorescence of brain slices confirmed that Rho kinase activity was
      increased by AngII and decreased by Fasudil. Taken together, these data indicate
      that hypertension, elevated sympathetic outflow, and baroreflex dysfunction
      caused by central AngII are mediated by Rho kinase activation and suggest that
      Rho kinase inhibition may be an important therapeutic target in
      sympathoexcitatory cardiovascular diseases.

PMID- 27672028
TI  - Parsimonious Correction of Heart Rate Variability for Its Dependency on Heart
      Rate.

PMID- 27672027
TI  - Association Between Early Life Growth and Blood Pressure Trajectories in Black
      South African Children.
AB  - Early growth is associated with blood pressure measured on one occasion, but
      whether early life growth patterns are associated with longitudinal blood
      pressure trajectories is under-researched. Therefore, we sought to examine the
      association between early growth and blood pressure trajectories from childhood
      to adulthood. Blood pressure was measured on 7 occasions between ages 5 and 18
      years in the Birth to Twenty cohort study, and conditional variables for growth
      in infancy and mid-childhood were computed from anthropometric measures (n=1937,
      52% girls). We used a group-based trajectory modeling approach to identify
      distinct height-adjusted blood pressure trajectories and then tested their
      association with growth between birth and mid-childhood adjusting for several
      covariates. Three trajectory groups were identified for systolic and diastolic
      blood pressure: lower, middle, and upper in boys and girls, separately. In boys,
      predictors of the middle or upper systolic blood pressure trajectories versus the
      lower trajectory were in birth weight (odds ratio 0.75 [95% confidence interval
      0.58-0.96] per SD) and relative weight gain in infancy (4.11 [1.25-13.51] per
      SD). In girls, greater relative weight gain and linear growth in both infancy and
      mid-childhood were consistently associated with an almost 2-fold higher
      likelihood of being in the upper versus lower systolic blood pressure trajectory.
      The associations for the diastolic blood pressure trajectories were inconsistent.
      These findings emphasize the importance of identifying children at risk of
      progression to high blood pressure. Accelerated growth in infancy and mid
      childhood may be a key target for early life intervention in prevention of
      elevated blood pressure progression.

PMID- 27672029
TI  - The Role of the Autonomic Nervous System in the Regulation of Aortic Stiffness.
AB  - The autonomic nervous system is important in regulating blood pressure, but
      whether it regulates aortic stiffness is more contentious. We conducted 3 studies
      in young, healthy individuals to address this important question. Study 1 was a
      cross-sectional study of 347 subjects with detailed measurements of hemodynamics
      and heart rate variability. In study 2, 9 subjects were given a bolus of
      intravenous nicotinic ganglion blocker, pentolinium, or saline in a random order
      and hemodynamics and heart rate variability were assessed before and after. In
      study 3, changes in hemodynamics and heart rate variability were assessed during
      stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system with the use of isometric handgrip
      exercise in 12 subjects. Study 1: aortic pulse wave velocity (P=0.003) was lowest
      in the subjects with the highest parasympathetic activity, but after adjusting
      for mean arterial pressure, the effect was abolished (P=0.3). Study 2: after
      pentolinium, sympathetic and parasympathetic activity fell (P=0.001 for both),
      mean arterial pressure, and heart rate increased (P=0.004 and P=0.04,
      respectively), but there was no change in pulse wave velocity in comparison to
      placebo (P=0.1). Study 3: during handgrip exercise, sympathetic activity
      (P=0.003), mean arterial pressure (P<0.0001), and aortic pulse wave velocity
      increased (P=0.013). However, pulse wave velocity adjusted for mean arterial
      pressure did not change (P=0.1). The main finding of these studies is that in
      young healthy subjects, the autonomic nervous system does not have a pressure
      independent role in the regulation of aortic stiffness. However, these findings
      may not apply to patients with increased sympathetic tone or hypertension.

PMID- 27672031
TI  - Updates on Endothelial Functions of Proangiogenic Prokineticin.

PMID- 27672030
TI  - Breaking the Cycle: Estrous Variation Does Not Require Increased Sample Size in
      the Study of Female Rats.
AB  - Despite the striking differences between male and female physiology, female
      physiology is understudied. In response, the National Institutes of Health is
      promulgating new policies to increase the use of female organisms in preclinical
      research. Females are commonly believed to have greater variability than males
      because of the estrous cycle, but recent studies call this belief into question.
      Effects of estrous cycling on mean arterial pressure were assessed in female Dahl
      S rats using telemetry and vaginal cytometry and found that estrous cycling did
      not affect mean arterial pressure magnitude or variance. Data from the PhysGen
      arm of the Program for Genomic Applications was used to compare male and female
      variance and coefficient of variation in 142 heart, lung, vascular, kidney, and
      blood phenotypes, each measured in hundreds to thousands of individual rats from
      over 50 inbred strains. Seventy-four of 142 phenotypes from this data set
      demonstrated a sex difference in variance; however, 59% of these phenotypes
      exhibited greater variance in male rats rather than female. Remarkably, a
      retrospective power analysis demonstrated that only 16 of 74 differentially
      variable phenotypes would be detected when using an experimental cohort large
      enough to detect a difference in magnitude. No overall difference in coefficient
      of variation between male and female rats was detected when analyzing these 142
      phenotypes. We conclude that variability of 142 traits in male and female rats is
      similar, suggesting that differential treatment of males and females for the
      purposes of experimental design is unnecessary until proven otherwise, rather
      than the other way around.

PMID- 27672032
TI  - Transcranial direct current stimulation for patients with benign essential
      blepharospasm: a case report.

PMID- 27672033
TI  - Assessment of free and cued recall in Alzheimer's disease and vascular and
      frontotemporal dementia with 24-item Grober and Buschke test.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD), vascular dementia (VaD) and frontotemporal dementia
      (FTD) are the most common forms of dementia. It is well known that memory
      deficits in AD are different from those in VaD and FTD, especially with respect
      to cued recall. The aim of this clinical study was to compare the memory
      performance in 15 AD, 10 VaD and 9 FTD patients and 20 normal controls by means
      of a 24-item Grober-Buschke test [8]. The patients' groups were comparable in
      terms of severity of dementia. We considered free and total recall (free plus
      cued) both in immediate and delayed recall and computed an Index of Sensitivity
      to Cueing (ISC) [8] for immediate and delayed trials. We assessed whether cued
      recall predicted the subsequent free recall across our patients' groups. We found
      that AD patients recalled fewer items from the beginning and were less sensitive
      to cueing supporting the hypothesis that memory disorders in AD depend on
      encoding and storage deficit. In immediate recall VaD and FTD showed a similar
      memory performance and a stronger sensitivity to cueing than AD, suggesting that
      memory disorders in these patients are due to a difficulty in spontaneously
      implementing efficient retrieval strategies. However, we found a lower ISC in the
      delayed recall compared to the immediate trials in VaD than FTD due to a higher
      forgetting in VaD.

PMID- 27672034
TI  - Crosstalk between androgen and pro-inflammatory signaling remodels androgen
      receptor and NF-kappaB cistrome to reprogram the prostate cancer cell
      transcriptome.
AB  - Inflammatory processes and androgen signaling are critical for the growth of
      prostate cancer (PC), the most common cancer among males in Western countries. To
      understand the importance of potential interplay between pro-inflammatory and
      androgen signaling for gene regulation, we have interrogated the crosstalk
      between androgen receptor (AR) and NF-kappaB, a key transcriptional mediator of
      inflammatory responses, by utilizing genome-wide chromatin immunoprecipitation
      sequencing and global run-on sequencing in PC cells. Co-stimulation of LNCaP
      cells with androgen and pro-inflammatory cytokine TNFalpha invoked a
      transcriptome which was very distinct from that induced by either stimulation
      alone. The altered transcriptome that included gene programs linked to cell
      migration and invasiveness was orchestrated by significant remodeling of NF
      kappaB and AR cistrome and enhancer landscape. Although androgen multiplied the
      NF-kappaB cistrome and TNFalpha restrained the AR cistrome, there was no general
      reciprocal tethering of the AR to the NF-kappaB on chromatin. Instead,
      redistribution of FOXA1, PIAS1 and PIAS2 contributed to the exposure of latent NF
      kappaB chromatin-binding sites and masking of AR chromatin-binding sites. Taken
      together, concomitant androgen and pro-inflammatory signaling significantly
      remodels especially the NF-kappaB cistrome, reprogramming the PC cell
      transcriptome in fashion that may contribute to the progression of PC.

PMID- 27672035
TI  - Global tRNA misacylation induced by anaerobiosis and antibiotic exposure broadly
      increases stress resistance in Escherichia coli.
AB  - High translational fidelity is commonly considered a requirement for optimal
      cellular health and protein function. However, recent findings have shown that
      inducible mistranslation specifically with methionine engendered at the tRNA
      charging level occurs in mammalian cells, yeast and archaea, yet it was unknown
      whether bacteria were capable of mounting a similar response. Here, we
      demonstrate that Escherichia coli misacylates non-methionyl-tRNAs with methionine
      in response to anaerobiosis and antibiotic exposure via the methionyl-tRNA
      synthetase (MetRS). Two MetRS succinyl-lysine modifications independently confer
      high tRNA charging fidelity to the otherwise promiscuous, unmodified enzyme.
      Strains incapable of tRNA mismethionylation are less adept at growth in the
      presence of antibiotics and stressors. The presence of tRNA mismethionylation and
      its potential role in mistranslation within the bacterial domain establishes this
      response as a pervasive biological mechanism and connects it to diverse cellular
      functions and modes of fitness.

PMID- 27672037
TI  - SAC3B, a central component of the mRNA export complex TREX-2, is required for
      prevention of epigenetic gene silencing in Arabidopsis.
AB  - Epigenetic regulation is important for organismal development and response to the
      environment. Alteration in epigenetic status has been known mostly from the
      perspective of enzymatic actions of DNA methylation and/or histone modifications.
      In a genetic screen for cellular factors involved in preventing epigenetic
      silencing, we isolated an Arabidopsis mutant defective in SAC3B, a component of
      the conserved TREX-2 complex that couples mRNA transcription with nuleo
      cytoplasmic export. Arabidopsis SAC3B dysfunction causes gene silencing at
      transgenic and endogenous loci, accompanied by elevation in the repressive
      histone mark H3K9me2 and by reduction in RNA polymerase Pol II occupancy. SAC3B
      dysfunction does not alter promoter DNA methylation level of the transgene
      d35S::LUC, although the DNA demethylase ROS1 is also required for d35S::LUC anti
      silencing. THP1 and NUA were identified as SAC3B-associated proteins whose
      mutations also caused d35S::LUC silencing. RNA-DNA hybrid exists at the repressed
      loci but is unrelated to gene suppression by the sac3b mutation. Genome-wide
      analyses demonstrated minor but clear involvement of SAC3B in regulating siRNAs
      and DNA methylation, particularly at a group of TAS and TAS-like loci. Together
      our results revealed not only a critical role of mRNA-export factors in
      transcriptional anti-silencing but also the contribution of SAC3B in shaping
      plant epigenetic landscapes.

PMID- 27672038
TI  - Nucleolytic processing of aberrant replication intermediates by an Exo1-Dna2-Sae2
      axis counteracts fork collapse-driven chromosome instability.
AB  - Problems during DNA replication underlie genomic instability and drive malignant
      transformation. The DNA damage checkpoint stabilizes stalled replication forks
      thus counteracting aberrant fork transitions, DNA breaks and chromosomal
      rearrangements. We analyzed fork processing in checkpoint deficient cells by
      coupling psoralen crosslinking with replication intermediate two-dimensional gel
      analysis. This revealed a novel role for Exo1 nuclease in resecting reversed
      replication fork structures and counteracting the accumulation of aberrant
      intermediates resembling fork cleavage products. Genetic analyses demonstrated a
      functional interplay of Exo1 with Mus81, Dna2 and Sae2 nucleases in promoting
      cell survival following replication stress, suggestive of concerted nucleolytic
      processing of stalled forks. While Mus81 and other Structure Specific
      Endonucleases do not contribute to obvious collapsed fork transitions, Dna2
      promotes reversed fork resection likely by facilitating Exo1 access to nascent
      strands. Instead, Sae2 cooperates with Exo1 in counteracting putative fork
      cleavage events linked to double strand breaks formation and increased gross
      chromosomal rearrangement rates. Our data indicate that in checkpoint deficient
      cells diverse nuclease activities interface to eliminate aberrant replication
      intermediates and prevent chromosome instability.

PMID- 27672040
TI  - A fast and powerful W-test for pairwise epistasis testing.

PMID- 27672041
TI  - UK needs "radical rethink" on public health, say medical scientists.

PMID- 27672039
TI  - Concerted effects of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein C1/C2 to control
      vitamin D-directed gene transcription and RNA splicing in human bone cells.
AB  - Traditionally recognized as an RNA splicing regulator, heterogeneous nuclear
      ribonucleoprotein C1/C2 (hnRNPC1/C2) can also bind to double-stranded DNA and
      function in trans as a vitamin D response element (VDRE)-binding protein. As
      such, hnRNPC1/C2 may couple transcription induced by the active form of vitamin
      D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) with subsequent RNA splicing. In MG63
      osteoblastic cells, increased expression of the 1,25(OH)2D target gene CYP24A1
      involved immunoprecipitation of hnRNPC1/C2 with CYP24A1 chromatin and RNA.
      Knockdown of hnRNPC1/C2 suppressed expression of CYP24A1, but also increased
      expression of an exon 10-skipped CYP24A1 splice variant; in a minigene model the
      latter was attenuated by a functional VDRE in the CYP24A1 promoter. In genome
      wide analyses, knockdown of hnRNPC1/C2 resulted in 3500 differentially expressed
      genes and 2232 differentially spliced genes, with significant commonality between
      groups. 1,25(OH)2D induced 324 differentially expressed genes, with 187 also
      observed following hnRNPC1/C2 knockdown, and a further 168 unique to hnRNPC1/C2
      knockdown. However, 1,25(OH)2D induced only 10 differentially spliced genes, with
      no overlap with differentially expressed genes. These data indicate that
      hnRNPC1/C2 binds to both DNA and RNA and influences both gene expression and RNA
      splicing, but these actions do not appear to be linked through 1,25(OH)2D
      mediated induction of transcription.

PMID- 27672043
TI  - Seasonal changes of cholinergic response in the atrium of Arctic navaga cod
      (Eleginus navaga).
AB  - Fishes of north-temperate latitudes exhibit marked seasonal changes in electrical
      excitability of the heart partly as an outcome of temperature-dependent changes
      in the density of major K+ ion currents: delayed rectifiers (IKr, IKs) and
      background inward rectifier (IK1). In the arctic teleost, navaga cod (Eleginus
      navaga), IKr and IK1 are strongly up-regulated in winter. The current study tests
      the hypothesis that the ligand-gated K+ current, the acetylcholine-activated
      inward rectifier, IKACh, is also modified by seasonal acclimatization in atrial
      myocytes of navaga. In sinoatrial preparations of the summer-acclimatized (SA)
      navaga, 10-6 M carbamylcholine chloride (CCh) caused slowing of heart rate,
      shortening of atrial action potential (AP) duration and a drastic reduction of AP
      amplitude, eventually resulting in inexcitability. In winter-acclimatized (WA)
      atria CCh slowed HR and reduced AP duration, but reduction of AP amplitude was
      modest and never resulted in inexcitability. The difference in cholinergic
      response between SA and WA navaga is explained by seasonal changes in IKACh
      density. The peak density of IKACh, induced by 10-5 M CCh, at the common
      experimental temperature (+6  degrees C) was 0.97 +/- 0.28 pA/pF in SA navaga but
      only 0.183 +/- 0.013 pA/pF in WA navaga (a 5.3-fold difference, P < 0.05). At
      acclimatization temperatures of the fish IKACh density was 2.8 +/- 0.50 (at +12 
      degrees C) and 0.11 +/- 0.06 pA/pF (at +3  degrees C) (a 26-fold difference, P <
      0.05) for SA and WA navaga, respectively. Thus, acclimatization to summer induces
      a drastic up-regulation of the atrial IKACh, which effectively shortens atrial
      AP. The reverse temperature compensation of the atrial IKACh may be advantageous
      in summer under variable water temperatures and oxygen concentrations by reducing
      workload of the heart.

PMID- 27672042
TI  - Prognostic value of BRAF V600E mutation and microsatellite instability in
      Japanese patients with sporadic colorectal cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: In colorectal cancer (CRC), the BRAF V600E mutation is an important
      biomarker for poor prognosis, while high microsatellite instability (MSI-H)
      indicates good prognosis. Using a commercial BRAF V600E-specific antibody, we
      investigated the BRAF V600E mutation according to immunohistochemistry (IHC) and
      the MSI status in Japanese patients with CRC. METHODS: In this retrospective
      study, tissue samples from 472 Japanese patients with CRC, stratified for MSI,
      were analyzed to determine the prognostic value of BRAF V600E, as assessed using
      IHC. Mutations in 254 patients were evaluated using the direct sequencing method
      to check for concordance. RESULTS: The frequency of MSI-H was 9.3 % (44/472), and
      BRAF V600E mutation was detected immunohistochemically in 8.7 % patients
      (41/472). The sensitivity and specificity for detection of BRAF V600E mutations
      by IHC were 100 % (17/17) and 98.7 % (234/237), respectively. BRAF V600E
      mutations were significantly correlated with the anatomical tumor site (P =
      0.0035), histological type (P < 0.0001), and MSI status (P < 0.0001). Consistent
      with other published series, patients with BRAF V600E mutation exhibited a
      significantly shorter overall survival (hazard ratio = 1.500, P = 0.0432). In
      particular, the microsatellite stable/BRAF mutation group had inferior prognosis
      compared with the MSI-H/BRAF wild-type group (hazard ratio = 2.621, P = 0.0004).
      CONCLUSIONS: IHC using a BRAF V600E-specific antibody was useful for diagnosis
      and concurred with direct sequencing results. CRC cases could be stratified by
      combining BRAF V600E mutation and MSI status as a prognostic factor in Japanese
      patients.

PMID- 27672045
TI  - Total mercury in fresh and processed tuna marketed in Galicia (NW Spain) in
      relation to dietary exposure.
AB  - Mercury is a toxic trace metal, which can accumulate to levels threatening human
      and environmental health. In this study, contents of total mercury have been
      determined by ICP-MS spectrometry in fresh and processed tuna (110 samples)
      purchased from supermarkets in NW Spain. Mercury was present in all samples
      analyzed; however, only one sample of fresh tuna (1.070 mg kg-1 wet weight
      (w.w.)) slightly exceeded the limit of the EU (1.0 mg kg-1 w.w.). The average
      mercury concentration in processed tuna was lower than fresh, 0.306 mg kg-1 w.w.,
      and ranged from 0.080 to 0.715 mg kg-1 w.w. Results were compared with literature
      data. In regard to the three types of preparation-packaging media for canned
      tuna, total Hg content was found in the following order: olive oil > natural >
      pickled sauce; the last showed significant statistical differences (p < 0.01)
      with the other two preparations. Between the two evaluated canned tuna species,
      significant statistical differences (p = 0.008) were observed and Thunnus
      alalunga presented a greater mean content (0.332 +/- 0.114 mg kg-1 w.w.) compared
      to Thunnus albacares (0.266 +/- 0.171 mg kg-1 w.w.).Taking into account the AESAN
      recommendation for adults and children, as well as the EU regulations and the
      tuna consumption by the Spanish population, the Hg levels obtained in this study
      pose no risk to consumer health. However, additional studies, a monitoring
      process, and efforts to reduce Hg concentration in tuna would be necessary, as
      well as considering other sources of exposure to Hg.

PMID- 27672044
TI  - Environmental pollutants: genetic damage and epigenetic changes in male germ
      cells.
AB  - About a quarter of the human diseases occurs for exposure to air pollution. The
      male reproductive system, and especially spermatogenesis, seems to be
      particularly sensitive. As result, male infertility is increasing in industrial
      countries becoming a top priority for public health. In addition to psychological
      distress and economic constraints, poorer semen quality may have trans
      generational effects including congenital malformations in the offspring and
      predispose to later onset adult diseases. Genetic and epigenetic alterations are
      involved in the failure of spermatogenesis. In this paper, we reviewed the major
      evidences of the effects of air pollutants on male infertility as well as the
      role of sperm DNA damage and epigenetic changes in affecting spermatogenesis. A
      better knowledge on the effects of air contaminants on the molecular mechanisms
      leading to infertility is of huge importance to help clinicians in identifying
      the cause of infertility but above all, in defining preventive and therapeutic
      protocols.

PMID- 27672046
TI  - Stability assessment of hydro dispersive nanometric permethrin and its biosafety
      study towards the beneficial bacterial isolate from paddy rhizome.
AB  - Nanopesticides such as nanopermethrin can serve as an alternative to conventional
      pesticides causing eco-toxicity. The nanoformulation of this pyrethroid pesticide
      was carried out by solvent evaporation of pesticide-loaded microemulsion. The Z
      average for the nanopermethrin dispersion in paddy field water was found to be
      169.2 +/- 0.75 nm with a polydispersity index of 0.371 that exhibits uniform
      dispersion. Further, the nanopermethrin (NP) dispersion exhibited an effective
      stability in the paddy field water for a duration of 48 h with a Z average of
      177.3 +/- 1.2 nm and a zeta potential of -30.7 +/- 0.9 mV. The LC50 of the
      nanopermethrin against Culex tritaeniorhynchus in the field condition was found
      to be 0.051 MUg/mL. In addition to the stability assessment, the biosafety of the
      nanopermethrin was commenced on the beneficial bacterial isolate Enterobacter
      ludwigii (VITSPR1) considered as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria. The toxic
      effect of nanopesticide was compared to its bulk counterpart, i.e. bulk
      permethrin (BP) at a concentration of 100 ug/mL, and the nanopesticide was found
      to be potentially safe. The results of biomarker enzymatic assays (lipid
      peroxidase, glutathione reductase, lactate dehydrogenase) displayed insignificant
      (p < 0.05) toxicity of NP towards the bacterial cells compared to BP. The live
      dead cell staining and SEM analysis illustrated negligible toxicity of NP towards
      the bacteria. The non-toxic behaviour of the NP towards the non-target species
      was studied which displayed the eco-safe property of NP.

PMID- 27672047
TI  - Biochemical Characterization of Extracellular Cellulase from Tuber maculatum
      Mycelium Produced Under Submerged Fermentation.
AB  - Interaction of truffle mycelium with the host plant involves the excretion of
      extracellular enzymes. The ability of Tuber maculatum mycelium to produce an
      extracellular cellulase during submerged fermentation was demonstrated for the
      first time. T. maculatum mycelia were isolated and tested for extracellular
      cellulase production at variable pH on solid agar medium, and the highest
      activity was observed at pH 7.0. Furthermore, T. maculatum was subjected to
      submerged fermentation in basal salt medium for cellulase production. Under
      optimized conditions using sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (0.5 % w/v) as carbon
      source and an initial pH of 7.0, the enzyme production yielded 1.70 U/mL of
      cellulase in the cell-free supernatant after 7 days of incubation time. The
      optimum of the obtained cellulase's activity was at pH 5.0 and a temperature of
      50  degrees C. The enzyme showed good thermostability at 50  degrees C by
      retaining 99 % of its maximal activity over an incubation time of 100 min. The
      cellulase activity was inhibited by Fe2+ and slightly activated by Mn2+ and Cu2+
      at 1 mM concentration. The results indicated that truffle mycelium is utilizing
      cellulosic energy source in the root system, and the optimal conditions are those
      existing in the acidic Finnish soil.

PMID- 27672049
TI  - In vitro evolution of phi29 DNA polymerase using isothermal compartmentalized
      self replication technique.
AB  - Compartmentalized self replication (CSR) is widely used for in vitro evolution of
      thermostable DNA polymerases able to perform PCR in emulsion. We have modified
      and adapted CSR technique for isothermal DNA amplification using mezophilic phi29
      DNA polymerase and whole genome amplification (WGA) reaction. In standard CSR
      emulsified bacterial cells are disrupted during denaturation step (94-96 degrees
      C) in the first circles of PCR. Released plasmid DNA that encodes target
      polymerase and the thermophilic enzyme complement the emulsified PCR reaction
      mixture and start polymerase gene amplification. To be able to select for
      mezophilic enzymes we have employed multiple freezing-thawing cycles of emulsion
      as a bacterial cell wall disruption step instead of high temperature incubation.
      Subsequently WGA like plasmid DNA amplification could be performed by phi29 DNA
      polymerase applying different selection pressure conditions (temperature, buffer
      composition, modified dNTP, time, etc.). In our case the library of random phi29
      DNA polymerase mutants was subjected to seven selection rounds of isothermal CSR
      (iCSR). After the selection polymerase variant containing the most frequent
      mutations was constructed and characterized. The mutant phi29 DNA polymerase can
      perform WGA at elevated temperatures (40-42 degrees C), generate two to five
      times more of DNA amplification products, and has significantly increased half
      life at 30 and 40 degrees C, both in the presence or the absence of DNA
      substrate.

PMID- 27672048
TI  - Engineering a minimal G protein to facilitate crystallisation of G protein
      coupled receptors in their active conformation.
AB  - G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) modulate cytoplasmic signalling in response
      to extracellular stimuli, and are important therapeutic targets in a wide range
      of diseases. Structure determination of GPCRs in all activation states is
      important to elucidate the precise mechanism of signal transduction and to
      facilitate optimal drug design. However, due to their inherent instability,
      crystallisation of GPCRs in complex with cytoplasmic signalling proteins, such as
      heterotrimeric G proteins and beta-arrestins, has proved challenging. Here, we
      describe the design of a minimal G protein, mini-Gs, which is composed solely of
      the GTPase domain from the adenylate cyclase stimulating G protein Gs Mini-Gs is
      a small, soluble protein, which efficiently couples GPCRs in the absence of
      Gbetagamma subunits. We engineered mini-Gs, using rational design mutagenesis, to
      form a stable complex with detergent-solubilised beta1-adrenergic receptor
      (beta1AR). Mini G proteins induce similar pharmacological and structural changes
      in GPCRs as heterotrimeric G proteins, but eliminate many of the problems
      associated with crystallisation of these complexes, specifically their large
      size, conformational dynamics and instability in detergent. They are therefore
      novel tools, which will facilitate the biochemical and structural
      characterisation of GPCRs in their active conformation.

PMID- 27672052
TI  - Editorial: Graphene-based materials in nanomedicine.

PMID- 27672050
TI  - Evaluating the potential of a loop-extended scorpion toxin-like peptide as a
      protein scaffold.
AB  - Grafting of exogenous bioactive sites or functional motifs onto structurally
      stable scaffolds to gain new functions represents an important research direction
      in protein engineering. Some engineered proteins have been developed into
      therapeutic drugs. MeuNaTxalpha-3 (abbreviated as MT-3) is a newly characterized
      scorpion sodium channel toxin-like peptide isolated from the venom of the
      scorpion Mesobuthus eupeus, which contains a rigid scaffold highly similar to
      classical scorpion sodium channel toxins and an extension of eight amino acids in
      its J-loop region. This extended loop constitutes a flexible region extruded from
      the scaffold and could be substituted by exogenous functional sequences. In this
      study, we experimentally evaluated the scaffold potential of MT-3 through
      grafting two small antimicrobial motifs to replace residues within the loop.
      Functional assays showed that the two engineered molecules exhibited elevated
      antimicrobial potency, as compared with the unmodified scaffold, without
      structural disruption, providing experimental evidence in favor of MT-3 as a
      promising scaffold in protein engineering.

PMID- 27672051
TI  - Immunohistochemical expression of mucin antigens in gallbladder adenocarcinoma:
      MUC1-positive and MUC2-negative expression Is associated with vessel invasion and
      shortened survival.
AB  - Mucins play pivotal roles in influencing cancer biology, for example affecting
      carcinoma invasion, aggressiveness and/or metastatic potential. Our aim is to
      investigate the significance of expression profiles of two mucins in particular,
      MUC1 and MUC2, their correlations with various clinicopathological features, and
      prognosis in gallbladder adenocarcinoma (GBAC). We performed immunohistochemistry
      from patients with surgically resected GBAC, using antibodies against mucin core
      proteins MUC1/DF3 and MUC2/Ccp58 in 81 paraffin-embedded tumor samples. MUC1 or
      MUC2 expression was considered to be high when >= 20% or 10% of the GBAC cells
      showed positive staining, respectively. High MUC1 expression was revealed to have
      a significant relationship to the presence of pathologically lymphatic and
      vascular invasion, and regional lymph node metastasis. By contrast, high MUC2
      expression showed a significant correlation with pathologically perineural
      invasion, T stage >= 3, and post-operative recurrence. Moreover, MUC1 showed
      significantly positive co-expression and potentially complementary correlations
      with MUC2. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that the high MUC1 expression group
      had significantly shorter disease-specific survival times. However, the
      combination of both high MUC1 and MUC2 expression did not predict worse outcome
      in GBACs. Therefore, although each mucin has a somewhat important role in the
      pathogenesis of GBAC progression, MUC1 can independently predict vessel invasion
      and poor prognosis in patients with GBAC. The detection of MUC1 might well offer
      a useful parameter for providing clinical management and treatment against
      postsurgical GBACs.

PMID- 27672053
TI  - The Association between Alcohol Consumption and Breast Density: A Systematic
      Review and Meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Percent breast density (PBD) is a strong risk factor for breast
      cancer that is influenced by several other risk factors for the disease. Alcohol
      consumption is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer with an
      uncertain association with PBD. We have carried out a systematic review and meta
      analysis to examine the association of alcohol consumption with PBD. METHODS: We
      searched nine databases to identify all relevant studies on the association
      between alcohol intake and breast density. Two independent investigators
      evaluated and selected 20 studies that were included in our analyses. We divided
      the studies into three groups according to the methods used to measure and
      analyze the association of breast density with alcohol consumption. RESULTS: Meta
      analysis of the 11 studies that used quantitative methods to measure and analyze
      PBD as a continuous variable found a statistically significant difference in PBD
      when comparing the highest with the lowest alcohol level [beta = 0.84; 95%
      confidence interval (CI), 0.12-1.56]. Three studies that used quantitative
      methods to measure PBD and categories of PBD for analysis had a summary OR = 1.81
      (95% CI, 1.07-3.04). Five studies that used categories to classify PBD and
      analyze their association with alcohol intake had a summary OR = 1.78 (95% CI,
      0.90-3.51). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that there is a positive
      association between alcohol intake and PBD. IMPACT: Alcohol may increase the risk
      of breast cancer associated with PBD. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(2);
      170-8. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27672055
TI  - Is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease a Risk Factor for Ovarian Cancer?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) has been proposed as a risk factor
      for ovarian cancer. However, the existing literature on the association between
      PID and ovarian cancer risk is inconclusive, and only few cohort studies have
      been conducted. METHODS: Using nationwide Danish registries, we conducted a
      population-based cohort study including all women from the birth cohorts 1940 to
      1970 in Denmark during 1978-2012 (n = 1,318,929) to investigate the association
      between PID and subsequent risk of epithelial ovarian cancer. Among women in the
      cohort, 81,281 women were diagnosed with PID and 5,356 women developed ovarian
      cancer during follow-up through 2012. Cox regression models were used to estimate
      HRs and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between PID and ovarian
      cancer, both overall and according to histotype. RESULTS: For ovarian cancer
      overall, we observed no association with PID (HR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.92-1.20).
      However, in histotype-specific analyses, we found a statistically significantly
      increased risk of serous ovarian cancer among women with PID (HR, 1.19; 1.00
      1.41; P = 0.047). Conversely, PID was not convincingly associated with risk of
      any of the other histotypes of ovarian cancer. CONCLUSIONS: PID was associated
      with a modestly increased risk of serous ovarian cancer, but not other
      histotypes. IMPACT: Our results indicate that PID is not a strong risk factor for
      ovarian cancer. Whether PID is slightly associated with risk of serous ovarian
      cancer has to be confirmed in other studies. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev;
      26(1); 104-9. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27672056
TI  - Molecular Subtypes of Breast Cancer: Long-term Incidence Trends and Prognostic
      Differences.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Secular trends in incidence and prognosis of molecular breast cancer
      subtypes are poorly described. We studied long-term trends in a population of
      Norwegian women born 1886-1977. METHODS: A total of 52,949 women were followed
      for breast cancer incidence, and 1,423 tumors were reclassified into molecular
      subtypes using IHC and in situ hybridization. We compared incidence rates among
      women born 1886-1928 and 1929-1977, estimated age-specific incidence rate ratios
      (IRR), and performed multiple imputations to account for unknown subtype.
      Prognosis was compared for women diagnosed before 1995 and in 1995 or later,
      estimating cumulative risk of death and HRs. RESULTS: Between 50 and 69 years of
      age, incidence rates of Luminal A and Luminal B (HER2-) were higher among women
      born in 1929 or later, compared with before 1929 [IRRs 50-54 years; after
      imputations: 3.5; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.8-6.9 and 2.5; 95% CI, 1.2-5.2,
      respectively], with no clear differences for other subtypes. Rates of death were
      lower in women diagnosed in 1995 or later, compared to before 1995, for Luminal A
      (HR 0.4; 95% CI, 0.3-0.5), Luminal B (HER2-; HR 0.5; 95% CI, 0.3-0.7), and Basal
      phenotype (HR 0.4; 95% CI, 0.2-0.9). CONCLUSIONS: We found a strong secular
      incidence increase restricted to Luminal A and Luminal B (HER2-) subtypes,
      combined with a markedly improved prognosis for these subtypes and for the Basal
      phenotype. IMPACT: This study documents a clear secular increase in incidence and
      a concomitant improved prognosis for specific molecular breast cancer subtypes.
      Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(12); 1625-34. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27672054
TI  - Shifts in the Fecal Microbiota Associated with Adenomatous Polyps.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adenomatous polyps are the most common precursor to colorectal
      cancer, the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. We
      sought to learn more about early events of carcinogenesis by investigating shifts
      in the gut microbiota of patients with adenomas. METHODS: We analyzed 16S rRNA
      gene sequences from the fecal microbiota of patients with adenomas (n = 233) and
      without (n = 547). RESULTS: Multiple taxa were significantly more abundant in
      patients with adenomas, including Bilophila, Desulfovibrio, proinflammatory
      bacteria in the genus Mogibacterium, and multiple Bacteroidetes species. Patients
      without adenomas had greater abundances of Veillonella, Firmicutes (Order
      Clostridia), and Actinobacteria (family Bifidobacteriales). Our findings were
      consistent with previously reported shifts in the gut microbiota of colorectal
      cancer patients. Importantly, the altered adenoma profile is predicted to
      increase primary and secondary bile acid production, as well as starch, sucrose,
      lipid, and phenylpropanoid metabolism. CONCLUSIONS: These data hint that
      increased sugar, protein, and lipid metabolism along with increased bile acid
      production could promote a colonic environment that supports the growth of bile
      tolerant microbes such as Bilophilia and Desulfovibrio In turn, these microbes
      may produce genotoxic or inflammatory metabolites such as H2S and secondary bile
      acids, which could play a role in catalyzing adenoma development and eventually
      colorectal cancer. IMPACT: This study suggests a plausible biological mechanism
      to explain the links between shifts in the microbiota and colorectal cancer. This
      represents a first step toward resolving the complex interactions that shape the
      adenoma-carcinoma sequence of colorectal cancer and may facilitate personalized
      therapeutics focused on the microbiota. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(1);
      85-94. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27672057
TI  - Once Again: Oribatid Mites and Skin Alkaloids in Poison Frogs.

PMID- 27672058
TI  - Response to Heethoff, Norton, and Raspotnig: Ant and Mite Diversity Drives Toxin
      Variation in the Little Devil Poison Frog and Erratum.
AB  - Our recent publication titled "Ant and Mite Diversity Drives Toxin Variation in
      the Little Devil Poison Frog" aimed to describe how variation in diet contributes
      to population differences in toxin profiles of poison frogs. Some poison frogs
      (Family Dendrobatidae) sequester alkaloid toxins from their arthropod diet, which
      is composed mainly of ants and mites. Our publication demonstrated that
      arthropods from the stomach contents of three different frog populations were
      diverse in both chemistry and species composition. To make progress towards
      understanding this trophic relationship, our main goal was to identify alkaloids
      that are found in either ants or mites. With the remaining samples that were not
      used for chemical analysis, we attempted to identify the arthropods using DNA
      barcoding of cytochrome oxidase 1 (CO1). The critique of Heethoff, Norton, and
      Raspotnig refers to the genetic analysis of a small number of mites. Here, we
      respond to the general argument of the critique as well as other minor issues
      detailed by Heethoff, Norton, and Raspotnig.

PMID- 27672059
TI  - Treatment satisfaction of home-based telehealth versus in-person delivery of
      prolonged exposure for combat-related PTSD in veterans.
AB  - Introduction Although there is growing support that evidence-based
      psychotherapies (EBPs) delivered in-person and through telehealth are equivalent
      in terms of symptom reduction for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), there has
      been far less investigation comparing these treatment modalities in terms of
      patient satisfaction. The present study investigated participant satisfaction and
      perception of the quality of service delivery within a clinical trial comparing
      the delivery of an EBP, Prolonged Exposure (PE) for PTSD, through home-based
      telehealth and in-person services. Methods Veterans ( N = 67) with PTSD were
      randomized to receive PE via video telehealth technology ( n = 27) or via in
      person delivery ( n = 40). Participants completed service demographic questions,
      PTSD symptom assessments, and satisfaction and service delivery perception
      questionnaires. Results Analyses of covariance were used to investigate the
      influence of treatment modality on patient satisfaction and perceived quality of
      service delivery, while controlling for demographics and PTSD symptoms. No
      differences were observed on the majority of measures, with the exception of
      participants in the telehealth condition endorsing willingness to drive further
      for telehealth services as compared with participants in the in-person condition.
      Discussion Findings illustrate participant satisfaction and acceptance of EBPs
      delivered via telehealth at a level consistent with that of in-person services.
      Preliminary findings suggest that the experience of receiving telehealth services
      may be associated with increased willingness to participate in telehealth
      services again. Together, these findings of patient satisfaction and acceptance
      of telehealth services support the ongoing delivery of EBPs via telehealth as
      well as their future expansion.

PMID- 27672060
TI  - Disruption of beta3 adrenergic receptor increases susceptibility to DIO in mouse.
AB  - The brown adipose tissue (BAT) mediates adaptive changes in metabolic rate by
      responding to the sympathetic nervous system through beta-adrenergic receptors
      (AR). Here, we wished to define the role played by the ARbeta3 isoform in this
      process. This study focused on the ARbeta3 knockout mice (ARbeta3KO), including
      responsiveness to cold exposure, diet-induced obesity, intolerance to glucose,
      dyslipidaemia and lipolysis in white adipose tissue (WAT). ARbeta3KO mice defend
      core temperature during cold exposure (4 degrees C for 5 h), with faster BAT
      thermal response to norepinephrine (NE) infusion when compared with wild-type
      (WT) mice. Despite normal BAT thermogenesis, ARbeta3KO mice kept on a high-fat
      diet (HFD; 40% fat) for 8 weeks exhibited greater susceptibility to diet-induced
      obesity, markedly increased epididymal adipocyte area with clear signs of
      inflammation. The HFD-induced glucose intolerance was similar in both groups but
      serum hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia were less intense in
      ARbeta3KO animals when compared with WT controls. Isoproterenol-induced lipolysis
      in isolated white adipocytes as assessed by glycerol release was significantly
      impaired in ARbeta3KO animals despite normal expression of key proteins involved
      in lipid metabolism. In conclusion, ARbeta3 inactivation does not affect BAT
      thermogenesis but increases susceptibility to diet-induced obesity by dampening
      WAT lipolytic response to adrenergic stimulation.

PMID- 27672062
TI  - Biomechanical Analysis of Stability of Posterior Antiglide Plating in
      Osteoporotic Pronation Abduction Ankle Fracture Model With Posterior Tibial
      Fragment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We performed a biomechanical comparison of 2 methods for operative
      stabilization of pronation-abduction stage III ankle fractures; group 1: Anterior
      posterior lag screws fixing the posterior tibial fragment and lateral fibula
      plating (LSLFP) versus group 2: locked plate fixation of the posterior tibial
      fragment and posterior antiglide plate fixation of the fibula (LPFP). METHODS:
      Seven pairs of fresh-frozen osteoligamentous lower leg specimens (2 male, and 5
      female donors) were used for the biomechanical testing. Bone mineral density
      (BMD) of each specimen was assessed by means of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry.
      After open transection of the deltoid ligament, an osteotomy model of pronation
      abduction stage III ankle fracture was created. Specimens were systematically
      assigned to LSLFP (group 1, left ankles) or LPPFP (group 2, right ankles). After
      surgery, all specimens were evaluated via CT to verify reduction and fixation.
      Axial load was then applied onto each specimen using a servohydraulic testing
      machine starting from 0 N (Zwick/Roell, Ulm, Germany) at a speed of 10 N/s with
      the foot fixed in a 10 degrees pronation and 15 degrees dorsiflexion position.
      Construct stiffness, yield, and ultimate strength were measured and dislocation
      patterns were documented with a high-speed camera. The normal distribution of all
      data was analyzed using Shapiro-Wilk test. The group comparison was performed
      using paired Student t test. Statistical significance was assumed at a P value of
      .05. RESULTS: All specimens had BMD values consistent with osteoporosis. BMD
      values did not differ between the left and right ankles of the same pair ( P =
      .762). The mean BMD values between feet of men (0.603 g/cm2) and women (0.329
      g/cm2) were statistically different ( P = .005). The ultimate strength for LSLFP
      (group 1) with 1139 +/- 669 N and LPPFP (group 2) with 2008 +/- 943 N was
      statistically different ( P = .036) as well as the yield in LSLFP (group 1) 812
      +/- 452 N and LPPFD (group 2) 1292 +/- 625 N ( P = .016). Construct stiffness
      trended to be higher in group 2 (179 +/- 100 kNn) compared to group 1 (127 +/- 73
      kN/m) but this difference was not statistically significant ( P = .120). BMD
      correlated with bone-construct failure. CONCLUSION: Fixation of the posterior
      tibial edge with a posterolateral locking plate resulted in higher biomechanical
      stability than anterior-posterior lag screw fixation in an osteoporotic pronation
      abduction fracture model. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The clinical implication of this
      biomechanical study is that the posterior antiglide plating might be advantageous
      in patients with osteoporotic pronation abduction stage III ankle fracture.

PMID- 27672063
TI  - Correction of Hallux Valgus Interphalangeus With an Osteotomy of the Distal End
      of the Proximal Phalanx (Distal Akin Osteotomy).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Operative correction of a symptomatic hallux valgus interphalangeus
      (HVI) deformity is often achieved with an osteotomy at the proximal end of the
      proximal phalanx (Akin osteotomy). However, the apex of the typical HVI deformity
      (center of rotation angle) is at the interphalangeal joint of the hallux. This
      study was done to evaluate the results of performing a medial closing wedge
      osteotomy at the distal end of the proximal phalanx. METHODS: Thirty-three
      patients (33 feet) underwent an osteotomy at the distal end of the proximal
      phalanx for correction of HVI. All of the patients had other forefoot deformities
      which were corrected at the same time. Eight of these were revision procedures of
      prior forefoot operations. The length of follow-up was determined by the
      associated procedures with a minimum follow-up of 4 months. RESULTS: The
      preoperative hallux valgus interphalangeus angle averaged 16 degrees of valgus
      (range 7-32 degrees) and was corrected to an average of 2 degrees of valgus
      (range 5 degrees valgus to 5 degrees varus). All of the patients were satisfied
      with the postoperative appearance and function of the first toe. Because of
      simultaneous correction of numerous other forefoot problems, it was not possible
      to specifically isolate or evaluate the effects and benefits of this osteotomy
      using outcomes measures. There was one intraoperative complication resulting in a
      fracture extending into the adjacent IP joint. CONCLUSIONS: Correction of an HVI
      deformity can be achieved with an osteotomy at the distal end of the proximal
      phalanx. This was a safe technique with few complications and with good results
      in terms of both correction and patient satisfaction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level
      IV, retrospective case series.

PMID- 27672061
TI  - Oncological outcomes of function-preserving gastrectomy for early gastric cancer:
      a multicenter propensity score matched cohort analysis comparing pylorus
      preserving gastrectomy versus conventional distal gastrectomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to clarify the oncological safety of pylorus
      preserving gastrectomy (PPG) compared with conventional distal gastrectomy (DG).
      METHODS: From three institutions specializing in cancer, the medical records for
      a cohort of 2898 consecutive patients who had undergone DG (n = 2208) or PPG (n =
      690) for clinical stage I gastric cancer between January 2006 and December 2012
      were analyzed. A propensity score for each patient was estimated on the basis of
      38 preoperative clinical and tumor-related factors. After propensity score
      matching had been done, 1004 patients (502 DG patients, 502 PPG patients) were
      included in the analysis. The overall survival, relapse-free survival, and
      occurrence of secondary gastric cancer were then compared. The median observation
      period was 48.6 months (range 1-109.8 months). RESULTS: The 5-year overall
      survival rate was 98.4 % for the PPG group and 96.6 % for the DG group (hazard
      ratio 0.48, 95 % confidence interval 0.21-1.09, P = 0.07). The 3-year relapse
      free survival rate was 99.5 % for the PPG group and 98.0 % for the DG group
      (hazard ratio 0.39, 95 % confidence interval 0.12-1.33, P = 0.12). Postoperative
      secondary gastric cancer was encountered in eight patients (1.6 %) in the PPG
      group and four patients (0.8 %) in the DG group. No significant differences in
      either overall survival, relapse-free survival, or the occurrence of secondary
      gastric cancer were observed between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Given the
      adequate estimation of the clinical tumor stage, the oncological safety of PPG
      for clinical T1N0 gastric cancer in the middle portion of the stomach was
      comparable to that of DG.

PMID- 27672064
TI  - Ethnic differences in coronary plaque and epicardial fat volume quantified using
      computed tomography.
AB  - Epidemiological studies observed a higher prevalence of coronary atherosclerosis
      in South Asians when compared to Caucasians, but quantitative computed tomography
      differences in aggregate plaque volume (APV) and epicardial fat volume (EFV)
      between South Asians, Southeast or East Asians (SEEAs) and Caucasians remain
      unknown. We aimed to compare APV and EFV quantified on computed-tomographic
      coronary-angiography (CTCA) between South Asian, SEEA and Caucasian populations
      residing in Australia. Age, gender and body-mass-index matched subjects from
      three ethnic groups who underwent clinically indicated 320-detector CTCA were
      retrospectively analysed. Percentage APV in the first 5 cm of the left anterior
      descending artery (LAD) and EFV were quantified using dedicated software (Vital
      Images, USA). One-hundred-and-fifty subjects (average age = 57.7 years, 56 %
      male, n = 50 in each ethnic group) were analysed. Mean LAD percentage APV was
      highest in South Asians (44.5 +/- 8.4 % vs. 37.5 +/- 6.5 % in SEEAs and 39.5 +/-
      6.4 % in Caucasians, P = 0.00001). South Asian ethnicity predicted LAD APV above
      traditional risk factors on multivariate analysis (P = 0.000002). EFV was
      significantly higher in both South Asians (103.2 +/- 41.7 cm3 vs. 85.8 +/- 39.4
      cm3, P = 0.035) and SEEAs (110.8 +/- 36.9 cm3 vs. 85.8 +/- 39.4 cm3, P = 0.001)
      when compared with Caucasians. In this cohort LAD percentage APV and EFV, as
      quantified on CTCA, differs between South Asians, SEEA and Caucasian populations,
      with higher LAD APV observed in South Asians and lower EFV in Caucasians.
      Atherosclerotic volume in LAD was best predicted by South Asian ethnicity above
      traditional risk factors and EFV. Further research is required to establish
      whether APV and EFV quantification can improve cardiac risk prediction in the
      South Asian population.

PMID- 27672065
TI  - Balloon pulmonary angioplasty improves interventricular dyssynchrony in patients
      with inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: a cardiac MR
      imaging study.
AB  - To use cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to investigate the effect of
      balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) on interventricular dyssynchrony and its
      associations with ventricular interaction, which impairs LV function in patients
      with inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). This
      prospective observational study was approved by our institutional review board.
      Cardiac MRI and right heart catheterization were conducted before BPA sessions
      and at the follow up after BPA in 20 patients with CTEPH. We measured right
      ventricular (RV) and left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic volume (EDV), end
      systolic volume (ESV), stroke volume (SV), and ejection fraction (EF) using MRI.
      For the LV and RV free walls, the time to peak (Tpeak) of circumferential strain
      was calculated as a parameter for interventricular dyssynchrony. Following BPA,
      the RV-EDV and -ESV were significantly decreased, and the RVEF was significantly
      increased. Conversely, BPA led to significantly increased LV EDV and SV without
      changing LVESV. The left-to-right free wall delay (L-R delay) in Tpeak strain
      decreased from 105 +/- 44 ms to 47 +/- 67 ms (p < 0.001). Increased LV EDV (r =
      0.65, p < 0.01), SV (r = 0.74, p < 0.001) and 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) (r =
      0.54, p < 0.05) were correlated to the reduction in L-R delay. In patients with
      inoperable CPEPH, BPA improved interventricular dyssynchrony, which was strongly
      associated with increased SV and 6MWD. The assessment of interventricular
      dyssynchrony using cardiac MRI has an important role in evaluating ventricular
      interaction, which reduces LVSV and exercise tolerance.

PMID- 27672066
TI  - Persons with allergy symptoms use alternative medicine more often.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study is to indicate the relation between the use of
      alternative medicine and the occurrence of allergic diseases in the Polish
      population of adults in the age of 20-44 years. Moreover the additional aim of
      the study is to define the relation between the sex, age and place of living and
      the use of alternative medicine. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The data from the project
      Epidemiology of Allergic Diseases in Poland (ECAP) has been used for analysis.
      This project was a continuation of the European Community Respiratory Health
      Survey II. The questions on alternative medicine were asked to the group of 4671
      respondents in the age of 20-44 years. Additionally outpatient tests were
      performed in order to confirm the diagnosis of allergic diseases. RESULTS: The
      total of 22.2% of respondents that participated in the study have ever used
      alternative medicine (n = 4621). A statistically significant relation between the
      use of alternative medicine and declaration of allergic diseases and asthma
      symptoms has been demonstrated (p < 0.001). No statistically significant relation
      between the use of alternative medicine by persons diagnosed by a doctor with any
      form of asthma or seasonal allergic rhinitis (p > 0.05) has been demonstrated.
      CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of allergic diseases and asthma influences the
      frequency of alternative medicine use. However the frequency of alternative
      medicine use does not depend on allergic disease or asthma being confirmed by a
      doctor.

PMID- 27672067
TI  - Effect of obesity and metabolic syndrome on severity, quality of life, sleep
      quality and inflammatory markers in patients of asthma in India.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The study aimed to compare the effect of obesity with and without
      metabolic syndrome on asthma severity, quality of life, sleep quality, sleep
      disordered breathing and inflammatory markers as compared to non-obese asthma
      patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 60 asthma patients recruited for the study were
      divided equally into non-obese (NOA), obese without metabolic syndrome (OANMS)
      and obese with metabolic syndrome (OAMS) groups. Study cohorts were assessed for
      severity of asthma, quality of life and quality of sleep using questionnaires and
      inflammatory markers (FENO, hs-CRP, IL-5, IL-6 and leptin). Institutional ethical
      committee approved the study. RESULTS: The results suggests OAMS patients may be
      a subtype of asthmatics having significantly severe asthma (p < 0.05), poor
      quality of life (p < 0.05), high risk of OSA (p< 0.05), decreased lung volumes
      (FRC) (p< 0.05), higher levels of inflammatory markers (leptin and IL-6) (p <
      0.05), and high incidence of sleep disordered breathing (p < 0.05) in comparison
      to NOA and OANMS patients. CONCLUSIONS: The present study has shown that obese
      asthmatics especially with metabolic syndrome represent a subtype of asthmatic
      population. Hence, the treatment of metabolic syndrome may be necessary in
      addition to asthma to achieve optimal control.

PMID- 27672069
TI  - The incidence of tuberculosis transmission among family members and outside
      households.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The risk of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) infection is
      correlated with the concentration of infectious particles and exposure time. In
      closed populations, healthy people staying in very frequent, close and prolonged
      contact with a smear-positive person, become infected and represent another link
      in the chain of transmission of the disease. Therefore, in the fight against
      tuberculosis, an important element is quick identification of the patient and
      potentially infected people from his environment. In epidemiological
      investigation of tuberculosis (TB), family members are brought under special
      control as they are particularly exposed to transmission of infectious diseases.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 150 patients with bacteriologically
      confirmed tuberculosis who were members of 59 families. In the years 2003-2013
      this population represented all TB cases detected in Poland in a family
      environment.Three PCR-based genotyping methods: spoligotyping, IS6110-Mtb1-Mtb2
      PCR and MIRU-VNTR typing were used. RESULTS: Of 150 patients, 138 could be
      assigned to intra-household transmission on the basis of identical DNA
      fingerprints upon a combined typing approach. For 12 patients in 6 households,
      the M. tuberculosis isolates were clearly distinct in individual analysis -
      IS6110-Mtb1-Mtb2 PCR, spoligotyping or MIRU-VNTR typing or in three genotyping
      methods, suggesting that these patients were infected by the sources in the
      community. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis confirmed the transmission of tuberculosis
      among members of 53 families. In the remaining 6 families the source of infection
      were people outside the households. In all families with young children, strains
      isolated from them have identical DNA patterns as strains obtained from their
      adult caregivers. To confirm the transmission of TB in the study population of
      patients, epidemiological analysis required the addition of a genotyping methods
      characterised by high discriminatory power.

PMID- 27672068
TI  - Centrilobular nodules in high resolution computed tomography of the lung in IPAH
      patients - preliminary data concerning clinico-radiological correlates.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Inhomogeneity of lung attenuation pattern is observed in high
      resolution chest computed tomography (HRCT) in some IPAH patients despite lack of
      interstitial lung disease. Such radiological changes are described either as ill
      defined centrilobular nodules (CN) or as focal ground glass opacities (FGGO).
      There is no consensus in the literature, whether they indicate the distinct type
      of IPAH, or pulmonary venoocclusive disease (PVOD) with subtle radiological
      changes. Thus the aim of the present pilot study was to assess the frequency and
      clinical significance of inhomogenic lung attenuation pattern in IPAH. MATERIAL
      AND METHODS: 52 IPAH patients (38 females, 14 males, mean age 41 years +/- 15
      years), entered the study. All available chest CT scans were reviewed
      retrospectively by the experienced radiologist, not aware about the clinical data
      of the patients. RESULTS: CN were found in 10 patients (19%), FGGO - in 12
      patients (23%). No lymphadenopathy or interlobular septal thickening suggestive
      of PVOD were found. The significant differences between CN and the remaining
      patients included: lower mean age - 31 and 43.5 years, (p = 0.02), lack of
      persistent foramen ovale (PFO) - 0% and 43% (p = 0.03), and higher mean right
      atrial pressure (mRAP) - 12.5 mm Hg and 7.94 mm Hg (p = 0.01). No significant
      survival differences were observed between the groups of CN, FGGO and the
      remaining patients. CONCLUSION: Centrilobular nodules in IPAH were combined with
      lack of PFO, higher mRAP and younger age of patients.

PMID- 27672070
TI  - Musculosceletal tuberculosis with involvement of tendon sheaths and formation of
      synovial cyst.
AB  - Due to an increasing amount of patients on immunosuppressive treatment, the
      number of tuberculosis (TB) of atypical course and extrapulmonary tuberculosis
      cases increase. Locomotor system is a place of every fifth case of extrapulmonary
      TB. Because of lack of characteristic symptoms, as well as rare co-occurrence of
      active lung lesions in radiological imaging, proper diagnosis is hard to
      establish. We present a case of patient on immunosuppressive therapy due to
      myositis, in whom we diagnosed musculoskeletal tuberculosis in form of
      involvement of tendon sheath and formation of synovial cyst. 

PMID- 27672071
TI  - Hemoptysis in a patient with multifocal primary pulmonary angiosarcoma.
AB  - Primary pulmonary angiosarcoma (PPA) is a rare tumour arising from arterial or
      venous pulmonary vessels of various size. It is characterized by aggressive
      course and poor prognosis. The early diagnosis is difficult due to diverse
      clinical and radiological manifestations. We present a case report of 70 year-old
      man, active cigarette-smoker, with a 2-month history of non-massive hemoptysis.
      The thorax CT revealed several solid pulmonary nodules surrounded by areas of
      ground glass opacity. As bronchoscopy failed to deliver adequate tissue samples,
      video assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) with pleura and lung biopsy was necessary.
      Histopathological findings were consistent with pulmonary angiosarcoma. Since no
      extrapulmonary lesions were demonstrated, the final diagnosis of primary
      pulmonary angiosarcoma was made. The patient died three months after the onset of
      symptoms. Our case report highlights that differential diagnosis in patients with
      hemoptysis and pulmonary nodules should include primary pulmonary sarcoma. 

PMID- 27672072
TI  - The role of the TGF-SMAD signalling pathway in the etiopathogenesis of severe
      asthma.
AB  - Asthma is a chronic inflammatory heterogeneous disease of the lower respiratory
      tract characterised by the occurrence of bronchial hyper-responsiveness and
      paroxysmal, changeable bronchial obstruction. Transforming growth factor-beta
      (TGF-b) is one of the cytokines involved in mediating airway inflammation and
      remodelling. The level of TGF-b1 gene expression correlates with severity of
      symptoms. Alterations in the main SMAD signal transmission, overexpression of TGF
      b genes and changes in the transcriptome cause excessive secretion of TGF-b and
      its increased expression in target cells, which clinically induces a moderate
      severe or severe course of asthma as well as an earlier and faster disease
      progression. Knowledge of these processes allows clinicians to assess immune
      responses in patients, which affects adequate disease control and prevention of
      remodelling. 

PMID- 27672073
TI  - Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and hypothyroidism - merely concurrence or
      causal association?
AB  - The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) ranges from 4
      to 7% in men and from 2 to 5% in women. Its deleterious consequences such as
      traffic accidents, cardiovascular complications increasing morbidity and
      mortality, make it a major health problem. Apart from obesity (a major risk
      factor for OSAHS), hypothyroid patients are prone to reveal this phenotype.
      Although hypothyroidism seems an acknowledged risk factor for OSAHS, some authors
      report the lack of clinically relevant association. The argument partly depends
      on the increased prevalence of hypothyroidism in OSAHS patients, but the
      epidemiological data is limited and somehow inconsistent; even less is known
      about sub-clinical hypothyroidism in OSAHS patients. Even if frequency of overt
      and sub-clinical hypothyroidism in OSAHS patients is comparable to the general
      population, screening for it seems beneficial, as hormone replacement therapy may
      improve sleep disordered breathing. Unfortunately, this favorable outcome was
      found only in a few studies with limited number of patients with hypothyroidism.
      Yet, despite the lack of international guidelines and no large multicentre
      studies on the topic available, we think that TSH screening might prove
      beneficial in vast majority of OSAHS patients. 

PMID- 27672074
TI  - Margaret McCartney: Breaking down the silo walls.

PMID- 27672075
TI  - Haemoproteus infection status of collared flycatcher males changes within a
      breeding season.
AB  - In ecological studies of haemosporidian parasites, prevalence is typically
      considered as a stable attribute. However, little is known about the possible
      within-host dynamics of these parasites that may originate from environmental
      fluctuations, parasite life cycles and the ability of hosts to suppress or clear
      infection. We sampled the blood of male collared flycatchers Ficedula albicollis
      twice within a breeding season and investigated the determinants of initial
      infection status and change in infection status. We found that older males tended
      to be initially more infected at courtship. Change in infection status was
      unrelated to male traits, but a widespread disappearance of Haemoproteus pallidus
      infection from the blood was detected between courtship and nestling rearing. The
      probability of change in infection status increased with the time elapsed between
      sampling occasions. This suggests that the disappearance of infection from the
      blood was due to either an active parasite suppression mechanism or the beginning
      of the latent phase in the parasite life cycle. Initial infection status or
      disappearance of infection from the blood showed no correlation with breeding
      success. These results show that H. pallidus infection status and thus prevalence
      are dynamically changing attributes and this has widespread practical and
      ecological implications.

PMID- 27672076
TI  - Are atherosclerotic risk factors associated with a poor prognosis in patients
      with hyperuricemic acute heart failure? The evaluation of the causal dependence
      of acute heart failure and hyperuricemia.
AB  - Atherosclerosis induces the elevation of uric acid (UA), and an elevated UA level
      is well known to lead to a poor prognosis in patients with acute heart failure
      (AHF). However, the prognostic value of atherosclerotic risk factors in
      hyperuricemic AHF patients remains to be elucidated. The data from 928 patients
      who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) at Nippon Medical School Chiba
      Hokusoh Hospital between January 2001 and December 2014, and whose serum UA
      levels were measured were screened. A total of 394 AHF patients with
      hyperuricemia were enrolled in this study. The patients were assigned to a low
      risk group (<=1 atherosclerosis risk factor) and a high-risk group (>=2
      atherosclerosis risk factors) according to their number of risk factors. The
      patients in the low-risk group were more likely to have dilated cardiomyopathy,
      clinical scenario 3 than those in the high-risk group. The serum total bilirubin,
      blood urea nitrogen, C-reactive protein, and brain-type natriuretic peptide
      levels were significantly higher in the low-risk group than the high-risk group
      (p < 0.001, p = 0.005, p = 0.003, and p = 0.008, respectively). A multivariate
      Cox regression model revealed that the number of risk factors (number = 1, HR
      (hazard ratio) 0.243, 95 % CI 0.096-0.618, p = 0.003; number = 2, HR 0.253, 95 %
      CI 0.108-0.593, p = 0.002; number >=3, HR 0.209, 95 % CI 0.093-0.472, p < 0.001),
      eGFR (per 1.0 mmol/l increase) (HR 0.977, 95 % CI 0.961-0.994, p = 0.007), and
      serum UA level (per 1 mg/dl increase) (HR 1.270, 95 % CI 1.123-1.435, p < 0.001)
      was an independent predictor of 1-year mortality. The prognosis, including all
      cause death and HF events, was significantly poorer among the low-risk patients
      than among the high-risk patients. Atherosclerotic risk factors were not
      associated with a poor prognosis in patients with hyperuricemic AHF.

PMID- 27672077
TI  - Higher hemoglobin A1c levels are associated with impaired left ventricular
      diastolic function and higher incidence of adverse cardiac events in patients
      with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy.
AB  - We aimed to elucidate the relationship between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c),
      cardiac systolic/diastolic function, and heart failure (HF) prognosis during
      guideline-directed medical therapy in patients with nonischemic dilated
      cardiomyopathy (NIDCM). We evaluated 283 hospitalized NIDCM patients, who were
      grouped according to baseline (BL) and 1-year (1Y) levels of HbA1c (<6.0, 6.0
      6.9, and >=7.0 %). The primary endpoint was defined as either readmission for HF
      worsening or cardiac death. Approximately half of the patients had BL- or 1Y
      HbA1c >=6.0 % (31 % at BL, 34 % at 1Y had 6.0-6.9 %; 12 % at BL, 12 % at 1Y had
      >=7.0 %). The absolute value of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and its
      improvement during 1 year showed no significant difference among the 1Y-HbA1c
      groups (p = 0.273), whereas a lower absolute value and a more significant
      reduction in the early diastolic velocity of the mitral annulus (E a) were seen
      in the group with 1Y-HbA1c >=7.0 % (both p < 0.001). In multiple regression
      analysis, higher 1Y-plasma B-type natriuretic peptide and lower 1Y-Ea were
      independently associated with higher 1Y-HbA1c (both adjusted p < 0.05). The
      cumulative incidence of the primary endpoint was highest in the group with 1Y
      HbA1c >=7.0 % (log-rank p = 0.001). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that
      higher 1Y-HbA1c was independently associated with a higher incidence of the
      primary endpoint (adjusted p = 0.005). In conclusion, hyperglycemia during
      clinical follow-up is a risk factor for progression of concomitant LV abnormal
      relaxation, leading to poor HF prognosis in patients with NIDCM.

PMID- 27672080
TI  - Multichromic Bis-Axially Extended Perylene Chromophore with Schiff Bases:
      Synthesis, Characterization and Electrochemical Studies.
AB  - In the present paper a novel way of symmetric conjugation extension along
      molecular axes of perylene dianhydride chromophore has been devised to achieve
      lengthy delocalized electronic species exhibiting red shifted absorption and
      emission of UV-Visible radiations. During synthetic pathway free amino Schiff
      bases of novel aldehydes with 4-amino acetanilide have been condensed with
      perylene dianhydride in quinoline at high temperature. Bis perylene diimide
      Schiff bases (5a-e) have been synthesized which showed absorption lambdamax at
      461-526 nm and emission at 525-550 nm. Structures of newly obtained compounds
      have been confirmed by 1H and 13C-NMR studies. Cyclic voltammetric analysis of
      these dyes exhibited oxidation and reduction peaks which provide indirect
      evidence for their potential utility as n-type material for sensitization of
      semiconductors in solar cells. LUMO and HOMO energy levels were found in the
      range of -4.21 to -5.20 and -6.75 to -7.57 eV, respectively. Graphical Abstract
      Multi chromic bis-axially extended perylene chromophore with Schiff bases,
      synthesis characterization and electrochemical studies. Ghulam Shabir, Aamer
      Saeed, Muhammad Arshad and Muhammad Zahid.

PMID- 27672081
TI  - Akebia Saponin D Decreases Hepatic Steatosis through Autophagy Modulation.
AB  - Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered to be a hepatic
      manifestation of the metabolic syndrome, and the incidence of NAFLD is increasing
      rapidly. However, appropriate drugs for treatment of NAFLD are lacking. This
      study aimed to elucidate the protective effects and mechanisms of Akebia saponin
      D (ASD) against NAFLD in ob/ob mice and Buffalo rat liver cells. ASD
      significantly decreased hepatic steatosis and hepatocyte apoptosis in ob/ob mice.
      ASD also significantly activated autophagic flux, as assessed by the decreased
      expression of light chain 3 (LC3)-II and P62 accumulation of autophagosomes. In
      Buffalo rat liver cells, ASD prevented oleic acid (OA)-induced lipid droplets and
      increased autophagic flux acting as increase the number of autolysosomes than
      autophagosomes in mTagRFP-mWasabi-LC3. ASD treatment also prevented OA-induced
      expression of LC3-II, P62, Beclin, and phospho-mammalian target of rapamycin.
      These effects were similar to those of cotreatment with rapamycin. ASD treatment
      could not prevent OA-increased, autophagy-related protein expression after
      treatment with chloroquine or small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of atg7.
      These results suggest that ASD alleviates hepatic steatosis targeted at the
      fusion of autophagosomes to lysosomes, and autophagy modulation via ASD may offer
      a new strategy for treating NAFLD.

PMID- 27672078
TI  - Efficacy of Treatment of Non-hereditary Angioedema.
AB  - Non-hereditary angioedema (AE) with normal C1 esterase inhibitor (C1INH) can be
      presumably bradykinin- or mast cell-mediated, or of unknown cause. In this
      systematic review, we searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus to provide an overview
      of the efficacy of different treatment options for the abovementioned subtypes of
      refractory non-hereditary AE with or without wheals and with normal C1INH. After
      study selection and risk of bias assessment, 61 articles were included for data
      extraction and analysis. Therapies were described for angiotensin-converting
      enzyme inhibitor-induced AE (ACEi-AE), for idiopathic AE, and for AE with wheals.
      Described treatments consisted of ecallantide, icatibant, C1INH, fresh frozen
      plasma (FFP), tranexamic acid (TA), and omalizumab. Additionally, individual
      studies for anti-vitamin K, progestin, and methotrexate were found. Safety
      information was available in 26 articles. Most therapies were used off-label and
      in few patients. There is a need for additional studies with a high level of
      evidence. In conclusion, in acute attacks of ACEi-AE and idiopathic AE, treatment
      with icatibant, C1INH, TA, and FFP often leads to symptom relief within 2 h, with
      limited side effects. For prophylactic treatment of idiopathic AE and AE with
      wheals, omalizumab, TA, and C1INH were effective and safe in the majority of
      patients.

PMID- 27672079
TI  - Tocopheryl phosphate mixture (TPM) as a novel lipid-based transdermal drug
      delivery carrier: formulation and evaluation.
AB  - Transdermal drug delivery is a useful route of administration that avoids first
      pass metabolism and more invasive delivery options. However, many drugs require
      enhancers to enable sufficient drug absorption to reach therapeutic effect. Alpha
      tocopheryl phosphate (TP) and di-alpha-tocopheryl phosphate (T2P) are two
      phosphorylated forms of vitamin E which form tocopheryl phosphate mixture (TPM)
      when combined, and have been proposed to enhance the dermal and transdermal
      delivery of actives of interest. Here, we report the physicochemical
      characteristics and morphological properties of TPM formulations, including
      particle size, deformability and morphology, and its ability to facilitate the
      transport of carnosine, vitamin D3, CoEnzyme Q10 and caffeine into, and across,
      the skin. Results demonstrate that TPM self-assembles to form vesicular
      structures in hydroethanolic solutions ranging in mean size from 101 to 162 nM
      depending on the amount of TPM and ethanol present in the formulation. The ratio
      of TP to T2P in TPM formulations altered vesicle size and elasticity, with
      vesicles high in TP found to be more deformable than those rich in T2P. TPM
      produced a significant (p < 0.05) 2.4-3.4-fold increase in the absorption of
      carnosine, vitamin D3, CoEnzyme Q10 and caffeine into, or through, the skin. The
      TPM delivery platform was able to deliver a diverse range of actives with
      differing size and solubility profiles and therefore has significant potential to
      expand the number and types of drugs available for topical application and
      transdermal delivery.

PMID- 27672082
TI  - Application of bacteriocin RC20975 in apple juice.
AB  - Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris is one of the most spoilage-causing bacteria in
      fruit juices. In this paper, controlling A. acidoterrestris in apple juice by
      bacteriocin RC20975 was described. Twenty-one strains of A. acidoterrestris were
      used to investigate the activity spectrum of bacteriocin RC20975 in apple juice
      with the result that 16 strains were sensitive . The ratio of activity in apple
      juice to the activity in laboratory medium was 42%. The reduction of
      antimicrobial activity in apple juice might be due to problems related to its
      interaction with food components. Adsorption of bacteriocin RC20975 to A.
      acidoterrestris cells varied according to the strains and the testing conditions
      (pH and temperatures). In an acid environment (pH 3 and pH 5), the adsorption was
      higher than that of the neutral environment. Dynamic model of killing bacteria
      was built under the condition of different temperatures with the addition of
      bacteriocin. Electron microscopy examination of vegetative cells revealed
      substantial cell damage and bacterial lysis after bacteriocin treatment. Although
      the endospores could not be killed, the addition of bacteriocin RC20975
      contributed to the reduction of the thermal resistance of A. acidoterrestris
      spores in apple juice. In sum, bacteriocin RC20975 was proved to have a good
      effect on killing A. acidoterrestris in apple juice.

PMID- 27672083
TI  - Treatment with Cestode Parasite Antigens Results in Recruitment of CCR2+ Myeloid
      Cells, the Adoptive Transfer of Which Ameliorates Colitis.
AB  - Awareness of the immunological underpinnings of host-parasite interactions may
      reveal immune signaling pathways that could be used to treat inflammatory disease
      in humans. Previously we showed that infection with the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis
      diminuta, used as a model helminth, or systemic delivery of worm antigen (HdAg)
      significantly reduced the severity of dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS)-induced
      colitis in mice. Extending these analyses, intraperitoneal injection of HdAg dose
      dependently suppressed dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis, and this was
      paralleled by reduced gamma interferon (IFN-gamma), interleukin-17 (IL-17), and
      tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) production and increased IL-10 production
      from mitogen-activated splenocytes. Treatment with HdAg resulted in a CCR2
      dependent recruitment of CDllb+ F4/80+ Ly6Chi Gr-1lo monocyte-like cells into the
      peritoneum 24 h later that were predominantly programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1)
      positive and CXCR2 negative. In vitro assays indicated that these cells were
      unable to suppress T cell proliferation but enhanced IL-10 and IL-4 production
      from activated T cells. Adoptive transfer of the HdAg-recruited monocytic cells
      into naive mice blocked DSS-induced colitis. These findings add to the variety of
      means by which treatment with parasitic helminth-derived antigens can ameliorate
      concomitant disease. A precise understanding of the mechanism(s) of action of
      HdAg and other helminth-derived antigens (and a parallel consideration of
      putative side effects) may lead to the development of novel therapies for human
      idiopathic disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease.

PMID- 27672087
TI  - Correction.

PMID- 27672084
TI  - Impact of Moderate Temperature Changes on Neisseria meningitidis Adhesion
      Phenotypes and Proteome.
AB  - Neisseria meningitidis, the meningococcus, bears the potential to cause life
      threatening invasive diseases, but it usually colonizes the nasopharynx without
      causing any symptoms. Within the nasopharynx, Neisseria meningitidis must face
      temperature changes depending on the ambient air temperature. Indeed, the
      nasopharyngeal temperature can be substantially lower than 37 degrees C, the
      temperature commonly used in experimental settings. Here, we compared the levels
      of meningococcal biofilm formation, autoaggregation, and cellular adherence at 32
      degrees C and 37 degrees C and found a clear increase in all these phenotypes at
      32 degrees C suggestive of a stronger in vivo colonization capability at this
      temperature. A comparative proteome analysis approach revealed differential
      protein expression levels between 32 degrees C and 37 degrees C, predominantly
      affecting the bacterial envelope. A total of 375 proteins were detected. Use of
      database annotation or the PSORTb algorithm predicted 49 of those proteins to be
      localized in the outer membrane, 21 in either the inner or outer membrane, 35 in
      the periplasm, 56 in the inner membrane, and 208 in the cytosol; for 6 proteins,
      no annotation or prediction was available. Temperature-dependent regulation of
      protein expression was seen particularly in the periplasm as well as in the outer
      and inner membranes. Neisserial heparin binding antigen (NHBA), NMB1030, and
      adhesin complex protein (ACP) showed the strongest upregulation at 32 degrees C
      and were partially responsible for the observed temperature-dependent phenotypes.
      Screening of different global regulators of Neisseria meningitidis suggested that
      the extracytoplasmic sigma factor sigmaE might be involved in temperature
      dependent biofilm formation. In conclusion, subtle temperature changes trigger
      adaptation events promoting mucosal colonization by meningococci.

PMID- 27672088
TI  - Correction.

PMID- 27672085
TI  - The Bacterial Second Messenger Cyclic di-GMP Regulates Brucella Pathogenesis and
      Leads to Altered Host Immune Response.
AB  - Brucella species are facultative intracellular bacteria that cause brucellosis, a
      chronic debilitating disease significantly impacting global health and
      prosperity. Much remains to be learned about how Brucella spp. succeed in
      sabotaging immune host cells and how Brucella spp. respond to environmental
      challenges. Multiple types of bacteria employ the prokaryotic second messenger
      cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP) to coordinate responses to shifting environments. To
      determine the role of c-di-GMP in Brucella physiology and in shaping host
      Brucella interactions, we utilized c-di-GMP regulatory enzyme deletion mutants.
      Our results show that a DeltabpdA phosphodiesterase mutant producing excess c-di
      GMP displays marked attenuation in vitro and in vivo during later infections.
      Although c-di-GMP is known to stimulate the innate sensor STING, surprisingly,
      the DeltabpdA mutant induced a weaker host immune response than did wild-type
      Brucella or the low-c-di-GMP guanylate cyclase DeltacgsB mutant. Proteomics
      analysis revealed that c-di-GMP regulates several processes critical for
      virulence, including cell wall and biofilm formation, nutrient acquisition, and
      the type IV secretion system. Finally, DeltabpdA mutants exhibited altered
      morphology and were hypersensitive to nutrient-limiting conditions. In summary,
      our results indicate a vital role for c-di-GMP in allowing Brucella to
      successfully navigate stressful and shifting environments to establish
      intracellular infection.

PMID- 27672089
TI  - Efficacy of a remote web-based lung ultrasound training for nephrologists and
      cardiologists: a LUST trial sub-project.
AB  - Within the framework of the LUST trial (LUng water by Ultra-Sound guided
      Treatment to prevent death and cardiovascular events in high-risk end-stage renal
      disease patients), the European Renal and Cardiovascular Medicine (EURECA-m)
      working group of the European Renal Association-European Dialysis Transplant
      Association established a central core lab aimed at training and certifying
      nephrologists and cardiologists participating in this trial. All participants
      were trained by an expert trainer with an entirely web-based programme. Thirty
      nephrologists and 14 cardiologists successfully completed the training. At the
      end of training, a set of 47 lung ultrasound (US) videos was provided to trainees
      who were asked to estimate the number of B-lines in each video. The intraclass
      correlation coefficient (ICC) for the whole series of 47 videos between each
      trainee and the expert trainer was high (average 0.81 +/- 0.21) and >0.70 in all
      but five cases. After further training, the five underperforming trainees
      achieved satisfactory agreement with the expert trainer (average post-retraining
      ICC 0.74 +/- 0.14). The Bland-Altman plot showed virtually no bias (difference
      between the mean 0.03) and strict 95% limits of agreement lines (-1.52 and 1.45
      US B-lines). Only four cases overlapped but did not exceed the same limits.
      Likewise, the Spearman correlation coefficient applied to the same data series
      was very high (r = 0.979, P < 0.0001). Nephrologists and cardiologists can be
      effectively trained to measure lung congestion by an entirely web-based
      programme. This web-based training programme ensures high-quality standardization
      of US B-line measurements and represents a simple, costless and effective
      preparatory step for clinical trials targeting lung congestion.

PMID- 27672090
TI  - Initiation of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents and outcomes: a nationwide
      observational cohort study in anaemic chronic kidney disease patients.
AB  - Background: In 2012, new clinical guidelines were introduced for use of
      erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients,
      recommending lower haemoglobin (Hb) target levels and thresholds for ESA
      initiation. These changes resulted in lower blood levels in these patients.
      However, there is limited evidence on just when ESA should be initiated and the
      safety of a low Hb initiation policy. Methods: In this observational inception
      cohort study, Swedish, nephology-referred, ESA-naive CKD patients (n = 6348) were
      enrolled when their Hb dropped below 12.0 g/L, and they were followed for
      mortality and cardiovascular events. Four different ESA treatments were evaluated
      applying dynamic marginal structural models: (i) begin ESA immediately, (ii)
      begin ESA when Hb <11.0 g/dL, (iii) begin ESA when Hb <10.0 g/dL and (iv) never
      begin ESA in comparison with 'current practice' [the observed (factual) survival
      of the entire study cohort]. The adjusted 3-year survival following ESA begun
      over a range of Hb (from <9.0 to 12.0 g/dL) was evaluated, after adjustment for
      covariates at baseline and during follow-up. Results: Overall, 36% were treated
      with ESA. Mortality during follow-up was 33.4% of the ESA-treated and 27.9% of
      the non-treated subjects. The adjusted 3-year survival associated with ESA
      initiation improved for subjects with initial Hb <9.0 to 11 g/dL and then
      decreased again for those with Hb above 11.5 g/dL. Initiating ESA at Hb <11.0
      g/dL and <10.0 g/dL was associated with improved survival compared with 'current
      practice' [hazard ratio (HR) 0.83; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.79-0.89 and
      0.90; 95% CI 0.86-0.94, respectively] and did not increase the risk of a
      cardiovascular event (HR 0.93; 95% CI 0.87-1.00). Conclusion: In non-dialysis
      patients with CKD, ESA initiation at Hb < 10.0-11.0 g/dL is associated with
      improved survival in patients otherwise treated according to guidelines.

PMID- 27672091
TI  - Identification of Tension Sensing Motif of Histone H3 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
      and Its Regulation by Histone Modifying Enzymes.
AB  - To ensure genome stability during cell division, all chromosomes must attach to
      spindles emanating from the opposite spindle pole bodies before segregation. The
      tension between sister chromatids generated by the poleward pulling force is an
      integral part of chromosome biorientation. In budding yeast, the residue Gly44 of
      histone H3 is critical for retaining the conserved Shugoshin protein Sgo1p at the
      pericentromeres for monitoring the tension status during mitosis. Studies carried
      out in this work showed that Lys42, Gly44, and Thr45 of H3 form the core of a
      tension sensing motif (TSM). Similar to the previously reported G44S mutant,
      K42A, G44A, and T45A alleles all rendered cells unable to respond to erroneous
      spindle attachment, a phenotype suppressed by Sgo1p overexpression. TSM functions
      by physically recruiting or retaining Sgo1p at pericentromeres as evidenced by
      chromatin immunoprecipitation and by in vitro pulldown experiments. Intriguingly,
      the function of TSM is likely regulated by multiple histone modifying enzymes,
      including the histone acetyltransferase Gcn5p, and deacetylases Rpd3p and Hos2p
      Defects caused by TSM mutations can be suppressed by the expression of a
      catalytically inactive mutant of Gcn5p Conversely, G44S mutant cells exhibit
      prominent chromatin instability phenotype in the absence of RPD3 Importantly, the
      gcn5- suppressor restores the tension sensing function in tsm- background in a
      fashion that bypasses the need of stably associating Sgo1p with chromatin. These
      results demonstrate that the TSM of histone H3 is a key component of a mechanism
      that ensures faithful segregation, and that interaction with chromatin modifying
      enzymes may be an important part of the mitotic quality control process.

PMID- 27672093
TI  - Mitotic Spindle Positioning in the EMS Cell of Caenorhabditis elegans Requires
      LET-99 and LIN-5/NuMA.
AB  - Asymmetric divisions produce daughter cells with different fates, and thus are
      critical for animal development. During asymmetric divisions, the mitotic spindle
      must be positioned on a polarized axis to ensure the differential segregation of
      cell fate determinants into the daughter cells. In many cell types, a cortically
      localized complex consisting of Galpha, GPR-1/2, and LIN-5 (Galphai/Pins/Mud,
      Galphai/LGN/NuMA) mediates the recruitment of dynactin/dynein, which exerts
      pulling forces on astral microtubules to physically position the spindle. The
      conserved PAR polarity proteins are known to regulate both cytoplasmic asymmetry
      and spindle positioning in many cases. However, spindle positioning also occurs
      in response to cell signaling cues that appear to be PAR-independent. In the four
      cell Caenorhabditis elegans embryo, Wnt and Mes-1/Src-1 signaling pathways act
      partially redundantly to align the spindle on the anterior/posterior axis of the
      endomesodermal (EMS) precursor cell. It is unclear how those extrinsic signals
      individually contribute to spindle positioning and whether either pathway acts
      via conserved spindle positioning regulators. Here, we genetically test the
      involvement of Galpha, LIN-5, and their negative regulator LET-99, in transducing
      EMS spindle positioning polarity cues. We also examined whether the C. elegans
      ortholog of another spindle positioning regulator, DLG-1, is required. We show
      that LET-99 acts in the Mes-1/Src-1 pathway for spindle positioning. LIN-5 is
      also required for EMS spindle positioning, possibly through a Galpha- and DLG-1
      independent mechanism.

PMID- 27672092
TI  - A Plastic Vegetative Growth Threshold Governs Reproductive Capacity in
      Aspergillus nidulans.
AB  - Ontogenetic phases separating growth from reproduction are a common feature of
      cellular life. Long recognized for flowering plants and animals, early literature
      suggests this life-history component may also be prevalent among multicellular
      fungi. We establish the basis of developmental competence-the capacity to respond
      to induction of asexual development-in the filamentous saprotroph Aspergillus
      nidulans, describing environmental influences, including genotype-by-environment
      interactions among precocious mutants, gene expression associated with wild type
      and precocious competence acquisition, and the genetics of competence timing.
      Environmental effects are consistent with a threshold driven by metabolic rate
      and organism density, with pH playing a particularly strong role in determining
      competence timing. Gene expression diverges significantly over the competence
      window, despite a lack of overt morphological change, with differentiation in key
      metabolic, signaling, and cell trafficking processes. We identify five genes for
      which mutant alleles advance competence timing, including the conserved GTPase
      RasB (AN5832) and ambient pH sensor PalH (AN6886). In all cases examined,
      inheritance of competence timing is complex and non-Mendelian, with F1 progeny
      showing highly variable transgressive timing and dominant parental effects with a
      weak contribution from progeny genotype. Competence provides a new model for
      nutrient-limited life-cycle phases, and their elaboration from unicellular
      origins. Further work is required to establish the hormonal and bioenergetic
      basis of the trait across fungi, and underlying mechanisms of variable
      inheritance.

PMID- 27672094
TI  - Joint Prediction of the Effective Population Size and the Rate of Fixation of
      Deleterious Mutations.
AB  - Mutation, genetic drift, and selection are considered the main factors shaping
      genetic variation in nature. There is a lack, however, of general predictions
      accounting for the mutual interrelation between these factors. In the context of
      the background selection model, we provide a set of equations for the joint
      prediction of the effective population size and the rate of fixation of
      deleterious mutations, which are applicable both to sexual and asexual species.
      For a population of N haploid individuals and a model of deleterious mutations
      with effect s appearing with rate U in a genome L Morgans long, the asymptotic
      effective population size (Ne) and the average number of generations (T) between
      consecutive fixations can be approximated by [Formula: see text] and [Formula:
      see text] The solution is applicable to Muller's ratchet, providing satisfactory
      approximations to the rate of accumulation of mutations for a wide range of
      parameters. We also obtain predictions of the effective size accounting for the
      expected nucleotide diversity. Predictions for sexual populations allow for
      outlining the general conditions where mutational meltdown occurs. The equations
      can be extended to any distribution of mutational effects and the consideration
      of hotspots of recombination, showing that Ne is rather insensitive and not
      proportional to changes in N for many combinations of parameters. This could
      contribute to explain the observed small differences in levels of polymorphism
      between species with very different census sizes.

PMID- 27672095
TI  - Trs33-Containing TRAPP IV: A Novel Autophagy-Specific Ypt1 GEF.
AB  - Ypt/Rab GTPases, key regulators of intracellular trafficking pathways, are
      activated by guanine-nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs). Here, we identify a
      novel GEF complex, TRAPP IV, which regulates Ypt1-mediated autophagy. In the
      yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Ypt1 GTPase is required for the initiation of
      secretion and autophagy, suggesting that it regulates these two distinct
      pathways. However, whether these pathways are coordinated by Ypt1 and by what
      mechanism is still unknown. TRAPP is a conserved modular complex that acts as a
      Ypt/Rab GEF. Two different TRAPP complexes, TRAPP I and the Trs85-containing
      TRAPP III, activate Ypt1 in the secretory and autophagic pathways, respectively.
      Importantly, whereas TRAPP I depletion copies Ypt1 deficiency in secretion,
      depletion of TRAPP III does not fully copy the autophagy phenotypes of autophagy
      specific ypt1 mutations. If GEFs are required for Ypt/Rab function, this
      discrepancy implies the existence of an additional GEF that activates Ypt1 in
      autophagy. Trs33, a nonessential TRAPP subunit, was assigned to TRAPP I without
      functional evidence. We show that in the absence of Trs85, Trs33 is required for
      Ypt1-mediated autophagy and for the recruitment of core-TRAPP and Ypt1 to the
      preautophagosomal structure, which marks the onset of autophagy. In addition,
      Trs33 and Trs85 assemble into distinct TRAPP complexes, and we term the Trs33
      containing autophagy-specific complex TRAPP IV. Because TRAPP I is required for
      Ypt1-mediated secretion, and either TRAPP III or TRAPP IV is required for Ypt1
      mediated autophagy, we propose that pathway-specific GEFs activate Ypt1 in
      secretion and autophagy.

PMID- 27672097
TI  - Working-for-Food Behaviors: A Preclinical Study in Prader-Willi Mutant Mice.
AB  - Abnormal feeding behavior is one of the main symptoms of Prader-Willi syndrome
      (PWS). By studying a PWS mouse mutant line, which carries a paternally inherited
      deletion of the small nucleolar RNA 116 (Snord116), we observed significant
      changes in working-for-food behavioral responses at various timescales. In
      particular, we report that PWS mutant mice show a significant delay compared to
      wild-type littermate controls in responding to both hour-scale and seconds-to
      minutes-scale time intervals. This timing shift in mutant mice is associated with
      better performance in the working-for-food task, and results in better decision
      making in these mutant mice. The results of our study reveal a novel aspect of
      the organization of feeding behavior, and advance the understanding of the
      interplay between the metabolic functions and cognitive mechanisms of PWS.

PMID- 27672098
TI  - A rare but morbid neurosurgical target: petrous aneurysms and their endovascular
      management in the stent/flow diverter era.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: The rarity of petrous internal carotid artery (ICA)
      aneurysms has largely precluded analyses of their presentation and management in
      case series format. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of our
      endovascular database of patients treated from January 2001 to May 2016 to
      identify patients with petrous ICA aneurysms. We evaluated the treatment approach
      and results for patients managed in the era of dedicated intracranial stents and
      flow diverters, noting clinical and angiographic results. RESULTS: Our database
      search identified 10 patients with petrous ICA aneurysms. Six aneurysms were
      managed in the era of dedicated intracranial stents and flow diverters. Two
      patients presented with cranial nerve palsies, two with incidental but enlarging
      aneurysms that had completely eroded through the petrous bone, one with transient
      ischemic attacks, and one with pulsatile tinnitus. Five aneurysms were large and
      one was small but symptomatic. In three cases the aneurysm was treated by flow
      diversion with adjunctive coiling; two patients with at least 4-month follow-up
      had complete occlusion of their aneurysm and significant improvement of mass
      effect symptoms. In one case the aneurysm was treated with balloon-assisted
      coiling with resultant near-complete occlusion. In two cases, prior to the
      introduction of flow diverters, the aneurysm was treated via stent-assisted
      coiling with resultant near-complete obliteration; one patient had resolution of
      pretreatment pulsatile tinnitus. There were no intraprocedural or postprocedural
      complications; no patients underwent retreatment. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular
      treatment of large or symptomatic petrous ICA aneurysms, in the era of flow
      diversion, is associated with excellent angiographic and clinical outcomes.

PMID- 27672096
TI  - The Fitness Effects of Spontaneous Mutations Nearly Unseen by Selection in a
      Bacterium with Multiple Chromosomes.
AB  - Mutation accumulation (MA) experiments employ the strategy of minimizing the
      population size of evolving lineages to greatly reduce effects of selection on
      newly arising mutations. Thus, most mutations fix within MA lines independently
      of their fitness effects. This approach, more recently combined with genome
      sequencing, has detailed the rates, spectra, and biases of different mutational
      processes. However, a quantitative understanding of the fitness effects of
      mutations virtually unseen by selection has remained an untapped opportunity.
      Here, we analyzed the fitness of 43 sequenced MA lines of the multi-chromosome
      bacterium Burkholderia cenocepacia that had each undergone 5554 generations of MA
      and accumulated an average of 6.73 spontaneous mutations. Most lineages exhibited
      either neutral or deleterious fitness in three different environments in
      comparison with their common ancestor. The only mutational class that was
      significantly overrepresented in lineages with reduced fitness was the loss of
      the plasmid, though nonsense mutations, missense mutations, and coding insertion
      deletions were also overrepresented in MA lineages whose fitness had
      significantly declined. Although the overall distribution of fitness effects was
      similar between the three environments, the magnitude and even the sign of the
      fitness of a number of lineages changed with the environment, demonstrating that
      the fitness of some genotypes was environmentally dependent. These results
      present an unprecedented picture of the fitness effects of spontaneous mutations
      in a bacterium with multiple chromosomes and provide greater quantitative support
      for the theory that the vast majority of spontaneous mutations are neutral or
      deleterious.

PMID- 27672099
TI  - Spine Metastasis Practice Patterns among Korean, Chinese, and Japanese Radiation
      Oncologists: A Multinational Online Survey Study.
AB  - This online survey of practising radiation oncologists from Korea, China and
      Japan was conducted to investigate the current practices in radiotherapy (RT) for
      spine metastasis and to compare these practices across the three countries. The
      questionnaire included nine general information questions and two clinical
      scenarios (representing 'typical' and 'good' prognosis spine metastasis), with
      seven questions for each scenario. An anonymous web-based survey using Google
      Docs(r) was undertaken from 2 September 2014 to 9 April 2015. A total of 54
      Korean, 107 Chinese and 104 Japanese radiation oncologists participated in the
      study. The first scenario involved a typical case of spine metastasis (~25%
      expected 1-year survival rate), and the preferred fractionation scheme was 10
      fractions of 3 Gy, though the pattern was slightly different in each country. The
      second scenario involved a good prognosis case (>50% expected 1-year survival
      rate), and 10 fractions of 3 Gy was the preferred practice in all three countries
      (however, use of a larger fraction dose with a smaller fraction number was more
      common in Korea). A more conformal RT technique was more prominent in China and
      Korea, especially for patients with a good prognosis. Avoidance of reirradiation
      was notable in China. In summary, a preference for multiple fractionation in RT
      for spine metastasis was observed in the majority of Korean, Chinese and Japanese
      radiation oncologists, although there were slight differences in practice
      preferences, especially for patients with a favorable prognosis.

PMID- 27672100
TI  - DNA damage response induces structural alterations in histone H3-H4.
AB  - Synchrotron-radiation circular-dichroism spectroscopy was used to reveal that the
      DNA damage response induces a decrement of alpha-helix and an increment of beta
      strand contents of histone H3-H4 extracted from X-ray-irradiated human HeLa
      cells. The trend of the structural alteration was qualitatively opposite to that
      of our previously reported results for histone H2A-H2B. These results strongly
      suggest that histones share roles in DNA damage responses, particularly in DNA
      repair processes and chromatin remodeling, via a specific structural alteration
      of each histone.

PMID- 27672103
TI  - Treatment of a giant inguinal hernia using transabdominal pre-peritoneal repair.
AB  - We present the case of a male Japanese patient with a giant inguinal hernia that
      extended to his knees while standing. A transabdominal pre-peritoneal (TAPP)
      repair was performed under general anesthesia. Complete reduction of the contents
      of the hernia was achieved within 2 h 50 min. A blood loss of approximately 700
      ml was noted. The patient was discharged from the hospital on post-operative Day
      12, with no recurrence of the hernia 6 months post-surgery. Factors contributing
      to the successful outcomes included preparation of several reduction methods
      before surgery, use of a large size mesh and implementation of pre-operative
      measures to prevent abdominal compartment syndrome. Further studies are required
      to evaluate the feasibility of laparoscopic repair in the management of giant
      inguinal hernia. 

PMID- 27672101
TI  - Glycyrrhetinic acid alleviates radiation-induced lung injury in mice.
AB  - Radiation-induced lung injury (RILI) is a common complication of thoracic
      radiotherapy, but efficacious therapy for RILI is lacking. This study ascertained
      whether glycyrrhetinic acid (GA; a functional hydrolyzed product of glycyrrhizic
      acid, which is extracted from herb licorice) can protect against RILI and
      investigated its relationship to the transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1/Smads
      signaling pathway. C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups: a control group, a
      GA group and two irradiation (IR) groups. IR groups were exposed to a single
      fraction of X-rays (12 Gy) to the thorax and administered normal saline (IR + NS
      group) or GA (IR + GA group). Two days and 17 days after irradiation, histologic
      analyses were performed to assess the degree of lung injury, and the expression
      of TGF-beta1, Smad2, Smad3 and Smad7 was recorded. GA administration mitigated
      the histologic changes of lung injury 2 days and 17 days after irradiation.
      Protein and mRNA expression of TGF-beta1, Smad2 and Smad3, and the mRNA level of
      Smad7, in lung tissue were significantly elevated after irradiation. GA decreased
      expression of TGF-beta1, Smad2 and Smad3 in lung tissue, but did not increase
      Smad7 expression. GA can protect against early-stage RILI. This protective effect
      may be associated with inhibition of the TGF-beta1/Smads signaling pathway.

PMID- 27672104
TI  - A rare presentation of breast cancer: near obstructing rectal mass and gastric
      outlet obstruction.
AB  - Breast cancer metastasizes to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are exceedingly
      rare. The low incidence and vague presentation of GI metastasizes often cause
      delay in diagnosis and treatment. Here, we present a case of metastatic breast
      cancer causing gastric outlet obstruction and rectal obstruction. 

PMID- 27672105
TI  - Port-site implantation of Type A Masaoka Stage I thymoma after video-assisted
      thoracic surgery: a case report.
AB  - A 60-year-old woman was referred to our hospital with an anterior mediastinal
      tumor measuring 3.5 cm in diameter on computed tomography (CT). We performed
      tumor resection by video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) with three ports. The
      final diagnosis was Type A Masaoka Stage I thymoma. On follow-up CT performed 36
      months after the operation, two pleural tumors were detected at the port sites
      through which the forceps and ultrasonic scalpel had passed repeatedly during the
      operation. We therefore performed a second operation and enucleated the tumors
      while preserving the ribs. However, other tumor tissue was detected along the
      surgical marginal line during the pathological diagnosis after the operation.
      Surgeons should thus be aware that port-site recurrence can occur after VATS
      resection of Type A thymoma, despite its mild biological behavior. Wide resection
      of the chest wall is therefore recommended for operations of port-site recurrence
      after VATS thymectomy. 

PMID- 27672102
TI  - Systemic Age-Associated DNA Hypermethylation of ELOVL2 Gene: In Vivo and In Vitro
      Evidences of a Cell Replication Process.
AB  - Epigenetic remodeling is one of the major features of the aging process. We
      recently demonstrated that DNA methylation of ELOVL2 and FHL2 CpG islands is
      highly correlated with age in whole blood. Here we investigated several aspects
      of age-associated hypermethylation of ELOVL2 and FHL2. We showed that ELOVL2
      methylation is significantly different in primary dermal fibroblast cultures from
      donors of different ages. Using epigenomic data from public resources, we
      demonstrated that most of the tissues show ELOVL2 and FHL2 hypermethylation with
      age. Interestingly, ELOVL2 hypermethylation was not found in tissues with very
      low replication rate. We demonstrated that ELOVL2 hypermethylation is associated
      with in vitro cell replication rather than with senescence. We confirmed intra
      individual hypermethylation of ELOVL2 and FHL2 in longitudinally assessed
      participants from the Doetinchem Cohort Study. Finally we showed that, although
      the methylation of the two loci is not associated with longevity/mortality in the
      Leiden Longevity Study, ELOVL2 methylation is associated with cytomegalovirus
      status in nonagenarians, which could be informative of a higher number of
      replication events in a fraction of whole-blood cells. Collectively, these
      results indicate that ELOVL2 methylation is a marker of cell divisions occurring
      during human aging.

PMID- 27672106
TI  - The burgeoning antibody landscape.

PMID- 27672107
TI  - Somatic mutation, copy number and transcriptomic profiles of primary and matched
      metastatic estrogen receptor-positive breast cancers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancers (BCs) constitute the
      most frequent BC subtype. The molecular landscape of ER+ relapsed disease is not
      well characterized. In this study, we aimed to describe the genomic evolution
      between primary (P) and matched metastatic (M) ER+ BCs after failure of adjuvant
      therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 182 ER+ metastatic BC patients with
      long-term follow-up were identified from a single institution. P tumor tissue was
      available for all patients, with 88 having matched M material. According to the
      availability of tumor material, samples were characterized using a 120 mutational
      hotspot qPCR, a 29 gene copy number aberrations (CNA) and a 400 gene expression
      panels. ESR1 mutations were assayed by droplet digital PCR. Molecular alterations
      were correlated with overall survival (OS) using the Cox proportional hazards
      regression models. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 6.4 years (range 0.5-26.6
      years). Genomic analysis of P tumors revealed somatic mutations in PIK3CA, KRAS,
      AKT1, FGFR3, HRAS and BRAF at frequencies of 41%, 6%, 5%, 2%, 1% and 2%,
      respectively, and CN amplification of CCND1, ZNF703, FGFR1, RSF1 and PAK1 at 23%,
      19%, 17%, 12% and 11%, respectively. Mutations and CN amplifications were largely
      concordant between P and matched M (>84%). ESR1 mutations were found in 10.8% of
      the M but none of the P. Thirteen genes, among which ESR1, FOXA1, and HIF1A,
      showed significant differential expression between P and M. In P, the
      differential expression of 18 genes, among which IDO1, was significantly
      associated with OS (FDR < 0.1). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the large concordance
      between P and matched M for the evaluated molecular alterations, potential
      actionable targets such as ESR1 mutations were found only in M. This supports the
      importance of characterizing the M disease. Other targets we identified, such as
      HIF1A and IDO1, warrant further investigation in this patient population.

PMID- 27672109
TI  - Chemoprevention of hepatocellular carcinoma in people affected by hepatitis C
      virus: what changes does the introduction of direct-acting antiviral agents make?

PMID- 27672110
TI  - Reply to 'Chemoprevention of hepatocellular carcinoma in people affected by
      hepatitis C virus: what changes does the introduction of direct-acting antiviral
      agents make?'.

PMID- 27672111
TI  - A Simplified Strategy for Introducing Genetic Variants into Drosophila Compound
      Autosome Stocks.
AB  - Drosophila stocks bearing compound chromosomes, single molecules of DNA that
      carry the genomic complement of two chromosomes, are useful tools for studying
      meiosis and mitosis. However, these stocks cannot easily be crossed to stocks
      with regular chromosomes, due to the lethality of the resulting whole-chromosome
      aneuploidy. This prevents the examination of interesting genetic variants in a
      compound chromosome background. Methods to circumvent this difficulty have
      included the use of triploid females or nondisjunction (caused by either cold
      induced microtubule depolymerization or meiotic mutants). Here, we present a new
      approach for crossing compound chromosomes that takes advantage of the
      nonhomologous segregations that result when multiple chromosomes in the same
      genome are prevented from meiotic crossing over by heterozygosity for balancer
      chromosomes. This approach gives higher yields of the desired progeny in fewer
      generations of crossing. Using this technique, we have created and validated
      stocks carrying both a compound-X and compound-2, as well as compound-2 stocks
      carrying the meiotic mutant nod.

PMID- 27672108
TI  - First-in-human phase I study of copanlisib (BAY 80-6946), an intravenous pan
      class I phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor, in patients with advanced solid
      tumors and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and maximum
      tolerated dose (MTD) of copanlisib, a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor, in
      patients with advanced solid tumors or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: Phase I dose-escalation study including patients with advanced solid
      tumors or NHL, and a cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Patients
      received three weekly intravenous infusions of copanlisib per 28-day cycle over
      the dose range 0.1-1.2 mg/kg. Plasma copanlisib levels were analyzed for
      pharmacokinetics. Biomarker analysis included PIK3CA, KRAS, BRAF, and PTEN
      mutational status and PTEN immunohistochemistry. Whole-body [(18)F]
      fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography ((18)FDG-PET) was carried out at
      baseline and following the first dose to assess early pharmacodynamic effects.
      Plasma glucose and insulin levels were evaluated serially. RESULTS: Fifty-seven
      patients received treatment. The MTD was 0.8 mg/kg copanlisib. The most frequent
      treatment-related adverse events were nausea and transient hyperglycemia.
      Copanlisib exposure was dose-proportional with no accumulation; peak exposure
      positively correlated with transient hyperglycemia post-infusion. Sixteen of 20
      patients treated at the MTD had reduced (18)FDG-PET uptake; 7 (33%) had a
      reduction >25%. One patient achieved a complete response (CR; endometrial
      carcinoma exhibiting both PIK3CA and PTEN mutations and complete PTEN loss) and
      two had a partial response (PR; both metastatic breast cancer). Among the nine
      NHL patients, all six with follicular lymphoma (FL) responded (one CR and five
      PRs) and one patient with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma had a PR by investigator
      assessment; two patients with FL who achieved CR (per post hoc independent
      radiologic review) were on treatment >3 years. CONCLUSION: Copanlisib, dosed
      intermittently on days 1, 8, and 15 of a 28-day cycle, was well tolerated and the
      MTD was determined to be 0.8 mg/kg. Copanlisib exhibited dose-proportional
      pharmacokinetics and promising anti-tumor activity, particularly in patients with
      NHL. CLINICALTRIALSGOV: NCT00962611;
      https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00962611.

PMID- 27672112
TI  - Improvement of Predictive Ability by Uniform Coverage of the Target Genetic
      Space.
AB  - Genome-enabled prediction provides breeders with the means to increase the number
      of genotypes that can be evaluated for selection. One of the major challenges in
      genome-enabled prediction is how to construct a training set of genotypes from a
      calibration set that represents the target population of genotypes, where the
      calibration set is composed of a training and validation set. A random sampling
      protocol of genotypes from the calibration set will lead to low quality coverage
      of the total genetic space by the training set when the calibration set contains
      population structure. As a consequence, predictive ability will be affected
      negatively, because some parts of the genotypic diversity in the target
      population will be under-represented in the training set, whereas other parts
      will be over-represented. Therefore, we propose a training set construction
      method that uniformly samples the genetic space spanned by the target population
      of genotypes, thereby increasing predictive ability. To evaluate our method, we
      constructed training sets alongside with the identification of corresponding
      genomic prediction models for four genotype panels that differed in the amount of
      population structure they contained (maize Flint, maize Dent, wheat, and rice).
      Training sets were constructed using uniform sampling, stratified-uniform
      sampling, stratified sampling and random sampling. We compared these methods with
      a method that maximizes the generalized coefficient of determination (CD).
      Several training set sizes were considered. We investigated four genomic
      prediction models: multi-locus QTL models, GBLUP models, combinations of QTL and
      GBLUPs, and Reproducing Kernel Hilbert Space (RKHS) models. For the maize and
      wheat panels, construction of the training set under uniform sampling led to a
      larger predictive ability than under stratified and random sampling. The results
      of our methods were similar to those of the CD method. For the rice panel, all
      training set construction methods led to similar predictive ability, a reflection
      of the very strong population structure in this panel.

PMID- 27672115
TI  - Understanding disease mechanisms at the nanoscale: endothelial apoptosis and
      microparticles in COPD.

PMID- 27672113
TI  - The GATOR1 Complex Regulates Metabolic Homeostasis and the Response to Nutrient
      Stress in Drosophila melanogaster.
AB  - TORC1 regulates metabolism and growth in response to a large array of upstream
      inputs. The evolutionarily conserved trimeric GATOR1 complex inhibits TORC1
      activity in response to amino acid limitation. In humans, the GATOR1 complex has
      been implicated in a wide array of pathologies including cancer and hereditary
      forms of epilepsy. However, the precise role of GATOR1 in animal physiology
      remains largely undefined. Here, we characterize null mutants of the GATOR1
      components nprl2, nprl3, and iml1 in Drosophila melanogaster We demonstrate that
      all three mutants have inappropriately high baseline levels of TORC1 activity and
      decreased adult viability. Consistent with increased TORC1 activity, GATOR1
      mutants exhibit a cell autonomous increase in cell growth. Notably, escaper nprl2
      and nprl3 mutant adults have a profound locomotion defect. In line with a
      nonautonomous role in the regulation of systemic metabolism, expressing the Nprl3
      protein in the fat body, a nutrient storage organ, and hemocytes but not muscles
      and neurons rescues the motility of nprl3 mutants. Finally, we show that nprl2
      and nprl3 mutants fail to activate autophagy in response to amino acid limitation
      and are extremely sensitive to both amino acid and complete starvation. Thus, in
      Drosophila, in addition to maintaining baseline levels of TORC1 activity, the
      GATOR1 complex has retained a critical role in the response to nutrient stress.
      In summary, the TORC1 inhibitor GATOR1 contributes to multiple aspects of the
      development and physiology of Drosophila.

PMID- 27672114
TI  - Reconstructing the Backbone of the Saccharomycotina Yeast Phylogeny Using Genome
      Scale Data.
AB  - Understanding the phylogenetic relationships among the yeasts of the subphylum
      Saccharomycotina is a prerequisite for understanding the evolution of their
      metabolisms and ecological lifestyles. In the last two decades, the use of rDNA
      and multilocus data sets has greatly advanced our understanding of the yeast
      phylogeny, but many deep relationships remain unsupported. In contrast,
      phylogenomic analyses have involved relatively few taxa and lineages that were
      often selected with limited considerations for covering the breadth of yeast
      biodiversity. Here we used genome sequence data from 86 publicly available yeast
      genomes representing nine of the 11 known major lineages and 10 nonyeast fungal
      outgroups to generate a 1233-gene, 96-taxon data matrix. Species phylogenies
      reconstructed using two different methods (concatenation and coalescence) and two
      data matrices (amino acids or the first two codon positions) yielded identical
      and highly supported relationships between the nine major lineages. Aside from
      the lineage comprised by the family Pichiaceae, all other lineages were
      monophyletic. Most interrelationships among yeast species were robust across the
      two methods and data matrices. However, eight of the 93 internodes conflicted
      between analyses or data sets, including the placements of: the clade defined by
      species that have reassigned the CUG codon to encode serine, instead of leucine;
      the clade defined by a whole genome duplication; and the species Ascoidea
      rubescens These phylogenomic analyses provide a robust roadmap for future
      comparative work across the yeast subphylum in the disciplines of taxonomy,
      molecular genetics, evolutionary biology, ecology, and biotechnology. To further
      this end, we have also provided a BLAST server to query the 86 Saccharomycotina
      genomes, which can be found at http://y1000plus.org/blast.

PMID- 27672116
TI  - Home-based rehabilitation for COPD using minimal resources: a randomised,
      controlled equivalence trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pulmonary rehabilitation is a cornerstone of care for COPD but uptake
      of traditional centre-based programmes is poor. We assessed whether home-based
      pulmonary rehabilitation, delivered using minimal resources, had equivalent
      outcomes to centre-based pulmonary rehabilitation. METHODS: A randomised
      controlled equivalence trial with 12 months follow-up. Participants with stable
      COPD were randomly assigned to receive 8 weeks of pulmonary rehabilitation by
      either the standard outpatient centre-based model, or a new home-based model
      including one home visit and seven once-weekly telephone calls from a
      physiotherapist. The primary outcome was change in 6 min walk distance (6MWD).
      RESULTS: We enrolled 166 participants to receive centre-based rehabilitation
      (n=86) or home-based rehabilitation (n=80). Intention-to-treat analysis confirmed
      non-inferiority of home-based rehabilitation for 6MWD at end-rehabilitation and
      the confidence interval (CI) did not rule out superiority (mean difference
      favouring home group 18.6 m, 95% CI -3.3 to 40.7). At 12 months the CI did not
      exclude inferiority (-5.1 m, -29.2 to 18.9). Between-group differences for
      dyspnoea-related quality of life did not rule out superiority of home-based
      rehabilitation at programme completion (1.6 points, -0.3 to 3.5) and groups were
      equivalent at 12 months (0.05 points, -2.0 to 2.1). The per-protocol analysis
      showed the same pattern of findings. Neither group maintained postrehabilitation
      gains at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: This home-based pulmonary rehabilitation model,
      delivered with minimal resources, produced short-term clinical outcomes that were
      equivalent to centre-based pulmonary rehabilitation. Neither model was effective
      in maintaining gains at 12 months. Home-based pulmonary rehabilitation could be
      considered for people with COPD who cannot access centre-based pulmonary
      rehabilitation. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01423227, clinicaltrials.gov.

PMID- 27672118
TI  - Mortality of CAP reduced in the UK: is this enough?

PMID- 27672119
TI  - The pressure-dependent air leak after partial lung resection.

PMID- 27672117
TI  - Nintedanib in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and preserved lung
      volume.
AB  - RATIONALE: There is no consensus as to when treatment for idiopathic pulmonary
      fibrosis (IPF) should be initiated. Some physicians prefer not to treat patients
      with preserved lung volume. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether patients with IPF
      and preserved lung volume receive the same benefit from nintedanib as patients
      with more impaired lung volume. METHODS: Post hoc subgroup analyses of pooled
      data from the two replicate phase III INPULSIS trials by baseline FVC % predicted
      (<=90%, >90%). RESULTS: At baseline, 274 patients had FVC >90% predicted and 787
      patients had FVC <=90% predicted. In patients treated with placebo, the adjusted
      annual rate of decline in FVC was consistent between patients with FVC >90%
      predicted and FVC <=90% predicted (-224.6 mL/year and -223.6 mL/year,
      respectively). There was no statistically significant difference between these
      subgroups in the effect of nintedanib on annual rate of decline in FVC, change
      from baseline in St George's Respiratory Questionnaire total score or time to
      first acute exacerbation. In patients with baseline FVC >90% predicted and <=90%
      predicted, respectively, the adjusted annual rate of decline in FVC with
      nintedanib was -91.5 mL/year (difference vs placebo: 133.1 mL/year (95% CI 68.0
      to 198.2)) and -121.5 mL/year (difference vs placebo: 102.1 mL/year (95% CI 61.9
      to 142.3)). Adverse events associated with nintedanib were similar in both
      subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with IPF and preserved lung volume (FVC >90%
      predicted) have the same rate of FVC decline and receive the same benefit from
      nintedanib as patients with more impaired lung volume. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER:
      NCT01335464 and NCT01335477.

PMID- 27672120
TI  - Mechanisms by which obesity impacts upon asthma.
AB  - Asthma, an inflammatory disease of the airways, is a common condition, currently
      affecting about 9% of adults. Obesity is another disease with high prevalence in
      adults, and asthma that develops in obese individuals appears to be distinct from
      other forms of asthma, in being particularly severe and difficult to control even
      with oral corticosteroids. Moreover, recent studies suggest that obesity may have
      a causal relationship with asthma. In this review, we discuss possible obesity
      driven metabolic and immunological pathways that might lead to asthma that is
      associated with obesity. Our understanding of the mechanisms that underlie this
      association will likely lead in the future to improved treatments for this
      significant unmet medical need.

PMID- 27672122
TI  - When patient-centred care is worth doing well: informed consent or shared
      decision-making.

PMID- 27672121
TI  - The effects of growing up on a farm on adult lung function and allergic
      phenotypes: an international population-based study.
AB  - RATIONALE: Evidence has suggested that exposure to environmental or microbial
      biodiversity in early life may impact subsequent lung function and allergic
      disease risk. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the influence of childhood living
      environment and biodiversity indicators on atopy, asthma and lung function in
      adulthood. METHODS AND MEASUREMENTS: The European Community Respiratory Health
      Survey II investigated ~10 201 participants aged 26-54 years from 14 countries,
      including participants' place of upbringing (farm, rural environment or inner
      city) before age 5 years. A 'biodiversity score' was created based on childhood
      exposure to cats, dogs, day care, bedroom sharing and older siblings.
      Associations with lung function, bronchial hyper-responsiveness (BHR), allergic
      sensitisation, asthma and rhinitis were analysed. MAIN RESULTS: As compared with
      a city upbringing, those with early-life farm exposure had less atopic
      sensitisation (adjusted OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.58), atopic BHR (0.54 (0.35 to
      0.83)), atopic asthma (0.47 (0.28 to 0.81)) and atopic rhinitis (0.43 (0.32 to
      0.57)), but not non-atopic outcomes. Less pronounced protective effects were
      observed for rural environment exposures. Women with a farm upbringing had higher
      FEV1 (adjusted difference 110 mL (64 to 157)), independent of sensitisation and
      asthma. In an inner city environment, a higher biodiversity score was related to
      less allergic sensitisation. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to report
      beneficial effects of growing up on a farm on adult FEV1. Our study confirmed the
      beneficial effects of early farm life on sensitisation, asthma and rhinitis, and
      found a similar association for BHR. In persons with an urban upbringing, a
      higher biodiversity score predicted less allergic sensitisation, but to a lesser
      magnitude than a childhood farm environment.

PMID- 27672123
TI  - Calibrating how doctors think and seek information to minimise errors in
      diagnosis.

PMID- 27672128
TI  - Case Reports for Laboratory Animals.

PMID- 27672124
TI  - Efficacy and safety of an interleukin 6 monoclonal antibody for the treatment of
      systemic lupus erythematosus: a phase II dose-ranging randomised controlled
      trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This phase II trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of an
      interleukin (IL) 6 monoclonal antibody for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
      METHODS: Patients with active disease were randomised to placebo or PF-04236921
      10 mg, 50 mg or 200 mg, subcutaneously, every 8 weeks with stable background
      therapy. SLE Responder Index (SRI-4; primary end point) and British Isles Lupus
      Assessment Group-based Composite Lupus Assessment (BICLA) were assessed at week
      24. Post hoc analysis identified an enriched population based upon planned
      univariate analyses. RESULTS: 183 patients received treatment (placebo, n=45; 10
      mg, n=45; 50 mg, n=47; 200 mg, n=46). The 200 mg dose was discontinued due to
      safety findings and not included in the primary efficacy analysis. The SRI-4
      response rates were not significant for any dose compared with placebo; however,
      the BICLA response rate was significant for 10 mg (p=0.026). The incidence of
      severe flares was significantly reduced with 10 mg (n=0) and 50 mg (n=2) combined
      versus placebo (n=8; p<0.01). In patients with greater baseline disease activity
      (enriched population), the SRI-4 (p=0.004) and BICLA (p=0.012) response rates
      were significantly different with 10 mg versus placebo. Four deaths (200 mg, n=3;
      10 mg, n=1) occurred. The most frequently reported adverse events included
      headache, nausea and diarrhoea. CONCLUSIONS: PF-04236921 was not significantly
      different from placebo for the primary efficacy end point in patients with SLE.
      Evidence of an effect with 10 mg was seen in a post hoc analysis. Safety was
      acceptable for doses up to 50 mg as the 200 mg dose was discontinued due to
      safety findings. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01405196; Pre-results.

PMID- 27672126
TI  - Reducing the nicotine content of combusted tobacco products sold in New Zealand.
AB  - Large reductions in nicotine content could dramatically reduce reinforcement from
      and dependence on cigarettes. In this article, we summarise the potential
      benefits of reducing nicotine in combusted tobacco and address some of the common
      concerns. We focus specifically on New Zealand because it may be ideally situated
      to implement such a policy. The available data suggest that, in current smokers,
      very low nicotine content (VLNC) cigarettes decrease nicotine exposure, decrease
      cigarette dependence, reduce the number of cigarettes smoked per day and increase
      the likelihood of contemplating, making and succeeding at a quit attempt. New
      smokers would almost certainly be exposed to far less nicotine as a result of
      smoking VLNC cigarettes and, consequently, would probably be less likely to
      become chronic, dependent, smokers. Many of the concerns about reducing nicotine
      including compensatory smoking, an exacerbation of psychiatric symptoms, the
      perception that VLNC cigarettes are less harmful, and the potential for a black
      market are either not supported by the available data, likely mitigated by other
      factors including the availability of nicotine-containing e-cigarettes, or
      unlikely to offset the potential benefit to public health. Although not all
      concerns have been addressed or can be a priori, the magnitude of the potential
      benefits and the growing evidence of relatively few potential harms should make
      nicotine reduction one of the centrepieces for discussion of how to rapidly
      advance tobacco control. Policies that aim to render the most toxic tobacco
      products less addictive could help New Zealand attain their goal of becoming
      smokefree by 2025.

PMID- 27672125
TI  - Contrasting expression pattern of RNA-sensing receptors TLR7, RIG-I and MDA5 in
      interferon-positive and interferon-negative patients with primary Sjogren's
      syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The interferon (IFN) type I signature is present in over half of
      patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) and associated with higher disease
      activity and autoantibody presence. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are
      considered as the main source of enhanced IFN type I expression. The objective of
      this study was to unravel the molecular pathways underlying IFN type I
      bioactivity in pDCs of patients with pSS. METHODS: Blood samples from 42 healthy
      controls (HC) and 115 patients with pSS were stratified according to their IFN
      type I signature. CD123+BDCA4+ pDCs and CD14+ monocytes were isolated from
      peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Genome-wide microarray analysis was
      conducted on sorted pDCs in a small sample set, followed by validation of
      differentially expressed genes of interest in pDCs and monocytes. RESULTS: We
      found an upregulation of endosomal toll-like receptor (TLR) 7, but not TLR9, in
      IFN-positive (IFNpos) pDCs (p<0.05) and monocytes (p=0.024). Additionally, the
      downstream signalling molecules MyD88, RSAD2 and IRF7 were upregulated, as were
      the cytoplasmic RNA-sensing receptors DDX58/retinoic acid inducible gene-I (RIG
      I) and IFIH1/melanoma differentiation associated gene-5 (MDA5). In vitro
      triggering of the TLR7-pathway in HC PBMCs induced upregulation of DDX58/RIG-I
      and IFIH1/MDA5, and downregulated TLR9. The upregulation of TLR7, its downstream
      signalling pathway, DDX58/RIG-I and IFIH1/MDA5 were confined to patients with IFN
      positive pSS. IFN-negative patients had a contrasting expression pattern-TLR7
      normal, and decreased TLR9, RIG-I and MDA5. CONCLUSIONS: Here we conclude a
      contrasting expression pattern of the RNA-sensing receptors TLR7, RIG-I and MDA5
      in pDCs and monocytes of patients with IFNpos pSS. This profile could explain the
      pathogenic IFN production and might reveal novel therapeutic targets in these
      patients.

PMID- 27672129
TI  - 15e Symposium ComTech.

PMID- 27672130
TI  - Recomendaciones para controles microbiologicos ambientales y de agua en un
      animalario.

PMID- 27672131
TI  - Trait coordination, mechanical behaviour and growth form plasticity of Amborella
      trichopoda under variation in canopy openness.
AB  - Understanding the distribution of traits across the angiosperm phylogeny helps
      map the nested hierarchy of features that characterize key nodes. Finding that
      Amborella is sister to the rest of the angiosperms has raised the question of
      whether it shares certain key functional trait characteristics, and plastic
      responses apparently widespread within the angiosperms at large. With this in
      mind, we test the hypothesis that local canopy openness induces plastic
      responses. We used this variation in morphological and functional traits to
      estimate the pervasiveness of trait scaling and leaf and stem economics. We
      studied the architecture of Amborella and how it varies under different degrees
      of canopy openness. We analyzed the coordination of 12 leaf and stem structural
      and functional traits, and the association of this covariation with differing
      morphologies. The Amborella habit is made up of a series of sympodial modules
      that vary in size and branching pattern under different canopy openness.
      Amborella stems vary from self-supporting to semi-scandent. Changes in stem
      elongation and leaf size in Amborella produce distinct morphologies under
      different light environments. Correlations were found between most leaf and stem
      functional traits. Stem tissue rigidity decreased with increasing canopy
      openness. Despite substantial modulation of leaf size and leaf mass per area by
      light availability, branches in different light environments had similar leaf
      area-stem size scaling. The sympodial growth observed in Amborella could point to
      an angiosperm synapomorphy. Our study provides evidence of intraspecific
      coordination between leaf and stem economic spectra. Trait variation along these
      spectra is likely adaptive under different light environments and is consistent
      with these plastic responses having been present in the angiosperm common
      ancestor.

PMID- 27672133
TI  - Quenching tank: Accidental drowning in hot quenching oil.
AB  - We describe an unusual case of drowning in fluid other than water in an
      industrial setting. A 26-year-old man was working in an industry which performs
      surface treatment of mechanical steel parts with quenching oil. He fell into the
      quenching oil (which was hot due to immersion of red hot metal parts), and as he
      was working alone in the particular section, there was a fatal outcome. A medico
      legal autopsy was performed. The causes of death were found to be multiple, with
      the association of drowning, extensive superficial burns and asphyxia due to
      laryngeal oedema. To our knowledge, it is the first report of drowning in hot
      quenching oil, and only nine previous observations of drowning in industrial
      environments have been reported in the international literature. Even though
      rare, these kinds of accidental deaths can be prevented in dangerous industries
      with proper precautions and strict adherence to standard operating procedures.

PMID- 27672132
TI  - Mechanism of three-component collision to produce ultrastable pRNA three-way
      junction of Phi29 DNA-packaging motor by kinetic assessment.
AB  - RNA nanotechnology is rapidly emerging. Due to advantageous pharmacokinetics and
      favorable in vivo biodistribution, RNA nanoparticles have shown promise in
      targeted delivery of therapeutics. RNA nanotechnology applies bottom-up assembly,
      thus elucidation of the mechanism of interaction between multiple components is
      of fundamental importance. The tendency of diminishing concern about RNA
      instability has accelerated by the finding of the novel thermostable three-way
      junction (3WJ) motif of the phi29 DNA-packaging motor. The kinetics of these
      three components, each averaging 18 nucleotides (nt), was investigated to
      elucidate the mechanism for producing the stable 3WJ. The three fragments
      coassembled into the 3WJ with extraordinary speed and affinity via a two-step
      reaction mechanism, 3WJb + 3WJc <-> 3WJbc + 3WJa <-> 3WJabc The first step of
      reaction between 3WJb and 3WJc is highly dynamic since these two fragments only
      contain 8 nt for complementation. In the second step, the 3WJa, which contains 17
      nt complementary to the 3WJbc complex, locks the unstable 3WJbc complex into a
      highly stable 3WJ. The resulting pRNA-3WJ is more stable than any of the dimer
      species as shown in the much more rapid association rates and slowest
      dissociation rate constant. The second step occurs at a very high association
      rate that is difficult to quantify, resulting in a rapid formation of a stable
      3WJ. Elucidation of the mechanism of three-component collision in producing the
      ultrastable 3WJ proves a promising platform for bottom-up assembly of RNA
      nanoparticles as a new class of anion polymers for material science, electronic
      elements, or therapeutic reagents.

PMID- 27672134
TI  - Anthropometric measures and prevalence trends in adolescents with coeliac
      disease: a population based study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the impact of coeliac disease (CD) diagnosis on
      anthropometric measures at late adolescence and to assess trends in the
      prevalence of diagnosed CD over time. DESIGN: A population based study. PATIENTS:
      Prior to enlistment, at the age of 17 years, most of the Israeli Jewish
      population undergoes a general health examination. Subjects' medical diagnoses
      are entered into a structured database. INTERVENTIONS: The enlistment database
      was thoroughly searched for CD cases between the years 1988 and 2015. Medical
      records of 2 001 353 subjects were reviewed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
      Anthropometric measures at the age of 17 years. RESULTS: Overall, 10 566 CD cases
      (0.53%) were identified and analysed. Median age at data ascertainment was 17.1
      years (IQR, 16.9-17.4). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that boys with CD
      were leaner (Body Mass Index 21.2+/-3.7 vs 21.7+/-3.8, p=0.02) while girls with
      CD were shorter (161.5+/-6 cm vs 162.1+/-6 cm, p=0.017) than the general
      population. The prevalence of diagnosed CD increased from 0.5% to 1.1% in the
      last 20 years with a female predominance (0.64% vs 0.46%). CD prevalence was
      significantly lower in subjects of lower socioeconomic status and those of
      African, Asian and former Soviet Union origin. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescent boys with
      CD were leaner and girls with CD were shorter compared with the general
      population. However, the clinical relevance of the small differences suggests
      that when CD is diagnosed during childhood, final weight and height are not
      severely impaired. Our cohort reinforces the observed increase in diagnosed CD.

PMID- 27672136
TI  - Risk of venous thromboembolism in neuromyelitis optica patients hospitalized for
      acute relapse.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) patients may be at
      increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) not only due to ambulatory
      disability but also due to systemic autoimmune and inflammatory mechanisms
      altering the hemostatic balance. OBJECTIVE: To compare the risk of VTE in NMOSD
      versus multiple sclerosis (MS) patients hospitalized for acute relapses. METHODS:
      Hospital admissions for MS or NMOSD exacerbations were retrospectively
      identified. Demographics and medical history were recorded. The relationship
      between visit diagnosis and presence of VTE within 6 weeks of relapse onset was
      assessed by univariate logistic regression. A multivariate model evaluated the
      relationship between diagnosis, age, race, gender, body mass index (BMI), disease
      modifying therapy use, oral corticosteroid use, oral contraceptive use, smoking,
      length of stay (LOS), and ambulatory status on VTE risk. RESULTS: A total of 30
      NMOSD patients had 55 hospitalizations; 179 MS patients had 264 hospitalizations.
      Six NMOSD patients and one MS patient had VTE. NMOSD visits compared to MS visits
      had an odds ratio (OR) of VTE of 32.2 ( p = 0.002). NMOSD was more likely to be
      associated with VTE (OR = 17.4; p = 0.01) controlling for age, LOS, and
      ambulatory disability. CONCLUSION: NMOSD may be a risk factor for VTE. Larger
      prospective studies are required to confirm this risk and determine implications
      for prophylaxis.

PMID- 27672135
TI  - Early puberty in 11-year-old girls: Millennium Cohort Study findings.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Early puberty in girls is linked to some adverse outcomes in
      adolescence and mid-life. We address two research questions: (1) Are
      socioeconomic circumstances and ethnicity associated with early onset puberty?
      (2) Are adiposity and/or psychosocial stress associated with observed
      associations? DESIGN: Longitudinal data on 5839 girls from the UK Millennium
      Cohort Study were used to estimate associations between ethnicity, family income,
      adiposity and psychosocial stress with a marker of puberty. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE:
      Reported menstruation at age 11 years. RESULTS: All quoted ORs are statistically
      significant. Girls in the poorest income quintile were twice as likely (OR=2.1),
      and the second poorest quintile nearly twice as likely (OR=1.9) to have begun
      menstruation compared with girls in the richest income quintile. Estimates were
      roughly halved on adjustment for Body Mass Index and markers of psychosocial
      stress (poorest, OR=1.5; second poorest, OR=1.5). Indian girls were over 3 times
      as likely compared with whites to have started menstruation (OR=3.5) and
      statistical adjustments did not attenuate estimates. The raised odds of
      menstruation for Pakistani (OR=1.9), Bangladeshi (OR=3.3) and black African
      (OR=3.0) girls were attenuated to varying extents, from about a third to a half,
      on adjustment for income and adiposity. CONCLUSIONS: In contemporary UK, excess
      adiposity and psychosocial stress were associated with social inequalities in
      early puberty, while material disadvantage and adiposity were linked to ethnic
      inequalities in early puberty among girls.

PMID- 27672137
TI  - Personalised medicine for multiple sclerosis care.
AB  - Treatments with a range of efficacy and risk of adverse events have become
      available for the management of multiple sclerosis (MS). However, now the
      heterogeneity of clinical expression and responses to treatment pose major
      challenges to improving patient care. Selecting and managing the drug best
      balancing benefit and risk demands a new focus on the individual patient.
      Personalised medicine for MS is based on improving the precision of diagnosis for
      each patient in order to capture prognosis and provide an evidence-based
      framework for predicting treatment response and personalising patient monitoring.
      It involves development of predictive models involving the integration of
      clinical and biological data with an understanding of the impact of disease on
      the lives of individual patients. Here, we provide a brief, selective review of
      challenges to personalisation of the management of MS and suggest an agenda for
      stakeholder engagement and research to address them.

PMID- 27672139
TI  - Pharmacologic management of myelofibrosis.
AB  - Myelofibrosis is a BCR-ABL-negative myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by
      abnormal hematopoiesis. Alterations to the Janus kinase-signal transducer and
      activator of transcription pathway result in dysregulation of gene transcription
      and cell proliferation. Patients with symptomatic myelofibrosis present with a
      variety of signs and symptoms including, but not limited to myelosuppression,
      marked splenomegaly, abdominal discomfort, fatigue, and blood transfusion
      dependence. Traditional myelosuppressive therapies including hydroxyurea,
      azacitidine, and cladribine aim to reduce constitutional symptoms and control the
      burden of disease. Immunomodulators can potentially reverse anemia associated
      with myelofibrosis, but are poorly tolerated by most patients. The novel Janus
      kinase 2 (JAK2) inhibitor, ruxolitinib, has demonstrated marked improvements to
      constitutional symptoms and splenomegaly. While survival benefit has not yet been
      demonstrated, continued research into pharmacologic management of myelofibrosis
      offers the promise of altering the course of disease progression.

PMID- 27672140
TI  - Impact of a primary care national policy on HIV screening in France: a
      longitudinal analysis between 2006 and 2013.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early diagnosis of HIV infection is a major public health issue
      worldwide. In 2009, the French National Authority for Health (Haute Autorite de
      Sante) developed specific guidelines and recommended mass screening of 15-70-year
      olds across the general population. The guidelines were supported by
      communication directed at healthcare professionals, especially GPs. AIM: To
      assess the impact of the national mass screening policy on HIV testing. DESIGN
      AND SETTING: The study used data from the French National Health Insurance Fund
      database, from January 2006 to December 2013. Males and females aged 15-70 years,
      excluding HIV-positive individuals and pregnant females, were followed up
      throughout the 2006-2013 period. During the study period, 2 176 657 person-years
      and a total of 329 748 different individuals were followed up. METHOD:
      Standardised and non-standardised rates of HIV screening were calculated for each
      year; the impact of the policy was assessed using adjusted segmented regression
      analyses. RESULTS: Overall, annual HIV screening rates increased over the study
      period, from 4.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.2 to 4.3) in 2006 to 5.8%
      (95% CI = 5.7 to 5.9) in 2013 with a more pronounced trend after 2010 (P<0.0001).
      This increase was more significant for those who regularly consulted a GP. For
      these individuals, the policy led to a 20.4% increase (95% CI = 17.0 to 23.8) in
      HIV screening in 2013 compared with only a 4.5% increase (95% CI = 4.4 to 4.5)
      for those who did not consult a GP regularly in 2013. CONCLUSION: The results
      show that the mass screening policy coordinated by GPs had a significant impact
      on HIV testing in France, which could result in positive impacts on public and
      individual health outcomes.

PMID- 27672142
TI  - Nodular Skin Lesions in an Immunocompromised Patient.

PMID- 27672143
TI  - Nodular Skin Lesions in an Immunocompromised Patient.

PMID- 27672141
TI  - Access to, and experiences of, healthcare services by trafficked people: findings
      from a mixed-methods study in England.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Physical and psychological morbidity is high in trafficked people but
      little is known about their experiences of accessing and using healthcare
      services while, or after, being trafficked. AIM: To explore trafficked people's
      access to, and use of, health care during and after trafficking. DESIGN AND
      SETTING: A mixed-methods study - a cross-sectional survey comprising a structured
      interview schedule and open-ended questions - was undertaken in trafficked
      people's accommodation or support service offices across England. METHOD:
      Participants were asked open-ended questions regarding their use of healthcare
      services during and after trafficking. Interviews were conducted with
      professionally qualified interpreters where required. Thematic analysis was used
      to analyse the data. RESULTS: In total, 136 trafficked people (from 160
      contacted) participated in the open-ended interviews of whom 91 (67%) were female
      and 45 (33%) male. Participants reported being trafficked for domestic servitude
      (n = 40; 29%), sexual exploitation (n = 41; 30%), and labour exploitation (for
      example, agriculture or factory work) (n = 52; 38%). Many responders reported
      that traffickers restricted access to services, accompanied them, or interpreted
      for them during consultations. Requirements to present identity documents to
      register for care, along with poor access to interpreters, were barriers to care
      during and after trafficking. Advocacy and assistance from support workers were
      critical to health service access for people who have been trafficked.
      CONCLUSION: Trafficked people access health services during and after the time
      they are exploited, but encounter significant barriers. GPs and other
      practitioners would benefit from guidance on how these people can be supported to
      access care, especially if they lack official documentation.

PMID- 27672144
TI  - Enhancing Literacy in Cardiovascular Genetics: A Scientific Statement From the
      American Heart Association.
AB  - Advances in genomics are enhancing our understanding of the genetic basis of
      cardiovascular diseases, both congenital and acquired, and stroke. These advances
      include finding genes that cause or increase the risk for childhood and adult
      onset diseases, finding genes that influence how patients respond to medications,
      and the development of genetics-guided therapies for diseases. However, the
      ability of cardiovascular and stroke clinicians to fully understand and apply
      this knowledge to the care of their patients has lagged. This statement addresses
      what the specialist caring for patients with cardiovascular diseases and stroke
      should know about genetics; how they can gain this knowledge; how they can keep
      up-to-date with advances in genetics, genomics, and pharmacogenetics; and how
      they can apply this knowledge to improve the care of patients and families with
      cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

PMID- 27672145
TI  - Single-molecule imaging of electroporated dye-labelled CheY in live Escherichia
      coli.
AB  - For the past two decades, the use of genetically fused fluorescent proteins (FPs)
      has greatly contributed to the study of chemotactic signalling in Escherichia
      coli including the activation of the response regulator protein CheY and its
      interaction with the flagellar motor. However, this approach suffers from a
      number of limitations, both biological and biophysical: for example, not all
      fusions are fully functional when fused to a bulky FP, which can have a similar
      molecular weight to its fused counterpart; they may interfere with the native
      interactions of the protein and the chromophores of FPs have low brightness and
      photostability and fast photobleaching rates. A recently developed technique for
      the electroporation of fluorescently labelled proteins in live bacteria has
      enabled us to bypass these limitations and study the in vivo behaviour of CheY at
      the single-molecule level. Here we show that purified CheY proteins labelled with
      organic dyes can be internalized into E. coli cells in controllable
      concentrations and imaged with video fluorescence microscopy. The use of this
      approach is illustrated by showing single CheY molecules diffusing within cells
      and interacting with the sensory clusters and the flagellar motors in real
      time.This article is part of the themed issue 'The new bacteriology'.

PMID- 27672146
TI  - Life: the first two billion years.
AB  - Microfossils, stromatolites, preserved lipids and biologically informative
      isotopic ratios provide a substantial record of bacterial diversity and
      biogeochemical cycles in Proterozoic (2500-541 Ma) oceans that can be
      interpreted, at least broadly, in terms of present-day organisms and metabolic
      processes. Archean (more than 2500 Ma) sedimentary rocks add at least a billion
      years to the recorded history of life, with sedimentological and biogeochemical
      evidence for life at 3500 Ma, and possibly earlier; phylogenetic and functional
      details, however, are limited. Geochemistry provides a major constraint on early
      evolution, indicating that the first bacteria were shaped by anoxic environments,
      with distinct patterns of major and micronutrient availability. Archean rocks
      appear to record the Earth's first iron age, with reduced Fe as the principal
      electron donor for photosynthesis, oxidized Fe the most abundant terminal
      electron acceptor for respiration, and Fe a key cofactor in proteins. With the
      permanent oxygenation of the atmosphere and surface ocean ca 2400 Ma, photic zone
      O2 limited the access of photosynthetic bacteria to electron donors other than
      water, while expanding the inventory of oxidants available for respiration and
      chemoautotrophy. Thus, halfway through Earth history, the microbial underpinnings
      of modern marine ecosystems began to take shape.This article is part of the
      themed issue 'The new bacteriology'.

PMID- 27672147
TI  - L-form bacteria, chronic diseases and the origins of life.
AB  - The peptidoglycan cell wall is widely conserved across the bacterial domain,
      suggesting that it appeared early in the evolution of bacteria. It is normally
      essential but under certain conditions wall-deficient or 'L-form' bacteria can be
      isolated. In Bacillus subtilis this normally requires two genetic changes. The
      first, exemplified by mutations shutting down wall precursor synthesis, works by
      increasing membrane synthesis. This promotes the unusual form of proliferation
      used by L-forms, involving a range of relatively disorganized membrane blebbing
      or vesiculation events. The secondary class of mutations probably work by
      relieving oxidative stress that L-forms may incur due to their unbalanced
      metabolism. Repression or inhibition of cell wall precursor synthesis can
      stimulate the L-form transition in a wide range of bacteria, of both Gram
      positive and -negative lineages. L-forms are completely resistant to most
      antibiotics working specifically on cell wall synthesis, such as penicillins and
      cephalosporins, consistent with the many reports of their involvement in various
      chronic diseases. They are potentially important in biotechnology, because lack
      of a wall can be advantageous in a range of production or strain improvement
      applications. Finally, L-forms provide an interesting model system for studying
      early steps in the evolution of cellular life.This article is part of the themed
      issue 'The new bacteriology'.

PMID- 27672151
TI  - From homeostasis to pathology: decrypting microbe-host symbiotic signals in the
      intestinal crypt.
AB  - Metagenomic analysis of the human intestinal microbiome has provided a wealth of
      information that allowed an exceptionally detailed description of its microbial
      content and physiological potential. It also set the basis for studies allowing
      correlation of alterations in the balance of this microbiota and the occurrence
      of a certain number of emerging diseases, such as inflammatory bowel diseases,
      obesity and diabetes, and possibly colorectal cancer. The time has come to give
      the intestinal microbiota in symbiosis with its host an experimental dimension.
      This brief review summarizes our attempt at developing a cellular microbiology of
      the mutualistic symbiosis established between the gut microbiota and the host
      intestinal surface. Particular attention is paid to the intestinal crypt, due to
      its role in epithelial regeneration.This article is part of the themed issue 'The
      new bacteriology'.

PMID- 27672149
TI  - Trigger phosphodiesterases as a novel class of c-di-GMP effector proteins.
AB  - The bacterial second messenger c-di-GMP controls bacterial biofilm formation,
      motility, cell cycle progression, development and virulence. It is synthesized by
      diguanylate cyclases (with GGDEF domains), degraded by specific
      phosphodiesterases (PDEs, with EAL of HD-GYP domains) and sensed by a wide
      variety of c-di-GMP-binding effectors that control diverse targets. c-di-GMP
      binding effectors can be riboswitches as well as proteins with highly diverse
      structures and functions. The latter include 'degenerate' GGDEF/EAL domain
      proteins that are enzymatically inactive but still able to bind c-di-GMP.
      Surprisingly, two enzymatically active 'trigger PDEs', the Escherichia coli
      proteins PdeR and PdeL, have recently been added to this list of c-di-GMP-sensing
      effectors. Mechanistically, trigger PDEs are multifunctional. They directly and
      specifically interact with a macromolecular target (e.g. with a transcription
      factor or directly with a promoter region), whose activity they control by their
      binding and degradation of c-di-GMP-their PDE activity thus represents the c-di
      GMP sensor or effector function. In this process, c-di-GMP serves as a regulatory
      ligand, but in contrast to classical allosteric control, this ligand is also
      degraded. The resulting kinetics and circuitry of control are ideally suited for
      trigger PDEs to serve as key components in regulatory switches.This article is
      part of the themed issue 'The new bacteriology'.

PMID- 27672148
TI  - CRISPR-Cas: biology, mechanisms and relevance.
AB  - Prokaryotes have evolved several defence mechanisms to protect themselves from
      viral predators. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats
      (CRISPR) and their associated proteins (Cas) display a prokaryotic adaptive
      immune system that memorizes previous infections by integrating short sequences
      of invading genomes-termed spacers-into the CRISPR locus. The spacers interspaced
      with repeats are expressed as small guide CRISPR RNAs (crRNAs) that are employed
      by Cas proteins to target invaders sequence-specifically upon a reoccurring
      infection. The ability of the minimal CRISPR-Cas9 system to target DNA sequences
      using programmable RNAs has opened new avenues in genome editing in a broad range
      of cells and organisms with high potential in therapeutical applications. While
      numerous scientific studies have shed light on the biochemical processes behind
      CRISPR-Cas systems, several aspects of the immunity steps, however, still lack
      sufficient understanding. This review summarizes major discoveries in the CRISPR
      Cas field, discusses the role of CRISPR-Cas in prokaryotic immunity and other
      physiological properties, and describes applications of the system as a DNA
      editing technology and antimicrobial agent.This article is part of the themed
      issue 'The new bacteriology'.

PMID- 27672150
TI  - Shedding light on biology of bacterial cells.
AB  - To understand basic principles of living organisms one has to know many different
      properties of all cellular components, their mutual interactions but also their
      amounts and spatial organization. Live-cell imaging is one possible approach to
      obtain such data. To get multiple snapshots of a cellular process, the imaging
      approach has to be gentle enough to not disrupt basic functions of the cell but
      also have high temporal and spatial resolution to detect and describe the
      changes. Light microscopy has become a method of choice and since its early
      development over 300 years ago revolutionized our understanding of living
      organisms. As most cellular components are indistinguishable from the rest of the
      cellular contents, the second revolution came from a discovery of specific
      labelling techniques, such as fusions to fluorescent proteins that allowed
      specific tracking of a component of interest. Currently, several different tags
      can be tracked independently and this allows us to simultaneously monitor the
      dynamics of several cellular components and from the correlation of their
      dynamics to infer their respective functions. It is, therefore, not surprising
      that live-cell fluorescence microscopy significantly advanced our understanding
      of basic cellular processes. Current cameras are fast enough to detect changes
      with millisecond time resolution and are sensitive enough to detect even a few
      photons per pixel. Together with constant improvement of properties of
      fluorescent tags, it is now possible to track single molecules in living cells
      over an extended period of time with a great temporal resolution. The parallel
      development of new illumination and detection techniques allowed breaking the
      diffraction barrier and thus further pushed the resolution limit of light
      microscopy. In this review, we would like to cover recent advances in live-cell
      imaging technology relevant to bacterial cells and provide a few examples of
      research that has been possible due to imaging.This article is part of the themed
      issue 'The new bacteriology'.

PMID- 27672152
TI  - Old concepts, new molecules and current approaches applied to the bacterial
      nucleotide signalling field.
AB  - Signalling nucleotides are key molecules that help bacteria to rapidly coordinate
      cellular pathways and adapt to changes in their environment. During the past 10
      years, the nucleotide signalling field has seen much excitement, as several new
      signalling nucleotides have been discovered in both eukaryotic and bacterial
      cells. The fields have since advanced quickly, aided by the development of
      important tools such as the synthesis of modified nucleotides, which, combined
      with sensitive mass spectrometry methods, allowed for the rapid identification of
      specific receptor proteins along with other novel genome-wide screening methods.
      In this review, we describe the principle concepts of nucleotide signalling
      networks and summarize the recent work that led to the discovery of the novel
      signalling nucleotides. We also highlight current approaches applied to the
      research in the field as well as resources and methodological advances aiding in
      a rapid identification of nucleotide-specific receptor proteins.This article is
      part of the themed issue 'The new bacteriology'.

PMID- 27672153
TI  - When pathogenic bacteria meet the intestinal microbiota.
AB  - The intestinal microbiota is a large and diverse microbial community that
      inhabits the intestinal tract, containing about 100 trillion bacteria from 500
      1000 distinct species that, collectively, provide multiple benefits to the host.
      The gut microbiota contributes to nutrient absorption and maturation of the
      immune system, and also plays a central role in protection of the host from
      enteric bacterial infection. On the other hand, many enteric pathogens have
      developed strategies in order to be able to outcompete the intestinal community,
      leading to infection and/or chronic diseases. This review will summarize findings
      describing the complex relationship occurring between the intestinal microbiota
      and enteric pathogens, as well as how future therapies can ultimately benefit
      from such discoveries.This article is part of the themed issue 'The new
      bacteriology'.

PMID- 27672156
TI  - The new bacteriology.

PMID- 27672154
TI  - Convergent evolution of pathogenicity islands in helper cos phage interference.
AB  - Staphylococcus aureus pathogenicity islands (SaPIs) are phage satellites that
      exploit the life cycle of their helper phages for their own benefit. Most SaPIs
      are packaged by their helper phages using a headful (pac) packaging mechanism.
      These SaPIs interfere with pac phage reproduction through a variety of
      strategies, including the redirection of phage capsid assembly to form small
      capsids, a process that depends on the expression of the SaPI-encoded cpmA and
      cpmB genes. Another SaPI subfamily is induced and packaged by cos-type phages,
      and although these cos SaPIs also block the life cycle of their inducing phages,
      the basis for this mechanism of interference remains to be deciphered. Here we
      have identified and characterized one mechanism by which the SaPIs interfere with
      cos phage reproduction. This mechanism depends on a SaPI-encoded gene, ccm, which
      encodes a protein involved in the production of small isometric capsids, compared
      with the prolate helper phage capsids. As the Ccm and CpmAB proteins are
      completely unrelated in sequence, this strategy represents a fascinating example
      of convergent evolution. Moreover, this result also indicates that the production
      of SaPI-sized particles is a widespread strategy of phage interference conserved
      during SaPI evolution.This article is part of the themed issue 'The new
      bacteriology'.

PMID- 27672155
TI  - Inhibiting Mycobacterium tuberculosis within and without.
AB  - Tuberculosis remains a scourge of global health with shrinking treatment options
      due to the spread of drug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
      Intensive efforts have been made in the past 15 years to find leads for drug
      development so that better, more potent drugs inhibiting new targets could be
      produced and thus shorten treatment duration. Initial attempts focused on
      repurposing drugs that had been developed for other therapeutic areas but these
      agents did not meet their goals in clinical trials. Attempts to find new lead
      compounds employing target-based screens were unsuccessful as the leads were
      inactive against M. tuberculosis Greater success was achieved using phenotypic
      screening against live tubercle bacilli and this gave rise to the drugs
      bedaquiline, pretomanid and delamanid, currently in phase III trials. Subsequent
      phenotypic screens also uncovered new leads and targets but several of these
      targets proved to be promiscuous and inhibited by a variety of seemingly
      unrelated pharmacophores. This setback sparked an interest in alternative
      screening approaches that mimic the disease state more accurately. Foremost among
      these were cell-based screens, often involving macrophages, as these should
      reflect the bacterium's niche in the host more faithfully. A major advantage of
      this approach is its ability to uncover functions that are central to infection
      but not necessarily required for growth in vitro For instance, inhibition of
      virulence functions mediated by the ESX-1 secretion system severely attenuates
      intracellular M. tuberculosis, preventing intercellular spread and ultimately
      limiting tissue damage. Cell-based screens have highlighted the druggability of
      energy production via the electron transport chain and cholesterol metabolism.
      Here, I review the scientific progress and the pipeline, but warn against over
      optimism due to the lack of industrial commitment for tuberculosis drug
      development and other socio-economic factors.This article is part of the themed
      issue 'The new bacteriology'.

PMID- 27672157
TI  - RNA polymerase supply and flux through the lac operon in Escherichia coli.
AB  - Chromatin immunoprecipitation, followed by quantification of immunoprecipitated
      DNA, can be used to measure RNA polymerase binding to any DNA segment in
      Escherichia coli By calibrating measurements against the signal from a single RNA
      polymerase bound at a single promoter, we can calculate both promoter occupancy
      levels and the flux of transcribing RNA polymerase through transcription units.
      Here, we have applied the methodology to the E. coli lactose operon promoter. We
      confirm that promoter occupancy is limited by recruitment and that the supply of
      RNA polymerase to the lactose operon promoter depends on its location in the E.
      coli chromosome. Measurements of RNA polymerase binding to DNA segments within
      the lactose operon show that flux of RNA polymerase through the operon is low,
      with, on average, over 18 s elapsing between the passage of transcribing
      polymerases. Similar low levels of flux were found when semi-synthetic promoters
      were used to drive transcript initiation, even when the promoter elements were
      changed to ensure full occupancy of the promoter by RNA polymerase.This article
      is part of the themed issue 'The new bacteriology'.

PMID- 27672158
TI  - Molecular phenotyping of infection-associated small non-coding RNAs.
AB  - Infection is a complicated balance, with both pathogen and host struggling to
      tilt the result in their favour. Bacterial infection biology has relied on
      forward genetics for many of its advances, defining phenotype in terms of
      replication in model systems. However, many known virulence factors fail to
      produce robust phenotypes, particularly in the systems most amenable to genetic
      manipulation, such as cell-culture models. This has particularly been limiting
      for the study of the bacterial regulatory small RNAs (sRNAs) in infection. We
      argue that new sequencing-based technologies can work around this problem by
      providing a 'molecular phenotype', defined in terms of the specific
      transcriptional dysregulation in the infection system induced by gene deletion.
      We illustrate this using the example of our recent study of the PinT sRNA using
      dual RNA-seq, that is, simultaneous RNA sequencing of host and pathogen during
      infection. We additionally discuss how other high-throughput technologies, in
      particular genetic interaction mapping using transposon insertion sequencing, may
      be used to further dissect molecular phenotypes. We propose a strategy for how
      high-throughput technologies can be integrated in the study of non-coding
      regulators as well as bacterial virulence factors, enhancing our ability to
      rapidly generate hypotheses with regards to their function.This article is part
      of the themed issue 'The new bacteriology'.

PMID- 27672160
TI  - Correction to 'Increasing western US forest wildfire activity: sensitivity to
      changes in the timing of spring'.

PMID- 27672159
TI  - Hypothesis: type I toxin-antitoxin genes enter the persistence field-a feedback
      mechanism explaining membrane homoeostasis.
AB  - Bacteria form persisters, cells that are tolerant to multiple antibiotics and
      other types of environmental stress. Persister formation can be induced either
      stochastically in single cells of a growing bacterial ensemble, or by
      environmental stresses, such as nutrient starvation, in a subpopulation of cells.
      In many cases, the molecular mechanisms underlying persistence are still unknown.
      However, there is growing evidence that, in enterobacteria, both stochastically
      and environmentally induced persistence are controlled by the second messenger
      (p)ppGpp. For example, the 'alarmone' (p)ppGpp activates Lon, which, in turn,
      activates type II toxin-antitoxin (TA) modules to thereby induce persistence.
      Recently, it has been shown that a type I TA module, hokB/sokB, also can induce
      persistence. In this case, the underlying mechanism depends on the universally
      conserved GTPase Obg and, surprisingly, also (p)ppGpp. In the presence of
      (p)ppGpp, Obg stimulates hokB transcription and induces persistence. HokB toxin
      expression is under both negative and positive control: SokB antisense RNA
      inhibits hokB mRNA translation, while (p)ppGpp and Obg together stimulate hokB
      transcription. HokB is a small toxic membrane protein that, when produced in
      modest amounts, leads to membrane depolarization, cell stasis and persistence. By
      contrast, overexpression of HokB disrupts the membrane potential and kills the
      cell. These observations raise the question of how expression of HokB is
      regulated. Here, I propose a homoeostatic control mechanism that couples HokB
      expression to the membrane-bound RNase E that degrades and inactivates SokB
      antisense RNA.This article is part of the themed issue 'The new bacteriology'.

PMID- 27672164
TI  - Linking Inflammation and Parkinson Disease: Hypochlorous Acid Generates
      Parkinsonian Poisons.

PMID- 27672161
TI  - Is High Blood Pressure Self-Protection for the Brain?
AB  - RATIONALE: Data from animal models of hypertension indicate that high blood
      pressure may develop as a vital mechanism to maintain adequate blood flow to the
      brain. We propose that congenital vascular variants of the posterior cerebral
      circulation and cerebral hypoperfusion could partially explain the pathogenesis
      of essential hypertension, which remains enigmatic in 95% of patients. OBJECTIVE:
      To evaluate the role of the cerebral circulation in the pathophysiology of
      hypertension. METHODS AND RESULTS: We completed a series of retrospective and
      mechanistic case-control magnetic resonance imaging and physiological studies in
      normotensive and hypertensive humans (n=259). Interestingly, in humans with
      hypertension, we report a higher prevalence of congenital cerebrovascular
      variants; vertebral artery hypoplasia, and an incomplete posterior circle of
      Willis, which were coupled with increased cerebral vascular resistance, reduced
      cerebral blood flow, and a higher incidence of lacunar type infarcts. Causally,
      cerebral vascular resistance was elevated before the onset of hypertension and
      elevated sympathetic nerve activity (n=126). Interestingly, untreated
      hypertensive patients (n=20) had a cerebral blood flow similar to age-matched
      controls (n=28). However, participants receiving antihypertensive therapy (with
      blood pressure controlled below target levels) had reduced cerebral perfusion
      (n=19). Finally, elevated cerebral vascular resistance was a predictor of
      hypertension, suggesting that it may be a novel prognostic or diagnostic marker
      (n=126). CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that congenital cerebrovascular variants
      in the posterior circulation and the associated cerebral hypoperfusion may be a
      factor in triggering hypertension. Therefore, lowering blood pressure may worsen
      cerebral perfusion in susceptible individuals.

PMID- 27672165
TI  - The terrorist inside my husband's brain.

PMID- 27672163
TI  - Mechanisms of Action Point Towards Combined PBDE/NDL-PCB Risk Assessment.
AB  - At present, human risk assessment of the structurally similar non-dioxin-like
      (NDL) PCBs and polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs) is done independently for
      both groups of compounds. There are however obvious similarities between NDL-PCBs
      and PBDEs with regard to modulation of the intracellular calcium homeostasis
      (basal calcium levels, voltage-gated calcium channels, calcium uptake, ryanodine
      receptor) and thyroid hormone (TH) homeostasis (TH levels and transport). which
      are mechanisms of action related to neurobehavioral effects (spontaneous
      activity, habituation and learning ability). There also similarities in agonistic
      interactions with the hepatic nuclear receptors PXR and CAR. Several effects on
      developmental (reproductive) processes have also been observed, but results were
      more dispersed and insufficient to compare both groups of compounds. The
      available mechanistic information is sufficient to warrant a dose addition model
      for NDL-PCBs and PBDEs, including their hydroxylated metabolites.Although many of
      the observed effects are similar from a qualitative point of view for both
      groups, congener or tissue specific differences have also been found. As this is
      a source of uncertainty in the combined hazard and risk assessment of these
      compounds, molecular entities involved in the observed mechanisms and adverse
      outcomes associated with these compounds need to be identified. The systematical
      generation of (quantitative) structure-activity information for NDL-PCBs and
      PBDEs on these targets (including potential non-additive effects) will allow a
      more realistic risk estimation associated with combined exposure to both groups
      of compounds during early life. Additional validation studies are needed to
      quantify these uncertainties for risk assessment of NDL-PCBs and PBDEs.

PMID- 27672166
TI  - A rare case of extensive primary meningeal osteosarcoma in childhood.

PMID- 27672167
TI  - A case of sudden deterioration in Parkinson disease.

PMID- 27672168
TI  - Pearls & Oy-sters: Tacrolimus neurotoxicity presenting as an isolated brainstem
      lesion.

PMID- 27672169
TI  - Safety and immunologic effects of high- vs low-dose cholecalciferol in multiple
      sclerosis.

PMID- 27672170
TI  - Mystery Case: Terson syndrome on CT head.

PMID- 27672171
TI  - Clinical Reasoning: An 87-year-old man with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
      and acute encephalopathy.

PMID- 27672173
TI  - Teaching NeuroImages: Acquired hepatocerebral degeneration: An underrecognized
      complication of advanced liver disease.

PMID- 27672172
TI  - Clinical Reasoning: A 52-year-old man with diplopia and ataxia.

PMID- 27672174
TI  - Telestroke: Is it safe and effective?

PMID- 27672176
TI  - Neural substrates of the ability to recognize facial expressions: a voxel-based
      morphometry study.
AB  - The recognition of facial expressions of emotion is adaptive for human social
      interaction, but the ability to do this and the manner in which it is achieved
      differs among individuals. Previous functional neuroimaging studies have
      demonstrated that some brain regions, such as the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG),
      are active during the response to emotional facial expressions in healthy
      participants, and lesion studies have demonstrated that damage to these
      structures impairs the recognition of facial expressions. However, it remains to
      be established whether individual differences in the structure of these regions
      could be associated with differences in the ability to recognize facial
      expressions. We investigated this issue using acquired structural magnetic
      resonance imaging, and assessed the performance of healthy adults with respect to
      recognition of the facial expressions of six basic emotions. The gray matter
      volume of the right IFG positively correlated with the total accuracy of facial
      expression recognition. This suggests that individual differences in the ability
      to recognize facial expressions are associated with differences in the structure
      of the right IFG. Furthermore, the mirror neuron activity of the IFG may be
      important for establishing efficient facial mimicry to facilitate emotion
      recognition.

PMID- 27672177
TI  - Refusal of HIV testing among black Africans attending sexual health clinics in
      England, 2014: a review of surveillance data.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Black Africans are one of the key risk groups for HIV in the UK and,
      among those living with HIV, an estimated 16% and 12% of black African
      heterosexual men and women, respectively, are undiagnosed and at risk of
      unknowingly transmitting HIV to their sex partners. Increased HIV test uptake is
      needed to address this, but there is limited information on how frequently HIV
      test refusal occurs among those attending sexual health clinics (SHCs). We
      identified factors associated with HIV test refusal among black African SHC
      attendees. METHODS: Data on all SHC attendances in England in 2014 were obtained
      from the genitourinary medicine clinic activity dataset, the mandatory
      surveillance system for STIs. Analyses were restricted to attendances by HIV
      negative black Africans, and bivariate and multivariable associations between
      demographic and clinical characteristics and HIV test refusal were assessed. All
      associations were determined using generalised estimating equations logistic
      regression, and adjusted ORs (aORs) with 95% CIs are reported. RESULTS: Black
      Africans made 80 743 attendances at SHCs in 2014 and refused an HIV test on 9021
      (11.2%) occasions. HIV test refusal was significantly more likely in women (aOR
      (95% CI) 1.54 (1.46 to 1.62) vs heterosexual men), and those living in the most
      deprived areas (1.44 (1.24 to 1.67)), diagnosed with a new STI (1.26 (1.18 to
      1.34)) or living in London (1.06 (1.01 to 1.12)). Test refusal was significantly
      less likely with increasing age (0.99 (0.99 to 0.99)) and men who have sex with
      men (0.52 (0.43 to 0.63) vs heterosexual men), and in those tested for HIV in the
      past year (0.85 (0.81 to 0.89)), born outside the UK (0.73 (0.69 to 0.77)) or
      those attending following partner notification (0.11 (0.03 to 0.38)).
      CONCLUSIONS: Targeted interventions are needed to improve HIV testing uptake and
      reduce undiagnosed HIV infection among black Africans attending SHCs, especially
      heterosexuals residing in deprived areas.

PMID- 27672178
TI  - eComment. Phosphocreatine in cardiovascular disease: how can we relate the
      evidence to clinical practice?

PMID- 27672175
TI  - Grit and the brain: spontaneous activity of the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex
      mediates the relationship between the trait grit and academic performance.
AB  - As a personality trait, grit involves the tendency to strive to achieve long-term
      goals with continual passion and perseverance and plays an extremely crucial role
      in personal achievement. However, the neural mechanisms of grit remain largely
      unknown. In this study, we aimed to explore the association between grit and the
      fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF) in 217 healthy
      adolescent students using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (RS
      fMRI). We found that an individual's grit was negatively related to the regional
      fALFF in the right dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (DMPFC), which is involved in
      self-regulation, planning, goal setting and maintenance, and counterfactual
      thinking for reflecting on past failures. The results persisted even after the
      effects of general intelligence and the 'big five' personality traits were
      adjusted for. More importantly, the fALFF of the right DMPFC played a mediating
      role in the association between grit and academic performance. Overall, these
      findings reveal regional fALFF as a neural basis of grit and highlight the right
      DMPFC as a neural link between grit and academic performance.

PMID- 27672179
TI  - eReply. Phosphocreatine in cardiovascular disease: how can we relate the evidence
      to clinical practice?

PMID- 27672181
TI  - Contribution of occupational factors to the incidence and persistence of chronic
      low back pain among workers: results from the longitudinal VISAT study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Among the aetiological factors of chronic low back pain (CLBP),
      occupational factors are often suspected, but their contribution remains to be
      ascertained. This study aimed to determine the impact of a wide range of
      occupational factors on the incidence and persistence of CLBP. METHOD: From the
      VISAT (VIeillissement SAnte Travail) study, 1560 workers were examined at
      baseline and 5 years later. CLBP was defined as having low back pain or specific
      treatment for at least 6 months. Participants newly affected with CLBP and those
      with persistent CLBP at follow-up were distinguished. In addition to individual
      factors, a broad panel of occupational factors were analysed, covering
      employment, physical, organisational and psychosocial factors. Multivariate
      analyses were used to determine predictive factors of incidence and persistence
      of CLBP. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were performed to analyse
      the contribution of occupational factors. RESULTS: 22.6% of participants without
      any CLBP initially presented with CLBP 5 years later, while 53.7% of participants
      with CLBP at baseline had CLBP at the second collection. Carrying heavy loads,
      the lack of recognition of completed work and productivity-related income
      predicted a higher risk of incidence of CLBP. However, no significant association
      between occupational factors and the risk for persistence of CLBP was observed,
      while the risk was multiplied by two for history of depression and
      rheumatological events. ROC curves confirmed the significant contribution of
      occupational factors to incidence of CLBP. CONCLUSIONS: Occupational factors
      played a pivotal role in the incidence of CLBP, while individual factors were the
      main determinants of persistence of CLBP.

PMID- 27672183
TI  - Dynamical properties and thresholds of an HIV model with super-infection.
AB  - Super-infection by multiple HIV-1 subtypes, previously thought restricted to high
      risk groups, has now been reported in the general heterosexual populations at
      relatively the same incidence rate as in high risk groups. We present a simple
      deterministic HIV model with super-infection by two HIV-1 subtypes. Mathematical
      characteristics including the basic reproductive number $(?mathcal{R}_0)$,
      invasion threshold $(?mathcal{R}_{21},?mathcal{R}_{12})$ and conditions for
      asymptotic stability are derived. In the absence of super-infection the model
      exhibits competitive exclusion, and all equilibria are globally attracting if
      they exist except for the disease free which is a saddle for $?mathcal{R}_0>1.$
      The results show that the subtype with the dominant reproductive number exceeding
      unity dominates the weaker subtype forcing it to extinction regardless of the
      size of the reproductive number. On the other end, super-infection may promote
      subtype co-existence whenever the minimum of the subtype specific reproductive
      numbers $(?mathcal{R}_1,?mathcal{R}_2)$ and the invasion reproductive numbers
      $(?mathcal{R}_{12},?mathcal{R}_{21})$ exceed unity. Our results demonstrate that
      if the partial reproductive numbers $(?mathcal{R}_1~?mbox{and}~?mathcal{R}_2 )$
      and the invasion reproductive number for the weaker subtype $(?mathcal{R}_{21})$
      satisfy $?mathcal{R}_2<1,~?mathcal{R}_1>1~?mbox{and}~?mathcal{R}_{21}>1,$ then
      primary infection by subtype $1$ may stay the extinction of subtype $2$ despite
      its relatively low reproductive fitness. For certain parameter ranges, hysteresis
      (including backward bifurcation) occurs with possible differences in the
      asymptotic level of disease prevalence. Super-infection may thus facilitate the
      continued re-generation of reproductively noncompetent subtypes whose subtype
      specific reproductive numbers will be less than unity while at the same time
      allowing for the mutual coexistence and persistence of multiple strains.
      Persistence and co-existence of multiple strains has detrimental effect on
      vaccine design and development and administration of ART where one or more of the
      strains are drug resistant.

PMID- 27672182
TI  - Multiscale simulation of thrombus growth and vessel occlusion triggered by
      collagen/tissue factor using a data-driven model of combinatorial platelet
      signalling.
AB  - During clotting under flow, platelets bind and activate on collagen and release
      autocrinic factors such as ADP and thromboxane, while tissue factor (TF) on the
      damaged wall leads to localized thrombin generation. Towards patient-specific
      simulation of thrombosis, a multiscale approach was developed to account for:
      platelet signalling [neural network (NN) trained by pairwise agonist scanning
      (PAS), PAS-NN], platelet positions (lattice kinetic Monte Carlo, LKMC), wall
      generated thrombin and platelet-released ADP/thromboxane convection-diffusion
      (partial differential equation, PDE) and flow over a growing clot (lattice
      Boltzmann). LKMC included shear-driven platelet aggregate restructuring. The PDEs
      for thrombin, ADP and thromboxane were solved by finite element method using cell
      activation-driven adaptive triangular meshing. At all times, intracellular
      calcium was known for each platelet by PAS-NN in response to its unique exposure
      to local collagen, ADP, thromboxane and thrombin. When compared with microfluidic
      experiments of human blood clotting on collagen/TF driven by constant pressure
      drop, the model accurately predicted clot morphology and growth with time. In
      experiments and simulations at TF at 0.1 and 10 molecule-TF/$?mu$m$^{2}$ and
      initial wall shear rate of 200 s$^{-1}$, the occlusive blockade of flow for a 60
      $?mu$m channel occurred relatively abruptly at 600 and 400 s, respectively (with
      no occlusion at zero TF). Prior to occlusion, intrathrombus concentrations
      reached 50 nM thrombin, ~ 1 $?mu$M thromboxane and ~ 10 $?mu$M ADP, while the
      wall shear rate on the rough clot peaked at ~ 1000-2000 s$^{-1}$. Additionally,
      clotting on TF/collagen was accurately simulated for modulators of platelet
      cyclooxygenase-1, P2Y$_{1}$ and IP-receptor. This multiscale approach facilitates
      patient-specific simulation of thrombosis under hemodynamic and pharmacological
      conditions.

PMID- 27672187
TI  - The acclimation of Tilia cordata stomatal opening in response to light, and
      stomatal anatomy to vegetational shade and its components.
AB  - Stomatal anatomical traits and rapid responses to several components of visible
      light were measured in Tilia cordata Mill. seedlings grown in an open, fully
      sunlit field (C-set), or under different kinds of shade. The main questions were:
      (i) stomatal responses to which visible light spectrum regions are modified by
      growth-environment shade and (ii) which separate component of vegetational shade
      is most effective in eliciting the acclimation effects of the full vegetational
      shade. We found that stomatal opening in response to red or green light did not
      differ between the plants grown in the different environments. Stomatal response
      to blue light was increased (in comparison with that of C-set) in the leaves
      grown in full vegetational shade (IABW-set), in attenuated UVAB irradiance (AB
      set) or in decreased light intensity (neutral shade) plus attenuated UVAB
      irradiance (IAB-set). In all sets, the addition of green light-two or four times
      stronger-into induction light barely changed the rate of the blue-light
      stimulated stomatal opening. In the AB-set, stomatal response to blue light
      equalled the strong IABW-set response. In attenuated UVB-grown leaves, stomatal
      response fell midway between IABW- and C-set results. Blue light response by
      neutral shade-grown leaves did not differ from that of the C-set, and the
      response by the IAB-set did not differ from that of the AB-set. Stomatal size was
      not modified by growth environments. Stomatal density and index were remarkably
      decreased only in the IABW- and IAB-sets. It was concluded that differences in
      white light responses between T. cordata leaves grown in different light
      environments are caused only by their different blue light response. Differences
      in stomatal sensitivity are not dependent on altered stomatal anatomy. Attenuated
      UVAB irradiance is the most efficient component of vegetational shade in
      stimulating acclimation of stomata, whereas decreased light intensity plays a
      minor role.

PMID- 27672189
TI  - Trade-offs between water transport capacity and drought resistance in neotropical
      canopy liana and tree species.
AB  - In tropical forest canopies, it is critical for upper shoots to efficiently
      provide water to leaves for physiological function while safely preventing loss
      of hydraulic conductivity due to cavitation during periods of soil water deficit
      or high evaporative demand. We compared hydraulic physiology of upper canopy
      trees and lianas in a seasonally dry tropical forest to test whether trade-offs
      between safety and efficiency of water transport shape differences in hydraulic
      function between these two major tropical woody growth forms. We found that
      lianas showed greater maximum stem-specific hydraulic conductivity than trees,
      but lost hydraulic conductivity at less negative water potentials than trees,
      resulting in a negative correlation and trade-off between safety and efficiency
      of water transport. Lianas also exhibited greater diurnal changes in leaf water
      potential than trees. The magnitude of diurnal water potential change was
      negatively correlated with sapwood capacitance, indicating that lianas are highly
      reliant on conducting capability to maintain leaf water status, whereas trees
      relied more on stored water in stems to maintain leaf water status. Leaf nitrogen
      concentration was related to maximum leaf-specific hydraulic conductivity only
      for lianas suggesting that greater water transport capacity is more tied to leaf
      processes in lianas compared to trees. Our results are consistent with a trade
      off between safety and efficiency of water transport and may have implications
      for increasing liana abundance in neotropical forests.

PMID- 27672190
TI  - Towards more accurate vegetation mortality predictions.

PMID- 27672191
TI  - Fluorescent Reporter DS6A Mycobacteriophages Reveal Unique Variations in
      Infectibility and Phage Production in Mycobacteria.
AB  - : Mycobacteriophage DS6A is unique among the more than 8,000 isolated
      mycobacteriophages due to its ability to form plaques exclusively on mycobacteria
      belonging to the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC). Speculation
      surrounding this specificity has led to unsupported assertions in published
      studies and patents that nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are wholly resistant
      to DS6A infection. In this study, we identified two independent nonessential
      regions in the DS6A genome and replaced them with an mVenus-expressing plasmid to
      generate fluorescent reporter phages Phi2GFP12 and Phi2GFP13. We show that even
      though DS6A is able to form plaques only on MTBC bacteria, infection of various
      NTM results in mVenus expression in transduced cells. The efficiency of DS6A in
      delivering DNA varied between NTM species. Additionally, we saw a striking
      difference in the efficiency of DNA delivery between the closely related members
      of the Mycobacterium abscessus complex, M. abscessus and Mycobacterium
      massiliense We also demonstrated that TM4 and DS6A, two phages that do not form
      plaques on M. massiliense, differ in their ability to deliver DNA, suggesting
      that there is a phage-specific restriction between mycobacterial species.
      Phylogenetic analysis reveals that the DS6A genome has a characteristically
      mosaic structure but provided few insights into the basis for the specificity for
      MTBC hosts. This study demonstrates that the inability of the MTBC-specific phage
      DS6A to form plaques on NTM is more complex than previously thought. Moreover,
      the DS6A-derived fluorophages provide important new tools for the study of
      mycobacterial biology. IMPORTANCE: The coevolution of bacteria and their
      infecting phages involves a constant arms race for bacteria to prevent phage
      infection and phage to overcome these preventions. Although a diverse array of
      phage defense systems is well characterized in bacteria, very few phage
      restriction systems are known in mycobacteria. The DS6A mycobacteriophage is
      unique in the mycobacterial world in that it forms plaques only on members of the
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. However, the novel DS6A reporter phages
      developed in this work demonstrate that DS6A can infect nontuberculous
      mycobacteria at various efficiencies. By comparing the abilities of DS6A and
      another phage, TM4, to infect and form plaques on various mycobacterial species,
      we can begin to discern new phage restriction systems employed within the genus.

PMID- 27672192
TI  - Uptake and Metabolism of Antibiotics Roseoflavin and 8-Demethyl-8-Aminoriboflavin
      in Riboflavin-Auxotrophic Listeria monocytogenes.
AB  - The riboflavin analogs roseoflavin (RoF) and 8-demethyl-8-aminoriboflavin (AF)
      are produced by the bacteria Streptomyces davawensis and Streptomyces
      cinnabarinus Riboflavin analogs have the potential to be used as broad-spectrum
      antibiotics, and we therefore studied the metabolism of riboflavin (vitamin B2),
      RoF, and AF in the human pathogen Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium which is a
      riboflavin auxotroph. We show that the L. monocytogenes protein Lmo1945 is
      responsible for the uptake of riboflavin, RoF, and AF. Following import, these
      flavins are phosphorylated/adenylylated by the bifunctional flavokinase/flavin
      adenine dinucleotide (FAD) synthetase Lmo1329 and adenylylated by the unique FAD
      synthetase Lmo0728, the first monofunctional FAD synthetase to be described in
      bacteria. Lmo1329 generates the cofactors flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and FAD,
      whereas Lmo0728 produces FAD only. The combined activities of Lmo1329 and Lmo0728
      are responsible for the intracellular formation of the toxic cofactor analogs
      roseoflavin mononucleotide (RoFMN), roseoflavin adenine dinucleotide (RoFAD), 8
      demethyl-8-aminoriboflavin mononucleotide (AFMN), and 8-demethyl-8
      aminoriboflavin adenine dinucleotide (AFAD). In vivo reporter gene assays and in
      vitro transcription/translation experiments show that the L. monocytogenes FMN
      riboswitch Rli96, which controls expression of the riboflavin transport gene
      lmo1945, is negatively affected by riboflavin/FMN and RoF/RoFMN but not by
      AF/AFMN. Treatment of L. monocytogenes with RoF or AF leads to drastically
      reduced FMN/FAD levels. We suggest that the reduced flavin cofactor levels in
      combination with concomitant synthesis of inactive cofactor analogs (RoFMN,
      RoFAD, AFMN, and AFAD) explain why RoF and AF contribute to antibiotic activity
      in L. monocytogenes IMPORTANCE: The riboflavin analogs roseoflavin (RoF) and 8
      demethyl-8-aminoriboflavin (AF) are small molecules which are produced by
      Streptomyces davawensis and Streptomyces cinnabarinus RoF and AF were reported to
      have antibacterial activity, and we studied how these compounds are metabolized
      by the human bacterial pathogen Listeria monocytogenes We found that the L.
      monocytogenes protein Lmo1945 mediates uptake of AF and RoF and that the combined
      activities of the enzymes Lmo1329 and Lmo0728 are responsible for the conversion
      of AF and RoF to toxic cofactor analogs. Comparative studies with RoF and AF (a
      weaker antibiotic) suggest that the reduction in FMN/FAD levels and the formation
      of inactive FMN/FAD analogs explain to a large extent the antibiotic activity of
      AF and RoF.

PMID- 27672193
TI  - Implementation and Data Analysis of Tn-seq, Whole-Genome Resequencing, and Single
      Molecule Real-Time Sequencing for Bacterial Genetics.
AB  - Few discoveries have been more transformative to the biological sciences than the
      development of DNA sequencing technologies. The rapid advancement of sequencing
      and bioinformatics tools has revolutionized bacterial genetics, deepening our
      understanding of model and clinically relevant organisms. Although application of
      newer sequencing technologies to studies in bacterial genetics is increasing, the
      implementation of DNA sequencing technologies and development of the
      bioinformatics tools required for analyzing the large data sets generated remain
      a challenge for many. In this minireview, we have chosen to summarize three
      sequencing approaches that are particularly useful for bacterial genetics. We
      provide resources for scientists new to and interested in their application.
      Here, we discuss the analysis of data from transposon mutagenesis followed by
      deep sequencing (Tn-seq) to determine gene disruptions differentially represented
      in a mutant population and Illumina sequencing for identification of suppressor
      or other mutations, and we summarize single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing
      for de novo genome assembly and the use of the output data for detection of DNA
      base modifications.

PMID- 27672194
TI  - The Adc/Lmb System Mediates Zinc Acquisition in Streptococcus agalactiae and
      Contributes to Bacterial Growth and Survival.
AB  - : The Lmb protein of Streptococcus agalactiae is described as an adhesin that
      binds laminin, a component of the human extracellular matrix. In this study, we
      revealed a new role for this protein in zinc uptake. We also identified two Lmb
      homologs, AdcA and AdcAII, redundant binding proteins that combine with the AdcCB
      translocon to form a zinc-ABC transporter. Expression of this transporter is
      controlled by the zinc concentration in the medium through the zinc-dependent
      regulator AdcR. Triple deletion of lmb, adcA, and adcAII, or that of the adcCB
      genes, impaired growth and cell separation in a zinc-restricted environment.
      Moreover, we found that this Adc zinc-ABC transporter promotes S. agalactiae
      growth and survival in some human biological fluids, suggesting that it
      contributes to the infection process. These results indicated that zinc has
      biologically vital functions in S. agalactiae and that, under the conditions
      tested, the Adc/Lmb transporter constitutes the main zinc acquisition system of
      the bacterium. IMPORTANCE: A zinc transporter, composed of three redundant
      binding proteins (Lmb, AdcA, and AdcAII), was characterized in Streptococcus
      agalactiae This system was shown to be essential for bacterial growth and
      morphology in zinc-restricted environments, including human biological fluids.

PMID- 27672195
TI  - The Self-Identity Protein IdsD Is Communicated between Cells in Swarming Proteus
      mirabilis Colonies.
AB  - : Proteus mirabilis is a social bacterium that is capable of self (kin) versus
      nonself recognition. Swarming colonies of this bacterium expand outward on
      surfaces to centimeter-scale distances due to the collective motility of
      individual cells. Colonies of genetically distinct populations remain separate,
      while those of identical populations merge. Ids proteins are essential for this
      recognition behavior. Two of these proteins, IdsD and IdsE, encode identity
      information for each strain. These two proteins bind in vitro in an allele
      restrictive manner. IdsD-IdsE binding is correlated with the merging of
      populations, whereas a lack of binding is correlated with the separation of
      populations. Key questions remained about the in vivo interactions of IdsD and
      IdsE, specifically, whether IdsD and IdsE bind within single cells or whether
      IdsD-IdsE interactions occur across neighboring cells and, if so, which of the
      two proteins is exchanged. Here we demonstrate that IdsD must originate from
      another cell to communicate identity and that this nonresident IdsD interacts
      with IdsE resident in the recipient cell. Furthermore, we show that unbound IdsD
      in recipient cells does not cause cell death and instead appears to contribute to
      a restriction in the expansion radius of the swarming colony. We conclude that P.
      mirabilis communicates IdsD between neighboring cells for nonlethal kin
      recognition, which suggests that the Ids proteins constitute a type of cell-cell
      communication. IMPORTANCE: We demonstrate that self (kin) versus nonself
      recognition in P. mirabilis entails the cell-cell communication of an identity
      encoding protein that is exported from one cell and received by another. We
      further show that this intercellular exchange affects swarm colony expansion in a
      nonlethal manner, which adds social communication to the list of potential swarm
      related regulatory factors.

PMID- 27672197
TI  - Superficial Femoral Artery Is Not Left Anterior Descending Artery.

PMID- 27672196
TI  - Structural Determinants for Antitoxin Identity and Insulation of Cross Talk
      between Homologous Toxin-Antitoxin Systems.
AB  - : Toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems are ubiquitous in bacteria and archaea, where they
      play a pivotal role in the establishment and maintenance of dormancy. Under
      normal growth conditions, the antitoxin neutralizes the toxin. However, under
      conditions of stress, such as nutrient starvation or antibiotic treatment,
      cellular proteases degrade the antitoxin, and the toxin functions to arrest
      bacterial growth. We characterized the specificity determinants of the
      interactions between VapB antitoxins and VapC toxins from nontypeable Haemophilus
      influenzae (NTHi) in an effort to gain a better understanding of how antitoxins
      control toxin activity and bacterial persistence. We studied truncated and full
      length antitoxins with single amino acid mutations in the toxin-binding domain.
      Coexpressing the toxin and antitoxin in Escherichia coli and measuring bacterial
      growth by dilution plating assayed the ability of the mutant antitoxins to
      neutralize the toxin. Our results identified two single amino acid residues (W48
      and F52) in the C-terminal region of the VapB2 antitoxin necessary for its
      ability to neutralize its cognate VapC2 toxin. Additionally, we attempted to
      alter the specificity of VapB1 by making a mutation that would allow it to
      neutralize its noncognate toxin. A mutation in VapB1 to contain the tryptophan
      residue identified herein as important in the VapB2-VapC2 interaction resulted in
      a VapB1 mutant (the T47W mutant) that binds to and neutralizes both its cognate
      VapC1 and noncognate VapC2 toxins. This represents the first example of a single
      mutation causing relaxed specificity in a type II antitoxin. IMPORTANCE: Toxin
      antitoxin systems are of particular concern in pathogenic organisms, such as
      nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae, as they can elicit dormancy and persistence,
      leading to chronic infections and failure of antibiotic treatment. Despite the
      importance of the TA interaction, the specificity determinants for VapB-VapC
      complex formation remain uncharacterized. Thus, our understanding of how
      antitoxins control toxin-induced dormancy and bacterial persistence requires
      thorough investigation of antitoxin specificity for its cognate toxin. This study
      characterizes the crucial residues of the VapB2 antitoxin from NTHi necessary for
      its interaction with VapC2 and provides the first example of a single amino acid
      change altering the toxin specificity of an antitoxin.

PMID- 27672199
TI  - Long-Term Follow-Up of the Randomized (BIOMArCS-2) Glucose Trial: Intensive
      Glucose Regulation in Hyperglycemic Acute Coronary Syndrome.

PMID- 27672200
TI  - Letter by Koh Regarding Article, "Long-Term Effectiveness and Safety of
      Pravastatin in Patients With Coronary Heart Disease: 16 Years of Follow-Up of the
      LIPID Study".

PMID- 27672201
TI  - Letter by Melgari et al Regarding Article, "Ivabradine: Role in the Chronic Heart
      Failure Armamentarium".

PMID- 27672202
TI  - Correction to: 2016 ACC/AHA/HFSA Focused Update on New Pharmacological Therapy
      for Heart Failure: An Update of the 2013 ACCF/AHA Guideline for the Management of
      Heart Failure: A Report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American
      Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines and the Heart
      Failure Society of America.

PMID- 27672203
TI  - P2X7R Gene Polymorphisms are Associated with Increased Risk of Pulmonary
      Tuberculosis in the Tibetan Chinese Population.
AB  - In this study, we aim to explore the correlation between single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) in the P2X7R gene and pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB)
      susceptibility in the Tibetan Chinese population in China. We examined 467
      patients with active PTB and 504 healthy controls living in Xi'an and the
      surrounding area. Eight P2X7R SNPs were genotyped, and association analysis was
      performed. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were tested by
      unconditional logistic regression analysis to evaluate the effects of the
      polymorphisms on PTB risk. P2X7R SNP association analyses were performed using
      SPSS 17.0 statistical packages and Microsoft Excel, SNP statistics software,
      Haploview software package (version 4.2), and SHEsis software platform. The
      results show that the "C" allele of rs656612 in the P2X7R gene was associated
      with an increased PTB risk by the additive model (OR = 1.307, 95% CI = 1.088
      1.570, P = 0.004) and dominant model (rs656612, OR = 1.490, 95% CI = 1.153-1.926,
      P = 0.002). The "A" allele of rs208290 showed an increased PTB risk by the
      additive model (OR = 1.418, 95% CI = 1.179-1.706, P < 0.001) and dominant model
      (OR = 1.680, 95% CI = 1.297-2.177, P < 0.001), whereas the "A" allele of
      rs7958311 showed an increased risk by the additive model (rs7958311, OR = 1.260,
      95% CI = 1.055-1.505, P = 0.011) and recessive model (OR = 1.609, 95% CI = 1.200
      2.158, P = 0.001). After Bonferroni correction, rs208290 was found to be
      associated with PTB in the allele, dominant, and genotype models. In conclusion,
      our study revealed a significant association between three P2X7R gene
      polymorphisms (rs656612, rs208290, and rs7958311) and PTB in a Tibetan Chinese
      population.

PMID- 27672205
TI  - Malarial Infection and Curable Sexually Transmitted and Reproductive Tract
      Infections Among Pregnant Women in a Rural District of Zambia.
AB  - Malarial infection and curable sexually transmitted and reproductive tract
      infections (STIs/RTIs) are important causes of adverse birth outcomes. Reducing
      the burden of these infections in pregnancy requires interventions that can be
      easily integrated into the antenatal care (ANC) package. However, efforts to
      integrate the control of malarial infection and curable STIs/RTIs in pregnancy
      have been hampered by a lack of evidence related to their coinfection. Thus, we
      investigated the prevalence of coinfection among pregnant women of rural Zambia.
      A prospective cohort study was conducted in Nchelenge District, Zambia, involving
      1,086 first ANC attendees. We screened participants for peripheral malarial
      infection and curable STIs/RTIs (syphilis, Chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis,
      and bacterial vaginosis), and collected relevant sociodemographic data at
      booking. Factors associated with malarial and STI/RTI coinfection were explored
      using univariate and multivariate regression models. Among participants with
      complete results (N = 1,071), 38.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 35.7-41.6)
      were coinfected with malaria parasites and at least one STI/RTI; 18.9% (95% CI =
      16.5-21.2) were infected with malaria parasites only; 26.0% (95% CI = 23.5-28.8)
      were infected with at least one STI/RTI but no malaria parasites, and 16.4% (95%
      CI = 14.1-18.6) had no infection. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected
      women had a higher risk of being coinfected than HIV-uninfected women (odds ratio
      [OR] = 3.59 [95% CI = 1.73-7.48], P < 0.001). The prevalence of malarial and
      STI/RTI coinfection was high in this population. An integrated approach to
      control malarial infection and STIs/RTIs is needed to reduce this dual burden in
      pregnancy.

PMID- 27672204
TI  - West Nile Virus Infection in Human and Mouse Cornea Tissue.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to determine the in vitro and ex vivo
      susceptibility of human corneal cells to West Nile virus (WNV) infection and
      evaluate the ability of the virus to disseminate to the corneas of infected mice.
      Human corneal epithelial cells were challenged with WNV, incubated for 1-6 days,
      and tested for evidence of WNV infection. Viral RNA and antigen were detected at
      every time point, and the virus reached a peak titer of 2.5 * 107 plaque-forming
      units (pfu)/mL at 3 days postinoculation (PI). Corneas procured from donors were
      incubated in culture dishes containing WNV for 1-5 days and tested for evidence
      of WNV. Viral RNA and antigen were detected, and the virus reached a mean peak
      titer of 4.9 * 104 pfu/mL at 5 days PI. Mice were inoculated intraperitoneally
      with WNV, and their eyes were harvested at 2, 5, and 8 days PI and tested for
      evidence of WNV. Viral RNA was detected in corneas of four of nine systemically
      infected mice as early as 2 days PI. We conclude that human corneal cells support
      WNV replication in vitro and ex vivo, and WNV may disseminate into the corneas of
      experimentally infected mice. These findings indicate that corneal transmission
      cannot be ruled out as a novel mode of human-to-human WNV transmission and
      additional experiments should be conducted to assess this risk further.

PMID- 27672206
TI  - Hymenolepis nana Impact Among Children in the Highlands of Cusco, Peru: An
      Emerging Neglected Parasite Infection.
AB  - Hymenolepis nana is the most common cestode infection in the world. However,
      limited information is available regarding its impact on affected populations. We
      studied the epidemiology and symptoms associated with hymenolepiasis among
      children 3-16 years old in 16 rural communities of the highlands of the Cusco
      region in Peru. Information on demographics, socioeconomic status, symptoms as
      reported by parents, and parasitological testing was obtained from the database
      of an ongoing Fasciola hepatica epidemiologic study. A total of 1,230 children
      were included in the study. Forty-five percent were infected with at least one
      pathogenic intestinal parasite. Giardia spp. (22.9%) was the most common,
      followed by Hymenolepis (17.4%), Fasciola (14.1%), Ascaris lumbricoides (6.1%),
      and Strongyloides stercoralis (2%). The prevalence of Hymenolepis infection
      varied by community, by other parasitic infections, and by socioeconomic status.
      However, only years of education of the mother, use of well water, and age less
      than 10 years were associated with Hymenolepis infection in the multivariate
      analysis. Hymenolepis nana infection was associated with diarrhea, jaundice,
      headaches, fever, and fatigue. Children with > 500 eggs/g of stool were more
      likely to have symptoms of weight loss, jaundice, diarrhea, and fever.
      Hymenolepis nana infection and age were the only factors retained in the
      multivariate analysis modeling diarrhea. Hymenolepiasis is a common
      gastrointestinal helminth in the Cusco region and is associated with significant
      morbidity in children in rural communities. The impact caused by the emergence of
      Hymenolepis as a prevalent intestinal parasite deserves closer scrutiny.

PMID- 27672207
TI  - Screening for Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency Using Three Detection
      Methods: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Southwestern Uganda.
AB  - Despite the potential benefit of primaquine in reducing Plasmodium falciparum
      transmission and radical cure of Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium ovale
      infections, concerns over risk of hemolytic toxicity in individuals with glucose
      6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PDd) have hampered its deployment. A
      cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2014 to assess the G6PDd prevalence among
      631 children between 6 and 59 months of age in southwestern Uganda, an area where
      primaquine may be a promising control measure. G6PDd prevalence was determined
      using three detection methods: a quantitative G6PD enzyme activity assay (Trinity
      Biotech(r) G-6-PDH kit), a qualitative point-of-care test (CareStartTM G6PD rapid
      diagnostic test [RDT]), and molecular detection of the G6PD A- G202A allele.
      Qualitative tests were compared with the gold standard quantitative assay. G6PDd
      prevalence was higher by RDT (8.6%) than by quantitative assay (6.8%), using a <
      60% activity threshold. The RDT performed optimally at a < 60% threshold and
      demonstrated high sensitivity (>= 90%) and negative predictive values (100%)
      across three activity thresholds (below 60%, 30%, and 40%). G202A allele
      frequency was 6.4%, 7.9%, and 6.8% among females, males, and overall,
      respectively. Notably, over half of the G202A homo-/hemizygous children expressed
      >= 60% enzyme activity. Overall, the CareStartTM G6PD RDT appears to be a viable
      screening test to accurately identify individuals with enzyme activities below
      60%. The low prevalence of G6PDd across all three diagnostic modalities and
      absence of severe deficiency in our study suggests that there is little barrier
      to the use of single-dose primaquine in this region.

PMID- 27672208
TI  - Post-Kala-Azar Dermal Leishmaniasis Without Previous History of Visceral
      Leishmaniasis.
AB  - Post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) without previous visceral
      leishmaniasis (VL) is a rare dermatological manifestation of Leishmania
      infection. To date, most of the reported cases neither showed parasitological
      confirmation nor explained the outcome of treatment. Herein, we report three
      confirmed cases that were were successfully cured after miltefosine treatment.

PMID- 27672209
TI  - Purification of Ovine Respiratory Complex I Results in a Highly Active and Stable
      Preparation.
AB  - NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I) is the largest (~1 MDa) and the least
      characterized complex of the mitochondrial electron transport chain. Because of
      the ease of sample availability, previous work has focused almost exclusively on
      bovine complex I. However, only medium resolution structural analyses of this
      complex have been reported. Working with other mammalian complex I homologues is
      a potential approach for overcoming these limitations. Due to the inherent
      difficulty of expressing large membrane protein complexes, screening of complex I
      homologues is limited to large mammals reared for human consumption. The high
      sequence identity among these available sources may preclude the benefits of
      screening. Here, we report the characterization of complex I purified from Ovis
      aries (ovine) heart mitochondria. All 44 unique subunits of the intact complex
      were identified by mass spectrometry. We identified differences in the subunit
      composition of subcomplexes of ovine complex I as compared with bovine,
      suggesting differential stability of inter-subunit interactions within the
      complex. Furthermore, the 42-kDa subunit, which is easily lost from the bovine
      enzyme, remains tightly bound to ovine complex I. Additionally, we developed a
      novel purification protocol for highly active and stable mitochondrial complex I
      using the branched-chain detergent lauryl maltose neopentyl glycol. Our data
      demonstrate that, although closely related, significant differences exist between
      the biochemical properties of complex I prepared from ovine and bovine
      mitochondria and that ovine complex I represents a suitable alternative target
      for further structural studies.

PMID- 27672212
TI  - David Spector: Coordinating gene expression in space and time.

PMID- 27672210
TI  - Class I Histone Deacetylase HDAC1 and WRN RECQ Helicase Contribute Additively to
      Protect Replication Forks upon Hydroxyurea-induced Arrest.
AB  - The WRN helicase/exonuclease is mutated in Werner syndrome of genomic instability
      and premature aging. WRN-depleted fibroblasts, although remaining largely viable,
      have a reduced capacity to maintain replication forks active during a transient
      hydroxyurea-induced arrest. A strand exchange protein, RAD51, is also required
      for replication fork maintenance, and here we show that recruitment of RAD51 to
      stalled forks is reduced in the absence of WRN. We performed a siRNA screen for
      genes that are required for viability of WRN-depleted cells after hydroxyurea
      treatment, and identified HDAC1, a member of the class I histone deacetylase
      family. One of the functions of HDAC1, which it performs together with a close
      homolog HDAC2, is deacetylation of new histone H4 deposited at replication forks.
      We show that HDAC1 depletion exacerbates defects in fork reactivation and
      progression after hydroxyurea treatment observed in WRN- or RAD51-deficient
      cells. The additive WRN, HDAC1 loss-of-function phenotype is also observed with a
      catalytic mutant of HDAC1; however, it does not correlate with changes in histone
      H4 deacetylation at replication forks. On the other hand, inhibition of histone
      deacetylation by an inhibitor specific to HDACs 1-3, CI-994, correlates with
      increased processing of newly synthesized DNA strands in hydroxyurea-stalled
      forks. WRN co-precipitates with HDAC1 and HDAC2. Taken together, our findings
      indicate that WRN interacts with HDACs 1 and 2 to facilitate activity of stalled
      replication forks under conditions of replication stress.

PMID- 27672211
TI  - EPR studies of wild type and mutant Dre2 identify essential [2Fe--2S] and [4Fe-
      4S] clusters and their cysteine ligands.
AB  - Yeast Dre2 (anamorsin or CIAPIN1) is an essential component for cytosolic Fe/S
      cluster biosynthesis. The C-terminal domain contains eight evolutionarily
      conserved cysteine residues, and we previously demonstrated that the yeast Dre2
      overexpressed in Escherichia coli contains one binuclear ([2Fe-2S]) cluster and
      one tetranuclear ([4Fe-4S]) cluster. In this study, we replaced each conserved
      cysteine with alanine and analyzed the effects by Electron Paramagnetic
      Resonance. Although the C311A mutant lacked both signals, our data clearly
      suggest that the [2Fe-2S] cluster is ligated to Cys252, Cys263, Cys266 and
      Cys268, whereas the [4Fe-4S] cluster is ligated to Cys311, Cys314, Cys322 and
      Cys325. By simulation analysis of the C263A and C322A data, we obtained the g
      values for the [4Fe-4S] cluster (gx,y,z = 1.830, 1.947 and 2.018) and for the
      [2Fe-2S] cluster (gx,y,z =1.919, 1.962 and 2.001). We also observed spin-spin
      interaction between the two clusters, suggesting their close proximity.
      Chemically reconstituted Dre2 showed air sensitivity of the [4Fe-4S] cluster
      converting to a [2Fe-2S] cluster. Furthermore, using a yeast shuffle strain, we
      demonstrated for the first time that each of the Cys Fe-S cluster ligands with
      the exception of C252 is essential, indicating that both Dre2 clusters are needed
      for cell viability.

PMID- 27672213
TI  - Blood flow boosts BMP signaling to keep vessels in shape.
AB  - Bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs) and blood flow regulate vascular remodeling and
      homeostasis. In this issue, Baeyens et al. (2016. J. Cell Biol
      http://dx.doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201603106) show that blood flow sensitizes
      endothelial cells to BMP9 signaling by triggering Alk1/ENG complexing to suppress
      cell proliferation and to recruit mural cells, thereby establishing endothelial
      quiescence.

PMID- 27672214
TI  - Diluted honey inhibits biofilm formation: potential application in urinary
      catheter management?
AB  - AIMS: Biofilms are ubiquitous and when mature have a complex structure of
      microcolonies in an extracellular polysaccharide and extracellular DNA matrix.
      Indwelling medical devices harbour biofilms which have been shown to cause
      infections and act as reservoirs for pathogens. Urinary catheters are often in
      place for considerable periods of time and are susceptible to both encrustation
      and biofilm formation. Strategies for minimising biofilm occurrence underpin an
      active research area in biomedicine. Manuka honey has, inter alia, well
      established antibacterial properties. This study aims to assess the influence of
      honey on early biofilm formation in an established in vitro model. METHODS: An
      established model of early biofilm formation using static bacterial cultures in
      vinyl 96-well plates was used to grow Escherichia coli, strain ATC 25922 and
      Proteus mirabilis, strain 7002. Planktonic cells were removed and the residual
      biofilm was stained with crystal violet, which were subsequently eluted and
      quantified spectrophotometrically. Manuka honey (Unique Manuka Factor 15+) was
      added either with the bacteria or up to 72 hours after. RESULTS: Biofilms in this
      model was developed over 3 days, after which growth stalled. Mixed (1:1) cultures
      of E. coli and P. mirabilis grew slower than monocultures. In mixed cultures,
      honey gave a dose-dependent reduction in biofilm formation (between 3.3 and
      16.7%w/v). At 72 hours, all concentrations inhibited maximally (p<0.001).
      Application of honey to cultures after 24 and 48 hours also reduced the adherent
      bacterial biomass (p<0.05-p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Manuka honey at dilutions as low
      as 3.3% w/v in some protocols and at 10% or above in all protocols tested
      significantly inhibits bacterial attachment to a vinyl substrate and reduces
      further early biofilm development. No augmentation of growth over untreated
      controls was observed in any experiment.

PMID- 27672215
TI  - Targeted next-generation sequencing of FNA-derived DNA in pancreatic cancer.
AB  - To improve the diagnostic value of fine-needle aspiration (FNA)-derived material,
      we perform targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) in patients with a suspect
      lesion of the pancreas. The NGS analysis can lead to a change in the treatment
      plan or supports inconclusive or uncertain cytology results. We describe the
      advantages of NGS using one particular patient with a recurrent pancreatic lesion
      7 years after resection of a pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Our NGS
      analysis revealed the presence of a presumed second primary cancer in the
      pancreatic remnant, which led to a change in treatment: resection with curative
      intend instead of palliation. Additionally, NGS identified an unexpected germline
      CDKN2A 19-base pair deletion, which predisposed the patient to developing PDAC.
      Preoperative NGS analysis of FNA-derived DNA can help identify patients at risk
      for developing PDAC and define future therapeutic options.

PMID- 27672216
TI  - HPV self-sampling in CIN2+ detection: sensitivity and specificity of different
      RLU cut-off of HC2 in specimens from 786 women.
AB  - AIMS: Mortality for cervical cancer varies between the different regions of the
      world, with high rates in low-income countries where screening programmes are not
      present and organised. However, increasing screening coverage is still a priority
      in all countries: one way to do that is to base screening on self-sampled
      screening. The success of a self-sampling screening strategy depends on capacity
      to recruit unscreened women, on the performance and acceptability of the device
      and on the clinical performance of the high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) test.
      METHODS: This study based on 786 enrolled women investigates the best cut-off
      value of Hybrid Capture 2 HPV test (HC2) for self-sampled specimens in terms of
      sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS: In this population, we found that the
      sensitivity and the specificity for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or
      more detection of HC2 performed on self-sampled specimens were 82.5% and 82.8%,
      respectively considering the relative light units (RLU) cut-off value of 1.
      Increasing the cut-off value the sensitivity decreases and the specificity raises
      and the best area under the curve for the RLU cut-off value is 1. CONCLUSIONS:
      Our results confirm that the cut-off value of 1 suggested by Qiagen for
      PreservCyt specimen is the best cut-off value also for self-sampled specimens.

PMID- 27672217
TI  - The role of miRNA-21 and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in
      colorectal cancer.
AB  - AIMS: The study was conducted to assess the expression levels of epithelial
      mesenchymal transition (EMT) proteins (E-cadherin, N-cadherin, snail-1 and
      vimentin) and miRNA-21. In addition, we correlated these data with
      clinicopathological features in Colorectal cancer. METHODS: H&E slides from a
      total of 59 formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue blocks were examined by a
      pathologist to demarcate normal and tumour regions. Immunohistochemical analysis
      of mismatch repair proteins (MLH1, MSH2 and MSH6) and EMT markers (E-cadherin, N
      cadherin, snail-1 and vimentin) was performed. The miRNA-21 expression levels
      were determined using qRT-PCR and the data was analysed using the relative
      quantification method. The Fisher's exact and Pearson's chi2 tests were used to
      correlate snail-1, E-cadherin, miRNA-21 and clinicopathological data. RESULTS:
      Our results showed a statistically significant correlation between high miRNA-21
      expression levels and E-cadherin positive cases. There was also an association
      between high miRNA-21 expression levels and negative snail-1 expression. No
      significant correlation was seen between miRNA-21 expression levels and
      clinicopathological features. Moreover, high expression levels of miRNA-21 were
      significantly associated with the sporadic cases. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest
      that miRNA-21 in association with E-cadherin and snail-1 does not play a
      significant role in the development and progression of this disease.

PMID- 27672218
TI  - RRT in AKI: Start Early or Wait?

PMID- 27672219
TI  - Glomerular Diseases: Registries and Clinical Trials.
AB  - Nephrology has conducted few high-quality clinical trials, and the trials that
      have been conducted have not resulted in the approval of new treatments for
      primary or inflammatory glomerular diseases. There are overarching process issues
      that affect the conduct of all clinical trials, but there are also some specialty
      specific issues. Within nephrology, primary glomerular diseases are rare, making
      adequate recruitment for meaningful trials difficult. Nephrologists need better
      ways, beyond histopathology, to phenotype patients with glomerular diseases and
      stratify the risk for progression to ESRD. Rigorous trial design is needed for
      the testing of new therapies, where most patients with glomerular diseases are
      offered the opportunity to enroll in a clinical trial if standard therapies have
      failed or are lacking. Training programs to develop a core group of kidney
      specialists with expertise in the design and implementation of clinical trials
      are also needed. Registries of patients with glomerular disease and observational
      studies can aid in the ability to determine realistic estimates of disease
      prevalence and inform trial design through a better understanding of the natural
      history of disease. Some proposed changes to the Common Rule, the federal
      regulations governing the ethical conduct of research involving humans, and the
      emerging use of electronic health records may facilitate the efficiency of
      initiating multicenter clinical trials. Collaborations among academia, government
      scientific and regulatory agencies, industry, foundations, and patient advocacy
      groups can accelerate therapeutic development for these complex diseases.

PMID- 27672222
TI  - UK junior doctors set for five-day strike action.

PMID- 27672220
TI  - Maternal morbidity and perinatal outcomes among women in rural versus urban
      areas.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Most studies examining geographic barriers to maternity care in
      industrialized countries have focused solely on fetal and neonatal outcomes. We
      examined the association between rural residence and severe maternal morbidity,
      in addition to perinatal mortality and morbidity. METHODS: We conducted a
      retrospective population-based cohort study of all women who gave birth in
      British Columbia, Canada, between Jan. 1, 2005, and Dec. 31, 2010. We compared
      maternal mortality and severe morbidity (e.g., eclampsia) and adverse perinatal
      outcomes (e.g., perinatal death) between women residing in areas with moderate to
      no metropolitan influence (rural) and those living in metropolitan areas or areas
      with a strong metropolitan influence (urban). We used logistic regression
      analysis to obtain adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
      RESULTS: We found a significant association between death or severe maternal
      morbidity and rural residence (adjusted OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.03-1.28). In
      particular, women in rural areas had significantly higher rates of eclampsia
      (adjusted OR 2.70, 95% CI 1.79-4.08), obstetric embolism (adjusted OR 2.16, 95%
      CI 1.14-4.07) and uterine rupture or dehiscence (adjusted OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.42
      2.72) than women in urban areas. Perinatal mortality did not differ significantly
      between the study groups. Infants in rural areas were more likely than those in
      urban areas to have a severe neonatal morbidity (adjusted OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.02
      1.29), to be born preterm (adjusted OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01-1.11), to have an Apgar
      score of less than 7 at 5 minutes (adjusted OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.13-1.31) and to be
      large for gestational age (adjusted OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.10-1.19). They were less
      likely to be small for gestational age (adjusted OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.85-0.95) and
      to be admitted to an neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) (adjusted OR 0.36, 95%
      CI 0.33-0.38) compared with infants in urban areas. INTERPRETATION: Compared with
      women in urban areas, those in rural areas had higher rates of severe maternal
      morbidity and severe neonatal morbidity, and a lower rate of NICU admission.
      Maternity care providers in rural regions need to be aware of potentially life
      threatening maternal and perinatal complications requiring advanced obstetric and
      neonatal care.

PMID- 27672221
TI  - Reining in the "100-day cough": unfinished business.

PMID- 27672223
TI  - Parliament to vote on palliative care bill.

PMID- 27672224
TI  - Saskatchewan won't declare HIV emergency.

PMID- 27672226
TI  - Doing the right thing for our patients with disabilities.

PMID- 27672225
TI  - Effectiveness of pertussis vaccination and duration of immunity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A resurgence of pertussis cases among both vaccinated and
      unvaccinated people raises questions about vaccine effectiveness over time. Our
      objective was to study the effectiveness of the pertussis vaccine and
      characterize the effect of waning immunity and whole-cell vaccine priming.
      METHODS: We used the test-negative design, a nested case-control study with test
      negative individuals as controls. We constructed multivariable logistic
      regression models to estimate odds ratios (ORs). Vaccine effectiveness was
      calculated as (1 - OR) * 100. We assessed waning immunity by calculating the odds
      of developing pertussis per year since last vaccination and evaluated the
      relative effectiveness of priming with acellular versus whole-cell vaccine.
      RESULTS: Between Dec. 7, 2009, and Mar. 31, 2013, data on 5867 individuals (486
      test-positive cases and 5381 test-negative controls) were available for analysis.
      Adjusted vaccine effectiveness was 80% (95% confidence interval [CI] 71% to 86%)
      at 15-364 days, 84% (95% CI 77% to 89%) at 1-3 years, 62% (95% CI 42% to 75%) at
      4-7 years and 41% (95% CI 0% to 66%) at 8 or more years since last vaccination.
      We observed waning immunity with the acellular vaccine, with an adjusted OR for
      pertussis infection of 1.27 (95% CI 1.20 to 1.34) per year since last
      vaccination. Acellular, versus whole-cell, vaccine priming was associated with an
      increased odds of pertussis (adjusted OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.30 to 3.57).
      INTERPRETATION: We observed high early effectiveness of the pertussis vaccine
      that rapidly declined as time since last vaccination surpassed 4 years,
      particularly with acellular vaccine priming. Considering whole-cell vaccine
      priming and/or boosters in pregnancy to optimize pertussis control may be
      prudent.

PMID- 27672227
TI  - Well-differentiated thyroid cancer: Thyroidectomy or lobectomy?

PMID- 27672228
TI  - Cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

PMID- 27672229
TI  - Greedy Spouse, Needy Parent: The Marital Dynamics of Gay, Lesbian, and
      Heterosexual Intergenerational Caregivers.
AB  - It is well established that married heterosexual women do more intergenerational
      caregiving for aging parents and parents-in-law than married heterosexual men do.
      However, gay men and lesbian women's recent access to marriage presents new
      questions about the gendered marital dynamics of intergenerational caregiving. We
      use dyadic data with gay, lesbian, and heterosexual spouses to examine the
      marital dynamics of intergenerational caregivers. Results show that gay and
      lesbian spouses provided intensive time and emotional support for an
      intergenerational caregiver. In contrast, heterosexual women described their
      intergenerational caregiving as rarely supported and at times even undermined by
      their spouse. Dyadic data on heterosexual men corroborate women's accounts;
      heterosexual men rarely reported providing intergenerational caregiving, and thus
      heterosexual women rarely described providing spousal support. These findings
      provide new insight into the intermingled roles of "greedy" marriages and "needy"
      parents, wherein marital negotiations around caregiving vary by gender for gay,
      lesbian, and heterosexual marital dyads.

PMID- 27672230
TI  - Optical method for automated measurement of glass micropipette tip geometry.
AB  - Many experimental biological techniques utilize hollow glass needles called
      micropipettes to perform fluid extraction, cell manipulation, and
      electrophysiological recordings For electrophysiological recordings,
      micropipettes are typically fabricated immediately before use using a "pipette
      puller", which uses open-loop control to heat a hollow glass capillary while
      applying a tensile load. Variability between manufactured micropipettes requires
      a highly trained operator to qualitatively inspect each micropipette; typically
      this is achieved by viewing the pipette under 40-100x magnification in order to
      ensure that the tip has the correct shape (e.g., outer diameter, cone angle,
      taper length). Since laboratories may use hundreds of micropipettes per week,
      significant time demands are associated with micropipette inspection. Here, we
      have automated the measurement of micropipette tip outer diameter and cone angle
      using optical microscopy. The process features repeatable constraint of the
      micropipette, quickly and automatically moving the micropipette to bring its tip
      into the field of view, focusing on the tip, and computing tip outer diameter and
      cone angle measurements from the acquired images by applying a series of image
      processing algorithms. As implemented on a custom automated microscope, these
      methods achieved, with 95% confidence, +/-0.38 um repeatability in outer diameter
      measurement and +/-5.45 degrees  repeatability in cone angle measurement,
      comparable to a trained human operator. Accuracy was evaluated by comparing
      optical pipette measurements with measurements obtained using scanning electron
      microscopy (SEM); optical outer diameter measurements differed from SEM by 0.35
      +/- 0.36 um and optical cone angle measurements differed from SEM by -0.23 +/-
      2.32 degrees . The algorithms we developed are adaptable to most commercial
      automated microscopes and provide a skill-free route to rapid, quantitative
      measurement of pipette tip geometry with high resolution, accuracy, and
      repeatability. Further, these methods are an important step toward a closed-loop,
      fully-automated micropipette fabrication system.

PMID- 27672231
TI  - Ownership of a bank account and health of older Hispanics.
AB  - We study health effects of financial inclusion, particularly ownership of a
      checking account of older minorities, with focus on Hispanics. Using data from
      the Health and Retirement Study from 2000 to 2012, we find that, for Hispanics,
      being banked has a positive effect on mental health but is not associated with
      effects on physical health. Mental health benefits are likely to be larger for
      those who face greater hurdles to access formal financial institutions. Hispanics
      in less well-off neighborhoods and with below-median wealth appear to experience
      the greatest mental-health benefits associated with ownership of a checking
      account.

PMID- 27672232
TI  - Design and Evaluation of an Actuated Exoskeleton for Examining Motor Control in
      Stroke Thumb.
AB  - Chronic hand impairment is common following stroke. This paper presents an
      actuated thumb exoskeleton (ATX) to facilitate research in examining motor
      control and hand rehabilitation. The ATX presented in this work aims to provide
      independent bi-directional actuation in each of the 5 degrees-of-freedom (DOF) of
      the thumb using a novel flexible shaft based mechanism that has 5 active DOF and
      3 passive DOF. A prototype has been built and experiments have been conducted to
      measure the allowable workspace at the thumb and evaluate the kinematic and
      kinetic performance of the ATX. The experimental results show that the ATX is
      able to provide individual actuation at all 5 thumb joints with high joint
      velocity and torque capacities. Further improvement and future work are
      discussed.

PMID- 27672233
TI  - The "Dirty Liver" as a Coincidental Finding on Sonography: Sonographic Criteria
      for Biliary Microhamartomas of the Liver.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Biliary microhamartomas of the liver are known as symptomless,
      benign, microscopic biliary duct deformations. The consistently improving quality
      of ultrasound technology has made it possible to visualize them, which has led to
      difficulty in distinguishing them from neoplastic liver alterations. The purpose
      of this study was to evaluate the appearance of biliary microhamartomas and their
      behavior on contrast-enhanced sonography. METHODS: We defined typical sonographic
      findings in biliary microhamartomas of the liver (1 main criterion and 3
      secondary criteria). Nineteen patients were identified as have typical
      characteristics images of biliary microhamartomas as coincidental findings on
      liver sonography. All patients were included in a clinical follow-up program
      without histologic confirmation after they underwent risk assessment. Follow-up
      examinations were performed with B-mode sonographic examinations at 6, 12, and 18
      months. In addition, in 15 patients, contrast-enhanced sonographic examinations
      of the liver were performed. RESULTS: None of the patients had a change in the
      number or size of the identifiable typical liver lesions (main criterion) after a
      mean follow-up period +/- SD of 14.4 +/- 6.5 months. There were also no
      alterations among the aforementioned secondary criteria in any of the
      participants. On contrast-enhanced sonography, the lesions of all patients showed
      a consistent pattern, with early arterial enrichment and persistent homogeneous
      contrast in the late portal venous phase. CONCLUSIONS: The sonographic appearance
      of biliary microhamartomas is characteristic and typical enough that histologic
      confirmation is not always necessary. Follow-up examinations to monitor any
      developments are usually adequate.

PMID- 27672234
TI  - Contrast-Enhanced Sonography and Fusion Technology for Assessment of an Embolized
      Renal Angiomyolipoma.

PMID- 27672235
TI  - Second-Trimester Sonographic Diagnosis of Polymicrogyria.

PMID- 27672236
TI  - A 176-Channel 0.5cm3 0.7g Wireless Implant for Motor Function Recovery after
      Spinal Cord Injury.

PMID- 27672237
TI  - Environmental, behavioral, and psychological predictors of transit ridership:
      Evidence from a community intervention.
AB  - Understanding who takes advantage of new transit (public transportation)
      interventions is important for personal and environmental health. We examine
      transit ridership for residents living near a new light rail construction as part
      of "complete street," pedestrian-friendly improvements. Adult residents (n=536)
      completed surveys and wore accelerometer and GPS units that tracked ridership
      before and after new transit service started. Transit riders were more physically
      active. Those from environments rated as more walkable were likely to be
      continuing transit riders. Place attachment, but not perceived physical
      incivilities on the path to transit, was associated with those who continued to
      ride or became new riders of transit. This effect was mediated through pro-city
      attitudes, which emphasize how the new service makes residents eager to explore
      areas around transit. Thus, place attachment, along with physical and health
      conditions, may be important predictors and promoters of transit use.

PMID- 27672238
TI  - TBL1XR1 Is Highly Expressed in Gastric Cancer and Predicts Poor Prognosis.
AB  - Objective. To investigate the expression of transducin- (beta-) like 1 X-linked
      receptor 1 (TBL1XR1) in human gastric cancer (GC) and its correlation with
      prognostic and biologic significance. Methods. TBL1XR1 mRNA expression was
      analyzed in gastric cancer using a microarray dataset (GSE2701) from the Gene
      Expression Omnibus (GEO). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis of TBL1XR1 was
      performed on GC tissue microarray (TMA) to assess its prognostic and biological
      significance in 334 patients of GC. Results. Analysis of GSE2701 showed that the
      mRNA levels of TBL1XR1 were significantly elevated in primary gastric tumor and
      lymph node tissues than normal gastric tissues (P < 0.05). The same results of
      TBL1XR1 protein level were observed by IHC staining in 334 GC tissues. 204 of 334
      (60.1%) primary gastric cancer tissues showed high expression of TBL1XR1 protein.
      TBL1XR1 overexpression was significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis (P
      = 0.000) and advanced TNM stage (P = 0.001). Moreover, high levels of TBL1XR1
      predicted worse overall survival (P = 0.015). Multivariate Cox regression
      analysis indicated that high expression of TBL1XR1 was an independent prognostic
      factor for poor overall survival (HR, 0.525; 95% confidence interval, 0.367
      0.752; P = 0.005). Conclusion. This present study demonstrates that TBL1XR1 is
      overexpressed in gastric cancer and may be a potential predictor and therapeutic
      target for GC patients.

PMID- 27672239
TI  - Opioid Overdose Experience, Risk Behaviors, and Knowledge in Drug Users from a
      Rural versus an Urban Setting.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Opioid use is highly prevalent in the United States and there has
      been an increased incidence in the rate of opioid-related overdose. While
      evidence suggests there are substantial differences in opioid use among rural
      versus urban settings, the rate of overdose and corresponding frequency of opioid
      overdose risk behaviors and overdose knowledge between rural and urban settings
      have not been examined. METHODS: Individuals with opioid use disorder from rural
      (N=98) and urban (N=247) settings completed a self-report survey regarding their
      lifetime history of overdose and overdose risk behaviors. Participants also
      completed the Brief Opioid Overdose Knowledge (BOOK) questionnaire, a 12-item
      self-report measure of opioid overdose knowledge. RESULTS: Overall, 35.6% of
      participants had experienced an overdose, and prevalence of overdose was
      significantly higher (p<.01) among rural (45.9%) vs. urban (31.6%) participants,
      though fewer rural participants reported past 30-day risk behaviors. There were
      few differences observed between the subset of rural and urban participants who
      had experienced an overdose, and fewer rural participants with a history of
      overdose reported past 30-day risk behaviors. Both rural and urban participants
      performed poorly on the BOOK, though the percent of correct responses was lowest
      among rural participants with a history of overdose. CONCLUSION: Results
      demonstrate higher rates of overdose among rural opioid users, though rural
      participants were less likely to report recent risk behaviors. Results also
      suggest that knowledge regarding key factors related to opioid overdose is
      severely lacking, particularly among rural opioid users, which could be a
      potential target for future intervention efforts.

PMID- 27672240
TI  - The Relation of Drug Trafficking Fears and Cultural Identity to Attitudes Toward
      Mexican Immigrants in Five South Texas Communities.
AB  - This paper reports the findings of research investigating the relationship of
      spill-over fears related to drug trafficking and of cultural identity to Mexican
      Americans' attitudes toward recent immigrants from Mexico in five non
      metropolitan communities in the US-Mexico borderlands of South Texas. A mixed
      methods design was used to collect data from 91 participants (30 intact families
      with two parents and at least one young adult). Quantitative findings showed that
      the majority of participants expressed the view that most people in their
      communities believed that newcomers were involved in drug trafficking and in
      defrauding welfare programs. A significant interaction indicated that Mexican
      cultural identity buffered the negative effects of drug trafficking fears as
      related to the view that the newcomers were creating problems in the communities
      and region. Qualitative data yielded positive and negative themes, with those
      that were negative being significantly more numerous. The findings have
      implications for intra-ethnic relations in borderlands communities as well as for
      immigration policy.

PMID- 27672242
TI  - Circulating Calreticulin Is Increased in Myelofibrosis: Correlation with
      Interleukin-6 Plasma Levels, Bone Marrow Fibrosis, and Splenomegaly.
AB  - Myelofibrosis (MF) is a clonal neoplasia of the hemopoietic stem/progenitor cells
      associated with genetic mutations in the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2),
      myeloproliferative leukemia virus oncogene (MPL), and calreticulin (CALR) genes.
      MF is also characterized by a state of chronic inflammation. Calreticulin (CRT),
      as a multifunctional protein, is involved in a spectrum of cellular processes
      including inflammation, autoimmunity, and cancer initiation/progression. Based on
      this background, we hypothesised that in MF circulating CRT might reflect the
      inflammatory process. In the present study we show that circulating CRT is
      increased in MF patients compared to healthy controls. Also, in MF, CRT levels
      highly correlate with bone marrow fibrosis, splenomegaly, and Interleukin-6 (IL
      6) plasma levels. In turn, higher IL-6 levels also correlated with disease
      severity in terms of increased spleen size, bone marrow fibrosis, number of
      circulating CD34+ cells, and lower hemoglobin values. These results demonstrate
      that the circulating CRT takes part in the inflammatory network of MF and
      correlates with aggressiveness of the disease.

PMID- 27672243
TI  - A novel fresh cadaver model for education and assessment of joint aspiration.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to describe a novel cadaver model and
      to determine the utility of this model for teaching and assessing students in
      performing knee, elbow, and wrist arthrocentesis. METHODS: Third year medical
      students were evaluated while performing arthrocentesis during a fresh cadaver
      training sessions. RESULTS: Sixty-three participants were included in this
      analysis. There was statistically significant improvement between the pre- and
      post-test analysis in all aspects assessed in our study of elbow, knee and wrist
      arthrocentesis. CONCLUSIONS: The use of fresh cadavers for the education and
      assessment of arthrocenteses is an effective training model.

PMID- 27672241
TI  - Natural Compounds as Regulators of NLRP3 Inflammasome-Mediated IL-1beta
      Production.
AB  - IL-1beta is one of the main proinflammatory cytokines that regulates a broad
      range of immune responses and also participates in several physiological
      processes. The canonical production of IL-1beta requires multiprotein complexes
      called inflammasomes. One of the most intensively studied inflammasome complexes
      is the NLRP3 inflammasome. Its activation requires two signals: one signal
      "primes" the cells and induces the expression of NLRP3 and pro-IL-1beta, while
      the other signal leads to the assembly and activation of the complex. Several
      stimuli were reported to function as the second signal including reactive oxygen
      species, lysosomal rupture, or cytosolic ion perturbation. Despite very intensive
      studies, the precise function and regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome are still
      not clear. However, many chronic inflammatory diseases are related to the
      overproduction of IL-1beta that is mediated via the NLRP3 inflammasome. In this
      review, we aimed to provide an overview of studies that demonstrated the effect
      of plant-derived natural compounds on NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated IL-1beta
      production. Although many of these studies lack the mechanistic explanation of
      their action, these compounds may be considered as complementary supplements in
      the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases, consumed as preventive agents,
      and may also be considered as molecular tools to study NLRP3 function.

PMID- 27672245
TI  - International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS): A New Concept.
AB  - Dental caries is a complex multifactorial disease of the calcified tissues of the
      teeth, caused by interaction of various factors including the host, agent,
      substrate and time as demonstrated by the Keyes circle. Detecting carious lesion
      at the earliest possible stage of its development is definitely helpful in
      appropriate treatment planning for the same. The lack of consistency among the
      contemporary criteria systems for detecting carious lesions limits the
      comparability of outcomes measured in epidemiological and clinical studies.
      Therefore, the ICDAS criteria was developed by an international team of caries
      researchers to integrate several new criteria systems into one standard system
      for caries detection and assessment. It is a clinical scoring system for use in
      dental education, clinical practice, research, and epidemiology, and provides a
      framework to support and enable personalized total caries management for improved
      long-term health outcomes. 

PMID- 27672244
TI  - Gene Therapy and its Implications in Dentistry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The concept of transferring genes to tissues for clinical
      applications has been discussed for nearly half a century. The exponential
      increase in our ability to manipulate the genetic material of a cell via
      recombinant DNA technology has brought this goal closer to realization. The
      original perception that gene therapy should be considered only for a few major
      organs as a means of treating life-threatening disorders that are refractory to
      conventional treatment has changed. There are many non-life-threatening
      conditions that adversely affect a patient's quality of life, for which there are
      no effective treatments. The lack of suitable treatment has permitted morbidity
      to become a rational basis for extending the scope of gene therapy. In the past
      few years, remarkable progress has been made in the field of gene therapy. While
      considerable problems remain, thus impeding the routine clinical use of gene
      transfer, gene therapy will have a pervasive and significant impact on areas that
      are based on biological science. AIM: The purpose of this review is to examine
      the progress made in addressing gene transfer strategies for correcting various
      diseases and problems that are relevant to dental practice.

PMID- 27672246
TI  - Pediatric Dental Trauma:Wide Horizon of Ignored Etiological Factors.
AB  - Trauma of the oral and peroral structures are one of the most common and frequent
      complaints after dental caries with which a child is being referred to a dental
      clinic. As an emergency, we tend to treat the injuries without understanding or
      neglecting the cause of trauma. The different possible etiological factors are
      unnoticed, not revealed or not noted while taking the history of the patient.
      Sometimes negligence of the etiology by the dentist himself or the accompanying
      person could influence the prognosis and prevention. Thus, this paper is an
      effort towards exploring the common yet unnoticed etiological factors of
      pediatric dental trauma which we tend to knowingly ignore. 

PMID- 27672247
TI  - Dentition Status and Oral Health Practice among Hearing and Speech-Impaired
      Children:A Cross-sectional Study.
AB  - The main aim of this study was to assess the oral health status and oral hygiene
      practices in children with impaired hearing and speech. A total of 76 children in
      the age group of 5 to 18 years of both sexes were surveyed and information about
      their oral hygiene practices, previous dental visit and oral health knowledge
      were obtained through a questionnaire. Around 61% of the children had never
      visited a dentist, 82.89% and 17.11% of them brushed once and twice daily
      respectively. More than 90% of them cared about their teeth as much as any other
      part of the body. 42% of the children had dental caries, and gingivitis was seen
      in 35% of the children and malocclusion in 19% of them. 

PMID- 27672248
TI  - Perception of Facial Profile: How You Feel About Yourself.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine how aware the individuals were
      of their own profile and to compare the orthodontist's perception of an
      attractive facial profile with those of laypeople, dental students and
      orthodontic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study comprised of a total of
      200 subjects divided into four groups of 50 subjects each: Laypeople, first-year
      dental students, final-year dental students and orthodontic patients.
      Participants answered a questionnaire regarding facial profile and their
      expectations from orthodontic treatment. The facial profile photographs of
      participants were analyzed by two orthodontists separately who matched the
      individual to the depicted silhouettes. Agreement between participants and
      orthodontists was evaluated by using the statistic chi(2) test. RESULTS: Dental
      students and orthodontic patients were more aware of their facial profile as
      compared to the laypeople. The four groups were different in their abilities to
      recognize their own profiles. The difference in profile perception between
      orthodontists and subjects was statistically significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:
      Class I profiles were perceived to be the most attractive by all the groups and
      profiles with a protrusive mandible were perceived to be the least attractive.
      Final-year dental students and orthodontic patients were more accurate in
      identifying their own profile.

PMID- 27672249
TI  - An Innovative Miniature Bite Force Recorder.
AB  - In this study, a detailed description of development of a new novel bite force
      recorder (gnathodynamometer) using solid state components is vividly explained.
      This state of the art authenticated device can be used to assess the complex
      function of human bite force, which is the net resultant combination of
      functional response of various craniomandibular structures consisting of
      interrelated components, like the muscles of mastication, joints, teeth and the
      neuromuscular system. The consistency and accuracy of the bite force recorder was
      reaffirmed by doing a detailed laboratory calibration and clinical testing on 30
      adult subjects. 

PMID- 27672251
TI  - Osteomyelitis of Maxilla in Infantile Osteopetrosis: A Case Report with Review of
      Literature.
AB  - Osteopetrosis is a rare genetic disorder that causes generalized sclerosis of
      bone due to a defect in bone resorption and remodeling. It is usually manifesting
      in two basic forms: An autosomal dominant benign form (osteopetrosis tarda) and
      an autosomal recessive malignant form (osteopetrosis congenita). A third form,
      the intermediate recessive type, has also been reported. Dental abnormality may
      be attributed to pathological changes in bone remodeling. Osteomyelitis is well
      documented as a complication of osteopetrosis and is severe and difficult to
      treat. This is a case of 8-year-old boy with osteopetrosis presenting with the
      complaint of swelling of left side of face. 

PMID- 27672250
TI  - Sugar-Sweetened Beverages: General and Oral Health Hazards in Children and
      Adolescents.
AB  - Ubiquitously unhealthy eating and drinking habits and the development of multiple
      morbidities, including obesity, type-2 diabetes, dental caries and dental erosion
      have become a major challenge for physicians, dentists and parents. Modernization
      has provided heaps of option for outdoor eating and sugar-containing drinks. Even
      the "diet" labeled drinks are considered not free from sugars and enhances
      calorie input. With the increasing trends of eating unhealthy, sticky and readily
      available, refined carbohydrate-rich foods and drinks, problems pertaining to
      body's metabolic activity and oral health have also been significantly
      recognized. Dentists and pediatricians can play a pivotal role and should
      emphasize on patients' education and counseling on the proper nutritional diet
      and health. 

PMID- 27672252
TI  - Modified Intraoral Repositioning Appliance in Complete Bilateral Cleft Lip and
      Palate.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the modified repositioning appliance was to overcome
      the shortcoming of existing design for repositioning protruded premaxilla in a
      child with bilateral cleft lip and palate. METHODS: The basic principles of
      design were similar to Latham's appliance but the surgical pinning of
      premaxillary segment was avoided and instead acrylic splint was prepared.
      CONCLUSIONS: This technique avoids any invasive procedure, is useful to
      reposition protruded premaxillary segment in bilateral cleft lip and palate cases
      specifically in child who reports late with deciduous dentition.

PMID- 27672253
TI  - Maryland Bridge: An Interim Prosthesis for Tooth Replacement in Adolescents.
AB  - A space in the anterior region of the dental arch of a youngster, either due to
      trauma or a congenitally missing tooth, can not only lead to psychological trauma
      but also create a functional dilemma for the dentist, as the usual treatment
      options of implant, removable partial denture and fixed partial denture available
      for adults, are often inapplicable or inconvenient for an adolescent. In such a
      situation, a resin-bonded fixed partial denture (RBFPD), such as Maryland Bridge
      fulfills all the requirements of an ideal interim solution till growth completion
      is achieved and a more permanent tooth replacement option can be explored. 

PMID- 27672254
TI  - Type III Dens Invaginatus with an Associated Cyst: A Case Report and Literature
      Review.
AB  - Dens invaginatus (dens in dente) is a rare malformation with a widely varied
      morphology. An unusual presentation of a type III dens invaginatus affecting a
      conical shaped permanent lateral incisor in an 8-year-old female patient is
      reported. The presence of a pulp stone and a periapical radiolucency further
      added onto the complexity of the case. The etiology, pathophysiology, association
      with other dental anomalies as well as the challenges in management of this
      anomaly are discussed. An extensive literature review is also presented. 

PMID- 27672255
TI  - Temporary Anchorage Device: An Epitome of Anchorage in Orthodontic Treatment.
AB  - One of the most important phases of oral health is the form and function of the
      oral mechanism. Recently, pediatric dentists are concerned with the obvious
      esthetic disabilities and the pathologic implications of the malposed teeth.
      Interceptive and functional orthodontic treatment is playing a major role in
      these discrepancies. Anchorage is an important consideration in orthodontics,
      particularly if force is applied entirely to the teeth. For many years,
      clinicians have searched for a form of anchorage that does not rely on patient
      cooperation. During the last few decades, a wealth of new information has
      accumulated to such an extent that the present authors thought it appropriate to
      let these advances make an impact by suggesting a revised definition and
      classification of anchorage. This paper also gives a brief insight on evolution
      of anchorage and its application in pediatric dentistry. 

PMID- 27672256
TI  - Management of a Dentigerous Cyst: A Two-Year Review.
AB  - Dentigerous cyst is reported to be one of the most common odontogenic cysts of
      the jaws.(12) The most commonly involved teeth are mandibular third molars,
      maxillary canines, maxillary third molars and rarely maxillary anteriors.(23)
      This case report is about the management of a dentigerous cyst associated with a
      mandibular second molar (37) in a 9-year-old girl by a conservative treatment
      plan of marsupialization of the cyst. A 2-year postsurgical review reveals
      complete disappearance of the cystic lesion and normal alignment of 37 and 38. 

PMID- 27672257
TI  - Oral Rehabilitation of an S-ECC Case with Orthodontic Intervention: 18 Months
      Follow-up.
AB  - Severe-early childhood caries (S-ECC) is a specific form of rampant decay of
      primary teeth in infants, characterized by aggressive tooth destruction. This
      multifactorial disease in young infants is associated with the frequent use of
      sweetened fluids and fermentable carbohydrates over extended periods, poor oral
      hygiene as well as high level of mutans streptococci infection. The disease
      control and restoration of severely decayed primary teeth in children with S-ECC
      remains a challenge to general as well as pediatric dentists. This article
      portrays the oral rehabilitation of a five and half-year-old girl presenting with
      S-ECC with an 18 months follow-up. 

PMID- 27672258
TI  - Regional Odontodysplasia Crossing Midline: A Rare Case Report.
AB  - Regional odontodysplasia is a nonhereditary, uncommon developmental abnormality
      of teeth. Females have more predilections for regional odontodysplasia. The
      enamel, dentin and pulp of teeth are affected and radiographically, teeth are
      described as "ghost teeth". Many of these :eeth do not erupt and have an
      increased risk for caries and periapical inflammation. Since the literature on
      regional odontodysplasia is limited, here is need to discuss this anomaly to have
      a better approach for the diagnosis and treatment. 

PMID- 27672259
TI  - Beads in the Tooth.
AB  - Foreign objects in a tooth are often diagnosed accidentally. A detailed case
      history, clinical and radiographic examinations are necessary to know the exact
      nature, size, location of the foreign body and the difficulty involved in its
      retrieval. In the present case, two beads, one radiopaque and one radiolucent
      were found in the same tooth at different places of 11-year-old girl. Patient did
      not reveal proper history out of fear. Both the foreign objects were discovered
      during routine endodontic procedure which were removed following simple clinical
      procedure causing minimal damage to the internal tooth structure. 

PMID- 27672260
TI  - Deciduous Mandibular Second Molar with Supernumerary Roots and Root Canals
      Associated with Missing Mandibular Permanent Premolar.
AB  - Morphological variations like additional roots and root canals in human deciduous
      dentition are rare. Knowledge of the morphology, variation of root and root
      canals of deciduous teeth are useful for successful endodontic treatment and
      exodontia. Presented here is a case report of the supernumerary roots and
      additional root canals of deciduous mandibular second molar (85) with
      congenitally bilateral missing of mandibular permanent second premolar (35 and
      45) tooth bud. 

PMID- 27672261
TI  - Amelogenesis Imperfecta: Full Mouth Rehabilitation in Deciduous Dentition.
AB  - This clinical report describes the oral rehabilitation of a very young child
      diagnosed with hypoplastic amelogenesis imperfecta. The specific treatment
      objectives being adequate patient management, eliminate tooth sensitivity while
      enhancing esthetics, masticatory function and improved self confidence. The
      treatment included full mouth rehabilitation with stainless steel crowns on
      posterior teeth and indirect composite veneers on anterior teeth. 

PMID- 27672262
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 27672263
TI  - MicroRNA biomarkers predicting risk, initiation and progression of colorectal
      cancer.
AB  - Colorectal cancer is a major global cause of morbidity and mortality. Current
      strategies employed to increase detection of early, curable stages of this
      disease are contributing to a reduction of the negative health impact from it.
      While there is a genetic component to the risk of disease, diet and environment
      are known to have major effects on the risk of an individual for developing the
      disease. However, there is the potential to reduce the impact of this disease
      further by preventing disease development. Biomarkers which can either predict
      the risk for or early stages of colorectal cancer could allow intervention at a
      time when prospects could be modified by environmental factors, including
      lifestyle and diet choices. Thus, such biomarkers could be used to identify high
      risk individuals who would benefit from lifestyle and dietary interventions to
      prevent this disease. This review will give an overview on one type of biomarker
      in the form of microRNAs, which have the potential to predict an individual's
      risk for colorectal cancer, as well as providing a highly sensitive and non
      invasive warning of disease presence and/or progression. MicroRNA biomarkers
      which have been studied and whose levels look promising for this purpose include
      MiR-18a, MiR-21, MiR-92a, MiR-135b, MiR-760, MiR-601. Not only have several
      individual microRNAs appeared promising as biomarkers, but panels of these may be
      even more useful. Furthermore, understanding dietary sources and ways of dietary
      modulation of these microRNAs might be fruitful in reducing the incidence and
      slowing the progression of colorectal cancer. 

PMID- 27672266
TI  - Prediction of lymph node metastasis and sentinel node navigation surgery for
      patients with early-stage gastric cancer.
AB  - Accurate prediction of lymph node (LN) status is crucially important for
      appropriate treatment planning in patients with early gastric cancer (EGC).
      However, consensus on patient and tumor characteristics associated with LN
      metastasis are yet to be reached. Through systematic search, we identified
      several independent variables associated with LN metastasis in EGC, which should
      be included in future research to assess which of these variables remain as
      significant predictors of LN metastasis. On the other hand, even if we use these
      promising parameters, we should realize the limitation and the difficulty of
      predicting LN metastasis accurately. The sentinel LN (SLN) is defined as first
      possible site to receive cancer cells along the route of lymphatic drainage from
      the primary tumor. The absence of metastasis in SLN is believed to correlate with
      the absence of metastasis in downstream LNs. In this review, we have attempted to
      focus on several independent parameters which have close relationship between
      tumor and LN metastasis in EGC. In addition, we evaluated the history of sentinel
      node navigation surgery and the usefulness for EGC. 

PMID- 27672264
TI  - Polyphosphate and associated enzymes as global regulators of stress response and
      virulence in Campylobacter jejuni.
AB  - Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni), a Gram-negative microaerophilic bacterium, is a
      predominant cause of bacterial foodborne gastroenteritis in humans worldwide.
      Despite its importance as a major foodborne pathogen, our understanding of the
      molecular mechanisms underlying C. jejuni stress survival and pathogenesis is
      limited. Inorganic polyphosphate (poly P) has been shown to play significant
      roles in bacterial resistance to stress and virulence in many pathogenic
      bacteria. C. jejuni contains the complete repertoire of enzymes required for poly
      P metabolism. Recent work in our laboratory and others have demonstrated that
      poly P controls a plethora of C. jejuni properties that impact its ability to
      survive in the environment as well as to colonize/infect mammalian hosts. This
      review article summarizes the current literature on the role of poly P in C.
      jejuni stress survival and virulence and discusses on how poly P-related enzymes
      can be exploited for therapeutic/prevention purposes. Additionally, the review
      article identifies potential areas for future investigation that would enhance
      our understanding of the role of poly P in C. jejuni and other bacteria, which
      ultimately would facilitate design of effective therapeutic/preventive strategies
      to reduce not only the burden of C. jejuni-caused foodborne infections but also
      of other bacterial infections in humans. 

PMID- 27672265
TI  - Human papillomavirus and gastrointestinal cancer: A review.
AB  - Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted
      infections worldwide. Exposure to HPV is very common, and an estimated 65%-100%
      of sexually active adults are exposed to HPV in their lifetime. The majority of
      HPV infections are asymptomatic, but there is a 10% chance that individuals will
      develop a persistent infection and have an increased risk of developing a
      carcinoma. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has found that the
      following cancer sites have a strong causal relationship with HPV: cervix uteri,
      penis, vulva, vagina, anus and oropharynx, including the base of the tongue and
      the tonsils. However, studies of the aetiological role of HPV in colorectal and
      esophageal malignancies have conflicting results. The aim of this review was to
      organize recent evidence and issues about the association between HPV infection
      and gastrointestinal tumours with a focus on esophageal, colorectal and anal
      cancers. The ultimate goal was to highlight possible implications for prognosis
      and prevention. 

PMID- 27672268
TI  - New devices and techniques for endoscopic closure of gastrointestinal
      perforations.
AB  - Gastrointestinal perforations, which need to be managed quickly, are associated
      with high morbidity and mortality. Treatments used to close these perforations
      range from surgery to endoscopic therapy. Nowadays, with the development of new
      devices and techniques, endoscopic therapy is becoming more popular. However,
      there are different indications and clinical efficacies between different
      methods, because of the diverse properties of endoscopic devices and techniques.
      Successful management also depends on other factors, such as the precise location
      of the perforation, its size and the length of time between the occurrence and
      diagnosis. In this study, we performed a comprehensive review of various devices
      and introduced the different techniques that are considered effective to treat
      gastrointestinal perforations. In addition, we focused on the different methods
      used to achieve successful closure, based on the literature and our clinical
      experiences. 

PMID- 27672267
TI  - Immune checkpoint and inflammation as therapeutic targets in pancreatic
      carcinoma.
AB  - Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAC) is one of the most deadly malignant neoplasms,
      and the efficacy of conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy is far from satisfactory.
      Recent research studies have revealed that immunosuppression and inflammation are
      associated with oncogenesis, as well as tumor development, invasion, and
      metastasis in PAC. Thus, immunosuppression-related signaling, especially that
      involving immune checkpoint and inflammation, has emerged as novel treatment
      targets for PAC. However, PAC is an immune-resistant tumor, and it is still
      unclear whether immune checkpoint or anti-inflammation therapies would be an
      ideal strategy. In this article, we will review immune checkpoint and
      inflammation as potential targets, as well as clinical trials and the prospects
      for immunotherapy in PAC. 

PMID- 27672269
TI  - Role of bile acids in carcinogenesis of pancreatic cancer: An old topic with new
      perspective.
AB  - The role of bile acids in colorectal cancer has been well documented, but their
      role in pancreatic cancer remains unclear. In this review, we examined the risk
      factors of pancreatic cancer. We found that bile acids are associated with most
      of these factors. Alcohol intake, smoking, and a high-fat diet all lead to high
      secretion of bile acids, and bile acid metabolic dysfunction is a causal factor
      of gallstones. An increase in secretion of bile acids, in addition to a long
      common channel, may result in bile acid reflux into the pancreatic duct and to
      the epithelial cells or acinar cells, from which pancreatic adenocarcinoma is
      derived. The final pathophysiological process is pancreatitis, which promotes
      dedifferentiation of acinar cells into progenitor duct-like cells. Interestingly,
      bile acids act as regulatory molecules in metabolism, affecting adipose tissue
      distribution, insulin sensitivity and triglyceride metabolism. As a result, bile
      acids are associated with three risk factors of pancreatic cancer: obesity,
      diabetes and hypertriglyceridemia. In the second part of this review, we
      summarize several studies showing that bile acids act as cancer promoters in
      gastrointestinal cancer. However, more question are raised than have been solved,
      and further oncological and physiological experiments are needed to confirm the
      role of bile acids in pancreatic cancer carcinogenesis. 

PMID- 27672270
TI  - Regional but fatal: Intraperitoneal metastasis in gastric cancer.
AB  - Peritoneal carcinomatosis appears to be the most common pattern of metastasis or
      recurrence and is associated with poor prognosis in gastric cancer patients. Many
      efforts have been made to improve the survival in patients with peritoneal
      metastasis. Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy remains a widely accepted
      strategy in the treatment of peritoneal dissemination. Several phase II-III
      studies confirmed that the combined cytoreducitve surgery and hyperthermic
      intraperitoneal chemotherapy resulted in longer survival in patients with
      peritoneal carcinomatosis. In addition, proper selection and effective regional
      treatment in patients with high risk of peritoneal recurrence after resection
      will further improve prognosis in local advanced gastric cancer patients. 

PMID- 27672272
TI  - Split liver transplantation in adults.
AB  - Split liver transplantation (SLT), while widely accepted in pediatrics, remains
      underutilized in adults. Advancements in surgical techniques and donor-recipient
      matching, however, have allowed expansion of SLT from utilization of the right
      trisegment graft to now include use of the hemiliver graft as well. Despite less
      favorable outcomes in the early experience, better outcomes have been reported by
      experienced centers and have further validated the feasibility of SLT.
      Importantly, more than two decades of experience have identified key requirements
      for successful SLT in adults. When these requirements are met, SLT can achieve
      outcomes equivalent to those achieved with other types of liver transplantation
      for adults. However, substantial challenges, such as surgical techniques,
      logistics, and ethics, persist as ongoing barriers to further expansion of this
      highly complex procedure. This review outlines the current state of SLT in
      adults, focusing on donor and recipient selection based on physiology, surgical
      techniques, surgical outcomes, and ethical issues. 

PMID- 27672273
TI  - Hepatobiliary and pancreatic ascariasis.
AB  - Hepatobiliary and pancreatic ascariasis (HPA) was described as a clinical entity
      from Kashmir, India in 1985. HPA is caused by invasion and migration of nematode,
      Ascaris lumbricoides, in to the biliary tract and pancreatic duct. Patients
      present with biliary colic, cholangitis, cholecystitis, hepatic abscesses and
      acute pancreatitis. Ascarides traverse the ducts repeatedly, get trapped and die,
      leading to formation of hepatolithiasis. HPA is ubiquitous in endemic regions and
      in Kashmir, one such region, HPA is the etiological factor for 36.7%, 23%, 14.5%
      and 12.5% of all biliary diseases, acute pancreatitis, liver abscesses and
      biliary lithiasis respectively. Ultrasonography is an excellent diagnostic tool
      in visualizing worms in gut lumen and ductal system. The rational treatment for
      HPA is to give appropriate treatment for clinical syndromes along with effective
      anthelmintic therapy. Endotherapy in HPA is indicated if patients continue to
      have symptoms on medical therapy or when worms do not move out of ductal lumen by
      3 wk or die within the ducts. The worms can be removed from the ductal system in
      most of the patients and such patients get regression of symptoms of
      hepatobiliary and pancreatic disease. 

PMID- 27672271
TI  - Aberrant regulation of Wnt signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal malignancies in the
      world. Several signaling pathways, including the wingless/int-1 (Wnt) signaling
      pathway, have been shown to be commonly activated in HCC. The Wnt signaling
      pathway can be triggered via both catenin beta1 (CTNNB1)-dependent (also known as
      "canonical") and CTNNB1-independent (often referred to as "non-canonical")
      pathways. Specifically, the canonical Wnt pathway is one of those most frequently
      reported in HCC. Aberrant regulation from three complexes (the cell-surface
      receptor complex, the cytoplasmic destruction complex and the nuclear CTNNB1/T
      cell-specific transcription factor/lymphoid enhancer binding factor
      transcriptional complex) are all involved in HCC. Although the non-canonical Wnt
      pathway is rarely reported, two main non-canonical pathways, Wnt/planar cell
      polarity pathway and Wnt/Ca(2+) pathway, participate in the regulation of
      hepatocarcinogenesis. Interestingly, the canonical Wnt pathway is antagonized by
      non-canonical Wnt signaling in HCC. Moreover, other signaling cascades have also
      been demonstrated to regulate the Wnt pathway through crosstalk in HCC
      pathogenesis. This review provides a perspective on the emerging evidence that
      the aberrant regulation of Wnt signaling is a critical mechanism for the
      development of HCC. Furthermore, crosstalk between different signaling pathways
      might be conducive to the development of novel molecular targets of HCC. 

PMID- 27672274
TI  - Haemoxygenase modulates cytokine induced neutrophil chemoattractant in hepatic
      ischemia reperfusion injury.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the hepatic microcirculatory changes due to Haemoxygenase
      (HO), effect of HO inhibition on remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) and
      modulation of CINC. METHODS: Eight groups of animals were studied - Sham,
      ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) the animals were subjected to 45 min of hepatic
      ischemia followed by three hours of reperfusion, RIPC (remote ischemic
      preconditioning) + IRI group, remote ischemic preconditioning in sham (RIPC +
      Sham), PDTC + IR (Pyridodithiocarbamate, HO donor), ZnPP + RIPC + IRI (Zinc
      protoporphyrin prior to preconditioning), IR-24 (45 min of ischemia followed by
      24 h of reperfusion), RIPC + IR-24 (preconditioning prior to IR). After 3 and 24
      h of reperfusion the animals were killed by exsanguination and samples were
      taken. RESULTS: Velocity of flow (160.83 +/- 12.24 MUm/s), sinusoidal flow (8.42
      +/- 1.19) and sinusoidal perfusion index (42.12 +/- 7.28) in hepatic IR were
      lower (P < 0.05) in comparison to RIPC and PDTC (HO inducer). RIPC increased
      velocity of flow (328.04 +/- 19.13 MUm/s), sinusoidal flow (17.75 +/- 2.59) and
      the sinusoidal perfusion index (67.28 +/- 1.82) (P < 0.05). PDTC (HO induction)
      reproduced the effects of RIPC in hepatic IR. PDTC restored RBC velocity (300.88
      +/- 22.109 MUm/s), sinusoidal flow (17.66 +/- 3.71) and sinusoidal perfusion
      (82.33 +/- 3.5) to near sham levels. ZnPP (HO inhibition) reduced velocity of
      flow of RBC in the RIPC group (170.74 +/- 13.43 MUm/s and sinusoidal flow in the
      RIPC group (9.46 +/- 1.34). ZnPP in RIPC (60.29 +/- 1.82) showed a fall in
      perfusion only at 180 min of reperfusion. Neutrophil adhesion in IR injury is
      seen in both postsinusoidal venules (769.05 +/- 87.48) and sinusoids (97.4 +/-
      7.49). Neutrophil adhesion in RIPC + IR injury is reduced in both postsinusoidal
      venules (219.66 +/- 93.79) and sinusoids (25.69 +/- 9.08) (P < 0.05). PDTC
      reduced neutrophil adhesion in both postsinusoidal venules (89.58 +/- 58.32) and
      sinusoids (17.98 +/- 11.01) (P < 0.05) reproducing the effects of RIPC. ZnPP (HO
      inhibition) increased venular (589.04 +/- 144.36) and sinusoidal neutrophil
      adhesion in preconditioned animals (121.39 +/- 30.65) (P < 0.05). IR after 24 h
      of reperfusion increased venular and sinusoidal neutrophil adhesion in comparison
      to the early phase and was significantly reduced by RIPC. Hepatocellular cell
      death in IRI (80.83 +/- 13.03), RIPC + IR (17.35 +/- 2.47), and PTDC + IR (11.66
      +/- 1.17) reduced hepatocellular death. ZnPP + RIPC + IR (41.33 +/- 3.07)
      significantly increased hepatocellular death (P < 0.05 PTDC/RIPC vs ZnPP and IR).
      The CINC cytokine levels in sham (101.32 +/- 6.42). RIPC + sham (412.18 +/-
      65.24) as compared to sham (P < 0.05). CINC levels in hepatic IR were (644.08 +/-
      181.24). PDTC and RIPC CINC levels were significantly lower than hepatic IR (P <
      0.05). HO inhibition in preconditioned animals with Zinc protoporphyrin increased
      serum CINC levels (521.81 +/- 74.9) (P < 0.05). The serum CINC levels were high
      in the late phase of hepatic IR (15306 +/- 1222.04). RIPC reduced CINC levels in
      the late phase of IR (467.46 +/- 26.06), P < 0.05. CONCLUSION: RIPC protects
      hepatic microcirculation by induction of HO and modulation of CINC in hepatic IR.

PMID- 27672275
TI  - Impact of Helicobacter pylori on the healing process of the gastric barrier.
AB  - AIM: To determine the impact of selected well defined Helicobacter pylori (H.
      pylori) antigens on gastric barrier cell turnover. METHODS: In this study, using
      two cellular models of gastric epithelial cells and fibroblasts, we have focused
      on exploring the effects of well defined H. pylori soluble components such as
      glycine acid extract antigenic complex (GE), subunit A of urease (UreA),
      cytotoxin associated gene A protein (CagA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on cell
      turnover by comparing the wound healing capacity of the cells in terms of their
      proliferative and metabolic activity as well as cell cycle distribution. Toxic
      effects of H. pylori components have been assessed in an association with damage
      to cell nuclei and inhibition of signal transducer and activator of transcription
      3 (STAT3) phosphorylation. RESULTS: We showed that H. pylori GE, CagA and UreA
      promoted regeneration of epithelial cells and fibroblasts, which is necessary for
      effective tissue healing. However, in vivo increased proliferative activity of
      these cells may constitute an increased risk of gastric neoplasia. In contrast,
      H. pylori LPS showed a dose-dependent influence on the process of wound healing.
      At a low concentration (1 ng/mL) H. pylori LPS accelerated of healing epithelial
      cells, which was linked to significantly enhanced cell proliferation and MTT
      reduction as well as lack of alterations in cell cycle and downregulation of
      epidermal growth factor (EGF) production as well as cell nuclei destruction. By
      comparison, H. pylori LPS at a high concentration (25 ng/mL) inhibited the
      process of wound repair, which was related to diminished proliferative activity
      of the cells, cell cycle arrest, destruction of cell nuclei and downregulation of
      the EGF/STAT3 signalling pathway. CONCLUSION: In vivo H. pylori LPS driven
      effects might lead to the maintenance of chronic inflammatory response and
      pathological disorders on the level of the gastric mucosal barrier.

PMID- 27672276
TI  - Melatonin modulates adiponectin expression on murine colitis with sleep
      deprivation.
AB  - AIM: To determine adiponectin expression in colonic tissue of murine colitis and
      systemic cytokine expression after melatonin treatments and sleep deprivation.
      METHODS: The following five groups of C57BL/6 mice were used in this study: (1)
      group I, control; (2) group II, 2% DSS induced colitis for 7 d; (3) group III, 2%
      DSS induced colitis and melatonin treatment; (4) group IV, 2% DSS induced colitis
      with sleep deprivation (SD) using specially designed and modified multiple
      platform water baths; and (5) group V, 2% DSS induced colitis with SD and
      melatonin treatment. Melatonin (10 mg/kg) or saline was intraperitoneally
      injected daily to mice for 4 d. The body weight was monitored daily. The degree
      of colitis was evaluated histologically after sacrificing the mice.
      Immunohistochemical staining and Western blot analysis was performed using anti
      adiponectin antibody. After sampling by intracardiac punctures, levels of serum
      cytokines were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: Sleep deprivation in water bath
      exacerbated DSS induced colitis and worsened weight loss. Melatonin injection not
      only alleviated the severity of mucosal injury, but also helped survival during
      stressful condition. The expression level of adiponectin in mucosa was decreased
      in colitis, with the lowest level observed in colitis combined with sleep
      deprivation. Melatonin injection significantly (P < 0.05) recovered the
      expression of adiponectin. The expression levels of IL-6 and IL-17 were increased
      in the serum of mice with DSS colitis but decreased after melatonin injection.
      CONCLUSION: This study suggested that melatonin modulated adiponectin expression
      in colonic tissue and melatonin and adiponectin synergistically potentiated anti
      inflammatory effects on colitis with sleep deprivation.

PMID- 27672277
TI  - Pretreatment AKR1B10 expression predicts the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma
      development after hepatitis C virus eradication.
AB  - AIM: To clarify the association between aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B10
      (AKR1B10) expression and hepatocarcinogenesis after hepatitis C virus
      eradication. METHODS: In this study, we enrolled 303 chronic hepatitis C patients
      who had achieved sustained virological response (SVR) through interferon-based
      antiviral therapy. Pretreatment AKR1B10 expression in the liver was
      immunohistochemically assessed and quantified as a percentage of positive
      staining area by using image-analysis software. A multivariate Cox analysis was
      used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) of AKR1B10 expression for hepatocellular
      carcinoma (HCC) development after achieving SVR. The cumulative incidences of HCC
      development were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier analysis and the log-rank test.
      RESULTS: Of the 303 chronic hepatitis C patients, 153 (50.5%) showed scarce
      hepatic AKR1B10 expression, quantified as 0%, which was similar to the expression
      in control normal liver tissues. However, the remaining 150 patients (49.5%)
      exhibited various degrees of AKR1B10 expression in the liver, with a maximal
      AKR1B10 expression of 73%. During the median follow-up time of 3.6 years (range
      1.0-10.0 years), 8/303 patients developed HCC. Multivariate analysis revealed
      that only high AKR1B10 expression (>= 8%) was an independent risk factor for HCC
      development (HR = 15.4, 95%CI: 1.8-132.5, P = 0.012). The 5-year cumulative
      incidences of HCC development were 13.7% and 0.5% in patients with high and low
      AKR1B10 expression, respectively (P < 0.001). During the follow-up period after
      viral eradication, patients expressing high levels of AKR1B10 expressed markedly
      higher levels of alanine aminotransferase and alpha-fetoprotein than did patients
      exhibiting low AKR1B10 expression. CONCLUSION: Chronic hepatitis C patients
      expressing high levels of hepatic AKR1B10 had an increased risk of HCC
      development even after SVR.

PMID- 27672278
TI  - Clinical characteristics of drug-induced liver injury and primary biliary
      cirrhosis.
AB  - AIM: To summarize and compare the clinical characteristics of drug-induced liver
      injury (DILI) and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). METHODS: A total of 124
      patients with DILI and 116 patients with PBC treated at Shengjing Hospital
      Affiliated to China Medical University from 2005 to 2013 were included.
      Demographic data (sex and age), biochemical indexes (total protein, albumin,
      alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, direct
      bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma
      glutamyltransferase), immunological indexes [immunoglobulin (Ig) A, IgG, IgM,
      antinuclear antibody, anti-smooth muscle antibody, anti-mitochondrial antibody,
      and anti-mitochondrial antibodies] and pathological findings were compared in PBC
      patients, untyped DILI patients and patients with different types of DILI
      (hepatocellular type, cholestatic type and mixed type). RESULTS: There were
      significant differences in age and gender distribution between DILI patients and
      PBC patients. Biochemical indexes (except ALB), immunological indexes, positive
      rates of autoantibodies (except SMA), and number of cases of patients with
      different ANA titers (except the group at a titer of 1:10000) significantly
      differed between DILI patients and PBC patients. Biochemical indexes,
      immunological indexes, and positive rate of autoantibodies were not quite similar
      in different types of DILI. PBC was histologically characterized mainly by
      edematous degeneration of hepatocytes (n = 30), inflammatory cell infiltration
      around bile ducts (n = 29), and atypical hyperplasia of small bile ducts (n =
      28). DILI manifested mainly as fatty degeneration of hepatocytes (n = 15) and
      spotty necrosis or loss of hepatocytes (n = 14). CONCLUSION: Although DILI and
      PBC share some similar laboratory tests (biochemical and immunological indexes)
      and pathological findings, they also show some distinct characteristics, which
      are helpful to the differential diagnosis of the two diseases.

PMID- 27672279
TI  - Detection of Helicobacter pylori resistance to clarithromycin and
      fluoroquinolones in Brazil: A national survey.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate bacterial resistance to clarithromycin and fluoroquinolones in
      Brazil using molecular methods. METHODS: The primary antibiotic resistance rates
      of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) were determined from November 2012 to March
      2015 in the Southern, South-Eastern, Northern, North-Eastern, and Central-Western
      regions of Brazil. Four hundred ninety H. pylori patients [66% female, mean age
      43 years (range: 18-79)] who had never been previously treated for this infection
      were enrolled. All patients underwent gastroscopy with antrum and corpus biopsies
      and molecular testing using GenoType HelicoDR (Hain Life Science, Germany). This
      test was performed to detect the presence of H. pylori and to identify point
      mutations in the genes responsible for clarithromycin and fluoroquinolone
      resistance. The molecular procedure was divided into three steps: DNA extraction
      from the biopsies, multiplex amplification, and reverse hybridization. RESULTS:
      Clarithromycin resistance was found in 83 (16.9%) patients, and fluoroquinolone
      resistance was found in 66 (13.5%) patients. There was no statistical difference
      in resistance to either clarithromycin or fluoroquinolones (P = 0.55 and P =
      0.06, respectively) among the different regions of Brazil. Dual resistance to
      clarithromycin and fluoroquinolones was found in 4.3% (21/490) of patients. The
      A2147G mutation was present in 90.4% (75/83), A2146G in 16.9% (14/83) and A2146C
      in 3.6% (3/83) of clarithromycin-resistant patients. In 10.8% (9/83) of
      clarithromycin-resistant samples, more than 01 mutation in the 23S rRNA gene was
      noticed. In fluoroquinolone-resistant samples, 37.9% (25/66) showed mutations not
      specified by the GenoType HelicoDR test. D91N mutation was observed in 34.8%
      (23/66), D91G in 18.1% (12/66), N87K in 16.6% (11/66) and D91Y in 13.6% (9/66) of
      cases. Among fluoroquinolone-resistant samples, 37.9% (25/66) showed mutations
      not specified by the GenoType HelicoDR test. CONCLUSION: The H. pylori
      clarithromycin resistance rate in Brazil is at the borderline (15%-20%) for
      applying the standard triple therapy. The fluoroquinolone resistance rate (13.5%)
      is equally concerning.

PMID- 27672280
TI  - Clinical management of acute liver failure: Results of an international multi
      center survey.
AB  - AIM: To assess the practice of caring for acute liver failure (ALF) patients in
      varying geographic locations and medical centers. METHODS: Members of the
      European Acute Liver Failure Consortium completed an 88-item questionnaire
      detailing management of ALF. Responses from 22 transplantation centers in 11
      countries were analyzed, treating between 300 and 500 ALF cases and performing
      over 100 liver transplants (LT) for ALF annually. The questions pertained to
      details of the institution and their clinical activity, standards of care,
      referral and admission, ward- based care versus intensive care unit (ICU) as well
      as questions regarding liver transplantation - including criteria, limitations,
      and perceived performance. Clinical data was also collected from 13 centres over
      a 3 mo period. RESULTS: The interval between referral and admission of ALF
      patients to specialized units was usually less than 24 h and once admitted,
      treatment was provided by a multidisciplinary team. Principles of care of
      patients with ALF were similar among centers, particularly in relation to
      recognition of severity and care of the more critically ill. Centers exhibited
      similarities in thresholds for ICU admission and management of severe hepatic
      encephalopathy. Over 80% of centers administered n-acetyl-cysteine to ICU
      patients for non-paracetamol-related ALF. There was significant divergence in the
      use of prophylactic antibiotics and anti-fungals, lactulose, nutritional support
      and imaging investigations in admitted patients and in the monitoring and
      treatment of intra-cranial pressure (ICP). ICP monitoring was employed in 12
      centers, with the most common indications being papilledema and renal failure.
      Most patients listed for transplantation underwent surgery within an average
      waiting time of 1-2 d. Over a period of 3 mo clinical data from 85 ALF patients
      was collected. Overall patient survival at 90-d was 76%. Thirty six percent of
      patients underwent emergency LT, with a 90% post transplant survival to hospital
      discharge, 42% survived with medical management alone. CONCLUSION: Alongside
      similarities in principles of care of ALF patients, major areas of divergence
      were present in key areas of diagnosis, monitoring, treatment and decision to
      transplant.

PMID- 27672281
TI  - Dried blood spots, valid screening for viral hepatitis and human immunodeficiency
      virus in real-life.
AB  - AIM: To detect chronic hepatitis B (CHB), chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and human
      immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in dried blood spot (DBS) and compare
      these samples to venous blood sampling in real-life. METHODS: We included
      prospective patients with known viral infections from drug treatment centers, a
      prison and outpatient clinics and included blood donors as negative controls.
      Five drops of finger capillary blood were spotted on filter paper, and a venous
      blood sample was obtained. The samples were analyzed for HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti
      HBs, anti-HCV, and anti-HIV levels as well as subjected to a combined nucleic
      acid test (NAT) for HBV DNA, HCV RNA and HIV RNA. RESULTS: Samples from 404
      subjects were screened (85 CHB, 116 CHC, 114 HIV and 99 blood donors). DBS had a
      sensitivity of > 96% and a specificity of > 98% for the detection of all three
      infections. NAT testing did not improve sensitivity, but correctly classified 95%
      of the anti-HCV-positive patients with chronic and past infections. Anti-HBc and
      anti-HBS showed low sensitivity in DBS (68% and 42%). CONCLUSION: DBS sampling,
      combined with an automated analysis system, is a feasible screening method to
      diagnose chronic viral hepatitis and HIV infections outside of the health care
      system.

PMID- 27672282
TI  - Mechanistic insights of rapid liver regeneration after associating liver
      partition and portal vein ligation for stage hepatectomy.
AB  - AIM: To highlight the potential mechanisms of regeneration in the Associating
      Liver Partition and Portal vein ligation for Stage hepatectomy models (clinical
      and experimental) that could unlock the myth behind the extraordinary capability
      of the liver for regeneration, which would help in designing new therapeutic
      options for the regenerative drive in difficult setup, such as chronic liver
      diseases. Associating Liver Partition and Portal vein ligation for Stage
      hepatectomy has been recently advocated to induce rapid future liver remnant
      hypertrophy that significantly shortens the time for the second stage
      hepatectomy. The introduction of Associating Liver Partition and Portal vein
      ligation for Stage hepatectomy in the surgical armamentarium of therapeutic tools
      for liver surgeons represented a real breakthrough in the history of liver
      surgery. METHODS: A comprehensive literature review of Associating Liver
      Partition and Portal vein ligation for Stage hepatectomy and its utility in liver
      regeneration is performed. RESULTS: Liver regeneration after Associating Liver
      Partition and Portal vein ligation for Stage hepatectomy is a combination of
      portal flow changes and parenchymal transection that generate a systematic
      response inducing hepatocyte proliferation and remodeling. CONCLUSION:
      Associating Liver Partition and Portal vein ligation for Stage hepatectomy
      represents a real breakthrough in the history of liver surgery because it offers
      rapid liver regeneration potential that facilitate resection of liver tumors that
      were previously though unresectable. The jury is still out though in terms of
      safety, efficacy and oncological outcomes. As far as Associating Liver Partition
      and Portal vein ligation for Stage hepatectomy -induced liver regeneration is
      concerned, further research on the field should focus on the role of non
      parenchymal cells in liver regeneration as well as on the effect of Associating
      Liver Partition and Portal vein ligation for Stage hepatectomy in liver
      regeneration in the setup of parenchymal liver disease.

PMID- 27672283
TI  - Role of spleen elastography in patients with chronic liver diseases.
AB  - The development of liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension (PH), one of its major
      complications, are structural and functional alterations of the liver, occurring
      in many patients with chronic liver diseases (CLD). Actually the progressive
      deposition of hepatic fibrosis has a key role in the prognosis of CLD patients.
      The subsequent development of PH leads to its major complications, such as
      ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, variceal bleeding and decompensation. Liver
      biopsy is still considered the reference standard for the assessment of hepatic
      fibrosis, whereas the measurement of hepatic vein pressure gradient is the
      standard to ascertain the presence of PH and upper endoscopy is the method of
      choice to detect the presence of oesophageal varices. However, several non
      invasive tests, including elastographic techniques, are currently used to
      evaluate the severity of liver disease and predict its prognosis. More recently,
      the measurement of the spleen stiffness has become particularly attractive to
      assess, considering the relevant role accomplished by the spleen in splanchnic
      circulation in the course of liver cirrhosis and in the PH. Moreover, spleen
      stiffness as compared with liver stiffness better represents the dynamic changes
      occurring in the advanced stages of cirrhosis and shows higher diagnostic
      performance in detecting esophageal varices. The aim of this review is to provide
      an exhaustive overview of the actual role of spleen stiffness measurement as
      assessed by several elastographic techniques in evaluating both liver disease
      severity and the development of cirrhosis complications, such as PH and to
      highlight its potential and possible limitations. 

PMID- 27672285
TI  - Biomarkers for colitis-associated colorectal cancer.
AB  - Patients with extensive ulcerative colitis (UC) of more than eight years duration
      have an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Molecular biomarkers for dysplasia
      and cancer could have a great clinical value in managing cancer risk in these UC
      patients. Using a wide range of molecular techniques - including cutting-edge
      OMICS technologies - recent studies have identified clinically relevant biomarker
      candidates from a variety of biosamples, including colonic biopsies, blood,
      stool, and urine. While the challenge remains to validate these candidate
      biomarkers in multi-center studies and with larger patient cohorts, it is certain
      that accurate biomarkers of colitis-associated neoplasia would improve clinical
      management of neoplastic risk in UC patients. This review highlights the ongoing
      avenues of research in biomarker development for colitis-associated colorectal
      cancer. 

PMID- 27672284
TI  - Interaction of obesity and inflammatory bowel disease.
AB  - Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory condition of unknown
      etiology that is thought to result from a combination of genetic, immunologic and
      environmental factors. The incidence of IBD has been increasing in recent
      decades, especially in developing and developed nations, and this is hypothesized
      to be in part related to the change in dietary and lifestyle factors associated
      with modernization. The prevalence of obesity has risen in parallel with the rise
      in IBD, suggesting a possible shared environmental link between these two
      conditions. Studies have shown that obesity impacts disease development and
      response to therapy in patients with IBD and other autoimmune conditions. The
      observation that adipose tissue produces pro-inflammatory adipokines provides a
      potential mechanism for the observed epidemiologic links between obesity and IBD,
      and this has developed into an active area of investigative inquiry.
      Additionally, emerging evidence highlights a role for the intestinal microbiota
      in the development of both obesity and IBD, representing another potential
      mechanistic connection between the two conditions. In this review we discuss the
      epidemiology of obesity and IBD, possible pathophysiologic links, and the
      clinical impact of obesity on IBD disease course and implications for management.

PMID- 27672286
TI  - New insights into the pathophysiology of achalasia and implications for future
      treatment.
AB  - Idiopathic achalasia is an archetype esophageal motor disorder, causing
      significant impairment of eating ability and reducing quality of life. The
      pathophysiological underpinnings of this condition are loss of esophageal
      peristalsis and insufficient relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).
      The clinical manifestations include dysphagia for both solids and liquids,
      regurgitation of esophageal contents, retrosternal chest pain, cough, aspiration,
      weight loss and heartburn. Even though idiopathic achalasia was first described
      more than 300 years ago, researchers are only now beginning to unravel its
      complex etiology and molecular pathology. The most recent findings indicate an
      autoimmune component, as suggested by the presence of circulating anti-myenteric
      plexus autoantibodies, and a genetic predisposition, as suggested by observed
      correlations with other well-defined genetic syndromes such as Allgrove syndrome
      and multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 B syndrome. Viral agents (herpes,
      varicella zoster) have also been proposed as causative and promoting factors.
      Unfortunately, the therapeutic approaches available today do not resolve the
      causes of the disease, and only target the consequential changes to the involved
      tissues, such as destruction of the LES, rather than restoring or modifying the
      underlying pathology. New therapies should aim to stop the disease at early
      stages, thereby preventing the consequential changes from developing and
      inhibiting permanent damage. This review focuses on the known characteristics of
      idiopathic achalasia that will help promote understanding its pathogenesis and
      improve therapeutic management to positively impact the patient's quality of
      life. 

PMID- 27672287
TI  - Anemia and iron deficiency in gastrointestinal and liver conditions.
AB  - Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is associated with a number of pathological
      gastrointestinal conditions other than inflammatory bowel disease, and also with
      liver disorders. Different factors such as chronic bleeding, malabsorption and
      inflammation may contribute to IDA. Although patients with symptoms of anemia are
      frequently referred to gastroenterologists, the approach to diagnosis and
      selection of treatment as well as follow-up measures is not standardized and
      suboptimal. Iron deficiency, even without anemia, can substantially impact
      physical and cognitive function and reduce quality of life. Therefore, regular
      iron status assessment and awareness of the clinical consequences of impaired
      iron status are critical. While the range of options for treatment of IDA is
      increasing due to the availability of effective and well-tolerated parenteral
      iron preparations, a comprehensive overview of IDA and its therapy in patients
      with gastrointestinal conditions is currently lacking. Furthermore, definitions
      and assessment of iron status lack harmonization and there is a paucity of expert
      guidelines on this topic. This review summarizes current thinking concerning IDA
      as a common co-morbidity in specific gastrointestinal and liver disorders, and
      thus encourages a more unified treatment approach to anemia and iron deficiency,
      while offering gastroenterologists guidance on treatment options for IDA in
      everyday clinical practice. 

PMID- 27672288
TI  - HER2 aberrations and heterogeneity in cancers of the digestive system:
      Implications for pathologists and gastroenterologists.
AB  - Management of cancers of the digestive system has progressed rapidly into the
      molecular era. Despite the significant recent achievements in the diagnosis and
      treatment of these patients, the number of deaths for these tumors has currently
      plateaued. Many investigations have assessed the role of HER2 in tumors of the
      digestive system in both prognostic and therapeutic settings, with heterogeneous
      results. Novel testing and treatment guidelines are emerging, in particular in
      gastric and colorectal cancers. However, further advances are needed. In this
      review we provide a comprehensive overview of the current state-of-knowledge of
      HER2 alterations in the most common tumors of the digestive system and discuss
      the operational implications of HER2 testing. 

PMID- 27672289
TI  - Therapeutic aspects of c-MYC signaling in inflammatory and cancerous colonic
      diseases.
AB  - Colonic inflammation is required to heal infections, wounds, and maintain tissue
      homeostasis. As the seventh hallmark of cancer, however, it may affect all phases
      of tumor development, including tumor initiation, promotion, invasion and
      metastatic dissemination, and also evasion immune surveillance. Inflammation acts
      as a cellular stressor and may trigger DNA damage or genetic instability, and,
      further, chronic inflammation can provoke genetic mutations and epigenetic
      mechanisms that promote malignant cell transformation. Both sporadical and
      colitis-associated colorectal carcinogenesis are multi-step, complex processes
      arising from the uncontrolled proliferation and spreading of malignantly
      transformed cell clones with the obvious ability to evade the host's protective
      immunity. In cells upon DNA damage several proto-oncogenes, including c-MYC are
      activated in parelell with the inactivation of tumor suppressor genes. The target
      genes of the c-MYC protein participate in different cellular functions, including
      cell cycle, survival, protein synthesis, cell adhesion, and micro-RNA expression.
      The transcriptional program regulated by c-MYC is context dependent, therefore
      the final cellular response to elevated c-MYC levels may range from increased
      proliferation to augmented apoptosis. Considering physiological intestinal
      homeostasis, c-MYC displays a fundamental role in the regulation of cell
      proliferation and crypt cell number. However, c-MYC gene is frequently
      deregulated in inflammation, and overexpressed in both sporadic and colitis
      associated colon adenocarcinomas. Recent results demonstrated that endogenous c
      MYC is essential for efficient induction of p53-dependent apoptosis following DNA
      damage, but c-MYC function is also involved in and regulated by autophagy-related
      mechanisms, while its expression is affected by DNA-methylation, or histone
      acetylation. Molecules directly targeting c-MYC, or agents acting on other genes
      involved in the c-MYC pathway could be selected for combined regiments. However,
      due to its context-dependent cellular function, it is clinically essential to
      consider which cytotoxic drugs are used in combination with c-MYC targeted agents
      in various tissues. Increasing our knowledge about MYC-dependent pathways might
      provide direction to novel anti-inflammatory and colorectal cancer therapies. 

PMID- 27672291
TI  - Periodontal and inflammatory bowel diseases: Is there evidence of complex
      pathogenic interactions?
AB  - Periodontal disease and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are both chronic
      inflammatory diseases. Their pathogenesis is mediated by a complex interplay
      between a dysbiotic microbiota and the host immune-inflammatory response, and
      both are influenced by genetic and environmental factors. This review aimed to
      provide an overview of the evidence dealing with a possible pathogenic
      interaction between periodontal disease and IBD. There seems to be an increased
      prevalence of periodontal disease in patients with IBD when compared to healthy
      controls, probably due to changes in the oral microbiota and a higher
      inflammatory response. Moreover, the induction of periodontitis seems to result
      in gut dysbiosis and altered gut epithelial cell barrier function, which might
      contribute to the pathogenesis of IBD. Considering the complexity of both
      periodontal disease and IBD, it is very challenging to understand the possible
      pathways involved in their coexistence. In conclusion, this review points to a
      complex pathogenic interaction between periodontal disease and IBD, in which one
      disease might alter the composition of the microbiota and increase the
      inflammatory response related to the other. However, we still need more data
      derived from human studies to confirm results from murine models. Thus,
      mechanistic studies are definitely warranted to clarify this possible
      bidirectional association. 

PMID- 27672290
TI  - Role of miRNAs and their potential to be useful as diagnostic and prognostic
      biomarkers in gastric cancer.
AB  - Alterations in epigenetic control of gene expression play an important role in
      many diseases, including gastric cancer. Many studies have identified a large
      number of upregulated oncogenic miRNAs and downregulated tumour-suppressor miRNAs
      in this type of cancer. In this review, we provide an overview of the role of
      miRNAs, pointing to their potential to be useful as diagnostic and/or prognostic
      biomarkers in gastric cancer. Moreover, we discuss the influence of polymorphisms
      and epigenetic modifications on miRNA activity. 

PMID- 27672292
TI  - Portal biliopathy.
AB  - Portal biliopathy refers to cholangiographic abnormalities which occur in
      patients with portal cavernoma. These changes occur as a result of pressure on
      bile ducts from bridging tortuous paracholedochal, epicholedochal and cholecystic
      veins. Bile duct ischemia may occur due prolonged venous pressure effect or
      result from insufficient blood supply. In addition, encasement of ducts may occur
      due fibrotic cavernoma. Majority of patients are asymptomatic. Portal biliopathy
      is a progressive disease and patients who have long standing disease and more
      severe bile duct abnormalities present with recurrent episodes of biliary pain,
      cholangitis and cholestasis. Serum chemistry, ultrasound with color Doppler
      imaging, magnetic resonance imaging with magnetic resonance
      cholangiopancreatography and magnetic resonance portovenography are modalities of
      choice for evaluation of portal biliopathy. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography
      being an invasive procedure is indicated for endotherapy only. Management of
      portal biliopathy is done in a stepwise manner. First, endotherapy is done for
      dilation of biliary strictures, placement of biliary stents to facilitate
      drainage and removal of bile duct calculi. Next portal venous pressure is reduced
      by formation of surgical porto-systemic shunt or transjugular intrahepatic
      portosystemic shunt. This causes significant resolution of biliary changes.
      Patients who persist with biliary symptoms and bile duct changes may benefit from
      surgical biliary drainage procedures (hepaticojejunostomy or
      choledechoduodenostomy). 

PMID- 27672293
TI  - Transanal surgery for obstructed defecation syndrome: Literature review and a
      single-center experience.
AB  - Obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) is a functional disorder commonly
      encountered by colorectal surgeons and gastroenterologists, and greatly affects
      the quality of life of patients from both societal and psychological aspects. The
      underlying anatomical and pathophysiological changes of ODS are complex. However,
      intra-rectal intussusception and rectocele are frequently found in patients with
      ODS and both are thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis of ODS.
      With the development of evaluation methods in anorectal physiology laboratories
      and radiology studies, a great variety of new operative procedures, especially
      transanal procedures, have been invented to treat ODS. However, no procedure has
      been proved to be superior to others at present. Each operation has its own
      merits and defects. Thus, choosing appropriate transanal surgical procedures for
      the treatment of ODS remains a challenge for all surgeons. This review provides
      an introduction of the current problems and options for treatment of ODS and a
      detailed summary of the essential assessments needed for patient evaluation
      before carrying out transanal surgery. Besides, an overview of the benefits and
      problems of current transanal surgical procedures for treatment of ODS is
      summarized in this review. A report of clinical experience of some transanal
      surgical techniques used in the authors' center is also presented. 

PMID- 27672294
TI  - Oncolytic viruses against cancer stem cells: A promising approach for
      gastrointestinal cancer.
AB  - Gastrointestinal cancer has been one of the five most commonly diagnosed and
      leading causes of cancer mortality over the past few decades. Great progress in
      traditional therapies has been made, which prolonged survival in patients with
      early cancer, yet tumor relapse and drug resistance still occurred, which is
      explained by the cancer stem cell (CSC) theory. Oncolytic virotherapy has
      attracted increasing interest in cancer because of its ability to infect and lyse
      CSCs. This paper reviews the basic knowledge, CSC markers and therapeutics of
      gastrointestinal cancer (liver, gastric, colon and pancreatic cancer), as well as
      research advances and possible molecular mechanisms of various oncolytic viruses
      against gastrointestinal CSCs. This paper also summarizes the existing obstacles
      to oncolytic virotherapy and proposes several alternative suggestions to overcome
      the therapeutic limitations. 

PMID- 27672295
TI  - Liver grafts from hepatitis B surface antigen-positive donors: A review of the
      literature.
AB  - The scarcity of available organs and the gap between supply and demand continue
      to be the main limitations of liver transplantation. To relieve the organ
      shortage, current transplant strategies have implemented extended criteria, which
      include the use of liver from patients with signs of past or present hepatitis B
      virus (HBV) infection. While the use of liver grafts from donors with evidence of
      past HBV infection is quite limited, some data have been collected regarding the
      feasibility of transplanting a liver graft from a hepatitis B surface antigen
      (HBsAg) positive donor. The aim of the present work was to review the literature
      regarding liver transplants from HBsAg-positive donors. A total of 17 studies
      were identified by a search in Medline. To date, HBsAg positive grafts have
      preferentially been allocated to HBsAg positive recipients. The large majority of
      these patients continue to be HBsAg positive despite the use of immunoglobulin,
      and infection prevention can only be guaranteed by using antiviral prophylaxis.
      Although serological persistence is evident, no significant HBV-related disease
      has been observed, except in patients coinfected with delta virus. Consistently
      less data are available for HBsAg negative recipients, although they are mostly
      promising. HBsAg-positive grafts could be an additional organ source for liver
      transplantation, provided that the risk of reinfection/reactivation is properly
      prevented. 

PMID- 27672296
TI  - May the assessment of baseline mucosal molecular pattern predict the development
      of gluten related disorders among microscopic enteritis?
AB  - AIM: To evaluate mucosal baseline mRNA expression of tissue transglutaminase 2
      (tTG2), interferon gamma (IFNgamma), toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and Myeloid
      Differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) in patients with microscopic enteritis (ME).
      METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled 89 patients with ME of different etiology,
      which was defined within a 2-year mean period of follow-up. Baseline histological
      examination was performed on Hematoxylin-Eosin stained sections and CD3
      lymphocyte immunohistochemistry was used for intraepithelial lymphocyte count
      (IELs). ME was defined according to the criteria of Bucharest Consensus
      Conference. For each patient, formalin embedded biopsy samples of the duodenum
      referred to the period of ME diagnosis were retrieved. Real-time polymerase chain
      reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect the amount of mRNA coding for tTG2,
      IFNgamma, TLR2 and MyD88, and the quantity was expressed as fold change compared
      to controls. Control group was represented by duodenal normal specimens from 15
      healthy subjects undergoing endoscopy for functional symptoms. Comparisons among
      continuous variables were performed by One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and
      Bonferroni's test. The chi(2) test was used for categorical variables. Pearson's
      test was used to evaluate correlations. Receiver operating curves were drawn for
      all four markers to estimate sensitivity and specificity in discriminating the
      development of CD and GS. RESULTS: After a period of follow up of 21.7 +/- 11.7
      mo, the following diagnoses were achieved: gluten related disorders in 48
      subjects (31 CD; 17 GS) and non-gluten related ones in 41 (29 Irritable Bowel
      Syndrome - IBS; 12 Others). CD patients had the highest tTG2 levels (8.3 +/-
      4.5). The ANOVA plus Bonferroni analysis showed that CD > Other ME > GS = IBS >
      negative controls. A cut off value of 2.258 was able to discriminate between CD
      and GS with a sensitivity of 52.94% and a specificity of 87.1%. Additionally, CD
      patients had the highest IFNgamma levels (8.5 +/- 4.1). ANOVA plus Bonferroni
      demonstrated CD > Other ME > GS = IBS > negative controls. A cut off of 1.853 was
      able to differentiate CD and GS with a sensitivity of 47.06% and a specificity of
      96.77%. Patients with non gluten-related causes of ME exhibited the highest TLR2
      levels (6.1 +/- 1.9) as follows: Other ME > CD = GS = IBS > negative controls.
      TLR2 was unable to discriminate CD from GS. Patients with CD overexpressed MyD88
      levels similarly to non gluten-related causes of DL (7.8 +/- 4.9 and 6.7 +/-
      2.9), thus CD = Other ME > GS = IBS > negative controls. A cut off of 3.722 was
      able to differentiate CD from GS with a sensitivity of 52.94% and a specificity
      of 74.19%. IELs count (15-25 and more than 25/100 enterocytes) strongly
      correlated with mRNA levels of all tested molecules (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Our
      results confirm that a single marker is unable to predict a discrimination among
      ME underlying conditions as well as between CD and GS. Mucosal high levels of tTG
      and IFNgamma mRNA may predict the development of CD more than GS with high
      specificity, despite an expected low sensitivity. TLR2 does not discriminate the
      development of CD from GS. MyD88 levels indicate that intestinal permeability is
      more increased when a severe intestinal damage underlies ME in both gluten
      related and unrelated conditions. Therefore, the results of the present paper do
      not seem to show a clear translational value.

PMID- 27672297
TI  - Dietary advanced glycation end-products aggravate non-alcoholic fatty liver
      disease.
AB  - AIM: To determine if manipulation of dietary advanced glycation end product
      (AGE), intake affects non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) progression and
      whether these effects are mediated via RAGE. METHODS: Male C57Bl6 mice were fed a
      high fat, high fructose, high cholesterol (HFHC) diet for 33 wk and compared with
      animals on normal chow. A third group were given a HFHC diet that was high in
      AGEs. Another group was given a HFHC diet that was marinated in vinegar to
      prevent the formation of AGEs. In a second experiment, RAGE KO animals were fed a
      HFHC diet or a high AGE HFHC diet and compared with wildtype controls. Hepatic
      biochemistry, histology, picrosirius red morphometry and hepatic mRNA were
      determined. RESULTS: Long-term consumption of the HFHC diet generated significant
      steatohepatitis and fibrosis after 33 wk. In this model, hepatic 4-hydroxynonenal
      content (a marker of chronic oxidative stress), hepatocyte ballooning,
      picrosirius red staining, alpha-smooth muscle actin and collagen type 1A gene
      expression were all significantly increased. Increasing the AGE content of the
      HFHC diet by baking further increased these markers of liver damage, but this was
      abrogated by pre-marination in acetic acid. In response to the HFHC diet, RAGE(-/
      ) animals developed NASH of similar severity to RAGE(+/+) animals but were
      protected from the additional harmful effects of the high AGE containing diet.
      Studies in isolated Kupffer cells showed that AGEs increase cell proliferation
      and oxidative stress, providing a likely mechanism through which these compounds
      contribute to liver injury. CONCLUSION: In the HFHC model of NAFLD, manipulation
      of dietary AGEs modulates liver injury, inflammation, and liver fibrosis via a
      RAGE dependent pathway. This suggests that pharmacological and dietary strategies
      targeting the AGE/RAGE pathway could slow the progression of NAFLD.

PMID- 27672298
TI  - Different pre-S deletion patterns and their association with hepatitis B virus
      genotypes.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the associations of different types of pre-S deletions with
      hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes. METHODS: The sequences of the pre-S region,
      basal core promoter (BCP) mutation, and precore (PC) mutation were examined
      through direct DNA sequencing or clonal analysis and sequencing in 273 HBV
      carriers, namely 55 asymptomatic carriers, 55 carriers with chronic hepatitis
      (CH), 55 with liver cirrhosis (LC), 53 with liver cirrhotic hepatocellular
      carcinoma (LC-HCC), and 55 with noncirrhotic HCC. A total of 126 HBV carriers
      (46.2%) harbored pre-S deletions. The DNA sequences of pre-S deletion mutants
      from 43 age-matched genotype B (HBV/B)-infected carriers and 43 age-matched
      genotype C (HBV/C)-infected carriers were further examined, aligned, and
      compared. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed in the mean age
      distribution (P = 0.464), male sex (P = 0.805), viral load (P = 0.635), or BCP
      mutation (P = 0.117) between the HBV/B and HBV/C groups. However, the rate of PC
      mutation was significantly higher in the HBV/B-infected carriers than in the
      HBV/C-infected carriers (P = 0.003). Both genotypes exhibited a high rate of
      deletion in the C-terminal half of the pre-S1 region and N-terminus of the pre-S2
      region (86.0% and 79.1% in the HBV/B group; 69.8% and 72.1% in the HBV/C group,
      respectively). Epitope mapping showed that deletion in several epitope sites was
      frequent in both genotypes, particularly pS1-BT and pS2-B2. Conversely, the rate
      of pS2-B1 deletion was significantly higher in the HBV/B group (72.1% vs 37.2%, P
      = 0.002), and the rate of pS2-T deletion was significantly higher in the HBV/C
      group (48.8% vs 25.6%, P = 0.044). Functional mapping showed that the rate of
      deletion in three functional sites (the nucleocapsid binding site, start codon of
      M, and site for viral secretion) located in the N-terminus of the pre-S2 region
      was significantly higher in the HBV/B group (P < 0.05). One type of N-terminus
      pre-S1 deletion mutant with deletion of the start codon of the L protein was
      frequently observed in the HBV/C group (20.9% vs 9.3%, P = 0.228), particularly
      in the LC patients (42.9% vs 12.5%). Different patterns of pre-S deletions were
      also found between the HBV/B and HBV/C groups according to different clinical
      outcomes. In CH patients, deletion in the site for polymerized human serum
      albumin was more frequent in the HBV/B group (88.9% vs 36.4%, P = 0.028). In the
      LC-HCC patients, the rate of deletion in the pre-S2 region was significantly
      higher in the HBV/B group than in the HBV/C group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: HBV/B-
      and HBV/C-infected carriers exhibit different patterns of pre-S deletion, which
      may be associated with the progression of liver diseases.

PMID- 27672299
TI  - Second-generation direct-acting-antiviral hepatitis C virus treatment: Efficacy,
      safety, and predictors of SVR12.
AB  - AIM: To gather data on the antiviral efficacy and safety of second generation
      direct acting antiviral (DAA) treatment with respect to sustained virological
      response (SVR) 12 wk after conclusion of treatment, and to determine predictors
      of SVR12 in this setting. METHODS: Two hundred and sixty patients treated with
      SOF combination partners PR (n = 51), R (n = 10), SMV (n = 30), DCV (n = 81), LDV
      (n = 73), or 3D (n = 15). 144/260 were pre-treated, 89/260 had liver cirrhosis,
      56/260 had portal hypertension with platelets < 100/nL, 25/260 had a MELD score
      >= 10 and 17/260 were post-liver transplantation patients. 194/260 had HCV GT1,
      44/260 HCV GT3. RESULTS: Two hundred and forty/256 (93.7%) patients achieved
      SVR12 (mITT); 4/260 were lost to follow-up. SVR12 rates for subgroups were: 92%
      for SOF/DCV, 93% for each SOF/SMV, SOF/PR, 94% for SOF/LDV, 100% for 3D, 94% for
      pretreated, 87% for liver cirrhosis, 82% for patients with platelets < 100/nL,
      88% post-liver transplantation, 95% for GT1a, 93% for GT1b, 90% for GT3, 100% for
      GT2, 4, and 6. 12 patients suffered from relapse, 6 prematurely discontinued
      treatment, of which 4 died. Negative predictors of SVR12 were a platelet count <
      100/nL, MELD score >= 10 (P < 0.0001), liver cirrhosis (P = 0.005) at baseline.
      In Interferon-free treatment GT3 had significantly lower SVR rates than GT1 (P =
      0.016). Side effects were mild. CONCLUSION: Excellent SVR12 rates and the
      favorable side-effect profile of DAA-combination therapy can be well translated
      into "real-world". Patients with advanced liver disease, signs of portal
      hypertension, especially with platelets < 100/nL and patients with GT3 are in
      special need for further research efforts to overcome comparatively higher rates
      of virological failure.

PMID- 27672301
TI  - Reflective Journaling as a Flipped Classroom Technique to Increase Reading and
      Participation With Social Work Students.
AB  - Students in undergraduate social work practice courses come to the class with
      varying levels of educational, life, and practice experience. Students require an
      introduction to the material through textbook reading before they are able to
      engage in critical discussions, yet reading adherence varies widely among
      students. This research explores the use of reflective journals as a Flipped
      Classroom technique to increase reflective thinking and reading adherence. This
      study surveys 27 students in two practice courses about the use of weekly
      reflective journaling as a flipped classroom assignment. Findings support that
      reflective reading journals increase student preparation and engagement, but
      require more work for students and instructors. Implications are discussed.

PMID- 27672300
TI  - Trajectories of endoscopic Barrett esophagus: Chronological changes in a
      community-based cohort.
AB  - AIM: To elucidate longitudinal changes of an endoscopic Barrett esophagus (BE),
      especially of short segment endoscopic BE (SSBE). METHODS: This study comprised
      779 patients who underwent two or more endoscopies between January 2009 and
      December 2015. The intervals between the first and the last endoscopy were at
      least 6 mo. The diagnosis of endoscopic BE was based on the criteria proposed by
      the Japan Esophageal Society and was classified as long segment (LSBE) and SSBE,
      the latter being further divided into partial and circumferential types. The
      potential background factors that were deemed to affect BE change included age,
      gender, antacid therapy use, gastroesophageal reflux disease-suggested symptoms,
      esophagitis, and hiatus hernia. Time trends of a new appearance and complete
      regression were investigated by Kaplan-Meier curves. The factors that may affect
      appearance and complete regression were investigated by chi(2) and Student-t
      tests, and multivariable Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: Incidences of SSBE and
      LSBE were respectively 21.7% and 0%, with a mean age of 68 years. Complete
      regression of SSBE was observed in 61.5% of initial SSBE patients, while 12.1% of
      initially disease free patients experienced an appearance of SSBE. Complete
      regressions and appearances of BE occurred constantly over time, accounting for
      80% and 17% of 5-year cumulative rates. No LSBE development from SSBE was
      observed. A hiatus hernia was the only significant factor that facilitated BE
      development (P = 0.03) or hampered (P = 0.007) BE regression. CONCLUSION: Both
      appearances and complete regressions of SSBE occurred over time. A hiatus hernia
      was the only significant factor affecting the BE story.

PMID- 27672302
TI  - An Integrative Theory of Psychotherapy: Research and Practice.
AB  - A dual-process personality theory and supporting research are presented. The dual
      processes comprise an experiential system and a rational system. The experiential
      system is an adaptive, associative learning system that humans share with other
      higher-order animals. The rational system is a uniquely human, primarily verbal,
      reasoning system. It is assumed that when humans developed language they did not
      abandon their previous ways of adapting, they simply added language to their
      experiential system. The two systems are assumed to operate in parallel and are
      bi-directionally interactive. The validity of these assumptions is supported by
      extensive research. Of particular relevance for psychotherapy, the experiential
      system, which is compatible with evolutionary theory, replaces the Freudian
      maladaptive unconscious system that is indefensible from an evolutionary
      perspective, as sub-human animals would then have only a single system that is
      maladaptive. The aim of psychotherapy is to produce constructive changes in the
      experiential system. Changes in the rational system are useful only to the extent
      that they contribute to constructive changes in the experiential system.

PMID- 27672303
TI  - Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis among Childbearing Age Women in India: A
      Systematic Review.
AB  - Background. Infection with Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) can lead to reproductive
      sequelae. Information on the general population of childbearing age women in
      India is sparse. We reviewed the literature on CT prevalence within the general
      population of reproductive aged women in order to improve the efforts of public
      health screening programs and interventions. Objective. To conduct a literature
      review to determine the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis among childbearing
      age women in India. Search Strategy. Ovid Medline and PubMed databases were
      searched for articles from January 1, 2003, through December 31, 2014. Search
      terms included "Chlamydia trachomatis", "CT", "prevalence", "India", and
      "sexually transmitted infections". Selection Criteria. Studies on prevalence data
      for CT among women of childbearing age (15-45) living in India were included.
      Data Collection and Analysis. Articles that met the inclusion criteria were
      extracted by two readers and discrepancies solved through discussion. Results.
      Reported prevalence of active CT infection among lower risk groups ranged from
      0.1% to 1.1% and in higher risk group from 2.7% to 28.5%. Conclusion. CT
      prevalence among women in India is comparable to other countries. Screening
      programs to prevent adverse outcomes among Indian women of childbearing age and
      their offspring are warranted.

PMID- 27672305
TI  - Successful conjunctival socket expansion in anophthalmic patients until the age
      of 2 years: an outpatient procedure.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report the results of a simple outpatient method for soft tissue
      socket expansion in young children with congenital anophthalmos. METHODS:
      Seventeen congenital anophthalmic sockets of 15 infants of a mean age of 4.2+/
      4.4 months were fitted with specially designed serial solid acrylic shapes or
      hydrogel expanders using cyanoacrylate for eyelids closure when using the latter.
      RESULTS: At the age of 2 years, the mean horizontal eyelid length increased from
      a mean of 11.6+/-4.5 to 19.4+/-4.6 mm and the volume of the last expander from a
      mean of 0.6+/-0.2 to 2.0+/-0.3 cm(2). The specially designed acrylic shapes could
      be a substitute to the custom-made molds, which require general anesthesia.
      CONCLUSION: Successful increase in the horizontal eyelid length as well as the
      conjunctival socket volume could be achieved by a simple outpatient procedure
      without the need for repeated hospitalization and general anesthesia in these
      infants.

PMID- 27672304
TI  - Optic nerve head topography and retinal structural changes in eyes with
      macrodisks: a comparative study with spectral domain optical coherence
      tomography.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare optic nerve head parameters, the thicknesses of the
      peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL), the macular retinal nerve fiber
      layer (mRNFL), the ganglion cell complex (GCC), and the ganglion cell-inner
      plexiform layer (GCIPL) in macrodisks and normal-sized healthy disks using
      spectral domain optical coherence tomography. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 88
      healthy eyes (42 macrodisks and 46 normal-sized disks) were prospectively
      enrolled in the study. Optic nerve head parameters as well as pRNFL, mRNFL, GCC,
      and GCIPL thicknesses were measured in all subjects. Optic disk areas (ODAs)
      >2.70 mm(2) were defined as macrodisks. All spectral domain optical coherence
      tomography parameters were compared between normal-sized disks and macrodisks.
      RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 49.4+/-5.7 years in the normal size
      group and 51.55+/-6.3 years in the macrodisk group (P=0.65). The average ODAs
      were 2.23+/-0.29 mm(2) and 3.30+/-0.59 mm(2) in the normal size and the macrodisk
      groups, respectively. ODA (P<0.001), cup area (P<0.001), cup disk area ratio
      (P<0.001), horizontal cup disk ratio (P<0.001), vertical cup disk ratio
      (P<0.001), horizontal disk diameter (P<0.001), vertical disk diameter (P<0.001),
      and cup volume (P<0.001) were significantly higher in the macrodisk group. The
      inferior mRNFL thickness was significantly lower (P=0.042), and the GCC inferior
      and GCIPL inferior thicknesses were found to be lower with low significance
      (P=0.052, P=0.059, respectively) in the macrodisk group. Rim volume (P=0.622),
      total pRNFL (P=0.201), superior pRNFL (P=0.123), inferior pRNFL (P=0.168),
      average macular thickness (P=0.162), total mRNFL (P=0.171), superior mRNFL
      (P=0.356), total GCC (P=0.080), superior GCC (P=0.261), total GCIPL (P=0.214),
      and superior GCIPL (P=0.515) thicknesses were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION:
      Optic disk topography and retinal structures show different characteristics in
      healthy eyes with macrodisks. These disk size-dependent variations suggest that
      large optic disks may be more susceptible to glaucomatous damage.

PMID- 27672306
TI  - Multimodal imaging and diagnosis of myopic choroidal neovascularization in
      Caucasians.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV) by fluorescein
      angiography (FA), spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), near
      infrared (NIR) reflectance, and autofluorescence (AF). METHODS: This
      retrospective study included 65 eyes of 62 Caucasian patients with a mean age of
      66.72 years (95% confidence interval [CI] 63-70 years) and a mean refraction of 
      9.72 diopters (95% CI -8.74 to -10.70 diopters). RESULTS: Most of the mCNV cases
      were foveal-juxtafoveal (60/65, 92.3%), with thickening of the corresponding
      retina (62/65, 95.3%) and leakage on FA (44/65, 67.6%). No retinal fluid was
      detectable in 32 (49.2%) eyes and there was no hemorrhage in 25 (38.4%) eyes.
      Papillary chorioretinal atrophy was evident in 58 (89.2%), a shadowing effect in
      48 (73.8%), and an epiretinal membrane in 38 (58.4%) eyes. If an area of macular
      chorioretinal atrophy was present, mCNV frequently developed adjacent to it and
      was hyperfluorescent rather than with leakage (P?0.001). In eyes with edema or
      hemorrhage, hyper-reflective foci were more frequent (P?0.005). NIR and AF
      features were indeterminable in 19 (29.2%) and 27 (41.5%) eyes, respectively. The
      predominant feature was black or grayish on NIR (34/65, 52.3%) and patchy (hypo-
      and hyperfluorescence was observed) on AF (25/65, 38.4%). FA and SD-OCT correctly
      detected mCNV in 49 (75.3%) and 48 (73.8%) eyes, respectively, whereas NIR and AF
      exhibited limited diagnostic sensitivity. Doubtful diagnosis was associated with
      hyperfluorescent mCNV (P?0.001), absence of retinal fluid and epiretinal membrane
      (P?0.05), and presence of macular chorioretinal atrophy (P?0.01). CONCLUSION:
      Tomographic, angiographic, AF, and NIR features of mCNV are described in this
      study. Combination of SD-OCT and FA is recommendable for diagnosis.

PMID- 27672307
TI  - Preservative-free bimatoprost 0.03% in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma
      or ocular hypertension in clinical practice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering medications for primary open
      angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension commonly contain preservatives that can
      cause ocular surface damage in many patients. The purpose of this study was to
      evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of, and compliance to, preservative-free
      (PF) bimatoprost 0.03% in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular
      hypertension (IOP >=18 mmHg) in a clinical practice setting. METHODS: This open
      label study observed patients who were switched to PF bimatoprost 0.03% for
      medical reasons. IOP was measured at baseline and ~12 weeks later at the final
      visit, and the change in IOP was calculated. Tolerability and continuation of
      therapy were assessed at two follow-up visits. RESULTS: A total of 1,830 patients
      were included in the study, and complete IOP data were available for 1,543
      patients. Mean IOP was reduced by 23% from 21.64 mmHg to 16.59 mmHg (P<0.0001).
      In subgroup analyses, the mean IOP was significantly reduced compared with
      baseline, regardless of prior therapy, including those previously treated with PF
      monotherapy. A total of 85.7% of physicians reported the IOP-lowering efficacy of
      PF bimatoprost 0.03% to be as expected or better than expected. Adverse events
      (AEs) were experienced by 5.7% of patients, and there were no serious AEs
      reported. The most common AEs were eye irritation (1.7%) and hyperemia (1.4%).
      Physician-reported treatment compliance was reported as better than (48.7%) or
      equal to (43.6%) prior treatment in most patients. Most patients (82%) were
      expected to continue PF bimatoprost 0.03% after the end of the study. CONCLUSION:
      This observational study showed that, in clinical practice, switching to PF
      bimatoprost 0.03% was associated with a significant IOP reduction from baseline.
      There was a low AE rate. PF bimatoprost 0.03% may, therefore, be an effective
      treatment option for patients who are intolerant of preservatives or have an
      inadequate response to prior IOP-lowering treatments.

PMID- 27672309
TI  - Efficacy and safety of monoclonal antibodies targeting interleukin-17 pathway for
      inflammatory arthritis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials.
AB  - T-helper 17 (Th17) pathway plays an important and distinct role in autoimmunity
      and inflammation. A growing body of evidence demonstrates that interleukin-17 (IL
      17) is also synthesized in inflammatory arthritis tissues and exerts potent
      proinflammatory and joint-destructive activities. Clinical studies have been
      performed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of antibodies blocking the IL-17
      signaling pathway in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this study, we
      performed a meta-analysis to systematically evaluate the clinical effects of IL
      17 antibodies in RA patients. By searching PubMed, five randomized, placebo
      controlled randomized controlled clinical trials that tested three antibodies
      against IL-17A (LY2439821 and secukinumab/AIN457) and the IL-17A receptor
      (brodalumab) were identified. The primary outcomes that were analyzed include
      American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Improvement Criteria and Disease Activity
      Score in 28 joints (DAS28). Meanwhile, the safety and adverse effects were also
      systematically analyzed. The results of the meta-analysis demonstrated that IL-17
      antibody is effective in ameliorating the RA symptoms. Specifically, IL-17
      blocking antibody significantly reduced ACR20 and ACR50. It also dramatically
      reduced DAS28, an index that measures tenderness and swelling severity of joints.
      The side effects of and intolerance to the antibody treatment were higher than
      those in the placebo control. The analysis result provides evidence-based
      information for clinical use of these agents in the treatment of inflammatory
      arthritis.

PMID- 27672310
TI  - Synthesis, solubility, plasma stability, and pharmacological evaluation of novel
      sulfonylhydrazones designed as anti-diabetic agents.
AB  - Neuropathy is a serious complication of diabetes that has a significant
      socioeconomic impact, since it frequently demands high levels of health care
      consumption and compromises labor productivity. Recently, LASSBio-1471 (3) was
      demonstrated to improve oral glucose tolerance, reduce blood glucose levels, and
      display an anti-neuropathy effect in a murine streptozotocin-induced diabetes
      model. In the present work, we describe the design, synthesis, solubility, plasma
      stability, and pharmacological evaluation of novel sulfonylhydrazone derivatives
      (referred to herein as compounds 4-9), which were designed by molecular
      modification based on the structure of the prototype LASSBio-1471 (3). Among the
      compounds tested, better plasma stability was observed with 4, 5, and 9 in
      comparison to compounds 6, 7, and 8. LASSBio-1773 (7), promoted not only
      hypoglycemic activity but also the reduction of thermal hyperalgesia and
      mechanical allodynia in a murine model of streptozotocin-induced diabetic
      neuropathic pain.

PMID- 27672308
TI  - Therapeutic efficacy of monthly subcutaneous injection of daclizumab in relapsing
      multiple sclerosis.
AB  - Despite the availability of multiple disease-modifying therapies for relapsing
      multiple sclerosis (MS), there remains a need for highly efficacious targeted
      therapy with a favorable benefit-risk profile and attributes that encourage a
      high level of treatment adherence. Daclizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody
      directed against CD25, the alpha subunit of the high-affinity interleukin 2 (IL
      2) receptor, that reversibly modulates IL-2 signaling. Daclizumab treatment leads
      to antagonism of proinflammatory, activated T lymphocyte function and expansion
      of immunoregulatory CD56(bright) natural killer cells, and has the potential to,
      at least in part, rectify the imbalance between immune tolerance and autoimmunity
      in relapsing MS. The clinical pharmacology, efficacy, and safety of subcutaneous
      daclizumab have been evaluated extensively in a large clinical study program. In
      pivotal studies, daclizumab demonstrated superior efficacy in reducing clinical
      and radiologic measures of MS disease activity compared with placebo or
      intramuscular interferon beta-1a, a standard-of-care therapy for relapsing MS.
      The risk of hepatic disorders, cutaneous events, and infections was modestly
      increased. The monthly subcutaneous self-injection dosing regimen of daclizumab
      may be advantageous in maintaining patient adherence to treatment, which is
      important for optimal outcomes with MS disease-modifying therapy. Daclizumab has
      been approved in the US and in the European Union and represents an effective new
      treatment option for patients with relapsing forms of MS, and is currently under
      review by other regulatory agencies. 

PMID- 27672311
TI  - Understanding cytoskeleton regulators in glioblastoma multiforme for therapy
      design.
AB  - The cellular cytoskeleton forms the primary basis through which a cell governs
      the changes in size, shape, migration, proliferation, and forms the primary means
      through which the cells respond to their environment. Indeed, cell and tissue
      morphologies are used routinely not only to grade tumors but also in various high
      content screening methods with an aim to identify new small molecules with
      therapeutic potential. This study examines the expression of various cytoskeleton
      regulators in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). GBM is a very aggressive disease
      with a low life expectancy even after chemo- and radiotherapy. Cancer cells of
      GBM are notorious for their invasiveness, ability to develop resistance to chemo-
      and radiotherapy, and to form secondary site tumors. This study aims to gain
      insight into cytoskeleton regulators in GBM cells and to understand the effect of
      various oncology drugs, including temozolomide, on cytoskeleton regulators. We
      compare the expression of various cytoskeleton regulators in GBM-derived tumor
      and normal tissue, CD133-postive and -negative cells from GBM and neural cells,
      and GBM stem-like and differentiated cells. In addition, the correlation between
      the expression of cytoskeleton regulators with the clinical outcome was examined
      to identify genes associated with longer patient survival. This was followed by a
      small molecule screening with US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved
      oncology drugs, and its effect on cellular cytoskeleton was compared to treatment
      with temozolomide. This study identifies various groups of cytoskeletal
      regulators that have an important effect on patient survival and tumor
      development. Importantly, this work highlights the advantage of using
      cytoskeleton regulators as biomarkers for assessing prognosis and treatment
      design for GBM.

PMID- 27672313
TI  - Comparison of pharmacist and public views and experiences of community pharmacy
      medicines-related services in England.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Services provided by community pharmacists designed to support people
      using medicines are increasing. In England, two national services exist: Medicine
      Use Reviews (MUR) and New Medicines Service (NMS). Very few studies have been
      conducted seeking views of the public, rather than service users, on willingness
      to use these services or expectations of these services, or determined whether
      views align with pharmacist perceptions. OBJECTIVE: To compare the perceptions of
      pharmacists and the general public on medicines-related services, particularly
      MUR and NMS services. METHODS: Two parallel surveys were conducted in one area of
      England: one involved the general public and was administered using a street
      survey, and the other was a postal survey of community pharmacists. Similar
      questionnaires were used, seeking views of services, awareness, reasons for using
      services, and perceived benefits. RESULTS: Response rates were 47.2% (1,000/2,012
      approached) for the public and 40.8% (341/836) for pharmacists. Few people had
      experienced a discussion in a private consultation room or were aware of the two
      formal services, although their willingness to use them was high. Pharmacists
      estimated time spent on service provision as 10 minutes for MUR and 12 minutes
      for NMS, which aligned with acceptability to both pharmacists and the public.
      Pharmacists underestimated the willingness of the public to wait for an informal
      discussion or to make appointments for formal services. Both pharmacists and the
      public had high expectations that services would be beneficial in terms of
      increasing knowledge and understanding, but public expectations and experiences
      of services helping to sort out problems fell well below pharmacists'
      perceptions. People who had experienced a pharmacy service had different
      perceptions of pharmacists. CONCLUSION: Views differed regarding why people use
      services and key aspects of service delivery. For services to improve, the
      pharmacy profession needs a better awareness of what the public, especially those
      with potential to benefit from services, view as acceptable and desirable.

PMID- 27672312
TI  - Effects of an immunosuppressive treatment on the rat prostate.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine the influence of different combinations of
      immunosuppressive drugs on the morphology, ultrastructure, and expression of
      proliferating cell nuclear antigen and cytoskeleton proteins in the rat
      dorsolateral prostate. The studies were conducted on 48 male Wistar rats. The
      animals were divided into eight groups: a control group and seven experimental
      groups. For 6 months, the animals in the experimental groups were administered a
      combination of drugs including rapamycin (Rapa), cyclosporin A, tacrolimus (Tac),
      mycophenolate mofetil, and prednisone (Pred), according to the standard three
      drug regimens for immunosuppressive therapy used in clinical practice. An
      evaluation of the morphology and ultrastructure was conducted, and a quantitative
      evaluation of the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and desmin-
      and cytokeratin-positive cells with weak, moderate, and strong expression was
      performed. The combination of Rapa, Tac, and Pred caused the smallest
      morphological and ultrastructural changes in the rat prostate cells. In the case
      of rats whose treatment was switched to Rapa monotherapy, a decreased percentage
      of proliferating cells of both the glandular epithelium and the stroma was found.
      Decreases in body weight and changes in the expression of cytokeratin and desmin
      were observed in all the experimental rats. The combination of Rapa, Tac, and
      Pred would seem to be the most beneficial for patients who do not suffer from
      prostate diseases. Our results justify the use of inhibitors of the mammalian
      target of Rapa in the treatment of patients with prostate cancer. The changes in
      the expression of cytoskeleton proteins may be the result of direct adverse
      effects of the immunosuppressive drugs, which are studied in this article, on the
      structure and organization of intermediate filament proteins.

PMID- 27672314
TI  - Psychometric properties of the Polish version of the eight-item Morisky
      Medication Adherence Scale in hypertensive adults.
AB  - Low adherence to pharmacological treatment is often associated with poor blood
      pressure control, but identification of nonadherent patients in outpatient
      settings is difficult. The aim of the study was to translate and evaluate the
      psychometric properties of the Polish version of the structured self-report eight
      item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) among patients with
      hypertension. The study was conducted in a family doctor practice between January
      and July 2015. After a standard "forward-backward" procedure to translate MMAS-8
      into Polish, the questionnaire was administered to 160 patients with
      hypertension. Reliability was tested using a measure of internal consistency
      (Cronbach's alpha) and test-retest reliability. Validity was confirmed using
      known group validity. Three levels of adherence were considered based on the
      following scores: 0 to <6 (low); 6 to <8 (medium); and 8 (high). Complete
      questionnaires were returned by 110 respondents (mean age: 60.7 years +/-12.6;
      54.6% were female). The mean number of pills taken daily was 3.61+/-4.31. The
      mean adherence score was 6.42+/- 2.0. Moderate internal consistency was found
      (Cronbach's alpha=0.81), and test-retest reliability was satisfactory (r=0.461
      0.905; P<0.001). Reproducibility expressed by Cohen's kappa coefficient =0.61 was
      good. In high-adherent patients, the percentage of well-controlled blood pressure
      was higher than in low-adherent patients (33.3% vs 19.1%, chi (2)=0.87, P=0.648).
      Psychometric evaluation of the Polish version of the MMAS-8 indicates that it is
      a reliable and valid measure tool to detect nonadherent patients. The MMAS-8 may
      be routinely used to support communication about the medication-taking behavior
      in hypertensive patients. 

PMID- 27672315
TI  - Atypical antipsychotics as add-on treatment in late-life depression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) have been used in the
      augmentation of treatment-resistant depression. However, little is known about
      their effectiveness, tolerability, and adverse events in the treatment of late
      life depression, which were the aim of this study. METHODS: The retrospective
      data of patients aged >65 years who had a major depressive episode with
      inadequate response to antidepressant treatment and had adjuvant SGA treatment
      were analyzed. The outcome measures were the number of the patients who continued
      to use SGAs in the fourth and twelfth weeks, adverse events, and changes in
      symptoms of depression. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients were screened: 21 (60%) had
      quetiapine, twelve (34.28%) had aripiprazole, and two (5.71%) had olanzapine
      adjuvant treatment. The mean age was 72.17+/-5.02 years, and 65.7% of the
      patients were women. The mean daily dose was 85.71+/-47.80 mg for quetiapine,
      3.33+/-1.23 mg for aripiprazole, and 3.75+/-1.76 mg for olanzapine. The Geriatric
      Depression Scale scores of all patients were significantly decreased in the
      fourth week and were significant in the aripiprazole group (P=0.02). Of the 35
      patients, 23 (65.7%) patients discontinued the study within 12 weeks. The
      frequency of adverse events was similar in all SGAs, and the most common were
      sedation, dizziness, constipation, and orthostatic hypotension with quetiapine,
      and akathisia and headache because of aripiprazole. CONCLUSION: This study
      indicates that dropout ratio of patients with SGAs is high, and a subgroup of
      patients with late-life depression may benefit from SGAs. Effectiveness is
      significant in aripiprazole, and adverse events of SGAs were not serious but
      common in elderly patients.

PMID- 27672316
TI  - Pseudophakic cystoid macular edema: update 2016.
AB  - Pseudophakic cystoid macular edema (PCME) is the most common complication of
      cataract surgery, leading in some cases to a decrease in vision. Although the
      pathogenesis of PCME is not completely understood, the contribution of
      postsurgical inflammation is generally accepted. Consequently, anti-inflammatory
      medicines, including steroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, have been
      postulated as having a role in both the prophylaxis and treatment of PCME.
      However, the lack of a uniformly accepted PCME definition, conflicting data on
      some risk factors, and the scarcity of studies comparing the role of nonsteroidal
      anti-inflammatory drugs to steroids in PCME prevention make the problem of PCME
      one of the puzzles of ophthalmology. This paper presents an updated review on the
      pathogenesis, risk factors, and use of anti-inflammatory drugs in PCME that
      reflect current research and practice.

PMID- 27672317
TI  - Use of the Internet as a prevention tool against cognitive decline in normal
      aging.
AB  - Recent demographic trends indicate that older people appear to be one of the
      fastest growing population groups worldwide. In the year 2000, people older than
      65 years represented 12.4% of the population. This number is expected to rise to
      19% by 2030, particularly in developed countries. Therefore, there is sustained
      effort at both national and international levels to prolong the active life of
      these people as long as possible. Since the present older generation at the age
      of 55 years is already digitally literate, the use of technologies is one of the
      solutions. The purpose of this study is to discuss the role of the Internet in
      the prevention of cognitive decline in normal aging. The author examines clinical
      studies that exploit the use of the Internet, including online training programs,
      in the prevention of cognitive decline in healthy older individuals. The findings
      of the clinical studies indicate that the use of the Internet, especially online
      cognitive training programs, may have a positive effect on the improvement of
      cognitive functions in healthy older adults. Nevertheless, larger sample
      longitudinal randomized controlled clinical trials aimed at the prevention of
      cognitive decline among healthy older adults are needed.

PMID- 27672318
TI  - Nutritional intervention in cognitively impaired geriatric trauma patients: a
      feasibility study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Most studies focusing on improving the nutritional status of
      geriatric trauma patients exclude patients with cognitive impairment. These
      patients are especially at risk of malnutrition at admission and of worsening
      during the perioperative fasting period. This study was planned as a feasibility
      study to identify the difficulties involved in including this high-risk
      collective of cognitively impaired geriatric trauma patients. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: This prospective intervention study included cognitively impaired
      geriatric patients (Mini-Mental State Examination <25, age >65 years) with hip
      related fractures. We assessed Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), Nutritional
      Risk Screening (NRS 2002), body mass index, calf circumference, American Society
      of Anesthesiologists' classification, and Braden Scale. All patients received
      parenteral nutritional supplementation of 800 kcal/d for the 96-hour
      perioperative period. Serum albumin and pseudocholinesterase were monitored.
      Information related to the study design and any complications in the clinical
      course were documented. RESULTS: A total of 96 patients were screened, among whom
      eleven women (median age: 87 years; age range: 74-91 years) and nine men (median
      age: 82 years; age range: 73-89 years) were included. The Mini-Mental State
      Examination score was 9.5 (0-24). All patients were manifestly undernourished or
      at risk according to MNA and NRS 2002. The body mass index was 23 kg/m2 (13-30
      kg/m2), the calf circumference was 29.5 cm (18-34 cm), and the mean American
      Society of Anesthesiologists' classification status was 3 (2-4). Braden Scale
      showed 18 patients at high risk of developing pressure ulcers. In all, 12
      patients had nonsurgical complications with 10% mortality. Albumin as well as
      pseudocholinesterase dropped significantly from admission to discharge. The study
      design proved to be feasible. CONCLUSION: The testing of MNA and NRS 2002 was
      feasible. Cognitively impaired trauma patients proved to be especially at risk of
      malnutrition. Since 96 hours of parenteral nutrition as a crisis intervention was
      insufficient, additional supplementation could be considered. Laboratory and
      functional outcome parameters for measuring successive supplementation certainly
      need further evaluations involving randomized controlled trials.

PMID- 27672319
TI  - Effect-site concentration of remifentanil for preventing cough during emergence
      in elderly patients undergoing nasal surgery: a comparison with adult patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: Prevention of cough during emergence after nasal surgery is important
      for avoiding surgical site bleeding. We investigated the remifentanil effect-site
      concentration in 50% (EC50) of the elderly patients undergoing nasal surgery for
      smooth emergence without cough and compared it with that of adult patients.
      METHODS: Twenty-two elderly (aged 65-80 years) and 25 adult patients (aged 20-60
      years) with an American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I/II
      undergoing nasal surgery were enrolled. Anesthesia was maintained with
      sevoflurane and remifentanil. Remifentanil EC50 and EC95 for preventing cough
      were determined using the modified Dixon's up-and-down method and isotonic
      regression with bootstrapping approach. Recovery profiles were also recorded.
      RESULTS: With Dixon's up-and-down method, the EC50 of remifentanil in elderly
      patients (2.40+/-0.25 ng/mL) was not significantly different from that of adults
      (2.33+/-0.30 ng/mL) (P=0.687). With isotonic regression, the EC95 of remifentanil
      in elderly patients (3.32 [95% confidence interval: 3.06-3.38] ng/mL) was not
      significantly different from that of adults (3.30 [95% confidence interval: 2.96
      3.37] ng/mL). However, eye opening time (14.1+/-3.8 vs 12.0+/-2.9 seconds),
      extubation time (17.2+/-4.1 vs 14.0+/-3.0 seconds), and postanesthesia care unit
      duration (44.5+/-7.6 vs 38.7+/-3.4 minutes) in elderly patients were
      significantly longer than those in adults (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Remifentanil EC50
      for preventing cough after nasal surgery with sevoflurane anesthesia did not
      differ between elderly and adult patients. However, delayed awakening and
      respiratory adverse events may warrant attention in elderly patients.

PMID- 27672320
TI  - The association of renin-angiotensin system blockades and pneumonia requiring
      admission in patients with COPD.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The hallmark of COPD is chronic airway inflammation, which may be
      mediated by renin-angiotensin system. The renin-angiotensin system blockers such
      as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) and angiotensin II receptor
      blockers (ARBs) have exhibited anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects in
      patients with various diseases. We explored the effects of ACEi and ARBs on the
      risk of pneumonia in patients with COPD. METHODS: A nested case-control study was
      performed on COPD patients recruited from January 2010 to August 2013 in two
      referral hospitals in Korea. A total of 130 COPD patients admitted with pneumonia
      were included, and 245 COPD patients without pneumonia were selected as controls
      from a total of 1,646 such patients. Controls were matched with test patients by
      age, sex, and severity of airflow limitation. The effects of ACEi/ARBs use on the
      odds ratio (OR) for the development of pneumonia were tested through conditional
      logistic regression. RESULTS: Elderly patients (over 70 years of age) constituted
      ~30% of each group; most of the patients were male (85%). Of the COPD patients
      with pneumonia, 21.5% had taken ACEi/ARBs for a mean of 9.8 months (standard
      deviation +/-3.5 months). The proportions of ACEi/ARBs users and the mean
      duration of such use did not differ when compared to those of the control
      patients (26.9%, P=0.25; 9.6+/-3.6 months, P=0.83). Univariate analyses indicated
      that the use of ACEi/ARBs was not associated with a decreased risk of pneumonia
      (OR =0.70, 95% confidence interval 0.41-1.23, P=0.21), whereas both a history of
      pulmonary tuberculosis (OR =1.85, 95% confidence interval 1.12-3.06, P=0.02) and
      exposure to systemic steroids (OR =2.33, 95% confidence interval 1.28-4.23,
      P=0.005) did show an association. After adjustment for a history of tuberculosis,
      comorbid chronic renal disease, and exposure to corticosteroids, ACEi/ARBs
      reduced the risk of pneumonia in COPD patients (OR =0.51, 95% confidence interval
      0.27-0.98, P=0.04). CONCLUSION: This study revealed that the use of ACEi/ARBs was
      associated with reducing the risk of pneumonia in patients with COPD. Further
      prospective studies are necessary to confirm the protective effect of ACEi/ARBs
      and elucidate the underlying mechanisms in COPD patients.

PMID- 27672321
TI  - Lost in interpretation: should the highest VC value be used to calculate the
      FEV1/VC ratio?

PMID- 27672322
TI  - Scabies increased the risk and severity of COPD: a nationwide population-based
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Scabies is a common parasitic infectious disease, and COPD is a major
      pulmonary disease. However, there have been no previous studies that have
      investigated the relationship between scabies and COPD. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      This nationwide population-based study included a total of 3,568 patients with
      scabies as the study group and 14,255 patients as a control group. We followed up
      patients in both groups for a 5-year period to identify any new diagnoses of
      COPD. We then followed them up for an additional 2-year period to determine the
      severity of any newly diagnosed cases of COPD as indicated by acute respiratory
      events. Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were performed to calculate
      the hazard ratio (HR) of COPD during the 5-year follow-up period and COPD
      complication during the additional 2-year follow-up period. RESULTS: Of the
      17,823 patients in the study, 2,765 (15.5%) were newly diagnosed with COPD during
      the 5-year follow-up period; 904 (32.7%) were from the scabies group; and 1,861
      (67.3%) were from the control group. Compared to the patients without scabies,
      the adjusted HR (aHR) for COPD for the subjects with scabies was 1.72 (95% CI:
      1.59-1.87) during the 5-year follow-up period. For those newly diagnosed with
      COPD, the aHR for COPD with acute exacerbation was 1.85 (95% CI: 1.67-2.06), the
      aHR for COPD with pneumonia was 3.29 (95% CI: 2.77-3.92), the aHR for COPD with
      acute respiratory failure was 4.00 (95% CI: 3.08-5.19), and the aHR for COPD with
      cardiopulmonary arrest was 3.95 (95% CI: 2.25-6.95) during the additional 2-year
      follow-up period. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate a 72% increased
      risk for COPD among patients with scabies. The results also reveal an increased
      risk of severe COPD complications such as acute respiratory failure,
      cardiopulmonary arrest, pneumonia, and acute exacerbation among patients with
      scabies. This useful information may help physicians in treating scabies and
      remaining alert to the potential development of COPD and its severe
      complications.

PMID- 27672323
TI  - The disease burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Greece.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objective of the study was to estimate the self-reported
      prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Greece and to
      quantify its burden on patients' daily activities, productivity, and
      psychological status. METHODS: A population-based, random digit-dialed telephone
      nationwide survey was conducted between July 10, 2015 and July 31, 2015 in order
      to recruit patients with COPD in Greece. Among the 11,471 persons contacted,
      3,414 met the inclusion criterion of age >=40 years and completed the screening
      questions regarding COPD. Of the 362 subjects who reported that they had been
      diagnosed with COPD, 351 completed the survey. Data on demographic and lifestyle
      characteristics, comorbidities, disease history, perceived disease severity,
      breathlessness severity, symptoms severity, limitations in daily activities,
      psychological distress, and productivity were collected. All data were collected
      through the telephone interview method using a structured questionnaire. RESULTS:
      The overall self-reported COPD prevalence was 10.6%. Among 351 participants, only
      9% reported that they suffered from severe breathlessness. The mean COPD
      assessment test score was 19.0, with 84% of participants having a COPD assessment
      test score >=10. As for the perceived severity of COPD, the majority of subjects
      considered that their respiratory condition was of moderate (34.2%) or mild
      severity (33.9%). Overall, the participants reported a significant impact of COPD
      on their daily life. For instance, 61.5% of them reported that their respiratory
      condition has affected their sports activities. Moreover, 73% of subjects
      considered that the health care system could do more for them than it actually
      does. Almost one-fourth of the participants reported that they had missed work
      during the past 12 months due to their respiratory symptoms, with the mean number
      of days lost being 10. CONCLUSION: This survey provides insightful data regarding
      the impact of COPD on Greek patients' everyday life, psychology, and
      productivity, revealing the increased individual morbidity and the significant
      burden of this condition on society.

PMID- 27672324
TI  - Alexithymia, impulsiveness, and psychopathology in nonsuicidal self-injured
      adolescents.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a multifaceted phenomenon and a
      major health issue among adolescents. A better understanding of self-injury
      comorbidities is crucial to improve our ability to assess, treat, and prevent
      NSSI. PURPOSE: This study aimed at analyzing some of the psychobehavioral
      correlates of NSSI: psychological problems, alexithymia, impulsiveness, and
      sociorelational aspects. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a case-control study. The
      clinical sample (n=33) included adolescents attending our unit for NSSI and other
      issues; the controls (n=79) were high-school students. Data were collected using
      six questionnaires: Youth Self-Report, Barratt's Impulsiveness Scale, Toronto
      Alexithymia Scale, Children's Depression Inventory, Symptom Checklist-90-R, and
      Child Behavior Checklist. RESULTS: Cases scored significantly higher in all
      questionnaires. Habitual self-injurers scored higher on impulsiveness and
      alexithymia. The gesture's repetition seems relevant to the global clinical
      picture: habitual self-injurers appear more likely to seek help from the
      sociosanitary services. We found a difference between the self-injurers' and
      their parents' awareness of the disorder. CONCLUSION: Habitual self-injurers show
      signs of having difficulty with assessing the consequences of their actions
      (nonplanning impulsiveness) and the inability to manage their feelings. Given the
      significantly higher scores found for cases than for controls on all the
      psychopathological scales, NSSI can be seen as a cross-category psychiatric
      disorder, supporting the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
      decision to include it as a pathological entity in its own right.

PMID- 27672325
TI  - Autistic traits in women with primary dysmenorrhea: a case-control study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Recent studies have shown that women with autism spectrum disorder
      have higher rates of menstrual problems, including irregular menstrual cycles,
      unusually painful periods (dysmenorrhea), and excessive menstrual bleeding. In
      this study, we investigated the autistic traits in female university students
      with primary dysmenorrhea (PD). METHODS: Seventy females with PD and 70 females
      without PD were enrolled in the study. The Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) was used
      to measure autistic traits and the Brief Symptom Inventory was used for
      evaluating anxiety and depression levels. The dysmenorrheal pain was assessed by
      visual analog scale (VAS), coded from 0 to 10. Weight and height were measured,
      and the body mass index was calculated. RESULTS: There were no statistical
      differences between the groups in terms of age, duration of education, and body
      mass index. Women with PD had higher AQ - Total, and AQ - Attention Switching
      subscale scores than subjects without PD. Spearman analysis revealed that AQ -
      Total and AQ - Attention Switching scores were correlated with VAS. According to
      the linear regression analysis, VAS was predicted only by AQ - Attention
      Switching subscale. CONCLUSION: Our findings showed an association between
      autistic traits and dysmenorrhea in typically developing females.

PMID- 27672326
TI  - Reporting of adverse events related to dietary supplements to a public health
      center by medical staff: a survey of clinics and pharmacies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dietary supplements are used by >50% of the adult population in
      Japan, and adverse events related to these products have been reported with their
      increased use. Thus, an efficient system to gather and report data on these
      adverse events is essential. To date, however, reporting has been limited. The
      aim of this study was to address this deficiency by exploring the routine
      reporting practices of the medical staff employed at clinics or pharmacies in
      Japan. METHODS: We conducted a survey of the procedures used by the medical staff
      to report adverse events related to dietary supplement intake to public health
      centers in Japan. The survey was conducted in Japan between November 2015 and
      January 2016. Based on a sample size calculation, questionnaires were
      administered to 1,700 potential respondents (850 pharmacists and 850 physicians).
      The questionnaire inquired about the sociodemographic characteristics and dietary
      supplement-related adverse event-reporting practices. RESULTS: The response rate
      was 34.7%, including 286 pharmacists and 304 physicians. Although >30% of the
      pharmacists and physicians had prior experience dealing with such adverse events,
      <5% had reported these to a public health center. The survey identified several
      barriers to reporting, such as "difficulty judging the relationship between an
      adverse event and the dietary supplement" and "lack of clarity regarding the
      severity of an adverse event". CONCLUSION: This is the first study to explore the
      routine reporting practices of physicians and pharmacists in terms of adverse
      events related to dietary supplements. Further studies are required to elucidate
      the severity of these adverse events. Moreover, standard reporting criteria ought
      to be introduced to improve public health.

PMID- 27672327
TI  - Development of the parental needs scale for rare diseases: a tool for measuring
      the supportive care needs of parents caring for a child with a rare disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Children and families affected by rare diseases have received scant
      consideration from the medical, scientific, and political communities, with
      parents' needs especially having received little attention. Affected parents
      often have limited access to information and support and appropriate health care
      services. While scales to measure the needs of parents of children with chronic
      illnesses have been developed, there have been no previous attempts to develop a
      scale to assess the needs of parents of children with rare diseases. OBJECTIVE:
      To develop a scale for measuring the supportive care needs of parents of children
      with rare diseases. METHOD: A total of 301 responses to our Parental Needs Survey
      were randomly divided into two halves, one for exploratory factor analysis and
      the other for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). After removing unsuitable
      items, exploratory factor analysis was undertaken to determine the factor
      structure of the data. CFA using structural equation modeling was then undertaken
      to confirm the factor structure. RESULTS: Seventy-two items were entered into the
      CFA, with a scree plot showing a likely four-factor solution. The results
      provided four independent subscales of parental needs: Understanding the disease
      (four items); Working with health professionals (four items); Emotional issues
      (three items); and Financial needs (three items). The structural equation
      modeling confirmed the suitability of the four-factor solution and demonstrated
      that the four subscales could be added to provide an overall scale of parental
      need. CONCLUSION: This is the first scale developed to measure the supportive
      care needs of parents of children with rare diseases. The scale is suitable for
      use in surveys to develop policy, in individual clinical assessments, and,
      potentially, for evaluating new programs. Measuring the supportive care needs of
      parents caring for a child with a rare disease will hopefully lead to better
      physical and psychological health outcomes for parents and their affected
      children.

PMID- 27672328
TI  - Proton therapy for early stage prostate cancer: is there a case?
AB  - Proton-beam therapy (PBT) for prostate cancer has been in used for several
      decades, with its technique evolving significantly over this period. A growing
      number of centers now routinely utilize pencil-beam scanning as an advanced
      technique of PBT. Interest and controversy concerning its use have recently come
      under scrutiny. While the past decade has produced an assemblage of evidence
      suggesting that PBT is safe and effective for early stage prostate cancer, it is
      still unknown whether the theoretical dosimetric advantages of PBT translate into
      meaningful clinical improvements over routine intensity-modulated radiation
      therapy, which is commonly used for these patients. Outcomes from early trials
      using whole courses of PBT have shown mixed results when compared with routine
      intensity-modulated radiation therapy. Therefore, randomized trials comparing
      these two techniques should be undertaken, as this would help in defining the
      role of PBT for this patient group. This article aims to describe the basics of
      PBT, review the reasons for the growing interest in PBT, review the evidence for
      PBT, review the controversy surrounding PBT, and inquire about PBT's future in
      the treatment of prostate cancer, with attention to its physical properties,
      comparative clinical and cost-effectiveness, and advances in its delivery. 

PMID- 27672329
TI  - Role of postmastectomy radiation therapy in breast cancer patients with T1-2 and
      1-3 positive lymph nodes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of radiotherapy (RT) in overall survival (OS) and
      disease-free survival in postmastectomy breast cancer patients with tumor size <5
      cm, with 1-3 involved axillary lymph nodes (T1-2N1). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We
      conducted a retrospective study of 89 postmastectomy patients with T1-2N1 disease
      between 2005 and 2015 at the Radiation Oncology Clinic of Kayseri Training and
      Research Hospital. Clinicopathologic, demographic, and laboratory findings, as
      well as treatment regimens were investigated. OS and disease-free survival as
      well as factors that can be valuable in the prognosis were evaluated. RESULTS: A
      total of 89 female patients with an average age of 53 years (range: 30-81 years)
      were included in the assessment. Five-year and 10-year local recurrence rates
      were found to be 6.6% in the RT group and 7.1% in the non-RT group. In the RT
      group, the mean OS was 110.3 months and progression-free survival was 104.4
      months. In the non-RT group, the corresponding figures were 104.3 months and 92.1
      months, respectively. Statistically significant correlation was observed between
      RT and the American Joint Committee on Cancer stage (P<0.001), histological type
      (P=0.013), tumor size (P<0.001), and lymph node metastasis (P<0.001). During the
      assessment, locoregional recurrence and/or distant metastasis occurred in nine
      patients (10%). Locoregional recurrence was observed mostly in patients with
      invasive ductal carcinoma, tumor >3.0 cm in size, grade II tumors, and perinodal
      invasion, and who were premenopausal at the time of diagnosis. CONCLUSION: In T1
      2N1 breast cancer patients who underwent modified radical mastectomy, when the
      effects of postmastectomy RT were evaluated, there were no differences in terms
      of OS and progression-free survival. In addition, when subgroup analysis was
      made, in patients with invasive ductal carcinoma, tumor diameter >2 cm, three
      lymph node metastasis, and stage 2b, postmastectomy RT was seen to be useful.

PMID- 27672331
TI  - Polymorphisms in the MTHFR gene are associated with recurrence risk in lymph node
      positive breast cancer patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to clarify the relationship between recurrence
      risk of breast cancer and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T
      polymorphisms. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Breast cancer patients who had undergone
      surgery in Gaziantep University Oncology Hospital between June 2005 and June 2012
      were followed-up and retrospectively enrolled in this study. Blood samples were
      collected from all patients to assess MTHFR C677T polymorphisms. Stage according
      to tumor-node-metastasis system, estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, human
      epidermal growth factor receptor 2 status, grade of disease, menopausal status,
      and administered chemotherapy or hormonal therapy were recorded. Effects of these
      parameters on recurrence risk were evaluated using univariate analysis and
      multivariate binary logistic regression model. RESULTS: Association of MTHFR
      C677T polymorphisms with recurrence risk was evaluated in 298 patients whose
      median age was 47 years (range: 21-79 years). In all patients, age (odds ratio
      [OR] =0.953, P=0.005) and N3 lymph node status (OR =6.293, P=0.001) were found to
      affect the recurrence risk. While MTHFR homozygote genotype did not have an
      effect on recurrence risk in all patients, increased risk was observed in lymph
      node-positive subgroup (OR =4.271; 95% CI 1.515-12.023; P=0.006). Adjusting for
      age, tumor size (T), and node status (N), MTHFR homozygote genotype had more
      statistically significant risk for recurrence (OR =3.255; 95% CI 1.047-10.125;
      P=0.041). CONCLUSION: MTHFR TT genotype was found to be associated with increased
      recurrence risk in patients with lymph node-positive breast cancer.

PMID- 27672330
TI  - Correlation of PDK1 expression with clinicopathologic features and prognosis of
      hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical significance of 3-phosphoinositide-dependent
      protein kinase-1 (PDK1) expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its
      association with clinicopathologic features and prognosis in HCC patients.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 128 HCC patients who received radical resection
      were enrolled from Wenling Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital between May
      2005 and December 2008, and tumor and adjacent tissue samples were collected.
      Expression of PDK1 was detected by immunohistochemistry method. Correlation of
      PDK1 expression with clinicopathological features and prognosis was determined by
      Spearman's correlation analysis. Impact of expression of PDK1 on overall survival
      and recurrence was determined by Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS:
      Immunohistochemistry results showed that PDK1 expression in HCC tissues was
      significantly higher than that in the corresponding adjacent cancer tissues.
      Univariate analysis showed that PDK1 messenger RNA expression can predict time to
      recurrence with diagnostic significance (P=0.001). Univariate analysis showed
      that alpha-fetoprotein level, tumor number, tumor encapsulation, microvascular
      invasion, and tumor-node-metastasis stage were also unfavorable prognostic
      variables for recurrence (P<0.05). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that
      overexpression of PDK1 correlates with significantly shorter postoperative
      overall survival and higher recurrence rates (hazard ratio =2.68; 95% confidence
      interval: 2.46-4.42, P=0.001) in HCC patients after curative resection.
      CONCLUSION: Our study indicated that PDK1 may serve as a candidate pro-oncogene
      and a potential prognostic biomarker for HCC.

PMID- 27672332
TI  - Prostate cancer patients may have an increased risk of coexisting advanced
      colorectal neoplasms.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Patients being treated for prostate cancer (PCa) have an
      increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. However, whether PCa patients are
      inherently at a higher risk of colorectal neoplasms (CRNs) is unknown. We aimed
      to investigate the risk of CRNs in PCa patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients
      who had been diagnosed with PCa at a tertiary medical center and had colonoscopy
      within 1 year of the PCa diagnosis were investigated. Patients were propensity
      matched 1:2 by age and body mass index to asymptomatic control subjects who had
      undergone colonoscopy for routine health screening. CRN was defined as
      histological confirmation of an adenoma or adenocarcinoma component. Advanced CRN
      was defined as any of the following: 1) histological findings of high-grade
      dysplasia, 2) inclusion of villous features, 3) tumor >=1 cm in size, or 4)
      presence of an adenocarcinoma. Risk factors for CRN and advanced CRN were
      evaluated by univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: A total of 191
      patients diagnosed with PCa had colonoscopies within 1 year of PCa diagnosis. Of
      these, 23 patients with a history of previous malignancy and seven with
      incomplete colonoscopies were excluded, leaving 161 patients in the PCa group.
      Although presence of PCa was not a significant risk factor for CRN by
      multivariate analysis, PCa was a significant risk factor for advanced CRN (odds
      ratio [OR] 3.300; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.766-6.167; P<0.001). Other
      significant risk factors for advanced CRN were age (OR 1.050; 95% CI 1.003-1.009;
      P=0.036) and body mass index (OR 1.205; 95% CI 1.067-1.361; P=0.003), whereas
      aspirin use (OR 0.414; 95% CI 0.173-0.990; P=0.047) was a preventive factor.
      CONCLUSION: The risk of advanced CRN may be significantly increased in patients
      with PCa. Patients with PCa should have a colonoscopy at the time of PCa
      diagnosis.

PMID- 27672333
TI  - Eribulin in the management of inoperable soft-tissue sarcoma: patient selection
      and survival.
AB  - Patients diagnosed with metastatic soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) have a poor
      prognosis. Additionally, after failure of first-line therapy, there are
      relatively few treatment options from which to choose. The novel tubulin-binding
      drug, eribulin, with a unique mechanism of action from taxanes or vinca
      alkaloids, has shown clinical activity in several different types of cancers.
      Eribulin has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for
      patients with metastatic breast cancer previously treated with an anthracycline
      or a taxane and has recently been FDA approved for patients with unresectable or
      metastatic liposarcoma who have failed a previous anthracycline regimen. Here, we
      review current standard treatments of STS, a background of eribulin, the studies
      that have propelled eribulin to FDA approval for liposarcoma, and future
      directions of the drug. The benefits of eribulin in STS are discussed in detail,
      especially with regard to the recent pivotal Phase III study comparing eribulin
      to dacarbazine for leiomyosarcoma and adipocytic sarcoma. 

PMID- 27672335
TI  - The association of PTEN hypermethylation and breast cancer: a meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) deleted on chromosome 10, as a
      tumor suppressor gene, is crucial for the development of both familial and
      sporadic breast cancer (BC). The aim of this study was to perform a meta-analysis
      to evaluate the clinicopathological significance of PTEN promoter
      hypermethylation in BC. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was made in
      PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, Chinese database (China National Knowledge
      Infrastructure [CNKI]), and Web of Science. The analysis of pooled data was
      performed with Review Manager 5.2. The fixed-effects or random-effects models
      were used to evaluate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
      RESULTS: The meta-analysis included eight studies and a total of 923 patients.
      The frequency of PTEN promoter hypermethylation was significantly increased in
      ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) compared to
      normal breast tissues (OR =22.53, P=0.0002 and OR =22.86, P<0.00001,
      respectively). However, the frequency of PTEN promoter hypermethylation was
      similar between IDC and DCIS. Additionally, PTEN methylation was not
      significantly correlated to estrogen receptor (ER) or human epidermal growth
      factor type 2 (HER-2) status in patients with BC. CONCLUSION: PTEN promoter
      hypermethylation is significantly associated with the risk of DCIS and IDC,
      suggesting PTEN promoter hypermethylation is a valuable biomarker for diagnosis
      of BC.

PMID- 27672336
TI  - Lyme disease: the promise of Big Data, companion diagnostics and precision
      medicine.
AB  - Lyme disease caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi has become a major
      worldwide epidemic. Recent studies based on Big Data registries show that
      >300,000 people are diagnosed with Lyme disease each year in the USA, and up to
      two-thirds of individuals infected with B. burgdorferi will fail conventional 30
      year-old antibiotic therapy for Lyme disease. In addition, animal and human
      evidence suggests that sexual transmission of the Lyme spirochete may occur.
      Improved companion diagnostic tests for Lyme disease need to be implemented, and
      novel treatment approaches are urgently needed to combat the epidemic. In
      particular, therapies based on the principles of precision medicine could be
      modeled on successful "designer drug" treatment for HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C
      virus infection featuring targeted protease inhibitors. The use of Big Data
      registries, companion diagnostics and precision medicine will revolutionize the
      diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease. 

PMID- 27672334
TI  - Clinical utility of 5-aminolevulinic acid HCl to better visualize and more
      completely remove gliomas.
AB  - Surgical resection is typically the first line of treatment for gliomas. However,
      the neurosurgeon faces a major challenge in achieving maximal resection in high
      grade gliomas as these infiltrative tumors make it difficult to discern tumor
      margins from normal brain with conventional white-light microscopy alone. To aid
      in resection of these infiltrative tumors, fluorescence-guided surgery has gained
      much popularity in intraoperative visualization of malignant gliomas, with 5
      aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) leading the way. First introduced in an article in
      Neurosurgery, 5-ALA has since become a safe, effective, and inexpensive method to
      visualize and improve resection of gliomas. This has undoubtedly led to
      improvements in the clinical course of patients as demonstrated by the increased
      overall and progression-free survival in patients with such devastating disease.
      This literature review aims to discuss the major studies and trials demonstrating
      the clinical utility of 5-ALA and its ability to aid in complete resection of
      malignant gliomas. 

PMID- 27672337
TI  - Cost versus utility of aclidinium bromide 400 ug plus formoterol fumarate
      dihydrate 12 ug compared to aclidinium bromide 400 ug alone in the management of
      moderate-to-severe COPD.
AB  - PURPOSE: Aclidinium-formoterol 400/12 ug is a long-acting muscarinic antagonist
      (LAMA) and a long-acting beta2-agonist in a fixed-dose combination used in the
      management of patients with COPD. This study aimed to assess the cost
      effectiveness of aclidinium-formoterol 400/12 ug against the long-acting
      muscarinic antagonist aclidinium bromide 400 ug. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A five
      health-state Markov transition model with monthly cycles was developed using MS
      Excel to simulate patients with moderate-to-severe COPD and their initial lung
      function improvement following treatment with aclidinium-formoterol 400/12 ug or
      aclidinium 400 ug. Health states were based on severity levels defined by Global
      Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease 2010 criteria. The analysis was a
      head-to-head comparison without step-up therapy, from the NHS Scotland
      perspective, over a 5-year time horizon. Clinical data on initial lung-function
      improvement were provided by a pooled analysis of the ACLIFORM and AUGMENT
      trials. Management, event costs, and utilities were health state-specific. Costs
      and effects were discounted at an annual rate of 3.5%. The outcome of the
      analysis was expressed as cost (UKL) per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY)
      gained. The analysis included one way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses to
      investigate the impact of parameter uncertainty on model outputs. RESULTS:
      Aclidinium-formoterol 400/12 ug provided marginally higher costs (L41) and more
      QALYs (0.014), resulting in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of
      L2,976/QALY. Sensitivity analyses indicated that results were robust to key
      parameter variations, and the main drivers were: mean baseline forced expiratory
      volume in 1 second (FEV1), risk of exacerbation, FEV1 improvement from aclidinium
      formoterol 400/12 ug, and lung-function decline. The probability of aclidinium
      formoterol 400/12 ug being cost-effective (using a willingness-to-pay threshold
      of L20,000/QALY) versus aclidinium 400 ug was 79%. CONCLUSION: In Scotland,
      aclidinium-formoterol 400/12 ug can be considered a cost-effective treatment
      option compared to aclidinium 400 ug alone in patients with moderate-to-severe
      COPD.

PMID- 27672339
TI  - Clinical usefulness of red cell distribution width to angiographic severity and
      coronary stent thrombosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Red cell distribution width (RDW) is a quantitative measurement and
      shows heterogeneity of red blood cell size in peripheral blood. RDW has recently
      been associated with cardiovascular events and cardiovascular diseases, and it is
      a novel predictor of mortality. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the clinical
      usefulness of measuring RDW in patients with coronary stent thrombosis. PATIENTS
      AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 3,925 consecutive patients who presented
      with acute coronary syndrome and who underwent coronary angiography at the Siyami
      Ersek Hospital between May 2011 and December 2013. Of the 3,925 patients, 73
      patients (55 males, mean age 59+/-11 years, 55 with ST elevated myocardial
      infarction) with stent thrombosis formed group 1. Another 54 consecutive patients
      who presented with acute coronary syndrome (without coronary stent thrombosis, 22
      patients with ST elevated myocardial infarction, 44 males, mean age 54+/-2 years)
      and underwent percutaneous coronary intervention in May 2011 formed group 2. Data
      were collected from all groups for 2 years. The RDW values were calculated from
      patients 1 month later at follow-up. Syntax scores were calculated for all the
      patients. The patients were also divided as low syntax score group and moderate
      high syntax score group. RESULTS: The patients in group 1 with stent thrombosis
      had significantly higher RDW level (13.85) than the patients in group 2 without
      stent thrombosis (12) (P<0.001). In addition, in all study patients, the moderate
      high syntax score group had significantly higher RDW level (13.6) than the low
      syntax score group (12.9) (P=0.009). A positive correlation was determined
      between RDW and syntax scores (r=0.204). CONCLUSION: RDW is a new marker of poor
      prognosis in coronary artery disease. Increased RDW level is correlated with
      angiographic severity of coronary artery disease, and RDW may be an important
      clinical marker of coronary stent thrombosis in patients undergoing coronary
      intervention.

PMID- 27672340
TI  - Use of preoperative gabapentin significantly reduces postoperative opioid
      consumption: a meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Effective postoperative pain management is crucial in the care of
      surgical patients. Opioids, which are commonly used in managing postoperative
      pain, have a potential for tolerance and addiction, along with sedating side
      effects. Gabapentin's use as a multimodal analgesic regimen to treat neuropathic
      pain has been documented as having favorable side effects. This meta-analysis
      examined the use of preoperative gabapentin and its impact on postoperative
      opioid consumption. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was
      conducted to identify randomized control trials that evaluated preoperative
      gabapentin on postoperative opioid consumption. The outcomes of interest were
      cumulative opioid consumption following the surgery and the incidence of
      vomiting, somnolence, and nausea. RESULTS: A total of 1,793 patients involved in
      17 randomized control trials formed the final analysis for this study.
      Postoperative opioid consumption was reduced when using gabapentin within the
      initial 24 hours following surgery (standard mean difference -1.35, 95%
      confidence interval [CI]: -1.96 to -0.73; P<0.001). There was a significant
      reduction in morphine, fentanyl, and tramadol consumption (P<0.05). While a
      significant increase in postoperative somnolence incidence was observed (relative
      risk 1.30, 95% CI: 1.10-1.54, P<0.05), there were no significant effects on
      postoperative vomiting and nausea. CONCLUSION: The administration of preoperative
      gabapentin reduced the consumption of opioids during the initial 24 hours
      following surgery. The reduction in postoperative opioids with preoperative
      gabapentin increased postoperative somnolence, but no significant differences
      were observed in nausea and vomiting incidences. The results from this study
      demonstrate that gabapentin is more beneficial in mastectomy and spinal,
      abdominal, and thyroid surgeries. Gabapentin is an effective analgesic adjunct,
      and clinicians should consider its use in multimodal treatment plans among
      patients undergoing elective surgery.

PMID- 27672338
TI  - The potential use of biomarkers in predicting contrast-induced acute kidney
      injury.
AB  - Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is a problem associated with the
      use of iodinated contrast media, causing kidney dysfunction in patients with
      preexisting renal failure. It accounts for 12% of all hospital-acquired kidney
      failure and increases the length of hospitalization, a situation that is
      worsening with increasing numbers of patients with comorbidities, including those
      requiring cardiovascular interventional procedures. So far, its diagnosis has
      relied upon the rise in creatinine levels, which is a late marker of kidney
      damage and is believed to be inadequate. Therefore, there is an urgent need for
      biomarkers that can detect CI-AKI sooner and more reliably. In recent years, many
      new biomarkers have been characterized for AKI, and these are discussed
      particularly with their use in known CI-AKI models and studies and include
      neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, cystatin C (Cys-C), kidney injury
      molecule-1, interleukin-18, N-acetyl-beta-d-glucosaminidase, and L-type fatty
      acid-binding protein (L-FABP). The potential of miRNA and metabolomic technology
      is also mentioned. Early detection of CI-AKI may lead to early intervention and
      therefore improve patient outcome, and in future any one or a combination of
      several of these markers together with development in technology for their
      analysis may prove effective in this respect. 

PMID- 27672341
TI  - Thermal temporal summation and decay of after-sensations in temporomandibular
      myofascial pain patients with and without comorbid fibromyalgia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Chronic myofascial temporomandibular disorders (TMD) may have
      multiple etiological and maintenance factors. One potential factor, central pain
      sensitization, was quantified here as the response to the temporal summation (TS)
      paradigm, and that response was compared between case and control groups.
      OBJECTIVES: As previous research has shown that fibromyalgia (FM) is diagnosed
      in20% of TMD patients, Aim 1 determined whether central sensitization is found
      preferentially in myofascial TMD cases that have orofacial pain as a regional
      manifestation of FM. Aim 2 determined if the report of after-sensations (AS)
      following TS varied depending on whether repeated stimuli were rated as
      increasingly painful. METHODS: One hundred sixty-eight women, 43 controls, 100
      myofascial TMD-only cases, and 25 myofascial TMD + FM cases, were compared on
      thermal warmth and pain thresholds, thermal TS, and decay of thermal AS. All
      cases met Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD; comorbid cases also met the 1990
      American College of Rheumatology criteria for FM. RESULTS: Pain thresholds and TS
      were similar in all groups. When TS was achieved (~60%), significantly higher
      levels of AS were reported in the first poststimulus interval, and AS decayed
      more slowly over time, in myofascial TMD cases than controls. By contrast, groups
      showed similar AS decay patterns following steady state or decreasing responses
      to repetitive stimulation. CONCLUSION: In this case-control study, all myofascial
      TMD cases were characterized by a similar delay in the decay of AS. Thus, this
      indicator of central sensitization failed to suggest different pain maintenance
      factors in myofascial TMD cases with and without FM.

PMID- 27672342
TI  - Factors associated with institutional delivery service utilization in Ethiopia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Most obstetric complications occur unpredictably during the time of
      delivery, but they can be prevented with proper medical care in the health
      facilities. Despite the Ethiopian government's efforts to expand health service
      facilities and promote health institution-based delivery service in the country,
      an estimated 85% of births still take place at home. OBJECTIVE: The review was
      conducted with the aim of generating the best evidence on the determinants of
      institutional delivery service utilization in Ethiopia. METHODS: The reviewed
      studies were accessed through electronic web-based search strategy from PubMed,
      HINARI, Mendeley reference manager, Cochrane Library for Systematic Reviews, and
      Google Scholar. Review Manager V5.3 software was used for meta-analysis. Mantel
      Haenszel odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were
      calculated. Heterogeneity of the study was assessed using I (2) test. RESULTS:
      People living in urban areas (OR =13.16, CI =1.24, 3.68), with primary and above
      educational level of the mother and husband (OR =4.95, CI =2.3, 4. 8, and OR
      =4.43, CI =1.14, 3.36, respectively), who encountered problems during pregnancy
      (OR =2.83, CI =4.54, 7.39), and living at a distance <5 km from nearby health
      facility (OR =2.6, CI =3.33, 6.57) showed significant association with
      institutional delivery service utilization. Women's autonomy was not
      significantly associated with institutional delivery service utilization.
      CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: Distance to health facility and problems during
      pregnancy were factors positively and significantly associated with institutional
      delivery service utilization. Promoting couples education beyond primary
      education regarding the danger signs of pregnancy and benefits of institutional
      delivery through available communication networks such as health development army
      and promotion of antenatal care visits and completion of four standard visits by
      pregnant women were recommended.

PMID- 27672343
TI  - Three cases of ocular syphilis and the resurgence of the disease in Queensland.
AB  - The past few years has seen a resurgence of syphilis. It is predominantly
      associated within men who have sex with men and also within heterosexual
      Indigenous Australians. Possessing the ability to mimic a variety of ocular
      diseases, it typically manifests as uveitis, although it can affect any structure
      within the eye. Thus, a high degree of clinical suspicion by ophthalmologists is
      required to prevent disease progression and ocular morbidity. Patients require
      prolonged antibiotic treatment with intravenous benzylpenicillin and outpatient
      monitoring to successfully resolve the infection. We describe a case series of
      ocular syphilis presentations in Queensland, Australia. 

PMID- 27672344
TI  - Exposure-response analysis to assess the concentration-QTc relationship of CC
      122.
AB  - CC-122 hydrochloride is a novel pleiotropic pathway modifier compound that binds
      cereblon, a substrate receptor of the Cullin 4 RING E3 ubiquitin ligase complex.
      CC-122 has multiple activities including modulation of immune cells,
      antiproliferative activity of multiple myeloma and lymphoma cells, and
      antiangiogenic activity. CC-122 is being developed as an oncology treatment for
      hematologic malignancies and advanced solid tumors. Cardiovascular and vital sign
      assessments of CC-122 have been conducted in hERG assays in vitro and in a 28-day
      good laboratory practice monkey study with negative signals. To assess the
      potential concentration-QTc relationship in humans and to ascertain or exclude a
      small QT effect by CC-122, a plasma concentration exposure- and DeltaQTcF
      response model of CC-122 was developed. Intensive CC-122 concentration and paired
      triplicate electrocardiogram data from a single ascending dose study were
      included in the analysis. The parameters included in the final linear exposure
      response model are intercept, slope, and treatment effect. The slope estimate of
      0.0201 with 90% CI of (0.009, 0.035) indicates a weak relationship between
      DeltaQTcF and CC-122 concentration. The upper bounds of the 90% CI of the model
      predicted DeltaDeltaQTcF effect at C max from the 4 mg clinical dose and the
      supratherapeutic dose of 15 mg (1.18 ms and 8.76 ms, respectively) are <10 ms
      threshold, suggesting that the risk of CC-122 QT prolongation effect at the
      relevant therapeutic dose range from 1 mg to 4 mg is low. 

PMID- 27672345
TI  - Grappling with the issue of homosexuality: perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs
      among high school students in Kenya.
AB  - While the past decade has seen an improvement in attitudes toward homosexuality,
      negative attitudes are still prevalent in many parts of the world. In general,
      increased levels of education tend to be predictive of relatively positive
      attitudes toward homosexuality. However, in most sub-Saharan countries, it is
      still believed that people are born heterosexual and that nonheterosexuals are
      social deviants who should be prosecuted. One such country is Kenya, where
      homosexuality is illegal and attracts a fine or jail term. The purpose of this
      study was to examine high school students' perceptions of homosexuality in Kenya.
      The participants included 1,250 high school students who completed a
      questionnaire on perceptions of homosexuality. The results showed that 41%
      claimed homosexuality is practiced in schools and 61% believed homosexuality is
      practiced mostly in single-sex boarding schools. Consistently, 52% believed
      sexual starvation to be the main cause of homosexuality. Also, 95% believed
      homosexuality is abnormal, 60% believed students who engage in homosexuality will
      not change to heterosexuality after school, 64% believed prayers can stop
      homosexuality, and 86% believed counseling can change students' sexual
      orientation. The consequences for homosexuality included punishment (66%),
      suspension from school (61%), and expulsion from school (49%). Significant gender
      and grade differences were found. The implications of the study findings are
      discussed. 

PMID- 27672347
TI  - The transition from high school to university: a medical student's perspective.

PMID- 27672346
TI  - Patient-reported symptom distress, and most bothersome issues, before and during
      cancer treatment.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Frequently reported symptoms and treatment side effects may not be
      the most bothersome issues to patients with cancer. The purpose of this study was
      to investigate patient-reported symptom distress and bothersome issues among
      participants with cancer. METHODS: Participants completed the Symptom Distress
      Scale-15 before treatment (T1) and during cancer treatment (T2) and reported up
      to two most bothersome issues among symptoms rated with moderate-to-severe
      distress. We compared symptom ratings and perceived bother and explored two
      approaches predicting patients' most bothersome issues: worst absolute symptom
      score or worst change from pretreatment. RESULTS: Significantly, (P<=0.0002) more
      patients reported moderate-to-severe distress at T2 for eight of 13 symptoms. At
      T1, 81% of patients reported one and 56% reported multiple symptoms with moderate
      to-severe distress, while at T2, 89% reported one and 69% reported multiple
      symptoms with moderate-to-severe distress. Impact on sexual activity/interest,
      pain, fatigue, and insomnia were the most prevalent symptoms with moderate-to
      severe distress. Fatigue, pain, and insomnia were perceived most often as
      bothersome. When one symptom was rated moderate-to-severe, predictive accuracy of
      the absolute score was 46% and 48% (T1 & T2) and 38% with the change score (T2
      T1). When two or more symptoms were rated moderate-to-severe, predictive accuracy
      of the absolute score was 76% and 79% (T1 & T2) and 70% with the change score (T2
      T1). CONCLUSION: More patients experienced moderate-to-severe symptom distress
      after treatment initiation. Patient identification of bothersome issues could not
      be assumed based on prevalence of symptoms reported with moderate-to-severe
      distress. The absolute symptom distress scores identified patients' most
      bothersome issues with good accuracy, outperforming change scores.

PMID- 27672348
TI  - Improving the Treatment and Assessment of Moderate and Severe Pain in a Pediatric
      Emergency Department.
AB  - Background. The Janeway Children's Hospital previously enacted a number of
      measures to improve pain management for patients in its emergency department
      (ED). While improvements were demonstrated, rates for the timely assessment and
      treatment of pain remain below standards of care. Objectives. The study
      objectives are to investigate the impact of the previous attempts to improve the
      treatment of pain and to explore ways to further improve pain management in the
      ED. Methods. Key informant interviews and a focus group were conducted with
      nurses, physicians, and parents whose children were identified as having severe
      pain. Results. Interviews were conducted with 31 parents or children, 9
      physicians, and 8 nurses. The focus group was attended by 15 nurses. Previous
      initiatives were viewed as improvements. Continued barriers include difficulties
      in accurately capturing the level of pain, issues in treating pain for specific
      types of patients, and inadequacy in addressing patients in severe pain.
      Conclusion. Changes in pain treatment protocols can result in positive impacts
      but are likely insufficient on their own to achieve desired standards of care.
      Consistent measurement and engagement with staff can identify additional
      opportunities for improving pain management within an ED setting.

PMID- 27672349
TI  - Prevalence of tuberculosis and associated risk factors in the Central Prison of
      Mbuji-Mayi, Democratic Republic of Congo.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis still remains a major public health concern in several
      provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo, especially in prison settings. The
      present study aimed at determining tuberculosis (TB) prevalence and associated
      risk factors in inmates of the Mbuji-Mayi Central Prison. METHODS: This cross
      sectional study was performed over a 6-month period (January to June 2015) in
      Mbuji-Mayi Central Prison. A total of 733 inmates were screened systematically
      for TB. The diagnosis was based on clinical examination and bacteriological
      tests. RESULTS: Tuberculosis was diagnosed in 130 inmates, what amounts to a 17.7
      % prevalence (95 % confidence interval [CI] 15.1-20.6 %). The mean age +/- SD of
      infected inmates was 31 +/- 9.5 years old, and 94.8 % of them were male. Inmates
      were detained for a median period of 24 months (range: 3 months to 12 years). A
      cough lasting more than 2 weeks, body temperature higher than 39  degrees C, and
      weight loss were the predominating clinical signs. Factors independently
      associated with TB infection were overcrowding; highest population attributable
      fraction ([PAF] 88.2 %; adjusted odds ratio [OR] 9.8 [95 % CI 3.1-31.6]);
      malnutrition (body mass index of less than 18.5 kg/m(2)) (PAF 35.6 %; adjusted OR
      2.1 [1.3-3.0]); and a detention period equal to or greater than 12 months (PAF
      38.7 %; adjusted OR 2.1 [1.4-3.1]). CONCLUSIONS: Improving detention and sanitary
      conditions, as well as providing an adequate and early healthcare, are urgently
      needed to reduce TB prevalence in the prison environment.

PMID- 27672350
TI  - Unusual presentation of non-small cell lung cancer with clival metastases: Case
      report.
AB  - A 37-year-old female with unusual presentation of metastatic non-small cell lung
      cancer (NSCLC), as she presented with symptoms related to clival bone metastases.
      This case highlights the unpredictable presentations and the variety of
      metastatic sites of which metastatic NSCLC could be presented. 

PMID- 27672351
TI  - Establishment of a Simple and Quick Method for Detecting Extended-Spectrum beta
      Lactamase (ESBL) Genes in Bacteria.
AB  - Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) genes that render bacteria resistant to
      antibiotics are commonly detected using phenotype testing, which is time
      consuming and not sufficiently accurate. To establish a better method, we used
      phenotype testing to identify ESBL-positive bacterial strains and conducted PCR
      to screen for TEM (named after the patient Temoneira who provided the first
      sample), sulfhydryl reagent variable (SHV), cefotaxime (CTX)-M-1, and CTX-M-9,
      the 4 most common ESBL types and subtypes. We then performed multiplex PCR with 1
      primer containing a biotin and hybridized the PCR products with gene-specific
      probes that were coupled with microbeads and coated with a specific fluorescence.
      The hybrids were linked to streptavidin-R-phycoerythrins (SA-PEs) and run through
      a flow cytometer, which sorted the fluorescently dyed microbeads and quantified
      the PEs. The results from single PCR, multiplex PCR, and cytometry were
      consistent with each other. We used this method to test 169 clinical specimens
      that had been determined for phenotypes and found 154 positive for genotypes,
      including 30 of the 45 samples that were negative for phenotypes. The CTX-M
      genotype tests alone, counting both positive and negative cases, showed 99.41%
      (168/169) consistency with the ESBL phenotype test. Thus, we have established a
      multiplex-PCR system as a simple and quick method that is high throughput and
      accurate for detecting 4 common ESBL types and subtypes.

PMID- 27672352
TI  - Monitoring Error Rates In Illumina Sequencing.
AB  - Guaranteeing high-quality next-generation sequencing data in a rapidly changing
      environment is an ongoing challenge. The introduction of the Illumina NextSeq 500
      and the depreciation of specific metrics from Illumina's Sequencing Analysis
      Viewer (SAV; Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA) have made it more difficult to
      determine directly the baseline error rate of sequencing runs. To improve our
      ability to measure base quality, we have created an open-source tool to construct
      the Percent Perfect Reads (PPR) plot, previously provided by the Illumina
      sequencers. The PPR program is compatible with HiSeq 2000/2500, MiSeq, and
      NextSeq 500 instruments and provides an alternative to Illumina's quality value
      (Q) scores for determining run quality. Whereas Q scores are representative of
      run quality, they are often overestimated and are sourced from different look-up
      tables for each platform. The PPR's unique capabilities as a cross-instrument
      comparison device, as a troubleshooting tool, and as a tool for monitoring
      instrument performance can provide an increase in clarity over SAV metrics that
      is often crucial for maintaining instrument health. These capabilities are
      highlighted.

PMID- 27672353
TI  - Anxiety sensitivity and smoking variability among treatment seeking smokers.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Anxiety sensitivity (AS) is associated with poor smoking cessation
      outcomes. One reason may be that smokers with high AS smoke differently (i.e., to
      manage negative affect and uncomfortable bodily sensations) than other smokers,
      leading to stronger addiction (due to an affect/sensation based and thereby
      highly variable rather than a regular smoking routine). Thus, we examined the
      relationship between AS and smoking variability in a group of treatment-seeking
      smokers. METHODS: Participants (N = 136; 52.2% female; Mage = 44.19 years, SD =
      11.29) were daily smokers with elevated AS (AS>=20 on the Anxiety Sensitivity
      Index 16-item at prescreen) recruited as part of a larger randomized controlled
      trial for smoking cessation. Most participants were Caucasian (73%), educated
      (with 76% attending some college), unmarried (73%), and employed full-time (56%).
      They smoked, on average, 17 cigarettes per day. RESULTS: Consistent with
      prediction, a regression analysis of baseline assessments and a longitudinal
      analysis with multilevel modeling (MLM) both showed higher AS was associated with
      greater variability in cigarettes smoked per day while controlling for gender,
      age, ethnicity, and income. CONCLUSIONS: This finding encourages investigation of
      how AS might interact with clinical strategies using a fixed smoking taper as
      part of quit attempts.

PMID- 27672354
TI  - Two- and three-year-olds track a single meaning during word learning: Evidence
      for Propose-but-verify.
AB  - A child word-learning experiment is reported that examines 2- and 3-year-olds'
      ability to learn the meanings of novel words across multiple, referentially
      ambiguous, word occurrences. Children were told they were going on an animal
      safari in which they would learn the names of unfamiliar animals. Critical trial
      sequences began with hearing a novel word (e.g., "I see a dax! Point to the
      dax!") while seeing photos of two unfamiliar animals. After responding and
      performing on two filler trials with known animals, participants encountered the
      novel word again ("I see another dax! Point to the dax!") in one of two
      experimental conditions. In the Same condition, participants saw the animal they
      pointed to previously when hearing "dax" alongside another unfamiliar animal that
      had been seen before but not paired with "dax". In the Switch condition,
      participants saw the animal they had not pointed to previously alongside the
      unfamiliar animal. Children were well above chance on Same trials, but at chance
      on Switch trials. Thus, although children could remember a previously selected
      referent and use it to inform later referent selection (Same condition), a
      potential referent that was not previously selected and merely co-occurred with
      the target word (Switch condition) was either not remembered, or simply deemed
      irrelevant to word meaning. This finding suggests young children do not store
      multiple possible meanings from a single word occurrence, but rather restrict
      learning to what they deemed to be the unique referent of the novel word in the
      moment, testing that word-meaning hypothesis on the next occurrence.

PMID- 27672356
TI  - Parent-Child Discrepancies in Reporting of Child Depression in Ethnic Groups.

PMID- 27672357
TI  - New Insights into Clinical Characteristics of Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome:
      Findings in 1032 Patients from a Single German Center.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (TS) is a complex neuropsychiatric
      disorder defined by the presence of motor and phonic tics, but often associated
      with psychiatric comorbidities. The main objective of this study was to explore
      the clinical presentation and comorbidities of TS. METHOD: We analyzed clinical
      data obtained from a large sample (n = 1032; 529 children and 503 adults) of
      patients with tic disorders from one single German TS center assessed by one
      investigator. Data was collected with the help of an expert-reviewed semi
      structured interview, designed to assess tic severity and certain comorbidities.
      Group comparisons were carried out via independent sample t-tests and chi-square
      tests. RESULTS: The main findings of the study are: (1) tic severity is
      associated with the presence of premonitory urges (PU), copro-, echo-, and
      paliphenomena and the number of comorbidities, but not age at tic onset; it is
      higher in patients with comorbid obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) than in
      patients with comorbid attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). (2) PU
      were found to be highly associated with "not just right experiences" and to
      emerge much earlier than previously thought alongside with the ability to
      suppress tics (PU in >60% and suppressibility in >75% at age 8-10 years). (3)
      Self-injurious behavior (SIB) is highly associated with complex motor tics and
      coprophenomena, but not with OCD/obsessive-compulsive behavior (OCB). While
      comorbid ADHD is associated with a lower ability to suppress tics, comorbid
      depression is associated with sleeping problems. DISCUSSION: Our results
      demonstrate that tic severity is not influenced by age at onset. From our data,
      it is suggested that PU represent a specific type of "not just right experience"
      that is not a prerequisite for tic suppression. Comorbid ADHD reduces patients'
      ability of successful tic suppression. Our data suggest that SIB belongs to the
      coprophenomena spectrum and hence should be conceptualized as a complex tic
      rather than a compulsion. Finally, this study strongly supports the hypothesis
      that TS+OCD is a more severe form of TS and that comorbid OCD/OCB, depression,
      and anxiety belong to the TS spectrum, while ADHD should be better conceptualized
      as a separate problem.

PMID- 27672359
TI  - DNA Methylation Adjusts the Specificity of Memories Depending on the Learning
      Context and Promotes Relearning in Honeybees.
AB  - The activity of the epigenetic writers DNA methyltransferases (Dnmts) after
      olfactory reward conditioning is important for both stimulus-specific long-term
      memory (LTM) formation and extinction. It, however, remains unknown which
      components of memory formation Dnmts regulate (e.g., associative vs. non
      associative) and in what context (e.g., varying training conditions). Here, we
      address these aspects in order to clarify the role of Dnmt-mediated DNA
      methylation in memory formation. We used a pharmacological Dnmt inhibitor and
      classical appetitive conditioning in the honeybee Apis mellifera, a well
      characterized model for classical conditioning. We quantified the effect of DNA
      methylation on naive odor and sugar responses, and on responses following
      olfactory reward conditioning. We show that (1) Dnmts do not influence naive odor
      or sugar responses, (2) Dnmts do not affect the learning of new stimuli, but (3)
      Dnmts influence odor-coding, i.e., 'correct' (stimulus-specific) LTM formation.
      Particularly, Dnmts reduce memory specificity when experience is low (one-trial
      training), and increase memory specificity when experience is high (multiple
      trial training), generating an ecologically more useful response to learning. (4)
      In reversal learning conditions, Dnmts are involved in regulating both excitatory
      (re-acquisition) and inhibitory (forgetting) processes. 

PMID- 27672358
TI  - Aripiprazole Improves Associated Comorbid Conditions in Addition to Tics in Adult
      Patients with Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome.
AB  - Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome (GTS) is characterized by motor and vocal tics, as
      well as associated comorbid conditions including obsessive-compulsive disorder
      (OCD), attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, and anxiety
      which are present in a substantial number of patients. Although randomized
      controlled trials including a large number of patients are still missing,
      aripiprazole is currently considered as a first choice drug for the treatment of
      tics. The aim of this study was to further investigate efficacy and safety of
      aripiprazole in a group of drug-free, adult patients. Specifically, we
      investigated the influence of aripiprazole on tic severity, comorbidities,
      premonitory urge (PU), and quality of life (QoL). Moreover, we were interested in
      the factors that influence a patient's decision in electing for-or against-
      pharmacological treatment. In this prospective uncontrolled open-label study, we
      included 44 patients and used a number of rating scales to assess tic severity,
      PU, comorbidities, and QoL at baseline and during treatment with aripiprazole.
      Eighteen out of fortyfour patients decided for undergoing treatment for their
      tics with aripiprazole and completed follow-up assessments after 4-6 weeks. Our
      major findings were (1) aripiprazole resulted in significant reduction of tics,
      but did not affect PU; (2) aripiprazole significantly improved OCD and showed a
      trend toward improvement of other comorbidities including depression, anxiety,
      and ADHD; (3) neither severity of tics, nor PU or QoL influenced patients'
      decisions for or against treatment of tics with aripiprazole; instead patients
      with comorbid OCD tended to decide in favor of, while patients with comorbid ADHD
      tended to decide against tic treatment; (4) most frequently reported adverse
      effects were sleeping problems; (5) patients' QoL was mostly impaired by comorbid
      depression. Our results suggest that aripiprazole may improve associated comorbid
      conditions in addition to tics in patients with GTS. It can be hypothesized that
      these beneficial effects are related to aripiprazole's adaptive pharmacological
      profile, which exhibits an influence on the dopaminergic as well as a number of
      other neurotransmitter systems. For the first time, our data provide evidence
      that patients' decision making process for or against medical treatment is
      influenced by other factors than tic severity and QoL. 

PMID- 27672360
TI  - Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Excites Firing and Increases GABAergic Miniature
      Postsynaptic Currents (mPSCs) in Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Neurons of
      the Male Mice via Activation of Nitric Oxide (NO) and Suppression of
      Endocannabinoid Signaling Pathways.
AB  - Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a metabolic signal molecule, regulates
      reproduction, although, the involved molecular mechanisms have not been
      elucidated, yet. Therefore, responsiveness of gonadotropin-releasing hormone
      (GnRH) neurons to the GLP-1 analog Exendin-4 and elucidation of molecular
      pathways acting downstream to the GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) have been challenged.
      Loose patch-clamp recordings revealed that Exendin-4 (100 nM-5 MUM) elevated
      firing rate in hypothalamic GnRH-GFP neurons of male mice via activation of GLP
      1R. Whole-cell patch-clamp measurements demonstrated increased excitatory
      GABAergic miniature postsynaptic currents (mPSCs) frequency after Exendin-4
      administration, which was eliminated by the GLP-1R antagonist Exendin-3(9-39) (1
      MUM). Intracellular application of the G-protein inhibitor GDP-beta-S (2 mM)
      impeded action of Exendin-4 on mPSCs, suggesting direct excitatory action of GLP
      1 on GnRH neurons. Blockade of nitric-oxide (NO) synthesis by Nomega-Nitro-L
      arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME; 100 MUM) or N(5)
      [Imino(propylamino)methyl]-L-ornithine hydrochloride (NPLA; 1 MUM) or
      intracellular scavenging of NO by 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5
      tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide (CPTIO; 1 mM) partially attenuated the
      excitatory effect of Exendin-4. Similar partial inhibition was achieved by
      hindering endocannabinoid pathway using cannabinoid receptor type-1 (CB1) inverse
      agonist 1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-5-(4-iodophenyl)-4-methyl-N-(1-piperidyl) pyrazole
      3-carboxamide (AM251; 1 MUM). Simultaneous blockade of NO and endocannabinoid
      signaling mechanisms eliminated action of Exendin-4 suggesting involvement of
      both retrograde machineries. Intracellular application of the transient receptor
      potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1)-antagonist 2E-N-(2, 3-Dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin-6-yl)
      3-[4-(1, 1-dimethylethyl)phenyl]-2-Propenamide (AMG9810; 10 MUM) or the fatty
      acid amide hydrolase (FAAH)-inhibitor PF3845 (5 MUM) impeded the GLP-1-triggered
      endocannabinoid pathway indicating an anandamide-TRPV1-sensitive control of 2
      arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) production. Furthermore, GLP-1 immunoreactive (IR)
      axons innervated GnRH neurons in the hypothalamus suggesting that GLP-1 of both
      peripheral and neuronal sources can modulate GnRH neurons. RT-qPCR study
      confirmed the expression of GLP-1R and neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) mRNAs in GnRH
      GFP neurons. Immuno-electron microscopic analysis revealed the presence of nNOS
      protein in GnRH neurons. These results indicate that GLP-1 exerts direct
      facilitatory actions via GLP-1R on GnRH neurons and modulates NO and 2-AG
      retrograde signaling mechanisms that control the presynaptic excitatory GABAergic
      inputs to GnRH neurons. 

PMID- 27672361
TI  - Transgenic GDNF Positively Influences Proliferation, Differentiation, Maturation
      and Survival of Motor Neurons Produced from Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells.
AB  - Embryonic stem cells (ESC) are pluripotent and thus can differentiate into every
      cell type present in the body. Directed differentiation into motor neurons (MNs)
      has been described for pluripotent cells. Although neurotrophic factors promote
      neuronal survival, their role in neuronal commitment is elusive. Here, we
      developed double-transgenic lines of mouse ESC (mESC) that constitutively produce
      glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and also contain a GFP
      reporter, driven by HB9, which is expressed only by postmitotic MNs. After
      lentiviral transduction, ESC lines integrated and expressed the human GDNF
      (hGDNF) gene without altering pluripotency markers before differentiation.
      Further, GDNF-ESC showed significantly higher spontaneous release of this
      neurotrophin to the medium, when compared to controls. To study MN induction,
      control and GDNF cell lines were grown as embryoid bodies and stimulated with
      retinoic acid and Sonic Hedgehog. In GDNF-overexpressing cells, a significant
      increase of proliferative Olig2+ precursors, which are specified as spinal MNs,
      was found. Accordingly, GDNF increases the yield of cells with the pan motor
      neuronal markers HB9, monitored by GFP expression, and Isl1. At terminal
      differentiation, almost all differentiated neurons express phenotypic markers of
      MNs in GDNF cultures, with lower proportions in control cells. To test if the
      effects of GDNF were present at early differentiation stages, exogenous
      recombinant hGDNF was added to control ESC, also resulting in enhanced MN
      differentiation. This effect was abolished by the co-addition of neutralizing
      anti-GDNF antibodies, strongly suggesting that differentiating ESC are responsive
      to GDNF. Using the HB9::GFP reporter, MNs were selected for electrophysiological
      recordings. MNs differentiated from GDNF-ESC, compared to control MNs, showed
      greater electrophysiological maturation, characterized by increased numbers of
      evoked action potentials (APs), as well as by the appearance of rebound APs, sag
      inward rectification, spike frequency adaptation and spontaneous synaptic
      potentials. Upon challenge with kainate, GDNF-overexpressing cells are more
      resistant to excitotoxicity than control MNs. Together these data indicate that
      GDNF promotes proliferation of MN-committed precursors, promotes neuronal
      differentiation, enhances maturation, and confers neuroprotection. GDNF
      expressing ESC can be useful in studies of development and disease. 

PMID- 27672362
TI  - Stress-Induced Locomotor Sensitization to Amphetamine in Adult, but not in
      Adolescent Rats, Is Associated with Increased Expression of DeltaFosB in the
      Nucleus Accumbens.
AB  - While clinical and pre-clinical evidence suggests that adolescence is a risk
      period for the development of addiction, the underlying neural mechanisms are
      largely unknown. Stress during adolescence has a huge influence on drug
      addiction. However, little is known about the mechanisms related to the
      interaction among stress, adolescence and addiction. Studies point to DeltaFosB
      as a possible target for this phenomenon. In the present study, adolescent and
      adult rats (postnatal day 28 and 60, respectively) were restrained for 2 h once a
      day for 7 days. Three days after their last exposure to stress, the animals were
      challenged with saline or amphetamine (1.0 mg/kg i.p.) and amphetamine-induced
      locomotion was recorded. Immediately after the behavioral tests, rats were
      decapitated and the nucleus accumbens was dissected to measure DeltaFosB protein
      levels. We found that repeated restraint stress increased amphetamine-induced
      locomotion in both the adult and adolescent rats. Furthermore, in adult rats,
      stress-induced locomotor sensitization was associated with increased expression
      of DeltaFosB in the nucleus accumbens. Our data suggest that DeltaFosB may be
      involved in some of the neuronal plasticity changes associated with stress
      induced-cross sensitization with amphetamine in adult rats. 

PMID- 27672363
TI  - Probing the Role of Medication, DBS Electrode Position, and Antidromic Activation
      on Impulsivity Using a Computational Model of Basal Ganglia.
AB  - Everyday, we encounter situations where available choices are nearly equally
      rewarding (high conflict) calling for some tough decision making. Experimental
      recordings showed that the activity of Sub Thalamic Nucleus (STN) increases
      during such situations providing the extra time needed to make the right
      decision, teasing apart the most rewarding choice from the runner up closely
      trailing behind. This prolonged deliberation necessary for decision making under
      high conflict was absent in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients who underwent Deep
      Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery of STN. In an attempt to understand the
      underlying cause of such adverse response, we built a 2D spiking network model
      (50 * 50 lattice) of Basal ganglia incorporating the key nuclei. Using the model
      we studied the Probabilistic learning task (PLT) in untreated, treated (L-Dopa
      and Dopamine Agonist) and STN-DBS PD conditions. Based on the experimental
      observation that dopaminergic activity is analogous to temporal difference (TD)
      and induces cortico-striatal plasticity, we introduced learning in the cortico
      striatal weights. The results show that healthy and untreated conditions of PD
      model were able to more or less equally select (avoid) the rewarding (punitive)
      choice, a behavior that was absent in treated PD condition. The time taken to
      select a choice in high conflict trials was high in normal condition, which is in
      agreement with experimental results. The treated PD (Dopamine Agonist) patients
      made impulsive decisions (small reaction time) which in turn led to poor
      performance. The underlying cause of the observed impulsivity in DBS patients was
      studied in the model by (1) varying the electrode position within STN, (2)
      causing antidromic activation of GPe neurons. The effect of electrode position on
      reaction time was analyzed by studying the activity of STN neurons where, a
      decrease in STN neural activity was observed for certain electrode positions. We
      also observed that a higher antidromic activation of GPe neurons does not impact
      the learning ability but decreases reaction time as reported in DBS patients.
      These results suggest a probable role of electrode and antidromic activation in
      modulating the STN activity and eventually affecting the patient's performance on
      PLT. 

PMID- 27672364
TI  - Efficient Integration of Coupled Electrical-Chemical Systems in Multiscale
      Neuronal Simulations.
AB  - Multiscale modeling and simulations in neuroscience is gaining scientific
      attention due to its growing importance and unexplored capabilities. For
      instance, it can help to acquire better understanding of biological phenomena
      that have important features at multiple scales of time and space. This includes
      synaptic plasticity, memory formation and modulation, homeostasis. There are
      several ways to organize multiscale simulations depending on the scientific
      problem and the system to be modeled. One of the possibilities is to simulate
      different components of a multiscale system simultaneously and exchange data when
      required. The latter may become a challenging task for several reasons. First,
      the components of a multiscale system usually span different spatial and temporal
      scales, such that rigorous analysis of possible coupling solutions is required.
      Then, the components can be defined by different mathematical formalisms. For
      certain classes of problems a number of coupling mechanisms have been proposed
      and successfully used. However, a strict mathematical theory is missing in many
      cases. Recent work in the field has not so far investigated artifacts that may
      arise during coupled integration of different approximation methods. Moreover, in
      neuroscience, the coupling of widely used numerical fixed step size solvers may
      lead to unexpected inefficiency. In this paper we address the question of
      possible numerical artifacts that can arise during the integration of a coupled
      system. We develop an efficient strategy to couple the components comprising a
      multiscale test problem in neuroscience. We introduce an efficient coupling
      method based on the second-order backward differentiation formula (BDF2)
      numerical approximation. The method uses an adaptive step size integration with
      an error estimation proposed by Skelboe (2000). The method shows a significant
      advantage over conventional fixed step size solvers used in neuroscience for
      similar problems. We explore different coupling strategies that define the
      organization of computations between system components. We study the importance
      of an appropriate approximation of exchanged variables during the simulation. The
      analysis shows a substantial impact of these aspects on the solution accuracy in
      the application to our multiscale neuroscientific test problem. We believe that
      the ideas presented in the paper may essentially contribute to the development of
      a robust and efficient framework for multiscale brain modeling and simulations in
      neuroscience. 

PMID- 27672366
TI  - Editorial: Inter-healthcare Professions Collaboration: Educational and Practical
      Aspects and New Developments.

PMID- 27672365
TI  - Ca(2+)-Currents in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes
      Effects of Two Different Culture Conditions.
AB  - Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CM) provide a
      unique opportunity to study human heart physiology and pharmacology and repair
      injured hearts. The suitability of hiPSC-CM critically depends on how closely
      they share physiological properties of human adult cardiomyocytes (CM). Here we
      investigated whether a 3D engineered heart tissue (EHT) culture format favors
      maturation and addressed the L-type Ca(2+)-current (ICa,L) as a readout. The
      results were compared with hiPSC-CM cultured in conventional monolayer (ML) and
      to our previous data from human adult atrial and ventricular CM obtained when
      identical patch-clamp protocols were used. HiPSC-CM were two- to three-fold
      smaller than adult CM, independently of culture format [capacitance ML 45 +/- 1
      pF (n = 289), EHT 45 +/- 1 pF (n = 460), atrial CM 87 +/- 3 pF (n = 196),
      ventricular CM 126 +/- 8 pF (n = 50)]. Only 88% of ML cells showed ICa, but all
      EHT. Basal ICa density was 10 +/- 1 pA/pF (n = 207) for ML and 12 +/- 1 pA/pF (n
      = 361) for EHT and was larger than in adult CM [7 +/- 1 pA/pF (p < 0.05, n = 196)
      for atrial CM and 6 +/- 1 pA/pF (p < 0.05, n = 47) for ventricular CM]. However,
      ML and EHT showed robust T-type Ca(2+)-currents (ICa,T). While (-)-Bay K 8644,
      that activates ICa,L directly, increased ICa,Lto the same extent in ML and EHT,
      beta1- and beta2-adrenoceptor effects were marginal in ML, but of same size as (
      )-Bay K 8644 in EHT. The opposite was true for serotonin receptors. Sensitivity
      to beta1 and beta2-adrenoceptor stimulation was the same in EHT as in adult CM (
      logEC50: 5.9 and 6.1 for norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (Epi),
      respectively), but very low concentrations of Rp-8-Br-cAMPS were sufficient to
      suppress effects (-logEC50: 5.3 and 5.3 respectively for NE and Epi). Taken
      together, hiPSC-CM express ICa,L at the same density as human adult CM, but, in
      contrast, possess robust ICa,T. Increased effects of catecholamines in EHT
      suggest more efficient maturation. 

PMID- 27672368
TI  - GlyT2-Dependent Preservation of MECP2-Expression in Inhibitory Neurons Improves
      Early Respiratory Symptoms but Does Not Rescue Survival in a Mouse Model of Rett
      Syndrome.
AB  - Mutations in methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene have been shown to
      manifest in a neurodevelopmental disorder that is called Rett syndrome. A typical
      problem that occurs during development is a disturbance of breathing. To address
      the role of inhibitory neurons, we generated a mouse line that restores MECP2 in
      inhibitory neurons in the brainstem by crossbreeding a mouse line that expresses
      the Cre-recombinase (Cre) in inhibitory neurons under the control of the glycine
      transporter 2 (GlyT2, slc6a5) promotor (GlyT2-Cre) with a mouse line that has a
      floxed-stop mutation of the Mecp2 gene (Mecp2 (stop/y)). Unrestrained whole-body
      plethysmography at postnatal day P60 revealed a low respiratory rate and
      prolonged respiratory pauses in Mecp2 (stop/y) mice. In contrast, GlyT2-Cre
      positive Mecp2 (stop/y) mice (Cre(+) ; Mecp2 (stop/y)) showed greatly improved
      respiration and were indistinguishable from wild type littermates. These data
      support the concept that alterations in inhibitory neurons are important for the
      development of the respiratory phenotype in Rett syndrome. 

PMID- 27672367
TI  - Macropinocytosis Exploitation by Cancers and Cancer Therapeutics.
AB  - Macropinocytosis has long been known as a primary method for cellular intake of
      fluid-phase and membrane-bound bulk cargo. This review seeks to re-examine the
      latest studies to emphasize how cancers exploit macropinocytosis to further their
      tumorigenesis, including details in how macropinocytosis can be adapted to serve
      diverse functions. Furthermore, this review will also cover the latest endeavors
      in targeting macropinocytosis as an avenue for novel therapeutics. 

PMID- 27672370
TI  - The Environmental Plasticity of Diverse Body Color Caused by Extremely Long
      Photoperiods and High Temperature in Saccharosydne procerus (Homoptera:
      Delphacidae).
AB  - Melanization reflects not only body color variation but also environmental
      plasticity. It is a strategy that helps insects adapt to environmental change.
      Different color morphs may have distinct life history traits, e.g., development
      time, growth rate, and body weight. The green slender planthopper Saccharosydne
      procerus (Matsumura) is the main pest of water bamboo (Zizania latifolia). This
      insect has two color morphs. The present study explored the influence of
      photoperiod and its interaction with temperature in nymph stage on adult
      melanism. Additionally, the longevity, fecundity, mating rate, and hatching rate
      of S. procerus were examined to determine whether the fitness of the insect was
      influenced by melanism under different temperature and photoperiod. The results
      showed that a greater number of melanic morphs occurred if the photoperiod was
      extremely long. A two-factor ANOVA showed that temperature and photoperiod both
      have a significant influence on melanism. The percentages of variation explained
      by these factors were 45.53 and 48.71%, respectively. Moreover, melanic morphs
      had greater advantages than non-melanic morphs under an environmental regime of
      high temperatures and a long photoperiod, whereas non-melanic morphs were better
      adapted to cold temperatures and a short photoperiod. These results cannot be
      explained by the thermal melanism hypothesis. Thus, it may be unavailable to seek
      to explain melanism in terms of only one hypothesis. 

PMID- 27672369
TI  - Intra-Arterial Drug and Light Delivery for Photodynamic Therapy Using
      Visudyne(r): Implication for Atherosclerotic Plaque Treatment.
AB  - Photodynamic therapy (PDT), which is based on the activation of photosensitizers
      with light, can be used to reduce plaque burden. We hypothesized that intra
      arterial photosensitizer administration and photo-activation will lead to high
      and rapid accumulation within the plaque with reduced systemic adverse effects.
      Thus, this "intra-arterial" PDT would be expected to have less side effects and
      due to the short time involved would be compatible with percutaneous coronary
      interventions. AIM: We characterized the dose-dependent uptake and efficacy of
      intra-arterial PDT using Liposomal Verteporfin (Visudyne(r)), efficient for
      cancer-PDT but not tested before for PDT of atherosclerosis. METHODS AND RESULTS:
      Visudyne(r) (100, 200, and 500 ng/ml) was perfused for 5-30 min in
      atherosclerotic aorta isolated from ApoE(-/-) mice. The fluorescence Intensity
      (FI) after 15 min of Visudyne(r) perfusion increased with doses of 100 (FI-5.5 +/
      1.8), 200 (FI-31.9 +/- 1.9) or 500 ng/ml (FI-42.9 +/- 1.2). Visudyne(r) (500
      ng/ml) uptake also increased with the administration time from 5 min (FI-9.8 +/-
      2.5) to 10 min (FI-23.3 +/- 3.0) and 15 min (FI-42.9 +/- 3.4) before reaching
      saturation at 30 min (FI-39.3 +/- 2.4) contact. Intra-arterial PDT (Fluence: 100
      and 200 J/cm(2), irradiance-334 mW/cm(2)) was applied immediately after
      Visudyne(r) perfusion (500 ng/ml for 15 min) using a cylindrical light diffuser
      coupled to a diode laser (690 nm). PDT led to an increase of ROS
      (Dihydroethidium; FI-6.9 +/- 1.8, 25.3 +/- 5.5, 43.4 +/- 13.9) and apoptotic
      cells (TUNEL; 2.5 +/- 1.6, 41.3 +/- 15.3, 58.9 +/- 6%), mainly plaque macrophages
      (immunostaining; 0.3 +/- 0.2, 37.6 +/- 6.4, 45.3 +/- 5.4%) respectively without
      laser irradiation, or at 100 and 200 J/cm(2). Limited apoptosis was observed in
      the medial wall (0.5 +/- 0.2, 8.5 +/- 4.7, 15.3 +/- 12.7%). Finally, Visudyne(r)
      PDT was found to be associated with reduced vessel functionality (Myogram).
      CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that sufficient accumulation of Visudyne(r) within
      plaque could be achieved in short-time and therefore validated the feasibility of
      local intravascular administration of photosensitizer. Intra-arterial Visudyne(r)
      PDT preferentially affected plaque macrophages and may therefore alter the
      dynamic progression of plaque development.

PMID- 27672371
TI  - The Semiology of Motor Disorders in Autism Spectrum Disorders as Highlighted from
      a Standardized Neuro-Psychomotor Assessment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Altered motor performance has been described in Autism Spectrum
      Disorders (ASD) with disturbances in walking; posture, coordination, or arm
      movements, but some individuals with ASD show no impairment of motor skills. The
      neuro-developmental processes that underpin the performance of neuro-psychomotor
      functions have not been widely explored, nor is it clear whether there are neuro
      psychomotor functions specifically affected in ASD. Our objective was to focus on
      the semiology of motor disorders among children with ASD using a neuro
      developmental assessment tool. METHOD: Thirty-four children with ASD, with or
      without intellectual deficit (ID) were recruited in a child psychiatry department
      and Autism Resource Centers. Initial standard evaluations for diagnosis
      (psychiatric; psychological; psychomotor) were supplemented by a standardized
      assessment battery for neuro-developmental psychomotor functions (NP-MOT).
      RESULTS: The results of some NP-MOT tests differed between children with ASD with
      ID and those without. However, on the NP-MOT battery, neither of the two groups
      did well in the bi-manual and finger praxia tests (36 and 52% respectively
      failed). Manual and digital gnosopraxia showed some deficit (63 and 62%
      respectively failed). Postural deficits were found in tests for both static
      equilibrium (64%) and dynamic (52%). There were also difficulties in coordination
      between the upper and lower limbs in 58% of children. We found 75% failure in
      motor skills on the M-ABC test. Concerning muscular tone, significant laxity was
      observed in distal parts of the body (feet and hands), but hypertonia was
      observed in the proximal muscles of the lower limbs (reduced heel-ear angle).
      DISCUSSION: The results of manual and digital gnosopraxia tests point to a
      planning deficit in children with autism. A gesture programming deficit is also
      highlighted by the poor results in manual praxis, and by failures in the M-ABC
      tests despite prior training of the child. However, concerning global motor
      function, a significant difference was observed between children with and without
      ID. Our findings suggest a semiology of tone deregulation between proximal versus
      distal muscles, indeterminate tonic laterality, postural control deficit
      (proprioceptive), impairment of inter-hemispheric coordination (corpus callosum),
      and neurological soft signs such asdysdiadochokinesia, which leads us to
      hypothesize a general impairment of motor functions.

PMID- 27672372
TI  - Is Handwriting Performance Affected by the Writing Surface? Comparing
      Preschoolers', Second Graders', and Adults' Writing Performance on a Tablet vs.
      Paper.
AB  - Due to their multifunctionality, tablets offer tremendous advantages for research
      on handwriting dynamics or for interactive use of learning apps in schools.
      Further, the widespread use of tablet computers has had a great impact on
      handwriting in the current generation. But, is it advisable to teach how to write
      and to assess handwriting in pre- and primary schoolchildren on tablets rather
      than on paper? Since handwriting is not automatized before the age of 10 years,
      children's handwriting movements require graphomotor and visual feedback as well
      as permanent control of movement execution during handwriting. Modifications in
      writing conditions, for instance the smoother writing surface of a tablet, might
      influence handwriting performance in general and in particular those of non
      automatized beginning writers. In order to investigate how handwriting
      performance is affected by a difference in friction of the writing surface, we
      recruited three groups with varying levels of handwriting automaticity: 25
      preschoolers, 27 second graders, and 25 adults. We administered three tasks
      measuring graphomotor abilities, visuomotor abilities, and handwriting
      performance (only second graders and adults). We evaluated two aspects of
      handwriting performance: the handwriting quality with a visual score and the
      handwriting dynamics using online handwriting measures [e.g., writing duration,
      writing velocity, strokes and number of inversions in velocity (NIV)]. In
      particular, NIVs which describe the number of velocity peaks during handwriting
      are directly related to the level of handwriting automaticity. In general, we
      found differences between writing on paper compared to the tablet. These
      differences were partly task-dependent. The comparison between tablet and paper
      revealed a faster writing velocity for all groups and all tasks on the tablet
      which indicates that all participants-even the experienced writers-were
      influenced by the lower friction of the tablet surface. Our results for the group
      comparison show advancing levels in handwriting automaticity from preschoolers to
      second graders to adults, which confirms that our method depicts handwriting
      performance in groups with varying degrees of handwriting automaticity. We
      conclude that the smoother tablet surface requires additional control of
      handwriting movements and therefore might present an additional challenge for
      learners of handwriting. 

PMID- 27672374
TI  - Reference Point Heterogeneity.
AB  - It is well-established that, when confronted with a decision to be taken under
      risk, individuals use reference payoff levels as important inputs. The purpose of
      this paper is to study which reference points characterize decisions in a setting
      in which there are several plausible reference levels of payoff. We report an
      experiment, in which we investigate which of four potential reference points: (1)
      a population average payoff level, (2) the announced expected payoff of peers in
      a similar decision situation, (3) a historical average level of earnings that
      others have received in the same task, and (4) an announced anticipated
      individual payoff level, best describes decisions in a decontextualized risky
      decision making task. We find heterogeneity among individuals in the reference
      points they employ. The population average payoff level is the modal reference
      point, followed by experimenter's stated expectation of a participant's
      individual earnings, followed in turn by the average earnings of other
      participants in previous sessions of the same experiment. A sizeable share of
      individuals show multiple reference points simultaneously. The reference point
      that best fits the choices of the individual is not affected by a shock to her
      income. 

PMID- 27672373
TI  - Remember Hard But Think Softly: Metaphorical Effects of Hardness/Softness on
      Cognitive Functions.
AB  - Previous studies have found that bodily stimulation, such as hardness biases
      social judgment and evaluation via metaphorical association; however, it remains
      unclear whether bodily stimulation also affects cognitive functions, such as
      memory and creativity. The current study used metaphorical associations between
      "hard" and "rigid" and between "soft" and "flexible" in Chinese, to investigate
      whether the experience of hardness affects cognitive functions whose performance
      depends prospectively on rigidity (memory) and flexibility (creativity). In
      Experiment 1, we found that Chinese-speaking participants performed better at
      recalling previously memorized words while sitting on a hard-surface stool (the
      hard condition) than a cushioned one (the soft condition). In Experiment 2,
      participants sitting on a cushioned stool outperformed those sitting on a hard
      surface stool on a Chinese riddle task, which required creative/flexible
      thinking, but not on an analogical reasoning task, which required both rigid and
      flexible thinking. The results suggest the hardness experience affects cognitive
      functions that are metaphorically associated with rigidity or flexibility. They
      support the embodiment proposition that cognitive functions and representations
      can be grounded in bodily states via metaphorical associations. 

PMID- 27672375
TI  - The Measurement Invariance of the Student Opinion Scale across English and Non
      English Language Learner Students within the Context of Low- and High-Stakes
      Assessments.
AB  - Student effort on large-scale assessments has important implications on the
      interpretation and use of scores to guide decisions. Within the United States,
      English Language Learners (ELLs) generally are outperformed on large-scale
      assessments by non-ELLs, prompting research to examine factors associated with
      test performance. There is a gap in the literature regarding the test-taking
      motivation of ELLs compared to non-ELLs and whether existing measures have
      similar psychometric properties across groups. The Student Opinion Scale (SOS;
      Sundre, 2007) was designed to be administered after completion of a large-scale
      assessment to operationalize students' test-taking motivation. Based on data
      obtained on 5,257 (41.8% ELL) 10th grade students, study purpose was to test the
      measurement invariance of the SOS across ELLs and non-ELLs based on completion of
      low- and high-stakes assessments. Preliminary item analyses supported the removal
      of two SOS items (Items 3 and 7) that resulted in improved internal consistency
      for each of the two SOS subscales: Importance, Effort. A subsequent multi-sample
      confirmatory factor analysis (MCFA) supported the measurement invariance of the
      scale's two-factor model across language groups, indicating it met strict
      factorial invariance (Meredith, 1993). A follow-up latent means analysis found
      that ELLs had higher effort on both the low- and high-stakes assessment with a
      small effect size. Effect size estimates indicated negligible differences on the
      importance factor. Although the instrument can be expected to function similarly
      across diverse language groups, which may have direct utility of test users and
      research into factors associated with large-scale test performance, continued
      research is recommended. Implications for SOS use in applied and research
      settings are discussed. 

PMID- 27672376
TI  - Empathic Accuracy and Observed Demand Behavior in Couples.

PMID- 27672377
TI  - Mindful Learning: A Case Study of Langerian Mindfulness in Schools.
AB  - The K-12 classroom applications of mindfulness as developed by Ellen Langer are
      discussed in a case study of a first-year charter school. Langerian Mindfulness,
      which is the act of drawing distinctions and noticing novelty, is deeply related
      to well-being and creativity, yet its impact has yet to be tested at the primary
      or secondary school level. The objective of the article is to display how
      Langerian Mindfulness strategies could increase 21st century skills and Social
      Emotional Learning in primary classrooms. The New School San Francisco, an
      inquiry-based, socioeconomically and racially integrated charter school, serves
      as a model for mindful teaching and learning strategies. It is concluded that
      when mindful strategies are implemented, students have significant opportunities
      to exercise the 21st century skills of creativity, collaboration, communication
      and critical thinking. Langerian Mindfulness is also considered as a tool for
      increasing Social-Emotional Learning in integrated classrooms. It is recommended
      that mindful interventions be further investigated in the primary and secondary
      school context. 

PMID- 27672378
TI  - Does Side of Onset Influence the Pattern of Cerebral Atrophy in Parkinson's
      Disease?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Imaging studies have revealed widespread neurodegeneration in
      Parkinson's disease (PD), but only a few considered the issue of asymmetrical
      clinical presentations. OBJECTIVE: To investigate if the side of onset influences
      the pattern of gray matter (GM) atrophy in PD. METHODS: Sixty patients (57.87 +/-
      10.27 years) diagnosed with idiopathic PD according to the U.K. Brain Bank
      criteria, 26 with right-sided disease onset (RDO) and 34 with left-sided disease
      onset (LDO), were compared to 80 healthy controls (HC) (57.1 +/- 9.47 years). We
      acquired T1-weighted images on a 3 T scanner. Images were processed and analyzed
      with VBM8 (SPM8/Dartel) on Matlab R2012b platform. Statistic assessments included
      a two-sample test (family-wise error p < 0.05) with extent threshold of 20
      voxels. RESULTS: Compared to HC, LDO patients had GM atrophy in the insula,
      putamen, anterior cingulate, frontotemporal cortex, and right caudate, while the
      RDO group showed atrophy at the anterior cingulate, insula, frontotemporal, and
      occipital cortex. CONCLUSION: This study revealed widespread GM atrophy in PD,
      predominantly in the left hemisphere, regardless of the side of onset. Future
      investigations should also consider handedness and side of onset to better
      characterize cerebral involvement and its progression in PD.

PMID- 27672380
TI  - Occurence of ArmA and RmtB Aminoglycoside Resistance 16S rRNA Methylases in
      Extended-Spectrum beta-Lactamases Producing Escherichia coli in Algerian
      Hospitals.
AB  - The aim of this study, was to characterize the extended-spectrum-beta-lactamases
      (ESBLs) producing clinical strains of Escherichia coli isolated between January
      2009 and June 2012 from Algerian hospitals and to determine the prevalence of 16S
      rRNA methylase among them. Sixty-seven ESBL-producers were detected among the 239
      isolates included: 52 CTX-M-15-producers, 5 CTX-M-3-producers, 5 CTX-M-1
      producers, 2 CTX-M-14-producers, 2 SHV-12-producers and one TEM-167-producer.
      Among the ESBL-producing strains twelve harbored 16S rRNA methylase genes: 8 rmtB
      and 4 armA. rmtB was located on a IncFIA plasmid and armA was located either on a
      IncL/M or a IncFIA plasmid. RmtB-producing isolates were genotypically related
      and belonged to the sequence type ST 405 whereas ArmA-producing isolates belonged
      to ST10, ST 167, and ST 117. This first description of 16S rRNA methylases among
      E. coli in Algerian hospitals pointed out the necessity to establish control
      measures to avoid their dissemination. 

PMID- 27672381
TI  - Copy Number Variation of Mitochondrial DNA Genes in Pneumocystis jirovecii
      According to the Fungal Load in BAL Specimens.
AB  - Pneumocystis jirovecii is an unculturable fungus and the causative agent of
      Pneumocystis pneumonia, a life-threatening opportunistic infection. Although
      molecular diagnosis is often based on the detection of mtLSU rRNA mitochondrial
      gene, the number of copies of mitochondrial genes had not been investigated. We
      developed and optimized six real-time PCR assays in order to determine the copy
      number of four mitochondrial genes (mtSSU rRNA, mtLSU rRNA, NAD1, and CYTB) in
      comparison to nuclear genome (DHPS and HSP70) and tested 84 bronchoalveolar
      fluids of patients at different stages of the infection. Unexpectedly, we found
      that copy number of mitochondrial genes varied from gene to gene with mtSSU rRNA
      gene being more represented (37 copies) than NAD1 (23 copies), mtLSU rRNA (15
      copies) and CYTB (6 copies) genes compared to nuclear genome. Hierarchical
      clustering analysis (HCA) allowed us to define five major clusters, significantly
      associated with fungal load (p = 0.029), in which copy number of mitochondrial
      genes was significantly different among them. More importantly, copy number of
      mtLSU rRNA, NAD1, and CYTB but not mtSSU rRNA differed according to P. jirovecii
      physiological state with a decreased number of copies when the fungal load is
      low. This suggests the existence of a mixture of various subspecies of mtDNA that
      can harbor different amplification rates. Overall, we revealed here an unexpected
      variability of P. jirovecii mtDNA copy number that fluctuates according to P.
      jirovecii's physiological state, except for mtSSU that is the most stable and the
      most present mitochondrial gene. 

PMID- 27672382
TI  - Arthrobacter sp. EpRS66 and Arthrobacter sp. EpRS71: Draft Genome Sequences from
      Two Bacteria Isolated from Echinacea purpurea Rhizospheric Soil.

PMID- 27672379
TI  - Protection by Neuroglobin Expression in Brain Pathologies.
AB  - Astrocytes play an important role in physiological, metabolic, and structural
      functions, and when impaired, they can be involved in various pathologies
      including Alzheimer, focal ischemic stroke, and traumatic brain injury. These
      disorders involve an imbalance in the blood flow and nutrients such as glucose
      and lactate, leading to biochemical and molecular changes that cause neuronal
      damage, which is followed by loss of cognitive and motor functions. Previous
      studies have shown that astrocytes are more resilient than neurons during brain
      insults as a consequence of their more effective antioxidant systems,
      transporters, and enzymes, which made them less susceptible to excitotoxicity. In
      addition, astrocytes synthesize and release different protective molecules for
      neurons, including neuroglobin, a member of the globin family of proteins. After
      brain injury, neuroglobin expression is induced in astrocytes. Since neuroglobin
      promotes neuronal survival, its increased expression in astrocytes after brain
      injury may represent an endogenous neuroprotective mechanism. Here, we review the
      role of neuroglobin in the central nervous system, its relationship with
      different pathologies, and the role of different factors that regulate its
      expression in astrocytes. 

PMID- 27672383
TI  - Aptamer-Based Technologies in Foodborne Pathogen Detection.
AB  - Aptamers are single stranded DNA or RNA ligands, which can be selected by a
      method called systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX);
      and they can specifically recognize and bind to their targets. These unique
      characteristics of aptamers offer great potentials in applications such as
      pathogen detection and biomolecular screening. Pathogen detection is the critical
      means in detecting and identifying the problems related to public health and food
      safety; and only the rapid, sensitive and efficient detection technologies can
      enable the users to make the accurate assessments on the risks of infections
      (humans and animals) or contaminations (foods and other commodities) caused by
      various pathogens. This article reviews the development in the field of the
      aptamer-based approaches for pathogen detection, including whole-cell SELEX and
      Genomic SELEX. Nowadays, a variety of aptamer-based biosensors have been
      developed for pathogen detection. Thus, in this review, we also cover the
      development in aptamer-based biosensors including optical biosensors for multiple
      pathogen detection by multiple-labeling or label-free models such as fluorescence
      detection and surface plasmon resonance, electrochemical biosensors and lateral
      chromatography test strips, and their applications in pathogen detection and
      biomolecular screening. While notable progress has been made in the field in the
      last decade, challenges or drawbacks in their applications such as pathogen
      detection and biomolecular screening remain to be overcome. 

PMID- 27672384
TI  - Quantification of Growth of Campylobacter and Extended Spectrum beta-Lactamase
      Producing Bacteria Sheds Light on Black Box of Enrichment Procedures.
AB  - Campylobacter is well recognized as the leading cause of bacterial foodborne
      diarrheal disease worldwide, and is routinely found in meat originating from
      poultry, sheep, pigs, and cattle. Effective monitoring of Campylobacter
      contamination is dependent on the availability of reliable detection methods. The
      method of the International Organization for Standardization for the detection of
      Campylobacter spp. in food (ISO 10272-1:2006) recommends the use of Bolton broth
      (BB) as selective enrichment medium, including a pre-enrichment step of 4-6 h at
      37 degrees C to revive sublethally damaged cells prior to incubation for 2 days
      at 41.5 degrees C. Recently the presence of abundantly growing extended spectrum
      beta-lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL bacteria) has become one of the
      most important factors that interfere with the isolation of Campylobacter,
      resulting in false-negative detection. However, detailed growth dynamics of
      Campylobacter and its competitors remain unclear, where these would provide a
      solid base for further improvement of the enrichment procedure for Campylobacter.
      Other enrichment broths, such as Preston broth (PB) and BB plus clavulanic acid
      (BBc) have been suggested to inhibit competitive flora. Therefore, these
      different broths were used as enrichments to measure the growth kinetics of
      several strains of Campylobacter jejuni and ESBL bacteria separately, in co
      culture and of strains in chicken samples. The maximum cell numbers and often the
      growth rates of Campylobacter in mixed culture with ESBL bacteria were
      significantly lower than in single cultures, indicating severe suppression of
      Campylobacter by ESBL bacteria, also in naturally contaminated samples. PB and
      BBc successfully diminished ESBL bacteria and might therefore be a better choice
      as enrichment medium in possibly ESBL-bacteria contaminated samples. The efficacy
      of a pre-enrichment step in the BB ISO-procedure was not supported for cold
      stressed and non-stressed cells. Therefore, omission of this step (4-6 h at 37
      degrees C) might be advised to obtain a less troublesome protocol. 

PMID- 27672386
TI  - Release of Mannoproteins during Saccharomyces cerevisiae Autolysis Induced by
      Pulsed Electric Field.
AB  - The potential of the application of pulsed electric fields (PEF) to induce
      accelerate autolysis of a commercial strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae for
      winemaking use was evaluated. The influence of PEF treatments of different
      intensity (5-25 kV/cm for 30-240 MUs) on cell viability, cytoplasmic membrane
      permeabilization and release of mannoproteins and compounds absorbing at 260 and
      280 nm has been investigated. After 8 days of incubation at 25 degrees C the
      Abs600 of the suspension containing the control cells was kept constant while the
      Abs600 of the suspension containing the cells treated by PEF decreased. The
      measurement of the absorbance at 260 and 280 nm revealed no release of UV
      absorbing material from untreated cells after 8 days of incubation but the amount
      of UV absorbing material released drastically increased in the samples that
      contained cells treated by PEF after the same storage period. After 18 days of
      storage the amount of mannoproteins released from the untreated cell was
      negligible. Conversely, mannoprotein concentration increased linearly for the
      samples containing cells of S. cerevisiae treated by PEF. After 18 days of
      incubation the concentration of mannoproteins in the supernatant increased 4.2
      times for the samples containing cells treated by PEF at 15 and 25 kV/cm for 45
      and 150 MUs. Results obtained in this study indicates that PEF could be used in
      winemaking to accelerate the sur lie aging or to obtain mannoproteins from yeast
      cultures. 

PMID- 27672385
TI  - Phytoplankton-Associated Bacterial Community Composition and Succession during
      Toxic Diatom Bloom and Non-Bloom Events.
AB  - Pseudo-nitzschia blooms often occur in coastal and open ocean environments,
      sometimes leading to the production of the neurotoxin domoic acid that can cause
      severe negative impacts to higher trophic levels. Increasing evidence suggests a
      close relationship between phytoplankton bloom and bacterial assemblages,
      however, the microbial composition and succession during a bloom process is
      unknown. Here, we investigate the bacterial assemblages before, during and after
      toxic and non-toxic Pseudo-nitzschia blooms to determine the patterns of
      bacterial succession in a natural bloom setting. Opportunistic sampling of
      bacterial community profiles were determined weekly at Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf
      by 454 pyrosequencing and analyzed together with domoic acid levels,
      phytoplankton community and biomass, nutrients and temperature. We asked if the
      bacterial communities are similar between bloom and non-bloom events and if
      domoic acid or the presence of toxic algal species acts as a driving force that
      can significantly structure phytoplankton-associated bacterial communities. We
      found that bacterial diversity generally increases when Pseudo-nitzschia numbers
      decline. Furthermore, bacterial diversity is higher when the low-DA producing P.
      fraudulenta dominates the algal bloom while bacterial diversity is lower when
      high-DA producing P. australis dominates the algal bloom, suggesting that the
      presence of algal toxin can structure bacterial community. We also found bloom
      related succession patterns among associated bacterial groups; Gamma
      proteobacteria, were dominant during low toxic P. fraudulenta blooms comprising
      mostly of Vibrio spp., which increased in relative abundance (6-65%) as the bloom
      progresses. On the other hand, Firmicutes bacteria comprising mostly of
      Planococcus spp. (12-86%) dominate during high toxic P. australis blooms, with
      the bacterial assemblage showing the same bloom-related successional patterns in
      three independent bloom events. Other environmental variables such as nitrate and
      phosphate and temperature appear to influence some low abundant bacterial groups
      as well. Our results suggest that phytoplankton-associated bacterial communities
      are strongly affected not just by phytoplankton bloom in general, but also by the
      type of algal species that dominates in the natural bloom. 

PMID- 27672387
TI  - Nematode Peptides with Host-Directed Anti-inflammatory Activity Rescue
      Caenorhabditis elegans from a Burkholderia pseudomallei Infection.
AB  - Burkholderia pseudomallei, the causative agent of melioidosis, is among a growing
      number of bacterial pathogens that are increasingly antibiotic resistant.
      Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been investigated as an alternative approach
      to treat microbial infections, as generally, there is a lower likelihood that a
      pathogen will develop resistance to AMPs. In this study, 36 candidate
      Caenorhabditis elegans genes that encode secreted peptides of <150 amino acids
      and previously shown to be overexpressed during infection by B. pseudomallei were
      identified from the expression profile of infected nematodes. RNA interference
      (RNAi)-based knockdown of 12/34 peptide-encoding genes resulted in enhanced
      nematode susceptibility to B. pseudomallei without affecting worm fitness. A
      microdilution test demonstrated that two peptides, NLP-31 and Y43C5A.3, exhibited
      anti-B. pseudomallei activity in a dose dependent manner on different pathogens.
      Time kill analysis proposed that these peptides were bacteriostatic against B.
      pseudomallei at concentrations up to 8* MIC90. The SYTOX green assay demonstrated
      that NLP-31 and Y43C5A.3 did not disrupt the B. pseudomallei membrane. Instead,
      gel retardation assays revealed that both peptides were able to bind to DNA and
      interfere with bacterial viability. In parallel, microscopic examination showed
      induction of cellular filamentation, a hallmark of DNA synthesis inhibition, of
      NLP-31 and Y43C5A.3 treated cells. In addition, the peptides also regulated the
      expression of inflammatory cytokines in B. pseudomallei infected macrophage
      cells. Collectively, these findings demonstrate the potential of NLP-31 and
      Y43C5A.3 as anti-B. pseudomallei peptides based on their function as immune
      modulators. 

PMID- 27672388
TI  - UV-B Radiation Stress Causes Alterations in Whole Cell Protein Profile and
      Expression of Certain Genes in the Rice Phyllospheric Bacterium Enterobacter
      cloacae.
AB  - Among the different types of UV radiation, UV-B radiation (280-315 nm) has gained
      much attention mainly due to its increasing incidence on the Earth's surface
      leading to imbalances in natural ecosystems. This study deals with the effects of
      UV-B radiation on the proteome and gene expression in a rice phyllospheric
      bacterium, Enterobacter cloacae. Of the five bacteria isolated from rice leaves,
      E. cloacae showed the highest level of resistance to UV-B and total killing
      occurred after 8 h of continuous exposure to UV-B. Reactive oxygen species were
      induced by UV-B exposure and increased with increasing duration of exposure.
      Protein profiling by SDS-PAGE and 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE)
      revealed major changes in the number as well as expression of proteins. Analysis
      of 2-DE gel spots indicated up/down-regulation of several proteins under the
      stress of UV-B radiation. Thirteen differentially expressed proteins including
      two hypothetical proteins were identified by MALDI-TOF MS and assigned to eight
      functional categories. Both the hypothetical proteins (gi 779821175 and gi
      503938301) were over-expressed after UV-B irradiation; gi 503938301 was
      characterized as a member of FMN reductase superfamily whereas gi 779821175 seems
      to be a structural protein as it did not show any functional domain. That the
      expression of certain proteins under UV-B stress is indeed up-regulated was
      confirmed by qRT-PCR. Transcript analysis of selected gene including genes of
      hypothetical proteins (cp011650 and cp002886) showed over-expression under UV-B
      stress as compared to untreated control cultures. Although this study deals with
      a limited number of proteins, identification of differentially expressed proteins
      reported herein may prove useful in future studies especially for assessing their
      significance in the protection mechanism of bacteria against UV-B radiation
      stress. 

PMID- 27672390
TI  - Editorial: Nanotoxicology and Environmental Risk Assessment of Engineered
      Nanomaterials (ENMs) in Plants.

PMID- 27672389
TI  - Hydrogen Peroxide and Polyamines Act as Double Edged Swords in Plant Abiotic
      Stress Responses.
AB  - The specific genetic changes through which plants adapt to the multitude of
      environmental stresses are possible because of the molecular regulations in the
      system. These intricate regulatory mechanisms once unveiled will surely raise
      interesting questions. Polyamines and hydrogen peroxide have been suggested to be
      important signaling molecules during biotic and abiotic stresses. Hydrogen
      peroxide plays a versatile role from orchestrating physiological processes to
      stress response. It helps to achieve acclimatization and tolerance to stress by
      coordinating intra-cellular and systemic signaling systems. Polyamines, on the
      other hand, are low molecular weight polycationic aliphatic amines, which have
      been implicated in various stress responses. It is quite interesting to note that
      both hydrogen peroxide and polyamines have a fine line of inter-relation between
      them since the catabolic pathways of the latter releases hydrogen peroxide. In
      this review we have tried to illustrate the roles and their multifaceted
      functions of these two important signaling molecules based on current literature.
      This review also highlights the fact that over accumulation of hydrogen peroxide
      and polyamines can be detrimental for plant cells leading to toxicity and pre
      mature cell death. 

PMID- 27672391
TI  - Antiviral Therapy in Lamivudine-Resistant Chronic Hepatitis B Patients: A
      Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.
AB  - The relative efficacy of different strategies for chronic hepatitis B (CHB)
      patients with lamivudine resistance (LAM-R) has not yet been systematically
      studied. Clinical trials were searched in PUBMED, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CNKI
      databases up to February 15, 2016. Nine trials including 764 patients met the
      entry criteria. In direct meta-analysis, TDF showed a stronger antiviral effect
      than any one of ETV, LAM/ADV, and ADV against LAM-R hepatitis B virus. LAM/ADV
      therapy was superior to ADV in suppressing viral replication. ETV achieved
      similar rate of HBV DNA undetectable compared to ADV or LAM/ADV. In network meta
      analysis, TDF had higher rates of HBV DNA undetectable compared to ETV (OR,
      24.69; 95% CrI: 5.36-113.66), ADV (OR, 37.28; 95% CrI: 9.73-142.92), or LAM/ADV
      (OR, 21.05; 95% CrI: 5.70-77.80). However, among ETV, ADV, and LAM/ADV, no drug
      was clearly superior to others in HBV DNA undetectable rate. Moreover, no
      significant difference in the rate of ALT normalization or HBeAg loss was
      observed compared the four rescue strategies with each other. TDF appears to be a
      more effective rescue therapy than LAM/ADV, ETV, or ADV. LAM plus ADV therapy was
      a better treatment option than ETV or ADV alone for patients with LAM-R. 

PMID- 27672392
TI  - In Vitro Antioxidant Treatment of Semen Samples in Assisted Reproductive
      Technology: Effects of Myo-Inositol on Nemaspermic Parameters.
AB  - Male infertility and the poor quality of sperm seem to be influenced by oxidative
      stress. In particular, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) mainly produced by
      morphologically altered spermatozoa affect sperm motility, morphology, and
      integrity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Myo-Inositol
      (Myo-Ins) on a number of parameters such as viscosity and total and progressive
      motility of spermatozoa, in order to better validate its possible practical
      application in vitro, in order to improve the capacitation protocols commonly
      used in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). A total of 100 fresh and 25
      thawed semen samples were analyzed in vitro prior to and after addition of Myo
      Ins. Treatment of samples with Myo-Ins showed an increase in the sperm total and
      progressive motility in both fresh and thawed samples. Furthermore, Myo-Ins
      proved to be well tolerated by spermatozoa in vitro, demonstrating that it can be
      efficiently and safely used as antioxidant in the laboratory practice and for
      preparation of semen samples in ART. 

PMID- 27672393
TI  - The Relationship between Adiposity and Insulin Sensitivity in African Women
      Living with the Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Clamp Study.
AB  - Objectives. We aimed to assess the variation of insulin sensitivity in relation
      to obesity in women living with PCOS in a sub-Sahara African setting. Methods. We
      studied body composition, insulin sensitivity, and resting energy expenditure in
      14 PCOS patients (6 obese and 8 nonobese) compared to 10 matched nonobese non
      PCOS subjects. Insulin sensitivity was assessed using the gold standard 80
      mU/m(2)/min euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp and resting energy expenditure was
      measured by indirect calorimetry. Results. Insulin sensitivity adjusted to lean
      mass was lowest in obese PCOS subjects and highest in healthy subjects (11.2
      [10.1-12.4] versus 12.9 [12.1-13.8] versus 16.6 [13.8-17.9], p = 0.012); there
      was a tendency for resting energy expenditure adjusted for total body mass to
      decrease across the groups highest in obese PCOS subjects (1411 [1368-1613]
      versus 1274 [1174-1355] versus 1239 [1195-1454], p = 0.306). Conclusion. In this
      sub-Saharan population, insulin resistance is associated with PCOS per se but is
      further aggravated by obesity. Obesity did not seem to be explained by low
      resting energy expenditure suggesting that dietary intake may be a determinant of
      the obesity in this context. 

PMID- 27672395
TI  - Henoch Schonlein Purpura as a Cause of Renal Failure in an Adult.
AB  - Henoch Schonlein purpura (HSP) is an immune mediated disease associated
      Immunoglobulin A (IgA) deposition within the affected organs. While the disease
      is commonly seen in the pediatric age group, it is rarely seen in adults. We
      report the case of a 93-year-old Caucasian lady who presented with
      nonthrombocytopenic purpuric rash and acute kidney injury after an episode of
      bronchitis. Rapid and progressive deterioration of renal function prompted a
      kidney biopsy, which showed findings consistent with IgA nephropathy confirming
      the diagnosis of HSP. The patient was treated with high dose intravenous
      methylprednisolone followed by oral prednisone; however, her kidney disease
      progressed to end stage renal disease requiring hemodialysis. HSP is usually a
      self-limiting disease in children. However, adults are at an increased risk of
      severe renal involvement including end stage renal disease. Purpuric skin rash
      with renal involvement should raise suspicion for HSP. This is the oldest known
      patient with HSP. 

PMID- 27672394
TI  - Breast Cancer Prevalence and Mortality among Hispanic Subgroups in the United
      States, 2009-2013.
AB  - Background. This paper presents data on breast cancer prevalence and mortality
      among US Hispanics and Hispanic subgroups, including Cuban, Mexican, Puerto
      Rican, Central American, and South American. Methods. Five-year average annual
      female breast cancer prevalence and mortality rates for 2009-2013 were examined
      using data from the National Health Interview Survey (prevalence) and the
      National Center for Health Statistics and the American Community Survey
      (mortality rates). Results. Overall breast cancer prevalence among US Hispanic
      women was 1.03%. Although the estimates varied slightly by Hispanic subgroup,
      these differences were not statistically significant. The breast cancer mortality
      rate for Hispanics overall was 17.71 per 100,000 women. Higher rates were
      observed among Cubans (17.89), Mexicans (18.78), and Puerto Ricans (19.04), and a
      lower rate was observed among Central and South Americans (10.15). With the
      exception of the rate for Cubans, all Hispanic subgroup rates were statistically
      significantly different from the overall Hispanic rate. Additionally, all
      Hispanic subgroups rates were statistically significantly higher than the Central
      and South American rate. Conclusion. The data reveal significant differences in
      mortality across Hispanic subgroups. These data enable public health officials to
      develop targeted interventions to help lower breast cancer mortality among the
      highest risk populations. 

PMID- 27672396
TI  - The Current State of Cell Therapies for Cerebrovascular Diseases.

PMID- 27672399
TI  - Acute and Subacute Toxicological Evaluation of the Aerial Extract of Monsonia
      angustifolia E. Mey. ex. A. Rich in Wistar Rats.
AB  - The acute and subacute toxicity profile of the aerial extract of Monsonia
      angustifolia in Wistar rats was evaluated. The Organization for Economic
      Cooperation and Development (OECD) 420 guideline was adopted in the acute
      toxicity testing with a single oral dose of 5000 mg/kg (b.w.). For the 28-day
      daily oral dosing, the extract was administered at 75, 150, and 300 mg/kg b.w.;
      1% ethanol in sterile distilled water was used as control. Clinical toxicity
      signs were subsequently evaluated. At a single dose of 5000 mg/kg b.w. the
      extract elicited no treatment-related signs of toxicity in the animals during the
      14 days of experimental period. In the subacute toxicity, there was no
      significant difference in hematological, renal, and liver function indices.
      However, dose-dependent significant increases were observed on the plasma
      concentrations of white blood cell and platelet counts of the treated animals
      compared to the control group. While cage observations revealed no treatment
      facilitated signs of toxicity, histopathological examinations of the kidneys and
      liver also showed no obvious lesions and morphological changes. These results
      suggest that the extract may be labelled and classified as safe and practically
      nontoxic within the doses and period of investigation in this study. 

PMID- 27672398
TI  - Self-Administered Mind-Body Practices for Reducing Health Disparities: An
      Interprofessional Opinion and Call to Action.
AB  - Health disparities (HD) continue to persist in the United States which
      underscores the importance of using low-cost, accessible, evidence-based
      strategies that can improve health outcomes, especially for chronic conditions
      that are prevalent among underserved minority populations.
      Complementary/integrative health modalities, particularly self-administered mind
      body practices (MBP), can be extremely useful in reducing HD because they are
      intrinsically patient-centered and they empower patients to actively engage in
      self-care of health and self-management of symptoms. Interprofessional healthcare
      providers and patients can engage in powerful partnerships that encompass self
      administered MBP to improve health. This is a call to action for
      interprofessional researchers to engage in high-quality research regarding
      efficacy and cost-effectiveness of self-administered MBP, for practitioners to
      engage patients in self-administered MBP for health promotion, disease
      prevention, and symptom management, and for healthcare institutions to integrate
      self-administered MBP into conventional health practices to reduce HD in their
      communities. 

PMID- 27672397
TI  - Effects of Brazilian Propolis on Dental Plaque and Gingiva in Patients with Oral
      Cleft Malformation Treated with Multibracket and Removable Appliances: A
      Comparative Study.
AB  - Orthodontic appliances modify the local environment of the oral cavity, increase
      the accumulation of dental plaque, and affect the condition of the gingiva. The
      aim of this study is assessment of Brazilian propolis toothpaste's effect on
      plaque index (PLI) and gingival index (GI) in patients with CL/CLP treated using
      orthodontic appliances in the 35-day study period. The study population included
      96 patients of an Orthodontic Outpatient Clinic, ACSiMS in Bytom. All the
      patients participated in the active phase of orthodontic treatment using buccal
      multibracket appliances or removable appliances. During the first examination,
      each patient was randomly qualified to the propolis group or control group. A
      statistically significant decrease in GI and PLI in the entire propolis group (P
      < 0.01) was shown during repeated examination. Insignificant change in GI was in
      the entire control group during the repeated examination compared to the
      baseline. Similar result was obtained in patients treated with multibracket and
      removable appliances. The orthodontic appliance type did not affect the final
      dental plaque amount and gingival condition in patients using the propolis
      toothpaste. These results may be clinically useful to improve prevention and
      control oral infectious diseases during orthodontic treatment patients with oral
      cleft. 

PMID- 27672400
TI  - Effect of Tongxinluo on Podocyte Apoptosis via Inhibition of Oxidative Stress and
      P38 Pathway in Diabetic Rats.
AB  - Diabetic nephropathy (DN) has been the leading cause of end-stage renal disease
      (ESRD). Podocyte apoptosis is a main mechanism of progression of DN. It has been
      demonstrated that activated P38 and caspase-3 induced by oxidative stress mainly
      account for increased podocyte apoptosis and proteinuria in DN. Meanwhile,
      Tongxinluo (TXL) can ameliorate renal structure disruption and dysfunction in DN
      patients in our clinical practice. However, the effect of TXL on podocyte
      apoptosis and P38 pathway remains unclear. To explore the effect of TXL on
      podocyte apoptosis and its molecular mechanism in DN, our in vivo and in vitro
      studies were performed. TXL attenuated oxidative stress in podocyte in DN in our
      in vivo and in vitro studies. Moreover, TXL inhibited the activation of P38 and
      caspase-3. Bcl-2 and Bax expression was partially restored by TXL treatment in
      our in vivo and in vitro studies. More importantly, TXL decreased podocyte
      apoptosis in diabetic rats and high glucose cultured podocyte. In conclusion, TXL
      protects podocyte from apoptosis in DN, partially through its antioxidant effect
      and inhibiting of the activation of P38 and caspase-3. 

PMID- 27672401
TI  - Effects of Electroacupuncture Treatment on Bone Cancer Pain Model with Morphine
      Tolerance.
AB  - Objective. To explore the efficacy of electroacupuncture treatment in cancer
      induced bone pain (CIBP) rat model with morphine tolerance and explore changes of
      calcitonin-gene related peptide (CGRP) expression in dorsal root ganglion (DRG).
      Methods. Forty SD rats were divided into five groups: sham, CIBP (B), CIBP +
      morphine (BM), CIBP + electroacupuncture (BE), and CIBP + morphine +
      electroacupuncture (BME). B, BM, BE, and BME groups were prepared CIBP model. The
      latter three groups then accepted morphine, electroacupuncture, and morphine
      combined electroacupuncture, separately, nine days consecutively (M1 to M9).
      Mechanical withdraw threshold (MWT) was evaluated. Results. BE group only had
      differences in M1, M2, and M3 compared to B group (P < 0.01). From M5, BM group
      showed significantly decreased MWT. Electroacupuncture could obtain analgesic
      effects only at early stage (M1 to M5). From M5 to M9, BME had the differences
      with BM group (P < 0.01). IOD value of CGRP in BM and BME was substantially less
      than in B group. CGRP in BME was significantly lower than that in BM group (P <
      0.01). Conclusion. When used in combination with electroacupuncture, morphine
      could result in improving analgesic effects and reducing tolerance. CGRP may be
      associated with pain behaviors. 

PMID- 27672403
TI  - Dietary broccoli protects against fatty liver development but not against
      progression of liver cancer in mice pretreated with diethylnitrosamine.
AB  - Western-style high fat, high sugar diets are associated with non-alcoholic fatty
      liver disease (NAFLD) and increased liver cancer risk. Sulforaphane from broccoli
      may protect against these. Previously we initiated broccoli feeding to mice prior
      to exposure to the hepatocarcinogen diethylnitrosamine (DEN), and saw protection
      against NAFLD and liver cancer. Here we administered DEN to unweaned mice,
      initiating broccoli feeding two weeks later, to determine if broccoli protects
      against cancer progression. Specifically, male 15-day-old C57BL/6J mice were
      given DEN and placed on a Western or Western+10%Broccoli diet from the age of 4
      weeks through 7 months. Dietary broccoli decreased hepatic triacylglycerols,
      NAFLD, liver damage and tumour necrosis factor by month 5 without changing body
      weight or relative liver weight, but did not slow carcinogenesis, seen in 100% of
      mice. We conclude that broccoli, a good source of sulforaphane, slows progression
      of hepatic lipidosis, but not tumourigenesis in this robust model.

PMID- 27672402
TI  - Determinants of Smoking and Cessation Among Latinos: Challenges and Implications
      for Research.
AB  - Tobacco is a significant burden to individual and public health, and disparities
      exist among Latino smokers with respect to use and cessation. Although the
      prevalence of smoking is lower for Latinos than for non-Latino Whites and the
      general U.S. population, numerous health disparities exist within the population
      of Latino smokers. Much is known about determinants of smoking and cessation but
      the vast majority of this knowledge is based on research with non-Latino White
      smokers. This results in at least two important challenges in tobacco research
      among Latino smokers: (i) demonstrating the generalizability of known
      determinants of smoking and cessation, and; (ii) identifying culturally relevant
      variables that influence smoking and cessation among Latinos. An argument for
      increased research in these areas is presented with a review of existing research
      among Latino smokers that demonstrates these needs. Research is summarized that
      suggests socioeconomic position, depressive symptomatology, physical dependence,
      and gender function differently as determinants of smoking and cessation among
      Latinos compared with the general population of smokers. Research is also
      reviewed that suggests the promise of acculturation, acculturative stress, and
      discrimination as culturally relevant determinants of smoking and cessation.
      Research and practice implications are discussed, and specific areas for future
      research are offered.

PMID- 27672405
TI  - Whole Genome Sequence Analysis of an Alachlor and Endosulfan Degrading
      Micrococcus sp. strain 2385 Isolated from Ochlockonee River, Florida.
AB  - We recently isolated Micrococcus sp. strain 2385 from Ochlockonee River, Florida
      and demonstrated potent biodegradative activity against two commonly used
      pesticides- alachlor [(2-chloro-2',6'-diethylphenyl-N
      (methoxymethyl)acetanilide)] and endosulfan [(6,7,8,9,10,10-hexachloro
      1,5,5a,6,9,9a-hexahydro-6,9methano-2,3,4-benzo(e)di-oxathiepin-3-oxide],
      respectively. To further identify the repertoire of metabolic functions possessed
      by strain 2385, a draft genome sequence was obtained, assembled, annotated and
      analyzed. The genome sequence of Micrococcus sp. strain 2385 consisted of
      1,460,461,440 bases which assembled into 175 contigs with an N50 contig length of
      50,109 bases and a coverage of 600x. The genome size of this strain was estimated
      at 2,431,226 base pairs with a G+C content of 72.8 and a total number of 2,268
      putative genes. RAST annotated a total of 340 subsystems in the genome of strain
      2385 along with the presence of 2,177 coding sequences. A genome wide survey
      indicated that that strain 2385 harbors a plethora of genes to degrade other
      pollutants including caprolactam, PAHs (such as naphthalene), styrene, toluene
      and several chloroaromatic compounds. 

PMID- 27672404
TI  - De novo Assembly and Analysis of the Chilean Pencil Catfish Trichomycterus
      areolatus Transcriptome.
AB  - Trichomycterus areolatus is an endemic species of pencil catfish that inhabits
      the riffles and rapids of many freshwater ecosystems of Chile. Despite its unique
      adaptation to Chile's high gradient watersheds and therefore potential
      application in the investigation of ecosystem integrity and environmental
      contamination, relatively little is known regarding the molecular biology of this
      environmental sentinel. Here, we detail the assembly of the Trichomycterus
      areolatus transcriptome, a molecular resource for the study of this organism and
      its molecular response to the environment. RNA-Seq reads were obtained by next
      generation sequencing with an Illumina(r) platform and processed using PRINSEQ.
      The transcriptome assembly was performed using TRINITY assembler. Transcriptome
      validation was performed by functional characterization with KOG, KEGG, and GO
      analyses. Additionally, differential expression analysis highlights sex-specific
      expression patterns, and a list of endocrine and oxidative stress related
      transcripts are included. 

PMID- 27672406
TI  - Turbo-SMT: Parallel Coupled Sparse Matrix-Tensor Factorizations and Applications.
AB  - How can we correlate the neural activity in the human brain as it responds to
      typed words, with properties of these terms (like 'edible', 'fits in hand')? In
      short, we want to find latent variables, that jointly explain both the brain
      activity, as well as the behavioral responses. This is one of many settings of
      the Coupled Matrix-Tensor Factorization (CMTF) problem. Can we enhance any CMTF
      solver, so that it can operate on potentially very large datasets that may not
      fit in main memory? We introduce Turbo-SMT, a meta-method capable of doing
      exactly that: it boosts the performance of any CMTF algorithm, produces sparse
      and interpretable solutions, and parallelizes any CMTF algorithm, producing
      sparse and interpretable solutions (up to 65 fold). Additionally, we improve upon
      ALS, the work-horse algorithm for CMTF, with respect to efficiency and robustness
      to missing values. We apply Turbo-SMT to BrainQ, a dataset consisting of a
      (nouns, brain voxels, human subjects) tensor and a (nouns, properties) matrix,
      with coupling along the nouns dimension. Turbo-SMT is able to find meaningful
      latent variables, as well as to predict brain activity with competitive accuracy.
      Finally, we demonstrate the generality of Turbo-SMT, by applying it on a Facebook
      dataset (users, 'friends', wall-postings); there, Turbo-SMT spots spammer-like
      anomalies.

PMID- 27672407
TI  - Molecular Insights into Fully Human and Humanized Monoclonal Antibodies: What are
      the Differences and Should Dermatologists Care?
AB  - In recent years, a large number of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies have come to
      market to treat a variety of conditions including patients with immune-mediated
      chronic inflammation. Distinguishing the relative clinical efficacy and safety
      profiles of one monoclonal antibody relative to another can be difficult and
      complex due to different clinical designs and paucity of head-to-head comparator
      studies. One distinguishing feature in interpreting clinical trial data by
      dermatologists may begin by determining whether a monoclonal antibody is fully
      human or humanized, which can be discerned by the generic name of the drug.
      Herein, this commentary highlights the distinctions and similarities of fully
      human and humanized monoclonal antibodies in their nomenclature, engineering, and
      clinical profiles. While there are a number of differences between these types of
      monoclonal antibodies, current evidence indicates that this designation does not
      impart any measurable impact on overall clinical efficacy and safety profiles of
      a given drug. Based on molecular insights provided in this commentary, it is
      clear that each monoclonal antibody, irrespective of being fully human or
      humanized, should be individually assessed for its clinical impact regarding
      safety and efficacy. Going beyond the type of generic name ascribed to a
      monoclonal antibody will be an ever-increasing theme for dermatologists as more
      therapeutic monoclonal antibodies emerge to potentially treat a wider scope of
      diseases with cutaneous manifestations. 

PMID- 27672408
TI  - An Investigator-initiated Study to Assess the Safety and Efficacy of Ingenol
      Mebutate 0.05% Gel When Used After Cryosurgery in the Treatment of Hypertrophic
      Actinic Keratosis on Dorsal Hands.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of ingenol mebutate 0.05% gel
      after cryosurgery versus cryosurgery alone for the treatment of hypertrophic and
      nonhypertrophic actinic keratosis on the dorsal hands. DESIGN: Investigator
      blinded split arm study. SETTING: Academic institution. PARTICIPANTS: Sixteen
      subjects with actinic keratoses on dorsal hands. RESULTS: There was a mean
      reduction in the number of hypertrophic actinic keratosis lesions adjusted for
      baseline in ingenol mebutate-treated versus control group of -4.3 versus -2.8,
      respectively. There was a mean reduction in the number of non-hypertrophic
      actinic keratosis lesions in the ingenol mebutate-treated versus control group of
      -3.8 versus -0.3. CONCLUSION: A statistically significant and clinically
      meaningful difference in response was demonstrated in favor of ingenol mebutate
      treated hands versus controls. No significant increase in local skin responses
      was noted when applying ingenol mebutate 0.05% gel on the same day as
      cryosurgery. TRIAL REGISTRY: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02251652.

PMID- 27672409
TI  - Improving Treatment of Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea with Laser and/or Topical
      Therapy Through Enhanced Discrimination of its Clinical Features.
AB  - Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory disease that can present with a variety of
      cutaneous symptoms. Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea is a subtype characterized
      by flushing (transient erythema), persistent central facial erythema (background
      erythema), and telangiectasias. The severity of individual symptoms differs in
      each patient, which can complicate the selection of an appropriate treatment
      strategy. Evaluation of these specific symptoms has been greatly improved by the
      routine use of diagnostic tools such as (video) dermatoscopy. Following a
      thorough clinical assessment, treatment decisions should be made based on the
      proportion of these individual symptoms in individual patients. Brimonidine 0.33%
      gel is recommended in the symptomatic treatment of facial erythema, and there is
      evidence for the efficacy of laser/light-based therapies in the treatment of
      erythema and telangiectasias. In patients presenting with both marked background
      erythema and telangiectasias, initial treatment with brimonidine 0.33% gel to
      target the erythema followed by laser/light-based therapy for the telangiectasias
      has been shown to be an effective combination in clinical practice. This article
      aims to facilitate treatment decision-making in clinical practice through: 1)
      better differentiation of the main symptoms of erythematotelangiectatic rosacea
      and 2) practical advice for the selection of appropriate treatments, based on
      clinical case examples. 

PMID- 27672410
TI  - A Comprehensive Critique and Review of Published Measures of Acne Severity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Acne vulgaris is a dynamic, complex condition that is notoriously
      difficult to evaluate. The authors set out to critically evaluate currently
      available measures of acne severity, particularly in terms of suitability for use
      in clinical trials. DESIGN: A systematic review was conducted to identify methods
      used to measure acne severity, using MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, and Wiley Online.
      Each method was critically reviewed and given a score out of 13 based on eight
      quality criteria under two broad groupings of psychometric testing and
      suitability for research and evaluation. RESULTS: Twenty-four methods for
      assessing acne severity were identified. Four scales received a quality score of
      zero, and 11 scored <=3. The highest rated scales achieved a total score of 6.
      Six scales reported strong inter-rater reliability (ICC>0.75), and four reported
      strong intra-rater reliability (ICC>0.75). The poor overall performance of most
      scales, largely characterized by the absence of reliability testing or evidence
      for independent assessment and validation indicates that generally, their
      application in clinical trials is not supported. CONCLUSION: This review and
      appraisal of instruments for measuring acne severity supports previously
      identified concerns regarding the quality of published measures. It highlights
      the need for a valid and reliable acne severity scale, especially for use in
      research and evaluation. The ideal scale would demonstrate adequate validation
      and reliability and be easily implemented for third-party analysis. The
      development of such a scale is critical to interpreting results of trials and
      facilitating the pooling of results for systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

PMID- 27672411
TI  - Enhancement of International Dermatologists' Pigmented Skin Lesion Biopsy
      Decisions Following Dermoscopy with Subsequent Integration of Multispectral
      Digital Skin Lesion Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early detection and subsequent management of melanoma are critical
      for patient survival. New technologies have been developed to augment clinician
      analysis of suspicious pigmented skin lesions. OBJECTIVE: To determine how
      information provided by a multispectral digital skin lesion analysis device
      affects the biopsy decisions of international dermatologists following clinical
      and dermoscopic pigmented skin lesion evaluation. METHODS: Participants at a
      dermoscopy conference in Vienna, Austria, were shown 12 clinical and dermoscopic
      images of pigmented skin lesions (2 melanomas in situ, 3 invasive melanomas, and
      7 low-grade dysplastic nevi) previously analyzed by multispectral digital skin
      lesion analysis. Participants were asked if they would biopsy the lesion based on
      clinical images, again after observing high-resolution dermoscopy images, and
      again when subsequently shown multispectral digital skin lesion analysis
      information. RESULTS: Data were analyzed from a total of 70 international
      dermatologists. Overall, sensitivity was 58 percent after clinical evaluation (C)
      and 59 percent post-dermoscopy (D), but 74 percent after multispectral digital
      skin lesion analysis. Participant specificity was 56 percent (C) decreasing to 51
      percent (D), but increasing to 61 percent with multispectral digital skin lesion
      analysis. Diagnostic accuracy was 57 percent (C) decreasing to 54 percent (D),
      but increasing to 67 percent for dermatologists after integrating the
      multispectral digital skin lesion analysis data into the biopsy decision. The
      overall number of lesions biopsied increased from 50 percent (C) to 53 percent
      (D), rising to 54 percent after multispectral digital skin lesion analysis.
      CONCLUSION: Decisions to biopsy melanocytic lesions were more sensitive and
      specific when multispectral digital skin lesion analysis information was provided
      with no significant increase in the number of biopsies recommended. Providing
      multispectral digital skin lesion analysis data may lead to additional
      improvement in biopsy accuracy with a concomitant decrease in the number of
      nonessential biopsies for pigmented skin lesions even after dermoscopic
      evaluation.

PMID- 27672412
TI  - Adverse Effects and Safety of 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors (Finasteride,
      Dutasteride): A Systematic Review.
AB  - Finasteride and dutasteride, both 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, are considered
      first-line treatment for androgenetic hair loss in men and used increasingly in
      women. In each case, patients are expected to take the medications indefinitely
      despite the lack of research regarding long-term adverse effects. Concerns
      regarding the adverse effects of these medications has led the United States
      National Institutes of Health to add a link for post-finasteride syndrome to its
      Genetic and Rare Disease Information Center. Herein, the authors report the
      results of a literature search reviewing adverse events of 5-alpha reductase
      inhibitors as they relate to prostate cancer, psychological effects, sexual
      health, and use in women. Several large studies found no increase in incidence of
      prostate cancer, a possible increase of high-grade cancer when detected, and no
      change in survival rate with 5-alpha reductase inhibitor use. Currently, there is
      no direct link between 5-alpha reductase inhibitor use and depression; however,
      several small studies have led to depression being listed as a side effect on the
      medication packaging. Sexual effects including erectile dysfunction and decreased
      libido and ejaculate were reported in as many as 3.4 to 15.8 percent of men. To
      date, there are very few studies evaluating 5-alpha reductase inhibitor use in
      women. Risks include birth defects in male fetuses if used in pregnancy,
      decreased libido, headache, gastrointestinal discomfort, and isolated reports of
      changes in menstruation, acne, and dizziness. Overall, 5-alpha reductase
      inhibitors were well-tolerated in both men and women, but not without risk,
      highlighting the importance of patient education prior to treatment. 

PMID- 27672413
TI  - Results of a Phase 2 Efficacy and Safety Study with SB204, an Investigational
      Topical Nitric Oxide-releasing Drug for the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare efficacy, tolerability, and safety of two concentrations of
      topical SB204 and vehicle twice daily for 12 weeks in the treatment of acne
      vulgaris. DESIGN: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, three-arm, Phase
      2 study. SETTING: Dominican Republic, Panama, and Honduras. PARTICIPANTS:
      Subjects with acne, age 12 to 40, with 25 to 70 noninflammatory lesions, 20 to 40
      inflammatory lesions, and a baseline Investigator's Global Assessment score of
      mild, moderate, or severe. MEASUREMENTS: The primary efficacy assessment was the
      absolute change in noninflammatory lesion counts. Other assessments included
      inflammatory lesion counts, success on dichotomized Investigator's Global
      Assessment, reported adverse events, physical examinations, laboratory testing,
      and tolerability. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-three subjects were randomized to
      vehicle (n=52), SB204 1% (n=51), or SB204 4% (n=50). When compared to vehicle,
      subjects treated with SB204 1% and SB204 4% had significantly greater mean
      percent reduction in noninflammatory lesions from baseline and subjects treated
      with SB204 4% had a significantly greater mean percent reduction in inflammatory
      lesion count from baseline at Week 12. There were no significant differences in
      the IGA success rates between groups. Both concentrations of SB204 were safe and
      well-tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: When compared to vehicle, both SB204 1% and SB204 4%
      significantly decreased the percentage of noninflammatory lesions and SB204 4%
      also significantly decreased the percentage of inflammatory lesions in subjects
      with acne vulgaris treated for 12 weeks. Treatment with SB204 1% and SB204 4% was
      safe and well-tolerated. Registry: clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01844752).

PMID- 27672414
TI  - Gender Differences in Self-assessed Health-related Quality of Life in Children
      with Atopic Dermatitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis has a significant impact on quality of life of
      children and families. OBJECTIVE: It is important to assess gender differences in
      health-related quality of life in children with atopic dermatitis in order to
      effectively use health-related quality of life results. METHODS: Children 5- to
      16-years of age with atopic dermatitis from Italy, Singapore, Czech Republic, and
      Ukraine were divided into two groups (boys and girls). Each child in the group of
      boys was matched to a corresponding child in the group of girls from the same
      country whose age and scoring atopic dermatitis value were almost identical. Self
      assessed health-related quality of life was measured by the Children's
      Dermatology Life Quality Index. RESULTS: The difference in overall Children's
      Dermatology Life Quality Index between boys and girls was not significant
      (P=0.33). Girls with atopic dermatitis assessed Children's Dermatology Life
      Quality Index item on embarrassment significantly higher (0.78+/-0.93 for boys
      and 1.14+/-0.93 for girls, P<0.05). Lowest scored items were the same and overall
      Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index results significantly correlated with
      scoring atopic dermatitis values in both groups. Two separate Children's
      Dermatology Life Quality Index items in boys and five items in girls
      significantly correlated with atopic dermatitis severity. The Children's
      Dermatology Life Quality Index item on affected sleep significantly correlated
      with the age of boys (r=0.38, P=0.02) and another Children's Dermatology Life
      Quality Index item on school work/holiday with the age of girls (r=0.59, P<0.01).
      CONCLUSION: Despite that the authors did not find differences in overall health
      related quality of life results, girls were more embarrassed, self-conscious,
      upset, and sad because of atopic dermatitis. The authors' results may influence
      the educational part of consultations of children with atopic dermatitis.

PMID- 27672415
TI  - New Oral Therapies for Psoriasis: A Comprehensive Review.
AB  - Conventional oral therapies for psoriasis, including methotrexate, cyclosporine,
      and acitretin, have generally unfavorable safety profiles and are not ideal for
      long-standing use. Thus, new oral therapies are necessary for patients with more
      moderate disease, patients who prefer oral treatments to injectable biologies,
      and patients who failed conventional therapies. The authors review here the
      clinical and safety evidence of phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor, apremilast, janus
      kinase inhibitors, including tofacitinib, and fumarie acid esters as additional
      options in oral psoriasis therapy. 

PMID- 27672416
TI  - Application of Nail Polish During Topical Management of Onychomycosis: Are Data
      Available to Guide the Clinician About What to Tell Their Patients?
AB  - Topical antifungal management of toenail onychomycosis has been fraught with
      several therapeutic challenges including difficulty gaining access to the site of
      infection and the need for prolonged durations of therapy. In addition, there has
      been a marked lack of information on the impact of toenail polish application on
      drug penetration after application. This article reviews available data from
      studies evaluating the effect of nail polish on antifungal drag penetration using
      ex vivo laboratory models with cadaver fingernail plates with both tavaborole 5%
      solution and efinaconazole 10% solution. In addition, changes in nail polish
      appearance and color transfer to applicators are also discussed, with changes
      noted with topical efinaconazole. Importantly, there are no data on whether or
      not nail polish application alters the efficacy of these topical agents. 

PMID- 27672417
TI  - The Use of Noninvasive Optical Coherence Tomography to Monitor the Treatment
      Progress of Vismodegib and Imiquimod 5% Cream in a Transplant Patient with
      Advanced Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Nose.
AB  - Immunosuppressed transplant recipients have increased risk for the development of
      basal cell carcinoma skin cancers. While oral vismodegib therapy has been
      successful in treating locally advanced basal cell tumors, few studies document
      its use and efficacy in organ transplant patients. In this immunocompromised
      population, topical imiquimod 5% cream has been shown to be an effective and well
      tolerated option for superficial and nodular basal cell carcinomas. To the
      authors' knowledge, no data documents the use of optical coherence tomography, a
      noninvasive imaging technique, to monitor progress of such combined therapies on
      in vivo skin. The authors report the successful treatment of an extensive basal
      cell carcinoma on the nose of an immunosuppressed 54-year-old Caucasian man with
      a history of kidney and pancreas transplantations. By combining continuous
      noninvasive lesion monitoring with vismodegib 150mg/d therapy and adjuvant
      imiquimod 5% topical cream, the patient showed complete disease clearance on
      clinical, optical coherence tomography, and histological evaluation. This report
      supports the feasibility and efficacy of nonsurgical treatment of basal cell
      lesions in complicated transplant patients and the need for individualized
      treatment plans. A noninvasive follow-up tool, especially during nonsurgical
      therapy, is of critical value to ensure the best possible treatment outcome for
      the patient. 

PMID- 27672418
TI  - Fully Regressive Melanoma: A Case Without Metastasis.
AB  - Fully regressive melanoma is a phenomenon in which the primary cutaneous melanoma
      becomes completely replaced by fibrotic components as a result of host immune
      response. Although 10 to 35 percent of cases of cutaneous melanomas may partially
      regress, fully regressive melanoma is very rare; only 47 cases have been reported
      in the literature to date. AH of the cases of fully regressive melanoma reported
      in the literature were diagnosed in conjunction with metastasis on a patient. The
      authors describe a case of fully regressive melanoma without any metastases at
      the time of its diagnosis. Characteristic findings on dermoscopy, as well as the
      absence of melanoma on final biopsy, confirmed the diagnosis. 

PMID- 27672419
TI  - Central Forehead Reconstruction with a Simple Primary Vertical Linear Closure.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Following Mohs surgery, medium-to-large defects on the central
      forehead can often be complicated to surgically reconstruct. In this paper, the
      authors discuss possible central forehead reconstructions and report their
      successful experience employing a simple primary vertical linear closure with a
      special technique to demarcate forehead rhytides rather than performing an overly
      complicated flap or graft. CASE REPORT: The patient was a 57-year-old man who
      presented with a broad superficial basal cell carcinoma that required treatment
      with Mohs surgery. For the resulting defect, the authors elected to perform a
      complex linear repair taking advantage of substantial side-to-side laxity in the
      supraperiosteal plane and carefully labeling and matching each forehead rhytide
      across the defect as the wound was sutured. CONCLUSION: The findings of this case
      demonstrate that medium-to-large wounds of the central forehead can be
      aesthetically repaired with a simple primary vertical linear closure. Carefully
      mapping and labeling horizontal forehead rhytides with a sterile surgical marking
      pen prior to anesthesia ensures accurate approximation during wound closure.

PMID- 27672420
TI  - Modulatory Effect of 2-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)amino-1,4-naphthoquinone on Endothelial
      Vasodilation in Rat Aorta.
AB  - The vascular endothelium plays an essential role in the control of the blood
      flow. Pharmacological agents like quinone (menadione) at various doses modulate
      this process in a variety of ways. In this study, Q7, a 2-phenylamino-1,4
      naphthoquinone derivative, significantly increased oxidative stress and induced
      vascular dysfunction at concentrations that were not cytotoxic to endothelial or
      vascular smooth muscle cells. Q7 reduced nitric oxide (NO) levels and endothelial
      vasodilation to acetylcholine in rat aorta. It also blunted the calcium release
      from intracellular stores by increasing the phenylephrine-induced
      vasoconstriction when CaCl2 was added to a calcium-free medium but did not affect
      the influx of calcium from extracellular space. Q7 increased the vasoconstriction
      to BaCl2 (10-3 M), an inward rectifying K+ channels blocker, and blocked the
      vasodilation to KCl (10-2 M) in aortic rings precontracted with BaCl2. This was
      recovered with sodium nitroprusside (10-8 M), a NO donor. In conclusion, Q7
      induced vasoconstriction was through a modulation of cellular mechanisms
      involving calcium fluxes through K+ channels, and oxidative stress induced
      endothelium damage. These findings contribute to the characterization of new
      quinone derivatives with low cytotoxicity able to pharmacologically modulate
      vasodilation.

PMID- 27672421
TI  - Targeting Antitumor Immune Response for Enhancing the Efficacy of Photodynamic
      Therapy of Cancer: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives.
AB  - Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive therapeutic strategy for
      cancer treatment, which can destroy local tumor cells and induce systemic
      antitumor immune response, whereas, focusing on improving direct cytotoxicity to
      tumor cells treated by PDT, there is growing interest in developing approaches to
      further explore the immune stimulatory properties of PDT. In this review we
      summarize the current knowledge of the innate and adaptive immune responses
      induced by PDT against tumors, providing evidence showing PDT facilitated
      antitumor immunity. Various immunotherapeutic approaches on different cells are
      reviewed for their effectiveness in improving the treatment efficiency in concert
      with PDT. Future perspectives are discussed for further enhancing PDT efficiency
      via intracellular targetable drug delivery as well as optimized experimental
      model development associated with the study of antitumor immune response.

PMID- 27672422
TI  - Role of targeted therapy in metastatic colorectal cancer.
AB  - Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant cause of cancer-related morbidity and
      mortality all over the world. Improvements of cytotoxic and biologic agents have
      prolonged the survival in metastatic CRC (mCRC), with a median overall survival
      of approximately 2 years and more in the past two decades. The biologic agents
      that have proven clinical benefits in mCRC mainly target vascular endothelial
      growth factor (VEGF) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). In particular,
      bevacizumab targeting VEGF and cetuximab and panitumumab targeting EGFR have
      demonstrated significant survival benefits in combination with cytotoxic
      chemotherapy in the first-line, second-line, or salvage setting. Aflibercept,
      ramucirumab, and regorafenib are also used in second-line or salvage therapy.
      Recent retrospective analyses have shown that KRAS or NRAS mutations were
      negative predictive markers for anti-EGFR therapy. Based on the evidence from
      large randomized clinical trials, personalized therapy is necessary for patients
      with mCRC according to their tumor biology and characteristics. The aim of this
      paper was to summarize the results of the major randomized clinical trials and
      highlight the benefits of the molecular targeted agents in patients with mCRC. 

PMID- 27672424
TI  - Pathogenesis and risk factors for gastric cancer after Helicobacter pylori
      eradication.
AB  - Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection was thought to be the main cause of
      gastric cancer, and its eradication showed improvement in gastric inflammation
      and decreased the risk of gastric cancer. Recently, a number of studies reported
      the occurrence of gastric cancer after successful eradication. Patients infected
      with H. pylori, even after eradication, have a higher risk for the occurrence of
      gastric cancer when compared with uninfected patients. Metachronous gastric
      cancer occurs frequently following the endoscopic removal of early gastric
      cancer. These data indicate that metachronous cancer leads to the occurrence of
      gastric cancer even after successful eradication of H. pylori. The pathogenesis
      of this metachronous cancer remains unclear. Further research is needed to
      identify biomarkers to predict the development of metachronous gastric cancer and
      methods for gastric cancer screening. In this article, we review the role of the
      H. pylori in carcinogenesis and the histological and endoscopic characteristics
      and risk factors for metachronous gastric cancer after eradication. Additionally,
      we discuss recent risk predictions and possible approaches for reducing the risk
      of metachronous gastric cancer after eradication. 

PMID- 27672423
TI  - Role of the preoperative usefulness of the pathological diagnosis of pancreatic
      diseases.
AB  - Pancreatic cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death and has the lowest
      survival rate of any solid cancer. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle
      aspiration biopsy (EUS-FNA) is currently capable of providing a cytopathological
      diagnosis of pancreatic malignancies with a higher diagnostic power, with a
      sensitivity and specificity of 85%-89% and 98%-99%, compared to pancreatic juice
      cytology (PJC), whose sensitivity and specificity are only 33.3%-93% and 83.3%
      100%. However, EUS-FNA is not effective in the cases of carcinoma in situ and
      minimally invasive carcinoma because both are undetectable by endoscopic
      ultrasonography, although PJC is able to detect them. As for the frequency of
      complications such as post endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
      pancreatitis, EUS-FNA is safer than PJC. To diagnose pancreatic cancer
      appropriately, it is necessary for us to master both procedures so that we can
      select the best methods of sampling tissues while considering the patient's
      safety and condition. 

PMID- 27672426
TI  - Pancreatic cancer: New hopes after first line treatment.
AB  - Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide.
      Extensive research has yielded advances in first-line treatment strategies, but
      there is no standardized second-line therapy. In this review, we examine the
      literature trying to establish a possible therapeutic algorithm. 

PMID- 27672425
TI  - Molecular mechanisms of chemoresistance in gastric cancer.
AB  - Gastric cancer is the fourth most common cancer and the second leading cause of
      cancer deaths worldwide. Chemotherapy is one of the major treatments for gastric
      cancer, but drug resistance limits the effectiveness of chemotherapy, which
      results in treatment failure. Resistance to chemotherapy can be present
      intrinsically before the administration of chemotherapy or it can develop during
      chemotherapy. The mechanisms of chemotherapy resistance in gastric cancer are
      complex and multifactorial. A variety of factors have been demonstrated to be
      involved in chemoresistance, including the reduced intracellular concentrations
      of drugs, alterations in drug targets, the dysregulation of cell survival and
      death signaling pathways, and interactions between cancer cells and the tumor
      microenvironment. This review focuses on the molecular mechanisms of
      chemoresistance in gastric cancer and on recent studies that have sought to
      overcome the underlying mechanisms of chemoresistance. 

PMID- 27672427
TI  - Association between serum vitamin D levels and gastric cancer: A retrospective
      chart analysis.
AB  - AIM: To determine whether there is an increased risk of gastric adenocarcinoma
      associated with vitamin D deficiency (VDd). METHODS: A retrospective case control
      study was performed of all patients diagnosed with gastric adenocarcinoma between
      2005 and 2015. After we excluded the patients without a documented vitamin D
      level, 49 patients were included in our study. RESULTS: The average age of
      patients with gastric adenocarcinoma and documented vitamin D level was 64 years
      old (95%CI: 27-86) and average vitamin D level was 20.8 mg/dL (95%CI: 4-44).
      Compared to a matched control group, the prevalence of VDd/insufficiency in
      patients with gastric adenocarcinoma was significantly higher than normal vitamin
      D levels (83.7% vs 16.3%). Forty-one patients (83.7%) with adenocarcinoma showed
      VDd/insufficiency compared to 18 (37%) patients with normal vitamin D level
      without gastric cancer (OR: 8.8, 95%CI: 5-22, P value < 0.0001). The average age
      of males with gastric adenocarcinoma diagnosis was 60 years old vs 68 years old
      for females (P = 0.01). Stage II gastric adenocarcinoma was the most prevalent in
      our study (37%). CONCLUSION: We reported a positive relationship between VDd and
      gastric adenocarcinoma, that is to say, patients with decreased VDd levels have
      an increased propensity for gastric adenocarcinoma.

PMID- 27672428
TI  - Delaying surgery after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy improves prognosis of rectal
      cancer.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the prognostic effect of a delayed interval between
      neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and surgery in locally advanced rectal
      cancer. METHODS: We evaluated 87 patients with locally advanced mid- or distal
      rectal cancer undergoing total mesorectal excision following an interval period
      after neoadjuvant CRT at Sisli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital,
      Istanbul between January 2009 and January 2014. Patients were divided into two
      groups according to the interval before surgery: < 8 wk (group I) and >= 8 wk
      (group II). Data related to patients, cancer characteristics and pathological
      examination were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: When the distribution of timing
      between group I (n = 45) and group II (n = 42) was viewed, comparison of interval
      periods (median +/- SD) of groups showed a significant difference of as 5 +/-
      1.28 wk in group I and 10.1 +/- 2.2 wk in group II (P < 0.001). The median follow
      up period for all patients was 34.5 (9.9-81) mo. group II had significantly
      higher rates of pathological complete response (pCR) than group I had (19% vs
      8.9%, P = 0.002). Rate of tumor regression grade (TRG) poor response was 44.4% in
      group I and 9.5% in group II (P < 0.002). A poor pathological response was
      associated with worse disease-free survival (P = 0.009). The interval time did
      not show any association with local recurrence (P = 0.79). CONCLUSION: Delaying
      the neoadjuvant CRT-surgery interval may provide nodal down-staging, improve pCR
      rate, and decrease the rate of TRG poor response.

PMID- 27672429
TI  - Questionnaire survey regarding the current status of super-extended lymph node
      dissection in Japan.
AB  - AIM: To verify the current status of super-extended lymph node dissection for
      advanced gastric cancer according to a questionnaire survey. METHODS: One-hundred
      and five institutions responded to the questionnaire. The survey included the
      following items: Number of experiences, whether performed prophylactically and/or
      therapeutically, whether preoperative chemotherapy was provided, number of
      preoperative chemotherapy rounds, and therapeutic options after chemotherapy.
      RESULTS: Eighty-seven of the 105 institutions (83%) had performed D3 gastrectomy
      in the past or continued to perform D3 gastrectomy at present. However, D3
      gastrectomy was rarely performed prophylactically in clinical practice. Seventy
      eight institutions (74%) indicated that preoperative chemotherapy with curative
      intent was required for patients suspected of having para-aortic node (PAN)
      metastases. After chemotherapy, a D3 gastrectomy was scheduled for patients with
      a complete or partial response, stable disease, and progressive disease at 36
      (46%), 28 (36%), and 13 (17%) of the institutions, respectively. CONCLUSION: For
      patients with apparent PAN metastasis, a D3 gastrectomy is typically planned if a
      few courses of preoperative chemotherapy yield at least a stable disease
      condition.

PMID- 27672430
TI  - Comparison of nutritional intake in US adolescent swimmers and non-athletes.
AB  - Swimming is a very popular sport among adolescents in the US. Little is known
      about the diet of competitive adolescent swimmers in the US but data from other
      countries indicate several inadequacies, including excessive intake of fat and
      lower than recommended intake of carbohydrate and several micronutrients that may
      affect athletic performance and bone accrual. We assessed usual diet, using a
      food frequency questionnaire and calcium checklist, among 191 adolescent males
      and females [91 swimmers (mean 13.7, s = 2.5 years) and 100 non-athletes (mean
      14.4, s = 2.8 years)]. For both males and females, swimmers and non-athletes
      generally had similar average intakes of macro- and micro-nutrients, including
      higher than recommended amounts of total fat (36%) and saturated fat (12%), and
      inadequate amounts of calcium, vitamin D, and daily servings of fruits,
      vegetables, grains, and dairy products. This first study of nutritional intake
      among adolescent swimmers in the US suggests that dietary habits of adolescents
      who swim competitively may jeopardize optimal athletic performance and place them
      at risk for future chronic diseases, including osteoporosis.

PMID- 27672431
TI  - Short-term adjusted outcomes for heart failure.
AB  - PURPOSE: Heart failure (HF) is recognized as a major problem in industrialized
      countries. Short-term adjusted outcomes are indicators of quality for care
      process during/after hospitalization. Our aim is to evaluate, for patients with
      principal diagnosis of HF, in-hospital mortality and 30-day readmissions for all
      causes using two different risk adjustment (RA) tools. METHODS AND RESULTS: We
      used data from the hospital discharge abstract (HD) of a retrospective cohort of
      patients (2002-2007) admitted in Tuscan hospitals, Italy. Considered outcomes
      were in-hospital mortality and readmission at 30 days. We compared the All
      Patients Refined Diagnosis Related Groups (APR-DRG) system and the Elixhauser
      Index (EI). Logistic regression was performed and models were compared using the
      C statistic (C). examined records were 58.202. Crude in-hospital mortality was
      9.7%. Thirty-day readmission was 5.1%. The APR-DRG class of risk of death (ROD)
      was a predictive factor for in-hospital mortality; the APR-DRG class of severity
      was not significantly associated with 30-day readmissions (P>0.05). EI
      comorbidities which were more strongly associated with outcomes were
      nonmetastatic cancer for in-hospital mortality (odds ratio, OR 2.25, P<0.001),
      uncomplicated and complicated diabetes for 30-day hospital readmissions (OR 1.20
      and 1.34, P<0.001). The discriminative abilities for in-hospital mortality were
      sufficient for both models (C 0.67 for EI, C 0.72 for APR-DRG) while they were
      low for 30-day readmissions rate (C 0.53 and 0.52). CONCLUSIONS: Age, gender, APR
      DRG ROD and some Elixhauser comorbidities are predictive factors of outcomes;
      only the APR-DRG showed an acceptable ability to predict hospital mortality while
      none of them was satisfactory in predicting the readmissions within 30 days.

PMID- 27672432
TI  - Yield of contemporary clinical strategies to detect patients with obstructive
      coronary artery disease.
AB  - PURPOSE: Noninvasive ischemia testing (NIST) is recommended for most patients
      suspected to have stable coronary artery disease (CAD) before invasive coronary
      angiography (ICA). We sought to assess the diagnostic predictive ability of NIST
      over clinical risk profiling in a contemporary sample of patients undergoing the
      currently recommended diagnostic triage strategy. METHODS: From 2006 to 2011,
      2,600 consecutive patients without known CAD undergoing elective ICA in a single
      tertiary-care center were retrospectively identified and the prevalence of
      obstructive CAD determined. To understand the incremental value of frequently
      used clinical parameters in predicting obstructive CAD, receiver operating
      characteristic curves were plotted for six sequential models starting with
      Framingham risk score and then progressively adding multiple clinical factors and
      finally NIST results. RESULTS: At ICA 1,268 patients (48.8%) had obstructive CAD.
      The vast majority (85%) were classified in an intermediate clinical pretest
      probability of CAD and NIST prior to ICA was used in 86% of the cohort. The most
      powerful correlate of obstructive CAD was the presence of severe angina (odds
      ratio (OR) = 9.1; 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.3-19.1). Accordingly, the
      incorporation of NIST in a sequential model had no significant effect on the
      predictive ability over that achieved by clinical and symptomatic status model (C
      statistic 0.754; 95% CI 0.732-0.776, p = 0.28). CONCLUSIONS: Less than half the
      patients with suspect stable obstructive CAD referred to a tertiary-level center
      for elective ICA had the diagnosis confirmed. In this clinical setting, the
      results of NIST may not have the power to change the discriminative ability over
      clinical judgment alone.

PMID- 27672433
TI  - Effectiveness of the CardioPain initiative in reducing inappropriate NSAID
      prescriptions in pain therapy among high cardiovascular risk patients: an
      informative Italian survey.
AB  - AIMS: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and COX-2 inhibitors
      (COXIBs) may be associated with increased cardiovascular (CV) risk and mortality
      in CV patients. After the release of Note 66 by Agenzia Italiana del Farmaco
      (AIFA) to reduce inappropriate prescribing of NSAIDs and COXIBs, the CARDIOPAIN
      initiative was started in Italy to include such recommendations into the hospital
      discharge letter of patients with high CV risk. We evaluated the effect of the
      CARDIOPAIN initiative on the prescription of analgesic drugs by general
      practitioners (GPs). METHODS: An online interview was proposed to 414 Italian
      GPs. A descriptive statistic was reported. RESULTS: Three groups of GPs were
      identified: those who found the Note 66 recommendations in most hospital
      discharge letters (the "MOST" group), those who found them in only few cases (the
      "FEW" group) and those who never found the recommendations (the "NO" group). In
      patients with high CV risk, the percentage of GPs prescribing NSAIDs as first
      choice in pain management was lower in the MOST group compared with the "FEW" or
      "NO" groups. GPs belonging to the "MOST" group prescribed NSAIDs in 28% of cases,
      compared with 50% of cases observed for GPs belonging to the "NO" group. The more
      severe the pathology the fewer the NSAID prescriptions, in favor of opioid agents
      administration. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the inclusion of the AIFA
      Note 66 in the discharge documents of high CV risk patients may have contributed
      to lower inappropriate NSAID prescriptions in Italian GPs. Presumably, a wider
      diffusion of the CARDIOPAIN initiative might improve the prescription
      appropriateness of analgesic drugs.

PMID- 27672434
TI  - Aspiration thrombectomy in a case of acute myocardial infarction due to coronary
      emboli in a patient with peripartum cardiomyopathy and mural thrombus.
AB  - Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) due to embolic phenomenon in the setting of
      peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) and left ventricular mural thrombus is a rare
      occurrence. There have been two known cases described in medical literature. We
      present a unique case in which catheter-based aspiration thrombectomy was used to
      successfully treat a patient with ACS due to coronary emboli in the setting of
      PPCMand left ventricular mural thrombus. We believe this to be the first report
      of the use of aspiration thrombectomy in such a clinical case. 

PMID- 27672435
TI  - Differences in coronary artery blood velocities in the setting of normal coronary
      angiography and normal stress echocardiography.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Normal left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery as determined
      by coronary angiography is considered not only to reflect normal angiography but
      also to correlate with normal anatomy and function. However, subjects who undergo
      coronary angiography may differ from those who do not need to have invasive
      evaluation even if their functional noninvasive studies like dobutamine stress
      echocardiography (DSE) were normal. AIM: LAD velocities in subjects with normal
      angiography and those with normal DSE are equal. METHODS: A total of 244 subjects
      were evaluated, 78 had normal LAD by angiography and 166 had normal LAD by DSE.
      All had Doppler sampling of LAD velocities by transthoracic echocardiography.
      RESULTS: Velocity was higher in the angiographic subgroup in diastole 41 +/- 23
      vs 33 +/- 14 cm/s, p = 0.0078; systole 18 +/- 14 vs 13 +/- 7 cm/s, p = 0.012;
      diastolic integral 12.6 +/- 5 vs 9.8 +/- 3.8 cm, p = 3.15 * 10(-5); systolic
      velocity integral 4 +/- 2.9 vs 2.8 +/- 1.9, p = 0.0014. While heart rate was
      similar in both groups, the product of diastolic velocity integral and heart rate
      of the LAD in the angiographic group was higher: 902 +/- 450 vs 656 +/- 394, p =
      0.00599. Diastolic velocity deceleration time was similar in both groups.
      Coronary flow reserve defined as diastolic velocity ratio before and immediately
      after DSE correlated negatively with baseline velocity, r = -0.4. CONCLUSIONS:
      Mode of defining normality of coronary artery affects velocity behavior of the
      vessel, reflecting functional differences possibly related to microvasculature
      and vasodilatation.

PMID- 27672438
TI  - Treatment of postoperative sciatic nerve palsy after total hip arthroplasty for
      postoperative acetabular fracture: A case report.
AB  - Acetabular fracture is usually treated with osteosynthesis. However, in the case
      of an intra-articular fracture, osteosynthesis can result in arthropathy of the
      hip joint and poor long-term results, hence, total hip arthroplasty is required.
      However, in total hip arthroplasty for postoperative acetabular fracture, sciatic
      nerve palsy tends to develop more commonly than after primary total hip
      arthroplasty. This is a case report of a 57-year-old Japanese male who had
      internal skeletal fixation for a left acetabular fracture that had occurred 2
      years earlier. One year later, he developed coxarthrosis and severe pain of the
      hip joint and total hip arthroplasty was performed. After the second surgery, he
      experienced pain along the distribution of the sciatic nerve and weakness of the
      muscles innervated by the peroneal nerve, indicating sciatic nerve palsy. We
      performed a third operation, and divided adhesions around the sciatic nerve.
      Postoperatively, the anterior hip joint pain and the buttocks pain when the hip
      was flexed were improved. Abduction of the fifth toe was also improved. However,
      the footdrop and sensory disturbance were not improved. A year after the third
      operation, sensory disturbance was slightly improved but the footdrop was not
      improved. We believe the sciatic nerve palsy developed when we dislocated the hip
      joint as the sciatic nerve was excessively extended as the hip joint flexed and
      internally rotated. Sciatic nerve adhesion can occur easily in total hip
      replacement for postoperative acetabular fracture; hence, adhesiotomy should be
      conducted before performing hip dislocation to prevent injury caused by nerve
      tension. The patient agreed that the details of this case could be submitted for
      publication. The work has been reported in line with the CARE criteria and cite. 

PMID- 27672437
TI  - Preparation and characterization of photoactive antimicrobial graphitic carbon
      nitride (g-C3N4) films.
AB  - Photoactive films derived from nanostructured samples of metal-free, intermediate
      band gap semiconductor graphitic carbon nitride (ns-g-C3N4) have been synthesized
      and characterized for their particle properties and antimicrobial activity.
      Physical characterization reveals that these materials are composed of discrete
      nanoparticles whose dimensions range from 200 nm to 700 nm. Investigation of the
      photochemical reactivity of ns-g-C3N4 using coumarin-3-carboxylic acid (3-CCA)
      indicates that this material produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) under visible
      radiation. When irradiated with 0.31J visible light, ns-g-C3N4-based materials
      reduced the viability of both gram-negative Escherichia coli O157:H7 and gram
      positive Staphylococcus aureus by approximately 50%. Nearly complete inactivation
      of both strains of microorganisms was achieved upon administration of a 0.62J
      dose of visible radiation. Importantly, no biocidal activity was observed for non
      irradiated samples, indicating that the g-C3N4-derived films are not inherently
      toxic in the absence of visible light. The results of this study suggest that
      materials and, by extention, films and coatings derived from g-C3N4 may present a
      novel route for controlling pathogenic microorganisms on surfaces in the
      environment, and could be useful in reducing incidents of hospital-acquired
      infections.

PMID- 27672439
TI  - Zinner's syndrome: report of two cases and review of the literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Congenital malformations of the seminal vesicle are uncommon, and
      most of them are cystic malformations. If an insult occurs between the 4th and
      the 13 h gestational week, the embryogenesis of the kidney, ureter, seminal
      vesicle, and vas deferens could be altered. Cysts of the seminal vesicle may
      appear with a mass effect, dysuria, epididymitis, or obstruction of the
      gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts. Approximately two thirds of them are
      associated with ipsilateral renal agenesis, because both the ureteral buds and
      seminal vesicles originate from the mesonephric (Wolffian) duct. They were first
      described by Zinner in 1914, and 200 cases of seminal vesicle cysts associated
      with ipsilateral renal agenesis have been reported in the literature. Most
      patients with this anomaly are asymptomatic until the third or fourth decade of
      life. Some cases have nonspecific symptoms such as prostatism, urinary urgency,
      dysuria, painful ejaculation, and perineal discomfort. Transrectal
      ultrasonography provides good visualization of the pelvic structures and allows
      guidance for aspiration of the cysts. CASE PRESENTATION: We present two cases of
      seminal vesicle cyst. The first patient had dysuria, increased frequency of
      urination, and haematuria. He was operated and benefited from a removal of the
      cyst with right ureterectomy and left ureteral reimplantation. The second patient
      had disorder of the digestive transit and he benefited from a laparoscopic
      removal of the cyst. CONCLUSIONS: Seminal vesicle cysts combined with ipsilateral
      renal agenesis are rare urological anomalies. Usual symptoms that are caused by
      the seminal vesicle cysts are bladder irritation and obstruction as well as pain
      in the perineum and scrotum. Epididymitis is frequently found. Treatment consists
      to removing the seminal vesicle cyst.

PMID- 27672436
TI  - SLC Transporters: Structure, Function, and Drug Discovery.
AB  - The human Solute Carrier (SLC) transporters are important targets for drug
      development. Structure-based drug discovery for SLC transporters requires the
      description of their structure, dynamics, and mechanism of interaction with small
      molecule ligands and ions. The recent determination of atomic structures of human
      SLC transporters and their homologs, combined with improved computational power
      and prediction methods have led to an increased applicability of structure-based
      drug design methods for human SLC members. In this review, we provide an overview
      of the SLC transporters' structures and transport mechanisms. We then describe
      computational techniques, such as homology modeling and virtual screening that
      are emerging as key tools to discover chemical probes for human SLC members. We
      illustrate the utility of these methods by presenting case studies in which
      rational integration of computation and experiment was used to characterize SLC
      members that transport key nutrients and metabolites, including the amino acid
      transporters LAT-1 and ASCT2, the SLC13 family of citric acid cycle intermediate
      transporters, and the glucose transporter GLUT1. We conclude with a brief
      discussion about future directions in structure-based drug discovery for the
      human SLC superfamily, one of the most structurally and functionally diverse
      protein families in human.

PMID- 27672440
TI  - Retraction Note: Brain injury following cardiac arrest: pathophysiology for
      neurocritical care.
AB  - [This retracts the article DOI: 10.1186/s40560-016-0140-9.]. 

PMID- 27672441
TI  - Hepatic steatosis, detected by hepatorenal index in ultrasonography, as a
      predictor of insulin resistance in obese subjects.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The metabolic syndrome is a worldwide health issue, with non
      alcoholic fatty liver disease (liver steatosis) being one of its features,
      particularly closely related to insulin resistance. This study aims to
      investigate whether quantification of hepatic steatosis by abdominal
      ultrasonography, using hepatorenal index, is a feasible tool for the prediction
      of insulin resistance, and thus the metabolic syndrome. METHODS: Patients were
      recruited from the Centre of Obesity at the University Hospital of North Norway,
      and among participants from the Sixth Tromso Study. Homeostasis Model Assessment
      of Insulin Resistance (HOMA1-IR) was measured, body mass index (BMI, kg/m(2))
      calculated, and hepatorenal index (HRI), i.e. the ratio of liver to kidney
      optical densities, was measured by transabdominal ultrasonography. Receiver
      operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were performed, detecting insulin
      resistance at HOMA1-IR cut-off values >2.3 and >2.5. RESULTS: Ninety participants
      were included in the study, of which 46 (51 %) had BMI >=30 and 27 (30 %) had BMI
      >=35. Overall, HRI at level 1.17 had sensitivity 0.90 and specificity 0.70 for
      predicting insulin resistance (HOMA1-IR >2.3) in all participants. For
      participants with BMI >=30, HRI at level 1.17 had sensitivity 0.94 and
      specificity 0.70, and for BMI >=35, HRI at level 1.17 had sensitivity 0.93 and
      specificity 0.75 for predicting HOMA1-IR >2.3. Setting the HRI limit at 1.42 gave
      low sensitivities and high specificities in all BMI groups. In the analysis
      predicting HOMA1-IR >2.5, sensitivity values were almost the same as in the
      analysis predicting HOMA1-IR >2.3, but specificity values were lower in this
      analysis. CONCLUSION: Detection and quantification of hepatic steatosis by
      ultrasound and the hepatorenal index is a feasible screening tool for identifying
      patients with low risk of having insulin resistance (IR, HRI <1.17), patients at
      risk of having IR (HRI 1.17-1.41) and patients with likely IR (HRI >=1.42),
      especially in obese individuals.

PMID- 27672442
TI  - Moving toward a prevention strategy for osteoporosis by giving a voice to a
      silent disease.
AB  - A major unmet challenge in developing preventative treatment programs for
      osteoporosis is that the optimal timing of treatment remains unknown. In this
      commentary we make the argument that the menopausal transition (MT) is a critical
      period in a woman's life for bone health, and that efforts aimed at reducing
      fracture risk later in life may benefit greatly from strategies that treat women
      earlier with the intent of keeping bones strong as long as possible. Bone
      strength is an important parameter to monitor during the MT because engineering
      principles can be applied to differentiate those women that maintain bone
      strength from those women that lose bone strength and are in need of early
      treatment. It is critical to understand the underlying mechanistic causes for
      reduced strength to inform treatment strategies. Combining measures of strength
      with data on how bone structure changes during the MT may help differentiate
      whether a woman is losing strength because of excessive bone resorption,
      insufficient compensatory bone formation, trabeculae loss, or some combination of
      these factors. Each of these biomechanical mechanisms may require a different
      treatment strategy to keep bones strong. The technologies that enable physicians
      to differentially diagnose and treat women in a preventive manner, however, have
      lagged behind the development of prophylactic treatments for osteoporosis. To
      take advantage of these treatment options, advances in preventive treatment
      strategies for osteoporosis may require developing new technologies with imaging
      resolutions that match the pace by which bone changes during the MT and
      supplementing a woman's bone mineral density (BMD)-status with information from
      engineering-based analyses that reveal the structural and material changes
      responsible for the decline in bone strength during the menopausal transition.

PMID- 27672443
TI  - Pharmaceutical studies on and clinical application of olanzapine suppositories
      prepared as a hospital preparation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A new formulation of olanzapine available for terminally ill patients
      is needed. Rectal administration using suppositories is an alternative for
      patients for whom administration via the oral route is not feasible. In the
      present study, we prepared olanzapine suppositories, and confirmed using
      pharmaceutical tests. Furthermore, we demonstrated the efficacy and safety of
      olanzapine suppositories in terminally ill patients. METHODS: We prepared
      olanzapine suppositories using bases consisting of different compositions of
      Witepsol H-15, Witepsol S-55, and Witepsol E-75. The suppository release test was
      performed, and the olanzapine suppository with the best dissolution rate was
      selected. The suppository was assessed using the content uniformity test, content
      test in suppositories, hardness test, stability test, and clinical efficacy and
      safety. RESULTS: The dissolution rate at 360 min of olanzapine suppositories with
      Witepsol H-15 was the best (77.0 +/- 3.3 %). The suppositories prepared had a
      uniform weight (2.47 +/- 0.02 g) and content (2.11 +/- 0.07 mg). The power
      required to break suppositories was 7.96 +/- 0.55 kgf. When olanzapine
      suppositories were stored with protection from light, their contents were
      maintained regardless of whether the temperature was at 4  degrees C or room
      temperature. The numbers of patients administered 2.5 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg of
      olanzapine suppositories were 4, 19, and 1. The percentages of patients with
      delirium or nausea and vomiting cured with olanzapine suppositories were 82 and
      57 %, respectively. CONCLUSION: We suggest that olanzapine suppositories prepared
      in the hospital by pharmacists will improve the quality of life of terminally ill
      patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: UMIN000022172. May 2, 2016 retrospectively
      registered.

PMID- 27672445
TI  - Erratum: Nuclear localization of platelet-activating factor receptor controls
      retinal neovascularization.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1038/celldisc.2016.17.]. 

PMID- 27672444
TI  - NTRK2 activation cooperates with PTEN deficiency in T-ALL through activation of
      both the PI3K-AKT and JAK-STAT3 pathways.
AB  - Loss of PTEN, a negative regulator of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase signaling
      pathway, is a frequent event in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, suggesting
      the importance of phosphoinositide 3-kinase activity in this disease. Indeed,
      hyperactivation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathway is associated with the
      disease aggressiveness, poor prognosis and resistance to current therapies. To
      identify a molecular pathway capable of cooperating with PTEN deficiency to drive
      oncogenic transformation of leukocytes, we performed an unbiased transformation
      screen with a library of tyrosine kinases. We found that activation of NTRK2 is
      able to confer a full growth phenotype of Ba/F3 cells in an IL3-independent
      manner in the PTEN-null setting. NTRK2 activation cooperates with PTEN deficiency
      through engaging both phosphoinositide3-kinase/AKT and JAK/STAT3 pathway
      activation in leukocytes. Notably, pharmacological inhibition demonstrated that
      p110alpha and p110delta are the major isoforms mediating the phosphoinositide 3
      kinase/AKT signaling driven by NTRK2 activation in PTEN-deficient leukemia cells.
      Furthermore, combined inhibition of phosphoinositide 3-kinase and STAT3
      significantly suppressed proliferation of PTEN-mutant T-cell acute lymphoblastic
      leukemia both in culture and in mouse xenografts. Together, our data suggest that
      a unique conjunction of PTEN deficiency and NTRK2 activation in T-cell acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia, and combined pharmacologic inhibition of phosphoinositide
      3-kinase and STAT3 signaling may serve as an effective and durable therapeutic
      strategy for T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. 

PMID- 27672446
TI  - In Vivo Positional Analysis of Implantable Collamer Lens Using Ultrasound
      Biomicroscopy.
AB  - Purpose. To evaluate the anterior segment, the anatomical position of the
      implantable collamer lenses (ICL), and its relationship to adjacent ocular
      structures using Ultrasound Biomicroscopy (UBM). Methods. In a prospective study,
      142 myopic eyes of 93 patients implanted with Visian ICL were subjected to UBM
      examination between March 2010 and January 2015. The relative position of ICL to
      the adjacent structure and the overall iris configuration were evaluated. The
      machine calibers were used to measure the minimum central distance between the
      ICL and anterior lens capsule (vault) and the vertical central distance between
      the corneal endothelium and the ICL (E-ICL). Results. The mean ICL vault was 376
      +/- 105 MUm. The mean E-ICL was 2826 +/- 331 MUm. Contact between ICL and the
      posterior epithelium of the iris was present in all eyes. The overall iris
      configuration was flat in 89 eyes. Central anterior convexity was present in 41
      eyes and mild peripheral iris bombe in 12 eyes. The haptics could be imaged in
      the ciliary sulcus in 112 eyes and at least one haptic resting on the lens
      periphery and zonules in 30 eyes. Conclusion. UBM can provide valuable anatomical
      information that allows detailed postoperative in vivo assessment of ICL. 

PMID- 27672447
TI  - Corneal Epithelial Remodeling and Its Effect on Corneal Asphericity after
      Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy for Myopia.
AB  - Purpose. To evaluate the changes in epithelial thickness profile following
      transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (T-PRK) for myopia and to investigate
      the effect of epithelial remodeling on corneal asphericity. Methods. Forty-four
      patients (44 right eyes) who underwent T-PRK were retrospectively evaluated.
      Epithelial thickness was measured using spectral-domain optical coherence
      tomography at different corneal zones (central, 2 mm; paracentral, 2-5 mm; and
      mid-peripheral, 5-6 mm) preoperatively and at 1 week and 1, 3, and 6 months
      postoperatively. The correlation between the changes in corneal epithelial
      thickness (DeltaCET) and postoperative Q-value changes (DeltaQ) was analyzed 6
      months postoperatively. Results. Epithelial thickness at 6 months showed a
      negative meniscus-like lenticular pattern with less central thickening, which
      increased progressively toward the mid-periphery (3.69 +/- 4.2, 5.19 +/- 3.8, and
      6.23 +/- 3.9 MUm at the center, paracenter, and mid-periphery, resp., P < 0.01).
      A significant positive relationship was observed between epithelial thickening
      and DeltaQ 6 months postoperatively (r = 0.438, 0.580, and 0.504, resp., P <
      0.01). Conclusions. Significant epithelial thickening was observed after T-PRK
      and showed a lenticular change with more thickening mid-peripherally, resulting
      in increased oblateness postoperatively. Epithelial remodeling may modify the
      epithelial thickness profile after surface ablation refractive surgery for
      myopia. 

PMID- 27672448
TI  - RMP: Reduced-set matching pursuit approach for efficient compressed sensing
      signal reconstruction.
AB  - Compressed sensing enables the acquisition of sparse signals at a rate that is
      much lower than the Nyquist rate. Compressed sensing initially adopted [Formula:
      see text] minimization for signal reconstruction which is computationally
      expensive. Several greedy recovery algorithms have been recently proposed for
      signal reconstruction at a lower computational complexity compared to the optimal
      [Formula: see text] minimization, while maintaining a good reconstruction
      accuracy. In this paper, the Reduced-set Matching Pursuit (RMP) greedy recovery
      algorithm is proposed for compressed sensing. Unlike existing approaches which
      either select too many or too few values per iteration, RMP aims at selecting the
      most sufficient number of correlation values per iteration, which improves both
      the reconstruction time and error. Furthermore, RMP prunes the estimated signal,
      and hence, excludes the incorrectly selected values. The RMP algorithm achieves a
      higher reconstruction accuracy at a significantly low computational complexity
      compared to existing greedy recovery algorithms. It is even superior to [Formula:
      see text] minimization in terms of the normalized time-error product, a new
      metric introduced to measure the trade-off between the reconstruction time and
      error. RMP superior performance is illustrated with both noiseless and noisy
      samples. 

PMID- 27672449
TI  - Mechanochemical synthesis of chitosan submicron particles from the gladius of
      Todarodes pacificus.
AB  - The present work focused on the synthesis of beta-chitosan submicron particles
      (CSPs) from Todarodes pacificus using mechanochemical techniques. The gladius was
      submitted to a sequence of mechanical and chemical treatments to synthesize beta
      chitin (CT), which was further deacetylated to form spherical chitosan submicron
      particles with an average diameter of ?100 nm. The surface morphology of beta
      chitin and CSPs was observed using electron microscopy. The degree of
      deacetylation (DD%), evaluated from the absorbance peak of a Fourier Transform
      Infrared (FTIR) spectrum, was 80 +/- 2.5%. Physicochemical characterization
      exhibited good crystallinity, positive zeta potential and low molecular weight,
      as well as reduced ash content and high water-binding capacity. CSPs exhibit
      significant antimicrobial properties toward all tested pathogenic bacterial and
      fungal microorganisms. Antioxidant analysis revealed high reducing power and
      excellent scavenging and chelating ability. Hence, CSPs synthesized from gladius
      of Todarodes pacificus using mechanochemical techniques are promising candidates
      for biomedical applications. 

PMID- 27672450
TI  - A review on bis-hydrazonoyl halides: Recent advances in their synthesis and their
      diverse synthetic applications leading to bis-heterocycles of biological
      interest.
AB  - This review covers a summary of the literature data published on the chemistry of
      bis-hydrazonoyl halides over the last four decades. The biological activities of
      some of the bis-heterocyclic compounds obtained from these bis-hydrazonoyl
      halides are also reviewed and discussed. 

PMID- 27672451
TI  - Perceptions and Experiences about Self-Disclosure of HIV Status among Adolescents
      with Perinatal Acquired HIV in Poor-Resourced Communities in South Africa.
AB  - Background. There is limited research on the disclosure experiences of
      adolescents with perinatal acquired HIV (PAH). The study explores how adolescents
      with PAH experience living with HIV and examined their perceptions and
      experiences regarding disclosure and onward self-disclosure to friends and sexual
      partners. Methods. Thematic analysis was used to analyze in-depth interviews
      conducted with 37 adolescents. Findings. Adolescents received disclosure about
      their status at mean age of 12 years. They perceived disclosure as necessary and
      appreciated the truthful communication they received. Adolescents have learned to
      accept and live with HIV, and they desired to be healthy and normal like other
      people. After receiving disclosure, they found their treatment meaningful, and
      they adhered to medication. However, they also expressed a strong message that
      their HIV status was truly their secret and that self-disclosure to others will
      take the feeling of being normal away from them because they will be treated
      differently. Conclusion. Adolescents maintained secrecy in order to be accepted
      by their peers but also to protect themselves from stigma and isolation. Given
      that adolescents want to be informed of their HIV status but desire controlling
      self-disclosure of their HIV status, these should form the basis for development
      of disclosure interventions. 

PMID- 27672452
TI  - An Exploratory Study Using Cortisol to Describe the Response of Incarcerated
      Women IPV Survivors to MAMBRA Intervention.
AB  - Objective. To determine if incarcerated women survivors of IPV had a
      physiological response to the Music and Account-Making for Behavioral-Related
      Adaptation (MAMBRA) intervention, as measured by cortisol levels. Methods. A
      single-group repeated measures designed exploratory study was used to pilot-test
      MAMBRA. A convenience sample (n = 33) was recruited in a Midwestern women's
      correctional facility. Serving as their own control, participants provided
      demographics and pre-/post-MAMBRA salivary samples while attending four MAMBRA
      sessions. Baseline data were compared to participants' data collected over the
      remaining 3 MAMBRA sessions. Data were analyzed with descriptive and univariate
      statistics with an alpha of .05 and post-hoc power of .65. Results. Participants
      were predominantly White (52%), single (80%), and early middle-aged ([Formula:
      see text]), with a history of physical/nonphysical spousal abuse. Using a
      subsample (n = 26), salivary cortisol decreased between the pre-/post-MAMBRA over
      the sessions (F(3,75) = 4.59, p < .01). Conclusion. Participants had a
      physiological response to the MAMBRA intervention as evidenced by the decreased
      cortisol between the pre-/post-MAMBRA. This is the first step in examining
      MAMBRA's clinical utility as an intervention for female IPV survivors. Future
      longitudinal studies will examine MAMBRA's effectiveness given this change in
      cortisol. 

PMID- 27672453
TI  - Short-Term Effects of Hydrokinesiotherapy in Hospitalized Preterm Newborns.
AB  - Background. In the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) environment, preterm
      newborns are subject to environmental stress and numerous painful interventions.
      It is known that hydrokinesiotherapy promotes comfort and reduces stress because
      of the physiological properties of water. Objective. To evaluate the short-term
      effects of hydrokinesiotherapy on reducing stress in preterm newborns admitted to
      the NICU. Materials and Methods. Fifteen preterm newborns underwent salivary
      cortisol measurement, pain evaluation using the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale
      (NIPS), and heart rate, respiratory rate, and peripheral oxygen saturation
      measurements before and after the application of hydrokinesiotherapy. Results.
      The mean gestational age of the newborns was 34.2 +/- 1.66 weeks, and the mean
      weight was 1823.3 +/- 437.4 g. Immediately after application of
      hydrokinesiotherapy, a significant reduction was observed in salivary cortisol (p
      = 0.004), heart rate (p = 0.003), and respiratory rate (p = 0.004) and a
      significant increase was observed in peripheral oxygen saturation (p = 0.002).
      However, no significant difference was observed in the NIPS score (p > 0.05).
      Conclusion. In the present study, neonatal hydrotherapy promoted short-term
      relief from feelings of stress. Neonatal hydrokinesiotherapy may be a therapeutic
      alternative. However, this therapy needs to be studied in randomized, crossover,
      and blinded trials. This trial is registered with NCT02707731. 

PMID- 27672454
TI  - Bronchoesophageal Fistula Stenting Using High-Frequency Jet Ventilation and
      Underwater Seal Gastrostomy Tube Drainage.
AB  - Managing a patient scheduled for bronchoesophageal fistula repair is challenging
      for the anesthetist. If appropriate ventilation strategy is not employed, serious
      complications such as hypoxemia, gastric distension, and pulmonary aspiration can
      occur. We present the case of a 62-year-old man with a bronchoesophageal fistula
      in the left main stem bronchus requiring the insertion of a Y-shaped
      tracheobronchial stent through a rigid bronchoscope, under general anesthesia. We
      successfully managed this intervention and herein report this case to demonstrate
      the effectiveness of underwater seal gastrostomy tube drainage used in
      conjunction with high-frequency jet ventilation during bronchoesophageal fistula
      stenting. 

PMID- 27672455
TI  - Successful Intravascular Ultrasound-Guided Transradial Coronary Intervention with
      a 4Fr Guiding Catheter.
AB  - Minimizing the catheter size can reduce vascular access complications and
      contrast dye usage in coronary angiography. The small diameter of the 4Fr guiding
      catheter has limited the use of several angioplasty devices such as intravascular
      ultrasound (IVUS) in the past. However, the combination of a novel IVUS catheter
      and a 0.010 guidewire makes it possible to perform IVUS-guided percutaneous
      coronary intervention (PCI) with a 4Fr guiding catheter. We herein report the
      case of a 51-year-old man with silent myocardial ischemia who underwent IVUS
      guided transradial PCI with a 4Fr guiding catheter. 

PMID- 27672456
TI  - Reversal of a Suspected Paradoxical Reaction to Zopiclone with Flumazenil.
AB  - We describe the care for an elderly woman who was admitted to the intensive care
      unit (ICU) to receive noninvasive ventilation for acute exacerbation of chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease. After administration of the sleeping pill
      zopiclone, a nonbenzodiazepine receptor agonist (NBRA), the patient became
      agitated and was confused, a possible paradoxical reaction to benzodiazepines.
      These symptoms were immediately resolved after treatment with flumazenil, usually
      used to reverse the adverse effects of benzodiazepines or NBRAs and to reverse
      paradoxical reactions to benzodiazepines. This case indicates that zopiclone
      induced behavioral changes resembling a paradoxical reaction to benzodiazepines
      and these symptoms may be treated with flumazenil. 

PMID- 27672457
TI  - Acute Liver and Renal Failure: A Rare Adverse Effect Exclusive to Intravenous
      form of Amiodarone.
AB  - Amiodarone is an antiarrhythmic drug which is highly effective against a wide
      spectrum of ventricular tachyarrhythmias making it irreplaceable in certain group
      of patients. We report an unusual case of acute liver and renal failure within 24
      hours of initiation of intravenous (IV) amiodarone which resolved after stopping
      the medication. The mechanism of acute liver and renal toxicity is not clearly
      known but is believed to be secondary to amiodarone induced (relative)
      hypotension, idiosyncratic reaction to the drug, and toxicity of the vector that
      carries the medication, polysorbate-80. In this case review, we discuss the
      hyperacute drug toxicity caused by IV amiodarone being a distinctly different
      entity compared to the adverse effects shown by oral amiodarone and support the
      suggestion that oral amiodarone can be safely administered even in patients who
      manifest acute hepatitis with the IV form. 

PMID- 27672458
TI  - Root Canal Stripping: Malpractice or Common Procedural Accident-An Ethical
      Dilemma in Endodontics.
AB  - Root canal stripping is defined as an oblong, vertical perforation that appears
      especially in the middle section of curved root canals during endodontic
      treatments with nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) instruments. Its occurrence may
      drastically affect the outcome of the treatment, transforming a common otherwise
      efficient endodontic procedure into a complication such as tooth extraction. In
      order to discuss the ethical and legal consequences, two cases of dental strip
      perforations are herewith presented. Due to the existence of risk factors for
      dental strip perforation, experience of the clinician and the use of
      magnification and modern imagistic methods (CBCT) may avoid or reduce the
      frequency of this type of accidents. Under correct working circumstances, dental
      stripping should not be regarded as a malpractice but as a procedural accident.
      However, the patient must always be informed, before and during the endodontic
      procedure, about the event and the possible complications that may occur. 

PMID- 27672459
TI  - An Atypical Presentation of Sporadic Jejunal Burkitt's Lymphoma.
AB  - Burkitt's lymphoma is a very aggressive type of B-cell NHL with replication
      approaching 100%. Primary gastrointestinal lymphoma is rare. In our case, a 24
      year-old male initially presented with symptomatic anemia. He was initially
      evaluated with colonoscopy and EGD, both of which were unremarkable. A capsule
      endoscopy was then performed to further evaluate his significant anemia which
      revealed friable inflamed ulcerated mass in the jejunum. A push enteroscopy was
      then performed to obtain tissue from the jejunal mass. Biopsy results and
      immunohistochemical stains were consistent with Burkitt's lymphoma. PET/CT scan
      revealed only jejunal involvement. Treatment consisted of bowel resection prior
      to chemotherapy due to concern for perforation with chemotherapy. Patient
      achieved complete remission after the treatment. 

PMID- 27672460
TI  - Primary Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Localized to the Lacrimal Sac: A Case
      Presentation and Review of the Literature.
AB  - We report a rare case of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) of the lacrimal
      sac in a 50-year-old male. The incidence of primary ocular lymphoma is low and it
      is considered a rare disease. Moreover, reports of ocular DLBCL are uncommon and
      the disease remains poorly characterized. Our patient presented for management of
      osteomyelitis and was incidentally found to have a painless swelling and cyst
      around his right eye. A PET/CT scan revealed hypermetabolic activity within the
      lacrimal sac and a subsequent excisional biopsy of the mass yielded
      histopathology consistent with DLBCL. Consequently, the patient underwent
      treatment with R-CHOP therapy. The patient responded well to chemotherapy with a
      substantial shrinkage in tumor burden and the disease remained localized. Herein,
      we present a rare case of primary ocular lymphoma, highlight the importance of
      early diagnosis, and review current treatment modalities. 

PMID- 27672461
TI  - Dementia Improvement after Plasma Exchange for Familial Hypercholesterolemia.
AB  - Worldwide dementia related memory issues affect a great number of patients and
      families. In this case, a "senior moment" was noted at age fifty and issues with
      memory and mind progressed resulting in early retirement from work. The patient
      described here was given a diagnosis of "Pre-Alzheimer's disease" and presented
      for further accurate evaluation, diagnosis, and management. The medical
      management resulted in an improvement in the patients memory and cognitive
      ability. 

PMID- 27672462
TI  - Reversible Fetal Renal Impairment following Angiotensin Receptor Blocking
      Treatment during Third Trimester of Pregnancy: Case Report and Review of the
      Literature.
AB  - Background. Late pregnancy usage of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE
      I) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) may cause severe oligohydramnios
      due to fetal renal impairment. Affected neonates will often suffer from fatal,
      renal, and respiratory failure. Case. A 39-year-old multigravida admitted due to
      anhydramnios secondary to valsartan (ARB) exposure at 30 weeks' gestation.
      Following secession of treatment amniotic fluid volume returned to normal.
      Delivery was induced at 34 weeks' gestation following premature rupture of
      membranes and maternal fever. During the two-year follow-up, no signs of renal
      insufficiency were noted. Conclusions. This description of reversible fetal renal
      damage due to ARB intake during pregnancy is the first to show no adverse renal
      function in a two-year follow-up period. This case may help clinicians counsel
      patients with pregnancies complicated by exposure to these drugs. 

PMID- 27672463
TI  - A Case of Successful Foraminotomy for Severe Bilateral C5 Palsy following
      Posterior Decompression and Fusion Surgery for Cervical Ossification of Posterior
      Longitudinal Ligament.
AB  - We report a very rare (5~7%) case of bilateral C5 palsy after cervical surgery. A
      71-year-old male patient with cervical ossification of posterior longitudinal
      ligament (OPLL) with foraminal stenosis at bilateral C4/5 underwent posterior
      decompression and fusion surgery. After surgery, muscle weakness in his both
      deltoid and biceps was detected and gradually deteriorated to complete paralysis.
      Postoperative MRI showed sufficient decompression of the spinal cord and
      posterior shifting. Subsequently, an additional bilateral foraminotomy at C4/5
      was performed, with a suspicion that bilateral foraminal stenosis at C4/5 may
      have been the cause of the paresis. After foraminotomy, muscular contraction was
      seen in both deltoid and biceps. Finally, complete motor recovery was achieved in
      a year. Although the gold standard procedure for the prevention and treatment of
      postoperative C5 palsy has not yet been established, an additional foraminotomy
      may be recommended for severe C5 palsy in cases of foraminal stenosis even after
      the occurrence of palsy. 

PMID- 27672464
TI  - Traumatic Testicular Dislocation Associated with Lateral Compression Pelvic Ring
      Injury and T-Shaped Acetabulum Fracture.
AB  - We report a case of a unilateral testicular dislocation to the superficial
      inguinal region associated with a lateral compression type pelvic ring injury
      (OTA classification 61-C3.3a2, b2, c3) and left T-shaped acetabulum fracture (OTA
      classification 62-B2) in a 44-year-old male who was in a motorcycle accident. The
      testicular dislocation was noted during the emergency department primary survey,
      and its location and viability were verified with ultrasound. The testicle was
      isolated during surgical stabilization of the left acetabulum through a
      Pfannenstiel incision and modified-Stoppa approach and returned through the
      inguinal canal to the scrotum. In follow-up, the patient did not suffer urologic
      or sexual dysfunction. All motorcycle collision patients presenting with pelvic
      ring injuries or acetabulum fractures should be worked up for possible testicular
      dislocation with a scrotal exam. Advanced imaging and a urologic consult may be
      necessary to detect and treat these injuries. 

PMID- 27672465
TI  - Oral Neurothekeoma of the Right Buccal Mucosa.
AB  - Oral neurothekeoma or nerve sheath myxoma is a rare benign oral tumour of nerve
      sheath origin. Historically, this tumour has been subclassified as myxoid
      (classic), mixed, or the cellular type, depending on the amount of myxoid stroma
      and cellularity. We present a case of oral neurothekeoma (mixed type) of the
      buccal mucosa. The tumour was completely excised. No recurrence was detected in
      the last 3 years after local excision. 

PMID- 27672466
TI  - Leiomyosarcoma Ex Pleomorphic Adenoma of the Parotid Gland: A Case Report and
      Literature Review.
AB  - There is only one previously reported incident in the English literature of
      sarcoma ex pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid and there are only 8 cases of
      primary parotid leiomyosarcoma. In our case, a 79-year-old female patient
      presented to our care with left preauricular pain, swelling, and facial weakness.
      After CT imaging, she underwent left total parotidectomy. A spindle cell lesion
      was identified intraoperatively and the facial nerve was sacrificed. Subsequent
      analysis of the lesion yielded a diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma ex pleomorphic
      adenoma. After 30 fractions of radiation therapy, scans were negative for tumor.
      However, 18 months after first experiencing symptoms, she was found to have
      metastases to the brainstem and lung. When diagnosing sarcoma ex pleomorphic
      adenoma of the parotid gland, it is important to perform thorough
      immunohistochemical staining and exclude a previous history of sarcoma or other
      sources of metastases. Complete resection is critical due to the tumor's local
      aggressiveness and metastatic potential. Although these tumors are not very
      responsive to chemotherapy or radiation, adjuvant treatment is commonly used when
      margins are unclear. 

PMID- 27672468
TI  - Lobular Carcinoma of the Breast Metastatic to the Spleen and Accessory Spleen:
      Report of a Case.
AB  - Despite the fact that accessory spleen (also known as supernumerary spleen,
      splenunculus, or splenule) can be found in 10-30% of patients undergoing
      autopsies, metastatic disease occurring in this organ has been barely reported. A
      case of lobular breast carcinoma metastatic to the spleen and accessory spleen
      found incidentally at therapeutic splenectomy for severe anemia and
      thrombocytopenia is described. On microscopic examination both organs revealed
      severe fibrocongestive changes and extramedullary hematopoiesis with no obvious
      carcinomatous involvement. Cytokeratin 7, estrogen receptors, and GATA3
      immunohistochemistry disclosed the presence of numerous metastatic breast
      carcinoma cells infiltrating the splenic parenchyma. This case demonstrates that
      metastatic carcinoma can be encountered, although rarely, in accessory spleens
      and that cytokeratin stain should be performed in sections of spleens and/or
      accessory spleens excised from cancer patients in which the presence of malignant
      epithelial cells is not recognized on routine sections. 

PMID- 27672467
TI  - Solitary Fibrous Tumor of the Sigmoid Colon Masquerading as an Adnexal Neoplasm.
AB  - Solitary fibrous tumor is a rare, benign spindle cell neoplasm that was first
      described in the thoracic pleura. This tumor is now known to occur at many
      extrapleural sites. There are established criteria for the diagnosis of malignant
      solitary fibrous tumor including >=4 mitotic figures per 10 high-power fields,
      increased cellularity, cytologic atypia, infiltrative margins, and/or necrosis.
      Although all solitary fibrous tumors have the potential to recur or metastasize,
      those with malignant histologic features tend to behave more aggressively. We
      report a case of solitary fibrous tumor, with malignant histologic features, in a
      21-year-old woman which arose from the serosal surface of the sigmoid colon. 

PMID- 27672469
TI  - Idiopathic Transverse Myelitis Mimicking an Intramedullary Spinal Cord Tumor.
AB  - The differential diagnoses for spinal cord lesions include spinal tumors and
      inflammatory processes. The distinction between these pathologies can be
      difficult if solely based on imaging. We report for the first time to our
      knowledge a case of idiopathic transverse myelitis (ITM) mimicking a discrete
      cervical spinal lesion in a 66-year-old man who presented with gait instability
      and neck pain. The patient's symptoms failed to resolve after an initial course
      of steroid therapy. Surgical biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of ITM. Subsequent
      treatment with dexamethasone resulted in complete resolution of the symptoms as
      well as the intramedullary enhancement. ITM is most common in the cervical and
      thoracic spine, spanning 3-4 spinal segments. It usually occupies more than 50%
      of the cross-sectional area of the spinal cord and tends to be central, uniform,
      and symmetric. It exhibits patchy and peripheral contrast enhancement. These
      criteria are useful guidelines that help distinguish ITM from neoplastic spinal
      lesions. A decision to perform biopsy must take into consideration the patient's
      clinical symptoms, the rate of progression of neurological deficits, and the
      imaging characteristics of the lesion. Surgical biopsy for questionable lesions
      should be reserved for patients with progressive neurological deficits refractory
      to empirical medical therapy. 

PMID- 27672470
TI  - Down-Turner Syndrome: A Case with Double Monoclonal Chromosomal Abnormality.
AB  - Introduction. The coexistence of Down and Turner syndromes due to double
      chromosome aneuploidy is very rare; it is even more rare to find the presence of
      a double monoclonal chromosomal abnormality. Objective. To report a unique case
      of double monoclonal chromosomal abnormality with trisomy of chromosome 21 and an
      X ring chromosome in all cells studied; no previous report has been found. Case
      Report. Female, 28 months old, with pathological short stature from birth, with
      the following dysmorphic features: tilted upward palpebral fissures, short neck,
      brachycephaly, and low-set ears. During the neonatal period, the infant presented
      generalized hypotonia and lymphedema of hands and feet. Karyotype showed
      47,X,r(X),+21 [30]. Conclusion. Clinical features of both Down and Turner
      syndromes were found, highlighting short stature that has remained below 3 z
      score from birth to the present, associated with delayed psychomotor development.
      G-banded karyotype analysis in peripheral blood is essential for a definitive
      diagnosis. 

PMID- 27672471
TI  - Skin Findings in a Patient with Sjogren's Syndrome.
AB  - Hypergammaglobulinemic purpura (HGP) is a syndrome constellating recurrent
      purpura, hypergammaglobulinemia, positive rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-Ro/La
      antibodies, and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). We present a case
      of a 29-year-old female who was diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome four years
      prior to presenting with rash on her lower extremities for a period of 6 months.
      Skin biopsy at the initial visit was consistent with leukocytoclastic vasculitis
      and was initiated on treatment for it. Her rash evolved into 2-5 mm scattered
      purpurae while she was on the treatment and a repeat biopsy showed extravasation
      of RBCs, a sparse mononuclear infiltrate with deposition of plasma cells, and no
      evidence of leukocytoclastic vasculitis, thus showing a transition from
      neutrophilic to mononuclear inflammatory vascular disease which is a rare
      occurrence. Hypergammaglobulinemic purpura sometimes turns out to be a
      challenging disease to manage and requires an integrated effort from the primary
      care doctors, rheumatologist, and dermatologist. 

PMID- 27672472
TI  - A Case of Acute Budd-Chiari Syndrome Complicating Primary Antiphospholipid
      Syndrome Presenting as Acute Abdomen and Responding to Tight Anticoagulant
      Therapy.
AB  - A 34-year-old woman with primary antiphospholipid syndrome was admitted to the
      Gastroenterology Department of our hospital with fever, acute abdomen, watery
      diarrhea, and extremely high levels of inflammatory parameters. She had a history
      of left lower limb deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism and was taking
      warfarin potassium. Acute gastroenteritis was suspected and an antibiotic was
      administered, but symptoms progressed. Abdominal ultrasonography showed occlusion
      of the left hepatic vein and the middle hepatic vein and her D-dimer level was
      high. Accordingly, Budd-Chiari syndrome was diagnosed and high-dose intravenous
      infusion of heparin was initiated. Her abdominal symptoms improved and the levels
      of inflammatory parameters and D-dimer decreased rapidly. It is known that
      antiphospholipid syndrome can be complicated by Budd-Chiari syndrome that usually
      occurs as subacute or chronic onset, but acute onset is rare. It is difficult to
      diagnose acute Budd-Chiari syndrome complicating antiphospholipid syndrome and
      this complication generally has a poor outcome. However, the present case can get
      early diagnosis and successful treatment with tight anticoagulant therapy. 

PMID- 27672473
TI  - An Unusual Case of Abdominal Leiomyoma Presenting as a Free Lying Intraperitoneal
      Mass in an Elderly Gentleman.
AB  - Introduction. Leiomyomas are common benign tumours of female reproductive tract
      and are rarely seen in extrauterine location. Case Report. We report an
      interesting case of a free lying abdominal leiomyoma presenting as a painless
      abdominal lump in an elderly gentleman. Discussion. Primary abdominal leiomyomas
      are uncommon and require surgical removal if symptomatic. 

PMID- 27672474
TI  - Levator Ani Necrosis: An Exceptional Complication Occurring after "High Intensity
      Focused Ultrasound" of the Prostate.
AB  - High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a minimally invasive treatment option
      that might be considered in the management of localized prostate cancer. It is a
      well-tolerated treatment with few minor urologic complications and no major
      toxicities. In this paper, we report to our knowledge the first case of levator
      ani necrosis in a patient treated with HIFU, manifesting as sturdy perineal pain,
      which took years of NSAID intake and serial MRIs to demonstrate partial
      improvement. Therefore, we regard HIFU as a serious potential treatment option
      that still requires longer follow-up data before its approval in the personalized
      treatment panel of prostate cancer. 

PMID- 27672475
TI  - Effects of a Comprehensive, Multiple Risky Behavior Prevention Program on High
      School Students.
AB  - The purpose of this research study was to examine the effect of a multiple risky
      behaviors prevention program applied comprehensively throughout an entire school
      system involving universal, selective, and indicated levels of students at a
      local private high school during a 4-year period. The noncurriculum prevention
      program was created based upon the key elements of effective prevention
      programming and the need to address the growing variety of risky behaviors that
      the youth face today. Results (n = 469 to 614) indicated that 7 out of 15 risky
      behaviors statistically significantly decreased throughout the 4-year study, with
      6 behaviors involving alcohol and drugs. However, many of the targeted non
      substance-use risky behaviors displayed inconsistent prevalence rate patterns
      without statistically significant changes. These findings indicate that the
      frequency and intensity of programming for non-substance-use behaviors should be
      increased to a value at least equal to that of the substance-use behaviors.
      Implications for schools, prevention specialists, and future program development
      and research are discussed. 

PMID- 27672476
TI  - Expression of Phenotypic Astrocyte Marker Is Increased in a Transgenic Mouse
      Model of Alzheimer's Disease versus Age-Matched Controls: A Presymptomatic Stage
      Study.
AB  - Recent mouse studies of the presymptomatic stage of Alzheimer's disease (AD) have
      suggested that proinflammatory changes, such as glial activation and cytokine
      induction, may occur already at this early stage through unknown mechanisms.
      Because TNFalpha contributes to increased Abeta production from the Abeta
      precursor protein (APP), we assessed a putative correlation between APP/Abeta and
      TNFalpha during the presymptomatic stage as well as early astrocyte activation in
      the hippocampus of 3-month-old APPswe/PS1dE9 mice. While Western blots revealed
      significant APP expression, Abeta was not detectable by Western blot or ELISA
      attesting that 3-month-old, APPswe/PS1dE9 mice are at a presymptomatic stage of
      AD-like pathology. Western blots were also used to show increased GFAP expression
      in transgenic mice that positively correlated with both TNFalpha and APP, which
      were also mutually correlated. Subregional immunohistochemical quantification of
      phenotypic (GFAP) and functional (TSPO) markers of astrocyte activation indicated
      a selective and significant increase in GFAP-immunoreactive (IR) cells in the
      dentate gyrus of APPswe/PS1dE9 mice. Our data suggest that subtle morphological
      and phenotypic alterations, compatible with the engagement of astrocyte along the
      activation pathway, occur in the hippocampus already at the presymptomatic stage
      of AD. 

PMID- 27672477
TI  - Lower Limb Metaphyseal Bone Is Lost in Men with Coeliac Disease and Does Not
      Relate to Parathyroid Status.
AB  - Aims. To investigate regional lower limb bone density and associations with
      weight, PTH, and bone breakdown in coeliac men. Methods. From whole body DXA
      scans bone mineral density (BMD) was measured in 28 coeliac men, in the lower
      limb (subdivided into 6 regions, 3 being metaphyseal (mainly trabecular) and 2
      diaphyseal (mainly cortical)). BMD at femoral neck (FN) and lumbar spine L2-4,
      body weight, height, serum calcium, alkaline phosphatase, parathyroid hormone
      (PTH), and urinary calcium and NTx/Cr, a measure of bone breakdown, were also
      measured. Age matched healthy men provided values for BMD calculation of z and T
      scores and for biochemical measurements. Results. Low BMD z scores were found at
      metaphyseal regions in the leg (p < 0.001) and in the FN (p < 0.05). The distal
      metaphyseal region BMD in the leg was lower than spine or FN (p < 0.05). PTH,
      urinary calcium/creatinine, and urinary NTx/Cr were similar to controls. Both
      metaphyseal and diaphyseal BMD z scores were associated with body weight (p <
      0.02), but not with either PTH or urinary NTx/Cr. Conclusions. Low BMD lower limb
      regions comprising mostly trabecular bone occur early in CD and in the absence of
      elevated PTH or increased bone resorption. Low BMD is associated with low body
      weight. 

PMID- 27672478
TI  - Polythiophene-Chitosan Magnetic Nanocomposite as a Highly Efficient Medium for
      Isolation of Fluoxetine from Aqueous and Biological Samples.
AB  - Polythiophene/chitosan magnetic nanocomposite as an adsorbent of magnetic solid
      phase extraction was proposed for the isolation of fluoxetine in aqueous and
      biological samples prior to fluorescence detection at 246 nm. The synthesized
      nanoparticles, chitosan and polythiophene magnetic nanocomposite, were
      characterized by scanning electron microscopy, FT-IR, TGA, and EDAX. The
      separation of the target analyte from the aqueous solution containing the
      fluoxetine and polythiophene/chitosan magnetic nanocomposite was simply achieved
      by applying external magnetic field. The main factors affecting the extraction
      efficiency including desorption conditions, extraction time, ionic strength, and
      sample solution pH were optimized. The optimum extraction conditions were
      obtained as 10 min for extraction time, 25 mg for sorbent amount, 50 mL for
      initial sample volume, methanol as desorption solvent, 1.5 mL for desorption
      solvent volume, 3 min for desorption time, and being without salt addition. Under
      the optimum conditions, good linearity was obtained within the range of 15-1000
      MUg L(-1) for fluoxetine, with correlation coefficients 0.9994. Furthermore, the
      method was successfully applied to the determination of fluoxetine in urine and
      human blood plasma samples. Compared with other methods, the current method is
      characterized with highly easy, fast separation and low detection limits. 

PMID- 27672479
TI  - Cytocompatibility with osteogenic cells and enhanced in vivo anti-infection
      potential of quaternized chitosan-loaded titania nanotubes.
AB  - Infection is one of the major causes of failure of orthopedic implants. Our
      previous study demonstrated that nanotube modification of the implant surface,
      together with nanotubes loaded with quaternized chitosan (hydroxypropyltrimethyl
      ammonium chloride chitosan, HACC), could effectively inhibit bacterial adherence
      and biofilm formation in vitro. Therefore, the aim of this study was to further
      investigate the in vitro cytocompatibility with osteogenic cells and the in vivo
      anti-infection activity of titanium implants with HACC-loaded nanotubes (NT-H).
      The titanium implant (Ti), nanotubes without polymer loading (NT), and nanotubes
      loaded with chitosan (NT-C) were fabricated and served as controls. Firstly, we
      evaluated the cytocompatibility of these specimens with human bone marrow-derived
      mesenchymal stem cells in vitro. The observation of cell attachment,
      proliferation, spreading, and viability in vitro showed that NT-H has improved
      osteogenic activity compared with Ti and NT-C. A prophylaxis rat model with
      implantation in the femoral medullary cavity and inoculation with methicillin
      resistant Staphylococcus aureus was established and evaluated by radiographical,
      microbiological, and histopathological assessments. Our in vivo study
      demonstrated that NT-H coatings exhibited significant anti-infection capability
      compared with the Ti and NT-C groups. In conclusion, HACC-loaded nanotubes
      fabricated on a titanium substrate show good compatibility with osteogenic cells
      and enhanced anti-infection ability in vivo, providing a good foundation for
      clinical application to combat orthopedic implant-associated infections. 

PMID- 27672481
TI  - Pregnancy-Related Changes of Amino Acid and Acylcarnitine Concentrations: The
      Impact of Obesity.
AB  - Objective Our primary objective was to assess the difference in amino and fatty
      acid biomarkers throughout pregnancy in women with and without obesity.
      Interactions between biomarkers and obesity status for associations with maternal
      and fetal metabolic measures were secondarily analyzed. Methods Overall 39 women
      (15 cases, 24 controls) were enrolled in this study during their 15- to 20-weeks'
      visit at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. We analyzed 32 amino acid
      and acylcarnitine concentrations with tandem mass spectrometry for differences
      throughout pregnancy as well as among women with and without obesity (body mass
      index [BMI] >= 35, BMI < 25). Results There were substantial changes in amino
      acids and acylcarnitine metabolites between the second and third trimesters
      (nonfasting state) of pregnancy that were significant after correcting for
      multiple testing (p < 0.002). Examining differences by maternal obesity, C8:1
      (second trimester) and C2, C4-OH, C18:1 (third trimester) were higher in women
      with obesity compared with women without obesity. Several metabolites were
      marginally (0.002 < p < 0.05) correlated with birth weight, maternal glucose, and
      maternal weight gain stratified by obesity status and trimester. Conclusions
      Understanding maternal metabolism throughout pregnancy and the influence of
      obesity is a critical step in identifying potential mechanisms that may
      contribute to adverse outcomes in pregnancies complicated by obesity. 

PMID- 27672482
TI  - Gabapentin Abuse in a Patient with Comorbid Mood and Substance Use Disorders.

PMID- 27672483
TI  - Criminal Behavior and Borderline Personality: Correlations Among Four Measures.

PMID- 27672480
TI  - Bone-cartilage crosstalk: a conversation for understanding osteoarthritis.
AB  - Although cartilage degradation is the characteristic feature of osteoarthritis
      (OA), it is now recognized that the whole joint is involved in the progression of
      OA. In particular, the interaction (crosstalk) between cartilage and subchondral
      bone is thought to be a central feature of this process. The interface between
      articular cartilage and bone of articulating long bones is a unique zone, which
      comprises articular cartilage, below which is the calcified cartilage sitting on
      and intercalated into the subchondral bone plate. Below the subchondral plate is
      the trabecular bone at the end of the respective long bones. In OA, there are
      well-described progressive destructive changes in the articular cartilage, which
      parallel characteristic changes in the underlying bone. This review examines the
      evidence that biochemical and biomechanical signaling between these tissue
      compartments is important in OA disease progression and asks whether such
      signaling might provide possibilities for therapeutic intervention to halt or
      slow disease development. 

PMID- 27672484
TI  - Pharmaceutical Innovation in the Treatment of Schizophrenia and Mental Disorders
      Compared with Other Diseases.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to assess the level of private and
      public investment in research and development of treatments for schizophrenia and
      other mental disorders compared to other diseases in order to present data on the
      economic burden and pharmaceutical innovation by disease area, and to compare the
      level of investment relative to burden across different diseases. DESIGN: The
      levels of investment and pharmaceutical innovation relative to burden across
      different diseases were assessed. Disease burden and prevalence for mental
      disorders (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder);
      cancer; rheumatoid arthritis; chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder; diabetes;
      cardiovascular disease; and neurological disorders (dementia and epilepsy) were
      estimated from literature sources. SETTING: Pharmaceutical treatment innovation
      was measured by the total number of drug launches and the number of drugs
      launched categorized by innovativeness. Research and development expenditures
      were estimated using published information on annual public and domestic private
      research and development expenditures by disease area. Lastly, investment
      relative to disease burden was measured among the set of disease classes for
      which all three measures were available: schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major
      depressive disorder, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and neurology (dementia and epilepsy
      combined). RESULTS: The level of investment and pharmaceutical innovation in
      mental disorders was comparatively low, especially relative to the burden of
      disease. For mental disorders, investment was $3.1 per $1,000 burden invested in
      research and development for schizophrenia, $1.8 for major depressive disorder,
      and $0.4 for bipolar disorder relative to cancer ($75.5), chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease ($9.4), diabetes ($7.6), cardiovascular disease ($6.3), or
      rheumatoid arthritis ($5.3). Pharmaceutical innovation was also low for mental
      disorders. CONCLUSION: Despite the significant burden mental disorders impose on
      society, investment and pharmaceutical innovation in this disease area remains
      comparatively low. Policymakers should consider new strategies to stimulate
      public and private investment in the research and development of novel and
      effective therapies to treat schizophrenia and other mental disorders.

PMID- 27672485
TI  - Brexpiprazole: A New Treatment Option for Schizophrenia.
AB  - Schizophrenia occurs in approximately 0.3 to 0.7 percent of the world's
      population and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Although
      atypical antipsychotics reduce positive and negative symptoms, they are
      associated with varying degrees of metabolic adverse effects. This necessitates
      continued development of efficacious yet metabolically favorable treatments. This
      article reviews brexpiprazole, a medication recently approved to treat patients
      with schizophrenia. Brexpiprazole was well-tolerated, and adverse reactions were
      statistically insignificant. They included nausea; insomnia; headache; agitation;
      akathisia; and weight gain or changes in lipid, creatine phosphokinase, glucose,
      or prolactin levels. Brexpiprazole is taken once daily without regard to food,
      and the dose should be adjusted in patients who receive moderate or strong CYP450
      inhibitors or inducers and in patients with hepatic or renal disease. 

PMID- 27672487
TI  - A Case of Treatment- resistant Depression and Body Dysmorphic Disorder: The Role
      of Electroconvulsive Therapy Revisited.
AB  - Body dysmorphic disorder is a common, often disabling condition, and is
      frequently comorbid with major depressive disorder. Selective serotonin reuptake
      inhibitors constitute first line set of somatic interventions but the management
      of refractory patients remains challenging. Electroconvulsive therapy, an often
      highly beneficial treatment for medication resistant-depression, is not
      considered an effective therapeutic alternative for treatment refractory body
      dysmorphic disorder. Here we present a 50-year-old woman with body dysmorphic
      disorder and comorbid major depressive disorder who remained incapacitated and
      suicidal despite several trials with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and
      antipsychotic medication. Depressive and dysmorphic symptoms appeared to resolve
      with electroconvulsive therapy, and remission was sustained for two months.
      Electroconvulsive therapy has an important place in the management of treatment-
      resistant depression associated with body dysmorphic disorder, and, in select
      cases, may be effective for dysmorphic symptoms as well. 

PMID- 27672488
TI  - Professional Liability for Forensic Activities: Liability Without a Treatment
      Relationship.

PMID- 27672489
TI  - Fahr's Disease or Fahr's Syndrome?

PMID- 27672486
TI  - The Potential Role of T Helper Cell 22 and IL-22 in Immunopathogenesis of
      Multiple Sclerosis.
AB  - Multiple sclerosis is a complex disease with many different immune cells involved
      in its pathogenesis. Newly identified T helper cell 22 (Th22) is a subset of
      CD4(+) T cells with specific properties apart from other known CD4(+) T cell
      subsets with distinguished function and gene expression. Th22 cells are
      characterized by production of a distinct profile of effector cytokines,
      including interleukin (IL)-22, IL-13, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-
      alpha). The frequency of Th22 and related cytokine IL-22 are increased in various
      autoimmune diseases. Recently, several studies have reported the changes in
      frequency and function of Th22 in multiple sclerosis. This review discusses the
      role of Th22 and its cytokine IL-22 in the immunopathogenesis of multiple
      sclerosis disease. 

PMID- 27672490
TI  - A juvenile subfossil crocodylian from Anjohibe Cave, Northwestern Madagascar.
AB  - Madagascar's subfossil record preserves a diverse community of animals including
      elephant birds, pygmy hippopotamus, giant lemurs, turtles, crocodiles, bats,
      rodents, and carnivorans. These fossil accumulations give us a window into the
      island's past from 80,000 years ago to a mere few hundred years ago, recording
      the extinction of some groups and the persistence of others. The crocodylian
      subfossil record is limited to two taxa, Voay robustus and Crocodylus niloticus,
      found at sites distributed throughout the island. V. robustus is extinct while C.
      niloticus is still found on the island today, but whether these two species
      overlapped temporally, or if Voay was driven to extinction by competing with
      Crocodylus remains unknown. While their size and presumed behavior was similar to
      each other, nearly nothing is known about the growth and development of Voay, as
      the overwhelming majority of fossil specimens represent mature adult individuals.
      Here we describe a nearly complete juvenile crocodylian specimen from Anjohibe
      Cave, northwestern Madagascar. The specimen is referred to Crocodylus based on
      the presence of caviconchal recesses on the medial wall of the maxillae, and to
      C. niloticus based on the presence of an oval shaped internal choana, lack of
      rostral ornamentation and a long narrow snout. However, as there are currently no
      described juvenile specimens of Voay robustus, it is important to recognize that
      some of the defining characteristics of that genus may have changed through
      ontogeny. Elements include a nearly complete skull and many postcranial elements
      (cervical, thoracic, sacral, and caudal vertebrae, pectoral elements, pelvic
      elements, forelimb and hindlimb elements, osteoderms). Crocodylus niloticus
      currently inhabits Madagascar but is locally extinct from this particular region;
      radiometric dating indicates an age of ~460-310 years before present (BP). This
      specimen clearly represents a juvenile based on the extremely small size and open
      sutures/detached neural arches; total body length is estimated to be ~1.1 m
      (modern adults of this species range from ~4-6 m). This fossil represents the
      only juvenile subfossil crocodylian specimen reported from Madagascar. 

PMID- 27672491
TI  - Talk the talk and walk the walk. Evaluation of autonomy in aging and Alzheimer
      disease by simulating instrumental activities of daily living: the S-IADL.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The autonomy of individuals is linked to the achievement of
      instrumental activities of daily living that require complex behavior. In the
      elderly, the assessment of autonomy is usually based on questionnaires that have
      strong subjective constraints. Considering this fact, we tested elderly healthy
      adults and Alzheimer disease patients using a new measure, the S-IADL (Simulation
      of Instrumental Activities for Daily Living), to assess the ability to perform
      effectively activities of daily living. METHOD: The S-IADL shares many items with
      the well-known IADL questionnaire proposed by Lawton & Brody (1969). However, as
      opposed to the IADL, the assessment of autonomy is not based on the completion of
      a questionnaire but requires the realization or simulation of various activities
      of daily living. Eighty-three participants (69 healthy elderly, and 14 Alzheimer
      Disease patients) completed the IADL and performed the S-IADL assessment.
      RESULTS: Results revealed that, like the IADL, the S-IADL is able to identify AD
      patients who are likely to encounter difficulties in performing everyday
      activities, and no major differences were found between the IADL and the S-IADL.
      CONCLUSIONS: We outlined some advantages for prefering, in certain situation,
      this new tool based on simulation of activities in functional evaluation.
      Finally, we discuss the main limits of the S-IADL that should be investigated
      prior to its utilization by clinicians.

PMID- 27672492
TI  - Emotion recognition using Kinect motion capture data of human gaits.
AB  - Automatic emotion recognition is of great value in many applications, however, to
      fully display the application value of emotion recognition, more portable, non
      intrusive, inexpensive technologies need to be developed. Human gaits could
      reflect the walker's emotional state, and could be an information source for
      emotion recognition. This paper proposed a novel method to recognize emotional
      state through human gaits by using Microsoft Kinect, a low-cost, portable, camera
      based sensor. Fifty-nine participants' gaits under neutral state, induced anger
      and induced happiness were recorded by two Kinect cameras, and the original data
      were processed through joint selection, coordinate system transformation, sliding
      window gauss filtering, differential operation, and data segmentation. Features
      of gait patterns were extracted from 3-dimentional coordinates of 14 main body
      joints by Fourier transformation and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The
      classifiers NaiveBayes, RandomForests, LibSVM and SMO (Sequential Minimal
      Optimization) were trained and evaluated, and the accuracy of recognizing anger
      and happiness from neutral state achieved 80.5% and 75.4%. Although the results
      of distinguishing angry and happiness states were not ideal in current study, it
      showed the feasibility of automatically recognizing emotional states from gaits,
      with the characteristics meeting the application requirements. 

PMID- 27672493
TI  - Microbial diversity of extreme habitats in human homes.
AB  - High-throughput sequencing techniques have opened up the world of microbial
      diversity to scientists, and a flurry of studies in the most remote and extreme
      habitats on earth have begun to elucidate the key roles of microbes in ecosystems
      with extreme conditions. These same environmental extremes can also be found
      closer to humans, even in our homes. Here, we used high-throughput sequencing
      techniques to assess bacterial and archaeal diversity in the extreme environments
      inside human homes (e.g., dishwashers, hot water heaters, washing machine bleach
      reservoirs, etc.). We focused on habitats in the home with extreme temperature,
      pH, and chemical environmental conditions. We found a lower diversity of microbes
      in these extreme home environments compared to less extreme habitats in the home.
      However, we were nonetheless able to detect sequences from a relatively diverse
      array of bacteria and archaea. Habitats with extreme temperatures alone appeared
      to be able to support a greater diversity of microbes than habitats with extreme
      pH or extreme chemical environments alone. Microbial diversity was lowest when
      habitats had both extreme temperature and one of these other extremes. In
      habitats with both extreme temperatures and extreme pH, taxa with known
      associations with extreme conditions dominated. Our findings highlight the
      importance of examining interactive effects of multiple environmental extremes on
      microbial communities. Inasmuch as taxa from extreme environments can be both
      beneficial and harmful to humans, our findings also suggest future work to
      understand both the threats and opportunities posed by the life in these
      habitats. 

PMID- 27672494
TI  - Functional, size and taxonomic diversity of fish along a depth gradient in the
      deep sea.
AB  - Biodiversity is well studied in ecology and the concept has been developed to
      include traits of species, rather than solely taxonomy, to better reflect the
      functional diversity of a system. The deep sea provides a natural environmental
      gradient within which to study changes in different diversity metrics, but traits
      of deep-sea fish are not widely known, hampering the application of functional
      diversity to this globally important system. We used morphological traits to
      determine the functional richness and functional divergence of demersal fish
      assemblages along the continental slope in the Northeast Atlantic, at depths of
      300-2,000 m. We compared these metrics to size diversity based on individual body
      size and species richness. Functional richness and size diversity showed similar
      patterns, with the highest diversity at intermediate depths; functional
      divergence showed the opposite pattern, with the highest values at the shallowest
      and deepest parts of the study site. Species richness increased with depth. The
      functional implications of these patterns were deduced by examining depth-related
      changes in morphological traits and the dominance of feeding guilds as
      illustrated by stable isotope analyses. The patterns in diversity and the
      variation in certain morphological traits can potentially be explained by changes
      in the relative dominance of pelagic and benthic feeding guilds. All measures of
      diversity examined here suggest that the deep areas of the continental slope may
      be equally or more diverse than assemblages just beyond the continental shelf. 

PMID- 27672495
TI  - Decoupling social status and status certainty effects on health in macaques: a
      network approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although a wealth of literature points to the importance of social
      factors on health, a detailed understanding of the complex interplay between
      social and biological systems is lacking. Social status is one aspect of social
      life that is made up of multiple structural (humans: income, education; animals:
      mating system, dominance rank) and relational components (perceived social
      status, dominance interactions). In a nonhuman primate model we use novel network
      techniques to decouple two components of social status, dominance rank (a
      commonly used measure of social status in animal models) and dominance certainty
      (the relative certainty vs. ambiguity of an individual's status), allowing for a
      more complex examination of how social status impacts health. METHODS: Behavioral
      observations were conducted on three outdoor captive groups of rhesus macaques (N
      = 252 subjects). Subjects' general physical health (diarrhea) was assessed twice
      weekly, and blood was drawn once to assess biomarkers of inflammation
      (interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and C-reactive
      protein (CRP)). RESULTS: Dominance rank alone did not fully account for the
      complex way that social status exerted its effect on health. Instead, dominance
      certainty modified the impact of rank on biomarkers of inflammation.
      Specifically, high-ranked animals with more ambiguous status relationships had
      higher levels of inflammation than low-ranked animals, whereas little effect of
      rank was seen for animals with more certain status relationships. The impact of
      status on physical health was more straightforward: individuals with more
      ambiguous status relationships had more frequent diarrhea; there was marginal
      evidence that high-ranked animals had less frequent diarrhea. DISCUSSION: Social
      status has a complex and multi-faceted impact on individual health. Our work
      suggests an important role of uncertainty in one's social status in status-health
      research. This work also suggests that in order to fully explore the mechanisms
      for how social life influences health, more complex metrics of social systems and
      their dynamics are needed.

PMID- 27672496
TI  - Mischievous responding in Internet Gaming Disorder research.
AB  - The most recent update to the American Psychiatric Association's (APA) Diagnostic
      and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) included Internet Gaming
      Disorder as a new potential psychiatric condition that merited further scientific
      study. The present research was conducted in response to the APA Substance
      Related Disorders Working Group's research call to estimate the extent to which
      mischievous responding-a known problematic pattern of participant self-report
      responding in questionnaires-is relevant to Internet Gaming Disorder research. In
      line with a registered sampling and analysis plan, findings from two studies (n
      tot = 11,908) provide clear evidence that mischievous responding is positively
      associated with the number of Internet Gaming Disorder indicators participants
      report. Results are discussed in the context of ongoing problem gaming research
      and the discussion provides recommendations for improving the quality of
      scientific practice in this area. 

PMID- 27672497
TI  - Distinctive personality profiles of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome
      patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The current study is an innovative exploratory investigation, aiming
      at identifying differences in personality profiles within Fibromyalgia Syndrome
      (FMS) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) patients. METHOD: In total, 344
      participants (309 female, 35 male) reported suffering from FMS and/or CFS and
      consented to participate in the study. Participants were recruited at an Israeli
      FM/CFS patient meeting held in May 2013, and through an announcement posted on
      several social networks. Participants were asked to complete a research
      questionnaire, which included FMS criteria and severity scales, and measures of
      personality, emotional functioning, positivity, social support and subjective
      assessment of general health. In total, 204 participants completed the research
      questionnaire (40.7% attrition rate). RESULTS: A cluster analysis produced two
      distinct clusters, which differed significantly on psychological variables, but
      did not differ on demographic variables or illness severity. As compared to
      cluster number 2 (N = 107), participants classified into cluster number 1 (N =
      97) showed a less adaptive pattern, with higher levels of Harm Avoidance and
      Alexithymia; higher prevalence of Type D personality; and lower levels of
      Persistence (PS), Reward dependence (RD), Cooperation, Self-directedness (SD),
      social support and positivity. CONCLUSION: The significant pattern of results
      indicates at least two distinct personality profiles of FM and CFS patients.
      Findings from this research may help improve the evaluation and treatment of FM
      and CFS patients, based on each patient's unique needs, psychological resources
      and weaknesses, as proposed by the current trend of personalized medicine.

PMID- 27672498
TI  - Effect of fragmentation on the Costa Rican dry forest avifauna.
AB  - Deforestation and changes in land use have reduced the tropical dry forest to
      isolated forest patches in northwestern Costa Rica. We examined the effect of
      patch area and length of the dry season on nestedness of the entire avian
      community, forest fragment assemblages, and species occupancy across fragments
      for the entire native avifauna, and for a subset of forest dependent species.
      Species richness was independent of both fragment area and distance between
      fragments. Similarity in bird community composition between patches was related
      to habitat structure; fragments with similar forest structure have more similar
      avian assemblages. Size of forest patches influenced nestedness of the bird
      community and species occupancy, but not nestedness of assemblages across patches
      in northwestern Costa Rican avifauna. Forest dependent species (species that
      require large tracts of mature forest) and assemblages of these species were
      nested within patches ordered by a gradient of seasonality, and only occupancy of
      species was nested by area of patches. Thus, forest patches with a shorter dry
      season include more forest dependent species. 

PMID- 27672501
TI  - Comparative cephalopod shell strength and the role of septum morphology on stress
      distribution.
AB  - The evolution of complexly folded septa in ammonoids has long been a
      controversial topic. Explanations of the function of these folded septa can be
      divided into physiological and mechanical hypotheses with the mechanical
      functions tending to find widespread support. The complexity of the cephalopod
      shell has made it difficult to directly test the mechanical properties of these
      structures without oversimplification of the septal morphology or extraction of a
      small sub-domain. However, the power of modern finite element analysis now
      permits direct testing of mechanical hypothesis on complete, empirical models of
      the shells taken from computed tomographic data. Here we compare, for the first
      time using empirical models, the capability of the shells of extant Nautilus
      pompilius, Spirula spirula, and the extinct ammonite Cadoceras sp. to withstand
      hydrostatic pressure and point loads. Results show hydrostatic pressure imparts
      highest stress on the final septum with the rest of the shell showing minimal
      compression. S. spirula shows the lowest stress under hydrostatic pressure while
      N. pompilius shows the highest stress. Cadoceras sp. shows the development of
      high stress along the attachment of the septal saddles with the shell wall.
      Stress due to point loads decreases when the point force is directed along the
      suture as opposed to the unsupported chamber wall. Cadoceras sp. shows the
      greatest decrease in stress between the point loads compared to all other models.
      Greater amplitude of septal flutes corresponds with greater stress due to
      hydrostatic pressure; however, greater amplitude decreases the stress magnitude
      of point loads directed along the suture. In our models, sutural complexity does
      not predict greater resistance to hydrostatic pressure but it does seem to
      increase resistance to point loads, such as would be from predators. This result
      permits discussion of palaeoecological reconstructions on the basis of septal
      morphology. We further suggest that the ratio used to characterize septal
      morphology in the septal strength index and in calculations of tensile strength
      of nacre are likely insufficient. A better understanding of the material
      properties of cephalopod nacre may allow the estimation of maximum depth limits
      of shelled cephalopods through finite element analysis. 

PMID- 27672499
TI  - Characterization of novel bacteriophage phiC119 capable of lysing multidrug
      resistant Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is one of the most
      common and widely distributed foodborne pathogens that has been frequently
      implicated in gastrointestinal and urinary tract infections. Moreover, high rates
      of multiple antibiotic-resistant E. coli strains have been reported worldwide.
      Due to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains, bacteriophages are
      considered an attractive alternative to biocontrol pathogenic bacteria.
      Characterization is a preliminary step towards designing a phage for biocontrol.
      METHODS: In this study, we describe the characterization of a bacteriophage
      designated phiC119, which can infect and lyse several multidrug-resistant STEC
      strains and some Salmonella strains. The phage genome was screened to detect the
      stx-genes using PCR, morphological analysis, host range was determined, and
      genome sequencing were carried out, as well as an analysis of the cohesive ends
      and identification of the type of genetic material through enzymatic digestion of
      the genome. RESULTS: Analysis of the bacteriophage particles by transmission
      electron microscopy showed that it had an icosahedral head and a long tail,
      characteristic of the family Siphoviridae. The phage exhibits broad host range
      against multidrug-resistant and highly virulent E. coli isolates. One-step growth
      experiments revealed that the phiC119 phage presented a large burst size (210
      PFU/cell) and a latent period of 20 min. Based on genomic analysis, the phage
      contains a linear double-stranded DNA genome with a size of 47,319 bp. The phage
      encodes 75 putative proteins, but lysogeny and virulence genes were not found in
      the phiC119 genome. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that phage phiC119 may be a
      good biological control agent. However, further studies are required to ensure
      its control of STEC and to confirm the safety of phage use.

PMID- 27672500
TI  - Metaproteomics of saliva identifies human protein markers specific for
      individuals with periodontitis and dental caries compared to orally healthy
      controls.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The composition of the salivary microbiota has been reported to
      differentiate between patients with periodontitis, dental caries and orally
      healthy individuals. To identify characteristics of diseased and healthy saliva
      we thus wanted to compare saliva metaproteomes from patients with periodontitis
      and dental caries to healthy individuals. METHODS: Stimulated saliva samples were
      collected from 10 patients with periodontitis, 10 patients with dental caries and
      10 orally healthy individuals. The proteins in the saliva samples were subjected
      to denaturing buffer and digested enzymatically with LysC and trypsin. The
      resulting peptide mixtures were cleaned up by solid-phase extraction and
      separated online with 2 h gradients by nano-scale C18 reversed-phase
      chromatography connected to a mass spectrometer through an electrospray source.
      The eluting peptides were analyzed on a tandem mass spectrometer operated in data
      dependent acquisition mode. RESULTS: We identified a total of 35,664 unique
      peptides from 4,161 different proteins, of which 1,946 and 2,090 were of
      bacterial and human origin, respectively. The human protein profiles displayed
      significant overexpression of the complement system and inflammatory markers in
      periodontitis and dental caries compared to healthy controls. Bacterial proteome
      profiles and functional annotation were very similar in health and disease.
      CONCLUSIONS: Overexpression of proteins related to the complement system and
      inflammation seems to correlate with oral disease status. Similar bacterial
      proteomes in healthy and diseased individuals suggests that the salivary
      microbiota predominantly thrives in a planktonic state expressing no disease
      associated characteristics of metabolic activity.

PMID- 27672502
TI  - The evidence of porcine hemagglutinating encephalomyelitis virus induced
      nonsuppurative encephalitis as the cause of death in piglets.
AB  - An acute outbreak of porcine hemagglutinating encephalomyelitis virus (PHEV)
      infection in piglets, characterized with neurological symptoms, vomiting,
      diarrhea, and wasting, occurred in China. Coronavirus-like particles were
      observed in the homogenized tissue suspensions of the brain of dead piglets by
      electron microscopy, and a wild PHEV strain was isolated, characterized, and
      designated as PHEV-CC14. Histopathologic examinations of the dead piglets showed
      characteristics of non-suppurative encephalitis, and some neurons in the cerebral
      cortex were degenerated and necrotic, and neuronophagia. Similarly, mice
      inoculated with PHEV-CC14 were found to have central nervous system (CNS)
      dysfunction, with symptoms of depression, arched waists, standing and vellicating
      front claws. Furthmore, PHEV-positive labeling of neurons in cortices of dead
      piglets and infected mice supported the viral infections of the nervous system.
      Then, the major structural genes of PHEV-CC14 were sequenced and phylogenetically
      analyzed, and the strain shared 95%-99.2% nt identity with the other PHEV strains
      available in GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis clearly proved that the wild strain
      clustered into a subclass with a HEV-JT06 strain. These findings suggested that
      the virus had a strong tropism for CNS, in this way, inducing nonsuppurative
      encephalitis as the cause of death in piglets. Simultaneously, the predicted risk
      of widespread transmission showed a certain variation among the PHEV strains
      currently circulating around the world. Above all, the information presented in
      this study can not only provide good reference for the experimental diagnosis of
      PHEV infection for pig breeding, but also promote its new effective vaccine
      development. 

PMID- 27672504
TI  - Muscle size explains low passive skeletal muscle force in heart failure patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Alterations in skeletal muscle function and architecture have been
      linked to the compromised exercise capacity characterizing chronic heart failure
      (CHF). However, how passive skeletal muscle force is affected in CHF is not
      clear. Understanding passive force characteristics in CHF can help further
      elucidate the extent to which altered contractile properties and/or architecture
      might affect muscle and locomotor function. Therefore, the aim of this study was
      to investigate passive force in a single muscle for which non-invasive measures
      of muscle size and estimates of fiber force are possible, the soleus (SOL), both
      in CHF patients and age- and physical activity-matched control participants.
      METHODS: Passive SOL muscle force and size were obtained by means of a novel
      approach combining experimental data (dynamometry, electromyography, ultrasound
      imaging) with a musculoskeletal model. RESULTS: We found reduced passive SOL
      forces (~30%) (at the same relative levels of muscle stretch) in CHF vs. healthy
      individuals. This difference was eliminated when force was normalized by
      physiological cross sectional area, indicating that reduced force output may be
      most strongly associated with muscle size. Nevertheless, passive force was
      significantly higher in CHF at a given absolute muscle length (non length
      normalized) and likely explained by the shorter muscle slack lengths and optimal
      muscle lengths measured in CHF compared to the control participants. This later
      factor may lead to altered performance of the SOL in functional tasks such gait.
      DISCUSSION: These findings suggest introducing exercise rehabilitation targeting
      muscle hypertrophy and, specifically for the calf muscles, exercise that promotes
      muscle lengthening.

PMID- 27672503
TI  - Genetic signatures of ecological diversity along an urbanization gradient.
AB  - Despite decades of work in environmental science and ecology, estimating human
      influences on ecosystems remains challenging. This is partly due to complex
      chains of causation among ecosystem elements, exacerbated by the difficulty of
      collecting biological data at sufficient spatial, temporal, and taxonomic scales.
      Here, we demonstrate the utility of environmental DNA (eDNA) for quantifying
      associations between human land use and changes in an adjacent ecosystem. We
      analyze metazoan eDNA sequences from water sampled in nearshore marine eelgrass
      communities and assess the relationship between these ecological communities and
      the degree of urbanization in the surrounding watershed. Counter to conventional
      wisdom, we find strongly increasing richness and decreasing beta diversity with
      greater urbanization, and similar trends in the diversity of life histories with
      urbanization. We also find evidence that urbanization influences nearshore
      communities at local (hundreds of meters) rather than regional (tens of km)
      scales. Given that different survey methods sample different components of an
      ecosystem, we then discuss the advantages of eDNA-which we use here to detect
      hundreds of taxa simultaneously-as a complement to traditional ecological
      sampling, particularly in the context of broad ecological assessments where
      exhaustive manual sampling is impractical. Genetic data are a powerful means of
      uncovering human-ecosystem interactions that might otherwise remain hidden;
      nevertheless, no sampling method reveals the whole of a biological community. 

PMID- 27672505
TI  - Tissue and serum samples of patients with papillary thyroid cancer with and
      without benign background demonstrate different altered expression of proteins.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is mainly diagnosed using fine-needle
      aspiration biopsy. This most common form of well-differentiated thyroid cancer
      occurs with or without a background of benign thyroid goiter (BTG). METHODS: In
      the present study, a gel-based proteomics analysis was performed to analyse the
      expression of proteins in tissue and serum samples of PTC patients with (PTCb; n
      = 6) and without a history of BTG (PTCa; n = 8) relative to patients with BTG (n
      = 20). This was followed by confirmation of the levels of proteins which showed
      significant altered abundances of more than two-fold difference (p < 0.01) in the
      tissue and serum samples of the same subjects using ELISA. RESULTS: The data of
      our study showed that PTCa and PTCb distinguish themselves from BTG in the types
      of tissue and serum proteins of altered abundance. While higher levels of alpha-1
      antitrypsin (A1AT) and heat shock 70 kDa protein were associated with PTCa, lower
      levels of A1AT, protein disulfide isomerase and ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 N
      seemed apparent in the PTCb. In case of the serum proteins, higher abundances of
      A1AT and alpha 1-beta glycoprotein were detected in PTCa, while PTCb was
      associated with enhanced apolipoprotein A-IV and alpha 2-HS glycoprotein (AHSG).
      The different altered expression of tissue and serum A1AT as well as serum AHSG
      between PTCa and PTCb patients were also validated by ELISA. DISCUSSION: The
      distinctive altered abundances of the tissue and serum proteins form preliminary
      indications that PTCa and PTCb are two distinct cancers of the thyroid that are
      etiologically and mechanistically different although it is currently not possible
      to rule out that they may also be due other reasons such as the different stages
      of the malignant disease. These proteins stand to have a potential use as tissue
      or serum biomarkers to discriminate the three different thyroid neoplasms
      although this requires further validation in clinically representative
      populations.

PMID- 27672506
TI  - Gua Sha, a press-stroke treatment of the skin, boosts the immune response to
      intradermal vaccination.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The skin is an important immunological barrier of the body as well as
      an optimal route for vaccine administration. Gua Sha, which involves press-stroke
      treatment of the skin, is an effective folk therapy, widely accepted in East
      Asia, for various symptoms; however, the mechanisms underlying its therapeutic
      effects have not been clarified. We investigated the influence of Gua Sha on the
      immunological features of the skin. METHODS: Gua Sha was performed on BALB/c mice
      and the effects were evaluated using anatomical, histological, and cytometric
      methods as well as cytokine determination locally and systemically. The effect on
      intradermal vaccination was assessed with antigen-specific subtype antibody
      responses. RESULTS: Blood vessel expansion, erythrocyte extravasation, and
      increased ratios of immune active cells were observed in the skin tissue
      following the treatment. Pro-inflammatory cytokines were up-regulated, and
      immunosuppressive cytokines, down-regulated, in the treated and untreated skin
      and systemic circulation; no obvious variations were detected in case of anti
      inflammatory cytokines. Interestingly, intradermal delivery of a model vaccine
      following Gua Sha induced about three-fold higher IgG titers with a more Th1
      biased antibody subtype profile. CONCLUSION: Gua Sha treatment can up-regulate
      the innate and adaptive immune functions of the skin and boost the response
      against intradermal antigens. Thus, Gua Sha may serve as a safe, inexpensive, and
      independent physical adjuvant for intradermal vaccination.

PMID- 27672507
TI  - Canopy position has a profound effect on soybean seed composition.
AB  - Although soybean seeds appear homogeneous, their composition (protein, oil and
      mineral concentrations) can vary significantly with the canopy position where
      they were produced. In studies with 10 cultivars grown over a 3-yr period, we
      found that seeds produced at the top of the canopy have higher concentrations of
      protein but less oil and lower concentrations of minerals such as Mg, Fe, and Cu
      compared to seeds produced at the bottom of the canopy. Among cultivars, mean
      protein concentration (average of different positions) correlated positively with
      mean concentrations of S, Zn and Fe, but not other minerals. Therefore, on a
      whole plant basis, the uptake and allocation of S, Zn and Fe to seeds correlated
      with the production and allocation of reduced N to seed protein; however, the
      reduced N and correlated minerals (S, Zn and Fe) showed different patterns of
      allocation among node positions. For example, while mean concentrations of
      protein and Fe correlated positively, the two parameters correlated negatively in
      terms of variation with canopy position. Altering the microenvironment within the
      soybean canopy by removing neighboring plants at flowering increased protein
      concentration in particular at lower node positions and thus altered the node
      position gradient in protein (and oil) without altering the distribution of Mg,
      Fe and Cu, suggesting different underlying control mechanisms. Metabolomic
      analysis of developing seeds at different positions in the canopy suggests that
      availability of free asparagine may be a positive determinant of storage protein
      accumulation in seeds and may explain the increased protein accumulation in seeds
      produced at the top of the canopy. Our results establish node-position variation
      in seed constituents and provide a new experimental system to identify genes
      controlling key aspects of seed composition. In addition, our results provide an
      unexpected and simple approach to link agronomic practices to improve human
      nutrition and health in developing countries because food products produced from
      seeds at the bottom of the canopy contained higher Fe concentrations than
      products from the top of the canopy. Therefore, using seeds produced in the lower
      canopy for production of iron-rich soy foods for human consumption could be
      important when plants are the major source of protein and human diets can be
      chronically deficient in Fe and other minerals. 

PMID- 27672508
TI  - Progesterone influences cytoplasmic maturation in porcine oocytes developing in
      vitro.
AB  - Progesterone (P4), an ovarian steroid hormone, is an important regulator of
      female reproduction. In this study, we explored the influence of progesterone on
      porcine oocyte nuclear maturation and cytoplasmic maturation and development in
      vitro. We found that the presence of P4 during oocyte maturation did not inhibit
      polar body extrusions but significantly increased glutathione and decreased
      reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels relative to that in control groups. The
      incidence of parthenogenetically activated oocytes that could develop to the
      blastocyst stage was higher (p < 0.05) when oocytes were exposed to P4 as
      compared to that in the controls. Cell numbers were increased in the P4-treated
      groups. Further, the P4-specific inhibitor mifepristone (RU486) prevented porcine
      oocyte maturation, as represented by the reduced incidence (p < 0.05) of oocyte
      first polar body extrusions. RU486 affected maturation promoting factor (MPF)
      activity and maternal mRNA polyadenylation status. In general, these data show
      that P4 influences the cytoplasmic maturation of porcine oocytes, at least
      partially, by decreasing their polyadenylation, thereby altering maternal gene
      expression. 

PMID- 27672509
TI  - Lowland tapir distribution and habitat loss in South America.
AB  - The development of species distribution models (SDMs) can help conservation
      efforts by generating potential distributions and identifying areas of high
      environmental suitability for protection. Our study presents a distribution and
      habitat map for lowland tapir in South America. We also describe the potential
      habitat suitability of various geographical regions and habitat loss, inside and
      outside of protected areas network. Two different SDM approaches, MAXENT and
      ENFA, produced relative different Habitat Suitability Maps for the lowland tapir.
      While MAXENT was efficient at identifying areas as suitable or unsuitable, it was
      less efficient (when compared to the results by ENFA) at identifying the gradient
      of habitat suitability. MAXENT is a more multifaceted technique that establishes
      more complex relationships between dependent and independent variables. Our
      results demonstrate that for at least one species, the lowland tapir, the use of
      a simple consensual approach (average of ENFA and MAXENT models outputs) better
      reflected its current distribution patterns. The Brazilian ecoregions have the
      highest habitat loss for the tapir. Cerrado and Atlantic Forest account for
      nearly half (48.19%) of the total area lost. The Amazon region contains the
      largest area under protection, and the most extensive remaining habitat for the
      tapir, but also showed high levels of habitat loss outside protected areas, which
      increases the importance of support for proper management. 

PMID- 27672510
TI  - Regional drivers of clutch loss reveal important trade-offs for beach-nesting
      birds.
AB  - Coastal birds are critical ecosystem constituents on sandy shores, yet are
      threatened by depressed reproductive success resulting from direct and indirect
      anthropogenic and natural pressures. Few studies examine clutch fate across the
      wide range of environments experienced by birds; instead, most focus at the small
      site scale. We examine survival of model shorebird clutches as an index of true
      clutch survival at a regional scale (~200 km), encompassing a variety of
      geomorphologies, predator communities, and human use regimes in southeast
      Queensland, Australia. Of the 132 model nests deployed and monitored with
      cameras, 45 (34%) survived the experimental exposure period. Thirty-five (27%)
      were lost to flooding, 32 (24%) were depredated, nine (7%) buried by sand, seven
      (5%) destroyed by people, three (2%) failed by unknown causes, and one (1%) was
      destroyed by a dog. Clutch fate differed substantially among regions,
      particularly with respect to losses from flooding and predation. 'Topographic'
      exposure was the main driver of mortality of nests placed close to the drift line
      near the base of dunes, which were lost to waves (particularly during storms) and
      to a lesser extent depredation. Predators determined the fate of clutches not
      lost to waves, with the depredation probability largely influenced by region.
      Depredation probability declined as nests were backed by higher dunes and were
      placed closer to vegetation. This study emphasizes the scale at which clutch fate
      and survival varies within a regional context, the prominence of corvids as egg
      predators, the significant role of flooding as a source of nest loss, and the
      multiple trade-offs faced by beach-nesting birds and those that manage them. 

PMID- 27672512
TI  - An association between feather damaging behavior and corticosterone metabolite
      excretion in captive African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus).
AB  - BACKGROUND: African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) are kept as pets and are
      frequently hand-reared. It has been observed that hand-reared African grey
      parrots may develop behavioral disorders such as feather damaging behavior (FDB).
      It is well known that chronic stress is involved in behavioral disorders in
      captive parrots. The main glucocorticoid in birds is corticosterone; its
      quantification provides information about adrenocortical activity and is
      considered to be a reliable indicator of stress levels in birds. We analyzed the
      differences in the excretion of corticosterone metabolites (CM) in the droppings
      of African grey parrots characterized by: 1. different rearing histories (parent
      rearing vs. hand rearing); and 2. the presence or absence of FDB in hand-reared
      parrots. METHODS: A total of 82 African grey parrots that were kept in captivity
      were considered. According to breeding methods, three groups of birds were
      defined: 1. The parent-reared (PR) parrots included birds kept in pairs (n = 30
      pairs) with a conspecific partner of the opposite sex. All of these birds were
      healthy and never showed FDB signs; 2. The healthy hand-reared parrots (H-HR)
      included pet parrots individually kept, that were hand-reared and did not display
      any sign of FDB (n = 11, 7 males and 4 females); 3. The FDB hand-reared parrot
      (FDB-HR) included pet parrots individually kept, that were hand-reared and
      displayed FDB (n = 11, 7 males and 4 females). Droppings were collected in the
      morning over three alternating days in autumn 2014 and spring 2015. The CM were
      determined using a multi-species corticosterone enzyme immunoassay kit. Split
      plot repeated-measure ANOVA was used to examine any differences using group,
      season and group * season as the main factors. RESULTS: Different quantities of
      CM in droppings were found for the three groups. The mean CM value was 587 ng/g
      in the PR parrots, 494 ng/g in the H-HR parrots and 1,744 ng/g in the FDB-HR
      parrots, irrespective of the season. The excretion of CM in FDB-HR was
      significantly higher than in PR or H-HR parrots. CM in droppings were not
      influenced by the season (autumn vs. spring); furthermore, the interaction
      between group and sampling season was not significant. Limited to the H-HR and
      FDB-HR groups, a trend in the significance of the difference in the mean CM
      excreted by male and female birds was observed, with the levels excreted by males
      being higher than those excreted by females. When the effect of age was
      considered (in the two separate groups), there was a statistically significant
      positive correlation only for H-HR. CONCLUSIONS: The highest amount of CM
      excretion was found in FDB-HR parrots, and a positive correlation between age and
      CM excretion was found in H-HR. Given that the CM excretion of both PR and H-HR
      parrots was similar in our study, future research is recommended to investigate
      the specific aspects of hand-rearing to improve parrot welfare.

PMID- 27672511
TI  - Bcl-2 homologue Debcl enhances alpha-synuclein-induced phenotypes in Drosophila.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Parkinson disease (PD) is a debilitating movement disorder that
      afflicts 1-2% of the population over 50 years of age. The common hallmark for
      both sporadic and familial forms of PD is mitochondrial dysfunction. Mammals have
      at least twenty proapoptotic and antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family members, in contrast,
      only two Bcl-2 family genes have been identified in Drosophila melanogaster, the
      proapoptotic mitochondrial localized Debcl and the antiapoptotic Buffy. The
      expression of the human transgene alpha-synuclein, a gene that is strongly
      associated with inherited forms of PD, in dopaminergic neurons (DA) of
      Drosophila, results in loss of neurons and locomotor dysfunction to model PD in
      flies. The altered expression of Debcl in the DA neurons and neuron-rich eye and
      along with the expression of alpha-synuclein offers an opportunity to highlight
      the role of Debcl in mitochondrial-dependent neuronal degeneration and death.
      RESULTS: The directed overexpression of Debcl using the Ddc-Gal4 transgene in the
      DA of Drosophila resulted in flies with severely decreased survival and a
      premature age-dependent loss in climbing ability. The inhibition of Debcl
      resulted in enhanced survival and improved climbing ability whereas the
      overexpression of Debcl in the alpha-synuclein-induced Drosophila model of PD
      resulted in more severe phenotypes. In addition, the co-expression of Debcl along
      with Buffy partially counteracts the Debcl-induced phenotypes, to improve the
      lifespan and the associated loss of locomotor ability observed. In complementary
      experiments, the overexpression of Debcl along with the expression of alpha
      synuclein in the eye, enhanced the eye ablation that results from the
      overexpression of Debcl. The co-expression of Buffy along with Debcl
      overexpression results in the rescue of the moderate developmental eye defects.
      The co-expression of Buffy along with inhibition of Debcl partially restores the
      eye to a roughened eye phenotype. DISCUSSION: The overexpression of Debcl in DA
      neurons produces flies with shortened lifespan and impaired locomotor ability,
      phenotypes that are strongly associated with models of PD in Drosophila. The co
      expression of Debcl along with alpha-synuclein enhanced the PD-like phenotypes.
      The co-expression of Debcl along with Buffy suppresses these phenotypes.
      Complementary experiments in the Drosophila eye show similar trends during
      development. Taken all together these results suggest a role for Debcl in
      neurodegenerative disorders.

PMID- 27672513
TI  - Resilience does not explain the dissociation between chronic pain and physical
      activity in South Africans living with HIV.
AB  - Pain burden is high in people living with HIV (PLWH), but the effect of this pain
      on functionality is equivocal. Resilience, the ability to cope with adversity,
      may promote adaptation to pain, so we hypothesised that higher resilience would
      correlate with less pain-related impairment of activity. We recruited 197 black
      South African PLWH, 99 with chronic pain (CP) and 98 patients without. We
      measured pain intensity and interference using the Brief Pain Inventory, and
      resilience using the Resilience Scale. Participants were generally highly
      resilient. Greater resilience correlated with better health-related quality of
      life, but not with pain intensity or interference. We also measured physical
      activity objectively, by actigraphy, in a subset of patients (37 with chronic
      pain and 31 without chronic pain), who wore accelerometers for two weeks. There
      was no difference in duration or intensity of activity between those with and
      without pain, and activity was not associated with resilience. In this sample,
      pain was not associated with altered physical activity. Resilience did not
      explain differences in pain intensity or pain interference but was associated
      with improved quality of life. Financial stresses and the fear of HIV stigma may
      have driven patients to conceal pain and to suppress its expected impairment of
      activity. 

PMID- 27672514
TI  - Integrated analysis of ischemic stroke datasets revealed sex and age difference
      in anti-stroke targets.
AB  - Ischemic stroke is a common neurological disorder and the burden in the world is
      growing. This study aims to explore the effect of sex and age difference on
      ischemic stroke using integrated microarray datasets. The results showed a
      dramatic difference in whole gene expression profiles and influenced pathways
      between males and females, and also in the old and young individuals.
      Furthermore, compared with old males, old female patients showed more serious
      biological function damage. However, females showed less affected pathways than
      males in young subjects. Functional interaction networks showed these
      differential expression genes were mostly related to immune and inflammation
      related functions. In addition, we found ARG1 and MMP9 were up-regulated in total
      and all subgroups. Importantly, IL1A, ILAB, IL6 and TNF and other anti-stroke
      target genes were up-regulated in males. However, these anti-stroke target genes
      showed low expression in females. This study found huge sex and age differences
      in ischemic stroke especially the opposite expression of anti-stroke target
      genes. Future studies are needed to uncover these pathological mechanisms, and to
      take appropriate pre-prevention, treatment and rehabilitation measures. 

PMID- 27672515
TI  - A 'post-honeymoon' measles epidemic in Burundi: mathematical model-based analysis
      and implications for vaccination timing.
AB  - Using a mathematical model with realistic demography, we analyze a large outbreak
      of measles in Muyinga sector in rural Burundi in 1988-1989. We generate simulated
      epidemic curves and age * time epidemic surfaces, which we qualitatively and
      quantitatively compare with the data. Our findings suggest that supplementary
      immunization activities (SIAs) should be used in places where routine vaccination
      cannot keep up with the increasing numbers of susceptible individuals resulting
      from population growth or from logistical problems such as cold chain
      maintenance. We use the model to characterize the relationship between SIA
      frequency and SIA age range necessary to suppress measles outbreaks. If SIAs are
      less frequent, they must expand their target age range. 

PMID- 27672517
TI  - A workflow to preserve genome-quality tissue samples from plants in botanical
      gardens and arboreta.
AB  - PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Internationally, gardens hold diverse living collections
      that can be preserved for genomic research. Workflows have been developed for
      genomic tissue sampling in other taxa (e.g., vertebrates), but are inadequate for
      plants. We outline a workflow for tissue sampling intended for two audiences:
      botanists interested in genomics research and garden staff who plan to voucher
      living collections. METHODS AND RESULTS: Standard herbarium methods are used to
      collect vouchers, label information and images are entered into a publicly
      accessible database, and leaf tissue is preserved in silica and liquid nitrogen.
      A five-step approach for genomic tissue sampling is presented for sampling from
      living collections according to current best practices. CONCLUSIONS: Collecting
      genome-quality samples from gardens is an economical and rapid way to make
      available for scientific research tissue from the diversity of plants on Earth.
      The Global Genome Initiative will facilitate and lead this endeavor through
      international partnerships.

PMID- 27672516
TI  - Whole genome sequencing of Streptococcus pneumoniae: development, evaluation and
      verification of targets for serogroup and serotype prediction using an automated
      pipeline.
AB  - Streptococcus pneumoniae typically express one of 92 serologically distinct
      capsule polysaccharide (cps) types (serotypes). Some of these serotypes are
      closely related to each other; using the commercially available typing antisera,
      these are assigned to common serogroups containing types that show cross
      reactivity. In this serotyping scheme, factor antisera are used to allocate
      serotypes within a serogroup, based on patterns of reactions. This serotyping
      method is technically demanding, requires considerable experience and the reading
      of the results can be subjective. This study describes the analysis of the S.
      pneumoniae capsular operon genetic sequence to determine serotype distinguishing
      features and the development, evaluation and verification of an automated whole
      genome sequence (WGS)-based serotyping bioinformatics tool, PneumoCaT
      (Pneumococcal Capsule Typing). Initially, WGS data from 871 S. pneumoniae
      isolates were mapped to reference cps locus sequences for the 92 serotypes.
      Thirty-two of 92 serotypes could be unambiguously identified based on sequence
      similarities within the cps operon. The remaining 60 were allocated to one of 20
      'genogroups' that broadly correspond to the immunologically defined serogroups.
      By comparing the cps reference sequences for each genogroup, unique molecular
      differences were determined for serotypes within 18 of the 20 genogroups and
      verified using the set of 871 isolates. This information was used to design a
      decision-tree style algorithm within the PneumoCaT bioinformatics tool to predict
      to serotype level for 89/94 (92 + 2 molecular types/subtypes) from WGS data and
      to serogroup level for serogroups 24 and 32, which currently comprise 2.1% of UK
      referred, invasive isolates submitted to the National Reference Laboratory (NRL),
      Public Health England (June 2014-July 2015). PneumoCaT was evaluated with an
      internal validation set of 2065 UK isolates covering 72/92 serotypes, including
      19 non-typeable isolates and an external validation set of 2964 isolates from
      Thailand (n = 2,531), USA (n = 181) and Iceland (n = 252). PneumoCaT was able to
      predict serotype in 99.1% of the typeable UK isolates and in 99.0% of the non-UK
      isolates. Concordance was evaluated in UK isolates where further investigation
      was possible; in 91.5% of the cases the predicted capsular type was concordant
      with the serologically derived serotype. Following retesting, concordance
      increased to 99.3% and in most resolved cases (97.8%; 135/138) discordance was
      shown to be caused by errors in original serotyping. Replicate testing
      demonstrated that PneumoCaT gave 100% reproducibility of the predicted serotype
      result. In summary, we have developed a WGS-based serotyping method that can
      predict capsular type to serotype level for 89/94 serotypes and to serogroup
      level for the remaining four. This approach could be integrated into routine
      typing workflows in reference laboratories, reducing the need for phenotypic
      immunological testing. 

PMID- 27672518
TI  - Small unmanned aerial vehicles (micro-UAVs, drones) in plant ecology.
AB  - PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Low-elevation surveys with small aerial drones (micro
      unmanned aerial vehicles [UAVs]) may be used for a wide variety of applications
      in plant ecology, including mapping vegetation over small- to medium-sized
      regions. We provide an overview of methods and procedures for conducting surveys
      and illustrate some of these applications. METHODS: Aerial images were obtained
      by flying a small drone along transects over the area of interest. Images were
      used to create a composite image (orthomosaic) and a digital surface model (DSM).
      Vegetation classification was conducted manually and using an automated routine.
      Coverage of an individual species was estimated from aerial images. RESULTS: We
      created a vegetation map for the entire region from the orthomosaic and DSM, and
      mapped the density of one species. Comparison of our manual and automated habitat
      classification confirmed that our mapping methods were accurate. A species with
      high contrast to the background matrix allowed adequate estimate of its coverage.
      DISCUSSION: The example surveys demonstrate that small aerial drones are capable
      of gathering large amounts of information on the distribution of vegetation and
      individual species with minimal impact to sensitive habitats. Low-elevation
      aerial surveys have potential for a wide range of applications in plant ecology.

PMID- 27672519
TI  - Development and characterization of 27 microsatellite markers for the mangrove
      fern, Acrostichum aureum (Pteridaceae).
AB  - PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Twenty-seven nuclear microsatellite markers were developed
      for the mangrove fern, Acrostichum aureum (Pteridaceae), to investigate the
      genetic structure and demographic history of the only pantropical mangrove plant.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: Fifty-six A. aureum individuals from three populations were
      sampled and genotyped to characterize the 27 loci. The number of alleles and
      expected heterozygosity ranged from one to 15 and 0.000 to 0.893, respectively.
      Across the 26 polymorphic loci, the Malaysian population showed much higher
      levels of polymorphism compared to the other two populations in Guam and Brazil.
      Cross-amplification tests in the other two species from the genus determined that
      seven and six loci were amplifiable in A. danaeifolium and A. speciosum,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The 26 polymorphic microsatellite markers will be
      useful for future studies investigating the genetic structure and demographic
      history of of A. aureum, which has the widest distributional range of all
      mangrove plants.

PMID- 27672520
TI  - Characterization of microsatellite loci in the lichen-forming fungus Cetraria
      aculeata (Parmeliaceae, Ascomycota).
AB  - PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed for the
      lichen species Cetraria aculeata (Parmeliaceae) to study fine-scale population
      diversity and phylogeographic structure. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using Illumina
      HiSeq and MiSeq, 15 fungus-specific microsatellite markers were developed and
      tested on 81 specimens from four populations from Spain. The number of alleles
      ranged from four to 13 alleles per locus with a mean of 7.9, and average gene
      diversities varied from 0.40 to 0.73 over four populations. The amplification
      rates of 10 markers (CA01-CA10) in populations of C. aculeata exceeded 85%. The
      markers also amplified across a range of closely related species, except for
      locus CA05, which did not amplify in C. australiensis and C. "panamericana," and
      locus CA10 which did not amplify in C. australiensis. CONCLUSIONS: The identified
      microsatellite markers will be used to study the genetic diversity and
      phylogeographic structure in populations of C. aculeata in western Eurasia.

PMID- 27672521
TI  - Twenty novel polymorphic microsatellite primers in the critically endangered
      Melastoma tetramerum var. tetramerum (Melastomataceae).
AB  - PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Microsatellite markers were identified for Melastoma
      tetramerum var. tetramerum (Melastomataceae), a critically endangered shrub
      endemic to the Bonin Islands, to reveal genetic characteristics in wild and
      restored populations. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using next-generation sequencing, 27
      microsatellite markers were identified. Twenty of these markers were polymorphic
      in M. tetramerum var. tetramerum, with two to nine alleles per locus and expected
      heterozygosity ranging from 0.10 to 0.71. Among the 20 polymorphic markers, 15
      were applicable to other closely related taxa, namely M. tetramerum var.
      pentapetalum, M. candidum var. candidum, and M. candidum var. alessandrense.
      CONCLUSIONS: These markers can be potentially useful to investigate the genetic
      diversity, population genetic structure, and reproductive ecology of M.
      tetramerum var. tetramerum as well as of the three related taxa to provide
      appropriate genetic information for conservation.

PMID- 27672522
TI  - A genomic approach for isolating chloroplast microsatellite markers for
      Pachyptera kerere (Bignoniaceae).
AB  - PREMISE OF THE STUDY: In this study, we developed chloroplast microsatellite
      markers (cpSSRs) for Pachyptera kerere (Bignoniaceae) to investigate the
      population structure and genetic diversity of this species. METHODS AND RESULTS:
      We used Illumina HiSeq data to reconstruct the chloroplast genome of P. kerere by
      a combination of de novo and reference-guided assembly. We then used the
      chloroplast genome to develop a set of cpSSRs from intergenic regions. Overall,
      24 primer pairs were designed, 21 of which amplified successfully and were
      polymorphic, presenting three to nine alleles per locus. The unbiased haploid
      diversity per locus varied from 0.207 (Pac28) to 0.817 (Pac04). All but one locus
      amplified for all other taxa of Pachyptera. CONCLUSIONS: The markers reported
      here will serve as a basis for studies to assess the genetic structure and
      phylogeographic history of Pachyptera.

PMID- 27672523
TI  - Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci for the endangered wetland
      plant Adenophora palustris (Campanulaceae).
AB  - PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Adenophora palustris (Campanulaceae) is an endangered
      wetland plant species in Japan. Although it is widely distributed in East Asia,
      only six extant populations are known in Japan, with fewer than 1000 individuals
      in total. We developed 15 microsatellite markers for this species and confirmed
      their utility for the closely related species A. triphylla var. japonica. METHODS
      AND RESULTS: Ten polymorphic loci were characterized for genetic variation within
      three populations of A. palustris. The number of alleles per locus ranged from
      four to 15, with an average of 9.3; the expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.48
      to 0.89, with an average of 0.74. Nine loci were successfully amplified in A.
      triphylla var. japonica, and three of these loci showed polymorphism.
      CONCLUSIONS: These markers are useful for investigating genetic diversity and
      gene flow within and among remnant populations of A. palustris in Japan, and the
      results will provide crucial information for conservation.

PMID- 27672524
TI  - Development of transcriptome-derived SSR markers for Hoya ledongensis
      (Apocynaceae) and cross-amplification in a congener.
AB  - PREMISE OF THE STUDY: To examine patterns of genetic diversity and test possible
      hybridization events, microsatellite markers were identified and characterized in
      Hoya ledongensis (Apocynaceae), and cross-amplification was tested in a congener,
      H. jianfenglingensis. METHODS AND RESULTS: Based on the transcriptome data of H.
      ledongensis, 46 microsatellite primer pairs were randomly selected for initial
      validation. From these, 28 primer pairs were successfully amplified, 12 of which
      were polymorphic in 36 individuals across three populations of H. ledongensis.
      The number of alleles per microsatellite locus ranged from two to 11. The
      observed and expected heterozygosities for the 12 loci ranged from 0.133 to 0.867
      and 0.128 to 0.894, respectively. Cross-species amplification was successful for
      these 12 loci in the congeneric species H. jianfenglingensis. CONCLUSIONS: These
      polymorphic transcriptome-derived simple sequence repeat markers have the
      potential to be used as multilocus molecular markers to study the population
      genetics and natural hybridization in species of Hoya.

PMID- 27672525
TI  - The complete chloroplast genome sequences for four Amaranthus species
      (Amaranthaceae).
AB  - PREMISE OF THE STUDY: The amaranth genus contains many important grain and weedy
      species. We further our understanding of the genus through the development of a
      complete reference chloroplast genome. METHODS AND RESULTS: A high-quality
      Amaranthus hypochondriacus (Amaranthaceae) chloroplast genome assembly was
      developed using long-read technology. This reference genome was used to
      reconstruct the chloroplast genomes for two closely related grain species (A.
      cruentus and A. caudatus) and their putative progenitor (A. hybridus). The
      reference genome was 150,518 bp and possesses a circular structure of two
      inverted repeats (24,352 bp) separated by small (17,941 bp) and large (83,873 bp)
      single-copy regions; it encodes 111 genes, 72 for proteins. Relative to the
      reference chloroplast genome, an average of 210 single-nucleotide polymorphisms
      (SNPs) and 122 insertion/deletion polymorphisms (indels) were identified across
      the analyzed genomes. CONCLUSIONS: This reference chloroplast genome, along with
      the reported simple sequence repeats, SNPs, and indels, is an invaluable genetic
      resource for studying the phylogeny and genetic diversity within the amaranth
      genus.

PMID- 27672526
TI  - Autoimmune Schizophrenia? Psychiatric Manifestations of Hashimoto's Encephalitis.
AB  - Hashimoto's encephalitis (HE), also known as steroid-responsive encephalopathy
      associated with autoimmune thyroiditis (SREAT), can be a debilitating
      manifestation of an autoimmune reaction against the thyroid that is often under
      diagnosed primarily due to a lack of definitive diagnostic criteria. This is a
      case of a 52-year-old woman who has been diagnosed with HE after presenting with
      recurrent and severe psychosis in conjunction with paranoia and a thyroidopathy.
      Her symptoms are chronic, having first been documented as presenting 15 years
      prior and showing progressive exacerbation in both frequency and severity. The
      patient's paranoia often manifested as delusions involving family members or
      close friends and consequently introduced an opportunity for harm to herself and
      others. She showed great conviction with self-diagnoses that were proven
      incorrect, resulting in occasional non-compliance. Between episodes, the patient
      did not show evidence of symptoms. This patient struggled with several incorrect
      diagnoses and treatments for several years before the correct diagnosis of HE was
      made and displayed extreme improvement upon corticosteroid administration. This
      case illustrates the importance of increasing awareness of HE as well as
      including HE in a differential diagnosis when any patient presents with psychosis
      and concurrent thyroidopathy. Hashimoto's encephalitis follows putative
      characteristics of autoimmune diseases, exhibiting a higher incidence in women as
      compared to men, presenting with increased titers of autoantibodies, and showing
      dramatic amelioration when treated with corticosteroids. 

PMID- 27672527
TI  - Is there a link between Depressive Disorders and Tryptophan Hydroxylase 1 (TPH1)
      Gene Polymorphism? - Study from a Distressed Area, Kashmir (India).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The progress that man has made in all domains of life, during all
      these years of reign over the earth, is utterly remarkable. However, it always
      came at a price. Each epoch of progress has seen human beings inflicted with
      trauma and cynical consequences. During the last two decades, Kashmiri (Indian)
      people have experienced continuous violence, a reign of terror, and political
      turmoil. Each of these disastrous events has contributed to the increase in
      psychiatric disorders in this part of the world, especially major depressive
      disorders. We can observe that besides the environmental influences, gene
      polymorphism also plays a crucial role in the development of depressive
      disorders. The role of Tryptophan Hydroxylase 1 (TPH1) gene is implicated in
      various psychiatric disorders, including depression. However, no study has
      investigated TPH1 A779C gene polymorphism in depressive disorders in a distressed
      society like Kashmir (India). AIMS: To study TPH1 A779C single nucleotide
      polymorphism in depressive disorders in Kashmiri (Indian) population. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Two hundred and forty patients diagnosed with depressive disorder,
      and 160 unrelated healthy volunteers (control), were studied in a case-control
      study design. Polymorphism was determined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
      and agarose gel electrophoresis, after digestion with HAP II enzyme. Genotypes
      and allele frequencies were compared using Chi-square tests, Fisher's exact test,
      odds ratio, 95% confidence interval (C.I.) and a p-value of <0.05 was considered
      to be statistically significant. RESULTS: The mean age +/- standard deviation
      (SD) of depression and control group was 32.02+/-10.99 and 31.75+/-9.93,
      respectively (p= 0.512). It was found that the patients from depression group had
      AA genotype (51.7%) in comparison to control group (17.5%) and these results were
      statistically significant (p<=0.0001). Calculation of allelic frequency revealed
      a stronger association of A allele with depression group (70.83%) than with the
      control group (41.25%), and it was also found to be statistically significant
      (p<=0.0001) with C.I. of 3.459 (1.909-6.266). CONCLUSION: TPH1 A779C A gene was
      found to be associated with a major depressive disorder (MDD) in Kashmiri
      (Indian) population. There were high HAM-A as well as HAM-D scores in depressive
      patients of Kashmir (India).

PMID- 27672528
TI  - A Unique Case of Intracranial Mucormycosis Following an Assault.
AB  - Intracranial mucormycosis is a very unusual presentation of an infection after a
      depressed skull fracture due to an assault. Only sporadic cases have been
      reported in the literature previously. A 30-year-old male with a traumatic brain
      injury following an assault, status-post debridement and elevation of a depressed
      skull fracture, was discharged home several weeks postoperatively. A CT scan of
      the head with contrast was obtained due to mental status changes and revealed an
      enhancing ring-shaped lesion in the right frontal lobe consistent with a brain
      abscess. The patient was taken to the operating room for image-guided excisional
      biopsy of the lesion, with pathology revealing mucormycosis. 

PMID- 27672529
TI  - Intravascular Ultrasound for Intracranial and Extracranial Carotid Artery Stent
      Placement.
AB  - Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) can provide valuable information regarding
      endoluminal morphology. We present the first description of IVUS-guided
      intracranial and extracranial carotid artery stent placement for arterial
      dissection. A 41-year-old female with a sudden-onset headache and blurred vision
      underwent a computed tomography (CT) angiogram imaging that revealed bilateral
      carotid artery dissections (BCAD) and a left vertebral artery dissection (VAD).
      Endovascular treatment (EVT) of a long segment right carotid artery dissection
      (CAD) was performed employing two Carotid WALLSTENTTM MonorailsTM (8 x 36 mm, 10
      x 31 mm) (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA). With the help of the IVUS, the
      distal stent was placed up to the petrous carotid artery, followed by the
      placement of the second stent in the immediate proximal location with some
      overlap that extended down to the carotid artery bulb. Intraoperative angiography
      and post-stenting IVUS revealed excellent stent placement with good resolution of
      the dissection and good luminal patency with pseudolumen obliteration. Stent use
      for intracranial circulation dissections will continue to be a favorable option
      given the decreased morbidity of endovascular therapy in this location. As
      endovascular surgeons become more facile with the use of IVUS, using it as a
      guide for stent placement and post-stenting confirmation will help them to ensure
      proper positioning and improved patency rates. 

PMID- 27672530
TI  - Adapting to a US Medical Curriculum in Malaysia: A Qualitative Study on Cultural
      Dissonance in International Education.
AB  - CONTEXT: Minimal research has examined the recent exportation of medical
      curricula to international settings. Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
      in Baltimore, USA partnered with Perdana University Graduate School of Medicine
      in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and implemented the same curriculum currently used at
      Johns Hopkins University to teach medical students at Perdana University. This
      study aimed to explore the perspectives of first-year medical students at Perdana
      University, focusing on issues of cultural dissonance during adaptation to a US
      curriculum. METHODS: In-depth semi-structured interviews with the inaugural class
      of first-year students (n=24) were conducted, audio-recorded, and transcribed.
      Two reviewers independently coded and analyzed the qualitative data for major
      themes. RESULTS: The most prominent themes identified were the transition from a
      "passive" to an "active" learning environment and the friendliness and openness
      of the professors. Students noted that "[Perdana University] is a whole new,
      different culture and now we are adapting to the culture." Being vocal during
      classes and taking exams based on conceptual understanding and knowledge
      application/integration proved to be more challenging for students than having
      classes taught entirely in English or the amount of material covered. DISCUSSION:
      This study reinforced many cultural education theories as it revealed the major
      issues of Malaysian graduate students adapting to a US-style medical curriculum.
      Despite coming from a collectivistic, Confucian-based cultural learning
      background, the Malaysian students at Perdana University adopted and adapted to,
      and subsequently supported, the US learning expectations.

PMID- 27672531
TI  - Late Spontaneous Migration of a Dorsal Column Stimulator Paddle Lead.
AB  - The most frequently encountered complication of dorsal column stimulators is lead
      migration. The vast majority of these events are seen in the first few weeks to
      months. Late paddle lead migration is a very uncommon occurrence in this setting.
      We describe a case of a 51-year-old male with a history of reflex sympathetic
      dystrophy having undergone dorsal column stimulator insertion at the level of C1
      C2. A good clinical benefit was appreciated in the postoperative period once the
      stimulator was turned on. Approximately six months postoperatively, the patient
      suddenly lost coverage. Radiographic imaging revealed that the lead had migrated
      caudally to the C3-C4 level. Subsequent revision surgery took place. This
      description highlights a common complication, but occurring outside the expected
      time frame after surgery. 

PMID- 27672532
TI  - Research in Medical School: A Survey Evaluating Why Medical Students Take
      Research Years.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In recent years, an increasing number of medical students have
      taken time off during medical school in order to conduct research. Schools and
      students have invested millions of dollars and thousands of person-years on
      research projects, but little is known as to why students choose to take this
      time off. We aim to characterize why students take research years during medical
      school. METHODS: The authors distributed an online survey about research in
      medical school to students at five medical schools that have highly regarded
      research programs. RESULTS: 328 students responded to the survey. The most common
      reasons students take years off for research are: "increase competitiveness for
      residency application" (32%), "time to pursue other opportunities" (24%), and
      "academic interest" (23%). Students who would still take a research year even if
      they were already assured a position in a residency program of their choice were
      at 65%, while 35% would not take a research year. Responses varied based on
      whether students intended to go into a competitive specialty. DISCUSSION: Medical
      students take research years for multiple reasons, although they frequently are
      not motivated by an interest in the research itself. Many student projects
      consume a substantial amount of time and money despite having little educational
      value. Medical schools, residency programs, and policymakers should rethink
      incentives to increase value and help students better pursue their academic
      interests.

PMID- 27672533
TI  - Reconstruction of the Odontoid Process by a Tricortical Iliac Crest Graft in a
      Case of Tuberculosis of C1, C2, and C3 Vertebrae.
AB  - Tuberculosis (TB) is an emerging disease which affects about one-third of the
      world's population, especially in developing countries. TB of the spine is the
      most common type of skeletal TB. Cervical spine TB is rare, constituting 2-3% of
      all cases of spinal TB. We would like to present an unusual case of tuberculosis
      of the C1, C2, and C3 vertebrae with neurological deficit and its difficult
      management. A new method of treatment was done for this patient, which included
      reconstruction of the odontoid process using a tricortical iliac crest graft that
      was fixed with an anterior cervical plate. On follow-up, there was good
      incorporation of the graft. The neurological condition of the patient improved
      and was normal with partial restriction of neck movements. We suggest this
      technique to be worthwhile for treatment of this disease at this location. 

PMID- 27672534
TI  - Post-Traumatic, Drug-Resistant Epilepsy and Review of Seizure Control Outcomes
      from Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trials of Brain Stimulation Treatments for
      Drug-Resistant Epilepsy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) patients become resistant to
      medications. Nervous stimulation as a treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE)
      is an active area of clinical investigation. OBJECTIVE: To summarize methods,
      reported seizure control outcome measures, and adverse events from blinded,
      randomized control trials (RCTs) for selected invasive brain stimulation (IBS)
      and non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) treatment options in patients with DRE.
      METHODS: PubMed was searched for articles from 1995-2014, using search terms
      related to the topics of interest. Available relevant articles reporting the
      outcomes of interest were identified and data was extracted. Articles in the
      reference lists of relevant articles and clinicaltrials.gov were also referenced.
      RESULTS: Eleven articles were analyzed with a total of 795 patients identified.
      Studies showed that select nervous stimulation treatments significantly reduced
      seizure frequency in patients with DRE.

PMID- 27672535
TI  - Urban Enhancement of PM10 Bioaerosol Tracers Relative to Background Locations in
      the Midwestern United States.
AB  - Bioaerosols are well-known immune-active particles that exacerbate respiratory
      diseases. Human exposures to bioaerosols and their resultant health impacts
      depend on their ambient concentrations, seasonal and spatial variation, and co
      pollutants, which are not yet widely characterized. In this study, chemical and
      biological tracers of bioaerosols were quantified in respirable particulate
      matter (PM10) collected at three urban and three background sites in the
      Midwestern United States across four seasons in 2012. Endotoxins from gram
      negative bacteria (and a few gram positive bacteria), water-soluble proteins, and
      tracers for fungal spores (fungal glucans, arabitol and mannitol) were ubiquitous
      and showed significant seasonal variation and dependence on temperature. Fungal
      spores were elevated in spring and peaked in summer, following the seasonal
      growing cycle, while endotoxins peaked in autumn during the row crop harvesting
      season. Paired comparisons of bioaerosols in urban and background sites revealed
      significant urban enhancements in PM10, fungal glucans, endotoxins and water
      soluble proteins relative to background locations, such that urban populations
      have a greater outdoor exposure to bioaerosols. These bioaerosols contribute, in
      part, to the urban excesses in PM10. Higher bioaerosol mass fractions in urban
      areas relative to background sites indicate that urban areas serve as a source of
      bioaerosols. Similar urban enhancements in water-soluble calcium and its
      correlation with bioaerosol tracers point towards wind-blown soil as an important
      source of bioaerosols in urban areas.

PMID- 27672536
TI  - Next generation sequencing: Coping with rare genetic diseases in China.
AB  - With a population of 1.4 billion, China shares the largest burden of rare genetic
      diseases worldwide. Current estimates suggest that there are over ten million
      individuals afflicted with chromosome disease syndromes and well over one million
      individuals with monogenic disease. Care of patients with rare genetic diseases
      remains a largely unmet need due to the paucity of available and affordable
      treatments. Over recent years, there is increasing recognition of the need for
      affirmative action by government, health providers, clinicians and patients. The
      advent of new next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies such as whole
      genome/exome sequencing, offers an unprecedented opportunity to provide large
      scale population screening of the Chinese population to identify the molecular
      causes of rare genetic diseases. As a surrogate for lack of effective treatments,
      recent development and implementation of noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) in
      China has the greatest potential, as a single technology, for reducing the number
      of children born with rare genetic diseases. 

PMID- 27672537
TI  - Fragile X syndrome: A review of clinical management.
AB  - The fragile X mental retardation 1 gene, which codes for the fragile X mental
      retardation 1 protein, usually has 5 to 40 CGG repeats in the 5' untranslated
      promoter. The full mutation is the almost always the cause of fragile X syndrome
      (FXS). The prevalence of FXS is about 1 in 4,000 to 1 in 7,000 in the general
      population although the prevalence varies in different regions of the world. FXS
      is the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability and autism. The
      understanding of the neurobiology of FXS has led to many targeted treatments, but
      none have cured this disorder. The treatment of the medical problems and
      associated behaviors remain the most useful intervention for children with FXS.
      In this review, we focus on the non-pharmacological and pharmacological
      management of medical and behavioral problems associated with FXS as well as
      current recommendations for follow-up and surveillance. 

PMID- 27672539
TI  - Targeting mRNA for the treatment of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy.
AB  - Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is an inherited autosomal dominant
      disorder characterized clinically by progressive muscle degeneration. Currently,
      no curative treatment for this disorder exists. FSHD patients are managed through
      physiotherapy to improve function and quality of life. Over the last two decades,
      FSHD has been better understood as a disease genetically characterized by a
      pathogenic contraction of a subset of macrosatellite repeats on chromosome 4.
      Specifically, several studies support an FSHD pathogenesis model involving the
      aberrant expression of the double homeobox protein 4 (DUX4) gene. Hence,
      potential therapies revolving around inhibition of DUX4 have been explored. One
      of the potential treatment options is the use of effective antisense
      oligonucleotides (AOs) to knockdown expression of the myopathic DUX4 gene and its
      downstream molecules including paired-like homeodomain transcription factor 1
      (PITX1). Success in the suppression of PITX1 expression has already been
      demonstrated systemically in vivo in recent studies. In this article, we will
      review the pathogenesis of FSHD and the latest research involving the use of
      antisense knockdown therapy. 

PMID- 27672540
TI  - Endocarditis in left ventricular assist device.
AB  - Heart failure is one of the leading causes of death in developed nations. End
      stage heart failure often requires cardiac transplantation for survival. The left
      ventricular assist device (LVAD) has been one of the biggest evolvements in heart
      failure management often serving as bridge to transplant or destination therapy
      in advanced heart failure. Like any other medical device, LVAD is associated with
      complications with infections being reported in many patients. Endocarditis
      developing secondary to the placement of LVAD is not a frequent, serious and
      difficult to treat condition with high morbidity and mortality. Currently, there
      are few retrospective studies and case reports reporting the same. In our review,
      we found the most common cause of endocarditis in LVAD was due to bacteria. Both
      bacterial and fungal endocarditis were associated with high morbidity and
      mortality. In this review we will be discussing the risk factors, organisms
      involved, diagnostic tests, management strategies, complications, and outcomes in
      patients who developed endocarditis secondary to LVAD placement. 

PMID- 27672538
TI  - Review of targeted treatments in fragile X syndrome.
AB  - Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common inherited form of intellectual
      disability, and is the leading single-gene cause of autism spectrum disorders. It
      is due to a loss of the fragile X mental retardation protein, which leads to
      molecular, behavioral, and cognitive deficits in these patients. Improvements in
      our understanding of its pathophysiology have led to the development of numerous
      targeted treatments in FXS as highlighted by metabotropic glutamate receptor
      antagonists and gamma-Aminobutyric acid receptor modulators. This review will
      summarize relevant pre-clinical data and results from clinical trials in human
      subjects with FXS. It will also highlight upcoming studies and future directions
      for clinical trials as well. 

PMID- 27672541
TI  - Development of chidamide for peripheral T-cell lymphoma, the first orphan drug
      approved in China.
AB  - Peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) is a set of rare and highly heterogeneous group
      of mature T- and NK-cell neoplasms associated with poor outcomes and lack of
      standard and effective therapies. The total number of newly diagnosed cases of
      PTCL yearly in China is estimated about 50,000. Chidamide (CS055) is a novel and
      orally active benzamide class of histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor that
      selectively inhibits activity of HDAC1, 2, 3 and 10, the enzymes that are
      involved and play an important role in tumor initiation and development in both
      tumor cells and their surrounding micro-environment. Functioning as a genuine
      epigenetic modulator, chidamide induces growth arrest and apoptosis in tumor
      cells and enhances cellular antitumor immunity. Based on the overall results from
      preclinical and phase I clinical studies, exploratory and pivotal phase II trials
      of chidamide for relapsed or refractory PTCL were conducted from March 2009 to
      May 2012, and the results led to CFDA approval of chidamide for the indication in
      December 2014, being the first approved orphan drug according to the research &
      development approach of orphan drugs in China, as well as the first orally active
      drug for PTCL in China and worldwide. 

PMID- 27672543
TI  - Perceptions regarding a range of work-related issues and corresponding support
      needs of individuals with an intractable disease.
AB  - A number of persons with an intractable disease (ID) experience work-related
      problems that could lead to job loss. The aim of this study was to ascertain
      perceptions regarding a range of work-related issues and corresponding support
      needs of individuals with an ID. Potential participants were people ages 15 to 64
      with one of the 130 intractable chronic diseases designated in the Act to
      Comprehensively Support the Daily and Social Activities of Persons with
      Disabilities (Comprehensive Support for the Disabled Act). Participants completed
      a self-administered questionnaire. With the assistance of patients'
      organizations, 3,000 questionnaires were mailed to potential participants.
      Questions included demographic characteristics, family concerns,
      employment/supported employment, work accommodations, and other aspects of life.
      Responses were received from 889 (29.6%) participants, and respondents had 57
      IDs. Forty-six-point-seven percent of respondents reported being unemployed due
      to fatigue and/or long-term treatment. Nearly half of the unemployed respondents
      reported that they had been unable to work despite their willingness to do so.
      Common requests for accommodation included flexible work hours, working at home,
      and job/workplace modifications. Only 30% of respondents knew about job training
      programs and supported work available for persons with disabilities. The results
      of the study are relevant for employees, employers, and occupational health/human
      resource professionals. The issue of reasonable accommodations for persons with
      an ID needs to be addressed in future research in order to promote continued work
      by those persons. 

PMID- 27672542
TI  - Urine-derived induced pluripotent stem cells as a modeling tool to study rare
      human diseases.
AB  - Rare diseases with a low prevalence are a key public health issue because the
      causes of those diseases are difficult to determine and those diseases lack a
      clearly established or curative treatment. Thus, investigating the molecular
      mechanisms that underlie the pathology of rare diseases and facilitating the
      development of novel therapies using disease models is crucial. Human induced
      pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are well suited to modeling rare diseases since
      they have the capacity for self-renewal and pluripotency. In addition, iPSC
      technology provides a valuable tool to generate patient-specific iPSCs. These
      cells can be differentiated into cell types that have been affected by a disease.
      These cells would circumvent ethical concerns and avoid immunological rejection,
      so they could be used in cell replacement therapy or regenerative medicine. To
      date, human iPSCs could have been generated from multiple donor sources, such as
      skin, adipose tissue, and peripheral blood. However, these cells are obtained via
      invasive procedures. In contrast, several groups of researchers have found that
      urine may be a better source for producing iPSCs from normal individuals or
      patients. This review discusses urinary iPSC (UiPSC) as a candidate for modeling
      rare diseases. Cells obtained from urine have overwhelming advantages compared to
      other donor sources since they are safely, affordably, and frequently obtained
      and they are readily obtained from patients. The use of iPSC-based models is also
      discussed. UiPSCs may prove to be a key means of modeling rare diseases and they
      may facilitate the treatment of those diseases in the future. 

PMID- 27672544
TI  - Alcohol use dependence in fragile X syndrome.
AB  - Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) have been reported in a limited number of
      individuals with cognitive impairment but rarely in those with fragile X syndrome
      (FXS). However, in Colombia, culturally, alcohol consumption is very common.
      Here, we report eight cases of patients with FXS who have frequent alcohol
      consumption in Ricaurte, Colombia. Some of these patients have also used tobacco
      and illegal substances, including cocaine, which use has not been previously
      reported in those with FXS. Alcohol and substance use dependence is associated
      with exacerbation of their behavioral problems, such as increased impulsivity and
      aggression, as well as of medical problems such as an increased frequency of
      seizures. 

PMID- 27672545
TI  - Novel SLC16A2 mutations in patients with Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome.
AB  - Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome (AHDS) is an X-linked disorder caused by impaired
      thyroid hormone transporter. Patients with AHDS usually exhibit severe motor
      developmental delay, delayed myelination of the brain white matter, and elevated
      T3 levels in thyroid tests. Neurological examination of two patients with
      neurodevelopmental delay revealed generalized hypotonia, and not paresis, as the
      main neurological finding. Nystagmus and dyskinesia were not observed. Brain
      magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated delayed myelination in early childhood in
      both patients. Nevertheless, matured myelination was observed at 6 years of age
      in one patient. Although the key finding for AHDS is elevated free T3, one of the
      patients showed a normal T3 level in childhood, misleading the diagnosis of AHDS.
      Genetic analysis revealed two novel SLC16A2 mutations, p.(Gly122Val) and
      p.(Gly221Ser), confirming the AHDS diagnosis. These results indicate that AHDS
      diagnosis is sometimes challenging owing to clinical variability among patients. 

PMID- 27672546
TI  - Malignant McKittrick-Wheelock syndrome as a cause of acute kidney injury and
      hypokalemia: Report of a case and review of literature.
AB  - Colonic polyps are usually asymptomatic, and are commonly detected during
      screening colonoscopy. Severe hypokalemia secondary to secretory diarrhea is a
      rare presentation of rectal polyps. We present a 70 years old female with
      hypokalemia and acute kidney injury secondary to secretory diarhea due to
      moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma of rectum, all of which is syndromically
      sometimes referred to as McKittrick and Wheelock syndrome. The case is presented
      because McKittrick-Wheelock syndrome is still more uncommon with malignancy. The
      syndrome may be associated with other features of hypersecretory diarrhea. Though
      very rare, clinical suspicion would often lead to diagnosis and appropriate
      management. We also review the previously published reports of this entity. 

PMID- 27672547
TI  - Coffin-Siris syndrome with cafe-au-lait spots, obesity and hyperinsulinism caused
      by a mutation in the ARID1B gene.
AB  - Coffin-Siris syndrome (CSS) (MIM 135900) is characterized by developmental delay,
      severe speech impairment, distinctive facial features, hypertrichosis, aplasia or
      hypoplasia of the distal phalanx or nail of the fifth digit and agenesis of the
      corpus callosum. Recently, it was shown that mutations in the ARID1B gene are the
      main cause of CSS, accounting for 76% of identified mutations. Here, we report a
      15 year-old female patient who was admitted to our clinic with seizures, speech
      problems, dysmorphic features, bilaterally big, large thumb, cafe-au-lait (CAL)
      spots, obesity and hyperinsulinism. First, the patient was thought to have an
      association of neurofibromatosis and Rubinstein Taybi syndrome. Because of the
      large size of the NF1 gene for neurofibromatosis and CREBBP gene for Rubinstein
      Taybi syndrome, whole exome sequence analysis (WES) was conducted and a novel
      ARID1B mutation was identified. The proband WES test identified a novel
      heterozygous frameshift mutation c.3394_3395insTA in exon 13 of ARID1B
      (NM_017519.2) predicting a premature stop codon p.(Tyr1132Leufs*67). Sanger
      sequencing confirmed the heterozygous c.3394_3395insTA mutation in the proband
      and that it was not present in her parents indicating de novo mutation. Further
      investigation and new cases will help to understand this phenomenon better. 

PMID- 27672548
TI  - Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: A rare cause of recurrent encephalopathy.
AB  - We report an unusual case of recurrent encephalopathy due to acquired
      hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) in a patient with propionic acidemia
      (PA). PA is an inherited metabolic disorder in which patients often present with
      encephalopathy and pancytopenia during metabolic decompensation. However, these
      patients may rarely develop HLH with similar presentation. This case illustrates
      the need to distinguish HLH induced encephalopathy from the one secondary to
      metabolic decompensation in these patients, as early diagnosis and treatment of
      HLH improves prognosis. This case also highlights the importance of considering
      HLH in patients presenting with unexplained encephalopathy, as early diagnosis
      and treatment is lifesaving in this otherwise lethal condition. To our knowledge
      this is the first case report of acquired HLH presenting as recurrent
      encephalopathy followed by complete recovery, in a metabolically stable patient
      with PA. 

PMID- 27672550
TI  - Behavioral phenotype in a child with Prader-Willi syndrome and comorbid 47, XYY.
AB  - We report a 12-year-old male with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) and 47, XYY
      syndrome. Genetic work up revealed 47, XYY karyotype. PWS diagnosis was made by
      polymerase chain reaction methylation and maternal uniparental disomy (mUPD) was
      determined to be the etiology. Review of distinct behavioral features, possible
      interplay between the two syndromes and considerations for diagnoses are
      presented. To our knowledge, this is the first report of behavioral features in
      PWS with comorbid 47, XYY. 

PMID- 27672549
TI  - Cystic adventitial disease of the common femoral vein: A case report.
AB  - Adventitial cystic disease (ACD) of the common femoral vein is a rare vascular
      disorder. It becomes more difficult to recognize preoperatively especially when
      the femoral vein is affected. We report the case of a 62-year-old female patient
      who presented with a one-month history of painless swelling in her right lower
      extremity. She had no specific past medical history and no history of trauma, and
      had a full coagulopathy profile that was negative for any hypercoagulable
      syndrome. On examination, her lower right leg was significantly swollen with a
      palpable mass in her right inguinal region. A computerized tomography (CT) with
      contrast was performed to provide more information and revealed an eccentric
      compression over the medial wall of the right common femoral vein. During
      surgical exploration, adventitial cystic mucinous disease was enucleated and the
      patient underwent femoral exploration, excision of the cysts and reconstruction
      of iliac femoral vein graft using an artificial blood vessel. The pathological
      examination confirmed the diagnosis. The patient continued to do well, and she
      had an unremarkable venous duplex evaluation at her 6-month follow-up. The
      presentation, investigation, treatment, and pathology of this condition are
      discussed with a literature review. 

PMID- 27672552
TI  - Retroperitoneal fibrosis with periaortitis: A case report of an unusual form of
      presentation of granulomatosis with polyangiitis.
AB  - Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is the name that has been used in recent
      years for Wegener's granulomatosis. This condition is a systemic inflammatory
      disease characterised by necrotizing vasculitis that affects small and medium
      sized blood vessels (capillaries, arterioles, venules and arteries). The
      granulomatous inflammation affects the respiratory system; it also commonly
      affects the kidney and can very rarely affect large vessels such as the aorta and
      the surrounding retroperitoneal tissue. Early diagnosis and treatment is of vital
      importance because of the high risk of dissection and of obstruction of
      retroperitoneal structures. We present the case of a 74-year-old man with a past
      history of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm. He consulted for abdominal pain.
      Cavitating pulmonary nodules and retroperitoneal fibrosis with periaortic
      alterations were detected on computed tomography. Laboratory investigations
      revealed that the patient was positive for cytoplasmic antineutrophil cytoplasmic
      antibodies (c-ANCA) and necrotizing granulomas were observed on biopsies of the
      lung lesions and retroperitoneal tissue. The patient was diagnosed with GPA and
      treatment was started with glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive agents, which
      led to a significant clinical and radiological improvement over the following
      months. 

PMID- 27672551
TI  - Use of Fungal Diagnostics and Therapy in Pediatric Cancer Patients in Resource
      Limited Settings.
AB  - Fungal diseases are an important cause of mortality in immunocompromised hosts,
      and their incidence in pediatric cancer patients in low- to middle-income
      countries is underestimated. In this review, we present relevant, up-to-date
      information about the most common opportunistic and endemic fungal diseases among
      children with cancer, their geographic distribution, and recommended diagnostics
      and treatment. Efforts to improve the care of children with cancer and fungal
      disease must address the urgent need for sustainable and cost-effective solutions
      that improve training, fungal disease testing capability, and the use of
      available resources. We hope that the collective information presented here will
      be used to advise healthcare providers, regional and country health leaders, and
      policymakers of the current challenges in diagnosing and treating fungal
      infections in children with cancer in low- to middle-income countries.

PMID- 27672553
TI  - A rare cause of cavitatory pneumonia.
AB  - Radiographic findings of thick walled cavities in the lungs are typically seen in
      mycobacterial infections, malignant lesions, fungal infections, pulmonary
      vasculitis or other inflammatory lesions of the lungs. Necrotizing infections of
      the lungs caused by gram negative bacteria (Klebsiella, Psudomonas, Legionella)
      and Staphylococcus aureus may also form cavities of varying thickness, with
      consolidation. Escherichia coli pneumonia causing pulmonary cavities is very rare
      and the few cases reported are of pneumatocele formation. Here we present an
      unusual case of Escherichia coli infection as a rare cause of bilateral
      cavitating necrotizing pneumoniae, in a 67 year old male with uncontrolled type 2
      diabetes mellitus. 

PMID- 27672554
TI  - Alpha oscillation neurofeedback modulates amygdala complex connectivity and
      arousal in posttraumatic stress disorder.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Electroencephalogram (EEG) neurofeedback aimed at reducing the
      amplitude of the alpha-rhythm has been shown to alter neural networks associated
      with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), leading to symptom alleviation.
      Critically, the amygdala is thought to be one of the central brain regions
      mediating PTSD symptoms. In the current study, we compare directly patterns of
      amygdala complex connectivity using fMRI, before and after EEG neurofeedback, in
      order to observe subcortical mechanisms associated with behavioural and alpha
      oscillatory changes among patients. METHOD: We examined basolateral (BLA),
      centromedial (CMA), and superficial (SFA) amygdala complex resting-state
      functional connectivity using a seed-based approach via SPM Anatomy Toolbox.
      Amygdala complex connectivity was measured in twenty-one individuals with PTSD,
      before and after a 30-minute session of EEG neurofeedback targeting alpha
      desynchronization. RESULTS: EEG neurofeedback was associated with a shift in
      amygdala complex connectivity from areas implicated in defensive, emotional, and
      fear processing/memory retrieval (left BLA and left SFA to the periaqueductal
      gray, and left SFA to the left hippocampus) to prefrontal areas implicated in
      emotion regulation/modulation (right CMA to the medial prefrontal cortex). This
      shift in amygdala complex connectivity was associated with reduced arousal,
      greater resting alpha synchronization, and was negatively correlated to PTSD
      symptom severity. CONCLUSION: These findings have significant implications for
      developing targeted non-invasive treatment interventions for PTSD patients that
      utilize alpha oscillatory neurofeedback, showing evidence of neuronal
      reconfiguration between areas highly implicated in the disorder, in addition to
      acute symptom alleviation.

PMID- 27672555
TI  - Disorder-specific characteristics of borderline personality disorder with co
      occurring depression and its comparison with major depression: An fMRI study with
      emotional interference task.
AB  - Borderline personality disorder (BPD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) are
      both associated with abnormalities in the regulation of emotion, with BPD being
      highly comorbid with MDD. Disorder-specific dysfunctions in BPD, however, have
      hardly been addressed, hence the lack of knowledge pertaining to the specificity
      of emotion processing deficits and their commonality with MDD. 24 healthy
      comparison subjects, 21 patients with MDD, and 13 patients with comorbid BPD and
      MDD (BPD + MDD group) were studied using functional MRI. The subjects were
      required to perform an emotional interference task that entailed categorizing
      facial affect while ignoring words that labeled the emotional contents of the
      external stimuli. Collapsing across emotional face types, we observed that
      participants with BPD + MDD uniquely displayed a greater involvement of the
      visual areas and the cerebellum. During emotional conflict processing, on the
      other hand, the lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) appeared to be affected in both
      patient groups. In comparison to the HC, the MDD group showed differences also in
      the posterior medial frontal cortex (pMFC) and the inferior parietal lobule
      (IPL). Thus, our data indicate dysfunctionality in the neural circuitry
      responsible for emotional conflict control in both disorders. The enhanced visual
      cortex activation in BPD + MDD suggests the visual system's hyperresponsiveness
      to faces at an early perceptual level. Not being associated with co-occurring
      depression, this effect in BPD + MDD appears to represent specific personality
      traits such as disturbed reactivity toward emotionally expressive facial stimuli.

PMID- 27672556
TI  - Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging traits as endophenotypes for genetic
      mapping in epilepsy.
AB  - Over the last decade, the field of imaging genomics has combined high-throughput
      genotype data with quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (QMRI) measures to
      identify genes associated with brain structure, cognition, and several brain
      related disorders. Despite its successful application in different psychiatric
      and neurological disorders, the field has yet to be advanced in epilepsy. In this
      article we examine the relevance of imaging genomics for future genetic studies
      in epilepsy from three perspectives. First, we discuss prior genome-wide genetic
      mapping efforts in epilepsy, considering the possibility that some studies may
      have been constrained by inherent theoretical and methodological limitations of
      the genome-wide association study (GWAS) method. Second, we offer a brief
      overview of the imaging genomics paradigm, from its original inception, to its
      role in the discovery of important risk genes in a number of brain-related
      disorders, and its successful application in large-scale multinational research
      networks. Third, we provide a comprehensive review of past studies that have
      explored the eligibility of brain QMRI traits as endophenotypes for epilepsy.
      While the breadth of studies exploring QMRI-derived endophenotypes in epilepsy
      remains narrow, robust syndrome-specific neuroanatomical QMRI traits have the
      potential to serve as accessible and relevant intermediate phenotypes for future
      genetic mapping efforts in epilepsy.

PMID- 27672558
TI  - Brain development in adolescents at ultra-high risk for psychosis: Longitudinal
      changes related to resilience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The main focus of studies of individuals at ultra-high risk for
      psychosis (UHR) has been on identifying brain changes in those individuals who
      will develop psychosis. However, longitudinal studies have shown that up to half
      of UHR individuals are resilient, with symptomatic remission and good functioning
      at follow-up. Yet little is known about brain development in resilient
      individuals. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate differences in
      brain development between resilient and non-resilient individuals. METHODS: A six
      year longitudinal structural MRI study was performed with up to three scans per
      individual. The final sample consisted of 48 UHR individuals and 48 typically
      developing controls with a total of 225 MRI-scans, aged 12-20 years at the time
      of the first MRI-scan and matched for age, gender and number of follow-up scans.
      At six-year follow-up, 35 UHR individuals were divided in resilient (good
      functional outcome) and non-resilient (poor functional outcome) subgroups,
      defined by the modified Global Assessment of Functioning. The main outcome
      measures were developmental changes in MR-based measures of cortical and
      subcortical anatomy. RESULTS: We found widespread differences in volume of
      frontal, temporal and parietal cortex between resilient and non-resilient
      individuals. These were already present at baseline and remained stable over
      development (12-24 years). Furthermore, there were differences in the development
      of cortical surface area in frontal regions including cingulate gyrus.
      CONCLUSIONS: Developmental differences may reflect compensatory neural
      mechanisms, where better functioning in resilient individuals leads to less
      tissue loss over development.

PMID- 27672557
TI  - Cognitive Slowing in Gulf War Illness Predicts Executive Network
      Hyperconnectivity: Study in a Population-Representative Sample.
AB  - Cognitive slowing is a prevalent symptom observed in Gulf War Illness (GWI). The
      present study assessed the extent to which functional connectivity between
      dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and other task-relevant brain regions was
      predictive of GWI-related cognitive slowing. GWI patients (n = 54) and healthy
      veteran controls (n = 29) were assessed on performance of a processing speed task
      (the Digit Symbol Substitution Task; DSST) while undergoing functional magnetic
      resonance imaging (fMRI). GWI patients were slower on the DSST relative to
      controls. Bilateral DLPFC connectivity with task-relevant nodes was altered in
      GWI patients compared to healthy controls during DSST performance. Moreover,
      hyperconnectivity in these networks predicted GWI-related increases in reaction
      time on the DSST, whereas hypoconnectivity did not. These results suggest that
      GWI-related cognitive slowing reflects reduced efficiency in cortical networks.

PMID- 27672560
TI  - Genome wide binding (ChIP-Seq) of murine Bapx1 and Sox9 proteins in vivo and in
      vitro.
AB  - This work pertains to GEO submission GSE36672, in vivo and in vitro genome wide
      binding (ChIP-Seq) of Bapx1/Nkx3.2 and Sox9 proteins. We have previously shown
      that data from a genome wide binding assay combined with transcriptional
      profiling is an insightful means to divulge the mechanisms directing cell type
      specification and the generation of tissues and subsequent organs [1]. Our
      earlier work identified the role of the DNA-binding homeodomain containing
      protein Bapx1/Nkx3.2 in midgestation murine embryos. Microarray analysis of EGFP
      tagged cells (both wildtype and null) was integrated using ChIP-Seq analysis of
      Bapx1/Nkx3.2 and Sox9 DNA-binding proteins in living tissue. 

PMID- 27672559
TI  - Behavioral and omics analyses study on potential involvement of dipeptide
      balenine through supplementation in diet of senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8.
AB  - This study investigates effects of dipeptide balenine, as a major component of
      whale meat extract (hereafter, WME), supplementation on senescence-accelerated
      mouse prone 8 (SAMP8), an Alzheimer's disease (AD) model at level of learning and
      memory formation and brain expression profiles genome-wide in brain. Mice fed
      experimental balenine (+ WME) supplemented diet for 26 weeks were subjected to
      four behavioral tests - open field, Y-maze, new object recognition, and water
      filled multiple T-maze - to examine effects on learning and memory. Brain
      transcriptome of SAMP8 mice-fed the WME diet over control low-safflower oil (LSO)
      diet-fed mice was delineated on a 4 * 44 K mouse whole genome DNA microarray
      chip. Results revealed the WME diet not only induced improvements in the learning
      and memory formation but also positively modulated changes in the brain of the
      SAMP8 mouse; the gene inventories are publically available for analysis by the
      scientific community. Interestingly, the SAMP8 mouse model presented many genetic
      characteristics of AD, and numerous novel molecules (Slc2a5, Treh, Fbp1, Aldob,
      Ppp1r1a, DNase1, Agxt2l1, Cyp2e1, Acsm1, Acsm2, and Pah) were revealed over the
      SAMR1 (senescence-accelerated mouse resistant 1) mouse, to be oppositely
      regulated/recovered under the balenine (+ WME) supplemented diet regime by DNA
      microarray and bioinformatics analyses. Our present study demonstrates an
      experimental strategy to understand the effects of dipeptide balenine, prominetly
      contained in meat diet, on SAMP8, providing new insight into whole brain
      transcriptome changes genome-wide. The gene expression data has been deposited
      into the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO): GSE76459. The data will be a valuable
      resource in examining the effects of natural products, and which could also serve
      as a human model for further functional analysis and investigation. 

PMID- 27672561
TI  - Changes in bicycling over time associated with a new bike lane: relations with
      kilocalories energy expenditure and body mass index.
AB  - Although bicycling has been related to positive health indicators, few studies
      examine health-related measures associated with non-competitive community cycling
      before and after cycling infrastructure improvements. This study examined cycling
      changes in a neighborhood receiving a bike lane, light rail, and other "complete
      street" improvements. Participants wore accelerometers and global positioning
      system (GPS) data loggers for one week in both 2012 and 2013, pre- and post-
      construction completion. Participants sampled within 2 km of the complete street
      improvements had the following patterns of cycling: never cyclists (n=434),
      continuing cyclists (n= 29), former cyclists (n=33, who bicycled in 2012 but not
      2013), and new cyclists (n=40, who bicycled in 2013 but not 2012). Results show
      that all three cycling groups, as identified by GPS/accelerometry data, expended
      more estimated kilocalories (kcal) of energy per minute during the monitoring
      week than those who were never detected cycling, net of control variables.
      Similar but attenuated results emerged when cycling self-report measures were
      used. BMI was not related to cycling group but those who cycled longer on the new
      path had lower BMI. Although cyclists burn more calories than non-cyclists across
      the week, among cyclists, their cycling days involved more calories expended than
      their non-cycling days. The new cyclists account for 39% of the cyclists
      identified in this study and former cyclists account for 32% of cyclists. These
      results suggest that cycling is healthy, but that sustaining rates of cycling
      will be an important goal for future policy and research.

PMID- 27672562
TI  - Aseptic abscess syndrome associated with traveler's diarrhea after a trip to
      Malaysia.
AB  - The first, to our knowledge, case of the aseptic abscesses syndrome as a
      complication of traveler's diarrhea after a trip to Malaysia is presented. The
      patient failed to respond to several antimicrobials. The diagnosis was
      histologically confirmed and the patient only responded to immunomodulatory
      therapy with corticosteroids and methotrexate. Travel physicians should be aware
      of this entity reviewed herein in the context of traveler's diarrhea. 

PMID- 27672563
TI  - First description of herpes simplex virus type 1 epididymo-orchitis: A new
      clinical form of herpes simplex virus infection during septic shock?
AB  - Genital herpes is increasingly caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), but
      recurrences are less frequent than with HSV-2. Distinguishing between primary
      genital infection and reactivation can be difficult, but HSV-1 more often causes
      severe primary infections and fewer recurrences. However, as virus reactivation
      is common during septic shock, a severe form of HSV-1 reactivation can occur in
      locations other than the lungs, which remain the most common site. The case of a
      79-year-old Caucasian man who presented with HSV-1 epididymo-orchitis after three
      episodes of severe sepsis or septic shock in the context of acute biliary
      necrotizing pancreatitis is described. This is the first reported case of HSV-1
      epididymo-orchitis due to virus reactivation during sepsis. 

PMID- 27672564
TI  - Return to sports after shoulder arthroplasty.
AB  - Many patients prioritize the ability to return to sports following shoulder
      replacement surgeries, including total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), reverse total
      shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA), and hemiarthroplasty (HA). While activity levels
      after hip and knee replacements have been well-established in the literature,
      studies on this topic in the field of shoulder arthroplasty are relatively
      limited. A review of the literature regarding athletic activity after shoulder
      arthroplasty was performed using the PubMed database. All studies relevant to
      shoulder arthroplasty and return to sport were included. The majority of patients
      returned to their prior level of activity within six months following TSA, RTSA,
      and shoulder HA. Noncontact, low demand activities are permitted by most surgeons
      postoperatively and generally have higher return rates than contact sports or
      high-demand activities. In some series, patients reported an improvement in their
      ability to participate in sports following the arthroplasty procedure. The rates
      of return to sports following TSA (75%-100%) are slightly higher than those
      reported for HA (67%-76%) and RTSA (75%-85%). Patients undergoing TSA, RTSA, and
      shoulder HA should be counseled that there is a high probability that they will
      be able to return to their preoperative activity level within six months
      postoperatively. TSA has been associated with higher rates of return to sports
      than RTSA and HA, although this may reflect differences in patient population or
      surgical indication. 

PMID- 27672565
TI  - Management of Ewing sarcoma family of tumors: Current scenario and unmet need.
AB  - Ewing sarcoma family tumors (ESFT) are heterogeneous, aggressive group of disease
      with peak incidence in adolescent and young adults. The outcome has been improved
      dramatically from 10% with surgery and radiotherapy alone to 65%-70% now, in
      localized disease, with the introduction of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy regimen
      evolved from single agent to multiagent with effort of many cooperative clinical
      trials over decades. The usual treatment protocol include introduction of multi
      agent chemotherapy in neoadjuvant setting to eradicate systemic disease with
      timely incorporation of surgery and/or radiotherapy as local treatment modality
      and further adjuvant chemotherapy to prevent recurrence. Risk adapted
      chemotherapy in neoadjuvant and adjuvant setting along with radiotherapy has been
      used in many international collaborative trials and has resulted in improved
      outcome, more so in patients with localized disease. The role of high dose
      chemotherapy with stem cell rescue is still debatable. The outcome of patients
      with metastatic disease is dismal with long term outcome ranges from 20%-40%
      depending on the sites of metastasis and intensity of treatment. There is a huge
      unmet need to improve outcome further, more so in metastatic setting. Novel
      therapy targeting the molecular pathways and pathogenesis of ESFT is very much
      required. Here we have discussed the current standard of management in patients
      with ESFT, investigational targeted or novel therapies along with future
      promises. 

PMID- 27672566
TI  - Casting: Pearls and pitfalls learned while caring for children's fractures.
AB  - Casting is a routine procedure used for fracture care in the pediatric
      population. The purpose of this review is to provide pearls and pitfalls that our
      institution has learned from previous literature. When applying the cast, we
      recommend using cotton padding for the liner and fiberglass or plaster depending
      on how much swelling is expected. A well-molded cast must be applied in order to
      prevent further fracture displacement. Cast valving is a valuable technique that
      allows a decrease in pressure which prevents discomfort and complications like
      compartment syndrome. Preventing thermal injuries, skin complications, and a wet
      cast are other important considerations when caring for casts. Appropriate use of
      a cast saw, avoiding pressure spots, and properly covering the cast are ways to
      respectively prevent those complications. Lastly, patient education remains one
      of the most valuable tools in ensuring proper cast maintenance. 

PMID- 27672567
TI  - Implant retention after acute and hematogenous periprosthetic hip and knee
      infections: Whom, when and how?
AB  - Periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) of the hip and the knee are grossly
      classified as early post-operative, acute hematogenous and late chronic
      infections. Whereas two-stage exchange arthroplasty is the standard of care in
      North America for treating chronic infections, irrigation and debridement (I and
      D) with retention of implants has been used in an attempt to treat the other two
      types of PJIs. The rationale of this approach is that a PJI may be eradicated
      without the need of explanting the prostheses, as long as it has not transitioned
      into a chronic state. With the present paper, we review current evidence
      regarding the role of I and D with implant retention for treating PJIs of the hip
      and the knee. While a very wide range of success rates is reported in different
      studies, a short period of time between initiation of symptoms and intervention
      seems to play a prominent role with regards to a successful outcome. Moreover,
      pathogens of higher virulence and resistance to antibiotics are associated with a
      poorer result. Specific comorbidities have been also correlated with a less
      favorable outcome. Finally, one should proceed with serial I and Ds only under
      the condition that a predefined, aggressive protocol is applied. In conclusion,
      when treating a PJI of the hip or the knee, all the above factors should be
      considered in order to decide whether the patient is likely to benefit from this
      approach. 

PMID- 27672568
TI  - Surgical treatment of Lenke 5 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: Comparison of
      anterior vs posterior approach.
AB  - AIM: To compare the posterior vs anterior approaches for fusion of Lenke 5
      adolescent idiopathic scoliosis curves, matched for curve magnitude and for the
      distal level of fixation (dLOF) standardized to the third lumbar vertebrae (L3).
      METHODS: A prospectively collected multicenter database was used for this
      retrospective comparative study. Our dependent variables included sagittal and
      coronal radiographic measurements, number of fused vertebrae, estimated blood
      loss, length of hospitalization and SRS total and individual domain scores at the
      two-year follow-up. Subject demographics were similar for all group comparisons.
      Independent t-test was used to compare groups for all analyses at P < 0.01.
      RESULTS: For all matched cases of Lenke 5 curves, a selective approach was used
      only 50% of the time in cases undergoing a posterior fusion. When comparing a
      posterior selective approach to an anterior selective approach, surgeons
      utilizing a posterior approach fused significantly more levels than surgeons
      using an anterior approach with no other significant differences in radiographic
      or SRS outcomes (Ant = 4.8 +/- 1.0 levels vs post = 6.1 +/- 1.0 levels, P <
      0.0001). When the dLOF was standardized to L3, the anterior approached provided
      significantly greater lumbar Cobb percent correction than the posterior approach
      (Ant = 69.1% +/- 12.6% vs post = 54.6% +/- 16.4%, P = 0.004), with no other
      significant radiographic or SRS score differences between approaches. CONCLUSION:
      Surgeons treating Lenke 5c curves with a posterior instrumentation and fusion vs
      an anterior approach include more motion segments, even with a selective fusion.
      When controlled for the distal level of fixation, the anterior approach provides
      greater correction of the thoracolumbar curve.

PMID- 27672570
TI  - Epidemiology of isolated hand injuries in the United Arab Emirates.
AB  - AIM: To provide suggestions for hand injury prevention by study the demography
      and risk factors of casualties suffering from isolated hand injuries. METHODS:
      All trauma patients with isolated hand injuries who were admitted to Al Ain
      Hospital for more than 24 h during a period of 3 years were studied. Patient
      demographics, location, mechanism/time of injury, and length of hospital stay
      were all analyzed. RESULTS: Two hundred and ten patients were studied. Their mean
      age was 29.7 years. Males constituted 92%. Sixty-five point one percent of all
      cases were from the Indian subcontinent. The workplace was the most common
      location of injury (67.1%), followed by the home (17.1%) and road (6.2%).
      Machinery caused 36.2% of all injuries, followed by heavy object (20.5%) and fall
      (11%). Cases injured at home were young (P < 0.0001) with an associated higher
      incidence of females (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Male workers in Al Ain city are at
      greater risk of sustaining hand injuries, predominantly from machinery. Safety
      education, personal protection, and the enforcement of safety standards are
      essential to the prevention and avoidance of hand injury.

PMID- 27672571
TI  - Risk assessment instruments for screening bone mineral density in a Mediterranean
      population.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the power of six osteoporosis-screening instruments in women in
      a Mediterranean country. METHODS: Data concerning several osteoporosis risk
      factors were prospectively collected from 1000 postmenopausal women aged 42-87
      years who underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) screening. Six
      osteoporosis risk factor screening tools were applied to this sample to evaluate
      their performance and choose the most appropriate tool for the study population.
      RESULTS: The most important screening tool for osteoporosis status was the Simple
      Calculated Osteoporosis Risk Estimation, which had an area under the curve (AUC)
      of 0.678, a sensitivity of 72%, and a specificity of 72%, with a cut-off point of
      20.75. The most important screening tool for osteoporosis risk was the
      Osteoporosis Self-assessment Tool, which had an AUC of 0.643, a sensitivity of
      77%, and a specificity of 46%, with a cut-off point of -2.9. CONCLUSION: Some
      commonly used clinical risk instruments demonstrate high sensitivity for
      distinguishing individuals with DEXA-ascertained osteoporosis or reduced bone
      mineral density.

PMID- 27672569
TI  - Attitudes and diagnostic practice in low back pain: A qualitative study amongst
      Greek and British physiotherapists.
AB  - AIM: To explore current diagnostic practice and attitudes of Greek and United
      Kingdom physiotherapists (PTs) on assessing low back pain (LBP) patients.
      METHODS: Three focus groups were undertaken, followed by a structured
      questionnaire-type survey comprising 23 health professionals and a random
      stratified sample of 150 PTs, respectively. Twenty-nine themes relating to LBP
      diagnostic practice emerged. These were then given to 30 British PTs assessing
      their level of agreement with their Greek counterparts. Analysis was performed by
      percentage agreements and chi (2) tests. RESULTS: The survey was divided into
      three subsections; PTs' attitudes on LBP assessment, patients' attitudes and
      diagnostic/healthcare issues, each constituting 14, 7 and 8 statements,
      respectively. Over half of the statements fell within the 30%-80% agreement
      between Greece and United Kingdom whereas, 5 statements reported low (< 10%) and
      8 statements demonstrated high (> 90%) PT percentage agreement. Similarities
      across British and Greek PTs were detected in history taking methods and in the
      way PTs feel patients perceive physiotherapy practice whereas, re-assessment was
      undertaken less frequently in Greece. Diagnosis according to 91% of the Greek PTs
      is considered a "privilege" which is exclusive for doctors in Greece (only 17%
      British PTs agreed) and is accompanied with a great overuse of medical
      investigations. Forty percent of Greek PTs (compared to 0% of British) consider
      themselves as "executers", being unable to interfere with treatment plan,
      possibly implying lack of autonomy. CONCLUSION: Although similarities on history
      taking methods and on patients' attitudes were detected across both groups, gross
      differences were found in re-assessment procedures and diagnostic issues between
      Greek and British physiotherapists, highlighting differences in service delivery
      and professional autonomy.

PMID- 27672572
TI  - Total knee arthroplasty for treatment of post-traumatic arthritis: Systematic
      review.
AB  - AIM: To review and report functional outcomes, complications, and survivorship
      associated with total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in the treatment of post-traumatic
      arthritis (PTA). METHODS: We conducted a systematic review according to the
      PRISMA guidelines. We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, and SCOPUS in December
      2015 for English-language clinical research studies, both prospective and
      retrospective, examining the use of TKA for the treatment of PTA. All relevant
      articles were accessed in full. The manual search included references of
      retrieved articles. We extracted data on patients' demographics and clinical
      outcomes, including preoperative diagnosis and pre- and post-operative functional
      scores. We summarized the data and reported the results in tables and text.
      RESULTS: Sixteen studies, four prospective and ten retrospective, examined
      patients who underwent TKA for PTA due to fractures of the proximal tibia,
      patella, and/or distal femur. Eleven studies utilized the Knee Society Scores
      criteria to assess functional outcomes. All studies utilizing these criteria
      reported an improvement in functional and knee scores of patients following TKA.
      Further, studies reported an increased range of motion (ROM) and reduction of
      pain following surgery. The most commonly reported complications with TKA
      included infection, stiffness, wound complications, intraoperative rupture of
      tendons, and osteolysis/polyethylene wear. The overwhelming majority of these
      complications occurred within the first two years following surgery. Six studies
      examined the survivorship of TKA with subsequent revision for any reason as an
      endpoint. Compared to patients with osteoarthritis, patients with PTA required
      more revisions, the majority for polyethylene wear. CONCLUSION: Although
      associated with higher complication rates, TKA is an effective treatment for PTA,
      as it improves ROM, pain and functional outcomes.

PMID- 27672575
TI  - Compartment syndrome following total knee replacement: A case report and
      literature review.
AB  - Compartment syndrome is a rare complication of total knee replacement (TKR)
      surgery that needs prompt diagnosis and treatment as it may be associated with
      high morbidity and mortality. We have found very few reports in the literature
      describing compartment syndrome after TKRs and therefore, present a relevant case
      which occurred in the immediate postoperative phase and was treated with
      fasciotomy and subsequent operations to close the soft tissue defects. 

PMID- 27672574
TI  - Arterial complications, venous thromboembolism and deep venous thrombosis
      prophylaxis after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A systematic review.
AB  - AIM: To summarize the current knowledge on vascular complications and deep venous
      thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
      reconstruction. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted according to the
      Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses statement.
      MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, Web of Science, CINAHL, PubMed publisher, and Google
      scholar medical literature databases were searched up to November 10, 2015. Any
      arthroscopic surgical method of primary or revision intra-articular ACL
      reconstruction of all graft types in humans was included. A risk of bias
      assessment was determined. RESULTS: Fourty-seven studies were included in the
      review. Pseudaneurysms were the most frequently reported arterial complication
      after ACL reconstruction, irrespective of graft type or method of graft fixation
      with an incidence of 0.3%. The time to diagnosis of arterial complications after
      ACL reconstruction varied from days to mostly weeks but even years. After ACL
      reconstruction without thromboprophylaxis, the incidence of DVT was 9.7%, of
      which 2.1% was symptomatic. The incidence of pulmonary embolism was 0.1%.
      Tourniquet time > 2 h was related to venous thromboembolism. Thromboprophylaxis
      is indicated in patients with risk factors for venous thromboembolism.
      CONCLUSION: After ACL reconstruction, the incidence of arterial complications,
      symptomatic DVT and pulmonary embolism was 0.3%, 2.1% and 0.1% respectively.
      Arterial complications may occur with all types of arthroscopic ACL
      reconstruction, methods of graft fixation as well as any type of graft. Patients
      considered to be at moderate or high risk of venous thromboembolism should
      routinely receive thromboprophylaxis after ACL reconstruction.

PMID- 27672576
TI  - Lateral subtalar dislocation: Case report and review of the literature.
AB  - A case of complicated lateral subtalar dislocation is presented and the
      literature concerning this injury is reviewed. Subtalar joint dislocations are
      rare and often the result of a high-energy trauma. Complications include
      avascular necrosis of the talus, infection, posttraumatic osteoarthritis
      requiring arthrodesis and chronic subtalar instability. Negative prognostic
      factors include lateral and complicated dislocations, total talar extrusions, and
      associated fractures. A literature search was performed to identify studies
      describing outcome after lateral subtalar joint dislocation. Eight studies
      including fifty patients could be included, thirty out of 50 patients suffered a
      complicated injury. Mean follow-up was fifty-five months. Ankle function was
      reported as good in all patients with closed lateral subtalar dislocation.
      Thirteen out of thirty patients with complicated lateral subtalar joint
      dislocation developed a complication. Avascular necrosis was present in nine
      patients with complicated injury. Four patients with complicated lateral subtalar
      dislocation suffered deep infection requiring treatment with antibiotics. In case
      of uncomplicated lateral subtalar joint dislocation, excellent functional outcome
      after closed reduction and immobilization can be expected. In case of complicated
      lateral subtalar joint dislocation immediate reduction, wound debridement and if
      necessary (external) stabilisation are critical. Up to fifty percent of patients
      suffering complicated injury are at risk of developing complications such as
      avascular talar necrosis and infection. 

PMID- 27672573
TI  - Biologic agents for anterior cruciate ligament healing: A systematic review.
AB  - AIM: To systematically review the currently available literature concerning the
      application of biologic agents such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cells
      to promote anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) healing. METHODS: A systematic review
      of the literature was performed on the use of biologic agents (i.e., PRP or stem
      cells) to favor ACL healing during reconstruction or repair. The following
      inclusion criteria for relevant articles were used: Clinical reports of any level
      of evidence, written in English language, on the use of PRP or stem cells during
      ACL reconstruction/repair. Exclusion criteria were articles written in other
      languages, reviews, or studies analyzing other applications of PRP/stem cells in
      knee surgery not related to promoting ACL healing. RESULTS: The database search
      identified 394 records that were screened. A total of 23 studies were included in
      the final analysis: In one paper stem cells were applied for ACL healing, in one
      paper there was a concomitant application of PRP and stem cells, whereas in the
      remaining 21 papers PRP was used. Based on the ACL injury pattern, two papers
      investigated biologic agents in ACL partial tears whereas 21 papers in ACL
      reconstruction. Looking at the quality of the available literature, 17 out of 21
      studies dealing with ACL reconstruction were randomized controlled trials. Both
      studies on ACL repair were case series. CONCLUSION: There is a paucity of
      clinical trials investigating the role of stem cells in promoting ACL healing
      both in case of partial and complete tears. The role of PRP is still
      controversial and the only advantage emerging from the literature is related to a
      better graft maturation over time, without documenting beneficial effects in
      terms of clinical outcome, bone-graft integration and prevention of bony tunnel
      enlargement.

PMID- 27672577
TI  - Retained Wireless Capsule Endoscope in a Girl with suspected Crohn's Disease.
AB  - Wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) is one of the great milestones in the field of
      gastroenterology. It is versatile in image acquisition, painless and can reach
      parts of the small bowel not amenable to conventional endoscopy. The commonest
      complication with WCE is retention of the capsule. We report a case of retained
      capsule in a child who was being investigated for obscure gastrointestinal
      bleeding (OGIB). Operative intervention was required for its retrieval after two
      weeks of expectant management. 

PMID- 27672578
TI  - Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor of Common Bile Duct in a Girl.
AB  - Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a rare, low grade malignant lesion
      which can occur anywhere in the body. In children it is usually found in the
      visceral soft tissues with a potential for local invasion and recurrence, and
      rarely distant metastasis. We report the diagnostic dilemma faced in the
      management of a 12-year old girl who presented with obstructive jaundice with a
      mass lesion at the distal end of the common bile duct. She underwent a tumor
      resection with a bilio-enteric bypass followed by a course of oral steroids and
      celecoxib. 

PMID- 27672579
TI  - Disc Battery - An Unusual Vaginal Foreign Body in a Child.
AB  - Disc battery ingestion and esophageal injury is well-known in children. Insertion
      of a disc/lithium battery into body's natural orifices is rarely reported. We
      present a case of self-insertion of a lithium battery into the vagina by a 2 1/2
      year old female. Vaginoscopy was performed and the battery was retrieved which
      had corroded and caused vaginal ulceration. Post-operative outcome was favorable.
      Treating physicians must be aware of the hazardous effects of insertion of
      lithium batteries as it may cause significant damage in a short period. 

PMID- 27672580
TI  - Right Parotid Fibrolipoma: A Rare Lesion in a Child.
AB  - Lipoma rarely involves parotid gland especially in children. An 11-year-old boy
      presented with right parotid swelling. Preoperative workup including CT scan and
      FNAC gave suspicion of parotid gland lipoma. The diagnosis was confirmed on
      histopathology after complete excision of the mass. 

PMID- 27672581
TI  - Symptomatic Mullerian Duct Cyst in a Male Infant.
AB  - Symptomatic Mullerian duct cyst is a rare entity in children. A 9-month-old male
      infant presented with bowel and urinary obstructive symptoms. Imaging
      investigations revealed a cystic mass in the rectovesical pouch compressing
      bladder neck and rectum. At laparotomy, a Mullerian duct cyst was found. Most of
      the cyst was excised and the remaining cyst mucosa was cauterized. The child
      improved thereafter. 

PMID- 27672582
TI  - Neurenteric Cyst Presenting with Bleeding Per Rectum.
AB  - Neurenteric cyst in the thoracic cavity may produce a myriad of clinical
      features. We report a 7-month-old girl who presented with significant bleeding
      per rectum. On imaging, a mediastinal cystic structure with air-fluid levels was
      evident with cervico-thoracic vertebral anomalies. The cyst was excised and
      histopathology showed intestinal mucosal lining with heterotopic pancreatic
      tissue confirming the diagnosis of neurenteric cyst. 

PMID- 27672583
TI  - Malrotation and Midgut Volvulus associated with Asymptomatic Duplication Cyst of
      Jejunum.
AB  - Gastrointestinal duplications can affect any part of the alimentary tract and are
      notorious for their variable presentation. Their association with malrotation and
      midgut volvulus is rare. We describe an 8-year old boy presented with episodes of
      abdominal pain. Radiological workup showed whirlpool sign and abnormal
      relationship of mesenteric vessels. At operation, malrotation with chronic
      volvulus was found. Incidentally, a jejunal communicating duplication cyst was
      also noted. 

PMID- 27672584
TI  - Tetra-Amelia Syndrome.

PMID- 27672585
TI  - The role of LOX-1 on innate immunity against Aspergillus keratitis in mice.
AB  - AIM: To explore the effects of lectin-like ox-LDL receptor (LOX-1) on innate
      immunity against Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus ) in mice cornea. METHODS:
      The mRNA levels of LOX-1 were tested in normal and A. fumigatus infected corneas
      of C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice. The expression of LOX-1, pro-inflammatory cytokines
      TNF-alpha, CXCL1 and IL-6, anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10, and matrix
      metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) were tested with treatment with LOX-1 neutralizing
      antibody or control IgG in A. fumigatus infected corneas of C57BL/6. Macrophages
      and neutrophils were extracted from susceptible C57BL/6 mice, and pretreated with
      LOX-1 neutralizing antibody or IgG, then stimulated with A. fumigatus. The mRNA
      levels of LOX-1, TNF-alpha, CXCL1, IL-6, IL-10 and MMP9 were evaluated by
      polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The expression of LOX-1 was significantly
      increased in C57BL/6 mice corneas after A. fumigatus infection compared with
      BABL/c mice. After treatment with LOX-1 neutralizing antibody, the expression of
      LOX-1, TNF-alpha, CXCL1, IL-6, MMP9 and IL-10 in C57BL/6 corneas were
      significantly decreased compared with treatment with control IgG; the expression
      of LOX-1, CXCL1, IL-6 and IL-10 were significantly decreased in macrophages,
      while TNF-alpha and MMP9 expressions had no change; LOX-1, TNF-alpha, CXCL1, IL
      6, MMP9 and IL-10 expressions were significantly decreased in neutrophils.
      CONCLUSION: The expression of LOX-1 can affect the expression of pro-inflammatory
      and anti-inflammatory cytokines in fungal infected corneas, macrophages and
      neutrophils of C57BL/6. LOX-1 inhibition rebalances the inflammatory response of
      fungal keratitis in mice.

PMID- 27672586
TI  - Inhibiting the effect of (90)Sr-(90)Y ophthalmic applicators on rat corneal
      neovascularization induced by sutures.
AB  - AIM: To investigate a practical technique used to inhibit corneal angiogenesis
      with a (90)Sr-(90)Y ophthalmic applicator. METHODS: A (90)Sr-(90)Y ophthalmic
      applicator was detected with a radioactive nuclide application treatment healthy
      protection standard. The applicator used was produced through medical dosimetry
      research; it had a concave applicator add measured the applicator temperature,
      serviceable humidity range, applicator appearance status, applicator radiation
      homogeneity, radioautography, and radiological safety of the original applicator
      surface. A vessel model was established using newborn rats, with sutures around
      the corneal limbus. Corneal neovascularization (CNV) were observed with a slit
      lamp. The new vessel length and response area were measured. RESULTS: Low-dose
      radiation can inhibit CNV after corneal sutures. The absorbed dose of the
      applicator (0.046 Gy/s) was safe for the treatment of it. The lengths of new
      vessels and the areas of new vessels were lower than the new born vessel rat
      group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The optimal radiation dose emitting from the
      applicator can be safe and potentially used in humans.

PMID- 27672587
TI  - Attenuation of corneal neovascularization by topical low-molecular-weight heparin
      taurocholate 7 without bleeding complication.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the antiangiogenic effects and safety of topically
      administered low-molecular-weight heparin-taurocholate 7 (LHT7) on corneal
      neovascularization (CoNV). METHODS: Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly
      distributed into four groups of six rats each. The central corneas were
      cauterized using a silver/potassium nitrate solution. From 2d after
      cauterization, 12.5 mg/mL (low LHT7 group) or 25 mg/mL (high LHT7 group) LHT7 was
      topically administered three times daily; 12.5 mg/mL bevacizumab was topically
      administered as positive control (bevacizumab) group, with normal saline (NS)
      administered as negative control (NS group). The corneas were digitally
      photographed to calculate the CoNV percentage from the neovascularized corneal
      area at 1 and 2wk. RESULTS: The 4 study groups did not have different CoNV
      percentages at 1wk after injury (P>0.05). However, the low LHT, high LHT, and
      bevacizumab groups had significantly lower CoNV percentages than the NS group at
      2wk (all P<0.05). No significant differences in CoNV percentage were found among
      the low LHT, high LHT, and bevacizumab groups (all P>0.05). All groups except the
      NS group had lower CoNV percentages at 2wk post-injury than the levels observed
      at 1wk (all P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Topically-administered LHT7 inhibited CoNV
      without complication after chemical cauterization in the rat.

PMID- 27672588
TI  - Comprehensive analysis of genetic variations in strictly-defined Leber congenital
      amaurosis with whole-exome sequencing in Chinese.
AB  - AIM: To make a comprehensive analysis of the potential pathogenic genes related
      with Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) in Chinese. METHODS: LCA subjects and their
      families were retrospectively collected from 2013 to 2015. Firstly, whole-exome
      sequencing was performed in patients who had underwent gene mutation screening
      with nothing found, and then homozygous sites was selected, candidate sites were
      annotated, and pathogenic analysis was conducted using softwares including
      Sorting Tolerant from Intolerant (SIFT), Polyphen-2, Mutation assessor, Condel,
      and Functional Analysis through Hidden Markov Models (FATHMM). Furthermore, Gene
      Ontology function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment
      analyses of pathogenic genes were performed followed by co-segregation analysis
      using Fisher exact Test. Sanger sequencing was used to validate single-nucleotide
      variations (SNVs). Expanded verification was performed in the rest patients.
      RESULTS: Totally 51 LCA families with 53 patients and 24 family members were
      recruited. A total of 104 SNVs (66 LCA-related genes and 15 co-segregated genes)
      were submitted for expand verification. The frequencies of homozygous mutation of
      KRT12 and CYP1A1 were simultaneously observed in 3 families. Enrichment analysis
      showed that the potential pathogenic genes were mainly enriched in functions
      related to cell adhesion, biological adhesion, retinoid metabolic process, and
      eye development biological adhesion. Additionally, WFS1 and STAU2 had the highest
      homozygous frequencies. CONCLUSION: LCA is a highly heterogeneous disease.
      Mutations in KRT12, CYP1A1, WFS1, and STAU2 may be involved in the development of
      LCA.

PMID- 27672589
TI  - A novel model of retinopathy of prematurity in normobaric hyperoxic conditions.
AB  - AIM: To examine changes in retinal vasculature after treatment with different
      oxygen concentrations from common retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) models and to
      determine a novel and practical ROP model. METHODS: A sample of 14 newborn
      Sprague-Dawley rats was used. The study group (n=7) was exposed to 95% oxygen for
      4h per day followed by normoxic laboratory conditions for 20h. This cycle was
      repeated for 14d. The control group (n=7) was subjected to normobaric normoxic
      conditions. On postnatal day 14 (P14), the two groups were placed in room air for
      7d. On P21, the two groups were examined using indirect ophthalmoscopy. All eyes
      were enucleated for immunofluorescence (IF) staining of the vasculature of
      retinas and analysis of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hypoxia
      inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1alpha), placental growth factor (PLGF) in vitreous
      humor, and then the rats were sacrificed by decapitation. All procedures were
      repeated using another litter of 14 pups. RESULTS: In the study group and under
      normobaric hyperoxic conditions, retinal neovascularization and peripheral
      avascular retina were determined in 85% of the rats through indirect
      ophthalmoscopic examination. Also IF staining of retina of the study group showed
      retarded peripheral vascular growth. The difference between the two groups for
      VEGF, HIF-1alpha and PLGF concentrations of vitreous humor was statistically
      significant (P=0.003, 0.007, 0.027 respectively). CONCLUSION: Fluctuating oxygen
      concentrations are primarily responsible for retinal neovascularization. Our new
      ROP model is practical and applicable for all retinal neovascularization studies,
      considering the laboratory procedures.

PMID- 27672590
TI  - Construction of adenovirus vectors encoding the lumican gene by gateway
      recombinant cloning technology.
AB  - AIM: To construct adenovirus vectors of lumican gene by gateway recombinant
      cloning technology to further understand the role of lumican gene in myopia.
      METHODS: Gateway recombinant cloning technology was used to construct adenovirus
      vectors. The wild-type (wt) and mutant (mut) forms of the lumican gene were
      synthesized and amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The lumican cDNA
      fragments were purified and ligated into the adenovirus shuttle vector pDown
      multiple cloning site (MCS)-/internal ribozyme entry site (IRES)/enhanced green
      fluorescent protein (EGFP). Then the desired DNA fragments were integrated into
      the destination vector pAV.Des1d yielding the final expression constructs
      pAV.Ex1d-cytomegalovirus (CMV)>wt-lumican/IRES/EGFP and pAV.Ex1d-CMV>mut
      lumican/IRES /EGFP, respectively. RESULTS: The adenovirus plasmids pAV.Ex1d
      CMV>wt-lumican/IRES/EGFP and pAV.Ex1d-CMV>mut-lumican/IRES/EGFP were successfully
      constructed by gateway recombinant cloning technology. Positive clones identified
      by PCR and sequencing were selected and packaged into recombinant adenovirus in
      HEK293 cells. CONCLUSION: We construct adenovirus vectors containing the lumican
      gene by gateway recombinant cloning technology, which provides a basis for
      investigating the role of lumican gene in the pathogenesis of high myopia.

PMID- 27672591
TI  - Effects of posterior corneal astigmatism on the accuracy of AcrySof toric
      intraocular lens astigmatism correction.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the effects of posterior corneal surface measurements on the
      accuracy of total estimated corneal astigmatism. METHODS: Fifty-seven patients
      with toric intraocular lens (IOL) implantation and posterior corneal astigmatism
      exceeding 0.5 diopter were enrolled in this retrospective study. The keratometric
      astigmatism (KA) and total corneal astigmatism (TA) were measured using a
      Pentacam rotating Scheimpflug camera to assess the outcomes of AcrySof IOL
      implantation. Toric IOLs were evaluated in 26 eyes using KA measurements and in
      31 eyes using TA measurements. Preoperative corneal astigmatism and postoperative
      refractive astigmatism were recorded for statistical analysis. The cylindrical
      power of toric IOLs was estimated in all eyes. RESULTS: In all cases, the
      difference of toric IOL astigmatism magnitude between KA and TA measurements for
      the estimation of preoperative corneal astigmatism was statistically significant.
      Of a total of 57 cases, the 50.88% decreased from Tn to Tn-1, and 10.53%
      decreased from Tn to Tn-2. In all cases, 5.26% increased from Tn to Tn+1. The
      mean postoperative astigmatism within the TA group was significantly lower than
      that in the KA group. CONCLUSION: The accuracy of total corneal astigmatism
      calculations and the efficacy of toric IOL correction can be enhanced by
      measuring both the anterior and posterior corneal surfaces using a Pentacam
      rotating Scheimpflug camera.

PMID- 27672593
TI  - Toric markers-assisted implantation of the scleral-fixated intraocular lens.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of toric intraocular lens markers-assisted
      implantation of the scleral-fixated intraocular lens (SFIOL). METHODS: From
      October 2010 to December 2013, all patients who had undergone secondary SFIOL
      implantation were assigned to group 1 and 2, in group 1 SFIOL was performed with
      the assist of radial keratotomy (RK)-marker, and in group 2 SFIOL was performed
      with the assisted of toric intraocular lens markers (T-and axis markers).
      Patients' demographic data and information on baseline preoperative visual
      acuity, indication for surgery and latest postoperative visual acuity were
      collected and analyzed. The haptic and optic positions were determined by
      ultrasound biomicroscopy. The optic tilt angle and decentration distance were
      measured. RESULTS: The study evaluated 43 eyes of 43 patients ranging in age from
      3 to 66y. Group 1 comprised 24 eyes (24 patients) and group 2, 19 eyes (19
      patients). Uncorrected reoperative acuity was improved on all the eyes
      postoperatively. The improved postoperative acuity was significantly more in
      group 2 than that in group 1 (1.11+/-0.38 vs 0.82+/-0.45 logMAR; F=4.85, P=0.03).
      Ultrasonic biomicrograph examination showed that the rate of haptic asymmetry was
      significantly higher in group 1 (42%, 10/24) than that in group 2 (11%; 2/19)
      (Chi square=3.68, P=0.04). The mean tilted degree in group 1 was significantly
      higher than that in group 2 (P=0.04). Mean decentration distance in group 1 was
      greater than that in group 2 (P=0.03). CONCLUSION: During SFIOL the toric markers
      help the surgeon identify the placement of fixation more precisely than that with
      the use of RK marker.

PMID- 27672592
TI  - Evaluation of anterior and posterior surfaces of the cornea using a dual
      Scheimpflug analyzer in keratoconus patients implanted with intrastromal corneal
      ring segments.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate corneal parameters measured with a dual Scheimpflug analyzer in
      keratoconus patients implanted with intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS).
      METHODS: Fifty eyes of 40 keratoconus patients had Ferrara ICRS implantation from
      November 2010 to April 2014. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected
      visual acuity (BCVA), refraction, keratometry, asphericity, elevation,
      pachymetry, root mean square (RMS), spherical aberration and coma were studied.
      All patients were evaluated using a dual Scheimpflug system. RESULTS: The mean
      follow-up time after the procedure was 12.7mo. The mean UCVA improved from 0.82
      to 0.31 (P<0.001); the mean BCVA improved from 0.42 to 0.05 (P<0.0001), the mean
      spherical refraction changed from -3.06+/-3.80 D to -0.80+/-2.5 D (P<0.0001) and
      the mean refraction astigmatism reduced from -4.51+/-2.08 D to -2.26+/-1.18 D
      (P<0.0001). The changes from preoperative to postoperative, in parameters of the
      anterior and posterior surface of the cornea, were statistically significant
      except the elevation posterior at the apex of the cornea and posterior
      asphericity. CONCLUSION: The implantation of Ferrara ICRS induces changes in both
      anterior and posterior surfaces of the cornea.

PMID- 27672594
TI  - A modified approach to actively remove high viscosity silicone oil through 23
      gauge cannula.
AB  - AIM: To report a simple approach to actively remove high viscosity silicone oil
      through a 23-gauge cannula via pars plana. METHODS: Forty-eight eyes of 48
      patients underwent silicone oil (5700 centistokes) removal (SOR) were enrolled. A
      section of blood transfusion set was prepared to connect a standard 23-gauge
      cannula and vitrectomy machine. Silicone oil was removed with suction of 500-mm
      Hg vacuum through the cannula. Main outcome measures were SOR duration, number of
      sutured sites, intraocular pressure (IOP), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA),
      and complications. RESULTS: Silicone oil was successfully removed in all cases.
      The mean SOR time was 5.70+/-0.85min. Nine eyes (18.75%) needed suture partial
      sclerotomies. No intraoperative complications were noted. Transient hypotony (<=8
      mm Hg) was seen in 3 eyes (6.25%) on postoperative day 1, but all resolved within
      1wk. Retinal reattachment was achieved in all cases and no other postoperative
      complications were noted during 3-month following-up. BCVA at the final visit
      improved or stabilized in all patients comparing to the preoperative level.
      CONCLUSION: Active removal of high viscosity silicone oil through a 23-gauge
      instrument cannula jointed with blood transfusion set is a practical and reliable
      technique when considering two sides of efficacy and safety.

PMID- 27672595
TI  - Ultra-wide field imaging system and traditional retinal examinations for
      screening fundus changes after cataract surgery.
AB  - AIM: To compare the results of non-mydriatic ultra-wide field imaging system,
      mydriatic slit-lamp lens (Volk +90 D) and mydriatic Goldmann three-mirror contact
      lens examinations in screening fundus lesions among patients after cataract
      surgery. METHODS: Non-mydriatic images were obtained with an Optomap panoramic
      200Tx (Optomap 200Tx) 3d after surgery and graded by a blinded ophthalmologist. A
      mydriatic slit-lamp lens examination was performed by another blinded retinal
      specialist on the same day. A third blinded retinal specialist examined patients
      two weeks after surgery using a Goldmann three-mirror contact lens. RESULTS: In
      total, 160 patients (184 eyes) were examined, and 66, 69, and 75 cases of retinal
      lesion(s) were identified using the Optomap 200Tx, slit-lamp lens, and Goldmann
      three-mirror contact lens, respectively. In 13 cases, fundus changes were sight
      threatening. The results obtained by Optomap 200Tx examination and by mydriatic
      slit-lamp lens examination have good consistency (P=0.375, Kappa=0.942). The
      mydriatic Goldmann three-mirror lens examination revealed more fundus lesions but
      are consistent with Optomap 200Tx (P=0.004, Kappa=0.897) and mydriatic slit-lamp
      lens examination (P=0.031, Kappa=0.932). CONCLUSION: Early post-operative fundus
      screening in cataract patients is extremely important and necessary to prevent
      further vision loss. Wide-field imaging is a feasible and convenient tool for
      fundus examination that can be used as a primary screening method among patients
      after cataract surgery.

PMID- 27672596
TI  - Influence of CFH, HTRA1 and ARMS2 polymorphisms in the response to intravitreal
      ranibizumab treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration in a Spanish
      population.
AB  - AIM: To determine whether gene polymorphisms of the major genetic risk loci for
      age-related macular degeneration (AMD): ARMS2 (rs10490923), the complement factor
      H (CFH) (rs1410996) and HTRA1 (rs11200638) influence the response to a treatment
      regimen with ranibizumab for exudative AMD. METHODS: This study included 100
      patients (100 eyes) with exudative AMD. Patients underwent a treatment with
      ranibizumab injections monthly during three months. Reinjections were made when
      the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) decrease five letters (ETDRS) or central
      subfield retinal thickness gained 100 um in optical coherence tomography image.
      Genotypes (rs10490923, rs1410996 and rs11200638) were analyzed using TaqMan
      probes or polymerase chain reaction-restricted fragment length polymorphisms
      analysis. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in allelic
      distribution of CFH (rs1410996), ARMS2 (rs10490923) and HTRA1 (rs11200638)
      polymorphisms regarding to response to ranibizumab treatment. CONCLUSION:
      Ranibizumab treatment response is not related to CFH (rs1410996), ARMS2
      (rs10490923) and HTRA1 (rs11200638) poymorphisms.

PMID- 27672597
TI  - Comparison of scleral buckling using wide-angle viewing systems and indirect
      ophthalmoscope for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.
AB  - AIM: To compare the effects of scleral buckling using wide-angle viewing systems
      (WAVS) with that using indirect ophthalmoscope for the treatment of
      rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. METHODS: The study was a retrospective
      analyses of the medical records of 94 eyes (94 patients) with rhegmatogenous
      retinal detachment. Among them, 47 eyes underwent scleral buckling using WAVS
      with endoilluminator (Group W), and 47 eyes underwent scleral buckling using
      indirect ophthalmoscope (Group I). Surgical durations, primary success rate, best
      corrected visual acuities (BCVA), delayed subretinal fluid absorptions and
      surgical complications were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: At
      baseline, there were no statistical differences between the two groups in
      patient's age (P=0.997), gender (P=0.853), symptom duration (P=0.216), BCVA
      (P=0.389), refractive error (P=0.167), intraocular pressure (P=0.595), the number
      of retinal breaks (P=0.832), the extent of retinal detachment (P=0.246),
      subretinal demarcation line (P=0.801), and macular detachment (P=0.811). The
      follow-up period was 12mo. The surgical durations in Group W (with or without
      encircling buckling) were significant shorter than those in Group I (P<0.001
      respectively). The primary success rate was 94.27% in Group W, which was similar
      to that in Group I (92.38%, P = 0.931). The BCVA in Group W was better than that
      in Group I (P<0.001) at 1-month follow-up visit. However, there were no
      significant differences between the two groups at 3-month (P=0.221), 6-month
      (P=0.674), and 12-month (P=0.363) follow-up visits respectively. Delayed
      subretinal fluid absorptions were more common in Group I than in Group W at 1
      month (P=0.045) follow-up visit, but there were no significant differences
      between the two groups at 3-month (P=0.111), 6-month (P=1.000) and 12-month
      follow-up visits respectively. CONCLUSION: Scleral buckling using WAVS can be an
      alternative choose for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

PMID- 27672598
TI  - Analyses on the misdiagnoses of 25 patients with unilateral optic nerve sheath
      meningioma.
AB  - AIM: To investigate clinical features of optic nerve sheath meningioma (ONSM)
      that was misdiagnosed, and to find methods to reduce the misdiagnoses. METHODS:
      Retrospective series study. Twenty-five misdisgnosed patients with unilateral
      ONSM were collected from Jan. 2008 to Jan. 2015 and the clinical records
      reviewed. RESULTS: Patients were misdiagnosed with acute papillitis most
      frequently (n=17), immediately followed by optic atrophy (n=8), ischemic optic
      neuropathy (n=5), acute retrobulbar optic neuritis (n=5), optic disc vasculitis
      (n=3). For each patient, the minimum frequency of misdiagnoses was once and the
      maximum was 4 times. As for the lasting time of being misdiagnosed, the shortest
      was 1.5mo and the longest was 45mo. Twenty-one cases (84%) were once treated with
      glucocorticoids, and its side effects was found in seventeen patients. Twenty
      patients (80%) complained with varying degree of vision loss. When a definite
      diagnosis was made, sixteen cases (64%) showed slight exophthalmos and eighteen
      cases (72%) had the tubular ONSM. CONCLUSION: ONSM without loss obvious
      exophthalmos is easily misdiagnosed in clinic, and for most of these ONSMs are
      tubular.

PMID- 27672599
TI  - Effects of upper lid blepharoplasty on visual quality in patients with lash
      ptosis and dermatochalasis.
AB  - AIM: To assess the effects of upper lid blepharoplasty on visual quality.
      METHODS: Seventy-three eyelids of 39 patients were subjected to upper lid
      blepharoplasty. Pre- and post-operative contrast sensitivity, visual acuity,
      vertical palpebral aperture and the degree of lash ptosis were measured. RESULTS:
      The mean log contrast sensitivities under photopic (P=0.017) and scotopic
      conditions (P=0.009) were improved after surgery, and these differences were
      significant. The degree of lash ptosis was also decreased after blepharoplasty
      (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: In our study, a significant increase in contrast
      sensitivity was found after surgery. These results suggest that upper lid
      blepharoplasty can be helpful for improving visual quality.

PMID- 27672600
TI  - Retinal vessels caliber changes after strabismus surgery: results of 6mo follow
      up.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the effect of strabismus surgery on retinal vessels calibers
      with digital color fundus photographs. METHODS: Two hundred consecutive
      strabismus patients underwent surgery, and 118 patients (female/male, 55/63) who
      finished 6-month follow-up were finally included in this study. Optic disc
      centered digital color fundus photographs of both eyes of all patients were taken
      prior to surgery and 6mo post surgery. The retinal vascular caliber of 116
      operated eyes were measured using the computer program IVAN. The operated eyes
      were divided into 3 groups according to the surgical methods, recession of one
      muscle, one muscle recession and one muscle folding, one muscle resection and one
      muscle recession. The effect of number of altered muscles on retinal vessels was
      analyzed using statistic software SPSS 16.0. RESULTS: The mean age was 12.4+/
      8.6y. Averaged central retinal artery equivalent (CRAE) of all patients was
      120.31+/-23.02 um preoperatively, and 122.87+/-15.93 um six months after surgery.
      Averaged central retinal vein equivalent (CRVE) was 171.11+/-31.73 um
      preoperatively and 175.02+/-21.00 um postoperatively. There was no significant
      difference of averaged CRAE (P=0.22) or CRVE (P=0.19) before and after operation.
      Averaged arteriole to venule ratio (AVR) was 0.71+/-0.07 before surgery and
      0.70+/-0.07 after surgery. Comparison of preoperative and postoperative retinal
      vessels calibers among different surgical groups did not show significant
      differences. Also, there was no advantage of rectus muscle folding to muscle
      resection. CONCLUSION: Up to 6mo after strabismus surgery, the retinal vascular
      calibers were not altered. No more than two muscles in one surgery are safe for
      retinal perfusion.

PMID- 27672601
TI  - Scientometric analysis and mapping of 20 years of glaucoma research.
AB  - AIM: To provide a scientometric analysis in the field of glaucoma. METHODS: A
      bibliometric method was used to obtain a view of the scientific production in
      field of glaucoma by data extracted from the Institute for Scientific Information
      (ISI) from 1993 to 2013. Specific parameters were retrieved from the ISI.
      Articles about glaucoma were analyzed regarding the topics' structure, history,
      and document relationships using HistCite software. Also, the trends in the most
      influential publications and authors were analyzed. RESULTS: The number of
      articles was constantly increasing, and most highly cited articles addressed
      clinical and epidemiologic topics in this field. During the past three years,
      there has been a trend towards genomic research studies and also more molecular
      translational research. CONCLUSION: This was the first scientometric report on
      glaucoma, analyzing the characteristics of papers and the trends in scientific
      production. A constant increase was observed in the number of papers, while the
      subject of papers had a shift in the past three years towards genomic research
      studies.

PMID- 27672602
TI  - Public's knowledge of the differences between ophthalmologists and optometrists:
      a critical issue in eye care service utilisation.
AB  - AIM: To assess the public's knowledge of the differences between ophthalmologists
      and optometrists and identify the factors associated with knowledge. METHODS: The
      study was a population-based random survey of adults aged 18 years or older
      conducted in Enugu, south eastern Nigeria, between March and June, 2011. Data on
      respondents' socio-demographics, clinical profile, and knowledge of the
      differences between ophthalmologists and optometrists were collected using a 28
      item questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive and analytical
      statistics. Values of P<0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS:
      The respondents (n=394) comprised 198 males and 196 females (sex ratio=1.01:1),
      aged 18-70 (30.9+/-10.8) years. The majority of respondents were single (57.4%),
      possessed secondary education (96.9%), employed (65.2%) and had no health
      insurance (77.4%). Their clinical profile showed previous eye exam 54.1%,
      spectacle wear 41.6% and contact lens wear 5.6%. In the multivariate analysis,
      participants' good knowledge of the differences between ophthalmologists and
      optometrists was significantly associated with educational status (OR: 0.32, 95%
      CI: 0.23-0.44, P<0.0001, beta=-0.988), employment status (OR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.45
      2.25, P<0.0001, beta=0.124) and previous eye examination (OR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.29
      2.07, P<0.0001, beta=0.549). CONCLUSION: Participants' socio-demographic and
      clinical characteristics are important predictors of good knowledge. The findings
      may have implications for all stakeholders in eye care delivery. There is need
      for knowledge enhancement, by the government and eye care providers, through
      population-based eye health literacy campaigns.

PMID- 27672604
TI  - Analysis of optic disc damage by optical coherence tomography in terms of therapy
      in non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy.
AB  - This study aimed to assess the relationship between the rate of nerve fiber loss
      in non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) and time delay before
      therapy. Total 24 patients received the same treatment within or after 2wk (early
      and late groups). There were significantly lower level of destruction of nerve
      fibers (P=0.0014) and significantly better visual field sensitivity (P=0.039) in
      early group. The results indicate that therapy should be started within 2wk. The
      degree of ischemic damage due to NAION correlates well with retinal nerve fiber
      layer thickness and the ischemia-induced decrease in visual field sensitivity. 

PMID- 27672603
TI  - The role of Toll-like receptors in retinal ischemic diseases.
AB  - Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are commonly referred to a series of evolutionary
      conserved receptors which recognize and respond to various microbes and
      endogenous ligands. Growing evidence has demonstrated that the expression of TLRs
      in the retina is regulated during retinal ischemic diseases, including ischemia
      reperfusion injury, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy (DR) and retinopathy of
      prematurity (ROP). TLRs can be expressed in multiple cells in the retina, such as
      glial cells, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), as well as photoreceptor cells and
      endothelium cells. Activation of TLRs in retina could initiate a complex signal
      transduction cascade, induce the production of inflammatory cytokines and
      regulate the level of co-stimulatory molecules, which play prominent roles in the
      pathogenesis of retinal ischemic diseases. In this review, we summarized current
      studies about the relationship between TLRs and ischemic retinopathy. A greater
      understanding of the effect of TLRs on ischemic injuries may contribute to the
      development of specific TLR targeted therapeutic strategies in these conditions. 

PMID- 27672605
TI  - A statistical approach to classification of keratoconus.

PMID- 27672606
TI  - Urrets-Zavalia syndrome in different methods of keratoplasty.

PMID- 27672607
TI  - A delayed diagnosis of unsuspected retinoblastoma in an in vitro fertilisation
      infant with retinopathy of prematurity.

PMID- 27672608
TI  - Macular hole closure following anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injection
      in an eye with myopic choroidal neovascularization.

PMID- 27672609
TI  - A novel nonsense mutation of GPR143 gene in a Korean kindred with X-linked
      congenital nystagmus.

PMID- 27672610
TI  - Jaw lesions associated with impacted tooth: A radiographic diagnostic guide.
AB  - This review article aimed to introduce a category of jaw lesions associated with
      impacted tooth. General search engines and specialized databases such as Google
      Scholar, PubMed, PubMed Central, MedLine Plus, Science Direct, Scopus, and well
      recognized textbooks were used to find relevant studies using keywords such as
      "jaw lesion", "jaw disease", "impacted tooth", and "unerupted tooth". More than
      250 articles were found, of which approximately 80 were broadly relevant to the
      topic. We ultimately included 47 articles that were closely related to the topic
      of interest. When the relevant data were compiled, the following 10 lesions were
      identified as having a relationship with impacted tooth: dentigerous cysts,
      calcifying odontogenic cysts, unicystic (mural) ameloblastomas, ameloblastomas,
      ameloblastic fibromas, adenomatoid odontogenic tumors, keratocystic odontogenic
      tumors, calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumors, ameloblastic fibro-odontomas,
      and odontomas. When clinicians encounter a lesion associated with an impacted
      tooth, they should first consider these entities in the differential diagnosis.
      This will help dental practitioners make more accurate diagnoses and develop
      better treatment plans based on patients' radiographs. 

PMID- 27672611
TI  - Panoramic radiographs underestimate extensions of the anterior loop and
      mandibular incisive canal.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to detect the anterior loop of the mental
      nerve and the mandibular incisive canal in panoramic radiographs (PAN) and cone
      beam computed tomography (CBCT) images, as well as to determine the
      anterior/mesial extension of these structures in panoramic and cross-sectional
      reconstructions using PAN and CBCT images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Images (both
      PAN and CBCT) from 90 patients were evaluated by 2 independent observers.
      Detection of the anterior loop and the incisive canal were compared between PAN
      and CBCT. The anterior/mesial extension of these structures was compared between
      PAN and both cross-sectional and panoramic CBCT reconstructions. RESULTS: In
      CBCT, the anterior loop and the incisive canal were observed in 7.7% and 24.4% of
      the hemimandibles, respectively. In PAN, the anterior loop and the incisive canal
      were detected in 15% and 5.5% of cases, respectively. PAN presented more
      difficulties in the visualization of structures. The anterior/mesial extensions
      ranged from 0.0 mm to 19.0 mm on CBCT. PAN underestimated the measurements by
      approximately 2.0 mm. CONCLUSION: CBCT appears to be a more reliable imaging
      modality than PAN for preoperative workups of the anterior mandible. Individual
      variations in the anterior/mesial extensions of the anterior loop of the mental
      nerve and the mandibular incisive canal mean that is not prudent to rely on a
      general safe zone for implant placement or bone surgery in the interforaminal
      region.

PMID- 27672612
TI  - The role of oral physicians in predicting the risk of obstructive sleep apnea: A
      case-control study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common medical disorder with serious
      complications if untreated. Dentists play a vital role in the early diagnosis of
      this condition, thereby improving patients' prognoses. The purpose of this study
      was to identify patients with a high risk of OSA using simple cephalometric
      measurements in patients receiving routine dental care. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      The present study was conducted on 206 patients divided into a high-risk group
      and a control group after answering the Berlin questionnaire. Cephalometric
      analysis of a digital cephalogram was performed to measure the upper airway
      diameter (UAD) and mandibular-to-hyoid bone distance (MP-H) by 2 observers at 2
      different times. RESULTS: Among 206 patients, 93 (45%) were included in the high
      risk group and 113 (55%) were in the control group. No significant difference was
      present between the groups with regard to gender, and the patients ranged in age
      from 18 to 65 years. The UAD measurements in the high-risk group were
      significantly lower than in the control group, and the MP-H measurements were
      significantly higher in the high-risk group than in the control group. The UAD
      was lower in middle-aged patients in both groups. CONCLUSION: Our study found
      that the UAD was lower in individuals with a high risk of OSA. Also, we found
      that middle-aged individuals of both genders were more likely to develop OSA.
      Dentists play a vital role in diagnosing patients at a high risk for OSA via
      thorough clinical examinations, risk factor analyses, and simple cephalometric
      analyses.

PMID- 27672613
TI  - The effectiveness of optical coherence tomography for evaluating peri-implant
      tissue: A pilot study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been investigated as a novel
      diagnostic imaging tool. The utilisation of this equipment has been evaluated
      through several studies in the field of dentistry. The aim of this preliminary
      study was to determine through basic experiments the effectiveness of OCT in
      implant dentistry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To assess detection ability, we
      captured OCT images of implants in each of the following situations: (1) implants
      covered with mucosae of various thicknesses that were harvested from the
      mandibles of pigs; (2) implants installed in the mandibles of pigs; and (3)
      implants with abutments and crowns fixed with temporary cement. The OCT images
      were captured before cementation, after cementation, and after removing the
      excess submucosal cement. RESULTS: If the thickness of the mucosa covering the
      implant body was less than 1 mm, the images of the implants were clearly detected
      by OCT. In the implants were installed in pigs' mandibles, it was difficult to
      capture clear images of the implant and alveolar bone in most of the samples.
      Remnants of excess cement around the implants were visible in most samples that
      had a mucosa thickness of less than 3 mm. CONCLUSION: Currently, OCT imaging of
      implants is limited. Cement remnants at the submucosal area can be detected in
      some cases, which can be helpful in preventing peri-implant diseases. Still,
      though there are some restrictions to its application, OCT could have potential
      as an effective diagnostic instrument in the field of implant dentistry as well.

PMID- 27672614
TI  - The use of digital periapical radiographs to study the prevalence of alveolar
      domes.
AB  - PURPOSE: In the present study, we coined the term 'alveolar dome' and aimed to
      demonstrate the prevalence of alveolar domes through digital periapical
      radiographs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study examined 800 digital periapical
      radiographs in regard to the presence of alveolar domes. The periapical
      radiographs were acquired by a digital system using a photostimulable phosphor
      (PSP) plate. The chi(2) test, with a significance level of 5%, was used to
      compare the prevalence of alveolar domes in the maxillary posterior teeth and,
      considering the same teeth, to verify the difference in the prevalence of dome
      shaped phenomena between the roots. RESULTS: The prevalence of alveolar domes
      present in the first pre-molars was statistically lower as compared to the other
      maxillary posterior teeth (p<0.05). No statistically significant difference was
      observed in the prevalence of alveolar domes between the maxillary first and
      second molars. Considering the maxillary first and second molars, it was observed
      that the palatal root presented a lower prevalence of alveolar domes when
      compared to the distobuccal and mesiobuccal roots (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The
      present study coined the term 'alveolar dome', referring to the anatomical
      projection of the root into the floor of the maxillary sinus. The maxillary first
      and second molars presented a greater prevalence of alveolar domes, especially in
      the buccal roots, followed by the third molars and second pre-molars. Although
      the periapical radiograph is a two-dimensional method, it can provide dentists
      with the auxiliary information necessary to identify alveolar domes, thus
      improving diagnosis, planning, and treatment.

PMID- 27672616
TI  - Contrast reference values in panoramic radiographic images using an arch-form
      phantom stand.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate appropriate contrast
      reference values (CRVs) by comparing the contrast in phantom and clinical images.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Phantom contrast was measured using two methods: (1)
      counting the number of visible pits of different depths in an aluminum plate, and
      (2) obtaining the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) for 5 tissue-equivalent materials
      (porcelain, aluminum, polytetrafluoroethylene [PTFE], polyoxymethylene [POM], and
      polymethylmethacrylate [PMMA]). Four panoramic radiographs of the contrast
      phantom, embedded in the 4 different regions of the arch-form stand, and 1 real
      skull phantom image were obtained, post-processed, and compared. The clinical
      image quality evaluation chart was used to obtain the cut-off values of the
      phantom CRV corresponding to the criterion of being adequate for diagnosis.
      RESULTS: The CRVs were obtained using 4 aluminum pits in the incisor and premolar
      region, 5 aluminum pits in the molar region, and 2 aluminum pits in the
      temporomandibular joint (TMJ) region. The CRVs obtained based on the CNR measured
      in the anterior region were: porcelain, 13.95; aluminum, 9.68; PTFE, 6.71; and
      POM, 1.79. The corresponding values in the premolar region were: porcelain,
      14.22; aluminum, 8.82; PTFE, 5.95; and POM, 2.30. In the molar region, the
      following values were obtained: porcelain, 7.40; aluminum, 3.68; PTFE, 1.27; and
      POM, - 0.18. The CRVs for the TMJ region were: porcelain, 3.60; aluminum, 2.04;
      PTFE, 0.48; and POM, - 0.43. CONCLUSION: CRVs were determined for each part of
      the jaw using the CNR value and the number of pits observed in phantom images.

PMID- 27672617
TI  - Interactive learning in oral and maxillofacial radiology.
AB  - PURPOSE: The use of electronic tools in teaching is growing rapidly in all
      fields, and there are many options to choose from. We present one such platform,
      Learning CatalyticsTM (LC) (Pearson, New York, NY, USA), which we utilized in our
      oral and maxillofacial radiology course for second-year dental students.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: The aim of our study was to assess the correlation between
      students' performance on course exams and self-assessment LC quizzes. The
      performance of 354 predoctoral dental students from 2 consecutive classes on the
      course exams and LC quizzes was assessed to identify correlations using the
      Spearman rank correlation test. The first class was given in-class LC quizzes
      that were graded for accuracy. The second class was given out-of-class quizzes
      that were treated as online self-assessment exercises. The grading in the self
      assessment exercises was for participation only and not accuracy. All quizzes
      were scheduled 1-2 weeks before the course examinations. RESULTS: A positive but
      weak correlation was found between the overall quiz scores and exam scores when
      the two classes were combined (P<0.0001). A positive but weak correlation was
      likewise found between students' performance on exams and on in-class LC quizzes
      (class of 2016) (P<0.0001) as well as on exams and online LC quizzes (class of
      2017) (P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: It is not just the introduction of technological
      tools that impacts learning, but also their use in enabling an interactive
      learning environment. The LC platform provides an excellent technological tool
      for enhancing learning by improving bidirectional communication in a learning
      environment.

PMID- 27672615
TI  - IDIOS: An innovative index for evaluating dental imaging-based osteoporosis
      screening indices.
AB  - PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to develop a new index as an objective
      reference for evaluating current and newly developed indices used for
      osteoporosis screening based on dental images. Its name; IDIOS, stands for Index
      of Dental-imaging Indices of Osteoporosis Screening. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A
      comprehensive PubMed search was conducted to retrieve studies on dental imaging
      based indices for osteoporosis screening. The results of the eligible studies,
      along with other relevant criteria, were used to develop IDIOS, which has scores
      ranging from 0 (0%) to 15 (100%). The indices presented in the studies we
      included were then evaluated using IDIOS. RESULTS: The 104 studies that were
      included utilized 24, 4, and 9 indices derived from panoramic, periapical, and
      computed tomographic/cone-beam computed tomographic techniques, respectively. The
      IDIOS scores for these indices ranged from 0 (0%) to 11.75 (78.32%). CONCLUSION:
      IDIOS is a valuable reference index that facilitates the evaluation of other
      dental imaging-based osteoporosis screening indices. Furthermore, IDIOS can be
      utilized to evaluate the accuracy of newly developed indices.

PMID- 27672619
TI  - Developmental salivary gland depression in the ascending mandibular ramus: A cone
      beam computed tomography study.
AB  - A static, unilateral, and focal bone depression located lingually within the
      ascending ramus, identical to the Stafne's bone cavity of the angle of the
      mandible, is being reported. During development of the mandible, submandibular
      gland inclusion may lead to the formation of a lingual concavity, which could
      contain fatty tissue, blood vessels, or soft tissue. However, similar occurrences
      in the ascending ramus at the level of the parotid gland are extremely rare.
      Similar cases were previously reported in dry, excavated mandibles, and 3 cases
      were reported in living patients. A 52-year-old African American male patient was
      seen for pain in the mandibular teeth. Panoramic radiography showed an unusual
      concavity within the left ascending ramus. Cone-beam computed tomography
      confirmed this incidental finding. The patient was cleared for the extraction of
      non-restorable teeth and scheduled for annual follow-up. 

PMID- 27672618
TI  - Post-traumatic bifid mandibular condyle: A case report and literature review.
AB  - Bifid mandibular condyle (BMC) is an uncommon morphological variant of the
      mandibular condyle. Although authors have proposed various etiologies for BMC, no
      consensus has emerged. In addition, varying findings have been reported regarding
      the epidemiological parameters of BMC (e.g., prevalence, gender ratio, and age),
      possibly due to its low incidence. BMC is occasionally associated with symptoms
      of the temporomandibular joint, such as ankylosis, pain, and trismus; however, it
      is difficult to detect this condition on conventional radiographs. This study
      reports a case of BMC with radiographic findings, and reviews the literature on
      the epidemiology of BMC. 

PMID- 27672621
TI  - Incidence, Treatment, and Survival Patterns for Sacral Chordoma in the United
      States, 1974-2011.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Sacral chordomas represent one half of all chordomas, a rare
      neoplasm of notochordal remnants. Current NCCN guidelines recommend surgical
      resection with or without adjuvant radiotherapy or definitive radiation for
      unresectable cases. Recent advances in radiation for chordomas include conformal
      photon and proton beam radiation. We investigated incidence, treatment, and
      survival outcomes to observe any trends in response to improvements in surgical
      and radiation techniques over a near 40-year time period. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Three hundred forty-five microscopically confirmed cases of sacral chordoma were
      identified between 1974 and 2011 from the surveillance, epidemiology, and end
      results program of the National Cancer Institute. Cases were divided into three
      cohorts by calendar year, 1974-1989, 1990-1999, and 2000-2011, as well as into
      two groups by age <=65 versus >65 to investigate trends over time and age via Chi
      square analysis. Kaplan-Meier analyses were performed to determine effects of
      treatment on survival. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to
      determine predictors of overall survival (OS). RESULTS: Five-year OS for the
      entire cohort was 60.0%. OS correlated significantly with treatment modality,
      with 44% surviving at 5 years with no treatment, 52% with radiation alone, 82%
      surgery alone, and 78% surgery and radiation (p < 0.001). Age >65 was
      significantly associated with non-surgical management with radiation alone or no
      treatment (p < 0.001). Relatively, fewer patients received radiation between 2000
      and 2011 compared to prior time periods (p = 0.03) versus surgery, for which
      rates which did not vary significantly over time (p = 0.55). However, 5-year OS
      was not significantly different by time period. Age group and treatment modality
      were predictive for OS on multivariate analysis (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Surgery
      remains an important component in the treatment of sacral chordomas in current
      practice. Fewer patients were treated with radiation more recently despite
      advances in photon and proton beam radiation. OS remains unchanged. Additional
      analyses of margin status, radiation modality, and local control in current
      practice are warranted.

PMID- 27672620
TI  - How Can Physical Activity Referral Rates for Breast Cancer Patients be Increased?

PMID- 27672622
TI  - Two Glycosyltransferase Genes of Haemophilus parasuis SC096 Implicated in
      Lipooligosaccharide Biosynthesis, Serum Resistance, Adherence, and Invasion.
AB  - Haemophilus parasuis is a common opportunistic pathogen known for its ability to
      colonize healthy piglets and causes Glasser's disease. The lipooligosaccharide
      (LOS) of H. parasuis is a potential virulence-associated factor. In this study,
      two putative glycosyltransferases that might be involved in LOS synthesis in H.
      parasuis SC096 were identified (lgtB and lex-1). Mutants were constructed to
      investigate the roles of the lgtB and lex-1 genes. The LOS from the DeltalgtB or
      Deltalex-1 mutant showed truncated structure on silver-stained SDS-PAGE gel
      compared to the wild-type strain. The DeltalgtB and Deltalex-1 mutants were
      significantly more sensitive to 50% porcine serum, displaying 15.0 and 54.46%
      survival rates, respectively. Complementation of the lex-1 mutant restored the
      serum-resistant phenotype. Additionally, the DeltalgtB and Deltalex-1 strains
      showed impaired ability to adhere to and invade porcine kidney epithelial cells
      (PK-15). The above results suggested that the lgtB and lex-1 genes of the H.
      parasuis SC096 strain participated in LOS synthesis and were involved in serum
      resistance, adhesion and invasion.

PMID- 27672624
TI  - Deep Brain Stimulation and Gene Expression Alterations in Parkinson's Disease.

PMID- 27672623
TI  - N-acetylgalatosamine-Mediated Regulation of the aga Operon by AgaR in
      Streptococcus pneumoniae.
AB  - Here, we analyze the transcriptomic response of Streptococcus pneumoniae D39 to N
      acetylgalactosamine (NAGa). Transcriptome comparison of S. pneumoniae D39 grown
      in NAGaM17 (0.5% NAGa + M17) to that grown in GM17 (0.5% Glucose + M17) revealed
      the elevated expression of various carbon metabolic genes/operons, including a
      PTS operon (denoted here as the aga operon), which is putatively involved in NAGa
      transport and utilization, in the presence of NAGa. We further studied the role
      of a GntR-family transcriptional regulator (denoted here as AgaR) in the
      regulation of aga operon. Our transcriptome and RT-PCR data suggest the role of
      AgaR as a transcriptional repressor of the aga operon. We predicted a 20-bp
      operator site of AagR (5'-ATAATTAATATAACAACAAA-3') in the promoter region of the
      aga operon (PbgaC), which was further verified by mutating the AgaR operator site
      in the respective promoter. The role of CcpA in the additional regulation of the
      aga operon was elucidated by further transcriptome analyses and confirmed by
      quantitative RT-PCR.

PMID- 27672625
TI  - Skin Dosimetry in Radiotherapy of Breast Cancer: a Comparison between EBT and
      EBT3 Radiochromic Films.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Radiochromic EBT3 film is a later generation of radiochromic films.
      The aim of this study is to compare EBT and EBT3 radiochromic films in
      radiotherapy fields of breast cancer. METHODS: A RANDO phantom was irradiated by
      a 6 MV Siemens Primus linac with medial and lateral fields of radiotherapy of
      breast cancer. Dosimetry was performed in various points in the fields using EBT
      and EBT3 films. Films were scanned by a Microtek color scanner. Dose values from
      two films in corresponding points were compared. RESULTS: In the investigation of
      calibration, net optical density (NOD) of EBT radiochromic is more than the EBT3
      radiochromic film. The highest percentage difference between NODs of two films is
      related to 0.75 Gy and equals to 14.19%. The lowest value is related to 0.2 Gy
      dose and is equal to 3.31%. The highest percentage difference between two films
      on the RANDO phantom in breast cancer fields is 13.51% and the minimum value is
      equal to 0.33%. CONCLUSION: From the comparison between the two films, most of
      the points show differences in dose in the measurements in fields of breast
      cancer radiotherapy. These differences are attributed to the thickness of the
      active layers, the overall thickness of the films, and the difference in the
      calibration fitted functions. The advantage of EBT film over EBT3 is a higher
      sensitivity; on the other hand EBT3 film allows to use its both sides in the
      scanning process and it is a new version of this film type.

PMID- 27672626
TI  - Local-Reference Patient Dose Evaluation in Conventional Radiography Examinations
      in Mazandaran, Iran.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The most efficient application of ionizing radiation is serving
      medical purposes and using this radiation has caused people to learn that
      artificial sources of radiation exposure among these resources can be of highest
      exposure rate. OBIECTIVE: The present study is aimed at initially establishing a
      baseline for local-reference dose level in Mazandaran, Iran in 12 projections of
      the most conventional x-ray examination. METHODS: In this study, 13 public
      hospitals in Mazandaran province were selected for review and required data
      collected for ten adult patients with mean weight of 70+/-10kg in each
      projection. Then, information of each center was separately analyzed. Next, in
      order to measure x-ray output tube, the dosimeter RTI model Barracuda calibrated
      has been applied for measuring air karma within energy rage of 40-150kvp. ESAK
      and ESD parameters, usually used for monitoring DRL in conventional radiography,
      were calculated. RESULTS: Mean ESDs in this study has been obtained to 1.47+/
      0.98 for skull (PA/AP), 1.01+/-0.79 for skull (LAT), 0.67+/-0.38 for cervical
      spine (AP), 0.79+/-0.37 for cervical (LAT), 0.49+/-0.38 for chest (PA/AP), 1.06+/
      0.44 for chest (LAT), 2.15+/-0.73 for thoracic spine (AP), 3+/-0.87 for thoracic
      spine (LAT), 2.81 +/-0.82 for lumbar spine (AP), 4.28+/-0.78 for lumbar (LAT),
      2.07+/-1.17 for abdomen and 1.90+/-0.99 for pelvis, respectively. The ESDs
      calculated for chest examination in both projections, PA and LAT are more than
      values recommended by the UK (2000), Brazil and Slovenia. CONCLUSION: The present
      study has determined wide variations in radiation dose of x-ray examinations
      among hospitals in Mazandaran, Iran. In order to reduce skin dose, an
      optimization procedure should be considered. Application of a reference dose
      (DRL) could be a practical method for this purpose. The role of optimization of
      radiography parameters for reducing patient dose is a significant issue. Through
      optimizing parameters, it would be possible to preserve image quality while
      reduction of patient dose.

PMID- 27672628
TI  - Optimized Seizure Detection Algorithm: A Fast Approach for Onset of Epileptic in
      EEG Signals Using GT Discriminant Analysis and K-NN Classifier.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Epilepsy is a severe disorder of the central nervous system that
      predisposes the person to recurrent seizures. Fifty million people worldwide
      suffer from epilepsy; after Alzheimer's and stroke, it is the third widespread
      nervous disorder. OBJECTIVE: In this paper, an algorithm to detect the onset of
      epileptic seizures based on the analysis of brain electrical signals (EEG) has
      been proposed. 844 hours of EEG were recorded form 23 pediatric patients
      consecutively with 163 occurrences of seizures. Signals had been collected from
      Children's Hospital Boston with a sampling frequency of 256 Hz through 18
      channels in order to assess epilepsy surgery. By selecting effective features
      from seizure and non-seizure signals of each individual and putting them into two
      categories, the proposed algorithm detects the onset of seizures quickly and with
      high sensitivity. METHOD: In this algorithm, L-sec epochs of signals are
      displayed in form of a third-order tensor in spatial, spectral and temporal
      spaces by applying wavelet transform. Then, after applying general tensor
      discriminant analysis (GTDA) on tensors and calculating mapping matrix, feature
      vectors are extracted. GTDA increases the sensitivity of the algorithm by storing
      data without deleting them. Finally, K-Nearest neighbors (KNN) is used to
      classify the selected features. RESULTS: The results of simulating algorithm on
      algorithm standard dataset shows that the algorithm is capable of detecting 98
      percent of seizures with an average delay of 4.7 seconds and the average error
      rate detection of three errors in 24 hours. CONCLUSION: Today, the lack of an
      automated system to detect or predict the seizure onset is strongly felt.

PMID- 27672627
TI  - Evaluation of Soft Tissue Sarcoma Tumors Electrical Conductivity Anisotropy Using
      Diffusion Tensor Imaging for Numerical Modeling on Electroporation.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There is many ways to assessing the electrical conductivity
      anisotropy of a tumor. Applying the values of tissue electrical conductivity
      anisotropy is crucial in numerical modeling of the electric and thermal field
      distribution in electroporation treatments. This study aims to calculate the
      tissues electrical conductivity anisotropy in patients with sarcoma tumors using
      diffusion tensor imaging technique. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A total of 3 subjects
      were involved in this study. All of patients had clinically apparent sarcoma
      tumors at the extremities. The T1, T2 and DTI images were performed using a 3
      Tesla multi-coil, multi-channel MRI system. The fractional anisotropy (FA) maps
      were performed using the FSL (FMRI software library) software regarding the DTI
      images. The 3D matrix of the FA maps of each area (tumor, normal soft tissue and
      bone/s) was reconstructed and the anisotropy matrix was calculated regarding to
      the FA values. RESULT: The mean FA values in direction of main axis in sarcoma
      tumors were ranged between 0.475-0.690.  With assumption of isotropy of the
      electrical conductivity, the FA value of electrical conductivity at each X, Y and
      Z coordinate axes would be equal to 0.577. The gathered results showed that there
      is a mean error band of 20% in electrical conductivity, if the electrical
      conductivity anisotropy not concluded at the calculations. The comparison of FA
      values showed that there is a significant statistical difference between the mean
      FA value of tumor and normal soft tissues (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: DTI is a feasible
      technique for the assessment of electrical conductivity anisotropy of tissues. 
      It is crucial to quantify the electrical conductivity anisotropy data of tissues
      for numerical modeling of electroporation treatments.

PMID- 27672629
TI  - Improving Brain Magnetic Resonance Image (MRI) Segmentation via a Novel Algorithm
      based on Genetic and Regional Growth.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Regarding the importance of right diagnosis in medical applications,
      various methods have been exploited for processing medical images solar. The
      method of segmentation is used to analyze anal to miscall structures in medical
      imaging. OBJECTIVE: This study describes a new method for brain Magnetic
      Resonance Image (MRI) segmentation via a novel algorithm based on genetic and
      regional growth. METHODS: Among medical imaging methods, brains MRI segmentation
      is important due to high contrast of non-intrusive soft tissue and high spatial
      resolution. Size variations of brain tissues are often accompanied by various
      diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. As our knowledge about the relation between
      various brain diseases and deviation of brain anatomy increases, MRI segmentation
      is exploited as the first step in early diagnosis. In this paper, regional growth
      method and auto-mate selection of initial points by genetic algorithm is used to
      introduce a new method for MRI segmentation. Primary pixels and similarity
      criterion are automatically by genetic algorithms to maximize the accuracy and
      validity in image segmentation. RESULTS: By using genetic algorithms and defining
      the fixed function of image segmentation, the initial points for the algorithm
      were found. The proposed algorithms are applied to the images and results are
      manually selected by regional growth in which the initial points were compared.
      The results showed that the proposed algorithm could reduce segmentation error
      effectively. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that the proposed algorithm could
      reduce segmentation error effectively and help us to diagnose brain diseases.

PMID- 27672630
TI  - A Nano-indentation Identification Technique for Viscoelastic Constitutive
      Characteristics of Periodontal Ligaments.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Nano-indentation has recently been employed as a powerful tool for
      determining the mechanical properties of biological tissues on nano and micro
      scales. A majority of soft biological tissues such as ligaments and tendons
      exhibit viscoelastic or time-dependent behaviors. The constitutive
      characterization of soft tissues is among very important subjects in clinical
      medicine and especially, biomechanics fields. Periodontal ligament plays an
      important role in initiating tooth movement when loads are applied to teeth with
      orthodontic appliances. It is also the most accessible ligament in human body as
      it can be directly manipulated without any surgical intervention. From a
      mechanical point of view, this ligament can be considered as a thin interface
      made by a solid phase, consisting mainly of collagen fibers, which is immersed
      into a so-called ground substance. However, the viscoelastic constitutive effects
      of biological tissues are seldom considered rigorous during Nano-indentation
      tests. METHODS: In the present paper, a mathematical contact approach is
      developed to enable determining creep compliance and relaxation modulus of
      distinct periodontal ligaments, using constant-rate indentation and loading time
      histories, respectively. An adequate curve-fitting method is presented to
      determine these characteristics based on the Nano-indentation of rigid Berkovich
      tips. Generalized Voigt-Kelvin and Wiechert models are used to model constitutive
      equations of periodontal ligaments, in which the relaxation and creep functions
      are represented by series of decaying exponential functions of time. RESULTS:
      Time-dependent creep compliance and relaxation function have been obtained for
      tissue specimens of periodontal ligaments. CONCLUSION: To improve accuracy,
      relaxation and creep moduli are measured from two tests separately. Stress
      relaxation effects appear more rapidly than creep in the periodontal ligaments.

PMID- 27672631
TI  - Pulsed Intra-Arterial Drug Injection during Diastolic Phase of Cardiac Function
      Increases Drug Efficacy by Enhancing Pharmacological Exposure of Targeted
      Tissues.
AB  - Diastolic phase of cardiac function is associated with lower arterial flow and
      hence higher concentration of intra arterially injected drug is achieved at the
      site of injection. It is herein postulated that drugs show higher efficacy when
      injected during the diastolic phase of cardiac function. It is also postulated
      that this benefit cannot be achieved when the drug is injected with higher rates
      thus producing the same high concentration at the site of injection. Pulsed intra
      arterial injection also benefits from the delayed therapeutic effect of the
      decaying drug before the next shot of injection resaturates the targeted tissue.
      Altogether, it is estimated that diastolic time-locked pulsed intra arterial
      injection will increase the drug efficacy up to 1.9 times the efficacy of
      injected drug with conventional methods. This is significant for drugs with
      limited dose of administration due to their disastrous side effects like tissue
      plasminogen activator or chemotherapeutic drugs. 

PMID- 27672632
TI  - Comparison of Brain Development in Sow-Reared and Artificially Reared Piglets.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Provision of adequate nutrients is critical for proper growth and
      development of the neonate, yet the impact of breastfeeding versus formula
      feeding on neural maturation has to be fully determined. Using the piglet as a
      model for the human infant, our objective was to compare neurodevelopment of
      piglets that were either sow-reared (SR) or artificially reared (AR) in an
      artificial setting. METHODS: Over a 25-day feeding study, piglets (1.5 +/- 0.2 kg
      initial bodyweight) were either SR (n = 10) with ad libitum intake or AR (n = 29)
      receiving an infant formula modified to mimic the nutritional profile and intake
      pattern of sow's milk. At study conclusion, piglets were subjected to a
      standardized set of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures to quantify
      structure and composition of the brain. RESULTS: Diffusion tensor imaging, an MRI
      sequence that characterizes brain microstructure, revealed that SR piglets had
      greater (P < 0.05) average white matter (WM) (generated from a piglet specific
      brain atlas) fractional anisotropy (FA), and lower (P < 0.05) mean and radial and
      axial diffusivity values compared with AR piglets, suggesting differences in WM
      organization. Voxel-based morphometric analysis, a measure of white and gray
      matter (GM) volumes concentrations, revealed differences (P < 0.05) in bilateral
      development of GM clusters in the cortical brain regions of the AR piglets
      compared with SR piglets. Region of interest analysis revealed larger (P < 0.05)
      whole brain volumes in SR animals compared with AR, and certain subcortical
      regions to be larger (P < 0.05) as a percentage of whole brain volume in AR
      piglets compared with SR animals. Quantification of brain metabolites using
      magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed SR piglets had higher (P < 0.05)
      concentrations of myo-inositol, glycerophosphocholine + phosphocholine, and
      creatine + phosphocreatine compared with AR piglets. However, glutamate +
      glutamine levels were higher (P < 0.05) in AR piglets when compared with SR
      animals. CONCLUSION: Overall, increases in brain metabolite concentrations,
      coupled with greater FA values in WM tracts and volume differences in GM of
      specific brain regions, suggest differences in myelin development and cell
      proliferation in SR versus AR piglets.

PMID- 27672633
TI  - A Scoping Review of Tailored Self-management Interventions among Adults with
      Mobility Impairing Neurological and Musculoskeletal Conditions.
AB  - A critical public health objective is to optimize and disseminate self-management
      interventions for the 56.7 million adults living with chronic disabling
      conditions in the United States. A possible strategy to optimize the
      effectiveness of self-management interventions is to understand how best to
      tailor self-management interventions to the needs and circumstances of each
      participant. Thus, the purpose of this scoping review was to describe randomized
      controlled trials (RCTs) of tailored self-management interventions in adults with
      neurological and musculoskeletal conditions that characteristically result in
      mobility impairments. The 13 RCTs included in the scoping review typically
      compared tailored interventions to non-tailored interventions or usual care among
      adults with chronic pain, stroke, and/or arthritis. The tailored interventions
      were diverse in their delivery formats, dosing, behavior change techniques, and
      tailoring strategies. We identified 13 personal characteristics (e.g.,
      preferences and theoretical constructs) and 4 types of assessment formats (i.e.,
      oral history, self-report questionnaires, provider-reported assessments, and
      medical records) that were used to tailor the self-management interventions. It
      was common to tailor intervention content using self-report questionnaires that
      assessed personal characteristics pertaining to impairments and preferences.
      Content was matched to personal characteristics using clinical judgment or
      computer algorithms. However, few studies adequately described the decision rules
      for matching content. To advance the science of tailoring self-management
      interventions, we recommend conducting comparative effectiveness research and
      further developing a taxonomy to standardize descriptions of tailoring. We
      discuss the opportunities that are now coalescing to optimize tailored self
      management. We also provide examples of how to merge concepts from the self
      management literature with conceptual frameworks of tailoring from the health
      communication literature. 

PMID- 27672634
TI  - Impact of Demographic, Socioeconomic, and Psychological Factors on Glycemic Self
      Management in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
AB  - Diabetes mellitus (DM) is reported as one of the most complex chronic diseases
      worldwide. In the United States, Type 2 DM (T2DM) is the seventh leading cause of
      morbidity and mortality. Individuals with diabetes require lifelong personal care
      to reduce the possibility of developing long-term complications. A good knowledge
      of diabetes risk factors, including obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, family
      history of DM, and sedentary lifestyle, play an essential role in prevention and
      treatment. Also, sociodemographic, economic, psychological, and environmental
      factors are directly and indirectly associated with diabetes control and health
      outcomes. Our review intends to analyze the interaction between demographics,
      knowledge, environment, and other diabetes-related factors based on an extended
      literature search, and to provide insight for improving glycemic control and
      reducing the incidence of chronic complications. 

PMID- 27672637
TI  - Challenges in Molecular Diagnostics of Channelopathies in the Next-Generation
      Sequencing Era: Less Is More?

PMID- 27672635
TI  - Glycosyl-Phosphatidyl-Inositol (GPI)-Anchors and Metalloproteases: Their Roles in
      the Regulation of Exosome Composition and NKG2D-Mediated Immune Recognition.
AB  - Communication within the immune system depends on the release of factors that can
      travel and transmit information at points distant from the cell that produced
      them. In general, immune cells use two key strategies that can occur either at
      the plasma membrane or in intracellular compartments to produce such factors,
      vesicle release and proteolytic cleavage. Release of soluble factors in exosomes,
      a subset of vesicles that originate from intracellular compartments, depends
      generally on biochemical and lipid environment features. This physical
      environment allows proteins to be recruited to membrane microdomains that will be
      later endocytosed and further released to the extracellular milieu. Cholesterol
      and sphingolipid rich domains (also known as lipid rafts or detergent-resistant
      membranes, DRMs) often contribute to exosomes and these membrane regions are rich
      in proteins modified with Glycosyl-Phosphatidyl-Inositol (GPI) and lipids. For
      this reason, many palmitoylated and GPI-anchored proteins are preferentially
      recruited to exosomes. In this review, we analyse the biochemical features
      involved in the release of NKG2D-ligands as an example of functionally related
      gene families encoding both transmembrane and GPI-anchored proteins that can be
      released either by proteolysis or in exosomes, and modulate the intensity of the
      immune response. The immune receptor NKG2D is present in all human Natural Killer
      and T cells and plays an important role in the first barrier of defense against
      tumor and infection. However, tumor cells can evade the immune system by
      releasing NKG2D-ligands to induce down-regulation of the receptor. Some NKG2D
      ligands can be recruited to exosomes and potently modulate receptor expression
      and immune function, while others are more susceptible to metalloprotease
      cleavage and are shed as soluble molecules. Strikingly, metalloprotease
      inhibition is sufficient to drive the accumulation in exosomes of ligands
      otherwise released by metalloprotease cleavage. In consequence, NKG2D-ligands
      appear as different entities in different cells, depending on cellular metabolism
      and biochemical structure, which mediate different intensities of immune
      modulation. We discuss whether similar mechanisms, depending on an interplay
      between metalloprotease cleavage and exosome release, could be a more general
      feature regulating the composition of exosomes released from human cells. 

PMID- 27672636
TI  - Melusin Promotes a Protective Signal Transduction Cascade in Stressed Hearts.
AB  - Melusin is a chaperone protein selectively expressed in heart and skeletal
      muscles. Melusin expression levels correlate with cardiac function in pre
      clinical models and in human patients with aortic stenosis. Indeed, previous
      studies in several animal models indicated that Melusin plays a broad
      cardioprotective role in different pathological conditions. Chaperone proteins,
      besides playing a role in protein folding, are also able to facilitate
      supramolecular complex formation and conformational changes due to
      activation/deactivation of signaling molecules. This role sets chaperone proteins
      as crucial regulators of intracellular signal transduction pathways. In
      particular Melusin activates AKT and ERK1/2 signaling, protects cardiomyocytes
      from apoptosis and induces a compensatory hypertrophic response in several
      pathological conditions. Therefore, selective delivery of the Melusin gene in
      heart via cardiotropic adenoviral associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9), may
      represent a new promising gene-therapy approach for different cardiac
      pathologies. 

PMID- 27672639
TI  - 450 nm diode laser: A new help in oral surgery.
AB  - AIM: To describe the performance of 450 nm diode laser in oral surgery
      procedures. METHODS: The case described consisted of the removal of a lower lip
      fibroma through a blue diode laser (lambda = 450 nm). RESULTS: The efficacy of
      this device, even at very low power (1W, CW), allows us to obtain very high intra
      and postoperative comfort for the patient, even with just topical anaesthesia and
      without needing suture. The healing process was completed in one week and, during
      the follow-up, the patient did not report any problems, pain or discomfort even
      without the consumption of any kind of drugs, such as painkillers and
      antibiotics. The histological examination performed by the pathologist showed a
      large area of fibrous connective tissue with some portions of epithelium
      connective detachments and a regular incision with very scanty areas of
      carbonization. CONCLUSION: The 450 nm diode laser proved of being very efficient
      in the oral soft tissue surgical procedures, with no side effects for the
      patients.

PMID- 27672640
TI  - Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography
      evaluation of subcutaneous panniculitis-like T cell lymphoma and treatment
      response.
AB  - Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T cell lymphoma (SPTCL) is a very rare variant of
      non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Currently, there is no standard imaging method for
      staging of SPTCL nor for assessment of treatment response. Here, we describe our
      use of fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed
      tomography (PET/CT) for staging and monitoring of treatment response in 3 cases
      of SPTCL. Primary staging by PET/CT showed that all 3 patients had multiple foci
      in the subcutaneous fat tissue, with SUVmax from 10.5 to 14.6. Involvement of
      intra-abdominal fat with high SUVmax was identified in 2 of the patients. Use of
      the triple drug regimen of gemcitabine, cisplatin and methylprednisolone
      (commonly known as "GEM-P") as first-line therapy or second-line therapy
      facilitated complete metabolic response for all 3 cases. FDG PET/CT provides
      valuable information for staging and monitoring of treatment response and can
      reveal occult involvement of the intra-abdominal visceral fat. High FDG uptake on
      pre-treatment PET can identify patients with aggressive disease and help in
      selection of first-line therapy. 

PMID- 27672638
TI  - Multiple Infectious Agents and the Origins of Atherosclerotic Coronary Artery
      Disease.
AB  - Although deaths due to atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (ACAD) have fallen
      dramatically during the past 50 years, ACAD remains as the leading cause of death
      in all continents, except Africa, where deaths due to infections are still
      dominant. Although food and nutrition have a proven role in atherosclerosis, the
      underlying causes of ACAD remain unknown. This is despite a century of intensive
      research dominated by investigations into the saturated fat hypothesis. In this
      review, it is hypothesized that the rise and fall in ACAD during the past 100
      years is primarily due to the parallel rise and fall in the prevalence of
      coronary atheroma, the underlying disease. It is further hypothesized that
      infectious pathogens initiate atherosclerosis mainly during infancy and
      childhood. It is speculated that widespread use of antibiotics and vaccines
      against bacterial and viral infections may be the reason for the dramatic fall in
      coronary atheroma and ACAD during the past 50 years. The relevant evidence and a
      working hypothesis are included in this review. 

PMID- 27672642
TI  - Incidentally detected hydatid cyst of the adrenal gland: A case report.
AB  - Hydatid cysts are a zoonotic disease that can involve many organs and tissues in
      the human body but primarily involve the liver and lungs. Of the main organs,
      adrenal glands are those seldom affected by hydatid cysts. The purpose of this
      study was to present a case with an incidentally detected hydatid cyst of the
      right adrenal gland on computed tomography, and a positive echincoccus IgG enzyme
      linked immunosorbent assay test on top of a toxic multinodular thyroid goiter for
      which thyroidectomy was indicated. 

PMID- 27672641
TI  - Small bowel entrapment and ureteropelvic junction disruption associated with L3
      Chance fracture-dislocation.
AB  - Paediatric Chance fracture are rare lesions but often associated with abdominal
      injuries. We herein present the case of a seven years old patient who sustained
      an entrapment of small bowel and an ureteropelvic disruption associated with a
      Chance fracture and spine dislocation following a traffic accident. Initial X
      rays and computed tomographic (CT) scan showed a Chance fracture with dislocation
      of L3 vertebra, with an incarceration of a small bowel loop in the spinal canal
      and a complete section of the left lumbar ureter. Paraplegia was noticed on the
      initial neurological examination. A posterior L2-L4 osteosynthesis was performed
      firstly. In a second time she underwent a sus umbilical laparotomy to release the
      incarcerated jejunum loop in the spinal canal. An end-to-end anastomosis was
      performed on a JJ probe to suture the left injured ureter. One month after the
      traumatism, she started to complain of severe headaches related to a leakage of
      cerebrospinalis fluid. Three months after the traumatism there was a clear
      regression of the leakage. One year after the trauma, an anterior intervertebral
      fusion was done. At final follow-up, no neurologic recovery was noticed. In case
      of Chance fracture, all physicians should think about abdominal injuries even if
      the patient is asymptomatic. Initial abdominal CT scan and magnetic resonance
      imaging provide in such case crucial info for management of the spine and the
      associated lesions. 

PMID- 27672643
TI  - Tuberculosis terminal ileitis: A forgotten entity mimicking Crohn's disease.
AB  - Intestinal tuberculosis (TB) is an uncommon lesion for which differential
      diagnosis can be difficult. We present a case of a 53-year-old male and a
      systematic review of the literature, from clinical symptoms to differential
      diagnosis, unusual complications and therapy. The patient was admitted to the
      hospital with signs of acute abdomen as a result of a perforated terminal
      ileitis. Based on the skip lesions of the terminal ileum and cecum, Crohn's
      disease (CD) was clinically suspected. An emergency laparotomy and right
      colectomy with terminal ileum resection was performed and systematic
      antibiotherapy was prescribed. The patient's status deteriorated and he died 4 d
      after the surgical intervention. At the autopsy, TB ileotyphlitis was discovered.
      The clinical criteria of the differential diagnosis between intestinal TB and CD
      are not very well established. Despite the large amount of published articles on
      this subject, only 50 papers present new data regarding intestinal TB. Based on
      these studies and our experience, we present an update focused on the
      differential diagnosis and therapy of intestinal TB. We highlight the importance
      of considering intestinal TB as a differential diagnosis for inflammatory bowel
      disease. Despite the modern techniques of diagnosis and therapy, the fulminant
      evolution of TB can still lead to a patient's death. 

PMID- 27672644
TI  - Cystic jejunal duplication with Heinrich's type I ectopic pancreas, incidentally
      discovered in a patient with pancreatic tail neoplasm.
AB  - The aim of this study was to present a case of enteric duplication cyst and
      criteria for a proper differential diagnosis. A 51-year-old male was hospitalized
      for pancreatic tail neoplasm and distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy was
      performed. During surgery, a jejunal cystic lesion was incidentally detected and
      jejunectomy was performed. Microscopically, the cyst was observed to be covered
      by Keratin 7/Keratin 20 positive intestinal type epithelium and the muscularis
      layer was shared by the cyst and adjacent jejunum, without a cleavage plane
      between the cyst wall and jejunal muscularis propria. In the deep muscularis
      propria, a Heinrich's type I ectopic pancreas was also noted. In the pancreatic
      tail, a low grade intraepithelial lesion (panIN-1a) was diagnosed. This case
      highlights the necessity for a correct differential diagnosis of such rare
      lesions. Roughly 30 cases of jejunal duplication cysts have been reported to date
      in the PubMed database. 

PMID- 27672645
TI  - Tooth loss caused by displaced elastic during simple preprosthetic orthodontic
      treatment.
AB  - The use of elastics to close a diastema or correct tooth malpositions can create
      unintended consequences if not properly controlled. The American Association of
      Orthodontists recently issued a consumer alert, warning of "a substantial risk
      for irreparable damage" from a new trend called "do-it-yourself" orthodontics,
      consisting of patients autonomously using elastics to correct tooth position. The
      elastics can work their way below the gums and around the roots of the teeth,
      causing damage to the periodontium and even resulting in tooth loss. The cost of
      implants to replace these teeth would well exceed the cost of proper orthodontic
      care. This damage could also occur in a dental office, when a general dentist
      tries to perform a simplified orthodontic correction of a minor tooth
      malposition. The present case report describes a case of tooth loss caused by a
      displaced intraoral elastic, which occurred during a simple preprosthetic
      orthodontic treatment. 

PMID- 27672646
TI  - Surgical treatment of cementoblastoma associated with apicoectomy and endodontic
      therapy: Case report.
AB  - This case report describes the surgical removal of cementoblastoma associated
      with apicoectomy and endodontic therapy. The patient, an 18-year-old man,
      presented pain in the region of the mandibular body on the right side. On
      clinical exam, bone expansion was observed in the region at the bottom of the
      vestibular sulcus, pain on palpation, slight extrusion of tooth 46 with presence
      of pulp vitality. Radiographic exams demonstrated the presence of a radiopaque
      area and discrete radiolucent halo associated with the root of tooth 46,
      suggesting the diagnosis of cementoblastoma. Endodontic treatment of tooth 46 was
      performed and exeresis of the lesion by apicoectomy. Twelve months after the
      first surgery, recurrence of the lesion was observed, and a new apicoectomy was
      necessary, this time up to the middle third of the root. Clinical radiographic
      control 12 mo after the second surgical intervention demonstrated absence of
      signs and symptoms, radiographic repair, with tooth 46 shown to be fully
      functional. 

PMID- 27672647
TI  - Unique case of oligoastrocytoma with recurrence and grade progression: Exhibiting
      differential expression of high mobility group-A1 and human telomerase reverse
      transcriptase.
AB  - Mixed gliomas, primarily oligoastrocytomas, account for about 5%-10% of all
      gliomas. Distinguishing oligoastrocytoma based on histological features alone has
      limitations in predicting the exact biological behavior, necessitating ancillary
      markers for greater specificity. In this case report, human telomerase reverse
      transcriptase (hTERT) and high mobility group-A1 (HMGA1); markers of
      proliferation and stemness, have been quantitatively analyzed in formalin-fixed
      paraffin-embedded tissue samples of a 34 years old patient with oligoastrocytoma.
      Customized florescence-based immunohistochemistry protocol with enhanced
      sensitivity and specificity is used in the study. The patient presented with a
      history of generalized seizures and his magnetic resonance imaging scans revealed
      infiltrative ill-defined mass lesion with calcified foci within the left frontal
      white matter, suggestive of glioma. He was surgically treated at our center for
      four consecutive clinical events. Histopathologically, the tumor was identified
      as oligoastrocytoma-grade II followed by two recurrence events and final
      progression to grade III. Overall survival of the patient without adjuvant
      therapy was more than 9 years. Glial fibrillary acidic protein, p53, Ki-67,
      nuclear atypia index, pre-operative neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, are the other
      parameters assessed. Findings suggest that hTERT and HMGA1 are linked to tumor
      recurrence and progression. Established markers can assist in defining precise
      histopathological grade in conjuction with conventional markers in clinical
      setup. 

PMID- 27672648
TI  - Gliosarcoma: A rare variant of glioblastoma multiforme in paediatric patient:
      Case report and review of literature.
AB  - Gliosarcoma is rare central nervous system tumour and a variant of glioblastoma
      multiforme with bimorphic histological pattern of glial and sarcomatous
      differentiation. It occurs in elderly between 5(th) and 6(th) decades of life and
      extremely rare in children. It is highly aggressive tumour and managed like
      glioblastoma multiforme. A 12-year-old female child presented with complaints of
      headache and vomiting from 15 d and blurring of vision from 3 d. Magnetic
      resonance imaging of brain shows heterogeneous mass in right parieto-occipital
      cortex. A right parieto-occipito-temporal craniotomy with complete excision of
      mass revealed a primary glioblastoma on histopathological investigation.
      Treatment consists of maximum surgical excision followed by adjuvant
      radiotherapy. The etiopathogenesis, treatment modalities and prognosis is
      discussed. The available literature is also reviewed. 

PMID- 27672649
TI  - Huge peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the small bowel mesentery at
      nonage: A case report and review of the literature.
AB  - Extraskeletal Ewing's sarcoma/peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor (E
      EWS/pPNET) is a rare aggressive malignant small round cell tumor. In this report,
      we present the case of a 15-year-old boy who suffered from acute abdominal pain
      accompanied by hematemesis and melena, and was eventually diagnosed with E
      EWS/pPNET. To date, there have been only five reported cases of E-EWS/pPNET of
      the small bowel including the patient in this report. To the best of our
      knowledge, this is the first documentation of a pPNET of the small bowel
      mesentery at nonage. All these have made this report rare and significant. 

PMID- 27672650
TI  - Evaluation of Knee Proprioception and Factors Related to Parkinson's Disease.
AB  - Background. Changes in proprioception may contribute to postural instability in
      individuals with neurological disorders. Objectives. Evaluate proprioception in
      the lower limbs of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and the association
      between proprioception and cognitive ability, motor symptoms, postural
      instability, and disease severity. Methods. This is a cross-sectional, controlled
      study that evaluated proprioception in PD patients and healthy age- and sex
      matched individuals. Kinetic postural proprioception of the knee was evaluated
      using an isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex(r) Multi-Joint System 4 Pro).
      Participants were evaluated using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), the
      Hoehn and Yahr rating scale and postural instability (pull test and stabilometric
      analysis), and motor function (UPDRS-III) tests. Results. A total of 40
      individuals were enrolled in the study: 20 PD patients and 20 healthy controls
      (CG). The PD patients had higher angular errors on the proprioceptive ratings
      than the CG participants (p = 0.002). Oscillations of the center of pressure (p =
      0.002) were higher in individuals with PD than in the controls. Proprioceptive
      errors in the PD patients were associated with the presence of tremors as the
      dominant symptom and more impaired motor performance. Conclusion. These findings
      show that individuals with PD have proprioceptive deficits, which are related to
      decreased cognitive ability and impaired motor symptoms. 

PMID- 27672652
TI  - RNA-Seq Analysis Reveals Candidate Targets for Curcumin against Tetranychus
      cinnabarinus.
AB  - Tetranychus cinnabarinus is an important agricultural pest with a broad host
      range. We previously identified curcumin as a promising acaricidal compound
      against T. cinnabarinus. However, the acaricidal mechanism of curcumin remains
      unknown. In this study, RNA-seq was employed to analyze the transcriptome changes
      in T. cinnabarinus treated with curcumin or the solvent. A total of 105,706,297
      clean sequence reads were generated by sequencing, with more than 90% of the
      reads successfully mapped to the reference sequence. The RNA-seq identified 111
      and 96 differentially expressed genes between curcumin- and solvent-treated mites
      at 24 and 48 h after treatment, respectively. GO enrichment analysis of
      differentially expressed genes showed that the cellular process was the dominant
      group at both time points. Finally, we screened 23 differentially expressed genes
      that were functionally identical or similar to the targets of common
      insecticide/acaricides or genes that were associated with mite detoxification and
      metabolism. Calmodulin, phospholipase A2, and phospholipase C were activated upon
      curcumin treatment suggesting that the calcium channel related genes might play
      important roles in mite's response to curcumin. Overall our results revealed the
      global transcriptional changes in T. cinnabarinus after curcumin treatment to
      enable further identification of the targets of curcumin in mites.

PMID- 27672651
TI  - Evaluation of Light-Activated Provisional Resin Materials for Periodontal Soft
      Tissue Management.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to determine mechanical properties using a
      compressive test with cylinder specimen (h = 6 mm and phi = 4 mm) as well as
      cytotoxicity using elutes from disk specimen (phi = 10 mm and h = 2 mm) against
      human gingival fibroblasts and oral keratinocytes with light-activated
      provisional resin materials (Revotek LC and Luxatemp Solar) compared to
      chemically activated counterpart (Snap, Trim II, and Jet). Significantly
      increased compressive strength (210~280 MPa) was detected in light-activated
      products compared to chemically activated ones (20~65 MPa, P < 0.05) and similar
      compressive modulus was detected in both types (0.8~1.5 and 0.5~1.3 GPa).
      Simultaneously, the light-activated products showed less adverse effects on the
      periodontal soft tissue cells in any polymerization stage compared to the
      chemically activated products. Particularly, chemically activated products had
      significantly greater adverse effects during the "polymerizing" phase compared to
      those that were "already set" (P < 0.05), as shown in confocal microscopic images
      of live and dead cells. In conclusion, light-activated provisional resin
      materials have better mechanical properties as well as biocompatibility against
      two tested types of oral cells compared to the chemically activated counterpart,
      which are considered as more beneficial choice for periodontal soft tissue
      management.

PMID- 27672653
TI  - Clinical and Mutational Analysis of the GCDH Gene in Malaysian Patients with
      Glutaric Aciduria Type 1.
AB  - Glutaric aciduria type 1 (GA1) is an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder
      caused by deficiency of glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase enzyme encoded by the GCDH
      gene. In this study, we presented the clinical and molecular findings of seven
      GA1 patients in Malaysia. All the patients were symptomatic from infancy and
      diagnosed clinically from large excretion of glutaric and 3-hydroxyglutaric
      acids. Bidirectional sequencing of the GCDH gene revealed ten mutations, three of
      which were novel (Gln76Pro, Glu131Val, and Gly390Trp). The spectrum of mutations
      included eight missense mutations, a nonsense mutation, and a splice site
      mutation. Two mutations (Gln76Pro and Arg386Gln) were homozygous in two patients
      with parental consanguinity. All mutations were predicted to be disease causing
      by MutationTaster2. In conclusion, this is the first report of both clinical and
      molecular aspects of GA1 in Malaysian patients. Despite the lack of genotype and
      phenotype correlation, early diagnosis and timely treatment remained the most
      important determinant of patient outcome.

PMID- 27672654
TI  - Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery.

PMID- 27672655
TI  - Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Activation by TCDD Modulates Expression of
      Extracellular Matrix Remodeling Genes during Experimental Liver Fibrosis.
AB  - The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a soluble, ligand-activated transcription
      factor that mediates the toxicity of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD).
      Increasing evidence implicates the AhR in regulating extracellular matrix (ECM)
      homeostasis. We recently reported that TCDD increased necroinflammation and
      myofibroblast activation during liver injury elicited by carbon tetrachloride
      (CCl4). However, TCDD did not increase collagen deposition or exacerbate fibrosis
      in CCl4-treated mice, which raises the possibility that TCDD may enhance ECM
      turnover. The goal of this study was to determine how TCDD impacts ECM remodeling
      gene expression in the liver. Male C57BL/6 mice were treated for 8 weeks with 0.5
      mL/kg CCl4, and TCDD (20 MUg/kg) was administered during the last two weeks.
      Results indicate that TCDD increased mRNA levels of procollagen types I, III, IV,
      and VI and the collagen processing molecules HSP47 and lysyl oxidase. TCDD also
      increased gelatinase activity and mRNA levels of matrix metalloproteinase- (MMP-)
      3, MMP-8, MMP-9, and MMP-13. Furthermore, TCDD modulated expression of genes in
      the plasminogen activator/plasmin system, which regulates MMP activation, and it
      also increased TIMP1 gene expression. These findings support the notion that AhR
      activation by TCDD dysregulates ECM remodeling gene expression and may facilitate
      ECM metabolism despite increased liver injury.

PMID- 27672656
TI  - The Significance of Long Noncoding RNA H19 in Predicting Progression and
      Metastasis of Cancers: A Meta-Analysis.
AB  - Recently, numerous studies indicate that H19 plays a key role in tumorigenesis,
      but the results have been disputed, especially in the aspects of tumor
      progression and metastasis. Therefore, we performed this meta-analysis to
      systematically summarize the relationship between H19 and cancers. We searched
      PubMed, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, and Chinese Wan Fang to identify eligible
      studies. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to assess the
      effect size. A total of 13 studies were enrolled in this meta-analysis, which was
      performed by Revman5.3 and Stata11.0 software. Our meta-analysis showed that the
      expression of H19 was associated with distant metastasis in nongastrointestinal
      tumors (OR = 3.85, 95% CI = 1.31-11.36, P = 0.01) and, in gastrointestinal tumors
      (OR = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.15-0.78, P = 0.01), lymph node metastasis (OR = 2.04, 95%
      CI = 1.19-3.48, P = 0.009). Moreover, in gastric cancer, H19 expression was
      significantly related to histological grade (OR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.29-0.86, P =
      0.01), TNM stage (OR = 0.19, 95% CI = 0.11-0.33, P < 0.01), and tumor invasion
      depth (OR = 0.11, 95% CI = 0.04-0.27, P < 0.01). Therefore, H19 could serve as a
      potential marker for progression and metastasis evaluation of cancers.

PMID- 27672657
TI  - 18S Ribosomal RNA Evaluation as Preanalytical Quality Control for Animal DNA.
AB  - The 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene is present in all eukaryotic cells. In this
      study, we evaluated the use of this gene to verify the presence of PCR
      amplifiable host (animal) DNA as an indicator of sufficient sample quality for
      quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) analysis. We compared (i) samples from various
      animal species, tissues, and sample types, including swabs; (ii) multiple DNA
      extraction methods; and (iii) both fresh and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded
      (FFPE) samples. Results showed that 18S ribosomal RNA gene amplification was
      possible from all tissue samples evaluated, including avian, reptile, and FFPE
      samples and most swab samples. A single swine rectal swab, which showed
      sufficient DNA quantity and the demonstrated lack of PCR inhibitors, nonetheless
      was negative by 18S qPCR. Such a sample specifically illustrates the improvement
      of determination of sample integrity afforded by inclusion of 18S rRNA gene qPCR
      analysis in addition to spectrophotometric analysis and the use of internal
      controls for PCR inhibition. Other possible applications for the described 18S
      rRNA qPCR are preselection of optimal tissue specimens for studies or preliminary
      screening of archived samples prior to acceptance for biobanking projects.

PMID- 27672658
TI  - Platelet-Rich Plasma: The Choice of Activation Method Affects the Release of
      Bioactive Molecules.
AB  - Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a low-cost procedure to deliver high concentrations
      of autologous growth factors (GFs). Platelet activation is a crucial step that
      might influence the availability of bioactive molecules and therefore tissue
      healing. Activation of PRP from ten voluntary healthy males was performed by
      adding 10% of CaCl2, 10% of autologous thrombin, 10% of a mixture of CaCl2 +
      thrombin, and 10% of collagen type I. Blood derivatives were incubated for 15 and
      30 minutes and 1, 2, and 24 hours and samples were evaluated for the release of
      VEGF, TGF-beta1, PDGF-AB, IL-1beta, and TNF-alpha. PRP activated with CaCl2,
      thrombin, and CaCl2/thrombin formed clots detected from the 15-minute evaluation,
      whereas in collagen-type-I-activated samples no clot formation was noticed.
      Collagen type I produced an overall lower GF release. Thrombin, CaCl2/thrombin,
      and collagen type I activated PRPs showed an immediate release of PDGF and TGF
      beta1 that remained stable over time, whereas VEGF showed an increasing trend
      from 15 minutes up to 24 hours. CaCl2 induced a progressive release of GFs from
      15 minutes and increasing up to 24 hours. The method chosen to activate PRP
      influences both its physical form and the releasate in terms of GF amount and
      release kinetic.

PMID- 27672659
TI  - Antihyperalgesic Effect of Hesperidin Improves with Diosmin in Experimental
      Neuropathic Pain.
AB  - Neuropathic pain is caused by a primary lesion, dysfunction, or transitory
      perturbation in the peripheral or central nervous system. In this study, we
      investigated the hesperidin antihyperalgesic effects alone or combined with
      diosmin in a model of neuropathic pain to corroborate a possible synergistic
      antinociceptive activity. Mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia were assessed in
      the aesthesiometer and plantar tests, respectively, after chronic constriction
      injury (CCI) model in rats receiving hesperidin (HS, 5 doses from 10 to 1000
      mg/kg) alone or combined with diosmin (DS, 10 and 100 mg/kg) in comparison to
      gabapentin (31.6 mg/kg). UHPLC-MS analysis of cerebral samples was used to
      recognize the central concentrations of these flavonoids. Participation of
      different receptors was also investigated in the presence of haloperidol,
      bicuculline, and naloxone antagonists. Acute hesperidin administration
      significantly decreased mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in CCI rats.
      Antihyperalgesic response of hesperidin, improved by a combination with diosmin
      (DS10/HS100) in both stimuli, was blockaded by haloperidol, bicuculline, and
      naloxone, but not WAY100635, antagonists. Both flavonoids were detected in brain
      samples. In conclusion, hesperidin alone and combined with diosmin produces
      antihyperalgesic response in the CCI model in rats. Antihyperalgesic effect of
      DS10/HS100 combination involves central activity partially modulated by D2,
      GABAA, and opioids, but not by 5-HT1A, receptors.

PMID- 27672661
TI  - The Evaluation of the Clinical, Laboratory, and Radiological Findings of 16 Cases
      of Brucellar Spondylitis.
AB  - Objective. To evaluate the clinical, laboratory, and radiological presentation of
      16 cases of brucellar spondylitis. Methods. The clinical manifestations,
      laboratory tests, and imaging findings of 16 patients (aged from 24 to 66 years)
      with brucellar spondylitis treated between September 2012 and September 2014 at
      the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University (Xi'an, China) were
      retrospectively analyzed. Results. Clinical manifestations included high fever,
      severe pain, sweating, and fatigue. One patient had epididymitis, and two showed
      clear signs of spinal nerve damage. Laboratory tests showed elevated erythrocyte
      sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein content. Serum brucella
      agglutination tests were positive, and 11 brucella blood cultures were positive.
      Imaging manifestations mainly consisted of abnormal signals in the intervertebral
      space or abnormal signals in the adjacent vertebral bodies (16/16, 100%) in
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), disc space narrowing (14/16, 88%) in X-ray and
      MRI, or bone destruction and sclerosis around the damaged zone (13/16, 81%) in
      computed tomography, with rare cases of psoas abscess (2/16, 13%) and sequestrum
      (1/16, 6%). Conclusion. Since brucellar spondylitis exhibited characteristic
      clinical and imaging manifestations, it could be diagnosed with specific
      laboratory tests. Early MRI examination of suspected cases could improve rapid
      diagnosis.

PMID- 27672660
TI  - Functions of thga1 Gene in Trichoderma harzianum Based on Transcriptome Analysis.
AB  - Trichoderma spp. are important biocontrol filamentous fungi, which are widely
      used for their adaptability, broad antimicrobial spectrum, and various
      antagonistic mechanisms. In our previous studies, we cloned thga1 gene encoding
      GalphaI protein from Trichoderma harzianum Th-33. Its knockout mutant showed that
      the growth rate, conidial yield, cAMP level, antagonistic action, and
      hydrophobicity decreased. Therefore, Illumina RNA-seq technology (RNA-seq) was
      used to determine transcriptomic differences between the wild-type strain and
      thga1 mutant. A total of 888 genes were identified as differentially expressed
      genes (DEGs), including 427 upregulated and 461 downregulated genes. All DEGs
      were assigned to KEGG pathway databases, and 318 genes were annotated in 184
      individual pathways. KEGG analysis revealed that these unigenes were
      significantly enriched in metabolism and degradation pathways. GO analysis
      suggested that the majority of DEGs were associated with catalytic activities and
      metabolism processes that encode carbohydrate-active enzymes, secondary
      metabolites, secreted proteins, or transcription factors. According to the
      functional annotation of these DEGs by KOG, the most abundant group was
      "secondary metabolite biosynthesis, transport, and catabolism." Further studies
      for functional characterization of candidate genes and pathways reported in this
      paper are necessary to further define the G protein signaling system in T.
      harzianum.

PMID- 27672662
TI  - Vibration Induces BAFF Overexpression and Aberrant O-Glycosylation of IgA1 in
      Cultured Human Tonsillar Mononuclear Cells in IgA Nephropathy.
AB  - Objective. To investigate the influence of in vitro vibratory stimulation of
      human tonsillar mononuclear cells (TMCs). Methods. Fourteen IgA nephropathy
      (IgAN) patients with chronic tonsillitis (CT) and 12 CT patients with no renal
      pathology were enrolled. Group A TMCs were collected after 24 hours of culture
      and used to determine baseline levels. TMCs in groups B, C, D, E, and F were
      exposed to vibratory stimulation (60 Hz) for 0 (as the control group), 1, 3, 5,
      and 10 minutes, respectively. Results. Baseline concentrations of B-cell
      activation factor (BAFF) and IgA1, BAFF mRNA expression, and aberrant O
      glycosylation IgA1 level were higher in the IgAN group as compared to that in the
      CT group, and all increased after vibratory stimulation. Baseline mRNA
      expressions of core beta1,3-galactosyltransferase (C1GALT1) and core beta1,3GalT
      specific molecular chaperone (Cosmc) were lower in the IgAN group; the levels
      decreased further after vibratory stimulation. Conclusion. In patients with IgAN,
      vibratory stimulation of TMCs appears to induce IgA1 secretion through activation
      of BAFF release and to aberrant O-glycosylation IgA1 by suppressing C1GALT1 and
      Cosmc expression. In vitro vibratory stimulation of human TMCs mimics the
      vibratory simulation of palatine tonsils produced by vocal cords during
      phonation.

PMID- 27672663
TI  - How Effective and Safe Is Bronchial Thermoplasty in "Real Life" Asthmatics
      Compared to Those Enrolled in Randomized Clinical Trials?
AB  - There is limited information on the efficacy and safety of bronchial thermoplasty
      (BT) in real life. We evaluated the outcomes of the randomized clinical trials
      for BT in severe asthmatics, in whom the exclusion criteria were not strictly
      controlled. A case series of seven asthmatics (M/F: 4/3; age: 54.6 +/- 2.9 years)
      is reported. Subjects had a statistically significant improvement in AQLQ (from a
      mean of 3.96 +/- 1.1 to 4.5 +/- 1.2 and 5.5 +/- 0.6 after 6 and 12 months of
      treatment; p = 0.0007) and in the ACQ score (from 2.77 +/- 0.8 to 1.83 +/- 1.2
      and 1.5 +/- 0.8 after 6 and 12 months; p < 0.001). In the year after BT, severe
      exacerbations, salbutamol use, and OCS use were significantly lower compared with
      the 1-yr pretreatment period (p < 0.001). No ED visits and hospitalization
      occurred in the year after BT. No changes in functional parameters were recorded.
      Our investigation confirms the safety and efficacy of BT in severe asthmatics in
      real life settings.

PMID- 27672664
TI  - Novel Tubular Biomarkers Predict Renal Progression in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A
      Prospective Cohort Study.
AB  - Background. Tubulointerstitial injury is both a key feature of diabetic
      nephropathy and an important predictor of renal dysfunction. Novel tubular
      biomarkers related to renal injury in diabetic nephropathy could improve risk
      stratification and prediction. Methods. A total of 303 type 2 diabetic patients
      were followed up. The baseline urine values of cystatin-C to creatinine ratio
      (UCCR), angiotensinogen to creatinine ratio (UANG), NGAL to creatinine ratio
      (UNGAL), and KIM-1 to creatinine ratio (UKIM-1) were measured. The primary
      outcome was a decline in estimated GFR of >=25% yearly from baseline. Results.
      Urine tubular biomarkers of UCCR, UANG, UNGAL, and UKIM-1 were significantly
      higher according to the degree of albuminuria and all were significantly higher
      among patients with rapid decline in estimated GFR of >=25% yearly from baseline.
      All biomarkers predicted primary outcomes with ROC for UCCR of 0.72; 95% CI 0.64
      0.79, for UANG of 0.71; 95% CI 0.63-0.79, for UNGAL of 0.64; 95% CI 0.56-0.72,
      and for UKIM-1 of 0.71; 95% CI 0.63-0.79. Using multivariate Cox regression
      analysis, the number of patients with rapid renal progression was higher among
      those in the upper quartiles of all biomarkers than in those in the lower
      quartiles. Conclusions. Type 2 diabetic patients with high levels of urine
      tubular biomarkers had a more rapid decline in renal function.

PMID- 27672665
TI  - The Rise and the Fall of Betatrophin/ANGPTL8 as an Inducer of beta-Cell
      Proliferation.
AB  - Diabetes is a global health problem that is caused by impaired insulin production
      from pancreatic beta-cells. Efforts to regenerate beta-cells have been advancing
      rapidly in the past two decades with progress made towards identifying new agents
      that induce beta-cells regeneration. ANGPTL8, also named betatrophin, has been
      recently identified as a hormone capable of inducing beta-cells proliferation and
      increasing beta-cells mass in rodents. Its discovery has been cherished as a
      breakthrough and a game changer in the field of beta-cells regeneration.
      Initially, ANGPTL8 has been identified as atypical member of the angiopoietin
      like protein family as a regulator of triglyceride in plasma through its
      interaction with ANGPTL3 and its regulation of lipoprotein lipase activity. In
      this review, we will review literature on the proposed role of ANGPTL8 in beta
      cells proliferation, the controversy regarding this role, and the emerging data
      questioning its involvement in beta-cells proliferation. Additionally we will
      discuss new clinical data that describes its role in diabetes and the putative
      therapeutic targeting of this protein.

PMID- 27672667
TI  - CXCL13 Promotes Proliferation of Mesangial Cells by Combination with CXCR5 in
      SLE.
AB  - As a CXC subtype member of the chemokine superfamily, CXCL13 is considered to be
      involved in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), especially in lupus nephritis
      (LN). To determine the effect of CXCL13 on SLE and explore the potential
      mechanisms, we tested serum concentrations of CXCL13 in patients and healthy
      individuals and found that CXCL13 expression was high in SLE patients especially
      in LN patients. When we treated human renal mesangial cells (HRMCs) in vitro with
      recombinant human CXCL13, the cell proliferation was accelerated, which was
      tested by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and flow cytometry. Western blot and
      immunofluorescence assay revealed that CXCL13 would lead to phosphorylation of
      extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2). However, the effect was
      weakened after the silence of CXCR5. The results of our study elaborated that
      high expression of CXCL13 could be involved in the pathogenesis of LN.

PMID- 27672666
TI  - Dietary Vitamin D Increases Percentages and Function of Regulatory T Cells in the
      Skin-Draining Lymph Nodes and Suppresses Dermal Inflammation.
AB  - Skin inflammatory responses in individuals with allergic dermatitis may be
      suppressed by dietary vitamin D through induction and upregulation of the
      suppressive activity of regulatory T (TReg) cells. Vitamin D may also promote
      TReg cell tropism to dermal sites. In the current study, we examined the capacity
      of dietary vitamin D3 to modulate skin inflammation and the numbers and activity
      of TReg cells in skin and other sites including lungs, spleen, and blood. In
      female BALB/c mice, dietary vitamin D3 suppressed the effector phase of a
      biphasic ear swelling response induced by dinitrofluorobenzene in comparison
      vitamin D3-deficient female BALB/c mice. Vitamin D3 increased the percentage of
      TReg (CD3+CD4+CD25+Foxp3+) cells in the skin-draining lymph nodes (SDLN). The
      suppressive activity of TReg cells in the SDLN, mesenteric lymph nodes, spleen,
      and blood was upregulated by vitamin D3. However, there was no difference in the
      expression of the naturally occurring TReg cell marker, neuropilin, nor the
      expression of CCR4 or CCR10 (skin-tropic chemokine receptors) on TReg cells in
      skin, SDLN, lungs, and airway-draining lymph nodes. These data suggest that
      dietary vitamin D3 increased the percentages and suppressive activity of TReg
      cells in the SDLN, which are poised to suppress dermal inflammation.

PMID- 27672668
TI  - The Generation and Characterization of Recombinant Protein and Antibodies of
      Clostridium perfringens Beta2 Toxin.
AB  - Introduction. Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) beta2 toxin (CPB2) is an
      important virulent factor of necrotic enteritis in both animals and humans.
      However, studies of its pathogenic roles and functional mechanisms have been
      hampered due to the difficulty of purification and lack of specific antibodies
      against this toxin. Methods. A recombinant His-tagged C. perfringens beta2
      (rCPB2) toxin and monoclonal antibodies (McAbs) against CPB2 were generated and
      characterized by assays of cytotoxicity, immunoblotting, ELISA, neutralization,
      and immunofluorescence. Results. A His-tagged rCPB2 with integrity and
      cytotoxicity of native CPB2 was purified from E. coli expressing system, which
      exhibited a moderate cytotoxicity on NCM460 human intestinal epithelial cells.
      The rCPB2 could induce apoptotic cell death rather than necrotic death in part
      through a pathway involved in caspase-3 signaling. Mechanistically, rCPB2 was
      able to first bind to cell membrane and dynamically translocate into cytoplasm
      for its cytotoxic activity. Three McAbs 1E23, 2G7 and 2H7 were characterized to
      be able to immunologically react with CPB2 and neutralize rCPB2 cytotoxicity on
      NCM460 cells. Conclusion. These results indicated the rCPB2 and antibodies
      generated in this study are useful tools for studies of biological functions and
      pathogenic mechanisms of CPB2 in future, which warrants for further
      investigations.

PMID- 27672670
TI  - Data concerning the proteolytic resistance and oxidative stress in LAN5 cells
      after treatment with BSA hydrogels.
AB  - Proteolytic resistance is a relevant aspect to be tested in the formulation of
      new nanoscale biomaterials. The action of proteolytic enzymes is a very fast
      process occurring in the range of few minutes. Here, we report data concerning
      the proteolytic resistance of a heat-set BSA hydrogel obtained after 20-hour
      incubation at 60  degrees C prepared at the pH value of 3.9, pH at which the
      hydrogel presents the highest elastic character with respect to gel formed at pH
      5.9 and 7.4 "Heat-and pH-induced BSA conformational changes, hydrogel formation
      and application as 3D cell scaffold" (G. Navarra, C. Peres, M. Contardi, P.
      Picone, P.L. San Biagio, M. Di Carlo, D. Giacomazza, V. Militello, 2016) [1]. We
      show that the BSA hydrogel produced by heating treatment is protected by the
      action of proteinase K enzyme. Moreover, we show that LAN5 cells cultured in
      presence of BSA hydrogels formed at pH 3.9, 5.9 and 7.4 did not exhibit any
      oxidative stress, one of the first and crucial events causing cell death "Are
      oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction the key players in the
      neurodegenerative diseases?" (M. Di Carlo, D. Giacomazza, P. Picone, D. Nuzzo,
      P.L. San Biagio, 2012) [2] "Effect of zinc oxide nanomaterials induced oxidative
      stress on the p53 pathway" (M.I. Setyawati, C.Y. Tay, D.T. Leaong, 2013) [3]. 

PMID- 27672669
TI  - The diagnostic and prognostic value of systems biology research in major
      traumatic and thermal injury: a review.
AB  - As secondary complications remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality
      amongst hospitalised trauma patients, the need to develop novel approaches by
      which to identify patients at risk of adverse outcome is becoming increasingly
      important. Centred on the idea that patients who experience "poor" outcome post
      trauma elicit a response to injury that is distinct from those who experience
      "good" outcome, tailored therapeutics is an emerging concept aimed at improving
      current treatment regimens by promoting patient-specific therapies. Making use of
      recent advancements in the fields of genomics, proteomics and metabolomics,
      numerous groups have undertaken a systems-based approach to analysing the acute
      immune and inflammatory response to major traumatic and thermal injury in an
      attempt to uncover a single or combination of biomarkers that can identify
      patients at risk of adverse outcome. Early results are encouraging, with all
      three approaches capable of discriminating patients with "good" outcome from
      those who develop nosocomial infections, sepsis and multiple organ failure, with
      differences apparent in blood samples acquired as early as 2 h post injury. In
      particular, genomic data is proving to be highly informative, identifying
      patients at risk of "poor" outcome with a higher degree of sensitivity and
      specificity than statistical models built upon data obtained from existing
      anatomical and physiological scoring systems. Here, focussing predominantly upon
      human-based research, we provide an overview of the findings of studies that have
      investigated the immune and inflammatory response to major traumatic and thermal
      injury at the genomic, protein and metabolite level, and consider both the
      diagnostic and prognostic potential of these approaches. 

PMID- 27672671
TI  - Dataset on gene expression profiling of multiple murine hair follicle
      populations.
AB  - The murine hair follicle contains several different keratinocyte progenitor
      populations within its compartments. By using antibodies against CD34, Itgalpha6,
      Sca-1 and Plet-1, we have isolated eight populations and compared their Krt10 and
      Krt14 expressions using fluorescence microscopy. This improved panel was used in
      our associated article doi:10.1016/j.scr.2016.06.002 (A.P. Gunnarsson, R.
      Christensen, J. Li, U.B. Jensen, 2016) [1] and the present dataset describes the
      basic controls for the FACS. We also used imaging flow cytometry to visualize the
      identified populations as control. A more detailed analysis of the global gene
      expression profiling is presented, focusing on the pilosebaceous unit. Murine
      whole-mounts were stained for heat shock protein Hspa2, which is exclusively
      expressed by keratinocytes with low or no expression of the four selection
      markers (IRK). Whole-mount labeling was also conducted to visualize Krt79 and
      Plet-1 coexpression within the hair follicle and quantification on the
      distribution of Krt79 positive keratinocytes is presented. 

PMID- 27672672
TI  - Data for chitin binding activity of Moringa seed resistant protein (MSRP).
AB  - Chitin binding activity of moringa seed resistant protein (MSRP) isolated from
      defatted moringa seed flour was investigated in the present study
      "Characterization of soluble dietary fiber from Moringa oleifera seeds and its
      immunomodulatory effects" (S. Anudeep, V.K. Prasanna, S.M. Adya, C. Radha, 2016)
      [1]. The assay reaction mixture contained 0.4 mg/ml of MSRP and different amounts
      (20-100 mg) of chitin. MSRP exhibited binding activity over wide range of chitin
      concentration. Maximum binding activity was observed at 80 mg of chitin. The
      property of MSRP to bind chitin can be exploited for its purification. 

PMID- 27672673
TI  - Data on galvanic-evoked head movements in healthy and unilaterally
      labyrinthectomized rats.
AB  - In this dataset, we analyzed galvanic-evoked head movements (GEHMs) in the
      spatial planes of yaw, and roll in normal and unilaterally labyrinthectomized
      (UL) Wistar rats. The rats were assigned in 4 groups of 10: control, sham, right
      UL and left-UL. Bilateral galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) was presented by
      our "ring-shaped electrode" design (see "Short-term galvanic vestibular
      stimulation promotes functional recovery and neurogenesis in unilaterally
      labyrinthectomized rats" (M. Shaabani et al., 2016) [1]). Required data were
      collected through video recording of GEHMs followed by image processing and
      statistical analysis. 

PMID- 27672674
TI  - Data set for phylogenetic tree and RAMPAGE Ramachandran plot analysis of SODs in
      Gossypium raimondii and G. arboreum.
AB  - The data presented in this paper is supporting the research article "Genome-Wide
      Analysis of Superoxide Dismutase Gene Family in Gossypium raimondii and G.
      arboreum" [1]. In this data article, we present phylogenetic tree showing
      dichotomy with two different clusters of SODs inferred by the Bayesian method of
      MrBayes (version 3.2.4), "Bayesian phylogenetic inference under mixed models"
      [2], Ramachandran plots of G. raimondii and G. arboreum SODs, the protein
      sequence used to generate 3D sructure of proteins and the template accession via
      SWISS-MODEL server, "SWISS-MODEL: modelling protein tertiary and quaternary
      structure using evolutionary information." [3] and motif sequences of SODs
      identified by InterProScan (version 4.8) with the Pfam database, "Pfam: the
      protein families database" [4]. 

PMID- 27672675
TI  - Dataset generated using hyperplexing and click chemistry to monitor temporal
      dynamics of newly synthesized macrophage secretome post infection by
      mycobacterial strains.
AB  - Here we provide data for SILAC and iTRAQ based hyperplexing combined with BONCAT
      based click chemistry for selective enrichment of newly synthesized proteins
      secreted by THP1 macrophages at various time points after infection with four
      different strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The macrophages were infected
      with H37Ra, H37Rv, BND433 and JAL2287 strains of M. tuberculosis. Newly
      synthesized secreted host proteins were observed, starting from six hours post
      infection till 26 h, at 4 h intervals. We have combined BONCAT with hyperplexing
      (18-plex), which blends SILAC and iTRAQ, for the first time. Two sets of triplex
      SILAC were used to encode the strains of M. tuberculosis - H37Ra & H37Rv in one
      and BND433 & JAL2287 in another with a control in each. BONCAT was used to enrich
      the secretome for newly synthesized proteins while 6-plex iTRAQ labeling was
      employed to quantify the temporal changes in the captured proteome. Each set of
      18-plex was run in 4 MS replicates with two linear and two non-linear separation
      modes. This new variant of hyperplexing method, combining triplex SILAC with 6
      plex iTRAQ, achieves 18-plex quantitation in a single MS run. Hyperplexing
      enables large scale spatio-temporal systems biology studies where large number of
      samples can be processed simultaneously and in quantitative manner. Data are
      available via ProteomeXchange with identifier ProteomeXchange: PXD004281. 

PMID- 27672676
TI  - Metastatic papillary serous uterine cancer presenting as a rash.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We report diagnosis and management of stage IV papillary serous
      uterine cancer with initial clinical presentation as a skin rash. CASE: A 62-year
      old postmenopausal female developed an erythematous rash beginning on her right
      lower abdomen and progressively spreading to her left abdomen, vulva, and neck.
      After a trial of antibiotic treatment, biopsy of left neck and right thigh skin
      nodules revealed papillary serous carcinoma. Abdominopelvic tomography revealed
      endometrial thickening and a 5 cm left adnexal mass. Subsequent endometrial
      biopsy also revealed papillary serous carcinoma, with pathology similar to that
      of the skin lesions. She received 6 cycles of carboplatin and paclitaxel
      chemotherapy with improvement of her skin lesions and overall performance status.
      However, her CA-125 level continued to rise and she was treated with single-agent
      carboplatin with progression of both her internal and cutaneous disease. She was
      transitioned to hospice with palliative radiation and died 2 months after
      discontinuing chemotherapy, 10 months after presentation. CONCLUSION: Cutaneous
      metastasis is a rare presentation of metastatic uterine cancer. Treatment with
      chemotherapy may result in a positive response and should be considered.

PMID- 27672677
TI  - Left paraaortic, inframesenteric lymphadenectomy preserving the superior
      hypogastric plexus supported by indocyanine green (ICG) labeling of the lymphatic
      compartment in cervical cancer.
AB  - Superior hypogastric plexus (SHG) contains mainly sympathetic and most probably
      also postganglionic parasympathetic fibers. Thus, surgical damage of SHG may
      cause autonomic pelvic organ dysfunction (Kraima et al., 2015). As already shown
      for rectal cancer, preservation of the autonomic nerves is facilitated by robotic
      surgery and may avoid sexual dysfunctions and voiding disorders (Kim et al.,
      2015). In this educational video, we demonstrate left lower paraaortic lymph node
      dissection preserving the SHG using ICG fluorescence to label the lymphatic
      compartment. Prior to total mesometrial resection (TMMR) with therapeutic
      lymphadenectomy for cervical cancer (Hockel et al., 2009, Kimmig et al., 2013) 4
      * 0.5 ml of a 1.66 mg/ml Indocyanine green solution (ICG Pulsion(r), PMS SE,
      Feldkirchen, Germany) was injected into the uterine cervix at all four quadrants,
      0.5 cm in depth (Kimmig et al., 2016). The lymphatic network of the downstream
      common iliac and inferior paraaortic lymph compartments of the uterine cervix is
      visualized (ICG fluorescence) including the individual connecting vessels between
      the different compartments. As can be demonstrated, the medial upper common iliac
      (subaortic) compartment drains preferentially into the anterior (mesenteric)
      compartment, whereas lateral common iliac lymphatic vessels mainly drain to the
      posterior (lumbar) paraaortic compartment. The autonomic nerve fibers of the SHP
      may easily be identified and preserved due to the excellent image resolution and
      the discrimination from fluorescent lymphatic structures. The video shows the
      preparation of left lower paraaortic nodes in cervical cancer following ICG
      labeling using a da Vinci Xi system(r). This technique seems not only
      advantageous for preserving SHP, but even more highly educational to learn
      surgical anatomy for trainees. 

PMID- 27672679
TI  - Hemostatic Nanoparticles Improve Survival Following Blunt Trauma Even after 1
      Week Incubation at 50  degrees C.
AB  - According to the CDC, the leading cause of death for both men and women between
      the ages of 5 and 44 is traumatic injury. Blood loss is the primary cause of
      death at acute time points post trauma. Early intervention is critical to save
      lives, and yet there are no treatments to stop internal bleeding that can be
      deployed in the field. In this work, we developed hemostatic nanoparticles that
      are stable at high temperatures (50  degrees C for 7 days) and are still
      effective at stopping bleeding and improving survival over the one hour time
      period in a rat liver injury model. These particles are exceptionally simple: PLA
      based nanospheres functionalized with PEG terminated with variants of the RGD
      motif. This simple system can be stored at temperatures up to 50 degrees C and
      maintain size, shape, and efficacy. The particles lead to a reduction in bleeding
      and increased acute survival with significance compared to both control particles
      and saline. Overall, these hemostatic nanoparticles offer an important step
      towards an immediate intervention in the field to stop bleeding and improve
      survival.

PMID- 27672680
TI  - A Molecular Take on Malignant Rhabdoid Tumors.
AB  - The molecular basis for the clinical heterogeneity observed in patients with
      malignant rhabdoid tumors is unknown. Recently, two reports revealed molecular
      inter-tumor heterogeneity in teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (ATRTs) and extra-cranial
      MRTs (ecMRTs) using genomic, transcriptomic and epigenomic profiling. Distinct
      molecular subgroups were identified and new therapeutic targets were revealed.

PMID- 27672678
TI  - Reduced Appendicular Lean Body Mass, Muscle Strength, and Size of Type II Muscle
      Fibers in Patients with Spondyloarthritis versus Healthy Controls: A Cross
      Sectional Study.
AB  - Introduction. The purpose of this study was to investigate body composition,
      muscle function, and muscle morphology in patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA).
      Methods. Ten male SpA patients (mean +/- SD age 39 +/- 4.1 years) were compared
      with ten healthy controls matched for sex, age, body mass index, and self
      reported level of physical exercise. Body composition was measured by dual energy
      X-ray absorptiometry. Musculus quadriceps femoris (QF) strength was assessed by
      maximal isometric contractions prior to test of muscular endurance. Magnetic
      resonance imaging of QF was used to measure muscle size and calculate specific
      muscle strength. Percutaneous needle biopsy samples were taken from m. vastus
      lateralis. Results. SpA patients presented with significantly lower appendicular
      lean body mass (LBM) (p = 0.02), but there was no difference in bone mineral
      density, fat mass, or total LBM. Absolute QF strength was significantly lower in
      SpA patients (p = 0.03) with a parallel trend for specific strength (p = 0.08).
      Biopsy samples from the SpA patients revealed significantly smaller cross
      sectional area (CSA) of type II muscle fibers (p = 0.04), but no difference in
      CSA type I fibers. Conclusions. Results indicate that the presence of SpA disease
      is associated with reduced appendicular LBM, muscle strength, and type II fiber
      CSA.

PMID- 27672681
TI  - The potent, indirect adenosine monophosphate- activated protein kinase activator
      R419 attenuates mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling, inhibits nociceptor
      excitability, and reduces pain hypersensitivity in mice.
AB  - There is a great need for new therapeutics for the treatment of pain. A possible
      avenue to development of such therapeutics is to interfere with signaling
      pathways engaged in peripheral nociceptors that cause these neurons to become
      hyperexcitable. There is strong evidence that mitogen activated protein kinases
      (MAPKs) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) / mechanistic target of rapamycin
      (mTOR) signaling pathways are key modulators of nociceptor excitability in vitro
      and in vivo. Activation of adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase
      (AMPK) can inhibit signaling in both of these pathways and AMPK activators have
      been shown to inhibit nociceptor excitability and pain hypersensitivity in
      rodents. R419 is one of, if not the most potent AMPK activator described to date.
      We tested whether R419 activates AMPK in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and
      if this leads to decreased pain hypersensitivity in mice. We find that R419
      activates AMPK in DRG neurons resulting in decreased MAPK signaling, decreased
      nascent protein synthesis and enhanced P body formation. R419 attenuates nerve
      growth factor-(NGF) induced changes in excitability in DRG neurons and blocks NGF
      induced mechanical pain amplification in vivo. Moreover, locally applied R419
      attenuates pain hypersensitivity in a model of post-surgical pain and blocks the
      development of hyperalgesic priming to both NGF and incision. We conclude that
      R419 is a promising lead candidate compound for the development of potent and
      specific AMPK activation to inhibit pain hypersensitivity as a result of injury.

PMID- 27672682
TI  - Single-View Food Portion Estimation Based on Geometric Models.
AB  - In this paper we present a food portion estimation technique based on a single
      view food image used for the estimation of the amount of energy (in kilocalories)
      consumed at a meal. Unlike previous methods we have developed, the new technique
      is capable of estimating food portion without manual tuning of parameters.
      Although single-view 3D scene reconstruction is in general an ill-posed problem,
      the use of geometric models such as the shape of a container can help to
      partially recover 3D parameters of food items in the scene. Based on the
      estimated 3D parameters of each food item and a reference object in the scene,
      the volume of each food item in the image can be determined. The weight of each
      food can then be estimated using the density of the food item. We were able to
      achieve an error of less than 6% for energy estimation of an image of a meal
      assuming accurate segmentation and food classification.

PMID- 27672683
TI  - Maybe it is all in your head.
AB  - Recent research provides strong evidence that in some cases of intractable
      chronic pain, the origin of the pain signal is in the brain--rather than the
      body.

PMID- 27672684
TI  - Is an SGLT2 inhibitor right for your patient with type 2 diabetes?
AB  - Metformin isn't quite doing the job or is contraindicated? Here's a look at the
      patients who may benefit from these agents and the monitoring required.

PMID- 27672685
TI  - A new paradigm for pain?
AB  - A new way of thinking about pain that occurs in the absence of a pathophysiologic
      process or injury may alter our approach to conditions like fibromyalgia.

PMID- 27672686
TI  - Bone disease in patients with kidney disease: A tricky interplay.
AB  - Managing bone disease in patients with kidney disease involves frequent lab
      testing and careful evaluation of therapeutic options. This review provides
      guidance.

PMID- 27672687
TI  - Practice Alert: Need-to-know information for the 2016-2017 flu season.
AB  - ACIP now advises against using the LAIV nasal spray. In addition, 2 new vaccines
      are available and 2 more may soon be approved.

PMID- 27672688
TI  - Depigmented patches, mild scaling on newborn . Dx?
AB  - Depigmented patches covering approximately 15% of newborn's body, surrounded by
      areas of thickened skin. Mild scaling and hyperpigmentation.

PMID- 27672690
TI  - Pruritic, lightly-scaled patches on wrists.
AB  - A rash first appeared on this patient's left wrist and then spread to his right.
      Was his chrome-colored watch to blame--or was there a different cause?

PMID- 27672691
TI  - Which SSRIs most effectively treat depression in adolescents?
AB  - We don't know which selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most
      effective and safe because no studies have compared these antidepressants with
      each other. Three SSRI antidepressant medications--fluoxetine, sertraline, and
      escitalopram--produce modest improvements (about 5% to 10%) in standardized
      depression scores without a significant increase in the risk of suicide-related
      outcomes (suicidal behavior or ideation) in adolescent patients with major
      depression of moderate severity.

PMID- 27672689
TI  - PURLs: Yeast infection in pregnancy? Think twice about fluconazole.
AB  - This study's findings regarding the risk of miscarriage may mean it's time to
      forego fluconazole in favor of topical azoles as first-line treatment.

PMID- 27672692
TI  - Do autologous blood and PRP injections effectively treat tennis elbow?
AB  - Both approaches reduce pain, but the improvement with platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
      is not clinically meaningful. Autologous blood injections (ABIs) are more
      effective than corticosteroid injections for reducing pain and disability in
      patients with tennis elbow in both the short and long term.

PMID- 27672694
TI  - Vitamin and Mineral Intake Is Inadequate for Most Americans: What Should We
      Advise Patients About Supplements?
AB  - This supplement examines the role of vitamin and mineral supplements in
      increasing nutrient intake and reducing nutrient deficiencies and inadequacies.
      Although research is needed to study the effects of dietary supplements on
      chronic disease outcomes, US health care providers need to know how to advise
      their patients about adding vitamins and minerals to their diets.

PMID- 27672693
TI  - Pruritus since childhood.
AB  - The itchy rash had been previously diagnosed as psoriasis. But treatment provided
      minimal relief. So what was causing the itch?

PMID- 27672695
TI  - Catalyst-Free sp3 C-H Acyloxylation: Regioselective Synthesis of 1-Acyloxy
      Derivatives of the Natural Product Tanshinone IIA.
AB  - Tanshinone IIA is a valuable bioactive natural product isolated from the well
      known Chinese herb Danshen. Structural manipulation of the A-ring of tanshinone
      IIA is rather limited. In this study, a substrate tautomerization-induced
      catalyst-free benzylic sp3 C-H acyloxylation approach is reported that allows the
      direct introduction of various acyloxy groups at the A-ring benzylic methylene of
      various tanshinone IIA substrates, thus avoiding the use of expensive transition
      metal catalysts and the production of harmful byproducts. This approach features
      a unique acid-induced reversible enolization/oxa-conjugate addition process
      followed by oxidation to exclusively give a series of diverse 1-acyloxylated
      derivatives under simple conditions in a regioselective manner. Compared with the
      literature procedures, this protocol demonstrates a higher efficiency, a more
      robust functional-group tolerance, atom economy, and lower cost.

PMID- 27672696
TI  - Synthesis of Birnessite in the Presence of Phosphate, Silicate, or Sulfate.
AB  - Layered manganese (Mn) oxides, such as birnessite, are versatile materials in
      industrial applications and common minerals mediating elemental cycling in
      natural environment. Many of birnessite properties are controlled by Mn(III)
      concentration and particle sizes. Thus, it is important to synthesize birnessite
      nanoparticles with controlled Mn(III) concentrations and sizes so that one can
      tune its properties for many applications. Birnessite was synthesized in the
      presence of oxyanions (phosphate, silicate, or sulfate) during reductive
      precipitation of KMnO4 by HCl and characterized using multiple synchrotron X-ray
      techniques, electron microscopy, and diffuse reflectance UV-vis spectroscopy.
      Results indicate that all three anions decrease MnO6 sheet sizes, attributed to
      oxyanion adsorption on edges of the sheets, inhibiting their lateral growth. As a
      result of decreased sizes, sheets undergo significant structural contraction.
      Meanwhile, Mn(III) concentration significantly increases with increasing
      oxyanion/Mn ratio. The increased Mn(III) concentration, along with the decreased
      size, enlarges both direct and indirect band gaps of birnessite. Phosphate
      imposes the strongest influence, followed by silicate and then by sulfate,
      consistent with their decreasing adsorption affinity. Reacting with 1 M KOH
      solution effectively removed the adsorbed oxyanions while leading to increased
      sheet sizes, probably due to oriented attachment-driven particle growth
      mechanisms. The results have important implications for developing highly
      performed birnessite materials, for example, small size Mn(III)-rich birnessite
      for photochemical and catalytic applications, as well as for understanding
      chemical compositional variations of naturally occurring birnessite.

PMID- 27672697
TI  - Chemical Synthesis of Peptides Containing Site-Specific Advanced Glycation
      Endproducts.
AB  - In nature, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids can nonenzymatically react with
      sugars and sugar degradation products to give rise to a diverse range of
      modifications, known as advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs). These AGEs
      typically occur at lysine and arginine residues of long-lived proteins, such as
      collagen, and can modify the structure and function of the native protein. AGEs
      accumulate during the normal aging process, and AGE formation is dramatically
      accelerated with diabetes. AGEs have also been implicated in a wide range of
      debilitating conditions including cardiovascular, renal failure, and
      neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, there is an ongoing interest in studying the
      role of AGEs in different aspects of these disorders. Typically, glycated
      proteins are prepared using nonspecific in vitro incubation techniques. However,
      this method results in a complex mixture of products which is then employed
      without further purification. In order to determine the effect of individual AGEs
      in a peptide sequence, in this Account, we highlight our synthetic methods for
      site-specifically introducing five frequently occurring AGEs, namely, Nepsilon
      (carboxymethyl)lysine (CML), Nepsilon-(carboxyethyl)lysine (CEL), pyrraline,
      glyoxal-lysine dimer (GOLD), and methylglyoxal-lysine dimer (MOLD) into collagen
      peptides. Both a collagen model peptide (CMP) and the telopeptide region of human
      type I alpha1 collagen (CTP) were chosen due to being prone to glycation and
      cross-linking in vivo. For the preparation of the AGE-modified collagen peptides,
      we investigated both the initial preparation of AGE building blocks in solution
      followed by incorporation into Fmoc-SPPS, as well as an on-resin method whereby
      AGEs were selectively introduced by modification of the side-chain of an
      unprotected resin-bound lysine. Both of our synthetic methods enabled the site
      specifically modified AGE-containing collagen peptides to be obtained in high
      purity and yield. In addition, the on-resin method had the added advantage of
      requiring fewer synthetic steps. We then evaluated the impact of the specific
      AGEs on the properties of the native protein and found that the AGE modifications
      protected against proteolytic digestion, enhanced copper binding at physiological
      pH, and, for the cross-linking AGEs, disrupted the triple helical structure of
      CMPs. Overall these synthetic methods offered a new strategy for preparing
      peptides site-specifically modified by AGEs, which can be applied to other
      peptidic systems, thereby enabling further insights into the biochemical
      consequences of AGEs.

PMID- 27672698
TI  - A Bifunctional Europium-Organic Framework with Chemical Fixation of CO2 and
      Luminescent Detection of Al3.
AB  - A novel three-dimensional lanthanide-organic framework
      {[Eu(BTB)(phen)].4.5DMF.2H2O}n (1) has been synthesized. Structural
      characterization suggests that framework 1 possesses one-dimensional channels
      with potential pore volume, and the large channels in the framework can capture
      CO2. Interestingly, investigations on the cycloaddition reaction of CO2 and
      epoxides reveal that compound 1 can be considered as an efficient catalyst for
      CO2 fixation with epoxides under 1 atm pressure. Importantly, 1 can be reused at
      least five times without any obvious loss in catalytic activity. Furthermore, the
      luminescent explorations of 1 reveal that 1 can act as a recyclable sensor of
      Al3+, and the corresponding detection limit can reach 5 * 10-8 M (1.35 ppb),
      which is obviously lower than the United States Environmental Protection Agency's
      recommended level of Al3+ in drinking water (200 ppb). These results show that 1
      has a level of sensitivity higher than that of other reported MOF-based sensors
      of Al3+.

PMID- 27672699
TI  - Mn-N-C Nanoreactor Prepared through Heating Metalloporphyrin Supported in
      Mesoporous Hollow Silica Spheres.
AB  - Mesoporous hollow silica spheres have been drawing tremendous interest due to
      their special structure and properties and potential applications. Here we
      synthesized a nanoreactor via ship-in-bottle method, encapsulated with Mn-N-C by
      heating manganese porphyrin in nanocages of mesoporous hollow silica spheres. And
      manganese porphyrin is first encapsulated and confined in the hollow spheres. The
      nanoreactors are investigated through transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and
      high angle annular dark field scanning TEM (HAADF-STEM) as well as nitrogen
      adsorption-desorption isotherms. The results demonstrate that the mesoporous
      hollow spheres with well-defined morphology hold large pore volumes (0.29-0.46
      cm3 g-1), high specific surface areas (428-600 m2 g-1) and uniform pore sizes
      (4.0 nm). In addition, the ethylbenzene oxidation is conducted in order to
      explore the catalytic performance of the nanoreactors. And the nanoreactors are
      observed to possess remarkable catalytic activity and attractive stability for
      ethylbenzene oxidation, which should be ascribed to the special architectures and
      confined effect.

PMID- 27672700
TI  - Immobilizing Tetraphenylethylene into Fused Metallacycles: Shape Effects on
      Fluorescence Emission.
AB  - Herein, we describe the selective formation of a discrete fused metallarhomboid
      and a triangle by the careful control of the shape and stoichiometry of the
      building blocks. A tetraphenylethylene (TPE)-based tetrapyridyl donor is
      exploited as the bridging component, and coordination immobilization of the TPE
      unit within the rigid metallacyclic frameworks efficiently suppresses its
      intramolecular rotational motions. As a result, the fused polygons are innately
      emissive in dilute solution, representing an alternative to aggregation-induced
      emission. Upon further molecular aggregation, these metallacycles display
      aggregation-induced enhanced emissions. Interestingly, the fused rhomboid 7 shows
      a weaker fluorescence in dilute solutions relative to that of the fused triangle
      8, while a reversal of emission intensities was observed in the aggregated state.
      These markedly different fluorescence efficiencies are likely due to the
      differences in the shapes of the fused polygons. Thus, this work shows that the
      properties of supramolecular coordination complexes can be affected by subtle
      structural factors, which can be controlled easily and precisely at the molecular
      level.

PMID- 27672701
TI  - Exploring the Different Roles of Particle Size in Photoelectrochemical and
      Photocatalytic Water Oxidation on BiVO4.
AB  - Water oxidation on visible-light-active bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) has commonly
      been demonstrated to be viable in powder suspension (PS) and particulate
      photoelectrochemical (PEC) systems. Here, we demonstrate that particle size
      reduction, which is known to be efficacious in promoting charge carrier
      extraction and boosting surface active sites, has an opposite effect on BiVO4's
      photoactivity in the two systems. With three BiVO4 samples of distinctive
      particle sizes, smaller BiVO4 particle size is shown to be beneficial for
      enhancing PEC photocurrent generation, but deleterious for photocatalytic O2
      evolution on suspended BiVO4. Such contrary effect of particle size in the PEC
      and PS systems is revealed to be due to the different governing factors of the
      systems: charge transport in the former and charge separation in the latter.
      Smaller particle size was found to enrich the interparticle and the particle/FTO
      substrate contacts which improve charge transport and charge collection
      efficiency in BiVO4 particulate electrode. On the contrary, larger particle size
      is necessary for improved photocatalytic O2 evolution because of increased
      crystallinity and greater band bending, which are essential for charge
      separation.

PMID- 27672702
TI  - Direct Combinatorial Pathway Optimization.
AB  - Combinatorial engineering approaches are becoming increasingly popular, yet they
      are hindered by the lack of specialized techniques for both efficient
      introduction of sequence variability and assembly of numerous DNA parts, required
      for the construction of lengthy multigene pathways. In this contribution, we
      introduce a new combinatorial multigene pathway assembly scheme based on Single
      Strand Assembly (SSA) methods and Golden Gate Assembly, exploiting the strengths
      of both assembly techniques. With a minimum of intermediary steps and an
      accompanying set of well-characterized and ready-to-use genetic parts, the
      developed workflow allows effective introduction of various libraries and
      efficient assembly of multigene pathways. It was put to the test by optimizing
      the lycopene pathway as proof-of-principle. The here constructed libraries yield
      ample variation in lycopene production. In addition, good-performing
      transformants with a significantly higher lycopene production were obtained as
      compared to previously published reference strains. The best selected producer
      yielded 3-fold improvement in lycopene titers up to 448 mg lycopene/g CDW. The
      proposed workflow in combination with the accompanying sets of ready-to-use
      expression and carrier plasmids, will allow the combinatorial assembly of
      increasingly lengthy product pathways with minimal effort.

PMID- 27672703
TI  - Increasing the Impact of Materials in and beyond Bio-Nano Science.
AB  - This is an exciting time for the field of bio-nano science: enormous progress has
      been made in recent years, especially in academic research, and materials
      developed and studied in this area are poised to make a substantial impact in
      real-world applications. Herein, we discuss ways to leverage the strengths of the
      field, current limitations, and valuable lessons learned from neighboring fields
      that can be adopted to accelerate scientific discovery and translational research
      in bio-nano science. We identify and discuss five interconnected topics: (i) the
      advantages of cumulative research; (ii) the necessity of aligning projects with
      research priorities; (iii) the value of transparent science; (iv) the
      opportunities presented by "dark data"; and (v) the importance of establishing
      bio-nano standards.

PMID- 27672705
TI  - Electrically Tunable Multiterminal SQUID-on-Tip.
AB  - We present a new nanoscale superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID)
      whose interference pattern can be shifted electrically in situ. The device
      consists of a nanoscale four-terminal-four-junction SQUID fabricated at the apex
      of a sharp pipet using a self-aligned three-step deposition of Pb. In contrast to
      conventional two-terminal-two-junction SQUIDs that display optimal sensitivity
      when flux biased to about a quarter of the flux quantum, the additional terminals
      and junctions allow optimal sensitivity at arbitrary applied flux, thus
      eliminating the magnetic field "blind spots". We demonstrate spin sensitivity of
      5 to 8 MUB/Hz1/2 over a continuous field range of 0 to 0.5 T with promising
      applications for nanoscale scanning magnetic imaging.

PMID- 27672706
TI  - Identification, Tissue Distribution, and Bioaccumulation Potential of Cyclic
      Perfluorinated Sulfonic Acids Isomers in an Airport Impacted Ecosystem.
AB  - The use of cyclic perfluoroalkyl acids as anticorrosive agents in hydraulic
      fluids remains a poorly characterized source of organofluorine compounds to the
      environment. Here, we investigated the presence of
      perfluoroethylenecyclohexanesulfonate (PFECHS) isomers in environmental samples
      for the first time using a combination of high resolution and tandem mass
      spectrometry. Five distinct peaks attributed to different isomers of PFECHS and
      perfluoropropylcyclopentanesulfonate (PFPCPeS) were identified in environmental
      samples. The sum of PFECHS and PFPCPeS isomers displayed logarithmically
      decreasing spatial trends in water (1.04-324 ng/L) and sediment samples (<MLQ -
      2.23 ng/g dw) with increasing distance from Beijing international airport. PFECHS
      and PFPCPeS displayed the highest accumulation in liver, kidney, blood and
      bladder and average whole body bioaccumulation factors (log BAFwhole-body) were
      estimated to be 2.7 and 1.9 respectively. Isomer-specific differences in the
      tissue/blood distribution ratios and BAFwhole-body indicate that ring structure
      and position of the sulfonic acid group affect the bioaccumulation potential of
      cyclic perfluoroalkyl acids. Based on the high mobility and moderate
      bioaccumulation potential of cyclic perfluorinated acids it is suggested that
      contamination of aquifers used for drinking water around airports may be a
      hitherto overlooked problem for this novel class of contaminants.

PMID- 27672707
TI  - Introduction to the Special Section on Cultural Considerations in Collaborative
      and Therapeutic Assessment.
AB  - Issues of culture abound in the conduct of psychological assessment. This special
      section brings together a collection of articles from expert practitioners in the
      Therapeutic Assessment (TA) model to discuss cultural considerations. The special
      section is comprised of a conceptual discussion of the cultural influence of the
      assessment situation itself, 3 case examples illustrating the way in which
      culture enters into assessment, and the ways that the TA paradigm can be useful
      in mitigating the potential negative effects; and a comment on the 4 articles. In
      this introduction to the special section, I discuss 2 interrelated concepts that
      are helpful in framing the articles that will follow: the need to practice
      assessment with multicultural competence, and the potential benefits of using an
      assessment model (e.g., TA) that is itself culturally responsive. As the world
      continues to become more culturally diverse through changing demographics and the
      recognition and evolution of different subcultures, the need to practice
      assessment using these concepts will only become more central. 

PMID- 27672708
TI  - Context Matters: Commentary on Papers by Aschieri, Chudzik, Evans, and Fantini.
AB  - This article discusses articles by Aschieri, Chudzik, Evans, and Fantini (this
      issue) that address cultural considerations in Therapeutic Assessment (TA). The
      importance of the cultural context in which a TA is conducted is highlighted.
      Among the themes highlighted are the conceptualization of psychology, and more
      specifically psychological assessment, as a culture in and of itself and the
      importance of shame (Aschieri), the way the cultural values influence the
      practice of assessment (Chudzik), the importance of understanding the meaning of
      one's experience within their culture (Evans), and the role of subcultural
      differences (Fantini). The role of culture is seen as an important variable
      across these articles that explore varied conceptualizations and influences on
      assessment psychology. Cultural sensitivity and responsivity is seen as a crucial
      factor in the avoidance of misalliances. The articles in this special section are
      viewed as important contributions to the TA literature and demonstrate how the TA
      paradigm can help assessors overcome potential cultural influences that could
      affect the benefit of a psychological assessment. 

PMID- 27672710
TI  - Effectiveness of Automated Insulin Management Features of the MiniMed(r) 640G
      Sensor-Augmented Insulin Pump.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Automated insulin management features of the MiniMed(r) 640G sensor
      augmented pump system include suspension in response to predicted low sensor
      glucose (SG) values ("suspend before low"), suspension in response to existing
      low SG values ("suspend on low"), and automatic restarting of basal insulin
      delivery upon SG recovery. The effectiveness of these features was evaluated
      using CareLink(r) software data. METHODS: Anonymized data from MiniMed 640G
      system users (n = 4818), MiniMed 530G system users (n = 39,219), and MiniMed
      Paradigm(r) VeoTM system users (n = 43,193) who voluntarily uploaded pump and
      sensor data were retrospectively analyzed. Comparisons were made between days in
      which system features were enabled at any time and those in which they were not.
      Comparisons were also made between pump suspension events for which insulin
      delivery was automatically or manually resumed and between glycemic parameters of
      users who switched from the MiniMed Paradigm Veo system to the MiniMed 640G
      system. RESULTS: Days in which the MiniMed 640G "suspend before low" feature was
      enabled had lower percentages of SG readings <=70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) or >=240
      mg/dL (13.3 mmol/L) than days when it was not enabled (P < 0.001 for each). Users
      who switched from the MiniMed Paradigm Veo system to the MiniMed 640G system had
      fewer excursions below <=70 mg/dL (P < 0.001) and >=240 mg/dL (P < 0.001). SG
      values following automatically resumed pump suspension events recovered more
      rapidly and had a more stabilized endpoint than following manually resumed
      events. CONCLUSIONS: Automated insulin management features of the MiniMed 640G
      system can reduce the frequency of both high and low SG values and help stabilize
      SG after resumption of insulin delivery.

PMID- 27672713
TI  - Abstracts for 15th World Congress on Menopause.

PMID- 27672711
TI  - Just Keep Swimming: Neuroendocrine, Metabolic, and Behavioral Changes After a
      Forced Swimming Test in Zebrafish.
AB  - In this study, we show that an adaptation of the spinning test can be used as a
      model to study the exercise-exhaustion-recovery paradigm in fish. This forced
      swimming test promotes a wide range of changes in the hypothalamus-pituitary
      interrenal axis functioning, intermediary metabolism, as well in fish behavior at
      both exercise and recovery periods. Our results pointed that this adapted
      spinning test can be considered a valuable tool for evaluating drugs and
      contaminant effects on exercised fish. This can be a suitable protocol both to
      environmental-to evaluate contaminants that act in fish energy mobilization and
      recovery after stressors-and translational perspectives-effects of drugs on
      exercised or stressed humans.

PMID- 27672714
TI  - Relationship between vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms, cardiovascular risk
      factors and adiponectin in a healthy young population.
AB  - AIM: To explore the association between VDR polymorphisms and several
      cardiovascular risk factors and adiponectin. MATERIALS & METHODS: Three-hundred
      and sixty-nine healthy students were randomly selected. Five VDR polymorphisms
      were genotyped: BsmI rs1544410; Cdx2 rs11568820; ApaI rs7975232; TaqI rs731236
      and FokI rs2228570. BMI, waist circumference (WC), blood pressure, lipid/glycemic
      profiles and adiponectin were assessed. RESULTS: In men, BsmI, ApaI and TaqI were
      associated with BMI and WC (p < 0.05). FokI was associated with triglycerides and
      high-density lipoprotein levels (p = 0.0036; p = 0.005) whereas BsmI and Cdx2
      were associated with adiponectin levels (p = 0.026; p = 0.048). Associations
      disappeared after BMI and WC adjustments. In women, ApaI was associated with
      systolic blood pressure (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated a gender
      specific difference between VDR SNPs and various cardiovascular risk factors and
      adiponectin.

PMID- 27672715
TI  - Rh(II)-Catalyzed Transannulation of N-Sulfonyl-1,2,3-Triazoles with 2,1
      Benzisoxazoles or 1,2-Benzisoxazoles.
AB  - A Rh(II)-catalyzed transannulation of N-sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazoles with 2,1
      benzisoxazoles has been developed, which affords an efficient method for the
      synthesis of quinazoline derivatives. The transformation represents an
      unprecedented example which utilizes N-sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazole as an aza-[2C]
      component in cycloadditions. Meanwhile, a Rh(II)-catalyzed formal [3 + 2]
      cycloaddition of N-sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazoles with 1,2-benzisoxazoles is also
      presented, which enables the rapid synthesis of functionalized imidazole
      derivatives.

PMID- 27672716
TI  - One stage placement of permanent implant compared to two stage tissue expander
      reconstruction.
AB  - With the advent of the skin sparing mastectomy, immediate breast reconstruction
      with placement of the definitive prosthesis at the time of mastectomy is
      possible. The question remains: does single-stage prosthetic reconstruction
      result in greater numbers of complications or rates of re-operation, compared to
      two-stage tissue expander reconstruction? A retrospective cohort study of a
      single centre?s experience with these techniques was carried out. From 2004 to
      2012, 54 cases of immediate breast reconstruction with implant were identified,
      and 108 cases of immediate breast reconstruction using a tissue expander were
      identified. Gathered preoperative data included tumour, prior exposure to
      radiation, preoperative chemotherapy, smoking, and comorbidities. Complication
      rates, as well as the rate of secondary operations, were examined. There were no
      significant increased risks in the rate of post-operative complications (p =
      .910, odds ratio = 0.9) nor in the rate of re-operation (p = 0.421, odds ratio =
      1.4) associated with the insertion of a definitive prosthesis at the time of skin
      sparing mastectomy. However, previously radiated breasts experienced a 100% rate
      of wound complications in our subset of 9 breasts that underwent one stage breast
      reconstruction with immediate final prosthesis placement. Our study suggests that
      patients with early stage disease can undergo single stage breast reconstruction
      without increased risk of complications nor need for secondary operations. While
      the mean time to completion of the reconstructive process is shortened by 5
      months with the single stage technique, implant based breast reconstruction
      requires careful counseling and patient selection in radiated patients.

PMID- 27672718
TI  - Ellipsometric Study of Monodisperse Silica Particles at an Oil-Water Interface.
AB  - Results are reported for ellipsometric measurements of hydrophobized monodisperse
      silica particles, with a diameter of about 25 nm, spread at the toluene-water
      interface. Theoretical values for the ellipsometric parameters are derived by
      treating the particles as a core-shell model and performing integrations of the
      refractive index profile through the interface using Drude's equations. With
      justifiable choices of the fixed parameters for the system, the agreement is good
      between measured and calculated values for the ellipsometric parameter Delta as a
      function of the amount of silica particles added to the interface. However, the
      results at high particle concentration at the interface are consistent either
      with coverage greater than a close-packed monolayer or with a monolayer with
      corrugations whose amplitude is less than the radius of the particles. The
      results show that this is not a suitable method for the determination of the
      contact angle of the particles at the oil-water interface.

PMID- 27672717
TI  - Epigenome-wide differential DNA methylation between HIV-infected and uninfected
      individuals.
AB  - Epigenetic control of human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) genes is critical
      for viral integration and latency. However, epigenetic changes in the HIV-1
      infected host genome have not been well characterized. Here, we report the first
      large-scale epigenome-wide association study of DNA methylation for HIV-1
      infection. We recruited HIV-infected (n = 261) and uninfected (n = 117) patients
      from the Veteran Aging Cohort Study (VACS) and all samples were profiled for
      485,521 CpG sites in DNA extracted from the blood. After adjusting for cell type
      and clinical confounders, we identified 20 epigenome-wide significant CpGs for
      HIV-1 infection. Importantly, 2 CpGs in the promoter of the NLR family, CARD
      domain containing gene 5 (NLRC5), a key regulator of major histocompatibility
      complex class I gene expression, showed significantly lower methylation in HIV
      infected subjects than in uninfected subjects (cg07839457: t = -6.03, Pnominal =
      4.96 * 10-9; cg16411857: t = -7.63, Pnominal = 3.07 * 10-13). Hypomethylation of
      these 2 CpGs was replicated in an independent sample (GSE67705: cg07839457: t = 
      4.44, Pnominal = 1.61 * 10-5; cg16411857: t = -5.90; P = 1.99 * 10-8).
      Methylation of these 2 CpGs in NLRC5 was negatively correlated with viral load in
      the 2 HIV-infected samples (cg07839457: P = 1.8 * 10-4; cg16411857: P = 0.03 in
      the VACS; and cg07839457: P = 0.04; cg164111857: P = 0.01 in GSE53840). Our
      findings demonstrate that differential DNA methylation is associated with HIV
      infection and suggest the involvement of a novel host gene, NLRC5, in HIV
      pathogenesis.

PMID- 27672719
TI  - Theory in Highly Cited Studies of Sexual Minority Parent Families: Variations and
      Implications.
AB  - This article includes a systematic review and citation analysis of the literature
      regarding sexual minority parent families, particularly attending to what
      theories have been used, and how. We consider the importance of theoretical
      frameworks for future research and implications for policy, practice, and law
      related to sexual minority parent families. Our review targets 30 highly cited
      studies located through Google Scholar (as an interdisciplinary search engine)
      and published within a specific timeframe (2005-2010). We highlight the dominant
      theoretical models employed across disciplines studying sexual minority parent
      families. Although the majority of studies reviewed referred to theoretical
      models or perspectives, explicit theoretical grounding was frequently lacking.
      Instead, the empirical work reviewed appeared to have a predominantly applied
      focus in addressing public debates on sexual minority parent families. We provide
      recommendations for how theory might be more fully integrated into the social
      science literature on sexual minority parents and their children.

PMID- 27672720
TI  - Experience of Low-Dose, Short-Course Palliative Radiotherapy for Bleeding from
      Unresectable Gastric Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: The optimal regimen of radiotherapy (RT) for bleeding from
      gastric cancer (GC) has not yet been established. The aim of this study was to
      evaluate the usefulness of low-dose, short-course palliative RT (LSP-RT) for
      bleeding from GC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed the clinical data of 18
      patients (26 courses) who received palliative RT for bleeding from GC between
      2004 and 2014. The radiation dose was 6 Gy in three fractions. The total courses
      of RT for each patient were 1-4 (median, 1). RESULTS: The treatment success rate
      of the first and the additional RT at two weeks after RT was 55% and 75%,
      respectively. Regarding first RT, there was a statistically significant increase
      in the mean hemoglobin level for one month (p = 0.009) and a significant decrease
      in the mean number of transfused red blood cell units for one month (p = 0.012).
      Toxicities were observed in two patients: one patient who received chemotherapy
      developed grade 3 afebrile leukocytopenia and another who had a malignant
      stricture suffered from a gastric obstruction. The performance status was
      improved in 3 of the 12 evaluable patients (25%) and dietary intake became
      possible one month after RT in three of the four patients who had not been able
      to eat before RT. CONCLUSION: LSP-RT is expected to be not only an effective and
      safe treatment option for bleeding from GC, but also repeatable in cases of
      rebleeding. Furthermore, this treatment modality may be able to improve the
      patient's quality of life.

PMID- 27672721
TI  - Reply to Comment on 'Magnetic bead detection using nano-transformers'.

PMID- 27672722
TI  - Physiological and functional changes in the stratum corneum restored by oestrogen
      in an ovariectomized mice model of climacterium.
AB  - Significant decreases in hormonal levels at menopause induce physiological and
      functional discomfort in the skin. Representative changes at menopause are based
      on so-called dry skin. However, there is no evidence to explain the mechanism,
      even though hydration of the stratum corneum (SC) in women at menopause is
      comparable with that at premenopause but is enhanced by hormone replacement
      therapy. This study objective was to evaluate structural and functional changes
      in the SC in ovariectomized mice model of menopause. Hydration of the SC,
      recovery of the permeability barrier function, integrity and cohesion of the SC,
      and irritant dermatitis were analysed in mice that underwent ovariectomy with or
      without replacement of 17beta-estradiol. In ovariectomized mice, hydration of the
      SC was reduced, recovery of permeability barrier function after acute disruption
      was impaired, and integrity of the SC was weakened and was associated with
      increased cohesion and increased levels of irritant dermatitis. Oestrogen
      replacement treatment restored all changes. Immunohistochemistry revealed reduced
      levels of expression of desmoglein-1 and differentiation markers of epidermis in
      ovariectomized mice compared with control mice and mice with oestrogen
      replacement treatment. These changes might be directly associated with weakened
      integrity and impaired permeability barrier function of the SC in ovariectomized
      mice. This study results reveal that so-called dry skin at menopause is caused by
      not only lower hydration of the SC but also complicated structural and functional
      changes in the SC and skin.

PMID- 27672723
TI  - Infective endocarditis.

PMID- 27672724
TI  - Designing homes to welcome refugees.

PMID- 27672725
TI  - Illness as transformative experience.

PMID- 27672727
TI  - Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for treatment resistant depression:
      Re-establishing connections.
AB  - Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a relatively recent
      addition to the neurostimulation armamentarium for treating individuals suffering
      from treatment refractory depression and has demonstrated efficacy in clinical
      trials. One of the proposed mechanisms of action underlying the therapeutic
      effects of rTMS for depression involves the modulation of depression-associated
      dysfunctional activity in distributed brain networks involving frontal cortical
      and subcortical limbic regions, via changes to aberrant functional and structural
      connectivity. Although there is currently a paucity of published data, we review
      changes to functional and structural connectivity following rTMS for depression.
      Current evidence suggests an rTMS-induced normalisation of depression-associated
      dysfunction within and between large scale functional networks, including the
      default mode, central executive and salience networks, associated with an
      amelioration of depressive symptoms. Additionally, changes to measures of white
      matter microstructure, primarily in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, have also
      been reported following rTMS for depression, possibly reversing depression
      associated abnormalities. We argue that measures of functional and structural
      connectivity can be used to optimise rTMS targeting within the dorsolateral
      prefrontal cortex and also to explore novel rTMS targets for depression. Finally,
      we discuss the utility of measures of brain connectivity as predictive biomarkers
      of rTMS treatment response in guiding therapeutic decisions.

PMID- 27672726
TI  - Harrison Clark Spencer.

PMID- 27672728
TI  - Laparoscopic Transcystic Common Bile Duct Exploration in the Elderly is as
      Effective and Safe as in Younger Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Choledocholithiasis represents a greater proportion of gallstone in
      the elderly. Elderly patients have more comorbidity, which could increase the
      operative risk and postoperative complications. However, no study has focused on
      the effect and safety of laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct exploration
      (LTCBDE) in elderly patients. The aim of this study was to investigate whether
      LTCBDE can be performed effectively and safely in elderly patients. METHODS: This
      is a retrospective study of patients who underwent LTCBDE for choledocholithiasis
      performed from January 2010 to December 2012. Patients of age 70 or older were
      included in the elderly group. The rest integrated the younger group. Demographic
      data and perioperative parameters were compared between groups. RESULTS: From
      January 2010 to December 2012, 171 patients admitted for choledocholithiasis and
      gallstone attempted a single-step treatment combining LTCBDE and laparoscopic
      cholecystectomy. There were 104 women (60.8%) and 67 men (39.2%) with a median
      age of 57 (range 24-87) years. Elderly patients had significantly more
      preoperative risk factors. However, there was no significant difference in the
      success rate of LTCBDE (96.9% versus 92.7%, P = .142) for the two groups. The
      operative time was a little longer in elderly group than in younger group: median
      80 (60-110) minutes versus 70 (50-95) minutes, respectively (P < .001).
      Postoperative recovery was slower in elderly group than in younger group, as
      reflected by a longer median postoperative hospital stay (2 days versus 1 day, P
      < .001) and a higher rate of abdominal drain placed (17.1% versus 8.5%, P =
      .202). The rates of postoperative complications at discharge were similar between
      groups (3.0% versus 4.9%, P = .952). CONCLUSION: LTCBDE in the elderly patients
      is as effective and safe as in younger patients.

PMID- 27672729
TI  - Platelet-Rich Fibrin and Soft Tissue Wound Healing: A Systematic Review.
AB  - The growing multidisciplinary field of tissue engineering aims at predictably
      regenerating, enhancing, or replacing damaged or missing tissues for a variety of
      conditions caused by trauma, disease, and old age. One area of research that has
      gained tremendous awareness in recent years is that of platelet-rich fibrin
      (PRF), which has been utilized across a wide variety of medical fields for the
      regeneration of soft tissues. This systematic review gathered all the currently
      available in vitro, in vivo, and clinical literature utilizing PRF for soft
      tissue regeneration, augmentation, and/or wound healing. In total, 164
      publications met the original search criteria, with a total of 48 publications
      meeting inclusion criteria (kappa score = 94%). These studies were divided into 7
      in vitro, 11 in vivo, and 31 clinical studies. In summary, 6 out of 7 (85.7%) and
      11 out of 11 (100%) of the in vitro and in vivo studies, respectively,
      demonstrated a statistically significant advantage for combining PRF to their
      regenerative therapies. Out of the remaining 31 clinical studies, a total of 8
      reported the effects of PRF in a randomized clinical trial, with 5 additional
      studies (13 total) reporting appropriate controls. In those clinical studies, 9
      out of the 13 studies (69.2%) demonstrated a statistically relevant positive
      outcome for the primary endpoints measured. In total, 18 studies (58% of clinical
      studies) reported positive wound-healing events associated with the use of PRF,
      despite using controls. Furthermore, 27 of the 31 clinical studies (87%)
      supported the use of PRF for soft tissue regeneration and wound healing for a
      variety of procedures in medicine and dentistry. In conclusion, the results from
      the present systematic review highlight the positive effects of PRF on wound
      healing after regenerative therapy for the management of various soft tissue
      defects found in medicine and dentistry.

PMID- 27672730
TI  - Isolation of baker's yeast mutants with proline accumulation that showed enhanced
      tolerance to baking-associated stresses.
AB  - During bread-making processes, yeast cells are exposed to baking-associated
      stresses such as freeze-thaw, air-drying, and high-sucrose concentrations.
      Previously, we reported that self-cloning diploid baker's yeast strains that
      accumulate proline retained higher-level fermentation abilities in both frozen
      and sweet doughs than the wild-type strain. Although self-cloning yeasts do not
      have to be treated as genetically modified yeasts, the conventional methods for
      breeding baker's yeasts are more acceptable to consumers than the use of self
      cloning yeasts. In this study, we isolated mutants resistant to the proline
      analogue azetidine-2-carboxylate (AZC) derived from diploid baker's yeast of
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Some of the mutants accumulated a greater amount of
      intracellular proline, and among them, 5 mutants showed higher cell viability
      than that observed in the parent wild-type strain under freezing or high-sucrose
      stress conditions. Two of them carried novel mutations in the PRO1 gene encoding
      the Pro247Ser or Glu415Lys variant of gamma-glutamyl kinase (GK), which is a key
      enzyme in proline biosynthesis in S. cerevisiae. Interestingly, we found that
      these mutations resulted in AZC resistance of yeast cells and desensitization to
      proline feedback inhibition of GK, leading to intracellular proline accumulation.
      Moreover, baker's yeast cells expressing the PRO1P247S and PRO1E415K gene were
      more tolerant to freezing stress than cells expressing the wild-type PRO1 gene.
      The approach described here could be a practical method for the breeding of
      proline-accumulating baker's yeasts with higher tolerance to baking-associated
      stresses.

PMID- 27672731
TI  - Fresh versus cryopreserved oocyte donation.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Utilization of cryopreserved instead of fresh donor oocytes
      has rapidly increased in recent years. Whether treatment outcomes are comparable
      has, however, remained controversial. RECENT FINDINGS: More than 24% of initiated
      oocyte donation cycles in the USA during 2013-2014 involved previously
      cryopreserved oocytes. The use of cryopreserved-donated oocytes may simplify
      logistics and lower costs per treatment cycle. Whether cryopreserved donor
      oocytes also lower costs per live birth is still undetermined as they result in
      lower live birth rates in comparison to fresh donor oocyte cycles. National data
      regarding the safety of donated oocytes, including miscarriage rates and neonatal
      health outcomes, are lacking. SUMMARY: Currently available data on cryopreserved
      donated oocytes are incomplete and, therefore, still insufficient to claim
      equivalency between fresh and cryopreserved donor oocytes. Until sufficient data
      are available, patients should be advised about advantages and disadvantages of
      both methods of oocyte donation, and the use of cryopreserved oocytes should be
      considered only with caution and appropriate informed consent. Because banking of
      donated human oocytes facilities their commercial trade, it challenges basic
      ethical considerations, which have been the basis of oocyte donation since its
      inception.

PMID- 27672732
TI  - Elective oocyte cryopreservation for deferred childbearing.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Elective oocyte cryopreservation for deferred childbearing has
      gained popularity worldwide, commensurate with increased knowledge regarding age
      related fertility decline. The purpose of this review is to summarize recent data
      regarding trends in delayed childbearing, review recent findings surrounding age
      related fertility decline, acknowledge significant gaps in knowledge among
      patients and providers regarding fertility decline and review outcomes following
      elective oocyte cryopreservation. RECENT FINDINGS: Despite an inevitable decline
      in fertility and increase in miscarriage with increasing female age, there is a
      growing worldwide trend to delay childbearing. Patients and providers alike
      demonstrate large gaps in knowledge surrounding age-related fertility decline.
      Oocyte cryopreservation is clinically approved for medically indicated fertility
      preservation, but a growing number of women are using oocyte cryopreservation to
      defer childbearing and maintain reproductive autonomy. Mounting data support the
      efficacy and safety of oocyte cryopreservation when used to electively defer
      childbearing, with recent studies demonstrating rates of euploidy, implantation
      and live birth rates equivalent to in-vitro fertilization (IVF) with fresh
      oocytes. SUMMARY: Oocyte cryopreservation provides women with an option to defer
      childbearing and maintain reproductive autonomy, with IVF success rates on par
      with fresh IVF. However, it is critical that patients understand the limitations
      of oocyte cryopreservation. Greater education regarding age-related fertility
      decline should be geared toward patients and providers to prevent unintended
      childlessness.

PMID- 27672733
TI  - A haploid HSV-1 genome platform for vector development: testing of the
      tetracycline-responsive switch shows interference by infected cell protein 0.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) has outstanding
      properties for gene delivery vectors and its genome is available in bacterial
      artificial chromosomes (BACs) for mutagenesis studies, one impediment is the
      presence of approximately 15.4 kb of DNA sequences that are duplicated in the HSV
      1 genome, complicating vector construction and stability. METHODS: As a useful
      platform for building HSV-1 vectors, we have constructed a fully haploid HSV-1
      genome BAC by deletion of one of these repeats, confirming that viral propagation
      in culture is not impaired. We used this DeltaIR mutant to subsequently
      investigate whether the insertion of tetracycline-responsive tetO elements into
      the ICP34.5-ICP0 gene region can be used to control HSV-1 lytic replication.
      RESULTS: The results of the present study show that DeltaIR mutants deleted for
      ICP34.5 are viable for replication but not when the ICP0 promoter is also
      disrupted, thus indicating that regulation of infected cell protein 0 (ICP0)
      levels in the absence of ICP34.5 could be a viable means for controlling growth
      of HSV-1 vectors. Surprisingly, however, the tetO elements inserted into the ICP0
      promoter did not confer ligand responsiveness to growth or ICP0 expression.
      Further analysis by transfection experiments revealed that ICP0 itself interferes
      with the tetracycline switch and reduces the the inducibility of this system.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our new haploid HSV-1 BAC is a useful platform for building multiply
      deleted HSV-1 vectors. Deletion of the gene for ICP34.5 in this backbone renders
      viral growth dependent on ICP0, although ICP0 expression could not be regulated
      by tet-responsive transcriptional regulators.

PMID- 27672734
TI  - Objective outcome and quality-of-life assessment in women with repeat
      incontinence surgery.
AB  - AIMS: To evaluate subjective and objective outcome after repeat surgery for
      stress urinary incontinence (SUI). METHODS: Patients who underwent a midurethral
      tape after failed Burch colposuspension or failed midurethal tape between 1999
      and 2014 were invited for follow-up. Urogynecological examination and urodynamics
      was performed, and objective cure was defined as a negative cough stress test;
      subjective cure was defined as negotiation of SUI symptoms. Quality-of-life
      (QoL), sexual health, and subjective success was assessed with the King's Health
      Questionnaire, Incontinence Outcome Questionnaire, Female Sexual Function Index,
      and the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) score. RESULTS: Overall
      52 women underwent repeat incontinence surgery. Out of the 44 women still alive,
      33 (75%) were available for follow-up. All 33 women completed the questionnaires;
      23 women (70%) attended the clinic and also had an urogynecological examination.
      At a median follow-up of 11 years, subjective cure was 67% (22/33), objective
      cure was 65% (16/23), and subjective success according to PGI-I was 78% (18/23),
      with no significant differences between groups. No erosions of suture or tape
      material into the bladder, urethra, or vagina were seen. Two women had received a
      third anti-incontinence operation with TVT after failed tape after failed Burch,
      and were continent at follow-up. Two women with tape after colposuspension
      required division of the tape and both were continent at the time of follow-up.
      With regard to QoL and sexual health, no significant differences were seen for
      most domains. CONCLUSIONS: Midurethral tapes are an option for women with
      recurrent SUI after previous colposuspension or midurethral tape.

PMID- 27672735
TI  - Growth in the global N2 sink attributed to N fertilizer inputs over 1860 to 2000.
AB  - Cropland expansion and fertilizer applications are among the most important
      substantial effects of human actions on the global nitrogen (N) cycle. However,
      questions remain over the fate of anthropogenic N inputs, particularly whether a
      significant fraction of N-based fertilizers have been lost to inert N2 or
      reactive N forms. Here, we combine natural N isotope constraints on the pre
      industrial N cycle with global mass-balance modeling to investigate the role of
      cropland conversion on gaseous N emissions and hydrological N leaching fluxes. We
      estimate that cropland expansion has been accompanied by >9-fold increase in N
      input rates to cropping systems, roughly doubling the baseline N budget of the
      terrestrial biosphere. As a consequence, approximately 10 times more N is
      exported from modern croplands to the hydrosphere than in 1860, with a five-fold
      increase in cropland N gases emission to the atmosphere. Atmospheric NH3, NO, N2O
      and N2 fluxes increased from 8.6, 16.6, 11.7 and 31.9TgNyr-1, respectively, in
      1860 to 17.7, 23.6, 15.2 and 39.7TgNyr-1, respectively, by 2000. Thus, the growth
      in N2 accounted for ~20% of cropland-driven N losses (dissolved plus gaseous
      pathways), with the remaining 80% exported as reactive N forms. Although the
      increase in N2 emissions has mitigated some of the unwanted side-effects of N
      fertilizer applications on human health, the economy, and climate change, this
      inert sink has been unable to keep pace with the increase in N inputs for
      enhanced food production. Our results imply that, unless new management steps are
      taken, an increasing fraction of N fertilizers will mobilize to reactive N forms
      in the global land, air and water systems, thus further accelerating the negative
      consequences of human modifications of the N cycle this century.

PMID- 27672736
TI  - A critical review of approaches and limitations of inhalation bioavailability and
      bioaccessibility of metal(loid)s from ambient particulate matter or dust.
AB  - Inhalation of metal(loid)s in ambient particulate matter (APM) represents a
      significant exposure pathway to humans. Although exposure assessment associated
      with this pathway is currently based on total metal(loid) content, a
      bioavailability (i.e. absorption in the systemic circulation) and/or
      bioaccessibility (i.e. solubility in simulated lung fluid) based approach may
      more accurately quantify exposure. Metal(loid) bioavailability-bioaccessibility
      assessment from APM is inherently complex and lacks consensus. This paper reviews
      the discrepancies that impede the adoption of a universal protocol for the
      assessment of inhalation bioaccessibility. Exposure assessment approaches for in
      vivo bioavailability, in-vitro cell culture and in-vitro bioaccessibility
      (composition of simulated lungs fluid, physico-chemical and methodological
      considerations) are critiqued in the context of inhalation exposure refinement.
      An important limitation of bioavailability and bioaccessibility studies is the
      use of considerably higher than environmental metal(loid) concentration, which
      diminishing their relevance to human exposure scenarios. Similarly, individual
      metal(loid) studies have been criticised due to complexities of APM metal(loid)
      mixtures which may impart synergistic or antagonistic effects compared to single
      metal(loid) exposure. Although a number of different simulated lung fluid (SLF)
      compositions have been used in metal(loid) bioaccessibility studies, information
      regarding the comparative leaching efficiency among these different SLF and
      comparisons to in-vivo bioavailability data is lacking. In addition, the particle
      size utilised is often not representative of what is deposited in the lungs while
      assay parameters (extraction time, solid to liquid ratio, temperature and
      agitation) are often not biologically relevant. Research needs are identified in
      order to develop robust in-vitro bioaccessibility protocols for the assessment or
      prediction of metal(loid) bioavailability in APM for the refinement of inhalation
      exposure.

PMID- 27672737
TI  - Combining land use regression models and fixed site monitoring to reconstruct
      spatiotemporal variability of NO2 concentrations over a wide geographical area.
AB  - The epidemiological research benefits from an accurate characterization of both
      spatial and temporal variability of exposure to air pollution. This work aims at
      proposing a method to combine the high spatial resolution of Land Use Regression
      (LUR) models with the high temporal resolution of fixed site monitoring data, to
      model spatiotemporal variability of NO2 over a wide geographical area in Northern
      Italy. We developed seasonal LUR models to reconstruct the spatial distribution
      of a scaling factor that relates local concentrations to those measured at two
      reference central sites, one for the northern flat area and one for the southern
      mountain area. We calculated the daily average concentrations at 19 locations
      spread over the study areas as the product of the local scaling factor and the
      reference central site concentrations. We evaluated model performance comparing
      modeled and measured NO2 data. LUR model's R2 ranges from 0.76 to 0.92. The main
      predictors refers substantially to traffic, industrial land use, buildings volume
      and altitude a.s.l. The model's performance in reproducing measured
      concentrations was satisfactory. The temporal variability of concentrations was
      well captured: Spearman correlation between model and measures was >0.7 for
      almost all sites. Model's average absolute errors were in the order of 10MUgm-3.
      The model for the southern area tends to overestimate measured concentrations.
      Our modeling framework was able to reproduce spatiotemporal differences in NO2
      concentrations. This kind of model is less data-intensive than usual regional
      atmospheric models and it may be very helpful to assess population exposure
      within studies in which individual relevant exposure occurs along periods of days
      or months.

PMID- 27672738
TI  - A message from the ground electrode.

PMID- 27672739
TI  - [Teaching in Perspective - How Medical Students Assess Their Practical Clinical
      Training in Surgery].
AB  - Introduction: Practical clinical expertise is a crucial part of medical
      professionalism. Several studies have shown that medical students are poorly
      trained in practical skills during their undergraduate training. Even the
      students rated their own expertise in practical skills as poor. The amendments to
      the German Regulating Licenses in Practical Medicine are intended to strengthen
      practical clinical training. The aim of the present study is to use focus groups
      to analyse practical clinical training with respect to organisation, difficulties
      and problems from the learners' perspective. Methods: The present qualitative
      study uses the focus group approach. Each focus group was composed of a maximum
      of 6 students per group with the same level of training. Using a standardised
      interview manual, a total of 31 students and four first-year residents
      participated in the study. Data interpretation was performed using structured
      qualitative content analysis. Results: The present work demonstrates that
      students of all levels of training greatly value their training in practical
      clinical expertise, especially in clinical skills. Due to the lack of defined
      learning objectives for practical skills, students training in clinical
      internships and medical registrar positions are highly dependent on the
      motivation and interest of the individual clinical teacher and the learner
      himself. Students struggle to estimate their actual level of expertise due to the
      lack of defined learning objectives. This is exacerbated by the fact that
      students rarely receive feedback about their expertise. Students complain that
      many teachers do not know the level of training required of their students.
      Conclusion: The definition of basic and specific learning objectives and the
      communication of this between learners and teachers is an essential part of
      practical clinical training.

PMID- 27672740
TI  - Paracrine sonic hedgehog signaling contributes significantly to acquired
      steroidogenesis in the prostate tumor microenvironment.
AB  - Despite the substantial benefit of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for
      metastatic prostate cancer, patients often progress to castration-resistant
      disease (CRPC) that is more difficult to treat. CRPC is associated with renewed
      androgen receptor activity in tumor cells and restoration of tumor androgen
      levels through acquired intratumoral steroidogenesis (AIS). Although prostate
      cancer (PCa) cells have been shown to have steroidogenic capability in vitro, we
      previously found that benign prostate stromal cells (PrSCs) can also synthesize
      testosterone (T) from an adrenal precursor, DHEA, when stimulated with a hedgehog
      (Hh) pathway agonist, SAG. Here, we show exposure of PrSCs to a different
      Smoothened (Smo) agonist, Ag1.5, or to conditioned medium from sonic hedgehog
      overexpressing LNCaP cells induces steroidogenic enzyme expression in PrSCs and
      significantly increases production of T and its precursor steroids in a Smo
      dependent manner from 22-OH-cholesterol substrate. Hh agonist-/ligand-treated
      PrSCs produced androgens at a rate similar to or greater than that of PCa cell
      lines. Likewise, primary bone marrow stromal cells became more steroidogenic and
      produced T under the influence of Smo agonist. Treatment of mice bearing LNCaP
      xenografts with a Smo antagonist, TAK-441, delayed the onset of CRPC after
      castration and substantially reduced androgen levels in residual tumors. These
      outcomes support the idea that stromal cells in ADT-treated primary or metastatic
      prostate tumors can contribute to AIS as a consequence of a paracrine Hh
      signaling microenvironment. As such, Smo antagonists may be useful for targeting
      prostate tumor stromal cell-derived AIS and delaying the onset of CRPC after ADT.

PMID- 27672742
TI  - Pretreatment Tumor Thickness as a Predictor of Pathologic Complete Response to
      Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation Therapy for Stage II/III Rectal Adenocarcinoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate pretreatment tumor thickness in predicting pathologic
      complete response (pCR) of stage II/III rectal adenocarcinoma to neoadjuvant
      chemoradiation (chemoradiotherapy [CRT]). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed
      185 patients who were diagnosed with stage II or III rectal adenocarcinoma from
      January 2011 to July 2013 and treated with neoadjuvant intensity-modulated
      radiation therapy (45 Gy in 1.8-Gy fractions to pelvis and 50 Gy in 2-Gy
      fractions to rectal tumor as an integrated boost) or 3 dimensionally conformal
      radiation therapy (45 Gy in 1.8-Gy fractions to pelvis followed by an additional
      5.4-Gy to rectal tumor) concurrently with two 3-week cycles of chemotherapy
      (oxaliplatin 130 mg/m on day 1 and capecitabine 825 mg/m, twice per day from day
      1 to 14, cycle 2 starts on week 4). One week after CRT, 36% patients received 1
      more cycle of the above chemotherapy and 55% received 1 to 2 cycles of FOLFOX6.
      Tumor response was categorized as pCR and non-pCR. Tumor thickness measured on
      magnetic resonance imaging was collected. A multivariate logistic regression
      model was used to evaluate the association of potential predictors and pCR.
      RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients (20.5%) reached pCR. Multivariate analysis found
      the pretreatment tumor thickness to be associated with higher probability of pCR
      after adjusting for radiation therapy-surgery interval time and pretreatment
      carcino-embryonic antigen level. The pretreatment carcino-embryonic antigen level
      was associated with pCR in the univariate analysis but lost the association in
      the multivatiate model. The pretreatment T or N stage, tumor volume, distance
      from tumor to anal verge, craniocaudal length of tumor, radiation therapy
      technique, and patient age and sex were not associated with pCR. CONCLUSIONS: We
      concluded that pretreatment tumor thickness is an independent predictor for pCR
      of stage II/III rectal adenocarcinoma to the neoadjuvant CRT.

PMID- 27672741
TI  - Nerve growth factor blockade for the management of osteoarthritis pain: what can
      we learn from clinical trials and preclinical models?
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Anti-nerve growth factor (NGF) antibodies hold tremendous
      potential for the management of osteoarthritis pain, but clinical trials have
      revealed serious adverse effects that are incompletely understood. This review
      discusses clinical trial results along with preclinical studies that have
      assessed NGF blockade in experimental osteoarthritis, in order to provide insight
      for future studies. RECENT FINDINGS: Systematic reviews have revealed that anti
      NGF therapy, including tanezumab, is efficacious in improving pain and function,
      but serious adverse events, including rapidly progressive osteoarthritis and
      osteonecrosis, resulted in a moratorium on trials that was only recently lifted.
      Within the past year, preclinical testing has revealed effects of NGF blockade on
      both pain behaviors and joint structure in experimental models of osteoarthritis.
      Similar to clinical trial results, these studies in laboratory animals
      demonstrated analgesic efficacy of NGF blockade. Interestingly, several animal
      studies have suggested detrimental effects on joint integrity as a result of
      treatment, particularly when treatment is started early in the disease, when
      joint damage is mild to moderate. SUMMARY: NGF blockade continues to represent a
      promising new approach for the treatment of osteoarthritis pain, but the actual
      benefits and risks remain to be fully elucidated. Preclinical models may suggest
      patient populations that could be best served while limiting side-effects, but
      future work should further investigate the mechanisms of benefits and unwanted
      side-effects.

PMID- 27672743
TI  - Outcomes of Node-positive Breast Cancer Patients Treated With Accelerated Partial
      Breast Irradiation Via Multicatheter Interstitial Brachytherapy: The Pooled
      Registry of Multicatheter Interstitial Sites (PROMIS) Experience.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To report outcomes for breast-conserving therapy using adjuvant
      accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) with interstitial multicatheter
      brachytherapy in node-positive compared with node-negative patients. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: From 1992 to 2013, 1351 patients (1369 breast cancers) were treated
      with breast-conserving surgery and adjuvant APBI using interstitial multicatheter
      brachytherapy. A total of 907 patients (835 node negative, 59 N1a, and 13 N1mic)
      had >1 year of data available and nodal status information and are the subject of
      this analysis. Median age (range) was 59 years old (22 to 90 y). T stage was 90%
      T1 and ER/PR/Her2 was positive in 87%, 71%, and 7%. Mean number of axillary nodes
      removed was 12 (SD, 6). Cox multivariate analysis for local/regional control was
      performed using age, nodal stage, ER/PR/Her2 receptor status, tumor size, grade,
      margin, and adjuvant chemotherapy/antiestrogen therapy. RESULTS: The mean (SD)
      follow-up was 7.5 years (4.6). The 5-year actuarial local control (95% confidence
      interval) in node-negative versus node-positive patients was 96.3% (94.5-97.5)
      versus 95.8% (87.6-98.6) (P=0.62). The 5-year actuarial regional control in node
      negative versus node-positive patients was 98.5% (97.3-99.2) versus 96.7% (87.4
      99.2) (P=0.33). The 5-year actuarial freedom from distant metastasis and cause
      specific survival were significantly lower in node-positive versus node-negative
      patients at 92.3% (82.4-96.7) versus 97.8% (96.3-98.7) (P=0.006) and 91.3% (80.2
      96.3) versus 98.7% (97.3-99.3) (P=0.0001). Overall survival was not significantly
      different. On multivariate analysis age 50 years and below, Her2 positive,
      positive margin status, and not receiving chemotherapy or antiestrogen therapy
      were associated with a higher risk of local/regional recurrence. CONCLUSIONS:
      Patients who have had an axillary lymph node dissection and limited node-positive
      disease may be candidates for treatment with APBI. Further research is ultimately
      needed to better define specific criteria for APBI in node-positive patients.

PMID- 27672744
TI  - Controversies of Scoliosis Management in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

PMID- 27672745
TI  - Participation in Daily Life: Influence on Quality of Life in Ambulatory Children
      with Cerebral Palsy.

PMID- 27672746
TI  - Incidence of Tethered Cord in Toe Walking: Single Center Experience at Gillette
      Children's Specialty Healthcare.

PMID- 27672747
TI  - Impact of Selective Percutaneous Myofascial Lengthening (SPML) on Quality of Life
      in Children with Cerebral Palsy.

PMID- 27672748
TI  - Treatment with Botulinum Toxin Type A in Infants with Refractory Congenital
      Muscular Torticollis: A 10-Year Retrospective Study.

PMID- 27672749
TI  - Stimulation Across the Transverse Carpal Ligament in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

PMID- 27672750
TI  - The Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Pain, Mood, Depression, and Strength
      in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury.

PMID- 27672751
TI  - Spinal Cord Injuries Related to 2015 Nepal Earthquakes.

PMID- 27672752
TI  - Epidemiology of Fractures in Men with Spinal Cord Injury.

PMID- 27672753
TI  - A Randomized Comparison of Locomotor Therapy Interventions: Partial Body Weight
      Supported Treadmill, Lokomat(r) and G-Eo(r) Training in Traumatic Brain Injury.

PMID- 27672754
TI  - Softball Windmill Pitchers: Strength and Motion in the Dominant Versus Non
      Dominant Upper and Lower Extremity.

PMID- 27672755
TI  - Inflammatory Biomarkers in Acute Myofascial Pain.

PMID- 27672756
TI  - Adolescents and Adults with Patellofemoral Pain Have Different Pathological Knee
      Kinematics.

PMID- 27672757
TI  - Long-Term Outcome of Ultrasound Therapy for Calcific Tendinitis of the Shoulder:
      Results of a RCT.

PMID- 27672758
TI  - Concussion-Like Symptom Reporting in High School Student Athletes with ADHD.

PMID- 27672759
TI  - The Impact of Axial Injury, Extra-Axial Injury, and Combined Injury on Functional
      Status in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

PMID- 27672760
TI  - Stroke Acute Rehabilitation: Factors Associated with Discharge to Home vs Long
      Term Care.

PMID- 27672761
TI  - A Comparison of Outcomes Between Glioblastoma Multiforme and Other Neurological
      Patients in the Acute Rehabilitation Setting.

PMID- 27672762
TI  - Cortical Neurochemical Profile Depends on the Origin and the Site of the Central
      Nervous System Injury.

PMID- 27672763
TI  - Effects of Forced Use on the Ventral Premotor Cortex Distal Forelimb
      Representation After Ischemic Infarct in Primary Motor Cortex.

PMID- 27672764
TI  - Effect of Wheelchair Stroke Pattern on Arm Muscle Fatigue.

PMID- 27672766
TI  - Variability Among Pain and Function Assessment Tools for Tracking Improvement of
      Lumbar Stenosis Patients After Surgery.

PMID- 27672765
TI  - The Utilization of Medications in Patients with Back Pain: Implications in Choice
      of Analgesia and Conditions Beyond Back Pain.

PMID- 27672767
TI  - Patient and Procedural Risk Factors for Cortisol Suppression Following Epidural
      Steroid Injections for Spinal Stenosis.

PMID- 27672768
TI  - Interventional Treatment and Physical Therapy Utilization for Degenerative Lumbar
      Spondylolisthesis Within Medicare Beneficiaries From 2000-2011: Descriptive
      Analysis and Impacts on Surgery Frequency.

PMID- 27672769
TI  - Poster 1 Incomplete Right Brachial Plexopathy after Segmental Mastectomy for
      Breast Cancer Resection: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672770
TI  - Poster 3 Multifocal Ischemic CVAs in a Patient with Amyloid Beta Related
      Angiitis.

PMID- 27672771
TI  - Poster 2 Charles Bonnet Syndrome Decreasing Functional Independence Measure
      Efficiency in the Inpatient Brain-Injury Rehabilitation Setting: Case Report.

PMID- 27672772
TI  - Poster 4 The Domains of Dyspnea Measurement, According to the American Thoracic
      Society.

PMID- 27672773
TI  - Poster 5 Evaluation of Depressive Symptoms, Pain and Function in Elders with
      Chronic Knee Osteoarthritis.

PMID- 27672774
TI  - Poster 6 A Correlative Study of the Pain Disability Questionnaire and the
      Clinician-Derived Physical Performance Tests on Elderly Individuals with Chronic
      Pain and Cardio-Pulmonary Disorder.

PMID- 27672775
TI  - Poster 8 The STEADI Measure from the Center for Disease Control & Prevention
      (CDC) and Its Correlation with Clinical Observation Assessments.

PMID- 27672776
TI  - Poster 7 A Correlative Study of the International Classification of Functioning
      (ICF) Domains with the Whole Person Impairment in Individuals with Chronic
      Pulmonary Disorders.

PMID- 27672777
TI  - Poster 9 Bilateral Hip Heterotopic Ossification Following Lung Transplantation: A
      Case Report.

PMID- 27672778
TI  - Poster 11 A Rare Case of Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy in the
      Setting of SLE: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672779
TI  - Poster 12 Three-Dimensional (3D) Printed Prosthetics Offer Functional Improvement
      in Individuals with Upper Extremity Limb Loss: A Case Series.

PMID- 27672780
TI  - Poster 10 Successful Rehabilitation Outcome from Rare Brain Tumor (Intracranial
      Follicular Dendritic Cell Sarcoma): A Case Report.

PMID- 27672781
TI  - Poster 14 Loss of Mobility Secondary to Multiple Spinal Fusions in a Patient with
      DYT1/DYT-TOR1A Isolated Early Onset Dystonia: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672783
TI  - Poster 13 Factors Associated with Discharge to Home Versus Discharge to
      Institutional Care for Inpatient Rehabilitation Patients Admitted Directly from
      Skilled Nursing Facilities.

PMID- 27672782
TI  - Poster 15 Women with Neurologic Disabilities: What are the Barriers to Breast
      Health Screening?

PMID- 27672784
TI  - Poster 17 Acute Respiratory Failure Following Bilateral Diaphragmatic Paralysis
      Treated with Tracheostomy and Left Hemidiaphragmatic Plication: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672785
TI  - Poster 16 Effect of Cancer-Related Fatigue on Cytokine Reactivity to Challenge
      Tasks in Breast Cancer Survivors.

PMID- 27672786
TI  - Poster 18 Buried Bumper Syndrome in a Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury Patient: A
      Case Report.

PMID- 27672787
TI  - Poster 19 Unexpected Return of Hearing Following Motor Vehicle Collision: A Case
      Report.

PMID- 27672788
TI  - Poster 21 Leptomeningeal Carcinomatosis Presenting as Tetraparesis: A Very Rare
      Case of Small Cell Prostate Carcinoma.

PMID- 27672789
TI  - Poster 20 Impact of a Structured Rehabilitation Protocol on Hernia Recurrence
      after Operative Repair.

PMID- 27672790
TI  - Poster 22 The Effects of Underwater Treadmill Therapy on the Rehabilitation of a
      Polytrauma Patient: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672791
TI  - Poster 23 An Unusual Cause of Leg Pain in a Stroke Patient: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672792
TI  - Poster 25 Predicting Return to Medical Service Among Dysvascular Lower Extremity
      Amputees on an Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit.

PMID- 27672793
TI  - Poster 24 The Role of the Spinal Cord Injury Care Provider in Safeguarding
      Patient's Best Interests and Values: A Case Report and Discussion in Palliative
      Wound Care.

PMID- 27672794
TI  - Poster 26 A Randomized Trial of Cardiac Rehabilitation for Adolescents and Adults
      with Congenital Heart Disease.

PMID- 27672795
TI  - Poster 27 Acupuncture Treatment for Levator Ani Syndrome: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672796
TI  - Poster 28 Steroid-Induced Myopathy from Endogenous Hypercortisolism Secondary to
      Adrenocortical Carcinoma: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672797
TI  - Poster 31 Taxane-Induced Myositis: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672798
TI  - Poster 30 Use of Delirium Triggering Medications Among Patients with Delirium at
      Admission to Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility.

PMID- 27672799
TI  - Poster 29 The Over Utilization of PPIs in an Acute Rehabilitation Hospital and
      How to Fix it!

PMID- 27672800
TI  - Poster 32 Functional Consequences of Permanent Paraplegia Following Nelaribine
      Treatment in T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672801
TI  - Poster 33 Feasibility, Safety and Acceptance of an Immediate Fit Adjustable
      Transtibial Prosthesis: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672802
TI  - Poster 34 The Rehabilitation of a Quadruple Amputee Patient Due to Limb Ischemia
      from Vasopressor use During Septic Shock: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672803
TI  - Poster 35 An Increased Incidence of Neuralgic Amyotrophy.

PMID- 27672804
TI  - Poster 36 Meta-Analysis of the Association Between Major Depression and
      Neurocognitive Test Performances.

PMID- 27672806
TI  - Poster 40 Seat Elevator Procurement and its Association with Functional Mobility.

PMID- 27672805
TI  - Poster 37 Relationship Between VTE Prophylactics and Ambulation following
      Ischemic Acute Stroke.

PMID- 27672807
TI  - Poster 38 Anticoagulation: Hemorrhagic Conversion and VTE following Acute
      Ischemic Stroke.

PMID- 27672808
TI  - Poster 39 The Assessment of Pain and Quality of Life in Cancer Patients.

PMID- 27672810
TI  - Poster 42 Differentiation of Central and Peripheral Fatigue in Breast Cancer
      Survivors.

PMID- 27672809
TI  - Poster 43 Massive Mortality Risk Not a Barrier to Acute Rehabilitation: A Case
      Report.

PMID- 27672811
TI  - Poster 41 Pathologic Vertebral Body Fracture after Chronic Steroid Use in an
      Older Adult with Orthotopic Heart Transplant: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672812
TI  - Poster 45 Utilization and Management of Urine Drug Screening for Opioid
      Medications.

PMID- 27672813
TI  - Poster 46 Multiple Amputations Including Bilateral Transtibial Amputations in a
      29-Year-Old Female After Suffering Placental Abruption, GBS Septicemia and DIC: A
      Case Report.

PMID- 27672815
TI  - Poster 47 Acute Regression in Cognition and Language in Patient with TBI after
      Discontinuation of Donepezil: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672814
TI  - Poster 44 Pilot Comparative Study of Two Robot-Assisted Therapies in Patients
      with Chronic Stroke.

PMID- 27672817
TI  - Poster 49 Psoas Urinoma as an Unusual Etiology for Hip Weakness: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672816
TI  - Poster 48 A Novel Presentation of Acute Motor Axonal Neuropathy: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672819
TI  - Poster 53 Daptomycin-Induced Acute Eosinophilic Pneumonia in a Patient Receiving
      Rehabilitation Post Prosthetic Joint Infection: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672818
TI  - Poster 50 Torsional Anatomy of the Lower Limb: The Appearance of Anatomy in
      Hemispastic Position.

PMID- 27672820
TI  - Poster 52 Acute Hallucinosis Related to Amantadine Use in the Setting of
      Traumatic Brain Injury: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672821
TI  - Poster 51 Sleep Quality and Functional Outcome Measures, an Ongoing Prospective
      IRB Study.

PMID- 27672822
TI  - Poster 54 The Impact of Routine Lower Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis Screening on
      Acute Rehabilitation Admissions.

PMID- 27672823
TI  - Poster 55 Role of d-Dimer in Evaluation of Deep Vein Thrombosis When Venous
      Duplex Study is Negative: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672824
TI  - Poster 56 An Unusual Presentation of Residual Limb Pain Relieved by Botulinum
      Toxin Injection: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672825
TI  - Poster 57 Discrepancy Between Muscle Grade and Compound Muscle Action Potential
      Amplitude on Nerve Conduction Study: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672826
TI  - Poster 59 Acute Diffuse Tendinopathy Causing Systemic Weakness and Pain Secondary
      to Ciprofloxacin Use: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672827
TI  - Poster 60 Defining Safe Head-of-the-Bed Inclination in Patients with Decubitus
      Wounds Laying on a Dolphin Fluid Immersion Simulation Mattress Using Pressure
      Mapping: A Case Series.

PMID- 27672828
TI  - Poster 58 Very Early Surgical Excision of Heterotopic Ossification during
      Inpatient Rehabilitation 7 Weeks After Diagnosis in a Patient with Left
      Acromioclavicular Fracture and Spinal Cord Injury: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672829
TI  - Poster 63 Vertebral Artery Dissection Resulting in Cerebellar CVA after
      Chiropractic Manipulation in a Patient with Fibromuscular Dysplasia.

PMID- 27672830
TI  - Poster 61 Higher Dietary Intake of Vitamin D May Influence Cholesterol and
      Insulin Sensitivity Independent of Body Composition in Men with Chronic Spinal
      Cord Injury.

PMID- 27672831
TI  - Poster 62 Muscle Weakness, Dysarthria, and Dysphagia After Methotrexate Toxicity:
      A Case Report.

PMID- 27672832
TI  - Poster 66 Comprehensive Prevention and Management of Pressure Ulcers in an Acute
      Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility: An Evidence -Based Assessment.

PMID- 27672833
TI  - Poster 64 Ischemic Stroke after Routine Cardiac Catheterization: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672834
TI  - Poster 65 Potential Predictors of General and Instrumented Activities of Daily
      Living in Patients with Stroke: A Follow-Up Study.

PMID- 27672835
TI  - Poster 67 Runner's Dystonia Presenting as Leg Pain: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672836
TI  - Poster 68 Feasibility of a Prehabilitation Program for Patients with Potentially
      Resectable Pancreatic Cancer: Pilot Study.

PMID- 27672837
TI  - Poster 70 Bladder Herniation Masked by Colonic Ileus: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672838
TI  - Poster 69 Regaining Independence in Adult Onset Still's Disease: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672839
TI  - Poster 71 New Frontiers: Inpatient Comprehensive Rehabilitation After Full Face
      Transplantation: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672840
TI  - Poster 72 Teetering on the Edge: Rehabilitation in a Medically Complex Patient
      with Familial Dysautonomia (Hereditary Sensory Autonomic Neuropathy Type III): A
      Case Report.

PMID- 27672841
TI  - Poster 75 Evaluating the STOP SEPSIS Protocol on Spinal Cord and Traumatic Brain
      Injury Rehabilitation Units.

PMID- 27672842
TI  - Poster 74 Van Nes Rotationplasty in Skeletally Mature Patient: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672844
TI  - Poster 77 Corpus Callosum Stroke.

PMID- 27672843
TI  - Poster 73 Extensive Morel Lavallee Lesion over the Spine Secondary to Motor
      Vehicle Crash Involving Ejection: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672845
TI  - Poster 76 An Active Overlay for Pressure Ulcer Prevention in Patients with Spinal
      Cord Injury.

PMID- 27672846
TI  - Poster 78 Novel Bimodal Technology Addresses Vitamin D Malabsorption.

PMID- 27672847
TI  - Poster 81 Heart of the Matter. Atypical Mechanisms of Amputation in Young Adults.
      A Review of Two Case Reports.

PMID- 27672848
TI  - Poster 79 Comprehension of Visual Displays of the Functional Independence Measure
      (FIM) in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury in Acute Rehabilitation.

PMID- 27672849
TI  - Poster 80 Bilateral Lower Extremity Amputation after Toxic Shock Syndrome
      Presents with Locked Knee: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672850
TI  - Poster 83 Management of Necrotic Digits on the Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit.

PMID- 27672851
TI  - Poster 84 Lumbar Plexopathy Secondary to Psoas Mass: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672852
TI  - Poster 82 Bilateral Upper Trunk Plexopathy with a Winged Scapula: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672853
TI  - Poster 85 A Unique Diagnosis of Critical Illness Neuromyopathy in a Patient with
      Wegener's Granulomatosis: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672854
TI  - Poster 86 Assessing the Relationship Between Emotional Adjustment, Participation,
      and Function Through the Use of a Psychosocial Adjustment Scale During Acute
      Rehabilitation.

PMID- 27672855
TI  - Poster 87 Post-Infectious Cerebellar Ataxia in a Young Male: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672856
TI  - Poster 90 A Multidisciplinary Team Approach to Admitting Complex Patients to
      Inpatient Rehabilitation: A Quality Improvement Pilot Study.

PMID- 27672858
TI  - Poster 88 Gait Analysis after Bilateral Quadriceps Tendon Rupture in a Patient
      Who Elected to be Conservatively Managed: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672857
TI  - Poster 89 Functional Outcomes with Acute Inpatient Prosthetic Gait Training for
      Lower Extremity Amputees.

PMID- 27672859
TI  - Poster 92 Identifying Nonhereditary Myositis Ossificans Traumaticus in a
      Community Hospital.

PMID- 27672860
TI  - Poster 91 Progressive Quadriparesis, Bulbar Dysfunction, and Paresthesias in a
      Female with History of Sjogren's Syndrome: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672861
TI  - Poster 95 Oncologist's Attitude and Knowledge about Cancer Rehabilitation.

PMID- 27672862
TI  - Poster 94 Mononeuritis Multiplex Secondary to HCV Cryoglobulinemia and Rheumatoid
      Vasculitis: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672863
TI  - Poster 93 Rare Presentation of Three Limb Compartment Syndrome: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672864
TI  - Poster 97 Statin-Induced Rhabdomyolysis Triggered by Concomitant Colchicine
      Administration: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672865
TI  - Poster 96 Medial Pectoral Nerve Mononeuropathy: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672866
TI  - Poster 98 Cerebral Infarction Secondary to Cement Embolism Through a Patent
      Foramen Ovale After Percutaneous Kyphoplasty: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672867
TI  - Poster 100 Melanoma in Lower Limb Deformity- M.I.L.D. Physiatry Assessment and
      Treatment.

PMID- 27672868
TI  - Poster 101 Osteoporosis and Bisphosphonate Therapy: Friend or Foe? A Case Report.

PMID- 27672869
TI  - Poster 99 Identification of Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Targets in Morbidly
      Obese Trauma Patients.

PMID- 27672870
TI  - Poster 102 The Functional Impairments in a Patient with the Rare Morvan's
      Syndrome: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672871
TI  - Poster 103 SCI Clinical Video to Home Telehealth: Promoting Wellness and Care
      Coordination.

PMID- 27672872
TI  - Poster 104 Early Mobility Considerations and Psychological Outcomes in Critically
      Ill Patients.

PMID- 27672874
TI  - Poster 107 Bilateral Brachial Plexus Injury: Tumor, Traction or Parsonage Turner.
      A Case Report.

PMID- 27672873
TI  - Poster 105 Chronic Leg Weakness Complicated by Rhabdomyolysis as a Result of
      Gitelman Syndrome: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672875
TI  - Poster 106 Transfemoral Socket Volume Management: Comparing A Traditional and
      Novel Socket Design Through: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672876
TI  - Poster 109 Confirmatory Factor Analysis of 12-Item WHO Disability Assessment
      Schedule (WHODAS 2.0) in Patients with Musculoskeletal Pain Conditions.

PMID- 27672877
TI  - Poster 108 Functional Outcomes of Inpatient Rehabilitation Following Bilateral
      Total Knee Arthroplasty.

PMID- 27672878
TI  - Poster 110 Acute Rehabilitation of MI Complicated by Cardiogenic Shock Requiring
      ECMO, Resulting in Necrotizing Fasciitis and AKA with Subsequent LifeVest
      Placement: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672879
TI  - Poster 113 Importance of a Physiatric Exam in a Patient with Shoulder Pain: A
      Case Report.

PMID- 27672880
TI  - Poster 111 Ultrasonographic Finding of Ischiofemoral Impingement Syndrome and
      Novel Treatment With Botulinum Toxin: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672881
TI  - Poster 112 An Uncommon Cause of Hip Pain in a Patient with Normal Bone Density: A
      Case Report.

PMID- 27672882
TI  - Poster 116 Ultrasound Verification of Palpatory Rib Identification for Safe
      Needle Examination of the Rhomboid Major Muscle.

PMID- 27672883
TI  - Poster 114 Atypical Upper Extremity Weakness After a Fall: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672884
TI  - Poster 115 A Unique Case of Snapping Scapula Syndrome in a Non-Overhead Athlete:
      A Case Report.

PMID- 27672885
TI  - Poster 119 Pathological Patellofemoral Kinematics Contribute to Idiopathic
      Patellofemoral Pain in Adolescence and Persist at Four Year Follow-up.

PMID- 27672886
TI  - Poster 118 Ultrasound-Guided Proximal Tibiofibular Joint Injection in the
      Management of Proximal Tibiofibular Joint Arthritis and Instability: A Case
      Report.

PMID- 27672887
TI  - Poster 117 Self-Reported Hip Problems in Professional Ballet Dancers: The Impact
      on Quality of Life.

PMID- 27672888
TI  - Poster 121 Musculoskeletal Physical Exam Skills Assessment in Physiatry
      Residents.

PMID- 27672889
TI  - Poster 122 The Utilization of Medications in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis:
      Implications in Choice of Analgesia and Conditions Beyond Knee Pain.

PMID- 27672890
TI  - Poster 123 Ultrasound Guided Cryoablation of a Traumatic Hip Disarticulation
      Neuroma: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672891
TI  - Poster 126 Atypical Etiology and Presentation of an Acetabular Labral Tear of the
      Hip: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672892
TI  - Poster 125 Rehabilitation Approach and Management of Dermatomyositis: A Case
      Report.

PMID- 27672893
TI  - Poster 124 Use of Diagnostic Ultrasound for an Atypical Presentation of Low Back
      Pain in a Young Adult Male: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672894
TI  - Poster 128 Efficacy of Low Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound in Knee Osteoarthritis: A
      Crticial Review.

PMID- 27672895
TI  - Poster 129 Assessment of Introductory Residency Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
      Curriculum.

PMID- 27672896
TI  - Poster 127 Proximal Iliotibial Band Rupture Secondary to Chronic Steroid Use: A
      Case Report.

PMID- 27672897
TI  - Poster 132 A Juxta-Articular Cyst of the Hip Causing Sciatic Nerve Compression in
      a Master Athlete: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672898
TI  - Poster 130 A Rare Cause of Hip Pain in a Young Male. A Case Report.

PMID- 27672899
TI  - Poster 131 Tibial Neuropathy Secondary to Baker Cyst: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672900
TI  - Poster 135 Sonographic Evaluation of the Achilles and Patellar Tendons in
      Runners.

PMID- 27672901
TI  - Poster 133 Analysis of Pain and Functionality in Knee Osteoarthritis Patients
      after Sodium Hyaluronate Viscosupplementation.

PMID- 27672902
TI  - Poster 134 Treatment of Chronic Sacroiliac Pain in a Patient with Resolved
      Pyogenic Sacroiliitis in the Post-Partum State: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672903
TI  - Poster 136 Meta-Analysis of Non-Operative Modalities in the Treatment of Knee
      Pain in Osteoarthritis.

PMID- 27672904
TI  - Poster 137 Delayed Diagnosis of Popliteal Artery Entrapment Mistaken for
      Exertional Compartment Syndrome, Novel Use of MSK US to Improve Diagnostic
      Sensitivity: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672905
TI  - Poster 138 Significant Improvement in Knee Pain in Osteoarthritic Joints After
      Treatment for Hyperuricemia.

PMID- 27672906
TI  - Poster 142 Radial Tunnel Syndrome Treated by Ultrasound Guided Perineural
      Hydrodissection: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672907
TI  - Poster 139 Severity Correlation Between Cross-Sectional Area and
      Electrodiagnostic Parameters in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

PMID- 27672908
TI  - Poster 140 Atypical Presentation of Inguinal Hernias in a Golfer: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672909
TI  - Poster 144 The Effect of Footwear Generated Biomechanical Manipulation on Gait
      Parameters and Symptoms in a Knee Osteoarthritis Population.

PMID- 27672910
TI  - Poster 145 Surfer Versus Rock: A Rare Cause of Lower Extremity Weakness and
      Numbness.

PMID- 27672911
TI  - Poster 143 Teaching Residents the Loop Threaded Technique for Carpal Tunnel
      Release: A Preliminary Study.

PMID- 27672912
TI  - Poster 146 Autoimmune Induced Necrotizing Myopathy.

PMID- 27672913
TI  - Poster 147 Gender Differences in Symptom Reporting within Student-Athletes from
      the North Texas Sports Concussion Registry (ConTex).

PMID- 27672914
TI  - Poster 148 Role of PRP in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis.

PMID- 27672915
TI  - Poster 149 Diagnosis of an Ulnar Nerve Foreign Body by Ultrasound: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672916
TI  - Poster 150 Biomechanical Properties of the Glenohumeral Joint Capsule in Adhesive
      Capsulitis Patients with Diabetes Mellitus.

PMID- 27672917
TI  - Poster 151 Impairments in Sleep and Anxiety in Patients with Intra-Articular, Non
      Arthritic Hip Pain.

PMID- 27672918
TI  - Poster 152 Psychological Status of Recovering Injured Runners: Implications for
      Rehabilitation Program Content.

PMID- 27672919
TI  - Poster 155 Higher Cumulative Risk Assessment Scores Are Associated with Delayed
      Return to Play in Division I Collegiate Distance Runners.

PMID- 27672920
TI  - Poster 153 Ultrasound Correlated Electrodiagnostic Diagnosis of Neuralgic
      Amyotrophy in a Collegiate Swimmer After Rapid Practice Intensity Change: A Case
      Report.

PMID- 27672921
TI  - Poster 154 Progressive Hip Pain Secondary to Rapidly Destructive Osteoarthritis.

PMID- 27672922
TI  - Poster 158 New-Onset Gout in a Young Adult Diagnosed Via Sonography: A Case
      Report.

PMID- 27672923
TI  - Poster 157 Anatomical Relationship Between the Distal Transverse Carpal Ligament
      and the Hook of the Hamate: Implications for Ultrasound Guided Carpal Tunnel
      Release.

PMID- 27672924
TI  - Poster 156 Synovial Osteochondromatosis as a Rare Cause of Hip Pain: A Case
      Report.

PMID- 27672925
TI  - Poster 159 Assessing the Accuracy of Ultrasound Guided Carpometacarpal Joint
      Injections: A Cadaver Study.

PMID- 27672926
TI  - Poster 161 Descriptive Study of Injuries in High School Baseball Academy.

PMID- 27672927
TI  - Poster 160 Transient Unilateral Ptosis in Collegiate Hockey Player Due to
      Concussion: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672928
TI  - Poster 164 A Cross-Sectional Survey of Physicians and Registered Massage
      Therapists Regarding Myofascial Pain Syndrome Diagnostic Criteria.

PMID- 27672929
TI  - Poster 163 Percutaneous Ultrasonic Tenotomy for Refractory Common Extensor
      Tendinopathy Following Failed Open Surgical Release: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672930
TI  - Poster 162 "Dropped Hallux" Following an Open Reduction and Internal Fixation
      (ORIF) of a Distal Tibia-Fibula Fracture: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672932
TI  - Poster 166 A Reliability Study of Ultrasound Detection of Myofascial Trigger
      Points.

PMID- 27672931
TI  - Poster 167 Ovarian Cyst Rupture as an Unusual Etiology for Hip Pain in a Young
      Female Runner: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672933
TI  - Poster 165 Exertional Rhabdomyolysis after Endurance Training.

PMID- 27672934
TI  - Poster 169 Anticoagulation-Induced Dissecting Hematoma Following Rupture of a
      Baker's Cyst: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672935
TI  - Poster 172 Ultrasound Guided Injection of Obturator Internus Bursa: A Case
      Report.

PMID- 27672936
TI  - Poster 170 A Rare Case of Radical Mastectomy with Extensive Debridement Due to
      Necrotizing Fasciitis Leading to Unanticipated Functional Compromise: A Case
      Report.

PMID- 27672937
TI  - Poster 171 An Unusual Case of Foot Drop Secondary to Compartment Syndrome: A Case
      Report.

PMID- 27672938
TI  - Poster 173 Concussions Presenting with Conversion Disorder: A Case Series.

PMID- 27672939
TI  - Poster 174 Overlooked Diagnosis of Stress Fractures of the Pubic Ramus.

PMID- 27672940
TI  - Poster 175 Bilateral Symptomatic Snapping Knee from Biceps Femoris Tendon
      Subluxation - An Atypical Cause of Bilateral Knee Pain: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672941
TI  - Poster 178 Motion Alterations in High School and Collegiate Male Lacrosse Players
      with Chronic Mild Low Back Pain: Implications for Rehabilitation.

PMID- 27672942
TI  - Poster 177 A Clinical Diagnosis of Athletic Pubalgia: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672943
TI  - Poster 176 A New Adverse Effect of Glenohumeral Injections: Mechanical Blocking
      Resulting in Functional Limitations. A Case Report.

PMID- 27672944
TI  - Poster 181 Botox Application for Recurrent Wrist Pain.

PMID- 27672945
TI  - Poster 180 Rectus Femoris Avulsion of the Direct and Reflected Heads in a
      Kickball Player: MRI Diagnosis and Nonoperative Outcome.

PMID- 27672946
TI  - Poster 179 Ultrasound Guided Percutaneous Tenotomy for Refractory Lateral
      Epicondylitis.

PMID- 27672947
TI  - Poster 182 Baseline Characteristics of Cervical Dystonia Subjects in
      Observational Routine-Practice Studies are Different to Those from Randomized
      Controlled Trials.

PMID- 27672948
TI  - Poster 184 Abdominal Muscle Training with Pressure Sensor.

PMID- 27672949
TI  - Poster 185 Chronic Intractable Calcific Tendinitis of Common Extensor Tendon
      Successfully Treated with Ultrasound-Guided Barbotage Combined with
      Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672950
TI  - Poster 188 Quantitative Ultrasound in Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A
      Pilot Study.

PMID- 27672951
TI  - Poster 187 Is There a Correlation Between Tremor and Other Symptoms of Cervical
      Dystonia? An Analysis of Data from the Ongoing INTEREST IN CD2 Study.

PMID- 27672952
TI  - Poster 186 Sonographic Visualization of the Thenar Motor Branch of the Median
      Nerve: A Cadaveric Validation Study.

PMID- 27672953
TI  - Poster 190 Utilizing Ultrasound Combined with Electromyography to Provide More
      Accurate Pre-Surgical Planning: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672954
TI  - Poster 192 Radial Stress Fracture in a Kettlebell Competitor: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672955
TI  - Poster 189 Multilevel Spondylolysis in An Adolescent Athlete: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672957
TI  - Poster 193 Presentation of Humeral Arthritic Marrow Edema Mimicking Carcinoma: A
      Case Report.

PMID- 27672958
TI  - Poster 194 Exercise in Non-Vascular Unilateral Amputees and Intact Limb Knee
      Injury.

PMID- 27672959
TI  - Poster 197 Unique Presentation of Chronic Hip Pain in a Long Distance Runner: A
      Case Report.

PMID- 27672960
TI  - Poster 196 Brain Injury as a Consequence of Routine PRP Protocol in a Patient on
      Chronic Antiplatelet Therapy.

PMID- 27672961
TI  - Poster 198 Residual Limb Pain Precipitating Autonomic Dysreflexia in a Traumatic
      Spinal Cord Injury Patient with Peripheral Artery Disease and Right Above the
      Knee Amputation: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672962
TI  - Poster 199 Isolated Cricopharyngeal Dysfunction Following Surgical Resection of a
      4th Ventricular Ependymoma: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672963
TI  - Poster 200 Demyelinating Polyneuropathy Post-Operatively in a Patient with
      Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Tongue: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672964
TI  - Poster 202 A Translational Model of Traumatic Brain Injury: Motor Recovery from a
      Focal Controlled Cortical Impact to Primary Motor Cortex.

PMID- 27672966
TI  - Poster 203 Systematic Literature Review of AbobotulinumtoxinA in Randomized,
      Controlled Clinical Trials for Adult Lower Limb Spasticity.

PMID- 27672965
TI  - Poster 201 Characterization of Aphasia in Acute Stroke Patients and Correlation
      with Functional Outcomes.

PMID- 27672967
TI  - Poster 206 Determinants of Continuous Noninvasive Ventilatory Support Outcomes.

PMID- 27672968
TI  - Poster 207 Malpositioned Intrathecal Baclofen Pump Catheter Penetrating the
      Colon: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672969
TI  - Poster 205 Treatment Characteristics of Post-Stroke Adults Diagnosed with
      Spasticity Among Commercially and Medicare Insured Populations.

PMID- 27672970
TI  - Poster 208 Spasticity Diagnosis Rates in Post-Stroke Adult Patients Among
      Commercially and Medicare Insured Populations.

PMID- 27672971
TI  - Poster 210 Urine Study Results of Persons with Spinal Cord Injury Presenting for
      Annual Evaluation.

PMID- 27672972
TI  - Poster 209 Vocational Outcome 6 to 15 Years after a Traumatic Brain Injury.

PMID- 27672973
TI  - Poster 212 Functional Improvement through Inpatient Rehabilitation in a Patient
      with Hyperkinetic Movement Disorder Secondary to Thalamic and Basal Ganglia
      Stroke: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672974
TI  - Poster 213 Electromagnetic Interference from Nerve Conduction Studies on a
      Continuous Glucose Monitor: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672975
TI  - Poster 211 Heterotopic Ossification Complicating Stroke Recovery in Four
      Patients: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672976
TI  - Poster 215 Gustatory Agnosia Following Herpes Simplex Virus Encephalitis: A Case
      Report.

PMID- 27672977
TI  - Poster 217 Provider Barriers to Mammography Screening in Women with CP.

PMID- 27672978
TI  - Poster 218 A Multi-Year Experience with Phenol Neurolysis for Spasticity
      Management: Practice Pattern and Clinical Outcomes.

PMID- 27672979
TI  - Poster 222 Acute Onset Diffuse Proximal Muscle Weakness in Setting of Controlled
      Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672980
TI  - Poster 221 Pregnancy Termination in a Female with Paraplegia: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672981
TI  - Poster 219 Carbidopa-Levodopa Improves Speech Apraxia after Hypoxic-Ischemic
      Brain Injury: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672982
TI  - Poster 224 Giant Cell Myocarditis Masked by Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating
      Polyneuropathy: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672984
TI  - Poster 223 Monomelic Peripheral Neuropathy after Exposure to Cold Weather in a
      Diplegic Cerebral Palsy.

PMID- 27672983
TI  - Poster 225 Bickerstaff's Encephalitis with an Exemplary Recovery Following
      Rehabilitation: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672985
TI  - Poster 226 Unusual Presentation of Eight and a Half Syndrome in a Patient with
      Acute Pontine Medullary Stroke: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672986
TI  - Poster 227 Cauda Equina Syndrome after Lumbar Disk Herniation: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672987
TI  - Poster 228 Zolpidem for the Treatment of Neurologic Disorders: A Systematic
      Review.

PMID- 27672988
TI  - Poster 231 Hemiballismus as the Presenting Symptom of Polycythemia Vera: A Case
      Report.

PMID- 27672989
TI  - Poster 230 Unconventional Dosing of Amantadine in a Patient with Traumatic Brain
      Injury: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672990
TI  - Poster 229 Athlete with Compression of Thenar Motor Branch and Thumb Digital
      Branch of Median Nerve: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672991
TI  - Poster 233 Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus Associated with Toxic Minocycline
      Findings: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672992
TI  - Poster 234 Cocaine-Induced Spinal Cord Infarct in a Patient with Copper and Zinc
      Deficiencies: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672993
TI  - Poster 232 Cerebral Palsy Adult Transition (CPAT) Cross-Sectional Study
      Preliminary Findings: Chronic Pain Correlates with Memory Difficulties in Adults
      with Cerebral Palsy.

PMID- 27672994
TI  - Poster 236 The Use of a Telepresence Communications Robot by a Patient with
      Spinal Cord Injury to Aid in Social Reintegration and "Virtual Mobility": A Case
      Report.

PMID- 27672995
TI  - Poster 237 Bilateral Hip Fracture During Hospitalization for Spasm Exacerbation
      in an Adult with Stiff Person Syndrome: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672996
TI  - Poster 235 Patterns of Intracranial Hemorrhage Based on Traumatic Brain Injury
      Etiology.

PMID- 27672997
TI  - Poster 239 Cannabidiol as Treatment for Spasticity: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672998
TI  - Poster 240 Importance of Recognizing Sinking Skin Flap Syndrome/Syndrome of
      Trephine: A Case Report.

PMID- 27672999
TI  - Poster 238 Tumefactive Demyelinating Lesions: Rehabilitation of a Rare,
      Debilitating Form of Multiple Sclerosis: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673000
TI  - Poster 243 West Nile Virus Presenting as Paraplegia After Acute Alchohol
      Withdrawal: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673001
TI  - Poster 244 An Unusual Cause of Coma from Consumption of Red Yeast Rice: A Case
      Report.

PMID- 27673002
TI  - Poster 242 Ultrasound Guided and Doppler Verified Baclofen Pump Refill.

PMID- 27673003
TI  - Poster 246 Unusual Cause of Myelopathy Related to Neurofibromatosis Type 1: A
      Case Report.

PMID- 27673004
TI  - Poster 247 Treatment of Post-Traumatic Chronic Abdominal Pain due to Focal
      Dystonia with Onabotulinumtoxin A: Two Case Reports.

PMID- 27673005
TI  - Poster 245 Etiology of Rapid Functional Decline: Myopathy, Neuropathy, or Both? A
      Case Report.

PMID- 27673006
TI  - Poster 249 Remarkable Recovery of Function in a Young Adult Female after Low
      Velocity Penetrating Head Injury and Arrival with Retained Foreign Body: A Case
      Report.

PMID- 27673007
TI  - Poster 248 A Novel Infusion Method of Intrathecal Baclofen Using Personal Therapy
      Manager: A Case Series.

PMID- 27673008
TI  - Poster 250 Primary Progressive Aphasia a Case Report.

PMID- 27673009
TI  - Poster 251 Cognitive Decline from Bilateral Deep Brain Stimulator Placement: A
      Case Report.

PMID- 27673010
TI  - Poster 252 Use of Fitbit Charge HR for Management of Post-Concussive Syndrome: A
      Case Report.

PMID- 27673011
TI  - Poster 253 Implanted Brain-Computer Interface Controlling a Neuroprosthetic for
      Increasing Upper Limb Function in a Human with Tetraparesis.

PMID- 27673012
TI  - Poster 257 Tizanidine Reduces Night Sweats due to Dysautonomia in Syringomyelia:
      A Case Report.

PMID- 27673013
TI  - Poster 254 A Three Month Journey from the ICU to Return to Work Following Carbon
      Monoxide Poisoning: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673014
TI  - Poster 256 Addressing The Downfall of Falls: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Fall
      Reduction on a Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation Unit.

PMID- 27673015
TI  - Poster 258 A Novel Approach to the Treatment of Stiff-Person-Syndrome with
      Botulinum Toxin: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673016
TI  - Poster 259 Bilateral Corpus Callosum Stroke: Case Review of Neurostimulants to
      Treat this Patient Population.

PMID- 27673017
TI  - Poster 260 The Rehabilitative Management of a Patient with Anti-N-methyl-D
      aspartate Receptor Encephalitis: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673018
TI  - Poster 261 Treatment of Recurrent Strokes Due to Behcet's Disease with IV
      Steroids and Inpatient Rehabilitation: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673019
TI  - Poster 262 Autonomic Dysreflexia Associated with an Arnold Chiari 1 Malformation:
      A Case Report.

PMID- 27673020
TI  - Poster 263 The Effect of Pharmacologic Treatment of Depression on Number of
      Clinician Visits for Persistent Post-Concussion Symptoms in an Adult Population:
      A Retrospective Review.

PMID- 27673021
TI  - Poster 264 Migration of Anterior Cervical Fixation Screw Causing both Esophageal
      and Tracheal Erosive Injuries: Case Report.

PMID- 27673022
TI  - Poster 265 Relationship Between Severe Headache and Elevated Depression and
      Anxiety Scores after Sports-Related Concussion.

PMID- 27673023
TI  - Poster 266 Functional Improvement in a Man with Huntington's Disease After Deep
      Brain Stimulator Placement in the Globus Pallidus Internus: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673024
TI  - Poster 267 Intractable Agitation in 33-Year-Old Traumatic Brain Injury Patient
      due to Trazadone Administration in Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673025
TI  - Poster 268 Dextromethorphan and Quinidine for Treating Post-Traumatic Brain
      Injury Agitation: A Case Series.

PMID- 27673026
TI  - Poster 269 A Rare Case of Femoral Neuropathy Following Anterolateral Total Hip
      Arthroplasty.

PMID- 27673027
TI  - Poster 270 Predicting Functional Outcomes in the Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
      Patient.

PMID- 27673028
TI  - Poster 272 The Question of Age's Role in Concussion Recovery in Sports: A
      Retrospective Look at Mixed Martial Arts Fighters and Their First Knockout Loss.

PMID- 27673029
TI  - Poster 271 Three Dimensional Printing of an Exterior Frontal Bone Cosmetic
      Prosthesis for a Patient with Frontal Transection Stemming from Traumatic Brain
      Injury.

PMID- 27673031
TI  - Poster 274 The Rehabilitation and Recovery of an Adult Survivor of Enterovirus
      D68 Encephalomyelitis: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673030
TI  - Poster 275 Acute Encephalopathy in the Setting of Paraplegia Secondary to
      Metastatic Melanoma to the Lumbar Spine: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673032
TI  - Poster 273 Botulinum Toxin Injections to the Salivary Glands for Treatment of
      Sialorrhea in a Patient with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673033
TI  - Poster 278 Initial Onset of Acute Migraine Headache Following Diagnosis of
      Guillain-Barre Syndrome: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673034
TI  - Poster 277 Maternal Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy Conveys No Added Risk to the
      Child During Years 0-3: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673035
TI  - Poster 276 Increased Risk of Bladder Rupture in Non-Compliant SCI Patients with
      Augmentation Cystoplasty: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673036
TI  - Poster 279 Radial Neuropathy Exacerbated by Ligamentous Laxity in Pregnancy and
      by Chemotherapy: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673037
TI  - Poster 280 ALS Masked by Breast Cancer History and Low Back Pain: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673038
TI  - Poster 281 The Adult Spasticity International Registry (ASPIRE Study): Baseline
      Demographics and Clinical Characteristics of Patients Treated for Spasticity.

PMID- 27673039
TI  - Poster 284 The Effect Playing Electronic Musical Instruments has on the
      Functional Improvement of the Hemiplegic Upper Limbs and Its Psychological
      Effect.

PMID- 27673040
TI  - Poster 283 Improvement in Compensation for Chronic Post-Stroke Homonymous
      Hemianopsia following Initiation of an SSRI: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673041
TI  - Poster 282 Functional Gains after Diagnosis of Central Pontine Myelinolysis due
      to Hypophosphatemia in a Leukemia Patient on an Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation
      Unit: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673042
TI  - Poster 286 An Ischemic Stroke and Oral Testosterone Supplementation in a Young
      Male: A Case Study.

PMID- 27673043
TI  - Poster 287 Cefepime-Induced Encephalopathy in Acute Rehabilitation Setting: A
      Case Report.

PMID- 27673044
TI  - Poster 285 Ultrasound Guided Diaphragmatic EMG in Patient with Respiratory
      Decline and Pre-Existing Contralateral Diaphragm Atrophy: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673045
TI  - Poster 290 Efficacy and Safety of a 2 mL Dilution of AbobotulinumtoxinA Compared
      with Placebo in Adult Patients with Cervical Dystonia.

PMID- 27673046
TI  - Poster 288 Efficacy and Safety of Repeated AbobotulinumtoxinA Injections in
      Adults with Lower Limb Spasticity.

PMID- 27673047
TI  - Poster 289 Patient Registry of Spasticity Care World Data Analysis Based on
      Physician Experience.

PMID- 27673048
TI  - Poster 292 Improvement of Spasticity Following AbobotulinumtoxinA (Dysport(r))
      Injections in Shoulder Muscles in Hemiparetic Patients with Upper Limb Spasticity
      Sub-Analysis of a Prospective, Long-Term, Open-Label Study with Single and
      Repeated Injection Cycles.

PMID- 27673049
TI  - Poster 293 Pain and Weakness Due to Scurvy and Other Vitamin Deficiencies: A Case
      Report.

PMID- 27673050
TI  - Poster 291 Improved Upper Extremity Spasticity During Continuous Intrathecal
      Baclofen Trial with High Cervical Catheter Placement: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673051
TI  - Poster 294 Conversion Disorder Rehabilitation: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673052
TI  - Poster 296 AbobotulinumtoxinA Injection Patterns in Patients with Cervical
      Dystonia from the ANCHOR-CD Registry Study.

PMID- 27673053
TI  - Poster 300 Spontaneous Spinal Epidural Hematoma of the Thoracic Spine: A Case
      Report.

PMID- 27673054
TI  - Poster 298 Ataxia and Dysarthria in Two Siblings with Kufor-Rakeb Syndrome: A
      Case Report.

PMID- 27673055
TI  - Poster 297 Exercise Induced Spinal Cord Infarct (EISCI) in a Young Male with
      Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS): A Case Report of a Workman's Compensation (WC)
      Case Litigation.

PMID- 27673056
TI  - Poster 299 Pharmacokinetics and Efficacy of Nitroglycerin Paste for Autonomic
      Dysreflexia Following Spinal Cord Injury.

PMID- 27673057
TI  - Poster 302 Hemiballism in Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke Improved by Conventional
      Rehabilitation Therapy: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673058
TI  - Poster 303 Bladder Distension Associated with Hypotension in a Patient with
      Tetraplegia after Spinal Cord Injury: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673059
TI  - Poster 301 Newly Diagnosed Spinal Cord Injury Caused by Vertebra Osteomyelitis in
      a Patient with Complicated Traumatic Brain Injury: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673060
TI  - Poster 305 Neural Status of Intact Spinal Cord is a Better Predictor of Surgery
      Outcome Than Clinical and Imaging Features of Spinal Cord Insult in Cervical
      Spondylotic Myelopathy: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673061
TI  - Poster 304 Protracted Course of Inpatient Rehabilitation in a Patient with Severe
      Acute Demyelinating Polyneuropathy.

PMID- 27673062
TI  - Poster 306 Rehabilitation of Patients Undergoing Sacrectomies: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673063
TI  - Poster 308 Improvement of Spasticity, Active Movements and Active Function after
      Repeated Injections of AbobotulinumtoxinA (Dysport) in Adults with Spastic
      Paresis in the Upper Limb: Results of a Phase III Open-Label Extension Study.

PMID- 27673064
TI  - Poster 309 Implementing the Siebens Domain Management Model During Inpatient
      Rehabilitation to Increase Functional Independence and Discharge Rates to Home
      from an Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility in Stroke Patients and Minimize Acute
      Discharges: IRB Approved Study.

PMID- 27673065
TI  - Poster 310 EMG Guided Botulinum Toxin Type A Injections for Functional Problems
      Associated to Congenital Facial Palsy: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673066
TI  - Poster 312 Muscle Selection Patterns for Injection of OnabotulinumtoxinA in Adult
      Patients with Post-Stroke Lower-Limb Spasticity Influence Outcome: Results from a
      Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase 3 Clinical Trial.

PMID- 27673067
TI  - Poster 313 Relationship Between AbobotulinumtoxinA Injections into Shoulder
      Muscles and Patient Centred Primary Goal Selection and Achievement: Sub-Analyses
      from the Upper Limb International Spasticity (ULIS)-II Study.

PMID- 27673068
TI  - Poster 314 Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Masquerading as Myelopathy: A Case
      Report.

PMID- 27673069
TI  - Poster 317 Dose-Related Response to Ultrasound-Guided Ulnar In-Plane Median Nerve
      Steroid Injections for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673070
TI  - Poster 316 How a Flexible Differential Yielded an Elusive Diagnosis: A Case
      Report.

PMID- 27673071
TI  - Poster 315 Complications Associated with Hajdu-Cheney Syndrome: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673072
TI  - Poster 319 Response of Postencephalitic Parkinsonism to Various Dopaminergic
      Agonists: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673073
TI  - Poster 320 Biopsychosocial Treatment for Functional Neurologic Disorder: A Case
      Report.

PMID- 27673074
TI  - Poster 318 Myelopathy in the Setting of a Rare Primary Breast Neoplasm: A Case
      Report.

PMID- 27673075
TI  - Poster 322 The Use of Functional Electrical Stimulation in a Neurorehabilitation
      Unit: A Cross-Sectional Study.

PMID- 27673076
TI  - Poster 323 Efficacy of Intermittent Dosing of Zolpidem in Disorders of
      Consciousness: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673077
TI  - Poster 321 Trazodone Associated Clitoral Priapism in a Transgender Man following
      Traumatic Brain Injury: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673078
TI  - Poster 324 Opsoclonus-Myoclonus-Ataxia Syndrome and HIV Infection. A Case Report.

PMID- 27673079
TI  - Poster 325 A Study on the Swallowing Dynamics During Nasal High-Flow Oxygen
      Therapy.

PMID- 27673080
TI  - Poster 326 Paraneoplastic Ovarian Teratoma Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis: A
      Case Report.

PMID- 27673081
TI  - Poster 327 The Tribulations, Trials, and Triumphs of Treating and Rehabilitating
      Hemiballismus: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673082
TI  - Poster 328 Does Mobility Status or Spasticity Contribute to the Metabolic Profile
      and Body Composition in Individuals with Cerebral Palsy?

PMID- 27673083
TI  - Poster 331 Effectiveness of Amantadine in Anoxic Brain Injury: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673084
TI  - Poster 329 Rehabilitation of Horizontal Diplopia due to Abducens Nerve Palsy in
      an Idiopathic Pituitary Apoplexy: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673085
TI  - Poster 330 Rehabilitation of a Patient with Chronic Lymphocytic Inflammation with
      Pontine Perivascular Enhancement Responsive to Steroids (CLIPPERS) Syndrome: A
      Case Report.

PMID- 27673086
TI  - Poster 333 Quantitative Electroencephalography in the Evaluation of Concussive
      Head Injury in Adolescent Children.

PMID- 27673087
TI  - Poster 334 Treatment of Acute Onset Oromandibular Dystonia in a Patient with
      Basal Ganglia Hemorrhage: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673088
TI  - Poster 332 Corticobasal Degeneration with Spastic Left Hemiparesis, Dystonic
      Posturing, and Rigidity: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673089
TI  - Poster 338 Rare Case of Hand Weakness and Numbness in an Anoxic Brain Injured
      Patient: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673090
TI  - Poster 336 The Paradoxical Improvement of Motor and Speech Function with the Use
      of Zolpidem (Ambien) in Patients with Anoxic Encephalopathy and TBI.

PMID- 27673091
TI  - Poster 335 Pulmonary Embolism and Other Challenges Associated with Acute Spinal
      Cord Injury During Pregnancy.

PMID- 27673092
TI  - Poster 340 Analysis of Neurosurgical Patients Acutely Discharged (AD) vs Non
      Acutely Discharged (NAD) from an Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility (IRF).

PMID- 27673093
TI  - Poster 339 Better Outcome Though Devastating Course: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673094
TI  - Poster 341 Analysis of Craniotomy Patients with a Complication of Seizures in an
      Inpatient Rehab Facility.

PMID- 27673095
TI  - Poster 342 Tethered Cord Syndrome in a Patient with 40-Year History of Spinal
      Cord Injury: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673096
TI  - Poster 343 Posterior Circulation Stroke with Secondary Vestibulopathy: A Case
      Report.

PMID- 27673097
TI  - Poster 346 Rehabilitation of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy: A Case
      Report.

PMID- 27673098
TI  - Poster 344 Upper Extremity Weakness Due to Bilateral Brachial Plexopathy from
      Guillain-Barre Syndrome in a Cancer Patient: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673099
TI  - Poster 345 Rehabilitation of Bickerstaff Brainstem Encephalitis: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673100
TI  - Poster 347 Physical Therapy Utilization in the Management of Multiple Sclerosis
      in the United States.

PMID- 27673101
TI  - Poster 348 Biospy-Confirmed Neurosarcoidosis Manifesting as a Non-Compressive
      Myelopathy with Transverse Myelitis and Normal ACE Level: A Case Study.

PMID- 27673102
TI  - Poster 349 Toxic Encephalopathy and Rash Resulting from Paradichlorobenzene
      Inhalation: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673103
TI  - Poster 352 Management of Acute Baclofen Withdrawal in the Setting of Intrathecal
      Pump Infection: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673105
TI  - Poster 351 Submersed Treadmill Gait Training in the Acute Inpatient Rehab
      Setting.

PMID- 27673104
TI  - Poster 350 Persistent Pneumocephalus After Gun Shot Wound to the Head.

PMID- 27673106
TI  - Poster 354 OnabotulinumtoxinA to Treat Common Postures in Post-Stroke Lower Limb
      Spasticity: Identification of a Treatment Paradigm.

PMID- 27673107
TI  - Poster 353 Acute Onset Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (A-CIDP)
      with CNS Involvement Initially Diagnosed as Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS): A Case
      Report.

PMID- 27673108
TI  - Poster 357 The Correlation of Nutritional Status with Functional Outcome and
      Falls in Parkinson's Disease.

PMID- 27673109
TI  - Poster 356 Functional Decline Secondary to Progressive Ataxia, Dizziness and
      Diplopia: The Increasing Role of the Inpatient Rehabilitation Service in the
      Evaluation and Management of Undiagnosed Neurologic Conditions: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673110
TI  - Poster 355 Successful Rehabilitation After Hangman's Fracture and Five Subsequent
      Cranial Nerve Injuries: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673111
TI  - Poster 358 Gabapentin Causing Neurologic Dysfunction Leading to Falls.

PMID- 27673112
TI  - Poster 359 Sensorimotor Polyneuropathy Attributed to Heroin Exposure in Young
      Female: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673113
TI  - Poster 360 Acute Rehabilitation of a Patient with Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) and
      GAD-Antibody Cerebellar Ataxia: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673114
TI  - Poster 361 Impact of Early Intervention with OnabotulinumtoxinA Treatment in
      Adult Patients with Post-Stroke Lower Limb Spasticity.

PMID- 27673115
TI  - Poster 362 Osmotic Demyelination in Lyme Disease: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673116
TI  - Poster 363 Primary Lymphoma in Immunocompetent Man Masquerading as CVA: A Case
      Report.

PMID- 27673117
TI  - Poster 366 Post-Surgical Rehabilitation of Traumatic Sciatic Nerve Injury
      Enhanced by Supplemental Beta-Carotene and B-12.

PMID- 27673118
TI  - Poster 365 Traumatic Brain Injury Resulting from Pontine and Extrapontine
      Myelinolysis due to Acute Onset of Pregnancy Induced Diabetes Insipidus: A Case
      Report.

PMID- 27673119
TI  - Poster 367 Tendon Transfers for Self-Catheterization in a Patient with C6 Sensory
      Incomplete Tetraplegia: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673120
TI  - Poster 369 Effect of Wheelchair Games on Employment Status of Disabled Veterans.

PMID- 27673121
TI  - Poster 370 An International, Observational Study of Botulinum Toxin Type A in
      Spasticity - SPAsticity in PractiCE (SPACE).

PMID- 27673122
TI  - Poster 368 An Unusual Presentation of Acute Trismus After Unilateral Basal
      Ganglia Stroke.

PMID- 27673123
TI  - Poster 371 Escalating Doses of IncobotulinumtoxinA (400-800U) Are Well Tolerated
      and Lead to Increasing Improvements in Disability Due to Multifocal Upper- and
      Lower-Limb Spasticity.

PMID- 27673124
TI  - Poster 372 Long-Term Intrathecal Baclofen Treatment for Spasticity after Acquired
      Brain Injury: Does Diagnosis Affect Dosing?

PMID- 27673125
TI  - Poster 373 Paradoxically Increased Rigidity After Intrathecal Baclofen Injection
      in a Patient with Multiple Sclerosis: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673126
TI  - Poster 376 Effects of Anesthetic Fluid Injectates on Lesion Sizes in Cooled
      Radiofrequency Ablation.

PMID- 27673127
TI  - Poster 375 Adult Onset Lumbar Radiculopathy Secondary to Type II
      Diastematomyelia: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673128
TI  - Poster 374 Sexual Dysfunction After Sacroiliac Joint Radiofrequency Denervation:
      A Case Report.

PMID- 27673129
TI  - Poster 379 Paraneoplastic Myelitis Secondary to Hodgkin's Lymphoma: A Case
      Report.

PMID- 27673130
TI  - Poster 378 Transverse Myelitis Secondary to Infectious Mononucleosis: A Case
      Report.

PMID- 27673131
TI  - Poster 377 The Mystery Case of the Edematous and Painful Foot: Refractory Lower
      Limb Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) in the Setting of Lymphedema in a
      Patient with Endometrial Cancer and Lynch Syndrome: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673132
TI  - Poster 380 Immediate Relief After Sacroiliac Joint Injection as a Predictor of
      Subsequent Relief to Steroid at 2-4 Weeks.

PMID- 27673133
TI  - Poster 381 Depth Assessment for Cervical Spinal Epidural Injections.

PMID- 27673134
TI  - Poster 382 Transient Bilateral Hand Paresthesias with Micturition. An Unusual
      Presentation of Cervical Stenosis: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673135
TI  - Poster 385 Caudal Epidural Dextrose Injections (D5W) for Chronic Back Pain with
      Accompanying Buttock or Leg Pain: A Consecutive Patient Study with Long-Term
      Follow-up.

PMID- 27673136
TI  - Poster 384 Culture-Negative Osteomyelitis of the Femoral Diaphysis Initially
      Presenting as Lumbar Radiculopathy in an Otherwise Healthy Individual: A Case
      Report.

PMID- 27673137
TI  - Poster 383 Effects of Dextrose Prolotherapy in the Treatment of Patients with
      Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PMID- 27673138
TI  - Poster 387 Phantom Pain from Coccygectomy Treated with Chemical Neurolysis.

PMID- 27673139
TI  - Poster 388 Improvement in Pain Control in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Treated
      with Buprenorphine Patch and Topical Compounding Cream Containing Ketamine and
      Clonidine: A Case Series.

PMID- 27673140
TI  - Poster 386 Evaluating Personal Factors of Age and Gender within the International
      Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF).

PMID- 27673141
TI  - Poster 391 Prospective, Double-blind, Randomized Clinical Trial to Compare Single
      Shot Adductor Canal Nerve Block Versus Femoral Nerve Block Combined with Local
      Infiltration Analgesia: Postoperative Functional Outcomes After Total Knee
      Arthroplasty.

PMID- 27673142
TI  - Poster 389 Is an Integrative Approach Effective in Managing Chronic, Refractory
      Pain in Veterans?

PMID- 27673143
TI  - Poster 390 Effect of Atlanto-Axial Joint Injection in Treatment of Cervical Facet
      Arthropathy: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673144
TI  - Poster 392 Neurotoxic Manifestations After Intrathecal Gadobutrol Injection: A
      Case Report.

PMID- 27673145
TI  - Poster 394 Treatment of Recalcitrant Phantom Limb Pain with Alpha-Stimulation(r):
      A Case Report.

PMID- 27673146
TI  - Poster 393 C5 Palsy After Cervical Laminectomy and Fusion: 2 Case Reports.

PMID- 27673147
TI  - Poster 396 Gabapentin-Induced Myoclonus in Spinal Cord Injury.

PMID- 27673148
TI  - Poster 395 A Rare Presentation of Severe Cord Compression in a Patient With
      Multiple Osteochondromatosis: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673149
TI  - Poster 399 The Bubble Technique: A Novel Use of Sterile Water to Facilitate Lead
      Placement.

PMID- 27673150
TI  - Poster 398 Persistent Hiccups Following Epidural Steroid Injection Successfully
      Treated with Baclofen: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673151
TI  - Poster 397 Noninvasive Treatment of Cervical Muscle Spasm After Cervical
      Laminectomy and Fusion: Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy in Acute Rehab: A Case
      Report.

PMID- 27673152
TI  - Poster 400 The Role of Onabotulinum Toxin A in a Comprehensive Treatment Approach
      in a Patient with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673153
TI  - Poster 401 Optimizing the Process Flow Chart for the Inpatient Management of
      Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures (OVCF).

PMID- 27673154
TI  - Poster 404 The Impact of Ankylosing Spondylitis on Work Productivity in Patients
      with Paid Work.

PMID- 27673155
TI  - Poster 402 An Acute Presentation of Spinal Epidural Lipomatosis.

PMID- 27673156
TI  - Poster 403 Using Item Response Theory to Determine the Ability of the Numeric
      Rating Scale to Accurately Discriminate Between Levels of Pain Severity in
      Patients with Radicular or Musculoskeletal Pain.

PMID- 27673157
TI  - Poster 406 Osteitis Condensans Illi (OCI), A Rare Cause of Low Back Pain: A Case
      Report.

PMID- 27673158
TI  - Poster 407 Pain Assessment Survey (PAS) for Assessing Physical Pain in Post
      Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA) Patients.

PMID- 27673159
TI  - Poster 405 Prolongation of Botulinum Toxin Effect with Zinc Supplementation: A
      Case Report.

PMID- 27673160
TI  - Poster 409 Tackling Pain After Above Knee Amputation: What Are Our Options? A
      Case Report.

PMID- 27673161
TI  - Poster 408 Chronic Thoracic Radiculopathy Secondary to Syrinx Responsive to
      Ultrasound-Guided Transverse Abdominis Plane (TAP) Blockade: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673162
TI  - Poster 410 Incidence of Patients Testing Positive for Methadone in a Pain Clinic
      with a Negative Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) Report.

PMID- 27673163
TI  - Poster 411 The Impact of OnabotulinumtoxinA on Severe Headache Days: PREEMPT 24
      Week Pooled Analysis.

PMID- 27673164
TI  - Poster 413 A Case Study Investigating Opioid Medication Utilization in Patients
      with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Before and After Ketamine Infusion Therapy.

PMID- 27673165
TI  - Poster 415 Epidemiology of Naloxone use for Opioid Overdose in a Tertiary Care
      Medical Center.

PMID- 27673166
TI  - Poster 412 Estimation of Disability Associated with Fibromyalgia Clinical
      Features Using Multiple Regression and the SF-36.

PMID- 27673168
TI  - Poster 416 Dissolution Studies in the Presence of Alcohol with an Abuse
      Deterrent, Extended-Release Morphine Product Candidate.

PMID- 27673167
TI  - Poster 417 Tests of the Continuum Theory of Fibromyalgia Using Curve Fitting.

PMID- 27673169
TI  - Poster 419 Effectiveness of an Interdisciplinary Outpatient Chronic Pain
      Rehabilitation Program on Veterans Suffering with Chronic Pain.

PMID- 27673170
TI  - Poster 421 Bony Metastatic Prostate Cancer Imitating Complex Regional Pain
      Syndrome (CRPS) Type 1: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673171
TI  - Poster 422 The Body Function, Activity Limitation, and Participation Restriction
      of Individuals with Chronic Whiplash.

PMID- 27673172
TI  - Poster 420 Pharmacodynamic Effects from a Category 3 Oral Human Abuse Potential
      Study of an Abuse-Deterrent, Extended-Release Morphine Product Candidate in
      Nondependent, Recreational Opioid Users.

PMID- 27673173
TI  - Poster 424 Diagnostic Injection in Multi-Etiology Painful Shoulder Reduces
      Harmful Steroid Injection Exposure.

PMID- 27673174
TI  - Poster 423 An Unusual Case of Postpartum Sacroiliitis: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673175
TI  - Poster 425 Male Sexual Dysfunction in Patients with Chronic Pain.

PMID- 27673176
TI  - Poster 426 Comparisons of Functional Pain Relief after Bilateral Synvisc
      Injections and Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Ablations: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673177
TI  - Poster 427 Pharmacodynamic Effects From a Category 3 Intranasal Human Abuse
      Potential Study of an Abuse-Deterrent, Extended-Release Morphine Product
      Candidate in Nondependent, Recreational Opioid Users.

PMID- 27673178
TI  - Poster 430 Hyperhidrosis of the Amputee Patient's Stump and Botulinum Toxin:
      Multicenter Observational Study.

PMID- 27673179
TI  - Poster 428 Treating Xiphodynia with Pulsed Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): A Case
      Report.

PMID- 27673180
TI  - Poster 429 Discrepancy Between Electrophysiologic Level and Stenosis Level in
      Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy.

PMID- 27673181
TI  - Poster 431 Anterior Spinal Artery Syndrome Caused by Traumatic Disk Herniation: A
      Case Report.

PMID- 27673182
TI  - Poster 435 Paraplegia after Hemodialysis Session: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673183
TI  - Poster 432 Cauda Equina Compression Secondary to a Rare Form of Metastatic Extra
      Osseous Myeloma. A Case Report.

PMID- 27673184
TI  - Poster 434 A Rare Cause of Neck Pain in a 10 Year-Old.

PMID- 27673185
TI  - Poster 437 Pain in Spinal Cord Injury - An Unusual Presentation of Complex
      Regional Pain Syndrome: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673186
TI  - Poster 438 Bamboo Cervical Spine and Neck Pain in a Patient with AA Amyloidosis:
      A Case Report.

PMID- 27673187
TI  - Poster 436 Hard to Swallow. Dysphagia Secondary to Cervical Spine Osteophytes: A
      Case Series.

PMID- 27673188
TI  - Poster 439 Oral Baclofen for the Treatment of Myalgia-Type Pain in the Setting of
      Dermatomyositis: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673189
TI  - Poster 440 Changes in Central Sensitization Associated with Peripheral Joint
      Injection Do Not Predict Long-Term Pain Relief.

PMID- 27673190
TI  - Poster 441 Rare Occlusion of a Baclofen Pump Catheter Due to Rotation of Pump in
      the Abdominal Pocket: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673191
TI  - Poster 442 Intractable Pelvic Pain Due to Melorheostosis Managed with Spinal Cord
      Stimulation: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673192
TI  - Poster 444 Bilateral Lower Extremity Numbness and Weakness Caused by Primary
      Thoracic Spinal Stenosis: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673193
TI  - Poster 443 Diving Injury Resulting in a Jefferson Fracture, Vertebral Artery
      Thrombosis and Brown Sequard Syndrome: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673194
TI  - Poster 447 Atypical Lumbar Radiculopathy Presentation as Generalized Lower Leg
      Pain: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673195
TI  - Poster 445 Retrograde Ejaculation as a Potential Complication with Superior
      Hypogastric Plexus Blockade Following Ganglion of Impar Neurolysis: A Case
      Series.

PMID- 27673196
TI  - Poster 446 A Painful Presentation of a Thoracic Epidural Arachnoid Cyst: A Case
      Report.

PMID- 27673197
TI  - Poster 448 Obturator Neuropathy after Lumbar Fusion and Resolution with
      Ultrasound-Guided Obturator Nerve Block: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673198
TI  - Poster 450 Addressing Chronic Pain in SCI with Use of Electro-Acupuncture.

PMID- 27673199
TI  - Poster 451 Schwannoma Presenting as Low Back Pain and Myelopathy: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673200
TI  - Poster 454 Improving Urine Drug Testing in New Patients at a University
      Affiliated Pain Clinic and Analysis of Gender Differences in Urine Drug Testing.

PMID- 27673202
TI  - Poster 453 Correlation of Sacroiliac Joint Injection Response to Outcomes After
      Minimally Invasive Sacroiliac Joint Fusion.

PMID- 27673201
TI  - Poster 452 Bipolar Radiofrequency Ablation for the Treatment of Hip Joint Pain
      Using a Perpendicular Approach: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673203
TI  - Poster 457 Bioequivalence and Food Effect of a Novel, Abuse-Deterrent (AD),
      Extended-Release (ER) Morphine Product Candidate Compared with a Currently
      Available Non-AD, ER Morphine Product.

PMID- 27673204
TI  - Poster 456 Does Provision of Individualized Reports Showing Changes in Pain and
      Function after Epidural Steroid Injections (ESI) Alter Decision-Making About
      Future ESI Use?

PMID- 27673205
TI  - Poster 458 Improvement of Premorbid Developmental Delay Following Treatment of
      Post Traumatic Hydrocephalus: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673206
TI  - Poster 459 Missed on Initial Imaging-Rare Head and Neck Injury: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673207
TI  - Poster 461 Recovery in Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation for Pediatric Anti-N-methyl
      D-aspartate Receptor Encephalitis: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673208
TI  - Poster 464 Finicky Eating with Autism Spectrum Disorder, an Explanation for
      Antalgic Gait: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673209
TI  - Poster 463 Unexpected Transverse Myelitis after Dinutuximab Therapy for Relapsed
      Neuroblastoma: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673210
TI  - Poster 462 Physiatrist Evaluation of Functional Deficits in Pediatric Vascular
      Malformations: A Retrospective Review.

PMID- 27673211
TI  - Poster 465 Bilateral Hand Weakness and Atrophy in a Teenager: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673212
TI  - Poster 466 Inpatient Pain Rehabilitation Outcomes for Adolescents with Chronic
      Pain and Pain-Associated Disability Secondary to Sickle Cell Disease.

PMID- 27673213
TI  - Poster 467 Delayed Diagnosis of Cervical Anterior Cord Syndrome in a Child with
      Combined Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injury: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673214
TI  - Poster 468 Incidental Finding of Grade IV Cervical Anterolisthesis During Workup
      for Possible Cerebral Palsy: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673216
TI  - Poster 472 8-Year-Old Male with Flaccid Quadriplegia After Bone Marrow
      Transplant: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673215
TI  - Poster 469 A Variant of Motor Neuron Disorder: Hirayama Disease: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673217
TI  - Poster 475 Acute Paraplegia Secondary to Spinal Epidural Lipomatosis in a Child
      with Obesity: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673218
TI  - Poster 473 Peripheral Nerve Injury in the Setting of Concurrent Anoxic Brain
      Injury: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673219
TI  - Poster 474 A Male with Rett Syndrome: Broadening the Differential Diagnosis: A
      Case Report.

PMID- 27673220
TI  - Poster 477 Successful Prosthetic Rehabilitation of Fibular Hemimelia without
      Extensive Surgical Intervention: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673221
TI  - Poster 478 A Review of the Health-Related Quality of Life in Pediatric Patients
      with Cerebral Palsy and Associated Spasticity.

PMID- 27673222
TI  - Poster 476 Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome in a Thirteen-Year-Old Girl Treated
      with a Peripheral Nerve Catheter and Inpatient Rehabilitation: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673223
TI  - Poster 479 Economic Burden of Pediatric Spasticity in Cerebral Palsy: A Review of
      the Literature.

PMID- 27673224
TI  - Poster 480 Addressing Open Mouth Posture in Children with Cerebral Palsy Through
      Chemodenervation of the Lateral Pterygoid Muscles: A Case Series of Pediatric
      Patients.

PMID- 27673225
TI  - Poster 484 3D Printed Orthotic Designed for Klippel-Feil Syndrome Affected
      Hypoplastic Thumb: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673226
TI  - Poster 482 Botulinum Toxin A Injections for Drooling Management in Children.

PMID- 27673227
TI  - Poster 483 Unsuspected Cause of Pediatric Hip Pain: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673228
TI  - Poster 487 Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy or Something Else?:
      A Case Report.

PMID- 27673229
TI  - Poster 486 Hypothermia in Patients with Baclofen Pumps: A Case Series.

PMID- 27673230
TI  - Poster 485 Safety and Tolerability of AbobotulinumtoxinA (Dysport) in Children (2
      17 Years) with Lower Limb Spasticity Due to Cerebral Palsy: A Pooled Analysis of
      8 Clinical Trials.

PMID- 27673231
TI  - Poster 488 Methylphenidate as a Treatment for Traumatic Brain Injury in a 14
      Month-Old Female: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673232
TI  - Poster 489 Rehabilitation After Pediatric Heart Transplant: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673233
TI  - Poster 490 Profile of Pediatric Patients with Cerebral Palsy at a Tertiary
      Hospital Rehabilitation Medicine Department.

PMID- 27673234
TI  - Poster 494 Unique Characteristics of Patient Handoff in Spinal Cord Injury.

PMID- 27673235
TI  - Poster 492 The Effect of Tablet PC Based Cognitive Training Program (Injini) for
      Children with Cognitive Impairment in Educational Field.

PMID- 27673236
TI  - Poster 491 Mirror Therapy in Improving Hand Function of a Hemiparetic Child with
      Brain Abscess and Tetralogy of Fallot: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673238
TI  - Poster 497 Searching for an Oasis in a Physiatry Desert: A Global Survey of the
      Disability Training and Education Landscape of Healthcare Trainees in West
      Africa.

PMID- 27673237
TI  - Poster 496 Budget Impact Analysis of Botulinum Toxin A Therapy for Adult Upper
      Limb Spasticity in the United States.

PMID- 27673240
TI  - Poster 500 A Five Year Longitudinal Intervention for Improving Medical Student
      Exposure to Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R).

PMID- 27673239
TI  - Poster 495 Patient Experience in an Outpatient Pain Clinic: A Plan-Do-Study-Act
      Quality Improvement Project.

PMID- 27673241
TI  - Poster 499 A Nationwide Review of Residency Call in Physical Medicine &
      Rehabilitation.

PMID- 27673243
TI  - Poster 503 Association Between Functional Assessment of Patients and Their
      Outcomes: A Systematic Review.

PMID- 27673242
TI  - Poster 498 Geographic Differences in the Characteristics of Cervical Dystonia
      Patients.

PMID- 27673244
TI  - Poster 502 Cost Analysis of Patients with Knee and Back Pain: Potential
      Implications for Care for patients.

PMID- 27673245
TI  - Poster 501 Comparing WeeFIM Outcomes in Children with Developmental Disabilities
      to Children without Developmental Disabilities.

PMID- 27673246
TI  - Poster 505 Influence of Summer Externship in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
      on Specialty Selection.

PMID- 27673247
TI  - Poster 506 Immediate Need to Initiate Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
      Specialty in Nepal.

PMID- 27673248
TI  - Poster 504 Single Physician Experience with Improving Patient Satisfaction.

PMID- 27673249
TI  - Poster 509 U.S. Social Worker Workforce Report Card: Forecasting Nationwide
      Shortages.

PMID- 27673250
TI  - Poster 507 Electronic Polling to Measure Resident Education and Work Flow: A
      Proposed Method.

PMID- 27673251
TI  - Poster 508 A Pilot Patient Safety Simulation Station for Physical Medicine and
      Rehabilitation Residents: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673252
TI  - Poster 511 Evaluating Burnout in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residents.

PMID- 27673253
TI  - Poster 510 Resident and Faculty Perspectives on Gaps in PM&R Residency Education:
      A Needs Assessment.

PMID- 27673254
TI  - Poster 110-A Cognitive Deficits in Patients Admitted to Acute Inpatient
      Rehabilitation for Recovery from Severe Burn Trauma.

PMID- 27673255
TI  - Poster 110-B Biomechanical and Functional Benefits of Central Location of Power
      Wheelchair Drive Controls.

PMID- 27673256
TI  - Poster 110-C Comparison of Kinesiotaping with Compression Garment in the
      Treatment of Lymphedema After Breast Cancer: A Preliminary Report.

PMID- 27673257
TI  - Poster 197-B Prior Ultrasound Training Influences Incorporation of Ultrasound
      into Outpatient Musculoskeletal Practices.

PMID- 27673258
TI  - Poster 197-A Hyaluronic Acid Treatment for Osteoarthritis of the Hip with
      Ultrasound Guidance.

PMID- 27673259
TI  - Poster 110-D Reducing the Rates of Urinary Tract Infections in Patients with
      Spinal Cord Injury Using Telehealth Interventions.

PMID- 27673260
TI  - Poster 110-E A Cause for Concern with Guillain-Barre Syndrome: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673261
TI  - Poster 197-E Hip Pain Secondary to Intramuscular Lipoma of Tensor Fascia Lata: A
      Case Report.

PMID- 27673262
TI  - Poster 197-D Ultrasound-Guided Lidocaine Injection Directs Successful Talus Os
      Trigonum Resection: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673263
TI  - Poster 197-C Epidemiology of Cervical Spine Injuries in High School Athletes.

PMID- 27673264
TI  - Poster 197-F A Comparison of Popliteal Arteries Between Fractured and Sound Legs
      by Ultrasound in Patients with Femur Fracture.

PMID- 27673265
TI  - Poster 373-A Immunoglobulin Treatment of Miller Fisher Variant of Acute
      Demyelinating Inflammatory Polyneuropathy with Underlying Chronic Inflammatory
      Demyelinating Polyneuropathy: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673266
TI  - Poster 373-B Demographic and Clinical Features of Children and Adolescents with
      Spinal Cord Injury: A Turkish Hospital-Based Study.

PMID- 27673267
TI  - Poster 457-B Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type 1 in Young Male Adults.

PMID- 27673268
TI  - Poster 457-A Effect of Pilates Exercise Program on People with Chronic Low Back
      Pain.

PMID- 27673269
TI  - Poster 373-C Integrated Upper Limb Spasticity Management Including Botulinum
      Toxin A (BoNT-A) on Patient-Centered Goal Attainment: Methodology for ULIS-III
      and Initial Goal-Setting Data.

PMID- 27673270
TI  - Poster 511-A Spreading the Word: Using Podcasting to Advance Scientific Knowledge
      Across the Spectrum of PM&R.

PMID- 27673271
TI  - Poster 457-C Towards Reducing Harms: Designing a Quality Improvement Project to
      Improve Pain Management and Outcomes Among Chronic Pain and Opioid Users in an
      Acute Rehabilitation Program.

PMID- 27673274
TI  - Abstracts From the 48th Congress of the International Society of Paediatric
      Oncology (SIOP) Dublin, Ireland October 19-22, 2016.

PMID- 27673273
TI  - Effects of Prefracture Depressive Illness and Postfracture Depressive Symptoms on
      Physical Performance After Hip Fracture.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To compare the effect of prefracture depressive illness and
      postfracture depressive symptoms on changes in physical performance after hip
      fracture. DESIGN: Longitudinal observational cohort. SETTING: Baltimore
      metropolitan area. PARTICIPANTS: Older adults with hip fracture (N = 255).
      MEASUREMENTS: Prefracture depressive illness (from medical records) at baseline
      and postfracture depressive symptoms at 2 months (using the Center for
      Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale) were measured. Physical performance was
      measured 2, 6, and 12 months after fracture using the Short Physical Performance
      Battery (SPPB), a composite metric of functional status with a score ranging from
      0 to 12. Weighted estimating equations were used to assess mean SPPB over time,
      comparing participants with and without prefracture depressive illness and
      subjects with and without postfracture depressive symptoms. RESULTS: Participants
      with prefracture depressive illness had an SPPB increase of 0.4 units (95%
      confidence interval (CI) = -0.5-1.3) from 2 to 6 months, smaller than the
      increase of 1.0 SPPB unit (95% CI = 0.4-1.6) in those without prefracture
      depressive illness. Participants with postfracture depressive symptoms had an
      SPPB increase of 0.2 units (95% CI = -1.0-1.5) from 2 to 12 months, and those
      without postfracture depressive symptoms had a larger increase of 1.2 units (95%
      CI = 0.6-1.8) over the same period. Nevertheless, prefracture depressive illness
      and postfracture depressive symptoms were not significantly associated with SPPB.
      CONCLUSIONS: Neither prefracture depressive illness nor postfracture depressive
      symptoms were significantly associated with changes in physical performance after
      hip fracture, but the magnitude of estimates suggested possible clinically
      meaningful effects on functional recovery.

PMID- 27673272
TI  - Environmentally controlled bacterial vesicle-mediated export.
AB  - Over the past two decades, researchers studying both microbial and host cell
      communities have gained an appreciation for the ability of bacteria to produce,
      regulate, and functionally utilize outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) as a means to
      survive and interact with their cellular and acellular environments. Common
      ground has emerged, as it appears that vesicle production is an environmentally
      controlled and specific secretion process; however, it has been challenging to
      discover the principles that govern fundamentals of vesicle-mediated transport.
      Namely, there does not appear to be a single mechanism modulating OMV export, nor
      universal "markers" for OMV cargo incorporation, nor particular host cell
      responses common to treatment with all OMVs. Given the diversity of species
      studied, their differences in envelope architecture and composition, the
      diversity of environmentally regulated bacterial processes, and the variety of
      interactions between bacteria and their abiotic and biotic environments, this is
      hardly surprising. Nevertheless, the ability of bacteria to control exported
      material in the context of a packaged insoluble particle, a vesicle, is emerging
      as a significant contribution to bacterial viability, biofilm communities, and
      bacterial-host interactions. In this review, we focus on detailing important,
      recent findings regarding the content and functional differences in bacterially
      secreted vesicles that are influenced by growth conditions.

PMID- 27673275
TI  - Decoupling of excitation and receive coils in pulsed magnetic resonance using
      sinusoidal magnetic field modulation.
AB  - In pulsed magnetic resonance, the excitation power is many orders of magnitude
      larger than that induced by the spin system in the receiving coil or resonator.
      The receiver must be protected during and immediately after the excitation pulse
      to allow for the energy stored in the resonator to dissipate to a safe level. The
      time during which the signal is not detected, the instrumental dead-time, can be
      shortened by using magnetically decoupled excitation and receive coils. Such
      coils are oriented, with respect to each other, in a way that minimizes the total
      magnetic flux produced by one coil in the other. We suggest that magnetically
      decoupled coils can be isolated to a larger degree by tuning them to separate
      frequencies. Spins are excited at one frequency, and the echo signal is detected
      at another. Sinusoidal magnetic field modulation that rapidly changes the Larmor
      frequency of the spins between the excitation and detection events is used to
      ensure the resonance conditions for both coils. In this study, the relaxation
      times of trityl-CD3 were measured in a field-modulated pulsed EPR experiment and
      compared to results obtained using a standard spin echo method. The excitation
      and receive coils were tuned to 245 and 256.7MHz, respectively. Using an
      available rapid-scan, cross-loop EPR resonator, we demonstrated an isolation
      improvement of approximately 20-30dB due to frequency decoupling. Theoretical
      analysis, numerical simulations, and proof-of-concept experiments demonstrated
      that substantial excitation-detection decoupling can be achieved. A pulsed L-band
      system, including a small volume bi-modal resonator equipped with modulation
      coils, was constructed to demonstrate fivefold dead-time reduction in comparison
      with the standard EPR experiment. This was achieved by detuning of the excitation
      and receive coils by 26MHz and using sinusoidal modulation at 480kHz.

PMID- 27673276
TI  - Usage of internal magnetic fields to study the early hydration process of cement
      paste by MGSE method.
AB  - Internal magnetic field gradients, arising within the porous media due to
      susceptibility differences at the interfaces of solid and liquid as well as due
      to the contained magnetic impurities, can be employed by the method of modulated
      gradient spin echo to get insight into the velocity autocorrelation spectrum of
      liquid confined in the porous structure. New theoretical treatment of spin
      interaction with the radio-frequency field and the simultaneously applied static
      non-uniform magnetic field provides the formula that match well with the
      measurement of restricted diffusion of water in pores of cement paste. Its
      fitting to the experimental data gives the changes in the mean size of capillary
      pores, the spin relaxation and the magnitude of mean internal magnetic field
      gradients during the induction period and early acceleration stage of hydration
      processes at different temperatures.

PMID- 27673277
TI  - Biologically Inspired C-H and C=C Oxidations with Hydrogen Peroxide Catalyzed by
      Iron Coordination Complexes.
AB  - The development of catalysts for the selective oxidation of readily available
      hydrocarbons or organic precursors into oxygenated products is a long-standing
      goal in organic synthesis. In the last decade, some iron coordination complexes
      have shown the potential to fit this role. These catalysts can mimic the O-O
      activation mode of far more sophisticated iron oxygenase enzymes, generating
      powerful yet selective oxidants. In this review, we report state-of-the-art C-H
      and C=C oxidations catalyzed by non-heme iron complexes and H2 O2 as the oxidant.
      Finally, we briefly describe some novel oxidative reactivity and the perspectives
      of this chemistry.

PMID- 27673278
TI  - IL-36gamma has proinflammatory effects on human endothelial cells.
AB  - Interleukin-36 cytokines are predominantly expressed by epithelial cells.
      Significant upregulation of epidermal IL-36 is now a recognised characteristic of
      psoriatic skin inflammation. IL-36 is known to induce inflammatory responses in
      dendritic cells, fibroblasts and epithelial cells. Although vascular alterations
      are a hallmark of psoriatic lesions and dermal endothelial cells are well known
      to play a critical role in skin inflammation, the effects of IL-36 on endothelial
      cells are unexplored. We here show that endothelial cells including dermal
      microvascular cells express a functionally active IL-36 receptor. Adhesion
      molecules VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 are upregulated by IL-36gamma stimulation, and this
      is reversed by the presence of the endogenous IL-36 receptor antagonist. IL
      36gamma-stimulated endothelial cells secrete the proinflammatory chemokines IL-8,
      CCL2 and CCL20. Chemotaxis assays showed increased migration of T-cells following
      IL-36gamma stimulation of endothelial cells. These results suggest a role for IL
      36gamma in the dermal vascular compartment, and it is likely to enhance psoriatic
      skin inflammation by activating endothelial cells and promoting leucocyte
      recruitment.

PMID- 27673279
TI  - Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Status Is Associated with Subsequent All-Cause
      Mortality in Elderly Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

PMID- 27673281
TI  - Letter From the Editor: From 2003 to today.

PMID- 27673280
TI  - Thiotepa-based conditioning for allogeneic stem cell transplantation in acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia-A survey from the Acute Leukemia Working Party of the
      European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation.
AB  - In this study, we analyzed a thiotepa-based conditioning regimen for allogeneic
      stem cell transplantation in adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, using the
      EBMT database. A total of 323 patients were identified. The median age was 43
      years. Disease status at transplant was first complete remission (CR1) in 48.9%,
      CR2 in 21.7%, CR3 in 6.2%, while 23.2% of the patients had an active disease at
      the time of transplant. This was performed from a HLA-matched sibling (49.8%) or
      a matched-unrelated donor (51.2%). The incidence of acute graft-vs.-host disease
      (GvHD) (grade > II) was 26.6%, while chronic GvHD occurred in 35.9% of the
      patients at 1 year (24.6% with extensive disease). With a median follow-up of
      16.8 months, the nonrelapse mortality was 12.4 and 25.3% at 100 days and 1 year,
      respectively. The relapse incidence at 1 year was 33.3% with no difference for
      patients in CR1 (27%). The one-year leukemia-free survival (LFS) and overall
      survival (OS) were 57 and 66%, respectively for the entire cohort and 50 and 66%,
      respectively in patients in CR1. Thiotepa/busulfan +/- melphalan (n = 213) in
      comparison to thiotepa/other (n = 110) conditioning regimen resulted in higher
      relapse incidence at 1 year (34.9 vs. 30.3%, P = 0.016) and lower LFS (38.8 vs.
      45.9%, P = 0.0203), while nonrelapse mortality (23.8 vs. 26.3%, n.s.) and OS
      (59.6 vs. 51.1%, P = 0.109) did not differ. This large study suggests that a
      thiotepa-based conditioning for allogeneic transplantation in acute lymphoblastic
      leukemia is feasible and effective, with the main outcomes being comparable to
      those achieved with other regimens. Am. J. Hematol. 92:18-22, 2017. (c) 2016
      Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27673282
TI  - The importance of dose optimization prior to initiation of a registration trial.

PMID- 27673283
TI  - Consolidation therapy after autologous stem cell transplant in
      relapsed/refractory Hodgkin lymphoma.

PMID- 27673284
TI  - Emerging treatment options for carcinoid syndrome.

PMID- 27673285
TI  - Special concerns for survivors of prostate cancer.

PMID- 27673286
TI  - Zika and the safety of the US blood supply.

PMID- 27673287
TI  - Management of brain metastases in breast cancer.

PMID- 27673288
TI  - Cytoreductive nephrectomy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
AB  - The incidence of renal cell carcinoma is increasing, with up to one-third of
      patients presenting with metastatic disease. Combination therapy is used to
      prolong survival in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma, which carries
      a poor prognosis. Although two pivotal phase 3 trials have demonstrated the
      efficacy of immunotherapy after cytoreductive nephrectomy for metastatic disease,
      for now, targeted therapy has replaced immunotherapy as the preferred systemic
      treatment in these patients. Two ongoing phase 3 trials are evaluating the role
      of cytoreductive nephrectomy prior to targeted therapy. Proper patient selection
      is paramount in achieving successful outcomes. 

PMID- 27673289
TI  - The status of poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors in
      ovarian cancer, part 2: extending the scope beyond olaparib and BRCA1/2
      mutations.
AB  - Poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors have shown
      clinical activity in epithelial ovarian cancer, leading both the US Food and Drug
      Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency to approve olaparib for
      tumors characterized by BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. However, it is becoming
      increasingly evident that tumors that share molecular features with BRCA-mutant
      tumors-a concept known as BRCAness-also may exhibit defective homologous
      recombination DNA repair, and therefore will respond to PARP inhibition. A number
      of strategies have been proposed to identify BRCAness, including identifying
      defects in other genes that modulate homologous recombination and characterizing
      the mutational and transcriptional signatures of BRCAness. In addition to
      olaparib, a number of other PARP inhibitors are in clinical development. This
      article reviews the development of PARP inhibitors other than olaparib, and
      discusses the evidence for PARP inhibitors beyond BRCA1/2-mutant ovarian cancer. 

PMID- 27673290
TI  - The role of high-dose melphalan and autologous stem cell transplant in the
      rapidly evolving era of modern multiple myeloma therapy.
AB  - The advent of the immunomodulatory drugs thalido-mide, lenalidomide, and
      pomalidomide; the proteasome inhib-itors bortezomib, carfilzomib, and ixazomib;
      the histone deacet-ylase inhibitor panobinostat; and the monoclonal antibodies
      elotuzumab and daratumumab has led to dramatic improvements in outcomes for
      patients with multiple myeloma. Along with progress in nontransplant therapy have
      come questions regarding the continued role of high-dose melphalan (HDM)
      supported by autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) in the treatment of multiple
      myeloma. Emerging evidence from phase 3 studies demonstrates that consolidation
      therapy with HDM/ASCT further improves depth of response and progression-free
      survival in the context of modern therapy for multiple myeloma. Moreover,
      unprecedented survival data from ongoing phase 3 studies of patients treated with
      modern myeloma therapy followed by HDM/ASCT in first-line or second-line therapy
      reaffirm single and tandem HDM/ASCT as important standards of care for eligible
      patients. Herein, we review the evolving role of HDM/ASCT for the treatment of
      patients with newly diagnosed or relapsed multiple myeloma. 

PMID- 27673291
TI  - Correction: Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitors in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
      and lymphoma.
AB  - An article in the July 2016 issue, "Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitors in
      chronic lymphocytic leukemia and lymphoma" by Gaurav Varma, MSPH, Tyler P.
      Johnson, MD, and Ranjana H. Advani, MD, described ONO/GS-4059 as a "reversible"
      inhibitor of BTK when it is in fact an "irreversible" inhibitor. We have made the
      correction to pages 546 and 552 of the online version at
      www.hematologyandoncology.net. Many thanks to an astute reader for pointing out
      the error. This corrects the article pmid:27379948.

PMID- 27673294
TI  - Sunset on the Sea: John Frederick Kensett.

PMID- 27673295
TI  - Zika Vaccine Enters Clinical Trials.

PMID- 27673296
TI  - HHS Funds Development of Faster Zika Diagnostic Test.

PMID- 27673297
TI  - Final Rules for School Nutrition.

PMID- 27673298
TI  - Surgery No Benefit to Patients With Meniscal Tears.

PMID- 27673299
TI  - Simple, Less Expensive Psychotherapy Effective for Depression.

PMID- 27673300
TI  - Telemonitoring Helps Keep Diabetes Under Control.

PMID- 27673301
TI  - Heart Health in the Workplace.

PMID- 27673302
TI  - Opiates Harm Newborns, Too.

PMID- 27673303
TI  - It's Time to Change the Rules.

PMID- 27673304
TI  - Endovascular Thrombectomy for Ischemic Stroke: The Second Quantum Leap in Stroke
      Systems of Care?

PMID- 27673305
TI  - Time to Treatment With Endovascular Thrombectomy and Outcomes From Ischemic
      Stroke: A Meta-analysis.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Endovascular thrombectomy with second-generation devices is
      beneficial for patients with ischemic stroke due to intracranial large-vessel
      occlusions. Delineation of the association of treatment time with outcomes would
      help to guide implementation. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the period in which
      endovascular thrombectomy is associated with benefit, and the extent to which
      treatment delay is related to functional outcomes, mortality, and symptomatic
      intracranial hemorrhage. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS: Demographic, clinical,
      and brain imaging data as well as functional and radiologic outcomes were pooled
      from randomized phase 3 trials involving stent retrievers or other second
      generation devices in a peer-reviewed publication (by July 1, 2016). The
      identified 5 trials enrolled patients at 89 international sites. EXPOSURES:
      Endovascular thrombectomy plus medical therapy vs medical therapy alone; time to
      treatment. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was degree of
      disability (mRS range, 0-6; lower scores indicating less disability) at 3 months,
      analyzed with the common odds ratio (cOR) to detect ordinal shift in the
      distribution of disability over the range of the mRS; secondary outcomes included
      functional independence at 3 months, mortality by 3 months, and symptomatic
      hemorrhagic transformation. RESULTS: Among all 1287 patients (endovascular
      thrombectomy + medical therapy [n = 634]; medical therapy alone [n = 653])
      enrolled in the 5 trials (mean age, 66.5 years [SD, 13.1]; women, 47.0%), time
      from symptom onset to randomization was 196 minutes (IQR, 142 to 267). Among the
      endovascular group, symptom onset to arterial puncture was 238 minutes (IQR, 180
      to 302) and symptom onset to reperfusion was 286 minutes (IQR, 215 to 363). At 90
      days, the mean mRS score was 2.9 (95% CI, 2.7 to 3.1) in the endovascular group
      and 3.6 (95% CI, 3.5 to 3.8) in the medical therapy group. The odds of better
      disability outcomes at 90 days (mRS scale distribution) with the endovascular
      group declined with longer time from symptom onset to arterial puncture: cOR at 3
      hours, 2.79 (95% CI, 1.96 to 3.98), absolute risk difference (ARD) for lower
      disability scores, 39.2%; cOR at 6 hours, 1.98 (95% CI, 1.30 to 3.00), ARD,
      30.2%; cOR at 8 hours,1.57 (95% CI, 0.86 to 2.88), ARD, 15.7%; retaining
      statistical significance through 7 hours and 18 minutes. Among 390 patients who
      achieved substantial reperfusion with endovascular thrombectomy, each 1-hour
      delay to reperfusion was associated with a less favorable degree of disability
      (cOR, 0.84 [95% CI, 0.76 to 0.93]; ARD, -6.7%) and less functional independence
      (OR, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.71 to 0.92], ARD, -5.2% [95% CI, -8.3% to -2.1%]), but no
      change in mortality (OR, 1.12 [95% CI, 0.93 to 1.34]; ARD, 1.5% [95% CI, -0.9% to
      4.2%]). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this individual patient data meta-analysis
      of patients with large-vessel ischemic stroke, earlier treatment with
      endovascular thrombectomy + medical therapy compared with medical therapy alone
      was associated with lower degrees of disability at 3 months. Benefit became
      nonsignificant after 7.3 hours.

PMID- 27673306
TI  - Association Between Lowering LDL-C and Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Among
      Different Therapeutic Interventions: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: The comparative clinical benefit of nonstatin therapies that reduce
      low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) remains uncertain. OBJECTIVE: To
      evaluate the association between lowering LDL-C and relative cardiovascular risk
      reduction across different statin and nonstatin therapies. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY
      SELECTION: The MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched (1966-July 2016). The
      key inclusion criteria were that the study was a randomized clinical trial and
      the reported clinical outcomes included myocardial infarction (MI). Studies were
      excluded if the duration was less than 6 months or had fewer than 50 clinical
      events. Studies of 9 different types of LDL-C reduction approaches were included.
      DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Two authors independently extracted and entered
      data into standardized data sheets and data were analyzed using meta-regression.
      MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The relative risk (RR) of major vascular events (a
      composite of cardiovascular death, acute MI or other acute coronary syndrome,
      coronary revascularization, or stroke) associated with the absolute reduction in
      LDL-C level; 5-year rate of major coronary events (coronary death or MI)
      associated with achieved LDL-C level. RESULTS: A total of 312 175 participants
      (mean age, 62 years; 24% women; mean baseline LDL-C level of 3.16 mmol/L [122.3
      mg/dL]) from 49 trials with 39 645 major vascular events were included. The RR
      for major vascular events per 1-mmol/L (38.7-mg/dL) reduction in LDL-C level was
      0.77 (95% CI, 0.71-0.84; P < .001) for statins and 0.75 (95% CI, 0.66-0.86; P =
      .002) for established nonstatin interventions that work primarily via
      upregulation of LDL receptor expression (ie, diet, bile acid sequestrants, ileal
      bypass, and ezetimibe) (between-group difference, P = .72). For these 5 therapies
      combined, the RR was 0.77 (95% CI, 0.75-0.79, P < .001) for major vascular events
      per 1-mmol/L reduction in LDL-C level. For other interventions, the observed RRs
      vs the expected RRs based on the degree of LDL-C reduction in the trials were
      0.94 (95% CI, 0.89-0.99) vs 0.91 (95% CI, 0.90-0.92) for niacin (P = .24); 0.88
      (95% CI, 0.83-0.92) vs 0.94 (95% CI, 0.93-0.94) for fibrates (P = .02), which was
      lower than expected (ie, greater risk reduction); 1.01 (95% CI, 0.94-1.09) vs
      0.90 (95% CI, 0.89-0.91) for cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibitors (P =
      .002), which was higher than expected (ie, less risk reduction); and 0.49 (95%
      CI, 0.34-0.71) vs 0.61 (95% CI, 0.58-0.65) for proprotein convertase
      subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors (P = .25). The achieved absolute LDL-C level
      was significantly associated with the absolute rate of major coronary events (11
      301 events, including coronary death or MI) for primary prevention trials (1.5%
      lower event rate [95% CI, 0.5%-2.6%] per each 1-mmol/L lower LDL-C level; P =
      .008) and secondary prevention trials (4.6% lower event rate [95% CI, 2.9%-6.4%]
      per each 1-mmol/L lower LDL-C level; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In
      this meta-regression analysis, the use of statin and nonstatin therapies that act
      via upregulation of LDL receptor expression to reduce LDL-C were associated with
      similar RRs of major vascular events per change in LDL-C. Lower achieved LDL-C
      levels were associated with lower rates of major coronary events.

PMID- 27673307
TI  - Will This Hemodynamically Unstable Patient Respond to a Bolus of Intravenous
      Fluids?
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Fluid overload occurring as a consequence of overly aggressive fluid
      resuscitation may adversely affect outcome in hemodynamically unstable critically
      ill patients. Therefore, following the initial fluid resuscitation, it is
      important to identify which patients will benefit from further fluid
      administration. OBJECTIVE: To identify predictors of fluid responsiveness in
      hemodynamically unstable patients with signs of inadequate organ perfusion. DATA
      SOURCES AND STUDY SELECTION: Search of MEDLINE and EMBASE (1966 to June 2016) and
      reference lists from retrieved articles, previous reviews, and physical
      examination textbooks for studies that evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of tests
      to predict fluid responsiveness in hemodynamically unstable adult patients who
      were defined as having refractory hypotension, signs of organ hypoperfusion, or
      both. Fluid responsiveness was defined as an increase in cardiac output following
      intravenous fluid administration. DATA EXTRACTION: Two authors independently
      abstracted data (sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios [LRs]) and
      assessed methodological quality. A bivariate mixed-effects binary regression
      model was used to pool the sensitivities, specificities, and LRs across studies.
      RESULTS: A total of 50 studies (N = 2260 patients) were analyzed. In all studies,
      indices were measured before assessment of fluid responsiveness. The mean
      prevalence of fluid responsiveness was 50% (95% CI, 42%-56%). Findings on
      physical examination were not predictive of fluid responsiveness with LRs and 95%
      CIs for each finding crossing 1.0. A low central venous pressure (CVP) (mean
      threshold <8 mm Hg) was associated with fluid responsiveness (positive LR, 2.6
      [95% CI, 1.4-4.6]; pooled specificity, 76%), but a CVP greater than the threshold
      made fluid responsiveness less likely (negative LR, 0.50 [95% CI, 0.39-0.65];
      pooled sensitivity, 62%). Respiratory variation in vena cava diameter measured by
      ultrasound (distensibility index >15%) predicted fluid responsiveness in a
      subgroup of patients without spontaneous respiratory efforts (positive LR, 5.3
      [95% CI, 1.1-27]; pooled specificity, 85%). Patients with less vena cava
      distensibility were not as likely to be fluid responsive (negative LR, 0.27 [95%
      CI, 0.08-0.87]; pooled sensitivity, 77%). Augmentation of cardiac output or
      related parameters following passive leg raising predicted fluid responsiveness
      (positive LR, 11 [95% CI, 7.6-17]; pooled specificity, 92%). Conversely, the lack
      of an increase in cardiac output with passive leg raising identified patients
      unlikely to be fluid responsive (negative LR, 0.13 [95% CI, 0.07-0.22]; pooled
      sensitivity, 88%). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Passive leg raising followed by
      measurement of cardiac output or related parameters may be the most useful test
      for predicting fluid responsiveness in hemodynamically unstable adults. The
      usefulness of respiratory variation in the vena cava requires confirmatory
      studies.

PMID- 27673308
TI  - Blood Measurement of Carcinoembryonic Antigen Level for Detecting Recurrence of
      Colorectal Cancer.
AB  - CLINICAL QUESTION: What is the trade-off between sensitivity and specificity at
      specific carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) thresholds for detecting recurrent
      colorectal cancer? BOTTOM LINE: To detect colorectal cancer recurrence, the
      sensitivity of CEA ranges from 68% for a threshold of 10 ug/L to 82% for a
      threshold of 2.5 ug/L and the specificity ranges from 97% for a threshold of 10
      ug/L to 80% for a threshold of 2.5 ug/L.

PMID- 27673309
TI  - Painless Vesicular Eruption on the Dorsal Surfaces of the Hands.

PMID- 27673310
TI  - Single-blind vs Double-blind Peer Review in the Setting of Author Prestige.

PMID- 27673311
TI  - Use of Projection Analyses and Obesity Trends.

PMID- 27673312
TI  - Aspirin and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

PMID- 27673313
TI  - Use of Projection Analyses and Obesity Trends-Reply.

PMID- 27673314
TI  - Emailing Test Results to Patients.

PMID- 27673315
TI  - Aspirin and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome-Reply.

PMID- 27673316
TI  - Emailing Test Results to Patients-Results.

PMID- 27673318
TI  - Polluting the Universe.

PMID- 27673319
TI  - Diagnosis and Treatment of Pancreatic Cystic Neoplasms.

PMID- 27673322
TI  - So, you've volunteered to lead a project...

PMID- 27673323
TI  - Synthetic cannabinoid poisoning: A growing health concern.

PMID- 27673320
TI  - Synaptic reliability and temporal precision are achieved via high quantal content
      and effective replenishment: auditory brainstem versus hippocampus.
AB  - KEY POINTS: Auditory brainstem neurons involved in sound source localization are
      equipped with several morphological and molecular features that enable them to
      compute interaural level and time differences. As sound source localization works
      continually, synaptic transmission between these neurons should be reliable and
      temporally precise, even during sustained periods of high-frequency activity.
      Using patch-clamp recordings in acute brain slices, we compared synaptic
      reliability and temporal precision in the seconds-minute range between auditory
      and two types of hippocampal synapses; the latter are less confronted with
      temporally precise high-frequency transmission than the auditory ones. We found
      striking differences in synaptic properties (e.g. continually high quantal
      content) that allow auditory synapses to reliably release vesicles at much higher
      rate than their hippocampal counterparts. Thus, they are indefatigable and also
      in a position to transfer information with exquisite temporal precision and their
      performance appears to be supported by very efficient replenishment mechanisms.
      ABSTRACT: At early stations of the auditory pathway, information is encoded by
      precise signal timing and rate. Auditory synapses must maintain the relative
      timing of events with submillisecond precision even during sustained and high
      frequency stimulation. In non-auditory brain regions, e.g. telencephalic ones,
      synapses are activated at considerably lower frequencies. Central to
      understanding the heterogeneity of synaptic systems is the elucidation of the
      physical, chemical and biological factors that determine synapse performance. In
      this study, we used slice recordings from three synapse types in the mouse
      auditory brainstem and hippocampus. Whereas the auditory brainstem nuclei
      experience high-frequency activity in vivo, the hippocampal circuits are
      activated at much lower frequencies. We challenged the synapses with sustained
      high-frequency stimulation (up to 200 Hz for 60 s) and found significant
      performance differences. Our results show that auditory brainstem synapses differ
      considerably from their hippocampal counterparts in several aspects, namely
      resistance to synaptic fatigue, low failure rate and exquisite temporal
      precision. Their high-fidelity performance supports the functional demands and
      appears to be due to the large size of the readily releasable pool and a high
      release probability, which together result in a high quantal content. In
      conjunction with very efficient vesicle replenishment mechanisms, these
      properties provide extremely rapid and temporally precise signalling required for
      neuronal communication at early stations of the auditory system, even during
      sustained activation in the minute range.

PMID- 27673325
TI  - Sensitive determination of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in Tussilago farfara L. by
      field-amplified, sample-stacking, sweeping micellar electrokinetic
      chromatography.
AB  - Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are the toxic components in Tussilago farfara L. Due to
      the lack of standard substances for quantitative analysis and traces of
      pyrrolizidine alkaloids in total alkaloids, the full quality control of Tussilago
      farfara L has been limited. In this study, we aimed to solve the difficulty of
      determination of pyrrolizidine alkaloids and identify more components in the
      total alkaloids. An on-line preconcentration method has been applied to improve
      determining sensitivity of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in Tussilago farfara L. in
      which included field-amplified sample stacking and sweeping in micellar
      electrokinetic capillary chromatography. The main parameters that affected
      separation and stacking efficiency were investigated in details. Under the
      optimal conditions, the sensitivity enhancement factors obtained by the developed
      method for the analytes were from 15- to 12-fold, the limits of detection of
      senkirkine and senecionine were 2~5 MUg/L. Senkirkine and senecionine have been
      detected in alkaloids (c) of Tussilago farfara L, along ferulic acid methyl ester
      and methyl caffeate. The developed method was also applied to the analysis of
      acid extraction (a) of Tussilago farfara L, and senkirkine could be detected
      directly. The results indicated that the developed method is feasible for the
      analysis of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in Tussilago farfara L with good recoveries.

PMID- 27673321
TI  - While the revolution will not be crystallized, biochemistry reigns supreme.
AB  - Single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (EM) is currently gaining attention for
      the ability to calculate structures that reach sub-5 A resolutions; however, the
      technique is more than just an alternative approach to X-ray crystallography.
      Molecular machines work via dynamic conformational changes, making structural
      flexibility the hallmark of function. While the dynamic regions in molecules are
      essential, they are also the most challenging to structurally characterize.
      Single-particle EM has the distinct advantage of being able to directly visualize
      purified molecules without the formation of ordered arrays of molecules locked
      into identical conformations. Additionally, structures determined using single
      particle EM can span resolution ranges from very low- to atomic-levels (>30-1.8
      A), sometimes even in the same structure. The ability to accommodate various
      resolutions gives single-particle EM the unique capacity to structurally
      characterize dynamic regions of biological molecules, thereby contributing
      essential structural information needed for the development of molecular models
      that explain function. Further, many important molecular machines are
      intrinsically dynamic and compositionally heterogeneous. Structures of these
      complexes may never reach sub-5 A resolutions due to this flexibility required
      for function. Thus, the biochemical quality of the sample, as well as, the
      calculation and interpretation of low- to mid-resolution cryo-EM structures (30-8
      A) remains critical for generating insights into the architecture of many
      challenging biological samples that cannot be visualized using alternative
      techniques.

PMID- 27673326
TI  - Effect of electrostatic interactions on the ultrafiltration behavior of charged
      bacterial capsular polysaccharides.
AB  - Charged polysaccharides are used in the food industry, as cosmetics, and as
      vaccines. The viscosity, thermodynamics, and hydrodynamic properties of these
      charged polysaccharides are known to be strongly dependent on the solution ionic
      strength because of both inter- and intramolecular electrostatic interactions.
      The goal of this work was to quantitatively describe the effect of these
      electrostatic interactions on the ultrafiltration behavior of several charged
      capsular polysaccharides obtained from Streptococcus pneumoniae and used in the
      production of Pneumococcus vaccines. Ultrafiltration data were obtained using
      various BiomaxTM polyethersulfone membranes with different nominal molecular
      weight cutoffs. Polysaccharide transmission decreased with decreasing ionic
      strength primarily because of the expansion of the charged polysaccharide
      associated with intramolecular electrostatic repulsion. Data were in good
      agreement with a simple theoretical model based on solute partitioning in porous
      membranes, with the effective size of the different polysaccharide serotypes
      evaluated using size exclusion chromatography at the same ionic conditions. These
      results provide fundamental insights and practical guidelines for exploiting the
      effects of electrostatic interactions during the ultrafiltration of charged
      polysaccharides. (c) 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol.
      Prog., 32:1531-1538, 2016.

PMID- 27673327
TI  - Roles of HDAC2 and HDAC8 in Cardiac Remodeling in Renovascular Hypertensive Rats
      and the Effects of Valproic Acid Sodium.
AB  - Recent studies indicate that histone deacetylases (HDACs) activity is associated
      with the development and progression of cardiac hypertrophy. In this study, we
      investigated the effects of a HDACs inhibitor, valproic acid sodium (VPA), on
      cardiac remodeling and the differential expression of HDACs in left ventricles
      (LVs) of renovascular hypertensive rats. Renovascular hypertension was induced in
      rats by the two-kidney two-clip (2K2C) method. Cardiac remodeling, heart function
      and the differential expression of HDACs were examined at different weeks after
      2K2C operation. The effects of VPA on cardiac remodeling, the expressions of
      HDACs, transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta1) and connective tissue growth
      factor (CTGF) in LV were investigated. The expressions of atrial natriuretic
      factor, beta-myosin heavy chain, HDAC2 and HDAC8 increased in LV of 2K2C rats at
      4, 8, 12 weeks after operation. Cardiac dysfunction, cardiac hypertrophy and
      fibrosis were markedly attenuated by VPA treatment in 2K2C rats. Further studies
      revealed that VPA inhibited the expressions of HDAC2, HDAC8, TGF-beta1 and CTGF
      in LV of 2K2C rats. In summary, these data indicate that HDAC2 and HDAC8 play a
      key role in cardiac remodeling in renovascular hypertensive rats and that VPA
      attenuates hypertension and cardiac remodeling. The effect of VPA is possibly
      exerted via decreasing HDAC2, HDAC8, TGF-beta1 and CTGF expressions in LV of 2K2C
      rats.

PMID- 27673328
TI  - Development of an Acid-Resistant Salmonella Typhi Ty21a Attenuated Vector For
      Improved Oral Vaccine Delivery.
AB  - The licensed oral, live-attenuated bacterial vaccine for typhoid fever,
      Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi strain Ty21a, has also been utilized as a
      vaccine delivery platform for expression of diverse foreign antigens that
      stimulate protection against shigellosis, anthrax, plague, or human papilloma
      virus. However, Ty21a is acid-labile and, for effective oral immunization,
      stomach acidity has to be either neutralized with buffer or by-passed with Ty21a
      in an enteric-coated capsule (ECC). Several studies have shown that efficacy is
      reduced when Ty21a is administered in an ECC versus as a buffered liquid
      formulation, the former limiting exposure to GI tract lymphoid tissues. However,
      the ECC was selected as a more practical delivery format for both
      packaging/shipping and vaccine administration ease. We have sought to increase
      Ty21a acid-resistance to allow for removal from the ECC and immune enhancement.
      To improve Ty21a acid-resistance, glutamate-dependent acid resistance genes (GAD;
      responsible for Shigella spp. survival at very low pH) were cloned on a multi
      copy plasmid (pGad) under a controllable arabinose-inducible promoter. pGad
      enhanced acid survival of Ty21a by 5 logs after 3 hours at pH 2.5, when cells
      were pre-grown in arabinose and under conditions that promote an acid-tolerance
      response (ATR). For genetically 100% stable expression, we inserted the gad genes
      into the Ty21a chromosome, using a method that allowed for subsequent removal of
      a selectable antibiotic resistance marker. Further, both bacterial growth curves
      and survival assays in cultured human monocytes/macrophages suggest that neither
      the genetic methods employed nor the resulting acid-resistance conferred by
      expression of the Gad proteins in Ty21a had any effect on the existing
      attenuation of this vaccine strain.

PMID- 27673329
TI  - Motor Experience Reprograms Development of a Genetically-Altered Bilateral
      Corticospinal Motor Circuit.
AB  - Evidence suggests that motor experience plays a role in shaping development of
      the corticospinal system and voluntary motor control, which is a key motor
      function of the system. Here we used a mouse model with conditional forebrain
      deletion of the gene for EphA4 (Emx1-Cre:EphA4tm2Kldr), which regulates
      development of the laterality of corticospinal tract (CST). We combined study of
      Emx1-Cre:EphA4tm2Kldr with unilateral forelimb constraint during development to
      expand our understanding of experience-dependent CST development from both basic
      and translational perspectives. This mouse develops dense ipsilateral CST
      projections, a bilateral motor cortex motor representation, and bilateral motor
      phenotypes. Together these phenotypes can be used as readouts of corticospinal
      system organization and function and the changes brought about by experience. The
      Emx1-Cre:EphA4tm2Kldr mouse shares features with the common developmental
      disorder cerebral palsy: bilateral voluntary motor impairments and bilateral CST
      miswiring. Emx1-Cre:EphA4tm2Kldr mice with typical motor experiences during
      development display the bilateral phenotype of "mirror" reaching, because of a
      strongly bilateral motor cortex motor representation and a bilateral CST. By
      contrast, Emx1-Cre:EphA4tm2Kldr mice that experienced unilateral forelimb
      constraint from P1 to P30 and tested at maturity had a more contralateral motor
      cortex motor representation in each hemisphere; more lateralized CST projections;
      and substantially more lateralized/independent reaching movements. Changes in CST
      organization and function in this model can be explained by reduced synaptic
      competition of the CST from the side without developmental forelimb motor
      experiences. Using this model we show that unilateral constraint largely
      abrogated the effects of the genetic mutation on CST projections and thus
      demonstrates how robust and persistent experience-dependent development can be
      for the establishment of corticospinal system connections and voluntary control.
      Further, our findings inform the mechanisms of and strategies for developing
      behavioral therapies to treat bilateral movement impairments and CST miswiring in
      cerebral palsy.

PMID- 27673330
TI  - Long Noncoding RNA miR210HG as a Potential Biomarker for the Diagnosis of Glioma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Glioma remains a diagnostic challenge because of its variable
      clinical presentation and a lack of reliable screening tools. Long noncoding RNAs
      (lncRNAs) regulate gene function in a wide range of pathophysiological processes
      and are therefore emerging biomarkers for prostate cancer, hepatic cancer, and
      other tumor diseases. However, the effective use of lncRNAs as biomarkers for the
      diagnosis of glioma remains unproven. METHODS: This study included 42 glioma
      patients and 10 healthy controls. lncRNA and mRNA microarray chips were used to
      identify dysregulated lncRNAs in tumor tissue and tumor-adjacent normal tissue,
      and SYBR Green-based miRNA quantitative real-time reverse transcription
      polymerase chain reactions were used to validate upregulated lncRNAs. A receiver
      operating characteristic curve analysis was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic
      accuracy of the lncRNA identified as the candidate biomarker. RESULTS: miR210HG
      levels were significantly higher in tumor tissue than in tumor-adjacent normal
      tissue in participating glioma patients. Serum miR210HG levels were also
      significantly higher in glioma patients than in healthy controls. The receiver
      operating characteristic curve showed that serum miR210HG was a specific
      diagnostic predictor of acute pulmonary embolism with an area under the curve of
      0.8323 (95% confidence interval, 0.7347 to 0.9299, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our
      findings indicate that miR210HG could be an important biomarker for the diagnosis
      of glioma, and, as such, large-scale investigations are urgently needed to pave
      the way from basic research to clinical use.

PMID- 27673331
TI  - A Novel Drug-Mouse Phenotypic Similarity Method Detects Molecular Determinants of
      Drug Effects.
AB  - The molecular mechanisms that translate drug treatment into beneficial and
      unwanted effects are largely unknown. We present here a novel approach to detect
      gene-drug and gene-side effect associations based on the phenotypic similarity of
      drugs and single gene perturbations in mice that account for the
      polypharmacological property of drugs. We scored the phenotypic similarity of
      human side effect profiles of 1,667 small molecules and biologicals to profiles
      of phenotypic traits of 5,384 mouse genes. The benchmarking with known
      relationships revealed a strong enrichment of physical and indirect drug-target
      connections, causative drug target-side effect links as well as gene-drug links
      involved in pharmacogenetic associations among phenotypically similar gene-drug
      pairs. The validation by in vitro assays and the experimental verification of an
      unknown connection between oxandrolone and prokineticin receptor 2 reinforces the
      ability of this method to provide new molecular insights underlying drug
      treatment. Thus, this approach may aid in the proposal of novel and personalized
      treatments.

PMID- 27673332
TI  - Efficacy of a Cell-Cycle Decoying Killer Adenovirus on 3-D Gelfoam(r)
      Histoculture and Tumor-Sphere Models of Chemo-Resistant Stomach Carcinomatosis
      Visualized by FUCCI Imaging.
AB  - Stomach cancer carcinomatosis peritonitis (SCCP) is a recalcitrant disease. The
      goal of the present study was to establish an in vitro-in vivo-like imageable
      model of SCCP to develop cell-cycle-based therapeutics of SCCP. We established 3
      D Gelfoam(r) histoculture and tumor-sphere models of SCCP. FUCCI-expressing MKN
      45 stomach cancer cells were transferred to express the fluorescence ubiquinized
      cell-cycle indicator (FUCCI). FUCCI-expressing MKN-45 cells formed spheres on
      agarose or on Gelfoam(r) grew into tumor-like structures with G0/G1 cancer cells
      in the center and S/G2 cancer cells located in the surface as indicated by FUCCI
      imaging when the cells fluoresced red or green, respectively. We treated FUCCI
      expressing cancer cells forming SCCP tumors in Gelfoam(r) histoculture with OBP
      301, cisplatinum (CDDP), or paclitaxel. CDDP or paclitaxel killed only cycling
      cancer cells and were ineffective against G1/G2 MKN-45 cells in tumors growing on
      Gelfoam(r). In contrast, the telomerase-dependent adenovirus OBP-301 decoyed the
      MKN-45 cells in tumors on Gelfoam(r) to cycle from G0/G1 phase to S/G2 phase and
      reduced their viability. CDDP- or paclitaxel-treated MKN-45 tumors remained
      quiescent and did not change in size. In contrast, OB-301 reduced the size of the
      MKN-45 tumors on Gelfoam(r). We examined the cell cycle-related proteins using
      Western blotting. CDDP increased the expression of p53 and p21 indicating cell
      cycle arrest. In contrast, OBP-301 decreased the expression of p53 and p21
      Furthermore, OBP-301 increased the expression of E2F and pAkt as further
      indication of cell cycle decoy. This 3-D Gelfoam(r) histoculture and FUCCI
      imaging are powerful tools to discover effective therapy of SCCP such as OBP-301.

PMID- 27673333
TI  - Spectroscopic Evidence for Room Temperature Interaction of Molecular Oxygen with
      Cobalt Porphyrin Linker Sites within a Metal-Organic Framework.
AB  - Metalloporphyrin-based metal-organic frameworks offer a promising platform for
      developing solid-state porous materials with accessible, coordinatively
      unsaturated metal sites. Probing small-molecule interactions at the
      metalloporphyrin sites within these materials on a molecular level under ambient
      conditions is crucial for both understanding and ultimately harnessing this
      functionality for potential catalytic purposes. Co-PCN-222, a metal-organic
      framework based on cobalt(II) porphyrin linkers. is investigated using in situ UV
      vis diffuse-reflectance and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Spectroscopic evidence
      for the axial interaction of diatomic oxygen with the framework's open
      metalloporphyrin sites at room temperature is presented and discussed.

PMID- 27673334
TI  - Insights into the Three-Dimensional Structure of Amorpha-4,11-diene Synthase and
      Probing of Plasticity Residues.
AB  - Amorphadiene synthase (ADS) is known for its vital role as a key enzyme in the
      biosynthesis of the antimalarial drug artemisinin. Despite the vast research
      targeting this enzyme, an X-ray crystal structure of the enzyme has not yet been
      reported. In spite of the remarkable difference in product profile among various
      sesquiterpene synthases, they all share a common alpha-helical fold with many
      highly conserved regions especially the bivalent metal ion binding motifs. Hence,
      to better understand the structural basis of the mechanism of ADS, a reliable 3D
      homology model representing the conformation of the ADS enzyme and the position
      of its substrate, farnesyl diphosphate, in the active site was constructed. The
      model was generated using the reported crystal structure of alpha-bisabolol
      synthase mutant, an enzyme with high sequence identity with ADS, as a template.
      Site-directed mutagenesis was used to probe the active site residues. Seven
      residues were probed showing their vital role in the ADS mechanism and/or their
      effect on product profile. The generated variants confirmed the validity of the
      ADS model. This model will serve as a basis for exploring structure-function
      relationships of all residues in the active site to obtain further insight into
      the ADS mechanism.

PMID- 27673335
TI  - Synthesis of Double-Shell SnO2@C Hollow Nanospheres as Sulfur/Sulfide Cages for
      Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.
AB  - Double-shell SnO2@C hollow nanospheres were synthesized by a template method, and
      then the sulfur was loaded to form a cathode material of S/SnO2@C composite. In
      Li-S batteries, it delivered a high initial specific capacity of 1473.1 mAh/g at
      a current density of 200 mA/g, and the capacity retention was even up to 95.7%
      over 100 cycles at 3200 mA/g, i.e., a capacity fade rate of only 0.043% per
      cycle. These good electrochemical performances should be attributed to the SnO2@C
      hollow nanospheres. They can enhance the electronic conductivity by the outside
      carbon shell, and confine the lithium polysulfides by S-Sn-O and S-C chemical
      bonds to suppress the shuttle effect. Besides, the hollow nanospheres can readily
      accommodate the sulfur/sulfides to prevent the electrical/mechanical failure of
      the cathode, instead of their agglomeration on the external surface of SnO2@C.

PMID- 27673336
TI  - Redox Active Polymers as Soluble Nanomaterials for Energy Storage.
AB  - It is an exciting time for exploring the synergism between the chemical and
      dimensional properties of redox nanomaterials for addressing the manifold
      performance demands faced by energy storage technologies. The call for widespread
      adoption of alternative energy sources requires the combination of emerging
      chemical concepts with redesigned battery formats. Our groups are interested in
      the development and implementation of a new strategy for nonaqueous flow
      batteries (NRFBs) for grid energy storage. Our motivation is to solve major
      challenges in NRFBs, such as the lack of membranes that simultaneously allow fast
      ion transport while minimizing redox active species crossover between anolyte
      (negative electrolyte) and catholyte (positive electrolyte) compartments. This
      pervasive crossover leads to deleterious capacity fade and materials
      underutilization. In this Account, we highlight redox active polymers (RAPs) and
      related polymer colloids as soluble nanoscopic energy storing units that enable
      the simple but powerful size-exclusion concept for NRFBs. Crossover of the redox
      component is suppressed by matching high molecular weight RAPs with simple and
      inexpensive nanoporous commercial separators. In contrast to the vast literature
      on the redox chemistry of electrode-confined polymer films, studies on the
      electrochemistry of solubilized RAPs are incipient. This is due in part to
      challenges in finding suitable solvents that enable systematic studies on high
      polymers. Here, viologen-, ferrocene- and nitrostyrene-based polymers in various
      formats exhibit properties that make amenable their electrochemical exploration
      as solution-phase redox couples. A main finding is that RAP solutions store
      energy efficiently and reversibly while offering chemical modularity and size
      versatility. Beyond the practicality toward their use in NRFBs, the fundamental
      electrochemistry exhibited by RAPs is fascinating, showing clear distinctions in
      behavior from that of small molecules. Whereas RAPs conveniently translate the
      redox properties of small molecules into a nanostructure, they give rise to
      charge transfer mechanisms and electrolyte interactions that elicit distinct
      electrochemical responses. To understand how the electrochemical characteristics
      of RAPs depend on molecular features, including redox moiety, macromolecular
      size, and backbone structure, a range of techniques has been employed by our
      groups, including voltammetry at macro- and microelectrodes, rotating disk
      electrode voltammetry, bulk electrolysis, and scanning electrochemical
      microscopy. RAPs rely on three-dimensional charge transfer within their inner
      bulk, which is an efficient process and allows quantitative electrolysis of
      particles of up to ~800 nm in radius. Interestingly, we find that interactions
      between neighboring pendants create unique opportunities for fine-tuning their
      electrochemical reactivity. Furthermore, RAP interrogation toward the single
      particle limit promises to shed light on fundamental charge storage mechanisms.

PMID- 27673337
TI  - Plant Cell Wall-Penetrable, Redox-Responsive Silica Nanoprobe for the Imaging of
      Starvation-Induced Vesicle Trafficking.
AB  - Autophagy is a self-protection process against reactive oxygen species (ROS). The
      intracellular level of ROS increased when cells were cultured under nutrient
      starvation. Antioxidants such as glutathione and ascorbic acid play an important
      role in ROS removal. However, the cellular redox state in the autophagic pathway
      is still unclear. Herein, we developed a new redox-sensitive probe with a
      disulfide-linked silica scaffold to enable the sensing of the reduction
      environment in cell organelles. This redox-responsive silica nanoprobe (ReSiN)
      could penetrate the plant cell wall and release fluorescent molecules in response
      to redox states. By applying the ReSiN to tobacco BY-2 cells and tracing the
      distribution of fluorescence, we found a higher reducing potential in the central
      vacuole than in the autolysosomes. Upon cysteine protease inhibitor (E64-c)
      treatment in sucrose-free medium, the disulfide-silica structures of the ReSiNs
      were broken down in the vacuoles but were not degraded and were accumulated in
      the autolysosomes. These results reveal the feasibility of our nanoprobe for
      monitoring the endocytic and macroautophagic pathways. These pathways merge
      upstream of the central vacuole, which is the final destination of both pathways.
      In addition, different redox potentials were observed in the autophagic pathway.
      Finally, the expression of the autophagy-related protein (Atg8) fused with green
      fluorescence protein confirmed that the ReSiN treatment itself did not induce the
      autophagic pathway under normal physiological conditions, indicating the
      versatility of this nanoprobe in studying stimuli-triggered autophagy-related
      trafficking.

PMID- 27673338
TI  - Low-Temperature Growth of Indium Oxide Thin Film by Plasma-Enhanced Atomic Layer
      Deposition Using Liquid Dimethyl(N-ethoxy-2,2-dimethylpropanamido)indium for High
      Mobility Thin Film Transistor Application.
AB  - Low-temperature growth of In2O3 films was demonstrated at 70-250  degrees C by
      plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) using a newly synthesized liquid
      indium precursor, dimethyl(N-ethoxy-2,2-dimethylcarboxylicpropanamide)indium
      (Me2In(EDPA)), and O2 plasma for application to high-mobility thin film
      transistors. Self-limiting In2O3 PEALD growth was observed with a saturated
      growth rate of approximately 0.053 nm/cycle in an ALD temperature window of 90
      180  degrees C. As-deposited In2O3 films showed negligible residual impurity,
      film densities as high as 6.64-7.16 g/cm3, smooth surface morphology with a root
      mean-square (RMS) roughness of approximately 0.2 nm, and semiconducting level
      carrier concentrations of 1017-1018 cm-3. Ultrathin In2O3 channel-based thin film
      transistors (TFTs) were fabricated in a coplanar bottom gate structure, and their
      electrical performances were evaluated. Because of the excellent quality of In2O3
      films, superior electronic switching performances were achieved with high field
      effect mobilities of 28-30 and 16-19 cm2/V.s in the linear and saturation
      regimes, respectively. Furthermore, the fabricated TFTs showed excellent gate
      control characteristics in terms of subthreshold swing, hysteresis, and on/off
      current ratio. The low-temperature PEALD process for high-quality In2O3 films
      using the developed novel In precursor can be widely used in a variety of
      applications such as microelectronics, displays, energy devices, and sensors,
      especially at temperatures compatible with organic substrates.

PMID- 27673339
TI  - Nonlinear-Optical Response of Prussian Blue: Strong Three-Photon Absorption in
      the IR Region.
AB  - The nonlinear-optical properties of Prussian Blue nanoparticles have been
      evaluated with the use of femtosecond Z-scan measurements in the 1350-1750 nm
      range. This well-known inorganic pigment having interesting magnetic and
      electrochemical properties was found to be an efficient near-IR three-photon
      absorber. The maximum of the effective three-photon cross section is as high as
      4.5 * 10-78 cm6 s2 at 1375 nm. By a comparison of the three-photon molar-mass
      normalized merit factors, sigma3/M, we show that this material is a competitive
      multiphoton absorber, especially in comparison to semiconductor quantum dots.

PMID- 27673340
TI  - Role of Asn112 in a Light-Driven Sodium Ion-Pumping Rhodopsin.
AB  - Light-driven outward sodium-pumping rhodopsin (NaR) was recently found in marine
      bacteria. Krokinobacter eikastus rhodopsin 2 (KR2) actively transports sodium and
      lithium ions in NaCl and LiCl, respectively, while it pumps protons in KCl. NaR
      has a conserved NDQ (N112, D116, and Q123 in KR2) motif, and previous studies
      suggested an important role for N112 in the function of KR2. Here we replaced
      N112 with 19 different amino acids and studied the molecular properties of the
      mutants. All mutants exhibited absorption bands from a protonated Schiff base in
      the lambdamax range from 508 to 531 nm upon heterologous expression in
      Escherichia coli, whose ion-pumping activity was measured using pH electrodes.
      The function of these mutants was classified into three phenotypes: wild-type
      (WT)-like Na+/H+ compatible pump, exclusive H+ pump, and no pump. Among the 19
      mutants, only N112D, -G, -S, and -T showed light-driven Na+ pump activity, N112A,
      -C, -P, -V, -E, -Q, -I, -L, -M, -F, and -W were exclusively H+ pumps, and N112H, 
      K, -Y, and -R exhibited no pump activity. The mutants of the no pump function
      lack a blue-shifted M intermediate, indicating that Schiff base deprotonation is
      a prerequisite for Na+ and H+ pumps. In contrast, the subsequent red-shifted O
      intermediate was observed for WT and N112V but absent for N112T and N112A,
      suggesting that observation of this intermediate depends on kinetics. Although
      N112D, -G, -S, and -T are able to pump Na+, they also pump H+ in NaCl, where Na+
      and H+ pumps compete with each other because of the decreased Na+ uptake
      efficiency. From these facts, an exclusive Na+ pump in NaCl exists only in WT. We
      conclude that N112 is one of the functional determinants of NaR.

PMID- 27673341
TI  - Heterogeneous Photocatalytic Click Chemistry.
AB  - Copper-doped semiconductors are designed to photoassist the alkyne-azide
      cycloaddition catalysis by Cu(I). Upon irradiation, injection of electrons from
      the semiconductor into copper oxide nanostructures produces the catalytic Cu(I)
      species. The new catalysts are air- and moisture-tolerant and can be readily
      recovered after use and reused several times.

PMID- 27673342
TI  - Spontaneous Formation of Atomically Thin Stripes in Transition Metal
      Dichalcogenide Monolayers.
AB  - Whether an alloy is random or ordered can have profound effects on its
      properties. The close chemical similarity of W and Mo in the two-dimensional
      semiconductors MoS2 and WS2 has led to the expectation that WxMo1-xS2 is a random
      alloy. Here we report that triangular monolayer flakes of WxMo1-xS2 produced by
      sulfurization of MoO3/WO3 are not only nonrandom, but also anisotropic: W and Mo
      form atomically thin chains oriented parallel to the edges of the triangle,
      especially around x ~ 0.5, as resolved by aberration-corrected transmission
      electron microscopy. First-principles calculations reveal that the binding
      energies of striped and random alloys are nearly identical but that phase
      segregation at the growth edge favors one metal over another depending on the
      local sulfur availability, independent of the composition deeper inside the
      monolayer. Thus, atomically thin striping is kinetically driven and controlled by
      fluctuations that couple the local chemical potentials of metals and
      chalcogenide. Considering the nearly identical electronic properties but very
      different atomic masses of Mo and W, the resulting striped alloy is
      electronically isotropic, but vibrationally anisotropic. Phonon anomalies
      associated with the stripe ordering are predicted, as is an anisotropic thermal
      conductivity. More generally, fluctuation-driven striping provides a mechanism to
      produce in-plane subnanometer superlattices within two-dimensional crystals, with
      broad implications for controlling the electronic, optical, and structural
      properties of these systems.

PMID- 27673344
TI  - Electron-Beam Lithographic Grafting of Functional Polymer Structures from
      Fluoropolymer Substrates.
AB  - Well-defined submicrometer structures of poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate)
      (PDMAEMA) were grafted from 100 MUm thick films of poly(ethene-alt
      tetrafluoroethene) after electron-beam lithographic exposure. To explore the
      possibilities and limits of the method under different exposure conditions, two
      different acceleration voltages (2.5 and 100 keV) were employed. First, the
      influence of electron energy and dose on the extent of grafting and on the
      structure's morphology was determined via atomic force microscopy. The surface
      grafting with PDMAEMA was confirmed by advanced surface analytical techniques
      such as time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry and X-ray photoelectron
      spectroscopy. Additionally, the possibility of effective postpolymerization
      modification of grafted structures was demonstrated by quaternization of the
      grafted PDMAEMA to the polycationic QPDMAEMA form and by exploiting electrostatic
      interactions to bind charged organic dyes and functional proteins.

PMID- 27673343
TI  - Antiviral Spirotriscoumarins A and B: Two Pairs of Oligomeric Coumarin
      Enantiomers with a Spirodienone-Sesquiterpene Skeleton from Toddalia asiatica.
AB  - Two pairs of oligomeric coumarin enantiomers, spirotriscoumarin A [(+)-1 and (-)
      1] and spirotriscoumarin B [(+)-2 and (-)-2], with a spirodienone-sesquiterpene
      fused skeleton were isolated from Toddalia asiatica. Their structures were
      unambiguously established using spectroscopic data, X-ray diffraction analysis,
      and the electronic circular dichroism (ECD) method. The racemic mixtures (+/-)-1
      and (+/-)-2 exhibit 3-to-6-fold stronger antiviral activity against influenza
      virus A (H3N2) (IC50: 3.13 and 2.87 MUM, respectively) than their corresponding
      optically pure enantiomers.

PMID- 27673345
TI  - Early Physiotherapy by Passive Range of Motion Does Not Affect Partial Brain
      Tissue Oxygenation in Neurocritical Care Patients.
AB  - Background Studies investigating multimodal cerebral monitoring including partial
      brain tissue oxygen monitoring (ptiO2) in neuro-intensive care patients during
      physiotherapy are completely lacking in the literature. Materials and Methods We
      performed a post hoc analysis of prospectively collected data of patients on
      multimodal cerebral monitoring by intracranial pressure (ICP) and cerebral
      perfusion pressure (CPP) measurement as well as ptiO2. Patients with severe brain
      diseases were treated with passive range of motion (PROM). We recorded ICP, CPP,
      and ptiO2 continuously every minute at baseline (15 minutes), during treatment
      (26 minutes), and 15 minutes after treatment with PROM. Results Overall, 25
      treatment units with PROM in 10 patients with combined ICP/CPP and ptiO2
      monitoring were evaluated. Median ICP, CPP, and ptiO2 at baseline were 12 +/- 6.1
      mm Hg, 86 +/- 17.1 mm Hg, and 27 +/- 14.3 mm Hg, respectively. Values for ICP,
      CPP, and ptiO2 did not change significantly when comparing mean values before,
      during, and after therapy. Conclusions Based on ptiO2 measurements, our data
      provide new information about the feasibility and safety of physiotherapy in
      patients with severe brain diseases.

PMID- 27673346
TI  - The alternative strategy for designing covalent drugs through kinetic effects of
      pi-stacking on the self-assembled nanoparticles: a model study with antibiotics.
AB  - It is still a huge challenge to find a new strategy for rationally designing
      covalent drugs because most of them are discovered by serendipity. Considering
      that the effect of covalent drugs is closely associated with the kinetics of the
      reaction between drug molecule and its target protein, here we first demonstrate
      an example of the kinetic effect of pi-stacking of drug molecules on covalent
      antimicrobial drug design. When PEGylated 7-aminocephalosporanic acid (PEG-ACA)
      is used as a substrate drug, pi-stacking of  the ACA group via the self-assembly
      of PEG-ACA on the surface of gold nanoparticles (i.e. Au@ACA) exhibits
      antibacterial activity against E. coli fourfold higher than a PEG-ACA monomer
      does. The reason can be reasonably attributed to the kinetic rate enhancement for
      the covalent reaction between Au@ACA and penicillin binding proteins. We believe
      that the self-assembly of functional groups onto the surface of gold
      nanoparticles represents a new strategy for covalent drug design. 

PMID- 27673347
TI  - A Rapid and Efficient Method of Identifying G0 Males with Mosaic Germ Line Cells.

PMID- 27673348
TI  - Yr58: A New Stripe Rust Resistance Gene and Its Interaction with Yr46 for
      Enhanced Resistance.
AB  - The quantitative trait loci QYr.sun-3BS and QYr.sun-4DL were identified in the
      W195/BTSS recombinant inbred line (RIL) population in a previous study. QYr.sun
      3BS explained 34 to 59% phenotypic variation in stripe rust response. We
      evaluated parental genotypes at different growth stages and temperature regimes
      to detect the critical stage for expression of QYr.sun-3BS. W195 expressed low
      infection type (IT) ;1C at the fourth leaf stage, when incubated at 21 +/- 2
      degrees C and the alternate parent BTSS was susceptible (IT 3+). Monogenic
      segregation for stripe rust response was observed among the RIL population at the
      fourth leaf stage and the underlying locus was temporarily named YrW195. YrW195
      corresponded to QYr.sun-3BS. Since no previously designated stripe rust
      resistance genes that expresses at and after the fourth leaf stage was mapped in
      this region, YrW195 was formally named Yr58. Genotyping with Yr46-linked markers
      indicated the presence of Yr46 in W195, which corresponded to QYr.sun-4DL. The
      RILs carrying Yr58 and Yr46 singly produced IT 23C and IT 3+, respectively, and
      those carrying both genes produced IT ;1C indicating the enhancement of Yr58
      expression by Yr46. The absence of Yr58-linked alleles of markers sun533 and
      sun476 in 74 of the 76 wheat cultivars demonstrated their usefulness for marker
      assisted selection.

PMID- 27673351
TI  - The role of clinical experience, diagnosis, and theoretical orientation in the
      treatment of posttraumatic and dissociative disorders: A vignette and survey
      investigation.
AB  - Controversy exists regarding the merits of exposure-based treatments for
      posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) versus a phased approach when prominent
      dissociative symptoms are present. The first aim of this study was to examine the
      degree to which diagnosing dissociation in two traumatized patients' vignettes
      influenced clinicians' preference for phase-oriented treatment and whether
      clinicians' treatment experience contributed to their treatment preference. The
      second aim was to assess the extent to which participants had observed
      traumatized patients worsen when treated with exposure therapy or phase-oriented
      therapy and whether the theoretical orientation and treatment experience of the
      clinician were related to the observed deterioration. In the tradition of expert
      and practitioner surveys, 263 clinicians completed a survey of their diagnoses
      and treatment preferences for two vignettes and their treatment experience,
      theoretical orientation, and observations of patients' deterioration. When a
      marked degree of dissociation was noted in the PTSD vignette, respondents favored
      phased approaches regardless of the diagnosis given. Reports of having observed
      patient deterioration during both exposure and phased therapy were predicted by
      years of experience. Psychodynamic therapists reported more observations of
      worsening during exposure therapy than cognitive behavior therapy therapists.
      Clinical experience treating PTSD may heighten awareness of negative therapeutic
      effects, potentially because experienced clinicians have a lower threshold for
      detecting such effects and because they are referred more challenging cases.

PMID- 27673352
TI  - Impact of the Omnipod(r) Insulin Management System on Quality of Life: A Survey
      of Current Users.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Few recent studies have examined the impact of continuous
      subcutaneous insulin infusion systems on patient-reported quality of life (QOL).
      We explored QOL changes resulting from treatment with the Omnipod(r) Insulin
      Management System (Insulet Corp., Billerica, MA). METHODS: One thousand two
      hundred forty-five adults (>18 years) with type 1 diabetes and current Omnipod
      users completed an online questionnaire examining perceived changes in QOL and
      glycemic control since Omnipod initiation. The QOL dimensions included overall
      well-being (World Health Organization-5, modified to examine changes
      retrospectively), diabetes distress (Type 1 Diabetes Distress Scale, current
      distress and a modified retrospective version), and psychosocial impact (two
      subscales from the Diabetes Technology Impact Measure, perceived control over
      diabetes, and hypoglycemic safety). Regression analyses examined associations
      between demographics, key psychological factors, and perceived change in glycemic
      control with the QOL dimensions. RESULTS: Broad QOL and clinical benefits
      associated with Omnipod use were common. The majority reported positive changes
      in the following: overall well-being (53.5%), perceived control over diabetes
      (72.5%), hypoglycemic safety (50.6%), and diabetes distress (69.6%). Worsening in
      any of these areas was uncommon. In addition, 64.2% of patients reported glycemic
      improvement post-Omnipod initiation, while 35.2% reported a decrease in severe
      hypoglycemic episodes. Trust in one's Omnipod, perceived improvement in glycemic
      control, and reductions in severe hypoglycemia independently predicted benefits
      in all QOL measures (all P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that
      Omnipod users perceived substantial QOL benefits from the device; benefits are
      more apparent in those who trust the device and have noted positive changes in
      glycemic control.

PMID- 27673353
TI  - Roles and Signaling Pathways of Des-gamma-Carboxyprothrombin in the Progression
      of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
AB  - Des-gamma-carboxyprothrombin (DCP), an abnormal prothrombin produced in human
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), plays crucial roles in the progression of HCC.
      DCP binding to cellular mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (c-Met) is an
      initial event and consequently stimulates HCC through the increase of c-Met-Janus
      kinase 1- signal transducers and activators of transcription pathways. DCP
      stimulates HCC invasion through activation of matrix metalloproteinase via
      upregulation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase-mitogen-activated protein
      kinase (MAPK) pathway. DCP stimulates HCC angiogenesis through activation of the
      DCP-kinase insert domain receptor-phospholipaseC-gamma-MAPK pathway.
      Identification of these pathways is important for designing the therapeutic
      strategy for HCC.

PMID- 27673355
TI  - Nucleolin and nucleophosmin: nucleolar proteins with multiple functions in DNA
      repair.
AB  - The nucleolus represents a highly multifunctional intranuclear organelle in
      which, in addition to the canonical ribosome assembly, numerous processes such as
      transcription, DNA repair and replication, the cell cycle, and apoptosis are
      coordinated. The nucleolus is further a key hub in the sensing of cellular stress
      and undergoes major structural and compositional changes in response to cellular
      perturbations. Numerous nucleolar proteins have been identified that, upon
      sensing nucleolar stress, deploy additional, non-ribosomal roles in the
      regulation of varied cell processes including cell cycle arrest, arrest of DNA
      replication, induction of DNA repair, and apoptosis, among others. The highly
      abundant proteins nucleophosmin (NPM1) and nucleolin (NCL) are two such factors
      that transit to the nucleoplasm in response to stress, and participate directly
      in the repair of numerous different DNA damages. This review discusses the
      contributions made by NCL and (or) NPM1 to the different DNA repair pathways
      employed by mammalian cells to repair DNA insults, and examines the implications
      of such activities for the regulation, pathogenesis, and therapeutic targeting of
      NPM1 and NCL.

PMID- 27673356
TI  - Ultrasound for In Vitro, Noninvasive Real-Time Monitoring and Evaluation of
      Tissue-Engineered Heart Valves.
AB  - Tissue-engineered heart valves are developed in bioreactors where biochemical and
      mechanical stimuli are provided for extracellular matrix formation. During this
      phase, the monitoring possibilities are limited by the need to maintain the
      sterility and integrity of the valve. Therefore, noninvasive and nondestructive
      techniques are required. As such, optical imaging is commonly used to verify
      valve's functionality in vitro. It provides important information (i.e., leaflet
      symmetry, geometric orifice area, and closing and opening times), which is,
      however, usually limited to a singular view along the central axis from the
      outflow side. In this study, we propose ultrasound as a monitoring method that,
      in contrast to established optical imaging, can assess the valve from different
      planes, scanning the whole three-dimensional geometry. We show the potential
      benefits associated with the application of ultrasound to bioreactors, in
      advancing heart valve tissue engineering from design to fabrication and in vitro
      maturation. Specifically, we demonstrate that additional information, otherwise
      unavailable, can be gained to evaluate the valve's functionality (e.g.,
      coaptation length, and effective cusp height and shape). Furthermore, we show
      that Doppler techniques provide qualitative visualization and quantitative
      evaluation of the flow through the valve, in real time and throughout the whole
      in vitro fabrication phase.

PMID- 27673354
TI  - Pomegranate Intake Protects Against Genomic Instability Induced by Medical X-rays
      In Vivo in Mice.
AB  - Ionizing radiation (IR) is a well-documented human carcinogen. The increased use
      of IR in medical procedures has doubled the annual radiation dose and may
      increase cancer risk. Genomic instability is an intermediate lesion in IR-induced
      cancer. We examined whether pomegranate extract (PE) suppresses genomic
      instability induced by x-rays. Mice were treated orally with PE and exposed to an
      x-ray dose of 2 Gy. PE intake suppressed x-ray-induced DNA double-strand breaks
      (DSBs) in peripheral blood and chromosomal damage in bone marrow. We hypothesized
      that PE-mediated protection against x-ray-induced damage may be due to the
      upregulation of DSB repair and antioxidant enzymes and/or increase in glutathione
      (GSH) levels. We found that expression of DSB repair genes was not altered (Nbs1
      and Rad50) or was reduced (Mre11, DNA-PKcs, Ku80, Rad51, Rad52 and Brca2) in the
      liver of PE-treated mice. Likewise, mRNA levels of antioxidant enzymes were
      reduced (Gpx1, Cat, and Sod2) or were not altered (HO-1 and Sod1) as a function
      of PE treatment. In contrast, PE-treated mice with and without IR exposure
      displayed higher hepatic GSH concentrations than controls. Thus, ingestion of
      pomegranate polyphenols is associated with inhibition of x-ray-induced genomic
      instability and elevated GSH, which may reduce cancer risk.

PMID- 27673357
TI  - Sedation by Propofol for Painful Care Procedures at the End of Life: A Pilot
      Study. PROPOPAL 1.
AB  - BACKGROUND: At the end of life, patients may feel refractory pain during care
      procedures although they receive appropriate analgesia. They can benefit from a
      short-term sedation. Propofol is used for procedural sedation in emergency or
      reanimation departments. It may be adapted in a palliative care unit. OBJECTIVE:
      The main objective was to verify whether propofol could allow us to administer
      care without causing major pain to patients with refractory pain at the end of
      life. DESIGN: We conducted an open, prospective, and uncontrolled pilot study.
      SETTING/SUBJECTS: The study was conducted in one palliative care center in
      France. The subjects were patients with an estimated prognosis less than three
      months who experienced pain during care procedures, although they receive
      appropriate analgesia. RESULTS: Ten patients were included. Care was delivered
      with no major pain for 9 patients out of 10. The average duration of induction to
      reach deep sedation was 4 minutes (2-8) and of care procedures was 13 minutes (7
      32). On average, the patient woke up 11.5 minutes after we stopped injecting
      propofol (7-18). Only one patient experienced a significant adverse effect caused
      by propofol, but it did not have any harmful consequence except the interruption
      of care procedures. CONCLUSION: Transitory sedation using propofol for terminally
      ill patients hospitalized in a palliative care unit can offer optimal comfort
      during painful care procedures without significant complications. Patients woke
      up quickly. Further studies will have to be conducted to verify these initial
      results and make sure there are no major drawbacks.

PMID- 27673358
TI  - Healing of the bone with anti-fracture drugs.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Fracture healing is a complex physiological process. As impaired
      fracture healing is more frequent in osteoporotic subjects, anti-osteoporotic
      drugs could have some impact on this process. Areas covered: We reviewed the
      current literature to evaluate the effects of these drugs on fracture healing and
      their potential role in supporting this process, especially when impaired. A
      PubMed/Medline search was undertaken combining the terms 'fracture healing',
      'anti-resorptive drugs', 'anabolic agents', 'anti-osteoporotic drugs'. Expert
      opinion: As clinical evidence on the role of anti-osteoporotic drugs in the
      process of fracture healing consists mainly of case reports or studies with a
      relatively small number of patients, large randomized clinical trials are needed
      in order to extend to the human setting the promising results on these agents as
      inductors or co-adjuvants of bone healing derived from animal studies.

PMID- 27673360
TI  - Association between Blood Glucose Levels the Day after Targeted Temperature
      Initiation and Outcome in Traumatic Brain Injury: A Post-Hoc Analysis of the B
      HYPO Study.
AB  - We investigated associations between blood glucose levels and clinical outcomes
      in participants of the multi-center randomized controlled Brain-Hypothermia (B
      HYPO) study. Patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI, Glasgow Coma Scale
      4-8) were assigned to therapeutic hypothermia (TH, 32-34 degrees C, n = 98) or
      fever control (35.5-37.0 degrees C, n = 50) groups. TH patients were cooled as
      soon as possible for >=72 h and rewarmed at a rate of <1 degrees C/d. We recorded
      blood glucose (BG) levels on days 0, 1, and 3 after treatment initiation, and day
      1 after rewarming. The Glasgow Outcome Scale was assessed at 6 months. Median BG
      levels decreased from day 0 to day 1 (163 vs. 132 mg/dL, p = 0.0062) in the fever
      control group. In contrast, a decrease was observed from day 1 to day 3 (157.5
      vs. 126 mg/dL, p < 0.001) in the TH group. Day 1 BG was higher in the TH group
      compared with the fever control group (p = 0.0252). At day 0, BG levels were
      higher in non-survivors compared with survivors across all patients (p = 0.0035),
      the TH group (p = 0.0125), and the non-surgical group (p = 0.0236). Higher day 1
      BG levels were observed in non-survivors compared with survivors across all
      patients (p = 0.0071), the fever control group (p = 0.0495), and the surgical
      group (p = 0.0364). In the TH group, the initial stress hyperglycemia was
      sustained the next day after TH induction. Day 1 BG predicted outcome in TBI
      patients with TH and fever control. Our findings indicate the significance of BG
      control particularly during TH treatment.

PMID- 27673359
TI  - The selective permeability barrier in the nuclear pore complex.
AB  - The nuclear pore complex (NPC) mediates the shuttle transport of macromolecules
      between the nucleus and cytoplasm in eukaryotic cells. The permeability barrier
      formed by intrinsically disordered phenylalanine-glycine-rich nucleoporins (FG
      Nups) in the NPC functions as the critical selective control for
      nucleocytoplasmic transport. Signal-independent small molecules (< 40 kDa)
      passively diffuse through the pore, but passage of large cargo molecules is
      inhibited unless they are chaperoned by nuclear transport receptors (NTRs). NTRs
      are capable of interacting with FG-Nups and guide the cargos to cross the barrier
      by facilitated diffusion. The native conformation of the FG-Nups permeability
      barrier and the competition among multiple NTRs interacting with this barrier in
      the native NPCs are the 2 core questions still being highly debated in the field.
      Recently, we applied high-speed super-resolution fluorescence microscopy to map
      out the natural structure of the FG-Nups barrier and determined the competition
      among multiple NTRs as they interact with the barrier in the native NPCs. In this
      extra-view article, we will review the current understanding in the configuration
      and function of FG-Nups barrier and highlight the new evidence obtained recently
      to answer the core questions in nucleocytoplasmic transport.

PMID- 27673361
TI  - Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma Associated with Germline RETK666N Mutation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 is an autosomal dominant
      inherited syndrome caused by activating mutations in the RET proto-oncogene. The
      RETK666N DNA variant was previously reported in two isolated medullary thyroid
      carcinoma (MTC) cases, but no family studies are available, and its oncogenic
      significance remains unknown. METHODS: The clinical features, genetic data, and
      family information of eight index MTC patients with a germline RETK666N variant
      were assessed. RESULTS: Four probands presented with MTC and extensive nodal
      metastasis, one with biopsy-confirmed distant metastasis. Two additional probands
      presented with localized disease. However, nodal status was not available. Of the
      final two probands, one had an incidental 1.5 mm MTC and C-cell hyperplasia
      uncovered after surgery for papillary thyroid carcinoma, and one had two foci of
      MTC (largest dimension 2.3 cm) detected after surgery for dysphagia. Genetic
      screening identified 16 additional family members carrying the K666N variant
      (aged 5-90 years), 11 of whom have documented evaluation for MTC. Of these, only
      two were found to have elevated basal serum calcitonin upon screening, and the
      remaining patients had calcitonin levels within the reference range. One patient
      who elected to have a thyroidectomy at 70 years of age was confirmed to have MTC.
      The other subject, 57 years old, elected surveillance. Four prophylactic
      thyroidectomies were performed, with one case of C-cell hyperplasia at 20 years
      and three cases that revealed normal pathology at ages 21, 30, and 30 years. None
      of the K666N DNA variant carriers had evidence of primary hyperparathyroidism or
      pheochromocytoma. CONCLUSIONS: From this case series, the largest such experience
      to date, it is concluded that the RETK666N variant is likely pathogenic and
      associated with low penetrance of MTC. However, the findings are insufficient to
      define its pathogenicity clearly and make firm recommendations for screening and
      treatment. Given the potential benefit associated with early detection of
      aberrant C-cell growth, and the noninvasive nature of genetic testing, "at risk"
      individuals should be screened, and if the K666N variant is identified, they
      should be managed using a personalized screening approach for detection of MTC.

PMID- 27673362
TI  - Anal Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions and HPV Among Young Black Men Who Have Sex
      with Men.
AB  - PURPOSE: Limited data are available on anal squamous intraepithelial lesions
      (ASILs) and anal human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in young, Black
      populations. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of and
      relationships between ASILs and high-risk HPV infection in a young (<30 years of
      age), predominantly Black, men who have sex with men (MSM) population. METHODS:
      Results of anal cytology and HPV DNA were gathered for 83 individuals. RESULTS:
      Forty-two percent of individuals (35) had atypical squamous cells of undetermined
      significance and 33% (27) had low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion by
      cytology. Only 9% tested positive for both high-risk HPV subtypes 16 and 18.
      CONCLUSION: Low rates of infection with both HPV types 16 and 18 may provide
      further evidence that we should continue to vaccinate young, Black MSM against
      HPV.

PMID- 27673363
TI  - Serum metabolomic profiling of prostate cancer risk in the prostate, lung,
      colorectal, and ovarian cancer screening trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Two recent metabolomic analyses found serum lipid, energy, and other
      metabolites related to aggressive prostate cancer risk up to 20 years prior to
      diagnosis. METHODS: We conducted a serum metabolomic investigation of prostate
      cancer risk in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial
      that included annual serum total prostate-specific antigen measurement and
      digital rectal examination. This nested study included 380 cases diagnosed post
      screening and 380 controls individually matched to cases on age, race, study
      centre, and blood-collection date (median time to diagnosis, 10 years (range 4.4
      17 years)). Sera were analysed on a high-resolution accurate mass platform of
      ultrahigh-performance liquid and gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy that
      identified 695 known metabolites. Logistic regression conditioned on the matching
      factors estimated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals of risk
      associated with an 80th percentile increase in the log-metabolite signal.
      RESULTS: Twenty-seven metabolites were associated with prostate cancer at P<0.05.
      Pyroglutamine, gamma-glutamylphenylalanine, phenylpyruvate, N-acetylcitrulline,
      and stearoylcarnitine showed the strongest metabolite-risk signals (ORs=0.53,
      0.51, 0.46, 0.58, and 1.74, respectively; 0.001?P?0.006). Findings were similar
      for aggressive disease (peptide chemical class, P=0.03). None of the P-values
      were below the threshold of Bonferroni correction, however. CONCLUSIONS: A unique
      metabolomic profile associated with post-screening prostate cancer is identified
      that differs from that in a previously studied, unscreened population.

PMID- 27673364
TI  - Validation of the EORTC QLQ-BIL21 questionnaire for measuring quality of life in
      patients with cholangiocarcinoma and cancer of the gallbladder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is no specific quality of life (QoL) measurement tool to
      quantify QoL in patients with biliary tract cancer. Quality of life measurement
      is an increasingly crucial trial end point and is now being incorporated into
      clinical practice. METHODS: This International Multicentre Phase IV Validation
      Study assessed the QLQ-BIL21 module in 172 patients with cholangiocarcinoma and
      91 patients with cancer of the gallbladder. Patients completed the questionnaire
      at baseline pretherapy and subsequently at 2 months. Following this, the
      psychometric properties of reliability, validity, scale structure and
      responsiveness to change were analysed. RESULTS: Analysis of the QLQ-BIL21 scales
      showed appropriate reliability with Cronbach's alpha-coefficients >0.70 for all
      scales overall. Intraclass correlations exceeded 0.80 for all scales. Convergent
      validity >0.40 was demonstrated for all items within scales, and discriminant
      validity was confirmed with values <0.70 for all scales compared with each other.
      Scale scores changed in accordance with Karnofsky performance status and in
      response to clinical change. CONCLUSIONS: The QLQ-BIL21 is a valid tool for the
      assessment of QoL in patients with cholangiocarcinoma and cancer of the
      gallbladder.

PMID- 27673366
TI  - Novel Stannatrane N(CH2CMe2O)2(CMe2CH2O)SnO-t-Bu and Related Oligonuclear Tin(IV)
      Oxoclusters. Two Isomers in One Crystal.
AB  - The syntheses of the alkanolamine N(CH2CMe2OH)2(CMe2CH2OH) (1), of the
      stannatrane N(CH2CMe2O)2(CMe2CH2O)SnO-t-Bu (2), and of the trinuclear tin
      oxocluster 3 consisting of the two isomers [(MU3-O)(O-t
      Bu){Sn(OCH2CMe2)(OCMe2CH2)2N}3] (3a) and [(MU3-O)(MU3-O-t
      Bu){Sn(OCH2CMe2)(OCMe2CH2)2N}3] (3b) as well as the isolation of a few crystals
      of the hexanuclear tin oxocluster [LSnOSn(OH)3LSnOH]2 [L =
      N(CH2CMe2O)2(CMe2CH2O)] (4) are reported. The compounds were characterized by 1H,
      13C, 15N, and 119Sn (1-3) nuclear magnetic resonance and infrared spectroscopy,
      electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction
      analysis (1-4). A graph set analysis was performed for compound 1. The relative
      energies of 3a and 3b were estimated by density functional theory calculations
      that show that the energy differences are small.

PMID- 27673365
TI  - Emergence of resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors in non-small-cell lung
      cancer can be delayed by an upfront combination with the HSP90 inhibitor
      onalespib.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as crizotinib and erlotinib, are
      widely used to treat non-small-cell lung cancer, but after initial response,
      relapse is common because of the emergence of resistance through multiple
      mechanisms. Here, we investigated whether a frontline combination with an HSP90
      inhibitor could delay the emergence of resistance to these inhibitors in
      preclinical lung cancer models. METHODS: The HSP90 inhibitor, onalespib, was
      combined with either crizotinib or erlotinib in ALK- or EGFR-activated xenograft
      models respectively (H2228, HCC827). RESULTS: In both models, after initial
      response to the monotherapy kinase inhibitors, tumour relapse was observed. In
      contrast, tumour growth remained inhibited when treated with an onalespib/kinase
      inhibitor combination. Analysis of H2228 tumours, which had relapsed on
      crizotinib monotherapy, identified a number of clinically relevant crizotinib
      resistance mechanisms, suggesting that HSP90 inhibitor treatment was capable of
      suppressing multiple mechanisms of resistance. Resistant cell lines, derived from
      these tumours, retained sensitivity to onalespib (proliferation and signalling
      pathways were inhibited), indicating that, despite their resistance to
      crizotinib, they were still sensitive to HSP90 inhibition. CONCLUSIONS: Together,
      these preclinical data suggest that frontline combination with an HSP90 inhibitor
      may be a method for delaying the emergence of resistance to targeted therapies.

PMID- 27673367
TI  - alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors from Preussia minimoides ?.
AB  - Extensive fractionation of an extract from the grain-based culture of the
      endophytic fungus Preussia minimoides led to the isolation of two new polyketides
      with novel skeletons, minimoidiones A (1) and B (2), along with the known
      compounds preussochromone C (3), corymbiferone (4), and 5-hydroxy-2,7-dimethoxy-8
      methylnaphthoquinone (5). The structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated using 1D and
      2D NMR data analysis, along with DFT calculations of 1H NMR chemical shifts. The
      absolute configuration of 1 was established by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction
      analysis and TDDFT-ECD calculations. Compounds 1-4 significantly inhibited yeast
      alpha-glucosidase.

PMID- 27673368
TI  - Thermally-Induced Triple-Shape Hydrogels: Soft Materials Enabling Complex
      Movements.
AB  - Shape-memory hydrogels enable directed movements of a specimen in response to
      temperature, whereby crystallizable switching segments incorporated as side
      chains resulted in constant degrees of swelling during the shape-memory cycle.
      Here we report about hydrogels exhibiting a thermally induced triple-shape effect
      that allows complex movements of soft materials with two almost independent shape
      changes. Potential applications for those soft triple-shape materials are two
      step self-unfolding devices or temperature-sensitive hydrogel actuators, for
      example, smart valves for flow rate control in aqueous media. Series of hydrogels
      with two different hydrophobic crystallizable switching segments were prepared.
      The degrees of swelling of the triple-shape hydrogels were not affected for
      different shapes or temperatures, which avoided in this way interferences on the
      shape shifts. During the two-step programming procedure, two distinct shapes can
      be implemented as reflected by shape fixity ratios of generally >50%. Structural
      analysis of the switching domains during the triple-shape cycle by means of X-ray
      scattering indicates that longer side chains gain lower orientation after
      deformation and that shorter side chains orient perpendicular to the hydrophilic
      main chain. Furthermore, it is observed that increased orientation of the
      switching domains is not a key requirement for adequate shape fixity and recovery
      ratios of the triple-shape effect in hydrogels, thus longer side chains can be
      utilized as switching segments in other shape-memory hydrogels.

PMID- 27673369
TI  - Web Server for Peak Detection, Baseline Correction, and Alignment in Two
      Dimensional Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry-Based Metabolomics Data.
AB  - Two-dimensional gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC*GC/TOF
      MS) is superior for chromatographic separation and provides great sensitivity for
      complex biological fluid analysis in metabolomics. However, GC*GC/TOF-MS data
      processing is currently limited to vendor software and typically requires several
      preprocessing steps. In this work, we implement a web-based platform, which we
      call GC2MS, to facilitate the application of recent advances in GC*GC/TOF-MS,
      especially for metabolomics studies. The core processing workflow of GC2MS
      consists of blob/peak detection, baseline correction, and blob alignment. GC2MS
      treats GC*GC/TOF-MS data as pictures and clusters the pixels as blobs according
      to the brightness of each pixel to generate a blob table. GC2MS then aligns the
      blobs of two GC*GC/TOF-MS data sets according to their distance and similarity.
      The blob distance and similarity are the Euclidean distance of the first and
      second retention times of two blobs and the Pearson's correlation coefficient of
      the two mass spectra, respectively. GC2MS also directly corrects the raw data
      baseline. The analytical performance of GC2MS was evaluated using GC*GC/TOF-MS
      data sets of Angelica sinensis compounds acquired under different experimental
      conditions and of human plasma samples. The results show that GC2MS is an easy-to
      use tool for detecting peaks and correcting baselines, and GC2MS is able to align
      GC*GC/TOF-MS data sets acquired under different experimental conditions. GC2MS is
      freely accessible at http://gc2ms.web.cmdm.tw .

PMID- 27673370
TI  - Kinetics Aspects of the Reversible Assembly of Copper in Heterometallic Mo3CuS4
      Clusters with 4,4'-Di-tert-butyl-2,2'-bipyridine.
AB  - Treatment of the triangular [Mo3S4Cl3(dbbpy)3]Cl cluster ([1]Cl) with CuCl
      produces a novel tetrametallic cuboidal cluster [Mo3(CuCl)S4Cl3(dbbpy)3][CuCl2]
      ([2][CuCl2]), whose crystal structure was determined by X-ray diffraction (dbbpy
      = 4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-bipyridine). This species, which contains two distinct
      types of Cu(I), is the first example of a diimine-functionalized heterometallic
      M3M'S4 cluster. Kinetics studies on both the formation of the cubane from the
      parent trinuclear cluster and its dissociation after treatment with halides,
      supported by NMR, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, cyclic voltammetry,
      and density functional theory calculations, are provided. On the one hand, the
      results indicate that addition of Cu(I) to [1]+ is so fast that its kinetics can
      be monitored only by cryo-stopped flow at -85  degrees C. On the other hand, the
      release of the CuCl unit in [2]+ is also a fast process, which is unexpectedly
      assisted by the CuCl2- counteranion in a process triggered by halide (X-) anions.
      The whole set of results provide a detailed picture of the assembly-disassembly
      processes in this kind of cluster. Interconversion between trinuclear M3S4
      clusters and their heterometallic M3M'S4 derivatives can be a fast process
      occurring readily under the conditions employed during reactivity and catalytic
      studies, so their occurrence is a possibility that must be taken into account in
      future studies.

PMID- 27673371
TI  - Reversible Covalent Binding to Cardiac Troponin C by the Ca2+-Sensitizer
      Levosimendan.
AB  - The binding of Ca2+ to cardiac troponin C (cTnC) triggers contraction in heart
      muscle. In the diseased heart, the myocardium is often desensitized to Ca2+,
      which leads to impaired contractility. Therefore, compounds that sensitize
      cardiac muscle to Ca2+ (Ca2+-sensitizers) have therapeutic promise. The only Ca2+
      sensitizer used regularly in clinical settings is levosimendan. While the primary
      target of levosimendan is thought to be cTnC, the molecular details of this
      interaction are not well understood. In this study, we used mass spectrometry,
      computational chemistry, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to
      demonstrate that levosimendan reacts specifically with cysteine 84 of cTnC to
      form a reversible thioimidate bond. We also showed that levosimendan only reacts
      with the active, Ca2+-bound conformation of cTnC. Finally, we propose a
      structural model of levosimendan bound to cTnC, which suggests that the Ca2+
      sensitizing function of levosimendan is due to stabilization of the Ca2+-bound
      conformation of cTnC.

PMID- 27673372
TI  - Diffusion in Homogeneous and in Inhomogeneous Media: A New Unified Approach.
AB  - We propose a new method to calculate the diffusion coefficient within molecular
      dynamics simulations for either homogeneous or inhomogeneous fluids. We formulate
      such method by solving analytically the Smoluchowski equation for a linear
      potential of mean force within a thin layer with absorbing boundary conditions.
      The bulk, or homogeneous, fluid diffusion emerges as a particular case in this
      approach. We apply this method to bulk liquid water at atmospheric pressure and
      different temperatures using the SPC/E water force field. We show that our method
      gives results as accurate as the traditional Einstein-Smoluchowski method,
      avoiding the fitting procedure required in the traditional method. We also apply
      this method for molten sodium chloride showing its applicability for
      multicomponent systems. The water vapor-liquid interface is studied as an example
      of an inhomogeneous system. We calculate all the components of the diffusion
      tensor at the interface. We observe the same anisotropy between the perpendicular
      and the parallel components at the interface as it has been noted in the
      literature. We also calculate the perpendicular self-diffusion coefficient of
      methane near the calcite surface showing that this coefficient is much lower than
      the parallel diffusion coefficients. We believe that this new unified approach is
      a very promising technique for both bulk and confined media.

PMID- 27673373
TI  - Vulvodynia: When a Paradigm Challenges the Management.

PMID- 27673374
TI  - Gynecologists' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Intentions Toward Human Papillomavirus
      Vaccination in Serbia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to estimate the level of knowledge,
      attitudes, and intentions about human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and HPV
      vaccine among gynecologists and to explore predictors of gynecologists' intention
      to recommend the HPV vaccine. METHOD: This research was conducted between April
      and June 2014 among all gynecologists working at women's health departments in
      all primary health centers in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, using a specially
      designed questionnaire. RESULTS: The response rate was 88.2%. The knowledge of
      gynecologists was estimated as average. The most frequently reported obstacles to
      HPV vaccination was the financial concern (59.8%). More than two thirds of the
      gynecologists were willing to recommend the vaccine (68.4%). The factors
      associated with the gynecologists' intention to recommend the vaccine included
      their positive attitudes toward boys' vaccination (odds ratio [OR], 8.96; 95%
      confidence interval [CI], 2.85-28.16), negative attitudes toward frequent changes
      the recommendations (OR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.10-0.93), and beliefs that the vaccine
      application would decrease condom usage (OR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.06-0.68).
      CONCLUSIONS: The findings provide an important insight into the current point of
      view of the gynecologists, which confirms that the better the knowledge of HPV
      and vaccine, the higher the likelihood of recommending it.

PMID- 27673375
TI  - Efficient Photochemical Dihydrogen Generation Initiated by a Bimetallic Self
      Quenching Mechanism.
AB  - Artificial photosynthesis relies on coupling light absorption with chemical fuel
      generation. A mechanistic study of visible light-driven H2 production from
      [Cp*Ir(bpy)H]+ (1) has revealed a new, highly efficient pathway for integrating
      light absorption with bond formation. The net reaction of 1 with a proton source
      produces H2, but the rate of excited state quenching is surprisingly acid
      independent and displays no observable deuterium kinetic isotopic effect. Time
      resolved photoluminescence and labeling studies are consistent with diffusion
      limited bimetallic self-quenching by electron transfer. Accordingly, the quantum
      yield of H2 release nearly reaches unity as the concentration of 1 increases.
      This unique pathway for photochemical H2 generation provides insight into
      transformations catalyzed by 1.

PMID- 27673376
TI  - Model Simulations of the Thermal Dissociation of the TIK(H+)2 Tripeptide:
      Mechanisms and Kinetic Parameters.
AB  - Direct dynamics simulations, utilizing the RM1 semiempirical electronic structure
      theory, were performed to study the thermal dissociation of the doubly protonated
      tripeptide threonine-isoleucine-lysine ion, TIK(H+)2, for temperatures of 1250
      2500 K, corresponding to classical energies of 1778-3556 kJ/mol. The number of
      different fragmentation pathways increases with increase in temperature. At 1250
      K there are only three fragmentation pathways, with one contributing 85% of the
      fragmentation. In contrast, at 2500 K, there are 61 pathways, and not one
      dominates. The same ion is often formed via different pathways, and at 2500 K
      there are only 14 m/z values for the product ions. The backbone and side-chain
      fragmentations occur by concerted reactions, with simultaneous proton transfer
      and bond rupture, and also by homolytic bond ruptures without proton transfer.
      For each temperature the TIK(H+)2 fragmentation probability versus time is
      exponential, in accord with the Rice-Ramsperger-Kassel-Marcus and transition
      state theories. Rate constants versus temperature were determined for two proton
      transfer and two bond rupture pathways. From Arrhenius plots activation energies
      Ea and A-factors were determined for these pathways. They are 62-78 kJ/mol and (2
      3) * 1012 s-1 for the proton transfer pathways and 153-168 kJ/mol and (2-4) *
      1014 s-1 for the bond rupture pathways. For the bond rupture pathways, the
      product cation radicals undergo significant structural changes during the bond
      rupture as a result of hydrogen bonding, which lowers their entropies and also
      their Ea and A parameters relative to those for C-C bond rupture pathways in
      hydrocarbon molecules. The Ea values determined from the simulation Arrhenius
      plots are in very good agreement with the reaction barriers for the RM1 method
      used in the simulations. A preliminary simulation of TIK(H+)2 collision-induced
      dissociation (CID), at a collision energy of 13 eV (1255 kJ/mol), was also
      performed to compare with the thermal dissociation simulations. Though the energy
      transferred to TIK(H+)2 in the collisions is substantially less than the energy
      for the thermal excitations, there is substantial fragmentation as a result of
      the localized, nonrandom excitation by the collisions. CID results in different
      fragmentation pathways with a significant amount of short time nonstatistical
      fragmentation. Backbone fragmentation is less important, and side-chain
      fragmentation is more important for the CID simulations as compared to the
      thermal simulations. The thermal simulations provide information regarding the
      long-time statistical fragmentation.

PMID- 27673379
TI  - Nanostructured Stealth Surfaces for Visible and Near-Infrared Light.
AB  - So far, all previous attempts to apply nanostructures for perfect transmission
      have not achieved maximum transmittance beyond 99.5% due to the limited
      regularity of the nanoscale surface geometry: too low for many high-end
      applications. Here we demonstrate a nanostructured stealth surface, with minimal
      reflectance (<0.02%) and maximal transmittance (>99.8%) for a wavelength range,
      covering visible and near-infrared. Compared to multilayer thin film coatings for
      near-infrared applications our antireflective surfaces operate within a much
      broader wavelength range, are mechanical stable to resist human touch or
      contamination, show a 44% higher laser-induced damage threshold, and are suitable
      for bended interfaces such as microlenses as well.

PMID- 27673378
TI  - Minimal Incision, Multifidus-sparing Microendoscopic Diskectomy Versus
      Conventional Microdiskectomy for Highly Migrated Intracanal Lumbar Disk
      Herniations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Highly migrated intracanal disk herniation is not among the exclusion
      criteria of the interlaminar microendoscopic diskectomy (MED) procedure. The goal
      of this prospective, randomized, controlled study was to compare the effect of
      the size of the skin incision and the method of handling the multifidus muscle on
      the results of the interlaminar MED procedure versus conventional microdiskectomy
      in retrieving highly migrated intracanal disk herniations. METHODS: Seventy-three
      patients with highly migrated intracanal lumbar disk herniations treated with
      either minimal incision, multifidus-sparing MED or conventional microdiskectomy
      were observed for 2 years. Primary (clinical) outcomes data included the results
      of the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for back and leg pain and the Oswestry
      Disability Index (ODI) to quantify pain and disability, respectively. Secondary
      objective outcomes data included surgical time, blood loss, postoperative
      analgesics, length of hospital stay, time to return to work, the rates of
      revision surgery complications, and the results of the patient satisfaction index
      (PSI) and the modified MacNab criteria. RESULTS: At final follow-up, relief of
      leg pain was statistically significant for both groups. NRS back pain, ODI, PSI,
      and the modified MacNab criteria showed no improvement in the conventional
      microdiskectomy group. Secondary outcomes data in the MED group were
      significantly better than those for the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Highly
      migrated intracanal lumbar disk herniations can be sufficiently retrieved using
      minimal incision, multifidus-sparing MED, which is an effective alternative to
      conventional microdiskectomy. The minimal skin incision and multifidus-sparing
      approach of the MED had a positive effect on clinical outcomes, which were stable
      throughout the 2-year follow-up period. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic level II.

PMID- 27673377
TI  - Soft-tissue Defects After Total Knee Arthroplasty: Management and Reconstruction.
AB  - Wound healing complications associated with total knee arthroplasty present a
      considerable challenge to the orthopaedic surgeon. To ensure preservation of a
      functional joint, the management of periprosthetic soft-tissue defects around the
      knee requires rapid assessment, early and aggressive debridement, and durable,
      contoured coverage. Several reconstructive options are available to tailor soft
      tissue coverage to the location, size, and depth of the wound. Special
      consideration should be given to the timing of the intervention, management of
      infection, and prosthesis salvage. The merits of each reconstructive option,
      including perforator, fasciocutaneous, muscular, and free microvascular flaps,
      should be weighed to select the most appropriate option. The proposed approach
      can guide surgeons in treating patients with these complex soft-tissue defects.

PMID- 27673380
TI  - Cytokines and intestinal inflammation.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Cytokines of the intestinal microenvironment largely dictate
      immunological responses after mucosal insults and the dominance of homeostatic or
      proinflammatory pathways. This review presents important recent studies on the
      role of specific cytokines in the pathogenesis of intestinal inflammation. RECENT
      FINDINGS: The particular mucosal effects of cytokines depend on their inherent
      properties but also the cellular origin, type of stimulatory antigens,
      intermolecular interactions, and the particular immunological milieu. Novel
      cytokines of the interleukin-1 (IL-1) family, including IL-33 and IL-36, have
      dominant roles in mucosal immunity, whereas more established ones such as IL-18
      are constantly enriched with unique properties. Th17 cells are important mucosal
      constituents, although their profound plasticity, makes the specific set of
      cytokines they secrete more important than their mere numbers. Finally, various
      cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-like
      cytokine 1A, and death receptor, 3 demonstrate dichotomous roles with mucosa
      protective function in acute injury but proinflammatory effects during chronic
      inflammation. SUMMARY: The role of cytokines in mucosal health and disease is
      increasingly revealed. Such information not only will advance our understanding
      of the pathogenesis of gut inflammation, but also set the background for
      development of reliable diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and cytokine
      specific therapies.

PMID- 27673381
TI  - Translating nutritional immunology into drug development for inflammatory bowel
      disease.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To highlight recent advances in the understanding of
      nutritional immunology and in the development of novel therapeutics for
      inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). RECENT FINDINGS: We highlight the variety of
      factors that contribute to the interaction of the immune system and nutrition
      including the microbiome and the nervous system stimulation of the gut. We
      describe the potential for therapeutic development in IBD. Further, we review the
      cellular metabolic effects on immune activation and promising therapeutic
      targets. Finally, we show how the progression of understanding the role of
      lanthionine synthetase C-like 2 has encompassed both nutritional and therapeutic
      advances and led to the development of novel oral small molecule therapeutics for
      IBD. SUMMARY: Nutritional immunology and drug development research centered
      around immunoregulatory pathways can provide safer and more effective drugs while
      accelerating the path to cures.

PMID- 27673382
TI  - Palladium-Catalyzed Decarbonylative Cross-Coupling of Azinecarboxylates with
      Arylboronic Acids.
AB  - The first palladium-catalyzed decarbonylative coupling of phenyl 2
      azinecarboxylates and arylboronic acids is presented. The key for the development
      of this decarbonylative coupling is the use of Pd/dcype as a catalyst. A wide
      range of 2-azinecarboxylates can undergo the present coupling reaction to afford
      2-arylazines. By combination with previously reported nickel-catalyzed
      decarbonylative coupling, we achieved a chemoselective sequential decarbonylative
      coupling of pyridine dicarboxylate to synthesize 2,4-diarylpyridine.

PMID- 27673384
TI  - Evaluating the Performance of the Pediatric Acute Lung Injury Consensus
      Conference Definition of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The Pediatric Acute Lung Injury Consensus Conference has developed a
      pediatric-specific definition of acute respiratory distress syndrome, which is a
      significant departure from both the Berlin and American European Consensus
      Conference definitions. We sought to test the external validity and potential
      impact of the Pediatric Acute Lung Injury Consensus Conference definition by
      comparing the number of cases of acute respiratory distress syndrome and
      mortality rates among children admitted to a multidisciplinary PICU when
      classified by Pediatric Acute Lung Injury Consensus Conference, Berlin, and
      American European Consensus Conference criteria. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort
      study. SETTING: Tertiary care, university-affiliated PICU. PATIENTS: All patients
      admitted between March 2009 and April 2013 who met inclusion criteria for acute
      respiratory distress syndrome. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN
      RESULTS: Of 4,764 patients admitted to the ICU, 278 (5.8%) met Pediatric Acute
      Lung Injury Consensus Conference pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome
      criteria with a mortality rate of 22.7%. One hundred forty-three (32.2%
      mortality) met Berlin criteria, and 134 (30.6% mortality) met American European
      Consensus Conference criteria. All patients who met American European Consensus
      Conference criteria and 141 (98.6%) patients who met Berlin criteria also met
      Pediatric Acute Lung Injury Consensus Conference criteria. The 137 patients who
      met Pediatric Acute Lung Injury Consensus Conference but not Berlin criteria had
      an overall mortality rate of 13.1%, but 29 had severe acute respiratory distress
      syndrome with 31.0% mortality. At acute respiratory distress syndrome onset,
      there was minimal difference in mortality between mild or moderate acute
      respiratory distress syndrome by both Berlin (32.4% vs 25.0%, respectively) and
      Pediatric Acute Lung Injury Consensus Conference (16.7% vs 18.6%, respectively)
      criteria, but higher mortality for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome
      (Berlin, 43.6%; Pediatric Acute Lung Injury Consensus Conference, 37.0%). Twenty
      four hours after acute respiratory distress syndrome onset, the presence of
      severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (using either Berlin or Pediatric
      Acute Lung Injury Consensus Conference) was associated with nearly 50% mortality.
      CONCLUSIONS: Applying the Pediatric Acute Lung Injury Consensus Conference
      definition of acute respiratory distress syndrome has the potential to
      significantly increase the number of acute respiratory distress syndrome patients
      identified, with a lower overall mortality rate. However, severe acute
      respiratory distress syndrome is associated with extremely high mortality,
      particularly if present at 24 hours after initial diagnosis.

PMID- 27673385
TI  - Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Dopamine and Epinephrine in
      Pediatric Fluid-Refractory Hypotensive Septic Shock.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We compared efficacy of dopamine and epinephrine as first-line
      vasoactive therapy in achieving resolution of shock in fluid-refractory
      hypotensive cold septic shock. DESIGN: Double-blind, pilot, randomized controlled
      study. SETTING: Pediatric emergency and ICU of a tertiary care teaching hospital.
      PATIENTS: Consecutive children 3 months to 12 years old, with fluid-refractory
      hypotensive septic shock, were enrolled between July 2013 and December 2014.
      INTERVENTION: Enrolled children were randomized to receive either dopamine (in
      incremental doses, 10 to 15 to 20 MUg/kg/min) or epinephrine (0.1 to 0.2 to 0.3
      MUg/kg/min) till end points of resolution of shock were achieved. After reaching
      maximum doses of test drugs, open-label vasoactive was started as per discretion
      of treating team. Primary outcome was resolution of shock within first hour of
      resuscitation. The study was registered (CTRI/2014/02/004393) and was approved by
      institute ethics committee. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: We enrolled 29
      children in epinephrine group and 31 in dopamine group. Resolution of shock
      within first hour was achieved in greater proportion of children receiving
      epinephrine (n = 12; 41%) than dopamine (n = 4; 13%) (odds ratio, 4.8; 95% CI,
      1.3-17.2; p = 0.019); the trend persisted even at 6 hours (48.3% vs 29%; p =
      0.184). Children in epinephrine group had lower Sequential Organ Function
      Assessment score on day 3 (8 vs 12; p = 0.05) and more organ failure-free days
      (24 vs 20 d; p = 0.022). No significant difference in adverse events (16.1% vs
      13.8%; p = 0.80) and mortality (58.1% vs 48.3%; p = 0.605) was observed between
      the two groups. CONCLUSION: Epinephrine is more effective than dopamine in
      achieving resolution of fluid-refractory hypotensive cold shock within the first
      hour of resuscitation and improving organ functions.

PMID- 27673386
TI  - Metastatic Malignant Pilomatrixoma in an 8-Year-Old Girl Misdiagnosed as a
      Recurrent Pilomatrixoma.
AB  - Malignant pilomatrixoma or pilomatrix carcinoma is a rare, locally aggressive
      malignant neoplasm, derived from the hair follicle with a high propensity for
      local recurrence. Only a few cases of metastatic pilomatrixoma have been
      described in the literature. Till date, only 17 cases have been reported in the
      English-language medical literature, most commonly occurring associated with
      local recurrence in adults. We report the first case in children of a metastatic
      malignant pilomatrixoma in an 8-year-old girl presenting with a recurrent
      pilomatrix carcinoma of the forehead with metastases in cervical and parotid
      lymph nodes.

PMID- 27673387
TI  - Eccrine Duct Dilation as a Marker of Cicatricial Alopecia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Eccrine duct dilation (EDD) and syringoma-like sweat duct
      proliferation have been described as reactive changes occurring in a variety of
      skin conditions. However, extensive evaluation of EDD in scalp biopsies performed
      for alopecia has not been performed. METHODS: We retrospectively examined 129
      cases of cicatricial alopecia (lichen planopilaris, central centrifugal
      cicatricial alopecia, and discoid lupus erythematosus) and 130 cases of
      noncicatricial alopecias (androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, and alopecia
      areata) for the presence of EDD. RESULTS: Overall, EDD occurred in 4% (5/130) of
      noncicatricial alopecia (2/43 of androgenetic alopecia, 0/15 of telogen
      effluvium, 3/72 of alopecia areata) and 35% (45/129) of cicatricial alopecia
      (10/31 of lichen planopilaris, 17/36 central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia,
      and 18/62 of discoid lupus erythematosus; P < 0.0001) cases. CONCLUSIONS: EDD can
      infrequently occur in noncicatricial alopecias; however, the frequency of
      dilation is significantly increased in cicatricial alopecias. This alteration may
      be due to compressive or inflammatory effects inherent to the scarring process.
      The presence of EDD may be a useful adjunctive histopathologic feature in the
      diagnosis of cicatricial alopecias.

PMID- 27673388
TI  - Merkel Cell Carcinoma Arising in an Epidermal Cyst.
AB  - Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare aggressive primary cutaneous neuroendocrine
      tumor. It is associated mostly with malignant skin lesions. Rare cases in the
      literature described its association with benign skin adnexal lesions. We present
      here an additional case of Merkel cell carcinoma arising from an epidermal cyst
      located in the left arm of a 57-year-old male. The tumor was composed of lobules
      of monotonous round cells with dusty chromatin. It was positive for cytokeratin
      20 and neuroendocrine markers. Patient was treated with surgical resection and
      radiation to the axilla. He is well and free of disease after 5 years of follow
      up.

PMID- 27673389
TI  - Periodic Acid-Schiff Stain in Circumscribed Hypokeratosis.

PMID- 27673390
TI  - Structural Changes in 2D BiSe Bilayers as n Increases in (BiSe)1+delta(NbSe2)n (n
      = 1-4) Heterostructures.
AB  - (BiSe)1+delta(NbSe2)n heterostructures with n = 1-4 were synthesized using
      modulated elemental reactants. The BiSe bilayer structure changed from a
      rectangular basal plane with n = 1 to a square basal plane for n = 2-4. The BiSe
      in-plane structure was also influenced by small changes in the structure of the
      precursor, without significantly changing the out-of-plane diffraction pattern or
      value of the misfit parameter, delta. Density functional theory calculations on
      isolated BiSe bilayers showed that its lattice is very flexible, which may
      explain its readiness to adjust shape and size depending on the environment.
      Correlated with the changes in the BiSe basal plane structure, analysis of
      scanning transmission electron microscope images revealed that the occurrence of
      antiphase boundaries, found throughout the n = 1 compound, is dramatically
      reduced for the n = 2-4 compounds. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements
      showed that the Bi 5d3/2, 5d5/2 doublet peaks narrowed toward higher binding
      energies as n increased from 1 to 2, also consistent with a reduction in the
      number of antiphase boundaries. Temperature-dependent electrical resistivity and
      Hall coefficient measurements of nominally stoichiometric samples in conjunction
      with structural refinements and XPS data suggest a constant amount of interlayer
      charge transfer independent of n. Constant interlayer charge transfer is
      surprising given the changes in the BiSe in-plane structure. The structural
      flexibility of the BiSe layer may be useful in designing multiple constituent
      heterostructures as an interlayer between structurally dissimilar constituents.

PMID- 27673391
TI  - Controlling the Formation and Structure of Nanoparticle Superlattices through
      Surface Ligand Behavior.
AB  - The tailoring of nanoparticle superlattices is fundamental to the design of novel
      nanostructured materials and devices. To obtain specific collective properties of
      these nanoparticle superlattices, reliable protocols for their self-assembly are
      required. This study provides insight into the self-assembly process by using
      oleate-covered CeO2 nanoparticles (cubic and polyhedral shapes) through the
      correlation of experimental and theoretical investigations. The self-assembly of
      CeO2 nanoparticles is controlled by tuning the colloid deposition parameters
      (temperature and evaporation rate), and the ordered structures so obtained were
      correlated to the Gibbs free energy variation of the system. The analysis of the
      interparticle force contributions for each structure showed the importance of
      both the effective ligand mean size and its Flory-Huggins parameter in
      determining the total potential energies. Additionally, the roles of ligand
      solubility and effective mean size were used to understand the formation of
      specific superlattice phases as a function of temperature and ligand
      accommodation in the arrangement. Furthermore, the face-to-face interactions
      between nanoparticles were correlated to the type of exposed crystallographic
      facet in each particle.

PMID- 27673392
TI  - Inhaled bronchodilators for acute chest syndrome in people with sickle cell
      disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bronchodilators are used to treat bronchial hyper-responsiveness in
      asthma. Bronchial hyper-responsiveness may be a component of acute chest syndrome
      in people with sickle cell disease. Therefore, bronchodilators may be useful in
      the treatment of acute chest syndrome. This is an update of a previously
      published Cochrane Review. OBJECTIVES: To assess the benefits and risks
      associated with the use of bronchodilators in people with acute chest syndrome.
      SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders
      Group Trials Register comprising references identified from comprehensive
      electronic database searches, handsearches of relevant journals and abstract
      books of conference proceedings. Additional searches were carried out on MEDLINE
      (1966 to 2002) and Embase (1981 to 2002).Date of the most recent search of the
      Group's Haemoglobinopathies Trials Register: 11 July 2016. SELECTION CRITERIA:
      Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials. Trials using quasi
      randomisation methods will be included in future updates of this review if there
      is sufficient evidence that the treatment and control groups are similar at
      baseline. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We found no trials investigating the use
      of bronchodilators for acute chest syndrome in people with sickle cell disease.
      MAIN RESULTS: We found no trials investigating the use of bronchodilators for
      acute chest syndrome in people with sickle cell disease. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: If
      bronchial hyper-responsiveness is an important component of some episodes of
      acute chest syndrome in people with sickle cell disease, the use of inhaled
      bronchodilators may be indicated. There is need for a well-designed, adequately
      powered randomised controlled trial to assess the benefits and risks of the
      addition of inhaled bronchodilators to established therapies for acute chest
      syndrome in people with sickle cell disease.

PMID- 27673393
TI  - Leadership, Loss and What We Wore.

PMID- 27673394
TI  - Remembering Dorothy Wylie, 1929-2016.

PMID- 27673396
TI  - Impact of a Leadership Development Institute on Professional Lives and Careers.
AB  - An evaluation study was conducted to determine the impact of a leadership
      institute, The Dorothy Wylie Health Leaders Institute (DWHLI), over the decade
      since its inception. The aim was to better understand the perceived influence of
      the Institute over time on professional lives and careers of alumni and identify
      the critical design features that supported leadership development. Nurses and
      other health disciplines from all levels of leadership and from most provinces
      completed an online survey (n = 165) and a subset was interviewed (n = 33). The
      majority of alumni (50-68%) rated the impact of the Institute as significant or
      very significant on seven of the eight selected intended leadership outcomes. For
      73-78% of the alumni, the Institute had a recurring or profound positive impact
      on their professional lives as leaders and personal careers. Alumni who reported
      the greatest impact of the program on their knowledge, skills and confidence as
      leaders also had higher levels of career satisfaction and work engagement. Design
      elements that impacted their development included the theoretical and conceptual
      content, interactive and experiential structure and mentoring. Recommendations
      for organizational sponsors included the need for opportunities to apply
      learning, ongoing coaching, mentoring and career counseling specific to their
      leadership career path. 

PMID- 27673395
TI  - Letter to the Editor.

PMID- 27673397
TI  - A Powerful New Partnership to Build Leadership Capacity in Healthcare in Canada.

PMID- 27673398
TI  - Dorothy Wylie Health Leaders Institute: "If You Build It, They Will Come".

PMID- 27673399
TI  - Sustaining a Focus on Transformative Change.

PMID- 27673400
TI  - My Leadership Story: Reflections of a Health Leaders Institute Alumnus.

PMID- 27673401
TI  - An Assessment of How Nurse Practitioners Create Access to Primary Care in
      Canadian Residential Long-Term Care Settings.
AB  - The aim of this paper is to explore the role and activities of nurse
      practitioners (NPs) working in long-term care (LTC) to understand concepts of
      access to primary care for residents. Utilizing the "FIT" framework developed by
      Penchanksy and Thomas, we used a directed content analysis method to analyze data
      from a pan-Canadian study of NPs in LTC. Individual and focus group interviews
      were conducted at four sites in western, central and eastern regions of Canada
      with 143 participants, including NPs, RNs, regulated and unregulated nursing
      staff, allied health professionals, physicians, administrators and directors and
      residents and family members. Participants emphasized how the availability and
      accessibility of the NP had an impact on access to primary and urgent care for
      residents. Understanding more about how NPs affect access in Canadian LTC will be
      valuable for nursing practice and healthcare planning and policy and may assist
      other countries in planning for the introduction of NPs in LTC settings to
      increase access to primary care. 

PMID- 27673402
TI  - Nurse Leaders' Perceptions of Influence of Organizational Restructuring on
      Evidence-Informed Decision-Making.
AB  - AIM: To describe how organizational context and restructuring influenced nurse
      leaders' use of evidence in decision-making in their management practice. METHOD:
      Qualitative descriptive study. Fifteen leaders at executive and front-line
      manager levels in one organization were interviewed using a semi-structured
      format. FINDINGS: Inductive content analysis generated five main themes: leaders
      strove to keep relationships that preserve best decision-making ability; and
      sought the best knowledge to inform their decisions. However, a context of
      constant change; more scope; less autonomy; and decisional inertia in a sea of
      change had profound effects on their ability to employ evidence in decision
      making. IMPLICATIONS: Evidence-informed decision-making is a dynamic social
      process highly influenced by political instability in work environments.
      Organizational restructuring creates threats to common decision-making
      strategies, including information flow, relationships and priority setting.
      Healthcare restructuring is now a global constant, and there is a need for
      hospital leaders to understand and mitigate the effect restructuring has on the
      ability of leaders to engage in evidence-informed decision-making. Strategies are
      proposed to manage uncertainty and support nurse leaders in their evidence
      informed decision-making to deliver quality health services. This research
      provides an in-depth examination of how evidence-informed decision-making is
      influenced in the context of instability and uncertainty due to ever-present
      organizational restructuring.

PMID- 27673403
TI  - Partnership, Trust and Leadership among Nursing Researchers.
AB  - Members of a nursing research cluster realized that they needed to determine
      whether, given their diverse philosophies, they could formulate a collective
      research agenda responding to an administrative recommendation. The cluster's
      leaders conducted an appraisal of the role and importance of trust as an element
      for promoting collaboration in a nursing research cluster and for building a
      collective social identity. The Social Exchange Theory framed the appraisal. A
      survey and a facilitation session about trust in research partnerships were
      conducted with eight female nursing researchers/faculty. Facilitation day's
      discussion was fully audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and the content coded
      using ATLAS.ti 6. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the qualitative
      aspects of the recorded discussion and the survey questionnaire explanatory
      responses. Responses to survey closed-questions were compiled as descriptive
      statistics. Participants revealed that mutual support, valuing each other and
      working collaboratively facilitated trust in intellectual partnership. Hindering
      factors were an environment suppressing expression of ideas and views, lack of
      open dialogue and decision-making among team members and lack of a sense of
      belonging. This paper has the potential to contribute to the knowledge of nursing
      leaders who are intending to develop and sustain nursing research teams in both
      academic and non-academic organizations. The paper will be especially useful as
      they deal with issues of trust in intellectual partnership in diverse settings. 

PMID- 27673405
TI  - DNA barcode variability and host plant usage of fruit flies (Diptera:
      Tephritidae) in Thailand.
AB  - The objectives of this study were to examine the genetic variation in fruit flies
      (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Thailand and to test the efficiency of the
      mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) barcoding region for species
      level identification. Twelve fruit fly species were collected from 24 host plant
      species of 13 families. The number of host plant species for each fruit fly
      species ranged between 1 and 11, with Bactrocera correcta found in the most
      diverse host plants. A total of 123 COI sequences were obtained from these fruit
      fly species. Sequences from the NCBI database were also included, for a total of
      17 species analyzed. DNA barcoding identification analysis based on the best
      close match method revealed a good performance, with 94.4% of specimens correctly
      identified. However, many specimens (3.6%) had ambiguous identification, mostly
      due to intra- and interspecific overlap between members of the B. dorsalis
      complex. A phylogenetic tree based on the mitochondrial barcode sequences
      indicated that all species, except for the members of the B. dorsalis complex,
      were monophyletic with strong support. Our work supports recent calls for
      synonymization of these species. Divergent lineages were observed within B.
      correcta and B. tuberculata, and this suggested that these species need further
      taxonomic reexamination.

PMID- 27673404
TI  - Executive functions, parental punishment, and aggression: Direct and moderated
      relations.
AB  - The main focus of the current study was to assess whether executive functions
      (EFs) moderate the effect of parental punishment on adolescent aggression. The
      sample were 370 participants (53% girls, 47% boys) enrolled at secondary and
      higher secondary levels and ranged in age between 13-19 years (M = 15.5, SD =
      1.3). Participants were assessed on a self-report measure of aggression and two
      punishment measures, in addition to a demographic sheet. Then, they were
      individually assessed on four tests taken from the Delis-Kaplan Executive
      Functions System (D-KEFS) namely Trial Making Test (TMT), Design Fluency Test
      (DFT), Color Word Interference Test (CWIT), and Card Sorting Test (CST) to assess
      cognitive flexibility, nonverbal fluency, inhibition, and problem-solving
      ability, respectively. Correlation coefficients indicated that all four executive
      functioning measures and the two punishment measures were significantly
      correlated with aggression. Moderation analysis indicated that all EFs moderated
      the relationship between physical punishment and aggression, and only inhibition
      and problem-solving ability, but not cognitive flexibility and nonverbal fluency,
      moderated the relations between symbolic punishment and aggression. The findings
      support the hypothesis that EFs are protective personal factors that promote
      healthy adolescent adjustment in the presence of challenging environmental
      factors.

PMID- 27673406
TI  - Caregiver stressors and depressive symptoms among older husbands and wives in the
      United States.
AB  - Framed by Pearlin's Stress Process Model, this study prospectively examines the
      effects of primary stress factors reflecting the duration, amount, and type of
      care on the depressive symptoms of spousal caregivers over a2-year period, and
      whether the effects of stressors differ between husbands and wives. Data are from
      the 2004 and 2006 waves of the Health and Retirement Study and we included
      community-dwelling respondents providing activities of daily life (ADL) and/or
      instrumental activities of daily life (IADL) help to their spouses/partners (N =
      774). Results from multivariate regression models indicate that none of the
      primary stressors were associated with depressive symptoms. However, wives
      providing only personal care had significantly more depressive symptoms than
      wives providing only instrumental care, while husbands providing different types
      of care showed no such differences. To illuminate strategies for reducing the
      higher distress experienced by wife caregivers engaged in personal care
      assistance, further studies are needed incorporating couples' relational dynamics
      and gendered experiences in personal care.

PMID- 27673407
TI  - Cytomorphology and Histology Correlation of Rosai-Dorfman Disease: A 15-Year
      Study from a Tertiary Referral Centre in South India.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) is an uncommon, benign histiocytic
      disorder of unknown etiology, typically presenting in young adulthood. We
      highlight the cytomorphology of RDD and correlate it with the histopathology.
      STUDY DESIGN: All cases diagnosed as RDD on fine-needle aspiration cytology
      between January 2001 and June 2015 were included. Clinical details were obtained
      from medical records. The cytology smears were reviewed along with the
      histopathology and immunohistochemistry, wherever available. RESULTS: The study
      included 10 cases ranging in age from 11 to 68 years (median 29). There was a
      male predominance with a male:female ratio of 1.5:1. The patients commonly
      presented with bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy. Extranodal involvement was
      seen in 2 cases in the nose and mandible, respectively. Of these 10 cases, 8 were
      later biopsied. The cytological features included numerous crescentic
      histiocytes, emperipolesis, reactive lymphocytes and plasma cells. A histological
      diagnosis of RDD was made in 7 out of 8 cases, and 1 was diagnosed as Hodgkin
      lymphoma. CONCLUSION: FNA represents an efficient, minimally invasive, cost
      effective and reliable technique for the diagnosis of RDD and may obviate the
      need for further biopsy. However, the disease has close differential diagnoses,
      including Langerhans cell histiocytosis, granulomatous lesions, and Hodgkin
      lymphoma. Hence, it must be remembered that there can be pitfalls when the
      diagnosis is made by cytology alone.

PMID- 27673409
TI  - MicroRNA and Long Non-Coding RNA in Ovarian Carcinoma: Translational Insights and
      Potential Clinical Applications.
AB  - Reliable biomarkers for the detection of early ovarian carcinoma are currently
      unavailable. MicroRNA and long non-coding RNA may be important in cancer
      initiation and progression by regulating gene expression through post
      transcriptional mechanisms. MicroRNAs, such as miR-26a and miR-132, have been
      investigated as novel biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring of
      therapeutic response, and therapeutic targets in ovarian carcinomas. Some long
      non-coding RNAs, such as H19 and UCA1, may be involved in the pathogenesis of
      ovarian carcinomas. MicroRNA and long non-coding RNA have potential clinical
      utility in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer and predicting prognosis, metastasis,
      recurrence, and response to therapy.

PMID- 27673408
TI  - microRNA-372 Suppresses Migration and Invasion by Targeting p65 in Human Prostate
      Cancer Cells.
AB  - Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors. microRNAs
      (miRNAs) play an important role in cancer initiation, progression, and
      metastasis, and their roles in PCa are becoming more apparent. In this study, we
      found that microRNA-372 (miR-372) is downregulated in human PCa and inhibits the
      proliferation activity, migration, and invasion of DU145 cells. Subsequently, p65
      is confirmed as a target of miR-372, and knockdown of p65 expression similarly
      resulted in decreased proliferation activity, migration, and invasion. CDK8, MMP
      9, and prostate-specific antigen were involved in both these processes. Taken
      together, our results show evidence that miR-372 may function as a tumor
      suppressor gene by regulating p65 in PCa and may provide a strategy for blocking
      PCa metastasis.

PMID- 27673410
TI  - Inhibitory Kinetics and Mechanism of Flavonoids Extracted from Cotinus coggygria
      Scop. Against Glioblastoma Cancer.
AB  - This proposal seeks to study the potential therapeutic modality of
      chemoprevention and anticancer effects and mechanisms of the flavonoids from
      Cotinus coggygria Scop. on glioblastoma cancer. In the current study, the total
      flavonoids (TFs) isolated from Cotinus coggygria Scop. var. cinerea Engl.
      (Cotinus coggygria Scop.) and the major flavonoids of Cotinus coggygria Scop.
      (CCFs) were identified, and the inhibitory kinetics of TF and CCF on glioblastoma
      cell lines were calculated. We also investigated whether TF or CCF regulated the
      apoptotic mechanism in cellular models of glio-blastoma cells. Finally, we
      evaluated whether treatment with TF or CCF suppressed tumor growth and inhibited
      migration in orthotopic mouse models of glioblastoma in vivo. In this study, the
      CCFs were identified as rutin, myricetin, and fisetin. TF and CCF remarkably
      inhibited cell proliferation and downregulated the PI3K/Akt and ERK signaling
      pathway in glioblastoma cell lines. Furthermore, the mitochondrial caspase
      dependent cascade was regulated by TF and myricetin. In addition, TF and
      myricetin exhibited significant antitumor effects on glioblastoma in vivo. Taken
      together, these results suggest that phytochemical and biological data provide
      evidence for the active components in Cotinus coggygria, and that the TFs are
      responsible for the anticancer effects on glioblastoma cell growth via induction
      of apoptosis. In addition, the representative compound myricetin could provide a
      clinically relevant therapeutic opportunity. Therefore, our data strongly suggest
      that myricetin-deprived CCF can serve as a potent chemopreventive herbal
      medicine.

PMID- 27673411
TI  - Child and Adolescent Clinical Features Preceding Adult Suicide Attempts.
AB  - The objective of this study was to identify the predictive value of juvenile
      factors for adult suicidal behavior. We reviewed clinical records to compare
      factors identified in childhood and adolescence between adult suicidal versus
      nonsuicidal major affective disorder subjects. Suicide attempts occurred in 23.1%
      of subjects. Age-at-first-symptom was 14.2 vs. 20.2 years among suicidal versus
      nonsuicidal subjects (p < 0.0001). More prevalent in suicidal versus non-suicidal
      subjects by multivariate analysis were: depressive symptoms, hyper-emotionality,
      younger-at-first-affective-episode, family suicide history, childhood mood
      swings, and adolescence low self-esteem. Presence of one factor yielded a
      Bayesian sensitivity of 64%, specificity of 50%, and negative predictive power of
      86%. Several juvenile factors were associated with adult suicidal behavior; their
      absence was strongly associated with a lack of adult suicidal behavior.

PMID- 27673412
TI  - Effect of Breast Milk Calcium and Fluidity on Breast Cancer Cells: An In Vitro
      Cell Culture Study.
AB  - AIM: The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of calcium at the
      same concentration as that found in human milk on the viability, proliferation,
      and adhesion of MCF-7 human breast ductal carcinoma cells by exposing them to
      calcium at the same frequency as in breastfeeding. MATERIALS AND METHODS: High
      concentration calcium was applied for 30 minutes every 4 hours for 24, 48, and 72
      hours. Cell proliferation and viability were measured using a hemocytometer and
      the MTT cell viability assay. The effects of calcium treatment were evaluated by
      a comparison among a multiple-, single-dose calcium treatment, and a control
      group. RESULTS: We show that calcium at the same concentration as that in milk
      caused a decrease in the number of cells but did not affect cell viability.
      CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that calcium caused a lowering of
      the number of cells from the luminal surface of the breast by triggering
      proliferation under the condition of fluidity. Calcium and fluidity together
      serve to eliminate breast cancer stem cells during the lactation period. Effects
      of the other components of milk can be analyzed by the new method developed in
      this study.

PMID- 27673413
TI  - Vitreous Cryopreservation of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells with Low
      Concentration of Cryoprotective Agents for Vascular Tissue Engineering.
AB  - Cryopreservation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) is important
      to tissue engineering applications and the study of the role of endothelial cells
      in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. The traditional methods for
      cryopreservation by vitrification (cooling samples to a cryogenic temperature
      without apparent freezing) using high concentration of cryoprotective agents
      (CPAs) and slow freezing are suboptimal due to the severe toxicity of high
      concentration of CPAs and ice formation-induced cryoinjuries, respectively. In
      this study, we developed a method to cryopreserve HUVECs by vitrification with
      low concentration of CPAs. This is achieved by optimizing the CPAs and using
      highly thermally conductive quartz capillary (QC) to contain samples for
      vitrification. The latter minimizes the thermal mass to create ultra-fast
      cooling/warming rates. Our data demonstrate that HUVECs can be vitrified in the
      QC using 1.4 mol/L ethylene glycol and 1.1 mol/L dimethyl sulfoxide with more
      than 90% viability. Moreover, this method significantly improves the attachment
      efficiency of the cryopreserved HUVECs. The attached cells post-cryopreservation
      proliferate similarly to fresh cells. Therefore, this study may provide an
      effective vitrification technique to bank HUVECs for vascular tissue engineering
      and other applications.

PMID- 27673414
TI  - 2016 Taipei Declaration for Prevention of Suffering.

PMID- 27673415
TI  - Current treatment of heart failure with reduction of left ventricular ejection
      fraction.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Heart failure is the commonest cause of hospitalization and of
      rehospitalization This review paper is a comprehensive review of current
      treatment of heart failure in 2016. The target of this review is all health care
      professionals who treat patients with heart failure. Areas covered: This article
      discusses stages of heart failure, treatment of heart failure with general
      measures, and drug therapy with diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme
      inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, beta blockers, aldosterone
      antagonists, isosorbide dinitrate plus hydralazine, digoxin, other neurohormonal
      antagonists, sacubitril/valsartan, calcium channel blockers, and ivabradine. This
      article also discusses treatment of heart failure with use of cardiac
      resynchronization therapy, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, and surgical
      therapy, and management of end-stage heart failure. This paper was written after
      an extensive Medline search reviewing articles written from 1970 through May,
      2016. Expert commentary: Our approach as physicians must emphasize prevention of
      heart failure as well as treating it. Risk factors for developing heart failure,
      especially hypertension, must be better controlled starting in childhood. I
      concur with the current heart failure treatment guidelines (Tables 1 and 2 in
      this paper).

PMID- 27673417
TI  - Distinct cytokine and chemokine patterns in chronic diabetic ulcers and acute
      wounds.

PMID- 27673418
TI  - Vital role of cultural and religious context on suicidal behavior.

PMID- 27673416
TI  - Cervantes and Quijote protect heterochromatin from aberrant recombination and
      lead the way to the nuclear periphery.
AB  - Repairing double-strand breaks (DSBs) is particularly challenging in
      heterochromatin, where the abundance of repeated sequences exacerbates the risk
      of ectopic recombination and chromosome rearrangements. In Drosophila cells,
      faithful homologous recombination (HR) repair of heterochromatic DSBs relies on a
      specialized pathway that relocalizes repair sites to the nuclear periphery before
      Rad51 recruitment. Here we show that HR progression is initially blocked inside
      the heterochromatin domain by SUMOylation and the coordinated activity of two
      distinct Nse2 SUMO E3 ligases: Quijote (Qjt) and Cervantes (Cerv). In addition,
      the SUMO-targeted ubiquitin ligase (STUbL) Dgrn, but not its partner dRad60, is
      recruited to heterochromatic DSBs at early stages of repair and mediates
      relocalization. However, Dgrn is not required to prevent Rad51 recruitment inside
      the heterochromatin domain, suggesting that the block to HR progression inside
      the domain and relocalization to the nuclear periphery are genetically separable
      pathways. Further, SUMOylation defects affect relocalization without blocking
      heterochromatin expansion, revealing that expansion is not required for
      relocalization. Finally, nuclear pores and inner nuclear membrane proteins
      (INMPs) anchor STUbL/RENi components and repair sites to the nuclear periphery,
      where repair continues. Together, these studies reveal a critical role of
      SUMOylation and nuclear architecture in the spatial and temporal regulation of
      heterochromatin repair and the protection of genome integrity.

PMID- 27673419
TI  - Quality improvement in pediatrics: past, present, and future.
AB  - Almost two decades ago, the landmark report "To Err is Human" compelled
      healthcare to address the large numbers of hospitalized patients experiencing
      preventable harm. Concurrently, it became clear that the rapidly rising cost of
      healthcare would be unsustainable in the long-term. As a result, quality
      improvement methodologies initially rooted in other high-reliability industries
      have become a primary focus of healthcare. Multiple pediatric studies demonstrate
      remarkable quality and safety improvements in several domains including handoffs,
      catheter-associated blood stream infections, and other serious safety events.
      While both quality improvement and research are data-driven processes,
      significant differences exist between the two. Research utilizes a hypothesis
      driven approach to obtain new knowledge while quality improvement often
      incorporates a cyclic approach to translate existing knowledge into clinical
      practice. Recent publications have provided guidelines and methods for
      effectively reporting quality and safety work and improvement implementations.
      This review examines not only how quality improvement in pediatrics has led to
      improved outcomes, but also looks to the future of quality improvement in
      healthcare with focus on education and collaboration to ensure best practice
      approaches to caring for children.

PMID- 27673420
TI  - Therapeutic hypothermia translates from ancient history in to practice.
AB  - Acute postasphyxial encephalopathy around the time of birth remains a major cause
      of death and disability. The possibility that hypothermia may be able to prevent
      or lessen asphyxial brain injury is a "dream revisited". In this review, a
      historical perspective is provided from the first reported use of therapeutic
      hypothermia for brain injuries in antiquity, to the present day. The first
      uncontrolled trials of cooling for resuscitation were reported more than 50 y
      ago. The seminal insight that led to the modern revival of studies of
      neuroprotection was that after profound asphyxia, many brain cells show initial
      recovery from the insult during a short "latent" phase, typically lasting ~6 h,
      only to die hours to days later during a "secondary" deterioration phase
      characterized by seizures, cytotoxic edema, and progressive failure of cerebral
      oxidative metabolism. Studies designed around this conceptual framework showed
      that mild hypothermia initiated as early as possible before the onset of
      secondary deterioration, and continued for a sufficient duration to allow the
      secondary deterioration to resolve, is associated with potent, long-lasting
      neuroprotection. There is now compelling evidence from randomized controlled
      trials that mild induced hypothermia significantly improves intact survival and
      neurodevelopmental outcomes to midchildhood.

PMID- 27673421
TI  - Does prenatal stress alter the developing connectome?
AB  - Human neurodevelopment requires the organization of neural elements into complex
      structural and functional networks called the connectome. Emerging data suggest
      that prenatal exposure to maternal stress plays a role in the wiring, or
      miswiring, of the developing connectome. Stress-related symptoms are common in
      women during pregnancy and are risk factors for neurobehavioral disorders ranging
      from autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and
      addiction, to major depression and schizophrenia. This review focuses on
      structural and functional connectivity imaging to assess the impact of changes in
      women's stress-based physiology on the dynamic development of the human
      connectome in the fetal brain.

PMID- 27673422
TI  - Fifty years of brain imaging in neonatal encephalopathy following perinatal
      asphyxia.
AB  - In the past brain imaging of term infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy
      (HIE) was performed with cranial ultrasound (cUS) and computed tomography (CT).
      Both techniques have several disadvantages sensitivity and specificity is limited
      compared with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and CT makes use of radiation. At
      present MRI including diffusion weighted MRI during the first week of life, has
      become the method of choice for imaging infants with HIE. In addition to imaging,
      blood vessels and blood flow can be visualized using MR angiography, MR
      venography, and arterial spin labeling. Since the use of these techniques
      additional lesions in infants with HIE, such as arterial ischemic stroke,
      sinovenous thrombosis, and subdural hemorrhages can be diagnosed, and the
      incidence appears to be higher than shown previously. Phosphorus magnetic
      resonance spectroscopy (MRS) has led to the concept of secondary energy failure
      in infants with HIE, but has not been widely used. Proton MRS of the basal
      ganglia and thalamus is one of the best predictors of neurodevelopmental outcome.
      cUS should still be used for screening infants admitted to a NICU with neonatal
      encephalopathy. In the future magnetic resonance techniques will be increasingly
      used as early biomarkers of neurodevelopmental outcome in trials of
      neuroprotective strategies.

PMID- 27673424
TI  - Drugs, guns and cars: how far we have come to improve safety in the United
      States; yet we still have far to go.
AB  - Significant breakthroughs in the field of injury prevention and childhood safety
      have occurred during the past half-century. For example, the Poison Prevention
      Packaging Act of 1970 and the institution of child passenger safety laws are
      responsible for a significant reduction in injuries among children and
      adolescents. This review will focus on the following three topics because of
      their significant contribution to pediatric injury morbidity, especially among
      adolescents, and their promise for further effective prevention research. Opioid
      overdoses by adolescents and young adults are increasing; however, the use of
      naloxone by bystanders represents a life-saving development in opioid overdose
      prevention that deserves further investigation. Youth firearm injury remains a
      major cause of death and disability in adolescents. Despite a lack of robust
      injury prevention research on the topic, the development of novel approaches to
      access and examine firearm injury data is leading to exploration of public health
      approaches to reduce these injuries. Finally, despite legislative and educational
      efforts surrounding child passenger safety and graduated driver license laws,
      motor vehicle crashes are still a leading cause of injury for both children and
      adolescents; however, research on these laws holds the opportunity for
      significant reduction in injuries. Focused efforts to reduce unintentional
      injuries from opiate overdoses, firearms and motor vehicle crashes may produce a
      breakthrough in the field of injury prevention similar to that of the Poison
      Prevention Packaging Act.

PMID- 27673423
TI  - Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome: a bedside-to-bench success story for
      advancing early diagnosis and treatment and improved survival and quality of
      life.
AB  - The "bedside-to-bench" Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS)
      research journey has led to increased phenotypic-genotypic knowledge regarding
      autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulation, and improved clinical outcomes. CCHS
      is a neurocristopathy characterized by hypoventilation and ANS dysregulation.
      Initially described in 1970, timely diagnosis and treatment remained problematic
      until the first large cohort report (1992), delineating clinical presentation and
      treatment options. A central role of ANS dysregulation (2001) emerged,
      precipitating evaluation of genes critical to ANS development, and subsequent
      2003 identification of Paired-Like Homeobox 2B (PHOX2B) as the disease-defining
      gene for CCHS. This breakthrough engendered clinical genetic testing, making
      diagnosis exact and early tracheostomy/artificial ventilation feasible. PHOX2B
      genotype-CCHS phenotype relationships were elucidated, informing early
      recognition and timely treatment for phenotypic manifestations including
      Hirschsprung disease, prolonged sinus pauses, and neural crest tumors.
      Simultaneously, cellular models of CCHS-causing PHOX2B mutations were developed
      to delineate molecular mechanisms. In addition to new insights regarding genetics
      and neurobiology of autonomic control overall, new knowledge gained has enabled
      physicians to anticipate and delineate the full clinical CCHS phenotype and
      initiate timely effective management. In summary, from an initial guarantee of
      early mortality or severe neurologic morbidity in survivors, CCHS children can
      now be diagnosed early and managed effectively, achieving dramatically improved
      quality of life as adults.

PMID- 27673427
TI  - Nanomolar Binding of Steroids to Cucurbit[n]urils: Selectivity and Applications.
AB  - Cucurbit[n]urils (CBn, n = 7, 8) serve as artificial receptors for steroids (21
      tested), including the hormones testosterone and estradiol as well as steroidal
      drugs. Fluorescence displacement titrations and isothermal titration calorimetry
      (ITC) provided up to nanomolar binding affinities in aqueous solution for these
      hydrophobic target molecules, exceeding the values of known synthetic receptors.
      Remarkable binding selectivities, even for homologous steroid pairs, were
      investigated in detail by NMR, X-ray crystal diffraction, ITC, and quantum
      chemical calculations. Notably, the CBn*steroid complexes are stable in water and
      buffers, in artificial gastric acid, and even in blood serum. Numerous
      applications have been demonstrated, which range from the solubility enhancement
      of the steroids in the presence of the macrocycles (up to 100 times, for drug
      delivery) and the principal component analysis of the fluorescence responses of
      different CBn*reporter dye combinations (for differential sensing of steroids) to
      the real-time monitoring of chemical conversions of steroids as substrates (for
      enzyme assays).

PMID- 27673426
TI  - Respiratory Manifestations of Hypothyroidism: A Systematic Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hypothyroidism has been associated with increased pulmonary morbidity
      and overall mortality. A systematic review was conducted to identify the
      prevalence and underlying mechanisms of respiratory problems among patients with
      thyroid insufficiency. METHODS: PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched for
      relevant literature from January 1950 through January 2015 with the following
      study eligibility criteria: English-language publications; adult subclinical or
      overt hypothyroid patients; intervention, observational, or retrospective
      studies; and respiratory manifestations. The Preferred Reporting Items for
      Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses statement was followed, and Cochrane's risk
      of bias tool was used. RESULTS: A total of 1699 papers were screened by two
      independent authors for relevant titles. Of 109 relevant abstracts, 28 papers
      underwent full-text analyses, of which 22 were included in the review. Possible
      mechanisms explaining respiratory problems at multiple physiological levels were
      identified, such as the ventilator control system, diaphragmatic muscle function,
      pulmonary gas exchange, goiter caused upper airway obstruction, decreased
      capacity for energy transduction, and reduced glycolytic activity. Obstructive
      sleep apnea syndrome was found among 30% of newly diagnosed patients with overt
      hypothyroidism, and demonstrated reversibility following treatment. The evidence
      for or against a direct effect on pulmonary function was ambiguous. However, each
      of the above-mentioned areas was only dealt with in a limited number of studies.
      Therefore, it is not possible to draw any strong conclusions on any of these
      themes. Moreover, most studies were hampered by considerable risk of bias due for
      example to small numbers of patients, lack of control groups, randomization and
      blinding, and differences in body mass index, sex, and age between subjects and
      controls. CONCLUSION: Mechanistic data linking hypothyroidism and respiratory
      function are at best limited. This area of research is therefore open for
      retesting hypotheses, using appropriate study designs and methods.

PMID- 27673425
TI  - Treatment of perinatal viral infections to improve neurologic outcomes.
AB  - Viral infections in the fetus or newborn often involve the central nervous system
      (CNS) and can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Substantial progress
      has been made in identifying interventions decreasing adverse neurodevelopmental
      outcomes in this population. This review highlights progress in treatment of
      important viruses affecting the CNS in these susceptible hosts, focusing on
      herpes simplex virus (HSV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), human immunodeficiency virus
      (HIV), and enteroviruses. The observation that high-dose acyclovir improves
      mortality in neonatal HSV disease culminated decades of antiviral research for
      this disease. More recently, prolonged oral acyclovir was found to improve
      neurologic morbidity after neonatal HSV encephalitis. Ganciclovir, and more
      recently its oral prodrug valganciclovir, is effective in improving hearing and
      neurodevelopment after congenital CMV infection. Increasing evidence suggests
      early control of perinatal HIV infection has implications for neurocognitive
      functioning into school age. Lastly, the antiviral pleconaril has been studied
      for nearly two decades for treating severe enteroviral infections, with newer
      data supporting a role for this drug in neonates. Identifying common mechanisms
      for pathogenesis of viral CNS disease during this critical period of brain
      development is an important research goal, highlighted by the recent emergence of
      Zika virus as a potential cause of fetal neurodevelopmental abnormalities.

PMID- 27673428
TI  - High-Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1) Is Elevated Systemically in Persons with Acute
      or Chronic Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury.
AB  - Inflammation in traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) has been proposed to promote
      damage acutely and oppose functional recovery chronically. However, we do not yet
      understand the signals that initiate or prolong inflammation in persons with SCI.
      High-Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1) is a potent systemic inflammatory cytokine-or
      damage-associated molecular pattern molecule (DAMP)-studied in a variety of
      clinical settings. It is elevated in pre-clinical models of traumatic spinal cord
      injury (SCI), where it promotes secondary injury, and strategies that block HMGB1
      improve functional recovery. To investigate the potential translational relevance
      of these observations, we measured HMGB1 in plasma from adults with acute (<= 1
      week post-SCI, n = 16) or chronic (>= 1 year post-SCI, n = 47) SCI. Plasma from
      uninjured persons (n = 51) served as controls for comparison. In persons with
      acute SCI, average HMGB1 levels were significantly elevated within 0-3 days post
      injury (6.00 +/- 1.8 ng/mL, mean +/- standard error of the mean [SEM]) or 4-7
      (6.26 +/- 1.3 ng/mL, mean +/- SEM), compared with controls (1.26 +/- 0.24 ng/mL,
      mean +/- SEM; p <= 0.001 and p <= 0.01, respectively). In persons with chronic
      SCI who were injured for 15 +/- 1.5 years (mean +/- SEM), HMGB1 also was
      significantly elevated, compared with uninjured persons (3.7 +/- 0.69 vs. 1.26 +/
      0.24 ng/mL, mean +/- SEM; p <= 0.0001). Together, these data suggest that HMGB1
      may be a common, early, and persistent danger signal promoting inflammation in
      individuals with SCI.

PMID- 27673429
TI  - Prevalence of anti-hepatitis C virus antibody among pregnant women and blood
      donors at Bowen University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria.
AB  - Hepatitis C virus is one of the emerging infectious diseases that can be
      transmitted through blood-to-blood contact. This study was carried out to
      determine the prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies among potential blood donors and
      pregnant women attending Bowen University Teaching Hospital (BUTH), Ogbomoso, Oyo
      State. This hospital-based study was conducted from December 2014 to September
      2015. The study group (N = 279) included potential blood donors and pregnant
      women. Data on socio-demographic characteristics and potential risk factors were
      collected using a structured questionnaire. The presence of anti-HCV antibodies
      in serum samples of the studied subjects were detected using third-generation
      Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) (WKEA Med Supplies Corp, China).
      Chisquare test was utilized to assess the association between the socio
      demographic variables and HCV status. Logistic regression was done to determine
      the strength of association between risk factors and HCV status. Statistical
      significance was set at P ? 0.05. Overall seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus
      infection was found to be 1.79% consisting 0.36% of pregnant women and 1.43% of
      blood donors. None of the socio-demographic characteristics and potential risk
      factors among the study groups were significantly associated with hepatitis C
      virus infection. This study found a seroprevalence of anti-HCV antibody to be
      1.79%, thus, screening of pregnant women and blood donors for HCV infections with
      the use of ELISA is recommended because of its important role in detecting the
      presence of anti-HCV antibody with utmost specificity and sensitivity.

PMID- 27673431
TI  - Unveiling the Semicoherent Interface with Definite Orientation Relationships
      between Reinforcements and Matrix in Novel Al3BC/Al Composites.
AB  - High-strength lightweight Al-based composites are promising materials for a wide
      range of applications. To provide high performance, a strong bonding interface
      for effective load transfer from the matrix to the reinforcement is essential. In
      this work, the novel Al3BC reinforced Al composites have been in situ fabricated
      through a liquid-solid reaction method and the bonding interface between Al3BC
      and Al matrix has been unveiled. The HRTEM characterizations on the Al3BC/Al
      interface verify it to be a semicoherent bonding structure with definite
      orientation relationships: (0001)Al3BC//(111)Al;[1120]Al3BC//[011]Al. Periodic
      arrays of geometrical misfit dislocations are also observed along the interface
      at each (0001)Al3BC plane or every five (111)Al planes. This kind of interface
      between the reinforcement and the matrix is strong enough for effective load
      transfer, which would lead to the evidently improved strength and stiffness of
      the introduced new Al3BC/Al composites.

PMID- 27673430
TI  - Can filling phase urodynamic parameters predict the success of the bulbar
      artificial urinary sphincter in treating post-prostatectomy incontinence?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether filling phase urodynamic parameters can predict
      the success of the artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) in treating post
      prostatectomy incontinence (PPI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the pre-AUS
      urodynamics of 99 patients with PPI at two tertiary referral centers. We
      documented the peak DO pressure (Pdet ), capacity, and compliance (C). We defined
      success as patient-reported continence or only using one safety pad. Patients'
      perception of improvement was assessed using the PGI-I score. RESULTS: Sixty
      eight percent (n = 68) of patients had a successful outcome. The mean compliance
      for the "success" and "failure" group was 112.3 mL/cmH2 O (+/-119.7) and 34.1
      mL/cmH2 O (+/-36.2), respectively. Fifty-five percent (17/31) of patients in the
      "failure" group demonstrated DO(Pdet  = 36.2 +/- 18.2 cmH2 O) compared to 18%
      (12/68) in the success group. The differences between the two groups in Pdet and
      compliance were statistically significant (all P < 0.01). There was, however, no
      statistical difference between the mean cystometric capacities of patients in the
      two outcome groups. Thirteen out of 18 (72%) patients who had radiotherapy had a
      poor outcome ("success" group only 15% [9/59]). These results were used to
      develop a nomogram for the probability of AUS success. A good inverse correlation
      (r = -0.65) was demonstrated between the probability of AUS success as deduced
      from the nomogram and PGI-I score post-AUS implantation CONCLUSION: Compliance
      and Pdet are predictors of outcome following AUS implantation for PPI. We have
      developed and internally validated a nomogram that may be used to determine an
      individualized likelihood of AUS success. This nomogram may be used as a
      counseling tool to objectively set realistic expectations of continence post-AUS
      implantation.

PMID- 27673432
TI  - l-alpha-Phosphatidylglycerol Chlorohydrins as Potential Biomarkers for Chlorine
      Gas Exposure.
AB  - Chlorine is a widely available toxic chemical that has been repeatedly used in
      armed conflict globally. The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons
      (OPCW) have on numerous occasions found "compelling confirmation" that chlorine
      gas has been used against civilians in northern Syria. However, currently, there
      are no analytical methods available to unambiguously prove chlorine gas exposure.
      In this study, we describe the screening for chlorinated biomolecules by the use
      of mass isotope ratio filters followed by the identification of two biomarkers
      present in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from chlorine gas exposed mice.
      The relevance of these markers for human exposure was verified by their presence
      in in vitro chlorinated human BALF. The biomarkers were detectable for 72 h after
      exposure and were absent in nonexposed control animals. Furthermore, the
      biomarkers were not detected in humans diagnosed with chronic respiratory
      diseases. The potential chlorine specific markers were all chlorohydrins of
      unsaturated pulmonary surfactant phospholipids; phosphatidylglycerols, and
      phosphatidylcholines. Mass spectrometry fragmentation characteristics were
      favorable for the phosphatidylglycerol chlorohydrins, and they were therefore
      proposed as the best biomarker candidates.

PMID- 27673433
TI  - Correction to "Organocatalytic Enantioselective Intramolecular Oxa-Michael
      Reaction of Enols: Synthesis of Chiral Isochromene".

PMID- 27673434
TI  - Novel Dimer Compounds That Bind alpha-Synuclein Can Rescue Cell Growth in a Yeast
      Model Overexpressing alpha-Synuclein. A Possible Prevention Strategy for
      Parkinson's Disease.
AB  - The misfolding of alpha-synuclein is a critical event in the death of
      dopaminergic neurons and the progression of Parkinson's disease. Previously, it
      was suggested that drugs, which bind to alpha-synuclein and form a loop structure
      between the N- and C-termini, tend to be neuroprotective, whereas others, which
      cause a more compact structure, tend to be neurotoxic. To improve the binding to
      alpha-synuclein, eight novel compounds were synthesized from a caffeine scaffold
      attached to (R,S)-1-aminoindan, (R,S)-nicotine, and metformin, and their binding
      to alpha-synuclein determined through nanopore analysis and isothermal titration
      calorimetry. The ability of the dimers to interact with alpha-synuclein in a cell
      system was assayed in a yeast model of PD which expresses an AS-GFP (alpha
      synuclein-Green Fluorescent Protein) construct under the control of a galactose
      promoter. In 5 mM galactose this yeast strain will not grow and large cytoplasmic
      foci are observed by fluorescent microscopy. Two of the dimers, C8-6-I and C8-6
      N, at a concentration of 0.1 MUM allowed the yeast to grow normally in 5 mM
      galactose and the AS-GFP became localized to the periphery of the cell. Both
      dimers were superior when compared to the monomeric compounds. The presence of
      the dimers also caused the disappearance of preformed cytoplasmic foci. Nanopore
      analysis of C8-6-I and C8-6-N were consistent with simultaneous binding to both
      the N- and C-terminus of alpha-synuclein but the binding constants were only 105
      M-1.

PMID- 27673435
TI  - Behavior Therapy for Youth With Tourette Disorder.
AB  - Persistent tic disorders and Tourette disorder (TD) are neuropsychiatric
      conditions that commonly co-occur among youth with obsessive-compulsive disorder.
      Although historically managed with pharmacological agents such as antipsychotics
      and alpha-2 agonists, behavioral interventions like habit reversal training (HRT)
      and the comprehensive behavioral intervention for tics have demonstrated
      considerable efficacy in reducing tic symptom severity. This case study
      illustrates the implementation of behavior therapy in reducing tic symptom
      severity of an adolescent with TD. Arlene was a 14-year-old girl with TD who
      presented with moderate tic symptom severity that caused her physical, academic,
      and social impairment. In addition to concurrent pharmacotherapy, Arlene
      completed a 20-session weekly course of HRT, and experienced a clinically
      meaningful reduction in tic symptom severity and tic-related impairment. This
      example provides further evidence of the benefit of behavior therapy in reducing
      tic symptom severity and highlights key considerations for treatment of youth
      with TD.

PMID- 27673436
TI  - Vitamin D Status of Older Adults with Dynapenic Obesity in Ecuador.

PMID- 27673437
TI  - Sleep quality outcomes after medical and surgical management of chronic
      rhinosinusitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) has been shown to improve sleep in
      patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). However, it is unknown how this
      improvement compares with non-CRS control subjects' sleep, and medically treated
      CRS patients. METHODS: Patients meeting diagnostic criteria for CRS and controls
      from the same reference population were recruited from 4 academic centers.
      Patients chose either medical or surgical treatment. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality
      Index (PSQI) was administered to patients before treatment and after 6 months,
      whereas controls received the PSQI at enrollment. RESULTS: The study population
      consisted of 187 cases (64 medical and 123 surgical) and 101 controls. Baseline
      PSQI scores for CRS patients (9.27 +/- 4.76) were worse than for controls (5.78
      +/- 3.25), even after controlling for potential confounding factors such as
      asthma and allergy (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in baseline
      PSQI between patients choosing medical vs surgical treatment. The PSQI score in
      surgical patients improved from 8.36 +/- 5.05 to 7.44 +/- 5.09 (p = 0.020). The
      PSQI score in medical patients demonstrated a nonsignificant increase with
      treatment from 8.71 +/- 4.48 to 9.06 +/- 4.80 (p = 0.640). After controlling for
      allergy and asthma, 6-month PSQI scores in medical patients remained
      significantly higher than in controls (p = 0.001), whereas a significant
      difference could not be demonstrated between surgical patients and controls (p >
      0.05). PSQI subdomain analysis mirrored the overall findings. CONCLUSION:
      Patients with CRS report worse sleep compared with controls. Surgically treated
      CRS patients show significant improvement in PSQI scores, whereas those
      continuing with medical management fail to improve and remain worse than
      controls.

PMID- 27673438
TI  - Adjuvant chemotherapy may improve disease-free survival in patients with rectal
      cancer positive for MRI-detected extramural venous invasion following
      chemoradiation.
AB  - AIM: MRI-detected extramural venous invasion (mrEMVI) is a poor prognostic factor
      in rectal cancer. Preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) can cause regression in
      the severity of EMVI and subsequently improve survival whereas mrEMVI persisting
      after CRT confers an increased risk of recurrence. The effect of adjuvant
      chemotherapy (AC) following CRT on survival in rectal cancer remains unclear. The
      aim of this study was to determine whether there is a survival advantage for AC
      given to patients with mrEMVI persisting after CRT. METHOD: A prospective
      analysis was conducted of consecutive patients with locally advanced rectal
      cancer between 2006 and 2013. All patients underwent CRT followed by surgery. AC
      was given to selected patients based on the presence of specific 'high-risk'
      features. Comparison was made between patients offered AC with observation alone.
      The primary outcome was 3-year disease-free survival (DFS). RESULTS: Of 631
      patients, 227 (36.0%) demonstrated persistent mrEMVI following CRT. Patients were
      grouped on the basis of AC or observation and were matched for age, performance
      status and final histopathological staging. Three-year DFS in the AC group was
      74.6% compared with 53.7% in the observation only group. AC had a survival
      benefit on multivariate analysis (hazard ratio 0.458; 95% CI: 0.271-0.775, P =
      0.004). CONCLUSION: Patients with persistent mrEMVI following CRT who receive AC
      may have a decreased risk of recurrence and an improved 3-year DFS compared with
      patients not receiving AC, irrespective of age and performance status.

PMID- 27673439
TI  - N2 non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma promotes wound healing in vitro and in
      vivo: Potential modulation of adhesion molecules and matrix metalloproteinase-9.
AB  - Advances in physics and biology have made it possible to apply non-thermal
      atmospheric pressure plasma (NTP) in the biomedical field. Although accumulating
      evidence suggests that NTP has various medicinal effects, such as facilitating
      skin wound healing on exposed tissue while minimizing undesirable tissue damage,
      the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, NTP
      generated from N2 optimized wound healing in the scratch wound healing assay. In
      addition, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 expression and enzyme activity
      increased and the urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) system was activated
      after NTP treatment. We also showed that NTP treatment increased Slug and
      TCF8/ZEB1 expression and decreased that of E-cadherin, suggesting induction of
      the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The effect of N2 NTP was verified
      on rat wound model. Taken together, these results suggest that N2 NTP promotes
      wound healing by inducing the EMT and activating the MMP-9/uPA system. These
      findings show the therapeutic potential of NTP for skin wound healing.

PMID- 27673441
TI  - Triple-Stranded Cluster Helicates for the Selective Catalytic Oxidation of C-H
      Bonds.
AB  - Triple-stranded cluster helicates with heptametallic dicubane cores are
      synthesized by entrapping metals in the cavities of linear triple helicates based
      on a C2-symmetrical hexadentate Schiff-base ligand of ortho-substitued biphenol.
      The helicates are stable in both the solution and solid states, and the copper
      species could selectively catalyze the oxidation of C-H bonds of alkanes to
      ketones.

PMID- 27673440
TI  - Buparlisib, a PI3K inhibitor, demonstrates acceptable tolerability and
      preliminary activity in a phase I trial of patients with advanced leukemias.
AB  - Phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) signaling plays a crucial role in oncogene
      mediated tumor growth and proliferation. Buparlisib (BKM120) is an oral pan-class
      I PI3K inhibitor. This phase I study was conducted to determine the dose limiting
      toxicity (DLT) and maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of BKM120 in patients (pts) with
      relapsed/refractory acute leukemias. Fourteen pts (12 acute myeloid leukemia, 1
      acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and 1 mixed phenotype leukemia) were enrolled.
      Twelve pts received BKM-120 80 mg/day and two 100 mg/day. The MTD was 80 mg/day.
      Of the 14 patients treated, the best response was stable disease in one patient
      that lasted 82 days. The median survival for all patients was 75 days (range 10
      568). Three patients with a 3q26 chromosome abnormality had a significantly
      improved median survival of 360 days (range 278-568) as compared to a median
      survival of 57 days (range, 10-125) among the 11 other patients. The most
      frequent drug-related toxicities included confusion, mucositis, dysphagia, and
      fatigue. Western blot profiling revealed a decrease in p-pS6K/total pS6K in 5/7
      (71%) available patient samples with a mean quantitative inhibition of 65%
      (range, 32-100%) and a decrease in p-FOXO3/total FOXO3 in 4/6 (67%) samples with
      a mean quantitative inhibition of 93% (range, 89-100%). BKM120 administered at 80
      mg/day showed modest efficacy and was tolerable in advanced acute leukemias. Am.
      J. Hematol. 92:7-11, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27673442
TI  - Effects of Functional Disability and Depressive Symptoms on Mortality in Older
      Mexican-American Adults with Diabetes Mellitus.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine the effect of co-occurring depressive symptoms and
      functional disability on mortality in older Mexican-American adults with diabetes
      mellitus. DESIGN: Longitudinal cohort study. SETTING: Hispanic Established
      Populations for the Epidemiological Study of the Elderly (HEPESE) survey
      conducted in the southwestern United States (Texas, Colorado, Arizona, New
      Mexico, California). PARTICIPANTS: Community-dwelling Mexican Americans with self
      reported diabetes mellitus participating in the HEPESE survey (N = 624).
      MEASUREMENTS: Functional disability was assessed using a modified version of the
      Katz activity of daily living scale. Depressive symptoms were measured using the
      Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Mortality was determined by
      examining death certificates and reports from relatives. Cox proportional hazards
      regression analyses were used to examine the hazard of mortality as a function of
      co-occurring depressive symptoms and functional disability. RESULTS: Over a 9.2
      year follow-up, 391 participants died. Co-occurring high depressive symptoms and
      functional disability increased the risk of mortality (hazard ratio (HR) = 3.02,
      95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.11-4.34). Risk was greater in men (HR = 8.11,
      95% CI = 4.34-16.31) than women (HR = 2.21, 95% CI = 1.42-3.43). CONCLUSION: Co
      occurring depressive symptoms and functional disability in older Mexican-American
      adults with diabetes mellitus increases mortality risk, especially in men. These
      findings have important implications for research, practice, and public health
      interventions.

PMID- 27673443
TI  - Brief Report: Switching to Tenofovir Alafenamide, Coformulated With Elvitegravir,
      Cobicistat, and Emtricitabine, in HIV-Infected Adults With Renal Impairment: 96
      Week Results From a Single-Arm, Multicenter, Open-Label Phase 3 Study.
AB  - Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is associated with renal and bone toxicity. In a
      single-arm, open-label study of 242 virologically suppressed, HIV-infected
      participants with creatinine clearance 30-69 mL/min who switched to
      elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide, participants had
      stable creatinine clearance, significant and durable improvements in proteinuria,
      albuminuria, and tubular proteinuria (P < 0.001), and significant increases in
      hip and spine bone mineral density through 96 weeks (P < 0.001). Eighty-eight
      percent maintained HIV-1 RNA <50 c/mL at week 96. These longer-term results
      support the use of elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide in
      HIV-infected individuals with mild-moderately impaired renal function.

PMID- 27673444
TI  - Functionalization of Active Ester-Based Polymersomes for Enhanced Cell Uptake and
      Stimuli-Responsive Cargo Release.
AB  - Poly(2,3-dihydroxypropyl methacrylamide) (P(DHPMA))-based amphiphilic block
      copolymers have recently proven to form polymer vesicles (polymersomes). In this
      work, we further expand their potential by incorporating (i) units for pH
      dependent disintegration into the hydrophobic membrane and (ii) mannose as
      targeting unit into the hydrophilic block. This last step relies on the use of an
      active ester prepolymer. We confirm the stability of the polymersomes against
      detergents like Triton X-100 and their low cytotoxicity. The incorporation of 2
      (2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolane-4-yl)ethyl methacrylate into the hydrophobic block
      (lauryl methacrylate) allows a pH-responsive disintegration for cargo release.
      Efficient decomposition of the polymersome structure is monitored by dynamic
      light scattering. It is thus possible to include an active enzyme (glucose
      oxidase), which gets only active (is set free) after vesicle disintegration. In
      addition, the introduction of mannose as targeting structure allows enhanced and
      selective targeting of dendritic cells.

PMID- 27673445
TI  - Physical and biological characterization of sericin-loaded copolymer liposomes
      stabilized by polyvinyl alcohol.
AB  - Sericin protein (SP) is widely used as a nutrient biomaterial for biomedical and
      cosmeceutical applications although it shows low stability to heat and light. To
      overcome these problems and add value to wastewater from the silk industry,
      sericin protein was recovered as sericin-loaded copolymer-liposomes (SP-PVA-LP),
      prepared through thin film hydration. The size and morphology of the liposomes
      were investigated using dynamic light scattering (DLS), and electron microscopy
      (SEM and TEM). The particle size, liposome surface morphology and encapsulation
      efficiency of SP were dependent on PVA concentration. The hydrodynamic size of
      the nanoparticles was between 200 and 400nm, with the degree of negative charge
      contingent on sericin loading. SEM and TEM images confirmed the mono-dispersity,
      and spherical nature of the particles, with FTIR measurements confirming the
      presence of surface bound PVA. Exposure of liposomes to 500ppm sericin
      highlighted a dependence of encapsulation efficiency on PVA content; 2% surface
      PVA proved the optimal level for sericin loading. Cytotoxicity and viability
      assays revealed that SP-loaded surface modified liposomes promote cellular
      attachment and proliferation of human skin fibroblasts without adverse toxic
      effects. Surface modified copolymer liposomes show high performance in
      maintaining structural stability, and promoting enhancements in the solubility
      and bio-viability of sericin. Taken together, these biocompatible constructs
      allow for effective controlled release, augmenting sericin activity and resulting
      in effective drug delivery systems.

PMID- 27673447
TI  - Corrigendum to "Citric acid crosslinked cyclodextrin/hydroxypropylmethylcellulose
      hydrogel films for hydrophobic drug delivery" [Int. J. Biol. Macromol. 93 (2016)
      75-86].

PMID- 27673446
TI  - Competition between bacteria and phosphate for adsorption sites on gibbsite: An
      in-situ ATR-FTIR spectroscopic and macroscopic study.
AB  - Sorption and desorption of phosphate (P) on Fe and Al (hydr)oxides may be
      affected by bacteria in soils because their ubiquitous and strong interactions.
      The role of Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas fluorescens in adsorption of P on
      gibbsite (gamma-AlOOH) was systematically investigated under a wide range of
      conditions by combining in-situ attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform
      infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy with batch macroscopic experiments. In-situ ATR
      FTIR observations of the ternary systems (bacteria, P, and gibbsite) showed
      simultaneous desorption of P from, and adhesion of the bacteria to, gibbsite,
      indicating a competition between the two for surface sites. Batch desorption
      experiments showed that bacteria could mobilize the P from gibbsite into
      solution, and macroscopic adsorption data showed that the amount of P adsorbed on
      the bacteria-gibbsite complex was less than that on gibbsite alone over durations
      from 0h to 26h, concentrations of P from 0.1mM to 2.0mM, pH from 5 to 8, and
      ionic strength from 0M to 0.5M, suggesting that bacteria inhibit the adsorption
      of P on gibbsite. The degree of inhibition increased with the number of bacteria
      in the system and was significantly but non-linearly correlated with the decline
      in the positive charge on gibbsite induced by the bacteria. Therefore,
      competition for suitable sites on the surface of gibbsite between P and the
      bacteria and reduction in the positive charge on the surface of gibbsite induced
      by bacteria are proposed as two important mechanisms that inhibit P adsorption.
      These findings highlight the role of bacteria in regulating the availability of P
      to plants and its mobility in natural environments.

PMID- 27673448
TI  - Generalized Langevin Methods for Calculating Transmembrane Diffusivity.
AB  - The membrane permeability coefficient of a solute can be estimated using the
      solubility-diffusion model. This model requires the diffusivity profile (D(z)) of
      the solute as it moves along the transmembrane axis, z. The generalized Langevin
      equation provides one strategy for calculating position-dependent diffusivity
      from straightforward molecular dynamics simulations where the solute is
      restrained to a series of positions on the z-coordinate by a harmonic potential.
      The diffusivity of the solute is calculated from its correlation functions, which
      are related to the friction experienced by the solute. Roux and Hummer have
      derived expressions for the diffusion coefficient from the velocity
      autocorrelation function (VACF) and position autocorrelation function (PACF),
      respectively. In this work, these methods are validated by calculating the
      diffusivity of H2O and O2 in homogeneous liquids. These methods are then used to
      calculate transmembrane diffusivity profiles. The VACF method is less sensitive
      to thermostat forces and has incrementally lower errors but is more sensitive to
      the spring constant of the harmonic restraint. For the permeation of a solute
      through a lipid bilayer, the diffusion coefficients calculated using these
      methods provided significantly different results. Long-lived correlations of the
      restrained solute due to inhomogeneities in the bilayer can result in spuriously
      low diffusivity when using the PACF method. The method based on the VACF does not
      have this issue and predicts higher rates of diffusion inside the bilayer.

PMID- 27673450
TI  - ASPL-TFE3 Oncoprotein Regulates Cell Cycle Progression and Induces Cellular
      Senescence by Up-Regulating p21.
AB  - Alveolar soft part sarcoma is an extremely rare soft tissue sarcoma with poor
      prognosis. It is characterized by the unbalanced recurrent chromosomal
      translocation der(17)t(X;17)(p11;q25), resulting in the generation of an ASPL
      TFE3 fusion gene. ASPL-TFE3 oncoprotein functions as an aberrant transcriptional
      factor and is considered to play a crucial role in the tumorigenesis of alveolar
      soft part sarcoma. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly
      understood. In this study, we identified p21 (p21WAF1/CIP1) as a direct
      transcriptional target of ASPL-TFE3. Ectopic ASPL-TFE3 expression in 293 cells
      resulted in cell cycle arrest and significant increases in protein and mRNA
      levels of p21. ASPL-TFE3 activated p21 expression in a p53-independent manner
      through direct transcriptional interactions with the p21 promoter region. When
      ASPL-TFE3 was expressed in human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in a
      tetracycline-inducible manner, we observed the up-regulation of p21 expression
      and the induction of senescence-associated beta-galactosidase activity.
      Suppression of p21 significantly decreased the induction of ASPL-TFE3-mediated
      cellular senescence. Furthermore, ASPL-TFE3 expression in mesenchymal stem cells
      resulted in a significant up-regulation of proinflammatory cytokines associated
      with senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). These results show that
      ASPL-TFE3 regulates cell cycle progression and induces cellular senescence by up
      regulating p21 expression. In addition, our data suggest a potential mechanism by
      which ASPL-TFE3-induced senescence may play a role in tumorigenesis by inducing
      SASP, which could promote the protumorigenic microenvironment.

PMID- 27673451
TI  - Care and society.

PMID- 27673452
TI  - Access to medicines-the status quo is no longer an option.

PMID- 27673449
TI  - Limitations in intense exercise performance of athletes - effect of speed
      endurance training on ion handling and fatigue development.
AB  - Mechanisms underlying fatigue development and limitations for performance during
      intense exercise have been intensively studied during the past couple of decades.
      Fatigue development may involve several interacting factors and depends on type
      of exercise undertaken and training level of the individual. Intense exercise
      (1/2-6 min) causes major ionic perturbations (Ca2+ , Cl- , H+ , K+ , lactate- and
      Na+ ) that may reduce sarcolemmal excitability, Ca2+ release and force production
      of skeletal muscle. Maintenance of ion homeostasis is thus essential to sustain
      force production and power output during intense exercise. Regular speed
      endurance training (SET), i.e. exercise performed at intensities above that
      corresponding to maximum oxygen consumption (VO2, max ), enhances intense
      exercise performance. However, most of the studies that have provided mechanistic
      insight into the beneficial effects of SET have been conducted in untrained and
      recreationally active individuals, making extrapolation towards athletes'
      performance difficult. Nevertheless, recent studies indicate that only a few
      weeks of SET enhances intense exercise performance in highly trained individuals.
      In these studies, the enhanced performance was not associated with changes in
      VO2, max and muscle oxidative capacity, but rather with adaptations in muscle ion
      handling, including lowered interstitial concentrations of K+ during and in
      recovery from intense exercise, improved lactate- -H+ transport and H+
      regulation, and enhanced Ca2+ release function. The purpose of this Topical
      Review is to provide an overview of the effect of SET and to discuss potential
      mechanisms underlying enhancements in performance induced by SET in already well
      trained individuals with special emphasis on ion handling in skeletal muscle.

PMID- 27673453
TI  - Fit to serve.

PMID- 27673454
TI  - GEMS extend understanding of childhood diarrhoea.

PMID- 27673455
TI  - How the paediatric workforce can address the opioid crisis.

PMID- 27673456
TI  - Offline: A prescription for prosperity.

PMID- 27673457
TI  - Global Fund replenishment meeting nears target amount.

PMID- 27673458
TI  - EpiPen price hike comes under scrutiny.

PMID- 27673459
TI  - Jumping cultural hurdles to keep fit in the Middle East.

PMID- 27673460
TI  - Knowledge.

PMID- 27673461
TI  - Health-care provider as witness.

PMID- 27673462
TI  - Obituary. Thomas Babington Boulton.

PMID- 27673463
TI  - Sport and the city: midtown madness.

PMID- 27673465
TI  - Development of bicycle infrastructure for health and sustainability.

PMID- 27673464
TI  - China's challenges in promoting physical activity and fitness.

PMID- 27673466
TI  - Alcohol and the Sustainable Development Goals.

PMID- 27673467
TI  - Schizophrenia.

PMID- 27673468
TI  - Department of Error.

PMID- 27673469
TI  - Department of Error.

PMID- 27673471
TI  - Department of Error.

PMID- 27673472
TI  - Small Molecules-Big Data.
AB  - Quantum mechanics builds large-scale graphs (networks): the vertices are the
      discrete energy levels the quantum system possesses, and the edges are the
      (quantum-mechanically allowed) transitions. Parts of the complete quantum
      mechanical networks can be probed experimentally via high-resolution, energy
      resolved spectroscopic techniques. The complete rovibronic line list information
      for a given molecule can only be obtained through sophisticated quantum-chemical
      computations. Experiments as well as computations yield what we call
      spectroscopic networks (SN). First-principles SNs of even small, three to five
      atomic molecules can be huge, qualifying for the big data description. Besides
      helping to interpret high-resolution spectra, the network-theoretical view offers
      several ideas for improving the accuracy and robustness of the increasingly
      important information systems containing line-by-line spectroscopic data. For
      example, the smallest number of measurements necessary to perform to obtain the
      complete list of energy levels is given by the minimum-weight spanning tree of
      the SN and network clustering studies may call attention to "weakest links" of a
      spectroscopic database. A present-day application of spectroscopic networks is
      within the MARVEL (Measured Active Rotational-Vibrational Energy Levels)
      approach, whereby the transitions information on a measured SN is turned into
      experimental energy levels via a weighted linear least-squares refinement. MARVEL
      has been used successfully for 15 molecules and allowed to validate most of the
      transitions measured and come up with energy levels with well-defined and
      realistic uncertainties. Accurate knowledge of the energy levels with computed
      transition intensities allows the realistic prediction of spectra under many
      different circumstances, e.g., for widely different temperatures. Detailed
      knowledge of the energy level structure of a molecule coming from a MARVEL
      analysis is important for a considerable number of modeling efforts in chemistry,
      physics, and engineering.

PMID- 27673473
TI  - Effect of green and red light in lipid accumulation and transcriptional profile
      of genes implicated in lipid biosynthesis in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.
AB  - Microalgae have the potential to accumulate triacylglycerols under different
      light spectra. In this work, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii was grown under white (400
      700 nm), red (650 nm), and green (550 nm) lights. According to our results, red
      light (650 nm) has a positive effect in the microalgae growth and chlorophyll
      concentration. About the lipid content, the control culture (white light
      illuminated) reached a 4.4% of dry cell weight (dcw), whereas the culture grown
      at 550 nm showed an increase of 1.35-fold in the lipids accumulation (5.96% dcw).
      Interestingly, the most significant accumulation was found in the culture grown
      at 650 nm (14.78% dcw) which means 3.36-fold higher with respect to the white
      light-illuminated culture. The most abundant fatty acids found in lipid extracts
      obtained from the cultures under different light wavelength were palmitic (C16:
      0), oleic (C18: 1n9), stearidonic (C18: 4), and linoleic (C18: 2), which are
      useful in the biodiesel production. Changes in gene expression in response to
      different wavelength illuminations were assessed; however, an in-depth analysis
      of a larger number of genes involved in lipid biosynthesis is necessary to fully
      explain the highest accumulation of lipids in the culture grown under red light.
      This approach will be useful to find a sustainable source of lipids for biodiesel
      production. (c) 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog.,
      32:1404-1411, 2016.

PMID- 27673470
TI  - Use of quantitative molecular diagnostic methods to identify causes of diarrhoea
      in children: a reanalysis of the GEMS case-control study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diarrhoea is the second leading cause of mortality in children
      worldwide, but establishing the cause can be complicated by diverse diagnostic
      approaches and varying test characteristics. We used quantitative molecular
      diagnostic methods to reassess causes of diarrhoea in the Global Enteric
      Multicenter Study (GEMS). METHODS: GEMS was a study of moderate to severe
      diarrhoea in children younger than 5 years in Africa and Asia. We used
      quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) to test for 32 enteropathogens in stool samples
      from cases and matched asymptomatic controls from GEMS, and compared pathogen
      specific attributable incidences with those found with the original GEMS
      microbiological methods, including culture, EIA, and reverse-transcriptase PCR.
      We calculated revised pathogen-specific burdens of disease and assessed causes in
      individual children. FINDINGS: We analysed 5304 sample pairs. For most pathogens,
      incidence was greater with qPCR than with the original methods, particularly for
      adenovirus 40/41 (around five times), Shigella spp or enteroinvasive Escherichia
      coli (EIEC) and Campylobactor jejuni o C coli (around two times), and heat-stable
      enterotoxin-producing E coli ([ST-ETEC] around 1.5 times). The six most
      attributable pathogens became, in descending order, Shigella spp, rotavirus,
      adenovirus 40/41, ST-ETEC, Cryptosporidium spp, and Campylobacter spp. Pathogen
      attributable diarrhoeal burden was 89.3% (95% CI 83.2-96.0) at the population
      level, compared with 51.5% (48.0-55.0) in the original GEMS analysis. The top six
      pathogens accounted for 77.8% (74.6-80.9) of all attributable diarrhoea. With use
      of model-derived quantitative cutoffs to assess individual diarrhoeal cases, 2254
      (42.5%) of 5304 cases had one diarrhoea-associated pathogen detected and 2063
      (38.9%) had two or more, with Shigella spp and rotavirus being the pathogens most
      strongly associated with diarrhoea in children with mixed infections.
      INTERPRETATION: A quantitative molecular diagnostic approach improved population
      level and case-level characterisation of the causes of diarrhoea and indicated a
      high burden of disease associated with six pathogens, for which targeted
      treatment should be prioritised. FUNDING: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

PMID- 27673475
TI  - Fine-tuning the expression of microRNA-155 controls acetaminophen-induced liver
      inflammation.
AB  - Treatment of acetaminophen (APAP) in overdose can cause a potentially serious and
      fatal liver injury. MicroRNA-155 (miR-155), a multifunctional microRNA, is known
      to mediate inflammatory responses via regulating various target genes. In this
      study, we aimed to study the role of miR-155 in APAP-induced liver injury, using
      miR-155-/- mice and miR-155 in vivo intervention. We noted that miR-155
      expression was significantly increased in liver and blood after APAP treatment.
      Knockout of miR-155 deteriorated APAP-induced liver damage, with the elevated
      serum levels of AST and ALT. The levels of various inflammatory mediators, such
      as TNF-alpha and IL-6, were markedly augmented in livers in the absence of miR
      155. Moreover, miR-155 deficiency aberrantly activated NF-kappa-B signaling via
      enhancing p65 and IKKepsilon expression. Finally, in vivo administration of miR
      155 agomir attenuated APAP-induced liver damage, reduced the serum levels of AST
      and ALT, and dampened the NF-kB signaling. In conclusion, our data demonstrated
      that miR-155 protects the mice against APAP-induced liver damage via mediating NF
      KB signaling pathway, suggesting that miR-155 might be a potential pharmaceutic
      target for treatment of APAP-induced liver inflammation.

PMID- 27673477
TI  - The role of autophagy in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus.
AB  - Autophagy is a highly conserved catabolic process, whereby unwanted cytoplasmic
      contents are enclosed by the double-membrane autophagosomes and delivered to the
      lysosomes for degradation. It is responsible for the recycling of nutrients and
      cellular components, thus playing a pivotal role in maintaining cellular
      homeostasis as well as cell survival during stress conditions. Perturbations in
      autophagy are implicated in multiple diseases, such as cancers and neuro
      degeneration diseases. Recent studies demonstrate that autophagy may participate
      in almost every step of immune responses, including pathogen recognition, antigen
      processing and presentation, immune cell development and function, and
      immunoregulation. The pathogenesis of some autoimmune diseases, such as multiple
      sclerosis and Crohn's disease, has been reported to be associated with
      dysregulated autophagy. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic,
      potentially fatal autoimmune disease, characterized by dysregulation of immune
      cells and production of autoantibodies that cause widespread tissue and organ
      damage. The pathogenesis of SLE remains unclear. With several single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) in autophagy-related gene5 (ATG5) being linked to SLE
      susceptibility, more and more lines of evidence from animal model, cell biology,
      immunology, and genetics studies show that autophagy contributes to the
      occurrence, development, and severity of SLE.

PMID- 27673476
TI  - Clinical observation of lymphocyte active immunotherapy in 380 patients with
      unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate the clinical curative effect of
      lymphocyte active immunotherapy (LAI) on unexplained recurrent spontaneous
      abortion (RSA). METHODS: A total of 749 RSA patients who received medical service
      in our hospital from October 2009 to June 2013 were enrolled into this study.
      These patients were randomly divided into two groups: LAI group (treatment group)
      and routine progesterone for maintenance tocolysis group (control group). A
      comparative analysis on the pregnancy outcomes in these two groups was conducted.
      RESULTS: Abortion rate was significantly lower in the LAI group than in the
      control group (P<0.05). Furthermore, pregnancy success rates were 89.7% and 32.2%
      in patients who received LAI and routine progesterone for maintenance tocolysis,
      respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05).
      CONCLUSION: Our analysis suggested that LAI can treat RSA effectively and has an
      excellent clinical effect. Furthermore, the detection of blocking antibodies
      showed a positive prediction on pregnancy outcome.

PMID- 27673478
TI  - Baby-led compared with scheduled (or mixed) breastfeeding for successful
      breastfeeding.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Baby-led breastfeeding is recommended as best practice in determining
      the frequency and duration of a breastfeed. An alternative approach is described
      as scheduled, where breastfeeding is timed and restricted in frequency and
      duration. It is necessary to review the evidence that supports current
      recommendations, so that women are provided with high-quality evidence to inform
      their feeding decisions. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of baby-led compared
      with scheduled (or mixed) breastfeeding for successful breastfeeding, for healthy
      newborns. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth
      Group's Trials Register (23 February 2016), CINAHL (1981 to 23 February 2016),
      EThOS, Index to Theses and ProQuest database and World Health Organization's 1998
      evidence to support the 'Ten Steps' to successful breastfeeding (10 May 2016).
      SELECTION CRITERIA: We planned to include randomised and quasi-randomised trials
      with randomisation at both the individual and cluster level. Studies presented in
      abstract form would have been eligible for inclusion if sufficient data were
      available. Studies using a cross-over design would not have been eligible for
      inclusion. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently
      assessed for inclusion all potential studies we identified as a result of the
      search strategy. We would have resolved any disagreement through discussion or,
      if required, consulted a third review author, but this was not necessary. MAIN
      RESULTS: No studies were identified that were eligible for inclusion in this
      review. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: This review demonstrates that there is no evidence
      from randomised controlled trials evaluating the effect of baby-led compared with
      scheduled (or mixed) breastfeeding for successful breastfeeding, for healthy
      newborns. It is recommended that no changes are made to current practice
      guidelines without undertaking robust research, to include many patterns of
      breastfeeding and not limited to baby-led and scheduled breastfeeding. Future
      exploratory research is needed on baby-led breastfeeding that takes the mother's
      perspective into consideration.

PMID- 27673474
TI  - Biomaterial-Based Approaches to Address Vein Graft and Hemodialysis Access
      Failures.
AB  - Veins used as grafts in heart bypass or as access points in hemodialysis exhibit
      high failure rates, thereby causing significant morbidity and mortality for
      patients. Interventional or revisional surgeries required to correct these
      failures have been met with limited success and exorbitant costs, particularly
      for the US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Vein stenosis or occlusion
      leading to failure is primarily the result of neointimal hyperplasia. Systemic
      therapies have achieved little long-term success, indicating the need for more
      localized, sustained, biomaterial-based solutions. Numerous studies have
      demonstrated the ability of external stents to reduce neointimal hyperplasia.
      However, successful results from animal models have failed to translate to the
      clinic thus far, and no external stent is currently approved for use in the US to
      prevent vein graft or hemodialysis access failures. This review discusses current
      progress in the field, design considerations, and future perspectives for
      biomaterial-based external stents. More comparative studies iteratively
      modulating biomaterial and biomaterial-drug approaches are critical in addressing
      mechanistic knowledge gaps associated with external stent application to the
      arteriovenous environment. Addressing these gaps will ultimately lead to more
      viable solutions that prevent vein graft and hemodialysis access failures.

PMID- 27673480
TI  - Molecularly Smooth Self-Assembled Monolayer for High-Mobility Organic Field
      Effect Transistors.
AB  - Despite the need for molecularly smooth self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on
      silicon dioxide surfaces (the most common dielectric surface), current techniques
      are limited to nonideal silane grafting. Here, we show unique bioinspired
      zwitterionic molecules forming a molecularly smooth and uniformly thin SAM in
      "water" in <1 min on various dielectric surfaces, which enables a dip-coating
      process that is essential for organic electronics to become reality. This
      monomolecular layer leads to high mobility of organic field-effect transistors
      (OFETs) based on various organic semiconductors and source/drain electrodes. A
      combination of experimental and computational techniques confirms strong
      adsorption (Wad > 20 mJ m-2), uniform thickness (~0.5 or ~1 nm) and orientation
      (all catechol head groups facing the oxide surface) of the "monomolecular"
      layers. This robust (strong adsorption), rapid, and green SAM represents a
      promising advancement toward the next generation of nanofabrication compared to
      the current nonuniform and inconsistent polysiloxane-based SAM involving toxic
      chemicals, long processing time (>10 h), or heat (>80  degrees C).

PMID- 27673479
TI  - DTI-based connectome analysis of adolescents with major depressive disorder
      reveals hypoconnectivity of the right caudate.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adolescence is a vulnerable period for the onset of major depressive
      disorder (MDD). While some studies have shown white matter alterations in
      adolescent MDD, there is still a gap in understanding how the brain is affected
      at a network level. METHODS: We compared diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)-based
      brain networks in a cohort of 57 adolescents with MDD and 41 well-matched healthy
      controls who completed self-reports of depression symptoms and stressful life
      events. Using atlas-based brain regions as network nodes and tractography
      streamline count or mean fractional anisotropy (FA) as edge weights, we examined
      weighted local and global network properties and performed Network-Based
      Statistic (NBS) analysis. RESULTS: While there were no significant group
      differences in the global network properties, the FA-weighted node strength of
      the right caudate was significantly lower in depressed adolescents and correlated
      positively with age across both groups. The NBS analysis revealed a cluster of
      lower FA-based connectivity in depressed subjects centered on the right caudate,
      including connections to frontal gyri, insula, and anterior cingulate. Within
      this cluster, the most robust difference between groups was the connection
      between the right caudate and middle frontal gyrus. This connection showed a
      significant diagnosis by stress interaction and a negative correlation with total
      stress in depressed adolescents. LIMITATIONS: Use of DTI-based tractography, one
      atlas-based parcellation, and FA values to characterize brain networks represent
      this study's limitations. CONCLUSIONS: Our results allowed us to suggest caudate
      centric models of dysfunctional processes underlying adolescent depression, which
      might guide future studies and help better understand and treat this disorder.

PMID- 27673481
TI  - Trilinear analysis of thin-layer chromatography retention of 35 model compounds
      chromatographed on nine adsorbents with 20 pure solvents.
AB  - The RF value dataset of 35 model compounds, chromatographed with 20 pure solvents
      as the mobile phase each on nine adsorbents: RP2, RP8, RP18, alumina, cellulose,
      CN, DIOL, NH2 , and silica, was subjected to trilinear analysis with parallel
      factor analysis. The two-factor optimal model explained 87% of total information
      in this complex dataset. The first obtained score (trend) represents two
      features: the presence of hydrogen bonding and heteroatoms of solute and the mean
      elution force of the solvent. The second trend represents molecule size,
      aromaticity, and number of carbons, interconnected with presence of chlorine in
      mobile phase. The correlation between the scores and molecular descriptors were
      checked to interpret these trends quantitatively. The scores of adsorbents were
      slightly intercorrelated, showing NH2 , alumina, and cellulose as outliers from
      main adsorbents cloud. The obtained results suggest that molecular size and
      aromaticity, connected with chlorine atoms in mobile phase, is the second source
      of retention variability.

PMID- 27673482
TI  - Development of Selective CBP/P300 Benzoxazepine Bromodomain Inhibitors.
AB  - CBP (CREB (cAMP responsive element binding protein) binding protein (CREBBP)) and
      P300 (adenovirus E1A-associated 300 kDa protein) are two closely related histone
      acetyltransferases (HATs) that play a key role in the regulation of gene
      transcription. Both proteins contain a bromodomain flanking the HAT catalytic
      domain that is important for the targeting of CBP/P300 to chromatin and which
      offeres an opportunity for the development of protein-protein interaction
      inhibitors. Here we present the development of CBP/P300 bromodomain inhibitors
      with 2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,4-benzoxazepine backbone, an N-acetyl-lysine mimetic
      scaffold that led to the recent development of the chemical probe I-CBP112. We
      present comprehensive SAR of this inhibitor class as well as demonstration of
      cellular on target activity of the most potent and selective inhibitor TPOP146,
      which showed 134 nM affinity for CBP with excellent selectivity over other
      bromodomains.

PMID- 27673484
TI  - Facial Laxity Rating Scale Validation Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Age, weight change, clinical or surgical procedures, and distinctive
      characteristics, combine to be perceived as degrees of flaccidity. There is an
      absence of a validated scale to accurately assess the firmness-laxity spectrum of
      the face and neck with accepted classification and terminology. OBJECTIVE: To
      create a simplified assessment tool to measure the degree of laxity in the face
      and neck: the Facial Laxity Rating (FLR) scale. METHODS: The FLR scale evaluates
      4 distinctive signs (eyelid folds, nasojugal folds, jowls, and neck profile) in 4
      regions: upper face, middle face, lower face, and neck. This study incorporated a
      focused training component for 7 independent physician blinded photograph
      scorers. A total of 188 ratings were assessed. RESULTS: Combined weighted kappa
      inter-rater agreement was 0.77 (95% CI, 0.76-0.78) for 188 ratings. Mean inter
      rater agreement for laxity class was 0.78 (95% CI, 0.77-0.80). Agreement scoring
      relative to the truth standard was 92.53% (90.31-94.21), averaged for 7
      investigators. CONCLUSION: This study effectively presents the validation of the
      FLR scale for both inter-rater and agreement relative to the truth standard,
      demonstrating that the FLR scale may be used as a reliable instrument for
      quantitative assessment of chronological or treatment related laxity of the face
      and neck.

PMID- 27673483
TI  - An 18-Month Follow-up, Randomized Comparison of Effectiveness and Safety of Two
      Hyaluronic Acid Fillers for Treatment of Moderate Nasolabial Folds.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hyaluronic acid (HA) filler injection is a popular nonsurgical
      aesthetic procedure. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness and safety of 2
      hyaluronic acid fillers (HAEC and HARES) for treatment of moderate nasolabial
      folds (NLFs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an evaluator- and subject-blinded
      split-face study. HAEC or HARES was randomly assigned to the left or right NLF at
      baseline. Retreatment was performed after 9 months; follow-up extended to 18
      months after baseline (9 months after retreatment). Effectiveness assessments
      included the Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale (WSRS) and subject preference. Safety
      assessments included adverse events (AEs) and local tolerability symptoms
      recorded by subjects during 3 weeks after treatment. RESULTS: HAEC was
      noninferior to HARES measured as mean change from baseline in WSRS score at 6
      months. Mean WSRS score change from baseline was similar between products up to
      18 months. A majority of subjects (>70%) were still responders at 18 months
      (after retreatment at 9 months). The volume required at retreatment was
      approximately two-thirds of that at baseline. There was no difference in subject
      preference between products. Both fillers were well tolerated and associated with
      few treatment-related AEs. CONCLUSION: HAEC and HARES were effective and well
      tolerated for treatment of moderate NLFs.

PMID- 27673485
TI  - Umbilical Skin Endometriosis: Treatment, Reconstruction, and Differential
      Diagnosis.

PMID- 27673486
TI  - Large Surgical Defect of the Superior Ear.

PMID- 27673487
TI  - Second Intention Healing for Large Surgical Defects of the Foot.

PMID- 27673488
TI  - A Recalcitrant Keloid Successfully Treated With CO2 Laser and Indocyanine Green
      Photodynamic Therapy.

PMID- 27673489
TI  - Scalp Cyst Excision in an Unknown Previous Site of Neurosurgery: Issues in
      Patient Safety in Dermatologic Surgery.

PMID- 27673490
TI  - Thermodynamically Anchoring-Frustrated Surface to Trigger Bulk Discontinuous
      Orientational Transition.
AB  - Surface-specific liquid crystal (LC) nanostructures provide a unique platform for
      studying surface-wetting phenomena and also for technological applications. The
      most important studies on LC properties are related to bulk alignment, surface
      anchoring, and so on. Here, we study an LC system with a nematic liquid crystal
      (NLC) on a perfluoropolymer-coated substrate, in which a discontinuous bulk
      orientational transition has recently been found. Using free-energy analysis
      based on experimental results of the newly-conducted grazing-incidence X-ray
      diffraction (GI-XRD) measurements, we have confirmed a thermodynamic growth
      process of smectic liquid crystalline wetting nanosheets on the surface and
      successfully explained that a frustrated surface of planar and vertical anchoring
      states accompanied by an elastic energy cost kinetically triggers the bulk
      reorientation in the first-order manner. This interfacial bottom-up process may
      offer a general insight into how interfacial hierarchical molecular architectures
      alter the bulk properties of matter thermodynamically.

PMID- 27673491
TI  - Application of multiphysics models to efficient design of experiments of solute
      transport across articular cartilage.
AB  - Transport of solutes helps to regulate normal physiology and proper function of
      cartilage in diarthrodial joints. Multiple studies have shown the effects of
      characteristic parameters such as concentration of proteoglycans and collagens
      and the orientation of collagen fibrils on the diffusion process. However, not
      much quantitative information and accurate models are available to help
      understand how the characteristics of the fluid surrounding articular cartilage
      influence the diffusion process. In this study, we used a combination of micro
      computed tomography experiments and biphasic-solute finite element models to
      study the effects of three parameters of the overlying bath on the diffusion of
      neutral solutes across cartilage zones. Those parameters include bath size,
      degree of stirring of the bath, and the size and concentration of the stagnant
      layer that forms at the interface of cartilage and bath. Parametric studies
      determined the minimum of the finite bath size for which the diffusion behavior
      reduces to that of an infinite bath. Stirring of the bath proved to remarkably
      influence neutral solute transport across cartilage zones. The well-stirred
      condition was achieved only when the ratio of the diffusivity of bath to that of
      cartilage was greater than ~1000. While the thickness of the stagnant layer at
      the cartilage-bath interface did not significantly influence the diffusion
      behavior, increase in its concentration substantially elevated solute
      concentration in cartilage. Sufficient stirring attenuated the effects of the
      stagnant layer. Our findings could be used for efficient design of experimental
      protocols aimed at understanding the transport of molecules across articular
      cartilage.

PMID- 27673493
TI  - Ultrathin Colloidal Cesium Lead Halide Perovskite Nanowires.
AB  - Highly uniform single crystal ultrathin CsPbBr3 nanowires (NWs) with diameter of
      2.2 +/- 0.2 nm and length up to several microns were successfully synthesized and
      purified using a catalyst-free colloidal synthesis method followed by a stepwise
      purification strategy. The NWs have bright photoluminescence (PL) with a
      photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of about 30% after surface treatment.
      Large blue-shifted UV-vis absorption and PL spectra have been observed due to
      strong two-dimensional quantum confinement effects. A small angle X-ray
      scattering (SAXS) pattern shows the periodic packing of the ultrathin NWs along
      the radial direction, demonstrates the narrow radial distribution of the wires,
      and emphasizes the deep intercalation of the surfactants. Despite the extreme
      aspect ratios of the ultrathin NWs, their composition and the resulting optical
      properties can be readily tuned by an anion-exchange reaction with good
      morphology preservation. These bright ultrathin NWs may be used as a model system
      to study strong quantum confinement effects in a one-dimensional halide
      perovskite system.

PMID- 27673492
TI  - Extraction and processing of videocapsule data to detect and measure the presence
      of villous atrophy in celiac disease patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Videocapsule endoscopy is a relative new method to analyze the
      gastrointestinal tract for the presence of pathologic features. It is of
      relevance to detect villous atrophy in the small bowel, which is a defining
      symptom of celiac disease. METHOD: In this tutorial, methods to extract and
      process videocapsule endoscopy data are elucidated. The algorithms, computer
      code, and paradigms to analyze image series are described in detail. The topics
      covered include extraction of data, analysis of texture, eigenanalysis, spectral
      analysis, three-dimensional projection, and estimation of motility. The basic
      paradigms to implement these processes are provided. RESULTS: Examples of
      successful quantitative analysis implementations for selected untreated celiac
      disease patients with villous atrophy versus control patients with normal villi
      were illustrated. Based on the implementations, it was evident that celiac
      patients tended to have a rougher small intestinal texture as compared with
      control patients. From three-dimensional projection, celiac patients exhibited
      larger surface protrusions emanating from the small intestinal mucosa, which may
      represent clumps of atrophied villi. The periodicity of small intestinal
      contractions tends to be slower when villous atrophy is present, and the
      estimated degree of motility is reduced as compared with control image series.
      Basis image construction suggested that fissuring and mottling of the mucosal
      surface is predominant in untreated celiac patients, and mostly absent in
      controls. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of computerized methods, as described in
      this tutorial, will likely be useful for the automated detection and measurement
      of villous atrophy, and to map its extent along the small intestine of celiac
      patients.

PMID- 27673494
TI  - Profiling of the Terpene Metabolome in Carrot Fruits of Wild ( Daucus carota L.
      ssp. carota) Accessions and Characterization of a Geraniol Synthase.
AB  - Fruits from wild carrot ( Daucus carota L. ssp. carota) have been used for
      medicinal purposes since ancient times. The oil of its seeds, with their abundant
      monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, has drawn attention in recent years because of
      its potential pharmaceutical application. A combined chemical, biochemical, and
      molecular study was conducted to evaluate the differential accumulation of
      terpene volatiles in carrot fruits of wild accessions. This work reports a
      similarity-based cloning strategy identification and functional characterization
      of one carrot monoterpene terpene synthase, WtDcTPS1. Recombinant WtDcTPS1
      protein produces mainly geraniol, the predominant monoterpene in carrot seeds of
      wild accession 23727. The results suggest a role for the WtDcTPS1 gene in the
      biosynthesis of carrot fruit aroma and flavor compounds.

PMID- 27673495
TI  - Ultrasensitive turn-on fluorescence detection of Cu2+ based on p
      dimethylaminobenzamide derivative and the application to cell imaging.
AB  - A new p-dimethylaminobenzamide derivative based compound BDIH has been
      synthesized. Cu2+ turned on the fluorescence of compound BDIH with a 1:2 binding
      stoichiometry. The fluorescent color of compound BDIH shows an evident change
      from colorless to bright blue upon the addition of Cu2+, which could be visibly
      detected by the naked eye under UV light at 365nm. More importantly, the
      detection limit was found to be 0.64nM which is far lower than the maximal
      allowed concentration of the WHO limit (31.5MUM) for drinking water. This
      selective "turn-on" fluorescence sensor was used to identify Cu2+ in living cells
      using confocal fluorescence microscopy, indicating that compound BDIH has a
      potential application for selective detection of Cu2+ in organism.

PMID- 27673496
TI  - Design, synthesis and DNA-binding study of some novel morpholine linked
      thiazolidinone derivatives.
AB  - The emergence of multiple drug resistance amongst bacterial strains resulted in
      many clinical drugs to be ineffective. Being vulnerable to bacterial infections
      any lack in the development of new antimicrobial drugs could pose a serious
      threat to public health. Here we report design and synthesis of a novel class of
      morpholine linked thiazolidinone hybrid molecules. The compounds were
      characterized by FT-IR, NMR and HRMS techniques. Susceptibility tests showed that
      most of the synthesized molecules were highly active against multiple bacterial
      strains. Compound 3f displayed MIC values which were better than the standard
      drug for most of the tested strains. DNA being a well defined target for many
      antimicrobial drugs was probed as possible target for these synthetic molecules.
      DNA-binding study of 3f with sm-DNA was probed through UV-vis absorption,
      fluorescence quenching, gel electrophoresis and molecular docking techniques. The
      studies revealed that compound 3f has strong affinity towards DNA and binds at
      the minor groove. The docking studies revealed that the compound 3f shows
      preferential binding towards A/T residues.

PMID- 27673497
TI  - Photophysical behavior and photodynamic therapy activity of conjugates of zinc
      monocarboxyphenoxy phthalocyanine with human serum albumin and chitosan.
AB  - Zinc monocarboxyphenoxy phthalocyanine (ZnMCPPc) was linked to human serum
      albumin (HSA) and chitosan via amide bond formation. The photophysical behavior
      and photodynamic therapy (PDT) activity (against human breast adenocarcinoma cell
      line (MCF-7 cells) of ZnMCPPc alone and its conjugates were investigated. The
      conjugates showed improved fluorescence, triplet and singlet oxygen quantum
      yields when compared to ZnMCPPc alone. The in vitro dark cytotoxicity and PDT
      studies were carried out at a dose of 3.6MUg/mL to 57.1MUg/mL. The in vitro dark
      cytotoxicity studies of ZnMCPPc showed cell viability <50% at 28.6MUg/mL and
      57.1MUg/mL, while the conjugates showed > 50% in all their tested concentrations
      (3.6 to 57.1) MUg/mL. Thus, conjugation of ZnMCPPc to HSA and chitosan improves
      its dark cytotoxicity, an important criteria for molecules meant for photodynamic
      therapy. Complex 1 showed the most efficacious PDT activity with cell viability
      <50% at concentration range of (14.3 to 57.1) MUg/mL in comparison to the
      conjugates which only showed <50% cell viability at 28.6MUg/mL and 57.1MUg/mL for
      1-HSA and 57.1MUg/mL for 1-Chitosan.

PMID- 27673498
TI  - Forster resonance energy transfer and excited state life time reduction of
      rhodamine 6G with NiO nanorods in PVP films.
AB  - In the present study, we report the preparation of NiO nanorods (NNR) and its
      Forster resonant energy transfer (FRET) behaviour with rhodamine 6G (R6G) in a
      Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) polymer matrix. The prepared nanocomposite polymer
      (NCP) films contain PVP and R6G whose concentrations are kept constant and
      different concentrations of NNR. Spectral overlap between the absorption and
      fluorescence spectrum of R6G and NNR shows the possibility of FRET phenomena to
      be occurring in the prepared NCP films. Steady state and time resolved
      fluorescence measurements are carried out at two excitation wavelengths (330 and
      510nm) to study the energy transfer process between R6G and NNR in the PVP host.
      The obtained results show that the energy transfer is from R6G (serves as a
      donor) to NNR (functions as an acceptor). Calculated radiative efficiencies,
      donor-acceptor distances and average lifetime also confirm the energy transfer
      from R6G to NNR.

PMID- 27673499
TI  - Comparative structural and vibrational study of the four lowest energy conformers
      of serotonin.
AB  - A computational investigation of all possible lowest energy conformers of
      serotonin was carried out at the B3LYP/6-311++G** level. Out of the 14 possible
      lowest energy conformers, the first 4 conformers were investigated thoroughly for
      the optimized geometries, fundamental frequencies, the potential energy
      distributions, APT and natural charges, natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis, MEP,
      Contour map, total density array, HOMO, LUMO energies. The second third and
      fourth conformers are energetically at higher temperatures of 78, 94 and 312K
      respectively with respect to the first one. Bond angles and bond lengths do not
      show significant variations while the dihedral angles vary significantly in going
      from one conformer to the other. Some of the vibrational modes of the indole
      moiety are conformation dependent to some extent whereas most of the normal modes
      of vibration of amino-ethyl side chain vary significantly in going from one
      conformer to conformer. The MEP for the four conformers suggested that the sites
      of the maximum positive and negative ESP change on changing the conformation. The
      charges at some atomic sites also change significantly from conformer to
      conformer.

PMID- 27673500
TI  - Near infrared spectroscopy combined with chemometrics for growth stage
      classification of cannabis cultivated in a greenhouse from seized seeds.
AB  - Cannabis sativa L. (cannabis, Cannabaceae), popularly called marijuana, is one of
      the oldest plants known to man and it is the illicit drug most used worldwide. It
      also has been the subject of increasing discussions from the scientific and
      political points of view due to its medicinal properties. In recent years in
      Brazil, the form of cannabis drug trafficking has been changing and the Brazilian
      Federal Police has exponentially increased the number of seizures of cannabis
      seeds sent by the mail. This new form of trafficking encouraged the study of
      cannabis seeds seized germinated in a greenhouse through NIR spectroscopy
      combined with chemometrics. The plants were cultivated in a homemade greenhouse
      under controlled conditions. In three different growth periods (5.5weeks,
      7.5weeks and 10weeks), they were harvested, dried, ground and directly analyzed.
      The iPCA was used to select the best NIR spectral range (4000-4375cm-1) in order
      to develop unsupervised and supervised methods. The PCA and HCA showed a good
      separation between the three groups of cannabis samples at different growth
      stages. The PLS-DA and SVM-DA classified the samples with good results in terms
      of sensitivity and specificity. The sensitivity and specificity for SVM-DA
      classification were equal to unity. This separation may be due to the correlation
      of cannabinoids and volatile compounds concentration during the growth of the
      cannabis plant. Therefore, the growth stage of cannabis can be predicted by NIR
      spectroscopy and chemometric tools in the early stages of indoor cannabis
      cultivation.

PMID- 27673501
TI  - DNA barcoding as a useful tool in the systematic study of wild bees of the tribe
      Augochlorini (Hymenoptera: Halictidae).
AB  - Special care is needed in the delimitation and identification of halictid bee
      species, which are renowned for being morphologically monotonous. Corynura
      Spinola and Halictillus Moure (Halictidae: Augochlorini) contain species that are
      key elements in southern South American ecosystems. These bees are very difficult
      to identify due to close morphological similarity among species and high sexual
      dimorphism. We analyzed 170 barcode-compliant COI sequences from 19 species. DNA
      barcodes were useful to confirm gender associations and to detect two new cryptic
      species. Interspecific distances were significantly higher than those reported
      for other bees. Maximum intraspecific divergence was less than 1% in 14 species.
      Barcode index numbers (BINs) were useful to identify putative species that need
      further study. More than one BIN was assigned to five species. The name Corynura
      patagonica (Cockerell) probably refers to two cryptic species. The results
      suggest that Corynura and Halictillus species can be identified using DNA
      barcodes. The sequences of the species included in this study can be used as a
      reference to assess the identification of unknown specimens. This study provides
      additional support for the use of DNA barcodes in bee taxonomy and the
      identification of specimens, which is particularly relevant in insects of
      ecological importance such as pollinators.

PMID- 27673502
TI  - Cognitive control deficit in patients with first-episode schizophrenia is
      associated with complex deviations of early brain development.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several clinical and radiological markers of early neurodevelopmental
      deviations have been independently associated with cognitive impairment in
      patients with schizophrenia. The aim of our study was to test the cumulative
      and/or interactive effects of these early neurodevelopmental factors on cognitive
      control (CC) deficit, a core feature of schizophrenia. METHODS: We recruited
      patients with first-episode schizophrenia-spectrum disorders, who underwent
      structural MRI. We evaluated CC efficiency using the Trail Making Test (TMT).
      Several markers of early brain development were measured: neurological soft signs
      (NSS), handedness, sulcal pattern of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and
      ventricle enlargement. RESULTS: We included 41 patients with schizophrenia in our
      analysis, which revealed a main effect of ACC morphology (p = 0.041) as well as
      interactions between NSS and ACC morphology (p = 0.005), between NSS and
      handedness (p = 0.044) and between ACC morphology and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
      volume (p = 0.005) on CC measured using the TMT-B score - the TMT-A score.
      LIMITATIONS: No 3- or 4-way interactions were detected between the 4
      neurodevelopmental factors. The sample size was clearly adapted to detect main
      effects and 2-way interactions, but may have limited the statistical power to
      investigate higher-order interactions. The effects of treatment and illness
      duration were limited as the study design involved only patients with first
      episode psychosis. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, our study provides the first
      evidence of cumulative and interactive effects of different neurodevelopmental
      markers on CC efficiency in patients with schizophrenia. Such findings, in line
      with the neurodevelopmental model of schizophrenia, support the notion that CC
      impairments in patients with schizophrenia may be the final common pathway of
      several early neurodevelopmental mechanisms.

PMID- 27673503
TI  - Cortical morphology as a shared neurobiological substrate of attention
      deficit/hyperactivity symptoms and executive functioning: a population-based
      pediatric neuroimaging study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity symptoms have repeatedly been
      associated with poor cognitive functioning. Genetic studies have demonstrated a
      shared etiology of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and cognitive
      ability, suggesting a common underlying neurobiology of ADHD and cognition.
      Further, neuroimaging studies suggest that altered cortical development is
      related to ADHD. In a large population-based sample we investigated whether
      cortical morphology, as a potential neurobiological substrate, underlies the
      association between attention-deficit/hyperactivity symptoms and cognitive
      problems. METHODS: The sample consisted of school-aged children with data on
      attention-deficit/hyperactivity symptoms, cognitive functioning and structural
      imaging. First, we investigated the association between attention-deficit/
      hyperactivity symptoms and different domains of cognition. Next, we identified
      cortical correlates of attention-deficit/hyperactivity symptoms and related
      cognitive domains. Finally, we studied the role of cortical thickness and
      gyrification in the behaviour-cognition associations. RESULTS: We included 776
      children in our analyses. We found that attention-deficit/hyperactivity symptoms
      were associated specifically with problems in attention and executive functioning
      (EF; b = -0.041, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.07 to -0.01, p = 0.004).
      Cortical thickness and gyrification were associated with both attention
      deficit/hyperactivity symptoms and EF in brain regions that have been previously
      implicated in ADHD. This partly explained the association between attention
      deficit/hyperactivity symptoms and EF (bindirect = -0.008, bias-corrected 95% CI 
      0.018 to -0.001). LIMITATIONS: The nature of our study did not allow us to draw
      inferences regarding temporal associations; longitudinal studies are needed for
      clarification. CONCLUSION: In a large, population-based sample of children, we
      identified a shared cortical morphology underlying attention
      deficit/hyperactivity symptoms and EF.

PMID- 27673504
TI  - RENEB intercomparison exercises analyzing micronuclei (Cytokinesis-block
      Micronucleus Assay).
AB  - PURPOSE: In the framework of the 'Realizing the European Network of Biodosimetry'
      (RENEB) project, two intercomparison exercises were conducted to assess the
      suitability of an optimized version of the cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay,
      and to evaluate the capacity of a large laboratory network performing
      biodosimetry for radiation emergency triages. Twelve European institutions
      participated in the first exercise, and four non-RENEB labs were added in the
      second one. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Irradiated blood samples were shipped to
      participating labs, whose task was to culture these samples and provide a blind
      dose estimate. Micronucleus analysis was performed by automated, semi-automated
      and manual procedures. RESULTS: The dose estimates provided by network
      laboratories were in good agreement with true administered doses. The most
      accurate estimates were reported for low dose points (<= 0.94 Gy). For higher
      dose points (>= 2.7 Gy) a larger variation in estimates was observed, though in
      the second exercise the number of acceptable estimates increased satisfactorily.
      Higher accuracy was achieved with the semi-automated method. CONCLUSION: The
      results of the two exercises performed by our network demonstrate that the
      micronucleus assay is a useful tool for large-scale radiation emergencies, and
      can be successfully implemented within a large network of laboratories.

PMID- 27673505
TI  - Ultra-low-dose Naloxone as an Adjuvant to Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA) With
      Morphine for Postoperative Pain Relief Following Lumber Discectomy: A Double
      blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lumbar discectomy is one of the most commonly performed neurosurgical
      procedures. Many patients experience postoperative pain after lumbar discectomy.
      This study evaluated the effect of ultra-low-dose naloxone infusion on pain
      intensity after lumbar discectomy in individuals receiving patient-controlled
      analgesia (PCA) with morphine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a double-blind,
      randomized, controlled trial, a total of 80 patients scheduled for open
      discectomy was randomly assigned to receive naloxone (group N) or placebo (group
      P). After surgery, all patients were connected to a morphine PCA pump. Both
      groups received 500 mL of normal saline using a continuous infusion pump through
      a separate intravenous line for 24 hours. However, group N received a total dose
      of 0.25 MUg/kg/h naloxone, which was added to the normal saline infusion. All
      patients were asked to grade the intensity of their pain, severity of nausea,
      vomiting, and pruritus on a 0 to 10 visual analog scale before being discharged
      from the postanesthesia care unit and at 1, 6, 12, and 24 hours postoperatively.
      RESULTS: It was observed that both groups had a statistically significant
      (P<0.01) time trend difference for pain, nausea, and pruritus scores. A
      significant difference was found between the 2 groups in terms of intensity of
      pain, nausea, and pruritus, with the naloxone group experiencing a lower level in
      comparison with the placebo group. Moreover, the median (interquartile range) of
      morphine consumption after surgery for patients who received naloxone was 26
      (24.25 to 28) mg, which is significantly (P<0.001) lower than for the placebo
      group, which had a median (interquartile range) of 34 (32 to 36) mg. CONCLUSIONS:
      It is concluded that infusion of ultra-low-dose naloxone (0.25 MUg/kg/h) along
      with morphine PCA can significantly reduce pain intensity, morphine consumption,
      and opioid-induced nausea and pruritus after lumbar discectomy.

PMID- 27673506
TI  - Sodium Bicarbonate for Control of ICP: A Systematic Review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to perform a systematic review of the literature on the
      use of intravenous sodium bicarbonate for intracranial pressure (ICP) reduction
      in patients with neurologic illness. METHODS: Data sources: articles from
      MEDLINE, BIOSIS, EMBASE, Global Health, Scopus, Cochrane Library, the
      International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (inception to April 2015),
      reference lists of relevant articles, and gray literature were searched. DATA
      EXTRACTION: 2 reviewers independently extracted data including population
      characteristics and treatment characteristics. The strength of evidence was
      adjudicated using both the Oxford and Grading of Recommendation Assessment
      Development and Education methodology. RESULTS: Our search strategy produced a
      total 559 citations. Three original articles were included in the review. There
      were 2 prospective studies, 1 randomized control trial and 1 single arm, and 1
      retrospective case report.Across all studies there were a total of 19 patients
      studied, with 31 episodes of elevated ICP being treated. Twenty-one of those
      episodes were treated with sodium bicarbonate infusion, with the remaining 10
      treated with hypertonic saline in a control model. All elevated ICP episodes
      treated with sodium bicarbonate solution demonstrated a significant drop in ICP,
      without an elevation of serum partial pressure of carbon dioxide. No significant
      complications were described. CONCLUSIONS: There currently exists Oxford level 4,
      Grading of Recommendation Assessment Development and Education D evidence to
      support an ICP reduction effect with intravenous sodium bicarbonate in TBI. No
      comments on its impact in other neuropathologic states, or on patient outcomes,
      can be made at this time.

PMID- 27673507
TI  - A Survey of Incidence of Postoperative Visual Loss Associated With Spine Surgery
      Outside the United States.

PMID- 27673508
TI  - Effect of Bridging Local-Regional Therapy on Recurrence of Hepatocellular
      Carcinoma and Survival after Orthotopic Liver Transplantation.
AB  - Purpose To evaluate the influence of bridging local-regional therapy (LRT) on
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence and overall survival after orthotopic
      liver transplantation and to identify factors that predict HCC recurrence after
      orthotopic liver transplantation. Materials and Methods The United Network for
      Organ Sharing database was used to identify patients with HCC who underwent liver
      transplantation between 2002 and 2013. Patients with complete explant data within
      the Milan criteria for whom a Model for End-Stage Liver Disease exception was
      approved were retrospectively analyzed. Kaplan-Meier estimation was used for
      survival analysis with log-rank test and Cox proportional hazard models to assess
      independent prognostic factors for overall survival. Propensity-matched analysis
      for treatment groups was performed to minimize selection bias. Results The rate
      of tumor recurrence after liver transplantation was 11.5% (321 of 2794), which
      significantly decreased overall survival (P < .001). The bridging LRT group
      exhibited lower recurrence (59 of 686 [8.6%]; P = .02) and longer median overall
      survival (75.9 months; P < .001). Recurrence was higher in patients older than 60
      years, serum alpha1-fetoprotein greater than 400 mg/L, bilobar distribution,
      multiple lesions, absent necrosis, microvascular invasion, and tumors beyond the
      Milan criteria (P < .05). Age, LRT status, serum alpha1-fetoprotein, and
      microvascular invasion were independent risk factors (P < .05). In the matched
      cohort, similar factors that predicted recurrence were observed (P < .05),
      whereas bridging LRT (P = .03) and serum alpha1-fetoprotein (P = .02) were
      independent risk factors for recurrence. Conclusion LRT significantly decreased
      tumor recurrence and lengthened overall survival. (c) RSNA, 2016.

PMID- 27673509
TI  - Peer Feedback, Learning, and Improvement: Answering the Call of the Institute of
      Medicine Report on Diagnostic Error.
AB  - In September 2015, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) published a report titled
      "Improving Diagnosis in Health Care," in which it was recommended that "health
      care organizations should adopt policies and practices that promote a nonpunitive
      culture that values open discussion and feedback on diagnostic performance." It
      may seem counterintuitive that a report addressing a highly technical skill such
      as medical diagnosis would be focused on organizational culture. The wisdom
      becomes clearer, however, when examined in the light of recent advances in the
      understanding of human error and individual and organizational performance. The
      current dominant model for radiologist performance improvement is scoring-based
      peer review, which reflects a traditional quality assurance approach, derived
      from manufacturing in the mid-1900s. Far from achieving the goals of the IOM,
      which are celebrating success, recognizing mistakes as an opportunity to learn,
      and fostering openness and trust, we have found that scoring-based peer review
      tends to drive radiologists inward, against each other, and against practice
      leaders. Modern approaches to quality improvement focus on using and enhancing
      interpersonal professional relationships to achieve and maintain high levels of
      individual and organizational performance. In this article, the authors review
      the recommendations set forth by the recent IOM report, discuss the science and
      theory that underlie several of those recommendations, and assess how well they
      fit with the current dominant approach to radiology peer review. The authors also
      offer an alternative approach to peer review: peer feedback, learning, and
      improvement (or more succinctly, "peer learning"), which they believe is better
      aligned with the principles promoted by the IOM. (c) RSNA, 2016.

PMID- 27673510
TI  - Clearance of Gadolinium from the Brain with No Pathologic Effect after Repeated
      Administration of Gadodiamide in Healthy Rats: An Analytical and Histologic
      Study.
AB  - Purpose To measure the levels of gadolinium present in the rat brain 1 and 20
      weeks after dosing with contrast agent and to determine if there are any
      histopathologic sequelae. Materials and Methods The study was approved by the GE
      Global Research Center Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Absolute
      gadolinium levels were quantified in the blood and brains of rats 1 week after
      dosing and 20 weeks after dosing with up to 20 repeat doses of gadodiamide
      (cumulative dose, 12 mmol per kilogram of body weight) by using inductively
      coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Treatment groups (n = 6 rats per group)
      included low-dosage and high-dosage gadodiamide and osmolality-matched saline
      controls. Brain sections were submitted (blinded) for standard toxicology
      assessment per Registry of Industrial Toxicology Animal data guidelines. Analysis
      of variance and Mann-Whitney U tests with post hoc correction were used to assess
      differences in absolute gadolinium levels and percentage of injected dose,
      respectively. Results Dose-dependent low levels of gadolinium were detected in
      the brain, a mean +/- standard deviation of 2.49 nmol per gram of brain tissue +/
      0.30 or 0.00019% of the injected dose 1 week after dosing. This diminished by
      approximately 50% (to 1.38 nmol per gram of brain tissue +/- 0.10 or 0.00011% of
      the injected dose) 20 weeks after dosing. As a percentage of injected dose, the
      levels of gadolinium measured were comparable between different doses, indicating
      that mechanisms of uptake and elimination were not saturated at the tested doses.
      There were no histopathologic findings associated with the levels of gadolinium
      measured. Conclusion Low levels of gadolinium are present in the brain after
      repeat dosing with gadodiamide, which is partially cleared over 20 weeks with no
      detectable neurotoxicity.

PMID- 27673511
TI  - Regulation of eosinophil development and survival.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Eosinophils are a subset of granulocytes generally associated
      with type 2 immune responses. They can contribute to protection against helminths
      but also mediate pro-inflammatory functions during allergic immune responses.
      Only recently, eosinophils were also found to exert many other functions such as
      regulation of glucose and fat metabolism, thermogenesis, survival of plasma
      cells, and antitumor activity. The mechanisms that control eosinophil development
      and survival are only partially understood. RECENT FINDINGS: Here we review new
      findings regarding the role of cell-extrinsic and cell-intrinsic factors for
      eosinophilopoiesis and eosinophil homeostasis. Several reports provide new
      insights in the regulation of eosinophil development by transcription factors,
      miRNAs and epigenetic modifications. Danger signals like lipopolysaccharide or
      alarmins can activate eosinophils but also prolong their lifespan. We further
      reflect on the observations that eosinophil development is tightly controlled by
      the unfolded protein stress response and formation of cytoplasmic granules.
      SUMMARY: Eosinophils emerge as important regulators of diverse biological
      processes. Their differentiation and survival is tightly regulated by factors
      that are still poorly understood. Newly identified pathways involved in
      eosinophilopoiesis and eosinophil homeostasis may lead to development of new
      therapeutic options for treatment of eosinophil-associated diseases.

PMID- 27673512
TI  - Short Link N Stimulates Intervertebral Disc Repair in a Novel Long-Term Organ
      Culture Model that Includes the Bony Vertebrae.
AB  - Link N (DHLSDNYTLDHDRAIH) is a peptide that occurs naturally in the
      intervertebral discs (IVDs) and cartilage as a result of proteolytic cleavage of
      Link protein. Several studies have identified Link N as a growth factor capable
      of stimulating matrix synthesis in these tissues. We have recently discovered
      that annulus fibrosus cells can release an enzyme (possibly cathepsin K) that can
      further cleave Link N resulting in an eight amino acid peptide, we called short
      Link N (sLink N). Separately, we recently developed and validated an organ
      culture model that has the vertebrae attached (vIVDs; IVD with intact vertebrae).
      The aims of this study were (i) to examine if sLink N has the potential to repair
      early degenerate discs and (ii) to determine if this new model can be used to
      test potential drugs for disc repair. To determine if sLink N was able to
      stimulate repair of the degenerate disc, vIVDs with trypsin-induced degeneration
      (DG) were used. After 4 weeks of culture, the proteoglycan content measured as
      glycosaminoglycans was stimulated by sLink N in the degenerated discs, and the
      staining of proteoglycan was observed throughout the tissue irrespective of its
      proximity to the cells. The quantity of extractable type II collagen and aggrecan
      was also increased when the degenerate discs were treated with sLink N. Taken
      together, the results suggest that sLink N can increase key disc matrix
      molecules, namely type II collagen and aggrecan. Thus sLink N is an attractive
      peptide for tissue engineering and regeneration of the disc due to its anabolic
      effects. Finally, we show the feasibility of using the long-term whole organ
      culture system with adjacent intact vertebrae for studying the DG and
      regeneration of the IVD.

PMID- 27673513
TI  - Postmastectomy Radiation Therapy and Two-Stage Implant-Based Breast
      Reconstruction: Is There a Better Time to Irradiate?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The ideal timing of postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) in the
      setting of two-stage implant-based breast reconstruction remains unclear. In this
      cohort study, the authors sought to determine whether complication rates differed
      between patients who received PMRT following tissue expander placement (TE-XRT)
      and those who received PMRT after exchange for permanent implants (Implant-XRT)
      utilizing using prospective, multicenter data. METHODS: Eligible patients in the
      Mastectomy Reconstruction Outcomes Consortium study from 11 institutions across
      North America were included in the analysis. All patients had at least 6-month
      follow-up after their last intervention (i.e., implant exchange for TE-XRT
      patients, and radiation for Implant-XRT patients). Complications including
      seroma, hematoma, infection, wound dehiscence, capsular contracture, and implant
      loss were recorded. RESULTS: The authors identified a total of 150 patients who
      underwent immediate, two-stage implant-based breast reconstruction and received
      PMRT. Of these, there were TE-XRT 104 patients (69.3 percent) and 46 (30.7
      percent) Implant-XRT patients. There were no differences in the incidence of any
      complications or complications leading to reconstructive failure between the two
      cohorts. After adjusting for patient characteristics and site effect, the timing
      of PMRT (i.e., TE-XRT versus Implant-XRT) was not a significant predictor in the
      development of any complication, a major complication, or reconstructive failure.
      CONCLUSION: In the setting of PMRT and two-stage implant-based reconstruction,
      patients who received PMRT after expander placement (TE-XRT) did not have a
      higher incidence or increased odds of developing complications than those who
      received PMRT after exchange for a permanent implant (Implant-XRT). CLINICAL
      QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

PMID- 27673514
TI  - A Comparison of Psychological Response, Body Image, Sexuality, and Quality of
      Life between Immediate and Delayed Autologous Tissue Breast Reconstruction: A
      Prospective Long-Term Outcome Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This is the first study to use generic distress, cancer-specific, and
      procedure-specific measures to prospectively evaluate psychological responses,
      body image, sexuality, and health-related quality of life in immediate compared
      with delayed breast reconstruction. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing
      autologous immediate and delayed breast reconstruction (June of 2009 to December
      of 2010) completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Body Image Scale,
      Sexuality Scale, and BREAST-Q preoperatively and postoperatively (6, 12, and 18
      months). Linear mixed-effects analyses between each outcome and time point were
      performed. RESULTS: One hundred six women underwent mastectomy with immediate (n
      = 30) and delayed breast reconstruction (n = 76). Before reconstruction, 26
      percent of patients had abnormal anxiety scores and 9 percent had abnormal
      depression scores, with no significant differences between groups. Patients
      awaiting delayed breast reconstruction had significantly impaired
      prereconstruction body image (p = 0.01) and sexuality (p = 0.01) and worse
      satisfaction with breast (p < 0.01), psychological (p < 0.01), and sexual well
      being (p < 0.01). At 18 months after immediate and delayed breast reconstruction,
      there was significant improvement in anxiety, depression, body image, sexuality,
      and health-related quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: This single-center study shows
      that mastectomy with immediate breast reconstruction may protect breast cancer
      patients from a period of psychosocial distress, poor body image, and diminished
      sexual well-being compared with those waiting for delayed breast reconstruction.
      In patients who are oncologically eligible and strongly interested in breast
      reconstruction, efforts should be made to provide immediate breast reconstruction
      to decrease the interval of psychosocial distress, poor body image, and impaired
      sexuality.

PMID- 27673515
TI  - Revision Vaginoplasty: A Comparison of Surgical Outcomes of Laparoscopic
      Intestinal versus Perineal Full-Thickness Skin Graft Vaginoplasty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vaginal (re)construction can greatly improve the quality of life of
      indicated patients. If primary vaginoplasty fails, multiple surgical approaches
      exist for revision. The authors compared surgical results of laparoscopic
      intestinal versus full-thickness skin graft revision vaginoplasty. METHODS: A
      retrospective chart review of patients who underwent revision vaginoplasty at the
      authors' institution was conducted. Patient demographics, surgical
      characteristics, complications, hospitalization, reoperations, and neovaginal
      depth for both surgical techniques were recorded and compared. RESULTS: The
      authors studied a consecutive series of 50 transgender and three biological women
      who underwent revision vaginoplasty, of which 21 were laparoscopic intestinal and
      32 were perineal full-thickness skin graft vaginoplasties, with a median clinical
      follow-up of 3.2 years (range, 0.5 to 19.7 years). Patient demographics did not
      differ significantly. There was no mortality. Two intraoperative rectal
      perforations (10 percent) occurred in the intestinal group versus six (19
      percent) in the full-thickness skin graft group. Operative time was shorter for
      the full-thickness skin graft vaginoplasty group (131 +/- 35 minutes versus 191
      +/- 45 minutes; p < 0.01). Hospitalization length did not differ significantly.
      Successful vaginal (re)construction was achieved in 19 intestinal (91 percent)
      and 26 full-thickness skin graft (81 percent) vaginoplasty procedures. A deeper
      neovagina was achieved with intestinal vaginoplasty (15.9 +/- 1.4 cm versus 12.5
      +/- 2.8 cm; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Both laparoscopic intestinal and full
      thickness skin graft vaginoplasty can be used as secondary vaginal
      reconstruction. Intraoperative and postoperative complications do not differ
      significantly, but rectal perforation was more prevalent in the full-thickness
      skin graft vaginoplasty group. Although the operative time of laparoscopic
      intestinal vaginoplasty is longer, adequate neovaginal depth was more frequently
      achieved than in secondary perineal full-thickness skin graft vaginoplasty.
      CLINCAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

PMID- 27673516
TI  - Advancements and Refinement in Facial Neuromodulators.
AB  - The use of neuromodulators has increased by approximately 748 percent from 2000
      to 2014 and has become an integral adjunct for facial rejuvenation. Knowledge of
      facial anatomy, accurate facial analysis, and familiarity with neurotoxin
      characteristics will minimize complications and optimize results. Current U.S.
      Food and Drug Administration-approved neurotoxins in the United States include
      onabotulinumtoxin A (Botox), abobotulinumtoxin A (Dysport), and
      incobotulinumtoxin A (Xeomin). The dosage and effect of these products are not
      interchangeable, so practitioners should master the utility and response of one
      product before trying the other products. All products have equivalent success in
      appropriately trained hands; the senior author (R.J.R.) favors no particular
      neurotoxin. This article provides a stepwise approach to treat dynamic facial
      rhytides with neuromodulators, including indications, facial analysis,
      preparation and injection technique, post-procedure care, and complications. 

PMID- 27673517
TI  - Flow-Induced Axial Vascularization: The Arteriovenous Loop in Angiogenesis and
      Tissue Engineering.
AB  - Fabrication of a viable vascular network providing oxygen supply is identified as
      one crucial limiting factor to generate more complex three-dimensional
      constructs. The arteriovenous loop model provides initial blood supply and has a
      high angioinductive potency, making it suitable for vascularization of larger,
      tissue-engineered constructs. Also because of its angiogenic capabilities the
      arteriovenous loop is recently also used as a model to evaluate angiogenesis in
      vivo. This review summarizes the history of the arteriovenous loop model in
      research and its technical and surgical aspects. Through modifications of the
      isolation chamber and its containing matrices, tissue generation can be enhanced.
      In addition, matrices can be used as release systems for local application of
      growth factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor and basic fibroblast
      growth factor, to affect vascular network formation. A special focus in this
      review is set on the assessment of angiogenesis in the arteriovenous loop model.
      This model provides good conditions for assessment of angiogenesis with the
      initial cell-free environment of the isolation chamber, which is vascularized by
      the arteriovenous loop. Because of the angiogenic capabilities of the
      arteriovenous loop model, different attempts were performed to create functional
      tissue in the isolation chamber for potential clinical application. Arteriovenous
      loops in combination with autologous bone marrow aspirate were already used to
      reconstruct large bone defects in humans. 

PMID- 27673518
TI  - The Effect of Smoking on Necrosis Rate in Digital Replantation and
      Revascularization with Prostaglandin E1 Therapy: A Retrospective Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Most microsurgeons believe that smoking and severity of injury
      adversely affect the outcome of digital replantation surgery. As countermeasures,
      several pharmacologic agents have been used for the perioperative period. The
      purpose of this retrospective study was to examine whether the rate of necrosis
      is appreciably different across smokers versus nonsmokers with prostaglandin E1
      therapy. METHODS: The authors' study subjects included 144 patients (184 digits)
      who underwent replantation or revascularization between August of 2013 and August
      of 2015.The primary outcome was the incidence of total necrosis after
      replantation surgery, and the secondary outcomes were the rate of overall
      necrosis, proportion of total necrosis to overall necrosis, and total success.
      Intravenous administration of prostaglandin E1 was performed at the rate of 120
      MUg/day for 7 days after surgery in all patients. These outcomes of each injury
      type were compared between smoking and nonsmoking groups. RESULTS: Among the 184
      injured digits, the incidence of total necrosis in smokers (23 percent) was
      higher than that in nonsmokers (17 percent), although no significant difference
      was shown (p = 0.36). The adjusted odds ratio was 1.17 (95 percent CI, 0.51 to
      2.69). Similarly, there was no significant difference in the secondary outcomes
      between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The authors' retrospective study found no
      significant difference in the formation or extent of necrosis after replantation
      or revascularization between smoking and nonsmoking groups when all patients were
      treated with prostaglandin E1. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, II.

PMID- 27673519
TI  - Crowdsourcing as a Novel Method to Evaluate Aesthetic Outcomes of Treatment for
      Unilateral Cleft Lip.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lack of convenient and reliable methods to grade aesthetic outcomes
      limits the ability to study results and optimize treatment of unilateral cleft
      lip. Crowdsourcing methods solicit contributions from a large group to achieve a
      greater task. The authors hypothesized that crowdsourcing could be used to
      reliably grade aesthetic outcomes of unilateral cleft lip. METHODS: Fifty
      deidentified photographs of 8- to 10-year-old subjects (46 with unilateral cleft
      lip and four controls) were assembled. Outcomes were assessed using multiple
      pairwise comparisons that produced a rank order (Elo rank) of nasal appearance
      and, on a separate survey, by Asher-McDade ratings. Both surveys were repeated to
      assess reliability. A group of expert surgeons repeated the same tasks on a
      smaller subset of photographs. RESULTS: The authors obtained 2500 and 1900
      anonymous, layperson evaluations by means of crowdsourcing on each Elo rank and
      Asher-McDade survey, respectively. Elo rank and Asher-McDade scores were highly
      reproducible (correlation coefficients, 0.87 and 0.98), and crowd evaluations
      agreed with those by expert surgeons (0.980 and 0.96 for Elo rank and Asher
      McDade score, respectively). Crowdsourcing surveys were completed within 9 hours,
      whereas the expert surgeons required 3 months. On further analysis of their cleft
      subject sample set, the authors found that greater initial cleft severity was
      associated with worse aesthetic outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Outcomes assessed by crowds
      were reliable and correlated well with expert assessments. Crowdsourcing allows
      acquisition of massive numbers of layperson assessments on an unprecedented
      scale, and is a convenient, rapid, and reliable means of assessing aesthetic
      outcome of treatment for unilateral cleft lip. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: Diagnostic, IV.

PMID- 27673520
TI  - Discussion: Crowdsourcing as a Novel Method to Evaluate Aesthetic Outcomes of
      Treatment for Unilateral Cleft Lip.

PMID- 27673521
TI  - Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults: The Role of Upper Airway and Facial Skeletal
      Surgery.
AB  - Obstructive sleep apnea represents a large burden of disease to the general
      population and may compromise patient quality of life; workplace and automotive
      safety; and metabolic, cardiovascular, and neurocognitive health. The disease is
      characterized by repetitive cycles of upper airway collapse resulting from a lack
      of pharyngeal airway structural support and loss of muscle tone among upper
      airway dilators. Polysomnography serves as the gold standard for diagnosis of
      obstructive sleep apnea and the apnea-hypopnea index is the most commonly used
      metric for quantifying disease severity. Conservative treatments include
      lifestyle modification, continuous positive airway pressure treatment, and dental
      appliance therapy. Surgical treatment options include pharyngeal and facial
      skeletal surgery. Maxillomandibular advancement has been shown to be the most
      effective surgical approach for multilevel expansion of the upper airway and may
      significantly reduce an obstructive sleep apnea patient's apnea-hypopnea index.
      Patient age, obesity, and the degree of maxillary advancement may be key factors
      contributing to treatment success. 

PMID- 27673522
TI  - Proximal-to-Distally Elevated Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator Flap
      Enabling Hybrid Reconstruction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Most authors elevate the superficial circumflex iliac artery
      perforator flap from the lateral edge of the skin paddle, and begin by dissecting
      a perforator perfusing the skin paddle. In this article, the authors introduce a
      modified technique for elevation of a superficial circumflex iliac artery
      perforator flap, beginning with identification of the pedicle arteries, allowing
      inclusion of a variety of anatomical structures. METHODS: From August of 2012 to
      August of 2015, 27 patients with soft- and bony-tissue defects underwent
      reconstruction using proximal-to-distally elevated superficial circumflex iliac
      artery perforator flaps. There were 18 male and nine female patients, with an
      average age was 54.3 years. RESULTS: The average size and pedicle length of the
      flap was 59 cm and 6 cm, respectively. Chimeric fabrication consisted of
      vascularized iliac bone in four patients, the sartorius muscle in three patients,
      vascularized lymph node in two patients, vascularized deep fascia in one patient,
      and the intercostal nerve in one patient. The superficial branch of the
      superficial circumflex iliac artery was used as the only pedicle in 20 cases, the
      deep branch of the superficial circumflex iliac artery was used as the only
      pedicle in three cases, and both branches were used as the pedicle in four cases.
      Flaps survived completely in all but three cases. In the cases with integrated
      nerves or fascia, satisfactory functional recovery was observed. CONCLUSION: With
      its minimal donor-site morbidity and a wide variety of anatomical structures that
      can be procured with the skin paddle, the proximal-to-distally elevated
      superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap may be useful for
      reconstruction of defects of small to moderate size. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

PMID- 27673523
TI  - Making the End as Good as the Beginning: Financial Planning and Retirement for
      Women Plastic Surgeons.
AB  - Financial planning is critically important to ensure financial security both
      during a plastic surgical career and in retirement. Unfortunately, plastic
      surgery training includes very little in the way of financial planning. The
      information that is available in the literature is mostly geared toward men.
      Women, with longer lifespans and more family care responsibilities, have unique
      needs when it comes to financial planning. Adequate attention must also be paid
      to life after retirement. A plastic surgical career can be all-encompassing, and
      thus women need to carefully plan volunteer activities, new hobbies, and even a
      second career to make their retirement years fulfilling and enjoyable. Key points
      regarding financial planning during the various phases of a woman plastic
      surgeon's career are discussed. Options for retirement are presented. 

PMID- 27673524
TI  - Discussion: Making the End as Good as the Beginning: Financial Planning and
      Retirement for Women Plastic Surgeons.

PMID- 27673527
TI  - Impact of Prior Unilateral Chest Wall Radiotherapy on Outcomes in Bilateral
      Breast Reconstruction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of prior
      unilateral chest wall radiotherapy on reconstructive outcomes among patients
      undergoing bilateral immediate breast reconstruction. METHODS: A retrospective
      evaluation of patients with a history of unilateral chest wall radiotherapy was
      performed. In each patient, the previously irradiated and reconstructed breast
      was compared to the contralateral nonirradiated side, which served as an internal
      control. Descriptive and bivariate statistics were computed. Multiple regression
      statistics were computed to identify adjusted associations between chest wall
      radiotherapy and complications. RESULTS: Seventy patients were included in the
      study. The mean follow-up period was 51.8 months (range, 10 to 113 months).
      Thirty-eight patients underwent implant-based breast reconstruction; 32 patients
      underwent abdominal autologous flap reconstruction. Previously irradiated breast
      had a significantly higher rate of overall complications (51 percent versus 27
      percent; p < 0.0001), infection (13 percent versus 6 percent; p = 0.026), and
      major skin necrosis (9 percent versus 3 percent; p = 0.046). After adjusting for
      age, body mass index, reconstruction method, and medical comorbidities, prior
      chest wall radiotherapy was a significant risk factor for breast-related
      complications (OR, 2.98; p < 0.0001), infection (OR, 2.59; p = 0.027), and major
      skin necrosis (OR, 3.47; p = 0.0266). There were no differences between implant
      based and autologous reconstructions with regard to complications (p = 0.76).
      CONCLUSION: Prior chest wall radiotherapy is associated with a 3-fold increased
      risk of postoperative complications following immediate breast reconstruction.
      CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

PMID- 27673528
TI  - Discussion: Impact of Prior Unilateral Chest Wall Radiotherapy on Outcomes in
      Bilateral Breast Reconstruction.

PMID- 27673529
TI  - Predictors of Complications and Comparison of Outcomes Using SurgiMend Fetal
      Bovine and AlloDerm Human Cadaveric Acellular Dermal Matrices in Implant-Based
      Breast Reconstruction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Implant-based breast reconstruction with an acellular dermal matrix
      is one of the most common procedures performed by plastic surgeons. Although
      numerous matrices are available, there is little literature comparing them. This
      study compares the rates of complications between two commonly used products:
      AlloDerm (human cadaveric) and SurgiMend (fetal bovine) acellular dermal
      matrices. METHODS: A retrospective review of a single center's 6-year experience
      was performed for consecutive, immediate breast reconstructions with acellular
      dermal matrix from 2009 to 2014. The authors compared demographics and surgical
      characteristics between patients receiving AlloDerm versus SurgiMend.
      Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine any association between
      type of matrix and surgical complications and to identify other clinical
      predictors for complications. RESULTS: A total of 640 patients underwent 952
      reconstructions using AlloDerm [578 breasts (61 percent)] or SurgiMend [374
      breasts (39 percent)]. The average follow-up was 587 days. Multivariate analysis
      revealed that type of matrix was not an independent risk factor for the
      development of complications. However, smoking, age, radiotherapy, and initial
      tissue expander fill volume were associated with increased risk of postoperative
      complications. CONCLUSIONS: Both AlloDerm and SurgiMend acellular dermal matrices
      demonstrate similar rates of major complications when used in immediate implant
      based breast reconstruction. In contrast, preoperative radiation therapy,
      smoking, increasing age, and initial tissue expander fill volume are independent
      risk factors for postoperative complications. Reconstructive surgeons should take
      these findings into consideration when performing implant-based breast
      reconstruction with a dermal matrix.

PMID- 27673530
TI  - Reducing Decisional Conflict and Enhancing Satisfaction with Information among
      Women Considering Breast Reconstruction following Mastectomy: Results from the
      BRECONDA Randomized Controlled Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Deciding whether or not to have breast reconstruction following
      breast cancer diagnosis is a complex decision process. This randomized controlled
      trial assessed the impact of an online decision aid [Breast RECONstruction
      Decision Aid (BRECONDA)] on breast reconstruction decision-making. METHODS: Women
      (n = 222) diagnosed with breast cancer or ductal carcinoma in situ, and eligible
      for reconstruction following mastectomy, completed an online baseline
      questionnaire. They were then assigned randomly to receive either standard online
      information about breast reconstruction (control) or standard information plus
      access to BRECONDA (intervention). Participants then completed questionnaires at
      1 and 6 months after randomization. The primary outcome was participants'
      decisional conflict 1 month after exposure to the intervention. Secondary
      outcomes included decisional conflict at 6 months, satisfaction with information
      at 1 and 6 months, and 6-month decisional regret. RESULTS: Linear mixed-model
      analyses revealed that 1-month decisional conflict was significantly lower in the
      intervention group (27.18) compared with the control group (35.5). This
      difference was also sustained at the 6-month follow-up. Intervention participants
      reported greater satisfaction with information at 1- and 6-month follow-up, and
      there was a nonsignificant trend for lower decisional regret in the intervention
      group at 6-month follow-up. Intervention participants' ratings for BRECONDA
      demonstrated high user acceptability and overall satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Women
      who accessed BRECONDA benefited by experiencing significantly less decisional
      conflict and being more satisfied with information regarding the reconstruction
      decisional process than women receiving standard care alone. These findings
      support the efficacy of BRECONDA in helping women to arrive at their breast
      reconstruction decision.

PMID- 27673531
TI  - "No-Touch" Technique for Lip Enhancement.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to examine the anatomical principles of
      lip structure as they relate to individualized lip enhancement procedures and to
      describe a technique that does not violate lip mucosa during injection. METHODS:
      A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing lip enhancement procedures
      between 2001 and 2014 was performed. Preprocedural and postprocedural photographs
      were analyzed for lip subunit changes. A stepwise treatment algorithm targeting
      specific anatomical subunits of lip is described. RESULTS: Four hundred ten
      patients were treated with a "no-touch" technique for lip enhancement. Lip
      profile is determined by the position of the white roll. The white roll is
      accessed by a 30-gauge needle at a point 5 mm lateral to the oral commissure and
      at the base of the philtral columns. Lip projection is established by vermilion
      formation contributing to the arc of the Cupid's bow. To improve projection, the
      labial commissure is entered with a 25-gauge cannula and tunneled into the
      submucosal space between the white and red rolls. Lip augmentation is a direct
      reflection of the prominence of the red line and can be approached in a
      perpendicular fashion with a needle or cannula descending to the level of the wet
      dry junction. CONCLUSIONS: Accurate assessment of the white and red rolls, arc of
      Cupid's bow, philtrum, and gingival show can guide the injector on the proper
      enhancement that individual patients require. The no-touch technique minimizes
      mucosal trauma. Tailoring treatment toward lip profile, projection, and/or
      augmentation can yield predictable and reproducible outcomes in this commonly
      performed cosmetic procedure.

PMID- 27673532
TI  - Primary Total Laparoscopic Sigmoid Vaginoplasty in Transgender Women with
      Penoscrotal Hypoplasia: A Prospective Cohort Study of Surgical Outcomes and
      Follow-Up of 42 Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In young transgender women previously treated with puberty
      suppressing hormones, penoscrotal hypoplasia can make penoscrotal inversion
      vaginoplasty unfeasible. The aim of this study was to prospectively assess
      surgical outcomes and follow-up of total laparoscopic sigmoid vaginoplasty as
      primary reconstruction in a cohort of transgender women with penoscrotal
      hypoplasia. METHODS: Baseline demographics, surgical characteristics, and
      intraoperative and postoperative complications of all performed total
      laparoscopic sigmoid vaginoplasty procedures were prospectively recorded.
      RESULTS: From November of 2007 to July of 2015, 42 transgender women underwent
      total laparoscopic sigmoid vaginoplasty as primary vaginal reconstruction. The
      mean age at the time of surgery was 21.1 +/- 4.7 years. Mean follow-up time was
      3.2 +/- 2.1 years. The mean operative duration was 210 +/- 44 minutes. There were
      no conversions to laparotomy. One rectal perforation was recognized during
      surgery and immediately oversewn without long-term consequences. The mean length
      of hospitalization was 5.7 +/- 1.1 days. One patient died as a result of an
      extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-positive necrotizing fasciitis leading to septic
      shock, with multiorgan failure. Direct postoperative complications that needed
      laparoscopic reoperation occurred in three cases (7.1 percent). In seven cases
      (17.1 percent), long-term complications needed a secondary correction. After 1
      year, all patients had a functional neovagina with a mean depth of 16.3 +/- 1.5
      cm. CONCLUSIONS: Total laparoscopic sigmoid vaginoplasty seems to have a similar
      complication rate as other types of elective laparoscopic colorectal surgery.
      Primary total laparoscopic sigmoid vaginoplasty is a feasible gender-confirming
      surgical technique with good functional outcomes for transgender women with
      penoscrotal hypoplasia. CLINICAL QUESTIO/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

PMID- 27673533
TI  - How Should Results of Nonsurgical Subcutaneous Fat Removal Be Assessed? Accuracy
      of B-Mode Ultrasound.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nonsurgical fat reduction has become extremely popular among
      patients; however, a reliable method of measuring its efficacy has not been
      established. METHODS: Ultrasound measurement of human female abdominal
      subcutaneous fat thickness was carried out on five volunteers. Forty-seven
      measurements were performed using a GE Venue 40 diagnostic ultrasound device with
      a 12-MHz transducer. Transducer pressure measurements were recorded
      simultaneously according to the protocol described by Toomey et al.. RESULTS:
      Reproducible measurements of abdomen subcutaneous fat could be consistently
      achieved with a margin of error (95 percent CI) of +/-0.558 mm. CONCLUSIONS:
      Using a protocol with a transducer pressure less than 1 N (Toomey protocol)
      allows accurate and reliable measurement of subcutaneous fat. The authors further
      conclude that such a protocol is practically reproducible in the clinical setting
      and should be the standard for evaluating the results of nonsurgical fat removal,
      particularly in the abdomen. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic, IV.

PMID- 27673534
TI  - Flexor Tendon Sheath Engineering Using Decellularized Porcine Pericardium.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The flexor tendon sheath is an ideal target for tissue engineering
      because it is difficult to reconstruct by conventional surgical methods. The
      authors hypothesized that decellularized porcine pericardium can be used as a
      scaffold for engineering a biologically active tendon sheath. METHODS: The
      authors' protocol removed cellular material from the pericardium and preserved
      the structural architecture in addition to the collagen and glycosaminoglycan
      content. The scaffold was successfully reseeded with human sheath synoviocytes
      and human adipose-derived stem cells. Cells were evaluated for 8 weeks after
      reseeding. RESULTS: The reseeded construct demonstrated continuous production of
      hyaluronic acid, the main component of synovial fluid. After being seeded on the
      membrane, adipose-derived stem cells demonstrated down-regulation of collagen I
      and III and up-regulation of hyaluronan synthase 2. CONCLUSION: The results
      indicate that decellularized porcine pericardium may be a potential scaffold for
      engineering a biologically active human tendon sheath.

PMID- 27673535
TI  - Regulation of ADSC Osteoinductive Potential Using Notch Pathway Inhibition and
      Gene Rescue: A Potential On/Off Switch for Clinical Applications in Bone
      Formation and Reconstructive Efforts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although there has been tremendous research in the ability of
      mesenchymal-derived adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) to form bone, less is
      known regarding the molecular mechanisms that regulate the osteogenic potential
      of ADSCs. Notch, which consists of a key family of regulatory ligands involved in
      bone formation, is expressed in the bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell
      niche and is critical for proliferation, migration, and ultimately osseous
      differentiation. The authors investigate how Notch impacts ADSC proliferation and
      osteogenic differentiation to determine a translatable application of these cells
      in bone regeneration. METHODS: Enriched ADSC populations were isolated from
      tissue and examined for their ability to respond to Notch pathway signaling
      events. Proliferation, viability, extracellular matrix deposition, and
      osteoinduction were assessed following Notch activation and inhibition. Notch
      pathway rescue was conducted using a lentiviral vector encoding a downstream
      Notch-1 intracellular domain (NICD). RESULTS: Proliferation, osteogenic
      induction, and the ability to form bone elements were reduced following Notch
      inhibition (p < 0.05). However, ADSCs, while in the presence of the Notch
      inhibition, were able to be rescued following lentiviral transduction with NICD,
      restoring osteogenic potential at both the molecular and cellular functional
      levels (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest a potential translatable
      "on/off switch," using endogenous Notch signaling to regulate the proliferation,
      differentiation, and osteogenic potential of ADSCs. Although Notch inhibition
      reduced ADSC proliferation and down-regulated osteoinduction, targeted gene
      therapy and the delivery of the downstream NICD peptide restored bone formation,
      suggesting pragmatic clinical utility of ADSCs for bone regeneration.

PMID- 27673536
TI  - Hemodynamic Study of Three Patterns of Flaps on Rats with a Novel Panoramic
      Photographing Technique Involved.
AB  - BACKGROUND: No study heretofore has been conducted to investigate the hemodynamic
      characteristics of the perforator, perforator-plus, and random flaps on an animal
      model. METHODS: Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were equally divided into three
      groups: the perforator group, the perforator-plus group, and the random group.
      Laser Doppler flowmetry was adopted for measurement of blood perfusion of the
      flaps at six time points. Another nine rats were equally divided into three
      groups and underwent the corresponding surgery. On day 7, the flaps were
      photographed for calculation of the necrosis rate. The vascular network of flaps
      in each group was photographed immediately postoperatively and at days 3 and 7
      after surgery with a special technique first proposed by us. RESULTS: No
      significant difference in flap necrosis could be detected in the perforator and
      perforator-plus flaps. Other than on day 1, when perfusion of the perforator was
      significantly stronger than that of the perforator-plus flap, there was no
      significant difference between the perforator and perforator-plus flaps. The
      three perforasomes in the perforator and perforator-plus flaps could all survive
      because of considerable dilation of vessels. On day 7, the vascular network
      between the iliolumbar perforator and the sacrococcygeal perforators underwent
      tremendous enlargement in diameter in the random flap group. CONCLUSIONS: The
      perforator flap and the perforator-plus flap are equal in blood perfusion. The
      survival of the random flap depends on the dilation of the vascular network
      between the pedicle and the nearest potential perforator.

PMID- 27673537
TI  - Biomechanical Analysis of Barbed Suture in Flexor Tendon Repair versus
      Conventional Method: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The barbed suture technique uses newly developed materials for flexor
      tendon repair. In this study, the authors examine the effectiveness of using
      barbed sutures in flexor tendon repair compared with conventional methods.
      METHODS: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis was performed using
      MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Barbed suture and conventional suture
      methods were extracted as predictor variables, and maximum force, gap formation
      force, and cross-sectional area were extracted as outcome variables. Subgroup
      analyses were performed according to the source of suture materials and the
      number of strands. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the quality of
      studies. Publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots. RESULTS: The search
      strategy identified 86 publications. After screening, 12 articles were selected
      for review. Barbed sutures are comparable in effectiveness to conventional
      methods in terms of maximum force, gap formation force, and cross-sectional area.
      In the subgroup analysis, barbed sutures also have comparable effects to
      conventional methods in terms of maximum force and gap formation force.
      CONCLUSIONS: The authors' meta-analysis found that the use of barbed sutures in
      flexor tendon repair was competitive compared to conventional methods in terms of
      maximum force and gap formation force. Long-term in vivo studies are needed to
      confirm these findings. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, V.

PMID- 27673538
TI  - The Feasibility and Validity of PROMIS: A Novel Measure of Quality of Life among
      Children with Cleft Lip and Palate.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Health-related quality of life is inconsistently captured among
      children with cleft lip and palate. The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement
      Information System (PROMIS) captures health-related quality of life, with the
      added benefit of comparability across clinical conditions. In this study, the
      authors define the validity and feasibility of PROMIS among children with clefts.
      METHODS: Children with cleft lip and palate who were at least 5 years old and
      able to complete instruments independently were eligible for inclusion (n = 93).
      Children completed PROMIS anxiety, depression, and peer relationship item banks
      as short forms or computerized adaptive tests. Participants also completed the
      Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory. Construct validity was measured by Spearman
      correlations between PROMIS and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory
      controlling for race, sex, age, and income. Feasibility was measured using
      instrument completion time, reading level, and floor/ceiling effects. RESULTS:
      PROMIS computerized adaptive tests (peer relationship, r = 0.49; depression, r = 
      0.56; and anxiety, r = -0.36) and short forms (peer relationship, r = 0.65;
      depression, r = -0.54; and anxiety, r = -0.56) demonstrated moderate correlation
      with the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory. Computerized adaptive tests had
      fewer floor (0 percent versus 0 percent) and ceiling (8.6 to 19.3 percent versus
      21.8 to 41.9 percent) effects than short forms, and demonstrated better
      readability. Computerized adaptive tests required more time than short forms
      (peer relationship, 0.84 +/- 0.67 versus 1.3 +/- 0.92; depression, 0.52 +/- 0.38
      versus 1.1 +/- 0.73; and anxiety, 0.53 +/- 0.23 versus 1.1 +/- 0.62; p = 0.001),
      as each computerized adaptive test included on average four more questions.
      CONCLUSIONS: PROMIS correlates well with the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory
      and demonstrates similar accuracy, with better readability and efficiency. Use of
      PROMIS will improve our ability to compare children with cleft lip and palate to
      diverse populations and clinical conditions. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
      Diagnostic, II.

PMID- 27673539
TI  - An Evidence-Based Approach to Nonsynostotic Plagiocephaly.
AB  - This article provides an evidence-based review of the literature concerning the
      cause, diagnosis, manifestations, and treatment of nonsynostotic plagiocephaly,
      with a particular focus on recently published studies of helmet therapy. It is
      designed to serve as an overview of this very common abnormality and a stimulus
      for discussion about management paradigms and future research priorities. 

PMID- 27673540
TI  - A Retrospective Analysis of Secondary Revisions after Face Transplantation:
      Assessment of Outcomes, Safety, and Feasibility.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Face transplantation has emerged as a viable option for certain
      patients in the treatment of devastating facial injuries. However, as with
      autologous free tissue transfer, the need for secondary revisions in face
      transplantation also exists. The authors' group has quantified the number of
      revision operations in their cohort and has assessed the rationale, safety, and
      outcomes of posttransplantation revisions. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of
      prospectively collected data of the authors' seven face transplants was performed
      from April of 2009 to July of 2015. The patients' medical records, preoperative
      facial defects, and all operative reports (index and secondary revisions) were
      critically reviewed. RESULTS: The average number of revision procedures was 2.6
      per patient (range, zero to five procedures). The median time interval from face
      transplantation to revision surgery was 5 months (range, 1 to 10 months). Most
      interventions consisted of debulking of the allograft, superficial
      musculoaponeurotic system plication and suspension, and local tissue
      rearrangement. There were no major infections, allograft skin flap loss, or
      necrosis. One patient suffered a postoperative complication after autologous fat
      grafting in the form of acute rejection that resolved with pulse steroids.
      CONCLUSIONS: Secondary revisions after face transplantation are necessary
      components of care, as they are after most conventional free tissue transfers.
      Secondary revisions after face transplantation at the authors' institution have
      addressed both aesthetic and functional reconstructive needs, and these
      procedures have proven to be safe in the context of maintenance
      immunosuppression. Patient and procedure selection along with timing are
      essential to ensure patient safety, optimal function, and aesthetic outcomes.
      CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, V.

PMID- 27673541
TI  - A New Approach for Reconstruction of Diabetic Foot Wounds Using the Angiosome and
      Supermicrosurgery Concept.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Major vessels in the diabetic foot are often calcified and inadequate
      for use as recipient vessels. Thus, a supermicrosurgery technique using small
      branches or perforators from other collateral vessels with an adequate pulse may
      be an alternative method. This study evaluated outcome using the
      supermicrosurgery concept and the risk factors involved. METHODS: Ninety-five
      cases of diabetic foot reconstruction were reviewed; the average patient age was
      57 years; average follow-up was 43.5 months. Debridement was performed according
      to the angiosome concept, and reconstruction was performed with perforator flaps
      using the supermicrosurgery approach. Correlation between total flap loss and 16
      preoperative risk factors (age, sex, diabetes mellitus type, smoking,
      immunosuppression, flap size, hemoglobin A1c, ankle-brachial index, preoperative
      transcutaneous partial pressure of oxygen, C-reactive protein, computed
      tomographic angiography, amputation history, peripheral artery disease, American
      Society of Anesthesiologists physical status, osteomyelitis, and chronic renal
      failure) were analyzed. RESULTS: Of 95 cases, nine cases of total loss and 12 of
      minor complication were noted. Among the risk factors, the odds for failure after
      peripheral artery disease was 10.99 (p = 0.035), and that associated with a
      history of amputation was 9.44 (0.0006). Other factors had no correlation with
      flap loss, including cases with no or one major vessel. Flap survival rate was
      90.5 percent, and the overall limb salvage rate was 93.7 percent. CONCLUSIONS:
      Despite the high risk of failure related to peripheral artery disease and history
      of amputation, the supermicrosurgery approach using a recipient vessel with good
      pulsation regardless of the source can achieve limb salvage. This approach
      extends the possibility for reconstruction in patients with severe ischemic
      diabetic foot. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

PMID- 27673542
TI  - The Concepts of Propeller, Perforator, Keystone, and Other Local Flaps and Their
      Role in the Evolution of Reconstruction.
AB  - LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After studying this article, the participant should be able
      to: 1. Understand the history and physiology of perforator flaps. 2. Understand
      the concept of "free-style" perforator flaps and principles in design and
      harvest. 3. Understand the uses of perforator flaps in reconstruction and
      applications in new settings. 4. Understand new principles in single and multiple
      perforator flap harvest and adjunct techniques that can be used in perforator
      flaps. 5. Highlight pertinent anatomy and techniques for selected perforator
      flaps described. SUMMARY: Extended knowledge of vascular anatomy has propagated
      the development of perforator flaps, which preserve muscle function and reduce
      morbidity. This has been achieved through the exemplary works of Manchot, Salmon,
      Milton, Taylor, and many others. With over 350 clinically relevant perforators in
      the body, this has created new flap options and a sense of creative freedom for
      reconstruction tailored toward a specific defect, without constraints of specific
      landmarks and using a "free-style" approach. Dominant perforators may be found in
      zones of high perforator density or "hot spots," which can help to conceptualize
      local flap options and aid flap design. This article aims to outline the history,
      physiology, and principles of flap design and harvest, and highlight traditional
      and evolving concepts and modifications of contemporary and traditional flaps
      that are changing reconstructive practice. This is a broad overview focusing on
      clinical applications, highlighting key concepts in a selection of new or
      evolving flaps being used in clinical practice and providing source references to
      acquire detailed flap descriptions.

PMID- 27673543
TI  - Computer Simulation and Digital Resources for Plastic Surgery Psychomotor
      Education.
AB  - Contemporary plastic surgery residents are increasingly challenged to learn a
      greater number of complex surgical techniques within a limited period. Surgical
      simulation and digital education resources have the potential to address some
      limitations of the traditional training model, and have been shown to accelerate
      knowledge and skills acquisition. Although animal, cadaver, and bench models are
      widely used for skills and procedure-specific training, digital simulation has
      not been fully embraced within plastic surgery. Digital educational resources may
      play a future role in a multistage strategy for skills and procedures training.
      The authors present two virtual surgical simulators addressing procedural
      cognition for cleft repair and craniofacial surgery. Furthermore, the authors
      describe how partnerships among surgical educators, industry, and philanthropy
      can be a successful strategy for the development and maintenance of digital
      simulators and educational resources relevant to plastic surgery training. It is
      our responsibility as surgical educators not only to create these resources, but
      to demonstrate their utility for enhanced trainee knowledge and technical skills
      development. Currently available digital resources should be evaluated in
      partnership with plastic surgery educational societies to guide trainees and
      practitioners toward effective digital content. 

PMID- 27673544
TI  - Microsurgery Workout: A Novel Simulation Training Curriculum Based on Nonliving
      Models.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Currently, there are no valid training programs based solely on
      nonliving models. The authors aimed to develop and validate a microsurgery
      training program based on nonliving models and assess the transfer of skills to a
      live rat model. METHODS: Postgraduate year-3 general surgery residents were
      assessed in a 17-session program, performing arterial and venous end-to-end
      anastomosis on ex vivo chicken models. Procedures were recorded and rated by two
      blinded experts using validated global and specific scales (objective structured
      assessment of technical skills) and a validated checklist. Operating times and
      patency rates were assessed. Hand-motion analysis was used to measure economy of
      movements. After training, residents performed an arterial and venous end-to-end
      anastomosis on live rats. Results were compared to six experienced surgeons in
      the same models. Values of p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.
      RESULTS: Learning curves were achieved. Ten residents improved their median
      global and specific objective structured assessment of technical skills scores
      for artery [10 (range, 8 to 10) versus 28 (range, 27 to 29), p < 0.05; and 8
      (range, 7 to 9) versus 28 (range, 27 to 28), p < 0.05] and vein [8 (range, 8 to
      11) versus 28 (range, 27 to 28), p < 0.05; and 8 (range, 7 to 9) versus 28
      (range, 27 to 29), p < 0.05]. Checklist scores also improved for both procedures
      (p < 0.05). Trainees were slower and less efficient than experienced surgeons (p
      < 0.05). In the living rat, patency rates at 30 minutes were 100 percent and 50
      percent for artery and vein, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Significant acquisition
      of microsurgical skills was achieved by trainees to a level similar to that of
      experienced surgeons. Acquired skills were transferred to a more complex live
      model.

PMID- 27673545
TI  - Systematic Review of Liposomal Bupivacaine (Exparel) for Postoperative Analgesia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Management of postoperative pain often requires multimodal
      approaches. Suboptimal dosages of current therapies can leave patients
      experiencing periods of insufficient analgesia, often requiring rescue therapy.
      With absence of a validated and standardized approach to pain management, further
      refinement of treatment protocols and targeted therapeutics is needed. Liposomal
      bupivacaine (Exparel) is a longer acting form of traditional bupivacaine that
      delivers the drug by means of a multivesicular liposomal system. The
      effectiveness of liposomal bupivacaine has not been systematically analyzed
      relative to conventional treatments in plastic surgery. METHODS: A comprehensive
      literature search of the MEDLINE, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases was
      conducted for studies published through October of 2015 with search terms related
      to liposomal bupivacaine and filtered for relevance to postoperative pain control
      in plastic surgery. Data on techniques, outcomes, complications, and patient
      satisfaction were collected. RESULTS: A total of eight articles were selected and
      reviewed from 160 identified. Articles covered a variety of techniques using
      liposomal bupivacaine for postoperative pain management. Four hundred five
      patients underwent procedures (including breast reconstruction, augmentation
      mammaplasty, abdominal wall reconstruction, mastectomy, and abdominoplasty) where
      pain was managed with liposomal bupivacaine and compared with those receiving
      traditional pain management. Liposomal bupivacaine use showed adequate safety and
      tolerability and, compared to traditional protocols, was equivalent or more
      effective in postoperative pain management. CONCLUSION: Liposomal bupivacaine is
      a safe method for postoperative pain control in the setting of plastic surgery
      and may represent an alternative to more invasive pain management systems such as
      patient-controlled analgesia, epidurals, peripheral nerve catheters, or
      intravenous narcotics.

PMID- 27673546
TI  - Reply: Does the Eyebrow Sag with Aging? An Anthropometric Study of 95 Caucasians
      from 20 to 79 Years of Age.

PMID- 27673547
TI  - Reply: Aspiration of Periprosthetic Seromas Using the Blunt SeromaCath.

PMID- 27673548
TI  - Nonmucinous Biliary Epithelium Is a Frequent Finding and Is Often the Predominant
      Epithelial Type in Mucinous Cystic Neoplasms of the Pancreas and Liver.
AB  - Mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCNs) can occur in the pancreas and liver.
      Classically, these cystic lesions are lined by columnar mucinous epithelium with
      underlying ovarian-type stroma. It has been proposed that cysts with ovarian-type
      stroma and nonmucinous epithelium be considered separate entities in both the
      pancreas and liver. Using a series of 104 pancreatic and 32 hepatic cases, we
      aimed to further characterize the epithelium present in MCNs. Mucinous epithelium
      was defined as pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia-like columnar cells with pale
      pink/clear apical mucin. Epithelial cells ranging from flat to cuboidal to short
      columnar without obvious mucin or goblet cells were classified as
      nonmucinous/biliary epithelium. A mixture (at least 5%) of mucinous and
      nonmucinous/biliary epithelium was noted in 81%. Almost half (47%) of the cases
      had abundant (>50%) nonmucinous/biliary epithelium. Of the 71 cases with <=50%
      nonmucinous/biliary epithelium, 8 cases demonstrated high-grade dysplasia (7
      pancreas, 1 liver) and 14 demonstrated invasive adenocarcinoma (11 pancreas, 3
      liver). Conversely, of the 58 cases with >50% nonmucinous/biliary epithelium, not
      a single case of high-grade dysplasia (P=0.007) or invasive carcinoma (P<0.001)
      was identified. In summary, nonmucinous/biliary epithelium frequently occurs in
      MCNs of the pancreas and liver. As mucinous and nonmucinous/biliary epithelia
      often occur together, there does not appear to be enough evidence to regard cases
      with predominantly nonmucinous/biliary epithelium as separate entities. Our
      findings suggest that mucinous change is a "progression" phenomenon in MCNs of
      the pancreas and liver, and only when abundant mucinous epithelium is present is
      there a risk of progression to malignancy.

PMID- 27673549
TI  - Echinococcosis: Unexpected Occurrence and the Diagnostic Contribution of Routine
      Histopathology.
AB  - Echinococcus is the smallest of the major tapeworms. Humans are incidental hosts
      who become infected by exposure to soil contaminated with ova from the feces of
      the canine definitive hosts. The major species are E. granulosus (cystic
      echinococcosis) and E. multilocularis (alveolar or sylvatic echinococcosis), both
      common worldwide but unusual and not reportable in the United States. Human
      disease is characterized by slowly growing visceral cystic masses often
      containing daughter cysts and hydatid sand. In nonendemic areas, the clinical
      evaluation includes imaging, serology, and surgery; metastatic tumor is a major
      consideration. The diagnosis depends on the morphologic recognition of scolices
      and hooklets, albeit degenerated, within the cyst or attached to the cyst wall.
      Highly suggestive cyst wall features are an acellular hyaline lining surrounded
      by focally calcific fibrous tissue and chronic inflammation. We report 7 patients
      encountered in the Chicago area (5 E. granulosus, 2 E. multilocularis) who
      presented with cystic masses affecting the liver, lung, soft tissue, and spleen.
      The initial diagnosis was established or suggested by intraoperative evaluation
      of cyst fluid or cyst wall histopathology. Organism parts were found in 5 cases;
      1 patient had a hyalinized cyst wall with a positive IgG (enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay), and 1 had a positive Western blot and a 30-year history of
      treatment. Treatment included cyst resection, hepatic lobectomy, intraoperative
      cyst injection, and benzimidazole therapy. There was 1 death. In a nonendemic
      area, the awareness of the pathologist to the possibility of this disease will
      exclude a neoplasm and facilitate prompt antihelminthic treatment.

PMID- 27673550
TI  - From the Editor.

PMID- 27673551
TI  - "I think I became a swimmer rather than just someone with a disability swimming
      up and down:" paralympic athletes perceptions of self and identity development.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the role of swimming on
      Paralympic athletes' perceptions of self and identity development. METHOD: A
      hermeneutic phenomenological approach was taken. During semi-structured
      interviews, five Paralympic swimmers (aged 20-24 years) were asked questions
      about their swimming career, perceptions of self, integration, and impairment.
      Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. RESULTS: An
      Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis yielded three superordinate themes: (a)
      "One of the crowd"; none of the participants viewed themselves as disabled, nor
      as supercrips; these perceptions stemmed from family-, school-, and swimming
      related experiences, (b) "Becoming me"; participation in swimming facilitated
      self- and social-acceptance, and identity development, and c) "A badge of honor";
      swimming presented opportunity to present and reinforce a positive identity.
      CONCLUSIONS: Swimming experiences enabled the participants to enhance personal
      and social identities, integrate through pro-social mechanisms, and to develop a
      career path following retirement from competition. Implications for
      rehabilitation Offering equal sporting opportunities for people with/without
      physical disability can help facilitate social integration and act as a buffer
      against stigmatization. Our research suggests that participation in sport had
      afforded the participants a heightened sense of self-concept, independence,
      ability and corresponding pride. When working with individuals with physical
      disabilities, rehabilitation professionals could utilize sport as a means of
      increasing an individual's feelings of independence, confidence and
      normalization. As such, part of rehabilitation should be to ensure opportunities
      for sport participation for people with physical disability are available for
      people of all ages.

PMID- 27673552
TI  - Sweet Potato Peels and Cancer Prevention.
AB  - A bioassay-guided fractionation of an alcoholic extract from the peels of Ipomoea
      batatas Lam has been carried out. Sulforhodamine B and 2,2-diphenyl-1
      picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays were used to evaluate the anticancer and antioxidant
      potential, respectively, while silica gel column chromatography (CC) was used to
      isolate compounds that were characterized using 1D- and 2D-NMR (Nuclear Magnetic
      Resonance) and mass spectrometry. The alcoholic extract was fractionated into n
      hexane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and water. The n-hexane fraction which showed
      the most promising anticancer activity was further fractionated via silica gel CC
      into IB-F002A, IB-F002B, and IB-F002C. Of these, IB-F002C was the most active
      with IC50 values 24.75, 47.91, 52.37, 34.17, 46.07, and 25.89 MUg/ml against
      breast, colon-1, colon-2, ovary, lung, and head/neck cancer cell lines,
      respectively. The bioassay-guided isolation from IB-F002C afforded a
      glucocerebroside, which showed 10.51%, 12.19%, 16.14%, and 34.05% inhibition of
      head and neck, breast-1, colon-1, and ovarian cancer cell lines, respectively.
      Octadecyl coumarate, 7-hydroxycoumarin, and 6-methoxy-7-hydroxycoumarin that
      showed different antioxidant potentials were also identified in this study. Sweet
      potato peel, which is usually discarded as waste, contains constituents that can
      serve as dietary components to prevent the development of different types of
      cancer.

PMID- 27673553
TI  - Regulated and Functional Expression of the Corepressor MTA3 in Rodent Testis.
AB  - Metastasis-associated protein (MTA)3 is a subunit of the Mi-2/nucleosome
      remodeling and deacetylase protein complex, with relevant roles in the regulation
      of cancerous epithelial to mesenchymal transition in an estrogen-dependent
      manner, recently involved in the modulation of different physiological processes.
      Although these findings connect MTA3 expression with hormonal signaling in
      various systems, little is known about whether this relationship is conserved in
      testis where hormonal action is intensive. We, therefore, document here for the
      first time the expression of Mta3/MTA3 in mammalian testes, where MTA3 protein
      was identified mainly in interstitial Leydig cells. Testicular levels of
      Mta3/MTA3 were overtly modulated by pituitary gonadotropins, as well as metabolic
      signals, such as dexamethasone, T4, and rosiglitazone. In addition, ablation of
      endogenous Mta3 by short hairpin RNA significantly inhibited human
      choriogonadotropin/dibutyryl-cAMP (db-cAMP)-stimulated progesterone secretion in
      MA-10 Leydig cells, whereas overexpression of exogenous MTA3 effectively reversed
      Mta3 deficiency damaged progesterone production. Moreover, attenuated Mta3
      expression positively correlated to the deregulated level of serum testosterone
      in murine type 2 diabetes mellitus. From a functional standpoint, MTA3 deficiency
      was involved in insulin-mediated inhibition of testicular steroidogenesis. Our
      data are the first to disclose the presence and functional role of MTA3 in the
      testis, where its expression is regulated by developmental, metabolic, and
      hormonal cues and is closely associated with steroidogenic dysfunction. The
      current study expands the reproductive dimension of MTA3, which may operate
      directly at the testicular level to modulate steroidogenic function.

PMID- 27673554
TI  - Osteocalcin and Sex Hormone Binding Globulin Compete on a Specific Binding Site
      of GPRC6A.
AB  - The undercarboxylated form of osteocalcin (ucOC) regulates male fertility and
      energy metabolism, acting through the G protein-coupled receptor (GPRC)6A, thus
      forming a new pancreas-bone-testis axis. Recently, GPRC6A has also been suggested
      to mediate the nongenomic responses of free testosterone (T). However, these data
      did not consider the physiological scenario, where circulating T is mainly bound
      to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and only a small percentage circulates
      freely in the blood. Here, by the use of computational modelling, we document the
      existence of similar structural moieties between ucOC and SHBG that are predicted
      to bind to GPRC6A at docking analysis. This hypothesis of competition was
      assessed by binding experiments on human embryonic kidney-293 cells transfected
      with human GPRC6A gene. Unliganded SHBG specifically bound the membrane of human
      embryonic kidney-293 cells transfected with GPRC6A and was displaced by ucOC when
      coincubated at 100-fold molar excess. Furthermore, specific downstream Erk1/2
      phosphorylation after stimulation of GPRC6A with ucOC was significantly blunted
      by 100-fold molar excess of unliganded SHBG. Intriguingly previous incubation
      with unliganded SHBG, followed by incubation with T, induced Erk1/2
      phosphorylation in a dose-dependent manner. Neither binding nor stimulating
      activities were shown for SHBG saturated with T. Experiments on mutation
      constructs of GPRC6A strengthened the hypothesis of a common binding site of ucOC
      and SHBG. Given the role of GPRC6A on energy metabolism, these data agree with
      epidemiological association between SHBG levels and insulin sensitivity, suggest
      GPRC6A as a likely SHBG receptor, and add bases for the possible regulation of
      androgen activity in a nonsteroidal manner.

PMID- 27673556
TI  - Cyclic AMP Effectors Regulate Myometrial Oxytocin Receptor Expression.
AB  - The factors that initiate human labor are poorly understood. We have tested the
      hypothesis that a decline in cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) function leads to the
      onset of labor. Initially, we identified myometrial cAMP/PKA-responsive genes
      (six up-regulated and five down-regulated genes) and assessed their expression in
      myometrial samples taken from different stages of pregnancy and labor. We found
      that the oxytocin receptor (OTR) was one of the cAMP-repressed genes, and, given
      the importance of OTR in the labor process, we studied the mechanisms involved in
      greater detail using small interfering RNA, chemical agonists, and antagonists of
      the cAMP effectors. We found that cAMP-repressed genes, including OTR, increased
      with the onset of labor. Our in vitro studies showed that cAMP acting via PKA
      reduced OTR expression but that in the absence of PKA, cAMP acts via exchange
      protein activated by cAMP (EPAC) to increase OTR expression. In early labor
      myometrial samples, PKA levels and activity declined and Epac1 levels increased,
      perhaps accounting for the increase in myometrial OTR mRNA and protein levels at
      this time. In vitro exposure of myometrial cells to stretch and IL-1beta
      increased OTR levels and reduced basal and forskolin-stimulated cAMP and PKA
      activity, as judged by phospho-cAMP response element-binding protein levels, but
      neither stretch nor IL-1beta had any effect on PKA or EPAC1 levels. In summary,
      there is a reduction in the activity of the cAMP/PKA pathway with the onset of
      human labor potentially playing a critical role in regulating OTR expression and
      the transition from myometrial quiescence to activation.

PMID- 27673557
TI  - The Double-Edged Sword - Outward and Inward Directed Aggression among War
      Combatants.
AB  - Inspired by the two-stage model of countervailing forces, we explored the
      mechanism underlining inward and outward aggression among ex-combatants. Israeli
      veterans (N = 230) reported their partner's violence (outward aggression),
      suicidal ideation (inward aggression), aggressive impulses, posttraumatic stress
      disorder (PTSD), paranoid ideation and guilt. Suicidal ideation was related to
      aggressive impulses only in the presence of PTSD, or under high guilt; whereas
      paranoid ideation buffered these effects. Violence towards the partner, on the
      other hand, was related to aggressive impulses under low guilt and in the absence
      of PTSD. Aggressive impulses underline both suicidal ideation and partner
      violence. The inter-relations between PTSD, guilt, and paranoid ideation
      influence the manifestation of aggression and the direction it takes.

PMID- 27673555
TI  - Excess Testosterone Exposure Alters Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testicular Axis
      Dynamics and Gene Expression in Sheep Fetuses.
AB  - Prenatal exposure to excess androgen may result in impaired adult fertility in a
      variety of mammalian species. However, little is known about what feedback
      mechanisms regulate gonadotropin secretion during early gestation and how they
      respond to excess T exposure. The objective of this study was to determine the
      effect of exogenous exposure to T on key genes that regulate gonadotropin and
      GnRH secretion in fetal male lambs as compared with female cohorts. We found that
      biweekly maternal testosterone propionate (100 mg) treatment administered from
      day 30 to day 58 of gestation acutely decreased (P < .05) serum LH concentrations
      and reduced the expression of gonadotropin subunit mRNA in both sexes and the
      levels of GnRH receptor mRNA in males. These results are consistent with enhanced
      negative feedback at the level of the pituitary and were accompanied by reduced
      mRNA levels for testicular steroidogenic enzymes, suggesting that Leydig cell
      function was also suppressed. The expression of kisspeptin 1 mRNA, a key
      regulator of GnRH neurons, was significantly greater (P < .01) in control females
      than in males and reduced (P < .001) in females by T exposure, indicating that
      hypothalamic regulation of gonadotropin secretion was also affected by androgen
      exposure. Although endocrine homeostasis was reestablished 2 weeks after maternal
      testosterone propionate treatment ceased, additional differences in the gene
      expression of GnRH, estrogen receptor-beta, and kisspeptin receptor (G protein
      coupled receptor 54) emerged between the treatment cohorts. These changes suggest
      the normal trajectory of hypothalamic-pituitary axis development was disrupted,
      which may, in turn, contribute to negative effects on fertility later in life.

PMID- 27673559
TI  - Safety of Intra-Articular Implantation of Oligo[Poly(ethylene glycol) Fumarate]
      Scaffolds into the Rabbit Knee.
AB  - Implantable biomaterials supporting extended release of pharmacologic agents may
      permit localized intra-articular delivery of drugs that modulate the fibrotic
      response to injuries and surgery. Oligo[poly (ethylene glycol)] fumarate (OPF) is
      an attractive organic carrier, but its safety profile within synovial joints
      remains unclear. Here, we assessed the safety of OPF sponges using a validated in
      vivo model of knee arthrofibrosis. A cohort of 102 rabbits was divided into five
      groups: arthrotomy only (24), arthrotomy with OPF scaffold placement (24),
      surgically induced contracture (24), surgically induced contracture with OPF
      scaffold placement (24), and control without any surgical intervention (6). Six
      rabbits per surgical group were sacrificed at 72 h, 2, 8, and 24 weeks. Outcomes
      included biomechanical testing of range of motion, histologic analysis of
      synovial and cartilage tissues, and scaffold degradation. Cartilage histology and
      biomechanical measurements were comparable between groups with and without OPF.
      Synovial inflammation scores were similar among most groups with a minimally
      elevated score in the rabbits with arthrotomy and OPF versus those with
      arthrotomy alone. Scores for synovial tissues in rabbits with contracture and OPF
      were clinically equivalent to those with contractures alone. Most animals (92%)
      retained scaffold fragments at 24 weeks. Thus, OPF scaffolds implanted into
      native or arthrofibrotic rabbit knees neither induce nor aggravate cartilage
      damage, synovial inflammation, or contractures. The apparent safety of OPF
      scaffolds suggests that they are suitable carriers for the controlled delivery of
      reagents into the intra-articular joint space to treat arthrofibrosis.

PMID- 27673558
TI  - Potential usefulness of apolipoprotein A2 isoforms for screening and risk
      stratification of pancreatic cancer.
AB  - Given the low incidence of pancreatic cancer in the general population, screening
      of pancreatic cancer in the general population using invasive modalities is not
      feasible. Combination of invasive screening with noninvasive biomarkers for
      pancreatic cancer and its precancerous lesions has the potential to reduce
      mortality due to pancreatic cancer. In this review, we focus on biomarkers found
      in the blood that can indicate early-stage pancreatic cancer, and we discuss
      current strategies for screening for pancreatic cancer. We recently identified a
      unique alteration in apolipoprotein A2 isoforms in pancreatic cancer and its
      precancerous lesions, and we describe its clinical usefulness as a potential
      biomarker for the early detection and risk stratification of pancreatic cancer.

PMID- 27673561
TI  - For better or for worse, UV in psoriasis.

PMID- 27673562
TI  - Validation of RNAi Silencing Efficiency Using Gene Array Data shows 18.5% Failure
      Rate across 429 Independent Experiments.
AB  - No independent cross-validation of success rate for studies utilizing small
      interfering RNA (siRNA) for gene silencing has been completed before. To assess
      the influence of experimental parameters like cell line, transfection technique,
      validation method, and type of control, we have to validate these in a large set
      of studies. We utilized gene chip data published for siRNA experiments to assess
      success rate and to compare methods used in these experiments. We searched NCBI
      GEO for samples with whole transcriptome analysis before and after gene silencing
      and evaluated the efficiency for the target and off-target genes using the array
      based expression data. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to assess silencing
      efficacy and Kruskal-Wallis tests and Spearman rank correlation were used to
      evaluate study parameters. All together 1,643 samples representing 429
      experiments published in 207 studies were evaluated. The fold change (FC) of down
      regulation of the target gene was above 0.7 in 18.5% and was above 0.5 in 38.7%
      of experiments. Silencing efficiency was lowest in MCF7 and highest in SW480
      cells (FC = 0.59 and FC = 0.30, respectively, P = 9.3E-06). Studies utilizing
      Western blot for validation performed better than those with quantitative
      polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) or microarray (FC = 0.43, FC = 0.47, and FC =
      0.55, respectively, P = 2.8E-04). There was no correlation between type of
      control, transfection method, publication year, and silencing efficiency.
      Although gene silencing is a robust feature successfully cross-validated in the
      majority of experiments, efficiency remained insufficient in a significant
      proportion of studies. Selection of cell line model and validation method had the
      highest influence on silencing proficiency. 

PMID- 27673560
TI  - A potential role for genome structure in the translation of mechanical force
      during immune cell development.
AB  - Immune cells react to a wide range of environments, both chemical and physical.
      While the former has been extensively studied, there is growing evidence that
      physical and in particular mechanical forces also affect immune cell behavior and
      development. In order to elicit a response that affects immune cell behavior or
      development, environmental signals must often reach the nucleus. Chemical and
      mechanical signals can initiate signal transduction pathways, but mechanical
      forces may also have a more direct route to the nucleus, altering nuclear shape
      via mechanotransduction. The three-dimensional organization of DNA allows for the
      possibility that altering nuclear shape directly remodels chromatin,
      redistributing critical regulatory elements and proteins, and resulting in wide
      scale gene expression changes. As such, integrating mechanotransduction and
      genome architecture into the immunology toolkit will improve our understanding of
      immune development and disease.

PMID- 27673563
TI  - Ecdysone Receptor-based Singular Gene Switches for Regulated Transgene Expression
      in Cells and Adult Rodent Tissues.
AB  - Controlled gene expression is an indispensable technique in biomedical research.
      Here, we report a convenient, straightforward, and reliable way to induce
      expression of a gene of interest with negligible background expression compared
      to the most widely used tetracycline (Tet)-regulated system. Exploiting a
      Drosophila ecdysone receptor (EcR)-based gene regulatory system, we generated
      nonviral and adenoviral singular vectors designated as pEUI(+) and pENTR-EUI,
      respectively, which contain all the required elements to guarantee regulated
      transgene expression (GAL4-miniVP16-EcR, termed GvEcR hereafter, and 10 tandem
      repeats of an upstream activation sequence promoter followed by a multiple
      cloning site). Through the transient and stable transfection of mammalian cell
      lines with reporter genes, we validated that tebufenozide, an ecdysone agonist,
      reversibly induced gene expression, in a dose- and time-dependent manner, with
      negligible background expression. In addition, we created an adenovirus derived
      from the pENTR-EUI vector that readily infected not only cultured cells but also
      rodent tissues and was sensitive to tebufenozide treatment for regulated
      transgene expression. These results suggest that EcR-based singular gene
      regulatory switches would be convenient tools for the induction of gene
      expression in cells and tissues in a tightly controlled fashion. 

PMID- 27673564
TI  - miR-181a Induces Macrophage Polarized to M2 Phenotype and Promotes M2 Macrophage
      mediated Tumor Cell Metastasis by Targeting KLF6 and C/EBPalpha.
AB  - Macrophages can acquire a variety of polarization status and functions:
      classically activated macrophages (M1 macrophages); alternatively activated
      macrophages (M2 macrophages). However, the molecular basis of the process is
      still unclear. Here, this study addresses that microRNA-181a (miR-181a) is a key
      molecule controlling macrophage polarization. We found that miR-181a is
      overexpressed in M2 macrophages than in M1 macrophages. miR-181a expression was
      decreased when M2 phenotype converted to M1, whereas it increased when M1
      phenotype converted to M2. Overexpression of miR-181a in M1 macrophages
      diminished M1 phenotype expression while promoting polarization to the M2
      phenotype. In contrast, knockdown of miR-181a in M2 macrophages promoted M1
      polarization and diminished M2 phenotype expression. Mechanistically,
      Bioinformatic analysis revealed that Kruppel-like factor 6 (KLF6) and
      CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-alpha (C/EBPalpha) is a potential target of miR
      181a and luciferase assay confirmed that KLF6 and C/EBPalpha translation is
      suppressed by miR-181a through interaction with the 3'UTR of KLF6 and C/EBPalpha
      mRNA. Further analysis showed that induction of miR-181a suppressed KLF6 and
      C/EBPalpha protein expression. Importantly, miR-181a also diminishes M2
      macrophages-mediated migration and invasion capacity of tumor cells.
      Collectively, our results suggest that miR-181a plays a significant role in
      regulating macrophage polarization through directly target KLF6 and C/EBPalpha. 

PMID- 27673565
TI  - Telemedicine-Assisted Intubation in Rural Emergency Departments: A National
      Emergency Airway Registry Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intubation in rural emergency departments (EDs) is a high-risk
      procedure, often with little or no specialty support. Rural EDs are utilizing
      real-time telemedicine links, connecting providers to an ED physician who may
      provide clinical guidance. INTRODUCTION: We endeavored to describe telemedicine
      assisted intubation in rural EDs that are served by an ED telemedicine network.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective data were collected on all patients who had an
      intubation attempt while on the video telemedicine link from May 1, 2014 to April
      30, 2015. We report demographic information, indication, methods, number of
      attempts, operator characteristics, telemedicine involvement/intervention,
      adverse events, and clinical outcome by using descriptive statistics. RESULTS:
      Included were 206 intubations. The most common indication for intubation was
      respiratory failure. First-pass success rate (postactivation) was 71%, and 96%
      were eventually intubated. Most attempts (66%) used rapid-sequence intubation.
      Fifty-four percent of first attempts used video laryngoscopy (VL). Telemedicine
      providers intervened in 24%, 43%, and 55% of first-third attempts, respectively.
      First-pass success with VL and direct laryngoscopy was equivalent (70% vs. 71%, p
      = 0.802). Adverse events were reported in 49 cases (24%), which were most
      frequently hypoxemia. DISCUSSION: The impact of telemedicine during emergency
      intubation is not defined. We showed a 71% first-pass rate post-telemedicine
      linkage (70% of cases had a previous attempt). Our ultimate success rate was 96%,
      similar to that in large-center studies. Telemedicine support may contribute to
      success. CONCLUSIONS: Telemedicine-supported endotracheal intubation performed in
      rural hospitals is feasible, with good success rates. Future research is required
      to better define the impact of telemedicine providers on emergency airway
      management.

PMID- 27673566
TI  - Next generation sequencing data of a defined microbial mock community.
AB  - Generating sequence data of a defined community composed of organisms with
      complete reference genomes is indispensable for the benchmarking of new genome
      sequence analysis methods, including assembly and binning tools. Moreover the
      validation of new sequencing library protocols and platforms to assess critical
      components such as sequencing errors and biases relies on such datasets. We here
      report the next generation metagenomic sequence data of a defined mock community
      (Mock Bacteria ARchaea Community; MBARC-26), composed of 23 bacterial and 3
      archaeal strains with finished genomes. These strains span 10 phyla and 14
      classes, a range of GC contents, genome sizes, repeat content and encompass a
      diverse abundance profile. Short read Illumina and long-read PacBio SMRT
      sequences of this mock community are described. These data represent a valuable
      resource for the scientific community, enabling extensive benchmarking and
      comparative evaluation of bioinformatics tools without the need to simulate data.
      As such, these data can aid in improving our current sequence data analysis
      toolkit and spur interest in the development of new tools.

PMID- 27673567
TI  - Plasma apelin-13, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and environmental
      exposure to nitrous oxide.

PMID- 27673568
TI  - Intrarater Reliability of Tonometry and Bioimpedance Spectroscopy to Measure
      Tissue Compressibility and Extracellular Fluid in the Legs of Healthy Young
      People in Australia and Myanmar.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Measurements of tissue compressibility and extracellular fluid (ECF)
      are used to monitor progression of lymphedema, a chronic swelling of the
      subcutaneous tissue. Later stages of lymphedema are characterized by fibrotic
      induration in the subcutis and hyperkeratosis of the skin. Several devices are
      available to measure these changes, but previous reliability and validity studies
      have been conducted primarily on adult women with unilateral arm lymphedema using
      contralateral limbs as controls. To date, no studies have included either
      adolescents or measurement of leg tissue. METHODS AND RESULTS: An intrarater
      reliability study was conducted to compare three devices measuring skin and
      subcutaneous tissue compressibility; a mechanical Tonometer, a digital
      Indurometer, and a SkinFibroMeter. ECF loads were measured using bioimpedance
      spectroscopy (BIS). Two populations of tropical-dwelling young people were
      included; Australian residents in North Queensland aged 8-21 years (n = 34) and
      people aged 10-21 years residing in Central Myanmar (n = 38). Neither cohort had
      any clinical sign of lymphedema or other leg abnormality. The mechanical
      Tonometer and the digital Indurometer had excellent intraclass correlation
      coefficient (ICC) scores between 0.792 (95% CI 0.055-0.901) and 0.964 (95% CI
      0.945-0.984) and the SkinFibroMeter had good to excellent reliability with ICC
      scores of between 0.565 (95% CI 0.384-0.747) and 0.877 (95% CI 0.815-0.840). BIS
      exhibited the highest reliability with ICC scores approaching 1.0. CONCLUSIONS:
      These results support the reliable use of tonometry and BIS to assess tissue
      compressibility and ECF loads in the legs of adolescent populations in developed
      and developing tropical countries.

PMID- 27673570
TI  - Tracking Transient Conformational States of T4 Lysozyme at Room Temperature
      Combining X-ray Crystallography and Site-Directed Spin Labeling.
AB  - Proteins are dynamic molecules that can transiently adopt different
      conformational states. As the function of the system often depends critically on
      its conformational state a rigorous understanding of the correlation between
      structure, energetics and dynamics of the different accessible states is crucial.
      The biophysical characterization of such processes is, however, challenging as
      the excited states are often only marginally populated. We show that a
      combination of X-ray crystallography performed at 100 K as well as at room
      temperature and EPR spectroscopy on a spin-labeled single crystal allows to
      correlate the structures of the ground state and a thermally excited state with
      their thermodynamics using the variant 118R1 of T4 lysozyme as an example. In
      addition, it is shown that the surrounding solvent can significantly alter the
      energetic as well as the entropic contribution to the Gibbs free energy without
      major impact on the structure of both states.

PMID- 27673571
TI  - Chemical Strategy to Stepwise Amplification of Signals in Surface Plasmon
      Resonance Imaging Detection of Saccharides and Glycoconjugates.
AB  - A stepwise strategy was proposed to controllably amplify surface plasmon
      resonance imaging (SPRi) signals and used to establish a method for sensitive
      detection of small saccharides and large glycoconjugates. The key is to enlarge
      the target analytes step by step through a cyclic recognition reaction of
      concanavalin A (ConA) with dextran, which can easily be integrated into SPRi
      detection. The reaction is theoretically expected to proceed with infinite cycles
      by addition of ConA and dextran one after another, and in practice, it allows for
      performing signal amplification for up to 20 steps, which nearly reaches the
      limit of the propagation depth of surface plasmon waves. Because of the
      nonspecific adsorption effect, the maximum signals of small sugars were measured
      at steps 5-7 by the use of small molecules like ethanol amine to block the
      nonspecific adsorption. The real applicability of the method was validated by
      SPRi determination of either immobilized saccharides and glycoproteins or
      captured carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) from patient samples with a limit of
      detection down to 2.5 MUM glucose or 50 pg/mL of CEA. A wide extendibility of the
      method was confirmed by detecting other ConA-recognizable analytes like human
      IgG, ovalbumin, alpha-fetoprotein, and analytes convertible to ConA- or dextran
      recognizable forms. Notably, other cyclic reactions specific to saccharides or
      other analytes are in theory exploitable, which will further widen the
      applicability of the method and strategy.

PMID- 27673572
TI  - Precisely Controllable Core-Shell Ag@Carbon Dots Nanoparticles: Application to in
      Situ Super-Sensitive Monitoring of Catalytic Reactions.
AB  - Carbon dots (CDs) have attracted extensive interest owing to their unparalleled
      physical and chemical characteristics. CDs based nanocomposites have also drawn
      increasing attention because the combination of different characteristics could
      offer additional brilliant properties (such as photocatalysis and Raman
      scattering). In this work, we developed a fast, facile, and controllable method
      for fabricating core-shell Ag@CDs nanoparticles (NPs) based on the ability of CDs
      to directly reduce Ag+ to Ag NPs without an external photoirradiation process or
      additional reductants. The as-prepared Ag@CDs NPs caused efficient CDs
      fluorescence quenching, and the typical bands of carbon species were obtained in
      the Raman spectrum of CDs. In addition, we found that the Ag@CDs NPs could be
      utilized as an efficient surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate,
      showing a discernible detection concentration as low as 10-8 M by using p
      aminothiophenol (PATP) as the probe molecules. The as-prepared Ag@CDs NPs used as
      the SERS substrate also exhibited excellent peroxidase-like catalytic activity
      for in situ super-sensitive monitoring of the oxidation of 3,3',5,5'
      tetramethylbenzidine by H2O2, a plasmon-enhanced driven photocatalytic reaction
      of p-nitrothiophenol (PNTP) dimerizing into 4,4'-dimercaptoazobenzene, and
      catalytic driven reduction of PNTP to PATP in the presence of NaBH4 in real time.
      Moreover, the determination of H2O2 with a significantly lower discernible
      detection concentration was obtained. This work demonstrated that the hybrid
      nanostructures not only exhibited unique SERS properties but also showed
      excellent catalytic activities, especially as an ultrasensitive SERS substrate
      for monitoring heterogeneous catalytic reactions in real time. This would make it
      possible to not only obtain the information about catalytic molecular changes but
      also conduct quantitative and qualitative analysis, and widen the application of
      CDs in SERS and catalytic reactions.

PMID- 27673569
TI  - Supraspinal Control Predicts Locomotor Function and Forecasts Responsiveness to
      Training after Spinal Cord Injury.
AB  - Restoration of walking ability is an area of great interest in the rehabilitation
      of persons with spinal cord injury. Because many cortical, subcortical, and
      spinal neural centers contribute to locomotor function, it is important that
      intervention strategies be designed to target neural elements at all levels of
      the neuraxis that are important for walking ability. While to date most
      strategies have focused on activation of spinal circuits, more recent studies are
      investigating the value of engaging supraspinal circuits. Despite the apparent
      potential of pharmacological, biological, and genetic approaches, as yet none has
      proved more effective than physical therapeutic rehabilitation strategies. By
      making optimal use of the potential of the nervous system to respond to training,
      strategies can be developed that meet the unique needs of each person. To
      complement the development of optimal training interventions, it is valuable to
      have the ability to predict future walking function based on early clinical
      presentation, and to forecast responsiveness to training. A number of clinical
      prediction rules and association models based on common clinical measures have
      been developed with the intent, respectively, to predict future walking function
      based on early clinical presentation, and to delineate characteristics associated
      with responsiveness to training. Further, a number of variables that are
      correlated with walking function have been identified. Not surprisingly, most of
      these prediction rules, association models, and correlated variables incorporate
      measures of volitional lower extremity strength, illustrating the important
      influence of supraspinal centers in the production of walking behavior in humans.

PMID- 27673573
TI  - Osteocyte physiology and response to fluid shear stress are impaired following
      exposure to cobalt and chromium: Implications for bone health following joint
      replacement.
AB  - The effects of metal ion exposure on osteocytes, the most abundant cell type in
      bone and responsible for coordinating bone remodeling, remain unclear. However,
      several studies have previously shown that exposure to cobalt (Co2+ ) and
      chromium (Cr3+ ), at concentrations equivalent to those found clinically, affect
      osteoblast and osteoclast survival and function. In this study, we tested the
      hypothesis that metal ions would similarly impair the normal physiology of
      osteocytes. The survival, dendritic morphology, and response to fluid shear
      stress of the mature osteocyte-like cell-line MLO-Y4 following exposure to
      clinically relevant concentrations and combinations of Co and Cr ions were
      measured in 2D-culture. Exposure of MLO-Y4 cells to metal ions reduced cell
      number, increased dendrites per cell and increased dendrite length. We found that
      combinations of metal ions had a greater effect than the individual ions alone,
      and that Co2+ had a predominate effect on changes to cell numbers and dendrites.
      Combined metal ion exposure blunted the responses of the MLO-Y4 cells to fluid
      shear stress, including reducing the intracellular calcium responses and
      modulation of genes for the osteocyte markers Cx43 and Gp38, and the signaling
      molecules RANKL and Dkk-1. Finally, we demonstrated that in the late
      osteoblasts/early osteocytes cell line MLO-A5 that Co2+ exposure had no effect on
      mineralization, but Cr3+ treatment inhibited mineralization in a dose-dependent
      manner, without affecting cell viability. Taken together, these data indicate
      that metal exposure can directly affect osteocyte physiology, with potential
      implications for bone health including osseointegration of cementless components,
      and periprosthetic bone remodeling. (c) 2016 The Authors. Journal of Orthopaedic
      Research Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Orthopaedic Research
      Society. J Orthop Res 35:1716-1723, 2017.

PMID- 27673574
TI  - Extracellular Protein Kinase A Modulates Intracellular Calcium/Calmodulin
      Dependent Protein Kinase II, Nitric Oxide Synthase, and the Glutamate-Nitric
      Oxide-cGMP Pathway in Cerebellum. Differential Effects in Hyperammonemia.
AB  - Extracellular protein kinases, including cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA),
      modulate neuronal functions including N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor
      dependent long-term potentiation. NMDA receptor activation increases calcium,
      which binds to calmodulin and activates nitric oxide synthase (NOS), increasing
      nitric oxide (NO), which activates guanylate cyclase, increasing cGMP, which is
      released to the extracellular fluid, allowing analysis of this glutamate-NO-cGMP
      pathway in vivo by microdialysis. The function of this pathway is impaired in
      hyperammonemic rats. The aims of this work were to assess (1) whether the
      glutamate-NO-cGMP pathway is modulated in cerebellum in vivo by an extracellular
      PKA, (2) the role of phosphorylation and activity of calcium/calmodulin-dependent
      protein kinase II (CaMKII) and NOS in the pathway modulation by extracellular
      PKA, and (3) whether the effects are different in hyperammonemic and control
      rats. The pathway was analyzed by in vivo microdialysis. The role of
      extracellular PKA was analyzed by inhibiting it with a membrane-impermeable
      inhibitor. The mechanisms involved were analyzed in freshly isolated cerebellar
      slices from control and hyperammonemic rats. In control rats, inhibiting
      extracellular PKA reduces the glutamate-NO-cGMP pathway function in vivo. This is
      due to reduction of CaMKII phosphorylation and activity, which reduces NOS
      phosphorylation at Ser1417 and NOS activity, resulting in reduced guanylate
      cyclase activation and cGMP formation. In hyperammonemic rats, under basal
      conditions, CaMKII phosphorylation and activity are increased, increasing NOS
      phosphorylation at Ser847, which reduces NOS activity, guanylate cyclase
      activation, and cGMP. Inhibiting extracellular PKA in hyperammonemic rats
      normalizes CaMKII phosphorylation and activity, NOS phosphorylation, NOS
      activity, and cGMP, restoring normal function of the pathway.

PMID- 27673575
TI  - Knowledge Gaps in Cardiovascular Care of Older Adults: A Scientific Statement
      from the American Heart Association, American College of Cardiology, and American
      Geriatrics Society: Executive Summary.
AB  - The incidence and prevalence of most cardiovascular disorders increase with age,
      and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death and major
      disability in adults aged 75 and older. Despite the effect of CVD on quality of
      life, morbidity, and mortality in older adults, individuals aged 75 and older
      have been markedly underrepresented in most major cardiovascular trials, and
      virtually all trials have excluded older adults with complex comorbidities,
      significant physical or cognitive disabilities, frailty, or residence in nursing
      homes and assisted living facilities. As a result, current guidelines are unable
      to provide evidence-based recommendations for diagnosis and treatment of older
      adults typical of those encountered in routine clinical practice. The objectives
      of this scientific statement are to summarize current guideline recommendations
      as they apply to older adults, identify critical gaps in knowledge that preclude
      informed evidence-based decision-making, and recommend future research to close
      existing knowledge gaps. To achieve these objectives, a detailed review was
      conducted of current American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association
      (ACC/AHA) and American Stroke Association (ASA) guidelines to identify content
      and recommendations that explicitly targeted older adults. A pervasive lack of
      evidence to guide clinical decision-making in older adults with CVD was found, as
      well as a paucity of data on the effect of diagnostic and therapeutic
      interventions on outcomes that are particularly important to older adults, such
      as quality of life, physical function, and maintenance of independence.
      Accordingly, there is a critical need for a multitude of large population-based
      studies and clinical trials that include a broad spectrum of older adults
      representative of those seen in clinical practice and that incorporate relevant
      outcomes important to older adults in the study design. The results of these
      studies will provide the foundation for future evidence-based guidelines
      applicable to older adults and enhance person-centered care of older individuals
      with CVD in the United States and around the world.

PMID- 27673576
TI  - Fatty acids profiling reveals potential candidate markers of semen quality.
AB  - Previous reports showed altered fatty acid content in subjects with altered sperm
      parameters compared to normozoospermic individuals. However, these studies
      focused on a limited number of fatty acids, included a short number of subjects
      and results varied widely. We conducted a case-control study involving 155
      patients allocated into four groups, including normozoospermia (n = 33),
      oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (n = 32), asthenozoospermia (n = 25), and
      varicocoele (n = 44). Fatty acid profiling, including 30 species, was analyzed by
      a validated gas chromatography (GC) method on the whole seminal fluid sample.
      Multinomial logistic regression modeling was used to identify the associations
      between fatty acids and the four groups. Specimens from 15 normozoospermic
      subjects were also analyzed for fatty acids content in the seminal plasma and
      spermatozoa to study the distribution in the two compartments. Fatty acids
      lipidome varied markedly between the four groups. Multinomial logistic regression
      modeling revealed that high levels of palmitic acid, behenic acid, oleic acid,
      and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) confer a low risk to stay out of the
      normozoospermic group. In the whole population, seminal fluid stearic acid was
      negatively correlated (r = -0.53), and DHA was positively correlated (r = 0.65)
      with sperm motility. Some fatty acids were preferentially accumulated in
      spermatozoa and the highest difference was observed for DHA, which was 6.2 times
      higher in spermatozoa than in seminal plasma. The results of this study highlight
      complete fatty acids profile in patients with different semen parameters. Given
      the easy-to-follow and rapid method of analysis, fatty acid profiling by GC
      method can be used for therapeutic purposes and to measure compliance in
      infertility trials using fatty acids supplements.

PMID- 27673577
TI  - A survey of the use of arterial catheters in anesthetized dogs and cats: 267
      cases.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical practice of insertion of arterial catheters
      in anesthetized dogs and cats, to document complications of arterial
      catheterization, and to determine risk factors associated with the complications.
      DESIGN: Prospective clinical study and retrospective evaluation of medical
      records. SETTING: University teaching hospital. ANIMALS: Dogs (n = 251) and 13
      cats anesthetized for clinical procedures with arterial catheters inserted for
      blood pressure monitoring. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:
      Details of the animal and catheter were collected at the time of anesthesia. On
      the following day, the catheter site was palpated and observed for abnormalities
      and the medical records of all animals were reviewed retrospectively for
      complications. Details of catheter placement were available for 216 catheters:
      158 catheters in a dorsal pedal artery, 50 catheters in the median caudal
      (coccygeal) artery, 6 in the median artery, and 1 each in a cranial tibial and
      lingual artery. Blood pressure was obtained from 200 catheters, and 12 catheters
      failed before the end of anesthesia. Postoperative observational data obtained
      from 112 catheters described a palpable arterial pulse at 73 sites and no pulse
      at 21 sites. No risk factor for arterial occlusion was identified. No
      complications resulting from arterial catheterization were noted in the medical
      records. CONCLUSIONS: Arterial catheterization resulted in loss of a peripheral
      pulse postoperatively in 21/94 (22.3%) of animals examined, although no evidence
      of tissue ischemia was noted in the medical records of any of the patients in
      this study. These results suggest that insertion of a catheter in the dorsal
      pedal or coccygeal arteries was not associated with a high risk for
      complications. However, the course of arterial occlusion postoperatively warrants
      further investigation.

PMID- 27673578
TI  - A Synthesis of Exiguaquinol Dessulfate.
AB  - A concise and stereoselective synthesis of exiguaquinol dessulfate is described.
      Sequential application of a Diels-Alder cycloaddition, a desymmetrizing aldol
      addition, and a reductive Heck cyclization established most of the architecture
      of exiguaquinol, and a carefully choreographed introduction of the polar
      substituents afforded the title compound; unfortunately, naphthoquinol sulfation
      could not be achieved to deliver exiguaquinol. Our hypothesis regarding the
      configurational preference of the N-acyl hemiaminal, which was based upon an
      analysis of internal hydrogen-bonding interactions with polar functional groups,
      was proven correct. A late-stage intermediate did not demonstrate bactericidal
      activity against H. pylori cultures.

PMID- 27673580
TI  - Supramolecular Aggregates of Defined Stereochemical Scaffolds:
      Aggregation/Deaggregation in Schiff-Base Zinc(II) Complexes Derived from
      Enantiopure trans-1,2-Diaminocyclohexane.
AB  - This contribution explores, through detailed 1H NMR, DOSY NMR, optical
      absorption, and circular dichroism spectroscopic studies, the aggregation
      properties in solution of noncoordinating solvents of some new ZnII Schiff-base
      complexes, (R)-1, (S)-1, and (R)-2, derived from the chiral trans-1,2
      diaminocyclohexane. It is found that chloroform solutions of 1 are characterized
      by the presence of three species, the predominance of which consists of large
      oligomeric aggregates. For chloroform solutions of 1, upon heating or standing,
      all species are irreversibly converted into a dimer, 1C, which is very stable and
      hardly disaggregable. Analysis of 1H NMR, UV/vis, and CD spectroscopic data and
      chemical evidence allow proposing a double helicate Zn2L2 structure with a
      tetrahedral coordination around the ZnII ions for 1C, as a consequence of the
      defined stereochemistry of the trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane chelate bridge. This
      represents a different, uncommon aggregation mode in ZnII complexes of
      tetradentate Schiff-bases.

PMID- 27673579
TI  - Fludarabine and cytarabine versus high-dose cytarabine in consolidation treatment
      of t(8; 21) acute myeloid leukemia: A prospective, randomized study.
AB  - Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with t(8;21) aberration often have
      favorable outcomes, however, relapse still occurs in 30-40% patients, with only
      50-60% of patients with t(8;21) AML cured with regimens containing high-dose
      cytarabine (HD-Ara-C). To evaluate the effects of fludarabine and cytarabine (FA)
      consolidation therapy for t(8;21) AML patients, a prospective randomized study
      was performed. A total of 45 patients with t(8;21) AML after achieving complete
      remission (CR) were randomly assigned to receive four course consolidation with
      FA (n = 23) or HD-Ara-C (n = 22). Our study showed that at 36-months, relapse
      free survival (RFS) was 81.73% in the FA arm and 50.73% in the HD-Ara-C arm (P =
      0.04), overall survival (OS) was 91.1% and 48.4% (P = 0.01) in the FA arm and in
      the HD-Ara-C arm respectively; whereas cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) was
      18.27% and 47.39%, in the FA arm and in the HD-Ara-C arm respectively (P = 0.05).
      In our study, treatment with FA, MRD2 status (reduction >= 3-log) and absence of
      c-kit mutations were identified as independent prognostic factors for lower risk
      of relapse, improved RFS and OS. We also found RFS for patients without c-kit
      mutations was 100% in FA arm, and 57.8% in HD-Ara-C arm at 36 months (P = 0.005);
      OS of both groups at 36 months was 100% and 51.4%, respectively (P = 0.004),
      suggesting a benefit of consolidation therapy with FA for t(8;21) AML patients,
      especially, those without c-kit mutations (Clinicaltrials.org ID NCT# 02024308).
      Am. J. Hematol. 92:12-17, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27673581
TI  - Takotsubo syndrome in the paediatric population: a case report and a systematic
      review.
AB  - We describe the case of a takotsubo syndrome in a 12-year-old male patient
      following an acute intracranial haemorrhage, which had a favourable outcome. We
      also performed a systematic review of published case reports in patients younger
      than 18 years. Although takotsubo syndrome is common in postmenopausal women, in
      the paediatric population it equally affects both sexes. Compared with adults,
      paediatric patients more commonly present with heart failure symptoms or loss of
      consciousness. A higher proportion of paediatric patients have ST segment
      depression on ECG. Moreover, in younger patients, a high proportion has nonapical
      anatomical variants and more severe left ventricular impairment. The increase in
      troponin and the decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction, the prevalence
      of neurological or psychological disorders, and in-hospital outcome are similar
      between adults and children.

PMID- 27673583
TI  - ?
AB  - Leadership in acute care teams based on knowledge and communication - an
      interdisciplinary analysis of a serie of in-situ trauma team trainings Efficient
      communication is one of the key features of good teamwork. Call-outs (CO) and
      Closed-loop communication (CLC), as a component of secure and efficient
      communication, has been extensively taught in the team training context. This
      paper reports results from a thesis exploring how trauma teams communicate while
      working. Eighteen in-situ trauma team training sessions were documented with
      surveys, audio and video for later analysis. Discourse analysis, quantitative
      content analysis and quantitative methods were used. The use of CO and CLC in the
      teams was low. CLC initiated by the team leader was associated with a higher
      likelihood of decision to go to surgery within the training session. CLC
      initiated by others than the team leaders was associated with longer time taken
      until the decision to go to definitive care. Using discourse analysis the
      leaders' way to position themselves using verbal communication could be described
      as dynamically switched between coercive, educational, discussing and negotiating
      strategies to take control of the team. Leaders that took control of the teams
      also positioned themselves physically in the inner circle, i.e. close to the
      patient's head. When trauma teams work together, only a limited amount of
      communication occurs structured as CO and CLC. The importance of physically
      positioning yourself at the right place in the room as well as to choose
      communication strategy to get things done might need to be discussed during
      leadership trainings. Deliberate practice in the use of communication tools as CO
      and CLC and in switching between different communication strategies might benefit
      the team function and the care of patients when time is sparse.

PMID- 27673582
TI  - Association Between Social Participation and 3-Year Change in Instrumental
      Activities of Daily Living in Community-Dwelling Elderly Adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether social participation (SP) in older adults is
      associated with ability to perform instrumental activities of daily living
      (IADLs). DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Two local municipalities of
      Nara, Japan. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals aged 65 to 96 (n = 2,774 male, n = 3,586
      female) free of IADL disability at baseline. MEASUREMENTS: SP and IADLs were
      assessed using self-administered questionnaires. SP was categorized into five
      types and assessed using the number and type of social activities. IADLs were
      evaluated using the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Index of
      Competence. Logistic regression analysis stratified according to sex was used to
      examine change in IADLs according to SP, with nonparticipation as a reference.
      RESULTS: During the 3-year follow-up, 13.6% of men and 9.0% of women reported
      IADL decline. After adjusting for age, family structure, body mass index,
      pension, occupation, medical treatment, self-rated health, drinking, smoking,
      depression, cognitive function, and activities of daily living, participation in
      various social activities was inversely associated with change in IADLs in women
      but not men. Participation in the following types of social activities had
      significant inverse associations with IADL disability: hobby clubs (odds ratio
      (OR) = 0.68, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.49-0.94) for men and local events
      (OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.48-0.95), hobby clubs (OR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.36-0.79),
      senior citizen clubs (OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.56-0.97), and volunteer groups (OR =
      0.56, 95% CI = 0.32-0.99) for women. CONCLUSION: Participation in a variety of
      different types of social activities was associated with change in IADLs over the
      3 years of this study in women, and participation in hobby clubs was associated
      with change in IADLs in men and women. Recommending that community-dwelling
      elderly adults participate in social activities appropriate for their sex may
      promote successful aging.

PMID- 27673584
TI  - ?

PMID- 27673585
TI  - ?

PMID- 27673586
TI  - ?

PMID- 27673587
TI  - ?

PMID- 27673588
TI  - ?

PMID- 27673589
TI  - ?

PMID- 27673590
TI  - ?

PMID- 27673591
TI  - ?

PMID- 27673592
TI  - ?

PMID- 27673593
TI  - ?

PMID- 27673594
TI  - ?

PMID- 27673595
TI  - ?

PMID- 27673596
TI  - Nonclassical Routes for Amide Bond Formation.
AB  - The present review offers an overview of nonclassical (e.g., with no pre- or in
      situ activation of a carboxylic acid partner) approaches for the construction of
      amide bonds. The review aims to comprehensively discuss relevant work, which was
      mainly done in the field in the last 20 years. Organization of the data follows a
      subdivision according to substrate classes: catalytic direct formation of amides
      from carboxylic and amines ( section 2 ); the use of carboxylic acid surrogates (
      section 3 ); and the use of amine surrogates ( section 4 ). The ligation
      strategies (NCL, Staudinger, KAHA, KATs, etc.) that could involve both carboxylic
      acid and amine surrogates are treated separately in section 5 .

PMID- 27673600
TI  - Clinical Drug-Drug Interaction Studies: Methods, Pitfalls, and Interpretation.

PMID- 27673597
TI  - Targeted multimodal nano-reporters for pre-procedural MRI and intra-operative
      image-guidance.
AB  - Multimodal-imaging probes offer a novel approach, which can provide detail
      diagnostic information for the planning of image-guided therapies in clinical
      practice. Here we report targeted multimodal Nd3+-doped upconversion nanoparticle
      (UCNP) imaging reporters, integrating both magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and
      real-time upconversion luminescence imaging (UCL) capabilities within a single
      platform. Nd3+-doped UCNPs were synthesized as a core-shell structure showing a
      bright visible emission upon excitation at the near infrared (minimizing
      biological overheating and increasing tissue penetration depth) as well as
      providing strong MRI T2 contrast (high r2/r1 ratio). Transcatheter intra-arterial
      infusion of Nd3+-doped UCNPs conjugated with anti-CD44-monoclonal antibody
      allowed for high performance in vivo multimodal UCL and MR imaging of
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in an orthotopic rat model. The resulted in vivo
      multimodal imaging of Nd3+ doped core-shell UCNPs combined with transcatheter
      intra-arterial targeting approaches successfully discriminated liver tumors from
      normal hepatic tissues in rats for surgical resection applications. The
      demonstrated multimodal UCL and MRI imaging capabilities of our multimodal UCNPs
      reporters suggest strong potential for in vivo visualization of tumors and
      precise surgical guidance to fill the gap between pre-procedural imaging and
      intraoperative reality.

PMID- 27673598
TI  - Potential Energy Surface-Based Automatic Deduction of Conformational Transition
      Networks and Its Application on Quantum Mechanical Landscapes of d-Glucose
      Conformers.
AB  - This paper describes our approach that is built upon the potential energy surface
      (PES)-based conformational analysis. This approach automatically deduces a
      conformational transition network, called a conformational reaction route map (r
      map), by using the Scaled Hypersphere Search of the Anharmonic Downward
      Distortion Following method (SHS-ADDF). The PES-based conformational search has
      been achieved by using large ADDF, which makes it possible to trace only low
      transition state (TS) barriers while restraining bond lengths and structures with
      high free energy. It automatically performs sampling the minima and TS structures
      by simply taking into account the mathematical feature of PES without requiring
      any a priori specification of variable internal coordinates. An obtained r-map is
      composed of equilibrium (EQ) conformers connected by reaction routes via TS
      conformers, where all of the reaction routes are already confirmed during the
      process of the deduction using the intrinsic reaction coordinate (IRC) method.
      The postcalculation analysis of the deduced r-map is interactively carried out
      using the RMapViewer software we have developed. This paper presents
      computational details of the PES-based conformational analysis and its
      application to d-glucose. The calculations have been performed for an isolated
      glucose molecule in the gas phase at the RHF/6-31G level. The obtained
      conformational r-map for alpha-d-glucose is composed of 201 EQ and 435 TS
      conformers and that for beta-d-glucose is composed of 202 EQ and 371 TS
      conformers. For the postcalculation analysis of the conformational r-maps by
      using the RMapViewer software program we have found multiple minimum energy paths
      (MEPs) between global minima of 1C4 and 4C1 chair conformations. The analysis
      using RMapViewer allows us to confirm the thermodynamic and kinetic predominance
      of 4C1 conformations; that is, the potential energy of the global minimum of 4C1
      is lower than that of 1C4 (thermodynamic predominance) and that the highest
      energy of those of all the TS structures along a route from 4C1 to 1C4 is lower
      than that of 1C4 to 4C1 (kinetic predominance).

PMID- 27673601
TI  - Experience from Development of Once-Weekly Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor
      Agonist (GLP-1 RA) Dulaglutide for Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

PMID- 27673599
TI  - The Arabidopsis heat-intolerant 5 (hit5)/enhanced response to aba 1 (era1) mutant
      reveals the crucial role of protein farnesylation in plant responses to heat
      stress.
AB  - Protein farnesylation is a post-translational modification known to regulate
      abscisic acid (ABA)-mediated drought tolerance in plants. However, it is unclear
      whether and to what extent protein farnesylation affects plant tolerance to high
      temperature conditions. The Arabidopsis heat-intolerant 5 (hit5) mutant was
      isolated because it was thermosensitive to prolonged heat incubation at 37
      degrees C for 4 d but thermotolerant to sudden heat shock at 44 degrees C for 40
      min. Map-based cloning revealed that HIT5 encodes the beta-subunit of the protein
      farnesyltransferase. hit5 was crossed with the aba-insensitive 3 (abi3) mutant,
      the aba-deficient 3 (aba3) mutant, and the heat shock protein 101 (hsp101)
      mutant, to characterize the HIT5-mediated heat stress response. hit5/abi3 and
      hit5/aba3 double mutants had the same temperature-dependent phenotypes as hit5.
      Additionally, exogenous supplementation of neither ABA nor the ABA synthesis
      inhibitor fluridone altered the temperature-dependent phenotypes of hit5. The
      hit5/hsp101 double mutant was still sensitive to prolonged heat incubation, yet
      its ability to tolerate sudden heat shock was lost. The results suggest that
      protein farnesylation either positively or negatively affects the ability of
      plants to survive heat stress, depending on the intensity and duration of high
      temperature exposure, in an ABA-independent manner. HSP101 is involved in the
      hit5-derived heat shock tolerance phenotype.

PMID- 27673602
TI  - Accelerated Approval Paths: What they do Mean and What they Should Not Mean?

PMID- 27673603
TI  - Clinically Guided Warfarin Dose Versus Genotyping In Early Achievement Of Stable
      Anticoagulant Effect Of Warfarin.

PMID- 27673604
TI  - The Analysis Of Lipid Modifying Agents Usage In Croatia During The Fifteen-Year
      Period.

PMID- 27673605
TI  - The Role Of Cyp2d6, Cyp3a4/5, And Abcb1 Polymorphisms In Patients Using Long
      Acting Injectable Risperidone.

PMID- 27673606
TI  - Food And Drug Interactions.

PMID- 27673607
TI  - Adherence To Pharmacological Treatment Of Chronic Non-Malignant Pain In
      Individuals Aged 65 and Older.

PMID- 27673608
TI  - Genetic and Non-Genetic Factors Affecting The Response To Clopidogrel Therapy.

PMID- 27673609
TI  - A Model For Managed Introduction Of New Medicines In Sweden.

PMID- 27673610
TI  - Rapid Health Technology Assessment Of New Medicines: Lessons From 15 Years
      Experience In Scotland.

PMID- 27673611
TI  - Pharmacoeconomics: How It Can Be Applied To Support Decisions In Health Care?

PMID- 27673612
TI  - Evaluation Of Medicines For Reimbursement By The National Social Insurance
      Institutions In Austria.

PMID- 27673613
TI  - Current Situation And Future Directions For Health Technology Assessment In
      Europe.

PMID- 27673614
TI  - How To Assess The Value Of The Drug? An Overview On Producing Economic Evidence
      In The R&D Process.

PMID- 27673615
TI  - Clinical Safety and Efficacy Issues Ariding in Relation to Alternative
      Formulations of nti Drugs Relevant to National Policy Development and
      Reimbursement Decisions - Focus on Calcineurin Inhibitors (cni).

PMID- 27673616
TI  - Cost Utility Analysis Of Selected Medical Equipment And Procedures In Croatia.

PMID- 27673617
TI  - Managing Increasing Expenses For Oncology Treatment In Lower Income Countries In
      Europe.

PMID- 27673618
TI  - Comparison Of Sorafenib Cost-Effectiveness And Budget Impact When Used For
      Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma In Two Neighbouring Balkan Countries.

PMID- 27673619
TI  - Health Technology Assessment (Hta) In Croatia: National And International View.

PMID- 27673620
TI  - Outlook For Biosimilar Molecules Entering Croatian Pharmaceutical Market In The
      Period From 2016 To 2020.

PMID- 27673621
TI  - Direct Medical Costs Of Treating Colorectal Cancer Patients With Different
      Chemotherapy Protocols Regarding Stage And Outcome Of The Disease.

PMID- 27673622
TI  - Pharmaceutical Pricing: How Much for The Risk Of Non-Cure?

PMID- 27673623
TI  - Decentralized Decision Making On Drug Reimbursement In A Middle-Income Country:
      Case Of Bosnia And Herzegovina.

PMID- 27673624
TI  - Why Abc/Ved Analysis In Oncology? The Experience Of A Major Russian Oncology
      Center.

PMID- 27673625
TI  - Excellence in Clinical Research: Clinical Trial Design.

PMID- 27673626
TI  - Implementation of Pharmacoeconomics to Support Pharmaceutical R&D Decisions
      Workshop.

PMID- 27673627
TI  - The Role of the National Competent Authority (NCA) In the Assessment of Medicinal
      Products in the National Procedure.

PMID- 27673628
TI  - New Methods and Designs of Clinical Trials.

PMID- 27673629
TI  - Efficacy of Antidepressants: Issues Related to Bias in Clinical Trials.

PMID- 27673630
TI  - Evaluation of Drugs in the Pediatric Population.

PMID- 27673631
TI  - Medicines for Pain and Palliative Care in Armenia.

PMID- 27673632
TI  - Availability of Information on use of Medicines in Children in Reference Books.

PMID- 27673633
TI  - Effects of Celastrol on Bv-2 Microglial Cells Exposed to in Vitro Hypoxia.

PMID- 27673634
TI  - Pregnancy Exposure to Drugs: Role of Clinical Pharmacologist.

PMID- 27673635
TI  - Effects of ABCB1 Genetic Polymorphism on the Oral Absorption of Losartan.

PMID- 27673636
TI  - Effects of Genetic Polymorphism of Cyp2c19 on the Pharmacokinetics of Zolpidem.

PMID- 27673637
TI  - Frequency of Potentially Dangerous Drug Combination Prescription in Elderly
      Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases.

PMID- 27673639
TI  - Integrating Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacogenomics: Croatian Experience.

PMID- 27673638
TI  - Drug-Drug Interaction of Paroxetine and Atomoxetine in Different CYP2D6
      Genotypes.

PMID- 27673640
TI  - Patient with Multiple Drugs Intolerance: Oral Drug Provocation Test.

PMID- 27673641
TI  - The Role of Pharmacogenetic Testing in the Evaluation of Drug-Induced Liver
      Injury.

PMID- 27673642
TI  - The Modification of Anti-Inflammatory Properties of the Combined use of Nsaids
      and Glucosamine in Topical Dosage Form for Degenerative and Inflammatory Joint
      Diseases Treatment.

PMID- 27673643
TI  - Allele Frequency Distribution of CYP2C19 Genotypes Associated with Clopidogrel
      Resistance in Russian Population.

PMID- 27673644
TI  - Testing for Hypersensitivity to Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) At
      the University Hospital Zagreb.

PMID- 27673645
TI  - Can Vascular Calcification be Associated with Warfarin Treatment?

PMID- 27673646
TI  - Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy: Experience of Pharmaceutical Services of
      Maputo Central Hospital.

PMID- 27673647
TI  - The Use of Drugs for The Elderly With Community-Acquired Pneumonia.

PMID- 27673648
TI  - Following Guidelines and Prescribing Biological Medicine In A Situation of
      Reduced Budget.

PMID- 27673649
TI  - Availability and Affordability of Cardiovascular Medicines In Armenia.

PMID- 27673650
TI  - Outpatient Use of Antidepressants And The Incidence of Suicide In Montenegro 2000
      2015: Are We Going In Optimistic Direction?

PMID- 27673651
TI  - Trend of Biosimilars Prescribing In A Croatian Teaching Hospital.

PMID- 27673652
TI  - Pharmacoeconomic Analysis of Antithrombotic Treatment In Coronary Artery Disease
      (Cad) Patients With Clopidogrel Hypersensitivity After Percutaneous Coronary
      Intervention (Pci).

PMID- 27673653
TI  - The Need For Medical Information In Relation To Diabetes Self-Management Among
      Emirati Women In United Arab Emirates.

PMID- 27673654
TI  - Anticoagulation For The Prevention of Stroke In Non-Vavular Af In General
      Practice: Room For Improvement.

PMID- 27673655
TI  - Antibiotic Use In Hospital Setting: Have Pharmacists An Active Role?

PMID- 27673656
TI  - Medicinal Product Regulation: Portugal's Framework.

PMID- 27673657
TI  - How to Promote Clinical Research in Cee?

PMID- 27673658
TI  - Current Challenges and Hurdles in New Drug Development.

PMID- 27673659
TI  - Use of Health Technology Assessment Agencies' Reports As Evidence For Making
      Decisions On Drug Reimbursement In Decentralized Decision-Making Environment.

PMID- 27673660
TI  - Can You Blindly Trust Decisions Made By Stringent Drug Regulatory Agencies?

PMID- 27673661
TI  - Sodium Selenate Restores Potassium Currents of Diabetic Cardiomyopathy: Rat Model
      Study.

PMID- 27673662
TI  - Why Reporting The Iodinated Contrast Media Used During Radiological Procedures
      Should Be Standard Practice: A Case Report.

PMID- 27673663
TI  - Neuroprotective And Memory-Enhancing Effects of The Water Extract From Pericarp
      of Mangosteen Fruit.

PMID- 27673664
TI  - Effect of Ondansetron On The Thermal Antinociceptive Effects of Procaine In The
      Rat Paw.

PMID- 27673665
TI  - Application of Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling In Predicting Drug
      Drug Interactions For Sarpogrelate Hydrochloride In Humans.

PMID- 27673666
TI  - Standardization of In Vivo Drug Assessment Protocol For Testing Anti-Diabetic
      Plants: Effect And Possible Mechanism of Action of Fabaceae Beans.

PMID- 27673667
TI  - Inconsistency in Preclinical and Clinical Trials Exploring The Role of Hormone
      Replacement Therapy in Alzheimer's Disease.

PMID- 27673668
TI  - The Effects of SENS-111, A New H4R Antagonist, On Vertigo Induced by Caloric Test
      in Healthy Volunteers (HV) is Related to Plasma Concentrations.

PMID- 27673669
TI  - Are we Scared of Clinical Trials if not Sufficiently Informed and Educated?

PMID- 27673670
TI  - Attitudes to Performing Clinical Trials.

PMID- 27673671
TI  - Personalised Medicine Approaches For Identifying Effective Therapies.

PMID- 27673672
TI  - Clinical Pharmacology As A Key Principle Of Precision Medicine In Korea.

PMID- 27673673
TI  - Regulation Of Orphan Medicinal Products In Europe: History Trends And Challenges.

PMID- 27673674
TI  - The Role Of Pharmacogenetics In Individualized Treatment Choices.

PMID- 27673676
TI  - Safe Introduction of New Medicines Into Clinical Practice.

PMID- 27673675
TI  - Vascular Consequences Of Interruption Of Tnf-Inhibitor Therapy In Patients With
      Rheumatoid Arthritis.

PMID- 27673677
TI  - Effectiveness Assessment When Pharmacokinetics Makes A Difference, Macrolides And
      Azalide Example.

PMID- 27673678
TI  - New drugs for bad bugs: what's new and what's in the pipeline?

PMID- 27673679
TI  - Osteogrow Development: Bmp6 Bone Device For Enhancing Bone Healing.

PMID- 27673680
TI  - The Prevalence of Vitiligo: A Meta-Analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To conduct a meta-analysis assessing the prevalence of vitiligo.
      METHODS: Literatures that reported prevalence rates of vitiligo were identified
      using EMBASE, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge
      Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang database and Weipu database for the period from
      inception to May 2016. We performed stratified analyses on possible sources of
      bias, including areas difference, years of publication, gender and age.
      Publication bias was assessed with Egger's test method. RESULTS: A total of 103
      studies were eligible for inclusion. The pooled prevalence of vitiligo from 82
      population- or community-based studies was 0.2% (95%CI: 0.1%-0.2%) and from 22
      hospital-based studies was 1.8% (95%CI: 1.4%-2.1%). A relatively high prevalence
      of vitiligo was found in Africa area and in female patients. For population- or
      community-based studies, the prevalence has maintained at a low level in recent
      20 years and it has increased with age gradually. For hospital-based studies, the
      prevalence has showed a decreased trend from 60s till now or from young to old.
      No significant publication bias existed in hospital-based studies (t = 0.47, P =
      0.643), while a significant publication bias existed in population- or community
      based studies (t = 2.31, P = 0.026). CONCLUSION: A relatively high prevalence of
      vitiligo was found in Africa area and in female patients. The prevalence has
      maintained at a low level in recent years. It showed an inverse trend with age
      increment in population- or community-based studies and hospital-based studies.

PMID- 27673681
TI  - Acute Kidney Injury Treated with Dialysis outside the Intensive Care Unit: A
      Retrospective Observational Single-Center Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The number of patients suffering from acute kidney injury requiring
      dialysis (AKI-D) is increasing. Whereas causes and outcome of AKI-D in the
      intensive care unit (ICU) are described extensively, few data exist about AKI-D
      patients treated outside the ICU. Aim of this study was to identify the causes of
      AKI-D, determine in-depth the comorbid conditions and outcome of this particular
      patient group and identify possibilities for its prevention. METHODS: We
      retrospectively studied all AKI-D patients treated outside the ICU in a single
      nephrology referral center between January 2010 and June 2015. Data on comorbid
      conditions, renal function and drug therapy prior to AKI-D, and possible causal
      events were collected. Patients were grouped into those with renal hypoperfusion
      as the predominant cause of AKI-D (hemodynamic group) and those with other causes
      (non-hemodynamic group). RESULTS: During 66 months 128 patients (57% male, mean
      age 69.3 years) were treated. AKI-D was community-acquired in 70.3%. The most
      frequent comorbidities were hypertension (62.5%), chronic kidney disease (CKD)
      (58.9%), coronary artery disease (CAD) (46.1%), diabetes (35.9%) and heart
      failure (34.1%). Most patients were prescribed diuretics (61.7%) and inhibitors
      of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RASI) (57.8%); 46.1% had a
      combination of both. In the 88 patients with hemodynamic AKI-D (68.8%) the most
      frequent initiating events were diarrhea (39.8%), infections (17.0%) and acute
      heart failure (13.6%). In the 40 patients with non-hemodynamic AKI-D (31.2%)
      interstitial nephritis (n = 15) was the prominent diagnosis. Patients with
      hemodynamic AKI-D were older (72.6 vs. 62.1 years, p = 0.001), suffered more
      often from CKD (68.2% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.003), CAD (54.5% vs. 27.5%, p = 0.004) and
      diabetes (42.0% vs. 22.5%, p = 0.033), and were more frequently on diuretics
      (75.0% vs. 32.5%, p<0.001), RASI (67.0% vs. 37.5%, p = 0.002) or their
      combination (58.0% vs. 20.0%, p<0.001). Twenty-two (17.2%) patients died and 27
      (21.1%) patients died or developed end-stage renal disease. CONCLUSION: AKI-D
      treated outside the ICU is most often caused by renal hypoperfusion. It
      predominantly afflicts elderly patients with one or more comorbid conditions, who
      are treated with diuretics and RASI and have an acute illness leading to volume
      depletion. Early discontinuation of these drugs may be a successful strategy to
      avoid AKI-D in vulnerable patients.

PMID- 27673682
TI  - Data-Driven Metabolic Pathway Compositions Enhance Cancer Survival Prediction.
AB  - Altered cellular metabolism is an important characteristic and driver of cancer.
      Surprisingly, however, we find here that aggregating individual gene expression
      using canonical metabolic pathways fails to enhance the classification of
      noncancerous vs. cancerous tissues and the prediction of cancer patient survival.
      This supports the notion that metabolic alterations in cancer rewire cellular
      metabolism through unconventional pathways. Here we present MCF (Metabolic
      classifier and feature generator), which incorporates gene expression
      measurements into a human metabolic network to infer new cancer-mediated pathway
      compositions that enhance cancer vs. adjacent noncancerous tissue classification
      across five different cancer types. MCF outperforms standard classifiers based on
      individual gene expression and on canonical human curated metabolic pathways. It
      successfully builds robust classifiers integrating different datasets of the same
      cancer type. Reassuringly, the MCF pathways identified lead to metabolites known
      to be associated with the pertaining specific cancer types. Aggregating gene
      expression through MCF pathways leads to markedly better predictions of breast
      cancer patients' survival in an independent cohort than using the canonical human
      metabolic pathways (C-index = 0.69 vs. 0.52, respectively). Notably, the survival
      predictive power of individual MCF pathways strongly correlates with their power
      in predicting cancer vs. noncancerous samples. The more predictive composite
      pathways identified via MCF are hence more likely to capture key metabolic
      alterations occurring in cancer than the canonical pathways characterizing
      healthy human metabolism.

PMID- 27673683
TI  - A Sensitivity Analysis of the Impact of Rain on Regional and Global Sea-Air
      Fluxes of CO2.
AB  - The global oceans are considered a major sink of atmospheric carbon dioxide
      (CO2). Rain is known to alter the physical and chemical conditions at the sea
      surface, and thus influence the transfer of CO2 between the ocean and atmosphere.
      It can influence gas exchange through enhanced gas transfer velocity, the direct
      export of carbon from the atmosphere to the ocean, by altering the sea skin
      temperature, and through surface layer dilution. However, to date, very few
      studies quantifying these effects on global net sea-air fluxes exist. Here, we
      include terms for the enhanced gas transfer velocity and the direct export of
      carbon in calculations of the global net sea-air fluxes, using a 7-year time
      series of monthly global climate quality satellite remote sensing observations,
      model and in-situ data. The use of a non-linear relationship between the effects
      of rain and wind significantly reduces the estimated impact of rain-induced
      surface turbulence on the rate of sea-air gas transfer, when compared to a linear
      relationship. Nevertheless, globally, the rain enhanced gas transfer and rain
      induced direct export increase the estimated annual oceanic integrated net sink
      of CO2 by up to 6%. Regionally, the variations can be larger, with rain
      increasing the estimated annual net sink in the Pacific Ocean by up to 15% and
      altering monthly net flux by > +/- 50%. Based on these analyses, the impacts of
      rain should be included in the uncertainty analysis of studies that estimate net
      sea-air fluxes of CO2 as the rain can have a considerable impact, dependent upon
      the region and timescale.

PMID- 27673685
TI  - Theory and Experiment of Binary Diffusion Coefficient of n-Alkanes in Dilute
      Gases.
AB  - Binary diffusion coefficients were measured for n-pentane, n-hexane, and n-octane
      in helium and of n-pentane in nitrogen over the temperature range of 300 to 600
      K, using reversed-flow gas chromatography. A generalized, analytical theory is
      proposed for the binary diffusion coefficients of long-chain molecules in simple
      diluent gases, taking advantage of a recently developed gas-kinetic theory of the
      transport properties of nanoslender bodies in dilute free-molecular flows. The
      theory addresses the long-standing question about the applicability of the
      Chapman-Enskog theory in describing the transport properties of nonspherical
      molecular structures, or equivalently, the use of isotropic potentials of
      interaction for a roughly cylindrical molecular structure such as large normal
      alkanes. An approximate potential energy function is proposed for the
      intermolecular interaction of long-chain n-alkane with typical bath gases. Using
      this potential and the analytical theory for nanoslender bodies, we show that the
      diffusion coefficients of n-alkanes in typical bath gases can be treated by the
      resulting analytical model accurately, especially for compounds larger than n
      butane.

PMID- 27673686
TI  - Extended Intermolecular Interactions Governing Photocurrent-Voltage Relations in
      Ternary Organic Solar Cells.
AB  - Efficient organic solar cells are based on (electron) donor-acceptor
      heterojunctions. An optically generated excited molecular state (exciton) is
      dissociated at this junction, forming a charge-transfer (CT) state in an
      intermediate step before the electron and hole are completely separated. The
      observed highly efficient dissociation of this Coulombically bound state raises
      the question on the dissociation mechanism. Here, we show that the observed high
      quantum yields of charge carrier generation and CT state dissociation are due to
      extended (and consequently weakly bound) CT states visible in absorption and
      emission spectra and first-principles calculations. Identifying a new geminate
      pair loss mechanism via donor excimers, we find that the hole on the small
      molecule donor is not localized on a single molecule and charge separation is
      correlated with the energetic offset between excimer and CT states. Thus, the
      charges upon interface charge transfer and even in the case of back-transfer and
      recombination are less localized than commonly assumed.

PMID- 27673684
TI  - The Association of Hydration Status with Physical Signs, Symptoms and Survival in
      Advanced Cancer-The Use of Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis (BIVA)
      Technology to Evaluate Fluid Volume in Palliative Care: An Observational Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hydration in advanced cancer is a controversial area; however,
      current hydration assessments methods are poorly developed. Bioelectrical
      impedance vector analysis (BIVA) is an accurate hydration tool; however its
      application in advanced cancer has not been explored. This study used BIVA to
      evaluate hydration status in advanced cancer to examine the association of fluid
      status with symptoms, physical signs, renal biochemical measures and survival.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational study of 90 adults with advanced cancer
      receiving care in a UK specialist palliative care inpatient unit was conducted.
      Hydration status was assessed using BIVA in addition to assessments of symptoms,
      physical signs, performance status, renal biochemical measures, oral fluid intake
      and medications. The association of clinical variables with hydration was
      evaluated using regression analysis. A survival analysis was conducted to examine
      the influence of hydration status and renal failure. RESULTS: The hydration
      status of participants was normal in 43 (47.8%), 'more hydrated' in 37 (41.1%)
      and 'less hydrated' in 10 (11.1%). Lower hydration was associated with increased
      symptom intensity (Beta = -0.29, p = 0.04) and higher scores for physical signs
      associated with dehydration (Beta = 10.94, p = 0.02). Higher hydration was
      associated with oedema (Beta = 2.55, p<0.001). Median survival was statistically
      significantly shorter in 'less hydrated' patients (44 vs. 68 days; p = 0.049) and
      in pre-renal failure (44 vs. 100 days; p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: In advanced
      cancer, hydration status was associated with clinical signs and symptoms.
      Hydration status and pre-renal failure were independent predictors of survival.
      Further studies can establish the utility of BIVA as a standardised hydration
      assessment tool and explore its potential research application, in order to
      inform the clinical management of fluid balance in patients with advanced cancer.

PMID- 27673687
TI  - Highly Conductive Graphene and Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Thin Films Produced
      From Aqueous Suspension.
AB  - Rapid, large-scale exfoliation of graphene in water has expanded its potential
      for use outside niche applications. This work focuses on utilizing aqueous
      graphene dispersions to form thin films using layer-by-layer processing, which is
      an effective method to produce large-area coatings from water-based solutions of
      polyelectrolytes. When layered with polyethyleneimine, graphene flakes stabilized
      with cholate are shown to be capable of producing films thinner than 100 nm. High
      surface coverage of graphene flakes results in electrical conductivity up to 5500
      S m-1 . With the relative ease of processing, the safe, cost effective nature of
      the ingredients, and the scalability of the deposition method, this system should
      be industrially attractive for producing thin conductive films for a variety of
      electronic and antistatic applications.

PMID- 27673688
TI  - Suppressive Effect of Carvedilol on Na+/Ca2+ Exchange Current in Isolated Guinea
      Pig Cardiac Ventricular Myocytes.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Carvedilol ((+/-)-1-(carbazol-4-yloxy)-3-[[2-(o
      methoxyphenoxy)ethyl]amino]-2-propanol), a beta-adrenoceptor-blocker, has multi
      channel blocking and vasodilator properties. This agent dose-dependently improves
      left ventricular function and reduces mortality in patients with arrhythmia and
      chronic heart failure. However, the effect of carvedilol on the cardiac Na+/Ca2+
      exchanger (NCX1) has not been investigated. METHODS AND RESULTS: We examined the
      effects of carvedilol and metoprolol, 2 beta-blockers, on Na+/Ca2+ exchange
      current (INCX) in guinea-pig cardiac ventricular cells and fibroblasts expressing
      dog cardiac NCX1. Carvedilol suppressed INCX in a concentration-dependent manner
      but metoprolol did not. IC50 values for the Ca2+ influx (outward) and efflux
      (inward) components of INCX were 69.7 and 61.5 umol/l, respectively. Carvedilol
      at 100 MUmol/l inhibited INCX in CCL39 cells expressing wild type NCX1 similar to
      mutant NCX1 without the intracellular regulatory loop. Carvedilol at 30 umol/l
      abolished ouabain-induced delayed afterdepolarizations. CONCLUSION: Carvedilol
      inhibited cardiac NCX in a concentration-dependent manner in isolated cardiac
      ventricles, but metoprolol did not. We conclude that carvedilol inhibits NCX1 at
      supratherapeutic concentrations.

PMID- 27673689
TI  - A Multi-Institutional Feasibility Study on the Use of Automated Screening Systems
      for Quality Control Rescreening of Cervical Cytology.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of the automated screening system FocalPoint
      for cervical cytology quality control (QC) rescreening. False-negative rates
      (FNRs) were evaluated by a multi-institutional retrospective study. STUDY DESIGN:
      Cervical cytology slides that had already been reported as negative for
      intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (NILM) were chosen arbitrarily for
      FocalPoint rescreening. Slides stratified into the highest 15% probability of
      being abnormal were rescreened by a cytotechnologist. The slides that were
      abnormal were reevaluated by a cytopathologist to be false negatives. RESULTS:
      Rescreening of 12,000 slides, i.e. 9,000 conventional slides and 3,000 liquid
      based cytology (LBC) slides, was performed; 9,826 (7,393 conventional and 2,433
      LBC) were satisfactory for FocalPoint (2,174 were determined unsatisfactory) and
      those within the highest 15% of probability (1,496, i.e. 1,123 conventional and
      373 LBC) were rescreened. As a result, 117 (96 conventional and 21 LBC) were
      determined as abnormal (other than NILM) and the FNR was 1.19%. Among these 117
      slides, 40 (35 conventional and 5 LBC) were determined as high-grade squamous
      intraepithelial lesion and greater (HSIL+). CONCLUSION: Of 117 (1.19%) abnormal
      slides detected, 40 (0.41%) were determined to be HSIL+. This result suggests
      that FocalPoint is effective for QC rescreening of cervical cytology.

PMID- 27673690
TI  - Hyperglycemia and Advanced Glycation End Products Regulate miR-126 Expression in
      Endothelial Progenitor Cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Dysfunction of endothelial progenitor cell (EPCs) contributes to
      diabetic vascular disease. We reported that downregulated miR-126 in diabetic
      patients causes EPC dysfunction. The study was designed to investigate how high
      glucose (HG) and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) regulate miR-126
      expression and whether miR-126 mediates the effects of HG and AGEs on EPCs.
      METHODS: We first tested the effects of glucose (5.5-50 mM) and AGEs at 50-200
      mg/l on EPC proliferation and selected HG at 50 mM and AGEs at 50 mg/l for
      further experiments. EPCs were stimulated with HG and AGEs, and miR-126
      expression was measured by real-time PCR. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were
      measured by immunofluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. IL-6 and TNF-alpha
      levels in EPC supernatants were determined by ELISA. The effects of miR-126 on
      ROS and inflammatory markers under stimulation of HG and AGEs were also assessed.
      Finally, the effects of inhibitors of PI3K and Akt on AGE-mediated miR-126
      expression were examined. RESULTS: HG and AGEs increased IL-6, TNF-alpha and ROS
      and decreased miR-126 expression in EPCs. miR-126 negatively regulated IL-6, TNF
      alpha and ROS. miR-126 overexpression reduced and miR-126 inhibition further
      increased the inflammatory markers and ROS induced by HG and AGEs. Inhibitors of
      PI3K and Akt further decreased miR-126 expression in the presence of AGEs.
      CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, hyperglycemia and AGEs decrease miR-126 expression in
      EPCs. Recovering miR-126 expression may protect EPCs against dysfunction induced
      by HG and AGEs.

PMID- 27673691
TI  - Restoration of ventricular septal hypoperfusion by cardiac resynchronization
      therapy in patients with permanent right ventricular pacing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pacing from the right ventricular apex (RVA) is associated with
      cardiac dysfunction and shows electrophysiological features similar to left
      bundle branch block in which left ventricular (LV) mechanical dyssynchrony
      impairs septal coronary artery perfusion. METHODS: A total of 62 non-ischemic
      patients with an implanted pacemaker at the RVA with a pacing rate of >95% were
      studied. LV septal coronary perfusion as indicated by the LV septal perfusion
      index was measured by electrocardiography (ECG)-gated single-photon emission
      computed tomography for all patients at baseline and for patients who were
      upgraded to CRT at 6months after CRT. Relationships among LV septal perfusion
      index, QRS duration, and LV ejection fraction were analyzed. RESULTS: Among the
      patients with permanent RVA pacing, 28 of 62 (45%) had impaired septal perfusion
      (i.e., septal perfusion index <0.9). The LV septal perfusion index was
      significantly correlated with both QRS duration (r=-0.763, p<0.001) and LV
      ejection fraction (r=0.462, p=0.001). Eleven patients were upgraded to CRT. CRT
      significantly improved the LV septal perfusion index from 0.63 (SD=0.13) to 0.89
      (SD=0.19) (p<0.001)and cardiac function: LV end-systolic volume from 102.3mL
      (SD=70.0) to 179.7mL (SD=118.4) (p=0.002) and LV ejection fraction from 22.5
      (SD=8.9%) to 38.4% (SD=13.9%) (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Nearly half of the non
      ischemic patients with permanent RVA pacing presenting with prolonged QRS
      duration and LV dysfunction developed LV septal hypoperfusion. Both septal
      perfusion and LV function improved in patients who were upgraded to CRT.

PMID- 27673692
TI  - The relationship between post-operative time and cardiac autonomic modulation in
      breast cancer survivors.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Breast cancer survivors present autonomic dysfunction when
      evaluated by their heart rate variability (HRV). The purpose of this study is to
      investigate the relationship between post-operative time and cardiac autonomic
      modulation in breast cancer survivors and compare these values to those of women
      without cancer. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study consisting of 45 women
      from 35 to 70years old. These women were divided into two after breast cancer
      groups (BCG1 and BCG2) and a control group (CG). Group BCG1 consisted of women
      who had undergone breast cancer surgery within the last 18months and BCG2 those
      whose postoperative periods were more than 18months. The control group was formed
      by cancer-free women. HRV indices were used in the time and the frequency domain
      and geometric indexes. RESULTS: The indices in millisecond, RMSSD (BCG1=19.83;
      BCG2=14.99; CG=31.46), SD1 (BCG1=14.03; BCG2=10.61; CG=22.27), SD2 (BCG1=39.17;
      BCG2=35.28; CG=61.16), SDNN (BCG1=29.58; BCG2=26.12; CG=46.36) and HF in
      milliseconds squared (BCG1=194.2; BCG2=91.07; CG=449.4) showed statistically
      significant reductions in the breast cancer groups compared to the CG
      (p<=0.0001). Lower SD1 index values were observed when comparing BCG2 to BCG1.
      CONCLUSIONS: Breast cancer survivors regardless of their postoperative period
      exhibited a decrease in overall variability and both sympathetic and
      parasympathetic activity when compared to women without the disease. The group
      with the longer postoperative period manifested more pronounced autonomic
      modulation changes.

PMID- 27673693
TI  - Management and research in cancer treatment-related cardiovascular toxicity:
      Challenges and perspectives.
AB  - Cardiovascular toxicity is a potentially serious complication that can result
      from the use of various cancer therapies and can impact the short- and long-term
      prognosis of treated patients as well as cancer survivors. In addition to their
      potential acute cardiovascular adverse events, new treatments can lead to late
      toxicity even after their completion because patients who survive longer
      generally have an increased exposure to the cancer therapies combined to standard
      cardiovascular risk factors. These complications expose the patient to the risk
      of cardiovascular morbi-mortality, which makes managing cardiovascular toxicity a
      significant challenge. Cardio-oncology programs offer the opportunity to improve
      cardiovascular monitoring, safety, and management through a better understanding
      of the pathogenesis of toxicity and interdisciplinary collaborations. In this
      review, we address new challenges, perspectives, and research priorities in
      cancer therapy-related cardiovascular toxicity to identify strategies that could
      improve the overall prognosis and survival of cancer patients. We also focus our
      discussion on the contribution of cardio-oncology in each step of the development
      and use of cancer therapies.

PMID- 27673694
TI  - Brain resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging in patients with
      takotsubo cardiomyopathy an inseparable pair of brain and heart.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is often triggered by emotional or
      physical stress factors. Psychological variables can have an impact on the
      physical manifestations of heart disease. TTC may reflect stunned myocardium from
      a neurogenic source. Anatomical connections between different parts of the brain
      can be visualized by diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and thus, expressed by
      diffusion coefficient - fractional anisotropy (FA). A novel tool used to evaluate
      brain function in the absence of task is resting state functional magnetic
      resonance imaging (RS-fMRI). METHODS: The study included both psychological tests
      and RS-fMRI examination, and was performed uniformly, in patients with takotsubo
      and healthy controls. The final group of patients consisted of 13 women, each who
      underwent a typical pattern of TTC triggered by emotionally stressful factors.
      The control group included thirteen healthy, age-matched women. RESULTS:
      Psychological tests revealed that the Type D personality was not more likely to
      appear among studied patients with takotsubo cardiomyopathy than amongst the
      healthy population. However, the level of anxiety seen in patients with TTC was
      increased. There were no differences in FA values between patients and healthy
      controls. RS-fMRI showed that TTC patients had increased connectivity areas in
      the precuneus. The healthy controls, when compared to TTC patients had increased
      connectivity in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex. CONCLUSIONS: Taking into
      account the RS-fMRI results, psychological testing may suggest that TTC patients
      place a greater focus on themselves (increased tendency to experience negative
      affectivity, greater conscientiousness) and might have problems with emotional
      control. Our findings lead to the hypothesis that there is a personality profile
      for TTC patients' reactions to stressful triggers.

PMID- 27673695
TI  - Transcatheter aortic valve implantation versus surgical aortic valve replacement:
      A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become a widely
      utilized method of treatment of severe aortic valve stenosis. The present meta
      analysis included all published relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and
      aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of TAVI compared to surgical aortic
      valve replacement (AVR). METHOD: Nine electronic databases were comprehensively
      searched. Eligible studies were required to be randomized controlled trials which
      reported comparative endpoints on both TAVI and AVR. RESULTS: Five published RCTs
      were included in the meta-analysis. A total of 3828 patients were studied. The
      overall mortality and stroke rates at 30days and 1year were not significantly
      different between TAVI and AVR. Patients undergoing TAVI were more likely to
      experience vascular complications, aortic regurgitation and permanent pacemaker
      insertion, however, they were less likely to encounter acute renal failure and
      major haemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that TAVI is a safe and
      efficacious alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement in judiciously
      selected patients.

PMID- 27673696
TI  - STEM/EELS Imaging of Magnetic Hybridization in Symmetric and Symmetry-Broken
      Plasmon Oligomer Dimers and All-Magnetic Fano Interference.
AB  - Negative-index metamaterials composed of magnetic plasmon oligomers are actively
      being investigated for their potential role in optical cloaking, superlensing,
      and nanolithography applications. A significant improvement to their practicality
      lies in the ability to function at multiple distinct wavelengths in the visible
      part of spectrum. Here we utilize the nanometer spatial-resolving power of
      electron energy-loss spectroscopy to conclusively demonstrate hybridization of
      magnetic plasmons in oligomer dimers that can achieve this goal. We also show
      that breaking the dimer's symmetry can induce all-magnetic Fano interferences
      based solely on the interplay of bright and dark magnetic modes, allowing us to
      further tailor the system's optical responses. These features are engineered
      through the design of the oligomer's underlying nanoparticle elements as
      elongated Ag nanodisks with spectrally isolated long-axis plasmon resonances. The
      resulting magnetic plasmon oligomers and their hybridized assemblies establish a
      new design paradigm for optical metamaterials with rich functionality.

PMID- 27673697
TI  - Simultaneous quantitation of 14 active components in Yinchenhao decoction by
      using ultra high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection:
      Method development and ingredient analysis of different commonly prepared
      samples.
AB  - We developed a novel quantitative analysis method based on ultra high performance
      liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection for the simultaneous
      determination of the 14 main active components in Yinchenhao decoction. All
      components were separated on an Agilent SB-C18 column by using a gradient solvent
      system of acetonitrile/0.1% phosphoric acid solution at a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min
      for 35 min. Subsequently, linearity, precision, repeatability, and accuracy tests
      were implemented to validate the method. Furthermore, the method has been applied
      for compositional difference analysis of 14 components in eight normal-extraction
      Yinchenhao decoction samples, accompanied by hierarchical clustering analysis and
      similarity analysis. The result that all samples were divided into three groups
      based on different contents of components demonstrated that extraction methods of
      decocting, refluxing, ultrasonication and extraction solvents of water or ethanol
      affected component differentiation, and should be related to its clinical
      applications. The results also indicated that the sample prepared by patients in
      the family by using water extraction employing a casserole was almost same to
      that prepared using a stainless-steel kettle, which is mostly used in
      pharmaceutical factories. This research would help patients to select the best
      and most convenient method for preparing Yinchenhao decoction.

PMID- 27673699
TI  - Static Adsorption of an Ethoxylated Nonionic Surfactant on Carbonate Minerals.
AB  - The static adsorption of C12-14E22, which is a highly ethoxylated nonionic
      surfactant, was studied on different minerals using high-performance liquid
      chromatography (HPLC) combined with an evaporative light scattering detector
      (ELSD). Of particular interest is the surfactant adsorption in the presence of
      CO2 because it can be used for foam flooding in enhanced oil recovery
      applications. The effects of the mineral type, impurities, salinity, and
      temperature were investigated. The adsorption of C12-14E22 on pure calcite was as
      low as 0.01 mg/m2 but higher on dolomite depending on the silica and clay content
      in the mineral. The adsorption remained unchanged when the experiments were
      performed using a brine solution or 0.101 MPa (1 atm) CO2, which indicates that
      electrostatic force is not the governing factor that drives the adsorption. The
      adsorption of C12-14E22 on silica may be due to hydrogen bonding between the
      oxygen in the ethoxy groups of the surfactant and the hydroxyl groups on the
      mineral surface. Additionally, thermal decomposition of the surfactant was severe
      at 80  degrees C but can be inhibited by operating in a reducing environment.
      Under reducing conditions, adsorption of C12-14E22 increased at higher
      temperatures.

PMID- 27673700
TI  - Correction to Design and Synthesis of Highly Potent and Isoform Selective JNK3
      Inhibitors: SAR Studies on Aminopyrazole Derivatives.

PMID- 27673698
TI  - Atrial fibrillation is associated with an increased risk of myocardial
      infarction: Insights from a meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The presence of atrial fibrillation (AF) markedly increases
      the risk of stroke and mortality in patients. Whether AF is a risk factor for
      myocardial infarction (MI) is discrepant from current studies. The aim of this
      meta-analysis was to ascertain the association of AF with incident MI. METHODS:
      Studies were identified through PubMed, CENTRAL, EMBASE, reviews and reference
      lists of relevant papers. Results of the MI outcome were presented as hazard
      ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Statistical analyses were performed
      with Stata 12.0 (Stata Corp LP, College Station, Texas, USA). RESULTS: Twelve
      studies, with a total of 169,306 patients, were included in the analysis. AF was
      associated with a 47% increased risk of MI (HR:1.47; 95% CI: 1.21-1.80; p =
      0.000; I2 = 84.1%), while in patients free of coronary heart disease at baseline
      the risk could be increased by 71% (HR:1.71; 95% CI: 1.36-2.14; p = 0.000; I2 =
      83.1%). Moreover, patients with AF had higher MI risk in the studies with lower
      mean age (<60 years) (HR:1.66; 95% CI: 1.26-2.20; p = 0.000; I2 = 82.9%) than in
      the studies with higher mean age (>=60 years) (HR:1.35; 95% CI: 1.00-1.82; p =
      0.000; I2 = 84.9%). Sex difference also existed, and the association between AF
      and MI was stronger in women (HR:2.02; 95% CI: 1.60-2.56; p = 0.017; I2 = 61.0%)
      than in men (HR:1.44; 95% CI: 1.13-1.84; p = 0.000; I2 = 76.1%). CONCLUSIONS: AF
      is associated with an increased risk of incident MI, especially in patients free
      of coronary heart disease at baseline, young patients and women. The findings
      need confirmation in well-designed observational trials.

PMID- 27673701
TI  - Ti(OiPr)4-Mediated Multicomponent Reactions Involving Triple Additions to
      Isonitrile Carbon Atoms.
AB  - Double addition of Grignard reagents to isonitriles was achieved in the presence
      of stoichiometric amounts of [Ti(OiPr)4]. Functionalized isonitrile components
      were obtained in situ via lithiation of chiral and achiral 2-oxazolines, and the
      resulting amidomethyltitanium intermediate further reacted with a range of
      electrophiles. The established multicomponent procedure gave rise to highly
      substituted 2-aminomorpholines, acyclic diamino alcohols, and prenylated amino
      alcohols via straightforward synthetic protocols.

PMID- 27673703
TI  - Nucleation and Conformality of Iridium and Iridium Oxide Thin Films Grown by
      Atomic Layer Deposition.
AB  - Nucleation and conformality are important issues, when depositing thin films for
      demanding applications. In this study, iridium and iridium dioxide (IrO2) films
      were deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD), using five different processes.
      Different reactants, namely, O2, air, consecutive O2 and H2 (O2 + H2), and
      consecutive O3 and H2 (O3 + H2) pulses were used with iridium acetylacetonate
      [Ir(acac)3] to deposit Ir, while IrO2 was deposited using Ir(acac)3 and O3.
      Nucleation was studied using a combination of methods for film thickness and
      morphology evaluation. In conformality studies, microscopic lateral high-aspect
      ratio (LHAR) test structures, specifically designed for accurate and versatile
      conformality testing of ALD films, were used. The order of nucleation, from the
      fastest to the slowest, was O2 + H2 > air ~ O2 > O3 > O3 + H2, whereas the order
      of conformality, from the best to the worst, was O3 + H2 > O2 + H2 > O2 > O3. In
      the O3 process, a change in film composition from IrO2 to metallic Ir was seen
      inside the LHAR structures. Compared to the previous reports on ALD of platinum
      group metals, most of the studied processes showed good to excellent results.

PMID- 27673705
TI  - Demethyleugenol beta-Glucopyranoside Isolated from Agastache rugosa Decreases
      Melanin Synthesis via Down-regulation of MITF and SOX9.
AB  - Agastache rugosa (Fisch. & C. A. Mey.) Kuntze has been well-known for its
      antioxidative properties. This study investigated the anti-melanogenesis effect
      of demethyleugenol beta-d-glucopyranoside (1) from A. rugosa by studying
      molecular regulation of melanogenesis in melan-a mouse melanocytes and normal
      human epidermal melanocytes (NHEMs) and in in vivo models. The SRY (sex
      determining region on the Y chromosome)-related high-mobility group (HMG) box 9
      (SOX9), one of the critical factors that affect skin pigmentation, is up
      regulated. Interestingly, 1 down-regulated the expression of SOX9 and
      microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF). Reduction of these two
      transcription factors resulted in a decrease in melanogenic enzymes such as
      tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein 1, and dopachrome tautomerase. As a
      result, 1 significantly inhibited melanin synthesis in melan-a mouse melanocytes
      and NHEMs. In addition, the anti-melanogenic effect of 1 was confirmed in
      zebrafish and reconstructed skin tissue models. In conclusion, 1, as a potent
      SOX9 regulator, ameliorates skin pigmentation.

PMID- 27673704
TI  - Disrupted reward circuits is associated with cognitive deficits and depression
      severity in major depressive disorder.
AB  - Neuroimaging studies have demonstrated that major depressive disorder (MDD)
      patients show blunted activity responses to reward-related tasks. However,
      whether abnormal reward circuits affect cognition and depression in MDD patients
      remains unclear. Seventy-five drug-naive MDD patients and 42 cognitively normal
      (CN) subjects underwent a resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging
      scan. The bilateral nucleus accumbens (NAc) were selected as seeds to construct
      reward circuits across all subjects. A multivariate linear regression analysis
      was employed to investigate the neural substrates of cognitive function and
      depression severity on the reward circuits in MDD patients. The common pathway
      underlying cognitive deficits and depression was identified with conjunction
      analysis. Compared with CN subjects, MDD patients showed decreased reward network
      connectivity that was primarily located in the prefrontal-striatal regions.
      Importantly, distinct and common neural pathways underlying cognition and
      depression were identified, implying the independent and synergistic effects of
      cognitive deficits and depression severity on reward circuits. This study
      demonstrated that disrupted topological organization within reward circuits was
      significantly associated with cognitive deficits and depression severity in MDD
      patients. These findings suggest that in addition to antidepressant treatment,
      normalized reward circuits should be a focus and a target for improving
      depression and cognitive deficits in MDD patients.

PMID- 27673707
TI  - Imitations and Transformations: On Side Effects of the ADHD Epidemic.
AB  - The attention deficit hyperactivity disorder epidemic has been the subject of
      much scrutiny, especially in relation to the medicalization of children, and, to
      a lesser degree, to the use of Ritalin as a performance enhancer or party drug
      (e.g., Keane 2008; Whitaker 2010; Bowden 2013). In this article, my focus is on
      non-investigated side effects of this epidemic, namely the use of (prescription)
      Ritalin among heavy drug users. Based on fieldwork conducted in one of the
      largest cities in Denmark, in this article I trace the spread of intravenous use
      of Ritalin, and examine how different ways of ingesting Ritalin transform the
      drug itself, and, with this, transform treatment practices, parts of the drug
      scene, and the bodies of users. In my analysis, I draw on insights from
      anthropological theories on imitation and from material semiotics.

PMID- 27673706
TI  - Perfectionism, emotion dysregulation, and affective disturbance in relation to
      clinical impairment in college-age women at high risk for or with eating
      disorders.
AB  - Individuals with eating disorders (EDs) demonstrate impaired quality of life;
      however, less than one-third report severe clinical impairment. Thus, it is
      important to determine factors that may identify those who are most likely to
      report marked impairment. Perfectionism, emotion dysregulation, and aspects of
      affective disturbance, such as anxiety and depression, are independently
      associated with eating pathology and clinical impairment in eating and other
      disorders. However, little research has explored these three factors concurrently
      in relation to eating pathology. It is possible that the combined interaction
      effect of these constructs could be especially harmful. The current study
      examined the influence of these constructs and their interactions on clinical
      impairment in college-aged women at high risk for or with a DSM-5 clinical or
      subclinical ED. Although the three-way interaction of perfectionism, emotion
      dysregulation, and affective disturbance (i.e., anxiety or depression) was not
      significant, the two-way interaction between perfectionism and emotion
      dysregulation was significant such that those who were high in both perfectionism
      and emotion dysregulation reported the highest levels of clinical impairment.
      This suggests that the combination of perfectionism and emotion dysregulation may
      be especially problematic for those with or at high risk for EDs. Interestingly,
      perfectionism alone was not a predictor of clinical impairment when accounting
      for the other constructs, implying that perfectionism may have a greater impact
      when in conjunction with emotion dysregulation. Understanding the impact of
      combined perfectionistic tendencies and emotion dysregulation on clinical
      impairment may better inform treatment and more directly target contributors to
      impaired quality of life.

PMID- 27673708
TI  - Consideration of Personal Adverse Childhood Experiences during Implementation of
      Trauma-Informed Care Curriculum in Graduate Health Programs.
AB  - CONTEXT: Scientific findings of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and their
      lifelong graded relationship with leading causes of death are well established.
      Many health care practitioners, however, have yet to implement ACEs screening in
      clinical practice. Furthermore, ACEs screening and trauma-informed care (TIC) are
      not part of standard graduate-level training. OBJECTIVE: To 1) implement trauma
      informed curriculum for multiple graduate health programs, 2) determine student
      understanding of and willingness to address ACEs, and 3) assess the relationship
      between students voluntarily evaluating their individual ACE Score and their
      attitude toward ACEs and TIC. DESIGN: Prospective study with pre- and
      postcurricular surveys (12-question digital survey administered before and after
      the curriculum) for 967 graduate students from 9 health professions programs at 2
      campuses who received curriculum focused on ACEs and TIC. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
      Students' understanding of ACEs and TIC, their awareness of personal ACEs, and
      their willingness to incorporate TIC in practice. RESULTS: Among students who
      voluntarily completed an ACE questionnaire, there was statistical significance in
      familiarity with clinical and scientific findings of the ACE Study (p < 0.001)
      and familiarity with TIC (p < 0.02). A significant intercampus difference in the
      students' familiarity with the scientific and clinical findings of the ACE Study
      (p < 0.05) was found. CONCLUSION: Students and future health care practitioners
      who voluntarily assess their ACE Score are significantly more likely to
      understand scientific and clinical findings of the ACE Study as well as TIC.

PMID- 27673709
TI  - Family Impact and Infant Emotional Outcomes Following Diagnosis of Serious Liver
      Disease or Transplantation in Infancy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Research is lacking into the emotional effects on families of serious
      chronic illness in infants. We examined the effect of the diagnosis of serious
      liver disease in infants upon parent psychological symptoms and family
      functioning. We hypothesized that parent psychological symptoms, family
      functioning, and father engagement will predict infant emotional outcomes.
      METHODS: Parents of infants recently diagnosed with serious liver disease
      completed validated questionnaires about parent stress, family function, impact
      of the illness on the family, and father engagement. The measures were repeated
      after 1 year, with the addition of the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). RESULTS:
      Parents of 37 infants participated. Parent stress and family functioning scores
      were not elevated. Parent psychological symptoms, family function, and father
      engagement did not predict infant outcome. For mothers, infant diagnosis other
      than biliary atresia, number of outpatient visits, and impact of the illness on
      the family explained 32% of the variation in CBCL (P = 0.001). For fathers,
      socioeconomic status, infant diagnosis other than biliary atresia, whether the
      infant had had a transplant, and impact of the illness on the family explained
      44% of the variation in CBCL (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Parents and families
      appear to be resilient in coping with serious infant illness. Infant diagnosis
      other than biliary atresia and parental perceptions of high impact of the illness
      on the family are indicators of negative emotional outcomes for infants with
      serious liver disease. Psychosocial interventions for infants with chronic
      illness should target reducing the impact of illness on the family.

PMID- 27673710
TI  - The Etiology and Clinical Course of Chronic Pancreatitis in Children With Early
      Onset of the Disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The etiological factors of chronic pancreatitis (CP) in children
      differ from those in adults. To date, no study has assessed the clinical course
      of CP in young children. The aim of our study was to evaluate the etiology and
      the clinical presentation of the disease in children with disease onset before 5
      years of age in comparison to later-onset of CP. METHODS: A total of 276 children
      with CP, hospitalized from 1988 to 2015, were enrolled in the study. Data on
      presentation, diagnostic findings, and treatment were reviewed. Two hundred sixty
      patients were screened for the most frequent mutations in major pancreatitis
      associated genes, such as cationic trypsinogen/serine protease gene (PRSS1),
      serine protease inhibitor, Kazal type 1 gene (SPINK1), and cystic fibrosis
      transmembrane conductance regulator gene (CFTR). RESULTS: The disease onset
      before the age of 5 years occurred in 51 patients (group 1), the later onset in
      225 patients (group 2). We found no significant discrepancies in distribution of
      the etiological factors between groups. The youngest patients (group 1) had more
      pancreatitis episodes (median 5.0 vs 3.00; P < 0.05) and underwent surgeries more
      frequently (25.5% vs 8.9%; P < 0.05). It could be associated with significantly
      longer follow-up in early onset group (median 6 vs 4 years; P < 0.05). There were
      no differences in nutritional status or exocrine and endocrine pancreatic
      function. CONCLUSIONS: Early- and later-onset pancreatitis have similar
      etiological factors with predominance of gene mutations. The most frequent
      mutation found was p.Asn34Ser (N34S) in SPINK1 gene. The clinical presentation
      differed in number of pancreatitis episodes and frequency of surgeries.

PMID- 27673712
TI  - How much of a problem is resistance in treating hepatitis C?
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Directly acting antiviral drug (DAA) treatments represent a
      major advance in hepatitis C management, achieving virological cures in excess of
      90%. When treatment failure occurs, it is mostly due to relapse with the
      emergence of resistance-associated variants. RECENT FINDINGS: Data from in-vitro
      studies and clinical trials have enabled characterization of the amino acid
      substitutions in antiviral drug targets that confer reduced susceptibility to
      DAAs. These resistance-associated substitutions (RASs) may exist prior to
      treatment, and are associated with, but do not inevitably result in, treatment
      failure. The most important RASs with current regimens occur in the NS5A protein
      of viral variants, which may persist for years after treatment. The optimal
      strategy is to prevent resistance through administering the best treatment,
      appropriately matched to patient and virological characteristics, for example the
      presence of cirrhosis, prior exposure to interferon and so on. SUMMARY:
      International treatment guidelines have been developed to select treatments,
      which may vary in duration and coadministration with ribavirin. Routine
      resistance testing prior to treatment of naive patients is not generally
      recommended. Next-generation DAAs will further reduce the emergence of RASs and,
      because of activity against RASs to currently used DAAs, will be used as rescue
      therapies for patients who have failed treatment.

PMID- 27673716
TI  - Intraoperative 4-Dimensional Microscope-Integrated Optical Coherence Tomography
      Guided 27-Gauge Transvitreal Choroidal Biopsy for Choroidal Melanoma.

PMID- 27673715
TI  - INFECTIOUS ENDOPHTHALMITIS AFTER GLAUCOMA DRAINAGE IMPLANT SURGERY: Clinical
      Features, Microbial Spectrum, and Outcomes.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report the clinical features, microbial spectrum, and treatment
      outcomes of endophthalmitis after glaucoma drainage implant (GDI) surgery.
      METHODS: Records of patients diagnosed with endophthalmitis after GDI surgery
      were reviewed. Data on clinical course, microbiological laboratory results, and
      treatment were analyzed. RESULTS: Of 1,891 eyes that underwent GDI surgery, 14
      eyes (0.7%) developed endophthalmitis. The mean time interval between GDI surgery
      and diagnosis of endophthalmitis was 2.6 +/- 3.2 years (median, 1.3 years; range,
      11 days-11.4 years). For initial treatment, 13/14 eyes underwent vitreous tap and
      injection of intravitreal antibiotics and 1/14 eyes underwent primary pars plana
      vitrectomy. Three additional eyes underwent pars plana vitrectomy because of
      deteriorating clinical course. Glaucoma drainage implant erosion was present in
      9/14 eyes. All 9 eroded GDIs were surgically removed within a mean of 9 +/- 5
      days (range 2-29 days) after diagnosis of endophthalmitis. Overall, mean
      logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution best-corrected visual acuity
      worsened from 0.7 +/- 0.7 (Snellen equivalent 20/100) at baseline to 1.6 +/- 1.1
      (Snellen equivalent 20/800) at final follow-up (P = 0.005). Mean duration between
      the onset of symptoms and presentation was significantly longer in patients with
      decreased final best-corrected visual acuity (>2 Snellen lines) compared to
      patients with stable final best-corrected visual acuity (6.8 vs. 1.0 days; P =
      0.005). CONCLUSION: Glaucoma drainage implant-related endophthalmitis is rare and
      often associated with GDI erosion. Patients who presented earlier after the onset
      of symptoms had better final visual outcomes. Prompt evaluation and treatment is
      required, often with removal of the eroded GDI.

PMID- 27673714
TI  - In Vivo Cellular Infiltration and Remodeling in a Decellularized Ovine
      Osteochondral Allograft.
AB  - Interest in decellularized tissues has steadily gained as potential solutions for
      degenerative diseases and traumatic events, replacing sites of missing tissue,
      and providing the relevant biochemistry and microstructure for tissue ingrowth
      and regeneration. Osteoarthritis, a progressive and debilitating disease, is
      often initiated with the formation of a focal defect in the otherwise smooth
      surface of articular cartilage. Decellularized cartilage tissue, which maintains
      the structural complexity of the native extracellular matrix, has the potential
      to provide a clinically relevant solution to focal defects or large tissue
      damage, possibly even circumventing or complementing current techniques such as
      microfracture and mosaicplasty. However, it is currently unclear whether
      implantation of decellularized cartilage in vivo may provide a mechanically and
      biochemically relevant platform to promote cell remodeling and repair. We
      examined whole decellularized osteochondral allografts implanted in the ovine
      trochlear groove to investigate cellular remodeling and repair tissue quality
      compared to empty defects and contralateral controls (healthy cartilage). At 3
      months postsurgery, cells were observed in both the decellularized tissue and
      empty defects, although both at significantly lower levels than healthy
      cartilage. Qualitative and quantitative histological analysis demonstrated
      maintenance of cartilage features of the decellularized implant similar to
      healthy cartilage groups. Noninvasive analysis by quantitative magnetic resonance
      imaging showed no difference in T1rho and T2* between all groups. Investigation
      of the mechanical properties of repair tissue showed significantly lower
      elasticity in decellularized implants and empty defects compared to healthy
      cartilage, but similar tribological quantities. Overall, this study suggests that
      decellularized cartilage implants are subject to cellular remodeling in an in
      vivo environment and may provide a potential tissue engineering solution to
      cartilage defect interventions.

PMID- 27673717
TI  - Transconjunctival Approach to Scleral Fixation of Posterior Chamber Intraocular
      Lenses Using Gore-Tex Suture.

PMID- 27673718
TI  - NANN Organizes Cuban Delegation and Brings Back the Chapter Challenge for the
      32nd Annual Educational Conference.

PMID- 27673719
TI  - Promoting Breast Milk Nutrition in Infants With Cleft Lip and/or Palate.

PMID- 27673720
TI  - From the Editor.

PMID- 27673721
TI  - Age Affects the Mitigating Efficacy of Riboflavin Against Cisplatin-Induced
      Toxicity In Vivo.
AB  - Cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (CP), a prominent anticancer drug, exerts toxic
      insults that are functional to various factors that compromise its antineoplastic
      activity. Riboflavin (RF) is an essential vitamin and photosensitizer that
      ameliorates CP-induced toxic insults in vivo in a dose-dependent manner. The aim
      of the present study is to investigate how age can influence the ameliorative
      effect of RF against CP-induced toxicity. Ninety male mice were divided into
      three age groups: young, adult, and old for the present investigation under an
      established treatment strategy with CP, RF, and their combinations under
      photoillumination for 1 mo. Their kidneys and serum samples were assessed for
      redox status [superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione,
      malondialdehyde (MDA), carbonyl contents, and glutathione-S-transferase],
      biochemical analysis (renal function markers-nitric oxide), comet assay, and
      histopathology. The adult group showed not only the strongest resistance against
      the CP-induced toxicity but also the better ameliorative effect of RF followed by
      the young and old groups, respectively, with well-maintained redox status
      concomitant with the level of renal function markers, MDA, and carbonyl contents
      near the control values. Furthermore, comet assay and histopathological
      evaluation confirmed the results in a dose-dependent manner. Hence, age is an
      important patient-related factor that can influence the final clinical outcome
      under personalized chemoradiotherapy.

PMID- 27673722
TI  - Patients Attending Shared Medical Appointments for Metabolic Stone Prevention
      Have Decreased Stone Risk Factors.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Shared medical appointments (SMAs) have decreased patients' wait
      time to initial stone clinic appointment, standardized education, and increased
      exposure to nutrition therapy. We assessed the effectiveness of SMAs in reducing
      patients' urinary stone risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who
      established care in our stone clinic in an SMA between March 2012 and August 2015
      were sequentially identified. After eliminating those without follow-up urine
      collections or whose urinary creatinine excretion between the two collections
      varied by >40%, 113 patients were included (M:F 63:50; 54 +/- 15 years; body mass
      index [BMI] 30.6 +/- 6.7). Results from before and after the SMA were compared
      with those from a similar cohort of patients who attended individual patient
      appointments (IPAs) for their first stone clinic visit (n = 63; M:F 37:26; 54 +/-
      14 years; BMI 30.1 +/- 8.2). All patients received individualized medical therapy
      for stone prevention. RESULTS: After medical and nutritional therapy, SMA
      patients with elevated risk(s) at baseline achieved significant reductions in
      uric acid, calcium, and sodium; p <= 0.001 for all. Those with low urine
      magnesium, low urine volume, low urine pH, and/or low urine citrate at baseline
      achieved increases; p <= 0.0008 for all. IPA patients with elevated baseline risk
      factors achieved reductions in oxalate and uric acid (p <= 0.004 for both) but
      neither calcium nor sodium and an increase in citrate (p = 0.003) but not
      magnesium. CONCLUSIONS: Patients from SMAs reduced their stone recurrence risk
      and compared favorably with patients from IPAs. Contributing factors may include
      shorter time from stone event to appointment and more standardized education for
      patients attending SMAs.

PMID- 27673724
TI  - Living well with dementia groups: changes in participant and therapist verbal
      behaviour.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This paper reports two related analyses of verbal material from seven
      Living Well with Dementia groups: the first examines changes in the verbal
      behaviours of participants across the course of the sessions in all seven groups;
      while the second contrasts therapist behaviour in two groups. METHODS: In the
      first analysis, recordings of three sessions from each group were transcribed and
      participant descriptions of dementia were analysed using the Markers of
      Assimilation of Problematic Experiences of Dementia (MAPED) rating procedure. In
      the second analysis, therapist behaviour in weeks 2 and 8 from two groups (F and
      G) was analysed using the Hill Counsellor Verbal response rating scale. Inter
      rater reliabilities for the two sets of ratings were 'good' and 'very good',
      respectively. RESULTS: For the MAPED ratings, a five by four contingency table
      was analysed using chi-squared, which indicated a highly significant change in
      assimilation. There were significant higher levels of level 1 and 2 markers in
      the first two sessions and level 4 for sessions 5 and 6. Facilitators used
      significantly more direct guidance and information giving behaviour in the second
      session at Location F compared to Location G. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest
      that important changes occurred in the way that dementia was described across the
      seven LivDem groups: this includes both reductions in the avoidance of direct
      references to dementia after the first two sessions, as well as an increase in
      'insight' statements. Directive facilitator behaviour may be associated with
      poorer outcomes.

PMID- 27673725
TI  - Is there a menopausal medicine?

PMID- 27673723
TI  - Gynecological Practice Represents the Ideal Setting for Early Opportunistic
      Cardiovascular Prevention: A Cross-Sectional Survey in an Urban Female
      Population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of mortality for women
      worldwide, yet their impact is frequently underestimated. To raise awareness for
      preventative lifestyle measures other contacts with the healthcare system should
      be exploited. We analyzed access patterns to other healthcare specialists and
      population screening measures to identify options for opportunistic counseling on
      cardiovascular risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled 1062 randomly selected
      German urban women aged 25-74 years in 2012-2013, divided into 5 age bands. Women
      were asked about sociodemographic characteristics, clinical and gynecological
      history, physician attendance patterns, screening behavior and primary sources of
      health and preventative information, and clinical examination attendance.
      RESULTS: Obstetrician/gynecologists (OBGYN) were the most frequently consulted
      physicians within the last 12 months (75.3%), more than general practitioners
      (GP; 74%). Attendance rates to OBGYNs were not affected by education or income,
      solely a body mass index (BMI) >30 associated with significantly reduced rates of
      attendance (OR = 0.4, CI 95% = 0.17-0.78, p = 0.009). Women with low to medium
      Framingham risk scores were more likely to attend an OBGYN than a GP if they
      attended only one specialist. Attendance of population screening measures is
      limited (<60% for all offers) and hence unsuitable for systematic cardiovascular
      counseling. CONCLUSION: OBGYN represent a very popular and equitable healthcare
      contact for women of all ages and this could be exploited for cardiovascular
      screening. Furthermore, the strikingly different sources of health information
      reported highlight a need for improved health communication and differentiation
      of messages.

PMID- 27673726
TI  - Examining the evolution of metals utilized in printed circuit boards.
AB  - Management of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) has recently
      attracted worldwide attention because of high metal concentrations in them.
      Evolution of toxic and precious metals utilized in WEEE can not only reflect the
      adventure of eco-design, but can also guide the final recycling option. Pb, As,
      Cu, Au, Sn and Ag were determined in 10 composite samples of printed circuit
      boards of cathode ray tube televisions (TV-PCBs) that were produced between 1980
      and 2005. The obtained results indicated that average metal concentrations in all
      TV-PCBs were - Cu: 10.6 +/- 4.1%, Sn: 4.21 +/- 0.90%, Pb: 3.15 +/- 0.54%, Ag:
      0.0215 +/- 0.0068%, Au: 0.0068 +/- 0.0049% and As: 0.0007 +/- 0.0004%. No
      remarkable difference was found in compositions of Pb and Sn over the years,
      suggesting that there were no major modifications of Sn/Pb solder used in joining
      the circuitry system. The average composition of Cu fluctuated between 5.10% in
      1980 and 12.8% in the mid-1990s and decreased afterwards. The decreases in Ag and
      Cu compositions could possibly be associated with thinner layers of these metals
      in newer model products.

PMID- 27673728
TI  - The genetic basis of pigmentation in alopecia areata.
AB  - Alopecia areata (AA) is a common hair loss disorder characterized by discrete,
      well demarcated areas of non-scarring terminal hair alopecia, with the calculated
      lifetime risk of ~2%. In past decades, linkage and GWA studies have implicated
      dozens of susceptibility genes/loci that are linked to the development of AA.
      Fischer et al performed a genome-wide CNV analysis of 585 AA patients and 1,340
      controls in a European population. This is the first genome-wide study of CNV to
      be performed in AA samples, and the association finding in the MCHR2 gene region
      further underscores the potential role of pigmentation in AA development.

PMID- 27673727
TI  - Global transcriptional changes caused by an EDMD mutation correlate to tissue
      specific disease phenotypes in C. elegans.
AB  - There are numerous heritable diseases associated with mutations in the LMNA gene.
      Most of these laminopathic diseases, including several muscular dystrophies, are
      autosomal dominant and have tissue-specific phenotypes. Our previous studies have
      shown that the globally expressed Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD)-linked
      lamin mutation, L535P, disrupts nuclear mechanical response specifically in
      muscle nuclei of C. elegans leading to atrophy of the body muscle cells and to
      reduced motility. Here we used RNA sequencing to analyze the global changes in
      gene expression caused by the L535P EDMD lamin mutation in order to gain better
      understanding of disease mechanisms and the correlation between transcription and
      phenotype. Our results show changes in key genes and biological pathways that can
      help explain the muscle specific phenotypes. In addition, the differential gene
      expression between wild-type and L535P mutant animals suggests that the pharynx
      function in the L535P mutant animals is affected by this lamin mutation.
      Moreover, these transcriptional changes were then correlated with reduced pharynx
      activity and abnormal pharynx muscle structure. Understanding disease mechanisms
      will potentially lead to new therapeutic approaches toward curing EDMD.

PMID- 27673729
TI  - Megacity pumping and preferential flow threaten groundwater quality.
AB  - Many of the world's megacities depend on groundwater from geologically complex
      aquifers that are over-exploited and threatened by contamination. Here, using the
      example of Dhaka, Bangladesh, we illustrate how interactions between aquifer
      heterogeneity and groundwater exploitation jeopardize groundwater resources
      regionally. Groundwater pumping in Dhaka has caused large-scale drawdown that
      extends into outlying areas where arsenic-contaminated shallow groundwater is
      pervasive and has potential to migrate downward. We evaluate the vulnerability of
      deep, low-arsenic groundwater with groundwater models that incorporate
      geostatistical simulations of aquifer heterogeneity. Simulations show that
      preferential flow through stratigraphy typical of fluvio-deltaic aquifers could
      contaminate deep (>150 m) groundwater within a decade, nearly a century faster
      than predicted through homogeneous models calibrated to the same data. The most
      critical fast flowpaths cannot be predicted by simplified models or identified by
      standard measurements. Such complex vulnerability beyond city limits could become
      a limiting factor for megacity groundwater supplies in aquifers worldwide.

PMID- 27673730
TI  - De novo transcriptome assembly databases for the butterfly orchid Phalaenopsis
      equestris.
AB  - Orchids are renowned for their spectacular flowers and ecological adaptations.
      After the sequencing of the genome of the tropical epiphytic orchid Phalaenopsis
      equestris, we combined Illumina HiSeq2000 for RNA-Seq and Trinity for de novo
      assembly to characterize the transcriptomes for 11 diverse P. equestris tissues
      representing the root, stem, leaf, flower buds, column, lip, petal, sepal and
      three developmental stages of seeds. Our aims were to contribute to a better
      understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving the analysed tissue
      characteristics and to enrich the available data for P. equestris. Here, we
      present three databases. The first dataset is the RNA-Seq raw reads, which can be
      used to execute new experiments with different analysis approaches. The other two
      datasets allow different types of searches for candidate homologues. The second
      dataset includes the sets of assembled unigenes and predicted coding sequences
      and proteins, enabling a sequence-based search. The third dataset consists of the
      annotation results of the aligned unigenes versus the Nonredundant (Nr) protein
      database, Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Clusters of
      Orthologous Groups (COG) databases with low e-values, enabling a name-based
      search.

PMID- 27673731
TI  - Eye movement as a biomarker of schizophrenia: Using an integrated eye movement
      score.
AB  - AIM: Studies have shown that eye movement abnormalities are possible
      neurophysiological biomarkers for schizophrenia. The aim of this study was to
      investigate the utility of eye movement abnormalities in identifying patients
      with schizophrenia from healthy controls. METHODS: Eighty-five patients with
      schizophrenia and 252 healthy controls participated in this study. Eye movement
      measures were collected from free viewing, fixation stability, and smooth pursuit
      tests. In an objective and stepwise method, eye movement measures were extracted
      to create an integrated eye movement score. RESULTS: The discriminant analysis
      resulted in three eye movement measures; the scanpath length during the free
      viewing test, the horizontal position gain during the fast Lissajous paradigm of
      the smooth pursuit test, and the duration of fixations during the far distractor
      paradigm of the fixation stability test. An integrated score using these
      variables can distinguish patients with schizophrenia from healthy controls with
      82% accuracy. The integrated score was correlated with Wechsler Adult
      Intelligence Scale-Third Edition full scale IQ, Positive and Negative Syndrome
      Scale scores, and chlorpromazine equivalents, with different correlation patterns
      in the three eye movement measures used. The discriminant analysis in subgroups
      matched for age, sex, years of education, and premorbid IQ revealed a sustained
      classification rate. CONCLUSION: We established an integrated eye movement score
      with high classification accuracy between patients with schizophrenia and healthy
      controls, although there was a significant effect of medication. This study
      provides further evidence of the utility of eye movement abnormalities in
      schizophrenia pathology and treatment.

PMID- 27673732
TI  - Foster Care Outcomes for Children With Intellectual Disability.
AB  - The promotion of speedy, permanent outcomes for foster children is a central
      child welfare policy goal. However, while children with intellectual disability
      (ID) are at greater risk for child welfare involvement, little is known about
      their case outcomes. This cross-sectional national study explores between-group
      foster care outcomes. Foster children with intellectual disability were more
      likely to have experienced an adoption disruption or dissolution but less likely
      to be reunified with a parent, primary caretaker or other family member.
      Implications for interagency collaboration in support of pre and post-foster care
      discharge support services are discussed.

PMID- 27673734
TI  - Sibling Caregivers of People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities:
      Sociodemographic Characteristics and Material Hardship Prevalence.
AB  - In growing numbers, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are
      outliving their parents, or at least their parents' ability to care for them.
      Consequently, adult siblings without intellectual and developmental disabilities
      are increasingly taking on primary caregiving responsibilities. However, adult
      siblings have received little study generally, and sibling caregivers have
      received even less. We used nationally representative data from the Survey of
      Income and Program Participation (SIPP) to describe the social characteristics
      and material hardship levels of sibling caregivers, in comparison to the general
      working age adult population. This study finds moderate material hardship to be
      pervasive among sibling caregivers, though extreme levels of hardship are
      possibly being abated somewhat through public benefit programs. Implications for
      greater service needs are discussed.

PMID- 27673733
TI  - Culture in Better Group Homes for People With Intellectual Disability at Severe
      Levels.
AB  - Building on cultural dimensions of underperforming group homes this study
      analyses culture in better performing services. In depth qualitative case studies
      were conducted in 3 better group homes using participant observation and
      interviews. The culture in these homes, reflected in patterns of staff practice
      and talk, as well as artefacts differed from that found in underperforming
      services. Formal power holders were undisputed leaders, their values aligned with
      those of other staff and the organization, responsibility for practice quality
      was shared enabling teamwork, staff perceived their purpose as "making the life
      each person wants it to be," working practices were person centered, and new
      ideas and outsiders were embraced. The culture was characterized as coherent,
      respectful, "enabling" for residents, and "motivating" for staff. Though it is
      unclear whether good group homes have a similar culture to better ones the
      insights from this study provide knowledge to guide service development and
      evaluation.

PMID- 27673735
TI  - Outdated Language: Use of "Mental Retardation" in Medicaid HCBS Waivers Post
      Rosa's Law.
AB  - Rosa's Law, which changed references of "mental retardation" to "intellectual
      disability" within federal legislation, marked recognition by the federal
      government that the term "mental retardation" is outdated and pejorative.
      However, Rosa's Law did not apply to many notable federal programs related to
      disability, such as Medicaid. This article explores if and how the term "mental
      retardation" was used within Medicaid Home and Community Based Services 1915(c)
      waivers, as they are the most prevalent provider of long-term services and
      supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Waivers
      provide some of the most advanced community services and the language used in
      them should reflect this. Although an overwhelming majority of waivers used
      "mental retardation," we found that the term was used less for later benchmark
      dates.

PMID- 27673736
TI  - Systemwide Initiative Documents Robust Health Screening for Adults With
      Intellectual Disability.
AB  - It is well documented that adults with intellectual disability (ID) experience
      higher rates of a series of health conditions compared to their peers without
      disability. These health conditions include cardiovascular disease, obesity,
      diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, and psychiatric and behavioral disorders.
      With life expectancy approximating the general population, adults with ID are
      also now experiencing health conditions related to aging, further increasing
      their risk for diminished function and well-being. This increased morbidity poses
      new challenges in geriatric healthcare planning for this population. Relatively
      simple health prevention practices, such as the implementation of a health
      screening tool, can substantially increase disease detection and clinical
      activities directed toward improved health outcomes for people with ID. This
      study examines data collected from the District of Columbia Developmental
      Disabilities Administration's (DC DDA's) health screening component of its Health
      and Wellness Standards. Findings are presented, along with recommendations and
      implications for improving preventive health screening practices in the ID
      population.

PMID- 27673737
TI  - The Reinforcement of Ableism: Normality, the Medical Model of Disability, and
      Humanism in Applied Behavior Analysis and ASD.
AB  - The field of educating individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder has ever been
      rife with controversy regarding issues ranging from etiology and causation to
      effective intervention and education options. One such basis for controversy has
      been between humanism, and humanistic philosophical concepts, and its fundamental
      differences with behaviorism, and behavioristic philosophical concepts. These
      differences have long been debated, and the belief that the two orientations are
      generally mutually exclusive has been largely maintained. Recently, however,
      there has been some resurgence of interest in reconciling some of the fundamental
      humanistic and behavioristic tenets. Most of these discussions, however, center
      on specific interventional methodologies as its basis without delving more deeply
      into the underlying philosophical issues. This article will explore some
      fundamental humanistic concepts that ought to be reconciled in order for
      behaviorism to be considered a humanistic practice. While the notion that the
      possibility of reconciliation is maintained, the central argument maintains that
      much work needs to be done on the part of behaviorism both philosophically and
      methodologically in order for such reconciliation to be achieved.

PMID- 27673740
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 27673742
TI  - Colloidal Mechanisms of Gold Nanoparticle Loss in Asymmetric Flow Field-Flow
      Fractionation.
AB  - Flow field-flow fractionation is a powerful method for the analysis of
      nanoparticle size distributions, but its widespread use has been hampered by
      large analyte losses, especially of metal nanoparticles. Here, we report on the
      colloidal mechanisms underlying the losses. We systematically studied gold
      nanoparticles (AuNPs) during asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) by
      systematic variation of the particle properties and the eluent composition.
      Recoveries of AuNPs (core diameter 12 nm) stabilized by citrate or polyethylene
      glycol (PEG) at different ionic strengths were determined. We used online UV-vis
      detection and off-line elementary analysis to follow particle losses during full
      analysis runs, runs without cross-flow, and runs with parts of the instrument
      bypassed. The combination allowed us to calculate relative and absolute analyte
      losses at different stages of the analytic protocol. We found different loss
      mechanisms depending on the ligand. Citrate-stabilized particles degraded during
      analysis and suffered large losses (up to 74%). PEG-stabilized particles had
      smaller relative losses at moderate ionic strengths (1-20%) that depended on PEG
      length. Long PEGs at higher ionic strengths (>=5 mM) caused particle loss due to
      bridging adsorption at the membrane. Bulk agglomeration was not a relevant loss
      mechanism at low ionic strengths <=5 mM for any of the studied particles. An
      unexpectedly large fraction of particles was lost at tubing and other internal
      surfaces. We propose that the colloidal mechanisms observed here are relevant
      loss mechanisms in many particle analysis protocols and discuss strategies to
      avoid them.

PMID- 27673743
TI  - Improvement of the Thermal and Optical Performances of Protective
      Polydimethylsiloxane Space Coatings with Cellulose Nanocrystal Additives.
AB  - This work investigates the possibility of using cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) as
      biobased nanoadditives in protective polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) space coatings,
      to improve the thermal and optical performances of the material. CNCs produced
      from wood pulp were functionalized in different conditions with the objective to
      improve their dispersibility in the PDMS matrix, increase their thermal stability
      and provide photoactive functions. Polysiloxane, cinnamate, chloroacetate and
      trifluoroacetate moieties were accordingly anchored at the CNCs surface by
      silylation, using two different approaches, or acylation with different
      functional vinyl esters. The modified CNCs were thoroughly characterized by FT-IR
      spectroscopy, solid-state NMR spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis, before
      being incorporated into a PDMS space coating formulation in low concentration
      (0.5 to 4 wt %). The cross-linked PDMS films were subsequently investigated with
      regards to their mechanical behavior, thermal stability and optical properties
      after photoaging. Results revealed that the CNC additives could significantly
      improve the thermal stability of the PDMS coating, up to 140  degrees C,
      depending on the treatment and CNC concentration, without affecting the
      mechanical properties and transparency of the material. In addition, the PDMS
      films loaded with as low as 1 wt % halogenated nanoparticles, exhibited an
      improved UV-stability after irradiation in geostationary conditions.

PMID- 27673741
TI  - Regional Gray Matter Volume Loss Is Associated with Gait Impairments in Young
      Brain-Injured Individuals.
AB  - Traumatic brain injury (TBI) often leads to impairments in gait performance.
      However, the underlying neurostructural pathology of these gait deficits is
      poorly understood. We aimed to investigate regional gray matter (GM) volume in
      young moderate-to-severe TBI participants (n = 19; age 13 years 11 months +/-3
      years 1 month), compared with typically developing (TD) participants (n = 30; 14
      years 10 months +/-2 years 2 months), and assess whether reduced volume was
      related to impaired gait performance in TBI participants. Cortical and
      subcortical GM structures involved in the neural control of gait were selected as
      regions of interest (ROIs) and their volume was extracted using Freesurfer.
      Moreover, established spatiotemporal markers of gait impairments in TBI
      participants, including step length asymmetry, step length variability, and
      double support time, were obtained using an electronic walkway. Compared with TD
      participants, TBI participants showed increased double support time, step length
      asymmetry, and step length variability, suggesting a reduced gait control.
      Secondly, in TBI participants, reduced volumes were demonstrated in overall
      subcortical GM and individual subcortical ROIs, including the hippocampus,
      cerebellar cortex, putamen, and thalamus. Moreover, in the TBI group, volume
      losses in subcortical ROIs were highly inter-correlated, indicating that atrophy
      tends to occur in combined subcortical structures. Finally, it was demonstrated,
      for the first time, that gait abnormalities in TBI subjects were associated with
      reduced volume in specific GM structures, including the hippocampus, thalamus,
      and the cerebellar, superior frontal, paracentral, posterior cingulate, and
      superior parietal cortices. The present study is an important first step in the
      understanding of the neurostructural pathology underlying impaired gait in TBI
      patients.

PMID- 27673744
TI  - Location of the tibial tunnel aperture affects extrusion of the lateral meniscus
      following reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament.
AB  - The anterior root of the lateral meniscus provides functional stability to the
      meniscus. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between the position of
      the tibial tunnel and extrusion of the lateral meniscus after anterior cruciate
      ligament reconstruction, where extrusion provides a proxy measure of injury to
      the anterior root. The relationship between extrusion and tibial tunnel location
      was retrospectively evaluated from computed tomography and magnetic resonance
      images of 26 reconstructed knees, contributed by 25 patients aged 17-31 years. A
      measurement grid was used to localize the position of the tibial tunnel based on
      anatomical landmarks identified from the three-dimensional reconstruction of
      axial computed tomography images of the tibial plateaus. The reference point-to
      tibial tunnel distance (mm) was defined as the distance from the midpoint of the
      lateral edge of the grid to the posterolateral aspect of the tunnel aperture. The
      optimal cutoff of this distance to minimize post-operative extrusion was
      identified using receiver operating curve analysis. Extrusion of the lateral
      meniscus was positively correlated to the reference point-to-tibial tunnel
      distance (r 2  = 0.64; p < 0.001), with a cutoff distance of 5 mm having a
      sensitivity to extrusion of 83% and specificity of 93%. The mean extrusion for a
      distance >5 mm was 0.40 +/- 0.43 mm, compared to 1.40 +/- 0.51 mm for a distance
      <=5 mm (p < 0.001). Therefore, a posterolateral location of the tibial tunnel
      aperture within the footprint of the anterior cruciate ligament decreases the
      reference point-to-tibial tunnel distance and increases extrusion of the lateral
      meniscus post-reconstruction. (c) 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by
      Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:1625-1633, 2017.

PMID- 27673745
TI  - Regioselective 5-O-Opening of Conformationally Locked 3,5-O-Di-tert-butylsilylene
      d-galactofuranosides. Synthesis of (1->5)-beta-d-Galactofuranosyl Derivatives.
AB  - The use of thiogalactofuranoside as donors for the construction of internal Galf
      containing oligosaccharide is limited, probably due to the difficulty to
      functionalize thiogalactofuranoside derivatives showing O-2, O-3, and O-5 with
      similar reactivity. An efficient method for complete regioselective 5-O-opening
      of conformationally restricted 3,5-O-di-tert-butylsilylene-d-galactofuranoside
      derivatives was developed. The use of a solution nBu4NF (1.1 equiv) in CH2Cl2 on
      6 gave the 5-OH free derivative 10 as the only product (90%). 3-O-Di-tert
      butylhydroxysilyl derivative 10 was stable upon purification and glycosylation
      reaction. Preactivation of conformationally restricted thioglycoside 6 employing
      p-NO2-benzensulfenyl chloride/AgOTf followed by condensation over the 5-OH
      thioglycoside acceptor 10 gave the corresponding disaccharide 12 without
      autocondensation byproduct. Regioselective 5-O-deprotection was also successfully
      performed over the (1->5)-beta-d-galactofuranosyl di- and trisaccharide
      derivatives 12 and 13. This methodology allowed the differentiation between the
      secondary hydroxyl groups OH-3 and OH-5 of 1,2-cis or 1,2-trans d
      galactofuranoside derivatives, and it still constitutes an innovative approach to
      access oligosaccharides of pharmacological importance.

PMID- 27673748
TI  - Immediate Implant Placement of a Single Central Incisor Using a CAD/CAM Crown
      Root Form Technique: Provisional to Final Restoration.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Preserving soft and hard tissues after extraction and implant
      placement is crucial for anterior esthetics. This technique will show how the
      information gathered from a cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan of the
      maxillary left central incisor and an intra-oral digital impression can be merged
      to fabricate a CAD/CAM crown-root matrix to be used as an immediate provisional
      restoration that mimics the natural anatomy. CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS: Due to
      trauma, a left central incisor appeared to be fractured and was scheduled for
      extraction and implant placement. The crown-root configuration captured by the
      CBCT scan was merged with the digital files from an intra-oral digital
      impression. A CAD/CAM crown-root matrix was fabricated. Because the matrix shell
      was fabricated with the exact anatomy of the natural tooth, it replicated the
      position and three dimensional anatomy of the soft and hard tissue. It was
      connected to the implant with a customized provisional abutment. A digital
      impression of a coded healing abutment was made to fabricate the final implant
      abutment and final restoration. Throughout the treatment time and 36 months after
      completion, the thickness of tissue, emergence profile, and adjacent papilla was
      analyzed by clinical evaluation and photography and seemed to be maintained.
      CONCLUSION: The use of a pre-operative intra-oral digital scan of the clinical
      crown-root architecture and the CBCT scan of the bone/root anatomy, can be used
      together to fabricate a CAD/CAM crown-root form provisional matrix. This digital
      design helps in the preservation of the 3D tissue topography, as well as the
      final restoration. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The preservation of soft and hard
      tissue after extraction and implant placement has always been paramount for ideal
      anterior implant esthetics. Using the information from digital files from CBCT
      scans and intra-oral scans may help the clinician identify critical anatomical
      features that can be replicated in the provisional and final CAD/CAM restoration.
      (J Esthet Restor Dent 29:13-21, 2017).

PMID- 27673747
TI  - Regulation of development of rat stem and progenitor Leydig cells by activin.
AB  - Stem Leydig cells have been demonstrated to differentiate into adult Leydig cells
      via intermediate stages of progenitor and immature Leydig cells. However, the
      exact regulatory mechanisms are unclear. We hypothesized that the development of
      stem or progenitor Leydig cells depends upon locally produced growth factors.
      Microarray analysis revealed that the expression levels of activin type I
      receptor (Acvr1) and activin A receptor type II-like 1 (Acvrl1) were stem >
      progenitor = immature = adult Leydig cells. This indicates that their ligand
      activin might play an important role in stem and progenitor Leydig cell
      proliferation and differentiation. When seminiferous tubules were incubated with
      1 or 10 ng/mL activin A for 3 days, it concentration-dependently increased EdU
      incorporation into stem Leydig cells by up to 20-fold. When progenitor Leydig
      cells were incubated with 1 or 10 ng/mL activin A for 2 days, it concentration
      dependently increased 3 H-thymidine incorporation into progenitor Leydig cells by
      up to 200%. Real-time PCR analysis showed that activin A primarily increased Pcna
      expression but reduced Star, Hsd3b1, and Cyp17a1 expression levels. Activin A
      also significantly inhibited the basal and luteinizing hormone-stimulated
      androgen production. In conclusion, activin A primarily stimulates the
      proliferation of stem and progenitor Leydig cells, but inhibits the
      differentiation of stem and progenitor Leydig cells into the Leydig cell lineage
      in rat testis.

PMID- 27673746
TI  - Apoptotic properties of the type 1 interferon induced family of human
      mitochondrial membrane ISG12 proteins.
AB  - BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Interferons are a family of cytokines with growth
      inhibitory and antiviral functions, which exert their biological actions through
      the expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). The human ISG12 family of
      proteins comprises ISG12A, ISG12B, ISG12C and ISG6-16. Due to differential
      splicing and a gene variation, the human ISG12A protein exists as a full-length
      ISG12A form and three ISG12A variants. ISG12 genes have been found
      transcriptionally dysregulated in many disorders. High levels of ISG12A mRNA have
      been found in breast and ovarian cancers. Loss of heterozygosity at the position
      of the ISG12 genes often occurs in ovarian carcinomas and lymphoblastic
      leukemias. Both ISG12A and ISG6-16 are up-regulated in psoriasis. RESULTS: We
      demonstrate here that expression of the human full-length ISG12A protein
      sensitises cells for TNFalpha and the BH3 mimetic gossypol induced apoptosis, and
      the other ISG12A variants as well as ISG12B and ISG12C can induce apoptosis
      directly in HEK293 cells. Also ISG6-16 sensitises HEK293 cells for gossypol
      induced apoptosis. In the ISG12 motif, two putative Bcl-2 homology (BH)3 like
      motifs were found, which may be decisive for the apoptotic properties of the
      ISG12 proteins. A series of BH3 mutants was made in ISG12ADelta-S, the smallest
      apoptosis-inducing ISG12A variant and our results indicate that ISG12ADelta-S
      indeed possesses features resembling those of BH3-only proteins. Supporting this
      notion are our findings that the full-length ISG12A co-immunoprecipitates with
      the Bcl-2 protein, and the apoptotic properties of the ISG12A variants are
      reduced in Bcl-2 expressing HEK293 cells. In addition, full-length ISG12A is able
      to form homodimers, which suggests a possible involvement in pore formation
      during apoptosis. The full-length ISG12A, the three ISG12A variants and the
      ISG12B proteins were found to be localised in the mitochondria. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      results suggest that the ISG12 family of proteins has an important role for the
      apoptotic properties induced by type 1 interferon. SIGNIFICANCE: The ISG12 family
      constitute small hydrophic proteins involved in apoptosis. This is the first
      comparison of the apoptotic potentials of the full-length ISG12A protein and the
      three ISG12A variants. The differential apoptotic potentials of these proteins
      might have an impact on the strategies to monitor and interpret their
      dysregulation associated with many disorders.

PMID- 27673749
TI  - How to prepare a manuscript fit-for-purpose for submission and avoid getting a
      'desk-reject'.
AB  - First impressions are very important and, when these are negative, they can
      adversely affect a manuscript's journey through the scientific publication
      system. This short guide highlights some crucial factors to take into
      consideration before submitting a manuscript for review in a scientific journal.
      The aim is to advise authors on the best way to present their research, to comply
      with formal requirements of a journal and to optimize the first impression made.
      Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27673750
TI  - A changing of the guard.

PMID- 27673751
TI  - Distorted Tetrahedral CoII in K5H[CoW12O40].xH2O Probed by 2p3d Resonant
      Inelastic X-ray Scattering.
AB  - The Co 2p3/2 X-ray absorption spectroscopy and high-energy-resolution (~0.09 eV
      fwhm) 2p3d resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS) spectra of the single
      cobalt-centered polyoxometalate K5H[CoW12O40].xH2O were measured. The low-energy
      dd transition features at 0.55 eV, unmeasurable with ultraviolet-visible (UV/vis)
      spectroscopy, were experimentally revealed in 2p3d RIXS spectra. RIXS simulations
      based on ligand-field multiplet theory were performed to assess the potential
      cobalt tetragonal symmetry distortion, which is described with the ligand-field
      parameters 10Dq (-0.54 eV), Ds (-0.08 eV), and Dt (0.005 eV). Because 2p3d RIXS
      probes not only the optical spin-allowed transitions but also the spin-forbidden
      transitions, we show that the current 2p3d RIXS simulation enables a series of dd
      feature assignments with higher accuracy than those from previous optical data.
      Furthermore, by wave-function decomposition analyses, we demonstrate the more
      realistic and detailed origins of a few lowest dd transitions using both one
      electron-orbital and term-symbol descriptions.

PMID- 27673752
TI  - Pancreatic Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor: Clinicopathologic Features and
      Prognosis.
AB  - GOALS: The present study aimed to investigate the clinicopathologic features and
      prognosis of pancreatic gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). BACKGROUND:
      Reports on clinicopathologic features and prognosis of pancreatic GIST are
      limited due to the extremely rare incidence. STUDY: One case of pancreatic GIST
      from our center and 44 cases reported in MEDLINE were enrolled in this study.
      Clinicopathologic features and prognosis of pancreatic GISTs were analyzed and
      compared with 297 gastric GISTs from our center. RESULTS: The most common
      location was head of pancreas (38.5%). The majority of pancreatic GISTs exceeded
      5 cm (74.4%), displayed cystic or mixed imaging features (56.4%), and were high
      risk (85.7%). The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) and disease-specific
      survival rates were 66.1% and 95.8%, respectively. Mitotic index was the only
      risk factor for DFS of pancreatic GISTs. The distribution of tumor size,
      histologic type and National Institutes of Health risk category were
      significantly different between pancreatic and gastric GISTs. The 5-year DFS rate
      of pancreatic GISTs was significantly lower than that of gastric GISTs.
      Multivariate analysis showed that location was an independent prognostic factor
      for DFS between pancreatic and gastric GISTs. CONCLUSIONS: The most common
      location was head of pancreas. The majority of pancreatic GISTs were large and
      highly malignant. Pancreatic GISTs differed significantly from gastric GISTs in
      respect to clinicopathologic features. The DFS of pancreatic GISTs was worse than
      that of gastric GISTs.

PMID- 27673753
TI  - High Prevalence of Medication Discrepancies Between Home Health Referrals and
      Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Home Health Certification and Plan of
      Care and Their Potential to Affect Safety of Vulnerable Elderly Adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe the prevalence of discrepancies between medication lists
      that referring providers and home healthcare (HH) nurses create. DESIGN: The
      active medication list from the hospital at time of HH initiation was compared
      with the HH agency's plan of care medication list. An electronic algorithm was
      developed to compare the two lists for discrepancies. SETTING: Single large
      hospital and HH agency in the western United States. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals
      referred for HH from the hospital in 2012 (N = 770, 96.3% male, median age 71).
      MEASUREMENTS: Prevalence was calculated for discrepancies, including medications
      missing from one list or the other and differences in dose, frequency, or route
      for medications contained on both lists. RESULTS: Participants had multiple
      medical problems (median 16 active problems) and were taking a median of 15
      medications (range 1-93). Every participant had at least one discrepancy; 90.1%
      of HH lists were missing at least one medication that the referring provider had
      prescribed, 92.1% of HH lists contained medications not on the referring
      provider's list, 89.8% contained medication naming errors. 71.0% contained dosing
      discrepancies, and 76.3% contained frequency discrepancies. CONCLUSION:
      Discrepancies between HH and referring provider lists are common. Future work is
      needed to address possible safety and care coordination implications of
      discrepancies in this highly complex population.

PMID- 27673754
TI  - Transcutaneous Carbon Dioxide Monitoring with Reduced-Temperature Probes in Very
      Low Birth Weight Infants.
AB  - Background Obtaining blood gases in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants is an
      invasive procedure. Studies using transcutaneous carbon dioxide (tcPCO2) have
      reported variable skin complications with high-temperature probes. No enough data
      available on tcPCO2 monitoring using reduced-temperature probes (41 degrees C).
      Objective The objective of this study was to assess reliability and safety of
      tcPCO2 monitoring at reduced-temperature probe in VLBW infants. Design and
      Methods A prospective study was conducted on VLBW infants. tcPCO2 was monitored
      for 12 hours. Default skin probe temperature was adjusted at 41 degrees C. Blood
      gases were done as clinically indicated. Arterial partial pressure of CO2 (PaCO2)
      as well as capillary CO2 were compared with simultaneous tcPCO2. Results A total
      of 124 data points were identified from 50 patients (gestational age [GA] = 28.1
      +/- 2.4 weeks and birth weight [BW] = 1,035 +/- 291 g). Patients were supported
      with continuous positive airway pressure (40%), noninvasive positive pressure
      ventilation (16%), mechanical ventilation (18%), and high-frequency oscillation
      ventilation (24%). PaCO2 was measured using either capillary (58%) or arterial
      (42%) samples. Mean CO2 did not differ between tcPCO2 (51.3 +/- 16) and PaCO2
      (49.1 +/- 13.7) mm Hg. tcPCO2 showed positive correlation with partial pressure
      of CO2 (r = 0.6, p < 0.001). This correlation continued to be significant after
      controlling for GA, postmenstrual age, type of sample, and pH. No skin
      complications were reported. Conclusion tcPCO2 monitoring using a temperature of
      41 degrees C is feasible and reliable in VLBW infants.

PMID- 27673756
TI  - Ab Initio Potential for H3O+ -> H+ + H2O: A Step to a Many-Body Representation of
      the Hydrated Proton?
AB  - We report a new potential energy surface (PES) for hydronium that dissociates to
      H+ + H2O. The PES is a permutationally invariant fit to a data set of nearly
      100,000 electronic energies, of which most are CCSD(T)-F12/aug-cc-pVQZ, plus a
      small set of MRCI-aug-cc-pVTZ diabatic energies in the region where the CCSD(T)
      method fails. The long-range part of the PES is described accurately by a
      classical Coulomb interaction between the proton and H2O using partial charges
      obtained from an accurate, full-dimensional dipole moment surface. A switching
      function connects the fitted PES to this long-range interaction.The fidelity of
      this global PES is determined by a combination of standard geometry and harmonic
      analyses at the minimum and inversion saddle point. In addition, VSCF/VCI
      calculations of the fundamentals and tunneling splittings are reported; all of
      these are within 3 cm-1 or less of experimental values. A diffusion Monte Carlo
      calculation is also reported for the zero-point state. The PES is used in a two
      body representation of the interaction of the proton with two water molecules,
      including a 2-body H2O-H2O interaction, and is shown to give a realistic
      description of the Zundel cation H5O2+. This demonstrates that the PES may be
      usable as a component in a many-body potential describing the hydrated proton,
      especially for vibrational calculations of protonated water clusters.

PMID- 27673755
TI  - Evaluation of pancreatic VMAT2 binding with active and inactive enantiomers of
      18F-FP-DTBZ in baboons.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: 18F-Fluoropropyl-(+)-dihydrotetrabenazine (18F-FP-(+)-DTBZ) is a
      vesicular monoamine transporter type 2 (VMAT2) radiotracer for positron emission
      tomography (PET) imaging to quantify human beta-cell mass. Renal cortex and
      spleen have been suggested as reference regions, however, little is known about
      18F-FP-(+)-DTBZ binding in these regions including the fraction of
      radiometabolite. We compared the kinetics of 18F-FP-(+)-DTBZ and its inactive
      enantiomer 18F-FP-(-)-DTBZ in baboons, estimated the non-displaceable binding
      (VND) of the tracers, and used ex vivo studies to measure radiometabolite
      fractions. METHODS: PET scans were conducted for up to 4h with (+) and (-)
      enantiomers. Displacement experiments using unlabeled (+) and (-) enantiomers of
      FP-DTBZ and fluvoxamine (to evaluate sigma-1 receptor binding) were performed.
      SUV curves were used to calculate displacement values in the pancreas, renal
      cortex, and spleen. Distribution volumes (VT) were computed, and three approaches
      for calculation of VND were compared: (1) 18F-FP-(+)-DTBZ reference VT, (2) 18F
      FP-(-)-DTBZ pancreatic VT, and (3) a scaled 18F-FP-(+)-DTBZ reference VT values.
      Ex vivo study was conducted to measure radiometabolite fraction in homogenized
      tissue samples from baboons at 90min post-injection. RESULTS: Spleen uptake was
      lowest for both tracers. Highest uptake was in the pancreas with 18F-FP-(+)-DTBZ
      and renal cortex with 18F-FP-(-)-DTBZ. Substantial displacement effect was
      observed only with unlabeled FP-(+)-DTBZ in the 18F-FP-(+)-DTBZ studies.
      Radiometabolite fraction was higher in the renal cortex than the spleen.
      Approaches (1) and (3) with spleen to estimate VND provided lowest inter-subject
      variability of BPND. CONCLUSIONS: VT differences among organs and between
      enantiomers indicated that scaling of reference region values is needed for
      quantification of VMAT2 binding in the pancreas with 18F-FP-(+)-DTBZ. Since the
      kidney PET signal has greater partial volume averaging and more radiometabolites,
      the spleen was considered a more practical candidate for use as a scaled
      reference region in the quantification of 18F-FP-(+)-DTBZ in the pancreas.

PMID- 27673757
TI  - Detection of different categories of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in a multi
      regional study comparing the clinical sensitivity of hepatitis B surface antigen
      and HBV-DNA testing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Twenty-two users of individual donation nucleic acid amplification
      technology (ID-NAT) in six geographical regions provided detailed hepatitis B
      virus (HBV) infection data in first-time, lapsed, and repeat donations and
      classified confirmed HBV-positive donors into different infection categories.
      These data were used to compare the clinical sensitivity of hepatitis B surface
      antigen (HBsAg) and HBV-DNA testing. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In total
      10,981,776 donations from South Africa, Egypt, the Mediterranean, North and
      Central Europe, South East Asia, and Oceania were screened for HBV-DNA using the
      Ultrio assay (Grifols/Hologic) and for HBsAg using a chemiluminescence
      immunoassay, and 9455 HBV-infected donations were identified. HBsAg-negative
      window period (WP), HBsAg-positive and occult HBV infection (OBI) stages were
      determined using supplemental serology, quantitative polymerase chain reaction,
      and replicate multiplex and discriminatory HBV NAT test strategies. For two
      regions, additional data sets using the more sensitive Ultrio Plus assay were
      assessed. RESULTS: Regional HBV detection rates in first-time donors varied
      between 0.08% and 1.07%, with WP NAT yield rates varying between 1:7700 and
      1:294,000 and OBI NAT yield rates varying from 1:3900 to 1:59,000. HBsAg CLIA
      detected 97.0% of infections in first-time donors, 62.7% in lapsed donors, and
      41.0% in repeat donors; whereas Ultrio detected 93.1%, 95.0%, and 98.3% of
      infections in these respective groups. HBV-DNA detection rates in HBsAg-positive
      donors varied from 90.2% to 96.3% between regions but increased significantly
      (range, 95.2-98.2%) with the Ultrio Plus assay. CONCLUSION: ID-NAT and serology
      are complementary in detecting HBV infection in first-time donors, but HBV-DNA is
      superior to HBsAg detection in repeat donors.

PMID- 27673858
TI  - The Role of Stereotactic Radiosurgery in the Reirradiation of Metastatic Spinal
      Tumors.

PMID- 27673859
TI  - A Phase I/II Trial of 5 Fraction Stereotactic Radiosurgery With 5-mm Margins With
      Concurrent and Adjuvant Temozolomide in Newly Diagnosed Supratentorial
      Glioblastoma Multiforme.

PMID- 27673860
TI  - Initial Report on Safety and Lesion Response of Melanoma Brain Metastases After
      Stereotactic Radiosurgery or Hypofractionated Radiation Therapy in Patients
      Receiving Concurrent Pembrolizumab.

PMID- 27673861
TI  - Clinical and Quality of Life Implications of Vertebral Compression Fracture
      Following Spine Radiosurgery.

PMID- 27673862
TI  - Comparison of Invasive and Noninvasive Frame for Set-up Error Accuracy in
      Intracranial Radiation Therapy-An Indian Institute Experience.

PMID- 27673863
TI  - Echoplanar Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Imaging Before and Following
      Radiation Therapy in Patients With High-Grade Glioma.

PMID- 27673864
TI  - Exploration of an Appropriate Threshold Value of a Novel 18F-ALF-NOTA-PRGD2
      Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography to Contour Tumor Volume of
      Glioblastoma Multiforme.

PMID- 27673865
TI  - Influence of Molecular Subgroups and Systemic Therapy on Outcomes of Metastatic
      Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Brain Metastases.

PMID- 27673866
TI  - Imaging and Clinical Profile Following Concurrent Stereotactic Radiation and
      Immune Therapy for Melanoma Brain Metastases: Preliminary Results.

PMID- 27673867
TI  - A Comparison of Brain and Hippocampal Dosimetry With Protons or Intensity
      Modulated Radiation Therapy Planning for Unilateral Glioblastoma.

PMID- 27673868
TI  - Outcomes for Metastatic Melanoma Treated With Stereotactic Radiosurgery In the
      Era of Targeted Systemic Therapies.

PMID- 27673869
TI  - Low Levels of Acute Toxicity Associated With Proton Therapy for Low-Grade Glioma:
      A Proton Collaborative Group Study.

PMID- 27676070
TI  - Thermal Decomposition of Isopropyl Nitrate: Kinetics and Products.
AB  - Kinetics and products of the thermal decomposition of isopropyl nitrate (IPN,
      C3H7NO3) have been studied using a low pressure flow reactor combined with a
      quadrupole mass spectrometer. The rate constant of IPN decomposition was measured
      as a function of pressure (1-12.5 Torr of helium) and temperature in the range
      473-658 K using two methods: from kinetics of nitrate loss and those of reaction
      product (CH3 radical) formation. The fit of the observed falloff curves with two
      parameter expression [Formula: see text] provided the following low and high
      pressure limits for the rate constant of IPN decomposition: k0 = 6.60 * 10-5exp(
      15190/T) cm3 molecule-1 s-1 and kinfinity = 1.05 * 1016 exp(-19850/T) s-1,
      respectively, which allows one to determine (via the above expression) the values
      of k1 (with 20% uncertainty) in the temperature and pressure range of the study.
      It was observed that thermal decomposition of IPN proceeds through initial
      breaking of the O-NO2 bond, leading to formation of NO2 and isopropoxy radical
      (CH3)2CHO, which rapidly decomposes forming CH3 and acetaldehyde as final
      products. The yields of NO2, CH3, and acetaldehyde upon decomposition of
      isopropyl nitrate were measured to be (0.98 +/- 0.15), (0.96 +/- 0.14), and (0.99
      +/- 0.15), respectively. In addition, the kinetic data were used to determine the
      O-NO2 bond dissociation energy in isopropyl nitrate, 38.2 +/- 4.0 kcal mol-1.

PMID- 27676071
TI  - Dietary Reversal Ameliorates Short- and Long-Term Memory Deficits Induced by High
      fat Diet Early in Life.
AB  - A high-fat diet (HFD), one of the major factors contributing to metabolic
      syndrome, which is associated with an increased risk of neurodegenerative
      diseases, leads to insulin resistance and cognitive impairment. It is not known
      whether these alterations are improved with dietary intervention. To investigate
      the long-term impact of a HFD on hippocampal insulin signaling and memory, C57BL6
      mice were placed into one of three groups based on the diet: a standard diet
      (control), a HFD, or a HFD for 16 weeks and then the standard diet for 8 weeks
      (HF16). HFD-induced impairments in glucose tolerance and hippocampal insulin
      signaling occurred concurrently with deficits in both short- and long-term
      memory. Furthermore, these conditions were improved with dietary intervention;
      however, the HFD-induced decrease in insulin receptor expression in the
      hippocampus was not altered with dietary intervention. Our results demonstrate
      that memory deficits due to the consumption of a HFD at an early age are
      reversible.

PMID- 27676074
TI  - Selective deuteration of [(pyridylmethyl)sulfinyl]benzimidazole antisecretory
      drugs. A NMR study where DMSO-d6 acts as deuteration agent.
AB  - The use of deuterated drug bioisosteres to obtain superior pharmacokinetic
      properties or to investigate biotransformations at the molecular level is a
      growing field of pharmaceutical research. This work presents a NMR study on the
      deuteration of three structurally related antisecretory proton-pump inhibitors,
      the sodium salts of esomeprazole, 1, pantoprazole, 2, and rabeprazole, 3. It has
      been found that the methylene adjacent to the sulfinyl group displays
      stereoselective deuteration when the sodium salts of these products are dissolved
      at room temperature in D2O or CD3OD, a process that also occurs very efficiently
      in DMSO-d6 (a solvent considered non-deuterating) if a catalytic amount of NaOH
      is added. The stereoselectivity of the deuteration is consequence of the
      asymmetry around the sulfur atom of the sulfinyl group, and the rate of the H-D
      exchange seems to be mainly related to the polarity of the solvents. In addition,
      unusually long-range (up to seven bonds) NMR deuterium isotopic effects on proton
      have been detected. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations (DFT/6-31G**)
      have been performed on the rotamers about the CH2SO bond of 1, as well as about
      the equivalent bond in its entiol, N-anion, and entiolate. Less conformers than
      possible were obtained in all cases indicating strong preference for some spatial
      dispositions. Computed NMR shielding agrees with the experimentally obtained
      chemical shifts and help in identifying the most accessible diastereotopic
      hydrogen.

PMID- 27676073
TI  - PARAQUAT TOLERANCE3 Is an E3 Ligase That Switches off Activated Oxidative
      Response by Targeting Histone-Modifying PROTEIN METHYLTRANSFERASE4b.
AB  - Oxidative stress is unavoidable for aerobic organisms. When abiotic and biotic
      stresses are encountered, oxidative damage could occur in cells. To avoid this
      damage, defense mechanisms must be timely and efficiently modulated. While the
      response to oxidative stress has been extensively studied in plants, little is
      known about how the activated response is switched off when oxidative stress is
      diminished. By studying Arabidopsis mutant paraquat tolerance3, we identified the
      genetic locus PARAQUAT TOLERANCE3 (PQT3) as a major negative regulator of
      oxidative stress tolerance. PQT3, encoding an E3 ubiquitin ligase, is rapidly
      down-regulated by oxidative stress. PQT3 has E3 ubiquitin ligase activity in
      ubiquitination assay. Subsequently, we identified PRMT4b as a PQT3-interacting
      protein. By histone methylation, PRMT4b upregulates the expression of APX1 and
      GPX1, encoding two key enzymes against oxidative stress. On the other hand,
      PRMT4b is recognized by PQT3 for targeted degradation via 26S proteasome.
      Therefore, we have identified PQT3 as an E3 ligase that acts as a negative
      regulator of activated response to oxidative stress and found that histone
      modification by PRMT4b at APX1 and GPX1 loci plays an important role in oxidative
      stress tolerance.

PMID- 27676072
TI  - Exploration of Friendship Experiences, before and after Illness Onset in Females
      with Anorexia Nervosa: A Qualitative Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Difficulties with social relationships have been implicated in both
      the development and maintenance of Anorexia Nervosa (AN) but the friendship
      experiences of individuals with AN have not been explored in depth. METHOD: Ten
      adults with AN took part in a semi-structured interview about their friendship
      experiences both before and since the onset of their illness. RESULTS: Five
      principle themes were identified through thematic analysis: Social Concern;
      Impact of AN; Social Connectedness; Inflexibility and Preferred Social Activity.
      Difficulties with friendship were present prior to the onset of AN in all cases,
      with participants experiencing anxiety in relation to various aspects of their
      friendships. Participants described mixed experiences of how their AN has
      affected their friendships but most participants described having less contact
      with their friends since becoming unwell. CONCLUSION: This research highlights
      the role that social difficulties may play in the development of AN, whilst also
      emphasising the importance of addressing problems with friendship in the course
      of inpatient treatment.

PMID- 27676076
TI  - Linear, Star, and Comb Oxidation-Responsive Polymers: Effect of Branching Degree
      and Topology on Aggregation and Responsiveness.
AB  - Families of amphiphilic oxidation-responsive polymers (poly(ethylene glycol)
      polysulfides) with different architectures (linear, 4, 6, and 8-armed stars and
      10, 15, and 20-armed combs) and compositions (variable ethylene sulfide/propylene
      sulfide ratio) are prepared. In water, all the polymers assemble in spherical
      micelles, with critical micellar concentrations <0.01 mg mL-1 for all the
      branched polymers. Triple-detection gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and
      asymmetric field flow fractionation (AFFF) with dynamic and static light
      scattering detection, respectively, show an increasing compaction of the
      polymeric coil and a strong reduction of the aggregation number with increasing
      degree of branching. The key finding of this study is that the kinetics of the
      oxidative response sharply depend on the branching; in particular, it is
      highlighted that the degree of branching influences the lag time before a
      response can be observed rather than the speed of the response itself, a
      phenomenon that is attributed to a branching-dependent solubility of the oxidant
      in the polysulfide matrix.

PMID- 27676075
TI  - Flow Cytometric Methods for Indirect Analysis and Quantification of Gametogenesis
      in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (Chlorophyceae).
AB  - Induction of sexual reproduction in the facultatively sexual Chlamydomonas
      reinhardtii is cued by depletion of nitrogen. We explore the capacity for
      indirect monitoring of population variation in the gametogenic process using flow
      cytometry. We describe a high-throughput method capable of identifying
      fluorescence, ploidy and scatter profiles that track vegetative cells entering
      and undergoing gametogenesis. We demonstrate for the first time, that very early
      and late growth phases reduce the capacity to distinguish putative gametes from
      vegetative cells based on scatter and fluorescence profiles, and that early/mid
      logarithmic cultures show the optimal distinction between vegetative cells and
      gamete scatter profiles. We argue that early/mid logarithmic cultures are
      valuable in such high throughput comparative approaches when investigating
      optimisation or quantification of gametogenesis based on scatter and fluorescence
      profiles. This approach provides new insights into the impact of culture
      conditions on gametogenesis, while documenting novel scatter and fluorescence
      profile shifts which typify the process. This method has potential applications
      to; enabling quick high-throughput monitoring, uses in increasing efficiency in
      the quantification of gametogenesis, as a method of comparing the switch between
      vegetative and gametic states across treatments, and as criteria for enrichment
      of gametic phenotypes in cell sorting assays.

PMID- 27676078
TI  - Degradation of tricyclazole: Effect of moisture, soil type, elevated carbon
      dioxide and Blue Green Algae (BGA).
AB  - Pesticide persistence and degradation in soil are influenced by factors like soil
      characteristics, light, moisture etc. Persistence of tricyclazole was studied
      under different soil moisture regimes viz., dry, field capacity and submerged in
      two different soil types viz., Inceptisol and Ultisol from Delhi and Karnataka,
      respectively. Tricyclazole dissipated faster in submerged (t1/2 160.22-177.05d)
      followed by field capacity (t1/2 167.17-188.07d) and dry (t1/2 300.91-334.35d) in
      both the soil types. Half-life of tricyclazole in Delhi field capacity soil
      amended with Blue Green Algae (BGA), was 150.5d as compared to 167.1d in
      unamended soil. In Karnataka soil amended with BGA the half-lives were 177.0d
      compared to 188.0d in unamended soil, indicating that BGA amendment enhanced the
      rate of dissipation of in both the selected soils. Tricyclazole was found to be
      stable in water over a pH range of 3-9, the half life in paddy field was 60.20d
      and 5.47d in paddy soil and paddy water, respectively. Statistical analysis and
      Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) revealed significant effect of moisture
      regime, organic matter and atmospheric CO2 level on dissipation of tricyclazole
      from soil and pH of water (at 95% confidence level p<0.0001).

PMID- 27676077
TI  - Extreme Wildlife Declines and Concurrent Increase in Livestock Numbers in Kenya:
      What Are the Causes?
AB  - There is growing evidence of escalating wildlife losses worldwide. Extreme
      wildlife losses have recently been documented for large parts of Africa,
      including western, Central and Eastern Africa. Here, we report extreme declines
      in wildlife and contemporaneous increase in livestock numbers in Kenya rangelands
      between 1977 and 2016. Our analysis uses systematic aerial monitoring survey data
      collected in rangelands that collectively cover 88% of Kenya's land surface. Our
      results show that wildlife numbers declined on average by 68% between 1977 and
      2016. The magnitude of decline varied among species but was most extreme (72-88%)
      and now severely threatens the population viability and persistence of warthog,
      lesser kudu, Thomson's gazelle, eland, oryx, topi, hartebeest, impala, Grevy's
      zebra and waterbuck in Kenya's rangelands. The declines were widespread and
      occurred in most of the 21 rangeland counties. Likewise to wildlife, cattle
      numbers decreased (25.2%) but numbers of sheep and goats (76.3%), camels (13.1%)
      and donkeys (6.7%) evidently increased in the same period. As a result, livestock
      biomass was 8.1 times greater than that of wildlife in 2011-2013 compared to 3.5
      times in 1977-1980. Most of Kenya's wildlife (ca. 30%) occurred in Narok County
      alone. The proportion of the total "national" wildlife population found in each
      county increased between 1977 and 2016 substantially only in Taita Taveta and
      Laikipia but marginally in Garissa and Wajir counties, largely reflecting greater
      wildlife losses elsewhere. The declines raise very grave concerns about the
      future of wildlife, the effectiveness of wildlife conservation policies,
      strategies and practices in Kenya. Causes of the wildlife declines include
      exponential human population growth, increasing livestock numbers, declining
      rainfall and a striking rise in temperatures but the fundamental cause seems to
      be policy, institutional and market failures. Accordingly, we thoroughly evaluate
      wildlife conservation policy in Kenya. We suggest policy, institutional and
      management interventions likely to succeed in reducing the declines and restoring
      rangeland health, most notably through strengthening and investing in community
      and private wildlife conservancies in the rangelands.

PMID- 27676079
TI  - External heating of electrical cables and auto-ignition investigation.
AB  - Electric cables are now extensively used for both residential and industrial
      applications. During more than twenty years, multi-scale approaches have been
      developed to study fire behavior of such cables that represents a serious
      challenge. Cables are rather complicated materials because they consist of an
      insulated part and jacket of polymeric materials. These polymeric materials can
      have various chemical structures, thicknesses and additives and generally have a
      char-forming tendency when exposed to heat source. In this work, two test methods
      are used for the characterization of cable pyrolysis and flammability. The first
      one permits the investigation of cable pyrolysis. A description of the cable mass
      loss is obtained, coupling an Arrhenius expression with a 1D thermal model of
      cables heating. Numerical results are successfully compared with experimental
      data obtained for two types of cable commonly used in French nuclear power
      plants. The second one is devoted to ignition investigations (spontaneous or
      piloted) of these cables. All these basic observations, measurements and
      modelling efforts are of major interest for a more comprehensive fire resistance
      evaluation of electric cables.

PMID- 27676080
TI  - Evaluation of a battery of marine species-based bioassays against raw and treated
      municipal wastewaters.
AB  - The present study evaluates a battery of marine species-based bioassays against
      chemically characterized municipal wastewater samples (raw and WWTP treated). We
      estimated Dunaliella tertiolecta growth rate inhibition (24-96h IC50 values),
      Artemia franciscana immobilization (24h LC50 values), mussel hemocytes viability
      and lipid peroxidation enhancement (in terms of neutral red retention assay/NRRT
      and malondialdehyde/MDA content, respectively) in influent- and WWTP effluent
      treated species. We found algal growth arrest and stimulation respectively,
      almost similar 24hLC50 values in Artemia sp., and significantly higher adverse
      effects (in terms of NRRT and MDA levels) in influent-treated mussel hemocytes.
      Furthermore, the estimation of hatchability, yolk-sac larvae mortality (24
      120hLC50) and spinal deformities (SD) in sea bream Sparus aurata showed slight
      variations over time, with the lowest LC50 and SD50 (representing spinal
      deformities at 50% of yolk-sac larvae) values to be observed in influent-treated
      larvae at 120h. Data interpretation (both chemical and biological) revealed that
      toxic endpoints, such as NRRT50, 96hIC50Dun, 120hLC50Sparus and 120hSD50Sparus,
      significantly related to WWTP removal efficiency and further mediated by the
      presence of dominant compounds, such as As and Cr, could be used for identifying
      main components of toxicity in wastewaters.

PMID- 27676082
TI  - Shape Effects on Electronic States of Nanocrystals.
AB  - High-performance supercomputing and high-fidelity atomistic methods are used to
      study the shape effects on the single-particle electronic states of nanocrystals.
      We found that the shape can be used as an efficient way to control the electronic
      structures of the nanocrystals. Changing the shape is more flexible and provides
      more variety of electronic states than simply changing the size of the system.
      The special features of the electronic states achieved by different shapes of the
      nanocrystals can be used in various device applications. Simple rules are
      summarized to predict the electronic structure shape effects on similar
      nanocrystals.

PMID- 27676081
TI  - Citric Acid for Nocturnal Muscle Cramps.

PMID- 27676083
TI  - Test Pricing and Reimbursement in Genomic Medicine: Towards a General Strategy.
AB  - This paper aims to provide an overview of the rationale and basic principles
      guiding the governance of genomic testing services, to clarify their objectives,
      and allocate and define responsibilities among stakeholders in a health-care
      system, with a special focus on the EU countries. Particular attention is paid to
      issues pertaining to pricing and reimbursement policies, the availability of
      essential genomic tests which differs between various countries owing to
      differences in disease prevalence and public health relevance, the prescribing
      and use of genomic testing services according to existing or new guidelines,
      budgetary and fiscal control, the balance between price and access to innovative
      testing, monitoring and evaluation for cost-effectiveness and safety, and the
      development of research capacity. We conclude that addressing the specific items
      put forward in this article will help to create a robust policy in relation to
      pricing and reimbursement in genomic medicine. This will contribute to an
      effective and sustainable health-care system and will prove beneficial to the
      economy at large.

PMID- 27676084
TI  - Advances in the development and applications of organic-silica hybrid monoliths.
AB  - This review will concentrate on recent progress (since 2013) toward preparation
      of organic-silica hybrid monoliths and their latest applications as extraction
      and separation media largely focusing on capillary liquid chromatography and
      capillary electrochromatography. Main emphasis will be given to advancement of
      approaches relying on the sol-gel chemistry of tetra- and tri-alkoxysilanes, sol
      gel chemistry of alkoxysilanes and free-radical copolymerization with organic
      monomers, and free radical and ring-opening copolymerization of polyhedral
      oligomeric silsesquioxanes with organic monomers. Hybrid molecularly-imprinted
      polymer monoliths and hybrid monoliths made with non-silica-based precursors or
      in combination with metal alkoxides will be included as well.

PMID- 27676085
TI  - Use of Extended-Release Calcifediol to Treat Secondary Hyperparathyroidism in
      Stages 3 and 4 Chronic Kidney Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Vitamin D insufficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT)
      are associated with increased morbidity and mortality in chronic kidney disease
      (CKD) and are poorly addressed by current treatments. The present clinical
      studies evaluated extended-release (ER) calcifediol, a novel vitamin D prohormone
      repletion therapy designed to gradually correct low serum total 25-hydroxyvitamin
      D, improve SHPT control and minimize the induction of CYP24A1 and FGF23. METHODS:
      Two identical multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies
      enrolled subjects from 89 US sites. A total of 429 subjects, balanced between
      studies, with stage 3 or 4 CKD, SHPT and vitamin D insufficiency were randomized
      2:1 to receive oral ER calcifediol (30 or 60 ug) or placebo once daily at bedtime
      for 26 weeks. Most subjects (354 or 83%) completed dosing, and 298 (69%) entered
      a subsequent open-label extension study wherein ER calcifediol was administered
      without interruption for another 26 weeks. RESULTS: ER calcifediol normalized
      serum total 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations (>30 ng/ml) in >95% of per
      protocol subjects and reduced plasma intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) by at
      least 10% in 72%. The proportion of subjects receiving ER calcifediol who
      achieved iPTH reductions of >=30% increased progressively with treatment
      duration, reaching 22, 40 and 50% at 12, 26 and 52 weeks, respectively. iPTH
      lowering with ER calcifediol was independent of CKD stage and significantly
      greater than with placebo. ER calcifediol had inconsequential impact on serum
      calcium, phosphorus, FGF23 and adverse events. CONCLUSION: Oral ER calcifediol is
      safe and effective in treating SHPT and vitamin D insufficiency in CKD.

PMID- 27676087
TI  - Hydrogen-bonded polymer nanocomposites containing discrete layers of gold
      nanoparticles.
AB  - The ability to finely control the spatial location and relative concentration of
      a nanofiller within a polymer nanocomposite is desirable, especially when faced
      with fillers that are susceptible to aggregation. In the case of gold
      nanoparticles (AuNPs), spatial organization is of interest as it offers a means
      to harness optical and electrical properties, but well-defined placement of AuNPs
      within a polymer matrix is generally challenging because of phase separation.
      Here, we demonstrate for the first time the spray-assisted layer-by-layer
      assembly (LbL) of hydrogen-bonding polymer nanocomposites of poly(ethylene oxide)
      (PEO) and poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) containing discrete regions of AuNPs
      vertically positioned throughout the film structure. Analysis of the internal
      structure using cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging
      shows that the AuNP regions are clearly separated by "empty" regions of polymer
      with no drift or aggregation of the Au NPs during or after fabrication. A UV-vis
      spectroscopy study of the stimuli-responsive properties of the spray-assisted LbL
      nanocomposites shows the release of AuNPs as induced by elevating the
      environmental pH above the critical pH at which the PEO and PMAA hydrogen bonds
      are disrupted. We anticipate that this work enables the spatial organization of
      other nanofillers in stimuli-responsive hydrogen-bonding nanocomposites by spray
      assisted LbL assembly.

PMID- 27676086
TI  - Zwitterionic stealth peptide-capped 5-aminolevulinic acid prodrug nanoparticles
      for targeted photodynamic therapy.
AB  - 5-Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is a FDA-approved photodynamic therapy (PDT)
      precursor of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) used for treating various cancers. However,
      the internalization of ALA is a big challenge due to its hydrophilic nature and
      low specificity to cancer cells. In this work, ALA conjugated prodrug
      nanoparticles were prepared by conjugation of thiolated stealth peptide sequence
      CPPPPEKEKEKEKEKEDGR and hydrazone-containing ALA to gold nanoparticles (AuNPs).
      Remarkable anti-fouling ability of ALA prodrug nanoparticles in complex
      environment was achieved owing to the zwitterionic stealth peptide sequence
      EKEKEKEKEK. The release of ALA could be greatly accelerated upon incubation of
      ALA prodrug nanoparticles in lysosomal/endosomal pH (pH 5.5). Meanwhile, the
      cellular internalization could be greatly enhanced by RGD moieties. MTT results
      demonstrated that ALA prodrug nanoparticles exhibited better photodynamic
      cytotoxicity than free ALA after light irradiation, suggesting enhanced
      photodynamic therapeutic efficacy.

PMID- 27676090
TI  - Efficient Synthesis of Bibutenolide Derivatives through Oxidative Dimeric
      Cyclization-Coupling Reaction of 2,3-Allenoic Acids.

PMID- 27676089
TI  - A Cyclic Tetrapeptide ("Cyclodal") and Its Mirror-Image Isomer Are Both High
      Affinity MU Opioid Receptor Antagonists.
AB  - Head-to-tail cyclization of the MU opioid receptor (MOR) agonist [Dmt1]DALDA (H
      Dmt-d-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH2 (9; Dmt = 2',6'-dimethyltyrosine) resulted in a highly
      active, selective MOR antagonist, c[-d-Arg-Phe-Lys-Dmt-] (1) ("cyclodal"), with
      subnanomolar binding affinity. A docking study of cyclodal using the crystal
      structure of MOR in the inactive form showed a unique binding mode with the two
      basic residues of the ligand forming salt bridges with the Asp127 and Glu229
      receptor residues. Cyclodal showed high plasma stability and was able to cross
      the blood-brain barrier to reverse morphine-induced, centrally mediated analgesia
      when given intravenously. Surprisingly, the mirror-image isomer (optical
      antipode) of cyclodal, c[-Arg-d-Phe-d-Lys-d-Dmt-] (2), also turned out to be a
      selective MOR antagonist with 1 nM binding affinity, and thus, these two
      compounds represent the first example of mirror image opioid receptor ligands
      with both optical antipodes having high binding affinity. Reduction of the Lys
      Dmt peptide bond in cyclodal resulted in an analogue, c[-d-Arg-Phe
      LysPsi[CH2NH]Dmt-] (8), with MOR agonist activity.

PMID- 27676088
TI  - Angiotensin-(1-7) Selectively Induces Relaxation and Modulates Endothelium
      Dependent Dilation in Mesenteric Arteries of Salt-Fed Rats.
AB  - This study investigated the acute effects of angiotensin-(1-7) and AVE0991 on
      active tone and vasodilator responses to bradykinin and acetylcholine in isolated
      mesenteric arteries from Sprague-Dawley rats fed a high-salt (HS; 4% NaCl) versus
      a normal salt (NS; 0.4% NaCl) diet. Angiotensin-(1-7) and AVE0991 elicited
      relaxation, and angiotensin-(1-7) unmasked vasodilator responses to bradykinin in
      arteries from HS-fed rats. These effects of angiotensin-(1-7) and AVE0991 were
      inhibited by endothelium removal, A779, PD123319, HOE140 and L-NAME. Angiotensin
      (1-7) also restored the acetylcholine-induced relaxation that was suppressed by
      the HS diet. Vasodilator responses to bradykinin and acetylcholine in the
      presence of angiotensin-(1-7) were mimicked by captopril and the AT2 receptor
      agonist CGP42112 in arteries from HS-fed rats. Thus, in contrast to salt-induced
      impairment of vascular relaxation in response to vasodilator stimuli, angiotensin
      (1-7) induces endothelium-dependent and NO-mediated relaxation, unmasks
      bradykinin responses via activation of mas and AT2 receptors, and restores
      acetylcholine-induced vasodilation in HS-fed rats. AT2 receptor activation and
      angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition shared the ability of angiotensin
      (1-7) to enhance bradykinin and acetylcholine responses in HS-fed rats. These
      findings suggest a therapeutic potential for mas and/or AT2 receptor activation
      and ACE inhibition in restoring endothelial function impaired by elevated dietary
      salt intake or other pathological conditions.

PMID- 27676091
TI  - Impact of caffeine in hepatitis C virus infection: a systematic review and meta
      analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is one of the most
      common causes of cirrhosis. Several studies have linked caffeine consumption to a
      lower degree of liver fibrosis and inflammation among patients with chronic HCV
      infection, but the results were inconsistent. This meta-analysis was carried out
      with the aim of assessing the impact of caffeine consumption among HCV-infected
      patients. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: A literature search was performed using
      MEDLINE and EMBASE from inception to January 2016. Studies that reported relative
      risks, odd ratios, or hazard ratios comparing the risk of advanced liver fibrosis
      or the risk of moderate to severe liver inflammation among HCV-infected patients
      who consumed caffeine on a regular basis versus those who did not were included.
      Pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a
      random-effect, generic inverse-variance method. RESULTS: Five studies were
      included in the fibrosis analysis. The pooled OR of advanced liver fibrosis in
      HCV-infected patients who consumed caffeine on a regular basis versus those who
      did not was 0.48 (95% CI, 0.30-0.76, I=52%). Three studies were included in the
      inflammation analysis. The pooled OR of moderate to severe histologic
      inflammation among HCV-infected patients who consumed caffeine on a regular basis
      versus those who did not was 0.61 (95% CI, 0.35-1.04, I=43%). CONCLUSION: Our
      study showed a decreased risk of advanced liver fibrosis and liver inflammation
      among HCV-infected patients who consumed caffeine on a regular basis. Whether
      consumption of caffeine plays a role in the management of HCV infection requires
      further investigations.

PMID- 27676092
TI  - Screening for colorectal cancer: the role of the primary care physician.
AB  - In recent years, the role of primary care physicians (PCPs) in the diagnosis and
      management of gastrointestinal disorders, including screening for colorectal
      cancer (CRC), has been recognized as very important. The available data indicate
      that PCPs are not adequately following CRC screening guidelines because a number
      of factors have been identified as significant barriers to the proper application
      of CRC screening guidelines. These factors include lack of time, patient
      reluctance, and challenges related to scheduling colonoscopy. Further positive
      engagement of PCPs with CRC screening is required to overcome these barriers and
      reach acceptable levels in screening rates. To meet the expectations of modern
      medicine, PCPs should not only be able to recommend occult blood testing or
      colonoscopy but also, under certain conditions, able to perform colonoscopy. In
      this review, the authors aim to provide the current knowledge of the role of PCPs
      in increasing the rate and successfully implementing a screening program for CRC
      by applying the relevant international guidelines.

PMID- 27676094
TI  - Substrate-Regulated Growth of Plasma-Polymerized Films on Carbide-Forming Metals.
AB  - Although plasma polymerization is traditionally considered as a substrate
      independent process, we present evidence that the propensity of a substrate to
      form carbide bonds regulates the growth mechanisms of plasma polymer (PP) films.
      The manner by which the first layers of PP films grow determines the adhesion and
      robustness of the film. Zirconium, titanium, and silicon substrates were used to
      study the early stages of PP film formation from a mixture of acetylene,
      nitrogen, and argon precursor gases. The correlation of initial growth mechanisms
      with the robustness of the films was evaluated through incubation of coated
      substrates in simulated body fluid (SBF) at 37 degrees  for 2 months. It was
      demonstrated that the excellent zirconium/titanium-PP film adhesion is linked to
      the formation of metallic carbide and oxycarbide bonds during the initial stages
      of film formation, where a 2D-like, layer-by-layer (Frank-van der Merwe) manner
      of growth was observed. On the contrary, the lower propensity of the silicon
      surface to form carbides leads to a 3D, island-like (Volmer-Weber) growth mode
      that creates a sponge-like interphase near the substrate, resulting in inferior
      adhesion and poor film stability in SBF. Our findings shed light on the growth
      mechanisms of the first layers of PP films and challenge the property of
      substrate independence typically attributed to plasma polymerized coatings.

PMID- 27676093
TI  - A comparison of sedation with midazolam-ketamine versus propofol-fentanyl during
      endoscopy in children: a randomized trial.
AB  - PURPOSE: We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of midazolam plus ketamine
      versus fentanyl plus propofol combination administered to children undergoing
      upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGE) and to determine the most appropriate
      sedation protocol. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, randomized, single
      blind study included patients between the ages of 4 and 17 years who underwent
      UGE for diagnostic purposes. Patients were divided randomly into groups A
      (midazolam-ketamine combination, n=119) and B (fentanyl plus propofol
      combination, n=119). The effectiveness of the sedation and complications during
      the procedure and recovery period were recorded. RESULTS: The processes started
      without an additional dose of the drug for 118 patients (99.1%) in group A and
      for 101 patients (84.8%) in group B (P=0.001). The average dose of ketamine
      administered to the patients in group A was 1.03+/-0.15 mg/kg and the average
      dose of propofol administered to the patients in group B was 1.46+/-0.55 mg/kg.
      None of the patients stopped the endoscopic procedure in group A, but one patient
      (0.8%) had to discontinue the endoscopic procedure in group B. 27 patients in
      group A (22.7%) and 41 patients (34.5%) in group B developed complications during
      the procedure (P=0.044). The rate of complications during the recovery of group A
      (110 patients, 92.4%) was significantly higher than that in group B (48 patients,
      40.3%) (P=0.001). CONCLUSION: In children, UGE procedures can be quite
      comfortable when using the midazolam-ketamine combination. However, adverse
      effects related to ketamine were observed during recovery.

PMID- 27676095
TI  - Design and Synthesis of New Cell Penetrating Peptides: Diffusion and Distribution
      Inside the Cornea.
AB  - The role of cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) has been challenged in recent years
      for drug delivery to ocular tissues for the targeting of both anterior and
      posterior segments. The enhancement of trans-corneal transport for anterior
      segment targeting is a very important issue possibly leading to important
      outcomes on efficacy and to the opportunity of topical administration of
      molecules with unfavorable penetration properties. The aim of the present work
      was the design and synthesis of new CPPs, deriving from the structure of PEP-1
      peptide. Synthesized peptides were labeled with 5-carboxyfluorescein (5-FAM), and
      their diffusion behavior and distribution inside the cornea were evaluated by a
      validated ex vivo model and a confocal microscopy approach. Newly synthesized
      peptides showed similar corneal permeation profiles as PEP-1 (Papp = 0.75 +/-
      0.56 * 10-6 cm/s), about 2.6-fold higher than 5-FAM (Papp = 0.29 +/- 0.08 * 10-6
      cm/s) despite the higher molecular weight. Confocal microscopy experiments
      highlighted the tendency of PEP-1 and its derived peptides to localize in the
      intercellular space and/or in the plasma membrane. Noteworthy, using penetratin
      as positive control, a higher trans-corneal permeation (Papp = 6.18 +/- 1.46 * 10
      6 cm/s) was evidenced together with a diffusion by intracellular route and a
      different accumulation between wings and basal epithelial cells, probably
      depending on the stage of cell development. Finally, PEP-1 and pep-7 proved to be
      safe and well tolerated when tested on human conjuctival cell line.

PMID- 27676097
TI  - Direct Determination of Contaminants and Major and Minor Nutrients in Solid
      Fertilizers Using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS).
AB  - Contaminants (Cd, Cr, and Pb) as well as minor (B, Cu, Mn, Na, and Zn) and major
      (Ca and Mg) elements were directly determined in solid fertilizer samples using
      laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). Factorial designs were used to
      define the most appropriate LIBS parameters and pellet pressure on solid
      fertilizers. Emission lines for all of the analytes were collected and employed
      12 signal normalization modes. The best results were obtained using a laser
      energy of 75 mJ, a spot size of 50 MUm, a pressure of 10 t/in., and a delay of
      2.0 MUs. Good correlation was obtained between the calibration model's prediction
      using the proposed LIBS method and the reference values obtained with ICP-OES.
      The limits of detection (LOD) for the proposed method varied from 2 mg/kg (for
      Cd) to 1% (for Zn).

PMID- 27676098
TI  - Postgraduate students' perceptions of high-quality precepting in critical care
      nursing.
AB  - Education of critical care nurses in Norway consists of equal parts clinical
      practice and theoretical education. The purpose of this study was to investigate
      postgraduate students' perceptions of the one-on-one, bedside precepting they
      received during their critical care education. Two focus group interviews with
      students at a Norwegian university college were conducted, and a thematic cross
      case analysis was done. The interviewees characterized high-quality precepting as
      precepting where proper precepting strategies are applied, right priorities in
      precepting are made, the preceptor possesses desirable qualities, and there is a
      good preceptor-student relationship. High-quality precepting of postgraduate
      critical care nursing students should reflect the complexity of the profession,
      emphasizing both practical and theoretical knowledge. Strategies resembling both
      the master-apprentice model and the reflective counselling model should be
      applied. Postgraduate students' characterizations of high-quality precepting
      should be taken into consideration when preparing critical care nurses to
      undertake precepting within clinical education. Attention should be paid to the
      difference between undergraduate students and postgraduate students educating for
      a speciality.

PMID- 27676096
TI  - Evaluation of Chromane-Based Bryostatin Analogues Prepared via Hydrogen-Mediated
      C-C Bond Formation: Potency Does Not Confer Bryostatin-like Biology.
AB  - The synthesis and biological evaluation of chromane-containing bryostatin
      analogues WN-2-WN-7 and the previously reported salicylate-based analogue WN-8
      are described. Analogues WN-2-WN-7 are prepared through convergent assembly of
      the chromane-containing fragment B-I with the "binding domain" fragment A-I or
      its C26-des-methyl congener, fragment A-II. The synthesis of fragment B-I
      features enantioselective double C-H allylation of 1,3-propanediol to form the C2
      symmetric diol 3 and Heck cyclization of bromo-diene 5 to form the chromane core.
      The synthesis of salicylate WN-8 is accomplished through the union of fragments A
      III and B-II. The highest binding affinities for PKCalpha are observed for the
      C26-des-methyl analogues WN-3 (Ki = 63.9 nM) and WN-7 (Ki = 63.1 nM). All
      analogues, WN-2-WN-8, inhibited growth of Toledo cells, with the most potent
      analogue being WN-7. This response, however, does not distinguish between phorbol
      ester-like and bryostatin-like behavior. In contrast, while many of the analogues
      contain a conserved C-ring in the binding domain and other features common to
      analogues with bryostatin-like properties, all analogues evaluated in the U937
      proliferation and cell attachment assays displayed phorbol ester-like and/or
      toxic behavior, including WN-8, for which "bryostatin-like PKC modulatory
      activities" previously was suggested solely on the basis of PKC binding. These
      results underscore the importance of considering downstream biological effects,
      as tumor suppression cannot be inferred from potent PKC binding.

PMID- 27676099
TI  - Upregulation of miR-98 Inhibits Apoptosis in Cartilage Cells in Osteoarthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the effects of microRNA-98 (miR-98) on
      apoptosis in cartilage cells of osteoarthritis (OA) patients. METHODS: Knee
      cartilage tissue samples were collected from 31 OA patients, 21 autopsies, and 26
      amputation patients due to trauma. The clinicopathological data were recorded.
      Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to compare the miR
      98 expression levels from cartilage cells obtained from the OA and non-OA
      patients. Clinicopathological characteristics of the patients were also analyzed.
      Primary chondrocytes were separated from cartilage tissues and transfected with
      plasmids or siRNA to overexpress or inhibit miR-98. Annexin V-PI double staining
      and TUNEL assays were used to examine apoptosis in the primary chondrocytes after
      transfection. Finally, a rat OA model was used to confirm the effects of miR-98
      on apoptosis in cartilage cells in vivo. RESULTS: Compared with the normal
      cartilage tissues, miR-98 expression was reduced in the OA cartilage tissues (p <
      0.01). The miR-98 expression levels were also significantly correlated with the
      OA stage (p < 0.05). In vitro, transfection with the miR-98 inhibitor increased
      apoptosis in the cartilage cells (p < 0.05), and transfection with a miR-98 mimic
      inhibited apoptosis in cartilage cells (p < 0.05). In the OA rat model, exogenous
      injection of the miR-98 mimic inhibited apoptosis in the rat cartilage cells thus
      alleviating OA. CONCLUSION: MiR-98 expression is reduced in the cartilage cells
      of OA patients and the overexpression of miR-98 inhibits cartilage cell
      apoptosis, while inhibition of microRNA-98 leads to cartilage cell apoptosis.
      These findings provide a theoretical basis for the development of novel targeted
      therapies for OA.

PMID- 27676101
TI  - Comparison of Salter osteotomy and Tonnis lateral acetabuloplasty with
      simultaneous open reduction for the treatment of developmental dysplasia of the
      hip: midterm results.
AB  - The aim of this study was to compare the midterm clinical and radiological
      outcomes of the Salter osteotomy (SO) and Tonnis lateral acetabuloplasty (TLA)
      with concomitant open reduction for the treatment of developmental dysplasia of
      the hip. Twenty-five hips of 20 patients who underwent SO with open reduction and
      26 hips of 23 patients who underwent TLA with open reduction were evaluated
      retrospectively. The average age of the patients at the time of the operation was
      35.6 months in the SO and 36.6 months in the TLA group, without a statistically
      significant difference (P=0.836). The average follow-up times in the SO and TLA
      groups were 59.9 and 54.8 months, respectively (P=0.397). Preoperative (40.6
      degrees  in the SO vs. 42.2 degrees  in the TLA, P=0.451) and last follow-up
      acetabular index (12 degrees  in the SO vs. 14 degrees  in the TLA, P=0.227) and
      center-edge angle measurements (30 degrees  in the SO vs. 26 degrees  in the TLA,
      P=0.069) did not show a statistically significant difference between the SO and
      TLA groups; however, early postoperative acetabular index improvement was better
      in the TLA group than in the SO group (21.2 degrees  in the SO vs. 17.2 degrees 
      in the TLA, P=0.014). According to the Severin grading system, both groups showed
      a similar number of good outcomes without a statistically significant difference
      (P=0.936). Clinical assessment on the basis of McKay's criteria showed similar
      good and excellent outcomes (P=0.936). Both osteotomy techniques showed similar
      satisfactory outcomes for the treatment of DDH in patients older than 18 months
      of age.

PMID- 27676100
TI  - DAT1 methylation is associated with methylphenidate response on oppositional and
      hyperactive-impulsive symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine the association of the DNA methylation of DAT1 and DRD4
      gene with methylphenidate (MPH) response in attention deficit hyperactivity
      disorder (ADHD). METHODS: One hundred and eleven DSM-IV defined ADHD Chinese Han
      children were recruited. Inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity and oppositional
      symptoms were evaluated by the Swanson, Nolan and Pelham-IV-parent rating scale
      (SNAP-IV-P) at baseline and 6 weeks after MPH treatment. DNA methylation of CpG
      sites in the promoter sequences of DAT1 and DRD4 was examined for association
      with treatment response. RESULTS: Greater improvement on the SNAP-IV-P total
      score and percentage change from baseline score were both significantly
      correlated with DAT1 methylation (rho =-0.222, P = .019 and rho = -0.203, P =
      .032, respectively). A secondary analysis demonstrated that the effect of DAT1
      methylation on symptom response was primarily related to the percentage change in
      oppositional symptoms (rho = -0.242; P = .012), with a smaller significant effect
      on hyperactivity-impulsivity (rho = -0.192; P = .045). No significant correlation
      was found between the treatment effect on inattention and DAT1 methylation (rho =
      -0.101; P = .292). No significant correlation was observed between mean DRD4
      methylation and measures of treatment outcome or baseline symptoms. CONCLUSIONS:
      Our findings provide initial evidence for the involvement of the epigenetic
      alterations of DAT1 in modulating the response to MPH treatment in ADHD,
      primarily on oppositional and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.

PMID- 27676102
TI  - Pediatric pelvic pyomyositis: initial MRI can be misleading.
AB  - Pelvic pyomyositis is an infection of the skeletal muscles around the hip joint.
      Fever, hip pain, limp, and leukocytosis are common; however, the clinical picture
      is often vague. MRI is the current gold-standard imaging for pyomyositis. No
      studies in the current literature have reported an unremarkable initial MRI in a
      patient with symptomatic pyomyositis. An adolescent female presented with
      symptomatic pelvic pyomyositis, but admission MRI was normal. A follow-up MRI
      indicated development of pelvic pyomyositis. The patient was successfully managed
      nonoperatively. The initial MRI in pyomyositis can be misleading. Patients should
      be admitted and MRI should be repeated, as indicated clinically.

PMID- 27676105
TI  - Transplantation of Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Sheet Attenuates Adverse Cardiac
      Remodeling in Acute Myocardial Infarction.
AB  - Adipose-derived stem cell (ADSC) transplantation has been proposed to improve
      cardiac function and acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Recently, cell sheet
      technology has been investigated for its potential applicability in cardiac
      injury. However, a detailed comparison of the functional recovery in the injured
      myocardium between cell sheets and conventional cell injection has not been
      adequately examined. ADSCs were isolated from the inguinal fat tissue of ICR
      mice. Three groups of AMI induction only (sham), intramyocardial injection of
      ADSCs (imADSC), and ADSC sheet transplantation (shADSC) were compared by using
      rat AMI models. Engraftment of ADSCs was better sustained through 28 days in the
      shADSC group compared with the imADSC group. Ejection fraction was improved in
      both imADSC and shADSC groups compared with the sham group. Ventricular wall
      thickness in the infarct zone was higher in the shADSC group compared with both
      imADSC and sham groups. Growth factor and cytokine expression in the implanted
      heart tissue were higher in the shADSC group compared with both imADSC and sham
      groups. Furthermore, only the shADSC group showed donor-derived vessels at the
      peri-infarct zone. Taken together, these results indicate that, although shADSC
      resulted in a similar improvement in left ventricular systolic function, it
      significantly promoted cellular engraftment and upregulated growth factor and
      cytokine expression, and, ultimately, attenuated adverse cardiac remodeling in
      rat AMI models compared with imADSC.

PMID- 27676103
TI  - Effect of Secreted Molecules of Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Mesenchymal
      Stem Cells on Acute Hepatic Failure Model.
AB  - Adult tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) show tremendous promise for a
      wide array of therapeutic applications predominantly through paracrine activity.
      Recent reports showed that human embryonic stem cell (ESC)-derived MSCs are an
      alternative for regenerative cellular therapy due to manufacturing large
      quantities of MSCs from a single donor. However, no study has been reported to
      uncover the secretome of human ESC-MSCs as treatment of an acute liver failure
      (ALF) mouse model. We demonstrated that human ESC-MSCs showed similar morphology
      and cell surface markers compared with bone marrow-derived MSCs. ESC-MSCs
      exhibited a higher growth rate during early in vitro expansion, along with
      adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation potential. Treatment with ESC-MSC
      conditioned medium (CM) led to statistically significant enhancement of primary
      hepatocyte viability and increased immunomodulatory interleukin-10 secretion from
      lipopolysaccharide-induced human blood mononuclear cells. Analysis of the MSCs
      secretome by a protein array screen showed an association between higher
      frequencies of secretory proteins such as vascular endothelial growth factor
      (VEGF) and regulation of cell proliferation, cell migration, the development
      process, immune system process, and apoptosis. In this thioacetamide-induced
      mouse model of acute liver injury, we observed that systemic infusion of VEGF led
      to significant survival. These data have provided the first experimental evidence
      of the therapeutic potential of human ESC-MSC-derived molecules. These molecules
      show trophic support to hepatocytes, which potentially creates new avenues for
      the treatment of ALF, as an inflammatory condition.

PMID- 27676107
TI  - Skin Care Special Issue: Diaper Dermatitis and Extremely Preterm Infant Skin
      Care.

PMID- 27676108
TI  - Issues in Newborn Skin Care.

PMID- 27676106
TI  - Protective Effects of Gallic Acid Against NiSO4-Induced Toxicity Through Down
      Regulation of the Ras/ERK Signaling Pathway in Beas-2B Cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND This study aimed to explore the preventive effects of gallic acid (GA)
      on the toxicity induced by NiSO4 in Beas-2B cells. MATERIAL AND METHODS Beas-2B
      cell viability was measured by MTT assay. The degree of oxidative stress was
      detected by measuring the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid
      peroxide (LPO). The rate of apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry. Ras/ERK
      related protein levels were analyzed by Western blot analysis, which including
      Ras, ERK, c-Myc, PARP, and PARP cleavage. RESULTS MTT assay showed that NiSO4
      induced cytotoxicity, while GA had a protective role against toxicity.
      Additionally, GA could reduce the apoptotic cell number and the level of ROS in
      Beas-2B cells induced by NiSO4. Western blot analysis demonstrated that NiSO4
      could up-regulate the related protein in the Ras/ERK signaling pathway.
      Furthermore, we observed that GA could alleviate the toxicity of NiSO4 through
      regulating protein changes in the Ras/ERK signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS
      Preventive effects of GA on NiSO4-induced cytotoxicity in Beas-2B cells may be
      through the Ras/ERK signaling pathways.

PMID- 27676109
TI  - Bathing and Beyond: Current Bathing Controversies for Newborn Infants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bathing the newborn infant is controversial, ranging from how and
      when to give the newborn their first bath, whether to bathe newborns at all in
      the initial days of life, and how to approach bathing the hospitalized premature
      and full-term infant in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). PURPOSE: To
      review relevant literature about bathing newborn infants, as well as examine the
      controversies about bathing NICU patients including the use of daily
      chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) baths. FINDINGS: Despite studies showing that
      temperature can be maintained when the first bath was at 1 hour after delivery,
      there are benefits from delaying the bath including improved breastfeeding. Tub
      or immersion bathing improves temperature, and is less stressful. It is not
      necessary to bathe infants every day, and premature infants can be bathed as
      little as every 4 days without an increase in skin colonization. No differences
      have been reported in skin parameters such as pH, transepidermal water loss, and
      stratum corneum hydration whether the first and subsequent baths are given using
      water alone or water and a mild baby cleanser. Concerns about systemic absorption
      suggests caution about widespread practice of daily CHG bathing in the NICU until
      it is known whether CHG crosses the blood-brain barrier, particularly in
      premature infants. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH: Research regarding
      bathing practices for NICU patients should be evidence-based whenever possible,
      such as the benefits of immersion bathing. More evidence about the risks and
      benefits of daily CHG bathing is needed before this practice is widely
      disseminated.

PMID- 27676110
TI  - Diaper Dermatitis: What Do We Do Next?
AB  - Diaper dermatitis is a major issue among hospitalized infants, leading to
      increased medical costs, pain, risk for infection, and distress among patients
      and caregivers. An evidence-based algorithm for prevention and treatment of
      diaper dermatitis was developed and introduced in a level IV neonatal intensive
      care unit (NICU). Two cases are discussed as examples of severe diaper
      dermatitis. The first case demonstrates the final case of severe diaper
      dermatitis since the introduction of the algorithm. The second case demonstrates
      a less severe, but equally frustrating, case of diaper dermatitis that occurred
      after the practice of using the algorithm was established. The need for
      consistency in the prevention and treatment of diaper dermatitis is paramount to
      providing quality care. There are a number of points within the bedside care
      regimen where breakdown in consistency occurs. The adherence to consistent and
      evidence-based treatment regimens has the potential to decrease the incidence and
      severity of diaper dermatitis in high-risk hospitalized infants. Initiation of an
      evidence-based algorithm to assist in the prevention and treatment of diaper
      dermatitis can be supported by data of the number of cases of diaper dermatitis
      collected before and after implementing the algorithm. The information can
      further assist in continued education and pursuance of investigation of other
      major skin injuries in NICU patients. The importance surrounding infant skin care
      and building awareness surrounding all of the facets of skin care in this
      vulnerable population demonstrate the benefits to quality outcomes and care.

PMID- 27676111
TI  - Extremely Preterm Infant Skin Care: A Transformation of Practice Aimed to Prevent
      Harm.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The skin of extremely preterm infants is underdeveloped and has poor
      barrier function. Skin maintenance interventions initiated in the neonatal
      intensive care unit (NICU) have immediate and lifelong implications when the
      potential for infection, allergen sensitization, and altered aesthetic outcomes
      are considered. In addition, the high-level medical needs of extremely preterm
      infants demand skin-level medical interventions that too often result in
      unintended skin harm. PURPOSE: We describe the use of a harm prevention, or
      consequence-centered, approach to skin care, which facilitates safer practice for
      extremely premature infants. METHOD: Neonatal and pediatric Advanced Practice
      Registered Nurses (APRN) came together for monthly meetings to review the
      evidence around best skin care practices for extremely preterm infants, with an
      emphasis on reduction of skin harm. Findings were focused on the population of
      interest and clinical implementation strategies. FINDINGS: Skin care for
      extremely preterm infants remains overlooked by current literature. However,
      clinical practice pearls were extracted and applied in a manner that promotes
      safer skin care practices in the NICU. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Gentle
      adhesives, such as silicone tapes and hydrogel-backed electrodes, can help to
      reduce medical adhesive-related skin injuries. Diaper wipes are not appropriate
      for use among extremely preterm infants, as many ingredients may contain
      potential allergens. Skin cleansers should be pH neutral to the skin and the
      prophylactic use of petrolatum-based emollients should be avoided. IMPLICATIONS
      FOR RESEARCH: Further exploration and understanding of skin care practices that
      examine issues of true risk versus hypothetical risk of harm.

PMID- 27676112
TI  - Infant Skin Care Products: What Are the Issues?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Infant skin is susceptible to dryness and irritation from external
      factors, including topical skin care products not formulated for the infant's
      skin. This may increase the risk of contact dermatitis. Parents frequently
      express concern regarding potential harm from ingredients in skin care products
      and seek information. This is complicated by several skin care myths. PURPOSE:
      The purpose of this literature review was to provide evidence-based information
      to educate parents on the use of products for preterm and term infants. SEARCH
      STRATEGY: Multiple searches using PubMed were conducted including the search
      terms "infant skin care," "infant products," "infant bath," "emollients," "diaper
      skin care," and "diaper wipes." Reference lists of comprehensive reviews were
      also scanned. Google searches were used to assess consumer information, product
      information, and regulatory guidelines. FINDINGS: There is little scientific
      evidence to support safety of natural/organic products on infant skin. Raw
      materials originate from different sources, complicating testing and comparisons
      of ingredients. Research shows that cleansers formulated for infant skin do not
      weaken the skin barrier the way harsher soaps and detergents can. Oils with the
      lowest oleic acid content provide a lower risk of irritant contact dermatitis.
      IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Nurses must be informed about natural and organic
      products, preservatives, and fragrances and know the definition of commonly used
      marketing terms. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH: Decisions regarding the use of infant
      products in preterm and term infants should be evidence based. More research is
      needed to support claims regarding the safety of products used on infant skin.

PMID- 27676113
TI  - Skin Rounds: A Quality Improvement Approach to Enhance Skin Care in the Neonatal
      Intensive Care Unit.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Skin injuries are common among neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
      patients and may lead to significant complications. Standardized methods of
      preventing, detecting, and treating skin injuries are needed. PURPOSE: The aim of
      this project was to standardize the assessment, documentation, and tracking of
      skin injuries among hospitalized neonatal patients and to determine the incidence
      of pressure ulcers in this patient population. METHODS: (1) Creation of an
      interdisciplinary skin team to identify skin injuries through weekly skin rounds.
      (2) Assessment of all patients at least twice daily for the presence of skin
      injuries. Interventions were implemented upon identification of a skin injury.
      Pressure ulcers of Stage II or more were further assessed by wound/ostomy nurses.
      FINDINGS: A total of 2299 NICU patients were hospitalized and assessed between
      July 2011 and December 2015. After the initiation of skin rounds, the baseline
      incidence of pressure ulcers increased from 0.49 per 1000 patient days to 4.6 per
      1000 patient days, reflecting an improvement in detection and reporting. The most
      common skin injuries detected included erythema, skin tears, and ecchymosis; the
      most common cause of injuries was medical devices. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: A
      dedicated skin team can improve the detection and reporting of skin injuries
      among NICU patients. Determination of the incidence of pressure ulcers in this
      population is critical to develop targeted interventions. IMPLICATIONS FOR
      RESEARCH: Further research is needed to determine the most effective
      interventions to prevent and treat skin injuries among hospitalized neonates.

PMID- 27676114
TI  - Correction: Allosteric signalling in the outer membrane translocation domain of
      PapC usher.

PMID- 27676115
TI  - Pregnant women with substance use disorders: The intersection of history, ethics,
      and advocacy.
AB  - Pregnant women with substance use disorders face many obstacles, including
      obtaining evidence-based treatment and care. This article (1) briefly reviews the
      history of pregnant women in clinical trials and substance use disorders
      treatment research; (2) identifies current ethical issues facing researchers
      studying pregnant women with substance use disorders; (3) presents and describes
      an ethical framework to utilize; and (4) identifies future directions needed to
      develop appropriate research and treatment policies and practices. Current
      research is not providing enough information to clinicians, policy-makers, and
      the public about maternal and child health and substance use disorders, and the
      data will not be sufficient to offer maximum benefit until protocols are changed.

PMID- 27676116
TI  - Pistacia lentiscus fruit oil reduces oxidative stress in human skin explants
      caused by hydrogen peroxide.
AB  - We investigated the efficacy of Pistacia lentiscus fruit oil (PLFO) for
      protecting human skin from damage due to oxidative stress. PLFO contains natural
      antioxidants including polyphenols, sterols and tocopherols. We compared the
      antioxidant potential of PLFO with extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). Explants of
      healthy adult human skin were grown in culture with either PLFO or EVOO before
      adding hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). We also used cultured skin explants to
      investigate the effects of PLFO on lipid oxidation and depletion of endogenous
      antioxidant defense enzymes including glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide
      dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) one day after 2 h exposure to H2O2. We found
      that PLFO scavenged radicals and protected skin against oxidative injury. PLFO
      exhibited greater antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity than EVOO.
      Skin explants treated with PLFO inhibited H2O2 induced MDA formation by
      inhibition of lipid oxidation. In addition, the oil inhibited H2O2 induced
      depletion of antioxidant defense enzymes including GPx, SOD and CAT. We found
      that treatment with PLFO repaired skin damage owing to its antioxidant
      properties.

PMID- 27676117
TI  - Miniperc vs Shockwave Lithotripsy for Average-Sized, Radiopaque Lower Pole
      Calculi: A Prospective Randomized Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: To detect safety and feasibility of miniperc and extracorporeal
      shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) for treatment of average-sized (1-2 cm), radiopaque
      lower pole calculi in a prospective randomized manner. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In
      the period from January 2014 to June 2015, 150 patients were attached to this
      study with single lower pole radiopaque stone ranging from 10 to 20 mm. Patients
      were divided randomly into two groups using computer-generated randomization in
      an equal manner. First group patients were subjected to miniperc procedure, while
      second group patients underwent SWL. Patient's characters, stones' characters,
      fluoroscopic time, operative time, blood transfusion, hospital stay, retreatment,
      auxiliary procedure (AP), and complications using modified Clavien grading are
      tabulated and analyzed. RESULTS: This study included two equal groups with 75
      patients in each group. With regard to age (37.75 +/- 11.25 vs 40.55 +/- 10.55),
      body mass index (26.92 +/- 2.26 vs 27.29 +/- 2.87), and stone size (1.55 +/- 0.28
      vs 1.57 +/- 0.26), there was no significant statistical difference in both
      groups. Stone-free rate (SFR) (76% vs 96%), operative time (44.81 +/- 7.06 vs
      93.37 +/- 12.29 minutes), fluoroscopy time (53 +/- 2.45 vs 180 +/- 7.31 seconds),
      hospital stay (5.72 +/- 1.01 vs 45.19 +/- 8.48 hour), and blood transfusion were
      significantly more in the miniperc group. Retreatment rate (45.3% vs 2.7%) and AP
      (24% vs 4%) were significantly greater in the SWL group. CONCLUSION: SWL is less
      invasive than percutaneous stone removal, but it is also less effective for lower
      pole radiopaque calculi. Miniperc has better SFR and lower auxiliary and
      retreatment rates; however, it resulted in more drawbacks.

PMID- 27676118
TI  - Pooled Analysis of the Effects of Conjugated Estrogens/Bazedoxifene on Vasomotor
      Symptoms in the Selective Estrogens, Menopause, and Response to Therapy Trials.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Conjugated estrogens/bazedoxifene (CE/BZA) reduced menopause-related
      hot flashes (HFs) in the Selective estrogens, Menopause, And Response to Therapy
      (SMART) trials. This post hoc pooled analysis of SMART-1 and -2 further
      characterized effects of CE/BZA on HFs in the overall population and patient
      subgroups. METHODS: Data from two randomized, double-blind, placebo- and active
      controlled, phase 3 studies were pooled for nonhysterectomized postmenopausal
      women with moderate/severe HFs given CE 0.45 mg/BZA 20 mg, CE 0.625 mg/BZA 20 mg,
      or placebo for 12 weeks. HF frequency and severity were assessed by daily diary.
      RESULTS: The pooled analysis included 403 participants. At 12 weeks, CE 0.45
      mg/BZA 20 mg and CE 0.625 mg/BZA 20 mg significantly (all p < 0.001) decreased
      moderate/severe HF frequency versus placebo (-7.9, -8.2, -4.1), reduced adjusted
      average daily HF severity score versus placebo (-1.0, -1.3, -0.3), increased the
      percentage of women who had a >=50% (81.2%,87.1%, 50.6%) and >=75% (62.4%, 74.8%,
      26.4%) reduction from baseline in daily frequency of moderate/severe HFs,
      increased the percentage with >=50% (38.3%, 58.1%, 11.0%) and >=75% (24.2%,
      38.1%, 5.5%) reductions in average daily HF severity score, and improved MENQOL
      vasomotor function versus placebo (adjusted mean change-3.08, -3.69, -1.37).
      CE/BZA was significantly more effective than placebo irrespective of time since
      menopause, with some evidence of a lower placebo response in women in later
      menopause (>5 years) versus early menopause (<=5 years). CONCLUSIONS: CE/BZA
      effectively reduces moderate/severe HFs in postmenopausal women. NCT#'s:
      NCT00675688; NCT00234819.

PMID- 27676120
TI  - Therapeutic Hypothermia During Neonatal Transport: Active Cooling Helps Reach the
      Target.
AB  - Perinatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) can lead to severe
      neurodevelopmental outcome and death. Therapeutic hypothermia is neuroprotective
      for infants with moderate-to-severe HIE. However, therapeutic hypothermia is only
      offered at high-level regional neonatal intensive care units (NICUs),
      necessitating the need to transport sick infants to referral centers. The goal of
      this study was to evaluate whether active cooling on transport is more effective
      than passive cooling in achieving temperatures in the treatment target range (33
      degrees C-34 degrees C) on arrival to the Texas Children's Hospital (TCH) NICU.
      This was a retrospective quasi-experimental study of 42 infants who were
      transported to TCH for treatment of perinatal HIE between August 2012 and April
      2016. Active cooling using a continuous core temperature servo-controlled cooling
      device (CritiCool) began in January 2014; before that, passive cooling on
      transport was used. Passive cooling was initiated by turning off external heating
      devices. Fourteen infants received active cooling, and 28 were passively cooled.
      Demographic data, gestational age at birth, birth weight, and Sarnat stage were
      not different between groups. Although TCH arrival temperatures were not
      different between the groups (p = 0.841), there was greater variability of
      temperatures in the passively cooled group (p = 0.001). More actively versus
      passively cooled patients arrived at the cooling center within the goal
      temperature range (79% vs. 25%, p = 0.003). After controlling for multiple
      variables, active cooling was a significant independent predictor for arriving at
      the cooling center within the goal temperature range. Active cooling during
      transport of infants with moderate-to-severe HIE was more effective than passive
      cooling in achieving the target goal temperature range on arrival at the cooling
      center. If cooling is being considered during transport, we suggest that active
      servo-controlled therapeutic hypothermia be used.

PMID- 27676119
TI  - Delirium and mental health history as predictors of aggression in individuals
      with dementia in inpatient settings.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Aggressive behaviors by patients with dementia present risk to health
      care workers and patients. An information processing model, developed to study
      aggressive behaviors among children, was applied to study aggression among older
      hospital patients with dementia. Hypotheses were that delirium and mental health
      or depression history, would relate to increased risk of aggressive behaviors.
      METHOD: Electronic medical records were sampled for one year (n = 5008) and
      screened using the EMERSE search engine and hand review for dementia (n = 505)
      and aggressive behavior in individuals with dementia (n = 121). Records were
      reviewed for mental health history and presence of delirium. RESULTS: Regression
      analyses found interaction effects representing delirium and mental health or
      depression history associated with greater risk of aggressive behavior.
      Significant main effects were found for both dementia and mental health or
      depression history. Of the lowest risk group, 12% of patients exhibited
      aggression compared to 24%-35% of those with delirium, mental health or
      depression history, or the combination of these risk factors. CONCLUSION:
      Delirium is the leading correlate of aggressive behaviors in hospitalized
      patients with dementia, and delirium or history of mental health diagnosis may
      lead to increased risk of aggressive behaviors in this setting.

PMID- 27676122
TI  - Two-photon microscopy for intracutaneous imaging of stem cell activity in mice.
AB  - The adult skin is a typical example of a highly regenerative tissue. Terminally
      differentiated keratinocytes are shed from the external layers of the epidermis
      or extruded from the skin as part of the growing hair shaft on a daily basis.
      These are effectively replenished through the activity of skin-resident stem
      cells. Precise regulation of stem cell activity is critical for normal skin
      homoeostasis or wound healing and irregular stem cell proliferation or
      differentiation can lead to skin disease. The scarcity and dynamic nature of stem
      cells presents a major challenge for elucidating their mechanism of action. To
      address this, we have recently established a system for visualizing stem cell
      activity, in real time or long term, in the intact skin of live mice using two
      photon microscopy. The purpose of this review was to provide essential
      information to researchers who wish to incorporate two-photon microscopy and live
      imaging into their experimental toolbox for studying aspects of skin and stem
      biology in the mouse model. We discuss fundamental principles of the method,
      instrumentation and basic experimental approaches to interrogate stem cell
      activity in the interfollicular epidermis and hair follicle.

PMID- 27676121
TI  - Determination of local chromatin composition by CasID.
AB  - Chromatin structure and function are determined by a plethora of proteins whose
      genome-wide distribution is typically assessed by immunoprecipitation (ChIP).
      Here, we developed a novel tool to investigate the local chromatin environment at
      specific DNA sequences. We combined the programmable DNA binding of dCas9 with
      the promiscuous biotin ligase BirA* (CasID) to biotinylate proteins in the direct
      vicinity of specific loci. Subsequent streptavidin-mediated precipitation and
      mass spectrometry identified both known and previously unknown chromatin factors
      associated with repetitive telomeric, major satellite and minor satellite DNA.
      With super-resolution microscopy, we confirmed the localization of the putative
      transcription factor ZNF512 at chromocenters. The versatility of CasID
      facilitates the systematic elucidation of functional protein complexes and locus
      specific chromatin composition.

PMID- 27676123
TI  - Programming temporal shapeshifting.
AB  - Shapeshifting enables a wide range of engineering and biomedical applications,
      but until now transformations have required external triggers. This prerequisite
      limits viability in closed or inert systems and puts forward the challenge of
      developing materials with intrinsically encoded shape evolution. Herein we
      demonstrate programmable shape-memory materials that perform a sequence of
      encoded actuations under constant environment conditions without using an
      external trigger. We employ dual network hydrogels: in the first network,
      covalent crosslinks are introduced for elastic energy storage, and in the second
      one, temporary hydrogen-bonds regulate the energy release rate. Through strain
      induced and time-dependent reorganization of the reversible hydrogen-bonds, this
      dual network allows for encoding both the rate and pathway of shape
      transformations on timescales from seconds to hours. This generic mechanism for
      programming trigger-free shapeshifting opens new ways to design autonomous
      actuators, drug-release systems and active implants.

PMID- 27676124
TI  - Cognition, Health Literacy, and Actual and Perceived Medicare Knowledge Among
      Inner-City Medicare Beneficiaries.
AB  - Poor Medicare knowledge is associated with worse health outcomes, especially in
      low-income patients. We examined the association of health literacy and cognition
      with actual and perceived Medicare knowledge in a sample of inner-city older
      adults. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of data on 336 adults ages 65
      years and older with Medicare coverage recruited from senior centers and low
      income housing facilities in Manhattan, New York. Actual Medicare knowledge was
      determined by a summary score of 9 true/false questions about the Medicare
      program and perceived Medicare knowledge with a single item. Validated measures
      were used to assess health literacy and general cognition. Among respondents,
      63.1% had high actual Medicare knowledge, and 36.0% believed that they knew what
      they needed to know about Medicare. Actual and perceived Medicare knowledge were
      poorly correlated (r = -.01, p > .05). In multivariable models, low health
      literacy was significantly associated with actual Medicare knowledge (beta = 
      8.30, SE = 2.71, p < .01) but not perceived Medicare knowledge (beta = 0.37, SE =
      0.22, p = .09). Individuals with low health literacy were more likely to perceive
      their Medicare knowledge as adequate when actual Medicare knowledge was low
      (adjusted odds ratio = 3.30, 95% confidence interval [1.20, 9.05], p < .05).
      These results show that older adults with low health literacy are more likely to
      have poor understanding of the Medicare program and yet more likely to believe
      that their understanding of the program is adequate. This combination of factors
      may place them at increased risk for poor access to information about the
      Medicare program and diminish their ability to make fully informed choices.

PMID- 27676125
TI  - A global experimental dataset for assessing grain legume production.
AB  - Grain legume crops are a significant component of the human diet and animal feed
      and have an important role in the environment, but the global diversity of
      agricultural legume species is currently underexploited. Experimental assessments
      of grain legume performances are required, to identify potential species with
      high yields. Here, we introduce a dataset including results of field experiments
      published in 173 articles. The selected experiments were carried out over five
      continents on 39 grain legume species. The dataset includes measurements of grain
      yield, aerial biomass, crop nitrogen content, residual soil nitrogen content and
      water use. When available, yields for cereals and oilseeds grown after grain
      legumes in the crop sequence are also included. The dataset is arranged into a
      relational database with nine structured tables and 198 standardized attributes.
      Tillage, fertilization, pest and irrigation management are systematically
      recorded for each of the 8,581 crop*field site*growing season*treatment
      combinations. The dataset is freely reusable and easy to update. We anticipate
      that it will provide valuable information for assessing grain legume production
      worldwide.

PMID- 27676126
TI  - Search for plasma biomarkers in drug-free patients with bipolar disorder and
      schizophrenia using metabolome analysis.
AB  - AIM: There is an urgent need for diagnostic biomarkers of bipolar disorder (BD)
      and schizophrenia (SZ); however, confounding effects of medication hamper
      biomarker discovery. In this study, we conducted metabolome analyses to identify
      novel plasma biomarkers in drug-free patients with BD and SZ. METHODS: We
      comprehensively analyzed plasma metabolites using capillary electrophoresis time
      of-flight mass spectrometry in patients with SZ (n = 17), BD (n = 6), and major
      depressive disorder (n = 9) who had not received psychotropics for at least 2
      weeks, and in matched healthy controls (n = 19). The results were compared with
      previous reports, or verified in an independent sample set using an alternative
      analytical approach. RESULTS: Lower creatine level and higher 2-hydroxybutyric
      acid level were observed in SZ than in controls (uncorrected P = 0.016 and 0.043,
      respectively), whereas they were unaltered in a previously reported dataset.
      Citrulline was nominally significantly decreased in BD compared to controls
      (uncorrected P = 0.043); however, this finding was not replicated in an
      independent sample set of medicated patients with BD. N-methyl-norsalsolinol, a
      metabolite of dopamine, was suggested as a candidate biomarker of BD; however, it
      was not detected by the other analytical method. Levels of betaine, a previously
      reported candidate biomarker of schizophrenia, were unchanged in the current
      dataset. CONCLUSION: Our preliminary findings suggest that the effect of
      confounding factors, such as duration of illness and medication, should be
      carefully controlled when searching for plasma biomarkers. Further studies are
      required to establish robust biomarkers for these disorders.

PMID- 27676127
TI  - Relationship Between Two Common Lipoprotein Lipase Variants and the Metabolic
      Syndrome and Its Individual Components.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Common lipoprotein lipase (LPL) variants are important determinants
      of triglycerides (TG) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (C)
      concentrations. High TG/low HDL-C tend to cluster with hypertension, glucose
      intolerance, and abdominal obesity and comprise the metabolic syndrome (MetS).
      The role of LPL variants as a cause of MetS is unclear. This study investigated
      the relationship between two common LPL variants and the presence of MetS and its
      individual components. METHODS: Cross-sectional study, including 2348 Danish
      women (50.7%) and men, age 41-72 years, without known cardiovascular disease.
      Carrier status for the two common LPL variants: 447Ter (low TG/high HDL-C) and
      291Ser (high TG/low HDL-C) was determined. The prevalence of MetS according to
      the National Cholesterol Education Program criteria was 16.6%. RESULTS: Of the
      2348 participants, 19.8% had the 447Ter variant and 4.9% had the 291Ser variant.
      Compared with the reference variant, the prevalence of MetS was lower in carriers
      of the 447Ter variant (11.2% vs. 17.9%, P < 0.001) but with no difference in
      carriers of the 291Ser variant (18.4% vs. 16.5%, P = 0.59). Adjusted for age,
      sex, smoking, physical activity, alcohol consumption, and highest sex-specific
      insulin quartile, the relative risk of MetS was 0.63 (95% confidence interval
      [CI] 0.45-0.89, P < 0.01) for carriers of the 447Ter variant and 1.20 (95% CI
      0.70-2.03, P > 0.05) for carriers of the 291Ser variant. Both LPL variants were
      associated with high TG/low HDL-C (P < 0.01), but not with the MetS components
      waist circumference, hypertension, and glucose intolerance (P > 0.05).
      CONCLUSION: The two common LPL variants were associated with MetS through their
      effect on high TG/low HDL-C.

PMID- 27676128
TI  - Three Dimensional Quantification of Microarchitecture and Vessel Regeneration by
      Synchrotron Radiation Microcomputed Tomography in a Rat Model of Spinal Cord
      Injury.
AB  - A full understanding of the mechanisms behind spinal cord injury (SCI) processes
      requires reliable three-dimensional (3D) imaging tools for a thorough analysis of
      changes in angiospatial architecture. We aimed to use synchrotron radiation MUCT
      (SRMUCT) to characterize 3D temporal-spatial changes in microvasculature post
      SCI. Morphometrical measurements revealed a significant decrease in vascular
      volume fraction, vascular bifurcation density, vascular segment density, and
      vascular connectivity density 1 day post-injury, followed by a gradual increase
      at 3, 7, and 14 days. At 1 day post-injury, SRMUCT revealed an increase in
      vascular tortuosity (VT), which reached a plateau after 7 days and decreased
      slightly during the healing process. In addition, SRMUCT images showed that
      vessels were largely concentrated in the gray matter 1 day post-injury. The
      maximal endothelial cell proliferation rate was detected at 7 days post-injury.
      The 3D morphology of the cavity appears in the spinal cord at 28 days post
      injury. We describe a methodology for 3D analysis of vascular repair in SCI and
      reveal that endogenous revascularization occurs during the healing process. The
      spinal cord microvasculature configuration undergoes 3D remodeling and
      modification during the post-injury repair process. Examination of these
      processes might contribute to a full understanding of the compensatory vascular
      mechanisms after injury and aid in the development of novel and effective
      treatment for SCI.

PMID- 27676129
TI  - Spatial Localization and Quantitation of Androgens in Mouse Testis by Mass
      Spectrometry Imaging.
AB  - Androgens are essential for male development and reproductive function. They are
      transported to their site of action as blood-borne endocrine hormones but can
      also be produced within tissues to act in intracrine and paracrine fashions.
      Because of this, circulating concentrations may not accurately reflect the
      androgenic influence within specific tissue microenvironments. Mass spectrometry
      imaging permits regional analysis of small molecular species directly from tissue
      surfaces. However, due to poor ionization and localized ion suppression, steroid
      hormones are difficult to detect. Here, derivatization with Girard T reagent was
      used to charge-tag testosterone and 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone allowing direct
      detection of these steroids in mouse testes, in both basal and maximally
      stimulated states, and in rat prostate. Limits of detection were ~0.1 pg for
      testosterone. Exemplary detection of endogenous steroids was achieved by matrix
      assisted laser desorption ionization and either Fourier transform ion cyclotron
      resonance detection (at 150 MUm spatial resolution) or quadrupole-time-of-flight
      detection (at 50 MUm spatial resolution). Structural confirmation was achieved by
      collision induced fragmentation following liquid extraction surface analysis and
      electrospray ionization. This application broadens the scope for derivatization
      strategies on tissue surfaces to elucidate local endocrine signaling in health
      and disease.

PMID- 27676130
TI  - Conducting Block Copolymer Binders for Carbon-Free Hybrid Vanadium Pentoxide
      Cathodes with Enhanced Performance.
AB  - Polymeric binders are essential to battery electrodes, mechanically stabilizing
      the active materials. Most often, these binders are insulating, and conductive
      carbons must be added to the electrode structure. Conductive polymer binders,
      those that transport both ions and electrons, are of primary interest because
      they potentially eliminate the need for carbon additives. However, it is
      challenging to incorporate both ion- and electron-conductive polymeric binders
      into electrode systems because of differences in physical affinities among the
      two polymer types and the electroactive material. Here, we investigate
      amphiphilic polymeric binders comprised of electron- and ion-conducting poly(3
      hexylthiophene)-block-poly(ethylene oxide) (P3HT-b-PEO) as compared to P3HT, PEO,
      and a blend of P3HT/PEO homopolymers in carbon-free V2O5 cathodes. The electrode
      with P3HT-b-PEO binder has the highest capacity of 190 mAh/g, whereas V2O5 is
      only 77 mAh/g at a C rate of 0.1 after over 200 cycles: a 2.5-fold improvement.
      Similarly P3HT, PEO, and the blend have capacities of 139, 130, and 70 mAh/g,
      which are not nearly as impressive as the block copolymer binder. The unique
      architecture of P3HT-b-PEO, wherein P3HT and PEO blocks are covalently bonded,
      promotes the uniform distribution of conductive binders within the V2O5
      structure, whereas the analogous P3HT/PEO blend suffers from phase separation.
      This work demonstrates that conductive block copolymer binders enable carbon-free
      electrodes for lithium-ion battery systems.

PMID- 27676133
TI  - Synthesis of Quinazolines from N,N'-Disubstituted Amidines via I2/KI-Mediated
      Oxidative C-C Bond Formation.
AB  - An I2/KI-promoted oxidative C-C bond formation reaction from C(sp3)-H and C(sp2)
      H bonds has been used to construct quinazoline skeletons from N,N'-disubstituted
      amidines. The required substrates are readily prepared from the corresponding
      acyl chlorides, anilines, and alkyl/benzylamines by sequential amidation,
      chlorination, and amination reactions. Under the optimal oxidative cyclization
      conditions, all these amidines were conveniently transformed into the expected
      products in moderate to good yields. This practical and environmentally benign
      approach works well with crude amidine intermediates and can also be carried out
      on a gram scale.

PMID- 27676132
TI  - Interactions of the Disordered Domain II of Hepatitis C Virus NS5A with
      Cyclophilin A, NS5B, and Viral RNA Show Extensive Overlap.
AB  - Domain II of the nonstructural protein 5 (NS5A) of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is
      involved in intermolecular interactions with the viral RNA genome, the RNA
      dependent RNA polymerase NS5B, and the host factor cyclophilin A (CypA). However,
      domain II of NS5A (NS5ADII) is largely disordered, which makes it difficult to
      characterize the protein-protein or protein-nucleic acid interfaces. Here we
      utilized a mass spectrometry-based protein footprinting approach in attempts to
      characterize regions forming contacts between NS5ADII and its binding partners.
      In particular, we compared surface topologies of lysine and arginine residues in
      the context of free and bound NS5ADII. These experiments have led to the
      identification of an RNA binding motif (305RSRKFPR311) in an arginine-rich region
      of NS5ADII. Furthermore, we show that K308 is indispensable for both RNA and NS5B
      binding, whereas W316, further downstream, is essential for protein-protein
      interactions with CypA and NS5B. Most importantly, NS5ADII binding to NS5B
      involves a region associated with RNA binding within NS5B. This interaction down
      regulated RNA synthesis by NS5B, suggesting that NS5ADII modulates the activity
      of NS5B and potentially regulates HCV replication.

PMID- 27676131
TI  - Synovium-Derived MicroRNAs Regulate Bone Pathways in Rheumatoid Arthritis.
AB  - Articular bone erosion in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is mediated by the
      interaction between inflammation and pathways regulating bone metabolism.
      Inflammation promotes osteoclastogenesis and also inhibits osteoblast function,
      further contributing to the persistence of erosions. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are
      important regulators of skeletal remodeling and play a role in RA pathogenesis.
      We therefore determined the expression of miRNAs in inflamed synovial tissue and
      the role they play in pathways regulating osteoblast and osteoclast function.
      Using the serum transfer mouse model of RA in C57BL/6 mice, we performed Fluidigm
      high-throughput qPCR-based screening of miRNAs from nonarthritic and arthritic
      mice. Global gene expression profiling was also performed on Affymetrix
      microarrays from these same synovial samples. miRNA and mRNA expression profiles
      were subjected to comparative bioinformatics. A total of 536 upregulated genes
      and 417 downregulated genes were identified that are predicted targets of miRNAs
      with reciprocal expression changes. Gene ontology analysis of these genes
      revealed significant enrichment in skeletal pathways. Of the 22 miRNAs whose
      expression was most significantly changed (p < 0.01) between nonarthritic and
      arthritic mice, we identified their targets that both inhibit and promote bone
      formation. These miRNAs are predicted to target Wnt and BMP signaling pathway
      components. We validated miRNA array findings and demonstrated that secretion of
      miR-221-3p in exosomes was upregulated by synovial fibroblasts treated with the
      proinflammatory cytokine TNF. Overexpression of miR-221-3p suppressed calvarial
      osteoblast differentiation and mineralization in vitro. These results suggest
      that miRNAs derived from inflamed synovial tissues may regulate signaling
      pathways at erosion sites that affect bone loss and potentially also compensatory
      bone formation. (c) 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

PMID- 27676134
TI  - Long-term immune and virological response in HIV-infected patients receiving
      antiretroviral therapy.
AB  - WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: The trajectory of HIV viral load and CD4 count and
      the occurrence of clinical events are primary considerations in the evaluation of
      antiretroviral therapy (ART) success or failure, yet a large number of studies do
      not describe these events from the point of therapy initiation. This study aims
      to describe the virological and immune response to ART and factors associated
      with immune and virological success in outpatients from a HIV/AIDS clinic in
      southern Brazil from therapy initiation. METHODS: Longitudinal observational with
      ambidirectional data collection study with adult patients followed for at least
      12 months after enrolment. Outcomes include (i) favourable immune response,
      defined as CD4 count >=200 cells/mm3; and (ii) virological success, defined as
      viral load below the limit of detection (50 copies/mL). RESULTS: The study
      included 332 patients, mostly men (63%), whose mean age was 40 (+/-10) years and
      with median family income of BR$ 490.00 per month (IQR: 350-875). Before starting
      ART, 43% of patients had indications of stable immune status (CD4 count >=200
      cells/mm3); the median CD4 count was 179 cells/mm3 (IQR: 93.5, 267) and increased
      to 379.5 cells/mm3 (IQR: 236.5, 591.3). The proportion of patients with CD4 count
      >=200 cells/mm3 increased from 76% to 83%, and with undetectable viral load (UVL)
      increased from 51.7% to 73%. Factors associated with immune success at the end of
      study follow-up were as follows: female gender, pretreatment CD4 count >=200
      cells/mm3, previous UVL (measured when started prospective follow-up) and
      treatment with three drugs compared with >=4. Factors associated with virological
      success were as follows: UVL (measured when started prospective follow-up) and
      use of three drugs compared with >=4. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSIONS: Results of
      this study show that a large proportion (73%) of patients have rapid and
      successful immune and virological responses to ART and that factors which predict
      this response include starting ART early, whereas viral load is low and CD4 count
      is high, with fewer drugs. These results further support the ongoing need for
      ongoing programmes to increase early HIV testing, early linkage to and treatment
      with ART, and increased viral suppression.

PMID- 27676135
TI  - Diffusivities of Ternary Mixtures of n-Alkanes with Dissolved Gases by Dynamic
      Light Scattering.
AB  - Theoretical approaches suggest that dynamic light scattering (DLS) signals from
      low-molecular-weight ternary mixtures are governed by fluctuations in temperature
      as well as two individual contributions from fluctuations in concentration that
      are related to the eigenvalues of the Fick diffusion matrix. Until now, this
      could not be proven experimentally in a conclusive way. In the present study, a
      detailed analysis of DLS signals in ternary mixtures consisting of n-dodecane (n
      C12H26) and n-octacosane (n-C28H58) with dissolved hydrogen (H2), carbon monoxide
      (CO), or water (H2O) as well as of n-C12H26 or n-C28H58 with dissolved H2 and CO
      is given for temperatures up to 523 K and pressures up to 4.1 MPa. Thermal
      diffusivities of pure n-C12H26 and n-C28H58 as well as thermal and mutual
      diffusivities of their binary mixtures being the basis for the ternary mixtures
      with dissolved gas were studied for comparison purposes. For the investigated
      ternary mixtures, three individual signals could be distinguished in the time
      resolved analysis of scattered light intensity by using photon correlation
      spectroscopy (PCS). For the first time, it could be evidenced that these signals
      are clearly associated with hydrodynamic modes. In most cases, the fastest mode
      observable for ternary mixtures is associated with the thermal diffusivity. The
      two further modes obviously related to the molecular mass transport are
      observable on different time scales and comparable to the modes associated with
      the concentration fluctuations in the respective binary mixtures. Comparison of
      the experimental data with results from molecular dynamics simulations revealed
      very good agreement.

PMID- 27676136
TI  - Spermatozoa from normozoospermic fertile and infertile individuals convey a
      distinct miRNA cargo.
AB  - Deciphering the underlying causes of idiopathic male infertility is one of the
      main challenges in reproductive medicine. This is especially relevant in
      infertile patients displaying normal seminal parameters and no urogenital or
      genetic abnormalities. In these cases, the search for additional sperm biomarkers
      is of high interest. This study was aimed to determine the implications of the
      sperm miRNA expression profiles in the reproductive capacity of normozoospermic
      infertile individuals. The expression level of 736 miRNAs was evaluated in
      spermatozoa from eight normozoospermic infertile males using TaqMan(r) qRT-PCR.
      Results were contrasted with data from 10 control normozoospermic fertile
      individuals analyzed under the same conditions. Clustering analysis of miRNA
      expression data separated the individuals according to their fertility condition
      (fertile and infertile). Fifty-seven miRNAs were differentially expressed (DE
      miRNAs) between populations; 20 of them was regulated by a host gene promoter
      that in three cases comprised genes involved in fertility. The predicted targets
      of the DE-miRNAs (n = 8,606) unveiled a significant enrichment of biological
      processes related to embryonic morphogenesis and chromatin modification.
      Normozoospermic infertile individuals exhibit a specific sperm miRNA expression
      profile clearly differentiated from normozoospermic fertile individuals. This
      miRNA cargo has potential implications in the individuals' reproductive
      competence.

PMID- 27676137
TI  - Resident-Centered Care in 10 U.S. Nursing Homes: Residents' Perspectives.
AB  - PURPOSE: With increased focus on resident-centered care (RCC) as an
      organizational imperative and a guiding principle of culture change for long-term
      care communities, evaluation of its success has centered primarily on the
      organizational perspective. METHODS: For this case report, we examine resident
      perspectives of RCC in 10 nursing homes across the United States that had adopted
      RCC as a philosophy and model of care for at least 12 months with a maximum
      engagement of 3 years using a phenomenological approach. FINDINGS: Qualitative
      findings from 20 focus groups with residents in 10 nursing homes suggest that RCC
      has meaning in ways that are consistent with intentions at the national and state
      levels to advance culture change in nursing homes, including efforts to create a
      more homelike environment, increase resident decision making and direction of his
      or her lifestyle, and put residents first. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Residents
      attribute increased choice in wake and bed times, being heard by organizational
      leaders, and consistent staff assignment as positive changes since RCC began.
      However, according to residents, aspects of institutional life in nursing homes,
      inconsistent with RCC, remain. Residents identified three areas of improvement
      that would make nursing homes more resident centered. The three areas are
      response time, access to nature, and transparency about illness and death in the
      community.

PMID- 27676138
TI  - Automated system measuring triple oxygen and nitrogen isotope ratios in nitrate
      using the bacterial method and N2 O decomposition by microwave discharge.
AB  - RATIONALE: Triple oxygen and nitrogen isotope ratios in nitrate are powerful
      tools for assessing atmospheric nitrate formation pathways and their contribution
      to ecosystems. N2 O decomposition using microwave-induced plasma (MIP) has been
      used only for measurements of oxygen isotopes to date, but it is also possible to
      measure nitrogen isotopes during the same analytical run. METHODS: The main
      improvements to a previous system are (i) an automated distribution system of
      nitrate to the bacterial medium, (ii) N2 O separation by gas chromatography
      before N2 O decomposition using the MIP, (iii) use of a corundum tube for
      microwave discharge, and (iv) development of an automated system for isotopic
      measurements. Three nitrate standards with sample sizes of 60, 80, 100, and 120
      nmol were measured to investigate the sample size dependence of the isotope
      measurements. RESULTS: The delta17 O, delta18 O, and Delta17 O values increased
      with increasing sample size, although the delta15 N value showed no significant
      size dependency. Different calibration slopes and intercepts were obtained with
      different sample amounts. The slopes and intercepts for the regression lines in
      different sample amounts were dependent on sample size, indicating that the
      extent of oxygen exchange is also dependent on sample size. The sample-size
      dependent slopes and intercepts were fitted using natural log (ln) regression
      curves, and the slopes and intercepts can be estimated to apply to any sample
      size corrections. When using 100 nmol samples, the standard deviations of
      residuals from the regression lines for this system were 0.50/00, 0.30/00, and
      0.10/00, respectively, for the delta18 O, Delta17 O, and delta15 N values,
      results that are not inferior to those from other systems using gold tube or gold
      wire. CONCLUSIONS: An automated system was developed to measure triple oxygen and
      nitrogen isotopes in nitrate using N2 O decomposition by MIP. This system enables
      us to measure both triple oxygen and nitrogen isotopes in nitrate with comparable
      precision and sample throughput (23 min per sample on average), and minimal
      manual treatment. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27676139
TI  - Responses of juvenile southern flounder exposed to Deepwater Horizon oil
      contaminated sediments.
AB  - The Deepwater Horizon oil spill released millions of barrels of crude oil into
      the northern Gulf of Mexico, much of which remains associated with sediments and
      can have continuing impacts on biota. Juvenile southern flounder (Paralichthys
      lethostigma) were exposed for 28 d in the laboratory under controlled conditions
      to reference and Deepwater Horizon oil-contaminated sediments collected from
      coastal Louisiana to assess the impacts on an ecologically and commercially
      important benthic fish. The measured polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)
      concentrations in the sediments ranged from 0.25 mg/kg to 3940 mg/kg suite of 50
      PAH analytes (tPAH50). Mortality increased with both concentration and duration
      of exposure. Exposed flounder length and weight was lower compared to controls
      after 28 d of exposure to the sediments with the highest PAH concentration, but
      condition factor was significantly higher in these fish compared with all other
      treatments. Histopathological analyses showed increased occurrence of gill
      abnormalities, including telangiectasis, epithelial proliferation, and fused
      lamellae in flounder exposed to sediments with the highest tPAH50 concentrations.
      In addition, hepatic vascular congestion and macrovesicular vacuolation were
      observed in flounder exposed to the more contaminated sediments. These data
      suggest that chronic exposure to field collected oil-contaminated sediments
      results in a variety of sublethal impacts to a benthic fish, with implications
      for long-term recovery from oil spills. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1067-1076.
      (c) 2016 SETAC.

PMID- 27676140
TI  - Lone-Pair-Electron-Driven Ionic Displacements in a Ferroelectric Metal-Organic
      Hybrid.
AB  - A displacive-type mechanism, which accounts for the occurrence of
      ferroelectricity in most inorganic ferroelectrics, is rarely found in molecule
      based ferroelectrics. Its role is often covered by the predominant order-disorder
      one. Herein, we report a lone-pair-electron-driven displacive-type ferroelectric
      organic-inorganic hybrid compound, [H2dmdap][SbCl5] (1; dmdap = N,N-dimethyl-1,3
      diaminopropane). The structure of 1 features a typical zigzag chain of
      [SbCl5]infinity containing cis-connected anionic octahedra. The compound
      undergoes a second-order paraelectric-ferroelectric phase transition at 143 K
      (P21/c <-> Pc) with a saturation polarization of 1.36 MUC.cm-2 and a coercive
      field of 3.5 kV.cm-1 at 119 K. Theoretical study discloses the ferroelectricity
      mainly originating from the relative displacements of the Sb and Cl ions in the
      crystal lattice, which are driven by the 5s2 lone-pair electrons of the SbIII
      center. Furthermore, on the basis of analysis, possible routes are suggested to
      enhance ferroelectric polarization in this class of compounds.

PMID- 27676143
TI  - Physical Exercise in Patients with Fabry Disease - a Pilot Study.
AB  - The aim of this study was to assess the extent of exercise intolerance in Fabry
      disease (FD) patients and to report individual effects of physical exercise.
      Exercise capacity and strength of 14 patients (mean age 46 years, 6 females) were
      determined using cycle ergometry and isokinetic measurements. Patients performed
      a strength/circuit exercise training protocol for 12 months. The mean relative
      maximum performance of the group was low at baseline and increased by 12.1%
      (baseline: 1.9 [0.9-3.4] W.kg-1vs. re-test: 2.1 [1.1-3.8] W.kg-1; p=0.035) during
      the study. Patients' mean baseline maximum performance blood lactate of 5.4 [1.3
      9.9] mmol.L-1 increased to a mean of 7.2 (2.4-10.2) mmol.L-1 (p=0.038). Mean
      strength of the lower limbs (left/right extensors and flexors, total work of 5
      sets) changed from 2269 (1017-2913) kg.m2.s - 2 to 2325 (1359-3107) kg.m2.s-2
      (not significant). Patients reported increased well-being, daily activity and
      reduced fatigue during the study. Our results indicate that exercise intolerance
      in FD patients often results from physical inactivity. FD patients may perform
      exercise training to improve exercise capacity and muscle strength. Future
      studies will address the clinical benefits of exercise in FD.

PMID- 27676144
TI  - High-intensity Interval Training in the Boundaries of the Severe Domain: Effects
      on Sprint and Endurance Performance.

PMID- 27676142
TI  - Post-Exercise Neurovascular Control in Chronic Heart Failure Patients.
AB  - It remains unknown whether or not a reduction in muscle sympathetic nerve
      activity in heart failure patients is associated over time with the effects of
      long- or short-term repeated exercise. 10 chronic heart failure patients, age
      49+/-3 years old, functional class I-III NYHA, ejection fraction <40% were
      randomly submitted to either an acute bout of moderate continuous exercise OR
      high-intensity interval exercise. Muscle sympathetic nerve activity
      (microneurography) and forearm blood flow (venous occlusion plethysmography) were
      evaluated pre- and post-exercise sessions. The moderate exercise consisted of
      cycle exercise at an intensity corresponding to anaerobic threshold. The interval
      exercise consisted of a 2-min cycle exercise at intensity corresponding to
      anaerobic threshold, followed by a 1-min exercise set at respiratory compensation
      point. Exercise capacity was evaluated by cardiopulmonary exercise test. The
      caloric expenditure in both sessions was 100 kcal. Baseline muscle sympathetic
      nerve activity and forearm blood flow levels were not different between sessions.
      Moderate or high-intensity exercise caused no significant changes in muscle
      sympathetic nerve activity and forearm blood flow. These findings suggest that
      the reduction in muscle sympathetic nerve activity and the increase in forearm
      blood flow provoked by exercise training in chronic heart failure patients are
      due to cumulative effects over time.

PMID- 27676141
TI  - Effect of Visual Impairment on Physical and Cognitive Function in Old Age:
      Findings of a Population-Based Prospective Cohort Study in Germany.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine how visual impairment affects physical and cognitive
      function in old age. DESIGN: A longitudinal population-based prospective cohort
      study. SETTING: General practitioner offices at six study centers in Germany.
      They were observed every 1.5 years over four waves. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals
      aged 77-101 at follow-up Wave 2 (N = 2,394). MEASUREMENTS: Physical and cognitive
      function were assessed using an adapted scale that had been previously developed,
      and visual impairment was rated on a Likert scale (none, mild, severe or
      profound). RESULTS: Adjusting for sociodemographic factors and comorbidity,
      linear fixed-effects regression showed that the onset of severe visual impairment
      was associated with a decline in physical function score in the total sample
      (beta = -0.15, P = .01) and in women (beta = -.15, P = .03). Moreover, the onset
      of severe visual impairment was associated with decline in cognitive function
      score in the total sample (beta = -0.38, P < .001) and in women (beta = -0.38, P
      < .001) and men (beta = -0.37, P = .001). CONCLUSION: Visual impairment affects
      physical and cognitive function in old age. Interventional strategies to postpone
      visual impairment may contribute to maintaining physical and cognitive function.

PMID- 27676145
TI  - Is there a Relationship between Bone Morphology and Injured Ligament on Imaging
      Studies and Laxity on Ankle Stress Radiographs?
AB  - This study aimed to investigate the relationship between bone morphology and
      injured ligaments on imaging studies and laxity on ankle stress radiographs in
      patients with lateral ankle instability. In total, 115 patients who had undergone
      ankle MRI, ankle radiography, and stress radiography were included. Distal tibial
      articular surface angle, bimalleolar tilt, medial and lateral malleolar relative
      length, medial malleolar slip angle, anterior inclination of the tibia, and
      fibular position were measured on ankle radiographs. Tibiotalar tilt angle and
      anterior translation of the talus were measured on ankle stress radiographs.
      Degree of ligament injury was evaluated on ankle MRIs. Multiple regression
      analysis was performed using the following independent variables: age, sex, and
      factors significantly associated with ankle stress view on univariate linear
      regression analysis. Age (p=0.041), sex (p=0.014), degree of anterior talofibular
      ligament injury (p<0.001), and bimalleolar tilt (p=0.016) were correlated with
      tibiotalar tilt angle. Fibular position and degree of posterior talofibular
      ligament injury were factors significantly related to anterior translation of the
      talus. Differences in patient characteristics might predispose ankle stress
      radiograph results. Comparison of both ankles on stress radiographs is superior
      to applying fixed numerical values to the injured side in order to reduce the
      influence of patient factors.

PMID- 27676147
TI  - Validation of Body Volume Acquisition by Using Elliptical Zone Method.
AB  - The elliptical zone method (E-Zone) can be used to obtain reliable body volume
      data including total body volume and segmental volumes with inexpensive and
      portable equipment. The purpose of this research was to assess the accuracy of
      body volume data obtained from E-Zone by comparing them with those acquired from
      the 3D photonic scanning method (3DPS). 17 male participants with diverse
      somatotypes were recruited. Each participant was scanned twice on the same day by
      a 3D whole-body scanner and photographed twice for the E-Zone analysis. The body
      volume data acquired from 3DPS was regarded as the reference against which the
      accuracy of the E-Zone was assessed. The relative technical error of measurement
      (TEM) of total body volume estimations was around 3% for E-Zone. E-Zone can
      estimate the segmental volumes of upper torso, lower torso, thigh, shank, upper
      arm and lower arm accurately (relative TEM<10%) but the accuracy for small
      segments including the neck, hand and foot were poor. In summary, E-Zone provides
      a reliable, inexpensive, portable, and simple method to obtain reasonable
      estimates of total body volume and to indicate segmental volume distribution.

PMID- 27676146
TI  - Comparison of 3 Methods for Computing Loading Rate during Running.
AB  - Tibial stress fractures are among the most common and potentially serious overuse
      injuries in runners. The fractures are thought to be related in part, to
      excessive loading variables, such as vertical average loading rate (VALR) and
      vertical instantaneous loading rate (VILR). Although there are several methods
      for calculating loading rate in running, little is known about the differences
      between the results produced by these methods. The purpose of this study was to
      compare 3 previously published methods of calculating VALR and VILR during
      running. 9 male participants ran on a treadmill at 2.5, 3.0, and 3.5 m/s. VALR
      and VILR were calculated from vertical ground reaction force using 3 methods that
      differed by the period over which the loading rates were calculated; foot strike
      to first peak (method A), from 20 to 80% of the time to first peak (method B),
      and over the first 50 ms after foot strike (method C). There were significant
      differences among methods with regard to VALR, but not VILR. Therefore, the
      results of the present study suggest that VILR is preferable to VALR for
      consistent evaluation among methods, which make it more acceptable to make study
      comparisons.

PMID- 27676148
TI  - Short-term Effects of Diet and Activity Changes on Inflammation and Insulin
      Resistance.
AB  - The present study focused on rapid responses of inflammation markers and insulin
      resistance to dietary restriction and exercise in inactive patients. 13 obese
      women were included during a 5-day time frame during which decreases in food
      intake (-1 378+/-298 kcal) were associated with 2 exercise sessions (80 and 40
      min). Circulating inflammatory biomarkers, insulin resistance index and muscle
      soreness were measured in fasted conditions. Fasting plasma concentrations of CRP
      and insulin resistance index decreased over the period (respectively, p=0.02 and
      p=0.01), concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-alpha appeared unchanged (p>0.05).
      Changes in IL-6 (enhanced) and TNF-alpha (reduced) concentrations following the
      prolonged exercise differed compared to days with 40 min exercise and days
      without exercise (p<0.05). Muscle soreness appeared higher after the 80 min than
      after the 40-min exercise (p=0.01), and were related with IL-6 and CRP
      concentration changes. A 5-day period combining exercise and diet reduced the
      insulin-resistance index and the CRP fasting concentrations. The 80-min exercise
      enhanced IL-6 and lowered TNF-alpha concentration changes while days without
      exercise unaffected these cytokines. These exercise effects on cytokines may have
      benefited to the insulin resistance index. The duration and number of the
      exercise sessions appeared sufficient for inactive subjects to initiate health
      benefits without inducing negative effects on inflammation and muscle soreness.

PMID- 27676149
TI  - Acute Effect of Cluster and Traditional Set Configurations on Myokines Associated
      with Hypertrophy.
AB  - This study compared the acute cytokine response, and kinetic and kinematic
      profile following back squat exercise in resistance-trained men. In a randomized,
      cross-over design, 10 resistance-trained men (27+/-4 y, 1.80+/-0.07 m, 82.8+/-6.7
      kg, 16.3+/-3.5% fat) performed the back squat exercise using traditional and
      cluster set configurations. Kinetic and kinematic data were sampled throughout
      each condition. Venous blood was sampled prior, immediately post, 30 min, 60 min,
      24 h, and 48 h post-exercise for plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-15
      (IL-15). Cluster sets allowed for greater mean power (mean difference, 110 W; 90%
      confidence interval, +/-63 W; benefit odds, 41 447:1), driven by higher overall
      mean velocities (0.053 m?s-1; 0.039 m?s-1; 3 105:1) as evidenced by the lack of
      clear contrasts for mean force. IL-15 increased post-exercise in both conditions,
      but increased at 24 h (0.13 pg.mL-1; +/-0.11 pg.mL-1; 486:1) and 48 h (0.12 pg.mL
      1; +/-0.10 pg.mL-1; 667:1) in traditional sets only. IL-6 increased similarly in
      both conditions, post-exercise through 60 min post. Cluster set configurations
      allow for greater mean power, attributed to higher velocities. Despite a similar
      response of IL-6, traditional set configuration may provide a greater stimulus
      for hypertrophy as evidenced by a secondary increase in IL-15.

PMID- 27676150
TI  - Salivary Testosterone and Cortisol Measurement in Sports Medicine: a Narrative
      Review and User's Guide for Researchers and Practitioners.

PMID- 27676151
TI  - Inter- and Intra-Individual Analysis of Post-Exercise Hypotension Following a
      Single Bout of High-Intensity Interval Exercise and Continuous Exercise: A Pilot
      Study.
AB  - Recently, post-exercise blood pressure (BP) has been considered a predictive tool
      to identify individuals who are responsive or not to BP reductions with exercise
      training (i. e., "high" and "low responders"). This study aimed to analyze the
      inter- and intra-individual BP responsiveness following a single bout of high
      intensity interval exercise (HIIE) and continuous exercise (CE) in normotensive
      men (n=14; 24.5+/-4.2 years). Mean change in BP during the 60 min period post
      exercise was analyzed and minimal detectable change (MDC) was calculated to
      classify the subjects as "low" (no post-exercise hypotension [PEH]) and "high
      responders" (PEH occurrence) following each exercise protocol (inter-individual
      analysis). The MDC for systolic and diastolic BP was 5.8 and 7.0 mmHg. In
      addition, a difference equal/higher than MDC between the exercise protocols was
      used to define an occurrence of intra-individual variability in BP
      responsiveness. There were "low" and "high" PEH responders following both
      exercise protocols (inter-individual variability) as well as subjects who
      presented higher PEH following a specific exercise protocol (intra-individual
      variability between exercise protocols). These results were observed mainly for
      systolic BP. In summary, PEH is a heterogeneous physiological phenomenon and, for
      some subjects, seems to be exercise-protocol dependent. Further investigations
      are necessary to confirm our preliminary findings.

PMID- 27676152
TI  - Dynamic Stretching does not Change the Stiffness of the Muscle-Tendon Unit.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to identify changes in ankle range of motion and
      passive mechanical properties of the muscle-tendon unit after dynamic stretching.
      12 healthy subjects participated in this study. Displacement of the muscle-tendon
      junction was measured using ultrasonography while the ankle was passively
      dorsiflexed at 1 degrees /sec to its maximal dorsiflexion angle. Passive torque
      was also measured using an isokinetic dynamometer. Measurements were conducted
      pre-intervention, immediately after the intervention and 5, 10, 15 and 30 min
      post-intervention. The dynamic stretching consisted of four 30-s periods of ankle
      dorsiflexion and plantarflexion. Ankle range of motion was significantly
      increased immediately (from 18.3+/-1.8 degrees  to 21.4+/-1.7 degrees ) and 10
      min (20.9+/-1.9 degrees ) after dynamic stretching, but this change disappeared
      within 15 min. However, stiffness of the muscle-tendon unit and displacement of
      the muscle-tendon junction at the submaximal dorsiflexion angle did not differ
      between the experimental conditions. These results demonstrate that dynamic
      stretching by contracting an antagonist muscle group increases ankle range of
      motion temporarily without changing the passive mechanical properties of the
      muscle-tendon unit. The increased range of motion of the ankle after dynamic
      stretching might be caused by enhanced stretch tolerance.

PMID- 27676153
TI  - Inhibition of Hepatobiliary Transport Activity by the Antibacterial Agent Fusidic
      Acid: Insights into Factors Contributing to Conjugated
      Hyperbilirubinemia/Cholestasis.
AB  - Conjugated hyperbilirubinemia accompanied by cholestasis is a frequent side
      effect during chronic treatment with the antimicrobial agent fusidic acid.
      Previous studies from our laboratory, addressing mechanisms of musculoskeletal
      toxicity arising from coadministration of fusidic acid with statins, demonstrated
      the ability of fusidic acid to potently inhibit human organic anion transporting
      polypeptides OATP1B1 (IC50 = 1.6 MUM) and OATP1B3 (IC50 = 2.5 MUM), which are
      responsible for the uptake-limited clearance of statins as well as bilirubin
      glucuronide conjugates. In the present work, inhibitory effects of fusidic acid
      were characterized against additional human hepatobiliary transporters
      [Na+/taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP), bile salt export pump
      (BSEP), and multidrug resistance-associated proteins MRP2 and MRP3] as well as
      uridine glucuronosyl transferase (UGT1A1), which mediate the disposition of bile
      acids and bilirubin (and its conjugated metabolites). Fusidic acid demonstrated
      concentration-dependent inhibition of human NTCP- and BSEP-mediated taurocholic
      acid transport with IC50 values of 44 and 3.8 MUM, respectively. Inhibition of
      BSEP activity by fusidic acid was also consistent with the potent disruption of
      cellular biliary flux (AC50 = 11 MUM) in the hepatocyte imaging assay technology
      assay, with minimal impact on other toxicity end points (e.g., cytotoxicity,
      mitochondrial membrane potential, reactive oxygen species generation, glutathione
      depletion, etc.). Fusidic acid also inhibited UGT1A1-catalyzed beta-estradiol
      glucuronidation activity in human liver microsomes with an IC50 value of 16 MUM.
      Fusidic acid did not demonstrate any significant inhibition of ATP-dependent LTC4
      transport (IC50's > 300 MUM) in human MRP2 or MRP3 vesicles. R values, which
      reflect maximal in vivo inhibition, were estimated from a static mathematical
      model by taking into consideration the IC50 values generated in the various in
      vitro assays and clinically efficacious unbound fusidic acid concentrations. The
      magnitudes of in vivo interaction (R values) resulting from the inhibition of
      OATP1B1, UGT1A1, NTCP, and BSEP transport were ~1.9-2.6, 1.1-1.2, 1.0-1.1, and
      1.4-1.7, respectively, which are indicative of some degree of inherent toxicity
      risk, particularly via inhibition of OATP and BSEP. Collectively, these
      observations indicate that inhibition of human BSEP by fusidic acid could affect
      bile acid homeostasis, resulting in cholestatic hepatotoxicity in the clinic.
      Lack of direct inhibitory effects on MRP2 transport by fusidic acid suggests that
      conjugated hyperbilirubinemia does not arise via interference in MRP2-mediated
      biliary disposition of bilirubin glucuronides. Instead, it is possible that
      elevation in the level of bilirubin conjugates in blood is mediated through
      inhibition of hepatic OATPs, which are responsible for their reuptake and/or
      downregulation of MRP2 transporter as a consequence of cholestatic injury.

PMID- 27676154
TI  - Phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) mediated transcriptional regulation of
      Oncostatin-M.
AB  - Oncostatin-M (OSM), an IL-6 family cytokine, exhibits varied roles in different
      patho-physiological conditions. Differential expression of OSM in response to
      varying stimuli indicates importance of its regulation of expression. The present
      study illustrated transcriptional induction of osm on treatment with chemical
      inducer, phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA). Following initial hours of PMA
      treatment, a nuclear protein C/EBP-beta binds specifically to the CCAAT consensus
      sequence at the proximal end of the OSM promoter. Genistein (a specific Tyr
      phosphorylation inhibitor) leads to the interaction of CHOP (C/EBP Homologous
      Protein) with C/EBP-beta, thus negatively regulating it. Knockdown of C/EBP-beta
      also leads to inhibition of PMA-mediated OSM induction.

PMID- 27676155
TI  - Coexistence of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg imbalances in patients with post traumatic
      sepsis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) developed due to the
      insult of trauma is a leading cause of death. The high mortality rate in these
      patients with and without sepsis has been reported up to 50%, throughout the
      world and thus required an urgent insight to overcome this problem. OBJECTIVE:
      The aim of this study is to examine the differential changes in subsets of T
      cells, imbalance in cytokine profile, immune-paralysis (T cell anergy) in Trauma
      hemorrhagic shock (THS) and post traumatic sepsis patients. METHODOLOGY: 114, THS
      patients and 50 healthy controls were recruited in the present study. We have
      measured the T cell proliferation assay using dominant antigens of both gram
      positive (LTA, 100ng/ml) and gram negative (LPS-100ng/ml) bacteria and PHA
      (4MUg/ml) using radioactive thymidine (1H3) assay. Simultaneously, we have
      measured the culture supernatant level of cytokines using Cytokine bead assay
      (CBA). The other parts of this study include the analysis of different subsets of
      T cells. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: We observed significantly (P<0.05) reduced T
      cell proliferation in THS patients as compared to control. Our study also showed
      patients died due to sepsis/septic shock, had significantly (p<0.05) lower T cell
      response and had significantly elevated levels of IL-4, IL-10andTGF-beta, but low
      level of IL-2andIFN-gamma in culture supernatant. THS patients who developed
      sepsis complication had significantly higher T regulatory cells and lower Th17
      cells in comparison to non-sepsis. In conclusion, our study showed an imbalance
      in cell mediated immune response and disturbance in Th1/Th2/Th17 and T reg
      population of T helper cells and also the shifts towards Th2 and T17 in THS
      patients who had developed sepsis and showed poor outcomes.

PMID- 27676156
TI  - A randomized controlled trial examining the effects of 16 weeks of moderate-to
      intensive cycling and honey supplementation on lymphocyte oxidative DNA damage
      and cytokine changes in male road cyclists.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate whether honey supplementation (70g,
      ninety minutes before each training session) attenuates changes in lymphocyte
      counts, DNA damage, cytokines, antioxidative and peroxidative biomarkers
      following moderate-to-intensive exercise training in male road cyclists. Healthy
      nonprofessional cyclists (n=24, aged 17-26years) were randomly assigned to
      exercise+supplement (EX+S, n=12) and exercise (EX, n=12) groups for an
      experimental period of 16weeks. Moderate-to-intensive exercise training increased
      lymphocytes DNA damage, cytokines and peroxidative biomarkers as well as
      decreased antioxidative biomarkers in the EX group. These changes were
      significantly attenuated in the EX+S group. Furthermore, for both groups the
      observed changes in peroxidative and antioxidative biomarkers could be correlated
      positively and negatively, respectively, with lymphocyte DNA damage and
      cytokines. Findings suggest that honey attenuates oxidative stress and lymphocyte
      DNA damage after exercise, activities that are most likely attributable to its
      high antioxidant capacity.

PMID- 27676157
TI  - Incorporation of Privileged Structures into Bevirimat Can Improve Activity
      against Wild-Type and Bevirimat-Resistant HIV-1.
AB  - Two "privileged fragments", caffeic acid and piperazine, were integrated into
      bevirimat producing new derivatives with improved activity against HIV-1/NL4-3
      and NL4-3/V370A carrying the most prevalent bevirimat-resistant polymorphism. The
      activity of one of these, 18c, was increased by 3-fold against NL4-3 and 51-fold
      against NL4-3/V370A. Moreover, 18c is a maturation inhibitor with improved
      metabolic stability. Our study suggested that integration of privileged motifs
      into promising natural product skeletons is an effective strategy for discovering
      potent derivatives.

PMID- 27676158
TI  - Overexpression of PP2A-C5 that encodes the catalytic subunit 5 of protein
      phosphatase 2A in Arabidopsis confers better root and shoot development under
      salt conditions.
AB  - Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is an enzyme consisting of three subunits: a
      scaffolding A subunit, a regulatory B subunit and a catalytic C subunit. PP2As
      were shown to play diverse roles in eukaryotes. In this study, the function of
      the Arabidopsis PP2A-C5 gene that encodes the catalytic subunit 5 of PP2A was
      studied using both loss-of-function and gain-of-function analyses. Loss-of
      function mutant pp2a-c5-1 displayed more impaired growth during root and shoot
      development, whereas overexpression of PP2A-C5 conferred better root and shoot
      growth under different salt treatments, indicating that PP2A-C5 plays an
      important role in plant growth under salt conditions. Double knockout mutants of
      pp2a-c5-1 and salt overly sensitive (sos) mutants sos1-1, sos2-2 or sos3-1 showed
      additive sensitivity to NaCl, indicating that PP2A-C5 functions in a pathway
      different from the SOS signalling pathway. Using yeast two-hybrid analysis, four
      vacuolar membrane chloride channel (CLC) proteins, AtCLCa, AtCLCb, AtCLCc and
      AtCLCg, were found to interact with PP2A-C5. Moreover, overexpression of AtCLCc
      leads to increased salt tolerance and Cl- accumulation in transgenic Arabidopsis
      plants. These data indicate that PP2A-C5-mediated better growth under salt
      conditions might involve up-regulation of CLC activities on vacuolar membranes
      and that PP2A-C5 could be used for improving salt tolerance in crops.

PMID- 27676159
TI  - Autocrine IL-10 functions as a rheostat for M1 macrophage glycolytic commitment
      by tuning nitric oxide production.
AB  - Inflammatory maturation of M1 macrophages by proinflammatory stimuli such as toll
      like receptor ligands results in profound metabolic reprogramming resulting in
      commitment to aerobic glycolysis as evidenced by repression of mitochondrial
      oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and enhanced glucose utilization. In contrast,
      "alternatively activated" macrophages adopt a metabolic program dominated by
      fatty acid-fueled OXPHOS. Despite the known importance of these developmental
      stages on the qualitative aspects of an inflammatory response, relatively little
      is know regarding the regulation of these metabolic adjustments. Here we provide
      evidence that the immunosuppressive cytokine IL-10 defines a metabolic regulatory
      loop. Our data show for the first time that lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced
      glycolytic flux controls IL-10-production via regulation of mammalian target of
      rapamycin (mTOR) and that autocrine IL-10 in turn regulates macrophage nitric
      oxide (NO) production. Genetic and pharmacological manipulation of IL-10 and
      nitric oxide (NO) establish that metabolically regulated autocrine IL-10 controls
      glycolytic commitment by limiting NO-mediated suppression of OXPHOS. Together
      these data support a model where autocine IL-10 production is controlled by
      glycolytic flux in turn regulating glycolytic commitment by preserving OXPHOS via
      suppression of NO. We propose that this IL-10-driven metabolic rheostat maintains
      metabolic equilibrium during M1 macrophage differentiation and that perturbation
      of this regulatory loop, either directly by exogenous cellular sources of IL-10
      or indirectly via limitations in glucose availability, skews the cellular
      metabolic program altering the balance between inflammatory and immunosuppressive
      phenotypes.

PMID- 27676160
TI  - Incidence of ineffective safety margin testing (<10 J) and efficacy of routine
      subcutaneous array insertion during implantable cardioverter defibrillator
      implantation.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to assess (1) the incidence of safety margin
      testing <10 J (SMT) and (2) the efficacy/safety of routinely adding a
      subcutaneous array (SQA) (Medtronic 6996SQ) for these patients. Patients with SMT
      smaller than a 10-J safety margin from maximum output were considered to have
      very high readings and underwent SQA insertion. These patients were compared with
      the rest of the patients who had acceptable SMT (>=10 J). A total of 616 patients
      underwent ICD implantation during the analysis period. Of those, 16 (2.6%) had
      SMT <10 J. By univariate analysis, younger age, and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy,
      were all significant predictors of SMT <10 J (p < 0.05). In all 16 cases, other
      methods to improve SMT prior to array insertion were attempted but failed for all
      patients: reversing shock polarity (n = 15), removing the superior vena cava coil
      (n = 14), reprogramming shock waveform (n = 9), and repositioning right
      ventricular lead (n = 9). Addition of the SQA successfully increased SMT to
      within safety margin for all patients (32 +/- 2 versus 21 +/- 3 J; p < 0.001).
      Follow-up (mean 48.1 +/- 21 months) was available for all patients with SQA, only
      2 cases with inappropriate shocks due to atrial fibrillation had to be noted.
      None of the patients experienced complications due to SQA implantation. SMT <10 J
      occur in about 2.6% of patients undergoing ICD implantation. SQA insertion
      corrects this problem without procedural/mid-term complications. 

PMID- 27676161
TI  - Flecainide challenge test: Predictors of unmasking of type 1 Brugada ECG pattern
      among those with non-type 1 Brugada ECG pattern.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many subjects in community have non-type 1 Brugada pattern ECG with
      atypical symptoms, relevance of which is not clear. Provocative tests to unmask
      type 1 Brugada pattern in these patients would help in diagnosing Brugada
      Syndrome. However sensitivity and specificity of provocating drugs are variable.
      METHODS: We studied 29 patients referred to our institute with clinical
      presentation suggestive but not diagnostic of Brugada or with non-Type 1 Brugada
      pattern ECG. Flecainide Challenge Test (FCT) was done in these patients (IV
      Flecainide test in 4 patients and Oral Flecainide in 25 patients). Resting 12
      lead ECG with standard precordial leads and ECG with precordial leads placed 1
      Intercostal space above were performed after flecainide administration every 5
      min for first 30 min and every 30 min thereafter until ECG became normal or upto
      6 h. The positivity was defined as inducible Type 1 Brugada pattern in atleast 2
      right sided leads. RESULT: Median age was 35(range = 5-65) years. In 16 (55%)
      patients the Type 1 Brugada pattern was unmasked. There were no episodes of major
      AV block, atrial or ventricular tachyarrhythmia. Three groups were considered for
      analysis: Group 1(n = 9) - FCT Positive among patients with non-type 1 Brugada
      ECG pattern, Group 2(n = 4) - FCT Negative among the patients with non-type 1
      Brugada ECG pattern, and Group 3(n = 7) - FCT Positive among patients with no
      spontaneous Brugada ECG pattern. Binary logistic regression analysis found that
      family h/o SCD was predictive of FCT positivity in Group 1 (Odd's ratio 21, 95%
      Confidence interval 1.04 to 698.83, p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Oral flecainide is
      useful and safe for unmasking of Type I Brugada pattern. In our study, among the
      many variables studied, family history of sudden cardiac death was the only
      predictor of flecainide test positivity among those with non-Type 1 Brugada
      pattern.

PMID- 27676163
TI  - Sudden cardiac arrest due to a single sodium channel mutation producing a mixed
      phenotype of Brugada and Long QT3 syndromes.
AB  - Inherited arrhythmia syndromes are a known, albeit rare, cause of sudden cardiac
      arrest which may present with characteristic electrocardiogram changes in
      patients with structurally normal heart. There are a variety of distinct
      arrhythmogenic syndromes that arise from mutations in voltage gated sodium
      channels, resulting in either gain or loss of function. We describe a patient
      with a primary inherited arrhythmia syndrome which presented as sudden cardiac
      arrest. Further workup revealed that her arrest was due to a combination of
      Brugada syndrome and Long QT3 syndrome secondary to a deleterious mutation of
      voltage-gated, sodium channel, type V alpha subunit (SCN5A Thr1709Met). 

PMID- 27676164
TI  - Implantation of single lead cardioverter defibrillator with floating atrial
      sensing dipole in a pregnant patient without using fluoroscopy.
AB  - In this case report, we look into the implant procedure of a single-lead ICD with
      floating atrial sensing dipole in a pregnant woman, without using fluoroscopy.
      This system benefits the proper positioning of the lead. This is possible thanks
      to the simultaneous display of both the atrial and ventricular dipoles on the
      electro-anatomical mapping system. This technique may be taken into consideration
      for the few rare cases where fluoroscopy is absolutely contraindicated. 

PMID- 27676162
TI  - Comparison between IEGM-based approach and echocardiography in AV/PV and VV delay
      optimization in CRT-D recipients (Quicksept study).
AB  - BACKGROUND: AtrioVentricular (AV) and InterVentricular (VV) delay optimization
      can improve ventricular function in Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) and
      is usually performed by means of echocardiography. St Jude Medical has developed
      an automated algorhythm which calculates the optimal AV and VV delays
      (QuickOptTM) based on Intracardiac ElectroGrams, (IEGM), within 2 min. So far,
      the efficacy of the algorhythm has been tested acutely with standard lead
      position at right ventricular (RV) apex. Aim of this project is to evaluate the
      algorhythm performance in the mid- and long-term with RV lead located in mid
      septum. METHODS: AV and VV delays optimization data were collected in 13 centers
      using both echocardiographic and QuickOptTM guidance in CRTD implanted patients
      provided with this algorhythm. Measurements of the aortic Velocity Time Integral
      (aVTI) were performed with both methods in a random order at pre-discharge, 6
      month and 12-month follow-up. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients were studied (46
      males; age 68 +/- 10y; EF 28 +/- 7%). Maximum aVTI obtained by echocardiography
      at different AV delays, were compared with aVTI acquired at AV delays suggested
      by QuickOpt. The AV Pearson correlations were 0.96 at pre-discharge, 0.95 and
      0,98 at 6- and 12- month follow-up respectively. After programming optimal AV,
      the same approach was used to compare echocardiographic aVTI with aVTI
      corresponding to the VV values provided by QuickOpt. The VV Pearson Correlation
      were 0,92 at pre-discharge, 0,88 and 0.90 at 6-month and 12- month follow-up
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: IEGM-based optimization provides comparable results
      with echocardiographic method (maximum aVTI) used as reference with mid-septum RV
      lead location.

PMID- 27676165
TI  - Transhepatic permanent pacing in a child with complex cyanotic heart disease
      after total cavo pulmonary shunt (Kawashima repair).
AB  - Complex cyanotic congenital heart diseases with left isomerism are sometimes
      associated with atrioventricular nodal conduction disturbances that may need
      permanent pacing. Surgical palliation in such anatomy connecting the superior
      vena cava to the pulmonary artery precludes a transvenous access for an
      endocardial pacing lead to the ventricles. Epicardial leads in these patients
      fail if the pacing thresholds are very high. We report transhepatic permanent
      ventricular lead implantation for a young boy with heterotaxy complicated by
      complete heart block. 

PMID- 27676166
TI  - Atrial flutter with atypical presentation.

PMID- 27676167
TI  - Leadless cardiac pacing.

PMID- 27676168
TI  - Morse, Lennard-Jones, and Kratzer Potentials: A Canonical Perspective with
      Applications.
AB  - Canonical approaches are applied to classic Morse, Lennard-Jones, and Kratzer
      potentials. Using the canonical transformation generated for the Morse potential
      as a reference, inverse transformations allow the accurate generation of the Born
      Oppenheimer potential for the H2+ ion, neutral covalently bound H2, van der Waals
      bound Ar2, and the hydrogen bonded one-dimensional dissociative coordinate in a
      water dimer. Similar transformations are also generated using the Lennard-Jones
      and Kratzer potentials as references. Following application of inverse
      transformations, vibrational eigenvalues generated from the Born-Oppenheimer
      potentials give significantly improved quantitative comparison with values
      determined from the original accurately known potentials. In addition, an
      algorithmic strategy based upon a canonical transformation to the dimensionless
      form applied to the force distribution associated with a potential is presented.
      The resulting canonical force distribution is employed to construct an algorithm
      for deriving accurate estimates for the dissociation energy, the maximum
      attractive force, and the internuclear separations corresponding to the maximum
      attractive force and the potential well.

PMID- 27676169
TI  - Smallest Bimetallic CoPt3 Superparamagnetic Nanoparticles.
AB  - We present for the first time a nonaqueous sol-gel route to produce ultrasmall
      (<2 nm) magnetic bimetallic CoPt3 nanoparticles (NPs). The one-pot procedure is
      carried out at low temperature (180  degrees C) using benzyl alcohol, acting as
      both reducing agent and solvent. The highly monodisperse CoPt3 NPs were
      investigated with innovative advanced X-ray methods (whole powder pattern
      modeling), HR-STEM, XPS, and SQUID magnetometry. XPS showed Co was mostly in
      metallic form, but with a very small amount of CoO on the NP surface. The
      spherical NPs had an ultrasmall diameter of 1.6 nm and could self-assemble in
      aligned linear chains, or nanobelts, of single NPs. They are superparamagnetic,
      with blocking temperature of ~20 K and coercivity at 10 K of 27.9 kA m-1 (~350
      Oe). However, there is evidence of a second magnetic phase (probably CoO) in the
      ZFC magnetization curve, which enhances their magnetization values, without
      significantly affecting their superparamagnetism.

PMID- 27676170
TI  - Perspectives of physicians and nurses on identifying and treating psychological
      distress of the critically ill.
AB  - PURPOSE: Survivors of critical illness are frequently unable to return to their
      premorbid level of psychocognitive functioning following discharge. Therefore, we
      aimed to evaluate the burden of psychological trauma experienced by patients in
      the intensive care unit (ICU) as perceived by clinicians to assess factors that
      can impede its recognition and treatment in the ICU. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two
      distinct role-specific Web-based surveys were administered to critical care
      physicians and nurses in medical and surgical ICUs of 2 academic medical centers.
      Responses were analyzed in the domains of psychological trauma,
      exacerbating/mitigating factors, and provider-patient communication. RESULTS: A
      survey was completed by 43 physicians and 55 nurses with a response rate of 62%
      and 37%, respectively. Among physicians, 65% consistently consider the
      psychological state of the patient in decision making; 77% think it is important
      to introduce a system to document psychological state of ICU patients; 56% would
      like to have more time to communicate with patients; 77% consistently spend extra
      time at bedside besides rounds and often hold patient's hand/reassure them.
      Notably, for the question about the average level of psychological stress
      experienced by a patient in the ICU (with 0=no stress and 100=worst stress
      imaginable) during initial treatment stage and by the end of the ICU stay, median
      assessment by both physicians and nurses was 80 for the initial stress level and
      68 for the stress level by the end of the ICU stay. Among nurses, 69% always try
      to minimize noise and 73% actively promote patient's rest. Physicians and nurses
      provided multiple specific suggestions for improving ICU environment and
      communication. CONCLUSIONS: Both physicians and nurses acknowledge that they
      perceive that critically ill patients experience a high level of psychological
      stress that persists throughout their period of illness. Improved understanding
      of this phenomenon is needed to design effective therapeutic interventions.
      Although the lack of time is identified as significant barrier to ameliorating
      patient's psychological stress, the majority of clinicians indicate that they
      attempt to provide interventions to achieve this goal.

PMID- 27676171
TI  - Risk prediction models for mortality in patients with ventilator-associated
      pneumonia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common and serious
      complication in patients requiring mechanical ventilation in the intensive care
      unit. The aims of this study were to identify models used to predict mortality in
      VAP patients and to assess their prognostic accuracy. METHODS: The PubMed and
      EMBASE were searched in February 2016. We included studies in English that
      evaluated models' ability to predict the risk of mortality in patients with VAP.
      The reported mortality with the longest follow-up was used in the meta-analysis.
      Prognostic accuracy was measured with the area under the receiver operator
      characteristic curve (AUC). RESULTS: We identified 19 articles studying 7
      different models' ability to predict mortality in VAP patients. The models were
      Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II (9 studies, n = 1398);
      Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score (4 studies, n = 303); "Immunodeficiency, Blood
      pressure, Multilobular infiltrates on chest radiograph, Platelets and
      hospitalization 10 days before onset of VAP" (3 studies, n = 406); "VAP
      Predisposition, Insult Response and Organ dysfunction" (2 studies, n = 589);
      Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (7 studies, n = 1019); Simplified Acute
      Physiology Score II (6 studies, n = 1043); and APACHE III (1 study, n = 198).
      APACHE II had the highest pooled AUC (95% confidence intervals), 0.72 (0.64
      0.80), and CPIS had the lowest pooled AUC, 0.64 (0.55-0.72). CONCLUSION: We
      identified 7 models that have been evaluated for their ability to predict
      mortality in patients with VAP. The models had nearly equal predictive
      accuracies, although some models are more complex and time consuming.

PMID- 27676172
TI  - Novel Sperm and Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone-based Recombinant Fusion Protein:
      Achievement of 100% Contraceptive Efficacy by Co-immunization of Male and Female
      Mice.
AB  - Improvements in long-term female contraception can be achieved by vaccinating
      with sperm-derived proteins. Here, recombinant proteins comprising either (i) N-
      (amino acid residues 1-80) or C- (amino acid residues 76-126) terminal fragments
      of mouse sperm protein 17 (Sp17) fused to the promiscuous T non-B cell epitope of
      tetanus toxoid (TT), amino acid residues 830-844 followed by di-lysine linker
      (KK) (TT-KK-Sp17N or TT-KK-Sp17C , respectively) or (ii) mouse equatorin (amino
      acid residues 21-185) fused to the T non-B cell epitope of bovine RNase (amino
      acid residues 94-104) were expressed in Escherichia coli. Immunization of female
      FVB/J mice, using alum as an adjuvant, led to the generation of high antibody
      titers against the above proteins. Antibodies against both N- and C-terminal
      fragments of Sp17 reacted with the entire capacitated mouse spermatozoa, whereas
      those against equatorin reacted exclusively with the equatorial region. Despite
      the reactivity of all immune sera, only sera from mice immunized with TT-KK-Sp17N
      and TT-KK-Sp17C significantly reduced mouse in vitro fertilization. Mating
      studies of the immunized females with un-immunized male mice revealed the highest
      infertility in the TT-KK-Sp17C -immunized group. In an attempt to further boost
      the immune response, the C-terminal fragment of Sp17 was expressed as fusion
      protein with a tandem repeat of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) (Sp17C 
      GnRH2 ). Immunization of both male and female mice with Sp17C -GnRH2 led to
      higher contraceptive efficacy compared to mice immunized with TT-KK-Sp17C .
      Interestingly, mating studies wherein partners were both immunized with Sp17C 
      GnRH2 showed a complete failure of female mice to conceive. Thus, immunization of
      both males and females with Sp17C -GnRH2 has the potential to increase
      contraceptive efficacy. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 1048-1059, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27676173
TI  - A Small Cysteine-Rich Protein from the Asian Soybean Rust Fungus, Phakopsora
      pachyrhizi, Suppresses Plant Immunity.
AB  - The Asian soybean rust fungus, Phakopsora pachyrhizi, is an obligate biotrophic
      pathogen causing severe soybean disease epidemics. Molecular mechanisms by which
      P. pachyrhizi and other rust fungi interact with their host plants are poorly
      understood. The genomes of all rust fungi encode many small, secreted cysteine
      rich proteins (SSCRP). While these proteins are thought to function within the
      host, their roles are completely unknown. Here, we present the characterization
      of P. pachyrhizi effector candidate 23 (PpEC23), a SSCRP that we show to suppress
      plant immunity. Furthermore, we show that PpEC23 interacts with soybean
      transcription factor GmSPL12l and that soybean plants in which GmSPL12l is
      silenced have constitutively active immunity, thereby identifying GmSPL12l as a
      negative regulator of soybean defenses. Collectively, our data present evidence
      for a virulence function of a rust SSCRP and suggest that PpEC23 is able to
      suppress soybean immune responses and physically interact with soybean
      transcription factor GmSPL12l, a negative immune regulator.

PMID- 27676174
TI  - Post-gemcitabine therapy for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer - A
      comparative review of randomized trials evaluating oxaliplatin- and/or irinotecan
      containing regimens.
AB  - A systematic review and critical evaluation of randomized trial evidence for
      oxaliplatin- or irinotecan-containing regimens in patients with advanced
      pancreatic cancer previously treated with gemcitabine has not yet been published.
      We conducted a comparative systematic review of randomized trials evaluating
      oxaliplatin- or irinotecan-based therapies in patients with advanced pancreatic
      cancer previously treated with gemcitabine to assess trial similarity and the
      feasibility of performing an indirect treatment comparison (ITC). Studies were
      identified through PubMed and key oncology conference abstracts. The following
      trials met our criteria: NAPOLI-1 (nanoliposomal irinotecan [nal-IRI] or nal
      IRI+5-fluorouracil [5-FU]/leucovorin [LV] vs 5-FU/LV), CONKO-003 (oxaliplatin+5
      FU/LV [OFF] vs 5-FU/LV), PANCREOX (oxaliplatin+5-FU/LV [mFOLFOX6] vs 5-FU/LV),
      and Yoo et al. (2009) (irinotecan+5-FU/LV [mFOLFIRI3] vs mFOLFOX). Fundamental
      differences were identified in study design (i.e., number of study sites, number
      of countries), patient (i.e., locally advanced vs metastatic disease,
      stratification variables, prior and subsequent treatments) and treatment (i.e.,
      regimens, dose intensity) characteristics, and primary and secondary outcomes
      (i.e., primary vs secondary outcomes, overall survival [OS], progression-free
      survival [PFS]) among the 4 included trials. Our comparative review demonstrated
      significant dissimilarity across trials, which precluded conducting an ITC. In
      the absence of head-to-head nal-IRI- and/or oxaliplatin-based therapy trials,
      clinicians are advised to interpret these studies separately within the context
      of their individual patient population.

PMID- 27676175
TI  - Chlamydia trachomatis among Youth - Testing Behaviour and Incidence of Repeat
      Testing in Stockholm County, Sweden 2010-2012.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Widespread testing and screening for genital Chlamydia trachomatis is
      often advocated as an important method to halt the epidemic. Sweden has long
      tradition of opportunistic screening services. Nevertheless infections rates have
      continued to rise over the past two decades, despite increased access to testing
      and treatment services. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study we describe
      the testing behavior for genital Chlamydia trachomatis among youth in Stockholm
      County, with a focus on repeated testing. Specifically we (a) study positivity
      rates among single and repeat testers, we (b) estimate the incidence of repeat
      testing and the rates of infection in repeat testing episodes, and we (c)
      estimate time to repeat testing and factors associated with repeat testing. All
      youth (aged >=12 and <26) that tested for Chlamydia trachomatis in one of 33
      Youth Health Clinics in Stockholm County between 1 January 2010 and 31 December
      2012 were included in the study. RESULTS: The cohort comprised a total of 65,951
      individuals who did 119,699 tests during the study period. 42% of youth were
      repeat testers, the incidence of repeat testing was 35.0/100 person years. The
      overall baseline prevalence was 7.9%. Positivity rates of baseline tests among
      repeat testers were nearly twice as high among single testers of either sex.
      These were 17.1% and 9.8% among male repeat and single testers respectively. The
      corresponding rates for women were 9.4% and 4.3%. Positivity rates among repeat
      tests did not decline compared to the overall baseline positivity. Baseline test
      result and sex significantly influenced the occurrence of repeat testing.
      CONCLUSION: Among repeat testers we found high rates of Chlamydia trachomatis
      both at baseline and at repeat tests which suggests the possibility that this
      group might be continuing to engage in unsafe sexual practices. Given the extent
      of repeat testing and the high positivity rates on repeat testing, further
      research among this group is required to inquire into reasons for repeated
      testing.

PMID- 27676176
TI  - A Public Health Framework for Legalized Retail Marijuana Based on the US
      Experience: Avoiding a New Tobacco Industry.
AB  - Rachel Barry and Stanton Glantz argue that a public health framework that
      prioritizes public health over business interests should be used by US states and
      countries that legalize retail marijuana.

PMID- 27676177
TI  - The Chimeric Nihilism of Geriatrics.

PMID- 27676178
TI  - Electrochemical Growth of Single-Crystal Metal Nanowires via a Two-Dimensional
      Nucleation and Growth Mechanism.
AB  - Metallic nanowires (Au, Ag, Cu, Ni, Co, and Rh) with an average diameter of 40 nm
      and a length of 3-5 MUm have been fabricated by electrodeposition in the pores of
      track-etched polycarbonate membranes. Structural characterizations by
      transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electron diffraction showed that
      nanowires of Au, Ag, and Cu are single-crystalline with a preferred [111]
      orientation, whereas Ni, Co, and Rh wires are polycrystalline. Possible
      mechanisms responsible for nucleation and growth for single-crystal noble metals
      versus polycrystalline group VIII-B metals are discussed.

PMID- 27676179
TI  - A Feeder-Bus Dispatch Planning Model for Emergency Evacuation in Urban Rail
      Transit Corridors.
AB  - The mobility of modern metropolises strongly relies on urban rail transit (URT)
      systems, and such a heavy dependence causes that even minor service interruptions
      would make the URT systems unsustainable. This study aims at optimally
      dispatching the ground feeder-bus to coordinate with the urban rails' operation
      for eliminating the effect of unexpected service interruptions in URT corridors.
      A feeder-bus dispatch planning model was proposed for the collaborative
      optimization of URT and feeder-bus cooperation under emergency situations and
      minimizing the total evacuation cost of the feeder-buses. To solve the model, a
      concept of dummy feeder-bus system is proposed to transform the non-linear model
      into traditional linear programming (ILP) model, i.e., traditional transportation
      problem. The case study of Line #2 of Nanjing URT in China was adopted to
      illustrate the model application and sensitivity analyses of the key variables.
      The modeling results show that as the evacuation time window increases, the total
      evacuation cost as well as the number of dispatched feeder-buses decrease, and
      the dispatched feeder-buses need operate for more times along the feeder-bus
      line. The number of dispatched feeder-buses does not show an obvious change with
      the increase of parking spot capacity and time window, indicating that simply
      increasing the parking spot capacity would cause huge waste for the emergent bus
      utilization. When the unbalanced evacuation demand exists between stations, the
      more feeder-buses are needed. The method of this study will contribute to
      improving transportation emergency management and resource allocation for URT
      systems.

PMID- 27676180
TI  - Rapid characterization of the chemical constituents of Cortex Fraxini by
      homogenate extraction followed by UHPLC coupled with Fourier transform ion
      cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry and GC-MS.
AB  - Cortex Fraxini is an important traditional Chinese medicine. In this work, a
      rapid and reliable homogenate extraction method was applied for the fast
      extraction for Cortex Fraxini, and the method was optimized by response surface
      methodology. Ultra high performance liquid chromatography combined with Fourier
      transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry and gas chromatography with
      mass spectrometry were established for the separation and characterization of the
      constituents of Cortex Fraxini. Liquid chromatography separation was conducted on
      a C18 column (150 mm * 2.1 mm, 1.8 MUm), and gas chromatography separation was
      performed on a capillary with a 5% phenyl-methylpolysiloxane stationary phase (30
      m * 0.25 mm * 0.25 mm) by injection of silylated samples. According to the
      results, 33 chemical compounds were characterized by liquid chromatography with
      mass spectrometry, and 11 chemical compounds were characterized by gas
      chromatography with mass spectrometry, and coumarins were the major components
      characterized by both gas chromatography with mass spectrometry and liquid
      chromatography with mass spectrometry. The proposed homogenate extraction was an
      efficient and rapid method, and coumarins, phenylethanoid glycosides, iridoid
      glycosides, phenylpropanoids, and lignans were the main constituents of Cortex
      Fraxini. This work laid the foundation for further study of Cortex Fraxini and
      will be helpful for the rapid extraction and characterization of ingredients in
      other traditional Chinese medicines.

PMID- 27676182
TI  - Parents scaffold flexible imitation during early childhood.
AB  - Children use imitation flexibly to acquire the instrumental skills and
      conventions of their social groups. This study (N=69 parent and 3- to 6-year-old
      child dyads) examined the impact of instrumental versus conventional language on
      (a) children's imitative flexibility in the context of parent-child interaction
      and (b) how parents scaffold children's imitation. Children in dyads presented
      with conventional language imitated with higher fidelity than children in dyads
      presented with instrumental language. Parents in dyads presented with
      conventional language also provided their children with more instruction to
      imitate and engaged in more encouragement, demonstration, and monitoring than
      parents in dyads presented with instrumental language. The relation between
      language cue and children's imitative fidelity was mediated by parent scaffolding
      behavior. The results provide evidence that caregivers support the development of
      flexible imitation during early childhood by adjusting their scaffolding
      according to the goal of the behavior.

PMID- 27676181
TI  - Multiple Minor QTLs Are Responsible for Fusarium Head Blight Resistance in
      Chinese Wheat Landrace Haiyanzhong.
AB  - Fusarium head blight (FHB), caused by Fusarium graminearum Schwabe, is a
      devastating disease in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Use of host resistance is
      one of the most effective strategies to minimize the disease damage. Haiyanzhong
      (HYZ) is a Chinese wheat landrace that shows a high level of resistance to FHB
      spread within a spike (type II resistance). To map the quantitative trait loci
      (QTLs) in HYZ and identify markers tightly linked to the QTLs for FHB resistance,
      a population of 172 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from a cross between HYZ and
      Wheaton (FHB susceptible) was genotyped using simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and
      single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) derived from genotyping-by-sequencing
      (GBS), and evaluated for percentage of symptomatic spikelets (PSSs) per spike in
      three greenhouse experiments. Six QTLs for type II resistance were identified in
      HYZ, indicating that multiple minor QTLs together can provide a high level of FHB
      resistance in wheat. The QTL with the largest effect on FHB resistance was mapped
      on the chromosome arm 5AS, and the other five from HYZ were mapped on the
      chromosomes 6B, 7D, 3B, 4B and 4D. In addition, two QTLs from Wheaton were mapped
      on 2B. Critical SNPs linked to the QTLs on chromosomes 5A, 6B, and 2B were
      converted into KBioscience competitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) assays, which
      can be used for marker-assisted selection (MAS) to pyramid these QTLs in wheat.

PMID- 27676184
TI  - Application of Fragment-Based de Novo Design to the Discovery of Selective
      Picomolar Inhibitors of Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 Beta.
AB  - A systematic fragment-based de novo design procedure was developed and applied to
      discover new potent and selective inhibitors of glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta
      (GSK3beta). Candidate inhibitors were generated to simultaneously maximize the
      biochemical potency and the specificity for GSK3beta through three design steps:
      identification of the optimal molecular fragments for the three sub-binding
      regions, design of proper linking moieties to connect the fragmental building
      blocks, and final scoring of the generated molecules. By virtue of modifying the
      ligand hydration free energy term in the scoring function using hybrid scaled
      particle theory and the extended solvent-contact model, we identified several
      GSK3beta inhibitors with biochemical potencies ranging from low nanomolar to
      picomolar levels. Among them, the two most potent inhibitors (12 and 27) are
      anticipated to serve as promising starting points of drug discovery for various
      diseases caused by GSK3beta because of the high specificity for the inhibition of
      GSK3beta.

PMID- 27676183
TI  - Foundations of mathematics and literacy: The role of executive functioning
      components.
AB  - The current study investigated the relations between the three cognitive
      processes that comprise executive functioning (EF)-response inhibition, working
      memory, and cognitive flexibility-and individual components of mathematics and
      literacy skills in preschool children. Participants were 125 preschool children
      ranging in age from 3.12 to 5.26years (M=4.17years, SD=0.58). Approximately 53.2%
      were female, and the sample was predominantly Caucasian (69.8%). Results suggest
      that the components of EF may be differentially related to the specific
      components of early mathematics and literacy. For mathematics, response
      inhibition was broadly related to most components. Working memory was related to
      more advanced mathematics skills that involve comparison or combination of
      numbers and quantities. Cognitive flexibility was related to more conceptual or
      abstract mathematics skills. For early literacy, response inhibition and
      cognitive flexibility were related to print knowledge, and working memory was
      related only to phonological awareness. None of the EF components was related to
      vocabulary. These findings provide initial evidence for better understanding the
      ways in which EF components and academic skills are related and measured.
      Furthermore, the findings provide a foundation for further study of the
      components of each domain using a broader and more diverse array of measures.

PMID- 27676185
TI  - Diffuse Tracheal Papillomatosis.

PMID- 27676186
TI  - Correlating Prenatal Imaging Findings of Fetal Ventriculomegaly with the Need for
      Surgical Intervention in the First 3 Months after Birth.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study evaluates the predictive value of prenatal imaging
      measurements regarding the need for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion for fetal
      hydrocephalus in the first 3 months after birth. METHODS: We retrospectively
      reviewed a consecutive case series of patients with fetal hydrocephalus from
      January 2011 to December 2014 (n = 45). Prenatal measurements included head
      circumference (HC), biparietal diameter (BPD), and lateral ventricle (LV) width.
      Patients requiring CSF diversion within 12 weeks of birth were compared to those
      who did not require CSF diversion using the Wilcoxon rank sum test, and receiver
      operating characteristic analysis was used to evaluate threshold values. RESULTS:
      CSF diversion was required within 12 weeks of birth in 30 of 45 patients. Mean LV
      width (mm) during the entire pregnancy was greater for the surgery group than the
      nonsurgery group. Neither BPD nor HC showed differences between the groups. A
      mean LV size >=15 mm predicted the need for CSF diversion with a sensitivity of
      67% and specificity of 73%. CONCLUSION: LV width is the prenatal imaging
      measurement that best predicts the need for postnatal CSF diversion.

PMID- 27676187
TI  - Spherical, Dimpled, and Crumpled Hybrid Colloids with Tunable Surface Morphology.
AB  - Surface morphology is a tool to tune physical properties of colloidal suspensions
      such as the wettability, viscoelasticity, and depletion attractions. Existing
      synthesis methods to obtain colloids with a rough surface morphology often result
      in colloids with nontunable surface properties. Here, we developed a synthetic
      approach to obtain both spherical and shape-anisotropic hybrid colloids with
      tunable surface morphology. With our approach, monodisperse linear polystyrene
      colloids, obtained in large quantities using a dispersion polymerization method,
      are swollen and cross-linked with styrene and 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl
      methacrylate (TPM) in the presence of the polymerization inhibitor hydroquinone.
      We show that, by varying only two experimental parameters, the concentration of
      the inhibitor and of TPM during swelling linear polystyrene colloids, three
      different types of particles can be synthesized. At low TPM concentrations,
      spherical colloids are obtained where the surface roughness can be tuned by
      varying the hydroquinone concentration. At intermediate TPM concentrations,
      single-dimpled colloids are formed with tunable dimple size. High TPM
      concentrations yield crumpled colloids of various shapes. Additionally, we
      demonstrate that all particles can be used as templates for silica coating,
      resulting in electrostatically stabilized silica-coated hybrid colloids or silica
      shells with rough, smooth, dimpled, or crumbled surface morphology.

PMID- 27676188
TI  - Endoscopic Diagnosis of the Invasion Depth of T1 Colorectal Carcinoma for
      Endoscopic Resection by Using Narrow-Band Imaging Magnification as Total
      Excisional Biopsy.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: We established a new colorectal T1 invasion depth sub
      classification and evaluated it to determine whether total excisional biopsy can
      be performed on colorectal carcinoma (CRC) cases using narrow-band imaging (NBI)
      magnification. METHODS: The cases included 73 T1 carcinomas selected from 173
      early CRC cases. The T1 invasion depth sub-classification was defined as follows:
      T1a, invasion less than 1,000 MUm from the inferior border of the muscularis
      mucosae; T1b-1, between T1a and T1b-2; and T1b-2, T1b lesions with invasion from
      the deepest part of the carcinoma to within 1,000 MUm of the superior border of
      the muscularis propria. The T1b-2 lesions were not suitable for total excisional
      biopsy to be performed on them. We examined the maximum diameter of Type C2 (NBI
      Hiroshima classification) areas and invasion depth. RESULTS: Among 47 lesions
      classified as Type C2, 38 lesions showed a maximum diameter of 10 mm or less and
      were classified as Tis, T1a, or T1b-1. The remaining 9 lesions exceeded 10 mm,
      and among these, 3 cases were classified as T1b-2 (p = 0.0035). CONCLUSION: For
      using the new T1 invasion depth sub-classification to classify T1 CRCs in which
      total excisional biopsy is possible, it is useful to measure the maximum diameter
      of the Type C2 area.

PMID- 27676189
TI  - Al-Pd Nanodisk Heterodimers as Antenna-Reactor Photocatalysts.
AB  - Photocatalysis uses light energy to drive chemical reactions. Conventional
      industrial catalysts are made of transition metal nanoparticles that interact
      only weakly with light, while metals such as Au, Ag, and Al that support surface
      plasmons interact strongly with light but are poor catalysts. By combining
      plasmonic and catalytic metal nanoparticles, the plasmonic "antenna" can couple
      light into the catalytic "reactor". This interaction induces an optical
      polarization in the reactor nanoparticle, forcing a plasmonic response. When this
      "forced plasmon" decays it can generate hot carriers, converting the catalyst
      into a photocatalyst. Here we show that precisely oriented, strongly coupled Al
      Pd nanodisk heterodimers fabricated using nanoscale lithography can function as
      directional antenna-reactor photocatalyst complexes. The light-induced hydrogen
      dissociation rate on these structures is strongly dependent upon the polarization
      angle of the incident light with respect to the orientation of the antenna
      reactor pair. Their high degree of structural precision allows us to
      microscopically quantify the photocatalytic activity per heterostructure,
      providing precise photocatalytic quantum efficiencies. This is the first example
      of precisely designed heterometallic nanostructure complexes for plasmon-enabled
      photocatalysis and paves the way for high-efficiency plasmonic photocatalysts by
      modular design.

PMID- 27676190
TI  - Risk Factors and Prognosis of Cardiorenal Syndrome Type 1 in Elderly Chinese
      Patients: A Retrospective Observational Cohort Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Cardiorenal syndrome type 1 (CRS1) is a syndrome characterized
      by a rapid worsening of cardiac function leading to acute kidney injury (AKI).
      The aims of this study were to investigate the risk factors and the prognosis of
      CRS1 in elderly patients. METHODS: A total of 312 elderly patients (>=60 years
      old) with acute heart failure (AHF) were studied. They were assigned as CRS1
      (suffered from in-hospital AKI) or NCRS1 (without AKI) group. Clinical and
      laboratory data were recorded. Univariate and multivariate analysis were
      performed to clarify the risk factors for occurrence and mortality of CRS1 in
      this cohort. RESULTS: Incidence of CRS1 was 52.56%. Basic estimated glomerular
      filtration (eGFR <60 ml/(min.1.73m2) and use of diuretics were associated with
      the higher risk of CRS1 in elderly patients (OR=2.239, P=0.025; OR=2.555,
      P=0.001; respectively). Whereas higher concentration of serum albumin was
      protective factor for them (OR=0.907, P=0.007). The in-hospital mortality of CRS1
      was 23.2%. Dialysis, use of beta blockers or diuretics were associated with all
      cause death of CRS1 patients (OR=10.407, P<0.001; OR=0.312, P=0.011; OR=0.345,
      P=0.040; respectively). The in-hospital mortality of AHF patients was 13.1%.
      Higher Charlson comorbidity index, occurrence of CRS1 and dialysis were risk
      factors for in-hospital mortality of AHF patients (OR=4.723, P=0.041; OR=6.096,
      P=0.008; OR=18.743, P<0.001; respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Incidence of CRS1 in
      elderly patients is relatively high and associated with poor outcome. Reduced
      basic eGFR, lower serum albumin and use of diuretics are risk factors for the
      occurrence of CRS1 in elderly patients, while use of diuretics, beta blockers and
      dialysis during hospitalization are predictors of in-hospital mortality in
      patients with CRS1. These results above suggest that more suitable treatments for
      the elderly with CRS1 might be needed.

PMID- 27676191
TI  - Radiosensitization of oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma by nanosecond pulsed
      electric fields (nsPEFs).
AB  - Nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEFs) are a non-thermal and non-toxic
      technology that induce a myriad of biological effects. They have been proven to
      be effective in tumor shrinkage, but few studies focus on its radiosensitization
      in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma. The purpose of this research was to study
      the radiosensitization effect of nsPEFs on a human oral tongue cancer cell line
      Tca8113 and to investigate the potential antitumor mechanism. A Tca8113 cell line
      was tested respectively by MTT assay, clonogenic assay, flow cytometry assay,
      annexin V-FITC/PI assay, mitochondrial potential assay and total nitric oxide
      assay. Our results showed that nsPEFs had a time and field strength dependent
      inhibition effect on Tca8113 cells. The sensitization enhancement ratio (SER) of
      nsPEFs was 1.453+/-0.038. Furthermore, radiation induced G2/M arrest was
      augmented by treatment with nsPEFs. We observed many more Tca8113 cells showing
      early apoptosis after nsPEFs combined with radiotherapy. Additionally, the NO
      concentration was significantly increased after nsPEFs treatment. These findings
      indicate that combination of nsPEFs with radiotherapy can enhance the
      radiosensitivity of Tca8113 cells and nsPEFs could be a potential radiosensitizer
      for oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma.

PMID- 27676192
TI  - Neuropsychological assessment of executive functions following pediatric
      traumatic brain injury.
AB  - Assessment of executive functions in the adult is best captured at the stage
      where full maturation of brain development occurs. Assessment of executive
      functions of children, however, is considerably more complicated. First,
      assessment of executive functioning in children represents a snapshot of these
      developing functions at a particular time linked stage, which may have
      implications for further development. Second, neuropsychological measures
      available to assess executive functions in children are limited in number and
      scope and may not be sensitive to the gradual developmental changes. The present
      article provides an overview of the salient neurodevelopmental stages of
      executive functioning and discusses the utilization of recently developed
      neuropsychological measures to assess these stages. Comments on clinical
      implications of these findings regarding Traumatic Brain Injury will be provided.

PMID- 27676193
TI  - Inhaler Technique in Asthma: How Does It Relate to Patients' Preferences and
      Attitudes Toward Their Inhalers?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Correct inhaler technique can increase medication efficacy, reducing
      both dose and side effects. Patient preference for inhaler device has not been
      fully explored, and we hypothesized that if patients have a preference and can
      choose their inhaler, they might be more likely to use it correctly. Our aim was
      to determine the preferences, attitudes, and perceptions of patients with asthma
      toward their inhalers, and to evaluate whether any of these factors were related
      to inhalation technique. METHODS: Twenty-five patients with asthma (mean age 43.1
      years) participated. Qualitative semi-structured interviews and quantitative
      patient satisfaction and preference questionnaires (PASAPQ) were used to explore
      patients' preferences, attitudes, and perceptions about their inhalers. Objective
      inhalation technique assessment was performed. Data were triangulated to identify
      characteristics that could indicate a relationship between inhaler technique,
      satisfaction, preference, and decision making. RESULTS: Themes from qualitative
      interviews were as follows: asthma inhalers and expectations; inhaler preference;
      characteristics of an ideal inhaler; perceived effectiveness of inhalers; and
      inhalers and patient decision making. PASAPQ scores indicated that all patients
      were at least "somewhat satisfied" with their inhalers, regardless of technique.
      Only 12% of inhalers were used correctly, despite pilot PASAPQ data suggesting
      that most patients were confident with their technique. The inhaler technique was
      unlikely to be related to satisfaction, perception of inhaler devices, or choice
      in device selection. Patients with correct inhaler technique were more aware of
      their asthma and expressed motivation to achieve optimal asthma control.
      CONCLUSIONS: The majority of the asthmatic patients did not use their inhaler(s)
      correctly, despite most having confidence in their technique. Patients attributed
      confidence in their inhaler technique to their belief that their inhaler was
      effective. Most patients had not been involved in decision making about which
      inhalation device to use. These findings highlight the lack of understanding of
      the important role of correct inhaler technique in asthma management.

PMID- 27676195
TI  - The future of lipid guidelines.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Factors influencing guideline development may result in
      paradigm shifts in treatment recommendations. RECENT FINDINGS: The 2013 American
      College of Cardiology/American Heart Association cholesterol guideline provides
      an example of how new methodology and findings from randomized clinical trials
      can result in a paradigm shift in the approach to cardiovascular prevention. This
      guideline moved away from a treat to cholesterol goal approach. Based on strong
      evidence of a net benefit in randomized clinical trials, statins were recommended
      to reduce atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk in four groups of patients
      most likely to benefit. In addition, improved risk prediction equations and
      shared decision-making were recommended for guiding statin initiation in primary
      prevention patients with LDL cholesterol <=190 mg/dl. Future guidelines will
      address the role of nonstatins for cardiovascular prevention. Improved risk
      prediction in statin-treated patients with and without cardiovascular disease,
      estimation of the potential for net benefit, and shared decision-making should be
      integral components of the next guideline. SUMMARY: Guidelines will continue to
      evolve as new data accumulate. New treatment paradigms will be needed to optimize
      patient outcomes.

PMID- 27676194
TI  - Folic Acid Supports Pluripotency and Reprogramming by Regulating LIF/STAT3 and
      MAPK/ERK Signaling.
AB  - Pluripotent stem cells act as an excellent cell source for disease therapy
      because of its specific characteristics of self-renewal and differentiation.
      Pluripotent stem cells are heterogeneous, consisting of naive stem cells as well
      as primed epiblast stem cells. However, the strategies and mechanisms of
      maintaining naive pluripotent stem cells remain unclear. In this study, we found
      that folic acid (FA) sustained mouse embryonic stem cell (ESC) pluripotency and
      enabled long-term maintenance of the naive state of ESCs under CHIR99021
      conditions. Mechanistic experiments showed that STAT3 pathway partially mediated
      the effect of FA after which the interaction between STAT3 and importin alpha5
      was enhanced. Meanwhile, MEK/ERK signaling also acted downstream of FA in
      maintaining ESC pluripotency. Furthermore, FA significantly promoted mouse
      somatic cell reprogramming. Overall, our study identified an effective chemical
      condition for maintaining homogeneous ESCs and highlighted the important roles of
      LIF/STAT3 and MEK/ERK signaling in naive ESC pluripotency.

PMID- 27676196
TI  - New oral agents for treating dyslipidemia.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We provide an overview of orally administered lipid-lowering
      therapies under development. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent data support statins for
      intermediate risk primary prevention, and ezetimibe for high-risk secondary
      prevention. Novel agents in development include bempedoic acid and gemcabene, and
      work continues on one remaining cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibitor,
      anacetrapib, to determine whether this class can reduce cardiovascular risk.
      Selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor modulators such as K-877 are
      under study to determine whether they have an advantage over older fibrates.
      Diacylglycerol transferase inhibitors such as pradigastat appear to have potent
      triglyceride-lowering effects, even for patients with familial chylomicronemia
      syndrome. Finally, novel omega-3 preparations are available with significant
      triglyceride lowering, although their role in therapy remains unclear. SUMMARY:
      Statins will remain the backbone of lipid-lowering therapy, although several
      novel oral agents are promising. The common theme across drugs in development is
      the demonstration of good lipid-lowering effect, although lacking cardiovascular
      outcomes data, which will likely be necessary before any of them, can be
      recommended or approved for widespread use.

PMID- 27676198
TI  - Pharmacogenomic approaches to lipid-regulating trials.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Randomized clinical outcome trials are costly, long, and often
      yield neutral or modestly positive results, and these issues have impeded
      cardiovascular drug development in the past decade. Despite the significant
      reduction of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality with statins, substantial
      residual risk of major cardiovascular events remains. This could be because of
      the difficulty of demonstrating benefits of new drugs in addition to the current
      standard of care in unselected populations as well as the interindividual
      variability in drug response. Pharmacogenomics is a promising avenue for the
      development of novel or failed drugs and for the repurposing of other
      medications. RECENT FINDINGS: Several variants were identified in genes that were
      associated with the effects of statins on plasma lipids. Genomic studies of
      mutations in genes that encode drug targets have the potential to inform on the
      link between drug therapy acting on those targets and clinical outcomes.
      Recently, ADCY9 gene variants were shown to be significantly associated with
      responses to dalcetrapib in terms of clinical outcomes, atherosclerosis imaging,
      cholesterol efflux, and inflammation, which provided support for the conduct of a
      new prospective clinical trial in a genetically determined population. SUMMARY:
      Pharmacogenomics hold great potential in future lipid trials to decrease failure
      rates in drug development and to identify patients who will respond with greater
      benefits and smaller risk.

PMID- 27676197
TI  - Human microbiome as therapeutic intervention target to reduce cardiovascular
      disease risk.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The absolute burden of cardiovascular risk remains high
      despite currently available preventive and therapeutic options. In search for
      novel therapeutic leads, mounting evidence has linked the gut microbiota as well
      as their metabolites to the development of cardiometabolic diseases. RECENT
      FINDINGS: The intestinal microbiota influences the host via different metabolic
      pathways as inducer of endotoxemia, formation of trimethylamine-N-oxide,
      production of short chain fatty acids, and is a regulator in intestinal bile acid
      metabolism. Disruption of the gut microbiome may disturb the homeostasis of the
      microbial ecosystem to an alternative stable state associated with
      pathophysiological traits in microbiota and host. However, causality has not been
      shown yet. SUMMARY: We are just beginning to understand how the gut microbiota
      influence our cardiometabolic health and various innovative therapeutic options
      are in the developing (preclinical) phase. This review focuses on the current
      evidence whether and to what extent the intestinal microbiota are involved in
      cardiovascular disease and whether this is based on merely association or causal
      relations.

PMID- 27676199
TI  - Clinical trials with cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibitors.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Inhibition of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) has
      received considerable interest by virtue of its favorable effects on atherogenic
      and protective lipid parameters. The impact of CETP inhibitors in large clinical
      outcome trials will be reviewed. RECENT FINDINGS: Population and genetic studies
      demonstrate that low CETP activity associates with lower rates of cardiovascular
      events. Inhibiting CETP activity in animal models has a favorable impact on
      experimental atherosclerosis. Although the first CETP inhibitor to advance to an
      outcome trial proved to have adverse clinical effects and the next agent, a more
      modest inhibitor, was clinically futile, there continues to be immense interest
      in the potential to develop nontoxic, potent CETP inhibitors to reduce
      cardiovascular risk. SUMMARY: The current status of CETP inhibitors in the
      context of large outcomes trials will be reviewed.

PMID- 27676200
TI  - Effects of Hydrogel Stiffness and Extracellular Compositions on Modulating
      Cartilage Regeneration by Mixed Populations of Stem Cells and Chondrocytes In
      Vivo.
AB  - Cell-based therapies offer great promise for repairing cartilage. Previous
      strategies often involved using a single cell population such as stem cells or
      chondrocytes. A mixed cell population may offer an alternative strategy for
      cartilage regeneration while overcoming donor scarcity. We have recently reported
      that adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) can catalyze neocartilage formation by
      neonatal chondrocytes (NChons) when mixed co-cultured in 3D hydrogels in vitro.
      However, it remains unknown how the biochemical and mechanical cues of hydrogels
      modulate cartilage formation by mixed cell populations in vivo. The present study
      seeks to answer this question by co-encapsulating ADSCs and NChons in 3D
      hydrogels with tunable stiffness (~1-33 kPa) and biochemical cues, and evaluating
      cartilage formation in vivo using a mouse subcutaneous model. Three extracellular
      matrix molecules were examined, including chondroitin sulfate (CS), hyaluronic
      acid (HA), and heparan sulfate (HS). Our results showed that the type of
      biochemical cue played a dominant role in modulating neocartilage deposition. CS
      and HA enhanced type II collagen deposition, a desirable phenotype for articular
      cartilage. In contrast, HS promoted fibrocartilage phenotype with the
      upregulation of type I collagen and failed to retain newly deposited matrix.
      Hydrogels with stiffnesses of ~7-33 kPa led to a comparable degree of
      neocartilage formation, and a minimal initial stiffness was required to retain
      hydrogel integrity over time. Results from this study highlight the important
      role of matrix cues in directing neocartilage formation, and they offer valuable
      insights in guiding optimal scaffold design for cartilage regeneration by using
      mixed cell populations.

PMID- 27676203
TI  - Comparison of exercise training effect with different robotic devices for upper
      limb rehabilitation: a retrospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several robotic devices have been proposed for upper limb
      rehabilitation, but they differ in terms of application fields and the technical
      solutions implemented. AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the
      effectiveness of three different robotic devices for shoulder-elbow
      rehabilitation in reducing motor impairment and improving motor performance in
      post-stroke patients. DESIGN: Retrospective multi-center study. SETTING:
      Inpatient rehabilitation hospital. POPULATION: Eighty-seven chronic and subacute
      post-stroke patients, aged 48-85 years. METHODS: Data were obtained through a
      retrospective analysis of patients who underwent a 3-week rehabilitation program
      including robot-assisted therapy of the upper limb and conventional physical
      therapy. Patients were divided into three groups according to the robot device
      used for exercise training: 'Braccio di Ferro" (BdF), InMotion2 (IMT), and
      MEchatronic system for MOtor recovery after Stroke (MEMOS). They were evaluated
      at the beginning and end of treatment using the Fugl-Meyer (FM) and Modified
      Ashworth (MAS) clinical scales and by a set of robot measured kinematic
      parameters. RESULTS: The three groups were homogeneous for age, level of
      impairment, time since the acute event, and spasticity level. A significant
      effect of time (P<0.001) was evident on FM and kinematic parameters across all
      groups. The average change in the FM score was 9.5, 7.3 and 7.1 points,
      respectively, for BdF, IMT and MEMOS. No significant between-group differences
      were observed at the MAS pre- vs. post-treatment. A significant interaction
      between time and groups resulted for the mean velocity (MV, P<0.005) and movement
      smoothness parameters (nPK, P<0.001 and SM, P<0.02). The effect size (ES) was
      large for the FM score and MV parameter, independently of the type of robot
      device used. Further, the ES ranged from moderate to large for the remaining
      kinematic parameters except for the movement accuracy (mean distance, MD), which
      exhibited a small ES in the BdF and MEMOS groups. CONCLUSIONS: The motor function
      gains obtained during robot-assisted therapy of stroke patients seem to be
      independent of the type of robot device used for the training program. All
      devices tested in this study were effective in improving the level of impairment
      and motor performance. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: This study could help
      rehabilitation professionals to set-up comparative studies involving
      rehabilitation technologies.

PMID- 27676204
TI  - Time to decannulation and associated risk factors in the postacute rehabilitation
      of critically ill patients with intensive care unit-acquired weakness: a cohort
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Treatment of critical illness on intensive-care-units (ICU) results
      often in persistent invasive endotracheal intubation which might delay
      rehabilitation and increases the risk of mortality. Recent longitudinal studies
      have described the recovery of critically ill people, but the detailed time
      course of decannulation in patients with chronic critical illness with ICU
      acquired muscle weakness (ICUAW) is not well known. AIM: The aim of our study was
      to describe the decannulation times and associated risk factors in patients who
      are chronic critically ill with ICU acquired weakness. DESIGN: This is a cohort
      study. SETTING: Postacute and rehabilitation units. POPULATION: Chronic
      critically ill patients with ICUAW and tracheostomy tube. METHODS: We calculated
      the time until decannulation and used possible predictor variables to explain
      this time course. RESULTS: We included 122 patients with ICUAW. Successful
      decannulation of the tracheostomy tube was achieved after a median of 40.5 days
      (interquartile range= 44) after study onset and after a median of 89 days
      (interquartile range= 58) after onset of primary illness. Our final multivariate
      Cox-Proportional Hazard model included two main risk factors for decannulation:
      the amount of medical tubes such as catheters at admission to the rehabilitation
      center (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]=1.572 (95% CI: 1.021 to 2.415) and the
      duration of weaning from respirator in days (adjusted HR= 1.02 per day (95% CI:
      1.006 to 1.03). No adverse events occurred. CONCLUSIONS: We described the
      detailed time course of decannulation in the rehabilitation of chronic critically
      ill patients and no adverse events were observed. Taken many single factors into
      account the quantity of medical tubes and the duration of weaning from respirator
      were associated risk factors for decannulation in this population. CLINICAL
      REHABILITATION IMPACT: Knowing an exact time course of decannulation supports
      medical decisions in clinical rehabilitation and might help to give a prognosis
      for decannulation. The amount of medical tubes and the duration of weaning from
      respirator may highly influence decannulation.

PMID- 27676205
TI  - In pursuit of change: Conceptualizing the social work response to LGBTQ
      microaggressions in health settings.
AB  - Despite the emergence of research on microaggressions targeting lesbian, gay,
      bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) communities in recent years,
      there remains an insufficiency of theoretical literature in this area. In this
      article, we draw on the works of Michel Foucault to conceptualize the effects of
      microaggressive practices on LGBTQ people accessing health and other social
      services, and generate insight into strategies these groups use to resist these
      effects. We emphasize the need for social workers, particularly those in health
      care settings, to support these communities' ongoing attempts at challenging the
      effects of microaggression, and to this end, outline several implications of our
      analysis for social work practice.

PMID- 27676206
TI  - Monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of Ebola virus disease.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: To date, the management of patients with suspected or confirmed
      Ebolavirus disease (EVD) depends on quarantine, symptomatic management and
      supportive care, as there are no approved vaccines or treatments available for
      human use. However, accelerated by the recent large outbreak in West Africa,
      significant progress has been made towards vaccine development but also towards
      specific treatment with convalescent plasma and monoclonal antibodies. Areas
      covered: We describe recent developments in monoclonal antibody treatment for
      EVD, encompassing mAb114 and the MB-003, ZMAb, ZMappTM and MIL-77E cocktails.
      Expert opinion: Preventive measures, are, and will remain essential to curb EVD
      outbreaks; even more so with vaccine development progressing. However, research
      for treatment options must not be neglected. Small-scale animal and individual
      human case studies show that monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) can be effective for
      EVD treatment; thus justifying exploration in clinical trials. Potential
      limitations are that high doses may be needed to yield clinical efficacy; epitope
      mutations might reduce efficacy; and constant evolution of (outbreak-specific)
      mAb mixtures might be required. Interim advice based on the clinical experience
      to date is that treatment of patients with mAbs is sensible, provided those could
      be made available in the necessary amounts in time.

PMID- 27676207
TI  - Immunohistochemical localization of androgen receptors in female mole rat (Spalax
      leucodon) tissues.
AB  - Androgens exert their effects through androgen receptors (AR) in tissues. We
      investigated the distribution of AR in female mole rat tissues. Tissues were
      excised, fixed with 10% formalin and embedded in paraffin. Sections were stained
      after microwave antigen retrieval for immunohistochemistry. Immunostaining of AR
      immunostaining was detected in the nucleus or cytoplasm of the cells in the
      cerebral cortex, cerebellum, anterior pituitary, lung, liver, uterus and skin.
      Granulosa and some thecal cells in the ovary, cardiac muscle cells and adipose
      cells exhibited a nuclear reaction for AR. In the kidney, labeling of AR was
      restricted to the cytoplasm of tubule cells. We found that AR could be detected
      using immunohistochemistry in the nucleus or cytoplasm or both in the presence of
      androgens.

PMID- 27676208
TI  - Myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms: a disease in need of recognition.

PMID- 27676209
TI  - Is Estrogen the Antidote for Menopausal Depression?

PMID- 27676210
TI  - Role of Some Predominant Host Immunomodulators' Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms
      in Severity of Hepatitis B Virus and Hepatitis C Virus Infection.
AB  - Hepatitis B and C infections can be either acute or chronic. The chronic
      infection can culminate in liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
      Influence of the host genetic makeup on conversion of acute to chronic infection,
      development of cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma is an interesting area of
      research. Variability in different immune system genes may account for such
      differences in the outcome of infection. This article discusses single nucleotide
      polymorphisms in different host immunomodulator genes that have been frequently
      reported to influence the outcome of infection and severity of disease. The
      genetic variability could be utilized for the prediction of disease outcome and
      treatment responses.

PMID- 27676211
TI  - Determinants of quality of life in young onset dementia - results from a European
      multicenter assessment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Promoting adaptation, improving well-being and maintaining an optimal
      quality of life (QOL) is an important aspect in dementia care. The purpose of
      this study was to identify determinants of QOL in young onset dementia, and to
      assess differences in QoL domains between people with Alzheimer's disease (AD)
      and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). METHODS: In total 135 persons with AD and 58
      persons with FTD were included from two prospective cohort studies. QOL was
      assessed with the proxy reported quality of life in Alzheimer's disease
      questionnaire (QoL-AD). Possible determinants were explored using multiple linear
      regression and included sociodemographic variables, diagnosis, dementia severity,
      disease awareness, neuropsychiatric symptoms, met and unmet needs and hours of
      personal and instrumental care. Differences between QOL domains in people with AD
      and FTD were calculated using Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: Lower QOL was
      associated with more depressive symptoms, lower disease awareness, and a higher
      amount of needs, both met and unmet. People with AD scored lower on the memory
      and higher on the friends' subscale. No differences were found for the other
      items. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates a unique set of determinants of QOL in
      AD and FTD. Interventions directed towards these specific factors may improve
      QOL.

PMID- 27676213
TI  - Disruption of PCNA-lamins A/C interactions by prelamin A induces DNA replication
      fork stalling.
AB  - The accumulation of prelamin A is linked to disruption of cellular homeostasis,
      tissue degeneration and aging. Its expression is implicated in compromised genome
      stability and increased levels of DNA damage, but to date there is no complete
      explanation for how prelamin A exerts its toxic effects. As the nuclear lamina is
      important for DNA replication we wanted to investigate the relationship between
      prelamin A expression and DNA replication fork stability. In this study we report
      that the expression of prelamin A in U2OS cells induced both mono-ubiquitination
      of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and subsequent induction of Pol eta,
      two hallmarks of DNA replication fork stalling. Immunofluorescence microscopy
      revealed that cells expressing prelamin A presented with high levels of
      colocalisation between PCNA and gammaH2AX, indicating collapse of stalled DNA
      replication forks into DNA double-strand breaks. Subsequent protein-protein
      interaction assays showed prelamin A interacted with PCNA and that its presence
      mitigated interactions between PCNA and the mature nuclear lamina. Thus, we
      propose that the cytotoxicity of prelamin A arises in part, from it actively
      competing against mature lamin A to bind PCNA and that this destabilises DNA
      replication to induce fork stalling which in turn contributes to genomic
      instability.

PMID- 27676212
TI  - Racial and ethnic disparities in meeting MTM eligibility criteria among patients
      with asthma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Asthma is one of the most frequently targeted chronic diseases in the
      medication therapy management (MTM) programs of the Medicare prescription drug
      (Part D) benefits. Although racial and ethnic disparities in meeting eligibility
      criteria for MTM services have been reported, little is known about whether there
      would be similar disparities among adults with asthma in the United States.
      METHODS: Adult patients with asthma (age >= 18) from Medical Expenditure Panel
      Survey (2011-2012) were analyzed. Bivariate analyses were conducted to compare
      the proportions of patients who would meet Medicare MTM eligibility criteria
      between non-Hispanic Blacks (Blacks), Hispanics and non-Hispanic Whites (Whites).
      Survey-weighted logistic regression was performed to adjust for patient
      characteristics. Main and sensitivity analyses were conducted to cover the entire
      range of the eligibility thresholds used by Part D plans in 2011-2012. RESULTS:
      The sample included 4,455 patients with asthma, including 2,294 Whites, 1,218
      Blacks, and 943 Hispanics. Blacks and Hispanics had lower proportions of meeting
      MTM eligibility criteria than did Whites (P < 0.001). According to the main
      analysis, Blacks and Hispanics had 36% and 32% lower, respectively, likelihood of
      MTM eligibility than Whites (odds ratio [OR]: 0.64, 95% confidence interval [CI]:
      0.45-0.90; OR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.47-0.98, respectively). Similar results were
      obtained in sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS: There are racial and ethnic
      disparities in meeting Medicare Part D MTM eligibility criteria among adult
      patients with asthma. Future studies should examine the implications of such
      disparities on health outcomes of patients with asthma and explore alternative
      MTM eligibility criteria.

PMID- 27676214
TI  - TLR4 acts as a death receptor for ultraviolet radiation (UVR) through IRAK
      independent and FADD-dependent pathway in macrophages.
AB  - UVR-induced apoptosis in cutaneous antigen presenting cells (APC) causes systemic
      immune suppression and is dependent on TLR4/MyD88 signalling, but the apoptotic
      signalling pathways have not been defined. Macrophages pretreated with
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were unresponsive to subsequent LPS treatment, however,
      but were susceptible to UVR-induced apoptosis. Macrophage survival and apoptotic
      events after UVR were also unaffected by treatment with TLR4 antagonists, a
      blocking IgG or a TLR4 analog antagonist, suggesting that UVR cell death is
      independent of a soluble ligand. After UVR, IRAK4KDKI (catalytically inactive
      IRAK4) and wild-type (WT) macrophages show equivalent levels of survival, as
      measured by MTT assay, and apoptosis, as measured by cleaved caspase-3.
      Furthermore, in macrophages from both mice, UVR activated caspase-8 and PARP,
      while inactivating Rip3. This finding is supported by a lack of IRAK1 degradation
      after UVR, compared to treatment with TLR2 or TLR4 agonists. UVR induced
      association of MyD88 with FADD, an extrinsic apoptotic pathway protein, but not
      IRAK4. UVR-induced migration of FADD to the cell membrane of WT macrophages, but
      not MyD88-/- macrophages, was observed (confocal microscopy). Co
      immunoprecipitation using an epitope-tagged MyD88 revealed that FADD, but not
      TRADD, was recruited to MyD88 within 30 minutes of UVR exposure. UVR engages
      TLR4/MyD88 as a death signalling complex, rather than the classical inflammatory
      signalling pathway triggered by PAMP recognition of TLR4. These studies provide
      the rationale for the future development of topical TLR4 modulating therapies to
      interfere with this UVB-mediated apoptosis and the associated negative
      consequences of immune suppression.

PMID- 27676215
TI  - Super-elastic and fatigue resistant carbon material with lamellar multi-arch
      microstructure.
AB  - Low-density compressible materials enable various applications but are often
      hindered by structure-derived fatigue failure, weak elasticity with slow recovery
      speed and large energy dissipation. Here we demonstrate a carbon material with
      microstructure-derived super-elasticity and high fatigue resistance achieved by
      designing a hierarchical lamellar architecture composed of thousands of
      microscale arches that serve as elastic units. The obtained monolithic carbon
      material can rebound a steel ball in spring-like fashion with fast recovery speed
      (~580 mm s-1), and demonstrates complete recovery and small energy dissipation
      (~0.2) in each compress-release cycle, even under 90% strain. Particularly, the
      material can maintain structural integrity after more than 106 cycles at 20%
      strain and 2.5 * 105 cycles at 50% strain. This structural material, although
      constructed using an intrinsically brittle carbon constituent, is simultaneously
      super-elastic, highly compressible and fatigue resistant to a degree even greater
      than that of previously reported compressible foams mainly made from more robust
      constituents.

PMID- 27676216
TI  - A review of surface wipe sampling compared to biologic monitoring for
      occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs.
AB  - The potential for adverse health effects from occupational exposure to
      antineoplastic drugs (AD) is well known. Control measures recommended by the
      NIOSH Alert [3] include medical and biologic monitoring, and environmental
      monitoring where available. At present no guidelines or published best practices
      exist to guide EHS managers on how to carry out this biologic or environmental
      monitoring. Studies investigating surface wipe sampling for AD have been numerous
      in the past decade, but very limited research exists to correlate surface
      contamination with actual absorption by pharmacists and nurses. This article
      reviews the studies with concurrent surface wipe sampling and urine monitoring
      for the same AD, and tests their correlation. Methodologic limitations are
      reviewed. Twenty-one studies were identified that concurrently measured surface
      contamination by AD by wipe sampling and AD absorption by urine monitoring. Two
      studies directly evaluated the AD by wipe sampling and urine levels and neither
      found a statistically significant correlation. Six studies reported a decrease in
      both surface and urine levels following interventions to reduce contamination or
      exposure. Only one study directly evaluated the personal protective equipment and
      handling techniques employed by the studied workers, which can be viewed as a
      major confounder of absorption. While no statistically significant correlation
      was found between wipe sampling and urine monitoring for AD, decreases in urine
      and wipe levels following interventions to reduce exposure were noted.
      Limitations in the data and recommendations for future research are reviewed.

PMID- 27676217
TI  - Long-term data set of small mammals from owl pellets in the Atlantic
      Mediterranean transition area.
AB  - We describe the pellet sampling data set from the Vertebrate Collection of the
      Museum of Zoology of the University of Navarra. This data set compiles all
      information about small mammals obtained from the analysis of owl pellets. The
      collection consists on skulls, mandibles, and some skeletons of 36 species of
      more than 72,000 georeferenced specimens. These specimens come from the Iberian
      Peninsula although most samples were collected in Navarra, a highly diverse
      transitional area of 10,000 kilometre square sitting across three biogeographical
      regions. The collection spans more than forty years and is still growing as a
      result of the establishment of a barn owl pellet monitoring network in 2015. The
      program will provide critical information about the evolution of the small
      mammals' community in this transition zone as it changes over time.

PMID- 27676218
TI  - Corrigendum: Muropeptides in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and their Role as Elicitors
      of beta-Lactam-Antibiotic Resistance.

PMID- 27676220
TI  - The effects of emotion on younger and older adults' monitoring of learning.
AB  - Age-related differences in memory monitoring appear when people learn emotional
      words. Namely, younger adults' judgments of learning (JOLs) are higher for
      positive than neutral words, whereas older adults' JOLs do not discriminate
      between positive versus neutral words. In two experiments, we evaluated whether
      this age-related difference extends to learning positive versus neutral pictures.
      We also evaluated the contribution of two dimensions of emotion that may impact
      younger and older adults' JOLs: valence and arousal. Younger and older adults
      studied pictures that were positive or neutral and either high or low in arousal.
      Participants made immediate JOLs and completed memory tests. In both experiments,
      the magnitude of older adults' JOLs was influenced by emotion, and both younger
      and older adults demonstrated an emotional salience effect on JOLs. As important,
      the magnitude of participants' JOLs was influenced by valence, and not arousal.
      Emotional salience effects were also evident on participants' free recall, and
      older adults recalled as many pictures as did younger adults. Taken together,
      these data suggest that older adults do not have a monitoring deficit when
      learning positive (vs. neutral) pictures and that emotional salience effects on
      younger and older adults' JOLs are produced more by valence than by arousal.

PMID- 27676222
TI  - Orientation Control of Smectic Liquid Crystals via a Combination Method of
      Topographic Patterning and In-Plane Electric Field Application for a Linearly
      Polarized Illuminator.
AB  - We dynamically controlled the configuration of layering structures built by
      smectic A liquid crystal molecules using the combination method of the
      microchannel confinement and the in-plane electric field to realize the linearly
      polarized illuminator and bistable structures. Once a mild in-plane electric
      field (~30 V) is applied between polymeric walls, the layer configuration was
      changed from the toric focal conic domains to periodic zigzag patterns of
      alternatively packed focal conic domains. The transformed zigzag patterns
      maintained their structures even after turning off the applied electric fields,
      revealing the ability for use in a bistable memory device. Indeed, a strong
      electric field (~100 V) can make unidirectionally aligned LC molecules along with
      the applied electric field via zigzag patterns, and electro-optical performance
      of resultant textures when the sample is mixed with fluorescent dyes was
      characterized to show a linearly polarized light illuminator. Our electric field
      in and on the confined geometries will be used in the fabrication of functional
      structures built by polar soft materials which can broaden applications in
      patterning platforms and efficient electro-optical devices in the near future.

PMID- 27676221
TI  - Detection of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury by Machine Learning Classification Using
      Resting State Functional Network Connectivity and Fractional Anisotropy.
AB  - Traumatic brain injury (TBI) may adversely affect a person's thinking, memory,
      personality, and behavior. While mild TBI (mTBI) diagnosis is challenging, there
      is a risk for long-term psychiatric, neurologic, and psychosocial problems in
      some patients that motivates the search for new and better biomarkers. Recently,
      diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) has shown promise in detecting mTBI,
      but its validity is still being investigated. Resting state functional network
      connectivity (rsFNC) is another approach that is emerging as a promising option
      for the diagnosis of mTBI. The present work investigated the use of rsFNC for
      mTBI detection compared with dMRI results on the same cohort. Fifty patients with
      mTBI (25 males) and age-sex matched healthy controls were recruited. Features
      from dMRI were obtained using all voxels, the enhanced Z-score microstructural
      assessment for pathology, and the distribution corrected Z-score. Features based
      on rsFNC were obtained through group independent component analysis and
      correlation between pairs of resting state networks. A linear support vector
      machine was used for classification and validated using leave-one-out cross
      validation. Classification achieved a maximum accuracy of 84.1% for rsFNC and
      75.5% for dMRI and 74.5% for both combined. A t test analysis revealed
      significant increase in rsFNC between cerebellum versus sensorimotor networks and
      between left angular gyrus versus precuneus in subjects with mTBI. These outcomes
      suggest that inclusion of both common and unique information is important for
      classification of mTBI. Results also suggest that rsFNC can yield viable
      biomarkers that might outperform dMRI and points to connectivity to the
      cerebellum as an important region for the detection of mTBI.

PMID- 27676223
TI  - Current Physical Activity Is Independently Associated With Cortical Bone Size and
      Bone Strength in Elderly Swedish Women.
AB  - Physical activity is believed to have the greatest effect on the skeleton if
      exerted early in life, but whether or not possible benefits of physical activity
      on bone microstructure or geometry remain at old age has not been investigated in
      women. The aim of this study was to investigate if physical activity during
      skeletal growth and young adulthood or at old age was associated with cortical
      geometry and trabecular microarchitecture in weight-bearing and non-weight
      bearing bone, and areal bone mineral density (aBMD) in elderly women. In this
      population-based cross-sectional study 1013 women, 78.2 +/- 1.6 (mean +/- SD)
      years old, were included. Using high-resolution 3D pQCT (XtremeCT), cortical
      cross-sectional area (Ct.CSA), cortical thickness (Ct.Th), cortical periosteal
      perimeter (Ct.Pm), volumetric cortical bone density (D.Ct), trabecular bone
      volume fraction (BV/TV), trabecular number (Tb.N), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th),
      and trabecular separation (Tb.Sp) were measured at the distal (14% level) and
      ultra-distal tibia and radius, respectively. aBMD was assessed using DXA (Hologic
      Discovery A) of the spine and hip. A standardized questionnaire was used to
      collect information about previous exercise and the Physical Activity Scale for
      the Elderly (PASE) was used for current physical activity. A linear regression
      model (including levels of exercise during skeletal growth and young adulthood
      [10 to 30 years of age], PASE score, and covariates) revealed that level of
      current physical activity was independently associated with Ct.CSA (beta = 0.18,
      p < 0.001) and Ct.Th (beta = 0.15, p < 0.001) at the distal tibia, Tb.Th (beta =
      0.11, p < 0.001) and BV/TV (beta = 0.10, p = 0.001) at the ultra-distal tibia,
      and total hip aBMD (beta = 0.10, p < 0.001). Current physical activity was
      independently associated with cortical bone size, in terms of thicker cortex but
      not larger periosteal circumference, and higher bone strength at the distal tibia
      on elderly women, indicating that physical activity at old age may decrease
      cortical bone loss in weight-bearing bone in elderly women. (c) 2016 American
      Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

PMID- 27676225
TI  - Introduction to Special Issue on Air Pollution Health Risks.

PMID- 27676224
TI  - Structure-Activity Relationships of the MEPicides: N-Acyl and O-Linked Analogs of
      FR900098 as Inhibitors of Dxr from Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Yersinia
      pestis.
AB  - Despite continued research efforts, the threat of drug resistance from a variety
      of bacteria continues to plague clinical communities. Discovery and validation of
      novel biochemical targets will facilitate development of new drugs to combat
      these organisms. The methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway to make isoprene
      units is a biosynthetic pathway essential to many bacteria. We and others have
      explored inhibitors of the MEP pathway as novel antibacterial agents.
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis, and Yersinia
      pestis, resulting in the plague or "black death", both rely on the MEP pathway
      for isoprene production. 1-Deoxy-d-xylulose 5-phosphate reductoisomerase (Dxr)
      catalyzes the first committed step in the MEP pathway. We examined two series of
      Dxr inhibitors based on the parent structure of the retrohydroxamate natural
      product FR900098. The compounds contain either an extended N-acyl or O-linked
      alkyl/aryl group and are designed to act as bisubstrate inhibitors of the enzyme.
      While nearly all of the compounds inhibited both Mtb and Yp Dxr to some extent,
      compounds generally displayed more potent inhibition against the Yp homologue,
      with the best analogs displaying nanomolar IC50 values. In bacterial growth
      inhibition assays, the phosphonic acids generally resulted in poor antibacterial
      activity, likely a reflection of inadequate permeability. Accordingly, diethyl
      and dipivaloyloxymethyl (POM) prodrug esters of these compounds were made. While
      the added lipophilicity did not enhance Yersinia activity, the compounds showed
      significantly improved antitubercular activities. The most potent compounds have
      Mtb MIC values of 3-12 MUg/mL. Taken together, we have uncovered two series of
      analogs that potently inhibit Dxr homologues from Mtb and Yp. These inhibitors of
      the MEP pathway, termed MEPicides, serve as leads for future analog development.

PMID- 27676227
TI  - Spatial Risk Analysis of Hydraulic Fracturing near Abandoned and Converted Oil
      and Gas Wells.
AB  - Interaction between hydraulically generated fractures and existing wells (frac
      hits) could represent a potential risk to groundwater. In particular, frac hits
      on abandoned oil and gas wells could lead to upward leakage into overlying
      aquifers, provided migration pathways are present along the abandoned well.
      However, potential risk to groundwater is relatively unknown because few studies
      have investigated the probability of frac hits on abandoned wells. In this study,
      actual numbers of frac hits were not determined. Rather, the probability for
      abandoned wells to intersect hypothetical stimulated reservoir sizes of
      horizontal wells was investigated. Well data were compiled and analyzed for
      location and reservoir information, and sensitivity analyses were conducted by
      varying assumed sizes of stimulated reservoirs. This study used public and
      industry data for the Eagle Ford Shale play in south Texas, with specific
      attention paid to abandoned oil and gas wells converted into water wells
      (converted wells). In counties with Eagle Ford Shale activity, well-data analysis
      identified 55,720 abandoned wells with a median age of 1983, and 2400 converted
      wells with a median age of 1954. The most aggressive scenario resulted in 823
      abandoned wells and 184 converted wells intersecting the largest assumed
      stimulated reservoir size. Analysis showed abandoned wells have the potential to
      be intersected by multiple stimulated reservoirs, and risks for intersection
      would increase if currently permitted horizontal wells in the Eagle Ford Shale
      are actually completed. Results underscore the need to evaluate historical oil
      and gas activities in areas with modern unconventional oil and gas activities.

PMID- 27676228
TI  - High-Pressure Reactivity of Triptycene Probed by Raman Spectroscopy.
AB  - The high-pressure reactivity of caged olefinic carbons and polyatomic aromatic
      hydrocarbons (PAHs) are of interest because of their ability to produce unique C
      H networks with varying geometries and bonding environments. Here, we have
      selected triptycene to explore the creation of pores via high-pressure
      polymerization. Triptycene has internal free volume on a molecular scale that
      arises due to its paddle wheel-like structure, formed via fusion of three benzene
      rings via sp3-hybridized bridgehead carbon sites. At 25 GPa and 298 K, triptycene
      polymerizes to yield an amorphous hydrogenated carbon, with FTIR indicating an
      sp3 C-H content of approximately 40%. Vibrational spectroscopy conclusively
      demonstrates that triptycene polymerizes via cycloaddition reactions at the
      aromatic sites via a ring opening mechanism. The bridgehead carbons remain intact
      after polymerization, indicating the rigid backbone of the triptycene precursor
      is retained in the polymer, as well as molecular-level (~1-3 A) internal free
      volume. High resolution transmission electron microscopy, combined with dark
      field imaging, indicates the presence of ~10 nm voids in the polymer, which we
      attribute to either polymeric clustering or a hierarchical tertiary porous
      network. Creation of a polymerized network that retains internal voids via high
      pressure polymerization is attributed to the presence and retention of the
      bridgehead carbons.

PMID- 27676226
TI  - Pattern and Predictors of Hospital Readmission During the First Year After Lung
      Transplantation.
AB  - Hospital readmission after lung transplantation negatively affects quality of
      life and resource utilization. A secondary analysis of data collected
      prospectively was conducted to identify the pattern of (incidence, count,
      cumulative duration), reasons for and predictors of readmission for 201 lung
      transplant recipients (LTRs) assessed at 2, 6, and 12 mo after discharge. The
      majority of LTRs (83.6%) were readmitted, and 64.2% had multiple readmissions.
      The median cumulative readmission duration was 19 days. The main reasons for
      readmission were other than infection or rejection (55.5%), infection only
      (25.4%), rejection only (9.9%), and infection and rejection (0.7%). LTRs who
      required reintubation (odds ratio [OR] 1.92; p = 0.008) or were discharged to
      care facilities (OR 2.78; p = 0.008) were at higher risk for readmission, with a
      95.7% cumulative incidence of readmission at 12 mo. Thirty-day readmission
      (40.8%) was not significantly predicted by baseline characteristics. Predictors
      of higher readmission count were lower capacity to engage in self-care (incidence
      rate ratio [IRR] 0.99; p = 0.03) and discharge to care facilities (IRR 1.45; p =
      0.01). Predictors of longer cumulative readmission duration were older age
      (arithmetic mean ratio [AMR] 1.02; p = 0.009), return to the intensive care unit
      (AMR 2.00; p = 0.01) and lower capacity to engage in self-care (AMR 0.99; p =
      0.03). Identifying LTRs at risk may assist in optimizing predischarge care,
      discharge planning and long-term follow-up.

PMID- 27676230
TI  - ERRATUM.

PMID- 27676229
TI  - Lessons in Andrology.

PMID- 27676232
TI  - Nurses' Use of Race in Clinical Decision Making.
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine nurses' self-reported use of race in clinical evaluation.
      DESIGN: This cross-sectional study analyzed data collected from three separate
      studies using the Genetics and Genomics in Nursing Practice Survey, which
      includes items about use of race and genomic information in nursing practice. The
      Racial Attributes in Clinical Evaluation (RACE) scale was used to measure
      explicit clinical use of race among nurses from across the United States.
      METHODS: Multivariate regression analysis was used to examine associations
      between RACE score and individual-level characteristics and beliefs in 5,733
      registered nurses. FINDINGS: Analysis revealed significant relationships between
      RACE score and nurses' race and ethnicity, educational level, and views on the
      clinical importance of patient demographic characteristics. Asian nurses reported
      RACE scores 1.41 points higher than White nurses (p < .001), and Black nurses
      reported RACE scores 0.55 points higher than White nurses (p < .05). Compared to
      diploma-level nurses, the baccalaureate-level nurses reported 0.69 points higher
      RACE scores (p < .05), master's-level nurses reported 1.63 points higher RACE
      scores (p < .001), and doctorate-level nurses reported 1.77 points higher RACE
      scores (p < .01). In terms of clinical importance of patient characteristics,
      patient race and ethnicity corresponded to a 0.54-point increase in RACE score (p
      < .001), patient genes to a 0.21-point increase in RACE score (p < .001), patient
      family history to a 0.15-point increase in RACE score (p < .01), and patient age
      to a 0.19-point increase in RACE score (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Higher reported
      use of race among minority nurses may be due, in part, to differential levels of
      racial self-awareness. A relatively linear positive relationship between level of
      nursing degree nursing education and use of race suggests that a stronger
      foundation of knowledge about genetic ancestry, population genetics and the
      concept "race" and genetic ancestry may increase in clinical decision making
      could allow nurses to more appropriately use of race in clinical care.
      Integrating patient demographic characteristics into clinical decisions is an
      important component of nursing practice. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Registered nurses
      provide care for diverse racial and ethnic patient populations and stand on the
      front line of clinical care, making them essential for reducing racial and ethnic
      disparities in healthcare delivery. Exploring registered nurses' individual-level
      characteristics and clinical use of race may provide a more comprehensive
      understanding of specific training needs and inform nursing education and
      practice.

PMID- 27676233
TI  - Leptin modifies the prosecretory and prokinetic effects of the inflammatory
      cytokine interleukin-6 on colonic function in Sprague-Dawley rats.
AB  - NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? Does crosstalk exist
      between leptin and interleukin-6 in colonic enteric neurons, and is this a
      contributory factor in gastrointestinal dysfunction associated with irritable
      bowel syndrome? What is the main finding and its importance? Leptin ameliorates
      the prosecretory and prokinetic effects of the pro-inflammatory cytokine
      interleukin-6 on rat colon. Leptin also suppresses the neurostimulatory effects
      of irritable bowel syndrome plasma, which has elevated concentrations of
      interleukin-6, on enteric neurons. This may indicate a regulatory role for leptin
      in immune-mediated bowel dysfunction. In addition to its role in regulating
      energy homeostasis, the adipokine leptin modifies gastrointestinal (GI) function.
      Indeed, leptin-resistant obese humans and leptin-deficient obese mice exhibit
      altered GI motility. In the functional GI disorder irritable bowel syndrome
      (IBS), circulating leptin concentrations are reported to differ from those of
      healthy control subjects. Additionally, IBS patients display altered cytokine
      profiles, including elevated circulating concentrations of the pro-inflammatory
      cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6), which bears structural homology and similarities
      in intracellular signalling to leptin. This study aimed to investigate
      interactions between leptin and IL-6 in colonic neurons and their possible
      contribution to IBS pathophysiology. The functional effects of leptin and IL-6 on
      colonic contractility and absorptosecretory function were assessed in organ baths
      and Ussing chambers in Sprague-Dawley rat colon. Calcium imaging and
      immunohistochemical techniques were used to investigate the neural regulation of
      GI function by these signalling molecules. Our findings provide a neuromodulatory
      role for leptin in submucosal neurons, where it inhibited the stimulatory effects
      of IL-6. Functionally, this translated to suppression of IL-6-evoked potentiation
      of veratridine-induced secretory currents. Leptin also attenuated IL-6-induced
      colonic contractions, although it had little direct effect on myenteric neurons.
      Calcium responses evoked by IBS plasma in both myenteric and submucosal neurons
      were also suppressed by leptin, possibly through interactions with IL-6, which is
      elevated in IBS plasma. As leptin has the capacity to ameliorate the
      neurostimulatory effects of soluble mediators in IBS plasma and modulated IL-6
      evoked changes in bowel function, leptin may have a role in immune-mediated bowel
      dysfunction in IBS patients.

PMID- 27676234
TI  - Comparative evaluation of a heparin-citrate anticoagulation for LDL-apheresis in
      two primary apheresis systems.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As COBE Spectra has been replaced in many parts of the world, we
      describe a new protocol for low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-apheresis performed on
      familial hypercholesterolemia patients for the Spectra Optia platform. METHODS:
      For all procedures, after administering a bolus of heparin of 2,500 U, 10,000 U
      of heparin added to a 600 ml ACD-A bag was used as anticoagulant (AC). In a first
      phase (A), 16 apheresis procedures with COBE Spectra using an inlet:AC ratio of
      25:1 were compared to 18 LDL-apheresis treatments with Spectra Optia at split
      Inlet:AC ratios of 16:1/18:1 or 20:1/25:1. Platelet activation and coagulation
      markers were assessed. In a follow-up phase (B), 20 procedures on Spectra Optia
      using an inlet:AC ratio of 20:1 were performed. RESULTS: Although coagulation
      markers and platelet activation analyzed were similar in both apheresis devices
      used, COBE Spectra procedures did not show any visual clumping in the sets.
      Visual analysis of clumping was highest in the Spectra Optia's 20:1/25:1 AC
      regimen (5/8 procedures). For the lowest Spectra Optia, AC regimen and during the
      follow-up phase reversible clump formation in the disposable set was similar
      (1/10 procedures). Clumping was successfully reversed in all cases by temporarily
      lowering the inlet:AC ratio to 18:1. Blood cell counts (WBC, Plt, Hct) were
      similar for both COBE Spectra and Spectra Optia procedures. Spectra Optia had a
      significantly higher plasma removal efficiency versus COBE Spectra (84% vs.75%, P
      < .05). No serious adverse events were observed. CONCLUSION: Apheresis procedures
      on the Spectra Optia system with low-dose heparin-citrate anticoagulation are
      feasible and safe.

PMID- 27676235
TI  - A Water-Stable Metal-Organic Framework for Highly Sensitive and Selective Sensing
      of Fe3+ Ion.
AB  - A new metal-organic framework [Zn5(hfipbb)4(trz)2(H2O)2] (NNU-1) [H2hfipbb = 4,4'
      (hexafluoroisopropylidene)bis(benzoic acid), Htrz = 1H-1,2,3-triazole] was
      assembled by hydrothermal synthesis. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis
      reveals that NNU-1 displays a twofold interpenetrating three-dimensional (3D)
      framework with a {424.64}-bcu topology. Interestingly, the 3D framework contains
      a two-dimensional (2D) layered structure that consists of alternating left- and
      right-handed double helical chains. On the basis of the hydrophobic -CF3 groups
      from H2hfipbb ligand, NNU-1 possesses excellent stability in water. It is worth
      noting that NNU-1 not only shows a highly selective fluorescence quenching effect
      to Fe3+ ion in aqueous solution but also resists the interference of other metals
      including Fe2+ ion. Accordingly, NNU-1 probably functions as a potential
      promising fluorescence sensor for detecting Fe3+ ion with high sensitivity and
      selectivity.

PMID- 27676237
TI  - An Interim Analysis of an Advance Care Planning Intervention in the Nursing Home
      Setting.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe processes and preliminary outcomes from the
      implementation of a systematic advance care planning (ACP) intervention in the
      nursing home setting. DESIGN: Specially trained project nurses were embedded in
      19 nursing homes and engaged in ACP as part of larger demonstration project to
      reduce potentially avoidable hospitalizations. SETTING: Nursing homes.
      PARTICIPANTS: Residents enrolled in the demonstration project for a minimum of 30
      days between August 2013 and December 2014 (n = 2,709) and residents currently
      enrolled in March 2015 (n = 1,591). MEASUREMENTS: ACP conversations were
      conducted with residents, families, and the legal representatives of
      incapacitated residents using a structured ACP interview guide with the goal of
      offering ACP to all residents. Project nurses reviewed their roster of currently
      enrolled residents in March 2015 to capture barriers to engaging in ACP. RESULTS:
      During the initial implementation phase, 27% (731/2,709) of residents had
      participated in one or more ACP conversations with a project nurse, resulting in
      a change in documented treatment preferences for 69% (504/731). The most common
      change (87%) was the generation of a Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment
      form. The most frequently reported barrier to ACP was lack of time. CONCLUSION:
      The time- and resource-intensive nature of robust ACP must be anticipated when
      systematically implementing ACP in the nursing home setting. The fact that these
      conversations resulted in changes over 2/3 of the time reinforces the importance
      of deliberate, systematic ACP to ensure that current treatment preferences are
      known and documented so that these preferences can be honored.

PMID- 27676238
TI  - Oxidative DNA Damage and Repair in the Radioresistant Archaeon Thermococcus
      gammatolerans.
AB  - The hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus gammatolerans can resist huge doses
      of gamma-irradiation, up to 5.0 kGy, without loss of viability. The potential to
      withstand such harsh conditions is probably due to complementary passive and
      active mechanisms, including repair of damaged chromosomes. In this work, we
      documented the formation and repair of oxidative DNA lesions in T. gammatolerans.
      The basal level of the oxidized nucleoside, 8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dGuo),
      was established at 9.2 (+/- 0.9) 8-oxo-dGuo per 106 nucleosides, a higher level
      than those usually measured in eukaryotic cells or bacteria. A significant
      increase in oxidative damage, i.e., up to 24.2 (+/- 8.0) 8-oxo-dGuo/106
      nucleosides, was measured for T. gammatolerans exposed to a 5.0 kGy dose of gamma
      rays. Surprisingly, the yield of radiation-induced modifications was lower than
      those previously observed for human cells exposed to doses corresponding to a few
      grays. One hour after irradiation, 8-oxo-dGuo levels were significantly reduced,
      indicating an efficient repair. Two putative base excision repair (BER) enzymes,
      TGAM_1277 and TGAM_1653, were demonstrated both by proteomics and transcriptomics
      to be present in the cells without exposure to ionizing radiation. Their
      transcripts were moderately upregulated after gamma irradiation. After
      heterologous production and purification of these enzymes, biochemical assays
      based on electrophoresis and MALDI-TOF (matrix-assisted laser desorption
      ionization-time of flight) mass spectrometry indicated that both have a beta
      elimination cleavage activity. TGAM_1653 repairs 8-oxo-dGuo, whereas TGAM_1277 is
      also able to remove lesions affecting pyrimidines (1-[2-deoxy-beta-d-erythro
      pentofuranosyl]-5-hydroxyhydantoin (5-OH-dHyd) and 1-[2-deoxy-beta-d-erythro
      pentofuranosyl]-5-hydroxy-5-methylhydantoin (5-OH-5-Me-dHyd)). This work showed
      that in normal growth conditions or in the presence of a strong oxidative stress,
      T. gammatolerans has the potential to rapidly reduce the extent of DNA oxidation,
      with at least these two BER enzymes as bodyguards with distinct substrate ranges.

PMID- 27676239
TI  - Structural insight into the necessary conformational changes of modular
      nonribosomal peptide synthetases.
AB  - Nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs) catalyze the assembly line biosynthesis
      of peptide natural products that play important roles in microbial signaling and
      communication. These multidomain enzymes use an integrated carrier protein that
      delivers the growing peptide to the catalytic domains, requiring coordinated
      conformational changes that allow the proper sequence of synthetic steps. Recent
      structural studies of NRPSs have described important conformational states and
      illustrate the critical role of a small subdomain within the adenylation domains.
      This subdomain alternates between catalytic conformations and also serves as a
      linker domain, providing further conformational flexibility to enable the carrier
      to project from the core of NRPS. These studies are described along with
      remaining questions in the study of the structural dynamics of NRPSs.

PMID- 27676241
TI  - Freight-train derailment rates for railroad safety and risk analysis.
AB  - Derailments are the most common type of train accident in the United States. They
      cause damage to infrastructure, rolling stock and lading, disrupt service, and
      have the potential to cause casualties, and harm the environment. Train safety
      and risk analysis relies on accurate assessment of derailment likelihood.
      Derailment rate - the number of derailments normalized by traffic exposure - is a
      useful statistic to estimate the likelihood of a derailment. Despite its
      importance, derailment rate analysis using multiple factors has not been
      previously developed. In this paper, we present an analysis of derailment rates
      on Class I railroad mainlines based on data from the U.S. Federal Railroad
      Administration and the major freight railroads. The point estimator and
      confidence interval of train and car derailment rates are developed by FRA track
      class, method of operation and annual traffic density. The analysis shows that
      signaled track with higher FRA track class and higher traffic density is
      associated with a lower derailment rate. The new accident rates have important
      implications for safety and risk management decisions, such as the routing of
      hazardous materials.

PMID- 27676240
TI  - Energy Drink Use Patterns Among Young Adults: Associations with Drunk Driving.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Highly caffeinated "energy drinks" (ED) are commonly consumed and
      sometimes mixed with alcohol. Associations between ED consumption, risk-taking,
      and alcohol-related problems have been observed. This study examines the
      relationship between ED consumption-both with and without alcohol-and drunk
      driving. METHODS: Data were derived from a longitudinal study of college students
      assessed annually via personal interviews. In Year 6 (modal age 23; n = 1,000),
      participants self-reported their past-year frequency of drunk driving, ED
      consumption patterns (frequency of drinking alcohol mixed with energy drinks
      [AmED] and drinking energy drinks without alcohol [ED]), alcohol use (frequency,
      quantity), and other caffeine consumption. Earlier assessments captured suspected
      risk factors for drunk driving. Structural equation modeling was used to develop
      an explanatory model for the association between ED consumption patterns and
      drunk driving frequency while accounting for other suspected risk factors.
      RESULTS: More than half (57%) consumed ED at least once during the past year.
      Among ED consumers, 71% drank AmED and 85% drank ED alone; many (56%) engaged in
      both styles of ED consumption while others specialized in one or the other (29%
      drank ED alone exclusively, while, 15% drank AmED exclusively). After accounting
      for other risk factors, ED consumption was associated with drunk driving
      frequency in 2 ways. First, a direct path existed from ED frequency (without
      alcohol) to drunk driving frequency. Second, an indirect path existed from AmED
      frequency through alcohol quantity to drunk driving frequency. CONCLUSIONS: Among
      this sample, ED consumption with and without alcohol was common, and both styles
      of ED consumption contributed independently to drunk driving frequency. Results
      call for increased attention to the impact of different patterns of ED
      consumption on alcohol-related consequences, such as drunk driving.

PMID- 27676242
TI  - Speed behaviour in work zone crossovers. A driving simulator study.
AB  - Reductions in speed and, more critically, in speed variability between vehicles
      are considered an important factor to reduce crash risk in work zones. This study
      was designed to evaluate in a virtual environment the drivers' behaviour in
      response to nine different configurations of a motorway crossover work zone.
      Specifically, the speed behaviour through a typical crossover layout, designed in
      accordance with the Italian Ministerial Decree 10 July 2002, was compared with
      that of eight alternative configurations which differ in some characteristics
      such as the sequence of speed limits, the median opening width and the lane
      width. The influence of variable message signs, of channelizing devices and of
      perceptual treatments based on Human Factor principles were also tested. Forty
      two participants drove in driving simulator scenarios while data on their speeds
      and decelerations were collected. The results indicated that drivers' speeds are
      always higher than the temporary posted speed limits for all configurations and
      that speeds decreases significantly only within the by-passes. However the
      implementation of higher speed limits, together with a wider median opening and
      taller channelization devices led to a greater homogeneity of the speeds adopted
      by the drivers. The presence of perceptual measures generally induced both the
      greatest homogenization of speeds and the largest reductions in mean speed
      values.

PMID- 27676243
TI  - Rate Coefficients of the Reaction of OH with Allene and Propyne at High
      Temperatures.
AB  - Allene (H2C?C?CH2; a-C3H4) and propyne (CH3C=CH; p-C3H4) are important species in
      various chemical environments. In combustion processes, the reactions of hydroxyl
      radicals with a-C3H4 and p-C3H4 are critical in the overall fuel oxidation
      system. In this work, rate coefficients of OH radicals with allene (OH +
      H2C?C?CH2 -> products) and propyne (OH + CH3C=CH -> products) were measured
      behind reflected shock waves over the temperature range of 843-1352 K and
      pressures near 1.5 atm. Hydroxyl radicals were generated by rapid thermal
      decomposition of tert-butyl hydroperoxide ((CH3)3-CO-OH), and monitored by narrow
      line width laser absorption of the well-characterized R1(5) electronic transition
      of the OH A-X (0,0) electronic system near 306.7 nm. Results show that allene
      reacts faster with OH radicals than propyne over the temperature range of this
      study. Measured rate coefficients can be expressed in Arrhenius form as follows:
      kallene+OH(T) = 8.51(+/-0.03) * 10-22T3.05 exp(2215(+/-3)/T), T = 843-1352 K;
      kpropyne+OH(T) = 1.30(+/-0.07) * 10-21T3.01 exp(1140(+/-6)/T), T = 846-1335 K.

PMID- 27676244
TI  - 2D Covalent Metals: A New Materials Domain of Electrochemical CO2 Conversion with
      Broken Scaling Relationship.
AB  - Toward a sustainable carbon cycle, electrochemical conversion of CO2 into
      valuable fuels has drawn much attention. However, sluggish kinetics and a
      substantial overpotential, originating from the strong correlation between the
      adsorption energies of intermediates and products, are key obstacles of
      electrochemical CO2 conversion. Here we show that 2D covalent metals with a zero
      band gap can overcome the intrinsic limitation of conventional metals and metal
      alloys and thereby substantially decrease the overpotential for CO2 reduction
      because of their covalent characteristics. From first-principles-based high
      throughput screening results on 61 2D covalent metals, we find that the strong
      correlation between the adsorption energies of COOH and CO can be entirely
      broken. This leads to the computational design of CO2-to-CO and CO2-to-CH4
      conversion catalysts in addition to hydrogen-evolution-reaction catalysts. Toward
      efficient electrochemical catalysts for CO2 reduction, this work suggests a new
      materials domain having two contradictory properties in a single material:
      covalent nature and electrical conductance.

PMID- 27676245
TI  - Subcellular location of Arabidopsis thaliana subfamily a1 beta-galactosidases and
      developmental regulation of transcript levels of their coding genes.
AB  - The aim of this work is to gain insight into the six members of the a1 subfamily
      of the beta-galactosidases (BGAL) from Arabidopsis thaliana. First, the
      subcellular location of all these six BGAL proteins from a1 subfamily has been
      established in the cell wall by the construction of transgenic plants producing
      the enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) fused to the BGAL proteins. BGAL12
      is also located in the endoplasmic reticulum. Our study of the AtBGAL transcript
      accumulation along plant development indicated that all AtBGAL transcript
      appeared in initial stages of development, both dark- and light-grown seedlings,
      being AtBGAL1, AtBGAL2 and AtBGAL3 transcripts the predominant ones in the latter
      condition, mainly in the aerial part and with levels decreasing with age. The
      high accumulation of transcript of AtBGAL4 in basal internodes and in leaves at
      the end of development, and their strong increase after treatment both with BL
      and H3BO3 point to an involvement of BGAL4 in cell wall changes leading to the
      cease of elongation and increased rigidity. The changes of AtBGAL transcript
      accumulation in relation to different stages and conditions of plant development,
      suggest that each of the different gene products have a plant-specific function
      and provides support for the proposed function of the subfamily a1 BGAL in plant
      cell wall remodelling for cell expansion or for cell response to stress
      conditions.

PMID- 27676247
TI  - A Novel Approach to Proactive Primary Care-Based Case Finding and
      Multidisciplinary Management of Falls, Syncope, and Dizziness in a One-Stop
      Service: Preliminary Results.
AB  - National and international evidence and guidelines on falls prevention and
      management in community-dwelling elderly adults recommend that falls services
      should be multifactorial and their interventions multicomponent. The way that
      individuals are identified as having had or being at risk of falls in order to
      take advantage of such services is far less clear. A novel multidisciplinary,
      multifactorial falls, syncope, and dizziness service model was designed with
      enhanced case ascertainment through proactive, primary care-based screening (of
      individual case notes of individuals aged >=60) for individual fall risk factors.
      The service model identified 4,039 individuals, of whom 2,232 had significant
      gait and balance abnormalities according to senior physiotherapist assessment.
      Significant numbers of individuals with new diagnoses ranging from cognitive
      impairment to Parkinson's disease to urgent indications for a pacemaker were
      discovered. More than 600 individuals were found who were at high risk of
      osteoporosis according to World Health Association Fracture Risk Assessment Tool
      score, 179 with benign positional paroxysmal vertigo and 50 with atrial
      fibrillation. Through such screening and this approach, Comprehensive Geriatric
      Assessment Plus (Plus falls, syncope and dizziness expertise), unmet need was
      targeted on a scale far outside the numbers seen in clinical trials. Further work
      is needed to determine whether this approach translates into fewer falls and
      decreases in syncope and dizziness.

PMID- 27676246
TI  - A Comprehensive Functional Analysis of NTRK1 Missense Mutations Causing
      Hereditary Sensory and Autonomic Neuropathy Type IV (HSAN IV).
AB  - Hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type IV (HSAN IV) is an autosomal
      recessive disorder characterized by a complete lack of pain perception and
      anhidrosis. Here, we studied a cohort of seven patients with HSAN IV and describe
      a comprehensive functional analysis of seven novel NTRK1 missense mutations,
      c.1550G >A, c.1565G >A, c.1970T >C, c.2096T >C, c.2254T >A, c.2288G >C, and
      c.2311C >T, corresponding to p.G517E, p.G522E, p.L657P, p.I699T, p.C752S,
      p.C763S, and p.R771C, all of which were predicted pathogenic by in silico
      analysis. The results allowed us to assess the pathogenicity of each mutation and
      to gain novel insights into tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TRKA) downstream
      signaling. Each mutation was systematically analyzed for TRKA glycosylation
      states, intracellular and cell membrane expression patterns, nerve growth factor
      stimulated TRKA autophosphorylation, TRKA-Y496 phosphorylation, PLCgamma
      activity, and neurite outgrowth. We showed a diverse range of functional effects:
      one mutation appeared fully functional, another had partial activity in all
      assays, one mutation affected only the PLCgamma pathway and four mutations were
      proved null in all assays. Thus, we conclude that complete abolition of TRKA
      kinase activity is not the only pathogenic mechanism underlying HSAN IV. By
      corollary, the assessment of the clinical pathogenicity of HSAN IV mutations is
      more complex than initially predicted and requires a multifaceted approach.

PMID- 27676248
TI  - Exploring perinatal death with midwifery students' using a collaborative art
      project.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the influence of the Amulet artwork and exhibition on
      midwifery students' perceptions of caring for parents experiencing perinatal
      death. DESIGN: A descriptive qualitative design involving face-to-face semi
      structured interviews following institutional ethical approval. SETTING: A
      regional Maternity Hospital in Ireland which hosted the National Artwork and
      Exhibition exploring the hidden world of infant death. PARTICIPANTS: A purposive
      sample of six consenting post registration midwifery students who had attended
      the Amulet artwork and exhibition. FINDINGS: Four core themes emerged and these
      were i) entering the mother's world and hearing her pain; ii) the journey of
      grief and connecting with the bereaved parent's unique experience; iii) facing
      the challenge of providing effective perinatal bereavement care; and iv)
      maintaining a journey of compassionate practice. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR
      PRACTICE: Exposure to, and reflection on the Amulet artwork and exhibition
      increased students' awareness and insight into the non-linear nature of the
      grieving process, and to the importance of maintaining a journey of compassionate
      care for parents experiencing perinatal death. The findings suggest that the use
      of creative women-centered strategies promote affective learning in relation to
      perinatal death and so may be of use to educators and maternity care providers.

PMID- 27676250
TI  - Iron-Catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] Cycloaddition Reactions of Diynes with
      Oxyphosphaethynes To Construct 2-Phosphaphenol Derivatives.
AB  - Iron-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition reactions of diynes with
      siloxyphosphaethynes have been developed to give 2-phosphaphenol derivatives. The
      use of electronically neutral siloxyphosphaethynes generated in situ by the
      reaction of anionic phosphaethynolate with silyl triflates is key to achieving
      the reactions.

PMID- 27676249
TI  - A Bat-Derived Putative Cross-Family Recombinant Coronavirus with a Reovirus Gene.
AB  - The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) in 2002
      and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in 2012 has generated
      enormous interest in the biodiversity, genomics and cross-species transmission
      potential of coronaviruses, especially those from bats, the second most speciose
      order of mammals. Herein, we identified a novel coronavirus, provisionally
      designated Rousettus bat coronavirus GCCDC1 (Ro-BatCoV GCCDC1), in the rectal
      swab samples of Rousettus leschenaulti bats by using pan-coronavirus RT-PCR and
      next-generation sequencing. Although the virus is similar to Rousettus bat
      coronavirus HKU9 (Ro-BatCoV HKU9) in genome characteristics, it is sufficiently
      distinct to be classified as a new species according to the criteria defined by
      the International Committee of Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV). More striking was that
      Ro-BatCoV GCCDC1 contained a unique gene integrated into the 3'-end of the genome
      that has no homologs in any known coronavirus, but which sequence and phylogeny
      analyses indicated most likely originated from the p10 gene of a bat
      orthoreovirus. Subgenomic mRNA and cellular-level observations demonstrated that
      the p10 gene is functional and induces the formation of cell syncytia. Therefore,
      here we report a putative heterologous inter-family recombination event between a
      single-stranded, positive-sense RNA virus and a double-stranded segmented RNA
      virus, providing insights into the fundamental mechanisms of viral evolution.

PMID- 27676251
TI  - Super-Anticoagulant Heparin-Mimicking Hydrogel Thin Film Attached Substrate
      Surfaces to Improve Hemocompatibility.
AB  - In this study, heparin-mimicking hydrogel thin films are covalently attached onto
      poly(ether sulfone) membrane surfaces to improve anticoagulant property. The
      hydrogel films display honeycomb-like porous structure with well controlled
      thickness and show long-term stability. After immobilizing the hydrogel films,
      the membranes show excellent anticoagulant property confirmed by the activated
      partial thromboplastin time values exceeding 600 s. Meanwhile, the thrombin time
      values increase from 20 to 61 s as the sodium allysulfonate proportions increase
      from 0 to 80 mol%. In vitro investigations of protein adsorption and blood
      related complement activation also confirm that the membranes exhibit super
      anticoagulant property. Furthermore, gentamycin sulfate is loaded into the
      hydrogel films, and the released drug shows significant inhibition toward E. coli
      bacteria. It is believed that the surface attached heparin-mimicking hydrogel
      thin films may show high potential for the applications in various biological
      fields, such as blood contacting materials and drug loading materials.

PMID- 27676252
TI  - Beyond the French Flag Model: Exploiting Spatial and Gene Regulatory Interactions
      for Positional Information.
AB  - A crucial step in the early development of multicellular organisms involves the
      establishment of spatial patterns of gene expression which later direct
      proliferating cells to take on different cell fates. These patterns enable the
      cells to infer their global position within a tissue or an organism by reading
      out local gene expression levels. The patterning system is thus said to encode
      positional information, a concept that was formalized recently in the framework
      of information theory. Here we introduce a toy model of patterning in one spatial
      dimension, which can be seen as an extension of Wolpert's paradigmatic "French
      Flag" model, to patterning by several interacting, spatially coupled genes
      subject to intrinsic and extrinsic noise. Our model, a variant of an Ising spin
      system, allows us to systematically explore expression patterns that optimally
      encode positional information. We find that optimal patterning systems use
      positional cues, as in the French Flag model, together with gene-gene
      interactions to generate combinatorial codes for position which we call "Counter"
      patterns. Counter patterns can also be stabilized against noise and variations in
      system size or morphogen dosage by longer-range spatial interactions of the type
      invoked in the Turing model. The simple setup proposed here qualitatively
      captures many of the experimentally observed properties of biological patterning
      systems and allows them to be studied in a single, theoretically consistent
      framework.

PMID- 27676253
TI  - Residual thrombin potential predicts cardiovascular death in acute coronary
      syndrome patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Thrombin generation (TG) is a central step of the coagulation
      system involved in hemostatic and thrombotic roles. Scarce data evaluating in the
      acute phase the association between TG and the risk of cardiovascular death of
      acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients are available, in the era of percutaneous
      coronary intervention (PCI) and stenting with the use of dual antiplatelet
      treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We investigated TG in 292 ACS patients
      undergoing PCI with stent implantation on dual antiplatelet treatment. Venous
      samples were obtained 12-24h after PCI. TG was assessed using the Calibrated
      Automated Thrombogram (CAT). RESULTS: At two years of follow-up, 57 out of 292
      patients (19.5%) died from cardiovascular causes. Higher values of endogenous
      thrombin potential (ETP) [1115.9 (705-1441.3) vs 940.2 (666.0-1253.1), p=0.049],
      peak [176.1 (80.5-259.4) vs 107.3 (59.9-181.1), p=0.002] and velocity index
      [61.75 (21.03-97.88) vs 25.64 (11.95-50.90), p<0.001] were observed in relation
      to survival patients. At the multivariate model adjusted for the Global Registry
      of Acute Coronary Events risk score, the association between TG and
      cardiovascular death remained significant for ETP [OR (95% CI): 2.58 (1.10-6.03),
      p=0.029], peak [OR (95%CI): 3.27 (1.35-7.92), p=0.009] and velocity index [OR
      (95% CI): 3.06 (1.27-7.39), p=0.013]. This result was confirmed after adjustment
      for high on-treatment platelet reactivity [ETP: OR (95% CI) 2.35 (1.11-5.00),
      p=0.027; peak: OR (95% CI) 2.42 (1.13-5.15), p=0.022; velocity index: OR (95% CI)
      2.43 (1.14-5.20), p=0.022]. CONCLUSIONS: ACS patients with a residual TG after
      PCI and stent implantation have a significantly higher risk of long-term
      cardiovascular death. These results might be useful in improving risk
      stratification for ACS patients and support the need of a tailored antithrombotic
      therapy.

PMID- 27676254
TI  - Evaluation of the SAMe-TT2R2 score to predict the quality of anticoagulation
      control in a cohort of patients with venous thromboembolism treated with vitamin
      K antagonists.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The SAMe-TT2R2 score has been recently proposed to predict the quality
      of anticoagulation control in patients with atrial fibrillation treated with
      vitamin K antagonists (VKA). We aimed at calculating this score in a cohort of
      patients with Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) and determine its usefulness. METHODS:
      We included all consecutive patients with VTE treated with VKA for >90days. We
      collected all variables included in the score (female sex, age<60years, medical
      history [>2 comorbidities], treatment [interacting drugs: e.g. amiodarone],
      tobacco [doubled], race [doubled]) and analyzed the relationship between the SAMe
      TT2R2 score and time in therapeutic range (TTR), determined by the Rosendaal
      method and by the percentage of INR determinations (after excluding the first
      month). RESULTS: 135 patients were treated with VKA for >90days, with a median
      TTR 65%. No differences in INR controls within range were found between patients
      with score 0-1 vs >=2 (64.7+/-19.5% vs 66.0+/-20.5%, p=0.728). No differences
      were found in INR controls above (21.5+/-18.1% vs 21.2+/-21.3%, p=0.605) or below
      (3.9+/-14% vs 2.9+/-15.9%, p=0.517) the therapeutic range. CONCLUSION: The SAMe
      TT2R2 score is not useful to predict quality of anticoagulation control in
      patients with VTE treated with VKA.

PMID- 27676255
TI  - A novel mutation in the fibrinogen gamma-chain 216 Gly>Glu causes
      hypofibrinogenemia.

PMID- 27676256
TI  - Corrigendum to "Measurement of microparticle tissue factor activity in clinical
      samples: A summary of two tissue factor-dependent FXa generation assays" [Thromb.
      Res. 139 (2016) 90-97].

PMID- 27676257
TI  - Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Use by Breastfeeding HIV-Uninfected Women: A Prospective
      Short-Term Study of Antiretroviral Excretion in Breast Milk and Infant
      Absorption.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) becomes more widely used in
      heterosexual populations, an important consideration is its safety in infants who
      are breastfed by women taking PrEP. We investigated whether tenofovir and
      emtricitabine are excreted into breast milk and then absorbed by the
      breastfeeding infant in clinically significant concentrations when used as PrEP
      by lactating women. METHODS AND FINDINGS: We conducted a prospective short-term,
      open-label study of daily oral emtricitabine-tenofovir disoproxil fumarate PrEP
      among 50 HIV-uninfected breastfeeding African mother-infant pairs between 1-24 wk
      postpartum (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02776748). The primary goal was to
      quantify the steady-state concentrations of tenofovir and emtricitabine in infant
      plasma ingested via breastfeeding. PrEP was administered to women through daily
      directly observed therapy (DOT) for ten consecutive days and then discontinued
      thereafter. Non-fasting peak and trough samples of maternal plasma and breast
      milk were obtained at drug concentration steady states on days 7 and 10, and a
      single infant plasma sample was obtained on day 7. Peak blood and breast milk
      samples were obtained 1-2 h after the maternal DOT PrEP dose, while maternal
      trough samples were obtained at the end of the PrEP dosing interval (i.e., 23 to
      24 h) after maternal DOT PrEP dose. Tenofovir and emtricitabine concentrations
      were quantified using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
      assays. Of the 50 mother-infant pairs enrolled, 48% were <=12 wk and 52% were 13
      24 wk postpartum, and median maternal age was 25 y (interquartile range [IQR] 22
      28). During study follow-up, the median (IQR) daily reported frequency of infant
      breastfeeding was 15 times (12 to 18) overall, 16 (14 to 19) for the <=12 weeks,
      and 14 (12 to 17) for the 13-24 wk infant age groups. Overall, median (IQR) time
      averaged peak concentrations in breast milk were 3.2 ng/mL (2.3 to 4.7) for
      tenofovir and 212.5 ng/mL (140.0 to 405.0) for emtricitabine. Similarly, median
      (IQR) time-averaged trough concentrations in breast milk were 3.3 ng/mL (2.3 to
      4.4) for tenofovir and 183.0 ng/mL (113.0 to 250.0) for emtricitabine, reflecting
      trough-to-peak breast milk concentration ratios of 1.0 for tenofovir and 0.8 for
      emtricitabine, respectively. In infant plasma, tenofovir was unquantifiable in
      46/49 samples (94%), but emtricitabine was detectable in 47/49 (96%) (median
      [IQR] concentration: 13.2 ng/mL [9.3 to 16.7]). The estimated equivalent doses an
      infant would ingest daily from breastfeeding were 0.47 MUg/kg (IQR 0.35 to 0.71)
      for tenofovir and 31.9 MUg/kg (IQR 21.0 to 60.8) for emtricitabine, translating
      into a <0.01% and 0.5% relative dose when compared to the 6 mg/kg dose that is
      proposed for therapeutic treatment of infant HIV infection and for prevention of
      infant postnatal HIV infection; a dose that has not shown safety concerns. No
      serious adverse effects were recorded during study follow-up. The key study
      limitation was that only a single infant sample was collected to minimize
      venipunctures for the children. However, maternal daily DOT and specimen
      collection at drug concentration steady state provided an adequate approach to
      address the key research question. Importantly, there was minimal variation in
      breast milk concentrations of tenofovir and emtricitabine (respective median
      trough-to-peak concentration ratio ~1), demonstrating that infants were exposed
      to consistent drug dosing via breast milk. CONCLUSION: In this short-term study
      of daily directly observed oral PrEP in HIV-uninfected breastfeeding women, the
      estimated infant doses from breast milk and resultant infant plasma
      concentrations for tenofovir and emtricitabine were 12,500 and >200-fold lower
      than the respective proposed infant therapeutic doses, and tenofovir was not
      detected in 94% of infant plasma samples. These data suggest that PrEP can be
      safely used during breastfeeding with minimal infant drug exposure. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier: NCT02776748.

PMID- 27676258
TI  - A Bone-Seeking trans-Cyclooctene for Pretargeting and Bioorthogonal Chemistry: A
      Proof of Concept Study Using 99mTc- and 177Lu-Labeled Tetrazines.
AB  - A high yield synthesis of a novel, small molecule, bisphosphonate-modified trans
      cyclooctene (TCO-BP, 2) that binds to regions of active bone metabolism and
      captures functionalized tetrazines in vivo, via the bioorthogonal inverse
      electron demand Diels-Alder (IEDDA) cycloaddition, was developed. A 99mTc-labeled
      derivative of 2 demonstrated selective localization to shoulder and knee joints
      in a biodistribution study in normal mice. Compound 2 reacted rapidly with a
      177Lu-labeled tetrazine in vitro, and pretargeting experiments in mice, using 2
      and the 177Lu-labeled tetrazine, yielded high activity concentrations in shoulder
      and knee joints, with minimal uptake in other tissues. Pretargeting experiments
      with 2 and a novel 99mTc-labeled tetrazine also produced high activity
      concentrations in the knees and shoulders. Critically, both radiolabeled
      tetrazines showed negligible uptake in the skeleton and joints when administered
      in the absence of 2. Compound 2 can be utilized to target functionalized
      tetrazines to bone and represents a convenient reagent to test novel tetrazines
      for use with in vivo bioorthogonal pretargeting strategies.

PMID- 27676259
TI  - Economic Feasibility of Staffing the Intensive Care Unit with a Communication
      Facilitator.
AB  - RATIONALE: In the intensive care unit (ICU), complex decision making by
      clinicians and families requires good communication to ensure that care is
      consistent with the patients' values and goals. OBJECTIVES: To assess the
      economic feasibility of staffing ICUs with a communication facilitator. METHODS:
      Data were from a randomized trial of an "ICU communication facilitator" linked to
      hospital financial records; eligible patients (n = 135) were admitted to the ICU
      at a single hospital with predicted mortality >=30% and a surrogate decision
      maker. Adjusted regression analyses assessed differences in ICU total and direct
      variable costs between intervention and control patients. A bootstrap-based
      simulation assessed the cost efficiency of a facilitator while varying the full
      time equivalent of the facilitator and the ICU mortality risk. MEASUREMENTS AND
      MAIN RESULTS: Total ICU costs (mean 22.8k; 95% CI, -42.0k to -3.6k; P = 0.02) and
      average daily ICU costs (mean, -0.38k; 95% CI, -0.65k to -0.11k; P = 0.006)] were
      reduced significantly with the intervention. Despite more contacts, families of
      survivors spent less time per encounter with facilitators than did families of
      decedents (mean, 25 [SD, 11] min vs. 36 [SD, 14] min). Simulation demonstrated
      maximal weekly savings with a 1.0 full-time equivalent facilitator and a
      predicted ICU mortality of 15% (total weekly ICU cost savings, $58.4k [95% CI,
      $57.7k-59.2k]; weekly direct variable savings, $5.7k [95% CI, $5.5k-5.8k]) after
      incorporating facilitator costs. CONCLUSIONS: Adding a full-time trained
      communication facilitator in the ICU may improve the quality of care while
      simultaneously reducing short-term (direct variable) and long-term (total) health
      care costs. This intervention is likely to be more cost effective in a lower
      mortality population.

PMID- 27676260
TI  - Collinearity and Causal Diagrams: A Lesson on the Importance of Model
      Specification.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Correlated data are ubiquitous in epidemiologic research,
      particularly in nutritional and environmental epidemiology where mixtures of
      factors are often studied. Our objectives are to demonstrate how highly
      correlated data arise in epidemiologic research and provide guidance, using a
      directed acyclic graph approach, on how to proceed analytically when faced with
      highly correlated data. METHODS: We identified three fundamental structural
      scenarios in which high correlation between a given variable and the exposure can
      arise: intermediates, confounders, and colliders. For each of these scenarios, we
      evaluated the consequences of increasing correlation between the given variable
      and the exposure on the bias and variance for the total effect of the exposure on
      the outcome using unadjusted and adjusted models. We derived closed-form
      solutions for continuous outcomes using linear regression and empirically present
      our findings for binary outcomes using logistic regression. RESULTS: For models
      properly specified, total effect estimates remained unbiased even when there was
      almost perfect correlation between the exposure and a given intermediate,
      confounder, or collider. In general, as the correlation increased, the variance
      of the parameter estimate for the exposure in the adjusted models increased,
      while in the unadjusted models, the variance increased to a lesser extent or
      decreased. CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight the importance of considering the
      causal framework under study when specifying regression models. Strategies that
      do not take into consideration the causal structure may lead to biased effect
      estimation for the original question of interest, even under high correlation.

PMID- 27676262
TI  - Diffusion Coefficient and Relaxation Time of Aliphatic Spin Probes in a Unique
      Triglyceride Membrane.
AB  - The molecular dynamics of aliphatic spin probes in a unique triglyceride membrane
      were investigated by continuous wave electron paramagnetic resonance (CW EPR) and
      saturation recovery spectroscopic methods. Rotational diffusion coefficients (R?
      and R?) obtained by a slow-motional EPR spectral simulation for 7-doxylstearic
      acid (7-DSA), 12-doxylstearic acid (12-DSA), and 16-doxylstearic acid (16-DSA) in
      the membrane at various temperatures were obtained. The activation energies
      calculated using R? values for 7-, 12-, and 16-DSA in the membrane were 19 +/-
      0.9, 24 +/- 1.2, and 37 +/- 1.8 kJ/mol, respectively. The higher activation
      energy implies that the perpendicular motion of 16-DSA is more sensitive to
      temperature. As the nitroxide group of the spin probe was moved further down the
      stearic chain, electron spin-lattice relaxation times (T1e) became shorter. The
      shorter T1e indicates more flexibility around the probe moiety. Also, T1e for the
      DSAs became shorter when the temperature increased. The values of T1e obtained
      were consistent with perpendicular diffusion coefficients. In addition, no
      significant difference in T1e between the H2O and the D2O solutions was observed
      for the different DSAs. Therefore, it is concluded that steric effects and the
      local rotational mobility of the nitroxide moiety influence the T1e's obtained.

PMID- 27676261
TI  - Robotic Assisted Cannulation of Occluded Retinal Veins.
AB  - PURPOSE: To develop a methodology for cannulating porcine retinal venules using a
      robotic assistive arm after inducing a retinal vein occlusion using the
      photosensitizer rose bengal. METHODOLOGY: Retinal vein occlusions proximal to the
      first vascular branch point were induced following intravenous injection of rose
      bengal by exposure to 532nm laser light delivered by slit-lamp or endolaser
      probe. Retinal veins were cannulated by positioning a glass catheter tip using a
      robotically controlled micromanipulator above venules with an outer diameter of
      80MUm or more and performing a preset piercing maneuver, controlled robotically.
      The ability of a balanced salt (BSS) solution to remove an occlusion by repeat
      distention of the retinal vein was also assessed. RESULTS: Cannulation using the
      preset piercing program was successful in 9 of 9 eyes. Piercing using the
      micromanipulator under manual control was successful in only 24 of 52 attempts,
      with several attempts leading to double piercing. The best location for
      cannulation was directly proximal to the occlusion. Infusion of BSS did not
      result in the resolution of the occlusion. CONCLUSION: Cannulation of venules
      using a robotic microassistive arm can be achieved with consistency, provided the
      piercing is robotically driven. The model appears robust enough to allow testing
      of therapeutic strategies aimed at eliminating a retinal vein thrombus and its
      evolution over time.

PMID- 27676263
TI  - Nectin-2 (CD112) Is Expressed on Outgrowth Endothelial Cells and Regulates Cell
      Proliferation and Angiogenic Function.
AB  - Outgrowth endothelial cells (OECs) are a subpopulation of endothelial progenitor
      cells (EPCs) that have the capacity for proliferation and the ability to promote
      angiogenesis. In this study, we identified Nectin-2 as a surface protein of OECs
      through unbiased quantitative proteomics analysis. Using immunocytochemistry and
      flow cytometry, we confirmed that Nectin-2 is highly expressed on OECs. Nectin-2
      (CD112) expression was limited or lower on mononuclear cells (MNCs) and mature
      tube-forming endothelial cells (ECs). Blocking Nectin-2 with a neutralizing
      monoclonal antibody significantly increased the trans-well migration and tube
      forming capacity of OECs. Similarly, Nectin-2 knockdown resulted in enhanced tube
      formation, cell migration and proliferation with p-Erk activation. Moreover,
      Nectin-2 deficiency resulted in compensatory increase of other Nectin family
      genes including Nectin-3 and Necl-4 which promote VEGFR signaling. These results
      indicate that Nectin-2 is a surface marker and an important regulator of OECs,
      with significant implications for the isolation of OECs and blocking Nectin-2 on
      OECs by an antibody for angiogenic applications.

PMID- 27676264
TI  - Ternary FexCo1-xP Nanowire Array as a Robust Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
      Electrocatalyst with Pt-like Activity: Experimental and Theoretical Insight.
AB  - Replacement of precious Pt with earth-abundant electrocatalysts for the hydrogen
      evolution reaction (HER) holds great promise for clean energy devices, but the
      development of low-cost and durable HER catalysts with Pt-like activity is still
      a huge challenge. In this communication, we report on the development of self
      standing ternary FexCo1-xP nanowire array on carbon cloth (FexCo1-xP/CC) as a Pt
      free HER catalyst with activities being strongly related to Fe substitution
      ratio. Electrochemical tests show that Fe0.5Co0.5P/CC not only possesses Pt-like
      activity with the need of overpotential of only 37 mV to drive 10 mA cm-2,
      outperforming all non-noble-metal HER catalysts reported to date, but
      demonstrates superior long-term durability in 0.5 M H2SO4. Density functional
      theory calculations further reveal that Fe substitution of Co in CoP leads to
      more optimal free energy of hydrogen adsorption to the catalyst surface. This
      study offers us a promising flexible monolithic catalyst for practical
      applications.

PMID- 27676265
TI  - Enzymatic Reductive Dehalogenation Controls the Biosynthesis of Marine Bacterial
      Pyrroles.
AB  - Enzymes capable of performing dehalogenating reactions have attracted tremendous
      contemporary attention due to their potential application in the bioremediation
      of anthropogenic polyhalogenated persistent organic pollutants. Nature, in
      particular the marine environment, is also a prolific source of polyhalogenated
      organic natural products. The study of the biosynthesis of these natural products
      has furnished a diverse array of halogenation biocatalysts, but thus far no
      examples of dehalogenating enzymes have been reported from a secondary metabolic
      pathway. Here we show that the penultimate step in the biosynthesis of the highly
      brominated marine bacterial product pentabromopseudilin is catalyzed by an
      unusual debrominase Bmp8 that utilizes a redox thiol mechanism to remove the C-2
      bromine atom of 2,3,4,5-tetrabromopyrrole to facilitate oxidative coupling to 2,4
      dibromophenol. To the best of our knowledge, Bmp8 is first example of a
      dehalogenating enzyme from the established genetic and biochemical context of a
      natural product biosynthetic pathway.

PMID- 27676266
TI  - Inhibitory Effect of beta-Elemene on Human Airway Granulation Tissue in vivo and
      in vitro.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recurrent airway granulation hyperplasia and scar formation make
      airway stenosis a clinical challenge. Therefore, a new approach for the treatment
      of airway stenosis is necessary. OBJECTIVE: To explore the inhibitory effect of
      beta-elemene on the proliferation of fibroblasts and airway granulation. METHODS:
      In vivo: (1) study of the effect of local beta-elemene injection by bronchoscopy.
      (2) During bronchoscopy, granulation tissues both before and after treatment were
      obtained. HE staining was performed and the result compared. In vitro: (1) human
      airway primary fibroblasts were purified and characterized. (2) Fibroblasts were
      treated with beta-elemene and normal saline (NS) and then examined by optical and
      electron microscopy. (3) Fibroblasts treated with beta-elemene or NS were
      assessed for viability by tetrazolium salt assay. (4) Apoptotic rates were
      determined by flow cytometry. RESULTS: In vivo: (1) after local injection of beta
      elemene, airway granulation tissue was reduced. (2) Granulation tissue was found
      to have less edema, and fibroblasts turned into mature fiber cells. In vitro: (1)
      human airway primary fibroblasts were successfully purified and cultured. (2)
      Compared with the control group, fibroblasts of the experimental group became
      clumped, the plasma granules were increased, and some fibroblasts lost their
      nucleus and organelles. (3) Compared with the control group, reduction of cell
      viability was detected with increased concentrations of beta-elemene. (4) With
      increased concentrations of beta-elemene, apoptotic rates of the fibroblasts were
      raised compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: beta-Elemene may induce
      apoptosis and necrosis of airway primary fibroblasts and inhibit the
      proliferation of fibroblasts and airway granulation. The results provide a new
      approach for the treatment of airway stenosis.

PMID- 27676267
TI  - Synthesis and Reactivity of Electronically Unsaturated Dirhenium Carbonyl
      Compounds Containing Bridging Gold-Carbene Groups.
AB  - The electronically unsaturated compounds Re2(CO)8[MU-Au(NHC)](MU-Ph), 1, and
      Re2(CO)8[MU-Au(NHC)]2, 2, were obtained from the reaction of Re2(CO)8[MU-eta2
      C(H)?C(H)Bun](MU-H) with MeAu(NHC), NHC = 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazol
      2-ylidene. Compound 1 was converted to the new compound Re2(CO)8[MU-Au(NHC)](MU
      H), 3, by reaction with H2. Addition of CO to 3 yielded the new compound
      Re2(CO)9[Au(NHC)](MU-H), 4, which contains a terminally coordinated Au(NHC) group
      on one of the rhenium atoms, and the hydrido ligand was shifted to bridge the Re
      Au bond. The mechanism of the formation of 4 was established by DFT computational
      analyses. Compound 3 also reacted with C2H2 by an addition with insertion into
      the Re-H bonds to yield the compound Re2(CO)8[MU-Au(NHC)](MU-C2H3), 5, which
      contains a sigma-pi coordinated, bridging C2H3 ligand. The stereochemistry of the
      insertion was found to proceed preferentially with a cis- (syn-) stereochemistry.
      Compound 1 reacted with HCl to yield Re2(CO)8[MU-Ph](MU-H), 6, and ClAu(NHC) by
      selective removal of the bridging Au(NHC) group. All new compounds were
      characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses.

PMID- 27676268
TI  - Surgical Treatment of Facial Basal Cell Carcinoma: Patient-Based Assessment of
      Clinical Outcome in a Prospective Cohort Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are limited data on the esthetic, functional, and morphological
      outcomes of surgical treatment of facial basal cell carcinoma (BCC). OBJECTIVE:
      The aim of our study was to assess the determinants of the evaluation of both the
      patients and the investigator of the esthetic, functional, and morphological
      impact of the surgical treatment of facial BCC. METHODS: A prospective
      observational study evaluated 111 patients treated surgically for facial BCCs (n
      = 135 BCCs), using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), a
      validated and reliable scale designed for the evaluation of all types of scars by
      professionals and patients. RESULTS: Scar assessment rated by the patients was
      very good. Skin aging was associated with a better surgical outcome as evaluated
      by POSAS (OR = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.09-0.98; p = 0.04). Conversely, histologically
      infiltrative or sclerosing BCC (OR = 2.33, 95% CI: 0.95-5.71; p = 0.06) was
      independently associated with poorer POSAS. In terms of the investigator's
      evaluation, aging signs (protective factor: OR = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.04-0.73; p =
      0.01), location on the H-zone of the face (risk factor: OR = 2.95, 95% CI: 1.07
      8.15; p = 0.03), and histologically infiltrative or sclerosing BCC (risk factor:
      OR = 2.89, 95% CI: 1.01-8.29; p = 0.04) were independently associated with POSAS.
      CONCLUSION: Esthetic, functional, and morphological outcomes of facial BCC
      surgery provide high patient satisfaction overall. Taking wider margins requires
      specific measures to improve the surgical outcome.

PMID- 27676269
TI  - Nonhydrolyzable C-disaccharides, a new class of DC-SIGN ligands.
AB  - The discovery of effective ligands for DC-SIGN receptor is one of the most
      challenging concepts of antiviral drug design due to the importance of this C
      type lectin in infection processes. DC-SIGN recognizes mannosylated and
      fucosylated oligosaccharides but glycosidic linkages are accessible to both
      chemical and enzymatic degradations. To avoid this problem, the synthesis of
      stable glycoside mimetics has attracted increasing attention. In this work we
      establish for the first time mono- and divalent C-glycosides based on d-manno and
      l-fuco configurations as prospective DC-SIGN ligands. In particular, the l-fucose
      glycomimetics were more active than the respective d-mannose ones. The highest
      affinity was assessed for simple 1,4-bis(alpha-l-fucopyranosyl)butane (SPR: IC50
      0.43 mM) that displayed about twice higher activity than natural ligand Lex. Our
      results make C-glycosides attractive candidates for multivalent presentations.

PMID- 27676270
TI  - The Effects of Tai Chi on Sleep Quality in Chinese American Patients With Major
      Depressive Disorder: A Pilot Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This pilot study evaluated the effects of Tai Chi training on sleep
      quality (primary outcomes), and depression and social functioning levels
      (secondary outcomes) among patients with depression. PARTICIPANTS: Sixteen
      depressed Chinese patients. METHODS: Participants received 1-hr Tai Chi training
      sessions 2 times per week for 10 weeks. Patients' subjective sleep quality
      ratings, objective sleep quality measurements, and depression and social
      functioning levels were measured before, during, and after the intervention.
      RESULTS: Sleep quality and depression outcomes improved significantly. Patients
      reported improved Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores (9.6 +/- 3.3 to
      6.6 +/- 5.2, p = 0.016), and cardiopulmonary coupling (CPC) analysis of
      electrocardiogram (ECG) showed decreased stable sleep onset latency (75.7 +/-
      100.6 to 20.9 +/- 18.0, p = 0.014), increased stable sleep percentages (31.5 +/-
      18.7 to 46.3 +/- 16.9, p = 0.016), and decreased unstable sleep percentages (45.3
      +/- 20.1 to 30.6 +/- 16.5, p = 0.003). Patients also reported decreased Hamilton
      Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D-17; 20.1 +/- 3.7 to 7.8 +/- 5.9, p < 0.001)
      and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores (22.3 +/- 9.1 to 11.1 +/- 10.6, p =
      0.006). Significant correlations were found between the changes in subjective
      sleep assessments DeltaPSQI and DeltaHAM-D-17 (r = 0.6, p = 0.014), and DeltaPSQI
      and DeltaBDI (r = 0.62, p = 0.010). Correlations between changes in objective
      sleep measurements and changes in depression symptoms were low and not
      significant. CONCLUSIONS: Tai Chi training improved sleep quality and mood
      symptoms among depressed patients.

PMID- 27676271
TI  - Perceptions of Group-Based Walks and Strategies to Inform the Development of an
      Intervention in Retirement Villages: Perspectives of Residents and Village
      Managers.
AB  - The aim of the current study was to explore perceptions of group-based walking
      and gather suggestions to inform the development of a group-based walking
      intervention among older adults in retirement villages. Twenty-four physically
      inactive residents (16 female, 8 male; age range: 69-88) and four managers from
      four retirement villages were interviewed. Inductive thematic analysis revealed
      six broad themes: lack of motivation, values versus constraints, fears and
      confidence, need for structure, creating a sense of belonging, and the physical
      environment as a double-edged sword. Proposed intervention strategies included
      using trained walk leaders, using small groups, planning for flexibility, setting
      attainable goals, creating a routine, creating opportunities for sharing
      experiences, and planning a variety of walks. Group-based walking programs may be
      used to promote physical activity but careful planning of such programs is needed
      to make them appealing and feasible to a diverse group of residents.

PMID- 27676272
TI  - Early Predictors of Acute Kidney Injury: A Narrative Review.
AB  - Accompanied with the broad application of interventional therapy, the incidence
      of acute kidney injury (AKI) has been recently increasing in clinical renal
      medicine. The pathogenesis of AKI is diverse and complex. In the context of the
      requirements for the diagnosis and treatment of a renal disorder, a large number
      of studies have explored biological markers and their usefulness to the early
      diagnosis and treatment of AKI, including glomerular injury, renal tubular
      injury, and others. These biomarkers provide an important basis for early
      monitoring of AKI, but are still not quite sufficient. More ideal biomarkers are
      needed to be identified. Therefore, future studies are necessary to explore more
      effective biomarkers for AKI clinical practice, which would play an important
      role in the early diagnosis and intervention treatment of AKI. This review
      summarizes the important biomarkers identified by previous studies and aims to
      highlight the advancements that might provide new methods for early clinical
      diagnosis and effective therapeutic options, along with prediction of response to
      treatment for AKI.

PMID- 27676273
TI  - Influence of a Personal Trainer on Self-selected Loading During Resistance
      Exercise.
AB  - Dias, MRC, Simao, RF, Saavedra, FJF, and Ratamess, NA. Influence of a personal
      trainer on self-selected loading during resistance exercise. J Strength Cond Res
      31(7): 1925-1930, 2017-The purpose of this study was to compare differences in
      muscle strength and self-selected resistance training intensities between trained
      subjects who trained under the supervision of a personal trainer (PT) and those
      who trained without supervision (WoPT). Twenty-one trained subjects, men (n = 12)
      and women (n = 9), completed 3 sessions (separated by 48 hours) in the following
      sequence: first session, self-selected intensity assessment consisting of
      performance of 3 sets of 10 repetitions for the leg press (LP), bench press (BP),
      leg extension (LE), and arm curl (AC) exercises with self-selected load; second
      session, a 1 repetition maximum (1RM) test to determine subjects' maximal
      strength in the 4 exercises; and third session, a 10RM test to determine the
      maximum load completed for 10 repetitions for each exercise. Self-selected
      training loads were significantly higher in PT compared with WoPT for the LP (by
      15.6%), BP (by 26.6%), LE (by 12.1%), and AC (by 22.2%) exercises. Self-selected
      training loads expressed relative to 1RM and 10RM data were significantly higher
      in PT (49-59.5% of 1RM; 62.7-77.3% of 10RM) than WoPT (41-58.7% of 1RM; 58.7
      76.2% of 10RM) with largest difference observed in the lower-body exercises.
      Ratings of perceived exertion values were significantly higher in PT compared
      with WoPT. The results of the present study indicated that supervised resistance
      training with a personal trainer was advantageous in trained subjects although
      self-selected loading was still considerably lower than 1RM and 10RM percentage
      values.

PMID- 27676274
TI  - Differential Effects of Continuous Versus Discontinuous Aerobic Training on Blood
      Pressure and Hemodynamics.
AB  - Landram, MJ, Utter, AC, Baldari, C, Guidetti, L, McAnulty, SR, and Collier, SR.
      Differential effects of continuous versus discontinuous aerobic training on blood
      pressure and hemodynamics. J Strength Cond Res 32(1): 97-104, 2018-The purpose of
      this study was to compare the hemodynamic, arterial stiffness, and blood flow
      changes after 4 weeks of either continuous or discontinuous aerobic exercise in
      adults. Forty-seven subjects between the ages of 18 and 57 were recruited for 1
      month of either continuous aerobic treadmill work for 30 minutes at 70% max heart
      rate or 3 bouts of 10 minutes of exercise at 70% of max heart rate with two 10
      minutes break periods in between, totaling 30 minutes of aerobic work. After
      exercise, both continuous (CON) and discontinuous (DIS) groups demonstrated a
      significant improvement in maximal oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2max,
      CON 35.39 +/- 1.99 to 38.19 +/- 2.03; DIS 36.18 +/- 1.82 to 39.33 +/- 1.75),
      heart rate maximum (CON 183.5 +/- 3.11 to 187.17 +/- 3.06; DIS 179.06 +/- 2.75 to
      182 +/- 2.61), decreases in systolic blood pressure (CON 119 +/- 1.82 to 115.11
      +/- 1.50; DIS 117.44 +/- 1.90 to 112.67 +/- 1.66), diastolic blood pressure (CON
      72.56 +/- 1.65 to 70.56 +/- 1.06; DIS 71.56 +/- 1.59 to 69.56 +/- 1.43),
      augmentation index (CON 17.17 +/- 2.17 to 14.9 +/- 1.92; DIS 19.71 +/- 2.66 to
      13.91 +/- 2.46), central pulse wave velocity (CON 8.29 +/- 0.32 to 6.92 +/- 0.21;
      DIS 7.85 +/- 0.30 to 6.83 +/- 0.29), peripheral pulse wave velocity (CON 9.49 +/-
      0.35 to 7.72 +/- 0.38; DIS 9.11 +/- 0.37 to 7.58 +/- 0.47), and significant
      increases in average forearm blood flow (CON 4.06 +/- 0.12 to 4.34 +/- 0.136; DIS
      4.26 +/- 0.18 to 4.53 +/- 0.15), peak forearm blood flow (FBF) after reactive
      hyperemia (CON 28.45 +/- 0.094 to 29.96 +/- 0.45; DIS 29.29 +/- 0.46 to 30.6 +/-
      0.38), area under the curve (AUC) of FBF (CON 28.65 +/- 1.77 to 30.4 +/- 1.08;
      DIS 30.52 +/- 1.9 to 31.67 +/- 1.44), and AUC peak FBF after reactive hyperemia
      (CON 222.3 +/- 5.68 to 231.95 +/- 4.42; DIS 230.81 +/- 6.91 to 237.19 +/- 5.39).
      These data suggest that for healthy people either 4 weeks of continuous or
      discontinuous aerobic training is effective in improving measures of fitness and
      vascular health.

PMID- 27676275
TI  - Hormonal (Cortical-Gonadotropic Axis) and Physical Changes With Two Years Intense
      Exercise Training in Elite Young Soccer Players.
AB  - Hammami, MA, Ben Abderrahman, A, Hackney, AC, Kebsi, W, Owen, AL, Nebigh, A,
      Racil, G, Tabka, Z, and Zouhal, H. Hormonal (cortical-gonadotropic axis) and
      physical changes with two years intense exercise training in elite young soccer
      players. J Strength Cond Res 31(9): 2388-2397, 2017-The aim of this study was to
      investigate the effects of 2 soccer-training seasons on physical fitness and
      hormone concentrations in elite youth soccer players. Twenty male elite soccer
      players (SP, age 14.5 +/- 0.4 years) and 20 male control subjects (CS, age 14.3
      +/- 0.3 years) participated in the study. Anthropometric measurements, aerobic
      (Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 [YYIRT1]) and anaerobic soccer relevant
      performances (jump and sprint tests), blood testosterone (T), cortisol (C), sex
      hormone binding globulin (SHBG), and T/C ratio were assessed 5 times (from T0 to
      T4) during 2 competitive seasons. Significant differences from basal values
      (Delta) of T, SHBG, and C between SP and CS were observed (p < 0.01).
      Additionally, T and T/C ratio changes were positively correlated with physical
      performance (p <= 0.05). In conclusion, as expected, higher T concentration and
      greater power performance were observed in the soccer players group compared with
      controls. Our findings also show that the T concentrations and power performance
      outcomes co-vary positively over the 2 soccer seasons in soccer players.

PMID- 27676276
TI  - Modified mRNA for BMP-2 in Combination with Biomaterials Serves as a Transcript
      Activated Matrix for Effectively Inducing Osteogenic Pathways in Stem Cells.
AB  - Bone regeneration using stem cells and growth factors has disadvantages while
      needing to use supraphysiological growth factors concentrations. Gene therapy has
      been proposed as alternative, but also has limitation. Messenger RNA (mRNA)-based
      transcript therapy is a novel approach that may solve plasmid DNA-based gene
      therapy limitations. Although much more efficient in delivering genes into the
      cell, mRNA is unfortunately unstable and immunogenic. However, recent reports
      indicated that chemical modifications of the mRNA molecule can improve stability
      and toxicity. In this study, we have combined biomaterials and chemically
      modified mRNA (cmRNA) encoding Metridia luciferase, eGFP, and bone morphogenetic
      protein (BMP)-2 to develop transcript-activated matrices (TAMs) for gene transfer
      to stem cells. BMP-2 cmRNA was produced to evaluate its feasibility in
      stimulating osteogenic differentiation. Fibrin gel and micro-macro biphasic
      calcium phosphate (MBCP) granules were used as biomaterials. A sustained release
      of hBMP-2 cmRNA from both biomaterials was observed during 7 days. This occurred
      significantly faster from the MBCP granules compared to fibrin gels (92% from
      MBCP and 43% from fibrin after 7 days). Stem cells cultured in hBMP-2
      cmRNA/fibrin or on hBMP-2 cmRNA/MBCP were transfected and able to secrete
      significant amounts of hBMP-2. Furthermore, transfected cells expressed
      osteogenic markers in vitro. Interestingly, although both TAMs promoted gene
      expression at the same level, hBMP-2 cmRNA/MBCP granules induced significantly
      higher collagen I and osteocalcin gene expression. This matrix also induced more
      mineral deposition. Overall, our results demonstrated the feasibility of
      developing efficient TAMs for bone regeneration by combining biomaterials and
      cmRNAs. MBCP synergistically enhances the hBMP-2 cmRNA-induced osteogenic
      pathway.

PMID- 27676277
TI  - Moving toward personalized medicine in rheumatoid arthritis: SNPs in methotrexate
      intracellular pathways are associated with methotrexate therapeutic outcome.
AB  - AIM: Evaluate the potential of selected SNPs as predictors of methotrexate (MTX)
      therapeutic outcome. PATIENTS & METHODS: In total, 35 SNPs in 14 genes involved
      in MTX intracellular pathways and Phase II reactions were genotyped in 233
      rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients treated with MTX. Binary logistic regressions
      were performed by genotype/haplotype-based approaches. Non-Response- and Toxicity
      Genetic Risk Indexes (Non-RespGRI and ToxGRI) were created. RESULTS: MTX
      nonresponse was associated to eight genotypes and three haplotypes: MTHFR
      rs1801131 AA and rs1801133 TT; MS rs1805087 AA; MTRR rs1801394 A carriers; ATIC
      rs2372536 C carriers, rs4673993 T carriers, rs7563206 T carriers and rs12995526 T
      carriers; CC for GGH rs3758149 and rs12681874; CGTTT for ATIC combination 1; and
      CTTTC for ATIC combination 2. From overall Non-RespGRI patients with indexes 6-8
      had more than sixfold increased risk for MTX nonresponse than those patients with
      indexes 0-5. MTX-related toxicity was associated to five genotypes and two
      haplotypes: ATIC rs2372536 G carriers, rs3821353 T carriers, rs7563206 CC and
      rs12995526 CC; ADORA2A rs2267076 T; CTTCC for ATIC combination 1; and TC for
      ADORA2A rs2267076 and rs2298383. From overall ToxGRI, patients with indexes 3-4
      had more than sevenfold increased risk for MTX-related toxicity than those
      patients with indexes 1-2. CONCLUSION: Genotyping may be helpful to identify
      which RA patients will not benefit from MTX treatment and, consequently,
      important to personalized medicine in RA. Nevertheless, further studies are
      required to validate these findings.

PMID- 27676279
TI  - Current management of low-grade gliomas.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The management of patients suffering from low-grade gliomas
      (LGGs) remains a challenge in absence of a definite curative therapy. The median
      survival is highly variable, from 2 years (high-risk disease) to over 15 years
      (low risk). The aim of this review is to provide a practical step-by-step
      evaluation of the available treatment options for patients with LGGs. RECENT
      FINDINGS: Next to clinical prognostic markers, both the isocitrate dehydrogenase
      (IDH) mutation status and the status of 1p/19q codeletion are key prognostic
      factors for the optimal management of patients with LGG. Two recent randomized
      phase III clinical trials were performed in LGGs. They first compared the
      efficacy of radiation versus temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy in high-risk LGGs.
      The second trial compared radiation versus radiation combined with procarbazine,
      lomustine and vincristine chemotherapy. SUMMARY: Regarding molecular prognostic
      factors, IDH wild-type LGGs have the worst prognosis, independent of therapy,
      whereas patients with mutated IDH, codeleted 1p/19q LGGs fared best regarding
      progression-free survival (PFS). In high-risk LGGs, PFS is similar regardless of
      whether patients have been treated with radiation or TMZ. In the second trial,
      patients who were treated with combination radiation and chemotherapy showed
      significant longer overall survival.

PMID- 27676278
TI  - The confused oncologic patient: a rational clinical approach.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to provide a practical clinical
      approach to confusion in the patient with cancer. Confusion in the cancer
      population has a broader differential diagnosis than in the general medical
      population. The clinician must consider the usual differential diagnoses as well
      as causes unique to the cancer patient including direct complications from the
      cancer and indirect complications related to cancer treatment. RECENT FINDINGS:
      In the recent age of precision medicine, the oncologist now utilizes the genomic
      profile of both the patient and the tumor to provide advanced biologic therapies
      including targeted anticancer drugs, antiangiogenic agents, and immunotherapy.
      Such advances carry with them an emerging pattern of neurotoxicity which,
      although less well described in the literature, is now an important consideration
      to the clinical approach to confusion in cancer patients. SUMMARY: Confusion is
      the most common neurologic complication in cancer and is associated with
      significant morbidity, mortality, and prolonged hospital stays resulting in
      increased healthcare costs. Early recognition and treatment of delirium is
      essential to improve clinical outcomes.

PMID- 27676280
TI  - Evaluation of Silver Ion-Releasing Scaffolds in a 3D Coculture System of MRSA and
      Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells for Their Potential Use in Treatment or
      Prevention of Osteomyelitis.
AB  - Bone infection, also called osteomyelitis, can result when bacteria invade a
      bone. Treatment of osteomyelitis usually requires surgical debridement and
      prolonged antimicrobial therapy. The rising incidence of infection with multidrug
      resistant bacteria, in particular methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus
      (MRSA), however, limits the antimicrobial treatment options available. Silver is
      well known for its antimicrobial properties and is highly toxic to a wide range
      of microorganisms. We previously reported our development of biocompatible,
      biodegradable, nanofibrous scaffolds that released silver ions in a controlled
      manner. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of these
      scaffolds in treating or preventing osteomyelitis. To achieve this objective,
      antimicrobial efficacy was determined using a 3D coculture system of human
      adipose-derived stem cells (hASC) and MRSA. Human ASC were seeded on the
      scaffolds and induced to undergo osteogenic differentiation in both the absence
      and presence of MRSA. Our results indicated that the silver ion-releasing
      scaffolds not only inhibited biofilm formation, but also supported osteogenesis
      of hASC. Our findings suggest that these biocompatible, degradable, silver ion
      releasing scaffolds can be used at an infection site to treat osteomyelitis
      and/or to coat bone implants as a preventative measure against infection
      postsurgery.

PMID- 27676281
TI  - Narrative Review of Statistical Reporting Checklists, Mandatory Statistical
      Editing, and Rectifying Common Problems in the Reporting of Scientific Articles.
AB  - Considerable attention has been drawn to poor reproducibility in the biomedical
      literature. One explanation is inadequate reporting of statistical methods by
      authors and inadequate assessment of statistical reporting and methods during
      peer review. In this narrative review, we examine scientific studies of several
      well-publicized efforts to improve statistical reporting. We also review several
      retrospective assessments of the impact of these efforts. These studies show that
      instructions to authors and statistical checklists are not sufficient; no
      findings suggested that either improves the quality of statistical methods and
      reporting. Second, even basic statistics, such as power analyses, are frequently
      missing or incorrectly performed. Third, statistical review is needed for all
      papers that involve data analysis. A consistent finding in the studies was that
      nonstatistical reviewers (eg, "scientific reviewers") and journal editors
      generally poorly assess statistical quality. We finish by discussing our
      experience with statistical review at Anesthesia & Analgesia from 2006 to 2016.

PMID- 27676282
TI  - Bradycardia in Zebrafish Heart Failure: A True Physiological Response or
      Anesthetic-Induced Red Herring?

PMID- 27676283
TI  - Spinal melanocytoma with leptomeningeal spread and long survival following
      surgery and chemotherapy.

PMID- 27676284
TI  - Successful use of bevacizumab in an adult primary diffuse leptomeningeal
      glioneuronal tumor.

PMID- 27676285
TI  - Factors affecting unmet need for contraception among currently married fecund
      young women in Bangladesh.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to explore the factors associated with unmet
      need for contraception among currently married fecund women under age 25, in
      Bangladesh. METHODS: This study utilised a cross-sectional data (n = 4982)
      extracted from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) 2011.
      Multinomial logistic regression was used to identify the determinants of unmet
      need for contraception among currently married fecund young women. RESULTS: The
      unmet need for contraception was 17% and contraceptive prevalence was 54% in this
      young group. Total demand for contraception was 71% and the proportion of demand
      satisfied was 77%. The results suggest that region, place of residence, religion,
      husband's desire for children, visits of FP workers, decision-making power on
      child health care, reading about FP in newspaper/magazine and number of births in
      three years preceding the survey were significant predictors of unmet need for
      contraception. CONCLUSIONS: The BDHS of 2011 found that unmet need for
      contraception among currently married, fecund women under 25 years old is higher
      than the national level, and hence different or more intensive programme
      initiatives are required for them than for older women. The present study
      identifies important predictors of unmet need for contraception among fecund
      married Bangladeshi women under age 25.

PMID- 27676286
TI  - Blood pressure response to medical treatment in the emergency department - a
      retrospective cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: It is unclear whether blood pressure (BP) without target organ damage
      should be decreased in patients in the emergency department (ED). It is also
      uncertain whether any certain class of medications has an advantage over the
      other in this setting. This study addressed both these questions. METHODS: In
      this retrospective cohort study, all patients attending a tertiary care ED with
      elevated BP were evaluated. All patients with target organ damage as well as
      those with significant active co-morbidities, such as myocardial ischemia, were
      excluded. Baseline characteristics and response of BP to therapy were compared
      between those treated and untreated in the ED. In addition, BP response to
      therapy was compared between different classes of antihypertensive medications.
      RESULTS: Overall, 438 patients were included in the final analysis (62% female),
      of which 275 (63%) were treated in the ED. Antihypertensive medications were more
      commonly prescribed in the ED for those with higher systolic and diastolic BP,
      but other baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. Only
      systolic BP significantly decreased in those treated with antihypertensive
      medications compared with those untreated. The most commonly used classes were
      angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEis) and calcium channel blockers
      (CCBs). Use of either of these drug classes was not associated with a significant
      decrease in either systolic or diastolic BP compared with the use of other drug
      classes. CONCLUSIONS: Antihypertensive drug therapy is more commonly prescribed
      in the ED in individuals with both elevated systolic and diastolic BP, but leads
      to a significant decrease only in systolic BP. Use of either ACEis or CCBs is not
      associated with a significant decrease in either systolic or diastolic BP
      compared with other drug classes.

PMID- 27676288
TI  - A simple, rapid method for evaluation of transfection efficiency based on
      fluorescent dye.
AB  - Enhanced transfection efficiency of transient gene expression (TGE) and
      electroporation is a useful approach for improvement of recombinant therapeutic
      proteins in mammalian cells. A novel method is described here in which CHO cells
      expressing recombinant FVII (rFVII) were labeled with fluorescent dye and
      analyzed by confocal microscopy. Cells with or without rFVII encoding gene were
      detectable by flow cytometry. Thus, we were able to distinguish positive cells
      (with rFVII encoding gene) and quantify their percentages. We evaluated the
      effects of varying electroporation conditions (voltage, number of repetitions,
      plasmid amount, carrier DNA) in order to optimize transfection efficiency. The
      highest transfection efficiency achieved was ~86%. The method described here
      allows rapid evaluation of transfection efficiency without co-expression of
      reporter genes. In combination with appropriate antibodies, the method can be
      extended to evaluation of transfection efficiency in cells expressing other
      recombinant proteins.

PMID- 27676287
TI  - Characteristics of Clusters of Salmonella and Escherichia coli O157 Detected by
      Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis that Predict Identification of Outbreaks.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Molecular subtyping of pathogens is critical for foodborne disease
      outbreak detection and investigation. Many clusters initially identified by
      pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) are not confirmed as point-source
      outbreaks. We evaluated characteristics of clusters that can help prioritize
      investigations to maximize effective use of limited resources. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A multiagency collaboration (FoodNet) collected data on Salmonella and
      Escherichia coli O157 clusters for 3 years. Cluster size, timing, extent, and
      nature of epidemiologic investigations were analyzed to determine associations
      with whether the cluster was identified as a confirmed outbreak. RESULTS: During
      the 3-year study period, 948 PFGE clusters were identified; 849 (90%) were
      Salmonella and 99 (10%) were E. coli O157. Of those, 192 (20%) were ultimately
      identified as outbreaks (154 [18%] of Salmonella and 38 [38%] of E. coli O157
      clusters). Successful investigation was significantly associated with larger
      cluster size, more rapid submission of isolates (e.g., for Salmonella, 6 days for
      outbreaks vs. 8 days for nonoutbreaks) and PFGE result reporting to investigators
      (16 days vs. 29 days, respectively), and performance of analytic studies
      (completed in 33% of Salmonella outbreaks vs. 1% of nonoutbreaks) and
      environmental investigations (40% and 1%, respectively). Intervals between first
      and second cases in a cluster did not differ significantly between outbreaks and
      nonoutbreaks. CONCLUSIONS: Molecular subtyping of pathogens is a rapidly
      advancing technology, and successfully identifying outbreaks will vary by
      pathogen and methods used. Understanding criteria for successfully investigating
      outbreaks is critical for efficiently using limited resources.

PMID- 27676290
TI  - Mediators of the relationship between social activities and cognitive function
      among older Irish adults: results from the Irish longitudinal study on ageing.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Evidence points to an association between social and leisure activity
      (SLA) engagement and cognitive outcomes, but the mechanisms underlying this link
      remain unknown. We aimed to investigate three potential mechanisms: Vascular
      function, Perceived Stress, and Cognitive Reserve. METHODS: With data from 8163
      adults aged over 50 in the Irish Longitudinal Study of Ageing, we used a
      structural equation model to evaluate Vascular Function and Perceived Stress as
      potential mediators, and Cognitive Reserve as a potential antecedent in the
      relationship between SLA at baseline (2009), and cognitive outcomes collected at
      a two-year follow-up point (2011). RESULTS: Cognitive Reserve was strongly
      associated both with cognitive outcomes (beta = 0.306; p < 0.001) and with SLA
      (beta = 0.694; p < 0.001). Perceived stress (beta = 0.018) acted as a significant
      mediator in the relationships between SLA and cognitive outcomes (p < 0.001),
      although Vascular Function did not (beta = 0.000). CONCLUSION: These results
      indicate that SLA may protect cognitive function partly because of its
      association with cognitive reserve, and partly through its impact on perceived
      stress. Results have policy implications for those interested in facilitating SLA
      to protect cognitive outcomes among older adults.

PMID- 27676291
TI  - Mapping EORTC-QLQ-C30 to EQ-5D-3L in patients with colorectal cancer.
AB  - AIMS: The primary aim of this study was to perform a mapping of the EORTC-QLQ-C30
      scores to EQ-5D-3L for the SIRFLOX study; a large dataset of patients with
      previously untreated liver-only or liver-dominant metastatic colorectal cancer
      (mCRC). A secondary aim was to compare the predictive validity of existing
      mappings from EORTC-QLQ-C30 to EQ-5D-3L conducted in other cancers. METHODS AND
      MATERIALS: Questionnaires (completed within 529 patients) were used in a linear
      mixed regression to model EQ-5D-3L utility values (scored using the UK tariff) as
      a function of the five function scores, nine symptom scores, and the global score
      from the EORTC-QLQ-C30 questionnaire. A Tobit regression was also performed. The
      mean EQ-5D-3L values for the SIRFLOX trial were calculated and compared with
      predicted EQ-5D-3L values derived using published mapping algorithms. RESULTS:
      The linear mixed regression model provided a satisfactory mapping between the
      EORTC-QLQ-C30 and the EQ-5D-3L, whilst the Tobit model did not perform as well.
      When utilities from the SIRFLOX data were calculated with previously published
      mapping studies, three out of five studies performed well (< 10% mean
      difference). LIMITATIONS: The main limitation of the study was the lack of
      meaningful observations post-progression (67 paired observations). For this
      reason, this study was unable to test whether the mapping holds by disease stage.
      Additionally, although the study adds to the literature of mappings to the EQ-5D
      3L, it is not known how results would differ using the EQ-5D-5L. CONCLUSION: This
      study is the first of its kind in liver-only or liver-dominant mCRC, and mCRC in
      general. The mapping constructed showed a good fit to the data and provides
      practitioners with an additional mapping between EORTC-QLQ-C30 to EQ-5D-3L using
      a large dataset (529 patients, 707 paired observations). The study also confirmed
      the generalizability of mappings published by Proskorovsky, Kontodimopoulos, and
      Longworth to liver-only or liver-dominant mCRC.

PMID- 27676293
TI  - Drosophila SLC5A11 Mediates Hunger by Regulating K+ Channel Activity.

PMID- 27676292
TI  - RHOB expression controls the activity of serine/threonine protein phosphatase
      PP2A to modulate mesenchymal phenotype and invasion in non-small cell lung
      cancers.
AB  - Metastatic dissemination is the cause of death in the vast majority of cancers,
      including lung cancers. In order to metastasize, tumor cells must undergo a well
      known series of changes, however the molecular details of how they manage to
      overcome the barriers at each stage remain incomplete. One critical step is
      acquiring the ability to migrate through the extracellular matrix. Loss of
      expression of the RAS-related small GTPase RHOB is a common feature of lung
      cancer progression, and we recently reported that this induces an epithelial-to
      mesenchymal transition (EMT) that is dependent on SLUG overexpression and E
      Cadherin inhibition and is characterized by 3-dimensional cell shape
      reorganization and the increased invasiveness of bronchial cells. RHOB loss was
      found to induce AKT1 activation, which in turn activates RAC1 through its GEF
      TRIO. Further investigation of this pathway revealed that RHOB interacts with and
      positively regulates PP2A, one of the major cellular serine-threonine
      phosphatases, by recruiting its regulatory subunit B55. Here we discuss the role
      of this newly discovered RHOB/PP2A/AKT1/RAC1 pathway in relation to mesenchymal
      migration and invasion in lung cancer.

PMID- 27676289
TI  - State of the science on prevention of elder abuse and lessons learned from child
      abuse and domestic violence prevention: Toward a conceptual framework for
      research.
AB  - The goal of this review is to discuss the state of the science in elder abuse
      prevention. Findings from evidence-based programs to reduce elder abuse are
      discussed, drawing from findings and insights from evidence-based programs for
      child maltreatment and domestic/intimate partner violence. A conceptual
      measurement model for the study of elder abuse is presented and linked to
      possible measures of risk factors and outcomes. Advances in neuroscience in child
      maltreatment and novel measurement strategies for outcome assessment are
      presented.

PMID- 27676294
TI  - Increased Glucose Transport into Neurons Rescues Abeta Toxicity in Drosophila.

PMID- 27676295
TI  - Bio-logging.
AB  - Fehlmann and King introduce bio-logging techniques to track free-living animals.

PMID- 27676296
TI  - Gut microbiota signatures of longevity.
AB  - An aging global population poses substantial challenges to society [1].
      Centenarians are a model for healthy aging because they have reached the extreme
      limit of life by escaping, surviving, or delaying chronic diseases [2]. The
      genetics of centenarians have been extensively examined [3], but less is known
      about their gut microbiotas. Recently, Biagi et al.[4] characterized the gut
      microbiota in Italian centenarians and semi-supercentenarians. Here, we compare
      the gut microbiota of Chinese long-living people with younger age groups, and
      with the results from the Italian population [4], to identify gut-microbial
      signatures of healthy aging.

PMID- 27676297
TI  - Nrf1 can be processed and activated in a proteasome-independent manner.
AB  - In response to proteasome inhibition, the transcription factor Nrf1 facilitates
      de novo synthesis of proteasomes by inducing proteasome subunit (PSM) genes
      [1,2]. Previously, we showed that activation of the p120 form of Nrf1, a membrane
      bound protein in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) with the bulk of its polypeptide
      in the lumen, involves its retrotranslocation into the cytosol in a manner that
      depends on the AAA-ATPase p97/VCP [3]. This is followed by proteolytic processing
      and mobilization of the transcriptionally active p110 form of Nrf1 to the
      nucleus. A subsequent study suggested that site-specific proteolytic processing
      of Nrf1 by the proteasome yields an active 75 kDa fragment [4]. We show here that
      under conditions where all three active sites of the proteasome are completely
      blocked, p120 Nrf1 can still be proteolytically cleaved to the p110 form, which
      is translocated to the nucleus to activate transcription of PSM genes. Thus, our
      results indicate that a proteasome-independent pathway can promote the release of
      active p110 Nrf1 from the ER membrane.

PMID- 27676298
TI  - Reply to Vangala et al.: Complete inhibition of the proteasome reduces new
      proteasome production by causing Nrf1 aggregation.
AB  - An important adaptation of cells to proteasome inhibition is the induction of new
      proteasomes via the transcription factor Nrf1 [1,2], which is produced as a
      precursor bound to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) through its amino terminus.
      Nrf1 was reported to require proteolytic processing to enter the nucleus [3].
      Increased proteasome production is induced by low concentrations of proteasome
      inhibitors that reduce proteolysis by <50%. Surprisingly, in earlier studies we
      found that proteasome induction and Nrf1 processing to its shorter form (which we
      estimated to be 75 kDa [2]) were suppressed by high concentrations of inhibitors
      that markedly reduce proteasome activity [4]. This unusual bimodal concentration
      dependence implied that some proteasome function was necessary for Nrf1
      processing. Because we found that Nrf1 processing also required ubiquitin
      conjugation [2], we previously proposed that Nrf1 processing is catalyzed by
      partially inhibited proteasomes [2]. However, Vangala et al.[5] present
      compelling evidence that conversion of the ER-bound Nrf1 to the shorter form,
      which they describe as 110 kDa, is independent of proteasomes and is not blocked
      by high concentrations of proteasome inhibitors. Therefore, we investigated the
      basis for these differing results. Here we report that we and Vangala et al. have
      studied the same processed form of Nrf1, the actual molecular weight of which
      appears to be 90-95 kDa. We confirm our earlier finding [2] that high
      concentrations of proteasome inhibitors suppress proteasome induction and
      accumulation of processed Nrf1 in soluble lysates. However, we now show that the
      inhibitors do so not by blocking Nrf1 processing, but instead by causing the
      processed Nrf1 to aggregate. Therefore, Nrf1 must be cleaved by a non-proteasomal
      endoprotease that we show requires ubiquitination. Finally, we provide evidence
      supporting the recent report that Ddi1/Ddi2 is the critical protease [6,7].

PMID- 27676299
TI  - Evolutionary Genetics: Reuse, Recycle, Converge.
AB  - Our understanding of how genetic changes underlie the evolution of traits is
      growing fast. Two new studies now show that changes in the same genetic loci can
      drive the evolution of the same trait in multiple Drosophila species.

PMID- 27676300
TI  - Circadian Rhythms: Understanding the SCN Connectome.
AB  - A new study utilizes transgenic mice to elucidate the coupling between cells of a
      neuronal pacemaker that determines circadian period.

PMID- 27676301
TI  - Plant Pathology: A Life and Death Struggle in Rice Blast Disease.
AB  - The fungal pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae causes severe disease symptoms and yield
      losses on rice plants. A new study shows that this fungus elicits disease lesions
      by co-opting a host protein and reveals how rice plants fight back.

PMID- 27676302
TI  - Feeding Behavior: Hypocretin/Orexin Neurons Act between Food Seeking and Eating.
AB  - A report on the rapid change of activity of hypocretin/orexin cells in response
      to contact rather than digestion of food delivers new insights into the
      behavioral control of food intake and systemic energy expenditure.

PMID- 27676303
TI  - Sleep: How Many Switches Does It Take To Turn Off the Lights?
AB  - Sleeping animals do not move or feed and are less responsive. In Caenorhabditis
      elegans, a single neuron triggers sleep. A recent study shows that the neuron
      releases several neuropeptides - each with distinct sleep behavioral effects - to
      promote the collection of behaviors that is sleep.

PMID- 27676304
TI  - Venom Evolution: Gene Loss Shapes Phenotypic Adaptation.
AB  - Snake venoms are variable protein mixtures with a multitude of bioactivities. New
      work shows, surprisingly, that it is the loss of toxin-encoding genes that
      strongly influences venom function in rattlesnakes, highlighting how gene loss
      can underpin adaptive phenotypic change.

PMID- 27676305
TI  - Genomics: Evolution of the Genetic Code.
AB  - The genetic code is not quite universal. The rare variations that we know of
      reveal selective pressures on the code and on the translation machinery. New data
      suggest the code changes through ambiguous intermediates and that termination is
      context dependent.

PMID- 27676306
TI  - Evolution: Ocean Models Reveal Life in Deep Seas.
AB  - Even though the deep sea represents the largest area in the world, evolution of
      species from those environments remains largely unstudied. A series of recent
      papers indicate that combining molecular tools with biophysical models can help
      us resolve some of these deep mysteries.

PMID- 27676307
TI  - Developmental Biology: When Less Damage Causes More Harm.
AB  - Circadian clocks are important timekeepers of physiological processes. A new
      report shows that silencing the circadian clock specifically in steroid-producing
      cells of Drosophila disrupts development and causes lethality, and is more
      detrimental than having no clock at all.

PMID- 27676308
TI  - Gene Flow and Molecular Innovation in Bacteria.
AB  - The small molecules produced by environmental bacteria have been mainstays of
      both chemical and biological research for decades, and some have led to important
      therapeutic interventions. These small molecules have been shaped by natural
      selection as they evolved to fulfill changing functional roles in their native
      environments. This minireview describes some recent systematic studies providing
      illustrative examples that involve the acquisition and alteration of genetic
      information for molecular innovation by bacteria in well-defined environments.
      Two different bacterial genera are featured, Pseudonocardia and Salinispora, and,
      although the small-molecule repertoires of both have benefited from horizontal
      gene transfer, Pseudonocardia spp. have relied on plasmid-based tactics while
      Salinispora spp. have relied on chromosomally integrated genomic islands.

PMID- 27676309
TI  - Ghrelin accelerates wound healing in combined radiation and wound injury in mice.
AB  - Impaired wound healing caused by radiation happens frequently in clinical
      practice, and the exact mechanisms remain partly unclear. Various countermeasures
      have been taken to tackle with this issue. Ghrelin was considered as a potent
      endogenous growth hormone-releasing peptide, and its role in enhancing wound
      repair and regeneration was firstly investigated in whole-body irradiated (gamma
      ray) mice in this study. Collagen deposition and neovascularization were mostly
      discussed. The results demonstrated that ghrelin administration promoted
      cutaneous wound healing in irradiated mice, followed with reduced average wound
      closure time, increased spleen index (SI) and improved haematopoiesis. After
      isolation and analysis of granulation tissues in combined radiation and wound
      injury (CRWI) mice treated with and without ghrelin, a phenomenon of increased
      DNA, hexosamine, nitrate and nitrite synthesis, elevated collagen content and
      enhanced neovascularization was observed after ghrelin treatment. Western
      blotting indicated that ghrelin also increased the expression of vascular
      endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta),
      both responsible for wound healing. However, previous administration of growth
      hormone secretagogue receptor 1a (GHS-R1a) blocker blunted these therapeutic
      effects of ghrelin on CRWI mice. Our results identify ghrelin as a novel peptide
      that could be used for radiation-induced impaired wound healing.

PMID- 27676310
TI  - Bony cranial ornamentation linked to rapid evolution of gigantic theropod
      dinosaurs.
AB  - Exaggerated cranial structures such as crests and horns, hereafter referred to
      collectively as ornaments, are pervasive across animal species. These structures
      perform vital roles in visual communication and physical interactions within and
      between species. Yet the origin and influence of ornamentation on speciation and
      ecology across macroevolutionary time scales remains poorly understood for
      virtually all animals. Here, we explore correlative evolution of osseous cranial
      ornaments with large body size in theropod dinosaurs using a phylogenetic
      comparative framework. We find that body size evolved directionally toward
      phyletic giantism an order of magnitude faster in theropod species possessing
      ornaments compared with unadorned lineages. In addition, we find a body mass
      threshold below which bony cranial ornaments do not originate. Maniraptoriform
      dinosaurs generally lack osseous cranial ornaments despite repeatedly crossing
      this body size threshold. Our study provides novel, quantitative support for a
      shift in selective pressures on socio-sexual display mechanisms in theropods
      coincident with the evolution of pennaceous feathers.

PMID- 27676311
TI  - Filter penetration and breathing resistance evaluation of respirators and dust
      masks.
AB  - The primary objective of this study was to compare the filter performance of a
      representative selection of uncertified dust masks relative to the filter
      performance of a set of NIOSH-approved N95 filtering face-piece respirators
      (FFRs). Five different models of commercially available dust masks were selected
      for this study. Filter penetration of new dust masks was evaluated against a
      sodium chloride aerosol. Breathing resistance (BR) of new dust masks and FFRs was
      then measured for 120 min while challenging the dust masks and FFRs with Arizona
      road dust (ARD) at 25 degrees C and 30% relative humidity. Results demonstrated
      that a wide range of maximum filter penetration was observed among the dust masks
      tested in this study (3-75% at the most penetrating particle size (p < 0.001).
      The breathing resistances of the unused FFRs and dust masks did not vary greatly
      (8-13 mm H2O) but were significantly different (p < 0.001). After dust loading
      there was a significant difference between the BR caused by the ARD dust layer on
      each FFR and dust mask. Microscopic analysis of the external layer of each dust
      mask and FFR suggests that different collection media in the external layer
      influences the development of the dust layer and therefore affects the increase
      in BR differently between the tested models. Two of the dust masks had
      penetration values < 5% and quality factors (0.26 and 0.33) comparable to those
      obtained for the two FFRs (0.23 and 0.31). However, the remaining three dust
      masks, those with penetration > 15%, had quality factors ranging between 0.04
      0.15 primarily because their initial BR remained relatively high. These results
      indicate that some dust masks analysed during this research did not have an
      expected very low BR to compensate for their high penetration.

PMID- 27676312
TI  - The Harvard organic photovoltaic dataset.
AB  - The Harvard Organic Photovoltaic Dataset (HOPV15) presented in this work is a
      collation of experimental photovoltaic data from the literature, and
      corresponding quantum-chemical calculations performed over a range of conformers,
      each with quantum chemical results using a variety of density functionals and
      basis sets. It is anticipated that this dataset will be of use in both relating
      electronic structure calculations to experimental observations through the
      generation of calibration schemes, as well as for the creation of new semi
      empirical methods and the benchmarking of current and future model chemistries
      for organic electronic applications.

PMID- 27676313
TI  - DNA-Based Nanopore Sensing.
AB  - Nanopore sensing is an attractive, label-free approach that can measure single
      molecules. Although initially proposed for rapid and low-cost DNA sequencing,
      nanopore sensors have been successfully employed in the detection of a wide
      variety of substrates. Early successes were mostly achieved based on two main
      strategies by 1) creating sensing elements inside the nanopore through protein
      mutation and chemical modification or 2) using molecular adapters to enhance
      analyte recognition. Over the past five years, DNA molecules started to be used
      as probes for sensing rather than substrates for sequencing. In this Minireview,
      we highlight the recent research efforts of nanopore sensing based on DNA
      mediated characteristic current events. As nanopore sensing is becoming
      increasingly important in biochemical and biophysical studies, DNA-based sensing
      may find wider applications in investigating DNA-involving biological processes.

PMID- 27676314
TI  - Postoperative cognitive dysfunction and its relationship to cognitive reserve in
      elderly total joint replacement patients.
AB  - Whether total joint replacement (TJR) patients are susceptible to postoperative
      cognitive dysfunction (POCD) remains unclear due to inconsistencies in research
      methodologies. Moreover, cognitive reserve may moderate the development of POCD
      after TJR, but has not been investigated in this context. The current study
      investigated POCD after TJR, and its relationship with cognitive reserve, using a
      more rigorous methodology than has previously been utilized. Fifty-three older
      adults (aged 50+) scheduled for TJR were assessed pre and post surgery (6
      months). Forty-five healthy controls matched for age, gender, and premorbid IQ
      were re-assessed after an equivalent interval. Cognition, cognitive reserve, and
      physical and mental health were all measured. Standardized regression-based
      methods were used to assess cognitive changes, while controlling for the
      confounding effect of repeated cognitive testing. TJR patients only demonstrated
      a significant decline in Trail Making Test Part B (TMT B) performance, compared
      to controls. Cognitive reserve only predicted change in TMT B scores among a
      subset of TJR patients. Specifically, patients who showed the most improvement
      pre to post surgery had significantly higher reserve than those who showed the
      greatest decline. The current study provides limited evidence of POCD after TJR
      when examined using a rigorous methodology, which controlled for practice
      effects. Cognitive reserve only predicted performance within a subset of the TJR
      sample. However, the role of reserve in more cognitively compromised patients
      remains to be determined.

PMID- 27676315
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 27676317
TI  - Millimeter-Wave Spectroscopy, X-ray Crystal Structure, and Quantum Chemical
      Studies of Diketene: Resolving Ambiguities Concerning the Structure of the Ketene
      Dimer.
AB  - The pure rotational spectrum of diketene has been studied in the millimeter-wave
      region from ~240 to 360 GHz. For the ground vibrational state and five
      vibrationally excited satellites (nu24, 2nu24, 3nu24, 4nu24, and nu16), the
      observed spectrum allowed for the measurement, assignment, and least-squares
      fitting a total of more than 10 000 distinct rotational transitions. In each
      case, the transitions were fit to single-state, complete or near-complete sextic
      centrifugally distorted rotor models to near experimental error limits using
      Kisiel's ASFIT. Additionally, we obtained less satisfactory least-squares fits to
      single-state centrifugally distorted rotor models for three additional
      vibrational states: nu24 + nu16, nu23, and 5nu24. The structure of diketene was
      optimized at the CCSD(T)/ANO1 level, and the vibration-rotation interaction
      (alphai) values for each normal mode were determined with a CCSD(T)/ANO1 VPT2
      anharmonic frequency calculation. These alphai values were helpful in identifying
      the previously unreported nu16 and nu23 fundamental states. We obtained a single
      crystal X-ray structure of diketene at -173  degrees C. The bond distances are
      increased in precision by more than an order of magnitude compared to those in
      the 1958 X-ray crystal structure. The improved accuracy of the crystal structure
      geometry resolves the discrepancy between previous computational and experimental
      structures. The rotational transition frequencies provided herein should be
      useful for a millimeter-wave or terahertz search for diketene in the interstellar
      medium.

PMID- 27676318
TI  - Socio-economics, food habits and the prevalence of childhood obesity in Spain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In 2012, the prevalence of obesity and overweight statuses among
      children in Spain was 9% and 26%, respectively. Concerns about childhood obesity
      have increased over the past few years, as obesity developed during childhood can
      persist throughout an individual's lifetime (cohort effect). This study aims to
      develop a better understanding of the factors influencing the prevalence of
      obesity in Spain. METHODS: Microdata from the 2012 National Health Survey are
      used, and the methodological framework is based on the estimation of a sample
      selection model. RESULTS: Results suggest that the prevalence of obesity
      increases among children who live in households of a lower socio-economic status
      and households in which parents are obese. Lower levels of childhood physical
      activity are positively related to the probability of being obese. Finally, there
      exists a positive relationship between children's body mass index and an
      inappropriate intake of fresh fruits, fish, pasta and rice, legumes, sweets and
      soft drinks. CONCLUSIONS: The methodological framework used in this study is
      flexible enough to be used in traditional longitudinal studies. Children's and
      households' lifestyles play a pivotal role in the prevalence of obesity. Policies
      should be oriented toward changing lifestyles, which would require more
      multidisciplinary research in the future to reduce childhood obesity.

PMID- 27676316
TI  - Validation of CoaBC as a Bactericidal Target in the Coenzyme A Pathway of
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
AB  - Mycobacterium tuberculosis relies on its own ability to biosynthesize coenzyme A
      to meet the needs of the myriad enzymatic reactions that depend on this cofactor
      for activity. As such, the essential pantothenate and coenzyme A biosynthesis
      pathways have attracted attention as targets for tuberculosis drug development.
      To identify the optimal step for coenzyme A pathway disruption in M.
      tuberculosis, we constructed and characterized a panel of conditional knockdown
      mutants in coenzyme A pathway genes. Here, we report that silencing of coaBC was
      bactericidal in vitro, whereas silencing of panB, panC, or coaE was
      bacteriostatic over the same time course. Silencing of coaBC was likewise
      bactericidal in vivo, whether initiated at infection or during either the acute
      or chronic stages of infection, confirming that CoaBC is required for M.
      tuberculosis to grow and persist in mice and arguing against significant CoaBC
      bypass via transport and assimilation of host-derived pantetheine in this animal
      model. These results provide convincing genetic validation of CoaBC as a new
      bactericidal drug target.

PMID- 27676319
TI  - Risk Assessment in High- and Low-MELD Liver Transplantation.
AB  - Allocation of liver grafts triggers emotional debates, as those patients, not
      receiving an organ, are prone to death. We analyzed a high-Model of End-stage
      Liver Disease (MELD) cohort (laboratory MELD score >=30, n = 100, median
      laboratory MELD score of 35; interquartile range 31-37) of liver transplant
      recipients at our center during the past 10 years and compared results with a low
      MELD group, matched by propensity scoring for donor age, recipient age, and cold
      ischemia time. End points of our study were cumulative posttransplantation
      morbidity, cost, and survival. Six different prediction models, including donor
      age x recipient MELD (D-MELD), Difference between listing MELD and MELD at
      transplant (Delta MELD), donor-risk index (DRI), Survival Outcomes Following
      Liver Transplant (SOFT), balance-of-risk (BAR), and University of California Los
      Angeles-Futility Risk Score (UCLA-FRS), were applied in both cohorts to identify
      risk for poor outcome and high cost. All score models were compared with a
      clinical-oriented decision, based on the combination of hemofiltration plus
      ventilation. Median intensive care unit and hospital stays were 8 and 26 days,
      respectively, after liver transplantation of high-MELD patients, with a
      significantly increased morbidity compared with low-MELD patients (median
      comprehensive complication index 56 vs. 36 points [maximum points 100] and double
      cost [median US$179 631 vs. US$80 229]). Five-year survival, however, was only 8%
      less than that of low-MELD patients (70% vs. 78%). Most prediction scores showed
      disappointing low positive predictive values for posttransplantation mortality,
      such as mortality above thresholds, despite good specificity. The clinical
      observation of hemofiltration plus ventilation in high-MELD patients was even
      superior in this respect compared with D-MELD, DRI, Delta MELD, and UCLA-FRS but
      inferior to SOFT and BAR models. Of all models tested, only the BAR score was
      linearly associated with complications. In conclusion, the BAR score was most
      useful for risk classification in liver transplantation, based on expected
      posttransplantation mortality and morbidity. Difficult decisions to accept liver
      grafts in high-risk recipients may thus be guided by additional BAR score
      calculation, to increase the safe use of scarce organs.

PMID- 27676320
TI  - Headache Disorders May Be a Risk Factor for the Development of New Onset
      Hypothyroidism.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether headache disorders are a risk factor for the
      development of new onset hypothyroidism. BACKGROUND: Past studies have reported
      associations between headache disorders and hypothyroidism, but the
      directionality of the association is unknown. METHODS: This was a longitudinal
      retrospective cohort study using data from the Fernald Medical Monitoring Program
      (FMMP). Residents received physical examinations and thyroid function testing
      every 3 years during the 20 year program. Residents were excluded from the cohort
      if there was evidence of past thyroid disease or abnormal thyroid function tests
      at the first office visit. A diagnosis of a headache disorder was established by
      self-report of "frequent headaches," use of any headache-specific medication, or
      a physician diagnosis of a headache disorder. The primary outcome measure was new
      onset hypothyroidism defined as the initiation of thyroid replacement therapy or
      TSH >= 10 without thyroid medication. A Cox survival analysis with time dependent
      variables were used for the model. Headache disorders, age, sex, body mass index,
      income, smoking, narcotic use, and hypothyroidism-producing medications were
      independent variables in the model. RESULTS: Data from 8412 residents enrolled in
      the FMMP were used in the current study. Headache disorders were present in about
      26% of the residents and new onset hypothyroidism developed in ~7%. The hazard
      ratio for the development of new onset hypothyroidism was 1.21 (95% CI = 1.001,
      1.462) for those with headache disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Headache disorders may be
      associated with an increased risk for the development of new onset
      hypothyroidism.

PMID- 27676321
TI  - Phosphorylation Mechanism of Phosphomevalonate Kinase: Implications for Rational
      Engineering of Isoprenoid Biosynthetic Pathway Enzymes.
AB  - The mevalonate pathway is of important clinical, pharmaceutical, and
      biotechnological relevance. However, lack of the understanding of the
      phosphorylation mechanism of the kinases in this pathway has limited rationally
      engineering the kinases in industry. Here the phosphorylation reaction mechanism
      of a representative kinase in the mevalonate pathway, phosphomevalonate kinase,
      was studied by using molecular dynamics and hybrid QM/MM methods. We find that a
      conserved residue (Ser106) is reorientated to anchor ATP via a stable H-bond
      interaction. In addition, Ser213 located on the alpha-helix at the catalytic site
      is repositioned to further approach the substrate, facilitating the proton
      transfer during the phosphorylation. Furthermore, we elucidate that Lys101
      functions to neutralize the negative charge developed at the beta-, gamma
      bridging oxygen atom of ATP during phosphoryl transfer. We demonstrate that the
      dissociative catalytic reaction occurs via a direct phosphorylation pathway. This
      is the first study on the phosphorylation mechanism of a mevalonate pathway
      kinase. The elucidation of the catalytic mechanism not only sheds light on the
      common catalytic mechanism of the GHMP kinase superfamily but also provides the
      structural basis for engineering the mevalonate pathway kinases to further
      exploit their applications in the production of a wide range of fine chemicals
      such as biofuels or pharmaceuticals.

PMID- 27676322
TI  - Addition of different concentrations of prostasome-like vesicles at neutral or
      slightly alkaline pH decreases canine sperm motility.
AB  - Prostasome-like vesicles (PV) are components of the canine prostatic fluid during
      ejaculation and despite some enzymatic activities have been identified recently,
      their functions in the reproductive events in this species are still poorly
      understood. In this study, we evaluated at neutral or slightly alkaline pH, the
      effects of different concentrations of purified PV on sperm cell motility
      characteristics and the impact on the short- and long-term preservation of
      preserved semen maintained at room temperature. Two different experiments were
      performed. In the first experiment, purified PV were added at increasing
      concentration (1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 MUL equivalent to 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 MUg
      of protein, respectively) to aliquots of 100 MUL of preserved semen maintained at
      22  degrees C at the following time points: 0, 30, 60, 120, 240, and 480 min.
      Computer-assisted sperm motility characteristics and pH were assessed three times
      at each time points, for each sample and for every concentrations. In the second
      experiment, the purified PV were added with the same methods as described above
      but only at time 0. Sperm motility characteristics and pH were assessed over the
      time. This study showed how the addition of purified PV to preserved semen
      affects negatively (p < 0.05) at neutral and alkaline pH, both total and
      progressive motility in a concentration depending manner. Furthermore, prostasome
      addition was demonstrated to change the quality of sperm movement which may
      represent a mechanism facilitating sperm cells attachment to the uterine
      epithelium and facilitating energy preservation before fertilization.

PMID- 27676324
TI  - Structure and Magnetic Behavior of Layered Honeycomb Tellurates, BiM(III)TeO6 (M
      = Cr, Mn, Fe).
AB  - New layered honeycomb tellurates, BiM(III)TeO6 (M = Cr, Mn, Fe) were synthesized
      and characterized. BiM(III)TeO6 (M = Cr, Fe) species crystallize in a trigonal
      space group, P31c (No. 163), of edge-sharing M3+/Te6+O6 octahedra, which form
      honeycomb-like double layers in the ab plane with Bi3+ cations located between
      the layers. Interestingly, the structure of BiMnTeO6 is similar to those of the
      Cr/Fe analogues, but with monoclinic space group, P21/c (No. 14), attributed to
      the strong Jahn-Teller distortion of Mn3+ cations. The crystal structure of
      BiM(III)TeO6 is a superstructure of PbSb2O6-related materials (ABB'O6). The Cr3+
      and Fe3+ cations are ordered 80% and 90%, respectively, while the Mn3+ ions are
      completely ordered on the B-site of the ABB'O6 structure. BiCrTeO6 shows a broad
      antiferromagnetic transition (AFM) at ~17 K with a Weiss temperature (theta) of 
      59.85 K, while BiFeTeO6 and BiMnTeO6 show sharp AFM transitions at ~11 K with
      theta of -27.56 K and at ~9.5 K with theta of -17.57 K, respectively. These
      differences in the magnetic behavior are ascribed to the different concentration
      of magnetic nearest versus next-nearest neighbor interactions of magnetic cations
      due to the relative differences in the extent of M/Te ordering.

PMID- 27676323
TI  - Infection Rates of Electrical Leads Used for Percutaneous Neurostimulation of the
      Peripheral Nervous System.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Percutaneous neurostimulation of the peripheral nervous system
      involves the insertion of a wire "lead" through an introducing needle to target a
      nerve/plexus or a motor point within a muscle. Electrical current may then be
      passed from an external generator through the skin via the lead for various
      therapeutic goals, including providing analgesia. With extended use of
      percutaneous leads sometimes greater than a month, infection is a concern. It was
      hypothesized that the infection rate of leads with a coiled design is lower than
      for leads with a noncoiled cylindrical design. METHODS: The literature was
      retrospectively reviewed for clinical studies of percutaneous neurostimulation of
      the peripheral nervous system of greater than 2 days that included explicit
      information on adverse events. The primary endpoint was the number of infections
      per 1,000 indwelling days. RESULTS: Forty-three studies were identified that met
      inclusion criteria involving coiled (n = 21) and noncoiled (n = 25) leads (3
      studies involved both). The risk of infection with noncoiled leads was estimated
      to be 25 times greater than with coiled leads (95% confidence interval [CI] 2 to
      407, P = 0.006). The infection rates were estimated to be 0.03 (95% CI 0.01 to
      0.13) infections per 1,000 indwelling days for coiled leads and 0.83 (95% CI 0.16
      to 4.33) infections per 1,000 indwelling days for noncoiled leads (P = 0.006).
      CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous leads used for neurostimulation of the peripheral
      nervous system have a much lower risk of infection with a coiled design compared
      with noncoiled leads: approximately 1 infection for every 30,000 vs. 1,200
      indwelling days, respectively.

PMID- 27676326
TI  - Tetramethylpyrazine and Astragaloside IV Synergistically Ameliorate Left
      Ventricular Remodeling and Preserve Cardiac Function in a Rat Myocardial
      Infarction Model.
AB  - Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) and astragaloside IV (AGS-IV) are herbal ingredients
      that have been demonstrated in animal models to limit infarct size and protect
      cardiomyocytes in the acute phase of myocardial infarction (MI), yet their long
      term cardioprotective effects have not been evaluated. In this study, TMP and/or
      AGS-IV were administrated to rats for 14 days after MI. Echocardiography revealed
      that the left ventricular (LV) dimensions and cardiac function were preserved in
      the MI rats with TMP and AGS-IV treatment, compared with untreated MI rats.
      Moreover, the LV dimensions and cardiac function in the MI rats with TMP and AGS
      IV cotreatment were comparable with the sham-operated rats. In addition, TMP and
      AGS-IV synergistically inhibited LV fibrosis by attenuating MI-induced collagen
      deposition and elevation of transforming growth factor beta1. TMP and AGS-IV,
      alone or in synergy, enhanced angiogenesis in the infarcted myocardium and
      reduced cardiac hypertrophy of the remote myocardium after MI. Furthermore, TMP
      and AGS-IV mutually upregulated the expression of Sonic hedgehog (Shh),
      Smoothened, and Glioblastoma-2, the receptor and signal transducer of Shh
      signaling pathway, in the infarcted myocardium. In summary, in the circumstance
      of the irreversible ischemic injury, the antifibrotic, and pro-angiogenic
      properties of TMP and AGS-IV on the nonaffected tissues contribute to the
      cardioprotection in the healing phase post MI, and the cardioprotective effects
      are likely to be mediated through the Shh pathway.

PMID- 27676325
TI  - The Effect of Chronic Activation of the Novel Endocannabinoid Receptor GPR18 on
      Myocardial Function and Blood Pressure in Conscious Rats.
AB  - Although acute activation of the novel endocannabinoid receptor GPR18 causes
      hypotension, there are no reports on GPR18 expression in the heart or its chronic
      modulation of cardiovascular function. In this study, after demonstrating GPR18
      expression in the heart, we show that chronic (2 weeks) GPR18 activation with its
      agonist abnormal cannabidiol (abn-cbd; 100 ug.kg.d; i.p) produced hypotension,
      suppressed the cardiac sympathetic dominance, and improved left ventricular (LV)
      function (increased the contractility index dp/dtmax and reduced LV end-diastolic
      pressure, LVEDP) in conscious rats. Ex vivo studies revealed increased: (1)
      cardiac and plasma adiponectin (ADN) levels; (2) vascular (aortic) endothelial
      nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression, (3) vascular and serum nitric oxide (NO)
      levels; (4) myocardial and plasma cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels;
      (5) phosphorylation of myocardial protein kinase B (Akt) and extracellular signal
      regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) along with reduced myocardial reactive oxygen
      species (ROS) in abn-cbd treated rats. These biochemical responses contributed to
      the hemodynamic responses and were GPR18-mediated because concurrent treatment
      with the competitive GPR18 antagonist (O-1918) abrogated the abn-cbd-evoked
      hemodynamic and biochemical responses. The current findings present new evidence
      for a salutary cardiovascular role for GPR18, mediated, at least partly, via
      elevation in the levels of adiponectin.

PMID- 27676327
TI  - Chronic Sarpogrelate Treatment Reveals 5-HT7 Receptor in the Serotonergic
      Inhibition of the Rat Vagal Bradycardia.
AB  - 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) modulates the cardiac parasympathetic
      neurotransmission, inhibiting the bradyarrhythmia by 5-HT2 receptor activation.
      We aimed to determine whether the chronic selective 5-HT2 blockade (sarpogrelate)
      could modify the serotonergic modulation on vagal cardiac outflow in pithed rat.
      Bradycardic responses in rats treated with sarpogrelate (30 mg.kg.d; orally) were
      obtained by electrical stimulation of the vagal fibers (3, 6, and 9 Hz) or
      intravenous (IV) injections of acetylcholine (1, 5, and 10 MUg/kg). 5-HT7
      receptor expression was quantified by Western blot in vagus nerve and right
      atrium. The IV administration of 5-HT (10-200 MUg/kg) dose dependently decreased
      the vagally induced bradycardia, and agonists 5-CT (5-HT1/7), 8-OH-DPAT (5-HT1A),
      or AS-19 (5-HT7) (50 MUg/kg each) mimicked the 5-HT-induced inhibitory effect.
      Neither agonists CGS-12066B (5-HT1B), L-694,247 (5-HT1D), nor 1-phenylbiguanide
      (5-HT3) modified the electrically-induced bradycardic responses. Moreover, SB
      258719 (5-HT7 antagonist) abolished the 5-HT-, 5-CT-, 8-OH-DPAT-, and AS-19
      induced bradycardia inhibition; 5-HT or AS-19 did not modify the bradycardia
      induced by IV acetylcholine; and 5-HT7 receptor was expressed in both the vagus
      nerve and the right atrium. Our outcomes suggest that blocking chronically 5-HT2
      receptors modifies the serotonergic influence on cardiac vagal neurotransmission
      exhibiting 5-HT as an exclusively inhibitory agent via prejunctional 5-HT7
      receptor.

PMID- 27676328
TI  - Unrecognized Cognitive Impairment and Its Effect on Heart Failure Readmissions of
      Elderly Adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine whether 30-day readmissions were associated with
      presence of cognitive impairment more in elderly adults with heart failure (HF)
      than in those with other diagnoses and whether medical teams recognized cognitive
      impairment. DESIGN: One-year prospective cohort quality improvement program of
      cognitive screening and retrospective chart review of documentation and outcomes.
      SETTING: Academic tertiary care hospital medical unit with a cardiovascular focus
      and an enhanced discharge program of individualized patient education.
      PARTICIPANTS: Individuals aged 70 and older screened before home discharge (241
      admission encounters; 121 with HF as a primary diagnosis, 120 without). The HF
      cohort included individuals with preserved and reduced ejection fraction.
      Individuals who had undergone transplantation, ventricular assist device
      implantation, or hemodialysis or who had a primary oncology diagnosis or hospice
      referral were excluded. MEASUREMENTS: Mini-Cog administered 48 hours or less
      before discharge, 30-day all-cause readmission rates, documentation of dementia
      or cognitive impairment, and caregiver education. RESULTS: Mini-Cog scores were
      less than 4 (indicating cognitive impairment) in 157 encounters (82 (67.7%) with
      HF, 75 (62.5%) without). Mini-Cog scores were similar in rate and distribution
      between groups. Individuals with HF and cognitive impairment had a significantly
      higher 30-day readmission rate than did the other groups (26.8% vs 13.2%; P =
      .01; HF, no cognitive impairment, 12.8%; no HF, no cognitive impairment, 13.3%;
      cognitive impairment, no HF, 13.3%). In individuals with HF and cognitive
      impairment, those with documented caregiver education had lower readmission rates
      than those without (14.3% vs 36.2%; P = .03). Fewer than 9% had documentation of
      cognitive impairment in the medical record. CONCLUSION: Cognitive impairment,
      which is frequently undocumented, may indicate greater risk of readmission for
      individuals with HF than those without. Screening for cognitive impairment,
      adapting discharge for it, and involving family and caregivers in discharge
      education may help reduce readmissions.

PMID- 27676329
TI  - [Clinical Results after Implantation of Epiretinal Visual Prostheses].
AB  - Epiretinal visual prostheses have already been implanted in blind retinitis
      pigmentosa (RP) patients. Here we report on clinical experience with the Argus(r)
      II device and the EPIRET 3 device, on the basis of data from patients operated in
      Germany. Twenty-eight patients were implanted with the Argus II device and
      followed for up to three years. EPIRET 3 was implanted in six patients for a
      period of four weeks. With Argus II, an improvement in visual performance was
      achieved in the majority of cases, as demonstrated by improved localisation of a
      light spot and a better perception of moving targets. Mobility and self
      confidence improved. The main complications were conjunctival erosion due to the
      combined extra- and intraocular concept of the device. Among the 28 implanted
      systems, two needed to be removed because complications refractive to treatment.
      In contrast, EPIRET 3 is a fully intraocular epiretinal system. During a four
      week implantation, period thresholds were recorded and exhibited high variability
      between subjects. However, patients were able to recognise simple patterns.
      Epiretinal implants for electrical stimulation of the retina should be considered
      to treat advanced photoreceptor degeneration, and thus to restore basic visual
      functions at an acceptable rate of complications.

PMID- 27676330
TI  - [Optic Nerve Head Diagnostics with Optical Coherence Tomography].
AB  - BACKGROUND: With a cooperative patient, examination of the optic nerve head using
      optical coherence tomography (OCT) is fast and easy to perform and facilitates
      identification and monitoring of different pathological changes in the optic
      nerve head. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Characteristic findings and scanning options
      are illustrated using case examples to simplify recognition of infrequent
      diseases of the optic nerve head and to facilitate treatment decisions using OCT
      results. RESULTS: Pathological changes and characteristic OCT findings are shown
      for glaucoma, for different anomalies of the optic nerve head, for non
      glaucomatous optic atrophies and for optic disc swelling for different reasons.
      The most suitable OCT parameters and examination modes are listed to
      differentiate between specific pathological changes. CONCLUSION: Optic nerve head
      examination using the OCT facilitates rapid diagnosis of infrequent and hard to
      distinguish pathological changes, as well as exact monitoring of chronic
      progressive diseases of the optic nerve. Correct application and evaluation of
      results gathered using OCT examination of the optic nerve head facilitates
      accurate diagnosis and correct decisions.

PMID- 27676331
TI  - Chemical Forms of Mercury in Human Hair Reveal Sources of Exposure.
AB  - Humans are contaminated by mercury in different forms from different sources. In
      practice, contamination by methylmercury from fish consumption is assessed by
      measuring hair mercury concentration, whereas exposure to elemental and inorganic
      mercury from other sources is tested by analysis of blood or urine. Here, we show
      that diverse sources of hair mercury at concentrations as low as 0.5 ppm can be
      individually identified by specific coordination to C, N, and S ligands with high
      energy-resolution X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Methylmercury from seafood,
      ethylmercury used as a bactericide, inorganic mercury from dental amalgams, and
      exogenously derived atmospheric mercury bind in distinctive intermolecular
      configurations to hair proteins, as supported by molecular modeling. A mercury
      spike located by X-ray nanofluorescence on one hair strand could even be dated to
      removal of a single dental amalgam. Chemical forms of other known or putative
      toxic metals in human tissues could be identified by this approach with potential
      broader applications to forensic, energy, and materials science.

PMID- 27676332
TI  - Effect of dibutyl phthalate on expression of connexin 43 and testosterone
      production of leydig cells in adult rats.
AB  - To investigate the adverse effect of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) on Leydig cells and
      its mechanism related to gap junction, Leydig cells isolated from adult rats were
      treated with 0.1% dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), 50mg/L DBP, 50mg/L DBP+10MUM
      prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and 40MUM flutamide respectively. Radioimmunoassay, semi
      quantitative RT-PCR, immunofluorescence and Western blot were applied to
      determine the expression of testosterone and Connexin 43 (Cx43) in Leydig cells.
      The expression of testosterone and Cx43 were both decreased in DBP group
      (P<0.05). While Cx43 was up-regulated after administered to PGE2, there was no
      significant change in testosterone. However, testosterone was down-regulated with
      a significant decrease of Cx43 in flutamide group. The results indicated that the
      inhibitory effect of DBP on testosterone production was not through the down
      regulation of Cx43. On the contrary, the change of testosterone can influence the
      expression of Cx43 in Leydig cells.

PMID- 27676334
TI  - Alcohol Involvement in Homicide Victimization in the United States.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although the association between alcohol and homicide is well
      documented, there has been no recent study of alcohol involvement in homicide
      victimization in U.S. states. The objective of this article was to determine the
      prevalence of alcohol involvement in homicide victimization and to identify socio
      demographic and other factors associated with alcohol involvement in homicide
      victimization. METHODS: Data from homicide victims with a reported blood alcohol
      content (BAC) level were analyzed from 17 states from 2010 to 2012 using the
      National Violent Death Reporting System. Logistic regression was used to
      investigate factors associated with the odds of homicide victims having a BAC >=
      0.08%. RESULTS: Among all homicide victims, 39.9% had a positive BAC including
      13.7% with a BAC between 0.01% and 0.79% and 26.2% of victims with a BAC >=
      0.08%. Males were twice as likely as females to have a BAC >= 0.08% (29.1% vs.
      15.2%; p < 0.001). Characteristics that were independent predictors of homicide
      victims having a BAC >= 0.08 included male sex, American Indian/Alaska Native
      race, Hispanic ethnicity, history of intimate partner violence, and nonfirearm
      homicides. CONCLUSIONS: Alcohol is present in a substantial proportion of
      homicide victims in the United States, with substantial variation by state,
      demographic, and circumstantial characteristics. Future studies should explore
      the relationships between state-level alcohol policies and alcohol involvement
      among perpetrators and victims of homicide.

PMID- 27676335
TI  - Time for global political action on antimicrobial resistance.

PMID- 27676336
TI  - Zika virus and global health security.

PMID- 27676333
TI  - Tau downregulates BDNF expression in animal and cellular models of Alzheimer's
      disease.
AB  - In Alzheimer's disease, soluble tau accumulates and deposits as neurofibrillary
      tangles (NFTs). However, a precise toxic mechanism of tau is not well understood.
      We hypothesized that overexpression of wild-type tau downregulates brain-derived
      neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a neurotrophic peptide essential for learning and
      memory. Two transgenic mouse models of human tau expression and human tau
      (hTau40)-transfected human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells were used to examine the
      effect of excess or pathologically modified wild-type human tau on BDNF
      expression. Both transgenic mouse models, with or without NFTs, as well as hTau40
      SH-SY5Y cells significantly downregulated BDNF messenger RNA compared with
      controls. Similarly, transgenic mice overexpressing amyloid-beta (Abeta)
      significantly downregulated BDNF expression. However, when crossed with tau
      knockout mice, the resulting animals exhibited BDNF levels that were not
      statistically different from wild-type mice. These results demonstrate that
      excess or pathologically modified wild-type human tau downregulates BDNF and that
      neither a mutation in tau nor the presence of NFTs is required for toxicity.
      Moreover, our findings suggest that tau at least partially mediates Abeta-induced
      BDNF downregulation. Therefore, Alzheimer's disease treatments targeting Abeta
      alone may not be effective without considering the impact of tau pathology on
      neurotrophic pathways.

PMID- 27676337
TI  - Low risk of a sexually-transmitted Zika virus outbreak.

PMID- 27676338
TI  - China bans colistin as a feed additive for animals.

PMID- 27676339
TI  - A hepatitis B-free generation in China: from dream to reality.

PMID- 27676340
TI  - Zika virus in semen and spermatozoa.

PMID- 27676341
TI  - Zika virus in semen: lessons from Ebola.

PMID- 27676342
TI  - Probable sexual transmission of Zika virus from a vasectomised man.

PMID- 27676343
TI  - Should testing of donors be restricted to active Zika virus areas?

PMID- 27676344
TI  - Overlooking the importance of immunoassays.

PMID- 27676345
TI  - Overlooking the importance of immunoassays - Authors' reply.

PMID- 27676346
TI  - Sertraline for HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis.

PMID- 27676347
TI  - Sertraline for HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis - Authors' reply.

PMID- 27676348
TI  - Rickettsia felis: the next mosquito-borne outbreak?

PMID- 27676349
TI  - Finding undiagnosed leprosy cases.

PMID- 27676350
TI  - Global burden on neglected tropical diseases.

PMID- 27676352
TI  - Obituary-Donald Ainslie Henderson.

PMID- 27676351
TI  - Moves to consign rabies to history.

PMID- 27676353
TI  - FDA approves broad hepatitis C treatment.

PMID- 27676356
TI  - Polymorphic keratotic nodules in an immunocompetent man.

PMID- 27676357
TI  - Spin-Orbit Effects, VSEPR Theory, and the Electronic Structures of Heavy and
      Superheavy Group IVA Hydrides and Group VIIIA Tetrafluorides. A Partial Role
      Reversal for Elements 114 and 118.
AB  - Relativistic effective core potentials and spin-orbit operators are used in
      relativistic configuration interaction calculations to explore the effects of
      spin-orbit coupling on the electronic structures of atoms and molecules of
      elements 114 and 118. The monohydrides of group IVA and the tetrafluorides of
      group VIIIA are examined in order to provide examples of trends within families
      among the various periods. The spin-orbit effect is found to play a dominant role
      in the determination of atomic and molecular properties. Several nonintuitive
      consequences of spin-orbit coupling are presented, including the depiction of
      element 114 as a closed-shell "noble" atom and the suggestion that the VSEPR
      theory is inadequate to describe the geometry of the rare gas tetrafluoride,
      (118)F4.

PMID- 27676358
TI  - Water-Induced Structural Changes in Crown Ethers from Broadband Rotational
      Spectroscopy.
AB  - The complexes of 12-crown-4 ether (12C4) with water, generated in a supersonic
      jet, have been studied using broadband Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy.
      Three 1:1 and one 1:2 clusters have been observed and their structures
      unambiguously identified through the observation of isotopologue spectra. The
      structures of the clusters are based on networks of O-H...O and C-H...O hydrogen
      bonds. The most abundant 1:1 cluster is formed from the most stable S4 symmetry
      conformer of 12C4, even though it is not the energetically favored water complex.
      Interestingly, the structures of the most stable water cluster and the other
      remaining observed 1:1 and 1:2 complexes are formed from the second or the fifth
      most abundant conformers of 12C4. This shows the existence of a mechanism that
      changes the conformation of 12C4 so that the host-guest interactions can be
      maximized, even for a "soft" ligand like water.

PMID- 27676360
TI  - mirVAFC: A Web Server for Prioritizations of Pathogenic Sequence Variants from
      Exome Sequencing Data via Classifications.
AB  - Exome sequencing has been widely used to identify the genetic variants underlying
      human genetic disorders for clinical diagnoses, but the identification of
      pathogenic sequence variants among the huge amounts of benign ones is complicated
      and challenging. Here, we describe a new Web server named mirVAFC for pathogenic
      sequence variants prioritizations from clinical exome sequencing (CES) variant
      data of single individual or family. The mirVAFC is able to comprehensively
      annotate sequence variants, filter out most irrelevant variants using custom
      criteria, classify variants into different categories as for estimated
      pathogenicity, and lastly provide pathogenic variants prioritizations based on
      classifications and mutation effects. Case studies using different types of
      datasets for different diseases from publication and our in-house data have
      revealed that mirVAFC can efficiently identify the right pathogenic candidates as
      in original work in each case. Overall, the Web server mirVAFC is specifically
      developed for pathogenic sequence variant identifications from family-based CES
      variants using classification-based prioritizations. The mirVAFC Web server is
      freely accessible at https://www.wzgenomics.cn/mirVAFC/.

PMID- 27676359
TI  - Chronic subordinate colony housing paradigm: A mouse model for mechanisms of PTSD
      vulnerability, targeted prevention, and treatment-2016 Curt Richter Award Paper.
AB  - There is considerable individual variability in vulnerability for developing
      posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD); evidence suggests that this variability is
      related in part to genetic and environmental factors, including adverse early
      life experience. Interestingly, recent studies indicate that induction of chronic
      low-grade inflammation may be a common mechanism underlying gene and environment
      interactions that increase the risk for development of PTSD symptoms, and,
      therefore, may be a target for novel interventions for prevention or treatment of
      PTSD. Development of murine models with face, construct, and predictive validity
      would provide opportunities to investigate in detail complex genetic,
      environmental, endocrine, and immunologic factors that determine vulnerability to
      PTSD-like syndromes, and furthermore may provide mechanistic insight leading to
      development of novel interventions for both prevention and treatment of PTSD
      symptoms. Here we describe the potential use of the chronic subordinate colony
      housing (CSC) paradigm in mice as an adequate animal model for development of a
      PTSD-like syndrome and describe recent studies that suggest novel interventions
      for the prevention and treatment of PTSD.

PMID- 27676361
TI  - Influence of long-range atmospheric transport pathways and climate teleconnection
      patterns on the variability of surface 210Pb and 7Be concentrations in
      southwestern Europe.
AB  - The variability of the atmospheric concentration of the 7Be and 210Pb
      radionuclides is strongly linked to the origin of air masses, the strength of
      their sources and the processes of wet and dry deposition. It has been shown how
      these processes and their variability are strongly affected by climate change.
      Thus, a deeper knowledge of the relationship between the atmospheric
      radionuclides variability measured close to the ground and these atmospheric
      processes could help in the analysis of climate scenarios. In the present study,
      we analyze the atmospheric variability of a 14-year time series of 7Be and 210Pb
      in a Mediterranean coastal city using a synergy of different indicators and tools
      such as: the local meteorological conditions, global and regional climate indexes
      and a lagrangian atmospheric transport model. We particularly focus on the
      relationships between the main pathways of air masses and sun spots occurrence,
      the variability of the local relative humidity and temperature conditions, and
      the main modes of regional climate variability, such as the North Atlantic
      Oscillation (NAO) and the Western Mediterranean Oscillation (WeMO). The
      variability of the observed atmospheric concentrations of both 7Be and 210Pb
      radionuclides was found to be mainly positively associated to the local climate
      conditions of temperature and to the pathways of air masses arriving at the
      station. Measured radionuclide concentrations significantly increase when air
      masses travel at low tropospheric levels from central Europe and the western part
      of the Iberian Peninsula, while low concentrations are associated with westerly
      air masses. We found a significant negative correlation between the WeMO index
      and the atmospheric variability of both radionuclides and no significant
      association was observed for the NAO index.

PMID- 27676362
TI  - Home-Based Exercise Supported by General Practitioner Practices: Ineffective in a
      Sample of Chronically Ill, Mobility-Limited Older Adults (the HOMEfit Randomized
      Controlled Trial).
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects a home-based exercise program delivered to
      ill and mobility-limited elderly individuals on physical function, physical
      activity, quality of life, fall-related self-efficacy, and exercise self
      efficacy. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial (ISRCTN Registry, Reg.-No.
      ISRCTN17727272). SETTING: Fifteen general practitioner (GP) practices and
      participants' homes. PARTICIPANTS: Chronically ill and mobility-limited
      individuals aged 70 and older (N = 209). INTERVENTIONS: An exercise therapist
      delivered the experimental intervention-a 12-week multidimensional home-based
      exercise program integrating behavioral strategies-in individual counseling
      sessions at the GPs' practices and over the telephone. The control intervention
      focused on promoting light-intensity activities of daily living. Interventions
      took place between February 2012 and March 2013. MEASUREMENTS: The primary
      outcome was functional lower body strength (chair-rise test). Secondary outcomes
      were physical function (battery of motor tests), physical activity (step count),
      health-related quality of life (Medical Outcomes Study 8-item Short-Form Survey),
      fall-related (Falls Efficacy Scale-International Version), and exercise self
      efficacy (Selbstwirksamkeit zur sportlichen Aktivitaet (SSA) scale).
      Postintervention differences between the groups were tested using analysis of
      covariance (intention to treat; adjusted for baseline value and GP practice;
      significance level P <= .05). RESULTS: Participants had a mean age +/- standard
      deviation of 80 +/- 5, 74% were female, 87% had three or more chronic diseases,
      and 54% used a walking aid. The difference (intention to treat; experimental
      minus control) between adjusted postintervention chair-rise times was -0.1 (95%
      confidence interval = -1.8-1.7). Differences for all secondary outcomes were also
      nonsignificant. CONCLUSION: The program was ineffective in the target population.
      Possibilities for improving the concept will have to be evaluated.

PMID- 27676363
TI  - Genomic alterations in small cell lung cancer and their clinical relevance.

PMID- 27676364
TI  - Tetra- and Octapyrroles Synthesized from Confusion and Fusion Approaches.
AB  - By oxidation of an alternately N-confused bilane in CH2Cl2, a C-N fused
      tetrapyrrin was synthesized that bears a 5.5.5-tricyclic ring generated from an
      intramolecular C-N linkage. When CH3CN was used as the reaction medium, a
      multiply C-N-fused octapyrrolic dimer was also obtained that contained two
      5.5.5.7.5-pentacyclic moieties and a bipyrrole unit generated from the
      intramolecular C-N linkage and intermolecular C-C linkage, respectively. This
      could be coordinated with Ni(acac)2 to afford a mixed-ligand complex.

PMID- 27676365
TI  - Fluorine and microorganisms: An annotated selection of world wide web sites
      relevant to the topics in environmental microbiology.

PMID- 27676366
TI  - Multimethod prediction of child abuse risk in an at-risk sample of male intimate
      partner violence offenders.
AB  - The vast majority of research on child abuse potential has concentrated on women
      demonstrating varying levels of risk of perpetrating physical child abuse. In
      contrast, the current study considered factors predictive of physical child abuse
      potential in a group of 70 male intimate partner violence offenders, a group that
      would represent a likely high risk group. Elements of Social Information
      Processing theory were evaluated, including pre-existing schemas of empathy,
      anger, and attitudes approving of parent-child aggression considered as potential
      moderators of negative attributions of child behavior. To lend methodological
      rigor, the study also utilized multiple measures and multiple methods, including
      analog tasks, to predict child abuse risk. Contrary to expectations, findings did
      not support the role of anger independently predicting child abuse risk in this
      sample of men. However, preexisting beliefs approving of parent-child aggression,
      lower empathy, and more negative child behavior attributions independently
      predicted abuse potential; in addition, greater anger, poorer empathy, and more
      favorable attitudes toward parent-child aggression also exacerbated men's
      negative child attributions to further elevate their child abuse risk. Future
      work is encouraged to consider how factors commonly considered in women parallel
      or diverge from those observed to elevate child abuse risk in men of varying
      levels of risk.

PMID- 27676368
TI  - Inhibition of Low Molecular Weight Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase by an Induced-Fit
      Mechanism.
AB  - The low molecular weight protein tyrosine phosphatase (LMW-PTP) is a regulator of
      a number of signaling pathways and has been implicated as a potential target for
      oncology and diabetes/obesity. There is significant therapeutic interest in
      developing potent and selective inhibitors to control LMW-PTP activity. We report
      the discovery of a novel class of LMW-PTP inhibitors derived from sulfophenyl
      acetic amide (SPAA), some of which exhibit greater than 50-fold preference for
      LMW-PTP over a large panel of PTPs. X-ray crystallography reveals that binding of
      SPAA-based inhibitors induces a striking conformational change in the LMW-PTP
      active site, leading to the formation of a previously undisclosed hydrophobic
      pocket to accommodate the alpha-phenyl ring in the ligand. This induced-fit
      mechanism is likely a major contributor responsible for the exquisite inhibitor
      selectivity.

PMID- 27676367
TI  - A Population-Based Study of Four Genes Associated with Heroin Addiction in Han
      Chinese.
AB  - Recent studies have shown that variants in FAT atypical cadherin 3 (FAT3),
      kinectin 1 (KTN1), discs large homolog2 (DLG2) and deleted in colorectal cancer
      (DCC) genes influence the structure of the human mesolimbic reward system. We
      conducted a systematic analysis of the potential functional single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) in these genes associated with heroin addiction. We scanned
      the functional regions of these genes and identified 20 SNPs for genotyping by
      using the SNaPshot method. A total of 1080 samples, comprising 523 cases and 557
      controls, were analyzed. We observed that DCC rs16956878, rs12607853, and
      rs2292043 were associated with heroin addiction. The T alleles of rs16956878 (p =
      0.0004) and rs12607853 (p = 0.002) were significantly enriched in the case group
      compared with the controls. A lower incidence of the C allele of rs2292043 (p =
      0.002) was observed in the case group. In block 2 of DCC (rs2292043-rs12607853
      rs16956878), the frequency of the T-T-T haplotype was significantly higher in the
      case group than in the control group (p = 0.024), and fewer C-C-C haplotypes (p =
      0.006) were detected in the case group. DCC may be an important candidate gene in
      heroin addiction, and rs16956878, rs12607853, and rs2292043 may be risk factors,
      thereby providing a basis for further genetic and biological research.

PMID- 27676369
TI  - Primary Care Provider and Patient Perspectives on Lung Cancer Screening. A
      Qualitative Study.
AB  - RATIONALE: The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends annual low-dose
      computed tomography (LDCT) for lung cancer screening in high-risk individuals.
      Preventive healthcare is provided predominantly by primary care providers (PCPs).
      Successful implementation of a screening program requires acceptance and
      participation by both providers and patients, with available collaboration with
      pulmonologists. OBJECTIVES: To identify perceptions of and perspectives on lung
      cancer screening and implementation among PCPs and eligible veteran patients at
      high risk for lung cancer. METHODS: We conducted a qualitative study using
      grounded theory in which 28 veterans and 13 PCPs completed a questionnaire and
      participated in focus groups. Sessions were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and
      analyzed with NVivo 10 software. Counts and percentages were used to report
      questionnaire results. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: While 58% percent of
      providers were aware of lung cancer screening guidelines, many could not recall
      the exact patient eligibility criteria. Most patients were willing to undergo
      LDCT screening and identified smoking as a risk factor for lung cancer, but they
      did not recall their PCP explaining the reason for the testing. All providers
      assessed smoking behavior, but only 23% referred active smokers for formal
      cessation services. Patients volunteered information regarding their hurdles with
      smoking cessation while discussing risk factors for cancer. PCPs cited time
      constraints as a reason for lack of appropriate counseling and shared decision
      making. Both parties were willing to explore modalities and decision aid tools to
      improve shared decision making; however, while patients were interested in
      individual risk prediction, few PCPs believed statistical approaches to
      counseling would confuse patients. CONCLUSIONS: While patients and providers are
      receptive to LDCT screening, efforts are needed to improve guideline knowledge
      and adherence among providers. System-level interventions are necessary to
      facilitate time and resources for shared decision making and smoking cessation
      counseling and treatment. Further research is needed to identify optimal
      strategies for effective lung cancer screening in the community.

PMID- 27676370
TI  - The Experience of Patients Engaged in Co-designing Care Processes.
AB  - This article presents the experiences of patients engaged in co-designing care
      under a program entitled, "Transforming Care at the Bedside," based at an
      academic health sciences center. This descriptive, qualitative study collected
      data through individual interviews. Participants included patients from 5 units
      in an academic health sciences center in Quebec, Canada. A total of 6 individual
      interviews were conducted in November 2014, 15 months after the Transforming Care
      at the Bedside work began in September 2013. Content analysis was used to analyze
      the qualitative data. Being listened to and informed gave patients an opportunity
      to better understand patient needs and the complexity of care in the unit and in
      the organization. The experience enabled patients to better translate the patient
      experience for the team's benefit and influence the team's perspective and
      decisions. Through this experience, several patients felt motivated and empowered
      and that they afforded consideration through this experience. This study
      highlights the importance of creating opportunities for patients and health care
      providers to share their unique experiences and expertise to better understand
      each other's reality. In this context, they developed a more comprehensive
      understanding of the issues and worked together to implement realistic changes on
      behalf of the patients.

PMID- 27676372
TI  - Wetting Characteristics of Plasma-Modified Porous Polyethylene.
AB  - This paper examines the wetting characteristics of porous polyethylene surfaces
      modified by exposure to reactive oxygen glow discharge gas plasma, through the
      direct measurement of the wicking properties of the modified material. It is well
      known that oxygen plasma can be used to chemically alter the surface of
      polyethylene to enhance wetting properties. Chemical and physical modification of
      a polymer's surface is the consequence of reactions initiated by the collision of
      high-energy species in the plasma with the polymer surface. The conditions of the
      plasma treatment, such as electric field strength (power), exposure time, and
      chamber pressure, govern the frequency and energy of collisions and, thus,
      determine the nature and degree of the chemical modification of the polyethylene
      surface. Comparisons of the chemical modification of sintered porous polyethylene
      surfaces achieved through treatments with reactive oxygen glow discharge gas
      plasmas generated at various powers, chamber pressures, and times of exposure
      were made by measuring the wicking rate of distilled and deionized water in the
      modified materials. A strong correlation was observed between the electric field
      power used to generate the plasma and the degree of chemical modification of the
      polyethylene surfaces. In addition, the rate of chemical modification was also
      found to be a function of the electric field power.

PMID- 27676371
TI  - Improving Primary Care Retention in Medically Underserved Areas: What's a Clinic
      to Do?
AB  - To reduce health professional shortage areas, the National Health Service Corps
      has attempted to increase the number of primary care providers in underserved
      communities through scholarships and loan repayment. Program evaluations assessed
      Loan Repayment Program (LRP) propensity to work in underserved communities. The
      National Health Service Corps LRPs were asked about preferences for particular
      retention strategies and which strategies were utilized by their clinical sites.
      Loan Repayment Programs were asked to rank retention strategies. Loan Repayment
      Program top choices were competitive salary, 88%; professional development, 70%;
      knowledgeable/competent support staff, 59%, and professional support, 58%. Loan
      Repayment Programs were also asked to rank retention strategies provided by their
      clinical sites: professional development, 74.2%; competitive salary, 71.2%;
      policies that prohibit abusive behavior, 63.6%, and knowledgeable/competent
      support staff, 60.6%. Loan Repayment Programs indicated professional support was
      an important retention element. However, when asked if professional support
      opportunities were offered, LRP indicated that these were not in the strategies
      offered by sites.

PMID- 27676373
TI  - Emerging microfluidic devices for cancer cells/biomarkers manipulation and
      detection.
AB  - Circulating tumour cells (CTCs) are active participants in the metastasis process
      and account for ~90% of all cancer deaths. As CTCs are admixed with a very large
      amount of erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets in blood, CTCs are very rare,
      making their isolation, capture, and detection a major technological challenge.
      Microfluidic technologies have opened-up new opportunities for the screening of
      blood samples and the detection of CTCs or other important cancer biomarker
      proteins. In this study, the authors have reviewed the most recent developments
      in microfluidic devices for cells/biomarkers manipulation and detection, focusing
      their attention on immunomagnetic-affinity-based devices, dielectrophoresis-based
      devices, surface-plasmon-resonance microfluidic sensors, and quantum-dots-based
      sensors.

PMID- 27676374
TI  - Elucidation of biogenic silver nanoparticles susceptibility towards Escherichia
      coli: an investigation on the antimicrobial mechanism.
AB  - Elucidation of the role of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in combating bacterial
      infection is important for the development of new antimicrobial compounds. In
      this study, several key factors underlying biological effects of biogenic AgNPs
      were investigated on recombinant Escherichia coli (XL1-Blue) which contains a
      reporter gene encoding beta-galactosidase enzyme. Biogenic AgNPs were prepared
      from the tea decoction. Cytotoxicity effects were profound on the bacteria tested
      by the synthesised NPs. The beta-galactosidase activity of the released
      intracellular proteins in the supernatant of E. coli was used as a measure of
      membrane damage and cellular leakage. Occurrence of a significant amount of beta
      galactosiadase activity in the supernatant of treated cells clearly demonstrated
      the formation of holes in the bacterial membrane. Scanning electron microscope
      pictures visibly indicated destruction of the membrane of the bacteria, which
      further confirmed membrane damage. The synthesised NPs caused damage of E. coli
      genomic DNA in a dose dependent manner.

PMID- 27676375
TI  - Green synthesis, characterisation and biological evaluation of AgNPs using Agave
      americana, Mentha spicata and Mangifera indica aqueous leaves extract.
AB  - The current study was performed to synthesize stable, eco-friendly and bio
      compatible silver nano-particles (AgNPs) of Agave americana, Mentha spicata and
      Mangifera indica leaves and to screen them for biological activities. The
      ultraviolet-visible spectroscopic analysis revealed that lambda-max for AgNPs
      range from 350-500 nm. All AgNPs possessed polycrystalline structure as notified
      as intense graphical peaks in complete spectrum of 20 values ranging from 10-80
      degrees  in X-ray diffraction measurements and supported by scanning electron
      microscopy data. The size of the nano-particles was confirmed by transmission
      electron microscopy (30-150 nm). Mass loss at variable temperatures was evaluated
      by simultaneous thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis revealed
      reduction in mass and activity of compounds was notified by temperature increase
      from 200 to 800  degrees C, thus concluding it as thermally sensitive compounds.
      A. americana AgNPs showed significant (96%) activity against Methicillin
      resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli (95%) and Fusarium oxysporum
      (89%). Good antioxidant activity was shown by M. spicata AgNPs at 300 ul (79%).
      M. indica AgNPs showed significant phytotoxic activity (88%) at highest
      concentration. No haemagglutination reaction was observed for the test samples.
      The above results revealed that AgNPs synthesized from selected plant species
      possesses significant antimicrobial and phytotoxic effect.

PMID- 27676376
TI  - Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Zea mays and exploration of its
      biological applications.
AB  - The biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has been proved to be a cost
      effective and environmental friendly approach toward chemical and physical
      methods. In the present study, biosynthesis of AgNPs was carried out using
      aqueous extract of Zea mays (Zm) husk. The initial colour change from golden
      yellow to orange was observed between 410 and 450 nm which confirmed the
      synthesis of AgNPs. Also, dynamic light scattering-particle size analysis
      confirmed the average size to be 113 nm and zeta potential value of -28 kV. The
      morphology of synthesised ZmAgNPs displayed flower-shaped structure, X-ray
      diffraction pattern revealed the strongest peaks at 2theta = 38.6 degrees  and 64
      degrees  which proved that the nanoparticle has the face centred crystalline
      structure. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results showed strong
      absorption bands at 1394.53, 2980.02 and 2980.02 cm-1 due to the presence of
      alkynes, carboxylic acids, alcoholic and phenolic groups. The maximum zone of
      inhibition was observed against Salmonella typhi (22 mm) and Candida albicans (18
      mm). The synthesised nanoparticles exhibited more free radical scavenging
      activity than the aqueous plant extract. This is the first report on the
      synthesis of AgNP from Zm husk, delivers the efficient and stable ZmAgNPs through
      simple feasible approach toward green biotechnology.

PMID- 27676377
TI  - Role of catalytic protein and stabilising agents in the transformation of Ag ions
      to nanoparticles by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
AB  - Biological routes of synthesising metal nanoparticles (NPs) using microbes have
      been gaining much attention due to their low toxicity and eco-friendly nature.
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa JP2 isolated from metal contaminated soil was evaluated
      towards extracellular synthesis of silver NPs (AgNPs). Cell-free extract (24 h)
      of the bacterial isolate was reacted with AgNO3 for 24 h in order to fabricate
      AgNPs. Preliminary observations were recorded in terms of colour change of the
      reaction mixture from yellow to greyish black. UV-visible spectroscopy of the
      reaction mixture has shown a progressive increase in optical densities that
      correspond to peaks near 430 nm, depicting reduction of ionic silver (Ag+) to
      atomic silver (Ag0) thereby synthesising NPs. X-ray diffraction spectra exhibited
      the 2theta values to be 38.4577 degrees  confirming the crystalline and spherical
      nature of NPs [9.6 - 26.7 (Ave. = 17.2 nm)]. Transmission electron microscopy
      finally confirmed the size of the particles varying from 5 to 60 nm. Moreover,
      rhamnolipids and proteins were identified as stabilising molecules for the AgNPs
      through Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy. Characterisation of bacterial
      crude and purified protein fractions confirmed the involvement of nitrate
      reductase (molecular weight 66 kDa and specific activity = 3.8 U/mg) in the
      Synthesis of AgNPs.

PMID- 27676378
TI  - Green synthesis of nanosilver-decorated graphene oxide sheets.
AB  - A green facile method has been successfully used for the synthesis of graphene
      oxide sheets decorated with silver nanoparticles (rGO/AgNPs), employing graphite
      oxide as a precursor of graphene oxide (GO), AgNO3 as a precursor of Ag
      nanoparticles (AgNPs), and geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) extract as reducing
      agent. Synthesis was accomplished using the weight ratios 1:1 and 1:3 GO/Ag,
      respectively. The synthesised nanocomposites were characterised by scanning
      electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X
      ray diffraction, UV-visible spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, energy dispersive X
      ray spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The results show a more uniform
      and homogeneous distribution of AgNPs on the surface of the GO sheets with the
      weight ratio 1:1 in comparison with the ratio 1:3. This eco-friendly method
      provides a rGO/AgNPs nanocomposite with promising applications, such as surface
      enhanced Raman scattering, catalysis, biomedical material and antibacterial
      agent.

PMID- 27676379
TI  - Postprandial anti-hyperglycemic activity of marine Streptomyces coelicoflavus
      SRBVIT13 mediated gold nanoparticles in streptozotocin induced diabetic male
      albino Wister rats.
AB  - The present study focuses on the biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using
      Streptomyces coelicoflavus (S. coelicoflavus) SRBVIT13 isolated from marine salt
      pan soils collected from Ongole, Andhra Pradesh, India. The biosynthesised AuNPs
      are characterised by UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier
      transform infrared spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy
      and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. Transmission electron microscopy study
      suggests that the biosynthesised AuNPs are spherical in shape within a size range
      of 12-20 nm (mean diameter as 14 nm). The anti-type II diabetes activity of AuNPs
      is carried out by testing it in vitro alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase enzyme
      inhibition activity and in vivo postprandial anti-hyperglycemic activity in
      sucrose and glucose-loaded streptozotocin induced diabetic albino Wister rats.
      AuNPs has shown a significant inhibitory activity of 84.70 and 87.82% with IC50
      values of 67.65 and 65.59 MUg/mL to alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase enzymes,
      while the diabetic rats have shown significant reduction in the post postprandial
      blood glucose level by 57.80 and 88.09%, respectively compared with control group
      after AuNPs treatment at the concentration of 300 and 600 mg/kg body weight.
      Hence, this biosynthesised AuNPs might be useful in combating type II diabetes
      mellitus for the betterment of human life.

PMID- 27676380
TI  - Low noise patch-clamp current amplification by nanoparticles plasmonic-photonic
      coupling (analysis and modelling).
AB  - In this article, a patch-clamp low noise current amplification based on
      nanoparticles plasmonic radiation is analyzed. It is well-known, a very small
      current is flowing from different membrane channels and so, for extra processing
      the current amplification is necessary. It is notable that there are some
      problems in traditional electronic amplifier due to its noise and bandwidth
      problem. Because of the important role of the patch-clamp current in cancer
      research and especially its small amplitude, it is vital to intensify it without
      adding any noises. In this study, the current amplification is performed firstly:
      from the excitement of nanoparticles by the patch-clamp pico-ampere current and
      then, the effect of nanoparticles plasmonic far-field radiation on conductor's
      carriers, which will cause the current amplification. This relates to the
      plasmonic-photonic coupling and their effect on conductor carriers as the current
      perturbation agent. In the steady state, the current amplification can reach to
      1000 times of initial level. Furthermore, we investigated the nanoparticles
      morphology changing effect such as size, nanoparticles inter-distance, and
      nanoparticles distance from the conductor on the amplifier parameters. Finally,
      it should note that the original aim is to use nanoparticles plasmonic
      engineering and their coupling to photonics for output current manipulating.

PMID- 27676382
TI  - Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using aqueous extract of silky hairs of corn
      and investigation of its antibacterial and anticandidal synergistic activity and
      antioxidant potential.
AB  - This paper investigated the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using
      aqueous extract of silky hairs of corn (Zea mays L.) which is a waste material of
      the crop, as both a reducing and stabilising/capping agent. The AgNPs were
      characterised by UV-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM),
      energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray
      diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The
      average size of AgNPs was found to be 249.12 nm. The AgNPs displayed strong
      antibacterial activity against five different foodborne pathogenic bacteria with
      diameter of inhibition zones ranged between (9.23 - 12.81 mm). It also exhibited
      potent synergistic antibacterial activity together with standard antibiotics,
      kanamycin (10.6 - 13.65 mm inhibition zones) and rifampicin (10.02 - 12.86 mm
      inhibition zones) and anticandidal activity with amphotericin b (10.57 - 13.63 mm
      inhibition zones). The AgNPs exhibited strong antioxidant activity in terms of
      nitric oxide scavenging (IC50 91.56 ug/mL), ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis(3
      ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) radical scavenging (IC50 115.75 ug/mL),
      DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging (IC50 385.87 ug/mL), and
      reducing power (IC0.5 23.14 ug/mL). This study demonstrated the synthesis of
      spherical AgNPs with strong antibacterial, anticandidal and antioxidant
      properties that could potentially be utilised in the biomedical, cosmetic, food
      and pharmaceutical industries.

PMID- 27676381
TI  - Catalytic degradation of methylene blue by biosynthesised copper nanoflowers
      using F. benghalensis leaf extract.
AB  - This study reports the unprecedented, novel and eco-friendly method for the
      synthesis of three-dimensional (3D) copper nanostructure having flower like
      morphology using leaf extract of Ficus benghalensis. The catalytic activity of
      copper nanoflowers (CuNFs) was investigated against methylene blue (MB) used as a
      modal dye pollutant. Scanning electron micrograph evidently designated 3D
      appearance of nanoflowers within a size range from 250 nm to 2.5 MUm. Energy
      dispersive X-ray spectra showed the presence of copper elements in the
      nanoflowers. Fourier-transform infrared spectra clearly demonstrated the presence
      of biomolecules which is responsible for the synthesis of CuNFs. The catalytic
      activity of the synthesised CuNFs was monitored by ultraviolet-visible
      spectroscopy. The MB was degraded by 72% in 85 min on addition of CuNFs and the
      rate constant (k) was found to be 0.77 * 10-3 s-1. This method adapted for
      synthesis of CuNFs offers a valuable contribution in the area of nanomaterial
      synthesis and in water research by suggesting a sustainable and an alternative
      route for removal of toxic solvents and waste materials.

PMID- 27676383
TI  - Anisotropic nanomechanical properties of bovine horn using modulus mapping.
AB  - Bovine horns are durable that they can withstand an extreme loading force which
      with special structures and mechanical properties. In this study, the authors
      apply quasi-static nanoindentation and modulus mapping techniques to research the
      nanomechanical properties of bovine horn in the transverse direction (TD) and
      longitudinal direction (LD). In quasi-static nanoindentation, the horn's modulus
      and hardness in the inner layer and the outer layer demonstrated a gradual
      increase in both TD and LD. Laser scanning confocal microscopy revealed
      microstructure in the horn with wavy morphology in the TD cross-section and
      laminate in the LD cross-section. When using tensile tests or quasi-static
      nanoindentation tests alone, the anisotropy of the mechanical properties of
      bovine horn were not obvious. However, when using modulus mapping, storage
      modulus (E'), loss modulus (E") and loss ratio (tan delta) are clearly different
      depending on the position in the TD and LD. Modulus mapping is proposed as
      accurately describing the internal structures of bovine horn and helpful in
      understanding the horn's energy-absorption, stiffness and strength that resists
      forces during fighting.

PMID- 27676384
TI  - Evaluation of the wound healing efficacy of chemical and phytogenic silver
      nanoparticles.
AB  - Wound healing requires a series of cellular events and a cascade of co-ordinated
      and systemic biochemical events. Silver nanoparticles possess many beneficial
      properties for wound management including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and
      pro-healing properties. In this study, the authors investigated the wound healing
      properties of Cinnamomum verum extract mediated nanosilver (CENS) particles in
      comparison with 1% povidone iodine, citrate mediate NS and CE treatments. The
      topical application of CENS showed good antibacterial activity and accelerated
      wound healing with complete epithelialisation and normal re-growth of hair in all
      three models of study: namely, excision, incision and dead space models in rats
      compared with all other treatments. CENS was also found to promote collagen
      synthesis, stabilise wound besides countering oxidative stress and stimulating
      cellular proliferation CENS could be a novel therapeutic agent for wound
      management.

PMID- 27676385
TI  - Biofabrication of broad range antibacterial and antibiofilm silver nanoparticles.
AB  - Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were biosynthesized via a green route using ten
      different plants extracts (GNP1- Caryota urens, GNP2-Pongamia glabra, GNP3-
      Hamelia patens, GNP4-Thevetia peruviana, GNP5-Calendula officinalis, GNP6-Tectona
      grandis, GNP7-Ficus petiolaris, GNP8- Ficus busking, GNP9- Juniper communis,
      GNP10-Bauhinia purpurea). AgNPs were tested against drug resistant microbes and
      their biofilms. These nanoparticles (NPs) were characterised using UV-vis
      spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared
      spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and Image J software. Most of the AgNPs were
      distributed over a range of 1 of 60 nm size. The results indicated that AgNPs
      were antibacterial in nature without differentiating between resistant or
      susceptible strains. Moreover, the effect was more prominent on Gram negative
      bacteria then Gram positive bacteria and fungus. AgNPs inhibited various classes
      of microbes with different concentration. It was also evident from the results
      that the origin or nature of extract did not affect the activity of the NPs.
      Protein and carbohydrate leakage assays confirmed that the cells lysis is one of
      the main mechanisms for the killing of microbes by green AgNPs. This study
      suggests that the action of AgNPs on microbial cells resulted into cell lysis and
      DNA damage. Excellent microbial biofilm inhibition was also seen by these green
      AgNPs. AgNPs have proved their candidature as a potential antibacterial and
      antibiofilm agent against MDR microbes.

PMID- 27676386
TI  - Tenofovir Pre-exposure Prophylaxis for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women at Risk
      of HIV Infection: The Time is Now.
AB  - In this Perspective, Lynne Mofenson discusses the implications of Mugwanya and
      colleagues' findings for protection of women against HIV infection during
      breastfeeding.

PMID- 27676388
TI  - Fate of sulfamethoxazole in groundwater: Conceptualizing and modeling metabolite
      formation under different redox conditions.
AB  - Degradation of emerging organic compounds in saturated porous media is usually
      postulated as following simple low-order models. This is a strongly
      oversimplified, and in some cases plainly incorrect model, that does not consider
      the fate of the different metabolites. Furthermore, it does not account for the
      reversibility in the reaction observed in a few emerging organic compounds, where
      the parent is recovered from the metabolite. One such compound is the antibiotic
      sulfamethoxazole (SMX). In this paper, we first compile existing experimental
      data to formulate a complete model for the degradation of SMX in aquifers subject
      to varying redox conditions, ranging from aerobic to iron reducing. SMX degrades
      reversibly or irreversibly to a number of metabolites that are specific of the
      redox state. Reactions are in all cases biologically mediated. We then propose a
      mathematical model that reproduces the full fate of dissolved SMX subject to
      anaerobic conditions and that can be used as a first step in emerging compound
      degradation modeling efforts. The model presented is tested against the results
      of the batch experiments of Barbieri et al. (2012) and Nodler et al. (2012)
      displaying a non-monotonic concentration of SMX as a function of time under
      denitrification conditions, as well as those of Mohatt et al. (2011), under iron
      reducing conditions.

PMID- 27676387
TI  - Using Bayesian hierarchical models to better understand nitrate sources and sinks
      in agricultural watersheds.
AB  - Export coefficient models (ECMs) are often used to predict nutrient sources and
      sinks in watersheds because ECMs can flexibly incorporate processes and have
      minimal data requirements. However, ECMs do not quantify uncertainties in model
      structure, parameters, or predictions; nor do they account for spatial and
      temporal variability in land characteristics, weather, and management practices.
      We applied Bayesian hierarchical methods to address these problems in ECMs used
      to predict nitrate concentration in streams. We compared four model formulations,
      a basic ECM and three models with additional terms to represent competing
      hypotheses about the sources of error in ECMs and about spatial and temporal
      variability of coefficients: an ADditive Error Model (ADEM), a SpatioTemporal
      Parameter Model (STPM), and a Dynamic Parameter Model (DPM). The DPM incorporates
      a first-order random walk to represent spatial correlation among parameters and a
      dynamic linear model to accommodate temporal correlation. We tested the modeling
      approach in a proof of concept using watershed characteristics and nitrate export
      measurements from watersheds in the Coastal Plain physiographic province of the
      Chesapeake Bay drainage. Among the four models, the DPM was the best--it had the
      lowest mean error, explained the most variability (R2 = 0.99), had the narrowest
      prediction intervals, and provided the most effective tradeoff between fit
      complexity (its deviance information criterion, DIC, was 45.6 units lower than
      any other model, indicating overwhelming support for the DPM). The superiority of
      the DPM supports its underlying hypothesis that the main source of error in ECMs
      is their failure to account for parameter variability rather than structural
      error. Analysis of the fitted DPM coefficients for cropland export and instream
      retention revealed some of the factors controlling nitrate concentration:
      cropland nitrate exports were positively related to stream flow and watershed
      average slope, while instream nitrate retention was positively correlated with
      nitrate concentration. By quantifying spatial and temporal variability in sources
      and sinks, the DPM provides new information to better target management actions
      to the most effective times and places. Given the wide use of ECMs as research
      and management tools, our approach can be broadly applied in other watersheds and
      to other materials.

PMID- 27676389
TI  - Untangling Heavy Protein and Cofactor Isotope Effects on Enzyme-Catalyzed Hydride
      Transfer.
AB  - "Heavy" (isotopically labeled) enzyme isotope effects offer a direct experimental
      probe of the role of protein vibrations on enzyme-catalyzed reactions. Here we
      have developed a strategy to generate isotopologues of the flavoenzyme
      pentaerythritol tetranitrate reductase (PETNR) where the protein and/or intrinsic
      flavin mononucleotide (FMN) cofactor are isotopically labeled with 2H, 15N, and
      13C. Both the protein and cofactor contribute to the enzyme isotope effect on the
      reductive hydride transfer reaction, but their contributions are not additive and
      may partially cancel each other out. However, the isotope effect specifically
      arising from the FMN suggests that vibrations local to the active site play a
      role in the hydride transfer chemistry, while the protein-only "heavy enzyme"
      effect demonstrates that protein vibrations contribute to catalysis in PETNR. In
      all cases, enthalpy-entropy compensation plays a major role in minimizing the
      magnitude of "heavy enzyme" isotope effects. Fluorescence lifetime measurements
      of the intrinsic flavin mononucleotide show marked differences between "light"
      and "heavy" enzymes on the nanosecond-picosecond time scale, suggesting relevant
      time scale(s) for those vibrations implicated in the "heavy enzyme" isotope
      effect on the PETNR reaction.

PMID- 27676390
TI  - Long-Term Moderate Oxidative Stress Decreased Ovarian Reproductive Function by
      Reducing Follicle Quality and Progesterone Production.
AB  - Ovarian aging is a long-term and complex process associated with a decrease in
      follicular quantity and quality. The damaging effects of reactive oxygen species
      (ROS) in ovarian aging and ovarian aging-associated disorders have received
      relatively little attention. Thus, we assessed if the oxidative stress induced by
      long-term (defined by the Environmental Protection Agency as at least 30 days in
      duration) moderate ozone inhalation reduced ovarian reserves, decreased ovarian
      function and induced ovarian aging-associated disorders. The expression of
      oxidative stress markers and antioxidant enzymes was used to determine the degree
      of oxidative stress. Ultrastructural changes in ovarian cells were examined via
      electron microscopy. The ovarian reserve was assessed by measuring multiple
      parameters, such as the size of the primordial follicle pool and anti-Mullerian
      hormone (AMH) expression. The estrous cycle, hormone levels and fertility status
      were investigated to assess ovarian function. To investigate ovarian aging
      associated disorders, we utilized bone density and cardiovascular ultrasonography
      in mice. The levels of oxidized metabolites, such as 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine
      (8-OHdG), 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and nitrotyrosine (NTY), significantly
      increased in ovarian cells in response to increased oxidative stress. The
      ultrastructural analysis indicated that lipid droplet formation and the
      proportion of mitochondria with damaged membranes in granulosa cells were
      markedly increased in ozone-exposed mice when compared with the control group.
      Ozone exposure did not change the size of the primordial follicle pool or anti
      Mullerian hormone (AMH) expression. The estrogen concentration remained normal;
      however, progesterone and testosterone levels decreased. The mice exposed to
      ozone inhalation exhibited a substantial decrease in fertility and fecundity. No
      differences were revealed by the bone density or cardiovascular ultrasounds.
      These findings suggest that the decreased female reproductive function caused by
      long-term moderate oxidative damage may be due to a decrease in follicle quality
      and progesterone production.

PMID- 27676392
TI  - Metal Flux Growth, Structural Relations, and Physical Properties of EuCu2Ge2 and
      Eu3T2In9 (T = Cu and Ag).
AB  - Single crystals (SCs) of the compounds Eu3Ag2In9 and EuCu2Ge2 were synthesized
      through the reactions run in liquid indium. Eu3Ag2In9 crystallizes in the La3Al11
      structure type [orthorhombic space group (SG) Immm] with the lattice parameters:
      a = 4.8370(1) A, b = 10.6078(3) A, and c = 13.9195(4) A. EuCu2Ge2 crystallizes in
      the tetragonal ThCr2Si2 structure type (SG I4/mmm) with the lattice parameters: a
      = b = 4.2218(1) A, and c = 10.3394(5) A. The crystal structure of Eu3Ag2In9 is
      comprised of edge-shared hexagonal rings consisting of indium. The one
      dimensional chains of In6 rings are shared through the edges, which are further
      interconnected with other six-membered rings forming a three-dimensional (3D)
      stable crystal structure along the bc plane. The crystal structure of EuCu2Ge2
      can be explained as the complex [CuGe](2+delta)- polyanionic network embedded
      with Eu ions. These polyanionic networks present in the crystal structure of
      EuCu2Ge2 are shared through the edges of the 011 plane containing Cu and Ge
      atoms, resulting in a 3D network. The structural relationship between Eu3T2In9
      and EuCu2Ge2 has been discussed in detail, and we conclude that Eu3T2In9 is the
      metal deficient variant of EuCu2Ge2. The magnetic susceptibilities of Eu3T2In9 (T
      = Cu and Ag) and EuCu2Ge2 were measured between 2 and 300 K. In all cases,
      magnetic susceptibility data followed Curie-Weiss law above 150 K. Magnetic
      moment values obtained from the measurements indicate the probable
      mixed/intermediate valent behavior of the europium atoms, which was further
      confirmed by X-ray absorption studies and bond distances around the Eu atoms.
      Electrical resistivity measurements suggest that Eu3T2In9 and EuCu2Ge2 are
      metallic in nature.

PMID- 27676391
TI  - The Role of Neutrophil Proteins on the Amyloid Beta-RAGE Axis.
AB  - We previously showed an elevated expression of the neutrophil protein, cationic
      antimicrobial protein of 37kDa (CAP37), in brains of patients with Alzheimer's
      disease (AD), suggesting that CAP37 could be involved in AD pathogenesis. The
      first step in determining how CAP37 might contribute to AD pathogenesis was to
      identify the receptor through which it induces cell responses. To identify a
      putative receptor, we performed GAMMA analysis to determine genes that positively
      correlated with CAP37 in terms of expression. Positive correlations with ligands
      for the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) were observed.
      Additionally, CAP37 expression positively correlated with two other neutrophil
      proteins, neutrophil elastase and cathepsin G. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays
      (ELISAs) demonstrated an interaction between CAP37, neutrophil elastase, and
      cathepsin G with RAGE. Amyloid beta 1-42 (Abeta1-42), a known RAGE ligand,
      accumulates in AD brains and interacts with RAGE, contributing to Abeta1-42
      neurotoxicity. We questioned whether the binding of CAP37, neutrophil elastase
      and/or cathepsin G to RAGE could interfere with Abeta1-42 binding to RAGE. Using
      ELISAs, we determined that CAP37 and neutrophil elastase inhibited binding of
      Abeta1-42 to RAGE, and this effect was reversed by protease inhibitors in the
      case of neutrophil elastase. Since neutrophil elastase and cathepsin G have
      enzymatic activity, mass spectrometry was performed to determine the proteolytic
      activity of all three neutrophil proteins on Abeta1-42. All three neutrophil
      proteins bound to Abeta1-42 with different affinities and cleaved Abeta1-42 with
      different kinetics and substrate specificities. We posit that these neutrophil
      proteins could modulate neurotoxicity in AD by cleaving Abeta1-42 and influencing
      the Abeta1-42 -RAGE interaction. Further studies will be required to determine
      the biological significance of these effects and their relevance in
      neurodegenerative diseases such as AD. Our findings identify a novel area of
      study that underscores the importance of neutrophils and neutrophil proteins in
      neuroinflammatory diseases such as AD.

PMID- 27676393
TI  - Nudging Our Way to a Healthier Population: The Effect of Calorie Labeling and
      Self-Control on Menu Choices of Emerging Adults.
AB  - Emerging adults are among those in the United States with concerning rates of
      overweight and obesity, putting them at risk for chronic diseases. One proposed
      intervention to address these issues across populations is to require that chain
      restaurants and similar establishments provide nutrition information, such as
      calorie labels, on menu items. This study therefore aims to examine the effect of
      menu calorie labeling and self-control on food and beverage choices of emerging
      adults. Results of a between-subjects experiment (n = 179) revealed that calorie
      labeling increased the likelihood of choosing lower calorie food and beverage
      options. Moreover, calorie labeling only led to selecting a lower calorie food
      option among those with high self-control, but not among those with low self
      control. This moderating effect was not revealed for beverage choice. Public
      health practitioners and policymakers should consider intervention approaches
      that address other drivers of choice, such as self-control, in addition to
      nutrition information.

PMID- 27676394
TI  - Autoimmune Diseases in Children and Adults With Type 1 Diabetes From the T1D
      Exchange Clinic Registry.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is associated with other autoimmune
      diseases (AIDs), but the prevalence and associated predictive factors for these
      comorbidities of T1D across all age groups have not been fully characterized.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data obtained from 25 759 participants with T1D enrolled
      in the T1D Exchange Registry were used to analyze the types and frequency of AIDs
      as well as their relationships to gender, age, and race/ethnicity. Diagnoses of
      autoimmune diseases, represented as ordinal categories (0, 1, 2, 3, or more AIDs)
      were obtained from medical records of Exchange Registry participants. RESULTS:
      Among the 25 759 T1D Exchange participants, 50% were female, 82% non-Hispanic
      white, mean age was 23.0 +/- 16.9 years and mean duration of diabetes was 11
      years. Of these participants, 6876 (27%) were diagnosed with at least one AID.
      Frequency of two or more AIDs increased from 4.3% in participants aged younger
      than 13 years to 10.4% in those aged 50 years or older. The most common AIDs were
      thyroid (6097, 24%), gastrointestinal (1530, 6%), and collagen vascular diseases
      (432, 2%). Addison's disease was rare (75, 0.3%). The prevalence of one or more
      AIDs was increased in females and non-Hispanic whites and with older age.
      CONCLUSIONS: In the T1D Exchange Clinic Registry, a diagnosis of one or more AIDs
      in addition to T1D is common, particularly in women, non-Hispanic whites, and
      older individuals. Results of this study have implications for both primary care
      and endocrine practice and will allow clinicians to better anticipate and manage
      the additional AIDs that develop in patients with T1D.

PMID- 27676395
TI  - Urinary Citrate, an Index of Acid-Base Status, Predicts Bone Strength in Youths
      and Fracture Risk in Adult Females.
AB  - CONTEXT: Diet can impact on bone strength via metabolic shifts in acid-base
      status. In contrast to the strongly diet-dependent biomarker urinary potential
      renal acid load (uPRAL), the amount of renally excreted citrate integrates
      nutritional and systemic influences on acid-base homeostasis with high citrate
      indicating prevailing alkalization. OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between
      urinary citrate excretion and bone strength as well as long-term fracture risk.
      DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: Prospective cross-sectional analysis; 231 healthy
      children (6-18 y) of the Dortmund Nutritional and Anthropometric Longitudinally
      Designed Study were included, with at least 2 urine collections available during
      the 4 years preceding peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) of the
      nondominant proximal forearm. uPRAL, urinary citrate, and urinary nitrogen
      excretion were quantified in 857 24-hour urine samples. Data on overall fracture
      incidence were collected within a 15-year follow-up after pQCT measurement. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURES: Parameters of bone quality and geometry (pQCT) as well as long
      term fracture incidence. RESULTS: After controlling for confounders, especially
      forearm length, muscle area, and urinary nitrogen (biomarker of protein intake),
      urinary citrate excretion was positively associated with various parameters of
      bone quality and geometry (P < .05). Fracture risk in adult females, but not in
      males, was inversely associated with urinary citrate and positively with uPRAL (P
      < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Although urinary citrate has to be confirmed as an
      integrated noninvasive biomarker of systemic acid-base status in further studies,
      our results substantiate dietary and metabolic acidity as potentially adverse for
      bone health in the long run from childhood onward.

PMID- 27676396
TI  - Healthy Subjects Differentially Respond to Dietary Capsaicin Correlating with
      Specific Gut Enterotypes.
AB  - CONTEXT: Previous population studies in evaluating the beneficial effects of
      capsaicin (CAP) have yielded inconclusive results, and the mechanisms responsible
      for possible benefit remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to assess the
      effect of dietary CAP on metabolic and immune profiles and its potential
      associations with gut microbial patterns in healthy adults. DESIGN: In a 6-week
      controlled feeding trial, subjects were given the weight maintenance diet
      sequentially contained with 0, 5, 0, and 10 mg/d CAP from chili powder. SETTING
      AND PARTICIPANTS: The study was conducted in 12 healthy subjects enrolled in
      Third Military Medical University in Chongqing. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: At the end
      of each period, anthropometric and basal metabolism measures together with blood
      and fecal samples were collected. Plasma metabolic and inflammatory markers and
      gut microbial ecology of each subject were subsequently assessed. RESULT: Dietary
      CAP increased the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and Faecalibacterium abundance,
      accompanied with increased plasma levels of glucagon-like peptide 1 and gastric
      inhibitory polypeptide and decreased plasma ghrelin level. Further enterotype
      analysis revealed that these subjects could be clustered into Bacteroides
      enterotype (E1) and Prevotella enterotype (E2), and the above beneficial effects
      were mainly obtained in E1 subjects. Moreover, E1 subjects had significantly
      higher fecal Faecalibacterium abundance and butyrate concentration after CAP
      interventions than those in E2 subjects. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that gut
      enterotypes may influence the beneficial effects of dietary CAP, providing new
      evidence for the personalized nutrition guidance of CAP intervention on health
      promotion linking with gut microbiota patterns.

PMID- 27676397
TI  - Impact of Parity on Body Size Phenotype in Postmenopausal Women: KNHANES 2010
      2012.
AB  - CONTEXT: Parity has been implicated in many health consequences for women in
      later life. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether there is an association between
      parity and body size phenotypes in postmenopausal women. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS:
      This study was based on data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition
      Examination Survey, conducted during 2010-2012. Of the 25 534 participants, data
      from 3347 postmenopausal women were included in the analysis. RESULTS: In
      analyses stratified by the metabolically abnormal obese (MAO) and metabolically
      healthy and normal weight phenotypes, women with parities of 3-4 births or more
      than or equal to 5 births were significantly associated with the MAO phenotype
      (odds ratio [OR] 1.396 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.077-1.810] and OR 1.978
      [1.392-2.811], respectively) compared with those with a parity of 1-2 births
      after adjusting for age, sociodemographic factors, lifestyle behaviors, and
      reproductive factors. A similar significant association of parity with the MAO
      phenotype was also found when we analyzed the parity number as a continuous
      variable in a comparison of the MAO and metabolically abnormal but normal weight
      phenotypes (OR 1.116 [1.012-1.232]). In grouping of the MAO and metabolically
      healthy but obese phenotypes, women who had experienced a parity of 3-4 births or
      more than or equal to 5 births were significantly associated with the MAO
      phenotype (OR 1.459 [1.025-2.076] and OR 1.989 [1.211-3.265], respectively) after
      adjustment for the above covariates. CONCLUSIONS: Parity influenced the body size
      phenotype in postmenopausal women, and higher parity was independently associated
      with a higher risk of the MAO phenotype in postmenopausal women.

PMID- 27676399
TI  - XXIInd Congress of the European Society for Stereotactic and Functional
      Neurosurgery. Madrid, Spain,September 28-October 1, 2016: Abstracts.

PMID- 27676398
TI  - The Relationship Between Calciotropic Hormones, IGF-1, and Bone Mass Across
      Pubertal Stages.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little is known about the changes in calciotropic hormones during
      puberty and their relationship to bone mass during this critical period for
      skeletal accretion. OBJECTIVES: Investigate changes in calciotropic hormones, IGF
      1, body composition, and their associations with bone metabolism in adolescents.
      METHODS: Post hoc analyses were performed from data on 335 healthy school
      children, ages 10-17 years, with hypovitaminosis D who participated in a vitamin
      D randomized controlled trial. Baseline serum biochemistries; hormonal studies;
      densitometry at the spine, hip, and total body; and body composition were used.
      ANOVA and regression analyses were implemented to evaluate changes in variables
      of interest across pubertal stages, within and between genders. RESULTS: Bone
      mass and body composition parameters increased substantially across Tanner stages
      in both genders. Serum calcium, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D
      levels did not vary by Tanner stages in both genders. Conversely, serum
      phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, IGF-1, PTH, and osteocalcin peaked for the most
      part at Tanner stage II in girls and stage III in boys. 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D
      correlations with bone mass were not consistent, whereas IGF-1 was the most
      robust correlate of bone mass at several skeletal sites in early Tanner stages in
      both genders (R = 0.3-0.6). CONCLUSION: Serum phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase,
      IGF-1, PTH, and osteocalcin, but not calcium or 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D,
      increased significantly in early puberty, with gender difference except for PTH,
      peaking earlier in girls than in boys. IGF-1 is a robust predictor of bone mass,
      an effect mediated in large part by increments in lean mass.

PMID- 27676401
TI  - Real-World Data: Responses to Zito and Doshi.

PMID- 27676400
TI  - Multiplex Competition, Collaboration, and Funding Networks Among Health and
      Social Organizations: Toward Organization-based HIV Interventions for Young Men
      Who Have Sex With Men.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) have the highest rates of
      human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in the United States. Decades into
      the HIV epidemic, the relationships that YMSM-serving health and social
      organizations have with one another has not been studied in depth. OBJECTIVES:
      The aim of this study was to examine the competition, collaboration, and funding
      source structures of multiplex organization networks and the mechanisms that
      promote fruitful relationships among these organizations. RESEARCH DESIGN: The
      study data collection method was a survey of health and social organizations from
      2013-2014 in 2 cities, Chicago, IL and Houston, TX. SUBJECTS: Study participants
      were representatives from 138 health and social organizations. MEASURES:
      Responses to survey questions were used to reconstruct competition,
      collaboration, and combined competition-collaboration networks. RESULTS: While
      taking into consideration the collaborative relationships among organizations, we
      provide statistical evidence that organizations of similar type, similar social
      media use patterns, comparable patterns of funding, and similar network contexts
      tended to compete with one another. This competition was less likely to be
      accompanied by any sort of collaboration if the organizations shared common
      funding sources. CONCLUSIONS: Competition that excludes potential collaboration
      may be detrimental to mobilizing the collective efforts that serve local YMSM
      communities. System-level interventions may provide promising approaches to
      scaling-up HIV prevention and treatment efforts so as to encourage organizations
      to form partnerships with otherwise competing providers.

PMID- 27676402
TI  - Genotype-Phenotype Relationship in Patients and Relatives with SHOX Region
      Anomalies in the French Population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of our study was to describe a large population with
      anomalies involving the SHOX region, responsible for idiopathic short stature and
      Leri-Weill dyschondrosteosis (LWD), and to identify a possible genotype/phenotype
      correlation. METHODS: We performed a retrospective multicenter study on French
      subjects with a SHOX region anomaly diagnosed by multiplex ligation-dependent
      probe amplification or Sanger sequencing. Phenotypes were collected in each of
      the 7 genetic laboratories practicing this technique for SHOX analysis. RESULTS:
      Among 205 index cases and 100 related cases, 91.3% had LWD. For index cases,
      median age at evaluation was 11.7 (9.0; 15.9) years and mean height standard
      deviation score was -2.3 +/- 1.1. A deletion of either SHOX or PAR1 or both was
      found in 74% of patients. Duplications and point mutations/indels affected 8 and
      18% of the population, respectively. Genotype-phenotype correlation showed that
      deletions were more frequently associated with Madelung deformity and mesomelic
      shortening in girls, as well as with presence of radiologic anomalies, than
      duplications. CONCLUSIONS: Our results highlight genotype-phenotype relationships
      in the French population with a SHOX defect and provide new information showing
      that clinical expression is milder in cases of duplication compared to deletions.

PMID- 27676403
TI  - Neuropilin-1 Is an Important Niche Component and Exerts Context-Dependent Effects
      on Hematopoietic Stem Cells.
AB  - Marrow adipocytes pose a significant problem in post-transplant regeneration of
      hematopoiesis owing to their negative effects on regeneration of hematopoiesis.
      However, the precise mechanism operative in this negative regulation is not
      clear. In this study, we show that marrow adipocytes express neuropilin-1 (NRP1)
      as a function of differentiation and inhibit regeneration of hematopoiesis by
      three principal mechanisms: one, by inducing apoptosis in hematopoietic
      stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) through the death receptor-mediated pathway; two,
      by downregulating CXCR4 expression on the HSPCs through ligand-mediated
      internalization; and three, by secreting copious amounts of transforming growth
      factor beta1 (TGFbeta1), a known inhibitor of hematopoiesis. Silencing of NRP1 in
      these adipocytes rescued the apoptosis of cocultured HSPCs and boosted the CXCR4
      surface expression on them, showing an active role of NRP1 in these processes.
      However, such silencing had no effect on TGFbeta1 secretion and consequent
      inhibition of hematopoiesis by them, showing that secretion of TGFbeta1 by
      adipocytes is independent of NRP1 expression by them. Surprisingly, mesenchymal
      stromal cells modified with NRP1 supported expansion of HSPCs having enhanced
      functionality, suggesting that NRP1 exerts a context-dependent effect on
      hematopoiesis. Our data demonstrate that NRP1 is an important niche component and
      exerts context-dependent effects on HSPCs. Based on these data, we speculate that
      antibody- or peptide-mediated blocking of NRP1-HSC interactions coupled with a
      pharmacological inhibition of TGFbeta1 signaling may help in combating the
      negative regulation of post-transplant regeneration of hematopoiesis in a more
      effective manner.

PMID- 27676404
TI  - RICTOR polymorphisms affect efficiency of platinum-based chemotherapy in Chinese
      non-small-cell lung cancer patients.
AB  - AIM: We investigated the association between RICTOR polymorphisms and clinical
      outcomes of platinum-based chemotherapy for Chinese non-small-cell lung cancer
      patients. MATERIALS & METHODS: Ten tag SNPs were genotyped in 1004 patients to
      assess their association with clinical benefit, overall survival, progression
      free survival, gastrointestinal toxicity, neutropenia, anemia and
      thrombocytopenia. RESULTS: rs6878291 was significantly associated with clinical
      benefit (odds ratio: 2.037; p = 0.001) and reduced progression-free survival
      (hazard ratio: 1.461; p = 0.001). Stratified analysis showed that their most
      significant interaction was in nonsmokers. No association was observed between
      SNPs and other clinical outcomes. CONCLUSION: The study showed evidences for
      RICTOR polymorphisms' role in platinum-based chemotherapy efficiency, which could
      provide new insight to lung cancer management.

PMID- 27676405
TI  - Update on emergency contraception.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Emergency contraception provides a critical and time-sensitive
      opportunity for women to prevent undesired pregnancy after intercourse. Both
      access and available options for emergency contraception have changed over the
      last several years. RECENT FINDINGS: Emergency contraceptive pills can be less
      effective in obese women. The maximum achieved serum concentration of
      levonorgestrel (LNG) is lower in obese women than women of normal BMI, and
      doubling the dose of LNG (3 mg) increases its concentration maximum,
      approximating the level in normal BMI women receiving one dose of LNG. Repeated
      use of both LNG and ulipristal acetate (UPA) is well tolerated. Hormonal
      contraception can be immediately started following LNG use, but should be delayed
      for 5 days after UPA use to avoid dampening the efficacy of UPA. The copper
      intrauterine device (IUD) is the only IUD approved for emergency contraception
      (and the most effective method of emergency contraception), but use of LNG IUD as
      emergency contraception is currently being investigated. Accurate knowledge about
      emergency contraception remains low both for patients and healthcare providers.
      SUMMARY: Emergency contraception is an important yet underutilized tool available
      to women to prevent pregnancy. Current options including copper IUD and emergency
      contraceptive pills are safe and well tolerated. Significant gaps in knowledge of
      emergency contraception on both the provider and user level exist, as do barriers
      to expedient access of emergency contraception.

PMID- 27676406
TI  - Investigating Neovascularization in Rat Decellularized Intestine: An In Vitro
      Platform for Studying Angiogenesis.
AB  - One of the main challenges currently faced by tissue engineers is the loss of
      tissues postimplantation due to delayed neovascularization. Several strategies
      are under investigation to create vascularized tissue, but none have yet overcome
      this problem. In this study, we produced a decellularized natural vascular
      scaffold from rat intestine to use as an in vitro platform for neovascularization
      studies for tissue-engineered constructs. Decellularization resulted in almost
      complete (97%) removal of nuclei and DNA, while collagen, glycosaminoglycan, and
      laminin content were preserved. Decellularization did, however, result in the
      loss of elastin and fibronectin. Some proangiogenic factors were retained, as
      fragments of decellularized intestine were able to stimulate angiogenesis in the
      chick chorioallantoic membrane assay. We demonstrated that decellularization left
      perfusable vascular channels intact, and these could be repopulated with human
      dermal microvascular endothelial cells. Optimization of reendothelialization of
      the vascular channels showed that this was improved by continuous perfusion of
      the vasculature and further improved by infusion of human dermal fibroblasts into
      the intestinal lumen, from where they invaded into the decellularized tissue.
      Finally we explored the ability of the perfused cells to form new vessels. In the
      absence of exogenous angiogenic stimuli, Dll4, a marker of endothelial capillary
      tip cell activation during sprouting angiogenesis, was absent, indicating that
      the reformed vasculature was largely quiescent. However, after addition of
      vascular endothelial growth factor A, Dll4-positive endothelial cells could be
      detected, demonstrating that this engineered vascular construct maintained its
      capacity for neovascularization. In summary, we have demonstrated how a natural
      xenobiotic vasculature can be used as an in vitro model platform to study
      neovascularization and provide information on factors that are critical for
      efficient reendothelialization of decellularized tissue.

PMID- 27676407
TI  - Percutaneous Transcatheter Interventions for Aortic Insufficiency in Continuous
      Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta
      Analysis.
AB  - De novo progressive aortic insufficiency (AI) is a side effect frequently related
      to prolonged support with continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (CF
      LVAD). Its progression can result in recurrent clinical heart failure symptoms
      and significantly increased mortality. Recently, percutaneous intervention
      methods, such as transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and percutaneous
      occluder devices, have emerged. However, given the very scarce global experience
      with these approaches, evidence in the literature is lacking. We sought to assess
      the outcomes of CF-LVAD patients who had undergone percutaneous intervention for
      AI. A systematic search of six databases from inception to April 2016 was
      performed by two independent reviewers. Eligible studies were those that included
      series or cases where patients had percutaneous transcatheter interventions for
      AI in CF-LVAD patients. Data were extracted and meta-analyzed from the identified
      studies. A total of 29 patients from 15 published studies and 3 unpublished
      records were included in the analysis. Mean patient age was 56.6 +/- 13.7 years,
      and 72.4% were male. The etiology of heart failure resulting in LVAD placement
      was ischemic cardiomyopathy in 17.2%. The two intervention groups were TAVR
      (27.6%) and occluder devices (72.4%). A transfemoral approach (69%), apical
      approach (10%), brachial approach (7%), subclavian approach (3%), and mini
      sternotomy (3%) were used. The preintervention AI grade was severe with a median
      grade of 4 (interquartile range, 4-4). Postoperatively, the AI grade improved
      significantly to a median grade of 0 (0-2). At long-term follow-up AI grade was
      still trivial with a median AI grade of 1 (0-1). Subgrouping the treatments into
      the occluder device and TAVR, it was found that both interventional techniques
      were similarly effective in reducing the AI grade from severe to trivial. In
      terms of complications, from the occluder group, two patients were complicated
      with device migration and another two with transient hemolysis. In the TAVR
      cohort, two patients experienced device migration and another had significant
      postimplant perivalvular leakage. Our results indicate that percutaneous
      interventions for AI in CF-LVAD patients with TAVR, and closure devices
      demonstrate similar efficacy in significantly reducing severe AI. Current results
      are encouraging, potentiating viability as a treatment option, particularly in
      nonsurgical candidates. Future research with larger patient cohorts and
      comparative controls is required to sufficiently evaluate the efficacy of this
      technique and promote its widespread acceptance as a mainstay treatment.

PMID- 27676409
TI  - Time in Therapeutic Range for Left Ventricular Assist Device Patients
      Anticoagulated With Warfarin: A Correlation to Clinical Outcomes.
AB  - Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) require anticoagulation therapy with
      vitamin K antagonists to reduce the risk of thrombotic events. The quality of
      anticoagulation may be assessed by the time in therapeutic range (TTR). We
      analyzed a retrospective cohort of LVAD patients at a single institution from
      January 2012 to September 2014. Primary outcomes included TTR during the study
      time period and TTR 30 days preceding a bleeding or thrombotic event. Fifty-one
      patients (mean age 57.0 +/- 14.6 years; 78% male) had an overall TTR of 52%.
      Median international normalized ratio (INR) preceding a bleeding and thrombotic
      event was 2.7 and 2.2, respectively (p = 0.049). In the 30 days before an event,
      patients with a bleeding event were more likely to be on low-dose aspirin (37%
      vs. 12%; p = 0.018) and spend a higher proportion of time above therapeutic range
      (41% vs. 17%; p = 0.007) compared with those with thrombotic events. The
      association between a greater percentage of time above therapeutic range in the
      30 days before a bleeding event demonstrates the importance of avoiding a
      supratherapeutic INR in the LVAD patient population and the usefulness of TTR as
      a measure of the overall quality of anticoagulation and monitoring in an LVAD
      cohort.

PMID- 27676410
TI  - Left Atrial Pressure Monitoring With an Implantable Wireless Pressure Sensor
      After Implantation of a Left Ventricular Assist Device.
AB  - After implantation of a continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD),
      left atrial pressure (LAP) monitoring allows for the precise management of
      intravascular volume, inotropic therapy, and pump speed. In this case series of 4
      LVAD recipients, we report the first clinical use of this wireless pressure
      sensor for the long-term monitoring of LAP during LVAD support. A wireless
      microelectromechanical system pressure sensor (Titan, ISS Inc., Ypsilanti, MI)
      was placed in the left atrium in four patients at the time of LVAD implantation.
      Titan sensor LAP was measured in all four patients on the intensive care unit and
      in three patients at home. Ramped speed tests were performed using LAP and
      echocardiography in three patients. The left ventricular end-diastolic diameter
      (cm), flow (L/min), power consumption (W), and blood pressure (mm Hg) were
      measured at each step. Measurements were performed over 36, 84, 137, and 180
      days, respectively. The three discharged patients had equipment at home and were
      able to perform daily recordings. There were significant correlations between
      sensor pressure and pump speed, LV and LA size and pulmonary capillary wedge
      pressure, respectively (r = 0.92-0.99, p < 0.05). There was no device failure,
      and there were no adverse consequences of its use.

PMID- 27676411
TI  - Short-Term Experience with Off-Pump Versus On-Pump Implantation of the HeartWare
      Left Ventricular Assist Device.
AB  - Implantation of left ventricular assist devices while avoiding cardiopulmonary
      bypass (CPB) may decrease bleeding and improve postoperative recovery. To
      understand the effectiveness of this approach, we reviewed the charts of 26
      patients who underwent HeartWare left ventricular assist device (HVAD)
      implantation without use of CPB (off-CPB group) and 22 patients who had HVAD
      implanted with CPB (CPB group) with an emphasis on the 30 day postoperative
      period. Preoperatively, both groups had similar demographic, functional, and
      hemodynamic characteristics. Off-CPB patients had significantly shorter surgery
      times than CPB patients, 188.5 (161.5-213.3) min versus 265.0 (247.5-299.5) min,
      respectively; p < 0.001. Blood transfusion requirements during surgery and within
      the postoperative 48 hour period were significantly lower in the off-CPB group
      than in the CPB group (odds ratio: 5.9; 95% confidence interval: 1.1-31.1, p =
      0.042). Compared with the CPB group, the off-CPB group patients had a shorter
      intubation time, 21 (17.4-48.5) hours versus 41 (20.6-258.4) hours; p = 0.042.
      Intensive care unit stay was 7.0 (4.75-13.5) days for off-CPB versus 10.0 (6.0
      19.0) days for CPB (p = 0.256). The off-CPB approach allows HVAD to be implanted
      quickly with significantly less perioperative bleeding and transfusion
      requirements and facilitates postoperative rehabilitation.

PMID- 27676412
TI  - Predictors of Mortality in Long-Term Follow-Up of Patients with Terminal
      Alcoholic Cirrhosis: Is It Time to Accept Remodeled Scores?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify the prognostic score that is the best predictor of outcome
      in patients hospitalized with decompensated liver cirrhosis. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: In this prospective study, 126 patients were enrolled and followed up
      for 29 months. For each patient, prognostic scores were calculated; these
      included the Child-Turcotte-Pugh score (CTP score), CTP creatinine-modified I
      score, CTP creatinine-modified II score, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD
      score), MELD model for end-stage liver disease sodium-modified score, Integrated
      MELD score, updated MELD score, United Kingdom MELD, and the MELD score remodeled
      by serum sodium index (MESO index). Cox regression analysis was used to assess
      the ability of each of the scores for predicting mortality in patients with
      alcoholic cirrhosis. Their discriminatory ability was evaluated using receiver
      operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. RESULTS: The updated MELD score
      had the highest predictive value (3.29) among the tested scores (95% CI: 2.26
      4.78). ROC curve analysis demonstrated that the MELD score of 22.50 (AUC = 0.914,
      95% CI: 0.849-0.978; p < 0.001) had the best discriminative ability for
      identifying patients with a high risk of mortality; the next best was the MESO
      index of 16.00 (AUC = 0.912, 95% CI: 0.847-0.978; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The
      risk of mortality was highest in patients with the highest updated MELD score,
      and those with MELD scores >22.50 and a MESO index >16.00.

PMID- 27676413
TI  - First Report of Sex Chromosomes in Achiridae (Teleostei: Pleuronectiformes) with
      Inferences About the Origin of the Multiple X1X1X2X2/X1X2Y System and Dispersal
      of Ribosomal Genes in Achirus achirus.
AB  - American soles (family Achiridae) have been characterized by remarkable
      chromosomal variation even though several species lack basic cytogenetic
      information. This trend indicates that chromosomal traits can be useful to
      taxonomy once the morphological identification of some taxa in this family (e.g.,
      Achirus species) is controversial. In this work, we expand the cytogenetic data
      in Achiridae by providing the first karyotypic analysis of Achirus achirus. An
      unusual multiple sex chromosome system (X1X1X2X2/X1X2Y) was detected, once males
      presented 2n = 33 with three unpaired chromosomes (X1X2Y) while females presented
      2n = 34 with two acrocentric pairs (X1X1 and X2X2) found in hemizygosis in males.
      The 18S rDNA clusters were observed interspersed with GC-rich sites in a single
      pair. However, the 5S rRNA genes were dispersed through the genome of A. achirus
      in a sex-specific manner (10 clusters in males and 12 in females), as a result of
      the presence of ribosomal cistrons in X1 and X2 chromosomes. This pattern allowed
      us to infer that Y chromosome has evolved by partial deletion followed by fusion
      of proto-X1 and proto-X2 homologous chromosomes. The high rate of genomic
      evolution in Achiridae could have favored their reproductive isolation and
      speciation even in sympatric conditions.

PMID- 27676414
TI  - LMA SupremeTM and Ambu(r) AuraGainTM in anesthetized adult patients: a
      prospective observational study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Second-generation laryngeal masks with gastric access are
      increasingly used in daily practice and expand the indications for laryngeal
      masks in the OR. Only limited data exist comparing different types of laryngeal
      masks. We investigated the second-generation laryngeal masks LMA SupremeTM and
      Ambu(r) AuraGainTM in a clinical setting. We hypothesized that the two devices
      would be comparable in terms of success rate and airway complications. METHODS:
      After approval from the local ethics committee, data were collected in a
      prospective trial. Endpoints were success rate, time to insertion and airway
      morbidity. Anesthesiologists used either the Supreme (Teleflex Medical GmbH) or
      Gain (Ambu GmbH) laryngeal mask. Patients <18 years and those with a possible
      risk of regurgitation were excluded. RESULTS: Data from 351 adult patients were
      documented (Supreme N.=177; Gain N.=174). Success rate for first attempt was 80%
      (Supreme) and 72% (Gain; P=0.08). Overall success rate was 89% and 92%,
      respectively (P=0.38). Providers with minimal experience were more successful at
      first attempt using Supreme (95%), compared to Gain (67%; P=0.01). The median
      insertion time was shorter in Supreme at 18 s [interquartile range (IQR), 14-25
      s] compared to 30 s for Gain [18-41s] (P<0.0001). A higher incidence of airway
      complications was observed after device removal for Gain (P=0.009). CONCLUSIONS:
      Supreme was superior to Gain in terms of insertion time and airway morbidity.
      Novices were more successful at first attempt using Supreme. These differences
      between supraglottic airway devices might be due to the different shapes and
      materials of the masks.

PMID- 27676415
TI  - Impact of the post-anesthetic care unit opening hours on fast-track success in
      cardiac surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fast-track (FT) treatment in cardiac anesthesia is a state-of-the-art
      technique. The aim of our study was to compare FT treatment in a post-anesthetic
      care unit (PACU) with limited opening hours with a PACU opened for unlimited
      hours. Primary endpoints were extubation time (ET), length of stay (LOS) in PACU
      and LOS in intermediate care unit (IMC). Secondary endpoints were FT
      success/failure, hospital LOS, re-intubation and in hospital mortality. METHODS:
      At our institution, FT is usually managed in a PACU with limited opening hours
      from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday to Friday (PACU12). Due to reconstruction work in
      2011, this PACU was open 24 hours a day, Monday to Saturday (PACU24). We
      retrospectively compared patients admitted to PACU24 during 2011 (January to
      December) and patients admitted to PACU12 during 2013 (January to December).
      RESULTS: A total of 2174 patients were primarily included in the study, 319 of
      them had to be excluded. Primary endpoints in PACU12 compared to PACU24 were
      significantly shorter: median ET (2.0 [95% confidence interval: 1.4-2.8] vs. 3.3
      [95% CI: 2.2-5.0] hours), median LOS in PACU (4.8 [95% CI: 4.0-5.9] vs. 21.2 [95%
      CI: 18.3-23.5] hours) and median LOS in IMC (24 [95% CI: 18-64] vs. 38 [95% CI:
      22-77] hours). FT success was significantly higher in PACU12 compared to PACU24
      (75.3% vs. 39.6%). The in-hospital mortality and re-intubation rate were not
      significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: FT treatment in a PACU with limited opening
      hours leads to more effective treatment for patients regarding extubation time
      and LOS in IMC than in a PACU with limited opening hours, without compromising
      safety.

PMID- 27676416
TI  - The use of ultrasound guidance in intrathecal pump refill.

PMID- 27676417
TI  - Sugammadex dosing based on ideal or actual body weight: an open dilemma.

PMID- 27676418
TI  - Lack of matrix metalloproteinase 3 in mouse models of lung injury ameliorates the
      pulmonary inflammatory response in female but not in male mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a complex pulmonary
      disorder in which the local release of cytokines and chemokines appears central
      to the pathophysiology. OBJECTIVE: Based on the known role of matrix
      metalloproteinase-3 (MMP3) in inflammatory processes, the objective was to
      examine the role of MMP3 in the pathogenesis of ARDS through the modulation of
      pulmonary inflammation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Female and male, wild type
      (MMP3+/+) and knock out (MMP3-/-) mice were exposed to two, clinically relevant
      models of ARDS including (i) lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lung injury, and
      (ii) hydrochloric acid-induced lung injury. Parameters of lung injury and
      inflammation were assessed through measurements in lung lavage including total
      protein content, inflammatory cell influx, and concentrations of mediators such
      as TNF-alpha, IL-6, G-CSF, CXCL1, CXCL2, and CCL2. Lung histology and compliance
      were also evaluated in the LPS model of injury. RESULTS: Following intra-tracheal
      LPS instillation, all mice developed lung injury, as measured by an increase in
      lavage neutrophils, and decrease in lung compliance, with no overall effect of
      genotype observed. Increased concentrations of lavage inflammatory cytokines and
      chemokines were also observed following LPS injury, however, LPS-instilled female
      MMP3-/- mice had lower levels of inflammatory mediators compared to LPS-instilled
      female MMP3+/+ mice. This effect of the genotype was not observed in male mice.
      Similar findings, including the MMP3-related sex differences, were also observed
      after acid-induced lung injury. CONCLUSION: MMP3 contributes to the pathogenesis
      of ARDS, by affecting the pulmonary inflammatory response in female mice in
      relevant models of lung injury.

PMID- 27676419
TI  - Simultaneous determination of mycophenolate and its metabolite mycophenolate-7-o
      glucuronide with an isocratic HPLC-UV-based method in human plasma and stability
      evaluation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Mycophenolic acid (MPA) is an immunosuppressive agent which is
      commonly used in a fixed dose regime in solid organ transplantation. For clinical
      trials and therapeutic drug monitoring measuring plasma concentrations is
      necessary. Also, stability issues have to be addressed. METHODS: We describe an
      isocratic, RP-based HPLC-UV method for simultaneous determination of MPA and its
      major metabolite Mycophenolic acid 7-o Glucuronide (MPAG) in human plasma. Pre
      analytics included protein precipitation with acetonitrile. The method was
      validated according to EMA/FDA guidelines. Patient lithium-heparin plasma and
      blood was used for evaluation of short-term (72 hours at room temperature = RT)
      and long-term stability (2 years at -80  degrees C) without acidification.
      RESULTS: Linearity was assessed in the concentration range of 0.5-40.0 MUg/mL for
      MPA and 5.0-350.0 MUg/mL for MPAG, respectively. For MPA coefficient of variation
      was <7.0% (lower limit of quantification = LLOQ: 10.8%), for MPAG <9.6% (LLOQ:
      10.6%). Bias ranged between -1.9 and +1.5% for MPA and for MPAG between -4.3 and 
      0.3%. The method showed agreement with a reference method for both analytes. MPA
      remained stable for 7 h (-1.6 to +8.4% change to the initial concentration) and
      MPAG for 24 h (-1.8 to -11.5% change) at RT in lithium heparin blood. After 2
      years of storage at -80  degrees C MPA, MPAG concentrations and 95% CIs remained
      within +/-15% of the initial value. CONCLUSION: The presented assay is applicable
      for clinical studies. Blood samples were stable for 7 hours at RT and plasma for
      2 years stored at -80  degrees C.

PMID- 27676420
TI  - A 52-Week Study of Olanzapine with a Randomized Behavioral Weight Counseling
      Intervention in Adolescents with Schizophrenia or Bipolar I Disorder.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the 52-week safety/tolerability of oral olanzapine for
      adolescents with schizophrenia or bipolar mania and compare effectiveness of a
      standard versus intense behavioral weight intervention in mitigating risk of
      weight gain. METHODS: Patients 13-17 years old with schizophrenia (Brief
      Psychiatric Rating Scale for Children [BPRS-C] total score >30; item score >=3
      for hallucinations, delusions, or peculiar fantasies) or bipolar I disorder
      (manic or mixed episode; Young Mania Rating Scale [YMRS] total score >=15)
      received open-label olanzapine (2.5-20 mg/day) and were randomized to standard (n
      = 102; a single weight counseling session) or intense (n = 101; weight counseling
      at each study visit) weight intervention. The primary outcome measure was mean
      change in body mass index (BMI) from baseline to 52 weeks using mixed-model
      repeated measures. Symptomatology was also assessed. RESULTS: No statistically
      significant differences between groups were observed in mean baseline-to-52-week
      change in BMI (standard: +3.6 kg/m2; intense: +2.8 kg/m2; p = 0.150) or weight
      (standard: +12.1 kg; intense: +9.6 kg; p = 0.148). Percentage of patients at
      endpoint who had gained >=15% of their baseline weight was 40% for the standard
      group and 31% for the intense group (p = 0.187). Safety/tolerability results were
      generally consistent with those of previous olanzapine studies in adolescents,
      with the most notable exception being the finding of a mean decrease in
      prolactin. On symptomatology measures, patients with schizophrenia had a mean
      baseline-to-52-week change in BPRS-C of -32.5 (standard deviation [SD] = 10.8),
      and patients with bipolar disorder had a mean change in YMRS of -16.7 (SD = 8.9),
      with clinically and statistically significant improvement starting at 3-4 days
      for each. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term weight gain was high in both groups, with no
      statistically significant differences between the standard or intense behavioral
      weight interventions in BMI or weight. Safety, tolerability, and effectiveness
      findings were generally consistent with the known profile of olanzapine in
      adolescents.

PMID- 27676421
TI  - Myc is also the bad guy in myeloma.

PMID- 27676422
TI  - Optimizing treatment for nasal NK T-cell lymphoma.

PMID- 27676423
TI  - Circulating 3-T1AM and 3,5-T2 in Critically Ill Patients: A Cross-Sectional
      Observational Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Critical illness is hallmarked by low circulating thyroxine (T4) and
      triiodothyronine (T3) concentrations, in the presence of elevated reverse T3
      (rT3) and low-normal thyrotropin (TSH), referred to as nonthyroidal illness
      (NTI). Thyroid hormone (TH) metabolism is substantially increased during NTI, in
      part explained by enhanced deiodinase 3 (D3) activity. T4- and T3-sulfate
      concentrations are elevated, due to suppressed D1 activity in the presence of
      unaltered sulfotransferase activity, and 3,3'-diiodothyronine (3,3'-T2)
      concentrations are normal. To elucidate further the driving forces behind
      increased TH metabolism during NTI, two other potential T4 metabolites-3,5
      diiodothyronine (3,5-T2) and 3-iodothyronamine (3-T1AM)-were measured and related
      to their potential TH precursors. METHODS: Morning blood samples were collected
      cross-sectionally from 83 critically ill patients on a University Hospital
      intensive care unit and from 38 demographically matched healthy volunteers. Serum
      TH and binding proteins were quantified with commercial assays, and 3,5-T2 and 3
      T1AM with in-house developed immunoassays. RESULTS: Critically ill patients
      revealed, besides the NTI, a median 44% lower serum 3-T1AM concentration (p <
      0.0001) and a 30% higher serum 3,5-T2 concentration (p = 0.01) than healthy
      volunteers did. Non-survivors and patients diagnosed with sepsis upon admission
      to the intensive-care unit had significantly higher 3,5-T2 (p <= 0.01) but
      comparable 3-T1AM (p > 0.2) concentrations than other patients did. Multivariable
      linear regression analysis adjusted for potential precursors revealed that the
      reduced serum 3-T1AM was positively correlated with the low serum T3 (p < 0.001)
      but unrelated to serum T4 or rT3. The elevated 3,5-T2 concentration did not
      independently correlate with TH. CONCLUSIONS: Increased TH metabolism during NTI
      could not be explained by increased conversion to 3-T1AM, as circulating 3-T1AM
      was suppressed in proportion to the concomitantly low T3 concentrations.
      Increased conversion of T4 and/or T3 to 3,5-T2 could be possible, as serum 3,5-T2
      concentrations were elevated. Whether 3-T1AM or 3,5-T2 plays a functional role
      during critical illness needs further investigation.

PMID- 27676425
TI  - New Perspectives, 15 Years On.

PMID- 27676424
TI  - Diverse profiles of N-acyl-homoserine lactones in biofilm forming isolates of
      Cronobacter sakazakii.

PMID- 27676426
TI  - The Maturation of Development.
AB  - An updated, broader definition of developmental biology is needed to capture the
      full range of exciting research directions of the field, as current studies of
      adult homeostasis and physiology are extending developmental biology's "Golden
      Age."

PMID- 27676427
TI  - The Actin Cortex: A Bridge between Cell Shape and Function.
AB  - The cortical actin network controls many animal cell shape changes by locally
      modulating cortical tension. Recent work has provided insight into cortex
      components and regulators. However, how the network is reorganized in response to
      cellular signaling, and the role reorganization may play during cell state
      changes, remain to be determined.

PMID- 27676428
TI  - Single-Cell Approaches: Pandora's Box of Developmental Mechanisms.
AB  - Single-cell approaches are providing a new lexicon of developmental cell biology
      by revealing heterogeneities in seemingly uniform cellular populations. By
      bridging scales, single-cell approaches should, in principle, galvanize our
      understanding of how individual cells adopt distinct fates as they build complex
      tissues.

PMID- 27676429
TI  - Resolving Conflicts: Modeling Genetic Control of Plant Morphogenesis.
AB  - Computational modeling of tissue morphogenesis reveals how spatiotemporal
      patterns of gene activity control tissue shape by introducing several types of
      tissue conflict. These conflicts reflect genetic modulation of processes that
      influence the cellular mechanical properties and may underlie the enormous
      diversity of forms that have evolved in plants and animals.

PMID- 27676430
TI  - Cell Division in the Light of Modeling.
AB  - Theoretical modeling is central to elucidating underlying principles of emergent
      properties of complex systems. In cell and developmental biology, the last 15
      years have witnessed a convergence of empirical and modeling approaches for fresh
      perspectives. The role of cell division in coordinating size, shape, and fate in
      particular illustrates the ever-growing impact of modeling.

PMID- 27676431
TI  - Bottom-Up Biology: Harnessing Engineering to Understand Nature.
AB  - Engineering as a field has fundamentally different goals than biology, but the
      perspective that engineers take-that systems can be designed and built-is helping
      to advance biological sciences by motivating and equipping efforts to construct
      biological systems from the bottom up.

PMID- 27676432
TI  - Organoids: Modeling Development and the Stem Cell Niche in a Dish.
AB  - Organoids are three-dimensional in-vitro-grown cell clusters with near-native
      microanatomy that arise from self-organizing mammalian pluripotent or adult stem
      cells. Although monolayer stem cell cultures were established more than 40 years
      ago, organoid technology has recently emerged as an essential tool for both
      fundamental and biomedical research. For developmental biologists, organoids
      provide powerful means for ex vivo modeling of tissue morphogenesis and
      organogenesis. Here we discuss how organoid cultures of the intestine and other
      tissues have been established and how they are utilized as an in vitro model
      system for stem cell research and developmental biology.

PMID- 27676433
TI  - Engineered Microenvironments to Direct Epidermal Stem Cell Behavior at Single
      Cell Resolution.
AB  - Mammalian epidermis is maintained through proliferation of stem cells and
      differentiation of their progeny. The balance between self-renewal and
      differentiation is controlled by a variety of interacting intrinsic and extrinsic
      factors. Although the nature of these interactions is complex, they can be
      modeled in a reductionist fashion by capturing single epidermal stem cells on
      micropatterned substrates and exposing them to individual stimuli, alone or in
      combination, over defined time points. These studies have shown that different
      extrinsic stimuli trigger a common outcome-initiation of terminal differentiation
      by activating different signaling pathways and eliciting different
      transcriptional responses.

PMID- 27676434
TI  - Chromatin Control of Developmental Dynamics and Plasticity.
AB  - Chromatin structure is intimately connected with gene expression and cell
      identity. Here we review recent advances in the field and discuss how
      establishment of cell identity during development is accompanied by large-scale
      remodeling of the epigenetic landscape and how this remodeling drives and
      supports lineage specification and maintenance. We discuss maternal control of
      the early embryonic epigenetic landscape, selective usage of enhancer clusters
      via 3D chromatin contacts leading to activation of transcription factor networks,
      and conserved regulation of developmental pathways by specific DNA demethylation
      of key regulatory regions. Together, these processes establish an epigenetic
      framework regulating different phases of embryonic development.

PMID- 27676435
TI  - Cell Competition and Its Role in the Regulation of Cell Fitness from Development
      to Cancer.
AB  - Cell competition is a cell fitness-sensing mechanism conserved from insects to
      mammals that eliminates those cells that, although viable, are less fit than
      their neighbors. An important implication of cell competition is that cellular
      fitness is not only a cell-intrinsic property but is also determined relative to
      the fitness of neighboring cells: a cell that is of suboptimal fitness in one
      context may be "super-fit" in the context of a different cell population. Here we
      discuss the mechanisms by which cell competition measures and communicates cell
      fitness levels and the implications of this mechanism for development,
      regeneration, and tumor progression.

PMID- 27676437
TI  - Generating Cellular Diversity and Spatial Form: Wnt Signaling and the Evolution
      of Multicellular Animals.
AB  - There were multiple prerequisites to the evolution of multicellular animal life,
      including the generation of multiple cell fates ("cellular diversity") and their
      patterned spatial arrangement ("spatial form"). Wnt proteins operate as
      primordial symmetry-breaking signals. By virtue of their short-range nature and
      their capacity to activate both lineage-specifying and cell-polarizing
      intracellular signaling cascades, Wnts can polarize cells at their site of
      contact, orienting the axis of cell division while simultaneously programming
      daughter cells to adopt diverging fates in a spatially stereotyped way. By
      coupling cell fate to position, symmetry-breaking Wnt signals were pivotal in
      constructing the metazoan body by generating cellular diversity and spatial form.

PMID- 27676436
TI  - A Case for Distributed Control of Local Stem Cell Behavior in Plants.
AB  - The root meristem has a centrally located group of mitotically quiescent cells,
      to which current models assign a stem cell organizer function. However, evidence
      is emerging for decentralized control of stem cell activity, whereby self
      renewing behavior emerges from the lack of cell displacement at the border of
      opposing differentiation gradients. We term this a "stagnation" model due to its
      reliance on passive mechanics. The position of stem cells is established by two
      opposing axes that reciprocally control each other's differentiation. Such broad
      tissue organization programs would allow plants, like some animal systems, to
      rapidly reconstitute stem cells from non-stem-cell tissues.

PMID- 27676438
TI  - Tissue engineering of acellular vascular grafts capable of somatic growth in
      young lambs.
AB  - Treatment of congenital heart defects in children requiring right ventricular
      outflow tract reconstruction typically involves multiple open-heart surgeries
      because all existing graft materials have no growth potential. Here we present an
      'off-the-shelf' vascular graft grown from donor fibroblasts in a fibrin gel to
      address this critical unmet need. In a proof-of-concept study, the decellularized
      grafts are implanted as a pulmonary artery replacement in three young lambs and
      evaluated to adulthood. Longitudinal ultrasounds document dimensional growth of
      the grafts. The lambs show normal growth, increasing body weight by 366% and
      graft diameter and volume by 56% and 216%, respectively. Explanted grafts display
      physiological strength and stiffness, complete lumen endothelialization and
      extensive population by mature smooth muscle cells. The grafts also show
      substantial elastin deposition and a 465% increase in collagen content, without
      signs of calcification, aneurysm or stenosis. Collectively, our data support
      somatic growth of this completely biological graft.

PMID- 27676439
TI  - IL-22 binding protein regulates murine skin inflammation.

PMID- 27676440
TI  - Assessment of increased sampling pump flow rates in a disposable, inhalable
      aerosol sampler.
AB  - A newly designed, low-cost, disposable inhalable aerosol sampler was developed to
      assess workers personal exposure to inhalable particles. This sampler was
      originally designed to operate at 10 L/min to increase sample mass and,
      therefore, improve analytical detection limits for filter-based methods.
      Computational fluid dynamics modeling revealed that sampler performance (relative
      to aerosol inhalability criteria) would not differ substantially at sampler flows
      of 2 and 10 L/min. With this in mind, the newly designed inhalable aerosol
      sampler was tested in a wind tunnel, simultaneously, at flows of 2 and 10 L/min
      flow. A mannequin was equipped with 6 sampler/pump assemblies (three pumps
      operated at 2 L/min and three pumps at 10 L/min) inside a wind tunnel, operated
      at 0.2 m/s, which has been shown to be a typical indoor workplace wind speed. In
      separate tests, four different particle sizes were injected to determine if the
      sampler's performance with the new 10 L/min flow rate significantly differed to
      that at 2 L/min. A comparison between inhalable mass concentrations using a
      Wilcoxon signed rank test found no significant difference in the concentration of
      particles sampled at 10 and 2 L/min for all particle sizes tested. Our results
      suggest that this new aerosol sampler is a versatile tool that can improve
      exposure assessment capabilities for the practicing industrial hygienist by
      improving the limit of detection and allowing for shorting sampling times.

PMID- 27676441
TI  - Cerebral [18 F]T807/AV1451 retention pattern in clinically probable CTE resembles
      pathognomonic distribution of CTE tauopathy.
AB  - Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a neurodegenerative disorder most
      commonly associated with repetitive traumatic brain injury (TBI) and
      characterized by the presence of neurofibrillary tangles of tau protein, known as
      a tauopathy. Currently, the diagnosis of CTE can only be definitively established
      postmortem. However, a new positron emission tomography (PET) ligand,
      [18F]T807/AV1451, may provide the antemortem detection of tau aggregates, and
      thus various tauopathies, including CTE. Our goal was to examine [18F]T807/AV1451
      retention in athletes with neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with a history of
      multiple concussions. Here we report a 39-year-old retired National Football
      League player who suffered 22 concussions and manifested progressive
      neuropsychiatric symptoms. Emotional lability and irritability were the chief
      complaints. Serial neuropsychological exams revealed a decline in executive
      functioning, processing speed and fine motor skills. Naming was below average but
      other cognitive functions were preserved. Structural analysis of longitudinally
      acquired magenetic resonance imaging scans revealed cortical thinning in the left
      frontal and lateral temporal areas, as well as volume loss in the basal ganglia.
      PET with [18F]florbetapir was negative for amyloidosis. The [18F]T807/AV1451 PET
      showed multifocal areas of retention at the cortical gray matter-white matter
      junction, a distribution considered pathognomonic for CTE. [18F]T807/AV1451
      standard uptake value (SUV) analysis showed increased uptake (SUVr?1.1) in
      bilateral cingulate, occipital, and orbitofrontal cortices, and several temporal
      areas. Although definitive identification of the neuropathological underpinnings
      basis for [18F]T807/AV1451 retention requires postmortem correlation, our data
      suggest that [18F]T807/AV1451 tauopathy imaging may be a promising tool to detect
      and diagnose CTE-related tauopathy in living subjects.

PMID- 27676442
TI  - Reversal of neurobehavioral social deficits in dystrophic mice using inhibitors
      of phosphodiesterases PDE5A and PDE9A.
AB  - Duchenne muscular dystrophy is caused by mutations in the DYSTROPHIN gene.
      Although primarily associated with muscle wasting, a significant portion of
      patients (approximately 25%) are also diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. We
      describe social behavioral deficits in dystrophin-deficient mice and present
      evidence of cerebellar deficits in cGMP production. We demonstrate therapeutic
      potential for selective inhibitors of the cGMP-specific PDE5A and PDE9A enzymes
      to restore social behaviors in dystrophin-deficient mice.

PMID- 27676444
TI  - No effect of glucose administration in a novel contextual fear generalization
      protocol in rats.
AB  - The excessive transfer of fear acquired for one particular context to similar
      situations has been implicated in the development and maintenance of anxiety
      disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder. Recent evidence suggests that
      glucose ingestion improves the retention of context conditioning. It has been
      speculated that glucose might exert that effect by ameliorating hippocampal
      functioning, and may hold promise as a therapeutic add-on in traumatized patients
      because improved retention of contextual fear could help to restrict its
      generalization. However, direct data regarding the effect of glucose on
      contextual generalization are lacking. Here, we introduce a new behavioral
      protocol to study such contextual fear generalization in rats. In adult Wistar
      rats, our procedure yields a gradient of generalization, with progressively less
      freezing when going from the original training context, over a perceptually
      similar generalization context, to a markedly dissimilar context. Moreover, we
      find a flattening of the gradient when the training-test interval is prolonged
      with 1 week. We next examine the effect of systemic glucose administration on
      contextual generalization with this novel procedure. Our data do not sustain
      generalization-reducing effects of glucose and question its applicability in
      traumatic situations. In summary, we have developed a replicable contextual
      generalization procedure for rats and demonstrate how it is a valuable tool to
      examine the neurobiological correlates and test pharmacological interventions
      pertaining to an important mechanism in the etiology of pathological anxiety.

PMID- 27676443
TI  - Targeting anandamide metabolism rescues core and associated autistic-like
      symptoms in rats prenatally exposed to valproic acid.
AB  - Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterized by altered sociability,
      compromised communication and stereotyped/repetitive behaviors, for which no
      specific treatments are currently available. Prenatal exposure to valproic acid
      (VPA) is a known, although still underestimated, environmental risk factor for
      ASD. Altered endocannabinoid activity has been observed in autistic patients, and
      endocannabinoids are known to modulate behavioral traits that are typically
      affected in ASD. On this basis, we tested the hypothesis that changes in the
      endocannabinoid tone contribute to the altered phenotype induced by prenatal VPA
      exposure in rats, with focus on behavioral features that resemble the core and
      associated symptoms of ASD. In the course of development, VPA-exposed rats showed
      early deficits in social communication and discrimination, compromised
      sociability and social play behavior, stereotypies and increased anxiety, thus
      providing preclinical proof of the long-lasting deleterious effects induced by
      prenatal VPA exposure. At the neurochemical level, VPA-exposed rats displayed
      altered phosphorylation of CB1 cannabinoid receptors in different brain areas,
      associated with changes in anandamide metabolism from infancy to adulthood.
      Interestingly, enhancing anandamide signaling through inhibition of its
      degradation rescued the behavioral deficits displayed by VPA-exposed rats at
      infancy, adolescence and adulthood. This study therefore shows that abnormalities
      in anandamide activity may underlie the deleterious impact of environmental risk
      factors on ASD-relevant behaviors and that the endocannabinoid system may
      represent a therapeutic target for the core and associated symptoms displayed by
      autistic patients.

PMID- 27676445
TI  - Bottom-up proteomics suggests an association between differential expression of
      mitochondrial proteins and chronic fatigue syndrome.
AB  - Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a debilitating and complex disorder
      characterized by unexplained fatigue not improved by rest. An area of
      investigation is the likely connection of CFS with defective mitochondrial
      function. In a previous work, we investigated the proteomic salivary profile in a
      couple of monozygotic twins discordant for CFS. Following this work, we analyzed
      mitochondrial proteins in the same couple of twins. Nano-liquid chromatography
      electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (nano-LC-MS) was used to study the
      mitochondria extracted from platelets of the twins. Subsequently, we selected
      three proteins that were validated using western blot analysis in a big cohort of
      subjects (n=45 CFS; n=45 healthy), using whole saliva (WS). The selected proteins
      were as follows: aconitate hydratase (ACON), ATP synthase subunit beta (ATPB) and
      malate dehydrogenase (MDHM). Results for ATPB and ACON confirmed their
      upregulation in CFS. However, the MDHM alteration was not confirmed. Thereafter,
      seeing the great variability of clinical features of CFS patients, we decided to
      analyze the expression of our proteins after splitting patients according to
      clinical parameters. For each marker, the values were actually higher in the
      group of patients who had clinical features similar to the ill twin. In
      conclusion, these results suggest that our potential markers could be one of the
      criteria to be taken into account for helping in diagnosis. Furthermore, the
      identification of biomarkers present in particular subgroups of CFS patients may
      help in shedding light upon the complex entity of CFS. Moreover, it could help in
      developing tailored treatments.

PMID- 27676446
TI  - Endocannabinoid signaling in social functioning: an RDoC perspective.
AB  - Core deficits in social functioning are associated with various neuropsychiatric
      and neurodevelopmental disorders, yet biomarker identification and the
      development of effective pharmacological interventions has been limited. Recent
      data suggest the intriguing possibility that endogenous cannabinoids, a class of
      lipid neuromodulators generally implicated in the regulation of neurotransmitter
      release, may contribute to species-typical social functioning. Systematic study
      of the endogenous cannabinoid signaling could, therefore, yield novel approaches
      to understand the neurobiological underpinnings of atypical social functioning.
      This article provides a critical review of the major components of the endogenous
      cannabinoid system (for example, primary receptors and effectors-Delta9
      tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol, anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol) and the
      contributions of cannabinoid signaling to social functioning. Data are evaluated
      in the context of Research Domain Criteria constructs (for example, anxiety,
      chronic stress, reward learning, motivation, declarative and working memory,
      affiliation and attachment, and social communication) to enable interrogation of
      endogenous cannabinoid signaling in social functioning across diagnostic
      categories. The empirical evidence reviewed strongly supports the role for
      dysregulated cannabinoid signaling in the pathophysiology of social functioning
      deficits observed in brain disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder,
      schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder and
      bipolar disorder. Moreover, these findings indicate that the endogenous
      cannabinoid system holds exceptional promise as a biological marker of, and
      potential treatment target for, neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders
      characterized by impairments in social functioning.

PMID- 27676448
TI  - Introduction of the 2016 ASP Eminent Parasitologist Recipient.

PMID- 27676447
TI  - Supertetrahedral Networks and Lithium-Ion Mobility in Li2 SiP2 and LiSi2 P3.
AB  - The new phosphidosilicates Li2 SiP2 and LiSi2 P3 were synthesized by heating the
      elements at 1123 K and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Li2
      SiP2 (I41 /acd, Z=32, a=12.111(1) A, c=18.658(2) A) contains two interpenetrating
      diamond-like tetrahedral networks consisting of corner-sharing T2 supertetrahedra
      [(SiP4/2 )4 ]. Sphalerite-like interpenetrating networks of uniquely bridged T4
      and T5 supertetrahedra make up the complex structure of LiSi2 P3 (I41 /a, Z=100,
      a=18.4757(3) A, c=35.0982(6) A). The lithium ions are located in the open spaces
      between the supertetrahedra and coordinated by four to six phosphorus atoms.
      Temperature-dependent 7 Li solid-state MAS NMR spectroscopic data indicate high
      mobility of the Li+ ions with low activation energies of 0.10 eV in Li2 SiP2 and
      0.07 eV in LiSi2 P3 .

PMID- 27676449
TI  - Iron-Catalyzed, Fluoroamide-Directed C-H Fluorination.
AB  - This communication describes a mild, amide-directed fluorination of benzylic,
      allylic, and unactivated C-H bonds mediated by iron. Upon exposure to a catalytic
      amount of iron(II) triflate (Fe(OTf)2), N-fluoro-2-methylbenzamides undergo
      chemoselective fluorine transfer to provide the corresponding fluorides in high
      yield. The reaction demonstrates broad substrate scope and functional group
      tolerance without the use of any noble metal additives. Mechanistic and
      computational experiments suggest that the reaction proceeds through short-lived
      radical intermediates with F-transfer mediated directly by iron.

PMID- 27676450
TI  - Relief of Xylose Binding to Cellobiose Phosphorylase by a Single Distal Mutation.
AB  - Cellobiose phosphorylase (CBP) cleaves cellobiose-abundant in plant biomass-to
      glucose and glucose 1-phosphate. However, the pentose sugar xylose, also abundant
      in plant biomass, acts as a mixed-inhibitor and a substrate for the reverse
      reaction, limiting the industrial potential of CBP. Preventing xylose, which
      lacks only a single hydroxymethyl group relative to glucose, from binding to the
      CBP active site poses a spatial challenge for protein engineering, since simple
      steric occlusion cannot be used to block xylose binding without also preventing
      glucose binding. Using CRISPR-based chromosomal library selection, we identified
      a distal mutation in CBP, Y47H, responsible for improved cellobiose consumption
      in the presence of xylose. In silico analysis suggests this mutation may alter
      the conformation of the cellobiose phosphorylase dimer complex to reduce xylose
      binding to the active site. These results may aid in engineering carbohydrate
      phosphorylases for improved specificity in biofuel production, and also in the
      production of industrially important oligosaccharides.

PMID- 27676451
TI  - Poly(monothiocarbonate)s from the Alternating and Regioselective Copolymerization
      of Carbonyl Sulfide with Epoxides.
AB  - Carbonyl sulfide (COS) is an air pollutant that causes acid rain, ozonosphere
      damage, and carbon dioxide (CO2) generation. It is a heterocumulene and
      structural analogue of CO2. Relevant to organic synthesis, it is a source of C?O
      or C?S groups and thus an ideal one-carbon (C1) building block for synthesizing
      sulfur-containing polymers through the similar route of CO2 copolymerization. In
      contrast, traditional synthesis of sulfur-containing polymers often involves the
      condensation of thiols with phosgene and ring-opening polymerization of cyclic
      thiocarbonates that are generally derived from thiols and phosgene; thus,
      COS/epoxide copolymerization is a "greener" route to supplement or supplant
      current processes for the production of sulfur-containing polymers. This Accounts
      highlights our efforts on the discovery of the selective formation of
      poly(monothiocarbonate)s from COS with epoxides via heterogeneous zinc-cobalt
      double metal cyanide complex (Zn-Co(III) DMCC) and homogeneous (salen)CrX
      complexes. The catalytic activity and selectivity of Zn-Co(III) DMCC for
      COS/epoxide copolymerization are similar to those for CO2/epoxide
      copolymerization. (salen)CrX complexes accompanied by onium salts exhibited high
      activity and selectivity for COS/epoxide copolymerization under mild conditions,
      affording copolymers with >99% monothiocarbonate units and high tail-to-head
      content up to 99%. By way of contrast, these catalysts often show moderate or low
      activity for CO2/epoxide copolymerization. Of note, a specialty of COS/epoxide
      copolymerization is the occurrence of an oxygen-sulfur exchange reaction (O/S
      ER), which may produce carbonate and dithiocarbonate units. O/S ER, which are
      induced by the metal-OH bond regenerated by chain transfer reactions, can be
      kinetically inhibited by changing the reaction conditions. We provide a thorough
      mechanistic understanding of the electronic/steric effect of the catalysts on the
      regioselectivity of COS copolymerization. The regioselectivity of the
      copolymerization originates from the solely nucleophilic attack of the sulfur
      anion to methylene of the epoxide, and thus, the chiral configuration of the
      monosubstituted epoxides is retained. COS-based copolymers are highly transparent
      sulfur-containing polymers with excellent optical properties, such as high
      refractive index and Abbe number. Thanks to their good solubility and many
      available epoxides, COS/epoxide copolymers can potentially be a new applicable
      optical material. Very recently, crystalline COS-based polymers with or without
      chiral carbons have been synthesized, which may further expand the scope of
      application of these new materials.

PMID- 27676453
TI  - Big, Deep, and Smart Data in Scanning Probe Microscopy.
AB  - Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) techniques have opened the door to nanoscience
      and nanotechnology by enabling imaging and manipulation of the structure and
      functionality of matter at nanometer and atomic scales. Here, we analyze the
      scientific discovery process in SPM by following the information flow from the
      tip-surface junction, to knowledge adoption by the wider scientific community. We
      further discuss the challenges and opportunities offered by merging SPM with
      advanced data mining, visual analytics, and knowledge discovery technologies.

PMID- 27676452
TI  - Molecular modeling and redesign of alginate lyase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa for
      accelerating CRPA biofilm degradation.
AB  - Administration of an efficient alginate lyase (AlgL) or AlgL mutant may be a
      promising therapeutic strategy for treatment of cystic fibrosis patients with
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections. Nevertheless, the catalytic activity of wild
      type AlgL is not sufficiently high. It is highly desired to design and discover
      an AlgL mutant with significantly improved catalytic efficiency against alginate
      substrates. For the purpose of identifying an AlgL mutant with significantly
      improved catalytic activity, in this study, we first constructed and validated a
      structural model of AlgL interacting with substrate, providing a better
      understanding of the interactions between AlgL and its substrate. Based on the
      modeling insights, further enzyme redesign and experimental testing led to
      discovery of AlgL mutants, including the K197D/K321A mutant, with significantly
      improved catalytic activities against alginate and acetylated alginate in
      ciprofloxacin-resistant P. aeruginosa (CRPA) biofilms. Further anti-biofilm
      activity assays have confirmed that the K197D/K321A mutant with
      piperacillin/tazobactam is indeed effective in degrading the CRPA biofilms. Co
      administration of the potent mutant AlgL and an antibiotic (such as a nebulizer)
      could be effective for therapeutic treatment of CRPA-infected patients with
      cystic fibrosis. Proteins 2016; 84:1875-1887. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27676454
TI  - Challenging diagnostic issues in adenomatous polyps with epithelial misplacement
      in bowel cancer screening: 5 years' experience of the Bowel Cancer Screening
      Programme Expert Board.
AB  - The diagnostic difficulties of differentiating epithelial misplacement from
      invasive cancer in colorectal adenomatous polyps have been recognised for many
      years. Nevertheless, the introduction of population screening in the UK has
      resulted in extraordinary diagnostic problems. Larger sigmoid colonic adenomatous
      polyps, which are those most likely to show epithelial misplacement, are
      specifically selected into such screening programmes, because these polyps are
      likely to bleed and screening is based on the detection of occult blood. The
      diagnostic challenges associated with this particular phenomenon have
      necessitated the institution of an 'Expert Board': this is a review of the first
      five years of its practice, during which time 256 polyps from 249 patients have
      been assessed. Indeed, the Expert Board contains three pathologists, because
      those pathologists do not necessarily agree, and a consensus diagnosis is
      required to drive appropriate patient management. However, this study has shown
      substantial levels of agreement between the three Expert Board pathologists,
      whereby the ultimate diagnosis has been changed, from that of the original
      referral diagnosis, by the Expert Board for half of all the polyps, in the
      substantial majority from malignant to benign. In 3% of polyp cases, the Expert
      Board consensus has been the dual diagnosis of both epithelial misplacement and
      adenocarcinoma, further illustrating the diagnostic difficulties. The Expert
      Board of the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme in the UK represents a unique and
      successful development in response to an extraordinary diagnostic conundrum
      created by the particular characteristics of bowel cancer screening.

PMID- 27676457
TI  - Incorrect Spelling of Author Name in the Article by Brown et al (Arthritis Care
      Res [Hoboken] August, 2016).

PMID- 27676458
TI  - Translation and Validation of the Thai Version of a Modified Brief Pain
      Inventory: A Concise Instrument for Pain Assessment in Postoperative Cardiac
      Surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute pain after cardiac surgery can be assessed using validated
      instruments such as the modified interference subscale of the Brief Pain
      Inventory (mod-BPI). Despite the available knowledge, the Thai version of a mod
      BPI has not yet been presented. OBJECTIVES: To translate a mod-BPI into the Thai
      language (BPI-T) and to validate it in acute pain after cardiac surgery. METHODS:
      This multisetting, cross-sectional study was done from 4 cardiac centers. With a
      convenience sampling technique, 132 cardiac surgery patients were enrolled during
      the first 72 postoperative hours. A BPI-T composed of 4 items on the intensity
      subscale and 6 items on the interference subscale was translated following
      Brislin's model. Convergent validity against the numeric rating scale (NRS),
      confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and internal consistency reliability were
      examined. RESULTS: Of the total sample, 70% experienced moderate to severe pain
      (cutoff points of worst pain >= 4/10), and 65% had moderate to severe
      interference with deep breathing and coughing, 53% with general activity, and 49%
      with walking. The CFA confirmed the 2-factor structure of intensity and
      interference subscales consistent with the original version (root-mean-square
      error of approximation = 0.08, comparative fit index = 0.95, chi2 = 39.00, df =
      27, chi2 /df = 1.44, P = 0.06). The physical and mental subdimensions under the
      interference subscale were determined (standardized factor loading = 0.70 and
      0.42, respectively). The BPI-T also has good internal consistency (Cronbach's
      alpha coefficients 0.76 and 0.85). Pearson's correlation coefficients at 0.35 to
      0.70 supported the convergent validity to the NRS. CONCLUSIONS: The BPI-T is a
      concise instrument for pain assessment in postoperative cardiac surgery.

PMID- 27676459
TI  - Scalable Production of Sensor Arrays Based on High-Mobility Hybrid Graphene Field
      Effect Transistors.
AB  - We have developed a scalable fabrication process for the production of DNA
      biosensors based on gold nanoparticle-decorated graphene field effect transistors
      (AuNP-Gr-FETs), where monodisperse AuNPs are created through physical vapor
      deposition followed by thermal annealing. The FETs are created in a four-probe
      configuration, using an optimized bilayer photolithography process that yields
      chemically clean devices, as confirmed by XPS and AFM, with high carrier mobility
      (3590 +/- 710 cm2/V.s) and low unintended doping (Dirac voltages of 9.4 +/- 2.7
      V). The AuNP-Gr-FETs were readily functionalized with thiolated probe DNA to
      yield DNA biosensors with a detection limit of 1 nM and high specificity against
      noncomplementary DNA. Our work provides a pathway toward the scalable fabrication
      of high-performance AuNP-Gr-FET devices for label-free nucleic acid testing in a
      realistic clinical setting.

PMID- 27676455
TI  - Impact of Allograft Injury Time of Onset on the Development of Chronic Lung
      Allograft Dysfunction After Lung Transplantation.
AB  - The impact of allograft injury time of onset on the risk of chronic lung
      allograft dysfunction (CLAD) remains unknown. We hypothesized that episodes of
      late-onset (>=6 months) allograft injury would produce an augmented CXCR3/ligand
      immune response, leading to increased CLAD. In a retrospective single-center
      study, 1894 transbronchial biopsy samples from 441 lung transplant recipients
      were reviewed for the presence of acute rejection (AR), lymphocytic bronchiolitis
      (LB), diffuse alveolar damage (DAD), and organizing pneumonia (OP). The
      association between the time of onset of each injury pattern and CLAD was
      assessed by using multivariable Cox models with time-dependent covariates.
      Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) CXCR3 ligand concentrations were compared between
      early- and late-onset injury patterns using linear mixed-effects models. Late
      onset DAD and OP were strongly associated with CLAD: adjusted hazard ratio 2.8
      (95% confidence interval 1.5-5.3) and 2.0 (1.1-3.4), respectively. The early
      onset form of these injury patterns did not increase CLAD risk. Late-onset LB and
      acute rejection (AR) predicted CLAD in univariable models but lost significance
      after multivariable adjustment for late DAD and OP. AR was the only early-onset
      injury pattern associated with CLAD development. Elevated BAL CXCR3 ligand
      concentrations during late-onset allograft injury parallel the increase in CLAD
      risk and support our hypothesis that late allograft injuries result in a more
      profound CXCR3/ligand immune response.

PMID- 27676456
TI  - Induction of mucosal immune responses against Helicobacter pylori infection after
      sublingual and intragastric route of immunization.
AB  - There is a current lack of effective mucosal vaccines against major gastroenteric
      pathogens and particularly against Helicobacter pylori, which causes a chronic
      infection that can lead to peptic ulcers and gastric cancer in a subpopulation of
      infected individuals. Mucosal CD4+ T-cell responses have been shown to be
      essential for vaccine-induced protection against H. pylori infection. The current
      study addresses the influence of the adjuvant and site of mucosal immunization on
      early CD4+ T-cell priming to H. pylori antigens. The vaccine formulation
      consisted of H. pylori lysate antigens and mucosal adjuvants, cholera toxin (CT)
      or a detoxified double-mutant heat-labile enterotoxin from Escherichia coli
      (dmLT), which were administered by either the sublingual or intragastric route.
      We report that in vitro, adjuvants CT and dmLT induce up-regulation of pro
      inflammatory gene expression in purified dendritic cells and enhance the H.
      pylori-specific CD4+ T-cell response including interleukin-17A (IL-17A),
      interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)
      secretion. In vivo, sublingual immunization led to an increased frequency of IL
      17A+ , IFN-gamma+ and TNF-alpha+ secreting CD4+ T cells in the cervical lymph
      nodes compared with in the mesenteric lymph nodes after intragastric
      immunization. Subsequently, IL-17A+ cells were visualized in the stomach of
      sublingually immunized and challenged mice. In summary, our results suggest that
      addition of an adjuvant to the vaccine clearly activated dendritic cells, which
      in turn, enhanced CD4+ T-cell cytokines IL-17A, IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha
      responses, particularly in the cervical lymph nodes after sublingual vaccination.

PMID- 27676460
TI  - The impact of prior back surgery on neuromodulation outcomes: A review of over
      500 patients.
AB  - AIMS: To evaluate neuromodulation outcomes in patients with prior back surgery.
      METHODS: Adults in our prospective observational sacral/pudendal neuromodulation
      study were retrospectively evaluated. History and operative details were
      reviewed, and outcomes were measured at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months with overactive
      bladder questionnaire (OAB q) symptom severity (SS)/health related quality of
      life (HRQOL), interstitial cystitis symptom/problem indices (ICSI - PI), voiding
      diaries, and global response assessments (GRA). Data were examined with Pearson's
      chi2 , Fisher's exact, Wilcoxon rank sum tests, and logistic regression
      multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Five hundred and sixty patients were evaluated
      (mean age 58.8 +/- 17 years; 83% female; 79% had a sacral lead placed), 109 (19%)
      had history of back surgery; 66 surgeries were lumbar. Back surgery patients were
      older (mean 63 +/- 15 vs. 58 +/- 17 years; P = 0.003) and a higher proportion had
      urge urinary incontinence (UUI) (64% vs. 50% P = 0.008). Generator implant rates
      were similar (94% vs. 91%; P = 0.34). OABq-SS and HRQOL and ICSI - PI composite
      scores did not differ between groups at any time point. On bladder diaries,
      median incontinence episodes daily at baseline and between stages were worse in
      the prior back surgery group but all bladder diary parameters improved
      significantly in both groups with the exception of mean voided volume which only
      improved significantly in the non-back surgery group. Most patients in both
      groups reported moderate/marked improvement in overall bladder symptoms.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that prior back surgery does not appear to
      impact clinical outcomes; therefore, neuromodulation may be offered in this
      patient population.

PMID- 27676461
TI  - Discovery of a Red-Emitting Li3RbGe8O18:Mn4+ Phosphor in the Alkali-Germanate
      System: Structural Determination and Electronic Calculations.
AB  - A solid-state combinatorial chemistry approach, which used the A-Ge-O (A = Li, K,
      Rb) system doped with a small amount of Mn4+ as an activator, was adopted in a
      search for novel red-emitting phosphors. The A site may have been composed of
      either a single alkali metal ion or of a combination of them. This approach led
      to the discovery of a novel phosphor in the above system with the chemical
      formula Li3RbGe8O18:Mn4+. The crystal structure of this novel phosphor was solved
      via direct methods, and subsequent Rietveld refinement revealed a trigonal
      structure in the P31m space group. The discovered phosphor is believed to be
      novel in the sense that neither the crystal structure nor the chemical formula
      matches any of the prototype structures available in the crystallographic
      information database (ICDD or ICSD). The measured photoluminescence intensity
      that peaked at a wavelength of 667 nm was found to be much higher than the best
      intensity obtained among all the existing A2Ge4O9 (A = Li, K, Rb) compounds in
      the alkali-germanate system. An ab initio calculation based on density function
      theory (DFT) was conducted to verify the crystal structure model and compare the
      calculated value of the optical band gap with the experimental results. The
      optical band gap obtained from diffuse reflectance measurement (5.26 eV) and DFT
      calculation (4.64 eV) results were in very good agreement. The emission
      wavelength of this phosphor that exists in the deep red region of the
      electromagnetic spectrum may be very useful for increasing the color gamut of LED
      based display devices such as ultrahigh-definition television (UHDTV) as per the
      ITU-R BT.2020-2 recommendations and also for down-converter phosphors that are
      used in solar-cell applications.

PMID- 27676462
TI  - Systematic Review of Postural Assessment in Individuals With Obstructive
      Respiratory Conditions: MEASUREMENT AND CLINICAL ASSOCIATIONS.
AB  - PURPOSE: Changes in posture in individuals with an obstructive respiratory
      disease have been reported, but the extent of these deviations and their clinical
      significance is not well understood. This study aimed to systematically review
      the literature of the skeletal structural alignment in children and adults with
      an obstructive respiratory disease, describe the measurement techniques used, and
      determine the clinical relevance of any alternations. METHODS: Observational
      cohort or cross-sectional studies of postural assessment were identified, with 2
      reviewers independently assessing study quality. RESULTS: A total of 18 studies
      were included, 12 in cystic fibrosis (CF), 5 in asthma, and 1 in chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The overall quality assessment rating was
      12.6 out of 16. Increased thoracic kyphosis or scoliosis was found in both
      children and adults with CF. Increased shoulder protraction and elevation were
      evident in asthma and COPD, although changes in spinal curvature were variable.
      The clinical impact of postural changes was diverse, with an inconsistent
      influence on lung function. A mix of methods was applied for postural assessment.
      CONCLUSIONS: Skeletal structural malalignment appears to be present in some
      individuals with an obstructive respiratory disease, although the extent of
      alterations and its clinical impact is variable. Photogrammetry is used to
      provide a comprehensive assessment of posture in these populations.

PMID- 27676463
TI  - Impact of Home- and Hospital-Based Exercise in Cardiac Rehabilitation on
      Hopelessness in Patients With Coronary Heart Disease.
AB  - PURPOSE: Hopelessness is associated with increased adverse events and decreased
      survival in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). The purpose of this
      research was to examine the effect of regular home- and hospital-based cardiac
      rehabilitation (CR) exercise on hopelessness levels in patients with CHD,
      hypothesizing that increased exercise in either setting would lead to decreased
      state hopelessness. METHODS: A descriptive longitudinal design was used at a
      large teaching hospital in Michigan. A total of 324 patients provided data during
      hospitalization and at least 1 followup time point (3, 8, and 12 months).
      RESULTS: The patients had persistent, modest levels of state and trait
      hopelessness across all time points. Among home exercisers with moderate to
      severe state hopelessness at baseline, both mean state (P = .002) and trait (P =
      .02) hopelessness were reduced at later time points compared with those who quit
      or did not start exercise. Multivariable models showed that when individuals had
      moderate to severe baseline state hopelessness, home exercise remained associated
      with decreases in state hopelessness compared with no exercise, even after
      adjusting for hospital exercise, depression, and demographic variables.
      CONCLUSIONS: Exercise may be effective in reducing moderate to severe
      hopelessness in patients with CHD. Moderate to severe baseline state hopelessness
      was a predictor of attrition in this cohort, especially for home exercisers, but
      this was mediated in hospital-based programs. Further research is needed to
      determine how hopeless individuals can be encouraged to exercise and whether home
      or a hospital-based CR exercise is superior in impacting hopelessness.

PMID- 27676464
TI  - Disparities in Cardiac Rehabilitation Participation in the United States: A
      SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS.
AB  - PURPOSE: Phase 2 cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a class I recommendation for all
      patients following an acute cardiac event or cardiac surgery according to the The
      American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology Foundation.
      Studies have shown that there are differences in cardiac rehabilitation
      participation rates between sociodemographic groups. The purpose of this
      systematic review and meta-analyses was to synthesize quantitative data on the
      relationship between outpatient cardiac rehabilitation (OCR) attendance and
      various sociodemographic factors. METHODS: We conducted a search of PubMed,
      PsycINFO, CINAHL, Google Scholar, Dissertations & Theses A&I, and conference
      abstracts for observational studies conducted in the United States that fit our
      inclusion criteria. A total of 21 studies were included in our final review and
      meta-analyses. RESULTS: Our meta-analyses showed that overall, attenders were
      younger than nonattenders (mean difference=-3.74 years, 95% CI =-5.87 to -1.61)
      and the odds of participation were lower among females (OR = 0.59; 95% CI = 0.51
      0.69), individuals with a high school degree or less (OR = 0.67; 95% CI = 0.50
      0.91), and the uninsured or self-payers (OR = 0.32; 95% CI = 0.14-0.71). Full- or
      part-time employees were more likely to participate than those not employed (OR =
      1.45; 95% CI = 1.08-1.95). CONCLUSIONS: Our systematic review and meta-analyses
      showed that there are significant sociodemographic disparities in CR
      participation. On the basis of this knowledge, clinicians and policy makers
      should focus on identifying and eliminating barriers to participation.

PMID- 27676465
TI  - Association Between Phase 3 Cardiac Rehabilitation and Clinical Events.
AB  - PURPOSE: There is an inverse relationship between phase 2 cardiac rehabilitation
      (CR) visits and all-cause mortality. Phase 3 CR is a maintenance exercise program
      for which clinical outcomes are uncertain. This retrospective study describes the
      association between phase 3 CR participation and clinical events among patients
      with ischemic heart disease after completion of phase 2 CR. METHODS: Patients who
      completed 12 visits of phase 2 CR as provided by their health insurance were
      categorized on the basis of their frequency of participation (ie, none,
      irregular, and regular) in phase 3 CR during the 8 weeks after phase 2 CR. Cox
      regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between phase 3 CR
      participation and risk for a composite outcome that included all-cause mortality,
      nonfatal myocardial infarction, or heart failure hospitalization. RESULTS: Among
      2039 patients (32% women; age = 59 +/- 10 years) who completed phase 2 CR, 101
      were regular and 129 were irregular participants of phase 3 CR. Over a median
      followup of 5.6 years, 556 (27%) patients experienced the outcome. Neither
      irregular nor regular participation in phase 3 CR was significantly associated
      with risk for the outcome in unadjusted (P = .671 and P = .396, respectively) or
      adjusted (P = .737 and P = .890, respectively) analyses. CONCLUSIONS: We did not
      observe an incremental clinical benefit from weekly participation in Phase 3 CR
      after completion of phase 2 CR among patients with ischemic heart disease.
      Additional research addressing the dose-response relationship between phase 2 and
      3 CR and clinical outcomes is needed.

PMID- 27676467
TI  - Developmental Assessment.

PMID- 27676468
TI  - Personal Vehicles Evaluated against Climate Change Mitigation Targets.
AB  - Meeting global climate change mitigation goals will likely require that
      transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions begin to decline within the next
      two decades and then continue to fall. A variety of vehicle technologies and
      fuels are commercially available to consumers today that can reduce the emissions
      of the transportation sector. Yet what are the best options, and do any suffice
      to meet climate policy targets? Here, we examine the costs and carbon intensities
      of 125 light-duty vehicle models on the U.S. market today and evaluate these
      models against U.S. emission-reduction targets for 2030, 2040, and 2050 that are
      compatible with the goal of limiting mean global temperature rise to 2  degrees C
      above preindustrial levels. Our results show that consumers are not required to
      pay more for a low-carbon-emitting vehicle. Across the diverse set of vehicle
      models and powertrain technologies examined, a clean vehicle is usually a low
      cost vehicle. Although the average carbon intensity of vehicles sold in 2014
      exceeds the climate target for 2030 by more than 50%, we find that most hybrid
      and battery electric vehicles available today meet this target. By 2050, only
      electric vehicles supplied with almost completely carbon-free electric power are
      expected to meet climate-policy targets.

PMID- 27676469
TI  - Phenyltetrazolyl-phenylamides: Substituent impact on modulation capability and
      selectivity toward the efflux protein ABCG2 and investigation of interaction with
      the transporter.
AB  - We recently presented a novel class of ABCG2 modulators based on the third
      generation ABCB1 inhibitor tariquidar bearing a 2,5-linked tetrazole instead of
      an amid linker. We investigated the modulating potential of the compound class by
      enlarging the substitution pattern on the outer phenyl rings of the scaffold. To
      identify the structural conditions for achieving a high response, we decided to
      determine the individual influence of substituents on the scaffold using
      monosubstituted derivatives. While electron withdrawing groups (with a few
      exceptions) and bulky moieties decreased the modulating potency, small electron
      donating groups ensured a high activity level. Interestingly, the unsubstituted
      derivative 32 reached a similar inhibitory potential as the best derivatives in
      the previous study. Enzyme kinetic assays indicated that our derivatives have the
      same binding site as reference inhibitor Ko143. They were found to interact
      competitively and non-competitively with the substrates Hoechst 33342 and
      pheophorbide A, respectively.

PMID- 27676470
TI  - New isoxazolidinone and 3,4-dehydro-beta-proline derivatives as antibacterial
      agents and MAO-inhibitors: A complex balance between two activities.
AB  - Among the different classes of antibiotics, oxazolidinone derivatives represent
      important drugs, since their unique mechanism of action overcomes commonly
      diffused multidrug-resistant bacteria. Anyway, the structural similarity of these
      molecules to monoamino oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, like toloxatone and blefoxatone,
      induces in many cases loss of selectivity as a major concern. A small library of
      compounds based on isoxazolidinone and dehydro-beta-proline scaffold was designed
      with the aim to obtain antibacterial agents, evaluating at the same time the
      potential effects of structural features on MAO inhibitory behaviour. The
      structural modification introduced in the backbone, starting from Linezolid
      model, lead to a significant loss in antibiotic activity, while a promising
      inhibitory effect could be observed on monoamino oxidases. These interesting
      results are also in agreement with docking experiments suggesting a good binding
      pose of the synthesized compounds into the pocket of the oxidase enzymes, in
      particular of MAO-B.

PMID- 27676466
TI  - Effects of Longitudinal Glucose Exposure on Cognitive and Physical Function:
      Results from the Action for Health in Diabetes Movement and Memory Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To test whether average long-term glucose exposure is associated with
      cognitive and physical function in middle-aged and younger-old adults with type 2
      diabetes mellitus. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Data obtained as
      part of the Action for Health in Diabetes (Look AHEAD) trial (NCT00017953) and
      Look AHEAD Movement and Memory ancillary study (NCT01410097). PARTICIPANTS:
      Overweight and obese individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus aged 45 to 76 at
      baseline (N = 879). MEASUREMENTS: Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was measured at
      regular intervals over 7 years, and objective measures of cognitive function
      (Trail-Making Test, Modified Stroop Color-Word Test, Digit Symbol-Coding, Rey
      Auditory Verbal Learning Test, Modified Mini-Mental State Examination) and
      physical function (Short Physical Performance Battery, expanded Physical
      Performance Battery, 400-m and 20-m gait speed) and strength (grip and knee
      extensor strength) were assessed at the Year 8 or 9 follow-up examination.
      RESULTS: Average HbA1c exposure was 7.0 +/- 1.1% (53 +/- 11.6 mmol/mol), with 57%
      of participants classified as having HbA1c levels of less than 7% (<53 mmol/mol),
      27% having levels of 7% to 8% (53-64 mmol/mol), and 16% having levels of greater
      than 8% (>64 mmol/mol). After adjustment for age, sex, race, education, smoking
      status, alcohol intake, knee pain, physical fitness, body mass index, diabetes
      mellitus medication and statin use, ancillary year visit, and study arm and site,
      higher HbA1c was associated with worse physical but not cognitive function.
      Further adjustment for prevalent diabetes mellitus-related comorbidities made all
      associations nonsignificant. Results did not differ when stratified according to
      participant baseline age (<60 vs >= 60). CONCLUSION: Results presented here
      suggest that, in the absence of diabetes mellitus-related complications,
      longitudinal glucose exposure is not associated with future cognitive and
      physical function. Optimal management of diabetes mellitus-related comorbidities
      may prevent or reduce the burden of disability associated with type 2 diabetes
      mellitus.

PMID- 27676471
TI  - Further investigation of Paprotrain: Towards the conception of selective and
      multi-targeted CNS kinase inhibitors.
AB  - Starting from a known compound, identified as the first inhibitor of the kinesin
      MKLP-2 and named Paprotrain, we have investigated its reactivity to produce
      through photochemistry a potent nanomolar inhibitor of the kinase DYRK1A. Using
      similar and different chemical pathways, we have designed several families of
      compounds that have been screened on a panel of five protein kinases:
      CK1delta/epsilon, CDK5/p25, GSK3alpha/beta, DYRK1A and CLK1, all involved in
      neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. We have identified a
      first group of multi-targeted compounds, a second group of dual inhibitors of
      DYRK1A & CLK1 and a last group of selective inhibitors of CLK1. Then, our best
      submicromolar to nanomolar inhibitors were evaluated towards the closest members
      of the aforementioned kinases: DYRK1B and CLK4, as well as the subfamily CLK2-3.
      Several compounds appear to be particularly promising for the development of
      tools in the battle against Alzheimer's disease.

PMID- 27676472
TI  - O.02: Plasma Next Generation Sequencing of Over 5,000 Advanced Non-Small Cell
      Lung Cancer Patients With Clinical Correlations.

PMID- 27676473
TI  - O.01: Acquired Resistance to EGFR-TKIs in EGFR-Mutant Lung Adenocarcinoma Among
      Hispanics (RBIOP-CLICaP).

PMID- 27676474
TI  - O.03: Cost Effectiveness of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Non-Small Cell Lung
      Cancer Relative to PD-L1 Expression.

PMID- 27676475
TI  - O.04: Profiling of MET-Amplified Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), Correlation
      to cMET Protein Expression/MET Exon 14 Skipping.

PMID- 27676477
TI  - PD1.02 (also presented as P2.47): The Role of PD-L1 Expression as a Predictive
      Biomarker in Advanced NSCLC: An Update of a Network Meta-Analysis.

PMID- 27676476
TI  - PD1.01 (also presented as P2.46): LCSS as a Marker of Treatment Benefit With
      Nivolumab vs Docetaxel in Pts With Advanced Non-Squamous NSCLC From Checkmate
      057.

PMID- 27676478
TI  - PD1.03 (also presented as P1.12): EGFR Mutation Testing Patterns and Results in
      Brazil and the Need for Greater Public Health Awareness of Molecular Testing.

PMID- 27676479
TI  - PD1.04 (also presented as P2.19): Infrequent Staining Patterns in ALK
      Immunohistochemistry: Correlation With Fish Analysis.

PMID- 27676480
TI  - PD1.06 (also presented as P2.41): Pembrolizumab vs Docetaxel for Previously
      Treated NSCLC (KEYNOTE-010): Archival vs New Tumor Samples for PD-L1 Assessment.

PMID- 27676482
TI  - PD2.01 (also presented as P1.13): Lung Cancer Chromosomal Aberrations and Gene
      Expression Profiles of Hispanics Living in the US or Latin America are Similar.

PMID- 27676481
TI  - PD1.05 (also presented as P1.49): The Genomics of Young Emergent Lung Cancer.

PMID- 27676483
TI  - PD2.02 (also presented as P1.44): Phase I/II Trial of X-396, a Novel ALK
      Inhibitor, in Patients With ALK+ NSCLC.

PMID- 27676484
TI  - PD2.04 (also presented as P1.42): PEM/CBP/BEV Followed by Maintenance PEM/BEV in
      Hispanic Patients With NSCLC: Outcomes According to TS, ERCC1 and VEGF.

PMID- 27676485
TI  - PD2.06 (also presented as P1.41): Bayesian Network Meta-Comparison of Maintenance
      Treatments for Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Patients.

PMID- 27676486
TI  - PD2.05 (also presented as P1.43): Radiosurgery, a New Paradigm in Metastatic Non
      Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) to the Brain: An Update.

PMID- 27676487
TI  - P1.02: Lung Cancer - A Previously Years Survival Study. First Statistical
      Evidence at National Institute of Oncology in Paraguay: Track: Prevention, Early
      Detection, Epidemiology and Tobacco Control.

PMID- 27676488
TI  - P1.01: Herbal Medicine Today: Clinical and Research Issues: Track: Prevention,
      Early Detection, Epidemiology and Tobacco Control.

PMID- 27676489
TI  - P1.03: Utility of a Combined Panel of Six Serum Tumor Markers for Lung Cancer:
      Track: Prevention, Early Detection, Epidemiology and Tobacco Control.

PMID- 27676490
TI  - P1.04: Defining the Genetic Architecture of Lung Cancer Etiology: Track:
      Prevention, Early Detection, Epidemiology and Tobacco Control.

PMID- 27676491
TI  - P1.05: An International Epidemiological Analysis of Young Patients Diagnosed With
      NSCLC (ADUJOV-CLICaP): Track: Prevention, Early Detection, Epidemiology and
      Tobacco Control.

PMID- 27676492
TI  - P1.06: Lung Nodule Volumetry: Analysis of the Measurement Variation: Track:
      Prevention, Early Detection, Epidemiology and Tobacco Control.

PMID- 27676493
TI  - P1.08: Updated Analysis of Global Epidemiology of EGFR Mutation in Advanced Non
      Small Cell Lung Cancer: Track: Prevention, Early Detection, Epidemiology and
      Tobacco Control.

PMID- 27676494
TI  - P1.07: University Students' Perceptions About Effectiveness of Mpower Policies on
      Tobacco Control: Track: Prevention, Early Detection, Epidemiology and Tobacco
      Control.

PMID- 27676495
TI  - P1.10: Follow-Up on Results of a Multidisciplinary Team in the Management of Non
      Small Cell Lung Cancer in a Developing Country: Track: Prevention, Early
      Detection, Epidemiology and Tobacco Control.

PMID- 27676496
TI  - P1.09: Delays in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Lung Cancer: Track: Prevention,
      Early Detection, Epidemiology and Tobacco Control.

PMID- 27676497
TI  - P1.11: Surveillance System of Tabaquism in Cuba 1995-2014 and Early Detection in
      Heavy Smokers: Track: Prevention, Early Detection, Epidemiology and Tobacco
      Control.

PMID- 27676498
TI  - P1.13 (also presented as PD2.01): Lung Cancer Chromosomal Aberrations and Gene
      Expression Profiles of Hispanics Living in the US or Latin America are Similar:
      Track: Prevention, Early Detection, Epidemiology and Tobacco Control.

PMID- 27676499
TI  - P1.12 (also presented as PD1.03): EGFR Mutation Testing Patterns and Results in
      Brazil and the Need for Greater Public Health Awareness of Molecular Testing:
      Track: Prevention, Early Detection, Epidemiology and Tobacco Control.

PMID- 27676500
TI  - P1.14: Energy-Based Instruments for Pulmonary Artery Ligation in Thoracoscopic
      Major Lung Resection: Track: Early Stage NSCLC (Stage I - III).

PMID- 27676501
TI  - P1.15: Comparison of Pulmonary Function After Robotic-Assisted Video
      Thoracoscopic Lobectomies vs Segmentectomies: Track: Early Stage NSCLC (Stage I -
      III).

PMID- 27676502
TI  - P1.16: Comparison of Peri-Operative Outcomes After Robotic-Assisted Video
      Thoracoscopic Lobectomies Versus Segmentectomies: Track: Early Stage NSCLC (Stage
      I - III).

PMID- 27676503
TI  - P1.17: Improved Survival for Stage-2 (N1) Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma and Squamous
      Cell Carcinoma After Pulmonary Lobectomy: Track: Early Stage NSCLC (Stage I -
      III).

PMID- 27676504
TI  - P1.18: Long-Term Clinical Outcomes and Safety Profile for Central Lung SBRT for
      NSCLC: Track: Early Stage NSCLC (Stage I - III).

PMID- 27676505
TI  - P1.19: Barriers to Deliver Personalized Medicine to Young Patients With Non-Small
      Cell Lung Cancer in Latin America: Track: Early Stage NSCLC (Stage I - III).

PMID- 27676506
TI  - P1.20: Lung Resection Analysis From Brazilian Society of Thoracic Surgery
      Database: Track: Early Stage NSCLC (Stage I - III).

PMID- 27676507
TI  - P1.21: Novel PET Parameters as Predictors of Pathologic Response in Patients With
      Stage IIIA(N2) NSCLC Receiving Trimodality Therapy: Track: Early Stage NSCLC
      (Stage I - III).

PMID- 27676508
TI  - P1.22: Temporal Survival Improvement for Stage-II (T3N0M0) Lung Adenocarcinoma
      After Pulmonary Lobectomy: Track: Early Stage NSCLC (Stage I - III).

PMID- 27676509
TI  - P1.23: Chemotherapy in Lung Cancer at National Institute of Oncology at Paraguay:
      A Retrospective Study, 8 Years of Experience: Track: Advanced NSCLC.

PMID- 27676510
TI  - P1.24: 1st Line Treatment With Erlotinib in Advanced Non Squamous NSCLC: Our
      Experience. CCSS, San Jose Costa Rica: Track: Advanced NSCLC.

PMID- 27676511
TI  - P1.25: Experience With Erlotinib and Gefitnib in Patients With EGFR Mutation
      Positive Advanced Lung Cancer: Track: Advanced NSCLC.

PMID- 27676512
TI  - P1.26: A Case of Non Small Cell Lung Cancer EGFR Mutation EXON 18 Positive With
      Poor Response to Targeted Therapy: Track: Advanced NSCLC.

PMID- 27676513
TI  - P1.27: A Clinicopathological Study of Resected Pulmonary Pleomorphic Carcinoma:
      Track: Advanced NSCLC.

PMID- 27676514
TI  - P1.29: "Real World" Use of Liquid Biopsy in Patients With Lung Adenocarcinoma and
      Correlation With Tumor Tissue Genetic Profile: Track: Advanced NSCLC.

PMID- 27676515
TI  - P1.28: Overall Survival in Patients With Metastatic Lung Adenocarcinoma Treated
      at Instituto Oncologico Nacional. Panama: Track: Advanced NSCLC.

PMID- 27676516
TI  - P1.30: Clinical Efficacy and Tolerability of Bevacizumab in Elderly Patients With
      Advanced Non-Squamous NSCLC: Track: Advanced NSCLC.

PMID- 27676517
TI  - P1.31: Pleural Empyema and Broncho Pleural Fistula After Lung Resection: Analyses
      of 29 Patients Treated in our Clinic: Track: Advanced NSCLC.

PMID- 27676518
TI  - P1.32: Primary Lung Cancer Presenting as Pneumothorax: Track: Advanced NSCLC.

PMID- 27676519
TI  - P1.33: Afatinib Versus Chemotherapy for EGFR Mutation-Positive NSCLC Patients
      Aged >=65 Years: Subgroup Analysis of LUX-Lung 3/6: Track: Advanced NSCLC.

PMID- 27676520
TI  - P1.34: First-Line Afatinib vs Gefitinib for Patients With EGFR Mutation-Positive
      Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: The LUX-Lung 7 Trial: Track: Advanced NSCLC.

PMID- 27676521
TI  - P1.36: Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer and Brain Metastases in Brazil: Track: Advanced
      NSCLC.

PMID- 27676522
TI  - P1.35: The Role of Salvage SBRT in Recurrent Lung Cancer After Previous
      Radiotherapy: Track: Advanced NSCLC.

PMID- 27676523
TI  - P1.37: First Line Treatment Outcome for EGFR Mutated Metastatic Non-Small Cell
      Lung Cancer-A Single Institution 5 Years Experience: Track: Advanced NSCLC.

PMID- 27676524
TI  - P1.38: Relationship Between TILs and Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio as a Prognostic
      Factor in Advanced NSCLC: Track: Advanced NSCLC.

PMID- 27676526
TI  - P1.41 (also presented as PD2.06): Bayesian Network Meta-Comparison of Maintenance
      Treatments for Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Patients: Track:
      Advanced NSCLC.

PMID- 27676525
TI  - P1.39: Only Two Rare Metastasis of Lung Adenocarcinoma?: Track: Advanced NSCLC.

PMID- 27676527
TI  - P1.40: Comparative Study of Chemotherapy Regimens Based on Platinum and Its
      Different Toxicities in Patients With Advanced NSCLC: Track: Advanced NSCLC.

PMID- 27676528
TI  - P1.42 (also presented as PD2.04): PEM/CBP/BEV Followed by Maintenance PEM/BEV in
      Hispanic Patients With NSCLC: Outcomes According to TS, ERCC1 and VEGF: Track:
      Advanced NSCLC.

PMID- 27676529
TI  - P1.44 (also presented as PD2.02): Phase I/II Trial of X-396, A Novel ALK
      Inhibitor, in Patients With ALK+ NSCLC: Track: Advanced NSCLC.

PMID- 27676530
TI  - P1.43 (also presented as PD2.05): Radiosurgery, a New Paradigm in Metastatic Non
      Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) to the Brain: An Update: Track: Advanced NSCLC.

PMID- 27676532
TI  - P1.46: Phase I Study of Nivolumab + Nab-Paclitaxel in Solid Tumors: Preliminary
      Analysis of the Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cohort: Track: Advanced NSCLC.

PMID- 27676531
TI  - P1.45: Impact of Dose Adjustment on Afatinib Safety and Efficacy in EGFR Mutation
      Positive NSCLC: Post-Hoc Analyses of LUX-Lung 3/6: Track: Advanced NSCLC.

PMID- 27676533
TI  - P1.47: ABOUND.sqm QoL by Response: Interim Analysis of Squamous NSCLC Pts Treated
      With nab-Paclitaxel/Carboplatin Induction Therapy: Track: Advanced NSCLC.

PMID- 27676534
TI  - P1.48: nab-Paclitaxel + Carboplatin in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer:
      Outcomes in Elderly Patients With Squamous Histology: Track: Advanced NSCLC.

PMID- 27676535
TI  - P1.50: Long-Term Safety and Efficacy of Darbepoetin Alfa in Subjects With
      Advanced Stage NSCLC Receiving Multi-Cycle Chemotherapy: Track: Supportive Care
      and Others.

PMID- 27676536
TI  - P1.49 (also presented as PD1.05): The Genomics of Young Emergent Lung Cancer:
      Track: Advanced NSCLC.

PMID- 27676537
TI  - P1.51: Impact of Regulatory Delays in Drug Approval: Mortality and Morbidity Due
      to With Lack of Access to Crizotinib in Brazil: Track: Supportive Care and
      Others.

PMID- 27676538
TI  - P2.01: LUME-MeSO: Phase II/III Study of Nintedanib + Pemetrexed/Cisplatin in
      Patients With Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: Track: SCLC, Mesothelioma, Thymoma.

PMID- 27676539
TI  - P2.02: Thymic Malignancies. A Single Institution Series From 2006-2016: Track:
      SCLC, Mesothelioma, Thymoma.

PMID- 27676541
TI  - P2.04: Characteristics and Long Term Outcomes of Advanced Pleural Mesothelioma in
      Latin America (MeSO-CLICaP): Track: SCLC, Mesothelioma, Thymoma.

PMID- 27676540
TI  - P2.03: Treatment of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Beyond First-Line Among
      Hispanics (MeSO-CLICaP): Track: SCLC, Mesothelioma, Thymoma.

PMID- 27676542
TI  - P2.05: The Synthetic Peptide CIGB-300 Inhibits NF-kappaB Translocation Affecting
      the Survival and Chemoresistance of NSCLC Cell Lines: Track: Biology and
      Pathogenesis.

PMID- 27676543
TI  - P2.06: Exosomal miRNA Analysis in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: New Liquid
      Biomarker?: Track: Biology and Pathogenesis.

PMID- 27676544
TI  - P2.07: Evaluation of Different Exosomal RNA Isolation Methods in NSCLC Liquid
      Biopsies: Track: Biology and Pathogenesis.

PMID- 27676545
TI  - P2.08: Gene Fusions Detected in Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma (NSCLC) and Small
      Cell Lung Carcinoma (SCLC): Track: Biology and Pathogenesis.

PMID- 27676546
TI  - P2.09: cMET in NSCLC: Expression, Amplification and Mutations: Track: Biology and
      Pathogenesis.

PMID- 27676547
TI  - P2.10: Clinical and Pathological Characteristics of ALK Positive Lung Cancer
      Patients. Instituto Oncologico Nacional - Panama: Track: Biology and
      Pathogenesis.

PMID- 27676548
TI  - P2.12: Treatment Response in Patients With ALK Immunohistochemistry (IHC)
      Positive With Fish Negative: Track: Pathology.

PMID- 27676549
TI  - P2.13: Testing Profiles in NSCLC Biopsy Samples: Multi-Institutional Study in
      Cordoba: Track: Pathology.

PMID- 27676550
TI  - P2.14: Lung Cancer as Second Primary Cancer in Two Patients in a Reference
      Hospital in Latin America: A Case Report: Track: Pathology.

PMID- 27676551
TI  - P2.15: Treatment Outcome of Metastatic Breast Angiosarcoma to the Lung, in a
      Reference Hospital in Latin America: A Case Report: Track: Pathology.

PMID- 27676552
TI  - P2.16: Atypical Adenomatous Hyperplasia (AAH) in a Patient With a Primary
      Carcinoid Lung Tumor: Case-Report: Track: Pathology.

PMID- 27676553
TI  - P2.17: Incidence of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Biomarkers in Panama; Demographyc,
      Clinic and Histopathological Features: Track: Pathology.

PMID- 27676554
TI  - P2.18: Rapid On-Site Evaluation (ROSE) Technique: Experience in the Pulmonology
      Unit of a Reference Hospital in Latin America: Track: Pathology.

PMID- 27676555
TI  - P2.19 (also presented as PD1.04): Infrequent Staining Patterns in ALK
      Immunohistochemistry: Correlation With Fish Analysis: Track: Pathology.

PMID- 27676556
TI  - P2.21: Endobronchial Ultrasound Transbronchial Needle Aspiration (EBUS-TBNA)
      Experience in a Reference Hospital in Latin America: Track: Bronchoscopy.

PMID- 27676557
TI  - P2.20: Malignant Obstruction of the Central Airway by an EBV(+) Diffuse Large B
      Cell Lymphoma: An Unusual Presentation: Track: Bronchoscopy.

PMID- 27676558
TI  - P2.22: Therapeutic Bronchoscopy in Multimodal Therapy for the Management of
      Central Airway Obstruction in Latin America: Track: Bronchoscopy.

PMID- 27676559
TI  - P2.23: Effectiveness of Methylnaltrexone Bromide as a Treatment for Opioid
      Induced Constipation in NSCLC Patients: Track: Supportive Care and Others.

PMID- 27676560
TI  - P2.24: Pulmonary-Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma: A Case Report of Spontaneous
      Regression: Track: Supportive Care and Others.

PMID- 27676561
TI  - P2.26: Reference to Palliative Care in Patients With Advanced Lung Cancer Treated
      With Systemic Therapy. Ion, Panama: Track: Supportive Care and Others.

PMID- 27676562
TI  - P2.27: Blood Supplement Research of the Percutaneous Inoculated Canine
      Transmissible Venereal Tumor Lung Cancer Model: Track: Supportive Care and
      Others.

PMID- 27676563
TI  - P2.28: Image-Guided Radiofrecuency Ablation of Lung Metastases. A Single Cancer
      Center Experience in Panama: Track: Supportive Care and Others.

PMID- 27676564
TI  - P2.31: Understanding Factors Influencing Self-Referral of Patients From Resource
      Limited Institutions Seeking Lung Cancer Care: Track: Supportive Care and Others.

PMID- 27676565
TI  - P2.29: An Approach to Ensure Adequate Intake of Nutrients for Patients With Lung
      Cancer: Track: Supportive Care and Others.

PMID- 27676566
TI  - P2.32: Survival Assessment of Non-Small Cell Lung Neoplasia Patients in Advanced
      Stage Treated With the CIMAvax-EGF Vaccine: Track: Immunotherapy.

PMID- 27676567
TI  - P2.33: Safety Profile of Nivolumab Administered as 30-Minute (MIN) Infusion:
      Analysis of Data From Checkmate 153: Track: Immunotherapy.

PMID- 27676568
TI  - P2.34: Vaxira and CIMAvax-EGF Therapeutic Vaccines Combination in the Advanced
      NSCLC Treatment: Track: Immunotherapy.

PMID- 27676569
TI  - P2.35: Nivolumab vs Docetaxel in Advanced NSCLC: CheckMate 017/057 2-Y Update and
      Exploratory Cytokine Profile Analysis: Track: Immunotherapy.

PMID- 27676571
TI  - P2.37: A Case of Immune-Mediated Pneumonitis?: Track: Immunotherapy.

PMID- 27676570
TI  - P2.36: Nivolumab (nivo) in Patients (pts) With Advanced (adv) NSCLC and Central
      Nervous System (CNS) Metastases (mets): Track: Immunotherapy.

PMID- 27676572
TI  - P2.38: Nivolumab in Clinical Practice: Real World Experience in an Argentina
      Oncologic Center: Track: Immunotherapy.

PMID- 27676573
TI  - P2.39: Long-Term OS for Patients With Advanced NSCLC Enrolled in the KEYNOTE-001
      Study of Pembrolizumab: Track: Immunotherapy.

PMID- 27676574
TI  - P2.40: CIMAvaxEGF Vaccine for the Treatment of Real-World NSCLC Patients: Track:
      Immunotherapy.

PMID- 27676575
TI  - P2.41 (also presented as PD1.06): Pembrolizumab vs Docetaxel for Previously
      Treated NSCLC (KEYNOTE-010): Archival vs New Tumor Samples for PD-L1 Assessment:
      Track: Immunotherapy.

PMID- 27676576
TI  - P2.42: An Immunotherapy Approach to Overcoming Resistance to Second and Third
      Generation EGFR Inhibitors: Track: Immunotherapy.

PMID- 27676577
TI  - P2.43: Pembrolizumab vs Platinum-Based Chemotherapy for PD-L1+ NSCLC: Phase 3,
      Randomized, Open-Label KEYNOTE-042 (NCT02220894): Track: Immunotherapy.

PMID- 27676578
TI  - P2.44: An Update of a Pooled Analysis of Nivolumab for the Treatment of Advanced
      NSCLC and the Role of PD-L1 as a BIOMARKER: Track: Immunotherapy.

PMID- 27676579
TI  - P2.45: An Estimate of the Economic Impact of Treatment of NSCLC With
      Immunotherapy Relative to PD-L1 Expression in Brazil: Track: Immunotherapy.

PMID- 27676580
TI  - P2.46 (also presented as PD1.01): LCSS as a Marker of Treatment Benefit With
      Nivolumab vs Docetaxel in Pts With Advanced Non-Squamous NSCLC From Checkmate
      057: Track: Immunotherapy.

PMID- 27676581
TI  - P2.47 (also presented as PD1.02): The Role of PD-L1 Expression as a Predictive
      Biomarker in Advanced NSCLC: An Update of a Network Meta-Analysis: Track:
      Immunotherapy.

PMID- 27676582
TI  - Plasmonic Hot Electron Solar Cells: The Effect of Nanoparticle Size on Quantum
      Efficiency.
AB  - Gold nanoparticles located at a metal oxide/hole conductor interface generate
      photocurrents upon visible light illumination. We demonstrate that the quantum
      efficiency of this process depends on the nanoparticle size. Gold nanoparticles
      (5 nm) show a maximum absorbed photon-to-electron conversion efficiency (APCE) of
      13.3%. For increasing particle sizes, the average APCE decreases to 3.3% for the
      largest particles (40 nm) investigated. Three possible causes for this efficiency
      change are discussed.

PMID- 27676583
TI  - Effects of sweet flavorings and nicotine on the appeal and sensory properties of
      e-cigarettes among young adult vapers: Application of a novel methodology.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Product characteristics that impact e-cigarette appeal by altering
      the sensory experience of vaping need to be identified to formulate evidence
      based regulatory policies. While products that contain sweet flavorings and
      produce a "throat hit" (i.e., desirable airway irritation putatively caused by
      nicotine) are anecdotally cited as desirable reasons for vaping among young
      adults, experimental evidence of their impact on user appeal is lacking. This
      experiment applied a novel laboratory protocol to assess whether: (1) sweet
      flavorings and nicotine affect e-cigarette appeal; (2) sweet flavorings increase
      perceived sweetness; (3) nicotine increases throat hit; and (4) perceived
      sweetness and throat hit are associated with appeal. METHODS: Young adult vapers
      (N=20; age 19-34) self-administered 20 standardized doses of aerosolized e
      cigarette solutions varied according to a 3 flavor (sweet [e.g., cotton candy]
      vs. non-sweet [e.g., tobacco-flavored] vs. flavorless)*2 nicotine (6mg/mL
      nicotine vs. 0mg/mL [placebo]) double-blind, cross-over design. Participants
      rated appeal (liking, willingness to use again and perceived monetary value),
      perceived sweetness and throat hit strength after each administration. RESULTS:
      Sweet-flavored (vs. non-sweet and flavorless) solutions produced greater appeal
      and perceived sweetness ratings. Nicotine produced greater throat hit ratings
      than placebo, but did not significantly increase appeal nor interact with flavor
      effects on appeal. Controlling for flavor and nicotine, perceived sweetness was
      positively associated with appeal ratings; throat hit was not positively
      associated with appeal. CONCLUSIONS: Further identification of compounds in e
      cigarette solutions that enhance sensory perceptions of sweetness, appeal, and
      utilization of e-cigarettes are warranted to inform evidence-based regulatory
      policies.

PMID- 27676585
TI  - Exploring Home Care Interventions for Frail Older People in Belgium: A
      Comparative Effectiveness Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine the effects of home care interventions for frail older
      people in delaying permanent institutionalization during 6 months of follow-up.
      DESIGN: Longitudinal quasi-experimental research study, part of a larger study
      called Protocol 3. SETTING: Community care in Belgium. PARTICIPANTS: Frail older
      adults who received interventions (n = 4,607) and a comparison group of older
      adults who did not (n = 3,633). Organizations delivering the interventions
      included participants provided they were aged 65 and older, frail, and at risk of
      institutionalization. A comparison group was established consisting of frail
      older adults not receiving any interventions. INTERVENTION: Home care
      interventions were identified as single component (occupational therapy (OT),
      psychological support, night care, day care) or multicomponent. The latter
      included case management (CM) in combination with OT and psychological support or
      physiotherapy, with rehabilitation services, or with OT alone. MEASUREMENTS: The
      interRAI Home Care (HC) was completed at baseline and every 6 months. Data from a
      national database were used to establish a comparison group. Relative risks of
      institutionalization and death were calculated using Poisson regression for each
      type of intervention. RESULTS: A subgroup analysis revealed that 1,999 older
      people had mild impairment, and 2,608 had moderate to severe impairment.
      Interventions providing only OT and interventions providing CM with
      rehabilitation services were effective in both subpopulations. CONCLUSION: This
      research broadens the understanding of the effects of different types of
      community care interventions on the delay of institutionalization of frail older
      people. This information can help policy-makers to plan interventions to avoid
      early institutionalization.

PMID- 27676586
TI  - Synthesis of Nitrogen Heterocycles via Photochemical Ring Opening of Pyridazine N
      Oxides.
AB  - A photochemical method for the direct synthesis of 1H-pyrazoles from pyridazine N
      oxides was developed. This chemistry features a regioselective approach to
      nonsymmetrically substituted pyridazine N-oxides. Herein, we highlight the first
      strategic use of photoinduced ring-opening reactions of 1,2-diazine N-oxides for
      the preparative synthesis of nitrogen heterocycles.

PMID- 27676584
TI  - A beginner's guide to atomic force microscopy probing for cell mechanics.
AB  - Atomic Force microscopy (AFM) is becoming a prevalent tool in cell biology and
      biomedical studies, especially those focusing on the mechanical properties of
      cells and tissues. The newest generation of bio-AFMs combine ease of use and
      seamless integration with live-cell epifluorescence or more advanced optical
      microscopies. As a unique feature with respect to other bionanotools, AFM
      provides nanometer-resolution maps for cell topography, stiffness,
      viscoelasticity, and adhesion, often overlaid with matching optical images of the
      probed cells. This review is intended for those about to embark in the use of bio
      AFMs, and aims to assist them in designing an experiment to measure the
      mechanical properties of adherent cells. In addition to describing the main steps
      in a typical cell mechanics protocol and explaining how data is analysed, this
      review will also discuss some of the relevant contact mechanics models available
      and how they have been used to characterize specific features of cellular and
      biological samples. Microsc. Res. Tech. 80:75-84, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27676587
TI  - Improved production of propionic acid using genome shuffling.
AB  - Traditionally derived from fossil fuels, biological production of propionic acid
      has recently gained interest. Propionibacterium species produce propionic acid as
      their main fermentation product. Production of other organic acids reduces
      propionic acid yield and productivity, pointing to by-products gene-knockout
      strategies as a logical solution to increase yield. However, removing by-product
      formation has seen limited success due to our inability to genetically engineer
      the best producing strains (i.e. Propionibacterium acidipropionici). To overcome
      this limitation, random mutagenesis continues to be the best path towards
      improving strains for biological propionic acid production. Recent advances in
      next generation sequencing opened new avenues to understand improved strains. In
      this work, we use genome shuffling on two wild type strains to generate a better
      propionic acid producing strain. Using next generation sequencing, we mapped the
      genomic changes leading to the improved phenotype. The best strain produced 25%
      more propionic acid than the wild type strain. Sequencing of the strains showed
      that genomic changes were restricted to single point mutations and gene
      duplications in well-conserved regions in the genomes. Such results confirm the
      involvement of gene conversion in genome shuffling as opposed to long genomic
      insertions.

PMID- 27676588
TI  - Risk assessment with actuarial and clinical methods: Measurement and evidence
      based practice.
AB  - Child welfare agencies have adopted assessment tools and instruments to inform
      the level of risk and guide the agency's level of intervention with the family.
      Actuarial assessments may be more uniform but inflexible with respect to practice
      wisdom whereas clinical or consensus-based assessments are more comprehensive and
      intuitive but lack objectivity. The purpose of the current study is to compare
      clinical and actuarial methods of risk assessment used by child welfare workers
      to make decisions about substantiation and services. The current study examined
      the (1) association between clinical and actuarial dimensions, (2) association
      between actuarial dimensions and outcomes, (3) association between clinical
      dimensions and outcomes, (4) caseworker primary use of actuarial dimensions, and
      (5) caseworker supplementary use of actuarial dimensions. Findings indicated that
      the actuarial may not be solely predictive of agency intensity with respect to
      case decision and service provision. Our findings suggest that dual-measurement
      does inform intensity, and we speculate from these findings that the measures may
      be involved with decision-making in a complex way. This study may be best viewed
      as a means by which researchers begin to parse how decisions are made; with this
      information, instruments may be better tailored to facilitate clinical, critical
      thought.

PMID- 27676594
TI  - Decarboxylation Facilitated by Carbocation Formation and Rearrangement during
      Steam Distillation of Vetiver Oil.
AB  - Density functional theory (DFT) calculations are used to probe the validity of
      mechanistic proposals for the conversion of isozizanoic acid to 12-norisoziza-5
      ene, a reaction that occurs during steam distillation of vetiver oil. While this
      conversion corresponds overall to a simple decarboxylation, a multistep mechanism
      involving carbocation intermediates is supported by the computational results.

PMID- 27676596
TI  - Radiation Protection, Safety and Security Issues in Ghana.
AB  - Although the use of radioisotopes in Ghana began in 1952, the Radiation
      Protection Board of Ghana was established in 1993 and served as the national
      competent authority for authorization and inspection of practices and activities
      involving radiation sources until 2015. The law has been superseded by an Act of
      Parliament, Act 895 of 2015, mandating the Nuclear Regulatory Authority of Ghana
      to take charge of the regulation of radiation sources and their applications. The
      Radiation Protection Institute in Ghana provided technical support to the
      regulatory authority. Regulatory and service activities that were undertaken by
      the Institute include issuance of permits for handling of a radiation sources,
      authorization and inspection of radiation sources, radiation safety assessment,
      safety assessment of cellular signal towers, and calibration of radiation
      emitting equipment. Practices and activities involving application of radiation
      are brought under regulatory control in the country through supervision by the
      national competent authority.

PMID- 27676597
TI  - Dose Assessment and Considerations When a Radioactive Seed is Unrecoverable in a
      Breast Surgical Patient.
AB  - Excision of non-palpable breast tumors in cancer patients has been routinely
      performed using surgical clips and wires placed under mammographic or ultrasound
      guidance. An alternative method exists for performing these surgeries without
      surgical wires and this approach has become more widely used at Oncology Centers
      in the United States. Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) performs many of their
      breast surgeries with radioactive seeds and has enjoyed favorable outcomes along
      with an enhanced patient experience. There are some inherent difficulties with
      using radioactive seeds, and seed tracking can be a problem during surgical
      procedures. When a seed is misplaced, an extensive search is conducted in an
      effort to locate the misplaced seed. Every attempt to recover these radioactive
      seeds should be made unless patient safety is jeopardized. If the seed is
      unrecoverable, then a dose assessment must be performed and corrective action
      determined. It is important to have adequate policies and procedures in place to
      prevent these rare occurrences. They should be treated as a radioactive medical
      event.

PMID- 27676595
TI  - How Patients View Lung Cancer Screening. The Role of Uncertainty in Medical
      Decision Making.
AB  - RATIONALE: Radiographic lung cancer screening guidelines and coverage
      requirements warrant a shared decision-making process. Guidance is needed
      regarding how to conduct shared decision making effectively. A useful organizing
      theme should include consideration of a patient's response to and tolerance of
      uncertainty associated with lung cancer screening. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of
      this study are to: (1) describe how patients respond to specific categories of
      uncertainty in the context of lung cancer screening, and (2) inform strategies
      for addressing concerns about uncertainty as part of the shared decision making.
      METHODS: We performed two series of structured interviews on participants in a
      convenience sample of current or former cigarette smokers recruited from primary
      care and pulmonary practices in Philadelphia. An interview guide included prompts
      related to benefits, harms, and responses to general and specific types of
      uncertainty (stochastic, statistical, and evidentiary) associated with lung
      cancer screening. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and independently
      coded by two investigators. An inductive analysis was conducted, and major themes
      were identified. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Twenty-two adults participated in
      the study. Sixty-eight percent were men, 72% were black or African American, and
      50% met U.S. Preventive Services Task Force criteria for lung cancer screening.
      The primary themes to emerge from our study were: (1) the desire to decrease
      uncertainty may motivate lung cancer screening decisions; (2) uncertainty is an
      attribute of health states that impacts how patients weigh benefits and harms of
      lung cancer screening; (3) patient understanding and tolerance of uncertainty
      varies across stochastic, statistical, and evidentiary uncertainty; and (4)
      provider-patient communication may mitigate intolerance of uncertainty in the
      context of lung cancer screening. CONCLUSIONS: A systematic approach to
      understanding and addressing patients' concerns about uncertainty in the context
      of lung cancer screening can guide a patient-centered approach to shared decision
      making. The results of this study can inform provider-patient communication
      strategies regarding the decision to perform radiographic lung cancer screening.

PMID- 27676598
TI  - Simultaneous Determination of the Depth of an Embedded Source and its
      Radioactivity in the Medium.
AB  - The simultaneous determination of the depth of an embedded source and its
      radioactivity in the medium at the environmental surveys is a very useful and
      advisable method for an in-situ gamma-ray measurement with respect to the time
      and cost constraint. An algorithm for the determination of the source depth and
      its radioactivity in the medium was developed using the information on the
      uncollided photon fluences and measured net count rates, which mean not scattered
      fluences and background subtracted count rate, at the detector positions.
      Uncollided photon fluences were calculated at several source depths in the medium
      as well as at detector positions from the Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP)
      simulation. The results were then used to establish a database to output their
      values according to the source depth in the medium by inputting the photon energy
      and detector position from the medium. A simple program about the simultaneous
      determination of two variables was applied to the results on a task to find out
      the depth and activity of Cs and Cs at in-situ gamma-ray spectrometry. Less than
      10% and 15% differences compared with the real values at the source depth and
      radioactivity, respectively, were achieved using the developed program.

PMID- 27676599
TI  - Contributions of Various Radiological Sources to Background in a Suburban
      Environment.
AB  - This work is a brief overview and comparison of dose rates stemming from both
      indoor and outdoor natural background radiation and household objects within a
      suburban environment in North Carolina. Combined gamma and beta dose rates were
      taken from indoor objects that ranged from the potassium in fruit to the
      americium in smoke detectors. For outdoor measurements, various height and time
      data samples were collected to show fluctuations in dose rate due to temperature
      inversion and geometric attenuation. Although each sample tested proved to have a
      statistically significant increase over background using Students t-test, no
      sample proved to be more than a minor increase in natural radiation dose. The
      relative contributions from natural radioactivity such as potassium in foods and
      common household items are shown to be easily distinguished from background using
      standard handheld instrumentation when applied in a systematic, methodological
      manner.

PMID- 27676600
TI  - RSO Interview with Michael Ocasio.

PMID- 27676601
TI  - Using Geographic Information Systems to Determine Site Suitability for a Low
      Level Radioactive Waste Storage Facility: Erratum.

PMID- 27676602
TI  - Specific Hydrogen-Bond-Mediated Recognition and Modification of Surfaces Using
      Complementary Functionalized Polymers.
AB  - Specific hydrogen-bonding interactions between polymers and surface-tethered
      recognition elements were used to selectively modify self-assembled monolayers
      (SAMs) on gold. The interfacial recognition processes were followed by observing
      frequency changes of thymine-SAM modified quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) chips
      during adsorption of diamidopyridine-functionalized (DAP) polystyrene from a
      nonpolar solvent. QCM studies combined with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
      (XPS), water contact angle, and ellipsometry measurements of the polymer-modified
      surfaces demonstrate the selectivity of the polymer-surface hydrogen-bonding
      interactions. These studies also indicate that the degree of recognition element
      functionalization of both the polymer and the surface is crucial in determining
      the rate, selectivity, and coverage of polymer on the surface.

PMID- 27676603
TI  - Is early breast milk fortification more effective in preterm infants?: a clinical
      trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Breast feeding alone does not provide adequate nutrition for growth in
      preterm infants; therefore, fortifiers are added when over 70-80 cc/kg/day of
      breast milk is tolerated. As there are few studies comparing early and late
      breast milk fortification, the following study was conducted. STUDY DESIGN: This
      double-blind clinical trial was performed on 80 preterm infants (gestational age
      of 28-34 weeks, birth weight <2 kg). The newborns were randomly divided into two
      groups to receive either early or late fortification. The primary and secondary
      outcomes were the difference in growth indices and complications (including
      feeding intolerance, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and septicemia) between the
      two groups, respectively. RESULTS: Both groups showed increases in growth
      indices; however, there was no statistically significant difference in increments
      of growth indices and complications between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Our
      findings suggest that early fortification from the first feeding in neonates with
      exclusive breast feeding did not improve growth in the first 4 weeks in preterm
      neonates in comparison with late fortification; so early fortification may not be
      cost effective.

PMID- 27676605
TI  - Structural and lipid-binding characterization of human annexin A13a reveals
      strong differences with its long A13b isoform.
AB  - Annexin A13 is the founder member of the vertebrate family of annexins, which are
      comprised of a tetrad of unique conserved domains responsible for calcium
      dependent binding to membranes. Its expression is restricted to epithelial
      intestinal and kidney cells. Alternative splicing in the N-terminal region
      generates two isoforms, A13a and A13b, differing in a deletion of 41 residues in
      the former. We have confirmed the expression of both isoforms in human colon
      adenocarcinoma cells at the mRNA and protein levels. We have cloned, expressed,
      and purified human annexin A13a for the first time to analyze its structural
      characteristics. Its secondary structure and thermal stability differs greatly
      from the A13b isoform. The only tryptophan residue (Trp186) is buried in the
      protein core in the absence of calcium but is exposed to the solvent after
      calcium binding even though circular dichroism spectra are quite similar. Non
      myristoylated annexin A13a binds in a calcium-dependent manner to acidic
      phospholipids but not to neutral or raft-like liposomes. Calcium requirements for
      binding to phosphatidylserine are around 6-fold lower than those required by the
      A13b isoform. This fact could account for the different subcellular localization
      of both annexins as binding to basolateral membranes seems to be calcium
      dependent and myristoylation-independent.

PMID- 27676604
TI  - Tropane alkaloids as substrates and inhibitors of human organic cation
      transporters of the SLC22 (OCT) and the SLC47 (MATE) families.
AB  - Tropane alkaloids and their derivatives are anticholinergic drugs with narrow
      therapeutic range. Here we characterize the organic cation transporters from the
      SLC22 (OCT1, OCT2, and OCT3) and the SLC47 families (MATE1 and MATE2-K) as
      potential mediators of the renal and extra-renal excretion, the two major roads
      of elimination of these substances. All analyzed compounds inhibited and the
      quaternary amine derivatives ipratropium and trospium were strongly transported
      by OCTs and MATEs. Overexpression of OCTs or MATEs in HEK293 cells resulted in an
      up to 63-fold increase in the uptake of ipratropium (Km of 0.32 MUm to OCT2 and
      Vmax of 3.34 nmol*mg protein-1*min-1 to MATE1). The transcellular transport of
      ipratropium was 16-fold higher in OCT2-MATE1 and 10-fold higher in OCT1-MATE1
      overexpressing compared to control MDCKII cells. Genetic polymorphisms in OCT1
      and OCT2 affected ipratropium uptake and clinically relevant concentration of
      ondansetron and pyrithiamine inhibited ipratropium uptake via MATEs by more than
      90%. This study suggests that OCT1, OCT2 and MATEs may be strongly involved in
      the renal and extra-renal elimination of ipratropium and other quaternary amine
      alkaloids. These substances have a notoriously narrow therapeutic range and the
      drug-drug interactions suggested here should be further critically evaluated in
      humans.

PMID- 27676606
TI  - Prevalence of pseudonatremia in a clinical laboratory - role of the water
      content.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sodium concentration is a frequently used marker to discriminate
      between differential diagnoses or for clinical follow-up. Pseudonatremia, as a
      result of indirect ion-selective electrode (ISE) measurements in automated
      chemistry analyzers, can lead to incorrect diagnosis and treatment. We
      investigated whether the estimated water content, based on total protein and
      lipid concentrations, can be used to reduce diagnoses of pseudonatremia. METHODS:
      Indirect and direct ISE measurements of sodium were compared in blood samples
      from intensive care unit (ICU) (n = 98) and random non-ICU patients (n = 100).
      Differences between direct measurements using whole blood and lithium-heparin
      plasma were also determined. Water content, estimated by a linear combination of
      total protein and lipid concentrations, was used to correct indirectly measured
      sodium concentrations. The prevalence of pseudonatremia was evaluated in the ICU
      patient group. RESULTS: An absolute difference of 3 mmol/L was observed between
      direct measurements using lithium-heparin plasma and whole blood, with higher
      concentrations in plasma. Additionally, we observed that differences between
      indirect and direct measurements displayed a linear relationship with the
      estimated water content. The prevalence of pseudohypernatremia after indirect
      measurements (32%) was reduced when measurements were corrected for water content
      (19%). CONCLUSIONS: In critically ill patients, sodium concentrations should be
      preferably measured by direct measurements. Whole blood is the preferred material
      for these measurements. For routine sodium analyses in other patients, correction
      using the estimated water content appears promising in reducing the prevalence of
      pseudohypernatremia by indirect measurements.

PMID- 27676607
TI  - The Bacterial Signature of Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka) Reveals Core and
      Accessory Communities with Bioactive Properties.
AB  - Leptospermum scoparium or manuka is a New Zealand native medicinal plant that
      produces an essential oil with antimicrobial properties. This is the first study
      to investigate the structure and bioactivity of endophytic bacteria in manuka by
      using a combination of cultivation-independent (DGGE) and dependent approaches. A
      total of 23 plants were sampled across three sites. Plants were considered either
      immature (3-8 years) or mature (>20 years). The endophyte community structure and
      richness was affected by plant tissue and bacterial communities became more
      stable and uniform as plant maturity increased. A total of 192 culturable
      bacteria were recovered from leaves, stems and roots. Some bacterial isolates
      showed in vitro biocontrol activity against two fungal pathogens, Ilyonectria
      liriodendri and Neofusicoccum luteum and a bacterial pathogen, Pseudomonas
      syringae pv. actinidiae. A high proportion of bacterial endophytes could produce
      siderophores and solubilise phosphate in vitro. Gammaproteobacteria was the most
      variable class, representing the majority of cultivated bacteria with
      bioactivity.

PMID- 27676608
TI  - Synthesis and antitumor activity of (-)-bassianolide in MDA-MB 231 breast cancer
      cells through cell cycle arrest.
AB  - The high level of interest in the cyclodepsipeptides family in the natural
      products stems from their diverse range of biological activities. One of the
      cyclodepsipeptides, (-)-bassianolide, represents rich pharmacophores with diverse
      biological activities including potential cytotoxicity to various cancer cells.
      Efficient total synthesis of (-)-bassianolide was designed and achieved in nine
      steps, with significant improvements in the overall yield of 46.8% (vs. 7.2%
      yield in previous synthesis) using Ghosez's chloroenamine reagent under mild
      conditions. The cytotoxicity of the (-)-bassianolide was evaluated against five
      human tumor cells, and the results showed that the (-)-bassianolide displayed
      significant cytotoxicity against A549, SK-OV-3, HepG2, HCT-15, MCF-7 and MDA-MB
      231 cell lines with IC50 values of 7.24, 8.44, 15.39, 6.40, 11.42 and 3.98 MUg/mL
      respectively. Specifically, (-)-bassianolide induced G0/G1 arrest associated with
      a decrease of cyclin A, D1 and an increase of p53, MDM2, and p21 expression in
      MDA-MB 231 cells. These results demonstrate that (-)-bassianolide possesses
      antitumor activities via arresting of the cell cycle and the synthetic approach
      features an efficient and mild method for the formation of amide bonds through
      three inter- and intramolecular coupling reactions.

PMID- 27676610
TI  - Electrostatic Contributions to Protein Quinary Structure.
AB  - There are four well-known levels of protein structure: primary (amino acid
      sequence), secondary (helices, sheets and turns), tertiary (three-dimensional
      structure) and quaternary (specific protein-protein interactions). The fifth
      level remains largely undefined because characterization of quinary structure,
      the transient but essential macromolecular interactions that organize the crowded
      cellular interior, requires the measurement of equilibrium thermodynamic
      parameters in living cells. We have overcome this challenge by quantifying the pH
      dependence of quinary interactions in living Escherichia coli cells using the B1
      domain of protein G (GB1, 6.2 kDa). To accomplish this goal, we buffered the
      cellular interior and used NMR-detected amide proton exchange to quantify the
      free energy of unfolding in cells. At neutral pH, the unfolding free energy in
      cells is comparable to that in buffered solution. As the pH decreases, the
      increased number of attractive interactions between E. coli proteins and GB1
      destabilizes the protein in cells relative to buffer alone. The data show that
      electrostatic interactions contribute to quinary structure.

PMID- 27676609
TI  - Value and Anisotropy of the Electron and Hole Mass in Pure Wurtzite InP
      Nanowires.
AB  - The effective mass of electrons and holes in semiconductors is pivotal in
      determining the dynamics of carriers and their confinement energy in
      nanostructured materials. Surprisingly, this quantity is still unknown in
      wurtzite (WZ) nanowires (NWs) made of III-V compounds (e.g., GaAs, InAs, GaP,
      InP), where the WZ phase has no bulk counterpart. Here, we investigate the
      magneto-optical properties of InP WZ NWs grown by selective-area epitaxy that
      provides perfectly ordered NWs featuring high-crystalline quality. The combined
      analysis of the energy of free exciton states and impurity levels under magnetic
      field (B up to 29 T) allows us to disentangle the dynamics of oppositely charged
      carriers from the Coulomb interaction and thus to determine the values of the
      electron and hole effective mass. By application of B? along different
      crystallographic directions, we also assess the dependence of the transport
      properties with respect to the NW growth axis (namely, the WZ c axis). The
      effective mass of electrons along c is me? = (0.078 +/- 0.002) m0 (m0 is the
      electron mass in vacuum) and perpendicular to c is me? = (0.093 +/- 0.001) m0,
      resulting in a 20% mass anisotropy. Holes exhibit a much larger (~320%) and
      opposite mass anisotropy with their effective mass along and perpendicular to c
      equal to mh? = (0.81 +/- 0.18) m0 and mh? = (0.250 +/- 0.016) m0, respectively.
      While no full consensus is found with current theoretical results on WZ InP, our
      findings show trends remarkably similar to the experimental data available in WZ
      bulk materials, such as InN, GaN, and ZnO.

PMID- 27676611
TI  - A Comparison of Midwife-Led and Medical-Led Models of Care and Their Relationship
      to Adverse Fetal and Neonatal Outcomes: A Retrospective Cohort Study in New
      Zealand.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Internationally, a typical model of maternity care is a medically led
      system with varying levels of midwifery input. New Zealand has a midwife-led
      model of care, and there are movements in other countries to adopt such a system.
      There is a paucity of systemic evaluation that formally investigates safety
      related outcomes in relationship to midwife-led care within an entire maternity
      service. The main objective of this study was to compare major adverse perinatal
      outcomes between midwife-led and medical-led maternity care in New Zealand.
      METHODS AND FINDINGS: This was a population-based retrospective cohort study.
      Participants were mother/baby pairs for all 244,047 singleton, term deliveries
      occurring between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2012 in New Zealand in which no
      major fetal, neonatal, chromosomal or metabolic abnormality was identified and
      the mother was first registered with a midwife, obstetrician, or general
      practitioner as lead maternity carer. Main outcome measures were low Apgar score
      at five min, intrauterine hypoxia, birth-related asphyxia, neonatal
      encephalopathy, small for gestational age (as a negative control), and mortality
      outcomes (perinatal related mortality, stillbirth, and neonatal mortality).
      Logistic regression models were fitted, with crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs)
      generated for each outcome for midwife-led versus medical-led care (based on lead
      maternity carer at first registration) with 95% confidence intervals. Fully
      adjusted models included age, ethnicity, deprivation, trimester of registration,
      parity, smoking, body mass index (BMI), and pre-existing diabetes and/or
      hypertension in the model. Of the 244,047 pregnancies included in the study,
      223,385 (91.5%) were first registered with a midwife lead maternity carer, and
      20,662 (8.5%) with a medical lead maternity carer. Adjusted ORs showed that
      medical-led births were associated with lower odds of an Apgar score of less than
      seven at 5 min (OR 0.52; 95% confidence interval 0.43-0.64), intrauterine hypoxia
      (OR 0.79; 0.62-1.02), birth-related asphyxia (OR 0.45; 0.32-0.62), and neonatal
      encephalopathy (OR 0.61; 0.38-0.97). No association was found between lead carer
      at first registration and being small for gestational age (SGA), which was
      included as a negative control (OR 1.00; 0.95-1.05). It was not possible to
      definitively determine whether one model of care was associated with fewer infant
      deaths, with ORs for the medical-led model compared with the midwife-led model
      being 0.80 (0.54-1.19) for perinatal related mortality, 0.86 (0.55-1.34) for
      stillbirth, and 0.62 (0.25-1.53) for neonatal mortality. Major limitations were
      related to the use of routine data in which some variables lacked detail; for
      example, we were unable to differentiate the midwife-led group into those who had
      received medical input during pregnancy and those who had not. CONCLUSIONS: There
      is an unexplained excess of adverse events in midwife-led deliveries in New
      Zealand where midwives practice autonomously. The findings are of concern and
      demonstrate a need for further research that specifically investigates the
      reasons for the apparent excess of adverse outcomes in mothers with midwife-led
      care. These findings should be interpreted in the context of New Zealand's
      internationally comparable birth outcomes and in the context of research that
      supports the many benefits of midwife-led care, such as greater patient
      satisfaction and lower intervention rates.

PMID- 27676612
TI  - Unique Axial Imidazole Geometries of Fully Halogenated Iron(II) Porphyrin
      Complexes: Crystal Structures and Mossbauer Spectroscopic Studies.
AB  - The synthesis and characterization of several electron-poor iron(II) porphyrin
      (FeTFPPBr8) complexes with axial imidazole ligands are reported. The single
      crystal X-ray structures have been studied by a combination of crystal packing
      and Hirshfeld surface calculations, which explained the unusual axial-ligand
      geometries, e.g., the strong tilt of the Fe-NIm bonds and the imidazole planes.
      The six-coordinate [Fe(TFPPBr8)(1-MeIm)2] was studied by multiple-temperature
      solid-state Mossbauer spectroscopy, which suggested that it is a low-spin complex
      with delta ~ 0.32-0.38 mm/s and DeltaEQ ~ 1.0 mm/s.

PMID- 27676613
TI  - News Stories of Intimate Partner Violence: An Experimental Examination of
      Participant Sex, Perpetrator Sex, and Violence Severity on Seriousness, Sympathy,
      and Punishment Preferences.
AB  - This study experimentally examines the effects of participant sex, perpetrator
      sex, and severity of violence on perceptions of intimate partner violence (IPV)
      seriousness, sympathy toward the victim, and punishment preferences for the
      perpetrator. Participants (N = 449) were randomly assigned to a condition,
      exposed to a composite news story, and then completed a survey. Ratings of
      seriousness of IPV for stories with male perpetrators were significantly higher
      than ratings of seriousness for stories with female perpetrators. Men had
      significantly higher sympathy for female victims in any condition than for male
      victims in the weak or strong severity of violence conditions. Men's sympathy for
      male victims in the fatal severity of violence condition did not differ from
      their sympathy for female victims. Women had the least sympathy for female
      victims in the weak severity condition and men in the weak or strong severity
      conditions. Women reported significantly higher sympathy for female victims in
      the strong and fatal severity of violence conditions. Women's ratings of sympathy
      for male victims in the fatal severity of violence condition were statistically
      indistinguishable from any other group. Participants reported stronger punishment
      preferences for male perpetrators and this effect was magnified among men.
      Theoretical implications are presented with attention provided to practical
      considerations about support for public health services.

PMID- 27676614
TI  - The Contribution of Object Shape and Surface Properties to Object Ensemble
      Representation in Anterior-medial Ventral Visual Cortex.
AB  - Our visual system can extract summary statistics from large collections of
      objects without forming detailed representations of the individual objects in the
      ensemble. In a region in ventral visual cortex encompassing the collateral sulcus
      and the parahippocampal gyrus and overlapping extensively with the scene
      selective parahippocampal place area (PPA), we have previously reported fMRI
      adaptation to object ensembles when ensemble statistics repeated, even when local
      image features differed across images (e.g., two different images of the same
      strawberry pile). We additionally showed that this ensemble representation is
      similar to (but still distinct from) how visual texture patterns are processed in
      this region and is not explained by appealing to differences in the color of the
      elements that make up the ensemble. To further explore the nature of ensemble
      representation in this brain region, here we used PPA as our ROI and investigated
      in detail how the shape and surface properties (i.e., both texture and color) of
      the individual objects constituting an ensemble affect the ensemble
      representation in anterior-medial ventral visual cortex. We photographed object
      ensembles of stone beads that varied in shape and surface properties. A given
      ensemble always contained beads of the same shape and surface properties (e.g.,
      an ensemble of star-shaped rose quartz beads). A change to the shape and/or
      surface properties of all the beads in an ensemble resulted in a significant
      release from adaptation in PPA compared with conditions in which no ensemble
      feature changed. In contrast, in the object-sensitive lateral occipital area
      (LO), we only observed a significant release from adaptation when the shape of
      the ensemble elements varied, and found no significant results in additional
      scene-sensitive regions, namely, the retrosplenial complex and occipital place
      area. Together, these results demonstrate that the shape and surface properties
      of the individual objects comprising an ensemble both contribute significantly to
      object ensemble representation in anterior-medial ventral visual cortex and
      further demonstrate a functional dissociation between object- (LO) and scene
      selective (PPA) visual cortical regions and within the broader scene-processing
      network itself.

PMID- 27676615
TI  - Reduced Cognitive Control Demands after Practice of Saccade Tasks in a Trial Type
      Probability Manipulation.
AB  - Cognitive control is engaged to facilitate stimulus-response mappings for novel,
      complex tasks and supervise performance in unfamiliar, challenging contexts
      processes supported by pFC, ACC, and posterior parietal cortex. With repeated
      task practice, however, the appropriate task set can be selected in a more
      automatic fashion with less need for top-down cognitive control and weaker
      activation in these brain regions. One model system for investigating cognitive
      control is the ocular motor circuitry underlying saccade production, with basic
      prosaccade trials (look toward a stimulus) and complex antisaccade trials (look
      to the mirror image location) representing low and high levels of cognitive
      control, respectively. Previous studies have shown behavioral improvements on
      saccade tasks after practice with contradictory results regarding the direction
      of functional MRI BOLD signal change. The current study presented healthy young
      adults with prosaccade and antisaccade trials in five mixed blocks with varying
      probability of each trial type (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% anti vs. pro) at
      baseline and posttest MRI sessions. Between the scans, participants practiced
      either the specific probability blocks used during testing or only a general 100%
      antisaccade block. Results indicated an overall reduction in BOLD activation
      within pFC, ACC, and posterior parietal cortex and across saccade circuitry for
      antisaccade trials. The specific practice group showed additional regions
      including ACC, insula, and thalamus with an activation decrease after practice,
      whereas the general practice group showed a little change from baseline in those
      clusters. These findings demonstrate that cognitive control regions recruited to
      support novel task behaviors were engaged less after practice, especially with
      exposure to mixed task contexts rather than a novel task in isolation.

PMID- 27676617
TI  - Why Effective Health Advocacy Is So Important Today.

PMID- 27676616
TI  - Repetition Enhancement of Amygdala and Visual Cortex Functional Connectivity
      Reflects Nonconscious Memory for Negative Visual Stimuli.
AB  - Most studies using a recognition memory paradigm examine the neural processes
      that support the ability to consciously recognize past events. However, there can
      also be nonconscious influences from the prior study episode that reflect
      repetition suppression effects-a reduction in the magnitude of activity for
      repeated presentations of stimuli-that are revealed by comparing neural activity
      associated with forgotten items to correctly rejected novel items. The present
      fMRI study examined the effect of emotional valence (positive vs. negative) on
      repetition suppression effects. Using a standard recognition memory task, 24
      participants viewed line drawings of previously studied negative, positive, and
      neutral photos intermixed with novel line drawings. For each item, participants
      made an old-new recognition judgment and a sure-unsure confidence rating.
      Collapsed across valence, repetition suppression effects were found in ventral
      occipital-temporal cortex and frontal regions. Activity levels in the majority of
      these regions were not modulated by valence. However, repetition enhancement of
      the amygdala and ventral occipital-temporal cortex functional connectivity
      reflected nonconscious memory for negative items. In this study, valence had
      little effect on activation patterns but had a larger effect on functional
      connectivity patterns that were markers of nonconscious memory. Beyond memory and
      emotion, these findings are relevant to other cognitive and social
      neuroscientists that utilize fMRI repetition effects to investigate perception,
      attention, social cognition, and other forms of learning and memory.

PMID- 27676619
TI  - In Reply to Liaw and Westfall.

PMID- 27676618
TI  - Primary Care Research Should Be Done in Primary Care Settings.

PMID- 27676620
TI  - Clinician-Educator Track Career Advancement in Academic Medicine: Time to Update
      the Scoresheet.

PMID- 27676621
TI  - Principal Innovator: The Other PI.

PMID- 27676622
TI  - A New Era for the Morbidity and Mortality Conference: Aligning Tradition With
      Systems-Based Quality Improvement Efforts.

PMID- 27676623
TI  - Teaching Anatomy: It's Time for a Reality Check.

PMID- 27676624
TI  - Professionalism Sans Humanism: A Body Without A Soul.

PMID- 27676625
TI  - Powerless.

PMID- 27676626
TI  - Commentary on Photo of Eastern State Hospital, Knoxville, Tennessee.

PMID- 27676627
TI  - The Gold-Hope Tang, MD 2016 Humanism in Medicine Essay Contest: Third Place: Hand
      In-Hand.

PMID- 27676629
TI  - Identifying Multiple Potential Metabolic Cycles in Time-Series from Biolog
      Experiments.
AB  - Biolog Phenotype Microarray (PM) is a technology allowing simultaneous screening
      of the metabolic behaviour of bacteria under a large number of different
      conditions. Bacteria may often undergo several cycles of metabolic activity
      during a Biolog experiment. We introduce a novel algorithm to identify these
      metabolic cycles in PM experimental data, thus increasing the potential of PM
      technology in microbiology. Our method is based on a statistical decomposition of
      the time-series measurements into a set of growth models. We show that the method
      is robust to measurement noise and captures accurately the biologically relevant
      signals from the data. Our implementation is made freely available as a part of
      an R package for PM data analysis and can be found at
      www.helsinki.fi/bsg/software/Biolog_Decomposition.

PMID- 27676628
TI  - Artist's Statement: Diagnostic Dissonance.

PMID- 27676630
TI  - Association of life events and depressive symptoms among early postmenopausal
      Chinese women in Hong Kong.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study examined the occurrence of stressful life events (SLEs) and
      its association with the risk of developing depressive symptoms in midlife women.
      METHODS: A total of 518 Hong Kong Chinese postmenopausal women aged 50 to 64
      years were recruited through random telephone dialing. Information on
      sociodemographic, health, and lifestyle variables was obtained through face-to
      face interviews at baseline, and at 3-year (T1) and 5-year (T2) follow-up. A
      Centre of Epidemiological Study Depression scale (CES-D) score >=16 was used to
      indicate high depressive symptoms. At T2, SLEs were assessed by a 21-item life
      event scale, adapted from the Holmes and Rahe Social Readjustment Rating Scale
      for Adults. Potential confounders were controlled for in the multivariable
      logistic regression analysis on the relation between SLEs and high depressive
      symptoms among 379 women without CES-D score >=16 at T1. RESULTS: 87.6% had
      experienced SLEs since T1 and 11.9% had CES-D score >=16 at T2. Compared with
      those without SLEs, women with one to three SLEs had 2.7-fold (95% CI, 0.6-12.1)
      increased risk of having CES-D score >=16, whereas those with four to nine SLEs
      had 5.2-fold (95% CI, 1.1-25.4) increased risk. A dose-response relationship was
      observed (P for trend = 0.005). Each additional SLEs experienced was associated
      with a 28% (95% CI, 1.07-1.54) increased risk of high depressive symptoms.
      CONCLUSIONS: Hong Kong Chinese women encounter many SLEs at midlife. Multiple
      episodes of SLE had a cumulative effect on the onset of depressive symptoms. Our
      findings have important implications for the identification and management of
      midlife women with high depressive symptoms.

PMID- 27676631
TI  - Trajectories of response to acupuncture for menopausal vasomotor symptoms: the
      Acupuncture in Menopause study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the trajectories of responses to acupuncture treatment for
      menopausal vasomotor symptoms (VMS) and the characteristics of women in each
      trajectory. METHODS: Two hundred nine perimenopausal and postmenopausal women
      aged 45 to 60 years experiencing at least four VMS per day were recruited and
      randomized to receive up to 20 acupuncture treatments within 6 months or to a
      waitlist control group. The primary outcome was percent change from baseline in
      the mean daily VMS frequency. Finite mixture modeling was used to identify
      patterns of percent change in weekly VMS frequencies over the first 8 weeks. The
      Freeman-Holton test and analysis of variance were used to compare characteristics
      of women in different trajectories. RESULTS: Analyses revealed four distinct
      trajectories of change in VMS frequency by week 8 in the acupuncture group. A
      small group of women (11.6%, n = 19) had an 85% reduction in VMS. The largest
      group (47%, n = 79) reported a 47% reduction in VMS frequency, 37.3% (n = 65) of
      the sample showed only a 9.6% reduction in VMS frequency, and a very small group
      (4.1%, n = 7) had a 100% increase in VMS. Among women in the waitlist control
      group, 79.5% reported a 10% decrease in VMS frequency at week 8. Baseline number
      of VMS, number of acupuncture treatments in the first 8 weeks, and traditional
      Chinese medicine diagnosis were significantly related to trajectory group
      membership in the acupuncture group. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately half of the
      treated sample reported a decline in VMS frequency, but identifying clear
      predictors of clinical response to acupuncture treatment of menopausal VMS
      remains challenging.

PMID- 27676632
TI  - Duration of the menopausal transition is longer in women with young age at onset:
      the multiethnic Study of Women's Health Across the Nation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The menopausal transition (MT) is a critical period associated with
      physiologic changes that influence women's long-term health and longevity.
      Information is, however, limited regarding factors that influence age at the
      onset of the MT and its duration (ie, time from MT onset to the final menstrual
      period). METHODS: We analyzed data for 1,145 women from four sites of the Study
      of Women's Health Across the Nation who participated in the menstrual calendar
      substudy, had the start of the MT identified, and had no missing covariate
      information. Participants included from four racial/ethnic groups: African
      American, white, Chinese, and Japanese. Women completed daily menstrual calendars
      from 1996 to 2006 and questions on hormone therapy use monthly. Baseline measures
      included education, economic strain, and menstrual cycle characteristics. Annual
      measures included height, weight, and smoking status. Cox proportional hazards
      models were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: The adjusted median duration of
      the MT ranged from 4.37 years among the oldest age-at-onset quartile to 8.57
      years among the youngest age-at-onset quartile (P < 0.001). Cigarette smoking was
      associated with an earlier onset (P < 0.001) and a shorter duration (P < 0.001).
      African American women had a longer duration (P = 0.012) than white women. Body
      mass index was associated with a later onset of the MT (P = 0.001) but not its
      duration. CONCLUSIONS: The duration of the MT was largely influenced by the age
      at which it began: earlier onset was associated with a longer transition. This
      finding provides a strong rationale for developing improved markers of the onset
      of the early MT.

PMID- 27676633
TI  - Relationship between equol producer status and metabolic parameters in 743
      Japanese women: equol producer status is associated with antiatherosclerotic
      conditions in women around menopause and early postmenopause.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Equol, an active metabolite possessing estrogen-like activity, is
      produced by the action of intestinal flora on soy isoflavones. There is an
      increasing evidence regarding its efficacy in the relief of menopausal symptoms,
      suppression of decreased bone mineral density, and lipid profile improvement.
      Only those with equol-producing capacity, however, seem to benefit. Thus, we
      examined the relationship between equol producer status and parameters associated
      with lifestyle-related diseases in women from their 20s to 80s. METHODS: This
      cross-sectional study was conducted among 743 women (21-89 y; average age: 52.5
      +/- 11.8 y) who have undergone health screening at Tokyo Midtown Medical Center
      and given consent to participate in the study. The relationship between equol
      producer status and metabolic parameters was assessed. RESULTS: In our study, 236
      women (32%) were equol producers. Equol producers had significantly lower
      triglycerides and higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels compared
      with nonproducers. Equol-producing women in their 50s showed significantly lower
      body fat level, visceral fat area, triglyceride levels, pulse wave velocity, uric
      acid levels, and high sensitivity C-reactive protein levels. In addition, women
      in their 60s showed significantly higher levels of high-density lipoprotein
      cholesterol. In multivariate logistic regression, for women in their 50s, equol
      production was significantly associated with lower arterial stiffness and uric
      acid levels, and a high ratio of eicosapentaenoic acid to arachidonic acid,
      whereas it was significantly associated with lower urinary N-telopeptides in
      their 60s. CONCLUSIONS: Equol producer status was associated with favorable
      metabolic parameters, in women in the early phase postmenopause, with the
      transitional periods noted with declining intrinsic estrogen levels.

PMID- 27676635
TI  - Resistance training improves cardiovascular health in postmenopausal women.

PMID- 27676634
TI  - Dopaminergic contributions to working memory-related brain activation in
      postmenopausal women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The current study examined the effects of pharmacologic dopaminergic
      manipulations on working memory-related brain activation in postmenopausal women
      to further understand the neurochemistry underlying cognition after menopause.
      METHODS: Eighteen healthy postmenopausal women, mean age 55.21 years, completed
      three study days with dopaminergic drug challenges during which they performed a
      functional magnetic resonance imaging visual verbal N-back test of working
      memory. Acute stimulation with 1.25 mg oral D2 agonist bromocriptine, acute
      blockade with 1.5 mg oral haloperidol, and matching placebo were administered
      randomly and blindly on three study days. RESULTS: We found that dopaminergic
      stimulation increased activation primarily in the posterior regions of the
      working memory network compared with dopaminergic blockade using a whole brain
      cluster-level corrected analysis. The dopaminergic medications did not affect
      working memory performance. CONCLUSIONS: Patterns of increased blood-oxygen-level
      dependent signal activation after dopaminergic stimulation were found in this
      study in posterior brain regions with no effect on working memory performance.
      Further studies should examine specific dopaminergic contributions to brain
      functioning in healthy postmenopausal women to determine the effects of the
      increased brain activation on cognition and behavior.

PMID- 27676636
TI  - Long-term bisphosphonates: primum non nocere.

PMID- 27676637
TI  - Mechanisms explaining effects of pubertal timing on adulthood cardio-metabolic
      health.

PMID- 27676639
TI  - Intra-Operative Surgical Irrigation of the Surgical Incision: What Does the
      Future Hold-Saline, Antibiotic Agents, or Antiseptic Agents?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intra-operative surgical site irrigation (lavage) is common practice
      in surgical procedures in general, with all disciplines advocating some form of
      irrigation before incision closure. This practice, however, has been neither
      standardized nor is there compelling evidence that it effectively reduces the
      risk of surgical site infection (SSI). This narrative review addresses the
      laboratory and clinical evidence that is available to support the practice of
      irrigation of the abdominal cavity and superficial/deep incisional tissues, using
      specific irrigation solutions at the end of an operative procedure to reduce the
      microbial burden at wound closure. METHODS: Review of PubMed and OVID for
      pertinent, scientific, and clinical publications in the English language was
      performed. RESULTS: Incision irrigation was found to afford a three-fold benefit:
      First, to hydrate the bed; second, to assist in allowing better examination of
      the area immediately before closure; and finally, by removing superficial and
      deep incisional contamination and lowering the bioburden, expedite the healing
      process. The clinical practice of intra-operative peritoneal lavage is highly
      variable and is dependent solely on surgeon preference. By contrast, intra
      operative irrigation after device-related procedures has become a standard of
      care for the prophylaxis of acute peri-prosthetic infection. The clinical
      evidence that supports the use of antibiotic irrigation is limited and based on
      retrospective analysis and few acceptable randomized controlled trials. The
      results of laboratory and animal studies using aqueous 0.05% chlorhexidine
      gluconate are favorable, suggesting that further studies are justified to
      determine its clinical efficacy. CONCLUSION: The adoption of appropriate and
      standardized intra-operative irrigation practices into peri-operative care
      bundles, which include other evidence-based strategies (weight-based
      antimicrobial prophylaxis, antimicrobial sutures, maintenance of normothermia,
      and glycemic control), offers an inexpensive and effective method to reduce the
      risk of post-operative SSI and deserves further evaluation.

PMID- 27676638
TI  - Menopausal symptoms and cardiovascular disease mortality in the Women's Ischemia
      Syndrome Evaluation (WISE).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Studies have linked vasomotor symptoms (VMS) to markers of
      cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, yet few have considered clinical
      cardiovascular events. Data suggest that associations may depend upon the age
      that symptoms occur. We examined associations between VMS and cardiovascular
      events and endothelial function, considering age of symptom onset. METHODS: The
      Women's Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation enrolled women referred for coronary
      angiography for suspected myocardial ischemia. A total of 254 women aged more
      than 50 years, postmenopausal, with both ovaries, not taking hormone therapy
      underwent a baseline evaluation, were followed annually (median = 6.0 y), and the
      National Death Index was searched to ascertain CVD mortality (median = 9.3 y). A
      subset of participants underwent brachial artery ultrasound for flow-mediated
      dilation (FMD). Receiver-operating curve analysis was used to determine vasomotor
      symptom groups (symptoms beginning < age 42 [early onset], beginning >=42 [later
      onset], never) which were examined in relation to cardiovascular events and FMD
      in Cox proportional hazard and linear regression models. RESULTS: Women reporting
      early onset VMS (HR = 3.35, 95% CI = 1.23-7.86, P = 0.005) and women who never
      had VMS (HR = 2.17, 95% CI = 1.02-4.62, P = 0.05) had higher CVD mortality than
      women with later onset symptoms (multivariable models). Women with early onset
      VMS had lower FMD than women with later onset symptoms (b = -4.31, SE = 2.10, P =
      0.04, multivariable). CONCLUSIONS: Women with signs and symptoms of ischemia who
      had VMS beginning early in midlife had higher CVD mortality and reduced
      endothelial function relative to women with later onset symptoms. Future research
      should evaluate the vascular phenotype of women with early midlife VMS.

PMID- 27676641
TI  - Capecitabine pharmacogenetics: historical milestones and progress toward clinical
      implementation.

PMID- 27676642
TI  - Important considerations in adolescent health maintenance: long-acting reversible
      contraception, human papillomavirus vaccination, and heavy menstrual bleeding.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The present article addresses recent research related to three
      key facets of adolescent preventive care and health maintenance: long-acting
      reversible contraception, human papillomavirus vaccination, and heavy menstrual
      bleeding. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies suggest that long-acting reversible
      contraception use results in significantly lower rates of unintended pregnancies,
      and is well tolerated by nulliparous adolescent females. Additionally, a strong
      recommendation from a pediatric primary care provider is extremely effective in
      ensuring human papillomavirus vaccination prior to sexual debut. Finally, heavy
      menstrual bleeding is often under-recognized in adolescents, and evaluation and
      treatment of these patients are variable. SUMMARY: Based on the recent literature
      findings, the pediatric primary care provider should be encouraged to, first,
      recommend long-acting reversible contraception for prevention of unintended
      pregnancy in adolescent patients; second, strongly endorse vaccination to protect
      against human papillomavirus in all patients prior to sexual debut; and, third,
      screen adolescent females for signs and symptoms of heavy menstrual bleeding.

PMID- 27676643
TI  - Electrospun Matrices for Pelvic Floor Repair: Effect of Fiber Diameter on
      Mechanical Properties and Cell Behavior.
AB  - Electrospun matrices are proposed as an alternative for polypropylene meshes in
      reconstructive pelvic surgery. Here, we investigated the effect of fiber diameter
      on (1) the mechanical properties of electrospun poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid)
      blended-poly(caprolactone) (PLGA/PCL) matrices; (2) cellular infiltration; and
      (3) the newly formed extracellular matrix (ECM) in vitro. We compared electrospun
      matrices with 1- and 8 MUm fiber diameter and used nonporous PLGA/PCL films as
      controls. The 8-MUm matrices were almost twice as stiff as the 1-MUm matrices
      with 1.38 and 0.66 MPa, respectively. Matrices had the same ultimate tensile
      strength, but with 80% the 1-MUm matrices were much more ductile than the 8-MUm
      ones (18%). Cells infiltrated deeper into the matrices with larger pores, but
      cellular activity was comparable on both substrates. New ECM was deposited faster
      on the electrospun samples, but after 2 and 4 weeks the amount of collagen was
      comparable with that on nonporous films. The ECM deposited on the 1-MUm matrices,
      and the nonporous film was about three times stiffer than the ECM found on the 8
      MUm matrices. Cell behavior in terms of myofibroblastic differentiation and
      remodeling was similar on the 1-MUm matrices and nonporous films, in comparison
      to that on the 8-MUm matrices. We conclude that electrospinning enhances the
      integration of host cells as compared with a nonporous film of the same material.
      The 1-MUm matrices result in better mechanical behavior and qualitatively better
      matrix production than the 8-MUm matrices, but with limited cellular
      infiltration. These data are useful for designing electrospun matrices for the
      pelvic floor.

PMID- 27676640
TI  - Ethanol and High Cholesterol Diet Causes Severe Steatohepatitis and Early Liver
      Fibrosis in Mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Because ethanol consumption is commonly associated with a
      high cholesterol diet, we examined whether combined consumption of ethanol and
      high cholesterol increases liver injury and fibrosis. METHODS: Male C57BL/6J mice
      were fed diets containing: 1) 35% of calories from corn oil (CTR), 2) CTR plus
      0.5% (w/v) cholesterol (Chol), 3) CTR plus ethanol (27% of calories) (EtOH), or
      4) EtOH+Chol for 3 months. RESULTS: In mice fed Chol or EtOH alone, ALT increased
      to ~160 U/L, moderate hepatic steatosis occurred, and leukocyte infiltration,
      necrosis, and apoptosis increased modestly, but no observable fibrosis developed.
      By contrast in mice fed EtOH+Chol, ALT increased to ~270 U/L, steatosis was more
      extensive and mostly macrovesicular, and expression of proinflammatory molecules
      (HMGB-1, TLR4, TNFalpha, ICAM-1) and leukocyte infiltration increased
      substantially. Necrosis and apoptosis also increased. Trichrome staining and
      second harmonic generation microscopy revealed hepatic fibrosis. Fibrosis was
      mostly sinusoidal and/or perivenular, but in some mice bridging fibrosis
      occurred. Expression of smooth muscle alpha-actin and TGF-beta1 increased
      slightly by Chol, moderately by EtOH, and markedly by EtOH+Chol. TGF-beta
      pseudoreceptor BAMBI increased slightly by Chol, remained unchanged by EtOH and
      decreased by EtOH+Chol. MicroRNA-33a, which enhances TGF-beta fibrotic effects,
      and phospho-Smad2/3, the down-stream signal of TGF-beta, also increased more
      greatly by EtOH+Chol than Chol or EtOH. Metalloproteinase-2 and -9 were decreased
      only by EtOH+Chol. CONCLUSION: High dietary cholesterol and chronic ethanol
      consumption synergistically increase liver injury, inflammation, and profibrotic
      responses and suppress antifibrotic responses, leading to severe steatohepatitis
      and early fibrosis in mice.

PMID- 27676644
TI  - Novel enzyme immunoassay system for simultaneous detection of six subclasses of
      antiphospholipid antibodies for differential diagnosis of antiphospholipid
      syndrome.
AB  - : Antiphospholipid syndrome, which often complicates systemic lupus erythematosus
      (SLE), features high occurrence of arterial and/or venous thrombosis and
      recurrent fetal loss. However, which antibody subclass contributes to which
      clinical event remains uncertain. We newly developed an up-to-date enzyme
      immunoassay system using the AcuStar automated analyzer (Instrumentation
      Laboratory, Bedford, Massachusetts, USA) for parallel detection of six subclasses
      of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs): anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) of IgG,
      IgM, and IgA and anti-beta2-glycoprotein I antibodies (abeta2GPI) of IgG, IgM,
      and IgA. They were measured in 276 healthy volunteers and 138 patients with SLE:
      45 with thromboembolic complications (29 arterial; 16 venous) and 93 without.
      Lupus anticoagulant activity in their plasma was measured according to the
      guidelines recommended by the Subcommittee on Lupus Anticoagulant/Phospholipid
      Dependent Antibodies. aCL/beta2GPI was measured with a standard ELISA kit
      commonly used in Japan. The positive results of IgG aCL, IgA aCL, and IgG
      abeta2GPI were closely associated with thromboembolic complications, whereas IgM
      aCL and IgM abeta2GPI were not. receiver operating characteristic analysis
      revealed that the accuracy of predicting thromboembolic complications based on
      the composite test results of the former three antibodies were obviously higher
      than by each alone. Regarding agreement with the test results of lupus
      anticoagulant activity, IgG abeta2GPI showed the closest match. Patients with SLE
      frequently possess various combinations of the six aPL subclasses, and this
      antibody spectrum is closely associated with thromboembolic events in these
      patients. This new automated enzyme immunoassay system allows simultaneous
      analysis of the profile of aPL subclasses for the differential diagnosis of
      antiphospholipid antibody syndrome in its early stage.

PMID- 27676645
TI  - Fatal hemorrhage due to a spontaneous factor V inhibitor with lupus anticoagulant
      properties.
AB  - : Factor V inhibitors are rare and have varied clinical presentations. We report
      on a 76-year-old female admitted to the hospital for pneumonia and treated with
      multiple antibiotics. Her baseline prothrombin time was 15.6 s and the activated
      partial thromboplastin time was 35 s. On admission day 10, she developed arm
      weakness and brain imaging showed a subdural hematoma. The prothrombin time was
      now 59.1 s with an activated partial thromboplastin time of more than 160 s and a
      normal thrombin time. A mixing study did not correct the clotting times and
      coagulation factor assays showed a nonspecific inhibition pattern. Only factor V
      activity remained low with serial dilutions, however, and a 70 Bethesda Unit
      inhibitor was identified. Aggressive supportive care was initiated but the
      patient succumbed to the effects of the intracranial hemorrhage. Factor V
      inhibitors may display lupus anticoagulant properties and may cause catastrophic
      bleeding. Our case illustrates that these inhibitors can arise quickly and
      supports an association with antibiotics.

PMID- 27676646
TI  - Evidence of both von Willebrand factor deposition and factor V deposition onto AL
      amyloid as the cause of a severe bleeding diathesis.
AB  - : Acquired coagulopathies are common; uncommonly, adsorption of coagulation
      factors from the circulation into the tissues by pathologic amyloid exceeds the
      body's ability to produce factor and results in acquired factor deficiency. When
      amyloidosis does cause a coagulopathy, it is most often acquired factor X
      deficiency, but there are rare reports of amyloidosis being associated with other
      acquired factor deficiencies. We investigated a case of a severe bleeding
      diathesis, the cause of which was combined acquired factor V deficiency and
      concomitant acquired von Willebrand syndrome. Studies revealed prolonged
      prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time. Mixing patient plasma
      with normal plasma corrected both the prothrombin time and activated partial
      thromboplastin time. Assays showed decreased factor V activity of 27%; Ristocetin
      cofactor activity was decreased at 49%, but von Willebrand antigen was elevated
      at 213%. Multimer analysis was consistent with type 2 von Willebrand syndrome.
      Lymph node biopsy documented amyloid light chain type (AL) amyloidosis;
      extraction of protein from the lymph node documented AL lambda light chain
      amyloid. Marrow biopsy documented IgG lambda myeloma. Immunohistochemical
      staining of the lymph node, using investigational polyvalent antibodies,
      demonstrated that both von Willebrand factor and factor V were identifiable in
      areas of amyloid deposition, providing evidence that these coagulation factors
      were adsorbed to the amyloid protein, resulting in accelerated clearance from the
      circulation, previously reported to be the mechanism of cases of acquired factor
      X deficiency in the setting of amyloidosis. Although there are case reports of
      acquired von Willebrand syndrome because of amyloidosis and case reports of
      acquired factor V deficiency because of amyloidosis, this appears to be the first
      reported case of concomitant acquired von Willebrand syndrome and acquired factor
      V deficiency because of amyloidosis, and the first report of localization of both
      von Willebrand protein and factor V protein to AL amyloid as a cause of a severe
      bleeding diathesis.

PMID- 27676648
TI  - Optical coherence tomography in drug-eluting stent restenosis: a technique in
      need of a strategy.
AB  - Owing to the overall increase in the use of DES, the number of patients
      presenting with DES restenosis is not insignificant in absolute terms. When DES
      restenosis occurs, it represents a challenging clinical entity in terms of
      classification and treatment. By providing near histology-level images,
      intravascular optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been used to describe
      vascular responses following PCI. Subsequently, OCT has been introduced to assess
      neointimal morphology and tissue characteristics of restenotic lesions to clarify
      the underlying pathophysiology. OCT imaging is best suited to reflect
      morphological characteristics of restenotic lesions, where its application
      enables to provide quantitative measures of neointimal growth and, more
      importantly, differentiate qualitative tissue properties amenable to specific
      treatment algorithms. Finally, morphological assessment of restenotic lesions
      might entail dedicated treatment strategies and accomplish individualized patient
      care. Whether the OCT-guided treatment of restenotic lesions might improve
      outcomes of this challenging clinical entity remains unanswered, since
      implementation and adequate treatment algorithms are matter of current debate.

PMID- 27676647
TI  - zWEDGI: Wounding and Entrapment Device for Imaging Live Zebrafish Larvae.
AB  - Zebrafish, an established model organism in developmental biology, is also a
      valuable tool for imaging wound healing in space and time with cellular
      resolution. However, long-term imaging of wound healing poses technical
      challenges as wound healing occurs over multiple temporal scales. The traditional
      strategy of larval encapsulation in agarose successfully limits sample movement
      but impedes larval development and tissue regrowth and is therefore not amenable
      to long-term imaging of wound healing. To overcome this challenge, we engineered
      a functionally compartmentalized device, the zebrafish Wounding and Entrapment
      Device for Growth and Imaging (zWEDGI), to orient larvae for high-resolution
      microscopy, including confocal and second harmonic generation (SHG), while
      allowing unrestrained tail development and regrowth. In this device, larval
      viability was maintained and tail regrowth was improved over embedding in
      agarose. The quality of tail fiber SHG images collected from larvae in the device
      was similar to fixed samples but provided the benefit of time lapse data
      collection. Furthermore, we show that this device was amenable to long-term (>24
      h) confocal microscopy of the caudal fin. Finally, the zWEDGI was designed and
      fabricated using readily available techniques so that it can be easily modified
      for diverse experimental imaging protocols.

PMID- 27676649
TI  - Antihypertensive treatment and blood pressure control in patients with
      hypertension in daily clinical practice: a cross-sectional, multicenter,
      observational study in Egypt.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Management of hypertension in Egypt is difficult because of various
      reasons. This real-life study was conducted to determine BP control rate,
      treatment modalities, factors influencing the choice of antihypertensive drugs,
      physicians' satisfaction with the treatment, and demographics of patients with
      uncontrolled BP who were treated for hypertension in daily clinical practice in
      Egypt. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, multicenter, observational study
      conducted in patients treated for hypertension in out-patient private clinics in
      Egypt, during October 2011 to June 2012. RESULTS: Of 4139 patients with
      hypertension, 1509 (36.5%) had controlled BP and 2630 (63.5%) had uncontrolled
      BP. In BP controlled vs. uncontrolled groups, respectively, beta-blockers (41.7%
      vs. 41.0%) were the most frequently used antihypertensive agents, followed by
      diuretics (40% vs. 37.8%), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (35.3% vs.
      34.9%), angiotensin receptor blockers (31.1% vs.19.4%), and calcium channel
      blockers (21.3% vs. 19.4%); the factors influencing the choice of
      antihypertensive therapy were "add-on therapy" (1.5% vs. 32.4%) and "change the
      current medication" (9.3% vs. 50.8%); physicians' satisfaction with treatment was
      rated as "excellent" (31.6% vs. 3.2%) and "poor" (1.6% vs. 58%). CONCLUSION: The
      majority of patients from Egypt had uncontrolled hypertension even after
      receiving treatment. This might increase awareness among physicians and enable
      them to prescribe appropriate treatment to patients with uncontrolled BP. Key
      limitations: The questionnaire used in the study for the evaluation of
      patient/physician satisfaction level was not standardized and was based on the
      choice and practice of the physicians.

PMID- 27676651
TI  - Rituximab in Membranous Nephropathy: Not All Studies Are Created Equal.
AB  - Many prospective studies and a recent randomized controlled trial have shown that
      the B-cell-depleting monoclonal antibody, rituximab, safely promotes the
      remission of nephrotic syndrome in approximately 65% of patients with membranous
      nephropathy (MN). Mechanistic studies have indicated that rituximab-induced
      proteinuria reduction is associated with clearance of anti-podocyte antigens
      phospholipase 2 receptor autoantibodies and subepithelial immune complexes, the
      hallmarks of the disease. A recently published study reported results which, at
      first sight, looked less favorable and implied that, due to a publication bias
      against negative results, the efficacy of rituximab in MN might be overestimated.
      Since patients received only one or 2 rituximab administrations, the authors
      suggest that when rituximab is used, higher doses and longer treatments should be
      considered. In this study, we highlight limitations of the study and warn against
      an oversimplified interpretation of the data. Though information on the optimal
      dose of rituximab to use in MN is still limited, available data from studies with
      predefined rituximab administration protocols collectively support the concept of
      titrating rituximab to the number of circulating B-cells that are invariably
      depleted after the first or second administration. Additional doses may increase
      the risk of adverse effects and related costs without augmenting efficacy.
      Importantly, underpowered studies with inconclusive results should not be
      confused with negative studies formally proving a neutral effect of a treatment.
      Until data from ad hoc designed clinical trials are available, the B-cell-driven
      protocol should be the preferred regimen, since it is similarly effective, but
      safer and more cost effective than other protocols employing multiple rituximab
      administrations.

PMID- 27676652
TI  - Magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of endolymphatic hydrops andpost-operative
      findings in cases with otosclerosis.
AB  - CONCLUSIONS: The presence of endolymphatic hydrops (EH) in the vestibule on
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) might be a high-risk factor for complications in
      cases that are candidates for stapes surgery. OBJECTIVE: Pre-operative detection
      of EH could be valuable in cases that are candidates for stapes surgery to
      prevent unpredictable complications following surgery. Pre-operative MRI findings
      and post-operative findings following stapes surgery were compared to evaluate
      the efficacy of such MRI evaluation for the management of cases with
      otosclerosis. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Sixteen cases who underwent pre-operative
      evaluation by 3T MRI performed 4 h after intravenous injection of gadolinium and
      stapes surgery for otosclerosis were recruited. Imaging data concerning the
      degree of EH in the vestibule and cochlea were compared with post-operative
      clinical findings for all cases. RESULTS: Mild EH in the cochlea or the vestibule
      was observed in eight ears and one ear, respectively, whereas one ear showed
      significant EH both in the cochlea and the vestibule. The post-operative course
      was uneventful in 12 of 14 cases with no EH in the vestibule, and the other two
      cases had a short period of dizziness, but two cases with EH in the vestibule had
      a long period of dizziness.

PMID- 27676653
TI  - A Novel Role for Flotillin-Containing Lipid Rafts in Negative-Feedback Regulation
      of Thyroid-Specific Gene Expression by Thyroglobulin.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thyroglobulin (Tg) stored in thyroid follicles regulates follicular
      function in thyroid hormone (TH) synthesis by suppressing thyroid-specific gene
      expression in a concentration-dependent manner. Thus, Tg is an intrinsic negative
      feedback regulator that can restrain the effect of thyrotropin (TSH) in the
      follicle. However, the underlying mechanisms by which Tg exerts its prominent
      autoregulatory effect following recognition by thyrocytes remains unclear.
      METHODS: In order to identify potential proteins that recognize and interact with
      Tg, mass spectrometry was used to analyze immunoprecipitated Tg-bound proteins
      derived from Tg-treated rat thyroid FRTL-5 cells. RESULTS: Flotillin 1 and
      flotillin 2, two homologs that are integral membrane proteins in lipid rafts,
      were identified as novel Tg-binding proteins with high confidence. Further
      studies revealed that flotillins physically interact with endocytosed Tg, and
      together these proteins redistribute from the cell membrane to cytoplasmic
      vesicles. Treatment with the lipid raft disrupter methyl-beta-cyclodextrin
      abolished both the endocytosis and the negative-feedback effect of Tg on thyroid
      specific gene expression. Meanwhile, siRNA-mediated knockdown of flotillin 1 or
      flotillin 2 also significantly inhibited Tg effects on gene expression.
      CONCLUSION: Together these results indicate that flotillin-containing lipid rafts
      are essential for follicular Tg to be recognized by thyrocytes and exert its
      negative-feedback effects in the thyroid.

PMID- 27676655
TI  - Mortal remains, immortal work.

PMID- 27676654
TI  - Transumbilical Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery in Children with Conventional
      Instruments: Our Early Experience.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Laparoscopic surgery is the current accepted approach in most
      pediatric surgical centers. In an attempt to further minimize the surgical trauma
      and improve cosmetic outcome, new techniques with a single incision through the
      umbilicus have been proposed and we believe they will become the standard choices
      for pediatric surgery. This report describes our initial experience with
      transumbilical single-incision laparoscopic surgery (TSILS) in children with
      conventional instruments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 82
      pediatric patients who underwent TSILS in children with conventional instruments
      from January 2011 to June 2015 was performed. The operations included 56
      appendectomies, 9 cholecystectomies, and 17 spermatic vein ligations. RESULTS:
      The average age by procedure was 6.2 years for appendectomy (range of 3-14
      years); 12.4 years for cholecystectomy (range of 10-14 years); and 12.8 years for
      spermatic vein ligation (range of 11-14 years). The average operative time was 32
      minutes for appendectomy (range of 25-56 minutes); 54 minutes for cholecystectomy
      (range of 35-95 minutes); and 23 minutes for spermatic vein ligation (range of 17
      41 minutes). The average length of staying in hospital was 3 days (range of 2-5
      days). All of the operations in 82 cases were successful. None required
      conversion to open or conventional laparoscopic surgery. There was no obvious
      wound pain. In addition, there were no wound infections on umbilicus and any
      other intraoperative complications. There was no obvious scar at patients'
      umbilicus after postoperative follow-up for 2-4 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: TSILS is a
      safe and viable technique that may be used successfully in pediatric surgery.
      Additionally, excellent cosmetic results are obtained as evidenced by
      imperceptible umbilical scarring.

PMID- 27676656
TI  - Doctors in fiction: the medical profession through authors' eyes.

PMID- 27676658
TI  - Expression of peropsin in human skin is related to phototransduction of violet
      light in keratinocytes.

PMID- 27676657
TI  - A cholinergic-sympathetic pathway primes immunity in hypertension and mediates
      brain-to-spleen communication.
AB  - The crucial role of the immune system in hypertension is now widely recognized.
      We previously reported that hypertensive challenges couple the nervous drive with
      immune system activation, but the physiological and molecular mechanisms of this
      connection are unknown. Here, we show that hypertensive challenges activate
      splenic sympathetic nerve discharge to prime immune response. More specifically,
      a vagus-splenic nerve drive, mediated by nicotinic cholinergic receptors, links
      the brain and spleen. The sympathetic discharge induced by hypertensive stimuli
      was absent in both coeliac vagotomized mice and in mice lacking alpha7nAChR, a
      receptor typically expressed by peripheral ganglionic neurons. This cholinergic
      sympathetic pathway is necessary for T cell activation and egression on
      hypertensive challenges. In addition, we show that selectively thermoablating the
      splenic nerve prevents T cell egression and protects against hypertension. This
      novel experimental procedure for selective splenic denervation suggests new
      clinical strategies for resistant hypertension.

PMID- 27676659
TI  - Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta
      analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is conflicting evidence from previous qualitative reviews on
      the effect of vitamin D supplementation on pain. OBJECTIVE: To determine with
      quantitative methods if vitamin D supplementation lowers pain levels. STUDY
      DESIGN: Quantitative meta-analysis of published randomized controlled trials
      (RCTs). SETTING: This meta-analysis examined all studies involving the effect of
      vitamin D supplementation on pain score. METHOD: Electronic sources (Medline,
      Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, clinical trials website,
      and Google scholar) were systematically searched for RCTs of vitamin D
      supplementation and pain from inception of each database to October 2015.
      RESULTS: Nineteen RCTs with 3,436 participants (1,780 on vitamin D
      supplementation and 1,656 on placebo) were included in the meta-analysis. For the
      primary outcome (mean change in pain score from baseline to final follow-up), 8
      trials with 1,222 participants on vitamin D and 1,235 on placebo reported a
      significantly greater mean decrease in pain score for the vitamin D group
      compared to placebo (mean difference -0.57, 95% CI: -1.00 to -0.15, P = 0.007).
      The effect from vitamin D was greater in patients recruited with pre-existing
      pain (P-value for interaction = 0.03). Fourteen studies (1,548 on vitamin D,
      1,430 on placebo) reported the mean pain score at final follow-up outcome, and no
      statistical difference was observed (mean difference -0.06, 95%CI: -0.44 to 0.33,
      P = 0.78). In 4 studies which reported pain improvement (209 on vitamin D, 146 on
      placebo), the effect size although not significant, shows participants in the
      vitamin D supplementation group were more likely to report pain improvement
      compared with the placebo group (relative risk 1.38, 95%CI: 0.93 to 2.05, P =
      0.11). LIMITATIONS: Only a few studies reported the mean score change from
      baseline to final follow-up, and we do not have enough data to determine any
      modifying effect of baseline vitamin D status and different doses of vitamin D
      supplementation on pain. CONCLUSION: A significantly greater mean decrease in
      pain score (primary outcome) was observed with vitamin D supplementation compared
      with placebo in people with chronic pain. These results suggest that vitamin D
      supplementation could have a role in the management of chronic pain. KEY WORDS:
      Meta-analysis, pain, randomized controlled trials, vitamin D supplementation.

PMID- 27676660
TI  - Treatment of Neuropathic Pain Using Pulsed Radiofrequency: A Meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neuropathic pain (NP) is a major public health problem worldwide.
      Because of the unclear mechanism of NP, its treatment is one of the most
      difficult medical problems. As a targeted, noninvasive, safe therapy, pulsed
      radiofrequency (PRF) provides a new method for the treatment of NP; however, its
      effect on this treatment still lacks support from evidence-based medicine.
      OBJECTIVE: To conduct a meta-analysis of available randomized controlled trials
      and to evaluate the effectiveness and clinical utility of PRF for the treatment
      of NP. STUDY DESIGN: Meta-analysis. SETTING: All selected studies were randomized
      controlled trials. METHOD: A systematic and comprehensive database search was
      performed of the PubMed, CENTRAL, EMBASE.com, Cochrane Library, Chinese
      Biomedical Literature, and Wanfang databases for literature published from the
      establishment of the databases to December 19, 2015. According to inclusion and
      exclusion criteria, the results of randomized controlled trials supporting PRF
      for NP treatment were collected. The risk of bias tool described in the Cochrane
      Handbook version 5.1.0 was used to assess the quality of each trial. Meta
      analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. RESULTS: A total of 12
      randomized controlled trials involving 592 patients met the inclusion criteria.
      Overall, the results of the meta-analysis showed that, compared with the control
      group, PRF had a better effect on postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) in terms of pain
      score (one week, one month, and 3 months), excellent and good rate (one day, one
      month), and efficiency rate (one day). But PRF did not have a better effect on
      radicular pain in pain score (3 months). Side effects were less frequently found
      with the PRF treatment. LIMITATIONS: Although we repeatedly tested the key words
      and used a manual method to prevent the loss of studies, due to the limitation of
      the included studies, some of the data were insufficient to complete the meta
      analysis, and we were unable to obtain the original data from some studies. Some
      studies did not report the blind design, which decreased the quality of the
      current study. CONCLUSION: PRF did not have a better effect on radicular pain,
      and PRF is an effective and safe therapeutic alternative for the analgesia of
      PHN. However, for a high recurrence rate over a long period, repeated PRF
      treatment has limitations. KEY WORDS: Neuropathic pain, pulsed radiofrequency,
      analgesia, meta-analysis.

PMID- 27676661
TI  - Comparative Effectiveness of Suprascapular Nerve Block in the Relief of Acute
      Post-Operative Shoulder Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The suprascapular nerve accounts for 70% of shoulder sensory
      innervations, and suprascapular nerve block (SSNB) has been shown to be effective
      in the relief of chronic shoulder pain including rotator cuff tendinitis,
      subdeltoid impingement syndrome, and adhesive capsulitis. However, this remains
      inconclusive for patients undergoing surgery. The present meta-analysis aimed to
      explore the effectiveness of SSNB for relieving acute post-operative shoulder
      pain. OBJECTIVE: To explore the effectiveness of SSNB for relieving acute post
      operative shoulder pain. STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
      SETTING: Services of general surgery, orthopaedics, and anaesthesiology. METHODS:
      A systematic search of studies on SSNB for post-operative shoulder pain was
      conducted mainly in PubMed and Scopus. The standardized mean difference (SMD) of
      post-operative pain scales of SSNB versus placebo was treated as the primary
      outcome, whereas the odds ratio of nausea of SSNB versus placebo comprised the
      secondary outcome. RESULTS: The meta-analysis included 7 randomized controlled
      trials and 2 comparative studies comprising 681 participants in total. The
      quantitative analysis showed a significantly lower pain level of SSNB versus
      placebo in the shoulder surgery patient group (SMD: -0.33; 95% confidence level
      [CI]: -0.51 to -0.15), but not in the non-shoulder surgery group (SMD: 0.28; 95%
      CI: -0.37 to 1.93). The pooled odds ratio of nausea in the SSNB arm compared with
      the placebo arm was 0.20 (95% CI: 0.09 to 0.45), indicating a reduction in the
      incidence of nausea following SSNB. LIMITATIONS: Heterogeneity of included
      trials. CONCLUSIONS: SSNB significantly reduced acute post-operative shoulder
      pain in the shoulder surgery group but not in patients undergoing laparoscopic
      surgery or thoracotomy. This suggests that SSNB can be used as a method of
      polymodal analgesia for patients undergoing shoulder surgery; however, it is not
      recommended for the non-shoulder surgery patient population. KEY WORDS:
      Suprascapular nerve, shoulder surgery, thoracotomy, laparoscopic surgery.

PMID- 27676662
TI  - Calcitonin as an Additive to Local Anesthetic and Steroid Injection Using a
      Modified Coronoid Approach in Trigeminal Neuralgia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pharmacotherapy is the main treatment for management of trigeminal
      neuralgia. However, many patients become refractory to drugs. OBJECTIVES: The
      present study aimed to evaluate the effect of adding calcitonin to local
      anesthetic and methylprednisolone using a modified coronoid approach in
      management of trigeminal neuralgia pain involving the mandibular and/or maxillary
      branches. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized double blind clinical trial. SETTING: Hospital
      outpatient setting. METHODS: Thirty-three patients received maxillary and
      mandibular blocks by a modified coronoid approach. Patients were allocated into 2
      groups. Group 1 received a block with 3 mL of lidocaine 0.5% plus 40 mg of
      methylprednisolone and another syringe contained 1 mL of 0.9% saline. Group 2
      received a block with 3 mL of lidocaine 0.5% plus 40 mg of methylprednisolone and
      another syringe contained 50 international units of calcitonin. Pain was
      evaluated by visual analog scale (VAS) before the block (basal), at 2 weeks, one
      month after the procedure, and monthly for one year. Duration of the effective
      pain relief of the first block (VAS = 3) was reported. Repeated blockade was
      allowed for any patient reporting a VAS > 30 mm during one year of follow-up and
      the number of blocks were reported. Adverse effects were also reported. RESULTS:
      A significantly longer duration of effective pain relief was noticed in group 2
      compared with group 1 (P < 0.0004) while the duration of effective pain relief of
      the second block in group 1 was 28.5 +/- 8.9 weeks. Four patients did not need
      repeated blocks in group 1 versus 15 in group 2. Six patients received 2 blocks
      versus 2 patients in each group, respectively. Moreover, 6 patients needed 3
      blocks in group1 versus none in group 2. No serious adverse events were reported
      during or after the interventional procedure. VAS was comparable in both groups
      (P > 0.05). LIMITATIONS: Small sample size. CONCLUSION: Calcitonin may be a
      useful additive to local anesthetic and steroid in management of trigeminal
      neuralgia. Also, a modified coronoid approach for maxillary and mandibular nerve
      is simple, free of radiation, safe, and may be an effective percutaneous
      procedure in trigeminal neuralgia. KEY WORDS: Calcitonine, modifed, coronoid
      approach, trigeminal neuralgia.

PMID- 27676663
TI  - Tanshinone IIA Exerts an Antinociceptive Effect in Rats with Cancer-induced Bone
      Pain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP) is a common chronic pain
      characterized by 2 components, ongoing pain and breakthrough pain. Tanshinone IIA
      (TSN IIA) is a bioactive constituent of the traditional Chinese medicine Danshen,
      which has been reported to have an antinociceptive effect on neuropathic and
      inflammatory pain through downregulation of the late proinflammatory cytokine
      high-mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1). OBJECTIVE: To assess the antinociceptive
      effect of TSN IIA on CIBP. STUDY DESIGN: A randomized, double-blind, controlled
      animal trial was performed. SETTING: University lab in China. METHODS: A rat CIBP
      model was established by injecting Walker 256 mammary gland carcinoma cells into
      the intramedullary cavity of the tibia. Both ongoing pain, e.g., flinching and
      guarding, and breakthrough pain, e.g., limb use and von Frey threshold, were
      evaluated. The effects of intraperitoneally administered TSN IIA on pain behavior
      and the expression levels of spinal HMGB1, interleukin (IL)-1beta, tumor necrosis
      factor (TNF)-alpha, and IL-6 were determined. The effect of TSN IIA on the
      electrically evoked response of spinal wide-dynamic range (WDR) neurons was
      performed in vivo. RESULTS: TSN IIA dose-dependently inhibited cancer-induced
      ongoing pain and breakthrough pain. The expression levels of spinal HMGB1 and
      other inflammatory factors (IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, and IL-6) were increased in the
      rat model, but they were suppressed by TSN IIA in a dose-dependent manner.
      Moreover, TSN IIA significantly inhibited the neuronal responses of WDR neurons
      in spinal deep layers. LIMITATIONS: Further studies are warranted to ascertain
      how TSN IIA attenuates cancer-induced ongoing pain. CONCLUSIONS: Our results
      indicate that TSN IIA attenuates cancer-induced ongoing pain and breakthrough
      pain, possibly via suppression of central sensitization in CIBP rats. Therefore,
      we have provided strong evidence supporting TSN IIA as a potential and effective
      therapy for relieving CIBP. KEY WORDS: Cancer-induced bone pain, high-mobility
      group protein B1, Tanshinone IIA, ongoing pain, breakthrough pain.

PMID- 27676664
TI  - Pulsed Dose Radiofrequency Before Ablation of Medial Branch of the Lumbar Dorsal
      Ramus for Zygapophyseal Joint Pain Reduces Post-procedural Pain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: One of the potential side effects with radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
      includes painful cutaneous dysesthesias and increased pain due to neuritis or
      neurogenic inflammation. This pain may require the prescription of opioids or non
      opioid analgesics to control post-procedural pain and discomfort. OBJECTIVES: The
      goal of this study is to compare post-procedural pain scores and post-procedural
      oral analgesic use in patients receiving continuous thermal radiofrequency
      ablation versus patients receiving pulsed dose radiofrequency immediately
      followed by continuous thermal radiofrequency ablation for zygopophaseal joint
      disease. STUDY DESIGN: This is a prospective, double-blinded, randomized,
      controlled trial. Patients who met all the inclusion criteria and were not
      subject to any of the exclusion criteria were required to have two positive
      diagnostic medial branch blocks prior to undergoing randomization, intervention,
      and analysis. SETTING: University hospital. METHODS: Eligible patients were
      randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either receive thermal radiofrequency ablation alone
      (standard group) or pulsed dose radiofrequency (PDRF) immediately followed by
      thermal radiofrequency ablation (investigational group), all of which were
      performed by a single Board Certified Pain Medicine physician. Post-procedural
      pain levels between the two groups were assessed using the numerical pain Scale
      (NPS), and patients were contacted by phone on post-procedural days 1 and 2 in
      the morning and afternoon regarding the amount of oral analgesic medications used
      in the first 48 hours following the procedure. RESULTS: Patients who received
      pulsed dose radiofrequency followed by continuous radiofrequency neurotomy
      reported statistically significantly lower post-procedural pain scores in the
      first 24 hours compared to patients who received thermal radiofrequency neurotomy
      alone. These patients also used less oral analgesic medication in the post
      procedural period. LIMITATIONS: These interventions were carried out by one board
      accredited pain physician at one center. The procedures were exclusively
      performed using one model of radiofrequency generator, at one setting for the
      PDRF and RFA. The difference in the number of levels of ablation was not
      considered in the analysis of the results. CONCLUSION: Treating patients with
      pulsed dose radiofrequency prior to continuous thermal radiofrequency ablation
      can provide patients with less post-procedural pain during the first 24 hours and
      also reduce analgesic requirements. Furthermore, the addition of PDRF to standard
      thermal RFA did not prolong the time of standard thermal radiofrequency ablation
      procedures, as it was performed during the typically allotted time for local
      anesthetic action. KEY WORDS: Low back pain, facet joint disease, medial branch
      block, Radiofrequency ablation, thermal radiofrequency, pulsed dose
      radiofrequency, PDRF, zygapophyseal joint.

PMID- 27676665
TI  - Efficacy and Safety of Ketamine Added to Local Anesthetic in Modified Pectoral
      Block for Management of Postoperative Pain in Patients Undergoing Modified
      Radical Mastectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Breast surgery is an exceedingly common procedure with an increased
      incidence of acute and chronic pain. Pectoral nerve block is a novel peripheral
      nerve block alternative to neuro-axial and paravertebral blocks for ambulatory
      breast surgeries. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the analgesic efficacy
      and safety of modified Pecs block with ketamine plus bupivacaine versus
      bupivacaine in patients undergoing breast cancer surgery. STUDY DESIGN: A
      randomized, double-blind, prospective study. SETTING: Academic medical center.
      METHODS: This study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov under number:
      (NCT02620371) after approval by the ethics committee of South Egypt Cancer
      Institute, Assuit University, Assuit, Egypt. Sixty patients aged 18 - 60 years
      scheduled for modified radical mastectomy were enrolled and randomly assigned
      into 2 groups (30 patients each): Control group patients were given ultrasound
      guided, Pecs block with 30 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine only. Ketamine group patients
      were given ultrasound-guided, Pecs block with 30 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine plus
      ketamine hydrochloride (1 mg/kg). Patients were followed up for 48 hours
      postoperatively for vital signs, VAS score, first request of rescue analgesia and
      total morphine consumption, sedation score, and side effects. RESULTS: Ketamine
      plus bupivacaine in Pecs block compared to bupivacaine alone prolonged the mean
      time of first request of analgesia (18.25 +/- 1.98), (12.56 +/- 2.64),
      respectively (P < 0.001), reduced total morphine consumption (12.50 +/- 4.63),
      (18.86 +/- 6.28), respectively (P = 0.016). With no significant difference in
      hemodynamics, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, VAS and sedation scores, and
      side effects observed between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). LIMITATIONS: This study is
      limited by its sample size. CONCLUSION: The addition of ketamine to modified Pecs
      block prolonged the time to first request of analgesia and reduced total opioid
      consumption without serious side effects in patients who underwent a modified
      radical mastectomy. KEY WORDS: Ketamine, bupivacaine, pecs block, postoperative,
      pain, breast cancer.

PMID- 27676666
TI  - Percutaneous Kyphoplasty Evaluated by Cement Volume and Distribution: An Analysis
      of Clinical Data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) could achieve rapid pain relief for
      older patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs). Bone
      cement in PKP was the key factor keeping the stabilization of the vertebral body.
      However, the same amount of cement can distribute differently in a vertebral body
      and can thereby result in different surgery outcomes. Therefore, the volume and
      distribution of bone cement should be considered as 2 distinct variables to
      evaluate the effectiveness of PKP. OBJECTIVES: On the basis of comparing surgery
      outcomes between patients with different recovery states measured by visual
      analog scores (VAS) and exploring the relationships among bone cement, surgery
      outcomes, and degrees of pain relief, the objective of the study is to determine
      the best combination of cement volume and cement distribution for PKP. STUDY
      DESIGN: Retrospective study. METHODS: There were 220 patients with 220 vertebra
      who received PKP in our hospital from January 2011 to January 2013. According to
      the different pain relief degrees, patients were divided into 2 groups. The
      epidemiological data, surgical outcomes, and complications were compared between
      the 2 groups. A receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to analyze
      the diagnostic value of bone cement on patient recovery state. A correlation
      analysis was used to analyze the relationships between bone cement and surgery
      outcomes. Moreover, logistic regression was also used to assess the safety of
      cement injection. RESULTS: There were 77 recuperators and 143 non-recuperators in
      our study. There were no differences in epidemiological data between the 2
      groups. However, the surgery duration, cement volume, cement distribution,
      restoration rate of vertebral height, and improvement of kyphotic angle in the
      recuperator group were all higher than those in the non-recuperator group. The
      area under the ROC curve of cement distribution as a predictor of pain relief was
      better than that of cement volume (0.77 vs. 0.65, P < 0.05). Cement distribution
      had a sensitivity of 62% and a specificity of 84% when it was at 0.49. Cement
      volume had a sensitivity of 49% and a specificity of 82% when it was at 3.80 mL.
      All patients were then divided into 4 parts based on the 2 values. Extensive
      cement distribution (more than or equal to 0.49) was discovered to noticeably
      increase the recuperative rate both for a small cement volume (less than 3.80 mL)
      and a large cement volume (more than or equal to 3.80 mL). A small cement volume
      with an extensive distribution had the same recuperative effect as a large cement
      volume with a confined distribution (x2 = 2.880, P = 0.090). When the cement
      volume was constant, cement distribution was positively correlated with the
      restoration rate of vertebral height and improvement of the kyphotic angle (r2 =
      0.207, P < 0.01; r2 = 0.159, P = 0.02), but cement distribution was not a risk
      factor for cement leakage or adjacent vertebral fractures (OR = 35.760, 95%CI:
      0.096 - 13291.207, P > 0.05; OR = 0.051, 95% CI: 0.011 - 1.032, P > 0.05).
      Although a large cement volume may contribute to the restoration of vertebral
      height (r2 = 0.153, P < 0.05), it was found to be a risk factor for adjacent
      vertebral fractures (OR = 1.733, 95% CI: 1.158 - 2.595, P < 0.05). LIMITATIONS:
      The distribution of cement in fractured vertebra was not calcuated accurately.
      CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic value of cement distribution is better than that for
      cement volume in relieving patient pain. A cement distribution above 0.49 with a
      small cement volume should be suggested for PKP. An extensive cement distribution
      can improve the kyphotic angle and vertebral height effectively, and it does not
      cause cement leakage or adjacent vertebral fractures. KEY WORDS: Psteoporotic
      vertebral compression fractures percutaneous kyphoplasty cement volume cement
      distribution.

PMID- 27676668
TI  - In errata: Novel Single Puncture Approach for Simplicity In errata: In Response
      to Letter to the Editor: Use of High Volume Injectate.

PMID- 27676667
TI  - Subtle Sensory Abnormalities Detected by Quantitative Sensory Testing in Patients
      with Trigeminal Neuralgia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is characterized by paroxysmal pain attacks
      affecting the somatosensory distributions of the trigeminal nerve. It is thought
      to be associated with a neurovascular conflict most frequently, but
      pathomechanisms have not been fully elucidated. In general, no sensory deficit is
      found in routine clinical examination. There is limited data available, however,
      showing subtle subclinical sensory deficits upon extensive testing. OBJECTIVE: We
      used quantitative sensory testing (QST) to detect abnormalities in sensory
      processing in patients with TN by comparing the affected and non-affected nerve
      branches with their contralateral counterparts and by comparing the results of
      the patients with those of controls. STUDY DESIGN: Observational study. SETTING:
      University Hospital, Departments of Neurosurgery, Institute for Cognitive and
      Clinical Neuroscience. METHODS: QST was conducted on 48 patients with idiopathic
      TN and 27 controls matched for age and gender using the standardized protocol of
      the German Neuropathic Pain Network. Stimulations were performed bilaterally in
      the distribution of the trigeminal branches. The patients had no prior invasive
      treatment, and medications at the time of examination were noted. RESULTS: In
      patients with TN deficits in warm and cold sensory detection thresholds in the
      affected and also the non-affected nerve branches were found. Tactile sensation
      thresholds were elevated in the involved nerve branches compared to the
      contralateral side. LIMITATIONS: More data are needed on the correlation of such
      findings with the length of history of TN and with changes of the morphology of
      the trigeminal nerve. CONCLUSIONS: QST shows subtle sensory abnormalities in
      patients with TN despite not being detected in routine clinical examination. Our
      data may provide a basis for further research on the development of TN and also
      on improvement after treatment. KEY WORDS: Quantitative sensory testing,
      trigeminal neuralgia, facial pain, neuropathic pain, microvascular decompression,
      cranial nerve.

PMID- 27676669
TI  - Comparison of the Effects of Epidural Anesthesia and Local Anesthesia in Lumbar
      Transforaminal Endoscopic Surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) is a standard
      technique for the treatment of lumbar disc hernia. Thus far, most surgeons have
      recommended local anesthesia. However, in clinical practice, some patients
      experience pain and are unable to cooperate with the surgery during
      intervertebral foramen hemp expansion. The use of general anesthesia may create a
      greater risk of complications because of nerve root anomalies; thus,
      intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring should be utilized. Reports
      regarding the use of epidural anesthesia are few in comparison. OBJECTIVE: To
      investigate the risks and contingency plans of epidural anesthesia in lumbar
      transforaminal endoscopic surgery. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of all
      lumbar transforaminal endoscopic surgeries performed from 2010 to 2014. SETTING:
      Kanghua hospital. METHODS: Patients treated with local and epidural anesthesia
      were divided into 2 groups. In local anesthesia group (A) and local anesthesia
      group (B), 0.5% lidocaine and 0.25% ropivacaine was administered, respectively.
      The incidences of complications, including urological complications, in each
      surgical group as well as Oswestry disability idex (ODI) improvement rates,
      postoperative patient satisfaction rates, and x-ray exposure times were
      assessed.<div> RESULTS: From 2010 to 2014, there were 286 cases of lumbar
      transforaminal endoscopic surgeries, 121 cases utilizing local anesthesia and 165
      cases utilizing epidural anesthesia. In cases in which neurological complications
      occurred after surgery, 15 cases involved nerve root numbness, including one case
      of foot drop and 2 cases of cerebrospinal leakage in the local anesthesia group,
      which accounted for 12.4% of group A. However, in the epidural anesthesia group,
      which accounted for 9.70% of group B, there were 16 cases of nerve root numbness,
      including 2 cases of foot drop and 2 cases of cerebrospinal leakage. No
      significant difference was detected in the incidence of neurological
      complications between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). The ODI improvement rates were
      86.0% in the local anesthesia group and 85.4% in the epidural anesthesia group (P
      > 0.05). The average x-ray exposure times were 14.7 seconds and 16 seconds in the
      local anesthesia group and epidural anesthesia group, respectively (P > 0.05).
      The postoperative patient satisfaction rates were 73.6% and 91% in the local
      anesthesia group and epidural anesthesia group, respectively (P < 0.001).
      LIMITATIONS: This was a single-blind study, and the complications observed were
      related to the learning curve; all these factors may lead to biases. CONCLUSIONS:
      Epidural anesthesia in transforaminal lumbar surgery is feasible and safe, and no
      significant difference in neurological complications was observed between the
      epidural anesthesia and the local anesthesia groups. However, for the patients
      concerned, the postoperative patient satisfaction rate was significantly greater
      in the epidural anesthesia group. It is noteworthy that the x-ray exposure times
      of the groups were not significantly different. KEY WORDS: Epidural anesthesia,
      transforaminal lumbar surgery, neurological complications, cerebrospinal leak.

PMID- 27676670
TI  - Occipital Neuromodulation: A Surgical Technique with Reduced Complications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Occipital neuromodulation is a promising treatment modality for
      refractory headache, but lead migration remains a frequent surgical complication.
      OBJECTIVES: The primary objective was to identify surgical techniques that may
      minimize adverse events, particularly lead migration. We hypothesized that a
      surgical technique employing 2-point anchoring of stimulator leads designed to
      provide a tension-relief loop and the use of ultrasound for lead placement would
      decrease the complication rate. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: A retrospective
      analysis was performed through electronic medical record chart review in a
      tertiary referral center. METHODS: Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval was
      obtained. Eighteen patients had a trial and subsequent permanent occipital nerve
      stimulator (ONS) implantation between 2004 and 2011 and were included. Adverse
      events were recorded and efficacy outcome variables analyzed for significance.
      RESULTS: The cohort was a median (IQR) 45 (37 - 58) in age and 9 (50%) were
      women. Tension-relief loops placed via a 2-point anchoring technique and
      ultrasound use for occipital lead placement were evident in 16 (89%) and 13
      (72%), respectively. There was one (6%) clinically insignificant lead position
      change, not definitively a lead migration, which could have been an artifact of
      fluoroscope positioning. Adverse events included one (6%) battery malfunction,
      one (6%) lead malfunction, and 2 (12%) post-implantation infections. Following
      ONS, there were significant reductions in numeric rating scale (NRS) pain scores
      from a median (IQR) of 9.5 (8.25 - 10) to 2.5 (1 - 4.75) (P < 0.0001), headache
      days per week from 7 (7 - 7) to 1.5 (0.375 - 1.75) (P = 0.0005), and the number
      of daily headache medication from 3 (2.25 - 4) to 2.5 (2 - 3.75) (P = 0.0112).
      LIMITATIONS: Limitations include retrospective study design, investigator bias,
      and non-standardized intervals of headache burden assessment. CONCLUSIONS: In
      ONS, utilization of a 2-point anchoring technique with a tension-relief loop may
      significantly minimize the risk of lead migration, based on the absence of
      definitive lead migration in our series. Ultrasound use may improve the anatomic
      accuracy of lead placement with the possibility of improved efficacy. ONS was
      associated with significantly decreased headache pain, frequency, and medication
      use. KEY WORDS: Occipital neuromodulation, occipital nerve stimulation, surgical
      technique, lead migration, tension-relief loop.

PMID- 27676671
TI  - Fluoroscopically Guided Thoracic Interlaminar Epidural Injection: A Comparative
      Epidurography Study Using 2.5 mL and 5 mL of Contrast Dye.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thoracic epidural anesthesia (TEA) is frequently used to maintain
      intraoperative analgesia. After injecting the initial bolus dose of epidural
      local anesthetics (LA), intermittent injection of LA through an epidural catheter
      is required to maintain the intraoperative analgesia. For intermittent epidural
      administration, usually 2 - 5 mL of LA has been used. However, no studies have
      suggested an optimal volume of LA of TEA for intermittent epidural administration
      of TEA. OBJECTIVE: We focused on identifying an optimal volume of LA of TEA using
      epidurography of the thoracic level with 2 different volumes of contrast dye.
      STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized study. SETTING: An interventional pain
      management practice in South Korea. METHODS: After Institutional Review Board
      approval, 70 patients undergoing thoracic epidural catheterization for upper
      abdominal and thoracic surgery were randomly assigned to one of the 2 contrast
      dye volume groups of 35 patients each (A, 2.5 mL and B, 5.0 mL). Epidurography
      was evaluated to confirm how many spinal segments were covered by contrast dye.
      The spreads in the cephalad and caudad directions were also evaluated. RESULTS:
      The total number of vertebral segments evaluated by contrast dye were 7.5 +/-
      2.0, and 8.4 +/- 2.6, respectively in groups A and B. The number of patients who
      showed contrast dye spread of more than 5 vertebral segments was 34/35 (97%) in
      both groups. Group B resulted in higher contrast dye distribution in the cephalad
      direction compared to group A (T2.6 vs. T3.6 ). LIMITATIONS: We used a test dose
      of contrast dye to confirm the contrast was in epidural space, not intrathecal or
      vascular, before injection of the main dose of contrast dye. The present study
      did not include the volume of test dose. CONCLUSION: The volume of 2.5 mL for
      intermittent epidural administration would be enough for the analgesic effect of
      upper abdominal and thoracic surgery while avoiding excessive upper thoracic and
      cervical spread. KEY WORDS: Thoracic epidural anesthesia, intermittent epidural
      administration, optimal volume, epidurography, cephalad, caudad, analgesic
      effect.

PMID- 27676672
TI  - Outcome of Percutaneous Lumbar Synovial Cyst Rupture in Patients with Lumbar
      Radiculopathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lumbar synovial cysts can result from spondylosis of facet joints.
      These cysts can encroach on adjacent nerve roots, causing symptoms of
      radiculopathy. Currently the only definitive treatment for these symptoms is
      surgery, which may involve laminectomy or laminotomy, with or without spinal
      fusion. Surgery has been reported to successfully relieve radicular pain in 83.5%
      of patients by Zhenbo et al. Little information is available concerning the
      efficacy and outcome of percutaneous fluoroscopic synovial cyst rupture for
      treatment of facet joint synovial cysts. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this
      investigation was to assess the efficacy of fluoroscopically guided lumbar
      synovial cyst rupture, in particular for its relief of radicular symptoms and its
      potential to reduce the need for surgical intervention. STUDY DESIGN:
      Retrospective evaluation of a case series. SETTING: University hospital and urban
      public health care system. METHODS: With approval from the Institutional Review
      Board of Case Western Reserve University/ MetroHealth Medical Center, we reviewed
      the medical charts of patients with lumbar radiculopathy who underwent
      percutaneous lumbar synovial cyst rupture. The 30 patients in the cohort were
      treated by one pain specialist between 2006 and 2013. These patients were
      diagnosed with moderate to severe lower back pain, radiculopathy, and ranged in
      age from 42 to 80 years. Patients were followed up for a minimum of 6 months and
      up to 24 months. Pre- and post-procedure pain assessments were reviewed by
      clinical chart review. In addition post-procedure pain assessments and duration
      of pain relief were obtained with telephone interviews. Pain had been reported by
      the patients using a numeric rating scale of 0 - 10 (0 = no pain; 10 = worst
      possible pain). Charts were reviewed to determine if surgery was eventually
      performed to correct radicular symptoms. RESULTS: More than 6 months of pain
      relief was achieved in 14/30 patients (46%) and between one and 6 months of pain
      relief was achieved in 7/30 patients (23.3%). Nine patients (30.0%) had
      recurrence of the synovial cyst requiring repeat rupture and 6 patients (20.0%)
      required surgical intervention for cyst removal. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test
      demonstrated that the difference in numeric pain rating scale scores before and
      after the procedure was statistically significant (P < 0.0001). The average pain
      reduction was 71.2%. No complications were reported. LIMITATIONS: The results are
      limited by the retrospective nature of the data collection and the lack of
      detailed information regarding patients' functional improvement. CONCLUSIONS:
      Rupture of percutaneous lumbar synovial cysts in patients with lumbar
      radiculopathy was associated with immediate relief of radicular symptoms. In 80%
      of the patients, synovial cyst rupture eliminated the need for surgical
      interventions over the measured term. This minimally invasive procedure helps
      relieve pain in a subset of a patient population associated with these
      characteristics and is useful for management of this condition. Cyst expansion
      and failure to rupture with possible neuronal compression are the potential
      complications of this procedure. This complication did not occur in the study
      population. KEY WORDS: Fluoroscopically guided lumbar synovial cyst rupture,
      lumbar synovial cyst, lumbar zygapophyseal joint cyst, nonsurgical intervention,
      radiculopathy, spondylosis.

PMID- 27676673
TI  - Ultrasound-Guided Intermediate Site Greater Occipital Nerve Infiltration: A
      Technical Feasibility Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Two studies recently reported that computed tomography (CT) guided
      infiltration of the greater occipital nerve at its intermediate site allows a
      high efficacy rate with long-lasting pain relief following procedure in occipital
      neuralgia and in various craniofacial pain syndromes. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of
      our study was to evaluate the technical feasibility and safety of ultrasound
      guided intermediate site greater occipital nerve infiltration. STUDY DESIGN:
      Retrospective study. SETTING: This study was conducted at the imaging department
      of a 1,409 bed university hospital. METHODS: Local institutional review board
      approval was obtained and written consent was waived. In this retrospective
      study, 12 patients suffering from refractory occipital neuralgia or craniofacial
      pain syndromes were included between April and October 2014. They underwent a
      total of 21 ultrasound-guided infiltrations. Infiltration of the greater
      occipital nerve was performed at the intermediate site of the greater occipital
      nerve, at its first bend between obliqus capitis inferior and semispinalis
      capitis muscles with local anestetics and cortivazol. Technical success was
      defined as satisfactory diffusion of added iodinated contrast media in the fatty
      space between these muscles depicted on control CT scan. We also reported first
      data of immediate block test efficacy and initial clinical efficacy at 7 days,
      one month, and 3 months, defined by a decrease of at least 50% of visual analog
      scale (VAS) scores. RESULTS: Technical success rate was 95.24%. Patients suffered
      from right unilateral occipital neuralgia in 3 cases, left unilateral occipital
      neuralgia in 2 cases, bilateral occipital neuralgia in 2 cases, migraine in one
      case, cervicogenic headache in one case, tension-type headache in 2 cases, and
      cluster headache in one case. Block test efficacy was found in 93.3% (14/15)
      cases. Clinical efficacy was found in 80% of cases at 7 days, in 66.7% of cases
      at one month and in 60% of cases at 3 months. No major complications were noted.
      LIMITATIONS: Some of the limitations of our study include that it represents a
      single institution. The low number of infiltrations included in this study, for
      this guidance procedure, is another bias. CONCLUSIONS: This ultrasound-guided
      infiltration technique appears to be feasible, safe, non-ionizing, and fast when
      targeting the greater occipital nerve in its intermediate portion. This imaging
      guidance modality should be used in routine clinical practice. KEY WORDS: Greater
      occipital nerve, infiltration, ultrasound guidance, corticosteroids, occipital
      neuralgia, craniofacial pain syndrome.

PMID- 27676674
TI  - Contrast Runoff Correlates with the Clinical Outcome of Cervical Epidural
      Neuroplasty Using a Racz Catheter.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Epidural neuroplasty using a Racz catheter has a therapeutic effect.
      Studies have found no correlation between foraminal stenosis and the outcome of
      epidural neuroplasty, which is thought to depend on contrast runoff. OBJECTIVE:
      To examine the correlation between the contrast spread pattern and pain reduction
      in cervical epidural neuroplasty using a Racz catheter. STUDY DESIGN:
      Retrospective study. SETTING: An interventional pain-management practice in a
      university hospital. METHODS: Fluoroscopic images were reviewed retrospectively.
      The spread of contrast from the neural foramen to a nerve root was called
      contrast runoff. If the contrast did not spread in this manner, then there was no
      contrast runoff. We defined successful epidural neuroplasty as a 50% or greater
      reduction from the pre-procedure numeric rating scale (NRS) score for total pain,
      and an at least 40% reduction in the neck pain and disability scale (NPDS) score.
      RESULTS: This study reviewed 169 patients. Among the patients who had a contrast
      runoff pattern, the epidural neuroplasty was rated as successful in 96 (74.4%),
      97 (75.2%), 86 (66.7%), and 79 (61.2%) cases one, 3, 6, and 12 months after the
      procedure, respectively. When there was no contrast runoff, the epidural
      neuroplasty was successful in 12 (30%), 12 (30%), 10 (25%), and 10 (25%) cases at
      one, 3, 6, and 12 months after the procedure (P < 0.001). Logistic regression of
      the contrast spread pattern and predicting successful epidural neuroplasty gave
      similar results. Patients with a contrast runoff pattern had odds ratios of
      6.788, 7.073, 6.000, and 4.740 at one, 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively (P <
      0.001). LIMITATIONS: This study lacked a control group, and the patients were not
      classified by their diagnosed disease, such as spinal stenosis, herniated nucleus
      pulposus, and post-spinal surgery syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Cervical epidural
      neuroplasty with a contrast runoff pattern had a higher success rate. Contrast
      runoff should be observed during neuroplasty, even in the presence of foraminal
      stenosis. KEY WORDS: Cervical spinal pain, contrast, contrast runoff, epidural
      neuroplasty, percutaneous adhesiolysis, Racz catheter.

PMID- 27676675
TI  - The Effectiveness and Safety of Thermocoagulation Radiofrequency Treatment of the
      Ophthalmic Division (V1) and/or Maxillary (V2) and Mandibular (V3) Division in
      Idiopathic Trigeminal Neuralgia: An Observational Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a pain appearing in the ophthalmic (V1),
      maxillary (V2), and mandibular (V3) trigeminal branches. Pharmacologic treatment
      is the first line for TN; however, many patients prefer to receive minimally
      invasive treatment rather than medicine because of intolerable side effects.
      Thermocoagulation radiofrequency (TRF) is a minimally invasive treatment that has
      been shown to effectively treat the maxillary (V2) and mandibular (V3) divisions,
      but the safety of TRF treatment of the ophthalmic (V1) division has been
      controversial. OBJECTIVE: This study was to observe the effectiveness and safety
      of TRF treatment of the ophthalmic (V1) division of trigeminal branches in
      idiopathic TN patients. STUDY DESIGN: An observational study. SETTING: All of
      patients received temperature controlled TRF, the effectiveness and safety of TRF
      was assessed by VAS and complications. METHODS: Eighty patients with ophthalmic
      division (V1) or ophthalmic division (V1) combined with maxillary (V2) or
      mandibular (V3) divisions of idiopathic TN were treated with step-increased
      temperature TRF for 6 minutes. At a pulse width of 20 ms, the temperature was
      titrated up 2 degrees from 60 degrees to 66 degrees every 60 seconds, and then
      another 66 degrees or 68 degrees for 2 minutes. Meanwhile, the tip of the cannula
      was turned 180 degrees with each temperature titration. Patients were assessed
      for pain relief and corneal reflex, numbness, and masticatory muscle weakness at
      one week, one month, and 3 months after the procedure. RESULTS: Eighty patients
      were successfully treated with temperature controlled TRF for ophthalmic (V1)
      division. Excellent pain relief was achieved in 79 of 80 patients (98.75%) after
      one week, one month, and 3 months, and 78 of 80 patients (97.5%) patients
      experienced tolerable numbness. Only one patient lost the corneal reflex, 14
      experienced a corneal reflex that was mildly decreased, and 2 patients felt a
      foreign body sensation in the ipsilateral eye after TRF, but there were no
      corneal ulcers, incidences of blindness, or other complications. LIMITATIONS:
      This study is limited by being an observation study and a non-prospective trial
      with a short-term follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Temperature controlled TRF to the
      ophthalmic division (V1) of the semilular ganglion is effectiveness and safe in
      TN. KEY WORDS: Thermocoagulation radiofrequency, pulsed radiofrequency,
      trigeminal neuralgia, ophthalmic division, trigeminal ganglion, pain, numbness,
      corneal reflex.

PMID- 27676676
TI  - Effectiveness and Impact of Capsaicin 8% Patch on Quality of Life in Patients
      with Lumbosacral Pain: An Open-label Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Capsaicin 8% patch (QutenzaTM) is mainly used to treat postherpetic
      neuralgia and HIV-associated neuropathy. Evidence of the efficacy of Qutenza in
      other forms of neuropathic pain is lacking. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the analgesic
      effect and the impact on quality of life after a single application of the
      capsaicin 8% cutaneous patch in patients with lumbosacral pain. STUDY DESIGN:
      Prospective open-label study of capsaicin 8% patch in patients with lumbosacral
      pain. SETTING: Outpatient Pain and Palliative Care Center. METHODS: All recruited
      patients were evaluated prior to capsaicin 8% patch administration and were
      followed-up at 2 weeks, at 8 weeks, and at 12 weeks post administration. Visual
      analog scale (VAS) was used to record pain intensity and EQ-5D was used to assess
      the quality of life of the participants. RESULTS: Ninety patients met our
      inclusion criteria (54.4% men, mean age 59.1 +/- 9.2 years). At baseline the mean
      VAS score of the participants was 7.6 +/- 0.7. A statistically significant
      reduction of the VAS score between baseline and week 2 (mean VAS score 5.6 +/-
      1.1, P < 0.001) was observed. The therapeutic effect further continued between
      week 2 and week 8 (mean VAS score 3.2 +/- 1.2, P < 0.001) and between week 8 and
      at endpoint at week 12 (mean VAS score 2.6 +/- 1.1, P < 0.001).Between baseline
      and weeks 2, 8, and 12 (end-point) a significant improvement in all 5 dimensions
      of EQ-5D (mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and
      anxiety/depression) was observed (P < 0.001). LIMITATIONS: As it is an open-label
      study, a prospective randomized placebo-controlled study should be designed to
      confirm the effectiveness of capsaicin 8% patch in patients with lumbosacral
      pain. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of the capsaicin 8% patch resulted in a
      significant relief of neuropathic pain and a significant improvement of the
      quality of life of patients with lumbosacral neuropathic pain. KEY WORDS:
      Lumbosacral pain, peripheral pain, Qutenza, neuropathic pain, capsaicin, patch,
      quality of life, effectiveness.

PMID- 27676677
TI  - Timing of Platelet Rich Plasma Injections During Antithrombotic Therapy.
AB  - The use of platelet rich plasma (PRP) spans across many fields owing to its role
      in healing and as a natural alternative to surgery. PRP continues to grow however
      much of the literature is anecdotal or case report based and there is a lack of
      controlled trials to evaluate standards for PRP. The International Cellular
      Medical Society (ICMS) has developed guidelines to help with the safe advancement
      of PRP; however there remains a gap in literature concerning the timing of PRP
      injections in patients who are on antithrombotic therapy. The importance of an
      intact platelet surface membrane allows for the appropriate release of the
      healing bioproteins and growth factors granting PRP therapy its efficacy. This
      along with the proliferation of differentiated cells, enhancement of collagen
      synthesis, early angiogenesis and revascularization help promote the benefits of
      regeneration. The intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of the coagulation cascade are
      valuable in that disruption of this mechanism or prematurely activated platelets
      may result in limited efficacy. Anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs are
      commonly used in patients who are candidates for PRP. As antithrombotic agents
      affect platelet stability, they will have an effect on PRP efficacy and must be
      discontinued at an appropriate time frame prior to injection therapy.
      Understanding the pharmacokinetics and platelet effects can help guide discussion
      on the proper timing of discontinuation and resumption of a particular
      antithrombotic agent. With future research, the establishment of clinical
      practice guidelines concerning PRP and antithrombotic therapy can help structure
      safe and efficacious means in which to promote healing and regeneration in a
      growing patient population. Platelet rich plasma, antithrombotic therapy,
      coagulation, platelet activation, regenerative medicine, growth factors.

PMID- 27676678
TI  - Evaluation of Bone Cancer Pain Induced by Different Doses of Walker 256 Mammary
      Gland Carcinoma Cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cancer pain is a complex medical syndrome. Understanding its
      underlying mechanisms relies on the use of animal models which can mimic the
      human condition. A crucial component of this model is the quantity of tumor
      cells; however, the exact relationship between the doses of tumor cells on bone
      cancer pain is yet unknown. OBJECTIVE: We explored the relationship of different
      doses of Walker 256 carcinoma cells using a bone cancer pain model in rats, and
      evaluated its success and stability. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental animal study
      using a comparative design. SETTING: Experimental Animal Center and Tumor
      Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine. METHODS: We constructed the bone
      cancer pain model by implanting Walker 256 carcinoma cells into the right tibia
      of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (150 - 170 g). Spontaneous pain, mechanical
      threshold, and paw withdrawal latency (PWL) were measured and x-ray, bone mineral
      density (BMD), histological, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta) mRNA, carboxyterminal
      telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP), and bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP) were
      analyzed for bone pain model evaluation. RESULTS: The results showed that: (1)
      the 3 doses (3*105, 3.5*105, 4*105) of Walker 256 carcinoma cells can induce bone
      cancer pain from day 7 to day 21 after implantation into the right tibia of SD
      rats; (2) compared to the control group, 3*105, 3.5*105, and 4*105 Walker 256
      carcinoma cells produced different pain manifestations, where the 3.5*105 dose of
      Walker 256 carcinoma cells resulted in the greatest bone cancer pain response;
      (3) the 3.5*105 dose induced the lowest mortality rate in rats; (4) Walker 256
      carcinoma cells (3*105, 3.5*105, and 4*105) resulted in a significant decrease in
      the general condition and body weight of rats, where the 3.5*105 and 4*105 doses
      of carcinoma cells produced a greater effect than 3*105 dose of carcinoma cells;
      (5) progressive spontaneous pain, PWL, and mechanical threshold were exacerbated
      by 3.5*105 and 4*105 doses of carcinoma cells; (6) implantation of 3.5*105 and
      4*105 doses of carcinoma cells induced progressive bone destruction and decrease
      in BMD; (7) ICTP and BAP were significantly increased following the implantation
      of 3.5*105 and 4*105 doses of carcinoma cells; (8) IL-1beta mRNA was
      significantly up-regulated in the spinal cord of rats implanted with 3.5*105 and
      4*105 doses of carcinoma cells. LIMITATIONS: One limitation of this study was the
      small sample size; therefore, additional research is needed to provide better
      validation. Another limitation is the unavailability of small animal Micro
      computed tomography (CT), which is a more advanced and precise technique in
      determining bone marrow density than the x-ray imaging system we used. In
      addition, ethology experiments during late-stage tumor progression can be more
      objective. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence that implantation of 3.5*105
      and 4*105 dose of Walker 256 carcinoma cells produced the greatest effects in
      relation to the bone cancer pain model in SD rats, and 3.5*105 dose induced the
      lowest mortality rate. KEY WORDS: Bone cancer pain model, Walker 256 carcinoma
      cells, different doses.

PMID- 27676679
TI  - Currently Recommended TON Injectate Volumes Concomitantly Block the GON: Clinical
      Implications for Managing Cervicogenic Headache.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Headache (HA) is a significant cause of morbidity globally. Despite
      many available treatment options, HAs that are refractory to conservative
      management can be challenging to treat. Third occipital nerve (TON) and greater
      occipital nerve (GON) irritation are potential etiologic agents of primary and
      cervicogenic HAs that can be targeted using minimally invasive treatment options
      such as nerve blocks or radiofrequency ablation. However, a substantial number of
      patients that undergo radiofrequency ablation do not experience pain relief
      despite a positive diagnostic medial branch block (MBB). OBJECTIVE: In this
      study, we investigate the underlying cause for the high rate of false positives
      associated with MBBs by evaluating injectate spread in cadaveric subjects. STUDY
      DESIGN: Cadaveric study. SETTING: Academic medical center. METHODS: After
      obtaining exemption status from our Institutional Review Board, TON injections
      were performed on 5 preserved cadavers, a total of 10 TONs, using anatomic
      landmarks, partial dissection, and palpation to guide needle placement. Cadaveric
      dissections were performed to evaluate the location, vertical spread, and grossly
      observed injectate coating of the TON and GON for each quantity of methylene blue
      injectate, 0.3 mL and 0.5 mL, administered. RESULTS: The average distance between
      the TON and GON at their respective foraminal exit points was 1.81 cm. The
      average vertical spread for 0.3 mL and 0.5 mL of methylene blue injectate was
      2.02 + 0.35 cm and 3.26 + 0.48 cm when performing a TON block. When using 0.3 mL
      injectate, both the TON and GON were simultaneously coated 60% of the time. After
      increasing the injectate volume to 0.5 mL, both the TON and GON were
      simultaneously coated 100% of the time. LIMITATIONS: The cadaveric design of this
      study presents limitations when translating cadaveric findings to the clinical
      setting. Also, the small sample size limits its power and generalizability.
      Lastly, the potential for researcher bias exists as the investigators were not
      blinded. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that currently recommended
      injectate volumes for TON blocks may result in concomitant coating of the GON.
      Conventional radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of these nerves may not lesion both
      the TON and GON given its restrictive circumferential lesioning diameter of 5 - 7
      mm. As such, interventionalists should consider performing radiofrequency
      ablation to both the TON and GON after a positive TON block. KEY WORDS: Chronic
      pain, cervicogenic headache, third occipital nerve, greater occipital nerve,
      injectate spread, radiofrequency ablation.

PMID- 27676680
TI  - Intrathecal Bupivacaine Monotherapy with a Retrograde Catheter for the Management
      of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome of the Lower Extremity.
AB  - Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) presents a therapeutic challenge due to its
      many presentations and multifaceted pathophysiology. There is no approved
      treatment algorithm and clinical interventions are often applied empirically. In
      cases of CRPS where symptoms are localized to an extremity, a targeted treatment
      is indicated. We describe the use of intrathecal bupivacaine monotherapy,
      delivered through a retrograde catheter, in the treatment of CRPS affecting the
      lower extremity. The patient, a 57-year-old woman with a history of failed foot
      surgery, was seen in our office after 2 years of ineffective treatments with
      local blocks and neurolytic procedures. We advanced therapy to moderately
      invasive procedures with an emphasis on neuromodulation. A combined central and
      peripheral stimulation technique that initially provided 75% pain relief, failed
      to provide lasting analgesia. We proceeded with an intrathecal pump implant.
      Based on the results of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) mapping, L5-S1 was identified
      as the optimal target for therapy and a retrograde catheter was placed at this
      level. Various intrathecal medications were tested individually. An intrathecal
      morphine trial was ineffective (visual analog scale [VAS] 7), while intrathecal
      clonidine provided excellent pain relief (VAS 0) that was limited by severe side
      effects. Bupivacaine provided 100% analgesia with tolerable side effects (lower
      extremity weakness and minor bladder incontinence) and was selected for
      intrathecal infusion. After 14 months, bupivacaine treatment continued to control
      pain exacerbations. We conclude that CRPS patients benefit from early
      identification of the predominant underlying symptoms and a targeted treatment
      with moderately invasive techniques when less invasive techniques fail. KEY
      WORDS: Intrathecal bupivacaine, bupivacaine monotherapy, retrograde catheter,
      complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), dual stimulation, dosal root ganglion
      (DRG) testing.

PMID- 27676681
TI  - Radiofrequency Ablation of the Sphenopalatine Ganglion Using Cone Beam Computed
      Tomography for Intractable Cluster Headache.
AB  - Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG)
      has been shown to be an effective modality of treatment for patients with
      intractable chronic cluster headaches (CHs). While the use of fluoroscopy for RFA
      of the SPG is common, to our knowledge there are no documented cases of
      procedures using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) for image guidance. We
      present a case report of a patient suffering from chronic intractable CH with
      complete long-lasting relief after RFA of the SPG using CBCT. The case reaffirms
      the potential efficacy of RFA of the SPG in a case of chronic cluster headache as
      well as the use of CBCT as a superior alternative to bi-plane fluoroscopy for
      image guidance in the management of chronic CH. KEY WORDS: Cone beam computed
      tomography, sphenopalatine ganglion block, cluster headache, interventional pain,
      autonomic cephalalgia, radiofrequency ablation.

PMID- 27676682
TI  - Ultrasound in Anatomical Variation of Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve.

PMID- 27676683
TI  - Fluoroscopically Guided Pulsed Radiofrequency Neurotomy Technique for the
      Treatment of Genitofemoral Neuralgia.

PMID- 27676684
TI  - Full Endoscopic Passing the Cavity of the Facet Approach for Treatment of Lumbar
      Disc Herniation.

PMID- 27676685
TI  - Long-term Postpartum Headache: PDPH Associated with Major Depression.

PMID- 27676686
TI  - Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS): Harsh Choices For Interventional
      Pain Management Physicians.
AB  - The Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) was created by the Medicare
      Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) to improve the health of all
      Americans by providing incentives and policies to improve patient health
      outcomes. MIPS combines 3 existing programs, Meaningful Use (MU), now called
      Advancing Care Information (ACI), contributing 25% of the composite score;
      Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS), changed to Quality, contributing 50%
      of the composite score; and Value-based Payment (VBP) system to Resource Use or
      cost, contributing 10% of the composite score. Additionally, Clinical Practice
      Improvement Activities (CPIA), contributing 15% of the composite score, create
      multiple strategic goals to design incentives that drive movement toward delivery
      system reform principles with inclusion of Advanced Alternative Payment Models
      (APMs). Under the present proposal, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
      Services (CMS) has estimated approximately 30,000 to 90,000 providers from a
      total of over 761,000 providers will be exempt from MIPS. About 87% of solo
      practitioners and 70% of practitioners in groups of less than 10 will be
      subjected to negative payments or penalties ranging from 4% to 9%. In addition,
      MIPS also will affect a provider's reputation by making performance measures
      accessible to consumers and third-party physician rating Web sites.The MIPS
      composite performance scoring method, at least in theory, utilizes weights for
      each performance category, exceptional performance factors to earn bonuses, and
      incorporates the special circumstances of small practices.In conclusion, MIPS has
      the potential to affect practitioners negatively. Interventional Pain Medicine
      practitioners must understand the various MIPS measures and how they might
      participate in order to secure a brighter future. KEY WORDS: Medicare Access and
      CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015, merit-based incentive payment system, quality
      performance measures, resource use, clinical practice improvement activities,
      advancing care information performance category.

PMID- 27676687
TI  - Proposed Medicare Physician Payment Schedule for 2017: Impact on Interventional
      Pain Management Practices.
AB  - The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the proposed 2017
      Medicare physician fee schedule on July 7, 2016, addressing Medicare payments for
      physicians providing services either in an office or facility setting, which also
      includes payments for office expenses and quality provisions for physicians. This
      proposed rule occurs in the context of numerous policy changes, most notably
      related to the Medicare Access & CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) and its
      Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS). The proposed rule affects
      interventional pain management specialists in reimbursement for evaluation and
      management services, as well as procedures performed in a facility or in-office
      setting.Changes in the proposed fee schedule impacting interventional pain
      management practices include adjustments to the meaningful use (MU) program, care
      management in patient-centered services, identification and review of potentially
      misvalued services, evaluation of moderate sedation services, Medicare telehealth
      services, updated geographic practice cost index, data collection on resources
      used in furnishing global services, reporting of modifier 25 for zero day global
      services, Medicare Advantage Part C provider and supplier enrollment, appropriate
      use criteria (AUC) for advanced imaging services, and Medicare shared savings
      programs. The proposed schedule has provided rates for new epidural codes with or
      without imaging (fluoroscopy or computed tomography [CT]) and a fee schedule for
      a new code covering endoscopic spinal decompression. Review of payment rates show
      major discrepancies in payment schedules with high payments for hospitals, 2,156%
      higher than in-office procedures. Some procedures which were converted from in
      office settings to ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) are being reimbursed at
      1,366% higher than ASCs. The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC)
      recommendation on avoiding the discrepancies and site-of-service differentials in
      in-office settings, hospital outpatient settings, and ASCs has not been agreed to
      by CMS. Thus, even though the changes appear to be minor in physician services
      and in-office service payment, these changes cumulatively have been reducing
      payments for interventional procedures. Further, in-office reimbursement is
      overall significantly lower than ASCs and hospital outpatient departments (HOPDs)
      specifically for intraarticular injections, peripheral nerve blocks, and
      peripheral neurolytic injections. The significant advantage also continues for
      hospitals in their reimbursement for facility fee for evaluation and management
      services.This health policy review describes various issues related to health
      care expenses, health care reform, and finally its effects on physician payments
      for all services and also for the services provided in an office setting.

PMID- 27676688
TI  - Facility Payments for Interventional Pain Management Procedures: Impact of
      Proposed Rules.
AB  - In the face of the progressive implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), a
      significant regulatory regime, and the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System
      (MIPS), the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released its
      proposed 2017 hospital outpatient department (HOPD) and ambulatory surgery center
      (ASC) payment rules on July 14, 2016, and the physician payment schedule was
      released July 15, 2016. U.S. health care costs continue to increase, occupying
      17.5% of the gross domestic product (GDP) in 2014 and surpassing $3 trillion in
      overall health care expenditure. Solo and independent practices face unique
      challenges and many are being acquired by hospitals or larger groups. This
      transfer of services to hospital settings is indisputably leading to an increase
      in the net cost to the system. Comparison of facility payments for interventional
      techniques in HOPD, ASC, and in-office settings shows wide variation for multiple
      interventional techniques. Major discrepancies in payment schedules are related
      to higher payments for hospitals than comparable treatments in in-office settings
      and ASCs. In-office procedures, which have been converted to ASC procedures, are
      reimbursed at as high as 1,366% higher than ASCs and 2,156% higher than in-office
      settings. The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) has made
      recommendations on avoiding the discrepancies and site-of-service differentials
      in in-office settings, hospital outpatient settings, and ASCs. These have not
      been implemented by CMS. In addition, there have been slow reductions in
      reimbursements over the recent years, which continue to accumulate, leading to
      significant reductions in paymentsIn conclusion, equalization of site-of-service
      differentials will simultaneously improve reimbursement patterns for
      interventional pain management procedures, increase access and quality of care,
      and finally, reduce costs for CMS, extending Medicare solvency. KEY WORDS:
      Hospital outpatient departments, ambulatory surgery centers, physician in-office
      services, interventional pain management, interventional techniques.

PMID- 27676689
TI  - Structural Changes of Lumbar Muscles in Non-specific Low Back Pain: A Systematic
      Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lumbar muscle dysfunction due to pain might be related to altered
      lumbar muscle structure. Macroscopically, muscle degeneration in low back pain
      (LBP) is characterized by a decrease in cross-sectional area and an increase in
      fat infiltration in the lumbar paraspinal muscles. In addition microscopic
      changes, such as changes in fiber distribution, might occur. Inconsistencies in
      results from different studies make it difficult to draw firm conclusions on
      which structural changes are present in the different types of non-specific LBP.
      Insights regarding structural muscle alterations in LBP are, however, important
      for prevention and treatment of non-specific LBP. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this
      article is to review which macro- and/or microscopic structural alterations of
      the lumbar muscles occur in case of non-specific chronic low back pain (CLBP),
      recurrent low back pain (RLBP), and acute low back pain (ALBP). STUDY DESIGN:
      Systematic review. SETTING: All selected studies were case-control studies.
      METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted in the databases PubMed and
      Web of Science. Only full texts of original studies regarding structural
      alterations (atrophy, fat infiltration, and fiber type distribution) in lumbar
      muscles of patients with non-specific LBP compared to healthy controls were
      included. All included articles were scored on methodological quality. RESULTS:
      Fifteen studies were found eligible after screening title, abstract, and full
      text for inclusion and exclusion criteria. In CLBP, moderate evidence of atrophy
      was found in the multifidus; whereas, results in the paraspinal and the erector
      spinae muscle remain inconclusive. Also moderate evidence occurred in RLBP and
      ALBP, where no atrophy was shown in any lumbar muscle. Conflicting results were
      seen in undefined LBP groups. Results concerning fat infiltration were
      inconsistent in CLBP. On the other hand, there is moderate evidence in RLBP that
      fat infiltration does not occur, although a larger muscle fat index was found in
      the erector spinae, multifidus, and paraspinal muscles, reflecting an increased
      relative amount of intramuscular lipids in RLBP. However, no studies were found
      investigating fat infiltration in ALBP. Restricted evidence indicates no
      abnormalities in fiber type in the paraspinal muscles in CLBP. No studies have
      examined fiber type in ALBP and RLBP. LIMITATIONS: Lack of clarity concerning
      patient definitions, exact LBP symptoms, and applied methods. CONCLUSIONS: The
      results indicate atrophy in CLBP in the multifidus and paraspinal muscles but not
      in the erector spinae. No atrophy was shown in RLBP and ALBP. Fat infiltration
      did not occur in RLBP, but results in CLBP were inconsistent. No abnormalities in
      fiber type in the paraspinal muscles were found in CLBP. KEY WORDS: Low back
      pain, non-specific, chronic, recurrent, acute, muscle structure, fat
      infiltration, cross-sectional area, fiber type, review.

PMID- 27676690
TI  - Fabrication of Hollow Materials by Fast Pyrolysis of Cellulose Composite Fibers
      with Heterogeneous Structures.
AB  - A facile method for the fabrication of inorganic hollow materials from
      cuprammonium cellulose composite filaments based on fast pyrolysis has been
      developed. Unlike Ostwald ripening, approaches based on the Kirkendall effect,
      and other template methods, this process yielded hollow materials within 100 s.
      The heterogeneous structure of the cellulose composite fibers and the gradient
      distribution of the metal oxides are the main reasons for the formation of the
      hollow structure. The diameter, wall thickness, and length of the hollow
      microfibers could be conveniently controlled. With their perfect morphology,
      these hollow structural materials have great potential for use in various fields.

PMID- 27676691
TI  - A case of intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia of the stomach leading
      to a novel hypothesis for the pathogenesis.

PMID- 27676693
TI  - Cancer stem cells: A product of clonal evolution?
AB  - The cancer stem cell (CSC) model has emerged as a prominent paradigm for
      explaining tumour heterogeneity. CSCs in tumour recurrence and drug resistance
      have also been implicated in a number of studies. In fact, CSCs are often
      identified by their expression of drug-efflux proteins which are also highly
      expressed in normal stem cells. Similarly, pro-survival or proliferation
      signalling often exhibited by stem cells is regularly reported as being
      upregulated by CSC. Here we review evidence suggesting that many aspects of CSCs
      are more readily described by clonal evolution. As an example, cancer cells often
      exhibit copy number gains of genes involved in drug-efflux proteins and pro
      survival signalling. Consequently, clonal selection for stem cell traits may
      result in cancer cells developing "stemness" traits which impart a fitness
      advantage, without strictly following a CSC model. Finally, since symmetric cell
      division would give rise to more cells than asymmetric division, it is expected
      that more advanced tumours would depart from a CSC. Collectively, these
      observations suggest clonal evolution may explain many aspects of the CSC.

PMID- 27676692
TI  - Diurnal and Nocturnal Flight Activity of Blow Flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in a
      Rainforest Fragment in Brazil: Implications for the Colonization of Homicide
      Victims.
AB  - Nocturnal flight of blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) is a controversial issue
      in forensic entomology. We performed two field experiments to investigate the
      diurnal and nocturnal activity of six blow fly species in a rainforest fragment
      in Brazil. Initially, nocturnal (17:30-05:30) versus diurnal (05:30-17:30) flight
      activity was investigated. Only 3.9% of adults were collected at night, mostly
      the native species Mesembrinella bicolor, and nocturnal oviposition did not
      occur. In the second experiment, collection of adults took place at the following
      intervals: 05:30-08:30, 08:30-11:30, 11:30-14:30, and 14:30-17:30. The
      proportions of adults did not differ significantly among the four diurnal
      intervals, except for Hemilucilia segmentaria, which was captured more frequently
      in the early morning. Calliphoridae has predominantly diurnal behavior, not
      laying eggs in darkness. The association of the native species M. bicolor,
      Hemilucilia semidiaphana, and H. segmentaria to forested areas reinforces the
      forensic relevance of data on their flight pattern.

PMID- 27676694
TI  - Breaching the Hyaluronan Barrier with PH20-Fc Facilitates Intratumoral Permeation
      and Enhances Antitumor Efficiency: A Comparative Investigation of Typical
      Therapeutic Agents in Different Nanoscales.
AB  - In contrast to traditional strategies based on external driving forces, an
      internal path for intratumoral delivery is explored by degrading the tumor
      microenvironment component hyaluronan. Natural hyaluronidase PH20 and constructed
      long-acting PH20-Fc have been used to achieve this objective. It has been then
      evaluated how these agents facilitate the diffusion of the following typical
      therapeutic agents varying in nanoscales: doxorubicin (~1.5 * 1.0 * 0.7 nm)
      chemotherapy, trastuzumab (10-15 nm) biotherapy, and gold nanorod (~100 * 35 nm)
      thermotherapy. In traditional 2D cultures, PH20 and PH20-Fc have little influence
      on cytotoxicity due to lack of a tumor microenvironment. However, the
      cytotoxicities of the three therapeutic agents in 3D tumor spheroids are all
      enhanced by PH20 or PH20-Fc because hyaluronan degradation facilitates
      therapeutic penetration and accumulation. Furthermore, in vivo evaluations reveal
      that the significantly prolonged circulation time of PH20-Fc leads to
      accumulation in the tumor and subsequent hyaluronan degradation. Consequently,
      PH20-Fc coadministration further inhibits tumor growth. The performance of PH20
      Fc varies for the three therapeutic agents due to their different nanoscales.
      Trastuzumab benefits most from combination with PH20-Fc. The results provide here
      novel insights that can aid in the development of more effective hyaluronidase
      based therapeutic systems.

PMID- 27676695
TI  - Dose and Duration of Opioid Use in Patients with Cancer and Noncancer Pain at an
      Outpatient Hospital Setting in Malaysia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are currently limited data available on the patterns of opioid
      prescribing in Malaysia. This study investigated the patterns of opioid
      prescribing and characterized the dosing and duration of opioid use in patients
      with noncancer and cancer pain. METHODS: This retrospective, cross-sectional
      study was conducted at an outpatient hospital setting in Malaysia. All
      prescriptions for opioids (dihydrocodeine, fentanyl, morphine, and oxycodone)
      issued between January 2013 and December 2014 were examined. The number of
      prescriptions and patients, the distribution of mean daily dose, annual total
      days covered with opioids, and annual total opioid dose at the individual level
      were calculated and stratified by noncancer and cancer groups. RESULTS: A total
      of 1015 opioid prescriptions were prescribed for 347 patients from 2013 to 2014.
      Approximately 41.5% of patients (N = 144/347) and 58.5% (N = 203/347) were
      associated with noncancer and cancer diagnosis, respectively. Oxycodone (38.0%)
      was the highest prescribed primarily for the noncancer group. The majority of
      patients in both noncancer (74.3%) and cancer (60.4%) groups were receiving mean
      daily doses of < 50 mg morphine equivalents. The chronic use of opioids (> 90
      days per year) was associated with 21.8% of patients in the noncancer group and
      17.5% in the cancer group. CONCLUSIONS: The finding from this study showed that
      41.5% of opioid users at an outpatient hospital setting in Malaysia received
      opioids for noncancer pain and 21.8% of these users were using opioids for longer
      than 90 days. The average daily dose in the majority of patients in both groups
      of noncancer and cancer was modest.

PMID- 27676696
TI  - Nerve growth factor release from the urothelium increases via activation of
      bladder C-fiber in rats with cerebral infarction.
AB  - AIMS: There are some reports that bladder C-fibers are partially involved in
      detrusor overactivity in patients with brain lesions. We investigated the
      contribution of bladder C-fiber to decreased bladder capacity in rats with
      cerebral infarction. METHODS: Cerebral infarction was induced under halothane
      anesthesia by left middle cerebral artery occlusion with 4-0 nylon thread in
      female Sprague-Dawley rats. Intramural amounts of ATP and prostaglandin E2 , in
      vivo and in vitro ATP, NGF, and prostaglandin E2 release from the distended
      bladder urothelium, and changes in mRNA expressions of sensor molecules and
      receptors were monitored 6 h after the occlusion. Cystometry was performed in
      rats with or without resiniferatoxin pretreatment. RESULTS: Overexpression of
      sensor molecule, transient receptor potential vanilloid-type channel 1, acid
      sensing ion channel 2, purinergic receptors P2X3 , and M2 /M3 muscarinic
      receptors was found in the bladder. These changes were accompanied by increases
      in ATP and NGF release from the urothelium. In contrast, when bladder C-fibers
      were desensitized by resiniferatoxin, no increase in NGF release from the
      urothelium was found either in vivo or in vitro. There was no difference in the
      percentage decrease in bladder capacity between cerebral infarction rats
      pretreated with resiniferatoxin and cerebral infarction rats without
      pretreatment. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that expression of sensor molecules
      in the bladder is altered by distant infarction in the brain. ATP and NGF release
      from the urothelium also increased. NGF release was related to activation of
      bladder C-fibers. Bladder C-fibers might not contribute much to decreased bladder
      capacity caused by cerebral infarction.

PMID- 27676698
TI  - Aggression in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Supporting the Entire Family.
AB  - CASE: Juanita is a 13-year-old non-verbal Latina girl with autism spectrum
      disorder, moderate intellectual disability, and a seizure disorder whose
      aggressive behaviors toward her parents have significantly worsened over the past
      few months.Juanita's monolingual Spanish-speaking parents are here today for
      medication management at her primary care clinic. The parents report that Juanita
      pinches them, pulls their hair, and hits her head with her fists. Her aggression
      toward them is usually triggered by feelings of frustrations, leaving her parents
      feeling like they have to walk on eggshells around her and have led to differing
      parenting styles. Her father reports that he tries to avoid getting her upset and
      prefers to watch TV with her, whereas her mother takes on the day-to-day
      caretaking. Although he wants to take a more active role in parenting Juanita,
      when he tries, Juanita becomes more aggressive and reacts violently toward
      him.During the visit, Juanita keeps her eyes downcast, is withdrawn, and some
      strain is noted between her parents. While speaking to them, Juanita's mother
      chimes in and reports that she considers herself the primary caregiver and the
      one who knows her daughter the best. She often dismisses Juanita's father's
      reporting, saying that "he doesn't know what really is going on." When Juanita is
      taken to the restroom by her mother, her father tearfully reports that he feels
      that it may be best for everyone that he leaves the family because of Juanita's
      worsening aggression toward him and the toll it is taking on his marriage. How
      would you approach her management?

PMID- 27676699
TI  - How Does Aging Affect Presentation and Management of Biliary Stones?
AB  - Common bile duct (CBD) stones are common in elderly adults, but the effect of
      aging on the presentation of CBD stones remains to be evaluated. Recent studies
      have demonstrated that the clinical presentation of CBD stones may vary with age.
      Younger adults may present with classical biliary colic symptoms, whereas elderly
      adults may have no unapparent clinical features. Younger adults with CBD stones
      were significantly more likely to have abnormal liver function tests than those
      without. The sensitivity and accuracy of transabdominal ultrasound scans in
      screening for CBD stones increases with age. Antibiotic agents should be promptly
      administered to individuals with CBD stones complicated by cholangitis, but the
      effects of pharmacotherapy on renal function should be considered in elderly
      adults. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is considered to be
      first-line treatment for CBD stones, and endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy (EST)
      or endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPBD) along with ERCP is an adequate
      biliary drainage method in individuals with CBD stones. EPBD has a lower bleeding
      risk but higher post-ERCP risk of pancreatitis than EST. Longer-duration (>1
      minute) EPBD may be preferred over EST because it is associated with a comparable
      risk of pancreatitis but a lower rate of overall complications, although
      recurrent cholangitis or unfavorable outcomes will increase during CBD dilation
      or in the presence of residual CBD stones.

PMID- 27676700
TI  - Five New Triterpenoid Saponins from the Rhizomes of Panacis majoris and Their
      Antiplatelet Aggregation Activity.
AB  - Five new triterpenoid saponins (1-5) and four known triterpenoid saponins,
      ginsenoside Re5 (6), majonoside R1 (7), 24(R)-majonoside R1 (8), and ginsenoside
      Rf (9), were isolated from the rhizomes of Panacis majoris. The structures of new
      compounds were elucidated as (20S,24S,25R*)-6-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 -> 2)
      beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-dammar-20,24-epoxy-3beta,6alpha,12beta,25,26-pentaol (1),
      (20S,24R,25R)-6-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 -> 2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-dammar
      20,24-epoxy-3beta,6alpha,12beta,25,26-pentaol (2), (20S)-6-O-[beta-D
      glucopyranosyl-(1 -> 2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-dammar-20,25-epoxy
      3beta,6alpha,12beta,24alpha-tetraol (3), 6-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 -> 2)-beta
      D-glucopyranosyl]-dammar-3beta,6alpha,12beta,20S,24R,25-hexaol (4), and 6-O-[beta
      D-glucop-yranosyl-(1 -> 2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-dammar-25(26)-ene
      3beta,6alpha,12beta,20S,24R-pentaol (5) on the basis of extensive spectral
      analysis and chemical methods. Ginsenoside Re5 was isolated from the plant for
      the first time. The similarities of the nine compounds lie in the fact that their
      aglycones are conjoined with the same glucopyranose moieties, the same linkage of
      the glycosyl chains, and the same glycosylation sites, while they have a varied C
      17 side chain. Compounds 3 and 5 exhibited moderate antiplatelet aggregation
      activities induced by adenosine diphosphate with IC50 values of 23.24 and 18.43
      uM, respectively. Compound 5 displayed moderate inhibition of arachidonic acid
      induced platelet aggregation with an IC50 value of 30.11 uM.

PMID- 27676697
TI  - Phenotyping, Etiological Factors, and Biomarkers: Toward Precision Medicine in
      Autism Spectrum Disorders.
AB  - Despite the progress made in understanding the biology of autism spectrum
      disorder (ASD), effective biological interventions for the core symptoms remain
      elusive. Because of the etiological heterogeneity of ASD, identification of a
      "one-size-fits-all" treatment approach will likely continue to be challenging. A
      meeting was convened at the University of Missouri and the Thompson Center to
      discuss strategies for stratifying patients with ASD for the purpose of moving
      toward precision medicine. The "white paper" presented here articulates the
      challenges involved and provides suggestions for future solutions.

PMID- 27676701
TI  - Trypsin and MALDI matrix pre-coated targets simplify sample preparation for
      mapping proteomic distributions within biological tissues by imaging mass
      spectrometry.
AB  - Prefabricated surfaces containing alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid and trypsin
      have been developed to facilitate enzymatic digestion of endogenous tissue
      proteins prior to matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) imaging
      mass spectrometry (IMS). Tissue sections are placed onto slides that were
      previously coated with alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid and trypsin. After
      incubation to promote enzymatic digestion, the tissue is analyzed by MALDI IMS to
      determine the spatial distribution of the tryptic fragments. The peptides
      detected in the MALDI IMS dataset were identified by Liquid chromatography-tandem
      mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry. Protein identification was further confirmed
      by correlating the localization of unique tryptic fragments originating from
      common parent proteins. Using this procedure, proteins with molecular weights as
      large as 300 kDa were identified and their distributions were imaged in sections
      of rat brain. In particular, large proteins such as myristoylated alanine-rich C
      kinase substrate (29.8 kDa) and spectrin alpha chain, non-erythrocytic 1 (284
      kDa) were detected that are not observed without trypsin. The pre-coated targets
      simplify workflow and increase sample throughput by decreasing the sample
      preparation time. Further, the approach allows imaging at higher spatial
      resolution compared with robotic spotters that apply one drop at a time.
      Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27677048
TI  - Time of day affects implicit memory for unattended stimuli.
AB  - We investigated whether circadian arousal affects perceptual priming as a
      function of whether stimuli were attended or ignored during learning. We tested
      160 participants on- and off-peak with regards to their circadian arousal. In the
      study phase, they were presented with two superimposed pictures in different
      colours. They had to name the pictures of one colour while ignoring the others.
      In the test phase, they were presented with the same and randomly intermixed new
      pictures. Each picture was presented in black colour in a fragment completion
      task. Priming was measured as the difference in fragmentation level at which the
      pictures from the study phase were named compared to the new pictures. Priming
      was stronger for attended than ignored pictures. Time of day affected priming
      only for ignored pictures, with stronger priming effects off-peak than on-peak.
      Thus, circadian arousal seems to favour the encoding of unattended materials
      specifically at off-peak.

PMID- 27676702
TI  - Cascading effects of BPT for child internalizing problems and caregiver
      depression.
AB  - Behavioral Parent Training (BPT) is the standard of care for early onset (3 to
      8years old) disruptive behavior disorders (DBDs). Preliminary evidence suggests
      that BPT may also produce cascading treatment effects for comorbid and
      interrelated symptomatology in children, primarily internalizing problems, as
      well as symptomatology in multiple systems of the family, including caregiver
      depressive symptomatology. What is less well understood, however, is why and how
      BPT functions to impact these multiple symptom clusters within and between family
      members. Accordingly, this manuscript aims to serve as a conceptual and
      theoretical consideration of the mechanisms through which BPT may produce
      generalized treatment effects among children with early onset DBDs and
      internalizing problems, as well as the psychosocial difficulties among their
      caregivers. It is our intention that the hypothesized mechanisms highlighted in
      this review may guide advances in clinical research, as well as assessment and
      practice.

PMID- 27677049
TI  - Traumatic stress, neural self and the spiritual mind.
AB  - According to recent findings stressful experiences may influence various
      physiological disturbances and also neuroanatomical changes and some studies also
      show that psychotherapy and meditation may influence brain functions. Traumatic
      stress is frequently related to a dissociative response that disintegrates
      conscious experience. In this context, self-reflection is an essential principle
      in the process of posttraumatic growth related to spiritual experiences and
      meditation states that enable mental integration and create the novel integrated
      self. According to recent findings there is no widely accepted evidence about
      specific neural mechanisms of processes related to mental integration linked to
      the spiritual experiences and meditation. Nevertheless there is growing evidence
      that these integrative experiences are related to various alterations in the
      brain's physiology and morphology. These findings provide a new paradigm for
      understanding of mental disorders and emphasize the fundamental role of mental
      integration and integrated self in the therapy of psychiatric disorders.

PMID- 27677050
TI  - Audience gaze while appreciating a multipart musical performance.
AB  - Visual information has been observed to be crucial for audience members during
      musical performances. The present study used an eye tracker to investigate
      audience members' gazes while appreciating an audiovisual musical ensemble
      performance, based on evidence of the dominance of musical part in auditory
      attention when listening to multipart music that contains different melody lines
      and the joint-attention theory of gaze. We presented singing performances, by a
      female duo. The main findings were as follows: (1) the melody part (soprano)
      attracted more visual attention than the accompaniment part (alto) throughout the
      piece, (2) joint attention emerged when the singers shifted their gazes toward
      their co-performer, suggesting that inter-performer gazing interactions that play
      a spotlight role mediated performer-audience visual interaction, and (3) musical
      part (melody or accompaniment) strongly influenced the total duration of gazes
      among audiences, while the spotlight effect of gaze was limited to just after the
      singers' gaze shifts.

PMID- 27677051
TI  - Daydreams and trait affect: The role of the listener's state of mind in the
      emotional response to music.
AB  - Music creates room for the mind to wander, mental time travel, and departures
      into more fantastical worlds. We examined the mediating role of daydreams and the
      moderating function of personality differences for the emotional response to
      music by using a moderated mediation approach. The results showed that the
      valence of daydreams played a mediating role in the reaction to the musical
      experience: happy music was related to more positive daydreams, which were
      associated with greater relaxation with the happy music and to greater liking of
      the happy music. Furthermore, negative affect (trait) moderated the direct effect
      of sad vs. happy music on the liking of the music: individuals with high scores
      on negative affect preferred sad music. The results are discussed with regard to
      the interplay of general and personality-specific processes as it is relevant to
      better understand the effects music can have on the listeners.

PMID- 27677052
TI  - Using hypnosis to model Fregoli delusion and the impact of challenges on belief
      revision.
AB  - Fregoli delusion involves the belief that strangers are known people in disguise.
      We aimed to model aspects of this delusion for the first time using hypnosis. We
      informed hypnotised subjects that someone would enter the room (a confederate)
      and they would believe this person was someone they knew in disguise. After
      testing their reaction to the confederate, we challenged their delusion by
      directly contradicting their belief and then asking them to focus on the
      confederate's voice and gait. Finally, we indexed whether they could identify
      photographs of the confederate. We found that just over half of our high
      hypnotisable subjects identified the confederate as someone they knew in
      disguise. Although many highs abandoned their belief in response to challenges,
      some maintained strong, unwavering conviction that the confederate was a known
      person. We discuss these findings in terms of how evidence might be evaluated
      during both hypnotic and clinical delusions.

PMID- 27677053
TI  - Free love? On the relation between belief in free will, determinism, and
      passionate love.
AB  - Is love possible if we are not free? Some philosophers consider that true love is
      necessarily free, while others think that the nature of love makes it
      incompatible with a certain type of freedom. Here, we explored the relationship
      between feelings of passionate love, belief in free will and determinism across
      three online studies. In Study 1 (N=257), participants who believed strongly in
      free will (or determinism) expressed stronger passionate love. In Study 2
      (N=305), we again found a positive association between belief in free will (or
      determinism) and passionate love, although the passionate love-determinism
      relationship seems more conditional. Finally, Study 3 (N=309) confirmed the
      relationship between belief in free will and passionate love but not between
      belief in determinism and passionate love. These findings, along with a meta
      analysis, suggest that both beliefs in free will and determinism are compatible
      with passionate love.

PMID- 27677055
TI  - Building a 'Repository of Science': The importance of integrating biobanks within
      molecular pathology programmes.
AB  - Repositories containing high quality human biospecimens linked with robust and
      relevant clinical and pathological information are required for the discovery and
      validation of biomarkers for disease diagnosis, progression and response to
      treatment. Current molecular based discovery projects using either low or high
      throughput technologies rely heavily on ready access to such sample collections.
      It is imperative that modern biobanks align with molecular diagnostic pathology
      practices not only to provide the type of samples needed for discovery projects
      but also to ensure requirements for ongoing sample collections and the future
      needs of researchers are adequately addressed. Biobanks within comprehensive
      molecular pathology programmes are perfectly positioned to offer more than just
      tumour derived biospecimens; for example, they have the ability to facilitate
      researchers gaining access to sample metadata such as digitised scans of tissue
      samples annotated prior to macrodissection for molecular diagnostics or
      pseudoanonymised clinical outcome data or research results retrieved from other
      users utilising the same or overlapping cohorts of samples. Furthermore, biobanks
      can work with molecular diagnostic laboratories to develop standardised
      methodologies for the acquisition and storage of samples required for new
      approaches to research such as 'liquid biopsies' which will ultimately feed into
      the test validations required in large prospective clinical studies in order to
      implement liquid biopsy approaches for routine clinical practice. We draw on our
      experience in Northern Ireland to discuss how this harmonised approach of
      biobanks working synergistically with molecular pathology programmes is a key for
      the future success of precision medicine.

PMID- 27677054
TI  - Survival trends in childhood chronic myeloid leukaemia in Southern-Eastern Europe
      and the United States of America.
AB  - AIM: To assess trends in survival and geographic disparities among children (0-14
      years) with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) before and after the introduction of
      molecular therapy, namely tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in Southern-Eastern
      European (SEE) countries and the USA. METHODS: We calculated survival among
      children with CML, acute lymphoblastic (ALL) and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) in
      14 SEE (1990-2014) cancer registries and the U.S. Surveillance, Epidemiology and
      End Results Program (SEER, 1990-2012). We used Kaplan-Meier curves and
      multivariate Cox regression models to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95%
      confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Among 369 CML cases, substantial
      improvements were noted in 2-year survival during the post-TKI (range: 81-89%)
      compared to pre-TKI period (49-66%; HR: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.23-0.60). Risk of death
      was three times higher for <5-year-old children versus those aged 10-14 years
      (HR: 3.03, 95% CI: 1.85-4.94) and 56% higher for those living in SEE versus SEER
      (HR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.01-2.42). Regardless of geographic area and period of TKI
      administration, however, age seems to be a significant determinant of CML
      prognosis (pre-TKI period, HR0-4y: 2.71, 95% CI: 1.53-4.79; post-TKI period, HR0
      4y: 3.38, 95% CI: 1.29-8.85). Noticeably, post-TKI survival in CML overall
      approximates that for ALL, whereas therapeutic advancements for AML remain
      modest. CONCLUSION: Registry data show that introduction of molecular therapies
      coincides with revolutionised therapeutic outcomes in childhood CML entailing
      dramatically improved survival which is now similar to that in ALL. Given that
      age disparities in survival remain substantial, offering optimal therapy to
      entire populations is an urgent priority.

PMID- 27677056
TI  - Assessment of the extent of microcalcifications to predict the size of a ductal
      carcinoma in situ: comparison between tomosynthesis and conventional mammography.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objective was to determine if digital tomosynthesis of the breast
      (DBT) assesses the extension of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) with higher
      precision than mammography (MG). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The local ethics committee
      approved this retrospective study including 26 patients with DCIS, which were
      rated by three radiologists. Statistics were performed using intraclass
      correlation (ICC) for interreader agreement and the Pearson correlation for
      correlation of MG and DBT. Standard of reference was the histologic extension.
      RESULTS: The ICC was excellent. Correlation between MG and histology was 0.879
      (P<.01) and for DBT and histology was 0.914 (P<.01). CONCLUSION: DBT provides a
      slightly better estimation of the size of a DCIS than MG.

PMID- 27677057
TI  - Camelid VH H affinity ligands enable separation of closely related
      biopharmaceuticals.
AB  - Interest in new and diverse classes of molecules such as recombinant toxins,
      enzymes, and blood factors continues to grow for use a biotherapeutics. Compared
      to monoclonal antibodies, these novel drugs typically lack a commercially
      available affinity chromatography option, which leads to greater process
      complexity, longer development timelines, and poor platformability. To date, for
      both monoclonal antibodies and novel molecules, affinity chromatography has been
      mostly reserved for separation of process-related impurities such as host cell
      proteins and DNA. Reports of affinity purification of closely related product
      variants and modified forms are much rarer. In this work we describe custom
      affinity chromatography development using camelid VH H antibody fragments as
      "tunable" immunoaffinity ligands for separation of product-related impurities.
      One example demonstrates high selectivity for a recombinant immunotoxin where no
      binding was observed for an undesired deamidated species. Also discussed is
      affinity purification of a coagulation factor through specific recognition of the
      gamma-carboxylglutamic acid domain.

PMID- 27677059
TI  - Nurturing Our Young.

PMID- 27677058
TI  - Accelerated telomere shortening: Tracking the lasting impact of early
      institutional care at the cellular level.
AB  - Studies examining the association between early adversity and longitudinal
      changes in telomere length within the same individual are rare, yet are likely to
      provide novel insight into the subsequent lasting effects of negative early
      experiences. We sought to examine the association between institutional care
      history and telomere shortening longitudinally across middle childhood and into
      adolescence. Buccal DNA was collected 2-4 times, between the ages of 6 and 15
      years, in 79 children enrolled in the Bucharest Early Intervention Project
      (BEIP), a longitudinal study exploring the impact of early institutional rearing
      on child health and development. Children with a history of early institutional
      care (n=50) demonstrated significantly greater telomere shortening across middle
      childhood and adolescence compared to never institutionalized children (n=29).
      Among children with a history of institutional care, randomization to high
      quality foster care was not associated with differential telomere attrition
      across development. Cross-sectional analysis of children randomized to the care
      as usual group indicated shorter telomere length was associated with greater
      percent of the child's life spent in institutional care up to age 8. These
      results suggest that early adverse care from severe psychosocial deprivation may
      be embedded at the molecular genetic level through accelerated telomere
      shortening.

PMID- 27677061
TI  - Perceptions of Home Health Nurses Regarding Suffering, Artificial Nutrition, and
      Hydration in Late-Stage Dementia.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to explore perceptions of home healthcare nurses
      related to suffering, artificial nutrition and hydration in people with late
      stage dementia, and if these perceptions influence care to people with dementia
      and their families. Part of a mixed-methods study, the qualitative portion
      examined perceptions of home healthcare nurses in a rural area in the southern
      United States. Seventeen home healthcare nurses participated in this study.
      Semistructured focus group interview questions were used. Constant comparative
      analysis was the method used for coding transcripts. Three themes emerged from
      the analysis: patient/family comfort, futility, and symbols of suffering.
      Although many of the nurses reported that artificial nutrition and hydration was
      of comfort to the patient and family because of the potential for "starving,"
      they also felt it prolonged the patient's suffering due to the invasive
      procedure, need for restraints, and possibility of fluid overload. Several nurses
      felt that artificial nutrition and hydration gave a sense of false hope to the
      family that the patient would live longer. The perceptions of these home
      healthcare nurses influence their care to people with dementia and their families
      related to artificial nutrition and hydration, possibly based on experience.
      Their perceptions could influence family decisions regarding treatment options.
      Further research and education with home healthcare nurses is vital to ensure
      nurses are appropriately caring for patients with dementia and their families. 

PMID- 27677062
TI  - What Influences Home Care Nurses to Accept or Reject Precepting Opportunities? A
      Pilot Study.
AB  - Nurse managers and nursing faculty report, anecdotally, on their difficulty
      identifying nurses willing to precept new staff or students. To understand more
      about this topic, we queried home care nurses at a small agency on their
      perceived incentives and barriers to precepting, their preceptor status,
      generation of birth, and birth order. The purpose of this pilot study was to
      identify home care nurses' perceived incentives and barriers to becoming a
      preceptor. We also sought to examine possible relationships between preceptor
      status, generation of birth, and ordinal position of birth. 

PMID- 27677063
TI  - Exposing Baccalaureate Nursing Students to Transitional Care.
AB  - Management and facilitation of care transitions from hospital to alternative
      settings requires skill and attention to avoid adverse events. Several
      interprofessional organizations and nurse leaders have called for the expansion
      and redesign of undergraduate nursing curricula to include care transitions. Yet
      there is little evidence describing how undergraduate baccalaureate nursing
      students are educated on this critical topic or how successful they are in
      improving student knowledge about care transitions. To address this gap, an in
      classroom and clinical experience was implemented to prepare students to manage
      and facilitate care transitions from the hospital to alternative settings
      including the home. Perceptions of undergraduate nursing students and home
      healthcare nurse preceptors were assessed via an electronic survey that was
      emailed to participants. Forty-eight responses to the survey were received.
      Students agreed this experience contributed to their understanding of caring for
      adults and older adults who are experiencing a care transition and they had a
      good understanding of care transitions to apply to their future nursing courses.
      Home healthcare nurse preceptors agreed they were able to demonstrate
      transitional care and that students were engaged. Future work should include
      expanding transitional care immersion to other care settings as well as the
      inclusion of additional healthcare disciplines in care transition education. 

PMID- 27677064
TI  - Educating Home Healthcare Nurses About Heart Failure Self-Care.
AB  - The ability of home healthcare nurses to effectively educate patients with heart
      failure (HF) on appropriate self-care is key to lowering the hospital readmission
      rates and other adverse outcomes. Evidence indicates, however, that nurses often
      lack current knowledge about HF self-care. Furthermore, patient education often
      fails to produce health literacy. Thus, this educational intervention for home
      healthcare nurses included content about key aspects of managing HF (e.g., diet,
      medications), as well as how to use the teach-back method during patient
      education. Pre- and posttesting (using the Nurses' Knowledge of HF Education
      Principles Questionnaire) and role-playing were used to evaluate the intervention
      delivered to 33 home care nurses. Findings exposed knowledge deficits regarding
      high-sodium foods, symptoms indicating deterioration, problematic weight gain,
      fluid management, as well as other topics related to HF. The education was
      partially effective in addressing these nurses' knowledge gaps. The evidence
      based education for home healthcare nurses suggests that not only may nurses lack
      knowledge essential to teaching HF self-care; they may also lack effective
      patient education skills such as using the teach-back method. 

PMID- 27677066
TI  - Choosing Wisely.

PMID- 27677065
TI  - Home Health Nurse Collaboration in the Medical Neighborhood of Children with
      Medical Complexity.
AB  - The objectives of this study were to describe how home healthcare nurses
      collaborate with other clinicians caring for children with medical complexity,
      and identify barriers to collaboration within the medical neighborhood. Using
      qualitative data obtained from 20 semistructured interviews (15 English, 5
      Spanish) with primary caregivers of children with medical complexity and 18 home
      healthcare nurses, researchers inquired about experiences with home healthcare
      nursing services for these children. During an iterative analysis process,
      recurrent themes were identified by their prevalence and salience in the data.
      Home healthcare nurses collaborate with many providers within the medical
      neighborhood of children with medical complexity and perform many different
      collaborative tasks. This collaboration is valued by caregivers and nurses, but
      is inconsistent. Home healthcare nurses' communication with other clinicians is
      important to the delivery of good-quality care to children with medical
      complexity at home, but is not always present. Home healthcare nurses reported
      inability to share clinical information with other clinicians, not receiving
      child-specific information, and lack of support for clinical problem-solving as
      concerns. Barriers for optimal collaboration included lack of preparedness of
      parents, availability of physicians for clinical support, reimbursement for
      collaborative tasks, variability in home healthcare nurses' tasks, and problems
      at nursing agency level. Home healthcare nurses' collaboration with other
      clinicians is important, but problems exist in the current system of care.
      Optimizing collaboration between home healthcare nurses and other clinicians will
      likely have a positive impact on these children and their families. 

PMID- 27677067
TI  - Farxiga and Fetzima Mix-Ups.

PMID- 27677068
TI  - Protecting the Staff When Using Disinfectants in the Home.

PMID- 27677069
TI  - A Day in the Life of a Rural Home Healthcare Nurse.

PMID- 27677070
TI  - Snowbirds.

PMID- 27677071
TI  - Legislature Update on the Family Caregiver Support and Designated CareGiver Acts.

PMID- 27677072
TI  - Embracing Palliative Care Through Innovation.

PMID- 27677073
TI  - Spirituality and Health Education in a Faith Community.

PMID- 27677074
TI  - Perceptions of Home Health Nurses Regarding Suffering, Artificial Nutrition, and
      Hydration in Late-Stage Dementia.

PMID- 27677075
TI  - Impact of HuR inhibition by the small molecule MS-444 on colorectal cancer cell
      tumorigenesis.
AB  - Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and a leading cause of
      cancer-related mortality. Observed during CRC tumorigenesis is loss of post
      transcriptional regulation of tumor-promoting genes such as COX-2, TNFalpha and
      VEGF. Overexpression of the RNA-binding protein HuR (ELAVL1) occurs during colon
      tumorigenesis and is abnormally present within the cytoplasm, where it post
      transcriptionally regulates genes through its interaction with 3'UTR AU-rich
      elements (AREs). Here, we examine the therapeutic potential of targeting HuR
      using MS-444, a small molecule HuR inhibitor. Treatment of CRC cells with MS-444
      resulted in growth inhibition and increased apoptotic gene expression, while
      similar treatment doses in non-transformed intestinal cells had no appreciable
      effects. Mechanistically, MS-444 disrupted HuR cytoplasmic trafficking and
      released ARE-mRNAs for localization to P-bodies, but did not affect total HuR
      expression levels. This resulted in MS-444-mediated inhibition of COX-2 and other
      ARE-mRNA expression levels. Importantly, MS-444 was well tolerated and inhibited
      xenograft CRC tumor growth through enhanced apoptosis and decreased angiogenesis
      upon intraperitoneal administration. In vivo treatment of MS-444 inhibited HuR
      cytoplasmic localization and decreased COX-2 expression in tumors. These findings
      provide evidence that therapeutic strategies to target HuR in CRC warrant further
      investigation in an effort to move this approach to the clinic.

PMID- 27677076
TI  - MicroRNA-98 acts as a tumor suppressor in hepatocellular carcinoma via targeting
      SALL4.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRs) are involved in the development and progression of
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the regulatory mechanism of miR-98 in HCC
      still remains unclear. Here we found that miR-98 was significantly downregulated
      in HCC tissues compared to matched adjacent normal tissues (ANTs). Low miR-98
      expression was associated with tumor size, metastasis, portal vein tumor embolus,
      and poor overall survival. Ectopic expression of miR-98 decreased the
      proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of
      HCC cells. SALL4 was identified as a novel target of miR-98, and the protein
      expression of SALL4 was inhibited by miR-98 in HCC cells. Overexpression of SALL4
      reversed the suppressive effects of miR-98 on the malignant phenotypes of HCC
      cells. Besides, SALL4, upregulated in HCC tissues compared to the matched ANTs,
      was inversely correlated to the miR-98 levels in HCC tissues. In addition,
      overexpression of miR-98 markedly suppressed the tumor growth as well as tumor
      induced death in nude mice. In summary, miR-98 plays a suppressive role in the
      proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT of HCC cells, partly at least, via
      directly inhibition of SALL4. Therefore, the miR-98/SALL4 axis may become a
      promising therapeutic target for HCC.

PMID- 27677078
TI  - The pathological behaviors and prognostic factors of Chinese and Japanese
      colorectal cancers from general hospitals: a comparative study of the inpatients
      with surgical operation.
AB  - Here, we collected the information of 17304 and 2014 inpatients with colorectal
      cancer (CRC) from general hospitals of China and Japan respectively, and analyzed
      microscopic and macroscopic aspects, even stratified by the age and gender. It
      was found that Chinese CRC patients showed younger prone, more rectal and
      ascending cancers, less sigmoid and transverse cancers, larger size, less
      invasion into lymphatic system or metastasis into lymph node, and poorer
      differentiation than Japanese ones (p < 0.05). TNM staging was employed as an
      independent factor for the prognosis of the CRC patients regardless of the
      country (p < 0.05). Female patients showed larger tumor size, easier invasion and
      metastasis into lymphatic system, and worse differentiation than males (p <
      0.05). The younger patients displayed frequent invasion and metastasis into
      lymphatic system, and poor differentiation in comparison to elder ones (p <
      0.05). These findings demonstrated that Japanese patients seemed to have more
      invasion and metastasis due to standard and precise operation and pathological
      diagnosis accuracy. Actually, Chinese patients had more aggressive pathological
      characteristics and a poorer prognosis. Therefore, it is essential to establish a
      routine screening methodology, a standard treatment system and postoperative
      diagnosis protocol for the prevention and therapeutics of Chinese CRC patients,
      especially for female and young patients.

PMID- 27677079
TI  - Effects of in vitro and in vivo avermectin exposure on alpha synuclein expression
      and proteasomal activity in pigeons.
AB  - Avermectins (AVMs) are used worldwide in agriculture and veterinary medicine.
      Residues of avermectin drugs, causing toxicological effects on non-target
      organisms, have raised great concern. The aim of this study was to investigate
      the effects of AVM on the expression levels of alpha synuclein (alpha-Syn) and
      proteasomal activity in pigeon (Columba livia) neurons both in vivo and in vitro.
      The results showed that, the mRNA and protein levels of alpha-Syn increased in
      AVM treated groups relative to control groups in the cerebrum, cerebellum and
      optic lobe in vivo. Dose-dependent decreases in the proteasomal activity (i.e.,
      chymotrypsin-like, trypsin-like and peptidylglutamyl peptidehydrolase) were
      observed both in vivo and in vitro. The results suggested that AVM could induce
      the expression levels of alpha-Syn and inhibit the normal physiological function
      of proteasome in brain tissues and neurons. The information presented in this
      study is helpful to understand the mechanism of AVM-induced neurotoxicology in
      birds.

PMID- 27677077
TI  - Single nucleotide polymorphisms in microRNA genes are associated with cervical
      cancer susceptibility in a population from Xinjiang Uygur.
AB  - The goal of this study was to explore the correlation between single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) and susceptibility to cervical cancer (CC) in a population
      from Xinjiang Uygur. Participating were 247 patients with CC and 285 healthy
      women. Fourteen SNPs in nine miRNA genes were selected. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95%
      confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated using unconditional logistic
      regression analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess
      the correlation of SNPs with CC. The minor allele "C" of rs300574 in SPRY1 was
      associated with an increased risk of CC based on analysis of the allele,
      codominant, recessive and log-additive models, but an opposite result was found
      with the over-dominant model. The minor allele "C" of rs1042725 in HMGA2 was
      associated with an increased risk of CC in the allele, dominant and log-additive
      models. In clinical stage III/IVCC patients, rs4728 in SPRY2 was associated with
      decreased risk. Finally, rs3744935 in BCL2 was associated with CC in the allele
      and codominant models. In sum, we have detected associations between four SNPs,
      rs300574 (SPRY1), rs3744935 (BCL2), rs1042725 (HMGA2), and rs4728 (SPRY2), and CC
      risk in women from Xinjiang Uygur.

PMID- 27677080
TI  - The growth and uptake of Ga and In of rice (Oryza sative L.) seedlings as
      affected by Ga and In concentrations in hydroponic cultures.
AB  - Limited information is available on the effects of gallium (Ga) and indium (In)
      on the growth of paddy rice. The Ga and In are emerging contaminants and widely
      used in high-tech industries nowadays. Understanding the toxicity and
      accumulation of Ga and In by rice plants is important for reducing the effect on
      rice production and exposure risk to human by rice consumption. Therefore, this
      study investigates the effect of Ga and In on the growth of rice seedlings and
      examines the accumulation and distribution of those elements in plant tissues.
      Hydroponic cultures were conducted in phytotron glasshouse with controlled
      temperature and relative humidity conditions, and the rice seedlings were treated
      with different levels of Ga and In in the nutrient solutions. The growth index
      and the concentrations of Ga and In in roots and shoots of rice seedlings were
      measured after harvesting. A significant increase in growth index with increasing
      Ga concentrations in culture solutions (<10mgGaL-1) was observed. In addition,
      the uptake of N, K, Mg, Ca, Mn by rice plants was also enhanced by Ga. However,
      the growth inhibition were observed while the In concentrations higher than
      0.08mgL-1, and the nutrients accumulated in rice plants were also significant
      decreased after In treatments. Based on the dose-response curve, we observed that
      the EC10 (effective concentration resulting in 10% growth inhibition) value for
      In treatment was 0.17mgL-1. The results of plant analysis indicated that the
      roots were the dominant sink of Ga and In in rice seedlings, and it was also
      found that the capability of translocation of Ga from roots to shoots were higher
      than In. In addition, it was also found that the PT10 (threshold concentration of
      phytotoxicity resulting in 10% growth retardation) values based on shoot height
      and total biomass for In were 15.4 and 10.6MUgplant-1, respectively. The
      beneficial effects on the plant growth of rice seedlings were found by the
      addition of Ga in culture solutions. In contrast, the In treatments led to growth
      inhibition of rice seedlings. There were differences in the phytotoxicity,
      uptake, and translocation of the two emerging contaminants in rice seedlings.

PMID- 27677082
TI  - Podocyte and Parietal Epithelial Cell Interactions in Health and Disease.
AB  - The glomerulus has 3 resident cells namely mesangial cells that produce the
      mesangial matrix, endothelial cells that line the glomerular capillaries, and
      podocytes that cover the outer surface of the glomerular basement membrane.
      Parietal epithelial cells (PrECs), which line the Bowman's capsule are not part
      of the glomerular tuft but may have an important role in the normal function of
      the glomerulus. A significant progress has been made in recent years regarding
      our understanding of the role and function of these cells in normal kidney and in
      kidneys with various types of glomerulopathy. In crescentic glomerulonephritis
      necrotizing injury of the glomerular tuft results in activation and leakage of
      fibrinogen which provides the trigger for excessive proliferation of PrECs giving
      rise to glomerular crescents. In cases of collapsing glomerulopathy, podocyte
      injury causes collapse of the glomerular capillaries and activation and
      proliferation of PrECs, which accumulate within the urinary space in the form of
      pseudocrescents. Many of the noninflammatory glomerular lesions such as focal
      segmental glomerulosclerosis and global glomerulosclerosis also result from
      podocyte injury which causes variable loss of podocytes. In these cases podocyte
      injury leads to activation of PrECs that extend on to the glomerular tuft where
      they cause segmental and/or global sclerosis by producing excess matrix,
      resulting in obliteration of the capillary lumina. In diabetic nephropathy, in
      addition to increased matrix production in the mesangium and glomerular basement
      membranes, increased loss of podocytes is an important determinant of long-term
      prognosis. Contrary to prior belief there is no convincing evidence for an active
      podocyte proliferation in any of the above mentioned glomerulopathies.

PMID- 27677081
TI  - The Effect of Active versus Passive Recovery Periods during High Intensity
      Intermittent Exercise on Local Tissue Oxygenation in 18 - 30 Year Old Sedentary
      Men.
AB  - PURPOSE: High intensity interval training (HIIT) has been proposed as a time
      efficient format of exercise to reduce the chronic disease burden associated with
      sedentary behaviour. Changes in oxygen utilisation at the local tissue level
      during an acute session of HIIT could be the primary stimulus for the health
      benefits associated with this format of exercise. The recovery periods of HIIT
      effect the physiological responses that occur during the session. It was
      hypothesised that in sedentary individuals, local and systemic oxygen utilisation
      would be higher during HIIT interspersed with active recovery periods, when
      compared to passive recovery periods. METHODS: Twelve sedentary males (mean +/-
      SD; age 23 +/- 3 yr) completed three conditions on a cycle ergometer: 1) HIIT
      with passive recovery periods between four bouts (HIITPASS) 2) HIIT with active
      recovery periods between four bouts (HIITACT) 3) HIITACT with four HIIT bouts
      replaced with passive periods (REC). Deoxygenated haemoglobin (HHb) in the vastus
      lateralis (VL) and gastrocnemius (GN) muscles and the pre-frontal cortex (FH),
      oxygen consumption (VO2), power output and heart rate (HR) were measured
      continuously during the three conditions. RESULTS: There was a significant
      increase in HHb at VL during bouts 2 (p = 0.017), 3 (p = 0.035) and 4 (p = 0.035)
      in HIITACT, compared to HIITPASS. Mean power output was significantly lower in
      HIITACT, compared to HIITPASS (p < 0.001). There was a significant main effect
      for site in both HIITPASS (p = 0.029) and HIITACT (p = 0.005). There were no
      significant differences in VO2 and HR between HIITPASS and HIITACT. CONCLUSIONS:
      The increase in HHb at VL and the lower mean power output during HIITACT could
      indicate that a higher level of deoxygenation contributes to decreased mechanical
      power in sedentary participants. The significant differences in HHb between sites
      indicates the specificity of oxygen utilisation.

PMID- 27677083
TI  - Starry Sky Pattern in Hematopoietic Neoplasms: A Review of Pathophysiology and
      Differential Diagnosis.
AB  - The starry sky pattern is a distinctive histologic feature wherein a rapidly
      proliferating hematolymphoid neoplasm contains scattered histiocytes with
      abundant pale cytoplasm in a background of monomorphic neoplastic cells. The
      cytoplasm of these histiocytes typically contains cellular remnants, also known
      as tingible bodies, incorporated through active phagocytosis. Although common and
      widely recognized, relatively little is known about the pathophysiological
      underpinnings of the starry sky pattern. Its resemblance to a similar pattern
      seen in the germinal centers of secondary follicles suggests a possible starting
      point for understanding the molecular basis of the starry sky pattern and
      potential routes for its exploitation for therapeutic purposes. In this review,
      we discuss the historical, pathophysiological, and clinical implications of the
      starry sky pattern.

PMID- 27677084
TI  - Improving Research into Models of Maternity Care to Inform Decision Making.
AB  - In a Perspective, Ank de Jonge and Jane Sandall discuss research on models of
      maternity care led by midwives.

PMID- 27677085
TI  - Predicting Fluid Responsiveness Using Bedside Ultrasound Measurements of the
      Inferior Vena Cava and Physician Gestalt in the Emergency Department of an Urban
      Public Hospital in Sub-Saharan Africa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bedside inferior vena cava (IVC) ultrasound has been proposed as a
      non-invasive measure of volume status. We compared ultrasound measurements of the
      caval index (CI) and physician gestalt to predict blood pressure response in
      patients requiring intravenous fluid resuscitation. METHODS: This was a
      prospective study of adult emergency department patients requiring fluid
      resuscitation. A structured data sheet was used to record serial vital signs and
      the treating clinician's impression of patient volume status and cause of
      hypotension. Bedside ultrasound CI measurements were performed at baseline and
      after each 500mL of fluid. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis
      was performed to characterize the relationship between CI and Physician gestalt,
      and the change in mean arterial pressure (MAP). RESULTS: We enrolled 364
      patients, 52% male, mean age 36 years. Indications for fluid resuscitation were
      haemorrhage (54%), dehydration (30%), and sepsis (17%). Receiver operating
      characteristic curve analysis found optimal CI cut-off values of 45%, 52% and 53%
      to predict a MAP rise of 5, 8 and 10 mmHg per litre of fluid, respectively. The
      sensitivity and specificity of CI of 50% for predicting a 10mmHg increase in MAP
      per litre were 88% (95%CI 81-93%) and 73% (95%CI 67-79%), respectively, area
      under the curve (AUC) = 0.85 (0.81-0.89). The sensitivity and specificity of
      physician gestalt estimate of volume depletion severity were 68% (95%CI 60-75%)
      and 86% (95%CI 80-90%), respectively, AUC = 0.83 (95% CI: 0.79-0.87). Those with
      a baseline CI >= 50% (51% of patients) had a 2.8-fold greater fluid
      responsiveness than those with a baseline CI<50% (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION:
      Ultrasound measurement of the CI can predict blood pressure response among
      patients requiring intravenous fluid resuscitation and may be useful in early
      identification of patients who will benefit most from volume resuscitation, and
      those who will likely require other interventions.

PMID- 27677088
TI  - Bilateral internal thoracic artery graft configuration and coronary artery bypass
      grafting conduits.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Bilateral internal thoracic arteries (BITAs) have demonstrated
      their superiority over all other types of graft in terms of patency and survival
      benefit. BITA implementation requires the surgeon's evaluation of the patient's
      coronary anatomy and demographics. There is no single ideal approach to BITA
      utilization, but instead a variety of configurations that can be implemented
      based on the patient characteristics. RECENT FINDINGS: This article details the
      advantages and disadvantages of several BITA configurations in the setting of
      left-sided myocardial revascularization and right-sided myocardial
      revascularization. Different BITA configurations will be described and will
      ultimately serve as a guide to avoiding technical difficulties and helping
      surgeons construct decision-making trees to direct the implementation of BITA
      grafts. SUMMARY: BITA grafting provides long-term clinical benefit over
      conventional grafting. Efforts should be directed toward a more efficient use of
      internal thoracic arteries, reducing the need for a third complementary graft,
      and toward identification of the best alternative to the saphenous vein graft as
      the third graft material for complete revascularization. Surgeons should ask
      their cardiologists to be as accurate as possible regarding the severity of the
      coronary lesion. If the severity of the lesion is not obvious upon an informal
      qualitative assessment, a functional flow reserve of the lesion should be
      performed, in order to identify the optimal graft.

PMID- 27677086
TI  - [Comparison of ultrasound guided femoral and sciatic nerve block versus epidural
      anaesthesia for orthopaedic surgery in dogs].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Comparison of ultrasound-guided femoral and sciatic nerve block versus
      epidural anaesthesia with bupivacaine and morphine for orthopaedic surgery of the
      pelvic limb in dogs with respect to analgesic effectiveness, clinical utility and
      side effects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 22 dogs (American Society
      of Anesthesiologists, ASA grades I and II) undergoing orthopaedic surgery distal
      to the mid-femoral bone. The study was designed as a randomized, prospective,
      blinded clinical trial. All dogs were randomly assigned to receive 0.5 mg/kg
      bupivacaine (0.5%) and 0.1 mg/kg morphine sulphate (1%) either as epidural
      anaesthesia (group EPI) or by ultrasound-guided femoral and sciatic nerve block
      (group LA). During surgery, the heart rate, respiratory rate, mean arterial
      pressure (MAP), end-tidal isoflurane concentrations and dose of rescue analgesia
      (fentanyl boluses of 5 ug/kg i. v.) were measured. Pain severity was scored
      (short form of the Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale, GCMPS) before surgery
      and postoperatively at 2, 4, 6, 12 and 24 hours after extubation. Post-operative
      rescue analgesia consisted of methadone (0.2 mg/kg i. v.), and was applied when
      the GCMPS > 6. For statistical analysis, the Chi-square, Fisher, and Wilcoxon
      tests and one- and two-way ANOVA were applied. Differences were considered
      statistically significant at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Only the MAP was significantly
      different between the two treatment groups. Intra- and postoperative MAP of group
      LA (111.2 +/- 11.2 mmHg and 119.3 +/- 18.2 mmHg, respectively) was higher than in
      group EPI (86.6 +/- 8.7 mmHg and 95.2 +/- 13.1 mmHg, respectively). None of the
      dogs developed urinary retention or ambulatory deficits when completely recovered
      from anaesthesia. No other side effects were noted. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In
      conclusion, femoral and sciatic nerve blocks and epidural anaesthesia ensure
      comparable analgesic effects in canine patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery of
      the pelvic limb. The lower mean arterial blood pressure of group EPI was not of
      clinical relevance.

PMID- 27677089
TI  - Difficult management in parathyroid carcinoma with synchronous parathyroid
      hyperplasia.

PMID- 27677090
TI  - Red Light-Dose or Wavelength-Dependent Photoresponse of Antioxidants in Herb
      Microgreens.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of 638-nm and 665-nm LEDs on
      changes of antioxidants of basil (Ocimum basilicum) and parsley (Petroselinum
      crispum), and to assess the effect of light quality on antioxidative status.
      Plants were grown in peat substrate for 19 days (21/17 +/-2 degrees C, 16 h).
      Experiments were performed in (I) a controlled-environment:
      B455,R638,R665,FR731(control); B455,R*638,R665,FR731; B455,R638,R*665,FR731;
      R638; R665 (B-blue, R- red, FR-far-red light). PPFD was set from 231 during
      growth, upto 300 MUmol m-2 s-1 during 3-day treatment changing R638 or R665 PPFD
      level; in (II) greenhouse (November): high-pressure sodium lamps (HPS) (control
      300 MUmol m-2s-1); and HPS + 638 (HPS generated 90 and red LEDs-210 MUmol m-2s
      1). In general, under supplemental or increased red 638 nm light, amounts of
      tested antioxidants were greater in basil, whereas sole 665 nm or sole 638 nm is
      more favourable for parsley. Increased or supplemental red light significantly
      increased contents of phenolics, alpha-tocopherol, ascorbic acid and DPPH* but
      suppressed accumulation of lutein and beta-carotene in basil, whereas an increase
      of beta-carotene and DPPH* was observed in parsley. Hereby, the photoresponse of
      antioxidant compounds suggests that photoprotective mechanism is stimulated by
      both light-dose-dependent and wavelength-dependent reactions.

PMID- 27677091
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 27677092
TI  - Skin mast cell phenotypes between two highly divergent cohorts - more pronounced
      variability within than between groups.

PMID- 27677093
TI  - Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenocortical Dysfunction in Elderly, Male Marathon
      Runners: Feedback Sensitivity, Stress Response, and Effects on Verbal Memory.
AB  - Animal studies suggest that repeated episodes of elevated glucocorticoids lead to
      a dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) system at a
      suprapituitary level, and to impaired mnemonic function. We compared cognitive
      tests, as well as feedback integrity and stress responsivity of the HPA system,
      between 11 elderly, male marathon runners - a model of repeated HPA system
      activation - and 10 sedentary controls. The marathon runners had significantly
      increased baseline, stress, and post-stress ACTH - but not cortisol -
      concentrations. Also, suppression of ACTH by 3 mg dexamethasone was impaired in
      the athletes compared to the control subjects, while the ACTH and cortisol
      response to additional CRH did not differ between the 2 groups. Finally, long
      term verbal memory was impaired in the athletes compared to the controls.
      Regarding the HPA system, these findings are in accordance with an acquired
      suprapituitary feedback disturbance in marathon runners; however, the similar
      glucocorticoid concentrations in the 2 groups may be due to reduced adrenal
      sensitivity to ACTH. Together with impaired verbal memory, these data support the
      assumption that repeated episodes of HPA system activity may exert negative
      effects at the level of the hippocampus.

PMID- 27677094
TI  - Controlling Proton Delivery through Catalyst Structural Dynamics.
AB  - The fastest synthetic molecular catalysts for H2 production and oxidation emulate
      components of the active site of hydrogenases. The critical role of controlled
      structural dynamics is recognized for many enzymes, including hydrogenases, but
      is largely neglected in designing synthetic catalysts. Our results demonstrate
      the impact of controlling structural dynamics on H2 production rates for [Ni(PPh2
      NC6H4R2 )2 ]2+ catalysts (R=n-hexyl, n-decyl, n-tetradecyl, n-octadecyl, phenyl,
      or cyclohexyl). The turnover frequencies correlate inversely with the rates of
      chair-boat ring inversion of the ligand, since this dynamic process governs
      protonation at either catalytically productive or non-productive sites. These
      results demonstrate that the dynamic processes involved in proton delivery can be
      controlled through modification of the outer coordination sphere, in a manner
      similar to the role of the protein architecture in many enzymes. As a design
      parameter, controlling structural dynamics can increase H2 production rates by
      three orders of magnitude with a minimal increase in overpotential.

PMID- 27677095
TI  - PET-positive lymphadenopathy in CLL-Not always Richter transformation.

PMID- 27677096
TI  - The Institution of a Standardized Investigation Protocol for Sudden Infant Death
      in the Eastern Metropole, Cape Town, South Africa,.
AB  - The rate for the sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in Cape Town, South Africa,
      is estimated to be among the highest in the world (3.41/1000 live births). In
      several of these areas, including those of extreme poverty, only sporadic,
      nonstandardized infant autopsy, and death scene investigation (DSI) occurred. In
      this report, we detail a feasibility project comprising 18 autopsied infants with
      sudden and unexpected death whose causes of death were adjudicated according to
      the 1991 NICHD definitions (SIDS, n = 7; known cause of death, n = 7; and
      unclassified, n = 4). We instituted a standardized autopsy and infant DSI through
      a collaborative effort of local forensic pathology officers and clinical
      providers. The high standard of forensic investigation met international
      standards, identified preventable disease, and allowed for incorporation of
      research. We conclude that an effective infant autopsy and DSI protocol can be
      established in areas with both high sudden unexpected infant death, and
      elsewhere. (SUID)/SIDS risk and infrastructure challenges.

PMID- 27677097
TI  - Polydimethylsiloxane-coated partitioning sample collection device for the precise
      quantification of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in air.
AB  - A novel partitioning collection device comprising a glass cartridge packed with
      poly(dimethylsiloxane)-coated macroporous silica particles was developed for the
      precise quantification of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in air. The analyte
      collection and elution performances achieved using different amounts of
      poly(dimethylsiloxane) coating were quantitatively evaluated. The sample
      retention power increased with increasing the coating, and more than 250 L of air
      could be collected without analyte breakthrough at a sampling temperature of 35
      degrees C. During the air collection, the moisture in the air was not retained on
      the particles due to the hydrophobic surface of the sorbent. A complete and rapid
      elution of the collected analytes from the device was accomplished by the passage
      of only 10 mL of acetone with ultrasonication for 1 min. The proposed method was
      successfully applied for the determination of airborne polycyclic aromatic
      hydrocarbons in tunnel air.

PMID- 27677098
TI  - Good performance of p16/ki-67 dual-stained cytology for surveillance of women
      treated for high-grade CIN.
AB  - Women treated for high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) are at risk
      of recurrent CIN Grade 2 or worse (rCIN2+). Currently, posttreatment monitoring
      is performed using cytology or cytology/high-risk (hr)HPV cotesting. This study
      aimed to evaluate the performance of p16/Ki-67 dual-stained cytology (p16/Ki-67)
      for posttreatment monitoring. Three hundred and twenty-three women treated for
      high-grade CIN in the SIMONATH study underwent close surveillance by cytology,
      hrHPV and DNA methylation marker testing up to 12 months posttreatment.
      Histological endpoints were ascertained by colposcopy with biopsy at 6 and/or 12
      months. p16/Ki-67 dual-staining was performed on residual liquid-based cytology
      samples obtained at, or shortly before biopsy collection. Clinical performance
      estimates of cytology, hrHPV, p16/Ki-67 testing and combinations thereof for the
      detection of rCIN2+ were determined and compared to each other. Sensitivity of
      p16/Ki-67 for rCIN2+ (69.2%) was nonsignificantly lower than that of cytology
      (82.1%; ratio 0.84, 95% CI: 0.71-1.01), but significantly lower than that of
      hrHPV testing (84.6%; ratio 0.82, 95% CI: 0.68-0.99). Specificity of p16/Ki-67
      for rCIN2+ (90.4%) was significantly higher compared to both cytology (70.8%;
      ratio 1.28, 95% CI: 1.19-1.37) and hrHPV testing (76.2%; ratio 1.19, 95% CI: 1.12
      1.26). Overall, hrHPV testing showed very high sensitivity, along with a good
      specificity. When considering cotesting, combined p16/Ki-67/hrHPV testing showed
      rCIN2+ sensitivity comparable to cytology/hrHPV cotesting (87.2% vs. 89.7%; ratio
      0.97, 95% CI: 0.92-1.03), but with significantly increased specificity (74.2% vs.
      58.1%; ratio 1.28, 95% CI: 1.19-1.38). Thus, when considered in combination with
      hrHPV, p16/Ki-67 might be an attractive approach for surveillance of women
      treated for high-grade CIN.

PMID- 27677099
TI  - Glycosylation of monoclonal antibody products: Current status and future
      prospects.
AB  - Protein based therapeutics have started to dominate the pharmaceutical landscape
      primarily due to the high efficacy that they have demonstrated against complex
      diseases. Despite the significant success, issues with regards to safety,
      efficacy and quality of biotherapeutics have been a point of considerable debate
      and concern among the various stakeholders. The correlation between the glycoform
      profile and the safety and efficacy of a drug, in particular, has garnered
      significant attention of researchers worldwide. An escalated emphasis is
      presently given to develop an understanding of how the various process parameters
      as well molecular biology considerations contribute to glycan heterogeneity. This
      paper aims to review the major developments that have occurred in this area over
      the last decade. The impact of the various process parameters on glycan
      expression, methods for obtaining a pre-determined glycan levels/profiles of a
      protein therapeutic and developments in the area of real-time glycan monitoring
      and control are discussed. (c) 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers
      Biotechnol. Prog., 32:1091-1102, 2016.

PMID- 27677100
TI  - Steroid vs. Platelet-Rich Plasma in Ultrasound-Guided Sacroiliac Joint Injection
      for Chronic Low Back Pain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite widespread use of steroids to treat sacroiliac joint (SIJ)
      pain, their duration of pain reduction is short. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can
      potentially enhance tissue healing and may have a longer-lasting effect on pain.
      OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy and safety of PRP compared with
      methylprednisolone in ultrasound-guided SIJ injection for low back pain. STUDY
      DESIGN: Prospective randomized open blinded end point (PROBE) study. METHODS:
      Forty patients with chronic low back pain diagnosed with SIJ pathology were
      randomly allocated into 2 groups. Group S received 1.5 mL of methylprednisolone
      (40 mg/mL) and 1.5 mL of 2% lidocaine with 0.5 mL of saline, while Group P
      received 3 mL of leukocyte-free PRP with 0.5 mL of calcium chloride into
      ultrasound-guided SIJ injection. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores, Modified
      Oswestry Disability Questionnaire (MODQ) scores, Short Form (SF-12) Health Survey
      scores, and complications (if any) were evaluated at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks,
      and 3 months. RESULTS: Intensity of pain was significantly lower in Group P at 6
      weeks (median [interquartile range (IQR)] = 1 [1 to 1] vs. 3.5 [2 to 5]; P =
      0.0004) and 3 months (Median [IQR] = 1 [1 to 3] vs. 5 [3 to 5]; P = 0.0002) as
      compared to Group S. The efficacy of steroid injection was reduced to only 25% at
      3 months in Group S, while it was 90% in Group P. A strong association was
      observed in patients receiving PRP and showing a reduction of VAS >= 50% from
      baseline when other factors were controlled. The MODQ and SF-12 scores were
      improved initially for up to 4 weeks but deteriorated further at 3 months in
      Group S, while both the scores improved gradually for up to 3 months in Group P.
      CONCLUSION: The intra-articular PRP injection is an effective treatment modality
      in low back pain involving SIJ.

PMID- 27677101
TI  - Fiber type composition of pubococcygeus and bulbospongiosus striated muscles is
      modified by multiparity in the rabbit.
AB  - AIMS: We analyzed the effect of multiparity on the fiber type composition of two
      skeletal muscles involved in the maintenance of the micturition process, the
      pelvic pubococcygeus (Pc) and perineal bulbospongiosus (Bs) muscles in
      nulliparous and multiparous rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). METHODS: We used the
      basic ATPase and NADH-TR techniques to identify and characterize slow,
      intermediate, and fast fiber types and glycolitic and oxidative fibers in
      muscles, respectively. RESULTS: Pc muscles of multiparous rabbits present
      relatively high percentages of slow and intermediate fibers but a low percentage
      of fast fibers (P < 0.05) as compared to Pc muscles from nulliparous rabbits,
      while percentages of glycolytic and oxidative fibers were similar (P > 0.05). Bs
      muscles of multiparous rabbits had a higher proportion of intermediate and
      glycolytic fibers (P < 0.05) than muscles of nulliparous. Both, Pc and Bs muscles
      of nulliparous and multiparous rabbits contain slow fibers with similar large
      cross sectional area, but fast fibers in multiparous muscles showed small cross
      sectional area than in nulliparous. CONCLUSIONS: Multiparity modified the fiber
      type composition of Pc and Bs muscles in female rabbits. We propose that the
      contractile force and the physiological role of both muscles during micturition
      are affected because of the observed changes in the relative composition of
      muscle fiber types.

PMID- 27677103
TI  - [MR-imaging findings in Epstein-Barr virus encephalitis].

PMID- 27677102
TI  - National Glucose-Lowering Treatment Complexity Is Greater in Nursing Home
      Residents than Community-Dwelling Adults.

PMID- 27677104
TI  - ?

PMID- 27677105
TI  - ?

PMID- 27677106
TI  - ?

PMID- 27677107
TI  - ?

PMID- 27677108
TI  - ?

PMID- 27677109
TI  - ?

PMID- 27677110
TI  - ?

PMID- 27677111
TI  - ?

PMID- 27677112
TI  - ?

PMID- 27677113
TI  - Synchronous male breast and colon cancer presenting with ileus: A case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cancer developing from more than one origin is called multiple
      primary cancer (MPC) and is a rare situation. In this article, we report a case
      presenting to the Emergency Clinic with symptoms of ileus who was diagnosed with
      synchronous colon and breast cancer. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 57year old male
      patient presented to the Emergency Clinic with abdominal pain, vomiting,
      constipation and lack of flatulence. The patient was taken to the operating room
      for emergency surgery with the diagnosis of intestinal obstruction. While still
      hospitalized, breast ultrasound was performed, revealing a mass lesion in the
      right breast measuring 2cm. The core biopsy result was suggestive of invasive
      ductal adenocarcinoma. Right modified radical mastectomy with removal of the
      level 2 axillary lymph nodes was performed. The result of the histopathological
      investigation of the right hemicolectomy specimen was reported as moderately
      differentiated adenocarcinoma, while that of the mastectomy material was invasive
      ductal adenocarcinoma. DISCUSSION: Synchronous colorectal cancer is recognized as
      an important clinical entity, its clinical and pathological properties as well as
      prognosis are still undetermined. A family history of cancer might be a
      significant factor in synchronous cancers. Many of the theories about the
      etiology of multiple primary malignant neoplasia suggest the role of genetic,
      hormonal, environmental and immunological factors as well as iatrogenic causes.
      CONCLUSION: Especially for patients whose treatment begins in the emergency
      settings, meticulous systemic physical examination is recommended to initiate
      treatment of a possible synchronous tumor at an earlier stage.

PMID- 27677114
TI  - Laparoscopic extra-abdominal suturing technique for the repair of Larrey's
      diaphragmatic hernia using the port closure needle (Endo Close(r)): A case
      report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Morgagni's or Larrey's diaphragmatic hernias are relatively
      uncommon. If the defect is too large for primary closure, the use of a mesh is
      inevitable. Although primary closure is adaptable for relatively small defects,
      it is difficult to suture the hernial orifice in which the anterior rim is
      absent. Herein, we present the case of a patient with Larrey's diaphragmatic
      hernia that was easily and securely repaired using the recently developed
      laparoscopic extra-abdominal suturing technique via the port closure needle (Endo
      Close(r); Medtronic, Minneapolis, USA). PRESENTATION OF CASE: An 89-year-old
      woman complaining of vomiting was transferred to our hospital. Computed
      tomography scan showed Larrey's diaphragmatic hernia. Laparoscopic repair was
      performed after gastric decompression. We diagnosed Larrey's hernia on the left
      side of the falciform ligament. The transverse colon was herniated through the
      defect. Since the hernial defect was located below the substernal space, there
      was no tissue to stitch at the anterior rim of the hernial orifice. We performed
      the extra-abdominal suturing technique, suturing the posterior rim of the hernia
      to the full thickness of the anterior abdominal wall using the port closure
      needle (Endo Close(r)) without the need for a mesh. The patient was discharged on
      the 8th postoperative day. There was no evidence of recurrence at 8 months
      postoperatively. DISCUSSION: The recently developed extra-abdominal suturing
      technique using Endo Close(r) to suture the full thickness of the anterior
      abdominal wall achieved secure mattress suture and easy extra-abdominal tying.
      CONCLUSION: This method may be useful in terms of easiness and security of
      suture.

PMID- 27677116
TI  - Ulcerated choledochocele: A case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The cystic dilatation of the biliary tract is an uncommon anomaly.
      Choledochocele, a cystic dilatation of the distal common bile duct, rarely
      presents clinically as massive gastrointestinal bleeding. AIM: This is to report
      a very rare disease condition and highlight minimal access options in surgical
      care. CASE SUMMARY: A 13 year-old boy was referred with a day history of sudden
      onset of passage of bright red blood per rectum with a fainting episode. There
      was no anal protrusion, jaundice, recurrent epigastric pain nor bleeding from any
      other orifice. An initial endoscopic assessment of the upper digestive tract
      showed profuse bleeding from a sub-mucosal mass in the region of ampulla of
      Vater. Emergency laparotomy revealed small intestine filled with blood from
      duodenum to ileum. A duodenotomy showed a cystic mass with an ulcerated mucosa at
      the dome containing bilious fluid in the second part of the duodenum. The cyst
      was de-roofed and marsupialized. Post-operative recovery was complicated by
      features of adhesive small bowel obstruction on the 9th post op day and treated
      by laparoscopic adhesiolysis. He was discharged home in good clinical state.
      CONCLUSION: Choledochocele is a differential diagnosis in the endoscopic finding
      of a submucosal mass in the second part of the duodenum. An initial
      oesophagogastroduodenoscopy endoscopy is necessary in the evaluation of massive
      lower gastrointestinal bleeding.

PMID- 27677115
TI  - Combined liver transplantation and sleeve gastrectomy for end-stage liver disease
      in a bariatric patient: First European case-report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Obesity is a contributor to the global burden of chronic diseases,
      including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
      (NASH). NASH cirrhosis is becoming a leading indication for liver transplant
      (LT). Obese transplanted patients have higher morbidity and mortality rates. One
      strategy, to improve the outcomes in these patients, includes bariatric surgery
      at the time of LT. Herein we report the first European combined LT and sleeve
      gastrectomy (SG). CASE PRESENTATION: A 53 years old woman with Hepatocellular
      carcinoma and Hepatitis C virus related cirrhosis, was referred to our unit. She
      also presented with severe morbid obesity (BMI 40kg/m2) and insulin-dependent
      diabetes. Once listed for LT, she was assessed by the bariatric surgery team to
      undergo a combined LT/SG. At the time of transplantation the patient had a model
      for end-stage liver disease calculated score of 14 and a BMI of 38kg/m2. The LT
      was performed using a deceased donor. An experienced bariatric surgeon, following
      completion of the LT, performed the SG. Operation time was 8h and 50min. The
      patient had an uneventful recovery and is currently alive, 5 months after the
      combined procedure, with normal allograft function, significant weight loss
      (BMI=29kg/m2), and diabetes resolution. CONCLUSION: Despite the ideal approach to
      the management of the obese LT patients remains unknown, we strongly support the
      combined procedure during LT in selected patients, offering advantages in terms
      of allograft and patient survival, maintenance of weigh loss that will ultimately
      reduce obese related co-morbidities.

PMID- 27677117
TI  - Theoretical investigation of low detection sensitivity for underivatized
      carbohydrates in ESI and MALDI.
AB  - Electrospray ionization (ESI) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization
      (MALDI) mainly generate protonated ions from peptides and proteins but sodiated
      (or potassiated) ions from carbohydrates. The ion intensities of sodiated (or
      potassiated) carbohydrates generated by ESI and MALDI are generally lower than
      those of protonated peptides and proteins. Ab initio calculations and transition
      state theory were used to investigate the reasons for the low detection
      sensitivity for underivatized carbohydrates. We used glucose and cellobiose as
      examples and showed that the low detection sensitivity is partly attributable to
      the following factors. First, glucose exhibits a low proton affinity. Most
      protons generated by ESI or MALDI attach to water clusters and matrix molecules.
      Second, protonated glucose and cellobiose can easily undergo dehydration
      reactions. Third, the sodiation affinities of glucose and cellobiose are small.
      Some sodiated glucose and cellobiose dissociate into the sodium cations and
      neutral carbohydrates during ESI or MALDI process. The increase of detection
      sensitivity of carbohydrates in mass spectrometry by various methods can be
      rationalized according to these factors. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons,
      Ltd.

PMID- 27677118
TI  - On the estimation errors of KM and V from time-course experiments using the
      Michaelis-Menten equation.
AB  - The conditions under which the Michaelis-Menten equation accurately captures the
      steady-state kinetics of a simple enzyme-catalyzed reaction is contrasted with
      the conditions under which the same equation can be used to estimate parameters,
      KM and V, from progress curve data. Validity of the underlying assumptions
      leading to the Michaelis-Menten equation are shown to be necessary, but not
      sufficient to guarantee accurate estimation of KM and V. Detailed error analysis
      and numerical "experiments" show the required experimental conditions for the
      independent estimation of both KM and V from progress curves. A timescale, tQ,
      measuring the portion of the time course over which the progress curve exhibits
      substantial curvature provides a novel criterion for accurate estimation of KM
      and V from a progress curve experiment. It is found that, if the initial
      substrate concentration is of the same order of magnitude as KM, the estimated
      values of the KM and V will correspond to their true values calculated from the
      microscopic rate constants of the corresponding mass-action system, only so long
      as the initial enzyme concentration is less than KM.

PMID- 27677119
TI  - A comparative study of microcystin-LR degradation by electrogenerated oxidants at
      BDD and MMO anodes.
AB  - This study investigated the electrochemical degradation of microcystin-LR (MC-LR)
      using boron-doped diamond (BDD) anode and mixed metal oxides (MMO, IrO2Ta2O5/Ti)
      anode in different medium. In-situ electrogenerated oxidants including hydroxyl
      radical, active chlorine, and persulfate were confirmed in phosphate, chloride,
      and sulfate medium, respectively. Different from MMO anode, hydroxyl radical was
      observed to play a significant role in chlorine generation at BDD anode in
      chloride medium. Besides, BDD anode could activate sulfate electrochemically due
      to its high oxygen evolution potential, and MC-LR degradation rate increased with
      the decrease of solution pH. The effects of natural organic matters (NOM) and
      algal organic matters (AOM) on MC-LR degradation were evaluated and NOM presented
      stronger inhibition ability than AOM. Furthermore, the intermediates generated in
      MC-LR degradation in chloride and sulfate medium were identified by LC/MS/MS and
      possible degradation pathways were proposed based on the experiments results.
      Benzene ring and conjugated diene bonds of Adda group and double bonds of Mhda
      group were found to be the reactive sites of MC-LR. Overall, this study broadens
      the knowledge of electrochemical oxidation in removing microcystins in algae
      laden water.

PMID- 27677120
TI  - The effects of arsenic contaminated drinking water of livestock on its total
      levels in milk samples of different cattle: Risk assessment in children.
AB  - This work was carried out to evaluate the arsenic (As) levels in milk samples of
      different milch animals, sheep, goats, cows, buffaloes and camels in Tharparkar,
      Pakistan. The concentration of As in the milk samples of cows, buffalos, sheep,
      goats and camels were observed in the range of 15.1-18.4, 2.6-7.7, 25.7-33.2,
      10.5-37.3 and 6.6-13.7 MUg/L, respectively. The levels of As in livestock
      drinking water of each farms/flocks was found in the range of 238-2000 MUg L-1. A
      positive correlation with Pearson correlation coefficients, ranged as, 0.926
      0.974 (p = 0.001-0.011) was observed between the As concentration in milk samples
      of cattle and in corresponding drinking water of farms/flocks. The high bio
      transfer factor of As was occurred in the milk samples of sheep. The content of
      As in scalp hair of children was observed to be elevated, who consumed milk of
      lower cattle (sheep and goat) than cow and camel. The As content in scalp hair
      directly proportional to the age of children. The hazardous quotient value of As
      due to consumption of milk was observed in decreasing order as, sheep > goats >
      camels > cows. The total hazardous quotient or noncarcinogenic risk values for
      children consuming the milk of sheep, goat, cow and camels were found >1 of
      reference dose for As, creates adverse effects on health in childhood stage. The
      children of all three age group have higher carcinogenic risk factor who are
      consuming milk of goat and sheep than larger cattle.

PMID- 27677121
TI  - Dissipation of pterosin B in acid soils - Tracking the fate of the bracken fern
      carcinogen ptaquiloside.
AB  - Bracken ferns (Pteridium spp.) are well-known for their carcinogenic properties,
      which are ascribed to the content of ptaquiloside and ptaquiloside-like
      substances. Ptaquiloside leach from the ferns and may cause contamination of
      drinking water. Pterosin B is formed by hydrolysis of ptaquiloside. In soil,
      Pterosin B is adsorbed more strongly and it is expected to have a slower turnover
      than ptaquiloside. We thus hypothesized that pterosin B may serve as an indicator
      for any past presence of ptaquiloside. Pterosin B degradation was studied in acid
      forest soils from bracken-covered and bracken-free areas. Soil samples were
      incubated with pterosin B at 3 and 8 MUg g-1 for 10 days, whereas sterile
      (autoclaved) samples were incubated for 23 days. Pterosin B showed unexpected
      fast degradation in soils with full degradation in topsoils in 2-5 days. Pterosin
      B dissipation followed the sum of two-first order reactions. The initial fast
      reaction with half-lives of 0.7-3.5 h contributed 11-59% of the total pterosin B
      degradation, while the slow reaction was 20-100 times slower than the fast
      reaction. Total dissipation half-lives were shorter for loamy sand (4 h) than for
      sandy loam soils (28 h). No degradation of pterosin B took place under sterile
      conditions assuming observed dissipation during the first 3 h could be attributed
      to irreversible sorption. Our results demonstrate that pterosin B is microbially
      degraded and that pterosin B is as unstable as ptaquiloside and hence cannot be
      used as an indicator for former presence of ptaquiloside in soil.

PMID- 27677122
TI  - A new extraction method to assess the environmental availability of ciprofloxacin
      in agricultural soils amended with exogenous organic matter.
AB  - Fluoroquinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin can be found in soils receiving
      exogenous organic matter (EOM). Their long-term behavior in EOM-amended soils and
      their level of biodegradability are not well understood partly due to a lack of
      methods to estimate their environmental availability. We performed different
      aqueous extractions to quantify the available fraction of 14C-ciprofloxacin in
      soils amended with a compost of sewage sludge and green wastes or a farmyard
      manure contaminated at relevant environmental concentrations. After minimizing
      14C-ciprofloxacin losses by adsorption on laboratory vessel tubes, three out of
      eleven different aqueous solutions were selected, i.e., Borax, Na2EDTA and 2
      hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin. During 28 d of incubation, the non-extractable
      fractions were very high in all samples, i.e., 57-67% of the initial 14C
      activity, and the availability of the antibiotic was very low, explaining its low
      biodegradation. A maximum of 6.3% of the initial 14C-activity was extracted from
      soil/compost mixtures with the Na2EDTA solution, and 7.2% from soil/manure
      mixtures with the Borax solution. The available fraction level was stable over
      the incubation in soil/compost mixtures but slightly varied in soil/manure
      mixtures following the organic matter decomposition. The choice of different soft
      extractants highlighted different sorption mechanisms controlling the
      environmental availability of ciprofloxacin, where the pH and the quality of the
      applied EOM appeared to be determinant.

PMID- 27677123
TI  - Effect of silicate on arsenic fractionation in soils and its accumulation in rice
      plants.
AB  - Four rice genotypes, two hybrid and two indica, were selected to investigate the
      effects of silicate (Si) application on arsenic (As) accumulation and speciation
      in rice and As fractionation in soil. There were significant differences in root,
      straw and grain biomass among genotypes (p < 0.05), and Si application
      significantly increased root (p < 0.05) and grain biomass (p < 0.001). Silicate
      addition reduced the proportion of As associated with well-crystallized hydrous
      oxides of Fe and Al and residual phases, whilst increasing the proportions of
      specifically-sorbed As and As associated with amorphous and poorly-crystalline Fe
      and Al hydrous oxides. Furthermore, the results indicated that the fraction
      proportions of non-specifically sorbed, specifically-sorbed, and associated with
      amorphous and poorly-crystalline hydrous oxides of Fe and Al in rhizosphere
      soils, were greater than non-rhizosphere soils. Silicate application had a
      significant effect decreasing total As concentrations in root (p < 0.005), straw
      (p < 0.05) and husk (p < 0.001) of rice plants. The effect of Si on reducing As
      accumulation in rice leaves was revealed by SXRF. Indica genotypes transported
      and accumulated less As than hybrid genotypes. Both percentage and concentration
      of iAs were lower in indica genotype XFY-9 than in hybrid genotype XWX-12.
      Silicate reduced iAs and DMA by 21% and 58% in grain (polished) respectively. DMA
      may have a greater translocation capacity from straw to grain (polished) than
      inorganic As. The study provides the potential for understanding As uptake
      mechanisms in rice and mitigating the health risks posed by As contamination in
      paddy fields.

PMID- 27677124
TI  - Enhanced detoxification and degradation of herbicide atrazine by a group of O
      methyltransferases in rice.
AB  - Atrazine (ATR) as a toxic herbicide has become one of the seriously environmental
      contaminants worldwide due to its long-term intensive use in crop production.
      This study identified novel methyltransferases (MTs) involved in detoxification
      and degradation of ATR residues in rice plants. From a subset of MTs
      differentially expressed in ATR-exposed rice, forty-four O-methyltransferase
      genes were investigated. Total activities were significantly enhanced by ATR in
      rice tissues. To prove detoxifying capacity of the MTs in rice plants, two rice O
      MTs (LOC_Os04g09604 and LOC_Os11g15040) were selected and transformed into yeast
      cells (Pichia pastoris X-33). The positive transformants accumulated less ATR and
      showed less toxicity. Using UPLC-TOF-MS/MS, ATR-degraded products in rice and
      yeast cells were characterized. A novel O-methylated-modified metabolite
      (atraton) and six other ATR-derivatives were detected. The topological
      interaction between LOC_Os04g09604 enzyme and its substrate was specially
      analyzed by homology modeling programs, which was well confirmed by the molecular
      docking analysis. The significance of the study is to provide a better
      understanding of mechanisms for the specific detoxification and degradation of
      ATR residues in rice growing in environmentally relevant ATR-contaminated soils
      and may hold a potential engineering perspective for generating ATR-resistant
      rice that helps to minimize ATR residues in crops.

PMID- 27677126
TI  - Inhibition of Big-Conductance Ca2+-Activated K+ Channels in Vascular Myocytes Is
      a Key Novel Mechanism for Immunodepressant-Induced Hypertension.

PMID- 27677125
TI  - Effects of Alcohol Consumption on Left Ventricular Diastolic Function in
      Hypertensive Patients.

PMID- 27677129
TI  - Disclosure Index.

PMID- 27677127
TI  - Non-Invasive Imaging of Lung Remodeling and Right Ventricle Metabolic Shift in an
      Animal Model of Pulmonary Hypertension.

PMID- 27677130
TI  - Evaluation of Telmesartan Monotherapy on Morning Blood Pressure Surge in Patients
      with Mild to Moderate Hypertension.

PMID- 27677131
TI  - Nighttime Blood Pressure Measured with a Timer-Equipped Home Device - An
      Alternative to Nighttime Ambulatory Monitoring.

PMID- 27677132
TI  - Isolate Systolic Hypertension and Central Pressures in Elderly Patients.
      Differences Between Men and Women with Similar Peripheral Pressures.

PMID- 27677133
TI  - Secreted Monocyte miR-27a Causes Hypertension by Reducing Mas Receptor Expression
      and Function in the Artery.

PMID- 27677134
TI  - Role of GRK4 in the Regulation of Arterial AT1 Receptor in Hypertension.

PMID- 27677135
TI  - Plasma Enalapril Kinetics of Two Modified Formulations Tested in Healthy
      Volunteers. A Pilot Trial Searching for an Optimum Blood Pressure Control.

PMID- 27677136
TI  - Irisin Lowered Blood Pressure by Augmenting Acetylcholine-Mediated Vasodilation
      via AMPK-Akt-eNOS-NO Signal Pathway in the Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat.

PMID- 27677137
TI  - Loss of Adiponectin-Induced Renal Sodium Excretion in Hypertension.

PMID- 27677138
TI  - Limited Acceptance of Detailed Health Examination After Detection of Pathological
      Findings in Screening Test.

PMID- 27677139
TI  - RDN in Hypertensives: Results from a Novel Anatomical Approach.

PMID- 27677140
TI  - Prenatal Lipopolysaccharide Exposure Causes Mesenteric Vascular Dysfunction
      Through NO-cGMP Pathway in Offspring.

PMID- 27677141
TI  - Additivity of Nebivolol/Valsartan Single-Pill Combination Versus Other Single
      Pill Combinations for Hypertension.

PMID- 27677142
TI  - Systolic Blood Pressure as a Novel Determinant of Nocturia in Non-Hispanic Black
      Men.

PMID- 27677143
TI  - Prevalence of Eligibility Criteria for the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention
      Trial in US Adults Among Excluded Groups: Age <50 Years, Diabetes, or a History
      of Stroke.

PMID- 27677144
TI  - Masked and Nocturnal Hypertension in the ARTS-DN ABPM Sub-Study with Finerenone.

PMID- 27677145
TI  - Transcriptional Gene Silencing of Dopamine D3 Receptor Caused by Let-7d Mimics in
      Immortalized Renal Proximal Tubule Cells of Rats.

PMID- 27677146
TI  - The Effects of Nebivolol-Valsartan Single-Pill Combinations in Reducing Blood
      Pressure in Patients with Stage I or II Hypertension.

PMID- 27677147
TI  - First Latin American Experience with the Renal Denervation VESSIX(r) System:
      Promising Data at 12 Months Follow Up.

PMID- 27677148
TI  - Activated Intrarenal Renin Angiotensin Systems Is the Primary Source of
      Progressing Renal Damage in Primary Aldosteronism.

PMID- 27677149
TI  - Elevated Blood Pressure in the Emergency Department: How Well Do Emergency
      Physicians Treat, Inform and Refer Their Hypertensive Patients Based on Chief
      Complaint?

PMID- 27677150
TI  - pH-controlled doxorubicin anticancer loading and release from carbon nanotube
      noncovalently modified by chitosan: MD simulations.
AB  - In the present study, we describe here the pH condition activating doxorubicin
      (DOX) anticancer drugs loading and release over single-wall carbon nanotube
      (SWNT) non-covalently wrapped with chitosan (CS). The possibility of drug
      displacement on DOX/CS/SWNT nanocarrier was investigated using molecular dynamics
      simulations. The drug loading and release were monitored via displacement
      analysis and binding energy calculations. The simulated results clearly showed
      that the drugs well interacted with the CS/SWNT at physiological pH (pH 7.4),
      where CS was in the deprotonated form. Contrastingly, in weakly acidic
      environments (pH 5.0-6.5) which is a pH characteristics of certain cancer
      environments, the protonated CS became loosen wrapped around the SWNT and
      triggered drugs release as a result of charge-charge repulsion between CS and
      drug molecules. The obtained data fulfil the understanding at atomic level of
      drug loading and release controlled by pH-sensitive polymer, which might be
      useful for further cancer therapy researches.

PMID- 27677151
TI  - In-situ biogas upgrading in thermophilic granular UASB reactor: key factors
      affecting the hydrogen mass transfer rate.
AB  - Biological biogas upgrading coupling CO2 with external H2 to form biomethane
      opens new avenues for sustainable biofuel production. For developing this
      technology, efficient H2 to liquid transfer is fundamental. This study proposes
      an innovative setup for in-situ biogas upgrading converting the CO2 in the biogas
      into CH4, via hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis. The setup consisted of a granular
      reactor connected to a separate chamber, where H2 was injected. Different packing
      materials (rashig rings and alumina ceramic sponge) were tested to increase gas
      liquid mass transfer. This aspect was optimized by liquid and gas recirculation
      and chamber configuration. It was shown that by distributing H2 through a
      metallic diffuser followed by ceramic sponge in a separate chamber, having a
      volume of 25% of the reactor, and by applying a mild gas recirculation, CO2
      content in the biogas dropped from 42 to 10% and the final biogas was upgraded
      from 58 to 82% CH4 content.

PMID- 27677152
TI  - CO2 capture using limestone for cultivation of the freshwater microalga Chlorella
      sorokiniana PAZ and the cyanobacterium Arthrospira sp. VSJ.
AB  - The present study reports a process wherein CO2 is captured in the form of
      bicarbonates using calcium oxide and photosynthetically fixed into biomass.
      Microalgal cultures viz. Chlorella sorokiniana PAZ and Arthrospira sp. VSJ were
      grown in the medium containing bicarbonates. The rate of bicarbonate utilization
      by C. sorokiniana PAZ was higher when CO2 trapped in the presence of 2.67mM
      calcium oxide than in the presence of 10mM sodium hydroxide and with direct
      addition of 10mM sodium bicarbonate. For Arthrospira sp. VSJ the bicarbonate
      utilization was 92.37%, 88.34% and 59.23% for the medium containing CaO, NaOH and
      NaHCO3, respectively. Illumination of photosynthetically active radiation
      (PAR)+ultraviolet A radiation (UVA) enhanced the yield of C. sorokiniana PAZ and
      Arthrospira sp. VSJ by 1.3 and 1.8 folds, respectively. FTIR analysis revealed
      elevation in the biosynthesis of specific metabolites in response to the UVA
      exposure.

PMID- 27677153
TI  - Carbon spectrum utilization by an indigenous strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
      NCIM 5514: Production, characterization and surface active properties of
      biosurfactant.
AB  - The present research work was undertaken with a mandate to study carbon spectrum
      utilization and structural characterization of biosurfactant produced by
      indigenous Pseudomonas aeruginosa NCIM 5514, which showed unique properties to
      utilize a large number of carbon sources effectively for production of
      biosurfactant, although glucose was the best carbon substrate. In Bushnell-Hass
      medium supplemented with glucose (1%, w/v), 3.178+/-0.071g/l biosurfactant was
      produced by this isolate in 96h. The biosurfactant produced showed surface
      tension and emulsification activity values from 29.14+/-0.05 to 62.29+/-0.13mN/m
      and 88.50+/-1.96 to 15.40+/-0.91%, respectively. Toluene showed highest
      emulsification activity followed by kerosene. However, kerosene exhibited
      emulsion stability for 30days. Biosurfactant was characterized as a mixture of di
      rhamnolipid (Rha-Rha-C10-C14:1) and mono-rhamnolipid (Rha-C8-C10) by FTIR, ESI-MS
      and LC-MS techniques. High biosurfactant yield opens up doors for the isolate to
      find utility in various industries.

PMID- 27677154
TI  - Immobilization of Carbonylcobalt Catalyst by Poly(4-vinylpyridine) (P4VP) through
      N->Co Coordination Bonds: The Promotional Effect of Pyridine and the Reusability
      of Polymer Catalyst.
AB  - A carbonylcobalt catalyst, immobilized by poly(4-vinylpyridine) (P4VP) through N
      >Co coordination bonds, has been prepared by solvothermal method. It has been
      revealed that the pyridine fragments in the polymer catalyst act not only as
      promoters to improve the catalytic performance of the carbonylcobalt catalyst for
      alkoxycarbonylation of ethylene oxide to methyl 3-hydroxypropanoate but also as
      stabilizers to enhance the reusability of the polymer catalyst. Furthermore, the
      polymer catalyst could be easily separated by filtration and reused with only a
      slight loss of catalytic efficiency.

PMID- 27677155
TI  - Changes in expression of genes involved in antitumor immunity in mice vaccinated
      with tumor vaccine composed of irradiated syngeneic tumor cells and CpG
      oligodeoxynucleotides.
AB  - In our previous studies, it has been demonstrated that in more than 80% of mice
      long-lasting antitumor immunity has been established following intraperitoneal
      (i.p.) vaccination with tumor vaccine composed of irradiated syngeneic tumor
      cells and CpG ODNs class C. The aim of this study was, therefore, to investigate
      molecular mechanisms through which this vaccine triggers the immunity and to
      define genes particularly involved in this process. Changes in gene expression
      were followed in mononuclear cells isolated from peritoneal lavages, spleens and
      bone marrow samples. The expression of 84 genes significant for T-cell and B-cell
      activation as well as genes engaged in activation of macrophages, NK cells and
      DCs was determined using the RT2- Profiler PCR array. It has been observed that
      this tumor vaccine induces the up-regulation of genes involved in activation,
      proliferation and survival of memory T-cells (Cd8a, Cd8b1, Prlr, Was, Cxcl12,
      Il12, Sftpd, Tnfrsf13c, Il15, Il18), and prevents the activation of genes
      involved in generation of Treg and induction of immune tolerance (Sit1, Sla2,
      Cd1d1, Pdcd1lg2, Pawr, Socs5, Il27, Il4). We may conclude based on results of
      gene expression analysis, that tumor vaccine fine-tunes the proportion of
      cytotoxic to regulatory lymphocytes having an important impact on the induction
      and maintenance of memory cells in bone marrow.

PMID- 27677156
TI  - CD4+ T cells require either B cells or CD8+ T cells to control spread and
      pathogenesis of a neurotropic infection.
AB  - Immunity within the brain, specifically to virus-infected neurons, must be
      controlled to prevent neuron loss and impairment, though the process by which
      this occurs remains unclear. Here, we use a mouse model of neuron-restricted
      measles virus infection, in which immunocompetent adults survive challenge,
      whereas T and B cell-deficient mice succumb. This model allowed us to more
      precisely define the contributions of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and B cells in
      neuroprotection. Both B cell knockout mice and mice depleted of CD8+ T cells
      survive challenge and show no signs of illness, though are less able to control
      viral replication than immunocompetent mice. In contrast, depletion of CD4+ T
      cells results in disease and death in all infected mice, though the kinetics of
      illness are delayed compared to RAG knockout mice. Our data suggest a coordinated
      interplay of adaptive immune components, which collectively controls viral spread
      and limits neuropathogenesis.

PMID- 27677157
TI  - Novel Endorna-like viruses, including three with two open reading frames,
      challenge the membership criteria and taxonomy of the Endornaviridae.
AB  - Viruses associated with wild orchids and their mycorrhizal fungi are poorly
      studied. Using a shotgun sequencing approach, we identified eight novel
      endornavirus-like genome sequences from isolates of Ceratobasidium fungi isolated
      from pelotons within root cortical cells of wild indigenous orchid species
      Microtis media, Pterostylis sanguinea and an undetermined species of Pterostylis
      in Western Australia. They represent the first endornaviruses to be described
      from orchid mycorrhizal fungi and from the Australian continent. Five of the
      novel endornaviruses were detected from one Ceratobasidium isolate collected from
      one Pterostylis plant. The partial and complete viral replicases shared low (9
      30%) identities with one another and with endornaviruses described from
      elsewhere. Four had genome lengths greater than those of previously described
      endornaviruses, two resembled ascomycete-infecting endornaviruses, and unlike
      currently described endornaviruses, three had two open reading frames. The
      unusual features of these new viruses challenge current taxonomic criteria for
      membership of the family Endornaviridae.

PMID- 27677159
TI  - Increasing prevalence of K65K and K66K in HIV-1 subtype B reverse transcriptase.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Synonymous substitutions K65K/K66K in HIV-1 reverse transcriptase
      alleviate fitness and fidelity defects in HIV-1 molecular clones harboring
      thymidine analogue mutations (TAMs); however, their potential for transmission
      and persistence is unknown. Here, we investigated the temporal appearance of
      K65K/K66K relative to TAMs in a HIV-1 cohort, their prevalence over time, and
      their impact on viral fitness in the context of patient-derived reverse
      transcriptase sequences. METHODS: Retrospective analyses of the temporal
      appearance and longitudinal prevalence of synonymous substitutions and drug
      resistance mutations were performed using the British Columbia Centre for
      Excellence in HIV/AIDS Drug Treatment Program (DTP) database. Plasma-derived HIV
      1 from the DTP was used to generate infectious molecular clones. Growth
      competition assays were performed to determine viral fitness. RESULTS: The
      prevalence of K65K/K66K in drug-naive individuals tripled from 11% in 1997 to 37%
      in 2014 (P < 0.0001, n = 5221), with K66K mainly accounting for the increase.
      These mutations emerged in drug-treated individuals without TAMs in 14% of the
      cohort and conferred a fitness advantage in the context of patient-derived
      multidrug-resistant (MDR) virus in the absence of drug. CONCLUSION: The
      appearance of K65K/K66K in drug-treated individuals was largely independent of
      TAMs, suggesting alternative factors are likely associated with their emergence.
      The increasing K65K/K66K prevalence to over a third of treatment-naive
      individuals in the mostly subtype B DTP cohort and their ability to confer a
      fitness advantage to multidrug-resistant virus might explain the transmission and
      persistence of virus harbouring K65K/K66K in untreated individuals, and
      highlights their role in adaptive HIV-1 evolution.

PMID- 27677160
TI  - Preclinical evaluation of an mRNA HIV vaccine combining rationally selected
      antigenic sequences and adjuvant signals (HTI-TriMix).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The development of a prophylactic vaccine against HIV-1 has so far
      not been successful. Therefore, attention has shifted more and more toward the
      development of novel therapeutic vaccines. Here, we evaluated a new mRNA-based
      therapeutic vaccine against HIV-1-encoding activation signals (TriMix: CD40L +
      CD70 + caTLR4) combined with rationally selected antigenic sequences [HIVACAT T
      cell immunogen (HTI)] sequence: comprises 16 joined fragments from Gag, Pol, Vif,
      and Nef). METHODS: For this purpose, peripheral blood mononuclear cells from HIV
      1-infected individuals on cART, lymph node explants from noninfected humans, and
      splenocytes from immunized mice were collected and several immune functions were
      measured. RESULTS: Electroporation of immature monocyte-derived dendritic cells
      from HIV-infected patients with mRNA encoding HTI + TriMix potently activated
      dendritic cells which resulted in upregulation of maturation markers and cytokine
      production and T-cell stimulation, as evidenced by enhanced proliferation and
      cytokine secretion (IFN-gamma). Responses were HIV specific and were
      predominantly targeted against the sequences included in HTI. These findings were
      confirmed in human lymph node explants exposed to HTI + TriMix mRNA. Intranodal
      immunizations with HTI mRNA in a mouse model increased antigen-specific cytotoxic
      T-lymphocyte responses. The addition of TriMix further enhanced cytotoxic
      responses. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that uptake of mRNA, encoding strong
      activation signals and a potent HIV antigen, confers a T-cell stimulatory
      capacity to dendritic cells and enhances their ability to stimulate antigen
      specific immunity. These findings may pave the way for therapeutic HIV vaccine
      strategies based on antigen-encoding RNA to specifically target antigen
      presenting cells.

PMID- 27677162
TI  - Immune tolerance properties of the testicular tissue as a viral sanctuary site in
      ART-treated HIV-infected adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: HIV persistence in long-lived infected cells and in anatomical
      sanctuary sites are major hurdles to HIV eradication. Testicular tissue may
      represent a significant viral sanctuary site as it constitutes an immunologically
      privileged compartment. We assessed immunotolerance properties of the testicular
      tissue in individuals receiving suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART). DESIGN
      AND METHODS: Testicular tissue and matched blood samples were collected from six
      virally suppressed adults and 10 HIV-uninfected controls prior to sex
      reassignment surgery. T cells were purified from freshly isolated testicular
      interstitial cell suspensions. T-cell subsets, expression of immune activation
      markers and HIV DNA were assessed in matched testicular cells and peripheral
      blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). RESULTS: When compared with PBMCs, testes were
      characterized by a lower CD4 T-cell proportion among total T cells, a decrease in
      the frequency of naive cells, an increase in the frequency of effector-memory T
      cells and an increase in CCR5 expression in both the HIV+ and HIV- groups. In HIV
      infected individuals on ART, testes displayed higher T-cell immune activation
      (Coexpression of CD38 and Human Leukocyte Antigen - antigen D Related) than
      PBMCs. In both groups, testes were characterized by higher frequencies of
      immunosuppressive CD39 regulatory T cells and a massive increase in CD73
      expression on CD8 T cells. In addition, a remarkable increase in indoleamine
      pyrrole 2,3-dioxygenase immunosuppressive enzyme involved in
      tryptophan/kynurenine catabolism was observed in testes versus blood. Rare cells
      harboring HIV DNA were detected in testes from five out six participants.
      CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the adenosine and tryptophan/kynurenine
      immune-metabolic pathways contribute to immune tolerance in testicular tissue.
      Our results suggest that testes may represent a distinctive HIV sanctuary site
      during ART.

PMID- 27677161
TI  - Topical gentian violet compared with nystatin oral suspension for the treatment
      of oropharyngeal candidiasis in HIV-1-infected participants.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Compare the safety and efficacy of topical gentian violet with that of
      nystatin oral suspension (NYS) for the treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis in
      HIV-1-infected adults in resource-limited settings. DESIGN: Multicenter, open
      label, evaluator-blinded, randomized clinical trial at eight international sites,
      within the AIDS Clinical Trials Group. STUDY PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTION: Adult
      HIV-infected participants with oropharyngeal candidiasis, stratified by CD4 cell
      counts and antiretroviral therapy status at study entry, were randomized to
      receive either gentian violet (0.00165%, BID) or NYS (500 000 units, QID) for 14
      days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Cure or improvement after 14 days of treatment.
      Signs and symptoms of oropharyngeal candidiasis were evaluated in an evaluator
      blinded manner. RESULTS: The study was closed early per Data Safety Monitoring
      Board after enrolling 221 participants (target = 494). Among the 182 participants
      eligible for efficacy analysis, 63 (68.5%) in the gentian violet arm had cure or
      improvement of oropharyngeal candidiasis versus 61 (67.8%) in the NYS arm,
      resulting in a nonsizable difference of 0.007 (95% confidence interval: -0.129,
      0.143). There was no sizable difference in cure rates between the two arms (
      0.0007; 95% confidence interval: -0.146, 0.131). No gentian violet-related
      adverse events were noted. No sizable differences were identified in tolerance,
      adherence, quality of life, or acceptability of study drugs. In gentian violet
      arm, 61 and 39% of participants reported 'no' and 'mild-to-moderate' staining,
      respectively. Cost for medication procurement was significantly lower for gentian
      violet versus NYS (median $2.51 and 19.42, respectively, P = 0.01). CONCLUSION:
      Efficacy of gentian violet was not statistically different than NYS, was well
      tolerated, and its procurement cost was substantially less than NYS.

PMID- 27677165
TI  - The association between HIV, antiretroviral therapy, and gestational diabetes
      mellitus.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The widespread, chronic use of antiretroviral therapy raises
      questions concerning the metabolic consequences of HIV infection and treatment.
      Antiretroviral therapy, and specifically protease inhibitors, has been associated
      with hyperglycemia. As pregnant women are vulnerable to development of
      hyperglycemia, the objective of this study was to explore existing literature on
      the relationship between HIV infection, HIV treatment, and gestational diabetes
      mellitus (GDM). METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in six databases for
      articles providing data on HIV-positivity, protease inhibitor exposure, and GDM
      or glucose intolerance development in pregnancy. The quality of articles was
      evaluated using an adapted Cochrane Collaboration bias assessment tool. Risk
      ratios were generated from pooled data using meta-analysis by the Mantel-Haenszel
      method. RESULTS: Of 891 references screened, six studies on the role of HIV
      positivity, 10 on protease inhibitor use, and two on both were included. Meta
      analysis showed no significant relationship between HIV infection and the
      development of GDM [risk ratio 0.80, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.47-1.37, I =
      0%]. Meta-analysis of protease inhibitor exposure showed increased GDM in studies
      using first-generation protease inhibitors (risk ratio 2.29, 95% CI: 1.46-3.58)
      and studies using the strictest diagnosis criteria, the National Diabetes Data
      Group criteria for 3-h oral glucose tolerance test (risk ratio 3.81, 95% CI: 2.18
      6.67). CONCLUSION: Meta-analysis showed no significant association between HIV
      positivity and GDM. Significance of protease inhibitor use was limited to studies
      using the strictest diagnostic criteria for GDM. Results are limited by high risk
      of bias. Well designed prospective studies are needed to further clarify this
      relationship and its consequences for clinical practice.

PMID- 27677163
TI  - Development of HIV drug resistance and therapeutic failure in children and
      adolescents in rural Tanzania: an emerging public health concern.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence and determinants of virologic failure
      and acquired drug resistance-associated mutations (DRMs) in HIV-infected children
      and adolescents in rural Tanzania. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study with cross
      sectional analysis. METHODS: All children 18 years or less attending the
      paediatric HIV Clinic of Ifakara and on antiretroviral therapy (ART) for at least
      12 months were enrolled. Participants with virologic failure were tested for HIV
      DRM. Pre-ART samples were used to discriminate acquired and transmitted
      resistances. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified factors
      associated with virologic failure and the acquisition of HIV-DRM. RESULTS: Among
      213 children on ART for a median of 4.3 years, 25.4% failed virologically. ART
      associated DRM were identified in 90%, with multiclass resistances in 79%. Pre
      ART data suggested that more than 85% had acquired key mutations during
      treatment. Suboptimal adherence [odds ratio (OR) = 3.90; 95% confidence interval
      (CI) 1.11-13.68], female sex (aOR = 2.57; 95% CI 1.03-6.45), and current
      nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-based ART (aOR = 7.32; 95% CI 1.51
      35.46 compared with protease inhibitor-based) independently increased the odds of
      virologic failure. CD4 T-cell percentage (aOR = 0.20; 0.10-0.40 per additional
      10%) and older age at ART initiation (aOR = 0.84 per additional year of age; 95%
      CI 0.73-0.97) were protective (also in predicting acquired HIV-DRM). At the time
      of virologic failure, less than 5% of the children fulfilled the WHO criteria for
      immunologic failure. CONCLUSION: Virologic failure rates in children and
      adolescents were high, with the majority of ART-failing children harbouring HIV
      DRM. The WHO criteria for immunologic treatment failure yielded an unacceptably
      low sensitivity. Viral load monitoring is urgently needed to maintain future
      treatment options for the millions of African children living with HIV.

PMID- 27677166
TI  - Association of serum albumin and aspartate transaminase with 5-year all-cause
      mortality in HIV/hepatitis C virus coinfection and HIV monoinfection.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Liver disease markers have been associated with mortality in HIV
      infected individuals in the modern era of effective antiretroviral therapy. Our
      objective was to determine which markers are most predictive of mortality in HIV
      monoinfected and HIV/hepatitis C virus (HCV)-coinfected persons. RESEARCH DESIGN
      AND METHODS: We measured serum albumin, total protein, calculated globulin,
      aspartate transaminase (AST), and alanine transaminase in 193 HIV/HCV-coinfected
      and 720 HIV-monoinfected persons in the study of Fat Redistribution and Metabolic
      Change in HIV Infection. We evaluated associations of each marker with 5-year,
      all-cause mortality, adjusting for cardiovascular, HIV-related factors,
      inflammation, renal disease, muscle, and adiposity. RESULTS: After 5 years of
      follow-up, overall mortality was 21% in HIV/HCV-coinfected and 12% in HIV
      monoinfected participants. After multivariable adjustment, lower albumin and
      higher AST were independently associated with increased mortality. Lower albumin
      was associated with 49% increased odds of mortality overall [per 0.5 g/dl
      decrease, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.2-1.9]; the association was stronger in
      HIV/HCV-coinfected [odds ratio (OR) = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.4-3.2] vs. HIV-monoinfected
      (OR = 1.3, 95% CI: 1.0-1.7; HCV-by-albumin interaction: P = 0.038). Higher AST
      was associated with 41% increased odds of mortality (per AST doubling; 95% CI:
      1.1-1.8); associations were much stronger among HIV/HCV-coinfected (OR = 2.5, 95%
      CI: 1.5-4.1) than HIV-monoinfected (OR = 1.1, 95% CI: 0.8-1.5; HCV-by-AST
      interaction: P = 0.0042). CONCLUSION: Lower serum albumin and higher AST appear
      to be important mortality risk factors in HIV/HCV-coinfection, but much less so
      in HIV-monoinfected individuals. The association of low albumin with mortality
      may reflect its role as a negative acute phase response protein. AST levels do
      not appear to be useful in predicting mortality in HIV-monoinfection and should
      be considered primarily in the context of HCV-coinfection.

PMID- 27677167
TI  - Hydroxytyrosol: a new class of microbicide displaying broad anti-HIV-1 activity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the toxicity and activity against HIV of 5
      hydroxytyrosol as a potential microbicide. DESIGN: The anti-HIV-1 activity of 5
      hydroxytyrosol, a polyphenolic compound, was tested against wild-type HIV-1 and
      viral clones resistant to nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs),
      non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), protease inhibitors and
      integrase inhibitors. In addition to its activity against founder viruses,
      different viral subtypes and potential synergy with tenofovir disoproxil
      fumarate, lamivudine and emtricitabine was also tested. 5-Hydroxytyrosol toxicity
      was evaluated in vivo in rabbit vaginal mucosa. METHODS: We have cloned pol gene
      from drug-resistant HIV-1 isolated from infected patients and env gene from
      Fiebeg III/IV patients or A, C, D, E, F and G subtypes in the NL4.3-Ren backbone.
      5-Hydroxytyrosol anti-HIV-1 activity was evaluated in infections of MT-2, U87
      CCR5 or peripheral blood mononuclear cells preactivated with phytohemagglutinin +
      interleukin-2 with viruses obtained through 293T transfections. Inhibitory
      concentration 50% and cytotoxic concentration 50% were calculated. Synergy was
      analysed according to Chou and Talalay method. In-vivo toxicity was evaluated for
      14 days in rabbit vaginal mucosa. RESULTS: 5-Hydroxytyrosol inhibited HIV-1
      infections of recombinant or wild-type viruses in all the target cells tested.
      Moreover, 5-hydroxytyrosol showed similar inhibitory concentration 50% values for
      infections with NRTIs, NNRTIs, protease inhibitors and INIs resistant viruses;
      founder viruses and all the subtypes tested. Combination of 5-hydroxytyrosol with
      tenofovir was found to be synergistic, whereas it was additive with lamivudine
      and emtricitabine. In-vivo toxicity of 5-hydroxytyrosol was very low even at the
      highest tested doses. CONCLUSION: 5-Hydroxytyrosol displayed a broad anti-HIV-1
      activity in different cells systems in the absent of in-vivo toxicity, therefore
      supporting its candidacy as a potential new class of microbicides.

PMID- 27677168
TI  - Effects of depression and anxiety on antiretroviral therapy adherence among newly
      diagnosed HIV-infected Chinese MSM.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to explore the effect of depression and anxiety on
      adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among MSM with newly diagnosed HIV
      infections. DESIGN: We conducted a prospective study of Chinese MSM with newly
      diagnosed HIV infections. METHODS: The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was
      used to measure depression and anxiety at baseline, 6 and 12 months, separately.
      ART adherence was self-reported once every 3 months ('perfect' or no missing dose
      in the past 3 months vs. 'imperfect' adherence or at least one missing dose in
      the past 3 months). We utilized a priori substantial knowledge guided by causal
      models to identify confounding covariates, and performed mixed-effect logistic
      regression to assess the effects of depression and anxiety on ART adherence.
      RESULTS: We included 228 participants who initiated ART after HIV diagnosis and
      before the end of study. A one-unit increase in the depression and anxiety score
      was associated with a 16% increase [adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 1.16; 95%
      confidence interval (CI), 1.02-1.32] and a 17% increase (aOR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.03
      1.33) in the odds of reporting imperfect ART adherence, respectively. When
      depression and anxiety were categorized (normal, borderline, and likely), only
      likely anxiety had a significant association with imperfect ART adherence (aOR,
      4.79; 95% CI, 1.12-20.50). CONCLUSION: Depression and anxiety are risk factors
      for imperfect ART adherence among Chinese MSM with newly diagnosed HIV
      infections. Intensive intervention on depression and/or anxiety beyond regular
      post-HIV-testing counseling may increase adherence to ART, and improve HIV
      treatment outcomes.

PMID- 27677170
TI  - Effects of breast density and compression on normal breast tissue hemodynamics
      through breast tomosynthesis guided near-infrared spectral tomography.
AB  - Optically derived tissue properties across a range of breast densities and the
      effects of breast compression on estimates of hemoglobin, oxygen metabolism, and
      water and lipid concentrations were obtained from a coregistered imaging system
      that integrates near-infrared spectral tomography (NIRST) with digital breast
      tomosynthesis (DBT). Image data were analyzed from 27 women who underwent four
      IRB approved NIRST/DBT exams that included fully and mildly compressed breast
      acquisitions in two projections-craniocaudal (CC) and mediolateral-oblique (MLO)
      and generated four data sets per patient (full and moderate compression in CC and
      MLO views). Breast density was correlated with HbT (r=0.64, p=0.001), water
      (r=0.62, p=0.003), and lipid concentrations (r=?0.74, p<0.001), but not oxygen
      saturation. CC and MLO views were correlated for individual subjects and
      demonstrated no statistically significant differences in grouped analysis.
      Comparison of compressed and uncompressed imaging demonstrated a significant
      decrease in oxygen saturation under compression (58% versus 50%, p=0.04).
      Mammographic breast density categorization was correlated with measured optically
      derived properties.

PMID- 27677172
TI  - Genome-Wide Association Study of HIV Whole Genome Sequences Validated using Drug
      Resistance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have considerably advanced our
      understanding of human traits and diseases. With the increasing availability of
      whole genome sequences (WGS) for pathogens, it is important to establish whether
      GWAS of viral genomes could reveal important biological insights. Here we perform
      the first proof of concept viral GWAS examining drug resistance (DR), a phenotype
      with well understood genetics. METHOD: We performed a GWAS of DR in a sample of
      343 HIV subtype C patients failing 1st line antiretroviral treatment in rural
      KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The majority and minority variants within each
      sequence were called using PILON, and GWAS was performed within PLINK. HIV WGS
      from patients failing on different antiretroviral treatments were compared to
      sequences derived from individuals naive to the respective treatment. RESULTS:
      GWAS methodology was validated by identifying five associations on a genetic
      level that led to amino acid changes known to cause DR. Further, we highlighted
      the ability of GWAS to identify epistatic effects, identifying two replicable
      variants within amino acid 68 of the reverse transcriptase protein previously
      described as potential fitness compensatory mutations. A possible additional DR
      variant within amino acid 91 of the matrix region of the Gag protein was
      associated with tenofovir failure, highlighting GWAS's ability to identify
      variants outside classical candidate genes. Our results also suggest a polygenic
      component to DR. CONCLUSIONS: These results validate the applicability of GWAS to
      HIV WGS data even in relative small samples, and emphasise how high throughput
      sequencing can provide novel and clinically relevant insights. Further they
      suggested that for viruses like HIV, population structure was only minor concern
      compared to that seen in bacteria or parasite GWAS. Given the small genome length
      and reduced burden for multiple testing, this makes HIV an ideal candidate for
      GWAS.

PMID- 27677174
TI  - TraqBio - Flexible Progress Tracking for Core Unit Projects.
AB  - MOTIVATION: Core service units have become an organisational hallmark in many
      research institutions world wide. Such service cores provide complex state-of-the
      art technologies and expertise to the research community. Typically, a user
      delivers material or raw data to a core. The core defines work packages for
      ensuing analysis and returns results back to the user. This core activity can be
      quite complex and time consuming and usually does not communicate itself to the
      outside. Naturally, the user is highly interested to follow the progress of a
      project once handed over to the core unit. This generates a time-intensive direct
      communication activity back and forth. A more effective, convenient and less
      disruptive way to track the status of a given project by the researcher, but also
      by core managers, appears highly desirable. Hence, we developed a lightweight and
      readily implementable web application that allows efficient progress tracking of
      core unit projects. RESULTS: The web application TraqBio allows for the
      convenient tracking of projects. Following project set-up by the core, the user
      receives an e-mail containing links for tracking the project status. Examples are
      provided for three common core units, namely genomics, proteomics, and
      bioinformatics units. TraqBio is a secure lightweight web application that can be
      either used in a standalone setup or incorporated into an existing web server
      infrastructure. Being accessible not only from classical desktop computers but
      also from mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, TraqBio offers easy
      integration into every day work.

PMID- 27677171
TI  - In search for geroprotectors: in silico screening and in vitro validation of
      signalome-level mimetics of young healthy state.
AB  - Populations in developed nations throughout the world are rapidly aging, and the
      search for geroprotectors, or anti-aging interventions, has never been more
      important. Yet while hundreds of geroprotectors have extended lifespan in animal
      models, none have yet been approved for widespread use in humans. GeroScope is a
      computational tool that can aid prediction of novel geroprotectors from existing
      human gene expression data. GeroScope maps expression differences between samples
      from young and old subjects to aging-related signaling pathways, then profiles
      pathway activation strength (PAS) for each condition. Known substances are then
      screened and ranked for those most likely to target differential pathways and
      mimic the young signalome. Here we used GeroScope and shortlisted ten substances,
      all of which have lifespan-extending effects in animal models, and tested 6 of
      them for geroprotective effects in senescent human fibroblast cultures. PD-98059,
      a highly selective MEK1 inhibitor, showed both life-prolonging and rejuvenating
      effects. Natural compounds like N-acetyl-L-cysteine, Myricetin and
      Epigallocatechin gallate also improved several senescence-associated properties
      and were further investigated with pathway analysis. This work not only
      highlights several potential geroprotectors for further study, but also serves as
      a proof-of-concept for GeroScope, Oncofinder and other PAS-based methods in
      streamlining drug prediction, repurposing and personalized medicine.

PMID- 27677176
TI  - Successful Delivery in a 39-Year-Old Patient with Anal Cancer after Fertility
      Preserving Surgery Followed by Primary Chemoradiation and Low Anti-Mullerian
      Hormone Level.
AB  - Anal cancer was diagnosed in a 36-year-old nulliparous woman. Before
      chemoradiation was started, ovarian transposition and uterine fixation were
      performed in order to preserve capability for future parenthood. Despite of a low
      anti-Mullerian hormone level, IVF therapy was successful and resulted in a full
      term delivery of a healthy baby by cesarean section. This is the first case
      report of successful pregnancy after full-dose pelvic radiation for anal cancer.

PMID- 27677175
TI  - Aerobic Exercise Attenuated Bleomycin-Induced Lung Fibrosis in Th2-Dominant Mice.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of aerobic
      exercise (AE) in reducing bleomycin-induced fibrosis in mice of a Th2-dominant
      immune background (BALB/c). METHODS: BALB/c mice were distributed into:
      sedentary, control (CON), Exercise-only (EX), sedentary, bleomycin-treated (BLEO)
      and bleomycin-treated+exercised (BLEO+EX); (n = 8/group). Following treadmill
      adaptation, 15 days following a single, oro-tracheal administration of bleomycin
      (1.5U/kg), AE was performed 5 days/week, 60min/day for 4 weeks at moderate
      intensity (60% of maximum velocity reached during a physical test) and assessed
      for pulmonary inflammation and remodeling, and cytokine levels in bronchoalveolar
      lavage (BAL). RESULTS: At 45 days post injury, compared to BLEO, BLEO+EX
      demonstrated reduced collagen deposition in the airways (p<0.001) and also in the
      lung parenchyma (p<0.001). In BAL, a decreased number of total leukocytes
      (p<0.01), eosinophils (p<0.001), lymphocytes (p<0.01), macrophages (p<0.01), and
      neutrophils (p<0.01), as well as reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (CXCL-1;
      p<0.01), (IL-1beta; p<0.001), (IL-5; p<0.01), (IL-6; p<0.001), (IL-13; p<0.01)
      and pro-fibrotic growth factor IGF-1 (p<0.001) were observed. Anti-inflammatory
      cytokine IL-10 was increased (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: AE attenuated bleomycin
      induced collagen deposition, inflammation and cytokines accumulation in the lungs
      of mice with a predominately Th2-background suggesting that therapeutic AE (15-44
      days post injury) attenuates the pro-inflammatory, Th2 immune response and
      fibrosis in the bleomycin model.

PMID- 27677177
TI  - Laboratory Monitoring of Oral Vitamin K Anticoagulation.
AB  - Vitamin K antagonists (VKA) have been used for many years as effective
      anticoagulant therapy. The laboratory plays a crucial role in measuring the
      prothrombin time (PT) and calculating the international normalized ratio (INR).
      Each component of the calculation has the potential to increase error in the
      final result. This article discusses the laboratory aspects of monitoring VKA
      including sample requirements, PT, determination of the INR, point of care (POC)
      testing, external quality assurance/proficiency testing, and reversal strategies
      for VKA therapy. The implementation of the PT/INR reporting standard was a
      significant improvement in laboratory medicine. However, further room for
      improvement exists in the management of PT/INR testing, to clarify the role of
      POC testing and continue the harmonization process to ensure reliability and
      reproducibility of INR results.

PMID- 27677173
TI  - Sex-Biased Transcriptome of Schistosoma mansoni: Host-Parasite Interaction,
      Genetic Determinants and Epigenetic Regulators Are Associated with Sexual
      Differentiation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Among more than 20,000 species of hermaphroditic trematodes,
      Schistosomatidae are unusual since they have evolved gonochorism. In
      schistosomes, sex is determined by a female heterogametic system, but phenotypic
      sexual dimorphism appears only after infection of the vertebrate definitive host.
      The completion of gonad maturation occurs even later, after pairing. To date, the
      molecular mechanisms that trigger the sexual differentiation in these species
      remain unknown, and in vivo studies on the developing schistosomulum stages are
      lacking. To study the molecular basis of sex determination and sexual
      differentiation in schistosomes, we investigated the whole transcriptome of the
      human parasite Schistosoma mansoni in a stage- and sex-comparative manner.
      METHODOLOGY/ PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We performed a RNA-seq on males and females for
      five developmental stages: cercariae larvae, three in vivo schistosomulum stages
      and adults. We detected 7,168 genes differentially expressed between sexes in at
      least one of the developmental stages, and 4,065 of them were functionally
      annotated. Transcriptome data were completed with H3K27me3 histone modification
      analysis using ChIP-Seq before (in cercariae) and after (in adults) the
      phenotypic sexual dimorphism appearance. In this paper we present (i) candidate
      determinants of the sexual differentiation, (ii) sex-biased players of the
      interaction with the vertebrate host, and (iii) different dynamic of the H3K27me3
      histone mark between sexes as an illustration of sex-biased epigenetic
      landscapes. CONCLUSIONS/ SIGNIFICANCE: Our work presents evidence that sexual
      differentiation in S. mansoni is accompanied by distinct male and female
      transcriptional landscapes of known players of the host-parasite crosstalk,
      genetic determinants and epigenetic regulators. Our results suggest that such
      combination could lead to the optimized sexual dimorphism of this parasitic
      species. As S. mansoni is pathogenic for humans, this study represents a
      promising source of therapeutic targets, providing not only data on the parasite
      development in interaction with its vertebrate host, but also new insights on its
      reproductive function.

PMID- 27677178
TI  - Plasmin: A Modulator of Immune Function.
AB  - Plasmin is the effector protease of the fibrinolytic system, well known for its
      involvement in fibrin degradation and clot removal. However, plasmin is also
      recognized as a potent modulator of immunological processes by directly
      interacting with various cell types including leukocytes (monocytes, macrophages,
      and dendritic cells) and cells of the vasculature (endothelial cells, smooth
      muscle cells) as well as soluble factors of the immune system and components of
      the extracellular matrix. In fact, the removal of misfolded proteins and
      maintenance of tissue homeostasis seem to be major physiological functions of
      plasmin. However, a large body of evidence also suggests that excessive plasmin
      generation frequently contributes to the pathophysiology of acute and chronic
      inflammatory processes. Hence, one question arising from the broadening effects
      of plasmin in physiology is whether antifibrinolytic drugs (i.e., tranexamic
      acid, epsilon aminocaproic acid, or aprotinin) that target plasmin either
      directly or indirectly and which are commonly used to prevent or treat bleeding
      might have unintended consequences on the immune response or on other
      nonfibrinolytic processes in vivo.

PMID- 27677180
TI  - Letter to the Editor.

PMID- 27677181
TI  - Older Adults of Underrepresented Populations and Their End-of-Life Preferences:
      An Integrative Review.
AB  - This integrative review was conducted to examine the evidence for understanding
      diversity in end-of-life preferences among older adults of underrepresented
      groups. Findings from 21 studies were critically examined, grouped, and compared
      across studies, populations, and settings. Five major themes emerged: advance
      directives, hospice and palliative care, communication, knowledge and
      information, and home and family. Despite multidisciplinary attention, content
      and methodological limitations narrowed understanding of what matters most to
      these groups when making decisions at end of life. Rigorous longitudinal studies
      with more ethnically diverse samples are needed to detect modifiable factors
      related to disparities at the end of life.

PMID- 27677179
TI  - tPA Modulation of the Blood-Brain Barrier: A Unifying Explanation for the
      Pleiotropic Effects of tPA in the CNS.
AB  - The plasminogen activation (PA) system is best known for its role in
      fibrinolysis. However, it has also been shown to regulate many nonfibrinolytic
      functions in the central nervous system (CNS). In particular, tissue-type
      plasminogen activator (tPA) is reported to have pleiotropic activities in the
      CNS, regulating events such as neuronal plasticity, excitotoxicity, and
      cerebrovascular barrier integrity, whereas urokinase-type plasminogen activator
      is mainly associated with tissue remodeling and cell migration. It has been
      suggested that the role tPA plays in controlling barrier integrity may provide a
      unifying mechanism for the reported diverse, and often opposing, functions
      ascribed to tPA in the CNS. Here we will review the possibility that the
      pleiotropic effects reported for tPA in physiologic and pathologic processes in
      the CNS may be a consequence of its role in the neurovascular unit in regulation
      of cerebrovascular responses and subsequently parenchymal homeostasis. We propose
      that this might offer an explanation for the ongoing debate regarding the
      neurotoxic versus neuroprotective roles of tPA.

PMID- 27677182
TI  - The Role of Serum MicroRNA-6767-5p as a Biomarker for the Diagnosis of Polycystic
      Ovary Syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous disorder, and the
      underlying molecular mechanisms are not clear. To date, few studies have been
      conducted on the altered expression of serum microRNAs (miRNAs) in women with
      PCOS. The present study was performed to examine the role of the serum miRNA as a
      biomarker for the diagnosis of PCOS and its relationship with metabolic and
      reproductive traits. METHODS: A cross-sectional comparison was made in 21 women
      with PCOS and age- and body mass index (BMI)- matched 21 healthy women in an
      academic center laboratory between December 2008 and October 2010. We selected
      miRNAs that were more than 1.5-fold up-regulated or less than 0.67-fold down
      regulated in women with PCOS compared with controls using the SurePrint G3 Human
      miRNA Microarray. Subsequently, we validated the relative expression of the
      miRNAs using TaqMan quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR)
      assays. RESULTS: Serum miRNA-4522, miRNA-324-3p, and miRNA-6767-5p were down
      regulated in women with PCOS compared with controls in the microarray analysis.
      Among these miRNAs, serum miRNA-6767-5p was validated (fold change in women with
      PCOS/controls = 0.39, P-value<0.05) by RT-qPCR. The miRNA-6767-5p was negatively
      associated with fasting glucose (beta = -0.370) and positively associated with
      the number of menses per year (beta = 0.383) after adjustment for age and BMI
      (Ps<0.05). Genes targeted by miRNA-6767-5p were involved in the cell cycle and
      the immune system. CONCLUSIONS: Serum miRNA-6767-5p may be a novel candidate as a
      molecular biomarker in the diagnosis of PCOS and may participate in the
      development of the metabolic and reproductive traits of PCOS.

PMID- 27677183
TI  - Plasmodium vivax Reticulocyte Binding Proteins Are Key Targets of Naturally
      Acquired Immunity in Young Papua New Guinean Children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Major gaps in our understanding of Plasmodium vivax biology and the
      acquisition of immunity to this parasite hinder vaccine development. P. vivax
      merozoites exclusively invade reticulocytes, making parasite proteins that
      mediate reticulocyte binding and/or invasion potential key vaccine or drug
      targets. While protein interactions that mediate invasion are still poorly
      understood, the P. vivax Reticulocyte-Binding Protein family (PvRBP) is thought
      to be involved in P. vivax restricted host-cell selectivity.
      METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We assessed the binding specificity of five
      members of the PvRBP family (PvRBP1a, PvRBP1b, PvRBP2a, PvRBP2b, PvRBP2-P2 and a
      non-binding fragment of PvRBP2c) to normocytes or reticulocytes. PvRBP2b was
      identified as the only reticulocyte-specific binder (P<0.001), whereas the others
      preferentially bound to normocytes (PvRBP1a/b P<=0.034), or showed comparable
      binding to both (PvRBP2a/2-P2, P = 0.38). Furthermore, we measured levels of
      total and IgG subclasses 1, 2, 3 and 4 to the six PvRBPs in a cohort of young
      Papua New Guinean children, and assessed their relationship with prospective risk
      of P. vivax malaria. Children had substantial, highly correlated (rho = 0.49
      0.82, P<0.001) antibody levels to all six PvRBPs, with dominant IgG1 and IgG3
      subclasses. Both total IgG (Incidence Rate Ratio [IRR] 0.63-0.73, P = 0.008
      0.041) and IgG1 (IRR 0.56-0.69, P = 0.001-0.035) to PvRBP2b and PvRBP1a were
      strongly associated with reduced risk of vivax-malaria, independently of age and
      exposure. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: These results demonstrate a diversity of
      erythrocyte-binding phenotypes of PvRBPs, indicating binding to both reticulocyte
      specific and normocyte-specific ligands. Our findings provide further insights
      into the naturally acquired immunity to P. vivax and highlight the importance of
      PvRBP proteins as targets of naturally acquired humoral immunity. In-depth
      studies of the role of PvRBPs in P. vivax invasion and functional validation of
      the role of anti-PvRBP antibodies in clinical immunity against P. vivax are now
      required to confirm the potential of the reticulocyte-binding PvRBP2b and PvRBP1a
      as vaccine candidate antigens.

PMID- 27677184
TI  - A Positive Selection for Nucleoside Kinases in E. coli.
AB  - Engineering heterologous nucleoside kinases inside E. coli is a difficult process
      due to the integral role nucleosides play in cell division and transcription.
      Nucleoside analogs are used in many kinase screens that depend on cellular
      metabolization of the analogs. However, metabolic activation of these analogs can
      be toxic through disruptions of DNA replication and transcription because of the
      analogs' structural similarities to native nucleosides. Furthermore, the activity
      of engineered kinases can be masked by endogenous kinases in the cytoplasm, which
      leads to more difficulties in assessing target activity. A positive selection
      method that can discern a heterologous kinases' enzymatic activity without
      significantly influencing the cell's normal metabolic systems would be
      beneficial. We have developed a means to select for a nucleoside kinase's
      activity by transporting the kinase to the periplasmic space of an E. coli strain
      that has its PhoA alkaline phosphatase knocked out. Our proof-of-principle
      studies demonstrate that the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) can
      be transported to the periplasmic space in functional form by attaching a tat
      signal sequence to the N-terminus of the protein. HSV-TK phosphorylates the toxic
      nucleoside analog 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine (AZT), and this charged,
      monophosphate form of AZT cannot cross the inner membrane. The translocation of
      HSV-TK provides significant resistance to AZT when compared to bacteria lacking a
      periplasmic HSV-TK. However, resistance decreased dramatically above 40 MUg/ml
      AZT. We propose that this threshold can be used to select for higher activity
      variants of HSV-TK and other nucleoside kinases in a manner that overcomes the
      efficiency and localization issues of previous selection schemes. Furthermore,
      our selection strategy should be a general strategy to select or evaluate
      nucleoside kinases that phosphorylate nucleosides such as prodrugs that would
      otherwise be toxic to E. coli.

PMID- 27677186
TI  - Putative Tumor Suppressor Genes EGR1 and BRSK1 Are Mutated in Gastric and
      Colorectal Cancers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The transcription factor-encoding EGR1 and the kinase-encoding BRSK1
      are considered putative tumor suppressor genes (TSGs). However, EGR1 and BRSK1
      mutations that could inactivate their functions are not reported in colorectal
      (CRC) and gastric (GC) cancers. METHODS: There are mononucleotide repeats in EGR1
      and BRSK1, which could be mutated in cancers with defects in mismatch repair,
      resulting in microsatellite instability (MSI). We analyzed 124 CRCs and 79 GCs
      for mutations and their intratumoral heterogeneities (ITHs). RESULTS: Twenty-one
      out of 79 CRCs (26.6%) and 5 out of 34 GCs (14.7%) carrying high MSI (MSI-H)
      exhibited frameshift mutations. However, we found no such mutations in cancers
      with microsatellite stability. In addition, we studied ITH for these mutations in
      16 cases of CRCs and observed that EGR1 and BRSK1 mutations exhibited ITH in 3
      (18.8%) and 2 (12.5%) cases, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our data in this study
      reveal that the TSG genes EGR1 and BRSK1 carry mutational ITH as well as
      frameshift mutations in MSI-H CRC and GC, which together may be features of GC
      and CRC with MSI-H. These results suggest that frameshift mutations of EGR1 and
      BRSK1 might play a role in tumorigenesis through TSG inactivation in CRC and GC.

PMID- 27677185
TI  - Lipoic Acid Use and Functional Outcomes after Thrombolysis in Patients with Acute
      Ischemic Stroke and Diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Alpha-lipoic acid (aLA) is a strong antioxidant commonly used for
      treating diabetic polyneuropathy. Previously, we demonstrated the
      neurorestorative effects of aLA after cerebral ischemia in rats. However, its
      effects on patients with stroke remain unknown. We investigated whether patients
      treated with aLA have better functional outcomes after acute ischemic stroke
      (AIS) and reperfusion therapy than patients not receiving aLA. METHODS: In this
      retrospective study of 172 prospectively registered patients with diabetes and
      AIS treated with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), we investigated the
      relationship between aLA use and functional outcome both after 3 months and after
      1 year. The functional outcomes included occurrence of hemorrhagic transformation
      (HT), early neurological deterioration (END), and early clinical improvement
      (ECI). Favorable outcomes were defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores of 0
      2. RESULTS: Of the 172 patients with AIS and diabetes, 47 (27.3%) used aLA. In
      the entire cohort, favorable outcomes occurred at significantly higher rates both
      at 3 months and at 1 year in those treated with aLA. The risks for END and HT
      were lower and the occurrence of ECI was higher in patients treated with aLA. In
      multivariable analysis, aLA use was associated with favorable outcomes both at 3
      months and at 1 year. Age, HT, and increased National Institutes of Health Stroke
      Scale scores were negative predictors of a favorable outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The
      use of aLA in patients with AIS and diabetes who are treated with tPA is
      associated with favorable outcomes. These results indicate that aLA could be a
      useful intervention for the treatment of AIS after reperfusion therapy.

PMID- 27677187
TI  - Bioinspired decision architectures containing host and microbiome processing
      units.
AB  - Biomimetic robots have been used to explore and explain natural phenomena ranging
      from the coordination of ants to the locomotion of lizards. Here, we developed a
      series of decision architectures inspired by the information exchange between a
      host organism and its microbiome. We first modeled the biochemical exchanges of a
      population of synthetically engineered E. coli. We then built a physical,
      differential drive robot that contained an integrated, onboard computer vision
      system. A relay was established between the simulated population of cells and the
      robot's microcontroller. By placing the robot within a target-containing a two
      dimensional arena, we explored how different aspects of the simulated cells and
      the robot's microcontroller could be integrated to form hybrid decision
      architectures. We found that distinct decision architectures allow for us to
      develop models of computation with specific strengths such as runtime efficiency
      or minimal memory allocation. Taken together, our hybrid decision architectures
      provide a new strategy for developing bioinspired control systems that integrate
      both living and nonliving components.

PMID- 27677189
TI  - The need for a long-term multidisciplinary follow-up in the management of mTBI.

PMID- 27677188
TI  - Canine scent detection for the diagnosis of lung cancer in a screening-like
      situation.
AB  - The prognosis in lung cancer depends largely on early stage detection, and thus
      new screening methods are attracting increasing attention. Canine scent detection
      has shown promising results in lung cancer detection, but there has only been one
      previous study that reproduces a screening-like situation. Here breath samples
      were collected from 122 patients at risk for lung cancer (smokers and ex
      smokers); 29 of the subjects had confirmed diagnosis of lung cancer but had not
      yet been treated and 93 subjects had no signs or symptoms of lung cancer at the
      time of inclusion. The breath samples were presented to a trained sniffer dog
      squadron in a double-blind manner. A rigid scientific protocol was used with
      respect to earlier canine scent detection studies, with one difference: instead
      of offering one in five positive samples to the dogs, we offered a random number
      of positive samples (zero to five). The final positive and negative predictive
      values of 30.9% and 84.0%, respectively, were rather low compared to other
      studies. The results differed from those of previous studies, indicating that
      canine scent detection might not be as powerful as is looked for in real
      screening situations. One main reason for the rather poor performance in our
      setting might be the higher stress from the lack of positive responses for dogs
      and handlers.

PMID- 27677190
TI  - Pharmacokinetic drug evaluation of albutrepenonacog alfa (CSL654) for the
      treatment of hemophilia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Replacement therapy for FVIII/IX in hemophilia A/B is more than 50
      years old following the discovery of cryoprecipitate by Judith Pool in 1964. On
      demand therapy and prophylaxis to treat or prevent bleedings is very demanding
      owing to the short half-life (HL) of factor concentrates (no more than 12-14 h
      for FVIII or 16-18 h for FIX). Patients are very eager to prolong the intervals
      between bolus. The enhanced HL of long-acting recombinant FIX (rFIX) concentrates
      seems to fulfill this expectance. Areas covered: Great improvements have been
      achieved in the bio-engineering of new rFIX concentrates. Production,
      formulation, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, efficacy and tolerability of
      albutrepenonacog alfa (rIX-FP, trade name Idelvion) will be addressed. rIX-FP is
      produced by expression of genetically linked FIX and albumin in Chinese Hamster
      Ovary cells. rIX-FP exhibits a long HL, low clearance and small volume of
      distribution. Expert opinion: There is no doubt that rIX-FP, as well as other
      long-acting rFIX concentrates, will facilitate and improve the adherence to
      therapy of younger hemophilia patients, toddlers and children. Efficacy, safety
      and immunogenicity of rIX-FP must be assessed not only during the regulatory
      clinical trials but also by post-marketing surveillance.

PMID- 27677191
TI  - 24-hour outpatient ECG as a screening method in patients with primary
      hyperparathyroidism.
AB  - PURPOSE: Patients with primary hyperparathyroidism are characterized by increased
      calcium plasma concentrations, which in turn could have a potential to induce ECG
      changes, especially shortening of the QT interval. Therefore, the aim of this
      study was to evaluate, whether the routine 24-hours outpatient ECG monitoring
      could be used for screening the primary hyperparathyroidism. METHODS: Totally, 31
      patients (mean age, 59.2 +/- 12.99 years) with primary hyperparathyroidism were
      compared to 20 healthy controls. All patients underwent mineral metabolism
      biochemical evaluation, ultrasound or scintigraphy of the neck, and a 24-hour
      outpatient ECG. The device detected QT, QTc, and RR intervals during a 24-hour
      period. RESULTS: Significantly higher calcium concentrations were confirmed in
      patients when compared to controls (2.38 +/- 0.12 vs 2.92 +/- 0.29 mmol/l; p <
      0.001). However, no significant differences were found between controls and
      patients in QT interval and overall heart rate. CONCLUSION: Although shortening
      of the QT interval is a common ECG finding in patients with hyperparathyroidism,
      it seems that 24-hour outpatient ECG is not suitable for primary
      hyperparathyroidism screening (Tab. 2, Fig. 4, Ref. 28).

PMID- 27677192
TI  - Does seasonality of births in diabetes mellitus reflect pathogenetic differences?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study indicates that the seasonality of births of patients with
      DM1 and DM2 has occurred in their adolescence or adulthood. BACKGROUND: Patients
      with Diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) with the maturity onset have different
      seasonal birth patterns from those with Diabetes mellitus type 1 (DM1) with the
      maturity onset, or DM1children. METHODS: Monthly numbers of births of 81 and 236
      children with DM1 and DM2, respectively, in adolescent or adult age, were adapted
      to different actual length of calendar months. The 12- and 6-month rhythm was
      tested using the cosinor regression with 95% confidence interval versus the
      hypothesis of null seasonality. RESULTS: Regarding DM1 with maturity onset,
      annual and semiannual rhythm was significant in both genders, with the increase
      in birth numbers from November to January and decrease in March, April and
      August. In DM2, only female data displayed a significant annual rhythm, with an
      increase in birth from April to August and decrease from October to December. 
      CONCLUSION: The birth seasonality related to DM1 in adolescent or adult age
      appears to be reciprocal, compared to DM1 in childhood. For DM2, the seasonality
      of births was found only in females. The increase in female fecundity seems to be
      related to an increase in the risk of DM2 in female offspring. The outcomes could
      help in identifying environmental and endogenous factors related to seasonality
      cycle (Tab. 1, Fig. 1, Ref. 18).

PMID- 27677193
TI  - Effectiveness of breast electrical impedance imaging for clinically suspicious
      breast lesions.
AB  - OBJECTIVES AND BACKGROUND: This study was designed to compare the usefulness of
      the breast electrical conductivity measures performed in a surgical examination
      room against conventional breast screening modalities for identifying the
      symptomatic lesions of the breast tissue. METHODS: A group of 181 patients were
      examined with Ultrasonography (USG), Mammography (MG), Electrical Impedance
      Scanning (EIS) modalities and were followed-up 24 months to clarify in terms of
      the lesion tumour progression relationship. Tumour biopsy was determined as an
      endpoint of the study. RESULTS: According to USG, 13 (7.2 %) lesion were
      suspicious, where as EIS was reported 22 (12.2 %). 2 of these 9 patients were
      presented as BI-RADS 4 and histopathologic result was proven as malignant disease
      during 6 months short-interval follow-up. EIS exhibited compatible sensitivity
      (81.2 %), accuracy (84.6 %) and PPV (81.8 %) rates with USG in BI-RADS 4
      subgroup, combination of these modalities raised sensitivity rates to 92.31 %,
      accuracy and PPV to 100 %. EIS results in BI-RADS 3 subgroup were pointed out
      77.8 % specificity and 87.5 % NPV rates. CONCLUSION: Breast electrical impedance
      measures should be useful to reduce the number of the unnecessary follow-up and
      biopsy rates in the clinical setting (Tab. 2, Fig. 2, Ref. 39).

PMID- 27677194
TI  - The effect of prostaglandin induced labor and selected factors on the occurrence
      and extent of birth-canal injuries.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of labor induction using prostaglandin,
      gestation period and delivery type on the cause and extent of birth-canal
      injuries. METHODS: A retrospective study based on the records of II. GPK UNB
      Ruzinov. The total set (n = 1377) consisted of patients who went into labor in
      second half of the year 2014 at this clinic. The research used categorical data
      divided into groups of factors (induction, week of delivery, type of delivery)
      and birth injuries. Using the chi-square test and Fisher's test we evaluated
      individual statistical dependences. The results with the highest level of
      significance are expressed through contingency tests (Phi coefficient,
      contingency coefficient, Cramer's V). Finally, because of the highest level of
      significance we have done a cohort study to express the incidence of relationship
      between non-operative delivery per vaginam and 1st degree ruptura perieni.
      RESULTS: Labor induction with prostaglandins has a positive impact on the cause
      and extent of birth-canal injuries, namely the increased risk of vaginal walls
      tearing and uterine ruptures. We confirmed that the induction of labor using PG
      carries a demonstrable risk of pregnancy termination by cesarean section (p =
      6.17x10-9). Birth-canal injuries are also affected by the type of delivery. Non
      operative vaginal delivery is a significant risk factor for first-degree perineal
      tear (RR = 25.52 95% CI 10.58, 61.60, OR = 33.06 95% CI 13.51, 80.90).
      Significant risk factors for third-grade perineal tear during vaginal delivery
      are forceps (p = 0.005534) / vacuum extractor (p = 0.03554). CONCLUSION: In a
      group of 1377 patients we have demonstrated that the labor induction with
      prostaglandins, gestation period and type of delivery significantly influence the
      occurrence and extent of birth-canal injuries (Tab. 3, Ref. 9).

PMID- 27677195
TI  - Recidivous cholesteatoma: DWI MR after canal wall up and canal wall down
      mastoidectomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the correlation between preoperative non-echo planar
      diffusion-weighted (non-EPI DWI) MR imaging with surgical findings of recidivous
      middle ear cholesteatoma after canal wall up (CWU) and canal wall down (CWD)
      mastoidectomy. BACKGROUND: The detection of recidive cholesteatoma after CWU and
      after CWD procedures, when the trepanation cavity is spontaneously closed by soft
      tissue, is possible by second-look and revision surgery. However, many cases
      prove to be negative of the disease. To avoid unnecessary operational risks we
      adopted a novel imaging method to evaluate its potential in the detection of
      recidivous cholesteatoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The prospective study included 27
      cases. Fifteen cases were revised after CWD and 12 cases were second-look
      surgeries after CWU procedures. All patients underwent the MR protocol: T2
      weighted, T1-weighted and non-EPI DWI. The finding on MR correlated with
      peroperative presence of cholesteatoma. RESULTS: Non-EPI DWI sequence showed an
      increased signal intensity in 16/27 (59 %) cases. This correlated with surgical
      findings in all 7 patients after CWU and in 8 patients after CWD. The overall
      sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of non-EPI DWI
      were 83.3 %, 88.8 %, 93.8 % and 72.7 %, respectively. DWI presented a sensitivity
      of 100 % and specificity of 85.7 % in the subgroup of patients after CWD
      mastoidectomy. CONCLUSION: Residual and/or recurrent cholesteatoma can be
      accurately detected by DWI MR. It can be used as a screening method to select
      patients, who are indicated to second-look or revision surgery after CWU and CWD
      mastoidectomy (Tab. 1, Fig. 3, Ref. 49).

PMID- 27677196
TI  - Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection and its association with lipid
      profiles.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori, HP)
      infection in subjects receiving routine physical examination and its associations
      with age, sex, body mass index (BMI) and lipid profiles. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Clinical information of 22,103 individuals who took routine physical
      examinations, including that on age, gender, height, weight, triglyceride, total
      cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein
      (LDL) cholesterol and data of HP infection were collected and analyzed. RESULTS:
      H. pylori infection rate in 22,103 subjects taking routine physical examination
      was 44.5 %. More men tended to be infected with H. pylori than women (45.9 % vs
      42.8 %; p < 0.01). The highest positive rate group was in the age group of 30-39
      years (46.8 %) and the lowest rate was in the age group younger than 30 years
      (40.5 %). The obese had higher infection rate than the non-obese (p < 0.01). Mann
      Whitney U test was used to explore the relationships between lipid profiles and
      H. pylori infection. There were significant associations among HDL, triglyceride
      and HP infection (p < 0.01). However, significant differences were not confirmed
      between cholesterol, LDL and H. pylori infection. CONCLUSION: H. pylori infection
      was common among subjects receiving physical examination in Shanghai and it was
      most significantly associated with HDL and triglyceride, indicating that H.
      pylori might be a new cardiovascular risk factor (Tab. 3, Ref. 23).

PMID- 27677197
TI  - Can platelet-rich plasma be used safely in intra-abdominal operations?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: In this study, it was aimed to investigate whether or not platelet
      rich plasma (PRP) causes intra-abdominal adhesions and therefore, whether or not
      PRP can be used safely in intra-abdominal operations. METHODS: Of the total of 35
      animals, 5 were used as donors for the preparation of platelet-rich plasma (PRP).
      The surgical procedures were performed on the remaining 30 animals. These rats
      were randomized and divided into 3 groups of 10. In Group 1, no adhesion
      induction was performed. Adhesion was induced by cecal abrasion and peritoneal
      resection model in Groups II and IIII. In Group 2, no treatment was given. In
      Group 3, 1 cc PRP was applied on the cecum. The rats were sacrificed on
      postoperative day 21. RESULTS: According to adhesion scores, the difference
      between the sham and PRP groups was not statistically significant. There was also
      no significant difference between the control and PRP groups, but the adhesion
      scores in the PRP group was lower than those in the control group. On
      histopathological evaluation, the difference between the sham and PRP groups was
      not statistically significant. There was also no significant difference between
      the control and PRP groups, but the average fibrosis and inflammation scores in
      the PRP group were lower than those in the control group. CONCLUSION: The results
      of the present study have demonstrated that PRP neither reduced nor exacerbated
      postoperative adhesions. Thus, PRP can be used safely in experimental and
      clinical studies where it will be applied intra-abdominally (Tab. 2, Fig. 3, Ref.
      11).

PMID- 27677198
TI  - Effects of beta-glucan on protection of young and aged rats from renal ischemia
      and reperfusion injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ischemia-reperfusion injury is one of the leading causes of acute
      renal failure which is a common clinical event leading to development of chronic
      kidney disease and a high mortality; especially in elderly people. beta-glucans
      are glucose polymer groups with free-radical scavenger, macrophage activator, and
      immune defense inducer functions. We designed this study to determine the
      possible protective effects of beta-glucan against renal ischemia-reperfusion
      injury comparatively in young and aged rats. METHODS: Rats were assigned to the
      following groups: Young and aged sham, young and aged ischemia-reperfusion, young
      and aged beta-glucan, young and aged ischemia-reperfusion+beta-glucan. At the end
      of the experiment, following collection of blood samples, rats were sacrificed
      and kidneys were removed for histopathological and biochemical examination.
      RESULTS: Mean tissue histopathological damage scores of young beta-glucan group
      was lower than that of young ischemia-reperfusion group, and of aged beta-glucan
      group was lower than that of aged ischemia-reperfusion group. Urea and creatinine
      levels of young and aged of sham group and beta-glucan administered groups were
      all lower than those of ischemia-reperfusion and beta-glucan+ischemia-reperfusion
      groups. Oxidative stress indexes of ischemia-reperfusion groups were increased
      however ; oxidative stress indexes of beta-glucan administered to young and aged
      rats were lower than those of ischemia-reperfusion groups. CONCLUSIONS: We
      conclude that beta-glucan is effective to protect kidneys from ischemia
      reperfusion-induced oxidative damage, especially in young rats (Fig. 6, Ref. 45).

PMID- 27677199
TI  - Dexmedetomidine protected COPD-induced lung injury by regulating miRNA-146a.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the mechanism of protection provided by dexmedetomidine
      against COPD-induced lung injury. METHODS: COPD rat model was determined by
      measuring lung function, and comparing HE staining between two different groups.
      We got the lung tissue and cells from the control and COPD groups. The cells were
      divided into three groups: control group, and blank and drug groups that were
      from the COPD rats. Cell apoptosis, relative gene expression and TNF-alpha and IL
      1beta from nutrient solution were measured. RESULTS: The TV, PEF, EF50, FEV0.3
      and FEV0.3/FVC in COPD group were significantly lower than in control group
      (1.26+/-0.17 vs 2.65+/-0.21; 17.61+/-0.35 vs 38.55+/-0.24; 1.20+/-0.14 vs 1.81+/
      0.06; 2.52+/-0.28 vs 4.44+/-0.26; 63.39+/-0.22 vs 88.45+/-0.34, p < 0.05,
      respectively). Cell apoptosis was significantly different in blank and drug
      groups (21.65+/-0.86 vs 10.74+/-0.15; p < 0.05, respectively). The gene
      expressions of miRNA-146a, p53 and Bcl-2 were significantly downregulated
      compared with blank group. CONCLUSION: Dexmedetomidine protected COPD-induced
      lung injury by inhibiting miRNA-146a expression to reduce cell apoptosis (Tab. 1,
      Fig. 3, Ref. 25).

PMID- 27677200
TI  - Phenytoin accelerates tendon healing in a rat model of Achilles tendon rupture.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Tendons are vulnerable to various types of acute or chronic
      injures. Different methods have been investigated to achieve better healing.
      Phenytoin is a drug which could stimulate fibroblasts to produce collagen. This
      experimental study was performed to assess the effect of phenytoin on tendon
      healing in a rat model of tendon rupture. METHODS: Thirty healthy rats were
      divided into 3 groups, 1) Sham group; 2) Tendon rupture; 3) Tendon
      rupture+phenytoin (100 mg/kg intraperitoneally) for 21 days. On 21st day after
      tendon injury, the rats were anesthetized and tendon tissue was sampled for
      studying by light and electron microscopy. RESULTS: Qualitative and quantitative
      microscopic comparisons of the repair tissues of both groups were made on the
      21st day. The results obtained from light and electron microscopy studies showed
      that tendon tissue healing was significantly better in phenytoin group compared
      to the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Systemic administration of
      phenytoin may have a positive effect on tendon healing by increasing fibroblast
      quantity, fibrillar collagen synthesis, vascularity, and suppressing inflammation
      (Tab. 2, Ref. 25).

PMID- 27677201
TI  - Body proportions as possible predictors for free gracilis one-stage facial
      reanimation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gracilis muscle and its motor nerve belongs to most commonly used
      flap for facial reanimation. However, it is performed in two steps, which is time
      consuming. One stage technique can be also performed, but the length of the motor
      nerve cannot be currently determined before surgery. AIM: The present study was
      conducted in order to evaluate the body composition on the length and suitability
      of the motor nerve of gracilis muscle for one stage facial reanimation. METHODS:
      The gracilis flaps along with the motoric nerve were dissected from 20 fresh
      cadavers (6 females, 14 males). The length of the lower extremity from superior
      iliac anterior spine to the bottom of the heel and BMI were measured. Regression
      analysis of lower extremity length and BMI to the actual length of the motor
      nerve of gracilis flap was performed. RESULTS: The linear regression analysis
      showed a positive correlation between the length of the lower limb and the size
      of the motor nerve length (r = 0.5060, p < 0.05), as well as between the BMI and
      the size of the motor nerve length (r = 0.5073, p < 0.05). Also, the males had
      longer motor nerve when compared to females by 13 % (p < 0.05). No difference
      between females and males in BMI was observed. CONCLUSION: The length from the
      superior iliac anterior spine, BMI and gender seemed to be potential factors that
      could help to predict the length of the gracilis flap motor nerve for the one
      stage facial reanimation. However, further studies evaluating other anatomical
      factors and validating the possible prediction rule for one stage reanimation
      success are needed (Fig. 3, Ref. 14).

PMID- 27677202
TI  - Robust and High-Throughput Method for Anionic Metabolite Profiling: Preventing
      Polyimide Aminolysis and Capillary Breakages under Alkaline Conditions in
      Capillary Electrophoresis-Mass Spectrometry.
AB  - Capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry (CE-MS) represents a high efficiency
      microscale separation platform for untargeted profiling of polar/ionic
      metabolites that is ideal for volume-restricted biological specimens with minimal
      sample workup. Despite these advantages, the long-term stability of CE-MS remains
      a major obstacle hampering its widespread application in metabolomics notably for
      routine analysis of anionic metabolites under negative ion mode conditions.
      Herein, we report for the first time that commonly used ammonia containing
      buffers compatible with electrospray ionization (ESI)-MS can compromise the
      integrity of fused-silica capillaries via aminolysis of their outer polyimide
      coating. Unlike organic solvent swelling effects, this chemical process occurs
      under aqueous conditions that is dependent on ammonia concentration, buffer pH,
      and exposure time resulting in a higher incidence of capillary fractures and
      current errors during extended operation. Prevention of polyimide aminolysis is
      achieved by using weakly alkaline ammonia containing buffers (pH < 9) in order to
      preserve the tensile strength of the polyimide coated fused-silica capillary.
      Alternatively, less nucleophilic primary/secondary amines can be used as
      electrolytes without polyimide degradation, whereas chemically resistant
      polytetrafluoroethylene coating materials offer higher pH tolerance in ammonia.
      In this work, multisegment injection (MSI)-CE-MS was used as multiplexed
      separation platform for high throughput profiling of anionic metabolites when
      using optimized buffer conditions to prevent polyimide degradation. A diverse
      range of acidic metabolites in human urine were reliably measured by MSI-CE-MS
      via serial injection of seven urine samples within a single run, including
      organic acids, food-specific markers, microbial-derived compounds and over-the
      counter drugs as their sulfate and glucuronide conjugates. This approach offers
      excellent throughput (<5 min/sample) and acceptable intermediate precision
      (average CV ~ 16%) with high separation efficiency as reflected analysis of 30
      anionic metabolites following 238 repeated sample injections of human urine over
      3 days while using a single nonisotope internal standard for data normalization.
      Careful optimization and rigorous validation of CE-MS protocols are crucial for
      developing a rapid, low cost, and robust screening platform for metabolomics that
      is amenable to large-scale clinical and epidemiological studies.

PMID- 27677203
TI  - Antioxidant Mechanism of Betaine without Free Radical Scavenging Ability.
AB  - Betaine (BET) is a native compound widely studied as an antioxidant in
      agriculture and human health. However, the antioxidant mechanism of BET remains
      unclear. In this research, radical scavenging assays showed that BET had little
      free radical scavenging activity. However, the antioxidant activity of BET was
      confirmed by cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) and erythrocyte hemolysis
      assays. The results of quantitative PCR (qPCR) and enzyme activity determination
      kits showed that the antioxidant activity of BET was not due to the gene
      expression and activity of antioxidases. High-pressure liquid chromatography
      (HPLC) assessment of the effect of BET on sulfur-containing amino acid metabolism
      showed that BET increased the levels of nonenzymatic antioxidants,S
      adenosylmethionine (SAM) and methionine (p < 0.05), via the regulation of the
      methionine-omocysteine cycle. Additionally, the three methyl groups of BET were
      found to play a key role in its antioxidant activity. The possible reason was
      that because of the hydrophobicity of the three methyl groups and hydrophilicity
      of the carboxyl of BET, a tight protective membrane was formed around cells to
      prevent oxidative stress inducer from inducing ROS generation and cell damage. In
      conclusion, the antioxidant mechanism of BET was found to enhance nonenzymatic
      antioxidant defenses via the methionine-homocysteine cycle and form a protective
      membrane around cells.

PMID- 27677204
TI  - Induction of labor in elderly nulliparous women.
AB  - PURPOSE: Maternal age is an important consideration for antenatal care, labor and
      delivery. We aimed to evaluate the induction of labor (IoL) failure rates among
      elderly nulliparous women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective
      analysis of all nulliparous women at 34 + 0 to 41 + 6 weeks, undergoing cervical
      ripening by prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) vaginal insert. Study group included elderly
      (>=35 years) nulliparous and control group included non-elderly (<35 years)
      nulliparous women. Primary outcome was IoL failure rate and secondary outcome was
      cesarean delivery rate. Outcomes were compared between the groups by univariate
      analysis followed by regression analysis to adjust results to potential
      confounders. RESULTS: Of 537 women undergoing IoL, 69 (12.8%) were elderly. The
      univariate analysis demonstrated no difference in IoL failure rate (26.5% versus
      34.8%, p = 0.502) between groups. However, elderly nulliparous women had higher
      rates of cesarean delivery (36.2% versus 21.4%, p = 0.009). This difference was
      no longer significant after adjustment for maternal body mass index, indication
      for delivery, birth weight and gestational age at delivery. CONCLUSION: Among
      nulliparous women, older maternal age is not associated with higher rates of IoL
      failure or cesarean deliveries.

PMID- 27677206
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 27677205
TI  - Teaching population health: using the classroom as a bridge to the community.

PMID- 27677207
TI  - Association of intimate partner violence with sociodemographic factors in married
      women: a population-based study in Iran.
AB  - Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a neglected public health issue in Iran. This
      study was conducted among married women residing in urban Rasht (northern Iran),
      to estimate the prevalence and frequency of different forms of IPV from husband
      and their associations with socio-demographic factors. We carried out a
      population-based cross-sectional survey with cluster sampling design from
      February to October 2015. The samples consisted of married women aged >= 18 years
      with total household in Rasht city (north Iran) as the sample frame. We
      administered the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS-2) to estimate prevalence of
      past-year IPV. Of 2091 women, 57.1% had suffered psychological aggression, 27.6%
      physical abuse, 26.6% sexual abuse, and 6.9% injury. A significant association
      with IPV was found for women with, age <= 40 years, unemployed, low education,
      husband's addiction and rented-householders. Women who experienced physical
      abuse, had less age at marriage than women without violence. Also women with
      sexual coercion had less length of marriage than other non-abused women. On
      logistic regression, the strongest predictor of psychological, physical and
      sexual abuse was unemployment of spouse, whereas for injury it was low
      educational level (<12 years) of women. Our findings suggest that risk of IPV is
      high in our population. There is an obvious need of preventive and treatment
      activities. Our findings point at that various forms of abuse are different from
      each other in terms of differing characteristics of the perpetrators and it might
      be that also different strategies are needed to reduce and prevent these
      violence. Confirmation by further research is needed.

PMID- 27677208
TI  - Preselection test of jury for improvement of olfactometric certification
      efficiency.
AB  - To certificate an olfactometric jury, laboratories usually follow up the panelist
      screening methodology described in the European Standard EN 13725/2003. The
      procedure takes a lot of time, labour and money. In laboratory routine of LCQAr -
      Laboratory of Air Quality Control, of Federal University of Santa Catarina,
      Brazil, it was found that the efficiency of jury approvals used to be as low as
      around 30%. In order to improve the efficiency, a quick preselection test was
      proposed and tried for late certification recommended by EN 13725. The
      methodology to create the preselection test was based on the conceptions of the
      standards EN 13725 (CEN, 2003), ASTM 679 (2011) and ASTM 544 (2010). In the trial
      test, 31 volunteers participated and then screened according to the EN13725
      standard. It was verified that the efficiency increased to 46% from about 30%
      after the introduction of the preselection test. The experiments were conducted
      at LCQAr, with the contribution of Water Research Centre of University of New
      South Wales, Australia.

PMID- 27677210
TI  - Rapidly progressive infiltrated plaques in a transplant recipient.

PMID- 27677209
TI  - Mechanical antihypersensitivity effect induced by repeated spinal administrations
      of a TRPA1 antagonist or a gap junction decoupler in peripheral neuropathy.
AB  - Spinal transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channel is associated with
      various pain hypersensitivity conditions. Spinally, TRPA1 is expressed by central
      terminals of nociceptive nerve fibers and astrocytes. Among potential endogenous
      agonists of TRPA1 is H2O2 generated by d-amino acid oxidase (DAAO) in astrocytes.
      Here we studied whether prolonged block of the spinal TRPA1 or astrocytes
      starting at time of injury attenuates development and/or maintenance of
      neuropathic hypersensitivity. Additionally, TRPA1 and DAAO mRNA were determined
      in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and spinal dorsal horn (SDH). Experiments were
      performed in rats with spared nerve injury (SNI) and chronic intrathecal
      catheter. Drugs were administered twice daily for the first seven injury days or
      only once seven days after injury. Mechanical hypersensitivity was assessed with
      monofilaments. Acute and prolonged treatment with Chembridge-5861528 (a TRPA1
      antagonist), carbenoxolone (an inhibitor of activated astrocytes), or gabapentin
      (a comparison drug) attenuated tactile allodynia-like responses evoked by low
      (2g) stimulus. However, antihypersensitivity effect of these compounds was short
      of significance at a high (15g) stimulus intensity. No preemptive effects were
      observed. In healthy controls, carbenoxolone failed to prevent hypersensitivity
      induced by spinal cinnamaldehyde, a TRPA1 agonist. TRPA1 and DAAO mRNA in the DRG
      but not SDH were slightly increased in SNI, independent of drug treatment. The
      results indicate that prolonged peri-injury block of spinal TRPA1 or inhibition
      of spinal astrocyte activation attenuates maintenance but not development of
      mechanical (tactile allodynia-like) hypersensitivity after nerve injury.

PMID- 27677211
TI  - Targeted deletion of the Kv6.4 subunit causes male sterility due to disturbed
      spermiogenesis.
AB  - Electrically silent voltage-gated potassium (KvS) channel subunits (i.e. Kv5-Kv6
      and Kv8-Kv9) do not form functional homotetrameric Kv channels, but co-assemble
      with Kv2 subunits, generating functional heterotetrameric Kv2--KvS channel
      complexes in which the KvS subunits modulate the Kv2 channel properties. Several
      KvS subunits are expressed in testis tissue but knowledge about their
      contribution to testis physiology is lacking. Here, we report that the targeted
      deletion of Kv6.4 in a transgenic mouse model (Kcng4-/-) causes male sterility as
      offspring from homozygous females were only obtained after mating with wild-type
      (WT) or heterozygous males. Semen quality analysis revealed that the sterility of
      the homozygous males was caused by a severe reduction in total sperm-cell count
      and the absence of motile spermatozoa in the semen. Furthermore, spermatozoa of
      homozygous mice showed an abnormal morphology characterised by a smaller head and
      a shorter tail compared with WT spermatozoa. Comparison of WT and Kcng4-/-
      testicular tissue indicated that this inability to produce (normal) spermatozoa
      was due to disturbed spermiogenesis. These results suggest that Kv6.4 subunits
      are involved in the regulation of the late stages of spermatogenesis, which makes
      them a potentially interesting pharmacological target for the development of non
      hormonal male contraceptives.

PMID- 27677212
TI  - Effects of flavonol glycosides on liposome stability during freezing and drying.
AB  - Flavonoids are a large and diverse group of plant secondary metabolites that are
      mainly present as glycosides. They are often accumulated in response to abiotic
      stresses such as UV radiation, drought, cold and freezing. The most extensively
      studied function of flavonoids is their antioxidant activity although their
      importance as antioxidants in plants has been questioned. We therefore aim to
      study effects of flavonols on cellular stress tolerance that are independent of
      their antioxidant function. Here we investigate the effects of the glycosylated
      flavonols kaempferol-3-O-glucoside, kaempferol-7-O-glucoside, quercetin-3-O
      glucoside and quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside on liposome stability after freezing and
      drying. Insertion of flavonols in lipid bilayers destabilized egg
      phosphatidylcholine (EPC) liposomes and to a lesser extent vesicles made from
      equal proportions of EPC and egg phosphatidylethanolamine (EPE) during a freeze
      thaw cycle, while liposomes containing the unsaturated non-bilayer lipid 18:2 PE
      were either unaffected or slightly stabilized. In general, the kaempferol
      derivatives were more destabilizing for liposomes during freezing than the
      quercetin derivatives. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that all
      flavonols were localized in the interfacial region of the lipid bilayers, forming
      H-bonds with the lipid phosphate and carbonyl groups. The phase transition
      temperature of dry 16:0/18:1 PC (POPC) and POPC/EPE liposomes was decreased by 75
      degrees C and 55 degrees C, respectively. Changes in the vibration bands
      attributed to the phenolic ring structures of the flavonols in the presence of
      liposomes provided further evidence of interactions of these molecules in
      particular with the interfacial region of the bilayers.

PMID- 27677213
TI  - Effect of dental technician disparities on the 3-dimensional accuracy of
      definitive casts.
AB  - STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Studies that evaluated the effect of dental technician
      disparities on the accuracy of presectioned and postsectioned definitive casts
      are lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the
      accuracy of presectioned and postsectioned definitive casts fabricated by
      different dental technicians by using a 3-dimensional computer-aided measurement
      method. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An arch-shaped metal master model consisting of 5
      abutments resembling prepared mandibular incisors, canines, and first molars and
      with a 6-degree total angle of convergence was designed and fabricated by
      computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) technology.
      Complete arch impressions were made (N=110) from the master model, using
      polyvinyl siloxane (PVS) and delivered to 11 dental technicians. Each technician
      fabricated 10 definitive casts with dental stone, and the obtained casts were
      numbered. All casts were sectioned, and removable dies were obtained. The master
      model and the presectioned and postsectioned definitive casts were digitized with
      an extraoral scanner, and the virtual master model and virtual presectioned and
      postsectioned definitive casts were obtained. All definitive casts were compared
      with the master model by using computer-aided measurements, and the 3-dimensional
      accuracy of the definitive casts was determined with best fit alignment and
      represented in color-coded maps. Differences were analyzed using univariate
      analyses of variance, and the Tukey honest significant differences post hoc tests
      were used for multiple comparisons (alpha=.05). RESULTS: The accuracy of
      presectioned and postsectioned definitive casts was significantly affected by
      dental technician disparities (P<.001). The largest dimensional changes were
      detected in the anterior abutments of both of the definitive casts. The changes
      mostly occurred in the mesiodistal dimension (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Within the
      limitations of this in vitro study, the accuracy of presectioned and
      postsectioned definitive casts is susceptible to dental technician differences.

PMID- 27677215
TI  - Retentive strength of implant-supported CAD-CAM lithium disilicate crowns on
      zirconia custom abutments using 6 different cements.
AB  - STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The optimal retention of implant-supported ceramic crowns
      on zirconia abutments is a goal of prosthodontic treatment. PURPOSE: The purpose
      of this in vitro study was to evaluate the retentive strength of implant
      supported IPS e.max CAD-CAM (e.max) crowns bonded to custom zirconia implant
      abutments with different cements. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An optical scan of a
      zirconia custom abutment and a complete-coverage modified crown was designed
      using an intraoral E4D scanner. One hundred twenty lithium disilicate crowns (IPS
      e.max CAD) were cemented to 120 zirconia abutment replicas with 1 of 6 cements:
      Panavia 21 (P21), Multilink Hybrid Abutment (MHA), RelyX Unicem 2 (RXU), RelyX
      Luting Plus (RLP), Ketac Cem (KC), and Premier Implant (PI). The specimens were
      stored at 37 degrees C in 100% humidity for 24 hours. Half of the specimens were
      thermocycled for 500 cycles. The retentive force was measured using a pull-out
      test with a universal testing machine. Mean retentive strengths (MRS) were
      calculated using 2-way ANOVA and the Tukey-Kramer test (alpha=.05). RESULTS: The
      MRS (MPa) after 24-hour storage were P21 (3.1), MHA (2.5), RXU (2.5), RLP (1.3),
      KC (0.9), and PI (0.5). The MRS after thermocycling were MHA (2.5), P21 (2.2),
      RLP (1.8), KC (1.4), RXU (1.1), and PI (0.3). P21 had the highest MRS after 24
      hour storage (P<.001), but after thermocycling MHA had the highest MRS (P<.001).
      RXU showed a significant decrease in MRS after thermocycling (P<.05). Cement
      residue was mostly retained on the zirconia abutments for P21, while for the
      other cements' residue was retained on the lithium disilicate crowns.
      CONCLUSIONS: The cements tested presented a range of retentive strengths,
      providing the clinician with a choice of more or less retentive cements. MHA was
      the most retentive cement after thermocycling. Thermocycling significantly
      affected the retentive strengths of the P21 and RXU cements.

PMID- 27677214
TI  - Marginal and internal fit of CAD-CAM-fabricated composite resin and ceramic
      crowns scanned by 2 intraoral cameras.
AB  - STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The precision of fit of chairside computer-aided design and
      computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) complete crowns is affected by digital
      impression and restorative material. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study
      was to evaluate by microcomputed tomography (MUCT) the marginal and internal
      adaptation of composite resin and ceramic complete crowns fabricated with 2
      different intraoral cameras and 2 restorative materials. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      Ten extracted human third molars received crown preparations. For each prepared
      molar, 2 digital impressions were made with different intraoral cameras of the
      CEREC system, Bluecam and Omnicam. Four groups were formed: LB (Lava
      Ultimate+Bluecam), EB (Emax+Bluecam), LO (Lava Ultimate+Omnicam), and EO
      (Emax+Omnicam). Before measuring the precision of fit, all crowns were stabilized
      with a silicone material. Each unit (crown + prepared tooth) was imaged with
      MUCT, and marginal and internal discrepancies were analyzed. For the 2D analysis,
      120 measurements were made of each crown for marginal adaptation, 20 for marginal
      discrepancy (MD), and 20 for absolute marginal discrepancy (AMD); and for
      internal adaptation, 40 for axial space (AS) and 40 for occlusal space (OS).
      After reconstructing the 3D images, the average internal space (AIS) was
      calculated by dividing the total volume of the internal space by the contact
      surface. Data were analyzed with 2-way ANOVA and quantile regression. RESULTS:
      Regarding marginal adaptation, no significant differences were observed among
      groups. For internal adaptation measured in the 2D evaluation, a significant
      difference was observed between LO and EO for the AS variable (Mann-Whitney test;
      P<.008). In assessment of AIS by the 3D reconstruction, LB presented
      significantly lower values than the other groups (Tukey post hoc test; P<.05).
      Bluecam presented lower values of AIS than Omnicam, and composite resin crowns
      showed less discrepancy than did ceramic crowns. CONCLUSIONS: The marginal
      adaptations assessed in all groups showed values within the clinically accepted
      range. Moreover, the composite resin blocks associated with the Bluecam intraoral
      camera demonstrated the best results for AIS compared with those of the other
      groups.

PMID- 27677216
TI  - A two-step functional impression technique for the fabrication of an implant
      retained silicone auricular prosthesis.
AB  - Excessive movement of the underlying tissue bed can lead to poor retention of an
      implant-retained silicone auricular prosthesis. This article describes a 2-step
      impression technique with a secondary functional pickup impression of the wax
      pattern. A wide range of tissue movements can be recorded while maintaining a
      stable relationship between the abutment analog assembly and retentive elements.
      The definitive cast is modified accordingly to provide an accurate reproduction
      of the patient's tissues during function, thus, increasing the overall retention
      and stability of the definitive prosthesis.

PMID- 27677217
TI  - Influence of implant number on the movement of mandibular implant overdentures.
AB  - STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The rotational movement of an implant overdenture (IOD) has
      a negative effect on the perceived masticatory ability of the denture wearer.
      However, the influence of implant number on the movement of IODs has not been
      investigated. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the
      denture movement of mandibular IODs anchored by different numbers of implants.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: An edentulous mandibular test model with artificial mucosa
      and 5 experimental overdentures (N=5) was fabricated. The locator attachment
      system with blue nylon inserts was chosen for this study. Three implant positions
      were prepared: anterior midline (1-IOD), bilateral lateral incisor regions (2
      IOD), and anterior midline and bilateral canine regions (3-IOD). Vertical loads
      of 50 N were applied to the mid-anterior region, the left canine region, the left
      premolar region, and the left first molar region. The vertical and horizontal
      displacements at the right distal edge and the vertical displacements at the
      loading point were measured. The displacement values were statistically analyzed
      using a 1-way analysis of variance and the post hoc Tukey honest significant
      difference test with the implant number as a factor. In addition, the values of
      the vertical and horizontal displacements at the distal edge of the overdenture
      were statistically compared using a paired t test, and the values of the vertical
      displacement at the distal edge of the overdenture were statistically analyzed by
      a repeated measures analysis of variance and the post hoc Tukey honest
      significance difference test with the loading point as a factor (a=.05). RESULTS:
      Upon anterior loading, the 2-IOD showed significantly larger vertical
      displacements at the right distal edge than the 1-IOD or 3-IOD (P<.01). The
      horizontal displacements at the right distal edge were small compared with the
      vertical displacements at the same point, although the displacement of the 2-IOD
      was significantly larger than that of the 1-IOD upon anterior loading (P=.03).
      The magnitude of the vertical displacement at the loading point of the 2-IOD was
      significantly larger than that of the 3-IOD upon anterior loading (P<.01). No
      statistically significant differences were shown under the other conditions for
      each loading (P>.05). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this in vitro study,
      the following conclusions were drawn: During mastication with the anterior teeth,
      the use of 2 implants for anchoring an IOD increased the rotation of the denture
      base more than the use of 1 or 3 implants. The horizontal movements of the IODs
      were small compared with the vertical movements. Denture movement under the
      occlusal force in the molar region was smaller than that in the anterior region.

PMID- 27677218
TI  - Practice-based preclinical instruction for gingival displacement with animal
      models.
AB  - STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Gingival displacement is recognized as a substantive and
      difficult procedure in fixed prosthodontics. However, a realistic simulation of
      gingival displacement is unavailable for preclinical dental students. PURPOSE:
      The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether practice-based preclinical
      instruction of gingival displacement with animal models could improve students'
      skill in patient care. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Isolated bovine mandibles (calves
      were younger than 6 months of age) and isolated porcine hemimandibles were
      prepared for this study. Twenty-two general dental practitioners with at least 5
      years of experience were randomly selected and assigned to perform gingival
      displacement on both bovine and porcine jaws. Those practitioners were then asked
      to assess the clinical similarity of gingival displacement between human teeth
      and animal teeth. The data were analyzed with the paired t test (alpha=.05). Upon
      confirmation that the animal jaw provided a similar gingival displacement
      environment to that of human teeth, 80 predoctoral dental students were enrolled
      and randomized into 2 groups. Half of them underwent the new practice-based
      instruction, while the others underwent traditional preclinical teaching only
      (lectures, online video, or live demonstration). After preclinical learning,
      clinical performance in gingival displacement was evaluated for all students in
      terms of the effect of gingival displacement and quality of impression. The data
      were analyzed with the chi-square test (alpha=.05). RESULTS: The dentogingival
      environments of porcine and bovine jaws were similar to those of human jaws, and
      no significant difference was detected between these 2 animal models (P=.178). A
      significant increase occurred in the acceptable rate of the effect of gingival
      displacement (P<.001) and the quality of impression (P<.001) among students who
      received the practice-based instruction compared with those who received
      traditional teaching. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that this practice
      based instruction of gingival displacement with animal models is an effective
      method of promoting dental students' learning of gingival displacement.

PMID- 27677219
TI  - A microcomputed tomography evaluation of the marginal fit of cobalt-chromium
      alloy copings fabricated by new manufacturing techniques and alloy systems.
AB  - STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Although new digital manufacturing techniques are
      attracting interest in dentistry, few studies have comprehensively investigated
      the marginal fit of fixed dental prostheses fabricated with such techniques.
      PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro microcomputed tomography (MUCT) study was
      to evaluate the marginal fit of cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) alloy copings fabricated
      by casting and 3 different computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing
      (CAD-CAM)-based processing techniques and alloy systems. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      Single Co-Cr metal crowns were fabricated using 4 different manufacturing
      techniques: casting (control), milling, selective laser melting, and
      milling/sintering. Two different commercial alloy systems were used for each
      fabrication technique (a total of 8 groups; n=10 for each group). The marginal
      discrepancy and absolute marginal discrepancy of the crowns were determined with
      MUCT. For each specimen, the values were determined from 4 different regions
      (sagittal buccal, sagittal lingual, coronal mesial, and coronal distal) by using
      imaging software and recorded as the average of the 4 readings. For each
      parameter, the results were statistically compared with 2-way analysis of
      variance and appropriate post hoc analysis (using Tukey or Student t test)
      (alpha=.05). RESULTS: The milling and selective laser melting groups showed
      significantly larger marginal discrepancies than the control groups (70.4 +/-12.0
      and 65.3 +/-10.1 MUm, respectively; P<.001), whereas the milling/sintering groups
      exhibited significantly smaller values than the controls (P=.004). The milling
      groups showed significantly larger absolute marginal discrepancy than the control
      groups (137.4 +/-29.0 and 139.2 +/-18.9 MUm, respectively; P<.05). In the
      selective laser melting and milling/sintering groups, the absolute marginal
      discrepancy values were material-specific (P<.05). Nonetheless, the
      milling/sintering groups yielded statistically comparable (P=.935) or smaller
      (P<.001) absolute marginal discrepancies to the control groups. CONCLUSIONS: The
      findings of this in vitro MUCT study showed that the marginal fit values of the
      Co-Cr alloy greatly depended on the fabrication methods and, occasionally, the
      alloy systems. Fixed dental prostheses produced by using the milling/sintering
      technique can be considered clinically acceptable in terms of marginal fit.

PMID- 27677220
TI  - Randomized controlled within-subject evaluation of digital and conventional
      workflows for the fabrication of lithium disilicate single crowns. Part III:
      marginal and internal fit.
AB  - STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Trials comparing the overall performance of digital with
      that of conventional workflows in restorative dentistry are needed. PURPOSE: The
      purpose of the third part of a series of investigations was to test whether the
      marginal and internal fit of monolithic crowns fabricated with fully digital
      workflows differed from that of crowns fabricated with the conventional workflow.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: In each of 10 participants, 5 monolithic lithium disilicate
      crowns were fabricated for the same abutment tooth according to a randomly
      generated sequence. Digital workflows were applied for the fabrication of 4
      crowns using the Lava, iTero, Cerec inLab, and Cerec infinident systems. The
      conventional workflow included a polyvinyl siloxane impression, manual waxing,
      and heat-press technique. The discrepancy between the crown and the tooth was
      registered using the replica technique with polyvinyl siloxane material. The
      dimensions of the marginal discrepancy (Discrepancymarginal) and the internal
      discrepancy in 4 different regions of interest (Discrepancyshoulder,
      Discrepancyaxial, Discrepancycusp, and Discrepancyocclusal) were assessed using
      light microscopy. Post hoc Student t test with Bonferroni correction was applied
      to detect differences (alpha=.05). RESULTS: Discrepancymarginal was 83.6 +/-51.1
      MUm for the Cerec infinident, 90.4 +/-66.1 MUm for the conventional, 94.3 +/-58.3
      MUm for the Lava, 127.8 +/-58.3 MUm for the iTero, and 141.5 +/-106.2 MUm for the
      Cerec inLab workflow. The differences between the treatment modalities were not
      statistically significant (P>.05). Discrepancyshoulder was 82.2 +/-42.4 MUm for
      the Cerec infinident, 97.2 +/-63.8 MUm for the conventional, 103.4 +/-52.0 MUm
      for the Lava, 133.5 +/-73.0 MUm for the iTero, and 140.0 +/-86.6 MUm for the
      Cerec inLab workflow. Only the differences between the Cerec infinident and the
      Cerec inLab were statistically significant (P=.036). The conventionally
      fabricated crowns revealed significantly lower values in Discrepancycusp and
      Discrepancyocclusal than all the crowns fabricated with digital workflows
      (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: In terms of marginal crown fit, no significant differences
      were found between the conventional and digital workflows for the fabrication of
      monolithic lithium disilicate crowns. In the occlusal regions, the conventionally
      manufactured crowns revealed better fit than the digitally fabricated crowns.
      Chairside milling resulted in less favorable crown fit than centralized milling
      production.

PMID- 27677221
TI  - Puerarin exerts the protective effect against chemical induced dysmetabolism in
      rats.
AB  - In this study, we aim to explore the potential benefits of puerarin on metabolic
      function of liver fibrosis (LF) rat induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), and
      to investigate with the underlying molecular mechanism targeted on liver and
      pancreas tissues. In methodology, The LF rats were prepared through
      intragastrically giving CCl4 twice each week (2ml/kg, v/w) for 8weeks, and dosed
      puerarin (20, 40mg/kg) were given three times each week via intraperitoneal
      injection. After being conducted with oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), the
      blood samples of rat were harvested for biochemical tests, as well as the liver
      and pancreas were isolated for histological examination and biochemical assays.
      The findings showed that puerarin-administered rats resulted in reduced glucose
      tolerance, blood insulin level, sero-enzymes of alanine aminotransferase (ALT)
      and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and increased plasma level of high-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol
      (LDL-C) content in serum. Further, the intrahepatic collagen deposits were
      lessened and positive cell of alpha smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) was lessened
      in puerarin treatment, while the pro-apoptotic cell numbers of Caspase 3, Bax in
      pancreatic islets were reduced dose-dependently. Moreover, the mRNA expressions
      of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) in liver and
      pancreas were downregulated. In addition, TNF-alpha protein in the CCl4-lesioned
      liver and pancreas was reduced. Our findings demonstrate that puerarin
      contributes to attenuating the metabolic dysfunctions of CCl4-damaged liver and
      pancreas, in which the possible mechanisms may be linked to inhibition of
      inflammatory stress and normalization of metabolic homoeostasis in the liver and
      pancreas.

PMID- 27677222
TI  - Correlations of PTEN genetic polymorphisms with the risk of depression and
      depressive symptoms in a Chinese population.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the correlations of three common
      single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the PTEN gene (rs701848 T>C, rs2735343
      G>C and rs112025902 A>T) with the risk of depression and depressive symptoms in a
      Chinese population. METHODS: From July 2011 to June 2013, a total of 384 patients
      with depression and 400 healthy individuals were included in this study. These
      SNPs in the PTEN gene were detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction
      fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and direct sequencing. The Hamilton
      Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) was used to evaluate the severity of depression.
      RESULTS: The C allele of rs701848, the C allele of rs2735343 and the T allele of
      rs112025902 were associated with an increased risk of depression (odds ratio
      [OR]=3.814, 95% CI: 3.093-4.703, P<0.001; OR=2.642, 95% CI: 2.152-3.242, P<0.001;
      OR=2.882, 95% CI: 2.347-3.539, P<0.001; respectively). Depression patients
      carrying C allele (TC+CC) of rs701848 and carrying T allele (AT+TT) of
      rs112025902 had higher HAMD total scores and HAMD anxiety factor scores than
      those carrying TT genotype of rs701848 and carrying AA genotype of rs112025902
      (all P<0.05). Furthermore, depression patients carrying C allele (GC+CC) of
      rs2735343 had lower HAMD total scores and HAMD factors associated with depression
      scores than those carrying GG genotype (both P<0.05). Logistic regression
      analysis revealed that rs701848, rs2735343 and rs112025902 polymorphisms in the
      PTEN gene may be independent risk factors of depression (relative risk
      [RR]=1.807, 95% CI=1.023-3.193, P=0.042; RR=1.759, 95% CI=1.033-2.995, P=0.038;
      RR=1.646, 95% CI=1.018-2.663, P=0.042; respectively). CONCLUSION: Our findings
      provide evidence that rs701848, rs2735343 and rs112025902 polymorphisms in the
      PTEN gene may be correlated with the risk of depression and depressive symptoms
      in the Chinese population.

PMID- 27677224
TI  - Addressing the misdiagnosis of asthma in adults: where does it go wrong?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Asthma is diagnosed based on patients' respiratory symptoms of
      wheeze, cough, chest tightness and/or dyspnea together with physiologic evidence
      of variable and reversible expiratory airflow limitation. A high prevalence of
      overdiagnosis, underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis of adult asthma has been reported
      in the literature. Areas covered: Misdiagnosis of asthma in adults can occur in
      the community due to physicians' failure to confirm airflow limitation using
      spirometry, the relatively poor sensitivity of spirometry to absolutely rule in
      asthma, the complexity of multiple asthma phenotypes and endotypes, and the
      inherent day to day variability of asthma symptoms and airflow limitation.
      Consequences of asthma misdiagnosis to the patient and to the healthcare system
      include increased medication costs, increased potential side effects related to
      unnecessary use of medications and lost opportunities to diagnose the true cause
      of patients' respiratory symptoms. Expert commentary: Here we provide a review of
      the problem of misdiagnosis of adult asthma and suggestions for how to decrease
      the risk of misdiagnosis.

PMID- 27677223
TI  - A novel homozygous variant in SERPINH1 associated with a severe, lethal
      presentation of osteogenesis imperfecta with hydranencephaly.
AB  - Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a genetic disorder characterised by low bone
      mineral density resulting in fractures. 85-90% of patients with OI carry a
      variant in the type 1 collagen genes, COL1A1 and COL1A2, which follows an
      autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance. However, within the last two decades,
      there have been growing number of variants identified in genes that follow an
      autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance. Our proband is a child born in Mexico
      with multiple fractures of ribs, minimal calvarial mineralisation, platyspondyly,
      marked compression and deformed long bones. He also presented with significant
      hydranencephaly, requiring ventilatory support from birth, and died at 8days of
      age. A homozygous c.338_357delins22 variant in exon 2 of SERPINH1 was identified.
      This gene encodes heat shock protein 47, a collagen-specific chaperone which
      binds to the procollagen triple helix and is responsible for collagen
      stabilisation in the endoplasmic reticulum. There is minimal literature on the
      mechanism of action for variants in SERPINH1 resulting in osteogenesis
      imperfecta. Here we discuss this rare, previously unreported variant, and expand
      on the phenotypic presentation of this novel variant resulting in a severe,
      lethal phenotype of OI in association with hydranencephaly.

PMID- 27677225
TI  - beta-Blockers in Decompensated Cirrhosis: More Questions Than Answers.

PMID- 27677226
TI  - The role of endosomal toll-like receptors in asthma.
AB  - Asthma is a heterogeneous inflammatory disease caused by association of genetic
      and environmental factors and its incidence has significantly increased over the
      latest years. The clinical manifestations of asthma are the result of airway
      hyper-reactivity to a variety of triggers such as aeroallergens, viral and
      bacterial components. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are pathogen associated
      molecular pattern receptors, which are also expressed in the lung tissue as well
      as in several cells of the innate and adaptive immune system. Ligation of TLRs
      results in alterations in the expression of several inflammatory and anti
      inflammatory mediators, which are known to be involved in the pathogenesis of
      asthma. The endosomal TLRs have been shown to be associated with the induction of
      asthmatic inflammation (TLR3), and with disease exacerbations (TLR7, TLR8 and
      TLR9). Targeting these receptors seems to be an effective choice for suppressing
      airway inflammation, eosinophilia and airway hyperresponsiveness in asthmatic
      patients. In this review we provide information regarding endosomal TLRs and
      their role in the pathogenesis of asthma as well as their potential use as
      targets for the development of novel treatments for the therapy of asthma.

PMID- 27677227
TI  - Realizing topological stability of magnetic helices in exchange-coupled
      multilayers for all-spin-based system.
AB  - Topologically stabilized spin configurations like helices in the form of planar
      domain walls (DWs) or vortex-like structures with magnetic functionalities are
      more often a theoretical prediction rather than experimental realization. In this
      paper we report on the exchange coupling and helical phase characteristics within
      Dy-Fe multilayers. The magnetic hysteresis loops with temperature show an
      exchange bias field of around 1.0 kOe at 10 K. Polarized neutron reflectivity
      reveal (i) ferrimagnetic alignment of the layers at low fields forming twisted
      magnetic helices and a more complicated but stable continuous helical arrangement
      at higher fields (ii) direct evidence of helices in the form of planar 2pi-DWs
      within both layers of Fe and Dy. The helices within the Fe layers are
      topologically stabilized by the reasonably strong induced in-plane
      magnetocrystalline anisotropy of Dy and the exchange coupling at the Fe-Dy
      interfaces. The helices in Dy are plausibly reminiscent of the helical ordering
      at higher temperatures induced by the field history and interfacial strain.
      Stability of the helical order even at large fields have resulted in an effective
      modulation of the periodicity of the spin-density like waves and subsequent
      increase in storage energy. This opens broad perspectives for future scientific
      and technological applications in increasing the energy density for systems in
      the field of all-spin-based engineering which has the potential for energy
      storing elements on nanometer length scales.

PMID- 27677228
TI  - Bone Morphogenetic Protein-7 Antagonizes Myocardial Fibrosis Induced by Atrial
      Fibrillation by Restraining Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-beta)/Smads
      Signaling.
AB  - BACKGROUND This aim of this study was to investigate the expression of BMP-7 in
      atrial fibrillation and illuminate the role of BMP-7 and TGF-beta/Smads signaling
      in myocardial fibrosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS Fibrosis of myocardial fibroblasts
      was induced by TGF-beta1 and the optimal condition was determined by the MTT
      assay. Cells with TGF-beta1 treatment were sub-divided into 4 groups: TGF-beta1
      group, TGF-beta1 + Smad3 siRNA group, TGF-beta1 + BMP-7 group, and TGF-beta1 +
      BMP-7 + Smad1/5 siRNA group. Cells were then analyzed by detecting the expression
      of epithelial cadherin (E-cadherin), collagen I, alpha smooth muscle cell actin
      (alpha-SMA), and activated Smads using Western blot. Mice were injected daily
      with Ach-CaCl2 with or without the addition of BMP-7 and Smad1/5 siRNA over a
      period of 4 weeks. Cardiac functions were tested by echocardiogram assay and
      fibrosis was diagnosed by histopathological examination. Finally, molecule
      biomarkers were detected using standard procedures. RESULTS TGF-beta1 treatment
      significantly down-regulated E-cadherin expression and up-regulated expressions
      of Collagen I, alpha-SMA, and pSmad3 (P<0.05). The effects of TGF-beta1 treatment
      can be significantly suppressed by Smad3 siRNA (P<0.05). Cells in the BMP-7 group
      exhibited significantly higher expression levels of E-cadherin and pSmad1/5
      together with lower expression levels of pSmad3, collagen I, and a-SMA (P<0.05).
      Moreover, Smad1/5 siRNA can substantially repress the effects of BMP-7 (P<0.05)
      and results from the mice model coincided with those in myocardial fibroblasts.
      CONCLUSIONS BMP-7 can regulate TGF-beta1/Smad3 by targeting Smad1/5 to antagonize
      fibrosis in myocardial fibroblasts resulting from atrial fibrillation.

PMID- 27677229
TI  - Risk factors for acute toxoplasmosis in England and Wales.
AB  - Over 300 cases of acute toxoplasmosis are confirmed by reference testing in
      England and Wales annually. We conducted a case-control study to identify risk
      factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection to inform prevention strategies. Twenty
      eight cases and 27 seronegative controls participated. We compared their food
      history and environmental exposures using logistic regression to calculate odds
      ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals in a model controlling for age and sex.
      Univariable analysis showed that the odds of eating beef (OR 10.7, P < 0.001),
      poultry (OR 6.4, P = 0.01) or lamb/mutton (OR 4.9, P = 0.01) was higher for cases
      than controls. After adjustment for potential confounders a strong association
      between beef and infection remained (OR 5.6, P = 0.01). The small sample size was
      a significant limitation and larger studies are needed to fully investigate
      potential risk factors. The study findings emphasize the need to ensure food is
      thoroughly cooked and handled hygienically, especially for those in vulnerable
      groups.

PMID- 27677230
TI  - Calcification response of a key phytoplankton family to millennial-scale
      environmental change.
AB  - Coccolithophores are single-celled photosynthesizing marine algae, responsible
      for half of the calcification in the surface ocean, and exert a strong influence
      on the distribution of carbon among global reservoirs, and thus Earth's climate.
      Calcification in the surface ocean decreases the buffering capacity of seawater
      for CO2, whilst photosynthetic carbon fixation has the opposite effect.
      Experiments in culture have suggested that coccolithophore calcification
      decreases under high CO2 concentrations ([CO2(aq)]) constituting a negative
      feedback. However, the extent to which these results are representative of
      natural populations, and of the response over more than a few hundred generations
      is unclear. Here we describe and apply a novel rationale for size-normalizing the
      mass of the calcite plates produced by the most abundant family of
      coccolithophores, the Noelaerhabdaceae. On average, ancient populations subjected
      to coupled gradual increases in [CO2(aq)] and temperature over a few million
      generations in a natural environment become relatively more highly calcified,
      implying a positive climatic feedback. We hypothesize that this is the result of
      selection manifest in natural populations over millennial timescales, so has
      necessarily eluded laboratory experiments.

PMID- 27677233
TI  - [5-HT3-antagonists as a substitute for metoclopramide and domperidone: a
      literature review].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the anti-emetics metoclopramide and domperidone
      can be replaced by 5-HT3-antagonists, as side effects restrict use of these
      dopamine antagonists. DESIGN: Systematic review. METHOD: We searched the Embase
      and PubMed databases for articles published in the period 1995-October 2015, in
      which the efficacy or side effects of metoclopramide or domperidone were compared
      with at least one of the 5-HT3-antagonists ondansetron, granisetron, tropisetron
      or palonosetron. These had to be randomised controlled clinical studies into the
      known indications for metoclopramide and domperidone for prevention and treatment
      of nausea and vomiting. Two reviewers independently selected articles based on
      the title and abstract, then assessed for eligibility based on the full texts.
      RESULTS: In total, 56 articles were included in this review. The conclusion in 51
      studies was that the efficacy of 5-HT3-antagonists in nausea and vomiting is
      comparable or even superior to that of metoclopramide. Metoclopramide more often
      caused extrapyramidal side effects; 5-HT3-antagonists were more likely to cause
      headaches and constipation. The majority of the studies compared metoclopramide
      with ondansetron. None of the articles studied palonosetron, and only one study
      compared domperidone with a 5-HT3-antagonist. CONCLUSION: We found enough
      evidence to presume that metoclopramide can be replaced by 5-HT3-antagonists for
      preventing delayed chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting and for prophylaxis
      or treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting. More research is needed into
      the other indications and into the substitutability of domperidone.

PMID- 27677231
TI  - Neural mechanisms of cue-approach training.
AB  - Biasing choices may prove a useful way to implement behavior change. Previous
      work has shown that a simple training task (the cue-approach task), which does
      not rely on external reinforcement, can robustly influence choice behavior by
      biasing choice toward items that were targeted during training. In the current
      study, we replicate previous behavioral findings and explore the neural
      mechanisms underlying the shift in preferences following cue-approach training.
      Given recent successes in the development and application of machine learning
      techniques to task-based fMRI data, which have advanced understanding of the
      neural substrates of cognition, we sought to leverage the power of these
      techniques to better understand neural changes during cue-approach training that
      subsequently led to a shift in choice behavior. Contrary to our expectations, we
      found that machine learning techniques applied to fMRI data during non-reinforced
      training were unsuccessful in elucidating the neural mechanism underlying the
      behavioral effect. However, univariate analyses during training revealed that the
      relationship between BOLD and choices for Go items increases as training
      progresses compared to choices of NoGo items primarily in lateral prefrontal
      cortical areas. This new imaging finding suggests that preferences are shifted
      via differential engagement of task control networks that interact with value
      networks during cue-approach training.

PMID- 27677234
TI  - [Real change or natural fluctuation?]
AB  - When monitoring patients over time, it may be difficult to distinguish 'real
      changes' from so-called 'natural fluctuations' when interpreting consecutive
      laboratory results. Consider a patient whose cholesterol level has decreased from
      a baseline 6.6 mmol/L to 6.1 mmol/L six months after receiving lifestyle advice.
      How likely is it that this is a 'real change', reflecting a lifestyle change,
      rather than random fluctuation? Physicians mostly rely on their intuition and
      clinical experience when interpreting changes in consecutive laboratory results.
      For inexperienced physicians, the lack of an easy reference for the
      interpretation of consecutive laboratory results can make decision-making
      challenging. We have developed the medical/educational smartphone app Labtracker+
      that calculates the probability of a 'real change' between two consecutive
      laboratory results, using biological variation data from scientific literature
      and analytical precision that is achieved in contemporary laboratories. This
      approach may complement intuitive, experience-based interpretations of
      consecutive laboratory results.

PMID- 27677232
TI  - Event-related potentials elicited during working memory are altered in mild
      cognitive impairment.
AB  - Persons with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) can experience deficits in working
      memory. In the present study, we investigated working memory in persons with MCI
      and cognitively healthy older adults using event-related potentials (ERPs).
      Participants performed an n-back working memory task with baseline (0-back), low
      load (1-back), and high load (2-back) working memory conditions. MCI
      participants' performance was less accurate than that of healthy older adults in
      both the 1-back and 2-back conditions, and reaction times were longer in MCI than
      control participants in the 0-back, 1-back and 2-back conditions. ERP analyses
      revealed delayed P200 and N200 latencies and smaller P300 amplitudes in MCI
      relative to control participants in the 0-back, 1-back and 2-back conditions.
      Deterioration in working memory performance concomitant with marked
      electrophysiological alterations suggests that persons with MCI exhibit deficits
      in several cognitive processes that include early attention, stimulus
      discrimination and classification, and updating and manipulation of information
      held in working memory.

PMID- 27677236
TI  - [Amoxicillin and paracetamol dosing in children: playing safe].
AB  - Amoxicillin and paracetamol are the two most widely prescribed and recommended
      medicines in children. Due to lack of scientific evidence of the most effective
      dosage, dosing instructions of both medicines are often unclear. In this article
      we challenge general practitioners, paediatricians, child-health clinic
      physicians, ENT specialists, pharmacists and guideline committees to critically
      evaluate the current dosing instructions of these two medicines. The Netherlands
      paediatric formulary, the Kinderformularium, should become the primary formulary
      for children in the Netherlands, but it has to be more in line with daily
      practice, and basic dosing instructions should be less ambiguous: (a) dosing
      instructions based on body weight instead of age; b) in case of pain, paracetamol
      should be given 60 mg/kg/day in four divided doses; (c) in case of common
      uncomplicated infections, amoxicillin should be given orally 60 mg/kg/day in two
      divided doses; (d) the following should be mentioned on the antibiotic
      prescription: the daily dose, the number of divided doses, the duration of
      therapy, the indication for the prescription, and the child's weight. This will
      result in safe prescription of medicines for children, with fewer unnecessary
      disruptive consultations between prescriber and pharmacist.

PMID- 27677235
TI  - [Stress fracture or osteochondral lesion of the navicular bone?]
AB  - BACKGROUND: An osteochondral lesion of the navicular bone in the foot is rare.
      Differentiation from a stress fracture is difficult, since both lesions usually
      present as vague pain in the midfoot in active young adults. However, the typical
      location differs. SPECT-CT allows an etiological diagnosis to be made. As
      management differs for the two lesions, a correct diagnosis is important. CASE
      DESCRIPTION: A 19-year-old male athlete had pain in the dorsal right midfoot on
      weight-bearing. A diagnosis of 'stress fracture of the navicular bone' was made
      on the basis of SPECT-CT. Since conservative therapy did not help, and because
      the location was atypical for a stress fracture, the diagnosis was revised to
      'osteochondral lesion'. CONCLUSION: The key to the diagnosis of osteochondral
      lesion is its location in the central proximal third of the navicular bone.
      Patients with this type of lesion often undergo surgical treatment, whereas
      conservative therapy is sufficient in case of a stress fracture.

PMID- 27677237
TI  - [Cutaneous leishmaniasis in a Syrian refugee].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is rare in the Netherlands, but it is endemic
      to Syria. The disease can manifest itself many years after initial exposure.
      Given the arrival of Syrian refugees in the Netherlands, awareness of this
      disease entity is warranted. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 5-year-old boy from Syria had
      investigations for hepatosplenomegaly. As an incidental finding a solitary,
      moderately demarcated, erythematous plaque was noted on his right cheek. It
      measured 4 * 2 cm and had a central haemorrhagic, exudative, honey-yellow slough.
      Due to the hepatosplenomegaly, as well as cutaneous leishmaniasis we also
      included its visceral form in the differential diagnosis. Additional
      investigations confirmed the diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis. CONCLUSION:
      Given the rising incidence of leishmaniasis in Syria, the diagnosis of cutaneous
      leishmaniasis should be considered in a Syrian refugee who has an ulcerating
      nodule or plaque. A timely local treatment may improve long-term cosmetic
      outcome.

PMID- 27677238
TI  - An electrical probe of the phonon mean-free path spectrum.
AB  - Most studies of the mean-free path accumulation function (MFPAF) rely on optical
      techniques to probe heat transfer at length scales on the order of the phonon
      mean-free path. In this paper, we propose and implement a purely electrical probe
      of the MFPAF that relies on photo-lithographically defined heater-thermometer
      separation to set the length scale. An important advantage of the proposed
      technique is its insensitivity to the thermal interfacial impedance and its
      compatibility with a large array of temperature-controlled chambers that lack
      optical ports. Detailed analysis of the experimental data based on the enhanced
      Fourier law (EFL) demonstrates that heat-carrying phonons in gallium arsenide
      have a much wider mean-free path spectrum than originally thought.

PMID- 27677239
TI  - Irreversible inhibitors of the 3C protease of Coxsackie virus through templated
      assembly of protein-binding fragments.
AB  - Small-molecule fragments binding to biomacromolecules can be starting points for
      the development of drugs, but are often difficult to detect due to low
      affinities. Here we present a strategy that identifies protein-binding fragments
      through their potential to induce the target-guided formation of covalently
      bound, irreversible enzyme inhibitors. A protein-binding nucleophile reacts
      reversibly with a bis-electrophilic warhead, thereby positioning the second
      electrophile in close proximity of the active site of a viral protease, resulting
      in the covalent de-activation of the enzyme. The concept is implemented for
      Coxsackie virus B3 3C protease, a pharmacological target against enteroviral
      infections. Using an aldehyde-epoxide as bis-electrophile, active fragment
      combinations are validated through measuring the protein inactivation rate and by
      detecting covalent protein modification in mass spectrometry. The structure of
      one enzyme-inhibitor complex is determined by X-ray crystallography. The
      presented warhead activation assay provides potent non-peptidic, broad-spectrum
      inhibitors of enteroviral proteases.

PMID- 27677240
TI  - Near-infrared roll-off-free electroluminescence from highly stable
      diketopyrrolopyrrole light emitting diodes.
AB  - Organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) operating in the near-infrared spectral
      region are gaining growing relevance for emerging photonic technologies, such as
      lab-on-chip platforms for medical diagnostics, flexible self-medicated pads for
      photodynamic therapy, night vision and plastic-based telecommunications. The
      achievement of efficient near-infrared electroluminescence from solution
      processed OLEDs is, however, an open challenge due to the low photoluminescence
      efficiency of most narrow-energy-gap organic emitters. Diketopyrrolopyrrole-boron
      complexes are promising candidates to overcome this limitation as they feature
      extremely high photoluminescence quantum yield in the near-infrared region and
      high chemical stability. Here, by incorporating suitably functionalized
      diketopyrrolopyrrole derivatives emitting at ~760 nm in an active matrix of
      poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene-alt-benzothiadiazole) and without using complex light
      out-coupling or encapsulation strategies, we obtain all-solution-processed NIR
      OLEDs with external quantum efficiency as high as 0.5%. Importantly, our test-bed
      devices show no efficiency roll-off even for high current densities and high
      operational stability, retaining over 50% of the initial radiant emittance for
      over 50 hours of continuous operation at 10 mA/cm2, which emphasizes the great
      applicative potential of the proposed strategy.

PMID- 27677241
TI  - First North American experience with the transfemoral ACURATE-neoTM self
      expanding transcatheter aortic bioprosthesis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become a
      therapeutic alternative for patients presenting with severe symptomatic aortic
      stenosis and considered at high-surgical risk. Paravalvular leak (PVL),
      conduction disorders, and coronary obstruction remain unresolved procedure
      related complications. The aim of this manuscript was to report the first North
      American experience with the ACURATE-neoTM aortic bioprosthesis and its ACURATE
      TFTM delivery system (Symetis S.A., Ecublens, Switzerland). METHODS: Transfemoral
      ACURATE-neoTM aortic valve implantation was performed in 20 patients. Clinical
      and echocardiographic assessment was performed at baseline, postprocedure and at
      least 30 days. Outcomes were assessed according to valvular academic research
      consortium (VARC-2) criteria. RESULTS: The mean age was 82.7 +/- 7.0 years with a
      mean logistic-EuroSCORE-II of 5.0 +/- 2.9% and Society of Thoracic Surgeons score
      of 4.7 +/- 2.3%. Device success was achieved in all patients. The mean distance
      between the aortic-annulus and the left main coronary artery ostium was 14.3 +/-
      3.2 mm, and eight (40%) patients had <12 mm. At 30 days, there were no deaths,
      conversions to surgery, or major procedure-related complications. New-pacemaker
      implantation was required in one (5.3%) patient. ACURATE-neoTM implantation
      resulted in a significant reduction in mean transvalvular gradient (49.9 +/- 15.8
      to 9.7 +/- 5.7 mm Hg, P < 0.0001) and increase in effective-orifice area (0.65 +/
      0.16 to 1.83 +/- 0.36 cm2 , P = 0.001) at hospital discharge. Paravalvular leak
      was absent in four (20%) patients, trace in nine (45%) patients, and mild in
      seven (35%) patients. Hospital discharge occurred at a mean of 7.0 +/- 4.5 days,
      and all patients were in NYHA class I-II at a mean follow-up of 8.6 +/- 2.3
      months. CONCLUSION: The present initial North American experience shows that the
      ACURATE-neoTM aortic bioprosthesis was safely and successfully implanted by
      transfemoral approach. The special design of this newer-generation device affords
      a stable and predictable implantation, while providing optimal hemodynamic
      performance with a relatively low rate of PPI. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27677242
TI  - Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy vesus Chemotherapy alone Followed by Surgery for
      Resectable Stage III Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: a Meta-Analysis.
AB  - Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy has been used for the stage III of non-small cell lung
      cancer (NSCLC) and has shown good clinical effects. However, the survival
      benefits of radiation therapy added in induction regimens remains controversial.
      We therefore conducted a meta-analysis of the published clinical trials to
      quantitatively evaluate the benefit of preoperative chemoradiotherapy. After
      searching the database of Pubmed, CNKI, EMBASE, ESMO, The Cochrane Library
      databases, The American Society of Clinical Oncology and Clinical Trials.gov.
      Trials were selected for meta-analysis if they provided an independent assessment
      of neoadjuvant chemoradiation and neoadjuvant chemotherapy, odds ratio(OR) for
      tumor downstaging, mediastinal lymph nodes pathological complete response and
      local control, hazard ratios (HRs) for 5-year survival and progression-free
      survival were pooled by the stata software version 12.0. Twelve studies involving
      2,724 patients were identified, tumor downstaging (p = 0.01), mediastinal lymph
      nodes pathological complete responses (p = 0.028) and local control (P = 0.002)
      were achieved, when compared with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The meta-analysis
      demonstrated neither 5-year survival nor progression-free-survival benefit in
      survival from adding radiation. In conclusion, the addition of radiotherapy into
      chemotherapy was not superior to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The higher quality of
      trials need be investigated combining with the histopathological type and
      genotyping of lung cancer by clinicians.

PMID- 27677243
TI  - Insulin enhanced leptin-induced STAT3 signaling by inducing GRP78.
AB  - Leptin, an adipocyte-derived hormone, centrally regulates energy homeostasis.
      Overlaps in the regulation of glucose and energy homeostasis have been reported
      between leptin and insulin. However, the effects of insulin on leptin's actions
      in the central nervous system (CNS) have not yet been elucidated in detail. In
      the present study, we found that insulin potentiated leptin's actions through
      GRP78 in the neuronal cell line, SH-SY5Y-ObRb. Since insulin induces GRP78, we
      speculated that it may also enhance leptin's actions through this induction. We
      found that insulin enhanced leptin-induced STAT3 phosphorylation and this effect
      was ameliorated by the knockdown of GRP78. The role of GRP78 in leptin's actions
      was also confirmed by impairments in leptin-induced STAT3 phosphorylation in
      HEK293-ObRb cells in which GRP78 was knocked down. Furthermore, we found that the
      overexpression of GRP78 enhanced leptin-induced STAT3 phosphorylation. These
      results suggest that GRP78 plays an important role in leptin's actions.
      Furthermore, insulin may enhance the leptin-induced activation of STAT3 by
      inducing GRP78, which may provide an important connection between insulin and
      leptin in the CNS.

PMID- 27677244
TI  - Forward design of a complex enzyme cascade reaction.
AB  - Enzymatic reaction networks are unique in that one can operate a large number of
      reactions under the same set of conditions concomitantly in one pot, but the
      nonlinear kinetics of the enzymes and the resulting system complexity have so far
      defeated rational design processes for the construction of such complex cascade
      reactions. Here we demonstrate the forward design of an in vitro 10-membered
      system using enzymes from highly regulated biological processes such as
      glycolysis. For this, we adapt the characterization of the biochemical system to
      the needs of classical engineering systems theory: we combine online mass
      spectrometry and continuous system operation to apply standard system theory
      input functions and to use the detailed dynamic system responses to parameterize
      a model of sufficient quality for forward design. This allows the facile
      optimization of a 10-enzyme cascade reaction for fine chemical production
      purposes.

PMID- 27677245
TI  - Evaluation of the thrombus of abdominal aortic aneurysms using contrast enhanced
      ultrasound - preliminary results.
AB  - It is hypothesized that the degree of vascularization of the thrombus may have a
      significant impact on the rupture of aortic aneurysms. The presence of
      neovascularization of the vessel wall and mural thrombus has been confirmed only
      in histopathological studies. However, no non-invasive imaging technique of
      qualitative assessment of thrombus and neovascularization has been implemented so
      far. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has been proposed as a feasible and
      minimally invasive technique for in vivo visualization of neovascularization in
      the evaluation of tumors and atherosclerotic plaques. The aim of this study was
      the evaluation of mural thrombus and AAAs wall with CEUS. CEUS was performed in a
      group of seventeen patients with AAAs. The mural thrombus enhancement was
      recognized in 12 cases, yet no significant correlation between the degree of
      contrast enhancement and AAAs diameter, thrombus width, and thrombus echogenicity
      was found. We observed a rise in AAAs thrombus heterogeneity with the increase in
      the aneurysm diameter (r = 0.62, p = 0.017). In conclusion CEUS can visualize
      small channels within AAAs thrombus, which could be a result of an ongoing
      angiogenesis. There is a need for further research to find out whether the degree
      of vascularization of the thrombus may have a significant impact on the rupture
      of aneurysms.

PMID- 27677247
TI  - Intramyocardial lipoma.

PMID- 27677246
TI  - Vascular patterns in the heads of crocodilians: blood vessels and sites of
      thermal exchange.
AB  - Extant crocodilians are a highly apomorphic archosaur clade that is ectothermic,
      yet often achieve large body sizes that can be subject to higher heat loads.
      Therefore, the anatomical and physiological roles that blood vessels play in
      crocodilian thermoregulation need further investigation to better understand how
      crocodilians establish and maintain cephalic temperatures and regulate
      neurosensory tissue temperatures during basking and normal activities. The
      cephalic vascular anatomy of extant crocodilians, particularly American alligator
      (Alligator mississippiensis) was investigated using a differential-contrast, dual
      vascular injection technique and high resolution X-ray micro-computed tomography
      (MUCT). Blood vessels were digitally isolated to create representations of
      vascular pathways. The specimens were then dissected to confirm CT results. Sites
      of thermal exchange, consisting of the oral, nasal, and orbital regions, were
      given special attention due to their role in evaporative cooling and cephalic
      thermoregulation in other diapsids. Blood vessels to and from sites of thermal
      exchange were studied to detect conserved vascular patterns and to assess their
      ability to deliver cooled blood to neurosensory tissues. Within the orbital
      region, both the arteries and veins demonstrated consistent branching patterns,
      with the supraorbital, infraorbital, and ophthalmotemporal vessels supplying and
      draining the orbit. The venous drainage of the orbital region showed connections
      to the dural sinuses via the orbital veins and cavernous sinus. The palatal
      region demonstrated a vast plexus that comprised both arteries and veins. The
      most direct route of venous drainage of the palatal plexus was through the
      palatomaxillary veins, essentially bypassing neurosensory tissues. Anastomotic
      connections with the nasal region, however, may provide an alternative route for
      palatal venous blood to reach neurosensory tissues. The nasal region in
      crocodilians is probably the most prominent site of thermal exchange, as it
      offers a substantial surface area and is completely surrounded by blood vessels.
      The venous drainage routes from the nasal region offer routes directly to the
      dural venous sinuses and the orbit, offering evidence of the potential to
      directly affect neurosensory tissue temperatures. The evolutionary history of
      crocodilians is complex, with large-bodied, terrestrial, and possibly endothermic
      taxa that may have had to deal with thermal loads that likely provided the
      anatomical building-blocks for such an extensive vascularization of sites of
      thermal exchange. A clear understanding of the physiological abilities and the
      role of blood vessels in the thermoregulation of crocodilians neurosensory
      tissues is not available but vascular anatomical patterns of crocodilian sites of
      thermal exchange indicate possible physiological abilities that may be more
      sophisticated than in other extant diapsids.

PMID- 27677248
TI  - Neural Progenitor Cells Rptor Ablation Impairs Development but Benefits to
      Seizure-Induced Behavioral Abnormalities.
AB  - AIMS: Previous study suggests that mTOR signaling pathway may play an important
      role in epileptogenesis. The present work was designed to explore the
      contribution of raptor protein to the development of epilepsy and comorbidities.
      METHODS: Mice with conditional knockout of raptor protein were generated by cross
      bred Rptorflox/flox mice with nestin-CRE mice. The expression of raptor protein
      was analyzed by Western blotting in brain tissue samples. Neuronal death and
      mossy fiber sprouting were detected by FJB staining and Timm staining,
      respectively. Spontaneous seizures were recorded by EEG-video system. Morris
      water maze, open field test, and excitability test were used to study the
      behaviors of Rptor CKO mice. RESULTS: As the consequence of deleting Rptor,
      downstream proteins of raptor in mTORC1 signaling were partly blocked. Rptor CKO
      mice exhibited decrease in body and brain weight under 7 weeks old and
      accordingly, cortical layer thickness. After kainic acid (KA)-induced status
      epilepticus, overactivation of mTORC1 signaling was markedly reversed in Rptor
      CKO mice. Although low frequency of spontaneous seizure and seldom neuronal cell
      death were observed in both Rptor CKO and control littermates, KA seizure-induced
      mossy fiber spouting were attenuated in Rptor CKO mice. Additionally, cognitive
      deficit and anxiety-like behavior after KA-induced seizures were partly reversed
      in Rptor CKO mice. CONCLUSION: Loss of the Rptor gene in mice neural progenitor
      cells affects normal development in young age and may contribute to alleviate KA
      seizure-induced behavioral abnormalities, suggesting that raptor protein plays an
      important role in seizure comorbidities.

PMID- 27677249
TI  - The decline in synaptic GluN2B and rise in inhibitory neurotransmission determine
      the end of a critical period.
AB  - Neuronal plasticity is especially active in the young, during short windows of
      time termed critical periods, and loss of a critical period leads to functional
      limitations in the adults. The mechanism that governs the length of critical
      periods remains unknown. Here we show that levels of the NMDA receptor GluN2B
      subunit, which functions as a Ca2+ channel, declines in spinal cord synapses
      toward the end of the critical period for activity-dependent corticospinal
      synapse elimination. This period could be prolonged by blocking the decline of
      GluN2B, and after its termination the critical period could be reopened through
      upregulation of GluN2B. It is known that inhibitory neural activity increases
      with development in the CNS including the spinal cord. Suppression of the
      increasing inhibitory activity using low-dose strychnine also prolonged this
      critical period. During the strychnine-widened time window, Ca2+ influx through
      GluN2B channels returned to a level comparable to that seen during the critical
      period, though the level of GluN2B was slightly reduced. These findings indicate
      that loss of GluN2B subunits and the associated reduction in Ca2+ influx
      determines the end of the critical period in our in vitro CS system.

PMID- 27677250
TI  - Clinical pharmacists' opportunities to reduce inappropriate prescription of QT
      prolonging medications: calls to action.
AB  - All biologically active agents carry the potential to lead to adverse reactions
      in certain individuals, including serious cardiac adverse reactions. Since 2005,
      there has been an international regulatory landscape governing the investigation
      of a new drug's propensity to lead to the polymorphic ventricular tachycardia
      Torsades de Pointes (Torsades), a rare but potentially fatal occurrence. When a
      regulatory agency considers it appropriate, warning information is placed in a
      medicine's patient information leaflet (label) concerning drug-induced QT
      interval prolongation, a phenomenon associated with Torsades. In busy hospital
      settings, however, prescribers, including cardiologists, make injudicious
      prescribing decisions that put patients at risk. The science of cardiac safety,
      including the clinical trials that generate the information about QT prolongation
      in patient information leaflets, is frequently not part of the curriculum at
      Schools of Pharmacy. Given that medication-induced cardiotoxicity is extremely
      serious, we advocate that schools integrate the science of cardiac safety into
      existing therapeutics/therapeutic medication monitoring courses. Given their
      expert knowledge of pharmacology, pharmacists working as part of a hospital's
      clinical team would then be even better placed to review prescribing decisions
      concerning medications that prolong the QT interval, and alert prescribers in
      cases where reassessing their decisions seems prudent. National pharmacy
      societies or other pertinent professional societies could create practice
      guidelines to support graduates once employed as clinical pharmacists. Clinical
      pharmacists are well placed to be influential arbiters of safer prescribing
      decisions. Cardiac safety education during their pharmacy training and practice
      guideline support from professional societies during their careers can optimize
      this role.

PMID- 27677251
TI  - Discovery of Escherichia coli CRISPR sequences in an undergraduate laboratory.
AB  - Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPRs) represent a
      novel type of adaptive immune system found in eubacteria and archaebacteria.
      CRISPRs have recently generated a lot of attention due to their unique ability to
      catalog foreign nucleic acids, their ability to destroy foreign nucleic acids in
      a mechanism that shares some similarity to RNA interference, and the ability to
      utilize reconstituted CRISPR systems for genome editing in numerous organisms. In
      order to introduce CRISPR biology into an undergraduate upper-level laboratory, a
      five-week set of exercises was designed to allow students to examine the CRISPR
      status of uncharacterized Escherichia coli strains and to allow the discovery of
      new repeats and spacers. Students started the project by isolating genomic DNA
      from E. coli and amplifying the iap CRISPR locus using the polymerase chain
      reaction (PCR). The PCR products were analyzed by Sanger DNA sequencing, and the
      sequences were examined for the presence of CRISPR repeat sequences. The regions
      between the repeats, the spacers, were extracted and analyzed with BLASTN
      searches. Overall, CRISPR loci were sequenced from several previously
      uncharacterized E. coli strains and one E. coli K-12 strain. Sanger DNA
      sequencing resulted in the discovery of 36 spacer sequences and their
      corresponding surrounding repeat sequences. Five of the spacers were homologous
      to foreign (non-E. coli) DNA. Assessment of the laboratory indicates that
      improvements were made in the ability of students to answer questions relating to
      the structure and function of CRISPRs. Future directions of the laboratory are
      presented and discussed. (c) 2016 by The International Union of Biochemistry and
      Molecular Biology, 45(3):262-269, 2017.

PMID- 27677252
TI  - Efficient Self-Contained Photoacid Generator System Based on Photochromic
      Terarylenes.
AB  - A series of highly sensitive neutral photoacid generators (PAGs) based on
      photochromic terarylenes was prepared. Like the example presented herein, these
      compounds show a subsequent thermal elimination of a Bronsted acid after a light
      triggered 6pi-electrocyclization, concomitant with the hexatriene aromatization.
      A novel type of molecular systems was developed, in which one thiazolyl moiety
      was replaced by a thienyl group. Depending on the solvents and on the nature of
      the acid source, the quantum yield (QY) for acid generation could reach up to
      0.6. Comparative studies on the acid source clearly showed that aromatic leaving
      groups tend to extinguish the molecular system photoefficiency. A second type was
      also prepared, in which the nature of the hetero-aromatic rings were identical to
      our previous example, but their sequence was modified. Therefore, a second level
      of improvement was achieved in nonpolar solvents, pushing the QY value up to 0.7.
      Finally, we demonstrated the mesylic acid-releasing PAG as a photocatalyst in a
      chemically amplified positive resist system.

PMID- 27677254
TI  - Graphene Glass from Direct CVD Routes: Production and Applications.
AB  - Recently, direct chemical vapor deposition (CVD) growth of graphene on various
      types of glasses has emerged as a promising route to produce graphene glass, with
      advantages such as tunable quality, excellent film uniformity and potential
      scalability. Crucial to the performance of this graphene-coated glass is that the
      outstanding properties of graphene are fully retained for endowing glass with new
      surface characteristics, making direct-CVD-derived graphene glass versatile
      enough for developing various applications for daily life. Herein, recent
      advances in the synthesis of graphene glass, particularly via direct CVD
      approaches, are presented. Key applications of such graphene materials in
      transparent conductors, smart windows, simple heating devices, solar-cell
      electrodes, cell culture medium, and water harvesters are also highlighted.

PMID- 27677253
TI  - Lactose malabsorption in systemic sclerosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are no studies on systemic sclerosis (SSc) assessing the
      relationship between food intake, especially lactose, and gastrointestinal
      dysfunction. AIM: To determine the prevalence of lactose malabsorption, using
      lactose breath test, in patients with SSc. To evaluate the correlation between
      lactose malabsorption and gastrointestinal involvement. To predict which SSc
      patients exhibit lactose malabsorption. METHODS: Seventy-seven consecutive
      Caucasian patients with SSc and 20 control subjects underwent lactose breath
      test. All patients also completed a questionnaire on digestive symptoms, and a
      global symptom score (GSS) was calculated. RESULTS: The prevalence of lactose
      malabsorption was higher in SSc patients than in controls (44.3% vs. 10%; P =
      0.004). We observed a marked correlation between the presence of lactose
      malabsorption and: higher values of GSS (P < 0.0001); severe oesophageal (P =
      0.018) and small intestinal (P = 0.04) motor disorders; and joint involvement (P
      = 0.019). Furthermore, in SSc patients with symptomatic lactose malabsorption,
      the median value of GSS of digestive symptoms was lower after initiation of
      lactose-free diet (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Our study underscores the fact that
      lactose malabsorption often occurs in patients with systemic sclerosis.
      Furthermore, our findings highlight the fact that lactose breath test is a
      helpful, noninvasive method, by identifying the group of patients with systemic
      sclerosis with symptomatic lactose malabsorption that may benefit from a
      reduction in lactose intake.

PMID- 27677255
TI  - A functional variant at the miRNA binding site in E2F1 gene is associated with
      risk and tumor HPV16 status of oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - Human papillomavirus (HPV) activates E2F1-driven transcription via the E7-RB1-E2F
      pathway. Genetic polymorphisms in the 3' untranslated region (UTR) targeted by
      miRNAs can affect the regulation of target genes and individual cancer risk.
      Thus, we hypothesized that a polymorphism at the 3'UTR miRNA binding site of E2F1
      gene (rs3213180) was associated with risk of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC)
      and tumor HPV status of oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). We determined
      the E2F1rs3213180 polymorphism and HPV16 L1 serology of 325 OSCC patients and 335
      controls, and tumor HPV16 status of 552 OPSCC. Logistic regression models were
      used to calculate associations of E2F1rs3213180 polymorphism with risk of HPV
      associated OSCC and tumor HPV status of OPSCC. The risk of HPV-associated OSCC
      was modified by the E2F1rs3213180 polymorphism. Patients with both HPV
      seropositivity and the Ins/Del or Ins/Ins genotype of E2F1rs3213180 had the
      highest risk of OSCC, while the lowest risk was detected in patients with HPV
      seronegativity and the Del/Del genotype. A similar and more prominent effect was
      detected in OPSCC, but not in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC)
      patients. Notably, that effect trend was pronounced in never-smokers and never
      drinkers. Furthermore, the patients with the E2F1rs3213180 Ins/Del or Ins/Ins
      genotype were 2.9 times more likely to have HPV-positive tumors than those with
      the Del/Del genotype. Our results suggest that the E2F1rs3213180 polymorphism may
      influence susceptibility to HPV-associated OSCC, particularly for OPSCC, never
      smokers and never-drinkers, but not for patients with OCSCC. Additional larger
      population and functional studies are warranted to confirm our findings. (c) 2016
      Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27677256
TI  - Identification of a novel HLA allele, HLA-B*08:163, in a platelet donor.
AB  - The novel HLA-B*08:163 allele differs from HLA-B*08:01:01:01 by a single
      nucleotide substitution at codon 105.

PMID- 27677257
TI  - Similarities and differences between East and West in COPD.

PMID- 27677258
TI  - Time for a breath of fresh air: Rethinking training in airway management.

PMID- 27677259
TI  - Reporting studies on time to diagnosis: proposal of a guideline by an
      international panel (REST).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies on time to diagnosis are an increasing field of clinical
      research that may help to plan corrective actions and identify inequities in
      access to healthcare. Specific features of time to diagnosis studies, such as how
      participants were selected and how time to diagnosis was defined and measured,
      are poorly reported. The present study aims to derive a reporting guideline for
      studies on time to diagnosis. METHODS: Each item of a list previously used to
      evaluate the completeness of reporting of studies on time to diagnosis was
      independently evaluated by a core panel of international experts (n = 11) for
      relevance and readability before an open electronic discussion allowed consensus
      to be reached on a refined list. The list was then submitted with an explanatory
      document to first, last and/or corresponding authors (n = 98) of published
      systematic reviews on time to diagnosis (n = 45) for relevance and readability,
      and finally approved by the core expert panel. RESULTS: The refined reporting
      guideline consists of a 19-item checklist: six items are about the process of
      participant selection (with a suggested flowchart), six about the definition and
      measurement of time to diagnosis, and three about optional analyses of
      associations between time to diagnosis and participant characteristics and health
      outcomes. Of 24 responding authors of systematic reviews, more than 21 (>=88 %)
      rated the items as relevant, and more than 17 (>=70 %) as readable; 19 of 22 (86
      %) authors stated that they would potentially use the reporting guideline in the
      future. CONCLUSIONS: We propose a reporting guideline (REST) that could help
      authors, reviewers, and editors of time to diagnosis study reports to improve the
      completeness and the accuracy of their reporting.

PMID- 27677260
TI  - GNB5 mutation causes a novel neuropsychiatric disorder featuring attention
      deficit hyperactivity disorder, severely impaired language development and normal
      cognition.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neuropsychiatric disorders are common forms of disability in humans.
      Despite recent progress in deciphering the genetics of these disorders, their
      phenotypic complexity continues to be a major challenge. Mendelian
      neuropsychiatric disorders are rare but their study has the potential to unravel
      novel mechanisms that are relevant to their complex counterparts. RESULTS: In an
      extended consanguineous family, we identified a novel neuropsychiatric phenotype
      characterized by severe speech impairment, variable expressivity of attention
      deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and motor delay. We identified the disease
      locus through linkage analysis on 15q21.2, and exome sequencing revealed a novel
      missense variant in GNB5. GNB5 encodes an atypical beta subunit of the
      heterotrimeric GTP-binding proteins (Gbeta5). Gbeta5 is enriched in the central
      nervous system where it forms constitutive complexes with members of the
      regulator of G protein signaling family of proteins to modulate neurotransmitter
      signaling that affects a number of neurobehavioral outcomes. Here, we show that
      the S81L mutant form of Gbeta5 has significantly impaired activity in terminating
      responses that are elicited by dopamine. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate that these
      deficits originate from the impaired expression of the mutant Gbeta5 protein,
      resulting in the decreased ability to stabilize regulator of G protein signaling
      complexes. Our data suggest that this novel neuropsychiatric phenotype is the
      human equivalent of Gnb5 deficiency in mice, which manifest motor deficits and
      hyperactivity, and highlight a critical role of Gbeta5 in normal behavior as well
      as language and motor development in humans.

PMID- 27677262
TI  - Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System of Coenzyme (Q10) with Improved
      Dissolution, Bioavailability, and Protective Efficiency on Liver Fibrosis.
AB  - The aim of our investigation is to develop and characterize self-nanoemulsifying
      drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) of CoQ10 to improve its water solubility,
      dissolution rate, and bioavailability, and then evaluate its biochemical and
      physiological effect on liver cirrhosis in rats compared with CoQ10 powder.
      SNEDDS are isotropic and thermodynamically stable mixture of oil, surfactant, co
      surfactant, and drug that form an oil/water nanoemulsion when added to aqueous
      phases with soft agitation. Upon administration, self-nanoemulsifying system
      becomes in contact with gastrointestinal fluid and forms o/w nanoemulsion by the
      aid of gastrointestinal motility. When the nanoemulsion is formed in the
      gastrointestinal tract, it presents the drug in a solubilized form inside small
      nano-sized droplets that provide a large surface area for enhancing the drug
      release and absorption. Solubility of CoQ10 in various oils, surfactants, and co
      surfactants were studied to identify the components of SNEDDS; pseudo-ternary
      phase diagrams were plotted to identify the efficient self-emulsifying regions.
      CoQ10-loaded SNEDDS were prepared using isopropyl myristate as oil; Cremophor El,
      Labrasol, or Tween80 as surfactant; and Transcutol as co-surfactant. The amount
      of CoQ10 in each vehicle was 3%. The formulations that passed thermostability
      evaluation test were assessed for particle size analysis, morphological
      characterization, refractive index, zeta potential, viscosity,
      electroconductivity, drug release profile, as well as ex vivo permeability.
      Pharmacokinetics and hepatoprotective efficiency of the optimized SNEDDS of CoQ10
      compared with CoQ10 suspension were performed. Results showed that all optimized
      formulae have the ability to form a good and stable nanoemulsion when diluted
      with water; the mean droplet size of all formulae was in the nanometric range
      (11.7-13.5 nm) with optimum polydispersity index values (0.2-0.21). All formulae
      showed negative zeta potential (-11.3 to -17.2), and maximum drug loading
      efficiency. One hundred percent of CoQ10 was released from most formulae within
      30 min. One hundred percent of CoQ10 was permeated from all formulae through 10
      h. The pharmacokinetic study in rabbits revealed a significant increase in
      bioavailability of CoQ10 SNEDDS to 2.1-fold compared with CoQ10 suspension after
      oral administration. Comparative effect of the optimized formulae on acute liver
      injury compared with CoQ10 powder was also studied; it was found that all the
      liver biochemical markers as alanine transferase (ALT), aspartate amino
      transferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein (TP), and albumin
      were significantly improved at p < 0.05. Also, histochemical and histopthological
      studies confirm the biochemical results. Our results suggest the potential use of
      SNEDDS to increase the solubility of liphophilic drug as poorly water-soluble
      CoQ10 and improve its oral absorption, so it can be more efficient to improve
      liver damage compared to CoQ10 powder. These results demonstrated that CoQ10
      SNEDDS inhibited thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis mainly through
      suppression of collagen production.

PMID- 27677261
TI  - Hunting for the ultimate liquid cancer biopsy - let the TEP dance begin.
AB  - Non-protein coding RNAs in different flavors (miRNAs, piRNAs, snoRNAs, lncRNAs,
      SHOT-RNAs), exosomes, large oncosomes, exoDNA and now tumor-educated platelets
      (TEPs) have emerged as crucial signal transmitting, transporting and regulating
      devices of cells in the last two decades. They are also establishing themselves
      increasingly in the realm of tumor research. We are currently witnessing a
      mushrooming of candidate entities for diagnostic and prognostic cancer detection
      and characterization tests that could have a major impact on how this diverse
      group of diseases is initially spotted and subsequently treated in the near
      future. But how do the new kids on the block stand up to the more established
      circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)? Without
      question, much earlier disease detection would be expected to save numerous
      lives. With all these new players around, will we finally win a major battle in
      the never-ending war against cancer?

PMID- 27677263
TI  - Atazanavir and Cardiovascular Risk Among Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected
      Patients: A Systematic Review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection have an
      increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). While viral suppression with
      antiretroviral therapy decreases CVD risk overall, several studies have suggested
      that certain antiretrovirals, particularly certain protease inhibitors, may be
      associated with an increased relative risk of CVD. In AIDS Clinical Trials Group
      5260 s, ritonavir-boosted atazanavir (ATV) was associated with slower
      atherosclerosis progression compared to ritonavir-boosted darunavir and
      raltegravir, potentially due to hyperbilirubinemia. Although hyperbilirubinemia
      may lead to increased rates of treatment discontinuation, it may also contribute
      to a favorable cardiovascular (CV) profile for ATV. To fully elucidate the effect
      of ATV on CVD risk among HIV-infected patients, a systematic review of the
      literature was performed. METHODS: A systematic search of the PubMed and Embase
      databases was conducted on August 26, 2015, using terms to identify papers that
      discuss ATV, HIV, and CVD. Articles were limited to English-language publications
      of randomized-controlled or observational studies investigating adult humans. The
      primary outcome was the incidence of CVD. Articles describing surrogate markers
      of CVD were also included. RESULTS: Ten studies were included in this qualitative
      analysis: six reported CVD outcomes, two reported data on atherosclerosis as
      assessed by carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), and two reported outcomes
      related to endothelial function. The studies reporting the incidence of
      myocardial infarction (MI) among HIV-infected patients showed that ATV (boosted
      and unboosted) was not associated with an increased risk of acute MI. Other CV
      endpoints were similarly unaffected by treatment with ATV. Compared with non-ATV
      based regimens, ATV had beneficial effects on cIMT progression in the
      publications identified, with no apparent impact on endothelial function.
      CONCLUSIONS: This analysis showed that there was no increased risk or occurrence
      of adverse CV events among HIV-infected patients receiving ATV. Markers of
      atherosclerosis were improved, suggesting a possible antioxidant effect of ATV,
      and endothelial function was not affected. FUNDING: Bristol-Myers Squibb (article
      processing charges and medical writing support).

PMID- 27677264
TI  - Pre-exposure Prophylaxis for HIV Prevention: Why, What, Who and How.
AB  - Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) offers a promising new approach to HIV
      prevention. It is protective against HIV infection across populations and has few
      significant safety risks and little evidence of behavioural risk compensation.
      This article summarises the evidence behind HIV PrEP as an intervention,
      populations that may benefit, current guidelines and programmes, and the cost
      effectiveness modelling of this strategy.

PMID- 27677265
TI  - Locomotive syndrome is associated with body composition and cardiometabolic
      disorders in elderly Japanese women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A concept referred to as locomotive syndrome (LS) was proposed by the
      Japanese Orthopaedic Association in order to help identify middle-aged and older
      adults who may be at high risk of requiring healthcare services because of
      problems associated with locomotion. Cardiometabolic disorders, including
      obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, have a high prevalence
      worldwide. The purpose of this study was to determine the associations between LS
      and both body composition and cardiometabolic disorders. METHODS: The study
      participants were 165 healthy adult Japanese women volunteers living in rural
      areas. LS was defined as a score >=16 on the 25-question Geriatric Locomotive
      Function Scale (GLFS-25). Height, body weight, body fat percentage, body mass
      index (BMI), and bone status were measured. Bone status was evaluated by
      quantitative ultrasound (i.e., the speed of sound [SOS] of the calcaneus) and was
      expressed as the percent of Young Adult Mean of the SOS (%YAM). Comorbid
      conditions of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes were assessed using self
      report questionnaires. RESULTS: Twenty-nine participants (17.6 %) were classed as
      having LS. The LS group was older, shorter, and had a higher body fat percentage,
      a higher BMI, and lower bone status than the non-LS group. Multiple logistic
      regression analysis showed that participants with a BMI >=23.5 kg/m2 had a
      significantly higher risk for LS than those with a BMI <23.5 kg/m2 (odds ratio
      [OR] = 3.78, p < 0.01). Furthermore, GLFS-25 scores were higher in participants
      with than those without hypertension, diabetes, or obesity, and significantly
      increased with the number of present disorders. CONCLUSIONS: These findings
      suggest that BMI may be a useful screening tool for LS. Furthermore, because
      hypertension and diabetes were associated with LS, the prevention of these
      disorders accompanied by weight management may help protect against LS.

PMID- 27677268
TI  - Nine in 10 people are exposed to air pollution over WHO limits, warns report.

PMID- 27677267
TI  - Syndrome-Related Stigma in the General Social Environment as Reported by Women
      with Classical Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia.
AB  - Stigma defined as "undesired differentness" (Goffman, 1963) and subtyped as
      "experienced" or "enacted," "anticipated," and "internalized" has been documented
      for patients with diverse chronic diseases. However, no systematic data exist on
      the association of stigma with somatic intersexuality. The current report
      concerns women with classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), the most
      prevalent intersex syndrome, and provides descriptive data on CAH-related stigma
      as experienced in the general social environment (excluding medical settings and
      romantic/sexual partners) during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. A total
      of 62 adult women with classical CAH [41 with the salt-wasting (SW) variant and
      21 with the simple-virilizing (SV) variant] underwent a qualitative retrospective
      interview, which focused on the impact of CAH and its medical treatment on many
      aspects of women's lives. Deductive content analysis was performed on the
      transcribed texts. The women's accounts of CAH-related stigma were identified and
      excerpted as vignettes, and the vignettes categorized according to social
      context, stigma type, and the associated features of the CAH condition. Nearly
      two-thirds of women with either variant of CAH provided stigma vignettes. The
      vignettes included all three stigma types, and most involved some somatic or
      behavioral feature related to sex or gender. Stigma situations were reported for
      all ages and all social contexts of everyday life: family, peers, colleagues at
      work, strangers, and the media. We conclude that there is a need for systematic
      documentation of stigma in intersexuality as a basis for the development of
      improved approaches to prevention and intervention.

PMID- 27677266
TI  - Exploring clinicians' attitudes about using aspirin for risk reduction in people
      with Lynch Syndrome with no personal diagnosis of colorectal cancer.
AB  - Recent research has shown that aspirin reduces the risk of cancers associated
      with Lynch Syndrome. However, uncertainty exists around the optimal dosage,
      treatment duration and whether the benefits of aspirin as a risk-reducing
      medication (RRM) outweigh adverse medication related side-effects. Little is
      known about clinicians' attitudes, current practice, and perceived barriers to
      recommending aspirin as a RRM. To explore the attitudes of clinicians who discuss
      risk management options with patients with Lynch Syndrome towards using aspirin
      as a RRM. Clinicians were invited through professional organisations to complete
      an online survey. Topics included their clinical experience with Lynch Syndrome,
      views and practice of recommending aspirin as a RRM, and knowledge about clinical
      risk management guidelines for Lynch Syndrome. Comparison of attitudes was made
      between three professional groups. 181 respondents were included in the analysis:
      59 genetics professionals (genetic counsellors and clinical geneticists, medical
      oncologists with specialist training in familial cancer), 49 gastroenterologists
      and 73 colorectal surgeons. Most clinicians (76 %) considered aspirin to be an
      effective RRM and most (72 %) were confident about discussing it. In all
      professional categories, those who were confident about discussing aspirin with
      patients perceived it to be an effective RRM (OR = 2.8 [95 % CI = 1.8-4.2], p <
      0.001). Eighty percent (47/59) of genetics professionals reported having
      discussed the use of aspirin with Lynch Syndrome patients compared to 69 % of
      gastroenterologists and 68 % of colorectal surgeons. Those who considered aspirin
      as an effective RRM or who felt confident in their knowledge of the aspirin
      literature were more likely (OR = 10 [95 % CI = 1.5-65], p = 0.010, OR = 6 [95 %
      CI = 2.2-16], p < 0.001, respectively) to discuss it with their patients than
      other professionals in the study. Similarly health professionals who felt
      confident in their knowledge of literature of aspirin/confident in discussing
      with the patients were more likely (OR = 6 [95 % CI = 2.2-16], p < 0.001) to
      discuss with their patients. Health professionals who saw more than ten patients
      with Lynch Syndrome per year were more likely to be confident in their knowledge
      of the aspirin literature and discussing it with patients (OR = 4.1 [95 % CI =
      1.6-10.2], p = 0.003). Explicit recommendations to take aspirin, was reported by
      65/83 (78 %) of health professionals. Eighty-seven percent of health
      professionals reported a need for patient educational materials about aspirin.
      Continuing training is needed to increase clinicians' confidence in their
      knowledge of the literature on the use of aspirin as a RRM. Patient education
      materials may be helpful in improving consistency in patient care and facilitate
      communication between clinicians and people living with Lynch Syndrome.

PMID- 27677270
TI  - Rab11, a vesicular trafficking protein, affects endoreplication through Ras
      mediated pathway in Drosophila melanogaster.
AB  - Rab11, a small monomeric GTPase associated with recycling endosomes, is a key
      molecule in the regulation of vesicular trafficking and is involved in the
      development and differentiation of many Drosophila tissues through interaction
      with diverse signaling pathways. In this study, we report for the first time that
      Rab11 affects endoreplication through a Ras-mediated pathway. Suppression of
      Rab11 activity in salivary glands, an endoreplicating tissue, leads to reduction
      in size of salivary glands with cells having a small nucleus. Endoreplication
      regulating proteins, CycE, E2f1 and Gem, are also down-regulated in Rab11 knocked
      down salivary glands suggesting that Rab11 has a role in the process of
      endoreplication, possibly indirectly through other pathways that regulate cell
      cycle progression. Ras signaling plays an important role in cell cycle
      progression through G/S phase transition. Ectopic expression of activated Ras in
      salivary glands of Rab11 down-regulated individuals rescues the small-sized
      glands to intermediate size. Furthermore, we observed altered localization of Ras
      in Rab11 down-regulated salivary glands. It is likely that the low level of
      endoreplication in the Rab11 down-regulated condition is Ras-mediated.

PMID- 27677269
TI  - Isolation, characterization and immunomodulatory-associated gene transcription of
      Wharton's jelly-derived multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells at different
      trimesters of cow pregnancy.
AB  - The possibility of isolating bovine mesenchymal multipotent stromal cells (MSCs)
      from fetal adnexa is an interesting prospect due to the potential use of these
      cells in biotechnological applications. However, little is known about the
      properties of these progenitor cells in bovine species. Wharton's jelly (WJ) MSC
      cells were obtained from the umbilical cord of bovine fetuses at three different
      stages of pregnancy and divided into groups 1, 2 and 3 according to gestational
      trimester. Cell morphology, from the three stages of pregnancy, typically
      appeared fibroblast-like spindle-shaped, presenting the same viability and
      number. Moreover, the proliferative ability of T-cells in response to a mitogenic
      stimulus was suppressed when WJMSC cells were added to the culture. Multilineage
      properties were confirmed by their ability to undergo adipogenic,
      osteogenic/chondrogenic and neurogenic differentiation. Mesenchymal phenotyping,
      CD105+, CD29+, CD73+ and CD90+ cell markers were detected in all three cell
      groups, yet these markers were considered more expressed in MSCs of group 2 (p <
      0.005). Expression of cytokines IL2, IL6RR, INFAC, INFB1, IFNG, TNF and LTBR were
      downregulated, whereas IL1F10 expression was upregulated in all tested WJMSCs.
      The present study demonstrated that WJMSCs harvested from the bovine umbilical
      cord at different gestational stages showed proliferative capacity, immune
      privilege and stemness potential.

PMID- 27677272
TI  - A Review of Outcomes for Colorectal Adenomas.
AB  - Objectives: Using data from former reports, this study reviews and analyzes the
      outcomes of tumor recurrence, tumor progression, and tumor-specific survival of
      patients with colorectal adenomas. Methods: Data were collected from 32
      longitudinal studies of outcomes after the first diagnosis of colorectal adenoma
      and collected as individual patient results, that is, as failure times from the
      first tumor to the three outcomes. Altogether, there were 45,286 patients,
      including 22,148 for the outcome of additional adenomas, 23,796 for the outcome
      of progression to invasive carcinoma, and 2,602 for the outcome of disease
      specific survival (some patients were available for more than one outcome).
      Results: In these data, the mean time to additional adenomas was 6 years, the
      mean time to invasive carcinoma was 15.9 years, and the mean tumor-specific
      survival time was 21.9 years. Conclusions: Although greater than 50% of those
      with colorectal adenomas will have additional adenomas, few progress to invasive
      tumor or die of colorectal cancer.

PMID- 27677273
TI  - Simultaneous Determination of Cytochrome P450 Oxidation Capacity in Humans: A
      Review on the Phenotyping Cocktail Approach.
AB  - Intra- and/or inter-individual variability in drug response is mainly a result of
      either subtherapeutic or supratherapeutic plasma levels of the active drugs and
      their metabolites, with this variability mainly being influenced by differences
      in the rate of drug metabolism. Indeed, drug metabolism is largely determined by
      genetic polymorphism in the CYP enzymes, which are responsible for approximately
      85% of the drug metabolism process. However, this genetic heterogeneity can
      accurately predict actual drug metabolizing capacity (oxidation phenotype) for
      some individuals: poor metabolizers (PMs), who cannot produce the drug
      metabolizing enzymes, and 20% of ultra-rapid metabolizers. According to EMA
      recommendations, phenotyping procedures for drug interaction studies and clinical
      research are therefore required to obtain actual data on the main CYP enzymes.
      With this purpose, cocktail phenotyping approaches give information on the
      activity of different CYPs in just one experiment. In this review, the issues
      related to the phenotyping of the main CYP enzymes are reviewed, and the current
      in vivo phenotyping cocktails are analysed: the sampling procedures, probe drugs
      utilized, analytical techniques and main applications are also discussed. Based
      on this analysis, a fully validated cocktail approach to measure the metabolic
      activity of the main CYP enzymes and drug transporters is still required. This
      novel approach should fulfil certain conditions: a faster and simpler analytical
      methodology to obtain information on several CYPs in one experiment, minimal
      sample amounts, and minimal doses of optimal probe drugs.

PMID- 27677271
TI  - Ultrastructural and immunocytochemical evidence for the reorganisation of the
      milk fat globule membrane after secretion.
AB  - This paper reports a detailed ultrastructural and immunocytochemical
      investigation of the structure of the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) in a
      variety of species. The process follows the same pattern in all mammals so far
      investigated. The initial (or primary) MFGM immediately on release from the
      mammary cell is a continuous unit membrane with a thin underlying layer of
      cytoplasmic origin and a monolayer of phospholipid separating it from the core
      lipid. This structure changes rapidly as the milk fat globule (MFG) moves into
      the alveolar lumen. The unit membrane plus the underlying layer of cytoplasm
      modifies drastically into discontinuous patches and networks. These are
      superimposed upon a continuous apparently structureless sheet of electron dense
      material stabilising the MFG and similar to that which bounded the lipid in the
      cell. The underlying layer of the patches increases in electron density and
      immunocytochemistry demonstrates localisation of MFGM proteins in this layer. In
      four species, the dense material shows ordered paracrystalline molecular arrays
      in section and en face views. All the arrays show the same basic pattern and unit
      size as determined by optical diffraction. Similar patches, networks and arrays
      are present on the surface of expressed MFG. Negative staining of lipid-extracted
      expressed MFGs shows similar patches and networks of membrane. These also
      occasionally show the crystalline arrays and label with MFGM protein antibodies.
      Similar networks and strands of plasma membrane on the MFG surface are shown by
      our CLSM examination of unfixed expressed MFG from mice genetically modified to
      express a fluorescent molecule as a normal plasma membrane constituent.

PMID- 27677274
TI  - Impact of genetic variation and long-term limited water availability on the
      ecophysiology of young Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr.).
AB  - Future limited water availability may reduce the potential of tree improvement to
      increase timber yields. We investigated ecophysiological variation between full
      sibling families of Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr.) growing under
      contrasting water availability conditions: control (optimal) water availability
      and limited water availability. One-year-old seedlings of nine improved families
      plus an unimproved seed lot were grown in pots in a greenhouse and the two water
      availability treatments imposed via drip irrigation. Whole-plant water use varied
      between families. Stomatal conductance and the light-saturated quantum yield of
      photosystem II at times differed between families, but not consistently. Certain
      families showed considerably greater increases in electron transport rate with
      increasing photosynthetically active radiation. Limited water availability
      resulted in reduced branch water potential, leaf stomatal conductance and
      transpiration per unit leaf area, and increased whole-plant water-use efficiency,
      in all genetic material. The responses of plant water use and leaf carbon isotope
      composition to water limitation, were, however, initially influenced by variation
      in vigour between families-with conservative growth in some material slowing the
      decline in substrate moisture content. As the duration of water deficit extended,
      these variables showed a more uniform response across families. Between-family
      variation in physiological mechanisms of drought tolerance was not detected.
      Thus, for Sitka spruce, assessing juvenile material may not allow selection to
      prevent reductions in productivity associated with long-term sub-optimal growing
      conditions, but screening for conservative growth (within families as well as
      between families) may be beneficial where survival of relatively short-term water
      limitation is the primary concern.

PMID- 27677275
TI  - Human-Animal Interface: The Case for Influenza Interspecies Transmission.
AB  - Since the 1990s, the threat of influenza viruses to veterinary and human public
      health has increased. This coincides with the larger global populations of
      poultry, pigs, and people and with changing ecological factors. These factors
      include the redistribution of the human population to cities, rapid mass
      transportation of people and infectious agents, increased global land use,
      climate change, and possible changes in viral ecology that perpetuate highly
      pathogenic influenza viruses in the aquatic bird reservoir. The emergence of
      H5N1, H7N9, and H9N2 subtypes of influenza A virus and the increased genetic
      exchange among influenza viruses in wild aquatic birds, domestic poultry, swine,
      and humans pose a continuing threat to humanity. Here we consider the fundamental
      and practical knowledge of influenza A viruses at the human-animal interfaces to
      facilitate the development of novel control strategies and modified agricultural
      practices that will reduce or prevent interspecies transmission.

PMID- 27677276
TI  - Factors Affecting Outcome of Tuberculosis in Children in Italy: An Ecological
      Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Tuberculosis is a major problem in children depending on their
      families for management and a re-emerging disease in low incidence countries,
      where foreign-born cases account for a large proportion of cases. METHODS: We
      investigated socioeconomic features of families and their impact on management
      and outcome of children with tuberculosis disease seen at a tertiary care centre
      for paediatric infectious diseases in Italy. RESULTS: Forty-nine Italian and 30
      foreign-origin children were included. Children from foreign families had more
      complicated diseases (20 % vs 0 %; P = 0.002), harbored more drug resistant
      strains (20 % vs 2 %; P = 0.011), showed longer hospital stay (12 +/- 13.1 vs 5.1
      +/- 6.5 days; P = 0.012) and higher proportion of missed medical visits (15.7 +/-
      16 vs 8.6 +/- 9.6; P <= 0.042) than those from Italian families. Harboring drug
      resistant strains was an independent risk factor for complicated disease course
      (OR: 72.98; 95 %CI: 1.54-3468.58; P = 0.029), and this risk is higher in children
      from Eastern Europe (OR: 10.16; 95 %CI: 1.7-61.9; P = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS:
      Children from immigrant families showed an increased risk of complicated course
      of tuberculosis due to a higher rate of resistant strains and raise problems in
      clinical management. Specific protocols are needed to support these populations
      ensuring easy access to health services and monitoring.

PMID- 27677277
TI  - Hyaluronidase and Chondroitinase.
AB  - Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are important constituents of the extracellular matrix
      that make significant contributions to biological processes and have been
      implicated in a wide variety of diseases. GAG-degrading enzymes with different
      activities have been found in various animals and microorganisms, and they play
      an irreplaceable role in the structure and function studies of GAGs. As two kind
      of important GAG-degrading enzymes, hyaluronidase (HAase) and chondroitinase
      (CSase) have been widely studied and increasing evidence has shown that, in most
      cases, their substrate specificities overlap and thus the "HAase" or "CSase"
      terms may be improper or even misnomers. Different from previous reviews, this
      article combines HAase and CSase together to discuss the traditional
      classification, substrate specificity, degradation pattern, new resources and
      naming of these enzymes.

PMID- 27677278
TI  - Comparison of BACTECTM blood culture media for the detection of fungemia.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to investigate whether addition of the BACTECTM
      Mycosis bottle to the standard BACTECTM aerobic and anaerobic bottles contributed
      to a higher detection rate and a faster time to detection (TTD) of fungi. This
      was a retrospective cohort study of all patients with a positive blood culture
      with Candida species delivered to the Department of Clinical Microbiology, Herlev
      and Gentofte Hospital, Denmark in the 8-year period 2006 through 2014. The
      patients had at least one BACTECTM aerobic and one Mycosis bottle sampled at the
      same time and at least one of the bottles yielded growth of fungi. Among 184
      patients included, 173 were examined using BACTECTM aerobic, anaerobic and
      Mycosis bottles. The anaerobic vial generally had the lowest detection rate and
      the longest TTD. The detection rate of BACTECTM aerobic plus anaerobic with the
      BACTECTM Mycosis bottle was significantly higher than the detection rate of
      BACTECTM aerobic plus anaerobic without BACTECTM Mycosis bottle for all species
      after 1-5 days, and specially for Candida glabrata at 2, 3, 4 and 5 days. TTD for
      C. glabrata was significantly shorter for BACTECTM Mycosis than TTD for BACTECTM
      aerobic or anaerobic bottles after 1/2 to 4 days. When combining "first or only"
      detection, the BACTECTM Mycosis bottle had a significantly higher detection as
      compared to the aerobic bottle. Addition of the BACTECTM Mycosis bottle to the
      standard BACTECTM aerobic and anaerobic bottles significantly contributed to a
      higher detection rate and a faster TTD of fungemia.

PMID- 27677279
TI  - Clinical outcomes and treatment approach for community-associated methicillin
      resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) infections in Israel.
AB  - Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA)
      infections are increasingly documented worldwide. We recently identified two
      major CA-MRSA clones in Israel: USA300 and t991. Here, we assessed clinical
      outcomes by CA-MRSA clones and the physicians' treatment approach to CA-MRSA
      infections. All community-onset, clinical MRSA isolates detected during 2011-2013
      by Maccabi Healthcare Services were collected and characterized phenotypically
      and genotypically; data were collected retrospectively from electronic medical
      records. Of 309 patients with MRSA infections, 64 were identified as CA-MRSA (21
      %). Of the CA-MRSA infections, 72 % had skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs),
      38 % were Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL)+, the major clone being USA300 (n =
      13, 54 %). Of PVL- isolates (n = 40, 62 %), t991 was the major clone. Age was the
      only predictor for PVL+ CA-MRSA infection (p < 0.001). Patients with PVL+ CA-MRSA
      had higher incidence of SSTI recurrences (1.061 vs. 0.647 events per patient/per
      year, p < 0.0001) and were more likely to have the SSTI drained (64 % vs. 21 %, p
      = 0.003) when compared to PVL- CA-MRSA. USA300 was more common among adults,
      while t991 was more common among children (p = 0.002). The physician's referral
      to culture results and susceptibility were the only predictors of appropriate
      antibiotic therapy (p < 0.001). However, only a minority of physicians referred
      to culture results, regardless of subspecialties. PVL+ CA-MRSA isolates caused
      significantly more recurrences of SSTIs and increased the need for drainage
      compared with PVL- isolates. Physicians' awareness of CA-MRSA as a cause of SSTIs
      in the community was suboptimal. Culturing of pus-producing SSTIs is crucial for
      providing adequate antimicrobials and elucidating MRSA epidemiology.

PMID- 27677280
TI  - In vitro activity of tedizolid against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus
      pneumoniae collected in 2013 and 2014 from sites in Latin American countries,
      Australia, New Zealand, and China.
AB  - Tedizolid is an oxazolidinone with an antimicrobial in vitro potency advantage
      against Gram-positive bacterial pathogens compared to other currently marketed
      drugs in this class, including linezolid. Tedizolid was compared to linezolid
      when tested against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates
      collected from countries in Latin America and the Asia-Pacific. Isolates were
      tested by broth microdilution susceptibility methods against tedizolid,
      linezolid, and non-class comparators in accordance with the Clinical and
      Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. The activity of tedizolid
      against S. aureus was potent and consistent in Latin America (MIC90, 0.5 mg/L),
      Australia and New Zealand (MIC90, 0.25 mg/L), and China (MIC90, 0.5 mg/L). Based
      on MIC90 results, tedizolid was four- to eight-fold more active than linezolid
      against S. aureus, including both methicillin-susceptible and -resistant
      isolates. Only two tedizolid non-susceptible strains were observed; both had
      intermediate minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 1 mg/L, for which
      the MICs of linezolid was higher (>=2 mg/L). Tedizolid (MIC90, 0.25 mg/L) was
      four-fold more potent than linezolid (MIC90, 1 mg/L) against S. pneumoniae in all
      countries that provided isolates. The findings from this study support the global
      clinical development of tedizolid for Gram-positive infections.

PMID- 27677283
TI  - Neonatal complications in vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery: are they associated
      with number of pulls, cup detachments, and duration of vacuum application?
AB  - PURPOSE: To explore whether the characteristics of vacuum delivery are associated
      with the occurrence of head injury and neonatal complications. METHODS:
      Retrospectively cohort study of vacuum-assisted attempted vaginal deliveries of
      singletons. We studied the association of total duration of vacuum application
      and number of pulls and cup dislodgement with (1) primary outcome: the occurrence
      of major (subgaleal hemorrhage, skull fracture, and intracranial hemorrhage) or
      minor (cephalohematoma, scalp laceration more extensive than simple abrasions)
      neonatal head injuries and (2) secondary outcome: the occurrence of neonatal
      complications, including 5-min Apgar score <7, umbilical artery pH < 7.10,
      shoulder dystocia, or need for neonatal intensive care unit admission. Logistic
      regression analysis was used to control for confounders. RESULTS: Vacuum-assisted
      delivery was attempted in 555 women. It was successful in 515 cases, and it
      failed in 40 (7.2 %). Head injury occurred in 32 (6.2 %) of vaginally delivered
      neonates, and it was related to duration of vacuum application (P = 0.004) and
      birth weight (P = 0.048). However, the associations lost a statistical
      significance at the multivariate analysis. Neonatal complications occurred in 25
      cases (5 %), and they were associated with meconium-stained amniotic fluid (P <
      0.001) and duration of vacuum application (P = 0.03) at the multivariate
      analysis. However, most of the complications were actually associated with the
      need for vacuum delivery rather than the procedure itself. CONCLUSION: Neonatal
      head injury after vacuum application is not independently related to total
      duration of vacuum application, number of pulls, or cup dislodgements.

PMID- 27677281
TI  - Acute otitis media with spontaneous tympanic membrane perforation.
AB  - The principal aim of this review is to present the current knowledge regarding
      acute otitis media (AOM) with spontaneous tympanic membrane perforation (STMP)
      and to address the question of whether AOM with STMP is a disease with specific
      characteristics or a severe case of AOM. PubMed was used to search for all
      studies published over the past 15 years using the key words "acute otitis media"
      and "othorrea" or "spontaneous tympanic membrane perforation". More than 250
      articles were found, but only those published in English and providing data on
      aspects related to perforation of infectious origin were considered. Early
      Streptococcus pneumoniae infection due to invasive pneumococcal strains, in
      addition to coinfections and biofilm production due mainly to non-typeable
      Haemophilus influenzae, seem to be precursors of STMP. However, it is unclear why
      some children have several STMP episodes during the first years of life that
      resolve without complications in adulthood, whereas other children develop
      chronic suppurative otitis media. Although specific aetiological agents appear to
      be associated with an increased risk of AOM with STMP, further studies are needed
      to determine whether AOM with STMP is a distinct disease with specific
      aetiological, clinical and prognostic characteristics or a more severe case of
      AOM than the cases that occur without STMP. Finally, it is important to identify
      preventive methods that are useful not only in otitis-prone children with
      uncomplicated AOM, but also in children with recurrent AOM and those who
      experience several episodes with STMP.

PMID- 27677282
TI  - At the cross-point of connexins, calcium, and ATP: blocking hemichannels inhibits
      vasoconstriction of rat small mesenteric arteries.
AB  - AIMS: Connexins form gap-junctions (GJs) that directly connect cells, thereby
      coordinating vascular cell function and controlling vessel diameter and blood
      flow. GJs are composed of two hemichannels contributed by each of the connecting
      cells. Hemichannels also exist as non-junctional channels that, when open, lead
      to the entry/loss of ions and the escape of ATP. Here we investigated cross-talk
      between hemichannels and Ca2+/purinergic signalling in controlling blood vessel
      contraction. We hypothesized that hemichannel Ca2+ entry and ATP release
      contributes to smooth muscle cell (SMC) Ca2+ dynamics, thereby influencing vessel
      contractility. We applied several peptide modulators of hemichannel function and
      inhibitors of Ca2+ and ATP signalling to investigate their influence on SMC Ca2+
      dynamics and vessel contractility. METHODS AND RESULTS: Confocal Ca2+ imaging
      studies on small mesenteric arteries (SMAs) from rat demonstrated that
      norepinephrine-induced SMC Ca2+  oscillations were inhibited by blocking IP3
      receptors with xestospongin-C and by interfering with hemichannel function, most
      notably by the specific Cx43 hemichannel blocking peptide TAT-L2 and by TAT-CT9
      that promotes Cx43 hemichannel opening. Evidence for hemichannel involvement in
      SMC function was supported by the fact that TAT-CT9 significantly increased SMC
      resting cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration, indicating it facilitated Ca2+ entry, and
      by the observation that norepinephrine-triggered vessel ATP release was blocked
      by TAT-L2. Myograph tension measurements on isolated SMAs showed significant
      inhibition of norepinephrine-triggered contractility by the ATP receptor
      antagonist suramin, but the strongest effect was observed with TAT-L2 that gave
      ~80% inhibition at 37  degrees C. TAT-L2 inhibition of vessel contraction was
      significantly reduced in conditional Cx43 knockout animals, indicating the effect
      was Cx43 hemichannel-dependent. Computational modelling suggested these results
      could be explained by the opening of a single hemichannel per SMC. CONCLUSIONS:
      These results indicate that Cx43 hemichannels contribute to SMC Ca2+ dynamics and
      contractility, by facilitating Ca2+ entry, ATP release, and purinergic
      signalling.

PMID- 27677284
TI  - Percutaneous Hepaticojejunostomy Using a Radiofrequency Wire for Management of a
      Postoperative Bile Leak.
AB  - Postoperative biliary complications following extensive hepatic resections are
      complex, often requiring a multidisciplinary team approach. We describe a case of
      a free bile duct leak following extended right hepatectomy and surgical
      hepaticojejunostomy treated with percutaneous transhepatic hepaticojejunostomy in
      which a radiofrequency guidewire was used to gain enteral access. A modified
      internal/external biliary catheter was left in place. The patient was enrolled in
      a benign biliary stricture protocol, and 8 months later, the catheter was removed
      following a normal cholangiogram and biliary manometric perfusion testing. At 3
      month follow-up after catheter removal, the patient is asymptomatic with no
      clinical, biochemical, or radiographic evidence of biliary leak or obstruction.

PMID- 27677285
TI  - [Clinical aspects and diagnostics of cerebral vasculitis].
AB  - CLINICAL/METHODICAL ISSUE: Vasculitis is a rare cause of diseases of the central
      nervous system (CNS). Vasculitis can be divided into primary and secondary forms,
      of which the vast majority can be manifested in various organ systems, including
      the CNS. Isolated vasculitis of the CNS is limited to the CNS and clinical
      neurological symptoms as with the other forms of vasculitis, are headaches,
      encephalopathy, focal deficits and seizures. A criterion of isolated CNS
      vasculitis is the clinical and laboratory diagnostic exclusion of other forms of
      vasculitis and the involvement of other organ systems. STANDARD RADIOLOGICAL
      METHODS: Multiple leaps in the caliber of intracranial arteries in cerebral
      angiography and multiple, small contrast medium-enhanced lesions in magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain are typical findings, which, however, can
      also be found in other forms of vasculitis. PERFORMANCE: The only way of proving
      meningitis is by a biopsy of the brain meninges and parenchyma. It is necessary
      to make as accurate a diagnosis as possible, especially in the context of
      therapeutic options of immunosuppression with steroids and cyclophosphamide.
      ACHIEVEMENTS: Cerebral vasculitis is a rare entity but it is an important
      diagnosis to consider when the appropriate clinical symptoms are present.
      Thorough laboratory diagnostics and subsequent brain biopsy are necessary to
      confirm the diagnosis in order to then be able to initiate a specific treatment.

PMID- 27677286
TI  - Silencing Livin induces apoptotic and autophagic cell death, increasing
      chemotherapeutic sensitivity to cisplatin of renal carcinoma cells.
AB  - Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) accounts for 3 % of all adult malignancies and is the
      most lethal urological cancer. Livin is a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis
      protein (IAP) family, which is associated with tumor resistance to radiotherapy
      and chemotherapy. Clinical data also showed that patients with high tumor grades
      and stages have higher expression levels of Livin in RCC cells. Autophagy is a
      survival mechanism activated in response to nutrient deprivation. A possible role
      of Livin in the autophagy of RCC cells has not been investigated; therefore, this
      pioneer study was carried out. Livin was silenced in RCC cells (slow virus
      infection [SVI]-shLivin cells) by lentiviral transfection. Then, mRNA and protein
      expression levels in the transfected cells were assessed by quantitative
      fluorescence PCR and Western blotting, respectively. In addition, acridine orange
      staining and electron microscopy were used to assess autophagy in SVI-shLivin
      cells. The cisplatin IC50 values for RCC cells were measured by the CCK8 assay.
      Potent antitumor activities were observed in xenograft mouse models generated
      with Livin-silenced RCC cells in terms of delayed tumor onset and suppressed
      tumor growth. These results suggested that Livin silencing could increase the
      chemotherapeutic sensitivity of RCC cells to cisplatin and induce autophagic cell
      death. A possible mechanism of Bcl-2 and Akt pathway involvement was discussed
      specifically in this study. Overall, Livin silencing induces apoptotic and
      autophagic cell death and increases chemotherapeutic sensitivity of RCC cells to
      cisplatin.

PMID- 27677287
TI  - Numb/Notch signaling pathway modulation enhances human pancreatic cancer cell
      radiosensitivity.
AB  - The present study aims to evaluate whether repression of the Numb/Notch signaling
      pathway affects the radiosensitivity of human pancreatic cancer cell lines.
      Different doses of X-rays (0, 2, 3, 4, and 5 Gy) were applied to the PANC-1,
      SW1990, and MIA PaCa-2 human pancreatic cancer cell lines, and the Numb/Notch
      pathway inhibitor DAPT was added at different doses (0, 1, 3, and 5 MUmol/l). MTT
      assay, colony formation assay, flow cytometry, scratch assay, and Transwell
      experiments were performed, and qRT-PCR and Western blot were conducted for the
      detection of Numb expression. Tumorigenicity assay in nude mice was carried out
      to verify the influence of blocker of the Numb/Notch signaling pathway on the
      radiosensitivity of xenograft tumors. The MTT assay, colony formation assay and
      flow cytometry experiments revealed that proliferation decreased as radiation
      dose increased. The viability of PANC-1 cells at 5 Gy, SW 1990 cells at 4 Gy and
      5 Gy, and MIA PaCa-2 cells at 2-5 Gy was significantly lower than that of non
      irradiated cells (all P < 0.05). The migration and invasion assays indicated that
      the PANC-1 cell line was least radiosensitive, while the MIA PaCa-2 cell line was
      the most radiosensitive. Numb expression significantly increased with increasing
      radiation dose, whereas the expression of Hes1, Notch1, and Hes5 significantly
      decreased compared to non-irradiated cells (P < 0.05). Compared to untreated
      control cells, DAPT dose dependently increased Numb expression and inhibited
      Notch1, Hes1, and Hes5 expressions at 2 Gy (P < 0.05). Subcutaneous
      tumorigenicity assay in nude mice demonstrated that DAPT increased the
      radiosensitivity of PANC-1, SW 1990, and MIA PaCa-2 cells. These findings suggest
      that Numb/Notch signaling in pancreatic cancer cells is associated with X-ray
      radiation and that inhibition of the Numb/Notch signaling pathway can enhance
      radiosensitivity, suggesting that inhibition of the Numb/Notch signaling pathway
      may serve as a potential target for clinical improvement of the radiosensitivity
      of pancreatic cancer.

PMID- 27677288
TI  - Overexpression of CASS4 promotes invasion in non-small cell lung cancer by
      activating the AKT signaling pathway and inhibiting E-cadherin expression.
AB  - The role of Crk-associated substrate (CAS) family members in regulating invasion
      and metastasis has been described in several cancers. As the fourth member of the
      CAS family, CASS4 is also related with positive lymph node metastasis and poor
      prognosis in lung cancer. However, the underlying mechanisms and downstream
      effectors of CASS4 in the development and progression of non-small cell lung
      cancer (NSCLC) remain unclear. In this study, CASS4 overexpression inhibited E
      cadherin expression and enhanced invasion in NSCLC cell line transfected with
      CASS4 plasmid, while CASS4 depletion upregulated E-cadherin expression and
      inhibited invasion in NSCLC cell line transfected with CASS4 siRNA. The effect of
      CASS4 overexpression in facilitating invasion of NSCLC cells was reversed by
      restoring E-cadherin expression, which indicates that CASS4 may promote invasion
      by inhibiting E-cadherin expression. Subsequent immunohistochemistry results
      confirmed that CASS4 overexpression correlated with loss of E-cadherin
      expression. We next investigated the phosphorylation levels of focal adhesion
      kinase (FAK), p38, extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK), and AKT after CASS4
      plasmid or CASS4 siRNA transfection. CASS4 facilitated AKT (Ser473)
      phosphorylation. Treatment with an AKT phosphorylation inhibitor reversed the
      increased invasive capacity and downregulation of E-cadherin protein induced by
      CASS4 overexpression. Taken together, the present results indicate that CASS4 may
      promote NSCLC invasion by activating the AKT signaling pathway, thereby
      inhibiting E-cadherin expression.

PMID- 27677289
TI  - Arsenic trioxide inhibits lung metastasis of mouse colon cancer via reducing the
      infiltration of regulatory T cells.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of arsenic trioxide
      (As2O3) on the infiltration of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the local lung
      metastasis of mouse colon cancer in vivo and the regulation of Tregs in cytokine
      induced killer cells (CIKs) in vitro. A high Tregs infiltration mouse colon
      cancer lung metastasis model was established by intravenous injection of CT26
      murine colon carcinoma cells. Tumor-bearing mice were randomly divided into three
      groups: control group, low-dose As2O3 group, and high-dose As2O3 group. For in
      vitro studies, CIKs were treated with vehicle control or 0.1, 1, or 5 MUM As2O3.
      The level of Tregs was detected via flow cytometry, Foxp3 expression was assessed
      by immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT
      PCR), the level of interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) was evaluated by enzyme-linked
      immunoassay (ELISA), and the cytotoxic activity of As2O3-treated CIKs was
      assessed through a lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay. Obvious lung
      metastasis was observed 3 days after CT26 murine colon carcinoma cell injection.
      The numbers of Tregs in the lungs and spleens of tumor-bearing mice were
      significantly higher than those of the normal group (p < 0.01). As2O3 treatment
      increased the mouse weight as well as reduced the number of metastatic lung
      nodules and the lung/body weight ratio (p < 0.01). Moreover, As2O3 treatment
      significantly reduced the Tregs proportion and the Foxp3 messenger RNA (mRNA)
      levels in metastatic lung tissues (p < 0.01). In vitro, As2O3 significantly
      reduced the Tregs proportion and the Foxp3 mRNA levels (p < 0.01) and
      significantly increased the cytotoxic activity of CIKs and the IFN-gamma levels
      in the supernatant of cultured CIKs (p < 0.01). As2O3 might inhibit lung
      metastasis of colon cancer by reducing the local infiltration of Tregs and
      increase the cytotoxic activity of CIKs by suppressing Tregs.

PMID- 27677290
TI  - Are PEEK-on-Ceramic Bearings an Option for Total Disc Arthroplasty? An In Vitro
      Tribology Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Most contemporary total disc replacements (TDRs) use conventional
      orthopaedic bearing couples such as ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene
      (polyethylene) and cobalt-chromium (CoCr). Cervical total disc replacements
      incorporating polyetheretherketone (PEEK) bearings (specifically PEEK-on-PEEK
      bearings) have been previously investigated, but little is known about PEEK-on
      ceramic bearings for TDR. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) What is the tribologic behavior
      of a PEEK-on-ceramic bearing for cervical TDR under idealized, clean wear test
      conditions? (2) How does the PEEK-on-ceramic design perform under impingement
      conditions? (3) How is the PEEK-on-ceramic bearing affected by abrasive wear? (4)
      Is the particle morphology from PEEK-on-ceramic bearings for TDRs affected by
      adverse wear scenarios? METHODS: PEEK-on-ceramic cervical TDR bearings were
      subjected to a 10 million cycle ideal wear test based on ASTM F2423 and ISO
      181912-1 using a six-station spine wear simulator (MTS, Eden Prairie, MN, USA)
      with 5 g/L bovine serum concentration at 23 degrees  +/- 2 degrees  C (ambient
      temperature). Validated 1 million cycle impingement and 5 million cycle abrasive
      tests were conducted on the PEEK-on-ceramic bearings based, in part, on retrieval
      analysis of a comparable bearing design as well as finite element analyses. The
      ceramic-on-PEEK couple was characterized for damage modes, mass and volume loss,
      and penetration and the lubricant was subjected to particle analysis. The
      resulting mass wear rate, volumetric wear rate, based on material density, and
      particle analysis were compared with clinically available cervical disc bearing
      couples. RESULTS: The three modes of wear (idealized, impingement, and abrasive)
      resulted in mean mass wear rates of 0.9 +/- 0.2 mg/MC, 1.9 +/- 0.5 mg/MC, and 2.8
      +/- 0.6 mg/MC, respectively. The mass wear rates were converted to volumetric
      wear rates using density and found to be 0.7 +/- 0.1 mm3/MC, 1.5 +/- 0.4 mm3/MC,
      and 2.1 +/- 0.5 mm3/MC, respectively. During each test, the PEEK endplates were
      the primary sources of wear and demonstrated an abrasive wear mechanism. Under
      idealized and impingement conditions, the ceramic core also demonstrated slight
      polishing of the articulating surface but the change in mass was unmeasurable.
      During abrasive testing, the titanium transfer on the core was shown to polish
      over 5 MC of testing. In all cases and consistent with previous studies of other
      PEEK bearing couples, the particle size was primarily < 2 um and morphology was
      smooth and spheroidal. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the idealized PEEK-on-ceramic wear
      rate (0.7 +/- 0.1 mm3/MC) appears comparable to the published wear rates for
      other polymer-on-hard bearing couples (0.3-6.7 mm3/MC) and within the range of
      0.2 to 1.9 mm3/MC reported for PEEK-on-PEEK cervical disc designs. The particles,
      based on size and morphology, also suggest the wear mechanism is comparable
      between the PEEK-on-ceramic couple and other polymer-on-ceramic orthopaedic
      couples. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The PEEK-on-ceramic bearing considered in this study
      is a novel bearing couple for use in total disc arthroplasty devices and will
      require clinical evaluation to fully assess the bearing couple and total disc
      design. However, the wear rates under idealized and adverse conditions, and
      particle size and morphology, suggest that PEEK-on-ceramic bearings may be a
      reasonable alternative to polyethylene-on-CoCr and metal-on-metal bearings
      currently used in cervical TDRs.

PMID- 27677291
TI  - Phylogenetic Analysis of Molluscan Metallothioneins: Evolutionary Insight from
      Crassostrea virginica.
AB  - Mechanisms by which organisms genetically adapt to environmental conditions are
      of fundamental importance to studies of evolutionary biology and environmental
      physiology. Natural selection acts on existing genetic variation leading to
      adaptation through selection of new mutations that confer beneficial advantages
      to populations. The American oyster, Crassostrea virginica, is an excellent model
      to investigate interactions between environmental and ecological factors as
      driving forces for natural selection. A great example of this is represented by
      the diversity of C. virginica metallothioneins (CvMT), metal-binding proteins
      involved in homeostasis and tolerance, that have resulted from a series of
      duplication events to produce the greatest structural diversity of MT proteins
      found in a single species. We present phylogenetic evidence of two distinct
      ancestral beta-domain MTs that gave rise to a variety of betabeta and alphabeta
      CvMT proteins, as well as CvMT-II proteins consisting solely of one to four alpha
      domains. Furthermore, we annotate the complete locus containing the paralogous
      CvMT-I, -II, and -IV genes, providing supporting evidence of a hypothesized
      series of exon and gene duplication events that gave rise to the various CvMT-I
      and -II isoforms. We also highlight unique MT expression profiles from four
      separate C. virginica populations to demonstrate differences in gene diversity
      and copy number which appear to be enriched in southeastern U.S. oyster
      populations. These observations contribute to a better understanding of the
      molecular mechanisms leading to adaptation in organisms that experience
      substantial environmental stress, with a specific focus on evolutionary
      adaptations of gene structure.

PMID- 27677292
TI  - Serological, molecular detection and potential risk factors associated with camel
      brucellosis in Pakistan.
AB  - Brucellosis is one of the most important zoonoses in developing countries and was
      considered the most widespread zoonosis in the world. Brucellosis was reported in
      camels and has been reported from all camel-keeping countries.The present study
      was performed in three districts (Jhang, Chiniot, and Bhakkar) of Punjab province
      of Pakistan. A total of 200 camel (Camelus bactrianus) sera were collected using
      random and multistage cluster sampling from different areas. Fifty samples were
      collected from one organized governmental farm. One hundred fifty samples were
      collected randomly from nomadic/pastoral production systems. All sera were tested
      with Rose Bengal plate agglutination test (RBPT) and confirmed by ELISA. Genomic
      DNA was extracted from all serum samples and tested by real-time PCR. Various
      potential risk factors (season, rearing with other animals, and abortion or
      orchitis history) recorded through questionnaires were statistically analyzed by
      Chi-square test.In total, 5 % of investigated sera were positive by RBPT. Only 2
      % of the camel sera were CELISA positive. Brucella abortus DNA was detected in
      1.5 % of the investigated animals. Season, rearing of camels with other
      ruminants, abortion, and orchitis history were found to be statistically
      significant (p < 0.05) disease for determinants.Camel brucellosis is a zoonotic
      disease in the Pakistani Punjab with various risk factors maintaining and
      perpetuating its spread. Therefore, there is a need for implementing control
      measures and raising public health awareness in prevention of brucellosis in
      Pakistan.

PMID- 27677293
TI  - A Quinone-Containing Compound Enhances Camptothecin-Induced Apoptosis of Lung
      Cancer Through Modulating Endogenous ROS and ERK Signaling.
AB  - The natural compound camptothecin (CPT) derivatives have widely been used for
      anti-cancer treatments, including lung cancer. However, many chemoresistant
      cancer cells often develop a relatively higher threshold for inducing apoptosis,
      causing a limited efficacy of anti-cancer drugs. Likewise, lung cancer cells
      acquire chemoresistance against CPT analogs, such as irinotecan and topotecan,
      finally resulting in an unsatisfied outcome and poor prognosis of lung cancer
      patients. TFPP is a quinone-containing compound as a candidate for CPT-based
      combination chemotherapy. In this study, we examined the effect of TFPP and CPT
      cotreatment on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Cell proliferation and
      flow cytometry-based Annexin-V/PI staining assays demonstrated the synergistic
      effect of TFPP on CPT-induced apoptosis in both NSCLC A549 and H1299 cells. The
      results of CPT and TFPP cotreatment cause the regulation of the ERK-Bim axis and
      the activation of mitochondrial-mediated caspase cascade, including caspase-9 and
      caspase-3. Besides, TFPP significantly enhanced CPT-induced endogenous reactive
      oxygen species (ROS) in the two NSCLC cells. In contrast, the treatment of N
      acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), an ROS scavenger, rescues the apoptosis of NSCLC cells
      induced by TFPP and CPT cotreatment, suggesting that the synergistic effect of
      TFPP on CPT-induced anti-NSCLC cells is through upregulating ROS production.
      Consequently, our results suggest that TFPP sensitizes NSCLC towards CPT-based
      chemotherapy may act through decreasing the apoptosis-initiating threshold.
      Therefore, TFPP may be a promising chemosensitizer for lung cancer treatment, and
      the underlying mechanism warrants further.

PMID- 27677294
TI  - The impact of margin status determined by the one-millimeter rule on tumor
      recurrence and survival following pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic ductal
      adenocarcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: The tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) classification defines R1 as the
      presence of tumor cells at the resection margin, while the current Royal College
      of Pathologists guidelines for pancreaticoduodenectomy specimens regard the
      presence of tumor cells within 1 mm from the resection margin as R1 (the "1-mm
      rule"). The aims of this study were to investigate the resection margin status of
      pancreatic head cancer retrospectively according to both the TNM and 1-mm rule
      classifications, and to evaluate the postoperative survival and tumor recurrence
      patterns. METHODS: A total of 117 patients with pancreatic head cancer were the
      subjects of this study. RESULTS: R11-mm rule resection was associated with a
      significantly worse disease-free survival (DFS) than R01-mm rule resection (p =
      0.0259), while R1TNM had no impact on DFS. R11-mm rule resection margin status
      correlated with the incidence of tumor recurrence in the liver (p = 0.0483). In a
      multivariate analysis, R11-mm rule resection was the independent variable for
      predicting poor DFS (hazard ratio 1.71; p = 0.0289). CONCLUSIONS: R1 resection
      margin status determined by the 1-mm rule may be an independent indicator for
      predicting disease recurrence, especially liver metastasis. These results may be
      useful for selecting the appropriate adjuvant therapy protocol and conducting
      strict surveillance in PDAC patients.

PMID- 27677295
TI  - Laparoscopic versus open surgery for obese patients with rectal cancer: a
      retrospective cohort study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the advantages of laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer in
      obese patients. METHODS: We collected clinical data from consecutive patients who
      underwent anterior resection for rectal cancer between 2008 and 2015 to compare
      the surgical outcomes of a laparoscopic surgery group (LG) with those of an open
      surgery group (OG) stratified by obesity. Obesity was defined as a body mass
      index >=25. RESULTS: A total of 268 patients were analyzed, with 157 in the LG
      (44 obese and 113 non-obese) and 111 in the OG (25 obese and 86 non-obese). The
      rates of complications between the LG and the OG were 18.5 vs. 11.6 % (p = 0.18)
      for the non-obese patients and 18.2 vs. 20.0 % (p = 1.0) for the obese patients,
      respectively, without a significant difference. Operative time was longer in the
      LG than in the OG, but the difference between the non-obese and obese patients
      was not significant, being 266 vs. 189 min (p < 0.0001) and 260 vs. 254 min (p =
      0.96), respectively. Blood loss was much lower in the LG for both obese and non
      obese patients, being 10 vs. 435 mL (p < 0.0001) and 10 vs. 275 mL (p < 0.0001),
      respectively. CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences between LG and OG
      in operative time or complications for obese patients with rectal cancer, and
      blood loss was much lower in the LG. Thus, laparoscopic surgery is a safe and
      minimally invasive approach for obese patients with rectal cancer.

PMID- 27677296
TI  - Diffusion tensor imaging analysis of the brain in the canine model of Krabbe
      disease.
AB  - PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to compare the diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)
      metrics from an end-stage canine Krabbe brain evaluated by MR imaging ex vivo to
      those of a normal dog brain. We hypothesized that the white matter of the canine
      Krabbe brain would show decreased fractional anisotropy (FA) values and increased
      apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and radial diffusivity (RD) values. METHODS:
      An 11-week-old Krabbe dog was euthanized after disease progression. The brain was
      removed and was placed in a solution of 10% formalin. MR imaging was performed
      and compared to the brain images of a normal dog that was similarly fixed post
      mortem. Both brains were scanned using similar protocols on a 7 T small-animal
      MRI system. For each brain, maps of ADC, FA, and RD were calculated for 11 white
      matter regions and five control gray-matter regions. RESULTS: Large decreases in
      FA values, increases in ADC values, and increases in RD (consistent with
      demyelination) values, were seen in white matter of the Krabbe brain but not gray
      matter. ADC values in gray matter of the Krabbe brain were decreased by
      approximately 29% but increased by approximately 3.6% in white matter of the
      Krabbe brain. FA values in gray matter were decreased by approximately 3.3% but
      decreased by approximately 29% in white matter. RD values were decreased by
      approximately 27.2% in gray matter but increased by approximately 20% in white
      matter. CONCLUSION: We found substantial abnormalities of FA, ADC, and RD values
      in an ex vivo canine Krabbe brain.

PMID- 27677297
TI  - Fish oil and wheat-germ oil supplementation restores ovarian function in
      streptozotocin-diabetic rats.
AB  - Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder and has a profound impact on women's
      reproductive health. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of a
      mixture of fish oil (FO) and wheat-germ oil (WGO) on ovarian dysfunction in
      diabetic rats. Female Albino rats were divided into control, diabetic and FO-WGO
      diabetic groups. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 65mgkg-1
      streptozotocin (STZ). Three weeks later, rats were given oral supplement of
      0.4gkg-1 oil mix (1000mg FO+100mg WGO) daily for 3 weeks. Antioxidant activity
      was assessed by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH)
      levels, the GSH:oxidised glutathione (GSSG) ratio and superoxide dismutase (SOD),
      glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) activities. Ovary function was
      indicated by serum concentrations of FSH, oestradiol (E2), LH, anti-Mullerian
      hormone (AMH), ovary histopathology and follicle counts. Anti-inflammatory
      properties were detected by measuring nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB in follicular
      cells by immunohistochemistry. FO-WGO supplementation enhanced CAT, SOD and GPx
      activities and raised GSH levels and the GSH:GSSG ratio. Supplementation also
      increased FSH, E2, LH and AMH levels and follicle counts. Moreover, NF-kB
      expression and MDA were reduced. These findings indicate that FO-WGO
      supplementation preserved ovarian function in STZ-induced diabetic rats.

PMID- 27677298
TI  - Participatory methods for research prioritization in primary care: an analysis of
      the World Cafe approach in Ireland and the USA.
AB  - Background: There are increasing imperatives for patients and members of the
      public to engage as partners in identifying health research priorities. The use
      of participatory methods to engage stakeholders in health care in research
      prioritization is not commonly reported. Objective: This article analyses the use
      of World Cafes as a participatory method for research prioritization with
      marginalized communities in Ireland and the USA. Methods: The principles of
      purposeful and snowball sampling were followed in both settings and a diverse
      range of community and health care stakeholders participated (n = 63 Ireland and
      n = 55 USA). The principles for a classic World Cafe were employed but there were
      novel features in each setting as well. Stewart et al.'s (Patients' and
      clinicians' research priorities. Health Expect 2011; 14: 439-48, conceptual
      framework for patient engagement was adapted and used to comparatively analyse
      the strengths and weaknesses of the World Cafes, focusing on agenda setting,
      engagement with research processes, interactional features and outputs. Results:
      Design principles for World Cafes were found to align with high-quality patient
      engagement for research prioritization in both settings. They served to
      facilitate meaningful collaboration among stakeholder groups in research
      prioritization (research agenda setting) and explored research priorities
      (engagement with research). The cafe ambience, emphasis on hospitality and self
      facilitation created an environment for dialogues within and across participating
      groups (interactional features). There was a commitment to follow-up actions with
      reference to possible subsequent research (outputs). Conclusions: The World Cafe
      is a valuable, participatory, flexible method that can be used with community and
      health care stakeholders for research prioritization with marginalized
      communities.

PMID- 27677299
TI  - How can we improve crop genotypes to increase stress resilience and productivity
      in a future climate? A new crop screening method based on productivity and
      resistance to abiotic stress.
AB  - The need to accelerate the selection of crop genotypes that are both resistant to
      and productive under abiotic stress is enhanced by global warming and the
      increase in demand for food by a growing world population. In this paper, we
      propose a new method for evaluation of wheat genotypes in terms of their
      resilience to stress and their production capacity. The method quantifies the
      components of a new index related to yield under abiotic stress based on
      previously developed stress indices, namely the stress susceptibility index, the
      stress tolerance index, the mean production index, the geometric mean production
      index, and the tolerance index, which were created originally to evaluate drought
      adaptation. The method, based on a scoring scale, offers simple and easy
      visualization and identification of resilient, productive and/or contrasting
      genotypes according to grain yield. This new selection method could help breeders
      and researchers by defining clear and strong criteria to identify genotypes with
      high resilience and high productivity and provide a clear visualization of
      contrasts in terms of grain yield production under stress. It is also expected
      that this methodology will reduce the time required for first selection and the
      number of first-selected genotypes for further evaluation by breeders and provide
      a basis for appropriate comparisons of genotypes that would help reveal the
      biology behind high stress productivity of crops.

PMID- 27677300
TI  - Artificial neural network EMG classifier for functional hand grasp movements
      prediction.
AB  - Objective To design and implement an electromyography (EMG)-based controller for
      a hand robotic assistive device, which is able to classify the user's motion
      intention before the effective kinematic movement execution. Methods Multiple
      degrees-of-freedom hand grasp movements (i.e. pinching, grasp an object,
      grasping) were predicted by means of surface EMG signals, recorded from 10
      bipolar EMG electrodes arranged in a circular configuration around the forearm 2
      3 cm from the elbow. Two cascaded artificial neural networks were then exploited
      to detect the patient's motion intention from the EMG signal window starting from
      the electrical activity onset to movement onset (i.e. electromechanical delay).
      Results The proposed approach was tested on eight healthy control subjects (4
      females; age range 25-26 years) and it demonstrated a mean +/- SD testing
      performance of 76% +/- 14% for correctly predicting healthy users' motion
      intention. Two post-stroke patients tested the controller and obtained 79% and
      100% of correctly classified movements under testing conditions. Conclusion A
      task-selection controller was developed to estimate the intended movement from
      the EMG measured during the electromechanical delay.

PMID- 27677301
TI  - Specialist care in the management of inflammatory bowel disease.
AB  - Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative
      colitis (UC), both chronic, relapsing, incurable conditions. Phenotypical
      expression may vary, and a fraction of patients respond appropriately to
      conventional drugs without complications or need for hospitalization. At the
      opposite end of this spectrum, 30-40% of patients have severe, aggressive disease
      poorly responsive to conventional drugs. These latter patients urgently need more
      advanced therapy options, which also represent additional safety concerns. IBD
      management has become increasingly complex, and specialist care is deemed
      associated with better outcomes in the management of patients with IBD.

PMID- 27677302
TI  - A Convenient Ultraviolet Irradiation Technique for Synthesis of Antibacterial Ag
      Pal Nanocomposite.
AB  - In the present work, palygorskite (Pal) was initially subjected to an ion
      exchange reaction with silver ions (Pal-Ag(+)). Subsequently, Ag-Pal
      nanocomposites were assembled by a convenient ultraviolet irradiation technique,
      using carbon dots (CDs) derived from wool fiber as the reducing agent. The
      obtained nanocomposites were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD),
      ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy
      (TEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The XRD patterns and UV-vis
      absorption spectra confirmed the formation of the Ag nanoparticles (NPs).
      Meanwhile, the TEM images showed that the Ag NPs, which exhibited sizes in the
      range of 3-7 nm, were located on the surface of the Pal nanofiber structures.
      Furthermore, the antibacterial activity of the nanocomposites was evaluated
      against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia
      coli) bacteria by applying the disc diffusion method and minimum inhibitory
      concentration test. Owing to their good antibacterial properties, the Ag-Pal
      nanocomposites are considered to be a promising bactericide with great potential
      applications. 

PMID- 27677304
TI  - Tunneling-Magnetoresistance Ratio Comparison of MgO-Based Perpendicular-Magnetic
      Tunneling-Junction Spin Valve Between Top and Bottom Co2Fe6B2 Free Layer
      Structure.
AB  - For the perpendicular-magnetic-tunneling-junction (p-MTJ) spin valve with a
      nanoscale-thick bottom Co2Fe6B2 free layer ex situ annealed at 400  degrees C,
      which has been used as a common p-MTJ structure, the Pt atoms of the Pt buffer
      layer diffused into the MgO tunneling barrier. This transformed the MgO tunneling
      barrier from a body-centered cubic (b.c.c) crystallized layer into a mixture of
      b.c.c, face-centered cubic, and amorphous layers and rapidly decreased the
      tunneling-magnetoresistance (TMR) ratio. The p-MTJ spin valve with a nanoscale
      thick top Co2Fe6B2 free layer could prevent the Pt atoms diffusing into the MgO
      tunneling barrier during ex situ annealing at 400  degrees C because of non
      necessity of a Pt buffer layer, demonstrating the TMR ratio of ~143 %. 

PMID- 27677303
TI  - Fabrication and Properties of Carbon-Encapsulated Cobalt Nanoparticles over NaCl
      by CVD.
AB  - Carbon-encapsulated cobalt (Co@C) nanoparticles, with a tunable structure, were
      synthesized by chemical vapor deposition using Co nanoparticles as the catalyst
      and supported on a water-soluble substrate (sodium chloride), which was easily
      removed by washing and centrifugation. The influences of growth temperature and
      time on the structure and magnetic properties of the Co@C nanoparticles were
      systematically investigated. For different growth temperatures, the magnetic Co
      nanoparticles were encapsulated by different types of carbon layers, including
      amorphous carbon layers, graphitic layers, and carbon nanofibers. This inferred a
      close relationship between the structure of the carbon-encapsulated metal
      nanoparticles and the growth temperature. At a fixed growth temperature of 400 
      degrees C, prolonged growth time caused an increase in thickness of the carbon
      layers. The magnetic characterization indicated that the magnetic properties of
      the obtained Co@C nanoparticles depend not only on the graphitization but also on
      the thickness of the encapsulated carbon layer, which were easily controlled by
      the growth temperatures and times. Optimization of the synthesis process allowed
      achieving relatively high coercivity of the synthesized Co@C nanoparticles and
      enhancement of its ferromagnetic properties, which make this system promising as
      a magnetic material, particularly for high-density magnetic recording
      applications. 

PMID- 27677305
TI  - Long-Term Stability of a Portable Carbon Monoxide Single-Breath Diffusing
      Capacity Instrument.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The 2005 American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society
      guidelines for single-breath diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide
      (DLCO) recommend a weekly biological control test and/or DLCO simulator to detect
      instrument error drift. Very little has been published regarding the results of
      such a quality assurance program. Our aim was to analyze the long-term stability
      of a portable DLCO instrument. METHODS: We used a new EasyOne Pro system and
      checked its accuracy using a DLCO simulator with 2 reference gases (concentration
      A: carbon monoxide [CO] = 0.1% and helium = 6.52%; concentration B: CO = 0.08%
      and helium = 7.21%) during the first 3 y of use in our large clinical laboratory.
      To detect instrument drift, a healthy woman (MSC), age 43 y old at baseline,
      tested herself every week during this period of time. RESULTS: More than 6,000
      spirometry and 5,000 DLCO maneuvers were done using this instrument for patients
      during these 3 y. There were no failures in the daily volume and flow checks or
      the CO and helium calibration checks performed automatically by the instrument.
      The differences between the simulator DLCO and the measured DLCO were -0.91 +/-
      1.33 mL/min/mm Hg and -0.61 +/- 1.45 mL/min/mm Hg for concentration A and
      concentration B, respectively. The results of the 110 biological control tests
      were: mean 30.8 +/- 1.7 mL/min/mm Hg (95% CI 30.5-31.1), coefficient of variation
      of 5.4% in DLCO, and repeatability of 2.5 mL/min/mm Hg. Only 4 measurements were
      outside +/-3 mL/min/mm Hg (3.6%). Her mean alveolar volume was 4.2 +/- 0.25 L
      with coefficient of variation of 6.2%; her inspired volume was 3.05 +/- 0.14 L,
      and coefficient of variation = 4.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Measurements of DLCO were
      stable over the 3-y period without any need for manual recalibration of the
      instrument. The biological control was as good as the DLCO simulator to evaluate
      this kind of device in a long-term laboratory quality control program.

PMID- 27677306
TI  - Alternating Motion Rate to Distinguish Elderly People With History of Pneumonia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Under the hypothesis that elderly people in the community may have
      deficient oropharyngeal dysfunction, the purpose of this case-control study was
      to compare oral and physical characteristics in elderly people with and without a
      history of pneumonia and to identify factors distinguishing them. METHODS: In
      2014, we examined 1,311 elderly people who agreed to participate in a
      longitudinal and intervention study for the community-dwelling elderly. We looked
      at such physical characteristics as body composition, grip power, gait, and
      balance and at oropharyngeal characteristics, such as alternating motion rate
      (AMR) in speech and the repetitive saliva-swallowing test (RSST). The subjects
      were also asked about past history of pneumonia and other morbid conditions. From
      that information, we extracted 24 subjects reporting to have had pneumonia within
      the previous 5 y as well as 172 other subjects who matched the pneumonia subjects
      with respect to age, sex, and number of other morbidities to form 2 groups for
      comparisons. We also subjected the data to a logistic regression analysis, with
      having or not having pneumonia as the dependent variable, oral and physical
      characteristics as independent variables, and age and sex as covariates. RESULTS:
      No significant differences were seen in physical characteristics between the 2
      groups. Among the oropharyngeal characteristics, AMR was significantly lower in
      the pneumonia subjects (P = .005, effect size = 0.20), whereas RSST exhibited no
      significant difference between the 2 groups. Logistic regression revealed AMR to
      be the only factor related to pneumonia (P = .002, odds ratio 0.169, 95% CI 0.056
      0.508). CONCLUSIONS: In community-dwelling elderly people, association of
      pneumonia with skilled tongue control (AMR) rather than with swallowing (RSST)
      prompts a reexamination of what constitutes being at risk for pneumonia.

PMID- 27677307
TI  - Infection levels of the eyeworm Oxyspirura petrowi and caecal worm Aulonocephalus
      pennula in the northern bobwhite and scaled quail from the Rolling Plains of
      Texas.
AB  - Northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) and scaled quail (Callipepla squamata)
      have experienced chronic declines within the Rolling Plains ecoregion of Texas.
      Parasitic infection, which has long been dismissed as a problem in quail, has not
      been studied thoroughly until recently. A total of 219 northern bobwhite and 101
      scaled quail from Mitchell County, Texas were captured and donated from 2014 to
      2015, and examined for eyeworm (Oxyspirura petrowi) and caecal worm
      (Aulonocephalus pennula) infections. In 2014, bobwhites averaged 19.6 +/- 1.8
      eyeworms and 98.6 +/- 8.2 caecal worms, and 23.5 +/- 2.1 eyeworms and 129.9 +/-
      10.7 caecal worms in 2015. Scaled quail averaged 4.8 +/- 1.0 eyeworms and 50 +/-
      6.8 caecal worms in 2014, and 5.7 +/- 1.3 eyeworms and 38.1 +/- 7.1 caecal worms
      in 2015. This study expands the knowledge of parasitic infection in quail
      inhabiting the Rolling Plains of Texas. A significant difference was documented
      in O. petrowi infection between species but there was no significant difference
      in A. pennula between quail species. No significant difference was detected in
      parasite infection between the sexes of both northern bobwhite and scaled quail.
      This study also documented the highest reported O. petrowi infection in both
      species of quail. Additional research is needed on the life history and infection
      dynamics of O. petrowi and A. pennula infections to determine if there are
      individual- and/or population-level implications due to parasitic infection.

PMID- 27677309
TI  - Protective effects of reduced dynamin-related protein 1 against amyloid beta
      induced mitochondrial dysfunction and synaptic damage in Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - The purpose of our study was to understand the protective effects of reduced
      expression of dynamin-related protein (Drp1) against amyloid beta (Abeta) induced
      mitochondrial and synaptic toxicities in Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression and
      pathogenesis. Our recent molecular and biochemical studies revealed that impaired
      mitochondrial dynamics-increased mitochondrial fragmentation and decreased fusion
      in neurons from autopsy brains of AD patients and from transgenic AD mice and
      neurons expressing Abeta, suggesting that Abeta causes mitochondrial
      fragmentation in AD. Further, our recent co-immunoprecipitation and
      immunostaining analysis revealed that the mitochondrial fission protein Drp1
      interacted with Abeta, and this interaction increased as AD progressed. Based on
      these findings, we hypothesize that a partial deficiency of Drp1 inhibits Drp1
      Abeta interactions and protects Abeta-induced mitochondrial and synaptic
      toxicities, and maintains mitochondrial dynamics and neuronal function in AD
      neurons. We crossed Drp1+/- mice with APP transgenic mice (Tg2576 line) and
      created double mutant (APPXDrp1+/-) mice. Using real-time RT-PCR and
      immunoblotting analyses, we measured mRNA expressions and protein levels of genes
      related to the mitochondrial dynamics, mitochondrial biogenesis and synapses from
      6-month-old Drp1+/-, APP, APPXDrp1+/- and wild-type (WT) mice. Using biochemical
      methods, we also studied mitochondrial function and measured soluble Abeta in
      brain tissues from all lines of mice in our study. Decreased mRNA expressions and
      protein levels of Drp1 and Fis1 (fission) and CypD (matrix) genes, and increased
      levels of Mfn1, Mfn2 and Opa1 (fusion), Nrf1, Nrf2, PGC1alpha, TFAM (biogenesis)
      and synaptophysin, PSD95, synapsin 1, synaptobrevin 1, neurogranin, GAP43 and
      synaptopodin (synaptic) were found in 6-month-old APPXDrp1+/- mice relative to
      APP mice. Mitochondrial functional assays revealed that mitochondrial dysfunction
      is reduced in APPXDrp1+/- mice relative to APP mice, suggesting that reduced
      Drp1enhances mitochondrial function in AD neurons. Sandwich ELISA assay revealed
      that soluble Abeta levels were significantly reduced in APPXDrp1+/- mice relative
      to APP mice, indicating that reduced Drp1 decreases soluble Abeta production in
      AD progression. These findings suggest that a partial reduction of Drp1 reduces
      Abeta production, reduces mitochondrial dysfunction, and maintains mitochondrial
      dynamics, enhances mitochondrial biogenesis and synaptic activity in APP mice.
      These findings may have implications for the development of Drp1 based
      therapeutics for AD patients.

PMID- 27677311
TI  - Prodigious plant methylomes.
AB  - Schmitz and colleagues recently investigated DNA methylation patterns in diverse
      flowering plant species, finding substantial variation in the extent and
      distribution of methylation in angiosperms.Please see related Research article:
      http://www.doi.org/10.1186/s13059-016-1059-0.

PMID- 27677310
TI  - Evaluation of self-swabbing coupled with a telephone health helpline as an
      adjunct tool for surveillance of influenza viruses in Ontario.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Calls to a telephone health helpline (THHL) have been previously
      evaluated for the ability to monitor specific syndromes, such as fever and
      influenza-like-illness or gastrointestinal illness. This method of surveillance
      has been shown to be highly correlated with traditional surveillance methods, and
      to have potential for early detection of community-based illness. Self-sampling,
      or having a person take his/her own nasal swab, has also proven successful as a
      useful method for obtaining a specimen, which may be used for respiratory virus
      detection. METHODS: This study describes a self-swabbing surveillance system
      mediated by a nurse-led THHL in Ontario whereby syndromic surveillance concepts
      are used to recruit and monitor participants with influenza-like illness. Once
      recruited, participants collect a nasal specimen obtained by self-swabbing and
      submit for testing and laboratory confirmation. Enumeration of weekly case counts
      was used to evaluate the timeliness of the self-swabbing surveillance system
      through comparison to other respiratory virus and influenza surveillance systems
      in Ontario. The operational efficiency of the system was also evaluated. RESULTS:
      The mean and median number of days between the day that a participant called the
      THHL, to the day a package was received at the laboratory for testing were
      approximately 10.4 and 8.6 days, respectively. The time between self-swab
      collection and package reception was 4.9 days on average, with a median of 4
      days. The self-swabbing surveillance system adequately captured the 2014
      influenza B season in a timely manner when compared to other Ontario-based
      sources of influenza surveillance data from the same year; however, the emergence
      of influenza B was not detected any earlier than with these other surveillance
      systems. Influenza A surveillance was also evaluated. Using the THHL self
      swabbing system, a peak in the number of cases for influenza A was observed
      approximately one week after or during the same week as that reported by the
      other surveillance systems. CONCLUSION: This one-year pilot study suggests that
      the THHL self-swabbing surveillance system has significant potential as an
      adjunct tool for the surveillance of influenza viruses in Ontario.
      Recommendations for improving system efficacy are discussed.

PMID- 27677312
TI  - Birth weight in relation to health and disease in later life: an umbrella review
      of systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Birth weight, a marker of the intrauterine environment, has been
      extensively studied in epidemiological research in relation to subsequent health
      and disease. Although numerous meta-analyses have been published examining the
      association between birth weight and subsequent health-related outcomes, the
      epidemiological credibility of these associations has not been thoroughly
      assessed. The objective of this study is to map the diverse health outcomes
      associated with birth weight and evaluate the credibility and presence of biases
      in the reported associations. METHODS: An umbrella review was performed to
      identify systematic reviews and meta-analyses of observational studies
      investigating the association between birth weight and subsequent health outcomes
      and traits. For each association, we estimated the summary effect size by random
      effects and fixed-effects models, the 95 % confidence interval, and the 95 %
      prediction interval. We also assessed the between-study heterogeneity, evidence
      for small-study effects and excess significance bias. We further applied
      standardized methodological criteria to evaluate the epidemiological credibility
      of the statistically significant associations. RESULTS: Thirty-nine articles
      including 78 associations between birth weight and diverse outcomes met the
      eligibility criteria. A wide range of health outcomes has been studied, ranging
      from anthropometry and metabolic diseases, cardiovascular diseases and
      cardiovascular risk factors, various cancers, respiratory diseases and allergies,
      musculoskeletal traits and perinatal outcomes. Forty-seven of 78 associations
      presented a nominally significant summary effect and 21 associations remained
      statistically significant at P < 1 * 10-6. Thirty associations presented large or
      very large between-study heterogeneity. Evidence for small-study effects and
      excess significance bias was present in 13 and 16 associations, respectively. One
      association with low birth weight (increased risk for all-cause mortality), two
      dose-response associations with birth weight (higher bone mineral concentration
      in hip and lower risk for mortality from cardiovascular diseases per 1 kg
      increase in birth weight) and one association with small-for-gestational age
      infants with normal birth weight (increased risk for childhood stunting)
      presented convincing evidence. Eleven additional associations had highly
      suggestive evidence. CONCLUSIONS: The range of outcomes convincingly associated
      with birth weight might be narrower than originally described under the "fetal
      origin hypothesis" of disease. There is weak evidence that birth weight
      constitutes an effective public health intervention marker.

PMID- 27677313
TI  - Serum CA125 and HE4 levels as predictors for optimal interval surgery and
      platinum sensitivity after neoadjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy in patients
      with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to evaluate a new tumour marker, HE4, and to
      compare it with CA125 in predicting optimal cytoreduction and response to
      chemotherapy. Thirty patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer and
      multiple sera harvested during neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) were included.
      RESULTS: Based on ROC curves analysis, CA125 <= 75 UI/ml and HE4 <= 252 pmol/L
      after the 3rd cycles of NAC, with a sensitivity of 93.7 % and a specificity of
      92.3 % (PPV = 93.7 % and NPV = 92.3 %), offered the best combination for
      predicting optimal cytoreduction. In addition, the HE4 value of 115 pmol/L is the
      best cut-off level for identifying platinum-sensitive patients. CONCLUSIONS: The
      introduction of HE4 as a new tool for predicting platinum-sensitivity and
      interval optimal cytoreduction is promising.

PMID- 27677315
TI  - Label-Free Analysis and Sorting of Microalgae and Cyanobacteria in Microdroplets
      by Intrinsic Chlorophyll Fluorescence for the Identification of Fast Growing
      Strains.
AB  - Microalgae and cyanobacteria are promising organisms for sustainable biofuel
      production, but several challenges remain to make this economically viable,
      including identification of optimized strains with high biomass productivity.
      Here we report on a novel methodology for the label-free screening and sorting of
      cyanobacteria and microalgae in a microdroplet platform. We show for the first
      time that chlorophyll fluorescence can be used to measure differences in biomass
      between populations of picoliter microdroplets containing different species of
      cyanobacteria, Synechocystis PCC 6803 and Synechococcus PCC 7002, which exhibit
      different growth dynamics in bulk culture. The potential and robustness of this
      label-free screening approach is further demonstrated by the screening and
      sorting of cells of the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii encapsulated in
      droplets.

PMID- 27677314
TI  - Serum Antibodies against Helicobacter pylori Neutrophil Activating Protein in
      Carriers of IL-4 C-590T Genetic Polymorphism Amplify the Risk of Gastritis and
      Gastric Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer arises, mainly, on an inflammatory background.
      Helicobacter pylori neutrophil activating (HP-NAP) protein functions as a potent
      pro-inflammatory mediator. Similarly, IL-4 plays a critical role in the
      inflammation pathway, the levels of which are altered by C to T transition at
      position -590 in its promoter region. Here, we have aimed to assess the risk of
      gastritis and gastric cancer in the co-presence of these two inflammation
      modulating mediators. METHODS: Gastritis (n=58) and gastric cancer (n=31)
      patients were evaluated and compared with H. pylori-positive asymptomatic
      controls (n=46), for serum antibodies against recombinant HP-NAP and IL-4 C-590T
      single nucleotide polymorphism using immunoblotting and PCR-RFLP, respectively.
      Multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for age, gender and ethnicity, was
      used for data analysis. RESULTS: In terms of susceptibility to gastritis,
      seropositivity to HP-NAP projected a risk impact of 4.62 fold (OR=4.62, 95%
      CI=1.50-14.22), which when present in IL-4 -590 T carriers augmented the risk up
      to 9.7 fold (OR=9.70, 95% CI=2.06-45.69). A similar pattern, but of a stronger
      magnitude, occurred for the risk of gastric cancer, which was estimated at 9.07
      fold (OR=9.07, 95% CI=1.99-42.0) for HP-NAP-seropositive subjects and was
      drastically amplified (OR=33.64, 95% CI=2.06-548.68), when double-positive (HP
      NAP seropositive/IL-4 -590 T carrier) subjects were examined against double
      negatives (HP-NAP seronegative/IL-4 -590 CC). CONCLUSION: Our preliminary data
      indicate that serum antibodies against HP-NAP represent a state of risk, which is
      further exacerbated in IL-4 -590 T carriers. These biomarkers, if validated in
      larger prospective studies, can be used to screen for gastric cancer
      susceptibility.

PMID- 27677316
TI  - Perioperative management of Parkinson's disease.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Guidelines for the management of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients
      in the perioperative setting are lacking. Areas covered: Here we review potential
      problems that may arise when PD patients are undergoing an operation. We also
      review the literature, where available, and provide our expert opinion and
      recommendations based on experience. Expert commentary: Elderly patients with PD
      are especially prone to complications in the perioperative setting. Extreme
      caution must be used to ensure appropriate medication administration, transition
      to non-oral agents, if indicated, and early mobilization to achieve rapid
      recovery after surgery.

PMID- 27677317
TI  - Intrauterine hematomas in the second and third trimesters associated with adverse
      pregnancy outcomes: a retrospective study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To carry out a retrospective study of the clinical features of
      patients with intrauterine hematoma in the second and third trimesters, and
      discuss the risk factors for poor pregnancy outcomes. METHODS: A total of 398
      patients who underwent routine examination in our hospital from January 2011 to
      December 2015 were classified into normal pregnancy (NP) group (N = 265) and
      adverse pregnancy (AP) group (N = 133), according to their pregnancy outcomes.
      Maternal clinical demographics, gestational age, location of hematoma, volume of
      hematoma, and accompanying contraction and vaginal bleeding were recorded.
      RESULTS: The average age of pregnant women in the NP and AP groups was 28.25 +/-
      4.06 and 29.5 +/- 5.06 years, respectively (p = 0.007). Gestational age at first
      detection of hematoma was 15.11 +/- 5.13 weeks in the NP group compared with
      21.22 +/- 8.25 weeks in the AP group (p < 0.001). In the AP group, the incidence
      of retroplacental hematoma (54.1%) and palpable contractions (62.8%) was
      significantly higher than in the NP group (25.7% and 12.1%, respectively; p <
      0.01). However, similar maternal parity or history of delivery, volume of
      hematoma and incidence of vaginal bleeding were found. CONCLUSION: Intrauterine
      hematoma in the second and third trimesters is a sign of pathological pregnancy,
      resulting in adverse outcomes. Maternal age, gestational age at first diagnosis,
      location of hematoma and accompanying contraction are risk factors for poor
      pregnancy outcomes.

PMID- 27677319
TI  - Substituted indole Mcl-1 inhibitors: a patent evaluation (WO2015148854A1).
AB  - The myeloid cell leukemia 1 (Mcl-1) protein, an anti-apoptotic member of Bcl-2
      family, plays a critical role in the development and maintenance of many cancers
      and is listed in the 'top ten' pathological factors across the diversity of human
      cancers. The patent described in this evaluation (WO2015148854A1) claimed
      substituted indole Mcl-1 inhibitors for the treatment of diseases and conditions
      (e.g., cancer) characterized by the over-expression or dysregulation of Mcl-1
      proteins. A variety of 2-position substituents distinguished indole Mcl-1
      inhibitors claimed in this patent from another two patents by AbbVie Inc.
      (WO2008131000A2 and WO2008130970A1). They exhibited low-nanomolar binding
      affinities and >100-fold selectivity over Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL in vitro, and low
      micromolar killing abilities against a panel of tumour cell lines. Moreover, the
      compounds in this patent revealed that the structural basis for selective Mcl-1
      inhibitors may not completely depend on the 5 known binding hot-spots, and
      conformational flexibility of Mcl-1 protein could contribute to the binding
      specificity.

PMID- 27677318
TI  - Successful short-term re-learning and generalisation of concepts in semantic
      dementia.
AB  - Patients with semantic dementia (SD) can rapidly and successfully re-learn word
      labels during cognitive intervention. This new learning, however, usually remains
      rigid and context-dependent. Conceptual enrichment (COEN) training is a therapy
      approach aimed to produce more flexible and generalisable learning in SD. In this
      study we compare generalisation and maintenance of learning after COEN with
      performance achieved using a classical naming therapy (NT). The study recruited a
      62-year-old woman with SD. An AB1ACAB2 experimental design was implemented, with
      naming performance assessed at baseline, post- intervention, 3 and 6 weeks after
      the end of each treatment phase. Three generalisation tasks were also assessed
      pre- and post-intervention. Naming post-intervention improved significantly
      following both therapies, however, words trained using COEN therapy showed a
      significantly greater degree of generalisation than those trained under NT. In
      addition, only words trained with COEN continued to show significant improvements
      compared with baseline performance when assessed 6 weeks after practice ceased.
      It was concluded that therapies based on conceptual enrichment of the semantic
      network facilitate relearning of words and enhance generalisation in patients
      with SD.

PMID- 27677320
TI  - Association of hypertension-related distress with lack of self-care among
      hypertensive patients.
AB  - Research on factors associated with poor adherence to self-care focuses primarily
      on psychiatric emotional disorders such as depression and anxiety, whereas non
      psychiatric chronic-disease-related emotional distress has received little
      attention in hypertensive patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate
      the association of hypertension-related distress with the lack of self-care
      including low adherence to pharmacological treatment, lack of regular physical
      activity, low intake of fruits and vegetables and frequent intake of high-salt
      foods. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2014 in two family medical units
      affiliated with the Mexican Institute of Social Security. The study included 487
      hypertensive patients >19 years of age. The conceptual framework for the study
      was based on the Health Promotion Model. The analysis included multiple Poisson
      regression models. We found that 21.1% of participants had hypertension-related
      distress. Low adherence to pharmacological treatment was identified in 45.8% of
      patients, whereas 46.8% lacked regular physical activity, 30.8% reported a low
      consumption of fruits and vegetables, and 54.6% frequently consumed foods high in
      salt content. Hypertension-related distress was associated with lack of regular
      physical activity and low intake of fruits and vegetables. These findings
      highlight the importance of addressing distress in order to improve self-care of
      hypertensive patients.

PMID- 27677321
TI  - Which type of social activities may reduce cognitive decline in the elderly?: a
      longitudinal population-based study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies have found that social activities are beneficial for
      the reduction of cognitive decline (CD) in the elderly. However, knowledge
      regarding the types of social activities that reduce CD in later life is limited.
      The aim of this study is to examine which type of social activities reduce CD 4
      years later among young-old (Y-O) and old-old (O-O) adults. METHODS: We conducted
      a secondary analysis using data from cognitively intact adults 65 years of age or
      older who participated in the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA).
      Cognitive function was assessed using the Korean version of the Mini-Mental State
      Examination (MMSE). We computed CD between 2008 and 2012 by subtracting the Wave
      4 MMSE score from the Wave 2 MMSE score. Multivariate linear regression analysis
      was conducted regarding the effects of social activities on CD after adjusting
      for age, sex, education, income, marital status, activities of daily living
      (ADL), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), chronic diseases, quality
      of life, depressive symptom, change in depressive symptom, and cognitive
      functioning at baseline. RESULTS: Subjects who participated in senior citizen
      clubs or senior centers at baseline had a lower risk of CD 4 years later than
      those who did not in Y-O adults. Frequent contact with offspring by phone or
      letters was associated with reduced CD in O-O adults. Frequent face-to-face
      contact with offspring was positively associated with CD in O-O adults.
      Participating in two or more formal social activities was associated with reduced
      CD compared with nonparticipation in O-O adults. CONCLUSION: Encouraging older
      adults to participate in senior citizen clubs or to have frequent contacts with
      adult children by phone or letters may help reduce CD in later life among older
      adults. Participation in a variety of formal social activities may also have a
      beneficial effect on preventing CD in older adults.

PMID- 27677322
TI  - Synthesis and anticancer and lipophilic properties of 10-dialkylaminobutynyl
      derivatives of 1,8- and 2,7-diazaphenothiazines.
AB  - New derivatives of two isomeric types of azaphenothiazines, 1,8- and 2,7
      diazaphenothiazine, containing the triple bond substituents and additionally
      tertiary cyclic and acyclic amine groups, were synthesized and tested for their
      anticancer activity. The compounds exhibited differential inhibitory activities.
      Better results were obtained when the acetylenic group was transformed via the
      Mannich reaction to the dialkylaminobutynyl groups. The most active was 2,7
      diazaphenothiazine with the N-methylpiperazine-2-butynyl substituent against the
      human ductal breast epithelial tumor cell line T47D, more potent than cisplatin.
      The 2,7-diazaphenothiazine system turned out to be more active than isomeric 1,8
      diaza one. For the most active compound, the expression of TP53, CDKN1A, BCL-2
      and BAX genes was detected by the RT-QPCR method. The gene expression ratio BACL
      2/BAX suggests the mitochondrial apoptosis in T47D cells. The synthesis makes
      possible to obtain many new bioactive phenothiazines with the dialkylaminoalkynyl
      substituents inserting various tertiary cyclic and acyclic amine moieties to the
      substituents. 

PMID- 27677324
TI  - Testicular parameters and spermatogenesis in different birthweight boars.
AB  - The present study investigated the effect of birthweight on testicular
      development and spermatogenesis in boars. Twenty-four pairs of littermate boars
      were selected: one piglet with the highest birthweight (HW) and the other with
      the lowest birthweight (LW) within the litter. Two subsets of 12 pairs of male
      littermates from each birthweight group were obtained after selection: one subset
      was orchiectomised at 8 days and the other at 8 months of age. HW boars had
      higher body and testicular weights at both ages (P<0.05). Testosterone
      concentrations and the relative expression of 17alpha-hydroxylase in the testis
      were similar between birthweight groups. Birthweight affected somatic and germ
      cell numbers in the neonatal testis, which were higher in HW boars (P<0.05).
      Moreover, a significant reduction in the number of pachytene spermatocytes and
      round spermatids was observed in LW boars (P<0.05) at 8 months of age, which
      caused a decrease in the total number of elongated spermatids and daily sperm
      production (P<0.05). Hence, HW boars have the potential to produce more
      spermatozoa and consequently more semen doses per ejaculate, and would be very
      valuable to an industry that relies on AI.

PMID- 27677325
TI  - Response to Cognitive impulsivity and the behavioral addiction model of obsessive
      compulsive disorder: Abramovitch and McKay (2016).
AB  - In our recently published article, we investigated the behavioral addiction model
      of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), by assessing three core dimensions of
      addiction in patients with OCD healthy participants. Similar to the common
      findings in addiction, OCD patients demonstrated increased impulsivity, risky
      decision-making, and biased probabilistic reasoning compared to healthy controls.
      Thus, we concluded that these results support the conceptualization of OCD as a
      disorder of behavioral addiction. Here, we answer to Abramovitch and McKay (2016)
      commentary on our paper and we support our conclusions by explaining how
      cognitive impulsivity is also a typical feature of addiction and how our results
      on decision-making and probabilistic reasoning tasks reflect cognitive
      impulsivity facets that are consistently replicated in OCD and addiction. 

PMID- 27677326
TI  - V2O5-C-SnO2 Hybrid Nanobelts as High Performance Anodes for Lithium-ion
      Batteries.
AB  - The superior performance of metal oxide nanocomposites has introduced them as
      excellent candidates for emerging energy sources, and attracted significant
      attention in recent years. The drawback of these materials is their inherent
      structural pulverization which adversely impacts their performance and makes the
      rational design of stable nanocomposites a great challenge. In this work,
      functional V2O5-C-SnO2 hybrid nanobelts (VCSNs) with a stable structure are
      introduced where the ultradispersed SnO2 nanocrystals are tightly linked with
      glucose on the V2O5 surface. The nanostructured V2O5 acts as a supporting matrix
      as well as an active electrode component. Compared with existing carbon-V2O5
      hybrid nanobelts, these hybrid nanobelts exhibit a much higher reversible
      capacity and architectural stability when used as anode materials for lithium-ion
      batteries. The superior cyclic performance of VCSNs can be attributed to the
      synergistic effects of SnO2 and V2O5. However, limited data are available for
      V2O5-based anodes in lithium-ion battery design.

PMID- 27677327
TI  - Losartan reduces ensuing chronic kidney disease and mortality after acute kidney
      injury.
AB  - Acute kidney injury (AKI) is an important risk factor for incident chronic kidney
      disease (CKD). Clinical studies disclose that ensuing CKD progresses after
      functional recovery from AKI, but the underlying mechanisms remain illusive.
      Using a murine model representing AKI-CKD continuum, we show angiotensin II type
      1a (AT1a) receptor signaling as one of the underlying mechanisms. Male adult CD-1
      mice presented severe AKI with 20% mortality within 2 weeks after right
      nephrectomy and left renal ischemia-reperfusion injury. Despite functional
      recovery, focal tubular atrophy, interstitial cell infiltration and fibrosis,
      upregulation of genes encoding angiotensinogen and AT1a receptor were shown in
      kidneys 4 weeks after AKI. Thereafter mice manifested increase of blood pressure,
      albuminuria and azotemia progressively. Drinking water with or without losartan
      or hydralazine was administered to mice from 4 weeks after AKI. Increase of
      mortality, blood pressure, albuminuria, azotemia and kidney fibrosis was noted in
      mice with vehicle administration during the 5-month experimental period. On the
      contrary, these parameters in mice with losartan administration were reduced to
      the levels shown in control group. Hydralazine did not provide similar beneficial
      effect though blood pressure was controlled. These findings demonstrate that
      losartan can reduce ensuing CKD and mortality after functional recovery from AKI.

PMID- 27677329
TI  - Electrical detection and quantification of single and mixed DNA nucleotides in
      suspension.
AB  - High speed sequential identification of the building blocks of DNA,
      (deoxyribonucleotides or nucleotides for short) without labeling or processing in
      long reads of DNA is the need of the hour. This can be accomplished through
      exploiting their unique electrical properties. In this study, the four different
      types of nucleotides that constitute a DNA molecule were suspended in a buffer
      followed by performing several types of electrical measurements. These electrical
      parameters were then used to quantify the suspended DNA nucleotides. Thus, we
      present a purely electrical counting scheme based on the semiconductor theory
      that allows one to determine the number of nucleotides in a solution by measuring
      their capacitance-voltage dependency. The nucleotide count was observed to be
      similar to the multiplication of the corresponding dopant concentration and debye
      volume after de-embedding the buffer contribution. The presented approach allows
      for a fast and label-free quantification of single and mixed nucleotides in a
      solution.

PMID- 27677330
TI  - The Evolution of Generosity in the Ultimatum Game.
AB  - When humans fail to make optimal decisions in strategic games and economic
      gambles, researchers typically try to explain why that behaviour is biased. To
      this end, they search for mechanisms that cause human behaviour to deviate from
      what seems to be the rational optimum. But perhaps human behaviour is not biased;
      perhaps research assumptions about the optimality of strategies are incomplete.
      In the one-shot anonymous symmetric ultimatum game (UG), humans fail to play
      optimally as defined by the Nash equilibrium. However, the distinction between
      kin and non-kin-with kin detection being a key evolutionary adaption-is often
      neglected when deriving the "optimal" strategy. We computationally evolved
      strategies in the UG that were equipped with an evolvable probability to discern
      kin from non-kin. When an opponent was not kin, agents evolved strategies that
      were similar to those used by humans. We therefore conclude that the strategy
      humans play is not irrational. The deviation between behaviour and the Nash
      equilibrium may rather be attributable to key evolutionary adaptations, such as
      kin detection. Our findings further suggest that social preference models are
      likely to capture mechanisms that permit people to play optimally in an
      evolutionary context. Once this context is taken into account, human behaviour no
      longer appears irrational.

PMID- 27677328
TI  - Systematic functional analysis of kinases in the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus
      neoformans.
AB  - Cryptococcus neoformans is the leading cause of death by fungal
      meningoencephalitis; however, treatment options remain limited. Here we report
      the construction of 264 signature-tagged gene-deletion strains for 129 putative
      kinases, and examine their phenotypic traits under 30 distinct in vitro growth
      conditions and in two different hosts (insect larvae and mice). Clustering
      analysis of in vitro phenotypic traits indicates that several of these kinases
      have roles in known signalling pathways, and identifies hitherto uncharacterized
      signalling cascades. Virulence assays in the insect and mouse models provide
      evidence of pathogenicity-related roles for 63 kinases involved in the following
      biological categories: growth and cell cycle, nutrient metabolism, stress
      response and adaptation, cell signalling, cell polarity and morphology, vacuole
      trafficking, transfer RNA (tRNA) modification and other functions. Our study
      provides insights into the pathobiological signalling circuitry of C. neoformans
      and identifies potential anticryptococcal or antifungal drug targets.

PMID- 27677331
TI  - Allosteric Inhibitory Molecular Recognition of a Photochromic Dye by a Digestive
      Enzyme: Dihydroindolizine makes alpha-chymotrypsin Photo-responsive.
AB  - The structural-functional regulation of enzymes by the administration of an
      external stimulus such as light could create photo-switches that exhibit unique
      biotechnological applications. However, molecular recognition of small ligands is
      a central phenomenon involved in all biological processes. We demonstrate herein
      that the molecular recognition of a photochromic ligand, dihydroindolizine (DHI),
      by serine protease alpha-chymotrypsin (CHT) leads to the photo-control of
      enzymatic activity. We synthesized and optically characterized the photochromic
      DHI. Light-induced reversible pyrroline ring opening and a consequent thermal
      back reaction via 1,5-electrocyclization are responsible for the photochromic
      behavior. Furthermore, DHI inhibits the enzymatic activity of CHT in a photo
      controlled manner. Simultaneous binding of the well-known inhibitors 4
      nitrophenyl anthranilate (NPA) or proflavin (PF) in the presence of DHI displays
      spectral overlap between the emission of CHT-NPA or CHT-PF with the respective
      absorption of cis or trans DHI. The results suggest an opportunity to explore the
      binding site of DHI using Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET). Moreover, to
      more specifically evaluate the DHI binding interactions, we employed molecular
      docking calculations, which suggested binding near the hydrophobic site of Cys-1
      Cys-122 residues. Variations in the electrostatic interactions of the two
      conformers of DHI adopt unfavorable conformations, leading to the allosteric
      inhibition of enzymatic activity.

PMID- 27677332
TI  - Non-cell autonomous cues for enhanced functionality of human embryonic stem cell
      derived cardiomyocytes via maturation of sarcolemmal and mitochondrial KATP
      channels.
AB  - Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) is a potential unlimited ex vivo source of
      ventricular (V) cardiomyocytes (CMs), but hESC-VCMs and their engineered tissues
      display immature traits. In adult VCMs, sarcolemmal (sarc) and mitochondrial
      (mito) ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels play crucial roles in excitability
      and cardioprotection. In this study, we aim to investigate the biological roles
      and use of sarcKATP and mitoKATP in hESC-VCM. We showed that SarcIK, ATP in
      single hESC-VCMs was dormant under baseline conditions, but became markedly
      activated by cyanide (CN) or the known opener P1075 with a current density that
      was ~8-fold smaller than adult; These effects were reversible upon washout or the
      addition of GLI or HMR1098. Interestingly, sarcIK, ATP displayed a ~3-fold
      increase after treatment with hypoxia (5% O2). MitoIK, ATP was absent in hESC
      VCMs. However, the thyroid hormone T3 up-regulated mitoIK, ATP, conferring
      diazoxide protective effect on T3-treated hESC-VCMs. When assessed using a multi
      cellular engineered 3D ventricular cardiac micro-tissue (hvCMT) system, T3
      substantially enhanced the developed tension by 3-folds. Diazoxide also
      attenuated the decrease in contractility induced by simulated ischemia (1% O2).
      We conclude that hypoxia and T3 enhance the functionality of hESC-VCMs and their
      engineered tissues by selectively acting on sarc and mitoIK, ATP.

PMID- 27677333
TI  - Unravelling molecular mechanisms from floral initiation to lipid biosynthesis in
      a promising biofuel tree species, Pongamia pinnata using transcriptome analysis.
AB  - Pongamia pinnata (L.) (Fabaceae) is a promising biofuel tree species which is
      underexploited in the areas of both fundamental and applied research, due to the
      lack of information either on transcriptome or genomic data. To investigate the
      possible metabolic pathways, we performed whole transcriptome analysis of
      Pongamia through Illumina NextSeq platform and generated 2.8 GB of paired end
      sequence reads. The de novo assembly of raw reads generated 40,000 contigs and
      35,000 transcripts, representing leaf, flower and seed unigenes. Spatial and
      temporal expression profiles of photoperiod and floral homeotic genes in
      Pongamia, identified GIGANTEA (GI) - CONSTANS (CO) - FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) as
      active signal cascade for floral initiation. Four prominent stages of seed
      development were selected in a high yielding Pongamia accession (TOIL 1) to
      follow the temporal expression patterns of key fatty acid biosynthetic genes
      involved in lipid biosynthesis and accumulation. Our results provide insights
      into an array of molecular events from flowering to seed maturity in Pongamia
      which will provide substantial basis for modulation of fatty acid composition and
      enhancing oil yields which should serve as a potential feedstock for biofuel
      production.

PMID- 27677336
TI  - [Considerations on avoidable hospitalizations by heart failure. Related
      variables].

PMID- 27677334
TI  - Embryonic type Na+ channel beta-subunit, SCN3B masks the disease phenotype of
      Brugada syndrome.
AB  - SCN5A is abundant in heart and has a major role in INa. Loss-of-function mutation
      in SCN5A results in Brugada syndrome (BrS), which causes sudden death in adults.
      It remains unclear why disease phenotype does not manifest in the young even
      though mutated SCN5A is expressed in the young. The aim of the present study is
      to elucidate the timing of the disease manifestation in BrS. A gain-of-function
      mutation in SCN5A also results in Long QT syndrome type 3 (LQTS3), leading to
      sudden death in the young. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) were generated
      from a patient with a mixed phenotype of LQTS3 and BrS with the E1784K SCN5A
      mutation. Here we show that electrophysiological analysis revealed that LQTS3/BrS
      iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes recapitulate the phenotype of LQTS3 but not BrS. Each
      beta-subunit of the sodium channel is differentially expressed in embryonic and
      adult hearts. SCN3B is highly expressed in embryonic hearts and iPSC-derived
      cardiomyocytes. A heterologous expression system revealed that INa of mutated
      SCN5A is decreased and SCN3B augmented INa of mutated SCN5A. Knockdown of SCN3B
      in LQTS3/BrS iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes successfully unmasked the phenotype of
      BrS. Isogenic control of LQTS3/BrS (corrected-LQTS3/BrS) iPSC-derived
      cardiomyocytes gained the normal electrophysiological properties.

PMID- 27677337
TI  - Molecular Filtration by Ultrathin and Highly Porous Silica Nanochannel Membranes:
      Permeability and Selectivity.
AB  - An ideal molecular filtration membranes should be highly permeable and selective,
      thus desiring the membranes to be ultrathin, be highly porous, and consists of
      small and uniform pores or channels. In this work, we report the molecular
      filtration by free-standing ultrathin silica nanochannel membranes (SNMs) using a
      U-shaped cell and spectrophotometric detection, focusing on the quantitative
      evaluation of permeability and selectivity of SNMs. Thanks to the ultrasmall
      channel size, namely, ~2-3 nm, and the negatively charged channel surface arising
      from the deprotonation of silanol groups, the SNM displayed excellent size and
      charge selectivity for molecular filtration. The selectivity coefficient for
      separation of small methyl viologen from large cytochrome c is as high as 273,
      because of the uniform pore/channel size. The charge-based filtration can be
      modulated by the salt concentration and solution pH, which control the overlap of
      radial electrical double layer and surface charge sign/density, respectively.
      Owing to the high relative pore density, namely, 16.7%, and the straight and
      vertical channel orientation, the SNM is highly permeable, displaying a molecule
      flux much higher than commercially available dialysis membrane and others
      reported previously. In addition, we demonstrated that, by biasing a small
      voltage across the SNM, both the flux and separation selectivity could be
      significantly enhanced.

PMID- 27677335
TI  - Epigenomic profiling of primary gastric adenocarcinoma reveals super-enhancer
      heterogeneity.
AB  - Regulatory enhancer elements in solid tumours remain poorly characterized. Here
      we apply micro-scale chromatin profiling to survey the distal enhancer landscape
      of primary gastric adenocarcinoma (GC), a leading cause of global cancer
      mortality. Integrating 110 epigenomic profiles from primary GCs, normal gastric
      tissues and cell lines, we highlight 36,973 predicted enhancers and 3,759
      predicted super-enhancers respectively. Cell-line-defined super-enhancers can be
      subclassified by their somatic alteration status into somatic gain, loss and
      unaltered categories, each displaying distinct epigenetic, transcriptional and
      pathway enrichments. Somatic gain super-enhancers are associated with complex
      chromatin interaction profiles, expression patterns correlated with patient
      outcome and dense co-occupancy of the transcription factors CDX2 and HNF4alpha.
      Somatic super-enhancers are also enriched in genetic risk SNPs associated with
      cancer predisposition. Our results reveal a genome-wide reprogramming of the GC
      enhancer and super-enhancer landscape during tumorigenesis, contributing to
      dysregulated local and regional cancer gene expression.

PMID- 27677338
TI  - Non food-related risk factors of campylobacteriosis in Canada: a matched case
      control study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Campylobacteriosis is a prominent bacterial gastrointestinal
      infection worldwide with several transmission pathways. Its non-foodborne routes
      have been less documented and quantified. The study aimed to quantitatively
      explore the role of potential risk factors not directly associated with food for
      sporadic cases of C. jejuni infection in Canada. METHODS: This retrospective
      matched case-control study was built on an enhanced campylobacteriosis
      surveillance system and on a survey of healthy people and their behaviour with
      regards to potential risk factors for gastrointestinal infections that occurred
      in the same area in Canada. Eighty-five cases were individually matched by age
      and season to 170 controls. RESULTS: Through conditional logistic regression,
      risk factors were found only among water-related factors (drinking untreated
      water, using tap filter, drinking water from well and swimming in natural water),
      whereas drinking bottled water was protective. Among the 32 non-water related
      factors explored, 12 were surprisingly 'protective' factors without relevant
      explanation for that effect (for example gardening, attending a barbecue, eating
      food from a fast-food restaurant), suggesting that human infection by
      Campylobacter may be more frequently acquired at home than outside the home.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms and quantifies the importance of the waterborne
      transmission of campylobacteriosis. People are encouraged to drink only treated
      water and to avoid the ingestion of natural water as much as possible while
      swimming or playing in water. Globally, general hygiene and proper food handling
      and cooking practices at home should continue to be encouraged.

PMID- 27677341
TI  - How Parallel Are Excited State Potential Energy Surfaces from Time-Independent
      and Time-Dependent DFT? A BODIPY Dye Case Study.
AB  - To support the development and characterization of chromophores with targeted
      photophysical properties, excited-state electronic structure calculations should
      rapidly and accurately predict how derivatization of a chromophore will affect
      its excitation and emission energies. This paper examines whether a time
      independent excited-state density functional theory (DFT) approach meets this
      need through a case study of BODIPY chromophore photophysics. A restricted open
      shell Kohn-Sham (ROKS) treatment of the S1 excited state of BODIPY dyes is
      contrasted with linear-response time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT).
      Vertical excitation energies predicted by the two approaches are remarkably
      different due to overestimation by TDDFT and underestimation by ROKS relative to
      experiment. Overall, ROKS with a standard hybrid functional provides the more
      accurate description of the S1 excited state of BODIPY dyes, but excitation
      energies computed by the two methods are strongly correlated. The two approaches
      also make similar predictions of shifts in the excitation energy upon
      functionalization of the chromophore. TDDFT and ROKS models of the S1 potential
      energy surface are then examined in detail for a representative BODIPY dye
      through molecular dynamics sampling on both model surfaces. We identify the most
      significant differences in the sampled surfaces and analyze these differences
      along selected normal modes. Differences between ROKS and TDDFT descriptions of
      the S1 potential energy surface for this BODIPY derivative highlight the
      continuing need for validation of widely used approximations in excited state DFT
      through experimental benchmarking and comparison to ab initio reference data.

PMID- 27677340
TI  - Intussusception hospitalizations incidence in the pediatric population in Italy:
      a nationwide cross-sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Study to investigate the intussusception incidence background in the
      pediatric population and its temporal trend in Italy. METHODS: A cross-sectional
      study was conducted on the pediatric population aged 0 to 15 years, in the period
      1 January 2002 to 31 December 2012. Intussusception cases were identified using
      the national hospital discharge database. The annual intussusception incidence,
      the incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and the related 95 % confidence Intervals (CI)
      were calculated. RESULTS: The overall intussusception incidence rate was 21 per
      100,000 children aged <=15 years, and was higher among boys than girls. The
      highest intussusception incidence rate occurred in infants <1 year of age (39 per
      100,000 infants). Among infants, incidence varied with the geographical area,
      with higher rates in the central Italy (50 per 100,000 infants). The annual
      incidence rates in infants were stable since 2004 and up to 2012, ranging from
      40.1 and 33.0 per 100,000 infants. Similar stable patterns were observed when
      conducting the analysis on children over 1 year of age. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      provided the intussusception incidence background in Italy in different pediatric
      ages, including infants, over an 11-year period. This information is essential in
      post-marketing safety surveillance, to continuously monitor the benefit/risk
      profile of rotavirus vaccinations.

PMID- 27677339
TI  - Extracellular ATP is involved in dsRNA-induced MUC5AC production via P2Y2R in
      human airway epithelium.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In response to tissue damage or inflammation, adenosine-5'
      triphosphate (ATP) is released into the extracellular compartment and has been
      demonstrated to augment inflammation via purinergic P2 receptors (P2Rs).
      Recently, ATP has been shown to be increased in the airways of COPD patients. In
      the present study, we examined the possible involvement of extracellular ATP in
      airway mucus hypersecretion during viral-induced COPD exacerbations. METHODS: The
      involvement of extracellular ATP in the release of a major airway mucin, MUC5AC,
      and its signal pathway was examined after stimulation with polyinosine
      polycytidylic acid [poly(I:C)], a synthetic analog of dsRNA to mimic viral
      infection, and rhinovirus (RV) infection in NCI-H292 cells and differentiated
      airway epithelial cells from COPD patients. RESULTS: Treatment with poly(I:C)
      significantly increased the amount of extracellular ATP and induced MUC5AC
      release in NCI-H292 cells. Pre-treatment with a pannexin channel inhibitor,
      carbenoxolone (CBX), reduced the amount of extracellular ATP and suppressed
      MUC5AC release from poly(I:C)-treated cells. Pre-treatment with the P2R
      antagonist suramin significantly reduced the expression and release of MUC5AC.
      The inhibitory effects of CBX and suramin on the release of ATP and/or MUC5AC
      were replicated with RV infection. Pre-treatment with suramin also significantly
      reduced the expression and amount of extracellular EGFR ligands and the
      phosphorylation of EGFR and ERK in poly(I:C)-treated cells. In addition, pre
      treatment with a P2Y2 receptor siRNA significantly suppressed the poly(I:C)
      potentiated EGFR ligands and MUC5AC release. After poly(I:C) stimulation, the
      expression of MUC5AC in the differentiated cells from COPD patients was
      significantly higher than those from healthy subjects and the values of MUC5AC
      expression were inversely related with forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) %
      predicted. The inhibitory effects of CBX and suramin on poly(I:C)-potentiated
      MUC5AC expression were confirmed in differentiated airway epithelium from COPD
      patients. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that dsRNA induces the release
      of ATP via pannexin channel and that the extracellular ATP is involved in the
      expression and release of MUC5AC, mainly via P2Y2R, in an autocrine manner.
      Modulation of this pathway could be a therapeutic target for viral-induced mucus
      hypersecretion in COPD exacerbations.

PMID- 27677342
TI  - Group B Streptococcus late onset sepsis in very low birth weight newborns: 10
      years experience.
AB  - PURPOSE: The incidence of late-onset neonatal infection (LONS) group B
      streptococcus (GBS) in very low birth weight (VLBW) is still matter of debate. In
      the present 10-years retrospective study we investigated the epidemiology of GBS
      LONS in VLBW neonates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2006 to July 2015 we
      conducted a retrospective study in all preterm infants admitted at our third
      level referral center for neonatal intensive care (NICU). From our database we
      were able to retrieve all cases of bloodstream infections/meningitis GBS
      positive. Perinatal data were also collected Results: On a total of 13 747
      infants 975 (7%) were VLBW and in seven cases of GBS LONS was observed with a
      incidence of 7.2/1000 live births. CONCLUSIONS: The higher rate of LONS GBS in
      our series offer additional support to further investigations in wider population
      in order to better define GBS screening and therapeutic management in a such
      specific population.

PMID- 27677343
TI  - Living with Parkinson's disease: A Jordanian perspective.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease (PD) has a major impact on mobility, as well as
      cognition which can consequently impair aspects of individual's lives. Many
      studies have examined the living experiences of individuals with PD and its
      impact on their daily lives. None of these studies have explored the life
      experiences of Jordanian individuals living with PD. Therefore, the purpose of
      this qualitative study was to describe the daily living experiences and impact on
      lives of Jordanian individuals with PD. METHODS: A qualitative phenomenological
      design was used. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. Transcripts were
      analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Experiences of 8 Jordanian individuals
      with PD who participated in this study can be categorized in the following major
      themes: (1) challenging perspectives and (2) adaptations. Challenging
      perspectives included stigma, emotional drainer, and experience of decreased
      independence and difficulty in occupational performance. Adaptations included
      embracing early acceptance and intervention, spiritual experience, and family
      support. CONCLUSIONS: Study provided a wealth of knowledge related to the effect
      of PD and its intersection with the Arabic Jordanian culture. Such knowledge
      should aid healthcare professionals involved with providing services to Jordanian
      individuals with PD to provide better holistic services.

PMID- 27677344
TI  - Tactical combat movements: inter-individual variation in performance due to the
      effects of load carriage.
AB  - An examination into the effects of carried military equipment on the performance
      of two tactical combat movement simulations was conducted. Nineteen Airfield
      Defence Guards performed a break contact (five 30-m sprints) and a fire and
      movement simulation (16 6-m bounds) in five load conditions (10-30 kg). Heavier
      loads significantly increased movement duration on the break contact (0.8%/kg
      load) and fire and movement (1.1%/kg). Performance deterioration was observed
      from the beginning to the end of the series of movements (bounds or sprints) with
      deterioration becoming significantly greater in heavier load conditions. Inter
      individual variation between slower and faster participants showed a range in
      load effects; 0.6, 0.8%/kg for fast and 1.0, 1.4%/kg for slow (break contact,
      fire and movement, respectively). Velocity profiles revealed that the initial
      acceleration and peak velocity were the primary determinants of performance. As
      the duration of these tactical combat movements reflects periods of heightened
      vulnerability, these findings highlight important implications for commanders.
      Practitioner Summary: Increasing amounts of carried military equipment impairs
      the performance of tactical combat movements. Examination of inter-individual
      variation in velocity profiles identified that the initial acceleration and the
      peak velocity achieved during sprints and bounds are key determinants of overall
      performance. 

PMID- 27677345
TI  - Sexuality in individuals with traumatic brain injury and their partners.
AB  - Whilst previous research has detailed the impact of TBI on an individual's
      sexuality, few studies have investigated couples' sexuality where one partner has
      sustained a TBI. The study assessed sexual function in individuals with TBI and
      their partners. Fifty five individuals who had sustained TBI and their partners
      completed the Derogatis Interview for Sexual Function-Self Report (DISF-SR). All
      participants scored below the 50th percentile in relation to norms. Whilst
      participants with TBI obtained lower T-scores than partners on all subscales
      (except for sexual behaviour/experiences where scores were equivalent), as well
      as the total score, none of these differences was significant. Item analysis
      indicated that female participants with TBI reported significantly lower scores
      than female partners on frequency of having normal lubrication. Normative
      comparisons revealed that approximately one-third of individuals with TBI and one
      fifth of their partners scored below the second percentile. Given the high
      frequency of sexual problems in individuals with TBI, which also impact their
      partners, addressing sexual problems should be a priority in rehabilitation and
      beyond.

PMID- 27677346
TI  - Curcumin synergistically increases effects of beta-interferon and retinoic acid
      on breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo by up-regulation of GRIM-19 through
      STAT3-dependent and STAT3-independent pathways.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to investigate the effects of combination treatment of
      curcumin and beta-interferon (IFN-beta)/retinoic acid (RA) on breast cancer
      cells, including cell viability, apoptosis and migration, and to determine the
      mechanisms related to GRIM-19 through STAT3-dependent and STAT3-independent
      pathways. METHODS: The following groups were used for the in vitro experiment:
      control siRNA, GRIM-19 siRNA, IFN-beta/RA and IFN-beta/RA + curcumin. Cell
      viability is by the MTT method, cell apoptosis by flow cytometry and cell
      migration by wound healing experiment; GRIM-19, STAT3, survivin, Bcl-2, GADD153
      and COX-2 expression was measured by Western blot. In vivo experiment, MCF-7
      cells were subcutaneously injected into nude mice. RESULTS: GRIM-19 siRNA
      promoted MCF-7 cell proliferation and migration; inhibited cell apoptosis; and
      promoted the expression of STAT3, survivin, Bcl-2 and MMP-9. IFN-beta/RA
      inhibited cell proliferation and migration; promoted cell apoptosis; up-regulated
      GRIM-19; and inhibited the expression of STAT3, survivin, Bcl-2 and MMP-9.
      Combination treatment of curcumin and IFN-beta/RA had a stronger effect than that
      of the IFN-beta/RA group. In addition, curcumin and IFN-beta/RA combination
      inhibited the expression of COX-2 and up-regulated GADD153. CONCLUSION: Curcumin
      synergistically increases the effects of IFN-beta/RA on breast cancer cells. The
      mechanism may be related to the up-regulation of GRIM-19 through STAT3-dependent
      and STAT3-independent pathways.

PMID- 27677347
TI  - A comparison of the peri-implant bone stress generated by the preload with screw
      tightening between 'bonded' and 'contact' model.
AB  - A number of finite element analyses (FEAs) for the dental implant were performed
      without regard for preload and with all interfaces 'fixed-bonded'. The purpose of
      this study was comparing the stress distributions between the conventional FEA
      model with all contacting interfaces 'fixed-bonded' (bonded model) and the model
      with the interfaces of the components in 'contact' with friction simulated as a
      preloaded implant (contact model). We further verified the accuracy of the result
      of the FEA using model experiment. In the contact model, the stress was more
      widely distributed than in the bonded model. From the model study, the preload
      induced by screw tightening generated strain at the peri-implant bone, even
      before the application of external force. As a result, the bonded model could not
      reproduce the mechanical phenomena, whereas the contact model is considered to be
      appropriate for analysing mechanical problems.

PMID- 27677348
TI  - Sperm antioxidant defences decrease during epididymal transit from caput to cauda
      in parallel with increases in epididymal fluid in the goat (Capra hircus).
AB  - The status of antioxidant defences of both spermatozoa and their associated
      fluids during epididymal transit from the caput to cauda have not been studied so
      far in any species. Herein we report for the first time that sperm antioxidant
      defences, namely Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase (Cu,Zn-SOD) and catalase activity,
      decrease significantly (P<0.05) from the caput to cauda during epididymal transit
      in parallel with increases in Cu,Zn-SOD, total SOD and total glutathione
      peroxidase (GPx) activity in the luminal fluid of the respective segments.
      However, levels of GPX1 and GPX3 in epididymal fluid did not change significantly
      from the caput to cauda. Catalase was detected for the first time in goat
      spermatozoa. A significantly higher total antioxidant capacity of caudal fluid
      than of the caput suggests a requirement for a rich antioxidant environment for
      the storage of spermatozoa. The retention of cytoplasmic droplets in most of the
      caudal spermatozoa confirmed that these droplets do not contribute to the
      increased antioxidant defences of cauda epididymidal fluid. Thus, the antioxidant
      defences of the spermatozoa and their associated epididymal fluid are modulated
      from the caput to cauda in a region-specific manner. This may be one of the
      compensatory mechanisms of epididymal fluid to scavenge any excess reactive
      oxygen species produced in the microenvironment of spermatozoa.

PMID- 27677349
TI  - Advances in pharmacotherapy for erectile dysfunction and associated cardiac
      impact.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and erectile dysfunction (ED) are two
      disease processes that affect millions of men. CVD and ED are increasingly
      recognized as sharing a common pathophysiologic origin. As the nature of this
      relationship continues to be elucidated, there is growing interest in developing
      a therapy to effectively target both processes. While researchers have largely
      focused on phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5Is), the established first-line
      therapy for ED, newer ED drugs, designed based on better understanding of the
      physiology of erection, may also show promise. Areas covered: This paper will
      review the relationship between ED and CVD, as well as the currently available
      and investigational pharmacologic treatments for ED. The particular focus will be
      on the role that these therapies play in managing CVD. Expert opinion: PDE5Is,
      along with the newer ED therapies, are promising candidates for managing ED and
      concurrently providing cardioprotection. Despite some in vitro success with
      PDE5Is, maxi-K channel activators, and guanylyl cyclase (GC) stimulators, in vivo
      studies have either been lacking, or shown conflicting results. More well
      designed clinical studies are needed in order to characterize an ED
      pharmacotherapy that offers proven cardioprotection.

PMID- 27677350
TI  - Types of gambling and levels of harm: A UK study to assess severity of
      presentation in a treatment-seeking population.
AB  - Background and aim Previous international research emphasized that some forms of
      gambling are more "addictive" than others. More recently, research has shown that
      we should shift our attention from the type of gambling activity to the level of
      involvement in a number of different gambling activities. The aim of our study
      was to verify whether a higher Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) score was
      associated with particular gambling activities and evaluate the impact of
      involvement on gambling behavior. Methods A total of 736 treatment-seeking
      individuals with gambling disorder were assessed at the National Problem Gambling
      Clinic in London. First, the independent two-sample t-test and the Mann-Whitney
      test were used to verify if the PGSI score changed significantly according to the
      gambling activity at a bivariate level. Second, we conducted a cluster analysis
      and finally, we fitted a linear regression model in order to verify if some
      variables are useful to predict gambling addiction severity. Results The PGSI
      score was significantly higher for lower stakes gaming machine gamblers (1%
      significance level) and for fixed-odds betting terminal (FOBT) gamblers (5%
      significance level) at a bivariate level. Moreover, such finding was confirmed by
      cluster and linear regression analyses. Conclusions The results of this study
      indicated that gambling addiction severity was related to gambling involvement
      and, for a given level of gambling involvement, gambling addiction severity may
      vary according to gambling type, with a particularly significant increase for
      FOBT and gaming machine gambling. 

PMID- 27677351
TI  - Inhibition of hypothalamic MCT1 expression increases food intake and alters
      orexigenic and anorexigenic neuropeptide expression.
AB  - Hypothalamic glucosensing, which involves the detection of glucose concentration
      changes by brain cells and subsequent release of orexigenic or anorexigenic
      neuropeptides, is a crucial process that regulates feeding behavior. Arcuate
      nucleus (AN) neurons are classically thought to be responsible for hypothalamic
      glucosensing through a direct sensing mechanism; however, recent data has shown a
      metabolic interaction between tanycytes and AN neurons through lactate that may
      also be contributing to this process. Monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) is the
      main isoform expressed by tanycytes, which could facilitate lactate release to
      hypothalamic AN neurons. We hypothesize that MCT1 inhibition could alter the
      metabolic coupling between tanycytes and AN neurons, altering feeding behavior.
      To test this, we inhibited MCT1 expression using adenovirus-mediated transfection
      of a shRNA into the third ventricle, transducing ependymal wall cells and
      tanycytes. Neuropeptide expression and feeding behavior were measured in MCT1
      inhibited animals after intracerebroventricular glucose administration following
      a fasting period. Results showed a loss in glucose regulation of orexigenic
      neuropeptides and an abnormal expression of anorexigenic neuropeptides in
      response to fasting. This was accompanied by an increase in food intake and in
      body weight gain. Taken together, these results indicate that MCT1 expression in
      tanycytes plays a role in feeding behavior regulation.

PMID- 27677352
TI  - Mature neural responses to Infant-Directed Speech but not Adult-Directed Speech
      in Pre-Verbal Infants.
AB  - Infant directed speech (IDS), the speech register adults use when talking to
      infants, has been shown to have positive effects on attracting infants'
      attention, language learning, and emotional communication. Here event related
      potentials (ERPs) are used to investigate the neural coding of IDS and ADS (adult
      directed speech) as well as their discrimination by both infants and adults. Two
      instances of the vowel /i/, one extracted from ADS and one from IDS, were
      presented to 9-month-old infants and adults in two oddball conditions: ADS
      standard/IDS deviant and IDS standard/ADS deviant. In Experiment 1 with adults,
      the obligatory ERPs that code acoustic information were different for ADS and
      IDS; and discrimination, indexed by mismatch negativity (MMN) responses, showed
      that IDS and ADS deviants were discriminated equally well; although, the P3a
      response was larger for IDS suggesting it captured adults' attention more than
      did ADS. In infants the obligatory responses did not differ for IDS and ADS, but
      for discrimination, while IDS deviants generated both a slow-positive mismatch
      response (MMR) as well as an adult-like MMN, the ADS deviants generated only an
      MMR. The presence of a mature adult-like MMN suggests that the IDS stimulus is
      easier to discriminate for infants.

PMID- 27677353
TI  - A novel perovskite oxide chemically designed to show multiferroic phase boundary
      with room-temperature magnetoelectricity.
AB  - There is a growing activity in the search of novel single-phase multiferroics
      that could finally provide distinctive magnetoelectric responses at room
      temperature, for they would enable a range of potentially disruptive
      technologies, making use of the ability of controlling polarization with a
      magnetic field or magnetism with an electric one (for example, voltage-tunable
      spintronic devices, uncooled magnetic sensors and the long-searched
      magnetoelectric memory). A very promising novel material concept could be to make
      use of phase-change phenomena at structural instabilities of a multiferroic
      state. Indeed, large phase-change magnetoelectric response has been anticipated
      by a first-principles investigation of the perovskite BiFeO3-BiCoO3 solid
      solution, specifically at its morphotropic phase boundary between multiferroic
      polymorphs of rhombohedral and tetragonal symmetries. Here, we report a novel
      perovskite oxide that belongs to the BiFeO3-BiMnO3-PbTiO3 ternary system,
      chemically designed to present such multiferroic phase boundary with enhanced
      ferroelectricity and canted ferromagnetism, which shows distinctive room
      temperature magnetoelectric responses.

PMID- 27677354
TI  - Investigating Energetic X-Shaped Flares on the Outskirts of A Solar Active
      Region.
AB  - Typical solar flares display two quasi-parallel, bright ribbons on the
      chromosphere. In between is the polarity inversion line (PIL) separating
      concentrated magnetic fluxes of opposite polarity in active regions (ARs).
      Intriguingly a series of flares exhibiting X-shaped ribbons occurred at the
      similar location on the outskirts of NOAA AR 11967, where magnetic fluxes were
      scattered, yet three of them were alarmingly energetic. The X shape, whose center
      coincided with hard X-ray emission, was similar in UV/EUV, which cannot be
      accommodated in the standard flare model. Mapping out magnetic connectivities in
      potential fields, we found that the X morphology was dictated by the intersection
      of two quasi-separatrix layers, i.e., a hyperbolic flux tube (HFT), within which
      a separator connecting a double null was embedded. This topology was not purely
      local but regulated by fluxes and flows over the whole AR. The nonlinear force
      free field model suggested the formation of a current layer at the HFT, where the
      current dissipation can be mapped to the X-shaped ribbons via field-aligned heat
      conduction. These results highlight the critical role of HFTs in 3D magnetic
      reconnection and have important implications for astrophysical and laboratory
      plasmas.

PMID- 27677356
TI  - Phase-dependent dynamic potential of magnetically coupled two-degree-of-freedom
      bistable energy harvester.
AB  - A system of magnetically coupled oscillators has been recently considered as a
      promising compact structure to integrate multiple bistable energy harvesters
      (BEHs), but its design is not straightforward owing to its varying potential
      energy pattern, which has not been understood completely yet. This study
      introduces the concept of phase-dependent dynamic potential in a magnetically
      coupled BEH system with two degrees of freedom (DOFs) to explain the underlying
      principle of the complicated dynamics of the system. Through theoretical
      simulations and analyses, two distinct dynamic regimes, called the out-of-phase
      and in-phase mode regimes in this report, are found to exist in the frequency
      regions of the 1st and 2nd primary intrawell resonances. For the out-of-phase
      mode regime, the frequency displacement (and output power) responses of the 2-DOF
      BEH system exhibit typical double-well dynamics, whereas for the in-phase mode
      regime, only single-well dynamics is observed though the system is statically
      bistable. These dynamic regimes are also revealed to be caused by the difference
      in the dynamic potential energy trajectories propagating on a high-dimensional
      potential energy surface. The present approach to the dynamics of the 2-DOF BEH
      system can be extended and applied to higher-DOF systems, which sheds light on
      compact and efficient designs of magnetically coupled BEH chain structures.

PMID- 27677355
TI  - In Utero Caffeine Exposure Induces Transgenerational Effects on the Adult Heart.
AB  - Each year millions of pregnant woman are exposed to caffeine, which acts to
      antagonize adenosine action. The long-term consequences of this exposure on the
      developing fetus are largely unknown, although in animal models we have found
      adverse effects on cardiac function. To assess if these effects are transmitted
      transgenerationally, we exposed pregnant mice to caffeine equivalent to 2-4 cups
      of coffee at two embryonic stages. Embryos (F1 generation) exposed to caffeine
      early from embryonic (E) day 6.5-9.5 developed a phenotype similar to dilated
      cardiomyopathy by 1 year of age. Embryos exposed to caffeine later (E10.5-13.5)
      were not affected. We next examined the F2 generation and F3 generation of mice
      exposed to caffeine from E10.5-13.5, as this coincides with germ cell
      development. These F2 generation adult mice developed a cardiac phenotype similar
      to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The F3 generation exhibited morphological changes
      in adult hearts, including increased mass. This report shows that in utero
      caffeine exposure has long-term effects into adulthood and that prenatal caffeine
      exposure can exert adverse transgenerational effects on adult cardiac function.

PMID- 27677357
TI  - Scalable loading of a two-dimensional trapped-ion array.
AB  - Two-dimensional arrays of trapped-ion qubits are attractive platforms for
      scalable quantum information processing. Sufficiently rapid reloading capable of
      sustaining a large array, however, remains a significant challenge. Here with the
      use of a continuous flux of pre-cooled neutral atoms from a remotely located
      source, we achieve fast loading of a single ion per site while maintaining long
      trap lifetimes and without disturbing the coherence of an ion quantum bit in an
      adjacent site. This demonstration satisfies all major criteria necessary for
      loading and reloading extensive two-dimensional arrays, as will be required for
      large-scale quantum information processing. Moreover, the already high loading
      rate can be increased by loading ions in parallel with only a concomitant
      increase in photo-ionization laser power and no need for additional atomic flux.

PMID- 27677358
TI  - FAK deletion accelerates liver regeneration after two-thirds partial hepatectomy.
AB  - : Understanding the molecular mechanisms of liver regeneration is essential to
      improve the survival rate of patients after surgical resection of large amounts
      of liver tissue. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) regulates different cellular
      functions, including cell survival, proliferation and cell migration. The role of
      FAK in liver regeneration remains unknown. In this study, we found that Fak is
      activated and induced during liver regeneration after two-thirds partial
      hepatectomy (PHx). We used mice with liver-specific deletion of Fak and
      investigated the role of Fak in liver regeneration in 2/3 PHx model (removal of
      2/3 of the liver). We found that specific deletion of Fak accelerates liver
      regeneration. Fak deletion enhances hepatocyte proliferation prior to day 3 post
      PHx but attenuates hepatocyte proliferation 3 days after PHx. Moreover, we
      demonstrated that the deletion of Fak in liver transiently increases EGFR
      activation by regulating the TNFalpha/HB-EGF axis during liver regeneration.
      Furthermore, we found more apoptosis in Fak-deficient mouse livers compared to WT
      mouse livers after PHx. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that Fak is involved in the
      process of liver regeneration, and inhibition of FAK may be a promising strategy
      to accelerate liver regeneration in recipients after liver transplantation.

PMID- 27677359
TI  - The orientation selectivity of face identification.
AB  - Recent work demonstrates that human face identification is most efficient when
      based on horizontal, rather than vertical, image structure. Because it is unclear
      how this specialization for upright (compared to inverted) face processing
      emerges in the visual system, the present study aimed to systematically
      characterize the orientation sensitivity profile for face identification. With
      upright faces, identification performance in a delayed match-to-sample task was
      highest for horizontally filtered images and declined sharply with oblique and
      vertically filtered images. Performance was well described by a Gaussian function
      with a bandwidth around 25 degrees . Face inversion reshaped this sensitivity
      profile dramatically, with a downward shift of the entire tuning curve as well as
      a reduction in the amplitude of the horizontal peak and a doubling in bandwidth.
      The use of naturalistic outer contours (vs. a common outline mask) was also found
      to reshape this sensitivity profile by increasing sensitivity to oblique
      information in the near-horizontal range. Altogether, although face
      identification is sharply tuned to horizontal angles, both inversion and outline
      masking can profoundly reshape this orientation sensitivity profile. This
      combination of image- and observer-driven effects provides an insight into the
      functional relationship between orientation-selective processes within primary
      and high-level stages of the human brain.

PMID- 27677360
TI  - Simulating the Evolution of Functional Brain Networks in Alzheimer's Disease:
      Exploring Disease Dynamics from the Perspective of Global Activity.
AB  - Functional brain connectivity is altered during the pathological processes of
      Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the specific evolutional rules are insufficiently
      understood. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging indicates that
      the functional brain networks of individuals with AD tend to be disrupted in hub
      like nodes, shifting from a small world architecture to a random profile. Here,
      we proposed a novel evolution model based on computational experiments to
      simulate the transition of functional brain networks from normal to AD.
      Specifically, we simulated the rearrangement of edges in a pathological process
      by a high probability of disconnecting edges between hub-like nodes, and by
      generating edges between random pair of nodes. Subsequently, four topological
      properties and a nodal distribution were used to evaluate our model. Compared
      with random evolution as a null model, our model captured well the topological
      alteration of functional brain networks during the pathological process.
      Moreover, we implemented two kinds of network attack to imitate the damage
      incurred by the brain in AD. Topological changes were better explained by 'hub
      attacks' than by 'random attacks', indicating the fragility of hubs in
      individuals with AD. This model clarifies the disruption of functional brain
      networks in AD, providing a new perspective on topological alterations.

PMID- 27677361
TI  - Prostate cancer risk related to foods, food groups, macronutrients and
      micronutrients derived from the UK Dietary Cohort Consortium food diaries.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The influence of dietary factors remains controversial for
      screen-detected prostate cancer and inconclusive for clinically detected disease.
      We aimed to examine these associations using prospectively collected food
      diaries. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A total of 1,717 prostate cancer cases in middle-aged
      and older UK men were pooled from four prospective cohorts with clinically
      detected disease (n=663), with routine data follow-up (means 6.6-13.3 years) and
      a case-control study with screen-detected disease (n=1054), nested in a
      randomised trial of prostate cancer treatments (ISCTRN 20141297). Multiple-day
      food diaries (records) completed by men prior to diagnosis were used to estimate
      intakes of 37 selected nutrients, food groups and items, including carbohydrate,
      fat, protein, dairy products, fish, meat, fruit and vegetables, energy, fibre,
      alcohol, lycopene and selenium. Cases were matched on age and diary date to at
      least one control within study (n=3528). Prostate cancer risk was calculated,
      using conditional logistic regression (adjusted for baseline covariates) and
      expressed as odds ratios in each quintile of intake (+/-95% confidence
      intervals). Prostate cancer risk was also investigated by localised or advanced
      stage and by cancer detection method. RESULTS: There were no strong associations
      between prostate cancer risk and 37 dietary factors. CONCLUSIONS: Prostate cancer
      risk, including by disease stage, was not strongly associated with dietary
      factors measured by food diaries in middle-aged and older UK men.

PMID- 27677362
TI  - Choline metabolic pathway gene polymorphisms and risk for Down syndrome: An
      association study in a population with folate-homocysteine metabolic impairment.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Choline is an essential nutrient involved in one-carbon
      metabolism, but its role in mechanisms underlying meiotic non-disjunction is
      poorly known. The relationship between folate-homocysteine metabolic pathway gene
      polymorphism and Down syndrome (DS) risk has been widely analyzed, but there are
      limited reports on its correlation with choline metabolism. In the present case
      control association study, we investigated the relationship of three single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase
      (PEMT) rs12325817, choline dehydrogenase (CHDH) rs12676 and homocysteine
      methyltransferase (BHMT) rs3733890) of choline metabolism with risk for DS.
      SUBJECT/METHODS: Genotyping of 228 mothers of a down syndrome child (DSM) and 200
      control mothers (CMs) for all SNPs was performed by PCR coupled with restriction
      fragment length polymorphism method. RESULTS: A significantly increased risk for
      BHMT +742AA genotype with an odds ratio of 4.96 (95% confidence interval (CI):
      1.66-14.88, P=0.0036) was observed. For PEMT rs12325817 and CHDH rs12676, no
      significant difference in allelic and genotypic frequencies was observed. In
      genotypic combination analysis considering PEMT -744GG/CHDH +432GG/BHMT +742GG as
      the reference combination, PEMT -744GC/CHDH +432GG/BHMT +742GG genotypic
      combination was significantly higher in DSM compared with that in CMs with an
      odds ratio of 2.061 (95% CI: 1.10-3.86, P=0.0342). We also observed an epistatic
      interaction between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) rs1801133 and
      choline metabolic pathway gene variants. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate
      impaired choline metabolism showing a greater risk for DS, especially in a
      population associated with homocysteine-folate impairment. Further studies are
      required to confirm our findings.

PMID- 27677363
TI  - Sociodemographic disparity in the diet quality transition among Chinese adults
      from 1991 to 2011.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study investigates secular trends in diet quality
      distribution and related socioeconomic disparity from 1991 to 2011 in the Chinese
      adult population. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The analysis uses the 1991-2011 China Health
      and Nutrition Survey data on 13 853 participants (6876 men and 6977 women) aged
      18-65 with 56 319 responses. Dietary assessment was carried out over a 3-day
      period with 24-h recalls combined with a household food inventory. We tailored
      Alternative Healthy Eating Index 2010 (named as tAHEI) to measure diet quality
      and performed quantile regression to investigate shifts in tAHEI scores at
      different percentiles and used mixed-effect linear regression to examine average
      diet quality trend and potential sociodemographic disparity. RESULTS: The energy
      adjusted mean tAHEI scores increased from 36.9 (36.7-37.1) points in 1991 to 50.3
      (50.1-50.5) in 2011 for men (P<0.001) and from 35.6 (35.4-35.8) to 46.9 (46.7
      47.1) for women (P<0.001). The covariate-adjusted score of polyunsaturated fatty
      acids increased by 6.8 (6.6, 7.0) and 7.0 (6.9, 7.2), and the score of long-chain
      (omega-3) fats increased by 5.3 (5.2, 5.4) and 5.3 (5.2, 5.5) in men and women,
      respectively, whereas the cereal fiber and red meat scores decreased slightly.
      Increasing tAHEI score occurred across the entire distribution, and diet quality
      transition varied across sociodemographic groups. CONCLUSIONS: Chinese diet
      quality is far from optimal, with moderate improvement over a 21-year period.
      Findings suggest that nutritional intervention should give priority to low
      income, low-urbanized communities and southern provincial adults with low diet
      quality in China.

PMID- 27677364
TI  - Contribution of branched-chain amino acids to purine nucleotide cycle: a pilot
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and purine nucleotide
      cycle (PNC) are both associated with energy metabolism. The purpose of this study
      was to explore the influences of BCAA supplementation on the PNC activity of male
      athletes in response to a bout of endurance running exercise. SUBJECTS/METHODS:
      Twelve male athletes (20.3+/-1.4 years) participated in the study. Each of the
      athletes received 12 g of a BCAA supplement (leucine 54%, isoleucine 19% and
      valine 27%) per day during the study. They performed two identical 60-min running
      exercises (65-70% maximum heart rate reserved) before and after receiving the
      BCAA supplements for 15 days. In addition to body composition measurement, plasma
      and urinary samples were also collected. Plasma samples were examined for the
      concentrations of glucose, lactate, BCAAs, alanine, glutamine, aspartate,
      hypoxanthine and uric acid. Urinary samples were examined for the concentrations
      of urea nitrogen, hydroxyproline, 3-methylhistidine and creatinine. RESULTS: Body
      composition and the concentrations of urinary metabolites were not affected by
      BCAA supplementation, whereas clearance of plasma lactate after recovery from
      exercise was enhanced by BCAA supplementation (P<0.05). Plasma aspartate
      concentration was increased (P<0.05), whereas plasma glutamine, hypoxanthine and
      uric acid concentrations were decreased (P<0.05) by BCAA supplementation.
      CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that BCAA supplements not only provided
      additional substrate to meet the energy demands of the athletes during endurance
      exercise but also reduced their PNC activity, and subsequently decreased uric
      acid production and reduced the incidence of gout in a person engaging in
      endurance exercise.

PMID- 27677365
TI  - Serum hs-CRP varies with dietary cholesterol, but not dietary fatty acid intake
      in individuals free of any history of cardiovascular disease.
AB  - The objective of this study was to investigate whether serum high-sensitivity C
      reactive protein (hs-CRP) concentration varies with dietary fatty acid intake in
      Iranian adults free of any history of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This cross
      sectional study involved 8105 adults (3142 men) aged 35-65 years. Dietary intake
      was assessed using 24-h dietary recalls. The relationship between anthropometric,
      cardiometabolic risk factors and dietary data and serum hs-CRP was assessed using
      SPSS software. Median crude dietary saturated fat decreased across hs-CRP
      quarters (P =0.009 for linear trend), whereas energy-adjusted total fat (P
      =0.017), trans-fat (P =0.016), monounsaturated fatty acids (P =0.030) and
      cholesterol (P =0.005) monotonically increased, with some evidence of statistical
      interactions by gender. In conclusion, serum hs-CRP concentrations were
      associated with some components of dietary fatty acid intake in our population of
      individuals without CVD, suggesting that dietary fat intake could be associated
      with subclinical inflammation.

PMID- 27677367
TI  - Adherence to Healthy Eating Index-2010 is inversely associated with metabolic
      syndrome and its features among Iranian adult women.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Nowadays, metabolic syndrome (MetS) is deemed as a major
      public health challenge in both developed and developing countries. Therefore,
      the aim of this study was to determine the association between Healthy Eating
      Index-2010 (HEI-2010) score and MetS and its features among Iranian female
      nurses. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed among 1036
      Iranian women. A validated, self-administered, dish-based, semiquantitative food
      frequency questionnaire was used to assess the habitual intake of participants.
      HEI-2010 score was used to assess diet quality of participants. MetS was defined
      based on the guidelines of the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult
      Treatment Panel III (ATP III). Multivariate logistic regression adjusted for
      potential confounders was used to assess the relation between HEI-2010 and MetS.
      RESULTS: After adjusting for potential confounders, participants in the highest
      quartile of HEI-2010 had the lowest risk of MetS compared with those in the first
      quartile (odds ratio: 0.72; 95% confidence interval: 0.50-0.96). Furthermore, the
      risk of MetS features including abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high
      serum triacylglycerol and low serum high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol
      significantly decreased across HEI-2010 quartiles (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Higher
      HEI-2010 scores were inversely associated with lower risk of MetS and its
      components among Iranian women.

PMID- 27677366
TI  - Changes in body composition following haemodialysis as assessed by bioimpedance
      spectroscopy.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Patients with chronic kidney disease treated by
      haemodialysis (HD) are at increased risk of sarcopenia. Bioelectrical impedance
      spectroscopy (BIS) can be used to determine body composition, and is one of the
      several potential screening tools for sarcopenia. The newer generation of
      portable hand-held devices can be readily used in dialysis centres. The results
      from BIS devices using a two-compartmental model of body composition can be
      affected by hydration status and so ideally measurements should be made when
      patients are not overhydrated. More recently BIS devices using a three
      compartmental body model, which separate normally hydrated lean tissues from
      extracellular water (ECW) excess. We wished to determine whether body composition
      measured using such a BIS device was affected by hydration status.
      SUBJECTS/METHODS: We performed BISs pre and post HD using a three-body
      compartmental model. RESULTS: BISs were recorded in 48 patients; 68.8% male; mean
      age 67.70+/-14.21 years, weight pre dialysis 70.54+/-18.07, which fell post to
      68.58+/-17.78 kg, ECW fell 16.92+/-4.76 vs 15.66+/-4.43 l, P<0.001, whereas there
      was no change for intracellular water 14.84+/-4.27 vs 14.90+/-4.68 l. Fat-free
      mass index (FFMI) fell 17.87+/-3.98 vs 16.78+/-3.97 kg/m2, P<0.001, whereas fat
      mass index (FMI) increased from 7.87+/-3.98 vs 8.12+/-3.81 kg/m2, P=0.002. A fall
      in FFMI was associated with an increase in FMI (r=0.804, P<0.001). CONCLUSION:
      FMI and FFMI measured by bioelectrical impedance assessment are both confounded
      by hydration status. Although pre-dialysis measurements are more convenient, we
      suggest BIS should preferably be performed post-dialysis when patients are less
      overhydrated and have less electrolyte imbalances.

PMID- 27677368
TI  - Corn oil intake favorably impacts lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein and
      lipoprotein particle levels compared with extra-virgin olive oil.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Corn oil (CO) and extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) are rich sources of
      unsaturated fatty acids (UFA), but UFA profiles differ among oils, which may
      affect lipoprotein levels. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess
      the effects of CO versus EVOO intake on fasting lipoprotein and subfraction
      cholesterol levels, apolipoprotein (apo) A1, apo B, and low-density lipoprotein
      particle concentrations in men and women. SUBJECTS/METHODS: As part of a weight
      maintenance diet, men and women were provided with food items prepared with 54 g
      per day of CO or EVOO (21-day treatment, 21-day washout) in a randomized, double
      blind, controlled-feeding, crossover trial. Fasting lipoprotein cholesterol and
      related variables were determined with density gradient ultracentrifugation.
      RESULTS: Among the 54 completers, CO reduced total cholesterol, low-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL
      C), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), apo B and LDL particle
      concentration to a greater extent compared with EVOO intake. Changes in LDL-C and
      VLDL-C contributed to the larger reduction in non-HDL-C with CO compared with
      EVOO intake (-0.39 mmol/l vs -0.04 mmol/l; P<0.001). The larger reduction in LDL
      C by CO intake was attributable to changes (P<0.05) caused by CO vs EVOO in large
      LDL1+2-C (-0.22 mmol/l) and intermediate-density lipoprotein cholesterol (-0.12
      mmol/l). HDL-C responses did not differ between treatments, but apo A1 increased
      more with EVOO compared with CO intake (4.6  versus 0.7 mg/dl, respectively,
      P=0.016). CONCLUSIONS: CO intake reduced atherogenic lipoprotein cholesterol and
      particle concentrations to a larger extent than did EVOO, which may have
      implications for cardiovascular disease risk.

PMID- 27677369
TI  - Ultraviolet radiation and effects on humans: the paradigm of maternal vitamin D
      production during pregnancy.
AB  - Current evidence indicates that neonates born of mothers with vitamin D
      deficiency during pregnancy have greater risk for developing hypocalcemia,
      rickets and extra-skeletal disorders. Despite the classic knowledge that
      ultraviolet-B (UVB) exposure is the most efficient way for a future mother to
      obtain optimal vitamin D concentrations, no current consensus or clinical
      recommendations exist regarding the duration and timing of UVB exposure for
      pregnant women. This article offers a narrative review of available data
      regarding how UVB exposure affects maternal vitamin D production during
      pregnancy, along with a discourse on clinical implications of this public health
      issue. Future studies would benefit from adopting UVB exposure estimates to
      recommend appropriate UVB exposure to pregnant women. Doing so could provide a
      more holistic and practical approach in managing maternal hypovitaminosis D
      during pregnancy.

PMID- 27677371
TI  - The nutritional quality of foods carrying health-related claims in Germany, The
      Netherlands, Spain, Slovenia and the United Kingdom.

PMID- 27677370
TI  - Aging, low-grade systemic inflammation and vitamin D: a mini-review.
AB  - We conducted a mini-review of the literature, focusing on aging-related systemic
      inflammation and its association with vitamin D (VitD). As main findings, data
      indicate that inflammation in aging seems to have multiple origins, including
      immunosenescence, and from intestinal and adipose tissue, where VitD may modulate
      these three factors, through mechanisms not totally known. From the selected
      studies, three randomized clinical trials of VitD supplementation showed
      improvements in inflammatory status, whereas two studies did not. Ten
      epidemiological studies showed associations between VitD and inflammation,
      whereas two studies did not. One case study reinforced this association. As such,
      we can assume a reasonable association between VitD and inflammation in the
      elderly, and a promising role of supplementation in some situations. However,
      most studies did not take into account environmental and individual factors such
      as the season of the year, latitude, skin color or even the use of some
      medicines; in addition, the doses, time of intervention and the sample sizes
      differed between the studies. In conclusion, although more controlled VitD
      studies, both clinical and epidemiological, are necessary, it is important to
      remember the network of factors involved in systemic inflammation in the elderly;
      an understanding of the dietetic and non-dietetic factors is needed to offer a
      realistic approach.

PMID- 27677372
TI  - Semiconductor Polymer/Top Electrode Interface Generated by Two Deposition Methods
      and Its Influence on Organic Solar Cell Performance.
AB  - In this Research Article, the effect of two techniques for top-electrode
      deposition in organic photovoltaics (OPVs) cells with the configuration
      ITO/PEDOT:PSS/PTB7-Th:PC71BM/PFN/top-electrode is analyzed. One deposition was
      made by evaporation under high vacuum, meanwhile the other was carried out at
      normal room atmosphere; for the former, a double layer of Ca and the eutectic
      alloy Field's metal (FM) was thermally evaporated, while for the latter FM was
      deposited just by melting and dropping it on top of the delimited active area at
      temperatures about 90  degrees C. The average short-circuit photocurrent density,
      open circuit voltage and fill factor for devices with either Ca/FM (evaporated)
      or FM (by dripping) cathode, were very similar: around 13.20 mA/cm2, 840 mV, and
      0.6, respectively. Average efficiency for devices with the mentioned evaporated
      cathode was of 6.4% (largest value 7.0%), meanwhile for devices with the cathode
      deposited by dripping, it was of 6.1% (largest value 6.5%). Morphological
      analysis, by atomic force microscopy on the surface of a FM electrode, detached
      from an OPV device, shows inhomogeneities and pinholes in its surface with an
      average roughness of 16 nm. OPV photocurrent was studied by means of laser beam
      induced current (LBIC), it showed that OPVs devices with FM top electrode
      exhibits an inhomogeneous response. An impedance analysis was also carried out
      and results were correlated with defects observed at the studied interface. In
      spite of the mentioned deficiencies at FM interface, overall PV performance of
      devices with this electrode highlights the convenience of using FM because of its
      easy, fast, and low-cost deposition (vacuum free) characteristics.

PMID- 27677373
TI  - The AAA+ FtsH Protease Degrades an ssrA-Tagged Model Protein in the Inner
      Membrane of Escherichia coli.
AB  - In eubacteria, the tmRNA system frees ribosomes that stall during protein
      synthesis and adds an ssrA tag to the incompletely translated polypeptide to
      target it for degradation. The AAA+ ClpXP protease degrades most ssrA-tagged
      proteins in the Escherichia coli cytoplasm and was recently shown to degrade an
      ssrA-tagged protein in the inner membrane. However, we find that tmRNA-mediated
      tagging of E. coli ProW1-182, a different inner-membrane protein, results in
      degradation by the membrane-tethered AAA+ FtsH protease. ClpXP played no role in
      the degradation of ProW1-182 in vivo. These studies suggest that a complex
      distribution of proteolytic labor maintains protein quality control in the inner
      membrane.

PMID- 27677374
TI  - Early unpredictability predicts increased adolescent externalizing behaviors and
      substance use: A life history perspective-CORRIGENDUM.

PMID- 27677375
TI  - The influence of geographical location, host maturity and sex on intestinal
      helminth communities of the double-crested cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus from
      the eastern United States.
AB  - Here the intestinal helminth infracommunities of 218 double-crested cormorants
      (Phalacrocorax auritus) from 11 locations in Alabama, Minnesota, Mississippi and
      Vermont are documented. Trematode infections were present in 98% of hosts; 65% of
      cormorants carried cestode infections, 4% were infected with acanthocephalans and
      66% had nematode intestinal parasites. Parasite infracommunities of hosts
      collected on wintering grounds had higher richness and diversity than did birds
      collected on breeding grounds. Differences in parasite richness and diversity
      between male and female P. auritus were also detected, but not between immature
      and mature bird hosts. Parasite intensity did not differ by sex, maturity, or
      between breeding and wintering season. The most common parasite was
      Drepanocephalus auritus (spathans), which is recognized as a disease agent that
      negatively impacts the catfish aquaculture industry in the US. Echinochasmus sp.
      in double-crested cormorants is documented for the first time in the United
      States. We suggest that the differences observed among parasite infracommunities
      could be associated with the foraging distances travelled by P. auritus during
      breeding and wintering seasons, which is limited by allocation of parental care
      during the breeding season.

PMID- 27677377
TI  - An evaluation of pre-hospital emergency medical systems for suspected ST
      elevation myocardial infarction in Colorado.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Patients presenting with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)
      benefit from rapid cardiac reperfusion therapy. Emergency medical service (EMS)
      agencies can improve patient outcomes by calling STEMI alerts to the receiving
      facility. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of pre-hospital
      activation systems for suspected ST-elevation myocardial infarctions (STEMI)
      throughout Colorado. METHODS: A cross sectional, survey design was utilized to
      collect all data from EMS agencies in Colorado. A univariable logistic regression
      model was used to identify factors predictive of an agency reporting that they
      utilize a STEMI activation protocol. RESULTS: 84.5% [95% CI: 78.3 to 90.7%] of
      agencies included indicate that they utilize a STEMI activation protocol. Based
      on the logistic regression analysis, the number of EMT employees was
      significantly associated with whether or not an agency indicates that they
      utilize a STEMI activation protocol. For every 10% increase in the number of EMTs
      employed by an EMS agency, there was a 3.0 [95% CI: 1.5 to 6.0, p = 0.0012] fold
      increase in the odds of the agency indicating they utilize a STEMI activation
      protocol. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides evidence that larger agencies are more
      likely to utilize a STEMI activation protocol. In areas without a STEMI system of
      care, improvements in smaller agencies that cover more ground (with longer
      transport times) should be the focus for protocol implementation. Based on the
      current prevalence of such training, competency based training in reading ST
      elevations on ECG should be considered by EMS agencies.

PMID- 27677376
TI  - Dexmedetomidine protects against glucocorticoid induced progenitor cell apoptosis
      in neonatal mouse cerebellum.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Glucocorticoids (GCs) are used to improve respiratory mechanics in
      preterm infants despite clinical evidence linking neonatal GC therapy to
      cerebellar pathology. In developing mouse cerebellum, the GC dexamethasone (DEX)
      causes rapid GC-induced neural progenitor cell apoptosis (GINA). Focusing on
      pharmacological neuroprotection strategies, we investigated whether
      dexmedetomidine (DMT) protects against GINA. METHODS: Neonatal mice were
      pretreated with DMT prior to DEX challenge. Additionally, we tested clonidine and
      yohimbine in vivo to determine mechanism of DMT neuroprotection. For in vitro
      studies, cerebellar neural progenitor cells were pretreated with DMT before DEX
      challenge. RESULTS: In vivo, DMT attenuated GINA at 1 MUg/kg and above, p <
      0.0001. Clonidine significantly attenuated GINA, p < 0.0001, while yohimbine
      reversed DMT neuroprotection, p < 0.0001, suggesting DMT neuroprotection is
      likely mediated via adrenergic signaling. In vitro, DMT neuroprotection was
      achieved at 10 MUM and above, p < 0.001, indicating DMT rescue is cell
      autonomous. CONCLUSIONS: DMT affords dose-dependent neuroprotection from GINA at
      clinically relevant doses, an effect that is cell autonomous and likely mediated
      by alpha2 adrenergic receptor agonism. DMT co-administration with GCs may be an
      effective strategy to protect the neonatal brain from GINA while retaining the
      beneficial effects of GCs on respiratory mechanics.

PMID- 27677379
TI  - Aetiology of PCR negative suspected Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever cases in an
      endemic area.
AB  - Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a potentially fatal tick-borne viral
      infection that is widely distributed worldwide. The diagnosis is frequently
      missed due to the non-specific initial symptoms and the differential diagnosis
      included many infectious and non-infectious causes. This retrospective study
      describes the clinical features and final diagnoses of 116 suspect CCHF cases
      that were admitted to a tertiary CCHF center in Turkey, and were CCHF IgM and PCR
      negative. 

PMID- 27677380
TI  - Context matters! The relationship between mother-reported family nutrition
      climate, general parenting, food parenting practices and children's BMI.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Efforts to explain children's nutrition behavior or weight often
      involve investigating the parent-child relationship, typically studying the
      associations between food parenting practices (FPPs) and child outcomes. However,
      these behaviors are embedded in a broader system: general parenting (GP, the
      general emotional climate at home), and the family health climate (an aspect of
      the broader family system in the context of health). In the current study, we
      combined the parent-child measures of parenting (FPPs and GP) and the nutritional
      dimension of the family health climate (family nutrition climate, FNC) to get a
      broader view of how these concepts are interrelated. The current study had two
      aims: predicting FPPs using GP and FNC as predictor variables, and investigating
      the relationship between FPPs and children's weight in different groups of
      parents, based on low and high GP and FNC scores. METHODS: We collected cross
      sectional data via an online survey panel. Mothers of 267 children aged 5-12
      years filled out a questionnaire assessing demographics (e.g., children's weight
      and height), GP, FPPs, and FNC. Bivariate correlation coefficients were
      calculated between all constructs. Structural equation modeling was performed to
      test the hypothesized relationships between GP, FNC and FPPs. Hereafter,
      different groups of parents were identified, using median split, based on a low
      or high score on GP or a low or high score on FNC. Bivariate correlation
      coefficients were calculated between FPPs and children's BMI z-score for these
      different groups. RESULTS: GP and FNC were consistently positively correlated
      (all r's >=.177), and both concepts were positively associated with healthy FPPs
      (all r's >=.214). In families with a positive context (i.e. scoring high on GP
      and on FNC), healthy FPPs were associated with lower BMI z-scores of the children
      (r -.229). This association was not found for children with a more negative
      family context. CONCLUSIONS: FNC and GP are valuable additional concepts to
      investigate relationships between FPPs and child outcomes. We recommend that more
      studies, next to investigating the parent-child system, include a measure of the
      broader family system, in order to get a broader view of the mechanisms
      explaining child health behaviors and weight status.

PMID- 27677378
TI  - Advancing vector biology research: a community survey for future directions,
      research applications and infrastructure requirements.
AB  - Vector-borne pathogens impact public health, animal production, and animal
      welfare. Research on arthropod vectors such as mosquitoes, ticks, sandflies, and
      midges which transmit pathogens to humans and economically important animals is
      crucial for development of new control measures that target transmission by the
      vector. While insecticides are an important part of this arsenal, appearance of
      resistance mechanisms is increasingly common. Novel tools for genetic
      manipulation of vectors, use of Wolbachia endosymbiotic bacteria, and other
      biological control mechanisms to prevent pathogen transmission have led to
      promising new intervention strategies, adding to strong interest in vector
      biology and genetics as well as vector-pathogen interactions. Vector research is
      therefore at a crucial juncture, and strategic decisions on future research
      directions and research infrastructure investment should be informed by the
      research community. A survey initiated by the European Horizon 2020 INFRAVEC-2
      consortium set out to canvass priorities in the vector biology research community
      and to determine key activities that are needed for researchers to efficiently
      study vectors, vector-pathogen interactions, as well as access the structures and
      services that allow such activities to be carried out. We summarize the most
      important findings of the survey which in particular reflect the priorities of
      researchers in European countries, and which will be of use to stakeholders that
      include researchers, government, and research organizations. 

PMID- 27677381
TI  - Prevalence and risk factors for asthma among children aged 0-14 years in
      Hangzhou: a cross-sectional survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Asthma is a global problem. Prevalence varies among different
      countries and cities. We aimed to obtain the prevalence, describe the
      characteristics, and discover factors that may relate to asthma in Hangzhou.
      METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Hangzhou. The subjects were
      children aged 14 years and younger. A control group of non-asthma children that
      matched in age and sex with each asthmatic patient was also randomly selected and
      interviewed. International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood and
      National Epidemiology study of Asthma and Allergies in China questionnaires were
      used in this survey. RESULTS: We have questionnaired 13,877 children, and 665
      (4.8 %) children were diagnosed asthma. The guardians regarded the cost of asthma
      management affordable in 49.4 %, tolerable in 46.9 %, and intolerable in 3.7 %.
      Both guardians and children have been absent from work or school due to
      children's asthma. Respiratory tract infection was the most common trigger of
      asthma attacks (85.1 %). Other common causes included cold air, house dust,
      exercise, fish and shrimp, pollen, and et al. Interestingly, we also found in
      children 6 years and older, some triggers happened more than that in children 5
      years and younger. Those factors included exercise, emotional changes, house
      dust, pollen, renovation works in the home, mosquito-repellent incense and pets
      (all the p values were <0.05). We compared some factors may relate to asthma
      development. Higher percentage of family history of asthma, personal history of
      allergy (atopic dermatitis, drug allergy and food allergy), comorbidities
      (allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, adenoidal hypertrophy, and urticaria), caesarean
      birth and complications ever happened during pregnancy were discovered in asthma
      children than in non-asthma children (all the p values were <0.05). Exclusive
      breastfeeding within first 6 months and keeping animals had higher percentage in
      non-asthma children than in asthma (both the p values were <0.05). Inhaled
      corticosteroid (ICS)/ICS + long-acting beta2 agonists (LABA) was applied to 46.2
      % of patients. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) was used in 44.2 % of asthma
      children, while leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA) was used in 36.4 % of
      them. The adherence scored higher in TCM than in ICS/ICS + LABA (P = 0.003) and
      LTRA. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, we conducted an epidemiology study in Hangzhou.
      The prevalence of childhood asthma was 4.8 %. Asthma was an economic and social
      burden to both children and guardians. Risk factors of asthma development may
      include caesarean birth, personal history of allergy and concomitant allergic
      diseases. Exclusive breastfeeding within first 6 months and keeping animals might
      be protecting factors. TCM was really popular in China besides ICS/ICS + LABA and
      LTRA.

PMID- 27677382
TI  - Improving GHB withdrawal with baclofen: study protocol for a feasibility study
      for a randomised controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate) and its pro-drugs GBL (gamma
      butyrolactone) and 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BD) are central nervous system depressants
      whose street names include 'G' and 'liquid ecstasy'. They are used recreationally
      predominately for their stimulant and pro-sexual effects or for sedation to help
      with sleep and/or to 'come down' after using stimulant recreational drugs.
      Although overall population prevalence is low (0.1 %), in some groups such as men
      who have sex with men, GHB/GBL use may reach 20 %. GHB/GBL dependence may be
      associated with severe withdrawal with individuals presenting either acutely to
      emergency departments or to addiction services for support. Benzodiazepines are
      currently prescribed for GHB/GBL detoxification but do not prevent all
      complications, such as behavioural disinhibition, that may require
      hospitalisation or admission to a high dependency/intensive care unit. The GABAB
      receptor mediates most effects of GHB/GBL and the GABAB agonist, baclofen, has
      shown promise as an adjunct to benzodiazepines in reducing withdrawal severity
      when prescribed both during withdrawal and as a 2-day 'preload' prior to
      detoxification. The key aim of this feasibility study is provide information
      about recruitment and characteristics of the proposed outcome measure (symptom
      severity, complications including delirium and treatment escalation) to inform an
      application for a definitive randomised placebo controlled trial to determine the
      role of baclofen in the management of GHB/GBL withdrawal and whether starting
      baclofen 2 days earlier improves outcomes further. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a
      prospective, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled feasibility study that
      will recruit participants (aged over 18 years) who are GHB/GBL-dependent and wish
      to undergo planned GHB/GBL detoxification or are at risk of acute withdrawal and
      are inpatients requiring unplanned withdrawal. We aim to recruit 88 participants:
      28 unplanned inpatients and 60 planned outpatients. During detoxification we will
      compare baclofen 10 mg three times a day with placebo as an adjunct to the usual
      benzodiazepine regimen. In the planned outpatient arm, we will also compare a 2
      day preload of baclofen 10 mg three times a day with placebo. Ratings of GHB/GBL
      withdrawal, sleep, depression, anxiety as well as GHB/GBL use will be collected.
      The main data analyses will be descriptive about recruitment and characterising
      the impact of adding baclofen to the usual benzodiazepine regimen on measures and
      outcomes of GHB/GBL withdrawal to provide estimates of variability and effect
      size. A qualitative approach will evaluate research participant and clinician
      acceptability and data collected to inform cost-effectiveness. DISCUSSION: This
      feasibility study will inform a randomised controlled trial to establish whether
      adding baclofen to a benzodiazepine regimen reduces the severity and
      complications of GHB/GBL withdrawal. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN59911189 .
      Registered 14 October 2015. PROTOCOL: v3.1, 1 February 2016.

PMID- 27677383
TI  - Vasopressors and inotropes in cardiogenic shock: is there room for "adrenaline
      resuscitation"?

PMID- 27677384
TI  - Interactions between peroxiredoxin 2, hemichrome and the erythrocyte membrane.
AB  - Peroxiredoxin 2 (Prx2) is an abundant antioxidant protein in erythrocytes that
      protects against hemolytic anemia resulting from hemoglobin oxidation and Heinz
      body formation. A small fraction of Prx2 is bound to the cell membrane, but the
      mechanism and relevance of binding are not clear. We have investigated Prx2
      interactions with the erythrocyte membrane and oxidized hemoglobin and whether
      these interactions are dependent on Prx2 redox state. Membrane binding of Prx2 in
      erythrocytes decreased when the cells were treated with H2O2, but studies with
      purified Prx2 and isolated ghosts showed that the interaction was independent of
      Prx2 redox state. Hemoglobin oxidation leads to the formation of hemichrome, a
      denatured form of the protein that binds to Band3 protein in the cell membrane as
      part of the senescence process and is a precursor of Heinz bodies. Hemichrome
      competed with Prx2 and decreased Prx2 binding to the membrane, potentially
      explaining the decreased binding in oxidant-exposed cells. The increased membrane
      binding of Prx2 seen with increasing intracellular calcium was less sensitive to
      H2O2 or hemichrome, suggesting an alternative mode of binding. Prx2 was also
      shown to exhibit chaperone-like activity by retarding the precipitation of pre
      formed hemichrome. Our results suggest that Prx2, by restricting membrane binding
      of hemichrome, could impede Band3 clustering and exposure of senescence antigens.
      This mechanism, plus the observed chaperone activity for oxidized hemoglobin, may
      help protect against hemolytic anemia.

PMID- 27677385
TI  - Albiglutide: a unique GLP-1 receptor agonist.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Albiglutide is a long acting GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA)
      administered by weekly injection. Area covered: The pharmacokinetic and
      pharmacodynamic properties of albiglutide and its clinical effects are discussed.
      The review encompassed a search of PubMed and a thorough analysis of the European
      Union and US Food and Drug Administration approval documents. Expert opinion:
      Albiglutide has a chemical structure quite distinct from that of other marketed
      GLP-1 RAs. The agent has less gastrointestinal side effects than other comparable
      GLP-1 RAs and is safe in patients with renal failure. As a sole treatment for
      diabetes and used with other hypoglycemic agents, it achieves a lowering of HbA1c
      of up to 1%, less than several competitor GLP-1 RAs. The benefit on weight
      reduction is minimal compared to other GLP-1 RAs. There exists concern about an
      imbalance of pancreatitis cases in the approval program as well as injection site
      reactions which led to discontinuance of therapy in up to 2% of participants. A
      large long term study now underway will determine if albiglutide, with its lower
      level of GI intolerance, has a place in the treatment of patients with increased
      risk of cardiovascular events.

PMID- 27677386
TI  - Human innate lymphoid cells.
AB  - Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are increasingly acknowledged as important mediators
      of immune homeostasis and pathology. ILCs act as early orchestrators of immunity,
      responding to epithelium-derived signals by expressing an array of cytokines and
      cell-surface receptors, which shape subsequent immune responses. As such, ILCs
      make up interesting therapeutic targets for several diseases. In patients with
      allergy and asthma, group 2 innate lymphoid cells produce high amounts of IL-5
      and IL-13, thereby contributing to type 2-mediated inflammation. Group 3 innate
      lymphoid cells are implicated in intestinal homeostasis and psoriasis pathology
      through abundant IL-22 production, whereas group 1 innate lymphoid cells are
      accumulated in chronic inflammation of the gut (inflammatory bowel disease) and
      lung (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), where they contribute to IFN-gamma
      mediated inflammation. Although the ontogeny of mouse ILCs is slowly unraveling,
      the development of human ILCs is far from understood. In addition, the growing
      complexity of the human ILC family in terms of previously unrecognized functional
      heterogeneity and plasticity has generated confusion within the field. Here we
      provide an updated view on the function and plasticity of human ILCs in tissue
      homeostasis and disease.

PMID- 27677387
TI  - Prognostic Value of the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction Risk Score in ST
      Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients With Left Ventricular Dysfunction (from
      the EPHESUS Trial).
AB  - The Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) risk score remains a robust
      prediction tool for short-term and midterm outcome in the patients with ST
      elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, the validity of this risk score
      in patients with STEMI with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)
      remains unclear. A total of 2,854 patients with STEMI with early coronary
      revascularization participating in the randomized EPHESUS (Epleronone Post-Acute
      Myocardial Infarction Heart Failure Efficacy and Survival Study) trial were
      analyzed. TIMI risk score was calculated at baseline, and its predictive value
      was evaluated using C-indexes from Cox models. The increase in reclassification
      of other variables in addition to TIMI score was assessed using the net
      reclassification index. TIMI risk score had a poor predictive accuracy for all
      cause mortality (C-index values at 30 days and 1 year <=0.67) and recurrent
      myocardial infarction (MI; C-index values <=0.60). Among TIMI score items,
      diabetes/hypertension/angina, heart rate >100 beats/min, and systolic blood
      pressure <100 mm Hg were inconsistently associated with survival, whereas none of
      the TIMI score items, aside from age, were significantly associated with MI
      recurrence. Using a constructed predictive model, lower LVEF, lower estimated
      glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and previous MI were significantly associated
      with all-cause mortality. The predictive accuracy of this model, which included
      LVEF and eGFR, was fair for both 30-day and 1-year all-cause mortality (C-index
      values ranging from 0.71 to 0.75). In conclusion, TIMI risk score demonstrates
      poor discrimination in predicting mortality or recurrent MI in patients with
      STEMI with reduced LVEF. LVEF and eGFR are major factors that should not be
      ignored by predictive risk scores in this population.

PMID- 27677388
TI  - Etiologies and Predictors of 30-Day Readmission and In-Hospital Mortality During
      Primary and Readmission After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.
AB  - There are sparse data on the etiologies and predictors of readmission after
      transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The study cohort was derived from
      the National Readmission Data 2013, a subset of the Healthcare Cost and
      Utilization Project sponsored by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
      TAVI was identified using appropriate International Classification of Diseases,
      Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. The coprimary outcomes were 30-day
      readmissions and in-hospital mortality during primary admission and readmission.
      Hierarchical 2-level logistic models were used to evaluate study outcomes. Our
      analysis included 5,702 (weighted n = 12,703) TAVI procedures. About 1,215
      patients were readmitted (weighted n = 2,757) within 30 days during the study
      year. Significant predictors of readmission included transapical access (OR, 95%
      CI, p value) (1.23, 1.10 to 1.38, <0.01), diabetes (1.18, 1.06 to 1.32, p 0.004),
      chronic lung disease (1.32, 1.18 to 1.47, <0.01), renal failure (1.43, 1.24 to
      1.65, <0.01), patients discharged to facilities (1.28, 1.14 to 1.43, <0.01), and
      those who had lengthier hospital stays during primary admission (length of stay
      >10 days: 3.06, 2.22 to 4.22, <0.01). Female gender (1.39, 1.16 to 1.68, <0.01),
      blood transfusion (1.88, 1.55 to 2.29, <0.01), use of vasopressors (3.63, 2.50 to
      5.28, <0.01), hemodynamic support (6.39, 5.20 to 7.85, <0.01) and percutaneous
      coronary intervention (1.89, 1.30 to 2.74, 0.01) during primary admission were
      significant predictors of in-hospital mortality. Age and transapical access were
      significant predictors of in-hospital mortality during readmission. In
      conclusion, heart failure, pneumonia, and bleeding complications are among
      important etiologies of readmission in patients after TAVI. Patients who
      underwent transapical TAVI and those with slower in-hospital recovery and co
      morbidities such as chronic lung disease and renal failure are more likely to be
      readmitted to the hospital.

PMID- 27677389
TI  - The potential use of low-frequency tones to locate regions of outer hair cell
      loss.
AB  - Current methods used to diagnose cochlear hearing loss are limited in their
      ability to determine the location and extent of anatomical damage to various
      cochlear structures. In previous experiments, we have used the electrical
      potential recorded at the round window -the cochlear response (CR) -to predict
      the location of damage to outer hair cells in the gerbil. In a follow-up
      experiment, we applied 10 mM ouabain to the round window niche to reduce neural
      activity in order to quantify the neural contribution to the CR. We concluded
      that a significant proportion of the CR to a 762 Hz tone originated from phase
      locking activity of basal auditory nerve fibers, which could have contaminated
      our conclusions regarding outer hair cell health. However, at such high
      concentrations, ouabain may have also affected the responses from outer hair
      cells, exaggerating the effect we attributed to the auditory nerve. In this
      study, we lowered the concentration of ouabain to 1 mM and determined the
      physiologic effects on outer hair cells using distortion-product otoacoustic
      emissions. As well as quantifying the effects of 1 mM ouabain on the auditory
      nerve and outer hair cells, we attempted to reduce the neural contribution to the
      CR by using near-infrasonic stimulus frequencies of 45 and 85 Hz, and
      hypothesized that these low-frequency stimuli would generate a cumulative
      amplitude function (CAF) that could reflect damage to hair cells in the apex more
      accurately than the 762 stimuli. One hour after application of 1 mM ouabain, CR
      amplitudes significantly increased, but remained unchanged in the presence of
      high-pass filtered noise conditions, suggesting that basal auditory nerve fibers
      have a limited contribution to the CR at such low frequencies.

PMID- 27677390
TI  - Shipping noise in a dynamic sea: a case study of grey seals in the Celtic Sea.
AB  - Shipping noise is a threat to marine wildlife. Grey seals are benthic foragers,
      and thus experience acoustic noise throughout the water column, which makes them
      a good model species for a case study of the potential impacts of shipping noise.
      We used ship track data from the Celtic Sea, seal track data and a coupled ocean
      acoustic modelling system to assess the noise exposure of grey seals along their
      tracks. It was found that the animals experience step changes in sound levels up
      to ~20dB at a frequency of 125Hz, and ~10dB on average over 10-1000Hz when they
      dive through the thermocline, particularly during summer. Our results showed
      large seasonal differences in the noise level experienced by the seals. These
      results reveal the actual noise exposure by the animals and could help in marine
      spatial planning.

PMID- 27677391
TI  - Host condition and accumulation of metals by acanthocephalan parasite
      Echinorhynchus gadi in cod Gadus morhua from the southern Baltic Sea.
AB  - In this study, we analyzed the relationship between concentration of metals in
      the host-parasite system (cod - acanthocephalan Echinorhynchus gadi) and Fulton's
      condition factor (FCF) of the host. The relationship between metal (Ca, Cd, Cr,
      Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Pb, Sr, Zn) concentrations in E. gadi and cod tissues
      was expressed as a bioconcentration factor (BCF), the ratio of the concentration
      in the parasite tissue to that in host tissues. Acanthocephalans accumulated
      mainly toxic metals (Cd, Pb), as well as Sr, Ca, Na. Cadmium showed the highest
      bioconcentration in parasites (BCF >200) compared to fish muscle. Significant
      negative correlation was detected between FCF and the concentration of Cd and Hg
      in cod liver. In contrast, FCF was positively correlated with the concentration
      of Hg in acanthocephalan tissues.

PMID- 27677392
TI  - Estrogenic compound profiles in an urbanized industry-impacted coastal bay and
      potential risk assessment by pollution indices and multivariative statistical
      methods.
AB  - The occurrence and distribution of target estrogenic compounds in a highly
      urbanized industry-impacted coastal bay were investigated, and contamination
      profiles were evaluated by estimating total estradiol equivalents (?EEQs) and
      risk quotients (RQs). Phenolic compounds were the most abundant xenoestrogens,
      but seldom showed contribution to the ?EEQs. The diethylstilbestrol (DES) and
      17alpha-ethinylestradiol (EE2) were the major contributors followed by 17beta
      estradiol (E2) in comparison with a slight contribution from estrone (E1) and
      estriol (E3). Both ?EEQs and RQs indicated likely adverse effects posed on
      resident organisms. Further, multivariate statistical method comprehensively
      revealed pollution status by visualized factor scores and identified multiple
      "hotspots" of estrogenic sources, demonstrating the presence of complex pollution
      risk gradients inside and particularly outside of bay area. Overall, this study
      favors the integrative utilization of pollution indices and factor analysis as
      powerful tool to scientifically diagnose the pollution characterization of human
      derived chemicals for better management decisions in aquatic environments.

PMID- 27677393
TI  - Assessing the footprint and volume of oil deposited in deep-sea sediments
      following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
AB  - The lateral and vertical extents of Macondo oil in deep-sea sediments resulting
      from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill were determined using chemical
      forensics and geostatistical kriging of data from 2397 sediment samples from 875
      cores collected in 2010/2011 and 2014. The total mass of Macondo-derived hopane
      on the seafloor in 2010/2011 was conservatively estimated between 2.00 and
      2.26metric tons, derived from 219,000 to 247,000barrels of oil; or 6.9 to 7.7% of
      the 3.19millionbarrels spilled. Macondo-derived hopane was deposited over 1030 to
      1910km2 of the seafloor, mostly (>97%) in surface (0-1cm) and near-surface (1
      3cm) sediments, which is consistent with short-term oil deposition. Although
      Macondo oil was still present in surface sediments in 2014, the total mass of
      Macondo-derived hopane was significantly lower (~80 to 90%) than in 2010/2011,
      affirming an acute impact from the spill and not long-term deposition from
      natural seeps.

PMID- 27677394
TI  - New directions for pharmacotherapy in the treatment of acute coronary syndrome.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) are one of the leading causes of
      death worldwide. Several landmark trials, followed by a widespread introduction
      of new agents, have significantly improved ACS outcomes in recent years. However,
      despite the use of contemporary therapy, a substantial number of ACS patients
      continue to suffer from cardiovascular events. Areas covered: The aim of this
      review was to summarize available data on innovative drugs and pharmacological
      strategies that have potential to amend the current ACS therapy. We present the
      results of recent large clinical trials, as well as insights from ongoing phase
      III and phase IV studies, exploring the value of new strategies for the
      improvement of outcomes in ACS. Expert opinion: More potent platelet inhibition,
      more profound lipid reduction and possibly anti-inflammatory action are
      considered to have potential to further reduce the rates of adverse
      cardiovascular and thrombotic events in ACS patients. 'Hit fast, hit hard'
      approach regarding novel antiplatelet and lipid-lowering therapy seems
      attractive, but it has to be considered that these strategies may be associated
      with increased adverse events rate. Introduction of cangrelor and ezetimibe, and
      potentially future recognition of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9
      antibodies, are likely to alter the landscape of ACS pharmacotherapy.

PMID- 27677395
TI  - Developing a predictive risk model for first-line antiretroviral therapy failure
      in South Africa.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: A substantial number of patients with HIV in South Africa have
      failed first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART). Although individual predictors of
      first-line ART failure have been identified, few studies in resource-limited
      settings have been large enough for predictive modelling. Understanding the
      absolute risk of first-line failure is useful for patient monitoring and for
      effectively targeting limited resources for second-line ART. We developed a
      predictive model to identify patients at the greatest risk of virologic failure
      on first-line ART, and to estimate the proportion of patients needing second-line
      ART over five years on treatment. METHODS: A cohort of patients aged >=18 years
      from nine South African HIV clinics on first-line ART for at least six months
      were included. Viral load measurements and baseline predictors were obtained from
      medical records. We used stepwise selection of predictors in accelerated failure
      time models to predict virologic failure on first-line ART (two consecutive viral
      load levels >1000 copies/mL). Multiple imputations were used to assign missing
      baseline variables. The final model was selected using internal-external cross
      validation maximizing model calibration at five years on ART, and model
      discrimination, measured using Harrell's C-statistic. Model covariates were used
      to create a predictive score for risk group of ART failure. RESULTS: A total of
      72,181 patients were included in the analysis, with an average of 21.5 months
      (IQR: 8.8-41.5) of follow-up time on first-line ART. The final predictive model
      had a Weibull distribution and the final predictors of virologic failure were men
      of all ages, young women, nevirapine use in first-line regimen, low baseline CD4
      count, high mean corpuscular volume, low haemoglobin, history of TB and missed
      visits during the first six months on ART. About 24.4% of patients in the highest
      quintile and 9.4% of patients in the lowest quintile of risk were predicted to
      experience treatment failure over five years on ART. CONCLUSIONS: Age, sex, CD4
      count and having any missed visits during the first six months on ART were the
      strongest predictors of ART failure. The predictive model identified patients at
      high risk of failure, and the predicted failure rates over five years closely
      reflected actual rates of failure.

PMID- 27677396
TI  - Quantitative PCR and unconventional serological methods to evaluate clomipramine
      treatment effectiveness in experimental Trypanosoma cruzi infection.
AB  - Clomipramine (CLO), a tricyclic antidepressant drug, has been used for the
      treatment of mice infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. In this work we evaluated the
      effectiveness of CLO treatment upon T. cruzi-infected mice in the chronic phase
      of the experimental infection using Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)
      and recombinant ELISA. Sixty Swiss albino mice were inoculated with 50
      trypomastigote forms of T. cruzi (Tulahuen strain). CLO treatment consisted of
      5mg/kg/day during 60days by intraperitoneal injection, beginning on day 90 post
      infection (p.i) when the mice presented electrocardiographic (ECG) alterations
      compatible with the chronic phase of the disease. The evolution of experimental
      infection and the treatment efficacy were studied through survival,
      electrocardiography, serology using a mixture and individual (1, 2, 13, 30, 36
      and SAPA) recombinant proteins from epimastigotes and trypomastigotes of T.
      cruzi; and qPCR on days 180 and 270 p.i. CLO treatment in the chronic phase
      decreased the parasite load, reduced the levels of antibodies against antigen 13
      throughout 270days p.i and reversed the ECG abnormalities in the treated animals,
      from 100% of the mice with alterations at the beginning of the treatment to only
      20% of the mice with alterations by day 270 p.i. This study shows that qPCR and
      the use of recombinant antigens are more sensitive to evaluate the effectiveness
      of the treatment and proves that clomipramine may be considered as a new
      chemotherapy for the chronic phase of the disease.

PMID- 27677397
TI  - Robust upward dispersion of the neutron spin resonance in the heavy fermion
      superconductor Ce1-xYbxCoIn5.
AB  - The neutron spin resonance is a collective magnetic excitation that appears in
      the unconventional copper oxide, iron pnictide and heavy fermion superconductors.
      Although the resonance is commonly associated with a spin-exciton due to the
      d(s+/-)-wave symmetry of the superconducting order parameter, it has also been
      proposed to be a magnon-like excitation appearing in the superconducting state.
      Here we use inelastic neutron scattering to demonstrate that the resonance in the
      heavy fermion superconductor Ce1-xYbxCoIn5 with x=0, 0.05 and 0.3 has a ring-like
      upward dispersion that is robust against Yb-doping. By comparing our experimental
      data with a random phase approximation calculation using the electronic structure
      and the momentum dependence of the -wave superconducting gap determined from
      scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) for CeCoIn5, we conclude that the robust
      upward-dispersing resonance mode in Ce1-xYbxCoIn5 is inconsistent with the
      downward dispersion predicted within the spin-exciton scenario.

PMID- 27677398
TI  - Moorean and Tahitian Partula tree snail survival after a mass extinction: New
      genomic insights using museum specimens.
AB  - Natural history museum collections provide a biodiversity window into the past
      and are of particular importance to the study of extinction-impacted clades such
      as the Pacific Island tree snail family Partulidae. Deliberate introduction of
      the predatory rosy wolf snail Euglandina rosea in the late 20th century led to
      the extinction/extirpation of 55/61 Society Island Partulidae species. In this
      study, we phylogenomically investigated the inter-relationships of the three
      surviving Society Island valley Partula species: P. taeniata (Moorea), P. clara
      and P. hyalina (Tahiti). All three formed a distinct clade in earlier
      mitochondrial phylogenies. Using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) double digested
      Restriction Associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq), we found that 46-year-old
      lyophilized museum specimens produced similar numbers of reads, sequencing depth,
      and loci as 10-year old ethanol-preserved collections. Phylogenomic trees
      indicated that Tahitian P. clara and P. hyalina are the result of a single
      founding lineage from Moorea, contrasting previous mitochondrial results and
      clarifying the enigmatic taxonomic status of P. c. incrassa. Our study highlights
      the utility and viability of NGS techniques for museum specimens and their
      increased resolution of evolutionary patterns. Sampling will be expanded to
      include the remaining Society Island partulid taxa to further explore the
      evolutionary history of this radiation.

PMID- 27677399
TI  - The origin and phylogenetic relationships of the New Zealand ravens.
AB  - The relationships of the extinct New Zealand ravens (Corvus spp.) are poorly
      understood. We sequenced the mitogenomes of the two currently recognised species
      and found they were sister-taxa to a clade comprising the Australian raven,
      little raven, and forest raven (C.coronoides, C. mellori and C. tasmanicus
      respectively). The divergence between the New Zealand ravens and Australian raven
      clade occurred in the latest Pliocene, which coincides with the onset of glacial
      deforestation. We also found that the divergence between the two putative New
      Zealand species C. antipodum and C. moriorum probably occurred in the late
      Pleistocene making their separation as species untenable. Consequently, we
      consider Corax antipodum (Forbes, 1893) to be a subspecies of Corvus moriorum
      Forbes, 1892. We re-examine the osteological evidence that led 19th century
      researchers to assign the New Zealand taxa to a separate genus, and re-assess
      these features in light of our new phylogenetic hypotheses. Like previous
      researchers, we conclude that the morphology of the palate of C. moriorum is
      unique among the genus Corvus, and suggest this may be an adaptation for a
      specialist diet.

PMID- 27677400
TI  - Spin-dependent manipulating of vector beams by tailoring polarization.
AB  - We examine the spin-dependent manipulating of vector beams by tailoring the
      inhomogeneous polarization. The spin-dependent manipulating is attributed to the
      spin-dependent phase gradient in vector beams, which can be regarded as the
      intrinsic feature of inhomogeneous polarization. The desired polarization can be
      obtained by establishing the relationship between the local orientation of
      polarization and the local orientation of the optical axis of waveplate. We
      demonstrate that the spin-dependent manipulating with arbitrary intensity
      patterns can be achieved by tailoring the inhomogeneous polarization.

PMID- 27677401
TI  - The role of Rad51 in safeguarding mitochondrial activity during the meiotic cell
      cycle in mammalian oocytes.
AB  - Rad51 is a conserved eukaryotic protein that mediates the homologous
      recombination repair of DNA double-strand breaks that occur during mitosis and
      meiosis. In addition, Rad51 promotes mitochondrial DNA synthesis when replication
      stress is increased. Rad51 also regulates cell cycle progression by preserving
      the G2/M transition in embryonic stem cells. In this study, we report a novel
      function of Rad51 in regulating mitochondrial activity during in vitro maturation
      of mouse oocytes. Suppression of Rad51 by injection of Rad51 dsRNA into germinal
      vesicle-stage oocytes resulted in arrest of meiosis in metaphase I. Rad51
      depleted oocytes showed chromosome misalignment and failures in spindle
      aggregation, affecting the completion of cytokinesis. We found that Rad51
      depletion was accompanied by decreased ATP production and mitochondrial membrane
      potential and increased DNA degradation. We further demonstrated that the
      mitochondrial defect activated autophagy in Rad51-depleted oocytes. Taken
      together, we concluded that Rad51 functions to safeguard mitochondrial integrity
      during the meiotic maturation of oocytes.

PMID- 27677402
TI  - FAIM2, as a novel diagnostic maker and a potential therapeutic target for small
      cell lung cancer and atypical carcinoid.
AB  - Lung neuroendocrine (NE) tumors are a heterogeneous group of tumors arising from
      neuroendocrine cells that includes typical carcinoid, atypical carcinoid, small
      cell lung cancer (SCLC), and large cell NE cancer. The subtyping of NE tumors is
      based on the number of mitoses per high powered field and the presences of
      necrosis. However, the best diagnostic criteria to differentiate various subtypes
      of lung NE tumors remains controversial and few diagnostic markers distinguish
      typical and atypical carcinoid. In this study, we show that FAIM2, an inhibitory
      molecule in the Fas-apoptosis pathway, is significantly overexpressed in SCLC
      compared to non-small cell lung cancer. In addition, FAIM2 expression is
      significantly higher in atypical carcinoid than typical carcinoid. As atypical
      carcinoid has been shown to have worse clinical outcomes than typical carcinoid,
      our data suggests that FAIM2 may be a useful diagnostic marker for atypical
      carcinoid. Knockdown of FAIM2 expression increases Fas-induced apoptotic cell
      death in SCLC cells. Etoposide treatment combined with FAIM2 inhibition also
      shows modest but significant reduction of viable SCLC cells. Taken together, our
      results suggest that FAIM2 is a potential NE tumor marker with higher expression
      in atypical carcinoid and SCLC, and could be a new therapeutic target for SCLC.

PMID- 27677403
TI  - Influence of symmetry breaking degrees on surface plasmon polaritons propagation
      in branched silver nanowire waveguides.
AB  - Surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs)-based nanowire (NW) waveguides demonstrate
      promising potentials in the integrated nanophotonic circuits and devices. The
      realization of controlling SPPs propagation in NWs is significant for the
      performance of nanophotonic devices when employed for special function. In this
      work, we report the effect of symmetry breaking degrees on SPPs propagation
      behavior in manually fabricated branched silver NW structures. The symmetry
      breaking degree can be tuned by the angle between main NW and branch NW, which
      influences the emissions at the junction and the main NW terminal in a large
      extent. Our results illustrate the significance of symmetry breaking degree on
      SPPs propagation in NW-based waveguides which is crucial for designing the future
      nanophotonic circuits.

PMID- 27677404
TI  - Modelling responses of the inert-gas washout and MRI to bronchoconstriction.
AB  - Many lung diseases lead to an increase in ventilation heterogeneity (VH). Two
      clinical practices for the measurement of patient VH are in vivo imaging, and the
      inert gas multiple breath washout (MBW). In this study computational modelling
      was used to compare the responses of MBW indices LCI and scond and MRI measured
      global and local ventilation indices, sigmar and sigmalocal, to constriction of
      airways in the conducting zone of the lungs. The simulations show that scond, LCI
      and sigmar behave quite similarly to each other, all being sensitive to increases
      in the severity of constriction, while exhibiting little sensitivity to the depth
      at which constriction occurs. In contrast, the local MRI index sigmalocal shows
      strong sensitivity to depth of constriction, but lowered sensitivity to
      constriction severity. We finish with an analysis of the sensitivity of MRI
      indices to grid sizes, showing that results should be interpreted with reference
      to the image resolution. Overall we conclude that the application of both local
      and global VH measures may help to classify different types of
      bronchoconstriction.

PMID- 27677405
TI  - Exercice-induced bronchoconstriction among athletes: Assessment of bronchial
      provocation tests.
AB  - Diagnosis of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) requires the use of
      bronchial provocation tests (BPTs). We assessed exercise-induced respiratory
      symptoms (EIRS), EIB and asthma in athletes and evaluated the validity of BPTs in
      the diagnosis of EIB. Rhinitis and atopy were also assessed. Athletes with (n=55)
      and without previous asthma diagnosis (n=145) were tested by skin prick tests,
      lung function and eNO measurements. EIRS were recorded and EIB was assessed by
      methacholine (Mch), eucapnic voluntary hyperpnoea (EVH), mannitol and exercise
      test. EIRS were highly reported and history of asthma was common among athletes.
      A high prevalence of atopy (48.7%) and allergic rhinitis (30.5%) was found.
      Athletes with asthma had a higher response rate to Mch and to EVH, as compared
      with athletes without a previous asthma diagnosis (P=0.012 and P=0.017
      respectively). Report of EIRS, rhinitis and atopy were not associated with a
      positive BPT response. Screening athletes for EIB using BPTs is suggested,
      irrespective of reported EIRS or a previous asthma diagnosis.

PMID- 27677406
TI  - Divergence of cuticular hydrocarbons in two sympatric grasshopper species and the
      evolution of fatty acid synthases and elongases across insects.
AB  - Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) play a major role in the evolution of reproductive
      isolation between insect species. The CHC profiles of two closely related
      sympatric grasshopper species, Chorthippus biguttulus and C. mollis, differ
      mainly in the position of the first methyl group in major methyl-branched CHCs.
      The position of methyl branches is determined either by a fatty acid synthase
      (FAS) or by elongases. Both protein families showed an expansion in insects.
      Interestingly, the FAS family showed several lineage-specific expansions,
      especially in insect orders with highly diverse methyl-branched CHC profiles. We
      found five putative FASs and 12 putative elongases in the reference
      transcriptomes for both species. A dN/dS test showed no evidence for positive
      selection acting on FASs and elongases in these grasshoppers. However, one
      candidate FAS showed species-specific transcriptional differences and may
      contribute to the shift of the methyl-branch position between the species. In
      addition, transcript levels of four elongases were expressed differentially
      between the sexes. Our study indicates that complex methyl-branched CHC profiles
      are linked to an expansion of FASs genes, but that species differences can also
      mediated at the transcriptional level.

PMID- 27677407
TI  - Complete genome sequence of Fictibacillus phosphorivorans G25-29, a strain toxic
      to nematodes.
AB  - Root-knot nematodes (RKNs) which can infect almost all crops lead to huge
      economic losses in agriculture around the world. Unavailability of effective and
      environmentally friendly control of RKNs provides an opportunity to nematicidal
      bacteria. Fictibacillus phosphorivorans G25-29 is a gram-positive and spore
      forming bacterium with nematicidal capability against root-knot nematodes and
      free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Here, we report the complete genome
      of F. phosphorivorans G25-29, containing a circular chromosome and encoding nine
      potential nematicidal factors which may contribute to its nematicidal activity.

PMID- 27677408
TI  - Bird diversity and abundance in organic and conventional apple orchards in
      northern Japan.
AB  - Many studies have investigated the benefits of agri-environmental schemes, such
      as organic farming, on biodiversity conservation in annual systems, but their
      effectiveness in perennial systems is less well understood, particularly in bird
      communities in temperate regions of Asia. This study examined the effects of
      organic farming practices on species richness and abundance of breeding birds in
      apple orchards in northern Japan. Bird counts were conducted in six pairs of
      organic and conventional orchards during the breeding season in April and May
      2015. The total species richness of birds, estimated by sample- and coverage
      based rarefaction and extrapolation curves, was greater in organic orchards than
      in conventional orchards. Among the three dietary guilds (insectivore, granivore,
      and omnivore), only insectivorous species were more abundant in organic orchards
      than in conventional ones. This study offers the first quantitative evidence that
      organic farming can be beneficial for enhancing the diversity of birds,
      particularly of insectivores, in fruit orchards in Japan.

PMID- 27677410
TI  - Roll-to-roll slot-die coating of 400 mm wide, flexible, transparent Ag nanowire
      films for flexible touch screen panels.
AB  - We report fabrication of large area Ag nanowire (NW) film coated using a
      continuous roll-to-roll (RTR) slot die coater as a viable alternative to
      conventional ITO electrodes for cost-effective and large-area flexible touch
      screen panels (TSPs). By controlling the flow rate of shear-thinning Ag NW ink in
      the slot die, we fabricated Ag NW percolating network films with different sheet
      resistances (30-70 Ohm/square), optical transmittance values (89-90%), and haze
      (0.5-1%) percentages. Outer/inner bending, twisting, and rolling tests as well as
      dynamic fatigue tests demonstrated that the mechanical flexibility of the slot
      die coated Ag NW films was superior to that of conventional ITO films. Using
      diamond-shape patterned Ag NW layer electrodes (50 Ohm/square, 90% optical
      transmittance), we fabricated 12-inch flexible film-film type and rigid glass
      film-film type TSPs. Successful operation of flexible TSPs with Ag NW electrodes
      indicates that slot-die-coated large-area Ag NW films are promising low cost,
      high performance, and flexible transparent electrodes for cost-effective large
      area flexible TSPs and can be substituted for ITO films, which have high sheet
      resistance and are brittle.

PMID- 27677409
TI  - ANGPTL2 activity in cardiac pathologies accelerates heart failure by perturbing
      cardiac function and energy metabolism.
AB  - A cardioprotective response that alters ventricular contractility or promotes
      cardiomyocyte enlargement occurs with increased workload in conditions such as
      hypertension. When that response is excessive, pathological cardiac remodelling
      occurs, which can progress to heart failure, a leading cause of death worldwide.
      Mechanisms underlying this response are not fully understood. Here, we report
      that expression of angiopoietin-like protein 2 (ANGPTL2) increases in
      pathologically-remodeled hearts of mice and humans, while decreased cardiac
      ANGPTL2 expression occurs in physiological cardiac remodelling induced by
      endurance training in mice. Mice overexpressing ANGPTL2 in heart show cardiac
      dysfunction caused by both inactivation of AKT and sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum
      Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA)2a signalling and decreased myocardial energy metabolism.
      Conversely, Angptl2 knockout mice exhibit increased left ventricular
      contractility and upregulated AKT-SERCA2a signalling and energy metabolism.
      Finally, ANGPTL2-knockdown in mice subjected to pressure overload ameliorates
      cardiac dysfunction. Overall, these studies suggest that therapeutic ANGPTL2
      suppression could antagonize development of heart failure.

PMID- 27677412
TI  - Vitiligo on black skin: epidemiological and clinical aspects in dermatology,
      Cotonou (Benin).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vitiligo is unsightly on darkly pigmented skin and leads important
      stigmatization because of the mix-up with leprosy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We
      analyzed retrospectively the epidemiological and clinical patterns of vitiligo on
      darkly pigmented skin between 1988 and 2008 in the Department of Dermatology in
      Cotonou (Benin). The diagnosis was made based on the clinical characteristics of
      vitiligo. RESULTS: Two hundred and forty-six patients were seen, representing
      0.9% of new consultations. The gender ratio was 1 : 1, and the mean age of
      patients was 25.9 years. The mean duration of the lesions was 30.9 months. Among
      the 246 patients, an associated pathology was found in 26% of cases. These
      included atopy (23.2%), diabetes (1.6%), thyroid disease (0.8%), and alopecia
      (0.4%). A family history of vitiligo was present in 1.2% of cases. The sites of
      the lesions were in descending order of frequency: head (60.6%), lower limbs
      (40.2%), upper limbs (33.3%), trunk (22.4%), genitals (13.0%), and neck (8.9%).
      On the head, the most common sites affected were the lips (65.1%), cheek (20.8%),
      and ears (16.8%). According to the different clinical forms, vitiligo was
      achromic (76%), speckled (12.6%), and trichromic (11.4%). Vitiligo vulgaris was
      the commonest form of the disease (52.4%), followed by localized vitiligo
      (36.2%), segmental vitiligo (9.8%), and vitiligo universalis (1.6%). Triggering
      factors were identified in 4.5% of patients. CONCLUSION: Our survey shows that
      the patterns of vitiligo are similar to that reported from other African
      countries with a few distinguishing particularities.

PMID- 27677413
TI  - Interfacial Reactivity Benchmarking of the Sodium Ion Conductors Na3PS4 and
      Sodium beta-Alumina for Protected Sodium Metal Anodes and Sodium All-Solid-State
      Batteries.
AB  - The interfacial stability of solid electrolytes at the electrodes is crucial for
      an application of all-solid-state batteries and protected electrodes. For
      instance, undesired reactions between sodium metal electrodes and the solid
      electrolyte form charge transfer hindering interphases. Due to the resulting
      large interfacial resistance, the charge transfer kinetics are altered and the
      overvoltage increases, making the interfacial stability of electrolytes the
      limiting factor in these systems. Driven by the promising ionic conductivities of
      Na3PS4, here we explore the stability and viability of Na3PS4 as a solid
      electrolyte against metallic Na and compare it to that of Na-beta"-Al2O3 (sodium
      beta-alumina). As expected, Na-beta"-Al2O3 is stable against sodium, whereas
      Na3PS4 decomposes with an increasing overall resistance, making Na-beta"-Al2O3
      the electrolyte of choice for protected sodium anodes and all-solid-state
      batteries.

PMID- 27677411
TI  - Efficiency and safety of bivalirudin in patients undergoing emergency
      percutaneous coronary intervention via radial access: A subgroup analysis from
      the bivalirudin in acute myocardial infarction versus heparin and GPI plus
      heparin trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To explore the efficiency and safety of bivalirudin in patients
      undergoing emergency percutaneous coronary intervention via radial access.
      BACKGROUND: Bivalirudin reduces bleeding risks over heparin in patients
      undergoing PCI. However, bleeding advantages of bivalirudin in patients
      undergoing transradial intervention is uncertain. METHODS: In the BRIGHT trial,
      1,723 patients underwent emergency PCI via radial access, with 576 patients in
      the bivalirudin arm, 576 in the heparin arm and 571 in the heparin plus tirofiban
      arm. The primary outcome was 30-day net adverse clinical event (NACE), defined as
      a composite of major cardiac and cerebral events or any bleeding. RESULTS: 30-day
      NACE occurred in 5.7% with bivalirudin, 7.8% with heparin alone (vs. bivalirudin,
      P = 0.159), and 10.3% with heparin plus tifofiban (vs. bivalirudin, P = 0.004).
      The 30-day bleeding rate was 0.9% for bivalirudin, 2.3% for heparin (vs.
      bivalirudin, P = 0.057), and 5.8% for heparin plus tirofiban (vs. bivalirudin, P
      < 0.001). Major cardiac and cerebral events (4.9 vs. 5.7 vs. 4.6%, P = 0.899),
      stent thrombosis (0.5 vs. 0.5 vs. 0.7%, P = 0.899) and acquired thrombocytopenia
      (0.2 vs. 0.5 vs. 0.9%, P = 0.257) at 30 days were similar among three arms. The
      interaction test for PCI access and randomized treatment showed no significance
      on all bleeding (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The bleeding benefit of bivalirudin was
      independent of artery access. Bivalirudin lead to statistical reduction on
      bleeding risks in comparison to heparin plus tirofiban, and only small numerical
      difference in comparison to heparin, with comparable risks of ischemic events and
      stent thrombosis in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) undergoing
      emergency transradial PCI. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27677414
TI  - Advantages of expanded universal carrier screening: what is at stake?
AB  - Expanded universal carrier screening (EUCS) entails a twofold expansion of long
      standing (preconception) carrier screening programmes: it not only allows the
      simultaneous screening of a large list of diseases ('expanded'), but also refers
      to a pan-ethnic screening offer ('universal'). Advocates mention three main moral
      advantages of EUCS as compared with traditional (targeted and/or ancestry-based)
      forms of carrier screening: EUCS will (1) maximise opportunities for autonomous
      reproductive choice by informing prospective parents about a much wider array of
      reproductive risks; (2) provide equity of access to carrier testing services; (3)
      reduce the risk of stigmatisation. This empirical ethics study aims to widen this
      account and provide a balanced picture of the potential pros and cons of EUCS.
      Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 health (policy) professionals
      and representatives of patient organisations about their views on carrier
      screening including a possible EUCS scenario. Stakeholders acknowledged the
      potential benefits of EUCS, but also expressed five main moral concerns: (1) Does
      EUCS respond to an urgent problem or population need? (2) Is it possible to offer
      couples both understandable and sufficient information about EUCS? (3) How will
      societal views on 'reproductive responsibility' change as a result of EUCS? (4)
      Will EUCS lead to a lower level of care for high-risk populations? (5) Will EUCS
      reinforce disability-based stigmatisation? While having the potential to overcome
      some moral limits inherent in traditional carrier screening, EUCS comes with
      moral challenges of its own. More research is needed to (further) anticipate the
      ethical and practical consequences of EUCS.

PMID- 27677415
TI  - Molecular-genetic characterization and rescue of a TSFM mutation causing
      childhood-onset ataxia and nonobstructive cardiomyopathy.
AB  - Oxidative phosphorylation dysfunction has been found in many different disorders.
      This biochemical pathway depends on mitochondrial protein synthesis. Thus,
      mutations in components of the mitochondrial translation system can be
      responsible for some of these pathologies. We identified a new homozygous
      missense mutation in the mitochondrial translation elongation factor Ts gene in a
      patient suffering from slowly progressive childhood ataxia and hypertrophic
      cardiomyopathy. Using cell, biochemical and molecular-genetic protocols, we
      confirm it as the etiologic factor of this phenotype. Moreover, as an important
      functional confirmation, we rescued the normal molecular phenotype by expression
      of the wild-type TSFM cDNA in patient's fibroblasts. Different TSFM mutations can
      produce the same or very different clinical phenotypes, going from abortions to
      moderately severe presentations. On the other hand, the same TSFM mutation can
      also produce same or different phenotypes within the same range of presentations,
      therefore suggesting the involvement of unknown factors.

PMID- 27677416
TI  - Registered access: a 'Triple-A' approach.
AB  - We propose a standard model for a novel data access tier - registered access - to
      facilitate access to data that cannot be published in open access archives owing
      to ethical and legal risk. Based on an analysis of applicable research ethics and
      other legal and administrative frameworks, we discuss the general characteristics
      of this Registered Access Model, which would comprise a three-stage approval
      process: Authentication, Attestation and Authorization. We are piloting
      registered access with the Demonstration Projects of the Global Alliance for
      Genomics and Health for which it may provide a suitable mechanism for access to
      certain data types and to different types of data users.

PMID- 27677417
TI  - Differential expression of parental alleles of BRCA1 in human preimplantation
      embryos.
AB  - Gene expression from both parental genomes is required for completion of
      embryogenesis. Differential methylation of each parental genome has been observed
      in mouse and human preimplantation embryos. It is possible that these differences
      in methylation affect the level of gene transcripts from each parental genome in
      early developing embryos. The aim of this study was to investigate if there is a
      parent-specific pattern of BRCA1 expression in human embryos and to examine if
      this affects embryo development when the embryo carries a BRCA1 or BRCA2
      pathogenic mutation. Differential parental expression of ACTB, SNRPN, H19 and
      BRCA1 was semi-quantitatively analysed by minisequencing in 95 human
      preimplantation embryos obtained from 15 couples undergoing preimplantation
      genetic diagnosis. BRCA1 was shown to be differentially expressed favouring the
      paternal transcript in early developing embryos. Methylation-specific PCR showed
      a variable methylation profile of BRCA1 promoter region at different stages of
      embryonic development. Embryos carrying paternally inherited BRCA1 or 2
      pathogenic variants were shown to develop more slowly compared with the embryos
      with maternally inherited BRCA1 or 2 pathogenic mutations. This study suggests
      that differential demethylation of the parental genomes can influence the early
      development of preimplantation embryos. Expression of maternal and paternal genes
      is required for the completion of embryogenesis.

PMID- 27677418
TI  - Trade-offs and efficiencies in optimal budget-constrained multispecies corridor
      networks.
AB  - Conservation biologists recognize that a system of isolated protected areas will
      be necessary but insufficient to meet biodiversity objectives. Current approaches
      to connecting core conservation areas through corridors consider optimal corridor
      placement based on a single optimization goal: commonly, maximizing the movement
      for a target species across a network of protected areas. We show that designing
      corridors for single species based on purely ecological criteria leads to
      extremely expensive linkages that are suboptimal for multispecies connectivity
      objectives. Similarly, acquiring the least-expensive linkages leads to
      ecologically poor solutions. We developed algorithms for optimizing corridors for
      multispecies use given a specific budget. We applied our approach in western
      Montana to demonstrate how the solutions may be used to evaluate trade-offs in
      connectivity for 2 species with different habitat requirements, different core
      areas, and different conservation values under different budgets. We evaluated
      corridors that were optimal for each species individually and for both species
      jointly. Incorporating a budget constraint and jointly optimizing for both
      species resulted in corridors that were close to the individual species movement
      potential optima but with substantial cost savings. Our approach produced
      corridors that were within 14% and 11% of the best possible corridor connectivity
      for grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) and wolverines (Gulo gulo), respectively, and
      saved 75% of the cost. Similarly, joint optimization under a combined budget
      resulted in improved connectivity for both species relative to splitting the
      budget in 2 to optimize for each species individually. Our results demonstrate
      economies of scale and complementarities conservation planners can achieve by
      optimizing corridor designs for financial costs and for multiple species
      connectivity jointly. We believe that our approach will facilitate corridor
      conservation by reducing acquisition costs and by allowing derived corridors to
      more closely reflect conservation priorities.

PMID- 27677419
TI  - Redox Behavior of the S-Adenosylmethionine (SAM)-Binding Fe-S Cluster in
      Methylthiotransferase RimO, toward Understanding Dual SAM Activity.
AB  - RimO, a radical-S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) enzyme, catalyzes the specific C3
      methylthiolation of the D89 residue in the ribosomal S12 protein. Two intact iron
      sulfur clusters and two SAM cofactors both are required for catalysis. By using
      electron paramagnetic resonance, Mossbauer spectroscopies, and site-directed
      mutagenesis, we show how two SAM molecules sequentially bind to the unique iron
      site of the radical-SAM cluster for two distinct chemical reactions in RimO. Our
      data establish that the two SAM molecules bind the radical-SAM cluster to the
      unique iron site, and spectroscopic evidence obtained under strongly reducing
      conditions supports a mechanism in which the first molecule of SAM causes the
      reoxidation of the reduced radical-SAM cluster, impeding reductive cleavage of
      SAM to occur and allowing SAM to methylate a HS- ligand bound to the additional
      cluster. Furthermore, by using density functional theory-based methods, we
      provide a description of the reaction mechanism that predicts the attack of the
      carbon radical substrate on the methylthio group attached to the additional [4Fe
      4S] cluster.

PMID- 27677420
TI  - Proteopedia entry: G-protein coupled receptors.

PMID- 27677421
TI  - Potentials of the elevated circulating miR-185 level as a biomarker for early
      diagnosis of HBV-related liver fibrosis.
AB  - Early diagnosis of liver fibrosis is critical for early intervention and
      prognosis of various chronic liver diseases. Conventional repeated histological
      assessment is impractical due to the associated invasiveness. In the current
      study, we evaluated circulating miR-185 as a potential biomarker to predict
      initiation and progression of liver fibrosis. We found that miR-185 was
      significantly up-regulated in blood specimens from patients with HBV-liver
      fibrosis and rats with liver fibrosis, the miR-185 levels were correlated with
      liver fibrosis progression, but not with the different viral loads in HBV
      infected patients. miR-185 was observed in collagen deposition regions during
      advanced liver fibrosis. We found that differences in miR-185 levels facilitated
      the discrimination between early-staged or advanced-staged liver fibrosis and the
      healthy controls with high specificity, sensitivity, and likelihood ratio using
      receiver-operator characteristic analysis. miR-185 targeted SREBF1, and increased
      expression of COL1A1 and a-SMA genes that are hallmarks of liver fibrosis. Our
      data supported that circulating miR-185 levels could be used as potential
      biomarkers for the early diagnosis of liver fibrosis.

PMID- 27677422
TI  - Microwave-Assisted Syntheses of Benzimidazole-Containing Selenadiazole
      Derivatives That Induce Cell-Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis in Human Breast Cancer
      Cells by Activation of the ROS/AKT Pathway.
AB  - The use of selenium-containing heterocyclic compounds as potent cancer
      chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agents has been well documented by a large
      number of clinical studies. In this study we developed a new approach to
      synthesize four benzimidazole-containing selenadiazole derivatives (BSeDs). The
      method uses a combination of peptide coupling reagents and microwave irradiation.
      This strategy features milder reaction conditions, higher yields, and shorter
      reaction times. The synthetic BSeDs were identified as potent antiproliferative
      agents against the human MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines. Compounds
      1 b (5-(6-methyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)benzo[c][1,2,5]selenadiazole), 1 c (5
      (6-chloro-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)benzo[c][1,2,5]selenadiazole), and 1 d (5-(6
      bromo-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)benzo[c][1,2,5]selenadiazole) were found to show
      greater cytotoxicity against the triple-negative breast cancer cell line MDA-MB
      231 than MCF-7, and to exhibit dose-dependent inhibition of cell migration, in
      which a significant decrease in the zone of cell monolayer wound closure was
      observed relative to untreated controls. Our results demonstrate that BSeDs can
      cause cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells by inducing DNA damage,
      inhibiting protein kinase B (AKT), and activating mitogen-activated protein
      kinase (MAPK) family members through the overproduction of reactive oxygen
      species (ROS). Taken together, the results of this study provide a facile
      microwave-assisted strategy for the synthesis of selenium-containing organic
      compounds that exhibit a high level of anticancer efficacy.

PMID- 27677423
TI  - It's not what you do it's the way that it's measured: quality assessment of minor
      ailment management in community pharmacies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Effective management of minor ailments in community pharmacies could
      reduce the burden on alternative high-cost services (general practices, Emergency
      Departments). Evidence is needed regarding the appropriateness of management of
      these conditions in community pharmacies. OBJECTIVE: To explore the
      appropriateness of minor ailment management in community pharmacies. SETTING:
      Prospective, observational study of simulated patient (SP) visits to community
      pharmacies in Grampian (Scotland) and East Anglia (England). METHOD: Eighteen
      pharmacies (nine per centre) were recruited within a 25-mile radius of Aberdeen
      or Norwich. Consultations for four minor ailments were evaluated: back pain;
      vomiting/diarrhoea; sore throat; and eye discomfort. Each pharmacy received one
      SP visit per ailment (four visits/pharmacy; 72 visits total). Visits were audio
      recorded and SPs completed a data collection form immediately after each visit.
      PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE: Each SP consultation was assessed for appropriateness
      against product licence, practice guidelines and study-specific consensus
      standards developed by a multi-disciplinary consensus panel. RESULTS: Evaluable
      data were available for 68/72 (94.4%) visits. Most (96%) visits resulted in the
      sale of a product; advice alone was the outcome of three visits. All product
      sales complied with the product licence, 52 (76%) visits complied with practice
      guidelines and seven visits achieved a 'basic' standard according to the
      consensus standard. CONCLUSION: Appropriateness of care varied according to the
      standard used. Pharmacy-specific quality standards are needed which are realistic
      and relevant to the pharmacy context and which reflect legal and clinical
      guidelines to promote the safe and effective management of minor ailments in this
      setting.

PMID- 27677424
TI  - Prolonged tuberculosis-associated immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome:
      characteristics and risk factors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In a proportion of patients with HIV-associated tuberculosis who
      develop paradoxical immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS), the
      clinical course of IRIS is prolonged necessitating substantial health care
      utilization for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. Prolonged TB-IRIS has
      not been prospectively studied to date. We aimed to determine the proportion of
      patients with prolonged TB-IRIS, as well as the clinical characteristics and risk
      factors for prolonged TB-IRIS. METHODS: We pooled data from two prospective
      observational studies and a randomized controlled trial conducted in Cape Town,
      South Africa, that enrolled patients with paradoxical TB-IRIS. We used the same
      diagnostic approach and clinical case definitions for TB-IRIS in the 3 studies.
      Prolonged TB-IRIS was defined as TB-IRIS symptoms lasting > 90 days. Risk factors
      for prolonged TB-IRIS were analysed using Wilcoxon rank sum test, Fisher's exact
      test, multivariate logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models.
      RESULTS: Two-hundred and sixteen patients with TB-IRIS were included. The median
      duration of TB-IRIS symptoms was 71.0 days (IQR 41.0-113.2). In 73/181 patients
      (40.3 %) with adequate follow-up data, IRIS duration was > 90 days. Six patients
      (3.3 %), mainly with lymph node involvement, had IRIS duration > 1 year. In
      univariate logistic regression analysis the following were significantly
      associated with IRIS duration > 90 days: lymph node involvement at initial TB
      diagnosis, drug-resistant TB, lymph node TB-IRIS, and not being hospitalised at
      time of TB-IRIS diagnosis. In our multivariate logistic regression model lymph
      node TB-IRIS (aOR 2.27, 95 % CI 1.13-4.59) and not being hospitalised at time of
      TB-IRIS diagnosis (aOR for being hospitalised 0.5, 95 % CI 0.25-0.99) remained
      significantly associated with prolonged TB-IRIS, and drug-resistant TB was of
      borderline significance (aOR 3.26, 95 % CI 0.97-12.99). The association of not
      being hospitalised with longer duration of IRIS might be related to 1 of the 3
      cohorts in which all patients were hospitalised at ART initiation with close
      inpatient follow-up. This could have resulted in diagnosis of milder cases and
      earlier IRIS treatment potentially resulting in shorter TB-IRIS duration in these
      hospitalised patients. CONCLUSIONS: Around 40 % of patients with TB-IRIS have
      symptoms for more than 90 days. Involvement of lymph nodes at time of TB-IRIS is
      an independent risk factor for prolonged TB-IRIS. Future studies should address
      whether more prompt anti-inflammatory treatment of lymph node TB-IRIS reduces the
      risk of prolonged TB-IRIS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The randomized controlled trial
      was registered with Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN21322548 on 17 August 2005.

PMID- 27677425
TI  - Vectorial competence of Amblyomma tonelliae to transmit Rickettsia rickettsii.
AB  - The aim of this work was to test the vectorial competence of Amblyomma tonelliae
      (Ixodida: Ixodidae) to transmit Rickettsia rickettsii (Rickettsiales:
      Rickettsiaceae), the agent of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF). All parasitic
      stages of A. tonelliae were exposed to R. rickettsii by allowing each stage to
      feed on hosts inoculated with this pathogen. Thereafter, ticks were fed on
      uninfected hosts. All stages of A. tonelliae were able to acquire the R.
      rickettsii infection and maintain it by transstadial and transovarial
      transmission. When infected ticks fed on uninfected hosts, the hosts developed
      rickettsiosis disease. This study demonstrates the vectorial competence of A.
      tonelliae to transmit R. rickettsii. These results have epidemiological relevance
      because A. tonelliae is one of the tick species most likely to infest humans in
      Argentina, including in areas in which RMSF has been reported.

PMID- 27677426
TI  - Duplex detection of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and medically
      important non-tuberculosis mycobacteria by real-time PCR based on the rnpB gene.
AB  - A duplex real-time PCR based on the rnpB gene was developed for Mycobacterium
      spp. The assay was specific for the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTB) and
      also detected all 19 tested species of non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). The
      assay was evaluated on 404 clinical samples: 290 respiratory samples and 114 from
      tissue and other non-respiratory body sites. M. tuberculosis was detected by
      culture in 40 samples and in 30 samples by the assay. The MTB assay showed a
      sensitivity similar to Roche Cobas Amplicor MTB-PCR (Roche Molecular Systems,
      Pleasanton, CA, USA). There were only nine samples with non-tuberculous
      mycobacteria detected by culture. Six of them were detected by the PCR assay.

PMID- 27677428
TI  - Energy Harvesters for Wearable and Stretchable Electronics: From Flexibility to
      Stretchability.
AB  - The rapid advancements of wearable electronics have caused a paradigm shift in
      consumer electronics, and the emerging development of stretchable electronics
      opens a new spectrum of applications for electronic systems. Playing a critical
      role as the power sources for independent electronic systems, energy harvesters
      with high flexibility or stretchability have been the focus of research efforts
      over the past decade. A large number of the flexible energy harvesters developed
      can only operate at very low strain level (~0.1%), and their limited flexibility
      impedes their application in wearable or stretchable electronics. Here, the
      development of highly flexible and stretchable (stretchability >15% strain)
      energy harvesters is reviewed with emphasis on strategies of materials synthesis,
      device fabrication, and integration schemes for enhanced flexibility and
      stretchability. Due to their particular potential applications in wearable and
      stretchable electronics, energy-harvesting devices based on piezoelectricity,
      triboelectricity, thermoelectricity, and dielectric elastomers have been largely
      developed and the progress is summarized. The challenges and opportunities of
      assembly and integration of energy harvesters into stretchable systems are also
      discussed.

PMID- 27677427
TI  - Meat quality traits as a function of cow maturity.
AB  - To investigate the physico-chemical and sensory properties of striploin muscles,
      90 Hanwoo carcasses (QG 1+ ) were randomly selected within six maturity levels (4
      to 9 according to age in months). Results demonstrated that the protein contents
      at maturity levels 4 and 5 were significantly higher than 9. No significant
      difference in fat, moisture and collagen contents were found at different
      maturity levels (P > 0.05). The quantity of collagen type I and ratio of type I
      to III were observed at higher maturity levels; collagen type III showed
      significantly high levels (P > 0.05) at low maturity and decreased with increase
      in maturity levels. Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) was significantly lower in
      groups 4 to 6, whereas water holding capacity (WHC) was significantly higher than
      maturity level 8 and 9 groups (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences
      in cooking loss among the maturity level groups (P > 0.05). Color properties, L*
      values of striploin muscle from maturity level 4 were significantly different
      from level 9 (P < 0.05). Sensory evaluation at level 4-6 groups had significantly
      higher tenderness and overall likeness scores than level 9 (P < 0.05). The
      maturity levels were significantly correlated with age, fat, protein content,
      WHC, WBSF, cooking loss, CIE L* values and sensory properties like tenderness,
      juiciness, flavor-likeness and overall likeness.

PMID- 27677430
TI  - A cascade from disregard for rules of conduct at preschool age to parental power
      assertion at early school age to antisocial behavior in early preadolescence:
      Interplay with the child's skin conductance level-CORRIGENDUM.

PMID- 27677429
TI  - Genistein suppresses leptin-induced proliferation and migration of vascular
      smooth muscle cells and neointima formation.
AB  - Obesity is a strong risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases
      and is associated with a marked increase in circulating leptin concentration.
      Leptin is a peptide hormone mainly produced by adipose tissue and is regulated by
      energy level, hormones and various inflammatory mediators. Genistein is an
      isoflavone that exhibits diverse health-promoting effects. Here, we investigated
      whether genistein suppressed the atherogenic effect induced by leptin. The A10
      cells were treated with leptin and/or genistein, and then the cell proliferation
      and migration were analysed. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) and proteins
      levels were also measured, such as p44/42MAPK, cell cycle-related protein (cyclin
      D1 and p21) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2). Immunohistochemistry and
      morphometric analysis were used for the neointima formation in a rat carotid
      artery injury model. Genistein (5 MUM) significantly inhibited both the
      proliferation and migration of leptin (10 ng/ml)-stimulated A10 cells. In
      accordance with these finding, genistein decreased the leptin-stimulated ROS
      production and phosphorylation of the p44/42MAPK signal transduction pathway.
      Meanwhile, genistein reversed the leptin-induced expression of cyclin D1, and
      cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, p21. Genistein attenuated leptin-induced A10
      cell migration by inhibiting MMP-2 activity. Furthermore, the leptin (0.25 mg/kg)
      augmented neointima formation in a rat carotid artery injury model was attenuated
      in the genistein (5 mg/kg body weight)-treated group when compared with the
      balloon injury plus leptin group. Genistein was capable of suppressing the
      atherogenic effects of leptin in vitro and in vivo, and may be a promising
      candidate drug in the clinical setting.

PMID- 27677431
TI  - Hydrogen Emission and Macromolecular Radiation-Induced Defects in Polyethylene
      Irradiated under an Inert Atmosphere: The Role of Energy Transfers toward trans
      Vinylene Unsaturations.
AB  - This article is aimed at studying the evolution of H2 release as well as
      radiation-induced defects in polyethylene (PE), as a function of the irradiation
      dose under anoxic conditions. We analyze the influence of the energy transfers
      and trapping toward radiation-induced defects on the evolution of the radiation
      chemical yields with dose. One key objective herein is to quantify the
      contribution of these transfers toward trans-vinylene (TV) on H2 emission. For
      this purpose, pure PE was irradiated in a large dose domain and H2 emission was
      compared to that in predoped PEs containing chemically inserted TV groups
      irradiated at low doses. In parallel, evolutions of the concentrations of the TV
      groups and minor defects (vinyl and trans-trans-diene) as a function of dose were
      considered. Moreover, measuring simultaneously H2 and unsaturated groups had
      allowed inferring the cross-linking evolution with dose. With this methodology,
      we have succeeded in quantifying the efficiency of TVs and cross-links as energy
      traps and, using simple models, in fully describing the evolution of all of the
      radiation chemical yields. Besides, irradiations were performed using either low
      linear energy transfer irradiations (electron beams, gamma rays) or ion beams,
      with the objective to assess the influence of the high ionization and excitation
      densities induced by the latter on PE ageing and energy transfer processes.

PMID- 27677434
TI  - Clinical Connections.

PMID- 27677435
TI  - Natural childbirth ideology is endangering women and babies.
AB  - Natural childbirth ideology has become dominant across much of the developed
      world. This ideology increasingly clashes with the reality of modern obstetrics,
      which is dealing with a demographic that is getting older and more obese, hence
      more complicated, and it has become a danger to the health of women and babies.
      The most visible expression of these trends is the focus on caesarean section
      rates which have become a key performance indicator of obstetric services. This
      trend is resulting in increasingly obvious negative consequences for morbidity
      and mortality, as chronicled in the Morecambe Bay Report, published in the UK
      last year. At the same time, there is mounting emphasis on patient autonomy in
      obstetric decision-making, which mandates informed consent. A 2015 Supreme Court
      decision in the UK (Montgomery vs Lanarkshire) is likely to impact on obstetric
      management in Australia and New Zealand. The 'paternalism in a skirt' of natural
      childbirth ideology is already exposing obstetricians and services to an ever
      increasing degree of medicolegal risk.

PMID- 27677432
TI  - Advances in diagnostics for transplant rejection.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Identification of allograft injury, including acute clinical and
      subclinical injury, is vital in increasing the longevity of the transplanted
      organ. Acute rejection, which occurs as a result of a variety of immune and non
      immune factors including the infiltration of immune cells and antibodies to the
      donor specific epitopes, poses a significant risk to the organ. Recent years have
      marked an increase in the discovery of new genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic
      biomarkers in molecular diagnostics, which offer better potential for
      personalized management of the transplanted organ by providing earlier detection
      of rejection episodes. Areas covered: This review was compiled from key word
      searches of full-text publications relevant to the field. Expert commentary: Many
      of the recent advancements in the molecular diagnostics of allograft injury show
      much promise, but before they can be fully realized further validation in larger
      sample sets must be conducted. Additionally, for better informed therapeutic
      decisions, more work must be completed to differentiate between different causes
      of injury. Moreover, the diagnostics field is looking at methodologies that allow
      for multiplexing, the ability to identify multiple targets simultaneously, in
      order to provide more robust biomarkers and better understanding.

PMID- 27677436
TI  - Computed tomography for the diagnosis of varices in liver cirrhosis: a systematic
      review and meta-analysis of observational studies.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the
      diagnostic accuracy of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) for varices in
      liver cirrhosis. METHODS: PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched for the
      literature identification. The area under the summary receiver operating
      characteristic curve (AUSROC), sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative
      likelihood ratio (PLR and NLR), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were calculated.
      We performed the subgroup analyses according to the location of varices, CT
      technique, and study design. The study quality was assessed according to the
      QUADAS-2 tool. RESULTS: Seventeen papers were eligible. The study quality was
      modest. The AUSROC was 0.8975 and 0.9494 for predicting any size and high-risk
      varices, respectively. Summary sensitivity, specificity, PLR, NLR, and DOR of CT
      for predicting any size and high-risk varices were 0.87/0.80/3.67/0.18/22.70 and
      0.87/0.88/7.52/0.12/65.55, respectively. According to the location of varices,
      the AUSROC was 0.9127 for predicting any size gastric varices alone; and the
      AUSROC was 0.8958 and 0.9461 for predicting any size and high-risk esophageal
      varices alone, respectively. According to the CT technique, the AUSROC of multi
      detector CT (MDCT) was 0.9047 and 0.9490 for predicting any size and high-risk
      varices, respectively; and the AUSROC of MDCT esophagograms for predicting any
      size and high-risk varices was 0.8735 and 0.9664, respectively. In the subgroup
      analysis of prospective studies, the AUSROC was 0.9122 and 0.9507 for predicting
      any size and high-risk varices, respectively. CONCLUSION: CT had a high accuracy
      for the diagnosis of varices in liver cirrhosis.

PMID- 27677437
TI  - Childhood bullying victimization is associated with use of mental health services
      over five decades: a longitudinal nationally representative cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Research supports robust associations between childhood bullying
      victimization and mental health problems in childhood/adolescence and emerging
      evidence shows that the impact can persist into adulthood. We examined the impact
      of bullying victimization on mental health service use from childhood to midlife.
      METHOD: We performed secondary analysis using the National Child Development
      Study, the 1958 British Birth Cohort Study. We conducted analyses on 9242
      participants with complete data on childhood bullying victimization and service
      use at midlife. We used multivariable logistic regression models to examine
      associations between childhood bullying victimization and mental health service
      use at the ages of 16, 23, 33, 42 and 50 years. We estimated incidence and
      persistence of mental health service use over time to the age of 50 years.
      RESULTS: Compared with participants who were not bullied in childhood, those who
      were frequently bullied were more likely to use mental health services in
      childhood and adolescence [odds ratio (OR) 2.53, 95% confidence interval (CI)
      1.88-3.40] and also in midlife (OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.10-1.55). Disparity in service
      use associated with childhood bullying victimization was accounted for by both
      incident service use through to age 33 years by a subgroup of participants, and
      by persistent use up to midlife. CONCLUSIONS: Childhood bullying victimization
      adds to the pressure on an already stretched health care system. Policy and
      practice efforts providing support for victims of bullying could help contain
      public sector costs. Given constrained budgets and the long-term mental health
      impact on victims of bullying, early prevention strategies could be effective at
      limiting both individual distress and later costs.

PMID- 27677438
TI  - First trimester thyroid stimulating hormone as an independent risk factor for
      adverse pregnancy outcome.
AB  - PURPOSE: Maternal thyroid gland dysfunction may adversely affect pregnancy
      outcome. We aimed to examine the association between subclinical thyroid
      dysfunction, both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, to adverse pregnancy
      outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of all women with an
      available first trimester thyroid function testing and known pregnancy outcome,
      categorized to subclinical hypothyroidism, or hyperthyroidism and evaluated for
      complication during gestation and delivery. RESULTS: Four thousand five hundred
      and four women were included in the final analysis - 3231 were euthyroid, 73
      (1.6%) were categorized as subclinical hyperthyroidism and 1200 (26.6%) had
      subclinical hypothyroidism. Low thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, i.e.
      subclinical hyperthyroidism, correlates with higher rates of placental abruption
      and extremely low birth weight, below 1500 g. Also, the risk for preterm delivery
      prior to 34 gestational weeks is higher among women with subclinical
      hypothyroidism, with greater risk among those with a higher TSH level. (OR 1.81,
      95% CI 1.0-3.28 for TSH 2.5-4.0 mIU/L and OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.11-4.42 for those
      with TSH > 4 4.0 mIU/L). CONCLUSIONS: Subclinical hypothyroidism is associated
      with an increased risk for preterm delivery prior to 34 gestational weeks.
      Additionally, subclinical hyperthyroidism may also have a role in adverse
      pregnancy outcome - low birth weight and placental abruption - although this
      needs to be further explored.

PMID- 27677439
TI  - Systematic genotyping of groups of cows to improve genomic estimated breeding
      values of selection candidates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Extending the reference set for genomic predictions in dairy cattle
      by adding large numbers of cows with genotypes and phenotypes has been proposed
      as a means to increase reliability of selection decisions for candidates.
      METHODS: In this study, we explored the potential of increasing the reliability
      of breeding values of young selection candidates by genotyping a fixed number of
      first-crop daughters of each sire from one or two generations in a balanced and
      regular system of genotyping. Using stochastic simulation, we developed a basic
      population scenario that mimics the situation in dual-purpose Fleckvieh cattle
      with respect to important key parameters. Starting with a reference set
      consisting of only genotyped bulls, we extended this reference set by including
      increasing numbers of daughter genotypes and phenotypes. We studied the effects
      on model-derived reliabilities, validation reliabilities and unbiasedness of
      predicted values for selection candidates. We also illustrate and discuss the
      effects of a selected sample and an unbalanced sampling of daughters.
      Furthermore, we quantified the role of selection with respect to the influence on
      validation reliabilities and contrasted these to model-derived reliabilities.
      RESULTS: In the most extended design, with 200 daughters per sire genotyped from
      two generations, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) effects were estimated from
      a reference set of 420,000 cows and 4200 bulls. For this design, the validation
      reliabilities for candidates reached 80 % or more, thereby exceeding the
      reliabilities that were achieved in traditional progeny-testing designs for a
      trait with moderate to high heritability. We demonstrate that even a moderate
      number of 25 genotyped daughters per sire will lead to considerable improvement
      in the reliability of predicted breeding values for selection candidates. Our
      results illustrate that the strategy applied to sample females for genotyping has
      a large impact on the benefits that can be achieved.

PMID- 27677440
TI  - A comprehensive review of reviews of school-based interventions to improve sexual
      health.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To systematically review systematic reviews of school-based sexual
      health and relationship Education (SHRE) programmes and, thereby, identify
      interventions and intervention components that promote reductions in risky sexual
      behaviour among young people. METHODS: Electronic bibliographies were searched
      systematically to identify systematic reviews of school-based interventions
      targeting sexual-health. Results were summarised using a narrative synthesis.
      RESULTS: Thirty-seven systematic reviews (summarising 224 primary randomised
      controlled trials) met our inclusion and quality assessment criteria. In general,
      these reviews analysed distinct sets of primary studies, and no comprehensive
      review of available primary studies was identified. Interventions were
      categorised into five types that segment this review literature. Unfortunately,
      many reviews reported weak and inconsistent evidence of behaviour change.
      Nonetheless, integration of review findings generated a list of 32 design,
      content and implementation characteristics that may enhance effectiveness of
      school-based, sexual-health interventions. Abstinence-only interventions were
      found to be ineffective in promoting positive changes in sexual behaviour. By
      contrast, comprehensive interventions, those specifically targeting HIV
      prevention, and school-based clinics were found to be effective in improving
      knowledge and changing attitudes, behaviours and health-relevant outcomes.
      CONCLUSIONS: School-based interventions targeting risky sexual behaviour can be
      effective. Particular design, content and implementation characteristics appear
      to be associated with greater effectiveness. We recommend consideration of these
      characteristics by designers of school-based sexual-health interventions.

PMID- 27677441
TI  - Trends in smoking prevalence and attributable mortality in China, 1991-2011.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: China is the largest producer of tobacco worldwide. We assessed
      secular trends in prevalence of smoking, average cigarettes per day, mean age of
      initiation, and mortality attributable to smoking among the Chinese population
      between 1991 and 2011. DESIGN: Data came from the China Health and Nutrition
      Survey, conducted eight times between 1991 and 2011. A total of 83,447
      participants aged 15years or older were included in this study. Trends in smoking
      were stratified by sex, age, and region (urban vs. rural). RESULTS: In 2011, 311
      millions individuals were current smokers in China, with 295 million men and 16
      million women, respectively. Between 1991 and 2011, the prevalence of current
      smoking decreased from 60.6% to 51.6% in men, and from 4.0% to 2.9% in women.
      However, during this period, the average number of cigarettes smoked per day per
      smoker increased from 15.0 to 16.5 in males, and from 8.5 to 12.4 in females.
      Further, age of smoking initiation decreased from 21.9 to 21.4years in men and
      from 31.4 to 28.4years in women. In 2011, 16.5% of all deaths in men and 1.7% in
      women were due to smoking. Between 1991 and 2011, the total number of deaths
      caused by smoking increased from 800,000 to 900,000. CONCLUSIONS: During the past
      20years, a slight decrease in smoking prevalence was observed in the Chinese
      population. However, cigarette smoking remains a major cause of death in China,
      especially in men.

PMID- 27677442
TI  - Associations between explorative dietary patterns and serum lipid levels and
      their interactions with ApoA5 and ApoE haplotype in patients with recently
      diagnosed type 2 diabetes.
AB  - AIMS: In patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), responsiveness of serum lipid
      concentrations to dietary patterns may vary by genotype. The aims of the present
      study were to identify explorative dietary patterns and to examine their
      independent associations with serum lipid levels and interactions with
      apolipoprotein (Apo)A5 and ApoE variants among patients recently diagnosed with
      T2D. METHODS: Within a cross-sectional analysis, participants of the German
      Diabetes Study (n = 348) with mean T2D duration of 6 months were investigated for
      fasting serum lipid levels, ApoA5 and ApoE genotypes; food consumption
      frequencies were assessed by a food propensity questionnaire. Dietary patterns
      were derived using principal component analysis (PCA) and reduced rank regression
      (RRR), which extracts patterns explaining variation in serum lipid
      concentrations. RESULTS: PCA yielded interpretable dietary patterns which were,
      however, not related to serum lipid levels. Relevance of the RRR patterns varied
      by genotype: a preferred consumption of fruit gum, fruit juice, and potato
      dumpling, whilst avoiding fruits and vegetables independently associated with
      higher triglyceride levels among ApoA5*2. Patients in the highest compared to the
      lowest tertile of pattern adherence had 99 % higher triglycerides. Lower
      consumption frequencies of butter, cream cake, French fries, or high-percentage
      alcoholic beverages were independently related to lower LDL-cholesterol among
      ApoE2 carriers, with those in the highest compared to the lowest tertile of
      pattern adherence having 40 % lower LDL-cholesterol (both Pinteraction < 0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: Our explorative data analyses suggest that associations of dietary
      patterns with triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol differ by ApoA5 and ApoE
      haplotype in recently diagnosed T2D. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov:
      NCT01055093. Date of registration: January 22, 2010 (retrospectively registered).
      Date of enrolment of first participant to the trial: September 2005.

PMID- 27677443
TI  - Care Consistency With Documented Care Preferences: Methodologic Considerations
      for Implementing the "Measuring What Matters" Quality Indicator.
AB  - A basic tenet of palliative care is discerning patient treatment preferences and
      then honoring these preferences, reflected by the inclusion of "Care Consistency
      With Documented Care Preferences" as one of 10 "Measuring What Matters quality"
      indicators. Measuring What Matters indicators are intended to serve as a
      foundation for quality measurement in health care settings. However, there are a
      number of logistic and practical issues to be considered in the application of
      this quality indicator to clinical practice. In this brief methodologic report,
      we describe how care consistency with documented care preferences has been
      measured in research on patients near the end of life. Furthermore, we outline
      methodologic challenges in using this indicator in both research and practice,
      such as documentation, specificity and relevance, preference stability, and
      measuring nonevents. Recommendations to strengthen the accuracy of measurement of
      this important quality marker in health care settings include consistent
      recording of preferences in the medical record, considerations for selection of
      treatment preferences for tracking, establishing a protocol for review of
      preferences, and adoption of a consistent measurement approach.

PMID- 27677444
TI  - Citation bias favoring positive clinical trials of thrombolytics for acute
      ischemic stroke: a cross-sectional analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Citation bias occurs when positive trials involving a medical
      intervention receive more citations than neutral or negative trials of similar
      quality. Several large clinical trials have studied the use of thrombolytic
      agents for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke with differing results, thereby
      presenting an opportunity to assess these trials for evidence of citation bias.
      We compared citation rates among positive, neutral, and negative trials of
      alteplase (tPA) and other thrombolytic agents for stroke. METHODS: We used a 2014
      Cochrane Review of thrombolytic therapy for the treatment of acute stroke to
      identify non-pilot, English-language stroke trials published in MEDLINE-indexed
      journals comparing thrombolytic therapy with control. We classified trials as
      positive if there was a statistically significant primary outcome difference
      favoring the intervention, neutral if there was no difference in primary outcome,
      or negative for a significant primary outcome difference favoring the control
      group. Trials were also considered negative if safety concerns supported stopping
      the trial early. Using Scopus, we collected citation counts through 2015 and
      compared citation rates according to trial outcomes. RESULTS: Eight tPA trials
      met inclusion criteria: two were positive, four were neutral, and two were
      negative. The two positive trials received 9080 total citations, the four neutral
      trials received 4847 citations, and the two negative trials received 1096
      citations. The mean annual per-trial citation rates were 333 citations per year
      for positive trials, 96 citations per year for neutral trials, and 35 citations
      per year for negative trials. Trials involving other thrombolytic agents were not
      cited as often, though as with tPA, positive trials were cited more frequently
      than neutral or negative trials. CONCLUSIONS: Positive trials of tPA for ischemic
      stroke are cited approximately three times as often as neutral trials, and nearly
      10 times as often as negative trials, indicating the presence of substantial
      citation bias.

PMID- 27677445
TI  - Long-term outcome and health-related quality of life in difficult-to-wean
      patients with and without ventilator dependency at ICU discharge: a retrospective
      cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Long-term outcome and quality of life (QOL) in patients requiring
      prolonged mechanical ventilation after failure to wean in the ICU is scarcely
      documented. We aimed to evaluate long-term survival and QOL in patients
      discharged from the ICU with a tracheostomy for difficult weaning, and with or
      without ventilator dependency at ICU discharge. METHODS: We retrospectively
      investigated post-ICU trajectories and survival in patients requiring
      tracheostomy for difficult weaning admitted to the medical ICU of a tertiary
      center between 1999 and 2013, discriminating between patients who were ventilator
      dependent or were weaned at ICU discharge. In 2014, a QOL assessment was done in
      survivors with the use of the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the Severe
      Respiratory Insufficiency questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 114 patients was
      included, of whom 59 were ventilator dependent and 55 were weaned at ICU
      discharge. One-year survival rates were 73 % and 69 %, respectively. Overall QOL
      scores for physical functioning were low, and not significantly different between
      patients ventilated and those weaned at ICU discharge; scores for social
      functioning and mental health were less below norm and similar between both
      groups. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term survival in patients discharged from the ICU with
      tracheostomy and ventilator dependency after failure to wean was not
      significantly different from that of patients with tracheostomy and weaned at ICU
      discharge. Despite the physical QOL scores being low in both groups, mental QOL
      was acceptable. Given the intrinsic limitations of this retrospective study,
      prospective and preferentially multicenter studies are required to confirm these
      preliminary results.

PMID- 27677447
TI  - Adrenaline use is associated with excess organ injury and mortality in
      cardiogenic shock: facts and fiction.

PMID- 27677448
TI  - Acute coronary syndrome in dextrocardia and situs inversus patient.

PMID- 27677446
TI  - In-store marketing of inexpensive foods with good nutritional quality in
      disadvantaged neighborhoods: increased awareness, understanding, and purchasing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Consumers often do not understand nutrition labels or do not perceive
      their usefulness. In addition, price can be a barrier to healthy food choices,
      especially for socio-economically disadvantaged individuals. METHOD: A 6-month
      intervention combined shelf labeling and marketing strategies (signage, prime
      placement, taste testing) to draw attention to inexpensive foods with good
      nutritional quality in two stores located in a disadvantaged neighborhood in
      Marseille (France). The inexpensive foods with good nutritional quality were
      identified based on their nutrient profile and their price. Their contribution to
      customers' spending on food was assessed in the two intervention stores and in
      two control stores during the intervention, as well as in the year preceding the
      intervention (n = 6625). Exit survey (n = 259) and in-depth survey (n = 116) were
      used to assess customers' awareness of and perceived usefulness of the program,
      knowledge of nutrition, understanding of the labeling system, as well as
      placement-, taste- and preparation-related attractiveness of promoted products.
      Matched purchasing data were used to assess the contribution of promoted products
      to total food spending for each customer who participated in the in-depth survey.
      RESULTS: The contribution of inexpensive foods with good nutritional quality to
      customers' total food spending increased between 2013 and 2014 for both the
      control stores and the intervention stores. This increase was significantly
      higher in the intervention stores than in the control stores for fruits and
      vegetables (p = 0.001) and for starches (p = 0.011). The exit survey revealed
      that 31 % of customers had seen the intervention materials; this percentage
      increased significantly at the end of the intervention (p < 0.001). The in-depth
      survey showed that customers who had seen the intervention materials scored
      significantly higher on quizzes assessing nutrition knowledge (p < 0.001) and
      understanding of the labeling system (p = 0.024). CONCLUSION: A social marketing
      intervention aimed at increasing the visibility and attractiveness of inexpensive
      foods with good nutritional quality may improve food purchasing behaviors in
      disadvantaged neighborhoods.

PMID- 27677449
TI  - [Percentage of psychoemotional problems in Spanish children and adolescents.
      Differences between 2006 and 2012].
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To examine the percentage of psychoemotional problems
      in Spanish children and adolescents and the difference between 2006 and 2012.
      MATERIAL AND METHOD: Data from 9,761 participants were taken from the Spanish
      National Health Survey of 2006 and 2012. The Goodman Strengths and Difficulties
      Questionnaire was used to assess mental health. The percentage of participants
      with abnormal scores in the different scales was calculated. Chi-square test and
      multivariate logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, social level and
      adult mental health status were used. RESULTS: In 2012, the percentage of Spanish
      youths with emotional, conduct, hyperactivity, peer and prosocial problems and
      abnormal total problem score was 8.5, 6.7, 10.2, 7.7, 0.7 and 4%, respectively.
      In 2006, these percentages were 11.5, 10.2, 14.7, 10.1, 0.9 and 6.7%. A
      significant reduction was found for the percentage of children and adolescents
      with problematic behavior between 2006 and 2012. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the total
      problem score, about 4% of Spanish youths suffer from psychoemotional problems.
      This percentage has decreased between 2006 and 2012.

PMID- 27677450
TI  - Tuberous sclerosis: Fatty degeneration of rhabdomyoma.

PMID- 27677451
TI  - Raman gas self-organizing into deep nano-trap lattice.
AB  - Trapping or cooling molecules has rallied a long-standing effort for its impact
      in exploring new frontiers in physics and in finding new phase of matter for
      quantum technologies. Here we demonstrate a system for light-trapping molecules
      and stimulated Raman scattering based on optically self-nanostructured molecular
      hydrogen in hollow-core photonic crystal fibre. A lattice is formed by a periodic
      and ultra-deep potential caused by a spatially modulated Raman saturation, where
      Raman-active molecules are strongly localized in a one-dimensional array of
      nanometre-wide sections. Only these trapped molecules participate in stimulated
      Raman scattering, generating high-power forward and backward Stokes continuous
      wave laser radiation in the Lamb-Dicke regime with sub-Doppler emission spectrum.
      The spectrum exhibits a central line with a sub-recoil linewidth as low as ~14
      kHz, more than five orders of magnitude narrower than conventional-Raman pressure
      broadened linewidth, and sidebands comprising Mollow triplet, motional sidebands
      and four-wave mixing.

PMID- 27677452
TI  - Comparative expression and regulation of duplicated fibroblast growth factor 1
      genes in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella).
AB  - Fibroblast growth factor 1 (Fgf1) is known as a mitogenic factor involved in the
      regulation of cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation in vertebrates.
      Here, we report the isolation and characterization of two fgf1 genes in grass
      carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). Grass carp fgf1a and fgf1b cDNAs are highly
      divergent, sharing a relatively low amino acid sequence identity of 50%, probably
      due to fish-specific gene duplication. fgf1a and fgf1b mRNAs were detected in the
      zygote and expressed throughout embryogenesis. Both fgf1a and fgf1b mRNAs were
      primarily detectable in the notochord at 12 hpf. At 24 hpf, fgf1a mRNA was mainly
      expressed in the gut and somites, while fgf1b transcript persisted in the
      notochord and was detected in the tailbud. At 36 hpf, both fgf1a and fgf1b
      transcripts were detected in the brain, somites, and tailbud. In addition, the
      fgf1a mRNA was detected at the base of the yolk sac, whereas the fgf1b mRNA was
      expressed in the pectoral fin. In adult fish, duplicated fgf1a and fgf1b mRNAs
      were distributed in most tissues. After 2-6days of starvation, both fgf1a and
      fgf1b mRNAs were upregulated in the muscle and liver. In the brain, fgf1a mRNA
      was upregulated, while fgf1b mRNA was significantly downregulated at 6days.
      Furthermore, both fgf1a and fgf1b mRNA levels were significantly decreased in the
      brain and muscle after administration of 10 or 50MUg of the human growth hormone
      (hGH),while their mRNA levels were no significant difference in the liver. These
      results suggest that duplicated fgf1s may play important but divergent roles in
      the grass carp development.

PMID- 27677453
TI  - PARP, transcription and chromatin modeling.
AB  - Compaction mode of chromatin and chromatin highly organised structures regulate
      gene expression. Posttranslational modifications, histone variants and chromatin
      remodelers modulate the compaction, structure and therefore function of specific
      regions of chromatin. The generation of poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) is emerging as one
      of the key signalling events on sites undergoing chromatin structure modulation.
      PAR is generated locally in response to stresses. These include genotoxic stress
      but also differentiation signals, metabolic and hormonal cues. A pictures emerges
      in which transient PAR formation is essential to orchestrate chromatin
      remodelling and transcription factors allowing the cell to adapt to alteration in
      its environment. This review summarizes the diverse factors of ADP-ribosylation
      in the adaptive regulation of chromatin structure and transcription.

PMID- 27677456
TI  - The use of extra-analytical phase quality indicators by clinical laboratories:
      the results of an international survey.

PMID- 27677454
TI  - Emerging role of bacteria in oral carcinogenesis: a review with special reference
      to perio-pathogenic bacteria.
AB  - Oral cancer, primarily oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), continues to be a
      major global health problem with high incidence and low survival rates. While the
      major risk factors for this malignancy, mostly lifestyle related, have been
      identified, around 15% of oral cancer cases remain unexplained. In light of
      evidence implicating bacteria in the aetiology of some cancer types, several
      epidemiological studies have been conducted in the last decade, employing
      methodologies ranging from traditional culture techniques to 16S rRNA
      metagenomics, to assess the possible role of bacteria in OSCC. While these
      studies have demonstrated differences in microbial composition between cancerous
      and healthy tissues, they have failed to agree on specific bacteria or patterns
      of oral microbial dysbiosis to implicate in OSCC. On the contrary, some oral
      taxa, particularly Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum, show
      strong oral carcinogenic potential in vitro and in animal studies. Bacteria are
      thought to contribute to oral carcinogenesis via inhibition of apoptosis,
      activation of cell proliferation, promotion of cellular invasion, induction of
      chronic inflammation, and production of carcinogens. This narrative review
      provides a critical analysis of and an update on the association between bacteria
      and oral carcinogenesis and the possible mechanisms underlying it. 

PMID- 27677457
TI  - Coherent and dynamic beam splitting based on light storage in cold atoms.
AB  - We demonstrate a coherent and dynamic beam splitter based on light storage in
      cold atoms. An input weak laser pulse is first stored in a cold atom ensemble via
      electromagnetically-induced transparency (EIT). A set of counter-propagating
      control fields, applied at a later time, retrieves the stored pulse into two
      output spatial modes. The high visibility interference between the two output
      pulses clearly demonstrates that the beam splitting process is coherent.
      Furthermore, by manipulating the control lasers, it is possible to dynamically
      control the storage time, the power splitting ratio, the relative phase, and the
      optical frequencies of the output pulses. With further improvements, the active
      beam splitter demonstrated in this work might have applications in photonic
      photonic quantum information and in all-optical information processing.

PMID- 27677455
TI  - Exercise protects against methamphetamine-induced aberrant neurogenesis.
AB  - While no effective therapy is available for the treatment of methamphetamine
      (METH)-induced neurotoxicity, aerobic exercise is being proposed to improve
      depressive symptoms and substance abuse outcomes. The present study focuses on
      the effect of exercise on METH-induced aberrant neurogenesis in the hippocampal
      dentate gyrus in the context of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) pathology. Mice
      were administered with METH or saline by i.p. injections for 5 days with an
      escalating dose regimen. One set of mice was sacrificed 24 h post last injection
      of METH, and the remaining animals were either subjected to voluntary wheel
      running (exercised mice) or remained in sedentary housing (sedentary mice). METH
      administration decreased expression of tight junction (TJ) proteins and increased
      BBB permeability in the hippocampus. These changes were preserved post METH
      administration in sedentary mice and were associated with the development of
      significant aberrations of neural differentiation. Exercise protected against
      these effects by enhancing the protein expression of TJ proteins, stabilizing the
      BBB integrity, and enhancing the neural differentiation. In addition, exercise
      protected against METH-induced systemic increase in inflammatory cytokine levels.
      These results suggest that exercise can attenuate METH-induced neurotoxicity by
      protecting against the BBB disruption and related microenvironmental changes in
      the hippocampus.

PMID- 27677458
TI  - Characterization and Potential Applications of a Selenium Nanoparticle Producing
      and Nitrate Reducing Bacterium Bacillus oryziterrae sp. nov.
AB  - A novel nitrate- and selenite reducing bacterium strain ZYKT was isolated from a
      rice paddy soil in Dehong, Yunnan, China. Strain ZYKT is a facultative anaerobe
      and grows in up to 150, 000 ppm O2. The comparative genomics analysis of strain
      ZYKT implies that it shares more orthologues with B. subtilis subsp. subtilis
      NCIB 3610T (ANIm values, 85.4-86.7%) than with B. azotoformans NBRC 15712T (ANIm
      values, 84.4-84.7%), although B. azotoformans NBRC 15712T (96.3% 16S rRNA gene
      sequence similarity) is the closest Bacillus species according to 16S rRNA gene
      comparison. The major cellular fatty acids of strain ZYKT were iso-C14:0 (17.8%),
      iso-C15:0 (17.8%), and C16:0 (32.0%). The polar lipid profile consisted of
      phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and an
      unidentified aminophospholipid. Based on physiological, biochemical and genotypic
      properties, the strain was considered to represent a novel species of the genus
      Bacillus, for which the name Bacillus oryziterrae sp. nov. is proposed. The type
      strain is ZYKT (=DSM 26460T =CGMCC 1.5179T). Strain ZYKT can reduce nitrate to
      nitrite and ammonium and possesses metabolic genes for nitrate reduction
      including nar, nap and nrf. Biogenic selenium nanoparticles of strain ZYKT show a
      narrow size distribution and agree with the gaussian distribution. These selenium
      nanoparticles show significant dose-dependent inhibition of the lung cancer cell
      line H157, which suggests potential for application in cancer therapy.

PMID- 27677459
TI  - An Effective and Inducible System of TAL Effector-Mediated Transcriptional
      Repression in Arabidopsis.

PMID- 27677460
TI  - Rice Ferredoxin-Dependent Glutamate Synthase Regulates Nitrogen-Carbon
      Metabolomes and Is Genetically Differentiated between japonica and indica
      Subspecies.
AB  - Plants assimilate inorganic nitrogen absorbed from soil into organic forms as Gln
      and Glu through the glutamine synthetase/glutamine:2-oxoglutarate
      amidotransferase (GS/GOGAT) cycle. Whereas GS catalyzes the formation of Gln from
      Glu and ammonia, GOGAT catalyzes the transfer of an amide group from Gln to 2
      oxoglutarate to produce two molecules of Glu. However, the regulatory role of the
      GS/GOGAT cycle in the carbon-nitrogen balance is not well understood. Here, we
      report the functional characterization of rice ABNORMAL CYTOKININ RESPONSE 1
      (ABC1) gene that encodes a ferredoxin-dependent (Fd)-GOGAT. The weak mutant
      allele abc1-1 mutant shows a typical nitrogen-deficient syndrome, whereas the T
      DNA insertional mutant abc1-2 is seedling lethal. Metabolomics analysis revealed
      the accumulation of an excessive amount of amino acids with high N/C ratio (Gln
      and Asn) and several intermediates in the tricarboxylic acid cycle in abc1-1,
      suggesting that ABC1 plays a critical role in nitrogen assimilation and carbon
      nitrogen balance. Five non-synonymous single-nucleotide polymorphisms were
      identified in the ABC1 coding region and characterized as three distinct
      haplotypes, which have been highly and specifically differentiated between
      japonica and indica subspecies. Collectively, these results suggest that
      ABC1/OsFd-GOGAT is essential for plant growth and development by modulating
      nitrogen assimilation and the carbon-nitrogen balance.

PMID- 27677461
TI  - Single-cell SNP analyses and interpretations based on RNA-Seq data for colon
      cancer research.
AB  - Single-cell sequencing is useful for illustrating the cellular heterogeneities
      inherent in many intricate biological systems, particularly in human cancer.
      However, owing to the difficulties in acquiring, amplifying and analyzing single
      cell genetic material, obstacles remain for single-cell diversity assessments
      such as single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analyses, rendering biological
      interpretations of single-cell omics data elusive. We used RNA-Seq data from
      single-cell and bulk colon cancer samples to analyze the SNP profiles for both
      structural and functional comparisons. Colon cancer-related pathways with single
      cell level SNP enrichment, including the TGF-beta and p53 signaling pathways,
      were also investigated based on both their SNP enrichment patterns and gene
      expression. We also detected a certain number of fusion transcripts, which may
      promote tumorigenesis, at the single-cell level. Based on these results, single
      cell analyses not only recapitulated the SNP analysis results from the bulk
      samples but also detected cell-to-cell and cell-to-bulk variations, thereby
      aiding in early diagnosis and in identifying the precise mechanisms underlying
      cancers at the single-cell level.

PMID- 27677462
TI  - Development of a novel high-entropy alloy with eminent efficiency of degrading
      azo dye solutions.
AB  - In addition to its scientific importance, the degradation of azo dyes is of
      practical significance from the perspective of environmental protection. Although
      encouraging progress has been made on developing degradation approaches and
      materials, it is still challenging to fully resolve this long-standing problem.
      Herein, we report that high entropy alloys, which have been emerging as a new
      class of metallic materials in the last decade, have excellent performance in
      degradation of azo dyes. In particular, the newly developed AlCoCrTiZn high
      entropy alloy synthesized by mechanical alloying exhibits a prominent efficiency
      in degradation of the azo dye (Direct Blue 6: DB6), as high as that of the best
      metallic glass reported so far. The newly developed AlCoCrTiZn HEA powder has low
      activation energy barrier, i.e., 30 kJ/mol, for the degrading reaction and thus
      make the occurrence of reaction easier as compared with other materials such as
      the glassy Fe-based powders. The excellent capability of our high-entropy alloys
      in degrading azo dye is attributed to their unique atomic structure with severe
      lattice distortion, chemical composition effect, residual stress and high
      specific surface area. Our findings have important implications in developing
      novel high-entropy alloys for functional applications as catalyst materials.

PMID- 27677464
TI  - Synergistic reactivation of latent HIV-1 provirus by PKA activator dibutyryl-cAMP
      in combination with an HDAC inhibitor.
AB  - HIV-1 reservoirs remain a major barrier to HIV-1 eradication. Although
      combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) can successfully reduce viral
      replication, it cannot reactivate HIV-1 provirus in this reservoir. Therefore,
      HIV-1 provirus reactivation strategies by cell activation or epigenetic
      modification are proposed for the eradication of HIV-1 reservoirs. Although
      treatment with the protein kinase A (PKA) activator cyclic AMP (cAMP) or
      epigenetic modifying agents such as histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) alone
      can induce HIV-1 reactivation in latently infected cells, the synergism of these
      agents has not been fully evaluated. In the present study, we observed that
      treatment with 500MUM of dibutyryl-cAMP, 1MUM of vorinostat, or 1MUM of
      trichostatin A alone effectively reactivated HIV-1 in both ACH2 and NCHA1 cells
      latently infected with HIV-1 without cytotoxicity. In addition, treatment with
      the PKA inhibitor KT5720 reduced the increased HIV-1 p24 level in the supernatant
      of these cells. After dibutyryl-cAMP treatment, we found an increased level of
      the PKA substrate phosphorylated cyclic AMP response element-binding protein.
      When we treated cells with a combination of dibutyryl-cAMP and vorinostat or
      trichostatin A, the levels of HIV-1 p24 in the supernatant and levels of
      intracellular HIV-1 p24 were dramatically increased in both ACH2 and NCHA1 cells
      compared with those treated with a single agent. These results suggest that
      combined treatment with a PKA activator and an HDACi is effective for
      reactivating HIV-1 in latently infected cells, and may be an important approach
      to eradicate HIV-1 reservoirs.

PMID- 27677463
TI  - Efficient delivery of C/EBP beta gene into human mesenchymal stem cells via
      polyethylenimine-coated gold nanoparticles enhances adipogenic differentiation.
AB  - The controlled differentiation of stem cells via the delivery of specific genes
      encoding appropriate differentiation factors may provide useful models for
      regenerative medicine and aid in developing therapies for human patients.
      However, the majority of non-viral vectors are not efficient enough to manipulate
      difficult-to-transfect adult human stem cells in vitro. Herein, we report the
      first use of 25 kDa branched polyethylenimine-entrapped gold nanoparticles
      (AuPEINPs) and covalently bound polyethylenimine-gold nanoparticles (AuMUAPEINPs)
      as carriers for efficient gene delivery into human mesenchymal stem cells
      (hMSCs). We determined a functional application of these nanoparticles by
      transfecting hMSCs with the C/EBP beta gene, fused to EGFP, to induce adipogenic
      differentiation. Transfection efficacy with AuPEINPs and AuMUAPEINPs was 52.3%
      and 40.7%, respectively, which was 2.48 and 1.93 times higher than that by using
      Lipofectamine 2000. Luciferase assay results also demonstrated improved gene
      transfection efficiency of AuPEINPs/AuMUAPEINPs over Lipofectamine 2000 and
      polyethylenimine. Overexpression of exogenous C/EBP beta significantly enhanced
      adipogenesis in hMSCs as indicated by both of Oil Red O staining and mRNA
      expression analyses. Nanoparticle/DNA complexes exhibited favorable
      cytocompatibility in hMSCs. Taken together, AuPEINPs and AuMUAPEINPs potentially
      represent safe and highly efficient vehicles for gene delivery to control hMSC
      differentiation and for therapeutic gene delivery applications.

PMID- 27677465
TI  - No PERV transmission during a clinical trial of pig islet cell transplantation.
AB  - Xenotransplantation of pig islet cells is a promising alternative for the
      treatment of diabetes with insulin and may help to prevent numerous late
      complications such as blindness and amputation. First encouraging results using
      porcine islets have been reported in preclinical animal models as well in the
      first clinical trial in New Zealand. The goal of this manuscript is to examine
      the biological safety of a second trial performed in Argentina, specifically in
      regards to the transmission of porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs) using
      improved detection methods As in the first trial encapsulated islet cells from
      the well-characterised Auckland Island pigs were used. The animals were not
      genetically modified. The islet cells were transplanted in eight human recipients
      using a modified clinical protocol. Sera taken at different time points after
      transplantation (up to 55 weeks) were screened for the presence of antibodies
      against PERV proteins by Western blot analysis using viral antigens from highly
      purified virus particles. Positive sera obtained by immunization with recombinant
      PERV proteins were used as control sera. In none of the patients antibodies
      against PERV were detected, indicating the absence of infection. In parallel at
      different time points (up to 113 weeks) white blood cells (WBC) have been tested
      for PERV DNA, and WBC and plasma for PERV RNA by real-time RT-PCR. All tests were
      negative. In addition, using primers detecting pig mitochondrial cytochrome
      oxidase (COX) gene, patients were screened for microchimerism. In summary, the
      data are further evidence for the safety of pig islet cell transplantation.

PMID- 27677467
TI  - Arterial Stiffness in Treated Hypertensive Patients With White-Coat Hypertension.
AB  - Arterial stiffness, assessed through pulse wave velocity (PWV), independently
      predicts cardiovascular outcomes. In untreated persons, white-coat hypertension
      (WCH) has been related to arterial stiffness, but data in treated patients with
      WCH are scarce. The authors aimed to determine a possible association between WCH
      and arterial stiffness in this population. Adult treated hypertensive patients
      underwent home blood pressure monitoring and PWV assessment. Variables associated
      with PWV in univariable analyses were entered into a multivariable linear
      regression model. The study included 121 patients, 33.9% men, median age 67.9
      (interquartile range 18.4) years, 5.8% with diabetes, and 3.3% with a history of
      cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease. In multivariable analysis, WCH in
      treated hypertensive patients remained a determinant of PWV: beta=1.1 (95%
      confidence interval, 0.1-2.1 [P=.037]; adjusted R2 0.49). In conclusion, WCH is
      independently associated with arterial stiffness in treated hypertensive
      patients. Whether this high-risk association is offset by antihypertensive
      treatment should be further investigated.

PMID- 27677468
TI  - Corrigendum: Hydrogel microphones for stealthy underwater listening.

PMID- 27677466
TI  - Gain-of-function defects of astrocytic Kir4.1 channels in children with autism
      spectrum disorders and epilepsy.
AB  - Dysfunction of the inwardly-rectifying potassium channels Kir4.1 (KCNJ10)
      represents a pathogenic mechanism contributing to Autism-Epilepsy comorbidity. To
      define the role of Kir4.1 variants in the disorder, we sequenced KCNJ10 in a
      sample of affected individuals, and performed genotype-phenotype correlations.
      The effects of mutations on channel activity, protein trafficking, and astrocyte
      function were investigated in Xenopus laevis oocytes, and in human astrocytoma
      cell lines. An in vivo model of the disorder was also explored through generation
      of kcnj10a morphant zebrafish overexpressing the mutated human KCNJ10. We
      detected germline heterozygous KCNJ10 variants in 19/175 affected children.
      Epileptic spasms with dysregulated sensory processing represented the main
      disease phenotype. When investigated on astrocyte-like cells, the p.R18Q mutation
      exerted a gain-of-function effect by enhancing Kir4.1 membrane expression and
      current density. Similarly, the p.R348H variant led to gain of channel function
      through hindrance of pH-dependent current inhibition. The frequent polymorphism
      p.R271C seemed, instead, to have no obvious functional effects. Our results
      confirm that variants in KCNJ10 deserve attention in autism-epilepsy, and provide
      insight into the molecular mechanisms of autism and seizures. Similar to neurons,
      astrocyte dysfunction may result in abnormal synaptic transmission and electrical
      discharge, and should be regarded as a possible pharmacological target in autism
      epilepsy.

PMID- 27677469
TI  - Pulmonary metastasectomy in elderly colorectal cancer patients: a retrospective
      single center study.
AB  - Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide and the
      lung is one of the most frequent sites for CRC metastasis. The geriatric
      population is increasing, but clinical decision making is often influenced by the
      effect of aging. For this reason, the elderly population does not often receive
      potentially curative cancer treatments as offered to younger ones. From January
      2000 to March 2016, 21 elderly patients (older than 75 years) underwent pulmonary
      resections for colorectal cancer pulmonary metastases. A postoperative morbidity
      rate of 23.8 % and a 30-day mortality rate of 4.8 % were reported. A cumulative
      overall survival of 34.19 +/- 23.51 months (95 % CI 23.71-50.28) and a disease
      free interval of 24.62 +/- 23.79 months (95 % CI 6.44-39.56) were observed. By
      considering only R0 surgically resected patients, the 1-, 3- and 5-year OS were
      94.1, 59.5 and 21.2 % with a mean overall survival and disease-free interval of
      51.10 +/- 7.82 and 42.75 +/- 9.35, respectively. Concerning risk factors, an
      important correlation between the number of pulmonary metastases, surgical
      radicality and overall survival was reported (p = 0.030 and p = 0.005,
      respectively). In summary, according to our series, pulmonary metastasectomy in
      selected elderly CRC oligometastatic patients seems to be safe and effective.

PMID- 27677470
TI  - T-drain reduces the incidence of biliary leakage after liver resection.
AB  - Biliary leakage is a serious complication after liver resection and represents
      the major cause of post-operative morbidity. In spite of already identified risk
      factors, little is known about the role of intra-biliary pressure following liver
      surgery in the development of biliary leakage. Biliary decompression may have a
      positive impact and reduce the incidence of biliary leakage at the parenchymal
      resection site. 397 patients undergoing liver resection without bilioenteric
      anastomosis were included in the retrospective analysis of the risk factors for
      the development of biliary leakage focusing on the intra-operative reduction of
      the biliary pressure by T-tube and liver histology. Among 397 analyzed patients
      after parenchymal resection, biliary leakage occurred in 39 cases (9.8 %). The
      extent of parenchymal resection was not associated with the total occurrence of
      biliary leak (p = 0.626). Lower incidence of biliary leakage from the resection
      surface was significantly associated with the use of T-tube (4.9 vs. 13.2 %; p =
      0.006). In the subgroup analysis, insertion of a T-tube was not associated with a
      reduction of biliary leakage after anatomical hemihepatectomies (p = 0.103) and
      extraanatomical liver resection (p = 0.676). However, a high statistical
      significance could be detected in patients with extended hemihepatectomies (58.3
      vs. 3.8 %; p < 0.001). Once biliary leak occurred without T-tube, median
      hospitalization duration significantly increased compared to patients with
      biliary decompression and without biliary leak (p < 0.001). The results of our
      retrospective data analysis suggest a significant beneficial impact of the T-tube
      on the development of biliary leakage in patients undergoing extended liver
      surgery.

PMID- 27677471
TI  - Multiple metrics of diversity have different effects on temperate forest
      functioning over succession.
AB  - Biodiversity can be measured by taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional
      diversity. How ecosystem functioning depends on these measures of diversity can
      vary from site to site and depends on successional stage. Here, we measured
      taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional diversity, and examined their
      relationship with biomass in two successional stages of the broad-leaved Korean
      pine forest in northeastern China. Functional diversity was calculated from six
      plant traits, and aboveground biomass (AGB) and coarse woody productivity (CWP)
      were estimated using data from three forest censuses (10 years) in two large
      fully mapped forest plots (25 and 5 ha). 11 of the 12 regressions between biomass
      variables (AGB and CWP) and indices of diversity showed significant positive
      relationships, especially those with phylogenetic diversity. The mean tree
      diversity-biomass regressions increased from 0.11 in secondary forest to 0.31 in
      old-growth forest, implying a stronger biodiversity effect in more mature forest.
      Multi-model selection results showed that models including species richness,
      phylogenetic diversity, and single functional traits explained more variation in
      forest biomass than other candidate models. The models with a single functional
      trait, i.e., leaf area in secondary forest and wood density in mature forest,
      provided better explanations for forest biomass than models that combined all six
      functional traits. This finding may reflect different strategies in growth and
      resource acquisition in secondary and old-growth forests.

PMID- 27677472
TI  - Nonparametric estimation of the multivariate survivor function: the multivariate
      Kaplan-Meier estimator.
AB  - The Dabrowska (Ann Stat 16:1475-1489, 1988) product integral representation of
      the multivariate survivor function is extended, leading to a nonparametric
      survivor function estimator for an arbitrary number of failure time variates that
      has a simple recursive formula for its calculation. Empirical process methods are
      used to sketch proofs for this estimator's strong consistency and weak
      convergence properties. Summary measures of pairwise and higher-order
      dependencies are also defined and nonparametrically estimated. Simulation
      evaluation is given for the special case of three failure time variates.

PMID- 27677473
TI  - Effectiveness of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (AmPDT) on Staphylococcus
      aureus using phenothiazine compound with red laser.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate, in vitro, the bactericidal effect of
      antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (AmPDT) using phenothiazinium dyes (Toluidine
      Blue O and methylene blue, 1:1) using different concentrations (100, 50, 25,
      12.5, and 6.25 MUg/mL) associated to red laser with different energy densities
      (2.4, 4.8, 7.2, 9.6, and 12 J/cm2) on a strain of Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC
      23529). On this study, tests were performed in triplicate and the samples were
      distributed into 36 test groups: Control and bacterial suspensions were
      irradiated with the different energy densities, respectively, in the absence of
      photosensitizer, bacterial suspensions were irradiated with the laser in the
      different concentrations of the photosensitizer, and finally bacterial
      suspensions only in the presence of phenothiazinium dye. The pre-irradiation time
      was 5 min. Therefore, we analyzed the potential of the AmPDT by counting colony
      forming units. The logarithm of CFU/mL (log10 CFU/mL) was calculated and the data
      was analyzed statistically (ANOVA, Tukey's test, p < 0.05). The results showed
      that the association 50 and 100 MUg/mL with 12 J/cm2 showed the highest
      percentage of inhibition (100 %). Based upon the present results, it may be
      concluded that the AmPDT was able to enhance the antimicrobial effect of
      phenothiazines and both concentration of the compound and energy density are
      important factors for greater effectiveness of therapy.

PMID- 27677474
TI  - Comparison of thulium laser enucleation and plasmakinetic resection of the
      prostate in a randomized prospective trial with 5-year follow-up.
AB  - The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes between thulium laser
      enucleation of the prostate (ThuLEP) and plasmakinetic bipolar resection of the
      prostate (PKRP) for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in a prospective
      randomized trial with 5 years of follow-up. One hundred fifty-eight consecutive
      patients with BPH were randomized to receive operation of either ThuLEP (n = 79)
      or PKRP (n = 79). All cases were evaluated preoperatively, and a part of them
      were evaluated at 3-5 years postoperatively by the International Prostate Symptom
      Score (IPSS), quality of life score (QoLS), maximum flow rate (Q max), and
      postvoid residual (PVR) urine volume. Eighty patients completed the 5-year follow
      up. Each study arm showed no significant difference in preoperative parameters.
      Compared with PKRP, ThuLEP required longer operation time (65.4 vs 47.4 min, p =
      0.022) but resulted in less hemoglobin decrease (1.5 vs 3.0 g/L, p = 0.045),
      catheterization time (2.1 vs 3.5 days, p = 0.031), irrigated volume (12.4 vs 27.2
      L, p = 0.022), and hospital stay (2.5 vs 4.6 days, p = 0.026). During the 60
      month follow-up, both procedures demonstrated no significant difference in terms
      of Q max, IPSS, PVR urine volume, and QoLS. ThuLEP was statistically superior to
      PKRP in blood loss, catheterization time, irrigated volume, and hospital stay but
      inferior to PKRP in operation time. However, both procedures showed no
      significant difference in terms of Q max, IPSS, PVR urine volume, and QoLS
      through the 60-month follow-up.

PMID- 27677475
TI  - Effects of low-level laser therapy and epidermal growth factor on the activities
      of gingival fibroblasts obtained from young or elderly individuals.
AB  - This study evaluated the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and epidermal
      growth factor (EGF) on fibroblasts obtained from young and elderly individuals.
      Gingival fibroblasts from young (Y) and elderly (E) individuals were seeded in
      wells of 24-well plates with Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) containing
      10 % of fetal bovine serum (FBS). After 24 h, the cells were irradiated
      (LASERTable-InGaAsP-780 +/- 3 nm, 25 mW, 3 J/cm2) or exposed to EGF (100 MUM).
      After 72 h, cells were evaluated for viability, migration, collagen and vascular
      endothelial growth factor (VEGF) synthesis, and gene expression of growth
      factors. Data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests (alpha = 5
      %). Y and E fibroblasts irradiated with laser or exposed to EGF showed increased
      viability and collagen synthesis. Enhanced cell migration was observed for Y
      fibroblasts after both treatments, whereas only the LLLT stimulated migration of
      E cells. VEGF synthesis was higher for Y and E cells exposed to EGF, while this
      synthesis was reduced when E fibroblasts were irradiated. Increased gene
      expression of VEGF was observed only for Y and E fibroblasts treated with LLLT.
      Regardless of a patient's age, the LLLT and EGF applications can biostimulate
      gingival fibroblast functions involved in tissue repair.

PMID- 27677477
TI  - Erratum to: Ablation of carious dental tissue using an ultrashort pulsed laser
      (USPL) system.

PMID- 27677476
TI  - Effect of photodynamic therapy with malachite green on non-surgical periodontal
      treatment in HIV patients: a pilot split-mouth study.

PMID- 27677479
TI  - Effect of pH on the isolation of urinary exosome.
AB  - PURPOSE: Urinary exosome is an ideal noninvasive, low-cost source of kidney
      diseases biomarkers. However, many factors effect the isolation of urine-derived
      exosome. The effect of pH on the yield of exosome isolation under different pH
      was explored. METHODS: The pH was adjusted for 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 with hydrochloric
      acid and sodium hydroxide solution. All samples were incubated for 30 min before
      differential ultracentrifugation. Exosome-associated protein markers TSG101, ALIX
      and total concentration of RNA were evaluated by Western-blotting and micro
      amount ultraviolet spectrophotometer, respectively. RESULTS: A major loss of
      urinary exosome was received at pH 8 compared with alkali medium or control
      group. There was no difference whether or not added EDTA-Na2. CONCLUSIONS: Acidic
      environment was likely to conducive to the isolation of exosome and maintain its
      stability and integrity that suggest pH medium needs to be carefully considered
      and also provide a methodology for future separation exosome.

PMID- 27677478
TI  - The evaluation of prepared microgroove pattern by femtosecond laser on alumina
      zirconia nano-composite for endosseous dental implant application.
AB  - Ceramic dental materials, especially alumina (20 %vol)-yttrium stabilized
      tetragonal zirconia poly crystal (A-Y-TZP20), have been considered as
      alternatives to metals for endosseous dental implant application. For increasing
      the bone-to-implant contact as well as the speed of bone formation, a new surface
      modification can be effective. The aim of this study was to design microgroove
      patterns by femtosecond laser on A-Y-TZP20 nano-composite disks for endosseous
      dental implant application. The phase composition and the morphology of the A-Y
      TZP20 nano-composite samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction and
      Scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy
      techniques. Statistical analysis was submitted to Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and
      Student's t test for independent variables, with a 5 % significance level. EDAX
      analysis revealed a significant decrease in the relative content of contaminants
      like carbon (p < 0.05) in laser surface-treated group as compared to non surface
      treated group. X-ray diffraction did not show any change in the crystalline
      structure induced by laser processing. It was concluded that the femtosecond
      laser is a clean and safe method for surface modification of A-Y-TZP20.

PMID- 27677480
TI  - NF-kappaB expression and its association with nutritional status in hemodialysis
      patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the association among the expressions of
      pro- and anti-inflammatory nuclear factors (nuclear factor-kappaB, NF-kappaB and
      nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2, Nrf2) and nutritional status in HD
      patients. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included eighty-three HD patients.
      The peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated and processed for the
      evaluation of NF-kappaB and Nrf2 RNAm expression by quantitative real-time
      polymerase chain reaction. Muscle mass was estimated by creatinine index (CI) and
      percentage of body fat (%BF) by anthropometry. Seven-point subjective global
      assessment was also used to evaluate the nutritional status. RESULTS: The NF
      kappaB expression was negatively correlated with CI (r = -0.54, p = 0.0001),
      serum albumin (r = -0.32, p = 0.02) and %BF (r = -0.61, p = 0.001). Multiple
      linear regression analysis revealed that NF-kappaB expression was independently
      associated with CI (beta: -0.8, p = 0.013) and %BF (beta: -0.42, p = 0.04). There
      was no correlation among Nrf2 and anthropometric and biochemical variables.
      CONCLUSION: The classical NF-kappaB activation seems to be associated with poor
      nutritional status in HD patients; however, the exact underlying mechanisms
      deserve further studies.

PMID- 27677481
TI  - The Role of Panobinostat Plus Bortezomib and Dexamethasone in Treating Relapsed
      or Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma: A European Perspective.
AB  - : Panobinostat is an oral pan-histone deacetylase inhibitor developed by
      Novartis. Panobinostat acts via epigenetic modification and inhibition of the
      aggresome pathway. In August 2015, the European Commission authorized
      panobinostat for use in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone for the
      treatment of relapsed or relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (MM) in
      patients who have received >=2 prior regimens including bortezomib and an
      immunomodulatory drug. In January 2016, the National Institute for Health and
      Care Excellence recommended panobinostat for use in the same combination and
      patient population. The authorization and recommendation were based on results
      from the pivotal phase 3 PANORAMA 1 (NCT01023308) clinical trial, which
      demonstrated an improvement in median progression-free survival of 7.8 months for
      the three-drug combination compared with placebo plus bortezomib and
      dexamethasone in this patient population. This review will discuss the current
      treatment landscape for relapsed/refractory MM, the mechanism of action of
      panobinostat, clinical data supporting the European authorization, concerns about
      safety and strategies for mitigating toxicity, and how panobinostat fits into the
      current MM landscape in Europe. FUNDING: Editorial support, funded by Novartis
      Pharmaceuticals.

PMID- 27677482
TI  - Characterization of pax3a and pax3b genes in artificially induced polyploid and
      gynogenetic olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) during embryogenesis.
AB  - Although chromosome set manipulation techniques including polyploidy induction
      and gynogentic induction in flatfish are becoming increasingly mature, there
      exists a poor understanding of their effects on embryonic development. PAX3 plays
      crucial roles during embryonic myogenesis and neurogenesis. In olive flounder
      (Paralichthys olivaceus), there are two duplicated pax3 genes (pax3a, pax3b), and
      both of them are expressed in the brain and muscle regions with some subtle
      regional differences. We utilized pax3a and pax3b as indicators to preliminarily
      investigate whether chromosome set manipulation affects embryonic neurogenesis
      and myogenesis using whole-mount in situ hybridization. In the polyploid
      induction groups, 94 % of embryos in the triploid induction group had normal
      pax3a/3b expression patterns; however, 45 % of embryos in the tetraploid
      induction group showed abnormal pax3a/3b expression patterns from the tailbud
      formation stage to the hatching stage. Therefore, the artificial induction of
      triploidy and tetraploidy had a small or a moderate effect on flounder embryonic
      myogenesis and neurogenesis, respectively. In the gynogenetic induction groups,
      87 % of embryos in the meiogynogenetic diploid induction group showed normal
      pax3a/3b expression patterns. However, almost 100 % of embryos in the gynogenetic
      haploid induction group and 63 % of embryos in the mitogynogenetic diploid
      induction group showed abnormal pax3a/3b expression patterns. Therefore, the
      induction of gynogenetic haploidy and mitogynogenetic diploidy had large effects
      on flounder embryonic myogenesis and neurogenesis. In conclusion, the
      differential expression of pax3a and pax3b may provide new insights for
      consideration of fish chromosome set manipulation.

PMID- 27677483
TI  - Effects of dietary yeast inclusion and acute stress on post-prandial whole blood
      profiles of dorsal aorta-cannulated rainbow trout.
AB  - Yeast is a potential alternative to fish meal in diets for farmed fish, yet
      replacing more than 50 % of fish meal results in reduced fish growth. In a 4-week
      experiment, 15 rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were cannulated and fed three
      diets each week: 30 % fish meal as a control (FM); 60 % replacement of fish meal
      protein, on a digestible basis, with Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC); and 60 %
      replacement with Wickerhamomyces anomalus and S. cerevisiae mix (WA). Blood was
      collected at 0, 3, 6, 12 and 24 h after feeding. In the final week, fish were
      exposed to a 1-min netting stressor to evaluate possible diet-stress
      interactions. Significant increases in pH, TCO2, HCO3 and base excess were found
      after fish were fed the SC and WA diets compared with FM, which elevated blood
      alkaline tides. Yeast ingredients had lower buffering capacity and ash content
      than fish meal, which explained the increase in alkaline tides. In addition, fish
      fed the WA diet had significantly reduced erythrocyte area and fish fed SC and WA
      diets had increased mean corpuscular haemoglobin levels, indicating haemolytic
      anaemia. Higher levels of nucleic acid in yeast-based diets and potentially
      higher production of reactive oxygen species were suspected of damaging
      haemoglobin, which require replacement by smaller immature erythrocytes. Acute
      stress caused the expected rise in cortisol and glucose levels, but no
      interaction with diet was found. These results show that replacing 60 % of fish
      meal protein with yeasts can induce haemolytic anaemia in rainbow trout, which
      may limit yeast inclusion in diets for farmed fish.

PMID- 27677484
TI  - Transient cessation of antiplatelet medication before percutaneous stone surgery:
      does it have any safety concern on bleeding related problems?
AB  - To evaluate the short term effects of transient AP medication cessation on the
      safety of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and evaluate them with normal cases
      in a comparative manner. 71 cases undergoing PCNL for renal pelvic stones were
      divided into two groups: Group 1 (n: 35) Cases under AP medication (100 mg/day
      acetyl salicylic acid) in whom the medication was stopped for 7 days before PCNL
      procedure. Group 2 (n: 36) Cases without any AP medication prior to PCNL.
      Coagulation test parameters were normal in all cases prior to stone removal.
      Treatment related parameters with an emphasis on post-operative course were
      evaluated between two groups. While prolonged macroscopic hematuria (mean 3.5
      days) was present in a 25.7 % of the cases in Group 1; it was 5.7 % in Group 2
      (mean 2 days). Mean duration of nephrostomy tube was longer in Group 1 (3.49 vs
      2.64 days respectively). Additionally, hospitalization period was longer in cases
      under antiplatelet therapy when compared with the others. No statistically
      significant difference was noted between two groups regarding post-operative Hb
      drop rates, transfusion, fever, embolization rates. Lastly, of all the risk
      factors evaluated; use of AP medication was found to increase the risk of
      macroscopic hematuria 5.8-fold on logistic regression analysis. Our findings
      demonstrated that despite the cessation of the antiplatelet agents with an
      appropriate regimen; these cases should be followed for the risk of prolonged
      hematuria and tube drainage after PCNL in a very close manner.

PMID- 27677486
TI  - Malabsorption "Non Olet".

PMID- 27677485
TI  - Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the SNOT-22 into Italian.
AB  - The aim of this study is to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Italian
      SNOT-22 (I-SNOT-22). The study consisted of five phases: item generation,
      reliability analysis, normative data generation, validity analysis and
      responsiveness analysis. The item generation phase followed the five-step, cross
      cultural, adaptation process of translation and back-translation. A group of 222
      patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) were enrolled for the internal
      consistency analysis. Sixty patients completed the I-SNOT-22 twice, 2 weeks
      apart, for test-retest reliability analysis. A group of 119 asymptomatic subjects
      completed the I-SNOT-22 for normative data generation. I-SNOT-22 scores obtained
      by CRS patients and asymptomatic subjects were compared for validity analysis. I
      SNOT-22 scores were correlated with Lund-Mackay and visual analogue scale (VAS)
      scores in 50 CRS patients for criterion validity analysis. Finally, I-SNOT-22
      scores obtained in a group of 59 CRS patients before and after surgical treatment
      for CRS were compared for responsiveness analysis. All the enrolled subjects
      managed to complete the I-SNOT-22 without needing any assistance. Internal
      consistency was satisfactory (alpha = 0.86). Test-retest reliability was also
      satisfactory (ICC = 0.85). A significant difference in the I-SNOT-22 scores
      between the CRS patients and the asymptomatic subjects was found (p < 0.008).
      Positive significant correlations were found between I-SNOT-22 and VAS scores,
      while no significant correlations were found between I-SNOT-22 scores and Lund
      Mackay scores. I-SNOT-22 scores obtained in the pre-treatment condition were
      significantly higher than those obtained after surgery. I-SNOT-22 is reliable,
      valid, responsive to changes in QOL, and recommended for clinical practice and
      outcome research.

PMID- 27677488
TI  - Stapleless Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: a Relatively New Approach in
      Bariatric Surgery.

PMID- 27677487
TI  - A Comparative Study Examining the Impact of a Protein-Enriched Vs Normal Protein
      Postoperative Diet on Body Composition and Resting Metabolic Rate in Obese
      Patients after Sleeve Gastrectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We recently showed that an 8-week preoperative protein-enriched diet
      (PED) is associated with significant reductions in body weight and fat mass (FM)
      without significant loss of fat-free mass (FFM) in morbidly obese patients
      scheduled for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). OBJECTIVES: The objective of
      this study is to evaluate the impact of PED vs a normal protein diet (NPD) on
      total weight loss (TWL), FM, FFM, and resting metabolic rate (RMR) in patients
      after LSG. METHODS: Before LSG and at 3, 6, and 12 months after, we prospectively
      measured and compared total body weight (TBW), FM, FFM, and RMR in 60 male
      patients who received either a NPD (n = 30) with protein intake 1.0 g/kg of ideal
      body weight, or a PED (n = 30) with protein intake 2.0 g/kg of ideal body weight.
      Compliance in following the prescribed diet was determined with food frequency
      questionnaires in all patients. The impact of NPD and PED on renal function was
      also evaluated. RESULTS: Despite non-significant variation in total body weight
      (TBW), FM decreased more significantly (p < 0.01) with the PED compared to the
      NPD. In addition, the PED group showed a significantly (p < 0.01) lower decrease
      in FFM and RMR when compared with the NPD group. Both groups showed high
      compliance in following the prescribed diets, without negative impact on renal
      function. CONCLUSION: PED is more effective than NPD in determining FM loss and
      is associated with a lower decrease in FFM and RMR, without interfering with
      renal function in male patients after LSG.

PMID- 27677489
TI  - Tumor necrosis could reflect advanced disease status in patients with diffuse
      large B cell lymphoma treated with R-CHOP therapy.
AB  - Tumor necrosis (TN) can lower responsiveness to chemotherapy and confer basic
      resistance to anti-cancer therapy. We investigated the association of TN with
      poor clinical features and outcome in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). We
      examined the presence or absence of TN in 476 DLBCL patients of who received
      rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP)
      therapy. Eighty-nine (18.7 %) patients had TN at diagnosis. Patients with TN had
      a progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of 39.3 and 46.7 %,
      whereas patients without TN had a PFS and OS of 73.4 and 82.6 %. Adverse clinical
      factors of poor Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status >= grade 2
      (p = 0.005), elevated lactate dehydrogenase ratio >1 (p < 0.001), advanced Ann
      Arbor stage (p = 0.002), and bulky disease (p = 0.026) were more prevalent in the
      TN group than the non-TN group. Cox regression model analysis revealed TN as an
      independent prognostic factor for PFS and OS in DLBCL (PFS, hazard ratio [HR] =
      1.967, 95 % confidence interval [CI] = 1.399-2.765, p < 0.001; OS, HR = 2.445, 95
      % CI = 1.689-3.640, p < 0.001). The results indicate that TN could reflect
      adverse clinical features and worse prognosis in DLBCL patients receiving R-CHOP
      therapy.

PMID- 27677490
TI  - Diagnostic utility of invasive EEG for epilepsy surgery: Indications, modalities,
      and techniques.
AB  - Many patients with medically refractory epilepsy now undergo successful surgery
      based on noninvasive diagnostic information, but intracranial
      electroencephalography (IEEG) continues to be used as increasingly complex cases
      are considered surgical candidates. The indications for IEEG and the modalities
      employed vary across epilepsy surgical centers; each modality has its advantages
      and limitations. IEEG can be performed in the same intraoperative setting, that
      is, intraoperative electrocorticography, or through an independent implantation
      procedure with chronic extraoperative recordings; the latter are not only
      resource intensive but also carry risk. A lack of understanding of IEEG
      limitations predisposes to data misinterpretation that can lead to denying
      surgery when indicated or, worse yet, incorrect resection with adverse outcomes.
      Given the lack of class 1 or 2 evidence on IEEG, a consensus-based expert
      recommendation on the diagnostic utility of IEEG is presented, with emphasis on
      the application of various modalities in specific substrates or locations, taking
      into account their relative efficacy, safety, ease, and incremental cost-benefit.
      These recommendations aim to curtail outlying indications that risk the over- or
      underutilization of IEEG, while retaining substantial flexibility in keeping with
      most standard practices at epilepsy centers and addressing some of the needs of
      resource-poor regions around the world.

PMID- 27677491
TI  - microRNA-122 target sites in the hepatitis C virus RNA NS5B coding region and 3'
      untranslated region: function in replication and influence of RNA secondary
      structure.
AB  - We have analyzed the binding of the liver-specific microRNA-122 (miR-122) to
      three conserved target sites of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA, two in the non
      structural protein 5B (NS5B) coding region and one in the 3' untranslated region
      (3'UTR). miR-122 binding efficiency strongly depends on target site accessibility
      under conditions when the range of flanking sequences available for the formation
      of local RNA secondary structures changes. Our results indicate that the
      particular sequence feature that contributes most to the correlation between
      target site accessibility and binding strength varies between different target
      sites. This suggests that the dynamics of miRNA/Ago2 binding not only depends on
      the target site itself but also on flanking sequence context to a considerable
      extent, in particular in a small viral genome in which strong selection
      constraints act on coding sequence and overlapping cis-signals and model the
      accessibility of cis-signals. In full-length genomes, single and combination
      mutations in the miR-122 target sites reveal that site 5B.2 is positively
      involved in regulating overall genome replication efficiency, whereas mutation of
      site 5B.3 showed a weaker effect. Mutation of the 3'UTR site and double or triple
      mutants showed no significant overall effect on genome replication, whereas in a
      translation reporter RNA, the 3'UTR target site inhibits translation directed by
      the HCV 5'UTR. Thus, the miR-122 target sites in the 3'-region of the HCV genome
      are involved in a complex interplay in regulating different steps of the HCV
      replication cycle.

PMID- 27677494
TI  - Polarized Thin Layer Deposited Electrochemically on Aluminum-Doped Zinc Oxide as
      a Cathode Interlayer for Highly Efficient Organic Electronics.
AB  - Herein, we demonstrated a polarized thin film (PBzP2C4) electrochemically
      deposited from phosphonate and a carbazole-difunctionalized conjugated molecule
      as an aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) modifier for high-performance inverted
      organic solar cells (OSCs)/polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs). The PBzP2C4
      film showed a controllable thickness and fully covered the surface of AZO,
      resulting in a smooth and uniform electrode. PBzP2C4 modification reduced the WF
      of AZO and highly improved the electron extraction/injection in inverted
      OSCs/PLEDs. As a result, a maximum power conversion efficiency of 10.35% was
      achieved for inverted OSCs with PTB7-Th:PC71BM as the active layer, and a maximum
      luminous efficiency of 21.4 cd A-1 was obtained for inverted PLEDs based on P
      PPV.

PMID- 27677495
TI  - Expression of lycopene biosynthesis genes fused in line with Shine-Dalgarno
      sequences improves the stress-tolerance of Lactococcus lactis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Lycopene biosynthetic genes from Deinococcus radiodurans were co
      expressed in Lactococcus lactis to produce lycopene and improve its tolerance to
      stress. RESULTS: Lycopene-related genes from D. radiodurans, DR1395 (crtE),
      DR0862 (crtB), and DR0861 (crtI), were fused in line with S hine-Dalgarno (SD)
      sequences and co-expressed in L. lactis. The recombinant strain produced 0.36 mg
      lycopene g-1 dry cell wt after 48 h fermentation. The survival rate to UV
      irradiation of the recombinant strain was higher than that of the non-transformed
      strain. CONCLUSION: The L. lactis with co-expressed genes responsible for
      lycopene biosynthesis from D. radiodurans produced lycopene and exhibited
      increased resistance to UV stress, suggesting that the recombinant strain has
      important application potential in food industry.

PMID- 27677496
TI  - A Framework for Evaluating Value of New Clinical Recommendations.

PMID- 27677493
TI  - Heritability of targeted gene modifications induced by plant-optimized CRISPR
      systems.
AB  - The Streptococcus-derived CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short
      Palindromic Repeats)/Cas9 (CRISPR-associated protein 9) system has emerged as a
      very powerful tool for targeted gene modifications in many living organisms
      including plants. Since the first application of this system for plant gene
      modification in 2013, this RNA-guided DNA endonuclease system has been
      extensively engineered to meet the requirements of functional genomics and crop
      trait improvement in a number of plant species. Given its short history, the
      emphasis of many studies has been the optimization of the technology to improve
      its reliability and efficiency to generate heritable gene modifications in
      plants. Here we review and analyze the features of customized CRISPR/Cas9 systems
      developed for plant genetic studies and crop breeding. We focus on two essential
      aspects: the heritability of gene modifications induced by CRISPR/Cas9 and the
      factors affecting its efficiency, and we provide strategies for future design of
      systems with improved activity and heritability in plants.

PMID- 27677492
TI  - Regulation of mRNA decay in plant responses to salt and osmotic stress.
AB  - Plant acclimation to environmental stresses requires fast signaling to initiate
      changes in developmental and metabolic responses. Regulation of gene expression
      by transcription factors and protein kinases acting upstream are important
      elements of responses to salt and drought. Gene expression can be also controlled
      at the post-transcriptional level. Recent analyses on mutants in mRNA metabolism
      factors suggest their contribution to stress signaling. Here we highlight the
      components of mRNA decay pathways that contribute to responses to osmotic and
      salt stress. We hypothesize that phosphorylation state of proteins involved in
      mRNA decapping affect their substrate specificity.

PMID- 27677497
TI  - [Workshop for surgical skills in Cologne by GeSRU].

PMID- 27677498
TI  - Genetic origin, admixture and population history of aurochs (Bos primigenius) and
      primitive European cattle.
AB  - The domestication of taurine cattle initiated ~10 000 years ago in the Near East
      from a wild aurochs (Bos primigenius) population followed by their dispersal
      through migration of agriculturalists to Europe. Although gene flow from wild
      aurochs still present at the time of this early dispersion is still debated, some
      of the extant primitive cattle populations are believed to possess the aurochs
      like primitive features. In this study, we use genome-wide single nucleotide
      polymorphisms to assess relationship, admixture patterns and demographic history
      of an ancient aurochs sample and European cattle populations, several of which
      have primitive features and are suitable for extensive management. The principal
      component analysis, the model-based clustering and a distance-based network
      analysis support previous works suggesting different histories for north-western
      and southern European cattle. Population admixture analysis indicates a zebu gene
      flow in the Balkan and Italian Podolic cattle populations. Our analysis supports
      the previous report of gene flow between British and Irish primitive cattle
      populations and local aurochs. In addition, we show evidence of aurochs gene flow
      in the Iberian cattle populations indicating wide geographical distribution of
      the aurochs. Runs of homozygosity (ROH) reveal that demographic processes like
      genetic isolation and breed formation have contributed to genomic variations of
      European cattle populations. The ROH also indicate recent inbreeding in southern
      European cattle populations. We conclude that in addition to factors such as
      ancient human migrations, isolation by distance and cross-breeding, gene flow
      between domestic and wild-cattle populations also has shaped genomic composition
      of European cattle populations.

PMID- 27677499
TI  - Anti-interleukin 5 Therapy for Eosinophilic Asthma: a Meta-analysis of Randomized
      Clinical Trials.
AB  - Recently, more and more clinical trials have been performed to evaluate the
      effects of anti-interleukin (IL)-5 antibodies in eosinophilic asthma. However, a
      confirm conclusion has not been well established. We therefore sought to conduct
      a meta-analysis to assess the overall efficacy and safety of anti-interleukin 5
      treatments in eosinophilic asthma. RCTs of anti-interleukin 5 treatments in
      eosinophilic asthma published up to June 2016 in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library
      databases, and CBM, which reported pulmonary functions, quality-of-life scores,
      asthmatic exacerbations, and adverse events were included. Fixed-effect models
      were used to calculate mean difference, relative risks (RR), and 95 % CIs. Twelve
      studies involving 3340 patients were identified. Pooled analysis revealed
      significant improvements in FEV1 (nine trials, 1935 subjects; MD = 0.12; 95 % CI,
      0.08-0.16), and Asthma Quality-of-Life Questionnaire scores (five trials, 1334
      subjects; MD = 0.23; 95 % CI, 0.13-0.34). Anti-interleukin 5 treatment was also
      associated with significantly decreased exacerbation risk than placebo (six
      trials, 875 subjects; RR = 0.52; 95 % CI, 0.46 to 0.59) and a lower incidence of
      adverse events (eight trials, 1754 subjects; RR = 0.93; 95 % CI, 0.89 to 0.97).
      Anti-interleukin 5 treatment is well tolerated and could significantly improve
      FEV1, quality of life, and reduced exacerbations risk in patients with
      eosinophilic asthma. Further trials are necessary to assess the baseline blood
      eosinophil count to identify the optimal patients of eosinophilic asthma that
      could benefit from anti-interleukin 5 therapy.

PMID- 27677502
TI  - Protein coingestion with alcohol following strenuous exercise attenuates alcohol
      induced intramyocellular apoptosis and inhibition of autophagy.
AB  - Alcohol ingestion decreases postexercise rates of muscle protein synthesis, but
      the mechanism(s) (e.g., increased protein breakdown) underlying this observation
      is unknown. Autophagy is an intracellular "recycling" system required for
      homeostatic substrate and organelle turnover; its dysregulation may provoke
      apoptosis and lead to muscle atrophy. We investigated the acute effects of
      alcohol ingestion on autophagic cell signaling responses to a bout of concurrent
      (combined resistance- and endurance-based) exercise. In a randomized crossover
      design, eight physically active males completed three experimental trials of
      concurrent exercise with either postexercise ingestion of alcohol and
      carbohydrate (12 +/- 2 standard drinks; ALC-CHO), energy-matched alcohol and
      protein (ALC-PRO), or protein (PRO) only. Muscle biopsies were taken at rest and
      2 and 8 h postexercise. Select autophagy-related gene (Atg) proteins decreased
      compared with rest with ALC-CHO (P < 0.05) but not ALC-PRO. There were parallel
      increases (P < 0.05) in p62 and PINK1 commensurate with a reduction in BNIP3
      content, indicating a diminished capacity for mitochondria-specific autophagy
      (mitophagy) when alcohol and carbohydrate were coingested. DNA fragmentation
      increased in both alcohol conditions (P < 0.05); however, nuclear AIF
      accumulation preceded this apoptotic response with ALC-CHO only (P < 0.05). In
      contrast, increases in the nuclear content of p53, TFEB, and PGC-1alpha in ALC
      PRO were accompanied by markers of mitochondrial biogenesis at the
      transcriptional (Tfam, SCO2, and NRF-1) and translational (COX-IV, ATPAF1, and
      VDAC1) level (P < 0.05). We conclude that alcohol ingestion following exercise
      triggers apoptosis, whereas the anabolic properties of protein coingestion may
      stimulate mitochondrial biogenesis to protect cellular homeostasis.

PMID- 27677501
TI  - Diagnostic Potential of Extracellular MicroRNA in Respiratory Diseases.
AB  - Lack of markers of subclinical disease state and clinical phenotype other than
      pulmonary function test has made the diagnosis and interventions of environmental
      respiratory diseases a major challenge. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding
      single stranded RNAs, have emerged as potential disease-modifier in various
      environmental respiratory diseases. They can also be found in various body fluids
      and are remarkably stable. Because of their high stability, disease-specific
      expression, and the ease to detect and quantify them have raised the potential of
      miRNAs in body fluids to be useful clinical diagnostic biomarkers for lung
      disease phenotyping. In the present review, we provide a comprehensive overview
      of progress made in identifying miRNAs in various body fluids including blood,
      serum, plasma, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, and sputum as biomarkers for a
      wide range of human respiratory diseases such as acute lung injury/acute
      respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF),
      chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and asthma. Finally, we discuss
      several challenges remain to be concerned and suggest few disease-specific and
      non-specific miRNAs to become part of future clinical practice.

PMID- 27677503
TI  - Bivalirudin or unfractionated heparin in patients with acute coronary syndromes
      managed invasively with and without ST elevation (MATRIX): randomised controlled
      trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE:  To test the optimal antithrombotic regimen in patients with acute
      coronary syndrome. DESIGN:  Randomised controlled trial. SETTING:  Patients with
      acute coronary syndrome with and without ST segment elevation in 78 centres in
      Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Sweden. PARTICIPANTS:  7213 patients with
      acute coronary syndrome and planned percutaneous coronary intervention: 4010 with
      ST segment elevation and 3203 without ST segment elevation. The primary study
      results in the overall population have been reported previously. INTERVENTIONS: 
      Patients were randomly assigned, in an open label fashion, to one of two
      regimens: bivalirudin with glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors restricted to
      procedural complications or heparin with or without glycoprotein IIb/IIIa
      inhibitors. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:  Primary endpoints were the occurrence of
      major adverse cardiovascular events, defined as death, myocardial infarction or
      stroke; and net adverse clinical events, defined as major bleeding or major
      adverse cardiovascular events, both assessed at 30 days. Analyses were performed
      by the principle of intention to treat. RESULTS:  Use of a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa
      inhibitor in patients assigned to heparin was planned at baseline in 30.7% of
      patients with ST segment elevation, in 10.9% without ST segment elevation, and in
      no patients assigned to bivalirudin. In patients with ST segment elevation, major
      adverse cardiovascular events occurred in 118 (5.9%) assigned to bivalirudin and
      129 (6.5%) assigned to heparin (rate ratio 0.90, 95% confidence interval 0.70 to
      1.16; P=0.43), whereas net adverse clinical events occurred in 139 (7.0%)
      patients assigned to bivalirudin and 163 (8.2%) assigned to heparin (0.84, 0.67
      to 1.05; P=0.13). In patients without ST segment elevation, major adverse
      cardiovascular events occurred in 253 (15.9%) assigned to bivalirudin and 262
      (16.4%) assigned to heparin (0.97, 0.80 to 1.17; P=0.74), whereas net adverse
      clinical events occurred in 262 (16.5%) patients assigned to bivalirudin and 281
      (17.6%) assigned to heparin (0.93, 0.77 to 1.12; P=0.43). CONCLUSIONS:  A
      bivalirudin monotherapy strategy compared with heparin with or without
      glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, did not result in reduced major adverse
      cardiovascular events or net adverse clinical events in patients with or without
      ST segment elevation.Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01433627.

PMID- 27677504
TI  - Statins in Primary Prevention: Uncertainties and Gaps in Randomized Trial Data.
AB  - Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have provided evidence of the usefulness of
      statin primary prevention in lowering cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, yet
      uncertainties and gaps remain. The objective of this article was to perform a
      narrative review of RCTs of statins for primary prevention and identify
      uncertainties and gaps resulting from the design of individual studies. Such
      knowledge is important for informed physician-patient decisions. A literature
      search was conducted for RCTs of statins in primary prevention that included
      >1000 general patients and clinical outcomes as a primary endpoint. A total of 11
      RCTs were identified; target population baseline characteristics, outcomes
      measures, statistical methods, and limitations regarding follow-up were reported.
      RCTs of statins in primary prevention show consistent overall beneficial effects
      on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Caveats involve the characteristics of
      individual study populations since target populations often differ from what is
      currently considered primary prevention. Only middle aged and older populations
      were adequately represented in these RCTs; women were under-represented. Only one
      study included total mortality as the primary endpoint; all other RCTs used
      composite major adverse cardiac events as the primary endpoint, which
      occasionally included a hard outcome such as death and a soft outcome such as
      hospitalization for angina. The use of Cox proportional hazard analysis in RCTs
      poses some challenges, and intention-to-treat analysis may mask adverse events.
      An understanding of the deficiencies of individual RCTs of statins in primary
      prevention is important in creating a patient-specific therapeutic clinical
      decision and in tailoring future research.

PMID- 27677500
TI  - Neutralization Versus Reinforcement of Proinflammatory Cytokines to Arrest
      Autoimmunity in Type 1 Diabetes.
AB  - As physiological pathways of intercellular communication produced by all cells,
      cytokines are involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory insulitis as well as
      pivotal mediators of immune homeostasis. Proinflammatory cytokines including
      interleukins, interferons, transforming growth factor-beta, tumor necrosis factor
      alpha, and nitric oxide promote destructive insulitis in type 1 diabetes through
      amplification of the autoimmune reaction, direct toxicity to beta-cells, and
      sensitization of islets to apoptosis. The concept that neutralization of
      cytokines may be of therapeutic benefit has been tested in few clinical studies,
      which fell short of inducing sustained remission or achieving disease arrest.
      Therapeutic failure is explained by the redundant activities of individual
      cytokines and their combinations, which are rather dispensable in the process of
      destructive insulitis because other cytolytic pathways efficiently compensate
      their deficiency. Proinflammatory cytokines are less redundant in regulation of
      the inflammatory reaction, displaying protective effects through restriction of
      effector cell activity, reinforcement of suppressor cell function, and
      participation in islet recovery from injury. Our analysis suggests that the role
      of cytokines in immune homeostasis overrides their contribution to beta-cell
      death and may be used as potent immunomodulatory agents for therapeutic purposes
      rather than neutralized.

PMID- 27677505
TI  - Optimizing the Use of Cangrelor in the Real World.
AB  - Thrombotic events such as myocardial infarction or stent thrombosis are the major
      cause of adverse outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary
      intervention (PCI). While current antiplatelet agents, anticoagulants, and PCI
      techniques have reduced the risk of thrombotic events in PCI-treated patients, a
      considerable hazard still remains. Cangrelor is an intravenous P2Y12 receptor
      antagonist that provides a rapid onset and maximal platelet inhibition, which is
      quickly reversible. In the large-scale CHAMPION PHOENIX trial, cangrelor was
      shown to reduce ischemic events significantly, including myocardial infarction
      and stent thrombosis, without increasing the risk of severe bleeding across the
      full spectrum of patients undergoing PCI, with substantial benefits in all
      patient subgroups examined. The pharmacologic profile of cangrelor makes it a
      valuable addition to the armamentarium of physicians providing care to a broad
      range of patients with coronary artery disease. Cangrelor is currently approved
      for reducing thrombotic events in patients undergoing PCI who have not been
      pretreated with a P2Y12 receptor inhibitor and are not receiving a glycoprotein
      IIb/IIIa inhibitor. Future studies are needed to determine the role of cangrelor
      in other clinical settings, such as upstream therapy in ST-segment elevation
      myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary
      syndrome (NSTE-ACS), and as a bridge to coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) or
      other non-cardiac surgeries in patients who require ongoing adenosine diphosphate
      receptor blockade.

PMID- 27677506
TI  - Protein Design for Nanostructural Engineering: General Aspects.
AB  - This chapter aims to introduce the main challenges in the field of protein design
      for engineering of nanostructures and functional materials. First, we introduce
      proteins and illustrate the key characteristics that open many possibilities for
      the use of proteins in nanotechnology. Then, we describe the current state of the
      art of nanopatterning techniques and the actual needs of the emerging field of
      nanotechnology to develop new tools in order to achieve precise control and
      manipulation of elements at the nanoscale. In this sense, the increasing
      knowledge of protein science and advances in protein design allow to tackle
      current challenges such as the design of nanodevices, nanopatterned surfaces, and
      nanomachines. This book highlights the recent progresses of protein
      nanotechnology over the last decade and emphasizes the power of protein
      engineering through illustrative examples of protein based-assemblies and their
      potential applications.

PMID- 27677507
TI  - Designed Protein Origami.
AB  - Proteins are highly perfected natural molecular machines, owing their properties
      to the complex tertiary structures with precise spatial positioning of different
      functional groups that have been honed through millennia of evolutionary
      selection. The prospects of designing new molecular machines and structural
      scaffolds beyond the limits of natural proteins make design of new protein folds
      a very attractive prospect. However, de novo design of new protein folds based on
      optimization of multiple cooperative interactions is very demanding. As a new
      alternative approach to design new protein folds unseen in nature, folds can be
      designed as a mathematical graph, by the self-assembly of interacting polypeptide
      modules within the single chain. Orthogonal coiled-coil dimers seem like an ideal
      building module due to their shape, adjustable length, and above all their
      designability. Similar to the approach of DNA nanotechnology, where complex
      tertiary structures are designed from complementary nucleotide segments, a
      polypeptide chain composed of a precisely specified sequence of coiled-coil
      forming segments can be designed to self-assemble into polyhedral scaffolds. This
      modular approach encompasses long-range interactions that define complex tertiary
      structures. We envision that by expansion of the toolkit of building blocks and
      design strategies of the folding pathways protein origami technology will be able
      to construct diverse molecular machines.

PMID- 27677508
TI  - Two-Dimensional Peptide and Protein Assemblies.
AB  - Two-dimensional nanoscale assemblies (nanosheets) represent a promising
      structural platform to arrange molecular and supramolecular substrates with
      precision for integration into devices. This nanoarchitectonic approach has
      gained significant traction over the last decade, as a general concept to guide
      the fabrication of functional nanoscale devices. Sequence-specific biomolecules,
      e.g., peptides and proteins, may be considered excellent substrates for the
      fabrication of two-dimensional nanoarchitectonics. Molecular level instructions
      can be encoded within the sequence of monomers, which allows for control over
      supramolecular structure if suitable design principles could be elaborated. Due
      to the complexity of interactions between protomers, the development of
      principles aimed toward rational design of peptide and protein nanosheets is at a
      nascent stage. This review discusses the known two-dimensional peptide and
      protein assemblies to further our understanding of how to control the arrangement
      of molecules in two-dimensions.

PMID- 27677509
TI  - Designed Repeat Proteins as Building Blocks for Nanofabrication.
AB  - This chapter will focus on the description of protein-based nanostructures. How
      proteins can be used as molecular units in order to generate complex materials
      and structures? What are the key aspects to achieve defined final properties,
      including shape, stability, function, and order at different length scales by
      modifying the protein sequence at the modular level?As described in other
      chapters of the book, we will review the basic concepts and the latest
      achievements in protein engineering toward nanotechnological applications.
      Particularly in this chapter the main focus will be on a particular type of
      proteins, repeat proteins. Because of their modular nature, these proteins are
      better suited to be used as building blocks than other protein scaffolds. First,
      we describe general concepts of the protein-based assemblies. Then we introduce
      repeat proteins and describe the properties that will impact their use in
      nanotechnology. In particular, we focus on a system based on a synthetic protein,
      the consensus tetratricopeptide repeat (CTPR). We review recent works from other
      groups and our group in which the potential of these repeat protein scaffolds is
      exploited for the fabrication of different protein assemblies, and as
      biomolecular templates to arrange different molecules and nanoscale objects.

PMID- 27677510
TI  - Assembly, Engineering and Applications of Virus-Based Protein Nanoparticles.
AB  - Viruses and their protein capsids can be regarded as biologically evolved
      nanomachines able to perform multiple, complex biological functions through
      coordinated mechano-chemical actions during the infectious cycle. The advent of
      nanoscience and nanotechnology has opened up, in the last 10 years or so, a vast
      number of novel possibilities to exploit engineered viral capsids as protein
      based nanoparticles for multiple biomedical, biotechnological or
      nanotechnological applications. This chapter attempts to provide a broad, updated
      overview on the self-assembly and engineering of virus capsids, and on
      applications of virus-based nanoparticles. Different sections provide outlines
      on: (i) the structure, functions and properties of virus capsids; (ii) general
      approaches for obtaining assembled virus particles; (iii) basic principles and
      events related to virus capsid self-assembly; (iv) genetic and chemical
      strategies for engineering virus particles; (v) some applications of engineered
      virus particles being developed; and (vi) some examples on the engineering of
      virus particles to modify their physical properties, in order to improve their
      suitability for different uses.

PMID- 27677511
TI  - Dynamic and Active Proteins: Biomolecular Motors in Engineered Nanostructures.
AB  - In Nature, proteins perform functions that go well beyond controlled self
      assembly at the nano scale. They are the principal components of diverse
      "biological machines" that can self-assemble into dynamic aggregates that achieve
      the cold conversion of chemical energy into motion to realize complex functions
      involved in cell division, cellular transport and cell motility. Nowadays, we
      have identified many of the proteins involved in these "molecular machines" and
      know much about their biochemistry, structure and biophysical behavior.
      Additionally, we have a rich toolbox of resources to engineer the basic dynamic
      working units into nanostructures to provide them with motion and the capacity to
      manipulate, transport, separate or sense single molecules to develop in vitro
      sensors and bioassays. This chapter summarizes some of the progress made in
      incorporating bio-molecular motors and dynamic self-organizing proteins into
      protein based functional nanostructures.

PMID- 27677512
TI  - Natural Composite Systems for Bioinspired Materials.
AB  - From a relatively limited selection of base materials, nature has steered the
      development of truly remarkable materials. The simplest and often overlooked
      organisms have demonstrated the ability to manufacture multi-faceted, molecular
      level hierarchical structures that combine mechanical properties rarely seen in
      synthetic materials. Indeed, these natural composite systems, composed of an
      array of intricately arranged and functionally relevant organic and inorganic
      substances serve as inspiration for materials design. A better understanding of
      these composite systems, specifically at the interface of the hetero-assemblies,
      would encourage faster development of environmentally friendly "green" materials
      with molecular level specificities.

PMID- 27677513
TI  - Protein-Based Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering.
AB  - The tunable mechanical and structural properties of protein-based hydrogels make
      them excellent scaffolds for tissue engineering and repair. Moreover, using
      protein-based components provides the option to insert sequences associated with
      promoting both cellular adhesion to the substrate and overall cell growth.
      Protein-based hydrogel components are appealing for their structural
      designability, specific biological functionality, and stimuli-responsiveness.
      Here we present highlights in the field of protein-based hydrogels for tissue
      engineering applications including design requirements, components, and gel
      types.

PMID- 27677514
TI  - Design of Self-Assembling Protein-Polymer Conjugates.
AB  - Protein-polymer conjugates are of particular interest for nanobiotechnology
      applications because of the various and complementary roles that each component
      may play in composite hybrid-materials. This chapter focuses on the design
      principles and applications of self-assembling protein-polymer conjugate
      materials. We address the general design methodology, from both synthetic and
      genetic perspective, conjugation strategies, protein vs. polymer driven self
      assembly and finally, emerging applications for conjugate materials. By marrying
      proteins and polymers into conjugated bio-hybrid materials, materials scientists,
      chemists, and biologists alike, have at their fingertips a vast toolkit for
      material design. These inherently hierarchical structures give rise to useful
      patterning, mechanical and transport properties that may help realize new, more
      efficient materials for energy generation, catalysis, nanorobots, etc.

PMID- 27677515
TI  - Design of Redox-Active Peptides: Towards Functional Materials.
AB  - In nature, the majority of processes that occur in the cell involve the cycling
      of electrons and protons, changing the reduction and oxidation state of
      substrates to alter their chemical reactivity and usefulness in vivo. One of the
      most relevant examples of these processes is the electron transport chain, a
      series of oxidoreductase proteins that shuttle electrons through well-defined
      pathways, concurrently moving protons across the cell membrane. Inspired by these
      processes, researchers have sought to develop materials to mimic natural systems
      for a number of applications, including fuel production. The most common
      cofactors found in proteins to carry out electron transfer are iron sulfur
      clusters and porphyrin-like molecules. Both types have been studied within
      natural proteins, such as in photosynthetic machinery or soluble electron
      carriers; in parallel, an extensive literature has developed over recent years
      attempting to model and study these cofactors within peptide-based materials.
      This chapter will focus on major designs that have significantly advanced the
      field.

PMID- 27677516
TI  - S-Layer-Based Nanocomposites for Industrial Applications.
AB  - This chapter covers the fundamental aspects of bacterial S-layers: what are S
      layers, what is known about them, and what are their main features that makes
      them so interesting for the production of nanostructures. After a detailed
      introduction of the paracrystalline protein lattices formed by S-layer systems in
      nature the chapter explores the engineering of S-layer-based materials. How can S
      layers be used to produce "industry-ready" nanoscale bio-composite materials, and
      which kinds of nanomaterials are possible (e.g., nanoparticle synthesis,
      nanoparticle immobilization, and multifunctional coatings)? What are the
      advantages and disadvantages of S-layer-based composite materials? Finally, the
      chapter highlights the potential of these innovative bacterial biomolecules for
      future technologies in the fields of metal filtration, catalysis, and bio
      functionalization.

PMID- 27677517
TI  - Protein Design for Nanostructural Engineering: Concluding Remarks and Future
      Directions.
AB  - This final chapter aims to summarize the main conclusions of the book and to
      point to possible directions for further research in the field of protein design
      for nanostructural engineering. Even though this research field is still at its
      infancy, multidisciplinary research efforts in the design of synthetic protein
      based nanostructures and functional materials have resulted in significant
      progress. The chapters in this book cover several selected examples of the most
      recent advances concerning the use of proteins and peptides as building blocks
      for the fabrication of architectures and functional nanostructures, assemblies,
      and materials. Here, we provide a general overview of the strategies that can be
      employed to prepare functional protein-based nanostructures, and nanostructured
      materials and devices. Finally, we highlight some of the main aspects to be
      considered by the research community to set the path for the near future
      developments.

PMID- 27677518
TI  - Golden Eagle fatalities and the continental-scale consequences of local wind
      energy generation.
AB  - Renewable energy production is expanding rapidly despite mostly unknown
      environmental effects on wildlife and habitats. We used genetic and stable
      isotope data collected from Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) killed at the
      Altamont Pass Wind Resource Area (APWRA) in California in demographic models to
      test hypotheses about the geographic extent and demographic consequences of
      fatalities caused by renewable energy facilities. Geospatial analyses of delta2 H
      values obtained from feathers showed that >=25% of these APWRA-killed eagles were
      recent immigrants to the population, most from long distances away (>100 km).
      Data from nuclear genes indicated this subset of immigrant eagles was genetically
      similar to birds identified as locals from the delta2 H data. Demographic models
      implied that in the face of this mortality, the apparent stability of the local
      Golden Eagle population was maintained by continental-scale immigration. These
      analyses demonstrate that ecosystem management decisions concerning the effects
      of local-scale renewable energy can have continental-scale consequences.

PMID- 27677520
TI  - Introduction: Nanoparticle Chemistry.

PMID- 27677519
TI  - Microsimulation Modeling of Coronary Heart Disease: Maximizing the Impact of
      Nonprofit Hospital-Based Interventions.
AB  - We use microsimulation to forecast changes in coronary heart disease (CHD) among
      adults 45 or above over a 20-year time horizon in Los Angeles County (N = 3.4
      million), a county with 12 635 CHD deaths in 2010. We simulate individuals' life
      course and calibrate CHD trends to observed trends in the past. Using the Health
      Forecasting Community Health Simulation Model, we simulate CHD prevalence and CHD
      mortality in 2 CHD prevention scenarios: (1) "comprehensive hypertension
      intervention" and (2) "gradual reduction of the average adult body mass index
      back to the year 2000 level." We use microsimulation methodology so that
      nonprofit hospitals can easily use our model to forecast intervention results in
      their specific hospital catchment area. Our baseline model (without intervention)
      forecasts an increase in CHD prevalence that will reach 13.01% among those 45+ in
      Los Angeles County in 2030. Under scenario 1, the increase in CHD prevalence is
      slower (12.47% in 2030), and the prevalence in scenario 2 reaches 12.83% in 2030.
      The baseline scenario projects a number of 21 300 CHD deaths in 2030, whereas
      there will be 20 070 CHD deaths under scenario 1 and 20 970 CHD deaths under
      scenario 2. At the population level, the CHD mortality outcome, as compared with
      the metric of CHD prevalence, might be more sensitive to preventive lifestyle
      interventions. Both CHD prevalence and CHD mortality might be more sensitive to
      the hypertension intervention than to the obesity reduction in the time horizon
      of 20 years.

PMID- 27677521
TI  - Spectroscopic and Device Aspects of Nanocrystal Quantum Dots.
AB  - The field of nanocrystal quantum dots (QDs) is already more than 30 years old,
      and yet continuing interest in these structures is driven by both the fascinating
      physics emerging from strong quantum confinement of electronic excitations, as
      well as a large number of prospective applications that could benefit from the
      tunable properties and amenability toward solution-based processing of these
      materials. The focus of this review is on recent advances in nanocrystal research
      related to applications of QD materials in lasing, light-emitting diodes (LEDs),
      and solar energy conversion. A specific underlying theme is innovative concepts
      for tuning the properties of QDs beyond what is possible via traditional size
      manipulation, particularly through heterostructuring. Examples of such advanced
      control of nanocrystal functionalities include the following: interface
      engineering for suppressing Auger recombination in the context of QD LEDs and
      lasers; Stokes-shift engineering for applications in large-area luminescent solar
      concentrators; and control of intraband relaxation for enhanced carrier
      multiplication in advanced QD photovoltaics. We examine the considerable recent
      progress on these multiple fronts of nanocrystal research, which has resulted in
      the first commercialized QD technologies. These successes explain the continuing
      appeal of this field to a broad community of scientists and engineers, which in
      turn ensures even more exciting results to come from future exploration of this
      fascinating class of materials. 

PMID- 27677522
TI  - The paramedian supracerebellar transtentorial approach to the posterior fusiform
      gyrus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The posterior fusiform gyrus lies in a surgically challenging region.
      Several approaches have been described to access this anatomical area. The
      paramedian supracerebellar transtentorial (SCTT) approach benefits from minimal
      disruption of normal neurovascular tissue. The aim of this study was to
      demonstrate its application to access the posterior fusiform gyrus. METHODS:
      Three brains and six cadaveric heads were examined. A stepwise dissection of the
      SCTT approach to the posterior fusiform gyrus was performed. Local cortical
      anatomy was studied. The operability score was applied for comparative analysis
      on surgical anatomy. RESULTS: The major posterior landmark used to identify the
      fusiform gyrus with respect to the medial occipitotemporal gyrus was the
      collateral sulcus, which commonly bifurcated at its caudal extent. Compared with
      other surgical approaches addressed to access the region, SCTT demonstrated the
      best operability in terms of maneuverability arc. Favorable tentorial anatomy is
      the only limiting factor. CONCLUSIONS: The supracerebellar transtentorial
      approach is able to provide access to the posterior fusiform gyrus via a
      minimally disruptive, anatomic, microsurgical corridor.

PMID- 27677523
TI  - 5-ALA fluorescence applied to glioneuronal tumors.

PMID- 27677524
TI  - Intraspecific variation in an Ediacaran skeletal metazoan: Namacalathus from the
      Nama Group, Namibia.
AB  - Namacalathus hermanastes is one of the oldest known skeletal metazoans, found in
      carbonate settings of the terminal Ediacaran (~550-541 million years ago [Ma]).
      The palaeoecology of this widespread, goblet-shaped, benthic organism is poorly
      constrained yet critical for understanding the dynamics of the earliest metazoan
      communities. Analysis of in situ assemblages from the Nama Group, Namibia (~548
      541 Ma), shows that Namacalathus exhibited size variation in response to
      differing water depths, hydrodynamic conditions and substrate types. In low
      energy, inner ramp environments, Namacalathus attains the largest average sizes
      but grew in transient, loosely aggregating, monospecific aggregations attached to
      microbial mats. In high-energy mid-ramp reefs, Namacalathus spatially segregated
      into different palaeoecological habitats with distinct size distributions. In
      outer ramp environments, individuals were small and formed patchy, dense,
      monospecific aggregations attached to thin microbial mats. Asexual budding is
      common in all settings. We infer that variations in size distribution in
      Namacalathus reflect differences in habitat heterogeneity and stability,
      including the longevity of mechanically stable substrates and oxic conditions. In
      the Nama Group, long-lived skeletal metazoan communities developed within
      topographically heterogeneous mid-ramp reefs, which provided diverse mechanically
      stable microbial substrates in persistently oxic waters, while inner and outer
      ramp communities were often ephemeral, developing during fleeting episodes of
      either oxia and/or substrate stability. We conclude that Namacalathus, which
      forms a component of these communities in the Nama Group, was a generalist that
      adapted to various palaeoecological habitats within a heterogeneous ecosystem
      landscape where favourable conditions persisted, and was also able to
      opportunistically colonise transiently hospitable environments. These early
      skeletal metazoans colonised previously unoccupied substrates in thrombolitic
      reefs and other microbial carbonate settings, and while they experienced
      relatively low levels of interspecific competition, they were nonetheless adapted
      to the diverse environments and highly dynamic redox conditions present in the
      terminal Ediacaran.

PMID- 27677525
TI  - 15-Methylene-Eburnamonine Kills Leukemic Stem Cells and Reduces Engraftment in a
      Humanized Bone Marrow Xenograft Mouse Model of Leukemia.
AB  - Recent studies suggest that leukemia stem cells (LSCs) play a critical role in
      the initiation, propagation, and relapse of leukemia. Herein we show that (-)-15
      methylene-eburnamonine, a derivative of the alkaloid (-)-eburnamonine, is
      cytotoxic against acute and chronic lymphocytic leukemias (ALL and CLL) and acute
      myelogenous leukemia (AML). The agent also decreases primary LSC frequency in
      vitro. The cytotoxic effects appear to be mediated via the oxidative stress
      pathways. Furthermore, we show that the compound kills AML, ALL, and CLL stem
      cells. By the use of a novel humanized bone marrow murine model of leukemia
      (huBM/NSG), it was found to decrease progenitor cell engraftment.

PMID- 27677526
TI  - Effect of welding fume on heart rate variability among workers with respirators
      in a shipyard.
AB  - Welding fume exposure is associated with heart rate variability (HRV) reduction.
      It is still unknown whether respirator can reduce effect of welding fume on HRV
      among welding workers in a shipyard. We recruited 68 welding workers with
      respirator and 52 welding workers without respirator to measure HRV indices,
      including standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN) and square root
      of the mean squared differences of successive intervals (r-MSSD) by ambulatory
      electrocardiographic (ECG). Personal exposure to particulate matter less than or
      equal to 2.5 MUm in diameter (PM2.5) was measured by a dust monitor. The
      association between 5-minute mean PM2.5 and log10-transformed HRV indices was
      analyzed by mixed-effects models. We found 5-minute mean PM2.5 was associated
      with 8.9% and 10.3% decreases in SDNN and r-MSSD. Effect of PM2.5 on HRV indices
      was greatest among workers without respirator {SDNN: 12.4% (95% confidence
      interval = -18.8--6.9); r-MSSD: 14.7% (95% confidence interval = -20.8--8.6)}.
      Workers with respirator showed slight decreases in HRV indices {SDNN: 2.2% (95%
      confidence interval = -6.3--1.9); r-MSSD: 4.0% (95% confidence interval = -6.4-
      1.6)}. We conclude that respirator use reduces the effect of PM2.5 exposure on
      HRV among workers performing welding in a shipyard.

PMID- 27677527
TI  - Evaluation of brand names of medicines: linguistic and format issues.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Focusing on the shape of brand names of medicines in the Portuguese
      market, the aims of this study were: to evaluate the number of words, syllables
      and letters, to identify the combinations of letters that are not found in
      Portuguese words and to characterize the use of capital letters in these names.
      METHODS: A descriptive study was conducted using 474 randomized brand names of
      medicines, approximately 25% of all over-the-counter and prescribed medicines
      available in Portugal. The number of words, syllables and letters was
      automatically determined with a dedicated software. The combinations of letters
      that are not found in Portuguese and the use of capital letters were quantified
      through visual inspection. KEY FINDINGS: The 474 names were formed by 615 words.
      74.5% of the words comprised three or less syllables, the most common number of
      syllables in the Portuguese words (91%). As recommended, 81% (n = 385) names were
      formed by just one word, 59.2% (n = 281) of the names were composed of 5-8
      letters, and 83.1% (n = 394) presented the first letter in capitals or all
      letters in upper case. Contrary to recommendations, 22% of the names comprised
      combinations of letters that are not commonly found in Portuguese words.
      CONCLUSIONS: Given the current readability requirements, some of the Portuguese
      brand names of medicines should be reduced in length, adapted to the native
      language or capitalized. Equivalent studies are recommended in other European
      countries, because many brands of medicines are internationally marketed, while
      their development and approval should be beyond general marketing rules.

PMID- 27677528
TI  - Effects of dietary methylmercury on the dopaminergic system of adult fathead
      minnows and their offspring.
AB  - Mercury (Hg) is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant and potent neurotoxin,
      which may be transformed by bacteria in aquatic ecosystems to methylmercury
      (MeHg), an organic form which bioaccumulates and biomagnifies. Consequently, long
      lived organisms at the top of the food web are at risk of dietary MeHg exposure,
      which can be actively transferred from mother to offspring. Exposure during
      neurodevelopment can lead to serious, irreversible neurological dysfunction,
      associated with a variety of cognitive and motor abnormalities. At low dietary
      concentrations, MeHg exposure has been associated with deficits in attention and
      hyperactivity in multiple species. Pathways associated with cognitive function
      and motor activity are primarily associated with the dopaminergic system. The
      present study used a model fish species, Pimephales promelas, to examine the
      effects of MeHg exposure on dopamine concentrations and monoamine oxidase
      activity in embryos and adult brains. Adult fatheads were exposed for 30 d to
      either a control or a treated diet (0.72 ppm Hg). Embryonic and larval exposures
      were a result of maternal transfer of dietary MeHg. The authors confirmed
      hyperactive behaviors in embryos and detected significant changes in embryonic
      dopamine concentrations. Similar effects on dopamine concentrations were seen in
      the telencephalon of adult brains. Exposure to MeHg also corresponded with a
      significant decrease in monoamine oxidase activity in both embryos and brain
      tissue. Collectively, these results suggest that current exposure scenarios in
      North America are sufficient to induce alterations to this highly conserved
      neurochemical pathway in offspring, which may have adverse effects on fish
      behavior and cognition. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1077-1084. (c) 2016 SETAC.

PMID- 27677529
TI  - Forbidden fruit: human settlement and abundant fruit create an ecological trap
      for an apex omnivore.
AB  - Habitat choice is an evolutionary product of animals experiencing increased
      fitness when preferentially occupying high-quality habitat. However, an
      ecological trap (ET) can occur when an animal is presented with novel conditions
      and the animal's assessment of habitat quality is poorly matched to its resulting
      fitness. We tested for an ET for grizzly (brown) bears using demographic and
      movement data collected in an area with rich food resources and concentrated
      human settlement. We derived measures of habitat attractiveness from occurrence
      models of bear food resources and estimated demographic parameters using DNA mark
      recapture information collected over 8 years (2006-2013). We then paired this
      information with grizzly bear mortality records to investigate kill and movement
      rates. Our results demonstrate that a valley high in both berry resources and
      human density was more attractive than surrounding areas, and bears occupying
      this region faced 17% lower apparent survival. Despite lower fitness, we detected
      a net flow of bears into the ET, which contributed to a study-wide population
      decline. This work highlights the presence and pervasiveness of an ET for an apex
      omnivore that lacks the evolutionary cues, under human-induced rapid ecological
      change, to assess trade-offs between food resources and human-caused mortality,
      which results in maladaptive habitat selection.

PMID- 27677531
TI  - Demographic effects of deltamethrin resistance in the Chagas disease vector
      Triatoma infestans.
AB  - Triatoma infestans (Heteroptera: Reduviidae) Klug is the main vector of Chagas
      disease in Latin America. Resistance to deltamethrin was reported in Argentina
      and recently associated with reproductive and longevity trade-offs. The
      objectives of the present study were to describe the demographic consequences of
      deltamethrin resistance in T. infestans and to establish possible target stages
      for chemical control in susceptible and resistant colonies. A stage-classified
      matrix model was constructed based on the average stage length for susceptible,
      resistant and reciprocal matings' progeny. The differences between colonies were
      analysed by prospective and retrospective analysis. The life table parameters
      indicated reduced fecundity, fertility and population growth in resistant
      insects. The retrospective analysis suggested the latter was associated with
      lower reproductive output and increased fifth-instar nymph stage length. The
      prospective analysis suggested that the adult stage should be the main target for
      insecticide control. Although, fifth-instar nymphs should also be targeted when
      resistance has been detected. The presented results show demographic effects of
      deltamethrin resistance in T. infestans. While the older stages could be the main
      targets for chemical control, this approach is impeded by their higher tolerance
      to insecticides. It is concluded that the different mode of action insecticides
      would be more effective than a dose increase for the control of deltamethrin
      resistant T. infestans.

PMID- 27677533
TI  - Effects of different dietary tryptophan : lysine ratios and sanitary conditions
      on growth performance, plasma urea nitrogen, serum haptoglobin and ileal
      histomorphology of weaned pigs.
AB  - A total of 180 mixed-sex pigs (Duroc * (Yorkshire * Landrace); average initial
      body weight of 7.36 +/- 0.2 kg) weaned at 21 +/- 1 days were fed corn-soybean
      meal-wheat-based diets to determine the optimal standardized ileal digestible
      (SID) tryptophan to lysine ratio (Trp : Lys) in a 2 * 5 factorial arrangement
      (two sanitary conditions: clean (CL) and unclean (UCL), and five dietary
      treatments (SID Trp : Lys (16, 18, 20, 22 and 24%)). In each sanitary condition,
      blood was collected on days 0 and 14 to determine plasma urea nitrogen and on day
      14, ileal tissue (one pig per pen) was collected for the measurement of gut
      morphology. Pigs kept under UCL conditions had lower growth rate (P < 0.05) than
      under CL conditions. Under CL conditions, the estimated optimal SID Trp : Lys for
      average daily gain (ADG) was 19.7% whereas under UCL conditions these values were
      20.5% and 19.0% for ADG and gain-to-feed ratio, respectively. Under CL
      conditions, increasing SID Trp : Lys reduced (linear, P = 0.05) plasma urea
      nitrogen concentration but had no effect (P > 0.10) on villous height (VH), crypt
      depth ( CD) and VH : CD. In conclusion, an SID Trp : Lys to optimize ADG for pigs
      raised under UCL conditions was higher (4%) than CL conditions.

PMID- 27677532
TI  - Doublecortin-like kinase 1-positive enterocyte - a new cell type in human
      intestine.
AB  - Doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) is a microtubule-associated kinase. In murine
      intestine, DCLK1 marks tuft cells with characteristic microvilli, features of
      neuroendocrine cells and also quiescent stem cell-like properties. The occurrence
      and pathological role of DCLK1-positive cells in human intestinal mucosa is
      unknown. We analysed DCLK1 expression in healthy duodenal, jejunal and colorectal
      mucosa samples (n = 35), and in duodenal specimens from patients with coeliac
      disease (n = 20). The samples were immunohistochemically double-stained with
      DCLK1, and synaptophysin, chromogranin A and Ki-67. Ultrastructure of DCLK1
      expressing duodenal cells was assessed using correlative light and electron
      microscopy. DCLK1 expression was seen in about 1% of epithelial cells diffusely
      scattered through the intestinal epithelium. Electron microscopy showed that the
      duodenal DCLK1-positive cells had short apical microvilli similar to neighbouring
      enterocytes and cytoplasmic granules on the basal side. DCLK1-positive cells were
      stained with synaptophysin. The number of DCLK1-positive cells was decreased in
      villus atrophy in coeliac disease. Our findings indicate that in human intestinal
      epithelium, DLCK1-positive cells form a subpopulation of non-proliferating
      neuroendocrine cells with apical brush border similar to that in enterocytes, and
      their number is decreased in untreated coeliac disease.

PMID- 27677534
TI  - Single Electron Gating of Topological Insulators.
AB  - The effective gating of topological insulators is demonstrated, through the
      coupling of molecules to their surface. By using electric fields, they allow for
      dynamic control of the interface charge state by adding or removing single
      electrons. This process creates a robust transconductance bistability resembling
      a single-electron transistor. These findings make hybrid molecule/topological
      interfaces functional elements while at the same time pushing miniaturization to
      its ultimate limit.

PMID- 27677536
TI  - Understanding empirical therapeutics in systemic sclerosis gastrointestinal tract
      disease.

PMID- 27677535
TI  - Necroptosis is a key mediator of enterocytes loss in intestinal
      ischaemia/reperfusion injury.
AB  - Cell death is an important biological process that is believed to have a central
      role in intestinal ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. While the apoptosis
      inhibition is pivotal in preventing intestinal I/R, how necrotic cell death is
      regulated remains unknown. Necroptosis represents a newly discovered form of
      programmed cell death that combines the features of both apoptosis and necrosis,
      and it has been implicated in the development of a range of inflammatory
      diseases. Here, we show that receptor-interacting protein 1/3 (RIP1/3) kinase and
      mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein recruitment mediates necroptosis in a
      rat model of ischaemic intestinal injury in vivo. Furthermore, necroptosis was
      specifically blocked by the RIP1 kinase inhibitor necrostatin-1. In addition, the
      combined treatment of necrostatin-1 and the pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD acted
      synergistically to protect against intestinal I/R injury, and these two pathways
      can be converted to one another when one is inhibited. In vitro, necrostatin-1
      pre-treatment reduced the necroptotic death of oxygen-glucose deprivation
      challenged intestinal epithelial cell-6 cells, which in turn dampened the
      production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumour necrosis factor-alpha and
      interleukin-1beta), and suppressed high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1)
      translocation from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and the subsequent release of
      HMGB1 into the supernatant, thus decreasing the activation of Toll-like receptor
      4 and the receptor for advanced glycation end products. Collectively, our study
      reveals a robust RIP1/RIP3-dependent necroptosis pathway in intestinal I/R
      induced intestinal injury in vivo and in vitro and suggests that the HMGB1
      signalling is highly involved in this process, making it a novel therapeutic
      target for acute ischaemic intestinal injury.

PMID- 27677537
TI  - Trachyonychia in juvenile dermatomyositis: nail as a mirror to disease activity.

PMID- 27677538
TI  - Effects of seasonality and a daily photo-protection upon some facial signs of
      Chinese women.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: These were two-fold: (i) to record through standardized pictures, the
      possible changes in 31 facial signs induced, in a 6-month period, by the
      periodical shift from winter to summer in a group of 43 Chinese women and (ii) to
      appraise the preventive effects of a strong photo-protective product, daily
      applied to the faces of an additional group (N = 40) of women of same age-range
      and presenting same severities of facial signs in winter. METHODS: Facial signs
      (structural and pigmentation-related) were scored in blind by a panel of 12
      experts from photographs taken under standard conditions. Scorings were performed
      under specific scales as established by a previously published referential Skin
      Aging Atlas, Volume 2, Asian Type. RESULTS: A significant seasonal impact was
      found for more than 60% of facial signs, that is presenting a higher severity in
      summer in the unprotected group. Some changes are of a low or subtle extent,
      whereas some others show significant amplitudes. The latter comprise eight signs,
      among the 31, that became, far above scoring threshold, indeed affected during
      this 6-month period. The observed changes in six of these eight signs, in
      majority related to pigmentation, appeared efficiently alleviated in the photo
      protected group. CONCLUSION: The shift from winter to summer exposure is
      confirmed in altering some facial pigmented signs among Chinese women. Such
      changes appear much alleviated by a daily strong photo-protective regimen.

PMID- 27677539
TI  - Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy in Women With Twin Pregnancy.
AB  - The aim of the present work was to determine maternal and fetal outcomes of
      intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) in twin pregnancies. All twin
      pregnancies delivered above 28 gestational weeks in West China Second University
      Hospital from January 2013 to May 2015 were included. Data on maternal
      demographics and obstetric complications together with fetal outcomes were
      collected. The risk of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes were determined in
      relation to ICP by crude odds ratios (OR) and adjusted ORs (aOR) with 95%
      confidence intervals (CI). Subgroup analysis concentrated on the effect of
      assisted reproductive technology (ART), ICP severity, and onset time. A total of
      1,472 twin pregnancies were included, of which 362 were cholestasis patients and
      677 were conceived by ART. Higher rates of preeclampsia (aOR 1.96; 95% CI 1.35,
      2.85), meconium-stained amniotic fluid (aOR 3.10; 95% CI 2.10, 4.61), and preterm
      deliveries (aOR 3.20; 95% CI 2.35, 4.37) were observed in ICP patients. Subgroup
      analysis revealed higher incidences of adverse outcomes in severe and early onset
      ICP groups. In conclusion, adverse maternal and fetal outcomes were strongly
      associated with ICP in twin patients. Active management and close antenatal
      monitoring are needed, especially in the early onset and severe groups.

PMID- 27677541
TI  - Immune checkpoint inhibitors in Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma: how they work
      and when to use them.

PMID- 27677540
TI  - Development and evaluation of an in-house single step loop-mediated isothermal
      amplification (SS-LAMP) assay for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
      complex in sputum samples from Moroccan patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major global health problem and remains the
      leading cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Routinely used
      TB diagnostic methods, in most endemic areas, are time-consuming, often less
      sensitive, expensive and inaccessible to most patients. Therefore, there is an
      urgent need for the development of early, easy to use and effective diagnosis
      tools of TB, which can be effectively integrated into resource limited settings,
      to anticipate the early treatment and limit further spread of the disease. Over
      the last decade, Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays have become
      a powerful tool for rapid diagnosis of infectious diseases because of the
      simplicity of device requirements. Indeed, LAMP is a simple, quick and cost
      effective Isothermal Nucleic Acid Amplification diagnostic test (INAAT) that has
      the potential to be used in TB endemic settings of resource-poor countries.
      METHODS: In the present study, we have developed a simple and rapid TB molecular
      diagnostic test using a Single-Step Loop-mediated isothermal DNA amplification
      (SS-LAMP) method for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC)
      strains, with a simplified sample preparation procedure, eliminating DNA
      extraction prior to LAMP amplification, DNA initial denaturation and enzymatic
      inactivation steps during the amplification process. To perform our in-house SS
      LAMP assay, a set of six specific primers was specifically designed to recognize
      eight distinct regions on the MTBC species-specific repetitive insertion sequence
      6110 (IS6110). The amplification of the targeted DNA was carried out under
      isothermal conditions at 65  degrees C within 1 h. Our protocol was firstly
      optimized using 60 of confirmed MTBC isolates and a recombinant pGEMeasy-IS6110
      vector for sensitivity testing. Thereafter, the assay was evaluated on liquefied
      sputum specimens collected from 157 Moroccan patients suspected of having TB.
      RESULTS: Our SS-LAMP developed assay was able to detect MTBC DNA directly from
      liquefied sputum samples without any prior DNA extraction, denaturation nor the
      final enzymatic inactivation step. When compared to routinely used Lowenstein
      Jensen (LJ) Culture method, our SS-LAMP assay is rapid and showed specificity and
      sensitivity of 99.14 % and 82.93 % respectively which are within the
      international standards. In addition, the limit of detection of our assay was
      found to be as little as 10 copies of bacterial DNA. CONCLUSION: To our
      knowledge, this is the first study using a single step LAMP (SS-LAMP) procedure
      as a rapid, easy to perform and cost effective testing for TB early detection.
      This innovative assay could be suitable for low-income countries with restricted
      health equipment facilities.

PMID- 27677542
TI  - A giant leap in the development of nurse practitioners in Taiwan: From statute to
      regulation.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purpose of the article is to clarify and describe
      nurse practitioner (NP) scope-of-practice regulations, including the process of
      establishing the regulations, and the concepts of supervision, collaboration, and
      protocol as well as to illustrate the positive impact of NPs in Taiwan. METHODS:
      A literature review was conducted to understand physician involvement, NP scope
      of practice, and written practice protocol. A simultaneous review of
      authoritative regulations, related to local statutes and regulations in the
      United States, was conducted. CONCLUSIONS: After the Legislative Yuan approved an
      amendment of NP scope of practice on August 5, 2014, NPs can practice legally,
      with statute protection. These scope-of-practice regulations, developed by the
      Ministry of Health and Welfare, and the concept of physician supervision and
      written practice protocol represent a significant advance for NPs in Taiwan.
      IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: We believe that establishing NP scope-of-practice
      regulations can result in the optimal development of this new role and improve
      quality of care. By sharing our milestones, from statute to regulations of the NP
      scope of practice, other countries that are in the process of developing the NP
      role can draw on our experience to establish their local regulations.

PMID- 27677543
TI  - New insights into the interaction of proteins and disaccharides-The effect of pH
      and concentration.
AB  - To gain new insights into the interaction of proteins and disaccharides, we
      investigated the hydrodynamic radii, RhProt, of lysozyme molecules in solution
      and in a ternary protein-sugar-water system by PFG-NMR. Our approach is based on
      the assumption that the anhydrobiotic properties of disaccharides like trehalose
      are based on aggregation of sugar molecules to the proteins, i.e., accumulation
      of sugar molecules close to the protein, and that this process can be
      investigated by the experimentally detectable RhProt value of the protein. The Rh
      values are calculated from the experimentally determined diffusion coefficients
      and the application of a viscosity correction using the inert molecule dioxane as
      an internal viscosity reference. The experiments were performed as a function of
      sugar concentration, the overall particle concentration and the pH value. We
      investigated the disaccharides trehalose and sucrose, mainly for the reason that
      trehalose has well know cryptobiotic properties while sucrose, which is similar
      in size and structure, lacks these properties. The results show the formation of
      a protective sugar shell around the proteins over a wider range of concentrations
      and pH values in the case of trehalose.

PMID- 27677544
TI  - Hesperidin, a citrus flavonoid, protects against l-methionine-induced
      hyperhomocysteinemia by abrogation of oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction
      and neurotoxicity in Wistar rats.
AB  - CONTEXT: Hesperidin (HSP), a flavanoglycone found in citrus fruits, has
      antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. OBJECTIVE: This
      study evaluates the protective effect of HSP on l-methionine-induced
      hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Wistar rats were
      randomly divided into seven groups as DMSO, l-methionine, HSP (25, 50 and 100
      mg/kg), HSP-per se (100 mg/kg) and donepezil (0.1 mg/kg). HHcy was induced by
      oral administration of l-methionine (1.7 g/kg) for 32 days. From the 14th day of
      study HSP (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) and donepezil was administered orally to l
      methionine-treated rats. Cognitive impairment induced by HHcy was determined
      using the Morris water maze (MWM) and Y-maze on video tracking system (28th-32nd
      day). Different biomarkers of HHcy in serum and brain and vascular reactivity
      were evaluated and histopathology (thoracic aorta and brain) was done. RESULTS:
      HSP (100 mg/kg) treatment in l-methionine-treated rats exhibited significant (p <
      0.001) dose-dependent activity and reduced behavioural deficits, brain
      acetylcholinesterase (25.99 +/- 2.36 versus 10.73 +/- 1.26 MUmoles/mg), brain
      lipid peroxidation (15.25 +/- 1.65 versus 6.18 +/- 0.74 nM/mg), serum
      homocysteine (Hcy) (22.37 +/- 0.30 versus 11.01 +/- 1.01 MUg/mL) and serum
      cholesterol (182.7 +/- 2.15 versus 101.5 +/- 2.76 mg/dL) and increased brain
      antioxidant levels. HSP significantly (p < 0.001) reduced endothelial dysfunction
      (ED) by abolishing the effect of l-methionine on acetylcholine-induced
      endothelial-dependent relaxation and increased serum nitrite and vascular nitric
      oxide bioavailability along with the restoration of histological aberrations.
      CONCLUSION: HSP exerts a protective effect on HHcy by abrogating oxidative
      stress, ED and neurotoxicity.

PMID- 27677545
TI  - Prognostic Value of Serum D-Dimer in Noncardioembolic Ischemic Stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although D-dimer levels are significantly associated with
      cardioembolic infarction, the significance of D-dimer levels in relation to the
      severity and functional outcomes of other stroke subtypes, such as lacunar and
      large artery atherosclerosis infarction, remains unclear. The purpose of this
      study was to evaluate whether elevated initial D-dimer levels are significantly
      and cross-sectionally associated with poor functional outcomes at each time point
      during a 9-month follow-up period. We also investigated the significance of D
      dimer levels in longitudinal temporal changes of functional outcomes in these
      patients. METHODS: We recruited 146 patients with lacunar infarction and 161
      patients with large artery atherosclerosis infarction who were consecutively
      admitted to our hospital after acute stroke. Serum D-dimer levels were evaluated
      initially and the modified Rankin scale were measured initially and at 1-, 3-, 6
      , and 9-month follow-up visits. RESULTS: Patients with higher D-dimer levels had
      significantly worse initial functional outcomes, and these worse outcomes were
      maintained throughout the 9-month follow-up period compared with the low D-dimer
      group. However, regardless of stroke subtype, D-dimer levels did not influence
      long-term changes in functional outcomes over the 9-month follow-up period.
      CONCLUSION: This study suggests that elevated D-dimer levels can be used as a
      surrogate marker for poor functional outcomes only during the acute stage.
      Further evaluation of serum D-dimer levels could provide a helpful predictive
      marker for stroke prognosis.

PMID- 27677547
TI  - Different routes and forms of uterotonics for treatment of retained placenta: a
      randomized clinical trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To compare between three different uterotonics (oxytocin, carbetocin
      and misoprostol) given via three different routes (intraumbilical, intravenous
      and sublingual, respectively) in reducing the need for manual removal of placenta
      (MROP). METHODS: A randomized trial for cases with retained placenta 30 min
      following vaginal delivery. They received intraumbilical oxytocin, intravenous
      carbetocin or sublingual misoprostol. Main outcome measures were delivery of the
      placenta within 30 min following drug administration, and need for MROP.
      Secondary outcome measures were injection to placental delivery time, post
      delivery hemoglobin, need for blood transfusion or additional uterotonics.
      RESULTS: The overall success rate was 66.7% (64/96), 71.3% (67/94) and 63.7%
      (58/91) for oxytocin, carbetocin and misoprostol groups, respectively (p > 0.05).
      When time needed to achieve placental delivery considered, a significant
      difference was observed with the shortest time for carbetocin (16.61 +/- 3.76
      min), then oxytocin (18.28 +/- 3.34 min) and lastly misoprostol (23.00 +/- 3.38
      min) (p <0.001). Again, carbetocin group needed less additional uterotonics to
      achieve adequate uterine contractions (p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Although we aimed
      to exploit the advantage of certain drug over another, all seemed to have close
      efficacy but it would be important that further research should highlight
      availability, cost, ease of administration and storage requirements to determine
      which agent would best be used in this clinical scenario.

PMID- 27677548
TI  - Structural Characteristics and Catalytic Mechanism of Bacillus beta-Propeller
      Phytases.
AB  - beta-Propeller phytases of Bacillus are unique highly conservative and highly
      specific enzymes capable of cleaving insoluble phytate compounds. In this review,
      we analyzed data on the properties of these enzymes, their differences from other
      phytases, and their unique spatial structures and substrate specificities. We
      considered influences of different factors on the catalytic activity and
      thermostability of these enzymes. There are few data on the hydrolysis mechanism
      of these enzymes, which makes it difficult to analyze their mechanism of action
      and their final products. We analyzed the available data on hydrolysis by beta
      propeller phytases of calcium complexes with myo-inositol hexakisphosphate. 

PMID- 27677546
TI  - Increased intermediate M1-M2 macrophage polarization and improved cognition in
      mild cognitive impairment patients on omega-3 supplementation.
AB  - Monocyte/macrophages of patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and
      Alzheimer disease (AD) are defective in phagocytosis and degradation amyloid
      beta1-42 (Abeta1-42), but are improved by omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3s). The
      hypothesis of this study was that active Abeta1-42 phagocytosis by macrophages
      prevents brain amyloidosis and thus maintains cognition. We studied the effects
      of self-supplementation with a drink with omega-3s, antioxidants, and resveratrol
      on Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores, macrophage M1M2 phenotype [the
      ratio of inflammatory cluster of differentiation (CD)54+CD80 and proresolution
      markers CD163+CD206], and Abeta1-42 phagocytosis in patients initially diagnosed
      as having MCI or subjective cognitive impairment (SCI). At baseline, the median
      MMSE score in patients in both the apolipoprotein E (ApoE) epsilon3/epsilon3 and
      ApoE epsilon3/epsilon4 groups was 26.0 and macrophage Abeta1-42 phagocytosis was
      defective. The MMSE rate of change increased in the ApoE epsilon3/epsilon3 group
      a median 2.2 points per year (P = 0.015 compared to 0) but did not change in the
      ApoE epsilon3/epsilon4 group (P = 0.014 between groups). In the ApoE
      epsilon3/epsilon3 group, all patients remained cognitively stable or improved; in
      the ApoE epsilon3/epsilon4 group, 1 recovered from dementia, but 3 lapsed into
      dementia. The macrophage phenotype polarized in patients bearing ApoE
      epsilon3/epsilon3 to an intermediate (green zone) M1-M2 type at the rate of 0.226
      U/yr, whereas in patients bearing ApoE epsilon3/epsilon4, polarization was
      negative (P = 0.08 between groups). The baseline M1M2 type in the extreme M1 (red
      zone) or M2 (white zone) was unfavorable for cognitive outcome. Abeta1-42
      phagocytosis increased in both ApoE groups (P = 0.03 in each groups). In vitro,
      the lipidic mediator resolvin D1 (RvD1) down regulated the M1 type in patients
      with ApoE epsilon3/epsilon3 but in some patients with epsilon3/epsilon4,
      paradoxically up-regulated the M1 type. Antioxidant/omega-3/resveratrol
      supplementation was associated with favorable immune and cognitive responses in
      ApoE epsilon3/epsilon3 and individual patients bearing ApoE epsilon3/epsilon4,
      and brings into personalized clinical practice the immune benefits expected from
      omega-3 mediators called resolvins. The validity of this study is limited by its
      small size and uncontrolled design.-Famenini, S., Rigali, E. A., Olivera-Perez,
      H. M., Dang, J., Chang, M T., Halder, R., Rao, R. V., Pellegrini, M., Porter, V.,
      Bredesen, D., Fiala, M. Increased intermediate M1-M2 macrophage polarization and
      improved cognition in mild cognitive impairment patients on omega-3
      supplementation.

PMID- 27677549
TI  - Neurotoxic Non-proteinogenic Amino Acid beta-N-Methylamino-L-alanine and Its Role
      in Biological Systems.
AB  - Secondary metabolites of photoautotrophic organisms have attracted considerable
      interest in recent years. In particular, molecules of non-proteinogenic amino
      acids participating in various physiological processes and capable of producing
      adverse ecological effects have been actively investigated. For example, the non
      proteinogenic amino acid beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) is neurotoxic to
      animals including humans. It is known that BMAA accumulation via the food chain
      can lead to development of neurodegenerative diseases in humans such as
      Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases as well as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
      Moreover, BMAA can be mistakenly incorporated into a protein molecule instead of
      serine. Natural sources of BMAA and methods for its detection are discussed in
      this review, as well as the role of BMAA in metabolism of its producers and
      possible mechanisms of toxicity of this amino acid in different living organisms.

PMID- 27677550
TI  - alpha-Tocopheryl Succinate Affects Malignant Cell Viability, Proliferation, and
      Differentiation.
AB  - The widespread occurrence of malignant tumors motivates great attention to
      finding and investigating effective new antitumor preparations. Such preparations
      include compounds of the vitamin E family. Among them, alpha-tocopheryl succinate
      (vitamin E succinate (VES)) has the most pronounced antitumor properties. In this
      review, various targets and mechanisms of the antitumor effect of vitamin E
      succinate are characterized. It has been shown that VES has multiple
      intracellular targets and effects, and as a result VES is able to induce
      apoptosis in tumor cells, inhibit their proliferation, induce differentiation,
      prevent metastasizing, and inhibit angiogenesis. However, VES has minimal effects
      on normal cells and tissues. Due to the variety of targets and selectivity of
      action, VES is a promising agent against malignant neoplasms. More detailed
      studies in this area can contribute to development of effective and safe
      chemotherapeutic preparations. 

PMID- 27677551
TI  - Plant Sterols: Diversity, Biosynthesis, and Physiological Functions.
AB  - Sterols, which are isoprenoid derivatives, are structural components of
      biological membranes. Special attention is now being given not only to their
      structure and function, but also to their regulatory roles in plants. Plant
      sterols have diverse composition; they exist as free sterols, sterol esters with
      higher fatty acids, sterol glycosides, and acylsterol glycosides, which are
      absent in animal cells. This diversity of types of phytosterols determines a wide
      spectrum of functions they play in plant life. Sterols are precursors of a group
      of plant hormones, the brassinosteroids, which regulate plant growth and
      development. Furthermore, sterols participate in transmembrane signal
      transduction by forming lipid microdomains. The predominant sterols in plants are
      beta-sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol. These sterols differ in the
      presence of a methyl or an ethyl group in the side chain at the 24th carbon atom
      and are named methylsterols or ethylsterols, respectively. The balance between 24
      methylsterols and 24-ethylsterols is specific for individual plant species. The
      present review focuses on the key stages of plant sterol biosynthesis that
      determine the ratios between the different types of sterols, and the crosstalk
      between the sterol and sphingolipid pathways. The main enzymes involved in plant
      sterol biosynthesis are 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase, C24-sterol
      methyltransferase, and C22-sterol desaturase. These enzymes are responsible for
      maintaining the optimal balance between sterols. Regulation of the ratios between
      the different types of sterols and sterols/sphingolipids can be of crucial
      importance in the responses of plants to stresses. 

PMID- 27677552
TI  - Functional Role of Carbohydrate Residues in Human Immunoglobulin G and
      Therapeutic Monoclonal Antibodies.
AB  - Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (TMA) provide an important means for treating
      diseases that were previously considered untreatable. Currently more than 40 full
      size TMAs created primarily based on immunoglobulin G1 are widely used for
      treating various illnesses. Glycosylation of TMA is among other numerous factors
      that affect their biological activity, effector functions, immunogenicity, and
      half-life in the patient's serum. The importance of carbohydrate residues for
      activity of human serum immunoglobulin and TMA produced in animal cells is
      considered in this review, with emphasis given to N-glycosylation of the Fc
      fragment of the antibody. 

PMID- 27677553
TI  - Photosystem II Activity of Wild Type Synechocystis PCC 6803 and Its Mutants with
      Different Plastoquinone Pool Redox States.
AB  - To assess the role of redox state of photosystem II (PSII) acceptor side electron
      carriers in PSII photochemical activity, we studied sub-millisecond fluorescence
      kinetics of the wild type Synechocystis PCC 6803 and its mutants with natural
      variability in the redox state of the plastoquinone (PQ) pool. In cyanobacteria,
      dark adaptation tends to reduce PQ pool and induce a shift of the cyanobacterial
      photosynthetic apparatus to State 2, whereas illumination oxidizes PQ pool,
      leading to State 1 (Mullineaux, C. W., and Holzwarth, A. R. (1990) FEBS Lett.,
      260, 245-248). We show here that dark-adapted Ox(-) mutant with naturally reduced
      PQ is characterized by slower QA(-) reoxidation and O2 evolution rates, as well
      as lower quantum yield of PSII primary photochemical reactions (Fv/Fm) as
      compared to the wild type and SDH(-) mutant, in which the PQ pool remains
      oxidized in the dark. These results indicate a large portion of photochemically
      inactive PSII reaction centers in the Ox(-) mutant after dark adaptation. While
      light adaptation increases Fv/Fm in all tested strains, indicating PSII
      activation, by far the greatest increase in Fv/Fm and O2 evolution rates is
      observed in the Ox(-) mutant. Continuous illumination of Ox(-) mutant cells with
      low-intensity blue light, that accelerates QA(-) reoxidation, also increases
      Fv/Fm and PSII functional absorption cross-section (590 nm); this effect is
      almost absent in the wild type and SDH(-) mutant. We believe that these changes
      are caused by the reorganization of the photosynthetic apparatus during
      transition from State 2 to State 1. We propose that two processes affect the PSII
      activity during changes of light conditions: 1) reversible inactivation of PSII,
      which is associated with the reduction of electron carriers on the PSII acceptor
      side in the dark, and 2) PSII activation under low light related to the increase
      in functional absorption cross-section at 590 nm. 

PMID- 27677554
TI  - Binding of Synthetic LKEKK Peptide to Human T-Lymphocytes.
AB  - The synthetic peptide LKEKK corresponding to sequence 16-20 of human thymosin
      alpha1 and 131-135 of human interferon-alpha2 was labeled with tritium to
      specific activity 28 Ci/mol. The [3H]LKEKK bound with high affinity (Kd = 3.7 +/-
      0.3 nM) to donor blood T-lymphocytes. Treatment of cells with trypsin or
      proteinase K did not abolish [3H]LKEKK binding, suggesting the non-protein nature
      of the peptide receptor. The binding was inhibited by thymosin-alpha1, interferon
      alpha2, and cholera toxin B subunit (Ki = 2.0 +/- 0.3, 2.2 +/- 0.2, and 3.6 +/-
      0.3 nM, respectively). Using [3H]LKEKK, we demonstrated the existence of a non
      protein receptor common for thymosin-alpha1, interferon-alpha2, and cholera toxin
      B-subunit on donor blood T-lymphocytes. 

PMID- 27677555
TI  - Effects of Ouabain on Proliferation of Human Endothelial Cells Correlate with
      Na+,K+-ATPase Activity and Intracellular Ratio of Na+ and K.
AB  - Side-by-side with inhibition of the Na+,K+-ATPase ouabain and other cardiotonic
      steroids (CTS) can affect cell functions by mechanisms other than regulation of
      the intracellular Na+ and K+ ratio ([Na+]i/[K+]i). Thus, we compared the dose-
      and time-dependences of the effect of ouabain on intracellular [Na+]i/[K+]i
      ratio, Na+,K+-ATPase activity, and proliferation of human umbilical vein
      endothelial cells (HUVEC). Treatment of the cells with 1-3 nM ouabain for 24-72 h
      decreased the [Na+]i/[K+]i ratio and increased cell proliferation by 20-50%. We
      discovered that the same ouabain concentrations increased Na+,K+-ATPase activity
      by 25-30%, as measured by the rate of (86)Rb(+) influx. Higher ouabain
      concentrations inhibited Na+,K+-ATPase, increased [Na+]i/[K+]i ratio, suppressed
      cell growth, and caused cell death. When cells were treated with low ouabain
      concentrations for 48 or 72 h, a negative correlation between [Na+]i/[K+]i ratio
      and cell growth activation was observed. In cells treated with high ouabain
      concentrations for 24 h, the [Na+]i/[K+]i ratio correlated positively with
      proliferation inhibition. These data demonstrate that inhibition of HUVEC
      proliferation at high CTS concentrations correlates with dissipation of the Na+
      and K+ concentration gradients, whereas cell growth stimulation by low CTS doses
      results from activation of Na+,K+-ATPase and decrease in the [Na+]i/[K+]i ratio. 

PMID- 27677556
TI  - Features of Gene Expression of Bacillus pumilus Metalloendopeptidase.
AB  - Features of gene expression of the secreted Bacillus pumilus metalloendopeptidase
      belonging to the adamalysin/reprolysin family were investigated. In the
      regulatory region of the gene, we identified hypothetical binding sites for
      transcription factors CcpA and TnrA. We found that the expression of the
      metalloendopeptidase gene is controlled by mechanisms of carbon and nitrogen
      catabolite repression. In experiments involving nitrogen metabolism regulatory
      protein mutant strains, we found that the control of the metalloendopeptidase
      gene expression involves proteins of ammonium transport GlnK and AmtB interacting
      with the TnrA-regulator. 

PMID- 27677557
TI  - Glutamic Acid - Amino Acid, Neurotransmitter, and Drug - Is Responsible for
      Protein Synthesis Rhythm in Hepatocyte Populations in vitro and in vivo.
AB  - Primary cultures of rat hepatocytes were studied in serum-free media. Ultradian
      protein synthesis rhythm was used as a marker of cell synchronization in the
      population. Addition of glutamic acid (0.2 mg/ml) to the medium of nonsynchronous
      sparse cultures resulted in detection of a common protein synthesis rhythm, hence
      in synchronization of the cells. The antagonist of glutamic acid metabotropic
      receptors MCPG (0.01 mg/ml) added together with glutamic acid abolished the
      synchronization effect; in sparse cultures, no rhythm was detected. Feeding rats
      with glutamic acid (30 mg with food) resulted in protein synthesis rhythm in
      sparse cultures obtained from the rats. After feeding without glutamic acid,
      linear kinetics of protein synthesis was revealed. Thus, glutamic acid, a
      component of blood as a non-neural transmitter, can synchronize the activity of
      hepatocytes and can form common rhythm of protein synthesis in vitro and in vivo.
      This effect is realized via receptors. Mechanisms of cell-cell communication are
      discussed on analyzing effects of non-neural functions of neurotransmitters.
      Glutamic acid is used clinically in humans. Hence, a previously unknown function
      of this drug is revealed. 

PMID- 27677558
TI  - NMDA-Receptors Are Involved in Cu2+/Paraquat-Induced Death of Cultured Cerebellar
      Granule Neurons.
AB  - Rat cultured cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs) were not sensitive to CuCl2 (1-10
      uM, 24 h), whereas paraquat (150 uM) decreased neuronal survival to 79 +/- 3% of
      control level. Simultaneous treatment of CGNs with paraquat and CuCl2 (2, 5, or
      10 uM Cu2+/paraquat) caused significant copper dose-dependent death, lowering
      their survival to 56 +/- 4, 37 +/- 3, or 16 +/- 2%, respectively, and stimulating
      elevated production of free radicals in CGNs. Introduction of vitamin E, a non
      competitive antagonist of NMDA subtype of glutamate receptors (MK-801), and also
      removal of glutamine from the incubation medium decreased toxicity of
      Cu2+/paraquat mixture. However, addition of Cu2+ into the incubation medium did
      not affect CGNs death caused by glutamate. These data emphasize that excessive
      copper in the brain may trigger oxidative stress, which in turn results in
      release of glutamate, overstimulation of glutamate receptors, and neuronal death.

PMID- 27677559
TI  - Temporal Scaling of Age-Dependent Mortality: Dynamics of Aging in Caenorhabditis
      elegans Is Easy to Speed Up or Slow Down, but Its Overall Trajectory Is Stable.
AB  - The dynamics of aging is often described by survival curves that show the
      proportion of individuals surviving to a given age. The shape of the survival
      curve reflects the dependence of mortality on age, and it varies greatly for
      different organisms. In a recently published paper, Stroustrup and coauthors
      ((2016) Nature, 530, 103-107) showed that many factors affecting the lifespan of
      Caenorhabditis elegans do not change the shape of the survival curve, but only
      stretch or compress it in time. Apparently, this means that aging is a programmed
      process whose trajectory is difficult to change, although it is possible to speed
      it up or slow it down. More research is needed to clarify whether the "rule of
      temporal scaling" is applicable to other organisms. A good indicator of temporal
      scaling is the coefficient of lifespan variation: similar values of this
      coefficient for two samples indicate similar shape of the survival curves.
      Preliminary results of experiments on adaptation of Drosophila melanogaster to
      unfavorable food show that temporal scalability of survival curves is sometimes
      present in more complex organisms, although this is not a universal rule. Both
      evolutionary and environmental changes sometimes affect only the average lifespan
      without changing the coefficient of variation (in this case, temporal scaling is
      present), but often both parameters (i.e. both scale and shape of the survival
      curve) change simultaneously. In addition to the relative stability of the
      coefficient of variation, another possible argument in favor of genetic
      determination of the aging process is relatively low variability of the time of
      death, which is sometimes of the same order of magnitude as the variability of
      timing of other ontogenetic events, such as the onset of sexual maturation. 

PMID- 27677560
TI  - Comparison of Emergency Department Wait Times in Adults with Sickle Cell Disease
      Versus Other Painful Etiologies.
AB  - Sickle cell disease is characterized by intermittent painful crises often
      requiring treatment in the emergency department (ED). Past examinations of time
      to-provider (TTP) in the ED for patients with sickle cell disease demonstrated
      that these patients may have longer TTP than other patients. Here, we examine TTP
      for patients presenting for emergency care at a single institution, comparing
      patients with sickle cell disease to both the general population and to those
      with other painful conditions, with examination of both institutional and patient
      factors that might affect wait times. Our data demonstrated that at our
      institution patients with sickle cell disease have a slightly longer average TTP
      compared to the general ED population (+16 min.) and to patients with other
      painful conditions (+4 min.) However, when confounding factors were considered,
      there was no longer a significant difference between TTP of patients with sickle
      cell disease and the general population nor between patients with sickle cell
      disease and those with other painful conditions. Multivariate analyses
      demonstrated that gender, race, age, high utilizer status, fast track use, time
      of presentation, acuity and insurance type, were all independently associated
      with TTP, with acuity, time of presentation and use of fast track having the
      greatest influence. We concluded that the longer TTP observed in patients with
      sickle cell disease can at least partially be explained by institutional factors
      such as the use of fast track protocols. Further work to reduce TTP for sickle
      cell disease and other patients is needed to optimize care.

PMID- 27677561
TI  - Statin use and risk of cholecystectomy - A case-control analysis using Swiss
      claims data.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Using claims data from the Helsana Group, a large Swiss health
      insurance provider, we examined the association between statin use and the risk
      of cholecystectomy in a case-control analysis. METHODS: We identified 2,200
      cholecystectomy cases between 2013 and 2014 and matched 4 controls to each case
      on age, sex, index date and canton. We categorized statin users into current or
      past users (last prescription <= 180 or > 180 days before the index date,
      respectively) and classified medication use by duration based on number of
      prescriptions before the index date. We applied conditional logistic regression
      analyses to calculate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and
      adjusted the analyses for history of cardiovascular diseases and for use of
      estrogens, fibrates and other lipid-lowering agents. RESULTS: The adjusted OR
      (aOR) for cholecystectomy was 0.85 (95% CI: 0.74, 0.99) for current statin users
      compared to non-users. Long-term current statin use (5-19 prescriptions) was
      associated with a reduced OR (aOR 0.77, 95% CI: 0.65, 0.92). However, neither
      short-term current use nor past statin use affected the risk of cholecystectomy.
      CONCLUSIONS: The study supports the previously raised hypothesis that long-term
      statin use reduces the risk of cholecystectomy.

PMID- 27677562
TI  - Serum urate at trial entry and ALS progression in EMPOWER.
AB  - Our objective was to determine whether serum urate predicts ALS progression. A
      study population comprised adult participants of EMPOWER (n = 942), a phase III
      clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of dexpramipexole to treat ALS. Urate was
      measured in blood samples collected during enrollment as part of the routine
      block chemistry. We measured outcomes by combined assessment of function and
      survival rank (CAFs), and time to death, by 12 months. Results showed that in
      females there was not a significant relation between urate and outcomes. In
      males, outcomes improved with increasing urate (comparing highest to lowest urate
      quartile: CAFS was 53 points better with p for trend = 0.04; and hazard ratio for
      death was 0.60 with p for trend = 0.07), but with adjustment for body mass index
      (BMI) at baseline, a predictor of both urate levels and prognosis, associations
      were attenuated and no longer statistically significant. Overall, participants
      with urate levels equal to or above the median (5.1 mg/dl) appeared to have a
      survival advantage compared to those below (hazard ratio adjusted for BMI: 0.67;
      95% confidence interval 0.47-0.95). In conclusion, these findings suggest that
      while the association between urate at baseline and ALS progression is partially
      explained by BMI, there may be an independent beneficial effect of urate.

PMID- 27677563
TI  - Ubiquitin-associated domain of MARK4 provides stability at physiological pH.
AB  - Microtubule affinity regulating Kinase 4 (MARK4) belongs to the family of AMP
      activated protein kinase. It phosphorylates microtubule associated proteins at
      specific sites (Serine in KXGS motifs) in the microtubule-binding repeats. In our
      previous studies, two constructs, namely, kinase domain with 59 N-terminal
      residues (residues 1-310) and only kinase domain (residues 59-310) of MARK4 show
      aggregation at physiological pH. However, these two constructs were stable at
      extremes of pH conditions. Now the question arises: how is MARK4 stable at
      physiological pH in-vivo? To answer this question, we have successfully cloned,
      expressed, and purified UBA-domain along with the kinase domain of MARK4 and
      performed spectroscopic measurements and activity assays. We observed a
      pronounced secondary and tertiary structure and ATPase activity in the MARK4 at
      physiological pH. In conclusion, UBA domain may be important to maintain the
      structure, stability and activity of MARK4 under physiological conditions.

PMID- 27677564
TI  - Single Versus Double Lung Retransplantation Does Not Affect Survival Based on
      Previous Transplant Type.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Survival following retransplantation with a single lung is worse than
      after double lung transplant. We sought to characterize survival of patients who
      underwent lung retransplantation based on the type of their initial transplant,
      single or double. METHODS: The United Network for Organ Sharing database was
      queried for adult patients who underwent lung retransplantation from 2005 onward.
      Patients were excluded if they underwent more than one retransplantation. The
      patient population was divided into 4 groups based on first followed by second
      transplant type, respectively: single then single, double then single, double
      then double, and single then double. Descriptive analysis and Kaplan-Meier
      survival analysis were performed. A p value less than 0.05 was considered
      significant. RESULTS: A total of 410 patients underwent retransplantation in the
      study time period. Overall mean survival for all patients who underwent
      retransplantation was 1,213 days. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated no
      difference in graft survival between the 4 study groups (p = 0.146). CONCLUSIONS:
      There was no significant difference in graft survival between recipients of
      retransplant with single or double lungs when stratified by previous transplant
      type. These results suggest that when retransplantation is performed, single lung
      retransplantation should be considered, regardless of previous transplant type,
      in an effort to maximize organ resources.

PMID- 27677565
TI  - Improved Functional Results After Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy: Intrathoracic
      Versus Cervical Anastomosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Both cervical esophagogastric anastomosis (CEA) and intrathoracic
      esophagogastric anastomosis (IEA) are used to restore gastrointestinal integrity
      following minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE). No prospective randomized data
      on functional outcome, postoperative morbidity, and mortality between these
      techniques are currently available. METHODS: A comparison was conducted including
      all consecutive patients with esophageal carcinoma of the distal esophagus or
      gastroesophageal junction undergoing MIE with CEA or MIE with IEA from October
      2009 to July 2014 in 3 high-volume esophageal cancer centers. Functional outcome,
      postoperative morbidity, and mortality were analyzed. RESULTS: MIE with CEA was
      performed in 146 patients and MIE with IEA in 210 patients. The incidence of
      recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy was 14.4% after CEA and 0% after IEA (p < 0.001).
      Dysphagia, dumping, and regurgitation were reported less frequently after IEA
      compared with CEA (p < 0.05). Dilatation of benign strictures occurred in 43.8%
      after CEA and this was 6.2% after IEA (p < 0.001). If a benign stricture was
      identified, it was dilated a median of 4 times in the CEA group and only once in
      the IEA group (p < 0.001). Anastomotic leakage for which reoperation was required
      occurred in 8.2% after CEA and in 11.4% after IEA (not significant). Median ICU
      stay, hospital stay, in-hospital mortality, 30-day mortality, and 90-day
      mortality were similar between the groups (not significant). CONCLUSIONS: MIE
      with IEA was associated with better functional results than MIE with CEA with
      less dysphagia, less benign anastomotic strictures requiring fewer dilatations,
      and a lower incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy. Other postoperative
      morbidity and mortality did not differ between the groups.

PMID- 27677566
TI  - Imaging Surveillance After Proximal Aortic Operations: Is it Necessary?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Current guidelines for imaging surveillance after proximal aortic
      repair are not evidence based. This study sought to characterize the incidence
      and causes of reintervention after proximal aortic operations to provide data to
      guide the frequency and duration of postoperative surveillance. METHODS: Data on
      all patients undergoing proximal aortic operations (ascending, with or without
      root, with or without aortic valve replacement, or with or without arch) during a
      9-year period (n = 869) at a single institution were prospectively collected.
      Patients who required reintervention on the proximal or distal aorta were
      identified and causes for reintervention determined. Planned two-stage repairs
      and index procedures done at other hospitals were excluded. The primary end point
      was the time to the first reintervention, and competing-risk Cox regression was
      used to model reintervention risk. RESULTS: Reinterventions occurred in 4.3% of
      patients (n = 37), with 48.6% (n = 18) involving the proximal aorta and 51.4% (n
      = 19) the distal. Median time to reintervention was 2.8 years (interquartile
      range, 1.5 to 3.6 years). For index aneurysm cases, reintervention for aneurysm
      of the descending/thoracoabdominal aorta and root were most common. Of the 6 root
      aneurysms/pseudoaneurysms, 5 (83%) were due to degeneration of a stentless
      porcine aortic root. For index type A dissections, reintervention for aneurysm of
      the descending/thoracoabdominal aorta and arch were most common. The mean
      duration of follow up was 4.2 +/- 2.5 years. The 9-year actuarial freedom from
      reintervention was 92.9%. Cox regression showed index type A dissection was a
      significant predictor of time to aortic reintervention (hazard ratio, 2.01; 95%
      confidence interval, 1.04 to 3.9; p = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS: Reinterventions after
      proximal aortic operations are uncommon; most occur within 3 years of the index
      operation and involve the proximal and distal aorta nearly equally. Patients with
      type A dissection or stentless porcine roots require aggressive surveillance,
      whereas a more liberal approach is suitable for patients without such risk
      factors. This strategy may reduce the lifetime radiation burden and health care
      costs.

PMID- 27677568
TI  - Oxygen as a driver of gut dysbiosis.
AB  - Changes in the composition of gut-associated microbial communities may underlie
      many inflammatory and allergic diseases. However, the processes that help
      maintain a stable community structure are poorly understood. Here we review
      topical work elucidating the nutrient-niche occupied by facultative anaerobic
      bacteria of the family Enterobacteriaceae, whose predominance within the gut
      associated microbial community is a common marker of dysbiosis. A paucity of
      exogenous respiratory electron acceptors limits growth of Enterobacteriaceae
      within a balanced gut-associated microbial community. However, recent studies
      suggest that the availability of oxygen in the large bowel is markedly elevated
      by changes in host physiology that accompany antibiotic treatment or infection
      with enteric pathogens, such as Salmonella serovars or attaching and effacing
      (AE) pathogens. The resulting increase in oxygen availability, alone or in
      conjunction with other electron acceptors, drives an uncontrolled luminal
      expansion of Enterobacteriaceae. Insights into the underlying mechanisms provide
      important clues about factors that control the balance between the host and its
      resident microbial communities.

PMID- 27677567
TI  - The chemical biology of the persulfide (RSSH)/perthiyl (RSS.) redox couple and
      possible role in biological redox signaling.
AB  - The recent finding that hydropersulfides (RSSH) are biologically prevalent in
      mammalian systems has prompted further investigation of their chemical properties
      in order to provide a basis for understanding their potential functions, if any.
      Hydropersulfides have been touted as hyper-reactive thiol-like species that
      possess increased nucleophilicity and reducing capabilities compared to their
      thiol counterparts. Herein, using persulfide generating model systems, the
      ability of RSSH species to act as one-electron reductants has been examined. Not
      unexpectedly, RSSH is relatively easily oxidized, compared to thiols, by weak
      oxidants to generate the perthiyl radical (RSS.). Somewhat surprisingly, however,
      RSS. was found to be stable in the presence of both O2 and NO and only appears to
      dimerize. Thus, the RSSH/RSS. redox couple is readily accessible under biological
      conditions and since dimerization of RSS. may be a rare event due to low
      concentrations and/or sequestration within a protein, it is speculated that the
      general lack of reactivity of individual RSS. species may allow this couple to be
      utilized as a redox component in biological systems.

PMID- 27677569
TI  - General continuous-time Markov model of sequence evolution via
      insertions/deletions: local alignment probability computation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Insertions and deletions (indels) account for more nucleotide
      differences between two related DNA sequences than substitutions do, and thus it
      is imperative to develop a method to reliably calculate the occurrence
      probabilities of sequence alignments via evolutionary processes on an entire
      sequence. Previously, we presented a perturbative formulation that facilitates
      the ab initio calculation of alignment probabilities under a continuous-time
      Markov model, which describes the stochastic evolution of an entire sequence via
      indels with quite general rate parameters. And we demonstrated that, under some
      conditions, the ab initio probability of an alignment can be factorized into the
      product of an overall factor and contributions from regions (or local alignments)
      delimited by gapless columns. RESULTS: Here, using our formulation, we attempt to
      approximately calculate the probabilities of local alignments under space
      homogeneous cases. First, for each of all types of local pairwise alignments
      (PWAs) and some typical types of local multiple sequence alignments (MSAs), we
      numerically computed the total contribution from all parsimonious indel histories
      and that from all next-parsimonious histories, and compared them. Second, for
      some common types of local PWAs, we derived two integral equation systems that
      can be numerically solved to give practically exact solutions. We compared the
      total parsimonious contribution with the practically exact solution for each such
      local PWA. Third, we developed an algorithm that calculates the first-approximate
      MSA probability by multiplying total parsimonious contributions from all local
      MSAs. Then we compared the first-approximate probability of each local MSA with
      its absolute frequency in the MSAs created via a genuine sequence evolution
      simulator, Dawg. In all these analyses, the total parsimonious contributions
      approximated the multiplication factors fairly well, as long as gap sizes and
      branch lengths are at most moderate. Examination of the accuracy of another indel
      probabilistic model in the light of our formulation indicated some modifications
      necessary for the model's accuracy improvement. CONCLUSIONS: At least under
      moderate conditions, the approximate methods can quite accurately calculate ab
      initio alignment probabilities under biologically more realistic models than
      before. Thus, our formulation will provide other indel probabilistic models with
      a sound reference point.

PMID- 27677570
TI  - Mental Health and Antiretroviral Adherence Among Youth Living With HIV in Rwanda.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In Rwanda, significant progress has been made in
      advancing access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among youth. As availability of
      ART increases, adherence is critical for preventing poor clinical outcomes and
      transmission of HIV. The goals of the study are to (1) describe ART adherence and
      mental health problems among youth living with HIV aged 10 to 17; and (2) examine
      the association between these factors among this population in rural Rwanda.
      METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted that examined the association
      of mental health status and ART adherence among youth (n = 193). ART adherence,
      mental health status, and related variables were examined based on caregiver and
      youth report. Nonadherence was defined as ever missing or refusing a dose of ART
      within the past month. Multivariate modeling was performed to examine the
      association between mental health status and ART adherence. RESULTS:
      Approximately 37% of youth missed or refused ART in the past month. In addition,
      a high level of depressive symptoms (26%) and attempt to hurt or kill oneself
      (12%) was observed in this population of youth living with HIV in Rwanda. In
      multivariate analysis, nonadherence was significantly associated with some mental
      health outcomes, including conduct problems (odds ratio 2.90, 95% confidence
      interval 1.55-5.43) and depression (odds ratio 1.02, 95% confidence interval 1.01
      1.04), according to caregiver report. A marginally significant association was
      observed for youth report of depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The findings
      suggest that mental health should be considered among the factors related to ART
      nonadherence in HIV services for youth, particularly for mental health outcomes,
      such as conduct problems and depression.

PMID- 27677571
TI  - Alcohol-Related Neurobehavioral Disabilities: Need for Further Definition and
      Common Terminology.

PMID- 27677573
TI  - Case Report of Subcutaneous Nodules and Sterile Abscesses Due to Delayed Type
      Hypersensitivity to Aluminum-Containing Vaccines.
AB  - Routine childhood immunizations have resulted in great reductions in vaccine
      preventable infectious diseases. Vaccine-related adverse events, albeit rare, can
      be of significant consequence. Although anaphylaxis, or type I hypersensitivity,
      is recognized as a potential reaction after vaccination, delayed type
      hypersensitivity or type IV reactions are less so. We present a case of
      persistent subcutaneous nodules and sterile abscesses in the setting of delayed
      type hypersensitivity to aluminum, confirmed by patch testing and recurrence on
      re-exposure. We review sources of aluminum in common immunizations, principles
      for treatment, and strategies for management of future vaccinations for this
      patient.

PMID- 27677572
TI  - Neurobehavioral Disorder Associated With Prenatal Alcohol Exposure.
AB  - Children and adolescents affected by prenatal exposure to alcohol who have brain
      damage that is manifested in functional impairments of neurocognition, self
      regulation, and adaptive functioning may most appropriately be diagnosed with
      neurobehavioral disorder associated with prenatal exposure. This Special Article
      outlines clinical implications and guidelines for pediatric medical home
      clinicians to identify, diagnose, and refer children regarding neurobehavioral
      disorder associated with prenatal exposure. Emphasis is given to reported or
      observable behaviors that can be identified as part of care in pediatric medical
      homes, differential diagnosis, and potential comorbidities. In addition, brief
      guidance is provided on the management of affected children in the pediatric
      medical home. Finally, suggestions are given for obtaining prenatal history of in
      utero exposure to alcohol for the pediatric patient.

PMID- 27677575
TI  - Mitral valve replacement in neonatal endocarditis: time to discuss prevention
      strategies for Group B streptococcus disease.
AB  - Group B streptococcus (GBS) is recognised as one of the leading organisms in
      early-onset neonatal sepsis but is also a cause of late-onset GBS septicaemia,
      meningitis and rarely, infective endocarditis (IE). We report a case of a healthy
      term neonate who developed GBS septicaemia and meningitis having presented with
      parental concern and poor feeding. Subsequent identification and treatment of GBS
      resulted in the requirement for long-line intravascular access in order to
      administer antibiotic therapy. One week later, after repeated parental concern
      and symptoms of shortness of breath, the neonate presented to Accident and
      Emergency and subsequently a Paediatric Cardiorespiratory Intensive Care Unit
      where emergency resuscitation procedures were required and diagnosis of severe IE
      affecting the mitral valve was made. Mitral valve replacement was complicated
      with significant morbidity and prolonged hospitalisation. An innovative procedure
      to insert a Melody valve was successful.

PMID- 27677574
TI  - The hookworm Ancylostoma ceylanicum intestinal transcriptome provides a platform
      for selecting drug and vaccine candidates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The intestine of hookworms contains enzymes and proteins involved in
      the blood-feeding process of the parasite and is therefore a promising source of
      possible vaccine antigens. One such antigen, the hemoglobin-digesting intestinal
      aspartic protease known as Na-APR-1 from the human hookworm Necator americanus,
      is currently a lead candidate antigen in clinical trials, as is Na-GST-1 a heme
      detoxifying glutathione S-transferase. METHODS: In order to discover additional
      hookworm vaccine antigens, messenger RNA was obtained from the intestine of male
      hookworms, Ancylostoma ceylanicum, maintained in hamsters. RNA-seq was performed
      using Illumina high-throughput sequencing technology. The genes expressed in the
      hookworm intestine were compared with those expressed in the whole worm and those
      genes overexpressed in the parasite intestine transcriptome were further
      analyzed. RESULTS: Among the lead transcripts identified were genes encoding for
      proteolytic enzymes including an A. ceylanicum APR-1, but the most common
      proteases were cysteine-, serine-, and metallo-proteases. Also in abundance were
      specific transporters of key breakdown metabolites, including amino acids,
      glucose, lipids, ions and water; detoxifying and heme-binding glutathione S
      transferases; a family of cysteine-rich/antigen 5/pathogenesis-related 1 proteins
      (CAP) previously found in high abundance in parasitic nematodes; C-type lectins;
      and heat shock proteins. These candidates will be ranked for downstream antigen
      target selection based on key criteria including abundance, uniqueness in the
      parasite versus the vertebrate host, as well as solubility and yield of
      expression. CONCLUSION: The intestinal transcriptome of A. ceylanicum provides
      useful information for the identification of proteins involved in the blood
      feeding process, representing a first step towards a reverse vaccinology approach
      to a human hookworm vaccine.

PMID- 27677576
TI  - Euglycaemic ketoacidosis in a postoperative Whipple patient using canaglifozin.
AB  - SGLT2 inhibitors are a new class of oral antihyperglycaemic agents that have
      garnered much attention for their attractive efficacy profile in glycaemic
      control along with the added benefit of weight loss. There has been increasing
      concern for the risk of euglycaemic (serum glucose 4-8 mmol/L) ketoacidosis with
      these agents. In the setting of a postoperative patient, the use of these drugs
      may exacerbate the normal physiological stresses of the body and increase the
      risk of developing euglycaemic ketoacidosis (euKDA). This case highlights a
      postoperative patient who was using an SGLT2 inhibitor and developed severe euKDA
      after a pancreaticoduodenectomy. The goal of this case report was to bring
      awareness to the possibility of this rare adverse event. In doing so, it may aid
      in preoperative planning of the diabetic patient and trigger appropriate
      management for those who develop euKDA.

PMID- 27677577
TI  - Triple Fundal Coloboma: irregular closure of the embryonic cleft in the optic
      cup.

PMID- 27677578
TI  - Barotrauma induced tracheal diverticulum rupture: imaging findings.

PMID- 27677579
TI  - Risk factors for development of pulmonary arterial hypertension in Australian
      systemic sclerosis patients: results from a large multicenter cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is the leading cause of
      mortality in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). We sought to determine the
      incidence, prevalence and risk factors for PAH development in a large Australian
      SSc cohort. METHODS: PAH was diagnosed on right heart catheterisation (mPAP >25
      and PAWP <15 mmHg at rest). Patients with PH secondary to interstitial lung
      disease (ILD; defined as abnormal HRCT scan and FVC < 60 %) were excluded.
      Summary statistics, chi-square tests, univariate and multivariable logistic
      regression along with post-estimation diagnostics were used to determine the
      associations of different combinations of risk factors with PAH. RESULTS: Among
      1579 SSc patients, 8.4 % (132 patients) were diagnosed with PAH over a mean (+/
      SD) follow-up of 3.2 (+/-2.5) years. The incidence of PAH in this cohort was 0.7
      % per annum. Of these, 68.9 % had limited disease subtype (lcSSc). In
      multivariable regression analysis, the presence of anti-centromere antibody (ACA)
      (OR 1.6, 95 % CI 1.1-2.5, p = 0.03), oesphageal stricture (OR 2.0, 95 % CI 1.2
      3.3, p = 0.006), calcinosis (OR 1.9, 95 % CI 1.2-2.9, p = 0.003), sicca symptoms
      (OR 1.6, 95 % CI 1.1-2.5, p = 0.03), mild ILD (OR 2.3, 95 % CI 1.5-3.7, p <
      0.001) and digital ulcers (OR 1.6, 95 % CI 1.0-2.4, p = 0.03) were predictive of
      PAH. This model had an area under the curve of 0.7 and concordance of 91.8 %.
      When analysed by disease subtype, the presence of calcinosis (OR 2.2, 95 % CI 1.4
      3.7, p = 0.01), sicca symptoms (OR 2.6, 95 % CI 1.5-4.6, p = 0.001), mild ILD (OR
      2.3, 95 % CI 1.4-3.8, p = 0.001) and digital ulcers (OR 1.9, 95 % CI 1.2-3.7, p =
      0.01) were predictive of PAH in lcSSc; and oesophageal stricture (OR 4.4, 95 % CI
      1.9-10.5, p = 0.001), mild ILD (OR 2.8, 95 % CI 1.2-6.8, p = 0.02) and ACA (OR
      5.2, 95 % CI 1.8-14.8, p = 0.002) were predictive of PAH in dcSSc. CONCLUSIONS:
      The incidence and prevalence of PAH in this cohort are 0.7 % per annum and 8.4 %,
      respectively. The clinical-serologic risk factors for PAH differ based on disease
      subtype. In both subtypes, mild ILD is associated with PAH, suggesting the
      possibility of common pathogenic mechanisms underlying both of these disease
      manifestations. This model identifies a subset of patients at an appreciably
      higher risk of developing PAH, who should be screened and would in future,
      benefit from preventative therapies.

PMID- 27677582
TI  - Erratum to: Oncolytic virus efficiency inhibited growth of tumour cells with
      multiple drug resistant phenotype in vivo and in vitro.

PMID- 27677580
TI  - Genome-wide association study for acute otitis media in children identifies FNDC1
      as disease contributing gene.
AB  - Acute otitis media (AOM) is among the most common pediatric diseases, and the
      most frequent reason for antibiotic treatment in children. Risk of AOM is
      dependent on environmental and host factors, as well as a significant genetic
      component. We identify genome-wide significance at a locus on 6q25.3 (rs2932989,
      Pmeta=2.15 * 10-09), and show that the associated variants are correlated with
      the methylation status of the FNDC1 gene (cg05678571, P=1.43 * 10-06), and
      further show it is an eQTL for FNDC1 (P=9.3 * 10-05). The mouse homologue, Fndc1,
      is expressed in middle ear tissue and its expression is upregulated upon
      lipopolysaccharide treatment. In this first GWAS of AOM and the largest OM
      genetic study to date, we identify the first genome-wide significant locus
      associated with AOM.

PMID- 27677583
TI  - Index for Volume 226.

PMID- 27677581
TI  - Rapid high-throughput cloning and stable expression of antibodies in HEK293
      cells.
AB  - Single-cell based amplification of immunoglobulin variable regions is a rapid and
      powerful technique for cloning antigen-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for
      purposes ranging from general laboratory reagents to therapeutic drugs. From the
      initial screening process involving small quantities of hundreds or thousands of
      mAbs through in vitro characterization and subsequent in vivo experiments
      requiring large quantities of only a few, having a robust system for generating
      mAbs from cloning through stable cell line generation is essential. A protocol
      was developed to decrease the time, cost, and effort required by traditional
      cloning and expression methods by eliminating bottlenecks in these processes.
      Removing the clonal selection steps from the cloning process using a highly
      efficient ligation-independent protocol and from the stable cell line process by
      utilizing bicistronic plasmids to generate stable semi-clonal cell pools
      facilitated an increased throughput of the entire process from plasmid assembly
      through transient transfections and selection of stable semi-clonal cell pools.
      Furthermore, the time required by a single individual to clone, express, and
      select stable cell pools in a high-throughput format was reduced from 4 to
      6months to only 4 to 6weeks.

PMID- 27677585
TI  - Bleeding complications of anticoagulant therapy in sepsis-induced disseminated
      intravascular coagulation.

PMID- 27677584
TI  - Nitric oxide levels in patients with diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and
      meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Altered serum nitric oxide (NO) levels in patients with diabetes
      mellitus (DM) have been reported by different studies; however, results are still
      controversial. Until this date, no meta-analysis evaluated the association of NO
      levels with DM. Thus, this paper describes a meta-analysis conducted to evaluate
      if there is a relationship between NO levels and type 1 DM (T1DM) or type 2 DM
      (T2DM). METHODS: A literature search was done to identify all studies that
      investigated NO levels between T1DM or T2DM patients (cases) and non-diabetic
      subjects (controls). Measurement of nitrate and nitrite (NOx - the stable NO
      products) were used to estimate NO concentrations because they closely reflect NO
      bioavailability. Weighted mean differences (WMD) of NOx levels between case and
      control samples were calculated for T1DM and T2DM groups. RESULTS: Thirty studies
      were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis (8 in T1DM samples and 22 in
      T2DM samples). NOx levels were increased in European T1DM patients compared with
      controls [random effect model (REM) WMD = 8.55, 95% CI 2.88 - 14.21]. No other
      ethnicity was evaluated in T1DM studies. NOx levels were also increased in both
      European (REM WMD = 18.76, 95% CI 1.67 - 35.85) and Asian (REM WMD = 18.41, 95%
      CI 8.01 - 28.81) T2DM patients, but not in Latin American patients compared with
      controls. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis detected a significant increase in NOx
      levels in European T1DM patients as well as European and Asian T2DM patients.
      Further studies in other ethnicities are necessary to confirm these data.

PMID- 27677586
TI  - Differential network analysis from cross-platform gene expression data.
AB  - Understanding how the structure of gene dependency network changes between two
      patient-specific groups is an important task for genomic research. Although many
      computational approaches have been proposed to undertake this task, most of them
      estimate correlation networks from group-specific gene expression data
      independently without considering the common structure shared between different
      groups. In addition, with the development of high-throughput technologies, we can
      collect gene expression profiles of same patients from multiple platforms.
      Therefore, inferring differential networks by considering cross-platform gene
      expression profiles will improve the reliability of network inference. We
      introduce a two dimensional joint graphical lasso (TDJGL) model to simultaneously
      estimate group-specific gene dependency networks from gene expression profiles
      collected from different platforms and infer differential networks. TDJGL can
      borrow strength across different patient groups and data platforms to improve the
      accuracy of estimated networks. Simulation studies demonstrate that TDJGL
      provides more accurate estimates of gene networks and differential networks than
      previous competing approaches. We apply TDJGL to the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in
      ovarian tumors to build differential networks associated with platinum
      resistance. The hub genes of our inferred differential networks are significantly
      enriched with known platinum resistance-related genes and include potential
      platinum resistance-related genes.

PMID- 27677587
TI  - Hsp60 exerts a tumor suppressor function by inducing cell differentiation and
      inhibiting invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - Heat shock protein 60 (Hsp60), a typical mitochondrial chaperone, is associated
      with progression of various cancers. However, its expression and significance in
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain largely unclear. In the present study, the
      mRNA and protein expression of Hsp60 in HCC tissues were detected by quantitative
      RT-PCR (n=24), western blot (n=7), and immunohistochemical staining (n=295),
      respectively. The correlation between Hsp60 expression and clinicopathological
      characteristics of HCC patient was also analyzed. Meanwhile, the influence of
      Hsp60 on malignant phenotype of HCC cells was further investigated. We found that
      expression of Hsp60 was significantly downregulated in HCC tissues compared to
      peritumor tissues. Hsp60 expression was significantly correlated with serum alpha
      -foetoprotein (AFP) level and tumor differentiation grade. Moreover, high Hsp60
      expression cancer/pericancer (C/P) ratio was associated with a better overall
      survival rate (P=0.035, n=295). The prognostic implication of Hsp60 in HCC was
      further confirmed in another cohort of 107 HCC patients (P=0.027). Up-regulation
      of Hsp60 remarkably induced the cell differentiation and inhibited the invasive
      potential of HCC in vitro and in vivo. Intriguingly, the down-regulation of Hsp60
      significantly impaired mitochondrial biogenesis. Although more data are required
      to clarify the underling mechanism responsible for function of Hsp60, our results
      suggested that the effect of Hsp60 on differentiation and invasion of HCC cells
      might be associated with mitochondrial biogenesis. Collectively, our findings
      indicated that Hsp60 exerted a tumor suppressor function, and might serve as a
      potential therapeutic target in the treatment of HCC.

PMID- 27677588
TI  - CircRNA expression pattern and circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network in the pathogenesis of
      nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.
AB  - The pathogenesis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is still unclear, where
      involvement of circRNA is considered for its active role as "miRNA sponge".
      Therefore, we aimed to investigate the circRNA expression pattern in NASH and
      further construct the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network for in-depth mechanism
      exploration. Briefly, NASH mice model was established by Methionine and choline
      deficiency (MCD) diet feeding. Liver circRNA and mRNA profile was initially
      screened by microarray and ensuing qRT-PCR verification was carried out. The
      overlapped predicted miRNAs as downstream targets of circRNAs and upstream
      regulators of mRNAs were verified by qRT-PCR and final circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network
      was constructed. Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway analysis were further
      applied to enrich the huge mRNA microarray data. To sum up, there were 69 up and
      63 down regulated circRNAs as well as 2760 up and 2465 down regulated mRNAs in
      NASH group, comparing with control group. Randomly selected 13 of 14 mRNAs and 2
      of 8 circRNAs were successfully verified by qRT-PCR. Through predicted overlapped
      miRNA verification, four circRNA-miRNA-mRNA pathways were constructed, including
      circRNA_002581-miR-122-Slc1a5, circRNA_002581- miR-122-Plp2, circRNA_002581-miR
      122-Cpeb1 and circRNA_007585-miR-326- UCP2. GO and KEGG pathway analysis also
      enriched specific mRNAs. Therefore, circRNA profile may serve as candidate for
      NASH diagnosis and circRNA-miRNA -mRNA pathway may provide novel mechanism for
      NASH.

PMID- 27677590
TI  - Classifying lower grade glioma cases according to whole genome gene expression.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify a gene-based signature as a novel prognostic model in
      lower grade gliomas. RESULTS: A gene signature developed from HOXA7, SLC2A4RG and
      MN1 could segregate patients into low and high risk score groups with different
      overall survival (OS), and was validated in TCGA RNA-seq and GSE16011 mRNA array
      datasets. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) was performed to show that the
      three-gene signature was more sensitive and specific than histology, grade, age,
      IDH1 mutation and 1p/19q co-deletion. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and GO
      analysis showed high-risk samples were associated with tumor associated
      macrophages (TAMs) and highly invasive phenotypes. Moreover, HOXA7-siRNA
      inhibited migration and invasion in vitro, and downregulated MMP9 at the protein
      level in U251 glioma cells. METHODS: A cohort of 164 glioma specimens from the
      Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) array database were assessed as the training
      group. TCGA RNA-seq and GSE16011 mRNA array datasets were used for validation.
      Regression analyses and linear risk score assessment were performed for the
      identification of the three-gene signature comprising HOXA7, SLC2A4RG and MN1. CO
      NCLUSIONS: We established a three-gene signature for lower grade gliomas, which
      could independently predict overall survival (OS) of lower grade glioma patients
      with higher sensitivity and specificity compared with other clinical
      characteristics. These findings indicate that the three-gene signature is a new
      prognostic model that could provide improved OS prediction and accurate therapies
      for lower grade glioma patients.

PMID- 27677592
TI  - The Collective Direction of Attention Diffusion.
AB  - We find that the flow of attention on the Web forms a directed, tree-like
      structure implying the time-sensitive browsing behavior of users. Using the data
      of a news sharing website, we construct clickstream networks in which nodes are
      news stories and edges represent the consecutive clicks between two stories. To
      identify the flow direction of clickstreams, we define the "flow distance" of
      nodes (Li), which measures the average number of steps a random walker takes to
      reach the ith node. It is observed that Li is related with the clicks (Ci) to
      news stories and the age (Ti) of stories. Putting these three variables together
      help us understand the rise and decay of news stories from a network perspective.
      We also find that the studied clickstream networks preserve a stable structure
      over time, leading to the scaling between users and clicks. The universal scaling
      behavior is confirmed by the 1,000 Web forums. We suggest that the tree-like,
      stable structure of clickstream networks reveals the time-sensitive preference of
      users in online browsing. To test our assumption, we discuss three models on
      individual browsing behavior, and compare the simulation results with empirical
      data.

PMID- 27677589
TI  - FGF4 induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition by inducing store-operated calcium
      entry in lung adenocarcinoma.
AB  - Several fibroblast growth factor (FGF) isoforms act to stimulate epithelial
      mesenchymal transition (EMT) during cancer progression. FGF4 and FGF7 are two
      ligands of FGF receptor 2 (FGFR2). Using two lung adenocarcinoma (ADC) cell
      lines, A549 and H1299, we showed that FGF4, but not FGF7, altered cell
      morphology, promoted EMT-associated protein expression, and enhanced cell
      proliferation, migration/invasion and colony initiation. In addition, FGF4
      increased store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) and expression of the calcium
      signal-associated protein Orai1. The SOCE inhibitor 2,5-di-tert-butylhydroquinone
      (BHQ) or Orai1 knockdown reversed all of the EMT-promoting effects of FGF4. BHQ
      also inhibited FGF4-induced EMT in a mouse xenograft model. Finally, 60 human
      lung ADC samples and 21 sets of matched specimens (primary and metastatic foci in
      lymph nodes from one patient) were used to confirm the clinicopathologic
      significance of FGF4 and its correlation with E-cadherin, Vimentin and Orai1
      expression. Our study thus shows that FGF4 induces EMT by elevating SOCE in lung
      ADC.

PMID- 27677591
TI  - Retinoic acid and meiosis induction in adult versus embryonic gonads of medaka.
AB  - In vertebrates, one of the first recognizable sex differences in embryos is the
      onset of meiosis, known to be regulated by retinoic acid (RA) in mammals. We
      investigated in medaka a possible meiotic function of RA during the embryonic sex
      determination (SD) period and in mature gonads. We found RA mediated
      transcriptional activation in germ cells of both sexes much earlier than the SD
      stage, however, no such activity during the critical stages of SD. In adults,
      expression of the RA metabolizing enzymes indicates sexually dimorphic RA levels.
      In testis, RA acts directly in Sertoli, Leydig and pre-meiotic germ cells. In
      ovaries, RA transcriptional activity is highest in meiotic oocytes. Our results
      show that RA plays an important role in meiosis induction and gametogenesis in
      adult medaka but contrary to common expectations, not for initiating the first
      meiosis in female germ cells at the SD stage.

PMID- 27677593
TI  - Self-assembling peptide hydrogel for intervertebral disc tissue engineering.
AB  - : Cell-based therapies for regeneration of intervertebral discs are regarded to
      hold promise for degenerative disc disease treatment, a condition that is
      strongly linked to lower back pain. A de novo self-assembling peptide hydrogel
      (SAPH), chosen for its biocompatibility, tailorable properties and nanofibrous
      architecture, was investigated as a cell carrier and scaffold for nucleus
      pulposus (NP) tissue engineering. Oscillatory rheology determined that the system
      would likely be deliverable via minimally invasive procedure and mechanical
      properties could be optimised to match the stiffness of the native human NP.
      After three-dimensional culture of NP cells (NPCs) in the SAPH, upregulation of
      NP-specific genes (KRT8, KRT18, FOXF1) confirmed that the system could restore
      the NP phenotype following de-differentiation during monolayer culture. Cell
      viability was high throughout culture whilst, similarly to NPCs in vivo, the
      viable cell population remained stable. Finally, the SAPH stimulated time
      dependent increases in aggrecan and type II collagen deposition, two important NP
      extracellular matrix components. Results supported the hypothesis that the SAPH
      could be used as a cell delivery system and scaffold for the treatment of
      degenerative disc disease. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Lower back pain (LBP)
      prevalence is widespread due to an aging population and the limited efficacy of
      current treatments. As LBP is strongly associated with intervertebral disc (IVD)
      degeneration, it is thought that cell-based therapies could alleviate LBP by
      repairing IVD tissue. Various natural and synthetic biomaterials have been
      investigated as potential IVD tissue engineering scaffolds. Self-assembling
      peptide hydrogels (SAPHs) combine advantages of both natural and synthetic
      biomaterials; for example they are biocompatible and have easily modifiable
      properties. The present study demonstrated that a de novo SAPH had comparable
      strength to the native tissue, was injectable, restored the IVD cell phenotype
      and stimulated deposition of appropriate matrix components. Results illustrated
      the promise of SAPHs as scaffolds for IVD tissue engineering.

PMID- 27677594
TI  - Conditional abrogation of Atm in osteoclasts extends osteoclast lifespan and
      results in reduced bone mass.
AB  - Ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) kinase is a central component involved in the
      signal transduction of the DNA damage response (DDR) and thus plays a critical
      role in the maintenance of genomic integrity. Although the primary functions of
      ATM are associated with the DDR, emerging data suggest that ATM has many
      additional roles that are not directly related to the DDR, including the
      regulation of oxidative stress signaling, insulin sensitivity, mitochondrial
      homeostasis, and lymphocyte development. Patients and mice lacking ATM exhibit
      growth retardation and lower bone mass; however, the mechanisms underlying the
      skeletal defects are not fully understood. In the present study, we generated
      mutant mice in which ATM is specifically inactivated in osteoclasts. The mutant
      mice did not exhibit apparent developmental defects but showed reduced bone mass
      due to increased osteoclastic bone resorption. Osteoclasts lacking ATM were more
      resistant to apoptosis and showed a prolonged lifespan compared to the controls.
      Notably, the inactivation of ATM in osteoclasts resulted in enhanced NF-kappaB
      signaling and an increase in the expression of NF-kappaB-targeted genes. The
      present study reveals a novel function for ATM in regulating bone metabolism by
      suppressing the lifespan of osteoclasts and osteoclast-mediated bone resorption.

PMID- 27677595
TI  - Loss of Dnmt3a induces CLL and PTCL with distinct methylomes and transcriptomes
      in mice.
AB  - Cytosine methylation of DNA is an epigenetic modification involved in the
      repression of genes that affect biological processes including hematopoiesis. It
      is catalyzed by DNA methyltransferases, one of which -DNMT3A- is frequently
      mutated in human hematologic malignancies. We have previously reported that
      Dnmt3a inactivation in hematopoietic stem cells results in chronic lymphocytic
      leukemia (CLL) and CD8-positive peripheral T cell lymphomas (PTCL) in EMUSRalpha
      tTA;Teto-Cre;Dnmt3afl/fl; Rosa26LOXPEGFP/EGFP (Dnmt3aDelta/Delta) mice. The
      extent to which molecular changes overlap between these diseases is not clear.
      Using high resolution global methylation and expression analysis we show that
      whereas patterns of methylation and transcription in normal B-1a cells and CD8
      positive T cells are similar, methylomes and transcriptomes in malignant B-1a and
      CD8+ T cells are remarkably distinct, suggesting a cell-type specific function
      for Dnmt3a in cellular transformation. Promoter hypomethylation in tumors was 10
      times more frequent than hypermethylation, three times more frequent in CLL than
      PTCL and correlated better with gene expression than hypermethylation. Cross
      species molecular comparison of mouse and human CLL and PTCL reveals significant
      overlaps and identifies putative oncogenic drivers of disease. Thus,
      Dnmt3aDelta/Delta mice can serve as a new mouse model to study CLL and PTCL in
      relevant physiological settings.

PMID- 27677596
TI  - Collagen and alpha-Tubulin of Mouse Tympanic Membrane Fibroblasts Treated with
      Quinolones and Aminoglycosides.
AB  - Objective To assess collagen and alpha-tubulin levels of mouse tympanic membrane
      fibroblasts treated with quinolone and aminoglycoside antibiotics at
      concentrations found in eardrops. Study Design Prospective controlled cell
      culture study. Setting Academic tertiary medical center. Subjects Mouse tympanic
      membrane fibroblasts. Methods In experiment 1, fibroblasts were treated with the
      following for 24 or 48 hours: phosphate-buffered saline (negative control),
      dilute hydrochloric acid (positive control), 0.5% gatifloxacin, or commercially
      available 0.3% ciprofloxacin, 0.3% ciprofloxacin + 0.1% dexamethasone, 0.3%
      ofloxacin, 0.5% moxifloxacin, 0.3% gentamicin, or 3.5 mg/mL of neomycin +
      polymyxin B sulfate + hydrocortisone. In experiment 2, cells were treated with
      the pure form of gatifloxacin, gentamicin, ofloxacin, or ciprofloxacin. Cells
      were observed with phase-contrast microscope until harvested. Proteins were
      extracted for Western blotting with antibodies against collagen alpha1 type I
      (collagen 1A1) and alpha-tubulin, and for densitometry to quantify levels.
      Results Collagen and tubulin levels in fibroblasts treated with ofloxacin,
      moxifloxacin, gatifloxacin, or gentamicin for 24 hours were not different from
      the saline control. Fibroblasts treated with neomycin + polymyxin B +
      hydrocortisone, ciprofloxacin + dexamethasone, or ciprofloxacin for 24 hours had
      lower collagen 1A1 and alpha-tubulin levels (all P < .001) than the negative
      control. After 48 hours, fibroblasts treated with neomycin + polymyxin B sulfate
      + hydrocortisone, ciprofloxacin + dexamethasone, ciprofloxacin, or moxifloxacin
      had lower collagen 1A1 ( P <= .007) and alpha-tubulin ( P < .0001; except
      ciprofloxacin, P = .033) as compared with control. In experiment 2, only cells
      treated with ciprofloxacin had lower collagen 1A1 and alpha-tubulin levels and
      cell viability (all P < .0001) than control. Cytotoxicity assay and phase
      contrast images mirrored the protein findings. Conclusion The adverse impact of
      topical antibiotic exposure on tympanic membrane collagen and tubulin protein
      levels is drug specific. This may be important for selection of ototopical
      therapy.

PMID- 27677597
TI  - Why Participate in Peer Review as a Journal Manuscript Reviewer: What's in It for
      You?
AB  - The peer review process for scientific journals relies on the efforts of
      volunteer reviewers. Reviewers are selected due to their expertise in their
      fields. With so many demands on professional time, the benefits of participating
      in peer review may not be obvious. However, reviewers benefit by exposure to the
      latest developments in their fields, facilitating their keeping up-to-date with
      the latest publications. Tenure committees look favorably on participation in
      peer review, and invitations to review underscore that the reviewer is a
      respected subject matter expert. Contacts made during the peer review process can
      lead to long-lasting collaboration. Continuing medical education credit can be
      obtained through various mechanisms. Overall, participating in peer review is an
      important part of career development and should be viewed as a critical component
      of advancement.

PMID- 27677598
TI  - Performance Assessment for Mastoidectomy.
AB  - Objective The aim of this report is to provide a review of the current literature
      for assessment of performance for mastoidectomy, to identify the current
      assessment tools available in the literature, and to summarize the evidence for
      their validity. Data Sources The MEDLINE database was accessed via PubMed. Review
      Methods Inclusion criteria consisted of English-language published articles that
      reported use of a mastoidectomy performance assessment tool. Studies ranged from
      2007 to November 2015 and were divided into 2 groups: intraoperative assessments
      and those performed with simulation (cadaveric laboratory or virtual reality).
      Studies that contained specific reliability analyses were also highlighted. For
      each publication, validity evidence data were analyzed and interpreted according
      to conceptual definitions provided in a recent systematic review on the modern
      framework of validity evidence. Conclusions Twenty-three studies were identified
      that met our inclusion criteria for review, including 4 intraoperative objective
      assessment studies, 5 cadaveric studies, 10 virtual reality simulation studies,
      and 4 that used both cadaveric assessment and virtual reality. Implications for
      Practice A review of the literature revealed a wide variety of mastoidectomy
      assessment tools and varying levels of reliability and validity evidence. The
      assessment tool developed at Johns Hopkins possesses the most validity evidence
      of those reviewed. However, a number of agreed-on specific metrics could be
      integrated into a standardized assessment instrument to be used nationally. A
      universally agreed-on assessment tool will provide a means for developing
      standardized benchmarks for performing mastoid surgery.

PMID- 27677599
TI  - Practice Patterns of Sleep Otolaryngologists at Training Institutions in the
      United States.
AB  - Objective To assess the practice characteristics of adult sleep otolaryngologists
      within US otolaryngology residency training programs. Study Design Cross
      sectional online survey. Setting Otolaryngology residency training programs.
      Subjects and Methods Program directors from 106 otolaryngology training programs
      in the United States were contacted. Program directors were instructed to forward
      a survey to otolaryngologists within the institution who provided Accreditation
      Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Otolaryngology Milestone Project
      feedback in "sleep-disordered breathing." The survey assessed demographics,
      nonsurgical practices, and surgical/procedural practices of adult sleep
      otolaryngologists. Data were collected and analyzed. Results Forty-six surveys
      met inclusion criteria, representing 40 of 106 (38%) programs. Ninety-three
      percent of respondents reported that residents gained a significant portion of
      their sleep medicine training from themselves (ie, the respondents), yet only 36%
      of respondents spent >=50% of their time on sleep medicine/surgery. Forty-one
      percent reported being board certified in sleep, with 18% having completed an
      ACGME fellowship in sleep medicine. Respondents with board certification were
      more likely to spend greater portions of their practice on sleep
      medicine/surgery, chi2(3, n = 44) = 23.161 ( P < .001), treat non-obstructive
      sleep apnea sleep disorders (13 of 18 vs 1 of 26, P < .001), interpret
      polysomnograms (13 of 17 vs 1 of 15, P < .001), and perform drug-induced sleep
      endoscopy, chi2(1, n = 43) = 5.43, ( P = .02). A similar pattern was seen with
      stratification by ACGME sleep medicine fellowship. Conclusion This study
      highlights the variance in practice patterns among sleep otolaryngologists who
      instruct residents. Board certification and fellowship training in sleep medicine
      significantly influence breadth of trainee exposure to this field. The highly
      disparate trainee experiences to sleep otolaryngology across US programs require
      attention.

PMID- 27677600
TI  - Effect of Preoperative Counseling on Hospital Length of Stay and Readmissions
      after Total Laryngectomy.
AB  - Objective Total laryngectomy (TL) is a high-cost procedure with patients at risk
      for significant postoperative health care use. Face-to-face preoperative
      counseling provided by speech-language pathologists is a relatively inexpensive
      intervention that may improve care quality and decrease costs. We evaluated if
      preoperative counseling for patients undergoing TL was associated with
      differences in length of stay (LOS), use of the emergency department (ED), or
      unplanned readmissions within 30 days of discharge. A secondary analysis
      identified predictors of these 3 outcomes. Study Design Case series with chart
      review. Setting Academic medical center in the United States. Subjects and
      Methods Patients were included if they underwent TL from 2011 to 2015. Patient
      demographics and comorbidities, surgical characteristics, and perioperative care
      data were retrieved and analyzed for 116 patients. Univariate and multivariate
      models were constructed for 3 outcomes. Results LOS was significantly lower for
      patients receiving counseling (-3.0 days, P = .02). No differences were observed
      in rates of 30-day ED visits or unplanned readmissions. Care provided by high
      volume surgeons was associated with decreased LOS ( P = .005), while having
      postoperative complications increased LOS ( P < .001). High rates of ED visits
      (12.1%) and readmissions (20.6%) were observed. Discharge to inpatient
      rehabilitation and the patient's home distance from the institution were
      predictors of ED visits. TL as salvage therapy and occurrence of postoperative
      complications were risk factors for readmission. Conclusion Preoperative
      counseling was associated with marked reduction in LOS following TL without
      increased readmissions, which suggests that it may promote safe, earlier patient
      readiness for discharge.

PMID- 27677601
TI  - Efficacy of Perioperative Lumbar Drainage following Endonasal Endoscopic
      Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak Repair.
AB  - Objective Perioperative lumbar drain (LD) use in the setting of endoscopic
      cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak repair is a well-established practice. However,
      recent data suggest that LDs may not provide significant benefit and may thus
      confer unnecessary risk. To examine this, we conducted a meta-analysis to
      investigate the effect of LDs on postoperative CSF leak recurrence following
      endoscopic repair of CSF rhinorrhea. Data Sources A comprehensive search was
      performed with the following databases: Ovid MEDLINE (1947 to November 2015),
      EMBASE (1974 to November 2015), Cochrane Review, and PubMed (1990 to November
      2015). Review Method A meta-analysis was performed according to PRISMA
      guidelines. Results A total of 1314 nonduplicate studies were identified in our
      search. Twelve articles comprising 508 cases met inclusion criteria. Overall, use
      of LDs was not associated with significantly lower postoperative CSF leak
      recurrence rates following endoscopic repair of CSF rhinorrhea (odds ratio: 0.89,
      95% confidence interval: 0.40-1.95) as compared with cases performed without LDs.
      Subgroup analysis of only CSF leaks associated with anterior skull base
      resections (6 studies, 153 cases) also demonstrated that lumbar drainage did not
      significantly affect rates of successful repair (odds ratio: 2.67, 95% confidence
      interval: 0.64-11.10). Conclusions There is insufficient evidence to support that
      adjunctive lumbar drainage significantly reduces postoperative CSF leak
      recurrence in patients undergoing endoscopic CSF leak repair. Subgroup analysis
      examining only those patients whose CSF leaks were associated with anterior skull
      base resections demonstrated similar results. More level 1 and 2 studies are
      needed to further investigate the efficacy of LDs, particularly in the setting of
      patients at high risk for CSF leak recurrence.

PMID- 27677602
TI  - Foldable and High Sulfur Loading 3D Carbon Electrode for High-performance Li-S
      Battery Application.
AB  - Sulfur is a promising cathode material with a high theoretical capacity of 1672
      mAh g-1, however, the practical energy density of Li-S battery is far away from
      such promising due to its low active material utilization and low sulfur loading.
      Moreover, the challenges of the low electrical conductivity of sulfur and the
      high solubility of polysulfide intermediates still hinder its practical
      application. Here, we report a kind of free-standing and foldable cathodes
      consisting of 3D activated carbon fiber matrix and sulfur cathode. The 3D
      activated carbon fiber matrix (ACFC) has continuous conductive framework and
      sufficient internal space to provide a long-distance and continuous high-speed
      electron pathway. It also gives a very larger internal space and tortuous cathode
      region to ACFC accommodate a highly sulfur loading and keeps polysulfide within
      the cathode. The unique structured 3D foldable sulfur cathode using a foldable
      ACFC as matrix delivers a reversible capacity of about 979 mAh g-1 at 0.2C, a
      capacity retention of 98% after 100 cycles, and 0.02% capacity attenuation per
      cycle. Even at an areal capacity of 6 mAh cm-2, which is 2 times higher than the
      values of Li-ion battery, it still maintains an excellent rate capability and
      cycling performance.

PMID- 27677603
TI  - Amphiphilic star PEG-Camptothecin conjugates for intracellular targeting.
AB  - Camptothecin (CPT) is a naturally occurring cytotoxic alkaloid having a broad
      spectrum of antitumor activity. Unfortunately, it has low bioavailability and
      encapsulation efficiency, limiting its clinical use. We report on our efforts to
      develop a novel drug delivery prototype composed of a short, star hydrophilic
      polyethylene glycol (PEG) backbone and hydrophobic CPT (PEG4-CPT). The
      amphiphilic bio-conjugate self-assembles in water into stable spherical nano
      particles with a mean diameter of 200nm and CPT substitution percentage of
      27%w/w. CPT is released in a sustained release profile without burst effect. In
      addition, PEG4-CPT nano-particles are able to load a co-drug, water soluble or
      non-water soluble doxorubicin and release them simultaneously with the free CPT.
      The biological evaluation of PEG4-CPT against HeLa cells showed improved cellular
      uptake and enhanced cytotoxicity compared to free CPT. Thus, in this approach CPT
      acts in two ways: As the hydrophobic segment that enables self-assembly in water
      and as a potent anticancer agent. This concept of combining hydrophobic drugs and
      short star polymers shows great potential for efficient delivery of hydrophobic
      chemotrophic drugs as well as for drugs with inherent stability and
      pharmacokinetic barriers.

PMID- 27677604
TI  - To Unveil the Molecular Mechanisms of Qi and Blood through Systems Biology-Based
      Investigation into Si-Jun-Zi-Tang and Si-Wu-Tang formulae.
AB  - Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is increasingly getting clinical application
      worldwide. But its theory like QI-Blood is still abstract. Actually, Qi
      deficiency and blood deficiency, which were treated by Si-Jun-Zi-Tang (SJZT) and
      Si-Wu-Tang (SWT) respectively, have characteristic clinical manifestations. Here,
      we analyzed targets of the ingredients in SJZT and SWT to unveil potential
      biologic mechanisms between Qi deficiency and blood deficiency through biomedical
      approaches. First, ingredients in SWT and SJZT were retrieved from TCMID
      database. The genes targeted by these ingredients were chosen from STITCH. After
      enrichment analysis by Gene Ontology (GO) and DAVID, enriched GO terms with p
      value less than 0.01 were collected and interpreted through DAVID and KEGG. Then
      a visualized network was constructed with ClueGO. Finally, a total of 243 genes
      targeted by 195 ingredients of SWT formula and 209 genes targeted by 61
      ingredients of SJZT were obtained. Six metabolism pathways and two environmental
      information processing pathways enriched by targets were correlated with 2 or
      more herbs in SWT and SJZT formula, respectively.

PMID- 27677605
TI  - Population Dietary Salt Reduction and the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: A
      Commentary on Recent Evidence.

PMID- 27677606
TI  - Stroke, Inflammation and the Immune Response: Dawn of a New Era.

PMID- 27677609
TI  - Erratum to: Removal of pigments from molasses wastewater by combining micro
      electrolysis with biological treatment method.

PMID- 27677608
TI  - A Novel Fusion Protein, AChR-Fc, Ameliorates Myasthenia Gravis by Neutralizing
      Antiacetylcholine Receptor Antibodies and Suppressing Acetylcholine Receptor
      Reactive B Cells.
AB  - Most patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) have elevated levels of autoantibodies
      against the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) at the neuromuscular
      junction, which leads to muscle weakness. We developed a fusion protein, AChR-Fc,
      as a novel therapeutic biomolecule for patients with MG and examined its
      efficacy. AChR-Fc was expressed by Chinese hamster ovary cells and purified. We
      examined the neutralizing activity and cellular cytotoxicity of AChR-Fc using
      anti-AChR antibody-producing hybridoma cells and serum samples from 16 patients
      with MG. The effects of AChR-Fc in vivo were also examined using rat MG models.
      AChR-Fc bound to anti-AChR antibodies and exhibited cytotoxicity against patient
      derived antibody-producing B cells. Additionally, a dose-dependent improvement in
      the clinical signs of disease was observed in a rat MG model. AChR-Fc can
      diminish signs of MG by neutralizing anti-AChR antibodies and enhancing
      cytotoxicity against autoantibody-producing B cells. Thus, AChR-Fc can be a novel
      therapeutic biomolecule for patients with MG.

PMID- 27677610
TI  - Affectivity and narrativity in depression: a phenomenological study.
AB  - In this study I explore from a phenomenological perspective the relationship
      between affectivity and narrative self-understanding in depression.
      Phenomenological accounts often conceive of the disorder as involving
      disturbances of the narrative self and suggest that these disturbances are
      related to the alterations of emotions and moods typical of the illness. In this
      paper I expand these accounts by advancing two sets of claims. In the first
      place, I suggest that, due to the loss of feeling characteristic of the illness,
      the narratives with which the patients identified prior to the onset of
      depression are altered in various ways, thus leading to the weakening or
      abandonment of the narratives themselves. I then move to show that these
      autobiographical narratives are replaced by new stories which possess a
      distinctive structure and I argue that this is dependent upon specific
      configurations of affective experience, such as existential feelings of guilt,
      hopelessness, and isolation, and particular forms of temporal and spatial
      experience.

PMID- 27677607
TI  - Astrocytes: Integrative Regulators of Neuroinflammation in Stroke and Other
      Neurological Diseases.
AB  - Astrocytes regulate neuroinflammatory responses after stroke and in other
      neurological diseases. Although not all astrocytic responses reduce inflammation,
      their predominant function is to protect the brain by driving the system back to
      homeostasis after injury. They receive multidimensional signals within the
      central nervous system and between the brain and the systemic circulation.
      Processing this information allows astrocytes to regulate synapse formation and
      maintenance, cerebral blood flow, and blood-brain barrier integrity. Similarly,
      in response to stroke and other central nervous system disorders, astrocytes
      detect and integrate signals of neuronal damage and inflammation to regulate the
      neuroinflammatory response. Two direct regulatory mechanisms in the astrocyte
      arsenal are the ability to form both physical and molecular barriers that seal
      the injury site and localize the neuroinflammatory response. Astrocytes also
      indirectly regulate the inflammatory response by affecting neuronal health during
      the acute injury and axonal regrowth. This ability to regulate the location and
      degree of neuroinflammation after injury, combined with the long time course of
      neuroinflammation, makes astrocytic signaling pathways promising targets for
      therapies.

PMID- 27677611
TI  - Phylogenetic study-based hemagglutinin (HA) gene of highly pathogenic avian
      influenza virus (H5N1) detected from backyard chickens in Iran, 2015.
AB  - Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses of the H5N1 subtype have been
      diversified into multiple phylogenetic clades over the past decade and are highly
      genetically variable. In June 2015, one outbreak of HPAI H5N1 in backyard
      chickens was reported in the Nogardan village of the Mazandaran Province.
      Tracheal tissues were taken from the dead domestic chickens (n = 10) and
      processed for RT-PCR. The positive samples (n = 10) were characterized as HPAI
      H5N1 by sequencing analysis for the hemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes.
      Phylogenetic analysis of the samples revealed that the viruses belonged to clade
      2.3.2.1c, and cluster with the HPAI H5N1 viruses isolated from different avian
      species in Bulgaria, Romania, and Nigeria in 2015. They were not closely related
      to other H5N1 isolates detected in previous years in Iran. Our study provides new
      insights into the evolution and genesis of H5N1 influenza in Iran and has
      important implications for targeting surveillance efforts to rapidly identify the
      spread of the virus into and within Iran.

PMID- 27677612
TI  - Women with epilepsy initiating a progestin IUD: A prospective pilot study of
      safety and acceptability.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Effective contraception enables women with epilepsy (WWE) to plan
      their pregnancies and improve outcomes for themselves and their children.
      Although popular among all women, complex drug interactions limit the efficacy
      and safety of oral contraceptives (OCs) for WWE. We sought to explore the safety,
      acceptability, and pharmacokinetic impact of a progestin-containing intrauterine
      device (IUD) in WWE. METHODS: We enrolled 20 women with well-controlled epilepsy
      and a stable antiepileptic drug (AED) regimen and who were initiating a progestin
      containing IUD (levonorgestrel 52 mg) in a prospective, observational study. For
      each AED, we compared the trough concentration before IUD insertion to the trough
      concentration 3 weeks, and 3 and 6 months later. Participants recorded seizures
      in a daily paper diary. We compared seizures that occurred during the month
      before IUD insertion to those occurring in the 6 months thereafter. Participants
      completed an acceptability questionnaire at 3 and 6 months. RESULTS:
      Participants' average age was 28 years; 60% were nulligravid. They reported a
      history of multiple seizure types. During the baseline month, 75% were seizure
      free and the remainder reported between one and three seizures. Fourteen received
      monotherapy and six received polytherapy. Lamotrigine use was most common (n =
      12). AED trough concentrations remained stable during the 6 months after IUD
      insertion, without clinically meaningful deviations from baseline. Diary data
      showed that seizure frequency worsened in 3, and remained unchanged in 13 and
      improved in 4 after IUD insertion. Subjectively, no participant believed the IUD
      worsened her seizure control. All participants were either somewhat or very
      satisfied with the IUD throughout the study. All participants continued the IUD
      use at 6 months. No pregnancies occurred. SIGNIFICANCE: This pilot study suggests
      that the progestin-containing IUD is a safe and acceptable long-acting
      contraceptive for WWE.

PMID- 27677613
TI  - Routine evaluation of left ventricular function using CZT-SPECT, with low
      injected activities and limited recording times.
AB  - PURPOSE: Gamma-cameras, with Cadmium-Zinc-Telluride (CZT) detectors, allow to
      perform myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) with limited injected activities and
      recorded times. This study aimed at determining whether the routine assessment of
      left ventricular (LV) function with such limited counts protocols compares well
      with reference values from cardiac MRI. METHODS: The study included patients who
      have undergone cardiac MRI and an MPI routinely planned on a CZT camera with a
      low-dose protocol (120 MBq of Sestamibi for stress and 360 MBq at rest for 75 kg
      body weight), while targeting the recording of only 500 myocardial kcounts in
      order to limit the recording times (<10 minutes for stress, <4 minutes for rest).
      SPECT images were reconstructed with a method maintaining rather high spatial (8
      mm) and temporal (16 frames/cycle) resolutions. RESULTS: Seventy-six patients
      were included, and mean effective dose was 3.5 +/- 1.7 mSv for the total MPI
      protocol. Correlations between CZT-SPECT and MRI were good to excellent for
      ejection fraction (r 2 = 0.77), end-diastolic (r 2 = 0.88) and end-systolic (r 2
      = 0.93) volumes, and the analysis of segmental contractility correlated well
      between the two techniques (kappa score = 0.72 +/- 0.02). CONCLUSION: LV
      function, assessed on a CZT camera with low injected activities and limited
      recording times, correlates well with the reference assessment from cardiac MRI.

PMID- 27677614
TI  - Granuloma after sling surgery: an attempt to answer the 'why' and 'what to do
      next'.
AB  - PURPOSE: To review cases of granuloma formation after sling surgery with a view
      to find out possible aetiological factors and propose a further plan of
      management MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 120 eyes of 108
      patients who underwent frontalis sling surgery with silicone rod from Jan 2008 to
      Dec 2015 was conducted. All patients with severe ptosis and poor levator function
      who underwent frontalis sling surgery with silicone rod were included in the
      study irrespective of the cause of ptosis and method of passing the sling. A
      complete ophthalmic and ptosis examination was done. In all the cases, the
      prolene suture was tied over the sleeve to tighten it and it was buried along
      with the silicone rod in forehead pocket. All the cases with granuloma formation
      were first subjected to a microbiological examination including culture and
      sensitivity to antibiotics. All the patients were given a trial of antibiotics.
      RESULTS: We encountered 10 cases of granuloma in 120 eyes of 108 patients
      operated during this period. The duration between time of surgery and
      presentation varied from 2 weeks to 4 months. The microbiological examination
      revealed positive culture in 5 cases. None of the cases responded to the course
      of antibiotics given for 10 days. The histopathological examination done in 5
      cases (2 of them culture positive and 3 of them culture negative) revealed
      granulomatous inflammation of non-specific type. The sling was explanted in all
      cases which resulted in prompt resolution of granuloma in 7-10 days. CONCLUSIONS:
      The granuloma is primarily due to exposure of the sling itself or the sleeve
      enveloping the sling or the suture tied around the sleeve thereby. They do not
      respond to antibiotics but respond very well to explantation. These patients can
      be taken up for re-sling surgery after a waiting period of 3 months.

PMID- 27677615
TI  - Development of a Low-Cost Ecotoxicological Bioassay Based on the Feeding
      Behaviour of the Aquatic Snail Potamopyrgus antipodarum (Hydrobiidae, Mollusca).
AB  - Conventional acute tests are not suited to assess the effects of toxicants,
      because they do not use the concentrations that are usually found in natural
      ecosystems. By contrast, nonlethal realistic concentrations may cause deleterious
      effects on animal fitness as a consequence of behaviour impairment. Behaviour is
      a good integrative variable of complex biochemical and physiological processes.
      Therefore, bioassays based on behaviour are a useful tool in ecotoxicology. In
      this study, two bioassays were conducted: (1) acute bioassay (48 h) of acetone on
      the aquatic snail Potamopyrgus antipodarum, and (2) video-recording behavioural
      bioassay with pulse exposures to acetone to assess its effects on feeding
      behaviour. In the latter, animals were exposed to three pulses of acetone (24 h
      each) with 6 days of postexposure after each pulse. This design allowed us to
      assess the degree of feeding behaviour recovery after exposure and the effects of
      repeated pulses. Our results show that postexposure periods have an important
      effect on the recovery of normal feeding behaviour and that this developed
      bioassay is an ecotoxicological tool with a relatively low-cost and a short-time
      consuming. The application of this new tool to different ecotoxicological
      requirements is discussed.

PMID- 27677616
TI  - Accidental hypothermia: factors related to long-term hospitalization. A
      retrospective study from northern Finland.
AB  - Accidental hypothermia has a low incidence, but is associated with a high
      mortality rate. Knowledge about concomitant factors, complications, and length of
      hospital stay is limited. A retrospective cohort study on patients with
      accidental hypothermia admitted to Oulu University Hospital in Finland, over a 5
      year period. Patients were categorized as short-stay patients (7 days or less)
      and long-stay patients (more than 7 days) according to their length of stay in
      hospital. From a total of 105 patients, 67 patients were included in the
      analyses. Alcohol abuse was the most common concomitant factor (54 %). Median
      length of hospital stay was 4 days, and 16 patients (24 %) stayed in hospital
      over 7 days (median 15 days). Thirty-day mortality was low (14/105, 13 %).
      Patients with long-term hospitalization had a lower initial temperature (28.4
      versus 31.2  degrees C, p = 0.011), a lower level of consciousness (GCS score 8.4
      versus 12.8, p = 0.003), more severe acidosis (pH 7.08 versus 7.28, p = 0.005,
      and lactate 7.2 versus 3.9, p = 0.043), and a lower level of platelets (183
      versus 242, p = 0.041) on admission compared with short-stay patients. Thirty-six
      patients (54 %) had at least one complication, and this prolonged median hospital
      treatment for 2.5 days (p < 0.001). Alcohol is the most common concomitant factor
      and every fourth patient spends more than 7 days in hospital. Long-term
      hospitalization is related to a lower core temperature, lower consciousness, more
      severe lactic acidosis, lower platelet level and infections, rhabdomyolysis, and
      renal failure.

PMID- 27677617
TI  - Nutritional quality of packaged foods targeted at children in Brazil: which ones
      should be eligible to bear nutrient claims?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the nutritional quality of food products
      marketed at children, with and without nutrient claims, using two different
      approaches. METHODS: Analyses were performed based on a data set with food
      composition and labelling data from every packaged food marketed at children sold
      in a major Brazilian supermarket (n=535). Foods were classified as 'healthier'
      and 'less healthy' according to the UK/Ofcom nutrient profile model and to the
      NOVA classification based on the level of food processing. Pearson's chi2 test
      was used to compare proportions between models. Agreement was assessed using
      Cohen's kappa-statistic (P<0.05). RESULTS: The NOVA model was stricter than the
      UK/Ofcom model, classifying more products as 'less healthy' (91.4%) compared with
      the nutrient profile-based model (75.0%; P<0.001). Agreement between models was
      79.4% (k=0.30), because 72.9% (n=390) of products were categorised as 'less
      healthy' by both models, and 6.5% (n=35) as 'healthier'. Half of the food
      products marketed at children from the database (270; 50.5%) bore nutrient
      claims. From these products with nutrient claims, 95.9% (92.8-98.0) were
      classified as 'less healthy' by the NOVA model, whereas this percentage was 74.1%
      (68.4-79.2) according to the UK/Ofcom model (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The high
      number of foods with low nutritional quality being marketed at children via
      product packaging and nutrient claims should be of concern to policy makers
      wanting to improve children's diets and to tackle childhood obesity. The
      implementation of nutritional quality criteria to ensure that foods targeted at
      children should be eligible to bear nutrient claims on their labels could avoid a
      situation where claims mask the overall nutritional status of a food.

PMID- 27677618
TI  - Associations between self-reported and objectively measured physical activity,
      sedentary behavior and overweight/obesity in NHANES 2003-2006.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate associations between self-reported and objectively
      measured physical activity, sedentary behavior and overweight/obesity based on
      percent body fat measured with Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA), waist
      circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio and body mass index, focusing on
      different intensities and domains of physical activity. METHODS: Data from NHANES
      2003-2006 were analyzed using linear and ordered logistic regression analyses. A
      total of 4794 individuals aged 18-69 years with valid physical activity and DXA
      data were included. Objectively measured physical activity and sedentary behavior
      were assessed using accelerometers, self-reported physical activity using the
      NHANES physical activity questionnaire. Weight, height, WC and DXA measures were
      assessed in the mobile examination centers. RESULTS: We observed statistically
      significant associations between objectively measured moderate and vigorous
      physical activity and all definitions of overweight/obesity. For total physical
      activity, the odds of being in the higher percent body fat category were 0.56
      (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.41, 0.77) for the medium and 0.30 (95% CI 0.22,
      0.40) for the highest physical activity tertile compared with the lowest. For
      light activities, lifestyle activities and sedentary behavior, associations were
      only observed in the linear models with percent total body fat but not in the
      ordered logistic regression models. Regarding self-reported physical activity,
      consistent significant associations with overweight/obesity were only observed
      for vigorous and for transport activity. CONCLUSIONS: Regarding moderate and
      vigorous physical activity, more active individuals were less affected by
      overweight/obesity than less active individuals, emphasizing the public health
      effect of physical activity in the prevention of overweight/obesity. The fact
      that associations were more consistent for objectively measured than for self
      reported physical activity may be due to bias related to self-reporting.
      Associations between lower intensity activities and overweight/obesity were weak
      or inexistent.

PMID- 27677619
TI  - Differences in brain functional connectivity at resting state in neonates born to
      healthy obese or normal-weight mothers.
AB  - Recent studies have shown associations between maternal obesity at pre- or early
      pregnancy and long-term neurodevelopment in children, suggesting in utero effects
      of maternal obesity on offspring brain development. In this study, we examined
      whether brain functional connectivity to the prefrontal lobe network is different
      in newborns from normal-weight or obese mothers. Thirty-four full-term healthy
      infants from uncomplicated pregnancies were included, with 18 born to normal
      weight and 16 born to obese mothers. Two weeks after delivery, the infants
      underwent an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination during natural sleep,
      which included structural imaging and resting-state functional MRI (fMRI) scans.
      Independent component analysis was used to identify the prefrontal lobe network,
      and dual regression was used to compare functional connectivity between groups.
      Infants born to normal-weight mothers had higher recruiting (P<0.05, corrected)
      of dorsal anterior cingulate cortex regions to the prefrontal network after
      adjusting for maternal intelligence quotient, gestational weight gain and infant
      postmenstrual age, gender, birth weight/length, head circumference and neonatal
      diet. The functional connectivity strength in dorsal anterior cingulate cortex
      negatively correlated (P<0.05) with maternal fat mass percentage measured at
      early pregnancy. This preliminary study indicates that exposure to maternal
      obesity in utero may be associated with changes in resting-state functional
      connectivity in the newborn offspring's brain.

PMID- 27677620
TI  - Proanthocyanidins potentiate hypothalamic leptin/STAT3 signalling and Pomc gene
      expression in rats with diet-induced obesity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Dietary obesity is usually linked with hypothalamic leptin resistance,
      in which the primary impact is an interference in the homeostatic control of body
      weight and appetite. Notably, proanthocyanidins (PACs), which are the most
      abundant phenolic compounds present in human diet, modulate adiposity and food
      intake. The aim of this study was to assess whether PACs could re-establish
      appropriate leptin signalling in both the hypothalamus and peripheral tissues.
      DESIGN: Male Wistar rats were fed either a standard chow diet (STD group, n=7) or
      a cafeteria diet (CD) for 13 weeks. The CD-fed rats were treated with either
      grape-seed PAC extract (GSPE) at 25 mg  per kg of body weight per day (CD+GSPE
      group, n=7) or with the vehicle (CD group, n=7) for the last 21 days of the study
      period. Specific markers for intracellular leptin signalling, inflammation and
      endoplasmic reticulum stress in the hypothalamus, liver, mesenteric white adipose
      tissue and skeletal muscle were analysed using immunoblotting and quantitative
      PCR. RESULTS: GSPE treatment significantly reduced the food intake but did not
      reverse the hyperleptinemia and body wt gain assessed. However, the animals
      treated with GSPE exhibited greater hypothalamic activation of signal transducer
      and activator of transcription-3, which was associated with a rise in the Pomc
      mRNA levels compared with the CD group. In addition, this restoration of leptin
      responsiveness was accompanied by lower local inflammation and increased Sirt1
      gene expression. The effects of the GSPE treatment in the peripheral tissues were
      not as evident as those in the hypothalamus, although the GSPE treatment
      significantly restored the mRNA levels of Socs3 and Ptp1b in the skeletal muscle.
      CONCLUSIONS: The use of GSPE reduces hyperphagia and improves the central and
      peripheral leptin resistance associated with diet-induced obesity. Our results
      suggest that GSPE could exert these effects partially by increasing Sirt1
      expression and preventing hypothalamic inflammation.

PMID- 27677621
TI  - Trajectories of total and central adiposity throughout adolescence and
      cardiometabolic factors in early adulthood.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to identify trajectories of total and central
      adiposity from 13 to 21 years, and to investigate how adiposity changes at
      different phases of adolescence relate to adulthood cardiovascular risk factors.
      SUBJECTS/METHODS: This study included participants from a population-based cohort
      (EPITeen), Portugal. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were
      measured at 13, 17 and 21 years, and sex- and age-specific z-scores were
      calculated. Adiposity trajectories were identified using mixture growth models
      (BMI, n=2901; WC, n=2898). Cardiovascular risk factors were evaluated at 21 years
      (n=1763): systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), insulin resistance
      (HOMA-IR), triglycerides and cholesterol. Association of trajectory, and changes
      in adiposity z-scores with each cardiovascular risk factor was estimated by
      linear regression models. RESULTS: 'Normal', 'high, declining' and 'high,
      increasing' trajectories were identified in both sexes. 'High, increasing' BMI
      trajectory was associated with less favorable cardiovascular risk profile at 21
      years in both sexes, whereas 'high, declining' presented a more favorable
      profile, similar to 'normal' trajectory in females. In addition, BMI increases
      between 13-17 years and 17-21 years were associated with increases in systolic
      and diastolic blood pressure, and insulin resistance, but more strongly for the
      later period. For every standard deviation (s.d.) increase in BMI between 17-21
      years, mean SBP increased by 1.99 mmHg (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01; 2.97)
      for females and 3.83 mmHg (2.67; 4.98) for males; the respective increase was
      1.56 mmHg (0.72; 2.40) and 2.80 mmHg (1.97; 3.64) for DBP and 0.27 (0.21; 0.32)
      and 0.30 (0.24; 0.36) for HOMA-IR (log-transformed). Similar results were found
      for WC. CONCLUSIONS: Increases in adiposity, particularly from late adolescence
      to-young adulthood, were associated with unfavorable cardiovascular profile in
      early adulthood. A benefit on the cardiovascular risk profile for participants in
      the declining adiposity trajectory was observed.

PMID- 27677624
TI  - Erratum to: Phase I and pharmacokinetic evaluation of the anti-telomerase agent
      KML-001 with cisplatin in advanced solid tumors.

PMID- 27677622
TI  - Profile of Metalloproteinases and Their Association with Inflammatory Markers in
      Pleural Effusions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are responsible for the breakdown of
      the extracellular matrix and play an important role in the inflammatory processes
      of pleural exudates. The imbalance between MMPs and their inhibitors (TIMPs) is
      present in various pathological processes. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the profile of
      MMPs and TIMPs in pleural effusions of different etiologies correlated with
      inflammatory markers. METHODS: The patients with pleural effusion due to
      tuberculosis (TB), cancer (CA) or transudate were prospectively evaluated.
      Pleural fluid was submitted to cytological, biochemical, cytokines, MMP, and TIMP
      analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and Spearman's
      correlation, and p < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: One hundred and
      fourteen patients were enrolled, 80 exudates (41 TB and 39 CA) and 34
      transudates. The levels of MMP-8 and MMP-9 were higher in exudates compared to
      transudates. The level of MMP-8 was significantly higher in TB than in CA. TIMP-1
      levels were higher in exudates. IL-6, VEGF, and TGF-beta1 showed differences
      between exudates and transudates. However, IL-6 level was higher in TB than in
      CA. We found a significant correlation between MMPs and TIMPs with inflammation
      markers. MMP-1 was correlated with LDH levels. MMP-8 was correlated with LDH,
      total cell count, neutrophils, and ADA as well as MMP-1 levels. MMP-9 was
      correlated with IL-6, TGF-beta1, and VEGF. TIMP-1 was correlated with MMP-9 and
      IL-6. CONCLUSIONS: MMPs and TIMPs are expressed in pleural fluid of different
      etiologies and correlate with inflammatory mediators. MMPs may be useful in
      determining the cause of fluid, but more studies are needed to determine the
      spectrum of diseases associated with the various isoforms of MMPS and TIMPs.

PMID- 27677623
TI  - Application of bee venom and its main constituent melittin for cancer treatment.
AB  - Bee venom and its main constituent melittin (MEL) have been extensively studied
      in the treatment of tumors. However, the non-specific cytotoxicity and hemolytic
      activity have hampered the clinical application. Currently, a number of research
      groups have reported a series of optimization strategies, including gene therapy,
      recombinant immunotoxin incorporating MEL or MEL nanoparticles, targeting tumor
      cells to attenuate the cytotoxicity and improve its antitumor efficiency and
      therapeutic capabilities, which have shown very promising in overcoming some of
      these obstacles. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding
      anticancer effects of bee venom and its main compound MEL on different kinds of
      tumor cells as well as elucidate their possible anticancer mechanisms. It could
      be concluded that MEL exerts multiple effects on cellular functions of cancerous
      cells such as proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, angiogenesis as well as cell
      cycle, and the anticancer processes involve diverse signal molecules and
      regulatory pathways. We also highlight the recent research progress for efficient
      delivery of MEL peptide, thus providing new ideas and hopeful strategies for the
      in vivo application of MEL.

PMID- 27677625
TI  - The C'JAAD: a French team for early intervention in psychosis in Paris.
AB  - AIM: The aim is to describe a centre operating in Paris that pioneers the early
      intervention for young people at the onset and at high risk of psychosis in
      France. METHODS: Comprehensive descriptive analysis of different clinical and
      service measures is used in describing the implementation of the C'JAAD
      (Evaluation Centre for Young Adults and Adolescents) using data from an ongoing
      prospective non-interventional research programme. RESULTS: Over a 2-year period,
      151 patients were referred to the C'JAAD and included in the ICAAR research
      programme. After evaluation by the Comprehensive Assessment of the At-Risk Mental
      States Scale, 53.7% were identified at risk of developing a psychosis, 20.6%
      presented a full-blown psychosis and 25.7% were considered not at risk of
      developing a psychosis. A total of 84% of the at-risk subjects suffered from a
      psychiatric co-morbidity, of which anxiodepressive symptoms being the most
      frequent (39%). The global functioning of these at-risk subjects was seriously
      impaired (average Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale score =
      48.9). More than one third of the patients was self-referred (33.8%), 22.5% were
      addressed by a psychiatrist whereas 10.6% were referred by a general
      practitioner. CONCLUSIONS: In this paper, we report for the first time the
      activities of the C'JAAD, the pioneer unit in France for early detection and
      treatment of young adults with early psychosis. These observations indicate that
      such early intervention centre is a feasible and sustainable extension of
      traditional care for people with mental disorders in this country and offers
      promising perspective for the development of further centres.

PMID- 27677626
TI  - First Experiences with the New Enterprise2(r) Stent.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Stent-assisted coiling of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms has
      become an established treatment and has significantly benefited from the
      introduction of compliant, self-expanding devices, such as the Enterprise VRD (EP
      VRD). We report our experiences with the successor model, the Enterprise2 (EP2)
      stent in stent-assisted coiling as well as in the treatment of atherosclerotic
      stenosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 11 consecutive patients 12 EP2 were used to
      treat 9 intracranial aneurysms and 2 stenoses. RESULTS: All stents could easily
      be delivered including partial or complete recapturing when necessary. In two
      cases with sharp angled curves in the carotid siphon there was kinking and
      flattening of the stent resulting in incomplete wall apposition of the stent.
      Moreover, when vascular anatomy showed curves with angles >50 degrees  it was
      regularly observed that the proximal stent markers were asymmetrically arranged
      along the vessel circumference without influence on the stent apposition. Both
      findings could be reproduced in a silicone flow model. CONCLUSION: The EP2
      performed well in our small patient cohort; however, above a critical acute angle
      there may be incomplete wall apposition of the stent.

PMID- 27677627
TI  - Spontaneous and Unruptured Chronic Intracranial Artery Dissection : High
      resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this article is to present high-resolution magnetic resonance
      imaging (HR-MRI) findings of chronic stage spontaneous and unruptured
      intracranial artery dissection (ICAD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: From March 2012 to
      April 2016 a total of 29 patients (15 male and14 female, age range 37-68 years)
      with chronic stage spontaneous and unruptured ICAD (vertebral artery 27,
      posterior inferior cerebellar artery 1 and middle cerebral artery 1) were
      retrospectively enrolled. Patients underwent HR-MRI more than 2 months (median
      interval 564 days, range 69-391 days) after symptom onset and were diagnosed at
      symptom onset or at the first imaging acquisition, which included luminal
      angiography and/or HR-MRI with clinical information. The HR-MRI findings were
      evaluated against those of luminal angiography on the basis of the lumen wall
      morphology, including thickening, contrast enhancement and residual dissection.
      RESULTS: The HR-MRI findings were classified into complete normalization (normal
      lumen and wall with or without mild enhancement, n = 6), complete normalization
      with minimal wall changes (focal wall thickening with enhancement but normal
      luminal angiography, n = 8), incomplete normalization (focal wall thickening with
      enhancement with dilatation and stenosis on luminal angiography, n = 4),
      dissecting aneurysm (fusiform aneurysm with residual dissection findings, n = 8)
      and occlusion (small outer arterial diameter with diffuse contrast enhancement, n
      = 3). CONCLUSION: The use of HR-MRI can demonstrate the distinguishing
      morphological features of chronic stage of spontaneous and unruptured ICAD as
      complete normalization, complete normalization with minimal wall changes,
      incomplete normalization, dissecting aneurysm and occlusion.

PMID- 27677629
TI  - Setting population targets for mammals using body mass as a predictor of
      population persistence.
AB  - Conservation planning and biodiversity assessments need quantitative targets to
      optimize planning options and assess the adequacy of current species protection.
      However, targets aiming at persistence require population-specific data, which
      limit their use in favor of fixed and nonspecific targets, likely leading to
      unequal distribution of conservation efforts among species. We devised a method
      to derive equitable population targets; that is, quantitative targets of
      population size that ensure equal probabilities of persistence across a set of
      species and that can be easily inferred from species-specific traits. In our
      method, we used models of population dynamics across a range of life-history
      traits related to species' body mass to estimate minimum viable population
      targets. We applied our method to a range of body masses of mammals, from 2 g to
      3825 kg. The minimum viable population targets decreased asymptotically with
      increasing body mass and were on the same order of magnitude as minimum viable
      population estimates from species- and context-specific studies. Our approach
      provides a compromise between pragmatic, nonspecific population targets and
      detailed context-specific estimates of population viability for which only
      limited data are available. It enables a first estimation of species-specific
      population targets based on a readily available trait and thus allows setting
      equitable targets for population persistence in large-scale and multispecies
      conservation assessments and planning.

PMID- 27677628
TI  - Aspirin use and the incidence of breast, colon, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers
      in elderly women in the Iowa Women's Health Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Few studies have evaluated the chemopreventive effect of aspirin on the
      cancer risk in elderly women. We examined associations between frequency, dose,
      and duration of aspirin use with incidence of 719 aspirin-sensitive cancers
      (cancers of colon, pancreas, breast, and ovaries) in the Iowa Women's Health
      Study (IWHS), a prospective cohort of women over 70 years old. METHODS: Aspirin
      frequency, dose, and duration were self-reported in the 2004 IWHS questionnaire.
      Women were followed-up to 2011. Cancer cases were ascertained by linkage to the
      Iowa State Health Registry. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate
      hazard ratios (HRs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Among the 14,386
      women, 30 % were nonusers of aspirin; 34 % used low-dose aspirin, and 36 % used
      regular- or high-dose aspirin. Compared with nonuse of aspirin, the HRs (95 % CI)
      for incidence of aspirin-sensitive cancers were 0.87 (0.72-1.06) for regular to
      high doses of aspirin use, 0.95 (0.80-1.13) for aspirin use 6+ times per week,
      and 0.93 (0.74-1.17) for aspirin use for 10+ years. For cumulative aspirin use,
      HR (95 % CI) was 0.87 (0.70-1.09) for >60,000 mg of aspirin per year and 0.95
      (0.75-1.21) for >280,000 mg of aspirin in their lifetime, versus nonuse of
      aspirin. Results were similar for the all-cause cancer death as an endpoint, with
      a significant inverse association observed between lifetime aspirin dose and
      cancer mortality [<95,000 mg vs nonuser HR 0.76 (0.61-0.95)]. CONCLUSIONS: These
      findings suggest that aspirin use may prevent incident breast, colon, pancreatic,
      and ovarian cancer in elderly women.

PMID- 27677630
TI  - Discovery and introgression of the wild sunflower-derived novel downy mildew
      resistance gene Pl 19 in confection sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.).
AB  - KEY MESSAGE: A new downy mildew resistance gene, Pl 19 , was identified from wild
      Helianthus annuus accession PI 435414, introduced to confection sunflower, and
      genetically mapped to linkage group 4 of the sunflower genome. Wild Helianthus
      annuus accession PI 435414 exhibited resistance to downy mildew, which is one of
      the most destructive diseases to sunflower production globally. Evaluation of the
      140 BC1F2:3 families derived from the cross of CMS CONFSCLB1 and PI 435414
      against Plasmopara halstedii race 734 revealed that a single dominant gene
      controls downy mildew resistance in the population. Bulked segregant analysis
      conducted in the BC1F2 population with 860 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers
      indicated that the resistance derived from wild H. annuus was associated with SSR
      markers located on linkage group (LG) 4 of the sunflower genome. To map and tag
      this resistance locus, designated Pl 19 , 140 BC1F2 individuals were used to
      construct a linkage map of the gene region. Two SSR markers, ORS963 and HT298,
      were linked to Pl 19 within a distance of 4.7 cM. After screening 27 additional
      single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers previously mapped to this region,
      two flanking SNP markers, NSA_003564 and NSA_006089, were identified as
      surrounding the Pl 19 gene at a distance of 0.6 cM from each side. Genetic
      analysis indicated that Pl 19 is different from Pl 17 , which had previously been
      mapped to LG4, but is closely linked to Pl 17 . This new gene is highly effective
      against the most predominant and virulent races of P. halstedii currently
      identified in North America and is the first downy mildew resistance gene that
      has been transferred to confection sunflower. The selected resistant germplasm
      derived from homozygous BC2F3 progeny provides a novel gene for use in confection
      sunflower breeding programs.

PMID- 27677631
TI  - Fine mapping and candidate gene analysis of qHD5, a novel major QTL with
      pleiotropism for yield-related traits in rice (Oryza sativa L.).
AB  - KEY MESSAGE: A major QTL for heading date, qHD5, was fine-mapped to a 52.59-kb
      region on the short arm of rice chromosome 5. Heading date (HD) is one of the
      most important traits that enables rice to adapt to seasonal differences and
      specific growth conditions in diverse growing regions. In this study, a major
      effect quantitative trait locus (QTL), qHD5, was resolved as a single Medelian
      factor that causes NIL(BG1) and NIL(XLJ) (two near-isogenic lines (NILs) used in
      our study) to have at a minimum of 10-day difference in HD under both long-day
      and short-day conditions in rice. qHD5 was initially mapped to a 309.52-kb
      genomic region in our previous study. Here, using an advanced BC4F3 population
      and map-based cloning, we further narrowed the location of qHD5 to a 52.59-kb
      region between the H71 and RD502 markers. Sequence analysis revealed that
      Os05g03040, which putatively encodes an AP2 (APETALA2) transcription factor, has
      six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) between NIL(BG1) and NIL(XLJ). On this
      basis, this gene was concluded to be the most probable candidate gene for qHD5.
      Our results also showed that Hd3a, RFT1, Hd1, Ehd1, and Ghd7 were differentially
      expressed in the two NILs. Moreover, qHD5 was found to affect yield-related
      traits such as flag leaf width, flag leaf length, branch number, and 1000-grain
      weight.

PMID- 27677632
TI  - Sudden infant death syndrome: exposure to cigarette smoke leads to
      hypomethylation upstream of the growth factor independent 1 (GFI1) gene promoter.
AB  - PURPOSE: Smoking during pregnancy has long been known as an important risk factor
      for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). However, the precise relationship
      between the smoking behavior of the mother and SIDS still remains unclear. In
      this study, the influence of prenatal smoking exposure on the childrens' DNA
      methylation state of a CpG island located upstream of the promoter of the growth
      factor independent 1 (GFI1) gene was analyzed. METHODS: Blood samples of well
      defined SIDS cases with non-smoking mothers (n = 11), SIDS cases with smoking
      mothers during pregnancy (n = 11), and non-SIDS cases (n = 6) were obtained from
      a previous study and methylation states were determined by bisulfite sequencing.
      RESULTS: Significant hypomethylation was observed in this CpG island in SIDS
      cases with cigarette smoke exposure compared to non-exposed cases. The strongest
      effect in this CpG island was observed for 49 CpG sites located within a
      transcription factor binding site. Coding for a transcriptional repressor, GFI1
      plays an important role in various developmental processes. Alterations in the
      GFI1 expression might be linked to various conditions that are known to be
      associated with SIDS, such as dysregulated hematopoiesis and excessive
      inflammatory response. CONCLUSION: Data obtained in this study show that analysis
      of methylation states in cases of sudden infant death syndrome might provide a
      further important piece of knowledge toward understanding SIDS, and should be
      investigated in further studies.

PMID- 27677633
TI  - Forensic postmortem computed tomography: volumetric measurement of the heart and
      liver.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the utility of postmortem
      computed tomography (PMCT) images in estimating organ sizes and to examine the
      use of the cardiothoracic ratio (CTR). METHODS: We included 45 individuals (19
      females), who underwent a medico-legal autopsy. Using the computer software
      program Mimics(r), we determined in situ heart and liver volumes derived from
      linear measurements (width, height and depth) on a whole body PMCT-scan, and
      compared the volumes with ex vivo volumes derived by CT-scan of the eviscerated
      heart and liver. The ex vivo volumes were also compared with the organ weights.
      Further, we compared the CTR with the ex vivo heart volume and a heart weight
      ratio (HWR). Intra- and inter-observer analyses were performed. RESULTS: We found
      no correlation between the in situ and ex vivo volumes of the heart and liver.
      However, a highly significant correlation was found between the ex vivo volumes
      and weights of the heart and liver. No correlations between CTR and the ex vivo
      heart volume nor with HWR was found. Concerning cardiomegaly, we found no
      agreement between the CTR and HWR. The intra- and inter-observer analyses showed
      no significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: Noninvasive in situ PMCT methods for
      organ measuring, as performed in this study, are not useful tools in forensic
      pathology. The best method to estimate organ volume is a CT-scan of the
      eviscerated organ. PMCT-determined CTR seems to be useless for ascertaining
      cardiomegaly, as it neither correlated with the ex vivo heart volume nor with the
      HWR.

PMID- 27677634
TI  - Selective and effective targeting of chronic myeloid leukemia stem cells by
      topoisomerase II inhibitor etoposide in combination with imatinib mesylate in
      vitro.
AB  - Imatinib mesylate (IM) and other BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have
      improved chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patient survival markedly but fail to
      eradicate quiescent CML leukemia stem cells (LSCs). Thus, strategies targeting
      LSCs are required to induce long-term remission and achieve cure. Here, we
      investigated the ability of topoisomerase II (Top II) inhibitor etoposide (Eto)
      to target CML LSCs. Treatment with Eto combined with IM markedly induced
      apoptosis in primitive CML CD34+ CD38- stem cells resistant to eradication by IM
      alone, but not in normal hematopoietic stem cells, CML and normal mature CD34-
      cells, and other leukemia and lymphoma cell lines. The interaction of IM and Eto
      significantly inhibited phosphorylation of PDK1, AKT, GSK3, S6, and ERK proteins;
      increased the expression of pro-apoptotic gene Bax; and decreased the expression
      of anti-apoptotic gene c-Myc in CML CD34+ cells. Top II inhibitors treatment
      represents an attractive approach for targeting LSCs in CML patients undergoing
      TKIs monotherapy.

PMID- 27677635
TI  - Dietitians' perceptions and experience of blenderised feeds for paediatric tube
      feeding.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: There is an emerging interest in the use of blenderised food for tube
      feeding (BFTF). This survey explored paediatric dietitians' perceptions and
      experiences of BFTF use. DESIGN: A web-based questionnaire was distributed to the
      Paediatric group of the British Dietetic Association. The survey captured
      dietitians' personal opinions and experience supporting children on BFTF, and the
      perceptions of carers. RESULTS: Of the 77 respondents, 19 were aware of
      professional guidelines and 63 had never received training on BFTF. Thirty-four
      would not recommend BFTF and 11 would advise against its use; yet 43 would
      recommend it to supplement commercial feeds. Fifty-seven would change their
      perception about BFTF if there were evidence-based guidelines. Forty-four would
      feel confident to support a patient using BFTF. Forty-three had previous
      experience supporting a patient with BFTF. The main concerns perceived by
      dietitians, pertinent to the use of BFTF, were nutritional inadequacy (n=71),
      tube blockages (n=64) and increased infection risk (n=59) but these were
      significantly higher than those experienced by themselves in clinical practice
      (p<0.001 for all three). A reduction in reflux and vomiting and increased carer
      involvement were the main perceived and observed benefits by both dietitians and
      carers. CONCLUSIONS: The use of these feeds for tube-fed children is increasingly
      being seen as a viable choice. Dietitians experienced significantly fewer issues
      with the use of BFTF in clinical practice compared with their self-reported
      apprehensions in the survey. Well-controlled studies are now needed to
      objectively assess the benefits, risks, costs and practicality of BFTF.

PMID- 27677636
TI  - Cancer Drugs Fund requires further reform.

PMID- 27677638
TI  - Discovery and Biophysical Evaluation of First Low Nanomolar Hits Targeting CYP125
      of M. tuberculosis.
AB  - Tuberculosis, which is predominantly caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb),
      is still the most lethal bacterial infection with 1.5 million casualties in 2014.
      Moreover, the fact that the appearance of resistant mutants and long-term
      treatment are coupled with economic problems in developing countries hampers an
      efficient therapy. Interference with the essential cholesterol metabolism of Mtb
      could be a promising novel strategy to fight Mtb infections. CYP125, a P450
      enzyme in Mtb, has been shown to play an important role in this metabolic
      pathway. For this reason, we used a combined screening approach involving surface
      plasmon resonance spectroscopy and a heme coordination assay to identify new
      CYP125 binders by employing a focused P450-inhibitor library. We identified the
      first hits with high affinity and favorable ligand efficiencies. Furthermore,
      frontrunner compounds also showed selectivity toward CYP121 specific to Mtb and
      required for its survival. To date, these are the first compounds targeting
      CYP125 with low nanomolar affinity.

PMID- 27677637
TI  - The Risk of Achilles or Biceps Tendon Rupture in New Statin Users: A Propensity
      Score-Matched Sequential Cohort Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Case reports and pharmacovigilance data reported cases of tendon
      ruptures in statin users, but evidence from observational studies is scarce and
      inconclusive. We aimed to assess the association between new statin use and
      tendon rupture. METHODS: We performed a propensity score (PS)-matched sequential
      cohort study, using data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink. Patients
      aged >=45 years with at least one new statin prescription between 1995 and 2014
      were PS-matched within 2-year entry blocks to patients without a statin
      prescription during the block. We followed patients until they had a recorded
      Achilles or biceps tendon rupture, completed 5 years of follow-up, or were
      censored for change in exposure status or another censoring criterion. We
      calculated hazard ratios (HRs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs), applying Cox
      proportional hazard analyses in the overall cohort (crude and multivariable) and
      in the PS-matched cohort. We performed subgroup analyses by sex, age, treatment
      duration, and statin dose. RESULTS: We observed a crude HR of 1.32 (95 % CI 1.21
      1.44) in the overall cohort, which attenuated after multivariable adjustment (HR
      1.02, 95 % CI 0.92-1.12) and after PS-matching (HR 0.95, 95 % CI 0.84-1.08).
      Crude HRs were higher in women than in men, but remained around null in both
      sexes after multivariable adjustment and PS-matching. Subgroup analyses by age,
      treatment duration, and statin dose revealed null results across all subgroups.
      CONCLUSION: The results of this cohort study suggest that statin use does not
      increase the risk of tendon rupture, irrespective of gender, age, statin dose, or
      treatment duration.

PMID- 27677640
TI  - Exploring the reasons why pharmacists dispense antibiotics without prescriptions
      in Khartoum state, Sudan.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The principal aim of this study was to explore the perspectives of
      community pharmacists in Khartoum State, Sudan about why they dispense
      antibiotics without prescription, and to understand their opinions about why they
      think patients self-medicate. METHODS: This was a qualitative exploratory
      interview study. Individual, in-depth face-to-face interviews were conducted with
      a convenience sample of 30 community pharmacists working in Khartoum State, Sudan
      in the period from May to June 2015. Each interview was recorded, transcribed,
      anonymized and coded into themes. Thematic analysis was carried out. KEY
      FINDINGS: The study revealed that patients' inability to afford consultation fees
      is the key reason that leads community pharmacists to dispense antibiotics
      without prescriptions. Other reasons include inaccessible health facilities and
      long waiting time for consultation, patient being familiar with the symptoms and
      had previously responded to antibiotic treatment, lack of monitoring of
      dispensing practices by health authority, commercial interest of pharmacists,
      blurred professional boundaries between pharmacists and doctors in patients'
      minds, and lack of pharmacists care regarding educating patients about the impact
      of self-medication. CONCLUSION: Although different reasons were identified that
      lead pharmacists to dispense antibiotics without prescription, patients'
      inability to afford consultation fees remains the key one. It is crucial to
      address this problem. Improving the accessibility and quality of governmental
      health facilities, increasing public and pharmacists' awareness about the risks
      of self-medication and monitoring the dispensing practices at community
      pharmacies by health authorities are also important.

PMID- 27677639
TI  - Genomic and functional analysis of the host response to acute simian varicella
      infection in the lung.
AB  - Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) is the causative agent of varicella and herpes
      zoster. Although it is well established that VZV is transmitted via the
      respiratory route, the host-pathogen interactions during acute VZV infection in
      the lungs remain poorly understood due to limited access to clinical samples. To
      address these gaps in our knowledge, we leveraged a nonhuman primate model of VZV
      infection where rhesus macaques are intrabronchially challenged with the closely
      related Simian Varicella Virus (SVV). Acute infection is characterized by immune
      infiltration of the lung airways, a significant up-regulation of genes involved
      in antiviral-immunity, and a down-regulation of genes involved in lung
      development. This is followed by a decrease in viral loads and increased
      expression of genes associated with cell cycle and tissue repair. These data
      provide the first characterization of the host response required to control
      varicella virus replication in the lung and provide insight into mechanisms by
      which VZV infection can cause lung injury in an immune competent host.

PMID- 27677643
TI  - Continuing Medical Education activity in Echocardiography : September 2016.

PMID- 27677642
TI  - Improved detection of myocardial damage in sarcoidosis using longitudinal strain
      in patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiac infiltration is an important cause of death in sarcoidosis.
      Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) has limited sensitivity for the detection of
      cardiac sarcoidosis (CS). Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) cardiovascular
      magnetic resonance (CMR) is used to diagnose CS but has limitations of cost and
      availability. We sought to determine whether TTE-derived global longitudinal
      strain (GLS) may be used to identify individuals with CS, despite preserved left
      ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and whether abnormal GLS is associated with
      major cardiovascular events (MCE). METHODS: We studied 31 patients with biopsy
      proven extra-cardiac sarcoidosis, LVEF>50% and LGE on CMR (CS+ group), and 31
      patients without LGE (CS- group), matched by age, sex, and severity of lung
      disease. GLS was measured using vendor-independent speckle tracking software.
      Parameters of left and right ventricular systolic and diastolic function were
      also studied. Receiver-operating characteristic curves were used to identify GLS
      cutoff for CS detection, and Kaplan-Meier plots to determine the ability of GLS
      to predict MCE. RESULTS: LGE was associated with reduced GLS (-19.6+/-1.9% in CS-
      vs -14.7+/-2.4% in CS+, P<.01) and with reduced E/A ratio (1.1+/-0.3 vs 0.9+/
      0.3, respectively, P =.01). No differences were noted in other TTE parameters.
      GLS magnitude inversely correlated with LGE burden (r=-.59). GLS cutoff of -17%
      showed sensitivity and specificity 94% for detecting CS. Patients who experienced
      MCE had worse GLS than those who did not (-13.4+/-0.9% vs -17.7+/-0.4%, P=.0003).
      CONCLUSIONS: CS is associated with significantly reduced GLS in the presence of
      preserved LVEF. GLS measurements may become part of the TTE study performed to
      screen for CS.

PMID- 27677644
TI  - Right Ventricular Outflow Tract (RVOT) Changes in Children with an Atrial Septal
      Defect: Focus on RVOT Velocity Time Integral, RVOT Diameter, and RVOT Systolic
      Excursion.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Aim of the study was to determine the influence of right heart volume
      overload in children with atrial septal defect (ASD) on right ventricular outflow
      tract (RVOT) variables. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted in 115
      children (age range: 2 days-18.1 years) with a moderate to large ASD. We
      determined effects of age, body length (BL), body weight (BW), and body surface
      area (BSA) on the variables RVOT diameter, RVOT velocity time integral (VTI), and
      RVOT systolic excursion (SE), and tested the predictive value of published normal
      values for age, BW, BL, and BSA in our ASD patients. RESULTS: In our pediatric
      ASD patients, the age-specific RVOT diameter (z-score: +2.2, 95% CI: 2.0-2.4, P <
      0.001) was significantly increased compared to normal values with 54% of our ASD
      patients having a z-score >2.0. The age-specific RVOT VTI z-score (z-score: +3.6,
      95% CI: 3.2-3.9, P < 0.001) was significantly increased compared to normal values
      with 81% of our ASD patients having a z-score >2.0. The age-specific RVOT SE z
      score was not increased but slightly lower compared to normal values (z-score: 
      0.5, 95% CI: -0.7 to -0.3, P < 0.001) with 3% of our ASD patients having a z
      score >2.0 while 12% of the patients had a z-score <-2. CONCLUSION: In our study
      population, we show the RVOT VTI and diameter to be relevant predictors in
      identifying an enlarged RVOT size and flow in children with moderate to large
      ASD.

PMID- 27677645
TI  - A unique case of "double-orifice aortic valve"-comprehensive assessment by 2-, 3
      dimensional, and color Doppler echocardiography.
AB  - Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a powerful imaging tool for the
      comprehensive assessment of valvular structure and function. TEE may be of added
      benefit when anatomy is difficult to delineate accurately by transthoracic
      echocardiography. In this article, we present 2-, 3-dimensional, and color
      Doppler TEE images from a male patient with aortic stenosis. A highly unusual and
      complex pattern of valvular calcification created a functionally "double-orifice"
      valve. Such an abnormality may have implications for the accuracy of continuous
      wave Doppler echocardiography, which assumes a single orifice valve in native
      aortic valves. 

PMID- 27677646
TI  - Altitude-induced pulmonary hypertension on one-day rapid ascent of Mount Fuji:
      incidence and therapeutic effects of sildenafil.

PMID- 27677647
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 27677648
TI  - DSM-IV, DSM-5, and ICD-11: Identifying children with posttraumatic stress
      disorder after disasters.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Different criteria for diagnosing posttraumatic stress disorder
      (PTSD) have been recommended by the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical
      Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and the proposed 11th edition of the
      International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). Although children are
      vulnerable to PTSD following disasters, little is known about whether these
      revised criteria are appropriate for preadolescents, as diagnostic revisions have
      been based primarily on adult research. This study investigated rates of PTSD
      using DSM-IV, DSM-5, and ICD-11 diagnostic criteria, and their associations with
      symptom severity, impairment, and PTSD risk factors. METHODS: Children (7-11
      years) exposed to Hurricanes Ike (n = 327) or Charley (n = 383) completed
      measures 8-9 months postdisaster. Using diagnostic algorithms for DSM-IV, DSM-5,
      and ICD-11, rates of 'probable' PTSD were calculated. RESULTS: Across samples,
      rates of PTSD were similar. However, there was low agreement across the
      diagnostic systems, with about a third overlap in identified cases. Children
      identified only by ICD-11 had higher 'core' symptom severity but lower impairment
      than children identified only by DSM-IV or DSM-5. ICD-11 was associated with more
      established risk factors for PTSD than was DSM-5. CONCLUSIONS: Findings revealed
      differences in PTSD diagnosis across major diagnostic systems for preadolescent
      children, with no clear advantage to any one system. Further research on
      developmentally sensitive PTSD criteria for preadolescent children is needed.

PMID- 27677649
TI  - Identification of aminopyrimidine-sulfonamides as potent modulators of Wag31
      mediated cell elongation in mycobacteria.
AB  - There is an urgent need to discover new anti-tubercular agents with novel
      mechanisms of action in order to tackle the scourge of drug-resistant
      tuberculosis. Here, we report the identification of such a molecule - an
      AminoPYrimidine-Sulfonamide (APYS1) that has potent, bactericidal activity
      against M. tuberculosis. Mutations in APYS1-resistant M. tuberculosis mapped
      exclusively to wag31, a gene that encodes a scaffolding protein thought to
      orchestrate cell elongation. Recombineering confirmed that a Gln201Arg mutation
      in Wag31 was sufficient to cause resistance to APYS1, however, neither
      overexpression nor conditional depletion of wag31 impacted M. tuberculosis
      susceptibility to this compound. In contrast, expression of the wildtype allele
      of wag31 in APYS1-resistant M. tuberculosis was dominant and restored
      susceptibility to APYS1 to wildtype levels. Time-lapse imaging and scanning
      electron microscopy revealed that APYS1 caused gross malformation of the old pole
      of M. tuberculosis, with eventual lysis. These effects resembled the
      morphological changes observed following transcriptional silencing of wag31 in M.
      tuberculosis. These data show that Wag31 is likely not the direct target of
      APYS1, but the striking phenotypic similarity between APYS1 exposure and genetic
      depletion of Wag31 in M. tuberculosis suggests that APYS1 might indirectly affect
      Wag31 through an as yet unknown mechanism.

PMID- 27677651
TI  - Comparing the effectiveness of pharmacist-managed warfarin anticoagulation with
      other models: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Anticoagulation management services are well known
      to improve the quality of patient care and to reduce the rates of hospitalization
      and emergency department visits following adverse events related to
      anticoagulation therapy. The complexity of managing warfarin has led to the
      development of a variety of specialized models managed by pharmacists,
      physicians, nurses, and self-managed care. The aim of the study is to compare the
      effectiveness of pharmacist-managed anticoagulation control of warfarin with
      other models. METHODS: We performed a systematic literature search of the PubMed,
      Medline@Web of Knowledge, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Cumulative Index to
      Nursing and Allied Health Literature to identify randomized controlled trials
      (RCTs) from database inception up to July 2015. The search terms used for the
      study were 'warfarin', 'pharmacists', 'Vitamin K antagonist', 'anticoagulation'
      and 'management model.' We used the Cochrane Collaboration's tool from the
      Cochrane Handbook to assess the risk of bias of RCTs. We performed statistical
      analyses using RevMan 5.3 and used the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment,
      Development, and Evaluations profiler to rate the quality of evidence of the
      outcomes. The anticoagulation control outcomes were the percentage of time within
      the standard and expanded therapeutic range and thrombosis events; the safety
      outcomes were bleeding events and mortality, and patients' satisfaction of
      anticoagulation service. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Eight RCTs from 981 potentially
      relevant publications with a total of 1493 patients were included. Meta-analysis
      of the RCTs showed that a significant difference existed between pharmacist
      managed care and other models for satisfaction (mean difference (MD) = 0.41, 95%
      CI, 0.01-0.81, P = 0.04, low-quality evidence) with heterogeneity, and the
      percentage of time within the standard therapeutic range (MD = 3.66, 95% CI 2.20
      5.11, P < 0.00001, high-quality evidence) without heterogeneity. However, the
      pharmacist-managed group demonstrated no significant improvement on the
      percentage of time within the expanded therapeutic range (MD = 2.85, 95% CI -0.56
      to 6.26, P = 0.10, moderate-quality evidence) with heterogeneity, mortality [odds
      ratio (OR) = 0.97, 95% CI, 0.44-2.11, P = 0.09, high-quality evidence] without
      heterogeneity, the prevention of bleeding events (OR = 0.89, 95% CI, 0.56-1.44, P
      = 0.64, high-quality evidence) without heterogeneity, and thrombosis events (OR =
      0.81, 95% CI, 0.34-1.92, P = 0.64, high-quality evidence) without heterogeneity.
      WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: The advantage of pharmacist-managed warfarin
      anticoagulation therapy in terms of anticoagulation control, safety and mortality
      are unclear, but resulted in significantly better patient satisfaction. Compared
      with other models, the superiority of pharmacist-managed warfarin anticoagulation
      needs to be further evaluated and validated in future research.

PMID- 27677650
TI  - Inhibitory effect of high-frequency greater occipital nerve electrical
      stimulation on trigeminovascular nociceptive processing in rats.
AB  - Electrical stimulation of the greater occipital nerve (GON) has recently shown
      promise as an effective non-pharmacological prophylactic therapy for drug
      resistant chronic primary headaches, but the neurobiological mechanisms
      underlying its anticephalgic action are not elucidated. Considering that the
      spinal trigeminal nucleus (STN) is a key segmental structure playing a prominent
      role in pathophysiology of headaches, in the present study we evaluated the
      effects of GON electrical stimulation on ongoing and evoked firing of the dura
      sensitive STN neurons. The experiments were carried out on urethane/chloralose
      anesthetized, paralyzed and artificially ventilated male Wistar rats.
      Extracellular recordings were made from 11 neurons within the caudal part of the
      STN that received convergent input from the ipsilateral facial cutaneous
      receptive fields, dura mater and GON. In each experiment, five various
      combinations of the GON stimulation frequency (50, 75, 100 Hz) and intensity (1,
      3, 6 V) were tested successively in 10 min interval. At all parameter sets,
      preconditioning GON stimulation (250 ms train of pulses applied before each
      recording) produced suppression of both the ongoing activity of the STN neurons
      and their responses to electrical stimulation of the dura mater. The inhibitory
      effect depended mostly on the GON stimulation intensity, being maximally
      pronounced when a stimulus of 6 V was applied. Thus, the GON stimulation-induced
      inhibition of trigeminovascular nociceptive processing at the level of STN has
      been demonstrated for the first time. The data obtained can contribute to a
      deeper understanding of neurophysiological mechanisms underlying the therapeutic
      efficacy of GON stimulation in primary headaches.

PMID- 27677652
TI  - Low mitochondrial DNA diversity of Japanese Polled and Kuchinoshima feral cattle.
AB  - This study aims to estimate the mitochondrial genetic diversity and structure of
      Japanese Polled and Kuchinoshima feral cattle, which are maintained in small
      populations. We determined the mitochondrial DMA (mtDNA) displacement loop (D
      loop) sequences for both cattle populations and analyzed these in conjunction
      with previously published data from Northeast Asian cattle populations. Our
      findings showed that Japanese native cattle have a predominant, Asian-specific
      mtDNA haplogroup T4 with high frequencies (0.43-0.81). This excluded Kuchinoshima
      cattle (32 animals), which had only one mtDNA haplotype belonging to the
      haplogroup T3. Japanese Polled showed relatively lower mtDNA diversity in the
      average sequence divergence (0.0020) than other Wagyu breeds (0.0036-0.0047).
      Japanese Polled have been maintained in a limited area of Yamaguchi, and the
      population size is now less than 200. Therefore, low mtDNA diversity in the
      Japanese Polled could be explained by the decreasing population size in the last
      three decades. We found low mtDNA diversity in both Japanese Polled and
      Kuchinoshima cattle. The genetic information obtained in this study will be
      useful for maintaining these populations and for understanding the origin of
      Japanese native cattle.

PMID- 27677653
TI  - Phenylalkylamine Passivation of Organolead Halide Perovskites Enabling High
      Efficiency and Air-Stable Photovoltaic Cells.
AB  - Benzylamine is introduced as a surface passivation molecule that improves the
      moisture-resistance of the perovskites while simultaneously enhancing their
      electronic properties. Solar cells based on benzylamine-modified formamidinium
      lead iodide perovskite films exhibit a champion efficiency of 19.2% and an open
      circuit voltage of 1.12 V. The modified FAPbI3 films exhibit no degradation after
      >2800 h air exposure.

PMID- 27677655
TI  - Horizontal root fractures in posterior teeth without dental trauma: tooth/root
      distribution and clinical characteristics.
AB  - AIM: To describe the clinical characteristics and radiographic findings of
      horizontal root fractures (HRF) in posterior teeth without a history of dental
      trauma. METHODOLOGY: A total 24 patients and 31 HRF cases in 28 posterior teeth
      were collected from 2006 to 2015. Clinical examinations and radiographic imaging
      were evaluated. Value of confidence intervals of the proportions was calculated
      for data presentation. RESULTS: The number of males (54%) was similar to females
      (46%). The patients were predominantly between 50 and 70 years of age (75%). Most
      HRF cases were found in nonendodontically treated teeth (79%), without crown and
      bridge restorations (82%), and maxillary molars (54%). Many roots of maxillary
      molars had developed HRF, and the probability was nearly equal. Fractured teeth
      usually presented with periodontal and apical bone loss, and most patients (92%)
      were diagnosed with full mouth chronic periodontitis. Tooth wear was another
      common clinical feature amongst these patients. CONCLUSIONS: HRF in posterior
      teeth without dental trauma occurred mainly in patients aged between 50 and 70,
      in nonendodontically treated teeth, teeth with attrition but without crown and
      bridge restorations, maxillary molars and with periodontal and periapical bony
      destruction. Periodontal condition, occlusal wear and patients' age at diagnosis
      were the possible related factors. HRF in posterior teeth without dental trauma
      is a diagnostic challenge and even misdiagnosed. A thorough clinical examination,
      radiographic analysis and recognition of the clinical characteristics are helpful
      in the early diagnosis and treatment of HRF.

PMID- 27677654
TI  - Inhibition of cytokine response to TLR stimulation and alleviation of collagen
      induced arthritis in mice by Schistosoma japonicum peptide SJMHE1.
AB  - Helminth-derived products have recently been shown to prevent the development of
      inflammatory diseases in mouse models. However, most identified immunomodulators
      from helminthes are mixtures or macromolecules with potentially immunogenic side
      effects. We previously identified an immunomodulatory peptide called SJMHE1 from
      the HSP60 protein of Schistosoma japonicum. In this study, we assessed the
      ability of SJMHE1 to affect murine splenocytes and human peripheral blood
      mononuclear cells (PBMCs) stimulated by toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands in vitro
      and its treatment effect on mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). We show
      that SJMHE1 not only modulates the cytokine production of murine macrophage
      (MPhi) and dendritic cell but also affects cytokine production upon coculturing
      with allogeneic CD4+ T cell. SJMHE1 potently inhibits the cytokine response to
      TLR ligands lipopolysaccharide (LPS), CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG) or
      resiquimod (R848) from mouse splenocytes, and human PBMCs stimulated by LPS.
      Furthermore, SJMHE1 suppressed clinical signs of CIA in mice and blocked joint
      erosion progression. This effect was mediated by downregulation of key cytokines
      involved in the pathogenesis of CIA, such as interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), tumour
      necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17, and IL-22 and up
      regulation of the inhibitory cytokine IL-10, Tgf-beta1 mRNA, and CD4+ CD25+
      Foxp3+ Tregs. This study provides new evidence that the peptide from S.
      japonicum, which is the 'safe' selective generation of small molecule peptide
      that has evolved during host-parasite interactions, is of great value in the
      search for novel anti-inflammatory agents and therapeutic targets for autoimmune
      diseases.

PMID- 27677656
TI  - How to facilitate early diagnosis of CNS involvement in malignant lymphoma.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Making the diagnosis of secondary CNS involvement in lymphoma can
      be difficult due to unspecific signs and symptoms, limited accessibility of
      brain/myelon parenchyma and low sensitivity and/or specifity of imaging and
      cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination currently available. Areas covered: MRI of
      the total neuroaxis followed by CSF cytomorphology and flow cytometry are methods
      of choice when CNS lymphoma (CNSL) is suspected. To reduce the numerous pitfalls
      of these examinations several aspects should be considered. New CSF biomarkers
      might be of potential diagnostic value. Attempts to standardize response criteria
      are presented. Expert commentary: Diagnosing CNSL remains challenging. Until
      diagnostic methods combining high sensitivity with high specifity are routinely
      introduced, high level of awareness and optimal utilization of examinations
      currently available are needed to early diagnose this potentially devastating
      disease.

PMID- 27677657
TI  - [Identification of Mycobacteria isolated from AIDS patients].
AB  - Obstract: To identify Mycobacteria isolated from AIDS patients and to evaluate
      the diagnostic value of MBP64 antigen Colloidal Gold Diagnostic Kit in
      distinguishing Mycobacterium tuberculosis(MTB) and Nontuberculous mycobacteria
      (NTM). Methods: A total of 140 Mycobacteria isolates from AIDS patients were
      collected and identified by using 16SrDNA PCR assay as well as immune colloidal
      gold technique (MBP64 antigen Colloidal Gold Diagnostic Kit). The sensitivity and
      specificity of Colloidal Gold method was analyzed. Results: With the results of
      16SrDNA PCR assay as gold standard, the sensitivity and specificity of Colloidal
      Gold method in distinguishing MTB and NTM were 96.00% and 96.84%, respectively.
      Among 140 samples, 114 were identified by 16SrDNA PCR assay, among which 50
      (43.86%) were identified as MTB, and 63 (55.26%) were identified as NTM. The most
      popular NTM in AIDS patients were Mycobacterium gordonae, Mycobacterium avium and
      Mycobacterium kansasii. Conclusion: NTM is of high prevalence in AIDS patients,
      and MBP64 antigen Colloidal Gold Diagnostic Kit can be used as an effective
      technique in distinguishing NTM and MTB.

PMID- 27677660
TI  - Attitudes toward participating in Phase I clinical trials: an investigation with
      patient-family-physician triads.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Phase I oncology trials have raised concerns that patients'
      'unrealistic' optimism could compromise the validity of informed consent, and
      that patients often participate in trials to conform to physicians' or family
      members' recommendations. We aimed to determine whether patients or families
      given the same information of risk-benefit profile-are more likely to participate
      in Phase I trials than their physicians and whether people in family or physician
      situations are more likely to recommend trial participation to patients than they
      would want for themselves as patients. METHODS: We conducted a hypothetical
      vignette study with a patient-caregiver-oncologist. Three groups-725 patient
      caregiver pairs recruited by 134 oncologists-were asked to assume three different
      roles as patients, caregivers and physicians and provided a scenario of a
      hypothetical patient with treatment-resistant cancer. They were asked questions
      regarding their intention to participate in or to recommend a Phase I clinical
      trial. RESULTS: Acceptance rates of the trial were as follows: (a) in the
      patients' role: patients (54.1), caregivers (62.3) and physicians (63.4%); (b) in
      the caregivers' role: 55.6, 64.7 and 70.9%; (c) in the physicians' role: 66.1,
      70.8 and 76.1%. Patients or caregivers were not more positive to the trial than
      physicians. All three groups showed more positive attitudes toward the clinical
      trial when they assumed the role of caregiver or physician than that of patient.
      CONCLUSIONS: Patients and caregivers seem to make as reasonable decisions as
      physicians; patients seem to take family members' or physicians' recommendation
      as their legitimate roles rather than as undue pressure.

PMID- 27677661
TI  - Treatment strategy for hepatocellular carcinoma in China: radiofrequency ablation
      versus liver resection.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common malignancy in liver, is also a global
      problem and is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancers among men and the
      fourth leading causes of cancer death among both men and women in China. Liver
      resection or hepatic resection and radiofrequency ablation is widely accepted as
      a first-line surgical approach for hepatocellular carcinoma in China. However,
      the indications of radiofrequency ablation or hepatic resection are different and
      not unified in China. In this article, we review the current status of hepatic
      resection and radiofrequency ablation therapies in hepatocellular carcinoma
      management in China.

PMID- 27677662
TI  - Quality of life and functional status of terminally ill head and neck cancer
      patients: a nation-wide, prospective observational study at tertiary cancer
      centers in Japan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little is known about quality of life and functional status of
      patients with terminally ill head and neck cancers. METHODS: We conducted a
      multicenter, prospective, observational study to examine quality of life and
      functional status in terminally ill head and neck cancer patients. RESULTS: Of
      the 100 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 72 were observed until death. There
      was no significant difference in the quality of life score between baseline and
      Week 3. Forty patients (54.9%) could speak and 22 patients (30.5%) could have
      oral intake upon study entry. Fifty-three patients (74.6%) received enteral
      nutrition. Twenty-six patients (36.6%) required dressing changes for fungating
      tumors. The route of nutritional intake (nasogastric tube vs. percutaneous
      gastric tube) might be predictive for the duration of hospital stay (64 vs. 21
      days, P = 0.0372). CONCLUSION: There was no significant relationship between
      quality of life and functional status seen in this study. Feeding tube type could
      have the most impact on quality of life.

PMID- 27677663
TI  - Respiration-gated fast-rescanning carbon-ion radiotherapy.
AB  - Phase-controlled rescanning of the carbon-ion beam offers fast and precise dose
      application with decreased irradiation of normal tissue. However, organ movement
      with respiration remains a unique challenge. Technological development has
      enabled the simultaneous application of beam-energy-modulated markerless phase
      controlled rescanning with respiration gating, allowing scanning treatment of
      respiration-mobile tumors with carbon. A total of 10 patients with tumors in the
      liver or lung were treated in a feasibility study at our facility using this
      combination. At a median of 10.5 months, follow-up examination including computed
      tomography/magnetic resonance imaging revealed no grade 2+ acute adverse effects
      with this new therapy. Two patients with complex disease experienced local
      recurrence, which may be improved with increased dose delivery. One patient died
      of unrelated causes. All other patients are alive with good control at the time
      of writing. Though long-term observation is pending, these are promising initial
      results for use of the carbon-beam phase-controlled rescanning method in
      respiration-mobile disease.

PMID- 27677665
TI  - Evaluating the potential carcinogenic hazard of glyphosate.

PMID- 27677664
TI  - Adjuvant therapy after radical surgery for stage IB-IIB cervical adenocarcinoma
      with risk factors.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Patients with adeno/adenosquamous carcinoma may have a poorer
      prognosis than patients with squamous cell carcinoma. Radiotherapy and concurrent
      chemoradiotherapy are used as adjuvant therapies for cervical cancer, regardless
      of the histological subtype. The aim of this study was to investigate the
      prognostic outcome of adjuvant therapy for patients with adeno/adenosquamous
      carcinoma with pathological risk factors. METHODS: The medical records of 135
      patients with stage IB-IIB cervical cancer with squamous cell carcinoma or
      adeno/adenosquamous carcinoma who underwent primary surgery followed by adjuvant
      therapy were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with a pathologically confirmed
      bulky tumor (>=4 cm), nodal metastasis and/or parametrium invasion were included
      in the study. RESULTS: The median follow-up period was 48 (1-132) months. Of the
      135 patients, 90 with squamous cell carcinoma and 23 with adeno/adenosquamous
      carcinoma were treated with adjuvant radiotherapy and concurrent
      chemoradiotherapy (SCC-RT/CCRT and AC-RT/CCRT groups), and 22 with
      adeno/adenosquamous carcinoma were treated with adjuvant systemic chemotherapy
      (AC-CT group). There were no significant differences in clinicopathological
      factors between the SCC-RT/CCRT and AC-RT/CCRT groups and between the AC-RT/CCRT
      and AC-CT groups. Progression-free survival was significantly shorter in the AC
      RT/CCRT group compared to the SCC-RT/CCRT group (P = 0.002). Adeno/adenosquamous
      carcinoma histology and multiple lymph node metastasis were independent
      prognostic factors for shorter progression-free survival in patients treated with
      adjuvant radiotherapy and concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Progression-free survival
      was also significantly shorter in the AC-RT/CCRT group compared to the AC-CT
      group (P = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS: Adjuvant radiotherapy and concurrent
      chemoradiotherapy may be less effective for patients with adeno/adenosquamous
      carcinoma than for those with squamous cell carcinoma. Adjuvant systemic
      chemotherapy may be beneficial for adeno/adenosquamous carcinoma and further
      studies are warranted.

PMID- 27677666
TI  - A review of the carcinogenic potential of glyphosate by four independent expert
      panels and comparison to the IARC assessment.
AB  - The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) published a monograph in
      2015 concluding that glyphosate is "probably carcinogenic to humans" (Group 2A)
      based on limited evidence in humans and sufficient evidence in experimental
      animals. It was also concluded that there was strong evidence of genotoxicity and
      oxidative stress. Four Expert Panels have been convened for the purpose of
      conducting a detailed critique of the evidence in light of IARC's assessment and
      to review all relevant information pertaining to glyphosate exposure, animal
      carcinogenicity, genotoxicity, and epidemiologic studies. Two of the Panels
      (animal bioassay and genetic toxicology) also provided a critique of the IARC
      position with respect to conclusions made in these areas. The incidences of
      neoplasms in the animal bioassays were found not to be associated with glyphosate
      exposure on the basis that they lacked statistical strength, were inconsistent
      across studies, lacked dose-response relationships, were not associated with
      preneoplasia, and/or were not plausible from a mechanistic perspective. The
      overall weight of evidence from the genetic toxicology data supports a conclusion
      that glyphosate (including GBFs and AMPA) does not pose a genotoxic hazard and
      therefore, should not be considered support for the classification of glyphosate
      as a genotoxic carcinogen. The assessment of the epidemiological data found that
      the data do not support a causal relationship between glyphosate exposure and non
      Hodgkin's lymphoma while the data were judged to be too sparse to assess a
      potential relationship between glyphosate exposure and multiple myeloma. As a
      result, following the review of the totality of the evidence, the Panels
      concluded that the data do not support IARC's conclusion that glyphosate is a
      "probable human carcinogen" and, consistent with previous regulatory assessments,
      further concluded that glyphosate is unlikely to pose a carcinogenic risk to
      humans.

PMID- 27677667
TI  - Glyphosate in the general population and in applicators: a critical review of
      studies on exposures.
AB  - The recent classification of glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen by the
      International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) was arrived at without a
      detailed assessment of exposure. Glyphosate is widely used as an herbicide, which
      might result in exposures of the general public and applicators. Exposures were
      estimated from information in the open literature and unpublished reports
      provided by Monsanto Company. Based on the maximum measured concentration in air,
      an exposure dose of 1.04 * 10 - 6 mg/kg body mass (b.m.)/d was estimated.
      Assuming consumption of surface water without treatment, the 90th centile
      measured concentration would result in a consumed dose of 2.25 * 10 - 5 mg/kg
      b.m./d. Estimates by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
      (FAO) of consumed doses in food provided a median exposure of 0.005 mg/kg b.m./d
      (range 0.002-0.013). Based on tolerance levels, the conservative estimate by the
      US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) for exposure of the general
      population via food and water was 0.088 mg/kg b.m./d (range 0.058-0.23). For
      applicators, 90th centiles for systemic exposures based on biomonitoring and
      dosimetry (normalized for penetration through the skin) were 0.0014 and 0.021
      mg/kg b.m./d, respectively. All of these exposures are less than the reference
      dose and the acceptable daily intakes proposed by several regulatory agencies,
      thus supporting a conclusion that even for these highly exposed populations the
      exposures were within regulatory limits.

PMID- 27677668
TI  - Glyphosate epidemiology expert panel review: a weight of evidence systematic
      review of the relationship between glyphosate exposure and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
      or multiple myeloma.
AB  - We conducted a systematic review of the epidemiologic literature for glyphosate
      focusing on non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and multiple myeloma (MM) - two cancers
      that were the focus of a recent review by an International Agency for Research on
      Cancer Working Group. Our approach was consistent with Preferred Reporting Items
      for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for systematic
      reviews. We evaluated each relevant study according to a priori criteria for
      study quality: adequacy of study size, likelihood of confounding, potential for
      other biases and adequacy of the statistical analyses. Our evaluation included
      seven unique studies for NHL and four for MM, all but one of which were case
      control studies for each cancer. For NHL, the case-control studies were all
      limited by the potential for recall bias and the lack of adequate multivariate
      adjustment for multiple pesticide and other farming exposures. Only the
      Agricultural Health (cohort) Study met our a priori quality standards and this
      study found no evidence of an association between glyphosate and NHL. For MM, the
      case control studies shared the same limitations as noted for the NHL case
      control studies and, in aggregate, the data were too sparse to enable an informed
      causal judgment. Overall, our review did not find support in the epidemiologic
      literature for a causal association between glyphosate and NHL or MM.

PMID- 27677669
TI  - Glyphosate rodent carcinogenicity bioassay expert panel review.
AB  - Glyphosate has been rigorously and extensively tested for carcinogenicity by
      administration to mice (five studies) and to rats (nine studies). Most
      authorities have concluded that the evidence does not indicate a cancer risk to
      humans. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), however,
      evaluated some of the available data and concluded that glyphosate probably is
      carcinogenic to humans. The expert panel convened by Intertek assessed the
      findings used by IARC, as well as the full body of evidence and found the
      following: (1) the renal neoplastic effects in males of one mouse study are not
      associated with glyphosate exposure, because they lack statistical significance,
      strength, consistency, specificity, lack a dose-response pattern, plausibility,
      and coherence; (2) the strength of association of liver hemangiosarcomas in a
      different mouse study is absent, lacking consistency, and a dose-response effect
      and having in high dose males only a significant incidence increase which is
      within the historical control range; (3) pancreatic islet-cell adenomas (non
      significant incidence increase), in two studies of male SD rats did not progress
      to carcinomas and lacked a dose-response pattern (the highest incidence is in the
      low dose followed by the high dose); (4) in one of two studies, a non-significant
      positive trend in the incidence of hepatocellular adenomas in male rats did not
      lead to progression to carcinomas; (5) in one of two studies, the non-significant
      positive trend in the incidence of thyroid C-cell adenomas in female rats was not
      present and there was no progression of adenomas to carcinomas at the end of the
      study. Application of criteria for causality considerations to the above
      mentioned tumor types and given the overall weight-of-evidence (WoE), the expert
      panel concluded that glyphosate is not a carcinogen in laboratory animals.

PMID- 27677670
TI  - Genotoxicity Expert Panel review: weight of evidence evaluation of the
      genotoxicity of glyphosate, glyphosate-based formulations, and
      aminomethylphosphonic acid.
AB  - In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) published a
      monograph concluding there was strong evidence for genotoxicity of glyphosate and
      glyphosate formulations and moderate evidence for genotoxicity of the metabolite
      aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA). These conclusions contradicted earlier
      extensive reviews supporting the lack of genotoxicity of glyphosate and
      glyphosate formulations. The IARC Monograph concluded there was strong evidence
      of induction of oxidative stress by glyphosate, glyphosate formulations, and
      AMPA. The Expert Panel reviewed the genotoxicity and oxidative stress data
      considered in the IARC Monograph, together with other available data not
      considered by IARC. The Expert Panel defined and used a weight of evidence (WoE)
      approach that included ranking of studies and endpoints by the strength of their
      linkage to events associated with carcinogenic mechanisms. Importantly, the
      Expert Panel concluded that there was sufficient information available from a
      very large number of regulatory genotoxicity studies that should have been
      considered by IARC. The WoE approach, the inclusion of all relevant regulatory
      studies, and some differences in interpretation of individual studies led to
      significantly different conclusions by the Expert Panel compared with the IARC
      Monograph. The Expert Panel concluded that glyphosate, glyphosate formulations,
      and AMPA do not pose a genotoxic hazard and the data do not support the IARC
      Monograph genotoxicity evaluation. With respect to carcinogenicity classification
      and mechanism, the Expert Panel concluded that evidence relating to an oxidative
      stress mechanism of carcinogenicity was largely unconvincing and that the data
      profiles were not consistent with the characteristics of genotoxic carcinogens.

PMID- 27677671
TI  - Delayed Response to Corpus Callosotomy.

PMID- 27677672
TI  - Neurobehavioral testing in subarachnoid hemorrhage: A review of methods and
      current findings in rodents.
AB  - The most important aspect of a preclinical study seeking to develop a novel
      therapy for neurological diseases is whether the therapy produces any clinically
      relevant functional recovery. For this purpose, neurobehavioral tests are
      commonly used to evaluate the neuroprotective efficacy of treatments in a wide
      array of cerebrovascular diseases and neurotrauma. Their use, however, has been
      limited in experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage studies. After several
      randomized, double-blinded, controlled clinical trials repeatedly failed to
      produce a benefit in functional outcome despite some improvement in angiographic
      vasospasm, more rigorous methods of neurobehavioral testing became critical to
      provide a more comprehensive evaluation of the functional efficacy of proposed
      treatments. While several subarachnoid hemorrhage studies have incorporated an
      array of neurobehavioral assays, a standardized methodology has not been agreed
      upon. Here, we review neurobehavioral tests for rodents and their potential
      application to subarachnoid hemorrhage studies. Developing a standardized
      neurobehavioral testing regimen in rodent studies of subarachnoid hemorrhage
      would allow for better comparison of results between laboratories and a better
      prediction of what interventions would produce functional benefits in humans.

PMID- 27677673
TI  - Large field-of-view movement-compensated intrinsic optical signal imaging for the
      characterization of the haemodynamic response to spreading depolarizations in
      large gyrencephalic brains.
AB  - Haemodynamic responses to spreading depolarizations (SDs) have an important role
      during the development of secondary brain damage. Characterization of the
      haemodynamic responses in larger brains, however, is difficult due to movement
      artefacts. Intrinsic optical signal (IOS) imaging, laser speckle flowmetry (LSF)
      and electrocorticography were performed in different configurations in three
      groups of in total 18 swine. SDs were elicited by topical application of KCl or
      occurred spontaneously after middle cerebral artery occlusion. Movement artefacts
      in IOS were compensated by an elastic registration algorithm during post
      processing. Using movement-compensated IOS, we were able to differentiate between
      four components of optical changes, corresponding closely with haemodynamic
      variations measured by LSF. Compared with ECoG and LSF, our setup provides higher
      spatial and temporal resolution, as well as a better signal-to-noise ratio. Using
      IOS alone, we could identify the different zones of infarction in a large
      gyrencephalic middle cerebral artery occlusion pig model. We strongly suggest
      movement-compensated IOS for the investigation of the role of haemodynamic
      responses to SDs during the development of secondary brain damage and in
      particular to examine the effect of potential therapeutic interventions in
      gyrencephalic brains.

PMID- 27677676
TI  - Early second-trimester plasma levels of NT-proBNP in women who subsequently
      develop early-onset preeclampsia.
AB  - Plasma levels of NT-proBNP are elevated in women with preeclampsia at the time of
      diagnosis. The objective of this case-control study was to evaluate N-terminal
      proBNP (NT-proBNP) in maternal plasma as an early second-trimester biomarker for
      prediction of early-onset preeclampsia. In early second-trimester samples, women
      who later developed preeclampsia at gestational age 34 wk + 0 or earlier (n = 16)
      had similar plasma levels of NT-proBNP (median 51.8, range 26.1-131.9 pg/ml) as
      women with uncomplicated pregnancy outcomes (n = 43) (53.0, 14.9-184.2 pg/ml).
      The early second-trimester level of NT-proBNP cannot therefore be used as a
      predictive biomarker of early-onset preeclampsia.

PMID- 27677675
TI  - Evolution of severe sleep-wake cycle disturbances following traumatic brain
      injury: a case study in both acute and subacute phases post-injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sleep-wake disturbances are frequently reported following traumatic
      brain injury (TBI), but they remain poorly documented in the acute stage of
      injury. Little is known about their origin and evolution. CASE PRESENTATION: This
      study presents the case of a patient in the acute phase of a severe TBI. The
      patient was injured at work when falling 12 m into a mine and was hospitalized in
      the regular wards of a level I trauma centre. From days 31 to 45 post-injury,
      once he had reached a level of medical stability and continuous analgosedation
      had been ceased, his sleep-wake cycle was monitored using actigraphy. Results
      showed significant sleep-wake disturbances and severe sleep deprivation. Indeed,
      the patient had an average nighttime sleep efficiency of 32.7 +/- 15.4 %, and
      only an average of 4.8 +/- 1.3 h of sleep per 24-h period. After hospital
      discharge to the rehabilitation centre, where he remained for 5 days, the patient
      was readmitted to the same neurological unit for paranoid delusions. During his
      second hospital stay, actigraphy recordings resumed from days 69 to 75 post
      injury. A major improvement in his sleep-wake cycle was observed during this
      second stay, with an average nighttime sleep efficiency of 96.3 +/- 0.9 % and an
      average of 14.1 +/- 0.9 h of sleep per 24-h period. CONCLUSION: This study is the
      first to extensively document sleep-wake disturbances in both the acute and
      subacute phases of severe TBI. Results show that prolonged sleep deprivation can
      be observed after TBI, and suggest that the hospital environment only partially
      contributes to sleep-wake disturbances. Continuous actigraphic monitoring may
      prove to be a useful clinical tool in the monitoring of patients hospitalized
      after severe TBI in order to detect severe sleep deprivation requiring
      intervention. The direct impact of sleep-wake disturbances on physiological and
      cognitive recovery is not well understood within this population, but is worth
      investigating and improving.

PMID- 27677674
TI  - Mitochondrial fission and fusion in secondary brain damage after CNS insults.
AB  - Mitochondria are dynamically active organelles, regulated through fission and
      fusion events to continuously redistribute them across axons, dendrites, and
      synapses of neurons to meet bioenergetics requirements and to control various
      functions, including cell proliferation, calcium buffering, neurotransmission,
      oxidative stress, and apoptosis. However, following acute or chronic injury to
      CNS, altered expression and function of proteins that mediate fission and fusion
      lead to mitochondrial dynamic imbalance. Particularly, if the fission is
      abnormally increased through pro-fission mediators such as Drp1, mitochondrial
      function will be impaired and mitochondria will become susceptible to insertion
      of proapototic proteins. This leads to the formation of mitochondrial transition
      pore, which eventually triggers apoptosis. Thus, mitochondrial dysfunction is a
      major promoter of neuronal death and secondary brain damage after an insult. This
      review discusses the implications of mitochondrial dynamic imbalance in neuronal
      death after acute and chronic CNS insults.

PMID- 27677677
TI  - Molecular dynamics-based analyses of the structural instability and secondary
      structure of the fibrinogen gamma chain protein with the D356V mutation.
AB  - Mutations in the fibrinogen gamma chain (FGG) gene have been associated with
      various disorders, such as dysfibrinogenemia, thrombophilia, and
      hypofibrinogenemia. A literature survey showed that a residue exchange in
      fibrinogen Milano I from gamma Asp to Val at position 330 impairs fibrin
      polymerization. The D356V (D330V) mutation located in the C-terminus was
      predicted to be highly deleterious and to affect the function of the protein. The
      pathogenicity of the altered gene and changes in protein functions were predicted
      using in silico methods, such as SIFT, PolyPhen 2, I-Mutant 3.0, Align GV-GD, PhD
      SNP, and SNPs&GO. The secondary structure of the mutant protein was unwound by
      the end of the 50-ns simulation period, and a structural change in the helix-turn
      transition of the alpha-helical (352-356) region residues was observed. Moreover,
      a change in the length of the helical region was visualized in the mutant
      trajectory file, indicating the local transient unfolding of the protein. The
      obtained computational results suggest that the substitution of the neutral amino
      acid valine for the acidic amino acid aspartic acid at position 356 results in an
      unwound conformation within 50 ns, which might contribute to defective
      polymerization. Our analysis also provides insights into the effect of the
      conformational change in the D356V (D330V) mutant on protein structure and
      function.

PMID- 27677678
TI  - Application and outcomes of therapy combining transcranial direct current
      stimulation and virtual reality: a systematic review.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the methods and major outcomes of transcranial direct
      current stimulation (tDCS) combined with virtual reality (VR) therapy in
      randomized controlled trials. METHOD: A systematic review was performed following
      PRISMA guidelines using PubMed, PubMed Central, Web of Science and CAPES periodic
      databases, with no time restriction. The studies were screened for the following
      inclusion criteria: human subjects, combination of VR and tDCS methods, and
      randomized controlled study design. All potentially relevant articles were
      independently reviewed by two researchers, who reached a consensus on which
      articles met the inclusion criteria. The PEDro scale was used to evaluate the
      studies. RESULTS: Eleven studies were included, all of which utilized a variety
      of tDCS and VR application methods. The main outcomes were found to be beneficial
      in intervention groups of different populations, including improvements in body
      sway, gait, stroke recovery, pain management and vegetative reactions.
      CONCLUSIONS: The use of tDCS combined with VR showed positive results in both
      healthy and impaired patients. Future studies with larger sample sizes and
      homogeneous participants are required to confirm the benefits of tDCS and VR.
      Implications for Rehabilitation tDCS with VR intervention can be an alternative
      to traditional rehabilitation programs. tDCS with VR is a promising type of
      intervention with a variety of positive effects. Application of tDCS with VR is
      appropriated to both healthy and impaired patients. There is no consensus of tDCS
      with VR application.

PMID- 27677679
TI  - Immunoglobulin heavy light chain test quantifies clonal disease in patients with
      AL amyloidosis and normal serum free light chain ratio.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Serum and urine immunofixation electrophoreses (SIFE/UIFE) are used
      for clonal detection in plasma cell dyscrasias, while serum free light chain
      (sFLC) testing provides quantitation of clonal disease. Up to 20% of patients
      with light chain (AL) amyloidosis may present with normal FLC ratio (FLCr).
      METHODS: We assessed the diagnostic, quantitative and prognostic potential of
      serum heavy light chain ratio (HLCr) in 199 untreated patients at initial
      evaluation. RESULTS: An abnormal HLCr was found in 37.2%, abnormal FLCr in 81.9%
      and positivity by SIFE/UIFE in 94% of patients. HLCr together with SIFE/UIFE
      identified clonality in 94% patients; the combination with FLCr yielded 100%
      sensitivity. An HLCr abnormality was significantly over-represented in normal
      compared to abnormal FLCr group (63.9% versus 31.3%). HLCr did not predict
      overall survival (OS) (log rank, p = 0.09), while an abnormal FLCr was associated
      with decreased OS (log rank, p = 0.03). The combined use of both ratios trended
      toward increased OS in the abnormal HLCr/normal FLCr group (log rank, p = 0.11;
      Wilcoxon, p = 0.04). On multivariate analysis, HLCr was not predictive of OS,
      whereas an abnormal FLCr was associated with shorter OS (HR = 1.7, p = 0.04).
      CONCLUSIONS: The HLC assay has potential as a supplemental test to quantify
      monoclonal protein in patients with normal FLCr results.

PMID- 27677680
TI  - Expression and functional characterization of interferon regulatory factors
      (irf2, irf7 and irf9) in the blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala).
AB  - Interferon regulatory factors (irfs) are a family of genes that encode
      transcription factors with important roles in regulating the expression of Type I
      interferons (IFNs) and other genes associated with related pathways. irfs have
      multitudinous functions in growth, development and regulation of oncogenesis. In
      this study, three irf family members (irf2, irf7, irf9) were identified and
      characterized in Megalobrama amblycephala at the mRNA and amino acid levels. M.
      amblycephala irfs share a high sequence homology with other vertebrate irfs.
      Constitutive expression levels of the three genes were detected (using qPCR) in
      all studied tissues: low to medium in kidney, gills, heart and muscle, and high
      in liver, spleen, intestine and blood. qPCR was also used to analyze the dynamic
      expression patterns of irfs in different embryonic development stages: irf2 is
      not activated during the embryonic development, whereas irf9 appears to play
      important roles around hatching and during the larval development. Transcripts of
      all three studied irfs were upregulated after stimulation by Aeromonas hydrophila
      bacterium in liver, spleen, head kidney and trunk kidney, whereas downregulation
      was observed in intestine and gills. The results show that these three irfs are
      likely to be important factors in the blunt snout bream immune system. They also
      provide a foundation for studying the origin and evolution of the innate immune
      system in the blunt snout bream.

PMID- 27677681
TI  - Diversity and temporal patterns of planktonic protist assemblages at a
      Mediterranean Long Term Ecological Research site.
AB  - We tracked temporal changes in protist diversity at the Long Term Ecological
      Research (LTER) station MareChiara in the Gulf of Naples (Mediterranean Sea) on
      eight dates in 2011 using a metabarcoding approach. Illumina analysis of the V4
      and V9 fragments of the 18S rDNA produced 869 522 and 1 410 071 sequences
      resulting in 6517 and 6519 OTUs, respectively. Marked compositional variations
      were recorded across the year, with less than 2% of OTUs shared among all samples
      and similar patterns for the two marker tags. Alveolata, Stramenopiles and
      Rhizaria were the most represented groups. A comparison with light microscopy
      data indicated an over-representation of Dinophyta in the sequence dataset,
      whereas Bacillariophyta showed comparable taxonomic patterns between sequence and
      light microscopy data. Shannon diversity values were stable from February to
      September, increasing thereafter with a peak in December. Community variance was
      mainly explained by seasonality (as temperature), trophic status (as chlorophyll
      a), and influence of coastal waters (as salinity). Overall, the background
      knowledge of the system provided a sound context for the result interpretation,
      showing that LTER sites provide an ideal setting for high-throughput sequencing
      (HTS) metabarcoding characterisation of protist assemblages and their
      relationships with environmental variations.

PMID- 27677682
TI  - Use of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry after liquid enrichment (BD BactecTM) for
      rapid diagnosis of bone and joint infections.
AB  - Advantages of MALDI-TOF MS (MS) were evaluated for diagnosis of bone and joint
      infections after enrichment of synovial fluid (SF) or crushed osteoarticular
      samples (CSs). MS was performed after enrichment of SF or crushed osteoarticular
      samples CS (n = 108) in both aerobic and anaerobic vials. Extraction was
      performed on 113 vials (SF: n = 47; CS: n = 66), using the Sepsityper(r) kit
      prior identification by MS. The performances of MS, score and reproducibility
      results on bacterial colonies from blood agar and on pellets after enrichment in
      vials, were compared. MS analysis of the vial resulted in correct identification
      of bacteria at a species and genus level (80.5% and 92% of cases, respectively).
      The reproducibility was superior for aerobic Gram-positive bacteria
      (Staphylococci and Gram-positive bacilli: 100% colonies), as compared to aerobic
      Gram-negative bacilli (89.7%), anaerobes (83.3%) and Streptococcus/Enterococcus
      (58.8%). MS performance was significantly better for staphylococci than for
      streptococci on all identification parameters. For polymicrobial cultures,
      identification (score>1.5) of two species by MS was acceptable in 92.8% of cases.
      Use of MS on enrichment pellets of bone samples is an accurate, rapid and robust
      method for bacterial identification of clinical isolates from osteoarticular
      infections, except for streptococci, whose identification to species level
      remains difficult.

PMID- 27677683
TI  - Oral Surgical Treatment of Patients With Chronic Liver Disease: Assessments of
      Bleeding and Its Relationship With Thrombocytopenia and Blood Coagulation
      Parameters.
AB  - PURPOSE: Cirrhotic patients awaiting liver transplantation require eradication of
      infectious oral foci to prevent septic episodes after transplantation; however,
      cirrhosis can hinder hemostasis and can result in severe bleeding. The present
      study assessed the bleeding risk factors connected with the clinical history of
      these patients and the characteristics of the extractions. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      We retrospectively analyzed 1183 extractions in 318 patients, including 47 with
      severe end-stage liver disease who were outside of our intention-to-treat bracket
      (ie, platelet count [PLT] >40 * 103/MUL and international normalized ratio [INR]
      <2.5). Follow-up examinations included inspection of the oral cavity on the
      first, third, and seventh days, with reparatory surgery in the case of severe
      bleeding. Continuous variables were compared using the Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal
      Wallis tests, and categorical variables were compared using Fisher's exact test.
      Binary logistic regression analysis was also performed. RESULTS: Within the
      intention-to-treat bracket, 1 of the 271 patients (0.4%) required surgical
      repair. The bleeding rate for an INR of 2.5 or more was significantly greater
      than that for a PLT of 40 * 103/MUL or less (4 of 10 [40%] versus 2 of 34 [6%]; P
      = .02]. All 3 patients with both an INR of 2.5 or more and a PLT of 40 * 103/MUL
      or less exhibited severe bleeding. No significant association between the
      occurrence of bleeding with either liver disease etiology or the number of molars
      extracted was found. No patient required hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: Patients
      with a PLT greater than 40 * 103/MUL and an INR of less than 2.5 can be
      considered relatively low-risk patients. However, an INR of 2.5 or more and, to a
      minor degree, a PLT of 40 * 103/MUL or less represent significant risk factors.

PMID- 27677684
TI  - Surgical Treatment, Oral Rehabilitation, and Orthognathic Surgery After Failure
      of Pharmacologic Treatment of Central Giant Cell Lesion: A Case Report.
AB  - Although pharmacologic treatments for central giant cell lesions have gained much
      emphasis, these treatment modalities do not always have successful outcomes, and
      surgical treatment may be necessary. The purpose of the present study was to
      report a case of aggressive central giant cell lesion initially treated by
      nonsurgical methods without satisfactory results, necessitating segmental
      mandibular resection for definitive treatment and oral rehabilitation. A 20-year
      old woman was diagnosed with an aggressive central giant cell lesion in the
      mandible. The patient was first treated with intralesional corticosteroid
      injections. Subsequently, the lesion increased in size. Therefore, a second
      pharmacologic treatment was proposed with salmon calcitonin nasal spray, but no
      signs of a treatment response were noted. Because of the lack of response,
      surgical excision was performed, and a mandibular reconstruction plate was
      installed. At 12 months after surgical resection, the patient underwent
      mandibular reconstruction with bone grafts. After 6 months, 7 dental implants
      were installed, and fixed prostheses were made. After installation of the
      prostheses, the patient experienced persistent mandibular laterognathism, and a
      mandibular orthognathic surgery was performed to correct the laterognathia. The
      follow-up examination 4 years after orthognathic surgery showed no signs of
      recurrence and good facial symmetry.

PMID- 27677685
TI  - Combined Use of Facial Osteoplasty and Orthognathic Surgery for Treatment of
      Dentofacial Deformities.
AB  - PURPOSE: Orthognathic surgery is an efficient procedure for cosmetic and
      functional aims. However, when functional improvement is achieved by mandibular
      or maxillary operations, additional esthetic corrections may be imperative for
      some patients. This study aims to introduce our primary practice of simultaneous
      facial bone contouring and orthognathic surgery for esthetic reasons. PATIENTS
      AND METHODS: Ten patients with dentofacial deformities as well as a prominent
      angle, asymmetric deformities, or a high zygoma and zygomatic arch were recruited
      from West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University (Chengdu, China),
      between January 1, 2014, and July 31, 2015. Traditional orthognathic surgical
      procedures such as bilateral sagittal split osteotomy and Le Fort I osteotomy
      combined with facial osteoplasty including mandibular angle ostectomy, outer
      cortex ostectomy of the mandibular angle, and zygoma and zygomatic arch reduction
      were performed. Radiographs and medical photographs were taken before and after
      surgery to compare the effectiveness of the combined use of facial osteoplasty
      and orthognathic surgery. RESULTS: All patients had an uneventful postoperative
      recovery, with no signs of infection, jaw displacement, or osteonecrosis.
      Radiographs taken 1 week after surgery and pictures of the facial profile and
      occlusion taken 6 months after surgery showed satisfactory esthetic outcomes. All
      patients were satisfied with the functional and cosmetic results. CONCLUSIONS:
      This study indicated the clinical feasibility of simultaneous facial bone
      contouring and orthognathic surgery for the treatment of dentofacial deformities.
      Simultaneous facial bone contouring seems to be an alternative procedure in
      addition to conventional orthognathic surgery for cosmetic aims in certain
      patients.

PMID- 27677686
TI  - Application of Endodontic Files for the Extraction of Root Tips: A Biomechanical
      Investigation and Case Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the appropriate endodontic file for the extraction of
      root tips through a biomechanical study and to evaluate the clinic efficiency of
      this technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine hundred molar roots were randomly
      divided into 3 groups (3, 5, and 7 mm) and amputated to the corresponding length.
      Different files were inserted into the root tips, and a pullout test was
      conducted using a universal testing machine. The pullout force was recorded and
      files with greatest pullout force were selected for clinical study. Patients'
      root tips were extracted using these files. The duration and incidence of
      postoperative complications were recorded. RESULTS: The greatest pullout force
      was obtained for the 25# Hedstrom file, regardless of the length of the root tip
      and the type of file. The pullout force of Hedstrom files was significantly
      greater than that of Kerr files in each file group and root length group (P <
      .05). Clinically, the direct success ratio of this technique was 81.4%. The
      incidence of postoperative complications was very low. CONCLUSION: The results of
      this study suggest that the application of endodontic files for the extraction of
      root tips is an acceptable technique. The 25# Hedstrom file is the optimum choice
      for root extraction in most cases when using endodontic files.

PMID- 27677687
TI  - Where genes meet environment-integrating the role of gut luminal contents,
      immunity and pancreas in type 1 diabetes.
AB  - The rise in new cases of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in genetically susceptible
      individuals over the past half century has been attributed to numerous
      environmental "triggers" or promoters such as enteroviruses, diet, and most
      recently, gut bacteria. No single cause has been identified in humans, likely
      because there are several pathways by which one can develop T1D. There is renewed
      attention to the role of the gut and its immune system in T1D pathogenesis based
      largely on recent animal studies demonstrating that altering the gut microbiota
      affects diabetes incidence. Although T1D patients display dysbiosis in the gut
      microbiome, it is unclear whether this is cause or effect. The heart of this
      question involves several moving parts including numerous risk genes, diet,
      viruses, gut microbiota, timing, and loss of immune tolerance to beta-cells. Most
      clinical trials have addressed only one aspect of this puzzle using some form of
      immune suppression, without much success. The key location where our genes meet
      and deal with the environment is the gastrointestinal tract. The influence of all
      of its major contents, including microbes, diet, and immune system, must be
      understood as part of the integrative biology of T1D before we can develop
      durable means of preventing, treating, or curing this disease. In the present
      review, we expand our previous gut-centric model based on recent developments in
      the field.

PMID- 27677688
TI  - ATRA Entrapped in DSPC Liposome Enhances Anti-metastasis Effect on Lung and Liver
      During B16F10 Cell Line Metastasis in C57BL6 Mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The high mortality rate of lung cancer is highly associated with
      faster metastasis spread. All Trans Retinoic Acid (ATRA), being the first choice
      drug for leukemia therapy is now under intense study for its therapeutic
      efficiency in other solid cancers. OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed to
      investigate the anti-metastasis activity of free ATRA and liposome entrapped ATRA
      (5:4:1) in the experimental C57BL/6 mice model developed by the injection of
      B16F10 cell line into the tail vein. METHOD: The ATRA drug was given via i.p for
      21 days. The visual lung and liver metastatic tumor nodules were noted. Various
      biochemical markers of cancer metastasis in the serum as well as tissues were
      also analyzed after sacrifice. RESULTS: Tumor nodules have significantly
      decreased in ATRA treatment groups (32.83 +/- 1.83 for free ATRA, 23 +/- 2.36 for
      DSPC Lipo-ATRA) when compared with metastasis control (63.16 +/- 2.9) in the
      lungs. Among the treatment groups, the DSPC lipo-ATRA treated group showed a
      significant tumor growth inhibition (63.6%) than that of in the free ATRA treated
      groups (48%). Similar anti-metastatic effect was observed in liver also.
      Furthermore lipo-ATRA has shown a significant change in the levels of biochemical
      cancer markers analyzed in this study. CONCLUSION: Our results concluded that the
      liposome encapsulated ATRA has an enhanced anti-metastasis potency than the free
      ATRA during B16F10 metastatic cell line implantation.

PMID- 27677689
TI  - Bortezomib Enhances the Antitumor Effects of Interferon-beta Gene Transfer on
      Melanoma Cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Malignant melanoma is a fast growing form of skin cancer with
      increasing global incidence. Clinically, canine malignant melanoma and human
      melanoma share comparable treatment-resistances, metastatic phenotypes and site
      selectivity. OBJECTIVE: Both interferon-beta (IFNbeta) and bortezomib (BTZ)
      display inhibitory activities on melanoma cells. Here, we evaluated the cytotoxic
      effects of the combination of BTZ and IFNbeta gene lipofection on cultured
      melanoma cell lines. METHOD: Cell viability determined by the acid phosphatase
      method, cell migration mesasured by the wound healing assay, DNA fragmentation
      and cell cycle by flow cytometry after propidium iodide staining and reactive
      oxygen species (ROS) production by H2DCF-DA fluorescence. RESULTS: Four canine
      mucosal (Ak, Br, Bk and Ol) and two human dermal (A375 and SB2) melanoma cell
      lines were assayed. BTZ sub-pharmacological concentrations (5 nM) enhanced the
      cytotoxic effects of IFNbeta transgene expression on melanoma cells monolayers
      and spheroids. The combination was also more effective than the single treatments
      when assayed for clonogenic survival and cell migration. The combined treatment
      produced a significant raise of apoptosis evidenced by DNA fragmentation as
      compared to either BTZ or IFNbeta gene lipofection single treatments.
      Furthermore, BTZ significantly increased the intracellular ROS generation induced
      by IFNbeta gene transfer in melanoma cells, an effect that was reversed by the
      addition of the ROS inhibitor N-acetyl-L-cystein. CONCLUSION: The present work
      encourages further studies about the potential of the combination of interferon
      gene transfer with proteasome inhibitors as a new combined therapy for malignant
      melanoma, both in veterinary and/or human clinical settings.

PMID- 27677690
TI  - [Intraventricular hemorrhage after dural fistula embolization].
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Dural arteriovenous fistulas are anomalous shunts
      between dural arterial and venous channels whose nidus is located between the
      dural leaflets. For those circumstances when invasive treatment is mandatory,
      endovascular techniques have grown to become the mainstay of practice, choice
      attributable to their reported safety and effectiveness. We describe the unique
      and rare case of a dural arteriovenous fistula treated by transarterial
      embolization and complicated by an intraventricular hemorrhage. We aim to
      emphasize some central aspects of the perioperative management of these patients
      in order to help improving the future approach of similar cases. CASE REPORT: A
      59-year-old woman with a previously diagnosed Cognard Type IV dural arteriovenous
      fistula presented for transarterial embolization, performed outside the operating
      room, under total intravenous anesthesia. The procedure underwent without
      complications and the intraoperative angiography revealed complete obliteration
      of the fistula. In the early postoperative period, the patient presented with
      clinical signs of raised intracranial pressure attributable to a later diagnosed
      intraventricular hemorrhage, which conditioned placement of a ventricular drain,
      admission to an intensive care unit, cerebral vasospasm and a prolonged hospital
      stay. Throughout the perioperative period, there were no changes in the cerebral
      brain oximetry. The patient was discharged without neurological sequelae.
      CONCLUSION: Intraventricular hemorrhage may be a serious complication after the
      endovascular treatment of dural arteriovenous fistula. A close postoperative
      surveillance and monitoring allow an early diagnosis and treatment which
      increases the odds for an improved outcome.

PMID- 27677691
TI  - Bone status assessed by quantitative ultrasound in children with inflammatory
      bowel disease: a comparison with DXA.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To determine the bone status in children with inflammatory bowel
      diseases (IBD) using quantitative ultrasound (QUS) measurement at hand phalanges
      and compare the obtained results with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).
      METHODS: Fifty-one children with IBD underwent DXA and QUS measurements at hand
      phalanges in the year 2013. The control group for the QUS consisted of 460
      children. Reference data for DXA comes from Hologic Explorer. RESULTS: QUS
      measurements did not differ significantly between IBD patients and healthy
      controls. There was no difference between UC and CD subjects. DXA measurements in
      patients with IBD were lower than in the healthy population. Tanner stage and
      nutritional status correlated with bone status contrary to steroids therapy.
      CONCLUSION: Low bone mineral density often complicates IBD in children. QUS is
      not an appropriate method for the assessment of bone status in children.
      Nutritional status seems to have a greater impact on bone status than
      corticosteroids therapy.

PMID- 27677692
TI  - Predicting protein-protein interactions via multivariate mutual information of
      protein sequences.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are central to a lot of
      biological processes. Many algorithms and methods have been developed to predict
      PPIs and protein interaction networks. However, the application of most existing
      methods is limited since they are difficult to compute and rely on a large number
      of homologous proteins and interaction marks of protein partners. In this paper,
      we propose a novel sequence-based approach with multivariate mutual information
      (MMI) of protein feature representation, for predicting PPIs via Random Forest
      (RF). METHODS: Our method constructs a 638-dimentional vector to represent each
      pair of proteins. First, we cluster twenty standard amino acids into seven
      function groups and transform protein sequences into encoding sequences. Then, we
      use a novel multivariate mutual information feature representation scheme,
      combined with normalized Moreau-Broto Autocorrelation, to extract features from
      protein sequence information. Finally, we feed the feature vectors into a Random
      Forest model to distinguish interaction pairs from non-interaction pairs.
      RESULTS: To evaluate the performance of our new method, we conduct several
      comprehensive tests for predicting PPIs. Experiments show that our method
      achieves better results than other outstanding methods for sequence-based PPIs
      prediction. Our method is applied to the S.cerevisiae PPIs dataset, and achieves
      95.01 % accuracy and 92.67 % sensitivity repectively. For the H.pylori PPIs
      dataset, our method achieves 87.59 % accuracy and 86.81 % sensitivity
      respectively. In addition, we test our method on other three important PPIs
      networks: the one-core network, the multiple-core network, and the crossover
      network. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to the Conjoint Triad method, accuracies of our
      method are increased by 6.25,2.06 and 18.75 %, respectively. Our proposed method
      is a useful tool for future proteomics studies.

PMID- 27677693
TI  - Unexpected functional implication of a stable succinimide in the structural
      stability of Methanocaldococcus jannaschii glutaminase.
AB  - Protein ageing is often mediated by the formation of succinimide intermediates.
      These short-lived intermediates derive from asparaginyl deamidation and aspartyl
      dehydration and are rapidly converted into beta-aspartyl or D-aspartyl residues.
      Here we report the presence of a highly stable succinimide intermediate in the
      glutaminase subunit of GMP synthetase from the hyperthermophile
      Methanocaldoccocus jannaschii. By comparing the biophysical properties of the
      wild-type protein and of several mutants, we show that the presence of
      succinimide increases the structural stability of the glutaminase subunit. The
      protein bearing this modification in fact remains folded at 100  degrees C and in
      8 M guanidinium chloride. Mutation of the residue following the reactive
      asparagine provides insight into the factors that contribute to the hydrolytic
      stability of the succinimide. Our findings suggest that sequences that stabilize
      succinimides from hydrolysis may be evolutionarily selected to confer extreme
      thermal stability.

PMID- 27677694
TI  - The acceptability of mass administrations of anti-malarial drugs as part of
      targeted malaria elimination in villages along the Thai-Myanmar border.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A targeted malaria elimination project, including mass drug
      administrations (MDA) of dihydroartemisinin/piperaquine plus a single low dose
      primaquine is underway in villages along the Thailand Myanmar border. The
      intervention has multiple components but the success of the project will depend
      on the participation of the entire communities. Quantitative surveys were
      conducted to study reasons for participation or non-participation in the campaign
      with the aim to identify factors associated with the acceptance and participation
      in the mass drug administrations. METHODS: The household heads in four study
      villages in which MDAs had taken place previously were interviewed between
      January 2014 and July 2015. RESULTS: 174/378 respondents (46 %) completed three
      rounds of three drug doses each, 313/378 (83 %) took at least three consecutive
      doses and 56/378 (15 %) did not participate at all in the MDA. The respondents
      from the two villages (KNH and TPN) were much more likely to participate in the
      MDA than respondents from the other two villages (HKT and TOT). The more
      compliant villages KNH and TPN had both an appearance of cohesive communities
      with similar demographic and ethnic backgrounds. By contrast the villages with
      low participation were unique. One village was fragmented following years of
      armed conflict and many respondents gave little inclination to cooperate with
      outsiders. The other village with low MDA coverage was characterised by a high
      percentage of short-term residents with little interest in community
      interventions. A universal reason for non-participation in the MDA applicable to
      all villages was an inadequate understanding of the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: It
      is unlikely that community engagement can unite fragmented communities in
      participating in an intervention, which benefits the community. Understanding the
      purpose and the reasons underlying the intervention is an important pre-condition
      for participation. In the absence of direct benefits and a complete understanding
      of the indirect benefits trust in the investigators is critical for
      participation.

PMID- 27677695
TI  - Characterization of a neuropeptide F receptor in the tsetse fly, Glossina
      morsitans morsitans.
AB  - Neuropeptides related to mammalian neuropeptide Y (NPY) and insect neuropeptide F
      (NPF) are conserved throughout Metazoa and intimately involved in a wide range of
      biological processes. In insects NPF is involved in regulating feeding, learning,
      stress and reproductive behavior. Here we identified and characterized an NPF
      receptor of the tsetse fly, Glossina morsitans morsitans, the sole transmitter of
      Trypanosoma parasites causing sleeping sickness. We isolated cDNA sequences
      encoding tsetse NPF (Glomo-NPF) and its receptor (Glomo-NPFR), and examined their
      spatial and temporal expression patterns using quantitative PCR. In tsetse flies,
      npfr transcripts are expressed throughout development and most abundantly in the
      central nervous system, whereas low expression is found in the flight muscles and
      posterior midgut. Expression of npf, by contrast, shows low transcript levels
      during development but is strongly expressed in the posterior midgut and brain of
      adult flies. Expression of Glomo-npf and its receptor in the brain and digestive
      system suggests that NPF may have conserved neuromodulatory or hormonal functions
      in tsetse flies, such as in the regulation of feeding behavior. Cell-based
      activity studies of the Glomo-NPFR showed that Glomo-NPF activates the receptor
      up to nanomolar concentrations. The molecular data of Glomo-NPF and Glomo-NPFR
      paves the way for further investigation of its functions in tsetse flies.

PMID- 27677696
TI  - Sexual variation of bacterial microbiota of Dendroctonus valens guts and frass in
      relation to verbenone production.
AB  - Gut microbiota are widely involved in insect biology, and many factors can
      influence the microbiota in guts and frass. Dendroctonus valens is a very
      destructive forest pest in China, and the mass-attacking behavior is regulated by
      several semiochemicals, including verbenone, a multifunctional pheromone. The
      beetle harbors a variety of bacteria in its guts and frass and some of them are
      capable of verbenone production. D. valens is characterized by monogamy and
      female-initiated attacking behavior. Whether the bacterial communities fluctuate
      according to sex, and whether the variation influences the verbenone production,
      remains to be determined. In this study, the bacterial microbiota in D. valens
      guts and frass were analyzed, and verbenone production by their crude bacterial
      suspensions was compared in vitro. Bacterial diversity in female frass is more
      abundant compared to male frass, and the percentages and total amounts of main
      genera like Lactococcus and Pseudomonas in female frass are significantly higher
      than those in male frass. The verbenone produced by the female frass suspension
      is significantly higher than male frass. This study presents a comprehensive
      comparison of bacterial communities in guts and frass between both sexes of D.
      valens, highlighting the potential significance of female frass microbiota in
      verbenone production.

PMID- 27677698
TI  - Role of assessing liver fibrosis in management of chronic hepatitis C virus
      infection.
AB  - Fibrosis progression is common in hepatitis C. Both host and viral factors
      influence its natural history. Liver fibrosis is a key predictive factor for
      advanced disease including endpoints such as liver failure, cirrhosis and
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METAVIR fibrosis stages F3-F4 have been
      considered as the threshold for antiviral therapy. However, this aspect is
      controversial after the advent of new direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) because
      they show an excellent efficacy and safety profile. Moreover, in the DAA era,
      fibrosis stage seems not to be a predictive factor of a sustained virological
      response (SVR). Viral eradication decreases liver damage by improving the
      inflammation, as well as by regressing fibrosis irrespective of the treatment
      regimen. Non-invasive methods are useful in the assessment of liver fibrosis,
      replacing liver biopsy in clinical practice; but their usefulness for monitoring
      fibrosis after SVR needs to be demonstrated. Fibrosis regression has been
      demonstrated after the eradication of hepatitis C virus infection and is
      associated with a lower risk of hepatic cirrhosis and liver cancer. However,
      patients showing advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis must be followed-up after SVR,
      as risks of portal hypertension and HCC remain.

PMID- 27677699
TI  - Usutu virus infections in humans: a retrospective analysis in the municipality of
      Modena, Italy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To monitor the spread and to evaluate the role for public health of
      Usutu virus (USUV) in an endemic area of Italy. METHODS: The survey was
      retrospectively conducted by detecting USUV RNA and USUV antibodies in
      cerebrospinal fluid and serum samples collected between 2008 and 2011 from 915
      patients with or without neurologic impairments in the area of the municipality
      of Modena, Italy. Organs of birds and pools of mosquitoes were also tested for
      USUV RNA. Positive samples were partially sequenced and used for phylogenetic
      analysis. RESULTS: The presence of USUV RNA (1.1%; 95% confidence interval (CI)
      0.6-2.0) was significantly (p <0.05) higher than that of West Nile virus (0%; 95%
      CI 0-0.33). USUV antibody level was 6.57% (95% CI 4.87-8.82), and it was
      significantly higher (p <0.05) compared to that of West Nile virus (p 2.96, 95%
      CI 1.89-4.62). Partial genome sequencing of USUV strains detected in humans,
      birds and mosquitoes revealed high nucleotide sequence identity within them and
      with the USUV strains isolated in Central Europe. CONCLUSIONS: USUV infection in
      humans is not a sporadic event in the studied area, and USUV neuroinvasiveness
      has been confirmed.

PMID- 27677697
TI  - Evaluation of the possible influence of trailing and paradoxical effects on the
      clinical outcome of patients with candidemia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Paradoxical growth (PG) and trailing effect (TE) are frequently
      observed during antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST). These two phenomena
      interfere with the determination of the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC).
      The aim of this study was to assess the clinical impact of TE and PG. METHODS: We
      analysed the frequency of TE and PG of 690 Candida isolates collected from a
      population-based study performed in Spain (CANDIPOP) and correlated the results
      with clinical outcome of the patients. RESULTS: Around 70% (484/690) of the
      isolates exhibited TE to azoles. Candida tropicalis showed the highest presence
      of TE (39/53 isolates exhibited residual growth >25% of control). No TE was seen
      in most of the isolates from the psilosis complex. PG was mainly associated with
      echinocandins. In patients treated with fluconazole within the first 48 hours
      after blood sampling (n = 221), the presence of TE to azoles tended to be
      associated with lower 30-day mortality (odds ratio (OR) 0.55, 95% confidence
      interval (CI) 0.25-1.00) but not with clinical failure (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.45
      1.54). In the subgroup of 117 patients treated with echinocandins, the presence
      of PG was not associated with patient's response to antifungal treatment (OR for
      30-day mortality 1.63, 95% CI 0.76-4.03; OR for clinical failure 1.17, 95% CI
      0.53-2.70). CONCLUSIONS: TE or PG are widely expressed among Candida spp.,
      although they do not seem to influence clinical outcome.

PMID- 27677701
TI  - Proceedings of the IX International Symposium on Phlebotomine Sandflies (ISOPS
      IX), Reims, France, June 28th-July 1st, 2016.

PMID- 27677700
TI  - Dasatinib enhances tumor growth in gemcitabine-resistant orthotopic bladder
      cancer xenografts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Systemic chemotherapy with gemcitabine and cisplatin is standard of
      care for patients with metastatic urothelial bladder cancer. However, resistance
      formation is common after initial response. The protein Src is known as a proto
      oncogene, which is overexpressed in various human cancers. Since there are
      controversial reports about the role of Src in bladder cancer, we evaluated the
      efficacy of the Src kinase inhibitor dasatinib in the urothelial bladder cancer
      cell line RT112 and its gemcitabine-resistant sub-line RT112rGEMCI20 in vitro and
      in vivo. METHODS: RT112 urothelial cancer cells were adapted to growth in the
      presence of 20 ng/ml gemcitabine (RT112rGEMCI20) by continuous cultivation at
      increasing drug concentrations. Cell viability was determined by MTT assay, cell
      growth kinetics were determined by cell count, protein levels were measured by
      western blot, and cell migration was evaluated by scratch assays. In vivo tumor
      growth was tested in a murine orthotopic xenograft model using bioluminescent
      imaging. RESULTS: Dasatinib exerted similar effects on Src signaling in RT112 and
      RT112rGEMCI20 cells but RT112rGEMCI20 cells were less sensitive to dasatinib
      induced anti-cancer effects (half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of
      dasatinib in RT112 cells: 349.2 +/- 67.2 nM; IC50 of dasatinib in RT112rGEMCI20
      cells: 1081.1 +/- 239.2 nM). Dasatinib inhibited migration of chemo-naive and
      gemcitabine-resistant cells. Most strikingly, dasatinib treatment reduced RT112
      tumor growth and muscle invasion in orthotopic xenografts, while it was
      associated with increased size and muscle-invasive growth in RT112rGEMCI20
      tumors. CONCLUSION: Dasatinib should be considered with care for the treatment of
      urothelial cancer, in particular for therapy-refractory cases.

PMID- 27677702
TI  - The correlation between cognitive performance and retinal nerve fibre layer
      thickness is largely explained by genetic factors.
AB  - Retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness has been associated with cognitive
      function but it is unclear whether RNFL thinning is secondary to cortical loss,
      or if the same disease process affects both. We explored whether there is
      phenotypic sharing between RNFL thickness and cognitive traits, and whether such
      sharing is due to genetic factors. Detailed eye and cognitive examination were
      performed on 1602 twins (mean age: 56.4 years; range: 18-89) from the TwinsUK
      cohort. Associations between RNFL thickness and ophthalmic, cognitive and other
      predictors were assessed using linear regression or analysis of variance models.
      Heritability analyses were performed using uni- and bivariate Cholesky
      decomposition models. RNFL was thinner with increase in myopia and with decrease
      in disc area (p < 0.001). A thicker RNFL was associated with better performance
      on mini mental state examination (MMSE, F(5,883) = 5.8, p < 0.001), and with
      faster reaction time (RT, beta = -0.01; p = 0.01); independent of the effects of
      age, refractive error and disc area (p < 0.05). RNFL thickness was highly
      heritable (82%) but there was low phenotypic sharing between RNFL thickness and
      MMSE (5%, 95% CI: 0-10%) or RT (7%, 95% CI: 1-12%). This sharing, however, was
      mostly due to additive genetic effects (67% and 92% of the shared variance
      respectively).

PMID- 27677703
TI  - Loss of Schwann cell plasticity in chronic inflammatory demyelinating
      polyneuropathy (CIDP).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is often
      associated with chronic disability, which can be accounted to incomplete
      regeneration of injured axons. We hypothesized that Schwann cell support for
      regenerating axons may be altered in CIDP, which may account for the poor
      clinical recovery seen in many patients. METHODS: We exposed human and rodent
      Schwann cells to sera from CIDP patients and controls. In a model of chronic
      nerve denervation, we transplanted these conditioned Schwann cells intraneurally
      and assessed their capacity to support axonal regeneration by electrophysiology
      and morphometry. RESULTS: CIDP-conditioned Schwann cells were less growth
      supportive for regenerating axons as compared to Schwann cells exposed to control
      sera. The loss of Schwann cell support was associated with lower levels of
      granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in CIDP sera and
      correlated with altered expression of c-Jun and p57kip2 in Schwann cells. The
      inactivation of these regulatory factors resulted in an altered expression of
      neurotrophins including BDNF, GDNF, and NGF in CIDP-conditioned Schwann cells in
      vitro. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides evidence that pro-regenerative functions
      of Schwann cells are affected in CIDP. It thereby offers a possible explanation
      for the clinical observation that in many CIDP patients recovery is incomplete
      despite sufficient immunosuppressive treatment.

PMID- 27677705
TI  - Use of a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) model to
      selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS) analysis of exhaled breath to
      predict the efficacy of dialysis: a pilot study.
AB  - Selected ion flow tube-mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS) provides rapid, non-invasive
      measurements of a full-mass scan of volatile compounds in exhaled breath.
      Although various studies have suggested that breath metabolites may be indicators
      of human disease status, many of these studies have included few breath samples
      and large numbers of compounds, limiting their power to detect significant
      metabolites. This study employed a least absolute shrinkage and selective
      operator (LASSO) approach to SIFT-MS data of breath samples to preliminarily
      evaluate the ability of exhaled breath findings to monitor the efficacy of
      dialysis in hemodialysis patients. A process of model building and validation
      showed that blood creatinine and urea concentrations could be accurately
      predicted by LASSO-selected masses. Using various precursors, the LASSO models
      were able to predict creatinine and urea concentrations with high adjusted R
      square (>80%) values. The correlation between actual concentrations and
      concentrations predicted by the LASSO model (using precursor H3O+) was high
      (Pearson correlation coefficient  =  0.96). Moreover, use of full mass scan data
      provided a better prediction than compounds from selected ion mode. These
      findings warrant further investigations in larger patient cohorts. By employing a
      more powerful statistical approach to predict disease outcomes, breath analysis
      using SIFT-MS technology could be applicable in future to daily medical
      diagnoses.

PMID- 27677704
TI  - Embryonic expression of endothelins and their receptors in lamprey and frog
      reveals stem vertebrate origins of complex Endothelin signaling.
AB  - Neural crest cells (NCCs) are highly patterned embryonic cells that migrate along
      stereotyped routes to give rise to a diverse array of adult tissues and cell
      types. Modern NCCs are thought to have evolved from migratory neural precursors
      with limited developmental potential and patterning. How this occurred is poorly
      understood. Endothelin signaling regulates several aspects of NCC development,
      including their migration, differentiation, and patterning. In jawed vertebrates,
      Endothelin signaling involves multiple functionally distinct ligands (Edns) and
      receptors (Ednrs) expressed in various NCC subpopulations. To test the potential
      role of endothelin signaling diversification in the evolution of modern, highly
      patterned NCC, we analyzed the expression of the complete set of endothelin
      ligands and receptors in the jawless vertebrate, the sea lamprey (Petromyzon
      marinus). To better understand ancestral features of gnathostome edn and ednr
      expression, we also analyzed all known Endothelin signaling components in the
      African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis). We found that the sea lamprey has a
      gnathsotome-like complement of edn and ednr duplicates, and these genes are
      expressed in patterns highly reminiscent of their gnathostome counterparts. Our
      results suggest that the duplication and specialization of vertebrate Endothelin
      signaling coincided with the appearance of highly patterned and multipotent NCCs
      in stem vertebrates.

PMID- 27677706
TI  - Rolling behavior of a micro-cylinder in adhesional contact.
AB  - Understanding the rolling behavior of a micro-object is essential to establish
      the techniques of micro-manipulation and micro-assembly by mechanical means.
      Using a combined theoretical/computational approach, we studied the critical
      conditions of rolling resistance of an elastic cylindrical micro-object in
      adhesional contact with a rigid surface. Closed-form dimensionless expressions
      for the critical rolling moment, the initial rolling contact area, and the
      initial rolling angle were extracted after a systematic parametric study using
      finite element method (FEM) simulations. The total energy of this system is
      defined as the sum of three terms: the elastic energy stored in the deformed
      micro-cylinder, the interfacial energy within the contact area, and the
      mechanical potential energy that depends on the external moment applied to the
      cylindrical micro-object. A careful examination of the energy balance of the
      system surprisingly revealed that the rolling resistance per unit cylindrical
      length can be simply expressed by "work of adhesion times cylindrical radius"
      independent of the Young's modulus. In addition, extending a linear elastic
      fracture mechanics based approach in the literature, we obtained the exact closed
      form asymptotic solutions for the critical conditions for initial rolling; these
      asymptotic solutions were found in excellent agreement with the full-field FEM
      results.

PMID- 27677707
TI  - Total thyroidectomy versus thyroid lobectomy for papillary thyroid cancer:
      Comparative analysis after propensity score matching: A multicenter study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), the role of total
      thyroidectomy (TT) versus that of thyroid lobectomy (TL) has been controversial.
      METHODS: This retrospective study was approved by our institutional review board,
      and the requirement to obtain informed consent was waived. In total, 173 patients
      with 1- to 5-cm stage cN0 and cM0 PTC tumors treated by curative surgery from
      1994 to 2008 were evaluated. Clinicopathologic features and adverse events were
      compared between patients who underwent TT and those who underwent TL. After
      adjustment for differences in baseline clinicopathologic factors using propensity
      score matching, we compared recurrence-free survival (RFS) and OS. RESULTS: TL
      was performed in 120 patients and TT in 53 patients. Patients who underwent TT
      were older; had larger tumors; more frequently had nodal metastasis, multifocal
      tumors, and extracapsular invasion; and more frequently underwent radioactive
      iodine ablation than patients who underwent TL. Hypocalcemia requiring medication
      and recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis were more frequent in TT than TL. The 10
      year RFS and OS of all patients were 93.3% and 96.7%, respectively. There was no
      significant difference in RFS (90.6% vs 93.0% in TT and TL groups, respectively)
      or OS (96.2% vs 96.9% in TT and TL groups, respectively) according to the extent
      of surgical resection after propensity score matching. CONCLUSION: Equivalent
      prognoses were observed for patients with 1- to 5-cm stage cN0 and cM0 PTC tumors
      treated by TL or TT after propensity score matching. Adverse events occurred less
      frequently in patients who underwent TL than TT.

PMID- 27677708
TI  - Improving protein content and quality by over-expressing artificially synthetic
      fusion proteins with high lysine and threonine constituent in rice plants.
AB  - Rice grains are rich in starch but low in protein with very low level of both
      lysine and threonine. Thus, it is important to further improve protein quality
      and quantity, especially to increase lysine and threonine content in rice grains.
      We artificially synthesized two new genes by fusing endogenous rice genes with
      lysine (K)/threonine (T) motif (TKTKK) coding sequences. They were designated as
      TKTKK1 and TKTKK2 and their encoded proteins consist of 73.1% and 83.5% of
      lysine/threonine, respectively. These two genes were under the control of 35S
      promoter and were independently introduced into the rice genome to generate
      transgenic plants. Our data showed that overexpression of TKTKK1 generated stable
      proteins with expected molecular weight and the transgenic rice seeds
      significantly increased lysine, threonine, total amino acids and crude protein
      content by 33.87%, 21.21%, 19.43% and 20.45%, respectively when compared with
      wild type control; significant improvement was also observed in transgenic rice
      seeds overexpressing TKTKK2. However, limited improvement in protein quality and
      quantity was observed in transgenic seeds carrying tandom array of these two new
      genes. Our data provide the basis and alternative strategy on further improving
      protein quality and quantity in other crops or vegetable plants by synthetic
      biology.

PMID- 27677710
TI  - Optically Transparent Ferromagnetic Nanogranular Films with Tunable
      Transmittance.
AB  - Developing optically transparent magnets at room temperature is an important
      challenge. They would bring many innovations to various industries, not only for
      electronic and magnetic devices but also for optical applications. Here we
      introduce FeCo-(Al-fluoride) nanogranular films exhibiting ferromagnetic
      properties with high optical transparency in the visible light region. These
      films have a nanocomposite structure, in which nanometer-sized FeCo ferromagnetic
      granules are dispersed in an Al-fluoride crystallized matrix. The optical
      transmittance of these films is controlled by changing the magnetization. This is
      a new type of magneto-optical effect and is explained by spin-dependent charge
      oscillation between ferromagnetic granules due to quantum-mechanical tunneling.

PMID- 27677709
TI  - Stress hyperglycaemia in critically ill patients and the subsequent risk of
      diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hyperglycaemia occurs frequently in critically ill patients without
      diabetes. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate whether
      this 'stress hyperglycaemia' identifies survivors of critical illness at
      increased risk of subsequently developing diabetes. METHODS: We searched the
      MEDLINE and Embase databases from their inception to February 2016. We included
      observational studies evaluating adults admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU)
      who developed stress hyperglycaemia if the researchers reported incident diabetes
      or prediabetes diagnosed >=3 months after hospital discharge. Two reviewers
      independently screened the titles and abstracts of identified studies and
      evaluated the full text of relevant studies. Data were extracted using pre
      defined data fields, and risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa
      Scale. Pooled ORs with 95 % CIs for the occurrence of diabetes were calculated
      using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Four cohort studies provided 2923
      participants, including 698 with stress hyperglycaemia and 131 cases of newly
      diagnosed diabetes. Stress hyperglycaemia was associated with increased risk of
      incident diabetes (OR 3.48; 95 % CI 2.02-5.98; I 2  = 36.5 %). Studies differed
      with regard to definitions of stress hyperglycaemia, follow-up and cohorts
      studied. CONCLUSIONS: Stress hyperglycaemia during ICU admission is associated
      with increased risk of incident diabetes. The strength of this association
      remains uncertain because of statistical and clinical heterogeneity among the
      included studies.

PMID- 27677711
TI  - Postnatal onset of retinal degeneration by loss of embryonic Ezh2 repression of
      Six1.
AB  - Some adult-onset disorders may be linked to dysregulated embryonic development,
      yet the mechanisms underlying this association remain poorly understood.
      Congenital retinal degenerative diseases are blinding disorders characterized by
      postnatal degeneration of photoreceptors, and affect nearly 2 million individuals
      worldwide, but ~50% do not have a known mutation, implicating contributions of
      epigenetic factors. We found that embryonic deletion of the histone
      methyltransferase (HMT) Ezh2 from all retinal progenitors resulted in progressive
      photoreceptor degeneration throughout postnatal life, via derepression of fetal
      expression of Six1 and its targets. Forced expression of Six1 in the postnatal
      retina was sufficient to induce photoreceptor degeneration. Ezh2, although
      enriched in the embryonic retina, was not present in the mature retina; these
      data reveal an Ezh2-mediated feed-forward pathway that is required for
      maintaining photoreceptor homeostasis in the adult and suggest novel targets for
      retinal degeneration therapy.

PMID- 27677712
TI  - Personalized treatment of patients with very early hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), in its very early stage, is heterogeneous both in
      terms of liver function (i.e., presence or absence of portal hypertension, model
      for end-stage liver disease score, Child-Pugh score 5 or 6, bilirubin level) and
      tumor characteristics (i.e., location, alpha-fetoprotein values, pathological
      features such as microvascular invasion, tumor grade and satellitosis). Existing
      evidence in comparing different curative options for patients with very early HCC
      is poor due to small sample sizes and lack of solid subgroup analyses. Large
      observational studies are available, with the potential to identify effective
      interventions in different subgroup of patients and to discover which treatments
      work "in a real world setting". These studies suggest some important treatment
      selection strategies in very early HCC patients. According to extent of liver
      resection, and liver function, percutaneous ablation or liver resection are the
      recommended first line therapies in these patients. Laparoscopic surgery
      (resection or ablation) is the preferable strategy when the tumor is in the
      surface of the liver or close to extra-hepatic organs. Due to scarce donor
      resources and competition with patients at high transplant benefit (HCC patients
      unsuitable for non-transplant radical therapies and non-HCC patients with
      decompensated cirrhosis), transplantation is recommended only as second line
      therapy in patients with very early stage HCC in case of tumor recurrence or
      liver failure after ablation or liver resection.

PMID- 27677713
TI  - A rare and revealing glimpse of the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with hepatic
      encephalopathy.

PMID- 27677714
TI  - The ALBI grade provides objective hepatic reserve estimation across each BCLC
      stage of hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Overall survival (OS) is a composite clinical endpoint in
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) due to the mutual influence of cirrhosis and
      active malignancy in dictating patient's mortality. The ALBI grade is a recently
      described index of liver dysfunction in hepatocellular carcinoma, based solely on
      albumin and bilirubin levels. Whilst accurate, this score lacks cross-validation,
      especially in intermediate stage HCC, where OS is highly heterogeneous. METHODS:
      We evaluated the prognostic accuracy of the ALBI grade in estimating OS in a
      large, multi-centre study of 2426 patients, including a large proportion of
      intermediate stage patients treated with chemoembolization (n=1461) accrued from
      Europe, the United States and Asia. RESULTS: Analysis of survival by primary
      treatment modality confirmed the ALBI grade as a significant predictor of patient
      OS after surgical resection (p<0.001), transarterial chemoembolization (p<0.001)
      and sorafenib (p<0.001). Stratification by Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage
      confirmed the independent prognostic value of the ALBI across the diverse stages
      of the disease, geographical regions of origin and time of recruitment to the
      study (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In this large, multi-centre retrospective study,
      the ALBI grade satisfied the criteria for accuracy and reproducibility following
      statistical validation in Eastern and Western HCC patients, including those
      treated with chemoembolization. Consideration should be given to the ALBI grade
      as a stratifying biomarker of liver reserve in routine clinical practice. LAY
      SUMMARY: Liver failure is a key determinant influencing the natural history of
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this large multi-centre study we externally
      validate a novel biomarker of liver functional reserve, the ALBI grade, across
      all the stages of HCC.

PMID- 27677716
TI  - Is Persistent Office Hypertension in Treated Hypertensive Patients a Benign
      Condition?

PMID- 27677715
TI  - Molecular basis of the interaction between gating modifier spider toxins and the
      voltage sensor of voltage-gated ion channels.
AB  - Voltage-sensor domains (VSDs) are modular transmembrane domains of voltage-gated
      ion channels that respond to changes in membrane potential by undergoing
      conformational changes that are coupled to gating of the ion-conducting pore.
      Most spider-venom peptides function as gating modifiers by binding to the VSDs of
      voltage-gated channels and trapping them in a closed or open state. To understand
      the molecular basis underlying this mode of action, we used nuclear magnetic
      resonance to delineate the atomic details of the interaction between the VSD of
      the voltage-gated potassium channel KvAP and the spider-venom peptide VSTx1. Our
      data reveal that the toxin interacts with residues in an aqueous cleft formed
      between the extracellular S1-S2 and S3-S4 loops of the VSD whilst maintaining
      lipid interactions in the gaps formed between the S1-S4 and S2-S3 helices. The
      resulting network of interactions increases the energetic barrier to the
      conformational changes required for channel gating, and we propose that this is
      the mechanism by which gating modifier toxins inhibit voltage-gated ion channels.

PMID- 27677717
TI  - Liver cancer: IGF2 - an epigenetic oncodriver in HCC.

PMID- 27677718
TI  - Human mini-guts: new insights into intestinal physiology and host-pathogen
      interactions.
AB  - The development of indefinitely propagating human 'mini-guts' has led to a rapid
      advance in gastrointestinal research related to transport physiology,
      developmental biology, pharmacology, and pathophysiology. These mini-guts, also
      called enteroids or colonoids, are derived from LGR5+ intestinal stem cells
      isolated from the small intestine or colon. Addition of WNT3A and other growth
      factors promotes stemness and results in viable, physiologically functional human
      intestinal or colonic cultures that develop a crypt-villus axis and can be
      differentiated into all intestinal epithelial cell types. The success of research
      using human enteroids has highlighted the limitations of using animals or in
      vitro, cancer-derived cell lines to model transport physiology and
      pathophysiology. For example, curative or preventive therapies for acute enteric
      infections have been limited, mostly due to the lack of a physiological human
      intestinal model. However, the human enteroid model enables specific functional
      studies of secretion and absorption in each intestinal segment as well as
      observations of the earliest molecular events that occur during enteric
      infections. This Review describes studies characterizing these human mini-guts as
      a physiological model to investigate intestinal transport and host-pathogen
      interactions.

PMID- 27677721
TI  - Proteinases, Their Extracellular Targets, and Inflammatory Signaling.
AB  - Given that over 2% of the human genome codes for proteolytic enzymes and their
      inhibitors, it is not surprising that proteinases serve many physiologic
      pathophysiological roles. In this context, we provide an overview of proteolytic
      mechanisms regulating inflammation, with a focus on cell signaling stimulated by
      the generation of inflammatory peptides; activation of the proteinase-activated
      receptor (PAR) family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR), with a mechanism in
      common with adhesion-triggered GPCRs (ADGRs); and by proteolytic ion channel
      regulation. These mechanisms are considered in the much wider context that
      proteolytic mechanisms serve, including the processing of growth factors and
      their receptors, the regulation of matrix-integrin signaling, and the generation
      and release of membrane-tethered receptor ligands. These signaling mechanisms are
      relevant for inflammatory, neurodegenerative, and cardiovascular diseases as well
      as for cancer. We propose that the inflammation-triggering proteinases and their
      proteolytically generated substrates represent attractive therapeutic targets and
      we discuss appropriate targeting strategies.

PMID- 27677727
TI  - Neuropsychological performance and seizure control after subsequent anteromesial
      temporal lobe resection following selective amygdalohippocampectomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Selective amygdalohippocampectomy (sAHE) is a well-established
      treatment for temporal lobe epilepsy, commonly with favorable neuropsychological
      outcome. Yet, it is still unknown if subsequent resection of the anteromesial
      temporal lobe (AMTLR), when necessary, deteriorates neuropsychological
      performance in this selected group of patients. Thus, we evaluated the clinical
      and neuropsychological data of patients who, due to insufficient seizure control
      after sAHE, received a subsequent ipsilateral AMTLR and compared these findings
      with patients who did not receive a second resection (control group). METHODS:
      Patients' characteristics and neuropsychological data were assessed and analyzed
      in the reoperated as well as in the control group at each step of treatment.
      Experienced neuropsychologists conducted the standardized examination focusing on
      verbal, figural and working memory, speech fluency and attention. Preoperative
      diagnostics included further continuous video-electroencephalography monitoring,
      high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging and functional transcranial Doppler
      sonography. RESULTS: Eighty patients having received sAHE in our center from
      11/2007 to 02/2013 were included in this study. Seventeen of these patients
      underwent subsequent AMTLR. Thirteen of these were available for follow-up after
      the second surgery and twelve had a comprehensive neuropsychological testing at
      all three steps. Analyzing the neuropsychological data revealed no significant
      differences compared with controls. On the individual level, the data
      demonstrated that improvement in a subdomain was more frequent than decline, if
      the performance had already deteriorated after the first procedure. Seizure
      control improved significantly (p < 0.001) in all patients after subsequent AMTLR
      resulting in seven patients being seizure-free at follow-up. SIGNIFICANCE:
      Subsequent AMTLR following sAHE can be a safe procedure to improve seizure
      outcome in selected patients. In our series the risk for further
      neuropsychological deterioration after the second procedure was low. The
      neuropsychological performance after the sAHE can be a valuable criterion to
      advise patients who are eligible for a second surgery on their risk of further
      cognitive decline.

PMID- 27677728
TI  - Associations of Postdiagnosis Physical Activity and Change from Prediagnosis
      Physical Activity with Quality of Life in Prostate Cancer Survivors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This prospective study examined the associations between
      postdiagnosis physical activity and change from prediagnosis physical activity
      with quality of life (QoL) in prostate cancer survivors. METHODS: Prostate cancer
      survivors (N = 830) who participated in a case-control study with invasive stage
      >=II disease were followed up to 2007 to capture QoL outcomes. At baseline and
      three time points postdiagnosis (2000-2007), interviews/questionnaires were used
      to collect data on physical activity, general QoL measured by the SF-36, and
      other treatment/lifestyle factors. Multivariable linear regression was used to
      test the relation between postdiagnosis physical activity and QoL as well as the
      change in physical activity over the diagnostic period and QoL. RESULTS: Both
      total and recreational physical activities were positively associated with
      physical QoL. Furthermore, when comparing changes in physical activity levels
      from pre- to postdiagnosis, men who consistently met physical activity guidelines
      had significantly higher physical [beta = 6.01; 95% confidence interval (CI),
      4.15-7.86] and mental (beta = 2.32; 95% CI, 0.29-4.34) QoL scores compared with
      those who did not meet guidelines pre- or postdiagnosis. Furthermore, those who
      adopted and met guidelines had increased QoL, whereas those who relapsed
      experienced decreased QoL. CONCLUSIONS: Postdiagnosis recreational physical
      activity is associated with better physical QoL in prostate cancer survivors.
      Moreover, prostate cancer survivors who maintain or adopt physical activity after
      diagnosis report substantially higher QoL than men who never exercised or stopped
      exercising after diagnosis. IMPACT: Future intervention studies should focus on
      achieving and maintaining adherence to physical activity guidelines postdiagnosis
      in prostate cancer survivors. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(2); 179-87.
      (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27677729
TI  - Telomere Length and Breast Cancer Prognosis: A Systematic Review.
AB  - Telomeres ensure genome integrity during replication. Loss of telomeric function
      leads to cell immortalization and accumulation of genetic alterations. The
      association of telomere length (TL) with breast cancer prognosis is examined
      through a systematic review. Electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL),
      from inception to December 2015, and relevant reviews were searched. Studies that
      evaluated TL (blood and/or tumor) in association with breast cancer survival or
      prognostic factor were included. Thirty-six studies met inclusion criteria.
      Overall risk of bias was critical. Eight studies reported survival outcomes.
      Overall, there was a trend toward an association of longer telomeres with better
      outcomes (tumor, not blood). Of the 33 studies reporting associations with
      prognostic factors, nine adjusted for potential confounders. Among the latter,
      shorter telomeres were associated with older age (blood, not tumor), higher local
      recurrence rates (normal tissue), higher tumor grade (tumor), and lower physical
      activity (blood), which were reported in one study each. TL was not associated
      with molecular subtype (blood, one study), family history (tumor, one study),
      chemotherapy (blood, three of four studies), and stress reduction interventions
      (blood, two of two studies). Although major methodologic differences preclude
      from drawing conclusive results, TL could be a valuable breast cancer prognostic
      marker. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(1); 3-10. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27677731
TI  - Do Narcissism and Emotional Intelligence Win Us Friends? Modeling Dynamics of
      Peer Popularity Using Inferential Network Analysis.
AB  - This research investigated effects of narcissism and emotional intelligence (EI)
      on popularity in social networks. In a longitudinal field study, we examined the
      dynamics of popularity in 15 peer groups in two waves ( N = 273). We measured
      narcissism, ability EI, and explicit and implicit self-esteem. In addition, we
      measured popularity at zero acquaintance and 3 months later. We analyzed the data
      using inferential network analysis (temporal exponential random graph modeling,
      TERGM) accounting for self-organizing network forces. People high in narcissism
      were popular, but increased less in popularity over time than people lower in
      narcissism. In contrast, emotionally intelligent people increased more in
      popularity over time than less emotionally intelligent people. The effects held
      when we controlled for explicit and implicit self-esteem. These results suggest
      that narcissism is rather disadvantageous and that EI is rather advantageous for
      long-term popularity.

PMID- 27677720
TI  - Adolescent Alcohol Exposure Persistently Impacts Adult Neurobiology and Behavior.
AB  - Adolescence is a developmental period when physical and cognitive abilities are
      optimized, when social skills are consolidated, and when sexuality, adolescent
      behaviors, and frontal cortical functions mature to adult levels. Adolescents
      also have unique responses to alcohol compared with adults, being less sensitive
      to ethanol sedative-motor responses that most likely contribute to binge drinking
      and blackouts. Population studies find that an early age of drinking onset
      correlates with increased lifetime risks for the development of alcohol
      dependence, violence, and injuries. Brain synapses, myelination, and neural
      circuits mature in adolescence to adult levels in parallel with increased
      reflection on the consequence of actions and reduced impulsivity and thrill
      seeking. Alcohol binge drinking could alter human development, but variations in
      genetics, peer groups, family structure, early life experiences, and the
      emergence of psychopathology in humans confound studies. As adolescence is common
      to mammalian species, preclinical models of binge drinking provide insight into
      the direct impact of alcohol on adolescent development. This review relates human
      findings to basic science studies, particularly the preclinical studies of the
      Neurobiology of Adolescent Drinking in Adulthood (NADIA) Consortium. These
      studies focus on persistent adult changes in neurobiology and behavior following
      adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE), a model of underage drinking. NADIA
      studies and others find that AIE results in the following: increases in adult
      alcohol drinking, disinhibition, and social anxiety; altered adult synapses,
      cognition, and sleep; reduced adult neurogenesis, cholinergic, and serotonergic
      neurons; and increased neuroimmune gene expression and epigenetic modifiers of
      gene expression. Many of these effects are specific to adolescents and not found
      in parallel adult studies. AIE can cause a persistence of adolescent-like
      synaptic physiology, behavior, and sensitivity to alcohol into adulthood.
      Together, these findings support the hypothesis that adolescent binge drinking
      leads to long-lasting changes in the adult brain that increase risks of adult
      psychopathology, particularly for alcohol dependence.

PMID- 27677734
TI  - Self-Assembled Materials Made from Functional Recombinant Proteins.
AB  - Proteins are potent molecules that can be used as therapeutics, sensors, and
      biocatalysts with many advantages over small-molecule counterparts due to the
      specificity of their activity based on their amino acid sequence and folded three
      dimensional structure. However, they also have significant limitations in their
      stability, localization, and recovery when used in soluble form. These
      opportunities and challenges have motivated the creation of materials from such
      functional proteins in order to protect and present them in a way that enhances
      their function. We have designed functional recombinant fusion proteins capable
      of self-assembling into materials with unique structures that maintain or improve
      the functionality of the protein. Fusion of either a functional protein or an
      assembly domain to a leucine zipper domain makes the materials design strategy
      modular, based on the high affinity between leucine zippers. The self-assembly
      domains, including elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) and defined-sequence random
      coil polypeptides, can be fused with a leucine zipper motif in order to promote
      assembly of the fusion proteins into larger structures upon specific stimuli such
      as temperature and ionic strength. Fusion of other functional domains with the
      counterpart leucine zipper motif endows the self-assembled materials with protein
      specific functions such as fluorescence or catalytic activity. In this Account,
      we describe several examples of materials assembled from functional fusion
      proteins as well as the structural characterization, functionality, and
      understanding of the assembly mechanism. The first example is zipper fusion
      proteins containing ELPs that assemble into particles when introduced to a model
      extracellular matrix and subsequently disassemble over time to release the
      functional protein for drug delivery applications. Under different conditions,
      the same fusion proteins can self-assemble into hollow vesicles. The vesicles
      display a functional protein on the surface and can also carry protein, small
      molecule, or nanoparticle cargo in the vesicle lumen. To create a material with a
      more complex hierarchical structure, we combined calcium phosphate with zipper
      fusion proteins containing random coil polypeptides to produce hybrid protein
      inorganic supraparticles with high surface area and porous structure. The use of
      a functional enzyme created supraparticles with the ability to degrade
      inflammatory cytokines. Our characterization of these protein materials revealed
      that the molecular interactions are complex because of the large size of the
      protein building blocks, their folded structures, and the number of potential
      interactions including hydrophobic interactions, electrostatic interactions, van
      der Waals forces, and specific affinity-based interactions. It is difficult or
      even impossible to predict the structures a priori. However, once the basic
      assembly principles are understood, there is opportunity to tune the material
      properties, such as size, through control of the self-assembly conditions. Our
      future efforts on the fundamental side will focus on identifying the phase space
      of self-assembly of these fusion proteins and additional experimental levers with
      which to control and tune the resulting materials. On the application side, we
      are investigating an array of different functional proteins to expand the use of
      these structures in both therapeutic protein delivery and biocatalysis.

PMID- 27677732
TI  - Clinical Pharmacokinetics of Mycophenolic Acid in Hematopoietic Stem Cell
      Transplantation Recipients.
AB  - Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), an ester prodrug of mycophenolic acid (MPA), is
      widely used as a maintenance immunosuppressive regimen in solid organ transplant
      patients. It is increasingly used for the prophylaxis and treatment of graft
      versus-host disease (GVHD) in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT)
      patients. MPA displays extensive binding to serum albumin and glucuronidation to
      the inactive MPA-7-O-glucuronide (MPAG). Here, we review and discuss the
      pertinent information regarding the clinical pharmacokinetics of MPA in HSCT
      patients. The pharmacokinetics of MPA are altered in HSCT patients with lower
      oral bioavailability, shorter half-life and higher clearance than those in
      healthy volunteers and renal transplant recipients. Moreover, clearance may be
      increased in young pediatric patients. The optimal MMF dosing and preferred
      targets are still under investigation in HSCT patients due to the substantial
      intra- and inter-individual pharmacokinetic variability of MPA and broad range of
      transplants (malignant vs. nonmalignant, related vs. unrelated donor, and human
      leukocyte antigen mismatch). The complex pharmacokinetics of MPA have partly
      hampered the efficient use of MMF, and pharmacokinetic studies in HSCT patients
      have been limited in size and mostly inconclusive. Future research should be
      multi-institutional and focus on developing clinical decisions with adequate
      statistical power to improve clinical care of HSCT recipients.

PMID- 27677733
TI  - Kinematic Visual Biofeedback Improves Accuracy of Learning a Swallowing Maneuver
      and Accuracy of Clinician Cues During Training.
AB  - Submental surface electromyography (ssEMG) visual biofeedback is widely used to
      train swallowing maneuvers. This study compares the effect of ssEMG and
      videofluoroscopy (VF) visual biofeedback on hyo-laryngeal accuracy when training
      a swallowing maneuver. Furthermore, it examines the clinician's ability to
      provide accurate verbal cues during swallowing maneuver training. Thirty healthy
      adults performed the volitional laryngeal vestibule closure maneuver (vLVC),
      which involves swallowing and sustaining closure of the laryngeal vestibule for 2
      s. The study included two stages: (1) first accurate demonstration of the vLVC
      maneuver, followed by (2) training-20 vLVC training swallows. Participants were
      randomized into three groups: (a) ssEMG biofeedback only, (b) VF biofeedback
      only, and (c) mixed biofeedback (VF for the first accurate demonstration
      achieving stage and ssEMG for the training stage). Participants' performances
      were verbally critiqued or reinforced in real time while both the clinician and
      participant were observing the assigned visual biofeedback. VF and ssEMG were
      continuously recorded for all participants. Results show that accuracy of both
      vLVC performance and clinician cues was greater with VF biofeedback than with
      either ssEMG or mixed biofeedback (p < 0.001). Using ssEMG for providing real
      time biofeedback during training could lead to errors while learning and training
      a swallowing maneuver.

PMID- 27677736
TI  - Novel benzothiophene 1,1-dioxide deoxygenation path for the microwave-assisted
      synthesis of substituted benzothiophene-fused pyrrole derivatives.
AB  - The reaction of C-(4-substituted-phenyl)-N-(benzoyl)-N-methylglycines with
      benzo[b]thiophene 1,1-dioxide unexpectedly gave benzothiophene-fused pyrrole
      derivatives in toluene under microwave irradiation via a cycloaddition and metal
      free Pummerer-type sulfone deoxygenation path. In order to obtain the desired
      sulfone derivatives, the sulfide group underwent oxidation with m-CPBA to afford
      sulfones. The structures of all the new products were elucidated by
      spectroscopic/physical methods and, in two cases, by X-ray diffraction.

PMID- 27677730
TI  - No Evidence That Genetic Variation in the Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cell Pathway
      Influences Ovarian Cancer Survival.
AB  - Background: The precise mechanism by which the immune system is adversely
      affected in cancer patients remains poorly understood, but the accumulation of
      immunosuppressive/protumorigenic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) is
      thought to be a prominent mechanism contributing to immunologic tolerance of
      malignant cells in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). To this end, we hypothesized
      genetic variation in MDSC pathway genes would be associated with survival after
      EOC diagnoses.Methods: We measured the hazard of death due to EOC within 10 years
      of diagnosis, overall and by invasive subtype, attributable to SNPs in 24 genes
      relevant in the MDSC pathway in 10,751 women diagnosed with invasive EOC.
      Versatile Gene-based Association Study and the admixture likelihood method were
      used to test gene and pathway associations with survival.Results: We did not
      identify individual SNPs that were significantly associated with survival after
      correction for multiple testing (P < 3.5 * 10-5), nor did we identify significant
      associations between the MDSC pathway overall, or the 24 individual genes and EOC
      survival.Conclusions: In this well-powered analysis, we observed no evidence that
      inherited variations in MDSC-associated SNPs, individual genes, or the collective
      genetic pathway contributed to EOC survival outcomes.Impact: Common inherited
      variation in genes relevant to MDSCs was not associated with survival in women
      diagnosed with invasive EOC. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(3); 420-4.
      (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27677735
TI  - Antioxidative and antiproliferative activities of novel pyrido[1,2
      a]benzimidazoles.
AB  - A series of pyrido[1,2-a]benzimidazoles has been designed, and novel examples are
      synthesized and evaluated for their potential antiproliferative activity against
      four human tumour cell lines-cervical (HeLa), colorectal (SW620), breast (MCF-7)
      and hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2). In addition, their antioxidative potency
      has been evaluated by in vitro spectrophotometric assays. Preliminary structure
      activity relationships among the synthesized compounds are discussed. Evaluation
      of their antioxidative capacity has shown that two compounds (25 and 26) possess
      promising reducing characteristics and free radical scavenging activity.
      Selective antiproliferative effect in the single-digit micromolar range was
      observed for compound 25 on MCF-7 [Formula: see text] and HeLa [Formula: see
      text] cell lines, comparable to the standards 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin. The
      combination of the radical scavenging activity and antiproliferative activity of
      compound 25 positions this compound as a potential lead candidate for further
      optimization.

PMID- 27677719
TI  - Botanicals and Their Bioactive Phytochemicals for Women's Health.
AB  - Botanical dietary supplements are increasingly popular for women's health,
      particularly for older women. The specific botanicals women take vary as a
      function of age. Younger women will use botanicals for urinary tract infections,
      especially Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry), where there is evidence for
      efficacy. Botanical dietary supplements for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are less
      commonly used, and rigorous clinical trials have not been done. Some examples
      include Vitex agnus-castus (chasteberry), Angelica sinensis (dong quai), Viburnum
      opulus/prunifolium (cramp bark and black haw), and Zingiber officinale (ginger).
      Pregnant women have also used ginger for relief from nausea. Natural
      galactagogues for lactating women include Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek)
      and Silybum marianum (milk thistle); however, rigorous safety and efficacy
      studies are lacking. Older women suffering menopausal symptoms are increasingly
      likely to use botanicals, especially since the Women's Health Initiative showed
      an increased risk for breast cancer associated with traditional hormone therapy.
      Serotonergic mechanisms similar to antidepressants have been proposed for
      Actaea/Cimicifuga racemosa (black cohosh) and Valeriana officinalis (valerian).
      Plant extracts with estrogenic activities for menopausal symptom relief include
      Glycine max (soy), Trifolium pratense (red clover), Pueraria lobata (kudzu),
      Humulus lupulus (hops), Glycyrrhiza species (licorice), Rheum rhaponticum
      (rhubarb), Vitex agnus-castus (chasteberry), Linum usitatissimum (flaxseed),
      Epimedium species (herba Epimedii, horny goat weed), and Medicago sativa
      (alfalfa). Some of the estrogenic botanicals have also been shown to have
      protective effects against osteoporosis. Several of these botanicals could have
      additional breast cancer preventive effects linked to hormonal, chemical,
      inflammatory, and/or epigenetic pathways. Finally, although botanicals are
      perceived as natural safe remedies, it is important for women and their
      healthcare providers to realize that they have not been rigorously tested for
      potential toxic effects and/or drug/botanical interactions. Understanding the
      mechanism of action of these supplements used for women's health will ultimately
      lead to standardized botanical products with higher efficacy, safety, and
      chemopreventive properties.

PMID- 27677738
TI  - Synthesis of amino ester-embedded benzimidazoles: a one-pot sequential protocol
      under metal-free neutral conditions.
AB  - A one-pot three-component protocol has been developed for the synthesis of amino
      ester-embedded benzimidazoles under metal-free neutral conditions. Sequentially,
      the methodology involves coupling of an amino ester with 1-fluoro-2-nitrobenzene,
      reduction of the coupled nitroarene by sodium dithionite, and cyclization of the
      corresponding diamine with an aldehyde.

PMID- 27677737
TI  - A versatile strategy for the design and synthesis of novel ADP conjugates and
      their evaluation as potential poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 inhibitors.
AB  - A versatile strategy for the synthesis of [Formula: see text] mimetics was
      developed, involving an efficient pyrophosphate linkage formation in key
      conjugates containing a functional amino group which acts as useful reactive
      anchor for further derivatization. These [Formula: see text] mimetics consist of
      ADP conjugated through a diphosphate chain to an extended aliphatic linker
      bearing an aromatic acid residue. A number of conjugates containing aromatic
      carboxylic acids were found to inhibit poly(ADP-ribose) synthesis catalyzed by
      poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1). A new class of potential PARP-1
      inhibitors mimicking [Formula: see text], a substrate in the PARP-1 catalyzed
      reaction, was proposed.

PMID- 27677739
TI  - Kinase inhibitor ibrutinib to prevent cytokine-release syndrome after anti-CD19
      chimeric antigen receptor T cells for B-cell neoplasms.

PMID- 27677740
TI  - BET protein bromodomain inhibitor-based combinations are highly active against
      post-myeloproliferative neoplasm secondary AML cells.
AB  - Myeloproliferative neoplasms with myelofibrosis (MPN-MF) demonstrate constitutive
      activation of Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription
      (JAK/STAT) signaling that responds to treatment with the JAK1 and 2 kinase
      inhibitor (JAKi) ruxolitinib. However, MPN-MF often progresses (~20%) to
      secondary acute myeloid leukemia (sAML), where standard induction chemotherapy or
      ruxolitinib is relatively ineffective, necessitating the development of novel
      therapeutic approaches. In the present studies, we demonstrate that treatment
      with BET (bromodomain and extraterminal) protein inhibitor (BETi), for example,
      JQ1, inhibits growth and induces apoptosis of cultured and primary, patient
      derived (PD), post-MPN sAML blast progenitor cells. Reverse-phase protein array,
      mass-cytometry and Western analyses revealed that BETi treatment attenuated the
      protein expressions of c-MYC, p-STAT5, Bcl-xL, CDK4/6, PIM1 and IL-7R, whereas it
      concomitantly induced the levels of HEXIM1, p21 and BIM in the sAML cells. Co
      treatment with BETi and ruxolitinib synergistically induced apoptosis of cultured
      and PD sAML cells, as well as significantly improved survival of immune-depleted
      mice engrafted with human sAML cells. Although BETi or heat shock protein 90
      inhibitor (HSP90i) alone exerted lethal activity, cotreatment with BETi and
      HSP90i was synergistically lethal against the ruxolitinib-persister or
      ruxolitinib-resistant sAML cells. Collectively, these findings further support in
      vivo testing of BETi-based combinations with JAKi and HSP90i against post-MPN
      sAML cells.

PMID- 27677743
TI  - The proteome pattern cGvHD_MS14 allows early and accurate prediction of chronic
      GvHD after allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
AB  - Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) may be curative,
      but is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Chronic graft-versus
      host disease (cGvHD), characterized by inflammation and fibrosis of multiple
      target organs, considerably contributes to the morbidity and mortality even years
      after allo-HSCT. Diagnosis of cGvHD is based on clinical features and histology
      of biopsies. Here, we report the generation of a urinary cGvHD-specific proteome
      pattern (cGvHD_MS14) established by capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry
      to predict onset and severity of cGvHD as an unbiased laboratory test. cGvHD_MS14
      was evaluated on samples from 412 patients collected prospectively in four
      transplant centers. Sensitivity and specificity was 84 and 76% by cGvHD_MS14
      classification. Sensitivity further increased to 93% by combination of cGvHD_MS14
      with relevant clinical variables to a logistic regression model. cGvHD was
      predicted up to 55 days prior to clinical diagnosis. Acute GvHD is not recognized
      by cGvHD_MS14. cGvHD_MS14 consists of 14 differentially excreted peptides, six of
      those have been sequenced to date and are fragments from thymosin beta-4,
      eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4gamma2, fibrinogen beta-chain or
      collagens. In conclusion, the cGvHD_MS14-pattern allows early, highly sensitive
      and specific prediction of cGvHD as an independent diagnostic criterion of
      clinical diagnosis potentially allowing early therapeutic intervention.

PMID- 27677745
TI  - Transition from paediatric to adult care of adolescent patients with congenital
      heart disease: a pathway to optimal care.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Adolescents with congenital heart disease transition from a
      paediatric to an adult setting. This is associated with loss-to-follow-up and
      suboptimal care. Increasing numbers of patients justify a special program. In
      this study we evaluated the cooperative program between paediatric and adult
      cardiology departments in a tertiary referral centre. METHODS: In this
      retrospective study, patients with congenital heart disease with at least one
      appointment scheduled at the transition program between January 2010 and January
      2015 were included. They were seen by a paediatric cardiologist at the age of 15
      years in the paediatric department and from age 18 to 25 in the adult department.
      Demographic and medical data were collected from the electronic patient files.
      RESULTS: A total of 193 patients (105 males, 88 females) were identified. Sex
      distribution was almost equal. Most patients were 18-21 years of age. The largest
      group, 128 patients (67 %), lived within 50 kilometres of our hospital.
      Paediatric cardiologists referred 157 (81 %) of patients. General practitioners
      and cardiologists from outside our centre were important referrers for patients
      lost to follow-up, together accounting for 9 %. A total of 34 (18 %) patients
      missed an appointment without notification. Repeat offenders, 16 of 34 patients,
      formed a significant minority within this group. A total of 114 (59 %) patients
      were attending school, 46 (24 %) were employed, and 33 (17 %) patients were
      inactive. Activities are in line with capabilities. A nurse practitioner was
      involved with the 7 % with complex and psychosocial problems. Moderately severe
      congenital heart defects formed the largest patient category of 102 (53 %)
      patients. In 3 % of patients the diagnosis had to be revised or was significantly
      incomplete. In 30 (16 %) patients, cardiac diagnosis was part of a syndrome. Of
      the 193 patients, 117 (92 %) were in NYHA class I, with 12 (6 %) and 4 (2 %)
      patients falling into classes II and III, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A viable
      transition program can be built by collaboration between paediatric and adult
      cardiology departments with the same treating physician taking care of patients
      between 15 and 25 years of age. General practitioners are important in returning
      lost-to-follow-up patients to specialised care. Nurse practitioners are essential
      in the care for patients with complex congenital heart disease.

PMID- 27677741
TI  - Pharmacogenomics and chemical library screens reveal a novel SCFSKP2 inhibitor
      that overcomes Bortezomib resistance in multiple myeloma.
AB  - While clinical benefit of the proteasome inhibitor (PI) bortezomib (BTZ) for
      multiple myeloma (MM) patients remains unchallenged, dose-limiting toxicities and
      drug resistance limit the long-term utility. The E3 ubiquitin ligase Skp1-Cullin
      1-Skp2 (SCFSkp2) promotes proteasomal degradation of the cell cycle inhibitor p27
      to enhance tumor growth. Increased SKP2 expression and reduced p27 levels are
      frequent in human cancers and are associated with therapeutic resistance. SCFSkp2
      activity is increased by the Cullin-1-binding protein Commd1 and the Skp2-binding
      protein Cks1B. Here we observed higher CUL1, COMMD1 and SKP2 mRNA levels in
      CD138+ cells isolated from BTZ-resistant MM patients. Higher CUL1, COMMD1, SKP2
      and CKS1B mRNA levels in patient CD138+ cells correlated with decreased
      progression-free and overall survival. Genetic knockdown of CUL1, COMMD1 or SKP2
      disrupted the SCFSkp2 complex, stabilized p27 and increased the number of annexin
      V-positive cells after BTZ treatment. Chemical library screens identified a novel
      compound, designated DT204, that reduced Skp2 binding to Cullin-1 and Commd1, and
      synergistically enhanced BTZ-induced apoptosis. DT204 co-treatment with BTZ
      overcame drug resistance and reduced the in vivo growth of myeloma tumors in
      murine models with survival benefit. Taken together, the results provide proof of
      concept for rationally designed drug combinations that incorporate SCFSkp2
      inhibitors to treat BTZ resistant disease.

PMID- 27677744
TI  - Cardiac sympathetic activity in chronic heart failure: cardiac 123I-mIBG
      scintigraphy to improve patient selection for ICD implantation.
AB  - Heart failure is a life-threatening disease with a growing incidence in the
      Netherlands. This growing incidence is related to increased life expectancy,
      improvement of survival after myocardial infarction and better treatment options
      for heart failure. As a consequence, the costs related to heart failure care will
      increase. Despite huge improvements in treatment, the prognosis remains
      unfavourable with high one-year mortality rates. The introduction of implantable
      devices such as implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) and cardiac
      resynchronisation therapy (CRT) has improved the overall survival of patients
      with chronic heart failure. However, after ICD implantation for primary
      prevention in heart failure a high percentage of patients never have appropriate
      ICD discharges. In addition 25-50 % of CRT patients have no therapeutic effect.
      Moreover, both ICDs and CRTs are associated with malfunction and complications
      (e. g. inappropriate shocks, infection). Last but not least is the relatively
      high cost of these devices. Therefore, it is essential, not only from a clinical
      but also from a socioeconomic point of view, to optimise the current selection
      criteria for ICD and CRT. This review focusses on the role of cardiac sympathetic
      hyperactivity in optimising ICD selection criteria. Cardiac sympathetic
      hyperactivity is related to fatal arrhythmias and can be non-invasively assessed
      with 123I-meta-iodobenzylguanide (123I-mIBG) scintigraphy. We conclude that
      cardiac sympathetic activity assessed with 123I-mIBG scintigraphy is a promising
      tool to better identify patients who will benefit from ICD implantation.

PMID- 27677742
TI  - B cells and macrophages pursue a common path toward the development and
      progression of chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
AB  - The development and progression of chronic B-cell tumors depend on a complex
      microenvironmental network of cells that include monocyte-derived macrophages. In
      chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) the survival of malignant cells is supported
      in vitro by nurse-like cells, which differentiate from CD14+ monocytes and have
      been identified as tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). The role of the
      monocyte/macrophage lineage in CLL has been extensively studied in vitro, but
      only recently has been investigated in in vivo models. We here discuss how the
      cellular and molecular interactions that physiologically occur between B cells
      and macrophages can be subverted in chronic B lymphoid malignancies. Clinical
      approaches for the therapeutic targeting of TAMs are under evaluation. Promising
      strategies, along with a direct impact on the malignant cells, affect crucial
      pathways involved in the interaction of leukemic cells with TAMs. As an example,
      ibrutinib reduces CLL cell chemoattraction by inhibiting macrophage secretion of
      CXCL13. Lenalidomide and trabectedin prevent TAM recruitment mainly through CCL2
      blockade. Most advanced strategies aim at depleting macrophages by targeting the
      CSF1/CSF1R pathway, which is fundamental for TAM survival. Of note, CSF1
      transcripts are significantly more abundant in progressive CLL patients when
      compared with stable CLL and the frequency of CSF1R+ TAMs correlates with poor
      survival in hematological malignancies. The successful combination of CSF1R
      inhibition with currently available agents targeting malignant cells might
      represent the next therapeutic frontier in CLL. Conceivably these approaches may
      become applicable to numerous chronic B lymphoid malignancies.

PMID- 27677746
TI  - Syngas obtained by microwave pyrolysis of household wastes as feedstock for
      polyhydroxyalkanoate production in Rhodospirillum rubrum.
AB  - The massive production of urban and agricultural wastes has promoted a clear need
      for alternative processes of disposal and waste management. The potential use of
      municipal solid wastes (MSW) as feedstock for the production of
      polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) by a process known as syngas fermentation is
      considered herein as an attractive bio-economic strategy to reduce these wastes.
      In this work, we have evaluated the potential of Rhodospirillum rubrum as
      microbial cell factory for the synthesis of PHA from syngas produced by microwave
      pyrolysis of the MSW organic fraction from a European city (Seville). Growth
      rate, uptake rate, biomass yield and PHA production from syngas in R. rubrum have
      been analysed. The results revealed the strong robustness of this syngas
      fermentation where the purity of the syngas is not a critical constraint for PHA
      production. Microwave-induced pyrolysis is a tangible alternative to standard
      pyrolysis, because it can reduce cost in terms of energy and time as well as
      increase syngas production, providing a satisfactory PHA yield.

PMID- 27677747
TI  - Splenic metastasis in colorectal cancer.

PMID- 27677748
TI  - Biodegradation and metabolic pathway of nicotine in Rhodococcus sp. Y22.
AB  - Nicotine in tobacco is harmful to health and the environment, so there is an
      environmental requirement to remove nicotine from tobacco and tobacco wastes. In
      this study, the biotransformation of nicotine by Rhodococcus sp. Y22 was
      investigated, and three metabolites (NIC1, NIC4 and NIC5) were isolated by column
      separation, preparative TLC and solid plate's method, respectively. NIC1 was
      identified as 6-hydoxynicotine based on the results of NMR, MS, HPLC-UV and
      HRESIMS analysis; NIC4 was a novel compound and identified as 5-(3-methyl
      [1,3]oxazinan-2-ylidene)-5H-pyridin-2-one based on the results of NMR, MS and UV
      analysis; NIC5 was identified as nicotine blue based on the results of NMR and MS
      analysis. Meanwhile, two metabolites NIC2 and NIC3 were identified as 6-hydroxy-N
      methylmyosmine and 6-hydroxypseudooxynicotine by HRESIMS analysis, respectively.
      According to these metabolites, the possible pathway of nicotine degradation by
      Rhodococcus sp. Y22 was proposed. The nicotine can be transformed to nicotine
      blue through two pathways (A and B), and 6-hydroxy-N-methylmyosmine is the key
      compound, which can be converted to 6-hydroxypseudooxynicotine (pathway A) and 5
      (3-methyl-[1,3]oxazinan-2-ylidene)-5H-pyridin-2-one (pathway B), respectively.
      Moreover, the encoding gene of nicotine dehydrogenase, ndh, was amplified from
      Rhodococcus sp. Y22, and its transcriptional level could be up-regulated
      obviously under nicotine induction. Our studies reported the key metabolites and
      possible biotransformation pathway of nicotine in Rhodococcus sp. Y22, and
      provided new insights into the microbial metabolism of nicotine.

PMID- 27677749
TI  - Absolute binding free energy calculations of CBClip host-guest systems in the
      SAMPL5 blind challenge.
AB  - Herein, we report the absolute binding free energy calculations of CBClip
      complexes in the SAMPL5 blind challenge. Initial conformations of CBClip
      complexes were obtained using docking and molecular dynamics simulations. Free
      energy calculations were performed using thermodynamic integration (TI) with soft
      core potentials and Bennett's acceptance ratio (BAR) method based on a serial
      insertion scheme. We compared the results obtained with TI simulations with soft
      core potentials and Hamiltonian replica exchange simulations with the serial
      insertion method combined with the BAR method. The results show that the
      difference between the two methods can be mainly attributed to the van der Waals
      free energies, suggesting that either the simulations used for TI or the
      simulations used for BAR, or both are not fully converged and the two sets of
      simulations may have sampled difference phase space regions. The penalty scores
      of force field parameters of the 10 guest molecules provided by CHARMM
      Generalized Force Field can be an indicator of the accuracy of binding free
      energy calculations. Among our submissions, the combination of docking and TI
      performed best, which yielded the root mean square deviation of 2.94 kcal/mol and
      an average unsigned error of 3.41 kcal/mol for the ten guest molecules. These
      values were best overall among all participants. However, our submissions had
      little correlation with experiments.

PMID- 27677750
TI  - Blind prediction of cyclohexane-water distribution coefficients from the SAMPL5
      challenge.
AB  - In the recent SAMPL5 challenge, participants submitted predictions for
      cyclohexane/water distribution coefficients for a set of 53 small molecules.
      Distribution coefficients (log D) replace the hydration free energies that were a
      central part of the past five SAMPL challenges. A wide variety of computational
      methods were represented by the 76 submissions from 18 participating groups.
      Here, we analyze submissions by a variety of error metrics and provide details
      for a number of reference calculations we performed. As in the SAMPL4 challenge,
      we assessed the ability of participants to evaluate not just their statistical
      uncertainty, but their model uncertainty-how well they can predict the magnitude
      of their model or force field error for specific predictions. Unfortunately, this
      remains an area where prediction and analysis need improvement. In SAMPL4 the top
      performing submissions achieved a root-mean-squared error (RMSE) around 1.5
      kcal/mol. If we anticipate accuracy in log D predictions to be similar to the
      hydration free energy predictions in SAMPL4, the expected error here would be
      around 1.54 log units. Only a few submissions had an RMSE below 2.5 log units in
      their predicted log D values. However, distribution coefficients introduced
      complexities not present in past SAMPL challenges, including tautomer
      enumeration, that are likely to be important in predicting biomolecular
      properties of interest to drug discovery, therefore some decrease in accuracy
      would be expected. Overall, the SAMPL5 distribution coefficient challenge
      provided great insight into the importance of modeling a variety of physical
      effects. We believe these types of measurements will be a promising source of
      data for future blind challenges, especially in view of the relatively
      straightforward nature of the experiments and the level of insight provided.

PMID- 27677751
TI  - Blinded predictions of distribution coefficients in the SAMPL5 challenge.
AB  - In the context of the SAMPL5 challenge water-cyclohexane distribution
      coefficients for 53 drug-like molecules were predicted. Four different models
      based on molecular dynamics free energy calculations were tested. All models
      initially assumed only one chemical state present in aqueous or organic phases.
      Model A is based on results from an alchemical annihilation scheme; model B adds
      a long range correction for the Lennard Jones potentials to model A; model C adds
      charging free energy corrections; model D applies the charging correction from
      model C to ionizable species only. Model A and B perform better in terms of mean
      unsigned error ([Formula: see text] D units - 95 % confidence interval) and
      determination coefficient [Formula: see text], while charging corrections lead to
      poorer results with model D ([Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]).
      Because overall errors were large, a retrospective analysis that allowed co
      existence of ionisable and neutral species of a molecule in aqueous phase was
      investigated. This considerably reduced systematic errors ([Formula: see text]
      and [Formula: see text]). Overall accurate [Formula: see text] predictions for
      drug-like molecules that may adopt multiple tautomers and charge states proved
      difficult, indicating a need for methodological advances to enable satisfactory
      treatment by explicit-solvent molecular simulations.

PMID- 27677752
TI  - Grebe dysplasia - prenatal diagnosis based on rendered 3-D ultrasound images of
      fetal limbs.
AB  - Grebe dysplasia is a rare skeletal dysplasia characterized by severe
      acromesomelic shortening of the long bones in a proximal to distal gradient of
      severity, with bones of the hands and feet more severely affected than those of
      the forearms and legs, which in turn are more severely affected than the humeri
      and femora. In addition, the bones of the lower extremities tend to be more
      severely affected than the bones of the upper extremities. Despite the severe
      skeletal deformities, the condition is not lethal and surviving individuals can
      have normal intelligence. Herein we report a case of Grebe dysplasia diagnosed at
      20 weeks of gestation. Rendered 3-D ultrasound images of the fetal limbs,
      particularly of the characteristic tiny and globular-looking fingers and toes,
      were instrumental in accurately characterizing the phenotype prenatally.

PMID- 27677753
TI  - Relation between extinction and assisted colonization of plants in the arctic
      alpine and boreal regions.
AB  - Assisted colonization of vascular plants is considered by many ecologists an
      important tool to preserve biodiversity threatened by climate change. I argue
      that assisted colonization may have negative consequences in arctic-alpine and
      boreal regions. The observed slow movement of plants toward the north has been an
      argument for assisted colonization. However, these range shifts may be slow
      because for many plants microclimatic warming (ignored by advocates of assisted
      colonization) has been smaller than macroclimatic warming. Arctic-alpine and
      boreal plants may have limited possibilities to disperse farther north or to
      higher elevations. I suggest that arctic-alpine species are more likely to be
      driven to extinction because of competitive exclusion by southern species than by
      increasing temperatures. If so, the future existence of arctic-alpine and boreal
      flora may depend on delaying or preventing the migration of plants toward the
      north to allow northern species to evolve to survive in a warmer climate. In the
      arctic-alpine region, preventing the dispersal of trees and shrubs may be the
      most important method to mitigate the negative effects of climate change. The
      purported conservation benefits of assisted colonization should not be used to
      promote the migration of invasive species by forestry.

PMID- 27677754
TI  - Developing FT-NIR and PLS1 Methodology for Predicting Adulteration in
      Representative Varieties/Blends of Extra Virgin Olive Oils.
AB  - It was previously demonstrated that Fourier transform near infrared (FT-NIR)
      spectroscopy and partial least squares (PLS1) were successfully used to assess
      whether an olive oil was extra virgin, and if adulterated, with which type of
      vegetable oil and by how much using previously developed PLS1 calibration models.
      This last prediction required an initial set of four PLS1 calibration models that
      were based on gravimetrically prepared mixtures of a specific variety of extra
      virgin olive oil (EVOO) spiked with adulterants. The current study was undertaken
      after obtaining a range of EVOO varieties grown in different countries. It was
      found that all the different types of EVOO varieties investigated belonged to
      four distinct groups, and each required the development of additional sets of
      specific PLS1 calibration models to ensure that they can be used to predict low
      concentrations of vegetable oils high in linoleic, oleic, or palmitic acid,
      and/or refined olive oil. These four distinct sets of PLS1 calibration models
      were required to cover the range of EVOO varieties with a linoleic acid content
      from 1.3 to 15.5 % of total fatty acids. An FT-NIR library was established with
      66 EVOO products obtained from California and Europe. The quality and/or purity
      of EVOO were assessed by determining the FT-NIR Index, a measure of the volatile
      content of EVOO. The use of these PLS1 calibration models made it possible to
      predict the authenticity of EVOO and the identity and quantity of potential
      adulterant oils in minutes.

PMID- 27677757
TI  - ?

PMID- 27677756
TI  - Neuroticism modulates brain visuo-vestibular and anxiety systems during a virtual
      rollercoaster task.
AB  - Different lines of research suggest that anxiety-related personality traits may
      influence the visual and vestibular control of balance, although the brain
      mechanisms underlying this effect remain unclear. To our knowledge, this is the
      first functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study that investigates how
      individual differences in neuroticism and introversion, two key personality
      traits linked to anxiety, modulate brain regional responses and functional
      connectivity patterns during a fMRI task simulating self-motion. Twenty-four
      healthy individuals with variable levels of neuroticism and introversion
      underwent fMRI while performing a virtual reality rollercoaster task that
      included two main types of trials: (1) trials simulating downward or upward self
      motion (vertical motion), and (2) trials simulating self-motion in horizontal
      planes (horizontal motion). Regional brain activity and functional connectivity
      patterns when comparing vertical versus horizontal motion trials were correlated
      with personality traits of the Five Factor Model (i.e., neuroticism, extraversion
      introversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness). When comparing
      vertical to horizontal motion trials, we found a positive correlation between
      neuroticism scores and regional activity in the left parieto-insular vestibular
      cortex (PIVC). For the same contrast, increased functional connectivity between
      the left PIVC and right amygdala was also detected as a function of higher
      neuroticism scores. Together, these findings provide new evidence that individual
      differences in personality traits linked to anxiety are significantly associated
      with changes in the activity and functional connectivity patterns within visuo
      vestibular and anxiety-related systems during simulated vertical self-motion. Hum
      Brain Mapp 38:715-726, 2017. (c) 2016 The Authors Human Brain Mapping Published
      by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27677755
TI  - Anti-regulatory T cells.
AB  - Our initial understanding of immune-regulatory cells was based on the discovery
      of suppressor cells that assure peripheral T-cell tolerance and promote immune
      homeostasis. Research has particularly focused on the importance of regulatory T
      cells (Tregs) for immune modulation, e.g. directing host responses to tumours or
      inhibiting autoimmunity development. However, recent studies report the discovery
      of self-reactive pro-inflammatory T cells-termed anti-regulatory T cells (anti
      Tregs)-that target immune-suppressive cells. Thus, regulatory cells can now be
      defined as both cells that suppress immune reactions as well as effector cells
      that counteract the effects of suppressor cells and support immune reactions.
      Self-reactive anti-Tregs have been described that specifically recognize human
      leukocyte antigen-restricted epitopes derived from proteins that are normally
      expressed by regulatory immune cells, including indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase
      (IDO), tryptophan 2,6-dioxygenase (TDO), programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), and
      forkhead box P3 (Foxp3). These proteins are highly expressed in professional
      antigen-presenting cells under various physiological conditions, such as
      inflammation and stress. Therefore, self-reactive T cells that recognize such
      targets may be activated due to the strong activation signal given by their
      cognate targets. The current review describes the existing knowledge regarding
      these self-reactive anti-Tregs, providing examples of antigen-specific anti-Tregs
      and discussing their possible roles in immune homeostasis and their potential
      future clinical applications.

PMID- 27677759
TI  - [Therapeutic plasma exchange for the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia-induced
      pancreatitis : A case report].
AB  - A rare but serious form of pancreatitis is caused by severe hypertriglyceridemia.
      It accounts for up to 10 % of all acute pancreatitis episodes. Despite a
      pathophysiology that differs distinctly from other forms of pancreatitis, there
      are no accepted guidelines for the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia-induced
      pancreatitis. We report a morbidly obese (BMI 45 kg/m2) 36-year-old Caucasian
      woman with a history of schizophrenic psychosis who was transferred to our
      tertiary care hospital for further diagnosis and treatment of increasing
      abdominal pain and hypertryglyceridemia of 2757 mg/dl. Due to rapid clinical
      deterioration, requiring invasive mechanical ventilation we performed therapeutic
      plasma exchange (TPE). About 1.5 times of the patient's calculated plasma volume
      was exchanged using fresh frozen plasma as substitution fluid. After a single TPE
      the triglyceride levels decreased by 86 % to 387 mg/dl. Concomitantly C-reactive
      protein decreased from 303 to 179 mg/dl. Despite the paucity of data, TPE may be
      a beneficial means to lower triglycerides in patients with hypertriglyceridemia
      induced pancreatitis, due to the rapid removal of the causative agent leading to
      pancreatic injury.

PMID- 27677758
TI  - [Current recommendations for basic/advanced life support : Addressing unanswered
      questions and future prospects].
AB  - The revised guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation were implemented by the
      European Resuscitation Council (ERC) in October 2015. There were few changes
      concerning basic and advanced life support; however, some issues were clarified
      compared to the ERC recommendations from 2010. The present paper summarizes the
      procedures of basic and advanced life support according to the current guidelines
      and highlights the updates of 2015. Furthermore, the article depicts future
      prospects of cardiopulmonary resuscitation that may improve outcome of patients
      after cardiac arrest in the future.

PMID- 27677760
TI  - Serum IgG levels and mortality in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock :
      The SBITS data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The role of intravenous immune globulin (Ig) therapy in patients with
      severe sepsis and septic shock is discussed controversially. Low initial IgG
      levels could help to identify those patients who might benefit from an adjunctive
      Ig treatment. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of initial serum IgG levels
      on 28-day mortality in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: In this retrospective analysis of the SBITS trial data, 543 patients
      were allocated to four groups (quartiles) depending on their initial serum IgG
      levels (1: IgG <= 6.1 g/l; 2: IgG 6.2-8.4 g/l; 3: IgG 8.5-11.9 g/l; 4: IgG > 11.9
      g/l). The third quartile was taken as the reference quartile. For the applied
      logistic regression model clinically relevant confounders were defined and
      integrated into further risk-adjusted calculations. RESULTS: Patients with the
      lowest IgG levels had a mortality rate similar to those patients with initial IgG
      levels in the second and third quartile, representing the physiological IgG range
      in healthy people. Surprisingly, patients with the highest IgG levels even showed
      a significantly higher mortality in a risk-adjusted calculation compared to the
      reference quartile (OR 1.69, CI 1.01-2.81, p = 0.05). Subgroup analyses revealed
      that initial IgG levels were of no prognostic value in patients presenting with
      vasopressor-dependent septic shock on admission as well as in patients with
      either gram-positive or gram-negative sepsis. CONCLUSIONS: Initially low IgG
      levels do not discriminate between survival and nonsurvival in patients with
      severe sepsis and septic shock. Therefore, low IgG cannot help to identify those
      patients who might benefit from an adjunctive IgG sepsis therapy. Whether a high
      initial IgG serum level is an independent mortality risk factor needs to be
      investigated prospectively.

PMID- 27677761
TI  - National trends among radiologists in reporting coronary artery calcium in non
      gated chest computed tomography.
AB  - Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is a known risk factor for adverse outcomes
      in the general population and in patients with coronary artery disease. We
      performed a survey of United States radiologists to evaluate the trends in
      reporting the presence or absence of CAC on NCCT examinations. An 11 multiple
      choice questionnaire was distributed to members of the American College of
      Radiology, and 530 members participated in the study. Eighty-seven percent of the
      analyzed group report the presence of CAC on standard CT scans of the chest, and
      approximately half them (52 %) use a qualitative modifier. Only 32 % of cardiac
      imagers were aware of the published data correlating qualitative and quantitative
      calcium scores on non-gated chest CT examinations compared to 17 % of non-cardiac
      imagers. We believe that subjective or objective grading of coronary calcified
      plaque burden on standard chest CT exams is warranted as it may not only help
      risk-stratify patients, but also may eliminate the need for dedicated CACS in
      many patients and may be useful in treatment guidance.

PMID- 27677762
TI  - Three-dimensional printed models in congenital heart disease.
AB  - The purpose of this article is to discuss technical considerations and current
      applications of three-dimensional (3D) printing in congenital heart disease
      (CHD). CHD represent an attractive field for the application of 3D printed
      models, with consistent progress made in the past decade. Current 3D models are
      able to reproduce complex cardiac and extra-cardiac anatomy including small
      details with very limited range of errors (<1 mm), so this tool could be of value
      in the planning of surgical or percutaneous treatments for selected cases of CHD.
      However, the steps involved in the building of 3D models, consisting of image
      acquisition and selection, segmentation, and printing are highly operator
      dependent. Current 3D models may be rigid or flexible, but unable to reproduce
      the physiologic variations during the cardiac cycle. Furthermore, high costs and
      long average segmentation and printing times (18-24 h) limit a more extensive
      use. There is a need for better standardization of the procedure employed for
      collection of the images, the segmentation methods and processes, the phase of
      cardiac cycle used, and in the materials employed for printing. More studies are
      necessary to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and cost-effectiveness of 3D
      printed models in congenital cardiac care.

PMID- 27677763
TI  - The multi-ethnic global lung initiative 2012 and Third National Health and
      Nutrition Examination Survey reference values do not reflect spirometric
      measurements in Black boys and men from Tanzania.
AB  - The interpretation of spirometric results of Black Africans according to
      reference standards based on data from outside their native environment may lead
      to the wrong conclusions. This article aims to characterize the ventilatory
      capacity of boys and men from Tanzania according to forced expiratory volume in
      one second (FEV1 ), forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow (PEF) and
      FEV1 /FVC based on the collected anthropological material and to compare them to
      NHANES III, Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III)
      African American predicted values and GLI2012 equations. The analysis included
      spirometric measurements of n = 295 participants from Tanzania. Pearson's
      correlation analysis and the backward stepwise multiple regression analysis were
      performed. FEV1 , FVC, PEF and FEV1 /FVC results were compared to the NHANES III
      African American predicted values as well as to the GLI2012 equations. FEV1
      measurements are lower than the reference values according to NHANES III and
      GLI2012 equations by 22.1% and 25.8%. FVC results fell short of the NHANES III
      predicted by 29.5% and of GLI2012 by 32.5%. The average %FEV1 /FVC scores for the
      boys and men exceeded the recommended GLI2012 predicted by 10.5-15.2%. All the
      spirometric measurements included in the analysis were statistically
      significantly correlated with age, body height, sitting height, trunk length and
      body weight. The application of prediction formulae developed for non-African
      populations overestimates the values for Black Africans. The results of
      spirometric measurements are ecosensitive and dependent on various external
      (environmental) factors.

PMID- 27677764
TI  - A beta cell ATGL-lipolysis/adipose tissue axis controls energy homeostasis and
      body weight via insulin secretion in mice.
AB  - AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: To directly assess the role of beta cell lipolysis in insulin
      secretion and whole-body energy homeostasis, inducible beta cell-specific adipose
      triglyceride lipase (ATGL)-deficient (B-Atgl-KO) mice were studied under normal
      diet (ND) and high-fat diet (HFD) conditions. METHODS: Atgl flox/flox mice were
      cross-bred with Mip-Cre-ERT mice to generate Mip-Cre-ERT/+;Atgl flox/flox mice.
      At 8 weeks of age, these mice were injected with tamoxifen to induce deletion of
      beta cell-specific Atgl (also known as Pnpla2), and the mice were fed an ND or
      HFD. RESULTS: ND-fed male B-Atgl-KO mice showed decreased insulinaemia and
      glucose-induced insulin secretion (GSIS) in vivo. Changes in GSIS correlated with
      the islet content of long-chain saturated monoacylglycerol (MAG) species that
      have been proposed to be metabolic coupling factors for insulin secretion.
      Exogenous MAGs restored GSIS in B-Atgl-KO islets. B-Atgl-KO male mice fed an HFD
      showed reduced insulinaemia, glycaemia in the fasted and fed states and after
      glucose challenge, as well as enhanced insulin sensitivity. Moreover, decreased
      insulinaemia in B-Atgl-KO mice was associated with increased energy expenditure,
      and lipid metabolism in brown (BAT) and white (WAT) adipose tissues, leading to
      reduced fat mass and body weight. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: ATGL in beta cells
      regulates insulin secretion via the production of signalling MAGs. Decreased
      insulinaemia due to lowered GSIS protects B-Atgl-KO mice from diet-induced
      obesity, improves insulin sensitivity, increases lipid mobilisation from WAT and
      causes BAT activation. The results support the concept that fuel excess can drive
      obesity and diabetes via hyperinsulinaemia, and that an islet beta cell ATGL
      lipolysis/adipose tissue axis controls energy homeostasis and body weight via
      insulin secretion.

PMID- 27677766
TI  - Steroid-induced hyperglycaemia in hospitalised patients: does it matter?
AB  - Steroid-induced hyperglycaemia is a common problem faced by endocrinologists in
      hospital wards. In this issue of Diabetologia, Popovic and colleagues (DOI
      10.1007/s00125-016-4091-4 ) have conducted a subanalysis within a randomised
      controlled trial of prednisone therapy for community-acquired pneumonia. The
      authors found that the presence of diabetes or hyperglycaemia related to steroid
      therapy did not attenuate the clinical benefits of steroid therapy. The relevance
      and possible implications of these findings are discussed.

PMID- 27677765
TI  - Metabolic effects of orally administered small-molecule agonists of GPR55 and
      GPR119 in multiple low-dose streptozotocin-induced diabetic and incretin-receptor
      knockout mice.
AB  - AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Abnormal cannabidiol (Abn-CBD) and AS-1269574 are potent
      selective agonists for GPR55 and GPR119, respectively. The present study
      evaluated the actions and ability of these small-molecule agonists to counteract
      experimental diabetes in mice. METHODS: Diabetes was induced in NIH Swiss mice by
      five consecutive daily intraperitoneal injections of 40 mg/(kg body weight)
      streptozotocin. Diabetic mice received daily oral administration of Abn-CBD or AS
      1269574 (0.1 MUmol/kg) or saline vehicle (0.9% wt/vol. NaCl) over 28 days. Body
      weight, food intake, fluid intake, plasma glucose, insulin, glucose tolerance,
      insulin release, lipid profile and pancreatic morphology were examined. Mechanism
      of action of agonists was assessed in acute studies using incretin-receptor
      knockout mice. RESULTS: Abn-CBD and AS-1269574 decreased plasma glucose (20-26%,
      p < 0.05) and increased circulating insulin (47-48%, p < 0.05) by 10-28 days,
      compared with saline-treated diabetic controls. Food intake and polydipsia were
      reduced by both agonists (21-23%, p < 0.05 and 33-35%, p < 0.01, respectively).
      After 28 days of treatment, plasma glucagon concentrations were reduced (p <
      0.01) and glucose tolerance was enhanced by 19-44% by Abn-CBD (p < 0.05 or p <
      0.001) and AS-1269574 (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Plasma insulin responses were
      improved (p < 0.01) and insulin resistance was decreased (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01)
      in both Abn-CBD- and AS-1269574-treated groups. Triacylglycerols were decreased
      by 19% with Abn-CBD (p < 0.05) and 32% with AS-1269574 (p < 0.01) while total
      cholesterol was reduced by 17% (p < 0.01) and 15% (p < 0.05), respectively. Both
      agonists enhanced beta cell proliferation (p < 0.001) although islet area was
      unchanged. Acute studies in Gipr- and Glp1r-knockout mice revealed an important
      role for the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor in the actions of both
      agonists, with the glucose-lowering effects of Abn-CBD also partly mediated
      through the glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) receptor.
      CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: These data highlight the potential for fatty acid G
      protein-coupled receptor-based therapies as novel insulinotropic and glucose
      lowering agents acting partly through the activation of incretin receptors.

PMID- 27677767
TI  - Comparison of in Silico, Electrochemical, in Vitro and in Vivo Metabolism of a
      Homologous Series of (Radio)fluorinated sigma1 Receptor Ligands Designed for
      Positron Emission Tomography.
AB  - The imaging of sigma1 receptors in the brain by fluorinated radiotracers will be
      used for the validation of sigma1 receptors as drug targets as well as for
      differential diagnosis of diseases in the central nervous system. The
      biotransformation of four homologous fluorinated PET tracers 1'-benzyl-3-(omega
      fluoromethyl to omega-fluorobutyl)-3H-spiro[2]benzofuran-1,4'-piperidine] ([18
      F]1-4) was investigated. In silico studies using fast metabolizer (FAME)
      software, electrochemical oxidations, in vitro studies with rat liver microsomes,
      and in vivo metabolism studies after application of the PET tracers [18 F]1-4 to
      mice were performed. Combined liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (HPLC
      MS) analysis allowed structural identification of non-radioactive metabolites.
      Radio-HPLC and radio-TLC provided information about the presence of unchanged
      parent radiotracers and their radiometabolites. Radiometabolites were not found
      in the brain after application of [18 F]2-4, but liver, plasma, and urine samples
      contained several radiometabolites. Less than 2 % of the injected dose of [18 F]4
      reached the brain, rendering [18 F]4 less appropriate as a PET tracer than [18
      F]2 and [18 F]3. Compounds [18 F]2 and [18 F]3 possess the most promising
      properties for imaging of sigma1 receptors in the brain. High sigma1 affinity (Ki
      =0.59 nm), low lipophilicity (logD7.4 =2.57), high brain penetration (4.6 % of
      injected dose after 30 min), and the absence of radiometabolites in the brain
      favor the fluoroethyl derivative [18 F]2 slightly over the fluoropropyl
      derivative [18 F]3 for human use.

PMID- 27677769
TI  - Erosion and sedimentation during the September 2015 flooding of the Kinu River,
      central Japan.
AB  - Erosional and sedimentary features associated with flooding have been documented
      in both modern and past cases. However, only a few studies have demonstrated the
      relationship between these features and the corresponding hydraulic conditions
      that produced them, making it difficult to evaluate the magnitude of paleo
      flooding. This study describes the characteristics associated with inundation
      depth and flow direction, as well as the erosional and sedimentary features
      resulting from the disastrous flooding of the Kinu River, central Japan, in
      September 2015. Water levels rose rapidly due to heavy rainfall that eventually
      overtopped, and subsequently breached, a levee in Joso City, causing destructive
      flooding on the surrounding floodplain. Distinctive erosional features are found
      next to the breached levee, while depositional features, such as a sandy crevasse
      splay deposit are found further away from the breach. The deposit can be divided
      into three units based on sedimentary facies. The vertical and lateral changes of
      these sedimentary facies may be the result of temporal and spatial changes
      associated with flow during the single flooding event. These observations and
      quantitative data provide information that can be used to reveal the
      paleohydrology of flood deposits in the stratigraphic record, leading to improved
      mitigation of future flooding disasters.

PMID- 27677768
TI  - CD19+ Tim-1+ B cells are decreased and negatively correlated with disease
      severity in Myasthenia Gravis patients.
AB  - T cell immunoglobulin mucin domain-1(Tim-1) was recently identified to be
      critical and essential for optimal regulatory B cells function in maintaining
      immune tolerance. We aimed to measure the expression levels of Tim-1 on B cells
      from patients with Myasthenia Gravis (MG) and to investigate whether the
      expression of Tim-1 is associated with pathogenesis of MG. A total of 34 patients
      with MG (18 generalized MG (GMG) and 16 ocular MG (OMG) and 24 healthy donors
      were recruited in this study. The quantitative myasthenia gravis score (QMGS) was
      used to evaluate the clinical severity. Real-time PCR and flow cytometry were
      used to measure the levels of Tim-1 expressed on peripheral B cells. Peripheral
      CD138+ plasma cells were assayed by flow cytometry. Serum Th17-related cytokines
      (IL-6, IL-1beta and IL-17) and anti-AChR antibody (Ab) titers were tested by
      enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Our data demonstrated that the mRNA
      and protein expression levels of B cell Tim-1 in both the GMG and OMG groups were
      significantly lower than those in healthy controls, with lower expression in GMG
      than in OMG. Tim-1 expression on B cells from OMG/GMG was negatively correlated
      with clinical severity, plasma cells frequency, serum Th17-related cytokines and
      anti-AChR Ab levels. Our results indicated that aberrant expression of Tim-1
      exists on B cells and may contribute to the Th17 polarization and antibody
      secreting plasma cells differentiation in MG patients.

PMID- 27677770
TI  - Can myocardial performance index predict the presence of silent ischemia in
      asymptomatic type 2 diabetic patients?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is an important cause of morbidity and
      mortality in patients with diabetes. Silent myocardial ischemia (SMI) is common
      in patients with diabetes and is associated with poorer prognosis. Myocardial
      performance index "Tei index" that reflects both left ventricular (LV) systolic
      and diastolic function. The aim of our study was to test the value of Tei index
      in prediction of SMI in asymptomatic patients with type 2 diabetes. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: Asymptomatic patients with type 2 diabetes were included in our study.
      We excluded patients with known CAD, previous revascularization, low ejection
      fraction, or abnormal ECG from the study. All patients had undergone history
      taking and clinical examination, ECG, echocardiography with measuring of Tei
      index and Holter monitoring for detecting silent ischemia. RESULTS: A total of
      200 patients were recruited. We divided our patients into two groups: Group I: 64
      patients with SMI, Group II: 136 patients without SMI. There was no significant
      difference between the two groups regarding clinical and conventional
      echocardiographic data. Tei index was significantly higher in patients with
      silent ischemia (P<.00001). Sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative
      predictive values of Tei index >=0.6 in prediction of Holter detected silent
      ischemia were 85.9%, 90%, 78.6%, and 88.6%, respectively. We found a significant
      positive correlation between Tei index and number of ischemic episodes (r=.366,
      P=.0029). CONCLUSION: Measuring Tei index is helpful in predicting the presence
      of silent ischemia in asymptomatic patients with type 2 diabetes.

PMID- 27677772
TI  - Future jobs of FDA's haematology-oncology reviewers.

PMID- 27677771
TI  - Complex PTSD as proposed for ICD-11: validation of a new disorder in children and
      adolescents and their response to Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To evaluate whether the symptoms of children and adolescents with
      clinically significant posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) form classes
      consistent with the diagnostic criteria of complex PTSD (CPTSD) as proposed for
      the ICD-11, and to relate the emerging classes with treatment outcome of Trauma
      Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). METHODS: Latent classes analysis
      (LCA) was used to explore the symptom profiles of the clinical baseline
      assessment of N = 155 children and adolescents participating in a randomized
      controlled trial of TF-CBT. The treatment outcomes of patients with posttraumatic
      stress disorder (PTSD) and of patients with CPTSD were compared by a t-test for
      depended samples and a repeated-measures ANOVA. RESULTS: The LCA revealed two
      distinct classes: a PTSD class characterized by elevated core symptoms of PTSD (n
      = 62) and low symptoms of disturbances in self-organization versus a complex PTSD
      class with elevated PTSD core symptoms and elevated symptoms of disturbances in
      self-organization (n = 93). The Group * Time interaction regarding posttraumatic
      stress symptoms was not significant. Pre-post effect sizes regarding
      posttraumatic stress symptoms were large for both groups (PTSD: d = 2.81; CPTSD:
      d = 1.37). For disturbances in self-organization in the CPTSD class, we found
      medium to large effect sizes (d = 0.40-1.16) after treatment with TF-CBT.
      CONCLUSIONS: The results provide empirical evidence of the ICD-11 CPTSD and PTSD
      distinction in a clinical sample of children and adolescents. In terms of
      relative improvement from their respective baseline posttraumatic stress
      symptoms, patients with PTSD and CPTSD responded equally to TF-CBT; however,
      those with CPTSD ended treatment with clinically and statistically greater
      symptoms than those with PTSD.

PMID- 27677773
TI  - Patient-Centered Interventions to Improve Adherence to Statins: A Narrative
      Synthesis of Systematically Identified Studies.
AB  - Poor adherence to statins increases cardiovascular disease risk. We
      systematically identified 32 controlled studies that assessed patient-centered
      interventions designed to improve statin adherence. The limited number of studies
      and variation in study characteristics precluded strict quality criteria or meta
      analysis. Cognitive education or behavioural counselling delivered face-to-face
      multiple times consistently improved statin adherence compared with control
      groups (7/8 and 3/3 studies, respectively). None of four studies using medication
      reminders and/or adherence feedback alone reported significantly improved statin
      adherence. Single interventions that improved statin adherence but were not
      conducted face-to-face included cognitive education in the form of genetic test
      results (two studies) and cognitive education via a website (one study). Similar
      mean adherence measures were reported for 17 intervention arms and were thus
      compared in a sub-analysis: 8 showed significantly improved statin adherence, but
      effect sizes were modest (+7 to +22 % points). In three of these studies, statin
      adherence improved despite already being high in the control group (82-89 vs. 57
      69 % in the other studies). These three studies were the only studies in this sub
      analysis to include cognitive education delivered face-to-face multiple times
      (plus other interventions). In summary, the most consistently effective
      interventions for improving adherence to statins have modest effects and are
      resource-intensive. Research is needed to determine whether modern
      communications, particularly mobile health platforms (recently shown to improve
      medication adherence in other chronic diseases), can replicate or even enhance
      the successful elements of these interventions while using less time and fewer
      resources.

PMID- 27677774
TI  - Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Pongamia pinnata seed:
      Characterization, antibacterial property, and spectroscopic investigation of
      interaction with human serum albumin.
AB  - In recent years, green synthesized nanoparticles from plant extract have drawn a
      great interest due to their prospective nanomedicinal application. This study
      investigates a proficient, safer, and sustainable way for the preparation of
      AgNPs using medicinal plant Pongamia pinnata (family: Leguminoseae, species:
      Pinnata) seeds extract without using any external reducing and stabilizing agent.
      Both ultraviolet-visible spectrum at lambdamax  = 439 nm and energy dispersive X
      ray spectra proof the formation of AgNPs. An average diameter of the AgNPs was
      16.4 nm as revealed from transmission electron microscope. Hydrodynamic size (d =
      ~19.6 nm) was determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS). Zeta potential of
      AgNPs was found to be -23.7 mV, which supports its dispersion and stability.
      Fourier transform infrared study revealed that the O ? H, C ? O, and C-O-C groups
      were responsible for the formation of AgNPs. The antibacterial activity of the
      synthesized AgNPs was checked against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922. AgNPs at its
      LD50 dose exhibited synergistic effect with ampicillin. Because protein-AgNPs
      association greatly affects its adsorption, distribution, and functionality and
      can also influence the functions of biomolecules. So in order to understand the
      adsorption and bioavailability, we investigated by fluorescence, ultraviolet
      visible, and circular dichroism spectroscopic methods the interaction of
      synthesized AgNPs toward human serum albumin. The binding affinity and binding
      sites of human serum albumin toward AgNPs were measured by using the fluorescence
      quenching data. The circular dichroism spectroscopic results revealed that there
      was a negligible change of alpha-helical content in their native structure.
      Overall, these AgNPs show versatile biological activities and may be applied in
      the field of nanomedicine.

PMID- 27677776
TI  - Habit Formation and the Striatum.
AB  - Data from experimental animals and human subjects has provided convergent
      evidence for the key role of the striatum in the formation of stimulus-response
      habits. Habits can be distinguished from associative memories that support goal
      directed actions based on their insensitivity to reward devaluation and
      contingency degradation. Behavior on many instrumental learning tasks can be
      supported by both declarative knowledge and habits, and these contributions shift
      with the amount of training. This shift appears to be accompanied by the
      involvement of different cortico-striatal loops in controlling behavior. Factors
      that encourage the shift toward and maintenance of habits include learning under
      conditions of stress, distraction, and interval or probabilistic schedules of
      reinforcement.

PMID- 27677775
TI  - Liver injury from herbal and dietary supplements.
AB  - Herbal and dietary supplements (HDS) are used increasingly both in the United
      States and worldwide, and HDS-induced liver injury in the United States has
      increased proportionally. Current challenges in the diagnosis and management of
      HDS-induced liver injury were the focus of a 2-day research symposium sponsored
      by the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease and the National
      Institutes of Health. HDS-induced liver injury now accounts for 20% of cases of
      hepatotoxicity in the United States based on research data. The major implicated
      agents include anabolic steroids, green tea extract, and multi-ingredient
      nutritional supplements. Anabolic steroids marketed as bodybuilding supplements
      typically induce a prolonged cholestatic but ultimately self-limiting liver
      injury that has a distinctive serum biochemical as well as histological
      phenotype. Green tea extract and many other products, in contrast, tend to cause
      an acute hepatitis-like injury. Currently, however, the majority of cases of HDS
      associated liver injury are due to multi-ingredient nutritional supplements, and
      the component responsible for the toxicity is usually unknown or can only be
      suspected. HDS-induced liver injury presents many clinical and research
      challenges in diagnosis, identification of the responsible constituents,
      treatment, and prevention. Also important are improvements in regulatory
      oversight of nonprescription products to guarantee their constituents and ensure
      purity and safety. The confident identification of injurious ingredients within
      HDS will require strategic alignments among clinicians, chemists, and
      toxicologists. The ultimate goal should be to prohibit or more closely regulate
      potentially injurious ingredients and thus promote public safety. (Hepatology
      2017;65:363-373).

PMID- 27677777
TI  - The Representational Basis of Working Memory.
AB  - Working memory refers to a system involved in the online maintenance and
      manipulation of information in the absence of external input. Due to the
      importance of working memory in higher-level cognition, a wealth of neuroscience
      studies has investigated its neural basis. These studies have often led to
      conflicting viewpoints regarding the importance of the prefrontal cortex (PFC)
      and posterior sensory cortices. Here, we review evidence for each position. We
      suggest that the relative contributions of the PFC and sensory cortices to
      working memory can be understood with respect to processing demands. We argue
      that procedures that minimize processing demands lead to increased importance of
      sensory representations, while procedures that permit transformational processing
      lead to representational abstraction that relies on the PFC. We suggest that
      abstract PFC representations support top-down control over posterior
      representations while also providing bottom-up inputs into higher-level cognitive
      processing. Although a number of contemporary studies have studied working memory
      while using procedures that minimize the role of the PFC, we argue that
      consideration of the PFC is critical for our understanding of working memory and
      higher-level cognition more generally.

PMID- 27677778
TI  - The Functional and Structural Neuroanatomy of Systems Consolidation for
      Autobiographical and Semantic Memory.
AB  - It is well established that patients with memory impairment have more difficulty
      retrieving memories from the recent past relative to the remote past and that
      damage to the medial temporal lobe (MTL) plays a key role in this pattern of
      impairment. The precise role of the MTL and how it may interact with other brain
      regions remains an area of active research. We investigated the role of
      structures in a memory network that supports remembering. Our chapter focuses on
      two types of memory: episodic memory and semantic memory. Findings from studies
      of patients with brain damage and neuroimaging studies in patients and healthy
      individuals were considered together to identify the functional and structural
      neuroanatomy of past remembrance.

PMID- 27677779
TI  - What Versus Where: Non-spatial Aspects of Memory Representation by the
      Hippocampus.
AB  - Since the discovery of place cells and other findings indicating strong
      involvement of the hippocampus in spatial information processing, there has been
      continued controversy about the extent to which the hippocampus also processes
      non-spatial aspects of experience. In recent years, many experiments studying the
      effects of hippocampal damage and characterizing hippocampal neural activity in
      animals and humans have revealed a clear and specific role of the hippocampus in
      the processing of non-spatial information. Here this evidence is reviewed in
      support of the notion that the hippocampus organizes the contents of memory in
      space, in time, and in networks of related memories.

PMID- 27677780
TI  - Exploration of the Neurobiological Basis for a Three-System, Multiattribute Model
      of Memory.
AB  - The structure and utilization of memory is central to one's knowledge of the
      past, interpretation of the present, and prediction of the future. Therefore, the
      understanding of the structural and process components of memory systems at the
      psychological and neurobiological level is of paramount importance. There have
      been a number of attempts to divide learning and memory into multiple memory
      systems. Schacter and Tulving, Memory systems 1994. MIT Press, Cambridge (1994)
      have suggested that one needs to define memory systems in terms of the kind of
      information to be represented, the processes associated with the operation of
      each system, and the neurobiological substrates, including neural structures and
      mechanisms, that subserve each system. Furthermore, it is likely that within each
      system there are multiple forms or subsystems associated with each memory system
      and there are likely to be multiple processes that define the operation of each
      system. Finally, there are probably multiple neural structures that form the
      overall substrate of a memory system.

PMID- 27677781
TI  - Immune-to-Brain Communication Pathways in Inflammation-Associated Sickness and
      Depression.
AB  - A growing body of evidence now highlights a key role for inflammation in
      mediating sickness behaviors and depression. Systemic inflammatory diseases such
      as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and chronic liver disease
      have high comorbidity with depression. How the periphery communicates with the
      brain to mediate changes in neurotransmission and thereby behavior is not
      completely understood. Traditional routes of communication between the periphery
      and the brain involve neural and humoral pathways with TNFalpha, IL-1beta, and IL
      6 being the three main cytokines that have primarily been implicated in mediating
      signaling via these pathways. However, in recent years communication via
      peripheral immune-cell-to-brain and the gut-microbiota-to-brain routes have
      received increasing attention for their ability to modulate brain function. In
      this chapter we discuss periphery-to-brain communication pathways and their
      potential role in mediating inflammation-associated sickness behaviors and
      depression.

PMID- 27677782
TI  - MDMA, Methylone, and MDPV: Drug-Induced Brain Hyperthermia and Its Modulation by
      Activity State and Environment.
AB  - Psychomotor stimulants are frequently used by humans to intensify the subjective
      experience of different types of social interactions. Since psychomotor
      stimulants enhance metabolism and increase body temperatures, their use under
      conditions of physiological activation and in warm humid environments could
      result in pathological hyperthermia, a life-threatening symptom of acute drug
      intoxication. Here, we will describe the brain hyperthermic effects of MDMA,
      MDPV, and methylone, three structurally related recreational drugs commonly used
      by young adults during raves and other forms of social gatherings. After a short
      introduction on brain temperature and basic mechanisms underlying its
      physiological fluctuations, we will consider how MDMA, MDPV, and methylone affect
      brain and body temperatures in awake freely moving rats. Here, we will discuss
      the role of drug-induced heat production in the brain due to metabolic brain
      activation and diminished heat dissipation due to peripheral vasoconstriction as
      two primary contributors to the hyperthermic effects of these drugs. Then, we
      will consider how the hyperthermic effects of these drugs are modulated under
      conditions that model human drug use (social interaction and warm ambient
      temperature). Since social interaction results in brain and body heat production,
      coupled with skin vasoconstriction that impairs heat loss to the external
      environment, these physiological changes interact with drug-induced changes in
      heat production and loss, resulting in distinct changes in the hyperthermic
      effects of each tested drug. Finally, we present our recent data, in which we
      compared the efficacy of different pharmacological strategies for reversing MDMA
      induced hyperthermia in both the brain and body. Specifically, we demonstrate
      increased efficacy of the centrally acting atypical neuroleptic compound
      clozapine over the peripherally acting vasodilator drug, carvedilol. These data
      could be important for understanding the potential dangers of MDMA in humans and
      the development of pharmacological tools to alleviate drug-induced hyperthermia -
      potentially saving the lives of highly intoxicated individuals.

PMID- 27677784
TI  - Role of Neuro-Immunological Factors in the Pathophysiology of Mood Disorders:
      Implications for Novel Therapeutics for Treatment Resistant Depression.
AB  - Mood disorders are associated with persistently high rates of morbidity and
      mortality, despite the widespread availability of antidepressant treatments. One
      limitation to extant therapeutic options has been that nearly all approved
      antidepressant pharmacotherapies exert a similar primary action of blocking
      monoamine transporters, and few options exist for transitioning treatment
      resistant patients to alternatives with distinct mechanisms. An emerging area of
      science that promises novel pathways to antidepressant and mood-stabilizing
      therapies has followed from evidence that immunological factors play major roles
      in the pathophysiology of at least some mood disorder subtypes. Here we review
      evidence that the compounds that reduce the release or signaling of neuroactive
      cytokines, particularly IL-1beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha, can exert antidepressant
      effects in subgroups of depressed patients who are identified by blood-based
      biomarkers associated with inflammation. Within this context we discuss the role
      of microglia in central neuroinflammation, and the interaction between the
      peripheral immune system and the central synaptic microenvironment during and
      after neuroinflammation. Finally we review data using preclinical
      neuroinflammation models that produce depression-like behaviors in experimental
      animals to guide the discovery of novel neuro-immune drug targets.

PMID- 27677783
TI  - Electrophysiological Actions of Synthetic Cathinones on Monoamine Transporters.
AB  - Products containing psychoactive synthetic cathinones, such as mephedrone and 3,4
      methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) are prevalent in our society. Synthetic
      cathinones are structurally similar to methamphetamine, and numerous synthetics
      have biological activity at dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine transporters.
      Importantly, monoamine transporters co-transport sodium ions along with their
      substrate, and movement of substrates and ions through the transporter can
      generate measurable ionic currents. Here we review how electrophysiological
      information has enabled us to determine how synthetic cathinones affect
      transporter-mediated currents in cells that express these transporters.
      Specifically, drugs that act as transporter substrates induce inward depolarizing
      currents when cells are held near their resting membrane potential, whereas drugs
      that act as transporter blockers induce apparent outward currents by blocking an
      inherent inward leak current. We have employed the two-electrode voltage-clamp
      technique in Xenopus laevis oocytes overexpressing monoamine transporters to
      determine whether synthetic cathinones found in the so-called bath salts products
      behave as blockers or substrates. We also examined the structure-activity
      relationships for synthetic cathinone analogs related to the widely abused
      compound MDPV, a common constituent in "bath salts" possessing potent actions at
      the dopamine transporter.

PMID- 27677787
TI  - In Situ Observation of Single-Molecule Surface Reactions from Low to High
      Affinities.
AB  - In situ observation of single-molecule surface reactions from low to high
      affinities is achieved by resonant coupling between optical whispering-gallery
      modes and the localized surface plasmon of nanorods. Transient and permanent
      interactions between ligands (thiol, amine) and the gold surface are monitored
      without labels, allowing direct determination of the associated kinetic constants
      and rapid development of new functionalization protocols.

PMID- 27677786
TI  - Community-based real-world treatment outcomes of sofosbuvir/ledipasvir in Asians
      with chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 6 in the United States.
AB  - Sofosbuvir/ledipasvir (SOF/LDV) is the first all-oral ribavirin-free treatment
      approved for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 6, offering a safe and
      highly efficacious treatment option. Large studies evaluating real-world outcomes
      of this regimen are lacking. We aim to evaluate real-world treatment outcomes for
      HCV genotype 6. A retrospective cohort study evaluated 65 adults (age >=18) with
      chronic HCV genotype 6 treated with SOF/LDV without ribavirin at a community
      gastroenterology clinic in the United States from November 2014 to May 2016.
      Rates of undetectable virus at week 4 on treatment, at end of treatment (EOT) and
      SVR12 were stratified by the presence of cirrhosis and prior treatment (treatment
      naive vs treatment experienced). Among 65 patients with chronic HCV genotype 6
      treated with SOF/LDV (52.3% male, mean age 66.3 years [SD 9.7], 41.5% cirrhosis
      and 15.4% treatment experienced), 97.3% had undetectable virus at week 4 on
      treatment, 96.9% had undetectable virus at EOT and 95.3% achieved SVR12. SVR12
      was 100% in females vs 91.2% in males, P=.096, and 92.3% in patients with
      cirrhosis vs 97.4% in those without cirrhosis, P=.347. Resistance testing of
      treatment failures was attempted but unsuccessful due to lack of conforming
      primers to define the possible resistance mutations. Among the largest U.S.
      community-based real-world cohort of Asian chronic HCV genotype 6 patients
      treated with all-oral SOF/LDV without ribavirin, SVR12 was similar to SVR12
      reported in clinical trials, confirming the safety and effectiveness of this
      regimen and validating current HCV genotype 6 treatment guideline
      recommendations.

PMID- 27677785
TI  - Complement C3 inhibitor Cp40 attenuates xenoreactions in pig hearts perfused with
      human blood.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The complement system plays a crucial role in acute xenogeneic
      reactions after cardiac transplantation. We used an ex vivo perfusion model to
      investigate the effect of Cp40, a compstatin analog and potent inhibitor of
      complement at the level of C3. METHODS: Fifteen wild-type pig hearts were
      explanted, cardiopleged, and reperfused ex vivo after 150 minutes of cold
      ischemia. Hearts were challenged in a biventricular working heart mode to
      evaluate cardiac perfusion and function. In the treatment group (n=5), the
      complement cascade was blocked at the level of C3 using Cp40, using diluted human
      blood. Untreated human and porcine blood was used for controls. RESULTS:
      Throughout the perfusion, C3 activation was inhibited when Cp40 was used (mean of
      all time points: 1.11 +/- 0.34% vs 3.12 +/- 0.48% control activation; P<.01).
      Compared to xenoperfused controls, the cardiac index improved significantly in
      the treated group (6.5 +/- 4.2 vs 3.5 +/- 4.8 mL/min/g; P=.03, 180 minutes
      perfusion), while the concentration of lactate dehydrogenase as a maker for cell
      degradation was reduced in the perfusate (583 +/- 187 U/mL vs 2108 +/- 1145 U/mL,
      P=.02). Histological examination revealed less hemorrhage and edema, and
      immunohistochemistry confirmed less complement fragment deposition than in
      untreated xenoperfused controls. CONCLUSIONS: Cp40 efficiently prevents C3
      activation of the complement system, resulting in reduced cell damage and
      preserved function in wild-type porcine hearts xenoperfused ex vivo. We suggest
      that this compstatin analog, which blocks all main pathways of complement
      activation, could be a beneficial perioperative treatment in preclinical and in
      future clinical xenotransplantation.

PMID- 27677788
TI  - Exposing the Three-Dimensional Biogeography and Metabolic States of Pathogens in
      Cystic Fibrosis Sputum via Hydrogel Embedding, Clearing, and rRNA Labeling.
AB  - : Physiological resistance to antibiotics confounds the treatment of many chronic
      bacterial infections, motivating researchers to identify novel therapeutic
      approaches. To do this effectively, an understanding of how microbes survive in
      vivo is needed. Though much can be inferred from bulk approaches to
      characterizing complex environments, essential information can be lost if spatial
      organization is not preserved. Here, we introduce a tissue-clearing technique,
      termed MiPACT, designed to retain and visualize bacteria with associated proteins
      and nucleic acids in situ on various spatial scales. By coupling MiPACT with
      hybridization chain reaction (HCR) to detect rRNA in sputum samples from cystic
      fibrosis (CF) patients, we demonstrate its ability to survey thousands of
      bacteria (or bacterial aggregates) over millimeter scales and quantify
      aggregation of individual species in polymicrobial communities. By analyzing
      aggregation patterns of four prominent CF pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus,
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus sp., and Achromobacter xylosoxidans, we
      demonstrate a spectrum of aggregation states: from mostly single cells (A.
      xylosoxidans), to medium-sized clusters (S. aureus), to a mixture of single cells
      and large aggregates (P. aeruginosa and Streptococcus sp.). Furthermore, MiPACT
      HCR revealed an intimate interaction between Streptococcus sp. and specific host
      cells. Lastly, by comparing standard rRNA fluorescence in situ hybridization
      signals to those from HCR, we found that different populations of S. aureus and
      A. xylosoxidans grow slowly overall yet exhibit growth rate heterogeneity over
      hundreds of microns. These results demonstrate the utility of MiPACT-HCR to
      directly capture the spatial organization and metabolic activity of bacteria in
      complex systems, such as human sputum. IMPORTANCE: The advent of metagenomic and
      metatranscriptomic analyses has improved our understanding of microbial
      communities by empowering us to identify bacteria, calculate their abundance, and
      profile gene expression patterns in complex environments. We are still
      technologically limited, however, in regards to the many questions that bulk
      measurements cannot answer, specifically in assessing the spatial organization of
      microbe-microbe and microbe-host interactions. Here, we demonstrate the power of
      an enhanced optical clearing method, MiPACT, to survey important aspects of
      bacterial physiology (aggregation, host interactions, and growth rate), in situ,
      with preserved spatial information when coupled to rRNA detection by HCR. Our
      application of MiPACT-HCR to cystic fibrosis patient sputum revealed species
      specific aggregation patterns, yet slow growth characterized the vast majority of
      bacterial cells regardless of their cell type. More broadly, MiPACT, coupled with
      fluorescent labeling, promises to advance the direct study of microbial
      communities in diverse environments, including microbial habitats within
      mammalian systems.

PMID- 27677789
TI  - Annual Removal of Aboveground Plant Biomass Alters Soil Microbial Responses to
      Warming.
AB  - : Clipping (i.e., harvesting aboveground plant biomass) is common in agriculture
      and for bioenergy production. However, microbial responses to clipping in the
      context of climate warming are poorly understood. We investigated the interactive
      effects of grassland warming and clipping on soil properties and plant and
      microbial communities, in particular, on microbial functional genes. Clipping
      alone did not change the plant biomass production, but warming and clipping
      combined increased the C4 peak biomass by 47% and belowground net primary
      production by 110%. Clipping alone and in combination with warming decreased the
      soil carbon input from litter by 81% and 75%, respectively. With less carbon
      input, the abundances of genes involved in degrading relatively recalcitrant
      carbon increased by 38% to 137% in response to either clipping or the combined
      treatment, which could weaken long-term soil carbon stability and trigger
      positive feedback with respect to warming. Clipping alone also increased the
      abundance of genes for nitrogen fixation, mineralization, and denitrification by
      32% to 39%. Such potentially stimulated nitrogen fixation could help compensate
      for the 20% decline in soil ammonium levels caused by clipping alone and could
      contribute to unchanged plant biomass levels. Moreover, clipping tended to
      interact antagonistically with warming, especially with respect to effects on
      nitrogen cycling genes, demonstrating that single-factor studies cannot predict
      multifactorial changes. These results revealed that clipping alone or in
      combination with warming altered soil and plant properties as well as the
      abundance and structure of soil microbial functional genes. Aboveground biomass
      removal for biofuel production needs to be reconsidered, as the long-term soil
      carbon stability may be weakened. IMPORTANCE: Global change involves simultaneous
      alterations, including those caused by climate warming and land management
      practices (e.g., clipping). Data on the interactive effects of warming and
      clipping on ecosystems remain elusive, particularly in microbial ecology. This
      study found that clipping alters microbial responses to warming and demonstrated
      the effects of antagonistic interactions between clipping and warming on
      microbial functional genes. Clipping alone or combined with warming enriched
      genes degrading relatively recalcitrant carbon, likely reflecting the decreased
      quantity of soil carbon input from litter, which could weaken long-term soil C
      stability and trigger positive warming feedback. These results have important
      implications in assessing and predicting the consequences of global climate
      change and indicate that the removal of aboveground biomass for biofuel
      production may need to be reconsidered.

PMID- 27677790
TI  - Recombination in Streptococcus pneumoniae Lineages Increase with Carriage
      Duration and Size of the Polysaccharide Capsule.
AB  - : Streptococcus pneumoniae causes a high burden of invasive pneumococcal disease
      (IPD) globally, especially in children from resource-poor settings. Like many
      bacteria, the pneumococcus can import DNA from other strains or even species by
      transformation and homologous recombination, which has allowed the pneumococcus
      to evade clinical interventions such as antibiotics and pneumococcal conjugate
      vaccines (PCVs). Pneumococci are enclosed in a complex polysaccharide capsule
      that determines the serotype; the capsule varies in size and is associated with
      properties including carriage prevalence and virulence. We determined and
      quantified the association between capsule and recombination events using genomic
      data from a diverse collection of serotypes sampled in Malawi. We determined both
      the amount of variation introduced by recombination relative to mutation (the
      relative rate) and how many individual recombination events occur per isolate
      (the frequency). Using univariate analyses, we found an association between both
      recombination measures and multiple factors associated with the capsule,
      including duration and prevalence of carriage. Because many capsular factors are
      correlated, we used multivariate analysis to correct for collinearity. Capsule
      size and carriage duration remained positively associated with recombination,
      although with a reduced P value, and this effect may be mediated through some
      unassayed additional property associated with larger capsules. This work
      describes an important impact of serotype on recombination that has been
      previously overlooked. While the details of how this effect is achieved remain to
      be determined, it may have important consequences for the serotype-specific
      response to vaccines and other interventions. IMPORTANCE: The capsule determines
      >90 different pneumococcal serotypes, which vary in capsule size, virulence,
      duration, and prevalence of carriage. Current serotype-specific vaccines elicit
      anticapsule antibodies. Pneumococcus can take up exogenous DNA by transformation
      and insert it into its chromosome by homologous recombination. This mechanism has
      disseminated drug resistance and generated vaccine escape variants. It is hence
      crucial to pneumococcal evolutionary response to interventions, but there has
      been no systematic study quantifying whether serotypes vary in recombination and
      whether this is associated with serotype-specific properties such as capsule size
      or carriage duration. Larger capsules could physically inhibit DNA uptake, or
      given the longer carriage duration for larger capsules, this may promote
      recombination. We find that recombination varies among capsules and is associated
      with capsule size, carriage duration, and carriage prevalence and negatively
      associated with invasiveness. The consequence of this work is that serotypes with
      different capsules may respond differently to selective pressures like vaccines.

PMID- 27677793
TI  - Antibiotic Resistance and Regulation of the Gram-Negative Bacterial Outer
      Membrane Barrier by Host Innate Immune Molecules.
AB  - The Gram-negative outer membrane is an important barrier that provides protection
      against toxic compounds, which include antibiotics and host innate immune
      molecules such as cationic antimicrobial peptides. Recently, significant research
      progress has been made in understanding the biogenesis, regulation, and
      functioning of the outer membrane, including a recent paper from the laboratory
      of Dr. Brett Finlay at the University of British Columbia (J. van der Heijden et
      al., mBio 7:e01238-16, 2016, http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/mBio.01541-16). These
      investigators demonstrate that toxic oxygen radicals, such as those found in host
      tissues, regulate outer membrane permeability by altering the outer membrane
      porin protein channels to regulate the influx of oxygen radicals as well as beta
      lactam antibiotics. This commentary provides context about this interesting paper
      and discusses the prospects of utilizing increased knowledge of outer membrane
      biology to develop new antibiotics for antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative
      bacteria.

PMID- 27677792
TI  - Chlamydial Protease-Like Activity Factor and Type III Secreted Effectors
      Cooperate in Inhibition of p65 Nuclear Translocation.
AB  - : The chlamydial protease-like activity factor (CPAF) is hypothesized to be an
      important secreted virulence factor; however, challenges in denaturing its
      proteolytic activity have hampered attempts to identify its legitimate targets.
      Here, we use a genetic and proteomic approach to identify authentic CPAF targets.
      Human epithelial cells infected with CPAF-sufficient and CPAF-deficient
      chlamydiae were lysed using known CPAF-denaturing conditions. Their protein
      profiles were analyzed using isobaric mass tags and liquid chromatography-tandem
      mass spectrometry. Comparative analysis of CPAF-sufficient and CPAF-deficient
      infections identified a limited number of CPAF host and chlamydial protein
      targets. Host targets were primarily interferon-stimulated gene products, whereas
      chlamydial targets were type III secreted proteins. We provide evidence
      supporting a cooperative role for CPAF and type III secreted effectors in
      blocking NF-kappaB p65 nuclear translocation, resulting in decreased beta
      interferon and proinflammatory cytokine synthesis. Genetic complementation of
      null organisms with CPAF restored p65 nuclear translocation inhibition and
      proteolysis of chlamydial type III secreted effector proteins (T3SEs). We propose
      that CPAF and T3SEs cooperate in the inhibition of host innate immunity.
      IMPORTANCE: Chlamydia trachomatis is an important human pathogen responsible for
      over 100 million infections each year worldwide. Its success as an intracellular
      pathogen revolves around its ability to evade host immunity. The chlamydial
      protease-like activity factor (CPAF) is a conserved serine protease secreted into
      the host cytosol of infected cells that is thought to play an important role in
      immune evasion. Currently, CPAF's authentic in situ target(s) and mechanism of
      action in immune evasion are poorly characterized. Using a CPAF-deficient strain
      and high-throughput proteomics, we report novel CPAF host and chlamydial targets.
      Host targets were primarily interferon-stimulated genes, whereas chlamydial
      targets were exclusively type III secreted proteins. We propose a novel mechanism
      for CPAF and type III secreted proteins in the evasion of host innate immune
      responses. These findings provide new insights into CPAF's function as a
      virulence factor and a better understanding of how chlamydiae evade host
      immunity.

PMID- 27677794
TI  - The Underestimation of Global Microbial Diversity.

PMID- 27677791
TI  - CAG Expansions Are Genetically Stable and Form Nontoxic Aggregates in Cells
      Lacking Endogenous Polyglutamine Proteins.
AB  - : Proteins containing polyglutamine (polyQ) regions are found in almost all
      eukaryotes, albeit with various frequencies. In humans, proteins such as
      huntingtin (Htt) with abnormally expanded polyQ regions cause neurodegenerative
      diseases such as Huntington's disease (HD). To study how the presence of
      endogenous polyQ aggregation modulates polyQ aggregation and toxicity, we
      expressed polyQ expanded Htt fragments (polyQ Htt) in Schizosaccharomyces pombe
      In stark contrast to other unicellular fungi, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae,
      S. pombe is uniquely devoid of proteins with more than 10 Q repeats. We found
      that polyQ Htt forms aggregates within S. pombe cells only with exceedingly long
      polyQ expansions. Surprisingly, despite the presence of polyQ Htt aggregates in
      both the cytoplasm and nucleus, no significant growth defect was observed in S.
      pombe cells. Further, PCR analysis showed that the repetitive polyQ-encoding DNA
      region remained constant following transformation and after multiple divisions in
      S. pombe, in contrast to the genetic instability of polyQ DNA sequences in other
      organisms. These results demonstrate that cells with a low content of polyQ or
      other aggregation-prone proteins can show a striking resilience with respect to
      polyQ toxicity and that genetic instability of repetitive DNA sequences may have
      played an important role in the evolutionary emergence and exclusion of polyQ
      expansion proteins in different organisms. IMPORTANCE: Polyglutamine (polyQ)
      proteins encoded by repetitive CAG DNA sequences serve a variety of normal
      biological functions. Yet some proteins with abnormally expanded polyQ regions
      cause neurodegeneration through unknown mechanisms. To study how distinct
      cellular environments modulate polyQ aggregation and toxicity, we expressed CAG
      expanded huntingtin fragments in Schizosaccharomyces pombe In stark contrast to
      many other eukaryotes, S. pombe is uniquely devoid of proteins containing long
      polyQ tracts. Our results show that S. pombe cells, despite their low content of
      endogenous polyQ proteins, exhibit striking and unexpected resilience with
      respect to polyQ toxicity and that genetic instability of repetitive DNA
      sequences may have played an important role in the emergence and expansion of
      polyQ domains in eukaryotic evolution.

PMID- 27677795
TI  - Acinetobacter baumannii Coordinates Urea Metabolism with Metal Import To Resist
      Host-Mediated Metal Limitation.
AB  - : During infection, bacterial pathogens must adapt to a nutrient metal-limited
      environment that is imposed by the host. The innate immune protein calprotectin
      inhibits bacterial growth in vitro by chelating the divalent metal ions zinc
      (Zn2+, Zn) and manganese (Mn2+, Mn), but pathogenic bacteria are able to cause
      disease in the presence of this antimicrobial protein in vivo. One such pathogen
      is Acinetobacter baumannii, a Gram-negative bacterium that causes pneumonia and
      bloodstream infections that can be complicated by resistance to multiple
      antibiotics. A. baumannii inhibition by calprotectin is dependent on calprotectin
      Mn binding, but the mechanisms employed by A. baumannii to overcome Mn limitation
      have not been identified. This work demonstrates that A. baumannii coordinates
      transcription of an NRAMP family Mn transporter and a urea carboxylase to resist
      the antimicrobial activities of calprotectin. This NRAMP family transporter
      facilitates Mn accumulation and growth of A. baumannii in the presence of
      calprotectin. A. baumannii is found to utilize urea as a sole nitrogen source,
      and urea utilization requires the urea carboxylase encoded in an operon with the
      NRAMP family transporter. Moreover, urea carboxylase activity is essential for
      calprotectin resistance in A. baumannii Finally, evidence is provided that this
      system combats calprotectin in vivo, as deletion of the transporter impairs A.
      baumannii fitness in a mouse model of pneumonia, and this fitness defect is
      modulated by the presence of calprotectin. These findings reveal that A.
      baumannii has evolved mechanisms to subvert host-mediated metal sequestration and
      they uncover a connection between metal starvation and metabolic stress.
      IMPORTANCE: Acinetobacter baumannii is a bacterium that causes bloodstream,
      wound, urinary tract, and pneumonia infections, with a high disease burden in
      intensive care units. Treatment of A. baumannii infection is complicated by
      resistance to most antibiotics in use today, and resistance to last-resort
      therapies has become commonplace. New treatments for A. baumannii infection are
      desperately needed, but our current understanding of the bacterial factors
      required to cause infection is limited. We previously found that the abundant
      innate immune protein calprotectin inhibits the growth of A. baumannii by
      withholding essential metals. Despite this, A. baumannii is still able to infect
      wild-type mice, which produce calprotectin during infection. Here, we identify
      factors employed by A. baumannii during infection to overcome calprotectin
      mediated metal sequestration. Moreover, we expose a connection between metal
      starvation and metabolism that may be a "chink in the armor" of A. baumannii and
      lead to new treatment options.

PMID- 27677797
TI  - Reply to "The Underestimation of Global Microbial Diversity".

PMID- 27677796
TI  - A Bacillus anthracis Genome Sequence from the Sverdlovsk 1979 Autopsy Specimens.
AB  - : Anthrax is a zoonotic disease that occurs naturally in wild and domestic
      animals but has been used by both state-sponsored programs and terrorists as a
      biological weapon. A Soviet industrial production facility in Sverdlovsk, USSR,
      proved deficient in 1979 when a plume of spores was accidentally released and
      resulted in one of the largest known human anthrax outbreaks. In order to
      understand this outbreak and others, we generated a Bacillus anthracis population
      genetic database based upon whole-genome analysis to identify all single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across a reference genome. Phylogenetic analysis
      has defined three major clades (A, B, and C), B and C being relatively rare
      compared to A. The A clade has numerous subclades, including a major polytomy
      named the trans-Eurasian (TEA) group. The TEA radiation is a dominant
      evolutionary feature of B. anthracis, with many contemporary populations having
      resulted from a large spatial dispersal of spores from a single source. Two
      autopsy specimens from the Sverdlovsk outbreak were deep sequenced to produce
      draft B. anthracis genomes. This allowed the phylogenetic placement of the
      Sverdlovsk strain into a clade with two Asian live vaccine strains, including the
      Russian Tsiankovskii strain. The genome was examined for evidence of drug
      resistance manipulation or other genetic engineering, but none was found. The
      Soviet Sverdlovsk strain genome is consistent with a wild-type strain from Russia
      that had no evidence of genetic manipulation during its industrial production.
      This work provides insights into the world's largest biological weapons program
      and provides an extensive B. anthracis phylogenetic reference. IMPORTANCE: The
      1979 Russian anthrax outbreak resulted from an industrial accident at the Soviet
      anthrax spore production facility in the city of Sverdlovsk. Deep genomic
      sequencing of two autopsy specimens generated a draft genome and phylogenetic
      placement of the Soviet Sverdlovsk anthrax strain. While it is known that Soviet
      scientists had genetically manipulated Bacillus anthracis with the potential to
      evade vaccine prophylaxis and antibiotic therapeutics, there was no genomic
      evidence of this from the Sverdlovsk production strain genome. The whole-genome
      SNP genotype of the Sverdlovsk strain was used to precisely identify it and its
      close relatives in the context of an extensive global B. anthracis strain
      collection. This genomic identity can now be used for forensic tracking of this
      weapons material on a global scale and for future anthrax investigations.

PMID- 27677799
TI  - Secondary Release of Exosomes From Astrocytes Contributes to the Increase in
      Neural Plasticity and Improvement of Functional Recovery After Stroke in Rats
      Treated With Exosomes Harvested From MicroRNA 133b-Overexpressing Multipotent
      Mesenchymal Stromal Cells.
AB  - We previously demonstrated that multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) that
      overexpress microRNA 133b (miR-133b) significantly improve functional recovery in
      rats subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) compared with naive
      MSCs and that exosomes generated from naive MSCs mediate the therapeutic benefits
      of MSC therapy for stroke. Here we investigated whether exosomes isolated from
      miR-133b-overexpressing MSCs (Ex-miR-133b+) exert amplified therapeutic effects.
      Rats subjected to 2 h of MCAO were intra-arterially injected with Ex-miR-133b+,
      exosomes from MSCs infected by blank vector (Ex-Con), or phosphate-buffered
      saline (PBS) and were sacrificed 28 days after MCAO. Compared with the PBS
      treatment, both exosome treatment groups exhibited significant improvement of
      functional recovery. Ex-miR-133b+ treatment significantly increased functional
      improvement and neurite remodeling/brain plasticity in the ischemic boundary area
      compared with the Ex-Con treatment. Treatment with Ex-miR-133b+ also
      significantly increased brain exosome content compared with Ex-Con treatment. To
      elucidate mechanisms underlying the enhanced therapeutic effects of Ex-miR-133b+,
      astrocytes cultured under oxygen- and glucose-deprived (OGD) conditions were
      incubated with exosomes harvested from naive MSCs (Ex-Naive), miR-133b
      downregulated MSCs (Ex-miR-133b-), and Ex-miR-133b+. Compared with the Ex-Naive
      treatment, Ex-miR-133b+ significantly increased exosomes released by OGD
      astrocytes, whereas Ex-miR-133b- significantly decreased the release. Also,
      exosomes harvested from OGD astrocytes treated with Ex-miR-133b+ significantly
      increased neurite branching and elongation of cultured cortical embryonic rat
      neurons compared with the exosomes from OGD astrocytes subjected to Ex-Con. Our
      data suggest that exosomes harvested from miR-133b-overexpressing MSCs improve
      neural plasticity and functional recovery after stroke with a contribution from a
      stimulated secondary release of neurite-promoting exosomes from astrocytes.

PMID- 27677800
TI  - Cytomixis in tobacco microsporogenesis: are there any genome parts predisposed to
      migration?
AB  - Cytomixis is a poorly studied process of nuclear migration between plant cells,
      discovered in microsporogenesis of several hundreds of plant species. The
      chromosomes that migrate between tobacco microsporocytes have been for the first
      time identified using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and the question
      whether cytomixis is a random or a targeted process is answered. The distribution
      of four repetitive sequences used for identifying the tobacco chromosomes-NTRS,
      5S rDNA, GRS, and HSR60-has been examined in the migrating chromatin, and the
      micronuclei formed after cytomixis. The distribution of tobacco S and T genomes
      has been analyzed in the cytomictic chromatin using genomic in situ hybridization
      (GISH). As has been shown (chi 2 test), the labeled DNA probes marking the listed
      sequences in tobacco genome are observed in the micronuclei formed after
      cytomixis with the probability not exceeding the theoretically expected value if
      cytomixis considered as a random process. Thus, it is shown that cytomixis is not
      a targeted process, and the chromosomes migrate between microsporocytes in a
      random manner.

PMID- 27677801
TI  - Versatility of the green microalga cell vacuole function as revealed by
      analytical transmission electron microscopy.
AB  - Vacuole is a multifunctional compartment central to a large number of functions
      (storage, catabolism, maintenance of the cell homeostasis) in oxygenic
      phototrophs including microalgae. Still, microalgal cell vacuole is much less
      studied than that of higher plants although knowledge of the vacuolar structure
      and function is essential for understanding physiology of nutrition and stress
      tolerance of microalgae. Here, we combined the advanced analytical and
      conventional transmission electron microscopy methods to obtain semi
      quantitative, spatially resolved at the subcellular level information on
      elemental composition of the cell vacuoles in several free-living and symbiotic
      chlorophytes. We obtained a detailed record of the changes in cell and vacuolar
      ultrastructure in response to environmental stimuli under diverse conditions. We
      suggested that the vacuolar inclusions could be divided into responsible for
      storage of phosphorus (mainly in form of polyphosphate) and those accommodating
      non-protein nitrogen (presumably polyamine) reserves, respectively.The
      ultrastructural findings, together with the data on elemental composition of
      different cell compartments, allowed us to speculate on the role of the vacuolar
      membrane in the biosynthesis and sequestration of polyphosphate. We also describe
      the ultrastructural evidence of possible involvement of the tonoplast in the
      membrane lipid turnover and exchange of energy and metabolites between
      chloroplasts and mitochondria. These processes might play a significant role in
      acclimation in different stresses including nitrogen starvation and extremely
      high level of CO2 and might also be of importance for microalgal biotechnology.
      Advantages and limitations of application of analytical electron microscopy to
      biosamples such as microalgal cells are discussed.

PMID- 27677802
TI  - The structure of the desiccated Richtersius coronifer (Richters, 1903).
AB  - Tun formation is an essential morphological adaptation for entering the
      anhydrobiotic state in tardigrades, but its internal structure has rarely been
      investigated. We present the structure and ultrastructure of organs and cells in
      desiccated Richtersius coronifer by transmission and scanning electron
      microscopy, confocal microscopy, and histochemical methods. A 3D reconstruction
      of the body organization of the tun stage is also presented. The tun formation
      during anhydrobiosis of tardigrades is a process of anterior-posterior body
      contraction, which relocates some organs such as the pharyngeal bulb. The cuticle
      is composed of epicuticle, intracuticle and procuticle; flocculent coat; and
      trilaminate layer. Moulting does not seem to restrict the tun formation, as
      evidenced from tardigrade tuns that were in the process of moulting. The storage
      cells of desiccated specimens filled up the free inner space and surrounded
      internal organs, such as the ovary and digestive system, which were contracted.
      All cells (epidermal cells, storage cells, ovary cells, cells of the digestive
      system) underwent shrinkage, and their cytoplasm was electron dense. Lipids and
      polysaccharides dominated among reserve material of storage cells, while the
      amount of protein was small. The basic morphology of specific cell types and
      organelles did not differ between active and anhydrobiotic R. coronifer.

PMID- 27677803
TI  - Novel perspectives on diagnosis and clinical significance of the post-thrombotic
      syndrome in children.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Given the increase in venous thromboembolic events (VTE) in
      children, the incidence, diagnosis and management of post thrombotic syndrome
      (PTS) in children is of increasing interest. Current challenges facing clinicians
      caring for children with VTE is the limited evidence of the long-term outcomes
      for this cohort; specifically the significance and potential functional
      impairment associated with PTS. AREAS COVERED: This paper reviews the current
      evidence to elucidate the risk factors for PTS in children, methods for diagnosis
      and management of PTS in children (aged less than 18 years). Medline, Cinahl and
      PsycINFO database searches were undertaken using key search terms. Priority areas
      in need of further research are highlighted. Expert commentary: The two
      paediatric PTS assessment tools currently in use have been acknowledged to
      overcall the incidence of mild PTS in children. A PTS tool's ability to
      distinguish between clinically significant PTS and mild PTS is crucial. Variation
      in how PTS has been reported in children across the literature suggests that the
      real incidence of moderate and /or clinically significant PTS in children is
      unknown. Furthermore, evidence is lacking about the functional impairment
      experienced by children with clinically significant PTS and what this means for
      their long-term health.

PMID- 27677805
TI  - Commentary: Periodontal Treatment and Inflammation in Diabetes: Association or
      Causation?
AB  - The causal effect of periodontal treatment on systemic outcomes is unclear
      because even randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have conflicting results. Two
      models are proposed to explain the apparently conflicting findings from RCTs
      evaluating the effect of periodontal treatment on inflammation and systemic
      outcomes among individuals with type 2 diabetes.

PMID- 27677806
TI  - Letter to the Editor: Re: Alcohol Consumption and Periodontitis: Quantification
      of Periodontal Pathogens and Cytokines.

PMID- 27677804
TI  - Novel mechanism of modulation at a ligand-gated ion channel; action of 5-Cl
      indole at the 5-HT3 A receptor.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The 5-HT3 receptor is a prototypical member of the Cys
      loop ligand-gated ion channel (LGIC) superfamily and an established therapeutic
      target. In addition to activation via the orthosteric site, receptor function can
      be modulated by allosteric ligands. We have investigated the pharmacological
      action of Cl-indole upon the 5-HT3 A receptor and identified that this positive
      allosteric modulator possesses a novel mechanism of action for LGICs.
      EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: The impact of Cl-indole upon the 5-HT3 receptor was
      assessed using single cell electrophysiological recordings and [3 H]-granisetron
      binding in HEK293 cells stably expressing the 5-HT3 receptor. KEY RESULTS: Cl
      indole failed to evoke 5-HT3 A receptor-mediated responses (up to 30 MUM) or
      display affinity for the [3 H]-granisetron binding site. However, in the presence
      of Cl-indole, termination of 5-HT application revealed tail currents mediated via
      the 5-HT3 A receptor that were independent of the preceding 5-HT concentration
      but were antagonized by the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, ondansetron. These tail
      currents were absent in the 5-HT3 AB receptor. Furthermore, the presence of 5-HT
      revealed a concentration-dependent increase in the affinity of Cl-indole for the
      orthosteric binding site of the human 5-HT3 A receptor. CONCLUSIONS AND
      IMPLICATIONS: Cl-indole acts as both an orthosteric agonist and an allosteric
      modulator, but the presence of an orthosteric agonist (e.g. 5-HT) is a
      prerequisite to reveal both actions. Precedent for ago-allosteric action is
      available, yet the essential additional presence of an orthosteric agonist is now
      reported for the first time. This widening of the pharmacological mechanisms to
      modulate LGICs may offer further therapeutic opportunities.

PMID- 27677807
TI  - Letter to the Editor: Authors' Response.

PMID- 27677809
TI  - Letter to the Editor: Authors' Response.

PMID- 27677808
TI  - Letter to the Editor: Re: Long-Term Results Comparing Xenogeneic Collagen Matrix
      and Autogenous Connective Tissue Grafts With Coronally Advanced Flaps for
      Treatment of Dehiscence-Type Recession Defects.

PMID- 27677810
TI  - Gingival Margin Stability After Mucogingival Plastic Surgery. The Effect of
      Manual Versus Powered Toothbrushing: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oscillating-rotating power toothbrushes have been proven to be
      clinically efficacious. To the best of the authors' knowledge, a clinical
      evaluation of the safety of these toothbrushes after surgical root coverage
      procedures has not been published. The aim of this study is to evaluate the
      gingival margin (GM) stability with the use of an oscillating-rotating toothbrush
      compared with a manual toothbrush. METHODS: Sixty healthy individuals with at
      least one Miller Class I or II gingival recession underwent a surgical root
      coverage procedure. Soft-bristle manual and powered toothbrushes were given to
      participants randomly assigned to control and test groups, respectively. Full
      mouth plaque score (FMPS), full-mouth bleeding score (FMBS), probing depth (PD),
      and recession depth (RD) were recorded at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months after
      completion of the surgical procedure. Data analyses were performed using linear
      random-intercept models to take into account within-participant correlations over
      time. Temporal trend differences across treatments by including treatment-time
      interaction terms were then tested using a global Wald test. RESULTS: Use of a
      powered toothbrush resulted in a significantly greater reduction of recorded
      periodontal clinical indices compared with a manual device (FMPS, P = 0.05; FMBS,
      P = 0.005; RD, P = 0.004). No significant differences were noticed between the
      two experimental groups both for PD (P = 0.03) and clinical attachment level (P =
      0.11). Complete root coverage was significantly higher in participants who used
      the powered toothbrush compared with the manual toothbrush at 6 months (control,
      66.67%; test, 96.67%; P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Use of an oscillating-rotating
      powered toothbrush with a soft-bristle head resulted in higher GM stability after
      root coverage procedures compared with the use of a manual soft-bristled
      toothbrush.

PMID- 27677811
TI  - Assessing the Risk of Hospital-Acquired Clostridium Difficile Infection With
      Proton Pump Inhibitor Use: A Meta-Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND Clostridium difficile is the principal infectious cause of antibiotic
      associated diarrhea and accounts for 12% of hospital-acquired infections. Recent
      literature has shown an increased risk of C. difficile infection (CDI) with
      proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use. OBJECTIVE To conduct a systematic assessment of
      the risk of hospital-acquired CDI following exposure to PPI. METHODS We searched
      multiple databases for studies examining the relationship between PPI and
      hospital-acquired CDI. Pooled odds ratios were generated and assessment for
      heterogeneity performed. RESULTS We found 23 observational studies involving
      186,033 cases that met eligibility criteria. Across studies, 10,307 cases of
      hospital-acquired CDI were reported. Significant heterogeneity was present;
      therefore, a random effects model was used. The pooled odds ratio was 1.81 (95%
      CI, 1.52-2.14), favoring higher risk of CDI with PPI use. Significant
      heterogeneity was present, likely due to differences in assessment of exposure,
      study population, and definition of CDI. DISCUSSION This meta-analysis suggests
      PPIs significantly increase the risk of hospital-acquired CDI. Given the
      significant health and economic burden of CDI and the risks of PPI, optimization
      of PPI use should be included in a multifaceted approach to CDI prevention.
      Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;1408-1417.

PMID- 27677813
TI  - Climate change is projected to outpace rates of niche change in grasses.
AB  - Climate change may soon threaten much of global biodiversity, especially if
      species cannot adapt to changing climatic conditions quickly enough. A critical
      question is how quickly climatic niches change, and if this speed is sufficient
      to prevent extinction as climates warm. Here, we address this question in the
      grass family (Poaceae). Grasses are fundamental to one of Earth's most widespread
      biomes (grasslands), and provide roughly half of all calories consumed by humans
      (including wheat, rice, corn and sorghum). We estimate rates of climatic niche
      change in 236 species and compare these with rates of projected climate change by
      2070. Our results show that projected climate change is consistently faster than
      rates of niche change in grasses, typically by more than 5000-fold for
      temperature-related variables. Although these results do not show directly what
      will happen under global warming, they have troubling implications for a major
      biome and for human food resources.

PMID- 27677812
TI  - Is there a trade-off between peak performance and performance breadth across
      temperatures for aerobic scope in teleost fishes?
AB  - The physiology and behaviour of ectotherms are strongly influenced by
      environmental temperature. A general hypothesis is that for performance traits,
      such as those related to growth, metabolism or locomotion, species face a trade
      off between being a thermal specialist or a thermal generalist, implying a
      negative correlation between peak performance and performance breadth across a
      range of temperatures. Focusing on teleost fishes, we performed a
      phylogenetically informed comparative analysis of the relationship between
      performance peak and breadth for aerobic scope (AS), which represents whole
      animal capacity available to carry out simultaneous oxygen-demanding processes
      (e.g. growth, locomotion, reproduction) above maintenance. Literature data for 28
      species indicate that peak aerobic capacity is not linked to thermal performance
      breadth and that other physiological factors affecting thermal tolerance may
      prevent such a trade-off from emerging. The results therefore suggest that
      functional links between peak and thermal breadth for AS may not constrain
      evolutionary responses to environmental changes such as climate warming.

PMID- 27677814
TI  - Food limitation constrains host immune responses to nematode infections.
AB  - Trade-offs in the allocation of finite-energy resources among immunological
      defences and other physiological processes are believed to influence infection
      risk and disease severity in food-limited wildlife populations. However, this
      prediction has received little experimental investigation. Here we test the
      hypothesis that food limitation impairs the ability of wild field voles (Microtus
      agrestis) to mount an immune response against parasite infections. We conducted a
      replicated experiment on vole populations maintained in large outdoor enclosures
      during boreal winter, using food supplementation and anthelmintic treatment of
      intestinal nematodes. Innate immune responses against intestinal parasite
      infections were compared between food-supplemented and non-supplemented voles.
      Voles with high food availability mounted stronger immune responses against
      intestinal nematode infections than food-limited voles. No food effects were seen
      in immune responses to intracellular coccidian parasites, possibly owing to their
      ability to avoid activation of innate immune pathways. Our findings demonstrate
      that food availability constrains vole immune responses against nematode
      infections, and support the concept that spatio-temporal heterogeneity in food
      availability creates variation in infectious disease susceptibility.

PMID- 27677815
TI  - Mimics here and there, but not everywhere: Mullerian mimicry in Ceroglossus
      ground beetles?
AB  - The ground beetle genus Ceroglossus contains co-distributed species that show
      pronounced intraspecific diversity in the form of geographical colour morphs.
      While colour morphs among different species appear to match in some geographical
      regions, in others, there is little apparent colour matching. Mimicry is a
      potential explanation for covariation in colour patterns, but it is not clear
      whether the degree of sympatric colour matching is higher than expected by chance
      given the obvious mismatches among morphs in some regions. Here, we used
      reflectance spectrometry to quantify elytral coloration from the perspective of
      an avian predator to test whether colour similarity between species is, indeed,
      higher in sympatry. After finding no significant phylogenetic signal in the
      colour data, analyses showed strong statistical support for sympatric colour
      similarity between species despite the apparent lack of colour matching in some
      areas. We hypothesize Mullerian mimicry as the responsible mechanism for
      sympatric colour similarity in Ceroglossus and discuss potential explanations and
      future directions to elucidate why mimicry has not developed similar levels of
      interspecific colour resemblance across space.

PMID- 27677816
TI  - Onychophoran-like musculature in a phosphatized Cambrian lobopodian.
AB  - The restricted, exclusively terrestrial distribution of modern Onychophora
      contrasts strikingly with the rich diversity of onychophoran-like fossils
      preserved in marine Cambrian Lagerstatten The transition from these early
      forebears to the modern onychophoran body plan is poorly constrained, in part
      owing to the absence of fossils preserving details of the soft anatomy. Here, we
      report muscle tissue in a new early Cambrian (Stage 3) lobopodian, Tritonychus
      phanerosarkus gen. et sp. nov., preserved in the Orsten fashion by three
      dimensional replication in phosphate. This first report of Palaeozoic
      onychophoran musculature establishes peripheral musculature as a characteristic
      of the ancestral panarthropod, but documents an unexpected muscular
      configuration. Phylogenetic analysis reconstructs T. phanerosarkus as one of a
      few members of the main onychophoran lineage-which was as rare and as cryptic in
      the Cambrian period as it is today.

PMID- 27677817
TI  - Predicting range-shift success potential for tropical marine fishes using
      external morphology.
AB  - With global change accelerating the rate of species' range shifts, predicting
      which are most likely to establish viable populations in their new habitats is
      key to understanding how biological systems will respond. Annually, in Australia,
      tropical fish larvae from the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) are transported south via
      the East Australian Current (EAC), settling into temperate coastal habitats for
      the summer period, before experiencing near-100% mortality in winter. However,
      within 10 years, predicted winter ocean temperatures for the southeast coast of
      Australia will remain high enough for more of these so-called 'tropical vagrants'
      to survive over winter. We used a method of morphological niche analysis,
      previously shown to be an effective predictor of invasion success by fishes, to
      project which vagrants have the greatest likelihood of undergoing successful
      range shifts under these new climatic conditions. We find that species from the
      family of butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae), and the moorish idol, Zanclus
      cornutus, are most likely to be able to exploit new niches within the ecosystem
      once physiological barriers to overwintering by tropical vagrant species are
      removed. Overall, the position of vagrants within the morphospace was strongly
      skewed, suggesting that impending competitive pressures may impact
      disproportionately on particular parts of the native community.

PMID- 27677818
TI  - Is the enhanced dispersal rate seen at invasion fronts a behaviourally plastic
      response to encountering novel ecological conditions?
AB  - As a population expands into novel areas (as occurs in biological invasions), the
      range edge becomes dominated by rapidly dispersing individuals-thereby
      accelerating the rate of population spread. That acceleration has been attributed
      to evolutionary processes (natural selection and spatial sorting), to which we
      add a third complementary process: behavioural plasticity. Encountering
      environmental novelty may directly elicit an increased rate of dispersal. When we
      reciprocally translocated cane toads (Rhinella marina) among study sites in
      southern Australia, the transported animals massively increased dispersal rates
      relative to residents (to an extent similar to the evolved increase between range
      core versus invasion-front toad populations in Australia). The responses of these
      translocated toads show that even range-core toads are capable of the long
      distance dispersal rates of invasion-front conspecifics and suggest that rapid
      dispersal (rather than evolving de novo) has simply been expanded from
      facultative to constitutive expression.

PMID- 27677819
TI  - Hidden diversity of Acoelomorpha revealed through metabarcoding.
AB  - Animals with bilateral symmetry comprise the majority of the described species
      within Metazoa. However, the nature of the first bilaterian animal remains
      unknown. As most recent molecular phylogenies point to Xenacoelomorpha as the
      sister group to the rest of Bilateria, understanding their biology, ecology and
      diversity is key to reconstructing the nature of the last common bilaterian
      ancestor (Urbilateria). To date, sampling efforts have focused mainly on coastal
      areas, leaving potential gaps in our understanding of the full diversity of
      xenacoelomorphs. We therefore analysed 18S rDNA metabarcoding data from three
      marine projects covering benthic and pelagic habitats worldwide. Our results show
      that acoels have a greater richness in planktonic environments than previously
      described. Interestingly, we also identified a putative novel clade of acoels in
      the deep benthos that branches as sister group to the rest of Acoela, thus
      representing the earliest-branching acoel clade. Our data highlight deep-sea
      environments as an ideal habitat to sample acoels with key phylogenetic
      positions, which might be useful for reconstructing the early evolution of
      Bilateria.

PMID- 27677820
TI  - Placoderms and the evolutionary origin of teeth: a comment on Rucklin & Donoghue
      (2015).

PMID- 27677821
TI  - Reply to 'placoderms and the evolutionary origin of teeth': Burrow et al. (2016).

PMID- 27677822
TI  - Spanish version of Pregnancy Symptoms Inventory: transcultural adaptation and
      reliability.
AB  - AIM: To transcultural adapt and analyze the reliability of Spanish version of
      Pregnancy Symptoms Inventory (PSI) and assess the prevalence of pregnancy
      symptoms in Spanish pregnant women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A subsample of 120
      healthy pregnant women answered the PSI twice and a sample of 280 report the
      prevalence and limitation of pregnancy symptoms. The reliability was examined by
      means of percent agreement and weighted Kappa coefficients. The prevalence of
      pregnancy symptoms was evaluated by the frequency of answers. RESULTS: Perfect
      and perfect-acceptable agreement was observed in 82% and 96% of the pregnant
      women, respectively. Weighted Kappa coefficients ranged from 0.589 to 0.889,
      indicating a good reliability. The most frequent symptoms perceived by Spanish
      pregnant women were urinary frequency, poor sleep, increased vaginal discharge
      and tiredness. CONCLUSION: Spanish Pregnancy Symptoms Inventory is a brief,
      conceptually equivalent and satisfactory reliable tool that allows an early
      assessment of the wide range of pregnancy symptoms in the health care practices.

PMID- 27677824
TI  - Lip Attractiveness: A Cross-Cultural Analysis.
AB  - Background: Perception of beauty is influenced by the individual's geographic,
      ethnic, cultural, and demographic background. However, objective measurements
      remain the foundation for aesthetic evaluations. In the quest for to better
      define "ideal" lip characteristics, this study assumes interdependence between
      variables such as country of residence, sex, age, occupation, and aesthetic
      perception. Objectives: This study will increase surgeons' awareness with respect
      to different lip size preferences. The provided information might enhance and
      clarify communication among plastic surgeons and aid to put often quoted "ideal
      proportions" in context. Methods: An online survey was designed. Modifiable
      ranges of lip fullness were achieved via digital alteration, enabling
      participants to interactively change the shape of a single model's lips. The
      questionnaire was sent to more than 9000 plastic surgeons and laypeople
      worldwide. Demographic data were collected and analysis of variance was used to
      elucidate lip shape preferences. Results: A total of 1011 responses (14% response
      rate) from 35 different countries were gathered. Significant differences
      regarding lip fullness were identified. Surgeons who practice in Asia or non
      Caucasian surgeons prefer larger lips, while those in Europe and Caucasians
      prefer smaller lips. Lastly, laypersons living in Asia prefer the smallest lips.
      Conclusions: Country of residence, ethnic background, and profession
      significantly impact individual lip shape preferences. These findings have
      implications for patients and surgeons, because differences in aesthetics'
      preferences can lead to dissatisfaction of patients and surgeons alike. In our
      increasingly global environment, cultural differences and international
      variability must be considered when defining new aesthetic techniques, treating
      patients, and reporting outcomes.

PMID- 27677825
TI  - The Modern Polyurethane-Coated Implant in Breast Augmentation: Long-Term Clinical
      Experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: First-generation polyurethane foam-coated breast implants were
      associated with a low risk of capsular contracture (CC), but the risk of CC with
      modern polyurethane-coated silicone implants has not been established.
      OBJECTIVES: The authors sought to determine the long-term rates of CC after
      primary breast augmentation with Microthane, a polyurethane-coated silicone gel
      implant. METHODS: A total of 131 patients (255 breasts) were evaluated in a
      retrospective study. Data were compiled from postoperative follow-up sessions at
      2 weeks; 1, 3, 6, and 12 months; and annually thereafter. Rates of various
      complications, including CC, were determined. RESULTS: CC developed in 3 of the
      255 implanted breasts (1.2%; Baker grade III or IV), and postoperative hematoma
      occurred in 2 implanted breasts (0.8%). Spontaneous CC that was not associated
      with other complications was observed in 1 implanted breast (0.4%). All instances
      of CC occurred before the 31st postoperative month. CONCLUSIONS: For patients who
      undergo primary breast augmentation with modern polyurethane-coated implants, the
      long-term risk of CC is low. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Therapeutic.

PMID- 27677826
TI  - In silico screening, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics studies of SNP
      derived human P5CR mutants.
AB  - Pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase (P5CR) encoded by PYCR1 gene is a housekeeping
      enzyme that catalyzes the reduction of P5C to proline using NAD(P)H as the
      cofactor. In this study, we used in silico approaches to examine the role of
      nonsynonymous single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the PYCR1 gene and their
      putative functions in the pathogenesis of Cutis Laxa. Among the 348 identified
      SNPs, 15 were predicted to be potentially damaging by both SIFT and PolyPhen
      tools; of them two SNP-derived mutations, R119G and G206W, have been previously
      reported to correlate with Cutis Laxa. These two mutations were therefore
      selected to be mapped to the wild-type (WT) P5CR structure for further structural
      and functional analyses. The results of comparative computational analyses using
      I-Mutant and Autodock reveal reductions in both stability and cofactor binding
      affinity of these two mutants. Comparative molecular dynamics (MD) simulations
      were performed to evaluate the changes in dynamic properties of P5CR upon
      mutations. The results reveal that the two mutations enhance the rigidity of P5CR
      structure, especially that of cofactor binding site, which could result in
      decreased kinetics of cofactor entrance and egress. Comparison between the
      structural properties of the WT and mutants during MD simulations shows that the
      enhanced rigidity of mutants results most likely from the increased number of
      inter-atomic interactions and the decreased number of dynamic hydrogen bonds. Our
      study provides novel insight into the deleterious effects of the R119G and G206W
      mutations on P5CR, and sheds light on the mechanisms by which these mutations
      mediate Cutis Laxa.

PMID- 27677827
TI  - A Virtual Reality avatar interaction (VRai) platform to assess residual executive
      dysfunction in active military personnel with previous mild traumatic brain
      injury: proof of concept.
AB  - PURPOSE: This proof of concept study tested the ability of a dual task walking
      protocol using a recently developed avatar-based virtual reality (VR) platform to
      detect differences between military personnel post mild traumatic brain injury
      (mTBI) and healthy controls. METHODS: The VR platform coordinated motion capture,
      an interaction and rendering system, and a projection system to present first
      (participant-controlled) and third person avatars within the context of a
      specific military patrol scene. A divided attention task was also added. A
      healthy control group was compared to a group with previous mTBI (both groups
      comprised of six military personnel) and a repeated measures ANOVA tested for
      differences between conditions and groups based on recognition errors, walking
      speed and fluidity and obstacle clearance. RESULTS: The VR platform was well
      tolerated by both groups. Walking fluidity was degraded for the control group
      within the more complex navigational dual tasking involving avatars, and appeared
      greatest in the dual tasking with the interacting avatar. This navigational
      behaviour was not seen in the mTBI group. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings show
      proof of concept for using avatars, particularly more interactive avatars, to
      expose differences in executive functioning when applying context-specific
      protocols (here for the military). Implications for rehabilitation Virtual
      reality provides a means to control context-specific factors for assessment and
      intervention. Adding human interaction and agency through avatars increases the
      ecologic nature of the virtual environment. Avatars in the present application of
      the Virtual Reality avatar interaction platform appear to provide a better
      ability to reveal differences between trained, military personal with and without
      mTBI.

PMID- 27677828
TI  - Sunitinib for the treatment of thyroid cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Sunitinib is an oral oxindol derivative and a potent inhibitor of
      vascular endothelial growth factor receptor and platelet-derived growth factor
      receptor and a multitargeted tyrosine-kinase inhibitor, which has antitumor and
      antiangiogenic activity due to the selective inhibition that can stabilize
      progressive metastatic disease. The aim of this review is to expose whether the
      drug could be considered as a new promising therapy compared with other tyrosine
      kinase inhibitors. Areas covered: In seven open-label studies carried out with
      sunitinb, the drug showed its anti-tumoral activity in advanced differentiated
      thyroid carcinoma and in medullary thyroid carcinoma. The reported objectives in
      advanced differentiated thyroid carcinoma, partial response ranges 13% to 55.5%,
      stable disease ranges 44.4% to 68%, progressive disease ranges 10% to 21% of
      patients, progression free survival ranges 3 to 13.3% months. In medullary
      thyroid carcinoma, PR ranges 0% to 55%, SD ranges 44.4% to 87.5%, PD ranges 7% to
      18.8% and progression free survivalranges seven to 21 months. Expert opinion:
      Sunitinib has demonstrated a potent anti-tumoral activity in differentiated
      thyroid carcinoma and in medullary thyroid carcinoma, but the results of the open
      label trials single arm are limited. Further investigations with this agent with
      randomized trials are warranted.

PMID- 27677829
TI  - Plant phenyl-propanoids-conjugated silver nanoparticles from edible plant Suaeda
      maritima (L.) dumort. Inhibit proliferation of K562-human myeloid leukemia cells.
AB  - The present study portrays the isolation of four phenylpropanoids - ferulic acid
      (FA), sinapic acid (SA), caffeic acid (CA), and chlorogenic acid (CHA) from the
      water extract of Suaeda maritima (L.) Dumort, a phytochemically less explored
      Indian medicinal plant. Further, synthesis and characterization of silver and
      gold nanoparticles using the isolated phenylpropanoids were done. The silver
      nanoparticles synthesized from S. maritima water extract along with silver nano
      conjugated forms of the isolated compounds exhibited appreciable anti-leukemic
      activity against K562 cells (human myeloid leukemia). Especially, the ferulic and
      CA-conjugated silver nanoparticles showed significant (P < .01) activity against
      leukemia.

PMID- 27677830
TI  - Psychiatric evaluation of youths with Disruptive Behavior Disorders and
      psychopathic traits: A critical review of assessment measures.
AB  - Disruptive Behavior Disorders (DBDs) are stable and impairing disorders,
      heterogeneous in presentation, developmental pathways, and treatment needs.
      Disentangling subtypes according to psychopathological dimensions is helpful for
      timely diagnoses, precise prognoses and tailored interventions. Psychopathic
      traits are relevant in subtyping DBDs with severe antisocial and aggressive
      behaviors. Three psychopathy dimensions have been found: 1) an affective
      dimension, the callous-unemotional (CU) trait, with lack of empathy and remorse,
      and with short-lived emotions; 2) an interpersonal dimension, the narcissistic
      domain, with manipulative abilities, superficial charm, egocentricity and
      grandiosity; 3) a behavioral dimension, the impulsivity or impulsive
      irresponsibility, with irresponsibility, proneness to boredom, and novelty
      seeking. Recently, research suggests that youth with CU traits, similarly to
      adults with psychopathy, can present a low-anxious "primary" and high-anxious
      "secondary" variants. Our aim is to critically review the main measures of
      psychopathic traits, including the three main dimensions (with specific emphasis
      on CU traits), and the "primary/secondary" distinction, focusing on the
      assessment in clinical settings. An assessment procedure is proposed, based on
      previous literature and personal clinical experience.

PMID- 27677831
TI  - Therapeutic effects of an alpha-casozepine and L-tryptophan supplemented diet on
      fear and anxiety in the cat.
AB  - Objectives This study assessed the anxiolytic effectiveness of a test diet (Royal
      Canin Feline Calm diet) supplemented with L-tryptophan and alpha-casozepine.
      Methods Subjects were 24 cats that were classified as mildly or markedly fearful
      based on the presence of a person in their home room. Three different protocols
      were used to assess anxiety: (1) evaluation of the response to a human in the
      cat's home room (home room test); (2) analysis of the response to placement in an
      empty test room (open-field test); and (3) analysis of the response to an
      unfamiliar human (human interaction test). All three protocols were first run at
      baseline, and the results were used to assign the animals to control and test
      diet groups that showed equivalent fear and anxiety. Both groups were retested on
      the three protocols after 2 weeks (test 1) and again after 4 weeks (test 2).
      Results The diet groups differed for two behavioral measures in the open-field
      test: inactivity duration and inactivity frequency. The control group showed
      statistically significant increases in inactivity duration between baseline and
      test 1 and baseline and test 2, while the group fed the test diet showed a
      marginally not significant decrease in inactivity duration between baseline and
      test 1 and a not significant decrease for test 2. There was also a significant
      increase in inactivity frequency between baseline and test 1 in the test diet
      group and marginally not significant decrease in the control group. There were no
      differences between groups in the approach of the cats toward people for the home
      room test and the human interaction test. Conclusions and relevance These results
      suggest that the test diet reduced the anxiety response to placement in an
      unfamiliar location, but that fear in the presence of an unfamiliar person was
      not counteracted by the diet.

PMID- 27677832
TI  - Microparticles derived from obese adipose tissue elicit a pro-inflammatory
      phenotype of CD16+, CCR5+ and TLR8+ monocytes.
AB  - Macrophage infiltration into adipose tissue (AT) is a hallmark of the chronic
      inflammatory response in obesity and is supported by an intense monocyte
      migration towards AT. Although it has been detected an increased proportion of
      circulating CD16+ monocyte subsets in obese subjects, the mechanisms underlying
      this effect and the contribution of these cells to the inflamed profile of obese
      AT are still poorly understood. We investigated whether factors secreted by human
      obese omental AT could polarize monocytes to CD16+ enriched phenotype, and how
      these changes could modify their migratory capacity towards adipose tissue
      itself. We show that explants of human obese omental AT, obtained during
      bariatric surgery, released higher levels of MIP1-alpha, TNFalpha, leptin and
      also VEGF, together with increasing amounts of microparticles (MP), when compared
      to explants of lean subcutaneous AT. A higher content of circulating MP derived
      from preadipocytes and leukocytes was also detected in plasma of obese subjects.
      Conditioned media or MP released from obese omental AT increased CD16 and CCR5
      expression on CD14+CD16- monocytes and augmented their migratory capacity towards
      the conditioned media from obese omental AT, itself. This effect was inhibited
      when MIP1-alpha was neutralized. Additionally, we demonstrate that MP derived
      from obese omental AT carry and transfer TLR8 to monocytes, thus triggering an
      increase in CD16 expression in those cells. Our data shows a positive feedback
      loop between blood monocytes and obese omental AT, which releases chemotactic
      mediators and TLR8-enriched MP, thus inducing an up-regulation of CD16+
      monocytes, favoring leukocyte infiltration in the obese omental AT.

PMID- 27677833
TI  - Parasitic and infectious diseases of the biliary tract in migrants and
      international travelers.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In recent years, global and regional crises have led to
      extraordinary worldwide migration, accompanied by an increase in long-distance
      travel from Western countries. Both are linked to a rising incidence of rare
      parasitic and infectious diseases in first world countries, including in the
      biliary tract. Areas covered: A selective literature research in PubMed was
      performed to review the most important parasitic and infectious biliary diseases,
      which are caused by a wide variety of pathogens and may be latent over long
      periods, with chronic courses leading to cholangitis, hepatic failure or
      development of cholangiocarcinoma. Parasites such as Ascaris, Fasciola and
      Clonorchis/Opisthorchis are particularly important and may trigger biliary
      diseases or predisposition for bacterial superinfections. Viral or protozoal
      cholangitis is mainly a problem of impaired immunity. Expert commentary:
      Currently, these entities are still rare in migrants and long-distance travelers.
      However, a significant increase in Western countries has to be expected.
      Incidences are most likely underestimated because of protracted clinical latency.
      Diagnosis depends on the relevant pathogens, the host's immune status and the
      extent or distribution of biliary obstruction. Modern tomographic methods, ERCP
      and specific microbiological/parasitological/virological tests are of crucial
      diagnostic importance. Antimicrobial/antiparasitic/antiviral therapy along with
      ERCP and interventional sonography/radiology provide effective treatment options.

PMID- 27677834
TI  - Frontline Science: Human bone cells as a source of IL-27 under inflammatory
      conditions: role of TLRs and cytokines.
AB  - IL-27 regulates immune responses as well as hematopoiesis and bone remodeling,
      but its cellular sources in the bone remain unknown. In this study, we
      investigated whether osteoclasts and osteoblasts-the 2 cell types orchestrating
      bone homeostasis-could be a source of IL-27 and identified stimuli that induce
      its expression in vitro. We observed that human monocyte-derived osteoclasts
      expressed a broader range of TLRs than did human primary osteoblasts and that
      both cell types exhibited a differential induction of IL-27 expression in
      response to TLR or cytokine stimulation. Whereas several TLR agonists, notably
      TLR4 and TLR7/8 agonists, induced substantial expression of IL-27 by osteoclasts,
      stimulation of osteoblasts with agonists of TLR3 and/or TLR4-the 2 TLRs
      selectively expressed by these cells-resulted in no or low IL-27 expression. In
      addition, IL-27 increased TLR3 expression in osteoclasts and enhanced poly(I:C)
      mediated induction of IL-27 in these cells. IFN-gamma, when combined with either
      IL-1beta plus TNF-alpha, IL-11, or CNTF, induced significant levels of IL-27 in
      osteoclasts but not in osteoblasts. In the latter cells, the addition of type I
      IFN, together with proinflammatory cytokines, was necessary to induce substantial
      levels of IL-27. Immunohistochemical studies of inflamed and remodeling bone
      tissue, including cases of infectious osteomyelitis and bone metastases, provided
      evidence that osteoclasts, osteoblasts, and occasionally osteocytes or
      chondrocytes, could express IL-27 in situ. This autocrine production of IL-27 by
      TLR- or cytokine-activated bone cells might constitute a negative-feedback
      mechanism to limit bone erosion and to dampen T cell-mediated immune pathology
      during bone inflammation.

PMID- 27677835
TI  - Optical manipulation of single flux quanta.
AB  - Magnetic field can penetrate into type II superconductors in the form of
      Abrikosov vortices, which are magnetic flux tubes surrounded by circulating
      supercurrents often trapped at defects referred to as pinning sites. Although the
      average properties of the vortex matter in superconductors can be tuned with
      magnetic fields, temperature or electric currents, handling of individual
      Abrikosov vortices remains challenging and has been demonstrated only with
      sophisticated scanning local probe microscopies. Here we introduce a far-field
      optical method based on local heating of the superconductor with a focused laser
      beam to realize a fast and precise manipulation of individual vortices, in the
      same way as with optical tweezers. This simple approach provides the perfect
      basis for sculpting the magnetic flux profile in superconducting devices like a
      vortex lens or a vortex cleaner, without resorting to static pinning or ratchet
      effects.

PMID- 27677837
TI  - Role of Oxidative Stress in the Genesis of Atherosclerosis and Diabetes Mellitus:
      A Personal Look Back on 50 Years of Research.
AB  - We have provided an overview, based on the literature and our data. In accordance
      with the theory of D. Harman free radical processes cause damages that can
      accumulate and contribute to aging of the organism. Atherosclerosis and diabetes
      are developing for a long time so they are manifested predominantly in old age.
      We found an increase in the level of free radical peroxidation products and
      decrease in the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the tissues of animals with
      experimental atherosclerosis. Similar changes were found in the blood of patients
      with atherosclerosis and aortic autopsy material with atherosclerotic lesions.
      Thus, it was revealed that oxidative stress occured under atherosclerosis, and
      the arteriosclerosis to "Free Radical Pathologies" was attributed. Later it was
      discovered by different authors that oxidized Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL) and
      malonyldialdehyde- modified LDL accumulated during atherogenesis, causing damages
      of vascular wall. Under diabetic hyperglycemia glucose co-oxidized during free
      radical lipoperoxidation. This process promoted the transformation of oxidative
      stress to carbonyl stress with accumulation of biologically active dicarbonyls,
      including glyoxal and methylglyoxal. We show that the glyoxal-modified LDL were
      captured by cultured macrophages with a higher efficiency than the MDA-modified
      LDL. This could facilitate the more rapid development of lipoidosis in the vessel
      wall (due to the formation of foam cells) and manifestation of atherosclerosis
      under diabetes. We found that in patients with diabetes there was a sharp
      decrease in the activity of antioxidant enzymes as a result of the modification
      of the active center under development of carbonyl stress. We expressed a
      hypothesis about a common molecular mechanism of vascular wall damages under
      atherosclerosis and diabetes.

PMID- 27677836
TI  - Infections in Moderate to Severe Psoriasis Patients Treated with Biological Drugs
      Compared to Classic Systemic Drugs: Findings from the BIOBADADERM Registry.
AB  - Information regarding the safety of biological drugs prescribed to psoriasis
      patients on daily and long-term bases is insufficient. We used data from the
      BIOBADADERM registry (Spanish Registry of Adverse Events for Biological Therapy
      in Dermatological Diseases) to generate crude rates of infection during therapy
      with systemic drugs, including biological drugs (infliximab, etanercept,
      adalimumab, and ustekinumab) and nonbiological drugs (acitretin, cyclosporine,
      and methotrexate). We also calculated unadjusted and adjusted risk ratios (RRs)
      (with propensity score adjustment) of infection, serious infections, and
      recurrent infections of systemic therapies compared with methotrexate, using
      Poisson regression. Our study included records of 2,153 patients (7,867.5 person
      years). The adjusted RR of overall infection was significantly increased in the
      groups treated with adalimumab with methotrexate (adjusted RR = 2.13, 95%
      confidence interval [CI] = 1.2-3.7), infliximab (adjusted RR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.1
      2.65), cyclosporine (adjusted RR = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.17-2.15), ustekinumab with
      methotrexate (adjusted RR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.08-2.25), and etanercept (adjusted
      RR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.02-1.76) compared with methotrexate alone. Cyclosporine had
      a significant risk of serious infection (adjusted RR = 3.12, 95% CI = 1.1-8.8),
      followed by adalimumab combined with methotrexate (adjusted RR = 3.28, 95% CI =
      0.8-13.5). Adalimumab in combination with methotrexate had the highest risk of
      infection recurrence (adjusted RR = 4.33, 95% CI = 2.27-8.24).

PMID- 27677838
TI  - Competitive males have higher quality sperm in a monogamous social bee.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reproductive success is determined by the interplay between mating
      and fertilization success. In social insect species with male-biased sex ratios
      and queen monogamy, males face particularly strong pre-copulatory sexual
      selection since they must compete with thousands of other males for a unique
      mating opportunity. Ejaculate quality is also expected to be under selection,
      because queens are long-lived and store sperm for life, so males with higher
      quality ejaculates are expected to provide queens with larger and longer-lived
      colonies, which in turn may produce more daughter queens (the only direct fitness
      gains of haplodiploid males). Considering the action of pre and post-copulatory
      sexual selection on male traits, three scenarios might thus be expected:
      positive, negative or no association between male mating ability and
      fertilization success. Here we explored these scenarios in the stingless bee
      Scaptotrigona aff. depilis, where males gather in large aggregations and queens
      mate with a single male. Male mating ability was assessed through the capacity of
      a male to reach an aggregation and persist on it; while sperm viability, sperm
      number, and sperm morphology were used as proxies for sperm quality. RESULTS:
      Sperm viability was associated with persistence time in the aggregation, and
      males that persisted longer presented shorter spermatozoa and higher variation in
      sperm length than recently arrived males. However, sperm traits of males that
      reached aggregations did not differ from those of males collected inside their
      colonies. In addition, males that persisted longer in aggregations were smaller
      than other males. Male size and sperm viability were not correlated, suggesting
      that the observed patterns were not due to trade-offs in male resource
      allocation. CONCLUSIONS: Persistence in male aggregations thus seems to select
      more competitive males with higher quality sperm. Our work is the first one to
      reveal an association between male competitive ability and fertilization success
      in a monogamous social insect. This finding sheds important light on the
      evolution of male traits in social insects and the general mechanisms of sexual
      selection.

PMID- 27677841
TI  - Campylobacter concisus pathotypes induce distinct global responses in intestinal
      epithelial cells.
AB  - The epithelial response to the opportunistic pathogen Campylobacter concisus is
      poorly characterised. Here, we assessed the intestinal epithelial responses to
      two C. concisus strains with different virulence characteristics in Caco-2 cells
      using RNAseq, and validated a subset of the response using qPCR arrays. C.
      concisus strains induced distinct response patterns from intestinal epithelial
      cells, with the toxigenic strain inducing a significantly more amplified
      response. A range of cellular functions were significantly regulated in a strain
      specific manner, including epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (NOTCH and
      Hedgehog), cytoskeletal remodeling, tight junctions, inflammatory responses and
      autophagy. Pattern recognition receptors were regulated, including TLR3 and
      IFI16, suggesting that nucleic acid sensing was important for epithelial
      recognition of C. concisus. C. concisus zonula occludens toxin (ZOT) was
      expressed and purified, and the epithelial response to the toxin was analysed
      using RNAseq. ZOT upregulated PAR2 expression, as well as processes related to
      tight junctions and cytoskeletal remodeling. C. concisus ZOT also induced
      upregulation of TLR3, pro-inflammatory cytokines IL6, IL8 and chemokine CXCL16,
      as well as the executioner caspase CASP7. Here, we characterise distinct global
      epithelial responses to C. concisus strains, and the virulence factor ZOT, and
      provide novel information on mechanisms by which this bacterium may affect the
      host.

PMID- 27677839
TI  - The complex evolutionary history of the tympanic middle ear in frogs and toads
      (Anura).
AB  - Most anurans possess a tympanic middle ear (TME) that transmits sound waves to
      the inner ear; however, numerous species lack some or all TME components. To
      understand the evolution of these structures, we undertook a comprehensive
      assessment of their occurrence across anurans and performed ancestral character
      state reconstructions. Our analysis indicates that the TME was completely lost at
      least 38 independent times in Anura. The inferred evolutionary history of the TME
      is exceptionally complex in true toads (Bufonidae), where it was lost in the most
      recent common ancestor, preceding a radiation of >150 earless species. Following
      that initial loss, independent regains of some or all TME structures were
      inferred within two minor clades and in a radiation of >400 species. The
      reappearance of the TME in the latter clade was followed by at least 10 losses of
      the entire TME. The many losses and gains of the TME in anurans is unparalleled
      among tetrapods. Our results show that anurans, and especially bufonid toads, are
      an excellent model to study the behavioural correlates of earlessness,
      extratympanic sound pathways, and the genetic and developmental mechanisms that
      underlie the morphogenesis of TME structures.

PMID- 27677842
TI  - Synthesis, characterization and drug loading property of Monomethoxy
      Poly(ethylene glycol)-Poly(epsilon-caprolactone)-Poly(D,L-lactide) (MPEG-PCLA)
      copolymers.
AB  - Amphiphilic block copolymers have attracted a great deal of attention in drug
      delivery systems. In this work, a series of monomethoxy-poly (ethylene glycol)
      poly (epsilon-caprolactone-co-D,L-lactide) (MPEG-PCLA) copolymers with variable
      composition of poly (epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) and poly (D,L-lactide) (PDLLA)
      were prepared via ring-opening copolymerization of epsilon-CL and D,L-LA in the
      presence of MPEG and stannous octoate. The structure and molecular weight were
      characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and gel permeation
      chromatography (GPC). The crystallinity, hydrophilicity, thermal stability and
      hydrolytic degradation behavior were investigated in detail, respectively. The
      results showed that the prepared amphiphilic MPEG-PCLA copolymers have adjustable
      properties by altering the composition of PCLA, which make it convenient for
      clinical applications. Besides, the drug loading properties were also studied.
      Docetaxel (DTX) could be entrapped in MPEG-PCLA micelles with high loading
      capacity and encapsulation efficiency. And all lyophilized DTX-loaded MPEG-PCLA
      micelles except MPEG-PCL micelles were readily re-dissolved in normal saline at
      25  degrees C. In addition, DTX-loaded MPEG-PCLA micelles showed a slightly
      enhanced antitumor activity compared with free DTX. Furthermore, DTX micelles
      exhibited a slower and sustained release behavior in vitro, and higher DTX
      concentration and longer retention time in vivo. The results suggested that the
      MPEG-PCLA copolymer with the adjustable ratio of PCL to PDLLA may be a promising
      drug delivery carrier for DTX.

PMID- 27677844
TI  - Patient health questionnaire-9 versus Edinburgh postnatal depression scale in
      screening for major depressive episodes: a cross-sectional population-based
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Major depressive episodes (MDE) are frequent at the population level
      and are generally associated with severe symptoms that impair performance of
      activities of daily living of individuals suffering from this condition. The aim
      of this study was to compare the accuracy of two tests that separately showed
      suitable properties in screening for MDE: the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ
      9) and the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS). METHODS: In a previous
      study, the sensitivity and specificity of the PHQ-9 and the EPDS in screening for
      MDE were compared with a structured diagnostic interview conducted by
      psychiatrics and psychologists using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric
      Interview as the gold standard. In a sample of adults living in the community in
      Pelotas, Brazil, the PHQ-9 and EPDS were applied at the same interview and the
      gold standard on a median of 17 days later. The interviews were carried out at
      the participant's home. RESULTS: 447 individuals (191 men and 256 women) were
      assessed. The PHQ-9 and the EPDS results were concordant in 87.5 % of the
      respondents, with a moderate agreement beyond what was expected by chance alone
      (kappa = 0.61). The areas below the ROC curves were not statistically different
      (82.1 % for PHQ-9 and 83.5 % for EPDS) (p = 0.291), thus indicating that the two
      tests had similar moderate accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: PHQ-9 and EPDS may be applied
      with equal confidence in screening for MDE in the community.

PMID- 27677843
TI  - Carbon assimilation in Eucalyptus urophylla grown under high atmospheric CO2
      concentrations: A proteomics perspective.
AB  - : Photosynthetic organisms may be drastically affected by the future climate
      projections of a considerable increase in CO2 concentrations. Growth under a high
      concentration of CO2 could stimulate carbon assimilation-especially in C3-type
      plants. We used a proteomics approach to test the hypothesis of an increase in
      the abundance of the enzymes involved in carbon assimilation in Eucalyptus
      urophylla plants grown under conditions of high atmospheric CO2. Our strategy
      allowed the profiling of all Calvin-Benson cycle enzymes and associated protein
      species. Among the 816 isolated proteins, those involved in carbon fixation were
      found to be the most abundant ones. An increase in the abundance of six key
      enzymes out of the eleven core enzymes involved in carbon fixation was detected
      in plants grown at a high CO2 concentration. Proteome changes were corroborated
      by the detection of a decrease in the stomatal aperture and in the vascular
      bundle area in Eucalyptus urophylla plantlets grown in an environment of high
      atmospheric CO2. Our proteomics approach indicates a positive metabolic response
      regarding carbon fixation in a CO2-enriched atmosphere. The slight but
      significant increase in the abundance of the Calvin enzymes suggests that
      stomatal closure did not prevent an increase in the carbon assimilation rates.
      BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The sample enrichment strategy and data analysis used
      here enabled the identification of all enzymes and most protein isoforms involved
      in the Calvin-Benson-Bessham cycle in Eucalyptus urophylla. Upon growth in CO2
      enriched chambers, Eucalyptus urophylla plantlets responded by reducing the
      vascular bundle area and stomatal aperture size and by increasing the abundance
      of six of the eleven core enzymes involved in carbon fixation. Our proteome
      approach provides an estimate on how a commercially important C3-type plant would
      respond to an increase in CO2 concentrations. Additionally, confirmation at the
      protein level of the predicted genes involved in carbon assimilation may be used
      in plant transformation strategies aiming to increase plant adaptability to
      climate changes or to increase plant productivity.

PMID- 27677845
TI  - Resveratrol suppresses NTHi-induced inflammation via up-regulation of the
      negative regulator MyD88 short.
AB  - Upper respiratory tract inflammatory diseases such as asthma and chronic
      obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) affect more than one-half billion people
      globally and are characterized by chronic inflammation that is often exacerbated
      by respiratory pathogens such as nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi). The
      increasing numbers of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains and the limited
      success of currently available pharmaceuticals used to manage the symptoms of
      these diseases present an urgent need for the development of novel anti
      inflammatory therapeutic agents. Resveratrol has long been thought as an
      interesting therapeutic agent for various diseases including inflammatory
      diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its anti-inflammatory
      properties remain largely unknown. Here we show for the first time that
      resveratrol decreases expression of pro-inflammatory mediators in airway
      epithelial cells and in the lung of mice by enhancing NTHi-induced MyD88 short, a
      negative regulator of inflammation, via inhibition of ERK1/2 activation.
      Furthermore, resveratrol inhibits NTHi-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation by
      increasing MKP-1 expression via a cAMP-PKA-dependent signaling pathway. Finally,
      we show that resveratrol has anti-inflammatory effects post NTHi infection,
      thereby demonstrating its therapeutic potential. Together these data reveal a
      novel mechanism by which resveratrol alleviates NTHi-induced inflammation in
      airway disease by up-regulating the negative regulator of inflammation MyD88s.

PMID- 27677846
TI  - Evaluation of Ajuga bracteosa for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic,
      antidepressant and anticoagulant activities.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ajuga bracteosa has been extensively used traditionally for the
      treatment of a variety of diseases. The aim of the study was to scientifically
      validate the wide-scale exploitation of A. bracteosa in folk medicine various in
      vitro and in vivo assays. Moreover, these activities were related to the
      intrinsic biologically active phytoecdysteroids of A. bracteosa. METHODS: Aerial
      and root parts of A. bracteosa were first extracted separately with chloroform
      (AbCA and AbCR) and the residue was again extracted with methanol (AbMA and
      AbMR). Total flavonoid and phenolic contents were assayed as quercetin (QE) and
      gallic acid equivalents (GAE), respectively. These extracts were analyzed for in
      vitro antioxidant assessment including DPPH and H2O2 (% inhibition of free
      radicals), and reducing power and phosphomolybdenum methods (ascorbic acid
      equivalents AAE mg/g DW). Further, these extracts were assayed in vivo in
      separate groups of Sprague-Dawley rats for carrageenan induced rat paw edema
      inhibition, hotplate antinociception, forced swim antidepression and
      anticoagulation. Dose of each crude extract and standard drug given to rats was
      200 mg/Kg- and 10 mg/10 mL/Kg body weight respectively. Plant extracts and
      standard drugs were administered orally, 60 min prior to the conduction of
      assays. Moreover, biologically active phytoecdysteroids were screened in A.
      bracteosa with the help of RP-HPLC. RESULTS: AbMA represented highest values of
      flavonoids (QE 1.98 % DW) and phenolic contents (GAE 5.94 % DW), significantly
      scavenged DPPH radicles (IC50 36.9) and reduced ferric ions with 718.4 mg
      ascorbic acid equivalent/g (AAE). Highest total antioxidant capacity was
      expressed by AbMR (927 mg AAE) with an IC50 value 19.1 MUg/mL. The extracts which
      were found potent anti-oxidants, were also good at in vivo activities. AbMA
      significantly reduced edema in all the three hours of treatment (67.9, 70.3 and
      74.3 %). AbMA also showed maximum nociceptor suppression in analgesic assay by
      delaying the time to start licking of paws in rats (57.7 +/- 4.9 s). In addition,
      maximum anti-coagulation was also exhibited by AbMA (89.3 s), while all extracts
      were found strong antidepressants (<=15.66 s immobility time). Screening of
      biologically active phytoecdysteroids revealed the presence of 20-hydroxyecdysone
      (20-HE), makisterone (MKA), cyasterone (CYP) and ajujalactone (AJL). Total
      phytoecdysteroid content found in A. bracteosa was 1232.5 MUg/g DW and 20-HE was
      most abundant (1232.5 MUg/g DW) as compared to other phytoecdysteroids.
      CONCLUSION: Based on the tested in vitro and in vivo activities, AbMA was found
      to be a promising bioactive extract. These activities can be attributed to the
      intrinsic polyphenols and phytoecdysteroids contents of A. bracteosa.

PMID- 27677847
TI  - A bioengineered niche promotes in vivo engraftment and maturation of pluripotent
      stem cell derived human lung organoids.
AB  - Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) derived tissues often remain developmentally
      immature in vitro, and become more adult-like in their structure, cellular
      diversity and function following transplantation into immunocompromised mice.
      Previously we have demonstrated that hPSC-derived human lung organoids (HLOs)
      resembled human fetal lung tissue in vitro (Dye et al., 2015). Here we show that
      HLOs required a bioartificial microporous poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG)
      scaffold niche for successful engraftment, long-term survival, and maturation of
      lung epithelium in vivo. Analysis of scaffold-grown transplanted tissue showed
      airway-like tissue with enhanced epithelial structure and organization compared
      to HLOs grown in vitro. By further comparing in vitro and in vivo grown HLOs with
      fetal and adult human lung tissue, we found that in vivo transplanted HLOs had
      improved cellular differentiation of secretory lineages that is reflective of
      differences between fetal and adult tissue, resulting in airway-like structures
      that were remarkably similar to the native adult human lung.

PMID- 27677848
TI  - Synchronized excitability in a network enables generation of internal neuronal
      sequences.
AB  - Hippocampal place field sequences are supported by sensory cues and network
      internal mechanisms. In contrast, sharp-wave (SPW) sequences, theta sequences,
      and episode field sequences are internally generated. The relationship of these
      sequences to memory is unclear. SPW sequences have been shown to support learning
      and have been assumed to also support episodic memory. Conversely, we demonstrate
      these SPW sequences were present in trained rats even after episodic memory was
      impaired and after other internal sequences - episode field and theta sequences -
      were eliminated. SPW sequences did not support memory despite continuing to
      'replay' all task-related sequences - place- field and episode field sequences.
      Sequence replay occurred selectively during synchronous increases of population
      excitability -- SPWs. Similarly, theta sequences depended on the presence of
      repeated synchronized waves of excitability - theta oscillations. Thus, we
      suggest that either intermittent or rhythmic synchronized changes of excitability
      trigger sequential firing of neurons, which in turn supports learning and/or
      memory.

PMID- 27677850
TI  - Taxonomic and functional diversity increase the aesthetic value of coralligenous
      reefs.
AB  - The aesthetic value of landscapes contributes to human well-being. However,
      studies which have investigated the link between biodiversity and ecosystem
      services have not taken aesthetic value into account. In this study we evaluated
      how the aesthetics of coralligenous reefs, a key marine ecosystem in the
      Mediterranean, is perceived by the general public and how aesthetic preferences
      are related to biodiversity facets (taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional
      diversities). We performed both biodiversity measures and online-surveys of
      aesthetic perception on photographic quadrats sampled along the French
      Mediterranean coast. Our results show that species richness and functional
      richness have a significant positive effect on aesthetic value. Most of the
      ecological literature, exploring the relationship between biodiversity and
      ecosystem functioning and service has focused so far on 'economical' aspects of
      biodiversity (provision or regulation). Our results illustrate that cultural
      facets, such as 'beauty', should also be central in our motivations to preserve
      ecological diversity.

PMID- 27677849
TI  - Unconventional secretory processing diversifies neuronal ion channel properties.
AB  - N-glycosylation - the sequential addition of complex sugars to adhesion proteins,
      neurotransmitter receptors, ion channels and secreted trophic factors as they
      progress through the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi apparatus - is one of
      the most frequent protein modifications. In mammals, most organ-specific N
      glycosylation events occur in the brain. Yet, little is known about the nature,
      function and regulation of N-glycosylation in neurons. Using imaging,
      quantitative immunoblotting and mass spectrometry, we show that hundreds of
      neuronal surface membrane proteins are core-glycosylated, resulting in the
      neuronal membrane displaying surprisingly high levels of glycosylation profiles
      that are classically associated with immature intracellular proteins. We report
      that while N-glycosylation is generally required for dendritic development and
      glutamate receptor surface expression, core-glycosylated proteins are sufficient
      to sustain these processes, and are thus functional. This atypical glycosylation
      of surface neuronal proteins can be attributed to a bypass or a hypo-function of
      the Golgi apparatus. Core-glycosylation is regulated by synaptic activity,
      modulates synaptic signaling and accelerates the turnover of GluA2-containing
      glutamate receptors, revealing a novel mechanism that controls the composition
      and sensing properties of the neuronal membrane.

PMID- 27677852
TI  - Dimethylarginine Dimethylaminohydrolase 2 (DDAH 2) Gene Polymorphism, Asymmetric
      Dimethylarginine (ADMA) Concentrations, and Risk of Coronary Artery Disease: A
      Case-Control Study.
AB  - Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) has been shown to be an independent predictor
      of cardiovascular diseases. Dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase 2 (DDAH 2)
      promotes the metabolism of ADMA and plays a key role in the regulation of acute
      inflammatory response. With the present study, we investigated the relationship
      between DDAH 2 polymorphisms and risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) and its
      association to plasma ADMA concentrations. We used the haplotype-tagging SNP
      approach to identify tag SNPs in DDAH 2. The SNPs were genotyped by PCR and
      sequenced in 385 CAD patients and 353 healthy controls. Plasma concentrations of
      ADMA were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A promoter
      polymorphism -449C/G (rs805305) in DDAH 2 was identified. Compared with the ADMA
      concentrations in CC genotype (0.328 +/- 0.077 MUmol/l), ADMA concentrations in
      CG + GG genotype were significantly increased (0.517 +/- 0.090 MUmol/l, P <
      0.001). No significant associations between the -449C/G and risk of CAD were
      detected in the genetic models. The results of this study suggest that Genetic 
      499C/G polymorphism in DDAH 2 gene may affect the plasma ADMA concentrations in
      patients with CAD. However, it does not indicate a novel genetic risk marker for
      CAD.

PMID- 27677853
TI  - Messages promoting genetic modification of crops in the context of climate
      change: Evidence for psychological reactance.
AB  - Genetic modification (GM) of crops and climate change are arguably two of today's
      most challenging science communication issues. Increasingly, these two issues are
      connected in messages proposing GM as a viable option for ensuring global food
      security threatened by climate change. This study examines the effects of
      messages promoting the benefits of GM in the context of climate change. Further,
      it examines whether explicit reference to "climate change," or "global warming"
      in a GM message results in different effects than each other, or an implicit
      climate reference. An online sample of U.S. participants (N = 1050) were randomly
      assigned to one of four conditions: "climate change" cue, "global warming" cue,
      implicit cue, or control (no message). Generally speaking, framing GM crops as a
      way to help ensure global food security proved to be an effective messaging
      strategy in increasing positive attitudes toward GM. In addition, the implicit
      cue condition led to liberals having more positive attitudes and behavioral
      intentions toward GM than the "climate change" cue condition, an effect mediated
      by message evaluations.

PMID- 27677851
TI  - PARP inhibition in leukocytes diminishes inflammation via effects on
      integrins/cytoskeleton and protects the blood-brain barrier.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction/disruption followed by
      leukocyte infiltration into the brain causes neuroinflammation and contributes to
      morbidity in multiple sclerosis, encephalitis, traumatic brain injury, and
      stroke. The identification of pathways that decreases the inflammatory potential
      of leukocytes would prevent such injury. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP)
      controls various genes via its interaction with myriad transcription factors.
      Selective PARP inhibitors have appeared lately as potent anti-inflammatory tools.
      Their effects are outside the recognized PARP functions in DNA repair and
      transcriptional regulation. In this study, we explored the idea that selective
      inhibition of PARP in leukocytes would diminish their engagement of the brain
      endothelium. METHODS: Cerebral vascular changes and leukocyte-endothelium
      interactions were surveyed by intravital videomicroscopy utilizing a novel in
      vivo model of localized aseptic meningitis when TNFalpha was introduced
      intracerebrally in wild-type (PARP+/+) and PARP-deficient (PARP-/-) mice. The
      effects of selective PARP inhibition on primary human monocytes ability to adhere
      to or migrate across the BBB were also tested in vitro, employing primary human
      brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMVEC) as an in vitro model of the BBB.
      RESULTS: PARP suppression in monocytes diminished their adhesion to and migration
      across BBB in vitro models and prevented barrier injury. In monocytes, PARP
      inactivation decreased conformational activation of integrins that plays a key
      role in their tissue infiltration. Such changes were mediated by suppression of
      activation of small Rho GTPases and cytoskeletal rearrangements in monocytes. In
      vitro observations were confirmed in vivo showing diminished leukocyte
      endothelial interaction after selective PARP suppression in leukocytes
      accompanied by BBB protection. PARP knockout animals demonstrated a substantial
      diminution of inflammatory responses in brain microvasculature and a decrease in
      BBB permeability. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest PARP inhibition in
      leukocytes as a novel approach to BBB protection in the setting of endothelial
      dysfunction caused by inflammation-induced leukocyte engagement.

PMID- 27677854
TI  - Associations among measures of energy balance related behaviors and psychosocial
      determinants in urban upper elementary school children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Childhood obesity prevention is a pressing issue. Understanding the
      relationships among eating and physical activity behaviors and potential
      psychosocial determinants of behavior will help us design more effective
      interventions. This study aimed to examine such relationships in a large sample
      of urban elementary school children. METHODS: Fifth grade students in 20
      recruited New York City public schools completed a validated questionnaire on six
      "do more" (fruits and vegetables and physical activity) and "do less" (sweetened
      beverages, processed packaged snacks, fast food and sedentary behavior) energy
      balance related behaviors (EBRBs) and psychosocial determinants of behavior from
      social cognitive and self-determination theories. Correlations among behaviors
      and hierarchical linear model analyses of the relationship between psychosocial
      determinants and behaviors were conducted for those with complete data (n = 952).
      RESULTS: The "do more" and the "do less" behaviors were significantly correlated
      within categories (p < 0.01). "Do more" food-related behaviors were correlated
      with physical activity but so were sports drinks, while the "do less" food
      related behaviors tended to be correlated to sedentary behavior (p < 0.01). "Do
      more" behaviors were associated with self-efficacy and habit strength, and "do
      less" behaviors with outcome expectations, self-efficacy, habit strength, and
      behavioral intention. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions can address the healthy and less
      healthy clusters of behaviors together, focusing on strategies to enhance their
      self-efficacy and habit strength for the "do more" behaviors and outcome
      expectations to motivate intention to choose fewer "do less" behaviors, along
      with enhancing self-efficacy and habit. Research can examine these determinants
      as potential mediators of change in intervention.

PMID- 27677855
TI  - Independent multimerization of Latent TGFbeta Binding Protein-1 stabilized by
      cross-linking and enhanced by heparan sulfate.
AB  - TGFbeta plays key roles in fibrosis and cancer progression, and latency is
      conferred by covalent linkage to latent TGFbeta binding proteins (LTBPs). LTBP1
      is essential for TGFbeta folding, secretion, matrix localization and activation
      but little is known about its structure due to its inherent size and flexibility.
      Here we show that LTBP1 adopts an extended conformation with stable matrix
      binding N-terminus, extended central array of 11 calcium-binding EGF domains and
      flexible TGFbeta-binding C-terminus. Moreover we demonstrate that LTBP1 forms
      short filament-like structures independent of other matrix components. The
      termini bind to each other to facilitate linear extension of the filament, while
      the N-terminal region can serve as a branch-point. Multimerization is enhanced in
      the presence of heparin and stabilized by the matrix cross-linking enzyme
      transglutaminase-2. These assemblies will extend the span of LTBP1 to potentially
      allow simultaneous N-terminal matrix and C-terminal fibrillin interactions
      providing tethering for TGFbeta activation by mechanical force.

PMID- 27677856
TI  - Survey of Emergency Physician Approaches to Management of Asymptomatic
      Hypertension.
AB  - Uncontrolled hypertension (HTN) is commonly encountered in emergency medicine
      practice, but the optimal approach to management has not been delineated. The
      objective of this study was to define emergency physician (EP) approaches to
      management of asymptomatic HTN in various clinical scenarios and assess adherence
      to the American College of Emergency Physician clinical policies, utilizing an
      online survey of EPs. A total of 1200 surveys were distributed by e-mail with
      completion by 199 participants. The variables associated with a decision to
      prescribe oral antihypertensive medications were a history of HTN and referral
      from primary care. Acute blood pressure (BP) reduction using intravenous
      antihypertensive medications was also more likely with the latter and BP >180/120
      mm Hg. Logistic regression revealed association of EP female sex, fewer years in
      practice, and a high-volume practice setting with guideline-concordant therapy.
      Wide variability exists in EP approaches to patients with asymptomatic HTN.
      Treatment decisions were impacted by patient history of chronic HTN, referral
      from primary care providers, and magnitude of BP elevation.

PMID- 27677858
TI  - RNA decay: Dhh1p condemns mRNAs with non-optimal codons to decay.

PMID- 27677857
TI  - Organelle dynamics: Sizing mitochondria with phospholipids.

PMID- 27677859
TI  - Mechanisms and in vivo functions of contact inhibition of locomotion.
AB  - Contact inhibition of locomotion (CIL) is a process whereby a cell ceases
      motility or changes its trajectory upon collision with another cell. CIL was
      initially characterized more than half a century ago and became a widely studied
      model system to understand how cells migrate and dynamically interact. Although
      CIL fell from interest for several decades, the scientific community has recently
      rediscovered this process. We are now beginning to understand the precise steps
      of this complex behaviour and to elucidate its regulatory components, including
      receptors, polarity proteins and cytoskeletal elements. Furthermore, this process
      is no longer just in vitro phenomenology; we now know from several different in
      vivo models that CIL is essential for embryogenesis and in governing behaviours
      such as cell dispersion, boundary formation and collective cell migration. In
      addition, changes in CIL responses have been associated with other physiological
      processes, such as cancer cell dissemination during metastasis.

PMID- 27677862
TI  - Sexual selection expedites the evolution of pesticide resistance.
AB  - The evolution of insecticide resistance by crop pests and disease vectors causes
      serious problems for agriculture and health. Sexual selection can accelerate or
      hinder adaptation to abiotic challenges in a variety of ways, but the effect of
      sexual selection on resistance evolution is little studied. Here, we examine this
      question using experimental evolution in the pest insect Tribolium castaneum. The
      experimental removal of sexual selection slowed the evolution of resistance in
      populations treated with pyrethroid pesticide, and also reduced the rate at which
      resistance was lost from pesticide-free populations. These results suggest that
      selection arising from variance in mating and fertilization success can augment
      natural selection on pesticide resistance, meaning that sexual selection should
      be considered when designing strategies to limit the evolution of pesticide
      resistance.

PMID- 27677861
TI  - Can diaphragmatic ultrasonography performed during the T-tube trial predict
      weaning failure? The role of diaphragmatic rapid shallow breathing index.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI), which is the ratio between
      respiratory rate (RR) and tidal volume (VT), is one of the most widely used
      indices to predict weaning outcome. Whereas the diaphragm plays a fundamental
      role in generating VT, in the case of diaphragmatic dysfunction the inspiratory
      accessory muscles may contribute. If this occurs during a weaning trial, delayed
      weaning failure is likely since the accessory muscles are more fatigable than the
      diaphragm. Hence, we hypothesised that the traditional RSBI could be implemented
      by substituting VT with the ultrasonographic evaluation of diaphragmatic
      displacement (DD). We named the new index the diaphragmatic-RSBI (D-RSBI). The
      aim of this study was to compare the ability of the traditional RSBI and D-RSBI
      to predict weaning failure in ready-to-wean patients. METHODS: We performed a
      prospective observational study. During a T-tube spontaneous breathing trial
      (SBT) we simultaneously evaluated right hemidiaphragm displacement (i.e., DD) by
      using M-mode ultrasonography as well as the RSBI. Outcome of the weaning attempt,
      length of mechanical ventilation, length of intensive care unit and hospital
      stay, and hospital mortality were recorded. Receiver operator characteristic
      (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of D-RSBI and RSBI.
      RESULTS: We enrolled 51 patients requiring mechanical ventilation for more than
      48 h who were ready to perform a SBT. Most of the patients, 34 (66 %), were
      successfully weaned from mechanical ventilation. When considering the 17 patients
      that failed the weaning attempt, 11 (64 %) had to be reconnected to the
      ventilator during the SBT, three (18 %) had to be re-intubated within 48 h of
      extubation, and three (18 %) required non-invasive ventilation support within 48
      h of extubation. The areas under the ROC curves for D-RSBI and RSBI were 0.89 and
      0.72, respectively (P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: D-RSBI (RR/DD) was more accurate
      than traditional RSBI (RR/VT) in predicting the weaning outcome. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: Our clinical trial was retrospectively registered with
      ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT02696018 ). ClinicalTrials.gov processed our
      record on 25 February 2016.

PMID- 27677860
TI  - Alternative polyadenylation of mRNA precursors.
AB  - Alternative polyadenylation (APA) is an RNA-processing mechanism that generates
      distinct 3' termini on mRNAs and other RNA polymerase II transcripts. It is
      widespread across all eukaryotic species and is recognized as a major mechanism
      of gene regulation. APA exhibits tissue specificity and is important for cell
      proliferation and differentiation. In this Review, we discuss the roles of APA in
      diverse cellular processes, including mRNA metabolism, protein diversification
      and protein localization, and more generally in gene regulation. We also discuss
      the molecular mechanisms underlying APA, such as variation in the concentration
      of core processing factors and RNA-binding proteins, as well as transcription
      based regulation.

PMID- 27677863
TI  - Metabolism of 3-pentanone under inflammatory conditions.
AB  - Breath analysis of rats using multi-capillary column ion-mobility spectrometry
      (MCC-IMS) revealed alterations in acetone and other ketones, including 3
      pentanone, during inflammation. The alterations seem likely to result from
      oxidative branched-chain keto acid (BCKA) catabolism. We therefore tested the
      hypothesis that 3-pentanone arises during inflammation from increased BCKA
      oxidation in the liver with consequent accumulation of propionyl-CoA and its
      condensation products. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were anaesthetised and ventilated
      for 24 h or until death. Exhaled breath was analysed by MCC-IMS while rats were
      injected with low and high doses of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), tumour necrosis
      factor alpha (TNFalpha), or vehicle. The exhaled 3-pentanone peak was identified
      by pure substance measurements. Blood was collected 12 h after treatment for the
      determination of cytokine concentrations; transcription enzymes for BCKA
      catabolism and the activity of the BCKA dehydrogenase were analysed in liver
      tissue by quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting. Exhaled 3-pentanone
      decreased in all groups, but minimum concentrations with high-dose LPS (0.24  +/-
      0.31 volts; mean  +/-  SD), low-dose TNFalpha (0.17  +/-  0.10 volts) and high
      dose TNFalpha (0.13  +/-  0.04 volts) were lower than in vehicle animals (0.27 
      +/-  0.12 volts). At 60% and 85% survival times (svt) concentrations of exhaled 3
      pentanone increased significantly in all animals treated with low-dose LPS,
      (svt60% 0.38  +/-  0.18 volts, svt85% 0.62  +/-  0.15 volts) and high-dose LPS
      (0.26  +/-  0.28 volts, 0.40  +/-  0.22 volts), as well as low-dose TNFalpha,
      (0.20  +/-  0.09 volts, 0.39  +/-  0.17 volts) and high-dose TNFalpha (0.18  +/- 
      0.06 volts, 0.34  +/-  0.08 volts), but not in vehicle rats (0.27  +/-  0.12
      volts, 0.30  +/-  0.09 volts). BCKA catabolism was seen in the liver, with
      increased expression and activity of the branched-chain alpha-keto acid
      dehydrogenase (BCKD), lower expression of the propionyl-CoA carboxylase (PCC)
      subunits, and altered expression levels of BCKD regulating enzymes. Exhaled 3
      pentanone may arise from altered BCKA catabolism. Our results suggest that
      excessive propionyl-CoA is possibly generated from BCKAs via increased activity
      of BCKD, but may undergo unusual condensation reactions rather than being
      physiologically processed to methylmalonyl-CoA by PCC. The pattern of 3-pentanone
      during early and prolonged inflammation suggests that reuse of BCKAs for the
      synthesis of new proteins might be initially favoured. As inflammatory conditions
      persist, substrates for cellular energy supply are required which activate
      irreversible degradation of excessive BCKA to propionyl-CoA yielding increased
      levels of exhaled 3-pentanone.

PMID- 27677864
TI  - Reflectance Hyperspectral Imaging for Investigation of Works of Art: Old Master
      Paintings and Illuminated Manuscripts.
AB  - Diffuse reflectance hyperspectral imaging, or reflectance imaging spectroscopy,
      is a sophisticated technique that enables the capture of hundreds of images in
      contiguous narrow spectral bands (bandwidth < 10 nm), typically in the visible
      (Vis, 400-750 nm) and the near-infrared (NIR, 750-2500 nm) regions. This sequence
      of images provides a data set that is called an image-cube or file-cube. Two
      dimensions of the image-cube are the spatial dimensions of the scene, and the
      third dimension is the wavelength. In this way, each spatial pixel in the image
      has an associated reflectance spectrum. This "big data" image-cube allows for the
      mining of artists' materials and mapping their distribution across the surface of
      a work of art. Reflectance hyperspectral imaging, introduced in the 1980s by
      Goetz and co-workers, led to a revolution in the field of remote sensing of the
      earth and near planets ( Goetz, F. H.; Vane, G.; Solomon, B. N.; Rock, N. Imaging
      Spectrometry for Earth Remote Sensing . Science , 1985 , 228 , 1147 - 1152 ). In
      the subsequent decades, thanks to rapid advances in solid-state sensor
      technology, reflectance hyperspectral imaging, once only available to large
      government laboratories, was extended to new fields of application, such as
      monitoring agri-foods, pharmaceutical products, the environment, and cultural
      heritage. In the 2000s, the potential of this noninvasive technology for the
      study of artworks became evident and, consequently, the methodology is becoming
      more widely used in the art conservation science field. Typically hyperspectral
      reflectance image-cubes contain millions of spectra. Many of these spectra are
      similar, making the reduction of the data set size an important first step. Thus,
      image-processing tools based on multivariate techniques, such as principal
      component analysis (PCA), automated classification methods, or expert knowledge
      systems, that search for known spectral features are often applied. These
      algorithms seek to reduce the large number of high-quality spectra to a common
      subset, which allow identifying and mapping artists' materials and alteration
      products. Hence, reflectance hyperspectral imaging is finding its place as the
      starting point to find sites on polychrome surfaces for spot analytical
      techniques, such as X-ray fluorescence, Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier transform
      infrared spectroscopy. Reflectance hyperspectral imaging can also provide image
      products that are a mainstay in the art conservation field, such as color
      accurate images, broadband near-infrared images, and false-color products. This
      Account reports on the research activity carried out by two research groups, one
      at the "Nello Carrara" Institute of Applied Physics of the Italian National
      Research Council (IFAC-CNR) in Florence and the other at the National Gallery of
      Art (NGA) in Washington, D.C. Both groups have conducted parallel research, with
      frequent interchanges, to develop multispectral and hyperspectral imaging systems
      to study works of art. In the past decade, they have designed and experimented
      with some of the earliest spectral imaging prototypes for museum applications. In
      this Account, a brief presentation of the hyperspectral sensor systems is given
      with case studies showing how reflectance hyperspectral imaging is answering key
      questions in cultural heritage.

PMID- 27677865
TI  - The nasal mucosal late allergic reaction to grass pollen involves type 2
      inflammation (IL-5 and IL-13), the inflammasome (IL-1beta), and complement.
AB  - Non-invasive mucosal sampling (nasosorption and nasal curettage) was used
      following nasal allergen challenge with grass pollen in subjects with allergic
      rhinitis, in order to define the molecular basis of the late allergic reaction
      (LAR). It was found that the nasal LAR to grass pollen involves parallel changes
      in pathways of type 2 inflammation (IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13), inflammasome-related
      (IL-1beta), and complement and circadian-associated genes. A grass pollen nasal
      spray was given to subjects with hay fever followed by serial sampling, in which
      cytokines and chemokines were measured in absorbed nasal mucosal lining fluid,
      and global gene expression (transcriptomics) assessed in nasal mucosal curettage
      samples. Twelve of 19 subjects responded with elevations in interleukin (IL)-5,
      IL-13, IL-1beta and MIP-1beta/CCL4 protein levels in the late phase. In addition,
      in these individuals whole-genome expression profiling showed upregulation of
      type 2 inflammation involving eosinophils and IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13; neutrophil
      recruitment with IL-1alpha and IL-1beta; the alternative pathway of complement
      (factor P and C5aR); and prominent effects on circadian-associated transcription
      regulators. Baseline IL-33 mRNA strongly correlated with these late-phase
      responses, whereas a single oral dose of prednisone dose-dependently reversed
      most nasal allergen challenge-induced cytokine and transcript responses. This
      study shows that the LAR to grass pollen involves a range of inflammatory
      pathways and suggests potential new biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
      Furthermore, the marked variation in mucosal inflammatory events between
      different patients suggests that in the future precision mucosal sampling may
      enable rational specific therapy.

PMID- 27677867
TI  - Erratum to: Esophageal stent fixation with endoscopic suturing device improves
      clinical outcomes and reduces complications in patients with locally advanced
      esophageal cancer prior to neoadjuvant therapy: a large multicenter experience.

PMID- 27677866
TI  - Preparation and characterization of metoprolol tartrate containing matrix type
      transdermal drug delivery system.
AB  - The present study aimed to develop matrix-type transdermal drug delivery system
      (TDDS) of metoprolol tartrate using polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and polyvinyl
      alcohol (PVA). The transdermal films were evaluated for physical parameters,
      Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis (FTIR), differential scanning
      calorimetry (DSC), in vitro drug release, in vitro skin permeability, skin
      irritation test and stability studies. The films were found to be tough, non
      sticky, easily moldable and possess good tensile strength. As the concentration
      of PVA was increased, the tensile strength of the films was also increased.
      Results of FTIR spectroscopy and DSC revealed the absence of any drug-polymer
      interactions. In vitro release of metoprolol followed zero-order kinetics and the
      mechanism of release was found to be diffusion rate controlled. In vitro release
      studies of metoprolol using Keshary-Chein (vertical diffusion cell) indicated
      65.5 % drug was released in 24 h. In vitro skin permeation of metoprolol
      transdermal films showed 58.13 % of the drug was released after 24 h. In vitro
      skin permeation of metoprolol followed zero-order kinetics in selected
      formulations. The mechanism of release was found to be diffusion rate controlled.
      In a 22-day skin irritation test, tested formulation of transdermal films did not
      exhibit any allergic reactions, inflammation, or contact dermatitis. The
      transdermal films showed good stability in the 180-day stability study. It can be
      concluded that the TDDS of MPT can help in bypassing the first-pass effect and
      will provide patient improved compliance, without sacrificing the therapeutic
      advantages of the drugs.

PMID- 27677868
TI  - Less pain after transvaginal cholecystectomy: single-center pooled analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We previously reported outcome after transvaginal cholecystectomy
      (TVC) from two cohort studies and a randomized controlled trial. We now present a
      pooled analysis of postoperative pain scores. DESIGN: Single-center data of
      postoperative pain after TVC from a level II hospital between October 2007 and
      June 2012. METHODS: Female patients, above 18 years with symptomatic
      cholecystolithiasis, received either TVC or conventional laparoscopic
      cholecystectomy (CLC). Follow up 4 days. The primary outcome of the study was
      pain after surgery. Pain was measured via a visual rating scale. Descriptive
      statistics include age, body mass index (BMI), ASA grade, surgical times, number
      of trocars, complications and hospital stay as well as pain medication. Pain data
      were assessed against histologic findings. RESULTS: The combined register
      included 316 patients. Of these, 7 patients were excluded from analysis due to
      conversion to open surgery, complications and denial of follow-up. There were 141
      patients in the TVC and 168 in the CLC group. There was no difference in age, ASA
      grade, surgical times, complications or hospital stay. BMI was significantly
      different with an average BMI of 27.1 in the TVC and 28.7 in the CLC group (p =
      0.027). The numbers of trocars were significantly different as expected. There
      was no difference in postoperative pain medication. Pain scores were
      significantly different on day two to four. Multivariate testing revealed no
      dependence between postoperative pain and histologic findings. CONCLUSION: On
      smaller patient numbers, we were previously unable to demonstrate a consistently,
      significant difference for postoperative pain in our cohort and randomized
      studies. The pooled analysis suggests that there is an advantage with less
      postoperative pain after transvaginal compared to standard laparoscopic
      cholecystectomy.

PMID- 27677869
TI  - Duration of Nil Per Os is causal in hospital length of stay following
      laparoscopic bariatric surgery.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: A recent bariatric surgical study demonstrated an inverse
      relationship of intraoperative hydration with the incidence of extended hospital
      length of stay (ehLOS: >1 postoperative hospital day). In that study, a post hoc
      analysis of the preoperative duration of Nil Per Os (NPO) past midnight revealed
      a significant dose-response association on the incidence of ehLOS, with the
      lowest incidence (10-12 %) predicted within the 2-5-h NPO interval. As NPO is
      associated with a state of compensatory dehydration, the objectives of this study
      were to prospectively examine the role of decreasing preoperative NPO intervals
      on the incidence of ehLOS in a similar bariatric surgical population and to
      establish causality of this association. METHODS: Following IRB approval, 168
      bariatric surgeries were analyzed following institution of a revised oral water
      ad libitum policy until 2 h prior to surgery on the incidence of ehLOS. The role
      of duration of NPO on the incidence of ehLOS was assessed by logistic fit graphs
      and misclassification rates on the two groups. A statistical process control
      chart monitored the efficacy of the revised NPO guidelines. RESULTS: There were
      statistically significant, but not clinical, differences in the incidences of
      histories of anemia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, previous percutaneous
      cardiac intervention/percutaneous transluminal coronary artery angioplasty, or
      preoperative albumin levels between the two groups. There were no perioperative
      pulmonary aspirations of gastric contents in either group. Following reduction of
      the oral hydration interval to >=2 h, a 13-15 % incidence of ehLOS was observed
      within the 2-5-h NPO interval with similar misclassification rates observed
      between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Allowing bariatric patients access to ad
      libitum water for up to 2 h prior to surgery decreased the incidence of ehLOS.
      Comparison of the dose-response curves within the 2-5-h NPO intervals before and
      after introduction of the revised NPO guidelines was similar and confirms
      causality.

PMID- 27677870
TI  - Rural Bypass of Critical Access Hospitals in Iowa: Do Visiting Surgical
      Specialists Make a Difference?
AB  - PURPOSE: Rural bypass for elective surgical procedures is a challenge for
      critical access hospitals, yet there are opportunities for rural hospitals to
      improve local retention of surgical candidates through alternative approaches to
      developing surgery lines of business. In this study we examine the effect of
      visiting surgical specialists on the odds of rural bypass. METHODS: Discharge
      data from the 2011 State Inpatient Databases and State Ambulatory Surgery
      Databases for Iowa were linked to outreach data from the Office of Statewide
      Clinical Education Programs and Iowa Physician Information System to model the
      effect of surgeon specialist supply on rural patients' decision to bypass rural
      critical access hospitals. FINDINGS: Patients in rural communities with a local
      general surgeon were more likely to be retained in a community than to bypass.
      Those in communities with visiting general surgeons were more likely to bypass,
      as were those in communities with visiting urologists and obstetricians. Patients
      in communities with visiting ophthalmologists and orthopedic surgeons were at
      higher odds of being retained for their elective surgeries. CONCLUSION: In
      addition to known patient and local hospital factors that have an influence on
      bypass behavior among rural patients seeking elective surgery, availability of
      surgeon specialists also plays an important role in whether patients bypass or
      not. Visiting ophthalmologists and orthopedic surgeons were associated with less
      bypass, as was having local general surgeons. Visiting general surgeons,
      urologists, and obstetricians were associated with greater odds of bypass.

PMID- 27677871
TI  - Z-Guggulsterone Improves the Scopolamine-Induced Memory Impairments Through
      Enhancement of the BDNF Signal in C57BL/6J Mice.
AB  - Memory impairment is a common symptom in patients with neurodegenerative
      disorders, and its suppression could be beneficial to improve the quality of life
      of those patients. Z-guggulsterone, a compound extracted from the resin of plant
      Commiphora whighitii, exhibits numerous pharmacological effects in clinical
      practice, such as treatment of inflammation, arthritis, obesity and lipid
      metabolism disorders. However, the role and possible mechanism of Z-guggulsterone
      on brain-associated memory impairments are largely unknown. This issue was
      addressed in the present study in a memory impairment model induced by
      scopolamine, a muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist, using the passive
      avoidance, Y-maze and Morris water maze tests. Results showed that scopolamine
      significantly decreased the step-through latency and spontaneous alternation of
      C57BL/6J mice in passive avoidance and Y-maze test, whereas increased the mean
      escape latency and decreased the swimming time in target quadrant in Morris water
      maze test. Pretreatment of mice with Z-guggulsterone at doses of 30 and 60 mg/kg
      effectively reversed the scopolamine-induced memory impairments. Mechanistic
      studies revealed that Z-guggulsterone pretreatment reversed the scopolamine
      induced increase in acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activity, as well as decreases in
      brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein expression and cAMP response
      element-binding protein (CREB), extracellular regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and
      protein kinase B (Akt) phosphorylation levels in the hippocampus and cortex.
      Inhibition of the BDNF signal, however, blocked the memory-enhancing effect of Z
      guggulsterone. Therefore, these findings demonstrate that Z-guggulsterone
      attenuates the scopolamine-induced memory impairments mainly through activation
      of the CREB-BDNF signaling pathway, thereby exhibiting memory-improving effects.

PMID- 27677872
TI  - Successful coronary surgical stenting: a new hybrid approach.
AB  - Our goal is to introduce a new hybrid coronary revascularization concept-coronary
      surgical stenting. The procedure was performed on a 78-year old woman with
      severe, long and calcified involvement of the proximal left anterior descending
      artery, chronic total occlusion of the mid-left anterior descending artery and
      severe disease in the distal left anterior descending artery. An off-pump
      minimally invasive procedure was performed through the fifth intercostal space,
      including concurrent surgical placement of a drug-eluting stent in the distal
      left anterior descending artery, through the left anterior descending artery
      graft incision, associated with the left internal mammary artery to the mid-left
      anterior descending artery graft. This procedure resulted in successful
      revascularization of the left anterior descending artery in a patient with
      complex coronary disease.

PMID- 27677873
TI  - Giant mycotic pseudoaneurysm of the aorta protruding over the sternal notch in a
      child.
AB  - Aortic mycotic pseudoaneurysms are rare pathologies in children, which are mostly
      caused by an infection or trauma. Surgical and perioperative antibiotic therapies
      are mandatory in the treatment. Surgical timing and operational strategy are also
      critical factors. Herein, we report the successful repair of a giant mycotic
      pseudoaneurysm of the ascending aorta following a previous cardiac surgery in a 7
      year old girl.

PMID- 27677874
TI  - Cavo-atrial bypass with a polytetrafluoroethylene graft for the treatment of a
      complete, traumatic transection of the suprahepatic inferior vena cava.
AB  - In the event of injury to the vena cava, the surgeon's goal is to control the
      bleeding and then repair the vascular damage. Given the wide range of lesions
      observed, the repair step has not been standardized. There are a few case reports
      of simple venoplasty or cavocaval bypass with a polytetrafluoroethylene graft.
      The present report introduces another treatment option for total avulsion of the
      suprahepatic inferior vena cava when a lack of remnant venous tissue below the
      heart prevents direct repair: cavo-atrial bypass with a polytetrafluoroethylene
      graft.

PMID- 27677875
TI  - Surgical approach for a symptomatic aortic arch thrombus.
AB  - Aortic mural thrombus in the normal aorta is an uncommon cause of systemic
      embolisms. We report the case of a 75-year old male who presented multiple
      embolic events secondary to a mobile thrombus in the aortic arch. The patient
      underwent urgent surgery and had an uneventful recovery. He was discharged 10
      days later.

PMID- 27677876
TI  - Photo-oxidized bovine pericardium in congenital cardiac surgery: single-centre
      experience.
AB  - Objectives: Dye-mediated photo-oxidation of pericardium is an alternative method
      to chemical treatment with glutaraldehyde for cross-linking collagen, providing
      biostability of the patch material while avoiding late calcification and
      cytotoxicity. There are few data available, on using photo-oxidation-treated
      pericardium, in congenital cardiac surgery. This study reports the outcomes using
      PhotofixTM bovine pericardium in neonates, infants, children and young adults
      undergoing paediatric cardiac surgery. Methods: A total of 490 patches in 383
      consecutive operations (364 patients) were used in the surgical repair of
      congenital heart defects at our institution from October 2008 to October 2011.
      Recorded variables included demographic data, age at operation, primary cardiac
      diagnosis, associated complications and number, type and location of patches
      placed and patch-related reintervention. Results: Median age at operation was 5.3
      years, ranging from <1 month to 56 years. The overall survival rate at late
      follow-up was 92%, and no deaths were related to failure of the tissue
      substitute. Two patients (0.5%) underwent reintervention late due to patch
      material failure: one for residual shunt after Rastelli repair and one for
      aneurysmal dilatation of a right ventricular outflow tract patch. The patch
      material was explanted in 8 patients at a mean of 20 months (range, 1-72 months)
      following implantation. Histological examination revealed mild to moderate
      inflammation with variable calcification. Conclusions: Photo-oxidized bovine
      pericardium demonstrated excellent performance when used as a patch material in
      cardiovascular repair in children. Its handling characteristics and
      biocompatibility are consistent with a wide range of applications.

PMID- 27677877
TI  - The association between the transfusion of small volumes of leucocyte-depleted
      red blood cells and outcomes in patients undergoing open-heart valve surgery.
AB  - Objectives: The relationship between the transfusion of red blood cell (RBC)
      units and outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac surgery is the subject of
      intense debates. In this study, we investigated the relationship between the
      transfusion of 1-2 leucocyte-depleted (LD) RBC units and outcomes in patients
      undergoing open-heart valve surgery. Methods: The investigation encompassed
      consecutive patients undergoing open-heart valve surgery at our institution
      between July 2009 and March 2015 who received no (RBC- group) or 1-2 units of LD
      RBC (RBC+ group). End-points were 30-day mortality (primary), the incidence of in
      hospital major organ dysfunctions and 1-year mortality (secondary). Propensity
      score (PS)-adjusted statistical analysis was used to assess the effect of RBC
      transfusion on end-points. Results: Thirty-day mortality rate was 0.2% (3/1485)
      in the RBC- group and 0.4% (6/1672) in the RBC+ group, with a PS-adjusted odds
      ratio (OR) for 30-day mortality of 1.00 (95% CI: 0.21-4.83;P = 0.99). The two
      groups showed no significant differences in PS-adjusted ORs for major
      complications, such as stroke, low cardiac output syndrome, thoracic wound
      infection and prolonged mechanical ventilation (>24 h). The PS-adjusted ORs for
      prolonged intensive care unit stay (>48 h) were, however, significantly higher in
      the RBC+ group (OR = 1.34 [95%CI: 1.04-1.72; P = 0.02]) than in the RBC- group.
      One-year mortality was comparable between groups (PS-adjusted hazard ratio for
      the RBC+ group: 0.85 [95% CI: 0.42-1.72; P = 0.65]). Conclusions: Our data do not
      provide evidence that in patients undergoing valve surgery with cardiopulmonary
      bypass, transfusion of 1-2 units of LD RBC increases operative mortality, the
      incidence of postoperative complications or 1-year mortality.

PMID- 27677879
TI  - Preoperative planning with three-dimensional reconstruction of patient's anatomy,
      rapid prototyping and simulation for endoscopic mitral valve repair.
AB  - Objectives: Mitral valve repair performed by an experienced surgeon is superior
      to mitral valve replacement for degenerative mitral valve disease; however, many
      surgeons are still deterred from adapting this procedure because of a steep
      learning curve. Simulation-based training and planning could improve the surgical
      performance and reduce the learning curve. The aim of this study was to develop a
      patient-specific simulation for mitral valve repair and provide a proof of
      concept of personalized medicine in a patient prospectively planned for mitral
      valve surgery. Methods: A 65-year old male with severe symptomatic mitral valve
      regurgitation was referred to our mitral valve heart team. On the basis of three
      dimensional (3D) transoesophageal echocardiography and computed tomography, 3D
      reconstructions of the patient's anatomy were constructed. By navigating through
      these reconstructions, the repair options and surgical access were chosen
      (minimally invasive repair). Using rapid prototyping and negative mould
      fabrication, we developed a process to cast a patient-specific mitral valve
      silicone replica for preoperative repair in a high-fidelity simulator. Results:
      Mitral valve and negative mould were printed in systole to capture the pathology
      when the valve closes. A patient-specific mitral valve silicone replica was
      casted and mounted in the simulator. All repair techniques could be performed in
      the simulator to choose the best repair strategy. As the valve was printed in
      systole, no special testing other than adjusting the coaptation area was
      required. Subsequently, the patient was operated, mitral valve pathology was
      validated and repair was successfully done as in the simulation. Conclusions: The
      patient-specific simulation and planning could be applied for surgical training,
      starting the (minimally invasive) mitral valve repair programme, planning of
      complex cases and the evaluation of new interventional techniques. The
      personalized medicine could be a possible pathway towards enhancing
      reproducibility, patient's safety and effectiveness of a complex surgical
      procedure.

PMID- 27677878
TI  - Single-port right upper lobe sleeve lobectomy for a typical carcinoid tumour.
AB  - Pulmonary carcinoid tumours are well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumours with
      indolent behaviour; complete resection offers long-term survival. When centrally
      located, these tumours can be treated with lung-sparing procedures. We present a
      case of a centrally located typical carcinoid tumour treated with a minimally
      invasive, right upper lobe sleeve lobectomy using a single port.

PMID- 27677880
TI  - Congenital absence of anterior papillary muscle of the tricuspid valve and
      surgical repair with artificial chordae.
AB  - We report the case of a 26-year old woman who underwent successful tricuspid
      valve repair for the absence of the anterior papillary of the tricuspid valve.
      Preoperative echocardiography revealed grade IV tricuspid valve regurgitation,
      caused by congenital absence of the anterior papillary muscle and prolapse of the
      anterior leaflet. Tricuspid valve repair was performed using artificial chords
      consisting of two polytetrafluoroethylene sutures and a concomitant ring
      annuloplasty. Postoperative echocardiography revealed mild tricuspid valve
      regurgitation. This approach represented a safe and effective technique for
      tricuspid valve repair in congenital absence of papillary muscle.

PMID- 27677884
TI  - Recurrence and graft loss after renal transplantation in adults with IgA
      vasculitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: IgA vasculitis, a rare condition resulting in end-stage renal
      disease, is a small-vessel vasculitis that affects the kidney in 49-83 % of
      adults. The reported recurrence rate of IgA vasculitis in renal transplant
      recipients is 11.5-60 %, leading to graft loss in 0-50 % of these patients.
      However, limited data are available on recurrence and graft loss after renal
      transplantation. METHODS: We evaluated renal transplant recipients seen from 1987
      to 2015 at the Jikei University School of Medicine and the Department of Urology,
      Tokyo Women's Medical University. Using a 1:2 match, 21 patients with IgA
      vasculitis and 42 controls were selected. The mean post-transplant follow-up was
      121 +/- 69 months for IgA vasculitis and 147 +/- 66 months for the controls.
      RESULTS: The 15-year patient survival was 100 % in IgA vasculitis and 97.6 % in
      the controls (p = 0.22). The 5-, 10-, and 15-year graft survival rates were 95.2,
      90.5, and 81 % in IgA vasculitis and 100, 90.5, and 88.1 % in the controls,
      respectively (p = 0.63). The recurrence rate was 28.6 % (6 of 21 cases) and half
      of them (3 of 6 cases) showed histological activity (ISKDC III). We treated them
      with methylprednisolone pulse therapy and/or tonsillectomy. None of the
      recurrence cases lost the allograft. CONCLUSION: The long-term patient and graft
      survival of IgA vasculitis in renal transplantation were comparable with the
      previous reports. The recurrence rate was 28.6 %, but none of the recurrent cases
      showed allograft loss in this study. We speculate that methylprednisolone pulse
      therapy and/or tonsillectomy prevent the progression of recurrent IgA vasculitis.

PMID- 27677881
TI  - Arabidopsis TH2 Encodes the Orphan Enzyme Thiamin Monophosphate Phosphatase.
AB  - To synthesize the cofactor thiamin diphosphate (ThDP), plants must first
      hydrolyze thiamin monophosphate (ThMP) to thiamin, but dedicated enzymes for this
      hydrolysis step were unknown and widely doubted to exist. The classical thiamin
      requiring th2-1 mutation in Arabidopsis thaliana was shown to reduce ThDP levels
      by half and to increase ThMP levels 5-fold, implying that the THIAMIN REQUIRING2
      (TH2) gene product could be a dedicated ThMP phosphatase. Genomic and
      transcriptomic data indicated that TH2 corresponds to At5g32470, encoding a HAD
      (haloacid dehalogenase) family phosphatase fused to a TenA (thiamin salvage)
      family protein. Like the th2-1 mutant, an insertional mutant of At5g32470
      accumulated ThMP, and the thiamin requirement of the th2-1 mutant was
      complemented by wild-type At5g32470 Complementation tests in Escherichia coli and
      enzyme assays with recombinant proteins confirmed that At5g32470 and its maize
      (Zea mays) orthologs GRMZM2G148896 and GRMZM2G078283 are ThMP-selective
      phosphatases whose activity resides in the HAD domain and that the At5g32470 TenA
      domain has the expected thiamin salvage activity. In vitro and in vivo
      experiments showed that alternative translation start sites direct the At5g32470
      protein to the cytosol and potentially also to mitochondria. Our findings
      establish that plants have a dedicated ThMP phosphatase and indicate that modest
      (50%) ThDP depletion can produce severe deficiency symptoms.

PMID- 27677885
TI  - Hippocampus-associated causal network of structural covariance measuring
      structural damage progression in temporal lobe epilepsy.
AB  - In mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE), the causal relationship of morphometric
      alterations between hippocampus and the other regions, that is, how the
      hippocampal atrophy leads to progressive morphometric alterations in the
      epileptic network regions remains largely unclear. In this study, a causal
      network of structural covariance (CaSCN) was proposed to map the causal effects
      of hippocampal atrophy on the network-based morphometric alterations in mTLE. It
      was hypothesized that if cross-sectional morphometric MRI data could be
      attributed temporal information, for example, by sequencing the data according to
      disease progression information, GCA would be a feasible approach for
      constructing a CaSCN. Based on a large cohort of mTLE patients (n = 108), the
      hippocampus-associated CaSCN revealed that the hippocampus and the thalamus were
      prominent nodes exerting causal effects (i.e., GM reduction) on other regions and
      that the prefrontal cortex and cerebellum were prominent nodes being subject to
      causal effects. Intriguingly, compensatory increased gray matter volume in the
      contralateral temporal region and post cingulate cortex were also detected. The
      method unraveled richer information for mapping network atrophy in mTLE relative
      to the traditional methods of stage-specific comparisons and structured
      covariance network. This study provided new evidence on the network spread
      mechanism in terms of the causal influence of hippocampal atrophy on progressive
      brain structural alterations in mTLE. Hum Brain Mapp 38:753-766, 2017. (c) 2016
      Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27677888
TI  - A new method for self-paced peak performance testing on a treadmill.
AB  - PURPOSE: Self-paced maximal testing methods may be able to exploit central
      mediation of function-limiting fatigue and therefore have potential to generate
      more valid estimates of peak oxygen uptake. The aim of this study was to
      investigate the feasibility of a new method for self-paced peak performance
      testing on treadmills and to compare peak and submaximal performance outcomes
      with those obtained using a non-self-paced ('computer-paced') method employing
      predetermined speed and slope profiles. METHODS: The proposed self-paced method
      is based upon automatic subject positioning using feedback control together with
      an exercise intensity which is driven by a predetermined, individualized work
      rate ramp. RESULTS: Peak oxygen uptake was not significantly different for the
      computer-paced (CP) versus self-paced (SP) protocols: 4.38 +/- 0.48 versus 4.34
      +/- 0.46 ml min-1 , P = 0.42. Likewise, there were no significant differences in
      the other peak and submaximal cardiopulmonary parameters, viz. peak heart rate,
      peak respiratory exchange ratio and the first and second ventilatory thresholds.
      Ramp duration for CP was longer than for SP: 494.5 +/- 71.1 versus 371.3 +/- 86.0
      s, P = 0.00072. Concomitantly, the peak rate of work done against gravity was
      higher for CP: 264.8 +/- 40.8 versus 203.8 +/- 53.4 W, P = 0.0021. CONCLUSIONS:
      The self-paced approach was found to be feasible for estimation of the principal
      performance outcomes: the method was technically implementable, it was acceptable
      to the subjects and it showed good responsiveness. Further investigation of the
      self-paced method, with adjustment of the target ramp-phase duration or
      modification of the work-rate calculation equations, is warranted.

PMID- 27677886
TI  - Utility of [18F]FSPG PET to Image Hepatocellular Carcinoma: First Clinical
      Evaluation in a US Population.
AB  - PURPOSE: Non-invasive imaging is central to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
      diagnosis; however, conventional modalities are limited by smaller tumors and
      other chronic diseases that are often present in patients with HCC, such as
      cirrhosis. This pilot study evaluated the feasibility of (4S)-4-(3
      [18F]fluoropropyl)-L-glutamic acid ([18F]FSPG) positron emission tomography
      (PET)/X-ray computed tomography (CT) to image HCC. [18F]FSPG PET/CT was compared
      to standard-of-care (SOC) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and CT, and
      [11C]acetate PET/CT, commonly used in this setting. We report the largest cohort
      of HCC patients imaged to date with [18F]FSPG PET/CT and present the first
      comparison to [11C]acetate PET/CT and SOC imaging. This study represents the
      first in a US HCC population, which is distinguished by different underlying
      comorbidities than non-US populations. PROCEDURES: xC- transporter RNA and
      protein levels were evaluated in HCC and matched liver samples from The Cancer
      Genome Atlas (n = 16) and a tissue microarray (n = 83). Eleven HCC patients who
      underwent prior MRI or CT scans were imaged by [18F]FSPG PET/CT, with seven
      patients also imaged with [11C]acetate PET/CT. RESULTS: xC- transporter RNA and
      protein levels were elevated in HCC samples compared to background liver. Over 50
      % of low-grade HCCs and ~70 % of high-grade tumors exceeded background liver
      protein expression. [18F]FSPG PET/CT demonstrated a detection rate of 75 %.
      [18F]FSPG PET/CT also identified an HCC devoid of typical MRI enhancement
      pattern. Patients scanned with [18F]FSPG and [11C]acetate PET/CT exhibited a 90
      and 70 % detection rate, respectively. In dually positive tumors, [18F]FSPG
      accumulation consistently resulted in significantly greater tumor-to-liver
      background ratios compared with [11C]acetate PET/CT. CONCLUSIONS: [18F]FSPG
      PET/CT is a promising modality for HCC imaging, and larger studies are warranted
      to examine [18F]FSPG PET/CT impact on diagnosis and management of HCC. [18F]FSPG
      PET/CT may also be useful for phenotyping HCC tumor metabolism as part of
      precision cancer medicine.

PMID- 27677887
TI  - Multimodal Genetic Approach for Molecular Imaging of Vasculature in a Mouse Model
      of Melanoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: In this study, we evaluated a genetic approach for in vivo multimodal
      molecular imaging of vasculature in a mouse model of melanoma. PROCEDURES: We
      used a novel transgenic mouse, Ts-Biotag, that genetically biotinylates vascular
      endothelial cells. After inoculating these mice with B16 melanoma cells, we
      selectively targeted endothelial cells with (strept)avidinated contrast agents to
      achieve multimodal contrast enhancement of Tie2-expressing blood vessels during
      tumor progression. RESULTS: This genetic targeting system provided selective
      labeling of tumor vasculature and showed in vivo binding of avidinated probes
      with high specificity and sensitivity using microscopy, near infrared,
      ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging. We further demonstrated the
      feasibility of conducting longitudinal three-dimensional (3D) targeted imaging
      studies to dynamically assess changes in vascular Tie2 from early to advanced
      tumor stages. CONCLUSIONS: Our results validated the Ts-Biotag mouse as a
      multimodal targeted imaging system with the potential to provide spatio-temporal
      information about dynamic changes in vasculature during tumor progression.

PMID- 27677889
TI  - Emergence of gamma motor activity in an artificial neural network model of the
      corticospinal system.
AB  - Muscle spindle discharge during active movement is a function of mechanical and
      neural parameters. Muscle length changes (and their derivatives) represent its
      primary mechanical, fusimotor drive its neural component. However, neither the
      action nor the function of fusimotor and in particular of gamma-drive, have been
      clearly established, since gamma-motor activity during voluntary, non-locomotor
      movements remains largely unknown. Here, using a computational approach, we
      explored whether gamma-drive emerges in an artificial neural network model of the
      corticospinal system linked to a biomechanical antagonist wrist simulator. The
      wrist simulator included length-sensitive and gamma-drive-dependent type Ia and
      type II muscle spindle activity. Network activity and connectivity were derived
      by a gradient descent algorithm to generate reciprocal, known target alpha-motor
      unit activity during wrist flexion-extension (F/E) movements. Two tasks were
      simulated: an alternating F/E task and a slow F/E tracking task. Emergence of
      gamma-motor activity in the alternating F/E network was a function of alpha-motor
      unit drive: if muscle afferent (together with supraspinal) input was required for
      driving alpha-motor units, then gamma-drive emerged in the form of alpha-gamma
      coactivation, as predicted by empirical studies. In the slow F/E tracking
      network, gamma-drive emerged in the form of alpha-gamma dissociation and provided
      critical, bidirectional muscle afferent activity to the cortical network,
      containing known bidirectional target units. The model thus demonstrates the
      complementary aspects of spindle output and hence gamma-drive: i) muscle spindle
      activity as a driving force of alpha-motor unit activity, and ii) afferent
      activity providing continuous sensory information, both of which crucially depend
      on gamma-drive.

PMID- 27677890
TI  - Review of knee arthroscopic practice and coding at a major metropolitan centre.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Arthroscopic knee surgery has been a topic of significant controversy
      in recent orthopaedic literature. Multiple studies have used administrative
      (Victorian Admitted Episodes Dataset and Centre for Health Record Linkage) data
      to identify trends in practice. This study explored the usage and reporting of
      arthroscopic knee surgery by conducting a detailed audit at a major Victorian
      public hospital. METHODS: A database of orthopaedic procedures at St Vincent's
      Hospital Melbourne was used to retrospectively identify cases of knee arthroscopy
      from 1 December 2011 to 1 April 2014. Procedures were categorized as diagnostic
      or interventional, and native and prosthetic joints were analysed separately.
      Procedure codes were reviewed by comparing a registrar, auditor and hospital
      coders for agreement. RESULTS: Of the 401 cases for analysis, 375 were conducted
      in native knees and 26 in prosthetic joints. Of native knees, 369 (98.4%) were
      considered interventional. The majority of these were conducted for meniscal
      pathology (n = 263, 70.1%), osteoarthritis (OA) (n = 25, 6.7%) and infection (n =
      28, 7.6%). Comparison of codes assigned by different parties were found to be
      between 57% (k = 0.324) and 70% (k = 0.572) agreement, but not statistically
      significant. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the most common indication for
      arthroscopy was meniscal pathology. Arthroscopy was rarely performed for OA in
      the absence of meniscal pathology. Diagnostic arthroscopy was rarely performed in
      the native knee, and fair to moderate agreement existed between parties in
      assigning Medicare Benefits Schedule procedure codes.

PMID- 27677891
TI  - Vibrational Response of Methylammonium Lead Iodide: From Cation Dynamics to
      Phonon-Phonon Interactions.
AB  - The dynamic evolution of the vibrational interactions in the prototypical CH3 NH3
      PbI3 was studied through a comprehensive experimental and theoretical
      investigation with a focus on the interactions between the organic cations and
      the inorganic cage. To date, no clear picture has emerged on the critical and
      fundamental interactions between the two perovskite components, despite the
      relevance of phonons to the electronic properties of several classes of
      perovskites. For the first time, we have monitored the IR and nonresonant Raman
      response in the broad frequency range 30-3400 cm-1 and in the temperature
      interval 80-360 K. Strong changes in the energies of different vibrational modes
      with temperature are observed and examined in the framework of phonon-phonon
      interactions considering a significant anharmonic contribution to the phonon
      relaxation process. The vibrational relaxation of the bending modes and their
      reorientation activation energies identify that such mechanisms are governed by
      medium-to-strong hydrogen bonds in the orthorhombic phase; however, any
      ferroelectric ordering in the orthorhombic phase is governed mostly by dipole
      interactions. These changes imply that charge localization mechanisms play a
      primary role, and our study enriches the fundamental knowledge of phonon
      interactions and charge transport in CH3 NH3 PbI3 for the further development of
      optoelectronic applications.

PMID- 27677893
TI  - Characterization of the Cutaneous Bacterial Communities of Two Giant Salamander
      Subspecies.
AB  - Pathogens currently threaten the existence of many amphibian species. In efforts
      to combat global declines, researchers have characterized the amphibian cutaneous
      microbiome as a resource for disease management. Characterization of microbial
      communities has become useful in studying the links between organismal health and
      the host microbiome. Hellbender salamanders (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis)
      provide an ideal system to explore the cutaneous microbiome as this species
      requires extensive conservation management across its range. In addition, the
      Ozark hellbender subspecies (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis bishopi) exhibits
      chronic wounds hypothesized to be caused by bacterial infections, whereas the
      eastern hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis) does not. We
      assessed the cutaneous bacterial microbiome of both subspecies at two locations
      in the state of Missouri, USA. Through 16S rRNA gene-based amplicon sequencing,
      we detected more than 1000 distinct operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in the
      cutaneous and environmental bacterial microbiome. Phylogenetic and abundance
      based dissimilarity matrices identified differences in the bacterial communities
      between the two subspecies, but only the abundance-based dissimilarity matrix
      identified differences between wounds and healthy skin on Ozark hellbenders. The
      higher abundance of OTUs on Ozark wounds suggests that commensal bacteria present
      on the skin and environment may be opportunistically colonizing the wounds. This
      brief exploration of the hellbender cutaneous bacterial microbiome provides
      foundational support for future studies seeking to understand the hellbender
      cutaneous bacterial microbiome and the role of the bacterial microbiota on
      chronic wounds of Ozark hellbenders.

PMID- 27677892
TI  - Impact of Cropping Systems, Soil Inoculum, and Plant Species Identity on Soil
      Bacterial Community Structure.
AB  - Farming practices affect the soil microbial community, which in turn impacts crop
      growth and crop-weed interactions. This study assessed the modification of soil
      bacterial community structure by organic or conventional cropping systems, weed
      species identity [Amaranthus retroflexus L. (redroot pigweed) or Avena fatua L.
      (wild oat)], and living or sterilized inoculum. Soil from eight paired USDA
      certified organic and conventional farms in north-central Montana was used as
      living or autoclave-sterilized inoculant into steam-pasteurized potting soil,
      planted with Am. retroflexus or Av. fatua and grown for two consecutive 8-week
      periods to condition soil nutrients and biota. Subsequently, the V3-V4 regions of
      the microbial 16S rRNA gene were sequenced by Illumina MiSeq. Treatments
      clustered significantly, with living or sterilized inoculum being the strongest
      delineating factor, followed by organic or conventional cropping system, then
      individual farm. Living inoculum-treated soil had greater species richness and
      was more diverse than sterile inoculum-treated soil (observed OTUs, Chao, inverse
      Simpson, Shannon, P < 0.001) and had more discriminant taxa delineating groups
      (linear discriminant analysis). Living inoculum soil contained more Chloroflexi
      and Acidobacteria, while the sterile inoculum soil had more Bacteroidetes,
      Firmicutes, Gemmatimonadetes, and Verrucomicrobia. Organically farmed inoculum
      treated soil had greater species richness, more diversity (observed OTUs, Chao,
      Shannon, P < 0.05), and more discriminant taxa than conventionally farmed
      inoculum-treated soil. Cyanobacteria were higher in pots growing Am. retroflexus,
      regardless of inoculum type, for three of the four organic farms. Results
      highlight the potential of cropping systems and species identity to modify soil
      bacterial communities, subsequently modifying plant growth and crop-weed
      competition.

PMID- 27677896
TI  - When the Spirit Is Willing, but the Flesh Is Weak: Developmental Differences in
      Judgments About Inner Moral Conflict.
AB  - Sometimes it is easy to do the right thing. But often, people act morally only
      after overcoming competing immoral desires. How does learning about someone's
      inner moral conflict influence children's and adults' moral judgments about that
      person? Across four studies, we discovered a striking developmental difference:
      When the outcome is held constant, 3- to 8-year-old children judge someone who
      does the right thing without experiencing immoral desires to be morally superior
      to someone who does the right thing through overcoming conflicting desires-but
      adults have the opposite intuition. This developmental difference also occurs for
      judgments of immoral actors: Three- to 5-year-olds again prefer the person who is
      not conflicted, whereas older children and adults judge that someone who
      struggles with the decision is morally superior. Our findings suggest that
      children may begin with the view that inner moral conflict is inherently
      negative, but, with development, come to value the exercise of willpower and self
      control.

PMID- 27677895
TI  - Integrating Out-of-Office Blood Pressure in the Diagnosis and Management of
      Hypertension.
AB  - Guidelines for the diagnosis and monitoring of hypertension were historically
      based on in-office blood pressure measurements. However, the US Preventive
      Services Task Force recently expanded their recommendations on screening for
      hypertension to include out-of-office blood pressure measurements to confirm the
      diagnosis of hypertension. Out-of-office blood pressure monitoring modalities,
      including ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and home blood pressure
      monitoring, are important tools in distinguishing between normotension, masked
      hypertension, white-coat hypertension, and sustained (including uncontrolled or
      drug-resistant) hypertension. Compared to in-office readings, out-of-office blood
      pressures are a greater predictor of renal and cardiac morbidity and mortality.
      There are multiple barriers to the implementation of out-of-office blood pressure
      monitoring which need to be overcome in order to promote more widespread use of
      these modalities.

PMID- 27677894
TI  - Cutaneous Bacterial Communities of a Poisonous Salamander: a Perspective from
      Life Stages, Body Parts and Environmental Conditions.
AB  - Amphibian skin provides a habitat for bacterial communities in its mucus.
      Understanding the structure and function of this "mucosome" in the European fire
      salamander (Salamandra salamandra) is critical in the context of novel emerging
      pathogenic diseases. We compare the cutaneous bacterial communities of this
      species using amplicon-based sequencing of the 16S rRNA V4 region. Across 290
      samples, over 4000 OTUs were identified, four of them consistently present in all
      samples. Larvae and post-metamorphs exhibited distinct cutaneous microbial
      communities. In adults, the parotoid gland surface had a community structure
      different from the head, dorsum, flanks and ventral side. Larvae from streams had
      higher phylogenetic diversity than those found in ponds. Their bacterial
      community structure also differed; species of Burkholderiaceae, Comamonadaceae,
      Methylophilaceae and Sphingomonadaceae were more abundant in pond larvae,
      possibly related to differences in factors like desiccation and decomposition
      rate in this environment. The observed differences in the cutaneous bacterial
      community among stages, body parts and habitats of fire salamanders suggest that
      both host and external factors shape these microbiota. We hypothesize that the
      variation in cutaneous bacterial communities might contribute to variation in
      pathogen susceptibility among individual salamanders.

PMID- 27677897
TI  - Impaired Velocity Processing Reveals an Agnosia for Motion in Depth.
AB  - Many individuals with normal visual acuity are unable to discriminate the
      direction of 3-D motion in a portion of their visual field, a deficit previously
      referred to as a stereomotion scotoma. The origin of this visual deficit has
      remained unclear. We hypothesized that the impairment is due to a failure in the
      processing of one of the two binocular cues to motion in depth: changes in
      binocular disparity over time or interocular velocity differences. We isolated
      the contributions of these two cues and found that sensitivity to interocular
      velocity differences, but not changes in binocular disparity, varied
      systematically with observers' ability to judge motion direction. We therefore
      conclude that the inability to interpret motion in depth is due to a failure in
      the neural mechanisms that combine velocity signals from the two eyes. Given
      these results, we argue that the deficit should be considered a prevalent but
      previously unrecognized agnosia specific to the perception of visual motion.

PMID- 27677898
TI  - Multitargeting Gene Delivery Systems for Enhancing the Transfection of
      Endothelial Cells.
AB  - Gene therapy demonstrates promising prospects on cardiovascular diseases.
      However, nonviral gene delivery system has relatively low transfection
      efficiency, especially for endothelial cells (ECs). Herein, typical cell
      penetrating peptide (TAT), nuclear localization signals (NLSs), and REDV
      functional peptide have been used to prepare multitargeting complexes. These
      complexes exhibit higher transfection efficiency owing to the targeting sequences
      of REDV and NLSs as well as the cell-penetrating function of TAT. The
      multifunction of the complexes provides high cell uptake, endo/lysosomal escape,
      and nucleus accumulation of the encapsulated DNA. Thus these multitargeting
      complexes can provide a potential platform for gene delivery, especially for EC
      transfection.

PMID- 27677899
TI  - Coexistence of multiple minor states of fatty acid binding protein and their
      functional relevance.
AB  - Proteins are dynamic over a wide range of timescales, but determining the number
      of distinct dynamic processes and identifying functionally relevant dynamics are
      still challenging. Here we present the study on human intestinal fatty acid
      binding protein (hIFABP) using a novel analysis of 15N relaxation dispersion (RD)
      and chemical shift saturation transfer (CEST) experiments. Through combined
      analysis of the two types of experiments, we found that hIFABP exists in a four
      state equilibrium in which three minor states interconvert directly with the
      major state. According to conversion rates from the major "closed" state to minor
      states, these minor states are irrelevant to the function of fatty acid
      transport. Based on chemical shifts of the minor states which could not be
      determined from RD data alone but were extracted from a combined analysis of RD
      and CEST data, we found that all the minor states are native-like. This
      conclusion is further supported by hydrogen-deuterium exchange experiments.
      Direct conversions between the native state and native-like intermediate states
      may suggest parallel multitrack unfolding/folding pathways of hIFABP. Moreover,
      hydrogen-deuterium exchange data indicate the existence of another locally
      unfolded minor state that is relevant to the fatty acid entry process.

PMID- 27677900
TI  - A mathematical algorithm for quantification of CT image noise.
AB  - Quantification of computed tomography (CT) noise helps in determination of
      radiation dosage requirements for adequate image quality. Clinical methods used
      include calculation of the standard deviation (SD) of a selected region of
      interest (ROI). In industry, wavelet decomposition has been used for image
      compression while removing high-frequency noise. We evaluated a cohort of 74
      consecutive patients referred for coronary artery calcium scoring and quantitated
      noise within a 16*16 ROI in the ascending aorta using the traditional SD method
      and also using a two-dimensional dyadic wavelet decomposition method. Clinically,
      noise has been shown to be proportional to patient weight and also body mass
      index (BMI), which is a derived value from height and weight. Noise for both
      methods was plotted against patient parameters of height, weight, waist
      circumference and calculated BMI. A regression line was calculated and
      coefficient of determination (CoD) calculated for each. The CoD was better for
      height, weight, and waist circumference using the wavelet method as compared to
      the traditional SD method. The wavelet method of quantification of image noise
      may be an improved method as compared to the SD method. This method could help
      further refine an imaging system's determination of radiation dosage requirements
      to obtain a satisfactory quality image.

PMID- 27677901
TI  - Reduced tract integrity of the model for social communication is a neural
      substrate of social communication deficits in autism spectrum disorder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with
      social communication deficits as one of the core symptoms. Recently, a five-level
      model for the social communication has been proposed in which white matter tracts
      corresponding to each level of the model are identified. Given that the model for
      social communication subserves social language functions, we hypothesized that
      the tract integrity of the model for social communication may be reduced in ASD,
      and the reduction may be related to social communication deficits. METHODS: Sixty
      two right-handed boys with ASD and 55 typically developing (TD) boys received
      clinical evaluations, intelligence tests, the Social Communication Questionnaire
      (SCQ), and MRI scans. Generalized fractional anisotropy (GFA) was measured by
      diffusion spectrum imaging to indicate the microstructural integrity of the
      tracts for each level of the social communication model. Group difference in the
      tract integrity and its relationship with the SCQ subscales of social
      communication and social interaction were investigated. RESULTS: We found that
      the GFA values of the superior longitudinal fasciculus III (SLF III, level 1) and
      the frontal aslant tracts (FAT, level 2) were decreased in ASD compared to TD.
      Moreover, the GFA values of the SLF III and the FAT were associated with the
      social interaction subscale in ASD. CONCLUSIONS: The tract integrity of the model
      for social communication is reduced in ASD, and the reduction is associated with
      impaired social interaction. Our results support that reduced tract integrity of
      the model for social communication might be a neural substrate of social
      communication deficits in ASD.

PMID- 27677902
TI  - Endemic impact of human T cell leukemia virus type 1 screening in bone
      allografts.
AB  - Allograft bone is a widely used as a convenient tool for reconstructing massive
      bone defects in orthopedic surgery. However, allografts are associated with the
      risk of viral disease transmission. One of the viruses transmitted in this manner
      is human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1), which is found worldwide but is
      unevenly distributed. The southwestern parts of Japan are a highly endemic for
      HTLV-1. We investigated the HTLV-1 seroprevalence in candidate allograft donors
      at the regional bone bank in Kagoshima, Japan during its first 5 years of
      service. Between 2008 and 2012, we collected 282 femoral heads at the Kagoshima
      regional bone bank from living donors with osteoarthritis of the hip joint. Among
      the 282 candidate donors, 32 donors (11.3 %) were seropositive for anti-HTLV-1
      antibody; notably, this prevalence is higher than that reported for blood donors
      in this area. Additionally, to determine if HTLV-1 genes are detectable after
      processing, we examined the bone marrow of the femoral heads from seropositive
      donors by conducting PCR assays. Our results confirm the existence of viral genes
      following the heat treatment processing of the femoral heads. Therefore, it is
      important to inactivate a virus completely by heat-treatment. Together, our
      findings highlight the importance of HTLV-1 screening at bone banks, particularly
      in HTLV-1-endemic areas such as southwest Japan.

PMID- 27677904
TI  - Estimation bias resulting from sparse data: response to comments by Zhang and
      Ren.

PMID- 27677903
TI  - Cytotoxicity testing of a polyurethane nanofiber membrane modified with
      chitosan/beta-cyclodextrin/berberine suitable for wound dressing application:
      evaluation of biocompatibility.
AB  - In this study we evaluated the biocompatibility of a modified polyurethane
      nanofiber membrane on a polypropylene spunbond substrate. This material was
      treated with plasma using diffuse coplanar surface barrier discharge, and
      subsequent modification was done by continuous spraying of a biologically active
      chitosan solution (CHIT) containing an inclusion complex of beta-cyclodextrin
      (beta-CD) encapsulating berberine (BRB). Biocompatibility was evaluated using
      several in vitro assays. Human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) and 3T3 murine
      fibroblasts were used as biological models. The results of these assays showed
      that a polyurethane nanofiber membrane modified by CHIT/beta-CD/BRB appears to be
      non-toxic and biocompatible; potentially, it could be used as a wound dressing
      after further testing.

PMID- 27677905
TI  - Estimation bias resulting from sparse data.

PMID- 27677907
TI  - Mechanics in human fibroblasts and progeria: Lamin A mutation E145K results in
      stiffening of nuclei.
AB  - The lamina is a filamentous meshwork beneath the inner nuclear membrane that
      confers mechanical stability to nuclei. The E145K mutation in lamin A causes
      Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS). It affects lamin filament assembly
      and induces profound changes in the nuclear architecture. Expression of wild-type
      and E145K lamin A in Xenopus oocytes followed by atomic force microscopy (AFM)
      probing of isolated oocyte nuclei has shown significant changes in the mechanical
      properties of the lamina. Nuclei of oocytes expressing E145K lamin A are stiffer
      than those expressing wild-type lamin A. Here we present mechanical measurements
      by AFM on dermal fibroblasts obtained from a 4-year-old progeria patient bearing
      the E145K lamin A mutation and compared it to fibroblasts obtained from 2 healthy
      donors of 10 and 61 years of age, respectively. The abnormal shape of nuclei
      expressing E145K lamin A was analyzed by fluorescence microscopy. Lamina
      thickness was measured using electron micrographs. Fluorescence microscopy showed
      alterations in the actin network of progeria cells. AFM probing of whole dermal
      fibroblasts did not demonstrate significant differences in the elastic moduli of
      nuclear and cytoplasmic cell regions. In contrast, AFM measurements of isolated
      nuclei showed that nuclei of progeria and old person's cells are significantly
      stiffer than those of the young person, indicating that the process of aging, be
      it natural or abnormal, increases nuclear stiffness. Our results corroborate AFM
      data obtained using Xenopus oocyte nuclei and prove that the presence of E145K
      lamin A abnormally increases nuclear stiffness.

PMID- 27677906
TI  - Y90 -Ibritumomab tiuxetan (Y90 -IT) and high-dose melphalan as conditioning
      regimen before autologous stem cell transplantation for elderly patients with
      lymphoma in relapse or resistant to chemotherapy: a feasibility trial (SAKK
      37/05).
AB  - Standard conditioning regimens for autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT)
      are often not tolerated by elderly patients, on one hand. Single high-dose
      melphalan, on the other hand, has been shown to be safe and active as a
      pretransplant preparative regimen in elderly patients. Y90 -Ibritumomab tiuxetan
      (Y90 -IT) is well tolerated and feasible in the transplantation setting. We
      therefore investigated the combination of high-dose melphalan and Y90 -IT as a
      conditioning regimen for patients >=65 years of age. Patients with relapsed or
      resistant CD20-positive lymphoma in remission after salvage chemotherapy could be
      enrolled. High-dose therapy consisted of standard dose Y90 -IT (0.4-mCi/kg body
      weight) followed by melphalan at escalating doses (100, 140, 170 and 200 mg/m2 )
      and ASCT. The primary objective was to identify the maximum tolerated dose;
      secondary end points were complete response (CR) rate 100 days after
      transplantation and toxicity. Twenty patients (median age 72 years) were
      included. No DLT occurred at any dose level. Thirteen patients completed the
      treatment, 11 were evaluable for response. Seven patients did not complete
      treatment because of mobilization failure (n = 3), progressive disease (n = 2),
      worsening of cardiac function (n = 1), and grade 3 dyspnea (n = 1). Seven
      patients achieved a CR/complete remission/unconfirmed (CRu) and 2 had stable
      disease. Five out of 7 responding patients were still alive more than 3 years
      after transplantation. The 2 patients with SD had a long-term survival of 3 and 5
      years, respectively. Nonhematological grade 3 or higher treatment related adverse
      events (AEs) were infection (n = 6), including 2 cases of febrile neutropenia,
      diarrhea (n = 3), mucositis, anorexia, viral hepatitis, hypokalemia, dehydration,
      and multiorgan failure (n = 1 for each). The combination of Y90 -IT and high-dose
      melphalan is feasible before ASCT for elderly patients, with promising activity
      and manageable toxicity.

PMID- 27677909
TI  - Risk of Hyponatremia in Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Treated
      with Exogenous Vasopressin Infusion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vasopressin is one of the vasopressors used to augment blood pressure
      in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patients with clinically significant vasospasm.
      The purpose of the present study was to determine whether the administration of
      vasopressin to a population of SAH patients was an independent predictor of
      developing hyponatremia. METHODS: A retrospective review on the health records of
      106 patients admitted to the University of Alberta Hospital Neurosciences ICU,
      Edmonton AB, Canada, with SAH from June 2013 to December 2015 was conducted.
      Serum sodium changes in patients receiving vasoactive drugs were compared. In
      addition, independent predictors for hyponatremia (Na < 135 mmol/L) were
      determined using a multivariate logistic regression model. RESULTS: Patients
      treated with vasopressin in addition to other vasoactive drugs had significantly
      higher sodium changes compared to those treated with other vasoactive drugs (-4.7
      +/- 6 vs -0.1 +/- 2.4 mmol/L, respectively, p value 0.001). Hyponatremia occurred
      in 14 patients (70 %) treated with vasopressin, 10 patients (44 %) treated with
      vasoactive drugs other than vasopressin (p value 0.081), and 24 patients (38 %)
      who did not receive any vasoactive drug (p value 0.013). In multivariate logistic
      regression analysis, when adjusting for disease severity, age, sex, aneurysm
      location, and treatment, vasopressin was associated with hyponatremia (OR 3.58,
      95 % CI, 1.02-12.5, p value 0.046). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study
      suggest that hyponatremia may be more common in SAH patients treated with
      exogenous vasopressin compared to those who did not receive it. Serum sodium
      should be monitored closely when vasopressin is being used in the SAH population.
      Further studies are needed to confirm the effect of exogenous vasopressin on
      serum sodium levels in SAH populations.

PMID- 27677910
TI  - Cytomegalovirus sinusitis complicated by orbital apex syndrome in an
      immunocompromised host.
AB  - Sinusitis in immunocompromised patients can be caused by a wide variety of
      pathogens, primarily bacterial and fungal in nature. Tissue invasion can extend
      into the orbital apex and result in ophthalmoplegia and blindness. We report the
      first histologically proven case, to our knowledge, caused by cytomegalovirus
      infection.

PMID- 27677908
TI  - ABCC8 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms are Associated with Cerebral Edema in
      Severe TBI.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Cerebral edema (CE) in traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the consequence
      of multiple underlying mechanisms and is associated with unfavorable outcomes.
      Genetic variability in these pathways likely explains some of the clinical
      heterogeneity observed in edema development. A role for sulfonylurea receptor-1
      (Sur1) in CE is supported. However, there are no prior studies examining the
      effect of genetic variability in the Sur1 gene (ABCC8) on the development of CE.
      We hypothesize that ABCC8 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are predictive
      of CE. METHODS: DNA was extracted from 385 patients. SNPs in ABCC8 were genotyped
      using the Human Core Exome v1.2 (Illumina). CE measurements included acute CT
      edema, mean and peak intracranial pressure (ICP), and need for decompressive
      craniotomy. RESULTS: Fourteen SNPs with minor allele frequency >0.2 were
      identified. Four SNPS rs2283261, rs3819521, rs2283258, and rs1799857 were
      associated with CE measures. In multiple regression models, homozygote-variant
      genotypes in rs2283261, rs3819521, and rs2283258 had increased odds of CT edema
      (OR 2.45, p = 0.007; OR 2.95, p = 0.025; OR 3.00, p = 0.013), had higher mean
      (beta = 3.13, p = 0.000; beta = 2.95, p = 0.005; beta = 3.20, p = 0.008), and
      peak ICP (beta = 8.00, p = 0.001; beta = 7.64, p = 0.007; beta = 6.89, p =
      0.034). The homozygote wild-type genotype of rs1799857 had decreased odds of
      decompressive craniotomy (OR 0.47, p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first
      report assessing the impact of ABCC8 genetic variability on CE development in
      TBI. Minor allele ABCC8 SNP genotypes had increased risk of CE, while major SNP
      alleles were protective-potentially suggesting an evolutionary advantage. These
      findings could guide risk stratification, treatment responders, and the
      development of novel targeted or gene-based therapies against CE in TBI and other
      neurological disorders.

PMID- 27677911
TI  - Induction, management, and complications of streptozotocin-induced diabetes
      mellitus in rhesus monkeys.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) model using streptozotocin (STZ) which induces
      chemical ablation of beta cell in the pancreas has been widely used for various
      research purposes in non-human primates. However, STZ has been known to have a
      variety of adverse effects such as nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and even
      mortality. The purpose of this study is to report DM induction by STZ, toxicity
      associated with STZ and procedure and complication of exogenous insulin treatment
      for DM management in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) that are expected to be
      transplanted with porcine islets within 2 months. METHODS: Streptozotocin
      (immediately dissolved in normal saline, 110 mg/kg) was slowly infused via
      central catheter for 10 minutes in 22 rhesus monkeys. Clinical signs, complete
      blood count and blood chemistry were monitored to evaluate toxicity for 1 week
      after STZ injection. Monkey basal C-peptides were measured and intravenous
      glucose tolerance test was performed to confirm complete induction of DM.
      Exogenous insulin was subcutaneously injected to maintain blood glucose in
      diabetic rhesus monkeys and the complications were recorded while in insulin
      treatment. RESULTS: Severe salivation and vomiting were observed within 1 hour
      after STZ injection in 22 rhesus monkeys. One monkey died at 6 hours after STZ
      injection and the reason for the death was unknown. Pancreatitis was noticed in
      one monkey after STZ injection, but the monkey recovered after 5 days by medical
      treatment. Serum total protein and albumin decreased whereas the parameters for
      the liver function such as aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase,
      and lactate dehydrogenase significantly increased (P<.05) after STZ injection,
      but they were resolved within 1 week. Azotemia was not observed. Monkey fasting C
      peptide levels after STZ injection were <0.1 ng/mL in 18 rhesus monkeys, but
      0.34, 0.22, 0.16 ng/mL in three monkeys, respectively. The value of daily insulin
      requirement was 0.92+/-0.26IU/kg/d (range=0.45-1.29) in the monkeys. Diabetic
      ketoacidosis was observed in one rhesus monkeys, but the monkey recovered after
      24 hours by fluid and insulin treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Streptozotocin was
      effective for inducing DM in rhesus monkeys, but various adverse effects such as
      pancreatitis, liver toxicity or death were observed. Therefore, careful and
      suitable medical managements should be implemented to eliminate the risks of
      mortality and severe adverse effects.

PMID- 27677912
TI  - 3D Printing of Emulsions and Foams into Hierarchical Porous Ceramics.
AB  - Bulk hierarchical porous ceramics with unprecedented strength-to-weight ratio and
      tunable pore sizes across three different length scales are printed by direct ink
      writing. Such an extrusion-based process relies on the formulation of inks in the
      form of particle-stabilized emulsions and foams that are sufficiently stable to
      resist coalescence during printing.

PMID- 27677913
TI  - A Review of the Acute Effects and Long-Term Adaptations of Single- and Multi
      Joint Exercises during Resistance Training.
AB  - Resistance exercises can be considered to be multi-joint (MJ) or single-joint
      (SJ) in nature. Many strength coaches, trainers, and trainees believe that adding
      SJ exercises to a resistance training (RT) program may be required to optimize
      muscular size and strength. However, given that lack of time is a frequently
      cited barrier to exercise adoption, the time commitment resulting from these
      recommendations may not be convenient for many people. Therefore, it is important
      to find strategies that reduce the time commitment without negatively affecting
      results. The aim of this review was to analyze and discuss the present body of
      literature considering the acute responses to and long-term adaptations resulting
      from SJ and MJ exercise selection. Studies were deemed eligible for inclusion if
      they were experimental studies comparing the effects of MJ, SJ, or MJ + SJ on
      dependent variables; studies were excluded if they were reviews or abstracts
      only, if they involved clinical populations or persons with articular or
      musculoskeletal problems, or if the RT intervention was confounded by other
      factors. Taking these factors into account, a total of 23 studies were included.
      For the upper and lower limbs, analysis of surface electromyographic (sEMG)
      activation suggests that there are no differences between SJ and MJ exercises
      when comparing the prime movers. However, evidence is contrasting when
      considering the trunk extensor musculature. Only one study directly compared the
      effects of MJ and SJ on muscle recovery and the results suggest that SJ exercises
      resulted in increased muscle fatigue and soreness. Long-term studies comparing
      increases in muscle size and strength in the upper limbs reported no difference
      between SJ and MJ exercises and no additional effects when SJ exercises were
      included in an MJ exercise program. For the lumbar extensors, the studies
      reviewed tend to support the view that this muscle group may benefit from SJ
      exercise. People performing RT may not need to include SJ exercises in their
      program to obtain equivalent results in terms of muscle activation and long-term
      adaptations such as hypertrophy and strength. SJ exercises may only be necessary
      to strengthen lumbar extensors and to correct muscular imbalances.

PMID- 27677914
TI  - Effect of Glycemic Index of a Pre-exercise Meal on Endurance Exercise
      Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Low glycemic index (GI) pre-exercise meals may enhance endurance
      performance by maintaining euglycemia and altering fuel utilization. However,
      evidence for performance benefits is equivocal. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect
      of a low GI (LGI) versus a high GI (HGI) pre-exercise meal on endurance
      performance using meta-analyses. METHODS: Data sources included MEDLINE,
      SPORTDiscus, AUSPORT, AusportMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. Eligibility
      criteria were randomized, crossover trials with an endurance exercise (>=60 min)
      component, e.g., time trial (TT), time to exhaustion (TTE) test, or submaximal
      bout followed by TT or TTE. Participants were healthy, active individuals aged
      >=16 years. Interventions included a LGI (<=55) and HGI (>=70) meal ingested 30
      240 min before exercise. Study quality was assessed using an adapted version of
      the validated Downs and Black tool. Effect size (ES) and 95 % confidence interval
      were calculated for each study and pooled according to performance test type and
      whether exogenous carbohydrate (CHO) was given during exercise. Potential effect
      modifiers including exercise duration, pre-exercise meal timing, glycemic load
      (GL), and fitness were assessed using meta-regression. RESULTS: The search netted
      3431 citations with 19 studies eligible for inclusion (totaling 188 participants;
      91 % male; VO2max: >50 ml/kg/min). Meals with 0.18-2 g CHO/kg body mass, and a
      mean GI and glycemic load of 82 (GL: 72) and 35 (GL: 32) for HGI and LGI,
      respectively, were given between 30 and 210 min before exercise. All test types
      without CHO ingestion during exercise showed slightly improved performance with
      LGI, but no significant pooled effects were observed (ES: -0.17 to -0.36; p >
      0.05). Studies where exogenous CHO was ingested during exercise showed
      conflicting results (ES: -0.67 to 0.11; p = 0.04 to 0.94). No significant
      relationship was observed with any of the effect modifiers (p > 0.05). No
      consistent metabolic responses (glucose, insulin, lactate, respiratory exchange
      ratio) during exercise were observed with either meal type. LIMITATIONS: There
      were small numbers of studies within each exercise testing protocol and limited
      statistical power within studies. Pre-exercise meal timing, GL, meal composition
      and participant fitness varied across studies, limiting the capacity to assess
      the influence of these factors on study outcomes. CONCLUSION: There was no clear
      benefit of consuming a LGI pre-exercise meal for endurance performance regardless
      of carbohydrate ingestion during exercise.

PMID- 27677915
TI  - Training to Fatigue: The Answer for Standardization When Assessing Muscle
      Hypertrophy?
AB  - Studies examining resistance training are of importance given that increasing or
      maintaining muscle mass aids in the prevention or attenuation of chronic disease.
      Within the literature, it is common practice to administer a set number of target
      repetitions to be completed by all individuals (i.e. 3 sets of 10) while setting
      the load relative to each individual's predetermined strength level (usually a
      one-repetition maximum). This is done under the assumption that all individuals
      are receiving a similar stimulus upon completing the protocol, but this does not
      take into account individual variability with regard to how fatiguing the
      protocol actually is. Another limitation that exists within the current
      literature is the reporting of exercise volume in absolute or relative terms that
      are not truly replicable as they are both load-dependent and will differ based on
      the number of repetitions individuals can complete at a given relative load.
      Given that the level of fatigue caused by an exercise protocol is a good
      indicator of its hypertrophic potential, the most appropriate way to ensure all
      individuals are given a common stimulus is to prescribe exercise to volitional
      fatigue. While some authors commonly employ this practice, others still prescribe
      an arbitrary number of repetitions, which may lead to unfair comparisons between
      exercise protocols. The purpose of this opinion piece is to provide evidence for
      the need to standardize studies examining muscle hypertrophy. In our opinion, one
      way in which this can be accomplished is by prescribing all sets to volitional
      fatigue.

PMID- 27677918
TI  - US doctors recommend continuous glucose monitoring for patients with type 1
      diabetes.

PMID- 27677916
TI  - Biological Therapies in Regenerative Sports Medicine.
AB  - Regenerative medicine seeks to harness the potential of cell biology for tissue
      replacement therapies, which will restore lost tissue functionality. Controlling
      and enhancing tissue healing is not just a matter of cells, but also of molecules
      and mechanical forces. We first describe the main biological technologies to
      boost musculoskeletal healing, including bone marrow and subcutaneous fat-derived
      regenerative products, as well as platelet-rich plasma and conditioned media. We
      provide some information describing possible mechanisms of action. We performed a
      literature search up to January 2016 searching for clinical outcomes following
      the use of cell therapies for sports conditions, tendons, and joints. The safety
      and efficacy of cell therapies for tendon conditions was examined in nine studies
      involving undifferentiated and differentiated (skin fibroblasts, tenocytes)
      cells. A total of 54 studies investigated the effects of mesenchymal stem-cell
      (MSC) products for joint conditions including anterior cruciate ligament,
      meniscus, and chondral lesions as well as osteoarthritis. In 22 studies, cellular
      products were injected intra-articularly, whereas in 32 studies MSC products were
      implanted during surgical/arthroscopic procedures. The heterogeneity of clinical
      conditions, cellular products, and approaches for delivery/implantation make
      comparability difficult. MSC products appear safe in the short- and mid-term, but
      studies with a long follow-up are scarce. Although the current number of
      randomized clinical studies is low, stem-cell products may have therapeutic
      potential. However, these regenerative technologies still need to be optimized.

PMID- 27677919
TI  - Smart Carbon Nanotubes with Laser-Controlled Behavior in Gene Delivery and
      Therapy through a Non-Digestive Trafficking Pathway.
AB  - Near-infrared (NIR) laser-controlled gene delivery presents some benefits in gene
      therapy, inducing enhanced gene transfection efficiency. In this study, a
      "photothermal transfection" agent is obtained by wrapping poly(ethylenimine)
      cholesterol derivatives (PEI-Chol) around single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs).
      The PEI-Chol modified SWNTs (PCS) are effective in compressing DNA molecules and
      protecting them from DNaseI degradation. Compared to the complexes formed by PEI
      with DNA (PEI/DNA), complexes of PCS and DNA that are formed (PCS/DNA) exhibit a
      little lower toxicity to HEK293 and HeLa cells under the same PEI molecule weight
      and weight ratios. Notably, caveolae-mediated cellular uptake of PCS/DNA occurs,
      which results in a safer intracellular transport of the gene due to the decreased
      lysosomal degradation in comparison with that of PEI/DNA whose internalization
      mainly depends on clathrin rather than caveolae. Furthermore, unlike PEI/DNA,
      PCS/DNA exhibits a photothermal conversion ability, which promotes DNA release
      from PCS under NIR laser irradiation. The NIR laser-mediated photothermal
      transfection of PCS10K /plasmid TP53 (pTP53) results in more apoptosis and
      necrosis of HeLa cells in vitro than other groups, and achieves a higher tumor
      growth inhibition in vivo than naked pTP53, PEI25K /pTP53, and PCS10K /pTP53
      alone. The enhanced transfection efficiency of PCS/DNA can be attributed to more
      efficient DNA internalization into the tumor cells, promotes detachment of DNA
      from PCS under the mediation of NIR laser and higher DNA stability in the cells
      due to caveolae-mediated cellular uptake of the complexes.

PMID- 27677917
TI  - Training Load and Fatigue Marker Associations with Injury and Illness: A
      Systematic Review of Longitudinal Studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Coaches, sport scientists, clinicians and medical personnel face a
      constant challenge to prescribe sufficient training load to produce training
      adaption while minimising fatigue, performance inhibition and risk of
      injury/illness. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this review was to investigate the
      relationship between injury and illness and longitudinal training load and
      fatigue markers in sporting populations. METHODS: Systematic searches of the Web
      of Science and PubMed online databases to August 2015 were conducted for articles
      reporting relationships between training load/fatigue measures and injury/illness
      in athlete populations. RESULTS: From the initial 5943 articles identified, 2863
      duplicates were removed, followed by a further 2833 articles from title and
      abstract selection. Manual searching of the reference lists of the remaining 247
      articles, together with use of the Google Scholar 'cited by' tool, yielded 205
      extra articles deemed worthy of assessment. Sixty-eight studies were subsequently
      selected for inclusion in this study, of which 45 investigated injury only, 17
      investigated illness only, and 6 investigated both injury and illness. This
      systematic review highlighted a number of key findings, including disparity
      within the literature regarding the use of various terminologies such as training
      load, fatigue, injury and illness. Athletes are at an increased risk of
      injury/illness at key stages in their training and competition, including periods
      of training load intensification and periods of accumulated training loads.
      CONCLUSIONS: Further investigation of individual athlete characteristics is
      required due to their impact on internal training load and, therefore,
      susceptibility to injury/illness.

PMID- 27677920
TI  - Improved Measurement of Brain Phenylalanine and Tyrosine Related to
      Neuropsychological Functioning in Phenylketonuria.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Researchers hypothesized that in phenylketonuria (PKU) high brain
      phenylalanine (Phe) levels and low brain tyrosine (Tyr) levels affect
      neuropsychological functioning. However, traditional magnetic resonance
      spectroscopy (MRS) yielded uncertain results of brain Phe and could not
      adequately measure brain Tyr. This pilot study examined the potential of
      correlated spectroscopy (COSY) to quantify these biomarkers and explain
      variability in neuropsychological functioning. METHODS: Nine adults with early
      treated classic PKU received magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with COSY and a
      battery of neuropsychological tests. Brain Phe and Tyr in parietal white matter
      (PWM) were compared to results in gray matter of the posterior cingulate gyrus
      (PCG). RESULTS: Brain Phe ranged from 101 to 182 (mean = 136.76 +/- 23.77)
      MUmol/L in PCG and 76 to 185 (mean = 130.11 +/- 37.88) MUmol/L in PWM. Brain Tyr
      ranged from 4.0 to 7.4 (mean = 5.44 +/- 1.01) MUmol/L in PCG and 4.1 to 8.4 (mean
      = 5.90 +/- 1.48) MUmol/L in PWM. Correlation coefficients were largest for brain
      Phe PWM and measures of auditory memory (rho = -0.79), anxiety (rho = 0.79), and
      executive functioning (rho = 0.69). Associations were in the expected direction,
      with higher brain Phe and lower brain Tyr related to poorer functioning. The two
      participants with severe structural MRI abnormalities had low brain Tyr levels in
      PCG and 3/5 of the participants with moderate to severe MRI abnormalities had
      higher than average brain Phe levels. CONCLUSION: COSY has the potential to
      quantify brain Phe and Tyr at low concentrations and in specific brain regions.
      In this pilot study, these biomarkers were associated with indices of
      neuropsychological functioning. Additional studies are needed to validate the
      COSY results.

PMID- 27677922
TI  - Assessing the Potential Effects of Active Site Mg2+ Ions in the glmS Ribozyme
      Cofactor Complex.
AB  - Ribozymes employ diverse catalytic strategies in their self-cleavage mechanisms,
      including the use of divalent metal ions. This work explores the effects of Mg2+
      ions in the active site of the glmS ribozyme-GlcN6P cofactor complex using
      computational methods. Deleterious and potentially beneficial effects of an
      active site Mg2+ ion on the self-cleavage reaction were identified. The presence
      of a Mg2+ ion near the scissile phosphate oxygen atoms at the cleavage site was
      determined to be deleterious, and thereby anticatalytic, due to electrostatic
      repulsion of the cofactor, disruption of key hydrogen-bonding interactions, and
      obstruction of nucleophilic attack. On the other hand, the presence of a Mg2+ ion
      at another position in the active site, the Hoogsteen face of the putative base,
      was found to avoid these deleterious effects and to be potentially catalytically
      favorable owing to the stabilization of negative charge and pKa shifting of the
      guanine base.

PMID- 27677923
TI  - Epidemiology and treatment of relative anemia in children with sickle cell
      disease in sub-Saharan Africa.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common inherited
      hemoglobinopathy in the world, with the majority of cases in sub-Saharan Africa.
      Concomitant nutritional deficiencies, infections or exposure to environmental
      toxins exacerbate chronic anemia in children with SCD. The resulting relative
      anemia is associated with increased risk of strokes, poor cognitive function and
      impaired growth. It may also attenuate optimal response to hydroxyurea therapy,
      the only effective and practical treatment option for SCD in sub-Saharan Africa.
      This review will focus on the epidemiology, clinical sequelae, and treatment of
      relative anemia in children with SCD living in low and middle-income countries in
      sub-Saharan Africa. Areas covered: The causes and treatment of relative anemia in
      children with SCD in sub-Saharan Africa. The MEDLINE database was searched using
      medical subject headings (MeSH) and keywords for articles regarding relative
      anemia in children with SCD in sub-Saharan Africa. Expert commentary: Anemia due
      to nutritional deficiencies and infectious diseases such as helminthiasis and
      malaria are prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa. Their co-existence in children with
      SCD increases morbidity and mortality. Therefore, preventing, diagnosing and
      treating the underlying cause of this relative anemia will improve SCD-related
      outcomes in children in sub-Saharan Africa.

PMID- 27677921
TI  - Rhinovirus C is associated with wheezing and rhinovirus A is associated with
      pneumonia in hospitalized children in Morocco.
AB  - Human rhinovirus (RV) is commonly associated with severe acute lower respiratory
      infections (ALRI) in children. We aimed to describe the distribution of RV
      species and associations between RV species and clinical features in children
      hospitalized with clinically severe pneumonia (CSP) in Morocco. Nasopharyngeal
      aspirates (NPAs) were collected from 700 children, 2-59 months of age, admitted
      with CSP to the Hopital d'Enfants de Rabat in Morocco. At least one respiratory
      virus was identified in 92% of children, of which RV was the most common (53%).
      PCR assays, sequencing, and phylogenetic tree analyses were carried out on 183 RV
      positive NPAs to determine RV species and genotypes. Of 157 successfully
      genotyped NPAs, 60 (38.2%) were RV-A, 8 (5.1%) were RV-B, and 89 (56.7%) were RV
      C. Wheezing and cyanosis were more common in RV-C-positive than RV-A-positive
      children (80.9% vs. 56.7%; P = 0.001 for wheezing and 10.1% vs. 0%; P = 0.011 for
      cyanosis). Physician's discharge diagnosis of pneumonia was more frequent among
      RV-A-positive (40.0%) than RV-C-positive children (20.2%; P = 0.009). RV-A and RV
      C showed distinct seasonal patterns. Our findings suggest that RV-C is associated
      with wheezing illness while RV-A is associated with pneumonia. J. Med. Virol.
      89:582-588, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27677925
TI  - Ethical issues and best practice in clinically based genomic research: Exeter
      Stakeholders Meeting Report.
AB  - Current guidelines on consenting individuals to participate in genomic research
      are diverse. This creates problems for participants and also for researchers,
      particularly for clinicians who provide both clinical care and research to their
      patients. A group of 14 stakeholders met on 7 October 2015 in Exeter to discuss
      the ethical issues and the best practice arising in clinically based genomic
      research, with particular emphasis on the issue of returning results to study
      participants/patients in light of research findings affecting research and
      clinical practices. The group was deliberately multidisciplinary to ensure that a
      diversity of views was represented. This report outlines the main ethical issues,
      areas of best practice and principles underlying ethical clinically based genomic
      research discussed during the meeting. The main point emerging from the
      discussion is that ethical principles, rather than being formulaic, should guide
      researchers/clinicians to identify who the main stakeholders are to consult with
      for a specific project and to incorporate their voices/views strategically
      throughout the lifecycle of each project. We believe that the mix of principles
      and practical guidelines outlined in this report can contribute to current
      debates on how to conduct ethical clinically based genomic research.

PMID- 27677924
TI  - Selective activation of vascular Kv 7.4/Kv 7.5 K+ channels by fasudil contributes
      to its vasorelaxant effect.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Kv 7 (Kv 7.1-7.5) channels play an important role in the
      regulation of neuronal excitability and the cardiac action potential. Growing
      evidence suggests Kv 7.4/Kv 7.5 channels play a crucial role in regulating
      vascular smooth muscle contractility. Most of the reported Kv 7 openers have
      shown poor selectivity across these five subtypes. In this study, fasudil - a
      drug used for cerebral vasospasm - has been found to be a selective opener of Kv
      7.4/Kv 7.5 channels. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: A perforated whole-cell patch
      technique was used to record the currents and membrane potential. Homology
      modelling and a docking technique were used to investigate the interaction
      between fasudil and the Kv 7.4 channel. An isometric tension recording technique
      was used to assess the vascular tension. KEY RESULTS: Fasudil selectively and
      potently enhanced Kv 7.4 and Kv 7.4/Kv 7.5 currents expressed in HEK293 cells,
      and shifted the voltage-dependent activation curve in a more negative direction.
      Fasudil did not affect either Kv 7.2 and Kv 7.2/Kv 7.3 currents expressed in
      HEK293 cells, the native neuronal M-type K+ currents, or the resting membrane
      potential in small rat dorsal root ganglia neurons. The Val248 in S5 and Ile308
      in S6 segment of Kv 7.4 were critical for this activating effect of fasudil.
      Fasudil relaxed precontracted rat small arteries in a concentration-dependent
      fashion; this effect was antagonized by the Kv 7 channel blocker XE991.
      CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: These results suggest that fasudil is a selective
      Kv 7.4/Kv 7.5 channel opener and provide a new dimension for developing selective
      Kv 7 modulators and a new prospective for the use, action and mechanism of
      fasudil.

PMID- 27677926
TI  - Mnemonic anosognosia in Alzheimer's disease is caused by a failure to transfer
      online evaluations of performance: Evidence from memory training programs.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There is a debate about the ability of patients with Alzheimer's
      disease to build an up-to-date representation of their memory function, which has
      been termed mnemonic anosognosia. This form of anosognosia is typified by
      accurate online evaluations of performance, but dysfunctional or outmoded
      representations of function more generally. METHOD: We tested whether people with
      Alzheimer's disease could adapt or change their representations of memory
      performance across three different six-week memory training programs using global
      judgements of learning. RESULTS: We showed that whereas online assessments of
      performance were accurate, patients continued to make inaccurate overestimations
      of their memory performance. This was despite the fact that the magnitude of
      predictions shifted according to the memory training. That is, on some level
      patients showed an ability to change and retain a representation of performance
      over time, but it was a dysfunctional one. For the first time in the literature
      we were able to use an analysis using correlations to support this claim, based
      on a large heterogeneous sample of 51 patients with Alzheimer's disease.
      CONCLUSION: The results point not to a failure to retain online metamemory
      information, but rather that this information is never used or incorporated into
      longer term representations, supporting but refining the mnemonic anosognosia
      hypothesis.

PMID- 27677927
TI  - Standardizing Direct Observation for Assessing Compliance to a Daily
      Chlorhexidine Bathing Protocol Among Hospitalized Patients.

PMID- 27677928
TI  - Birthweight in pregnant women with protein S deficiency treated with low
      molecular-weight heparin: a retrospective cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) and
      intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) in pregnant women with protein S (PS)
      deficiency who received low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH). METHODS:
      Retrospective cohort study of pregnant women seen from January 2002 to December
      2011. The study cohort comprised a total of 328 patients with PS deficiency, who
      received prophylactic enoxaparin during pregnancy. The control cohort included 11
      884 pregnant women without significant past medical history. The risk of SGA and
      IUGR was calculated as odds ratio. Multivariate regression analysis over the
      entire reference population was performed determining the risk of both SGA and
      IUGR by adjusting for maternal age, first delivery, maternal underweight status,
      pre-eclampsia, other treated thrombophilias or history of recurrent abortion.
      RESULTS: The SGA rates in the PS deficiency and control cohorts were 10.7% and
      8.5%, respectively (p > 0.05). There was no increased risk of SGA (unadjusted OR
      = 1.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.9-1.83; adjusted OR = 1.35, 95% CI 0.91
      2.01). The IUGR rate was 2.7% in pregnant women with PS deficiency versus 4.1% in
      the control group (p > 0.05). Also, we did not find a significant risk of IUGR
      (OR = 0.66; 95% CI 0.34-1.28; adjusted OR = 0.843; 95% CI 0.42-1.70).
      CONCLUSIONS: In women with PS deficiency treated with LMWH, the risk of SGA and
      IUGR is similar to the one found in healthy pregnant women.

PMID- 27677929
TI  - Polyamines and transglutaminases: future perspectives.

PMID- 27677930
TI  - Intrinsic GTPase activity of a ribosomal maturation protein CgtA is associated
      with its inter-domain movement: insights from MD simulations and biochemical
      studies.
AB  - CgtA is an essential ribosome associated GTPase protein of bacteria. It has three
      domains, viz., Obg, GTPase, and C-terminal domain. It is a multifunctional
      protein and it is being considered as a potential drug target against bacterial
      infections. Despite the importance, CgtA's action mechanisms are not well known
      which warrants further study. Towards that goal, we are pursuing biochemical and
      computational studies in Vibrio cholerae CgtA (CgtAvc). Biochemically we found
      that a single amino acid substitution from Gly98 to Asp98 belonging to the Obg
      domain caused reduced GTPase activity of CgtAvc. The results from our comparative
      MD simulations studies revealed that in silico amino acid substitution for
      Gly98Asp influenced the inter-domain movement between Obg domain and GTPase
      domain. Moreover, we found significant alteration of intra-domain movements among
      the P-loop, G4 box, and G5 box of the GTPase domain, implying a potential cause
      for the reduced GTPase activity.

PMID- 27677931
TI  - How would I live with a disability? Expectations of bio-psychosocial consequences
      and assistive technology use.
AB  - PURPOSE: It is widely accepted that social dimensions are crucial when facing a
      disability. More specifically, a normative incentive to conceal one's disability,
      which can lead to abandonment of assistive technology devices (ATD), is often
      reported. This study seeks to examine this norm. METHOD: The expected
      consequences of having a disability were measured using a sample of 549 able
      bodied students from three groups. RESULTS: The results showed that the expected
      consequences of having a disability and therefore the descriptive norms
      associated with disability were less negative for the participants who were
      familiar with disability, but higher for sports students. Furthermore, the
      relation between objective and subjective consequences (having a disability and
      feeling disabled, respectively) and public and private use of ATD were modelled.
      The model shows that both higher objective and lower subjective consequences were
      linked to higher ATD use in public and, indirectly, in private. CONCLUSION: The
      present study contributes to the literature on the normative elements related to
      the use of ATD. Indeed, it shows that when a person makes his/her disability a
      part of him/herself, she/he is expected to hide it and therefore to avoid using
      ATD. However, this assessment proves to be context-dependent and calls for the
      implementation of handicap awareness programs. Implications for Rehabilitation If
      faced with a disability, expecting to feel disabled and expecting lower objective
      consequences are linked to lower ATD use. Expected ATD use in private seems to be
      related to ATD use in public but not to the expected consequences of the
      disability. Expectations and therefore social norms about having a disability are
      highly context-dependent which encourages the implementation of handicap
      awareness programs.

PMID- 27677932
TI  - Investigational alpha-synuclein aggregation inhibitors: hope for Parkinson's
      disease.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The therapeutic management of Parkinson's disease (PD) is
      challenging and has not been fully resolved. The main challenges include motor
      fluctuations and levodopa-induced dyskinesia. Moreover, no disease-modifying or
      neuroprotective therapy is currently available. Areas covered: This review
      focuses on alpha-synuclein aggregation inhibitors and their therapeutic role in
      PD, with special attention to heat shock proteins, immunotherapy (active and
      passive), the potential of targeting the Ser129 phosphorylation site, and the
      antibiotic possibilities. Expert opinion: The induction of chaperones may provide
      beneficial strategy to target synucleinopathies, but further investigations are
      needed to find the best options. The promising preclinical results with
      immunotherapy suggest that it may be a valuable disease-modifying therapy in PD
      in the future. Clinical trials are currently in the initial phases, and future
      studies need to confirm the beneficial therapeutic effect in humans and clarify
      open questions as regards the exact mode of action and potential safety concerns.
      In case of covalent modifications, phosphorylation of alpha-synuclein is of
      outstanding importance; however, conflicting results and open questions exist
      which necessitate clarification. In vitro results suggest that several
      antibiotics may also influence alpha-synuclein aggregation, but these results are
      to be confirmed in the future.

PMID- 27677933
TI  - Proteasome dynamics between proliferation and quiescence stages of Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae.
AB  - The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) plays a critical role in cellular protein
      homeostasis and is required for the turnover of short-lived and unwanted
      proteins, which are targeted by poly-ubiquitination for degradation. Proteasome
      is the key protease of UPS and consists of multiple subunits, which are organized
      into a catalytic core particle (CP) and a regulatory particle (RP). In
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae, proteasome holo-enzymes are engaged in degrading poly
      ubiquitinated substrates and are mostly localized in the nucleus during cell
      proliferation. While in quiescence, the RP and CP are sequestered into motile and
      reversible storage granules in the cytoplasm, called proteasome storage granules
      (PSGs). The reversible nature of PSGs allows the proteasomes to be transported
      back into the nucleus upon exit from quiescence. Nuclear import of RP and CP
      through nuclear pores occurs via the canonical pathway that includes the importin
      alphabeta heterodimer and takes advantage of the Ran-GTP gradient across the
      nuclear membrane. Dependent on the growth stage, either inactive precursor
      complexes or mature holo-enzymes are imported into the nucleus. The present
      review discusses the dynamics of proteasomes including their assembly, nucleo
      cytoplasmic transport during proliferation and the sequestration of proteasomes
      into PSGs during quiescence. [Formula: see text].

PMID- 27677934
TI  - Adolescent methylmercury exposure affects choice and delay discounting in mice.
AB  - The developing fetus is vulnerable to low-level exposure to methylmercury (MeHg),
      an environmental neurotoxicant, but the consequences of exposure during the
      adolescent period remain virtually unknown. The current experiments were designed
      to assess the effects of low-level MeHg exposure during adolescence on delay
      discounting, preference for small, immediate reinforcers over large, delayed
      ones, using a mouse model. Thirty-six male C57BL/6n mice were exposed to 0, 0.3,
      or 3.0ppm mercury (as MeHg) via drinking water from postnatal day 21 through 59,
      encompassing the murine adolescent period. As adults, mice lever pressed for a
      0.01-cc droplet of milk solution delivered immediately or four 0.01-cc droplets
      delivered after a delay. Delays ranged from 1.26 to 70.79s, and all were
      presented within a session. A model based on the Generalized Matching Law
      indicated that sensitivity to reinforcer magnitude was lower for MeHg-exposed
      mice relative to controls, indicating that responding in MeHg-exposed mice was
      relatively indifferent to the larger reinforcer. Sensitivity to reinforcer delay
      was reduced (delay discounting was decreased) in the 0.3-ppm group, but not in
      the 3.0-ppm group, compared to controls. Adolescence is a developmental period
      during which the brain and behavior may be vulnerable to MeHg exposure. As with
      gestational MeHg exposure, the effects are reflected in the impact of reinforcing
      stimuli.

PMID- 27677936
TI  - A method for whole protein isolation from human cranial bone.
AB  - The presence of the dense hydroxyapatite matrix within human bone limits the
      applicability of conventional protocols for protein extraction. This has hindered
      the complete and accurate characterization of the human bone proteome thus far,
      leaving many bone-related disorders poorly understood. We sought to refine an
      existing method of protein extraction from mouse bone to extract whole proteins
      of varying molecular weights from human cranial bone. Whole protein was extracted
      from human cranial suture by mechanically processing samples using a method that
      limits protein degradation by minimizing heat introduction to proteins. The
      presence of whole protein was confirmed by western blotting. Mass spectrometry
      was used to sequence peptides and identify isolated proteins. The data have been
      deposited to the ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD003215. Extracted proteins
      were characterized as both intra- and extracellular and had molecular weights
      ranging from 9.4 to 629 kDa. High correlation scores among suture protein
      spectral counts support the reproducibility of the method. Ontology analytics
      revealed proteins of myriad functions including mediators of metabolic processes
      and cell organelles. These results demonstrate a reproducible method for
      isolation of whole protein from human cranial bone, representing a large range of
      molecular weights, origins and functions.

PMID- 27677937
TI  - Novel treatment options for Bouveret's syndrome: a comprehensive review of 61
      cases of successful endoscopic treatment.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In Bouveret's syndrome, a biliary stone obstructs the duodenum.
      Surgical treatment is plagued by high morbidity and mortality. Therefore,
      endoscopic treatment has become a first-line approach. Areas covered: A
      literature search of Medline and Google Scholar databases was performed using the
      terms endoscopic treatment, non-operative treatment, Bouveret's syndrome, and
      gallstone ileus. Sixty-one cases of successful endoscopic treatment were found
      over the period 1978-2016 and are summarized herein. Therapeutic modalities used
      in 52 patients with complete success included mechanical lithotripsy (40% of
      cases), electrohydraulic lithotripsy (21% of cases), extraction of the intact
      stone and laser lithotripsy (15% of cases each), extracorporeal shockwave
      lithotripsy and duodenal stenting (4% of cases each). In the remaining 9
      patients, stone fragments migrated distally and required surgical removal.
      Cholecystectomy was performed in five (8.2%) of 61 patients and gallbladder
      cancer was detected in three (4.9%) patients. Expert commentary: Meticulous
      preparation, including that of instruments, personnel, patient anesthesia, and X
      ray availability, is key to success in this unusual situation. Partial success
      (stone fragmentation and mobilization to another location) may render surgery
      easier as these patients present with dense adherences in the right upper
      quadrant. Cholecystectomy is reserved for highly selected patients (e.g.
      relapsing ileus, gallbladder cancer).

PMID- 27677938
TI  - Initiating and imaging the coherent surface dynamics of charge carriers in real
      space.
AB  - The tip of a scanning tunnelling microscope is an atomic-scale source of
      electrons and holes. As the injected charge spreads out, it can induce adsorbed
      molecules to react. By comparing large-scale 'before' and 'after' images of an
      adsorbate covered surface, the spatial extent of the nonlocal manipulation is
      revealed. Here, we measure the nonlocal manipulation of toluene molecules on the
      Si(111)-7 * 7 surface at room temperature. Both the range and probability of
      nonlocal manipulation have a voltage dependence. A region within 5-15 nm of the
      injection site shows a marked reduction in manipulation. We propose that this
      region marks the extent of the initial coherent (that is, ballistic) time
      dependent evolution of the injected charge carrier. Using scanning tunnelling
      spectroscopy, we develop a model of this time-dependent expansion of the
      initially localized hole wavepacket within a particular surface state and deduce
      a quantum coherence (ballistic) lifetime of ~10 fs.

PMID- 27677939
TI  - The novel heart-specific RING finger protein 207 is involved in energy metabolism
      in cardiomyocytes.
AB  - A failing heart shows severe energy insufficiency, and it is presumed that this
      energy shortage plays a critical role in the development of cardiac dysfunction.
      However, little is known about the mechanisms that cause energy metabolic
      alterations in the failing heart. Here, we show that the novel RING-finger
      protein 207 (RNF207), which is specifically expressed in the heart, plays a role
      in cardiac energy metabolism. Depletion of RNF207 in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes
      (NRCs) leads to a reduced cellular concentration of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
      and mitochondrial dysfunction. Consistent with this result, we observed here that
      the expression of RNF207 was significantly reduced in mice with common cardiac
      diseases including heart failure. Intriguingly, proteomic approaches revealed
      that RNF207 interacts with the voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC), which is
      considered to be a key regulator of mitochondria function, as an RNF207
      interacting protein. Our findings indicate that RNF207 is involved in ATP
      production by cardiomyocytes, suggesting that RNF207 plays an important role in
      the development of heart failure.

PMID- 27677935
TI  - Potential roles of cholinergic modulation in the neural coding of location and
      movement speed.
AB  - Behavioral data suggest that cholinergic modulation may play a role in certain
      aspects of spatial memory, and neurophysiological data demonstrate neurons that
      fire in response to spatial dimensions, including grid cells and place cells that
      respond on the basis of location and running speed. These neurons show firing
      responses that depend upon the visual configuration of the environment, due to
      coding in visually-responsive regions of the neocortex. This review focuses on
      the physiological effects of acetylcholine that may influence the sensory coding
      of spatial dimensions relevant to behavior. In particular, the local circuit
      effects of acetylcholine within the cortex regulate the influence of sensory
      input relative to internal memory representations via presynaptic inhibition of
      excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission, and the modulation of intrinsic
      currents in cortical excitatory and inhibitory neurons. In addition, circuit
      effects of acetylcholine regulate the dynamics of cortical circuits including
      oscillations at theta and gamma frequencies. These effects of acetylcholine on
      local circuits and network dynamics could underlie the role of acetylcholine in
      coding of spatial information for the performance of spatial memory tasks.

PMID- 27677942
TI  - Morphological variability, ultrastructure and molecular characterisation of
      Hysterothylacium reliquens (Norris & Overstreet, 1975) (Nematoda:
      Raphidascarididae) from the oriental sole Brachirus orientalis (Bloch &
      Schneider) (Pleuronectiformes: Soleidae).
AB  - Hysterothylacium reliquens (Norris & Overstreet, 1975), a common ascaridoid
      nematode parasitic in the marine fishes in the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, has
      been reported to exhibit remarkable morphological variability in the lengths of
      body, oesophagus and spicules, and the number and arrangement of postcloacal
      papillae. In order to determine whether H. reliquens with a broad range of
      morphological variability in the above-mentioned respects, represents a complex
      of sibling species or a single species, and to evaluate if the specimens of H.
      reliquens collected from the Indian and Atlantic Oceans are the same species,
      numbers of H. reliquens collected from the oriental sole Brachirus orientalis
      (Bloch & Schneider) (Pleuronectiformes: Soleidae) in the Arabian Gulf (off Iraq)
      were characterised using molecular approaches by sequencing and analysing the
      ribosomal [large ribosomal DNA (28S) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS)] and
      mitochondrial [cytochrome c oxidase subunit 2 (cox2)] target regions,
      respectively. The results of molecular analysis strongly supported that: (i) the
      broad ranges of morphological variability in the above-mentioned respects in the
      newly collected specimens of H. reliquens, should be considered as intraspecific
      variation and the nematode material collected from B. orientalis in the Arabian
      Gulf represented a single species; (ii) the specimens of H. reliquens collected
      from the Indian and Atlantic Oceans belong to the same species, but they possibly
      represent different geographical populations. Moreover, the detailed morphology
      of the labial papillae, lateral alae, excretory pore, distal end of spicules,
      midventral precloacal papilla, phasmids and caudal papillae was revealed by SEM
      for the first time. The molecular and morphological data of H. reliquens obtained
      herein contribute to a more accurate diagnosis of this little known ascaridoid
      nematode.

PMID- 27677940
TI  - Poverty, partner discord, and divergent accounts; a mixed methods account of
      births before arrival to health facilities in Morogoro Region, Tanzania.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Births before arrival (BBA) to health care facilities are associated
      with higher rates of perinatal morbidity and mortality compared to facility
      deliveries or planned home births. Research on such births has been conducted in
      several high-income countries, but there are almost no studies from low-income
      settings where a majority of maternal and newborn deaths occur. METHODS: Drawing
      on a household survey of women and in-depth interviews with women and their
      partners, we examined the experience of BBA in rural districts of Morogoro
      Region, Tanzania. RESULTS: Among survey respondents, 59 births (4 %) were
      classified as BBAs. Most of these births occurred in the presence of a family
      member (47 %) or traditional birth attendant (24 %). Low socioeconomic status was
      the strongest predictor of BBA. After controlling for wealth via matching, high
      parity and a low number of antenatal care (ANC) visits retained statistical
      significance. While these variables are useful indicators of which women are at
      greater risk of BBA, their predictive power is limited in a context where many
      women are poor, multiparous, and make multiple ANC visits. In qualitative
      interviews, stories of BBAs included themes of partner disagreement regarding
      when to depart for facilities and financial or logistical constraints that
      underpinned departure delays. Women described wanting to depart earlier to
      facilities than partners. CONCLUSION: As efforts continue to promote facility
      birth, we highlight the financial demands associated with facility delivery and
      the potential for these demands to place women at a heightened risk for BBAs.

PMID- 27677943
TI  - High reward expectancy during methylphenidate depresses the dopaminergic response
      to gain and loss.
AB  - Dopamine plays an important role in goal-directed behavior, through its
      modulatory influence on striatal neurons. It is unclear whether tonic dopamine
      levels, which regulate the vigor of acting, interact with the phasic dopamine
      response to reward that drives instrumental behavior. In a randomized placebo
      controlled study in healthy volunteers, we show that methylphenidate, a drug that
      increases tonic dopamine levels, systematically reduced striatal phasic BOLD
      responses to gain and loss in a gambling task as measured with fMRI. It also
      increased response vigor and reward expectancy-related BOLD signals in the
      ventral striatum. These findings suggest that striatal tonic dopamine levels
      constitute an average reward expectation signal that modulates the phasic
      dopaminergic response to reward. This offers opportunities for treatment of
      behavioral disorders associated with abnormal reward sensitivity.

PMID- 27677944
TI  - Reward processing in the value-driven attention network: reward signals tracking
      cue identity and location.
AB  - Through associative reward learning, arbitrary cues acquire the ability to
      automatically capture visual attention. Previous studies have examined the neural
      correlates of value-driven attentional orienting, revealing elevated activity
      within a network of brain regions encompassing the visual corticostriatal loop
      [caudate tail, lateral occipital complex (LOC) and early visual cortex] and
      intraparietal sulcus (IPS). Such attentional priority signals raise a broader
      question concerning how visual signals are combined with reward signals during
      learning to create a representation that is sensitive to the confluence of the
      two. This study examines reward signals during the cued reward training phase
      commonly used to generate value-driven attentional biases. High, compared with
      low, reward feedback preferentially activated the value-driven attention network,
      in addition to regions typically implicated in reward processing. Further
      examination of these reward signals within the visual system revealed information
      about the identity of the preceding cue in the caudate tail and LOC, and
      information about the location of the preceding cue in IPS, while early visual
      cortex represented both location and identity. The results reveal teaching
      signals within the value-driven attention network during associative reward
      learning, and further suggest functional specialization within different regions
      of this network during the acquisition of an integrated representation of
      stimulus value.

PMID- 27677945
TI  - RNA-seq analysis of the hypothalamic transcriptome reveals the networks
      regulating physiopathological progress in the diabetic GK rat.
AB  - The Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rat is an animal model of non-obese type 2 diabetes (T2D).
      The GK rat was generated through the introduction of various genetic mutations
      from continuous inbreeding; these rats develop diabetes spontaneously. The
      mutated genes in GK rats may play key roles in the regulation of diabetes. The
      hypothalamus plays a central role in systematic energy homeostasis. Here, the
      hypothalamic transcriptomes in GK and Wistar rats at 4, 8 and 12 weeks were
      investigated by RNA-seq, and multiple variants and gene expression profiles were
      obtained. The number of variants identified from GK rats was significantly
      greater than that of Wistar rats, indicating that many variants were fixed and
      heritable in GK rats after selective inbreeding. The differential gene expression
      analysis indicated that GK rats had a dysfunctional hypothalamic melanocortin
      system and attenuation of the hypothalamic glucose-sensing pathway. In addition,
      we generated integrated gene network modules by combining the protein-protein
      interaction (PPI) network, co-expression network and mutations in GK and Wistar
      rats. In the modules, GK-specific genes, such as Bad, Map2k2, Adcy3, Adcy2 and
      Gstm6, may play key roles in hypothalamic regulation in GK rats. Our research
      provides a comprehensive map of the abnormalities in the GK rat hypothalamus,
      which reveals the new mechanisms of pathogenesis of T2D.

PMID- 27677947
TI  - The effect of rod orientation on electrical anisotropy in silver nanowire
      networks for ultra-transparent electrodes.
AB  - Two-dimensional networks made of metal nanowires are excellent paradigms for the
      experimental observation of electrical percolation caused by continuous jackstraw
      like physical pathways. Such systems became very interesting as alternative
      material in transparent electrodes, which are fundamental components in display
      devices. This work presents the experimental characterization of low-haze and
      ultra-transparent electrodes based on silver nanowires. The films are created by
      dip-coating, a feasible and scalable liquid film coating technique. We have found
      dominant alignment of the silver nanowires in withdrawal direction. The impact of
      this structural anisotropy on electrical anisotropy becomes more pronounced for
      low area coverage. The rod alignment does not influence the technical usability
      of the films as significant electrical anisotropy occurs only at optical
      transmission higher than 99 %. For films with lower transmission, electrical
      anisotropy becomes negligible. In addition to the experimental work, we have
      carried out computational studies in order to explain our findings further and
      compare them to our experiments and previous literature. This paper presents the
      first experimental observation of electrical anisotropy in two-dimensional silver
      nanowire networks close at the percolation threshold.

PMID- 27677948
TI  - Demographic and reproductive plasticity across the depth distribution of a coral
      reef fish.
AB  - As humans expand into natural environments, populations of wild organisms may
      become relegated to marginal habitats at the boundaries of their distributions.
      In the ocean, mesophotic coral ecosystems (30-150 m) at the depth limit of
      photosynthetic reefs are hypothesized to act as refuges that are buffered from
      anthropogenic and natural disturbances, yet the viability and persistence of
      subpopulations in these peripheral habitats remains poorly understood. To assess
      the potential for mesophotic reefs to support robust coral reef fish populations,
      we compared population density and structure, growth, size, and reproductive
      output of the bicolor damselfish (Stegastes partitus) from shallow (<10 m), deep
      shelf (20-30 m), and mesophotic reefs (60-70 m) across the Florida Platform.
      Population densities decreased and size and age distributions shifted toward
      older and larger individuals in deeper habitats. Otolith-derived ages indicated
      that S. partitus found on mesophotic reefs reach larger asymptotic sizes and have
      longer lifespans than fish in shallower habitats. Based on measurements of oocyte
      area and batch fecundity, mesophotic fish also have higher reproductive
      investment. These demographic patterns indicate that mesophotic fish populations
      composed of large, fecund individuals produce high condition larvae and rely on
      longevity of individuals for population persistence and viability.

PMID- 27677950
TI  - Resource Loss Moderates the Association Between Child Abuse and Current PTSD
      Symptoms Among Women in Primary-Care Settings.
AB  - This study examined if abuse during childhood, rape in adulthood, and loss of
      resources predict a woman's probability of reporting symptoms of posttraumatic
      stress disorder (PTSD), and whether resource loss moderates the association
      between reporting childhood abuse and PTSD symptoms. The sample included 767
      women and was collected in publicly funded primary-care settings. Women who
      reported having been abused during childhood also reported more resource loss,
      more acute PTSD symptoms, and having suffered more adult rape than those who
      reported no childhood abuse. Hierarchical logistic regression yielded a two
      variable additive model in which child abuse and adult rape predict the
      probability of reporting or not any PTSD symptoms, explaining 59.7% of the
      variance. Women abused as children were 1 to 2 times more likely to report PTSD
      symptoms, with sexual abuse during childhood contributing most strongly to this
      result. Similarly, women reporting adult rape were almost twice as likely to
      report symptoms of PTSD as those not reporting it. Resource loss was unexpectedly
      not among the predictors but a moderation analysis showed that such loss
      moderated the association between child abuse and current PTSD symptoms, with
      resource loss increasing the number and severity of PTSD symptoms in women who
      also reported childhood abuse. The findings highlight the importance of early
      assessment and intervention in providing mental health care to abused, neglected,
      and impoverished women to help them prevent and reverse resource loss and
      revictimization.

PMID- 27677949
TI  - Structural determinants for NF-Y/DNA interaction at the CCAAT box.
AB  - The recently determined crystal structures of the sequence-specific transcription
      factor NF-Y have illuminated the structural mechanism underlying transcription at
      the CCAAT box. NF-Y is a trimeric protein complex composed by the NF-YA, NF-YB,
      and NF-YC subunits. NF-YB and NF-YC contain a histone-like domain and assemble on
      a head-to-tail fashion to form a dimer, which provides the structural scaffold
      for the DNA sugar-phosphate backbone binding (mimicking the nucleosome H2A/H2B
      DNA assembly) and for the interaction with NF-YA. The NF-YA subunit hosts two
      structurally extended alpha-helices; one is involved in NF-YB/NF-YC binding and
      the other inserts deeply into the DNA minor groove, providing exquisite sequence
      specificity for recognition and binding of the CCAAT box. The analysis of these
      structural data is expected to serve as a powerful guide for future experiments
      aimed at understanding the role of post-translational modification at NF-Y
      regulation sites and to unravel the three-dimensional architecture of higher
      order complexes formed between NF-Y and other transcription factors that act
      synergistically for transcription activation. Moreover, these structures
      represent an excellent starting point to challenge the formation of a stable
      hybrid nucleosome between NF-Y and core histone proteins, and to rationalize the
      fine molecular details associated with the wide combinatorial association of
      plant NF-Y subunits. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Nuclear
      Factor Y in Development and Disease, edited by Prof. Roberto Mantovani.

PMID- 27677951
TI  - A Global Exploratory Analysis of Men Participating in Gender-Based Violence
      Prevention.
AB  - Organizations addressing gender-based violence (GBV) increasingly include men as
      partners in prevention efforts. However, little is known about men who get
      involved in those efforts and what specific actions they take. We present
      analyses of data from an international sample of men involved in gender-based
      prevention work that aimed to describe (a) the nature of participants'
      involvement in prevention efforts, in both formal programming and in their daily
      lives; (b) characteristics of engaged men, including gender and bystander-related
      attitudes and beliefs, and social networks; and (c) factors that sustain men's
      involvement in GBV movements over time. Comparisons across global regions for
      these variables were also conducted. A total of 379 male-identified participants
      above 18 who had attended a GBV event in the past year completed an online survey
      (available in English, French, and Spanish). Respondents represented all
      continents except Antarctica, although North America was over-represented in the
      sample. Overall, respondents scored well above North American norms for men on
      support for gender equality and recognition of male privilege, and this was true
      across all geographic regions. Men in all regions reported moderate support from
      friends and somewhat less support from male relatives for their involvement in
      GBV prevention. Respondents in all regions reported high levels of active
      bystander and violence-preventive behavior. The most commonly reported
      motivations for involvement in GBV prevention included concern for related social
      justice issues, exposure to the issue of violence through work, hearing a moving
      story, or disclosures about domestic or sexual violence. Results were mainly
      similar across regions, but when regional differences emerge, they tended to be
      contrasts between the global north and global south, highlighting the importance
      of cross-fertilization across regions and a willingness to adapt critical
      learnings in new geographic settings.

PMID- 27677952
TI  - A new design for a green calcium indicator with a smaller size and a reduced
      number of calcium-binding sites.
AB  - Genetically encoded calcium indicators (GECIs) are mainly represented by two- or
      one-fluorophore-based sensors. One type of two-fluorophore-based sensor, carrying
      Opsanus troponin C (TnC) as the Ca2+-binding moiety, has two binding sites for
      calcium ions, providing a linear response to calcium ions. One-fluorophore-based
      sensors have four Ca2+-binding sites but are better suited for in vivo
      experiments. Herein, we describe a novel design for a one-fluorophore-based GECI
      with two Ca2+-binding sites. The engineered sensor, called NTnC, uses TnC as the
      Ca2+-binding moiety, inserted in the mNeonGreen fluorescent protein. Monomeric
      NTnC has higher brightness and pH-stability in vitro compared with the standard
      GECI GCaMP6s. In addition, NTnC shows an inverted fluorescence response to Ca2+.
      Using NTnC, we have visualized Ca2+ dynamics during spontaneous activity of
      neuronal cultures as confirmed by control NTnC and its mutant, in which the
      affinity to Ca2+ is eliminated. Using whole-cell patch clamp, we have
      demonstrated that NTnC dynamics in neurons are similar to those of GCaMP6s and
      allow robust detection of single action potentials. Finally, we have used NTnC to
      visualize Ca2+ neuronal activity in vivo in the V1 cortical area in awake and
      freely moving mice using two-photon microscopy or an nVista miniaturized
      microscope.

PMID- 27677953
TI  - Epstein-Barr Virus-associated Gastric Cancer and Potential Mechanisms of
      Oncogenesis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: EBV-associated Gastric Cancer (EBVaGC) comprises about 9% of all
      cases of GC and constitutes a distinct clinicopathological and molecular entity.
      The pattern of viral expression in EBVaGC cannot be set to any of the previously
      EBV-associated malignancies. Several lines of evidence support that viral
      expression in EBVaGC is characterized by high transcription of the BamH1- A
      rightward transcript (BART), low-levels of EBNA-1 and lack of LMP1. The high
      transcription activity of the BamH1-A region is importantly directed to express
      BART miRNAs, supporting a critical role for these miRNAs during epithelial cell
      infection and carcinogenesis. Several studies have shown that promoter
      hypermethylation is also a prominent feature of EBVaGC. Based on the recent TCGA
      report, the specific fingerprint of genomic alterations in EBVaGC is marked by
      mutations in PIK3CA, ARID1A and BCOR genes, and amplification of 9p24.1 that
      harbors the genes for the JAK2, PD-L1 and PD-L2 proteins. The specific programs
      of viral gene expression, promoter methylation and genomic mutations found in
      EBVaGC target cell signaling pathways leading to increased proliferation,
      increased cell survival, immune evasion, augmented EMT and acquisition of
      stemness features. Less understood is the participation of EBV in chronic gastric
      inflammation, but some studies argue that EBV, similar to and together with
      Helicobacter pylori, is an early participant in the GC oncogenic process through
      promoting chronic inflammation and increased tissue damage. CONCLUSION: Here, we
      discuss the principal and distinctive carcinogenic routes promoted by EBV in the
      gastric epithelium.

PMID- 27677954
TI  - Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Infection and Hepatocellular Carcinoma- New Insights for
      an Old Topic.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most deadly form of liver
      cancer. Chronic hepatitis and subsequent liver fibrosis and cirrhosis are the
      major causes of HCC. HBV infection results not only in HCC but also extra-hepatic
      cancers. However, the importance and approaches for HCC screening in HBV infected
      individuals, the risk factors of HCC, the possible mechanisms leading to HCC and
      the potential therapeutic approaches of HBV-related HCC have less been systematic
      reviewed. METHODS: In this study, we reviewed the screening, risk, new biomarker,
      mechanism and therapeutic of HBV-related HCC. RESULTS: Serum AFP should be used
      for the HCC screening in CHB patients. Higher HBV viral load is associated with
      increased risk of HCC. HBV genotype and genetic polymorphism contribute to the
      risk of HCC.Ku86, Ku86 antibody, miR-18a, miR-122 and miR-150 may be reliable
      markers of HBVrelated HCC. MicroRNAs and HBx play a key role in HBV-related HCC.
      Two types of drugs, conventional interferon (IFN), and nucleoside analogs (NAs),
      have recently become available for the treatment of CHB infection. However,
      treatment guidelines for these patients have not yet established. CONCLUSION: A
      comprehensive understanding of how HBV infection causes HCC is of great
      importance in developing more effective antiviral therapy and prevention of late
      stage consequences such as cirrhosis and HCC. Regular screening in HBV infected
      individuals is a practically useful approach in reducing the HCC incidence in
      these patients. More reliable markers for HCC early detection should be explored.
      Combining IFNs and NAs with other curative approaches have superior benefits in
      preventing HCC recurrence.

PMID- 27677946
TI  - Lipoprotein (a) as a cause of cardiovascular disease: insights from epidemiology,
      genetics, and biology.
AB  - Human epidemiologic and genetic evidence using the Mendelian randomization
      approach in large-scale studies now strongly supports that elevated lipoprotein
      (a) [Lp(a)] is a causal risk factor for cardiovascular disease, that is, for
      myocardial infarction, atherosclerotic stenosis, and aortic valve stenosis. The
      Mendelian randomization approach used to infer causality is generally not
      affected by confounding and reverse causation, the major problems of
      observational epidemiology. This approach is particularly valuable to study
      causality of Lp(a), as single genetic variants exist that explain 27-28% of all
      variation in plasma Lp(a). The most important genetic variant likely is the
      kringle IV type 2 (KIV-2) copy number variant, as the apo(a) product of this
      variant influences fibrinolysis and thereby thrombosis, as opposed to the Lp(a)
      particle per se. We speculate that the physiological role of KIV-2 in Lp(a) could
      be through wound healing during childbirth, infections, and injury, a role that,
      in addition, could lead to more blood clots promoting stenosis of arteries and
      the aortic valve, and myocardial infarction. Randomized placebo-controlled trials
      of Lp(a) reduction in individuals with very high concentrations to reduce
      cardiovascular disease are awaited. Recent genetic evidence documents elevated
      Lp(a) as a cause of myocardial infarction, atherosclerotic stenosis, and aortic
      valve stenosis.

PMID- 27677955
TI  - Role of Oxidative Stress in Hepatitis C Virus Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death
      worldwide. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the predominant cause of chronic
      liver diseases and HCC, particularly in Western countries. Multiple molecular
      mechanisms are involved in the development and progression of HCV-related HCC, of
      which oxidative stress plays a pivotal role. HCV infection induces overproduction
      of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and impairs the function of endogenous
      antioxidants. Excessive amount of ROS directly damages DNA, lipids and proteins.
      Meanwhile, ROS indirectly activates a series of signaling cascades, and modulates
      the activity of many transcription factors, resulting in altered expression of
      genes that control cell survival, proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion and
      metastasis. In this review, we aim to summarize the possible molecular mechanisms
      underlying the link between the oxidative stress and hepatocarcinogenesis in HCV
      infected individuals, in order to facilitate discovery of possible approaches or
      interventional targets for HCV-related HCC.

PMID- 27677956
TI  - Temporal patterns in the soundscape of the shallow waters of a Mediterranean
      marine protected area.
AB  - The study of marine soundscapes is an emerging field of research that contributes
      important information about biological compositions and environmental conditions.
      The seasonal and circadian soundscape trends of a marine protected area (MPA) in
      the Mediterranean Sea have been studied for one year using an autonomous acoustic
      recorder. Frequencies less than 1 kHz are dominated by noise generated by waves
      and are louder during the winter; conversely, higher frequencies (4-96 kHz) are
      dominated by snapping shrimp, which increase their acoustic activity at night
      during the summer. Fish choruses, below 2 kHz, characterize the soundscape at
      sunset during the summer. Because there are 13 vessel passages per hour on
      average, causing acoustic interference with fish choruses 46% of the time, this
      MPA cannot be considered to be protected from noise. On the basis of the high
      seasonal variability of the soundscape components, this study proposes a one-year
      acoustic monitoring protocol using the soundscape methodology approach and
      discusses the concept of MPA size.

PMID- 27677957
TI  - A lost tribe in the city: health status and needs of African asylum seekers and
      refugees in Hong Kong.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hong Kong's resistance to be a signatory of the 1951 Geneva
      Convention and lack of domestic policies in this area has resulted in
      restrictions on access to healthcare amongst asylum seekers and refugees (ASRs).
      Using social determinants of health framework this study sought to identify
      health practices, problems and needs of African ASRs in Hong Kong. METHODS: A
      cross-sectional survey comprising of six domains including health status, health
      seeking behaviour and social experience targeted at adult African ASRs in Hong
      Kong was conducted through three local non-governmental organisations between
      February and April 2013. Outpatient care and inpatient care in the past 12 months
      were used as proxy measures of general and severe ill health respectively.
      Associations between the determinants of health factors with general or severe
      health was explored through logistic regressions. RESULTS: Majority of 374
      participants were young, single, educated males having been in Hong Kong for over
      5 years. A third of ARS (36.1 %) screened positive for depression. Most reported
      problems related to basic necessities (64.7-78.6 %) and access to health services
      (72.2 %). ASRs with relatively less education, health awareness or higher risk
      behaviours were less likely to have obtained outpatient or inpatient services.
      African ASRs reporting problems with case officers (aOR = 2.80; 95 % CI = 1.35
      5.79) or illness in the past 30 days (aOR = 6.00; 95 % CI = 2.94-12.25) were more
      likely to report general ill health. Similarly, problems with the case officers
      (aOR = 3.76; 95 % CI = 1.97-7.18) and self-reported illness in the past 30 days
      (aOR = 3.32; 95 % CI= 1.68-6.57) were also significantly associated with severe
      ill health. At the health system level, those who reported experiencing
      difficulties accessing the medical services in Hong Kong are 3.29 (95 % CI = 1.48
      7.31) and 4.12 (95 % CI = 1.73-9.79) times as likely to report general and severe
      ill health respectively. CONCLUSION: The host government should have moral and
      ethical obligations to attend to the health needs of ASRs. Evidently a number of
      structural and health system factors have significantly impacted the health of
      African ASRs in Hong Kong. Changes to current policies regarding how African ASRs
      are handled whilst in Hong Kong but, more immediately, improvements in healthcare
      access are needed.

PMID- 27677958
TI  - Rare variant association test in family-based sequencing studies.
AB  - The objective of this article is to introduce valid and robust methods for the
      analysis of rare variants for family-based exome chips, whole-exome sequencing or
      whole-genome sequencing data. Family-based designs provide unique opportunities
      to detect genetic variants that complement studies of unrelated individuals.
      Currently, limited methods and software tools have been developed to assist
      family-based association studies with rare variants, especially for analyzing
      binary traits. In this article, we address this gap by extending existing burden
      and kernel-based gene set association tests for population data to related
      samples, with a particular emphasis on binary phenotypes. The proposed approach
      blends the strengths of kernel machine methods and generalized estimating
      equations. Importantly, the efficient generalized kernel score test can be
      applied as a mega-analysis framework to combine studies with different designs.
      We illustrate the application of the proposed method using data from an exome
      sequencing study of autism. Methods discussed in this article are implemented in
      an R package 'gskat', which is available on CRAN and GitHub.

PMID- 27677959
TI  - A novel computational method for inferring competing endogenous interactions.
AB  - Posttranscriptional cross talk and communication between genes mediated by
      microRNA response element (MREs) yield large regulatory competing endogenous RNA
      (ceRNA) networks. Their inference may improve the understanding of pathologies
      and shed new light on biological mechanisms. A variety of RNA: messenger RNA,
      transcribed pseudogenes, noncoding RNA, circular RNA and proteins related to RNA
      induced silencing complex complex interacting with RNA transfer and ribosomal RNA
      have been experimentally proved to be ceRNAs. We retrace the ceRNA hypothesis of
      posttranscriptional regulation from its original formulation [Salmena L, Poliseno
      L, Tay Y, et al. Cell 2011;146:353-8] to the most recent experimental and
      computational validations. We experimentally analyze the methods in literature
      [Li J-H, Liu S, Zhou H, et al. Nucleic Acids Res 2013;42:D92-7; Sumazin P, Yang
      X, Chiu H-S, et al. Cell 2011;147:370-81; Sarver AL, Subramanian S.
      Bioinformation 2012;8:731-3] comparing them with a general machine learning
      approach, called ceRNA predIction Algorithm, evaluating the performance in
      predicting novel MRE-based ceRNAs.

PMID- 27677961
TI  - Corrigendum: Terahertz radiation driven by two-color laser pulses at near
      relativistic intensities: Competition between photoionization and wakefield
      effects.

PMID- 27677960
TI  - Unraveling chloroplast transcriptomes with ChloroSeq, an organelle RNA-Seq
      bioinformatics pipeline.
AB  - Online sequence repositories are teeming with RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) data from
      a wide range of eukaryotes. Although most of these data sets contain large
      numbers of organelle-derived reads, researchers tend to ignore these data,
      focusing instead on the nuclear-derived transcripts. Consequently, GenBank
      contains massive amounts of organelle RNA-Seq data that are just waiting to be
      downloaded and analyzed. Recently, a team of scientists designed an open-source
      bioinformatics program called ChloroSeq, which systemically analyzes an organelle
      transcriptome using RNA-Seq. The ChloroSeq pipeline uses RNA-Seq alignment data
      to deliver detailed analyses of organelle transcriptomes, which can be fed into
      statistical software for further analysis and for generating graphical
      representations of the data. In addition to providing data on expression levels
      via coverage statistics, ChloroSeq can examine splicing efficiency and RNA
      editing profiles. Ultimately, ChloroSeq provides a well-needed avenue for
      researchers of all stripes to start exploring organelle transcription and could
      be a key step toward a more thorough understanding of organelle gene expression.

PMID- 27677962
TI  - Loss of second and sixth conserved cysteine residues from trypsin inhibitor-like
      cysteine-rich domain-type protease inhibitors in Bombyx mori may induce activity
      against microbial proteases.
AB  - Previous studies have indicated that most trypsin inhibitor-like cysteine-rich
      domain (TIL)-type protease inhibitors, which contain a single TIL domain with ten
      conserved cysteines, inhibit cathepsin, trypsin, chymotrypsin, or elastase. Our
      recent findings suggest that Cys2nd and Cys6th were lost from the TIL domain of
      the fungal-resistance factors in Bombyx mori, BmSPI38 and BmSPI39, which inhibit
      microbial proteases and the germination of Beauveria bassiana conidia. To reveal
      the significance of these two missing cysteines in relation to the structure and
      function of TIL-type protease inhibitors in B. mori, cysteines were introduced at
      these two positions (D36 and L56 in BmSPI38, D38 and L58 in BmSPI39) by site
      directed mutagenesis. The homology structure model of TIL domain of the wild-type
      and mutated form of BmSPI39 showed that two cysteine mutations may cause
      incorrect disulfide bond formation of B. mori TIL-type protease inhibitors. The
      results of Far-UV circular dichroism (CD) spectra indicated that both the wild
      type and mutated form of BmSPI39 harbored predominantly random coil structures,
      and had slightly different secondary structure compositions. SDS-PAGE and Western
      blotting analysis showed that cysteine mutations affected the multimerization
      states and electrophoretic mobility of BmSPI38 and BmSPI39. Activity staining and
      protease inhibition assays showed that the introduction of cysteine mutations
      dramaticly reduced the activity of inhibitors against microbial proteases, such
      as subtilisin A from Bacillus licheniformis, protease K from Engyodontium album,
      protease from Aspergillus melleus. We also systematically analyzed the key
      residue sites, which may greatly influence the specificity and potency of TIL
      type protease inhibitors. We found that the two missing cysteines in B. mori TIL
      type protease inhibitors might be crucial for their inhibitory activities against
      microbial proteases. The genetic engineering of TIL-type protease inhibitors may
      be applied in both health care and agricultural industries, and could lead to new
      methods for breeding fungus-resistant transgenic crops and antifungal transgenic
      silkworm strains.

PMID- 27677963
TI  - The effect of mesenchymal stromal cell sheets on the inflammatory stage of flexor
      tendon healing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The clinical outcomes following intrasynovial flexor tendon repair
      are highly variable. Excessive inflammation is a principal factor underlying the
      formation of adhesions at the repair surface and affecting matrix regeneration at
      the repair center that limit tendon excursion and impair tendon healing. A
      previous in-vitro study revealed that adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells
      (ASCs) modulate tendon fibroblast response to macrophage-induced inflammation.
      The goal of the current study was therefore to explore the effectiveness of
      autologous ASCs on the inflammatory stage of intrasynovial tendon healing in vivo
      using a clinically relevant animal model. METHODS: Zone II flexor tendon
      transections and suture repairs were performed in a canine model. Autologous ASC
      sheets were delivered to the surface of repaired tendons. Seven days after
      repair, the effects of ASCs on tendon healing, with a focus on the inflammatory
      response, were evaluated using gene expression assays, immunostaining, and
      histological assessments. RESULTS: ASCs delivered via the cell sheet infiltrated
      the host tendon, including the repair surface and the space between the tendon
      ends, as viewed histologically by tracking GFP-expressing ASCs. Gene expression
      results demonstrated that ASCs promoted a regenerative/anti-inflammatory M2
      macrophage phenotype and regulated tendon matrix remodeling. Specifically, there
      were significant increases in M2-stimulator (IL-4), marker (CD163 and MRC1), and
      effector (VEGF) gene expression in ASC-sheet treated tendons compared with
      nontreated tendons. When examining changes in extracellular matrix expression,
      tendon injury caused a significant increase in scar-associated COL3A1 expression
      and reductions in COL2A1 and ACAN expression. The ASC treatment effectively
      counteracted these changes, returning the expression levels of these genes closer
      to normal. Immunostaining further confirmed that ASC treatment increased CD163+
      M2 cells in the repaired tendons and suppressed cell apoptosis at the repair
      site. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a novel approach for delivering ASCs with
      outcomes indicating potential for substantial modulation of the inflammatory
      environment and enhancement of tendon healing after flexor tendon repair.

PMID- 27677964
TI  - Serum Galectin-3 Levels Predict Recurrences after Ablation of Atrial
      Fibrillation.
AB  - Galectin-3 is a biomarker of fibrosis and atrial remodeling, involved in the
      mechanisms of initiation and maintenance of atrial fibrillation (AF). We sought
      to study the accuracy of galectin-3 level in predicting recurrences of AF after
      ablation. Serum concentrations of galectin-3 were determined in a consecutive
      series of patients addressed for AF ablation in our center. After a 3-month
      blanking period, recurrences of atrial arrhythmias were collected during the
      first year in all patients, using Holter monitoring at 3, 6 months and 12 months.
      A total of 160 patients were included, with a mean galectin-3 rate was 14.4 +/-
      5.6 ng/mL. At 12-month, 55 patients (34%) had reexperienced sustained atrial
      arrhythmia. Only higher galectin-3 level (HR = 1.07 [1.01-1.12], p = 0.02) and
      larger left atrial diameter (HR = 1.07 [1.03-1.12], p = 0.001) independently
      predicted recurrence. Patients with both galectin-3 level <15 ng/mL and left
      atrial diameter <40 millimeters had a 1-year arrhythmia-free survival rate -
      after a single procedure without anti-arrhythmic drug - of 91%, as compared with
      41% in patients with galectin-3 >= 15 and left trial diameter >=40 (p < 0.0001),
      whether AF was paroxysmal or persistent. Galectin-3 and left atrial diameters,
      rather than clinical presentation of AF, predict recurrences after ablation.

PMID- 27677965
TI  - Relationship Between Meditation Depth and Waking Salivary Alpha-Amylase Secretion
      Among Long-Term MBSR Instructors.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to characterize sympathetic activity by using
      waking salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) concentrations in a group of long-term
      meditation instructors and to examine the association between meditation (depth,
      dose and duration) and the waking alpha-amylase response. Salivary alpha-amylase
      samples were collected (immediately upon waking and at 15-min, 30-min and 45-min
      intervals after waking) from mindfulness-based stress reduction instructors to
      determine both the area under the curve and the awakening slope (difference in
      alpha-amylase concentrations between waking and 30-min post-waking). It was
      determined through general linear models that neither years of meditation nor
      meditation dose were associated with the awakening sAA slope, but higher scores
      for meditation depth (greater depth) was associated with a more negative (or
      steeper) awakening slope [Quartile (Q)1: -7 versus Q4: -21 U/mL; p = 0.06], in
      fully adjusted models. Older age (p = 0.04) and a later time of waking (p < 0.01)
      also were associated with less negative awakening slope values. Smoking was
      associated with lower area under the curve values (smokers: 1716 U/mL versus
      nonsmokers: 2107 U/mL; p = 0.05) in fully adjusted models. The results suggest a
      'healthy' sAA waking slope among individuals who meditate more deeply. Copyright
      (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27677966
TI  - Infectious disease: Diagnostic criteria for neurocysticercosis - a difficult
      update.

PMID- 27677967
TI  - Neuroendocrinology: Oestrogen therapy affects brain structure but not function.

PMID- 27677969
TI  - Cytonuclear incompatibility contributes to the early stages of speciation.
AB  - Genetic incompatibility is a hallmark of speciation. Cytonuclear
      incompatibilities are proposed to be among the first genetic barriers to arise
      during speciation. Accordingly, reproductive isolation (RI) within species should
      be heavily influenced by interactions between the organelle and nuclear genomes.
      However, there are few clear examples of cytonuclear incompatibility within a
      species. Here, we show substantial postzygotic RI in first-generation hybrids
      between differentiated populations of an herbaceous plant (up to 92% reduction in
      fitness). RI was primarily due to germination and survival, with moderate RI for
      pollen viability. RI for survival was asymmetric and caused by cytonuclear
      incompatibility, with the strength of incompatibility linearly related to
      chloroplast genetic distance. This cytonuclear incompatibility may be the result
      of a rapidly evolving plastid genome. Substantial asymmetric RI was also found
      for germination, but was not associated with cytonuclear incompatibility,
      indicating endosperm or maternal-zygote incompatibilities. These results
      demonstrate that cytonuclear incompatibility contributes to RI within species,
      suggesting that initial rates of speciation could be influenced by rates of
      organelle evolution. However, other genetic incompatibilities are equally
      important, indicating that even at early stages, speciation can be a complex
      process involving multiple genes and incompatibilities.

PMID- 27677968
TI  - Characterization of four vaccine-related polioviruses including two intertypic
      type 3/type 2 recombinants associated with aseptic encephalitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Four vaccine-related polioviruses (VRPV) were isolated from aseptic
      encephalitis cases in Yunnan, China in 2010. The genomic sequences of these VRPVs
      were investigated to gain a better understanding of their molecular
      characteristics. METHODS: Molecular typing was performed by amplification and
      sequencing of the VP1 region. The genomic sequences of the four VRPV3 strains
      were compared to vaccine strain and wild strain sequences to study genetic drift
      and recombination. RESULTS: All four isolates could be entirely neutralized by
      polyclonal poliovirus 3 (PV3) antisera but not by PV1 and PV2 antisera and
      displayed a temperature-sensitive phenotype. The genomic sequences of all four
      isolates contained two Sabin 3-specific attenuating mutations at nucleotides
      472(C -> T) and 2034(C -> T), but a third Sabin 3-specific attenuating mutation
      at position 2493 (T -> C) had reverted back to a T. Recombination analyses showed
      RF108/YN/CHN/2010 and RF134/YN/CHN/2010 strain recombined with Sabin 2 at the 3'
      end of the 2C to 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) and at the 5'-end of the 3D to
      3'-UTR, respectively. CONCLUSION: Four VRPV3 strains including two type 3/type 2
      intertypic recombinants were identified. The recombination of Sabin vaccine
      strains with other Sabin serotypes or human enterovirus C species could be a
      critical factor in the potential of emerging viruses and related disease
      outbreaks. Therefore, it is essential to be persistent in the surveillance of EVs
      (including PV).

PMID- 27677970
TI  - Ullmann-like reactions for the synthesis of complex two-dimensional materials.
AB  - Engineering two-dimensional materials through surface-confined synthetic
      techniques is a promising avenue for designing new materials with tailored
      properties. Developing and understanding reaction mechanisms for surface-confined
      synthesis of two-dimensional materials requires atomic-level characterization and
      chemical analysis. Beggan et al (2015 Nanotechnology 26 365602) used scanning
      tunneling microscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to elucidate the
      formation mechanism of surface-confined Ullmann-like coupling of thiophene
      substituted porphyrins on Ag(111). Upon surface deposition, bromine is
      dissociated and the porphyrins couple with surface adatoms to create linear
      strands and hexagonally packed molecules. Annealing the sample results in
      covalently-bonded networks of thienylporphyrin derivatives. A deeper
      understanding of surface-confined Ullmann-like coupling has the potential to lead
      to precision-engineered nano-structures through synthetic techniques. 

PMID- 27677971
TI  - Sustainably powering wearable electronics solely by biomechanical energy.
AB  - Harvesting biomechanical energy is an important route for providing electricity
      to sustainably drive wearable electronics, which currently still use batteries
      and therefore need to be charged or replaced/disposed frequently. Here we report
      an approach that can continuously power wearable electronics only by human
      motion, realized through a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) with optimized
      materials and structural design. Fabricated by elastomeric materials and a helix
      inner electrode sticking on a tube with the dielectric layer and outer electrode,
      the TENG has desirable features including flexibility, stretchability, isotropy,
      weavability, water-resistance and a high surface charge density of 250 MUC m-2.
      With only the energy extracted from walking or jogging by the TENG that is built
      in outsoles, wearable electronics such as an electronic watch and fitness tracker
      can be immediately and continuously powered.

PMID- 27677972
TI  - Social interactions in bacterial cell-cell signaling.
AB  - Cooperation and conflict in microorganisms is being recognized as an important
      factor in the organization and function of microbial communities. Many of the
      cooperative behaviors described in bacteria are governed through a cell-cell
      signaling process generally termed quorum sensing. Communication and cooperation
      in diverse microorganisms exhibit predictable trends that behave according to
      social evolutionary theory, notably that public goods dilemmas produce selective
      pressures for divergence in social phenotypes including cheating. In this review,
      we relate the general features of quorum sensing and social adaptation in
      microorganisms to established evolutionary theory. We then describe physiological
      and molecular mechanisms that have been shown to stabilize cooperation in
      microbes, thereby preventing a tragedy of the commons. Continued study of the
      role of communication and cooperation in microbial ecology and evolution is
      important to clinical treatment of pathogens, as well as to our fundamental
      understanding of cooperative selection at all levels of life.

PMID- 27677973
TI  - Current State of Child Health in Rural America: How Context Shapes Children's
      Health.
AB  - PURPOSE: Children's health is influenced by the context in which they live. We
      provide a descriptive essay on the status of children in rural America to
      highlight features of the rural environment that may affect health. DESCRIPTION:
      We compiled information concerning components of the rural environment that may
      contribute to health outcomes. Areas addressed include the economic
      characteristics, provider availability, uniquely rural health risks, health
      services use, and health outcomes among rural children. ASSESSMENT: Nearly 12
      million children live in the rural United States. Rural counties are economically
      disadvantaged, leading to higher rates of poverty among rural versus urban
      children. Rural and urban children are approximately equally likely to be
      insured, but Medicaid insures a higher proportion of children in rural areas.
      While generally similar in health, rural children are more likely to be
      overweight or obese than urban children. Rural parents are less likely to report
      that their children received preventive medical or oral health visits than urban
      parents. Rural children are more likely to die than their urban peers, largely
      due to unintentional injury. CONCLUSION: Improving rural children's health will
      require both increased public health surveillance and research that creates
      solutions appropriate for rural environments, where health care professionals may
      be in short supply. Most importantly, solutions must be multisectoral, engaging
      education, economic development, and other community perspectives as well as
      health care.

PMID- 27677974
TI  - Step Sequence Is a Critical Gait Parameter of Unilateral 6-OHDA Parkinson's Rat
      Models.
AB  - Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder, marked by the loss of
      dopaminergic neurons in the nigrostriatal pathway that leads to abnormal gait,
      rigidity, slowness of movement, and tremor. The ability to recapitulate and
      measure the neurological sequelae in rodent models of Parkinson's disease is
      important for studying and evaluating potential therapeutics. Individual
      variability in lesion severity and injury progression are key factors in the 6
      hydroxydopamine model that require normalization when evaluating therapeutic
      effects. The gait parameters that were found to be affected by 6-hydroxydopamine
      lesioning of the nigrostriatal pathway in rats may be used to study novel
      transgenic models of Parkinson's disease as well as to test novel therapeutics.
      Previously, studies have used a video-based system to analyze gait abnormalities
      in the 6-hydroxydopamine model of Parkinson's disease, but these studies did not
      account for individual variability on reported gait parameters. By analyzing the
      ratio of parameters from the injured to uninjured sides and correcting for speed
      in related parameters, hindpaw step cycle parameters, hindpaw print area, and
      step sequence are significantly altered in different ways for each type of
      lesion, when compared to saline-injected controls. These findings enable new
      metrics for evaluating therapeutic efficacy of drug-, gene-, or cell-based
      therapies in rat models of Parkinson's disease.

PMID- 27677975
TI  - Perfluoroalkylphosphinic Acids in Northern Pike (Esox lucius), Double-Crested
      Cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus), and Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)
      in Relation to Other Perfluoroalkyl Acids.
AB  - Perfluoroalkyl phosphinic acids (PFPIAs) are perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) that
      are used for their surfactant properties in a variety of applications, resulting
      in their presence in environmental waters; however, they have not been widely
      studied in biota. A survey of PFPIAs was conducted in fish, dolphins, and birds
      from various locations in North America. Northern pike (Esox lucius) were
      collected at two locations in 2011 near Montreal Island in the St. Lawrence
      River, Canada, double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) were collected
      from bird colonies in the Great Lakes in 2010-2012, and bottlenose dolphins
      (Tursiops truncatus) from Sarasota Bay, FL and Charleston Harbor, SC were sampled
      in 2004-2009. PFPIAs had a detection frequency of 100% in all animals. This is
      the first report of PFPIAs in fish, dolphin, and bird plasma. Total PFPIA levels
      (mean +/- standard deviation, 1.87 +/- 2.17 ng/g wet weight (ww), range of 0.112
      15.3 ng/g ww) were 1-2 orders of magnitude lower than those of perfluoroalkyl
      carboxylates (PFCA) and perfluoroalkanesulfonates (PFSA) in the same samples. The
      predominant congeners were 6:8 PFPIA (cormorants and pike) and 6:6 PFPIA
      (dolphins). Total PFPIAs in cormorants from Hamilton Harbour (5.02 +/- 2.80 ng/g
      ww) were statistically higher than in other areas and taxonomic groups. The
      ubiquity of PFPIAs warrants further research on sources and effects of these
      unique compounds.

PMID- 27677976
TI  - Determination of Hexachlorocyclohexane by Gas Chromatography Combined with
      Femtosecond Laser Ionization Mass Spectrometry.
AB  - Structural isomers and enantiomers of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) were separated
      using a chiral column by gas chromatography and quantitatively determined by
      multiphoton ionization mass spectrometry using an ultraviolet femtosecond laser
      (200 and 267 nm) as the ionization source. The order of elution of the
      enantiomers (i.e., (+)-alpha-HCH and (-)-alpha-HCH) was predicted from
      stabilization energies calculated for the complexes using permethylated gamma
      cyclodextrin as the stationary phase of the column, and the results were compared
      with the experimental data. The molecular ions observed for HCH were weak, even
      though they can be ionized through a process of resonance enhanced two-photon
      ionization at 200 nm. This unfavorable result can be attributed to the
      dissociation of the molecular ion, as predicted from quantum chemical
      calculations. Graphical Abstract ?.

PMID- 27677977
TI  - Quality of life in children with chronic kidney disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Progressive chronic kidney disease (CKD), irrespective of the
      underlying etiology, affects the quality of life (QoL) of children due to the
      need for regular follow-up visits, a strict medication program and diet intake.
      METHODS: The Greek version of the KIDSCREEN-52 multidimensional questionnaire was
      used in children with CKD, renal transplantation (RT) and in a control group (CG)
      of healthy children. RESULTS: Fifty-five patients between 8 and 18 years, with
      CKD (n = 25), RT (n = 16) and with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on peritoneal
      dialysis (PD) (n = 14) were included. Each group of studied children was compared
      with the CG (n = 55), the validation sample (VS) (n = 1200) and the parent proxy
      scores. Physical well-being of all studied children was significantly lower
      compared to CG (p = 0.004). In contrast, all studied children between 8 and 11
      years showed better social acceptance compared to VS (p = 0.0001). When QoL of
      children with CKD was compared with parent proxy QoL, conflicting opinions were
      observed in several dimensions, such as self-perception (p = 0.023), autonomy (p
      = 0.012), school environment (p = 0.012) and financial resources (p = 0.03).
      CONCLUSIONS: QoL and mainly the dimension of physical well-being, may be affected
      dramatically in children with CKD unrelated to disease stage. In early school
      years children with CKD seem to feel higher social acceptance than the healthy
      controls, exhibiting better score in this dimension. Optimal care requires
      attention not only to medical management, but also to an assessment of QoL
      factors, that may help promote pediatric patient's health.

PMID- 27677978
TI  - Use of a low-dose prednisolone regimen to treat a relapse of steroid-sensitive
      nephrotic syndrome in children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Relapses of nephrotic syndrome are common and are treated with a
      course of prednisolone (2 mg/kg/day or 60 mg/m2/day). This is associated with
      major adverse effects including diabetes, weight gain, hypertension and
      behavioural problems. This study is a retrospective review examining the success
      of treating relapses in steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) with low-dose
      prednisolone and the consequences on subsequent relapse rates. Furthermore, a
      follow-up study looked at the side-effect profile during treatment with high-
      versus low-dose prednisolone. METHODS: Between January 2012 and July 2013, all
      well children with SSNS presenting with a relapse were advised to start 1 mg/kg
      prednisolone daily for a maximum of 7 days. In July 2015, we compared the side
      effect profile of prednisolone therapy using the parent proxy PedsQL
      questionnaire for quality of life (QoL). RESULTS: Fifty patients were included in
      the study, with a total of 87 relapses. Sixty-one of the 87 relapses (70 %)
      responded within a week. Treating relapses with a reduced dose of steroids did
      not adversely affect the relapse rate in the 6 months preceding and following the
      current relapse (1.01 vs 0.86, p = 0.3). Fifteen parents completed the PedsQL
      questionnaire. Comparison of scores in each category showed significantly higher
      values in each domain during treatment with low-dose prednisolone compared with
      high-dose treatment (35.6 vs 18.3, p < 0.0001; 31.1 vs 15.0, p < 0.001; 38.3 vs
      20.1, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: A low-dose prednisolone regimen was successful in
      achieving remission in 70 % of relapses of children with SSNS, without adversely
      affecting the relapse rate. Parent-completed QoL questionnaires showed
      significantly higher scores on low-dose treatment, indicating better QoL.

PMID- 27677979
TI  - Clinical presentation and outcome of pediatric ANCA-associated
      glomerulonephritis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis is a
      small- and medium-sized vasculitis classically seen in adult patients, with peak
      onset near the fifth to seventh decade of life. There is little data on ANCA
      associated vasculitis in pediatric patients, and most studies have limited follow
      up. METHODS: This is a retrospective chart review of 22 patients with ANCA
      positive glomerulonephritis in a single institution from 1991 to 2013. RESULTS:
      Of the 22 patients, eight (36 %) required renal replacement therapy (RRT) at
      diagnosis; four of these patients recovered sufficient renal function to
      initially discontinue dialysis. Five patients (23 %) were treated with
      plasmapheresis at presentation. The median time from presentation until first
      clinical or serologic relapse was 1.7 +/- 1.2 years. After a median follow-up of
      5.8 years, just over half of our patients had chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages
      1-3 (55 %). Seven (32 %) patients progressed to end-stage renal disease (ESRD)
      and eventually required kidney transplant. CONCLUSION: ANCA-associated
      glomerulonephritis is a rare disorder in children. Presentation and outcomes vary
      significantly among patients. More research is required to follow these patients
      who are diagnosed in childhood to further characterize the long-term outcome of
      the disease.

PMID- 27677980
TI  - Combined use of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system-acting agents: a cross
      sectional study.
AB  - Background Due to recent EU warnings and restrictions on the combined use of
      renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS)-acting agents, and the seriousness of
      the associated harm, we analyzed the prescription of angiotensin-converting
      enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) as dual
      therapy or associated with spironolactone. Setting An administrative claims
      database of a regional hospital in Romania. Methods We retrospectively included
      all adult patients hospitalized during 18 months in 2013-2014, discharged with a
      prescription of a RAAS-acting agent. Main outcome measures Counts of ACEIs and
      ARBs co-prescription, of ACEIs or ARBs combined with spironolactone, co
      morbidities, co-medication, creatinine, and electrolytes assessment and values.
      Results Out of 1697 patients with a prescription of a RAAS-acting agent, 24 (1.4
      %) were co-prescribed ACEIs and ARBs, and 416 (24.5 %) ACEIs or ARBs with
      spironolactone. Patients prescribed dual ACEI/ARB therapy and the ones with ACEI
      or ARB-spironolactone combination had significantly higher prevalence of
      increased creatinine level before discharge, compared to the ACEI and ARB
      monotherapy groups (48 and 31 % compared to 17 and 27 %). Subjects with diabetes,
      heart failure, ischaemic heart disease, or urea >=40 mg/dL had higher odds of
      having ACEI or ARB-spironolactone combination compared to monotherapy, while
      hypertension and renal disease subjects had lower odds. Similar findings were
      comparing dual ACEI/ARB therapy to monotherapy except heart failure (not
      statistically significant). Conclusion Overall, the prevalence of use of dual
      therapy was low. The combined use of RAAS-acting agents was higher in patients
      with known risk factors for further renal function deterioration, compared to the
      ones without.

PMID- 27677981
TI  - Role of positron emission tomography imaging in Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia
      syndromes.
AB  - The aim of this review was to summarize the recent developments on the role of
      positron emission tomography (PET) imaging using different radiopharmaceuticals
      in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndromes. Although most
      guidelines do not mention the use of PET imaging in patients with MEN syndromes,
      recent data seem to suggest a relevant diagnostic role of PET imaging in this
      setting. In particular, latest evidence has shown that somatostatin receptor PET
      provides a diagnostic accuracy in detecting MEN syndromes-related neuroendocrine
      tumours (NETs) higher than that of somatostatin receptor scintigraphy, thus
      influencing patient management in a significant percentage of cases. 18 F-DOPA
      PET seems to have a potential role in detecting MEN-2-related NETs, whereas 18 F
      FDG PET is potentially useful in identifying aggressive NETs with poorer
      outcomes. More studies are needed to better define the role of different
      radiotracer-based PET imaging in patients with MEN syndromes.

PMID- 27677982
TI  - Sirtinol abrogates late phase of cardiac ischemia preconditioning in rats.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of sirtinol, as an inhibitor
      of sirtuin NAD-dependent histone deacetylases, on myocardial ischemia reperfusion
      injury following early and late ischemia preconditioning (IPC). Rats underwent
      sustained ischemia and reperfusion (IR) alone or proceeded by early or late IPC.
      Sirtinol (S) was administered before IPC. Arrhythmias were evaluated based on the
      Lambeth model. Infarct size (IS) was measured using triphenyltetrazolium chloride
      staining. The transcription level of antioxidant-coding genes was assessed by
      real-time PCR. In early and late IPC groups, IS and the number of arrhythmia were
      significantly decreased (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01 vs IR, respectively). In S + early
      IPC, incidences of arrhythmia and IS were not different compared with the early
      IPC group. However, in S + late IPC the IS was different from the late IPC group
      (P < 0.05). In late IPC but not early IPC, transcription levels of catalase (P <
      0.01) and Mn-SOD (P < 0.05) increased, although this upregulation was not
      significant in the S + late IPC group. Our results are consistent with the notion
      that different mechanisms are responsible for early and late IPC. In addition,
      sirtuin NAD-dependent histone deacetylases may be implicated in late IPC-induced
      cardioprotection.

PMID- 27677984
TI  - Mid-term results of Oxford phase-3 medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty for
      medial arthritis in Chinese patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mid-term results of an
      Oxford phase-3 unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) for medial arthritis in
      Chinese patients. METHODS: The study included 64 patients who underwent a
      minimally invasive Oxford phase-3 UKA for medial knee arthritis. The patients
      were clinically evaluated preoperatively and at the final follow-up according to
      the clinical and functional components of the Knee Society Score (KSS), the
      Hospital for Special Surgery knee score and range of motion. A Kaplan-Meier
      survivorship analysis was performed with revision surgery as the end point.
      RESULTS: The mean preoperative clinical KSSs increased from 63.2 to 91.4 post
      operatively, and the mean functional KSSs increased from 54.9 to 86.5 post
      operatively. In addition, the mean Hospital for Special Surgery scores increased
      from 59.5 to 86.4. The mean active knee flexion increased from 109.1 degrees 
      preoperatively to 123.6 degrees  post-operatively. A total of six patients (six
      knees) required revision surgery at the time of the maximum 10-year follow-up.
      Four conversions to total knee arthroplasty were performed because of arthritis
      progression in the lateral compartment. One revision to total knee arthroplasty
      was performed for aseptic loosening, and one liner exchange was performed for
      wear. The cumulative survival rates at the 6- and 8-year follow-ups were 97% and
      93%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Oxford phase-3 UKA was largely applicable for
      medial arthritis in Chinese patients. However, the Oxford phase-3 medial UKA
      selection criteria for young Chinese males need further exploration to obtain the
      best treatment effect.

PMID- 27677983
TI  - The International College of Neuropsychopharmacology (CINP) Treatment Guidelines
      for Bipolar Disorder in Adults (CINP-BD-2017), Part 4: Unmet Needs in the
      Treatment of Bipolar Disorder and Recommendations for Future Research.
AB  - Background: The current fourth paper on the International College of
      Neuropsychopharmacology guidelines for the treatment of bipolar disorder reports
      on the unmet needs that became apparent after an extensive review of the
      literature and also serves as a conclusion to the project of the International
      College of Neuropsychopharmacology workgroup. Materials and Methods: The
      systematic review of the literature that was performed to develop the
      International College of Neuropsychopharmacology guidelines for bipolar disorder
      identified and classified a number of potential shortcomings. Results: Problems
      identified concerned the reliability and validity of the diagnosis of bipolar
      disorder and especially of bipolar depression. This, in turn, has profound
      consequences for early detection and correct treatment of the disorder. Another
      area that needs improvement is the unsatisfactory efficacy and effectiveness of
      therapeutic options, especially in special populations such as those with mixed
      features and rapid cycling course. Gender issues and adherence problems
      constitute an additional challenge. The literature suggests that while treatment
      providers are concerned more with treatment-related issues, patients and their
      caregivers worry more about issues pertaining to the availability of services and
      care, quality of life, and various types of burden. The workgroup identified
      additional unmet needs related to the current standard of research in bipolar
      disorder. These include the fragmentation of bipolar disorder into phases that
      are handled as being almost absolutely independent from each other, and thus the
      development of an overall therapeutic strategy on the basis of the existing
      evidence is very difficult. Trials are not always designed in a way that outcomes
      cover the most important aspects of bipolar disorder, and often the reporting of
      the results is biased and unsatisfactory. The data on combination treatments and
      high dosages are sparse, whereas they are common in real world practice.
      Conclusions: The workgroup endorses the full release of raw study data to the
      scientific community, and the development of uniform clinical trial standards
      (also including more realistic outcomes) and the reporting of results. The 2
      large appendices summarize the results of this systematic review with regard to
      the areas of lack of knowledge where further focused research is necessary.

PMID- 27677985
TI  - A Threshold Dosage of Testosterone for Female-to-Male Sex Reversal in Rana rugosa
      Frogs.
AB  - Androgens play a critical role in testicular differentiation in many species of
      vertebrates. While female-to-male sex reversal can be induced by testosterone (T)
      in some species of amphibians, the mechanism still remains largely unknown even
      at the histological level. In this study, we determined a threshold dosage of T
      to induce female-to-male sex reversal in the Japanese frog Rana (R.) rugosa.
      Tadpoles were allowed to metamorphose into frogs with T present in the rearing
      water. At 0.2 ng/mL T, female frogs formed tissue comprising a mixture of ovary
      and testis, the so-called ovotestis, the size of which was significantly smaller
      than the wild-type ovary. Histological changes occurring in the oocytes of T
      treated ovaries induced oocyte degeneration in the masculinizing ovaries leading
      to their final disappearance. In parallel, many germ cells emerged in the cortex
      of the ovotestis and, later, in the medulla as well. RT-PCR analysis revealed
      upregulated expression of CYP17 and Dmrt1 but not 17betaHSD in the ovotestis, and
      downregulation of Pat1a expression. Furthermore, immunohistology revealed CYP17
      positive signals in the cortex of the masculinizing ovary, spreading throughout
      the whole area as the testis developed. These results indicate that oocytes are
      sensitive to T in the ovary of R. rugosa and that male-type germ cells expand in
      the masculinizing gonad (testis) contemporaneous with oocyte disappearance.

PMID- 27677987
TI  - Hygroscopic study of hydroxypropylcellulose : Structure and strain-induced
      birefringence of capillary bridges.
AB  - The hygroscopic method developed previously for studies of lyotropic liquid
      crystals is used for the first time in experiments with millimetric capillary
      bridges made of a hydroxypropylcellulose/water mixture. Composition of such very
      small samples is controlled via humidity of the surrounding air. By a slow and
      well-controlled drying of initially isotropic samples, the isotropic/anisotropic
      phase transition is crossed and polydomain pseudo-isotropic capillary bridges are
      prepared. Kept in an atmosphere of constant humidity, these bridges are stretched
      and the strain-induced birefringence [Formula: see text] n is measured as a
      function of the draw ratio [Formula: see text] . The variation of [Formula: see
      text] n with [Formula: see text] is interpreted in terms of an affine uniaxial
      deformation of the initial pseudo-isotropic texture.

PMID- 27677986
TI  - Ethylene-Regulated Glutamate Dehydrogenase Fine-Tunes Metabolism during Anoxia
      Reoxygenation.
AB  - Ethylene is an essential hormone in plants that is involved in low-oxygen and
      reoxygenation responses. As a key transcription factor in ethylene signaling,
      ETHYLENE INSENSITIVE3 (EIN3) activates targets that trigger various responses.
      However, most of these targets are still poorly characterized. Through analyses
      of our microarray data and the published Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) EIN3
      chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing data set, we inferred the putative
      targets of EIN3 during anoxia-reoxygenation. Among them, GDH2, which encodes one
      subunit of glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), was chosen for further studies for its
      role in tricarboxylic acid cycle replenishment. We demonstrated that both GDH1
      and GDH2 are induced during anoxia and reoxygenation and that this induction is
      mediated via ethylene signaling. In addition, the results of enzymatic assays
      showed that the level of GDH during anoxia-reoxygenation decreased in the
      ethylene-insensitive mutants ein2-5 and ein3eil1 Global metabolite analysis
      indicated that the deamination activity of GDH might regenerate 2-oxoglutarate,
      which is a cosubstrate that facilitates the breakdown of alanine by alanine
      aminotransferase when reoxygenation occurs. Moreover, ineffective tricarboxylic
      acid cycle replenishment, disturbed carbohydrate metabolism, reduced phytosterol
      biosynthesis, and delayed energy regeneration were found in gdh1gdh2 and ethylene
      mutants during reoxygenation. Taken together, these data illustrate the essential
      role of EIN3-regulated GDH activity in metabolic adjustment during anoxia
      reoxygenation.

PMID- 27677988
TI  - Adsorption behaviors of fungicide-derived copper onto various size fractions of
      aggregates from orchard soil.
AB  - Although the gradual accumulations of Cu in orchard soils due to the application
      of Cu-based fungicides have been widely reported, limited information is
      available about the retention characteristics of fungicide-derived Cu in soil,
      especially in various size soil aggregates. This study described the adsorption
      characteristics of Cu from commonly used fungicide, Bordeaux mixture (CuSO4 +
      Ca(OH)2), onto various aggregate fractions (2000-1000, 1000-500, 500-250, 250
      106, and <106 MUm) of orchard soil. The Cu(NO3)2 was selected as a comparison.
      Two different types of adsorption experiments were conducted as follows: variable
      pH and variable Cu concentration experiments. The adsorption processes of
      Bordeaux mixture and Cu(NO3)2 onto the studied soil samples followed well with
      the Freundlich isotherm, and the adsorption isotherms were the S shaped. The
      adsorption amounts of Cu from different Cu compounds differed, and Bordeaux
      mixture can result in more Cu retention in soil than Cu(NO3)2. The adsorption
      ability of different size soil aggregates varied, and it was mainly governed by
      soil properties. The findings of this study suggested that both the chemical
      compositions of Cu compounds and the soil physical structure should be taken into
      account when performing soil Cu retention experiments with fungicide-derived Cu.

PMID- 27677989
TI  - Magnetically recoverable TiO2-WO3 photocatalyst to oxidize bisphenol A from model
      wastewater under simulated solar light.
AB  - A novel magnetically recoverable, visible light active TiO2-WO3 composite
      (Fe3O4@SiO2@TiO2-WO3) was prepared to enable the photocatalyst recovery after the
      degradation of bisphenol A (BPA) under simulated solar light. For comparison, the
      photocatalytic activity of other materials such as non-magnetic TiO2-WO3,
      Fe3O4@SiO2@TiO2, TiO2, and the commercial TiO2 P25 was also evaluated under the
      studied experimental conditions. The structure and morphology of the synthesized
      materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron
      microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and
      electron dispersion spectroscopy (EDS). Moreover, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET)
      surface area and magnetic properties of the samples were determined. The
      Fe3O4@SiO2@TiO2-WO3 and TiO2-WO3 led to a BPA degradation of 17.50 and 27.92 %,
      respectively, after 2 h of the simulated solar light irradiation. Even though
      their activity was lower than that of P25, which degraded completely BPA after 1
      h, our catalysts were magnetically separable for their further reuse in the
      treatment. Furthermore, the influence of the water matrix in the photocatalytic
      activity of the samples was studied in municipal wastewater. Finally, the
      identification of reaction intermediates was performed and a possible BPA
      degradation pathway was proposed to provide a better understanding of the
      degradation process. Graphical abstract ?.

PMID- 27677990
TI  - Competitive adsorption of phthalate esters on marine surface sediments: kinetic,
      thermodynamic, and environmental considerations.
AB  - In this study, the sorption behavior of six widely used phthalate esters (PEs) on
      marine sediments was investigated. The adsorption of PEs was fast and reached the
      equilibrium within 6 h. The forward and backward rate constants of all PEs on
      sediments were calculated. Several kinds of kinetic and thermodynamic models have
      been investigated; the pseudo-second-order model and the partition isotherm model
      were best fitted to the adsorption behavior of PEs. The rate-limiting step of
      sorption was controlled by the film diffusion mechanism. After treating sediments
      with H2O2, the partition coefficients of all PEs were significantly reduced and
      indicated that the amorphous organic carbon has a major role in adsorption
      process. The negative values of DeltaH degrees  and DeltaG degrees  for these
      compounds showed that the sorption process is exothermic and spontaneous. The
      adsorption capacities of all PEs were slightly influenced by increasing the
      salinity from 0 to 40 g L-1. These research findings have a prime importance on
      assessment of the fate and transport of PEs in seawater-sediment systems.

PMID- 27677991
TI  - Assessment of diesel-contaminated domestic wastewater treated by constructed
      wetlands for irrigation of chillies grown in a greenhouse.
AB  - In order to avoid environmental pollution and eliminate the need for using
      fertiliser, this study assessed for the first time the optimum performance of
      mature (in operation since 2011) vertical flow constructed wetlands in treating
      domestic wastewater (with and without hydrocarbon) and the subsequent recycling
      of the outflow to irrigate chillies (De Cayenne; Capsicum annuum (Linnaeus)
      Longum Group 'De Cayenne') grown in a greenhouse. Various variables were
      investigated to assess the treatment performance. Concerning chilli fruit
      numbers, findings showed that the highest fruit yields for all wetland filters
      were associated with those that received inflow wastewater with a high loading
      rate, reflecting the high nutrient availability in treated wastewater, which is
      of obvious importance for yield production. Findings also indicated that wetlands
      without hydrocarbon, small aggregate size, low contact time and low inflow
      loading rate provided high marketable yields (expressed in economic return). In
      comparison, chillies irrigated by filters with hydrocarbon contamination, small
      aggregate size, high contact time and high loading rate also resulted in high
      marketable yields of chillies, which pointed out the role of high contact time
      and high inflow load for better diesel degradation rates.

PMID- 27677992
TI  - Biostimulation proved to be the most efficient method in the comparison of in
      situ soil remediation treatments after a simulated oil spill accident.
AB  - The use of in situ techniques in soil remediation is still rare in Finland and
      most other European countries due to the uncertainty of the effectiveness of the
      techniques especially in cold regions and also due to their potential side
      effects on the environment. In this study, we compared the biostimulation,
      chemical oxidation, and natural attenuation treatments in natural conditions and
      pilot scale during a 16-month experiment. A real fuel spill accident was used as
      a model for experiment setup and soil contamination. We found that biostimulation
      significantly decreased the contaminant leachate into the water, including also
      the non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL). The total NAPL leachate was 19 % lower in
      the biostimulation treatment that in the untreated soil and 34 % lower in the
      biostimulation than oxidation treatment. Soil bacterial growth and community
      changes were first observed due to the increased carbon content via oil amendment
      and later due to the enhanced nutrient content via biostimulation. Overall, the
      most effective treatment for fresh contaminated soil was biostimulation, which
      enhanced the biodegradation of easily available oil in the mobile phase and
      consequently reduced contaminant leakage through the soil. The chemical oxidation
      did not enhance soil cleanup and resulted in the mobilization of contaminants.
      Our results suggest that biostimulation can decrease or even prevent oil
      migration in recently contaminated areas and can thus be considered as a
      potentially safe in situ treatment also in groundwater areas.

PMID- 27677993
TI  - Assessing anthropogenic levels, speciation, and potential mobility of rare earth
      elements (REEs) in ex-tin mining area.
AB  - A study was carried out to determine the level of rare earth elements (REEs) in
      water and sediment samples from ex-mining lakes and River in Kinta Valley, Perak,
      Malaysia. Surface water and sediments from an ex-mining lake and Kinta River
      water samples were analyzed for REEs by inductively coupled plasma mass
      spectrometry. The total concentration of REEs in the ex-mining lake water samples
      and sediments were found to be 3685 mg/l and 14159 mg/kg, respectively, while the
      total concentration of REEs in Kinta River water sample was found to be 1224
      mg/l. REEs in mining lake water were found to be within 2.42 mg/l (Tb) to 46.50
      mg/l (Ce), while for the Kinta River, it was 1.33 mg/l (Ho) to 29.95 mg/l (Ce).
      Sediment samples were also found with REEs from 9.81 mg/kg (Ho) to 765.84 mg/kg
      (Ce). Ce showed the highest average concentrations for mining lake (3.88 to 49.08
      mg/l) and Kinta River (4.44 to 33.15 mg/l) water samples, while the concentration
      of La was the highest (11.59 to 771.61 mg/kg) in the mining lake sediment. Lu was
      shown to have the highest enrichment of REEs in ex-mining lake sediments (107.3).
      Multivariate statistical analyses such as factor analysis and principal component
      analysis indicated that REEs were associated and controlled by mixed origin, with
      similar contributions from anthropogenic and geogenic sources. The speciation
      study of REEs in ex-tin mining sediments using a modified five-stage sequential
      extraction procedure indicated that yttrium (Y), gadolinium (Gd), and lanthanum
      (La) were obtained at higher percentages from the adsorbed/exchanged/carbonate
      fraction. The average potential mobility of the REEs was arranged in a descending
      order: Yb > Gd > Y = Dy > Pr > Er > Tm > Eu > Nd > Tb > Sc > Lu > Ce > La,
      implying that under favorable conditions, these REEs could be released and
      subsequently pollute the environment.

PMID- 27677994
TI  - Accumulation behavior and risk assessment of heavy metals and arsenic in tissues
      of white bream (Parabramis pekinensis) from the Xiang River, southern China.
AB  - Aquatic environment suffered from serious heavy metal and As pollutions due to
      rapid industrialization and urbanization in the last decades. In order to
      evaluate the heavy metal and As contamination in aquatic organism in southern
      China, the levels of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn in muscle, gill, and
      liver of white bream (Parabramis pekinensis) collected from Xiang River were
      analyzed. The statistically significant differences of the analyzed element
      concentration (wet weight) between tissues were determined through one-way
      analysis of variance (ANOVA). The liver presented high affinity for accumulation
      of Cd, Cu, and Zn due to the binding activity of metallothionein proteins. Mn and
      Pb mainly accumulated in the gill indicated the major uptake route through the
      gill. Lack of correlation between analyzed element and fish size might imply no
      or weak biomagnification of the analyzed elements in fish tissues. The potential
      health risk associated with exposure to heavy metals and As was evaluated. The
      uncertainty of target hazard quotient was calculated by Monte Carlo simulation.
      The results indicated that the analyzed element contents in the white bream
      muscle posed relatively low-chronic toxic risk to consumers.

PMID- 27677995
TI  - Biomonitoring of tobacco smoke exposure and self-reported smoking status among
      general population of Tehran, Iran.
AB  - The present study aimed to find a correlation between the self-reported smoking
      status of the residents of Tehran, Iran, and the urine cotinine as a biomarker of
      exposure to tobacco smoke. The self-reported data was collected from 222
      participants who were living in the urban area of Tehran. The urine samples of
      participants were collected for cotinine analysis. Urine cotinine was measured by
      an enzymatic immunoassay technique. Tobacco smoking was reported by 76 (34.23 %)
      participants as the self-reported data, and the number of males in this report
      was higher than of females (p < 0.001). By adding the number of the self-reported
      non-smokers with cotinine levels above the cutoff value of >100 ng/ml to self
      reported smokers, the smoking prevalence increased from 34.23 % (95 % CI 28.01
      40.88 %) to 36.48 % (95 % CI 30.14-43.19 %). Using the cutoff value, sensitivity
      and specificity of the self-reported smoking status were respectively 90.12 % (95
      % CI 81.46-95.64 %) and 98 % (95 % CI 93.91-99.55 %). The levels of agreement
      between self-reported tobacco smoking and urinary cotinine concentrations was
      95.1 % (k = 0.89, p < 0.001, 95 % CI = 0.81-0.95). Based on the results, self
      reported smoking can be a valid marker for assessing the tobacco exposure, and it
      can be of use in large epidemiological studies.

PMID- 27677996
TI  - Slow-release nitrogen fertilizers can improve yield and reduce Cd concentration
      in pakchoi (Brassica chinensis L.) grown in Cd-contaminated soil.
AB  - Cadmium (Cd) pollution in vegetable crops has become a serious problem in recent
      years. Owing to the limited availability of arable land resources, large areas of
      Cd-contaminated lands are inevitably being used for the production of vegetables,
      posing great risks to human health via the food chain. However, strategies to
      improve yield and reduce Cd concentration in crops grown in contaminated soils
      are being developed. In the present study, using pot experiments, we investigated
      the effects of two slow-release nitrogen fertilizers (SRNFs), resin-coated
      ammonium nitrate (Osmocote313s), and resin-coated urea (urea620), on the growth
      and Cd concentration of the Cd-contaminated pakchoi. The results showed that
      pakchoi grown in soil containing 5 mg kg-1 of Cd-induced oxidative stress
      (indicated by malondialdehyde (MDA), H2O2, and O2.-) and photosynthesis
      inhibition, which in turn was restored with the application of SRNFs. However,
      pakchoi grown in Cd-contaminated soil supplied with Osmocote313s and urea620
      showed 103 and 203 % increase in fresh weight and 51-55 % and 44-56 % decrease in
      Cd concentration, respectively, as compared with their controls (pakchoi treated
      with instant soluble nitrogen fertilizers). On the basis of an increase in their
      tolerance index (47-238 %) and a decrease in their translocation factor (7.5-21.6
      %), we inferred that the plants treated with SRNFs have a stronger tolerance to
      Cd and a lower efficiency of Cd translocation to edible parts than those treated
      with instant soluble nitrogen fertilizers. Therefore, in terms of both crop
      production and food safety, application of SRNFs could be an effective strategy
      for improving both biomass production and quality in pakchoi grown under Cd
      stress.

PMID- 27677997
TI  - Adsorption behavior of tetracycline by extracellular polymeric substrates
      extracted from Klebsiella sp. J1.
AB  - The extracellular polymeric substrate (EPS) extracted from Klebsiella sp. J1 was
      used to adsorb low concentrations of tetracycline, and the efficiency and
      mechanism of tetracycline adsorption by EPS from strain J1 were studied.
      Adsorption efficiency was evaluated at different conditions. Results showed that
      optimal adsorption efficiency was 71.68 % with 60 mg L-1 of EPS from strain J1
      and 90 MUL of 10 % (w/v) CaCl2 in 100 mL of tetracycline solution (80 MUg L-1)
      with pH of 8.0. Experimental data was fitted well with Langmuir, Freundlich
      isotherm, and pseudo-second-order models. Analyses of E value, Ea value,
      thermodynamics, zeta potential variation, and Fourier transform infrared
      spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra proved that chemisorption was the main adsorption
      type and bridging was the main adsorption mechanism. Thermodynamic analysis
      indicated that adsorptive reaction was exothermic from 20 to 40  degrees C. In
      addition, humic acid (HA) showed little effect on the tetracycline adsorption by
      MFX.

PMID- 27677998
TI  - An ultrasound-assisted procedure for fast screening of mobile fractions of Cd, Pb
      and Ni in soil. Insight into method optimization and validation.
AB  - A fast ultrasound-assisted sequential extraction (UASE) procedure for the
      determination of cadmium, lead and nickel fractions in soil was developed and
      fully validated. The working parameters of an ultrasound probe were optimized by
      comparing the content of metals in soil extracts obtained by the UASE procedure
      with that obtained by the conventional (with the aid of a vertical rotor)
      modified Community Bureau of Reference (BCR) procedure. The content of metals in
      soil fractions was determined by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry.
      The total time of extraction of metals from soil was shorten from 48 h to 27 min
      (total sonication time). The trueness of the developed method was confirmed by
      analysis of the certified reference material BCR-701. In order to indicate
      critical points of the developed UASE method, uncertainties of fractionation
      results were calculated and compared with those calculated for conventional
      modified BCR procedure. The method usefulness was tested for the determination of
      metal fractions in different types of soil collected in the Podlasie Province
      (Poland). The proposed procedure could be used for fast screening of mobile
      fractions of several heavy metals in soil.

PMID- 27677999
TI  - Alternative dry separation of PM10 from soils for characterization by kinetic
      extraction: example of new Caledonian mining soils.
AB  - A simple new device for dry separation of fine particulate matter from bulk soil
      samples is presented here. It consists of a stainless steel tube along which a
      nitrogen flow is imposed, resulting in the displacement of particles. Taking into
      account particle transport, fluid mechanics, and soil sample composition, a tube
      6-m long, with a 0.04-m diameter, was found best adapted for PM10 separation. The
      device rapidly produced several milligrams of particulate matter, on which
      chemical extractions with EDTA were subsequently performed to study the kinetic
      parameters of extractable metals. New Caledonian mining soils were chosen here,
      as a case-study. Although the easily extracted metal pool represents only 0.5-6.4
      % of the total metal content for the elements studied (Ni, Co, Mn), the total
      concentrations are extremely high. This pool is therefore far from negligible,
      and can be troublesome in the environment. This dry technique for fine particle
      separation from bulk parent soil eliminates the metal-leaching risks inherent in
      wet filtration and should therefore ensure safe assessment of environmental
      quality in fine-textured, metal-contaminated soils.

PMID- 27678002
TI  - Ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint secondary to neonatal group B
      streptococcal sepsis.

PMID- 27678000
TI  - Integrated bioleaching of copper metal from waste printed circuit board-a
      comprehensive review of approaches and challenges.
AB  - Waste electrical and electronic equipment (e-waste) is the most rapidly growing
      waste stream in the world, and the majority of the residues are openly disposed
      of in developing countries. Waste printed circuit boards (WPCBs) make up the
      major portion of e-waste, and their informal recycling can cause environmental
      pollution and health risks. Furthermore, the conventional disposal and recycling
      techniques-mechanical treatments used to recover valuable metals, including
      copper-are not sustainable in the long term. Chemical leaching is rapid and
      efficient but causes secondary pollution. Bioleaching is a promising approach,
      eco-friendly and economically feasible, but it is slower process. This review
      considers the recycling potential of microbes and suggests an integrated
      bioleaching approach for Cu extraction and recovery from WPCBs. The proposed
      recycling system should be more effective, efficient and both technically and
      economically feasible.

PMID- 27678001
TI  - Military and veteran health behavior research and practice: challenges and
      opportunities.
AB  - There are 2.1 million current military servicemembers and 21 million living
      veterans in the United States. Although they were healthier upon entering
      military service compared to the general U.S. population, in the longer term
      veterans tend to be of equivalent or worse health than civilians. One primary
      explanation for the veterans' health disparity is poorer health behaviors during
      or after military service, especially areas of physical activity, nutrition,
      tobacco, and alcohol. In response, the Department of Defense and Department of
      Veterans Affairs continue to develop, evaluate, and improve health promotion
      programs and healthcare services for military and veteran health behavior in an
      integrated approach. Future research and practice is needed to better understand
      and promote positive health behavior during key transition periods in the
      military and veteran life course. Also paramount is implementation and evaluation
      of existing interventions, programs, and policies across the population using an
      integrated and person centered approach.

PMID- 27678003
TI  - Adenylyl cyclase 3 haploinsufficiency confers susceptibility to diet-induced
      obesity and insulin resistance in mice.
AB  - Adenylyl cyclase 3 (Adcy3), a member of the mammalian adenylyl cyclase family
      responsible for generating the second messenger cAMP, has long been known to play
      an essential role in olfactory signal transduction. Here, we demonstrated that
      Adcy3 heterozygous null mice displayed increased visceral adiposity in the
      absence of hyperphagia and developed abnormal metabolic features characterized by
      impaired insulin sensitivity, dyslipidemia, and increased plasma levels of
      proinflammatory cytokines on both chow and high-fat diet (HFD). Of note, HFD
      decreased the Adcy3 expression in white adipose tissue, liver, and muscle. We
      also report for the first time that Adcy3 haploinsufficiency resulted in reduced
      expression of genes involved in thermogenesis, fatty acid oxidation, and insulin
      signaling, with enhanced expression of genes related to adipogenesis in
      peripheral tissues of mice. In conclusion, these findings suggest that cAMP
      signals generated by Adcy3 in peripheral tissues may play a pivotal role in
      modulating obesity and insulin sensitivity.

PMID- 27678005
TI  - The influence of fiscal rules on healthcare policy in the United States and the
      Netherlands.
AB  - Governments use fiscal rules to put a framework and limits on how budgetary
      challenges are addressed, but the rules themselves are still an understudied area
      among health policy scholars. For a long time, healthcare held a somewhat
      separate status because of the reliance on entitlements and dedicated revenue
      streams. However, the combined forces of advocates for integral decision-making,
      central budget control and the increasing costs might shift healthcare towards
      budgetary frameworks that currently apply to other spending categories. In this
      paper, we study fiscal rules that the US and the Netherlands have adopted since
      2010 and their impact on healthcare policy. Our analysis shows that fiscal rules
      can have an impact on the rationing of healthcare. In the studied timeframe, the
      rules seem to have more impact on budget outcomes than on the budget process
      itself. In addition, the convergence of fiscal and program policy objectives
      seems to be better accomplished in a budgetary system that applies enforceable
      budget ceilings. Budgeting for health entitlements requires a comprehensive and
      tailor-made approach and the composition of traditional rules might not fully
      answer to the complexities of healthcare policy. This paper aims to contribute to
      that debate and the way we think about healthcare budgeting. Copyright (c) 2016
      John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27678004
TI  - Helical model of smooth muscle myosin filament and the ribbons made of caldesmon:
      history revisited.
AB  - In early studies on smooth muscle, I described a crude myosin fraction (CMF) in
      which self-assembly of myosin filaments was observed. For the first time, the 14
      nm periodicity stemming from regular arrangement of myosin heads on the filament
      surface was observed (Sobieszek in J Mol Biol 70:741-744, 1972). In this
      fraction, we also observed formation of long ribbon-shaped aggregates exhibiting
      a 5.6-nm periodicity, characteristic of tropomyosin (TM) paracrystals (Sobieszek
      and Small in Phil Trans R Soc Lond B 265:203-212, 1973). We therefore concluded
      that these ribbons were made of TM and they might be related to the myosin
      ribbons observed in electron micrographs (EM) of intact smooth muscle (Lowy and
      Small in Nature 227:46-51, 1970; Small and Squire in Mol Biol 67:117-149, 1972).
      Subsequently, Small (J Cell Sci 24:327-349, 1977) concluded that the ribbons
      observed in the EM sections were an artifact, but their observation in the CMF
      was not addressed. I have now revisited two aspects of the above studies.
      Firstly, based on my new multi-angle laser-scattering data and considering the
      length and stability of the building unit for the filament, a myosin trimer fit
      better to the previously proposed helical structure. Secondly, after two decades
      of systematic examinations of protein compositions in multiple smooth muscle
      extracts and isolated filaments, I concluded that the ribbons were made of
      caldesmon and not TM. Thirdly, actin-activated ATPase activity measurements
      indicated that modulation of this activity (by CaD and TM) was synergistic,
      cooperative and depended on myosin to actin ratio.

PMID- 27678006
TI  - Children with ADHD symptoms show decreased activity in ventral striatum during
      the anticipation of reward, irrespective of ADHD diagnosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Changes in reward processing are thought to be involved in the
      etiology of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as well as other
      developmental disorders. In addition, different forms of therapy for ADHD rely on
      reinforcement principles. As such, improved understanding of reward processing in
      ADHD could eventually lead to more effective treatment options. However,
      differences in reward processing may not be specific to ADHD, but may be a trans
      diagnostic feature of disorders that involve ADHD-like symptoms. METHODS: In this
      event-related fMRI study, we used a child-friendly version of the monetary
      incentive delay task to assess performance and brain activity during reward
      anticipation. Also, we collected questionnaire data to assess reward sensitivity
      in daily life. For final analyses, data were available for 27 typically
      developing children, 24 children with ADHD, and 25 children with an autism
      spectrum disorder (ASD) and ADHD symptoms. RESULTS: We found decreased activity
      in ventral striatum during anticipation of reward in children with ADHD symptoms,
      both for children with ADHD as their primary diagnosis and in children with
      autism spectrum disorder and ADHD symptoms. We found that higher parent-rated
      sensitivity to reward was associated with greater anticipatory activity in
      ventral striatum for children with ADHD symptoms. In contrast, there was no
      relationship between the degree of ADHD symptoms and activity in ventral
      striatum. CONCLUSIONS: We provide evidence of biological and behavioral
      differences in reward sensitivity in children with ADHD symptoms, regardless of
      their primary diagnosis. Ultimately, a dimensional brain-behavior model of reward
      sensitivity in children with symptoms of ADHD may be useful to refine treatment
      options dependent on reward processing.

PMID- 27678007
TI  - Enteric co-innervation of striated muscle in the esophagus: still enigmatic?
AB  - The existence of a distinct ganglionated myenteric plexus between the two layers
      of the striated tunica muscularis of the mammalian esophagus has represented an
      enigma for quite a while. Although an enteric co-innervation of vagally
      innervated motor endplates in the esophagus has been suggested repeatedly, it was
      not possible until recently to demonstrate this dual innervation. Twenty-two
      years ago, we were able to demonstrate that motor endplates in the rat esophagus
      receive dual innervation from both vagal nerve fibers originating in the brain
      stem and from varicose enteric nerve fibers originating in the myenteric plexus.
      Meanwhile, a considerable amount of data has been gathered on enteric co
      innervation and its occurrence in the esophagus of a variety of species including
      humans, its neurochemistry, spatial relationships on motor endplates, ontogeny
      and possible functional roles. These data underline the significance of this
      newly discovered innervation component, although its function in vivo is still
      largely unknown. The aim of this review, which is an update of our previous paper
      (Worl and Neuhuber in Histochem Cell Biol 123(2):117-130. doi: 10.1007/s00418-005
      0764-7 , 2005a), is to summarize the current knowledge about enteric co
      innervation of esophageal striated muscle and to provide some hints as to its
      functional significance.

PMID- 27678008
TI  - Major prognostic value of complex karyotype in addition to TP53 and IGHV
      mutational status in first-line chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
AB  - Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a lymphoproliferative disorder of
      remarkable heterogeneity as demonstrated by cytogenetics and molecular analyses.
      Complex karyotype (CK), TP53 deletions and/or mutations (TP53 disruption), IGVH
      mutational status, and, more recently, recurrent somatic mutations have been
      identified as prognostic markers in CLL. On a cohort of 110 patients with CLL
      treated with first-line fludarabin, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab treatment
      compared with 33 untreated (watch and wait) patients with CLL, we report more
      frequent complex karyotypes (34 vs 15%; P = .05), unmutated IGHV (70 vs 21%; P <
      .0001), ATM deletion (25 vs 6%, P = .02), and NOTCH mutation (3 vs 17%, P = .04).
      Among treated patients, 39 relapsed during the follow-up period. These patients
      were characterized before treatment by a higher incidence of trisomy 12 (38 vs
      11%, P < .001) and TP53 disruption (31 vs 4%, P = .0002). A significantly shorter
      5-year overall survival was found for treated patients with CK (72.4 vs 85.8%; P
      = .007), unmutated IGHV (70 vs 100%; P = .04), or TP53 disruption (55.7 vs 82.7%;
      P < .0001). Three risk groups were defined based on the status of TP53 disruption
      or unmutated IGVH, which differed significantly in terms of 5-year overall
      survival. Moreover, the presence of CK impacted pejoratively 5-year overall
      survival and progression-free survival in all these 3 groups. Conventional
      karyotyping therefore appears to be of value, CK being an additional factor,
      undetectable in classical FISH, in patients with CLL at the stage when therapy
      becomes required.

PMID- 27678009
TI  - Expression pattern and phenotypic characterization of the mutant strain reveals
      target genes and processes regulated by pka1 in the dimorphic fission yeast
      Schizosaccharomyces japonicus.
AB  - The cAMP cascade plays an important role in several biological processes. Thus,
      study of its molecular details can contribute to a better understanding of these
      processes, treatment of diseases, or even finding antifungal drug targets. To
      gain further information about the PKA pathway, and its evolutionarily conserved
      and species-specific features, the central regulator pka1 gene, which encodes the
      cAMP-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit, was studied in the less known
      haplontic, dimorphic fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces japonicus. Namely, this
      species belongs to a highly divergent phylogenetic branch of fungi. Furthermore,
      S. japonicus had only a single copy pka1 gene in contrast to the budding yeasts.
      Therefore, the pka1 deleted mutant was created, whose RNA sequencing and
      phenotypic studies revealed that the Pka1 regulated at least 373 genes, among
      them further kinases, phosphatases and transcriptional regulators. It regulated
      elongation of hyphae, cell size, aging and stress response. Furthermore, half of
      the pka1 target genes seemed to be conserved in Schizosaccharomyces pombe and S.
      japonicus. However, there were oppositely regulated genes in the two closely
      related species. The target genes suggest that this single gene must be able to
      fulfill all the functions of TPK1-3 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Thus, our
      results shed light on certain similarities and differences of the PKA pathway of
      S. japonicus compared to the budding yeasts and confirmed the multifunctionality
      of the pka1 gene, but further experiments are needed to prove its involvement in
      the metabolic processes and transport.

PMID- 27678010
TI  - New quality assurance program integrating "modern radiotherapy" within the German
      Hodgkin Study Group.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Field design changed substantially from extended-field RT (EF-RT)
      to involved-field RT (IF-RT) and now to involved-node RT (IN-RT) and involved
      site RT (IS-RT) as well as treatment techniques in radiotherapy (RT) of Hodgkin's
      lymphoma (HL). The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the establishment of
      a quality assurance program (QAP) including modern RT techniques and field
      designs within the German Hodgkin Study Group (GHSG). METHODS: In the era of
      modern conformal RT, this QAP had to be fundamentally adapted and a new
      evaluation process has been intensively discussed by the radiotherapeutic expert
      panel of the GHSG. RESULTS: The expert panel developed guidelines and criteria to
      analyse "modern" field designs and treatment techniques. This work is based on a
      dataset of 11 patients treated within the sixth study generation (HD16-17).
      CONCLUSION: To develop a QAP of "modern RT", the expert panel defined criteria
      for analysing current RT procedures. The consensus of a modified QAP in ongoing
      and future trials is presented. With this schedule, the QAP of the GHSG could
      serve as a model for other study groups.

PMID- 27678011
TI  - The Role of Language Skill in Child Psychopathology: Implications for
      Intervention in the Early Years.
AB  - In this narrative review, we suggest that children's language skill should be
      targeted in clinical interventions for children with emotional and behavioral
      difficulties in the preschool years. We propose that language skill predicts
      childhood emotional and behavioral problems and this relationship may be mediated
      by children's self-regulation and emotion understanding skills. In the first
      sections, we review recent high-quality longitudinal studies which together
      demonstrate that that children's early language skill predicts: (1) emotional and
      behavioral problems, and this relationship is stronger than the reverse pattern;
      (2) self-regulation skill; this pattern may be stronger than the reverse pattern
      but moderated by child age. Findings also suggest that self-regulation skill
      mediates the relation between early language skill and children's emotional and
      behavioral problems. There is insufficient evidence regarding the mediating role
      of emotion understanding. In subsequent sections, we review evidence
      demonstrating that: (1) particular kinds of developmentally targeted parent-child
      conversations play a vital role in the development of language skill, and (2)
      some current clinical interventions, directly or indirectly, have a beneficial
      impact on children's vocabulary and narrative skills, but most approaches are ad
      hoc. Targeting language via parent-child conversation has the potential to
      improve the outcomes of current clinical interventions in the preschool years.

PMID- 27678012
TI  - Heteroatom Tuning of Bimolecular Criegee Reactions and Its Implications.
AB  - High-level quantum-chemical calculations have been performed to understand the
      key reactivity determinants of bimolecular reactions of Criegee intermediates and
      H2 X (X=O, S, Se, and Te). Criegee intermediates are implicated as key
      intermediates in atmospheric, synthetic organic, and enzymatic chemistry.
      Generally, it is believed that the nature and location of substituents at the
      carbon of the Criegee intermediate play a key role in determing the reactivity.
      However, the present work suggests that it is not only the substitution of the
      Criegee intermediate, but the nature of the heteroatom in H2 X that also plays a
      crucial role in determining the reactivity of the interaction between the Criegee
      intermediate and H2 X. The barriers for the reactions of Criegee intermediates
      and H2 X satisfy an inverse correlation with the bond strength of X-H in H2 X,
      and a direct correlation with the first pKa of H2 X. This heteroatom tuning
      causes a substantial barrier lowering of 8-11 kcal mol-1 in the Criegee reaction
      barrier in going from H2 O to H2 Te. An important implication of these results is
      that the reaction of the Criegee intermediate and H2 S could be a source of
      thioaldehydes, which are important in plantery atmospheres and synthetic organic
      chemistry. By performing the reaction of Criegee intermediates and H2 S under
      water or acid catalysis, thioladehydes could be detected in a hydrogen-bonded
      complexed state, which is significantly more stable than their uncomplexed form.
      As a result, simpler aliphatic thioaldehydes could be selectively synthesized in
      the laboratory, which, otherwise, has been a significant synthetic challenge
      because of their ability to oligomerize.

PMID- 27678014
TI  - Electric Eel-Skin-Inspired Mechanically Durable and Super-Stretchable
      Nanogenerator for Deformable Power Source and Fully Autonomous Conformable
      Electronic-Skin Applications.
AB  - Electric eel-skin-inspired mechanically durable and super-stretchable
      nanogenerator is demonstrated for the first time by using triboelectric effect.
      This newly designed nanogenerator can produce electricity by touch or tapping
      despite under various extreme mechanical deformations or even after experiencing
      damage. This device can be used not only as deformable and wearable power source
      but also as fully autonomous and self-sufficient adaptive electronic skin system.

PMID- 27678013
TI  - Xenograft of microencapsulated Sertoli cells restores glucose homeostasis in
      db/db mice with spontaneous diabetes mellitus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increased abdominal fat and chronic inflammation in the expanded
      adipose tissue of obesity contribute to the development of insulin resistance and
      type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). The emerging immunoregulatory and anti
      inflammatory properties of Sertoli cells have prompted their application to
      experimental models of autoimmune/inflammatory disorders, including diabetes. The
      main goal of this work was to verify whether transplantation of microencapsulated
      prepubertal porcine Sertoli cells (MC-SC) in the subcutaneous abdominal fat depot
      of spontaneously diabetic and obese db/db mice (homozygous for the diabetes
      spontaneous mutation [Leprdb ]) would: (i) improve glucose homeostasis and (ii)
      modulate local and systemic immune response and adipokines profiles. METHODS:
      Porcine prepubertal Sertoli cells were isolated, according to previously
      established methods and enveloped in Barium alginate microcapsules by a mono air
      jet device. MC-SC were then injected in the subcutaneous abdominal fat depot of
      db/db mice. RESULTS: We have preliminarily shown that graft of MC-SC restored
      glucose homeostasis, with normalization of glycated hemoglobin values with
      improvement of the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test in 60% of the treated
      animals. These results were associated with consistent increase, in the adipose
      tissue, of uncoupling protein 1 expression, regulatory B cells, anti-inflammatory
      macrophages and a concomitant decrease of proinflammatory macrophages.
      Furthermore, the treated animals showed a reduction in inducible NOS and
      proinflammatory molecules and a significant increase in an anti-inflammatory
      cytokine such as IL-10 along with concomitant rise of circulating adiponectin
      levels. The anti-hyperglycemic graft effects also emerged from an increased
      expression of GLUT-4, in conjunction with downregulation of GLUT-2, in skeletal
      muscle and liver, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminarily, xenograft of MC-SC
      holds promises for an effective cell therapy approach for treatment of
      experimental T2D.

PMID- 27678015
TI  - Colon Obstruction as an Isolated Late Gastrointestinal Metastasis of Testicular
      Seminoma.

PMID- 27678016
TI  - Prevalence and molecular characterization of human rhinovirus in stool samples of
      individuals with and without acute gastroenteritis.
AB  - Human rhinovirus (RV) most often causes mild upper respiratory tract infection.
      Although RV is routinely isolated from the respiratory tract, few studies have
      examined RV in other types of clinical samples. The prevalence of RV was examined
      in 1,294 stool samples collected mostly from children with acute gastroenteritis
      residing in Bangkok and Khon Kaen province of Thailand between January 2010 and
      October 2014. In addition, 591 samples from hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD) or
      herpangina patients who do not have gastroenteritis served as a comparison group.
      Samples were initially screened by semi-nested PCR for the RV 5'UTR through the
      VP2 capsid region. RV genotyping and phylogenetic analysis were performed on the
      VP4/VP2 regions. Among children with acute gastroenteritis, RV was found in 2.3%
      (30/1,294) of stool samples, which comprised 47% (14/30) RV-A, 17% (5/30) RV-B,
      and 37% (11/30) RV-C. In the comparison group, 0.8% (5/591) was RV-positive and
      RV-C (3/5) was the major species found. Interestingly, RV was recovered more
      often from children with acute gastroenteritis than from those with HFMD or
      herpangina. As many as 31 RV types were present in the gastroenteritis stools,
      which were different than the types found in those with HFMD or herpangina. J.
      Med. Virol. 89:801-808, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27678017
TI  - The challenge of integrating proximate and ultimate causes to reconstruct the
      natural histories of venoms: the evolutionary link.

PMID- 27678018
TI  - The interaction effect of attentional bias and attentional control on
      dispositional anxiety among adolescents.
AB  - Research has shown that children and adolescents with attentional control
      deficits tend to have high anxiety and exhibit threat-related selective
      attentional bias. This study aimed to investigate how positive and negative
      attentional biases would interact with attentional control on dispositional
      anxiety. One hundred and twenty participants aged 18 years of age or younger
      participated in a visual dot-probe task to measure their attentional bias and
      completed psychological questionnaires to measure their trait anxiety, and
      attentional control. Mean reaction times to the probe in milliseconds were used
      to measure attentional bias. Overall, our participants showed a bigger tendency
      towards attending to positive emotional stimuli than to negative emotional
      stimuli. Adolescents with high dispositional anxiety showed poorer attentional
      control. Regression analyses showed that attentional control interact with
      negative attentional bias to affect anxiety. For participants with high
      attentional control, higher negative attentional bias was associated with lower
      trait anxiety. Trait anxiety was not related to negative attentional bias for
      participants with low attentional control. Positive attentional bias showed no
      significant relationship with dispositional anxiety, either alone or in
      interaction with attentional control. Theoretical and clinical implications of
      the findings are also discussed.

PMID- 27678019
TI  - Abstracts from the 20th Annual Meeting of the European Council for Cardiovascular
      Research (ECCR), Poiano, Lake Garda, 14-16 October 2016.

PMID- 27678021
TI  - GMC closes inquiry into troubled Aberdeen hospital.

PMID- 27678020
TI  - Bending rules: the shape of the perceptual generalisation gradient is sensitive
      to inference rules.
AB  - Generalising what is learned about one stimulus to other but perceptually related
      stimuli is a basic behavioural phenomenon. We evaluated whether a rule learning
      mechanism may serve to explain such generalisation. To this end, we assessed
      whether inference rules communicated through verbal instructions affect
      generalisation. Expectancy ratings, but not valence ratings, proved sensitive to
      this manipulation. In addition to revealing a role for inference rules in
      generalisation, our study has clinical implications as well. More specifically,
      we argue that targeting inference rules might prove to be an effective strategy
      to affect the excessive generalisation that is often observed in psychopathology.

PMID- 27678022
TI  - Clinical and Molecular Characterization of Community-Onset Urinary Tract
      Infections Due to Extended-Spectrum Cephalosporin-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae.
AB  - OBJECTIVE To evaluate risk factors for and molecular characteristics of community
      onset extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant (ESC-R) Enterobacteriaceae (EB)
      urinary tract infections (UTIs) in a US health system. DESIGN Case-control study.
      PARTICIPANTS All patients presenting to the emergency department or outpatient
      practices with EB UTIs from December 21, 2010, through April 22, 2013, were
      included. Case patients had ESC-R EB UTIs. Control patients had ESC-susceptible
      EB UTIs and were matched 1:1 on study year. METHODS Risk factors for ESC-R EB UTI
      were assessed using multivariable conditional logistic regression. A subset of
      case isolates was evaluated for extended-spectrum beta-lactamases. RESULTS A
      total of 302 patients with community-onset EB UTI were included, of which 151
      were cases. On multivariable analysis, risk factors for ESC-R EB UTI included
      trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole use in the prior 6 months (odds ratio, 2.40 [95%
      CI, 1.22-4.70]; P=.01), older age (1.03 [1.01-1.04]; P<.001), diabetes (2.91
      [1.32-6.41]; P=.008), and presentation to the emergency department ( 2.42 [1.31
      4.46]; P=.005). The prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases among 120
      case isolates was 52% CTX-M, 29% TEM, 20% OXA, and 13% SHV. The prevalence of
      AmpC was 25%. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis of the CTX-M Escherichia coli
      isolates showed no distinct clusters. CONCLUSIONS Use of trimethoprim
      sulfamethoxazole, older age, diabetes, and presentation to the emergency
      department were associated with community-onset ESC-R EB UTI. There was a high
      prevalence of CTX-M among our community isolates. Further studies are needed to
      determine strategies to limit emergence of these organisms in the community.
      Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;1433-1439.

PMID- 27678023
TI  - The significance of FOXP1 in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
AB  - Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common subtype of mature B-cell
      lymphoma. While the majority of patients are cured with immunochemotherapy
      incorporating the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab (R-CHOP), relapsed and
      refractory patients still have a dismal prognosis. DLBCL subtypes including an
      aggressive activated B-cell-like (ABC) and a more favorable prognosis germinal
      center-like (GCB) DLBCL have been identified by gene expression profiling and are
      characterized by distinct genetic abnormalities and oncogenic pathways. This
      identification of novel molecular targets is now enabling clinical trials to
      evaluate more effective personalized approaches to DLBCL therapy. The forkhead
      transcription factor FOXP1 is highly expressed in the ABC-DLBCL gene signature
      and has been extensively studied within the context of DLBCL for more than a
      decade. Here, we review the significance of FOXP1 in the pathogenesis of DLBCL,
      summarizing data supporting its utility as a prognostic and subtyping marker, its
      targeting by genetic aberrations, the importance of specific isoforms, and
      emerging data demonstrating a functional role in lymphoma biology. FOXP1 is one
      of the critical transcription factors whose deregulated expression makes
      important contributions to DLBCL pathogenesis. Thus, FOXP1 warrants further study
      as a potential theranostic in ABC-DLBCL.

PMID- 27678024
TI  - Development and functional demonstration of a wireless intraoral inductive tongue
      computer interface for severely disabled persons.
AB  - PURPOSE: Individuals with tetraplegia depend on alternative interfaces in order
      to control computers and other electronic equipment. Current interfaces are often
      limited in the number of available control commands, and may compromise the
      social identity of an individual due to their undesirable appearance. The purpose
      of this study was to implement an alternative computer interface, which was fully
      embedded into the oral cavity and which provided multiple control commands.
      METHODS: The development of a wireless, intraoral, inductive tongue computer was
      described. The interface encompassed a 10-key keypad area and a mouse pad area.
      This system was embedded wirelessly into the oral cavity of the user. The
      functionality of the system was demonstrated in two tetraplegic individuals and
      two able-bodied individuals Results: The system was invisible during use and
      allowed the user to type on a computer using either the keypad area or the mouse
      pad. The maximal typing rate was 1.8 s for repetitively typing a correct
      character with the keypad area and 1.4 s for repetitively typing a correct
      character with the mouse pad area. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that this
      inductive tongue computer interface provides an esthetically acceptable and
      functionally efficient environmental control for a severely disabled user.
      Implications for Rehabilitation New Design, Implementation and detection methods
      for intra oral assistive devices. Demonstration of wireless, powering and
      encapsulation techniques suitable for intra oral embedment of assistive devices.
      Demonstration of the functionality of a rechargeable and fully embedded intra
      oral tongue controlled computer input device.

PMID- 27678026
TI  - Correction to: Bioprinting: an assessment based on manufacturing readiness
      levels.

PMID- 27678025
TI  - Emerging drugs to reduce abnormal beta-amyloid protein in Alzheimer's disease
      patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Currently available drugs against Alzheimer's disease (AD) target
      cholinergic and glutamatergic neurotransmissions without affecting the underlying
      disease process. Putative disease-modifying drugs are in development and target
      beta-amyloid (Abeta) peptide and tau protein, the principal neurophatological
      hallmarks of the disease. Areas covered: Phase III clinical studies of emerging
      anti-Abeta drugs for the treatment of AD were searched in US and EU clinical
      trial registries and in the medical literature until May 2016. Expert opinion:
      Drugs in Phase III clinical development for AD include one inhibitor of the beta
      secretase cleaving enzyme (BACE) (verubecestat), three anti-Abeta monoclonal
      antibodies (solanezumab, gantenerumab, and aducanumab), an inhibitor of receptor
      for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) (azeliragon) and the combination of
      cromolyn sodium and ibuprofen (ALZT-OP1). These drugs are mainly being tested in
      subjects during early phases of AD or in subjects at preclinical stage of
      familial AD or even in asymptomatic subjects at high risk of developing AD. The
      hope is to intervene in the disease process when it is not too late. However,
      previous clinical failures with anti-Abeta drugs and the lack of fully
      understanding of the pathophysiological role of Abeta in the development of AD,
      put the new drugs at substantial risk of failure.

PMID- 27678027
TI  - Recombinant scFv antibodies against infectious pancreatic necrosis virus isolated
      by flow cytometry.
AB  - Infectious pancreatic necrosis is a significant disease of farmed salmonids in
      China. In this study, a single chain variable fragment (scFv) antibody library
      derived from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and viral protein VP2 of a
      Chinese infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) isolate ChRtm213 were co
      expressed by a bacterial display technology. The library was subjected to three
      rounds of screening by flow cytometry (FCM) to select IPNV specific antibodies.
      Six antibody clones with different mean fluorescence intensities (MFI) were
      obtained by picking colonies at random. The antibody clones were expressed and
      purified. The purified IPNV-specific scFv antibodies were used successfully in
      Western blotting, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and an
      immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT). This method provides a high throughput
      means to screen an antibody library by flow cytometry, and isolate a panel of
      antibody that can be used as potential reagents for the detection and study of
      IPNV that are prevalent in China.

PMID- 27678028
TI  - A sensitive virus yield assay for evaluation of Antivirals against Zika Virus.
AB  - Despite the rapid spread of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection and associated
      neurological complications in the America's, prophylactic or therapeutic
      countermeasures are not currently available. This is mostly due to the fact that
      until recently there was no presumed need for medical intervention since there
      was no association between ZIKV infection and significant human morbidity.
      Consequently, there are currently no tools due mostly to the lack of sensitive
      cell based assays amenable for identification of ZIKV inhibitors. To address this
      unmet need we have developed a cell based virus yield assay suitable for testing
      antivirals against Zika virus. Using bioinformatics, several isolates of ZIKV
      from the Americas, Africa, and Asia were analyzed for sequence similarity. The
      alignment data were then used to design primers targeting a ZIKV genomic region
      that was highly conserved among all the ZIKV isolates. Subsequently, primers were
      used in a sensitive, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction
      (qRT-PCR) assay to detect ZIKV RNA. The qRT-PCR assay was found to be highly
      sensitive (lower limit of detection between-10-100 copies) and reproducible.
      Evaluation of the primers and probes used for ZIKV against another flavivirus
      (Dengue virus) demonstrated specificity of detection. To evaluate potential of
      qRT-PCR assay as an antiviral screening tool against ZIKV, Vero cells pretreated
      with Type I Interferons (IFN alpha) were infected with virus, followed by
      measurement of ZIKV RNA found in the cell culture supernatants using qRT-PCR
      assay. Dose-dependent antiviral activity of Type I Interferons and mycophenolic
      acid (MPA) against Zika virus in this cell culture system was confirmed using qRT
      PCR. Due to reproducible assay performance, qPCR associated higher sensitivity
      and short duration of the assay time, this novel cell based assay will be very
      useful for confirming the activity of antivirals against ZIKV.

PMID- 27678029
TI  - Cross-border reproductive care: an Ethics Committee opinion.
AB  - Cross-border reproductive care (CBRC) is a growing worldwide phenomenon, raising
      questions about why assisted reproductive technology (ART) patients travel
      abroad, what harms and benefits may result, and what duties health-care providers
      may have in advising and treating patients who travel for reproductive services.
      Cross-border care offers benefits and poses harms to ART stakeholders, including
      patients, offspring, providers, gamete donors, gestational carriers, and local
      populations in destination countries. This document replaces the previous
      document of the same name, last published in 2013 (Fertil Steril 2013;100:645
      50).

PMID- 27678030
TI  - Direct vitamin D3 actions on rhesus macaque follicles in three-dimensional
      culture: assessment of follicle survival, growth, steroid, and antimullerian
      hormone production.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the direct actions of active 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3
      (VD3) upon primate follicular development at specific stages of folliculogenesis.
      DESIGN: Secondary preantral follicles were isolated from rhesus monkeys ovaries,
      encapsulated in alginate, and cultured for 40 days. Follicles were randomly
      assigned to experimental groups of control, low-dose VD3 (LVD3; 25 pg/mL), and
      high-dose VD3 (HVD3; 100 pg/mL). SETTING: National primate research center.
      ANIMAL(S): Adult, female rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). INTERVENTION(S): None.
      MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Follicle survival and growth, as well as oocyte size,
      were assessed. Progesterone (P4), androstenedione (A4), E2, and antimullerian
      hormone (AMH) concentrations in culture media were measured. RESULT(S): Compared
      with the control group, LVD3 increased preantral follicle survival at week 2 by
      >66%, while HVD3 increased antral follicle diameters at week 5. Follicles with
      diameters >=500 MUm at week 5 were categorized as fast-growing follicles. Higher
      percentages of fast-growing follicles were obtained after HVD3 treatment.
      Although P4, A4, and E2 production by antral follicles was not altered by VD3,
      AMH concentrations were 36% higher in the LVD3 group relative to controls at week
      5. Oocytes with larger diameters were retrieved from antral follicles developed
      in both LVD3 and HVD3 groups compared with controls. CONCLUSION(S): The addition
      of LVD3 increased preantral follicle survival and maintained AMH production by
      antral follicles, while HVD3 improved antral follicle growth. VD3 supplement
      promoted oocyte growth in in vitro-developed follicles. Direct actions of VD3 on
      the primate follicle appear to be both dose and stage dependent.

PMID- 27678031
TI  - Obstetric and perinatal outcomes after either fresh or thawed frozen embryo
      transfer: an analysis of 112,432 singleton pregnancies recorded in the Human
      Fertilisation and Embryology Authority anonymized dataset.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore obstetric and perinatal outcomes in singleton pregnancies
      occurring as a result of fresh and thawed frozen embryo transfer using anonymized
      Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority data. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort
      study. SETTING: Not applicable. PATIENT(S): Singleton births after
      IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles in the United Kingdom (1991-2011).
      INTERVENTION(S): A total of 112,432 cycles (95,911 fresh and 16,521 frozen) were
      analyzed using multivariate logistic regression to explore associations between
      type of embryo transferred (frozen vs. fresh) and obstetric and perinatal
      outcomes. Relative risks (RRs) and their 99.5% confidence intervals (CIs) were
      calculated using Stata 14 MP, adjusting for potential confounders. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURE(S): Birth weight. RESULT(S): The adjusted RR (99.5% CI) of low birth
      weight [0.73 (0.66-0.80)] and very low birth weight [0.78 (0.63-0.96)] were all
      lower after frozen embryo transfer; however, RR of having a high birth weight
      baby was higher [1.64 (1.53-1.76)]. There was no difference in RR of preterm
      birth [0.96 (0.88-1.03)], very preterm birth [0.86 (0.70-1.05)], and congenital
      anomalies [0.86 (0.73-1.01)]. CONCLUSION(S): The findings of low birth and very
      low birth weight after thawed frozen embryo transfer are consistent with the
      literature and provide reassurance regarding the outcome of pregnancies after
      frozen embryo transfers. However, they highlight the possibility of high birth
      weight in these babies. Because these results are based on observational data,
      further evidence from randomized, controlled trials is needed before elective
      cryopreservation of all embryos is practiced in preference to the current
      practice of transfer of fresh embryos.

PMID- 27678032
TI  - Prevention and treatment of moderate and severe ovarian hyperstimulation
      syndrome: a guideline.
AB  - Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is an uncommon but serious complication
      associated with assisted reproductive technology (ART). This systematic review
      aims to identify who is at high risk, how to prevent OHSS, and the treatment for
      existing OHSS.

PMID- 27678033
TI  - Addition of neither recombinant nor urinary luteinizing hormone was associated
      with an improvement in the outcome of autologous in vitro
      fertilization/intracytoplasmatic sperm injection cycles under regular clinical
      settings: a multicenter observational analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the addition of either urinary or recombinant LH
      in patients undergoing routine clinical care improved the outcome in terms of the
      number of oocytes recovered for insemination or the delivery rate per initiated
      cycle. DESIGN: Cohort analysis. PATIENT(S): Couples undergoing IVF/ICSI in 158
      institutions in 15 countries in Latin America. SETTING: In vitro fertilization
      clinics. INTERVENTION(S): We compared the outcome of three different protocols of
      COH, including rFSH only, rFSH plus rLH, and rFSH plus hMG. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURE(S): The number of mature oocytes recovered and inseminated; proportion of
      ETs at the blastocyst stage; clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, and delivery rates;
      proportion of cycles with embryo cryopreservation; and mean number of embryos
      cryopreserved. RESULT(S): After correcting for the age of the female partner,
      body mass index, number of embryos transferred, and stage of embryo development
      at transfer, we found that LH addition was not associated with an increase in the
      mean number of metaphase II oocytes inseminated or with an increase in the
      delivery rate or changes in the miscarriage rate. CONCLUSION(S): Our study
      strongly suggests that in routine clinical practice, the type of controlled
      ovarian stimulation-FSH alone or in combination with LH-has little impact on the
      outcome of assisted reproductive technology; therefore a more friendly and
      accessible alternative should be favored.

PMID- 27678034
TI  - Which female cancer patients fail to receive fertility counseling before
      treatment in the state of Georgia?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess which characteristics are associated with failure to receive
      fertility counseling among a cohort of young women diagnosed with cancer. DESIGN:
      Population-based cohort study. SETTING: Not applicable. PATIENT(S): A total of
      1,282 cancer survivors, of whom 1,116 met the inclusion criteria for the
      analysis. INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The main outcome in
      this study was whether or not women reported receiving any information at the
      time of their cancer diagnosis on how cancer treatment might affect their ability
      to become pregnant. RESULT(S): Forty percent of cancer survivors reported that
      they did not receive fertility counseling at the time of cancer diagnosis. Women
      were more likely to fail to receive counseling if they had only a high school
      education or less or if they had given birth. Cancer-related variables that were
      associated with a lack of counseling included not receiving chemotherapy as part
      of treatment and diagnosis with certain cancer types. CONCLUSION(S): Counseling
      about the risk of infertility and available fertility preservation options is
      important to cancer patients. Additionally, counseling can make women aware of
      other adverse reproductive outcomes, such as early menopause and its associated
      symptoms. Less-educated women and parous women are at particular risk of not
      getting fertility-related information. Programs that focus on training not just
      the oncologist, but also other health care providers involved with cancer care,
      to provide fertility counseling may help to expand access.

PMID- 27678035
TI  - Hormonal contraception and thrombosis.
AB  - The safety of combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) has been documented by
      years of follow-up, and the occurrence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) possibly
      related to their use is rare in the young population exposed to these agents. The
      balance between the benefits and risks of contraceptive steroids is generally
      positive, in particular when compared with pregnancy's risks. Epidemiological
      studies led to different results showing either no difference in VTE risk between
      CHCs (active surveillance prospective studies) or an increase in risk
      (observational or database studies). The discrepancy may be explained by
      different study designs and the fact that important risk factors such as
      overweight, family history of thrombosis, and smoking were not adjusted for in
      some observational studies. To improve the safety of CHC, modifying the estrogen
      dose and type, selecting newer progestins, and alternative routes of delivery
      were implemented. Ethinyl- E2 (EE) exerts a stronger effect than E2 on estrogen
      dependent markers such as liver proteins and coagulation factors. To circumvent
      the metabolic changes induced by EE, more natural compounds such as E2 and E2
      valerate (E2V) were developed, as well as new progestins structurally closer to
      P. Progestins when given alone do not increase VTE risk, and their risks and
      benefits depend upon their chemical structure, the type and dose of combined
      estrogen, and the delivery route. The lower impact of E2-based CHCs on metabolic
      markers may result in an improved safety profile. A recent study on clinical
      outcomes supports this hypothesis. In conclusion, CHCs remain a safe and
      effective choice to prevent unwanted pregnancy, and the risk of VTE is in general
      low. Careful consideration of individual risk factors should be given before
      prescribing to avoid cumulative risks and minimize the occurrence of unwanted
      events.

PMID- 27678036
TI  - Is elective single-embryo transfer a viable treatment policy in in vitro
      maturation cycles?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical outcome of single-embryo transfer (SET) with
      double-embryo transfer (DET) in in vitro maturation (IVM) cycles performed in
      patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and to determine which factors
      predict those outcomes. DESIGN: A retrospective analysis. SETTING: Private
      assisted reproduction center. PATIENT(S): One hundred and fifty-nine women with
      PCOS. INTERVENTION(S): In vitro maturation with elective SET or DET conducted
      between September 2007 and May 2014. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Live-birth rates.
      RESULT(S): Single-embryo transfer was performed in 83 patients (52.2%), and DET
      was performed in 76 patients (47.7%). When compared with the patients who had
      DET, the patients who had SET were statistically significantly younger (32.4 +/-
      3.5 vs. 24.1 +/- 4.2 years) and had a shorter infertility duration (9.2 +/- 4.5
      vs. 4.4 +/- 2.1 years), fewer previous ART cycles (<2 prior attempts, 39.5% vs.
      6%; >=2 prior attempts, 60.5% vs. 0), fewer collected oocytes (15.1 +/- 4.6 vs.
      12.6 +/- 3.8), fewer metaphase II oocytes (9.0 +/- 4.1 vs. 5.7 +/- 2.9), fewer
      fertilized oocytes (8.2 +/- 3.7 vs. 3.6 +/- 2.3), and a higher implantation rate
      (27% vs. 47%). The SET and DET groups had similar embryo quality and similar
      clinical pregnancy (44.6% vs. 44.7%) and live-birth rates (34.9% vs. 34.2%). Twin
      pregnancy rates were statistically significantly higher in the DET compared with
      the SET groups (9.2% vs. 2.4%). CONCLUSION(S): In vitro maturation is a
      successful assisted reproduction technique that can be an alternative to
      conventional in vitro fertilization in women presenting with PCOS-related
      infertility. Our observations suggest that SET is a feasible option to prevent
      multiple pregnancies while maintaining the live-birth rate.

PMID- 27678038
TI  - Using the Wharton-Sheares-George method to create a neovagina in patients with
      Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome: a step-by-step video tutorial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To provide a review of the literature regarding this technique as well
      as a step-by-step description with the goal of increasing its use as a safe
      surgical option. Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is characterized
      by vaginal agenesis and a variety of mullerian duct anomalies. To date, a variety
      of procedures have been described for creating a neovagina, but the best
      treatment remains debated. The Wharton-Sheares-George method, a minimally
      invasive surgical approach for the creation of a neovagina, is remarkably simple
      to perform. DESIGN: Surgical video tutorial. SETTING: University hospital and
      referral center for pediatric and adolescent gynecology. PATIENT(S): A 20-year
      old woman with MRKH syndrome who underwent Wharton-Sheares-George
      neovaginoplasty. INTERVENTION(S): With the Wharton-Sheares-George neovaginoplasty
      the rudimentary mullerian ducts are dilated incrementally by pushing Hegar
      dilators in the direction of the pelvic axis, and the resulting median raphe is
      then intersected using diathermy. Subsequently a vaginal mold is inserted into
      the newly created cavity and held in position by two sutures. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURE(S): Discussion of the surgical steps according to the Wharton-Sheares
      George method and review of the anatomic and functional results. RESULTS:
      Reviewing the existing literature shows that a mean vaginal length and width of
      8.3 and 3.3 cm, respectively, can be achieved, and so far no major intraoperative
      or postoperative complications or prolapse of the neovagina has been reported.
      Patients can achieve a high degree of general well-being as well as sexual and
      psychosocial functioning. However, as with most other methods, the presented
      method requires diligent patient compliance due to the lifelong need to actively
      avoid contraction of the neovagina. Also, as revealed by vaginal cultures and
      biopsies, the neovaginas remarkably resemble natural vaginas with regard to type
      of bacterial colonization and structure of epithelium. The process of spontaneous
      epithelialization of the neovagina is not fully understood, but has been observed
      to begin at the vaginal orifice and take several months to reach the apex. This
      leads to the assumption that the nonkeratinizing, stratified squamous epithelium
      originates from the preexisting vaginal epithelium of the vaginal dimple and
      migrates in a cranial direction. Alternatively, epithelialization might arise
      from pluripotent stem cells located in the obliterated mullerian ducts.
      CONCLUSION(S): The creation of a neovagina using the Wharton-Sheares-George
      method does not require allogenic or autologous transplants, nor does it require
      traction devices or specialized surgical equipment. Furthermore, the procedure is
      comparatively simple to perform and easy to learn. By following our step-by-step
      description of this technique, surgeons can offer a minimally invasive, quick,
      and safe surgical option that provides long-term results that are both
      functionally and anatomically satisfying. We believe that this technique
      represents a valuable alternative for the creation of a neovagina in patients
      with MRKH syndrome and thus should be investigated on a broader scale in the
      future.

PMID- 27678039
TI  - Ovarian hyperstimulation: past, present, and future.
AB  - The good physician treats the disease; the great physician treats the patient who
      has the disease. -William Osler.

PMID- 27678037
TI  - Male contraception.
AB  - Although female contraceptives are very effective at preventing unintended
      pregnancy, some women can not use them because of health conditions or side
      effects, leaving some couples without effective contraceptive options. In
      addition, many men wish to take active responsibility for family planning. Thus,
      there is a great need for male contraceptives to prevent unintended pregnancies,
      of which 80-90 million occur annually. At present, effective male contraceptive
      options are condoms and vasectomy, which are not ideal for all men. Therefore,
      efforts are under way to develop novel male contraceptives. This paper briefly
      reviews the advantages and disadvantages of condoms and vasectomies and then
      discusses the research directed toward development of novel methods of male
      contraception.

PMID- 27678040
TI  - Reproductive outcomes of familial oocyte donation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Oocyte donation (OD) from a family member may be more available to
      patients. Our objective was to compare reproductive outcomes of familial OD with
      those of unrelated OD. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study in a single university
      affiliated center. SETTING: Not applicable. PATIENT(S): Four hundred thirty OD
      cycles performed from 2010 to 2014: 124 from family members and 306 from
      unrelated donors. INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Ovarian
      stimulation parameters and cycle outcomes (total gonadotropin dose, number of
      retrieved oocytes, number of embryos, number of vitrified embryos, blastocyst
      transfer rate, rate of fresh transfers); endometrial preparation parameters;
      implantation, clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, and live birth rates; perinatal
      outcomes (gestational age at birth, birth weight, delivery mode, cesarean
      delivery rates). RESULT(S): Implantation, clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, and
      live birth rates were similar between familial OD cycles and unrelated OD cycles
      (32.9% vs. 39.7%, 41.9% vs. 44.4%, 30.7% vs. 30.9%, and 29% vs. 28.7%,
      respectively). Gestational age at birth and birth weight were similar (37.8 wk +/
      2.2 d vs. 37.1 wk +/- 3 d and 3,043 +/- 722 g vs. 2,906 +/- 788 g,
      respectively). Similar outcomes were also found in single-embryo transfer OD
      cycles (live birth rate 26.7% vs. 24.2%). Sister-to-sister OD cycles outcomes
      were similar to those of unrelated donors. CONCLUSION(S): The reproductive
      outcomes of familial OD are similar to those of unrelated OD. These findings are
      in contrast to previous presumptions regarding the efficiency of familial OD and
      may help in the counseling of women who need OD.

PMID- 27678041
TI  - Medication use and survival in diabetic patients with kidney cancer: A population
      based cohort study.
AB  - Survival rates in kidney cancer have improved little over time, and diabetes may
      be an independent risk factor for poor survival in kidney cancer. We sought to
      determine whether medications with putative anti-neoplastic properties (statins,
      metformin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)) are associated with
      survival in diabetics with kidney cancer. We conducted a population-based cohort
      study utilizing linked healthcare databases in Ontario, Canada. Patients were
      aged 66 or older with newly diagnosed diabetes and a subsequent diagnosis of
      incident kidney cancer. Receipt of metformin, statins or NSAIDs was defined using
      prescription claims. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality and the
      secondary outcome was cancer-specific mortality. We used multivariable Cox
      proportional hazard regression, with medication use modeled with time-varying and
      cumulative exposure analyses to account for intermittent use. During the 14-year
      study period, we studied 613 patients. Current statin use was associated with a
      markedly reduced risk of death from any cause (adjusted hazard ratio 0.74; 95% CI
      0.59-0.91) and death due to kidney cancer (adjusted hazard ratio 0.71; 95% CI
      0.51-0.97). However, survival was not associated with current use of metformin or
      NSAIDs, or cumulative exposure to any of the medications studied. Among diabetic
      patients with kidney cancer, survival outcomes are associated with active statin
      use, rather than total cumulative use. These findings support the use of
      randomized trials to confirm whether diabetics with kidney cancer should be
      started on a statin at the time of cancer diagnosis to improve survival outcomes.

PMID- 27678042
TI  - Calycosin suppresses expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines via the activation
      of p62/Nrf2-linked heme oxygenase 1 in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts.
AB  - The activation of synovial fibroblasts (SFs) and the subsequent production and
      expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines play a crucial role in the pathogenesis
      and progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In the current study, rheumatoid
      arthritis synovial fibroblasts (RASFs) isolated from the joint of the patients
      were used to evaluate the suppressive effects of calycosin (CAL), a compound
      derived from the Chinese medicinal herb Radix Astragali, on the expression of pro
      inflammatory cytokines in RASFs. The results demonstrated that increased mRNA
      expression levels of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), interleukin-6 (IL-6),
      interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-25 (IL-25), interleukin-33(IL-33) were
      significantly inhibited by CAL. Furthermore, the compound obviously suppressed IL
      6 and IL-33 secretion. The key inflammatory mediator, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)
      was significantly attenuated by CAL. A mechanistic study showed that the
      antioxidant enzymes heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), NAD(P)H dehydrogenase quinone
      1(NQO1) and Nrf2 of RASFs were markedly activated by CAL. Furthermore, CAL
      potentiated the accumulation of sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1, p62) and the degradation
      of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), thereby inducing Nrf2
      translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. Thus, CAL suppresses the
      expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines via p62/Nrf2-linked HO-1 induction in
      RASFs, which suggests that the compound should be further investigated as a
      candidate anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic agent.

PMID- 27678043
TI  - Maternal depression research: socioeconomic analysis and density-equalizing
      mapping of the global research architecture.
AB  - Maternal depression can be accounted for one of the most common complications
      during pregnancy and the postpartum period affecting women all over the world. So
      far, no detailed map of the worldwide maternal depression research architecture
      has been constructed, which encompasses aspects of research activity, quality,
      and also socioeconomic features. Using the NewQIS platform, density-equalizing
      mapping projections, scientometric techniques, and economic benchmarking
      procedures were applied to evaluate global maternal depression research for the
      period between 1900 and 2012. In total, 7330 related publications and 3335
      international collaborations were identified. The USA was the most active country
      concerning collaborations and total research activity. In the socioeconomic
      analysis of research activity in high-income countries, Australia was ranked
      first with an average of 412.05 maternal depression-related publications per 1000
      billion US$ GDP (Q1), followed by the UK (Q1 = 373.51) and Canada (Q1 = 306.32).
      The group of upper-middle-income countries was led by South Africa (Q1 = 145.67),
      followed by Turkey (Q1 = 91.8). China authored 11.95 maternal depression-related
      publications per 1000 billion US$ GDP. The USA had the highest activity of
      maternal depression research per GDP in billion US$ per capita (Q2 = 60.86). When
      research activity was related to population size (Q3 = publications per Mio.
      inhabitants), Australia (Q3 = 26.44) was leading the field, followed by Norway
      (Q3 = 18.48). Gender analysis revealed a relatively high degree of female
      scientists involved in this field of research with pronounced differences between
      single subject areas. In summary, we here present the first picture of the global
      scientific development in maternal depression research over a period of more than
      100 years. The research landscape is clearly dominated by North American and
      Western European countries, with only minor contribution of Asian or South
      American countries.

PMID- 27678044
TI  - Neuroticism and Fatigue 3 Months After Ischemic Stroke: A Cross-Sectional Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the relation between neuroticism and fatigue in Chinese
      patients with stroke. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Acute stroke unit.
      PARTICIPANTS: Survivors of ischemic stroke (N=191) recruited from the acute
      stroke unit between May 1, 2010, and September 1, 2011. INTERVENTIONS: Not
      applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The personality trait of neuroticism was
      measured with the neuroticism subscale of the Chinese version of the NEO Five
      Factor Inventory. The level of fatigue was measured with the Fatigue Assessment
      Scale. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, Geriatric Depression
      Scale, Barthel Index, and Mini-Mental State Examination were administered to
      obtain demographic and clinical information. RESULTS: Fatigue severity 3 months
      after stroke positively correlated with Geriatric Depression Scale and NEO Five
      Factor Inventory neuroticism scores and negatively correlated with the Barthel
      Index score. CONCLUSIONS: Neuroticism, independent of depressive symptoms, is a
      predictor of fatigue severity 3 months after stroke. Interventions such as
      psychological screening programs are warranted for early detection of patients at
      high risk of poststroke depression.

PMID- 27678045
TI  - Occurrence of new psychoactive substances in wastewater of major Chinese cities.
AB  - New psychoactive substances have become increasingly popular across the globe in
      recent years, which may cause certain public health issues. In this work, sewage
      based epidemiology was applied to examine the use of two synthetic cathinones,
      mephedrone and methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), and three piperazines,
      benzylpiperazine (BZP), trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine (TFMPP), and 1-(3
      Chlorophenyl)piperazine (mCPP), across China. Influent wastewater samples were
      collected from 36 sewage treatment plants (STPs) in 18 major cities that cover
      all the geographic regions of the country. Effluent samples were also collected
      from selected STPs to determine removal rates. Mephedrone, TFMPP, and mCPP were
      below detection limits in all the wastewater samples collected, indicating
      negligible use of these substances in China. MDPV was detected in wastewater at
      13 STPs. However, its loads were <1mg/1000inh/d at most of these STPs, indicating
      low use of this substance. BZP was detected at all the STPs examined, with loads
      typically falling within the range of 3-10mg/1000inh/d. No clear geographic
      pattern in BZP occurrence in wastewater was identified. Since BZP in wastewater
      may also come from its legal sources, whether widespread occurrence of BZP means
      widespread abuse is yet to be confirmed. Apparent removal of MDPV by wastewater
      treatment was low (<25%), whereas removal of BZP was nearly complete
      (typically>95%).

PMID- 27678046
TI  - An evaluation tool kit of air quality micro-sensing units.
AB  - Recent developments in sensory and communication technologies have made the
      development of portable air-quality (AQ) micro-sensing units (MSUs) feasible.
      These MSUs allow AQ measurements in many new applications, such as ambulatory
      exposure analyses and citizen science. Typically, the performance of these
      devices is assessed using the mean error or correlation coefficients with respect
      to a laboratory equipment. However, these criteria do not represent how such
      sensors perform outside of laboratory conditions in large-scale field
      applications, and do not cover all aspects of possible differences in performance
      between the sensor-based and standardized equipment, or changes in performance
      over time. This paper presents a comprehensive Sensor Evaluation Toolbox (SET)
      for evaluating AQ MSUs by a range of criteria, to better assess their performance
      in varied applications and environments. Within the SET are included four new
      schemes for evaluating sensors' capability to: locate pollution sources;
      represent the pollution level on a coarse scale; capture the high temporal
      variability of the observed pollutant and their reliability. Each of the
      evaluation criteria allows for assessing sensors' performance in a different way,
      together constituting a holistic evaluation of the suitability and usability of
      the sensors in a wide range of applications. Application of the SET on
      measurements acquired by 25 MSUs deployed in eight cities across Europe showed
      that the suggested schemes facilitates a comprehensive cross platform analysis
      that can be used to determine and compare the sensors' performance. The SET was
      implemented in R and the code is available on the first author's website.

PMID- 27678047
TI  - Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in indoor dust samples from Cities of
      Jeddah and Kuwait: Levels, sources and non-dietary human exposure.
AB  - This study reports levels and profiles of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
      in dust samples collected from three different microenvironments (cars, air
      conditioner (AC) filters and household floor dust) of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (KSA)
      and Kuwait. To the best of our knowledge, this is first study reporting PAHs in
      indoor microenvironments of KSA, which makes these findings important.
      Benzo(b)fluoranthene (BbF), benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), phenanthrene (Phe), and pyrene
      (Pyr) were found to be the major chemicals in dust samples from all selected
      microenvironments. SigmaPAHs occurred at median concentrations (ng/g) of 3450,
      2200, and 2650 in Saudi AC filter, car and household floor dust, respectively.
      The median levels (ng/g) of SigmaPAHs in Kuwaiti car (950) and household floor
      (1675) dust samples were lower than Saudi dust. The PAHs profile in Saudi dust
      was dominated by high molecular weight (HMW) (4-5 ring) PAHs while in Kuwaiti
      dust 3 ring PAHs have marked contribution. BaP equivalent, a marker for
      carcinogenic PAHs, was high in Saudi household floor and AC filter dust with
      median levels (ng/g) of 370 and 455, respectively. Different exposure scenarios,
      using 5th percentile, median, mean, and 95th percentile levels, were estimated
      for adults and toddlers. For Saudi and Kuwaiti toddlers worst exposure scenario
      of SigmaPAHs was calculated at 175 and 85ng/kg body weight/day (ng/kgbw/d),
      respectively. For Saudi toddlers, the calculated worst exposure scenarios for
      carcinogenic BaP (27.7) and BbF (29.3ng/kgbw/d) was 2-4 times higher than Kuwaiti
      toddlers. This study is based on small number of samples which necessitate more
      detailed studies for better understanding of dynamics of PAHs in the indoor
      environments of this region. Nevertheless, our finding supports the ongoing
      exposure of organic pollutants to population that accumulates indoor.

PMID- 27678048
TI  - Using in-situ optical sensors to study dissolved organic carbon dynamics of
      streams and watersheds: A review.
AB  - It is important to understand how dissolved organic carbon (DOC) is processed and
      transported through stream networks because DOC is a master water quality
      variable in aquatic ecosystems. High-frequency sampling is necessary to capture
      important, rapid shifts in DOC source, concentration, and composition (i.e.
      quality) in streams. Until recently, this high-frequency sampling was
      logistically difficult or impossible. However, this type of sampling can now be
      conducted using in-situ optical measurements through long-term, field-deployable
      fluorometers and spectrophotometers. The optical data collected from these
      instruments can quantify both DOC concentration and composition properties (e.g.,
      specific ultra-violet absorbance at 254nm, spectral slope ratio, and fluorescence
      index). Previously, the use of these sensors was limited to a small number of
      specialized users, mainly in Europe and North America, where they were used
      predominantly in marine DOC studies as well as water treatment and management
      infrastructure. However, recent field demonstrations across a wide range of river
      systems reveals a large potential for the use of these instruments in freshwater
      environments, heightening interest and demand across multiple environmental
      research and management disciplines. Hence, this review provides an up-to-date
      synthesis on 1) the use of spectroscopy as a diagnostic tool in stream DOC
      studies, 2) the instrumentation, its applications, potential limitations and
      future considerations, and 3) the new watershed DOC research directions made
      possible via these in-situ optical sensors.

PMID- 27678049
TI  - Management of post-operative Crohn's disease in 2017: where do we go from here?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Postoperative recurrence (POR) of Crohn's disease is common after
      surgical resection. How to best manage POR remains uncertain. Areas covered: In
      this review, we will first describe the natural course and the best modalities to
      diagnose this surgical sequela. We will then focus on the potential risk factors
      for relapse and highlight the main shortcomings in the current study designs and
      endoscopic and clinical scoring systems, which may partly explain the unexpected
      outcomes of recent clinical trials. Finally, we will propose a strategy to
      address the management of POR. Expert commentary: Anti-tumor necrosis factor
      (Anti-TNF) agents are the most effective therapy to prevent POR in Crohn's
      disease. Patient risk stratification and active monitoring with scheduled
      ileocolonoscopy are cornerstones of optimal POR management. Further studies are
      needed to address areas of uncertainty including timing and duration of therapy
      and the role of therapeutic drug monitoring in this setting.

PMID- 27678050
TI  - Wave-induced loss of ultra-relativistic electrons in the Van Allen radiation
      belts.
AB  - The dipole configuration of the Earth's magnetic field allows for the trapping of
      highly energetic particles, which form the radiation belts. Although significant
      advances have been made in understanding the acceleration mechanisms in the
      radiation belts, the loss processes remain poorly understood. Unique observations
      on 17 January 2013 provide detailed information throughout the belts on the
      energy spectrum and pitch angle (angle between the velocity of a particle and the
      magnetic field) distribution of electrons up to ultra-relativistic energies. Here
      we show that although relativistic electrons are enhanced, ultra-relativistic
      electrons become depleted and distributions of particles show very clear telltale
      signatures of electromagnetic ion cyclotron wave-induced loss. Comparisons
      between observations and modelling of the evolution of the electron flux and
      pitch angle show that electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves provide the dominant
      loss mechanism at ultra-relativistic energies and produce a profound dropout of
      the ultra-relativistic radiation belt fluxes.

PMID- 27678052
TI  - A novel sequential electrostatic-HILIC SPE within a quantitative method for
      bivalirudin in human plasma by LC-SRM.
AB  - AIM: This work set out to realize an idea for a novel means of extracting the
      peptide therapeutic bivalirudin from human plasma in what would be a uniquely
      selective means of SPE, a mixed-mode protocol involving electrostatic
      interactions followed by HILIC. RESULTS: Inter and intra-assay relative error
      ranged from 3.52 to 8.23%, and 2.37 to 6.90%, respectively. Inter and intra-assay
      precision ranged from 2.64 to 7.12%, and 0.855 to 2.90%, respectively. Recoveries
      of 80% were attained, and there was no hint of discernible manifestation of
      matrix effects. CONCLUSION: The method was shown to perform excellently in the
      assessment tantamount to method validation. The essence of the extraction method
      presents a new option for highly selective extraction of peptides from biological
      matrices.

PMID- 27678051
TI  - Role of E2-RING Interactions in Governing RNF4-Mediated Substrate Ubiquitination.
AB  - Members of the really interesting new gene (RING) E3 ubiquitin ligase family bind
      to both substrate and ubiquitin-charged E2 enzyme, promoting the transfer of
      ubiquitin from the E2 to substrate. Either a single ubiquitin or one of the
      several types of polyubiquitin chains can be conjugated to substrate proteins,
      with different types of ubiquitin modifications signaling the distinct outcomes.
      E2 enzymes play a central role in governing the nature of the ubiquitin
      modification, although the essential features of the E2 that differentiate mono-
      versus polyubiquitinating E2 enzymes remain unclear. RNF4 is a compact RING E3
      ligase that directs the ubiquitination of polySUMO chains in concert with several
      different E2 enzymes. RNF4 monoubiquitinates polySUMO substrates in concert with
      RAD6B and polyubiquitinates substrates together with UBCH5B, a promiscuous E2
      that can function with a broad range of E3 ligases. We find that the divergent
      ubiquitination activities of RAD6B and UBCH5B are governed by differences at the
      RING-binding surface of the E2. By mutating the RAD6B RING-binding surface to
      resemble that of UBCH5B, RAD6B can be transformed into a highly active UBCH5B
      like E2 that polyubiquitinates SUMO chains in concert with RNF4. The switch in
      RAD6B activity correlates with increased affinity of the E2 for RNF4. These
      results point to an important role of the affinity between an E3 and its cognate
      E2 in governing the multiplicity of substrate ubiquitination.

PMID- 27678054
TI  - Endoplasmic reticulum stress affects the transport of phosphatidylethanolamine
      from mitochondria to the endoplasmic reticulum in S.cerevisiae.
AB  - Phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) are two of the most
      abundant phospholipids in cells. Although both lipids can be synthesized in the
      endoplasmic reticulum (ER), in S. cerevisiae PE can also be produced in
      mitochondria and endosomes; this PE can be transported back to the ER where it is
      converted to PC. In this study we found that dithiothreitol (DTT), which induces
      ER stress, decreases PE export from mitochondria to the ER. This results in
      decreased levels of total cellular PC and mitochondrial PC. These decreases were
      not caused by changes in levels of PC synthesizing or degrading enzymes. PE
      export from mitochondria to the ER during ER stress was further reduced in cells
      lacking Mdm10p, a component of an ER-mitochondrial tethering complex that may
      facilitated lipid exchange between these compartments. We also found that
      reducing mitochondrial PC levels induces mitophagy. In conclusion, we show that
      ER stress affected PE export from mitochondria to ER and the Mdm10p is important
      for this process.

PMID- 27678055
TI  - Persistence of fan-shaped keratocytes is a matrix-rigidity-dependent mechanism
      that requires alpha5beta1 integrin engagement.
AB  - Despite the importance of matrix rigidity on cell functions, many aspects of the
      mechanosensing process in highly migratory cells remain elusive. Here, we studied
      the migration of highly motile keratocytes on culture substrates with similar
      biochemical properties and rigidities spanning the range between soft tissues
      (~kPa) and stiff culture substrates (~GPa). We show that morphology, polarization
      and persistence of motile keratocytes are regulated by the matrix stiffness over
      seven orders of magnitude, without changing the cell spreading area. Increasing
      the matrix rigidity leads to more F-actin in the lamellipodia and to the
      formation of mature contractile actomyosin fibers that control the cell rear
      retraction. Keratocytes remain rounded and form nascent adhesions on compliant
      substrates, whereas large and uniformly distributed focal adhesions are formed on
      fan-shaped keratocytes migrating on rigid surfaces. By combining poly-L-lysine,
      fibronectin and vitronectin coatings with selective blocking of alphavbeta3 or
      alpha5beta1 integrins, we show that alphaVbeta3 integrins permit the spreading of
      keratocytes but are not sufficient for polarization and rigidity sensing that
      require the engagement of alpha5beta1 integrins. Our study demonstrates a matrix
      rigidity-dependent regulation of the directional persistence in motile
      keratocytes and refines the role of alphavbeta3 and alpha5beta1 integrins in the
      molecular clutch model.

PMID- 27678053
TI  - Epistasis and Pleiotropy Affect the Modularity of the Genotype-Phenotype Map of
      Cross-Resistance in HIV-1.
AB  - The genotype-phenotype (GP) map is a central concept in evolutionary biology as
      it describes the mapping of molecular genetic variation onto phenotypic trait
      variation. Our understanding of that mapping remains partial, especially when
      trying to link functional clustering of pleiotropic gene effects with patterns of
      phenotypic trait co-variation. Only on rare occasions have studies been able to
      fully explore that link and tend to show poor correspondence between modular
      structures within the GP map and among phenotypes. By dissecting the structure of
      the GP map of the replicative capacity of HIV-1 in 15 drug environments, we
      provide a detailed view of that mapping from mutational pleiotropic variation to
      phenotypic co-variation, including epistatic effects of a set of amino-acid
      substitutions in the reverse transcriptase and protease genes. We show that
      epistasis increases the pleiotropic degree of single mutations and provides
      modularity to the GP map of drug resistance in HIV-1. Moreover, modules of
      epistatic pleiotropic effects within the GP map match the phenotypic modules of
      correlated replicative capacity among drug classes. Epistasis thus increases the
      evolvability of cross-resistance in HIV by providing more drug- and class
      specific pleiotropic profiles to the main effects of the mutations. We discuss
      the implications for the evolution of cross-resistance in HIV.

PMID- 27678056
TI  - Repurposing clinically approved cephalosporins for tuberculosis therapy.
AB  - While modern cephalosporins developed for broad spectrum antibacterial activities
      have never been pursued for tuberculosis (TB) therapy, we identified first
      generation cephalosporins having clinically relevant inhibitory concentrations,
      both alone and in synergistic drug combinations. Common chemical patterns
      required for activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis were identified using
      structure-activity relationships (SAR) studies. Numerous cephalosporins were
      synergistic with rifampicin, the cornerstone drug for TB therapy, and ethambutol,
      a first-line anti-TB drug. Synergy was observed even under intracellular growth
      conditions where beta-lactams typically have limited activities. Cephalosporins
      and rifampicin were 4- to 64-fold more active in combination than either drug
      alone; however, limited synergy was observed with rifapentine or rifabutin.
      Clavulanate was a key synergistic partner in triple combinations. Cephalosporins
      (and other beta-lactams) together with clavulanate rescued the activity of
      rifampicin against a rifampicin resistant strain. Synergy was not due exclusively
      to increased rifampicin accumulation within the mycobacterial cells.
      Cephalosporins were also synergistic with new anti-TB drugs such as bedaquiline
      and delamanid. Studies will be needed to validate their in vivo activities.
      However, the fact that cephalosporins are orally bioavailable with good safety
      profiles, together with their anti-mycobacterial activities reported here,
      suggest that they could be repurposed within new combinatorial TB therapies.

PMID- 27678058
TI  - Erratum to: The influence of travel time on emergency obstetric care seeking
      behavior in the urban poor of Bangladesh: a GIS study.

PMID- 27678057
TI  - Evidence for Direct Control of Virulence and Defense Gene Circuits by the
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa Quorum Sensing Regulator, MvfR.
AB  - Pseudomonas aeruginosa defies eradication by antibiotics and is responsible for
      acute and chronic human infections due to a wide variety of virulence factors.
      Currently, it is believed that MvfR (PqsR) controls the expression of many of
      these factors indirectly via the pqs and phnAB operons. Here we provide strong
      evidence that MvfR may also bind and directly regulate the expression of
      additional 35 loci across the P. aeruginosa genome, including major regulators
      and virulence factors, such as the quorum sensing (QS) regulators lasR and rhlR,
      and genes involved in protein secretion, translation, and response to oxidative
      stress. We show that these anti-oxidant systems, AhpC-F, AhpB-TrxB2 and Dps, are
      critical for P. aeruginosa survival to reactive oxygen species and antibiotic
      tolerance. Considering that MvfR regulated compounds generate reactive oxygen
      species, this indicates a tightly regulated QS self-defense anti-poisoning
      system. These findings also challenge the current hierarchical regulation model
      of P. aeruginosa QS systems by revealing new interconnections between them that
      suggest a circular model. Moreover, they uncover a novel role for MvfR in self
      defense that favors antibiotic tolerance and cell survival, further demonstrating
      MvfR as a highly desirable anti-virulence target.

PMID- 27678059
TI  - Effects of an 8-year childhood physical activity intervention on musculoskeletal
      gains and fracture risk.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) in childhood is associated with
      musculoskeletal benefits while the effect on fracture risk is yet to be
      determined. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether extension of a PA
      intervention leads to improvement in musculoskeletal traits with an accompanied
      reduced fracture risk. We hypothesized that the PA program would have beneficial
      effects in both sexes, but more so in girls since they tend to be less physically
      active than boys during this time frame. METHODS: In one elementary school we
      increased physical education (PE) from 60 to 200min per school week and followed
      65 girls and 93 boys from a mean age of 7years until a mean age of 15years.
      Thirty-nine girls and 37 boys in three other schools continued with 60min of PE
      per week during the same years and served as controls. We measured bone mineral
      content (BMC), areal bone mineral density (aBMD), and bone area annually with
      dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, and leg muscle strength with a computerized
      dynamometer. In 3534 children within the same PE program (1339 in the
      intervention and 2195 in the control group) we registered incident fractures
      during the 8-year study period and estimated annual sex-specific fracture
      incidence rate ratios (IRRs). RESULTS: Girls in the intervention group annually
      gained more total body less head aBMD, spine aBMD (p<0.01), femoral neck BMC
      (p<0.05), lumbar vertebrae size (p<0.05), and knee flexion strength (p<0.05) than
      girls in the control cohort. In boys we found no group differences. There was an
      inverse correlation between number of years with extra PE and the annual IRR of
      sustaining fractures in both girls (r=-0.90 (95% CI -0.98 to -0.51); p<0.001) and
      boys (r=-0.74 (95% CI -0.94 to -0.02); p<0.05). CONCLUSION: In this 8-year
      pediatric school-based moderate exercise intervention program there is an inverse
      correlation in both sexes between annual IRR and each additional year of extra
      PA. A sub-cohort of girls in the intervention group had greater gains in bone
      mass, bone size, and muscle strength, which could possibly explain the inverse
      correlation between years within the PA program and fracture risk, while in boys
      the reason for the inverse correlation remains unknown. It should be noted that
      differences in unreported factors such as skeletal maturity status, diet, and
      spare time PA could confound our inferences. That is, true causality cannot be
      stated.

PMID- 27678060
TI  - Characterization of aspartyl aminopeptidase from Toxoplasma gondii.
AB  - Aminopeptidases have emerged as new promising drug targets for the development of
      novel anti-parasitic drugs. An aspartyl aminopeptidase-like gene has been
      identified in the Toxoplasma gondii genome (TgAAP), although its function remains
      unknown. In this study, we characterized TgAAP and performed functional analysis
      of the gene product. Firstly, we expressed a functional recombinant TgAAP
      (rTgAAP) protein in Escherichia coli, and found that it required metal ions for
      activity and showed a substrate preference for N-terminal acidic amino acids Glu
      and Asp. Then, we evaluated the function and drug target potential of TgAAP using
      the CRISPR/Cas9 knockout system. Western blotting demonstrated the deletion of
      TgAAP in the knockout strain. Indirect immunofluorescence analysis showed that
      TgAAP was localized in the cytoplasm of the wild-type parasite, but was not
      expressed in the knockout strain. Phenotype analysis revealed that TgAAP knockout
      inhibited the attachment/invasion, replication, and substrate-specific activity
      in T. gondii. Finally, the activity of drug CID 23724194, previously described as
      targeting Plasmodium and malarial parasite AAP, was tested against rTgAAP and the
      parasite. Overall, TgAAP knockout affected the growth of T. gondii but did not
      completely abolish parasite replication and growth. Therefore, TgAAP may comprise
      a useful adjunct drug target of T. gondii.

PMID- 27678061
TI  - Comparing 3-month recall to daily reporting of sexual behaviours.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine discrepancies between self-report methods
      and methodological issues related to sexual risk taking. We examined sexual
      behaviour assessed via 3-month electronic recall and by daily electronic
      reporting among a large cohort of patients attending STI clinics. METHODS: STI
      clinic attenders (N= 628) aged 15 to 60 years reported on demographic information
      (at baseline), penile-vaginal sex acts, condom-unprotected penile-vaginal sex and
      STI history using 3-month recall and daily reports. Additionally, interviewer
      participant match related to race and gender, as well as study site were
      considered as covariates. RESULTS: Concordance between recall and daily reports
      on penile-vaginal sex was moderately strong (Spearman's r (rs)=0.62; p<0.001).
      Comparison for reports for condom-unprotected penile-vaginal sex resulted in a
      correlation coefficient of 0.61 (p<0.001), also indicating moderately strong
      agreement between the two methods. Two generalised logit models were conducted to
      explain lack of strong concordance in penile-vaginal sex acts and condom
      unprotected penile-vaginal sex. The odds of a female reporting higher frequency
      of sex in daily reports compared with recall were more than two times that of a
      male. Every five person increase in the number of lifetime sexual partners was
      associated with five times the odds of a discrepancy in reporting methods. Age
      was also significantly associated with unequal daily versus recall sex frequency
      reporting. CONCLUSIONS: Shifting focus to methodological considerations of
      technological reports can help ensure better investment of resources into sexual
      health research due to greater understanding of the methodological properties of
      data collection methods.

PMID- 27678062
TI  - Aguamiel concentrate from Agave salmiana and its extracted saponins attenuated
      obesity and hepatic steatosis and increased Akkermansia muciniphila in C57BL6
      mice.
AB  - Obesity and its comorbidities are a severe public health problem worldwide. The
      use of bioactive compounds found in some foods has been demonstrated to
      ameliorate the metabolic abnormalities associated with obesity. The purpose of
      this study was to assess whether the bioactive compounds present in aguamiel
      concentrate (AC) from Agave salmiana could attenuate glucose intolerance and
      hepatic steatosis in mice fed a high fat (HF) diet. HPLC-ELSD analysis showed
      that AC contained several saponins. The consumption of an AC extract rich in
      saponins reduced weight gain and fat mass and lowered serum glucose, insulin and
      LDL-cholesterol levels in mice fed a HF diet. Additionally, mice fed the saponin
      extract exhibited a reduced HOMA index and hepatic lipid levels and increased
      expression of genes involved in fatty acid oxidation. Saponins increased white
      adipose tissue browning, AMPK phosphorylation, fatty acid oxidation, and
      mitochondrial activity in skeletal muscle and energy expenditure in mice fed the
      HF diet. These metabolic changes were accompanied by an increase in the abundance
      of Akkermansia muciniphila in the gut microbiota. Therefore, Agave salmiana
      saponins can be an alternative to attenuate the metabolic changes that accompany
      obesity.

PMID- 27678064
TI  - Toxicogenomic analysis identifies the apoptotic pathway as the main cause of
      hepatotoxicity induced by tributyltin.
AB  - Tributyltin (TBT) is one of the most widely used organotin biocides, which has
      severe endocrine-disrupting effects on marine species and mammals. Given that TBT
      accumulates at higher levels in the liver than in any other organ, and it acts
      mainly as a hepatotoxic agent, it is important to clearly delineate the
      hepatotoxicity of TBT. However, most of the available studies on TBT have focused
      on observations at the cellular level, while studies at the level of genes and
      proteins are limited; therefore, the molecular mechanisms of TBT-induced
      hepatotoxicity remains largely unclear. In the present study, we applied a
      toxicogenomic approach to investigate the effects of TBT on gene expression in
      the human normal liver cell line HL7702. Gene expression profiling identified the
      apoptotic pathway as the major cause of hepatotoxicity induced by TBT. Flow
      cytometry assays confirmed that medium- and high-dose TBT treatments
      significantly increased the number of apoptotic cells, and more cells underwent
      late apoptosis in the high-dose TBT group. The genes encoding heat shock proteins
      (HSPs), kinases and tumor necrosis factor receptors mediated TBT-induced
      apoptosis. These findings revealed novel molecular mechanisms of TBT-induced
      hepatotoxicity, and the current microarray data may also provide clues for future
      studies.

PMID- 27678063
TI  - Cardiovascular Disease Chemogenomics Knowledgebase-guided Target Identification
      and Drug Synergy Mechanism Study of an Herbal Formula.
AB  - Combination therapy is a popular treatment for various diseases in the clinic.
      Among the successful cases, Traditional Chinese Medicinal (TCM) formulae can
      achieve synergistic effects in therapeutics and antagonistic effects in toxicity.
      However, characterizing the underlying molecular synergisms for the combination
      of drugs remains a challenging task due to high experimental expenses and
      complication of multicomponent herbal medicines. To understand the rationale of
      combination therapy, we investigated Sini Decoction, a well-known TCM consisting
      of three herbs, as a model. We applied our established diseases-specific
      chemogenomics databases and our systems pharmacology approach TargetHunter to
      explore synergistic mechanisms of Sini Decoction in the treatment of
      cardiovascular diseases. (1) We constructed a cardiovascular diseases-specific
      chemogenomics database, including drugs, target proteins, chemicals, and
      associated pathways. (2) Using our implemented chemoinformatics tools, we mapped
      out the interaction networks between active ingredients of Sini Decoction and
      their targets. (3) We also in silico predicted and experimentally confirmed that
      the side effects can be alleviated by the combination of the components. Overall,
      our results demonstrated that our cardiovascular disease-specific database was
      successfully applied for systems pharmacology analysis of a complicated herbal
      formula in predicting molecular synergetic mechanisms, and led to better
      understanding of a combinational therapy.

PMID- 27678066
TI  - Diabetes in Racial and Ethnic Minorities in the United States: Individualizing
      Approaches to Diagnosis and Management.
AB  - Diabetes is a growing health epidemic in the United States. Racial and ethnic
      minorities are disproportionately affected by diabetes and associated
      comorbidities and complications. The present review article aims to characterize
      the various ways in which minority populations are affected by diabetes. We
      address differences in prevalence of diabetes and associated conditions that
      include cardiovascular disease, hypertension, microvascular complications, and
      mortality. Additionally, we discuss factors that contribute to disparate diabetes
      related outcomes, including physiology, culture and healthsystems. Finally, we
      look at outcomes of various interventions taken to address health disparities in
      diabetes care, specifically in racial and ethnic minority populations.

PMID- 27678065
TI  - The Epidemiology of Cardiovascular Disease in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the era following the publication of results from the Diabetes
      Control and Complications Trial / Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications
      (DCCT/EDIC) study, care for patients with type 1 diabetes has dramatically
      improved. OBJECTIVE/METHODS: The present review specifically focused on the
      epidemiology of cardiovascular complications among adults with type 1 diabetes,
      summarizing evidence on the prevalence, incidence, mortality, as well as on
      predictors of cardiovascular disease in this population. The review covered
      papers published until December 2015. CONCLUSION: Despite these significant
      advancements in knowledge regarding the management of this chronic disease,
      however, individuals with type 1 diabetes continue to experience increased
      morbidity and mortality compared to the general population.

PMID- 27678069
TI  - Gender Differences in Perceptions of Resources and Turnover Intentions of Work
      Linked Couples in Masculine Occupations.
AB  - Employees in work-linked marriages have spouses that share the same family and
      the same workplace and/or occupation. Whereas, in recent years, there has been
      increasingly more research on dual-career marriages (i.e. both spouses work, but
      not necessarily at the same workplace and/or occupation), there has been very
      little research on work-linked marriages. The current study focuses on work
      resources (i.e. family supportive supervisor behaviour and job control) as key
      mediating processes that explain the effect of gender on turnover intentions
      among work-linked employees in masculine occupations (i.e. military).
      Investigating gender differences is important because, compared with men, women
      are more likely to be in work-linked marriages and to leave their jobs. Based on
      role theory and conservation of resource theory, we predicted that gender was
      related to turnover intentions, and this relationship would be mediated by key
      explanatory variables (i.e. family supportive supervisor behaviours, job control
      and psychological distress). Mediation analyses, conducted on a sample of men and
      women in work-linked marriages (n = 309), provide support for the hypothesized
      model. These findings offer guidance for understanding gender differences among
      work-linked employees in masculine occupations, and how these differences can
      affect important outcomes such as turnover intentions. Copyright (c) 2016 John
      Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27678068
TI  - In vivo formation of natural HgSe nanoparticles in the liver and brain of pilot
      whales.
AB  - To understand the biochemistry of methylmercury (MeHg) that leads to the
      formation of mercury-selenium (Hg-Se) clusters is a long outstanding challenge
      that promises to deepen our knowledge of MeHg detoxification and the role Se
      plays in this process. Here, we show that mercury selenide (HgSe) nanoparticles
      in the liver and brain of long-finned pilot whales are attached to Se-rich
      structures and possibly act as a nucleation point for the formation of large Se
      Hg clusters, which can grow with age to over 5 MUm in size. The detoxification
      mechanism is fully developed from the early age of the animals, with particulate
      Hg found already in juvenile tissues. As a consequence of MeHg detoxification, Se
      methionine, the selenium pool in the system is depleted in the efforts to
      maintain essential levels of Se-cysteine. This study provides evidence of so far
      unreported depletion of the bioavailable Se pool, a plausible driving mechanism
      of demonstrated neurotoxic effects of MeHg in the organism affected by its high
      dietary intake.

PMID- 27678067
TI  - Characterization and expression profiling of ATP-binding cassette transporter
      genes in the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.).
AB  - BACKGROUND: ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are one of the major
      transmembrane protein families found in all organisms and play important roles in
      transporting a variety of compounds across intra and extra cellular membranes. In
      some species, ABC transporters may be involved in the detoxification of
      substances such as insecticides. The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.),
      a destructive pest of cruciferous crops worldwide, is an important species to
      study as it is resistant to many types of insecticides as well as biological
      control Bacillus thuringiensis toxins. RESULTS: A total of 82 ABC genes were
      identified from our published P. xylostella genome, and grouped into eight
      subfamilies (ABCA-H) based on phylogenetic analysis. Genes of subfamilies ABCA,
      ABCC and ABCH were found to be expanded in P. xylostella compared with those in
      Bombyx mori, Manduca sexta, Heliconius melpomene, Danaus plexippus, Drosophila
      melanogaster, Tetranychus urticae and Homo sapiens. Phylogenetic analysis
      indicated that many of the ABC transporters in P. xylostella are orthologous to
      the well-studied ABC transporter genes in the seven other species. Transcriptome-
      and qRT-PCR-based analysis elucidated physiological effects of ABC gene
      expressions of P. xylostella which were developmental stage- and tissue-specific
      as well as being affected by whether or not the insects were from an insecticide
      resistant strain. Two ABCC and one ABCA genes were preferentially expressed in
      midgut of the 4th-instar larvae of a susceptible strain (Fuzhou-S) suggesting
      their potential roles in metabolizing plant defensive chemicals. Most of the
      highly expressed genes in insecticide-resistant strains were also predominantly
      expressed in the tissues of Malpighian tubules and midgut. CONCLUSIONS: This is
      the most comprehensive study on identification, characterization and expression
      profiling of ABC transporter genes in P. xylostella to date. The diversified
      features and expression patterns of this gene family may be associated with the
      evolutionary capacity of this species to develop resistance to a wide range of
      insecticides and biological toxins. Our findings provide a solid foundation for
      future functional studies on specific ABC transporter genes in P. xylostella, and
      for further understanding of their physiological roles and regulatory pathways in
      insecticide resistance.

PMID- 27678070
TI  - Geographic dimensions of a health network dedicated to occupational and work
      related diseases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although introduced nearly 40 years ago, Geographic Information
      Systems (GISs) have never been used to study Occupational Health information
      regarding the different types, scale or sources of data. The geographic
      distribution of occupational diseases and underlying work activities were always
      analyzed independently. Our aim was to consider the French Network of
      Occupational Disease (OD) clinics, namely the "French National OD Surveillance
      and Prevention Network" (rnv3p) as a spatial object in order to describe its
      catchment. METHODS: We mapped rnv3p observations at the workplace level. We
      initially analyzed rnv3p capture with reference to its own data, then to the
      underlying workforce (INSEE "Employment Areas"), and finally compared its capture
      of one emblematic occupational disease (mesothelioma) to an external dataset
      provided by a surveillance system thought to be exhaustive (PNSM). RESULTS: While
      the whole country is covered by the network, the density of observations
      decreases with increase in the distance from the 31 OD clinics (located within
      the main French cities). Taking into account the underlying workforce, we show
      that the probability to capture and investigation of OD (assessed by rates of OD
      per 10,000 workers) also presents large discrepancies between OD clinics. This
      capture rate might also show differences according to the disease, as exemplified
      by mesothelioma. CONCLUSION: The geographic approach to this network, enhanced by
      the possibilities provided by the GIS tool, allow a better understanding of the
      coverage of this network at a national level, as well as the visualization of
      capture rates for all OD clinics. Highlighting geographic and thematic shading
      zones bring new perspectives to the analysis of occupational health data, and
      should improve occupational health vigilance and surveillance.

PMID- 27678073
TI  - Inadequate reporting of statistical results.

PMID- 27678071
TI  - Prediction of new drug indications based on clinical data and network modularity.
AB  - Drug repositioning is commonly done within the drug discovery process in order to
      adjust or expand the application line of an active molecule. Previous
      computational methods in this domain mainly focused on shared genes or
      correlations between genes to construct new drug-disease associations. We propose
      a method that can not only handle drugs or diseases with or without related genes
      but consider the network modularity. Our method firstly constructs a drug network
      and a disease network based on side effects and symptoms respectively. Because
      similar drugs imply similar diseases, we then cluster the two networks to
      identify drug and disease modules, and connect all possible drug-disease module
      pairs. Further, based on known drug-disease associations in CTD and using local
      connectivity of modules, we predict potential drug-disease associations. Our
      predictions are validated by testing their overlaps with drug indications
      reported in published literatures and CTD, and KEGG enrichment analysis are also
      made on their related genes. The experimental results demonstrate that our
      approach can complement the current computational approaches and its predictions
      can provide new clues for the candidate discovery of drug repositioning.

PMID- 27678072
TI  - Does Increased Medication Use among Seniors Increase Risk of Hospitalization and
      Emergency Department Visits?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the extent of the health risks of consuming multiple
      medications among the older population. DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING: Secondary
      data from the period 2004-2006. The study setting was the province of Ontario,
      Canada, and the sample consisted of individuals aged 65 years or older who
      responded to a national health survey. STUDY DESIGN: We estimated a system of
      equations for inpatient and emergency department (ED) services to test the
      marginal effect of medication use on hospital services. We controlled for
      endogeneity in medication use with a two-stage residual inclusion approach
      appropriate for nonlinear models. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Increased prescription drug
      use has the effect of increasing the likelihood of both being admitted into
      hospital and visiting a hospital ED. Each additional medication is associated
      with a 2-3 percent increase in the likelihood of hospitalization and a 3-4
      percent increase in the likelihood of an ED visit, after controlling for past
      utilization, health status, the endogeneity of medication use, and the unobserved
      factors that may affect the use of both services. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple
      medications appear to increase the risk of hospitalization among seniors covered
      by a universal prescription drug plan. These results raise questions about the
      appropriateness of medication use and the need for increased oversight of current
      prescribing practices.

PMID- 27678074
TI  - Strategies to Increase Rigor and Reproducibility of Data in Manuscripts: Reply to
      Heroux.

PMID- 27678075
TI  - Nanowire formation is preceded by nanotube growth in templated electrodeposition
      of cobalt hybrid nanostructures.
AB  - Cobalt fluted nanowires, novel nanostructures with a diameter of 200 nm
      consisting of a solid nanowire base and a thin, nanotubular flute shape, were
      grown in track-etched polycarbonate membranes via templated electrodeposition.
      The structures were characterized electrochemically via cyclic voltammetry,
      chronoamperometry, and charge stripping, and structurally via  scanning electron
      microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and focused ion beam cross
      sectioning. Electrochemical and structural analysis reveals details of their
      deposition kinetics, structure, and morphology, and indicate possible mechanisms
      for their formation and control. These unique structures provide inspiration for
      an array of possible applications in electronics, photonics, and other fields. 

PMID- 27678076
TI  - A drug target slim: using gene ontology and gene ontology annotations to navigate
      protein-ligand target space in ChEMBL.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The process of discovering new drugs is a lengthy, time-consuming and
      expensive process. Modern day drug discovery relies heavily on the rapid
      identification of novel 'targets', usually proteins that can be modulated by
      small molecule drugs to cure or minimise the effects of a disease. Of the 20,000
      proteins currently reported as comprising the human proteome, just under a
      quarter of these can potentially be modulated by known small molecules Storing
      information in curated, actively maintained drug discovery databases can help
      researchers access current drug discovery information quickly. However with the
      increase in the amount of data generated from both experimental and in silico
      efforts, databases can become very large very quickly and information retrieval
      from them can become a challenge. The development of database tools that
      facilitate rapid information retrieval is important to keep up with the growth of
      databases. DESCRIPTION: We have developed a Gene Ontology-based navigation tool
      (Gene Ontology Tree) to help users retrieve biological information to single
      protein targets in the ChEMBL drug discovery database. 99 % of single protein
      targets in ChEMBL have at least one GO annotation associated with them. There are
      12,500 GO terms associated to 6200 protein targets in the ChEMBL database
      resulting in a total of 140,000 annotations. The slim we have created, the
      'ChEMBL protein target slim' allows broad categorisation of the biology of 90 %
      of the protein targets using just 300 high level, informative GO terms. We used
      the GO slim method of assigning fewer higher level GO groupings to numerous very
      specific lower level terms derived from the GOA to describe a set of GO terms
      relevant to proteins in ChEMBL. We then used the slim created to provide a web
      based tool that allows a quick and easy navigation of protein target space. Terms
      from the GO are used to capture information on protein molecular function,
      biological process and subcellular localisations. The ChEMBL database also
      provides compound information for small molecules that have been tested for their
      effects on these protein targets. The 'ChEMBL protein target slim' provides a
      means of firstly describing the biology of protein drug targets and secondly
      allows users to easily establish a connection between biological and chemical
      information regarding drugs and drug targets in ChEMBL. The 'ChEMBL protein
      target slim' is available as a browsable 'Gene Ontology Tree' on the ChEMBL site
      under the browse targets tab ( https://www.ebi.ac.uk/chembl/target/browser ). A
      ChEMBL protein target slim OBO file containing the GO slim terms pertinent to
      ChEMBL is available from the GOC website ( http://geneontology.org/page/go-slim
      and-subset-guide ). CONCLUSIONS: We have created a protein target navigation tool
      based on the 'ChEMBL protein target slim'. The 'ChEMBL protein target slim'
      provides a way of browsing protein targets in ChEMBL using high level GO terms
      that describe the molecular functions, processes and subcellular localisations of
      protein drug targets in drug discovery. The tool also allows user to establish a
      link between ontological groupings representing protein target biology to
      relevant compound information in ChEMBL. We have demonstrated by the use of a
      simple example how the 'ChEMBL protein target slim' can be used to link
      biological processes with drug information based on the information in the ChEMBL
      database. The tool has potential to aid in areas of drug discovery such as drug
      repurposing studies or drug-disease-protein pathways.

PMID- 27678078
TI  - Cross-linking in children with keratoconus: a systematic review and meta
      analysis.
AB  - Keratoconus can behave more aggressively in pediatric than in adult patients. We
      systematically reviewed the literature to determine the effectiveness of corneal
      collagen cross-linking (CXL) in children. For this study, MEDLINE(r) and Cochrane
      databases were searched for all studies examining the effects of standard, trans
      epithelial or accelerated CXL protocols in patients age 18 years or younger.
      Primary outcomes were; uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and maximum keratometry
      (Kmax) and secondary outcomes were; best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), mean
      refractive spherical equivalent (MRSE), central corneal thickness (CCT) and
      endothelial cell density (ECD). Standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95%
      confidence intervals were calculated, comparing baseline values with those at 6,
      12 and 24 months. A total of 13 papers, published between May 2011 and December
      2014 examining 490 eyes of 401 patients with a mean age of 15.25 (+/-1.5) years,
      were included in the qualitative analysis in this review. Nine papers were
      included in the meta-analysis, showing significant improvement in UCVA and BCVA
      and stable Kmax at 12 months, and stable UCVA, improved BCVA and improved Kmax at
      24 months in the standard protocol group UCVA, BCVA and KMax were stable at 12
      months in the trans-epithelial group. Mean refractive spherical equivalent
      (MRSE), CCT and ECD remained stable in both groups. In conclusion it was found
      that standard CXL may be effective in halting progression of keratoconus in
      pediatric patients at 1 year. However, larger, more long-term studies are
      required to ascertain its effectiveness.

PMID- 27678077
TI  - Structural and functional characterization of a calcium-activated cation channel
      from Tsukamurella paurometabola.
AB  - The selectivity filter is an essential functional element of K+ channels that is
      highly conserved both in terms of its primary sequence and its three-dimensional
      structure. Here, we investigate the properties of an ion channel from the Gram
      positive bacterium Tsukamurella paurometabola with a selectivity filter formed by
      an uncommon proline-rich sequence. Electrophysiological recordings show that it
      is a non-selective cation channel and that its activity depends on Ca2+
      concentration. In the crystal structure, the selectivity filter adopts a novel
      conformation with Ca2+ ions bound within the filter near the pore helix where
      they are coordinated by backbone oxygen atoms, a recurrent motif found in
      multiple proteins. The binding of Ca2+ ion in the selectivity filter controls the
      widening of the pore as shown in crystal structures and in molecular dynamics
      simulations. The structural, functional and computational data provide a
      characterization of this calcium-gated cationic channel.

PMID- 27678082
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 27678079
TI  - The cost-effectiveness of hospital-based telephone coaching for people with type
      2 diabetes: a 10 year modelling analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is a burdensome condition for individuals to
      live with and an increasingly costly condition for health services to treat. Cost
      effective treatment strategies are required to delay the onset and slow the
      progression of diabetes related complications. The Diabetes Telephone Coaching
      Study (DTCS) demonstrated that telephone coaching is an intervention that may
      improve the risk factor status and diabetes management practices of people with
      T2DM. Measuring the cost effectiveness of this intervention is important to
      inform funding decisions that may facilitate the translation of this research
      into clinical practice. The purpose of this study is to assess the cost
      effectiveness of telephone coaching, compared to usual diabetes care, in
      participants with poorly controlled T2DM. METHODS: A cost utility analysis was
      undertaken using the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) Outcomes
      Model to extrapolate outcomes collected at 6 months in the DTCS over a 10 year
      time horizon. The intervention's impact on life expectancy, quality-adjusted life
      expectancy (QALE) and costs was estimated. Costs were reported from a health
      system perspective. A 5 % discount rate was applied to all future costs and
      effects. One-way sensitivity analyses were conducted to reflect uncertainty
      surrounding key input parameters. RESULTS: The intervention dominated the control
      condition in the base-case analysis, contributing to cost savings of $3327 per
      participant, along with non-significant improvements in QALE (0.2 QALE) and life
      expectancy (0.3 years). CONCLUSIONS: The cost of delivering the telephone
      coaching intervention continuously, for 10 years, was fully recovered through
      cost savings and a trend towards net health benefits. Findings of cost savings
      and net health benefits are rare and should prove attractive to decision makers
      who will determine whether this intervention is implemented into clinical
      practice. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ACTRN12609000075280.

PMID- 27678081
TI  - The role of hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha in zinc oxide nanoparticle-induced
      nephrotoxicity in vitro and in vivo.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are used in an increasing number
      of products, including rubber manufacture, cosmetics, pigments, food additives,
      medicine, chemical fibers and electronics. However, the molecular mechanisms
      underlying ZnO NP nephrotoxicity remain unclear. In this study, we evaluated the
      potential toxicity of ZnO NPs in kidney cells in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS: We
      found that ZnO NPs were apparently engulfed by the HEK-293 human embryonic kidney
      cells and then induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Furthermore,
      exposure to ZnO NPs led to a reduction in cell viability and induction of
      apoptosis and autophagy. Interestingly, the ROS-induced hypoxia-inducible factor
      1alpha (HIF-1alpha) signaling pathway was significantly increased following ZnO
      NPs exposure. Additionally, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and
      plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), which are directly regulated by HIF-1
      and are involved in the pathogenesis of kidney diseases, displayed significantly
      increased levels following ZnO NPs exposure in HEK-293 cells. HIF-1alpha
      knockdown resulted in significantly decreased levels of autophagy and increased
      cytotoxicity. Therefore, our results suggest that HIF-1alpha may have a
      protective role in adaptation to the toxicity of ZnO NPs in kidney cells. In an
      animal study, fluorescent ZnO NPs were clearly observed in the liver, lungs,
      kidneys, spleen and heart. ZnO NPs caused histopathological lesions in the kidney
      and increase in serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) which indicate
      possible renal possible damage. Moreover, ZnO NPs enhanced the HIF-1alpha
      signaling pathway, apoptosis and autophagy in mouse kidney tissues. CONCLUSIONS:
      ZnO NPs may cause nephrotoxicity, and the results demonstrate the importance of
      considering the toxicological hazards of ZnO NP production and application,
      especially for medicinal use.

PMID- 27678083
TI  - Nickel Bis(diselenolene) as a Catalyst for Olefin Purification.
AB  - Nickel bis(dithiolene) reversibly binds olefins via a known interligand binding
      mechanism, but the complex has limited practical use, due to a competitive
      intraligand addition which results in decomposition. The present work examines an
      alternative nickel-based complex that eliminates the decomposition route.
      Specifically, we have examined the olefin binding processes of nickel
      bis(diselenolene) complexes using modern density functional theory. Both the
      inter- and intraligand adducts of the nickel bis(diselenolenes) are
      thermodynamically more stable than their dithiolene analogues. We have predicted
      that nickel bis(diselenolene) complexes do not decompose after the intraligand
      addition, and that the overall activation energies for the kinetically accessible
      products are quite small. In short, our computational work predicts that nickel
      bis(diselenolene) complexes are better electrocatalysts for olefin purification
      than the previous candidates, superior to the previously studied nickel
      bis(dithiolene) complexes.

PMID- 27678080
TI  - Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and
      Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study-A Randomized Clinical Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pimobendan is effective in treatment of dogs with congestive heart
      failure (CHF) secondary to myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). Its effect on
      dogs before the onset of CHF is unknown. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: Administration of
      pimobendan (0.4-0.6 mg/kg/d in divided doses) to dogs with increased heart size
      secondary to preclinical MMVD, not receiving other cardiovascular medications,
      will delay the onset of signs of CHF, cardiac-related death, or euthanasia.
      ANIMALS: 360 client-owned dogs with MMVD with left atrial-to-aortic ratio >=1.6,
      normalized left ventricular internal diameter in diastole >=1.7, and vertebral
      heart sum >10.5. METHODS: Prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, blinded,
      multicenter clinical trial. Primary outcome variable was time to a composite of
      the onset of CHF, cardiac-related death, or euthanasia. RESULTS: Median time to
      primary endpoint was 1228 days (95% CI: 856-NA) in the pimobendan group and 766
      days (95% CI: 667-875) in the placebo group (P = .0038). Hazard ratio for the
      pimobendan group was 0.64 (95% CI: 0.47-0.87) compared with the placebo group.
      The benefit persisted after adjustment for other variables. Adverse events were
      not different between treatment groups. Dogs in the pimobendan group lived longer
      (median survival time was 1059 days (95% CI: 952-NA) in the pimobendan group and
      902 days (95% CI: 747-1061) in the placebo group) (P = .012). CONCLUSIONS AND
      CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Administration of pimobendan to dogs with MMVD and
      echocardiographic and radiographic evidence of cardiomegaly results in
      prolongation of preclinical period and is safe and well tolerated. Prolongation
      of preclinical period by approximately 15 months represents substantial clinical
      benefit.

PMID- 27678084
TI  - Evaluating Google Flu Trends in Latin America: Important Lessons for the Next
      Phase of Digital Disease Detection.
AB  - BACKGROUND:  Latin America has a substantial burden of influenza and rising
      Internet access and could benefit from real-time influenza epidemic prediction
      web tools such as Google Flu Trends (GFT) to assist in risk communication and
      resource allocation during epidemics. However, there has never been a published
      assessment of GFT's accuracy in most Latin American countries or in any low- to
      middle-income country. Our aim was to evaluate GFT in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil,
      Chile, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay. METHODS:  Weekly influenza-test
      positive proportions for the eight countries were obtained from FluNet for the
      period January 2011-December 2014. Concurrent weekly Google-predicted influenza
      activity in the same countries was abstracted from GFT. Pearson correlation
      coefficients between observed and Google-predicted influenza activity trends were
      determined for each country. Permutation tests were used to examine background
      seasonal correlation between FluNet and GFT by country. RESULTS:  There were
      frequent GFT prediction errors, with correlation ranging from r = -0.53 to 0.91.
      GFT-predicted influenza activity best correlated with FluNet data in Mexico
      follow by Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Peru, Bolivia and Paraguay.
      Correlation was generally highest in the more temperate countries with more
      regular influenza seasonality and lowest in tropical regions. A substantial
      amount of autocorrelation was noted, suggestive that GFT is not fully specific
      for influenza virus activity. CONCLUSIONS:  We note substantial inaccuracies with
      GFT-predicted influenza activity compared with FluNet throughout Latin America,
      particularly among tropical countries with irregular influenza seasonality. Our
      findings offer valuable lessons for future Internet-based biosurveillance tools.

PMID- 27678086
TI  - Editorial Commentary: Perspectives on the Future of Internet Search Engines and
      Biosurveillance Systems.

PMID- 27678085
TI  - The Effect of Molecular Rapid Diagnostic Testing on Clinical Outcomes in
      Bloodstream Infections: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND:  Previous reports on molecular rapid diagnostic testing (mRDT) do not
      consistently demonstrate improved clinical outcomes in bloodstream infections
      (BSIs). This meta-analysis seeks to evaluate the impact of mRDT in improving
      clinical outcomes in BSIs. METHODS:  We searched PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science,
      and EMBASE through May 2016 for BSI studies comparing clinical outcomes between
      mRDT and conventional microbiology methods. RESULTS:  Thirty-one studies were
      included with 5920 patients. The mortality risk was significantly lower with mRDT
      than with conventional microbiology methods (odds ratio [OR], 0.66; 95%
      confidence interval [CI], .54-.80), yielding a number needed to treat of 20. The
      mortality risk was slightly lower with mRDT in studies with antimicrobial
      stewardship programs (ASPs) (OR, 0.64; 95% CI, .51-.79), and non-ASP studies
      failed to demonstrate a significant decrease in mortality risk (0.72; .46-1.12).
      Significant decreases in mortality risk were observed with both gram-positive
      (OR, 0.73; 95% CI, .55-.97) and gram-negative organisms (0.51; .33-.78) but not
      yeast (0.90; .49-1.67). Time to effective therapy decreased by a weighted mean
      difference of -5.03 hours (95% CI, -8.60 to -1.45 hours), and length of stay
      decreased by -2.48 days (-3.90 to -1.06 days). CONCLUSIONS:  For BSIs, mRDT was
      associated with significant decreases in mortality risk in the presence of a ASP,
      but not in its absence. mRDT also decreased the time to effective therapy and the
      length of stay. mRDT should be considered as part of the standard of care in
      patients with BSIs.

PMID- 27678087
TI  - In vivo and in vitro effects of vortioxetine on molecules associated with
      neuroplasticity.
AB  - Neuroplasticity is fundamental for brain functions, abnormal changes of which are
      associated with mood disorders and cognitive impairment. Neuroplasticity can be
      affected by neuroactive medications and by aging. Vortioxetine, a multimodal
      antidepressant, has shown positive effects on cognitive functions in both pre
      clinical and clinical studies. In rodent studies, vortioxetine increases
      glutamate neurotransmission, promotes dendritic branching and spine maturation,
      and elevates hippocampal expression of the activity-regulated cytoskeleton
      associated protein (Arc/Arg3.1) at the transcript level. The present study aims
      to assess the effects of vortioxetine on several neuroplasticity-related
      molecules in different experimental systems. Chronic (1 month) vortioxetine
      increased Arc/Arg3.1 protein levels in the cortical synaptosomes of young and
      middle-aged mice. In young mice, this was accompanied by an increase in actin
      depolymerizing factor (ADF)/cofilin serine 3 phosphorylation without altering the
      total ADF/cofilin protein level, and an increase in the GluA1 subunit of the
      alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor
      phosphorylation at serine 845 (S845) without altering serine 831 (S831) GluA1
      phosphorylation nor the total GluA1 protein level. Similar effects were detected
      in cultured rat hippocampal neurons: Acute vortioxetine increased S845 GluA1
      phosphorylation without changing S831 GluA1 phosphorylation or the total GluA1
      protein level. These changes were accompanied by an increase in alpha subunit of
      Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase (CaMKIIalpha) phosphorylation (at threonine 286)
      without changing the total CaMKIIalpha protein level in cultured neurons. In
      addition, chronic (1 month) vortioxetine, but not fluoxetine, restored the age
      associated reduction in Arc/Arg3.1 and c-Fos transcripts in the frontal cortex of
      middle-aged mice. Taken together, these results demonstrated that vortioxetine
      modulates molecular targets that are related to neuroplasticity.

PMID- 27678088
TI  - Neurobehavioural sequelae of social deprivation in rodents revisited: Modelling
      social adversity for developmental neuropsychiatric disorders.
AB  - The significance of investigating effects of deprivation of social experience in
      rodents is reviewed in the context of the review by Robbins et al. (1996) in the
      Journal of Psychopharmacology (10: 39-47). The early development of the paradigm
      by which rats were reared post-weaning in social isolation is described and
      compared with other early experience manipulations. The specification of the
      neural and behavioural phenotype of the isolate is brought up-to-date, focusing
      on changes in motivation and cognitive function, as well as on contrasting
      changes in the dopamine and serotonin systems, and in cortical (including
      hippocampal) structure and function. The relevance of the isolate for animal
      models of psychiatric disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
      and schizophrenia is reviewed, and it is considered that the paradigm best
      exemplifies a manipulation that can be applied to test effects of certain forms
      of social adversity during adolescence on brain development and behaviour.

PMID- 27678089
TI  - The effects of medication and current mood upon facial emotion recognition:
      findings from a large bipolar disorder cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Emotional processing abnormalities have been implicated in bipolar
      disorder (BD) but studies are typically small and uncontrolled. Here, facial
      expression recognition was explored in a large and naturalistically recruited
      cohort of BD patients. METHODS: 271 patients with BD completed the facial
      expression recognition task. The effects of current medication together with the
      influence of current mood state and diagnostic subtype were assessed whilst
      controlling for the effects of demographic variables. RESULTS: Patients who were
      currently receiving treatment with lithium demonstrated significantly poorer
      accuracy in recognising angry faces, an effect that held in a monotherapy sub
      analysis comparing those participants on lithium only and those who were
      medication-free. Accuracy in recognising angry faces was also lower amongst
      participants currently taking dopamine antagonists (antipsychotics). Higher
      levels of current depressive symptoms were linked to poorer accuracy at
      identifying happy faces. CONCLUSION: Use of lithium and possibly dopamine
      antagonists may be associated with reduced processing of anger cues in BD.
      Findings support the existence of mood-congruent negative biases associated with
      depressive symptoms in BD. Observational cohort studies provide opportunities to
      explore the substantial effects of demographic, psychometric and clinical
      variables on cognitive performance and emotional processing.

PMID- 27678091
TI  - When can the cause of a population decline be determined?
AB  - Inferring the factors responsible for declines in abundance is a prerequisite to
      preventing the extinction of wild populations. Many of the policies and
      programmes intended to prevent extinctions operate on the assumption that the
      factors driving the decline of a population can be determined. Exogenous factors
      that cause declines in abundance can be statistically confounded with endogenous
      factors such as density dependence. To demonstrate the potential for confounding,
      we used an experiment where replicated populations were driven to extinction by
      gradually manipulating habitat quality. In many of the replicated populations,
      habitat quality and density dependence were confounded, which obscured causal
      inference. Our results show that confounding is likely to occur when the
      exogenous factors that are driving the decline change gradually over time. Our
      study has direct implications for wild populations, because many factors that
      could drive a population to extinction change gradually through time.

PMID- 27678090
TI  - Static and dynamic functional connectivity in patients with chronic fatigue
      syndrome: use of arterial spin labelling fMRI.
AB  - Studies using arterial spin labelling (ASL) have shown that individuals with
      chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) have decreased regional cerebral blood flow, which
      may be associated with changes in functional neural networks. Indeed, recent
      studies indicate disruptions in functional connectivity (FC) at rest in
      chronically fatigued patients including perturbations in static FC (sFC), that is
      average FC at rest between several brain regions subserving neurocognitive, motor
      and affect-related networks. Whereas sFC often provides information of functional
      network reorganization in chronic illnesses, investigations of temporal changes
      in functional connectivity between multiple brain areas may shed light on the
      dynamic characteristics of brain network activation associated with such
      maladies. We used ASL fMRI in 19 patients with CFS and 15 healthy controls (HC)
      to examine both static and dynamic changes in FC among several a priori selected
      brain regions during a fatiguing cognitive task. HC showed greater increases than
      CFS in static FC (sFC) between insula and temporo-occipital structures and
      between precuneus and thalamus/striatum. Furthermore, inferior frontal gyrus
      connectivity to cerebellum, occipital and temporal structures declined in HC but
      increased in CFS. Patients also showed lower dynamic FC (dFC) between hippocampus
      and right superior parietal lobule. Both sFC and dFC correlated with task-related
      fatigue increases. These data provide the first evidence that perturbations in
      static and dynamic FC may underlie chronically fatigued patients' report of task
      induced fatigue. Further research will determine whether such changes in sFC and
      dFC are also characteristic for other fatigued individuals, including patients
      with chronic pain, cancer and multiple sclerosis.

PMID- 27678092
TI  - Abstracts from the 14th International Symposium on NeuroVirology October 25-28,
      2016, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

PMID- 27678093
TI  - Long-term follow-up of HTLV-1 proviral load in asymptomatic carriers and in
      incident cases of HAM/TSP: what is its relevance as a prognostic marker for
      neurologic disease?
AB  - HTLV-1 proviral load (pvl) is an important risk marker for HTLV-1-associated
      myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP), but its value as prognostic
      marker is not well defined. Long-term prospective cohort studies are necessary to
      clarify this question. Here, we analyzed HTLV-1 pvl in the peripheral blood of 82
      asymptomatic carriers (AC; 351 samples), 12 HAM/TSP patients (HAM; 46 samples),
      and six incident cases of HAM/TSP (iHAM), with serial samples collected before (n
      = 10) and after (n = 20) the disease onset. The mean interval of follow-up was 10
      years in the AC group and 8 years in HAM and iHAM groups. pvl was not
      significantly different between the first and last measurements in the three
      groups, but there was a trend to decrease over time. Coefficient of variation of
      pvl was significantly lower in the AC group than in HAM (p = 0.015) and iHAM (p =
      0.022) patients. AC and HAM individuals showed a significant and strong positive
      correlation between the first and last measurements of pvl, but not iHAM
      subjects. All individuals who developed HAM/TSP during the follow-up had high pvl
      level (>1 %) before the onset of disease, but a typical increase in pvl was not
      observed in that period. The data suggest that there is a trend to reach an
      equilibrium plateau of pvl over time, characteristic of each individual. A
      significant rate of AC keeps high pvl levels for a long time without developing
      clinical symptoms associated to HTLV-1 infection. Thus, serial quantification of
      pvl in the peripheral blood does not seem to be a good prognostic marker for
      HAM/TSP.

PMID- 27678094
TI  - Genomic and Nongenomic Effects of Mifepristone at the Cardiovascular Level: A
      Review.
AB  - Mifepristone (RU 486) is a compound that is structurally related to steroid
      hormones, which is derived from the estrane progestins. This compound strongly
      binds the progesterone and glucocorticoid receptor and, to a lesser extent, the
      androgen receptor. This compound has its effects through different signaling
      pathways, related to genomic and nongenomic effects. The genomic effect involves
      the activation or blockage of nuclear or intracellular receptor, that in this
      case the progesterone, glucocorticoid, and androgen receptors. On the contrary,
      the nongenomic effect of mifepristone is independent of the activation of these
      receptors. Regarding the nongenomic, several authors observed that mifepristone
      induces higher uterine artery blood flow probably due to the decrease in serum
      nitric oxide level. Moreover, recently it has been demonstrated that mifepristone
      induces relaxation, and this effect is independent of the endothelium and due to
      the activation of the calcium channels. The main side effects associated with
      this pathway are hemorrhage and inhibition of platelet aggregation that can lead
      to hypovolemia or to hypotension. Concerning the genomic effect, this drug blocks
      progesterone, androgens, and glucocorticoids receptors and also activates the
      progesterone receptor and their respective effects. The most frequently reported
      adverse effects of mifepristone are nausea, vomiting, hypovolemia, hypotension,
      amenorrhea, and infertility. The main purpose of this review is to describe the
      genomic and nongenomic effects of mifepristone at vascular level and describe
      some pathologies in which mifepristone is used as a treatment.

PMID- 27678095
TI  - Investigating the Role of Fetal Gene Expression in Preterm Birth.
AB  - Second-trimester amniotic fluid supernatant (AFS) contains cell-free fetal RNA
      (cffRNA) transcripts that can provide information about fetal gene expression. In
      a retrospective case-control study, we measured second-trimester fetal gene
      expression using cffRNA extracted from AFS in women who had spontaneous preterm
      birth (sPTB) <34 weeks and in women who delivered >37 weeks. We extracted cffRNA
      from AFS of women with singletons who had second-trimester genetic amniocenteses.
      Twenty-one gravidas who had sPTB and 21 term controls were matched 1:1 for
      maternal age, fetal sex, race, gestational age (GA) at the time of amniocentesis,
      and medication exposure. Cell-free fetal RNA was extracted and hybridized to a
      customized 65-gene NanoString panel containing genes related to oxidative stress,
      inflammation, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and included 15
      housekeeping genes. Two models were run, 1 examining sPTB in relation to
      case/control status and 1 examining sPTB in relation to GA as a continuous
      variable. Among cases, the gene expression of nitric oxide synthase 1 ( NOS1), d
      aspartate oxidase ( DDO), and Beta-2-microglobulin ( B2M) was higher than
      controls ( P value < .05; false discovery rate-corrected Q value of <=0.10).
      Nitric oxide synthase 1 and DDO are genes associated with oxidative stress; B2M
      is a marker of the fetal inflammatory response. Fetal HPA gene expression is not
      associated with GA at delivery or sPTB in second-trimester AFS. Alterations of
      fetal gene expression related to inflammation and oxidative stress antedate
      clinical symptoms and may be useful for early identification of patients at risk
      of having an sPTB.

PMID- 27678096
TI  - Twin Conception in Sheep Leads to Impaired Insulin Sensitivity and Sexually
      Dimorphic Adipose Tissue and Skeletal Muscle Phenotypes in Adulthood.
AB  - Twins are often born small and early and have increased risk of obesity and
      diabetes later in life. Twin conception in sheep, regardless of whether the
      pregnancy continues as twins or is reduced to singleton in early gestation,
      alters offspring growth trajectory and body composition in young adulthood. We
      hypothesized that twin conception would result in insulin resistance in
      adulthood, with insulin-resistant adipose tissue and skeletal muscle phenotypes.
      At 3 years of age, body weight was not different among singletons, twins, and
      reductions; females weighed less than males. Singletons were leaner than
      reductions, with twins intermediate. Twins and reductions had decreased insulin
      sensitivity compared with singletons (singletons: mean [standard error of the
      mean]: 4.75 [0.4], twins: 3.34 [0.3], reductions: 3.67 [0.2] mg.I MUU-1.kg-1.min
      1, P < .01). There were no group differences in adipocyte size, adipose tissue,
      or circulating tumor necrosis factor alpha, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1,
      or interleukin 6 concentrations. In males, omental and subcutaneous adipose
      SLC2A4 was 1.5- to 2.0-fold greater in twins and reductions than in singletons (
      P < .01) and SLC2A1 was greater in reductions than in singletons. Skeletal muscle
      IRS-1 was decreased in male twins but increased in female twins, compared to
      singletons ( P <= .01), with no effect on reductions in either sex. Skeletal
      muscle SLC2A4 was decreased in female twins and reductions but elevated in male
      twins and reductions compared to singletons ( P <= .01). We conclude that adult
      twin insulin resistance is not due to adipose tissue phenotype, but potentially
      phenotypic effects in skeletal muscle, and obesity is a result of twin conception
      per se with its origins in early gestation.

PMID- 27678097
TI  - New Predictive Model at 11+0 to 13+6 Gestational Weeks for Early-Onset
      Preeclampsia With Fetal Growth Restriction.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to determine a predictive model for early-onset
      preeclampsia with fetal growth restriction (FGR) to be used at 11+0 to 13+6
      gestational weeks, by combining the maternal serum level of pregnancy-associated
      plasma protein-A (PAPP-A), placental growth factor (PLGF), placental protein 13
      (PP13), soluble endoglin (sEng), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and uterine artery
      Doppler. This was a retrospective cohort study of 4453 pregnant women. Uterine
      artery Doppler examination was conducted in the first trimester. Maternal serum
      PAPP-A, PLGF, PP13, and sEng were measured. Mean arterial pressure was obtained.
      Women were classified as with/without early-onset preeclampsia, and women with
      preeclampsia were classified as with/without FGR. Receiver operating
      characteristic analysis was performed to determine the value of the model. There
      were 30 and 32 pregnant women with early-onset preeclampsia with and without FGR.
      The diagnosis rate of early-onset preeclampsia with FGR was 67.4% using the
      predictive model when the false positive rate was set at 5% and 73.2% when the
      false positive rate was 10%. The predictive model (MAP, uterine artery Doppler
      measurements, and serum biomarkers) had some predictive value for the early
      diagnosis (11+0 to 13+6 gestational weeks) of early-onset preeclampsia with FGR.

PMID- 27678099
TI  - Efficacy, Safety, and Acceptability of Low-Dose Mifepristone and Self
      Administered Misoprostol for Ultra-Early Medical Abortion: A Randomized
      Controlled Trial.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy, safety, and acceptability
      of low-dose mifepristone combined with self-administered misoprostol for ultra
      early medical abortion. A total of 744 women with ultra-early pregnancy
      (amenorrhea <=35 days) who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the
      study. Equal numbers of participants were allocated randomly to the hospital
      administration and self-administration groups. All participants took 75 mg
      mifepristone at the initial visit and 400 ug oral misoprostol 24 hours later in
      the hospital or by self-administration. The primary end point was complete
      abortion. Secondary end points were rates of unscheduled reattendance, time
      required for and cost of hospital observation and follow-up, vaginal bleeding,
      adverse effects, menstrual disturbance in the posttreatment period, and
      satisfaction rating. No differences in the rates of complete abortion,
      unscheduled reattendance, vaginal bleeding, adverse effects, or return of
      posttreatment menstruation were observed. The time required for (and costs of)
      hospital observation and follow-up per participant was 557.82 minutes (and
      US$40.12) in the hospital administration group and 18.46 minutes (and US$1.96) in
      the self-administration group (both P < .001). Satisfaction rates were similar in
      both groups, but the rates of "very satisfied" responses (87.60% vs 25.41%) and
      follow-up compliance (loss to follow-up, 0.45% vs 7.70%) were higher in the self
      administration group (both P < .001). Low-dose mifepristone combined with self
      administered misoprostol for ultra-early pregnancy termination was as effective
      and safe as hospital administration, with greater acceptability and lower cost to
      the women.

PMID- 27678098
TI  - Impact of Endometrioma Resection on Eutopic Endometrium Metabolite Contents:
      Noninvasive Evaluation of Endometrium Receptivity.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine whether endometrioma resection alters most
      commonly defined endometrial metabolites, lactate (Lac), N-acetylaspartate (NAA),
      creatine 1 (Cr1), creatine 2 (Cr2), and choline (Cho) during the window of
      implantation. Twenty patients with uni- or bilateral endometrioma and 7 patients
      having nonendometriotic benign ovarian cyst were included. Midluteal phase
      magnetic resonance spectroscopy analysis of eutopic endometrium was performed
      before surgery. Second spectrum of endometrium was obtained 3 to 5 months after
      laparoscopic endometrioma resection. Pre- and postoperative endometrial peaks of
      Lac, NAA, Cr, and Cho were measured in units and denominated in parts per million
      (ppm). Compared to preoperative peak values, significantly decreased NAA, Lac,
      and Cr1 signals were noted in patients undergoing endometrioma surgery. Nearly 5
      fold decline in the NAA signal occurred after endometrioma surgery (1.94 +/- 3.24
      vs 0.37 +/- 0.55). Likewise, 2.5-fold decline in Lac signals was noted after
      endometrioma resection (2.81 +/- 2.64 vs 1.06 +/- 1.88). Both uni- and bilateral
      endometrioma affected endometrium signals the same. The peak intensity of Cho,
      Cr1, Cr2, NAA, and Lac did not alter significantly after nonendometriotic cyst
      surgery. Endometrioma surgery straightens endometrial NAA, Lac, and Cr1 peaks,
      suggesting improvement in endometrial receptivity.

PMID- 27678100
TI  - Serum Osteopontin Levels Are Decreased in Focal Adenomyosis.
AB  - We investigated whether serum osteopontin (OPN) levels are different according to
      specific phenotypes of adenomyosis and endometriosis. We conducted a prospective
      laboratory study in a university referral center for endometriosis between May
      2005 and May 2013 and included 148 nonpregnant women, younger than 42 years,
      undergoing surgery for a benign gynecological condition and who had a
      preoperative pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The presence of focal
      and/or diffuse adenomyosis was determined by pelvic MRI, and women were
      classified into 3 groups: no-adenomyosis (No-AM), isolated diffuse adenomyosis
      (DIF-AM), and focal adenomyosis with or without diffuse adenomyosis (FOC-AM).
      After complete surgical exploration of the pelvic cavity, the presence and type
      of endometriosis was surgically determined and histologically confirmed. We
      distinguished 4 phenotypes: no endometriosis, superficial peritoneal
      endometriosis (SUP), ovarian endometrioma, and deep infiltrating endometriosis
      (DIE). Osteopontin levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in
      serum samples obtained in all participants in the month preceding surgery. Our
      results show lower OPN levels in women with focal adenomyosis compared to
      adenomyosis-free controls. Our results also show a decrease in OPN levels in
      women with associated DIE and focal adenomyosis compared to women with SUP.
      Various serum biomarkers have been studied in the context of endometriosis
      severity and subtypes, whereas data on serum markers of adenomyosis are scarce.
      Both entities are often associated, and adenomyosis could be a confounding factor
      influencing results. Future research on serum biomarkers should describe subtypes
      of adenomyosis and endometriosis and analyze results according to well-defined
      subtypes.

PMID- 27678101
TI  - Toward Understanding Myometrial Regulation: Metabolomic Investigation Reveals New
      Pathways of Oxytocin and Ritodrine Activity on the Myometrium.
AB  - In recent times, additional pathways involved in the regulation of the myometrium
      have been suggested. This also holds true for the effect of drugs such as
      oxytocin (OT) and beta-adrenergic agonists on the myometrium. Knowledge of these
      additional pathways will certainly prove useful in designing better therapies for
      pathologies of the myometrium. This study was therefore aimed at investigating
      the possibility of other pathways involved in the activities of both OT and
      ritodrine (RIT; a beta-adrenergic agonist) in the myometrium by utilizing
      metabolomics and bioinformatics. High-resolution Fourier transform mass
      spectrometry (HRFTMS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy coupled
      with functional uterine assays were used for an innovative assessment. In vitro
      pharmacological assay of OT (1 nmol/L) and RIT (0.1 nmol/L) on isolated mice
      uteri mounted in 3 mL organ baths was performed. Mice uteri, treated with OT or
      RIT, as well as the physiological buffer in which the uterine tissues were
      immersed, were rapidly collected and analyzed using HRFTMS, proton (1H)-NMR, and
      bioinformatics. Resulting data were analyzed via pairwise chemometric comparison
      models, with P <= .05 considered statistically significant. In addition to
      previously known metabolites, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, gamma
      aminobutyric acid, and sphingosine were significantly associated with the
      activity of OT, whereas the activity of RIT was associated with a downstream
      involvement of prostaglandin F1 and phosphatidylinositol signaling. These
      findings add evidence to the reports on additional regulation of myometrial
      activity by these drugs and suggest newer pathways for therapeutic manipulation.

PMID- 27678102
TI  - Variable Methylation Potential in Preterm Placenta: Implication for Epigenetic
      Programming of the Offspring.
AB  - Children born preterm are reported to be at increased risk of developing
      noncommunicable diseases in later life. Altered placental DNA methylation
      patterns are implicated in fetal programming of adult diseases. Our earlier
      animal studies focus on micronutrients (folic acid, vitamin B12) and long-chain
      polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) that interact in the 1 carbon cycle,
      thereby influencing methylation reactions. Our previous studies in women
      delivering preterm show altered plasma levels of micronutrients and lower plasma
      LCPUFA levels. We postulate that alterations in the micronutrient metabolism may
      affect the regulation of enzymes, methionine adenosyltransferase ( MAT2A), and
      SAH-hydrolase ( AHCY), involved in the production of methyl donor S
      adenosylmethionine (SAM), thereby influencing the methylation potential (MP) in
      the placenta of women delivering preterm. The present study, therefore, examines
      the mRNA, protein levels of enzymes ( MAT2A and AHCY), SAM, S
      adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) levels, and global DNA methylation levels from preterm
      (n = 73) and term (n = 73) placentae. The enzyme messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were
      analyzed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, protein levels by
      enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and SAM-SAH levels by high-performance liquid
      chromatography. The mRNA levels for MAT2A and AHCY are higher ( P < .05 for both)
      in the preterm group as compared to the term group. S-Adenosylmethionine and SAH
      levels were similar in both groups, although SAM:SAH ratio was lower ( P < .05)
      in the preterm group as compared to the term group. The global DNA methylation
      levels were higher ( P < .05) in women delivering small for gestation age infants
      as compared to women delivering appropriate for gestation age infants at term.
      Our data showing lower MP in the preterm placenta may have implications for the
      epigenetic programming of the developing fetus.

PMID- 27678105
TI  - Authors' response to Ghatak and Gulati.

PMID- 27678104
TI  - Erratum to:Hepatic resection for predominantly large size hepatocellular
      carcinoma: Early and long-term results from a tertiary care center in India.

PMID- 27678103
TI  - Long-term outcomes of children treated for Cushing's disease: a single center
      experience.
AB  - PURPOSE: Pediatric Cushing's disease (CD) is rare and there are limited data on
      the long-term outcomes. We assessed CD recurrence, body composition, pituitary
      function and psychiatric comorbidity in a cohort of pediatric CD patients.
      METHODS: Retrospective review of 21 CD patients, mean age at diagnosis 12.1 years
      (5.7-17.8), managed in our center between 1986 and 2010. Mean follow-up from
      definitive treatment was 10.6 years (2.9-27.2). RESULTS: Fifteen patients were in
      remission following transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) and 5 were in remission
      following TSS + external pituitary radiotherapy (RT). One patient underwent
      bilateral adrenalectomy (BA). CD recurrence occurred in 3 (14.3 %) patients: 2 at
      2 and 6 years after TSS and 1 7.6 years post-RT. The BA patient developed
      Nelson's syndrome requiring pituitary RT 0.6 years post-surgery. Short-term
      growth hormone deficiency (GHD) was present in 14 patients (81 % patients tested)
      (11 following TSS and 3 after RT) and 4 (44 % of tested) had long-term GHD.
      Gonadotropin deficiency caused impaired pubertal development in 9 patients (43
      %), 4 requiring sex steroid replacement post-puberty. Four patients (19 %) had
      more than one pituitary hormone deficiency, 3 after TSS and 1 post-RT. Five
      patients (24 %) had long-term psychiatric co-morbidities (cognitive dysfunction
      or mood disturbance). There were significant long-term improvements in growth,
      weight and bone density but not complete reversal to normal in all patients.
      CONCLUSIONS: The long-term consequences of the diagnosis and treatment of CD in
      children is broadly similar to that seen in adults, with recurrence of CD after
      successful treatment uncommon but still seen. Pituitary hormone deficiencies
      occurred in the majority of patients after remission, and assessment and
      appropriate treatment of GHD is essential. However, while many parameters
      improve, some children may still have mild but persistent defects.

PMID- 27678106
TI  - Feasibility of ferumoxytol-enhanced neonatal and young infant cardiac MRI without
      general anesthesia.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the feasibility of ferumoxytol-enhanced anesthesia-free
      cardiac MRI in neonates and young infants for complex congenital heart disease
      (CHD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: With Institutional Review Board approval, 21
      consecutive neonates and young infants (1 day to 11 weeks old; median age of 3
      days) who underwent a rapid two-sequence (MR angiography [MRA] and four
      dimensional [4D] flow) MRI protocol with intravenous ferumoxytol without sedation
      (n = 17) or light sedation (n = 4) at 3 Tesla (T) (except one case at 1.5T)
      between June 2014 and February 2016 were retrospectively identified. Medical
      records were reviewed for indication, any complications, if further diagnostic
      imaging was performed after MRI, and surgical findings. Two radiologists scored
      the images in two sessions on a 5-point scale for overall image quality and
      delineation of various anatomical structures. Confidence interval of proportions
      for likelihood of requiring additional diagnostic imaging after MRI was
      determined. For the possibility of reducing the protocol to a single rapid
      sequence, Wilcoxon-rank sum test was used to assess whether 4D flow and MRA
      significantly differed in anatomical delineation. RESULTS: One of 21 patients
      (4.8%, 80% confidence interval 0-11%) required additional imaging, a computed
      tomography angiography to assess lung parenchyma and peripheral pulmonary
      arteries. Only 1 of 13 patients (7.7%) with operative confirmation had a minor
      discrepancy between radiology and operative reports (80% confidence interval 0
      17%). 4D flow was significantly superior to MRA (P < 0.05) for the evaluation of
      systemic arteries, valves, ventricular trabeculae, and overall quality. Using
      Cohen's kappa coefficient, there was good interobserver agreement for the
      evaluation of systemic arteries by 4D flow (kappa = 0.782), and systemic veins
      and pulmonary arteries by MRA (kappa > 0.6). Overall 4D flow measurements (mean
      kappa = 0.64-0.74) had better internal agreement compared with MRA (mean kappa =
      0.30-0.64). CONCLUSION: Ferumoxytol-enhanced cardiac MRI, without anesthesia, is
      feasible for the evaluation of complex CHD in neonates and young infants, with a
      low likelihood of need for additional diagnostic studies. The decreased risk by
      avoiding anesthesia must be balanced against the potential for adverse reactions
      with ferumoxytol. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2 J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;45:1407-1418.

PMID- 27678107
TI  - Functional organization of the HIV lipid envelope.
AB  - The chemical composition of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)
      membrane is critical for fusion and entry into target cells, suggesting that
      preservation of a functional lipid bilayer organization may be required for
      efficient infection. HIV-1 acquires its envelope from the host cell plasma
      membrane at sites enriched in raft-type lipids. Furthermore, infectious particles
      display aminophospholipids on their surface, indicative of dissipation of the
      inter-leaflet lipid asymmetry metabolically generated at cellular membranes. By
      combining two-photon excited Laurdan fluorescence imaging and atomic force
      microscopy, we have obtained unprecedented insights into the phase state of
      membranes reconstituted from viral lipids (i.e., extracted from infectious HIV-1
      particles), established the role played by the different specimens in the
      mixtures, and characterized the effects of membrane-active virucidal agents on
      membrane organization. In determining the molecular basis underlying lipid
      packing and lateral heterogeneity of the HIV-1 membrane, our results may help
      develop compounds with antiviral activity acting by perturbing the functional
      organization of the lipid envelope.

PMID- 27678108
TI  - The role of global public health strategy in non-profit organisational change at
      country level: lessons from the joining of Save the Children and Merlin in
      Myanmar.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The paper presents a case study that critically assesses the role
      of global strategy 'Public Health on the Frontline 2014-2015' ('the Strategy') in
      supporting Merlin and Save the Children's organisational change and future
      programme of the combined organisation in Myanmar. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Research was undertaken in 2014 in Myanmar. Twenty-six individual and three group
      interviews were conducted with stakeholders, and 10 meetings relevant to the
      country organisational transition process were observed. A conceptual framework
      was developed to assess the role of the global strategy in supporting the country
      change process. RESULTS: Several positive aspects of the global strategy were
      found, as well as critical shortcomings in its support to the organisational
      change process at country level. The strategy was useful in signalling Save the
      Children's intention to scale up humanitarian health provision. However, it had
      only limited influence on the early change process and outcomes in Myanmar.
      CONCLUSIONS: Results highlight several aspects that would enhance the role of a
      global strategy at country level. Lessons can be applied by organisations
      undertaking a similar process. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27678110
TI  - Parenting and cognitive and psychomotor delay due to small-for-gestational-age
      birth.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To examine whether different dimensions of parenting at different
      ages help small-for-gestational-age (SGA) children 'catch-up' the normal children
      in cognition and psychomotor. METHODS: We analyzed data of 800 children born SGA
      and 3,000 children born appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) from the Early
      Childhood Longitudinal Study-Birth cohort. The Two Bag Task was used to measure 2
      year or 4-year parenting dimensions. Children's reading, math, gross motor, and
      fine motor scores were assessed at 5 years. Multivariable linear regression
      models were fitted to test the interactions between SGA and 2-year or 4-year
      parenting dimensions on 5-year cognitive and psychomotor outcomes (dependent
      variables). RESULTS: There were significant interactions between SGA and early
      parenting on 5-year reading, math, and fine motor scores. The gap between SGA and
      AGA children in 5-year fine motor score was attenuated to null [-0.25 (95%
      confidence interval, -0.41, -0.09) vs. 0.03 (-0.13, 0.20)] when 2-year parental
      sensitivity score increased from 1 standard deviation (SD) below mean (Mean - SD)
      to 1 SD above mean (Mean + SD). The gap between SGA and AGA children in 5-year
      fine motor [-0.28 (-0.44, -0.13) vs. 0.06 (-0.09, 0.22)] and math [-1.32 (-2.27, 
      0.37) vs. 0.20 (-0.77, 1.17)] scores was also attenuated to null when 4-year
      parental emotional support score increased from Mean - SD to Mean + SD. In
      contrast, the gap between SGA and AGA children in 5-year reading score increased
      from 0.49 (-0.90, 1.88) to -1.31 (-2.55, -0.07) when 4-year parental
      intrusiveness score increased from Mean - SD to Mean + SD. Similarly, the gap
      between SGA and AGA children in fine motor score increased with 4-year parental
      negative regard from 0.02 (-0.14, 0.18) to -0.23 (-0.38, -0.08). CONCLUSIONS:
      Early high-quality parenting may buffer some adversity in long-term reading,
      math, and fine motor skills related to SGA birth, whereas low-quality parenting
      can amplify the adversity.

PMID- 27678111
TI  - Bridging the Gap Between Adolescence and Adulthood: the Challenges of Emerging
      Adults.

PMID- 27678109
TI  - Annual direct and indirect costs attributable to nocturia in Germany, Sweden, and
      the UK.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to estimate the prevalence-based cost of illness imposed
      by nocturia (>=2 nocturnal voids per night) in Germany, Sweden, and the UK in an
      average year. METHODS: Information obtained from a systematic review of published
      literature and clinicians was used to construct an algorithm depicting the
      management of nocturia in these three countries. This enabled an estimation of
      (1) annual levels of healthcare resource use, (2) annual cost of healthcare
      resource use, and (3) annual societal cost arising from presenteeism and
      absenteeism attributable to nocturia in each country. RESULTS: In an average
      year, there are an estimated 12.5, 1.2, and 8.6 million patients >=20 years of
      age with nocturia in Germany, Sweden, and the UK, respectively. In an average
      year in each country, respectively, these patients were estimated to have 13.8,
      1.4, and 10.0 million visits to a family practitioner or specialist, ~91,000,
      9000, and 63,000 hospital admissions attributable to nocturia and 216,000,
      19,000, and 130,000 subjects were estimated to incur a fracture resulting from
      nocturia. The annual direct cost of healthcare resource use attributable to
      managing nocturia was estimated to be approximately ?2.32 billion in Germany,
      5.11 billion kr (?0.54 billion) in Sweden, and L1.35 billion (?1.77 billion) in
      the UK. The annual indirect societal cost arising from both presenteeism and
      absenteeism was estimated to be approximately ?20.76 billion in Germany and 19.65
      billion kr (?2.10 billion) in Sweden. In addition, in the UK, the annual indirect
      cost due to absenteeism was an estimated L4.32 billion (?5.64 billion).
      CONCLUSIONS: Nocturia appears to impose a substantial socioeconomic burden in all
      three countries. Clinical and economic benefits could accrue from an increased
      awareness of the impact that nocturia imposes on patients, health services, and
      society as a whole.

PMID- 27678112
TI  - Tumor proliferation and diffusion on percolation clusters.
AB  - We study in silico the influence of host tissue inhomogeneity on tumor cell
      proliferation and diffusion by simulating the mobility of a tumor on percolation
      clusters with different homogeneities of surrounding tissues. The proliferation
      and diffusion of a tumor in an inhomogeneous tissue could be characterized in the
      framework of the percolation theory, which displays similar thresholds (0.54,
      0.44, and 0.37, respectively) for tumor proliferation and diffusion in three
      kinds of lattices with 4, 6, and 8 connecting near neighbors. Our study reveals
      the existence of a critical transition concerning the survival and diffusion of
      tumor cells with leaping metastatic diffusion movement in the host tissues. Tumor
      cells usually flow in the direction of greater pressure variation during their
      diffusing and infiltrating to a further location in the host tissue. Some
      specific sites suitable for tumor invasion were observed on the percolation
      cluster and around these specific sites a tumor can develop into scattered tumors
      linked by some advantage tunnels that facilitate tumor invasion. We also
      investigate the manner that tissue inhomogeneity surrounding a tumor may
      influence the velocity of tumor diffusion and invasion. Our simulation suggested
      that invasion of a tumor is controlled by the homogeneity of the tumor
      microenvironment, which is basically consistent with the experimental report by
      Riching et al. as well as our clinical observation of medical imaging. Both
      simulation and clinical observation proved that tumor diffusion and invasion into
      the surrounding host tissue is positively correlated with the homogeneity of the
      tissue.

PMID- 27678113
TI  - Identification of substituent groups and related genes involved in salecan
      biosynthesis in Agrobacterium sp. ZX09.
AB  - Salecan, a soluble beta-1,3-D-glucan produced by a salt-tolerant strain
      Agrobacterium sp. ZX09, has been the subject of considerable interest in recent
      years because of its multiple bioactivities and unusual rheological properties in
      solution. In this study, both succinyl and pyruvyl substituent groups on salecan
      were identified by an enzymatic hydrolysis following nuclear magnetic resonance
      (NMR), HPLC, and MS analysis. The putative succinyltransferase gene (sleA) and
      pyruvyltransferase gene (sleV) were determined and cloned. Disruption of the sleA
      gene resulted in the absence of succinyl substituent groups on salecan. This
      defect could be complemented by expressing the sleA cloned in a plasmid. Thus,
      the sleA and sleV genes located in a 19.6-kb gene cluster may be involved in
      salecan biosynthesis. Despite the lack of succinyl substituents, the molecular
      mass of salecan generated by the sleA mutant did not substantially differ from
      that generated by the wild-type strain. Loss of succinyl substituents on salecan
      changed its rheological characteristics, especially a decrease in intrinsic
      viscosity.

PMID- 27678114
TI  - Degradation of 3-phenoxybenzoic acid by a filamentous fungus Aspergillus oryzae M
      4 strain with self-protection transformation.
AB  - A novel filamentous fungus M-4 strain was isolated from soy sauce koji and
      identified as Aspergillus oryzae (Collection number: CGMCC 11645) on the basis of
      morphological characteristics and internal transcribed spacer sequence. M-4 could
      degrade 80.62 % of 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA; 100 mg L-1) within 5 days. 3-PBA
      degradation occurred in accordance with first-order kinetics. The degradation
      metabolites of 3-PBA were identified through high-performance liquid
      chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). Relevant enzymatic activities and
      substrate utilization were also investigated, which indicated that M-4 could
      effectively degrade the intermediates of 3-PBA. Base on analysis of these
      metabolites, a novel biochemical pathway for the degradation of 3-PBA was
      proposed. There exists a mutual transformation between 3-phenoxy-benzyl alcohol
      and 3-PBA, which was firstly reported about the degradation of 3-PBA and may be
      attributed to self-protection transformation of M-4; subsequently, 3-PBA was
      gradually transformed into phenol, 3-hydroxy-5-phenoxy benzoic acid,
      protocatechuic acid and gallic acid. The safety of M-4 was evaluated via an acute
      toxicity test in vivo. The biodegradation ability of M-4 without toxic effects
      reveals that this fungus may be likely to be used for eliminating 3-PBA from
      contaminated environment or fermented foods.

PMID- 27678115
TI  - Eliminating hydrolytic activity without affecting the transglycosylation of a GH1
      beta-glucosidase.
AB  - Unveiling the determinants for transferase and hydrolase activity in glycoside
      hydrolases would allow using their vast diversity for creating novel
      transglycosylases, thereby unlocking an extensive toolbox for carbohydrate
      chemists. Three different amino acid substitutions at position 220 of a GH1 beta
      glucosidase from Thermotoga neapolitana caused an increase of the ratio of
      transglycosylation to hydrolysis (r s/r h) from 0.33 to 1.45-2.71. Further
      increase in r s/r h was achieved by modulation of pH of the reaction medium. The
      wild-type enzyme had a pH optimum for both hydrolysis and transglycosylation
      around 6 and reduced activity at higher pH. Interestingly, the mutants had
      constant transglycosylation activity over a broad pH range (5-10), while the
      hydrolytic activity was largely eliminated at pH 10. The results demonstrate that
      a combination of protein engineering and medium engineering can be used to
      eliminate the hydrolytic activity without affecting the transglycosylation
      activity of a glycoside hydrolase. The underlying factors for this success are
      pursued, and perturbations of the catalytic acid/base in combination with
      flexibility are shown to be important factors.

PMID- 27678116
TI  - Cellulose synthesis by Komagataeibacter rhaeticus strain P 1463 isolated from
      Kombucha.
AB  - Isolate B17 from Kombucha was estimated to be an efficient producer of bacterial
      cellulose (BC). The isolate was deposited under the number P 1463 and identified
      as Komagataeibacter rhaeticus by comparing a generated amplified fragment length
      polymorphism (AFLPTM) DNA fingerprint against a reference database. Static
      cultivation of the K. rhaeticus strain P 1463 in Hestrin and Schramm (HS) medium
      resulted in 4.40 +/- 0.22 g/L BC being produced, corresponding to a BC yield from
      glucose of 25.30 +/- 1.78 %, when the inoculum was made with a modified HS medium
      containing 10 g/L glucose. Fermentations for 5 days using media containing apple
      juice with analogous carbon source concentrations resulted in 4.77 +/- 0.24 g/L
      BC being synthesised, corresponding to a yield from the consumed sugars (glucose,
      fructose and sucrose) of 37.00 +/- 2.61 %. The capacity of K. rhaeticus strain P
      1463 to synthesise BC was found to be much higher than that of two reference
      strains for cellulose production, Komagataeibacter xylinus DSM 46604 and
      Komagataeibacter hansenii DSM 5602T, and was also considerably higher than that
      of K. hansenii strain B22, isolated from another Kombucha sample. The BC
      synthesised by K. rhaeticus strain P 1463 after 40 days of cultivation in HS
      medium with additional glucose supplemented to the cell culture during
      cultivation was shown to have a degree of polymerization of 3300.0 +/- 122.1
      glucose units, a tensile strength of 65.50 +/- 3.27 MPa and a length at break of
      16.50 +/- 0.83 km. For the other strains, these properties did not exceed 25.60
      +/- 1.28 MPa and 15.20 +/- 0.76 km.

PMID- 27678117
TI  - Metabolic engineering of the oleaginous yeast Rhodosporidium toruloides IFO0880
      for lipid overproduction during high-density fermentation.
AB  - Natural lipids can be used to make biodiesel and many other value-added
      compounds. In this work, we explored a number of different metabolic engineering
      strategies for increasing lipid production in the oleaginous yeast Rhodosporidium
      toruloides IFO0880. These included increasing the expression of enzymes involved
      in different aspects of lipid biosynthesis-malic enzyme (ME), pyruvate
      carboxylase (PYC1), glycerol-3-P dehydrogenase (GPD), and stearoyl-CoA desaturase
      (SCD)-and deleting the gene PEX10, required for peroxisome biogenesis. Only malic
      enzyme and stearoyl-CoA desaturase, when overexpressed, were found to
      significantly increase lipid production. Only stearoyl-CoA desaturase, when
      overexpressed, further increased lipid production in a strain previously
      engineered to overexpress acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC1) and diacylglycerol
      acyltransferase (DGA1). Our best strain produced 27.4 g/L lipid with an average
      productivity of 0.31 g/L/h during batch growth on glucose and 89.4 g/L lipid with
      an average productivity of 0.61 g/L/h during fed-batch growth on glucose. These
      results further establish R. toruloides as a platform organism for the production
      of lipids and potentially other lipid-derived compounds from sugars.

PMID- 27678118
TI  - Genetic analyses of Per.C6 cell clones producing a therapeutic monoclonal
      antibody regarding productivity and long-term stability.
AB  - Genetic characterization of protein-producing clones represents additional value
      to cell line development. In the present study, ten Per.C6 clones producing a
      Rebmab100 monoclonal antibody were selected using two cloning methods: six clones
      originated from limiting dilution cloning and four by the automated colony picker
      ClonePix FL. A stability program was performed for 50 generations, including 4
      batches distributed along the timeframe to determine specific productivity (Qp)
      maintenance. Four stable clones (two from limiting dilution and two from ClonePix
      FL) were further evaluated. The relative mRNA expression levels of both heavy
      chain (HC) and light chain (LC) genes were verified at generations 0, 30-35, and
      50-55 of the stability program. At generations 0 and 30-35, LC gene expression
      level was higher than HC gene, whereas at generation 50-55, the opposite
      prevailed. A high correlation was observed between Qp and HC or LC mRNA
      expression level for all clones at each generation analyzed along the continuous
      culture. The mRNA stability study was performed at steady-state culture. The LC
      gene displayed a higher half-life and lower decay constant than HC gene,
      accounting for the higher observed expression level of LC mRNA in comparison to
      HC mRNA. Clone R6 was highlighted due its high Qp, mRNA expression levels, and
      mRNA stability. Besides the benefits of applying genetic characterization for the
      selection of stable and high-producing clones, the present study shows for the
      first time the correlation between Qp and HC or LC expression levels and also
      mRNA stability in clones derived from human cell line Per.C6((r)).

PMID- 27678120
TI  - Bacterial glucans: production, properties, and applications.
AB  - Bacterial glucans have aroused increasing interest in commercial applications in
      the food and pharmaceutical sectors. A number of bacterial glucans have been
      reported over recent decades, and their structure, production, and functional
      properties have been extensively studied. In this paper, we review recent
      researches on bacterial glucans, with emphasis on the production, physical and
      chemical properties, and the new developments in food, biomedical,
      pharmaceutical, and other industrial applications.

PMID- 27678119
TI  - Characteristics and metabolic pathway of Alcaligenes sp. TB for simultaneous
      heterotrophic nitrification-aerobic denitrification.
AB  - A novel heterotrophic nitrification-aerobic denitrification bacterium,
      Alcaligenes sp. TB (GenBank accession no. JQ044686), was isolated from a rotating
      drum biofilter for NO removal. Its characteristics and metabolic pathway for NO
      removal were comprehensively investigated. Experimental results showed that the
      nitrification and denitrification efficiency reached 99.42 and 96.44 %,
      respectively, after 44 h under the conditions of pH 7.2, 30  degrees C, and 120
      rpm. The tests with the addition of Pb2+ and Na2WO4 as the reductase inhibitor
      revealed that nitrite was the key intermediate to produce the nitrogen gas as the
      final product in the simultaneous heterotrophic nitrification and denitrification
      by strain TB. Based on the experimental results, the metabolic pathway of strain
      TB has been proposed that it carries out shortcut/complete simultaneous
      nitrification and denitrification with nitrite as an intermediate and nitrogen
      gas as a final product. The two potential metabolic pathways existing in strain
      TB can be described as NH4+ -> NH2OH -> NO2- -> N2O -> N2 and NH4+ -> NH2OH ->
      NO2- -> NO3- -> NO2- -> N2O -> N2. This work indicates that the strain TB may be
      a good candidate for the denitrification of the sewage.

PMID- 27678121
TI  - Atopic Dermatitis Susceptibility Variants in Filaggrin Hitchhike Hornerin
      Selective Sweep.
AB  - Human skin has evolved rapidly, leaving evolutionary signatures in the genome.
      The filaggrin (FLG) gene is widely studied for its skin-barrier function in
      humans. The extensive genetic variation in this gene, especially common loss-of
      function (LoF) mutations, has been established as primary risk factors for atopic
      dermatitis. To investigate the evolution of this gene, we analyzed 2,504 human
      genomes and genotyped the copy number variation of filaggrin repeats within FLG
      in 126 individuals from diverse ancestral backgrounds. We were unable to
      replicate a recent study claiming that LoF of FLG is adaptive in northern
      latitudes with lower ultraviolet light exposure. Instead, we present multiple
      lines of evidence suggesting that FLG genetic variation, including LoF variants,
      have little or no effect on fitness in modern humans. Haplotype-level
      scrutinization of the locus revealed signatures of a recent selective sweep in
      Asia, which increased the allele frequency of a haplotype group (Huxian
      haplogroup) in Asian populations. Functionally, we found that the Huxian
      haplogroup carries dozens of functional variants in FLG and hornerin (HRNR)
      genes, including those that are associated with atopic dermatitis susceptibility,
      HRNR expression levels and microbiome diversity on the skin. Our results suggest
      that the target of the adaptive sweep is HRNR gene function, and the functional
      FLG variants that involve susceptibility to atopic dermatitis, seem to hitchhike
      the selective sweep on HRNR. Our study presents a novel case of a locus that
      harbors clinically relevant common genetic variation with complex evolutionary
      trajectories.

PMID- 27678122
TI  - The Impact of Linked Selection in Chimpanzees: A Comparative Study.
AB  - Levels of nucleotide diversity vary greatly across the genomes of most species
      owing to multiple factors. These include variation in the underlying mutation
      rates, as well as the effects of both direct and linked selection. Fundamental to
      interpreting the relative importance of these forces is the common observation of
      a strong positive correlation between nucleotide diversity and recombination
      rate. While indeed observed in humans, the interpretation of this pattern has
      been difficult in the absence of high-quality polymorphism data and recombination
      maps in closely related species. Here, we characterize genetic features driving
      nucleotide diversity in Western chimpanzees using a recently generated whole
      genome polymorphism data set. Our results suggest that recombination rate is the
      primary predictor of nucleotide variation with a strongly positive correlation.
      In addition, telomeric distance, regional GC-content, and regional CpG-island
      content are strongly negatively correlated with variation. These results are
      compared with humans, with both similarities and differences interpreted in the
      light of the estimated effective population sizes of the two species as well as
      their strongly differing recent demographic histories.

PMID- 27678123
TI  - Comparative Genome Analysis of the Daptomycin-Resistant Streptococcus anginosus
      Strain J4206 Associated with Breakthrough Bacteremia.
AB  - Streptococcus anginosus is a member of the normal oral flora that can become a
      pathogen causing pyogenic infections in humans. The genome of daptomycin
      resistant strain J4206, originally isolated from a patient suffering from
      breakthrough bacteremia and septic shock at the University of Texas Health
      Science Center at San Antonio, was determined. The circular genome is 2,001,352
      bp long with a GC content of 38.62% and contains multiple mobile genetic
      elements, including the phage-like chromosomal island SanCI that mediates a
      mutator phenotype, transposons, and integrative conjugative elements. Daptomycin
      resistance involves multiple alterations in the cell membrane and cell wall, and
      unique features were identified in J4206 that may contribute to resistance. A
      cluster of capsular polysaccharide (CPS) genes for choline metabolism and
      transport are present that may help neutralize cell surface charges,
      destabilizing daptomycin binding. Further, unique J4206 genes encoding sortases
      and LPXTG-target proteins that are involved in cell wall modification were
      present. The J4206 genome is phylogenetically closely related to the recently
      reported vancomycin-resistant SA1 strain; however, these genomes differ with SNPs
      in cardiolipin synthetase, histidine kinase yycG, teichoic acid modification
      genes, and other genes involved in cell surface modification. Transmission
      electron microscopy showed that the cell walls of both strains J4206 and SA1 were
      significantly thicker and more electron dense than daptomycin- and vancomycin
      sensitive strain J4211. This comparative genomic study has identified unique
      genes as well as allelic variants in the J4206 genome that are involved in cell
      surface modification and thus might contribute to the acquisition of daptomycin
      resistance.

PMID- 27678124
TI  - Bone Loss Among Women Living With HIV.
AB  - Clinical data accumulated over the past two decades attests to a significant
      decline in bone mineral density (BMD) in patients infected by HIV, which does not
      remit but may actually intensify with anti-retroviral therapy (ART). Long
      generally perceived as an aberration without clinical consequences in relatively
      young HIV-infected cohorts, recent studies have documented marked increases in
      fracture incidence in HIV-infected men and women over a wide age continuum.
      Fractures are associated with chronic pain, crippling morbidity, and increased
      mortality, undermining the gains in quality of life achieved though ART. As bone
      loss and resulting increases in fracture incidence are a natural consequence of
      aging, there is now concern regarding the long-term consequences of HIV/ART
      associated premature bone loss, given the transition of the HIV/AIDS population
      into an older age demographic. The development of guidelines for diagnosis and
      treatment of bone disease within the context of HIV and ART has been an important
      recent step in raising awareness of the problem and the implications of bone
      fracture for patient health. Significant progress has also been made in recent
      years in dissecting the complex and multifactorial mechanisms driving bone loss
      in HIV/ART and the role of underlying immunological disruption in skeletal
      dysmorphogenesis. This review examines recent progress in the field and studies
      by Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS)-associated investigators, inside and
      outside of the WIHS cohort, aimed at identifying skeletal abnormalities,
      quantifying facture incidence, management, and understanding underlying
      mechanisms in people living with HIV in the context of chronic ART.

PMID- 27678125
TI  - Lake sedimentary DNA accurately records 20th Century introductions of exotic
      conifers in Scotland.
AB  - Sedimentary DNA (sedDNA) has recently emerged as a new proxy for reconstructing
      past vegetation, but its taphonomy, source area and representation biases need
      better assessment. We investigated how sedDNA in recent sediments of two small
      Scottish lakes reflects a major vegetation change, using well-documented 20th
      Century plantations of exotic conifers as an experimental system. We used next
      generation sequencing to barcode sedDNA retrieved from subrecent lake sediments.
      For comparison, pollen was analysed from the same samples. The sedDNA record
      contains 73 taxa (mainly genus or species), all but one of which are present in
      the study area. Pollen and sedDNA shared 35% of taxa, which partly reflects a
      difference in source area. More aquatic taxa were recorded in sedDNA, whereas
      taxa assumed to be of regional rather than local origin were recorded only as
      pollen. The chronology of the sediments and planting records are well aligned,
      and sedDNA of exotic conifers appears in high quantities with the establishment
      of plantations around the lakes. SedDNA recorded other changes in local
      vegetation that accompanied afforestation. There were no signs of DNA leaching in
      the sediments or DNA originating from pollen.

PMID- 27678126
TI  - Associations between job demands, work-related strain and perceived quality of
      care: a longitudinal study among hospital physicians.
AB  - Objective: Drawing on a sample of hospital physicians, we attempted to determine
      prospective associations between three job demands, work-related strain and
      perceived quality of care. Design: Longitudinal follow-up study with with a 1
      year time lag. Setting: Physicians of two acute-care hospitals in Germany (one
      general urban and one children's hospital). Study participants: Ninety-five
      physicians filled out a standardized questionnaire. Main outcomes measures:
      Physicians' evaluations of quality of care at both waves. Results: Our results
      support the hypothesis that job demands directly influence quality of care
      irrespective of strain. Specifically, high social stressors (beta = -0.15, P =
      0.036) and time pressure (beta = -0.19, P = 0.031) were associated with decreased
      quality of care over time. We additionally observed reversed effects from quality
      of care at baseline to time pressure at follow-up (beta = -0.35, P = 0.006).
      Contrary to expectations, physicians' work-related strain did not mediate the job
      demands-quality of care-relationship, nor were strain-to-stressor effects
      observed. Conclusions: Our results corroborate that hospital work environments
      with high demands have a direct impact on physician-perceived quality of care. In
      turn, poor care practices contribute to increased job demands. Our findings also
      emphasize that further understanding is required of how physicians' workplace
      conditions affect job demands, well-being, and quality of care, respectively.

PMID- 27678127
TI  - The influence of emergency department crowding on the efficiency of care for
      acute stroke patients.
AB  - Objective: To investigate the impact of emergency department (ED) crowding
      (number of ED patients) and number of ED staff on the efficiency of the ED care
      process for acute stroke patients. Design: Retrospective cohort study conducted
      from 1 May 2008 to 31 December 2013. Setting: Largest primary stroke center (3000
      bed tertiary academic hospital) in southern Taiwan. Participants: Patients aged
      18-80 years presenting to the ED with acute stroke symptoms <=3 h from symptom
      onset (n = 1142). Main Outcome Measures: Door-to-assessment time (DTA), door-to
      computed tomography completion time (DTCT) and door-to-needle time (DTN).
      Results: Of the 785 patients with ischemic stroke, 90 (11.46%) received
      thrombolysis. In the multivariate regression analysis, the number of ED patients
      and the number of attending physicians were significantly associated with delayed
      DTA and DTCT but not DTN. Initial assessment by a resident was also associated
      with delayed DTA and DTCT. The number of nurses was associated with delayed DTCT
      and DTN. Conclusions: Although ED crowding was not associated with delayed DTN,
      it predicted delayed DTA and DTCT in thrombolysis-eligible stroke patients. The
      number of attending physicians affected initial assessment and DTCTs, whereas the
      number of nurses impacted thrombolytic administration times.

PMID- 27678128
TI  - How different location modes influence responses in a Simon-like task.
AB  - Spatial information can be conveyed not only by stimulus position but by the
      meaning of a location word or direction of an arrow. We examined whether all the
      location-, arrow- and word-based Simon effects or some of them can be observed
      when a location word or an arrow is presented eccentrically and a left-right
      keypress is made to indicate its ink color. Results showed that only the location
      based Simon effect was observed for location words, whereas an additional smaller
      arrow-based Simon effect, compared to the location-based Simon effect was
      observed, for arrows. These results showed spatial location, arrow direction, and
      location word stimulus dimensions affect response position codes in a spatial-to
      verbal priority order, consistent with the possibility that they can activate
      mode-specific spatial representations.

PMID- 27678129
TI  - Unitization of route knowledge.
AB  - There are many theories that explain how route knowledge is acquired. We examined
      here if the sequence of elements that are part of a route can become integrated
      into a single unit, to the extent that the processing of individual transitions
      may only be relevant in the context of this entire unit. In Experiments 1 and 2,
      participants learned a route for ten blocks. Subsequently, at test they were
      intermittently exposed to the same training route along with a novel route which
      contained partial overlap with the original training route. Results show that the
      very same stimulus, appearing in the very same location, requiring the very same
      response (e.g., left turn), was responded to significantly faster in the context
      of the original training route than in the novel route. In Experiment 3, we
      employed a modified paradigm containing landmarks and two matched routes which
      were both substantially longer and contained a greater degree of overlap than the
      routes in Experiments 1 and 2. Results were replicated, namely, the same
      overlapping route segment, common to both routes, was performed significantly
      slower when appearing in the context of a novel than the original route.
      Furthermore, the difference between the overlapping segments was similar to the
      difference observed for the non-overlapping segments, i.e., an old route segment
      in the context of a novel route was processed as if it were an entirely novel
      segment. We discuss the results in relation to binding, chunking, and transfer
      effects, as well as potential practical implications.

PMID- 27678130
TI  - Divergent and Stereoselective Synthesis of beta-Silyl-alpha-Amino Acids through
      Palladium-Catalyzed Intermolecular Silylation of Unactivated Primary and
      Secondary C-H Bonds.
AB  - A general and practical PdII -catalyzed intermolecular silylation of primary and
      secondary C-H bonds of alpha-amino acids and simple aliphatic acids is reported.
      This method provides divergent and stereoselective access to a variety of optical
      pure beta-silyl-alpha-amino acids, which are useful for genetic technologies and
      proteomics. It can also be readily performed on a gram scale and the auxiliary
      can be easily removed with retention of configuration. The synthetic importance
      of this method is further demonstrated by the late-stage functionalization of
      biological small molecules, such as (-)-santonin and beta-cholic acid. Moreover,
      several key palladacycles were successfully isolated and characterized to
      elucidate the mechanism of this beta-C(sp3 )-H silylation process.

PMID- 27678131
TI  - Dual energy CT allows for improved characterization of response to antiangiogenic
      treatment in patients with metastatic renal cell cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the potential role of dual energy CT (DECT) to visualize
      antiangiogenic treatment effects in patients with metastatic renal cell cancer
      (mRCC) while treated with tyrosine-kinase inhibitors (TKI). METHODS: 26 patients
      with mRCC underwent baseline and follow-up single-phase abdominal contrast
      enhanced DECT scans. Scans were performed immediately before and 10 weeks after
      start of treatment with TKI. Virtual non-enhanced (VNE) and colour coded iodine
      images were generated. 44 metastases were measured at the two time points.
      Hounsfield unit (HU) values for VNE and iodine density (ID) as well as iodine
      content (IC) in mg/ml of tissue were derived. These values were compared to the
      venous phase DECT density (CTD) of the lesions. Values before and after treatment
      were compared using a paired Student's t test. RESULTS: Between baseline and
      follow up, mean CTD and DECT-derived ID both showed a significant reduction (p <
      0.005). The relative reduction measured in percent was significantly greater for
      ID than for CTD (49.8 +/- 36,3 % vs. 29.5 +/- 20.8 %, p < 0.005). IC was also
      significantly reduced under antiangiogenic treatment (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS:
      Dual energy CT-based quantification of iodine content of mRCC metastases allows
      for significantly more sensitive and reproducible detection of antiangiogenic
      treatment effects. KEY POINTS: * A sign of tumour response to antiangiogenic
      treatment is reduced tumour perfusion. * DECT allows visualizing iodine uptake,
      which serves as a marker for vascularization. * More sensitive detection of
      antiangiogenic treatment effects in mRCC is possible.

PMID- 27678132
TI  - Contribution of mono-exponential, bi-exponential and stretched exponential model
      based diffusion-weighted MR imaging in the diagnosis and differentiation of
      uterine cervical carcinoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the potential of various metrics derived from mono
      exponential model (MEM), bi-exponential model (BEM) and stretched exponential
      model (SEM)-based diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in diagnosing and
      differentiating the pathological subtypes and grades of uterine cervical
      carcinoma. METHODS: 71 newly diagnosed patients with cervical carcinoma (50 cases
      of squamous cell carcinoma [SCC] and 21 cases of adenocarcinoma [AC]) and 32
      healthy volunteers received DWI with multiple b values. The apparent diffusion
      coefficient (ADC), pure molecular diffusion (D), pseudo-diffusion coefficient
      (D*), perfusion fraction (f), water molecular diffusion heterogeneity index
      (alpha), and distributed diffusion coefficient (DDC) were calculated and compared
      between tumour and normal cervix, among different pathological subtypes and
      grades. RESULTS: All of the parameters were significantly lower in cervical
      carcinoma than normal cervical stroma except alpha. SCC showed lower ADC, D, f
      and DDC values and higher D* value than AC; D and DDC values of SCC and ADC and D
      values of AC were lower in the poorly differentiated group than those in the well
      moderately differentiated group. CONCLUSION: Compared with MEM, diffusion
      parameters from BEM and SEM may offer additional information in cervical
      carcinoma diagnosis, predicting pathological tumour subtypes and grades, while f
      and D showed promising significance. KEY POINTS: * DWI-derived parameters by
      different models are related but provide diversified information. * Commonly used
      ADC by MEM of DWI overestimates the tissue water diffusivity. * DWI processed by
      BEM could separate blood perfusion from true diffusion effects. * The derived
      diffusion-related and perfusion-related parameters by BEM are superior to ADC.

PMID- 27678135
TI  - Effects of dietary mixture of garlic (Allium sativum), coriander (Coriandrum
      sativum) and probiotics on immune responses and caecal counts in young laying
      hens.
AB  - This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of a combined mixture of
      phytogenic extracts (garlic and coriander) and probiotics on growth performance
      and immune responses in laying hens based on the results of in vitro studies to
      screen for immunomodulatory potency of each ingredient. Several parameters of
      immunomodulatory potency were estimated using lamina propria leucocytes (LPLs)
      isolated from rat intestinal mucosa tissue. Results show that the combined
      mixture enhanced LPLs proliferation, increased LPL-mediated cytotoxicity against
      YAC-1 tumour cells, and decreased lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cytokine
      production including tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interferon
      gamma (IFN-gamma) in LPLs. For in vivo study, laying hens (n = 50/each diet
      group) were fed with control diet, a diet containing antibiotics (0.01% per kg
      feed) or the combined mixture (0.02% per kg feed) for 21 days. The dietary
      combined mixture improved egg production (p < 0.05) but not growth performance
      and carcass traits. Interestingly, the patterns of suppressing plasma IFN-gamma
      productions during inflammation by LPS injection and decreasing caecal E. coli
      counts in the combined mixture group were comparable to those in the antibiotics
      group. Taken together, our results suggested that the 0.02% of combined mixture
      of phytogenic extracts and probiotics as ingredients has potential
      immunomodulatory effects in laying hens.

PMID- 27678134
TI  - Haemodynamic changes in hepatocellular carcinoma and liver parenchyma under
      balloon occlusion of the hepatic artery.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate haemodynamic changes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
      and liver under hepatic artery occlusion. METHODS: Thirty-eight HCC nodules in 25
      patients were included. Computed tomography (CT) during hepatic arteriography
      (CTHA) with and without balloon occlusion of the hepatic artery was performed. CT
      attenuation and enhancement volume of HCC and liver with and without balloon
      occlusion were measured on CTHA. Influence of balloon position (segmental or
      subsegmental branch) was evaluated based on differences in HCC-to-liver
      attenuation ratio (H/L ratio) and enhancement volume of HCC and liver. RESULTS:
      In the segmental group (n = 20), H/L ratio and enhancement volume of HCC and
      liver were significantly lower with balloon occlusion than without balloon
      occlusion. However, in the subsegmental group (n = 18), H/L ratio was
      significantly higher and liver enhancement volume was significantly lower with
      balloon occlusion; HCC enhancement volume was similar with and without balloon
      occlusion. Rate of change in H/L ratio and enhancement volume of HCC and liver
      were lower in the segmental group than in the subsegmental group. There were
      significantly more perfusion defects in HCC in the segmental group. CONCLUSIONS:
      Hepatic artery occlusion causes haemodynamic changes in HCC and liver, especially
      with segmental occlusion. KEY POINTS: * Hepatic artery occlusion causes
      haemodynamic changes in hepatocellular carcinoma and liver. * Segmental occlusion
      decreased rate of change in hepatocellular carcinoma-to-liver attenuation ratio.
      * Subsegmental occlusion increased rate of change in hepatocellular carcinoma-to
      liver attenuation ratio. * Hepatic artery occlusion decreased enhancement volume
      of hepatocellular carcinoma and liver. * Hepatic artery occlusion causes
      perfusion defects in hepatocellular carcinoma.

PMID- 27678133
TI  - The impact of clinically significant portal hypertension on the prognosis of
      patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after radiofrequency ablation: a
      propensity score matching analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of clinically significant portal hypertension
      (CSPH) on the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
      undergoing radiofrequency ablation (RFA). METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled
      280 treatment-naive early-stage HCC patients who had Child-Pugh grade A or B and
      received upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at the time of HCC diagnosis. CSPH was
      defined as (1) a platelet count < 100,000/mm3 associated with splenomegaly and/or
      (2) the presence of oesophageal/gastric varices by endoscopy. Factors determining
      poor overall survival and recurrence after RFA were analysed by Cox proportional
      hazards model and propensity score matching analysis. RESULTS: A total of 192
      (68.6 %) patients had CSPH. The cumulative 5-year survival rates were 50.6 % and
      76.7 % in patients with and without CSPH, respectively (p = 0.015). Based on
      multivariate analysis, age > 65 years (hazard ratio (HR) 1.740, p = 0.025), serum
      albumin levels <= 3.5 g/dL (HR 3.268, p < 0.001) and multiple tumours (HR 1.693,
      p = 0.046), but not CSPH, were independent risk factors associated with poor
      overall survival after RFA. Moreover, the overall survival rates were comparable
      between patients with and without CSPH after adjusting for confounding factors
      via propensity score matching analysis. CONCLUSIONS: CSPH was not associated with
      poor outcomes after RFA. KEY POINTS: * CSPH was common in HCC patients who
      underwent RFA therapy. * CSPH was not an independent risk factor in determining
      poor prognosis. * Serum albumin level was more important to determine the
      outcomes.

PMID- 27678136
TI  - Carbon-Coated Porous Aluminum Foil Anode for High-Rate, Long-Term Cycling
      Stability, and High Energy Density Dual-Ion Batteries.
AB  - A 3D porous Al foil coated with a uniform carbon layer (pAl/C) is prepared and
      used as the anode and current collector in a dual-ion battery (DIB). The pAl/C
      graphite DIB demonstrates superior cycling stability and high rate performance,
      achieving a highly reversible capacity of 93 mAh g-1 after 1000 cycles at 2 C
      over the voltage range of 3.0-4.95 V. In addition, the DIB could achieve an
      energy density of ~204 Wh kg-1 at a high power density of 3084 W kg-1 .

PMID- 27678137
TI  - [Simulation-based training and OR apprenticeship for medical students : A
      prospective, randomized, single-blind study of clinical skills].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Simulation-based training (SBT) has developed into an established
      method of medical training. Studies focusing on the education of medical students
      have used simulation as an evaluation tool for defined skills. A small number of
      studies provide evidence that SBT improves medical students' skills in the
      clinical setting. Moreover, they were strictly limited to a few areas, such as
      the diagnosis of heart murmurs or the correct application of cricoid pressure.
      Other studies could not prove adequate transferability from the skills gained in
      SBT to the patient site. Whether SBT has an effect on medical students' skills in
      anesthesiology in the clinical setting is controversial. To explore this issue,
      we designed a prospective, randomized, single-blind trial that was integrated
      into the undergraduate anesthesiology curriculum of our department during the
      second year of the clinical phase of medical school. OBJECTIVES: This study
      intended to explore the effect of SBT on medical students within the mandatory
      undergraduate anesthesiology curriculum of our department in the operating room
      with respect to basic skills in anesthesiology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After
      obtaining ethical approval, the participating students of the third clinical
      semester were randomized into two groups: the SIM-OR group was trained by a 225
      min long SBT in basic skills in anesthesiology before attending the operating
      room (OR) apprenticeship. The OR-SIM group was trained after the operating room
      apprenticeship by SBT. During SBT the students were trained in five clinical
      skills detailed below. Further, two clinical scenarios were simulated using a
      full-scale simulator. The students had to prepare the patient and perform
      induction of anesthesia, including bag-mask ventilation after induction in
      scenario 1 and rapid sequence induction in scenario 2. Using the five-point
      Likert scale, five defined skills were evaluated at defined time points during
      the study period. 1) application of the safety checklist, 2) application of basic
      patient monitoring, 3) establishment of intravenous access, 4) bag-and-mask
      ventilation, and 5) adjustment of ventilatory parameters after the patients'
      airways were secured. A cumulative score of 5 points was defined as the best and
      a cumulative score of 25 as the worst rating for a defined time point. The
      primary endpoint was the cumulative score after day 1 in the operating room
      apprenticeship and the difference in cumulative scores from days 1 to 4. Our
      hypothesis was that the SIM-OR group would achieve a better score after day 1 in
      the operating room apprenticeship and would gain a larger increase in score from
      day 1 to day 4 than the OR-SIM group. RESULTS: 73 students were allocated to the
      OR-SIM group and 70 students to the SIM-OR group. There was no significant
      difference between the two groups after day 1 of the operating room
      apprenticeship and no difference in increase of the cumulative score from day 1
      to day 4 (median of cumulative score on day 1: 'SIM-OR' 11.2 points vs. 'OR-SIM'
      14.6 points; p = 0.067; median of difference from day 1 to day 4: 'SIM-OR' -3.7
      vs. 'OR-SIM' -6.4; p = 0.110). CONCLUSION: With the methods applied, this study
      could not prove that 225 min of SBT before the operating room apprenticeship
      increased the medical students' clinical skills as evaluated in the operating
      room. Secondary endpoints indicate that medical students have better clinical
      skills at the end of the entire curriculum when they have been trained through
      SBT before the operating room apprenticeship. However, the authors believe that
      simulator training has a positive impact on students' acquisition of procedural
      and patient safety skills, even if the methods applied in this study may not
      mirror this aspect sufficiently.

PMID- 27678139
TI  - Recent advances in enhancing the sensitivity of electrophoresis and
      electrochromatography in capillaries and microchips (2014-2016).
AB  - One of the most cited limitations of capillary (and microchip) electrophoresis is
      the poor sensitivity. This review continues to update this series of biennial
      reviews, first published in Electrophoresis in 2007, on developments in the field
      of on-line/in-line concentration methods in capillaries and microchips, covering
      the period July 2014-June 2016. It includes developments in the field of
      stacking, covering all methods from field amplified sample stacking and large
      volume sample stacking, through to isotachophoresis, dynamic pH junction, and
      sweeping. Attention is also given to on-line or in-line extraction methods that
      have been used for electrophoresis.

PMID- 27678138
TI  - Exploring the oviductal fluid proteome by a lectin-based affinity approach.
AB  - The analysis of glycoproteins in body fluids represents a central task in the
      study of vital processes. Herein, we assessed the combined use of Concanavalin A
      and Wheat Germ Agglutinin as ligands to fractionate and enrich glycoproteins from
      oviductal fluid (OF), which is a source of molecules involved in fertilization.
      First, the selectivity was corroborated by a gel-based approach using
      glycoprotein staining and enzymatic deglycosylation. Nanoliquid chromatography
      tandem mass spectrometry (nLC-ESI-MS/MS) further allowed the reliable
      identification of 134 nonbound as well as 130 lectin-bound OF proteins.
      Enrichment analysis revealed that 77% of the annotated proteins in the lectin
      bound fraction were known glycoproteins (p-value [FDR] = 1.45E-31). The low
      variance of the number of peptide spectrum matches for each protein within
      replicates indicated a consistent reproducibility of the whole workflow (median
      CV 17.3% for technical replicates and 20.7% for biological replicates). Taken
      together, this study highlights the applicability of a lectin-based workflow for
      the comprehensive analysis of OF proteins and gives for the first time an insight
      into the broad glycoprotein content of OF.

PMID- 27678140
TI  - Adoptive Regulatory T-cell Therapy Attenuates Perihematomal Inflammation in a
      Mouse Model of Experimental Intracerebral Hemorrhage.
AB  - The CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs), an innate immunomodulator, suppress
      cerebral inflammation and maintain immune homeostasis in multiple central nervous
      system injury, but its role in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) has not been fully
      characterized. This study investigated the effect of Tregs on brain injury using
      the mouse ICH model, which is established by autologous blood infusion. The
      results showed that tail intravenous injection of Tregs significantly reduced
      brain water content and Evans blue dye extravasation of perihematoma at day (1, 3
      and 7), and improved short- and long-term neurological deficits following ICH in
      mouse model. Tregs treatment reduced the content of pro-inflammatory cytokines
      interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and malondialdehyde,
      while increasing the superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymatic activity at day (1, 3
      and 7) following ICH. Furthermore, Tregs treatment obviously reduced the number
      of NF-kappaB+, IL-6+, TUNEL+ and active caspase-3+ cells at day 3 after ICH.
      These results indicate that adoptive transfer of Tregs may provide
      neuroprotection following ICH in mouse models.

PMID- 27678141
TI  - Outcome of coexistent overactive bladder symptoms in women with urodynamic
      urinary incontinence following anti-incontinence surgery.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The objective was to investigate the outcome of
      stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms in women
      with urodynamic stress incontinence (USI) after transobturator sling procedures
      (TOTs). METHODS: We evaluated 109 consecutive patients with USI, who had
      undergone TOT in a tertiary hospital between 2012 and 2014. All patients received
      evaluations, including structured urogynecological questionnaires and pelvic
      organ prolapse quantification examination before, and 3 and 12 months after
      surgery. One-hour pad test and urodynamic testing were performed before and 3-6
      months postoperatively. Patient demographics, lower urinary tract symptoms, and
      urodynamic results were analyzed between pure USI and USI with OAB symptoms.
      RESULTS: Persistent SUI occurred in 8 patients at 3 months (7.3 %) and 7 patients
      at 12 months (6.4 %) postoperatively. The most common OAB symptom was frequency
      (54.1 %), followed by urgency urinary incontinence (52.3 %), urinary urgency
      (42.2 %), and nocturia (33 %). Most of these OAB symptoms were resolved at the 3
      month and 12-month follow-ups both in patients treated with TOT only and in those
      treated with TOT combined with other pelvic surgeries. There was no significant
      difference in the preoperative urodynamic changes between patients with pure USI
      and USI without OAB groups. However, postoperative urodynamic results showed a
      significant decrease in the maximal urethral closure pressure in the group of
      patients with USI and OAB symptoms, but no significant urodynamic changes in the
      group with pure USI. CONCLUSIONS: Coexistent OAB symptoms are common in women who
      were diagnosed with USI and most of these symptoms may resolve 3 and 12 months
      after TOT.

PMID- 27678142
TI  - Does the vaginal wall become thinner as prolapse grade increases?
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The pathophysiology of prolapse is not well
      understood. However, two main theories predominate: either the fibromuscular
      layer of the vagina develops a defect/tears away from its supports, or its
      tissues are stretched and attenuated. The aim of this study was to assess how
      vaginal wall thickness (VWT) is related to vaginal prolapse. METHODS: The study
      group comprised 243 women with symptomatic prolapse recruited from the Outpatient
      Department of a tertiary referral centre for urogynaecology. A history was taken
      and women were examined to determine their POP-Q score. Using a previously
      validated technique, ultrasonography was used to measure the mean VWT at three
      anatomical sites on the anterior and posterior walls. Scores were then compared
      using t tests, the Kruskal-Wallis test and the Friedman test. RESULTS: The mean
      age of the patients was 59.7 years (SD 12.0 years range 38 - 84 years). For each
      measurement VWT reduced as prolapse grade increased until the prolapse extended
      beyond the hymen. Women with grade 3 prolapse had a significantly higher mean VWT
      than women with grade 1 or 2 contained prolapse. Menopause status did not have a
      significant effect on the VWT. CONCLUSIONS: VWT is lower in women with vaginal
      prolapse until the prolapse extends beyond the hymen and then VWT is thicker and
      comparable with women without prolapse. This may be explained by changes in the
      vaginal tissue including reduction of collagen, elastin and smooth muscle, as
      well as fibrosis in exposed tissues, rather than by defects in the vagina.

PMID- 27678144
TI  - Bladder rupture with incomplete rupture of the uterus.

PMID- 27678143
TI  - Validation of the International Urogynecology Association's Pelvic Organ
      Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire in Arabic.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: A valid and reliable Arabic version of the Pelvic
      Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire, IUGA-revised (PISQ-IR)
      is needed. METHODS: Of 238 Saudi Arabian women who fulfilled the inclusion
      criteria, 227 were recruited. A detailed history was obtained and pelvic
      examination was performed in all participants. An Arabic version of the PISQ-IR
      was administered with three quality of life measures. Reliability was assessed by
      factor analysis, and internal consistency was measured with Cronbach's alpha.
      Face validity was established with translation, back-translation, and cognitive
      reviews. Criterion validity was determined by analysing the correlations between
      the responses and the clinical examinations and by comparing the responses with
      those to other validated measures of incontinence and prolapse. RESULTS: Overall,
      67 % of the women were categorized as sexually active and 33 % as sexually
      inactive. The overall frequency of urinary incontinence was highest (85.5 %),
      followed by prolapse (59 %) and fecal incontinence (53.3 %). The average score in
      the factor analysis for dimensions of sexual inactivity was 2.7 and Cronbach's
      alpha was 0.61; an item-by-item assessment of the majority of the scales showed
      an alpha value of >0.75, suggesting a moderate-to-high internal consistency.
      Regarding external validity, strong negative correlations were found with the
      Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory, the Colorectal-Anal Distress Inventory
      (CRADI), and the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ) in the sexually active
      group, and positive correlations were found with the CRADI and PFIQ in the
      sexually inactive group. CONCLUSIONS: The Arabic version of the PISQ-IR is
      reliable and valid for assessing sexual function in Arabic-speaking women with
      pelvic floor disorders.

PMID- 27678146
TI  - A Comparison of Adsorption, Reduction, and Polymerization of the Plutonyl(VI) and
      Uranyl(VI) Ions from Solution onto the Muscovite Basal Plane.
AB  - X-ray scattering techniques [in situ resonant anomalous X-ray reflectivity (RAXR)
      and specular crystal truncation rods (CTR)] were used to compare muscovite (001)
      surfaces in contact with solutions containing either 0.1 mM plutonyl(VI) or 1 mM
      uranyl(VI) at pH = 3.2 +/- 0.2, I(NaCl) = 0.1 M, as well as in situ grazing
      incidence X-ray absorption near-edge structure (GI XANES) spectroscopy and ex
      situ alpha spectrometry. Details of the surface coverage are found to be very
      different. In the case of Pu, alpha spectrometry finds a surface coverage of 8.3
      Pu/AUC (AUC = 46.72 A2, the unit cell area), far in excess of the 0.5 Pu/AUC
      expected for ionic adsorption of PuO22+. GI XANES results show that Pu is
      predominantly tetravalent on the surface, and the CTR/RAXR results show that the
      adsorbed Pu is broadly distributed. Taken together with previous findings, the
      results are consistent with adsorption of Pu in the form of Pu(IV)-oxo
      nanoparticles. In contrast, uranyl shows only negligible, if any, adsorption
      according to all methods applied. These results are discussed and compared within
      the context of known Pu and U redox chemistry.

PMID- 27678147
TI  - Advances in proteomic study of cardiac amyloidosis: progress and potential.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: More than ten distinct forms of amyloidoses that can involve the
      heart have been described, classified according to which protein originates the
      deposits. Cardiac amyloid infiltration translates into progressive and often life
      threatening cardiomyopathy, but disease severity, prognosis and treatment
      drastically differ according to the amyloidosis type. The notion that protein
      misfolding and aggregation play a more general role in human cardiomyopathies has
      further raised attention towards the definition of the proteotoxicity mechanisms.
      Areas covered: Mass spectrometry-based proteomics plays an important role as a
      diagnostic tool and for understanding the molecular bases of amyloid
      cardiomyopathies. The landscape of applications of proteomics to the study of
      cardiac amyloidoses and amyloid-related cardiotoxicity is summarized, with a
      critical synthesis of the major achievements. Expert commentary: Current
      strengths and limitations of proteomics in the clinical setting and in
      translational research on amyloid cardiomyopathy are discussed, with the foreseen
      potential future directions in the field.

PMID- 27678145
TI  - De novo stress urinary incontinence after pelvic organ prolapse surgery in women
      without occult incontinence.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: There is a paucity of data evaluating the risk of de
      novo stress urinary incontinence (SUI) after surgery for pelvic organ prolapse
      (POP) in women with no preoperative occult SUI. We hypothesized that apical
      suspension procedures would have higher rates of de novo SUI. METHODS: This was a
      retrospective database review of women who had surgery for POP from 2003 to 2013
      and developed de novo SUI at >=6 months postoperatively. Preoperatively, all
      patients had a negative stress test and no evidence of occult SUI on prolapse
      reduction urodynamics. The primary objective was to establish the incidence of de
      novo SUI in women with no objective evidence of preoperative occult SUI after POP
      surgeries at >=6 months. RESULTS: A total number of 274 patients underwent POP
      surgery. The overall incidence of de novo SUI was 9.9 % [95 % confidence interval
      (CI) 0.07-0.14]. However, the incidence of de novo SUI in those with no baseline
      complaint of SUI was 4.4 % (95 % CI 0.03-0.1). There was no difference in de novo
      SUI rates between apical [9.7 % (n = 57)] and nonapical [10.5 %, (n = 217]
      procedures (p = 0.8482). Multivariate logistic regression identified
      sacrocolpopexy [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 4.54, 95 % CI 1.2-14.7] and those with a
      baseline complaint of SUI (adjusted OR 5.1; 95 % CI 2.2-12) as risk factors for
      de novo SUI. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of de novo SUI after surgery for POP
      without occult SUI was 9.9 %. We recommend counseling patients about the risk of
      de novo SUI and offering a staged procedure.

PMID- 27678148
TI  - The effect of childhood trauma and Five-Factor Model personality traits on
      exposure to adult life events in patients with psychotic disorders.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Recent life events are associated with transition to and outcome in
      psychosis. Childhood trauma and personality characteristics play a role in
      proneness to adult life events. However, little is known about the relative
      contribution and interrelatedness of these characteristics in psychotic
      disorders. Therefore, we investigated whether Five-Factor Model (FFM) personality
      traits and childhood trauma (abuse and neglect) predict adult life events, and
      whether the effect of childhood trauma on life events is mediated by personality
      traits. METHOD: One hundred and sixty-three patients with psychotic disorders
      were assessed at baseline on history of childhood maltreatment and FFM
      personality traits, and on recent life events at 3-year follow-up. RESULTS:
      Childhood abuse is associated with negative life events, and part of the effect
      of childhood abuse on negative life events is mediated by openness to experience.
      Openness to experience and extraversion are associated with more positive and
      negative life events. Childhood neglect and lower extraversion are related to
      experiencing less positive events. CONCLUSION: The association between childhood
      trauma and recent life events is partly mediated by personality. Future research
      could focus on mechanisms leading to positive life events, as positive life
      events may buffer against development of mental health problems.

PMID- 27678150
TI  - Age-specific mixing generates transient outbreak risk following critical-level
      vaccination.
AB  - Measles elimination goals have been adopted in a range of countries, sub-regions,
      and regions since the WHO declared an elimination goal by 2015 or 2020. All
      countries attempt to achieve and maintain high coverage through routine
      immunization programmes. This routine strategy, however, does not ensure the
      elimination goal of measles. Many developed countries, such as the United States,
      that have succeeded in interrupting measles transmission earlier, are now
      experiencing outbreaks with an increasing number of cases. Using a stochastic,
      age-structured model of measles vaccination dynamics, we explore and characterize
      the transient dynamics of measles susceptibility in the years following the
      implementation of routine vaccination at the herd immunity threshold. We
      demonstrate how a population could face risks of potentially large outbreaks even
      within few years of vaccination. We characterize different risk profiles
      depending on the incidence pattern in the years prior to vaccination. These
      results suggest that the classic critical vaccination threshold is necessary to
      achieve herd immunity, but not sufficient to prevent long periods of transient,
      super-critical dynamics. Our results suggest the need of future work for more
      careful monitoring of the impacts of current immunization programmes, and
      developing models that take into account more complicated vaccination strategies,
      demographic factors, and population movements.

PMID- 27678149
TI  - Modulation of Behavioral Deficits and Neurodegeneration by Tannic Acid in
      Experimental Stroke Challenged Wistar Rats.
AB  - Oxidative stress and inflammatory responses play a critical contributing factor
      in cerebral ischemia and reperfusion, which lead to lipid peroxidation and
      neuronal dysfunction that may represent a target for therapeutic intervention.
      The present study was aimed to elucidate the neuroprotective effect of tannic
      acid (TA), a natural polyphenol with potential antioxidant and antiinflammatory
      properties on middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model in rats. To test this
      hypothesis, male Wistar rats were pretreated with TA (50 mg/kg b.wt.) and then
      subjected to 2-h MCAO followed by 22 h of reperfusion. After 2-h MCAO/22-h
      reperfusion, neurological deficit, infarct sizes, activities of antioxidant
      enzymes, cytokine level, histology, and immunohistochemistry were used to analyze
      the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in ischemic brain. The
      pretreatment of TA showed a marked reduction in infarct size, improved
      neurological function, suppressed neuronal loss, and downregulated the GFAP
      expression in MCAO rats. A significantly depleted activity of antioxidant enzymes
      and content of glutathione in MCAO group were protected significantly in MCAO
      group pretreated with TA. Conversely, the elevated level of thiobarbituric acid
      reactive species and cytokines in MCAO group was attenuated significantly in TA
      pretreated group when compared with MCAO group. The results indicated that TA
      protected the brain from damage caused by MCAO, and this effect may thorough
      diminish the oxidative stress and inflammatory responses.

PMID- 27678151
TI  - The effects of bolus supplementation of branched-chain amino acids on skeletal
      muscle mass, strength, and function in patients with rheumatic disorders during
      glucocorticoid treatment.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To test the effects of bolus supplementation of branched-chain amino
      acids (BCAA) on skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function in patients with
      rheumatic disorders taking glucocorticoid (GC). METHODS: Patients with rheumatic
      disorders treated with prednisolone (>=10 mg/day) were randomized to ingest
      additional daily 12 g of BCAA (n = 9) or not (n = 9) for 12 weeks. At baseline,
      and 4, 8, and 12 weeks, they underwent bioelectrical impedance analysis, muscle
      strength and functional tests, and computed tomography analysis for cross
      sectional area of mid-thigh muscle. RESULTS: Disease activities of the patients
      were well controlled and daily GC dose was similarly reduced in both groups. Limb
      muscle mass was recovered in both groups. Whole-body muscle mass and muscle
      strength and functional mobility were increased only in BCAA (+) group. The
      effects of BCAA supplementation on recovering skeletal muscle mass were prominent
      in particular muscles including biceps femoris muscle. CONCLUSIONS: This trial is
      the first-in-man clinical trial to demonstrate that BCAA supplementation might be
      safe and, at least in part, improve skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function
      in patients with rheumatic disorders treated with GC.

PMID- 27678153
TI  - Correlations of maternal neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet to
      lymphocyte ratio (PLR) with birth weight.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate the possible correlation of
      hemogram parameters including neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet
      to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) with birth weight and gestational week. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: This prospective study has been conducted with 783 patients. The
      maternal age, parity, gestational age, type of delivery, values of complete blood
      count (CBC) variables and the weight of newborn were recorded. We analyzed the
      statistical differences between the NLR, PLR, hemoglobin (HGB), platelet
      distribution width (PDW), red cell distribution width (RDW), mean platelet volume
      (MPV), platelet, neutrophil, lymphocyte and white blood cells (WBC) in terms of
      the birth weight. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in
      the NLR in terms of the birth weight (p = 0.097), whereas there was a
      statistically significant difference in the PLR (p < 0.001). In correlation
      analyses, a linear, negative, weak and statistically significant correlation was
      detected between NLR and PLR with the birth weight of infant and gestational week
      (p = 0.011 and p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: This prospective study is
      the first in the literature which investigates the correlation of NLR and PLR
      with the week of birth and birth weight of the infant. Our study suggested that
      the maternal NLR and PLR are negatively correlated with the week of birth and
      birth weight of the infant.

PMID- 27678152
TI  - In Silico prediction of the molecular basis of ClTx and AaCTx interaction with
      matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) to inhibit glioma cell invasion.
AB  - Glioblastoma is the deadliest type of brain cancer. Treatment could target the
      Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), which is known to be involved in the invasion
      process of glioblastoma cells. But current available inhibitors are not selective
      to MMP-2 due to their interaction with the catalytic binding site, which is
      highly conserved in all MMPs structures. Interestingly, members of the chloride
      channel blocker scorpion toxins, such as chlorotoxin (ClTx) and AaCTx, inhibit
      glioblastoma cell invasion and show a promising therapeutic potential. Indeed, it
      has been shown that CITx inhibits selectively MMP-2 and was also able to cross
      the blood brain and tissue barriers. Although ClTx and AaCTx show high sequence
      similarity, AaCTx is ten times less active than ClTx. By using molecular
      modeling, molecular dynamics and MM-PB(GB)SA free energy estimation, we present
      the first computational study reporting the interaction mode of ClTx/AaCTx with
      MMP-2. We found that the two peptides probably act on an exosite of MMP-2
      comprising mainly residues from the collagen binding domain, a feature that could
      be exploited to enhance the selectivity toward MMP-2. van der Waals and
      hydrophobic forces are the primary mediators of this interaction. The N- and C
      termini of the two peptides harbor the key residues of the interaction spread
      across a conserved amino acid patch. In particular, F6 contributes mostly to the
      binding free energy in ClTx. We also suggest that the lack of the C-terminal
      arginine and the residues P10 and R24, might be responsible for altering the
      activity of AaCTx toward glioblastoma cells compared to ClTx.

PMID- 27678156
TI  - UK must stop arms sales to Saudi Arabia in light of bombings of Yemeni health
      facilities, says charity.

PMID- 27678154
TI  - A cross-sectional model of eating disorders in Argentinean overweight and obese
      children.
AB  - Despite the fact that past research identified childhood obesity as an antecedent
      of eating disorders, not all obese children further develop this pathology. With
      this regard, our first purpose was to isolate which characteristics differentiate
      overweight children who have an eating disorder from those who have not. Second,
      considering that there is little evidence collected in Latin American countries,
      we provided overweight children data from an Argentinean sample. Specifically, we
      investigated if weight-teasing, perfectionism, disturbed eating attitudes and
      behaviors, and body image dissatisfaction are related to the occurrence of an
      eating disorder in 100 school-aged overweight/obese children (37 girls and 63
      boys; mean age 10.85, SD 0.88). Participants completed self-report instruments
      and were interviewed between 1 and 2 months later to confirm the presence of
      eating disorders. Seventeen percent participants confirmed to have an eating
      disorder. Further, the multivariate logistic analysis revealed that perfectionism
      (Exp beta = 1.19) and disturbed eating attitudes and behaviors (Exp beta = 4.78)
      were jointly associated with the presence of an eating disorder. These results
      were maintained even when the overall model was adjusted for covariates such as
      age, gender, body mass index, and school type. Weight-teasing and body image
      dissatisfaction did not contribute to the multivariate model. Prevalence rates of
      ED and model findings were discussed.

PMID- 27678157
TI  - Mechanism for neurotropic action of vorinostat, a pan histone deacetylase
      inhibitor.
AB  - In this study we investigated the neurotrophic actions of vorinostat
      (suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid, SAHA), a class I and class II HDAC inhibitor,
      on the differentiation of Neuroscreen-1 (NS-1) cells. NS-1 cell is a subclone of
      the rat pheochromocytoma cell line (PC 12). Vorinostat independently induced
      neurite outgrowth in NS-1 cells. The NS-1 cells were further interrogated for the
      effects of vorinostat on intracellular neurotrophin signaling pathways, to
      understand its mechanism of neurotrophic action. Selective inhibitors of MEK1/2
      (PD98059 and U0126), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) (LY294002) and tyrosine
      kinase A (TrkA) (GW441756) were employed for these interrogations. Our results
      suggest that neurite outgrowth mediated by both nerve growth factor (NGF), an
      intrinsic neurotrophin, and vorinostat were blocked by the inhibitors of MEK1/2 &
      PI3K. Vorinostat induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 occurs at 2h post treatment.
      Phosphorylation of ERK was abolished in presence of U0126, further confirming the
      role of ERK pathway in vorinostat-induced differentiation of NS-1 cells.
      Vorinostat-induced neurite outgrowth also involves the activation of upstream
      extracellular kinase TrkA, as both vorinostat mediated neurite outgrowth and
      activation of ERK were attenuated in presence of the TrkA inhibitor, GW441756.
      Vorinostat also stimulated hyperacetylation of alpha-tubulin and histones H3/H4
      in NS-1 cells. The results suggest that vorinostat exerts a positive effect on
      the neuritogenesis via activation of MEK1/2 & PI3K pathways involving an upstream
      kinase, TrkA. Bioactive small molecules with neurotrophic and neuritogenic
      actions, like vorinostat identified in the present study, hold great promise as
      therapeutic agents for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and neuronal
      injuries by virtue of their ability to stimulate neuritic outgrowth.

PMID- 27678155
TI  - The D-form of a novel heparan binding peptide decreases cytomegalovirus infection
      in vivo and in vitro.
AB  - Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection in utero can lead to congenital sensory
      neural hearing loss and mental retardation. Reactivation or primary infection can
      increase the morbidity and mortality in immune suppressed transplant recipients
      and AIDS patients. The current standard of care for HCMV disease is nucleoside
      analogs, which can be nephrotoxic. In addition resistance to current treatments
      is becoming increasingly common. In an effort to develop novel CMV treatments, we
      tested the effectiveness of the D-form of a novel heparan sulfate binding
      peptide, p5RD, at reducing infection of ganciclovir (GCV) resistant HCMVs in
      vitro and MCMV in vivo. HCMV infection was reduced by greater than 90% when cells
      were pretreated with p5RD. Because p5RD acts by a mechanism unrelated to those
      used by current antivirals, it was effective at reducing GCV resistant HCMVs by
      85%. We show that p5RD is resistant to common proteases and serum inactivation,
      which likely contributed to its ability to significantly reduced infection of
      peritoneal exudate cells and viral loads in the spleen and the lungs in vivo. The
      ability of p5RD to reduce HCMV infectivity in vitro including GCV resistant HCMVs
      and MCMV infection in vivo suggests that this peptide could be a novel anti-CMV
      therapeutic.

PMID- 27678159
TI  - Regardless of etiology, progressive renal disease causes ultrastructural and
      functional alterations of peritubular capillaries.
AB  - Progressive renal diseases are associated with rarefaction of peritubular
      capillaries, but the ultrastructural and functional alterations of the
      microvasculature are not well described. To study this, we analyzed different
      time points during progressive kidney damage and fibrosis in 3 murine models of
      different disease etiologies. These models were unilateral ureteral obstruction,
      unilateral ischemia-reperfusion injury, and Col4a3-deficient mice, we analyzed
      ultrastructural alterations in patient biopsy specimens. Compared with kidneys of
      healthy mice, we found a significant and progressive reduction of peritubular
      capillaries in all models analyzed. Ultrastructurally, compared with the kidneys
      of control mice, focal widening of the subendothelial space and higher numbers of
      endothelial vacuoles and caveolae were found in fibrotic kidneys. Quantitative
      analysis showed that peritubular capillary endothelial cells in fibrotic kidneys
      had significantly and progressively reduced numbers of fenestrations and
      increased thickness of the cell soma and lamina densa of the capillary basement
      membrane. Similar ultrastructural changes were also observed in patient's kidney
      biopsy specimens. Compared with healthy murine kidneys, fibrotic kidneys had
      significantly increased extravasation of Evans blue dye in all 3 models. The
      extravasation could be visualized using 2-photon microscopy in real time in
      living animals and was mainly localized to capillary branching points. Finally,
      fibrotic kidneys in all models exhibited a significantly greater degree of
      interstitial deposition of fibrinogen. Thus, peritubular capillaries undergo
      significant ultrastructural and functional alterations during experimental
      progressive renal diseases, independent of the underlying injury. Analyses of
      these alterations could provide read-outs for the evaluation of therapeutic
      approaches targeting the renal microvasculature.

PMID- 27678160
TI  - What if there were no new antibiotics? A look at alternatives.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Bacterial resistance to antibiotics is increasing worldwide, due to
      the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains. With this panorama, there is a
      serious danger that we may be entering the 'post-antibiotic era'. Areas covered:
      We assess why so few new classes of antibiotics have been developed in the past
      years and discuss a variety of treatments that may be able to replace
      antimicrobials: monoclonal antibodies, bacteriophages, stem cells and anti
      virulence agents such as liposomes. Expert commentary: There are a series of
      economic, scientific-research and regulatory reasons for the scarcity of new
      antimicrobials. New approaches are needed to combat infections. Innovative
      strategies like Eco-Evo drugs and innovative delivery methods such as aerosol or
      nanoparticle administration require a new management paradigm, in combination
      with rapid molecular diagnostic tests. Biopharma, clinical researchers,
      regulatory agencies, governments and investors must work together in the attempts
      to achieve effective treatment for infections caused by MDR organisms.

PMID- 27678158
TI  - Human kidney pericytes produce renin.
AB  - Pericytes, perivascular cells embedded in the microvascular wall, are crucial for
      vascular homeostasis. These cells also play diverse roles in tissue development
      and regeneration as multi-lineage progenitors, immunomodulatory cells and as
      sources of trophic factors. Here, we establish that pericytes are renin producing
      cells in the human kidney. Renin was localized by immunohistochemistry in CD146
      and NG2 expressing pericytes, surrounding juxtaglomerular and afferent
      arterioles. Similar to pericytes from other organs, CD146+CD34-CD45-CD56- renal
      fetal pericytes, sorted by flow cytometry, exhibited tri-lineage mesodermal
      differentiation potential in vitro. Additionally, renin expression was triggered
      in cultured kidney pericytes by cyclic AMP as confirmed by immuno-electron
      microscopy, and secretion of enzymatically functional renin, capable of
      generating angiotensin I. Pericytes derived from second trimester human placenta
      also expressed renin in an inducible fashion although the renin activity was much
      lower than in renal pericytes. Thus, our results confirm and extend the recently
      discovered developmental plasticity of microvascular pericytes, and may open new
      perspectives to the therapeutic regulation of the renin-angiotensin system.

PMID- 27678162
TI  - Reconstructing pedigrees using probabilistic analysis of ISSR amplification.
AB  - Data obtained from ISSR amplification may readily be extracted but only allows us
      to know, for each gene, if a specific allele is present or not. From this partial
      information we provide a probabilistic method to reconstruct the pedigree
      corresponding to some families of diploid cultivars. This method consists in
      determining for each individual what is the most likely couple of parent pair
      amongst all older individuals, according to some probability measure. The
      construction of this measure bears on the fact that the probability to observe
      the specific alleles in the child, given the status of the parents does not
      depend on the generation and is the same for each gene. This assumption is then
      justified from a convergence result of gene frequencies which is proved here. Our
      reconstruction method is applied to a family of 85 living accessions representing
      the common broom Cytisus scoparius.

PMID- 27678161
TI  - Stereoselective alkoxycarbonylation of unactivated C(sp3)-H bonds with alkyl
      chloroformates via Pd(II)/Pd(IV) catalysis.
AB  - Several examples on Pd-catalysed carbonylation of methyl C(sp3)-H bonds with
      gaseous CO via Pd(II)/Pd(0) catalysis have been reported. However, methylene
      C(sp3)-H carbonylation remains a great challenge, largely due to the lack of
      reactivity of C-H bonds and the difficulty in CO migratory insertion. Herein, we
      report the stereoselective alkoxycarbonylation of both methyl and methylene
      C(sp3)-H bonds with alkyl chloroformates through a Pd(II)/Pd(IV) catalytic cycle.
      A broad range of aliphatic carboxamides and alkyl chloroformates are compatible
      with this protocol. In addition, this process is scalable and the directing group
      could be easily removed under mild conditions with complete retention of
      configuration.

PMID- 27678163
TI  - Sensitive inexpensive HPLC determination of four antiepileptic drugs in human
      plasma: application to PK studies.
AB  - AIM: Recently, polytherapy regimen has been introduced for the treatment of
      epileptic patients for better seizure control with lesser side effects and better
      control of multiple seizure types. METHODOLOGY: A simple, sensitive and highly
      specific reversed-phase HPLC method was developed for simultaneous determination
      of four antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), levetiracetam, lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine and
      carbamazepine, in real human plasma without interference from endogenous
      components of plasma. CONCLUSION: The method was proved to be linear in the range
      of 0.5-50 ug/ml for all drugs. It was successfully applied for clinical PK study
      of the AEDs in healthy volunteers following single administration. Also, this
      method was applied for simultaneous determination of the studied drugs in
      volunteers' plasma receiving synergistic binary combinations from the four AEDs
      when used as add-on therapy. The good precision and selectivity of the developed
      method allow it to be used for routine therapeutic drug monitoring of such drugs
      as a useful tool in epilepsy management.

PMID- 27678164
TI  - Catching prey with the antennae - The larval head of Corethrella appendiculata
      (Diptera: Corethrellidae).
AB  - The larval cephalic morphology of Corethrella appendiculata Grabham, 1906 is
      described and documented in detail. The observed features are compared to
      conditions found in Chaoboridae, Culicidae, and other culicomorph families. The
      function of antennae, mouthparts and associated muscles is interpreted based on
      the morphological results. The prey catching mechanism is compared to what occurs
      in other predaceous larvae of Culicomorpha. The cephalic larval morphology is
      discussed with respect to homology and possible phylogenetic implications. The
      horizontal frontoclypeal antennal grooves and the lateral rows of strongly
      developed bristles are likely larval autapomorphies of Corethrellidae. The
      presence of raptorial antennae is a highly unusual apomorphy shared with
      Chaoboridae. The systematic position of Corethrellidae remains ambiguous.

PMID- 27678165
TI  - 4-Phenyl butyric acid prevents glucocorticoid-induced osteoblast apoptosis by
      attenuating endoplasmic reticulum stress.
AB  - Apoptosis of osteoblasts triggered by high-dose glucocorticoids (GCs) has been
      identified as a major cause of osteoporosis. However, the molecular mechanisms
      underlying GC-induced osteoporosis remain elusive. This study was conducted to
      make clear the mechanism of GC-induced osteoblast apoptosis and to examine
      whether reduction of ER stress by 4-PBA inhibited osteoblast apoptosis. After
      treatment with dexamethasone (Dex) or hydrocortisone, cell viability was assessed
      using an MTT assay. Flow cytometry was performed to assess the apoptosis of MC3T3
      E1 cells. The expression levels of ER stress-related proteins (CHOP, GRP78,
      eIF2alpha, and phospho-eIF2alpha) and apoptosis-related proteins (cleaved Caspase
      3, Bcl-2, and Bax) in MC3T3-E1 cells were measured by Western blot analysis. We
      found that both Dex and hydrocortisone reduced cell proliferation and promoted
      apoptosis in MC3T3-E1 cells. In addition, the protein expression levels of
      cleaved Caspase-3 and Bax increased and the protein expression level of Bcl-2
      decreased in MC3T3-E1 cells exposed to Dex. In addition, the Dex exposure also
      resulted in a release of cytochrome c (Cyt C) from mitochondria. The cellular ATP
      content was decreased following prolonged treatment with Dex. 4-PBA attenuated ER
      stress and mitochondrial dysfunction induced by Dex in MC3T3-E1 cells. Dex
      mediated apoptosis of MC3T3-E1 cells is aggravated by ER stress. Moreover, Dex
      induced apoptosis in MC3T3-E1 cells was inhibited by 4-PBA, suggesting that ER
      stress involved in Dex-induced apoptosis. In conclusion, inhibition of ER stress
      by 4-PBA could reduce GC-induced apoptosis in MC3T3-E1 cells.

PMID- 27678166
TI  - Shape and Displacement Fluctuations in Soft Vesicles Filled by Active Particles.
AB  - We investigate numerically the dynamics of shape and displacement fluctuations of
      two-dimensional flexible vesicles filled with active particles. At low
      concentration most of the active particles accumulate at the boundary of the
      vesicle where positive particle number fluctuations are amplified by trapping,
      leading to the formation of pinched spots of high density, curvature and
      pressure. At high concentration the active particles cover the vesicle boundary
      almost uniformly, resulting in fairly homogeneous pressure and curvature, and
      nearly circular vesicle shape. The change between polarized and spherical shapes
      is driven by the number of active particles. The center-of-mass of the vesicle
      performs a persistent random walk with a long time diffusivity that is strongly
      enhanced for elongated active particles due to orientational correlations in
      their direction of propulsive motion. In our model shape-shifting induces
      directional sensing and the cell spontaneously migrate along the polarization
      direction.

PMID- 27678167
TI  - Comparative transcriptome assembly and genome-guided profiling for Brettanomyces
      bruxellensis LAMAP2480 during p-coumaric acid stress.
AB  - Brettanomyces bruxellensis has been described as the main contaminant yeast in
      wine production, due to its ability to convert the hydroxycinnamic acids
      naturally present in the grape phenolic derivatives, into volatile phenols.
      Currently, there are no studies in B. bruxellensis which explains the resistance
      mechanisms to hydroxycinnamic acids, and in particular to p-coumaric acid which
      is directly involved in alterations to wine. In this work, we performed a
      transcriptome analysis of B. bruxellensis LAMAP248rown in the presence and
      absence of p-coumaric acid during lag phase. Because of reported genetic
      variability among B. bruxellensis strains, to complement de novo assembly of the
      transcripts, we used the high-quality genome of B. bruxellensis AWRI1499, as well
      as the draft genomes of strains CBS2499 and0 g LAMAP2480. The results from the
      transcriptome analysis allowed us to propose a model in which the entrance of p
      coumaric acid to the cell generates a generalized stress condition, in which the
      expression of proton pump and efflux of toxic compounds are induced. In addition,
      these mechanisms could be involved in the outflux of nitrogen compounds, such as
      amino acids, decreasing the overall concentration and triggering the expression
      of nitrogen metabolism genes.

PMID- 27678168
TI  - A natural Anopheles-associated Penicillium chrysogenum enhances mosquito
      susceptibility to Plasmodium infection.
AB  - Whereas studies have extensively examined the ability of bacteria to influence
      Plasmodium infection in the mosquito, the tripartite interactions between non
      entomopathogenic fungi, mosquitoes, and Plasmodium parasites remain largely
      uncharacterized. Here we report the isolation of a common mosquito-associated
      ascomycete fungus, Penicillium chrysogenum, from the midgut of field-caught
      Anopheles mosquitoes. Although the presence of Pe. chrysogenum in the Anopheles
      gambiae midgut does not affect mosquito survival, it renders the mosquito
      significantly more susceptible to Plasmodium infection through a secreted heat
      stable factor. We further provide evidence that the mechanism of the fungus
      mediated modulation of mosquito susceptibility to Plasmodium involves an
      upregulation of the insect's ornithine decarboxylase gene, which sequesters
      arginine for polyamine biosynthesis. Arginine plays an important role in the
      mosquito's anti-Plasmodium defense as a substrate of nitric oxide production, and
      its availability therefore has a direct impact on the mosquito's susceptibility
      to the parasite. While this type of immunomodulatory mechanism has already been
      demonstrated in other host-pathogen interaction systems, this is the first report
      of a mosquito-associated fungus that can suppress the mosquito's innate immune
      system in a way that would favor Plasmodium infection and possibly malaria
      transmission.

PMID- 27678169
TI  - Post-9/11 Veterans and Their Partners Improve Mental Health Outcomes with a Self
      directed Mobile and Web-based Wellness Training Program: A Randomized Controlled
      Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Veterans with history of deployment in the Global War on Terror face
      significant and ongoing challenges with high prevalences of adverse
      psychological, physical, spiritual, and family impacts. Together, these
      challenges contribute to an emerging public health crisis likely to extend well
      into the future. Innovative approaches are needed that reach veterans and their
      family members with strategies they can employ over time in their daily lives to
      promote improved adjustment and well-being. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this
      study was to evaluate effects of use of a Web-based, self-directed program of
      instruction in mind- and body-based wellness skills to be employed by Global War
      on Terror veterans and their significant relationship partners on mental health
      and wellness outcomes associated with postdeployment readjustment. METHODS: We
      recruited 160 veteran-partner dyads in 4 regions of the United States (San Diego,
      CA; Dallas, TX; Fayetteville, NC; and New York, NY) through publicity by the Iraq
      and Afghanistan Veterans of America to its membership. Dyads were randomly
      allocated to 1 of 4 study arms: Mission Reconnect (MR) program alone, MR plus the
      Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP) for Strong Bonds weekend
      program for military couples, PREP alone, and waitlist control. We administered a
      battery of standardized and investigator-generated instruments assessing mental
      health outcomes at baseline, 8 weeks, and 16 weeks. Dyads in the MR arms were
      provided Web-based and mobile app video and audio instruction in a set of
      mindfulness-related stress reduction and contemplative practices, as well as
      partner massage for reciprocal use. All participants provided weekly reports on
      frequency and duration of self-care practices for the first 8 weeks, and at 16
      weeks. RESULTS: During the first 8-week reporting period, veterans and partners
      assigned to MR arms used some aspect of the program a mean of 20 times per week,
      totaling nearly 2.5 hours per week, with only modest declines in use at 16 weeks.
      Significant improvements were seen at 8 and 16 weeks in measures of posttraumatic
      stress disorder, depression, sleep quality, perceived stress, resilience, self
      compassion, and pain for participants assigned to MR arms. In addition,
      significant reductions in self-reported levels of pain, tension, irritability,
      anxiety, and depression were associated with use of partner massage. CONCLUSIONS:
      Both veterans and partners were able to learn and make sustained use of a range
      of wellness practices taught in the MR program. Home-based, self-directed
      interventions may be of particular service to veterans who are distant from,
      averse to, or prohibited by schedule from using professional services. Leveraging
      the partner relationship may enhance sustained use of self-directed interventions
      for this population. Use of the MR program appears to be an accessible, low-cost
      approach that supports well-being and reduces multiple symptoms among post-9/11
      veterans and their partners. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01680419;
      https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01680419 (Archived by WebCite at
      http://www.webcitation.org/6jJuadfzj).

PMID- 27678170
TI  - Characterization of the Pathogenesis of H10N3, H10N7, and H10N8 Subtype Avian
      Influenza Viruses Circulating in Ducks.
AB  - Three H10 subtype avian influenza viruses were isolated from domestic ducks in
      China, designated as SH602/H10N8, FJ1761/H10N3 and SX3180/H10N7, with an
      intravenous pathogenicity index (IVPI) of 0.39, 1.60, and 1.27, respectively.
      These H10 viruses showed a complex pathology pattern in different species,
      although full genome characterizations of the viruses could not identify any
      molecular determinant underlying the observed phenotypes. Our findings describe
      the pathobiology of the three H10 subtype AIVs in chickens, ducks, and mice.
      FJ1761/H10N3 evolved E627K and Q591K substitutions in the gene encoding the PB2
      protein in infected mice with severe lung damage, suggesting that H10 subtype
      avian influenza viruses are a potential threat to mammals.

PMID- 27678171
TI  - Senescent Carcinoma-Associated Fibroblasts Upregulate IL8 to Enhance
      Prometastatic Phenotypes.
AB  - : Carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAF) represent a significant component of
      pancreatic cancer stroma and are biologically implicated in tumor progression.
      However, evidence of both cancer-promoting and -restraining properties amongst
      CAFs suggests the possibility of multiple phenotypic subtypes. Here, it is
      demonstrated that senescent CAFs promote pancreatic cancer invasion and
      metastasis compared with nonsenescent control CAFs using in vitro Transwell
      invasion models and in vivo xenograft mouse models. Screening by gene expression
      microarray and cytokine ELISA assays revealed IL8 to be upregulated in senescent
      CAFs. Experimental modulation through IL8 overexpression or receptor inhibition
      implicates the IL8 pathway as a mediator of the proinvasive effects of senescent
      CAFs. In a cohort of human pancreatic cancer cases, more abundant stromal
      senescence as indicated by p16 immunohistochemistry correlated with decreased
      survival in patients with early-stage disease. These data support senescent
      fibroblasts as a pathologically and clinically relevant feature of pancreatic
      cancer. The inhibition of senescent stroma-cancer signaling pathways has the
      potential to restrain pancreatic cancer progression. IMPLICATIONS: Findings show
      that senescent cancer-associated fibroblasts secret excess IL8 to promote
      pancreatic cancer invasion and metastasis; thus, senescent CAFs represent a
      phenotypic subtype, challenging conventional assumptions that CAFs are a
      homogeneous population. Mol Cancer Res; 15(1); 3-14. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27678172
TI  - 13C and 15N natural isotope abundance reflects breast cancer cell metabolism.
AB  - Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Despite the
      information provided by anatomopathological assessment and molecular markers
      (such as receptor expression ER, PR, HER2), breast cancer therapies and
      prognostics depend on the metabolic properties of tumor cells. However,
      metabolomics have not provided a robust and congruent biomarker yet, likely
      because individual metabolite contents are insufficient to encapsulate all of the
      alterations in metabolic fluxes. Here, we took advantage of natural 13C and 15N
      isotope abundance to show there are isotopic differences between healthy and
      cancer biopsy tissues or between healthy and malignant cultured cell lines.
      Isotope mass balance further suggests that these differences are mostly related
      to lipid metabolism, anaplerosis and urea cycle, three pathways known to be
      impacted in malignant cells. Our results demonstrate that the isotope signature
      is a good descriptor of metabolism since it integrates modifications in C
      partitioning and N excretion altogether. Our present study is thus a starting
      point to possible clinical applications such as patient screening and biopsy
      characterization in every cancer that is associated with metabolic changes.

PMID- 27678174
TI  - From the Blood to the Central Nervous System: A Nanoparticle's Journey Through
      the Blood-Brain Barrier by Transcytosis.
AB  - Designing nanoparticles that effectively enter the central nervous system (CNS)
      rapidly and without alteration is one of the major challenges in the use of
      nanotechnology for the brain. In this chapter, we explore the process of
      transcytosis, a receptor-mediated transport pathway that permits endogenous
      macromolecules to enter the CNS by crossing the blood-brain barrier. Transcytosis
      across the blood-brain barrier involves a number of distinct stages, including
      receptor binding, endocytosis into a transport vesicle, trafficking of the
      vesicle to the opposite side of the cell, and finally exocytosis and release of
      cargo. For each stage, we discuss the current knowledge on biological,
      physiological, and physical factors that influence nanoparticle transit through
      that stage of transcytosis, with implications for nanoparticle design. Finally,
      we look at the current progress in designing nanoparticles that exploit
      transcytosis for CNS delivery.

PMID- 27678173
TI  - Recent Trends in Nanotechnology Toward CNS Diseases: Lipid-Based Nanoparticles
      and Exosomes for Targeted Therapeutic Delivery.
AB  - Central nervous system (CNS) diseases constitute a set of challenging
      pathological conditions concerning diagnosis and therapeutics. For most of these
      disorders, there is a lack of early diagnosis, biomarkers to allow proper follow
      up of disease progression and effective therapeutic strategies to allow a
      persistent cure. The poor prognosis of most CNS diseases is, therefore, a global
      concern, especially regarding chronic age-related neurodegenerative disorders,
      which are already considered problems of public health due to the increasing
      average of life expectancy. The difficulties associated with the treatment of CNS
      diseases are owed, at least in part, to very specific characteristics of the
      brain and spinal cord, when compared to peripheral organs. In this regard, the
      CNS is physically and chemically protected by the blood-brain barrier (BBB),
      which, while maintaining essential brain homeostasis, significantly restricts the
      delivery of most therapeutic agents to the brain parenchyma. On the other hand,
      regenerative properties of the tissue are lacking, meaning that a CNS insult
      resulting in neuronal death is a permanent phenomenon. Approaches for transposing
      the BBB aiming to treat CNS diseases, relying on specific properties of
      nanosystems, have been reported for therapeutic delivery to CNS without
      interfering with the normal function of the brain. In this chapter, we address
      the latest advances concerning the principles of such approaches, employing lipid
      based nanoparticles and cell-produced exosomes as drug and nucleic acid delivery
      systems, and summarize recent example of applications in the context of
      neurological diseases. Major achievements obtained in preclinical studies and the
      trends identified by these studies are emphasized to provide new prospects for
      further developments in this area, thus enabling us to move from the research
      realm to the clinical arena.

PMID- 27678175
TI  - Application of Nanomedicine to the CNS Diseases.
AB  - Drug delivery to the brain is a challenge because of the many mechanisms that
      protect the brain from the entry of foreign substances. Numerous molecules which
      could be active against brain disorders are not clinically useful due to the
      presence of the blood-brain barrier. Nanoparticles can be used to deliver these
      drugs to the brain. Encapsulation within colloidal systems can allow the passage
      of nontransportable drugs across this barrier by masking their physicochemical
      properties. It should be noted that the status of the blood-brain barrier is
      different depending on the brain disease. In fact, in some pathological
      situations such as tumors or inflammatory disorders, its permeability is
      increased allowing very easy translocation of carriers. This chapter gathers the
      promising results obtained by using nanoparticles as drug delivery systems with
      the aim to improve the therapy of some CNS diseases such as brain tumor,
      Alzheimer's disease, and stroke. The data show that several approaches can be
      investigated: (1) carrying drug through a permeabilized barrier, (2) crossing the
      barrier thanks to receptor-mediated transcytosis pathway in order to deliver drug
      into the brain parenchyma, and also (3) targeting and treating the endothelial
      cells themselves to preserve locally the brain tissue. The examples given in this
      chapter contribute to demonstrate that delivering drugs into the brain is one of
      the most promising applications of nanotechnology in clinical neuroscience.

PMID- 27678176
TI  - Carbohydrate Nanoparticles for Brain Delivery.
AB  - Many brain tumors and neurological diseases can greatly benefit from the use of
      emerging nanotechnologies based on targeted nanomedicines that are able to
      noninvasively transport highly potent and specific pharmaceuticals across the
      blood-brain barrier. Carbohydrates have received considerable interest as
      materials for drug carriers due to their natural origin and inherent
      biodegradability and biocompatibility, as well as due to their hydrophilic
      character and ease of chemical modification combined with low cost and the
      possibility for large-scale manufacturing. This chapter provides an overview of
      the latest research involving the use of carbohydrate-based nanoparticles for
      drug delivery to the central nervous system. After reviewing the challenges posed
      by delivering drugs into the brain, the current state-of-the-art approaches for
      delivery of actives across the blood-brain barrier, including invasive and
      noninvasive strategies, are presented. A particular focus has been placed on
      chitosan polymers as they are among the most promising carbohydrate nanocarriers
      for the preparation and testing of chitosan-based nanomedicines that led, in
      preclinical proof-of-concept studies, to enhanced brain drug levels and increased
      pharmacodynamics responses after intravenous, nasal, and oral administration.
      While chitosan nanoparticles are to date among the most studied and most
      promising carriers, approaches based on other polysaccharides such as dextran,
      pullulan, and cellulose warrant further research in the attempt to advance the
      existing technologies for overcoming the blood-brain barrier.

PMID- 27678178
TI  - Metal Nanoparticles as Targeted Carriers Circumventing the Blood-Brain Barrier.
AB  - Metal nanoparticles have been proposed as a carrier and a therapeutic agent in
      biomedical field because of their unique physiochemical properties. Due to these
      physicochemical properties, they can be used in different fields of biomedicine.
      In relation to this, plasmonic nanoparticles can be used for detection and
      photothermal destruction of tumor cells or toxic protein aggregates, and magnetic
      iron nanoparticles can be used for imaging and for hyperthermia of tumor cells.
      In addition, both therapy and imaging can be combined in one nanoparticle system,
      in a process called theranostics. Metal nanoparticles can be synthesized to
      modulate their size and shape, and conjugated with different ligands, which allow
      their application in drug delivery, diagnostics, and treatment of central nervous
      system diseases. This review is focused on the potential applications of metal
      nanoparticles and their capability to circumvent the blood-brain barrier (BBB).
      Although many articles have demonstrated delivery of metal nanoparticles to the
      brain by crossing the BBB after systemic administration, the percentage of the
      injected dose that reaches this organ is low in comparison to others, especially
      the liver and spleen. In connection with this drawback, we elaborate the
      architecture of the BBB and review possible mechanisms to cross this barrier by
      engineered nanoparticles. The potential uses of metal nanoparticles for treatment
      of disorders as well as related neurotoxicological considerations are also
      discussed. Finally, we bring up for discussion a direct and relatively simpler
      solution to the problem. We discuss this in detail after having proposed the use
      of the intranasal administration route as a way to circumvent the BBB. This route
      has not been extensively studied yet for metal nanoparticles, although it could
      be used as a research tool for mechanistic understanding and toxicity as well as
      an added value for medical practice.

PMID- 27678177
TI  - Gold Nanoparticles for Imaging and Drug Transport to the CNS.
AB  - Gold nanoparticles with a core size of 2nm covalently coated with glycans to
      maintain solubility, targeting molecules for brain endothelium, and cargo
      molecules hold great potential for delivery of therapies into the CNS. They have
      low toxicity, pass through brain endothelium in vitro and in vivo, and move
      rapidly through the brain parenchyma. Within minutes of infusion the
      nanoparticles can be detected in neurons and glia. These nanoparticles are
      relatively easy to synthesize in association with their surface ligands. They can
      be detected by electron microscopy, ICP-mass spectrometry, and spectroscopy.
      However, modification of the basic gold nanoparticle is required for in vivo
      imaging by MR or radioactive methods. Depending on their surface coat, the
      nanoparticles cross the brain endothelium by the plasma membrane/cytosolic route
      (passive transport) or by vesicular transcytosis (active transport). A primary
      aim of current research is to improve the biodistribution of the nanoparticles
      for CNS drug delivery. Smaller gold nanoparticles are removed rapidly via the
      kidney, while larger nanoparticles are taken up by mononuclear phagocytes in
      various tissues. Receptors selectively located on brain endothelium can act as
      targets for the nanoparticles, to increase their delivery to the brain.

PMID- 27678179
TI  - Current Perspective of Carbon Nanotubes Application in Neurology.
AB  - The recent advances in nanotechnology have allowed new fields of research to
      investigate cutting edge brain-specific therapies and to tackle the complex brain
      related disorders. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a major obstacle for drug
      delivery to the brain resulting in only few drugs reaching the market to tackle
      brain disorders. Nanoparticles (NPs) provide a flexible platform for conjugating
      drugs and targeting ligands and have been extensively researched to facilitate
      BBB crossing and effective delivery to the brain. In addition, the inherent
      properties of NPs are being utilized to facilitate other therapeutic
      possibilities. One example is carbon nanotubes (CNTs), which exhibit several
      attractive characteristics allowing their use in the brain environment. The
      properties include a high aspect ratio, the ability to penetrate biological
      membranes due to their tubular shape and their infrared absorption properties. In
      this chapter, we review major advances in using CNTs for treating brain tumor and
      degenerative diseases with special focus on their abilities to cross the BBB
      following systemic administration, which is the major obstacle for most other
      NPs.

PMID- 27678180
TI  - Preface.

PMID- 27678182
TI  - An update on interventional cardiology: management of CTO, performance of
      absorbable scaffolds, coronary vasomotion after DES, and antithrombotics.

PMID- 27678183
TI  - Rene Geronimo Favaloro-a man who dedicated his life and his death to his work.

PMID- 27678181
TI  - Bioluminescence Microscopy as a Method to Measure Single Cell Androgen Receptor
      Activity Heterogeneous Responses to Antiandrogens.
AB  - Cancer cell heterogeneity is well-documented. Therefore, techniques to monitor
      single cell heterogeneous responses to treatment are needed. We developed a
      highly translational and quantitative bioluminescence microscopy method to
      measure single cell androgen receptor (AR) activity modulation by antiandrogens
      from fluid biopsies. We showed that this assay can detect heterogeneous cellular
      response to drug treatment and that the sum of single cell AR activity can mirror
      the response in the whole cell population. This method may thus be used to
      monitor heterogeneous dynamic treatment responses in cancer cells.

PMID- 27678184
TI  - The Argentine Federation of Cardiology (FAC).

PMID- 27678185
TI  - The Argentine Society of Cardiology.

PMID- 27678187
TI  - Low physical activity responsible for 17% of cardiovascular deaths in Argentina.

PMID- 27678188
TI  - EACPR country of the month initiative: Hungary.

PMID- 27678189
TI  - Discovery of the pulmonary circulation, ancient Persia and Michel Servetus (1511
      1453).

PMID- 27678190
TI  - Proteins involved in sleep homeostasis: Biophysical characterization of INC and
      its partners.
AB  - The insomniac protein of Drosophila melanogaster (INC) has a crucial role in
      sleep homeostasis as flies lacking the inc gene exhibit strikingly reduced and
      poorly consolidated sleep. Nevertheless, in vitro characterizations of INC
      biophysical properties and partnerships have not been yet reported. Here we
      report the heterologous expression of the protein and its characterization using
      a number of different techniques. Present data indicate that INC is endowed with
      a remarkable stability, which results from the cooperation of the two protein
      domains. Moreover, we also demonstrated and quantified the ability of INC to
      recognize its potential partners Cul3 and dGRASP. Taking into account the
      molecular organization of the protein, these two partners may be anchored
      simultaneously. Although there is no evident relationship between the reported
      INC functions and dGRASP binding, our data suggest that INC may cooperate as
      ligase adaptor to dGRASP ubiquitination. SAXS data collected on the complex
      between INC and Cul3, which represent the first structural characterization of
      this type of assemblies, clearly highlight the highly dynamic nature of these
      complexes. This strongly suggests that the functional behavior of these proteins
      cannot be understood if dynamic effects are not considered. Finally, the strict
      analogy of the biochemical/biophysical properties of INC and of its human homolog
      KCTD5 may reliably indicate that this latter protein and/or the closely related
      proteins KCTD2/KCTD17 may play important roles in human sleep regulation.

PMID- 27678191
TI  - miR-467b regulates the cholesterol ester formation via targeting ACAT1 gene in
      RAW 264.7 macrophages.
AB  - Previous studies have shown that miR-467b plays a central role in the progression
      of atherosclerosis via regulating LPL expression. However, the regulatory
      mechanism of miR-467b in regulateing the CE and FC formation is still unclear.
      Interestingly, computational analysis demonstrated that ACAT1 which converts
      intracellular FC into the storage form of CE, and ABCA1 which promotes cellular
      FC efflux may be target gene of miR-467b. Here, we examined whether miR-467b
      could target ACAT1 and ABCA1, thereby affecting the CE and FC formation in oxLDL
      treatment RAW 264.7 cells. We found that miR-467b regulates the CE:FC ratio in
      oxLDL-treatment RAW 264.7 macrophages, and the luciferase activity of ACAT1 is
      regulated by the miR-467b, but the luciferase activity of ABCA1 has no effect.
      Furthermore, our data suggested that miR-467b highly regulates the endogenous
      levels of ACAT1 expression, thereby affecting the CE formation in oxLDL-treatment
      RAW 264.7 macrophages. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that ACAT1 is a
      target gene of miR-467b, and miR-467b regulated the CE and FC formation via
      directly target the ACAT1 3'UTR.

PMID- 27678192
TI  - Patterns and determinants of dropout from maternity care continuum in Nigeria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The maternal, newborn and child health care continuum require that
      mother/child pair should receive the full package of antenatal, intrapartum and
      postnatal care in order to derive maximum benefits. Continuity of care is a
      challenge in sub-Saharan Africa. In this study, we investigate the patterns and
      factors associated with dropout in the continuum of maternity (antenatal,
      delivery and postnatal) care in Nigeria. METHOD: Using women recode file from the
      2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, we analysed data on 20,467 women with
      an index birth within 5 years prior to data collection. Background
      characteristics and pattern of dropouts were summarised using descriptive
      statistics. The outcome variable was dropout which we explored in three stages:
      antenatal, antenatal-delivery, delivery-6 weeks postnatal visit. Multilevel
      logistic regression models were fitted to identify independent predictors of
      dropout at each stage. Measure of effect was expressed as Odds Ratio (OR) with 95
      % confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: Overall, 12,392 (60.6 %) of all women
      received antenatal care among whom 38.1 % dropout and never got skilled delivery
      assistance. Of those who received skilled delivery care, 50.8 % did not attend
      postnatal visit. The predictors of dropout between antenatal care and delivery
      include problem with getting money for treatment (OR = 1.18, CI: 1.04-1.34),
      distance to health facility (OR = 1.31, CI: 1.13-1.52), lack of formal education,
      being in poor wealth quintile (OR = 2.22, CI: 1.85-2.67), residing in rural areas
      (OR = 1.98, CI: 1.63-2.41). Regional differences between North East, North West
      and South West were significant. Between delivery and postnatal visit, the same
      factors were also associated with dropout. CONCLUSION: The rate of dropout from
      maternity care continuum is high in Nigeria and driven by low or lack of formal
      education, poverty and healthcare access problems (distance to facility and
      difficulty with getting money for treatment). Unexpectedly, dropouts are high in
      South east and South south as well as in the Northern regions. Intervention
      programs focusing on community outreach about the benefits of continuum of
      maternal healthcare package should be introduced especially for women in rural
      areas and lower socio-economic strata.

PMID- 27678193
TI  - Depletion of primary cilia from mature dentate granule cells impairs hippocampus
      dependent contextual memory.
AB  - The primary cilium, a sensory organelle, regulates cell proliferation and
      neuronal development of dentate granule cells in the hippocampus. However, its
      role in the function of mature dentate granule cells remains unknown. Here we
      specifically depleted and disrupted ciliary proteins IFT20 and Kif3A
      (respectively) in mature dentate granule cells and investigated hippocampus
      dependent contextual memory and long-term plasticity at mossy fiber synapses. We
      found that depletion of IFT20 in these cells significantly impaired context
      dependent fear-related memory. Furthermore, we tested synaptic plasticity of
      mossy fiber synapses in area CA3 and found increased long-term potentiation upon
      depletion of IFT20 or disruption of Kif3A. Our findings suggest a role of primary
      cilia in the memory function of mature dentate granule cells, which may result
      from abnormal mossy fiber synaptic plasticity. A direct link between the primary
      cilia of mature dentate granule cells and behavior will require further
      investigation using independent approaches to manipulate primary cilia.

PMID- 27678194
TI  - Surface acting and exhaustion: The moderating role of eudaimonia.
AB  - Surface acting (faking emotions) is one of the stressors experienced by contact
      employees during service interactions with customers, and it has implications for
      workers' exhaustion. One challenge of research and practice is to identify
      moderators that help to better understand the positive relationships between
      surface acting and exhaustion. The present study proposes the two dimensions of
      eudaimonia beliefs about well-being (self-development and contribution-to-others
      beliefs) as moderators between surface acting and exhaustion. We performed
      regression analyses with 817 contact employees working in 118 health-care
      organizations providing services to people with intellectual disability. Results
      confirmed the hypotheses, showing that contribution-to-others strengthens the
      link from surface acting to exhaustion, whereas self-development weakens this
      relationship. Therefore, self-development beliefs act as a protector for workers
      when they have to deal with situations that require surface acting.

PMID- 27678197
TI  - High-performance, bare silver nanowire network transparent heaters.
AB  - Silver nanowire (Ag NW) networks are one of the most promising candidates for the
      replacement of indium tin oxide (ITO) thin films in many different applications.
      Recently, Ag-NW-based transparent heaters (THs) showed excellent heating
      performance. In order to overcome the instability issues of Ag NW networks,
      researchers have offered different hybrid structures. However, these approaches
      not only require extra processing, but also decrease the optical performance of
      Ag NW networks. So, it is important to investigate and determine the thermal
      performance limits of bare-Ag-NW-network-based THs. Herein, we report on the
      effect of NW density, contact geometry, applied bias, flexing and incremental
      bias application on the TH performance of Ag NW networks. Ag-NW-network-based THs
      with a sheet resistance and percentage transmittance of 4.3 Omega sq(-1) and
      83.3%, respectively, and a NW density of 1.6 NW MUm(-2) reached a maximum
      temperature of 275  degrees C under incremental bias application (5 V maximum).
      With this performance, our results provide a different perspective on bare-Ag-NW
      network-based transparent heaters. 

PMID- 27678195
TI  - A unique RPW8-encoding class of genes that originated in early land plants and
      evolved through domain fission, fusion, and duplication.
AB  - Duplication, lateral gene transfer, domain fusion/fission and de novo domain
      creation play a key role in formation of initial common ancestral protein.
      Abundant protein diversities are produced by domain rearrangements, including
      fusions, fissions, duplications, and terminal domain losses. In this report, we
      explored the origin of the RPW8 domain and examined the domain rearrangements
      that have driven the evolution of RPW8-encoding genes in land plants. The RPW8
      domain first emerged in the early land plant, Physcomitrella patens, and it
      likely originated de novo from a non-coding sequence or domain divergence after
      duplication. It was then incorporated into the NBS-LRR protein to create a main
      sub-class of RPW8-encoding genes, the RPW8-NBS-encoding genes. They evolved by a
      series of genetic events of domain fissions, fusions, and duplications. Many
      species-specific duplication events and tandemly duplicated clusters clearly
      demonstrated that species-specific and tandem duplications played important roles
      in expansion of RPW8-encoding genes, especially in gymnosperms and species of the
      Rosaceae. RPW8 domains with greater Ka/Ks values than those of the NBS domains
      indicated that they evolved faster than the NBS domains in RPW8-NBSs.

PMID- 27678196
TI  - Differences in Hospital Readmission Risk across All Payer Groups in South
      Carolina.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate differences in hospital readmission risk across all payers
      in South Carolina (SC). DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING: South Carolina Revenue and
      Fiscal Affairs Office (SCRFA) statewide all payer claims database including
      2,476,431 hospitalizations in SC acute care hospitals between 2008 and 2014.
      STUDY DESIGN: We compared the odds of unplanned all-cause 30-day readmission for
      private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, uninsured, and other payers and examined
      interaction effects between payer and index admission characteristics using
      generalized estimating equations. DATA COLLECTION: SCRFA receives claims and
      administrative health care data from all SC health care facilities in accordance
      with SC state law. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Odds of readmission were lower for females
      compared to males in private, Medicare, and Medicaid payers. African Americans
      had higher odds of readmission compared to whites across private insurance,
      Medicare, and Medicaid, but they had lower odds among the uninsured. Longer
      length of stay had the strongest association with readmission for private and
      other payers, whereas an increased number of comorbidities related to the highest
      readmission odds within Medicaid. CONCLUSIONS: Associations between index
      admission characteristics and readmission likelihood varied significantly with
      payer. Findings should guide the development of payer-specific quality
      improvement programs.

PMID- 27678199
TI  - Interaction of an Iridium(III) Complex with G-Quadruplex DNA and Its Application
      in Luminescent Switch-On Detection of Siglec-5.
AB  - Sialic acid (Sia) binding immunoglobulin (Ig)-like lectin-5 (Siglec-5) is a type
      I transmembrane protein, and it has been demonstrated as a biomarker of
      granulocytic maturation and acute myeloid leukemia phenotype. Herein we aimed to
      construct a method that could sensitively detect Siglec-5 by taking advantage of
      the high affinity and selectivity of the K19 aptamer for its cognate target, and
      the selective interaction of luminescent iridium(III) transition metal complexes
      with G-quadruplex DNA. The iridium(III) complex 1 [Ir(tpyd)2(2,9-dmphen)]PF6
      (where tpyd =2-(m-tolyl)pyridine; 2,9-dmphen =2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline)
      was synthesized, and it displayed high luminescence for G-quadruplex DNA compared
      to dsDNA and ssDNA. Additionally, complex 1 exhibited a blue shift luminescence
      response to c-kit2 G-quadruplex, and the interaction between 1 and G-quadruplexes
      was discussed based on the results of G-tetrad assay, loop effect assay, and
      other assays. Then complex 1 was utilized to develop a G-quadruplex-based sensing
      platform for Siglec-5 in aqueous solution. Upon the addition of Siglec-5, the
      specific binding of the K19 aptamer sequence results in a conformational change
      that generates a split G-quadruplex structure, which is then recognized by the G
      quadruplex-specific iridium(III) complex with an enhanced luminescent response.
      Futhermore, the use of the assay for detecting Siglec-5 in cellular debris was
      demonstrated.

PMID- 27678198
TI  - Web-based bioinformatics workflows for end-to-end RNA-seq data computation and
      analysis in agricultural animal species.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Remarkable advances in Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies,
      bioinformatics algorithms and computational technologies have significantly
      accelerated genomic research. However, complicated NGS data analysis still
      remains as a major bottleneck. RNA-seq, as one of the major area in the NGS
      field, also confronts great challenges in data analysis. RESULTS: To address the
      challenges in RNA-seq data analysis, we developed a web portal that offers three
      integrated workflows that can perform end-to-end compute and analysis, including
      sequence quality control, read-mapping, transcriptome assembly, reconstruction
      and quantification, and differential analysis. The first workflow utilizes Tuxedo
      (Tophat, Cufflink, Cuffmerge and Cuffdiff suite of tools). The second workflow
      deploys Trinity for de novo assembly and uses RSEM for transcript quantification
      and EdgeR for differential analysis. The third combines STAR, RSEM, and EdgeR for
      data analysis. All these workflows support multiple samples and multiple groups
      of samples and perform differential analysis between groups in a single workflow
      job submission. The calculated results are available for download and post
      analysis. The supported animal species include chicken, cow, duck, goat, pig,
      horse, rabbit, sheep, turkey, as well as several other model organisms including
      yeast, C. elegans, Drosophila, and human, with genomic sequences and annotations
      obtained from ENSEMBL. The RNA-seq portal is freely available from
      http://weizhongli-lab.org/RNA-seq . CONCLUSIONS: The web portal offers not only
      bioinformatics software, workflows, computation and reference data, but also an
      integrated environment for complex RNA-seq data analysis for agricultural animal
      species. In this project, our aim is not to develop new RNA-seq tools, but to
      build web workflows for using popular existing RNA-seq methods and make these
      tools more accessible to the communities.

PMID- 27678202
TI  - Introduction to Making Dialysis Adequate-Addressing its Limitations.

PMID- 27678200
TI  - Transition metal ion FRET uncovers K+ regulation of a neurotransmitter/sodium
      symporter.
AB  - Neurotransmitter/sodium symporters (NSSs) are responsible for Na+-dependent
      reuptake of neurotransmitters and represent key targets for antidepressants and
      psychostimulants. LeuT, a prokaryotic NSS protein, constitutes a primary
      structural model for these transporters. Here we show that K+ inhibits Na+
      dependent binding of substrate to LeuT, promotes an outward-closed/inward-facing
      conformation of the transporter and increases uptake. To assess K+-induced
      conformational dynamics we measured fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)
      between fluorescein site-specifically attached to inserted cysteines and Ni2+
      bound to engineered di-histidine motifs (transition metal ion FRET). The
      measurements supported K+-induced closure of the transporter to the outside,
      which was counteracted by Na+ and substrate. Promoting an outward-open
      conformation of LeuT by mutation abolished the K+-effect. The K+-effect depended
      on an intact Na1 site and mutating the Na2 site potentiated K+ binding by
      facilitating transition to the inward-facing state. The data reveal an
      unrecognized ability of K+ to regulate the LeuT transport cycle.

PMID- 27678201
TI  - Aqueous humour concentrations of TGF-beta, PLGF and FGF-1 and total retinal blood
      flow in patients with early non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To correlate angiogenic cytokines in the aqueous humour with total
      retinal blood flow in subjects with type 2 diabetes with non-proliferative
      diabetic retinopathy (NPDR). METHODS: A total of 17 controls and 16 NPDR patients
      were recruited into the study. Aqueous humour was collected at the start of
      cataract surgery to assess the concentration of 14 angiogenic cytokines. Aqueous
      humour was analysed using the suspension array method. Six images were acquired
      to assess total retinal blood flow (TRBF) using the prototype RTVueTM Doppler
      Fourier domain optical coherence tomography (Doppler FD-OCT) (Optovue, Inc.,
      Fremont, CA) using a double circular scan protocol, 1 month postsurgery. At the
      same visit, forearm blood was collected to determine glycosylated haemoglobin
      (A1c). RESULTS: Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2) and PLGF
      were increased while FGF-1 was reduced in NPDR compared to controls (Bonferroni
      corrected, p < 0.003 for all). Total retinal blood flow (TRBF) was significantly
      reduced in the NPDR group compared to controls (33.1 +/- 9.9 versus 43.3 +/- 5.3
      MUl/min, p = 0.002). Aqueous FGF-1 significantly correlated with TRBF in the NPDR
      group (r = 0.71, p = 0.01; r2  = 0.51). In a multiple regression analysis, A1c
      was found to be a significant predictor of aqueous TGF-beta1 and FGF-1 (p = 0.018
      and p = 0.020, respectively). CONCLUSION: Aqueous angiogenic cytokines (TGF
      beta1, TGF-beta2 and PLGF) were elevated in conjunction with a reduction in TRBF
      in patients with NPDR compared to controls. Non-invasive measurement of TRBF may
      be useful for predicting aqueous FGF-1 levels and severity of vasculopathy in DR.

PMID- 27678203
TI  - Cost and Complications of Local Therapies for Early-Stage Breast Cancer.
AB  - Background: Guideline-concordant local therapy options for early breast cancer
      include lumpectomy plus whole breast irradiation (Lump+WBI), lumpectomy plus
      brachytherapy, mastectomy alone, mastectomy plus reconstruction, and, in older
      women, lumpectomy alone. We performed a comparative examination of each
      treatment's complications and cost to assess their relative values. Methods:
      Using the MarketScan database of younger women with private insurance and the
      SEER-Medicare database of older women with public insurance, we identified 105
      211 women with early breast cancer diagnosed between 2000 and 2011. We used
      diagnosis and procedural codes to identify treatment complications within 24
      months of diagnosis and compared complications by treatment using two-sided
      logistic regression. Mean total and complication-related cost, relative to
      Lump+WBI, were calculated from a payer's perspective and adjusted for differences
      in covariables using linear regression. All statistical tests were two-sided.
      Results: Lump+WBI was the most commonly used treatment. Mastectomy plus
      reconstruction was associated with nearly twice the complication risk of Lump+WBI
      (Marketscan: 54.3% vs 29.6%, relative risk [RR] = 1.87, 95% confidence interval
      [CI] = 1.82 to 1.91, P < .001; SEER-Medicare: 66.1% vs 37.6%, RR = 1.75, 95% CI =
      1.69 to 1.82, P < .001) and was also associated with higher adjusted total cost
      (Marketscan: $22 481 greater than Lump+WBI; SEER-Medicare: $1748 greater) and
      complication-related cost (Marketscan: $9017 greater; SEER-Medicare: $2092
      greater). Brachytherapy had modestly higher total cost and complications than
      WBI. Lumpectomy alone entailed lower cost and complications in the SEER-Medicare
      cohort only. Conclusions: Mastectomy plus reconstruction results in substantially
      higher complications and cost than other guideline-concordant treatment options
      for early breast cancer. These findings are relevant to patients evaluating their
      local therapy options and to value-based population health management.

PMID- 27678204
TI  - Women with epilepsy.

PMID- 27678205
TI  - Women with epilepsy: clinically relevant issues.
AB  - Women with epilepsy (WWE) face specific challenges throughout their lifespan due
      to the effects of seizures and antiepileptic drugs on hormonal function,
      potentially affecting both sexual and reproductive health. This review article
      addresses the most common issues of practical relevance to clinicians treating
      WWE: epidemiology and clinical presentations (including catamenial epilepsy),
      contraception, reproductive and sexual dysfunction, pregnancy, lactation,
      menopause-related issues (including bone health), and mental health aspects.
      Awareness of these gender-specific issues and implementation/adaptation of
      effective interventions for WWE results in significantly improved health-related
      quality of life in this patient population.

PMID- 27678206
TI  - Clinical and genetic investigation of a Brazilian family with Huntington's
      disease.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate a Brazilian family carrying full
      penetrance alleles for Huntington's disease (HD) in order to correlate each
      member's genetic and clinical features. To this end, the following scales were
      administered in each patient: the Beck Depression Inventory, the Mini-Mental
      State Examination (MMSE) and the Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale
      (UHDRS). The patterns of CAG and CCG polymorphic regions in the HTT gene were
      determined, the disease burden score was calculated, and genotypes were
      correlated with phenotypes within this family. We suggest that HD duration, the
      number of years of formal education, and UHDRS status variables can explain 96.6%
      of the MMSE variability in HD patients. A strong significant correlation was
      found between the disease burden score and the UHDRS (r = 0.76; p-value = 0.049)
      and the MMSE (r = -0.90; p-value = 0.006). The correlations between CAG allele
      size and the three clinical evaluations performed in the HD patients were not
      statistically significant.

PMID- 27678207
TI  - Spectrum of cognitive disorders in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus.
AB  - Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is a syndrome characterized by
      ventricular dilation accompanied by a progressive triad of a gait disturbance,
      "dementia" and incontinence. We retrospectively evaluated cognitive profile, and
      its relationship with disease variables, in 64 iNPH patients. The iNPH group
      performed significantly worse than the control group on all neuropsychological
      tests, except for verbal memory (within the normal range). The patients were
      subdivided into four groups: group 1 (42%: global cognitive impairment); group 2
      (24%: frontosubcortical dysfunction); group 3 (17%: isolated deficit of a single
      cognitive domain); group 4 (17%: no cognitive impairment). Group 1 was older,
      with a significantly longer disease duration and more severe motor disease, while
      groups 3 and 4 were younger and presented milder motor impairment and a shorter
      disease duration. These data suggest parallel progression of cognitive and motor
      impairment in iNPH; early shunt surgery might prevent the development, in older
      age, of dementia in these patients.

PMID- 27678208
TI  - New test of odor pleasantness in Parkinson's disease.
AB  - The New Test of Odor Pleasantness (NTOP) evaluates the hedonicity of olfactory
      stimulants. The aim of this study was to compare results of the NTOP, the
      Sniffin' Sticks test, and the Odorized Marker Test (OMT) in patients with
      Parkinson's disease (PD). The study sample comprised 30 PD patients (mean age
      71+/-7.36 years) and the control group made up of 31 non-PD subjects (mean age
      68+/-12.39 years). Sociodemographic data, medical history and tests of cognitive
      function were investigated. Olfaction was evaluated using the NTOP, Sniffin'
      Sticks test and OMT. The PD patients, compared with the control group, recorded
      significantly lower scores on all three tests: NTOP (p=0.00), Sniffin' Sticks
      (p=0.02), OMT (p=0.00). The NTOP was the test preferred by 55% of the subjects.
      This preference was more marked in the PD group. This study shows that the NTOP
      is a valuable method within the complex array of olfactory screening tools used
      in PD.

PMID- 27678210
TI  - Robot-assisted gait training versus treadmill training in patients with
      Parkinson's disease: a kinematic evaluation with gait profile score.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to quantitatively compare the effects, on walking
      performance, of end-effector robotic rehabilitation locomotor training versus
      intensive training with a treadmill in Parkinson's disease (PD). Fifty patients
      with PD were randomly divided into two groups: 25 were assigned to the robot
      assisted therapy group (RG) and 25 to the intensive treadmill therapy group (IG).
      They were evaluated with clinical examination and 3D quantitative gait analysis
      [gait profile score (GPS) and its constituent gait variable scores (GVSs) were
      calculated from gait analysis data] at the beginning (T0) and at the end (T1) of
      the treatment. In the RG no differences were found in the GPS, but there were
      significant improvements in some GVSs (Pelvic Obl and Hip Ab-Add). The IG showed
      no statistically significant changes in either GPS or GVSs. The end-effector
      robotic rehabilitation locomotor training improved gait kinematics and seems to
      be effective for rehabilitation in patients with mild PD.

PMID- 27678209
TI  - Incidence and predictors of stroke during the index event in an ethnically
      diverse Takotsubo cardiomyopathy population.
AB  - Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTS) is a peculiar clinical condition often affecting
      postmenopausal women after a stressful trigger. The underlying mechanisms have
      not been completely elucidated but several hypotheses have been advanced, with
      catecholamine cardiotoxicity, microvascular dysfunction and coronary artery spasm
      each suggested to play a role. The incidence of stroke after TTS appears to range
      from 0% to 7.7%, and interestingly TTS has been described as both a cause and a
      complication of stroke. We sought to assess the incidence and predictors of
      stroke during the index event (peri-index event stroke) in a heterogeneous TTS
      population. We conducted a retrospective descriptive study reviewing patients who
      were discharged with a diagnosis of TTS from the Einstein Medical Center,
      Philadelphia, PA and Danbury Hospital, Danbury, CT in the period between 2003 and
      2014. A total of Incidence and predictors of stroke during the index event in an
      ethnically diverse Takotsubo cardiomyopathy population 206 patients met the
      modified Mayo Clinic criteria and were included in the study. The patients'
      overall mean age was 67.8 years; 87% (n=179) were females and 25% (n=53) were
      African Americans. The following incidence rates were found: stroke 7%, in
      hospital heart failure 26.7%, and in-hospital death 7%. On multivariate analysis
      independent predictors (expressed as odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals)
      of periindex event stroke were: i) African American race (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.2
      10.2, p=0.048); ii) hypertension (OR 10.5, 95% CI 1.3-88, p=0.03). ACE inhibitor
      use was a protective factor for developing peri-index event stroke (OR 0.15, 95%
      CI 0.04-0.5, p=0.001). There was a trend towards dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT)
      being protective for stroke (OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.05-1.1, p=0.08). The incidence of
      peri-index event stroke was 7%. African American race and hypertension were found
      to be independent predictors of peri-index event stroke. Prospective clinical
      trials are needed to confirm these findings and to better determine the impact of
      hypertension as a risk factor for stroke and to assess the role of DAPT in
      preventing it.

PMID- 27678211
TI  - Frailty and resilience in an older population. The role of resilience during
      rehabilitation after orthopedic surgery in geriatric patients with multiple
      comorbidities.
AB  - Hip fracture is common in the elderly and it is usually associated with
      comorbidities and physiological changes which may have an impact on functioning
      and quality of life. The concept of resilience may explain why this impact varies
      among patients. The aim of this open, prospective cohort study was to explore the
      relationships between resilience, frailty and quality of life in orthopedic
      rehabilitation patients, and also to assess whether these factors might affect
      rehabilitation outcome. Eighty-one patients, older than 60 years, underwent a
      multidisciplinary assessment at the beginning and at the end of the
      rehabilitation period following orthopedic surgery to the lower limb. The
      assessments were performed using the Resilience Scale, the Multidimensional
      Prognostic Index (as a measure of frailty), the WHO Quality of Life-BRIEF, the
      Geriatric Depression Scale, and the Functional Independence Frailty and
      resilience in an older population. The role of resilience during rehabilitation
      after orthopedic surgery in geriatric patients with multiple comorbidities
      Measure (as a measure of the rehabilitation outcome). A negative correlation
      between disability and resilience emerged and this association interacted with
      frailty level. We also found that resilience and quality of life are positive
      predictors of functional status at discharge.

PMID- 27678212
TI  - Post-stroke spasticity as a condition: a new perspective on patient evaluation.

PMID- 27678213
TI  - What is cluster headache? Fact sheet for patients and their families. A
      publication to mark Cluster Headache Day 2016.

PMID- 27678214
TI  - An efficient method for protein function annotation based on multilayer protein
      networks.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Accurate annotation of protein functions is still a big challenge for
      understanding life in the post-genomic era. Many computational methods based on
      protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks have been proposed to predict the
      function of proteins. However, the precision of these predictions still needs to
      be improved, due to the incompletion and noise in PPI networks. Integrating
      network topology and biological information could improve the accuracy of protein
      function prediction and may also lead to the discovery of multiple interaction
      types between proteins. Current algorithms generate a single network, which is
      archived using a weighted sum of all types of protein interactions. METHOD: The
      influences of different types of interactions on the prediction of protein
      functions are not the same. To address this, we construct multilayer protein
      networks (MPN) by integrating PPI networks, the domain of proteins, and
      information on protein complexes. In the MPN, there is more than one type of
      connections between pairwise proteins. Different types of connections reflect
      different roles and importance in protein function prediction. Based on the MPN,
      we propose a new protein function prediction method, named function prediction
      based on multilayer protein networks (FP-MPN). Given an un-annotated protein, the
      FP-MPN method visits each layer of the MPN in turn and generates a set of
      candidate neighbors with known functions. A set of predicted functions for the
      testing protein is then formed and all of these functions are scored and sorted.
      Each layer plays different importance on the prediction of protein functions. A
      number of top-ranking functions are selected to annotate the unknown protein.
      CONCLUSIONS: The method proposed in this paper was a better predictor when used
      on Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein data than other function prediction methods
      previously used. The proposed FP-MPN method takes different roles of connections
      in protein function prediction into account to reduce the artificial noise by
      introducing biological information.

PMID- 27678215
TI  - Mitochondrial Genome of Prasinophyte Alga Pyramimonas parkeae.
AB  - Prasinophytes are a paraphyletic assemblage of nine heterogeneous lineages in the
      Chlorophyta clade of Archaeplastida. Until now, seven complete mitochondrial
      genomes have been sequenced from four prasinophyte lineages. Here, we report the
      mitochondrial genome of Pyramimonas parkeae, the first representative of the
      prasinophyte clade I. The circular-mapping molecule is 43,294 bp long, AT rich
      (68.8%), very compact and it comprises two 6,671 bp long inverted repeat regions.
      The gene content is slightly smaller than the gene-richest prasinophyte
      mitochondrial genomes. The single identified intron is located in the cytochrome
      c oxidase subunit 1 gene (cox1). Interestingly, two exons of cox1 are encoded on
      the same strand of DNA in the reverse order and the mature mRNA is formed by
      trans-splicing. The phylogenetic analysis using the data set of 6,037 positions
      assembled from 34 mtDNA-encoded proteins of 48 green algae and plants is not in
      compliance with the branching order of prasinophyte clades revealed on the basis
      of 18S rRNA genes and cpDNA-encoded proteins. However, the phylogenetic analyses
      based on all three genomic elements support the sister position of prasinophyte
      clades Pyramimonadales and Mamiellales.

PMID- 27678217
TI  - Puberty in female wild boar (Sus scrofa) in Sweden.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Since the re-appearance of wild boars in Sweden in the 1970s, the
      population has increased. Besides having large litter sizes, puberty at an early
      age is considered as an important factor contributing to the high reproductive
      potential of wild boar. Although controversial, supplemental feeding is applied
      to varying extent throughout the wild boar range in Sweden, and its effect on
      wild boar reproduction is debated. The aim of this study was to investigate the
      proportion of post-pubertal female wild boar gilts in a population subjected to
      supplemental feeding, in relation to age, weight, and season. Also, the effect of
      another definition of puberty (based upon follicular size) on the outcome of the
      proportion of female wild boar gilts considered to be able to reproduce in a
      population was illustrated. Between Jan 2013 and Dec 2015 reproductive organs
      from 592 female wild boars, were collected. Ovaries and uterus were
      macroscopically examined, and reproductive stage was determined by the presence
      of ovarian structures and uterus characteristics. Age was estimated using tooth
      eruption and tooth replacement, and weight was noted. A subset of 175 female wild
      boars, aged 5-15 months, was included in this study. An animal was considered to
      be post-pubertal if the ovaries contained one or more corpora lutea (CL) or if
      the uterus showed signs of previous pregnancy (presence of enlarged blood vessels
      in the cut surface between the mesometric ligament and the uterus). RESULTS: In
      total, 29 (16.6 %) animals were classified as post-pubertal. Field dressed weight
      ranged from 20.6 to 65.3 kg. Season, weight, and age class significantly
      influenced the variation in proportion of post-pubertal females. Post-pubertal
      animals were found in autumn, winter, and spring, but not in the summer season.
      Another definition of puberty, based on follicle size, lead to different result
      on proportions of animals considered to have passed puberty. CONCLUSIONS: Season,
      weight, and age significantly influenced the variation in proportion of post
      pubertal wild boar females. The proportion of post-pubertal animals increased
      with age and weight. However, weight is probably a better proxy for puberty than
      age group is. The proportion of post-pubertal females also increased from summer
      to spring suggesting a seasonal reproductive pattern. Different definitions of
      puberty will result in various outcomes, which high-lights the importance of
      using adequate definition of puberty.

PMID- 27678218
TI  - How to quantify the temporal storage effect using simulations instead of math.
AB  - The storage effect has become a core concept in community ecology, explaining how
      environmental fluctuations can promote coexistence and maintain biodiversity.
      However, limitations of existing theory have hindered empirical applications: the
      need for detailed mathematical analysis whenever the study system requires a new
      model, and restricted theory for structured populations. We present a new
      approach that overcomes both these limitations. We show how temporal storage
      effect can be quantified by Monte Carlo simulations in a wide range of models for
      competing species. We use the lottery model and a generic integral projection
      model (IPM) to introduce ideas, and present two empirical applications: (1) algal
      species in a chemostat with variable temperature, showing that the storage effect
      can operate without a long-lived life stage and (2) a sagebrush steppe community
      IPM. Our results highlight the need for careful modelling of nonlinearities so
      that conclusions are not driven by unrecognised model constraints.

PMID- 27678216
TI  - Direct antiviral agent treatment of chronic hepatitis C results in rapid
      regression of transient elastography and fibrosis markers fibrosis-4 score and
      aspartate aminotransferase-platelet ratio index.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Novel direct antiviral agents (DAA) targeting hepatitis C virus (HCV)
      have revolutionized the treatment of chronic hepatitis C infection (CHC). Rates
      of sustained virological response (SVR) to treatment have drastically improved
      since introduction of DAA. Transient Elastography (TE) is an ultrasound based,
      non-invasive technique to assess liver stiffness (LS). We examined the changes in
      TE values and fibrosis scores FIB-4 and APRI after DAA treatment of CHC. METHODS:
      549 patients who received a DAA based treatment for CHC were screened and 392
      were included. TE values recorded prior to therapy and within 18 months after
      therapy were evaluated. In addition, FIB-4 and APRI scores were calculated and
      histopathological results were recorded if available. RESULTS: Median TE prior to
      DAA treatment was 12.65 kPa (IQR 9.45-19.2 kPa) and decreased to 8.55 kPa (IQR
      5.93-15.25) post-treatment. This finding is statistically significant (P<.001)
      and equals a TE regression of 32.4% after DAA treatment. Median FIB-4 and APRI
      values significantly decreased from 2.54 (IQR 1.65-4.43) and 1.10 (IQR 0.65-2.43)
      to 1.80 (IQR 1.23-2.84, P<.001) and 0.43 (IQR 0.3-0.79, P<.001) respectively.
      CONCLUSION: Patients with SVR after DAA therapy showed significant regression of
      TE values. Rapid decrease in TE was in concordance with regression of validated
      fibrosis scores FIB-4 and APRI. It remains to be examined whether this indicates
      a true regression of fibrosis or merely resolution of chronic liver inflammation
      with subsequent improvement of TE values and laboratory parameters.

PMID- 27678220
TI  - Human IL-22 binding protein isoforms act as a rheostat for IL-22 signaling.
AB  - The cytokine interleukin-22 (IL-22), which is a member of the IL-10 family, is
      produced exclusively by immune cells and activates signal transducer and
      activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in nonimmune cells, such as hepatocytes,
      keratinocytes, and colonic epithelial cells, to drive various processes central
      to tissue homeostasis and immunosurveillance. Dysregulation of IL-22 signaling
      causes inflammatory diseases. IL-22 binding protein (IL-22BP; encoded by IL22RA2)
      is a soluble IL-22 receptor, which antagonizes IL-22 activity and has genetic
      associations with autoimmune diseases. Humans have three IL-22BP isoforms, IL
      22BPi1 to IL-22BPi3, which are generated by alternative splicing; mice only have
      an IL-22BPi2 homolog. We showed that, although IL-22BPi3 had less inhibitory
      activity than IL-22BPi2, IL-22BPi3 was more abundant in various human tissues
      under homeostatic conditions. IL-22BPi2 was more effective than IL-22BPi3 at
      blocking the contribution of IL-22 to cooperative gene induction with the
      inflammatory cytokine IL-17, which is often present with IL-22 in autoimmune
      settings. In addition, we found that IL-22BPi1 was not secreted and therefore
      failed to antagonize IL-22 signaling. Furthermore, IL-22BPi2 was the only isoform
      that was increased in abundance when myeloid cells were activated by Toll-like
      receptor 2 signaling or retinoic acid, a maturation factor for myeloid cells.
      These data suggest that the human IL-22BP isoforms have distinct spatial and
      temporal roles and coordinately fine-tune IL-22-dependent STAT3 responses in
      tissues as a type of rheostat.

PMID- 27678219
TI  - Bypassing STAT3-mediated inhibition of the transcriptional regulator ID2 improves
      the antitumor efficacy of dendritic cells.
AB  - Despite the potent ability of dendritic cells (DCs) to stimulate lymphocyte
      responses and host immunity, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor
      derived DCs (GM-DCs) used as antitumor vaccines have demonstrated relatively
      modest success in cancer immunotherapy. We found that injecting GM-DCs into
      melanoma tumors in mice, or culturing GM-DCs with melanoma-secreted cytokines or
      melanoma-conditioned medium, rapidly suppressed DC-intrinsic expression of the
      gene encoding inhibitor of differentiation 2 (ID2), a transcriptional regulator.
      Melanoma-associated cytokines repressed Id2 transcription in murine DCs through
      the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3).
      Enforced expression of ID2 in GM-DCs (ID2-GM-DCs) suppressed their production of
      the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). Vaccination
      with ID2-GM-DCs slowed the progression of melanoma tumors and enhanced animal
      survival, which was associated with an increased abundance of tumor-infiltrating
      interferon-gamma-positive CD4(+) effector and CD8(+) cytotoxic T cells and a
      decreased number of tumor-infiltrating regulatory CD4(+) T cells. The efficacy of
      the ID2-GM-DC vaccine was improved by combinatorial treatment with a blocking
      antibody to programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1), a current immunotherapy that
      overcomes suppressive immune checkpoint signaling. Collectively, our data reveal
      a previously unrecognized STAT3-mediated immunosuppressive mechanism in DCs and
      indicate that DC-intrinsic ID2 promotes tumor immunity by modulating tumor
      associated CD4(+) T cell responses. Thus, inhibiting STAT3 or overexpressing ID2
      selectively in DCs may improve the efficiency of DC vaccines in cancer therapy.

PMID- 27678222
TI  - Dependence: a strange but important outlier in personality disorders.

PMID- 27678221
TI  - The NF-kappaB subunit RelB controls p100 processing by competing with the kinases
      NIK and IKK1 for binding to p100.
AB  - The heterodimer formed by the nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) subunits p52 and
      RelB is the product of noncanonical signaling in which the key event is the
      proteolytic processing of p100 to generate p52. The kinases NF-kappaB-inducing
      kinase (NIK) and inhibitor of kappaB kinase 1 (IKK1; also known as IKKalpha) are
      activated during noncanonical signaling and play essential roles in p100
      processing. In resting cells, RelB remains associated with unprocessed p100 as a
      transcriptionally inert p100:RelB complex, which is part of a larger assembly
      with other NF-kappaB factors known as the "kappaBsome." We investigated how these
      two different RelB-containing complexes with opposing effects on target gene
      transcription are formed. We found that RelB controls the extent of both p100
      processing and kappaBsome formation during noncanonical signaling. Within an
      apparently "transitional" complex that contains RelB, NIK, IKK1, and p100, RelB
      and the NIK:IKK1 complex competed with each other for binding to a region of
      p100. A fraction of p100 in the transitional complex was refractory to
      processing, which resulted in the formation of the kappaBsome. However, another
      fraction of p100 protein underwent NIK:IKK1-mediated phosphorylation and
      processing while remaining bound to RelB, thus forming the p52:RelB heterodimer.
      Our results suggest that changes in the relative concentrations of RelB,
      NIK:IKK1, and p100 during noncanonical signaling modulate this transitional
      complex and are critical for maintaining the fine balance between the processing
      and protection of p100.

PMID- 27678223
TI  - Odontome: A Brief Overview.
AB  - Odontomas are the most common type of odontogenic tumors. They are included under
      the benign calcified odontogenic tumors. Odontomas are basically classified into
      two types, complex and compound odontomes. Various theories or etiological
      factors are been quoted for the occurrence of odontomes. Generally, they are
      asymptomatic. Occasionally, signs and symptoms relating to their presence do
      occur. The sole management depends upon the early diagnosis, histopathological
      examination and excision of these tissues. This article briefs regarding its
      classification, etiological factors, occurrence, differences between complex and
      compound odontomes, diagnosis and management. 

PMID- 27678224
TI  - Can We Tune Our Pediatric Patients?
AB  - For the pedodontic team, a child's dental anxiety poses major management
      problems. Previously, wide variety of aversive techniques have been used with
      varying success rates to manage anxious child patients. The present trend
      advocates the use of nonaversive techniques like distraction in the management of
      anxious pediatric patients. So the aim of this study is to compare the effect of
      audio distraction with the normal set up operatory. Thirty patients of age
      between 4 and 8 years were included in the study. Each patient had gone through
      four dental visits. Anxiety was measured using Venham's picture test. The values
      obtained were tabulated and statistical analysis and concluded that audio
      distraction did decrease the level of anxiety in anxious pediatric dental
      patients to a significant level during the restorative procedure visit (3rd) and
      invasive procedure visit (4th). 

PMID- 27678225
TI  - Comparative Evaluation of 0.2 percent Chlorhexidine and Magnetized Water as a
      Mouth Rinse on Streptococcus mutans in Children.
AB  - Chlorhexidine (0.2%) is a 'Gold Standard' which is commercially available and
      effective mouth rinse which inhibits supragingival plaque formation and also
      reduction in the population of S. mutans after rinsing daily. Lately, it has been
      proved that the force of magnetism has a great influence on the living organism.
      Magnetized water has its effect on human body when taken regularly for a
      considerable period but its use in dentistry is still lacking. AIM: This study
      was done to evaluate antibacterial efficacy and effect of dosage, frequency and
      duration of commercially available 0.2% chlorhexidine mouth rinse and
      conventionally prepared magnetized water on colony count of S. mutans. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: A total of 50 subjects were selected between the age group of 5 to
      12 years. A baseline sample was collected before starting with rinses. Then the
      subjects were divided in four major groups. Group I was chlorhexidine, group II
      was subdivided into group IIA and group IIB which were magnetized water groups
      (24 hours of magnetization) rinsing for 1 minute and 3 minutes respectively and
      group III was magnetized water (72 hours of magnetization) group rinsing for 3
      minutes. The samples were collected and sent to microbiological laboratory for S.
      mutans count. RESULTS: The obtained values of all the groups were subjected to
      statistical analysis. CONCLUSION: The reduction of S. mutans count of group III
      was almost in par with group I.

PMID- 27678226
TI  - Comparative Evaluation of the Adhesive Properties of Two Generations of Dentin
      Bonding Agents by Checking the Microleakage in the Primary Teeth: An in vitro
      Study.
AB  - Early childhood caries is now affecting the children in dangerous proportions.
      There is a widespread loss of the tooth material irrespective of the type of the
      carious lesion. Restoration of such lesions with a strong permanent bond between
      the dental tissues and the restorative dental materials would be a highly
      desirable requisite of any restorative material. Ultramorphological
      characterizations show that the interfa-cial morphology and the chemical
      characterization of the bonding systems appear to be strongly associated with
      each other and, therefore, observing and understanding the interfacial phenomenon
      and its quality would be of great importance in the selection of a dental
      adhesive for its use in pediatric restorative dentistry. 

PMID- 27678227
TI  - Knowledge and Attitude of Primary School Teachers toward Tooth Avulsion and
      Dental First Aid in Davangere City: A Cross-sectional Survey.
AB  - AIM OF THE STUDY: Traumatic dental injuries including avulsed tooth is a tragic
      and ignored problem among school children. As children spend much of their time
      in schools, school teachers form the group who commonly supervise the physical
      activity of the children, so awareness about avulsed tooth emergency management
      among school teachers is an important concept for long-term success and to
      prevent its future consequences. The purpose of this study was to assess the
      knowledge and attitude regarding tooth avulsion and dental first aid among
      primary school teachers in Davangere city. METHODS: The study was performed by
      administering a self-designed questionnaire on a sample of 300 primary school
      teachers. RESULTS: Sixty-eight percent of the school teachers (government, semi
      aided and aided schools) admitted the possibility of an avulsed tooth to be
      replanted and thirty-two percent had no idea on tooth replantation and only
      twenty-three percent of the teachers knew the procedures taken in cases of
      avulsed teeth. Seventy-seven percent of all teachers did not feel the possibility
      of tooth replantation. CONCLUSION: There is poor knowledge in the management of
      avulsed teeth among the school teachers of Davangere city. They do not feel
      capable of replanting an avulsed tooth. As one of the child supervisors, all the
      school teachers should have the basic knowledge to recognize oral emergencies and
      regarding conservation of avulsed teeth to prevent its consequences in the
      child's future.

PMID- 27678228
TI  - Impacted Canines: Our Clinical Experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To discuss the management of impacted canines and the various
      approaches used for the same. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data of 33 cases, with
      43 impacted canine teeth, seen and operated over a period of 3-year in Santosh
      Dental College and Hospital has been compiled. The diagnostic methods and
      treatment modalities undertaken are described and discussed. RESULTS: Canine
      impactions were more common in the maxilla as compared with mandible in our
      study, which was statistically significant. Impacted canine position was mostly
      palatal in maxilla and labial in mandible. Chi-square test yielded a p-value of
      0.002 which shows that there is an association between arch and position. The
      treatment options used were surgical exposure and orthodontic repositioning, cyst
      enucleation with extraction of impacted canine and surgical removal of impacted
      canine. CONCLUSION: Surgical exposure and orthodontic repositioning was
      successfully applied as first-line treatment for correcting ectopic positioned
      canine. In cases where exposure and subsequent orthodontic treatment was not
      indicated, the impacted canine was surgically removed to prevent future problems
      and surgical procedure was designed according to position of impacted canine.

PMID- 27678230
TI  - Apexum: A Minimum Invasive Procedure.
AB  - The new Apexum procedure (Apexum Ltd, Or-Yehuda, Israel) is based on a minimally
      invasive removal of periapical chronically inflamed tissues through a root canal
      access. Apexum procedure (a novel method that allows for the removal or debulking
      of periapical tissues without using scalpels, periosteal elevators, or sutures)
      results in significant less postoperative discomfort or pain than conventional
      root canal treatment or than reported for conventional apical surgery. The
      removal or debulking of the periapical inflamed tissues, using the Apexum
      procedure, seems to enhance healing kinetics with no adverse events. 

PMID- 27678229
TI  - Comparison of the Reliability of Anatomic Landmarks based on PA Cephalometric
      Radiographs and 3D CT Scans in Patients with Facial Asymmetry.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Conventional cephalometry is an inexpensive and well-established
      method for evaluating patients with dentofacial deformities. However, patients
      with major deformities and in particular asymmetric cases are difficult to
      evaluate by conventional cephalometry. Reliable and accurate evaluation in the
      orbital and midfacial region in craniofacial syndrome patients is difficult due
      to inherent geometric magnification, distortion and the superpositioning of the
      craniofacial structures on cephalograms. Both two- and three-dimensional computed
      tomography (CT) have been proposed to alleviate some of these difficulties. AIMS
      AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study is to compare the reliability of anatomic
      cephalometric points obtained from the two modalities: Conventional
      posteroanterior cephalograms and 3D CT of patients with facial asymmetry, by
      comparison of intra- and interobserver variation of points recorded from frontal
      X-ray to those recorded from 3D CT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample included
      nine patients (5 males and 4 females) with an age range of 14 to 21 years and a
      mean age of 17.11 years, whose treatment plan called for correction of facial
      asymmetry. All CT scans were measured twice by two investigators with 2 weeks
      separation for determination of intraobserver and interobserver variability.
      Similarly, all measurement points on the frontal cephalograms were traced twice
      with 2 weeks separation. The tracings were superimposed and the average distance
      between replicate points readings were used as a measure of intra- and
      interobserver reliability. Intra-and interobserver variations are calculated for
      each method and the data were imported directly into the statistical program,
      SPSS 10.0.1 for windows. RESULTS: Intraobserver variations of points defined on
      3D CT were small compared with frontal cephalograms. The intraobserver variations
      ranged from 0 (A1, B1) to 0.6 mm with the variations less than 0.5 mm for most of
      the points. Interobserver variations of points between first and second tracings
      defined on PA Ceph and 3D CT were less than 1.5 mm for all the points. A direct
      comparison of frontal cephalometry and 3D CT using intraobserver variation for
      the first observer showed that 3D CT was more reliable than frontal cephalometry
      for 11 points. Direct comparison of frontal cephalometry and 3D CT for the second
      observer showed a similar tendency with 14 points significantly more reliable for
      3D CT. Comparison of frontal cephalometry and 3D CT using interobserver variation
      for the tracings showed that 3D CT was more reliable than frontal cephalometry.
      SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION: The study has shown that 3D CT is consistently more
      accurate and reliable than conventional frontal cephalometry. Unfortunately, the
      cost of a computerized tomography examination is considerable; this means that,
      at this stage, its use by surgeons and orthodontists is a last resort.

PMID- 27678231
TI  - Delayed Replantation after Endodontic and Fluoride Treatment: A 5-Year Follow-up.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate if endodontic and fluoride treatment of the root before delayed
      replantation would render the tooth a favorable prognosis. METHODS: A 10-year-old
      boy reported 10 hours after he had avulsed his maxillary right permanent central
      incisor. The pulp and PDL cells were considered to be nonviable. Endodontic
      treatment for the tooth was performed extraorally and obturated with gutta
      percha. Prior to replantation, the root was treated with 1.23% APSF for 15
      minutes. RESULT: An intraoral radiograph taken 6 months after replantation
      revealed narrowing of the PDL space around the replanted tooth due to apposition
      from the surrounding alveolar bone. A radiograph taken 5 years after replantation
      revealed no evidence of external root resorption. There was no abnormal mobility
      either. CONCLUSION: Extraoral endodontic treatment and root treatment with 1.23%
      APSF prior to delayed replantation might prevent the occurrence of external root
      resorption.

PMID- 27678232
TI  - Osteopetrosis (Marble Bone Disease): A Rare Disease in Children.
AB  - Osteopetrosis is a group of diseases that affects the growth and remodeling of
      bone and characterized by over growth and sclerosis of bone, with thickening of
      the bony cortices, abnormal dental development and narrowing of the marrow
      cavities throughout the skeleton. It is an uncommon disease of unknown cause. A 5
      year-old boy was suffering from infantile (severe form) osteopetrosis with
      cardiac enlargement, severe anemia, hepatosplenomagaly and radiographs showed
      generalized increase in bone density (chalky white), narrowing of skull base is
      reported here. 

PMID- 27678233
TI  - Treacher Collins Syndrome: A Case Report and a Brief Review on Diagnostic Aids.
AB  - Treacher Collins syndrome (Mandibulofacial dysostosis) is characterized by
      deafness, hypoplasia of facial bones (mandible, maxilla and cheek bone),
      antimongoloid slant of palpebral fissures, coloboma of the lower lid and
      bilateral anomalies of the auricle. Hypoplasia of the facial bones may be the
      first indicator of the disorder. We present a case report of Treacher Collins
      syndrome with their extraoral findings, intraoral findings and their treatment
      plan. We have also included the various etiological factors, clinical diagnostic
      aids, and multidisciplinary team approach. 

PMID- 27678234
TI  - Oral Teratoma with a Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor Component: A Case Report.
AB  - Teratomas are tumors of germ cell derivation consist of tissues derived from all
      the three germ cell layers. They comprise the most common extragonadal germ cell
      tumors (EGCT) in childhood. EGCTs of head and neck region account for only 5% of
      all benign and malignant germ cell tumors and for 6% of all teratomas. Primitive
      neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) arising from germ cell tumor is a distinct entity.
      It develops from the malignant transformation of teratomas along ectodermal
      lines. This paper presents a rare case of oral teratoma in a 6-year-old male who
      reported with pain and swelling in the right upper back teeth region of jaw.
      Under light microscopy, mature and immature structures representatives of
      trilineage derivatives were appreciated. Sheets of small round cells showing
      vague rosette and membranous positivity to CD-99 directed us to consider the
      above diagnosis. 

PMID- 27678235
TI  - Amelogenesis Imperfecta with Anterior Open Bite: A Rare Case Report.
AB  - This clinical report describes the treatment plan for a young patient affected by
      amelogenesis imperfecta with anterior open bite. The objectives of the treatment
      were to eliminate tooth sensitivity while enhancing esthetics and restoring
      masticatory function. Treatment included resin composite laminate veneers on
      maxillary anterior teeth and stainless steel crowns for posterior teeth. 

PMID- 27678236
TI  - Myiasis of Maxilla: Report of a Case.
AB  - Oral myiasis is a disease caused by larvae of housefly and associated with poor
      oral hygiene, mouth breathing and incompetent lips. The disease is characterized
      by presence of maggots in affected parts of the body and is usually seen in
      tropical countries, although cases have been reported from other parts of the
      world. There are various methods for treating this disease. In this case report,
      a combination of treatment modalities has been favored. 

PMID- 27678237
TI  - Interceptive Orthodontics and Growth Modification Therapy with Fixed Functional
      Appliance: A Case Report.
AB  - A 12-year-old female patient presented with proclined upper anteriors on a class
      II skeletal base, a retrognathic mandible and high maxillary- mandibular plane
      angle. Lower first molars were mesially tipped and lower second premolars were
      impacted. Treatment plan included uprighting and distalising the lower molars
      followed by growth modulation with Jasper Jumper to correct the mandibular
      retrognathism. Final finishing and detailing of occlusion was carried out through
      0.022" MBT prescription preadjusted edgewise appliance therapy. 

PMID- 27678238
TI  - Management of Delayed Eruption of Permanent Maxillary Incisor associated with the
      Presence of Supernumerary Teeth: A Case Report.
AB  - A supernumerary tooth is one that is additional to the normal series and can be
      found in almost any region of the dental arch. Clinically, supernumerary teeth
      are able to cause different local disorders. It is important for the dentist to
      be aware of the clinical complications of supernumerary teeth, the most common
      being the delayed eruption of permanent teeth. Early diagnosis and management of
      supernumerary teeth is important to prevent the need for more complex surgical
      and orthodontic treatment. This case report highlights the problem of delayed
      eruption of permanent maxillary left central incisor in a 9-year-old boy due to
      two supernumerary teeth, one tuberculate type and other impacted inverted
      mesiodens. 

PMID- 27678239
TI  - Single Step Endodontic Management of Immature Apices using MTA.
AB  - AIM: To examine the clinical and radiographic appearance of teeth with immature
      apices that were treated by single step procedure using mineral trioxide
      aggregate (MTA). SUMMARY: Creation of a physiological hard tissue barrier with
      calcium hydroxide in a nonvital tooth although quite predictable has certain
      limitations, such as the very long duration of the treatment spread over multiple
      visits and increased risk of root fracture. Plugging the root canal end with MTA
      has been advocated as an alternative treatment modality for open apices. The
      technique has been proven to be successful in many recently reported cases. The
      cases reported here present the successful treatment of two traumatized maxillary
      central incisors with open apices and periapical lesions using MTA. In this case
      report, MTA has been used to create a hard tissue barrier after disinfection of
      the root canal.

PMID- 27678240
TI  - Odontogenic Myxoma of the Maxilla: A Report of Unusual Pediatric Case.
AB  - Odontogenic myxoma (OM) is a rare and locally benign neoplasm of high aggressive
      behavior found exclusively in the jaws. OM commonly occurs in the second and
      third decade, its quite rare to find in maxilla that to invading the maxillary
      sinus completely. The lesion often grows without symptoms and presents as a
      painless swelling. The radiographic features are variable, and the diagnosis is
      therefore not easy. This article presents a case of OM of maxilla in a 13-year
      old boy, which was previously diagnosed as fibrosseous lesion with the help of
      CT. 

PMID- 27678241
TI  - Ectodermal Dysplasia: A Case Report.
AB  - Ectodermal dysplasia is a hereditary disease characterized by dysplasia of
      tissues of ectodermal origin. The incidence of ectodermal dysplasia is rare (1 in
      100,000 birth). This case report discusses the features, classification and
      prosthetic treatment plan (upper partial denture and lower complete denture for
      upper partial and lower complete edentulous arches respectively). This treatment
      plan would be able to provide psychological and functional boost to the sufferer.

PMID- 27678242
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 27678243
TI  - Racial/Ethnic Differences in the Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in
      US Adults With Moderate Mental Distress.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine the prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine
      (CAM) use by race/ethnicity and to identify sociodemographic and health-related
      factors associated with CAM use among US adults with moderate mental distress
      (MMD). METHODS: We analyzed data from the 2012 National Health Interview Survey
      (NHIS). We used data for 6016 noninstitutionalized US adults with MMD (3492 non
      Hispanic whites, 953 non-Hispanic blacks, 1078 Hispanics, 268 Asians, and 225
      others consisted of American Indian, Alaska Native, and those reporting multiple
      races). The 2012 NHIS asks about 36 types of CAM use in the past 12 months. We
      constructed (1) overall, any CAM use; (2) 5 major types of CAM use; and (3)
      individual types of CAM use indicators. Using a cross-sectional design with
      complex survey techniques, we estimated race/ethnicity-specific CAM prevalence,
      and odds of past year CAM use by race/ethnicity, sociodemographic, and health
      related factors. RESULTS: Nearly 40% of adults with MMD used CAM in the past year
      compared with 32% of those without MMD ( P < .001). In adults with MMD, past year
      CAM use differed by race/ethnicity, ranging from 24.3% (blacks) to 44.7% (Asians)
      and 46.8% (others) ( P < .001). Being younger, female, living in the west, higher
      education, being employed, more than 4 ambulatory care visits, and functional
      limitations were associated with higher odds of CAM use ( P < .01). CONCLUSIONS:
      Adults with MMD use CAM more frequently than those without MMD. In addition, CAM
      use was significantly differed by race/ethnicity in adults with MMD. This
      underscores the need for good patient-provider communication and suggests
      opportunity for dialogue about integration between conventional providers and CAM
      practitioners to facilitate optimal mental health care.

PMID- 27678244
TI  - Time-resolved dual RNA-seq reveals extensive rewiring of lung epithelial and
      pneumococcal transcriptomes during early infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Streptococcus pneumoniae, the pneumococcus, is the main etiological
      agent of pneumonia. Pneumococcal infection is initiated by bacterial adherence to
      lung epithelial cells. The exact transcriptional changes occurring in both host
      and microbe during infection are unknown. Here, we developed a time-resolved
      infection model of human lung alveolar epithelial cells by S. pneumoniae and
      assess the resulting transcriptome changes in both organisms simultaneously by
      using dual RNA-seq. RESULTS: Functional analysis of the time-resolved dual RNA
      seq data identifies several features of pneumococcal infection. For instance, we
      show that the glutathione-dependent reactive oxygen detoxification pathway in
      epithelial cells is activated by reactive oxygen species produced by S.
      pneumoniae. Addition of the antioxidant resveratrol during infection abates this
      response. At the same time, pneumococci activate the competence regulon during co
      incubation with lung epithelial cells. By comparing transcriptional changes
      between wild-type encapsulated and mutant unencapsulated pneumococci, we
      demonstrate that adherent pneumococci, but not free-floating bacteria, repress
      innate immune responses in epithelial cells including expression of the chemokine
      IL-8 and the production of antimicrobial peptides. We also show that pneumococci
      activate several sugar transporters in response to adherence to epithelial cells
      and demonstrate that this activation depends on host-derived mucins. CONCLUSIONS:
      We provide a dual-transcriptomics overview of early pneumococcal infection in a
      time-resolved manner, providing new insights into host-microbe interactions. To
      allow easy access to the data by the community, a web-based platform was
      developed ( http://dualrnaseq.molgenrug.nl ). Further database exploration may
      expand our understanding of epithelial-pneumococcal interaction, leading to novel
      antimicrobial strategies.

PMID- 27678245
TI  - Identifying spatial imaging biomarkers of glioblastoma multiforme for survival
      group prediction.
AB  - PURPOSE: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common malignant brain tumor
      in adults. Most GBMs exhibit extensive regional heterogeneity at tissue,
      cellular, and molecular scales, but the clinical relevance of the observed
      spatial imaging characteristics remains unknown. We investigated pretreatment
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of GBMs to identify tumor subregions and
      quantify their image-based spatial characteristics that are associated with
      survival time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We quantified tumor subregions (termed
      habitats) in GBMs, which are hypothesized to capture intratumoral characteristics
      using multiple MRI sequences. For proof-of-concept, we developed a computational
      framework that used intratumoral grouping and spatial mapping to identify GBM
      tumor subregions and yield habitat-based features. Using a feature selector and
      three classifiers, experimental results from two datasets are reported, including
      Dataset1 with 32 GBM patients (594 tumor slices) and Dataset2 with 22 GBM
      patients, who did not undergo resection (261 tumor slices) for survival group
      prediction. RESULTS: In both datasets, we show that habitat-based features
      achieved 87.50% and 86.36% accuracies for survival group prediction,
      respectively, using leave-one-out cross-validation. Experimental results revealed
      that spatially correlated features between signal-enhanced subregions were
      effective for predicting survival groups (P < 0.05 for all three machine-learning
      classifiers). CONCLUSION: The quantitative spatial-correlated features derived
      from MRI-defined tumor subregions in GBM could be effectively used to predict the
      survival time of patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2 J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING
      2017;46:115-123.

PMID- 27678247
TI  - Ocular Drug Delivery through pHEMA-Hydrogel Contact Lenses Co-Loaded with
      Lipophilic Vitamins.
AB  - Ocular drug delivery through hydrogel contact lenses has great potential for the
      treatment of ocular diseases. Previous studies showed that the loading of
      lipophilic vitamin E to silicone-hydrogel contact lenses was beneficial in ocular
      drug delivery. We hypothesized that vitamin E loading to another type of popular
      hydrogel contact lenses, pHEMA-hydrogel contact lenses, improves ocular drug
      delivery by increasing the drug loading or the duration of drug release. Loading
      of vitamin E to pHEMA-hydrogel contact lenses significantly increased the loading
      of a hydrophilic drug surrogate (Alexa Fluor 488 dye) and two hydrophilic
      glaucoma drugs (timolol and brimonidine) to the lenses by 37.5%, 19.1%, and
      18.7%, respectively. However, the release duration time was not significantly
      altered. Next, we hypothesized that the lipophilic nature of vitamin E attributes
      to the enhanced drug loading. Therefore, we investigated the effects of co
      loading of another lipophilic vitamin, vitamin A, on drug surrogate delivery. We
      found out that vitamin A loading also increased the loading of the drug surrogate
      to pHEMA-hydrogel contact lenses by 30.3%. Similar to vitamin E loading, vitamin
      A loading did not significantly alter the release duration time of the drug or
      drug surrogate.

PMID- 27678248
TI  - Are there gender differences in wellbeing related to work status among persons
      with severe impairments?
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to analyse gender differences in wellbeing, as
      related to work status, among working-age people with severe impairments.
      METHODS: This study is based on register and survey data for a sample of 7298
      persons, drawn from the entire Swedish population of 15,515 working-age people 16
      64 years old who, at the end of 2010, received Sweden's unique personal
      assistance allowance, an allowance paid from the Swedish Social Insurance Agency
      (SSIA) to persons with severe impairments, enabling them to pay for assistants to
      support them in the functions of daily life. Logistic regression models were used
      to estimate the strength of relations between six measures of wellbeing, work
      status (not working, irregular work and regular work) and gender, together with
      key confounders. RESULTS: Of the persons surveyed, 21% responded that they had
      regular work. Gender differences were found for all confounders, except for age.
      They were mostly in favour of men, which could reflect the general pattern in the
      labour market at large. Our results indicated there are substantial differences
      between non-working, irregularly working and working persons for several
      wellbeing aspects. CONCLUSIONS: This study analyses the contributions to
      wellbeing of work participation among working-age people with severe impairments,
      with a focus on gender differences. The analysis shows that work is an important
      determinant of the six measures of wellbeing examined, where the relationship
      between work participation and wellbeing is especially strong for peoples'
      perceived standard of living. This major finding holds for both genders; however,
      the data show gender imbalance, in that compared with women, there was a larger
      percentage of men with severe impairments who have regular work. Future research
      should focus on finer distinctions between the types of work and the value added
      of personal assistants in the work context. Measures of general health not
      available for this study are needed to filter out a clearer picture of the
      interaction of work and well-being. Despite drawbacks, this study is nevertheless
      path-breaking in its focus on the value of work participation for the well-being
      of persons with severe impairments. For this reason, it provides a valuable
      extension of our knowledge and a clear point of departure for future studies.

PMID- 27678246
TI  - Novel strategies for targeting leukemia stem cells: sounding the death knell for
      blood cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cancer stem cells (CSCs), also known as tumor-initiating cells
      (TICs), are characterized by high self-renewal and multi-lineage differentiation
      capacities. CSCs are thought to play indispensable roles in the initiation,
      progression and metastasis of many types of cancer. Leukemias are thought to be
      initiated and maintained by a specific sub-type of CSC, the leukemia stem cell
      (LSC). An important feature of LSCs is their resistance to standard therapy,
      which may lead to relapse. Increasing efforts are aimed at developing novel
      therapeutic strategies that selectively target LSCs, while sparing their normal
      counterparts and, thus, minimizing adverse treatment-associated side-effects.
      These LSC targeting therapies aim to eradicate LSCs through affecting mechanisms
      that control their survival, self-renewal, differentiation, proliferation and
      cell cycle progression. Some LSC targeting therapies have already been proven
      successful in pre-clinical studies and they are now being tested in clinical
      studies, mainly in combination with conventional treatment regimens. CONCLUSIONS:
      A growing body of evidence indicates that the selective targeting of LSCs
      represents a promising approach to improve disease outcome. Beyond doubt, the CSC
      hypothesis has added a new dimension to the area of anticancer research, thereby
      paving the way for shaping a new trend in cancer therapy.

PMID- 27678249
TI  - Molecular characterization of GPR50 gene and study of its comparative genetic
      variability in sheep breeds adapted to different thermo-contrasting climatic
      regimens.
AB  - GPR50, formerly known as a melatonin-related receptor, is one of the three
      subtypes of melatonin receptor subfamily, together with MTNR1A and MTNR1B. GPR50,
      despite its high identity with the melatonin receptor family, does not bind
      melatonin and is considered to be an ortholog of MTNR1C in mammals. GPR50
      expressing cells have been found in the dorsomedial nucleus of the hypothalamus,
      the periventricular nucleus, and the median eminence. Genetic and functional
      evidence have been recently investigated linking GPR50 to adaptive thermogenesis
      and torpor, but still, it is an orphan receptor and is yet to be studied
      conclusively. The aims of the study were to characterize the GPR50 gene of sheep
      and to study the sequence variability of the gene in Indian sheep breeds of two
      different thermo-varied agroclimatic conditions. Genomic DNA isolation was done
      and a 791-bp sequence was amplified using self-designed primers and SNP profiling
      done out of samples of all the breeds to study the relative frequency of SNPs in
      each of the breed. Five important non-synonymous mutations were observed in the
      various breeds studied. T698G, G1097A, G1270A, G1318A, and C1334G lead to the
      following substitution: valine by glycine, arginine by glutamine, threonine by
      alanine, isoleucine by valine, and serine by cytosine, respectively. Two
      synonymous mutations (T663G and C888T) were also observed in some of the studied
      breeds. G1270A and C888T were the most prevalent SNPs observed in nearly all of
      the breeds. C888T SNPs were observed in higher prevalence in Chokla, Marwari, and
      Magra in comparison to Gaddi and Bharat Merino. A PolyPhen-2 analysis, which is
      used to assess the potential damaging nature of an SNP, revealed that mutation
      T698G and G1270A were benign while G1097A, G1318A, and C1334G were damaging with
      a score of 0.987, 0.993, and 0.739, respectively. A 3-D homology model of the
      protein was prepared using c4zwjA (UniProt sequence ID) as a template using the
      online version of Phyre2 protein modeling software. The structure demonstrated
      closed similarity with other G-coupled receptor and it had a 45 % alpha-helical
      content. G1270A and C888T may be taken up for SNP correlation in a larger
      population study for their association with heat stress protection.

PMID- 27678251
TI  - Outcomes of annual surveillance imaging in an adult and paediatric cohort of
      succinate dehydrogenase B mutation carriers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: For 'asymptomatic carriers' of the succinate dehydrogenase subunit B
      (SDHB) gene mutations, there is currently no consensus as to the appropriate
      modality or frequency of surveillance imaging. We present the results of a
      surveillance programme of SDHB mutation carriers. DESIGN: Review of clinical
      outcomes of a surveillance regimen in patients identified to have an SDHB gene
      mutation, based on annual MRI, in a single UK tertiary referral centre. PATIENTS:
      A total of 92 patients were identified with an SDHB gene mutation. a total of 27
      index patients presented with symptoms, and 65 patients were identified as
      asymptomatic carriers. MEASUREMENTS: Annual MRI of the abdomen, with alternate
      year MRI of the neck, thorax and pelvis. Presence of an SDHB-related tumour
      included paraganglioma (PGL), phaeochromocytoma (PCC), renal cell carcinoma (RCC)
      and gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST). RESULTS: A total of 43 PGLs, eight
      PCCs and one RCC occurred in the 27 index patients (23 solitary, four
      synchronous, five metachronous). A further 15 SDHB-related tumours (11 PGLs,
      three RCCs, one GIST) were identified in the asymptomatic carriers on
      surveillance screening (25% of screened carriers): 10 on the first surveillance
      imaging and five on subsequent imaging 2-6 years later. A total of 11 patients
      had malignant disease. CONCLUSIONS: SDHB-related tumours are picked up as early
      as 2 years after initial negative surveillance scan. We believe the high
      malignancy rate and early identification rate of tumours justifies the use of 1-2
      yearly imaging protocols and MRI-based imaging could form the mainstay of
      surveillance in this patient group thereby minimizing radiation exposure.

PMID- 27678252
TI  - Technical proficiency in cytopathology: assessment through external quality
      assurance.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess both the feasibility and value of conducting an external
      quality assurance programme concerning technical aspects of cytopathology
      laboratory practice, and the interest by laboratories in enrolling in such a
      programme. METHODS: Six technical surveys, comprising staining exercises and
      questionnaires relating to laboratory practice, were distributed over a 4-year
      period to the approximately 220 laboratories enrolled in the RCPAQAP
      Cytopathology slide survey modules. Staining exercises using the Papanicolaou and
      Romanowsky techniques, the preparation of urine and body fluid specimens and
      immunocytochemistry on the cell block material were assessed. Accompanying
      relevant questionnaires were included, and one survey comprised a questionnaire
      alone concerning the collection of urinary tract and body fluid samples. RESULTS:
      Provision of an external cytopathology technical module was feasible for the
      RCPAQAP and participation rates (maximum of 87% per survey; average 68% for
      stained slides and 66% for questionnaires) were commendable, particularly
      considering these were optional undertakings with some exercises not applicable
      to all laboratories. The great majority of submitted slides were scored as
      satisfactory, and there was an especially high standard for the
      immunocytochemical staining exercise with 95% considered satisfactory, including
      50.6% with a perfect score. Reasons for suboptimal scores were provided for
      potential quality improvement for interested laboratories. A wealth of
      information relating to laboratory practice was provided to the RCPAQAP which was
      collated and summarised for laboratory use. CONCLUSIONS: The provision of a
      technical module in cytopathology is both a feasible and valuable undertaking of
      interest to laboratories which should become standard practice for cytopathology
      external quality assurance providers.

PMID- 27678253
TI  - Similar below-ground carbon cycling dynamics but contrasting modes of nitrogen
      cycling between arbuscular mycorrhizal and ectomycorrhizal forests.
AB  - Compared with ectomycorrhizal (ECM) forests, arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) forests
      are hypothesized to have higher carbon (C) cycling rates and a more open nitrogen
      (N) cycle. To test this hypothesis, we synthesized 645 observations, including 22
      variables related to below-ground C and N dynamics from 100 sites, where AM and
      ECM forests co-occurred at the same site. Leaf litter quality was lower in ECM
      than in AM trees, leading to greater forest floor C stocks in ECM forests. By
      contrast, AM forests had significantly higher mineral soil C concentrations, and
      this result was strongly mediated by plant traits and climate. No significant
      differences were found between AM and ECM forests in C fluxes and labile C
      concentrations. Furthermore, inorganic N concentrations, net N mineralization and
      nitrification rates were all higher in AM than in ECM forests, indicating
      'mineral' N economy in AM but 'organic' N economy in ECM trees. AM and ECM
      forests show systematic differences in mineral vs organic N cycling, and thus
      mycorrhizal type may be useful in predicting how different tree species respond
      to multiple environmental change factors. By contrast, mycorrhizal type alone
      cannot reliably predict below-ground C dynamics without considering plant traits
      and climate.

PMID- 27678254
TI  - Mendeley Mobile: Powerful Cloud-Based Article and Reference Management in Your
      Pocket.

PMID- 27678250
TI  - Time-resolved infrared spectroscopy in the study of photosynthetic systems.
AB  - Time-resolved (TR) infrared (IR) spectroscopy in the nanosecond to second
      timescale has been extensively used, in the last 30 years, in the study of
      photosynthetic systems. Interesting results have also been obtained at lower time
      resolution (minutes or even hours). In this review, we first describe the used
      techniques-dispersive IR, laser diode IR, rapid-scan Fourier transform (FT)IR,
      step-scan FTIR-underlying the advantages and disadvantages of each of them. Then,
      the main TR-IR results obtained so far in the investigation of photosynthetic
      reactions (in reaction centers, in light-harvesting systems, but also in entire
      membranes or even in living organisms) are presented. Finally, after the general
      conclusions, the perspectives in the field of TR-IR applied to photosynthesis are
      described.

PMID- 27678256
TI  - Homogenization of a Directed Dispersal Model for Animal Movement in a
      Heterogeneous Environment.
AB  - The dispersal patterns of animals moving through heterogeneous environments have
      important ecological and epidemiological consequences. In this work, we apply the
      method of homogenization to analyze an advection-diffusion (AD) model of directed
      movement in a one-dimensional environment in which the scale of the heterogeneity
      is small relative to the spatial scale of interest. We show that the large (slow)
      scale behavior is described by a constant-coefficient diffusion equation under
      certain assumptions about the fast-scale advection velocity, and we determine a
      formula for the slow-scale diffusion coefficient in terms of the fast-scale
      parameters. We extend the homogenization result to predict invasion speeds for an
      advection-diffusion-reaction (ADR) model with directed dispersal. For periodic
      environments, the homogenization approximation of the solution of the AD model
      compares favorably with numerical simulations. Invasion speed approximations for
      the ADR model also compare favorably with numerical simulations when the spatial
      period is sufficiently small.

PMID- 27678257
TI  - Giant Hollow Heterometallic Polyoxoniobates with Sodalite-Type Lanthanide
      Tungsten-Oxide Cages: Discrete Nanoclusters and Extended Frameworks.
AB  - The first series of niobium-tungsten-lanthanide (Nb-W-Ln) heterometallic
      polyoxometalates {Ln12 W12 O36 (H2 O)24 (Nb6 O19 )12 } (Ln=Y, La, Sm, Eu, Yb)
      have been obtained, which are comprised of giant cluster-in-cluster-like ({Ln12
      W12 }-in-{Nb72 }) structures built from 12 hexaniobate {Nb6 O19 } clusters
      gathered together by a rare 24-nuclearity sodalite-type heterometal-oxide cage
      {Ln12 W12 O36 (H2 O)24 }. The Nb-W-Ln clusters present the largest multi-metal
      polyoxoniobates and a series of rare high-nuclearity 4d-5d-4f multicomponent
      clusters. Furthermore, the giant Nb-W-Ln clusters may be isolated as discrete
      inorganic alkali salts and can be used as building blocks to form high
      dimensional inorganic-organic hybrid frameworks.

PMID- 27678255
TI  - Content-Based Image Retrieval System for Pulmonary Nodules: Assisting
      Radiologists in Self-Learning and Diagnosis of Lung Cancer.
AB  - Visual information of similar nodules could assist the budding radiologists in
      self-learning. This paper presents a content-based image retrieval (CBIR) system
      for pulmonary nodules, observed in lung CT images. The reported CBIR systems of
      pulmonary nodules cannot be put into practice as radiologists need to draw the
      boundary of nodules during query formation and feature database creation. In the
      proposed retrieval system, the pulmonary nodules are segmented using a semi
      automated technique, which requires a seed point on the nodule from the end-user.
      The involvement of radiologists in feature database creation is also reduced, as
      only a seed point is expected from radiologists instead of manual delineation of
      the boundary of the nodules. The performance of the retrieval system depends on
      the accuracy of the segmentation technique. Several 3D features are explored to
      improve the performance of the proposed retrieval system. A set of relevant shape
      and texture features are considered for efficient representation of the nodules
      in the feature space. The proposed CBIR system is evaluated for three
      configurations such as configuration-1 (composite rank of malignancy "1","2" as
      benign and "4","5" as malignant), configuration-2 (composite rank of malignancy
      "1","2", "3" as benign and "4","5" as malignant), and configuration-3 (composite
      rank of malignancy "1","2" as benign and "3","4","5" as malignant). Considering
      top 5 retrieved nodules and Euclidean distance metric, the precision achieved by
      the proposed method for configuration-1, configuration-2, and configuration-3 are
      82.14, 75.91, and 74.27 %, respectively. The performance of the proposed CBIR
      system is close to the most recent technique, which is dependent on radiologists
      for manual segmentation of nodules. A computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system is
      also developed based on CBIR paradigm. Performance of the proposed CBIR-based CAD
      system is close to performance of the CAD system using support vector machine.

PMID- 27678258
TI  - Genetic correlations between dressage, show jumping and studbook-entry inspection
      traits in a process of specialization in Dutch Warmblood horses.
AB  - Sport performance in dressage and show jumping are two important traits in the
      breeding goals of many studbooks. To determine the optimum selection scheme for
      jumping and dressage, knowledge is needed on the genetic correlation between both
      disciplines and between traits measured early in life and performance in
      competition in each discipline. This study aimed to estimate genetic parameters
      to support decision-making on specialization of breeding horses for dressage and
      show jumping in Dutch warmblood horses. Genetic correlations between performance
      of horses in dressage and show jumping were estimated as well as the genetic
      correlation between traits recorded during studbook-entry inspections and
      performance in dressage and show jumping competitions. The information on
      competition comprised the performance of 82 694 horses in dressage and 62 072
      horses in show jumping, recorded in the period 1993-2012. For 26 056 horses,
      information was available for both disciplines. The information on traits
      recorded at studbook-entry inspections comprised 62 628 horses, recorded in the
      period 1992-2013. Genetic parameters were estimated from the whole dataset and
      from a subset without horses recorded in both disciplines. Additionally, the
      genetic parameters were estimated in three different time periods defined by
      horses' birth year. The genetic correlation between dressage and show jumping in
      the whole dataset was -0.23, and it was -0.03 when it was estimated from horses
      recorded in only one discipline. The genetic correlation between dressage and
      show jumping was more negative in the most recent time period in all the cases.
      The more negative correlation between disciplines in more recent time periods was
      not reflected in changes in the correlations between competitions traits and the
      traits recorded in the studbook-first inspection. These results suggest that a
      breeding programme under specialization might be most effective defining two
      separate aggregate breeding goals for each of the disciplines.

PMID- 27678259
TI  - Copper Complexes of New Redox-Active 4,5-Bisguanidino-Substituted Benzodioxole
      Ligands: Control of the Electronic Structure by Counter-Ligands, Solvent, and
      Temperature.
AB  - Herein, we analyze the possibility of controlling the electronic structure of
      mononuclear copper complexes featuring new redox-active 4,5-bisguanidino
      substituted benzodioxole ligands. The nature of the guanidino groups, the anionic
      counter-ligands, the applied solvent (polarity), and the temperature are the
      parameters that decide if a CuII complex with neutral ligand unit or a CuI
      complex with radical monocationic ligand unit is the adequate description. Under
      special conditions, a temperature-dependent equilibrium of the two valence
      tautomeric forms (CuII /neutral ligand and CuI /radical monocationic ligand) is
      achieved. Removal of a ligand-centered electron from a paramagnetic CuII complex
      with a neutral ligand unit leads to a diamagnetic CuI complex with a dicationic
      ligand unit through a redox-induced electron-transfer (RIET) process.

PMID- 27678260
TI  - Invasive and Non-invasive Electrical Pericranial Nerve Stimulation for the
      Treatment of Chronic Primary Headaches.
AB  - Chronic primary headaches are widespread disorders which cause significant
      quality of life and socioprofessional impairment. Available pharmacological
      treatments have often a limited efficacy and/or can generate unbearable side
      effects. Electrical nerve stimulation is a well-known non-destructive method of
      pain modulation which has been recently applied to headache management. In this
      review, we summarise recent advances in invasive and non-invasive
      neurostimulation techniques targeting pericranial structures for the treatment of
      chronic primary headaches, chiefly migraine and cluster headache: occipital
      nerve, supraorbital nerve, vagus nerve, and sphenopalatine ganglion stimulations.
      Invasive neurostimulation therapies have offered a new hope to drug-refractory
      headache sufferers but are not riskless and should be proposed only to chronic
      patients who failed to respond to most existing preventives. Non-invasive
      neurostimulation devices are user-friendly, safe and well tolerated and are thus
      taking an increasing place in the multidisciplinary therapeutical armamentarium
      of primary headaches.

PMID- 27678261
TI  - Amelioration of X-Linked Related Autophagy Failure in Danon Disease With DNA
      Methylation Inhibitor.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Danon disease is an X-linked disorder that leads to fatal
      cardiomyopathy caused by a deficiency in lysosome-associated membrane protein-2
      (LAMP2). In female patients, a later onset and less severe clinical phenotype
      have been attributed to the random inactivation of the X chromosome carrying the
      mutant diseased allele. We generated a patient-specific induced pluripotent stem
      cell (iPSCs)-based model of Danon disease to evaluate the therapeutic potential
      of Xi-chromosome reactivation using a DNA methylation inhibitor. METHODS: Using
      whole-exome sequencing, we identified a nonsense mutation (c.520C>T, exon 4) of
      the LAMP2 gene in a family with Danon disease. We generated iPSC lines from
      somatic cells derived from the affected mother and her 2 sons, and we then
      differentiated them into cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs) for modeling the histological
      and functional signatures, including autophagy failure of Danon disease. RESULTS:
      Our iPSC-CM platform provides evidence that random inactivation of the wild-type
      and mutant LAMP2 alleles on the X chromosome is responsible for the unusual
      phenotype in female patients with Danon disease. In vitro, iPSC-CMs from these
      patients reproduced the histological features and autophagy failure of Danon
      disease. Administration of the DNA demethylating agent 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine
      reactivated the silent LAMP2 allele in iPSCs and iPSC-CMs in female patients with
      Danon disease and ameliorated their autophagy failure, supporting the application
      of a patient-specific iPSC platform for disease modeling and drug screening.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our iPSC-CM platform provides novel mechanistic and therapeutic
      insights into the contribution of random X chromosome inactivation to disease
      phenotype in X-linked Danon disease.

PMID- 27678262
TI  - Genetic and Pharmacologic Inhibition of the Chemokine Receptor CXCR2 Prevents
      Experimental Hypertension and Vascular Dysfunction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The recruitment of leukocytes to the vascular wall is a key step in
      hypertension development. Chemokine receptor CXCR2 mediates inflammatory cell
      chemotaxis in several diseases. However, the role of CXCR2 in hypertension
      development and the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. METHODS: Angiotensin II
      (490 ng.kg-1.min-1) or deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) salt-induced mouse
      hypertensive models in genetic ablation, pharmacologic inhibition of CXCR2, and
      adoptive bone marrow transfer mice were used to determine the role of CXCR2 in
      hypertension (measured by radiotelemetry and tail-cuff system), inflammation
      (verified by flow cytometry and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction
      [PCR] analysis), vascular remodeling (studied by haematoxylin and eosin and
      Masson's trichrome staining), vascular dysfunction (assessed by aortic ring), and
      oxidative stress (indicated by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate
      [NADPH] oxidase activity, dihydroethidium staining, and quantitative real-time
      PCR analysis). Moreover, the blood CXCR2+ cells in normotensive controls and
      hypertension patients were analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Angiotensin II
      significantly upregulated the expression of CXCR2 mRNA and protein and increased
      the number of CD45+ CXCR2+ cells in mouse aorta (n=8 per group). Selective CXCR2
      knockout (CXCR2-/-) or pharmacological inhibition of CXCR2 markedly reduced
      angiotensin II- or DOCA-salt-induced blood pressure elevation, aortic thickness
      and collagen deposition, accumulation of proinflammatory cells into the vascular
      wall, and expression of cytokines (n=8 per group). CXCR2 inhibition also
      ameliorated angiotensin II-induced vascular dysfunction and reduced vascular
      superoxide formation, NADPH activity, and expression of NADPH oxidase subunits
      (n=6 per group). Bone marrow reconstitution of wild-type mice with CXCR2-/- bone
      marrow cells also significantly abolished angiotensin II-induced responses (n=6
      per group). It is important to note that CXCR2 blockade reversed established
      hypertension induced by angiotensin II or DOCA-salt challenge (n=10 per group).
      Furthermore, we demonstrated that CXCR2+ proinflammatory cells were higher in
      hypertensive patients (n=30) compared with normotensive individuals (n=20).
      CONCLUSIONS: Infiltration of CXCR2+ cells plays a pathogenic role in arterial
      hypertension and vascular dysfunction. Inhibition of CXCR2 pathway may represent
      a novel therapeutic approach to treat hypertension.

PMID- 27678263
TI  - Is Hypertension a Bone Marrow Disease?

PMID- 27678264
TI  - Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes Are Associated With Generalized Microvascular
      Dysfunction: The Maastricht Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is associated with an increased risk of
      cardiovascular disease. This can be partly explained by large-artery dysfunction,
      which already occurs in prediabetes ("ticking clock hypothesis"). Whether a
      similar phenomenon also applies to microvascular dysfunction is not known. We
      therefore tested the hypothesis that microvascular dysfunction is already present
      in prediabetes and is more severe in T2DM. To do so, we investigated the
      associations of prediabetes, T2DM, and measures of hyperglycemia with
      microvascular function measured as flicker light-induced retinal arteriolar
      dilation and heat-induced skin hyperemia. METHODS: In the Maastricht Study, a
      T2DM-enriched population-based cohort study (n=2213, 51% men, aged [mean+/
      standard deviation] 59.7+/-8.2 years), we determined flicker light-induced
      retinal arteriolar %-dilation (Dynamic Vessel Analyzer), heat-induced skin %
      hyperemia (laser-Doppler flowmetry), and glucose metabolism status (oral glucose
      tolerance test; normal glucose metabolism [n=1269], prediabetes [n=335], or T2DM
      [n=609]). Differences were assessed with multivariable regression analyses
      adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, smoking, physical activity, systolic
      blood pressure, lipid profile, retinopathy, estimated glomerular filtration rate,
      (micro)albuminuria, the use of lipid-modifying and blood pressure-lowering
      medication, and prior cardiovascular disease. RESULTS: Retinal arteriolar %
      dilation was (mean+/-standard deviation) 3.4+/-2.8 in normal glucose metabolism,
      3.0+/-2.7 in prediabetes, and 2.3+/-2.6 in T2DM. Adjusted analyses showed a lower
      arteriolar %-dilation in prediabetes (B=-0.20, 95% confidence interval -0.56 to
      0.15) with further deterioration in T2DM (B=-0.61 [-0.97 to -0.25]) versus normal
      glucose metabolism (P for trend=0.001). Skin %-hyperemia was (mean+/-standard
      deviation) 1235+/-810 in normal glucose metabolism, 1109+/-748 in prediabetes,
      and 937+/-683 in T2DM. Adjusted analyses showed a lower %-hyperemia in
      prediabetes (B=-46 [-163 to 72]) with further deterioration in T2DM (B=-184 [-297
      to -71]) versus normal glucose metabolism (P for trend=0.001). In addition,
      higher glycohemoglobin A1c and fasting plasma glucose were associated with lower
      retinal arteriolar %-dilation and skin %-hyperemia in fully adjusted models (for
      glycohemoglobin A1c, standardized B=-0.10 [-0.15 to -0.05], P<0.001 and
      standardized B=-0.13 [-0.19 to -0.07], P<0.001, respectively; for fasting plasma
      glucose, standardized B=-0.09 [-0.15 to -0.04], P<0.001 and standardized B=-0.10
      [-0.15 to -0.04], P=0.002, respectively). CONCLUSION: Prediabetes, T2DM, and
      measures of hyperglycemia are independently associated with impaired
      microvascular function in the retina and skin. These findings support the concept
      that microvascular dysfunction precedes and thus may contribute to T2DM
      associated cardiovascular disease and other complications, which may in part have
      a microvascular origin such as impaired cognition and heart failure.

PMID- 27678265
TI  - Promoting Cardiomyogenesis of hBMSC with a Forming Self-Assembly hBMSC
      Microtissues/HA-GRGD/SF-PCL Cardiac Patch Is Mediated by the Synergistic
      Functions of HA-GRGD.
AB  - Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell microtissues (BMSCMT) enhanced
      cardiomyogenesis in vitro and cardiac repairs of myocardial infarcted hearts in
      vivo are documented. Producing human BMSCMT onto patches in vitro for cardiac
      tissue engineering has not been reported. For possibly producing human bone
      marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell microtissues (hBMSCMT) on an elastic silk
      fibroin (SF)-poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) based patches is hereby designed.
      After an elastic SF-PCL (SP) patch is fabricated, hyaluronic acid (HA)/SF
      PCL(HSP) and HA-GRGD/SF-PCL(HGSP) patches are fabricated by photochemically
      grafting HA and HA-GRGD onto SP surfaces. The results show that the
      proliferations of hBMSC on HGSP patches significantly exceed those on the other
      patches, as determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)
      2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium assay. Notably, the formation of 5-aza inducing
      cardiomyogenic differentiations of hBMSCMT/HGSP patches is observed with typical
      sizes of ~317 MUm wide and 26 MUm high. The cardiomyogenesis of hBMSCMT/HGSP
      patches including the expressions of cardiac-specific genes (e.g., Gata4) and
      proteins (e.g., connexin43 (CX43)) significantly exceeds those of hBMSC monolayer
      on the HSP and SP patches. Promoting in vitro cardiomyogenesis of hBMSC with
      forming cardiomyogenic differentiation of hBMSCMT/HGSP hybrid patch is possibly
      mediated by the synergistic functions of HA-GRGD on enhancing the activity of F
      actin. The hBMSCMT/HGSP cardiac patch may be further employed to cardiac tissue
      engineering.

PMID- 27678266
TI  - Predictive medicine: towards a multi-parametric imaging for a personal risk
      stratification.

PMID- 27678268
TI  - A kinetic chain growth algorithm in coarse-grained simulations.
AB  - We propose a kinetic chain growth algorithm for coarse-grained (CG) simulations
      in this work. By defining the reaction probability, it delivers a description of
      consecutive polymerization process. This algorithm is validated by modeling the
      process of individual styrene monomers polymerizing into polystyrene chains,
      which is proved to correctly reproduce the properties of polymers in experiments.
      By bridging the relationship between the generic chain growth process in CG
      simulations and the chemical details, the impediment to reaction can be
      reflected. Regarding to the kinetics, it models a polymerization process with an
      Arrhenius-type reaction rate coefficient. Moreover, this algorithm can model both
      the gradual and jump processes of the bond formation, thus it readily encompasses
      several kinds of previous CG models of chain growth. With conducting smooth
      simulations, this algorithm can be potentially applied to describe the variable
      macroscopic features of polymers with the process of polymerization. The
      algorithm details and techniques are introduced in this article. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27678267
TI  - High clinical and morphologic response using 90Y-DOTA-octreotate sequenced with
      177Lu-DOTA-octreotate induction peptide receptor chemoradionuclide therapy
      (PRCRT) for bulky neuroendocrine tumours.
AB  - PURPOSE: Bulky disease is an adverse prognostic factor for 177Lu-DOTA-octreotate
      (177Lu-DOTATATE) peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT). 90Y-DOTA
      octreotate (90Y-DOTATATE) has theoretical advantages in this setting but may less
      effectively treat co-existent smaller deposits and have higher toxicity than
      177Lu-DOTATATE. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of
      using these agents sequentially. METHODS: We reviewed patients (pts) with at
      least one lesion of a transaxial diameter >4 cm who completed 1-2 cycles of 90Y
      DOTATATE followed by 2-3 cycles of 177Lu-DOTATATE, with treatment empirically
      adapted to disease size and burden in individual patients. Data collected
      included morphological and molecular imaging response, toxicity, and progression
      free and overall survival. RESULTS: Twenty-six pts (17 men; aged 27-74 years)
      received a median cumulative activity of 6.5 GBq 90Y-DOTATATE, and 21 GBq 177Lu
      DOTATATE. All but one received radiosensitising chemotherapy. Adverse prognostic
      factors included ENETS grade 2 or 3 in 58 %, and FDG-avid disease in 73 %.
      Nineteen pts treated for progressive disease had stabilisation (37 %) or
      regression on CT (42 % partial response, 21 % minor response), with a mean 59 %
      (8-99 %) reduction in disease burden. All seven pts treated for uncontrolled
      symptoms reported improvement during PRRT with 4/7 having complete symptom
      resolution at 3 months. Eight patients had grade 3/4 lymphopaenia, and two
      patients grade 3/4 thrombocytopaenia without significant hepatic or renal
      toxicity. Median survival was not reached after a median follow-up of 35 months.
      Median progression-free survival was 33 months. CONCLUSION: PRCRT with 90Y 
      DOTATATE followed by 177Lu-DOTATATE in individualised regimens achieved high
      clinical and morphological response in patients with bulky tumours. Despite lack
      of a control arm, the efficacy of this treatment approach appears higher than
      reported results with either agent used alone or other approved treatments,
      particularly given the adverse prognostic features of this cohort.

PMID- 27678270
TI  - Titanium-Promoted Cross-Coupling for the Selective Synthesis of Polysubstituted,
      Conjugated Amides.
AB  - alpha,beta-Unsaturated amides are important building blocks and are key
      structural elements in a number of biologically active natural products. Despite
      their importance and prevalence, few methods exist to prepare conjugated amides
      directly and modularly. To address this gap, a titanium-promoted coupling of
      alkynes and isocyanates has been developed. The method is highly stereoselective,
      producing only the E isomer with good chemoselectivity and regioselectivity
      (>95/5), for unsymmetrical internal alkynes that contain a steric bias. The
      reactive titanacyclopentene intermediate formed from the coupling of the alkyne
      and isocyanate was additionally reacted with various electrophiles to access
      tetrasubstituted enamides.

PMID- 27678269
TI  - Integration of next-generation sequencing in clinical diagnostic molecular
      pathology laboratories for analysis of solid tumours; an expert opinion on behalf
      of IQN Path ASBL.
AB  - The clinical demand for mutation detection within multiple genes from a single
      tumour sample requires molecular diagnostic laboratories to develop rapid, high
      throughput, highly sensitive, accurate and parallel testing within tight budget
      constraints. To meet this demand, many laboratories employ next-generation
      sequencing (NGS) based on small amplicons. Building on existing publications and
      general guidance for the clinical use of NGS and learnings from germline testing,
      the following guidelines establish consensus standards for somatic diagnostic
      testing, specifically for identifying and reporting mutations in solid tumours.
      These guidelines cover the testing strategy, implementation of testing within
      clinical service, sample requirements, data analysis and reporting of results. In
      conjunction with appropriate staff training and international standards for
      laboratory testing, these consensus standards for the use of NGS in molecular
      pathology of solid tumours will assist laboratories in implementing NGS in
      clinical services.

PMID- 27678271
TI  - Can intraperitoneal bupivacaine decreases pain in patients undergoing
      laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy? A randomized control trial.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate effect of intraperitoneal bupivacaine on postoperative pain
      in patients undergoing laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy. METHODS: Hundred
      patients undergoing laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy were included in the
      study and were divided randomly into two groups based on computer-generated
      randomization chart of fifty each. Patients were made familiar with VAS chart
      preoperatively. Group A received 20 mL of 0.5 % bupivacaine, while group B
      patients received 20 mL of 0.9 % normal saline intraperitoneally Postoperatively,
      patients were assessed based on VAS and requirement of rescue analgesic,
      hemodynamic parameters and presence of any adverse effects. Student's t test was
      used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: At all-time interval, mean pain scores
      were higher in group B than group A. The difference between the mean pain scores
      was statistically significant (p < 0.05) at 0, 2 and 4 h. The mean dose of rescue
      analgesia (pentazocin, 30 mg in one vial) in group A was 33 +/- 26 mg which was
      significantly less as compared to group B where it was 62 +/- 28 mg. There was
      statistically insignificant difference between all cardiorespiratory factories at
      all-time intervals except for heart rate and mean blood pressure at 0 h in group
      A as compared to group B. CONCLUSIONS: Intraperitoneal bupivacaine is a simple,
      safe, inexpensive method for control of postoperative pain in patients undergoing
      laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy. Use of the correct dose and concentration of
      the drug are essential for effective pain control.

PMID- 27678273
TI  - Current status of proteomics of esophageal carcinoma.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Esophageal cancer (EC) is one of the most common causes of cancer
      related death worldwide. Identifying suitable biomarkers for early diagnosis as
      well as predicting lymph node metastasis, prognosis and the therapeutic response
      of EC is essential for the effective and efficient management for EC. There is an
      urgent need to develop effective, novel approaches for patients who do not
      respond to conventional treatment. Areas covered: EC is characterized by the
      presence of two main histological types such as squamous cell carcinoma and
      adenocarcinoma, which differ in their response to treatments and prognosis. Thus,
      this review describes the latest research into biomarkers and novel treatment
      targets generated by cancer proteomics for the two main histological types.
      Finally, the main difficulties facing the translation of biomarkers and novel
      treatment targets into the clinical settings are discussed. Expert commentary: EC
      proteomics have provided useful results and, after their validation, novel
      clinical tools should be developed to improve the clinical outcomes for EC
      patients.

PMID- 27678272
TI  - High-dose chemotherapy as salvage treatment in germ-cell cancer: when, in whom
      and how.
AB  - Over the past two decades, the use of well-validated, guideline-based strategies
      resulted in high cure rates in patients with germ-cell cancer (GCC) often despite
      widespread metastatic disease at initial presentation. Yet, about 30 % of
      patients diagnosed with metastatic disease corresponding to about 5-10 % of GCC
      patients overall will experience disease progression or recurrence at some time
      point of their disease with the need for salvage treatment. Salvage treatment is
      more complex and less well validated than first-line treatment: Its rare patient
      cohorts are more heterogeneous and prognostic factors impact more compared to
      other treatment scenarios. In patients with metastatic GCC, there are several
      scenarios in which first-line treatment strategies can fail (Fig. 1). Prior to
      initiation of any salvage treatment, several considerations have to be made,
      which will be addressed in this review: verification that first-line treatment
      has indeed failed, estimation of the adequacy and the effectiveness of first-line
      treatment, search for metastatic sites and extent of disease recurrence,
      assessment of known prognostic factors and finally the choice of the optimal
      salvage strategy taking into account the aforementioned variables. High-dose
      chemotherapy will be a rational choice for many patients in need of salvage
      treatment, but careful patient selection will be required to avoid overtreatment
      and unnecessary long-term toxicity.

PMID- 27678274
TI  - Impaired memory for material related to a problem solved prior to encoding:
      suppression at learning or interference at recall?
AB  - Earlier research by the author revealed that material encoded incidentally in a
      speeded affective classification task and related to the demands of a divergent
      problem tends to be recalled worse in participants who solved the problem prior
      to encoding than in participants in the control, no-problem condition. The aim of
      the present experiment was to replicate this effect with a new, size-comparison
      orienting task, and to test for possible mechanisms of impaired recall.
      Participants either solved a problem before the orienting task or not, and
      classified each item in this task either once or three times. There was a
      reliable effect of impaired recall of problem-related items in the repetition
      condition, but not in the no-repetition condition. Solving the problem did not
      influence repetition priming for these items. These results support an account
      that attributes the impaired recall to inhibitory processes at learning and speak
      against a proactive interference explanation. However, they can be also
      accommodated by an account that refers to inefficient context cues and competitor
      interference at retrieval.

PMID- 27678276
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27678275
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27678277
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27678278
TI  - Pelvic inflammatory disease and salpingitis: incidence of primary and repeat
      episodes in England.
AB  - Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and more specifically salpingitis (visually
      confirmed inflammation) is the primary cause of tubal factor infertility and is
      an important risk factor for ectopic pregnancy. The risk of these outcomes
      increases following repeated episodes of PID. We developed a homogenous discrete
      time Markov model for the distribution of PID history in the UK. We used a
      Bayesian framework to fully propagate parameter uncertainty into the model
      outputs. We estimated the model parameters from routine data, prospective
      studies, and other sources. We estimated that for women aged 35-44 years, 33.6%
      and 16.1% have experienced at least one episode of PID and salpingitis,
      respectively (diagnosed or not) and 10.7% have experienced one salpingitis and no
      further PID episodes, 3.7% one salpingitis and one further PID episode, and 1.7%
      one salpingitis and ?2 further PID episodes. Results are consistent with numerous
      external data sources, but not all. Studies of the proportion of PID that is
      diagnosed, and the proportion of PIDs that are salpingitis together with the
      severity distribution in different diagnostic settings and of overlap between
      routine data sources of PID would be valuable.

PMID- 27678279
TI  - Twelve tips for assessing surgical performance and use of technical assessment
      scales.
AB  - Using validated assessment scales for technical competence can help structure and
      standardize assessment and feedback for both the trainee and the supervisor and
      thereby avoid bias and drive learning. Correct assessment of operative skills can
      establish learning curves and allow adequate monitoring. However, the assessment
      of surgical performance is not an easy task, since it includes many proxy
      parameters, which are hard to measure. Although numerous technical assessment
      scales exist, both within laparoscopic and open surgery, the validity evidence is
      often sparse, and this can raise doubts about reliability and educational
      outcome. Furthermore, the implementation of technical assessment scales varies
      due to several obstacles and doubts about accurate use. In this 12-tips article,
      we aim to give the readers a critical and useful appraisal of some of the common
      questions and misunderstandings regarding the use of surgical assessment scales
      and provide tips to ease and overcome potential pitfalls.

PMID- 27678280
TI  - Introduction of revised "Aims and Scope" for Clinical & Experimental Metastasis.

PMID- 27678281
TI  - Ligand-based and e-pharmacophore modeling, 3D-QSAR and hierarchical virtual
      screening to identify dual inhibitors of spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) and janus
      kinase 3 (JAK3).
AB  - The clinical efficacy of multiple kinase inhibitors has caught the interest of
      Pharmaceutical and Biotech researchers to develop potential drugs with multi
      kinase inhibitory activity for complex diseases. In the present work, we
      attempted to identify dual inhibitors of spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) and janus
      kinase 3 (JAK3), keys players in immune signaling, by developing ideal
      pharmacophores integrating Ligand-based pharmacophore models (LBPMs) and
      Structure-based pharmacophore models (SBPMs), thereby projecting the optimum
      pharmacophoric required for inhibition of both the kinases. The four point LBPM;
      ADPR.14 suggested the presence of one hydrogen bond acceptor, one hydrogen bond
      donor, one positive ionizable, and one ring aromatic feature for Syk inhibitory
      activity and AADH.54 proposed the necessity of two hydrogen bond acceptor, one
      hydrogen bond donor, and one hydrophobic feature for JAK3 inhibitory activity. To
      our interest, SBPMs identified additional ring aromatic features required for
      inhibition of both the kinases. For Syk inhibitory activity, the hydrogen bond
      acceptor feature indicated by LBPM was devoid of forming hydrogen bonding
      interaction with the hinge region amino acid residue (Ala451). Thus merging the
      information revealed by both LBPMs and SBPMs, ideal pharmacophore models i.e.
      ADPRR.14 (Syk) and AADHR.54 (JAK3) were generated. These models after rigorous
      statistical validation were used for screening of Asinex database. The systematic
      virtual screening protocol, including pharmacophore and docking-based screening,
      ADME property, and MM-GBSA energy calculations, retrieved final 10 hits as dual
      inhibitors of Syk and JAK3. Final 10 hits thus obtained can aid in the
      development of potential therapeutic agents for autoimmune disorders. Also the
      top two hits were evaluated against both the enzymes.

PMID- 27678283
TI  - Risk of hemorrhage in abnormally invasive placenta according to its management.
AB  - Severe hemorrhage is a major concern during operative procedures for abnormally
      invasive placenta (AIP). We reviewed published literature with the objective to
      provide evidence of blood loss with the most common treatment options for AIP. We
      selected 54 articles that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Cesarean
      hysterectomy, with or without occlusion balloons in the internal iliac arteries,
      was the treatment associated with the greatest blood loss. Major blood loss was
      also associated with the placenta left in situ (reported in 3 of 10 articles),
      and with uterine artery embolization (reported in 3 of 15 articles). The best
      outcomes were seen for cesarean hysterectomy with balloon occlusion of the common
      iliac arteries (CIA; 9 patients, including 1 with major blood loss), balloon
      occlusion of the abdominal aorta (27 patients, no major blood loss) and
      conservative surgery (99 patients, including one with major blood loss). In
      conclusion, cesarean hysterectomy with balloon occlusion of the CIA or abdominal
      aorta, and conservative treatments seem to have the best outcomes. However, our
      results are based on a small number of articles. Hence, it is necessary to have
      available more reports on the outcomes of these treatments, to arrive at a more
      definitive conclusion.

PMID- 27678282
TI  - Is it necessary to investigate rapamycin-modulated autophagy during the
      development of experimental osteoporosis in female rat?

PMID- 27678284
TI  - Drug metabolism by flavin-containing monooxygenases of human and mouse.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Flavin-containing monooxygenases (FMOs) play an important role in
      drug metabolism. Areas covered: We focus on the role of FMOs in the metabolism of
      drugs in human and mouse. We describe FMO genes and proteins of human and mouse;
      the catalytic mechanism of FMOs and their significance for drug metabolism;
      differences between FMOs and CYPs; factors contributing to potential
      underestimation of the contribution of FMOs to drug metabolism; the developmental
      and tissue-specific expression of FMO genes and differences between human and
      mouse; and factors that induce or inhibit FMOs. We discuss the contribution of
      FMOs of human and mouse to the metabolism of drugs and how genetic variation of
      FMOs affects drug metabolism. Finally, we discuss the utility of animal models
      for FMO-mediated drug metabolism in humans. Expert opinion: The contribution of
      FMOs to drug metabolism may be underestimated. As FMOs are not readily induced or
      inhibited and their reactions are generally detoxifications, the design of drugs
      that are metabolized predominantly by FMOs offers clinical advantages. Fmo1(-/
      ),Fmo2(-/-),Fmo4(-/-) mice provide a good animal model for FMO-mediated drug
      metabolism in humans. Identification of roles for FMO1 and FMO5 in endogenous
      metabolism has implications for drug therapy and initiates an exciting area of
      research.

PMID- 27678285
TI  - Antimicrobial resistance in Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli serogroups
      O157 and O26 isolated from human cases of diarrhoeal disease in England, 2015.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are zoonotic and
      transmission to humans occurs via contaminated food or contact with infected
      animals. In this study, WGS data were used to predict antimicrobial resistance
      (AMR) in STEC from symptomatic human cases to assess the extent of transmission
      of antibiotic-resistant E. coli from animals to humans. METHODS: WGS data from
      430 isolates of STEC were mapped to genes known to be associated with phenotypic
      AMR. Susceptibility testing was performed by a breakpoint method on all viable
      isolates exhibiting resistance to at least one antimicrobial. RESULTS: 327/396
      (82.6%) of STEC O157 and 22/34 (64.7%) of STEC O26 lacked identifiable resistance
      genes and were predicted to be fully susceptible to 11 diverse classes of
      antimicrobials. For the remaining 81 isolates, 74 were phenotypically tested and
      there was concordance between WGS-predicted resistance and expression of
      phenotypic resistance. The most common resistance profile was ampicillin,
      streptomycin, trimethoprim/sulphonamide and tetracycline occurring in 25 (5.8%)
      isolates. Resistance to other antimicrobials, including resistance to
      chloramphenicol (2.1%), resistance to azithromycin (0.2%) and reduced
      susceptibility to ciprofloxacin (2.6%), was less frequent. Three isolates were
      identified as ESBL producers. CONCLUSIONS: beta-Lactams,
      trimethoprim/sulphonamides and tetracyclines account for the majority of
      therapeutic antimicrobials sold for veterinary use and this may be a risk factor
      for the presence of AMR in domestically acquired human clinical isolates of STEC.
      Isolates that were resistant to ampicillin, streptomycin, sulphonamide,
      tetracycline and azithromycin and had reduced susceptibility to ciprofloxacin
      were associated with cases who reported recent travel abroad.

PMID- 27678286
TI  - Evaluation of empirical treatment for blood culture-negative endocarditis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Much progress has been made in understanding the main causes of blood
      culture-negative endocarditis (BCNE). Few studies concerning BCNE treatment (due
      to previous antibiotics used or fastidious pathogens) are available. We performed
      this study to evaluate the effectiveness of our therapeutic protocol in BCNE,
      based on compliance with the protocol, outcome and 1 year mortality. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: We collected prospectively and analysed retrospectively cases of BCNE
      between 2002 and 2014, using a simplified and standardized protocol developed by
      our multidisciplinary team. We apply two kinds of protocols to treat BCNE, which
      include only four intravenous antimicrobial agents: amoxicillin, vancomycin,
      gentamicin and amphotericin B. RESULTS: We had 177 patients with definite BCNE.
      There were 154 (87.0%) patients treated with both appropriate antimicrobial
      agents and appropriate duration of treatment. We analysed the causes of
      inappropriate treatment in 13 (7.3%) cases and inappropriate duration in 10
      (5.6%) cases. The treatment changes were justified in all cases except one of
      discharge against medical advice. The fatality rate was 5.1% (nine cases) and all
      deaths occurred in the group of patients who were treated with appropriate
      treatment; however, four deaths were not attributable to empirical treatment
      failure. Concerning the other deaths, the lack of surgical management, in
      association with empirical treatment, could explain our protocol's failure, such
      as poorly tolerated surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Our protocol is efficient and our
      mortality rate was low, compared with the literature review. This may result from
      a strategy that uses a sampling procedure and a standardized protocol at the same
      time.

PMID- 27678287
TI  - Preserved and attenuated electrophysiological correlates of visual spatial
      attention in elderly subjects.
AB  - Healthy aging is associated with changes in many neurocognitive functions. While
      on the behavioral level, visual spatial attention capacities are relatively
      stable with increasing age, the underlying neural processes change. In this
      study, we investigated attention-related modulations of the stimulus-locked event
      related potential (ERP) and occipital oscillations in the alpha band (8-14Hz) in
      young and elderly participants. Both groups performed a visual attention task
      equally well and the ERP showed comparable attention-related modulations in both
      age groups. However, in elderly subjects, oscillations in the alpha band were
      massively reduced both during the task and in the resting state and the typical
      task-related lateralized pattern of alpha activity was not observed. These
      differences between young and elderly participants were observed on the group
      level as well as on the single trial level. The results indicate that younger and
      older adults use different neural strategies to reach the same performance in a
      covert visual spatial attention task.

PMID- 27678288
TI  - Expression and purification of mouse Ttyh1 fragments as antigens to generate
      Ttyh1-specific monoclonal antibodies.
AB  - Ttyh1 is a murine homolog of the Drosophila Tweety and is predicted as a five
      pass transmembrane protein. The Ttyh1 mRNA is expressed in mouse brain tissues
      with a restricted pattern and in human glioma cells. Ttyh1 protein may function
      as a large-conductance chloride channel, however, the role of Ttyh1 in normal
      neural development and tumorigenesis has been largely unknown, at least partially
      due to the lack of effective antibodies. Here we report the expression in E. coli
      and purification of two recombinant Ttyh1 protein fragments corresponding to one
      of the predicted extracellular domains and the carboxyl terminus of the mouse
      Ttyh1. With these Ttyh1 protein products, a set of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs)
      against the mouse Ttyh1 protein was established by using conventional hybridoma
      techniques. The specificity of the anti-Ttyh1 mAbs was determined based on their
      activities in Western blotting and immunofluorescent analysis using embryonic
      brain tissues and cultured mouse neural stem cells (NSCs). We also show that the
      mouse Ttyh1 protein was expressed in cultured NSCs, most likely in membrane and
      cytoplasm. In mouse embryonic brains, it appeared that the Ttyh1 protein was
      specifically expressed in the apical edge of the ventricular zone as puncta-like
      structures, as determined by using immunofluorescence. Taken together, our study
      provided a useful tool for further exploration of the biological functions and
      pathological significance of Ttyh1 in mice.

PMID- 27678289
TI  - The Relationship Between Cognitive Functioning and the JNC-8 Guidelines for
      Hypertension in Older Adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Guidelines for hypertension treatment by the Eighth Joint National
      Committee (JNC-8) in 2014 recommended a target systolic blood pressure (BP) of
      <150/<90 mmHg in persons older than 60 years, in contrast to the 2003 JNC-7
      recommendations of systolic BP <140 mmHg. This study evaluated the implications
      of raising the BP target on cognitive functioning and conversion from normal
      cognition to mild cognitive impairment (MCI). METHODS: This was a longitudinal
      study of individuals older than 60 years enrolled in the NIH-NIA Alzheimer's
      Disease Centers. All had normal cognition at baseline. 453 participants were
      taking BP medications and had readings of <140/<90 mmHg at four annual visits
      (reference group). Two other groups consisted of participants with either
      systolic BP of 140-149 mmHg (n = 112) or >=150 mmHg (n = 280) on three or four
      annual visits. RESULTS: Compared with the reference and the 140-149 mmHg groups,
      those with BP >=150 mmHg exhibited poorer cognitive status by Year 4 on the Mini
      Mental State Exam, and they had a higher risk of conversion to MCI. The 140-149
      mmHg exhibited poorer performance than the reference group on domains assessing
      attention and executive functioning. In contrast, their performance was not
      significantly different from those with BP >=150 mmHg. CONCLUSIONS: Persons with
      BP >=150 mmHg show a faster global cognitive decline and transition to MCI than
      those with lower BP readings. However, the poor cognitive performance in the
      attention and executive functioning domains for the 140-149 mmHg group indicates
      the need for further research evaluating the newer recommended cutoff.

PMID- 27678291
TI  - Caffeine Intake and Dementia Risk-A Health Benefit From One of Life's Simple
      Pleasures?

PMID- 27678290
TI  - Relationships Between Caffeine Intake and Risk for Probable Dementia or Global
      Cognitive Impairment: The Women's Health Initiative Memory Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nonhuman studies suggest a protective effect of caffeine on
      cognition. Although human literature remains less consistent, reviews suggest a
      possible favorable relationship between caffeine consumption and cognitive
      impairment or dementia. We investigated the relationship between caffeine intake
      and incidence of cognitive impairment or probable dementia in women aged 65 and
      older from the Women's Health Initiative Memory Study. METHODS: All women with
      self-reported caffeine consumption at enrollment were included (N = 6,467). In 10
      years or less of follow-up with annual assessments of cognitive function, 388 of
      these women received a diagnosis of probable dementia based on a 4-phase protocol
      that included central adjudication. We used proportional hazards regression to
      assess differences in the distributions of times until incidence of probable
      dementia or composite cognitive impairment among women grouped by baseline level
      of caffeine intake, adjusting for risk factors (hormone therapy, age, race,
      education, body mass index, sleep quality, depression, hypertension, prior
      cardiovascular disease, diabetes, smoking, and alcohol consumption). RESULTS:
      Women consuming above median levels (mean intake = 261mg) of caffeine intake for
      this group were less likely to develop incident dementia (hazard ratio = 0.74,
      95% confidence interval [0.56, 0.99], p = .04) or any cognitive impairment
      (hazard ratio = 0.74, confidence interval [0.60, 0.91], p = .005) compared to
      those consuming below median amounts (mean intake = 64mg) of caffeine for this
      group. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest lower odds of probable dementia or
      cognitive impairment in older women whose caffeine consumption was above median
      for this group and are consistent with the existing literature showing an inverse
      association between caffeine intake and age-related cognitive impairment.

PMID- 27678293
TI  - The expression of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA by
      antidepressants involves matrix metalloproteinase-9 activation in rat astroglial
      cells.
AB  - Neurotrophic/growth factors derived from glial cells, especially astrocytes, have
      been implicated in mood disorders and the pharmacological effects of
      antidepressant drugs. Previous studies demonstrated that the release of glial
      cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) induced by the tricyclic
      antidepressant amitriptyline was significantly inhibited by a broad-spectrum
      matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor in rat C6 astroglial cells (C6 cells).
      However, it is unknown whether amitriptyline affects MMP enzymatic activity or
      expression, and the MMP subtype has yet to be identified. The current study
      measured the effect of antidepressants on MMP activity with gelatin zymography,
      an in vitro assay for enzymatic activity, in C6 cells and primary cultured rat
      astrocytes (primary astrocytes). Treatment with amitriptyline increased
      zymographic MMP-9 activity without changing MMP-9 mRNA expression in C6 cells.
      Several different classes of antidepressants significantly increased zymographic
      MMP-9 activity in C6 cells and primary astrocytes, whereas antipsychotic drugs
      without antidepressant pharmacological activity did not. The amitriptyline
      induced expression of GDNF mRNA was completely blocked by selective inhibition of
      MMP-9 in C6 cells. Treatment of C6 cells and primary astrocytes with exogenous
      recombinant MMP-9 increased GDNF mRNA expression, similar to that observed with
      amitriptyline. Inhibiting MMP-3 blocked amitriptyline-induced zymographic MMP-9
      activation in C6 cells and primary astrocytes, indicating that MMP-3 is necessary
      for MMP-9 activity. The current study suggests that MMP-9 activation is
      indispensable in the amitriptyline-induced expression of GDNF mRNA in astrocytes
      and further supports a role of astrocytic neurotrophic/growth factors in the
      pharmacological effect of antidepressants.

PMID- 27678292
TI  - Tungsten: an Emerging Toxicant, Alone or in Combination.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Tungsten is an emerging environmental toxicant, yet our
      understanding of the potential risks of exposure on human health is still
      limited. RECENT FINDINGS: In this review, we will discuss populations most at
      risk of exposure to high concentrations of tungsten. In addition, we will
      highlight what is known about the toxicity profile of tungsten compounds, based
      on epidemiological, in vitro, and in vivo studies, focusing on bone, immune,
      pulmonary, and cancer outcomes. Of note, emerging evidence indicates that
      tungsten can augment the effects of other stimulants, stressors, and toxicants.
      Of particular importance may be tungsten-cobalt mixtures that seem to be more
      toxic than either metal alone. This is important because it means that we cannot
      just evaluate the toxicity of tungsten in isolation. Finally, we still have
      limited information of how many of the in vitro and in vivo findings translate to
      human populations, so it will be important to conduct epidemiology studies in
      highly exposed populations to adequately address the potential risks of tungsten
      exposure on human health. Together, we discuss recent findings that support
      further investigation into the toxicities of tungsten alone and in combination
      with other metals.

PMID- 27678294
TI  - Protective roles of SLC30A3 against endoplasmic reticulum stress via ERK1/2
      activation.
AB  - Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been thought to be involved to
      neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) or Amyotrophic
      lateral sclerosis (ALS). The previous studies have shown that SLC30A3 level is
      decreased in prefrontal cortex of AD patients. In addition, we have shown that
      level of zinc (Zn) is increased in cerebrospinal fluid and SLC30A3 level is
      decreased in spinal cord of ALS patients. It was thought that both SLC30A3 and ER
      stress could be related to the cause of AD and ALS, however the relationship
      between ER stress and SLC30A3 has not been elucidated. Therefore we investigated
      that the role of SLC30A3 against ER stress. The level of SLC30A3 mRNA was
      significantly increased by tunicamycin treatment in human neuroblastoma cell line
      (SH-SY5Y) and human embryonic kidney cell line (HEK293). Cell viability under
      tunicamycin treatment was significantly decreased in SLC30A3 knockdown cells by
      siRNA in comparison with negative control (NC) cells. Cleaved caspase-3 level was
      significantly increased in SLC30A3 knockdown cells, not in NC cells. These
      results showed that SLC30A3 has a protective role to ER stress-induced
      toxicities. The previous study has shown that SLC30A3 protect cells from
      oxidative stress in ERK1/2 signal dependent manner, thus we determined the
      activity of ERK1/2 in SLC30A3 knockdown cells under ER stress condition. The
      level of ERK1/2 phosphorylation was significantly increased by tunicamycin
      treatment in NC cells, not in SLC30A3 knockdown cells. The ERK1/2 pathway is
      thought to have an association with defensive effects of SLC30A3 on cellular
      stress such as ER stress. In conclusion, this study suggested that SLC30A3 is
      supposed to play a protective role against ER stress, which is related to ERK1/2
      activation.

PMID- 27678295
TI  - Phase II study of Vigil(r) DNA engineered immunotherapy as maintenance in
      advanced stage ovarian cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The majority of women with Stage III/IV ovarian cancer who achieve
      clinical complete response with frontline standard of care will relapse within
      2years. Vigil immunotherapy, a GMCSF/bi-shRNA furin DNA engineered autologous
      tumor cell (EATC) product, demonstrated safety and induction of circulating
      activated T-cells against autologous tumor in Phase I trial Senzer et al. (2012,
      2013) . Our objectives for this study include evaluation of safety, immune
      response and recurrence free survival (RFS). METHODS: This is a Phase II
      crossover trial of Vigil (1.0*107 cells/intradermal injection/month for 4 to 12
      doses) in Stage III/IV ovarian cancer patients achieving cCR (normal imaging, CA
      125<=35units/ml, physical exam, and no symptoms suggestive of the presence of
      active disease) following primary surgical debulking and carboplatin/paclitaxel
      adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Patients received Vigil or standard of care
      during the maintenance period. RESULTS: Forty-two patients were entered into
      trial, 31 received Vigil and 11 received standard of care. No>=Grade 3 toxicity
      related to product was observed. A marked induction of circulating activated T
      cell population was observed against individual, pre-processed autologous tumor
      in the Vigil arm as compared to pre-Vigil baseline using IFNgamma ELISPOT
      response (30/31 negative ELISPOT pre Vigil to 31/31 positive ELISPOT post Vigil,
      median 134 spots). Moreover, in correlation with ELISPOT response, RFS from time
      of procurement was improved (mean 826days/median 604days in the Vigil arm from
      mean 481days/median 377days in the control arm, p=0.033). CONCLUSION: In
      conjunction with the demonstrated safety, the high rate of induction of T-cell
      activation and correlation with improvement in RFS justify further Phase II/III
      assessment of Vigil.

PMID- 27678296
TI  - Sexual health of endometrial cancer survivors before and after a physical
      activity intervention: A retrospective cohort analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Sexual dysfunction is common in endometrial cancer survivors (ECS).
      Our group previously tested a six-month exercise intervention in ECS. We
      performed a secondary analysis to determine intervention's impact on sexual
      health. METHODS: We studied 100 post-treatment Stage I-IIIa sedentary ECS who
      participated in a non-controlled, single-arm, home-based exercise intervention
      utilizing telephone counseling, printed material, and pedometers. Quality-of-life
      and physical activity measures were collected at baseline and six months. Sexual
      function (SF) and sexual interest (SI) scores were extracted from the QLACS
      questionnaire. RESULTS: Baseline SF and SI were lower in survivors with less than
      a four-year college degree (P<0.001). Baseline SI was higher in survivors who
      were married or living with a significant other (P=0.012). No significant
      differences in SF or SI were observed based on obesity status, race, time since
      diagnosis, or treatment type. Post-intervention, mean SF score improved
      (P=0.002), 51% of participants had improved SI, and 43% had improved SF. When
      controlled for age and time since diagnosis, a one-hour increase in weekly
      physical activity was associated with a 6.5% increased likelihood of improved SI
      (P=0.04). Increased physical activity was not associated with improved SF.
      CONCLUSIONS: Although causation cannot be determined in this study, the
      correlation between receipt of an exercise intervention and improved sexual
      health for ECS is a novel finding. This finding suggests a role for physical
      activity as a strategy to improve the sexual health of ECS, which our group is
      examining in a larger prospective study.

PMID- 27678298
TI  - Study of the Kidney Tumor-Parenchymal Interface after Neoadjuvant Treatment with
      Axitinib for Locally Advanced Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma: Matched Analysis
      from a Phase II Trial.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate histological changes in the tumor
      parenchymal interface in clear cell renal cell carcinoma after neoadjuvant
      axitinib treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We obtained clinical and pathology
      materials from 23 patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma treated with
      neoadjuvant axitinib in a phase II clinical trial and from 23 matched patients
      with clear cell renal cell carcinoma who underwent upfront surgery. Histology of
      the tumor pseudocapsule and the peritumor kidney parenchymal change was evaluated
      and compared between the 2 cohorts. RESULTS: A tumor pseudocapsule was noted in
      all 23 patients who received neoadjuvant axitinib and in all 23 control patients.
      Most pseudocapsules were noncontinuous and only partially covered the tumor,
      including in 17 of 23 axitinib cases (74%) and 19 of 23 controls (83%). In
      axitinib cases the median thickness of the intrarenal and extrarenal
      pseudocapsule was 1.4 and 2.4 mm, respectively, which was significantly thicker
      than in control cases (intrarenal p = 0.0008 and extrarenal p <0.0001). The
      thickness of the pseudocapsule in axitinib treated cases was more frequently
      irregular compared to that in controls (16 of 23 or 70% and 9 of 23 or 39%,
      respectively, p = 0.0746). Inflammation, nephrosclerosis, glomerulosclerosis and
      arteriosclerosis decreased with increasing distance from the tumor edge in the
      neoadjuvant axitinib and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: The tumor pseudocapsule
      becomes irregularly thick after neoadjuvant axitinib therapy. Although axitinib
      likely evokes a strong fibrous reaction in the tumor-parenchymal interface, it
      does not affect the frequency of infiltrative tumor invasion to the outside of
      the pseudocapsule or the degree of atrophic/inflammatory change in tissue
      surrounding the tumor. These findings support the notion that partial nephrectomy
      could be safely done in well selected patients after neoadjuvant axitinib.

PMID- 27678297
TI  - Return of naturally sourced Pb to Atlantic surface waters.
AB  - Anthropogenic emissions completely overwhelmed natural marine lead (Pb) sources
      during the past century, predominantly due to leaded petrol usage. Here, based on
      Pb isotope measurements, we reassess the importance of natural and anthropogenic
      Pb sources to the tropical North Atlantic following the nearly complete global
      cessation of leaded petrol use. Significant proportions of up to 30-50% of
      natural Pb, derived from mineral dust, are observed in Atlantic surface waters,
      reflecting the success of the global effort to reduce anthropogenic Pb emissions.
      The observation of mineral dust derived Pb in surface waters is governed by the
      elevated atmospheric mineral dust concentration of the North African dust plume
      and the dominance of dry deposition for the atmospheric aerosol flux to surface
      waters. Given these specific regional conditions, emissions from anthropogenic
      activities will remain the dominant global marine Pb source, even in the absence
      of leaded petrol combustion.

PMID- 27678300
TI  - Pediatric Renal Angiomyolipomas in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.
AB  - PURPOSE: Tuberous sclerosis complex is a genetic disorder characterized by the
      growth of hamartomas in multiple organs. Up to 80% of patients with tuberous
      sclerosis complex will have at least 1 angiomyolipoma in their lifetime. We
      describe the incidence and natural history of angiomyolipoma in a pediatric
      tuberous sclerosis complex population and analyze tumor growth to determine
      optimal renal imaging intervals in an effort to improve counseling, treatment and
      followup. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of all
      patients with tuberous sclerosis complex from 2004 to 2014. Patients were
      included if they had a clinical or genetic diagnosis of tuberous sclerosis
      complex and had undergone at least 1 renal imaging study. RESULTS: A total of 145
      patients were analyzed. Median age was 14 years (range 0 to 28). Overall
      incidence of angiomyolipoma was 50.3%. Median age at first angiomyolipoma
      detection was 11 years (range 2 to 26). Median yearly angiomyolipoma growth rate
      stratified by age at first detection was 0.0 mm for patients 0 to 6 years old,
      0.9 mm for those 7 to 11 years old, 2.5 mm for those 12 to 16 years old and 1.8
      mm for those 17 years old or older. Median yearly angiomyolipoma growth rate
      stratified by tumor size at first detection was 0.1 mm for tumors 0.6 to 0.9 cm,
      1.8 mm for those 1.0 to 1.9 cm and 4.3 mm for those 2.0 to 2.9 cm. A total of 35
      patients (24.1%) received mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) inhibitors. Eight
      patients underwent a total of 13 surgical interventions, of whom 2 had previously
      been treated with mTOR inhibitors. Median patient age at surgical intervention
      was 18.0 years and median angiomyolipoma size was 5.0 cm. CONCLUSIONS:
      Angiomyolipoma growth in children with tuberous sclerosis complex can be rapid
      and unpredictable. We recommend yearly renal ultrasound in all patients with
      tuberous sclerosis complex, with consideration of magnetic resonance imaging in
      those at risk for rapid growth and future intervention (ie those older than 11
      years and/or those with renal angiomyolipomas larger than 2 cm).

PMID- 27678299
TI  - Nocturnal Polyuria in Older Women with Urge Urinary Incontinence: Role of Sleep
      Quality, Time in Bed and Medications Used.
AB  - PURPOSE: Nocturia is common and bothersome in older adults, especially those who
      are also incontinent. Since nocturnal polyuria is a major contributor, we
      examined factors associated with nocturnal polyuria in this population to
      identify those possibly amenable to intervention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We
      analyzed baseline data from 2 previously completed studies of urge urinary
      incontinence. The studies involved 284 women (mean age +/- SD 72.9 +/- 7.9 years)
      who also completed 3-day voiding diaries. Participants with a nocturnal polyuria
      index greater than 33% were categorized as having nocturnal polyuria (nocturnal
      polyuria index = nocturnal urinary volume per 24-hour urine volume). Associations
      between nocturnal polyuria and various demographic, clinical and sleep related
      parameters were determined. RESULTS: Overall 55% of the participants had
      nocturnal polyuria. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that age, body
      mass index, use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor
      blocker, time spent in bed and duration of first uninterrupted sleep were
      independent correlates of nocturnal polyuria. Participants with a larger
      nocturnal excretion reported a shorter duration of uninterrupted sleep before
      first awakening to void and worse sleep quality despite spending similar time in
      bed. CONCLUSIONS: Body mass index, use of angiotensin converting enzyme
      inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blockers, time in bed and duration of
      uninterrupted sleep before first awakening to void are independently associated
      with nocturnal polyuria in older women with urge urinary incontinence, and are
      potentially modifiable. These findings also confirm the association between sleep
      and nocturnal polyuria. Further studies should explore whether interventions to
      reduce nocturnal polyuria and/or increase the duration of uninterrupted sleep
      before first awakening to void would help to improve sleep quality in this
      population and thereby reduce or eliminate the need for sedative hypnotics.

PMID- 27678301
TI  - Smart environment architecture for emotion detection and regulation.
AB  - This paper introduces an architecture as a proof-of-concept for emotion detection
      and regulation in smart health environments. The aim of the proposal is to detect
      the patient's emotional state by analysing his/her physiological signals, facial
      expression and behaviour. Then, the system provides the best-tailored actions in
      the environment to regulate these emotions towards a positive mood when possible.
      The current state-of-the-art in emotion regulation through music and colour/light
      is implemented with the final goal of enhancing the quality of life and care of
      the subject. The paper describes the three main parts of the architecture, namely
      "Emotion Detection", "Emotion Regulation" and "Emotion Feedback Control".
      "Emotion Detection" works with the data captured from the patient, whereas
      "Emotion Regulation" offers him/her different musical pieces and colour/light
      settings. "Emotion Feedback Control" performs as a feedback control loop to
      assess the effect of emotion regulation over emotion detection. We are currently
      testing the overall architecture and the intervention in real environments to
      achieve our final goal.

PMID- 27678302
TI  - Adiponectin protects the rats liver against chronic intermittent hypoxia induced
      injury through AMP-activated protein kinase pathway.
AB  - This study was performed to assess the effect of chronic intermittent hypoxia
      (CIH) on the liver, the associated mechanisms and the potential therapeutic roles
      of adiponectin (Ad). Sixty rats were randomly assigned to four groups: the normal
      control (NC), NC and Ad supplement (NC + Ad), CIH, and CIH and Ad supplement (CIH
      + Ad) groups. The rats in the CIH and CIH + Ad groups were exposed to a hypoxic
      environment for 4 months. Rats in the NC + Ad and CIH + Ad groups were also
      treated with an intravenous injection of Ad (10 ug), twice a week. The plasma
      levels of hepatic enzymes, serum triglyceride, liver triglyceride, fasting blood
      glucose and hepatic cell apoptosis in hepatic tissue, were higher in the CIH
      group than in the NC and NC + Ad groups. However, the Ad supplementation in the
      CIH + Ad group rescued the hepatic tissue insult by activating the AMP-activated
      protein kinase (AMPK) pathway. In conclusion, Ad could protect against CIH
      induced hepatic injury partly through the AMPK pathway.

PMID- 27678303
TI  - Erianin inhibits high glucose-induced retinal angiogenesis via blocking ERK1/2
      regulated HIF-1alpha-VEGF/VEGFR2 signaling pathway.
AB  - Erianin is a natural compound found in Dendrobium chrysotoxum Lindl. Diabetic
      retinopathy (DR) is a serious and common microvascular complication of diabetes.
      This study aims to investigate the inhibitory mechanism of erianin on retinal
      neoangiogenesis and its contribution to the amelioration of DR. Erianin blocked
      high glucose (HG)-induced tube formation and migration in choroid-retinal
      endothelial RF/6A cells. Erianin inhibited HG-induced vascular endothelial growth
      factor (VEGF) expression, hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1alpha)
      translocation into nucleus and ERK1/2 activation in RF/6A and microglia BV-2
      cells. MEK1/2 inhibitor U0126 blocked HG-induced HIF-1alpha and ERK1/2 activation
      in both above two cells. In addition, erianin abrogated VEGF-induced angiogenesis
      in vitro and in vivo, and also inhibited VEGF-induced activation of VEGF receptor
      2 (VEGFR2) and its downstream cRaf-MEK1/2-ERK1/2 and PI3K-AKT signaling pathways
      in RF/6A cells. Furthermore, erianin reduced the increased retinal vessels, VEGF
      expression and microglia activation in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced hyperglycemic
      and oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) mice. In conclusion, our results demonstrate
      that erianin inhibits retinal neoangiogenesis by abrogating HG-induced VEGF
      expression by blocking ERK1/2-mediated HIF-1alpha activation in retinal
      endothelial and microglial cells, and further suppressing VEGF-induced activation
      of VEGFR2 and its downstream signals in retinal endothelial cells.

PMID- 27678305
TI  - Fractal zone plate beam based optical tweezers.
AB  - We demonstrate optical manipulation with an optical beam generated by a fractral
      zone plate (FZP). The experimental results show that the FZP beam can
      simultaneously trap multiple particles positioned in different focal planes of
      the FZP beam, owing to the multiple foci and self-reconstruction property of the
      FZP beam. The FZP beam can also be used to construct three-dimensional optical
      tweezers for potential applications.

PMID- 27678304
TI  - Breast Cancer Cell Invasion into a Three Dimensional Tumor-Stroma
      Microenvironment.
AB  - In this study, to model 3D chemotactic tumor-stroma invasion in vitro, we
      developed an innovative microfluidic chip allowing side-by-side positioning of 3D
      hydrogel-based matrices. We were able to (1) create a dual matrix architecture
      that extended in a continuous manner, thus allowing invasion from one 3D matrix
      to another, and (2) establish distinct regions of tumor and stroma cell/ECM
      compositions, with a clearly demarcated tumor invasion front, thus allowing us to
      quantitatively analyze progression of cancer cells into the stroma at a tissue or
      single-cell level. We showed significantly enhanced cancer cell invasion in
      response to a transient gradient of epidermal growth factor (EGF). 3D tracking at
      the single-cell level displayed increased migration speed and persistence.
      Subsequently, we analyzed changes in expression of EGF receptors, cell aspect
      ratio, and protrusive activity. These findings show the unique ability of our
      model to quantitatively analyze 3D chemotactic invasion, both globally by
      tracking the progression of the invasion front, and at the single-cell level by
      examining changes in cellular behavior and morphology using high-resolution
      imaging. Taken together, we have shown a novel model recapitulating 3D tumor
      stroma interactions for studies of real-time cell invasion and morphological
      changes within a single platform.

PMID- 27678306
TI  - Dental caries, fluorosis, oral health determinants, and quality of life in
      adolescents.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the extent to which dental caries and
      fluorosis, in addition to sociodemographic and oral health behavior determinants,
      impact the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of adolescents. METHODS:
      All adolescents attending from sixth to eighth grades in the Region of Itapoa,
      Federal District of Brazil (n = 1122), were screened, and 618 10-15-year-olds
      were selected. Parents answered a questionnaire about their family's
      socioeconomic status. Adolescents answered a questionnaire about demographic and
      oral health behavior determinants in addition to the Child Perception
      Questionnaire. RESULTS: Cavitated dentine lesions and fluorosis were observed in
      39.5 and 48.5 %, respectively. The outcome was a high score on OHRQoL (median
      split >9). The prevalence of adolescents with at least one domain being impacted
      "often" or "every day/almost every day" was 34.8 %. Adolescents with tooth
      brushing frequency <=once per day and with moderate or severe cavitated dentine
      lesions reported a significant impact on their OHRQoL (p = 0.002; p = 0.001).
      Fluorosis did not impact daily life performances (p = 0.545). CONCLUSION:
      Increased impact on OHRQoL was related to the severity of cavitated dentine
      lesions, but fluorosis resulting from combined fluoride exposure from early ages
      was not of concern for the adolescents. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Combined fluoride
      exposure from fluoridated drinking water, consumption of food prepared with
      fluoridated water, and daily twice brushing with conventional fluoride toothpaste
      from early ages may be recommended to control caries progression at population
      level without impact on OHRQoL. This information is particularly relevant for
      supporting oral health police for disadvantaged populations.

PMID- 27678307
TI  - Quantitative Proteomics Reveals the Defense Response of Wheat against Puccinia
      striiformis f. sp. tritici.
AB  - Wheat stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is
      considered one of the most aggressive diseases to wheat production. In this
      study, we used an iTRAQ-based approach for the quantitative proteomic comparison
      of the incompatible Pst race CYR23 in infected and non-infected leaves of the
      wheat cultivar Suwon11. A total of 3,475 unique proteins were identified from
      three key stages of interaction (12, 24, and 48 h post-inoculation) and control
      groups. Quantitative analysis showed that 530 proteins were differentially
      accumulated by Pst infection (fold changes >1.5, p < 0.05). Among these proteins,
      10.54% was classified as involved in the immune system process and stimulus
      response. Intriguingly, bioinformatics analysis revealed that a set of reactive
      oxygen species metabolism-related proteins, peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerases
      (PPIases), RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), and chaperonins was involved in the
      response to Pst infection. Our results were the first to show that PPIases, RBPs,
      and chaperonins participated in the regulation of the immune response in wheat
      and even in plants. This study aimed to provide novel routes to reveal wheat gene
      functionality and better understand the early events in wheat-Pst incompatible
      interactions.

PMID- 27678308
TI  - Design and Testing of BACRA, a Web-Based Tool for Middle Managers at Health Care
      Facilities to Lead the Search for Solutions to Patient Safety Incidents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lack of time, lack of familiarity with root cause analysis, or
      suspicion that the reporting may result in negative consequences hinder
      involvement in the analysis of safety incidents and the search for preventive
      actions that can improve patient safety. OBJECTIVE: The aim was develop a tool
      that enables hospitals and primary care professionals to immediately analyze the
      causes of incidents and to propose and implement measures intended to prevent
      their recurrence. METHODS: The design of the Web-based tool (BACRA) considered
      research on the barriers for reporting, review of incident analysis tools, and
      the experience of eight managers from the field of patient safety. BACRA's design
      was improved in successive versions (BACRA v1.1 and BACRA v1.2) based on feedback
      from 86 middle managers. BACRA v1.1 was used by 13 frontline professionals to
      analyze incidents of safety; 59 professionals used BACRA v1.2 and assessed the
      respective usefulness and ease of use of both versions. RESULTS: BACRA contains
      seven tabs that guide the user through the process of analyzing a safety incident
      and proposing preventive actions for similar future incidents. BACRA does not
      identify the person completing each analysis since the password introduced to
      hide said analysis only is linked to the information concerning the incident and
      not to any personal data. The tool was used by 72 professionals from hospitals
      and primary care centers. BACRA v1.2 was assessed more favorably than BACRA v1.1,
      both in terms of its usefulness (z=2.2, P=.03) and its ease of use (z=3.0,
      P=.003). CONCLUSIONS: BACRA helps to analyze incidents of safety and to propose
      preventive actions. BACRA guarantees anonymity of the analysis and reduces the
      reluctance of professionals to carry out this task. BACRA is useful and easy to
      use.

PMID- 27678311
TI  - Foreword.

PMID- 27678310
TI  - Controllability and hippocampal activation during pain expectation in
      fibromyalgia syndrome.
AB  - To examine the role of perceived control in pain perception, fibromyalgia
      patients and healthy controls participated in a reaction time experiment under
      different conditions of pain controllability. No significant differences between
      groups were found in pain intensity and unpleasantness ratings. However, during
      the expectation of uncontrollable pain, patients compared to controls showed
      higher hippocampal activation. In addition, hippocampal activity during the pain
      expectation period predicted activation of the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC),
      precuneus and hippocampus during pain stimulation in fibromyalgia patients. The
      increased activation of the hippocampus during pain expectation and subsequent
      activation of the PCC/precuneus during the lack of control phase points towards
      an influence of pain perception through heightening of alertness and anxiety
      responses to pain in fibromyalgia patients.

PMID- 27678309
TI  - Functional characterization of p53 pathway components in the ancient metazoan
      Trichoplax adhaerens.
AB  - The identification of genes encoding a p53 family member and an Mdm2 ortholog in
      the ancient placozoan Trichoplax adhaerens advocates for the evolutionary
      conservation of a pivotal stress-response pathway observed in all higher
      eukaryotes. Here, we recapitulate several key functionalities ascribed to this
      known interacting protein pair by analysis of the placozoan proteins (Tap53 and
      TaMdm2) using both in vitro and cellular assays. In addition to interacting with
      each other, the Tap53 and TaMdm2 proteins are also able to respectively bind
      human Mdm2 and p53, providing strong evidence for functional conservation. The
      key p53-degrading function of Mdm2 is also conserved in TaMdm2. Tap53 retained
      DNA binding associated with p53 transcription activation function. However, it
      lacked transactivation function in reporter genes assays using a heterologous
      cell line, suggesting a cofactor incompatibility. Overall, the data supports
      functional roles for TaMdm2 and Tap53, and further defines the p53 pathway as an
      evolutionary conserved fulcrum mediating cellular response to stress.

PMID- 27678312
TI  - Cancer in Central and South America: Methodology.
AB  - Statistics on cancer incidence from Central and South American countries are
      scarce because of the small number of population-based cancer registries that
      continuously collect data. Similarly, comparable statistics on cancer mortality
      are sparse in spite of efforts made to improve coverage in the last decade. The
      aim of this study is to describe geographical patterns and trends in cancer
      incidence and mortality in Central and South America in the 21st century. The
      primary objective was to obtain the best quality cancer data available from each
      country within the region. Cancer incidence data were obtained from population
      based cancer registries within the region and, in countries where these did not
      exist, from hospital-based registries; national mortality data were obtained from
      the World Health Organization mortality database. Given the variability in data
      quality - mainly due to the age and development in maturity of the registries, an
      exhaustive review of the data was necessary in order to appropriately analyze,
      describe and interpret patterns of cancer incidence and mortality between
      countries and within cancer-specific sites. This paper presents the methods
      employed in the collection, quality control and analysis of the datasets received
      for the project.

PMID- 27678313
TI  - Female breast cancer in Central and South America.
AB  - RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVE: The burden of breast cancer has increased worldwide.
      Breast cancer mortality has been increasing in Central and South America (CSA) in
      the last few decades. We describe the current burden of breast cancer in CSA and
      review the current status of disease control. METHODS: We obtained regional- and
      national-level incidence data from 48 population-based cancer registries in 13
      countries and cancer deaths from the WHO mortality database for 18 countries. We
      estimated world population age-standardized incidence and mortality rates per
      100,000 person-years for 2003-2007 and the estimated annual percentage change to
      describe time trends. RESULTS: In the most recent 5-year period, Argentina,
      Brazil, and Uruguay had the highest incidence rates (67.7-71.9) and Bolivia and
      El Salvador had the lowest (7.9-12.7). For most countries, mortality rates were
      <=12.3, except in Uruguay, Argentina and Cuba (14.9-20.5). Age-specific rates
      increased after the age of 40-50 years and reached a maximum after age 65 years
      (mean age at diagnosis 56-62 years). Most countries have developed national
      screening guidelines; however, there is limited capacity for screening.
      CONCLUSION: The geographic variation of breast cancer rates may be explained by
      differences in the prevalence of reproductive patterns, lifestyle factors, early
      detection, and healthcare access. Extending early-detection programs is
      challenging because of inequalities in healthcare access and coverage, limited
      funding, and inadequate infrastructure, and thus it may not be feasible. Given
      the current status of breast cancer in CSA, data generated by population-based
      cancer registries is urgently needed for effective planning for cancer control.

PMID- 27678314
TI  - Cervical cancer in Central and South America: Burden of disease and status of
      disease control.
AB  - RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVE: More than 20 years after cytology-based screening was
      introduced in Central and South America (CSA), cervical cancer remains a leading
      cause of cancer incidence and mortality in the region. Although several
      population-based registries exist in the region, few comprehensive analyses have
      been conducted to describe the status of cervical cancer control. METHODS:
      Population-based data from cancer registries in 13 countries and mortality data
      from 18 countries in CSA were analyzed. Standardized incidence and mortality
      rates were estimated and time trend analysis performed when information was
      available. In addition, a search of available data on HPV vaccination and
      cervical cancer screening was carried out. RESULTS: Cervical cancer incidence and
      mortality have decreased in some CSA countries, with an annual percentage change
      from -4.2 to -6.7 for incidence and -0.2 to -8.3 for mortality. In total, seven
      countries have age-standardized mortality rates over 10 per 100,000 women,
      generally corresponding to those with the lowest income levels. All countries
      have implemented screening programs with different extents of coverage and levels
      of organization. To date, nine countries have introduced HPV vaccination in
      national immunization programs. CONCLUSIONS: Despite incidence declines observed
      in some countries, cervical cancer mortality remained almost stable in most
      countries in the region. Decreases in mortality trends in Chile and Costa Rica
      are probably the result of early detection programs. Better organized programs
      might favor greater impact on cancer incidence and mortality, but technological
      developments offer more suitable opportunities for prevention and alternative
      approaches for screening of precancerous lesions.

PMID- 27678315
TI  - Prostate cancer burden in Central and South America.
AB  - RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVE: The incidence of prostate cancer has increased in
      Central and South America (CSA) in the last few decades. We describe the
      geographical patterns and trends of prostate cancer in CSA. METHODS: We obtained
      regional and national-level cancer incidence data from 48 population-based
      registries in 13 countries and nation-wide cancer deaths from the WHO mortality
      database for 18 countries. We estimated world population age-standardized
      incidence (ASR) and mortality (ASMR) rates per 100,000 person-years for 2003-2007
      and the estimated annual percent change (EAPC) to describe time trends. RESULTS:
      Prostate cancer was the most common cancer diagnosis and one of the leading
      causes of cancer deaths among males in most CSA countries. From 2003-2007, ASRs
      varied between countries (6-fold) and within countries (Brazil: 3-6-fold). French
      Guyana (147.1) and Brazil (91.4) had the highest ASRs whereas Mexico (28.9) and
      Cuba (24.3) had the lowest. ASMRs varied by 4-fold. Belize, Uruguay and Cuba
      (24.1-28.9) had the highest ASMRs while Peru, Nicaragua, and El Salvador (6.8
      9.7) had the lowest. In Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Costa Rica prostate cancer
      incidence increased by 2.8-4.8% annually whereas mortality remained stable
      between 1997 and 2008. CONCLUSION: The geographic and temporal variation of
      prostate cancer rates observed in CSA may in part reflect differences in
      diagnostic and registration practices, healthcare access, treatment and death
      certification, and public awareness. The incidence of prostate cancer is expected
      to increase given recent early detection activities and increased public
      awareness; however, the impact of these factors on mortality remains to be
      elucidated.

PMID- 27678316
TI  - Descriptive epidemiology of brain and central nervous system cancers in Central
      and South America.
AB  - RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVE: Although malignant tumors of the brain and central
      nervous system (CNS) represent less than 3% of new cancer cases estimated
      worldwide, they cause significant morbidity and in the case of gliomas, the most
      common histological type, have a poor prognosis. We describe patterns and trends
      in brain and CNS incidence and mortality in Central and South America. METHODS:
      We obtained regional- and national-level incidence data from 48 population-based
      cancer registries in 13 countries and cancer deaths from the WHO mortality
      database for 18 countries. We estimated world population age-standardized
      incidence rates (ASRs) and mortality rates (ASMRs) per 100,000 person-years, and
      present incidence by histological subtypes. RESULTS: In general, incidence rates
      were higher in males than in females. The highest incidence ASRs were observed
      for Cuba (5.1 males, 3.6 females) in Central America, and for Brazil (6.4 males,
      4.8 females) and Uruguay (6.2 and 4.0) in South America. Mortality rates closely
      followed the pattern of incidence rates. Argentina, Brazil and Chile showed
      increasing mortality trends, although these were not statistically significant.
      Glioma and unspecified tumors were the most common histological types, accounting
      for 55.4% and 32.8%, respectively. The proportion of microscopically verified
      diagnoses was 47-70% in most countries. CONCLUSION: Although incidence and
      mortality rates in general were low, some countries displayed high- to
      intermediate-level incidence rates; under-reporting and under-ascertainment of
      cases could contribute to the geographic variations observed. There is a need to
      improve both the ascertainment of cases and the accuracy of histological
      diagnosis. Monitoring of brain and CNS cancers along with etiological research
      remain priorities.

PMID- 27678317
TI  - Thyroid cancer burden in Central and South America.
AB  - RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVE: Incidence of thyroid cancer (TC) is rapidly increasing
      worldwide, but little is known about the TC burden in Central and South America
      (CSA). We describe the geographic patterns and trends of TC by sex in CSA.
      METHODS: We obtained regional- and national-level incidence data from 48
      population-based cancer registries in 13 countries and nationwide cancer deaths
      from the WHO mortality database for 18 countries. We estimated world population
      age-standardized incidence rates (ASRs) and age-standardized mortality rates
      (ASMRs) per 100,000 person-years. We calculated ASRs by histological subtype. We
      estimated the annual percentage change (EAPC) to describe time trends. RESULTS:
      Between CSA countries, TC incidence and mortality rates varied from 8-fold to 12
      fold and from 2-fold to 5-fold, respectively. In 2003-2007, the highest TC ASRs
      in females and males were in Ecuador (16.0 and 3.5, respectively), Brazil (14.4
      and 3.4), Costa Rica (12.6 and 2.1) and Colombia (10.7 and 2.5). The highest
      ASMRs were in Ecuador, Colombia, Mexico, Peru and Panama (0.68-0.91 in females
      and 0.41-0.48 in males). Papillary TC was the most commonly diagnosed
      histological subtype, following the same incidence pattern as overall TC. In
      Argentinean, Brazilian, Chilean and Costa Rican females TC incidence increased by
      2.2-17.9% annually, and papillary TC increased by 9.1-15.0% annually, while
      mortality remained stable between 1997 and 2008. In males, trends in TC were
      stable. CONCLUSION: TC occurred more frequently in females than in males. The
      overall high incidence and low mortality of TC suggest identification of
      subclinical disease due to improved detection methods.

PMID- 27678318
TI  - Hodgkin lymphoma burden in Central and South America.
AB  - RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVE: Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is largely curable owing to
      improvements in treatment since the 1960s; nevertheless, high mortality rates
      have been reported in Central and South America. We describe the current burden
      of HL in the Central and South American region. METHODS: We obtained regional-
      and national-level incidence data from 48 population-based cancer registries in
      13 countries, and national-level mortality data from the WHO mortality database
      for 18 countries. We estimated world population age-standardized incidence rates
      (ASRs) and age-standardized mortality rates (ASMRs) per 100,000 person-years for
      2003-2007 and present distributions by histological subtype. RESULTS: HL
      incidence rates varied 7-fold in males and 11-fold in females (male-to-female
      ratio 1:1-2.5:1). The highest ASRs were seen Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica
      (males), Cuba (males) and Uruguay (females), whereas the lowest were in Bolivia
      and El Salvador. ASMRs varied by 4-fold in males and 6-fold in females (male-to
      female ratio 1:1-4.3:1), with ASMRs <0.7 for most countries, except Cuba (>=1.0).
      In most countries, age-specific incidence rates of HL showed a bimodal pattern.
      Trends in HL in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Costa Rica remained stable in 1997
      2008. Of all HL cases, 48% were unspecified as to histological subtype. Nodular
      sclerosis and mixed cellularity were the most frequent histologies. CONCLUSION:
      The geographic variation in HL across the region may in part reflect differences
      in data quality and coverage, and differences in the adoption of modern therapies
      and healthcare access. Our results highlight the need for high-quality data and
      increased coverage in order to provide vital guidance for future cancer control
      activities.

PMID- 27678319
TI  - The burden of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in Central and South America.
AB  - RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVE: The burden of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) has increased
      in some Central and South American countries. We describe the current patterns
      and trends in NHL incidence and mortality in Central and South America. METHODS:
      We obtained regional- and national-level incidence data from 48 population-based
      cancer registries in 13 countries, and national-level cancer mortality data from
      the WHO mortality database for 18 countries. We estimated world population age
      standardized incidence rates (ASRs) and mortality rates (ASMRs) per 100,000
      person-years for 2003-2007, and presented distributions by histological subtype.
      RESULTS: NHL incidence and mortality rates varied between countries by 2-8- and 6
      fold, respectively. ASRs per 100,000 ranged from 1.4 to 10.9 among males and 1.3
      9.2 among females. Corresponding ASMRs were between 0.5 and 4.8 among males and
      between 0.5 and 3.0 among females. The highest incidence was observed in Uruguay
      (males), Ecuador, Peru and Colombia (males). The highest mortality was seen in
      Uruguay and Costa Rica. Trends in NHL incidence and mortality in Argentina,
      Brazil, Chile and Costa Rica did not show marked changes. B-cell neoplasms and
      NHL not otherwise specified (NOS) accounted for 44% and 34% of all NHL cases.
      Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, NOS, was the most frequent histological subtype.
      CONCLUSION: The geographic variations in NHL rates may partially reflect
      differences in registration practices, disease classification, diagnostic
      practice, and death certification quality. There is a need for high-quality data
      and improvements in the accuracy of NHL histological diagnosis. Given the
      expected increase in NHL, careful monitoring of rates remains a priority to guide
      cancer control programs.

PMID- 27678320
TI  - Cancer patterns and trends in Central and South America.
AB  - RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVE: Cancer burden is increasing in Central and South America
      (CSA). We describe the current burden of cancer in CSA. METHODS: We obtained
      regional and national-level cancer incidence data from 48 population-based
      registries (13 countries) and nation-wide cancer mortality data from the WHO (18
      countries). We estimated world population age-standardized incidence and
      mortality rates per 100,000 person-years. RESULTS: The leading cancers diagnosed
      were prostate, lung, breast, cervix, colorectal, and stomach, which were also the
      primary causes of cancer mortality. Countries of high/very high human development
      index (HDI) in the region experienced a high burden of prostate and breast cancer
      while medium HDI countries had a high burden of stomach and cervical cancers.
      Between countries, incidence and mortality from all cancers combined varied by 2
      3-fold. French Guyana, Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina had the highest incidence
      of all cancers while Uruguay, Cuba, Argentina, and Chile had the highest
      mortality. Incidence of colorectum, prostate and thyroid cancers increased in
      Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Costa Rica from 1997 to 2008, while lung, stomach
      and cervical cancers decreased. CONCLUSION: CSA carries a double-burden of
      cancer, with elevated rates of infection- and lifestyle-related cancers.
      Encountered variation in cancer rates between countries may reflect differences
      in registration practices, healthcare access, and public awareness. Resource
      dependent interventions to prevent, early diagnose, and treat cancer remain an
      urgent priority. There is an overwhelming need to improve the quality and
      coverage of cancer registration to guide and evaluate future cancer control
      policies and programs.

PMID- 27678321
TI  - Cancer in Central and South America: Introduction.
AB  - Central and South American countries (including Cuba) are experiencing rapid
      socio-demographic and epidemiologic changes and the nature of health problems are
      undergoing transition from infectious to chronic diseases, including cancer.
      Countries are poorly prepared to respond effectively to the subsequent challenges
      posed by the new patterns of disease. Existing data delineating the number of
      cancer cases and the distribution of cancer types from each country in the region
      are sparse due to limitations on health information systems for recording
      incidence and mortality despite improvements made in recent years. There is an
      urgent need for reliable statistics on cancer to inform governmental entities
      responsible for cancer control in the region. We attempted to obtain the best
      available cancer data from each country located in the region to provide an
      overview of current geographic patterns of cancer incidence and mortality in the
      21st century.

PMID- 27678322
TI  - Head and neck cancer burden and preventive measures in Central and South America.
AB  - RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVE: Central and South America comprise one of the areas
      characterized by high incidence rates for head and neck cancer. We describe the
      geographical and temporal trends in incidence and mortality of head and neck
      cancers in the Central and South American region in order to identify
      opportunities for intervention on the major identified risk factors: tobacco
      control, alcohol use and viral infections. METHODS: We obtained regional- and
      national-level incidence data from 48 population-based cancer registries in 13
      countries and cancer deaths from the WHO mortality database for 18 countries. Age
      standardized incidence (ASR) and mortality (ASMR) rates per 100,000 person-years
      were estimated. RESULTS: Brazil had the highest incidence rates for oral and
      pharyngeal cancer in the region for both sexes, followed by Cuba, Uruguay and
      Argentina. Cuba had the highest incidence and mortality rates of laryngeal cancer
      in the region for males and females. Overall, males had rates about four times
      higher than those in females. Most countries in the region have implemented WHO
      recommendations for both tobacco and alcohol public policy control. CONCLUSION:
      Head and neck squamous-cell cancer (HNSCC) incidence and mortality rates in the
      Central and South America region vary considerably across countries, with Brazil,
      Cuba, French Guyana, Uruguay and Argentina experiencing the highest rates in the
      region. Males carry most of the HNSCC burden. Improvement and implementation of
      comprehensive tobacco and alcohol control policies as well as the monitoring of
      these factors are fundamental to prevention of head and neck cancers in the
      region.

PMID- 27678323
TI  - The burden of oesophageal cancer in Central and South America.
AB  - RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVE: Oesophageal cancer shows marked geographic variations
      and is one of the leading causes of cancer death worldwide. We described the
      burden of this malignancy in Central and South America. METHODS: Regional and
      national level incidence data were obtained from 48 population-based cancer
      registries in 13 countries. Mortality data were obtained from the WHO mortality
      database. Incidence of oesophageal cancer by histological subtype were available
      from high-quality population-based cancer registries. RESULTS: Males had higher
      incidence and mortality rates than females (male-to-female ratios: 2-6:1 and 2
      5:1). In 2003-2007, the highest rates were in Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina and
      Chile. Mortality rates followed the incidence patterns. Incidence of oesophageal
      squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was higher than adenocarcinoma (AC), except in
      females from Cuenca (Ecuador). SCC and AC incidence were higher in males than
      females, except in the Region of Antofagasta and Valdivia (Chile), Manizales
      (Colombia) and Cuenca (Ecuador). Incidence and mortality rates tended to decline
      in Argentina, Chile, Brazil (incidence) and Costa Rica from 1997 to 2008.
      CONCLUSION: The geographic variation and sex disparity in oesophageal cancer
      across Central and South America may reflect differences in the prevalence of
      tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption which highlights the need to implement
      and/or strengthen tobacco and alcohol control policies. Mate consumption,
      obesity, diet and Helicobacter pylori infection may also explain the variation in
      oesophageal cancer rates but these relationships should be evaluated. Continuous
      monitoring of oesophageal cancer rates is necessary to provide the basis for
      cancer prevention and control in the region.

PMID- 27678324
TI  - Stomach cancer burden in Central and South America.
AB  - RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVE: Stomach cancer mortality rates in Central and South
      America (CSA) are among the highest in the world. We describe the current burden
      of stomach cancer in CSA. METHODS: We obtained regional and national-level cancer
      incidence data from 48 population-based registries (13 countries) and nation-wide
      cancer deaths from WHO's mortality database (18 countries). We estimated world
      population age-standardized incidence (ASR) and mortality (ASMR) rates per
      100,000 and estimated annual percent change to describe time trends. RESULTS:
      Stomach cancer was among the 5 most frequently diagnosed cancers and a leading
      cause of cancer mortality. Between CSA countries, incidence varied by 6-fold and
      mortality by 5-6-fold. Males had up to 3-times higher rates than females. From
      2003 to 2007, the highest ASRs were in Chile, Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador,
      Brazil and Peru (males: 19.2-29.1, females: 9.7-15.1). The highest ASMRs were in
      Chilean, Costa Rican, Colombian and Guatemalan males (17.4-24.6) and in
      Guatemalan, Ecuadorian and Peruvian females (10.5-17.1). From 1997 to 2008,
      incidence declined by 4% per year in Brazil, Chile and Costa Rica; mortality
      declined by 3-4% in Costa Rica and Chile. 60-96% of all the cancer cases were
      unspecified in relation to gastric sub-site but, among those specified, non
      cardia cancers occurred 2-13-times more frequently than cardia cancers.
      CONCLUSION: The variation in rates may reflect differences in the prevalence of
      Helicobacter pylori infection and other risk factors. High mortality may
      additionally reflect deficiencies in healthcare access. The high proportion of
      unspecified cases calls for improving cancer registration processes.

PMID- 27678325
TI  - Burden of colorectal cancer in Central and South America.
AB  - RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVE: The colorectal cancer (CRC) burden is increasing in
      Central and South American due to an ongoing transition towards higher levels of
      human development. We describe the burden of CRC in the region and review the
      current status of disease control. METHODS: We obtained regional- and national
      level incidence data from 48 population-based cancer registries in 13 countries,
      as well as cancer deaths from the WHO mortality database for 18 countries. We
      estimated world population age-standardized incidence (ASR) and mortality (ASMR)
      rates per 100,000 person-years for 2003-2007 and the estimated annual percentage
      change for 1997-2008. RESULTS: The CRC rate in males was 1-2 times higher than
      that in females. In 2003-2007, the highest ASRs were seen in Uruguayan, Brazilian
      and Argentinean males (25.2-34.2) and Uruguayan and Brazilian females (21.5
      24.7), while El Salvador had the lowest ASR in both sexes (males: 1.5, females:
      1.3). ASMRs were<10 for both sexes, except in Uruguay, Cuba and Argentina (10.0
      17.7 and 11.3-12.0). CRC incidence is increasing in Chilean males. Most countries
      have national screening guidelines. Uruguay and Argentina have implemented
      national screening programs. CONCLUSION: Geographic variation in CRC and sex gaps
      may be explained by differences in the prevalence of obesity, physical
      inactivity, diet, smoking and alcohol consumption, early detection, and cancer
      registration practices. Establishing optimal CRC screening programs is
      challenging due to lack of healthcare access and coverage, funding, regional
      differences and inadequate infrastructure, and may not be feasible. Given the
      current status of CRC in the region, data generated by population-based cancer
      registries is crucial for cancer control planning.

PMID- 27678326
TI  - Burden of gallbladder cancer in Central and South America.
AB  - RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVE: Gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) is a rare neoplasm yet it is
      the most common malignancy of the biliary tract and its prognosis is poor.
      Incidence of GBC is high in some areas of Central and South America and the
      Caribbean. We described the current burden of GBC in Central and South America
      (CSA). METHODS: We obtained GBC incidence data from 48 population-based cancer
      registries in 13 countries in CSA, and national level cancer death data from the
      WHO mortality data base for 18 countries. We estimated World population age
      standardized incidence and mortality rates per 100,000 persons-years, including
      distribution and incidence rates by anatomic subsite. RESULTS: GBC rates were the
      highest in countries located in the Andean region. In 2003-2007, Chile had the
      highest incidence and mortality rates in CSA (17.1 and 12.9 in females and 7.3
      and 6.0 in males, respectively). Females had higher GBC rates than males. The
      most frequently diagnosed anatomic subsite was gallbladder (60%). Unspecified
      subsite represented 21% of all cases. Trends in incidence and mortality of GBC
      remained unchanged in Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Costa Rica in 1998-2008.
      CONCLUSION: GBC rates varied extensively across the CSA region reflecting, in
      part, differences in data quality, coverage and healthcare access. Chile had the
      highest GBC rates in CSA and the world. The large proportion of unspecified cases
      indicates low precision in diagnosis/registration and highlights the need to
      promote and improve cancer registration in the region to better understand the
      burden of GBC in CSA.

PMID- 27678327
TI  - Descriptive epidemiology of lung cancer and current status of tobacco control
      measures in Central and South America.
AB  - RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVE: Lung cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and
      the leading cause of cancer death in the world. In Central and South America lung
      cancer is now one of most frequent cancers and the leading cause of cancer
      related death in both sexes. We describe patterns and trends in lung cancer
      incidence and mortality in Central and South America and give a brief overview of
      the current status of tobacco control measures based on the most recent MPOWER
      report. METHODS: We obtained regional and national-level incidence data from 48
      population-based cancer registries in 13 countries and cancer deaths from the WHO
      mortality database for 18 countries. We estimated world population age
      standardized incidence and mortality rates per 100,000 person-years. Incidence of
      lung cancer by histological subtype were only available from high-quality
      population-based cancer registries for the period 2003-2007. RESULTS: The highest
      incidence and mortality rates in the region were seen among males in Argentina,
      Cuba, Chile and Uruguay. Adenocarcinoma was the most frequent histological type
      overall, though squamous carcinoma was more frequent in Antofagasta-Chile and
      Villa Clara-Cuba. Smoke-free policies and warnings are widely implemented tobacco
      control measures; cessation is offered but the costs are not covered by health
      systems in the majority of countries. CONCLUSION: The high burden of lung cancer
      in the region highlights the need to improve long term information and strengthen
      current tobacco control policies including aggressive taxing measures and
      supporting smoking cessation in order to achieve the targeted reductions in
      smoking prevalence.

PMID- 27678328
TI  - Pull-out strength of cemented solid versus fenestrated pedicle screws in
      osteoporotic vertebrae.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Cement augmentation of pedicle screws could be used to improve screw
      stability, especially in osteoporotic vertebrae. However, little is known
      concerning the influence of different screw types and amount of cement applied.
      Therefore, the aim of this biomechanical in vitro study was to evaluate the
      effect of cement augmentation on the screw pull-out force in osteoporotic
      vertebrae, comparing different pedicle screws (solid and fenestrated) and cement
      volumes (0 mL, 1 mL or 3 mL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 54 osteoporotic
      human cadaver thoracic and lumbar vertebrae were instrumented with pedicle screws
      (uncemented, solid cemented or fenestrated cemented) and augmented with high
      viscosity PMMA cement (0 mL, 1 mL or 3 mL). The insertion torque and bone mineral
      density were determined. Radiographs and CT scans were undertaken to evaluate
      cement distribution and cement leakage. Pull-out testing was performed with a
      material testing machine to measure failure load and stiffness. The paired t-test
      was used to compare the two screws within each vertebra. RESULTS: Mean failure
      load was significantly greater for fenestrated cemented screws (+622 N; p ?
      0.001) and solid cemented screws (+460 N; p ? 0.001) than for uncemented screws.
      There was no significant difference between the solid and fenestrated cemented
      screws (p = 0.5). In the lower thoracic vertebrae, 1 mL cement was enough to
      significantly increase failure load, while 3 mL led to further significant
      improvement in the upper thoracic, lower thoracic and lumbar regions. CONCLUSION:
      Conventional, solid pedicle screws augmented with high-viscosity cement provided
      comparable screw stability in pull-out testing to that of sophisticated and more
      expensive fenestrated screws. In terms of cement volume, we recommend the use of
      at least 1 mL in the thoracic and 3 mL in the lumbar spine.Cite this article: C.
      I. Leichtle, A. Lorenz, S. Rothstock, J. Happel, F. Walter, T. Shiozawa, U. G.
      Leichtle. Pull-out strength of cemented solid versus fenestrated pedicle screws
      in osteoporotic vertebrae. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:419-426.

PMID- 27678329
TI  - Pharmacokinetics of gentamicin eluted from a regenerating bone graft substitute:
      In vitro and clinical release studies.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Deep bone and joint infections (DBJI) are directly intertwined with
      health, demographic change towards an elderly population, and wellbeing.The
      elderly human population is more prone to acquire infections, and the
      consequences such as pain, reduced quality of life, morbidity, absence from work
      and premature retirement due to disability place significant burdens on already
      strained healthcare systems and societal budgets.DBJIs are less responsive to
      systemic antibiotics because of poor vascular perfusion in necrotic bone, large
      bone defects and persistent biofilm-based infection. Emerging bacterial
      resistance poses a major threat and new innovative treatment modalities are
      urgently needed to curb its current trajectory. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present
      a new biphasic ceramic bone substitute consisting of hydroxyapatite and calcium
      sulphate for local antibiotic delivery in combination with bone regeneration.
      Gentamicin release was measured in four setups: 1) in vitro elution in Ringer's
      solution; 2) local elution in patients treated for trochanteric hip fractures or
      uncemented hip revisions; 3) local elution in patients treated with a bone tumour
      resection; and 4) local elution in patients treated surgically for chronic
      corticomedullary osteomyelitis. RESULTS: The release pattern in vitro was
      comparable with the obtained release in the patient studies. No recurrence was
      detected in the osteomyelitis group at latest follow-up (minimum 1.5 years).
      CONCLUSIONS: This new biphasic bone substitute containing antibiotics provides
      safe prevention of bone infections in a range of clinical situations. The in
      vitro test method predicts the in vivo performance and makes it a reliable tool
      in the development of future antibiotic-eluting bone-regenerating materials.Cite
      this article: M. Stravinskas, P. Horstmann, J. Ferguson, W. Hettwer, M. Nilsson,
      S. Tarasevicius, M. M. Petersen, M. A. McNally, L. Lidgren. Pharmacokinetics of
      gentamicin eluted from a regenerating bone graft substitute: In vitro and
      clinical release studies. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:427-435. DOI: 10.1302/2046
      3758.59.BJR-2016-0108.R1.

PMID- 27678330
TI  - Cross-talk between Human Papillomavirus Oncoproteins and Hedgehog Signaling
      Synergistically Promotes Stemness in Cervical Cancer Cells.
AB  - Viral oncoproteins E6/E7 play key oncogenic role in human papillomavirus (HPV)
      mediated cervical carcinogenesis in conjunction with aberrant activation of
      cellular signaling events. GLI-signaling has been implicated in metastasis and
      tumor recurrence of cervical cancer. However, the interaction of GLI-signaling
      with HPV oncogenes is unknown. We examined this relationship in established HPV
      positive and HPV-negative cervical cancer cell lines using specific GLI
      inhibitor, cyclopamine and HPVE6/E7 siRNAs. Cervical cancer cell lines showed
      variable expression of GLI-signaling components. HPV16-positive SiHa cells,
      overexpressed GLI1, Smo and Patch. Inhibition by cyclopamine resulted in dose
      dependent reduction of Smo and GLI1 and loss of cell viability with a higher
      magnitude in HPV-positive cells. Cyclopamine selectively downregulated HPVE6
      expression and resulted in p53 accumulation, whereas HPVE7 and pRb level remained
      unaffected. siRNA-mediated silencing of HPV16E6 demonstrated reduced GLI1
      transcripts in SiHa cells. Cervical cancer stem-like cells isolated by side
      population analysis, displayed retention of E6 and GLI1 expression. Fraction of
      SP cells was reduced in cyclopamine-treated cultures. When combined with E6
      silencing cyclopamine resulted in loss of SP cell's sphere-forming ability. Co
      inhibition of GLI1 and E6 in cervical cancer cells showed additive anti-cancer
      effects. Overall, our data show existence of a cooperative interaction between
      GLI signaling and HPVE6.

PMID- 27678332
TI  - A comparison of five approaches to decision-making for a first clinical trial of
      efficacy.
AB  - The first trial of clinical efficacy is an important step in the development of a
      compound. Such a trial gives the first indication of whether a compound is likely
      to have the efficacy needed to be successful. Good decisions dictate that good
      compounds have a large probability of being progressed and poor compounds have a
      large probability of being stopped. In this paper, we consider and contrast five
      approaches to decision-making that have been used. To illustrate the use of the
      five approaches, we conduct a comparison for two plausible scenarios with
      associated assumptions for sample sizing. The comparison shows some large
      differences in performance characteristics of the different procedures. Which
      decision-making procedures and associated performance characteristics are
      preferred will depend on the focus of interest and the decision maker's attitude
      to risk. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27678331
TI  - Ibrutinib Inhibits ERBB Receptor Tyrosine Kinases and HER2-Amplified Breast
      Cancer Cell Growth.
AB  - Ibrutinib is a potent, small-molecule Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor
      developed for the treatment of B-cell malignancies. Ibrutinib covalently binds to
      Cys481 in the ATP-binding domain of BTK. This cysteine residue is conserved among
      9 other tyrosine kinases, including HER2 and EGFR, which can be targeted.
      Screening large panels of cell lines demonstrated that ibrutinib was growth
      inhibitory against some solid tumor cells, including those inhibited by other
      HER2/EGFR inhibitors. Among sensitive cell lines, breast cancer lines with HER2
      overexpression were most potently inhibited by ibrutinib (<100 nmol/L); in
      addition, the IC50s were lower than that of lapatinib and dacomitinib. Inhibition
      of cell growth by ibrutinib coincided with downregulation of phosphorylation on
      HER2 and EGFR and their downstream targets, AKT and ERK. Irreversible inhibition
      of HER2 and EGFR in breast cancer cells was established after 30-minute
      incubation above 100 nmol/L or following 2-hour incubation at lower
      concentrations. Furthermore, ibrutinib inhibited recombinant HER2 and EGFR
      activity that was resistant to dialysis and rapid dilution, suggesting an
      irreversible interaction. The dual activity toward TEC family (BTK and ITK) and
      ERBB family kinases was unique to ibrutinib, as ERBB inhibitors do not inhibit or
      covalently bind BTK or ITK. Xenograft studies with HER2+ MDA-MB-453 and BT-474
      cells in mice in conjunction with determination of pharmacokinetics demonstrated
      significant exposure-dependent inhibition of growth and key signaling molecules
      at levels that are clinically achievable. Ibrutinib's unique dual spectrum of
      activity against both TEC family and ERBB kinases suggests broader applications
      of ibrutinib in oncology. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(12); 2835-44. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27678333
TI  - Evaluation of antibody level against Fusobacterium nucleatum in the serological
      diagnosis of colorectal cancer.
AB  - Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum, Fn) is associated with the colorectal
      cancer (CRC). Fn-infection could induce significant levels of serum Fn-specific
      antibodies in human and mice. The objective of this study was to identify Fn
      infection that elicit a humoral response in patients with CRC and evaluate the
      diagnostic performance of serum anti-Fn antibodies. In this work, we showed the
      mean absorbance value of anti-Fn-IgA and -IgG in the CRC group were significantly
      higher than those in the benign colon disease group and healthy control group (P
      < 0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of ELISA for the detection of anti-Fn
      IgA were 36.43% and 92.71% based on the optimal cut-off. The combination of anti
      Fn-IgA and carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA) was better for diagnosing CRC (Sen:
      53.10%, Spe: 96.41%; AUC = 0.848). Furthermore, combining anti-Fn-IgA with CEA
      and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) (Sen: 40.00%, Spe: 94.22%; AUC = 0.743)
      had the better ability to classify CRC patients with stages I-II. These results
      suggested that Fn-infection elicited high level of serum anti-Fn antibodies in
      CRC patients, and serum anti-Fn-IgA level may be a potential diagnosing biomarker
      for CRC. Serum anti-Fn-IgA in combination with CEA and CA19-9 increases the
      sensitivity of detecting early CRC.

PMID- 27678334
TI  - Attitudes among dentists and dental hygienists towards extended scope and
      independent practice of dental hygienists.
AB  - AIMS: Attitudes of dentists and dental hygienists towards extended scope and
      independent dental hygiene practice are described in several studies, but the
      results are heterogenous. The purpose of this systematic review was to compare
      the attitudes of dentists and dental hygienists towards extended scope and
      independent dental hygiene practice. METHODS: PubMed, AMED and CINAHL were
      screened by two independent assessors to identify relevant studies. Only
      quantitative studies that reported the percentages of dentists' and dental
      hygienists' attitude towards extended scope and independent dental hygiene
      practice were included. The random-effects model was used to synthesise possible
      heterogenous influences. RESULTS: Meta proportions with regard to a positive
      attitude towards extended scope of practice are 0.54 for dentists and 0.81 for
      dental hygienists. Meta proportions of a positive attitude towards independent
      practice are 0.14 for dentists and 0.59 for dental hygienists. A meta analysis
      with regard to negative attitudes could only be performed on extended scope of
      practice and did not reveal a difference between the two professions. We obtained
      homogeneous outcomes of the studies included regarding negative attitudes of
      dentists . A minority of dentists hold negative attitudes towards extended scope
      of dental hygiene practice. Study outcomes regarding negative attitudes of dental
      hygienists were heterogeneous. CONCLUSIONS: Positive attitudes are present among
      a majority of dentists and dental hygienists with regard to extended scope of
      dental hygiene practice, while for independent dental hygiene practice this holds
      for a minority of dentists and a majority of dental hygienists.

PMID- 27678335
TI  - Mechanical properties of borophene films: a reactive molecular dynamics
      investigation.
AB  - The most recent experimental advances could provide ways for the fabrication of
      several atomic thick and planar forms of boron atoms. For the first time, we
      explore the mechanical properties of five types of boron films with various
      vacancy ratios ranging from 0.1-0.15, using molecular dynamics simulations with
      ReaxFF force field. It is found that the Young's modulus and tensile strength
      decrease with increasing the temperature. We found that boron sheets exhibit an
      anisotropic mechanical response due to the different arrangement of atoms along
      the armchair and zigzag directions. At room temperature, 2D Young's modulus and
      fracture stress of these five sheets appear in the range 63-136 N m(-1) and 12-19
      N m(-1), respectively. In addition, the strains at tensile strength are in the
      ranges of 9%-14%, 11%-19%, and 10%-16% at 1, 300, and 600 K, respectively. This
      investigation not only reveals the remarkable stiffness of 2D boron, but
      establishes relations between the mechanical properties of the boron sheets to
      the loading direction, temperature and atomic structures. 

PMID- 27678338
TI  - Genome sequencing identifies a large deletion at 13q32.1 as the cause of
      microcoria and childhood-onset glaucoma.

PMID- 27678336
TI  - Heterogeneity of respiratory distress syndrome: risk factors and morbidity
      associated with early and late gestation disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is considered a disease
      of prematurity, there is evidence to suggest heterogeneity between early and late
      gestation RDS. We examined the epidemiologic features of RDS occurring at early
      and late gestation. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study including
      live births in the United States in 2005-06, with information obtained from the
      National Center for Health Statistics. Early (<32 weeks) and late gestation RDS
      (>=39 weeks) were contrasted in terms of risk factors and associations with
      pregnancy complications, obstetric intervention and co-morbidity. Logistic
      regression was used to quantify the effects of risk factors, while other
      associations were quantified descriptively. RESULTS: There were 27,971 RDS cases,
      yielding an incidence of 6.4 per 1000 live births. Early and late gestation RDS
      differed in terms of risk factors, with factors such as multi-fetal gestation
      more strongly associated with early (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 11.6, 95 %
      confidence interval 11.0-12.2) compared with late gestation RDS (aOR 3.66, 95 %
      confidence interval 2.68-4.98). The morbidity correlates of early and late
      gestation RDS also differed substantially; neonatal seizures were less strongly
      associated with early (OR 5.90, 95 % confidence interval 3.67-9.47) compared with
      late gestation RDS (OR 33.1, 95 % confidence interval 27.2-40.2), while meconium
      aspiration syndrome was not significantly associated with early gestation RDS (OR
      1.87, 95 % confidence interval 0.94-3.72) and very strongly associated with late
      gestation RDS (OR 39.8, 95 % confidence interval 34.7-45.6). CONCLUSIONS:
      Differences in risk factors and morbidity correlates of early and late gestation
      RDS suggest that these entities represent two distinct diseases.

PMID- 27678339
TI  - Buttonhole Cannulation of the AV Fistula: A Critical Analysis of the Technique.
AB  - As a consequence of the central role of the arteriovenous fistula for dialysis
      (AVF) in the clinical management of the dialysis patient the necessity to limit
      the puncture-related complications to extend as much as possible the life of the
      vascular access. Accordingly, the AVF needling technique has gained growing
      attention. Alongside the traditional rope ladder (RL) puncture method, the
      buttonhole technique (BH) is increasingly popular; this technique employs the
      same cannulation sites of AVF in every dialysis associated with the use of dull
      needles to minimize vessels damage. The BH technique, utilized only for native
      AVF, is considered an appropriate alternative to the RL and is now recommended by
      several scientific societies for its reported benefits such as: AVF greater ease
      of cannulation, less pain, faster hemostasis and less tendency to the creation of
      aneurysms and hematomas. The use of BH is especially recommended in cases in
      which the RL is problematic with short or winding venous sections and in home
      dialysis in which the patient performs the needling. However recent evidence in
      literature, countering these theoretical advantages, indicates that the BH
      technique appears to be closely related to an increased risk of local and
      systemic infections. Furthermore, the purported benefits of BH have not held up
      under closer examination.

PMID- 27678341
TI  - Editorial (Thematic Issue: Targeting Conformational Diseases with Natural and
      Pharmacological Chaperones).

PMID- 27678340
TI  - Production of infectious HCV genotype 1b virus in cell culture using a novel Set
      of adaptive mutations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the high prevalence of genotype 1b hepatitis C virus (HCV)
      among patients, a cell culture system that permits entire viral life cycle of
      genotype 1b isolates is limited. To develop a cell-cultured hepatitis C virus
      (HCVcc) of genotype 1b, the proper combination of HCV genomic variants and host
      cells is essential. HCV genomes isolated from patients with distinctive symptoms
      may provide the variants required to establish an HCVcc of genotype 1b. RESULTS:
      We first established subgenomic replicons in Huh7 cells using HCV cDNAs isolated
      from two patients: one with fulminant hepatitis after liver transplantation
      (TPF1) and another with acute hepatitis and moderate symptoms (sAH). Replicons
      established from TPF1 and sAH showed mutations in NS4B and in NS3 and NS5A,
      respectively. Using these replication machineries, we constructed HCV genomic
      RNAs for each isolate. Virus infectivity was evaluated by a focus-forming assay,
      which is dependent on the intracellular expression of core antigen, and
      production of virus particles was assessed by density-gradient centrifugation.
      Infectious virus was only observed in the culture medium of cells transfected
      with TFP1 HCV RNA. A chimeric genome with the structural segment (5'-untranslated
      region [UTR] through NS2) from sAH and the replication machinery (NS3 through 3'
      UTR) from TPF1 exhibited greater infectivity than did TFP1, despite formation of
      deficient virus particles in sAH, suggesting that this genomic segment
      potentiates virus particle formation. To identify the responsible variants,
      infectious virus formation was assessed in a chimeric genome carrying parts of
      the sAH structural segment of the TPF1 genome. A variant in NS2 (M170T) was
      identified that enhanced infectious virus formation. HCVcc carrying an NS2 gene
      encoding the M170T substitution and adaptive mutations in NS4B (referred to as
      TPF1-M170T) infected naive cured Huh7 cells in a CD81-dependent manner.
      CONCLUSIONS: We established a novel HCVcc of genotype 1b in Huh7 cells by
      introducing an amino acid variant in NS2 and adaptive mutations in NS4B from HCV
      genomic RNA isolated from a patient with fulminant HCV after liver
      transplantation.

PMID- 27678342
TI  - The effectiveness, acceptability and cost-effectiveness of psychosocial
      interventions for maltreated children and adolescents: an evidence synthesis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Child maltreatment is a substantial social problem that affects large
      numbers of children and young people in the UK, resulting in a range of
      significant short- and long-term psychosocial problems. OBJECTIVES: To synthesise
      evidence of the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and acceptability of
      interventions addressing the adverse consequences of child maltreatment. STUDY
      DESIGN: For effectiveness, we included any controlled study. Other study designs
      were considered for economic decision modelling. For acceptability, we included
      any study that asked participants for their views. PARTICIPANTS: Children and
      young people up to 24 years 11 months, who had experienced maltreatment before
      the age of 17 years 11 months. INTERVENTIONS: Any psychosocial intervention
      provided in any setting aiming to address the consequences of maltreatment. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURES: Psychological distress [particularly post-traumatic stress
      disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety, and self-harm], behaviour, social
      functioning, quality of life and acceptability. METHODS: Young Persons and
      Professional Advisory Groups guided the project, which was conducted in
      accordance with Cochrane Collaboration and NHS Centre for Reviews and
      Dissemination guidance. Departures from the published protocol were recorded and
      explained. Meta-analyses and cost-effectiveness analyses of available data were
      undertaken where possible. RESULTS: We identified 198 effectiveness studies
      (including 62 randomised trials); six economic evaluations (five using trial data
      and one decision-analytic model); and 73 studies investigating treatment
      acceptability. Pooled data on cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) for sexual
      abuse suggested post-treatment reductions in PTSD [standardised mean difference
      (SMD) -0.44 (95% CI -4.43 to -1.53)], depression [mean difference -2.83 (95% CI 
      4.53 to -1.13)] and anxiety [SMD -0.23 (95% CI -0.03 to -0.42)]. No differences
      were observed for post-treatment sexualised behaviour, externalising behaviour,
      behaviour management skills of parents, or parental support to the child.
      Findings from attachment-focused interventions suggested improvements in secure
      attachment [odds ratio 0.14 (95% CI 0.03 to 0.70)] and reductions in disorganised
      behaviour [SMD 0.23 (95% CI 0.13 to 0.42)], but no differences in avoidant
      attachment or externalising behaviour. Few studies addressed the role of
      caregivers, or the impact of the therapist-child relationship. Economic
      evaluations suffered methodological limitations and provided conflicting results.
      As a result, decision-analytic modelling was not possible, but cost-effectiveness
      analysis using effectiveness data from meta-analyses was undertaken for the most
      promising intervention: CBT for sexual abuse. Analyses of the cost-effectiveness
      of CBT were limited by the lack of cost data beyond the cost of CBT itself.
      CONCLUSIONS: It is not possible to draw firm conclusions about which
      interventions are effective for children with different maltreatment profiles,
      which are of no benefit or are harmful, and which factors encourage people to
      seek therapy, accept the offer of therapy and actively engage with therapy.
      Little is known about the cost-effectiveness of alternative interventions.
      LIMITATIONS: Studies were largely conducted outside the UK. The heterogeneity of
      outcomes and measures seriously impacted on the ability to conduct meta-analyses.
      FUTURE WORK: Studies are needed that assess the effectiveness of interventions
      within a UK context, which address the wider effects of maltreatment, as well as
      specific clinical outcomes. STUDY REGISTRATION: This study is registered as
      PROSPERO CRD42013003889. FUNDING: The National Institute for Health Research
      Health Technology Assessment programme.

PMID- 27678343
TI  - Quantitative PCR for HTLV-1 provirus in adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma using
      paraffin tumor sections.
AB  - Detection of HTLV-1 provirus using paraffin tumor sections may assist the
      diagnosis of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL). For the detection, non
      quantitative PCR assay has been reported, but its usefulness and limitations
      remain unclear. To our knowledge, quantitative PCR assay using paraffin tumor
      sections has not been reported. Using paraffin sections from ATLLs and non-ATLL T
      cell lymphomas, we first performed non-quantitative PCR for HTLV-1 provirus.
      Next, we determined tumor ratios and carried out quantitative PCR to obtain
      provirus copy numbers. The results were analyzed with a simple regression model
      and a novel criterion, cut-off using 95 % rejection limits. Our quantitative PCR
      assay showed an excellent association between tumor ratios and the copy numbers
      (r = 0.89, P < 0.0001). The 95 % rejection limits provided a statistical basis
      for the range for the determination of HTLV-1 involvement. Its application
      suggested that results of non-quantitative PCR assay should be interpreted very
      carefully and that our quantitative PCR assay is useful to estimate the status of
      HTLV-1 involvement in the tumor cases. In conclusion, our quantitative PCR assay
      using paraffin tumor sections may be useful for the screening of ATLL cases,
      especially in HTLV-1 non-endemic areas where easy access to serological testing
      for HTLV-1 infection is limited.

PMID- 27678344
TI  - Pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) as a neoadjuvant therapy
      before cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) is a novel
      drug delivery system able to induce regression of peritoneal metastasis (PM) in
      the salvage situation. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical
      characteristics, tumor histology, and extent of disease of the patients having
      undergone cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal
      chemotherapy (HIPEC) after "neoadjuvant" PIPAC. METHODS: This study was performed
      at a single institution, tertiary center. In a prospective registry,
      retrospective analysis was done. PIPAC indication was restricted to patients in
      the salvage situation who were not eligible for cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and
      hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). RESULTS: Nine-hundred sixty
      one PIPAC sessions were successfully performed in 406 patients: 21 patients (5.2
      %) were scheduled for CRS and HIPEC. Twelve of these patients had a low PCI (mean
      5.8 +/- 5.6). The remaining nine patients showed an advanced peritoneal disease
      (mean PCI 14.3 +/- 5.3) at initial laparoscopy. After repeated PIPAC (mean number
      of cycles 3.5 +/- 0.9), radiological tumor regression was observed in 7/9
      patients and major histological regression was observed in 8/9 patients, so that
      secondary CRS and HIPEC became possible. CONCLUSIONS: PIPAC might be used as a
      neoadjuvant therapy before CRS and HIPEC in order to improve the outcome of CRS
      and HIPEC, to select patients with chemosensitive, biologically favorable tumors,
      to extent the indications of CRS and HIPEC in the presence of diffuse small bowel
      involvement, and to reduce the extent of cytoreductive surgery.

PMID- 27678345
TI  - C reactive protein and depressive symptoms in hemodialysis patients: A
      questionable association.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) on
      haemodialysis (HD) may have increased C reactive protein (CRP) values and
      depressive symptoms. There is debate about the strength and nature of previously
      reported associations. We investigated these issues in a cohort of patients on
      HD. METHODS: We screened for depressive symptoms using two valadiated depression
      screening tools: the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Patient Health
      Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Demographic and clinical correlates of depression symptoms
      were eveluated in adjusted linear and logistic regression models, which included
      extra renal comorbidity and high CRP (>5 mg/L). FINDINGS: Three hundred and
      ninety-six HD patients were studied; 63.1% male, mean age 63.1 +/- 16.4 years,
      median CRP 6 (5-15) mg/L. Depression scores were similar in those with normal and
      high CRP (BDI-II (9(5-17) vs. 11(6-20)) or PHQ (4(2-9) vs. 6(2-10)). In adjusted
      multivariable regression BDI-II scores were associated with previous history of
      depression (beta 10.8, P < 0.001), serum albumin (beta 0.41, P < 0.001), anuria
      (beta 2.4, P < 0.037), diabetes (beta 2.7, P = 0.033), and age (beta -0.10, P =
      0.009). High CRP was not independently associated with BDI-II (beta 2.20, P =
      0.057), though was with PHQ-9 (beta 1.20, P = 0.046). In logistic regression
      those with high CRP were 1.9 times more likely to score >=16 on BDI-II screening
      (P = 0.016), but did not relate significantly to a PHQ-score >=10. DISCUSSION: A
      relationship was observed between CRP and depression symptoms, though the effect
      was small, of unlikely clinical significance, and inconsistent between depression
      measures. Previous reports of this association may reflect overlap between
      symptoms of depression and advanced CKD.

PMID- 27678346
TI  - Shared and Distinct Patterns of Oligodendroglial Response in alpha
      Synucleinopathies and Tauopathies.
AB  - Pathological protein deposits in oligodendroglia are common but variable features
      of various neurodegenerative conditions. To evaluate oligodendrocyte response in
      neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) with different extents of oligodendroglial
      protein deposition we performed immunostaining for tubulin polymerization
      promoting protein p25alpha (TPPP/p25alpha), alpha-synuclein (alpha-syn), phospho
      tau, ubiquitin, myelin basic protein, and the microglial marker HLA-DR. We
      investigated cases of multiple system atrophy ([MSA] n = 10), Lewy body disease
      ([LBD] n = 10), globular glial tauopathy ([GGT] n = 7) and progressive
      supranuclear palsy ([PSP] n = 10). Loss of nuclear TPPP/p25alpha immunoreactivity
      correlated significantly with the degree of microglial reaction and loss of
      myelin basic prtein density as a marker of tract degeneration. This was more
      prominent in MSA and GGT, which, together with enlarged cytoplasmic TPPP/p25alpha
      immunoreactivity and inclusion burden allowed these disorders to be grouped as
      predominant oligodendroglial proteinopathies. However, distinct features, ie more
      colocalization of alpha-syn than tau with TPPP/p25alpha, more obvious loss of
      oligodendrocyte density in MSA, but more prominent association of tau protein
      inclusions in GGT to loss of nuclear TPPP/p25alpha immunoreactivity, were also
      recognized. In addition, we observed previously underappreciated oligodendroglial
      alpha-synuclein pathology in the pallidothalamic tract in LBD. Our study
      demonstrates common and distinct aspects of oligodendroglial involvement in the
      pathogenesis of diverse NDDs.

PMID- 27678347
TI  - Preventive health measures in inflammatory bowel disease.
AB  - We aim to review the literature and provide guidance on preventive health
      measures in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Structured searches were performed
      in PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Library from January 1976
      to June 2016 using the following keywords: (inflammatory bowel disease OR Crohn's
      disease OR ulcerative colitis) AND (health maintenance OR preventive health OR
      health promotion). Abstracts of the articles selected from each of these multiple
      searches were reviewed, and those meeting the inclusion criteria (that is,
      providing data regarding preventive health or health maintenance in IBD patients)
      were recorded. Reference lists from the selected articles were manually reviewed
      to identify further relevant studies. Patients with IBD are at increased risk of
      developing adverse events related to the disease course, therapeutic
      interventions, or non-adherence to medication. Recent studies have suggested that
      IBD patients do not receive preventive services with the same thoroughness as
      patients with other chronic diseases. Preventive health measures can avert
      morbidity and improve the quality of life of patients with IBD.
      Gastroenterologists and primary care physicians (PCPs) should have an up to date
      working knowledge of preventive health measures for IBD patients. A holistic
      approach and better communication between gastroenterologists and PCPs with
      explicit clarification of roles will prevent duplication of services and
      streamline care. 

PMID- 27678348
TI  - Challenges of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive malignancy, resulting as the
      third cause of death by cancer each year. The management of patients with HCC is
      complex, as both the tumour stage and any underlying liver disease must be
      considered conjointly. Although surveillance by imaging, clinical and biochemical
      parameters is routinely performed, a lot of patients suffering from cirrhosis
      have an advanced stage HCC at the first diagnosis. Advanced stage HCC includes
      heterogeneous groups of patients with different clinical condition and
      radiological features and sorafenib is the only approved treatment according to
      Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer. Since the introduction of sorafenib in clinical
      practice, several phase III clinical trials have failed to demonstrate any
      superiority over sorafenib in the frontline setting. Loco-regional therapies have
      also been tested as first line treatment, but their role in advanced HCC is still
      matter of debate. No single agent or combination therapies have been shown to
      impact outcomes after sorafenib failure. Therefore this review will focus on the
      range of experimental therapeutics for patients with advanced HCC and highlights
      the successes and failures of these treatments as well as areas for future
      development. Specifics such as dose limiting toxicity and safety profile in
      patients with liver dysfunction related to the underlying chronic liver disease
      should be considered when developing therapies in HCC. Finally, robust validated
      and reproducible surrogate end-points as well as predictive biomarkers should be
      defined in future randomized trials. 

PMID- 27678349
TI  - Exploring the metabolic syndrome: Nonalcoholic fatty pancreas disease.
AB  - After the first description of fatty pancreas in 1933, the effects of pancreatic
      steatosis have been poorly investigated, compared with that of the liver.
      However, the interest of research is increasing. Fat accumulation, associated
      with obesity and the metabolic syndrome (MetS), has been defined as "fatty
      infiltration" or "nonalcoholic fatty pancreas disease" (NAFPD). The term "fatty
      replacement" describes a distinct phenomenon characterized by death of acinar
      cells and replacement by adipose tissue. Risk factors for developing NAFPD
      include obesity, increasing age, male sex, hypertension, dyslipidemia, alcohol
      and hyperferritinemia. Increasing evidence support the role of pancreatic fat in
      the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus, MetS, atherosclerosis, severe acute
      pancreatitis and even pancreatic cancer. Evidence exists that fatty pancreas
      could be used as the initial indicator of "ectopic fat deposition", which is a
      key element of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and/or MetS. Moreover, in
      patients with fatty pancreas, pancreaticoduodenectomy is associated with an
      increased risk of intraoperative blood loss and post-operative pancreatic
      fistula. 

PMID- 27678350
TI  - Tolerance in liver transplantation: Biomarkers and clinical relevance.
AB  - Transplantation is the optimal treatment for end-stage organ failure, and modern
      immunosuppression has allowed important progress in short-term outcomes. However,
      immunosuppression poorly influences chronic rejection and elicits chronic
      toxicity in current clinical practice. Thus, a major goal in transplantation is
      to understand and induce tolerance. It is well established that human regulatory
      T cells expressing the transcription factor FoxP3 play important roles in the
      maintenance of immunological self-tolerance and immune homeostasis. The major
      regulatory T cell subsets and mechanisms of expansion that are critical for
      induction and long-term maintenance of graft tolerance and survival are being
      actively investigated. Likewise, other immune cells, such as dendritic cells,
      monocyte/macrophages or natural killer cells, have been described as part of the
      process known as "operational tolerance". However, translation of these results
      towards clinical practice needs solid tools to identify accurately and reliably
      patients who are going to be tolerant. In this way, a plethora of genetic and
      cellular biomarkers is raising and being validated worldwide in large multi
      center clinical trials. Few of the studies performed so far have provided a
      detailed analysis of the impact of immunosuppression withdrawal on pre-existing
      complications derived from the long-term administration of immunosuppressive
      drugs and the side effects associated with them. The future of liver
      transplantation is aimed to develop new therapies which increase the actual low
      tolerant vs non-tolerant recipients ratio. 

PMID- 27678352
TI  - Management of patients after recovering from acute severe biliary pancreatitis.
AB  - Cholelithiasis is the most common cause of acute pancreatitis, accounting 35%-60%
      of cases. Around 15%-20% of patients suffer a severe attack with high morbidity
      and mortality rates. As far as treatment is concerned, the optimum method of late
      management of patients with severe acute biliary pancreatitis is still
      contentious and the main question is over the correct timing of every
      intervention. Patients after recovering from an acute episode of severe biliary
      pancreatitis can be offered alternative options in their management, including
      cholecystectomy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and
      sphincterotomy, or no definitive treatment. Delaying cholecystectomy until after
      resolution of the inflammatory process, usually not earlier than 6 wk after onset
      of acute pancreatitis, seems to be a safe policy. ERCP and sphincterotomy on
      index admission prevent recurrent episodes of pancreatitis until cholecystectomy
      is performed, but if used for definitive treatment, they can be a valuable tool
      for patients unfit for surgery. Some patients who survive severe biliary
      pancreatitis may develop pseudocysts or walled-off necrosis. Management of
      pseudocysts with minimally invasive techniques, if not therapeutic, can be used
      as a bridge to definitive operative treatment, which includes delayed
      cholecystectomy and concurrent pseudocyst drainage in some patients. A management
      algorithm has been developed for patients surviving severe biliary pancreatitis
      according to the currently published data in the literature. 

PMID- 27678353
TI  - Recent advances in orally administered cell-specific nanotherapeutics for
      inflammatory bowel disease.
AB  - Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic relapsing disease in
      gastrointestinal tract. Conventional medications lack the efficacy to offer
      complete remission in IBD therapy, and usually associate with serious side
      effects. Recent studies indicated that nanoparticle-based nanotherapeutics may
      offer precise and safe alternative to conventional medications via enhanced
      targeting, sustained drug release, and decreased adverse effects. Here, we
      reviewed orally cell-specific nanotherapeutics developed in recent years. In
      addition, the various obstacles for oral drug delivery are also reviewed in this
      manuscript. Orally administrated cell-specific nanotherapeutics is expected to
      become a novel therapeutic approach for IBD treatment. 

PMID- 27678354
TI  - Co-existence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and inflammatory bowel disease:
      A review article.
AB  - Emerging data have highlighted the co-existence of non-alcoholic fatty liver
      disease (NAFLD) and inflammatory bowel disease; both of which are increasingly
      prevalent disorders with significant complications and impact on future health
      burden. Cross-section observational studies have shown widely variable prevalence
      rates of co-existing disease, largely due to differences in disease definition
      and diagnostic tools utilised in the studies. Age, obesity, insulin resistance
      and other metabolic conditions are common risks factors in observational studies.
      However, other studies have also suggested a more dominant role of inflammatory
      bowel disease related factors such as disease activity, duration, steroid use and
      prior surgical intervention, in the development of NAFLD. This suggests a
      potentially more complex pathogenesis and relationship between the two diseases
      which may be contributed by factors including altered intestinal permeability,
      gut dysbiosis and chronic inflammatory response. Commonly used immunomodulation
      agents pose potential hepatic toxicity, however no definitive evidence exist
      linking them to the development of hepatic steatosis, nor are there any data on
      the impact of therapy and prognosis in patient with co-existent diseases. Further
      studies are required to assess the impact and establish appropriate screening and
      management strategies in order to allow early identification, intervention and
      improve patient outcomes. 

PMID- 27678351
TI  - Pathophysiology of colorectal peritoneal carcinomatosis: Role of the peritoneum.
AB  - Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and the fourth most
      common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Besides the lymphatic and
      haematogenous routes of dissemination, CRC frequently gives rise to transcoelomic
      spread of tumor cells in the peritoneal cavity, which ultimately leads to
      peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC). PC is associated with a poor prognosis and bad
      quality of life for these patients in their terminal stages of disease. A loco
      regional treatment modality for PC combining cytoreductive surgery and
      hyperthermic intraperitoneal peroperative chemotherapy has resulted in promising
      clinical results. However, this novel approach is associated with significant
      morbidity and mortality. A comprehensive understanding of the molecular events
      involved in peritoneal disease spread is paramount in avoiding unnecessary
      toxicity. The emergence of PC is the result of a molecular crosstalk between
      cancer cells and host elements, involving several well-defined steps, together
      known as the peritoneal metastatic cascade. Individual or clumps of tumor cells
      detach from the primary tumor, gain access to the peritoneal cavity and become
      susceptible to the regular peritoneal transport. They attach to the distant
      peritoneum, subsequently invade the subperitoneal space, where angiogenesis
      sustains proliferation and enables further metastatic growth. These molecular
      events are not isolated events but rather a continuous and interdependent
      process. In this manuscript, we review current data regarding the molecular
      mechanisms underlying the development of colorectal PC, with a special focus on
      the peritoneum and the role of the surgeon in peritoneal disease spread. 

PMID- 27678356
TI  - Spontaneous fungal peritonitis: Epidemiology, current evidence and future
      prospective.
AB  - Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is a complication of ascitic patients with end
      stage liver disease (ESLD); spontaneous fungal peritonitis (SFP) is a
      complication of ESLD less known and described. ESLD is associated to
      immunodepression and the resulting increased susceptibility to infections. Recent
      perspectives of the management of the critically ill patient with ESLD do not
      specify the rate of isolation of fungi in critically ill patients, not even the
      antifungals used for the prophylaxis, neither optimal treatment. We reviewed, in
      order to focus the epidemiology, characteristics, and, considering the high
      mortality rate of SFP, the use of optimal empirical antifungal therapy the
      current literature. 

PMID- 27678355
TI  - Inflammatory bowel disease and airway diseases.
AB  - Airway diseases are the most commonly described lung manifestations of
      inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, the similarities in disease
      pathogenesis and the sharing of important environmental risk factors and genetic
      susceptibility suggest that there is a complex interplay between IBD and airway
      diseases. Recent evidence of IBD occurrence among patients with airway diseases
      and the higher than estimated prevalence of subclinical airway injuries among IBD
      patients support the hypothesis of a two-way association. Future research efforts
      should be directed toward further exploration of this association, as airway
      diseases are highly prevalent conditions with a substantial public health impact.

PMID- 27678357
TI  - Seventh tumor-node-metastasis staging of gastric cancer: Five-year follow-up.
AB  - Seventh tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) classification for gastric cancer, published
      in 2010, introduced changes in all of its three parameters with the aim to
      increase its accuracy in prognostication. The aim of this review is to analyze
      the efficacy of these changes and their implication in clinical practice. We
      reviewed relevant Literature concerning staging systems in gastric cancer from
      2010 up to March 2016. Adenocarcinoma of the esophago-gastric junction still
      remains a debated entity, due to its peculiar anatomical and histological
      situation: further improvement in its staging are required. Concerning distant
      metastases, positive peritoneal cytology has been adopted as a criterion to
      define metastatic disease: however, its search in clinical practice is still far
      from being routinely performed, as staging laparoscopy has not yet reached wide
      diffusion. Regarding definition of T and N: in the era of multimodal treatment
      these parameters should more influence both staging and surgery. The changes
      about T-staging suggested some modifications in clinical practice. Differently,
      many controversies on lymph node staging are still ongoing, with the proposal of
      alternative classification systems in order to minimize the extent of
      lymphadenectomy. The next TNM classification should take into account all of
      these aspects to improve its accuracy and the comparability of prognosis in
      patients from both Eastern and Western world. 

PMID- 27678358
TI  - Sessile serrated adenoma/polyps: Where are we at in 2016?
AB  - It is currently known that colorectal cancers (CRC) arise from 3 different
      pathways: the adenoma to carcinoma chromosomal instability pathway (50%-70%); the
      mutator "Lynch syndrome" route (3%-5%); and the serrated pathway (30%-35%). The
      World Health Organization has classified serrated polyps into three types of
      lesions: hyperplastic polyps (HP), sessile serrated adenomas/polyps (SSA/P) and
      traditional serrated adenomas (TSA), the latter two strongly associated with
      development of CRCs. HPs do not cause cancer and TSAs are rare. SSA/P appear to
      be the responsible precursor lesion for the development of cancers through the
      serrated pathway. Both HPs and SSA/Ps appear morphologically similar. SSA/P are
      difficult to detect. The margins are normally inconspicuous. En bloc resection of
      these polyps can hence be troublesome. A careful examination of borders,
      submucosal injection of a dye solution (for larger lesions) and resection of a
      rim of normal tissue around the lesion may ensure total eradication of these
      lesions. 

PMID- 27678360
TI  - Tumor necrosis factor-alpha -G308A polymorphism is associated with liver
      pathological changes in hepatitis C virus patients.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the association of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) 
      G308A polymorphism with different liver pathological changes in treatment-naive
      Egyptian patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 4. METHODS: This
      study included 180 subjects, composed of 120 treatment-naive chronic HCV patients
      with different fibrosis grades (F0-F4) and 60 healthy controls. The TNFalpha 
      G308A region was amplified by PCR and the different genotypes were detected by
      restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. The TNFalpha protein was
      detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The influence of different
      TNFalpha -G308A genotypes on TNFalpha expression and liver disease progression
      were statistically analyzed. The OR and 95%CI were calculated to assess the
      relative risk confidence. RESULTS: Current data showed that the TNFalpha -G308A
      SNP frequency was significantly different between controls and HCV infected
      patients (P = 0.001). Both the AA genotype and A allele were significantly higher
      in late fibrosis patients (F2-F4, n = 60) than in early fibrosis patients (F0-F1,
      n = 60) (P = 0.05, 0.04 respectively). Moreover, the GA or AA genotypes increased
      the TNFalpha serum level greater than the GG genotype (P = 0.002). The results
      showed a clear association between severe liver pathological conditions
      (inflammation, steatosis and fibrosis) and (GA + AA) genotypes (P = 0.035, 0.03,
      0.04 respectively). The stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that the
      TNFalpha genotypes (GA + AA) were significantly associated with liver
      inflammation (OR = 3.776, 95%CI: 1.399-10.194, P = 0.009), severe steatosis (OR =
      4.49, 95%CI: 1.441-14.0, P = 0.010) and fibrosis progression (OR = 2.84, 95%CI:
      1.080-7.472, P = 0.034). Also, the A allele was an independent risk factor for
      liver inflammation (P = 0.003), steatosis (P = 0.003) and fibrosis (P = 0.014).
      CONCLUSION: TNFalpha SNP at nucleotide -308 represents an important genetic
      marker that can be used for the prognosis of different liver pathological changes
      in HCV infected patients.

PMID- 27678359
TI  - Long-term outcomes of autoimmune pancreatitis.
AB  - Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) has been considered a favorable-prognosis disease;
      however, currently, there is limited information on natural course of AIP during
      long-term follow-up. Recently published studies regarding the long-term outcomes
      of AIP has demonstrated the developments of pancreatic stone formation, exocrine
      insufficiency, and endocrine insufficiency are observed in 5%-41%, 34%-82%, and
      38%-57% of patients having the disease. Furthermore, the incidence rate of
      developing pancreatic cancer ranges from 0% to 4.8% during the long-term follow
      up. The event of death from AIP-related complications other than accompanying
      cancer is likely to be rare. During follow-up of AIP patients, careful
      surveillance for not only relapse of the disease but also development of
      complications at regular intervals is needed. 

PMID- 27678361
TI  - Effects of Lizhong Tang on gastrointestinal motility in mice.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the effects of Lizhong Tang, a traditional Chinese medicine
      formula, on gastrointestinal motility in mice. METHODS: The in vivo effects of
      Lizhong Tang on GI motility were investigated by measuring the intestinal transit
      rates (ITRs) and gastric emptying (GE) values in normal mice and in mice with
      experimentally induced GI motility dysfunction (GMD). RESULTS: In normal ICR
      mice, the ITR and GE values were significantly and dose-dependently increased by
      Lizhong Tang (ITR values: 54.4% +/- 1.9% vs 65.2% +/- 1.8%, P < 0.01 with 0.1
      g/kg Lizhong Tang and 54.4% +/- 1.9% vs 83.8% +/- 1.9%, P < 0.01 with 1 g/kg
      Lizhong Tang; GE values: 60.7% +/- 1.9% vs 66.8% +/- 2.1%, P < 0.05 with 0.1 g/kg
      Lizhong Tang and 60.7% +/- 1.9% vs 72.5% +/- 1.7%, P < 0.01 with 1 g/kg Lizhong
      Tang). The ITRs of the GMD mice were significantly reduced compared with those of
      the normal mice, which were significantly and dose-dependently reversed by
      Lizhong Tang. Additionally, in loperamide- and cisplatin-induced models of GE
      delay, Lizhong Tang administration reversed the GE deficits. CONCLUSION: These
      results suggest that Lizhong Tang may be a novel candidate for development as a
      prokinetic treatment for the GI tract.

PMID- 27678362
TI  - (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography
      comparison of gastric lymphoma and gastric carcinoma.
AB  - AIM: To compare (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed
      tomography ((18)F-FDG PET/CT) features in gastric lymphoma and gastric carcinoma.
      METHODS: Patients with newly diagnosed gastric lymphoma or gastric carcinoma who
      underwent (18)F-FDG PET/CT prior to treatment were included in this study. We
      reviewed and analyzed the PET/CT features of gastric wall lesions, including FDG
      avidity, pattern (focal/diffuse), and intensity [maximal standard uptake value:
      (SUVmax)]. The correlation of SUVmax with gastric clinicopathological variables
      was investigated by chi(2) test, and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC)
      curve analysis was performed to determine the differential diagnostic value of
      SUVmax-associated parameters in gastric lymphoma and gastric carcinoma. RESULTS:
      Fifty-two patients with gastric lymphoma and 73 with gastric carcinoma were
      included in this study. Abnormal gastric FDG accumulation was found in 49
      patients (94.23%) with gastric lymphoma and 65 patients (89.04%) with gastric
      carcinoma. Gastric lymphoma patients predominantly presented with type I and type
      II lesions, whereas gastric carcinoma patients mainly had type III lesions. The
      SUVmax (13.39 +/- 9.24 vs 8.35 +/- 5.80, P < 0.001) and SUVmax/THKmax (maximal
      thickness) (7.96 +/- 4.02 vs 4.88 +/- 3.32, P < 0.001) were both higher in
      patients with gastric lymphoma compared with gastric carcinoma. ROC curve
      analysis suggested a better performance of SUVmax/THKmax in the evaluation of
      gastric lesions between gastric lymphoma and gastric carcinoma in comparison with
      that of SUVmax alone. CONCLUSION: PET/CT features differ between gastric lymphoma
      and carcinoma, which can improve PET/CT evaluation of gastric wall lesions and
      help differentiate gastric lymphoma from gastric carcinoma.

PMID- 27678364
TI  - Hepatocellular carcinoma screening and surveillance in 2293 chronic hepatitis B
      patients in an endemic area.
AB  - AIM: To determine the role of screening and surveillance of hepatocellular
      carcinoma (HCC) in treatment-naive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. METHODS:
      We recruited 2293 CHB patients (both males and females; aged 20-65 years). All
      patients were screened and underwent surveillance using abdominal ultrasonography
      (AUS) and serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) assay every 6 mo. The diagnosis, staging
      and treatment of HCC followed the American Association for the Study of Liver
      Diseases practice guidelines and the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer guidelines.
      The exclusion criteria included: decompensated cirrhosis; a history of any cancer
      in the last 5 years; previous antiviral treatment for CHB; concurrent infection
      with hepatitis C virus or human immunodeficiency virus; a Karnofsky Performance
      Status score < 60%; or any medical condition preventing eligibility to complete
      the protocol. The prevalence and incidence rates of HCC were determined; survival
      rates were calculated at 3-year post HCC diagnosis. The sensitivity and
      specificity were calculated on a per-patient basis. RESULTS: Among 2293 treatment
      naive CHB patients, seven cases had HCC at initial screening, giving a prevalence
      rate of 305 per 100000 persons; 3.3% were diagnosed with liver cirrhosis, all of
      which were Child-Pugh class A. With a median follow-up time of 42 (range, 3-48)
      mo, 10 additional cases were diagnosed with HCC, resulting in an incidence rate
      of 143 per 100000 persons per year. This burden was as high as that reported in
      other studies from East Asian countries. All HCC patients were aged >= 40 years.
      Most were at an early stage (Stage 0, A or B); 14/17 cases were successfully
      treated with surgical resection or radiofrequency ablation, with a high 3-year
      survival rate of 90%. Hemangioma was the most common focal liver lesion in CHB
      patients detected by AUS; the main causes of AFP elevation at the initial
      screening were cirrhosis, increased alanine aminotransferase level and HCC. AUS
      detected 16/17 HCC cases whereas AFP levels >= 20 MUg/L at diagnosis were
      observed in only 7/17 patients, most with a tumor size > 5 cm. For HCC screening
      and surveillance, AUS had a sensitivity and specificity of 94% and 82%,
      respectively, whereas the sensitivity and specificity of AFP at a cut-off value
      of >= 20 MUg/L were 41% and 98%, respectively. Combined use of AUS and AFP assay
      did not improve effectiveness. CONCLUSION: Implementation of active screening and
      surveillance using AUS to detect early-stage HCC in naive CHB patients aged >= 40
      years in an endemic area is of benefit.

PMID- 27678363
TI  - Risk factors for postoperative pancreatic fistula: Analysis of 539 successive
      cases of pancreaticoduodenectomy.
AB  - AIM: To analyze the risk factors for pancreatic fistula after
      pancreaticoduodenectomy. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 539
      successive cases of pancreaticoduodenectomy performed at our hospital from March
      2012 to October 2015. Pancreatic fistula was diagnosed in strict accordance with
      the definition of pancreatic fistula from the International Study Group on
      Pancreatic Fistula. The risk factors for pancreatic fistula were analyzed by
      univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A
      total of 269 (49.9%) cases of pancreatic fistula occurred after
      pancreaticoduodenectomy, including 71 (13.17%) cases of grade A pancreatic
      fistula, 178 (33.02%) cases of grade B, and 20 (3.71%) cases of grade C.
      Univariate analysis showed no significant correlation between postoperative
      pancreatic fistula (POPF) and the following factors: age, hypertension, alcohol
      consumption, smoking, history of upper abdominal surgery, preoperative jaundice
      management, preoperative bilirubin, preoperative albumin, pancreatic duct
      drainage, intraoperative blood loss, operative time, intraoperative blood
      transfusion, Braun anastomosis, and pancreaticoduodenectomy (with or without
      pylorus preservation). Conversely, a significant correlation was observed between
      POPF and the following factors: gender (male vs female: 54.23% vs 42.35%, P =
      0.008), diabetes (non-diabetic vs diabetic: 51.61% vs 39.19%, P = 0.047), body
      mass index (BMI) (<= 25 vs > 25: 46.94% vs 57.82%, P = 0.024), blood glucose
      level (<= 6.0 mmol/L vs > 6.0 mmol/L: 54.75% vs 41.14%, P = 0.002),
      pancreaticojejunal anastomosis technique (pancreatic duct-jejunum double-layer
      mucosa-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunal anastomosis vs pancreatic-jejunum single
      layer mucosa-to-mucosa anastomosis: 57.54% vs 35.46%, P = 0.000), diameter of the
      pancreatic duct (<= 3 mm vs > 3 mm: 57.81% vs 38.36%, P = 0.000), and pancreatic
      texture (soft vs hard: 56.72% vs 29.93%, P = 0.000). Multivariate logistic
      regression analysis showed that gender (male), BMI > 25, pancreatic duct-jejunum
      double-layer mucosa-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunal anastomosis, pancreatic duct
      diameter <= 3 mm, and soft pancreas were risk factors for pancreatic fistula
      after pancreaticoduodenectomy. CONCLUSION: Gender (male), BMI > 25, pancreatic
      duct-jejunum double-layer mucosa-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunal anastomosis,
      pancreatic duct diameter <= 3 mm, and soft pancreas were risk factors for
      pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

PMID- 27678365
TI  - Cost effectiveness of routine duodenal biopsies in iron deficiency anemia.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the cost effectiveness of routine small bowel biopsies (SBBs)
      in patients with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) independent of their celiac disease
      (CD) serology test results. METHODS: We used a state transition Markov model. Two
      strategies were compared: routine SBBs during esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) in
      all patients with IDA regardless their celiac serology status (strategy A) vs
      SBBs only in IDA patients with positive serology (strategy B). The main outcomes
      were quality adjusted life years (QALY), average cost and the incremental cost
      effectiveness ratio (ICER). One way sensitivity analysis was performed on all
      variables and two way sensitivity analysis on selected variables were done. In
      order to validate the results, a Monte Carlo simulation of 100 sample trials with
      10, and an acceptability curve were performed. RESULTS: Strategy A of routine
      SBBs yielded 19.888 QALYs with a cost of $218.10 compared to 19.887 QALYs and
      $234.17 in strategy B. In terms of cost-effectiveness, strategy A was the
      dominant strategy, as long as the cost of SBBs stayed less than $67. In addition,
      the ICER of strategy A was preferable, providing the cost of biopsy stays under
      $77. Monte Carlo simulation demonstrated that strategy A yielded the same QALY
      but with lower costs than strategy B. CONCLUSION: Our model suggests that EGD
      with routine SBBs is a cost-effective approach with improved QALYs in patients
      with IDA when the prevalence of CD is 5% or greater. SBBs should be a routine
      screening tool for CD among patients with IDA, regardless of their celiac
      antibody status.

PMID- 27678366
TI  - Global epidemiology of hepatitis C virus infection: An up-date of the
      distribution and circulation of hepatitis C virus genotypes.
AB  - AIM: To review Hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence and genotypes distribution
      worldwide. METHODS: We conducted a systematic study which represents one of the
      most comprehensive effort to quantify global HCV epidemiology, using the best
      available published data between 2000 and 2015 from 138 countries (about 90% of
      the global population), grouped in 20 geographical areas (with the exclusion of
      Oceania), as defined by the Global Burden of Diseases project (GBD). Countries
      for which we were unable to obtain HCV genotype prevalence data were excluded
      from calculations of regional proportions, although their populations were
      included in the total population size of each region when generating regional
      genotype prevalence estimates. RESULTS: Total global HCV prevalence is estimated
      at 2.5% (177.5 million of HCV infected adults), ranging from 2.9% in Africa and
      1.3% in Americas, with a global viraemic rate of 67% (118.9 million of HCV RNA
      positive cases), varying from 64.4% in Asia to 74.8% in Australasia. HCV genotype
      1 is the most prevalent worldwide (49.1%), followed by genotype 3 (17.9%), 4
      (16.8%) and 2 (11.0%). Genotypes 5 and 6 are responsible for the remaining < 5%.
      While genotypes 1 and 3 are common worldwide, the largest proportion of genotypes
      4 and 5 is in lower-income countries. Although HCV genotypes 1 and 3 infections
      are the most prevalent globally (67.0% if considered together), other genotypes
      are found more commonly in lower-income countries where still account for a
      significant proportion of HCV cases. CONCLUSION: A more precise knowledge of HCV
      genotype distribution will be helpful to best inform national healthcare models
      to improve access to new treatments.

PMID- 27678367
TI  - Double-layered covered stent for the treatment of malignant oesophageal
      obstructions: Systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the efficacy of double-layered covered stent in the treatment
      of malignant oesophageal obstructions. METHODS: A systematic review and meta
      analysis was performed following the PRISMA process. PubMed (Medline), EMBASE
      (Excerpta Medical Database), AMED (Allied and Complementary medicine Database),
      Scopus and online content, were searched for studies reporting on the NiTi-S
      polyurethane-covered double oesophageal stent for the treatment of malignant
      dysphagia. Weighted pooled outcomes were synthesized with a random effects model
      to account for clinical heterogeneity. All studies reporting the outcome of
      palliative management of dysphagia due to histologically confirmed malignant
      oesophageal obstruction using double-layered covered nitinol stent were included.
      The level of statistical significance was set at alpha = 0.05. RESULTS: Six
      clinical studies comprising 250 patients in total were identified. Pooled
      technical success of stent insertion was 97.2% (95%CI: 94.8%-98.9%; I (2) =
      5.8%). Pooled complication rate was 27.6% (95%CI: 20.7%-35.2%; I (2) = 41.9%).
      Weighted improvement of dysphagia on a scale of 0-5 scoring system was -2.00
      [95%CI: -2.29%-(-1.72%); I (2) = 87%]. Distal stent migration was documented in
      10 out of the 250 cases examined. Pooled stent migration rate was 4.7% (95%CI:
      2.5%-7.7%; I (2) = 0%). Finally, tumour overgrowth was reported in 34 out of the
      250 cases with pooled rate of tumour overgrowth of 11.2% (95%CI: 3.7%-22.1%; I
      (2) = 82.2%). No funnel plot asymmetry to suggest publication bias (bias = 0.39,
      P = 0.78). In the sensitivity analysis all results were largely similar between
      the fixed and random effects models. CONCLUSION: The double-layered nitinol stent
      provides immediate relief of malignant dysphagia with low rates of stent
      migration and tumour overgrowth.

PMID- 27678368
TI  - Immunohistochemical evaluation for outflow reconstruction using opened round
      ligament in living donor right posterior sector graft liver transplantation: A
      case report.
AB  - Utilizing the opened round ligament as venous grafts during liver transplantation
      is useful but controversial, and there are no pathological analyses of this
      procedure. Herein, we describe the first reported case of a pathological analysis
      of an opened round ligament used as a venous patch graft in a living donor liver
      transplantation (LDLT). A 13-year-old female patient with biliary atresia
      underwent LDLT using a posterior segment graft from her mother. The graft had two
      hepatic veins (HVs), which included the right HV (RHV; 15 mm) and the inferior
      RHV (IRHV; 20 mm). The graft RHV and IRHV were formed into a single orifice using
      the donor's opened round ligament (60 mm * 20 mm) as a patch graft during bench
      surgery; it was then anastomosed end-to-side with the recipient inferior vena
      cava. The recipient had no post-transplant complications involving the HVs, but
      she died of septic shock with persistent cholangitis and jaundice 86 d after
      LDLT. The HV anastomotic site had no stenosis or thrombus on autopsy. On
      pathology, there was adequate patency and continuity between the recipient's HV
      and the donor's opened round ligament. In addition, the stains for CD31 and CD34
      on the inner membrane of the opened round ligament were positive. Hepatic venous
      reconstruction using the opened round ligament as a venous patch graft is
      effective in LDLT, as observed on pathology. 

PMID- 27678369
TI  - Upregulation of MiR-196a promotes cell proliferation by downregulating p27kip1 in
      laryngeal cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Accumulating evidence has confirmed that miR-196a plays a critical
      role in tumorigenesis and tumor progression in a variety of cancers. It has been
      demonstrated that miR-196a is highly up-regulated in laryngeal cancer by miRNA
      profiling analysis. However, the functional mechanism of miR-196a in laryngeal
      cancer remains unclear. This study aims to explore the mechanism of miR-196a in
      laryngeal cancer. METHODS: In the present study, we conducted qPCR analysis of
      miR-196a expression in human laryngeal cancer and showed that miR-196a was
      overexpressed in tumor-derived samples and laryngeal cancer cell lines compared
      with matched normal controls. Further functional analysis of miR-196a
      demonstrated that the inhibition of miR-196a could inhibit laryngeal cell-cycle
      progression and proliferation in vitro. Luciferase reporter assay and western
      blot confirmed that miR-196a directly targeted p27kip1. Moreover, in order to
      investigate whether miR-196a regulated cell growth in laryngeal cancer cells by
      targeting p27kip1, rescue studies were performed in laryngeal cancer cells.
      RESULTS: Results showed that overexpression of p27kip1 rescue decreased cell
      proliferation caused by miR-196a inhibitors. A negative relation between miR-196a
      and p27kip1 expression in laryngeal cancer tissues were also noted by further
      analyses. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that miR-196a was upregulated in
      laryngeal cancer and promoted cell proliferation by downregulating p27kip1 in
      laryngeal cancer. However, further studies are needed to verify this finding.

PMID- 27678370
TI  - Economic evaluation of trimetazidine in the management of chronic stable angina
      in Greece.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of trimetazidine (TMZ) as add-on
      therapy to standard-of-care (SoC) compared to SoC alone in patients with chronic
      stable angina who did not respond adequately to first line therapy with b
      blockers, nitrates or calcium channel antagonists in Greece. METHODS: A Markov
      model with 3-month cycles and 1-year time horizon was developed to assess the
      comparators. The analysis was conducted from a third-party payer perspective. The
      clinical inputs and utility values were extracted from the published literature.
      Resource consumption data were obtained from local experts, using a questionnaire
      developed for the purpose of the study and were combined with unit cost data (in
      ?2016) obtained from official sources. Cost effectiveness was assessed by
      calculating the incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER). Probabilistic
      sensitivity analysis (PSA) was performed to account for uncertainty and variation
      in the input parameters of the model. RESULTS: The analysis showed that the cost
      of TMZ plus SoC was ?1755.57 versus ?1751.76 of SoC alone. In terms of health
      outcomes, TMZ plus SoC was associated with 0.6650 QALYs versus 0.6562 QALYs for
      SoC alone. The incremental analysis resulted in an ICER of ?430.67 per QALY
      gained. PSA revealed that the probability of TMZ plus SoC being cost-effective
      over SoC was 89 %, at a threshold of ?34,000 per QALY gained. CONCLUSION: The
      results indicate that TMZ as add -on treatment may be a highly cost-effective
      option for the symptomatic treatment of patients with chronic stable angina in
      Greece relative to SoC alone.

PMID- 27678371
TI  - Profiling of core fucosylated N-glycans using a novel bacterial lectin that
      specifically recognizes alpha1,6 fucosylated chitobiose.
AB  - A novel fucose-binding lectin (SL2-1) from the bacterium Streptomyces
      rapamycinicus was identified by analysis of metagenomic DNA sequences. SL2-1
      belongs to a new group of bacterial fucose-specific lectins that have no
      similarity to known bacterial fucose-binding proteins, but are related to certain
      eukaryotic fucose-binding lectins. The 17 kDa protein was expressed recombinantly
      in E. coli and purified by affinity chromatography. Glycan microarray analysis
      with fluorescently labeled recombinant SL2-1 demonstrated its ability to bind to
      core alpha1-6 fucosylated N-glycans, but not to core alpha1-3 fucosylated N
      glycans, or other alpha1-2, alpha1-3 and alpha1-4 fucosylated oligosaccharides.
      The minimal high affinity binding epitope of SL2-1 was alpha1-6 fucosylated di-n
      acetylchitobiose. The recombinant lectin was efficient in detection of N-glycan
      core fucosylation using lectin blotting and lectin ELISA assays. Finally, a
      workflow using SL2-1 for selective and quantitative profiling of core fucosylated
      N-glycans using UPLC-HILIC-FLR analysis was established. The approach was
      validated for selective capture and analysis of core fucosylated N-glycans
      present in complex glycan mixtures derived from mammalian serum IgG.

PMID- 27678372
TI  - The novel thiosemicarbazone, di-2-pyridylketone 4-cyclohexyl-4-methyl-3
      thiosemicarbazone (DpC), inhibits neuroblastoma growth in vitro and in vivo via
      multiple mechanisms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neuroblastoma is a relatively common and highly belligerent childhood
      tumor with poor prognosis by current therapeutic approaches. A novel anti-cancer
      agent of the di-2-pyridylketone thiosemicarbazone series, namely di-2
      pyridylketone 4,4-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (Dp44mT), demonstrates promising
      anti-tumor activity. Recently, a second-generation analogue, namely di-2
      pyridylketone 4-cyclohexyl-4-methyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (DpC), has entered multi
      center clinical trials for the treatment of advanced and resistant tumors. The
      current aim was to examine if these novel agents were effective against
      aggressive neuroblastoma in vitro and in vivo and to assess their mechanism of
      action. METHODS: Neuroblastoma cancer cells as well as immortalized normal cells
      were used to assess the efficacy and selectivity of DpC in vitro. An orthotopic
      SK-N-LP/Luciferase xenograft model was used in nude mice to assess the efficacy
      of DpC in vivo. Apoptosis in tumors was confirmed by Annexin V/PI flow cytometry
      and H&E staining. RESULTS: DpC demonstrated more potent cytotoxicity than Dp44mT
      against neuroblastoma cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. DpC
      significantly increased levels of phosphorylated JNK, neuroglobin, cytoglobin,
      and cleaved caspase 3 and 9, while decreasing IkBalpha levels in vitro. The
      contribution of JNK, NF-KB, and caspase signaling/activity to the anti-tumor
      activity of DpC was verified by selective inhibitors of these pathways. After 3
      weeks of treatment, tumor growth in mice was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced by
      DpC (4 mg/kg/day) given intravenously and the agent was well tolerated. Xenograft
      tissues showed significantly higher expression of neuroglobin, cytoglobin,
      caspase 3, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) levels and a slight
      decrease in interleukin-10 (IL-10). CONCLUSIONS: DpC was found to be highly
      potent against neuroblastoma, demonstrating its potential as a novel therapeutic
      for this disease. The ability of DpC to increase TNFalpha in tumors could also
      promote the endogenous immune response to mediate enhanced cancer cell apoptosis.

PMID- 27678373
TI  - Glaucoma following phakic posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation.

PMID- 27678374
TI  - Role of Landlords in Creating Healthy Homes: Section 8 Landlord Perspectives on
      Healthy Housing Practices.
AB  - PURPOSE: This article presents qualitative research findings of Section 8
      landlord perceptions regarding healthy housing practices to inform landlord
      focused initiatives. Approach or Design: Five focus groups were conducted with
      landlords. SETTING: Boston, Massachusetts. PARTICIPANTS: Section 8 landlords
      participated in focus groups (n = 39). METHOD: Focus group transcripts were coded
      for key themes using a grounded theory approach. RESULTS: Landlords' primary
      challenges to creating a healthy housing environment included tenant behavior,
      financial burden, and policy enforcement; tenant safety and cost savings were
      seen as primary benefits. CONCLUSION: Landlords play a critical role in
      implementing healthy housing practices. Several opportunities exist to reduce
      barriers and capitalize on perceived benefits of implementing these practices,
      including increasing access to educational and financial resources.

PMID- 27678376
TI  - Peripheral blood neutrophil extracellular trap production and degradation in
      chronic periodontitis.
AB  - AIMS: To investigate ex vivo peripheral neutrophil extracellular trap (NET)
      production and their subsequent degradation by plasma in chronic periodontitis
      patients, and periodontally and systemically healthy-matched controls. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Chronic periodontitis patient and control (n = 40 pairs) peripheral
      blood neutrophils (PBN) were stimulated for NET quantification. A subset of
      patients received non-surgical periodontal therapy (n = 19) and NETs were
      quantified 3 months later alongside controls. Blood plasma was collected from
      patients and controls to quantify plasma-induced NET degradation (n = 19 pairs).
      Subsequent experiments quantified plasma concentrations of DNase-1,
      immunoglobulin G (IgG), free light chains (FLCs), and cystatin C. RESULTS: No
      differences were observed in NET production between patients and controls.
      However, NET production decreased significantly in patients post-treatment.
      Plasma NET degradation was significantly lower in patients than controls, which
      may be due to significantly reduced DNase-1 levels as demonstrated, or
      potentially due to elevated IgG/FLC concentrations in patients. NET degradation
      post-periodontal treatment was comparable between patients and controls.
      CONCLUSIONS: NET production was comparable between patients and controls;
      however, non-surgical therapy causes attenuated NETs. NET degradation by plasma
      is impaired in untreated chronic periodontitis, potentially increasing the
      chronic NET burden, which may enhance antimicrobial function, or conversely,
      increase the risk of autoimmune/inflammatory responses.

PMID- 27678375
TI  - Genome-wide identification of Drosophila dorso-ventral enhancers by differential
      histone acetylation analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Drosophila dorso-ventral (DV) patterning is one of the best
      understood regulatory networks to date, and illustrates the fundamental role of
      enhancers in controlling patterning, cell fate specification, and morphogenesis
      during development. Histone acetylation such as H3K27ac is an excellent marker
      for active enhancers, but it is challenging to obtain precise locations for
      enhancers as the highest levels of this modification flank the enhancer regions.
      How to best identify tissue-specific enhancers in a developmental system de novo
      with a minimal set of data is still unclear. RESULTS: Using DV patterning as a
      test system, we develop a simple and effective method to identify tissue-specific
      enhancers de novo. We sample a broad set of candidate enhancer regions using data
      on CREB-binding protein co-factor binding or ATAC-seq chromatin accessibility,
      and then identify those regions with significant differences in histone
      acetylation between tissues. This method identifies hundreds of novel DV
      enhancers and outperforms ChIP-seq data of relevant transcription factors when
      benchmarked with mRNA expression data and transgenic reporter assays. These DV
      enhancers allow the de novo discovery of the relevant transcription factor motifs
      involved in DV patterning and contain additional motifs that are evolutionarily
      conserved and for which the corresponding transcription factors are expressed in
      a DV-biased fashion. Finally, we identify novel target genes of the regulatory
      network, implicating morphogenesis genes as early targets of DV patterning.
      CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our approach has expanded our knowledge of the DV
      patterning network even further and is a general method to identify enhancers in
      any developmental system, including mammalian development.

PMID- 27678377
TI  - 'Why can't I just not drink?' A qualitative study of adults' social experiences
      of stopping or reducing alcohol consumption.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Alcohol is ingrained in Australian culture, playing an
      important role in many social occasions. This can make reducing or stopping
      alcohol consumption challenging, as one risks rejecting, not just a drink but
      also the valued social norms that drink represents. This study aimed to
      investigate the social experiences of adults who stop or reduce their alcohol
      consumption. DESIGN AND METHODS: Sixteen semi-structured interviews were
      conducted with people aged over 25 years who had stopped or significantly reduced
      their alcohol consumption for at least 3 months in the past year and were
      thematically analysed. RESULTS: Participants found themselves stigmatised for
      violating expectations around alcohol consumption when they tried to stop or
      reduce their own drinking. Although most were able to either conceal their change
      in alcohol consumption or present it so that it did not challenge norms around
      drinking, this approach was seen as a temporary measure and not one to employ
      with people with whom they socialised regularly. Instead, many participants
      sought to change their interactions with their social group to focus on
      activities with which alcohol consumption was not strongly associated. DISCUSSION
      AND CONCLUSIONS: Reducing or stopping alcohol consumption can have positive
      consequences for health, yet it can also raise social challenges that individuals
      need to negotiate in order to maintain their social well-being. This tension
      suggests a need for health promotion campaigns to address the social as well as
      health consequences of reducing alcohol consumption. [Bartram A, Eliott J, Crabb
      S. 'Why can't I just not drink?' A qualitative study of adults' social
      experiences of stopping or reducing alcohol consumption. Drug Alcohol Rev
      2017;26:449-455].

PMID- 27678378
TI  - Structural mapping in statistical word problems: A relational reasoning approach
      to Bayesian inference.
AB  - Presenting natural frequencies facilitates Bayesian inferences relative to using
      percentages. Nevertheless, many people, including highly educated and skilled
      reasoners, still fail to provide Bayesian responses to these computationally
      simple problems. We show that the complexity of relational reasoning (e.g., the
      structural mapping between the presented and requested relations) can help
      explain the remaining difficulties. With a non-Bayesian inference that required
      identical arithmetic but afforded a more direct structural mapping, performance
      was universally high. Furthermore, reducing the relational demands of the task
      through questions that directed reasoners to use the presented statistics, as
      compared with questions that prompted the representation of a second, similar
      sample, also significantly improved reasoning. Distinct error patterns were also
      observed between these presented- and similar-sample scenarios, which suggested
      differences in relational-reasoning strategies. On the other hand, while higher
      numeracy was associated with better Bayesian reasoning, higher-numerate reasoners
      were not immune to the relational complexity of the task. Together, these
      findings validate the relational-reasoning view of Bayesian problem solving and
      highlight the importance of considering not only the presented task structure,
      but also the complexity of the structural alignment between the presented and
      requested relations.

PMID- 27678380
TI  - Erratum to: Role of olanzapine in chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting on
      platinum-based chemotherapy patients: a randomized controlled study.

PMID- 27678379
TI  - Lost and stranded: the experience of younger adults with advanced cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: There has been increased awareness recently of the unique medical and
      psychosocial needs of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer. However,
      the existing AYA literature is mainly focused on curative disease or survivorship
      rather than on advanced disease. Using qualitative methodology, we sought to
      understand the experience of younger adults with advanced cancer. METHODS:
      Participants were interviewed using open-ended, discovery-oriented interviews.
      Data was analyzed using thematic analysis. In total, ten English-speaking
      advanced cancer patients who were being treated at a comprehensive cancer center
      in Canada, were interviewed. Participants were between the ages of 18 and 35, and
      seven of them were female. RESULTS: The diagnosis of cancer was universally
      experienced as isolating and unexpected, with serious illness regarded as a
      problem of older individuals. The core challenge of living in the face of dying
      was felt to be constantly present yet typically unarticulated. Meaning-making
      tended to be constructed around future-oriented goals rather than upon the life
      that had been lived. Individuals felt forcefully removed from the stream of life,
      with a perceived interruption in the developmental tasks of establishing adult
      identity, becoming autonomous, and forming new relationships. All cited a need
      for young adult-specific services, yet none could describe specific services that
      would be beneficial. Many expressed reluctance to engage in individual
      psychotherapeutic treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Advanced cancer in younger adults was
      perceived by them as isolating and as interfering with age-appropriate
      developmental tasks. Creative and flexible psychosocial support programs are
      needed to engage this population with limited expected survival.

PMID- 27678381
TI  - Identification of At-Risk Youth by Suicide Screening in a Pediatric Emergency
      Department.
AB  - The pediatric emergency department (ED) is a critical location for the
      identification of children and adolescents at risk for suicide. Screening
      instruments that can be easily incorporated into clinical practice in EDs to
      identify and intervene with patients at increased suicide risk is a promising
      suicide prevention strategy and patient safety objective. This study is a
      retrospective review of the implementation of a brief suicide screen for
      pediatric psychiatric ED patients as standard of care. The Ask Suicide Screening
      Questions (ASQ) was implemented in an urban pediatric ED for patients with
      psychiatric presenting complaints. Nursing compliance rates, identification of at
      risk patients, and sensitivity for repeated ED visits were evaluated using
      medical records from 970 patients. The ASQ was implemented with a compliance rate
      of 79 %. Fifty-three percent of the patients who screened positive (237/448) did
      not present to the ED with suicide-related complaints. These identified patients
      were more likely to be male, African American, and have externalizing behavior
      diagnoses. The ASQ demonstrated a sensitivity of 93 % and specificity of 43 % to
      predict return ED visits with suicide-related presenting complaints within 6
      months of the index visit. Brief suicide screening instruments can be
      incorporated into standard of care in pediatric ED settings. Such screens can
      identify patients who do not directly report suicide-related presenting
      complaints at triage and who may be at particular risk for future suicidal
      behavior. Results have the potential to inform suicide prevention strategies in
      pediatric EDs.

PMID- 27678382
TI  - Pre-existing donor-specific antibodies are detrimental to kidney allograft only
      when persistent after transplantation.
AB  - Donor-specific antibodies (DSA) increase the risk of allograft rejection and
      graft failure. They may be present before transplant or develop de novo after
      transplantation. Here, we studied the evolution of preformed DSA and their impact
      on graft outcome in kidney transplant recipients. Using the Luminex Single
      Antigen assay, we analyzed the sera on the day of transplantation of 239 patients
      who received a kidney transplant. Thirty-seven patients (15.5%) had pre-existing
      DSA detected the day of transplantation. After 5 years, the pre-existing DSA
      disappeared in 22 patients whereas they persisted in 12. Variables associated
      with DSA persistence were age <50 years (P = 0.009), a history of previous
      transplantation (P = 0.039), the presence of class II DSA (P = 0.009), an MFI of
      preformed DSA >3500 (P < 0.001), and the presence of two or more DSA (P < 0.001).
      DSA persistence was associated with a higher risk of graft loss and antibody
      mediated rejection. Previously undetected preformed DSA are deleterious to graft
      survival only when they persist after transplantation.

PMID- 27678383
TI  - The Abdominal Reapproximation Anchor Device.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Achieving primary fascial closure after damage control laparostomy
      can be challenging. A number of devices are in use, with none having yet emerged
      as best practice. In July 2013, at Westmead Hospital, we started using the
      abdominal reapproximation anchor (ABRA; Canica Design, Almonte, Ontario, Canada)
      device. We report on our experience. METHODS: A retrospective review of medical
      records for patients who had open abdomens managed with the ABRA device between
      July to December 2013 was done. Data extracted included age, sex, body mass index
      (BMI), reason for the open abdomen, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health
      Evaluation II (APACHE II) score, number of laparostomies prior to ABRA placement,
      duration of placement, device complications, length of hospital and intensive
      care unit (ICU) stay, and outcomes. RESULTS: Four cases of open abdomens managed
      using the ABRA device were identified, with 3 a consequence of intra-abdominal
      sepsis and 1 a consequence of penetrating trauma. Mean BMI was 33.5 kg/m2, APACHE
      II score was 14.5, duration with open abdomen prior to ABRA placement was 11.75
      days, duration with ABRA in situ was 9 days, duration of hospital stay was 64.25
      days, and ICU stay was 37.75 days. Three patients (75%) achieved fascial closure,
      and 1 achieved skin closure. No incidences of enterocutaneous fistulae occurred.
      CONCLUSION: The ABRA is a unique emerging alternative to aid in achieving fascial
      closure in patients managed with open abdomens. Our case series demonstrates that
      it can be used effectively in selected patients. Studies are needed to compare
      its efficacy with more traditional methods.

PMID- 27678384
TI  - Luminescent Dinuclear Bis-Cyclometalated Gold(III) Alkynyls and Their Solvent
      Dependent Morphologies through Supramolecular Self-Assembly.
AB  - A series of luminescent bis-cyclometalated gold(III) complexes containing
      bridging alkynyl ligands of different natures has been synthesised and
      characterised. The photophysical properties of the complexes have been
      investigated through electronic absorption spectroscopy and emission studies. The
      vibronic emission bands are found to originate from the triplet intraligand (IL)
      pi-pi* excited states of the bis-cyclometalating ligands with some mixing of 3 IL
      pi-pi* character of the alkynyl ligands. The electrochemical study of a
      nonsymmetric dinuclear complex shows two successive reduction processes
      originating from the reductions of the two different cyclometalating ligands. The
      complexes are found to undergo supramolecular self-assembly processes driven by
      pi-pi stacking and hydrophobic/hydrophilic interactions to give honeycomb
      nanostructures, as revealed from the SEM images. Solvent-dependent morphological
      transformations have also been observed, which have been studied by SEM and 1 H
      NMR spectroscopy.

PMID- 27678385
TI  - Subacute mechanical stenosis due to twisted saphenous vein graft identified by
      intravascular ultrasound.

PMID- 27678386
TI  - Synthesis of Polylactide-Based Core-Shell Interface Cross-Linked Micelles for
      Anticancer Drug Delivery.
AB  - Well-defined poly(ethylene glycol)-b-allyl functional polylactide-b-polylactides
      (PEG-APLA-PLAs) are synthesized through sequential ring-opening polymerization.
      PEG-APLA-PLAs that have amphiphilic properties and reactive allyl side chains on
      their intermediate blocks are successfully transferred to core-shell interface
      cross-linked micelles (ICMs) by micellization and UV-initiated irradiation. ICMs
      have demonstrated enhanced colloidal stability in physiological-mimicking media.
      Hydrophobic molecules such as Nile Red or doxorubicin (Dox) are readily loaded
      into ICMs; the resulting drug-ICM formulations possess slow and sustained drug
      release profiles under physiological-mimicking conditions. ICMs exhibit
      negligible cytotoxicity in human uterine sarcoma cancer cells by using
      biodegradable aliphatic polyester as the hydrophobic segments. Relative to free
      Dox, Dox-loaded ICMs show a reduced cytotoxicity due to the late intracellular
      release of Dox from ICMs. Overall, ICMs represent a new type of biodegradable
      cross-linked micelle and can be employed as a promising platform for delivering a
      broad variety of hydrophobic drugs.

PMID- 27678388
TI  - Efficacy of lycopene on modulation of renal antioxidant enzymes, ACE and ACE gene
      expression in hyperlipidaemic rats.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of lycopene on renal tissue
      antioxidant enzymes and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene expression and
      serum activity in diet-induced hyperlipidaemia. METHODS: Thirty-two female Wistar
      albino rats (200-250 g weight), 5-6 months of age, were randomly selected and
      divided into four groups. Group I received normal diet; group II received 24 g
      high fat diet/100 g of daily diet; group III received 24 g high fat diet/100 g
      daily diet and 200 ml of lycopene extract (twice a week) for 8 weeks; and group
      IV received 200 ml oral lycopene extract twice a week for 8 weeks. RESULTS: A
      marked increase was observed in plasma urea and creatinine levels, serum C
      reactive protein, kidney weight, tissue renal malonyldialdehyde level, ACE gene
      expression and serum level, while a decrease catalase level among hyperlipidaemic
      rats was observed. Histologically, interstitial inflammation and proliferation
      was seen. Lycopene supplementation significantly decreased plasma urea and
      creatinine, serum ACE, renal tissue malonyldialdehyde level and C-reactive
      protein level, while it increased tissue antioxidant enzymes level and total
      protein. Tissue inflammation and proliferation was improved. CONCLUSIONS: This
      finding suggests that supplementation of lycopene is effective for renal
      antioxidant enzymes, ACE gene expression and ACE serum level in hyperlipidaemic
      rats.

PMID- 27678389
TI  - Volume regulatory hormones and plasma volume in pregnant women with sickle cell
      disorder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sickle cell disease (haemoglobin SS (HbSS)) mainly affects those of
      West African origin and is associated with hypervolaemia. Plasma volume rises by
      up to 50% in normal pregnancy but was previously found to be paradoxically
      contracted in late sickle cell pregnancy. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone
      system is activated very early in human pregnancy to support the plasma volume
      expansion. We hypothesised that activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone
      system would be blunted in pregnant women with sickle cell disease. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: We measured plasma volume and concentrations of plasma renin,
      angiotensinogen, aldosterone and other volume-related hormones in a cross
      sectional study of pregnant and non-pregnant Nigerian women with HbSS or HbAA.
      RESULTS: Plasma volume was higher in non-pregnant HbSS than HbAA women, but had
      not risen by 16 weeks, unlike plasma volume in HbAA women. The concentration of
      plasma renin also rose significantly less by 16 weeks in HbSS; angiotensinogen
      and aldosterone concentrations increased. CONCLUSIONS: The lower plasma renin
      concentration at 16 weeks with HbSS could be either primary or secondary to
      vasoconstriction related to inadequate vasodilator activity. The contracted
      plasma volume might then stimulate aldosterone synthesis by non-angiotensin II
      dependent stimulation. Studies of vasodilators such as nitric oxide, vasodilator
      eicosanoids or the PlGF/VEGF/sFlT-1 axis in pregnant HbSS and HbAA women will
      test this hypothesis.

PMID- 27678390
TI  - Breast Cancer Screening Among Korean Americans: A Systematic Review.
AB  - Cancer is the leading cause of death for Korean Americans (KAs). Breast cancer
      (BC) is the most commonly occurring cancer among KA women, and its rate has been
      rapidly increasing. Low BC screening rates for KAs puts them at greater risk for
      late-stage breast cancer. We conducted a systematic review of the published
      literature on cancer screening among KAs, and identified 38 eligible studies.
      Despite significant increases in mammogram utilization over the past two decades,
      KAs have consistently lower rates of mammogram screening than other American
      populations. KA women also report lower rates of clinical breast examination and
      breast self-examination. Screening rates are higher among adults with higher
      socioeconomic status, greater acculturation to the United States, more cancer
      knowledge, higher perceived susceptibility to BC, more social support, and better
      access to health services. However, fear of finding something wrong, fear of
      embarrassment or lack of modesty, not knowing where to go for screening,
      believing that mammography is only necessary when symptoms are present, and
      perceived time and cost difficulties in accessing mammography were reported as
      barriers to mammogram screening. Coordinated efforts from clinicians, public
      health workers, KA cultural and religious organizations, and the broader breast
      cancer advocacy and awareness community are necessary for improving BC screening
      among KAs.

PMID- 27678391
TI  - Post-Sling Urinary Retention in Women.
AB  - As many as 80 % of all women who complain of urine leakage will be diagnosed with
      stress urinary incontinence (SUI). As the population ages and SUI becomes more
      widespread, it is imperative to understand how to manage potential complications
      of the therapies used to treat this condition. As the mid-urethral sling has
      become the "gold standard" of SUI treatment, it is important to be aware of post
      operative complications associated with this procedure. One significant
      complication of the MUS is subsequent urinary retention. In this review, we
      discuss the potential etiologies of post-sling urinary retention and outline the
      various modalities for achieving a timely and accurate diagnosis. We also
      emphasize the applications of various diagnostic tools, such as urodynamics, when
      evaluating patients with post-sling urinary retention. Lastly, various treatments
      for this complication are discussed. This chapter serves as a comprehensive
      overview of how to approach post-sling urinary retention, underlining the recent
      academic research contributions that have enhanced our understanding of how to
      manage this condition.

PMID- 27678392
TI  - Advancement of Sialyltransferase Inhibitors: Therapeutic Challenges and
      Opportunities.
AB  - Hypersialylation of tumor cell surface proteins along with a marked upregulation
      of sialyltransferase (ST) activity is a well-established hallmark of cancer. Due
      to the critical role of STs in tumor growth and progression, ST inhibition has
      emerged as a potential new antimetastatic strategy for a range of cancers
      including pancreatic and ovarian. Human STs are divided into subtypes based on
      their linkage and acceptor molecule, with each subtype controlling the synthesis
      of specific sialylated structures with unique biological roles. This has
      important implications for inhibitor development, as STs also play significant
      roles in immune responses, inflammation, viral infection, and neurological
      disorders. Thus, the current goal in order to advance to the clinic is the
      development of subtype selective, cell-permeable and synthetically accessible,
      small-molecule ST inhibitors. Herein is a comprehensive review of the latest
      developments in ST inhibitors from design, Nature, and high-throughput screening,
      addressing both the challenges and opportunities in targeting cell surface
      sialylation. The review features an overview of the biological evaluation
      methods, computational and imaging tools, inhibitor molecular diversity, and
      selectivity toward ST subtypes, along with the emerging role of ST inhibitors as
      diagnostic tools for disease imaging.

PMID- 27678393
TI  - Liver fibrosis staging with diffusion-weighted imaging: a systematic review and
      meta-analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: A meta-analysis was performed to assess the diagnostic performance of
      diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in liver fibrosis (LF) staging. METHODS: We
      conducted a comprehensive literature search to identify relevant articles.
      Diagnostic data were extracted for each METAVIR fibrosis stage (F0-F4). A
      bivariate binomial model was used to combine sensitivities and specificities.
      Summary receiver operating characteristics (SROC) curves were performed and areas
      under SROC curve (AUC) were calculated to indicate diagnostic accuracies.
      Subgroup analyses were performed between different study characteristics.
      RESULTS: Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria for LF >=F1, 16 for >=F2, 18
      for >=F3, and 12 for F4. AUCs of DWI were 0.8554, 0.8770, 0.8836, and 0.8596 for
      >=F1, >=F2, >=F3, and F4, respectively. Subgroup analyses showed that for LF >=F2
      and >=F3, maximal b values (b max) >= 800 s/mm2 performed significantly better
      than b max < 800 s/mm2. The diagnostic accuracies of 3.0 T and intravoxel
      incoherent motion (IVIM)-DWI were significantly higher than those of 1.5 T and
      conventional DWI for diagnosing liver cirrhosis (F4). CONCLUSIONS: DWI is a
      reliable noninvasive technique with good diagnostic accuracy for LF staging.
      Using b max >= 800 s/mm2, high-field strength (3.0 T) and IVIM-DWI can optimize
      the diagnostic performance of DWI.

PMID- 27678394
TI  - Immersive bilingualism reshapes the core of the brain.
AB  - Bilingualism has been shown to affect the structure of the brain, including
      cortical regions related to language. Less is known about subcortical structures,
      such as the basal ganglia, which underlie speech monitoring and language
      selection, processes that are crucial for bilinguals, as well as other linguistic
      functions, such as grammatical and phonological acquisition and processing.
      Simultaneous bilinguals have demonstrated significant reshaping of the basal
      ganglia and the thalamus compared to monolinguals. However, it is not clear
      whether these effects are due to learning of the second language (L2) at a very
      young age or simply due to continuous usage of two languages. Here, we show that
      bilingualism-induced subcortical effects are directly related to the amount of
      continuous L2 usage, or L2 immersion. We found significant subcortical reshaping
      in non-simultaneous (or sequential) bilinguals with extensive immersion in a
      bilingual environment, closely mirroring the recent findings in simultaneous
      bilinguals. Importantly, some of these effects were positively correlated to the
      amount of L2 immersion. Conversely, sequential bilinguals with comparable
      proficiency and age of acquisition (AoA) but limited immersion did not show
      similar effects. Our results provide structural evidence to suggestions that L2
      acquisition continuously occurs in an immersive environment, and is expressed as
      dynamic reshaping of the core of the brain. These findings propose that second
      language learning in the brain is a dynamic procedure which depends on active and
      continuous L2 usage.

PMID- 27678396
TI  - Quantitative risk analysis of the novel H7N9 virus in environments associated
      with H9 avian influenza virus, Zhejiang province, China.
AB  - H9 avian influenza virus played a key role during generation of the novel H7N9
      virus. A surveillance programme was conducted to assess the H9 virus in relation
      to the risk of H7N9 virus contamination in the environment. Risk of H7N9 virus
      contamination in the presence of H9 virus was higher than without (adjusted odds
      ratio 4.49, 95% confidence interval 3.79-5.31). Adjusted odds ratios of the H7N9
      virus associated with co-presence of H9 virus and interacting factors were 4.93
      (rural vs. urban area), 46.80 (live poultry markets vs. other premises), 6.86
      (Huzhou vs. Hangzhou prefecture), 40.67 (year 2015 vs. 2013), and 9.63 (sewage
      from cleaning poultry vs. poultry faeces). Regular surveillance on gene
      variability of H7N9 and H9 viruses should be conducted and extra measures are
      needed to reduce co-circulation of H7N9 and H9 viruses in the environment.

PMID- 27678395
TI  - Anatomical and molecular characterization of dopamine D1 receptor-expressing
      neurons of the mouse CA1 dorsal hippocampus.
AB  - In the hippocampus, a functional role of dopamine D1 receptors (D1R) in synaptic
      plasticity and memory processes has been suggested by electrophysiological and
      pharmacological studies. However, comprehension of their function remains elusive
      due to the lack of knowledge on the precise localization of D1R expression among
      the diversity of interneuron populations. Using BAC transgenic mice expressing
      enhanced green fluorescent protein under the control of D1R promoter, we examined
      the molecular identity of D1R-containing neurons within the CA1 subfield of the
      dorsal hippocampus. In agreement with previous findings, our analysis revealed
      that these neurons are essentially GABAergic interneurons, which express several
      neurochemical markers, including calcium-binding proteins, neuropeptides, and
      receptors among others. Finally, by using different tools comprising cell type
      specific isolation of mRNAs bound to tagged-ribosomes, we provide solid data
      indicating that D1R is present in a large proportion of interneurons expressing
      dopamine D2 receptors. Altogether, our study indicates that D1Rs are expressed by
      different classes of interneurons in all layers examined and not by pyramidal
      cells, suggesting that CA1 D1R mostly acts via modulation of GABAergic
      interneurons.

PMID- 27678397
TI  - Budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) do not hear infrasound: the audiogram from
      8 Hz to 10 kHz.
AB  - The pure-tone thresholds of three budgerigars were determined from 8 Hz to 10
      kHz. At a level of 60 dB sound pressure level (re 20 MUN/m2), their hearing range
      extends 6.6 octaves from 77 Hz to 7.6 kHz, with a best sensitivity of 1.1 dB at 3
      kHz. Unlike pigeons and chickens, budgerigars do not have better low-frequency
      hearing than humans. This difference implies anatomical, physiological, and
      ecological differences between birds that hear infrasound (so far, pigeons and
      chickens) and those that do not (budgerigars).

PMID- 27678399
TI  - [Stapler operations of the anorectum : Indications, techniques and results].

PMID- 27678400
TI  - [Operative therapy of external rectal prolapse with a stapler].
AB  - External rectal prolapse is a rare condition, which is more common in old and
      multimorbid women. In recent years five surgical methods have become established
      from among the multitude of operative procedures which have been described. One
      of the most recent techniques is perineal stapled prolapse resection (PSP) which
      is described in this article. After complete eversion of the rectal prolapse it
      is resected into 2 halves using a linear cutter by incisions at 3 o'clock and 9
      o'clock lithotomy positions, followed by stepwise resection with a curved cutter
      along the ventral and dorsal circumference. There is low evidence for the
      treatment of external rectal prolapse. For PSP only case series exist with
      results that are similar to those from other techniques; however, comparative
      studies are nearly completely lacking. The PSP is a relatively new surgical
      technique for the treatment of external rectal prolapse. It is a safe surgical
      procedure. Due to the lack of evidence it should remain reserved for old and/or
      multimorbid patients.

PMID- 27678401
TI  - [Hospital volume effects in surgical treatment of gastric cancer : Results of a
      prospective multicenter observational study].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The impact of hospital and surgeon volume on the treatment outcome
      based on data obtained from cohort and register studies has been controversially
      discussed in the international literature. The results of large-scale prospective
      observational studies within the framework of clinical healthcare research may
      lead to relevant recommendations in this ongoing discussion. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Within the framework of the prospective multicenter German Gastric
      Cancer Study 2 (QCGC 2), from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2009 a total of 2897
      patients with the histological diagnosis of gastric cancer from 140 surgical
      departments were registered and analyzed. The departments were subdivided
      according to the number of cases into 4 volume groups: I) <5, II) 5-10, III) 11
      20 and IV) >20 patients with surgical interventions per year. RESULTS: Overall
      1163 patients (65.6 %) underwent surgical interventions in the departments of
      groups III and IV. Of the patients 521 (18 %) were scheduled for neoadjuvant
      treatment but with no significant differences among the various volume groups. In
      the departments of volume groups I and II subtotal gastric resection was
      performed significantly more often. Transthoracic extended surgical interventions
      in cases of a proximal tumor site were significantly more frequent in departments
      from volume group IV (p <0.001). The proportion of intraoperative fresh frozen
      sections correlated with the case volume: group I 23.2 % vs. group IV 61.2 %.
      Overall hospital mortality was 6.1 % and slightly higher in volume group I with
      7.8 %. The median survival time and the 5-year survival rate showed no
      significant differences between the various volume groups independent of tumor
      stages. There was a tendency towards a longer median survival time in volume
      group IV only for proximal tumor sites, i.e. adenocarcinoma of the
      esophagogastric junction (AEG). Using Cox regression analysis hospital volume did
      not have an independent impact on long-term survival. CONCLUSION: Hospital volume
      effects could only be detected for the treatment of AEG. To improve oncological
      long-term outcome, centralization of treatment of proximal gastric cancer appears
      to be recommendable.

PMID- 27678398
TI  - Characterization of the recombination activities of the Entamoeba histolytica
      Rad51 recombinase.
AB  - The protozoan parasite responsible for human amoebiasis is Entamoeba histolytica.
      An important facet of the life cycle of E. histolytica involves the conversion of
      the mature trophozoite to a cyst. This transition is thought to involve
      homologous recombination (HR), which is dependent upon the Rad51 recombinase.
      Here, a biochemical characterization of highly purified ehRad51 protein is
      presented. The ehRad51 protein preferentially binds ssDNA, forms a presynaptic
      filament and possesses ATP hydrolysis activity that is stimulated by the presence
      of DNA. Evidence is provided that ehRad51 catalyzes robust DNA strand exchange
      over at least 5.4 kilobase pairs. Although the homologous DNA pairing activity of
      ehRad51 is weak, it is strongly enhanced by the presence of two HR accessory
      cofactors, calcium and Hop2-Mnd1. The biochemical system described herein was
      used to demonstrate the potential for targeting ehRad51 with two small molecule
      inhibitors of human RAD51. We show that 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'
      disulfonic acid (DIDS) inhibited ehRad51 by interfering with DNA binding and
      attenuated encystation in Entamoeba invadens, while B02 had no effect on ehRad51
      strand exchange activity. These results provide insight into the underlying
      mechanism of homology-directed DNA repair in E. histolytica.

PMID- 27678403
TI  - [Cues and pseudocues in surgical multiple choice questions from the German state
      examination].
AB  - AIM: Multiple choice questions (MCQs) are the most common written test item in
      medical examinations. Writing MCQs is difficult and cues can decrease test
      validity. The aim of this article is to describe the prevalence and pattern of
      cues in surgical MCQs in the central German medical examination questions from
      2000-2011. METHOD: All surgical questions were entered into a database. The
      questions were reviewed for cues and pseudocues independently by three students
      of different academic background and one clinical physician. RESULTS: Initially,
      1014 questions were included, 22 questions were not rated uniformly by the
      reviewers and 3 questions were excluded because no consensus could be reached.
      Overall 15.2 % of the questions analyzed contained some type of cue or pseudocue.
      Of the total questions 0.2 % contained type A cues (i.e. disruption of
      grammatical flow), 6.5 % contained type B cues (i.e. heterogeneous length or
      differentiation), 4.0 % contained type C cues (two or more answers described
      closely related topics, serving to focus attention), 0.6 % contained type D
      convergence cues (i.e. answers with the most items in common with distractors are
      correct), 0.7 % contained type E verbal association cues (i.e. connection in the
      use of words leading to the correct answer) and 1.0 % contained type F cues (i.e.
      answers with absolute terms). Pseudocues were found in 3.7 % of the questions.
      DISCUSSION: The proportion of questions that contained cues or pseudocues should
      lead to further efforts to avoid such factors compromising test reliability by
      specific attention in the process of question design and review. CONCLUSION: Cues
      are still an important consideration in designing MCQs and are present in
      considerable numbers in medical state examination questions. Pseudocues should be
      explicitly avoided so as not to compromise validity and reliability.

PMID- 27678402
TI  - [Gastric stump carcinoma: frequency, treatment, complications and prognosis].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gastric stump carcinoma develops in the gastric remnant after partial
      gastrectomy. While the frequency of gastric cancer is declining, the incidence of
      gastric stump carcinoma has remained stable due to the long latency period. As
      the surgical treatment of gastric ulcers by partial gastrectomy has become much
      less important, more and more gastric stump carcinomas develop after oncological
      resection. AIM: This study compared the surgical therapy of gastric stump
      carcinoma with the therapy of primary gastric cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From
      2001 to 2014 a total of 24 patients were surgically treated for gastric stump
      carcinoma in the University Hospital of Heidelberg. In the same time 428 patients
      underwent resection due to primary gastric cancer. Both groups were analyzed and
      compared with a focus on preoperative therapy, intraoperative differences,
      complications and overall survival. RESULTS: Patients with gastric stump
      carcinoma were older at disease onset (68 years vs. 62 years, p = 0.003).
      Compared with primary gastric cancer, patients with gastric stump carcinoma were
      more often suspected of having lymph node (cN+) involvement (51.4 % vs. 41.7 %, p
      < 0.001) but neoadjuvant therapy was applied less often (48.7 % vs. 14.3 %, p <
      0.01). For resection of gastric stump carcinoma, extended resections were more
      often necessary (54.5 % vs. 28.2 %, p < 0.001). There were no significant
      differences in mean overall survival between the two patient groups (64.4 months
      vs. 45.8 months, p = 0.34) CONCLUSION: Despite the differences described, the
      treatment of gastric stump carcinoma does not essentially differ from that of
      primary gastric cancer. Carcinomas of the gastric stump are more often locally
      advanced and in our opinion a neoadjuvant therapy should be applied analogue to
      gastric cancer even if evidence-based data on this point are limited.

PMID- 27678404
TI  - System maps for retention of small neutral compounds on a superficially porous
      particle column in reversed-phase liquid chromatography.
AB  - The system constants of the solvation parameter model are used to prepare system
      maps for the retention of small neutral molecules on the ocadecylsiloxane-bonded
      silica superficially porous particle stationary phase (Kinetex C18) for aqueous
      organic solvent mobile phases containing 10-70% (v/v) methanol or acetonitrile. A
      comparison of the system constants with eight commercially available
      octadecylsiloxane-bonded silica columns for the same separation conditions
      confirms that the general retention properties of Kinetex C-18 are similar to
      totally porous octadecylsiloxane-bonded silica stationary phases and that method
      transfer should be no more difficult than that usually observed when substituting
      one octadecylsiloxane-bonded silica column for another.

PMID- 27678405
TI  - Magnetization of 3-dimentional homochiral metal-organic frameworks for efficient
      and highly selective capture of phosphopeptides.
AB  - Enrichment of phosphopeptides based on various affinity probes prior to mass
      spectrometry detection is usually required due to the low abundance and low
      ionization efficiency of phosphopeptides. In this work, a 3-dimentional
      homochiral metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) was modified with magnetic
      nanoparticles using a facile method and then utilized for phosphopeptides capture
      with high efficiency and specificity. Based on magnetic solid phase extraction, a
      rapid and efficient method was developed and the whole enrichment procedure could
      be easily finished within 10min. Efficient and highly selective capture of
      phosphopeptides from tryptic digests and human serum was achieved. This affinity
      probe showed satisfactory reproducibility of the particle synthesis and could be
      recycled for at least seven times. With all the advantages mentioned above, this
      strategy is of great potential for routine application in phosphoproteomes.

PMID- 27678406
TI  - Molecularly imprinted polymer monolith containing magnetic nanoparticles for the
      stir-bar sorptive extraction of triazines from environmental soil samples.
AB  - In this work, novel molecularly imprinted stir-bars based upon the entrapment of
      modified magnetic nanoparticles within an imprinted polymer monolith is developed
      for stir-bar sorptive extraction (SBSE). Firstly, magnetic nanoparticles were
      surface modified with oleic acid followed by encapsulation inside a silica
      network. Then, vinyl-groups were grafted onto the particles surface for the
      subsequent copolymerization with the imprinting polymerization mixture using a
      glass vial insert as a mold. As a result, the obtained imprinted monolith
      presented magnetic properties allowing its use as magnetic stir-bar. Variables
      affecting both polymer morphology (i.e., amount of magnetic nanoparticles,
      polymerization time) and binding-elution conditions of target analytes (i.e.,
      solvents, time) was carefully optimized. Optimum imprinted stir-bars were
      evaluated for the SBSE of triazines in soil sample extracts. Recoveries, at 16ngg
      1 concentration level, ranged from 2.4 to 8.7% with relative standard deviations
      lower than 15% (n=3). Although low recoveries were obtained, the high selectivity
      provided by the new molecularly imprinted stir-bars allowed reaching detection
      limits below 7.5ngg-1 by liquid chromatography coupled to UV detection.

PMID- 27678407
TI  - Association Between Celiac Disease and Asthma.

PMID- 27678408
TI  - Exploring the theoretical basis and limitations of cryo-STEM tomography for thick
      biological specimens.
AB  - Scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) imaging has recently been
      applied to the cryo-tomography of thick biological specimens. As previously shown
      for plastic sections, STEM has a number of advantages for cryo-imaging compared
      to conventional wide-field TEM imaging. STEM is insensitive to phase coherence
      and is therefore suitable for much thicker specimens than TEM. Imaging in focus,
      with a long depth of field, also circumvents the complications of an oscillatory
      contrast transfer function and missing information at low spatial frequencies.
      Moreover the image signal represents a quantitative measurement of the electron
      scattering pixel by pixel, so that absolute intensities can be interpreted in
      terms of material properties in the specimen. Resolution, however, is undoubtedly
      compromised for thick samples, especially in the regime of multiple elastic
      scattering. In this work we address the specific issues that arise in cryo
      tomography of thick biological specimens. We formulate an imaging model based on
      a Boltzmann transport equation, complemented by Monte Carlo simulations. Using
      these theoretical tools, we identify conditions for image acquisition that will
      be compatible with the basic presumption of tomographic reconstruction, i.e.,
      that for a given composition the imaging signal varies monotonically with
      thickness. For optimal resolution, contrast, and signal strength, we propose to
      generalize the on-axis bright field detector to collect at angles well beyond the
      illumination cone. Our results justify the generation of 3D images for micron
      thicknesses and beyond.

PMID- 27678409
TI  - Response to Wagner et al.: phosphodiesterase-2-anti-adrenergic friend or
      hypertrophic foe in heart disease?

PMID- 27678410
TI  - Differential effects of the enantiomers of tamsulosin and tolterodine on P
      glycoprotein and cytochrome P450 3A4.
AB  - The pregnane X receptor (PXR) is a transcription factor regulating P-glycoprotein
      (P-gp; ABCB1)-mediated transport and cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4)-mediated
      metabolism of xenobiotics thereby affecting the pharmacokinetics of many drugs
      and potentially modulating clinical efficacy. Thus, pharmacokinetic drug-drug
      interactions can arise from PXR activation. Here, we examined whether the
      selective alpha1-adrenoreceptor blocker tamsulosin or the antagonist of
      muscarinic receptors tolterodine affect PXR-mediated regulation of CYP3A4 and of
      P-gp at the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein level in an enantiomer-specific way.
      In addition, the effect of tamsulosin and tolterodine on P-gp activity was
      evaluated. We used quantitative real-time PCR, gene reporter assay, western
      blotting, rhodamine efflux assay, and calcein assay for determination of
      expression, activity, and inhibition of P-glycoprotein. The studied compounds
      significantly and concentration-dependently increased PXR activity in the ABCB1
      driven luciferase-based reporter gene assay. We observed much stronger induction
      of ABCB1 mRNA by S-tamsulosin as compared to the R or racemic form. R or racemic
      form of tolterodine and R-tamsulosin concentration-dependently increased P-gp
      protein expression; the latter also enhanced P-gp efflux function in a rhodamine
      based efflux assay. R-tamsulosin and all forms of tolderodine slightly inhibited
      P-gp. The effect on CYP3A4 expression followed the same pattern but was much
      weaker. Taken together, tamsulosin and tolterodine are demonstrated to interfere
      with P-gp and CYP3A4 regulation in an enantiomer-specific way.

PMID- 27678411
TI  - Osteogenesis imperfecta type V: Genetic and clinical findings in eleven Chinese
      patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) type V is a rare inherited disease
      characterized by multiple fractures, intraosseous membrane calcification, and
      hypercallus formation. We investigate the causative gene, phenotype and also
      observe the effects of zoledronic acid in Chinese OI type V patients. METHODS:
      The clinical phenotype and causative gene mutation was investigated in eleven
      patients with type V OI. Patients were given a dose of zoledronic acid 5mg
      intravenously. Fracture incidence and Z-score of bone mineral density (BMD) were
      evaluated. Serum levels of biomarkers such as cross linked C-telopeptide of type
      I collagen (beta-CTX) and safety parameters were assessed. RESULTS: The c.-14C>T
      mutation in the 5' untranslated region of IFITM5 was detected in all patients.
      The phenotype was largely variable, and no significant correlation of genotype
      and phenotype was found. After one dose of zoledronic acid infusion, fracture
      incidence significantly dropped from 2fractures/year before treatment to
      0fracture/year after treatment (P=0.01). Z score of lumbar spine BMD elevated
      from -2.6 to -1.3 (P<0.001). Serum beta-CTX level decreased by 50% (P<0.05). No
      serious adverse event was found. CONCLUSION: No obvious correlation was found
      between the genotype and phenotype. Zoledronic acid had significantly skeletal
      protective effects in OI of type V.

PMID- 27678412
TI  - Marriage Markets and Male Mating Effort: Violence and Crime Are Elevated Where
      Men Are Rare.
AB  - The negative social outcomes in populations with male-biased sex ratios are a
      growing concern. In general, the expectation is of heightened violence as a
      result of excess men engaging in antisocial behavior and crime, thereby
      threatening societal stability. While intuitive, these claims are largely
      unsupported in the literature. Using mating market theory as our guide, we
      examine indicators of male mating effort, including (1) violent competition
      between men (homicide, aggravated assault) and (2) indicators of uncommitted
      sexual behavior (rape, sex offenses, and prostitution). Our unit of analysis is
      U.S. county-level data. We find that counties with more men have lower rates of
      crime and violent behavior. Our findings challenge conventional claims of male
      excess leading to elevated levels of violence. Instead, in support of mating
      market predictions, we find that criminal and violent behavior related to male
      mating effort is least common in male-biased sex ratios. We discuss the
      implications of our findings for public policy regarding incarceration and
      criminal behavior.

PMID- 27678413
TI  - Prefrontal cortical GABAergic and NMDA glutamatergic regulation of delayed
      responding.
AB  - NMDA glutamatergic and GABAergic transmission have both been implicated in
      regulating working memory functions mediated by the prefrontal cortex (PFC), and
      perturbations in these neurotransmitter systems have been proposed to underlie
      deficits in these functions observed in schizophrenia. Here, we examined the
      consequence of disrupting GABAergic or NMDA glutamatergic transmission within the
      medial PFC of rats on a delayed-response paradigm with translational relevance to
      working memory tasks used with humans. The operant delayed non-match to position
      task consisted of a sample phase (one lever extended) and a choice phase wherein
      rats were required to choose the opposite lever, separated by a variable delay (1
      24 s). In well-trained rats, inactivation of the PFC via infusions of GABA
      agonists baclofen/muscimol (100 ng each) induced delay-independent deficits.
      Reducing PFC GABA transmission with the GABA-A receptor antagonist bicuculline
      (12.5-50 ng) also caused delay-independent impairments and increased trial
      omissions and response latencies during the sample and end-of-delay phases. On
      the other hand, non-selective blockade of PFC NMDA receptors with MK-801 (3-6
      MUg) disrupted performance, but these effects more closely resembled delay
      dependent impairments. However, selective blockade of GluN2B-containing NMDA
      receptors with Ro-25-6981 (2.5 MUg) did not affect any measures of performance.
      These results demonstrate that both intact PFC GABA and NMDA receptor signalling
      are integral for accurate delayed-responding, although they may differentially
      regulate encoding vs maintenance of information within working memory.
      Furthermore they suggest that perturbations of both of these neurochemical
      signals within the PFC may contribute differentially to impairments in working
      memory observed in schizophrenia.

PMID- 27678414
TI  - Lack of GSK3beta activation and modulation of synaptic plasticity by dopamine in
      5-HT1A-receptor KO mice.
AB  - Psychiatric disorders are associated with excitation-inhibition (E-I) balance
      impairment in the prefrontal cortex. However, how the E-I balance is regulated is
      poorly known. The E-I balance of neuronal networks is linked to the action of
      numerous neuromodulators such as dopamine and 5-HT. We investigated the role of
      D2-receptors in tuning the E-I balance in a mouse model of anxiety, the 5-HT1A
      receptor KO mice. We focused on synaptic plasticity of excitation and inhibition
      on layer 5 pyramidal neurons. We show that D2-receptor activation decreases the
      excitation and favors HFS-induced LTD of excitatory synapses via the activation
      of GSK3beta. This effect is absent in 5-HT1A-receptor KO mice. Our data show that
      the fine control of excitatory transmission by GSK3beta requires recruitment of
      D2-receptors and depends on the presence of 5-HT1A-receptors. In psychiatric
      disorders in which the number of 5-HT1A-receptors decreased, therapies should
      reconsider how serotonin and dopamine receptors interact and control neuronal
      network activity.

PMID- 27678416
TI  - Salubrinal attenuates right ventricular hypertrophy and dysfunction in hypoxic
      pulmonary hypertension of rats.
AB  - The phosphorylation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 alpha (p
      eIF2alpha) is essential for cell survival during hypoxia. The aim of this study
      was to investigate whether salubrinal, an inhibitor of p-eIF2alpha
      dephosphorylation could attenuate pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and right
      ventricular (RV) hypertrophy in rats exposed to hypobaric hypoxia. PAH of rats
      was induced by hypobaric hypoxia. Salubrinal supplemented was randomized in
      either a prevention or a reversal protocol. At the end of the follow-up point, we
      measured echocardiography, hemodynamics, hematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome
      stainings. RNA-seq analysis is explored to identify changes in gene expression
      associated with hypobaric hypoxia with or without salubrinal. Compared with
      vehicle-treatment rats exposed to hypobaric hypoxia, salubrinal prevented and
      partly reversed the increase of the mean pulmonary artery pressure and RV
      hypertrophy. What's more, salubrinal reduced the percentage wall thickness (WT%)
      of pulmonary artery and RV collagen volume fraction (CVF) in both prevention and
      reversal protocols. We also found that salubrinal was capable of reducing
      endoplasmic reticulum stress and oxidative stress. The result of RNA-seq analysis
      revealed that chronic hypoxia stimulated the differential expression of a series
      of genes involved in cell cycle regulation and ventricular hypertrophy and so on.
      Some of these genes could be ameliorated by salubrinal. These results indicate
      that salubrinal could prevent and reverse well-established RV remodeling, and
      restore the genes and pathways altered in the right ventricles of rats exposed to
      hypobaric hypoxia.

PMID- 27678417
TI  - Immunostaining of proinflammatory cytokines in renal cortex and medulla of rats
      exposed to gold nanoparticles.
AB  - Recently, gold nanoparticles (GNPs) have shown promising applications in targeted
      drug delivery and contrast imaging. Although in vitro cytotoxicity of GNPs has
      been thoroughly studied, there are limited data on in vivo toxicity of GNPs. In
      this study, we evaluated the effects of intraperitoneally injected 10 nm and 50
      nm GNPs (5 MUg/animal) on the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1beta,
      IL-6 and TNF-alpha) on day 1 and day 5, post-exposure. The results of
      immunohistochemistry showed that both 10 nm and 50 nm GNPs induced an acute phase
      expression of proinflammatory cytokines in renal cortex and medulla. This
      proinflammatory response was comparatively more intense in renal medulla than
      cortex. All the three cytokines were undetectable in control cortex and medulla.
      In conclusion, both 10 nm and 50 nm GNPs caused an acute phase induction of
      proinflammatory cytokines in cortex and medulla of rat kidneys. An intense
      immunostaining of proinflammatory cytokines in renal medulla warrants further
      studies to evaluate the nephrotoxicity of GNPs to validate the safe application
      of GNPs for contrast imaging in renal insufficiency.

PMID- 27678415
TI  - Ethanol potentiates both GABAergic and glutamatergic signaling in the lateral
      habenula.
AB  - Ethanol's aversive property may limit it's use, but the underlying mechanisms are
      no well-understood. Emerging evidence suggests a critical role for the lateral
      habenula (LHb) in the aversive response to various drugs, including ethanol. We
      previously showed that ethanol enhances glutamatergic transmission and stimulates
      LHb neurons. GABAergic transmission, a major target of ethanol in many brain
      regions, also tightly regulates LHb activity. This study assessed the action of
      ethanol on LHb GABAergic transmission in rat brain slices. Application of ethanol
      accelerated spontaneous action potential firing of LHb neurons, and LHb activity
      was increased by the GABAA receptor antagonist gabazine, and ethanol-induced
      acceleration of LHb firing was further increased by gabazine. Additionally,
      ethanol potentiated GABAergic transmission (inhibitory postsynaptic currents,
      IPSCs) with an EC50 of 1.5 mM. Ethanol-induced potentiation of IPSCs was
      increased by a GABAB receptor antagonist; it was mimicked by dopamine, dopamine
      receptor agonists, and dopamine reuptake blocker, and was completely prevented by
      reserpine, which depletes store of catecholamine. Moreover, ethanol-induced
      potentiation of IPSCs involved cAMP signaling. Finally, ethanol enhanced
      simultaneously glutamatergic and GABAergic transmissions to the majority of LHb
      neurons: the potentiation of the former being greater than that of the latter,
      the net effect was increased firing. Since LHb excitation may contribute to
      aversion, ethanol-induced potentiation of GABAergic inhibition tends to reduce
      aversion.

PMID- 27678418
TI  - Using Foreign Virtual Patients With Medical Students in Germany: Are Cultural
      Differences Evident and Do They Impede Learning?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Learning with virtual patients (VPs) is considered useful in medical
      education for fostering clinical reasoning. As the authoring of VPs is highly
      demanding, an international exchange of cases might be desirable. However,
      cultural differences in foreign VPs might hamper learning success. OBJECTIVE: We
      investigated the need for support for using VPs from the United States at a
      German university, with respect to language and cultural differences. Our goal
      was to better understand potential implementation barriers of a intercultural VP
      exchange. METHODS: Two VPs were presented to 30 German medical students featuring
      a cultural background different from German standards with respect to diagnostic
      and therapeutic procedures, ethical aspects, role models, and language (as
      identified by a cultural adaptation framework). Participants were assigned to two
      groups: 14 students were advised to complete the cases without further
      instructions (basic group), and 16 students received written explanatory
      supplemental information specifically with regard to cultural differences
      (supplement group). Using a 6-point scale (6=strongly agree), we analyzed the
      results of an integrated assessment of learning success as well as an evaluation
      of cases by the students on usefulness for learning and potential issues
      regarding the language and cultural background. RESULTS: The German students
      found it motivating to work with cases written in English (6-point scale, 4.5
      points). The clinical relevance of the VPs was clearly recognized (6 points), and
      the foreign language was considered a minor problem in this context (3 points).
      The results of the integrated learning assessment were similar in both groups
      (basic 53% [SD 4] vs supplement 52% [SD 4] correct answers, P=.32). However,
      students using the supplemental material more readily realized culturally
      different diagnostic and therapeutic strategies (basic 4 vs supplement 5 points,
      P=.39) and were less affirmative when asked about the transferability of cases to
      a German context (basic 5 vs supplement 3 points, P=.048). CONCLUSIONS: German
      students found English VPs to be highly clinically relevant, and they rated
      language problems much lower than they rated motivation to work on cases in
      English. This should encourage the intercultural exchange of VPs. The provision
      of supplemental explanatory material facilitates the recognition of cultural
      differences and might help prevent unexpected learning effects.

PMID- 27678420
TI  - From the Editor: What should be our target of treatment?

PMID- 27678421
TI  - JCL roundtable: Managing lipid disorders in young women.
AB  - The roundtable discussion in this issue will focus on the problems faced by young
      women with lipid disorders. This is often the source of confusion for the patient
      and physician because the myth continues that young women do not have
      complications of atherosclerosis as a result of elevated blood cholesterol. The
      essential role of women in bearing children during the early years of adulthood
      also produces difficult decisions because the mother and fetus are usually
      experiencing similar exposure to therapeutic regimens. We are joined in this
      discussion by Drs. Pamela Morris of the Medical University of South Carolina and
      Robert Wild of the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Dr Morris is an
      Internist, and Dr Wild is an Obstetrician and Gynecologist. Both are board
      certified in clinical lipidology and are actively publishing in this field. We
      have recorded this roundtable discussion during the National Lipid Association
      Scientific Sessions held in New Orleans during May 2016.

PMID- 27678422
TI  - Management strategies in patients with statin-associated muscle symptoms: What is
      the best strategy?

PMID- 27678419
TI  - The Cohesive Metastasis Phenotype in Human Prostate Cancer.
AB  - A critical barrier for the successful prevention and treatment of recurrent
      prostate cancer is detection and eradication of metastatic and therapy-resistant
      disease. Despite the fall in diagnoses and mortality, the reported incidence of
      metastatic disease has increased 72% since 2004. Prostate cancer arises in
      cohesive groups as intraepithelial neoplasia, migrates through muscle and leaves
      the gland via perineural invasion for hematogenous dissemination. Current
      technological advances have shown cohesive-clusters of tumor (also known as
      microemboli) within the circulation. Circulating tumor cell (CTC) profiles are
      indicative of disseminated prostate cancer, and disseminated tumor cells (DTC)
      are found in cohesive-clusters, a phenotypic characteristic of both radiation-
      and drug-resistant tumors. Recent reports in cell biology and informatics,
      coupled with mass spectrometry, indicate that the integrin adhesome network
      provides an explanation for the biophysical ability of cohesive-clusters of tumor
      cells to invade thorough muscle and nerve microenvironments while maintaining
      adhesion-dependent therapeutic resistance. Targeting cohesive-clusters takes
      advantage of the known ability of extracellular matrix (ECM) adhesion to promote
      tumor cell survival and represents an approach that has the potential to avoid
      the progression to drug- and radiotherapy-resistance. In the following review we
      will examine the evidence for development and dissemination of cohesive-clusters
      in metastatic prostate cancer.

PMID- 27678423
TI  - A review of PCSK9 inhibition and its effects beyond LDL receptors.
AB  - Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) plays an integral role in
      the degradation of low-density lipoprotein receptors (LDL-R), making it an
      intriguing target for emerging pharmacotherapy. Two PCSK9 inhibitors, alirocumab
      and evolocumab, have been approved and are available in the United States and
      European Union. However, much of the PCSK9 story remains to be told. The pipeline
      for additional pharmacotherapy options is rich with several compounds under
      development, using alternative strategies for inhibiting PCSK9. Perhaps, more
      intriguing is the interaction between PCSK9 and non-LDL-R targets, including
      mediators of inflammation and immunological processes, which remain under intense
      investigation. This review will discuss the currently available PCSK9 inhibitors,
      the development of novel approaches to PCSK9 modulation, and the potential non
      LDL-R-mediated effects of PCSK9 inhibition.

PMID- 27678424
TI  - The risks of statin use in pregnancy: A systematic review.
AB  - Statins are contraindicated in pregnancy; however, as women delay pregnancy and
      statin use increases the risk of statin exposure in pregnancy is likely to rise.
      In contrast to some early reports that statins are teratogenic, more recent
      observational studies have called into question the teratogenic risk of statins.
      Therefore, whether statins are associated with congenital anomalies or other
      pregnancy complications remains an important clinical question. This article
      provides an up-to-date systematic review on the risks of statins in pregnancy. We
      conducted a literature search to identify relevant English language studies
      related to statin exposure and pregnancy. Single case reports, animal studies,
      studies only published in abstract form, and non-English language studies were
      excluded. A total of 16 clinical studies were included in this systematic review.
      Although early uncontrolled case series reported congenital anomalies associated
      with statin use, more recent observational studies did not report an increased
      risk of congenital anomalies with statin exposure in pregnancy when compared to
      control groups or the prevalence of congenital anomalies in the general
      population. Our findings show no clear relationship of congenital anomalies with
      statin use in pregnancy, and our study supports the findings that statins are
      probably not teratogenic. However, until more information is available, statins
      should still be avoided in pregnancy.

PMID- 27678426
TI  - Low advanced glycation end product diet improves the lipid and inflammatory
      profiles of prediabetic subjects.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prediabetes is associated with risk for cardiovascular disease, and
      the first step in its management emphasizes lifestyle and diet modifications;
      however, modern diets are high in advanced glycation end products (dAGEs),
      derived from processing methods that exert a pivotal role in promoting
      atherosclerotic risk. OBJECTIVE: We studied the effect of low vs standard dAGE
      diets (L-dAGEs vs S-dAGEs) on lipid profile, inflammation, and cardiovascular
      risk in prediabetic subjects. METHODS: A 24-week randomized dietary intervention
      was conducted on 62 prediabetic subjects. We evaluated lipid profile, endogenous
      secretory receptors for AGEs, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, arterial
      stiffness, and intima-media thickness. RESULTS: After 24 weeks, patients with L
      dAGEs showed a significant reduction of total cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, and
      low-density lipoprotein compared with controls (5.26 +/- 1.09 vs 5.53 +/- 0.87
      mmol/L, P < .05; 0.77 +/- 0.25 vs 1.16 +/- 0.13 mmol/L, P < .05; and 3.53 +/-
      0.93 vs 3.68 +/- 0.7 mmol/L, P < .05); with respect to baseline, high-sensitivity
      C-reactive protein levels were significantly reduced in the L-dAGEs group (0.21
      [0.11-0.69] vs 0.12 [0.08-0.48] mg/dL, P < .05) but not in the S-dAGEs group.
      Endogenous secretory receptor for AGEs was similar in both the groups at baseline
      and at the 24-week follow-up. With respect to baseline, L-dAGE patients showed a
      significative reduction of intima-media thickness (0.77 [0.73-0.81] vs 0.73 [0.70
      0.75] mm, P < .05). We did not observe the same reduction in S-dAGEs. No
      difference in arterial stiffness was found from baseline to follow-up in both the
      groups. CONCLUSIONS: L-dAGEs improved the lipid and inflammatory profiles of
      prediabetic subjects and seemed to reduce atherosclerotic burden compared with a
      standard diet. Further studies are needed to recommend this dietary regimen for
      prevention of cardiovascular risk in prediabetes.

PMID- 27678427
TI  - Prevalence of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association
      statin eligibility groups, statin use, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol
      control in US adults using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
      2011-2012.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The 2013 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association
      Cholesterol Management Guideline identifies 4 statin-eligible groups: (1) known
      atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) aged >=21 years, (2) low-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) >= 190 mg/dL (4.9 mmol/L) aged >=21 years, (3)
      diabetes mellitus aged 40 to 75 years with LDL-C 70 to 189 mg/dL (1.8-4.9
      mmol/L), or (4) >=7.5% 10-year ASCVD risk aged 40 to 75 years with LDL-C 70 to
      189 mg/dL (1.8-4.9 mmol/L). OBJECTIVES: We examined the number of statin-eligible
      US adults, statin use, LDL-C goal attainment, and adherence to lifestyle
      management. METHODS: We identified subjects from the US National Health and
      Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2012 in the 4 statin-eligible groups,
      proportion on statin, proportion at recommended LDL-C levels using National Lipid
      Association goals (<70 mg/dL [1.8 mmol/L] for very high risk and <100 mg/dL [2.6
      mmol/L] for others), and adherence to lifestyle measures. RESULTS: Of 5206 adults
      (representing 219 million), 1677 adults representing 62.6 million adults fit into
      1 of the 4 statin-eligible groups. Statin use was 63.7% for the ASCVD, 61.4% for
      the LDL-C >= 190 mg/dL (4.9 mmol/L), 43.2% for the diabetes mellitus, and 27.2%
      for the 10-year risk >=7.5% groups. Of those on statins with LDL-C measured,
      79.7%, 98.0%, 42.3%, and 46.8% were not at LDL-C goal. Adherence to recommended
      <6% calories from saturated fat ranged from 3.3% to 6.4% and >=40 minutes of
      physical activity >=3 times a week from 54.7% to 65.1% across statin-eligible
      groups. CONCLUSION: Many US adults eligible to receive statins based on American
      College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines are not taking
      statins, and LDL-C levels still remain suboptimal.

PMID- 27678425
TI  - Mortality reduction in patients treated with long-term intensive lipid therapy:
      25-year follow-up of the Familial Atherosclerosis Treatment Study-Observational
      Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) begins early in life and is associated
      with both the number of risk factors present and length of exposure to these risk
      factors including hyperlipidemia. OBJECTIVES: The clinical benefit of intensive
      lipid therapy over 25 years was investigated in the Familial Atherosclerosis
      Treatment Study-Observational Study. METHODS: Of 175 coronary artery disease
      subjects with mean low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) of 191 mg/dL and
      mean age of 50 years, who completed the randomized and placebo-controlled
      Familial Atherosclerosis Treatment Study, 100 chose receiving lipid management by
      their physicians (usual care [UC]) and 75 elected to receive an intensive
      treatment [IT] for lipid management with lovastatin (40 mg/d), niacin (2.5 g/d),
      and colestipol (20 g/d) from 1989 to 2004, followed by double therapy with
      simvastatin (40-80 mg/d) and niacin from 2005 to 2006 and by triple therapy of
      ezetimibe 10 mg and simvastatin 40 to 80 mg/d plus niacin during 2007 to 2012.
      Deaths from CVD, non-CVD, and any cause were compared between UC and IT using Cox
      proportional hazards model. RESULTS: UC and IT groups were similar in risk
      factors with the exception that IT had more severe coronary artery disease. Mean
      LDL-C levels were 167 mg/dL from 1988 to 2004, 97 from 2005 to 2006, and 96 from
      2007 to 2012 in surviving subjects receiving UC. IT lowered LDL-C to 119, 97, and
      83 mg/dL in the 3 periods, respectively. Compared with UC, IT significantly
      reduced total mortality (11.1 vs 26.3 per 1000 person years [PY], hazard ratio
      [HR] = 0.45, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.26-0.77, P = .003) and CVD mortality
      (10.6 vs 27.7 per 1000 PY, HR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.15-0.80, P = .009). The non-CVD
      mortality was also reduced but was not of statistical significance (6.8 vs 12.7
      per 1000 PY, HR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.27-1.14, P = .11). CONCLUSIONS: Long-term
      intensive lipid therapy significantly reduced total and cardiovascular mortality
      in Familial Atherosclerosis Treatment Study-Observational Study. These results
      support the importance of lifetime risk management to improve long-term outcome.

PMID- 27678428
TI  - Effects of climatic factors on plasma lipid levels: A 5-year longitudinal study
      in a large Chinese population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The rules and mechanisms of seasonal changes in plasma lipid levels,
      which may be related to annual rhythmicity of incidence and mortality of
      cardiovascular diseases, are still controversial. OBJECTIVE: The objectives of
      this study were to study the effects of climatic factors on plasma lipid levels
      and to preliminarily reveal mechanisms of annual rhythmicity of plasma lipid
      levels. METHODS: A longitudinal study was performed using health examination data
      of 5 consecutive years (47,270 subjects) in Jinan, China. The climate in Jinan is
      typical temperate continental monsoon climate with huge temperature difference
      between winter and summer (>30 degrees C). RESULTS: After considering and
      adjusting those classical lipid-associated risk factors, such as age, gender,
      diet, exercise, blood pressure, body weight, change of body weight, body mass
      index, glycemia, alanine aminotransferase, and creatinine, only air temperature
      could still significantly affect plasma lipid levels among the main climatic
      factors (humidity, precipitation, and so forth). For men, total cholesterol, high
      density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was
      decreased significantly 0.35, 0.18, and 0.06 mmol/L, respectively, whereas
      triglyceride was increased significantly 0.12 mmol/L for every 10 degrees C
      increase in air temperature. For women, total cholesterol and high-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol were decreased notably 0.73 and 0.32 mmol/L, and low
      density lipoprotein cholesterol was increased significantly 0.26 mmol/L for every
      10 degrees C increase in air temperature, whereas triglyceride was not
      significantly affected by air temperature. CONCLUSION: Air temperature is an
      independent risk factor for plasma lipid levels besides those classical lipid
      associated risk factors. The annual air temperature fluctuations might be an
      important mechanism of the seasonal changes of lipids.

PMID- 27678429
TI  - The very high cardiovascular risk in heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia:
      Analysis of 734 French patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (heFH) is a genetic
      disease causing high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C).
      Although this population is at high cardiovascular (CV) risk, the risk is
      variable within patients depending on additional risk factors. CV disease risk
      groups have been defined by the Nouvelle Societe Francophone d'Atherosclerose
      (NSFA) and by the National Lipid Association recommendations. OBJECTIVES: The
      study aimed to describe a sample of French heFH patients, comparing patients at
      very high risk (VHR) and patients at high risk in terms of demographic and
      clinical characteristics as well as biological measurements and disease
      management. METHODS: Cross-sectional retrospective analysis on 734 patients
      hospitalized after 2005 in 5 academic centers. RESULTS: When considering NSFA
      classification, 550 (74.9%) patients belonged to the VHR group. Most patients in
      the VHR group presented more than 1 risk factor, the most prevalent ones being
      Lp(a) > 50 mg/dL and smoking. Patients in the VHR group were older (50.6 vs 45.0
      years old, P = .0002), and presented a higher body mass index (25.5 kg/m(2) vs
      23.3 kg/m(2), P < .0001). The proportion of patients with carotid arterial plaque
      was higher in the VHR group (59.8% vs 48.6%, P = .06). Total cholesterol (2.41
      g/L on average) and LDL-C (1.65 g/L on average) were not found to be
      significantly different. Maximum level of lipid-lowering treatments were used in
      34% of cases in the VHR group, significantly higher than 16% in the high-risk
      group (P = .001). Very similar results were found when using the National Lipid
      Association recommendations. CONCLUSION: This study provides a detailed
      description of French heFH patients according to their CV risk. Patients with
      very high CV risk had usually more advanced carotid plaques and were treated with
      heavier lipid-lowering drugs although their LDL-C level remained similar. This
      highlights the significant burden of this population.

PMID- 27678430
TI  - Effects of the cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibitor, TA-8995, on
      cholesterol efflux capacity and high-density lipoprotein particle subclasses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: TA-8995 is a potent inhibitor of cholesteryl ester transfer protein
      (CETP) with beneficial effects on lipids and lipoproteins. The effect of TA-8995
      on cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC), a measure of high-density lipoprotein (HDL)
      function, and HDL subparticle distribution is largely unknown. OBJECTIVE: To
      assess the effect of the CETP inhibitor TA-8995 on ABCA1- and non-ABCA1-driven
      CEC and on HDL particle distribution. METHODS: Total, non-ABCA1-, and ABCA1
      specific CEC from J774 cells and HDL subclass distribution assessed by two
      dimensional gel electrophoresis were measured at baseline and after 12-week
      treatment in 187 mild-dyslipidemic patients randomized to placebo, 1 mg, 5 mg, 10
      mg TA-8995, or 10 mg TA-8995 combined with 10 mg rosuvastatin (NCT01970215).
      RESULTS: Compared with placebo, total, non-ABCA1-, and ABCA1-specific CEC were
      increased dose dependently by up to 38%, 72%, and 28%, respectively, in patients
      randomized to 10 mg of TA-8995. PreBeta-1 HDL, the primary acceptor for ABCA1
      driven cholesterol efflux, was increased by 36%. This increase in preBeta-1 HDL
      correlated significantly with the total and the ABCA1-driven CEC increase,
      whereas the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) increase did not.
      CONCLUSION: TA-8995 dose dependently increased not only total and non-ABCA1
      specific CEC but also ABCA1-specific CEC and preBeta-1 HDL particle levels. These
      findings suggest that TA-8995 not only increases HDL-C levels but also promotes
      functional properties of HDL particles. This CETP inhibitor-driven preBeta-1 HDL
      increase is an important predictor of both ABCA1 and total CEC increase,
      independent of HDL-C increase. Whether these changes in HDL particle composition
      and functionality have a beneficial effect on cardiovascular outcome requires
      formal testing in a cardiovascular outcome trial.

PMID- 27678431
TI  - Familial hypercholesterolemia among unselected contemporary patients presenting
      with first myocardial infarction: Prevalence, risk factor burden, and impact on
      age at presentation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a hereditary disease carrying a
      substantial lifetime risk of coronary heart disease. OBJECTIVE: To assess the
      prevalence of FH and its impact on age at presentation among unselected patients
      with first myocardial infarction (MI). METHODS: In a multi-center cross sectional
      study, we identified 1381 unselected patients presenting with a first MI between
      2010 and 2012. Clinical FH was assessed using both the Dutch Lipid Clinic Network
      (DLCN) criteria and the Simon Broome criteria. RESULTS: Based on the DLCN
      criteria, 2.0% of patients with first MI had "probable/definite" FH, whereas 4.7%
      had "possible" FH according to the Simon Broome criteria. In the 291 (21%)
      patients with premature MI, 6.9% had "probable/definite" FH (DLCN criteria), and
      11.0% had "possible" FH (Simon Broome criteria). Nearly all premature
      "probable/definite" and "possible" FH patients had at least one additional marker
      of high cardiovascular risk including current smoking (72%-80%) and hypertension
      (40%-44%). In multivariable-adjusted linear regression modeling, patients with
      "probable/definite" FH using DLCN criteria had their first MI 14.6 years (95%
      confidence interval [CI], 9.6-19.6 years) earlier than non-FH patients. Likewise,
      "possible" FH patients using Simon Broome criteria were associated with having an
      MI 9.1 years (95% CI = 6.3-12.4) earlier than non-FH patients. CONCLUSION:
      Clinical FH is common and associated with markedly earlier age of first MI,
      especially when combined with additional markers of high risk, indicating an
      unmet need for earlier identification of FH to ensure global risk factor control.
      First MI constitutes a unique opportunity to detect families with unknown FH.

PMID- 27678432
TI  - A 3-year study of atorvastatin in children and adolescents with heterozygous
      familial hypercholesterolemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The efficacy and safety of atorvastatin in children/adolescents aged
      10-17 years with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) have been
      demonstrated in trials of up to 1 year in duration. However, the efficacy/safety
      of >1 year use of atorvastatin in children/adolescents with HeFH, including
      children from 6 years of age, has not been assessed. OBJECTIVE: To characterize
      the efficacy and safety of atorvastatin over 3 years and to assess the impact on
      growth and development in children aged 6-15 years with HeFH. METHODS: A total of
      272 subjects aged 6-15 years with HeFH and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol
      (LDL-C) >=4.0 mmol/L (154 mg/dL) were enrolled in a 3-year study (NCT00827606).
      Subjects were initiated on atorvastatin (5 mg or 10 mg) with doses increased to
      up to 80 mg based on LDL-C levels. RESULTS: Mean percentage reductions from
      baseline in LDL-C at 36 months/early termination were 43.8% for subjects at
      Tanner stage (TS) 1 and 39.9% for TS >=2. There was no evidence of variations in
      the lipid-lowering efficacy of atorvastatin between the TS groups analyzed (1 vs
      >=2) or in subjects aged <10 vs >=10 years, and the treatment had no adverse
      effect on growth or maturation. Atorvastatin had a favorable safety and
      tolerability profile, and only 6 (2.2%) subjects discontinued because of adverse
      events. CONCLUSIONS: Atorvastatin over 3 years was efficacious, had no impact on
      growth/maturation, and was well tolerated in children and adolescents with HeFH
      aged 6-15 years.

PMID- 27678433
TI  - Assessment of postprandial triglycerides in clinical practice: Validation in a
      general population and coronary heart disease patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies have suggested that for clinical purposes, subjects
      with fasting triglycerides (TGs) between 89-180 mg/dl (1-2 mmol/l) would benefit
      from postprandial TGs testing. OBJECTIVE: To determine the postprandial TG
      response in 2 independent studies and validate who should benefit diagnostically
      from an oral-fat tolerance test (OFTT) in clinical practice. METHODS: A
      population of 1002 patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) from the CORDIOPREV
      clinical trial and 1115 white US subjects from the GOLDN study underwent OFTTs.
      Subjects were classified into 3 groups according to fasting cut points of TGs to
      predict the usefulness of OFTT: (1) TG < 89 mg/dl (<1 mmol/l); (2) TG, 89-180
      mg/dl (1-2 mmol/l); and (3) TG > 180 mg/dl (>2 mmol/l). Postprandial TG
      concentration at any point > 220 mg/dl (>2.5 mmol/l) has been pre-established as
      an undesirable postprandial response. RESULTS: Of the total, 49% patients with
      CHD and 42% from the general population showed an undesirable response after the
      OFTT. The prevalence of undesirable postprandial TG in the CORDIOPREV clinical
      trial was 12.8, 50.3, and 89.7%, in group 1, 2, and 3, respectively (P < .001)
      and 11.2, 58.1, and 97.5% in group 1, 2, and 3, respectively (P < .001) in the
      GOLDN study. CONCLUSIONS: These two studies validate the predictive values
      reported in a previous consensus. Moreover, the findings of the CORDIOPREV and
      GOLDN studies show that an OFTT is useful to identify postprandial hyperlipidemia
      in subjects with fasting TG between 1-2 mmol/l (89-180 mg/dL), because
      approximately half of them have hidden postprandial hyperlipidemia, which may
      influence treatment. An OFTT does not provide additional information regarding
      postprandial hyperlipidemia in subjects with low TG (<1 mmol/l, <89 mg/dL) or
      increased TG (>2 mmol/l, >180 mg/dl).

PMID- 27678435
TI  - Familial hypercholesterolemia in a large ambulatory population: Statin use,
      optimal treatment, and identification for advanced medical therapies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal dominant genetic
      disease resulting in elevated serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)
      levels. Patients with FH have a very high lifetime risk of cardiovascular
      disease, but FH often goes unrecognized in clinical care. New treatments
      including PCSK9 inhibitors are now available for this population, and the use of
      the electronic record may be able to help identify potential patients for
      therapy. OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to determine the period
      prevalence of FH in a large ambulatory care population, including the homozygous
      form. In addition, use of cholesterol lowering therapy in individuals with FH was
      characterized. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was carried out among patients
      seen in an upper Midwest health care system between 2009 and 2012. In a search of
      electronic health records (EHR) and using the current National Lipid Association
      guidelines, FH patients (including homozygous cases) were identified based on age
      and highest LDL-C. Statin therapy was characterized according to current FH
      treatment guidelines. RESULTS: There were 391,166 individuals with available
      measures during the study timeframe. Of these, 841 were identified as having
      probable HeFH, representing a prevalence of 0.21% (about 1 in 470 patients) in
      this population. HoFH was identified as probable in 6 patients. For the total
      group, two-thirds of FH patients were on a statin, but only half were treated
      adequately. The remaining one-third of FH patients were not on statin therapy,
      with only 27% of those not on statin therapy having a documented statin
      intolerance. CONCLUSIONS: FH is often underdiagnosed and suboptimally treated in
      clinical practice. Statin therapy in this population rarely went beyond low
      moderate doses. These findings support EHR-based population health efforts to
      initiate an FH cascade-screening model and ensure higher quality care for this
      high-risk population and identify those who may benefit from advanced therapy.

PMID- 27678434
TI  - Lifestyle intervention enhances high-density lipoprotein function among patients
      with metabolic syndrome only at normal low-density lipoprotein cholesterol plasma
      levels.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with altered lipoprotein
      metabolism and impairment in the functionality of small, dense high-density
      lipoprotein (HDL) particles secondary to compositional alterations. OBJECTIVE:
      The objective of this study was to investigate the capacity of a lifestyle
      program to improve the composition and antioxidative function (AOX) of small
      dense HDL3c in MetS. METHODS: Patients with MetS (n = 33) not taking lipid
      lowering drugs were recruited to follow a 12-week educational program to reduce
      caloric intake and to increase physical activity. HDL subfractions were
      preparatively isolated by isopycnic density-gradient ultracentrifugation. AOX of
      HDL3c was assessed as its capacity to inhibit low-density lipoprotein oxidation
      induced by an azoinitiator. RESULTS: AOX of HDL3c was significantly improved
      (mean reduction in the propagation rate of low-density lipoprotein oxidation by
      HDL3c, -6.8%, P = .03) and systemic oxidative stress, assessed as plasma levels
      of 8-isoprostanes, tended to decrease in normocholesterolemic MetS patients (low
      density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C] < 130 mg/dL) but not in patients with
      elevated LDL-C levels and in the whole study population. In both the whole study
      population and the normocholesterolemic subgroup, lifestyle intervention resulted
      in a significant degree of normalization of HDL3c composition, (enrichment in
      apolipoprotein A-I and cholesteryl esters, depletion in triglycerides), which was
      more pronounced at LDL-C < 130 mg/dL. CONCLUSION: In patients with MetS, a
      lifestyle program improves AOX of small, dense HDL in subjects with normal LDL-C
      levels. Correction of HDL composition, involving partial normalization of apoA-I
      content and core lipid composition, 2 central features of the lipid hydroperoxide
      inactivating capacity of HDL, may account for this effect.

PMID- 27678436
TI  - Ten years of lipoprotein apheresis for familial hypercholesterolemia in Malaysia:
      A creative approach by a cardiologist in a developing country.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) leads to premature coronary artery
      disease and aortic stenosis, with undertreated severe forms causing death at a
      young age. Lipoprotein apheresis (LA) is often required for lowering low-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol levels in severe FH. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this
      study was to present the first experiences with LA in Malaysia, between 2004 and
      2014. METHODS: We retrospectively collected data from patient records to assess
      the effectiveness, adverse effects, patient quality of life, and costs associated
      with an LA service for genetically confirmed homozygous and heterozygous FH.
      RESULTS: We treated 13 women and 2 men aged 6 to 59 years, 10 with homozygous and
      5 with heterozygous FH, all on maximally tolerated cholesterol-lowering drug
      therapy, for a total of 65 patient-years. Acute lowering of low-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol post apheresis was 56.3 +/- 7.2%, with time-averaged mean
      lowering of 34.9 +/- 13.9%. No patients experienced any cardiovascular events
      during the period of receiving LA. Patients receiving LA experienced few side
      effects and enjoyed reasonable quality of life, but inability to continue
      treatment was frequent because of cost. CONCLUSION: LA for severe FH can be
      delivered effectively in the short term in developing nations, but costs are a
      major barrier to sustaining this mode of treatment for this high-risk group of
      patients. New drug therapies for FH, such as the proprotein convertase
      subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors, microsomal triglyceride transfer protein
      inhibitors, and apolipoprotein-B100 antisense oligonucleotides may allow improved
      care for these patients, but costs and long-term safety remain as issues to be
      addressed.

PMID- 27678438
TI  - Nigella sativa oil with a calorie-restricted diet can improve biomarkers of
      systemic inflammation in obese women: A randomized double-blind, placebo
      controlled clinical trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inflammation is one of the primary mechanisms in the development of
      metabolic complications. Although anti-inflammatory characteristics of Nigella
      sativa (NS) have been indicated in animal models, clinical trials related to the
      effects of NS on inflammatory parameters are relatively scarce. OBJECTIVE: The
      aim of the present study was to determine the effects of NS oil combined with a
      calorie-restricted diet on systemic inflammatory biomarkers in obese women.
      METHODS: In this double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial, 90
      volunteer obese (body mass index = 30-34.9 kg/m(2)) women aged 25-50 years were
      recruited. Participants were randomly divided into two groups, an intervention
      group (n = 45) and a placebo group (n = 45). Each group received either: (1) a
      low-calorie diet with 3 g/day of NS oil or (2) a low-calorie diet with 3 g/day
      placebo for 8 weeks. RESULTS: A total of 84 females (intervention group = 43;
      placebo group = 41) completed the trial. Subjects in the intervention group did
      not report any side effects with the NS oil supplementation. NS oil decreased
      serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (-40.8% vs -16.1%, P = .04) and high
      sensitivity C-reactive protein (-54.5% vs -21.4%, P = .01) compared to the
      placebo group. However, there were no significant changes in interleukin-6 levels
      (-8.6 vs -2.4%, P = .6) in the NS group compared to the placebo group.
      CONCLUSIONS: NS oil supplementation combined with a calorie-restricted diet may
      modulate systemic inflammatory biomarkers in obese women. However, more studies
      are needed to clarify the efficacy of NS oil as an adjunct therapy to improve
      inflammatory parameters in obese subjects.

PMID- 27678439
TI  - Efficacy and safety of gemcabene as add-on to stable statin therapy in
      hypercholesterolemic patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ezetimibe added to statin therapy further reduces LDL-C and clinical
      atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease compared to statin alone. However, the
      number of effective and safe oral agents for patients not at LDL-C goal is
      limited. In prior clinical trials, gemcabene reduced LDL-C and was generally well
      tolerated in nearly 900 patients treated for up to 12 weeks. OBJECTIVE: To
      evaluate the LDL-C lowering and safety of gemcabene as add-on to stable statin
      therapy in hypercholesterolemic patients. METHODS: This was an 8-week, double
      blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, phase 2 study in men and postmenopausal
      women >=18 and <=65 years of age with LDL-C >=130 mg/dL (3.4 mmol/L) while on low
      intensity to high-intensity stable statin (the majority on moderate intensity)
      therapy. Sixty-six patients were randomized 1:1:1 to gemcabene 300 mg, 900 mg, or
      placebo QD. RESULTS: Gemcabene 300 mg and 900 mg produced a mean percent change
      in LDL-C of -23.4 +/- 4.7% (P = .005) and -27.7 +/- 4.3% (P < .001),
      respectively, vs -6.2 +/- 4.3% for placebo. The median percent change in CRP was 
      26.1% (P = .196) and -53.9% (P < .001) for gemcabene 300 mg and 900 mg,
      respectively, vs -11.1% for placebo. Gemcabene 300 mg and 900 mg were well
      tolerated with no significant difference in AEs compared to placebo. CONCLUSIONS:
      Gemcabene as add-on to stable statin therapy demonstrated additional dose
      dependent and statistically significant reductions in LDL-C of >20% and CRP >40%
      compared to placebo. The results support gemcabene-continued development for
      patients requiring LDL-C lowering beyond that provided by background statin
      therapy.

PMID- 27678437
TI  - Associations of serum LDL particle concentration with carotid intima-media
      thickness and coronary artery calcification.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Low-density lipoprotein particle (LDL-P) has recently been found to
      be a stronger predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) than LDL-cholesterol (LDL
      C). OBJECTIVES: Whether LDL-P is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis,
      independent of LDL-C, as well as other lipid measures has not been fully
      examined. We aimed to analyze LDL-P associations with measures of subclinical
      atherosclerosis. METHODS: We examined 870 Japanese men randomly selected from
      Kusatsu City, Shiga, Japan, aged 40-79 years from 2006-2008, free of clinical CVD
      and not using lipid-lowering medication. Cross-sectional associations of lipid
      measures with carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and coronary artery
      calcification (CAC; >0 Agatston score) were examined. RESULTS: LDL-P was
      significantly positively associated with cIMT and maintained this association
      after adjustments for LDL-C and other lipid measures. Although these lipid
      measures were positively associated with cIMT, model adjustment for LDL-P removed
      any significant relationships. Higher LDL-P was associated with a significantly
      higher odds ratio of CAC and further adjustment for LDL-C did not affect this
      relationship. In contrast, the LDL-C association with CAC was no longer
      significant after adjustment for LDL-P. Other lipid measures attenuated
      associations of LDL-P with CAC. Likewise, associations of these measures with CAC
      were attenuated when model adjustments for LDL-P were made. CONCLUSIONS: In a
      community-based sample of Japanese men, free of clinical CVD, LDL-P was a robust
      marker for subclinical atherosclerosis, independent of LDL-C and other lipid
      measures. Associations of LDL-C and other lipid measures with either cIMT or CAC
      were generally not independent of LDL-P.

PMID- 27678441
TI  - Rapid identification of familial hypercholesterolemia from electronic health
      records: The SEARCH study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little is known about prevalence, awareness, and control of familial
      hypercholesterolemia (FH) in the United States. OBJECTIVE: To address these
      knowledge gaps, we developed an ePhenotyping algorithm for rapid identification
      of FH in electronic health records (EHRs) and deployed it in the Screening
      Employees And Residents in the Community for Hypercholesterolemia (SEARCH) study.
      METHODS: We queried a database of 131,000 individuals seen between 1993 and 2014
      in primary care practice to identify 5992 (mean age 52 +/- 13 years, 42% men)
      patients with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) >=190 mg/dL,
      triglycerides <400 mg/dL and without secondary causes of hyperlipidemia. RESULTS:
      Our EHR-based algorithm ascertained the Dutch Lipid Clinic Network criteria for
      FH using structured data sets and natural language processing for family history
      and presence of FH stigmata on physical examination. Blinded expert review
      revealed positive and negative predictive values for the SEARCH algorithm at 94%
      and 97%, respectively. The algorithm identified 32 definite and 391 probable
      cases with an overall FH prevalence of 0.32% (1:310). Only 55% of the FH cases
      had a diagnosis code relevant to FH. Mean LDL-C at the time of FH ascertainment
      was 237 mg/dL; at follow-up, 70% (298 of 423) of patients were on lipid-lowering
      treatment with 80% achieving an LDL-C <=100 mg/dL. Of treated FH patients with
      premature CHD, only 22% (48 of 221) achieved an LDL-C <=70 mg/dL. CONCLUSIONS: In
      a primary care setting, we found the prevalence of FH to be 1:310 with low
      awareness and control. Further studies are needed to assess whether automated
      detection of FH in EHR improves patient outcomes.

PMID- 27678440
TI  - US physician practices for diagnosing familial hypercholesterolemia: data from
      the CASCADE-FH registry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the US familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), patients are
      underidentified, despite an estimated prevalence of 1:200 to 1:500. Criteria to
      identify FH patients include Simon Broome, Dutch Lipid Clinic Network (DLCN), or
      Make Early Diagnosis to Prevent Early Deaths (MEDPED). The use of these criteria
      in US clinical practices remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the FH
      diagnostic criteria applied by US lipid specialists participating in the FH
      Foundation's CASCADE FH (CAscade SCreening for Awareness and DEtection of
      Familial Hypercholesterolemia) patient registry. METHODS: We performed an
      observational, cross-sectional analysis of diagnostic criteria chosen for each
      adult patient, both overall and by baseline patient characteristics, at 15
      clinical sites that had contributed data to the registry as of September 8, 2015.
      A sample of 1867 FH adults was analyzed. The median age at FH diagnosis was 50
      years, and the median pretreatment low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)
      value was 238 mg/dL. The main outcome was the diagnostic criteria chosen.
      Diagnostic criteria were divided into five nonexclusive categories: "clinical
      diagnosis," MEDPED, Simon Broome, DLCN, and other. RESULTS: Most adults enrolled
      in CASCADE FH (55.0%) received a "clinical diagnosis." The most commonly used
      formal criteria was Simon-Broome only (21%), followed by multiple diagnostic
      criteria (16%), MEDPED only (7%), DLCN only (1%), and other (0.5%), P < .0001. Of
      the patients with only a "clinical diagnosis," 93% would have met criteria for
      Simon Broome, DLCN, or MEDPED based on the data available in the registry.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate heterogeneity in the application of FH
      diagnostic criteria in the United States. A nationwide consensus definition may
      lead to better identification, earlier treatment, and ultimately CHD prevention.

PMID- 27678443
TI  - An evidence-based analysis of the National Lipid Association recommendations
      concerning non-HDL-C and apoB.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The National Lipid Association (NLA) selected non-HDL-C as its prime
      index of the cardiovascular risk associated with the apoB lipoproteins. ApoB was
      recommended only as an optional secondary target after low-density lipoprotein
      cholesterol (LDL-C) and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) targets
      were achieved. OBJECTIVE: The aims of this analysis were to determine whether (1)
      all relevant uses of apoB were considered by the NLA; (2) all the relevant
      evidence was considered by the NLA panel; and (3) all the evidence that was
      considered was interpreted correctly. RESULTS: (1) The utility of apoB in the
      diagnosis of the atherogenic dyslipoproteinemias was not considered. (2) All the
      relevant observational studies were not identified, and some that were cited were
      incorrectly interpreted. In particular, an equal hazard ratio for two markers in
      a group does not mean they will predict risk equally in individuals within the
      group in whom they are discordant. This matters because discordance analysis
      consistently demonstrates apoB and LDL particle number are more accurate measures
      of cardiovascular risk than LDL-C/non-HDL-C. (3) The target levels of apoB
      selected by the NLA are too high relative to the levels selected for LDL-C and
      non-HDL-C. CONCLUSIONS: The review of the evidence by the NLA was incomplete.
      More complete examination of the evidence indicates that apoB is a more accurate
      marker of cardiovascular risk than non-HDL-C and that the practice of lipidology
      would be improved by inclusion of apoB along with lipoprotein lipids in routine
      clinical care.

PMID- 27678444
TI  - Rapid resolution of xanthelasmas after treatment with alirocumab.
AB  - Xanthelasmas are superficial fat deposits around the eyelids commonly present in
      different hyperlipidemias and associated with increased cardiovascular risk.
      Statins or other lipid-lowering treatments do not usually modify them. We present
      the case of a middle-age man with severe high levels of LDL cholesterol from
      youth due to a genetically defined heterozygous familiar hypercholesterolemia
      (HeFH). He presented large xanthelasmas of both inner eyelids in spite of long
      term treatment with statins and ezetimibe that disappeared after treatment with
      alirocumab75 mg every 2 weeks for 26 months. His LDL cholesterol went from 164
      mg/dL to 47 mg/dL with alirocumab. Xanthelasma regression was not previously
      reported with lipid-lowering drugs in HeFH. This case demonstrates that
      regression of skin lipid lesions can be achieved with very low LDL cholesterol
      concentrations.

PMID- 27678445
TI  - Tendon xanthomas: Not always familial hypercholesterolemia.
AB  - Tendon xanthoma are most commonly associated with Familial Hypercholesterolemia,
      but the differential diagnosis includes sitosterolemia and cerebrotendinous
      xanthomatosis (CTX). The case presented here is of a 48-year old male with large
      tendon xanthomas attributable to CTX. CTX is a rare, recessive disorder caused by
      mutations in the CYP27A1 gene. The resultant defect in bile acid synthesis leads
      to cholestanol deposition in different tissues in the body, including tendons.
      CTX is associated with neurologic symptoms and a reduced life expectancy.
      Treatment consists of bile acid supplementation in combination with a statin.
      When patients present with tendon xanthomas and FH is ruled out, clinicians
      should consider CTX as a possible diagnosis.

PMID- 27678442
TI  - Body mass index and glycemic control influence lipoproteins in children with type
      1 diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) have an extremely high
      risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality. It is well known
      that dyslipidemia is a subclinical manifestation of atherosclerosis. OBJECTIVE:
      To analyze presence and predicting factors of lipoprotein abnormalities prevalent
      in children with T1DM and whether race-specific differences exist between non
      Hispanic white (NHW) and non-Hispanic black (NHB) in the lipoprotein
      characteristics. METHODS: A retrospective electronic chart review including 600
      (123 NHB and 477 NHW) T1DM patients aged 7.85 +/- 3.75 years who underwent
      lipoprotein analysis. RESULTS: Relative to NHW counterparts, NHB T1DM subjects
      had a higher HbA1c, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol
      (LDL-c), apoB 100, lipoprotein (a), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL
      c), HDL-2, and HDL-3. Body mass index (BMI) was positively associated with TC,
      LDL-c, apoB 100, and non-HDL-c and inversely associated with HDL, HDL-2, and HDL
      3. HbA1c was positively associated with TC, LDL-c, apoB 100, non-HDL-c, and HDL
      3. Multilinear regression analysis demonstrated that HbA1c was positively
      associated with apoB 100 in both NHB and NHW, and BMI was a positive determinant
      of apoB 100 in NHW only. CONCLUSION: Poor glycemic control and high BMI may
      contribute to abnormal lipoprotein profiles. Glycemic control (in NHB and NHW)
      and weight management (in NHW) may have significant implications in T1DM. ApoB
      100 concentrations in subjects with T1DM were determined by modifiable risk
      factors, BMI, HbA1C, and blood pressure, indicating the importance of adequate
      weight, glycemic, and blood pressure control for better diabetes care and likely
      lower CVD risk.

PMID- 27678446
TI  - Ischemic stroke in a young adult with extremely elevated lipoprotein(a): A case
      report and review of literature.
AB  - Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is an apolipoprotein(a) molecule bound to 1 apolipoprotein
      B-100. Elevated levels of Lp(a) are thought to be an independent risk factor for
      atherosclerosis and to promote thrombosis through incompletely understood
      mechanisms. We report a 34-year-old man with an ischemic stroke in the setting of
      an extremely high Lp(a) level-212 mg/dL. He developed severe carotid artery
      stenosis over a 6-year period and had thrombus formation post-carotid
      endarterectomy. To our knowledge, this case is unique because the Lp(a) is the
      highest reported level in a patient without renal disease. Moreover, this is the
      first reported case of the youngest individual with a stroke presumably related
      to development of carotid plaque over a 6-year period. The thrombotic
      complication after endarterectomy may have been related to the prothrombotic
      properties of Lp(a). Of note, the Lp(a) level did not respond to atorvastatin but
      did decrease 15% after aspirin 325 mg was added although his Lp(a) levels were
      variable, and it is not clear that this was cause and effect. This case
      highlights the need to better understand the relation between Lp(a) and vascular
      disease and the need to screen family members for elevated Lp(a). We also review
      treatment options to lower Lp(a) and ongoing clinical trials of newer lipid
      lowering drugs that can also lower Lp(a).

PMID- 27678447
TI  - Frameshift mutation in the APOA5 gene causing hypertriglyceridemia in a Pakistani
      family: Management and considerations for cardiovascular risk.
AB  - We report a novel homozygous apolipoprotein A5 (APOA5) frameshift mutation
      (c.G425del-C, p.Arg143AlafsTer57) identified in a 12-year-old boy of Pakistani
      origin with severe hypertriglyceridemia (up to 35 mmol/L) and type V
      hyperlipoproteinemia. The patient did not respond to fibrate therapy, but his
      condition improved under a very low fat diet, although compliance was suboptimal.
      Heterozygous status was detected in both parents (consanguineous union) and one
      sibling, all showing moderate hypertriglyceridemia (between 5 and 10 mmol/L).
      There was a significant family history of premature cardiovascular disease. The
      index case was also diagnosed with a coronary artery anomaly. Considering the
      recently reported association of rare mutations in APOA5 with the risk of early
      myocardial infarction, we discuss the implications of these findings for the
      young man and his family.

PMID- 27678448
TI  - Rescue therapy with PCSK9 inhibitors for patients with delayed diagnosis of
      heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia: Redressing the balance of missed
      opportunities.

PMID- 27678449
TI  - Options to consider when treating lysosomal acid lipase deficiency.

PMID- 27678450
TI  - Response to "Letter to the Editor by Drs Block and Razani".

PMID- 27678451
TI  - Mechanistic insight into effect of doping of Ni on CO2 reduction on the (111)
      facet of Cu: thermodynamic and kinetic analyses of the elementary steps.
AB  - A systematic mechanistic investigation of CO2 reduction on a Ni-modified Cu(111)
      surface is performed based on an extensive set of density functional theory (DFT)
      calculations by focusing on the hydrocarbon CH4 formation pathways. By carefully
      analyzing reduction pathways on the Ni-modified Cu(111) surface, some important
      mechanistic information is deduced. The presence of Ni stabilizes all reaction
      intermediates, and thus reduces the activation barrier for almost all CO2
      reduction steps. Most importantly, it can considerably lower than the activation
      barrier of CO2 hydrogenative dissociation into CO, which is the rate-determining
      step of CO2 reduction on a pure Cu(111) surface. Thus, the doping of Ni atom is
      able to activate CO2, leading to enhanced surface activity of CO2 reduction into
      hydrocarbons. Notably, the activation barriers that are required for CH4 and
      CH3OH formation are almost all easily overcome through the thermoactive process
      at ambient temperatures after doping of Ni atom. Thus, a higher CH4 and CH3OH
      yield may be expected in the presence of the doped Ni atom. Thermodynamic
      analyses indicate that doping of Ni may reduce the overpotential of CO formation
      through CO2 hydrogenative dissociation. On this basis, two decriptors may be
      proposed in order to describe the catalytic activity of Cu-based catalysts for
      CO2 reduction, and a perfect Cu-based alloy in CO2 reduction should moderately
      bind CO and form and reduce CO more easily. Simutaneously, CO hydrogenation
      occurs more easily on the (111) facet of Ni-modified Cu than dimerization,
      thereby the selectivity of (111) facet of Cu on production CH4 is further
      confirmed to some degree. The present study reveals a rich reaction chemistry and
      provides new insights to guide the rational design of Cu-based alloy catalysts
      for hydrocarbons formation from CO2 reduction. Graphical Abstract Reduction
      pathways of CO2 into hydrocarbons?.

PMID- 27678452
TI  - Changing of the guards: EMA warning on paternal use of mycophenolate mofetil: An
      unnecessary and insufficiently substantiated precaution.

PMID- 27678453
TI  - The Added Value of Circulating Tumor Cell Enumeration to Standard Markers in
      Assessing Prognosis in a Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
      Population.
AB  - Purpose: Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is a
      heterogeneous disease for which better prognostic models for survival are needed.
      We examined the added value of circulating tumor cell (CTC) enumeration relative
      to common prognostic laboratory measures from patients with CRPC.Methods: Utility
      of CTC enumeration as a baseline and postbaseline prognostic biomarker was
      examined using data from two prospective randomized registration-directed trials
      (COU-AA-301 and ELM-PC4) within statistical models used to estimate risk for
      survival. Discrimination and calibration were used to measure model predictive
      accuracy and the added value for CTC enumeration in the context of a Cox model
      containing albumin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), PSA, hemoglobin, and alkaline
      phosphatase (ALK). Discrimination quantifies how accurately a risk model predicts
      short-term versus long-term survivors. Calibration measures the closeness of
      actual survival time to the predicted survival time.Results: Adding CTC
      enumeration to a model containing albumin, LDH, PSA, hemoglobin, and ALK
      ("ALPHA") improved its discriminatory power. The weighted c-index for ALPHA
      without CTCs was 0.72 (SE, 0.02) versus 0.75 (SE, 0.02) for ALPHA + CTCs. The
      increase in discrimination was restricted to the lower-risk cohort. In terms of
      calibration, adding CTCs produced a more accurate model-based prediction of
      patient survival. The absolute prediction error for ALPHA was 3.95 months (SE,
      0.28) versus 3.75 months (SE, 0.22) for ALPHA + CTCs.Conclusions: Addition of CTC
      enumeration to standard measures provides more accurate assessment of patient
      risk in terms of baseline and postbaseline prognosis in the mCRPC population.
      Clin Cancer Res; 23(8); 1967-73. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27678454
TI  - Signal Transduction and Activator of Transcription-3 (STAT3) in Patients with
      Colorectal Cancer: Associations with the Phenotypic Features of the Tumor and
      Host.
AB  - Purpose: In patients with colorectal cancer, a high-density local inflammatory
      infiltrate response is associated with improved survival, whereas elevated
      systemic inflammatory responses are associated with poor survival. One potential
      unifying mechanism is the IL6/JAK/STAT3 pathway. The present study examines the
      relationship between tumor total STAT3 and phosphorylated STAT3Tyr705 (pSTAT3)
      expression, host inflammatory responses, and survival in patients undergoing
      resection of stage I-III colorectal cancer.Experimental Design:
      Immunohistochemical assessment of STAT3/pSTAT3 expression was performed using a
      tissue microarray and tumor cell expression divided into tertiles using the
      weighted histoscore. The relationship between STAT3/pSTAT3 expression and local
      inflammatory (CD3+, CD8+, CD45R0+, FOXP3+ T-cell density, and Klintrup-Makinen
      grade) and systemic inflammatory responses and cancer-specific survival were
      examined.Results: A total of 196 patients were included in the analysis.
      Cytoplasmic and nuclear STAT3 expression strongly correlated (r = 0.363; P <
      0.001); nuclear STAT3 and pSTAT3 expression weakly correlated (r = 0.130; P =
      0.068). Cytoplasmic STAT3 was inversely associated with the density of CD3+ (P =
      0.012), CD8+ (P = 0.003), and FOXP3+ T lymphocytes (P = 0.002) within the cancer
      cell nests and was associated with an elevated systemic inflammatory response as
      measured by modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS2: 19% vs. 4%, P = 0.004).The
      combination of nuclear STAT3/pSTAT3 stratified 5-year survival from 81% to 62% (P
      = 0.012), however, was not associated with survival independent of venous
      invasion, tumor perforation, or tumor budding.Conclusions: In patients undergoing
      colorectal cancer resection, STAT3 expression was associated with adverse host
      inflammatory responses and reduced survival. Upregulation of tumor STAT3 may be
      an important mechanism whereby the tumor deregulates local and systemic
      inflammatory responses. Clin Cancer Res; 23(7); 1698-709. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27678455
TI  - Pan-Cancer Analysis of the Mediator Complex Transcriptome Identifies CDK19 and
      CDK8 as Therapeutic Targets in Advanced Prostate Cancer.
AB  - Purpose: The Mediator complex is a multiprotein assembly, which serves as a hub
      for diverse signaling pathways to regulate gene expression. Because gene
      expression is frequently altered in cancer, a systematic understanding of the
      Mediator complex in malignancies could foster the development of novel targeted
      therapeutic approaches.Experimental Design: We performed a systematic
      deconvolution of the Mediator subunit expression profiles across 23 cancer
      entities (n = 8,568) using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Prostate
      cancer-specific findings were validated in two publicly available gene expression
      cohorts and a large cohort of primary and advanced prostate cancer (n = 622)
      stained by immunohistochemistry. The role of CDK19 and CDK8 was evaluated by
      siRNA-mediated gene knockdown and inhibitor treatment in prostate cancer cell
      lines with functional assays and gene expression analysis by RNAseq.Results:
      Cluster analysis of TCGA expression data segregated tumor entities, indicating
      tumor-type-specific Mediator complex compositions. Only prostate cancer was
      marked by high expression of CDK19 In primary prostate cancer, CDK19 was
      associated with increased aggressiveness and shorter disease-free survival.
      During cancer progression, highest levels of CDK19 and of its paralog CDK8 were
      present in metastases. In vitro, inhibition of CDK19 and CDK8 by knockdown or
      treatment with a selective CDK8/CDK19 inhibitor significantly decreased migration
      and invasion.Conclusions: Our analysis revealed distinct transcriptional
      expression profiles of the Mediator complex across cancer entities indicating
      differential modes of transcriptional regulation. Moreover, it identified CDK19
      and CDK8 to be specifically overexpressed during prostate cancer progression,
      highlighting their potential as novel therapeutic targets in advanced prostate
      cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 23(7); 1829-40. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27678456
TI  - A Novel Compound ARN-3236 Inhibits Salt-Inducible Kinase 2 and Sensitizes Ovarian
      Cancer Cell Lines and Xenografts to Paclitaxel.
AB  - Purpose: Salt-inducible kinase 2 (SIK2) is a centrosome kinase required for
      mitotic spindle formation and a potential target for ovarian cancer therapy.
      Here, we examine the effects of a novel small-molecule SIK2 inhibitor, ARN-3236,
      on sensitivity to paclitaxel in ovarian cancer.Experimental Design: SIK2
      expression was determined in ovarian cancer tissue samples and cell lines. ARN
      3236 was tested for its efficiency to inhibit growth and enhance paclitaxel
      sensitivity in cultures and xenografts of ovarian cancer cell lines. SIK2 siRNA
      and ARN-3236 were compared for their ability to produce nuclear-centrosome
      dissociation, inhibit centrosome splitting, block mitotic progression, induce
      tetraploidy, trigger apoptotic cell death, and reduce AKT/survivin
      signaling.Results: SIK2 is overexpressed in approximately 30% of high-grade
      serous ovarian cancers. ARN-3236 inhibited the growth of 10 ovarian cancer cell
      lines at an IC50 of 0.8 to 2.6 MUmol/L, where the IC50 of ARN-3236 was inversely
      correlated with endogenous SIK2 expression (Pearson r = -0.642, P = 0.03). ARN
      3236 enhanced sensitivity to paclitaxel in 8 of 10 cell lines, as well as in
      SKOv3ip (P = 0.028) and OVCAR8 xenografts. In at least three cell lines, a
      synergistic interaction was observed. ARN-3236 uncoupled the centrosome from the
      nucleus in interphase, blocked centrosome separation in mitosis, caused
      prometaphase arrest, and induced apoptotic cell death and tetraploidy. ARN-3236
      also inhibited AKT phosphorylation and attenuated survivin
      expression.Conclusions: ARN-3236 is the first orally available inhibitor of SIK2
      to be evaluated against ovarian cancer in preclinical models and shows promise in
      inhibiting ovarian cancer growth and enhancing paclitaxel chemosensitivity. Clin
      Cancer Res; 23(8); 1945-54. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27678458
TI  - Biomarkers of Response and Resistance to DNA Repair Targeted Therapies.
AB  - Drugs targeting DNA damage repair (DDR) pathways are exciting new agents in
      cancer therapy. Many of these drugs exhibit synthetic lethality with defects in
      DNA repair in cancer cells. For example, ovarian cancers with impaired homologous
      recombination DNA repair show increased sensitivity to poly(ADP-ribose)
      polymerase (PARP) inhibitors. Understanding the activity of different DNA repair
      pathways in individual tumors, and the correlations between DNA repair function
      and drug response, will be critical to patient selection for DNA repair targeted
      agents. Genomic and functional assays of DNA repair pathway activity are being
      investigated as potential biomarkers of response to targeted therapies.
      Furthermore, alterations in DNA repair function generate resistance to DNA repair
      targeted agents, and DNA repair states may predict intrinsic or acquired drug
      resistance. In this review, we provide an overview of DNA repair targeted agents
      currently in clinical trials and the emerging biomarkers of response and
      resistance to these agents: genetic and genomic analysis of DDR pathways, genomic
      signatures of mutational processes, expression of DNA repair proteins, and
      functional assays for DNA repair capacity. We review biomarkers that may predict
      response to selected DNA repair targeted agents, including PARP inhibitors,
      inhibitors of the DNA damage sensors ATM and ATR, and inhibitors of nonhomologous
      end joining. Finally, we introduce emerging categories of drugs targeting DDR and
      new strategies for integrating DNA repair targeted therapies into clinical
      practice, including combination regimens. Generating and validating robust
      biomarkers will optimize the efficacy of DNA repair targeted therapies and
      maximize their impact on cancer treatment. Clin Cancer Res; 22(23); 5651-60.
      (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27678457
TI  - The MAPK Pathway Regulates Intrinsic Resistance to BET Inhibitors in Colorectal
      Cancer.
AB  - Purpose: The bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) family proteins are
      epigenetic readers for acetylated histone marks. Emerging BET bromodomain
      inhibitors have exhibited antineoplastic activities in a wide range of human
      cancers through suppression of oncogenic transcription factors, including MYC.
      However, the preclinical activities of BET inhibitors in advanced solid cancers
      are moderate at best. To improve BET-targeted therapy, we interrogated mechanisms
      mediating resistance to BET inhibitors in colorectal cancer.Experimental Design:
      Using a panel of molecularly defined colorectal cancer cell lines, we examined
      the impact of BET inhibition on cellular proliferation and survival as well as
      MYC activity. We further tested the ability of inhibitors targeting the
      RAF/MEK/ERK (MAPK) pathway to enhance MYC suppression and circumvent intrinsic
      resistance to BET inhibitors. Key findings were validated using genetic
      approaches.Results: BET inhibitors as monotherapy moderately reduced colorectal
      cancer cell proliferation and MYC expression. Blockade of the MAPK pathway
      synergistically sensitized colorectal cancer cells to BET inhibitors, leading to
      potent apoptosis and MYC downregulation in vitro and in vivo A combination of JQ1
      and trametinib, but neither agent alone, induced significant regression of
      subcutaneous colorectal cancer xenografts.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that
      the MAPK pathway confers intrinsic resistance to BET inhibitors in colorectal
      cancer and propose an effective combination strategy for the treatment of
      colorectal cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 23(8); 2027-37. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27678459
TI  - Computerized prescriber order entry-related patient safety reports: analysis of
      2522 medication errors.
AB  - Objective: To examine medication errors potentially related to computerized
      prescriber order entry (CPOE) and refine a previously published taxonomy to
      classify them. Materials and Methods: We reviewed all patient safety medication
      reports that occurred in the medication ordering phase from 6 sites participating
      in a United States Food and Drug Administration-sponsored project examining CPOE
      safety. Two pharmacists independently reviewed each report to confirm whether the
      error occurred in the ordering/prescribing phase and was related to CPOE. For
      those related to CPOE, we assessed whether CPOE facilitated (actively contributed
      to) the error or failed to prevent the error (did not directly cause it, but
      optimal systems could have potentially prevented it). A previously developed
      taxonomy was iteratively refined to classify the reports. Results: Of 2522
      medication error reports, 1308 (51.9%) were related to CPOE. Of these, CPOE
      facilitated the error in 171 (13.1%) and potentially could have prevented the
      error in 1137 (86.9%). The most frequent categories of "what happened to the
      patient" were delays in medication reaching the patient, potentially receiving
      duplicate drugs, or receiving a higher dose than indicated. The most frequent
      categories for "what happened in CPOE" included orders not routed to or received
      at the intended location, wrong dose ordered, and duplicate orders. Variations
      were seen in the format, categorization, and quality of reports, resulting in
      error causation being assignable in only 403 instances (31%). Discussion and
      Conclusion: Errors related to CPOE commonly involved transmission errors,
      erroneous dosing, and duplicate orders. More standardized safety reporting using
      a common taxonomy could help health care systems and vendors learn and implement
      prevention strategies.

PMID- 27678460
TI  - MeSHDD: Literature-based drug-drug similarity for drug repositioning.
AB  - Objective: Drug repositioning is a promising methodology for reducing the cost
      and duration of the drug discovery pipeline. We sought to develop a computational
      repositioning method leveraging annotations in the literature, such as Medical
      Subject Heading (MeSH) terms. Methods: We developed software to determine
      significantly co-occurring drug-MeSH term pairs and a method to estimate pair
      wise literature-derived distances between drugs. Results: We found that
      literature-based drug-drug similarities predicted the number of shared
      indications across drug-drug pairs. Clustering drugs based on their similarity
      revealed both known and novel drug indications. We demonstrate the utility of our
      approach by generating repositioning hypotheses for the commonly used diabetes
      drug metformin. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that literature-derived
      similarity is useful for identifying potential repositioning opportunities. We
      provided open-source code and deployed a free-to-use, interactive application to
      explore our database of similarity-based drug clusters (available at
      http://apps.chiragjpgroup.org/MeSHDD/ ).

PMID- 27678461
TI  - IT-CARES: an interactive tool for case-crossover analyses of electronic medical
      records for patient safety.
AB  - Background: The significant risk of adverse events following medical procedures
      supports a clinical epidemiological approach based on the analyses of collections
      of electronic medical records. Data analytical tools might help clinical
      epidemiologists develop more appropriate case-crossover designs for monitoring
      patient safety. Objective: To develop and assess the methodological quality of an
      interactive tool for use by clinical epidemiologists to systematically design
      case-crossover analyses of large electronic medical records databases. Material
      and Methods: We developed IT-CARES, an analytical tool implementing case
      crossover design, to explore the association between exposures and outcomes. The
      exposures and outcomes are defined by clinical epidemiologists via lists of codes
      entered via a user interface screen. We tested IT-CARES on data from the French
      national inpatient stay database, which documents diagnoses and medical
      procedures for 170 million inpatient stays between 2007 and 2013. We compared the
      results of our analysis with reference data from the literature on thromboembolic
      risk after delivery and bleeding risk after total hip replacement. Results: IT
      CARES provides a user interface with 3 columns: (i) the outcome criteria in the
      left-hand column, (ii) the exposure criteria in the right-hand column, and (iii)
      the estimated risk (odds ratios, presented in both graphical and tabular formats)
      in the middle column. The estimated odds ratios were consistent with the
      reference literature data. Discussion: IT-CARES may enhance patient safety by
      facilitating clinical epidemiological studies of adverse events following medical
      procedures. The tool's usability must be evaluated and improved in further
      research.

PMID- 27678462
TI  - AMP-activated kinase in human spermatozoa: identification, intracellular
      localization, and key function in the regulation of sperm motility.
AB  - AMP-activated kinase (AMPK), a protein that regulates energy balance and
      metabolism, has recently been identified in boar spermatozoa where regulates key
      functional sperm processes essential for fertilization. This work's aims are AMPK
      identification, intracellular localization, and their role in human spermatozoa
      function. Semen was obtained from healthy human donors. Sperm AMPK and phospho
      Thr172-AMPK were analyzed by Western blotting and indirect immunofluorescence.
      High- and low-quality sperm populations were separated by a 40%-80% density
      gradient. Human spermatozoa motility was evaluated by an Integrated Semen
      Analysis System (ISAS) in the presence or absence of the AMPK inhibitor compound
      C (CC). AMPK is localized along the human spermatozoa, at the entire acrosome,
      midpiece and tail with variable intensity, whereas its active form, phospho
      Thr172-AMPK, shows a prominent staining at the acrosome and sperm tail with a
      weaker staining in the midpiece and the postacrosomal region. Interestingly,
      spermatozoa bearing an excess residual cytoplasm show strong AMPK staining in
      this subcellular compartment. Both AMPK and phospho-Thr172-AMPK human spermatozoa
      contents exhibit important individual variations. Moreover, active AMPK is
      predominant in the high motility sperm population, where shows a stronger
      intensity compared with the low motility sperm population. Inhibition of AMPK
      activity in human spermatozoa by CC treatment leads to a significant reduction in
      any sperm motility parameter analyzed: percent of motile sperm, sperm velocities,
      progressivity, and other motility coefficients. This work identifies and points
      out AMPK as a new molecular mechanism involved in human spermatozoa motility.
      Further AMPK implications in the clinical efficiency of assisted reproduction and
      in other reproductive areas need to be studied.

PMID- 27678463
TI  - Morphometric comparison by the ISAS(r) CASA-DNAf system of two techniques for the
      evaluation of DNA fragmentation in human spermatozoa.
AB  - DNA fragmentation has been shown to be one of the causes of male infertility,
      particularly related to repeated abortions, and different methods have been
      developed to analyze it. In the present study, two commercial kits based on the
      SCD technique (Halosperm (r) and SDFA) were evaluated by the use of the DNA
      fragmentation module of the ISAS (r) v1 CASA system. Seven semen samples from
      volunteers were analyzed. To compare the results between techniques, the Kruskal
      Wallis test was used. Data were used for calculation of Principal Components (two
      PCs were obtained), and subsequent subpopulations were identified using the Halo,
      Halo/Core Ratio, and PC data. Results from both kits were significantly different
      (P < 0.001). In each case, four subpopulations were obtained, independently of
      the classification method used. The distribution of subpopulations differed
      depending on the kit used. From the PC data, a discriminant analysis matrix was
      obtained and a good a posteriori classification was obtained (97.1% for Halosperm
      and 96.6% for SDFA). The present results are the first approach on morphometric
      evaluation of DNA fragmentation from the SCD technique. This approach could be
      used for the future definition of a classification matrix surpassing the current
      subjective evaluation of this important sperm factor.

PMID- 27678464
TI  - Morphometry and subpopulation structure of Holstein bull spermatozoa: variations
      in ejaculates and cryopreservation straws.
AB  - Sperm quality is evaluated for the calculation of sperm dosage in artificial
      reproductive programs. The most common parameter used is motility, but morphology
      has a higher potential as a predictor of genetic quality. Morphometry
      calculations from CASA-Morph technology improve morphological evaluation and
      allow mathematical approaches to the problem. Semen from 28 Holstein bulls was
      collected by artificial vagina, and several ejaculates were studied. After
      general evaluation, samples were diluted, packaged in 0.25 ml straws, and stored
      in liquid nitrogen. Two straws per sample were thawed, and slides were processed
      and stained with Diff-Quik. Samples were analyzed by a CASA-Morph system for
      eight morphometric parameters. In addition to the "classical" statistical
      approach, based on variance analysis (revealing differences between animals,
      ejaculates, and straws), principal component (PC) analysis showed that the
      variables were grouped into PC1, related to size, and PC2 to shape. Subpopulation
      structure analysis showed four groups, namely, big, small, short, and narrow from
      their dominant characteristics, representing 31.0%, 27.3%, 24.1%, and 17.7% of
      the total population, respectively. The distributions varied between animals and
      ejaculates, but between straws, there were no differences in only four animals.
      This modern approach of considering an ejaculate sperm population as divided into
      subpopulations reflecting quantifiable parameters generated by CASA-Morph systems
      technology opens a new view on sperm function. This is the first study applying
      this approach to evaluate different ejaculates and straws from the same
      individual. More work must be done to improve seminal dose calculations in
      assisted reproductive programs.

PMID- 27678466
TI  - Puma (Puma concolor) epididymal sperm morphometry.
AB  - The Andean puma (Puma concolor) has not been widely studied, particularly in
      reference to its semen characteristics. The aim of the present study was to
      define the morphometry of puma sperm heads and classify their subpopulations by
      cluster analysis. Samples were recovered postmortem from two epididymides from
      one animal and prepared for morphological observation after staining with the
      Hemacolor kit. Morphometric data were obtained from 581 spermatozoa using a CASA
      Morph system, rendering 13 morphometric parameters. The principal component (PC)
      analysis was performed followed by cluster analysis for the establishment of
      subpopulations. Two PC components were obtained, the first related to size and
      the second to shape. Three subpopulations were observed, corresponding to
      elongated and intermediate-size sperm heads and acrosomes, to large heads with
      large acrosomes, and to small heads with short acrosomes. In conclusion, puma
      spermatozoa showed no uniform sperm morphology but three clear subpopulations.
      These results should be used for future work in the establishment of an adequate
      germplasm bank of this species.

PMID- 27678465
TI  - Current status and potential of morphometric sperm analysis.
AB  - The spermatozoon is the most diverse cell type known and this diversity is
      considered to reflect differences in sperm function. How the diversity in sperm
      morphology arose during speciation and what role the different specializations
      play in sperm function, however, remain incompletely characterized. This work
      reviews the hypotheses proposed to explain sperm morphological evolution, with a
      focus on some aspects of sperm morphometric evaluation; the ability of
      morphometrics to predict sperm cryoresistance and male fertility is also
      discussed. For this, the evaluation of patterns of change of sperm head
      morphometry throughout a process, instead of the study of the morphometric
      characteristics of the sperm head at different stages, allows a better
      identification of the males with different sperm cryoconservation ability. These
      new approaches, together with more studies employing a greater number of
      individuals, are needed to obtain novel results concerning the role of sperm
      morphometry on sperm function. Future studies should aim at understanding the
      causes of sperm design diversity and the mechanisms that generate them, giving
      increased attention to other sperm structures besides the sperm head. The
      implementation of scientific and technological advances could benefit the
      simultaneous examination of sperm phenotype and sperm function, demonstrating
      that sperm morphometry could be a useful tool for sperm assessment.

PMID- 27678468
TI  - Reduced corporal fibrosis to protect erectile function by inhibiting the Rho
      kinase/LIM-kinase/cofilin pathway in the aged transgenic rat harboring human
      tissue kallikrein 1.
AB  - Our previous studies have demonstrated that erectile function was preserved in
      aged transgenic rats (TGR) harboring the human tissue kallikrein 1 (hKLK1), while
      the molecular level of hKLK1 on corporal fibrosis to inhibit age-related erectile
      dysfunction (ED) is poorly understood. Male wild-type Sprague-Dawley rats (WTR)
      and TGR harboring the hKLK1 gene were fed to 4- or 18-month-old and divided into
      three groups: young WTR (yWTR) as the control, aged WTR (aWTR), and aged TGR
      (aTGR). Erectile function of all rats was assessed by cavernous nerve
      electrostimulation method. Masson's trichrome staining was used to evaluate
      corporal fibrosis in the corpus cavernosum. We found that the erectile function
      of rats in the aWTR group was significantly lower than that of other two groups.
      Masson's trichrome staining revealed that compared with those of the yWTR and
      aTGR groups, the ratio of smooth muscle cell (SMC)/collagen (C) was significantly
      lower in the aWTR group. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting analysis were
      performed, and results demonstrated that expression of alpha-SMA was lower, while
      expressions of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta1), RhoA, ROCK1, p
      MYPT1, p-LIMK2, and p-cofilin were higher in the aWTR group compared with those
      in other two groups. However, LIMK2 and cofilin expressions did not differ among
      three groups. Taken together, these results indicated that the
      RhoA/ROCK1/LIMK/cofilin pathway may be involved in the corporal fibrosis caused
      by advanced age, and hKLK1 may reduce this corporal fibrosis by inhibiting the
      activation of this pathway to ameliorate age-related ED.

PMID- 27678467
TI  - Recent advances in bird sperm morphometric analysis and its role in male gamete
      characterization and reproduction technologies.
AB  - Postcopulatory sexual selection through sperm competition may be an important
      evolutionary force affecting many reproductive traits, including sperm
      morphometrics. Environmental factors such as pollutants, pesticides, and climate
      change may affect different sperm traits, and thus reproduction, in sensitive
      bird species. Many sperm-handling processes used in assisted reproductive
      techniques may also affect the size of sperm cells. The accurately measured
      dimensions of sperm cell structures (especially the head) can thus be used as
      indicators of environmental influences, in improving our understanding of
      reproductive and evolutionary strategies, and for optimizing assisted
      reproductive techniques (e.g., sperm cryopreservation) for use with birds.
      Computer-assisted sperm morphometry analysis (CASA-Morph) provides an accurate
      and reliable method for assessing sperm morphometry, reducing the problem of
      subjectivity associated with human visual assessment. Computerized systems have
      been standardized for use with semen from different mammalian species. Avian
      spermatozoa, however, are filiform, limiting their analysis with such systems,
      which were developed to examine the approximately spherical heads of mammalian
      sperm cells. To help overcome this, the standardization of staining techniques to
      be used in computer-assessed light microscopical methods is a priority. The
      present review discusses these points and describes the sperm morphometric
      characteristics of several wild and domestic bird species.

PMID- 27678470
TI  - Ring-shaped dysphotopsia associated with posterior chamber phakic implantable
      collamer lenses with a central hole.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the incidence of central hole-induced ring-shaped
      dysphotopsia after posterior chamber phakic implantable collamer lens (ICL) with
      central hole (hole ICL) implantation and to investigate the causes of central
      hole-induced dysphotopsia. METHODS: The clinical study enrolled 29 eyes of 15
      consecutive myopic patients implanted with hole ICL. The incidence of ring-shaped
      dysphotopsia after hole ICL implantation was evaluated. In the experimental
      simulation study, non-sequential ray tracing was used to construct myopic human
      eye models with hole ICL and ICL without a central hole (conventional ICL).
      Simulated retinal images measured in log-scale irradiance were compared between
      the two ICLs for an extended Lambertian light-emitting disc object 20 cm in
      diameter placed 2 m from the corneal vertex. To investigate the causes of hole
      induced dysphotopsia, a series of retinal images were simulated using point
      sources at infinity with well-defined field angles (0 to -20 degrees ) and
      multiple ICL models. RESULTS: Of 29 eyes, 15 experienced ring-shaped dysphotopsia
      after hole ICL implantation. The simulation study using an extended Lambertian
      source showed that hole ICL-evoked ring-shaped dysphotopsia was formed at a
      retinal field angle of +/-40 degrees . Component-level analysis using a well
      defined off-axis point source from infinity revealed that ring-shaped
      dysphotopsia was generated by stray light refraction from the inner wall of the
      hole and the posterior ICL surface. CONCLUSION: Hole ICL-evoked ring-shaped
      dysphotopsia was related to light refraction at the central hole structure.
      Surgeons are advised to explain to patients the possibility of ring-shaped
      dysphotopsia after hole ICL implantation.

PMID- 27678471
TI  - Thirty years of investigation on the ergogenic effects of sodium citrate: is it
      time for a fresh start?
AB  - Sodium citrate (SCit) supplementation has been studied for several years as a
      strategy to reduce the muscle fatigue induced by H+ ion accumulation within the
      skeletal muscle during high-intensity, short-duration exercise. Several
      investigations have been published on this matter, and appear to indicate that
      SCit is not effective as an ergogenic aid, despite its ability to increase
      extracellular buffering capacity. In this short report, we briefly discuss the
      SCit results previously published in the literature and consider them in light of
      new and promising findings, which appear to address issues associated with
      previous study designs. We also suggest possible reasons for the current lack of
      reported ergogenic effects from this nutritional strategy and make
      recommendations that may re-define research in this area.

PMID- 27678469
TI  - The application of laparoscopic Doppler ultrasound during laparoscopic
      varicocelectomy in infertile men.
AB  - The aim of this study is to evaluate the benefits of laparoscopic Doppler
      ultrasound (LDU) application during laparoscopic varicocelectomy (LV), and to
      compare the surgical outcomes and complications between LDU-assisted LV (LDU-LV)
      and conventional LV for infertile patients with varicoceles; 147 infertile
      patients were randomly divided into two groups. Operative and postoperative
      parameters, semen parameters, and the pregnancy rate were compared. There were no
      differences in baseline demographics. The operative time was significantly longer
      in LDU-LV group than LV group. The incidence of postoperative hydrocele was 1.4%
      (1/72) in LDU-LV group versus 10.7% (8/75) in LV group, which showed a
      significant difference (P < 0.05). However, other surgical outcomes, such as
      postoperative hospital stay, postoperative recurrence, and testicular atrophy,
      were similar between the two groups. Sperm concentration and sperm motility were
      significantly increased in both groups at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery (P <
      0.01), and they were higher in LDU-LV than LV group in 12 months after surgery
      (34.21 +/- 6.36 vs 29.99 +/- 6.04 for concentration, P < 0.05; 40.72 +/- 8.12 vs
      37.31 +/- 6.12 for motility, P < 0.05). Sperm morphology was comparable between
      the two groups. The pregnancy rate showed no significant difference (44.4% of the
      LDU-LV vs 37.3% of the LV, P > 0.05). In conclusion, compared with LV, LDU-LV
      could safely and effectively ligate all spermatic veins and preserve spermatic
      arteries without leading to high varicocele recurrence and postoperative
      hydrocele. Given the benefits that sperm counts as well as sperm motility
      favoring LDU-LV, we recommend that LDU should be routinely used as an effective
      tool to improve outcomes and safety of laparoscopic varicocelectomy.

PMID- 27678472
TI  - What are the Considerations in Balancing Benefits and Risks in Iron Treatment?:
      Emerging Evidence on the Safety of Intravenous Iron in Chronic Kidney Disease.

PMID- 27678473
TI  - In vivo and in vitro maturation of rabbit oocytes differently affects the gene
      expression profile, mitochondrial distribution, apoptosis and early embryo
      development.
AB  - In vivo-matured cumulus-oocyte complexes are valuable models in which to assess
      potential biomarkers of rabbit oocyte quality that contribute to enhanced IVM
      systems. In the present study we compared some gene markers of oocytes and
      cumulus cells (CCs) from immature, in vivo-matured and IVM oocytes. Moreover,
      apoptosis in CCs, nuclear maturation, mitochondrial reallocation and the
      developmental potential of oocytes after IVF were assessed. In relation to
      cumulus expansion, gene expression of gap junction protein, alpha 1, 43 kDa
      (Gja1) and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (Ptgs2) was significantly lower
      in CCs after in vivo maturation than IVM. In addition, there were differences in
      gene expression after in vivo maturation versus IVM in both oocytes and CCs for
      genes related to cell cycle regulation and apoptosis (V-Akt murine thymoma viral
      oncogene homologue 1 (Akt1), tumour protein 53 (Tp53), caspase 3, apoptosis
      related cysteine protease (Casp3)), oxidative response (superoxide dismutase 2,
      mitochondrial (Sod2)) and metabolism (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6pd),
      glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (Gapdh)). In vivo-matured CCs had a
      lower apoptosis rate than IVM and immature CCs. Meiotic progression,
      mitochondrial migration to the periphery and developmental competence were higher
      for in vivo-matured than IVM oocytes. In conclusion, differences in oocyte
      developmental capacity after IVM or in vivo maturation are accompanied by
      significant changes in transcript abundance in oocytes and their surrounding CCs,
      meiotic rate, mitochondrial distribution and apoptotic index. Some of the genes
      investigated, such as Gja1, could be potential biomarkers for oocyte
      developmental competence in the rabbit model, helping improve in vitro culture
      systems in these species.

PMID- 27678474
TI  - Identification of risk factors for moral distress in nurses: basis for the
      development of a new assessment tool.
AB  - This article proposes to identify risk factors for moral distress from the
      literature, validate them through expert analysis and provide the basis for a new
      tool to assess the risk of moral distress among nurses. Moral distress is related
      to the psychological, emotional and physiological aspects of nursing. It arises
      from constraints caused by various circumstances and can lead to significant
      negative consequences. A scoping review and validation through expert analysis
      were used. The research question guiding this study was as follows: What is known
      about risk factors for moral distress in nursing? The research was conducted
      using multiple sources including electronic databases and lists of references
      from relevant literature. The final sample consisted of 38 studies. A validation
      analysis was conducted by experts during December 2014 and June 2015. To exclude
      a risk factor item, at least 80% of the experts had to agree with the exclusion.
      In total, 53 risk factors for moral distress were identified, reviewed by the
      experts and grouped to form a new instrument that may help to identify risk for
      moral distress and to address its consequences.

PMID- 27678475
TI  - Influence of dosing times on cisplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although cis-diamminedichloro-platinum (CDDP) exhibits strong
      therapeutic effects in cancer chemotherapy, its adverse effects such as
      peripheral neuropathy, nephropathy, and vomiting are dose-limiting factors.
      Previous studies reported that chronotherapy decreased CDDP-induced nephropathy
      and vomiting. In the present study, we investigated the influence of dosing times
      on CDDP-induced peripheral neuropathy in rats. METHODS: CDDP (4 mg/kg) was
      administered intravenously at 5:00 or 17:00 every 7 days for 4 weeks to male
      Sprague-Dawley rats, and saline was given to the control group. To assess the
      dosing time dependency of peripheral neuropathy, von-Frey test and hot-plate test
      were performed. RESULTS: In order to estimate hypoalgesia, the hot-plate test was
      performed in rats administered CDDP weekly for 4 weeks. On day 28, the withdrawal
      latency to thermal stimulation was significantly prolonged in the 17:00-treated
      group than in the control and 5:00-treated groups. When the von-Frey test was
      performed to assess mechanical allodynia, the withdrawal threshold was
      significantly lower in the 5:00 and 17:00-treated groups than in the control
      group on day 6 after the first CDDP dose. The 5:00-treated group maintained
      allodynia throughout the experiment with the repeated administration of CDDP,
      whereas the 17:00-treated group deteriorated from allodynia to hypoalgesia.
      CONCLUSIONS: It was revealed that the severe of CDDP-induced peripheral
      neuropathy was inhibited in the 5:00-treated group, whereas CDDP-treated groups
      exhibited mechanical allodynia. These results suggested that the selection of an
      optimal dosing time ameliorated CDDP-induced peripheral neuropathy.

PMID- 27678476
TI  - Improving Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Biodegradation in Contaminated Soil
      Through Low-Level Surfactant Addition After Conventional Bioremediation.
AB  - Efficacy of bioremediation for soil contaminated with polycyclic aromatic
      hydrocarbons (PAHs) may be limited by the fractions of soil-bound PAHs that are
      less accessible to PAH-degrading microorganisms. In previous test-tube-scale
      work, submicellar doses of nonionic surfactants were screened for their ability
      to enhance the desorption and biodegradation of residual PAHs in soil after
      conventional bioremediation in a laboratory-scale, slurry-phase bioreactor.
      Polyoxyethylene sorbitol hexaoleate (POESH) was the optimum surfactant for
      enhancing PAH removal, especially the high-molecular weight PAHs. This work
      extends that concept by treating the effluent from the slurry-phase bioreactor in
      a second-stage batch reactor, to which POESH was added, for an additional 7 or 12
      days. Surfactant amendment removed substantial amounts of the PAHs and oxy-PAHs
      remaining after conventional slurry-phase bioremediation, including more than 80%
      of residual 4-ring PAHs. Surfactant-amended treatment decreased soil
      cytotoxicity, but often increased the genotoxicity of the soil as measured using
      the DT-40 chicken lymphocyte DNA damage response assay. Potential ecotoxicity,
      measured using a seed germination assay, was reduced by bioreactor treatment and
      was reduced further after second-stage treatment with POESH. Of bacteria
      previously implicated as potential PAH degraders under POESH-amended conditions
      in a prior study, members of the Terrimonas genus were associated with
      differences in high-molecular weight PAH removal in the current study. Research
      using submicellar doses of surfactant as a second-stage treatment step is limited
      and these findings can inform the design of bioremediation systems at field sites
      treating soil contaminated with PAHs and other hydrophobic contaminants that have
      low bioaccessibility.

PMID- 27678477
TI  - Particulate emissions from the combustion of birch, beech, and spruce logs cause
      different cytotoxic responses in A549 cells.
AB  - According to the World Health Organization particulate emissions from the
      combustion of solid fuels caused more than 110,000 premature deaths worldwide in
      2010. Log wood combustion is the most prevalent form of residential biomass
      heating in developed countries, but it is unknown how the type of wood logs used
      in furnaces influences the chemical composition of the particulate emissions and
      their toxicological potential. We burned logs of birch, beech and spruce, which
      are used commonly as firewood in Central and Northern Europe in a modern masonry
      heater, and compared them to the particulate emissions from an automated pellet
      boiler fired with softwood pellets. We determined the chemical composition
      (elements, ions, and carbonaceous compounds) of the particulate emissions with a
      diameter of less than 1 um and tested their cytotoxicity, genotoxicity,
      inflammatory potential, and ability to induce oxidative stress in a human lung
      epithelial cell line. The chemical composition of the samples differed
      significantly, especially with regard to the carbonaceous and metal contents.
      Also the toxic effects in our tested endpoints varied considerably between each
      of the three log wood combustion samples, as well as between the log wood
      combustion samples and the pellet combustion sample. The difference in the
      toxicological potential of the samples in the various endpoints indicates the
      involvement of different pathways of toxicity depending on the chemical
      composition. All three emission samples from the log wood combustions were
      considerably more toxic in all endpoints than the emissions from the pellet
      combustion. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 1487-1499, 2017.

PMID- 27678478
TI  - MECHANISMS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY: Nutrition as a mediator of oxidative stress in
      metabolic and reproductive disorders in women.
AB  - Nutrition can generate oxidative stress and trigger a cascade of molecular events
      that can disrupt oxidative and hormonal balance. Nutrient ingestion promotes a
      major inflammatory and oxidative response at the cellular level in the
      postprandial state, altering the metabolic state of tissues. A domino of
      unfavorable metabolic changes is orchestrated in the main metabolic organs,
      including adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, liver and pancreas, where subclinical
      inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, mitochondrial deregulation and impaired
      insulin response and secretion take place. Simultaneously, in reproductive
      tissues, nutrition-induced oxidative stress can potentially violate delicate
      oxidative balance that is mandatory to secure normal reproductive function. Taken
      all the above into account, nutrition and its accompanying postprandial oxidative
      stress, in the unique context of female hormonal background, can potentially
      compromise normal metabolic and reproductive functions in women and may act as an
      active mediator of various metabolic and reproductive disorders.

PMID- 27678479
TI  - Improving prediction models with new markers: a comparison of updating
      strategies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: New markers hold the promise of improving risk prediction for
      individual patients. We aimed to compare the performance of different strategies
      to extend a previously developed prediction model with a new marker. METHODS: Our
      motivating example was the extension of a risk calculator for prostate cancer
      with a new marker that was available in a relatively small dataset. Performance
      of the strategies was also investigated in simulations. Development, marker and
      test sets with different sample sizes originating from the same underlying
      population were generated. A prediction model was fitted using logistic
      regression in the development set, extended using the marker set and validated in
      the test set. Extension strategies considered were re-estimating individual
      regression coefficients, updating of predictions using conditional likelihood
      ratios (LR) and imputation of marker values in the development set and
      subsequently fitting a model in the combined development and marker sets. Sample
      sizes considered for the development and marker set were 500 and 100, 500 and
      500, and 100 and 500 patients. Discriminative ability of the extended models was
      quantified using the concordance statistic (c-statistic) and calibration was
      quantified using the calibration slope. RESULTS: All strategies led to extended
      models with increased discrimination (c-statistic increase from 0.75 to 0.80 in
      test sets). Strategies estimating a large number of parameters (re-estimation of
      all coefficients and updating using conditional LR) led to overfitting
      (calibration slope below 1). Parsimonious methods, limiting the number of
      coefficients to be re-estimated, or applying shrinkage after model revision,
      limited the amount of overfitting. Combining the development and marker set using
      imputation of missing marker values approach led to consistently good performing
      models in all scenarios. Similar results were observed in the motivating example.
      CONCLUSION: When the sample with the new marker information is small,
      parsimonious methods are required to prevent overfitting of a new prediction
      model. Combining all data with imputation of missing marker values is an
      attractive option, even if a relatively large marker data set is available.

PMID- 27678480
TI  - Seeing without knowing: Operational principles along the early visual pathway.
AB  - Single cases may lead to unexpected hypotheses in psychology. We retrospectively
      analyzed single case studies that suggested organizational principles along the
      early visual pathway, which have remained unanswered until now. FIRST CASE: In
      spite of the inhomogeneity of sensitivity, paradoxically the visual field on the
      subjective level appears to be homogeneous; constancy of brightness of supra
      threshold stimuli throughout the visual field is claimed to be responsible for
      homogeneity; specific summation properties of retinal ganglion cells are
      hypothesized to guarantee this effect. SECOND CASE: With a brain-injured patient
      having suffered a partial visual field loss it can be shown that color induction
      is a retinal phenomenon; lateral inhibitory processes at the level of amacrine
      cells are hypothesized as neural network. Third case: In a patient having
      suffered a bilateral occipital lobe infarction, some functional recovery has been
      demonstrated; divergence and convergence of projection in the ascending neural
      pathway are suggested as a structural basis for recovery. Slowed down binocular
      rivalry discloses a sequential mechanism in the construction of a visual percept.
      Fourth case: The pre-wired projection of the retina to the visual cortex in spite
      of a severe squint of one eye is confirmed, but paradoxically some local
      neuroplasticity is also suggested. Fifth case: Using habituation of local
      sensitivity in the visual field and its resetting by interhemispheric
      interactions as an experimental paradigm, it is suggested that spatial attention
      is controlled at the midbrain level. Sixth case: Observations on residual vision
      or "blindsight" support the hypothesis that the visual cortex is the one and only
      structure responsible for visual perception on a conscious level. The unifying
      principle of these retrospective analyses is that subjective visual phenomena can
      lead to unexpected but testable hypotheses of neural processing on the structural
      and functional level in the early visual pathway.

PMID- 27678481
TI  - Linking neuroimaging signals to behavioral responses in single cases: Challenges
      and opportunities.
AB  - Despite rapid progress both in psychology and neuroimaging, there is still a
      convergence gap between the results of these two scientific disciplines. This is
      particularly unsatisfactory, as the variability between single subjects needs to
      be understood both for basic science and for patient diagnostics in, for example,
      the field of age-related cognitive changes. Active and passive behaviors are the
      observables in psychology and can be studied alone or in combination with the
      neuroimaging approach. Various physical signatures of brain activity are the
      observables in neuroimaging and can be measured concurrent with behaviors.
      Despite the intrinsic relationship between behaviors and the corresponding
      neuroimaging patterns and the obvious advantages in integrating behavioral and
      neuroimaging measurements, the results of combined studies can be difficult to
      interpret. Experiments are often optimized to yield either a novel behavioral or
      a novel physiological result, but rarely designed for a better match between the
      two. Since integrating the results is probably a key to future progress in
      clinical psychology and basic research, an attempt is made here to identify some
      difficulties and to provide some ideas for future research. 

PMID- 27678482
TI  - Scanning the world in three seconds: Mismatch negativity as an indicator of
      temporal segmentation.
AB  - It has been shown recently that a temporal window of approximately 3 s has a
      modulatory effect on mismatch negativity (MMN). This special temporal window has
      been interpreted as representing the "subjective present," and reflecting a
      temporal segmentation in behavioral and cognitive functions. A more detailed look
      into the temporal structure of the MMN appeared to be reasonable as group data
      might shadow the underlying mechanisms because of too-high response variance. In
      this study, we tested one subject on 11 successive days at the same circadian
      phase using a passive auditory oddball paradigm with interstimulus intervals
      (ISIs) ranging from 1 s to 6 s. We observed a U-shape function of MMN showing the
      largest amplitudes to the oddball stimuli with an ISI of 2 s and 3 s being
      flanked by smaller response amplitudes for shorter and longer ISIs. This result
      pattern can be explained with an oscillatory neural mechanism underlying the
      temporal modulation of MMN. Besides confirming and substantiating temporal
      segmentation in sensory processing, the present study also demonstrates that a
      single case study can be a useful and complementary tool in cognitive research. 

PMID- 27678483
TI  - Donders revisited: Discrete or continuous temporal processing underlying reaction
      time distributions?
AB  - Differences of reaction times to specific stimulus configurations are used as
      indicators of cognitive processing stages. In this classical experimental
      paradigm, continuous temporal processing is implicitly assumed. Multimodal
      response distributions indicate, however, discrete time sampling, which is often
      masked by experimental conditions. Differences in reaction times reflect discrete
      temporal mechanisms that are pre-semantically implemented and suggested to be
      based on entrained neural oscillations. 

PMID- 27678484
TI  - Microfluidics for mammalian embryo culture and selection: where do we stand now?
AB  - The optimization of in-vitro culture conditions and the selection of the
      embryo(s) with the highest developmental competence are essential components in
      an ART program. Culture conditions are manifold and they underlie not always
      evidence-based research but also trends entering the IVF laboratory. At the
      moment, the idea of using sequential media according to the embryo requirements
      has been given up in favor of the use of single step media in an uninterrupted
      manner due to practical issues such as time-lapse incubators. The selection of
      the best embryo is performed using morphological and, recently, also
      morphokinetic criteria. In this review, we aim to demonstrate how the ART field
      may benefit from the use of microfluidic technology, with a particular focus on
      specific steps, namely the embryo in-vitro culture, embryo scoring and selection,
      and embryo cryopreservation. We first provide an overview of microfluidic and
      microfabricated devices, which have been developed for embryo culture,
      characterization of pre-implantation embryos (or in some instances a combination
      of both steps) and embryo cryopreservation. Building upon these existing
      platforms and the various capabilities offered by microfluidics, we discuss how
      this technology could provide integrated and automated systems, not only for real
      time and multi-parametric monitoring of embryo development, but also for
      performing the entire ART procedure. Although microfluidic technology has been
      around for a couple of decades already, it has still not made its way into the
      clinics and IVF laboratories, which we discuss in terms of: (i) a lack of user
      friendliness and automation of the microfluidic platforms, (ii) a lack of robust
      and convincing validation using human embryos and (iii) some psychological
      threshold for embryologists and practitioners to test and use microfluidic
      technology. In spite of these limitations, we envision that microfluidics is
      likely to have a significant impact in the field of ART, for fundamental research
      in the near future and, in the longer term, for providing a novel generation of
      clinical tools.

PMID- 27678485
TI  - Uterosome-like vesicles prompt human sperm fertilizing capability.
AB  - STUDY QUESTION: Does the rapid transit through the uterine environment modulate
      the sperm physiological state? SUMMARY ANSWER: The uterosome-like vesicles (ULVs)
      secreted by endometrial epithelial cells (EECs) in vitro are able to fuse with
      human spermatozoa, prompting their fertilizing capacity. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY:
      Early studies suggest that sperm capacitation begins in the uterus and ends in
      the oviduct, and that a synergistic effect of both female organs may accelerate
      this process. Although it has been reported that co-incubation of human
      spermatozoa with endometrial cell-conditioned medium (CM) stimulates sperm
      capacitation, the mechanism mediating this communication is unknown. STUDY
      DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: Human ULVs secreted by EECs were characterized and their
      effect on human sperm physiology was analysed. Spermatozoa were incubated with
      EEC-derived CM or ULV, after which sperm capacitation was evaluated at different
      time points. In addition, the interaction of spermatozoa with ULV was analysed.
      PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: ULVs were isolated by
      ultracentrifugation and identified using electron microscopy and Western blotting
      to assess the presence of specific protein markers. Following seminal plasma
      removal, human spermatozoa were incubated CM or ULV, after which sperm
      capacitation was evaluated as the ability of the sperm to undergo the induced
      acrosome reaction and the level of protein tyrosine phosphorylation (PY)
      determined by Western blot and immunocytochemistry. The interaction of
      spermatozoa with labelled ULV was analysed by fluorescence microscopy. In all
      cases, at least three biological replicates from different sperm donors were
      performed for each set of experiments. Significant differences between mean
      values were determined by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test.
      Differences between treatments were considered statistically significant at P <=
      0.05. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: The level of capacitated spermatozoa
      and those recruited by chemotaxis increased 3- to 4-fold when spermatozoa were
      incubated in the presence of CM for 4 h. Even a 15 min incubation of spermatozoa
      with CM was also enough to increase the level of capacitated cells 3- to 4-fold
      (P < 0.05). Furthermore, a short co-incubation of spermatozoa with ULV stimulates
      sperm capacitation, as determined by the increase in the level of induced
      acrosome reaction and the induction of PY. In addition, after the co-incubation
      of spermatozoa with fluorescent labelled ULV, the sperm cells acquired the
      fluorescent staining which indicates that ULV might be transferred to the sperm
      surface by a fusion mechanism. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: This is an in
      vitro study performed with human biological material, spermatozoa and endometrial
      derived cells; the latter being a cell line originally isolated from a uterine
      adenocarcinoma. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: The capability of spermatozoa
      to briefly interact with ULVs supports the hypothesis that any step of sperm
      transport may have physiological consequences, despite the interaction lasting
      for only a limited period of time. This way of communication of spermatozoa with
      cell products of uterine origin opens new frontiers of investigation (e.g. the
      signalling molecules involved), shedding light on the sperm processes that
      prepare the male gamete for fertilization, which might have implications for
      human infertility treatment. LARGE SCALE DATA: N/A. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING
      INTERESTS: The project was financially supported by SECyT-UNC. The authors
      declare no conflict of interest.

PMID- 27678486
TI  - Surgical repair of a ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm in a patient with situs
      inversus totalis.

PMID- 27678487
TI  - Pex9p is a new yeast peroxisomal import receptor for PTS1-containing proteins.
AB  - Peroxisomal proteins carrying a type 1 peroxisomal targeting signal (PTS1) are
      recognized by the well-conserved cycling import receptor Pex5p. The yeast YMR018W
      gene encodes a Pex5p paralog and newly identified peroxin that is involved in
      peroxisomal import of a subset of matrix proteins. The new peroxin was designated
      Pex9p, and it interacts with the docking protein Pex14p and a subclass of PTS1
      containing peroxisomal matrix enzymes. Unlike Pex5p, Pex9p is not expressed in
      glucose- or ethanol-grown cells, but it is strongly induced by oleate. Under
      these conditions, Pex9p acts as a cytosolic and membrane-bound peroxisome import
      receptor for both malate synthase isoenzymes, Mls1p and Mls2p. The inducible
      Pex9p-dependent import pathway provides a mechanism for the oleate-inducible
      peroxisomal targeting of malate synthases. The existence of two distinct PTS1
      receptors, in addition to two PTS2-dependent import routes, contributes to the
      adaptive metabolic capacity of peroxisomes in response to environmental changes
      and underlines the role of peroxisomes as multi-purpose organelles. The
      identification of different import routes into peroxisomes contributes to the
      molecular understanding of how regulated protein targeting can alter the function
      of organelles according to cellular needs.

PMID- 27678488
TI  - Health-related quality of life of young people with long-term illnesses before
      and after transfer from child to adult healthcare.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The numbers of children with long-term illnesses surviving into
      adulthood and transferring from child to adult services has increased
      dramatically in the last 30 years. This study aimed to examine health-related
      quality of life pre- and post-transfer from child to adult healthcare for young
      people with three long-term illnesses. METHODS: A total of 217 young people with
      cystic fibrosis, congenital heart defects or diabetes attending child and adult
      hospital services in Dublin, Ireland completed a questionnaire survey. Multiple
      linear regression was used to identify predictors of five dimensions of health
      related quality of life pre- and post-transfer. RESULTS: Post-transfer young
      people with congenital heart disease and diabetes reported significantly lower
      physical well-being than their pre-transfer counterparts. Pre-transfer young
      people with cystic fibrosis reported significantly lower physical well-being than
      those with diabetes, but there was no significant difference post-transfer. Pre
      transfer females reported lower scores than males on the Psychological Well-being
      and Autonomy and Parent Relation dimensions; however, these differences
      disappeared post-transfer. Higher maternal overprotection scores were associated
      with significantly lower scores on the Psychological Well-being, Autonomy and
      Parent Relation, and Social Support and Peers dimensions, regardless of transfer
      status. CONCLUSIONS: Disease group, gender and maternal overprotection were
      predictors of health-related quality of life pre- and post-transfer from child to
      adult healthcare. Transition programmes should promote self-management and
      discourage parental overprotection.

PMID- 27678489
TI  - Alcohol promotions in Australian supermarket catalogues.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: In Australia, most alcohol is sold as packaged liquor from
      off-premises retailers, a market increasingly dominated by supermarket chains.
      Competition between retailers may encourage marketing approaches, for example,
      discounting, that evidence indicates contribute to alcohol-related harms. This
      research documented the nature and variety of promotional methods used by two
      major supermarket retailers to promote alcohol products in their supermarket
      catalogues. DESIGN AND METHODS: Weekly catalogues from the two largest Australian
      supermarket chains were reviewed for alcohol-related content over 12 months.
      Alcohol promotions were assessed for promotion type, product type, number of
      standard drinks, purchase price and price/standard drink. RESULTS: Each store
      catalogue included, on average, 13 alcohol promotions/week, with price-based
      promotions most common. Forty-five percent of promotions required the purchase of
      multiple alcohol items. Wine was the most frequently promoted product (44%),
      followed by beer (24%) and spirits (18%). Most (99%) wine cask (2-5 L container)
      promotions required multiple (two to three) casks to be purchased. The average
      number of standard drinks required to be purchased to participate in catalogue
      promotions was 31.7 (SD = 24.9; median = 23.1). The median price per standard
      drink was $1.49 (range $0.19-$9.81). Cask wines had the lowest cost per standard
      drink across all product types. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Supermarket
      catalogues' emphasis on low prices/high volumes of alcohol reflects that
      retailers are taking advantage of limited restrictions on off-premise sales and
      promotion, which allow them to approach market competition in ways that may
      increase alcohol-related harms in consumers. Regulation of alcohol marketing
      should address retailer catalogue promotions. [Johnston R, Stafford J, Pierce H,
      Daube M. Alcohol promotions in Australian supermarket catalogues. Drug Alcohol
      Rev 2017;36:456-463].

PMID- 27678490
TI  - Ability emotional intelligence and its relation to aggression across time and age
      groups.
AB  - Emotional Intelligence (EI) has been associated with several indicators of
      psychosocial adjustment, including aggressive behavior, but the relevant research
      has been mostly cross-sectional, focused on adults, and limited to trait EI
      measures (Garcia-Sancho, Salguero & Fernandez-Berrocal, 2014; Mayer, Roberts &
      Barsade, ). The present work explored the relationship between Ability Emotional
      Intelligence (AEI) and aggression in both adults and adolescents using cross
      sectional and longitudinal designs. We conducted two studies. Study 1 aimed to
      provide preliminary evidence about the relationship between AEI and aggression in
      adults. As literature has shown personality traits act as a strong predictor of
      aggression, study 1 also examined the potential incremental validity of AEI
      beyond personality traits in 474 undergraduate students (M = 22.76, SD = 5.13).
      The results indicated AEI explains a significant amount of unique variance for
      physical aggression, but not for verbal aggression after controlling personality
      traits. Study 2 aimed a longitudinal analysis of the relationship between EI and
      aggression in 151 adolescents (M = 14.74, SD = 0.84). AEI predicted physical
      aggression over time, but it did not predict verbal aggression. Results from both
      studies suggest a negative and significant relationship between AEI and physical
      aggression, however contrary our expectations, it did not for verbal aggression.
      These results highlight the important explanatory role of emotional abilities in
      physical aggressive conducts and the implications of these findings are
      discussed.

PMID- 27678491
TI  - Evaluating Recall and Recognition Memory Using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment:
      Applicability for Alzheimer's and Huntington's Diseases.
AB  - We sought to investigate whether the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) could
      provide a brief assessment of recall and recognition using Huntington disease
      (HD) and Alzheimer disease (AD) as disorders characterized by different memory
      deficits. This study included 80 participants with HD, 64 participants with AD,
      and 183 community-dwelling control participants. Random-effects hierarchical
      logistic regressions were performed to assess the relative performance of the
      normal control (NC), participants with HD, and participants with AD on verbal
      free recall, cued recall, and multiple-choice recognition on the MoCA. The NC
      participants performed significantly better than participants with AD at all the
      3 levels of assessment. No difference existed between participants with HD and NC
      for cued recall, but NC participants performed significantly better than
      participants with HD on free recall and recognition. The participants with HD
      performed significantly better than participants with AD at all the 3 levels of
      assessment. The MoCA appears to be a valuable, brief cognitive assessment capable
      of identifying specific memory deficits consistent with known differences in
      memory profiles.

PMID- 27678492
TI  - Voriconazole increases the risk for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma after lung
      transplantation.
AB  - Lung transplant recipients (LTR) are at high risk of cutaneous squamous cell
      carcinoma (SCC). Voriconazole exposure after lung transplant has recently been
      reported as a risk factor for SCC. We sought to study the relationship between
      fungal prophylaxis with voriconazole and the risk of SCC in sequential cohorts
      from a single center. We evaluated 400 adult LTR at UCLA between 7/1/2005 and
      12/22/2012. On 7/1/2009, our center instituted a protocol switch from targeted to
      universal antifungal prophylaxis for at least 6 months post-transplant. Using Cox
      proportional hazards models, time to SCC was compared between targeted (N = 199)
      and universal (N = 201) prophylaxis cohorts. Cox models were also used to assess
      SCC risk as a function of time-dependent cumulative exposure to voriconazole and
      other antifungal agents. The risk of SCC was greater in the universal prophylaxis
      cohort (HR 2.02, P < 0.01). Voriconazole exposure was greater in the universal
      prophylaxis cohort, and the cumulative exposure to voriconazole was associated
      with SCC (HR 1.75, P < 0.01), even after adjustment for other important SCC risk
      factors. Voriconazole did not increase the risk of advanced tumors. Exposure to
      other antifungal agents was not associated with SCC. Voriconazole should be used
      cautiously in this population.

PMID- 27678493
TI  - Aggregation-Induced Emission and Sensing Characteristics of Triarylborane
      Oligothiophene-Dicyanovinyl Triads.
AB  - The design, synthesis and aggregation-induced emission properties of a new series
      of triarylborane-oligothiophene-dicyanovinyl (DCV) conjugates 4-6 (A-D-A' type
      molecular configuration) are reported. The optical properties of 4-6 can be
      modulated by judiciously varying the number of thiophene units between electron
      deficient boryl and dicyanovinyl units. Compound 6 with terthiophene spacer
      showed highly red-shifted absorption and emission compared to 5 and 4 with
      bithiophene and monothiophene spacers, respectively. Compounds 5 and 6 show
      aggregation-induced emission enhancement in water/THF mixtures. Compounds 5 and 6
      also showed solvent viscosity dependent emission characteristics. All the three
      compounds show distinct optical responses for small anions such as fluoride and
      cyanide. Filter paper strips coated with compounds 5 and 6 can detect F- and CN-
      in aqueous media with different colorimetric responses.

PMID- 27678494
TI  - Test-retest analysis of a non-invasive method of quantifying [(11)C]-PBR28
      binding in Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - PURPOSE: In order to maximise the utility of [(11)C]-PBR28 for use in
      longitudinal studies and clinical trials in Alzheimer's disease (AD), there is a
      need to develop non-invasive metrics of tracer binding that do not require
      arterial cannulation. Recent work has suggested that standardised uptake value
      (SUV)-based methods may be sensitive to changes in translocator protein (TSPO)
      levels associated with neurodegeneration. However, the test-retest reliability of
      these approaches in AD over a time period relevant for clinical trials is
      unknown. In this study, the test-retest reliability of three SUV-based metrics
      was assessed in AD patients over 12 weeks. METHODS: Five patients with mild AD
      and the high-affinity binding TSPO genotype underwent two [(11)C]-PBR28 PET scans
      approximately 12 weeks apart. The test-retest reliability (TRR) of the unadjusted
      SUV, SUV relative to cerebellar grey matter (SUVRC) and SUV normalised to whole
      brain activity (SUVRWB) in nine cortical and limbic regions of interest was
      assessed using the absolute variability and the intraclass correlation
      coefficient. RESULTS: Of the three measures, SUVRWB performed best overall,
      showing low absolute variability (mean -0.13 %, SD 2.47 %) and high reliability
      (mean ICC = 0.83). Unadjusted SUV also performed well, with high reliability (ICC
      = 0.94) but also high variability (mean -1.24 %, SD 7.28 %). By comparison, the
      SUVRC showed higher variability (mean -3.98 %, SD 7.07 %) and low reliability
      (ICC = 0.65). CONCLUSIONS: In this AD sample, we found that SUV-derived metrics
      of [(11)C]-PBR28 binding showed high stability over 12 weeks. These results
      compare favourably with studies reporting TRR of absolute quantification of
      [(11)C]-PBR28. Pending further validation of SUV-based measures of [(11)C]-PBR28,
      semi-quantitative methods of [(11)C]-PBR28 analysis may prove useful in
      longitudinal studies of AD.

PMID- 27678495
TI  - Mechanically Robust and Transparent N-Halamine Grafted PVA-co-PE Films with
      Renewable Antimicrobial Activity.
AB  - Antimicrobial polymeric films that are both mechanically robust and function
      renewable would have broad technological implications for areas ranging from
      medical safety and bioengineering to foods industry; however, creating such
      materials has proven extremely challenging. Here, a novel strategy is reported to
      create high-strength N-halamine incorporated poly(vinyl alcohol-co-ethylene)
      films (HAF films) with renewable antimicrobial activity by combining melt radical
      graft polymerization and reactive extrusion technique. The approach allows here
      the intrinsically rechargeable N-halamine moieties to be covalently incorporated
      into polymeric films with high biocidal activity and durability. The resulting
      HAF films exhibit integrated properties of robust mechanical strength, high
      transparency, rechargeable chlorination capability (>300 ppm), and long-term
      durability, which can effectively offer 3-5 logs CFU reduction against typical
      pathogenic bacterium Escherichia coli within a short contact time of 1 h, even at
      high organism conditions. The successful synthesis of HAF films also provides a
      versatile platform for exploring the applications of antimicrobial N-halamine
      moieties in a self-supporting, structurally adaptive, and function renewable
      form.

PMID- 27678496
TI  - Inadvertent spinal injection of ondansetron.
AB  - Cesarean sections under spinal anesthesia are now a daily occurrence in most
      tertiary hospitals. We report the first published case of inadvertent spinal
      injection of ondansetron without any neurological sequelae in a patient
      undergoing elective Cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. She did not
      experience any permanent neurological sequelae, and also did not exhibit any
      central neuraxial opioid side effects-nausea, vomiting or pruritus. Vigilance is
      essential to reduce the risk of wrong route delivery of drugs, especially when
      presented in very similar-looking 2 mL ampules as in our institution.

PMID- 27678497
TI  - Possible association between successful intubation via the right nostril and
      anatomical variations of the nasopharynx during nasotracheal intubation: a
      multiplanar imaging study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Most reported cases of nasopharyngeal laceration following impingement
      during nasotracheal intubation involved tube insertion via the right nostril. We
      postulated that recesses on the posterior wall of the nasopharynx might be
      associated with tube impingement. Using multiplanar imaging and clinical
      statistics, we evaluated whether anatomical variations in the recesses are
      related to successful intubation via the right nostril. METHODS: Using
      multiplanar computed tomography (CT) images of 97 patients, we investigated the
      locations of recesses relative to the mid-sagittal plane, nasal floor plane and
      posterior end of the nasal septum, and their shapes. Incidents of impingement of
      the tube during nasotracheal intubation and the shapes of the fossa of
      Rosenmuller on CT images were retrospectively evaluated in 170 patients. RESULTS:
      Eustachian tube orifices were located approximately 10 mm laterally from the
      sagittal plane, and approximately 10 mm above the nasal floor plane. The fossa of
      Rosenmuller was vertically elongated and located 7 mm laterally from the mid
      sagittal plane. Pharyngeal bursae were found in 15 % of the subjects. Patients
      with failed insertion via the right nostril due to impingement frequently had a
      wide opening of the fossa of Rosenmuller. CONCLUSIONS: Successful intubation via
      the right nostril is related to the anatomy of structures on the posterior
      nasopharyngeal wall, particularly recesses located close to the path of
      nasotracheal tube insertion. Nasopharyngeal anatomical variations should be
      considered when one notices any resistance to advancement of the tube into the
      nasopharynx during nasotracheal intubation.

PMID- 27678499
TI  - Effects of soap-water wash on human epidermal penetration.

PMID- 27678498
TI  - Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Changes During Clozapine Treatment.
AB  - People with schizophrenia are 3-4 times more likely to die from cardiovascular
      disease than the general population. Clozapine (CLZ) is the gold standard of
      treatment for refractory schizophrenia. It has been associated with tachycardia
      and recent evidence shows individuals prescribed CLZ may develop blood pressure
      (BP) elevation and hypertension. The purpose of this study was to examine the
      effects of CLZ on BP and heart rate (HR). This was a retrospective chart review
      of patients 18-75 years old with a DSM IV diagnosis of Schizophrenia or
      Schizoaffective disorder. Primary outcomes were systolic blood pressure (SBP),
      diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and HR measured 12 weeks before and 24 weeks
      during CLZ treatment. Eighteen patient records were included in this study. The
      mean stabilized CLZ dose was 441.7 +/- 171.8 mg/day. DBP (t = 1.02, df = 79.5, =
      2.00, 0.049) and HR (t = 1.32, df = 355  = -4.61, < 0.0001) were significantly
      higher after CLZ initiation. A trend was noted for increase in SBP (p = 0.071).
      22 % of patients met criteria for hypertension before CLZ and 67 % during CLZ
      treatment (Chi Square = 6.25, df = 1, p = 0.0124). No significant changes in
      weight or renal function occured during CLZ treatment. No patients had evidence
      of cardiomyopathy. The data suggest CLZ may be associated with a rise in BP and
      HR. The results of this study support previous literature that found an increase
      in SBP/DBP regardless of CLZ dose, occurring early in treatment. Due to high risk
      of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, more work is needed to determine risk
      factors and understand the mechanism of action that may cause this side effect.

PMID- 27678501
TI  - The promise of wearable sensors and ecological momentary assessment measures for
      dynamical systems modeling in adolescents: a feasibility and acceptability study.
AB  - Intervention development can be accelerated by using wearable sensors and
      ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to study how behaviors change within a
      person. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility and
      acceptability of a novel, intensive EMA method for assessing physiology,
      behavior, and psychosocial variables utilizing two objective sensors and a mobile
      application (app). Adolescents (n = 20) enrolled in a 20-day EMA protocol.
      Participants wore a physiological monitor and an accelerometer that measured
      sleep and physical activity and completed four surveys per day on an app.
      Participants provided approximately 81 % of the expected survey data.
      Participants were compliant to the wrist-worn accelerometer (75.3 %), which is a
      feasible measurement of physical activity/sleep (74.1 % complete data). The data
      capture (47.8 %) and compliance (70.28 %) with the physiological monitor were
      lower than other study variables. The findings support the use of an intensive
      assessment protocol to study real-time relationships between biopsychosocial
      variables and health behaviors.

PMID- 27678502
TI  - Effects of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Plus Radical Surgery as Front Line Treatment
      Strategy in Patients Affected by FIGO Stage III Cervical Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To assess the clinical efficacy and prognostic outcome of neoadjuvant
      chemotherapy (NACT) plus radical surgery (RS) as front line treatment in patients
      with FIGO stage III cervical cancer (CC). METHODS: In this retrospective study,
      52 FIGO stage III CC patients treated from 2005 to 2015 were included. All
      patients received platinum-based chemotherapy. Patients reporting clinical
      response or stable disease after NACT underwent to RS and bilateral systematic
      pelvic lymphadenectomy with or without aortic lymphadenectomy or anterior
      exenteration. Patients with progressive disease underwent palliative management.
      RESULTS: After NACT, clinical response was observed in 23 patients (44 %): 4 (7.7
      %) complete and 19 (36.5 %) partial responses, respectively. Also, 15 patients
      (28.8 %) had stable disease and 14 (26.9 %) showed disease progression. RS was
      performed in 40 cases (76.9 %): respectively, 28 (70 %) and 7 (17.5 %) underwent
      type C2 and D radical hysterectomy, while 5 patients (12.5 %) underwent anterior
      exenteration. At pathological evaluation, 23 patients (57.5 %) had positive
      pelvic nodes and 4 (10 %) also had positive aortic nodes. In 6 patients (15 %),
      moderate-severe (G3-G5) complications occurred. A total of 27 patients (67.5 %)
      received adjuvant therapy: 16 patients (40 %) received chemotherapy, 10 (25 %)
      received chemoradiation and 1 (2.5 %) received radiotherapy. Disease relapse
      occurred in 24 cases (60 %). After follow-up period of 60 months, the median OS
      of the whole population included was 37 months. Among the 40 surgically treated
      patients, median OS and DFS were 48 and 23 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS:
      NACT plus RS represent a valid alternative with acceptable morbidity for patients
      with stage III CC.

PMID- 27678500
TI  - Applications and mechanisms of immunotherapy in allergic rhinitis and asthma.
AB  - Clinical and immunologic tolerance are hallmarks of successful allergen
      immunotherapy (AIT). Clinical benefits such as reduced symptoms, pharmacotherapy
      intake and improvement of quality of life persist following cessation of
      treatment. Successful AIT is associated with suppression of allergic inflammatory
      cells such as mast cells, eosinophils and basophils in target organs.
      Furthermore, AIT down-regulates type 2 innate lymphoid cells and allergen
      specific type 2 T-helper (Th2) cells. The immunologic tolerant state following
      AIT is associated with the induction of distinct phenotypes of regulatory T-cells
      (T-regs) including interleukin (IL)-10-, IL-35- and transforming growth factor
      (TGF)-beta- producing T-regs and FoxP3+ T-regs. B-cell responses, including the
      induction of IL-10+ regulatory B-cells (B-regs) and the production of IgG4
      associated blocking antibodies are also induced following successful AIT. These
      events are associated with the suppression of antigen-specific Th2 responses and
      delayed immune deviation in favour of Th1 type responses. Insight into the
      mechanisms of AIT has allowed identification of novel biomarkers with potential
      to predict the clinical response to AIT and also novel therapeutic strategies for
      more effective and safer AIT.

PMID- 27678503
TI  - Perioperative Hyperglycemia and Postoperative Outcomes in Patients Undergoing
      Resection of Colorectal Liver Metastases.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There is limited evidence characterizing the impact of glycemic
      alterations on short-term outcomes among patients undergoing resection of
      colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). METHODS: Hyperglycemia was defined as a
      glucose value >125 mg/dl according to WHO definition. The impact of early
      postoperative hyperglycemia on short-term postoperative outcomes was assessed.
      RESULTS: The mean postoperative glucose value was 128 mg/dl; 30 (9.8 %) patients
      had normal fasting glucose (<100 mg/dl), 106 patients had glucose intolerance
      (100-125 mg/dl), and 170 (55.5 %) patients had hyperglycemia (>125 mg/dl). A
      postoperative complication occurred in 101 patients (morbidity, 33.1 %); among
      patients who experienced a complication, an infectious complication was most
      common (38.6 %). After controlling for clinical factors, patients with
      hyperglycemia had an increased risk of overall complications [odds ratio (OR)
      4.11; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.96-8.62, P < 0.001]. This was the case for
      both patients with and without diabetes (P < 0.05). Patients with hyperglycemia
      on the day of surgery were also at an increased risk of infections [OR 9.17; 95 %
      CI 2.26-37.13, P = 0.002] and had a longer hospital stay (normal glucose, 4 days
      vs. glucose 100-125 mg/dl, 4 days vs. glucose >125 mg/dl, 5 days, P < 0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: Early postoperative hyperglycemia was associated with adverse
      outcomes in patients with and without diabetes who underwent resection of CRLM.
      Perioperative glucose evaluation may be an important quality target.

PMID- 27678504
TI  - Cullin9 protects mouse eggs from aneuploidy by controlling microtubule dynamics
      via Survivin.
AB  - The Cullin9 gene encodes a putative E3 ligase that serves a wide variety of
      biological functions in mitosis, whereas its roles in meiosis have not yet
      clearly defined. Here, we report that Cullin9 accumulates on the spindle
      apparatus and colocalizes with the microtubule fibers during mouse oocyte meiotic
      maturation. Depletion of Cullin9 by morpholino microinjection results in a
      remarkably higher rate of disorganized spindles and misaligned chromosomes in
      oocytes, which is coupled with the impaired kinetochore-microtubule attachments.
      Resultantly, the incidence of aneuploid eggs significantly increases in Cullin9
      depleted oocytes. Moreover, we show that Cullin9 controls Survivin's protein
      level during meiotic maturation, and thus regulates microtubule stability in
      oocytes. Thus, our study assigns a new meiotic function to Cullin9 and reveals
      that it prevents mouse eggs from aneuploidy by regulating microtubule dynamics
      via Survivin.

PMID- 27678505
TI  - HIV-Related Stigma Among Spanish-speaking Latinos in an Emerging Immigrant
      Receiving City.
AB  - HIV-related stigma has been associated with a reluctance to test for HIV among
      Latinos. This study assessed community HIV-related stigma within an emerging
      Latino immigrant receiving city. We conducted a brief survey among a convenience
      sample of 312 Spanish-speaking Latinos in Baltimore, Maryland. HIV-related stigma
      was assessed through six items. Associations between stigma items, socio
      demographic characteristics, and HIV testing history were considered. Gender,
      education, and religiosity were significantly associated with stigmatizing HIV
      related beliefs. For example, men were 3.4 times more likely to hold more than
      three stigmatizing beliefs than women, and were also twice as likely as women to
      report feeling hesitant to test for HIV for fear of people's reaction if the test
      is positive. These findings can help inform future stigma interventions in this
      community. In particular, we were able to distinguish between drivers of stigma
      such as fear and moralistic attitudes, highlighting specific actionable items.

PMID- 27678506
TI  - Gastric Electrical Stimulation for Gastroparesis and Chronic Unexplained Nausea
      and Vomiting.
AB  - OPINION STATEMENT: Gastroparesis is a heterogeneous clinical syndrome. Some
      patients have debilitating vomiting, weight loss, and dehydration, while others
      have effortless regurgitation of undigested foods or postprandial distress
      suggestive of functional dyspepsia. Gastric electrical stimulation (GES) has been
      proposed as an effective treatment option for patients with gastroparesis
      refractory to medical therapy. Evidence suggests that the clinically available
      device, a low-energy high-frequency GES, activates the vagal afferent pathways to
      influence the central control mechanisms for nausea and vomiting. Myoelectrical
      effects of the stomach are also involved. The results of randomized controlled
      trials (RCTs) for adults with diabetic and idiopathic gastroparesis are
      conflicting. There are no RCTs in adults with chronic unexplained nausea and
      vomiting (CUNV) with normal gastric emptying or in children with gastroparesis.
      However, there is increasing evidence from large unblinded studies showing the
      long-term efficacy in selected adults with gastroparesis. Selection criteria
      should be based on three categories: (a) underlying etiology, (b) clinical
      presentation and predominant symptoms, and (c) potential risk for complication.
      Significant abdominal pain, daily opiate use, and idiopathic gastroparesis are
      identified as negative predictors of success. Temporary GES has been utilized to
      identify patients who may benefit from surgical GES, but this strategy has yet to
      be proven in controlled studies. Objectives for this review are to highlight the
      mechanisms of action for GES, to look at the evidence for clinical efficacy, and
      to select patients who are likely to benefit.

PMID- 27678507
TI  - Infant gastrostomy outcomes: The cost of complications.
AB  - PURPOSE: Comparative outcomes of enhanced percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy
      (PEG) and laparoscopic gastrostomy (LG) have not been elucidated in infants. We
      describe the outcomes and procedural episodic expenditures of PEG versus LG in
      this high-risk population. METHODS: One hundred eighty-three gastrostomies in
      children under 1year were reviewed from our institution spanning 1/2011-6/2015.
      Pertinent demographics and 3-month complications (mortality, gastrocolic fistula,
      reoperation, cellulitis, granulation, pneumonia, and tube dislodgement <6weeks)
      were collected. Facility and professional administrative data was used to conduct
      a charge and cost analysis of PEG and LG procedures as well as their
      statistically significant complications. RESULTS: Seventy-eight PEG and 105 LG
      infants were compared. LG infants were significantly younger, had higher ASA
      class, and increased frequency of cardiopulmonary disease. Significant major
      complications included a 3.8% incidence of gastrocolic fistula among PEGs (3.8%
      vs 0%, p=0.04) and 7.6% early tube dislodgements among LG infants (0 vs. 7.6%,
      p=0.01), resulting in $86,896 of additional charges with PEG complication.
      Incorporating complication frequency, average charges and variable cost per case
      were $8964 and $253 greater using PEG. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a healthier cohort,
      infants undergoing enhanced PEG have more morbid and costly complications. LG may
      be the less burdensome approach to gastrostomy in infants. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
      Case-Control Study/Retrospective Comparative Study - Level III.

PMID- 27678508
TI  - Hip stability during lengthening in children with congenital femoral deficiency.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Congenital femoral deficiency (CFD) is one of the most challenging
      and complex conditions for limb lengthening. We focused on the problem of hip
      instability during femoral lengthening because subluxation and dislocation are
      potentially catastrophic for hip function. METHODS: We assessed for hip stability
      in 69 children (91 femoral lengthenings) who had CFD Paley type 1a (43 children)
      and 1b (26 children). The mean age at first lengthening was 6.4 years. RESULTS:
      Hip subluxation/dislocation occurred during 14 (15 %) of 91 lengthenings. Thirty
      three pelvic osteotomies were performed before lengthening in an attempt to
      stabilize hips. Thirteen patients (type 1a, eight; type 1b, five) had acetabular
      dysplasia at initiation of lengthening. One of the eight with type 1a experienced
      mild femoral head subluxation; four of the five with type 1b experienced three
      dislocations and one subluxation. Eight patients (type 1b) experienced hip
      instability although they had pelvic osteotomies. Proximal femoral lengthening
      was a significant factor for hip subluxation. Patients with hip subluxation more
      likely underwent monolateral fixation and the original superhip procedure. Age +/
      six years was not a contributing factor for hip instability. CONCLUSIONS:
      Important risk factors for hip instability during femoral lengthening are
      severity of CFD, residual acetabular dysplasia, and proximal femoral lengthening.
      We recommend routine performance of pelvic osteotomy for patients with Paley type
      1b CFD and distal lengthening. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV.

PMID- 27678509
TI  - Agaricus bisporus powder improved cutaneous mucosal and serum immune parameters
      and up-regulated intestinal cytokines gene expression in common carp (Cyprinus
      carpio) fingerlings.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to investigate immunomodulatory effects of
      Agaricus bisporus, white bottom mushroom powder (WBMP) on common carp (Cyprinus
      carpio) fingerlings. Carps were fed on different levels of WBMP (0, 0.5, 1 and
      2%) for 8 weeks and at the end of feeding trial, skin mucus immune parameters
      (total Ig, lysozyme and protease activity), cytokines gene expression (TNF-alpha,
      IL1b, IL8) in intestine as well as serum non-specific immune parameters (total
      Ig, lysozyme and ACH50) were measured. The results showed significant dose
      dependent increase of skin mucus immune parameters in carps fed WBMP (P < 0.05).
      While, no significant difference was observed between 0.5% WBMP and control group
      (P > 0.05). In case of serum non-specific immune parameters, except lysozyme
      activity, other parameters (Ig total and ACH50) were significantly affected by
      dietary inclusion of WBMP (P < 0.05). Also, evaluation of cytokines gene
      expression in the intestine of carps revealed remarkable up-regulation of TNF
      alpha in fish fed 2% WBMP supplemented diet compared other treatment (P < 0.05).
      Likewise, IL1b gene expression was significantly increased in 1 and 2% WBMP
      treatments compared to the 0.5% WBMP and control groups (P < 0.05). IL8 gene
      expression was not affected by inclusion of WBMP in carp diet (P > 0.05).
      Furthermore, feeding on WBMP supplemented diet significantly improved growth
      performance (P < 0.05). These results indicated that WBMP can be considered as a
      promising immunostimulants in early stage of common carp culture.

PMID- 27678510
TI  - The cooperative expression of Heat Shock Protein 70 KD and 90 KD gene in juvenile
      Larimichthys crocea under Vibrio alginolyticus stress.
AB  - Heat shock proteins (HSPs) play significant roles in the immune response of fish
      in defending against diverse environmental threats or stresses. In this study,
      two complete HSP70 and HSP90 genes of Larimichthys crocea (designated as LycHSP70
      and LycHSP90) were identified and characterized (GenBank accession no. KT456551
      and KT456552). The complete open reading frame (ORF) fragments of LycHSP70 and
      LycHSP90 were 1917 bp and 2151 bp, encoding 638 and 716 amino acids residues
      respectively. Many significant functional domains and motifs were found, such as
      Hsp70 family signatures, Hsp90 family signatures, ATP-GTP binding site and EEVD
      motif regions, and they were associated with relative functions. Phylogenetic
      relationship and BLASTp analysis interpreted that they were unambiguously
      assigned to HSP70 and HSP90 family. The total length DNA of LycHSP70 was 7889bp,
      LycHSP90 was 5618 bp, and the gene location mapping were analyzed based on the
      whole-genomic DNA sequence of L. crocea. LycHSP70 and LycHSP90 were constantly
      expressed in eight tested tissues, with their expression peaks appearing in
      liver. Spleen, brain and head kidney also witnessed higher expression level.
      LycHSP70 and LycHSP90 were significantly induced by pathogenic bacteria V.
      alginolyticus, and they were both up-regulated in liver and spleen from 0 to 72 h
      post-injection. All the findings would contribute to better understanding the
      biologic function of HSPs in defending against pathogenic bacteria challenge and
      further exploring the innate immune response in fish.

PMID- 27678512
TI  - Spontaneous resolution of congenital anomalies of the kidney and the urinary
      tract (CAKUT).

PMID- 27678511
TI  - Surfactant instillation in spontaneously breathing preterm infants: a systematic
      review and meta-analysis.
AB  - : Less invasive surfactant therapies (LIST) use surfactant instillation through a
      thin tracheal catheter in spontaneously breathing infants. This review and meta
      analysis investigates respiratory outcomes for preterm infants with respiratory
      distress syndrome treated with LIST rather than administration of surfactant
      through an endotracheal tube. Randomised controlled trial (RCT) full texts
      provided outcome data for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), death or BPD, early
      CPAP failure, invasive ventilation requirements and usual neonatal morbidities.
      Relative risks (RR) from pooled data, with subgroup analyses, were obtained from
      a Mantel-Haenszel analysis using a random effect model. Six RCTs evaluated LIST:
      4 vs InSurE and 1 each vs delayed or immediate intubation for surfactant. LIST
      resulted in decreased risks of BPD (RR = 0.71 [0.52-0.99]; NNT = 21), death or
      BPD (RR = 0.74 [0.58-0.94]; NNT = 15) and early CPAP failure or invasive
      ventilation requirements (RR = 0.67 [0.53-0.84]; NNT = 8 and RR = 0.69 [0.53
      0.88]; NNT = 6). Compared to InSurE, LIST decreased the risks of BPD or death (RR
      = 0.63 [0.44-0.92]; NNT = 11) and of early CPAP failure (RR = 0.71 [0.53-0.96];
      NNT = 11). Common neonatal morbidities were not different. CONCLUSIONS:
      Respiratory management with LIST decreases the risks of BPD and BPD or death, and
      the need for invasive ventilation. This strategy appears safe, but long-term
      follow-up is lacking. What is Known: * Initial management of preterm infants with
      CPAP decreases the risk of death or BPD, but many still require surfactant or
      invasive ventilation. * Surfactant can be instilled through a tracheal thin
      catheter while the infant breathes on CPAP, but improvement in BPD is
      inconsistent between studies. What is New: * Less invasive surfactant therapy
      (LIST) strategies decrease the risks of BPD, of death or BPD, and of CPAP failure
      compared to strategies where surfactant is administered through an endotracheal
      tube. * LIST strategies decrease the risks of the composite outcome of BPD or
      death and of early CPAP failure when compared to "intubation-surfactant
      extubation" approaches.

PMID- 27678513
TI  - Determinants of coronary blood flow in sandbar sharks, Carcharhinus plumbeus.
AB  - The coronary circulation first appeared in the chordate lineage in cartilaginous
      fishes where, as in birds and mammals but unlike most teleost fishes, it supplies
      arterial blood to the entire myocardium. Despite the pivotal position of
      elasmobranch fishes in the evolution of the coronary circulation, the
      determinants of coronary blood flow have never been investigated in this group.
      Elasmobranch fishes are of special interest because of the morphological
      arrangement of their cardiomyocytes. Unlike teleosts, the majority of the
      ventricular myocardium in elasmobranch fishes is distant to the venous blood
      returning to the heart (i.e., the luminal blood). Also, the majority of the
      myocardium is in close association with the coronary circulation. To determine
      the relative contribution of the coronary and luminal blood supplies to
      cardiovascular function in sandbar sharks, Carcharhinus plumbeus, we measured
      coronary blood flow while manipulating cardiovascular status using acetylcholine
      and adrenaline. By exploring inter- and intra-individual variation in
      cardiovascular variables, we show that coronary blood flow is directly related to
      heart rate (R 2 = 0.6; P < 0.001), as it is in mammalian hearts. Since coronary
      blood flow is inversely related to coronary resistance both in vivo and in vitro,
      we suggest that in elasmobranch fishes, changes in heart rate mediate changes in
      coronary vascular resistance, which adjust coronary blood flow appropriately.

PMID- 27678514
TI  - Fifteen minutes of daily contact with sexually active male induces ovulation but
      delays its timing in seasonally anestrous goats.
AB  - The present experiment was conducted to determine (1) whether the sexually active
      bucks are able to stimulate the ovulatory activity of seasonal anestrous goats
      when the daily contact is reduced to 15 min/day during 15 days and (2) the exact
      ovulatory activity in anestrous goats exposed to bucks for 2 hours or less per
      day during 15 days. One group of goats (n = 15) was isolated from bucks. The
      other six groups (n = 15 each) were exposed to sexually active bucks (n = 1 each)
      for 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, or 24 hours during 15 days.
      Goats with plasma concentrations of progesterone greater than 0.5 ng/mL were
      considered to have ovulated. More than 93% of females exposed to bucks ovulated
      throughout the experiment regardless of the duration of contact with males,
      whereas none of them ovulated in the isolated group (P < 0.0001). The proportions
      of females that ovulated at least once did not differ among groups as well as the
      proportions of goats that displayed normal or short ovulatory cycles. The
      interval between the introduction of males and the first ovulation did not differ
      among groups of goats in contact with bucks for 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour,
      or 2 hours. However, in these groups, this ovulation occurred about 2 days later
      than in females in contact with males during 4 or 24 hours (6.3 vs. 4.4 days; P <
      0.05). We conclude that 15 minutes of daily contact with sexually active buck is
      sufficient to stimulate the ovulatory activity in seasonally anestrous goats, but
      the first ovulation is delayed in goats exposed to males for 2 h/day or less
      during 15 days in comparison with those in contact with males for 4 or 24 h/day.

PMID- 27678516
TI  - Medical-legal assessments - the educational implications, working with
      educational psychologists.

PMID- 27678515
TI  - Relationship between in vitro sperm functional assessments, seminal plasma
      composition, and field fertility after AI with either non-sorted or sex-sorted
      bull semen.
AB  - The hypothesis of this study was that different in vitro parameters are required
      to predict the in vivo fertility of non-sorted (NS) and sex-sorted (SS) semen.
      Thus, the aim was to correlate in vitro bull sperm functional parameters
      (experiment 1) and seminal plasma composition (experiment 2) with pregnancy rates
      using 2 cohorts of bulls (NS and SS). Experiment 1: ejaculates from each bull (n
      = 3 ejaculates per bull; n = 6 bulls for both NS and SS) were assessed for
      motility, thermal stress tolerance and morphology using microscopy, and
      viability, osmotic resistance, mitochondrial membrane potential, and acrosome
      integrity using flow cytometry. Fertilizing ability was assessed using IVF.
      Experiment 2: ejaculates (n = 3 per bull; n = 8 and 6 bulls for NS and SS,
      respectively) were collected, seminal plasma harvested and frozen and later
      analyzed for amino acid and fatty acid composition using gas chromatography mass
      spectrometry. In the NS cohort of bulls, there was no correlation between
      pregnancy rate and any of the sperm functional parameters assessed. However,
      within the SS cohort, motility and viability were correlated with pregnancy rate
      (r = 0.84 and 0.80, respectively; P < 0.05). There was no correlation between IVF
      outcome and pregnancy rate in either the SS or NS cohort of bulls. In the NS
      cohort of bulls, concentrations of the amino acid isoleucine and the fatty acid
      tricosylic acid (C23:0) were correlated with pregnancy rate (r = 0.80 and 0.74,
      respectively; P < 0.05). Within the SS cohort of bulls, the amino acid glutamic
      acid and the fatty acid arachidic acid (C20:0) were correlated with pregnancy
      rate (r = 0.84 and 0.82, respectively; P < 0.05). In conclusion, this study
      suggests that different in vitro markers of fertility are required to predict the
      fertility of NS and SS sperm.

PMID- 27678517
TI  - Loperamide-related deaths in North Carolina.

PMID- 27678518
TI  - A Natural Mutation Involving both Pathogenicity and Perithecium Formation in the
      Fusarium graminearum Species Complex.
AB  - Members of the Fusarium graminearum species complex (Fg complex or FGSC) are the
      primary pathogens causing Fusarium head blight in wheat and barley worldwide. A
      natural pathogenicity mutant (strain 0225022) was found in a sample of the Fg
      complex collected in Japan. The mutant strain did not induce symptoms in wheat
      spikes beyond the point of inoculation, and did not form perithecia. No
      segregation of phenotypic deficiencies occurred in the progenies of a cross
      between the mutant and a fully pathogenic wild-type strain, which suggested that
      a single genetic locus controlled both traits. The locus was mapped to chromosome
      2 by using sequence-tagged markers; and a deletion of ~3 kb was detected in the
      mapped region of the mutant strain. The wild-type strain contains the FGSG_02810
      gene, encoding a putative glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor protein, in this
      region. The contribution of FGSG_02810 to pathogenicity and perithecium formation
      was confirmed by complementation in the mutant strain using gene transfer, and by
      gene disruption in the wild-type strain.

PMID- 27678519
TI  - Autosomal and X-Linked Additive Genetic Variation for Lifespan and Aging:
      Comparisons Within and Between the Sexes in Drosophila melanogaster.
AB  - Theory makes several predictions concerning differences in genetic variation
      between the X chromosome and the autosomes due to male X hemizygosity. The X
      chromosome should: (i) typically show relatively less standing genetic variation
      than the autosomes, (ii) exhibit more variation in males compared to females
      because of dosage compensation, and (iii) potentially be enriched with sex
      specific genetic variation. Here, we address each of these predictions for
      lifespan and aging in Drosophila melanogaster To achieve unbiased estimates of X
      and autosomal additive genetic variance, we use 80 chromosome substitution lines;
      40 for the X chromosome and 40 combining the two major autosomes, which we assay
      for sex-specific and cross-sex genetic (co)variation. We find significant X and
      autosomal additive genetic variance for both traits in both sexes (with
      reservation for X-linked variation of aging in females), but no conclusive
      evidence for depletion of X-linked variation (measured through females). Males
      display more X-linked variation for lifespan than females, but it is unclear if
      this is due to dosage compensation since also autosomal variation is larger in
      males. Finally, our results suggest that the X chromosome is enriched for sex
      specific genetic variation in lifespan but results were less conclusive for aging
      overall. Collectively, these results suggest that the X chromosome has reduced
      capacity to respond to sexually concordant selection on lifespan from standing
      genetic variation, while its ability to respond to sexually antagonistic
      selection may be augmented.

PMID- 27678520
TI  - Drosophila CG2469 Encodes a Homolog of Human CTR9 and Is Essential for
      Development.
AB  - Conserved from yeast to humans, the Paf1 complex participates in a number of
      diverse processes including transcriptional initiation and polyadenylation. This
      complex typically includes five proteins: Paf1, Rtf1, Cdc73, Leo1, and Ctr9.
      Previous efforts identified clear Drosophila homologs of Paf1, Rtf1, and Cdc73
      based on sequence similarity. Further work showed that these proteins help to
      regulate gene expression and are required for viability. To date, a Drosophila
      homolog of Ctr9 has remained uncharacterized. Here, we show that the gene CG2469
      encodes a functional Drosophila Ctr9 homolog. Both human and Drosophila Ctr9
      localize to the nuclei of Drosophila cells and appear enriched in histone locus
      bodies. RNAi knockdown of Drosophila Ctr9 results in a germline stem cell loss
      phenotype marked by defects in the morphology of germ cell nuclei. A molecular
      null mutation of Drosophila Ctr9 results in lethality and a human cDNA CTR9
      transgene rescues this phenotype. Clonal analysis in the ovary using this null
      allele reveals that loss of Drosophila Ctr9 results in a reduction of global
      levels of histone H3 trimethylation of lysine 4 (H3K4me3), but does not
      compromise the maintenance of stem cells in ovaries. Given the differences
      between the null mutant and RNAi knockdown phenotypes, the germ cell defects
      caused by RNAi likely result from the combined loss of Drosophila Ctr9 and other
      unidentified genes. These data provide further evidence that the function of this
      Paf1 complex component is conserved across species.

PMID- 27678522
TI  - On Robust Association Testing for Quantitative Traits and Rare Variants.
AB  - With the advance of sequencing technologies, it has become a routine practice to
      test for association between a quantitative trait and a set of rare variants
      (RVs). While a number of RV association tests have been proposed, there is a
      dearth of studies on the robustness of RV association testing for nonnormal
      distributed traits, e.g., due to skewness, which is ubiquitous in cohort studies.
      By extensive simulations, we demonstrate that commonly used RV tests, including
      sequence kernel association test (SKAT) and optimal unified SKAT (SKAT-O), are
      not robust to heavy-tailed or right-skewed trait distributions with inflated type
      I error rates; in contrast, the adaptive sum of powered score (aSPU) test is much
      more robust. Here we further propose a robust version of the aSPU test, called
      aSPUr. We conduct extensive simulations to evaluate the power of the tests,
      finding that for a larger number of RVs, aSPU is often more powerful than SKAT
      and SKAT-O, owing to its high data-adaptivity. We also compare different tests by
      conducting association analysis of triglyceride levels using the NHLBI ESP whole
      exome sequencing data. The QQ plots for SKAT and SKAT-O were severely inflated
      (lambda = 1.89 and 1.78, respectively), while those for aSPU and aSPUr behaved
      normally. Due to its relatively high robustness to outliers and high power of the
      aSPU test, we recommend its use complementary to SKAT and SKAT-O. If there is
      evidence of inflated type I error rate from the aSPU test, we would recommend the
      use of the more robust, but less powerful, aSPUr test.

PMID- 27678524
TI  - A microtubule inhibitor, ABT-751, induces autophagy and delays apoptosis in Huh-7
      cells.
AB  - The objective was to investigate the upstream mechanisms of apoptosis which were
      triggered by a novel anti-microtubule drug, ABT-751, in hepatocellular carcinoma
      derived Huh-7 cells. Effects of ABT-751 were evaluated by immunocytochemistry,
      flow cytometric, alkaline comet, soft agar, immunoblotting, CytoID, green
      fluorescent protein-microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta
      detection, plasmid transfection, nuclear/cytosol fractionation,
      coimmunoprecipitation, quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain
      reaction, small-hairpin RNA interference and mitochondria/cytosol fractionation
      assays. Results showed that ABT-751 caused dysregulation of microtubule, collapse
      of mitochondrial membrane potential, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS),
      DNA damage, G2/M cell cycle arrest, inhibition of anchorage-independent cell
      growth and apoptosis in Huh-7 cells. ABT-751 also induced early autophagy via
      upregulation of nuclear TP53 and downregulation of the AKT serine/threonine
      kinase (AKT)/mechanistic target of rapamycin (MTOR) pathway. Through modulation
      of the expression levels of DNA damage checkpoint proteins and G2/M cell cycle
      regulators, ABT-751 induced G2/M cell cycle arrest. Subsequently, ABT-751
      triggered apoptosis with marked downregulation of B-cell CLL/lymphoma 2,
      upregulation of mitochondrial BCL2 antagonist/killer 1 and BCL2 like 11 protein
      levels, and cleavages of caspase 8 (CASP8), CASP9, CASP3 and DNA fragmentation
      factor subunit alpha proteins. Suppression of ROS significantly decreased ABT-751
      induced autophagic and apoptotic cells. Pharmacological inhibition of autophagy
      significantly increased the percentages of ABT-751-induced apoptotic cells. The
      autophagy induced by ABT-751 plays a protective role to postpone apoptosis by
      exerting adaptive responses following microtubule damage, ROS and/or impaired
      mitochondria.

PMID- 27678521
TI  - Prevention of DNA Rereplication Through a Meiotic Recombination Checkpoint
      Response.
AB  - In the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, unnatural stabilization of the
      cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor Sic1 during meiosis can trigger extra rounds of
      DNA replication. When programmed DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are generated
      but not repaired due to absence of DMC1, a pathway involving the checkpoint gene
      RAD17 prevents this DNA rereplication. Further genetic analysis has now revealed
      that prevention of DNA rereplication also requires MEC1, which encodes a protein
      kinase that serves as a central checkpoint regulator in several pathways
      including the meiotic recombination checkpoint response. Downstream of MEC1, MEK1
      is required through its function to inhibit repair between sister chromatids. By
      contrast, meiotic recombination checkpoint effectors that regulate gene
      expression and cyclin-dependent kinase activity are not necessary.
      Phosphorylation of histone H2A, which is catalyzed by Mec1 and the related Tel1
      protein kinase in response to DSBs, and can help coordinate activation of the
      Rad53 checkpoint protein kinase in the mitotic cell cycle, is required for the
      full checkpoint response. Phosphorylation sites that are targeted by Rad53 in a
      mitotic S phase checkpoint response are also involved, based on the behavior of
      cells containing mutations in the DBF4 and SLD3 DNA replication genes. However,
      RAD53 does not appear to be required, nor does RAD9, which encodes a mediator of
      Rad53, consistent with their lack of function in the recombination checkpoint
      pathway that prevents meiotic progression. While this response is similar to a
      checkpoint mechanism that inhibits initiation of DNA replication in the mitotic
      cell cycle, the evidence points to a new variation on DNA replication control.

PMID- 27678523
TI  - X Chromosome Crossover Formation and Genome Stability in Caenorhabditis elegans
      Are Independently Regulated by xnd-1.
AB  - The germ line efficiently combats numerous genotoxic insults to ensure the high
      fidelity propagation of unaltered genomic information across generations. Yet,
      germ cells in most metazoans also intentionally create double-strand breaks
      (DSBs) to promote DNA exchange between parental chromosomes, a process known as
      crossing over. Homologous recombination is employed in the repair of both
      genotoxic lesions and programmed DSBs, and many of the core DNA repair proteins
      function in both processes. In addition, DNA repair efficiency and crossover (CO)
      distribution are both influenced by local and global differences in chromatin
      structure, yet the interplay between chromatin structure, genome integrity, and
      meiotic fidelity is still poorly understood. We have used the xnd-1 mutant of
      Caenorhabditis elegans to explore the relationship between genome integrity and
      crossover formation. Known for its role in ensuring X chromosome CO formation and
      germ line development, we show that xnd-1 also regulates genome stability. xnd-1
      mutants exhibited a mortal germ line, high embryonic lethality, high incidence of
      males, and sensitivity to ionizing radiation. We discovered that a hypomorphic
      allele of mys-1 suppressed these genome instability phenotypes of xnd-1, but did
      not suppress the CO defects, suggesting it serves as a separation-of-function
      allele. mys-1 encodes a histone acetyltransferase, whose homolog Tip60 acetylates
      H2AK5, a histone mark associated with transcriptional activation that is
      increased in xnd-1 mutant germ lines, raising the possibility that thresholds of
      H2AK5ac may differentially influence distinct germ line repair events. We also
      show that xnd-1 regulated him-5 transcriptionally, independently of mys-1, and
      that ectopic expression of him-5 suppressed the CO defects of xnd-1 Our work
      provides xnd-1 as a model in which to study the link between chromatin factors,
      gene expression, and genome stability.

PMID- 27678525
TI  - Defining Ocular Surface Disease Activity and Damage Indices by an International
      Delphi Consultation.
AB  - PURPOSE: Unifying terminology for the description of ocular surface disease (OSD)
      is vital for determining treatment responses and ensuring robust clinical trial
      outcomes. To date, there are no agreed parameters describing 'activity' and
      'damage' phases of disease. METHODS: A working group of international experts in
      OSD, oculoplastics, and uveitis from a range of backgrounds (university,
      teaching, district general and private hospitals) participated in a modified
      Delphi consensus-building exercise (October 31, 2011 to March 20, 2015). Two
      steering group meetings took place in which factors based upon published
      literature were discussed and supplemented with anonymous web-based
      questionnaires to refine clinical indices according to 'activity' (reversible
      changes resulting directly from the inflammatory process) and/or 'damage'
      (persistent, >6 months duration) changes resulting from previously active disease
      that are cumulative and irreversible). RESULTS: The recommended set of clinical
      parameters for the assessment of OSD encompasses 68 clinical indices and 22
      ancillary grading tools (in parenthesis) subdivided by anatomical domain as
      follows: 4(4) tear-film, eyelid 21(3), 17(3) conjunctiva, 15(10) cornea and 11(2)
      Anterior Chamber/Sclera. Of these; 17(2) were considered as measures of clinical
      activity, 27(3) as damage, 1(8) as measures of both activity and damage. Twenty
      three clinical descriptors and 9 tools did not reach the threshold for inclusion
      into the main standard set. These were defined as 'second tier' parameters for
      use in special clinical settings. CONCLUSION: These core parameters provide the
      first description of 'activity' and 'damage' relevant to OSD and provide a
      platform for the future development of scoring scales for each parameter.

PMID- 27678526
TI  - Large-scale monitoring of effects of clothianidin-dressed OSR seeds on
      pollinating insects in Northern Germany: effects on large earth bumble bees
      (Bombus terrestris).
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Elado(r)-dressed winter
      oilseed rape (OSR, 10 g clothianidin & 2 g beta-cyfluthrin/kg seed) on the
      development, reproduction and behaviour of large earth bumble bees (Bombus
      terrestris) as part of a large-scale monitoring field study in Northern Germany,
      where OSR is usually cultivated at 25-33 % of the arable land. Both reference and
      test sites comprised 65 km2 in which no other crops attractive to pollinating
      insects were present. Six study locations were selected per site and 10 bumble
      bee hives were placed at each location. At each site, three locations were
      directly adjacent to OSR fields and three locations were situated 400 m distant
      from the nearest OSR field. The development of colonies was monitored from the
      beginning of OSR flowering in April until June 2014. Pollen from returning
      foragers was analysed for its composition. An average of 44 % of OSR pollen was
      found in pollen loads of bumble bees indicating that OSR was a major resource for
      the colonies. At the end of OSR flowering, hives were transferred to a nature
      reserve until the end of the study. Colony development in terms of hive weight
      and the number of workers showed a typical course with no statistically
      significant differences between the sites. Reproductive output was comparatively
      high and not negatively affected by the exposure to treated OSR. In summary,
      Elado(r)-dressed OSR did not cause any detrimental effects on the development or
      reproduction of bumble bee colonies.

PMID- 27678527
TI  - Large-scale monitoring of effects of clothianidin dressed oilseed rape seeds on
      pollinating insects in Northern Germany: implementation of the monitoring project
      and its representativeness.
AB  - Monitoring studies at the landscape level are complex, expensive and difficult to
      conduct. Many aspects have to be considered to avoid confounding effects which is
      probably the reason why they are not regularly performed in the context of risk
      assessments of plant protection products to pollinating insects. However, if
      conducted appropriately their contribution is most valuable. In this paper we
      identify the requirements of a large-scale monitoring study for the assessment of
      side-effects of clothianidin seed-treated winter oilseed rape on three species of
      pollinating insects (Apis mellifera, Bombus terrestris and Osmia bicornis) and
      present how these requirements were implemented. Two circular study sites were
      delineated next to each other in northeast Germany and comprised almost 65 km2
      each. At the reference site, study fields were drilled with clothianidin-free OSR
      seeds while at the test site the oilseed rape seeds contained a coating with 10 g
      clothianidin and 2 g beta-cyfluthrin per kg seeds (Elado(r)). The comparison of
      environmental conditions at the study sites indicated that they are as similar as
      possible in terms of climate, soil, land use, history and current practice of
      agriculture as well as in availability of oilseed rape and non-crop bee forage.
      Accordingly, local environmental conditions were considered not to have had any
      confounding effect on the results of the monitoring of the bee species.
      Furthermore, the study area was found to be representative for other oilseed rape
      cultivation regions in Europe.

PMID- 27678528
TI  - FGF21 activates AMPK signaling: impact on metabolic regulation and the aging
      process.
AB  - Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) has a significant role in the regulation of
      energy metabolism, e.g., in the control of systemic glucose and lipid metabolism.
      For instance, FGF21 enhances insulin sensitivity, increases glucose uptake, and
      thus can decrease serum hyperglycemia, while it also increases lipid oxidation
      and inhibits lipogenesis. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a tissue energy
      sensor involved in maintaining the energy balance and tissue integrity. It is
      known that AMPK signaling generates an energy metabolic profile which displays a
      remarkable overlap with that of FGF21. There is convincing evidence that
      endocrine FGF21 signaling activates the AMPK pathway, either directly through
      FGFR1/beta-klotho signaling or indirectly by stimulating the secretion of
      adiponectin and corticosteroids, which consequently can activate AMPK signaling
      in their target tissues. By activating AMPK, FGF21 can promote a healthy aging
      process and thus extend mammalian lifespan. We will examine the signaling
      mechanisms through which FGF21 can activate the AMPK pathway and then discuss the
      significance of the close connection between FGF21 and AMPK signaling in the
      control of metabolic disorders and the aging process.

PMID- 27678530
TI  - Early real-world evidence of persistence on oral anticoagulants for stroke
      prevention in non-valvular atrial fibrillation: a cohort study in UK primary
      care.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine the characteristics and persistence in patients newly
      initiated with oral anticoagulants (OACs) for stroke prevention in non-valvular
      atrial fibrillation (NVAF). DESIGN: Cohort study in Clinical Practice Research
      Datalink. SETTING: UK primary care. PARTICIPANTS: 15 242 patients with NVAF newly
      prescribed apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran or vitamin K antagonists (VKAs)
      between 1 December 2012 and 31 October 2014. 13 089 patients were OAC naive.
      OUTCOME MEASURES: Patient characteristics and risk of non-persistence compared to
      apixaban using Cox regression models over the entire follow-up and using a time
      partitioned approach to handle non-proportional hazards. RESULTS: Among the OAC
      naive patients, VKAs were most common (78.1%, n=10 218), followed by rivaroxaban
      (12.1%, n=1589), dabigatran (5.7%, n=741) and apixaban (4.1%, n=541). High
      baseline stroke risk (CHA2DS2VASc >=2) ranged from 80.2% (dabigatran) to 88.4%
      (apixaban and rivaroxaban). History of stroke and bleeding was the highest among
      apixaban (23.7% and 31.6%) and lowest among VKA patients (15.9% and 27.5%).
      Across the entire follow-up period, adjusting for differences in characteristics,
      there was no evidence of a difference in non-persistence between VKA and apixaban
      (HR 0.92 (95% CI 0.68 to 1.23)). Non-persistence was higher with dabigatran (HR
      1.67 (1.20 to 2.32)) and rivaroxaban (HR 1.41 (1.02 to 1.93)) than apixaban.
      Using the partitioned approach, non-persistence was lower with VKA (HR 0.33 (0.22
      to 0.48)), and higher with dabigatran (HR 1.65 (1.08 to 2.52)) compared to
      apixaban in the first 2 months of follow-up. After 2 months, non-persistence was
      higher with VKA (HR 1.70 (1.08 to 2.66)) and dabigatran (HR 2.10 (1.30 to 3.41)).
      Pooling OAC naive and experienced patients, non-persistence was also higher with
      rivaroxaban compared to apixaban after 2 months of follow-up (HR 1.69 (1.19 to
      2.39)). CONCLUSIONS: Observed differential prescribing of OACs can result in
      channelling bias in comparative effectiveness research. Persistence patterns
      changed over follow-up time, but there are indications of improved persistence
      rates with apixaban over other OACs in the UK. A larger study with longer follow
      up is needed to corroborate findings. This study is registered on
      ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02488421).

PMID- 27678531
TI  - Qualitative study of the clinician-parent interface in discussing prognosis
      following MRI and US imaging of preterm infants in the UK.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore communication and interaction between parents and
      clinicians following neonatal ultrasound (US) and MRI of the brain of babies born
      preterm. SETTING: This qualitative study was undertaken as part of a larger UK
      study of neonatal brain imaging. 511 infants were cared for in 14 London neonatal
      units with MR and cerebral US imaging in a specialist centre. PARTICIPANTS:
      Parents with infants born at <33 weeks gestation were randomised to receive
      prognostic information based on either MRI or US findings on their infants at
      term-corrected age. METHODS: Discussions between parents and clinicians about the
      MRI or US result were audio recorded. Parents were told about the findings and
      their baby's predicted outcome. A topic guide ensured essential aspects were
      covered. Recordings were fully transcribed. Discussion of the scan results, the
      content and style of the interaction and parental response were analysed
      qualitatively in 36 recordings using NVivo V.10. OUTCOMES: Key themes and
      subthemes were identified in the clinician-parent discussions. RESULTS: The
      overarching theme of 'the communication interface' was identified with three key
      themes: 'giving information', 'managing the conversation' and 'getting it right'
      and further subthemes. A range of approaches were used to facilitate parental
      understanding and engagement. There were differences in the exchanges when
      information about an abnormal scan was given. The overall structure of the
      discussions was largely similar, though the language used varied. In all of the
      discussions, the clinicians talked more than the parents. CONCLUSIONS: The
      discussions represent a difficult situation in which the challenge is to give and
      receive complex prognostic information in the context of considerable
      uncertainty. The study highlights the importance of being able to re-visit
      specific issues and any potential areas of misunderstanding, of making time to
      talk to parents appreciating their perspective and level of knowledge. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION NUMBER: EudraCT 2009-013888-19; Pre-results.

PMID- 27678529
TI  - Insights from Mendelian Interferonopathies: Comparison of CANDLE, SAVI with AGS,
      Monogenic Lupus.
AB  - Autoinflammatory disorders are sterile inflammatory conditions characterized by
      episodes of early-onset fever and disease-specific patterns of organ
      inflammation. Recently, the discoveries of monogenic disorders with strong type I
      interferon (IFN) signatures caused by mutations in proteasome degradation and
      cytoplasmic RNA and DNA sensing pathways suggest a pathogenic role of IFNs in
      causing autoinflammatory phenotypes. The IFN response gene signature (IGS) has
      been associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and other autoimmune
      diseases. In this review, we compare the clinical presentations and pathogenesis
      of two IFN-mediated autoinflammatory diseases, CANDLE and SAVI, with Aicardi
      Goutieres syndrome (AGS) and monogenic forms of SLE (monoSLE) caused by loss-of
      function mutations in complement 1 (C1q) or the DNA nucleases, DNASE1 and
      DNASE1L3. We outline differences in intracellular signaling pathways that fuel a
      pathologic type I IFN amplification cycle. While IFN amplification is caused by
      predominantly innate immune cell dysfunction in SAVI, CANDLE, and AGS,
      autoantibodies to modified RNA and DNA antigens interact with tissues and immune
      cells including neutrophils and contribute to IFN upregulation in some SLE
      patients including monoSLE, thus justifying a grouping of "autoinflammatory" and
      "autoimmune" interferonopathies. Understanding of the differences in the cellular
      sources and signaling pathways will guide new drug development and the use of
      emerging targeted therapies.

PMID- 27678532
TI  - Educational inequalities in premature mortality in Poland, 2002-2011: a
      population-based cross-sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of the study is to evaluate the differences in premature
      mortality between educational groups of Polish inhabitants in 2002 and 2011.
      METHODS: The analysis included all deaths among inhabitants of Poland, aged 25-64
      years, which occurred in 2002 (N=97 004) and 2011 (N=104 598). We calculated age
      standardised death rates (SDRs) and summary measures on inequalities. The
      relative index of inequality (RII) was calculated with Poisson regression.
      RESULTS: The SDR for Poland decreased from 285.7 per 100 000 in 2002 to 246.0 in
      2011 among males with higher education and increased from 1141.0 in 2002 to
      1183.0 in 2011 among males with lower secondary or less education (the rate ratio
      increased from 4.0 to 4.8). With regard to females with higher education, the SDR
      decreased from 127.2 per 100 000 in 2002 to 115.6 in 2011. Among females with
      lower secondary or less education, the SDR increased from 375.8 per 100 000 in
      2002 to 423.1 in 2011 (the rate ratio increased from 3.0 to 3.7). The RII
      increased from 5.8 to 9.7 in the male group and from 4.4 to 8.3 in the female
      group. The greatest educational inequalities in 2011 were observed in females who
      died of cardiovascular diseases (RII=14.9) and lung cancer (RII=6.6) and in males
      who died of suicides (RII=19.3) and lung cancer (RII=11.9). CONCLUSIONS:
      Educational inequalities in premature mortality in Poland are growing. There is a
      need to implement health education programmes targeted at groups of the most
      poorly educated Polish inhabitants, especially for diseases resulting from
      smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

PMID- 27678533
TI  - Treatment And Prevention for female Sex workers in South Africa: protocol for the
      TAPS Demonstration Project.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Updated guidelines from the WHO recommend antiretroviral treatment
      for adults with HIV at any CD4 count and daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis
      (PrEP) for people at substantial risk of HIV infection. However, implementation
      challenges may hinder the ability of programmes to translate these
      recommendations into successful practice. This demonstration project is the first
      to integrate PrEP and immediate treatment (ITx) for female sex workers (FSWs) in
      South Africa to answer operational research questions. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This
      is a prospective cohort study where the main outcome is retention at 12 months.
      The study population is recruited into two arms across two urban sites: (1) PrEP
      for HIV-negative FSWs (n=400) and (2) ITx for HIV-positive FSWs with CD4 greater
      than national guidelines (n=300). We investigate process and other health
      indicators, uptake and use of PrEP and ITx through qualitative research, and
      evaluate cost-effectiveness analysis combined with estimates of impact through
      epidemiological modelling. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The Treatment And Prevention
      for female Sex workers in South Africa (TAPS) Project was designed as an
      implementation study before emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate was
      licenced as an indication for PrEP in South Africa. Therefore, clinical trial
      requirements for ethical and South African Medicines Control Council approvals
      were followed. Results will be disseminated to participants, local health
      officials and other stakeholders, as well as in peer-reviewed journals and at
      conferences.

PMID- 27678534
TI  - Guidelines of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent
      Societies: an overview and quality appraisal using AGREE II.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To appraise the quality of guidelines developed by the International
      Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) between 2001 and 2015.
      STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional. METHODS: 2 authors independently assessed the
      quality of IFRC guidelines using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and
      Evaluation (AGREE II) instrument. Average domain scores were calculated and
      overall quality scores and recommendation for use were determined. RESULTS: Out
      of 77 identified guidelines, 27 met the inclusion criteria and were assessed. The
      domains with the highest average scores across guidelines were 'scope and
      purpose', 'clarity of presentation' and 'applicability'. The lowest scoring
      domains were 'rigour of development' and 'editorial independence'. No guideline
      can be 'recommended for immediate use', 23 guidelines are 'recommended with
      modifications' and 4 guidelines are 'not recommended'. CONCLUSIONS: The IFRC
      produces guidelines that should be adhered to by millions of staff and volunteers
      in 190 countries. These guidelines should therefore be of high quality. Up until
      now, the IFRC had no uniform guideline development process. The results of the
      AGREE II appraisal indicate that the quality of the guidelines needs to be
      improved.

PMID- 27678535
TI  - Correction: Descriptive, cross-country analysis of the nurse practitioner
      workforce in six countries: size, growth, physician substitution potential.

PMID- 27678537
TI  - Actual and preferred contraceptive sources among young people: findings from the
      British National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe actual and preferred contraceptive sources among young
      people in Britain and whether discordance between these is associated with
      markers of sexual risk behaviour or poor sexual health. DESIGN: Cross-sectional
      probability sample survey. SETTING: British general population. PARTICIPANTS:
      3869 men and women aged 16-24 years interviewed for the third National Survey of
      Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal-3) between 2010 and 2012. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: Reported source of contraceptive method(s) and preferred source if all
      were available and easily accessible. RESULTS: Of the 75% of young people (aged
      16-24) who were heterosexually active (1619 women, 1233 men), >86% reported
      obtaining contraceptives in the past year. Most common sources were general
      practice (women, 63%) and retail (men, 60%): using multiple sources was common
      (women 40%, men 45%). Healthcare sources were preferred by 81% of women and 57%
      of men. Overall, 32% of women and 39% of men had not used their preferred source.
      This discordance was most common among men who preferred general practice (69%)
      and women who preferred retail (52%). Likelihood of discordance was higher among
      women who usually used a less effective contraceptive method or had an abortion.
      It was less likely among men who usually used a less effective method of
      contraception and men who were not in a steady relationship. CONCLUSIONS: Most
      young people in Britain obtained contraception in the past year but one-third had
      not used their preferred source. Healthcare sources were preferred. Discordance
      was associated with using less effective contraception and abortion among young
      women. Meeting young people's preference for obtaining contraception from
      healthcare sources could improve uptake of effective contraception to reduce
      unwanted pregnancies.

PMID- 27678538
TI  - Correction: Characteristics, treatment and in-hospital outcomes of patients with
      STEMI in a metropolitan area of a developing country: an initial report of the
      extended Jakarta Acute Coronary Syndrome registry.

PMID- 27678536
TI  - Risk assessment and suicide by patients with schizophrenia in secondary mental
      healthcare: a case-control study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the role of risk assessment in predicting suicide in
      patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs) receiving secondary mental
      healthcare. We postulated that risk assessment plays a limited role in predicting
      suicide in these patients. DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study. SETTING:
      Anonymised electronic mental health record data from the South London and
      Maudsley National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust (SLaM) (London, UK)
      linked with national mortality data. PARTICIPANTS: In 242 227 SLaM service users
      up to 31 December 2013, 635 suicides were identified. 96 (15.1%) had a SSD
      diagnosis. Those who died before 1 January 2007 (n=25) were removed from the
      analyses. Thus, 71 participants with SSD who died from suicide over the study
      period (cases) were compared with 355 controls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Risk of
      suicide in relation to risk assessment ratings. RESULTS: Cases were younger at
      first contact with services (mean+/-SD 34.5+/-12.6 vs 39.2+/-15.2) and with a
      higher preponderance of males (OR=2.07, 95% CI 1.18 to 3.65, p=0.01) than
      controls. Also, suicide occurred within 10 days after last contact with services
      in half of cases, with the most common suicide methods being hanging (14) and
      jumping (13). Cases were more likely to have the following 'risk assessment'
      items previously recorded: suicidal history (OR=4.42, 95% CI 2.01 to 9.65,
      p<0.001), use of violent method (OR=3.37, 95% CI 1.47 to 7.74, p=0.01), suicidal
      ideation (OR=3.57, 95% CI 1.40 to 9.07, p=0.01) and recent hospital discharge
      (OR=2.71, 95% CI 1.17 to 6.28, p=0.04). Multiple regression models predicted only
      21.5% of the suicide outcome variance. CONCLUSIONS: Predicting suicide in
      schizophrenia is highly challenging due to the high prevalence of risk factors
      within this diagnostic group irrespective of outcome, including suicide.
      Nevertheless, older age at first contact with mental health services and lack of
      suicidal history and suicidal ideation are useful protective markers indicative
      of those less likely to end their own lives.

PMID- 27678539
TI  - Using multimedia tools and high-fidelity simulations to improve medical students'
      resuscitation performance: an observational study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The goal of our study was to shed light on educational methods to
      strengthen medical students' cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) leadership and
      team skills in order to optimise CPR understanding and success using didactic
      videos and high-fidelity simulations. DESIGN: An observational study. SETTING: A
      tertiary medical centre in Northern Taiwan. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 104 5-7th
      year medical students, including 72 men and 32 women. INTERVENTIONS: We provided
      the medical students with a 2-hour training session on advanced CPR. During each
      class, we divided the students into 1-2 groups; each group consisted of 4-6 team
      members. Medical student teams were trained by using either method A or B. Method
      A started with an instructional CPR video followed by a first CPR simulation.
      Method B started with a first CPR simulation followed by an instructional CPR
      video. All students then participated in a second CPR simulation. OUTCOME
      MEASURES: Student teams were assessed with checklist rating scores in leadership,
      teamwork and team member skills, global rating scores by an attending physician
      and video-recording evaluation by 2 independent individuals. RESULTS: The 104
      medical students were divided into 22 teams. We trained 11 teams using method A
      and 11 using method B. Total second CPR simulation scores were significantly
      higher than first CPR simulation scores in leadership (p<0.001), teamwork
      (p<0.001) and team member skills (p<0.001). For methods A and B students' first
      CPR simulation scores were similar, but method A students' second CPR simulation
      scores were significantly higher than those of method B in leadership skills
      (p=0.034), specifically in the support subcategory (p=0.049). CONCLUSIONS:
      Although both teaching strategies improved leadership, teamwork and team member
      performance, video exposure followed by CPR simulation further increased
      students' leadership skills compared with CPR simulation followed by video
      exposure.

PMID- 27678540
TI  - Exclusion of patients with concomitant chronic conditions in ongoing randomised
      controlled trials targeting 10 common chronic conditions and registered at
      ClinicalTrials.gov: a systematic review of registration details.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To systematically assess registration details of ongoing randomised
      controlled trials (RCTs) targeting 10 common chronic conditions and registered at
      ClinicalTrials.gov and to determine the prevalence of (1) trial records excluding
      patients with concomitant chronic condition(s) and (2) those specifically
      targeting patients with concomitant chronic conditions. DESIGN: Systematic review
      of trial registration records. DATA SOURCES: ClinicalTrials.gov register. STUDY
      SELECTION: All ongoing RCTs registered from 1 January 2014 to 31 January 2015
      that assessed an intervention targeting adults with coronary heart disease (CHD),
      hypertension, heart failure, stroke/transient ischaemic attack, atrial
      fibrillation, type 2 diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, painful
      condition, depression and dementia with a target sample size >=100. DATA
      EXTRACTION: From the trial registration records, 2 researchers independently
      recorded the trial characteristics and the number of exclusion criteria and
      determined whether patients with concomitant chronic conditions were excluded or
      specifically targeted. RESULTS: Among 319 ongoing RCTs, despite the high
      prevalence of the concomitant chronic conditions, patients with these conditions
      were excluded in 251 trials (79%). For example, although 91% of patients with CHD
      had a concomitant chronic condition, 69% of trials targeting such patients
      excluded patients with concomitant chronic condition(s). When considering the co
      occurrence of 2 chronic conditions, 31% of patients with chronic pain also had
      depression, but 58% of the trials targeting patients with chronic pain excluded
      patients with depression. Only 37 trials (12%) assessed interventions
      specifically targeting patients with concomitant chronic conditions; 31 (84%)
      excluded patients with concomitant chronic condition(s). CONCLUSIONS: Despite
      widespread multimorbidity, more than three-quarters of ongoing trials assessing
      interventions for patients with chronic conditions excluded patients with
      concomitant chronic conditions.

PMID- 27678541
TI  - Study protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial: Safety,
      Tolerability, efficacy and quality of life Of a human recombinant alkaline
      Phosphatase in patients with sepsis-associated Acute Kidney Injury (STOP-AKI).
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Acute kidney injury (AKI) occurs in 55-60% of critically ill
      patients, and sepsis is the most common underlying cause. No pharmacological
      treatment options are licensed to treat sepsis-associated AKI (SA-AKI); only
      supportive renal replacement therapy (RRT) is available. One of the limited
      number of candidate compounds in clinical development to treat SA-AKI is alkaline
      phosphatase (AP). The renal protective effect of purified bovine intestinal AP
      has been demonstrated in critically ill sepsis patients. To build on these
      observations, a human recombinant AP (recAP) was developed, of which safety and
      efficacy in patients with SA-AKI will be investigated in this trial. METHODS:
      This is a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 4-arm, proof-of-concept,
      dose-finding adaptive phase IIa/IIb study, conducted in critically ill patients
      with SA-AKI. A minimum of 290 patients will be enrolled at ~50 sites in the
      European Union and North America. The study involves 2 parts. Patients enrolled
      during Part 1 will be randomly assigned to receive either placebo (n=30) or 1 of
      3 different doses of recAP (n=30 per group) once daily for 3 days (0.4, 0.8 or
      1.6 mg/kg). In Part 2, patients will be randomly assigned to receive the most
      efficacious dose of recAP (n=85), selected during an interim analysis, or placebo
      (n=85). Treatment must be administered within 24 hours after SA-AKI is first
      diagnosed and within 96 hours from first diagnosis of sepsis. The primary end
      point is the area under the time-corrected endogenous creatinine clearance curve
      from days 1 to 7. The key secondary end point is RRT incidence during days 1-28.
      ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study is approved by the relevant institutional
      review boards/independent ethics committees and is conducted in accordance with
      the ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki, guidelines of Good
      Clinical Practice, Code of Federal Regulations and all other applicable
      regulations. Results of this study will reveal the efficacy of recAP for the
      improvement of renal function in critically ill patients with SA-AKI and will be
      published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER:
      NCT02182440; Pre-results.

PMID- 27678543
TI  - Patient characteristics, treatment and survival in pulmonary carcinoid tumours:
      an analysis from the UK National Lung Cancer Audit.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Pulmonary carcinoid (PC) is a rare tumour with good prognosis
      following surgical resection. However, little is known regarding patient
      characteristics and use of other treatments modalities. Our objective was to
      review patient characteristics, treatment and survival for patients with PC and
      contrast these results with other forms of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
      SETTING: Audit data from UK National Lung Cancer Audit (NLCA) 2008-2013.
      PARTICIPANTS: 184 906 lung cancer cases were submitted to the NLCA. OUTCOME
      MEASURES: Primary outcome-survival rates between PC and NSCLC. Secondary outcome
      differences in performance status, lung function and treatment modality between
      PC and NSCLC. RESULTS: PC histology was recorded in 1341 (0.73%) patients and non
      carcinoid NSCLC histology in 162 959 (87.4%) cases. 91% of patients with PC had
      good performance status (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) 0-1), compared
      with only 53% of NSCLC. 66% of PC had localised disease. Of all PC cases, 77%
      were treated with surgery, 6.2% received chemotherapy and 3.6% received
      radiotherapy, with the remainder treated with best supportive care. Overall 1
      year and 3-year survival rates for PC were 92% and 84.7%, respectively. In
      contrast, 1-year and 3-year survival rates for NSCLC were 36.2% and 15.6%,
      However, 3-year survival for PC markedly decreased with worsening performance
      status and advanced disease to 23.8% for performance status ECOG 3-4 and 33.6%
      for stage IV disease. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to other forms of NSCLC, the
      majority of patients with PC present with good performance status, preserved lung
      function and early stage disease amenable to surgical resection. However, 1 in 5
      patients with PC has metastatic disease which is associated with poor prognosis,
      as is poor performance status at presentation. We believe these data will help
      clinicians provide accurate prognostic predictions stratified according to
      patient characteristics at presentation, as well as guide future clinical trials.

PMID- 27678542
TI  - Motor control exercise for symptomatic lumbar disc herniation: protocol for a
      systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a common condition in adults and
      can impose a heavy burden on both the individual and society. It is defined as
      displacement of disc components beyond the intervertebral disc space. Various
      conservative treatments have been recommended for the treatment of LDH and
      physical therapy plays a major role in the management of patients. Therapeutic
      exercise is effective for relieving pain and improving function in individuals
      with symptomatic LDH. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the
      effectiveness of motor control exercise (MCE) for symptomatic LDH. METHODS AND
      ANALYSIS: We will include all clinical trial studies with a concurrent control
      group which evaluated the effect of MCEs in patients with symptomatic LDH. We
      will search PubMed, SCOPUS, PEDro, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, CENTRAL and EMBASE with
      no restriction of language. Primary outcomes of this systematic review are pain
      intensity and functional disability and secondary outcomes are functional tests,
      muscle thickness, quality of life, return to work, muscle endurance and adverse
      events. Study selection and data extraction will be performed by two independent
      reviewers. The assessment of risk of bias will be implemented using the PEDro
      scale. Publication bias will be assessed by funnel plots, Begg's and Egger's
      tests. Heterogeneity will be evaluated using the I2 statistic and the chi2 test.
      In addition, subgroup analyses will be conducted for population and the secondary
      outcomes. All meta-analyses will be performed using Stata V.12 software. ETHICS
      AND DISSEMINATION: No ethical concerns are predicted. The systematic review
      findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and will also be presented
      at national/international academic and clinical conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION
      NUMBER: CRD42016038166.

PMID- 27678544
TI  - Dietary diversity, socioeconomic status and maternal body mass index (BMI):
      quantile regression analysis of nationally representative data from Ghana,
      Namibia and Sao Tome and Principe.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To (a) assess the association between dietary diversity (DD) score,
      socioeconomic status (SES) and maternal body mass index (BMI), and (b) the
      variation of the effects of DD and SES at different points of the conditional
      distribution of the BMI. METHODS: The study used Demographic and Health Surveys
      round 5 data sets from Ghana, Namibia and Sao Tome and Principe. The outcome
      variable for the analysis was maternal BMI. The DD score was computed using 24
      hour dietary recall data. Quantile regression (QR) was used to examine the
      relationship between DD and SES, and maternal BMI, adjusting for other
      covariates. The QR allows the covariate effects to vary across the entire
      distribution of maternal BMI. RESULTS: Women who consumed an additional unit of
      DD achieved an increase of 0.245 in BMI for those in the 90th quantile in Ghana.
      The effect of household wealth increases for individuals across all quantiles of
      the BMI distribution and in all the 3 countries. A unit change in the household
      wealth score was associated with an increase of 0.038, 0.052 and 0.065 units
      increase in BMI for individuals in the 5th quantile in Ghana, Namibia and Sao
      Tome and Principe, respectively. Also, 0.237, 0.301 and 0.174 units increased for
      those in the 90th quantile in Ghana, Namibia and Sao Tome and Principe,
      respectively. Education had a significant positive effect on maternal BMI across
      all quantiles in Namibia and negative effect at the 5th, 10th and 90th quantiles
      in Sao Tome and Principe. CONCLUSIONS: There is heterogeneity in the effects of
      DD and SES on maternal BMI. Studies focusing on the effects of diet and
      socioeconomic determinants on maternal BMI should examine patterns of effects at
      different points of the conditional distribution of the BMI and not just the
      average effect.

PMID- 27678545
TI  - Randomised controlled trial of effect of whole soy replacement diet on features
      of metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women: study protocol.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a public health problem in
      postmenopausal women. Whole soy foods are rich in unsaturated fats, high quality
      plant protein and various bioactive phytochemicals that may have a beneficial
      role in the management of MetS. The aim of the study is to examine the effect of
      whole soy replacement diet on the features of MetS among postmenopausal women.
      METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This will be a 12-month, randomised, single-blind, parallel
      controlled trial among 208 postmenopausal women at risk of MetS or with early
      MetS. After 4 weeks' run-in, subjects will be randomly allocated to one of two
      intervention groups, whole soy replacement group or control group, each for 12
      months. Subjects in the whole soy group will be required to include four servings
      of whole soy foods (containing 25 g soy protein) into their daily diet iso
      calorically, replacing red or processed meat and high fat dairy products.
      Subjects in the control group will remain on a usual diet. The outcome measures
      will include metabolic parameters as well as a 10-year risk for ischaemic
      cardiovascular disease. We hypothesise that the whole soy substitution diet will
      notably improve features of MetS in postmenopausal women at risk of MetS or with
      early MetS. The study will have both theoretical and practical significance. If
      proven effective, the application of the whole soy replacement diet model will be
      a safe, practical and economical strategy for MetS prevention and treatment.
      ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval has been obtained from the Ethics
      Committee of the Chinese University of Hong Kong. The results will be
      disseminated via conference presentations and papers in academic peer reviewed
      journals. Data files will be deposited in an accessible repository. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02610322.

PMID- 27678546
TI  - Strategies and impacts of patient and family engagement in collaborative mental
      healthcare: protocol for a systematic and realist review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Collaborative mental healthcare (CMHC) has garnered worldwide
      interest as an effective, team-based approach to managing common mental disorders
      in primary care. However, questions remain about how CMHC works and why it works
      in some circumstances but not others. In this study, we will review the evidence
      on one understudied but potentially critical component of CMHC, namely the
      engagement of patients and families in care. Our aims are to describe the
      strategies used to engage people with depression or anxiety disorders and their
      families in CMHC and understand how these strategies work, for whom and in what
      circumstances. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We are conducting a review with systematic
      and realist review components. Review part 1 seeks to identify and describe the
      patient and family engagement strategies featured in CMHC interventions based on
      systematic searches and descriptive analysis of these interventions. We will use
      a 2012 Cochrane review of CMHC as a starting point and perform new searches in
      multiple databases and trial registers to retrieve more recent CMHC intervention
      studies. In review part 2, we will build and refine programme theories for each
      of these engagement strategies. Initial theory building will proceed iteratively
      through content expert consultations, electronic searches for theoretical
      literature and review team brainstorming sessions. Cluster searches will then
      retrieve additional data on contexts, mechanisms and outcomes associated with
      engagement strategies, and pairs of review authors will analyse and synthesise
      the evidence and adjust initial programme theories. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Our
      review follows a participatory approach with multiple knowledge users and persons
      with lived experience of mental illness. These partners will help us develop and
      tailor project outputs, including publications, policy briefs, training materials
      and guidance on how to make CMHC more patient-centred and family-centred.
      PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42015025522.

PMID- 27678547
TI  - Female genital cosmetic surgery: a cross-sectional survey exploring knowledge,
      attitude and practice of general practitioners.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore general practitioner's (GP) knowledge, attitudes and
      practice regarding female genital cosmetic surgery (FGCS) in Australia. DESIGN:
      Cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Australia. SAMPLE: GPs who attended a women's
      health seminar and GPs who subscribed to a non-governmental, national health
      professional organisation database that provides education to primary care
      professionals. METHOD: A national online survey of GPs was conducted for the 10
      week period, starting 1 week prior and 2 months after a Women's Health seminar
      was held in Perth on 8 August 2015. 31 questions prompted GPs' knowledge,
      attitudes and practice in managing patients asking about FGCS. RESULTS: The
      survey was fully completed by 443 GPs; 54% had seen patients requesting FGCS.
      Overall, 75% (95% CI 71% to 79%) of GPs rated their knowledge of FGCS as
      inadequate and 97% (95% CI 94% to 99%) had been asked by women of all ages about
      genital normality. Of those who had seen patients requesting FGCS, nearly half
      (44%, 95% CI 38% to 51%) reported they had insufficient knowledge of risks of
      FGCS procedures and 35% (95% CI 29% to 41%) reported seeing females younger than
      18 years of age requesting FGCS. Just over half (56%, 95% CI 51% to 60%) of the
      GPs felt that women should be counselled before making a referral for FGCS. More
      than half the GPs suspected psychological disturbances in their patients
      requesting FGCS such as depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties and body
      dysmorphic disorder. CONCLUSIONS: GPs see women of all ages presenting with
      genital anatomy concerns and in those who request FGCS, GPs often suspected a
      range of mental health difficulties. GPs require greater education to support
      their patients who request FGCS.

PMID- 27678548
TI  - Physical activity among medical students in Southern Thailand: a mixed methods
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to investigate the prevalence of physical activity
      (PA) and factors influencing PA behaviours among medical students in Southern
      Thailand. DESIGN: The study implemented a mixed methods approach. The sequential
      design consisted of 2 phases: a survey followed by in-depth interviews. SETTING:
      The study was conducted in the 3 campuses of a medical school in Southern
      Thailand. The preclinical students (years 1-3) studied general and basic science
      subjects at Nakhon Si Thammarat campus. The clinical students (years 4-6)
      received clinical training and hospital attachments at Trang or Phuket campuses.
      Total number of students was 285, with 46-48 students in each class. The study
      was conducted from September 2015 to February 2016. PARTICIPANTS: Participants
      were medical students, 18 years old and above, from 3 campuses without
      disabilities or medical conditions which limited their ability to perform PA.
      OUTCOME MEASURES: The prevalence of the recommended levels of PA was measured
      using Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). The association between the
      demographic data and the recommended PA levels were analysed by univariate and
      multivariate analysis. In-depth interviews and thematic analysis were completed
      to explore PA behaviours. RESULTS: A total of 279 (response rate 97.9%) medical
      students participated in the study. Approximately half (49.5%) of the
      participants were physically active. The median total energy use was 540
      metabolic equivalent-min/week (range 0-5640). Male and preclinical students were
      more likely to be physically active (p<0.05). Twenty-four in-depth interviews
      were conducted. Supportive factors included social support from friends and
      families. Study-related activities and overtime shift work were barriers.
      CONCLUSIONS: More than half of the medical students have insufficient PA because
      of study-related activities and overtime shift work. Future studies should focus
      on finding ways to improve PA in clinical and female students in Thailand.

PMID- 27678549
TI  - Neurobehavioral effects of vigabatrin and its ability to induce DNA damage in
      brain cells after acute treatment in rats.
AB  - RATIONALE: Vigabatrin (VGB) is a drug indicated mostly for the treatment of
      spasms in childhood and West's syndrome patients. This drug inhibits irreversibly
      the enzyme GABA-transaminase (GABA-T), increasing GABA concentrations and
      enhancing GABAergic neurotransmission in the brain, which is known to induce
      behavioral changes. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to evaluate the
      effects of VGB in the short-term memory (STM), long-term memory (LTM),
      motivation, locomotion, and exploratory behavior tests and to detect deleterious
      or protective effects on DNA in target tissues of the drug. METHODS: Male Wistar
      rats were treated with a single dose of VGB (100, 250, or 500 mg/kg) or saline
      solution before the inhibitory avoidance and open-field tasks. DNA damage was
      evaluated using the alkaline comet assay in peripheral blood, cerebral cortex,
      and hippocampus after behavioral testing. RESULTS: There was no significant
      difference in the inhibitory avoidance task between the treated groups and the
      saline group. In all tested doses, VGB reduced the number of rearings in the open
      field task. Besides, VGB 500 mg/kg affected locomotion, though it was not able to
      induce any DNA damage. CONCLUSIONS: VGB did not affect STM and LTM, but the drug
      impaired the exploration and locomotion likely associated with its sedative
      effect. In addition, no DNA damage in cortex and hippocampus was detected after
      behavioral testing, when brain GABA levels are already increased.

PMID- 27678550
TI  - A test of the cognitive-enhancing potential of low-dose mecamylamine in healthy
      non-smokers.
AB  - RATIONALE: The beneficial effects of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR)
      agonists on cognitive performance have been widely shown. Paradoxically, recent
      preclinical studies employing extremely low doses of nAChR antagonists have also
      found cognitive enhancement, perhaps pointing to a novel treatment mechanism for
      cognitive deficits. OBJECTIVES: The aim was to test whether low doses of the
      nAChR antagonist mecamylamine would benefit performance in human volunteers.
      METHODS: The study employed a double-blind within-subject design. Over four
      separate days, healthy adult non-smokers (n = 23) were tested with placebo and
      three trace doses of mecamylamine (0.25-1 mg, p.o.), adjusted for body weight.
      Participants performed three computerized tasks: a task of spatial selective
      attention and stimulus detection, the rapid visual information processing task
      (RVIPT) taxing sustained attention and working memory, and a change detection
      short-term memory task. Subjective state and vital signs were assessed
      repeatedly. RESULTS: Mecamylamine did not improve performance in any of the
      tasks. Any trends that were observed instead pointed toward performance
      impairment. Mecamylamine also had no effects on subjective state or vital signs.
      CONCLUSIONS: The present results do not support the hypothesized cognitive
      enhancing potential of low doses of mecamylamine. Contrary to preclinical
      reports, these findings speak against low-dose nAChR antagonism as a novel avenue
      for treating cognitive deficits.

PMID- 27678552
TI  - Urine ethanol concentration and alcohol hangover severity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between urine
      ethanol concentration and alcohol hangover severity. METHODS: N = 36 healthy
      social drinkers participated in a naturalistic study, comprising a hangover day
      and a control day. N = 18 of them have regular hangovers (the hangover group),
      while the other N = 18 claim to be hangover immune (hangover-immune group). On
      each test day at 9.30 am, urine samples were collected. Participants rated their
      overall hangover severity on a scale from 0 (absent) to 10 (extreme), as well as
      18 individual hangover symptoms. RESULTS: Urine ethanol concentration was
      significantly higher on the hangover day when compared to the control day (p =
      0.006). On the hangover day, urine ethanol concentration was significantly lower
      in the hangover-immune group when compared to the hangover group (p = 0.027). In
      the hangover-immune group, none of the correlations of urine ethanol
      concentration with individual hangover symptoms was significant. In contrast, in
      the hangover group, significant correlations were found with a variety of
      hangover symptoms, including nausea, concentration problems, sleepiness,
      weakness, apathy, sweating, stomach pain, thirst, heart racing, anxiety, and
      sleep problems. CONCLUSION: Urine ethanol levels are significantly associated
      with the presence and severity of several hangover symptoms.

PMID- 27678551
TI  - Choice between delayed food and immediate oxycodone in rats.
AB  - RATIONALE: The choice to seek immediate drug effects instead of more meaningful
      but delayed rewards is a defining feature of addiction. OBJECTIVES: To develop a
      rodent model of this behavior, we allowed rats to choose between immediate
      intravenous delivery of the prescription opioid oxycodone (50 MUg/kg) and delayed
      delivery of palatable food pellets. RESULTS: Rats preferred food at delays up to
      30 s, but they chose oxycodone and food equally at 60-s delay and preferred
      oxycodone over food at 120-s delay. Comparison of food-drug choice, food-only,
      and drug-only conditions indicated that food availability decreased drug intake,
      but drug availability increased food intake. In the food-only condition, food was
      effective as a reinforcer even when delayed by 120 s. Pre-session feeding with
      chow slowed acquisition of food and drug self-administration, but did not affect
      choice. To establish procedures for testing potential anti-addiction medications,
      noncontingent pre-treatment with oxycodone or naltrexone (analogous to
      substitution and antagonist therapies, respectively) were tested on a baseline in
      which oxycodone was preferred over delayed food. Naltrexone pre-treatment
      decreased drug intake and increased food intake. Oxycodone pre-treatment
      decreased drug intake, but also produced extended periods with no food or drug
      responding. CONCLUSIONS: These findings show that the contingencies that induce
      preference for drugs over more meaningful but less immediate rewards in humans
      can be modeled in rodents, and they suggest that the model could be useful for
      assessing the therapeutic potential of treatments and exploring the underlying
      behavioral and neural mechanisms involved in addiction.

PMID- 27678554
TI  - Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) for children with specific learning
      disorders.
AB  - BACKGROUND: About 5% of school children have a specific learning disorder,
      defined as unexpected failure to acquire adequate abilities in reading, writing
      or mathematics that is not a result of reduced intellectual ability, inadequate
      teaching or social deprivation. Of these events, 80% are reading disorders.
      Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), in particular, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty
      acids, which normally are abundant in the brain and in the retina, are important
      for learning. Some children with specific learning disorders have been found to
      be deficient in these PUFAs, and it is argued that supplementation of PUFAs may
      help these children improve their learning abilities. OBJECTIVES: 1. To assess
      effects on learning outcomes of supplementation of polyunsaturated fatty acids
      (PUFAs) for children with specific learning disorders.2. To determine whether
      adverse effects of supplementation of PUFAs are reported in these children.
      SEARCH METHODS: In November 2015, we searched CENTRAL, Ovid MEDLINE, Embase,
      PsycINFO, 10 other databases and two trials registers. We also searched the
      reference lists of relevant articles. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled
      trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs comparing PUFAs with placebo or no treatment in
      children younger than 18 years with specific learning disabilities, as diagnosed
      in accordance with the fifth (or earlier) edition of theDiagnostic and
      Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), or the 10th (or earlier) revision
      of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) or equivalent criteria.
      We included children with coexisting developmental disorders such as attention
      deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS:
      Two review authors (MLT and KHT) independently screened the titles and abstracts
      of articles identified by the search and eliminated all studies that did not meet
      the inclusion criteria. We contacted study authors to ask for missing information
      and clarification, when needed. We used the GRADE approach to assess the quality
      of evidence. MAIN RESULTS: Two small studies involving 116 children, mainly boys
      between 10 and 18 years of age, met the inclusion criteria. One study was
      conducted in a school setting, the other at a specialised clinic. Both studies
      used three months of a combination of omega-3 and omega-6 supplements as the
      intervention compared with placebo. Although both studies had generally low risk
      of bias, we judged the risk of reporting bias as unclear in one study, and as
      high in the other study. In addition, one of the studies was funded by industry
      and reported active company involvement in the study.None of the studies reported
      data on the primary outcomes of reading, writing, spelling and mathematics
      scores, as assessed by standardised tests.Evidence of low quality indicates that
      supplementation of PUFAs did not increase the risk of gastrointestinal
      disturbances (risk ratio 1.43, 95% confidence interval 0.25 to 8.15; two studies,
      116 children). Investigators reported no other adverse effects.Both studies
      reported attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-related behaviour
      outcomes. We were unable to combine the results in a meta-analysis because one
      study reported findings as a continuous outcome, and the other as a dichotomous
      outcome. No other secondary outcomes were reported.We excluded one study because
      it used a cointervention (carnosine), and five other studies because they did not
      provide a robust diagnosis of a specific learning disorder. We identified one
      ongoing study and found three studies awaiting classification. AUTHORS'
      CONCLUSIONS: Evidence is insufficient to permit any conclusions about the effect
      of PUFAs on the learning abilities of children with specific learning disorders.
      Well-designed RCTs with clearly defined populations of children with specific
      learning disorders who have been diagnosed by standardised diagnostic criteria
      are needed.

PMID- 27678553
TI  - Dementia and Traffic Accidents: A Danish Register-Based Cohort Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As a consequence of a rapid growth of an ageing population, more
      people with dementia are expected on the roads. Little is known about whether
      these people are at increased risk of road traffic-related accidents. OBJECTIVE:
      Our study aims to investigate the risk of road traffic-related accidents for
      people aged 65 years or older with a diagnosis of dementia in Denmark. METHODS:
      We will conduct a nationwide population-based cohort study consisting of Danish
      people aged 65 or older living in Denmark as of January 1, 2008. The cohort is
      followed for 7 years (2008-2014). Individual's personal data are available in
      Danish registers and can be linked using a unique personal identification number.
      A person is identified with dementia if the person meets at least one of the
      following criteria: (1) a diagnosis of the disease in the Danish National Patient
      Register or in the Danish Psychiatric Central Research Register, and/or (2) at
      least one dementia diagnosis-related drug prescription registration in the Danish
      National Prescription Registry. Police-, hospital-, and emergency room-reported
      road traffic-related accidents occurred within the study follow-up are defined as
      the study outcome. Cox proportional hazard regression models are used for the
      main analysis. RESULTS: Our study protocol has 3 phases including data
      collection, data analysis, and reporting. The first phase of register-based data
      collection of 853,228 individual's personal information was completed in August,
      2016. The next phase is data analysis, which is expected to be finished before
      December 2016, and thereafter writing publications based on the findings. The
      study started in January 2016 and will end in December 2018. DISCUSSION: This
      study covers the entire elderly population of Denmark, and thereby will avoid
      selection bias due to nonparticipation and loss to follow-up. Furthermore, this
      ensures that the study results are reliable and generalizable. However,
      underreporting of traffic-related accidents may occur, which will limit
      estimation of absolute risks.

PMID- 27678555
TI  - Does the Difference in Fascial Closure Surgical Technique Affect Post-Operative
      Pain?

PMID- 27678556
TI  - Trends Over Time and Surgical Outcomes of Abdominal, Mini-Laparotomy, and
      Traditional and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopy With and Without Tandem Mini
      Laparotomy: A Comparison of Myomectomy Techniques.

PMID- 27678557
TI  - GEARS - An Objective Tool to Differentiate Robotic Surgical Skill and Experience.

PMID- 27678558
TI  - The Use of a Closable Polyurethane Bag for Power Morcellation.

PMID- 27678559
TI  - LibrataTM - A Fully Hand-Held Endometrial Ablation Device: Proof Of Concept Using
      Extirpated Human Uteri.

PMID- 27678560
TI  - Review and Outcomes of Power Morcellation Using an Innovative Contained Bag
      System.

PMID- 27678561
TI  - Microablative Fractional CO2 Laser for Vulvovaginal Atrophy in Women With a
      History of Breast Cancer.

PMID- 27678563
TI  - Myosure Hysteroscopic Morcellation for the Management of Submucous Fibroids in an
      Out-Patient Hysteroscopy Setting.

PMID- 27678562
TI  - Automatic Contraction Detection During the Menstrual Cycle By
      Electrohysterography.

PMID- 27678564
TI  - The First Experience of Computer-Assisted Image Guidance in Laparoscopic Surgery:
      The Targeting Animation Guidance (TAG) System.

PMID- 27678565
TI  - Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: Single Surgeon Experience in a Regional Centre
      After Changing Uterine Manipulator and Surgical Technique.

PMID- 27678566
TI  - Initial Gynecologic Experience Using the VITOM(r) HD Exoscope for Vaginal
      Surgery.

PMID- 27678567
TI  - Vaginal Dilation in Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser (MRKH) Syndrome.

PMID- 27678568
TI  - Single-Port Laparoscopic Neosalpingostomy for Hydrosalpinx.

PMID- 27678569
TI  - An Efficient Technique to Manually Morcellate Very Large Uteri Within an Enclosed
      Endoscopic Bag: Our Five-Year Experience.

PMID- 27678570
TI  - Randomized Comparison of Veress Needle Intraperitoneal Placement (VIP) at Caudaly
      Displaced Umbilicus Versus Left Upper Quadrant (LUQ) During Laparoscopic Entry.

PMID- 27678571
TI  - Direct Supply Cost Per Case (DSCPC) of Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy.

PMID- 27678572
TI  - The Ergonomics of Laparoscopic Surgery in Live Surgical Environments.

PMID- 27678573
TI  - Clinical Application of Morcellation: Provider Perceptions Survey (The CAMPPS
      Study).

PMID- 27678575
TI  - Tackling Uterine Artery at the Origin Is Safe and Effective for TLH.

PMID- 27678574
TI  - Standard Surgical Boundary, Surgical Results, and Outcomes of Systemic
      Laparoscopic Para-Aortic Lymphadenectomy Up to the Left Renal Vein Level for
      Women With Gynecologic Cancers.

PMID- 27678576
TI  - Vaginal Length and Sexual Function Following Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy.

PMID- 27678577
TI  - Comparing Two Devices of Uterine Manipulation and Vaginal Fornix Delineation at
      Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy - Preliminary Results.

PMID- 27678578
TI  - Extra-Corporeal In-Bag Manual Morcellation for Uterine Specimen Extraction:
      Analysis of 350 Consecutive Cases.

PMID- 27678579
TI  - Intra-Abdominal Space at Different Pressures and Level of Block, Consequences and
      Benefit of Low Pressure During Laparoscopy.

PMID- 27678580
TI  - Hysterectomy Trends Before and After the FDA Morcellator Warning: Have We Changed
      Our Practice and Perioperative Outcomes?

PMID- 27678581
TI  - 3-Month Versus 6-Month Treatment With Ulipristal Acetate Prior to Laparoscopic
      Hysterectomy of Large Myomatous Uteri.

PMID- 27678582
TI  - Incidence of Endometrial Hyperplasia or Carcinoma at the Time of Endometrial
      Ablation.

PMID- 27678583
TI  - Endometrial Pipelle Biopsy Identifying a Polyp Versus Office Hysteroscopy.

PMID- 27678584
TI  - Robotically-Assisted Radical Trachelectomy.

PMID- 27678585
TI  - Evaluation of Symptom Resolution in Patients With a Small Number of Myomas
      Following Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Myomectomy.

PMID- 27678586
TI  - Comparing the Robotic Single-Port Approach to Multi-Port, for Pelvic Lymph Node
      Dissection in the Treatment of Endometrial Pathology.

PMID- 27678587
TI  - Comparison of Levonorgestrel Intrauterine Device and Endometrial Ablation in the
      Treatment of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding.

PMID- 27678588
TI  - Endometrial Sampling After Ablation Therapy.

PMID- 27678590
TI  - Reproductive Outcome Analysis of 286 Women Who Underwent Hysteroscopic Septum
      Resection for Complete and Partial Septum of the Uterus.

PMID- 27678589
TI  - The Use of Pediatric Foley Catheter After Operative Hysteroscopy for Intrauterine
      Pathology in Over a Thousand Patients Was Not Associated With Ascending
      Infection.

PMID- 27678591
TI  - Should Office Hysteroscopy be Done Routinely Before First ICSI Trial?

PMID- 27678592
TI  - Comparison of Healthcare Costs Among Commercially-Insured Women in the U.S. Who
      Undergo Hysteroscopic Sterilization vs. Laparoscopic Bilateral Tubal Ligation
      Sterilization.

PMID- 27678593
TI  - Hysteroscopy Before In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): The Safety and Diagnostic
      Value.

PMID- 27678594
TI  - Hysteroscopy Diagnostic Consultation in Case of Postmenopausal Bleeding: Results,
      Feasibility and Performance.

PMID- 27678595
TI  - Contribution of a Virtual Hysteroscopic Simulator in the Learning of
      Hysteroscopic Myoma Resection.

PMID- 27678596
TI  - Evaluation of Vaginal Bleeding After Endometrial Ablation.

PMID- 27678597
TI  - Postpartum Sterilization: Could Bilateral Salpingectomy Replace Tubal Ligation?

PMID- 27678598
TI  - Initial Experience With a Novel Bipolar Hysteroscopic Tissue Removal System: A
      pilot Study Using the Symphion(r) System to Perform Office Polypectomy and
      Myomectomy.

PMID- 27678599
TI  - Robotic Laparoendoscopic Single Site Radical Hysterectomy With Sentinel Lymph
      Node Mapping and Pelvic Lymphadenectomy for Cervical Cancer.

PMID- 27678600
TI  - Laparoscopic Radical Trachelectomy in a Young Patient With Early Cervical Cancer.

PMID- 27678601
TI  - Robotic Lymph Node Dissection: Anatomy and Surgical Techniques.

PMID- 27678602
TI  - Making Clear of the Structure of Vesicouterine Ligament for Laparoscopic Radical
      Hysterectomy.

PMID- 27678603
TI  - Laparoscopic Debulking Pelvic Lymphadenectomy in Cervical Cancer.

PMID- 27678604
TI  - Laparoscopic Para-Aortic Lymphadenectomy (LPAL): Standard Surgical Boundary and
      Technique.

PMID- 27678605
TI  - Total Laparoscopic Nerve Sparing Radical Hysterectomy for Cervical Cancer and
      Retossigmoidectomy for Deep Intestinal Endometriosis in a Patient With Uterus
      Didelphys.

PMID- 27678607
TI  - Laparoscopic Excision of Isolated Para-Aortic Lymph Node Recurrence.

PMID- 27678606
TI  - Robotic Pelvic Lymphadenectomy in Pregnancy.

PMID- 27678608
TI  - A Rare Complication of Sacrocolpopexy.

PMID- 27678609
TI  - Cystoscopic Evaluation of Ureteral Jets: Alternatives to Indigo Carmine.

PMID- 27678610
TI  - Post-Hysterectomy Laparoscopic Uterosacral Ligament Suspension.

PMID- 27678611
TI  - Surgical Excision of Urethral Prolapse.

PMID- 27678612
TI  - Hybrid Laparoscopic Sacrocolpopexy for Pelvic Organ Prolapse With Severe
      Cystocele.

PMID- 27678613
TI  - Chronic 3rd Degree Laceration Repair.

PMID- 27678615
TI  - Robotic Resection of Pelvic Retroperitoneal Leiomyosarcoma.

PMID- 27678614
TI  - Sacrospinous Ligament Fixation: An Instructional Video Filmed Using a Vaginally
      Mounted High-Definition Camera.

PMID- 27678616
TI  - Sacrouteropexy: New Technique.

PMID- 27678617
TI  - Urinary Tract Identification and Protection in Gynecologic Surgery.

PMID- 27678618
TI  - Robotic-Assisted Uterine Artery Ligation: A Feasible Method for Huge or Unusual
      Myomectomy.

PMID- 27678619
TI  - Robotic Single-Site Endometriosis Resection Using Firefly Technology.

PMID- 27678620
TI  - Multifocal Intestinal Endometriosis and Retrocervical Mantle Shape Endometriosis.
      The Robotic Treatment - State-of-the-Art.

PMID- 27678621
TI  - Tips and Tricks: Single-Site Robotic Myomectomy.

PMID- 27678622
TI  - Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Treatment of Ureteral Endometriosis.

PMID- 27678623
TI  - Techniques for Efficiently Performing a Gastrocollic Omentectomy by a Robotic
      Approach.

PMID- 27678624
TI  - Robotic Resection of Intravesical Polypropylene Mesh Following Tension Free Tape
      Procedure.

PMID- 27678625
TI  - Robotic Excision of Diaphragm Metastases With Liver Involvement.

PMID- 27678626
TI  - A Model for Resection of Endometriosis: A Feasibility Study.

PMID- 27678627
TI  - Necessity of Morcellation at Time of Vaginal Hysterectomy.

PMID- 27678628
TI  - Repair of a Cystotomy During a Robot-Assisted Right Ureterolysis and Upper
      Vaginectomy: Review of Anatomy and Surgical Technique.

PMID- 27678630
TI  - The Six View Hysterectomy.

PMID- 27678629
TI  - Approach to the Obliterated Posterior Cul-De-Sac.

PMID- 27678631
TI  - Transvaginal Morcellation Simulation Model.

PMID- 27678632
TI  - The Role of TAP Block in Ob/Gyn.

PMID- 27678633
TI  - Duplication of Steps of Laparoscopic Radical Hysterectomy By Gynaecology Fellows.

PMID- 27678634
TI  - A Pilot Study for Revaluating Robotic Uterine Manipulation.

PMID- 27678635
TI  - The "Better" Technique for Accessory Trocar Insertion.

PMID- 27678636
TI  - Common Errors to Avoid in Laparoscopic Hysterectomies.

PMID- 27678637
TI  - Laparoscopic Approach to Cornual Ectopic Pregnancy (CEP): Review of a Simplified
      Approach.

PMID- 27678638
TI  - Laparoscopic Resection of Cesarean Section Scar Ectopic Pregnancy and Isthmocele
      Repair.

PMID- 27678639
TI  - A Novel Approach to Laparoscopic Management and Repair of a Post-Operative
      Uretero-Vaginal Fistula.

PMID- 27678640
TI  - Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Radical Parametrectomy for Treatment of Cervix
      Cancer Diagnosed After Simple Hysterectomy.

PMID- 27678641
TI  - Principles and Techniques of Expert Laparoscopic Surgical Dissection.

PMID- 27678642
TI  - Surgical Approach to Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy of Bicornuate Uteri With
      Obliteration of the Pouch of Douglas by Rectovesical Fusion.

PMID- 27678643
TI  - Laparoscopic Radical Hysterectomy and Lymphadenectomy.

PMID- 27678644
TI  - Temporary Uterine Artery Ligation at the Origin Prior to Laparoscopic Myomectomy.

PMID- 27678645
TI  - Hysteroscopic Procedure for Type I Myoma With Intrauterine Adhesions.

PMID- 27678647
TI  - Tips for Successful Laparoscopic Lysis of Adhesions and Enterolysis.

PMID- 27678646
TI  - Hysteroscopic Intrauterine Adhesiolysis Using "Ploughing" Technique With Cold
      Scissors.

PMID- 27678649
TI  - Laparoscopic Retrieval of a Retroperitoneal Hysteroscopic Microinsert Using
      Fluoroscopy.

PMID- 27678648
TI  - Treatment of Asherman's Syndrome in an Outpatient Hysteroscopy Setting.

PMID- 27678650
TI  - Hysteroscopy in the Diagnosis & Management of Persistent Retained Products of
      Conception (RPOC).

PMID- 27678651
TI  - Hysteroscopic Myomectomy.

PMID- 27678652
TI  - Tips for Hysteroscopic Sterilization With In-Situ Intrauterine Device.

PMID- 27678654
TI  - Hysteroscopic Metroplasty.

PMID- 27678653
TI  - Vasopressin Myoma Infiltration During Hysteroscopic Myomectomy.

PMID- 27678656
TI  - Treatment of Adenomyosis by Hysteroscopy.

PMID- 27678655
TI  - Resection of Uterine Septum Using the MyoSure Tissue Removal System.

PMID- 27678657
TI  - Hysteroscopic Multiple Myomectomy.

PMID- 27678658
TI  - Retained Products of Conception: A Hysteroscopic Directed Resection.

PMID- 27678659
TI  - Laparoscopic Resection of Pregnancy in Non-Communicating Uterine Horn.

PMID- 27678660
TI  - Laparoscopic-Assisted Transversus Abdominis Plane Blocks.

PMID- 27678661
TI  - Laparoscopic Posterior Exenteration.

PMID- 27678662
TI  - A Novel Approach to Overcoming Cervical Stenosis and False Passages.

PMID- 27678663
TI  - Optimizing Intra-Operative Visualization During Gynecologic Surgery.

PMID- 27678664
TI  - Suprapubic Transvesical Laparoscopic Repair for Vesico-Vaginal Fistula.

PMID- 27678665
TI  - Colpotomy Relaxing Incisions: A New Technique for the Facilitation of Removal of
      Large Hysterectomy Specimens Without the Use of Electromechanical Morcellation.

PMID- 27678666
TI  - Laparoscopic Supra-Levator Total Pelvic Exenteration in Advanced Case of Ca
      Cervix.

PMID- 27678667
TI  - Laparoscopic Neovagina and Neocervix Followed By Reconstruction With PTFE
      Graft/Buccal Mucosa and Pudendal Artery Perforator Flap.

PMID- 27678668
TI  - Ureteral Injury: Techniques for Ureteral Re-Anastamosis.

PMID- 27678669
TI  - The Bermuda Triangle An Easy Technique to Identify and Clip the Uterine Arteries.

PMID- 27678670
TI  - Step-By-Step: Three Stitch Technique for Laparoscopic Sterilization Reversal.

PMID- 27678671
TI  - Lateral Approach for Difficult Dissection of the Vesicovaginal Space During
      Hysterectomy.

PMID- 27678672
TI  - Laparoscopic Modification of the Osada Technique for Adenomyomectomy.

PMID- 27678673
TI  - Contained Morcellation Techniques During Laparoscopy.

PMID- 27678674
TI  - Skelton-Style Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy.

PMID- 27678675
TI  - Laparoscopic Resection of 16 Week Pregnancy in a Rudimentary Uterine Horn.

PMID- 27678676
TI  - Laparoscopic Presacral Neurectomy: Anatomy and Surgical Technique.

PMID- 27678677
TI  - Split Thickness Skin Graft for Cervicovaginal Reconstruction in Congenital
      Atresia of Cervix.

PMID- 27678678
TI  - Extrinsic Ureteral Endometriosis: Tackling the Difficult Ureterolysis.

PMID- 27678679
TI  - An Extra Step to Prevent Troublesome Uterine Artery Bleeding: Retroperitoneal
      Dissection and Ligation of the Uterine Artery at the Source.

PMID- 27678680
TI  - Laparoscopic Surgical Management of Juvenile Cystic Adenomyosis.

PMID- 27678681
TI  - Combined Natural Orifice Single-Site Hysterectomy.

PMID- 27678682
TI  - Laparoscopic Excision of Interstitial Pregnancy.

PMID- 27678683
TI  - Single Incision Laparoscopic Hysterectomy for Severe Endometriosis.

PMID- 27678684
TI  - Discoid Resection of Invasive Rectosigmoid Endometriosis.

PMID- 27678685
TI  - Excision of Bladder Endometriosis Under Cystoscopic Guidance.

PMID- 27678686
TI  - Presentation and Management of Extra-Pelvic Endometriosis of the Abdominal Wall,
      Perineum and Umbilicus and Intra-Peritoneal Findings.

PMID- 27678688
TI  - Excision of Inguinal Endometriosis.

PMID- 27678687
TI  - Laparoscopic Diagnosis and Treatment of Superficial Endometriosis in a Teenage
      Patient.

PMID- 27678689
TI  - Two Cases of Urinary Tract Endometriosis - Two Reconstruction Method After
      Segmental Resection.

PMID- 27678690
TI  - Conservative Laparoscopy for the Obliterated Posterior Cul-De-Sac.

PMID- 27678691
TI  - Single-Site Assisted Laparoscopy, "SAL".

PMID- 27678692
TI  - Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy for Enlarged Fibroid Uterus.

PMID- 27678693
TI  - Laparoscopically-Assisted Utero-Vestibular Anastomosis in Patients With Uterine
      Cervix Atresia and Vaginal Aplasia.

PMID- 27678694
TI  - Laparoscopic Fertility-Saving Staging Surgery for Woman With Huge Pelvic Mass.

PMID- 27678695
TI  - A Simple Innovative Technique for Managing Large Cystic Benign Adnexal Masses
      Using Single Port Laparoscopic Surgery.

PMID- 27678696
TI  - Partial Cystectomy for Bladder Endometriosis.

PMID- 27678698
TI  - Natural Orifice Sacral Colpopexy.

PMID- 27678697
TI  - National Trends of Surgical Management of Ectopic Pregnancy. United States 1998
      2011.

PMID- 27678699
TI  - A Novel Approach to Sacral Fixation During LSH and Sacrocervicopexy for
      Uterovaginal Prolapse.

PMID- 27678700
TI  - The Value of the Preoperative 1-Hour Pad Test With Pessary Insertion to Predict
      the Need for a Mid-Urethral Sling Following Pelvic Prolapse Surgery: A Cohort
      Study.

PMID- 27678701
TI  - The Utility of Near-Infrared Florescence Imaging in Robotic-Assisted
      Sacrocolpopexy (RASC).

PMID- 27678702
TI  - Laparoscopic Excision of Posterior Vaginal Wall Mesh.

PMID- 27678703
TI  - Seven Techniques of Laparoscopic Surgeon's Knot.

PMID- 27678704
TI  - Leiomyomatosis Peritonealis Disseminata That Caused Hydroureter in Association
      With Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis.

PMID- 27678705
TI  - Laparoscopic Surgery for Recurrent Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis Involving
      Pelvic Sidewall.

PMID- 27678706
TI  - A Multi-Disciplinary Approach for the Surgical Management of Bladder
      Endometriosis.

PMID- 27678707
TI  - Laparoscopic Resection of Uterosacral Ligaments in Deeply Infiltrating
      Endometriosis, Technique for the Prevention of Complications.

PMID- 27678708
TI  - Multidisciplinary Approach for Resection of Diaphragmatic Endometriosis with
      Perihepatic Adhesions.

PMID- 27678709
TI  - Applying the Principles of Oncological Surgery to Treat Complicated Stage IV
      Endometriosis.

PMID- 27678710
TI  - Ten Commandments for a Safe Ovarian Entrometriosis Treatment.

PMID- 27678711
TI  - Single-Site Robotic Excision of Bladder Endometriosis Utilizing Fluorescence
      Imaging and CO2 Laser Technology.

PMID- 27678712
TI  - Surgical Techniques for the Treatment of Bowel Endometriosis.

PMID- 27678713
TI  - Laparoscopic Rectovaginal Fistula Repair.

PMID- 27678714
TI  - Standardization of Technical Procedures in Colposacropexia Laparoscopic
      Gynecological Endoscopy at Santa Casa De Misericordia De Sao Paulo.

PMID- 27678715
TI  - FDA Approved Tissue Extraction - Instrumentation and Techniques.

PMID- 27678716
TI  - Laparoscopic Repair of a Post-Operative Para-Umbilical Incisional Hernia.

PMID- 27678717
TI  - Resection of Diaphragmatic Endometriosis Presenting With Full Thickness
      Fenestrations.

PMID- 27678718
TI  - Laparoscopic Ovarian Transposition in a Case With Mullerian Anomaly: Providing a
      Chance for Successful Oocyte Retrieval and Subsequent Pregnancy.

PMID- 27678719
TI  - Laparoscopic Removal of Essure Microinserts.

PMID- 27678720
TI  - Laparoscopic Approach by Hemi-Hysterectomy in Patient With Herlyn-Werner
      Wunderlich Syndrome.

PMID- 27678721
TI  - Laparoscopic Myomectomy and Myoma Retrieval Without Power Morcellation.

PMID- 27678722
TI  - Left Upper Quadrant Entry Technique.

PMID- 27678723
TI  - Laparoscopic BSO With Posterior Colpotomy for Specimen Retrieval.

PMID- 27678724
TI  - Laparoscopic Resection of Intestinal Endometriosis: The Linear Nodulectomy.

PMID- 27678725
TI  - Laparoscopic Excision of an Ovarian Remnant Within a Frozen Pelvis.

PMID- 27678726
TI  - Laparoscopic Uterine Retrieval With Preservation of Uterine Vascular Pedicles:
      Promising Application for Human Uterine Transplants.

PMID- 27678727
TI  - Tips, Tricks, and Risks of Laparoscopic Myomectomy: Presented With a Case of a
      Broad Ligament Fibroid.

PMID- 27678728
TI  - Airseal Bag Morcellation.

PMID- 27678729
TI  - Laparoscopy in Hemodynamicaly Unstable Patients: Some Tips & Tricks.

PMID- 27678730
TI  - A Lateral to Anterior Approach to the Scarred Bladder Flap and Anterior Abdominal
      Wall Adhesions at the Time of Laparoscopic Hysterectomy.

PMID- 27678731
TI  - A Case for Adenomyomectomy.

PMID- 27678732
TI  - Radiofrequency Ablation of Symptomatic Uterine Fibroids: The AcessaTM Procedure.

PMID- 27678733
TI  - Laparoscopic Abdominal Cerclage.

PMID- 27678734
TI  - Cheap and Easy: Laparoscopic Appendectomy Through the Umbilicus.

PMID- 27678735
TI  - Innovative Technique for Enclosed Morcellation Using a Surgical Glove.

PMID- 27678736
TI  - Robotic Single-Site Myomectomy: A Step-by-Step Tutorial.

PMID- 27678737
TI  - Laparoscopic Management of Broad Ligament and Cervical Fibroids With
      Reconstruction of Ectocervical Canal.

PMID- 27678738
TI  - Cyst Removal With Dilute Vasopressin.

PMID- 27678739
TI  - Percutaneous Laparoscopy in Gynecology.

PMID- 27678740
TI  - Introducing Larger Equipment: A Novel Method in Laparoscopic Surgery With Smaller
      Port Sites.

PMID- 27678741
TI  - Contained Hand Morcellation in a Novel FDA-Approved Bag.

PMID- 27678742
TI  - O-Ring Self Retractor for Post Partum Tubal Ligation.

PMID- 27678743
TI  - Cystosure - A Novel Technique Making Female Cystoscopy Safer, Simpler, and
      Standardized.

PMID- 27678744
TI  - Tissue Extraction for Minimally Invasive Surgery.

PMID- 27678745
TI  - NOTES Facilitated Single-Port Staging Surgery for Endometrial Cancer.

PMID- 27678746
TI  - Abdominal Approaches to Tissue Containment and Extraction in MIGS.

PMID- 27678747
TI  - A Technique of Vaginoscopic Mesh Excision from the Vaginal Vault After
      Sacrocolpopexy.

PMID- 27678749
TI  - Vaginal Tissue Extraction With a Contained Bag System.

PMID- 27678748
TI  - Removal of Retained Adherent Placental Remnants Using Hysteroscopy Endo-Operative
      System (HEOS).

PMID- 27678750
TI  - Assessing Ureteral Location in FireFlyTM Fluorescence Imaging Mode During da
      Vinci Hysterectomy.

PMID- 27678751
TI  - Small Bowel Segmental Resection and Reanastomosis With Appendectomy for Invasive
      Endometriosis.

PMID- 27678752
TI  - Heterotopic Pregnancy: A Case Report.

PMID- 27678753
TI  - Primary Abdominal Ectopic Pregnancy. Case Report.

PMID- 27678754
TI  - CO2 Laser Shaving Technique for Resection of Rectosigmoid Endometriosis.

PMID- 27678755
TI  - Pararectal Space Dissection for Treatment of Endometriosis.

PMID- 27678756
TI  - Now You See It: Using a 30 degrees  Laparoscope for MIGS.

PMID- 27678757
TI  - In Situ Simulation: A Patient Safety Frontier.

PMID- 27678758
TI  - Endometriosis: Tools for the Frozen Pelvis.

PMID- 27678759
TI  - Isolated Tubal Torsion in Patient With Chronic Salpingitis: A Challenging
      Diagnosis.

PMID- 27678760
TI  - Nerve Sparing Rectosigmoid Resection and Low Rectal Anastomosis for Deep Pelvic
      Endometriosis.

PMID- 27678761
TI  - Simple Excision Technique for Complex Endometriosis.

PMID- 27678763
TI  - Resection of Large Endometriotic Nodule From Bladder With Full Thickness Bladder
      Wall Resection.

PMID- 27678762
TI  - Laparoscopic Shaving Surgery of Endometriotic Nodule on Anterior Rectal Wall.

PMID- 27678764
TI  - Does the Mode of Surgery for Hydrosalpinges Affect Outcome in In-Vitro
      Fertilization (IVF) Cycles? A Randomized Trial Comparing Laparoscopic
      Salpingectomy and Proximal Tubal Occlusion (PTO).

PMID- 27678765
TI  - Genital Tuberculosis in Female Infertility: An Enigma.

PMID- 27678766
TI  - Reproductive Outcomes of 10 Years Asherman's Surgery.

PMID- 27678768
TI  - Single-Port Laparoscopy for Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis Surgery.

PMID- 27678767
TI  - Laparoscopic Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis Surgery With PKS OMNI.

PMID- 27678769
TI  - Retroperitoneal Dissection of Ovarian Endometrioma Using J-Plasma Technology.

PMID- 27678770
TI  - Rectosigmoid Segmental Resection and Reanastamosis for Invasive Endometriosis.

PMID- 27678771
TI  - Laparoscopic Resection of Ureter and Bladder Endometriosis.

PMID- 27678772
TI  - Laparoscopic Approach and Surgical Tactic for Deep Endometriosis.

PMID- 27678773
TI  - Double Discoid Resection in Deep Intestinal Endometriosis.

PMID- 27678774
TI  - Transcervical Hysteroscopic Resection of Complete Uterus Septum.

PMID- 27678775
TI  - Hysteroscopic Excision of Cesarean Scar Ectopic.

PMID- 27678776
TI  - Hysteroscopic Resection of Large Endometrial Polyp Secondary to Tamoxifen Therapy
      for Breast Cancer.

PMID- 27678777
TI  - Management of False Passage in the Cervical Canal During Operative Hysteroscopy.

PMID- 27678778
TI  - Intraoperative Evaluation of Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions by
      Microcolpohysteroscopy.

PMID- 27678779
TI  - Laparoscopic Management of Juvenile Cystic Adenomyoma.

PMID- 27678780
TI  - Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Endometriosis.

PMID- 27678781
TI  - Hysteroscopic Removal of Malpositioned Mirena IUD Embedded in Cesarean Scar
      Niche.

PMID- 27678782
TI  - Hysteroscopic Resection of a Placental Site Trophoblastic Nodule With a
      Hysteroscopic Tissue Removal System.

PMID- 27678783
TI  - Removal of Retained Products of Conception Using a Hysteroscopic Morcellator: A
      Safer Alternative.

PMID- 27678784
TI  - Hysteroscopic Huge Polypectomy With Randall Forceps Under Visual Guidence of
      Office Hysterescopy; An Alternative Method for Operative Hysteroscopy or
      Mechanical Removal Techiques.

PMID- 27678786
TI  - Hysteroscopic Tubal Occlusion Tips and Tricks.

PMID- 27678785
TI  - Hysteroscopic Myomectomy: Successful Repeated Removal of a Large Type 1
      Submucosal Leiomyoma.

PMID- 27678787
TI  - Asherman's in Disguise: A Very Unusual Presentation.

PMID- 27678788
TI  - Laparoscopic Single-Site Myomectomy of 11 cm Intramural Fibroid.

PMID- 27678789
TI  - Laparoscopic Radical Hysterectomy.

PMID- 27678790
TI  - In Bag Mechanical Morcellation.

PMID- 27678791
TI  - Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: Didelphic Uterus.

PMID- 27678793
TI  - Patient at 15 Weeks Gestation With a Large Adnexal Mass.

PMID- 27678792
TI  - Laparoscopic Oophorectomy and Radical Lymph Node Dissection for a Recurrent
      Adenocarcinoma In Situ of the Cervix.

PMID- 27678794
TI  - Diagnostic Hysteroscopy: Preparation for a Successful Procedure.

PMID- 27678795
TI  - Articulating Enseal to Simply Singe Incision Hysterectomy With Uterosacral
      Ligament Suspension.

PMID- 27678796
TI  - Endometrioma Surgery: Can a Different Story Be Told?

PMID- 27678797
TI  - Hydrodissection Technique in Bilateral Ovarian Cystectomy for Dermoid Cysts.

PMID- 27678799
TI  - Myomectomy After Uliprisal Acetate.

PMID- 27678798
TI  - A Modified Technique of Temporary Suspension of the Ovary to the Anterior
      Abdominal Wall.

PMID- 27678800
TI  - Laparoscopic Double Purse-String Suture Technique and Its Fertility Outcome in
      Interstitial Pregnancy: A Review of 15 Cases.

PMID- 27678801
TI  - Abdominal Wall Bowel Adhesions Resection Using CO2 Laser.

PMID- 27678802
TI  - Laparoscopic Techniques of Ovarian Cystectomy in the Second Trimester.

PMID- 27678803
TI  - Accessory Trocar Site Herniation. A Case Report.

PMID- 27678804
TI  - Videolaparoscopy Debulking Lymphadenectomy in a Fallopian Tube Cancer Patient.

PMID- 27678805
TI  - Unusual Presentation of an Ovarian Cyst: Successful Laparoscopic Excision.

PMID- 27678806
TI  - Laparoscopic Management of Severe Post Ablation Syndrome.

PMID- 27678807
TI  - Lower Uterine Segment Myomectomy.

PMID- 27678808
TI  - The Suprapubic Port: The Key Element in an Enlarged Fibroid Uterus.

PMID- 27678809
TI  - Laparoscopic Removal of Bladder From the Uterine Niche With Retrograde
      Dissection.

PMID- 27678810
TI  - A Technique to Divide the Adnexal Ligaments for Huge Fibroids During Total
      Laparoscopic Hysterectomy.

PMID- 27678811
TI  - Laparoscopic Transabdominal Cerclage.

PMID- 27678812
TI  - Abdominal Migration of a Tubal Occlusive Device: A Laparoscopic Retrieval Method?

PMID- 27678813
TI  - Two Techniques of Vaginal Cuff Closure in Single Incision LESS Surgery.

PMID- 27678814
TI  - Ureteric Injury in Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy Repaired by Laparoscopic
      Neoureterocystostomy.

PMID- 27678816
TI  - 10 Practical Steps in Laparoscopic Sacrohysteropexy.

PMID- 27678815
TI  - Techniques for Removing Pelvic Masses.

PMID- 27678817
TI  - Profuse Vaginal Discharge May Equally Suggest Adenoma Malignum and Lobular
      Endocervical Glandular Hyperplasia (LEGH), But Same Cover, Different Story.

PMID- 27678818
TI  - Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy for Uteri Over 1Kg.

PMID- 27678819
TI  - Laparoscopic Management of a Ruptured Interstitial Pregnancy Associated With
      Massive Haemoperitoneum and History of Ipsilateral Salpingectomy.

PMID- 27678821
TI  - Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (LH): An Easy Technique to Decrease Bleeding With
      Titanium Clips on the Uterine Arteries.

PMID- 27678820
TI  - Uterine Suspension: A New Laparoscopic Technique.

PMID- 27678822
TI  - Laparoscopic Approach for Myomas in Complex and Unusual Sites.

PMID- 27678823
TI  - Laparoscopic Repair of Uterine Scar Dehiscence After Cesarean Section.

PMID- 27678824
TI  - Ovarian Cyst Saline Distention to Enhance Dissection Planes Upon Cystectomy.

PMID- 27678825
TI  - Hand-Assist Laparoscopic Surgery (HALS) for Giant Ovarian Cysts.

PMID- 27678826
TI  - 3-Port Micro-Laparoscopic Hysterectomy in a Modified Vertical Plane.

PMID- 27678827
TI  - Laparoscopic Hemihysterectomy for Noncommunicating Uterine Horn.

PMID- 27678828
TI  - Laparoscopy Para-Aortic Lymphadenectomy for Cervical Cancer.

PMID- 27678829
TI  - Laparoscopic Hysterectomy Morcelation in Bag.

PMID- 27678830
TI  - Excision of Ectopic Adrenocortical Tissue During Laparoscopy for Pelvic
      Endometriosis.

PMID- 27678831
TI  - Laparoscopic Repair of Rupture of Inferior Vena Cava.

PMID- 27678832
TI  - Introduction of a Novel Laparoscopic Sacro-Hystero-Pexy for Uterine Prolapse.

PMID- 27678833
TI  - Pneumo-Bag Morcellation Technique.

PMID- 27678834
TI  - Laparoscopic Excision of Extensive Endometriosis Infiltrating Ureter, Bladder,
      Recto-Sgimoid, Pelvic Sidewall and Repair of Injury to the External Iliac and
      Aberrant Obturator Vein.

PMID- 27678835
TI  - Laparoscopic Diverticular Abscess With Drainage.

PMID- 27678836
TI  - Management of Iatrogenic Bleeder in Laparoscopy.

PMID- 27678837
TI  - Laparoscopic Management of Multiple Submucousal Fibroids.

PMID- 27678838
TI  - Laparoscopic Removal of Streak Gonads in Turner Syndrome.

PMID- 27678839
TI  - Assessment of Pelvic Floor Musculature in Women With and Without Pelvic Pain
      Using Four Dimensional (4D) Ultrasound.

PMID- 27678841
TI  - Laparoscopic Extraperitoneal Inframesenteric and Infrarenal Aortic
      Lymphadenectomy.

PMID- 27678840
TI  - Treatment of Difficult Ectopic Pregnancies With Needle Aspiration and Local
      Infusion.

PMID- 27678842
TI  - Successful Uterine Isthmo-Vagina Anastomosis With Barbed Suture in Robotic
      Radical Trachelectomy.

PMID- 27678843
TI  - In-Bag Morcellation in LESS Surgery Using a XXL LapBag(r).

PMID- 27678844
TI  - Minimally Invasive Non-Laparoscopic Ovarian Cystectomy: A Unique Way to Approach
      Large Ovarian Cysts.

PMID- 27678845
TI  - Approach to Minimizing Bleeding at Multiple Myometcomy.

PMID- 27678846
TI  - Use of D50 as Distension Medium in Diagnostic Cystoscopy.

PMID- 27678847
TI  - Caput Medusae.

PMID- 27678848
TI  - Congenital Absence of the Utero-Ovarian Ligament: A Clinical Dilemma.

PMID- 27678849
TI  - Abdominal Morcellation After Laparoscopic Removal of Large Pelvic Masses: A New
      Technique.

PMID- 27678850
TI  - Laparoscopic Isthmocervical Cerclage with Mersilene Tape After Radical Vaginal
      Trachelectomy.

PMID- 27678851
TI  - Robotically-Assisted Laparoscopic Resection of Endometriosis Using Firefly
      Technology.

PMID- 27678852
TI  - Laparoscopic Radical Cervicectomy With Pelvic Lymphadenectomy.

PMID- 27678853
TI  - Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy Using a New Uterine Manipulator With
      Colpotransillumination.

PMID- 27678854
TI  - Fitting Procedure for a Novel Vaginal Bowel Control System.

PMID- 27678855
TI  - Contemporary Techniques, Tools and Modifications in This New Era for the
      Minimally Invasive Gynecologist.

PMID- 27678856
TI  - Robotic Excision of Migrated Inguinal Hernia Mesh into the Paravesical Space.

PMID- 27678857
TI  - Endoscopic Inguinal Lymphadenectomy in Vulvar Cancer.

PMID- 27678858
TI  - Pelvic Congestion Syndrome.

PMID- 27678859
TI  - Laparoscopic Residual Parametrial Resection and Mesh Excision.

PMID- 27678860
TI  - Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Nerve Sparing Radical Hysterectomy.

PMID- 27678861
TI  - Laparoscopic Restaging Surgery in Patients With Unexpected Uterine Cancer.

PMID- 27678862
TI  - Vestibulectomy With Vaginal Advancement for Treatment of Vestibulodynia.

PMID- 27678863
TI  - Fimbrioplasty and Neosalpingostomy: Treating Infertility Tubal Factor.

PMID- 27678864
TI  - Tips for Laparoscopic Single Incision Abdominal Cerclage Placement.

PMID- 27678865
TI  - Robotic Single-Incision Myomectomy.

PMID- 27678866
TI  - Overcoming the Obstacles of Visualization in Robotically-Assisted Abdominal
      Cerclage Using Indocyanine Green.

PMID- 27678867
TI  - Laparoscopic Management of a Rudimentary Horn Pregnancy.

PMID- 27678868
TI  - Laparoscopic Bilateral Ovarian Transposition With Preservation of Tubes in Women
      With Medulloblastoma.

PMID- 27678869
TI  - Herlyn Werner Wunderlich Syndrome: Varying Presentations.

PMID- 27678871
TI  - Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Repair of a Cesarean Scar Defect With Hysteroscopic
      Guidance.

PMID- 27678870
TI  - Laparoscopic Ovarian Transposition.

PMID- 27678872
TI  - Advanced Robotics: Removal of a 25cm Pelvic Mass.

PMID- 27678873
TI  - Case Report: Place of Trans-Abdominal Cerclage Using the da Vinci Robotic System
      in Infertility Patients With Incompetent Cervix.

PMID- 27678874
TI  - Robotic Single-Incision Ovarian Vein Ligation for Pelvic Congestion Syndrome.

PMID- 27678875
TI  - 2-Incision Single-Site + 1 Robotic Sacrocolpopexy.

PMID- 27678876
TI  - Robotic-Assisted Removal of Transvaginal Mesh, a Minimally-Invasive Approach.

PMID- 27678877
TI  - Robotic Single-Site Surgery in Gynecology: Advantages and Pitfalls.

PMID- 27678878
TI  - Robotic/ Laparoscopic Needle Retrieval.

PMID- 27678879
TI  - Resection of Broad Ligament Myoma.

PMID- 27678880
TI  - Broad Ligament Fibroid.

PMID- 27678881
TI  - Robotic Sacrocolpopexy Utilizing a Xenogenic Barrier.

PMID- 27678882
TI  - The Use of Alternative Agents to Indigo Carmine During Cystoscopic Evaluation of
      Ureteral Patency.

PMID- 27678883
TI  - A Novel Vaginoscopy Technique for Repair of a Vaginal Mesh Erosion.

PMID- 27678884
TI  - Sacrospinous Ligament Vaginal Vault Suspension - Anterior Approach.

PMID- 27678885
TI  - Robot-Assisted Myomectomy.

PMID- 27678886
TI  - Laser Laparascopy and Excision of Bladder Endometriosis With Operative
      Cystoscopy.

PMID- 27678887
TI  - Video Game Impact on Basic Robotic Surgical Skills.

PMID- 27678888
TI  - A Needs Assessment of Laparoscopic Emergency Simulation Training in Residency
      Programs.

PMID- 27678889
TI  - Vault Prolapse Repair Without Use of Mesh.

PMID- 27678890
TI  - Genetic Risk Factors of Large Myomas.

PMID- 27678891
TI  - Development and Validation of a Structured Curriculum for Laparoscopic
      Supracervical Hysterectomy.

PMID- 27678892
TI  - Trends in Obstetrics-Gynecology Subspecialization.

PMID- 27678893
TI  - Compliance With Follow-Up Among Patients Treated With Methotrexate for Suspected
      Ectopic Pregnancy in an Urban Community Setting.

PMID- 27678894
TI  - Pattern of Congenital Uterine Anomalies Among Infertile Women in Southwest
      Nigeria.

PMID- 27678895
TI  - Accurate Identification of Anatomical Structures in a Normal Female Pelvis During
      Laparoscopic Surgery: A Survey Amongst Trainees and Consultants in Obstetrics and
      Gynaecology.

PMID- 27678896
TI  - Impact of a Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgeon on Patient Length of Stay
      Following Laparoscopic Hysterectomy.

PMID- 27678897
TI  - Diagnostics and Treatment for Uterine Leiomyosarcomas in Norway in the Period
      2000 to 2012.

PMID- 27678898
TI  - Hypoxia-Induced Genotype Switch in Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate
      (NADPH) Oxidase Through the Up-Regulation of Cytidine Deaminase Regulates
      Postoperative Adhesion Development.

PMID- 27678899
TI  - The Effectiveness and the Effect of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Medical School
      Clerkship on Future Career Choice By Gender.

PMID- 27678900
TI  - Removal of Tension-Free Vaginal Tape-Obturator Mesh Arm for Persistent Groin Pain
      Following Vaginal Mesh Removal.

PMID- 27678901
TI  - Ultrasonographic Investigation of the Mechanisms Involved in Menstrual Cramps.

PMID- 27678902
TI  - Change in Sexual Function at One Year Among Women Undergoing Hysterectomy for
      Pain-Related Verses Non-Pain Indications.

PMID- 27678903
TI  - A Little Known Feature of a Common Condition: Dermoid Cysts in Twins: A Case
      Report.

PMID- 27678904
TI  - Multidisciplinary Team Collaboration for Creation and Implementation of the Post
      Surgical Rolling Wrap-Up: A Patient Safety Innovation.

PMID- 27678905
TI  - Interaction of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Body Mass Index (BMI) in a
      Large Cohort.

PMID- 27678906
TI  - Risk Factors for Changes of Fibrinolysis During Benign Adnexal Laparoscopic
      Surgery.

PMID- 27678907
TI  - Does the Order of Surgical Method of Training Affect Learning and Skill? A
      Comparison of Laparoscopy and Robotics.

PMID- 27678908
TI  - Correlation of Genetic Polymorphisms With Development of Uterus Hyperplastic
      Processes in Women of Russia's Central Region.

PMID- 27678909
TI  - Minimally Invasive Fellowship Training and Effect on Operative Mortality.

PMID- 27678910
TI  - Surgical Site Infection Reduction Initiative Following Abdominal Hysterectomy.

PMID- 27678911
TI  - The Morphological Features of the Proliferative Activity in Ectopic Endometrial
      Structures.

PMID- 27678912
TI  - Concerns and Expectations of Women Prior to Hysterectomy. A Cross-Sectional,
      Observational Study in Tauranga, New Zealand.

PMID- 27678913
TI  - Unusual Branch of External Iliac Artery.

PMID- 27678915
TI  - Importance of Comprehensive Care Including Genetic Counseling for Ovary Carcinoma
      Patients by Gynecologic Oncologist.

PMID- 27678914
TI  - Assesment of the Intrafascial Total Laparoscopic Histerectomy in the Academic
      Environment.

PMID- 27678916
TI  - The Effect of Emla Ointment and Diclofenac Gel in Reducing the Pain of
      Venipuncture in Parturient Women in Meshginshar, Iran.

PMID- 27678917
TI  - Impact of Current Video Game Playing on Robotic Simulation Skills Among Medical
      Students.

PMID- 27678919
TI  - Endometriosis and Depression: A Psychoimmune Vicious Cycle.

PMID- 27678918
TI  - Visualization of the Ureter During Laparoscopy: Current Methods and New
      Technology.

PMID- 27678920
TI  - Ultrasonic Energy (Harmonic Ace) Versus Advanced Bipolar Energy (Ligasure) in a
      Laparoscopic Hyterectomies.

PMID- 27678922
TI  - Introduction of Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) Program in Obstetrics
      and Gynecology (Ob/Gyn) Residency Training.

PMID- 27678921
TI  - Investigation of Compositions and Effect of Herbal Essential Oils Local Silybum
      Marianum, Foeniculum Vulgare and Glycyrrhiza Glabra on Cell Line of Stomach
      Cancer by MTT Assays in Ardabil, Iran.

PMID- 27678923
TI  - Influence of Physical Exercise on Endometriosis Experimentally Induced in Rats.

PMID- 27678924
TI  - Perioperative Outcomes for Robotic-Assisted Excision of Severe Deep Infiltrating
      Endometriosis.

PMID- 27678925
TI  - Effect of Cabergoline in Experimental Endometriosis in Rats.

PMID- 27678926
TI  - The Performance of "The Endometriosis Scan" Preoperatively for the Detection of
      Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis.

PMID- 27678927
TI  - Association Between Endometriosis and Surgical Site Infection in Women Undergoing
      Hysterectomy.

PMID- 27678928
TI  - Size of Rectosigmoid Endometriotic Nodule and Dyschezia: What's the Novelty?

PMID- 27678929
TI  - Increased Expression Levels of Metalloprotease, Tissue Inhibitor of
      Metalloprotease, Metallothionein, and p63 in Ectopic Endometrium.

PMID- 27678930
TI  - Complications During Pregnancy in Patients With Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis
      (DIE).

PMID- 27678931
TI  - Two Cases of Endometriosis Presenting with Catamenial Pneumothorax and Umbilical
      Lesions.

PMID- 27678932
TI  - Can Surgical "Warm-Up" With Instructor Feedback Improve Operative Performance of
      Surgical Trainees?

PMID- 27678933
TI  - Development of an Evidence-Based Virtual Reality Training Curriculum for
      Laparoscopic Hysterectomy.

PMID- 27678935
TI  - Laparoscopic Implantation of Electrodes for Bilateral Neurmodulation of the
      Pudendal Nerves and S3 Nerve Roots for the Treatment of Pelvic Pain and Voiding
      Dysfunction.

PMID- 27678934
TI  - Laparoscopic Hysterectomy Complicated By Endometriosis and Bilateral Dermoid
      Cysts.

PMID- 27678936
TI  - Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis of the Bowels - Experience of a Multidisciplinary
      Team With 179 Patients Submitted to Intestinal Resections.

PMID- 27678937
TI  - Concentration of IL-1beta and IL-8 in Blood Plasma and in Peritoneal Fluid of
      Women With External Genital Endometriosis.

PMID- 27678938
TI  - The Comparison Between 2mg Dienogest and High-Dose Medroxyprogesterone Acetate on
      Oral Treatment of Endometriosis.

PMID- 27678939
TI  - Receptivity of Endometrioid Heterotopias With Nodular and Diffuse Forms of
      Adenomyosis.

PMID- 27678941
TI  - Endometriosis Presenting With Massive Ascites and an Elevated CA-125.

PMID- 27678940
TI  - Diagnostic Accuracy of Rectal Endoscopic Sonography in Recto-Vaginal
      Endometrisois.

PMID- 27678942
TI  - Long-Term Evaluation of Clinical Results and Quality of Life for Deeply
      Infiltrating Pelvic Endometriosis.

PMID- 27678943
TI  - Surgical Treatment Affects Perceived Stress Differently in Women With
      Endometriosis: Correlation With Severity of Pain.

PMID- 27678944
TI  - Outcomes of the Surgical Treatment of Endometriosis Affecting the Right Colon and
      Appendix: A Series of 34 Patients.

PMID- 27678945
TI  - Rapid Effects of Estrogen on Intracellular Ca2+ Regulation in Junctional
      Myometrium Through the Menstrual Cycle in Uteri With and Without Adenomyosis.

PMID- 27678946
TI  - The Use of Modified Virtual Colonoscopy to Structure a Staging and Treatment
      Model for Rectogenital, Multifocal and Disseminated Endometriosis.

PMID- 27678947
TI  - Ovarian Reserve Reduction Due to Unintended Excision of Healthy Ovarian Tissue
      During Endometrioma Surgery: What is the Risk? Analysis of 170 Cases.

PMID- 27678948
TI  - Diagnose and Management of Ureteral Endometriosis: A Report of 24 Cases.

PMID- 27678949
TI  - Clinicopathological Features of Endometriosis in Abdominal Wall - Clinical
      Analysis of 151 Cases.

PMID- 27678950
TI  - Impact of Dienogest on Endometriomas Transvaginal Ultrasound Features and
      Symptoms.

PMID- 27678951
TI  - A Modified Technique of Temporary Suspension of the Ovary to the Anterior
      Abdominal Wall.

PMID- 27678952
TI  - Real-Time Transvaginal Elastography of Recto-Sigmoid Endometriotic Nodules:
      Correlation With Symptoms and Histology.

PMID- 27678953
TI  - Combined Transurethral and Laparoscopic Partial Cystectomy and Robot-Assisted
      Bladder Repair for the Treatment of Bladder Mulerianosis.

PMID- 27678954
TI  - A Randomised, Single-Blind Clinical Trial to Investigate the Effectiveness of
      Bipolar Versus Monopolar Diathermy Treatment on Pain Symptoms for Women With
      Newly Diagnosed Superficial Endometriosis: The Set Study (Superficial
      Endometriosis Treatment).

PMID- 27678955
TI  - Endometriosis in Adolescents: Referrals, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Outcomes.

PMID- 27678956
TI  - Protective Ileostomy in Colorectal Resection for Endometriosis: Is It Truly
      Protective?

PMID- 27678957
TI  - Laparoscopic Surgical Treatment of Pelvic Endometriosis - The Experience of a
      Portuguese Hospital Centre.

PMID- 27678958
TI  - Persistent Clinical Equipoise for Treatments of Superficial Endometriosis.

PMID- 27678959
TI  - Laparoscopic Management of Deep Pelvic Endometriosis With Minimal Complications:
      Three-Year Experience.

PMID- 27678961
TI  - Ovarian Preservation in Premenopausal Patients With Endometriosis.

PMID- 27678960
TI  - Endometriosis and Infertility Setup During Hysterossalpingogram.

PMID- 27678962
TI  - Surgical Treatment of Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis of the Rectum -
      Presentation of the Techniques Used in Laparoscopic Surgery.

PMID- 27678963
TI  - Resectoscopic Endometrial Ablation for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding and Endometrial
      Changes Associated With Tamoxifen Therapy in Women With Carcinoma of the Breast.

PMID- 27678964
TI  - Effect of Endometrial Ablation on Premenstrual Symptoms.

PMID- 27678965
TI  - Efficacy of Long-Term Post-Operative Oral Contraceptive Use for the Prevention of
      Endometrioma Recurrence in Adolescents.

PMID- 27678966
TI  - Rectovaginal Endometriosis Resection Without Stoma: Selection Criteria.

PMID- 27678967
TI  - Retroperitoneal Ureteral and Uterine Artery Identification During Robotic
      Hysterectomy: Learning Curve and Determinants of Improvement During Fellowship
      Training.

PMID- 27678968
TI  - Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Myomectomy: A Comparison of Techniques.

PMID- 27678969
TI  - Safe and Effective Surgery for Septate Uterus: 21 Cases Treated By Hysteroscopic
      Metroplasty With Hysterography and Custom-Made Intra-Uterine Silicone Plate.

PMID- 27678970
TI  - Perioperative Complications Associated With 5249 Primary and 458 Repeat
      Resectoscopic Endometrial Ablations: Experience of a Single Surgeon.

PMID- 27678971
TI  - LiNA Medical LibrataTM for Endometrial Ablation: A Peri-Hysterectomy Study.

PMID- 27678972
TI  - Hysteroscopic Proximal Occlusion of Hydrosalpinges by Essure(r) in 32
      Laparoscopic Contraindicated Patients Before Assisted Reproductive Technology
      (ART).

PMID- 27678973
TI  - Hysteroscopic Myomectomy After Uterine Embolization in Large Sized Submucosal
      Myoma.

PMID- 27678974
TI  - Ulipristal Acetate Prior to High Complexity Hysteroscopic Myomectomy: Prospective
      Study.

PMID- 27678975
TI  - Office Hysteroscopy in Postmenopausal Women: Feasibility and Correlation With
      Transvaginal Ultrasound.

PMID- 27678976
TI  - Microwave Endometrial Ablation: Prospective Case Review and Patient Satisfaction
      Survey.

PMID- 27678977
TI  - Reproductive Outcomes After Fibrous Tissue Excision Prior to IVF in Women With
      Arcuate Uterus.

PMID- 27678978
TI  - Minitouch Outpatient Endometrial Ablation Procedure.

PMID- 27678979
TI  - Office Hysteroscopy for the Removal of a Retained Intrauterine Device.

PMID- 27678980
TI  - Review of Outcomes of Patients Treated for Intrauterine Adhesions With Office
      Hysteroscopy and Hormone Replacement Therapy.

PMID- 27678981
TI  - Combined Treatment of Women With Cervical Pregnancy in Operative Gynecology.

PMID- 27678982
TI  - Relationship Between Hysteroscopic and Hystological Findings in Postmenopausal
      Asymptomatic Women With Thickened Endometrium.

PMID- 27678983
TI  - Prediction of Unsuccessful Endometrial Ablation Leading to Hysterectomy.

PMID- 27678984
TI  - Reproductive Outcome of Patients With Asherman's Syndrome After Hysteroscopic
      Adhesiolysis.

PMID- 27678985
TI  - A Prospective Comparison of the Biopsy Results from Curettage and Hysteroscopy in
      Postmenopausal Uterine Bleeding.

PMID- 27678986
TI  - Effect of Pretreatment With Dienogest Before Hysteroscopic Surgery.

PMID- 27678987
TI  - Are We Overestimating the Efficacy of Hysteroscopic Sterilization? A Case Series
      from an Urban Abortion Clinic.

PMID- 27678988
TI  - Hysteroscopic Markers: Endometrial Tuberculosis Versus Chronic Endometritis.

PMID- 27678990
TI  - Surgical Treatment Outcomes in Patients With Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Attributed
      to Septate Uterus.

PMID- 27678989
TI  - Morphologic and Histologic Changes in Hysterectomies After NovaSure Ablation: A
      Retrospective Chart Review.

PMID- 27678991
TI  - Age at Diagnosis and Mass Size as Clinical Indications for Hysteroscopic Mass
      Excision.

PMID- 27678992
TI  - Hysteroscopic Removal of Placental Remnants: A Randomized Trial Comparing
      Hysteroscopic Morcellation With Cold Loop Resectoscopy.

PMID- 27678993
TI  - Videos and Images of Rare Presentations in Hysteroscopy.

PMID- 27678994
TI  - The Safety and Value of Local Anaesthetic Protocol in Outpatient Operative
      Hysteroscopy; Review of 100 Episodes.

PMID- 27678995
TI  - Gynaecological Procedures and Surgery Under Procedural Sedation and Analgesia
      (PSA) in a Dutch Out-Patient Clinic.

PMID- 27678996
TI  - Symptomatic Central Hematometra and Postablation Tubal Sterilization Syndrome
      (PATSS) After Second Generation Endometrial Ablation.

PMID- 27678997
TI  - Increase in Prophylactic Salpingectomy Across All Approaches Following an
      Educational Initiative.

PMID- 27678999
TI  - Clinical Significance of Office Hysteroscopy in Examination Algorithm of Partly
      Faulty Uterus Scar After Cesarean Section on the Stage of Pregnancy Planning.

PMID- 27678998
TI  - Crowdsourcing: A Valid Alternative to Expert Evaluation of Robotic Surgery
      Skills.

PMID- 27679000
TI  - Application of Ultrasonography Combined With Hysteroscopy in the Middle and Lower
      Segment of Intrauterine Adhesions.

PMID- 27679001
TI  - The Essure Hysteroscopic Sterilization: Initial Experience in Cardiff, UK - Does
      Prior Contraception Influence the Ease of Device Placement?

PMID- 27679002
TI  - 3D Sonography and Office Hysteroscopy to Explore Late Fetal Loss.

PMID- 27679003
TI  - Hysteroscopic Vaginal Septum Resection in Adolescent Girl With Herlyn-Werner
      Wunderlich Syndrome.

PMID- 27679004
TI  - Fertility after Myomectomy With the MyoSure(r) Hysteroscopic Tissue Removal
      System.

PMID- 27679006
TI  - Profile of Women With Endometrial Polyps Treated in a Tertiary Hospital:
      Retrospective Chart Review and Review of Literature.

PMID- 27679007
TI  - Eleven Cases Robert's Uterus Treated by Hysteroscopy and Laparoscopy Successfully
      Delivered in 1 Case.

PMID- 27679005
TI  - Endometrial Sampling of the Post-Menopausal Uterus: MyoSure(r) Lite Tissue
      Removal System vs. Sharp Curettage.

PMID- 27679008
TI  - Successful Pregnancy Outcome After Hysteroscopic Resection of Endometrial
      Carcinoma.

PMID- 27679009
TI  - About Infertility Treatment Issue: Hysteroscopic Polypectomy and Outcome.

PMID- 27679010
TI  - Successful Treatment of Cesarean Scar Pregnancy by Surgery of Hysteroscopic
      Resection.

PMID- 27679011
TI  - Normal Versus Abnormal Tubal Ostia at Hysteroscopy.

PMID- 27679012
TI  - Significance of Endoscopic and Morphological Methods of Diagnosis for
      Specification of Female Sterility Variants.

PMID- 27679013
TI  - The Effectiveness of Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Surgery (LESS) Compared With
      Conventional Laparoscopic Surgery for Ectopic Pregnancy With Hemoperitoneum.

PMID- 27679015
TI  - Laparoscopically Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) Blocks: Development of
      a Technique.

PMID- 27679014
TI  - Morcellation Techniques for Laparoscopic Hysterectomy and Myomectomy: A
      Retrospective Study.

PMID- 27679016
TI  - The Usefulness of Mini-Laparoscopic Cystectomy for Small Endometrioma in
      Adolescent Women.

PMID- 27679017
TI  - Comparison of NLR Changes After TLH, VH, and TAH.

PMID- 27679018
TI  - The Importance of the Accurate Diagnostic Preoperational Magnetic Resonance
      Imaging (MRI) Examinations: Review of 1059 Cases That Undergoing Laparoscopic
      Surgery for Diagnosed Benign Uterine Myoma.

PMID- 27679019
TI  - 3-D Transvaginal Sonography as a Preoperative Tool in Predicting the Need to
      Morcellate in Women Undergoing Laparoscopic Hysterectomy.

PMID- 27679020
TI  - Single-Port Laparoscopy as a Feasible Technique to Approach Benign Adnexal Mass
      Surgically.

PMID- 27679021
TI  - Use of Intravenous Tranexamic Acid During Myomectomy: A Randomized Double-Blind
      Placebo Controlled Trial.

PMID- 27679022
TI  - Laparoscopic Abdominal Access Using a Modified Left Upper Quadrant Technique in
      Morbidly Obese Women Undergoing Gynecologic Surgery.

PMID- 27679023
TI  - Single-Port Access Laparoscopic Myomectomy Using OctoportTM Access and Suture
      Technique With Barbed Suture (V-LocTM).

PMID- 27679024
TI  - The Potential Value of the Haptic Feedback Instrument in Laparoscopic Surgery of
      Colorectal Carcinomas: A Health Technology Assessment.

PMID- 27679025
TI  - Predictors of Readmission After Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery.

PMID- 27679026
TI  - Outcomes After Laparoscopy Microsurgical Tubal Reanastomosis.

PMID- 27679027
TI  - Patient Awareness of Surgical Procedures in the Preoperative Suite.

PMID- 27679028
TI  - A Review of Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy Using ALTRUS(r) Thermal Fusion Tissue
      System.

PMID- 27679029
TI  - Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy or Myomectomy With Power Morcellation:
      Risk of Uterine Leiomyosarcomas. A Retrospective Trial Including 35.161 Women in
      Germany.

PMID- 27679030
TI  - Rates of Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy and Myomectomy Decrease After the FDA
      Warning on Power Morcellation.

PMID- 27679031
TI  - Development and Evaluation of a Low-Cost, Reusable Laparoscopic Entry and
      Emergency Model.

PMID- 27679032
TI  - Laparoscopic and Robotic Skills Are Transferable in a Simulation Setting.

PMID- 27679033
TI  - Quality of Life: Single-Port Versus Multi-Port Laparoscopic Surgery for Benign
      Gynecological Diseases.

PMID- 27679034
TI  - Latrogenic Parasitic Myomas: The "Real" Long-Term Complication of Laparoscopic
      Uterine Morcellation. Diagnostic, Management and Preventing Rules.

PMID- 27679036
TI  - Torsion of Ovarian Leiomyoma in a Woman With 10 Weeks' Gestation.

PMID- 27679035
TI  - Laparoscopic Cerclage for Prevention of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Due to Cervical
      Incompetence.

PMID- 27679037
TI  - Our experience of Laparoscopic Anterior Exenteration in Locally Advanced Cervical
      Carcinoma.

PMID- 27679038
TI  - Concurrent Laparoscopic Vaginal Prolongation by Peritoneum Improves Sexual
      Satisfaction for Early-Stage Cervical Cancer Patients With Laparoscopic Radical
      Hysterectomy.

PMID- 27679039
TI  - Quantification of Safety Risk Factors in Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: A Prospective
      International Multicentre Study.

PMID- 27679041
TI  - Combined Preoperative MRI and FDG PET/CT Based Clinical Stage I Disease Is Not
      Correlate With Postoperative Findings in Laparoscopically Well Staged Low Risk
      Endometrial Carcinoma Cases.

PMID- 27679040
TI  - Tru-Cut Biopsy in Gynecologic Surgery.

PMID- 27679042
TI  - Recent Trends in Robotic and Minimally Invasive Surgery in the Panhandle of Texas
      Over the Past 5 Years.

PMID- 27679043
TI  - Five Cases of Cervical Cancer Where Laparoscopic Ovarian Transposition Was
      Performed Before Pelvic Radiotherapy.

PMID- 27679044
TI  - Hysterectomy in Women With Previous Cesarean Section: Lateral Dissection
      Technique for Creation of a Bladder Flap.

PMID- 27679045
TI  - Pulmonary Recruitment Maneuver for Reducing Postoperative Shoulder Pain Incidence
      After Laparoscopic Gynecologic Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Controlled
      Trial.

PMID- 27679046
TI  - Superior and Inferior Epigastric Vessel Location in the Resting and Insufflated
      Abdomen.

PMID- 27679047
TI  - A Prospective Survey of Postoperative Pain and Recovery: A Comparison of Surgical
      Approaches in Gynecology.

PMID- 27679048
TI  - Two Phase Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Cervical Ligament-Sparing Hysterectomy: An
      Initial Experience in a Single Center.

PMID- 27679049
TI  - Deep Epigastric Vessel Location in the Gravid Abdomen.

PMID- 27679050
TI  - Single-Port (Grove Port) Laparoscopic Hysterectomy With Extracoporeal Vaginal
      Cuff Closure Versus Conventional Laparoscopic Hysterectomy With Intracoporeal
      Vaginal Cuff Closure.

PMID- 27679052
TI  - Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: Dos and Don'ts.

PMID- 27679051
TI  - Bean Bag and Shoulder Supports to Prevent Patient Displacement in Gynecologic
      Laparoscopic Surgery.

PMID- 27679054
TI  - Cell Salvage in Laparoscopic Surgery for Ectopic Pregnancy With Massive
      Hemoperitoneum.

PMID- 27679053
TI  - Contained In-Bag Mechanical Morcellation: Technique and Prospective Case-Series.

PMID- 27679055
TI  - Retrospective Analysis of 225 Cases Between Ligation of Uterine Arteries and
      Suturing of Uterine Vessels and Cervical Stump Ligation in Laparoscopic
      Supracervical Hysterectomy(LSH).

PMID- 27679056
TI  - Correlation Between the Number of Previous Pelvic Surgeries and Surgical
      Complications in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Hysterectomy.

PMID- 27679057
TI  - Abdominal Pregnancy - A Constant Location? A Case Report of an Omental Viable
      Pregnancy and Review of Literature.

PMID- 27679058
TI  - Laparoscopic Entry in Patients With Previous Surgical History or Complex
      Pathology.

PMID- 27679059
TI  - Feasibility and Perioperative Outcomes of Robotic-Assisted Radical Hysterectomy
      After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer.

PMID- 27679060
TI  - Robotic Hysterectomy: The Slowest and Least Cost Effective Route of Minimally
      Invasive Hysterectomy Even Among High Volume Surgeons.

PMID- 27679061
TI  - Development of an Educational Robotic Psychomotor Skills Model.

PMID- 27679062
TI  - Laparoscopic Uterine Cerclage: An Audit of Safety and Reproductive Outcomes.

PMID- 27679063
TI  - Real Time Haptic Feedback in Endoscopy: The Proof of Concept.

PMID- 27679064
TI  - Impact of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Fellowship Training on
      Concomitant Levonorgestrel-Releasing Intrauterine Device Placement at the Time of
      Laparoscopic Surgery.

PMID- 27679065
TI  - Hybrid Surgical Technique: Single-Site Laparoscopic Myomectomy Using Robotic
      Assisted Laparoscopic Suture.

PMID- 27679066
TI  - Role of Laparoscopy and Hysteroscopy in the Evaluation of Uterine Scar After
      Cesarean Section and Its Surgical Correction.

PMID- 27679067
TI  - The Efficacy of IV Ferric Carboxymaltose in the Perioperative Management of
      Moderate to Severe Iron Deficiency Anemia.

PMID- 27679068
TI  - Feasability and Clinical Outcome With Laparoscopic Management of Extrauterine
      Pregnancies.

PMID- 27679069
TI  - Vaginal Cuff Closure With Unidirectional Barbed Suture During Total Laparoscopic
      Hysterectomy is a Safe and Feasible Procedure.

PMID- 27679070
TI  - Use of the Articulating Enseal(r) Facilitates Completion of Complex Single Site
      Laparoscopic Surgery.

PMID- 27679071
TI  - Laparoscopic Approach to Intrapelvic Nerve Entrapments.

PMID- 27679072
TI  - Caudal Displacement of the Umbilicus: A Novel Technique for a Safer Veress Needle
      Intraperitoneal Placement (VIP) During Laparoscopic Entry.

PMID- 27679073
TI  - An Easy and Safe Approach to the Minimally Invasive Laparoscopic Treatment of
      Dermoid Cysts: The Mimic Laparoscopic Surgery With Bathtub Method.

PMID- 27679074
TI  - Degenerating Fibroid Mimics Malignancy.

PMID- 27679075
TI  - Single-Site Laparoscopy for Management of Perforated Intrauterine Device With
      Small Bowel Mesentery Implantation.

PMID- 27679076
TI  - Laparoscopic Hysterectomy Intrafascial (LHi) Following Pelvic Vein Embolization
      With Coils.

PMID- 27679077
TI  - The Familiarity With Laparoscopic Instruments Costs Among Obstetrics &
      Gynaecology Trainees in Wales, UK.

PMID- 27679079
TI  - Pathway of Enhanced Recovery for Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy, Pilot Study of
      50 Cases.

PMID- 27679078
TI  - Disseminated Peritoneal Leiomyomatosis After Open Power Morcellation: A Case
      Report.

PMID- 27679080
TI  - Unusual Large Parasitic Leiomyoma in a 29-Year-Old Nulligravida Requiring Bowel
      Resection.

PMID- 27679082
TI  - An Attempt to Prevent Vaginal Stump Infection After Total Laparoscopic
      Hysterectomy.

PMID- 27679081
TI  - Laparoscopic Treatment of Ovarian Torsion in Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome in
      Pregnancy.

PMID- 27679083
TI  - Use of 3-0 V-Loc(r) Suture for Vaginal Cuff Closure in Laparoscopic Hysterectomy:
      Single Center Experience.

PMID- 27679084
TI  - Step Up from Salpingo-Oophorectomy to Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
      Incorporating Incision Dissectiong Procedures.

PMID- 27679085
TI  - In-Bag Morcellation: Is the Patient Left Holding the Bag?

PMID- 27679086
TI  - Laparoscopic Management of a Huge Retro-Cervical Myoma.

PMID- 27679087
TI  - Should In-Bag Morcellation Be Considered During Laparoscopic Myomectomy in the
      Chinese Population?

PMID- 27679088
TI  - Ectopic Pregnancy Repeated in Caesarean Scar. A Case Report.

PMID- 27679089
TI  - Establishment of Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy Option for Women at a Regional
      Hospital in New Zealand.

PMID- 27679090
TI  - Surgical Management and Obstetric Outcomes of Laparoscopic Adnexal Surgery in
      Pregnancy.

PMID- 27679091
TI  - Comparison of Robotics Versus Conventional Laparoscopy for Management of Benign
      Adnexal Masses.

PMID- 27679092
TI  - False-Positive Cystoscopic Diagnosis of Ureteral Obstruction After Hysterectomy
      Due to a Non-Functional Kidney.

PMID- 27679093
TI  - A Case Series of Benign Cystic Mesothelioma as a Rare Etiology of Ascites.

PMID- 27679094
TI  - Introduction of a Novel Approach to Maintaining Pneumoperitoneum at Total
      Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (TLH).

PMID- 27679095
TI  - Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (TLH): A Holly Grail or a Harbinger of Trouble?

PMID- 27679096
TI  - How to Avoid Laparotomy Doing Laparoscopic Hysterectomy.

PMID- 27679097
TI  - Abdominal Wall Lymphocele Following Gynecologic Surgery: A Case Report and
      Literature Review.

PMID- 27679098
TI  - Minimally Invasive Surgery for Schwannomas of Female Genitalia.

PMID- 27679099
TI  - Laparoscopic View of a Case of Incomplete Uterine Inversion After Vaginal
      Delivery.

PMID- 27679100
TI  - Lateral Approach to Laparoscopic Uterine Artery Ligation Previous to Laparoscopic
      Hysterectomy: The Anatomy of the Bermuda Triangle.

PMID- 27679101
TI  - Abnormal Ureteral Position With Adherant Ovary.

PMID- 27679102
TI  - Single Site Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy for Huge Uterus With Large Myoma. A
      Case Report.

PMID- 27679104
TI  - Novel Device for Targeting Tumors in Laparoscopic Radiofrequency Ablation: A
      Learning Curve Study.

PMID- 27679103
TI  - Mature Cystic Teratoma Is a Good Indication for LESS Approach: Initial Experience
      of an Internal Organ Retractor (IOR) device or Barbed Suture for LESS Cystectomy.

PMID- 27679105
TI  - Less-Invasive or Minimally-Invasive: Does it Really Matter?

PMID- 27679106
TI  - The Introduction of "Mini-Touch" Microwave Endometrial Ablation in an Outpatient
      Setting in a UK District General Hospital.

PMID- 27679107
TI  - Utility of PKS Omni(r) Electrosurgical Device in Laparoscopic Hysterectomy.

PMID- 27679108
TI  - Office Hysteroscopy, a 21st Century Technology Applied to a Developing Country in
      Latin America.

PMID- 27679109
TI  - A New Reduced-Port Laparoscopic Technique and Use of a Newly Developed 5-mm
      Retrieval Bag and New 2.4-mm Tapering Forceps.

PMID- 27679110
TI  - Transcutaneous Temperature Controlled Radiofrequency for Atrophic Vaginitis and
      Dyspareunia.

PMID- 27679111
TI  - Comparing Safety and Efficacy of Zip-StitchTM Versus Absorbable Suture in Closing
      the Vaginal Cuff after Laparoscopic Hysterectomy in the Porcine Model.

PMID- 27679112
TI  - Haptic Feedback in Laparoscopic Surgery: The Surgeons' Perspective.

PMID- 27679113
TI  - Laparoscopic Myomectomy After Uterine Artery Clipping at the Origin in Selected
      Cases Reduces Blood Loss - A Case Series.

PMID- 27679114
TI  - Outcomes of Endometrial Cancer Patients at Risk of Lymph Node Metastasis With
      Para-Aortic Lymphadenectomy Below the Level of Inferior Mesenteric Artery.

PMID- 27679115
TI  - Laparoscopic Restaging Surgery in Patients With Unexpected Uterine Cancer.

PMID- 27679116
TI  - A Comparative Study of Preoperative Findings and Outcomes in Pre-Menopausal and
      Post-Menopausal Women With Leiomyosarcoma.

PMID- 27679117
TI  - A Detailed Analysis of the Learning Curve: Da Vinci Robot-Assisted Radical
      Hysterectomy in Cervical Cancer.

PMID- 27679118
TI  - Clinical Outcomes of Type II Endometrial Cancer in Open Versus Minimally Invasive
      Staging Surgery.

PMID- 27679119
TI  - A Comparative Study of the Methods of Diagnosis and Outcomes of Different Uterine
      Sarcoma Types.

PMID- 27679120
TI  - Comparison of Clinical Outcomes of Bovie Blade Versus Cold Knife Conization as a
      Treatment Modality of High-Grade Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia.

PMID- 27679121
TI  - Learning Curve Analysis of Robot-Assisted Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy in a
      Gynecologic Oncology Practice at Winthrop University Hospital.

PMID- 27679122
TI  - Laparoscopic Lymphadenectomy for Gynecologic Malignancies: Evaluation of the
      Surgical Approach and Outcomes Over a Seven Year Experience.

PMID- 27679123
TI  - Robot-Assisted Vulvectomy and Bilateral Inguinofemoral Lymphadenectomy in
      Patients With Stage I/II Squamous Cell Vulval Carcinoma: Farghaly's Technique.

PMID- 27679124
TI  - Treatment Outcome of Patients With Early Stage Cervical Cancer Treated With
      Laparotomy Compared to Robotically-Assisted Laparoscopic Approach.

PMID- 27679125
TI  - Extrafascial Hysterectomy Without Preoperative Conization is Unacceptable in
      Patients With Adenocarcinoma in Situ Diagnosed by Cervical Punch Biopsy or
      Endocervical Curettage.

PMID- 27679126
TI  - Development of Uterine Smooth Muscle Tumour of Uncertain Malignant Potential
      (STUMP) After Laparoscopic Myomectomy of an Atypical Leiomyoma.

PMID- 27679127
TI  - Laparoscopic Technique for Central Early Stage Recurrent Cervical Cancer.

PMID- 27679128
TI  - Incidental Small Ovarian Surface Serous Carcinoma With Miliary Abdominal Seeding
      During Robotic-Assisted Total Hysterectomy.

PMID- 27679129
TI  - Pathologic Findings in Women Undergoing Hysterectomy for Pelvic Pain.

PMID- 27679130
TI  - Characteristics of Women Undergoing Hysterectomy for Chronic Pelvic Pain:
      Prevalence and Risk Factors for Endometriosis.

PMID- 27679131
TI  - Impact of Different Approaches of Colpopexy on Pelvic Pain.

PMID- 27679132
TI  - Internet Research Effects on Patient Familiarity With and Perceptions of Fibroid
      Treatments.

PMID- 27679133
TI  - Use of Laparoscopy in Unexplained Infertility in Historically Underserved Area.

PMID- 27679135
TI  - Predictors of Hemorrhage and Transfusion for Women Undergoing Laparoscopic and
      Robotic-Assisted Myomectomy.

PMID- 27679134
TI  - Unidirectional Knotless Barbed Suture for Laparoscopic Myomectomy: Fertility,
      Pregnancy and Delivery Outcomes.

PMID- 27679137
TI  - The Role of beta hCG Increment in the 48 Hours Prior to Methotrexate Treatment as
      a Predictor for Treatment Success.

PMID- 27679136
TI  - Reproductive Surgery Female Genital Anomalies.

PMID- 27679138
TI  - The Expression of the Proliferation Marker Ki-67 Tissue of the Uterine Fibroids
      and Fiber Adhesions in Patients With Uterine Fibroids in Reproductive Age.

PMID- 27679139
TI  - Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) for Uterine Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) in
      5 Women Desiring Fertility: Pregnancy Outcomes.

PMID- 27679140
TI  - Laparoscopic Myomectomy: A 6-Year Experience at Nordica Fertility Center, Lagos,
      Nigeria.

PMID- 27679141
TI  - Robotic Abdominal Cerclage: A Case Series with Pregnancy Outcomes.

PMID- 27679142
TI  - Intraoperative Monitoring and Evaluation of MRI in Women of Reproductive Age
      After Previously Performed Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) and MRgFUS Ablation
      of Fibroids.

PMID- 27679143
TI  - Reproductive Outcomes After Fertility-Sparing Surgery and Postoperative Adjuvant
      Chemotherapy in Ovarian Germ Cell Tumors and Sex Cord-Stromal Tumors.

PMID- 27679144
TI  - Surgical Treatment for Adnexal Masses in Pregnant Women.

PMID- 27679145
TI  - Normal Pregnancy Outcome After Transcervical Radiofrequency Ablation of Uterine
      Fibroids.

PMID- 27679146
TI  - Reproductive Outcomes in Subjects Following Radiofrequency Volumetric Thermal
      Ablation (RFVTA) of Their Symptomatic Myomas: A Retrospective Case Series.

PMID- 27679147
TI  - The Use of Vaginal Mold Following Resection of Transverse Vaginal Septum as
      Treatment Approach to Patient With Multiple Failed Attempts to Resolve Recurrent
      Hematocolpos.

PMID- 27679148
TI  - Comparison of Robotic Vs. Laparoscopic Needle Throw for Maiden Surgical User.

PMID- 27679149
TI  - Can Tubal Flushing With Hysterosalpingo-Foam Sonography (HyFoSy) Media Increase
      Women's Chances of Pregnancy?

PMID- 27679150
TI  - Comparison of Perioperative Complications Between of Robotics and Laparoscopy
      Approaches in the Management of Gynecologic Malignances.

PMID- 27679151
TI  - Detection of Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping Using Indocyanine Green in the
      Management of Endometrial Cancer: A Pilot Study.

PMID- 27679152
TI  - Assessment of Long-Term Urinary Symptoms and Quality of Life After Robotic
      Assisted Sacrocolpopexy With or Without Concomitant Midurethral Sling.

PMID- 27679153
TI  - Comparison of Robotics, Laparoscopy and Laparotomy in the Management of Recurrent
      Ovarian Cancer.

PMID- 27679154
TI  - Perioperative Complications of Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery at a Single
      Institution.

PMID- 27679155
TI  - Successfully Removed Unfavorably Located Myomas By Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic
      Myomectomy.

PMID- 27679156
TI  - A Novel 2-Port Robotic Myomectomy.

PMID- 27679158
TI  - Alternative to Power Morcellation.

PMID- 27679157
TI  - Pregnancy Outcomes and Symptom Relief Following Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic
      Myomectomy (RALM): A Patient Survey Study With Clinical Correlation.

PMID- 27679159
TI  - Establishing the Feasibility of Robot-Assisted Hysterectomy as an Outpatient
      Procedure in a Community Setting.

PMID- 27679160
TI  - Non-Cutaneous Melanomas of the Genital Tract: Minimally Invasive Robotic
      Treatment of Primary Vaginal Melanoma-Case Report.

PMID- 27679161
TI  - Comparison of Robotic-Assisted and Abdominal Hysterectomy with Concomitant Burch
      Colposuspension: Preluminary Study.

PMID- 27679162
TI  - Step-Wise Surgical Approach for Placement of a Robotic-Assisted Transabdominal
      Cervical Cerclage in the Non-Pregnant Patient.

PMID- 27679164
TI  - The Impact of Procedure Setting on Two-Year Outcomes for the Altis Single
      Incision Sling for Women With Stress Urinary Incontinence.

PMID- 27679163
TI  - Operative Morbidity in Patients Undergoing Hydrodissection With Epinephrine
      During Surgery for Pelvic Organ Prolapse IIAP, IIIC AND IVCE IIAP, IIIC and IVC.

PMID- 27679165
TI  - Efficacy and Safety of Solifenacin Succinate Tablets Versus Solifenacin Succinate
      Tablets With Local Oestrogen for Overactive Bladder in Post-Menopausal Women - A
      Multi-Centre, Randomised, Open, Controlled Comparison Study.

PMID- 27679166
TI  - Complications Following Outside-In and Inside-Out Transobturator-Tape Procedures
      With Concomitant Gynecologic Operations.

PMID- 27679167
TI  - Occult Malignancy in Women Undergoing Hysterectomy for Pelvic Organ Prolapse.

PMID- 27679168
TI  - Treatment of Bladder Pain Syndrome and Interstitial Cystitis: A Systematic
      Review.

PMID- 27679170
TI  - Comparison of the Clinical and Functional Outcomes After the Inside-Out TVT-O
      Procedure With or Without Concomitant Transvaginal Gynaecological Surgery.

PMID- 27679169
TI  - Long-Term Outcomes of the Self-Cut Mesh-Related Modified Total Pelvic
      Reconstructive Surgical Repair for Pelvic Organ Prolapse in China: A 7-Year
      Prospective Cohort Study.

PMID- 27679171
TI  - Predicting Post-Operative Urinary Retention (PUR) in Women Undergoing Pelvic
      Reconstructive Surgery.

PMID- 27679172
TI  - Natural Orifice Sacral Colpopexy: A New Approach to a Time-Honored Procedure.

PMID- 27679173
TI  - Predictors of Length of Stay After Vaginal Hysterectomy.

PMID- 27679174
TI  - In Office Single Incision Sling Procedure: A Safe, Cost-Effective Approach for
      the Surgical Management of Stress Urinary Incontinence.

PMID- 27679175
TI  - Mid-Term Experience With Elevate-PC Prolapse Repair Systems.

PMID- 27679176
TI  - Transvaginal Trigger Point Injections for Pelvic Floor Myofascial Spasm: A
      Retrospective Review of Pain Assessment and Development of a Treatment Algorithm.

PMID- 27679177
TI  - Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a Urethral Caruncle.

PMID- 27679178
TI  - Comparing the Midterm Outcome of Single Incision Vaginal Mesh and Transobturator
      Vaginal Mesh in Treating Severe Pelvic Organ Prolapse.

PMID- 27679179
TI  - Prevalence of Silent Voiding Dysfunction in Morbidly Obese Women Before and After
      Bariatric Surgery.

PMID- 27679180
TI  - Redo Modified Laparoscopic Colposuspension.

PMID- 27679181
TI  - Evaluation of Vaginal Vault Position With Dynamic MRI in Women Who Had
      Laparoscopic Sacrocolpopexy for Uterine Prolapse.

PMID- 27679182
TI  - Device for Safely Removing a Placed Mesh for Pelvic Organ Prolapse.

PMID- 27679183
TI  - Association Between Patient's BMI and Uterine Weight With Feasibility of Single
      Port Robotic-Assisted Surgery in Benign Gynecology.

PMID- 27679184
TI  - Risk of Recurrence of Myomas Following Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Myomectomy.

PMID- 27679185
TI  - Treatment of First Trimester Tubal Ectopic Pregnancy Through Posterior Colpotomy:
      Residents Can Easily Do It.

PMID- 27679186
TI  - Development and Validation of a Laparoscopic Vaginal Cuff Closure Simulation
      Model.

PMID- 27679187
TI  - Adnexal Torsion in Postmenopausal Women: Clinical Presentation and Risk of
      Malignancy.

PMID- 27679188
TI  - Effect of Instituting a Laparoscopic Curriculum on Laparoscopic Knowledge for
      Ob/Gyn Residents.

PMID- 27679189
TI  - Renal Calyceal Rupture in a Patient With Early Stage Cervical Carcinoma Treated
      by Robot-Assisted Radical Hysterectomy and Pelvic Node Dissection.

PMID- 27679190
TI  - A Theory of Eu-estrogenemia: A Physiological Justification for Optimal Estrogen
      Receptor Function Via Hormone Replacement Therapy.

PMID- 27679191
TI  - Development and Validation of a Preoperative Ultrasound Staging System for
      Predicting Level of Laparoscopic Endometriosis Surgery Required.

PMID- 27679192
TI  - Is Decreased Insufflation Pressure During Major Robotic-Assisted Gynecologic
      Surgery Associated With Decreased Recovery Time and Patient Reported Pain Score.

PMID- 27679193
TI  - Transvaginal Ultrasound Soft Markers for the Prediction of Endometriosis Type and
      Location in Women Undergoing Laparoscopy.

PMID- 27679194
TI  - Computed Tomographic Colonography in the Diagnosis of Recto-Sigmoid
      Endometriosis: A Pilot Study.

PMID- 27679196
TI  - Graves' Disease Is Associated With Endometriosis: 3-Year Population-Based Study.

PMID- 27679195
TI  - Ability of MRI and Ultrasound with Multidisciplinary Meeting to Pre Operatively
      Predict the Need for Bowel Resection.

PMID- 27679197
TI  - Risk of Occult Uterine Sarcoma in Women Undergoing Hysterectomy for Benign
      Indications.

PMID- 27679198
TI  - Lysis of Anterior Abdominal Wall Adhesions: A Systematic Approach.

PMID- 27679199
TI  - Fascial Anatomy and Its Relevance in Safe Laparoscopic Hysterectomy.

PMID- 27679200
TI  - Predictive Factors for Reoperation in Patients Surgically Treated for
      Endometriosis.

PMID- 27679201
TI  - Uterine Endometriosis - Incidence in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Surgery for
      Severe Recto-Vaginal Endometriosis. A Prospective Cohort Study.

PMID- 27679202
TI  - Incidental Appendectomy in the Surgical Treatment of Deep Endometriosis
      Infiltrating the Bowel: Anatomopathological Findings in a Series of 109 Patients.

PMID- 27679204
TI  - Laparoscopic Vascular Injury Simulation for Gynecology Residents.

PMID- 27679203
TI  - Comparative Analysis of Chemokines and Cytokines in Women With Epithelial Ovarian
      Cancer (EOC) and Endometriomas.

PMID- 27679205
TI  - Simulating Vaginal Cuff Closure for Ob/Gyn Residents Learning Laparoscopic
      Hysterectomy.

PMID- 27679206
TI  - Interest of Complex Tasks on Laparoscopic Virtual Reality Simulator: A
      Prospective Randomized Study Among Naive Medical Students.

PMID- 27679207
TI  - Impact of Implementing a Simulation Lab in a Teaching Institution on Outcome of
      Hysterectomy.

PMID- 27679208
TI  - A New Virtual Reality Training Module for Laparoscopic Surgical Skills and
      Equipment Handling: Can Multitasking Be Trained? A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PMID- 27679209
TI  - Simulation Based Robotics Training to Test Skill Acquisition and Retention.

PMID- 27679210
TI  - Trainee Perception of Uterine Morcellation: The University of Chicago Resident
      Experience.

PMID- 27679211
TI  - Development of a Low Fidelity Model to Teach Laparoscopic Salpingostomy and
      Salpingectomy.

PMID- 27679212
TI  - Warm-Up Before Robotic Hysterectomy Does Not Improve Trainee Operative
      Performance: A Randomized Trial.

PMID- 27679213
TI  - Impact of a Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgeon on Patient Outcomes Following
      Laparoscopic Hysterectomy.

PMID- 27679214
TI  - Incidence of Uterine Sarcoma in 1432 Consecutive Minimally Invasive
      Hysterectomies.

PMID- 27679215
TI  - The Role of Ethnicity in the Treatment of Uterine Fibroids With Ulipristal
      Acetate.

PMID- 27679216
TI  - The Incidence of Uterine Cancer Among Women Undergoing Hysterectomy for Benign
      Disease.

PMID- 27679217
TI  - Women's Knowledge and Perceptions of Morcellation.

PMID- 27679218
TI  - Three-Dimensional Vision: Does It Improve Acquisition of Laparoscopic Skills?

PMID- 27679219
TI  - Comparison of Robotic Versus Laparoscopic Metroplasty for Uterine Scar Defect.

PMID- 27679220
TI  - Comparison of Laparoscopically Assisted Transversus Abdominis Plane Block Using
      Liposomal Bupivacaine With Pre-Incisional Bupivacaine for Post-Operative Pain
      Control in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic or Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic
      Hysterectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PMID- 27679221
TI  - Estimating Incidence of Leiomyosarcoma After Minimally Invasive Supracervical
      Hysterectomy and Myomectomy: Retrospective Cohort Study.

PMID- 27679222
TI  - The Use of Antibiotics in Gynecological Endoscopy. A Randomized, Double-Blind,
      Placebo-Controlled Trial.

PMID- 27679223
TI  - Postoperative Incisional Bupivacaine in Gynecologic Laparoscopy: A Randomized
      Controlled Trial.

PMID- 27679224
TI  - Feasibility and Safety of a Minimally Invasive Surgical (MIS) Approach in Complex
      Myomectomies.

PMID- 27679225
TI  - Three-Dimensional Versus Two-Dimensional Radical Laparoscopic Hysterectomy for
      Endometrial and Cervical Cancer: A Prospective Randomized Trial.

PMID- 27679226
TI  - Single Port Transumbilical Laparoscopic Surgery Versus Conventional Laparoscopic
      Surgery for Adnexal Lesions: ASingle Center Experience in China.

PMID- 27679227
TI  - Vasopressin Administration During Laparoscopic Myomectomy: A Randomized
      Controlled Trial.

PMID- 27679228
TI  - Hysteroscopic Endometrial Resection Versus Laparoscopic Supracervical
      Hysterectomy for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: Long Term Follow-Up of a Prospective
      Randomized Trial.

PMID- 27679229
TI  - The Outcome of Laparoscopy Versus Laparotomy for the Management of Early Stage
      Cervical Cancer-Meta Analysis.

PMID- 27679230
TI  - Sentinel Node Mapping in Endometrial Cancer By Using Hysteroscopic Injection of
      Indocyanine Green and Laparoscopic Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging: A
      Preliminary Experience.

PMID- 27679231
TI  - Impact of MRI and a Comprehensive Strategy on a Continuous Cohort of 3056
      Patients Referred for Fibroids to Diagnose Sarcomas.

PMID- 27679233
TI  - Trends in Route of Hysterectomy Associated With the Implementation of a
      Comprehensive Robotics Training Program at a Large Teaching Hospital and as
      Compared to a Smaller Community Hospital Over a 5-Year Period.

PMID- 27679232
TI  - Incidence and Prevention of Vaginal Cuff Dehiscence Following Laparoscopic and
      Robotic Hysterectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PMID- 27679235
TI  - The SONATA Study: Sonography-Guided Transcervical Ablation of Uterine Fibroids.

PMID- 27679234
TI  - Early Clinical Response to Intrauterine Ultrasound-Guided Transcervical
      Radiofrequency Ablation.

PMID- 27679236
TI  - Face- and Content Validity of a New Portable Tablet Box Trainer for Training
      Laparoscopic Skills at Home.

PMID- 27679237
TI  - Single-Port Laparoscopically Assisted-Transumbilical Ultraminilaparotomic
      Myomectomy (SPLA-TUM) Versus Single Port Laparoscopic Myomectomy: A Randomized
      Controlled Trial.

PMID- 27679238
TI  - Correlation of Reductions in Perfused Fibroid Volume With Subsequent Reductions
      in Total Fibroid Volume After Transcervical Radiofrequency Ablation.

PMID- 27679239
TI  - Development of a Low Cost, Medium Fidelity Hysteroscopy Simulator for Spatial
      Orientation Training: Proof of Concept.

PMID- 27679241
TI  - Intraoperative Transvesical Ultrasound as an Alternative to Cystoscopy to Assess
      Ureteral Patency.

PMID- 27679240
TI  - Use of a Novel, Cordless Ultrasonic Dissector for Gynecologic Minimally Invasive
      Surgical Procedures.

PMID- 27679242
TI  - The Use of Inflammatory Cytokine Levels as a Measure of Symptom Distress and
      Quality of Life in Patients With Overactive Bladder.

PMID- 27679243
TI  - The Six View Hysterectomy: An Inanimate Model and Systematic Approach to Learning
      Uterine Manipulation and Exposure at the Time of Laparoscopic and Robotic
      Hysterectomy.

PMID- 27679244
TI  - Cervical Priming Prior to Operative Hysteroscopy: A Randomized Controlled Study
      Comparing the Efficacy of Laminaria Versus Evening Primrose Oil (EPO).

PMID- 27679245
TI  - Prospective Study on the of Use of the MyoSure(r) for Hysteroscopic Resection of
      Endometrial Pathology.

PMID- 27679246
TI  - Combining Paracervical Block With a Complete Fundal Block Significantly Reduces
      Patients' Perception of Pain During Radio-Frequency Endometrial Ablation in an
      Office Setting.

PMID- 27679247
TI  - Application of Narrow-Band Imaging Hysteroscopy in the Diagnosis of Endometrial
      Lesions.

PMID- 27679248
TI  - Final Results of a Multicenter Trial of Safety and Effectiveness of Endometrial
      Ablation With the AEGEA Vapor System for the Treatment of Menorrhagia.

PMID- 27679249
TI  - Endometrial Ablation With the AEGEA Vapor System in Challenging Uterine
      Anatomies.

PMID- 27679250
TI  - Saline Contrast Sonohysterography for the Diagnosis of Cesarean Scar Defect.

PMID- 27679251
TI  - Hysteroscopic Evacuation of Retained Products of Conception: Two Case Reports and
      a Systematic Literature Review.

PMID- 27679252
TI  - Safety and Efficacy of Distending Media Infusion by Manual Syringe Method for
      Hysteroscopic Procedures: A Retrospective Analysis.

PMID- 27679253
TI  - A Comparative Study of Clinical Characteristics and Preoperative Findings of
      Different Sarcoma Types.

PMID- 27679254
TI  - Comparison of Robotic Vs Laparoscopic or Open Radical Hysterectomy: Five Year
      Survival for Surgical Treatment for Clinic Stage I Cervical Cancer.

PMID- 27679255
TI  - A Comparison Between Laparotomy, Laparoscopy and Robotic-Assisted Radical
      Hysterectomy in Surgical Treatment of Early Stage Cervical Cancer.

PMID- 27679256
TI  - Early Stage Uterine Serous Carcinoma: Does Surgical Approach Impact Survival?

PMID- 27679257
TI  - The Adoption of Single-Port Laparoscopic Full Staging for Endometrial Cancer:
      Safety, Learning Curve and Surgical Outcome.

PMID- 27679258
TI  - Feasibility of Robotic Laparoendoscopic Single Site Surgery in the Gynecologic
      Oncology Setting.

PMID- 27679259
TI  - Accuracy of Hysteroscopic Metroplasty With the Combination of Pre Surgical Three
      Dimensional Ultrasonography and a Novel Graduated Intrauterine Palpator: A
      Randomized Controlled Trial.

PMID- 27679260
TI  - A Single Injection of Depomedroxyprogesterone Acetate (Dmpa) Immediately After
      Rollerball Endometrial Ablation Significantly Improves Clinical Outcomes in Women
      With Heavy Menstrual Bleeding.

PMID- 27679261
TI  - Reduced Port Size Nerve Sparing Radical Trachelectomy- The Least Invasive
      Fertility Sparing Radical Surgery.

PMID- 27679262
TI  - Robotic Dissection of a Retroperitoneal Ovarian Neoplasm.

PMID- 27679263
TI  - A Retrospective Descriptive Comparison Study of Transvaginal Ultrasound Scan
      Findings With Histology Findings on Postmenopausal Women Who Underwent
      Hysteroscopy for Endometrial Assessment.

PMID- 27679264
TI  - Uterine Leiomyosarcoma: Experience From an Ethnically Diverse Tertiary Care
      Referral Center.

PMID- 27679265
TI  - Suspected Vs. Unsuspected Uterine Leiomyosarcoma: Lessons From an Ethnically
      Diverse Tertiary Care Referral Center.

PMID- 27679266
TI  - Abdominal Wall Endometriosis: A Multidisciplinary Approach.

PMID- 27679267
TI  - 17beta-Estradiol Induces Over-Proliferation in Adenomyotic Human Uterine Smooth
      Muscle Cells of the Junctional Zone Through Hyper-Activation of the Estrogen
      Receptor-Enhanced RhoA/ROCK Signaling Pathway.

PMID- 27679268
TI  - Role of Gluten-Free Diet in the Management of Chronic Pelvic Pain of Deep
      Infiltranting Endometriosis.

PMID- 27679269
TI  - Accuracy of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in the Diagnosis of Endometriosis -
      Evaluation of an Institutional Protocol.

PMID- 27679270
TI  - Histological Findings Following Excision of Peritoneal Endometriosis With and
      Without Using Aqua Blue Contrast Technique (ABCtTM).

PMID- 27679271
TI  - Rare Association Between Inguinal and Umbilical Endometriosis in a Patient
      Without Previous Surgery.

PMID- 27679272
TI  - Laparoscopic Bowel Segmental Resection in the Treatment of Bowel Endometriosis:
      Safety and Efficiencyy.

PMID- 27679273
TI  - Surgical Management of Endometriosis: Reoperation Rates Using Multimodal and
      Multidisciplinary Management Techniques, An Interim Analysis.

PMID- 27679274
TI  - A Comparison of Examination and Surgical Findings in Women With Endometriosis.

PMID- 27679275
TI  - Correlation Between Magnetic Resonance Imaging Results and Findings at Surgery
      for Cases of Severe Endometriosis.

PMID- 27679276
TI  - Analysis of Risk Factors for Post-Operative Rectovaginal Fistula in Deep
      Endometriosis.

PMID- 27679277
TI  - Needle Based Confocal Endomicroscopy (nCLE) Performed Through Transrectal
      Ultrasound (TRUS): The First Experience in Intestinal Endometriosis.

PMID- 27679278
TI  - The Impact of Laparoscopic Surgical Management of Deep Endometriosis on Fertility
      Outcome.

PMID- 27679279
TI  - Comparison of Complete and Incomplete Excision of Deep Infiltrating
      Endometriosis.

PMID- 27679280
TI  - Surgical Outcomes of Laparoscopic Hand-Assisted Hysterectomy Compared to
      Traditional Open Hysterectomy for Large Uteri.

PMID- 27679281
TI  - Unsuspected Uterine Sarcoma in an Urban Hospital: Does Surgical Approach Matter?

PMID- 27679282
TI  - A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Morcellation Hysterectomy for Fibroids.

PMID- 27679283
TI  - Laparoscopic Access Device Injuries: An Analysis of 10 years of Reports to the
      FDA.

PMID- 27679284
TI  - Contained Manual Specimen Removal Versus Uncontained Power Morcellation in
      Laparoscopic Myomectomy.

PMID- 27679285
TI  - Identifying Risk Factors for Urinar y Retention After Hysterectomy for Leiomyoma.

PMID- 27679286
TI  - Hysteroscopic Management of a Stenotic Cervix.

PMID- 27679287
TI  - Hysteroscopic Metroplasty in Women With Unexplained Primary Infertility: A
      Prospective Cohort Study.

PMID- 27679288
TI  - Complications and Compliance of Hysteroscopic Sterilization With Essure in an
      Inner City Hospital.

PMID- 27679289
TI  - Comparison of Shoulder Pain Reducing Techniques After Laparoscopy and Laparoscopy
      Assisted Robotic Surgeries.

PMID- 27679290
TI  - Power Morcellation in Fibroid Surgery: Do Risks Outweigh Benefits? The Patient's
      Perspective.

PMID- 27679291
TI  - Incidence of Venous Thrombotic Events Following Gynecologic Surgery.

PMID- 27679292
TI  - Risk Factors for Conversion of Laparoscopic Hysterectomy.

PMID- 27679293
TI  - Laparoscopic Myomectomy as a New Standard: An Analysis of Risk Factors for
      Conversion.

PMID- 27679294
TI  - A Comparative Study of Minimally Invasive Versus Open Hysterectomy for Women With
      Fibroid Uterus - A Nationwide Study of 65,216 Patients.

PMID- 27679295
TI  - Laparoscopic Uterine Retrieval With Preservation of Uterine Vascular Pedicles:
      Promising Application for Human Uterine Transplants.

PMID- 27679296
TI  - Peritoneal Washings After Power Morcellation in Laparoscopic Myomectomy: A Pilot
      Study.

PMID- 27679297
TI  - Surgical Outcomes of Paravaginal Repair Following Robotic Sacrocolpopexy.

PMID- 27679298
TI  - Urinary Tract Infection After Mid-urethral Sling.

PMID- 27679299
TI  - Baseline Understanding of Urinary Incontinence (UI) and Prolapse (POP) in New
      FPMRS Patients: Is There an Age-Related Difference?

PMID- 27679300
TI  - Evaluation of 2d Pelvic MRI Measurements as Clinical Predictors of Surgical
      Failure After Laparoscopic Uterosacral Ligament Suspension.

PMID- 27679301
TI  - Long-Term Abdominopelvic Surgical Morbidity After Abdominal Vs. Minimally
      Invasive Hysterectomy With Ovarian Conservation: A Population-Based Cohort Study.

PMID- 27679302
TI  - Uterosacral Ligament Suspension Complications Between Laparoscopic and
      Transvaginal Approaches.

PMID- 27679303
TI  - Transvaginal Hysterectomy With and Without Laparoscopic Assistance Is Associated
      With Improved Surgical Outcomes Compared to Abdominal and Robotic-Assisted
      Hysterectomy When Performed for Benign Indications on Large Uteri.

PMID- 27679304
TI  - Comparing the Clinical Outcome of Transobturator Sling (Monarc(r)) and Single
      Incision Sling (MiniArc(r)).

PMID- 27679306
TI  - Association Between Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Endometriosis Before and
      After Laparoscopy.

PMID- 27679305
TI  - Outcomes of Hybrid Laparoscopoc Sacrocolpopexy for Pelvic Organ Prolapse With
      Severe Cystocele.

PMID- 27679307
TI  - Laparoscopic Sacrocolpopexy With a Vaginal Prosthetic Adhesive.

PMID- 27679309
TI  - A Cost-Effective Approach in Gynecologic Robotic Surgery.

PMID- 27679308
TI  - Outcomes Following Combined Laparoscopic Burch Urethropexy at Time of Mesh Sling
      Removal: A Prospective Cohort Study.

PMID- 27679310
TI  - Posterior Vaginal Supracervical Hysterectomy: No Morcelment.

PMID- 27679311
TI  - Association of Matrix Metalloproteinase-10 Polymorphisms With the Susceptibility
      to Pelvic Organ Prolapse.

PMID- 27679312
TI  - Preoperative Uterine Volume: Does It Predict Symptomatic Fibroid Recurrence After
      Robotic Myomectomy: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

PMID- 27679313
TI  - Novel Use of Indocyanine Green for Intraoperative, Real-time Localization of
      Ureter During Robot-Assisted Excision of Endometriosis.

PMID- 27679314
TI  - Standard Versus Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: A Prospective
      Randomized Trial.

PMID- 27679315
TI  - Comparison of Operative and Peri-Operative Results for Robotic and Laparoscopic
      Myomectomies.

PMID- 27679316
TI  - Hysteroscopic Removal of Retained Placental Tissue Allieviates Postpartum
      Hypertension.

PMID- 27679317
TI  - Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Adenomyomectomy: Successful Treatment of Adenomyosis
      Patients Who Wish Uterus-Sparing Treatment.

PMID- 27679319
TI  - Trans Cockpit Authority Gradient and Dual Robotic Platform Intraoperative
      Handoffs: A New Evaluation of Teacher and Learner Comfort and Patient Safety.

PMID- 27679318
TI  - Perioperative Outcomes and Complications of Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic
      Myomectomy (RALM).

PMID- 27679320
TI  - Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Myomectomy, an Alternative to Laparotomy for Numerous
      Myomas (Over 10).

PMID- 27679321
TI  - A Comparison of Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Myomectomy (RALM) With Laparoscopic
      Assisted Myomectomy (LAM).

PMID- 27679322
TI  - Hospital Outcomes of Robotic Versus Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: A Texas Statewide
      Analysis.

PMID- 27679323
TI  - The Association Between Surgically-Diagnosed Endometriosis and Adverse Pregnancy
      Outcomes.

PMID- 27679324
TI  - Fertility and Pregnancy Outcomes Following Robotic Myomectomy.

PMID- 27679325
TI  - The Selective Progesterone Receptor Modulator, Ulipristal Acetate, in the
      Management of Symptomatic Uterine Fibroids.

PMID- 27679326
TI  - Dysmorphic Uterine Congenital Anomalies: A New Lateral Angle and a Cavity Width
      Ratio on 3D Ultrasound Coronal Section to Define Uterine Morphology.

PMID- 27679327
TI  - The Effect of Fertility on Resection Margin in Conization.

PMID- 27679328
TI  - Menstrual Abnormalities and Reproductive Challenges in Women With End Stage Renal
      Disease on Chronic Dialysis.

PMID- 27679329
TI  - Haptic Feedback in Laparoscopic Graspers Leads to Tremendous Force Reduction.

PMID- 27679331
TI  - Laparoscopic Abdominal Cerclage: Patient Selection for Successful Pregnancy
      Outcomes.

PMID- 27679330
TI  - The Impact of Salpingectomy for Ectopic Pregnancy on Ovarian Reserve.

PMID- 27679332
TI  - Trend of Use of Adhesion Barrier During Hysterectomy or Myomectomy and Its
      Clinical Impact.

PMID- 27679333
TI  - The Utility of the Transverse Abdominus Plane (TAP) Block in Minimally Invasive
      Gynecologic Surgery: A Randomized Double Blinded Clinical Trial.

PMID- 27679334
TI  - Trainee Participation in Benign Hysterectomy: Effects of Surgical Approach and
      Operative Time.

PMID- 27679335
TI  - The Effect of Vertical Versus Horizontal Vaginal Cuff Closure on Vaginal Length
      After Laparoscopic Hysterectomy.

PMID- 27679336
TI  - Uterine Retroversion in Rectosigmoid Endometriotic Nodule Affected Women: A New
      Technique for Uterine Suspension.

PMID- 27679338
TI  - A Preliminary Report of a Prospective Randomized Controlled Study: Effects of
      Water-Jet in Laparoscopic Nerve Sparing Radical Hysterectomy for Patients with
      Cervical Cancer.

PMID- 27679337
TI  - Impact of the 2014 FDA Warnings Against Laparoscopic Power Morcellation.

PMID- 27679339
TI  - Cost-Effectiveness of Laparoscopic Hysterectomy With Morcellation Compared to
      Abdominal Hysterectomy for Presumed Benign Leiomyomata.

PMID- 27679340
TI  - Feasibility and Outcomes of Laparoscopic Cytoreduction in Patients With Localized
      Recurrent Epithelial Ovarian Cancer.

PMID- 27679341
TI  - Obesity and the Likelihood of a Minimally Invasive Procedure Among Surgeons With
      and Without Advanced Surgical Training.

PMID- 27679342
TI  - Comparison of Methods of Morcellation: Manual Versus Power.

PMID- 27679343
TI  - Laparoscopic Versus Robotic Surgery Learning Curves.

PMID- 27679344
TI  - A Wireless Audio System Improves Teamwork and Communication in Robotic
      Laparoscopic Surgery.

PMID- 27679345
TI  - Endoscopy Surgery for Ectopic Pregnancy Within Cesarean Scar.

PMID- 27679346
TI  - Risk Factors Associated With Emergency Room Visits and Hospital Readmission
      Following Benign Hysterectomy.

PMID- 27679347
TI  - Laparoscopic Bowel Resection for Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis: The CARE
      Experience.

PMID- 27679348
TI  - Effect of Uterine Manipulation on the Relation of the Ureter and the Uterine
      Vessels.

PMID- 27679349
TI  - Feasibility of Washings at the Time of Laparoscopic Power Morcellation: A Pilot
      Study.

PMID- 27679350
TI  - Power Morcellation Moratorium and Its Effect on the Rate of Wound Complications
      After Minimally Invasive Myomectomy (MIM).

PMID- 27679351
TI  - Risk factors for Trachelectomy Following Supracervical Hysterectomy.

PMID- 27679352
TI  - Estimating Incidence of Leiomyosarcoma After Minimally Invasive Total
      Hysterectomy Less Than 250 gram Uteri: Retrospective Cohort Study.

PMID- 27679353
TI  - Laparoscopic and Robotic Myomectomy: A Comparison of Cost and Perioperative
      Outcomes for Complex Cases.

PMID- 27679354
TI  - Placental Remnant Removal With the Hysteroscopic Morcellator.

PMID- 27679356
TI  - Long-Term Complications and Efficacy After Retropubic Tension-Free Vaginal Tape
      and Inside-Out Obturator Tape: A Prospective Randomized Trial.

PMID- 27679355
TI  - Contained Tissue Extraction Using Power Morcellation: Prospective Evaluation of
      Leakage Parameters.

PMID- 27679357
TI  - Feasibility of Minimally Invasive Outpatient Hysterectomy.

PMID- 27679358
TI  - Pre-Laparoscopic Ultrasound "Soft Marker" Evaluation of Ovarian Mobility in the
      Normal and Endometriotic Ovary.

PMID- 27679359
TI  - Decrease in Anti-Mullerian Hormone After Laparoscopic Excision of Endometrioma.

PMID- 27679360
TI  - National Trends of Bilateral Salpingectomy During Vaginal Hysterectomy With and
      Without Laparoscopic Assistance, United States 1998-2011.

PMID- 27679361
TI  - In-Bag Transvaginal Specimen Extraction After Laparoscopic Myomectomy: A Single
      Centre Analysis.

PMID- 27679362
TI  - Cost of Disposable Operative Devices: Fiscal Transparency Promotes Economic and
      Ergonomic Optimization at a Large Academic Medical Center.

PMID- 27679363
TI  - Vaginal Uterine Morcellation Within a Specimen Containment System: A Study of Bag
      Integrity.

PMID- 27679364
TI  - Hysterectomy for Uteri Weighing >=1kg: Laparoscopic Vs. Open Approach.

PMID- 27679365
TI  - Uterine Weight as a Positive Correlation Factor for Longer Surgical Times in
      Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy.

PMID- 27679366
TI  - Effect of Intraoperative Peritoneal Irrigation of Xylocaine on Small and Large
      Bowel Activity.

PMID- 27679367
TI  - Laparoscopic Hysterectomies for Uteri Greater Than 1 Kilogram.

PMID- 27679368
TI  - Urologic Complications After Laparoscopic Radical Hysterectomy and Abdominal
      Radical Hysterectomy in Patients With Early Cervical Cancer: A Prospective
      Randomized Study.

PMID- 27679369
TI  - Implementation of an Office Surgery Safety Checklist.

PMID- 27679370
TI  - Factors Predicting the Success Rate of a Single Dose of Systemic Methotrexate for
      the Treatment of Ectopic Pregnancy.

PMID- 27679371
TI  - A Retrospective Review of the Combination of Unfractionated Heparin and Ketorolac
      on Bleeding Complications After Obstetric and Gynecologic Surgeries.

PMID- 27679372
TI  - Computerized Tomography Adiposity Morphometrics: A Novel Approach to Predict
      Pulmonary Intolerance in Endometrial Cancer Patients Undergoing Robotic Pelvic
      Surgery (RPS).

PMID- 27679373
TI  - Factors Associated With Symptomatic Anemia and Indication for Blood Transfusion
      After Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomies.

PMID- 27679374
TI  - Public Interest in Morcellation Controversy.

PMID- 27679375
TI  - Surgeon's Heart Rate Measurements as a Means of Evaluating Proficiency in Newly
      Adopted Surgical Technique in Gynecologic Oncology Surgery.

PMID- 27679376
TI  - Single Institutional Experience of 410 Cases of Type B & Type C (Querleu Morrow
      Classification) Laparoscopic Radical Hysterectomy.

PMID- 27679378
TI  - Low-Dose Mifepristone Versus Placebo to Treat Uterine Myoma: A Double-Blind,
      Randomized Clinical Trial.

PMID- 27679377
TI  - Metabolic Syndrome: Predictive Factor for Endometrial Polyps in Postmenopausal
      Women.

PMID- 27679379
TI  - Perioperative Outcomes of Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy With Uncontained Versus
      Contained Power Morcellation.

PMID- 27679380
TI  - Determinants and Trends of Gynecologic Minimally Invasive Surgery in Developing
      Countries.

PMID- 27679381
TI  - A Multi-Center Retrospective Review of Clinical Characteristics of Uterine
      Sarcoma.

PMID- 27679382
TI  - Multidisciplinary Recommendation for Postoperative Recovery Time following
      Gynecological Surgery.

PMID- 27679383
TI  - The Incidence of Occult Malignancy Encountered During Uterine Surgery for Benign
      Indications.

PMID- 27679384
TI  - Implementing the Laparoscopic Hysterectomy, Is the Vaginal Approach at Risk?

PMID- 27679385
TI  - Total Laparoscopic Hysterctomy for Endometriosis: A Single-Center Retrospective
      Comparative Analysis.

PMID- 27679386
TI  - Outcomes of Laparoscopic Treatment of Rectosigmoid Endometriosis: The Linear
      Nodulectomy and the Segmental Ressection.

PMID- 27679387
TI  - Evaluation of Patient Characteristics Associated With Mode of Hysterectomy and
      Conversion Rate.

PMID- 27679388
TI  - Specialty-Specific Operative Units Promote Cost-Effectiveness and Patient Safety.

PMID- 27679389
TI  - Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (TLH): Where Does the Money Go?

PMID- 27679390
TI  - Fibroid Morcellation: A Shared Clinical Decision Tool for Mode of Hysterectomy.

PMID- 27679391
TI  - Identifying the Rate-Limiting Step in Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy in a
      Training Hospital.

PMID- 27679392
TI  - Case Selection Is a Fundamental Prerequisite to the Successful Surmounting of
      Learning Curve of Laparoscopic Radical Hysterectomy in Early-Stage Cervical
      Cancer: A Matched-Case Comparison in a Single Institution.

PMID- 27679393
TI  - Successful Adoption of Single-Port Laparoscopy for Gynecologic Indications:
      Outcomes From a Large Single Institution's Experience.

PMID- 27679394
TI  - Power Morcellation in Gynecologic Surgery: A Survey of Canadian Practice.

PMID- 27679395
TI  - 50% Dextrose as the Distension Medium to Improve Visualization of Ureteric Jets
      During Postoperative Cystoscopy.

PMID- 27679396
TI  - Longitudinal Course of Fibroid Volume Reduction and Symptom Relief After
      Transcervical Radiofrequency Ablation.

PMID- 27679397
TI  - Direct effects of ethanol on neuronal differentiation: An in vitro analysis of
      viability and morphology.
AB  - The deleterious effects of ethanol (EtOH) on the brain have been widely
      described, but its effects on the neuronal cytoskeleton during differentiation
      have not yet been firmly established. In this context, our aim was to investigate
      the direct effect of EtOH on cortical neurons during the period of
      differentiation. Primary cultures of cortical neurons obtained from 1-day-old
      rats were exposed to EtOH after 7days of culture, and viability and morphology
      were analyzed at structural and ultrastructural levels after 24-h EtOH exposure.
      EtOH caused a significant reduction of 73+/-7% in the viability of cultured
      cortical neurons, by preferentially inducing apoptotic cellular death. This
      effect was accompanied by an increase in caspase 3 and 9 expression. Furthermore,
      EtOH induced a reduction in total dendrite length and in the number of dendrites
      per cell. Ultrastructural studies showed that EtOH increased the number of
      lipidic vacuoles, lysosomes and multilamellar vesicles and induced a dilated
      endoplasmatic reticulum lumen and a disorganized Golgi apparatus with a ring
      shape appearance. Microtubules showed a disorganized distribution. Apposition
      between pre- and postsynaptic membranes without a defined synaptic cleft and a
      delay in presynaptic vesicle organization were also observed. Synaptophysin and
      PSD95 expression, proteins pre- and postsynaptically located, were reduced in
      EtOH-exposed cultures. Overall, our study shows that EtOH induces neuronal
      apoptosis and changes in the cytoskeleton and membrane proteins related with the
      establishment of mature synapses. These direct effects of EtOH on neurons may
      partially explain its effects on brain development.

PMID- 27679398
TI  - Protective effects of batroxobin on a nigrostriatal pathway injury in mice.
AB  - Traumatic brain injury triggers a series of damaged processes, such as neuronal
      death and apoptosis, inflammation and scar formation, which contribute to
      evolution of brain injury. The present study investigated the neuroprotective
      effects of batroxobin, a drug widely used clinically for ischemia, in a
      nigrostriatal pathway injury model. Mice subjected to the nigrostriatal pathway
      injury were injected with batroxobin (30 BU/kg) or vehicle immediately after
      injury. The behavioral studies showed that batroxobin could improve the motor
      function in injured mice in long term. Batroxobin also reduced neuronal apoptosis
      and inflammation at the acute stage. Moreover, administration of batroxobin
      attenuated the scar formation and reduced the lesion size at 4 and 14days after
      brain injury. These results suggest that batroxobin has beneficial effects on the
      nigrostriatal pathway injury, indicating a potential clinical application.

PMID- 27679399
TI  - Influence of volumetric 4'-[methyl-11C]-thiothymidine PET/CT parameters for
      prediction of the clinical outcome of head and neck cancer patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This prospective study compared the value of pretreatment 4'-[methyl
      11C]-thiothymidine (11C-4DST) volumetric parameters and those of 2-deoxy-2-[18F]
      fluoro-D-glucose (18F-FDG) in predicting the clinical outcome in patients with
      head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). METHODS: Fifty patients with HNSCC
      underwent 11C-4DST PET/CT and 18F-FDG PET/CT prior to anticancer therapy. 18F-FDG
      metabolic tumor volume (18F-FDG MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) were
      calculated from 18F-FDG PET, and 11C-4DST MTV and total lesion proliferation
      (TLP) were calculated from 11C-4DST PET. All parameters were measured for the
      primary lesion and metastatic lymph nodes. Associations between clinical factors
      and PET/CT parameters and prognostic value were analyzed. RESULTS: Receiver
      operating characteristic analysis revealed that MTV, TLG, and TLP acquired from
      the primary lesion and metastatic lymph nodes were good parameters for predicting
      disease relapse and death. The area under the curves (AUCs) ranged from 0.63 to
      0.71 for 18F-FDG PET/CT parameters. The AUCs of 11C-4DST PET/CT parameters were
      larger than those of 18F-FDG (range 0.72-0.81). Univariate analysis revealed that
      individuals with tumors showing a high value for any PET/CT parameter were at a
      significantly increased risk of relapse. Upon multivariate analysis, 18F-FDG MTV,
      11C-4DST MTV and 11C-4DST TLP were significant independent factors for relapse
      free survival (P = 0.04, P = 0.0001 and P = 0.0005, respectively). CONCLUSION:
      Pretreatment 11C-4DST PET/CT volume-based parameters can provide important
      prognostic information about patients with HNSCC.

PMID- 27679400
TI  - Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use in patients with chronic kidney disease.
AB  - AIMS: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the cornerstone of pain
      management. There are no detailed data on NSAIDs use in Poland, especially in
      patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The aim of this study was to evaluate
      the frequency, circumstances, and causes of NSAIDs use as well as knowledge of
      their side-effects in patients with CKD. METHOD: This cross-sectional study was
      conducted in 972 individuals with CKD, enrolled in a written survey originally
      developed by the authors. There were 574 patients with CKD stage I-IV, 414
      patients after renal transplantation stage II-IV (CKDT) and 84 dialyzed patients
      (44 peritoneal, 40 hemodialysis). RESULTS: Among the entire study group, 16.9 %
      of patients used NSAIDs every day, or several times a week. The average number of
      tablets taken within a month was 21.8. Subgroup analysis revealed that NSAIDs
      were taken most often by patients on hemodialysis: 35 % of them used NSAIDs every
      day or several times a week (43.15 pills per month). The most common reason for
      using NSAIDs were bone-joint pain (29.3 %) and headache (26.2 %). Side effects of
      painkillers such as renal function deterioration and the possible promotion of
      stomach ulcers were experienced by 43.6 and 37.6 % of respondents, respectively.
      CONCLUSION: Patients with CKD often take NSAIDs. This applies especially to the
      group of people undergoing hemodialysis, which is mainly associated with chronic
      osteo-articular pain. The results also show a low awareness of painkillers'
      adverse effects.

PMID- 27679402
TI  - Psychological responses, coping and supporting needs of healthcare professionals
      as second victims.
AB  - AIM: To provide an overview of healthcare professionals' psychological responses,
      coping strategies and supporting needs in the aftermath of an adverse event, thus
      informing health policy implications and future research in this aspect.
      BACKGROUND: Trauma experienced by healthcare professionals as second victims
      potentially provokes intense emotional distress, detrimental professional
      outcomes and imposes harsh long-term effects. METHODS: A systematic literature
      review was performed to synthesize the experiences and needs of second victims
      who are healthcare professionals being traumatized by an unanticipated adverse
      event, medical error or patient-related injury. CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed
      and Scopus databases were searched for relevant articles published in English
      from January 2000 to October 2015. RESULTS: Data extraction was performed for the
      30 studies selected. Second victims experienced enduring intense negative
      psychological responses. They adopted multiple coping mechanisms and desired
      emotional and informational support. CONCLUSION: Second victims experience
      substantial psychological impact which can be mitigated with supportive
      environments. It is imperative that subsequent research consider the potential
      factors affecting second victims' emotional experience, efficacy of coping
      strategies in facilitating recovery and obtain a comprehensive understanding of
      second victims' experience. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY: Nursing
      and health management's role in establishing organizational support structures is
      necessary to meet second victims' needs. This existing knowledge is significant
      to guide policy makers in developing a holistic and effective second victim
      support programme.

PMID- 27679403
TI  - Anterior lens epithelium in cataract patients with retinitis pigmentosa -
      scanning and transmission electron microscopy study.
AB  - PURPOSE: In retinitis pigmentosa (RP) patients, relatively minor lens opacity in
      central part of posterior pole of the lens may cause disproportionate functional
      symptoms requiring cataract operation. To investigate the possible structural
      reasons for this opacity development, we studied the structure of the lens
      epithelium of patients with RP. METHODS: The anterior lens capsule (aLC: basement
      membrane and associated lens epithelial cells, LECs) was obtained from cataract
      surgery and prepared for scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and
      TEM). RESULTS: Both SEM and TEM show a number of abnormal features in the
      anterior lens epithelium of cataract patients with RP. The abnormalities appear
      mainly as holes, thinning and degradation of the epithelium, with the dimensions
      from <1 MUm to more than 50 MUm. Other types of holes in size up to 20 MUm were
      seen that may be formed by gradual stretching of the lens epithelium. Another
      type of abnormalities was cracks that were seen between adjacent LECs, with
      dimensions 0.1-2 MUm * up to 10 MUm. CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal structural features
      were observed in the anterior lens epithelium that may cause water influx into
      the lens. This may lead to clouding along the water clefts leading towards the
      posterior pole in the RP cataractous lens. We suggest that the lens epithelium
      has a role in the development of the cataract in patients with RP.

PMID- 27679401
TI  - Renoprotective effect of erythropoietin in zebrafish after administration of
      gentamicin: an immunohistochemical study for beta-catenin and c-kit expression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic widely used in the
      treatment of infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria. The main limitation to
      its therapeutic effectiveness is the potential nephrotoxicity. Erythropoietin has
      a tissue protective effect widely demonstrated in the kidney. The aim of the
      present study was to evaluate the renoprotective effects of erythropoietin in a
      model of zebrafish (Danio rerio) after administration of gentamicin. METHODS:
      Sixty adult zebrafish were subdivided into three groups: group A was treated with
      gentamicin; group B received gentamicin and, 24 h later, epoetin alpha; group C
      received drug diluent only. In order to analyze the renoprotective activity of
      erythropoietin, the expression of c-kit and beta-catenin was evaluated by
      immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Generally, the zebrafish renal tubule regenerates
      15 days after an injury. Conversely, 7 days after gentamicin administration,
      animals treated with erythropoietin (group B) showed a better renal injury repair
      as documented by: increased expression of beta-catenin, less degenerated tubules,
      greater number of centers of regeneration, positivity for c-kit only in immature
      looking tubules and lymphohematopoietic cells. CONCLUSION: The expression of c
      kit and beta-catenin suggests that erythropoietin may exert a role in
      regeneration reducing the extent of tubular damage from the outset after
      gentamicin administration.

PMID- 27679404
TI  - A study of the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of androgenetic
      alopecia in males.

PMID- 27679405
TI  - Warty mucosal lesions: Oral condyloma lata of secondary syphilis.

PMID- 27679406
TI  - Cutaneous toxicity of a new BRAF inhibitor, LGX818 (encorafenib).

PMID- 27679407
TI  - Sub-block level monitoring in leprosy programme: Need of the hour.

PMID- 27679408
TI  - Neurological diseases and bullous pemphigoid: A case-control study in Iranian
      patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Neurological diseases are important co-morbidities found in
      association with bullous pemphigoid. Various neurological conditions (stroke,
      Parkinson's disease, dementia, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis) have been
      reported as associations of this bullous disease; whether these are significant
      has not been definitely proved. However, the presence of neurological conditions
      is a predictor of poorer prognosis. OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to examine the
      association of bullous pemphigoid and neurological diseases in Iranian bullous
      pemphigoid patients. METHODS: The medical records of one hundred and sixty
      consecutive bullous pemphigoid patients who presented to the Autoimmune Bullous
      Diseases Research Center, Tehran, Iran, from 2006 to 2011 were examined for
      evidence of any neurological disease. The control group comprised of 317 age- and
      sex-matched subjects. RESULTS: Neurological diseases were seen in 42 (26.4%)
      patients with bullous pemphigoid and in 29 (9.1%) controls (odds ratio: 3.53 (2.1
      5.9), P< 0.001). Comparing cases to controls, stroke was seen in 17.5% versus
      4.1%, odds ratio 4.96 (2.49-9.88); dementia in 5.6% versus 1.9%, odds ratio 3.09
      (1.08-8.84); Parkinson's disease in 2.5% versus 2.2%, odds ratio 1.14 (0.33
      3.94); epilepsy in 2.5% versus 0.6%, odds ratio 4.04 (0.73-22.3); and multiple
      sclerosis in 0 versus 0.3% odds ratio 1.00 (0.98-1.01). LIMITATIONS: The main
      limitations of our study were referral bias, retrospective design and a rather
      low sample size. CONCLUSIONS: Neurological diseases in general, and stroke and
      dementia in particular, were significantly associated with bullous pemphigoid in
      our study.

PMID- 27679409
TI  - Uncombable hair syndrome with a woolly hair nevus.

PMID- 27679411
TI  - Utility of high-frequency ultrasonography in the diagnosis of benign and
      malignant skin tumors.
AB  - Various benign and malignant tumors may arise from the skin. These may be of
      epidermal, dermal, subcutaneous or appendageal origin. Skin biopsy is the gold
      standard for diagnosis of skin tumors. There is paucity of published data on the
      role of imaging modalities in diagnosis of skin tumors. High-frequency
      ultrasonography (7-50 MHz) is a potential non-invasive, objective modality which
      can be utilized in the diagnosis and localization of skin tumors. It provides
      valuable information about the tumor characteristics such as size, shape, depth,
      consistency and vascularity before invasive skin biopsy or surgery is planned.
      Sentinel lymph nodes in malignant melanoma can be well visualized and studied by
      this technique. It is also a good modality to detect local recurrence of tumors
      during post-operative follow up, especially those with a high likelihood of local
      recurrence or lesions excised with inadequate margins. High-frequency
      ultrasonography is additive to clinical diagnosis and can be considered a useful
      non-invasive method to plan the management of various skin tumors and is of
      prognostic value in some cases.

PMID- 27679412
TI  - Histamine Clearance Through Polyspecific Transporters in the Brain.
AB  - Histamine plays an important role as a neurotransmitter in diverse brain
      functions, and clearance of histamine is essential to avoid excessive
      histaminergic neuronal activity. Histamine N-methyltransferase, which is an
      enzyme in the central nervous system that metabolizes histamine, is localized to
      the cytosol. This suggests that a histamine transport process is essential to
      inactivate histamine. Previous reports have shown the importance of astrocytes
      for histamine transport, although neuronal histamine transport could not be ruled
      out. High-affinity and selective histamine transporters have not yet been
      discovered, although it has been reported that the following three polyspecific
      transporters transport histamine: organic cation transporter (OCT) 2, OCT3, and
      plasma membrane monoamine transporter (PMAT). The K m values of human OCT2, OCT3,
      and PMAT are 0.54, 0.64, and 4.4 mM, respectively. The three transporters are
      expressed in the brain, and their regional distribution is different. Recent
      studies revealed the contribution of OCT3 and PMAT to histamine transport by
      primary human astrocytes. Several investigations using mice supported the
      importance of OCT3 for histamine clearance in the brain. However, further studies
      are required to elucidate the detailed mechanism of histamine transport in the
      brain.

PMID- 27679413
TI  - What are the Considerations in Balancing Benefits and Risks in Iron Treatment?:
      The Benefits of Intravenous Iron.

PMID- 27679414
TI  - Virus Discovery Using Tick Cell Lines.
AB  - While ticks have been known to harbor and transmit pathogenic arboviruses for
      over 80 years, the application of high-throughput sequencing technologies has
      revealed that ticks also appear to harbor a diverse range of endogenous tick-only
      viruses belonging to many different families. Almost nothing is known about these
      viruses; indeed, it is unclear in most cases whether the identified viral
      sequences are derived from actual replication-competent viruses or from
      endogenous virus elements incorporated into the ticks' genomes. Tick cell lines
      play an important role in virus discovery and isolation through the
      identification of novel viruses chronically infecting such cell lines and by
      acting as host cells to aid in determining whether or not an entire replication
      competent, infective virus is present in a sample. Here, we review recent
      progress in tick-borne virus discovery and comment on the actual and potential
      applications for tick cell lines in this emerging research area. 

PMID- 27679415
TI  - Proliferation and apoptosis processes in the seasonal testicular development of
      the wild Daurian ground squirrel (Citellus dauricus Brandt, 1844).
AB  - The aim of the present study was to elucidate the regulatory role of cell
      proliferation and apoptosis in testicular development of wild Daurian ground
      squirrels during the breeding season (April), the non-breeding season (June) and
      before hibernation (September). Gross mass and hormonal analysis showed that the
      testis:body mass ratio and plasma testosterone concentration fluctuated
      seasonally, with a peak in April and lowest values in June. Similarly,
      spermatogenesis was fully developed in April but suppressed in June and
      September. Testicular decellularisation and vacuolisation was seen during the
      transition from the breeding to the non-breeding season. Furthermore, testicular
      levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, cyclin D2 and caspase-3 protein
      were significantly increased in June and September. Intriguingly, positive
      terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-digoxigenin nick end
      labelling staining and nuclear translocation of caspase-3 in testicular germ
      cells appeared only during the prehibernation period, whereas accumulation of
      cyclin D2 in spermatocyte nuclei occurred in September. These findings
      demonstrate, for the first time, that both cell proliferation and apoptosis are
      stimulated during the prehibernation period, indicating that a hormonal-regulated
      balance of testicular germ cell proliferation and apoptosis may play a pivotal
      role in preparing for testicular recrudescence of wild Daurian ground squirrels.

PMID- 27679417
TI  - Retrieval of embolized left atrial appendage devices.
AB  - Percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) closure is gaining interest as an
      alternative option for prevention of strokes in patients with Atrial Fibrillation
      (AF), especially for those with contraindications to anticoagulation.
      Complications from these procedures are well described in the medical literature.
      LAA closures may lead to pericardial effusion, device-associated thrombus, and
      device embolization. Understanding the reasons for embolization, strategies to
      avoid embolization, and the techniques for retrieval of LAA devices (ACP/AMULET
      and WATCHMAN) should be appreciated by endovascular implanters. We describe two
      cases of LAA device embolization that were both successfully retrieved
      percutaneously and other percutaneous techniques to safely retrieve embolized LAA
      devices. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27679416
TI  - Increased neutrophil expression of pattern recognition receptors during COPD
      exacerbations.
AB  - Previously, we observed increased serum levels of damage-associated molecular
      patterns (DAMPs) during COPD exacerbations. Here, gene expression of DAMP
      receptors was measured in peripheral blood neutrophils of COPD patients during
      stable disease and severe acute exacerbation. The expression of toll-like
      receptor (TLR)2, TLR4 and NLR family, pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) was
      significantly increased, while serum levels of the soluble form of the decoy
      receptor for advanced glycation end-product (sRAGE) were decreased during
      exacerbation. Together, these data indicate that increased DAMP signalling
      contributes to activation of neutrophils during COPD exacerbations.

PMID- 27679420
TI  - Growing up on a farm may cut risk of allergic conditions in adulthood.

PMID- 27679418
TI  - Effect of alcohol consumption on all-cause and liver-related mortality among HIV
      infected individuals.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to examine the association between levels of
      past and current alcohol consumption and all-cause and liver-related mortality
      among people living with HIV (PLWH). METHODS: A prospective cohort study of 1855
      PLWH in Baltimore, MD was carried out from 2000 to 2013. We ascertained alcohol
      use by (1) self-report (SR) through a computer-assisted self interview, and (2)
      medical record abstraction of provider-documented (PD) alcohol use. SR alcohol
      consumption was categorized as heavy (men: > 4 drinks/day or > 14 drinks/week;
      women: > 3 drinks/day or > 7 drinks/week), moderate (any alcohol consumption less
      than heavy), and none. We calculated the cumulative incidence of liver-related
      mortality and fitted adjusted cause-specific regression models to account for
      competing risks. RESULTS: All-cause and liver-related mortality rates (MRs) were
      43.0 and 7.2 per 1000 person-years (PY), respectively. All-cause mortality was
      highest among SR nondrinkers with PD recent (< 6 months) heavy drinking (MR =
      85.4 deaths/1000 PY) and lowest among SR moderate drinkers with no PD history of
      heavy drinking (MR = 23.0 deaths/1000 PY). Compared with SR moderate drinkers
      with no PD history of heavy drinking, SR nondrinkers and moderate drinkers with
      PD recent heavy drinking had higher liver-related mortality [hazard ratio (HR) =
      7.28 and 3.52, respectively]. However, SR nondrinkers and moderate drinkers with
      a PD drinking history of > 6 months ago showed similar rates of liver-related
      mortality (HR = 1.06 and 2.00, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Any heavy alcohol
      consumption was associated with all-cause mortality among HIV-infected
      individuals, while only recent heavy consumption was associated with liver
      related mortality. Because mortality risk among nondrinkers varies substantially
      by drinking history, current consumption alone is insufficient to assess risk.

PMID- 27679419
TI  - Tumor-associated antigens: Tn antigen, sTn antigen, and T antigen.
AB  - Glycosylation is one of the major posttranslational modifications of proteins. N
      glycosylation (Asn-linked) and O-glycosylation (Ser/Thr-linked) are the two main
      forms. Abnormal O-glycosylation is frequently observed on the surface of tumor
      cells, and is associated with an adverse outcome and poor prognosis in patients
      with cancer. O-glycans (Tn, sTn, and T antigen) can be synthesized in the Golgi
      apparatus with the aid of several glycosyltransferases (such as T-synthase and
      ST6GalNAc-I) in a suitable environment. The unique molecular chaperone of T
      synthase is Cosmc, which helps T-synthase to fold correctly in the endoplasmic
      reticulum. Dysregulation of these glycosyltransferases, molecular chaperones, or
      the environment is involved in the dysregulation of O-glycans. Tn, sTn, and T
      antigen neo- or over-expression occurs in many types of cancer including gastric,
      colon, breast, lung, esophageal, prostate, and endometrial cancer. This review
      discusses the major synthetic pathway of O-glycans and the mechanism by which Tn,
      sTn, and T antigens promote tumor metastasis.

PMID- 27679421
TI  - Septectomy and biatrial resection for extensive septal lipomatosis.
AB  - We describe the resection for lipomatous hypertrophy of the interatrial septum
      which necessitated complete reconstruction of the right atrium with Dacron grafts
      connecting the superior and inferior vena cava with the tricuspid orifice, and
      connection of the pulmonary veins to the mitral orifice with xenopericardium.

PMID- 27679422
TI  - The variability in beta-cell function in placebo-treated subjects with type 2
      diabetes: application of the weight-HbA1c-insulin-glucose (WHIG) model.
AB  - AIM: The weight-glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1C)-insulin-glucose (WHIG) model
      describes the effects of changes in weight on insulin sensitivity (IS) in newly
      diagnosed, obese subjects receiving placebo treatment. This model was applied to
      a wider population of placebo-treated subjects, to investigate factors
      influencing the variability in IS and beta-cell function. METHODS: The WHIG model
      was applied to the WHIG dataset (Study 1) and two other placebo datasets (Studies
      2 and 3). Studies 2 and 3 consisted of nonobese subjects and subjects with
      advanced type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Body weight, fasting serum insulin
      (FSI), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and HbA1c were used for nonlinear mixed
      effects modelling (using NONMEM v7.2 software). Sources of interstudy variability
      (ISV) and potential covariates (age, gender, diabetes duration, ethnicity,
      compliance) were investigated. RESULTS: An ISV for baseline parameters (body
      weight and beta-cell function) was required. The baseline beta-cell function was
      significantly lower in subjects with advanced T2DM (median difference: Study 2:
      15.6%, P < 0.001; Study 3: 22.7%, P < 0.001) than in subjects with newly
      diagnosed T2DM (Study 1). A reduction in the estimated insulin secretory response
      in subjects with advanced T2DM was observed but diabetes duration was not a
      significant covariate. CONCLUSION: The WHIG model can be used to describe the
      changes in weight, IS and beta-cell function in the diabetic population. IS
      remained relatively stable between subjects but a large ISV in beta-cell function
      was observed. There was a trend towards decreasing beta-cell responsiveness with
      diabetes duration, and further studies, incorporating subjects with a longer
      history of diabetes, are required.

PMID- 27679423
TI  - Hypoxia and low-dose inflammatory stimulus synergistically enhance bone marrow
      mesenchymal stem cell migration.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Cell migration is necessary for numerous physiological cell
      processes. Although either inflammatory or hypoxic stimuli of certain dose and
      duration have positive influence on cell migration, their combination has not
      been shown to result in a synergistic effect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this
      study, we investigated combined effects of hypoxia and low-dose inflammatory
      stimulus (one-tenth of that of a previously used concentration) on migration of
      human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs). RESULTS: Our results
      from real-time PCR, Western blot analysis and an immunofluorescence assay, showed
      that dual stimulation up-regulated CXCR4 expression. Based on tablet scratch
      experimentation and transwell assay, the dual stimuli exhibited greater positive
      effects on cell migration than a single inflammatory or hypoxic stimulus. When
      effects of various pre-treatments on cell proliferation, differentiation and
      immunosuppression were screened, cells subjected to the hypoxic stimulus or dual
      stimuli had increased cell proliferation, while short-term inflammatory stimulus
      and/or hypoxic stimulus had no negative effect on cell differentiation and
      immunosuppression. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the combination of
      hypoxia and low-dose inflammatory stimuli enhances the potential of BMMSCs to
      migrate, thus identifying cell pre-treatment conditions that could enhance future
      stem cell-based therapeutics.

PMID- 27679424
TI  - Fatal hemolytic disease of the newborn caused by an antibody to KEAL, a new low
      prevalence Kell blood group antigen.

PMID- 27679425
TI  - DNA-Nanostructure-Gold-Nanorod Hybrids for Enhanced In Vivo Optoacoustic Imaging
      and Photothermal Therapy.
AB  - A functional cancer theranostic nanoplatform is developed, specifically tailored
      toward the optoacoustic modality by combining gold nanorods with DNA
      nanostructures (D-AuNR). DNA origami is used as an efficient delivery vehicle
      owing to its prominent tumor-targeting property. The D-AuNR hybrids display an
      enhanced tumor diagnostic sensitivity by improved optoacoustic imaging and
      excellent photothermal therapeutic properties in vivo.

PMID- 27679426
TI  - Is the canine corpus luteum an insulin-sensitive tissue?
AB  - This study aimed to determine in the canine corpus luteum throughout the
      dioestrus (1) the influence of insulin on glucose uptake; (2) the regulation of
      genes potentially involved; and (3) the influence of hypoxia on glucose
      transporter expression and steroidogenesis, after treatment with cobalt chloride
      (CoCl2). Glucose uptake by luteal cells increased 2.7 folds (P < 0.05) in
      response to insulin; a phenomenon related to increased expression of glucose
      transporter (GLUT) 4 and phosphorylation of protein kinase B (AKT). The gene
      expression of insulin receptor and SLC2A4 (codifier of GLUT4) genes after insulin
      stimulation increased on day 20 post ovulation (p.o.) and declined on day 40 p.o.
      (P < 0.05). Regarding potentially involved molecular mechanisms, the nuclear
      factor kappa B gene RELA was upregulated on days 30/40 p.o., when SLC2A4 mRNA was
      low, and the interleukin 6 (IL6) gene was upregulated in the first half of
      dioestrus, when SLC2A4 mRNA was high. CoCl2 in luteal cell cultures increased the
      hypoxia-inducible factor HIF1A/HIF1A and the SLC2A4/GLUT4 expression, and
      decreased progesterone (P4) production and hydroxyl-delta-5-steroid dehydrogenase
      3 beta (HSD3B) mRNA expression (P < 0.05). This study shows that the canine
      luteal cells are responsive to insulin, which stimulates glucose uptake in
      AKT/GLUT4-mediated pathway; that may be related to local activity of RELA and
      IL6. Besides, the study reveals that luteal cells under hypoxia activate HIF1A
      modulating luteal function and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. These data
      indicate that insulin regulates luteal cells' glucose disposal, participating in
      the maintenance and functionality of the corpus luteum.

PMID- 27679427
TI  - D-Shuttle project: measurement and comparison of individual doses of high school
      students.
AB  - In 2014, a team of high school students and teachers measured individual exposure
      doses using D-Shuttle dosimeters. In total, 216 students and teachers
      participated in the project, with the cooperation of 12 high schools in Japan
      (six from Fukushima Prefecture), four from France, eight from Poland, and two
      from Belarus. The participants wore the dosimeters for 2 weeks and recorded their
      locations in diary charts. The distribution of annual exposure doses for each
      school and region, estimated from the measured results, overlapped. It was
      concluded that the external exposure of high school students in Fukushima
      Prefecture was not markedly higher compared with that of students from other
      regions.

PMID- 27679428
TI  - Single-centre experience of the macrophage activation marker soluble (s)CD163 -
      associations with disease activity and treatment response in patients with
      autoimmune hepatitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is characterised by liver inflammation
      with reversibility upon anti-inflammatory treatment. Soluble (s)CD163, a specific
      macrophage activation marker, is associated with inflammation in other liver
      diseases, but never investigated in AIH. AIM: To investigate sCD163 in patients
      with acute AIH and in complete and incomplete responders to standard anti
      inflammatory pharmacotherapy, and during follow-up in treatment naive patients.
      METHODS: In a cross-sectional design, we studied 121 AIH patients (female/male
      89/32, median age 49 years); of these, we prospectively studied 10 treatment
      naive AIH patients during prednisolone treatment and tapering. Twenty patients
      had variant syndromes of AIH and primary biliary cholangitis or primary
      sclerosing cholangitis. sCD163 was compared with markers of disease activity,
      severity and treatment response. RESULTS: In the patients with acute AIH (n =
      21), sCD163 was sixfold increased compared with the normalised levels in patients
      (n = 32) with complete response to standard treatment [9.5 (3.3-28.8) vs. 1.6
      (0.8-3.2) mg/L, P < 0.01)], while the patients (n = 27) with incomplete response
      had higher sCD163 [2.2 (1.3-7.9), P < 0.05] than the complete responders. sCD163
      was positively associated with ALAT, IgG and bilirubin (rho: 0.45-0.59, P <
      0.001, all), and negatively to external coagulation factors (rho:-0.34, P <
      0.001). In the treatment naive patients, sCD163 fell during high-dose
      prednisolone treatment and tapering. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed
      increased CD163 expression in liver biopsies from patients with acute AIH.
      CONCLUSIONS: sCD163 was markedly elevated in AIH in the acute phase, normalised
      by successful treatment in complete responders, but remained higher in the
      incompletely responding cases. Our results demonstrate macrophage activation in
      AIH paralleling disease activity, severity and treatment response, suggesting a
      role for macrophage activation in AIH.

PMID- 27679429
TI  - Psychological Impact of Severe Obesity.
AB  - The causes of severe obesity are multifactorial and include metabolic, dietary,
      physical, and psychological aspects. Additionally, the impact of severe obesity
      affects more than one's physical health. This article attempts to explore the
      psychological impact of severe obesity specifically in the areas of mood, eating
      disorders, sleep disturbance, chronic pain, and quality of life. Additionally,
      obesity treatment options of lifestyle modification and bariatric surgery that
      include psychological assessment and/or cognitive behavioral intervention are
      discussed.

PMID- 27679430
TI  - Selecting caudal fusion levels: 2 year functional and stiffness outcomes with
      matched pairs analysis in multilevel fusion to L5 versus S1.
AB  - PURPOSE: Controversy persists as to whether to end multilevel thoracolumbar
      fusions caudally at L5 or S1. Some argue that stopping at L5 may preserve greater
      function, but there are few data comparing functional limitations due to lumbar
      stiffness in patients with fusion to L5 versus S1. The aim of this study was to
      evaluate whether patients undergoing multilevel thoracolumbar fusions with an L5
      caudal endpoint have a better lumbosacral function than patients with an S1
      caudal endpoint. METHODS: Patients undergoing successful thoracolumbar fusion of
      5 or more levels to L5 or S1, with solid fusion at 2 year follow-up, were
      examined from a single European center in addition to a multi-center North
      American database of 237 patients. In total, 40 patients with a distal stopping
      point of L5 were matched with a subset of 40 patients with a distal endpoint of
      S1 +/- pelvic fixation. The L5 and S1 groups were matched for the final Oswestry
      Disability Index (ODI), Sagittal Vertical Axis (SVA C7-S1), number of fusion
      levels, and age. Impacts of lumbar stiffness on function as measured by the
      Lumbar Stiffness Disability Index (LSDI) were compared using the conditional
      logistic regression. RESULTS: After matching, there was no significant difference
      between the S1 and L5 groups for the final ODI (29.22 +/- 21.6 for S1 versus
      29.21 +/- 21.7 for L5; p = 0.98), SVA (29.5 +/- 40.3 mm for S1 versus 33.7 +/-
      37.1 mm for L5; p = 0.97), mean age (61.6 +/- 11.0 years for S1 versus 58.3 +/-
      12.6 years for L5; p = 0.23), and number of fusion levels (9.7 +/- 3.3 levels for
      S1 versus 9.0 +/- 3 levels for L5; p = 0.34). The final 2-year postoperative LSDI
      scores were not significantly different between the S1 group (28.08 +/- 21.47)
      and L5 group (29.21 +/- 21.66) (hazard ratio 0.99, 95 % CI 0.97-1.03, p = 0.81).
      CONCLUSION: The analysis of patients with multilevel thoracolumbar fusions
      demonstrated that after minimum 2 year follow-up, self-reported functional
      impacts of lumbar stiffness were not significantly different between the patients
      with distal endpoints of L5 versus S1. The choice of distal fusion level of L5
      does not appear to retain sufficient spinal flexibility to substantially affect
      postoperative function. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

PMID- 27679431
TI  - Treating multi-level cervical disc disease with hybrid surgery compared to
      anterior cervical discectomy and fusion: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: The traditional surgical approach to treat multi-level cervical disc
      disease (mCDD) has been anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). There has
      been recent development of other surgical approaches to further improve clinical
      outcomes. Collectively, when elements of these different approaches are combined
      in surgery, it is known as hybrid surgery (HS) which remains a novel treatment
      option. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to compare the
      outcomes of HS versus ACDF for the treatment of mCDD. METHODS: Relevant articles
      were identified from six electronic databases from their inception to January
      2016. RESULTS: From 8 relevant studies identified, 169 patients undergoing HS
      were compared with 193 ACDF procedures. Operative time was greater after HS by 42
      min (p < 0.00001), with less intraoperative blood loss by 26 mL (p < 0.00001) and
      shorter return to work by 32 days (p < 0.00001). In terms of clinical outcomes,
      HS was associated with greater C2-C7 range of motion (ROM) preservation (p <
      0.00001) and less functional impairment (p = 0.008) after surgery compared to
      ACDF. There was no significant difference between HS and ACDF with respect to
      postoperative pain (p = 0.12). The postoperative course following HS was not
      significantly different to ACDF in terms of length of stay (p = 0.24) and
      postoperative complication rates (p = 0.18). CONCLUSIONS: HS is a novel surgical
      approach to treat mCDD, associated with a greater operative time, less
      intraoperative blood loss and comparable if not superior clinical outcomes
      compared to ACDF. While it remains a viable consideration, there is a lack of
      robust clinical evidence in the literature. Future large prospective registries
      and randomised trials are warranted to validate the findings of this study.

PMID- 27679432
TI  - Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor in the paraspinal region mimicking a
      benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor: a case report.
AB  - PURPOSE: Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors are extremely rare in the
      general population and display a predilection for metastasis to the lungs. Here,
      we present a rare case of a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor located in
      the paraspinal region and highlight the importance of preoperative biopsy in
      diagnosis of spinal epidural peripheral nerve sheath tumors. METHODS: We describe
      the clinical course of the patient as well as the radiological and pathological
      findings of the tumor. RESULTS: A 14-year-old girl presented with a six-month
      history of sacral pain. Occasionally she experienced left leg pain and abnormal
      gait. General physical examination revealed sensorial loss in the L5-S1 regions.
      T1-weighted sagittal MRI showed a hypointense oval mass and the contrast-enhanced
      T1-weighted axial MRI image showed heterogeneous enhancement of the tumor. On CT
      imaging, this tumor characteristically appears as a dumbbell-like mass with
      punctate calcification and widening L5-S1 intervertebral foramen. Complete
      resection was performed using an anterior approach. Intraoperative pathological
      examination revealed evidence of malignancy and subsequent immunohistochemical
      analysis of the tumor confirmed the diagnosis of MPNST. The postoperative course
      was uneventful and the patient has had significant improvement in her symptoms 1
      month postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative biopsy should be routinely
      performed for pathological differential diagnosis of spinal epidural PNSTs as
      well as surgical decision-making. Furthermore a combination of clinical
      manifestation, radiological findings and biopsy should also be pursued for
      diagnosing these tumors.

PMID- 27679433
TI  - Impact of Mean Cell Hemoglobin on Hb A1c-Defined Glycemia Status.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several hematological alterations are associated with altered
      hemoglobin A1c (Hb A1c). However, there have been no reports of their influence
      on the rates of exceeding standard Hb A1c thresholds by patients for whom Hb A1c
      determination is requested in clinical practice. METHODS: The initial data set
      included the first profiles (complete blood counts, Hb A1c, fasting glucose, and
      renal and hepatic parameters) of all adult patients for whom such a profile was
      requested between 2008 and 2013 inclusive. After appropriate exclusions, 21844
      patients remained in the study. Linear and logistic regression models were
      adjusted for demographic, hematological, and biochemical variables excluded from
      the predictors. RESULTS: Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular
      volume (MCV) correlated negatively with Hb A1c. Fasting glucose, MCH, and age
      emerged as predictors of Hb A1c in a stepwise regression that discarded sex,
      hemoglobin, MCV, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), serum
      creatinine, and liver disease. Mean Hb A1c in MCH interdecile intervals fell from
      6.8% (51 mmol/mol) in the lowest (<=27.5 pg) to 6.0% (43 mmol/mol) in the highest
      (>32.5 pg), with similar results for MCV. After adjustment for fasting glucose
      and other correlates of Hb A1c, a 1 pg increase in MCH reduced the odds of Hb A1c
      defined dysglycemia, diabetes and poor glycemia control by 10%-14%. CONCLUSIONS:
      For at least 25% of patients, low or high MCH or MCV levels are associated with
      increased risk of an erroneous Hb A1c-based identification of glycemia status.
      Although causality has not been demonstrated, these parameters should be taken
      into account in interpreting Hb A1c levels in clinical practice.

PMID- 27679434
TI  - Generation of Full-Length Class I Human Leukocyte Antigen Gene Consensus
      Sequences for Novel Allele Characterization.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Routine, high-resolution human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genotyping by
      next generation sequencing within clinical immunogenetics laboratories can now
      provide the full-length gene sequence characterization of fully phased HLA
      alleles. This powerful technique provides insights into HLA variation beyond the
      traditionally characterized antigen recognition domain, providing sequence
      annotation across the entire gene including untranslated and intronic regions and
      may be used to characterize novel alleles from massively parallel sequencing
      runs. METHODS: We evaluated the utility of the Omixon Holotype HLA assay to
      generate credible, fully phased full-length gene consensus sequences for 50
      individuals at major histocompatibility complex, class I, A (HLA-A), HLA-B, and
      HLA-C loci (300 genotyped alleles in total) to identify and characterize novel
      class I HLA alleles using our downstream analytical pipeline. RESULTS: Our
      analysis revealed that 7.7% (23/300) of genotyped class I HLA alleles contain
      novel polymorphisms. Interestingly, all of the novel alleles identified by our
      analysis were found to harbor sequence variations within intronic regions of the
      respective locus. In total our analysis identified 17 unique novel class I HLA
      alleles from 23 of the 300 genotyped alleles and generated full-length gene
      sequence annotations for 9 previously incompletely annotated HLA class I allele
      sequences derived from 14 of the 300 genotyped alleles. CONCLUSIONS: The
      demonstrated utility of the Omixon Holotype HLA assay in combination with our
      downstream analytical framework to generate fully phased, full-length gene
      consensus sequences for the identification and characterization of novel HLA
      alleles, facilitates the study of HLA polymorphism beyond the antigen recognition
      domain in human health and disease.

PMID- 27679436
TI  - The Use of Targeted Therapies for Precision Medicine in Oncology.

PMID- 27679435
TI  - Biological Variation of Hemostasis Variables in Thrombosis and Bleeding:
      Consequences for Performance Specifications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Levels of hemostasis factors vary between and within individuals as a
      result of genetic and environmental factors and analytical variation of the
      assays. The current state of the art for defining analytical precision
      requirements for analytical testing is based on this between- and within
      individual (biological) variation. However, information on biological variation
      in hemostasis variables is still limited.The aim of this study was to determine
      the biological variation of coagulation variables involved in thrombosis and
      bleeding to provide a recommendation for performance specifications and to assess
      whether hemostasis assays fulfill the recommendation. METHODS: We performed a
      longitudinal study by repeated blood sampling (in total 13 times over a 1-year
      period) in 40 healthy individuals and measured prothrombin time (PT), activated
      partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen, antithrombin, factor VIII, factor
      IX, von Willebrand factor (VWF), protein C, and protein S. We evaluated the
      effect of the biological variation on parameters of analytical variation and
      propose required performance specifications. RESULTS: Biological variation was
      highly different for various hemostasis variables: the within-subject variation
      ranged from 2.6% (PT) to 25.6% [VWF collagen binding (CB) activity], the between
      subject variation varied from 4.1% (PT) to 31.2% (VWF:ristocetin cofactor
      acitivity), and the assay variation from 1.3% (PT) to 12.9% (VWF:CB).
      CONCLUSIONS: With the reagents and analyzers used in this study, most of the
      hemostasis tests variables fulfill the current quality criteria for diagnosis and
      monitoring of routine hemostasis assays.

PMID- 27679437
TI  - In Silico and Wet Lab Studies Reveal the Cholesterol Lowering Efficacy of Lauric
      Acid, a Medium Chain Fat of Coconut Oil.
AB  - The coconut oil (CO) contains 91 % of saturated fatty acids in which 72 % are
      medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) like lauric, capric and caprylic acids. In
      contrast to animal fat, coconut oil has no cholesterol. Despite this fact, CO is
      sidelined among other vegetable oils due to the health hazards attributed to the
      saturated fatty acids. Though various medicinal effects of CO have been reported
      including the hypolipidemic activity, people are still confused in the
      consumption of this natural oil. In silico analyses and wet lab experiments have
      been carried out to identify the hypolipidemic properties of MCFAs and phenolic
      acids in CO by using different protein targets involved in cholesterol synthesis.
      The molecular docking studies were carried out using CDOCKER protocol in
      Accelery's Discovery Studio, by taking different proteins like HMG- CoA reductase
      and cholesterol esterase as targets and the different phytocompounds in coconut
      as ligands. Molecular docking highlighted the potential of lauric acid in
      inhibiting the protein targets involved in hyperlipidemics. Further, validation
      of in silico results was carried out through in vivo studies. The activity of key
      enzymes HMG- CoA reductase and lipoprotein lipase were found reduced in animals
      fed with lauric acid and CO.

PMID- 27679438
TI  - Quality and Antioxidant Activity of Buckwheat-Based Cookies Designed for a Raw
      Food Vegan Diet as Affected by Moderate Drying Temperature.
AB  - Buckwheat cookies with various ingredients for raw food vegan diet are usually
      prepared by soaking them in water at ambient temperature followed by drying at
      moderate temperature. The aim of this study was to examine the temperature effect
      on the microbiological quality, antioxidant properties and oxidative stability of
      lipids of final dried samples. The mixture of ingredients was soaked for 20 h in
      distilled water, and then cookies were formed and dried in air-forced oven at
      constant temperature in the range from 40 to 60  degrees C. Total viable counts,
      fungi, yeasts, coliform and aerobic spore-forming bacteria counts were evaluated
      in dried samples and were found to decrease during drying at 50 and 60  degrees
      C. Antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH and ABTS assays, and the former
      showed the highest value at 40  degrees C. Superoxide dismutase activity was also
      higher at 40  degrees C in comparison with that at 60  degrees C. The percentage
      of lipid peroxidation inhibition increased with the increase in drying
      temperature until 4th day of incubation. While peroxide value was significantly
      higher in samples dried at 40  degrees C, TBARS values did not show significant
      changes during the drying process. The results of this study suggest that drying
      buckwheat-based cookies at 40  degrees C retained their good antioxidant
      properties but represent a potentially serious microbial hazard.

PMID- 27679439
TI  - Fructans from Agave tequilana with a Lower Degree of Polymerization Prevent
      Weight Gain, Hyperglycemia and Liver Steatosis in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese
      Mice.
AB  - Fructans from agave have received specific attention because of their highly
      branched fructan content. We have previously reported that the degree of
      polymerization (dp) influences their biological activity. Therefore, the aim of
      this study was to investigate the effect of unfractionated and fractionated
      fructans (higher and lower dps) from Agave tequilana in high-fat diet-induced
      (HFD) obese mice. Fructans with a lower dp (HFD+ScF) decreased weight gain by 30
      %, body fat mass by 51 %, hyperglycemia by 25 % and liver steatosis by 40 %.
      Interestingly, unfractionated fructans (HFD+F) decreased glucose and
      triglycerides (TG), whereas fractionated fructans with a higher dp (HFD+LcF)
      decreased TG but not glucose; in contrast, HFD+ScF decreased glucose but not TG.
      Our findings suggest that both higher and lower dp agave fructans have
      complementary effects in metabolic disorders related to obesity. These findings
      may contribute to the development of improved food supplements with a specific
      ratio combination of fructans with different dps.

PMID- 27679441
TI  - Zinc, lead, and cadmium levels in serum and milk of lactating women in Ibadan,
      Nigeria.
AB  - Zinc (Zn) is known to interact with lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) reversing their
      toxicity and reducing their concentrations. However, lactating women are at high
      risk of developing Zn deficiency, which may result in Pb and Cd intoxication or
      increased exposure of breast-fed infants to Pb and Cd from breast milk. The aim
      of this study was to determine Zn, Pb, and Cd concentrations and examine their
      relationship in serum and breast milk of lactating women in Ibadan, Nigeria.
      Ninety-two lactating women were recruited into this study. Anthropometric
      measurements were assessed by standard methods while serum and breast milk
      concentrations of Zn, Pb, and Cd were assessed by atomic absorption
      spectrophotometry. Data analyzed statistically by Student's t test, Pearson's
      correlation coefficient, and a multiple regression model were significant at p <
      0.05. Zn deficiency was observed in 12 (17.1%) of lactating women. Breast milk
      levels of Zn, Pb, and Cd were significantly higher than their levels in serum,
      whereas the ratios Zn:Pb and Zn:Cd in milk were significantly less than serum
      ratios. Significant negative correlation was observed between milk Pb and serum
      Zn:Pb while milk Cd correlated positively with milk Zn. Significant positive
      correlations were observed between serum Zn and serum Zn:Pb, serum Zn and serum
      Zn:Cd, as well as serum Zn:Cd and serum Zn:Pb. Serum Cd and serum Zn were
      significantly negatively related. Significant negative correlations between serum
      Pb and serum Zn:Pb as well as milk Zn:Pb. Serum Cd and serum Zn:Pb as well as
      serum Zn:Cd correlated negatively. Milk Cd and Zn/Cd positively related with milk
      Pb while milk Zn was a negatively related with milk Pb in a multiple regression
      model ( R2 = 0.333; p = 0.023). Breast milk may be contaminated by toxic metals.
      However, Zn supplementation in deficient mothers may protect maternal and infant
      health.

PMID- 27679440
TI  - Antioxidant and Anticancer Activities of Walnut (Juglans regia L.) Protein
      Hydrolysates Using Different Proteases.
AB  - Walnut (Juglans regia L.) contains approximately 20-25 % protein with abundant
      essential amino acids. The enzymatic hydrolysate of Persian walnut (Chandler)
      seed proteins was prepared by incubation with three different proteases,
      including pancreatic chymotrypsin and trypsin, and a microbial enzyme proteinase
      K. The hydrolysates were found to possess excellent antioxidant capacities. The
      peptide fractions scavenged the 2, 2'-anizo-bis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic
      acid) (ABTS) free radicals and inhibited the activity of reactive oxygen species.
      Walnut protein hydrolysates were also tested, for the first time, against the
      viability of human breast (MDA-MB231) and colon (HT-29) cancer cell lines. MTT,
      [3-(4, 5dimethylthiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide], assay was used to
      assess in vitro cancer cell viability upon treatment with the peptide fractions.
      The peptide fractions showed cell growth inhibition of 63 +/- 1.73 % for breast
      cancer and 51 +/- 1.45 % for colon cancer cells. Thus, a direct correlation
      between antioxidant and anticancer activities of walnut peptide fractions exists
      and supports their potential therapeutic benefit.

PMID- 27679442
TI  - Pretreatment of Shaoyao Gancao Decoction () alters pharmacokinetics of
      intravenous paclitaxel in rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Shaoyao Gancao Decoction (, SGD) on the
      pharmacokinetics of intravenously administered paclitaxel in rats. METHODS:
      Paclitaxel was intravenously administered to rats (3 mg/kg) with or without the
      concomitant administration of SGD (752 mg/kg, a single day or 14 consecutive days
      pretreatment). The paclitaxel in the serum was quantified using a simple and
      rapid ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) method for the
      pharmacokinetic study. The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated via a non
      compartment model using the computer program DAS 2.0. RESULTS: The
      pharmacokinetic parameters of paclitaxel were significantly altered in response
      to 14 consecutive days of pretreatment with SGD. The area under the curve (AUC0
      t, from 4 820+/-197 to 4 205+/-186 ng.mL-1.-1) and AUC0-infinity (from 5 237+/
      280 to 4 514+/-210 ng.mL-1.-1) significantly decreased in response to the 14-day
      pretreatment with SGD. The values of Vdss (L/kg) were 10.74+/-1.08 and 9.35+/
      0.49, those of CL (L/kg) were 0.67+/-0.03 and 0.57+/-0.03 and the t1/2 (h) values
      were 11.17+/-0.84 and 11.32+/-0.93, respectively, for the 14-day SGD pretreatment
      and intravenous paclitaxel alone. The AUC0-t and AUC0-infinity values decreased
      by 13% and 14% (P<0.01), respectively. The area under the curve decreased
      signifificantly (P<0.01), and the total clearance increased by 1.2-fold (P<0.01),
      after 14 consecutive days of pretreatment with SGD. A single-day pretreatment
      with SGD did not signifificantly affect the pharmacokinetic parameters of
      paclitaxel. CONCLUSIONS: SGD administration for 14 consecutive days increased the
      metabolism of paclitaxel, while a 1-day pretreatment had little effect. The
      results would contribute important information to the study on interaction
      between Chinese medicines and chemotherapy and also help to utilize SGD better in
      the adjunctive therapy of cancer patients.

PMID- 27679443
TI  - Impact of acupuncture therapy in postoperative aortic dissection patients with
      cerebral infarction: A case study.

PMID- 27679444
TI  - Development of Mechanical and Failure Properties in Sheep Cerebral Arteries.
AB  - Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a devastating problem for people of all ages, but
      the nature of the response to such injury is often different in children than in
      adults. Cerebral vessel damage and dysfunction are common following TBI, but age
      dependent, large-deformation vessel response has not been characterized. Our
      objective was to investigate the mechanical properties of cerebral arteries as a
      function of development. Sheep middle cerebral arteries from four age groups
      (fetal, newborn, juvenile, and adult) were subjected to biaxial loading around
      physiological conditions and then to failure in the axial direction. Results show
      little difference among age groups under physiological loading conditions, but
      response varied significantly with age in response to large axial deformation.
      Vessels from all age groups reached the same ultimate stretch level, but the
      amount of stress carried at a given level of stretch increased significantly with
      age through the developmental period (fetal to juvenile). Our results are the
      first to identify changes in cerebral vessel response to large deformations with
      age and may lead to new insights regarding differences in response to TBI with
      age.

PMID- 27679445
TI  - PulmoStent: In Vitro to In Vivo Evaluation of a Tissue Engineered Endobronchial
      Stent.
AB  - Currently, there is no optimal treatment available for end stage tumour patients
      with airway stenosis. The PulmoStent concept aims on overcoming current hurdles
      in airway stenting by combining a nitinol stent with a nutrient-permeable
      membrane, which prevents tumour ingrowth. Respiratory epithelial cells can be
      seeded onto the cover to restore mucociliary clearance. In this study, a novel
      hand-braided dog bone stent was developed, covered with a polycarbonate urethane
      nonwoven and mechanically tested. Design and manufacturing of stent and cover
      were improved in an iterative process according to predefined requirements for
      permeability and mechanical properties and finally tested in a proof of concept
      animal study in sheep for up to 24 weeks. In each animal two stents were
      implanted, one of which was cell-seeded by endoscopic spraying in situ. We
      demonstrated the suitability of this membrane for our concept by glucose
      transport testing and in vitro culture of respiratory epithelial cells. In the
      animal study, no migration occurred in any of the twelve stents. There was only
      mild granulation tissue formation and tissue reaction; no severe mucus plugging
      was observed. Thus, the PulmoStent concept might be a step forward for palliative
      treatment of airway stenosis with a biohybrid stent device.

PMID- 27679447
TI  - Modeling and Optimization of Airbag Helmets for Preventing Head Injuries in
      Bicycling.
AB  - Bicycling is the leading cause of sports-related traumatic brain injury. Most of
      the current bike helmets are made of expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam and
      ultimately designed to prevent blunt trauma, e.g., skull fracture. However, these
      helmets have limited effectiveness in preventing brain injuries. With the
      availability of high-rate micro-electrical-mechanical systems sensors and high
      energy density batteries, a new class of helmets, i.e., expandable helmets, can
      sense an impending collision and expand to protect the head. By allowing softer
      liner medium and larger helmet sizes, this novel approach in helmet design
      provides the opportunity to achieve much lower acceleration levels during
      collision and may reduce the risk of brain injury. In this study, we first
      develop theoretical frameworks to investigate impact dynamics of current EPS
      helmets and airbag helmets-as a form of expandable helmet design. We compared our
      theoretical models with anthropomorphic test dummy drop test experiments. Peak
      accelerations obtained from these experiments with airbag helmets achieve up to
      an 8-fold reduction in the risk of concussion compared to standard EPS helmets.
      Furthermore, we construct an optimization framework for airbag helmets to
      minimize concussion and severe head injury risks at different impact velocities,
      while avoiding excessive deformation and bottoming-out. An optimized airbag
      helmet with 0.12 m thickness at 72 +/- 8 kPa reduces the head injury criterion
      (HIC) value to 190 +/- 25 at 6.2 m/s head impact velocity compared to a HIC of
      1300 with a standard EPS helmet. Based on a correlation with previously reported
      HIC values in the literature, this airbag helmet design substantially reduces the
      risks of severe head injury up to 9 m/s.

PMID- 27679446
TI  - Development of a Smart Pump for Monitoring and Controlling Intraocular Pressure.
AB  - Animal models of ocular hypertension are important for glaucoma research but come
      with experimental costs. Available methods of intraocular pressure (IOP)
      elevation are not always successful, the amplitude and time course of IOP changes
      are unpredictable and irreversible, and IOP measurement by tonometry is
      laborious. Here we present a novel system for monitoring and controlling IOP
      without these limitations. It consists of a cannula implanted in the anterior
      chamber of the eye, a pressure sensor that continually measures IOP, and a
      bidirectional pump driven by control circuitry that can infuse or withdraw fluid
      to hold IOP at user-desired levels. A portable version was developed for tethered
      use on rats. We show that rat eyes can be cannulated for months without causing
      significant anatomical or physiological damage although the animal and its eyes
      freely move. We show that the system measures IOP with <0.7 mmHg resolution and
      <0.3 mmHg/month drift and can maintain IOP within a user-specified window of
      desired levels for any duration necessary. We conclude that the system is ready
      for cage- or bench-side applications. The results lay the foundation for an
      implantable version that would give glaucoma researchers unprecedented knowledge
      and control of IOP in rats and potentially larger animals.

PMID- 27679448
TI  - Treatment Options for Urogenital Dysfunction in Parkinson's Disease.
AB  - OPINION STATEMENT: Urogenital dysfunction is commonly reported in Parkinson's
      disease (PD), and history taking and a bladder diary form the cornerstone of
      evaluation. The assessment of lower urinary tract (LUT) symptoms include
      urinalysis, ultrasonography, and urodynamic studies and help to evaluate
      concomitant urological pathologies such as benign prostate enlargement.
      Antimuscarinic medications are the first line treatment for overactive bladder
      (OAB) symptoms and solifenacin has been specifically studied in PD.
      Antimuscarininc drugs may exacerbate PD-related constipation and xerostomia, and
      caution is advised when using these medications in individuals where cognitive
      impairment is suspected. Desmopressin is effective for the management of
      nocturnal polyuria which has been reported to be common in PD. Intradetrusor
      injections of botulinum toxin have been shown to be effective for detrusor
      overactivity, however, are associated with the risk of urinary retention.
      Neuromodulation is a promising, minimally invasive treatment for PD-related OAB
      symptoms. Erectile dysfunction is commonly reported and first line treatments
      include phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. A patient-tailored approach is required
      for the optimal management of urogenital dysfunction in PD.

PMID- 27679449
TI  - A Firefly Algorithm-based Approach for Pseudo-Relevance Feedback: Application to
      Medical Database.
AB  - The difficulty of disambiguating the sense of the incomplete and imprecise
      keywords that are extensively used in the search queries has caused the failure
      of search systems to retrieve the desired information. One of the most powerful
      and promising method to overcome this shortcoming and improve the performance of
      search engines is Query Expansion, whereby the user's original query is augmented
      by new keywords that best characterize the user's information needs and produce
      more useful query. In this paper, a new Firefly Algorithm-based approach is
      proposed to enhance the retrieval effectiveness of query expansion while
      maintaining low computational complexity. In contrast to the existing literature,
      the proposed approach uses a Firefly Algorithm to find the best expanded query
      among a set of expanded query candidates. Moreover, this new approach allows the
      determination of the length of the expanded query empirically. Experimental
      results on MEDLINE, the on-line medical information database, show that our
      proposed approach is more effective and efficient compared to the state-of-the
      art.

PMID- 27679450
TI  - Genomic diversity of cercarial clones of Himasthla elongata (Trematoda,
      Echinostomatidae) determined with AFLP technique.
AB  - The aim of this study was to reveal genomic diversity formed during
      parthenogenetic reproduction of rediae of the trematode Himasthla elongata in its
      molluskan host Littorina littorea. We applied amplification fragment length
      polymorphism (AFLP) to determine the genomic diversity of individual cercariae
      within the clone, that is, the infrapopulation of parthenogenetic progeny in a
      single molluskan host. The level of genomic diversity of particular cercariae
      isolates from a single clone, detected with EcoR1/Mse1 AFLP reaction, was
      significantly lower than the variability of cercariae from different clones. The
      presence of intraclonal genomic diversity indicates a nonsexual shuffle of
      alleles during parthenogenesis in the rediae of H. elongata. The obtained
      polymorphic AFLP fragments were long enough to detect the sequences that may be
      responsible for clonal genomic variability. Based on this, AFLP can be
      recommended as a tool for the study of genetic mechanisms of this variability.

PMID- 27679451
TI  - History of schistosomiasis epidemiology, current status, and challenges in China:
      on the road to schistosomiasis elimination.
AB  - Schistosomiasis is a snail-borne disease caused by worms of the genus
      Schistosoma. Worldwide, human schistosomiasis remains a serious public health
      problem, threatening ~800 million people in 78 countries with a loss of 70
      million disability-adjusted life years. Schistosoma japonicum is the only human
      blood fluke that occurs in China. As one of the countries suffering greatly from
      schistosomiasis, over the past 65 years, China has made great strides in
      controlling schistosomiasis, blocking the transmission of S. japonicum in five
      provinces, remarkably reducing transmission intensities in the other seven
      endemic provinces, and China is currently preparing to move toward the
      elimination of this disease before 2025. However, while on the road to
      schistosomiasis elimination, emerging challenges merit attention, including
      severe advanced cases, increased movements of population and livestock, large
      area distribution of intermediate host snails, limitations of new drug
      developments and no vaccine available, as well as imported schistosomiasis and
      its potential risk.

PMID- 27679452
TI  - Traditional herbal remedies and dietary spices from Cameroon as novel sources of
      larvicides against filariasis mosquitoes?
AB  - In Cameroon, many dietary spices are used by traditional healers to cure several
      diseases such as cancer and microbial infections. Aframomum daniellii,
      Dichrostachys cinerea and Echinops giganteus are Cameroonian spices widely used
      as flavourings and as food additives. Moreover, they are traditionally herbal
      remedies employed to treat several diseases, as well as to control populations of
      insect pests. In this research, we analysed the chemical composition of A.
      daniellii, D. cinerea and E. giganteus essential oils and we evaluated their
      larvicidal potential against larvae of the filariasis and West Nile virus vector
      Culex quinquefasciatus. The essential oils were obtained from different plant
      parts by hydrodistillation and their composition was analysed by GC-MS. The three
      spices exhibited different volatile chemical profiles, being characterized by 1,8
      cineole, sabinene and beta-pinene (A. daniellii), geraniol and terpinen-4-ol (D.
      cinerea), and silphiperfol-6-ene and presilphiperfolan-8-ol (E. giganteus).
      Results showed that the highest larvicidal toxicity on Cx. quinquefasciatus was
      exerted by D. cinerea essential oil (LC50 = 39.1 MUL L-1), followed by A.
      daniellii (pericarp essential oil: LC50 = 65.5 MUL L-1; leaves: LC50 = 65.5MUL L
      1; seeds: LC50 = 106.5MUL L-1) and E. giganteus (LC50 = 227.4 MUL L-1). Overall,
      the chance to use the D. cinerea essential oil against Cx. quinquefasciatus young
      instars seems promising, since it is effective at moderate doses and could be an
      advantageous alternative to build newer mosquito control tools.

PMID- 27679454
TI  - The Chiari 3.5 malformation: a review of the only reported case.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In 1894, Giuseppe Muscatello described what we believe to be the
      only case of an occipitocervical encephalocele with a communication to the
      stomach. This case and its history and context compared to the Chiari 3
      malformation as described 3 years earlier by Hans Chiari are presented.
      CONCLUSIONS: Based on the uniqueness of this case, we propose the term Chiari 3.5
      malformation be used to describe its anatomical derailment.

PMID- 27679453
TI  - Surgical Management of Gynecomastia: Subcutaneous Mastectomy and Liposuction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The treatment of gynecomastia depends on multiple factors, and the
      best modality is controversial. In this study, we aimed to determine the best
      management approach by comparing outcomes of two groups of patients with
      gynecomastia who received subcutaneous mastectomy combined with liposuction and
      liposuction only. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 64 patients
      who underwent surgery for gynecomastia. We divided the patients into two groups:
      group A, patients who underwent liposuction only; and group B, patients who
      underwent liposuction and subcutaneous mastectomy. The serial photographs of all
      patients were clinically evaluated with respect to size, shape, scarring, and
      overall outcome by three plastic surgeons, and patient satisfaction was surveyed
      with regard to palpable lumps, size, shape, scarring, and overall outcome.
      RESULTS: Of the 64 subjects, 16 received liposuction only, and 48 received the
      combination procedure. A total of 125 breasts were involved. The doctors' scores
      for size and overall outcome were significantly better in the combination group,
      whereas scarring was better in the liposuction-only group. Similarly, patient
      satisfaction regarding size was significantly higher in the combination group,
      and satisfaction regarding scarring was significantly higher in the liposuction
      only group. The scores for scarring in the combination treatment group were
      acceptable. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that combination treatment with
      liposuction and subcutaneous mastectomy results in satisfactory outcomes,
      including the extent of scarring. We conclude that this combination treatment
      should be recommended as the standard surgical treatment for gynecomastia and can
      provide excellent results in cases where glandular tissue needs to be removed.
      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- 27679455
TI  - A longitudinal study of the SF-36 version 2 in Friedreich ataxia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The Medical Outcomes Study 36 item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36)
      is one of the most commonly used patient reported outcome measure. This study
      aimed to examine the relationship between SF-36 version 2 (SF-36V2) summary
      scores and Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) clinical characteristics, and to investigate
      the responsiveness of the scale, in comparison with the Friedreich Ataxia Rating
      Scale (FARS), over 1, 2 and 3 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Descriptive
      statistics were used to examine the characteristics of the cohort at baseline and
      years 1, 2 and 3. Correlations between FRDA clinical characteristics and SF-36V2
      summary scores were reported. Responsiveness was measured using paired t tests.
      RESULTS: We found significant correlations between the physical component summary
      (PCS) of the SF-36V2 and various FRDA clinical parameters but none for the mental
      component summary. No significant changes in the SF-36V2 were seen over 1 or 2
      years; however, PCS scores at Year 3 were significantly lower than at baseline (
      3.3, SD [7.6], P=.01). FARS scores were found to be significantly greater at
      Years 1, 2 and 3 when compared to baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest
      that despite physical decline, individuals with FRDA have relatively stable
      mental well-being. This study demonstrates that the SF-36V2 is unlikely to be a
      useful tool for identifying clinical change in FRDA therapeutic trials.

PMID- 27679456
TI  - Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) around tea processing industries using
      high-sulfur coals.
AB  - In the present investigation, the concentrations of polycyclic aromatic
      hydrocarbons (PAHs) associated with PM2.5, PM10 and dust particles emitted from
      two tea processing industrial units were studied that uses high-sulfur coal as
      their energy source. A total of 16 PAHs (viz. naphthalene (Nap), acenaphthene
      (Ace), acenaphthylene (Acen), phenanthrene (Phe), fluorene (Flu), anthracene
      (Ant), fluoranthene (Fluo), pyrene (Pyr), benz[a]anthracene (BaA), chrysene
      (Chry), benzo[b]fluoranthene (BbF), benzo[k]fluoranthene (BkF), benzo[a]pyrene
      (BaP), dibenz[a,h]anthracene (DBahA), indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene (IP) and
      benzo[ghi]perylene (BghiP) were measured. The total PAH concentration was found
      to be 94.7 ng/m3 (?4 PAHs) in the PM10 particle, 32.5 (?12 PAHs) in PM2.5 and
      1.08 ng/m3 (?6 PAHs) in the dust sample from site A. In site B, the sum of the
      PAHs in the PM2.5, PM10 and dust samples are found to be 154.4 ng/m3 (?7 PAHs),
      165 ng/m3 (?3 PAHs) and 1.27 ng/m3 (?6 PAHs), respectively. Hybrid Single
      Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory model study revealed the contribution
      of local or long-range transport of aerosol sources. Along with the coal
      combustion activities in the study sites, other sources such as biomass burning
      and vehicular emission may contribute to the PAHs in the aerosol samples.

PMID- 27679457
TI  - Eavesdropping on cooperative communication within an ant-butterfly mutualism.
AB  - Signalling is necessary for the maintenance of interspecific mutualisms but is
      vulnerable to exploitation by eavesdropping. While eavesdropping of intraspecific
      signals has been studied extensively, such exploitation of interspecific signals
      has not been widely documented. The juvenile stages of the Australian lycaenid
      butterfly, Jalmenus evagoras, form an obligate association with several species
      of attendant ants, including Iridomyrmex mayri. Ants protect the caterpillars and
      pupae, and in return are rewarded with nutritious secretions. Female and male
      adult butterflies use ants as signals for oviposition and mate searching,
      respectively. Our experiments reveal that two natural enemies of J. evagoras,
      araneid spiders and braconid parasitoid wasps, exploit ant signals as cues for
      increasing their foraging and oviposition success, respectively. Intriguingly,
      selection through eavesdropping is unlikely to modify the ant signal.

PMID- 27679458
TI  - Diethylaminoethyl Sepharose (DEAE-Sepharose) microcolumn for enrichment of
      glycopeptides.
AB  - N-Glycosylation is one of the most prevalent protein post-translational
      modifications and is involved in many biological processes, such as protein
      folding, cellular communications, and signaling. Alteration of N-glycosylation is
      closely related to the pathogenesis of diseases. Thus, the investigation of
      protein N-glycosylation is crucial for the diagnosis and treatment of disease. In
      this research, we applied diethylaminoethanol (DEAE) Sepharose solid-phase
      extraction microcolumns for N-glycopeptide enrichment. This method integrated the
      advantages of Click Maltose and zwitterionic HILIC (ZIC-HILIC) and showed a
      relatively higher specificity for N-glycosylated peptides. This strategy was then
      applied to tryptic digests of normal human serum, followed by deglycosylation
      using peptide-N-glycosidase F (PNGase F) in H218O. Subsequent LC-MS/MS analysis
      allowed for the assignment of 219 N-glycosylation sites from 115 serum N
      glycoproteins. This study provides an alternative approach for N-glycopeptide
      enrichment and the method employed is effective for large-scale N-glycosylation
      site identification. Graphical abstract Proposed mechanism of glycopeptides
      enrichment using DEAE-Sepharose.

PMID- 27679459
TI  - A decade of natalizumab and PML: Has there been a tacit transfer of risk
      acceptance?
AB  - The interplay between each of the stakeholder's responsibilities and desires
      clearly has resulted in continued widespread use of natalizumab with substantial
      risks and an ongoing quest for better risk mitigation. In the United States,
      regulatory actions codified the process of risk acceptance-and risk transfer-by
      escalating monitoring and information transfer to physicians and patients.
      Management of medication-related risks is a core function of regulatory agencies
      such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Medicines Agency (EMA),
      and the medical community. The interaction among stakeholders in medicine,
      pharma, regulatory bodies, physicians, and patients, sometimes has changed
      without overt review and discussion. Such is the case for natalizumab, an
      important and widely used disease-modifying therapy for multiple sclerosis. A
      rather silent but very considerable shift, effectively transferring increased
      risk for progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) to the physicians and
      patients, has occurred in the past decade. We believe this changed risk should be
      clearly recognized and considered by all the stakeholders.

PMID- 27679460
TI  - Gadopentetate but not gadobutrol accumulates in the dentate nucleus of multiple
      sclerosis patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies have postulated an association between dentate
      nucleus T1 hyperintensity and multiple sclerosis (MS)-related progressive
      neurodegeneration. Therefore, MS patients have been excluded from most studies
      investigating brain deposition of gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs).
      OBJECTIVE: To study the hypothesis that dentate nucleus T1 hyperintensity in MS
      patients is associated with GBCA administration. METHODS: In a cohort of 97 MS
      patients, the dentate-to-pons signal intensity ratio (DPSIR) was calculated for
      265 consecutive T1-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) scans (including sessions
      with and without the administration of GBCA). Patients exclusively received
      either gadopentetate dimeglumine (Gd-DTPA, linear) or gadobutrol (Gd-BT-DO3A,
      macrocyclic). RESULTS: In patients receiving Gd-DTPA, DPSIR increased
      significantly between the first and the last scan (+0.009, p < 0.001), and
      following magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with Gd-DTPA administration as
      compared to following an MRI without Gd-DTPA administration (+0.005 vs -0.001; p
      = 0.022). Additionally, there was a positive linear relationship between the
      number of Gd-DTPA administrations and the increase in DPSIR ( p = 0.017). No
      DPSIR increase was observed after Gd-BT-DO3A administration. CONCLUSION: Dentate
      nucleus T1 hyperintensity in MS patients is associated with Gd-DTPA (but not Gd
      BT-DO3A) administration, suggesting an alternative explanation for the
      association of T1 hyperintensity with disease duration and severity.

PMID- 27679461
TI  - Overlapping Group Logistic Regression with Applications to Genetic Pathway
      Selection.
AB  - Discovering important genes that account for the phenotype of interest has long
      been a challenge in genome-wide expression analysis. Analyses such as gene set
      enrichment analysis (GSEA) that incorporate pathway information have become
      widespread in hypothesis testing, but pathway-based approaches have been largely
      absent from regression methods due to the challenges of dealing with overlapping
      pathways and the resulting lack of available software. The R package grpreg is
      widely used to fit group lasso and other group-penalized regression models; in
      this study, we develop an extension, grpregOverlap, to allow for overlapping
      group structure using a latent variable approach. We compare this approach to the
      ordinary lasso and to GSEA using both simulated and real data. We find that
      incorporation of prior pathway information can substantially improve the accuracy
      of gene expression classifiers, and we shed light on several ways in which
      hypothesis-testing approaches such as GSEA differ from regression approaches with
      respect to the analysis of pathway data. 

PMID- 27679463
TI  - Comparison of Personal Resources in Patients Who Differently Estimate the Impact
      of Multiple Sclerosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Discrepancies between physicians' assessment and patients' subjective
      representations of the disease severity may influence physician-patient
      communication and management of a chronic illness, such as multiple sclerosis
      (MS). For these reasons, it is important to recognize factors that distinguish
      patients who differently estimate the impact of MS. PURPOSE: The purpose of this
      study was to verify if the patients who overestimate or underestimate the impact
      of MS differ in their perception of personal resources from individuals
      presenting with a realistic appraisal of their physical condition. METHODS: A
      total of 172 women and 92 men diagnosed with MS completed Multiple Sclerosis
      Impact Scale, University of Washington Self Efficacy Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem
      Scale, Body Esteem Scale, Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire, Treatment
      Beliefs Scale, Actually Received Support Scale, and Socioeconomic resources
      scale. Physician's assessment of health status was determined with Expanded
      Disability Status Scale. RESULTS: Linear regression analysis was conducted to
      identify the subsets of patients with various patterns of subjective health and
      Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores. Patients overestimating the
      impact of their disease presented with significantly lower levels of self-esteem,
      self-efficacy in MS, and body esteem; furthermore, they perceived their condition
      more threatening than did realists and underestimators. They also assessed anti
      MS treatment worse, had less socioeconomic resources, and received less support
      than underestimators. Additionally, underestimators presented with significantly
      better perception of their disease, self, and body than did realists. CONCLUSION:
      Self-assessment of MS-related symptoms is associated with specific perception of
      personal resources in coping with the disease. These findings may facilitate
      communication with patients and point to new directions for future research on
      adaptation to MS.

PMID- 27679462
TI  - Sleep Habits and Susceptibility to Upper Respiratory Illness: the Moderating Role
      of Subjective Socioeconomic Status.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sleep is a predictor of infectious illness that may depend on one's
      socioeconomic status (SES). PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the
      moderating effects of objective and subjective SES on sleep-clinical cold risk
      link and test whether nasal inflammation serves as a plausible biological
      pathway. METHODS: This study combined data (n = 732) from three viral challenge
      studies. Measures of self-reported sleep and objective and subjective measures of
      SES were obtained. Participants were quarantined and administrated rhinovirus
      (RV) or influenza virus and monitored over 5 (RV) or 6 (influenza) days for the
      development of a cold. Symptom severity, including mucus production and nasal
      clearance time, and levels of nasal cytokines (interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1beta)
      were measured prior to administration and each day during the quarantined period.
      RESULTS: Subjective SES, but not objective SES, moderated associations between
      shorter sleep duration and increased likelihood of a clinical cold. Compared to
      >=8-hour sleepers, <=6-hour sleepers with low subjective SES were at increased
      risk for developing a cold (OR = 2.57, 95% CI 1.10-6.02). There was no
      association between sleep duration and colds in high subjective SES participants.
      Among infected individuals who reported low subjective SES, shorter sleep
      duration was associated with greater mucus production. There was no evidence that
      markers of nasal inflammation mediated the link between sleep duration and cold
      susceptibility among those reporting low subjective SES. CONCLUSION: Subjective
      SES may reflect an important social factor for understanding vulnerability to and
      protection against infectious illness among short sleepers.

PMID- 27679465
TI  - Carcinosarcoma of the ampulla of Vater: a case report and literature review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Carcinosarcoma of the ampulla of Vater is extremely rare, and to the
      best of our knowledge, this is the third reported study. CASE PRESENTATION: The
      patient was a 73-year-old man, who presented with a chief complaint of dark
      urine. After a work-up, we suspected duodenal papillary cancer and performed a
      subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy with lymph node dissection.
      Immunohistochemically, the sarcomatous atypical cells were diffusely positive for
      cytokeratin AE1&3 and vimentin and focally positive for alpha-smooth muscle
      actin; these cells were also negative for desmin, CD34, DOG1, c-kit, and S100.
      From these findings, we diagnosed the patient with so-called carcinosarcoma.
      There was no lymph node metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: Carcinosarcoma of the ampulla of
      Vater has a poor prognosis, and lymph node metastases are often seen. For the
      complete cure of carcinosarcoma of the ampulla of Vater, resection with the
      dissection of the lymph nodes may be necessary.

PMID- 27679466
TI  - Spontaneous biliary peritonitis with common bile duct stones: report of a case.
AB  - Spontaneous biliary peritonitis is rare in adults. We herein report a case of
      spontaneous biliary peritonitis. An 84-year-old man was admitted to our hospital
      for abdominal pain for 5 days. He developed fever, jaundice, and abdominal
      rigidity. Computed tomography (CT) revealed massive ascites in the omental bursa
      and around the liver. The ascites obtained by diagnostic paracentesis was dark
      yellow-green in color, which implied bile leakage. With a diagnosis of bile
      peritonitis, the patient underwent emergency exploratory laparotomy. There was
      massive biliary ascites in the abdominal cavity, especially in the omental bursa.
      Because exploration failed to demonstrate the perforation site in the gallbladder
      and biliary duct, we performed abdominal lavage alone. Postoperative endoscopic
      retrograde cholangiopancreatography showed stones in the common bile duct, and
      there was no evidence of biliary leakage. Endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage
      was performed using a plastic stent to reduce the pressure of the common bile
      duct. After the operation, the patient showed satisfactory recovery and started
      oral intake on postoperative day 8. However, the patient developed heart failure
      due to renal dysfunction with nephrotic syndrome at 1 month after the operation.
      With a diagnosis of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis due to immune complex,
      the patient received steroid treatment for nephritis, diuretics, and carperitide
      for heart failure. Although heart failure and renal dysfunction improved by these
      treatment, the patients developed toxic epidermal necrolysis which was refractory
      to intensive treatments including steroid pulse and immunoglobulin, and the
      patient died 76 days after the operation. 

PMID- 27679464
TI  - Attachment Orientations, Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia, and Stress Are Important
      for Understanding the Link Between Childhood Socioeconomic Status and Adult Self
      Reported Health.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Low childhood socioeconomic status (SES) is reliably associated with
      poor adult health. Social environments early in life and physiological stress
      responses are theorized to underlie this link; however, the role of attachment
      orientations is relatively unknown. PURPOSE: In this study, we examined whether
      attachment orientations (i.e., attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance) and
      self-reported stress were mediators of the association between childhood SES and
      self-reported health in adulthood. Furthermore, we examined whether
      parasympathetic nervous system functioning was a moderator of associations
      between attachment orientations and self-reported stress. METHODS: Participants
      (N = 213) provided self-reports of childhood SES, attachment orientations,
      general stress, and self-rated health. Respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) was
      measured at rest, as well as during an acute social stressor. RESULTS: Low
      childhood SES was associated with poor self-reported health via the serial
      pathway from attachment anxiety to general stress. Moreover, attachment avoidance
      was associated with self-reported health via general stress, but only among those
      with high stress-induced RSA. Findings were independent of participant age, sex,
      race, body mass index, baseline RSA, and adult SES. CONCLUSIONS: Attachment
      theory is useful for understanding why those from low SES backgrounds are at
      greater risk of negative health outcomes in adulthood. Findings extend our
      knowledge of how interpersonal relationships in childhood can shape emotional and
      physical health outcomes in adulthood.

PMID- 27679467
TI  - A Social History of Ascariasis in the 1960s Korea : From a Norm to a Shameful
      Disease.
AB  - Until the 1950s, Ascaris was regarded as an essential part of life which controls
      every aspect of human physiology among Koreans. Therefore, Ascaris should not be
      removed from human body. Efforts from medical professionals and the Korean
      government officials who wished to push forward the parasite control program, had
      to constantly contest with this perception of Ascaris among ordinary Koreans. In
      1966, the 'Parasitic Disease Prevention Act' was promulgated and 'the Korean
      Association for Parasite Eradication (KAPE)' established in Korea. From the
      1970s, Korea mobilized 15 million people each year to achieve the eradication
      goal. Such mass mobilization could not be possible without public awareness on
      necessity of parasite eradication. Until the early 1960s, however, Korean people
      were not sympathetic to the needs of eradication of parasites, especially that of
      Ascaris. Then, what changed the social perception towards Ascaris during the
      1960s? What contributing factors allowed the mass mobilization and public
      involvement for that campaign? Employing newspaper articles and periodicals, this
      paper analyzes how social perception on Ascariasis changed during the 1960s, when
      the 'Parasitic Disease Prevention Act' was established. During the 1960s,
      Ascariasis became a shameful disease for Koreans. A series of events made
      Ascariasis more visible and shameful to Koreans. First event happened with Korean
      miners who were dispatched to Germany in 1963. When the miners turned out to have
      been infected with intestinal parasites, they were prohibited from work at the
      mines by the authorities in Germany and quarantined for several weeks. This
      humiliating experience of Korean expatriate people having bodies swarmed with
      parasites became a national shame to Koreans. The parasite infected bodies of
      Korean workers were revealed to the World through German newspapers. Second event
      happened when a child died of intestinal obstruction due to Ascariasis. The
      doctor retrieved 1,063 Ascaris from the bowel of the 9 year-old girl, and the
      photo of the 1,063 worms was published in several newspapers. It was a shocking
      visualization of Ascariasis in Korean society. Through these visualizations of
      Ascariasis, the Korean society began to perceive Ascariasis as a shame of the
      nation as well as that of an individual.

PMID- 27679468
TI  - The Food Hygiene Institutionalization of Park Junghee Government in 1960s.
AB  - This article investigates the historical background and distinctive
      characteristics of the Korean food hygiene policy during the 1960s. The 3 main
      findings of this study are as follows. First, Food Sanitation Law in the 1960s
      was established too hastily and thus mistakenly accommodated two discordant laws
      as American style law and empire of Japan style law. The legislation of Food
      Sanitation Law was progressed too quickly for the justification purpose of 5.16
      military coup, as one of reorganization tasks of the Korean legal structure
      established under Japanese imperialism, Second, a division in charge of food
      hygiene in the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs was newly installed in 1967,
      as an outcome reflecting a variety of social demand, at least, minimally.
      Rongalite shock in Korea prompted diverse suggestions for preventing unfortunate
      accidents from toxic and harmful food. However, Korean Government did not provide
      the division with necessary budget and manpower to implement relevant
      regulations. Third, "the special law against health crimes" legislated in 1969,
      was characterized by severe punishment policy which might be performed afterward
      but not by protective measures against accidents in advance. The law enabled
      regulators to punish corrupt dealers up to life sentence. For the constitutional
      amendment for President for the third term, Park Chung-hee's regime tried to calm
      down the complaints of people. In sum, the regulations of Korean food hygiene in
      the 1960s were identified as government practices using an interesting
      combination of low costs and severe punishments.

PMID- 27679469
TI  - Cooperation and Conflict: Faction Problem of Western Medicine Group in Modern
      China.
AB  - After the defeat of the Opium War and the Sino-Japanese War, China's
      intellectuals realized necessity of modernization (Westernization) to survive in
      the imperial order of the survival of the fittest. In particular, it was urgent
      to accept Western medicine and train the doctors who learned Western medicine to
      change the sick and weary Chinese to be robust. Thus, new occupations of the
      Western Medicine Group (xiyi, doctors who learned Western medicine) emerged in
      China. As with the first profession, the new Western Medicine Group tried to
      define standards of Western medicine and medical profession; however, it was
      difficult in the absence of the strong central government. In addition, they
      formed a faction by the country where they studied or the language they learned.
      The factions included the Britain - America faction(yingmeipai) consisting of the
      Britain - America studied doctors or graduates from Protestant missions based
      medical schools, and the Germany - Japan faction(deripai), graduates from medical
      schools by Japanese or German government and the Chinese government. In 1915,
      they founded the National Medical Association of China mainly consisting of the
      Britain - America faction and the National Medical and Pharmaceutical Association
      of China led by the Germany - Japan faction. Initially, exchanges were active so
      most of eminent doctors belonged the two associations at the same time. They had
      a consciousness of a common occupation group as a doctor who had learned Western
      medicine. Thus, they actively cooperated to keep their profits against Chinese
      medicine and enjoy their reputation. Their cooperation emitted light particularly
      in translation of medical terms and unified works. Thanks to cooperation, the two
      associations selected medical terminologies by properly using the cases of the
      West and Japan. Additionally, medical schools of the Britain - America faction
      and the Germany - Japan faction produced various levels of the Western Medicine
      Group doctors for China to timely respond to the rapidly increased demand.
      However, a conflict over the promotion of hygiene administration and the
      unification, organization of medical education did not end. This conflict was
      deepening as the Nanjing nationalist government promoted sanitary administration.
      It was the Britain - America faction who seized a chance of victory. It was
      because figures from the Britain - America faction held important positions in
      the hygiene department. Of course, some related to the National Medical and
      Pharmaceutical Association of China were also involved in the hygiene department;
      however, most took charge of simple technical tasks, not having a significant
      impact on hygiene administration. To solve the problem of factions of the Western
      Medicine Group, the Britain - America faction or the Germany - Japan faction had
      to arrange the education system with a strong power, or to organize a new
      association of two factions mixed, as in Chinese faction(zhonghuapai). But an
      effort of the Britain - America faction to unify the systems of medical schools
      did not reach the Germany - Japan faction's medical schools. Additionally, from
      1928, executives of the two Chinese medical associations discussed their merger;
      however they could not agree because of practitioners'interests involved.
      Substantially, a conflict between factions of the Western Medicine Group
      continued even until the mid-1930s. This implies that the then Chinese government
      had a lack of capacity of uniting and organizing the medical community.

PMID- 27679470
TI  - The Perception of Ginseng in England and America, 1600-1800.
AB  - This paper aims to redress serious imbalances in the research on ginseng. Most
      accounts of ginseng treat it as an exclusively East Asian commodity, and are
      dominated by the natural sciences. Ginseng, however, was much discussed in
      England and America in the early modern period: the discussion encompassed not
      only botanical and medical interests, but also discourses on the commercial
      marketability of ginseng; ginseng was also an item that embodied European
      prejudices, symbolizing perceived 'differences' between the West and East. As
      such, ginseng was an 'indigenous' item of 'the East' that was much discussed in
      'the West', but one that resisted assimilation into its systems of knowledge.

PMID- 27679471
TI  - Adalimumab effectiveness in Behcet's disease: short and long-term data from a
      multicenter retrospective observational study.
AB  - Our aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of adalimumab (ADA) during a 24-month
      study period in patients affected with Behcet's disease (BD). Clinical and
      therapeutic data from 100 consecutive BD patients treated with ADA were
      retrospectively collected and statistically analyzed. At 12-week follow-up, ADA
      induced clinical efficacy in 81 patients, with a mean time to response of 7.63 +/
      3.43 weeks; 25 (30.9 %) patients underwent a disease relapse after 22.17 +/-
      1.57 months, but treatment adjustments allowed a recovery of efficacy in 11
      cases. At 24-month follow-up, 67/100 patients were still on ADA therapy despite
      concomitant treatments. No differences were identified between ADA monotherapy
      and co-treatment with DMARDs about efficacy (p = 0.09), time to response (p =
      0.61), relapses (p = 0.36), and ADA discontinuation (p = 0.40). No differences
      existed in patients switched from other tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha
      inhibitors about efficacy at 12 weeks (p = 0.13) and rapidity of response (p =
      0.93) while relapses (p = 0.01) and ADA discontinuation at 24 months (p = 0.001)
      were significantly more common. Adverse events occurred in 10 patients. ADA
      confirmed its effectiveness in BD. Combination therapy with DMARDs seems not
      significantly superior to monotherapy. Frequency and time to response for ADA was
      not conditioned by a previous lack or loss of efficacy to other TNF-alpha
      inhibitors, but long-term loss of efficacy seemed more likely in patients
      switched from other anti-TNF agents.

PMID- 27679472
TI  - Discontinuing colchicine in symptomatic carriers for MEFV (Mediterranean FeVer)
      variants.
AB  - Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is inherited autosomal recessively; however,
      heterozygotes may express FMF phenotype. We aimed to define the characteristics
      of FMF patients heterozygous for MEFV (MEditerranean FeVer) mutations in whom
      colchicine was stopped after a period of treatment, with close follow-up. We
      reviewed the charts of 182 children who were heterozygous for MEFV variants. We
      excluded the patients (n = 34) heterozygous for MEFV variants of unknown
      significance and patients with typical periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis,
      pharyngitis, and cervical adenitis syndrome (n = 2). All patients were followed
      up with their routine analysis and serum amyloid A levels every 6 months while on
      colchicine treatment and every 3-6 months thereafter. MEFV gene variant analysis
      was performed with Sanger sequencing. Twenty-two out of 146 heterozygotes
      initially had FMF phenotype, but colchicine was discontinued after a treatment
      period. The most common MEFV variant was M694V (86.3 %). The median age at
      diagnosis/initiation of colchicine was 76 (24-144) months. The median duration of
      colchicine treatment was 36 (24-110) months. The median age at colchicine
      cessation was 120 (55-172) months. At the time of colchicine cessation, the
      median attack- and inflammation-free period was 27 (24-84) months. The median
      follow-up after colchicine cessation was 22.5 (6-102) months. We re-started
      colchicine in only two patients because of recurrence of symptoms. Individuals
      with one mutation only can display FMF phenotype and require colchicine for the
      clinical and laboratory inflammation. However, in some of these patients,
      colchicine may be discontinued with very careful follow-up.

PMID- 27679473
TI  - Bone edema of the whole vertebral body: an unusual case of spondyloarthritis.
AB  - Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is usually characterized by early inflammatory
      involvement of the sacroiliac joints (SI), which constitutes one of the most
      important classification criteria according to the SpondyloArthritis
      International Society (ASAS). These criteria do not include inflammatory spine
      lesions which can be detected on MRI, although spine involvement is very common
      in axial SpA. This is because spine MRI lesion often retrieved in SpA are not
      very specific, and can be found in many other diseases such as malignancy and
      osteoarthritis. Here we present the case of a 33-year old woman who presented a
      worsening low back pain, with a thoracic spine MRI showing bone marrow edema
      (BME) of the whole T8 vertebral body. Owing to this peculiar presentation,
      together with the unresponsiveness of the pain to nonsteroidal anti inflammatory
      drugs (NSAIDs) and a slight increase of the biomarker CA19-9, a malignancy was
      suspected. Therefore, the patient underwent bone scintigraphy, Single positron
      emission computed tomography (SPET/TC), positron emission tomography and repeated
      MRI without reaching a diagnosis. Finally, when SI joints MRI was performed, BME
      of the SI joints emerged: this was fundamental to formulate the diagnosis of
      axSpA.

PMID- 27679474
TI  - hLARP7 C-terminal domain contains an xRRM that binds the 3' hairpin of 7SK RNA.
AB  - The 7SK small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) sequesters and inactivates the
      positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb), an essential eukaryotic mRNA
      transcription factor. The human La-related protein group 7 (hLARP7) is a
      constitutive component of the 7SK snRNP and localizes to the 3' terminus of the
      7SK long noncoding RNA. hLARP7, and in particular its C-terminal domain (CTD), is
      essential for 7SK RNA stability and assembly with P-TEFb. The hLARP7 N-terminal
      La module binds and protects the 3' end from degradation, but the structural and
      functional role of its CTD is unclear. We report the solution NMR structure of
      the hLARP7 CTD and show that this domain contains an xRRM, a class of atypical
      RRM first identified in the Tetrahymena thermophila telomerase LARP7 protein p65.
      The xRRM binds the 3' end of 7SK RNA at the top of stem-loop 4 (SL4) and
      interacts with both unpaired and base-paired nucleotides. This study confirms
      that the xRRM is general to the LARP7 family of proteins and defines the binding
      site for hLARP7 on the 7SK RNA, providing insight into function.

PMID- 27679477
TI  - COEXPEDIA: exploring biomedical hypotheses via co-expressions associated with
      medical subject headings (MeSH).
AB  - The use of high-throughput array and sequencing technologies has produced
      unprecedented amounts of gene expression data in central public depositories,
      including the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). The immense amount of expression
      data in GEO provides both vast research opportunities and data analysis
      challenges. Co-expression analysis of high-dimensional expression data has proven
      effective for the study of gene functions, and several co-expression databases
      have been developed. Here, we present a new co-expression database, COEXPEDIA
      (www.coexpedia.org), which is distinctive from other co-expression databases in
      three aspects: (i) it contains only co-functional co-expressions that passed a
      rigorous statistical assessment for functional association, (ii) the co
      expressions were inferred from individual studies, each of which was designed to
      investigate gene functions with respect to a particular biomedical context such
      as a disease and (iii) the co-expressions are associated with medical subject
      headings (MeSH) that provide biomedical information for anatomical, disease, and
      chemical relevance. COEXPEDIA currently contains approximately eight million co
      expressions inferred from 384 and 248 GEO series for humans and mice,
      respectively. We describe how these MeSH-associated co-expressions enable the
      identification of diseases and drugs previously unknown to be related to a gene
      or a gene group of interest.

PMID- 27679476
TI  - H3K9me3 demethylase Kdm4d facilitates the formation of pre-initiative complex and
      regulates DNA replication.
AB  - DNA replication is tightly regulated to occur once and only once per cell cycle.
      How chromatin, the physiological substrate of DNA replication machinery,
      regulates DNA replication remains largely unknown. Here we show that histone H3
      lysine 9 demethylase Kdm4d regulates DNA replication in eukaryotic cells.
      Depletion of Kdm4d results in defects in DNA replication, which can be rescued by
      the expression of H3K9M, a histone H3 mutant transgene that reverses the effect
      of Kdm4d on H3K9 methylation. Kdm4d interacts with replication proteins, and its
      recruitment to DNA replication origins depends on the two pre-replicative complex
      components (origin recognition complex [ORC] and minichromosome maintenance [MCM]
      complex). Depletion of Kdm4d impairs the recruitment of Cdc45, proliferating cell
      nuclear antigen (PCNA), and polymerase delta, but not ORC and MCM proteins. These
      results demonstrate a novel mechanism by which Kdm4d regulates DNA replication by
      reducing the H3K9me3 level to facilitate formation of pre-initiative complex.

PMID- 27679478
TI  - Influenza Research Database: An integrated bioinformatics resource for influenza
      virus research.
AB  - The Influenza Research Database (IRD) is a U.S. National Institute of Allergy and
      Infectious Diseases (NIAID)-sponsored Bioinformatics Resource Center dedicated to
      providing bioinformatics support for influenza virus research. IRD facilitates
      the research and development of vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics against
      influenza virus by providing a comprehensive collection of influenza-related data
      integrated from various sources, a growing suite of analysis and visualization
      tools for data mining and hypothesis generation, personal workbench spaces for
      data storage and sharing, and active user community support. Here, we describe
      the recent improvements in IRD including the use of cloud and high performance
      computing resources, analysis and visualization of user-provided sequence data
      with associated metadata, predictions of novel variant proteins, annotations of
      phenotype-associated sequence markers and their predicted phenotypic effects,
      hemagglutinin (HA) clade classifications, an automated tool for HA subtype
      numbering conversion, linkouts to disease event data and the addition of host
      factor and antiviral drug components. All data and tools are freely available
      without restriction from the IRD website at https://www.fludb.org.

PMID- 27679479
TI  - DNA-linked Inhibitor Antibody Assay (DIANA) for sensitive and selective enzyme
      detection and inhibitor screening.
AB  - Human diseases are often diagnosed by determining levels of relevant enzymes and
      treated by enzyme inhibitors. We describe an assay suitable for both
      ultrasensitive enzyme quantification and quantitative inhibitor screening with
      unpurified enzymes. In the DNA-linked Inhibitor ANtibody Assay (DIANA), the
      target enzyme is captured by an immobilized antibody, probed with a small
      molecule inhibitor attached to a reporter DNA and detected by quantitative PCR.
      We validate the approach using the putative cancer markers prostate-specific
      membrane antigen and carbonic anhydrase IX. We show that DIANA has a linear range
      of up to six logs and it selectively detects zeptomoles of targets in complex
      biological samples. DIANA's wide dynamic range permits determination of target
      enzyme inhibition constants using a single inhibitor concentration. DIANA also
      enables quantitative screening of small-molecule enzyme inhibitors using
      microliters of human blood serum containing picograms of target enzyme. DIANA's
      performance characteristics make it a superior tool for disease detection and
      drug discovery.

PMID- 27679480
TI  - Finding approximate gene clusters with Gecko 3.
AB  - Gene-order-based comparison of multiple genomes provides signals for functional
      analysis of genes and the evolutionary process of genome organization. Gene
      clusters are regions of co-localized genes on genomes of different species. The
      rapid increase in sequenced genomes necessitates bioinformatics tools for finding
      gene clusters in hundreds of genomes. Existing tools are often restricted to few
      (in many cases, only two) genomes, and often make restrictive assumptions such as
      short perfect conservation, conserved gene order or monophyletic gene clusters.
      We present Gecko 3, an open-source software for finding gene clusters in hundreds
      of bacterial genomes, that comes with an easy-to-use graphical user interface.
      The underlying gene cluster model is intuitive, can cope with low degrees of
      conservation as well as misannotations and is complemented by a sound statistical
      evaluation. To evaluate the biological benefit of Gecko 3 and to exemplify our
      method, we search for gene clusters in a dataset of 678 bacterial genomes using
      Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 as a reference. We confirm detected gene clusters
      reviewing the literature and comparing them to a database of operons; we detect
      two novel clusters, which were confirmed by publicly available experimental RNA
      Seq data. The computational analysis is carried out on a laptop computer in <40
      min.

PMID- 27679481
TI  - A de novo compound targeting alpha-synuclein improves deficits in models of
      Parkinson's disease.
AB  - Abnormal accumulation and propagation of the neuronal protein alpha-synuclein has
      been hypothesized to underlie the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease, dementia
      with Lewy bodies and multiple system atrophy. Here we report a de novo-developed
      compound (NPT100-18A) that reduces alpha-synuclein toxicity through a novel
      mechanism that involves displacing alpha-synuclein from the membrane. This
      compound interacts with a domain in the C-terminus of alpha-synuclein. The E83R
      mutation reduces the compound interaction with the 80-90 amino acid region of
      alpha-synuclein and prevents the effects of NPT100-18A. In vitro studies showed
      that NPT100-18A reduced the formation of wild-type alpha-synuclein oligomers in
      membranes, reduced the neuronal accumulation of alpha-synuclein, and decreased
      markers of cell toxicity. In vivo studies were conducted in three different alpha
      synuclein transgenic rodent models. Treatment with NPT100-18A ameliorated motor
      deficits in mThy1 wild-type alpha-synuclein transgenic mice in a dose-dependent
      manner at two independent institutions. Neuropathological examination showed that
      NPT100-18A decreased the accumulation of proteinase K-resistant alpha-synuclein
      aggregates in the CNS and was accompanied by the normalization of neuronal and
      inflammatory markers. These results were confirmed in a mutant line of alpha
      synuclein transgenic mice that is prone to generate oligomers. In vivo imaging
      studies of alpha-synuclein-GFP transgenic mice using two-photon microscopy showed
      that NPT100-18A reduced the cortical synaptic accumulation of alpha-synuclein
      within 1 h post-administration. Taken together, these studies support the notion
      that altering the interaction of alpha-synuclein with the membrane might be a
      feasible therapeutic approach for developing new disease-modifying treatments of
      Parkinson's disease and other synucleinopathies.

PMID- 27679484
TI  - Nausea in early pregnancy is linked to low risk of loss.

PMID- 27679482
TI  - Exosome secretion is a key pathway for clearance of pathological TDP-43.
AB  - Cytoplasmic TDP-43 aggregation is a pathological hallmark of amyotrophic lateral
      sclerosis and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. Here we investigated the role of
      exosomes in the secretion and propagation of TDP-43 aggregates. TDP-43 was
      detected in secreted exosomes from Neuro2a cells and primary neurons but not from
      astrocytes or microglia. Evidence is presented that protein aggregation and
      autophagy inhibition are factors that promote exosomal secretion of TDP-43. We
      also report that levels of exosomal TDP-43 full length and C-terminal fragment
      species are upregulated in human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis brains. Exposure
      of Neuro2a cells to exosomes from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis brain, but not
      from control brain, caused cytoplasmic redistribution of TDP-43, suggesting that
      secreted exosomes might contribute to propagation of TDP-43 proteinopathy. Yet,
      inhibition of exosome secretion by inactivation of neutral sphingomyelinase 2
      with GW4869 or by silencing RAB27A provoked formation of TDP-43 aggregates in
      Neuro2a cells. Moreover, administration of GW4869 exacerbated the disease
      phenotypes of transgenic mice expressing human TDP-43A315T mutant. Thus, even
      though results suggest that exosomes containing pathological TDP-43 may play a
      key role in the propagation of TDP-43 proteinopathy, a therapeutic strategy for
      amyotrophic lateral sclerosis based on inhibition of exosome production would
      seem inappropriate, as in vivo data suggest that exosome secretion plays an
      overall beneficial role in neuronal clearance of pathological TDP-43.

PMID- 27679483
TI  - Your perspective and my benefit: multiple lesion models of self-other integration
      strategies during social bargaining.
AB  - Recursive social decision-making requires the use of flexible, context-sensitive
      long-term strategies for negotiation. To succeed in social bargaining,
      participants' own perspectives must be dynamically integrated with those of
      interactors to maximize self-benefits and adapt to the other's preferences,
      respectively. This is a prerequisite to develop a successful long-term self-other
      integration strategy. While such form of strategic interaction is critical to
      social decision-making, little is known about its neurocognitive correlates. To
      bridge this gap, we analysed social bargaining behaviour in relation to its
      structural neural correlates, ongoing brain dynamics (oscillations and related
      source space), and functional connectivity signatures in healthy subjects and
      patients offering contrastive lesion models of neurodegeneration and focal
      stroke: behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and
      frontal lesions. All groups showed preserved basic bargaining indexes. However,
      impaired self-other integration strategy was found in patients with behavioural
      variant frontotemporal dementia and frontal lesions, suggesting that social
      bargaining critically depends on the integrity of prefrontal regions. Also,
      associations between behavioural performance and data from voxel-based
      morphometry and voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping revealed a critical role of
      prefrontal regions in value integration and strategic decisions for self-other
      integration strategy. Furthermore, as shown by measures of brain dynamics and
      related sources during the task, the self-other integration strategy was
      predicted by brain anticipatory activity (alpha/beta oscillations with sources in
      frontotemporal regions) associated with expectations about others' decisions.
      This pattern was reduced in all clinical groups, with greater impairments in
      behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia and frontal lesions than Alzheimer's
      disease. Finally, connectivity analysis from functional magnetic resonance
      imaging evidenced a fronto-temporo-parietal network involved in successful self
      other integration strategy, with selective compromise of long-distance
      connections in frontal disorders. In sum, this work provides unprecedented
      evidence of convergent behavioural and neurocognitive signatures of strategic
      social bargaining in different lesion models. Our findings offer new insights
      into the critical roles of prefrontal hubs and associated temporo-parietal
      networks for strategic social negotiation.

PMID- 27679485
TI  - A Novel Function of delta Factor from Bacillus subtilis as a Transcriptional
      Repressor.
AB  - delta, a small protein found in most Gram-positive bacteria was, for a long time,
      thought to be a subunit of RNA polymerase (RNAP) and was shown to be involved in
      recycling of RNAP at the end of each round of transcription. However, how delta
      participates in both up-regulation and down-regulation of genes in vivo remains
      unclear. We have recently shown, in addition to the recycling of RNAP, delta
      functions as a transcriptional activator by binding to an A-rich sequence located
      immediately upstream of the -35 element, consequently facilitating the open
      complex formation. The result had explained the mechanism of up-regulation of the
      genes by delta. Here, we show that Bacillus subtilis delta could also function as
      a transcriptional repressor. Our results demonstrate that delta binds to an A
      rich sequence located near the -35 element of the spo0B promoter, the gene
      involved in the regulatory cascade of bacterial sporulation and inhibits the open
      complex formation due to steric clash with sigma region 4.2. We observed a
      significant increase in the mRNA level of the spo0B gene in a delta-knock-out
      strain of B. subtilis compared with the wild-type. Thus, the results report a
      novel function of delta, and suggest the mechanism of down-regulation of genes in
      vivo by the protein.

PMID- 27679486
TI  - Identification of Small Molecule Inhibitors of Human Cytochrome c Oxidase That
      Target Chemoresistant Glioma Cells.
AB  - The enzyme cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) or complex IV (EC 1.9.3.1) is a large
      transmembrane protein complex that serves as the last enzyme in the respiratory
      electron transport chain of eukaryotic mitochondria. CcO promotes the switch from
      glycolytic to oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) metabolism and has been
      associated with increased self-renewal characteristics in gliomas. Increased CcO
      activity in tumors has been associated with tumor progression after chemotherapy
      failure, and patients with primary glioblastoma multiforme and high tumor CcO
      activity have worse clinical outcomes than those with low tumor CcO activity.
      Therefore, CcO is an attractive target for cancer therapy. We report here the
      characterization of a CcO inhibitor (ADDA 5) that was identified using a high
      throughput screening paradigm. ADDA 5 demonstrated specificity for CcO, with no
      inhibition of other mitochondrial complexes or other relevant enzymes, and
      biochemical characterization showed that this compound is a non-competitive
      inhibitor of cytochrome c When tested in cellular assays, ADDA 5 dose-dependently
      inhibited the proliferation of chemosensitive and chemoresistant glioma cells but
      did not display toxicity against non-cancer cells. Furthermore, treatment with
      ADDA 5 led to significant inhibition of tumor growth in flank xenograft mouse
      models. Importantly, ADDA 5 inhibited CcO activity and blocked cell proliferation
      and neurosphere formation in cultures of glioma stem cells, the cells implicated
      in tumor recurrence and resistance to therapy in patients with glioblastoma. In
      summary, we have identified ADDA 5 as a lead CcO inhibitor for further
      optimization as a novel approach for the treatment of glioblastoma and related
      cancers.

PMID- 27679487
TI  - Structural and Functional Characterization of a Ruminal beta-Glycosidase Defines
      a Novel Subfamily of Glycoside Hydrolase Family 3 with Permuted Domain Topology.
AB  - Metagenomics has opened up a vast pool of genes for putative, yet
      uncharacterized, enzymes. It widens our knowledge on the enzyme diversity world
      and discloses new families for which a clear classification is still needed, as
      is exemplified by glycoside hydrolase family-3 (GH3) proteins. Herein, we
      describe a GH3 enzyme (GlyA1) from resident microbial communities in strained
      ruminal fluid. The enzyme is a beta-glucosidase/beta-xylosidase that also shows
      beta-galactosidase, beta-fucosidase, alpha-arabinofuranosidase, and alpha
      arabinopyranosidase activities. Short cello- and xylo-oligosaccharides, sophorose
      and gentibiose, are among the preferred substrates, with the large polysaccharide
      lichenan also being hydrolyzed by GlyA1 The determination of the crystal
      structure of the enzyme in combination with deletion and site-directed
      mutagenesis allowed identification of its unusual domain composition and the
      active site architecture. Complexes of GlyA1 with glucose, galactose, and xylose
      allowed picturing the catalytic pocket and illustrated the molecular basis of the
      substrate specificity. A hydrophobic platform defined by residues Trp-711 and Trp
      106, located in a highly mobile loop, appears able to allocate differently beta
      linked bioses. GlyA1 includes an additional C-terminal domain previously
      unobserved in GH3 members, but crystallization of the full-length enzyme was
      unsuccessful. Therefore, small angle x-ray experiments have been performed to
      investigate the molecular flexibility and overall putative shape. This study
      provided evidence that GlyA1 defines a new subfamily of GH3 proteins with a novel
      permuted domain topology. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that this topology is
      associated with microbes inhabiting the digestive tracts of ruminants and other
      animals, feeding on chemically diverse plant polymeric materials.

PMID- 27679488
TI  - Inhibition of Insulin Amyloid Fibrillation by a Novel Amphipathic Heptapeptide:
      MECHANISTIC DETAILS STUDIED BY SPECTROSCOPY IN COMBINATION WITH MICROSCOPY.
AB  - The aggregation of insulin into amyloid fibers has been a limiting factor in the
      development of fast acting insulin analogues, creating a demand for excipients
      that limit aggregation. Despite the potential demand, inhibitors specifically
      targeting insulin have been few in number. Here we report a non-toxic and serum
      stable-designed heptapeptide, KR7 (KPWWPRR-NH2), that differs significantly from
      the primarily hydrophobic sequences that have been previously used to interfere
      with insulin amyloid fibrillation. Thioflavin T fluorescence assays, circular
      dichroism spectroscopy, and one-dimensional proton NMR experiments suggest KR7
      primarily targets the fiber elongation step with little effect on the early
      oligomerization steps in the lag time period. From confocal fluorescence and
      atomic force microscopy experiments, the net result appears to be the arrest of
      aggregation in an early, non-fibrillar aggregation stage. This mechanism is
      noticeably different from previous peptide-based inhibitors, which have primarily
      shifted the lag time with little effect on later stages of aggregation. As
      insulin is an important model system for understanding protein aggregation, the
      new peptide may be an important tool for understanding peptide-based inhibition
      of amyloid formation.

PMID- 27679489
TI  - Thrombin Cleavage of Inter-alpha-inhibitor Heavy Chain 1 Regulates Leukocyte
      Binding to an Inflammatory Hyaluronan Matrix.
AB  - Dynamic alterations of the extracellular matrix in response to injury directly
      modulate inflammation and consequently the promotion and resolution of disease.
      During inflammation, hyaluronan (HA) is increased at sites of inflammation where
      it may be covalently modified with the heavy chains (HC) of inter-alpha-trypsin
      inhibitor. Deposition of this unique, pathological form of HA (HC-HA) leads to
      the formation of cable-like structures that promote adhesion of leukocytes. Naive
      mononuclear leukocytes bind specifically to inflammation-associated HA matrices
      but do not adhere to HA constitutively expressed under homeostatic conditions. In
      this study, we have directly investigated a role for the blood-coagulation
      protease thrombin in regulating the adhesion of monocytic cells to smooth muscle
      cells producing an inflammatory matrix. Our data demonstrate that the proteolytic
      activity of thrombin negatively regulates the adhesion of monocytes to an
      inflammatory HC-HA complex. This effect is independent of protease-activated
      receptor activation but requires proteolytic activity toward a novel substrate.
      Components of HC-HA complexes were predicted to contain conserved thrombin
      susceptible cleavage sites based on sequence analysis, and heavy chain 1 (HC1)
      was confirmed to be a substrate of thrombin. Thrombin treatment is sufficient to
      cleave HC1 associated with either cell-surface HA or serum inter-alpha-trypsin
      inhibitor. Furthermore, thrombin treatment of the inflammatory matrix leads to
      dissolution of HC-HA cable structures and abolishes leukocyte adhesion. These
      data establish a novel mechanism whereby thrombin cleavage of HC1 regulates the
      adhesive properties of an inflammatory HA matrix.

PMID- 27679490
TI  - Formation of Nitric Oxide by Aldehyde Dehydrogenase-2 Is Necessary and Sufficient
      for Vascular Bioactivation of Nitroglycerin.
AB  - Aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2) catalyzes vascular bioactivation of the
      antianginal drug nitroglycerin (GTN), resulting in activation of soluble
      guanylate cyclase (sGC) and cGMP-mediated vasodilation. We have previously shown
      that a minor reaction of ALDH2-catalyzed GTN bioconversion, accounting for about
      5% of the main clearance-based turnover yielding inorganic nitrite, results in
      direct NO formation and concluded that this minor pathway could provide the link
      between vascular GTN metabolism and activation of sGC. However, lack of
      detectable NO at therapeutically relevant GTN concentrations (<=1 MUm) in
      vascular tissue called into question the biological significance of NO formation
      by purified ALDH2. We addressed this issue and used a novel, highly sensitive
      genetically encoded fluorescent NO probe (geNOp) to visualize intracellular NO
      formation at low GTN concentrations (<=1 MUm) in cultured vascular smooth muscle
      cells (VSMC) expressing an ALDH2 mutant that reduces GTN to NO but lacks
      clearance-based GTN denitration activity. NO formation was compared with GTN
      induced activation of sGC. The addition of 1 MUm GTN to VSMC expressing either
      wild-type or C301S/C303S ALDH2 resulted in pronounced intracellular NO elevation,
      with maximal concentrations of 7 and 17 nm, respectively. Formation of GTN
      derived NO correlated well with activation of purified sGC in VSMC lysates and
      cGMP accumulation in intact porcine aortic endothelial cells infected with wild
      type or mutant ALDH2. Formation of NO and cGMP accumulation were inhibited by
      ALDH inhibitors chloral hydrate and daidzin. The present study demonstrates that
      ALDH2-catalyzed NO formation is necessary and sufficient for GTN bioactivation in
      VSMC.

PMID- 27679492
TI  - Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease as driving force in coronary heart disease?

PMID- 27679491
TI  - Structures of Proline Utilization A (PutA) Reveal the Fold and Functions of the
      Aldehyde Dehydrogenase Superfamily Domain of Unknown Function.
AB  - Aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs) catalyze the NAD(P)+-dependent oxidation of
      aldehydes to carboxylic acids and are important for metabolism and
      detoxification. Although the ALDH superfamily fold is well established, some
      ALDHs contain an uncharacterized domain of unknown function (DUF) near the C
      terminus of the polypeptide chain. Herein, we report the first structure of a
      protein containing the ALDH superfamily DUF. Proline utilization A from
      Sinorhizobium meliloti (SmPutA) is a 1233-residue bifunctional enzyme that
      contains the DUF in addition to proline dehydrogenase and l-glutamate-gamma
      semialdehyde dehydrogenase catalytic modules. Structures of SmPutA with a proline
      analog bound to the proline dehydrogenase site and NAD+ bound to the ALDH site
      were determined in two space groups at 1.7-1.9 A resolution. The DUF consists of
      a Rossmann dinucleotide-binding fold fused to a three-stranded beta-flap. The
      Rossmann domain resembles the classic ALDH superfamily NAD+-binding domain,
      whereas the flap is strikingly similar to the ALDH superfamily dimerization
      domain. Paradoxically, neither structural element performs its implied function.
      Electron density maps show that NAD+ does not bind to the DUF Rossmann fold, and
      small-angle X-ray scattering reveals a novel dimer that has never been seen in
      the ALDH superfamily. The structure suggests that the DUF is an adapter domain
      that stabilizes the aldehyde substrate binding loop and seals the substrate
      channeling tunnel via tertiary structural interactions that mimic the quaternary
      structural interactions found in non-DUF PutAs. Kinetic data for SmPutA indicate
      a substrate-channeling mechanism, in agreement with previous studies of other
      PutAs.

PMID- 27679495
TI  - Plant Resistance to the Moth Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera:Gelechiidae) in
      Tomato Cultivars.
AB  - The resistance of 11 tomato cultivars (Ps-6515, Berlina, Poolad, Petoprid-5,
      Zaman, Matin, Golsar, Sandokan-F1, Golshan-616, Sadeen-95 and Sadeen-21) to the
      tomato moth, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera:Gelechiidae) was investigated
      under field conditions. A randomized complete block design was used with three
      replications. Data analysis indicated that there were significant differences (P
      < 0.05) among cultivars regarding leaflet damage, leaf damage, overall plant
      damage, number of mines per leaf, number of holes on the stem, and fruit. Our
      findings revealed that the cultivars Berlina, Golsar, Poolad, and Zaman were less
      suitable cultivars, suggesting that they are more resistant to the tomato moth
      than the other cultivars. The high density of leaf trichomes present in the
      cultivars Berlina, Zaman, and Golsar can be one of the possible causes of
      resistance to T. absoluta. Knowledge of the extent of susceptibility or
      resistance of cultivars to a pest on a crop is one of the fundamental components
      of integrated pest management (IPM) programs for any crop.

PMID- 27679494
TI  - 8-Aminoguanosine and 8-Aminoguanine Exert Diuretic, Natriuretic, Glucosuric, and
      Antihypertensive Activity.
AB  - In vivo, guanine moieties in DNA, RNA, guanine nucleotides, or guanosine or
      guanine per se can undergo nitration (for example, by peroxynitrite) or
      hydroxylation (for example, by superoxide anion) on position 8 of the purine
      ring. Subsequent catabolism of these modified biomolecules leads to the
      production of a diverse group of 8-nitro, 8-amino, and 8-hydroxy guanosine and
      guanine compounds. Indeed, studies suggest the in vivo existence of 8
      nitroguanosine, 8-nitroguanine, 8-aminoguanosine, 8-aminoguanine, 8
      hydroxyguanosine, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, and 8-hydroxyguanine. Since a
      multitude of these compounds exist in vivo, and since the renal effects of 8
      substituted guanosine and guanine compounds are entirely unknown, we examined the
      effects of guanosine, guanine, 8-nitroguanosine, 8-nitroguanine, 8
      hydroxyguanosine, 8-hydroxyguanine, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, 8
      aminoguanosine, and 8-aminoguanine (33.5 umol/kg/min; intravenous infusion for
      115 minutes) on excretion of sodium, potassium, and glucose in rats. Guanosine, 8
      nitroguanosine, and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine had minimal natriuretic activity.
      Guanine, 8-nitroguanine, 8-hydroxyguanosine, and 8-hydroxyguanine had moderate
      natriuretic activity (increased sodium excretion by 9.4-, 7.8-, 7.1-, and 8.6
      fold, respectively). In comparison with all other compounds, 8-aminoguanosine and
      8-aminoguanine were highly efficacious and increased sodium excretion by 26.6-
      and 17.2-fold, respectively, exceeding that of a matched dose of amiloride (13.6
      fold increase). 8-Aminoguanosine and 8-aminoguanine also increased glucose
      excretion by 12.1- and 12.2-fold, respectively, and decreased potassium excretion
      by 69.1 and 71.0%, respectively. Long-term radiotelemetry studies demonstrated
      that oral 8-aminoguanosine and 8-aminoguanine (5 mg/kg/day) suppressed
      deoxycorticosterone/salt-induced hypertension. These experiments demonstrate that
      some naturally occurring 8-substitued guanosine and guanine compounds,
      particularly 8-aminoguanosine and 8-aminoguanine, are potent and efficacious
      potassium-sparing diuretics/natriuretics that may represent a novel class of
      antihypertensive diuretics.

PMID- 27679493
TI  - MicroRNA-223 ameliorates alcoholic liver injury by inhibiting the IL-6-p47phox
      oxidative stress pathway in neutrophils.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Chronic-plus-binge ethanol feeding activates neutrophils and
      exacerbates liver injury in mice. This study investigates how recent excessive
      drinking affects peripheral neutrophils and liver injury in alcoholics, and how
      miR-223, one of the most abundant microRNAs (miRNAs) in neutrophils, modulates
      neutrophil function and liver injury in ethanol-fed mice. DESIGNS: Three hundred
      alcoholics with (n=140) or without (n=160) recent excessive drinking and 45
      healthy controls were enrolled. Mice were fed an ethanol diet for 10 days
      followed by a single binge of ethanol. RESULTS: Compared with healthy controls or
      alcoholics without recent drinking, alcoholics with recent excessive drinking had
      higher levels of circulating neutrophils, which correlated with serum levels of
      alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST). miRNA array analysis
      revealed that alcoholics had elevated serum miR-223 levels compared with healthy
      controls. In chronic-plus-binge ethanol feeding mouse model, the levels of miR
      223 were increased in both serum and neutrophils. Genetic deletion of the miR-223
      gene exacerbated ethanol-induced hepatic injury, neutrophil infiltration,
      reactive oxygen species (ROS) and upregulated hepatic expression of interleukin
      (IL)-6 and phagocytic oxidase (phox) p47phox. Mechanistic studies revealed that
      miR-223 directly inhibited IL-6 expression and subsequently inhibited p47phox
      expression in neutrophils. Deletion of the p47phox gene ameliorated ethanol
      induced liver injury and ROS production by neutrophils. Finally, miR-223
      expression was downregulated, while IL-6 and p47phox expression were upregulated
      in peripheral blood neutrophils from alcoholics compared with healthy controls.
      CONCLUSIONS: miR-223 is an important regulator to block neutrophil infiltration
      in alcoholic liver disease and could be a novel therapeutic target for the
      treatment of this malady.

PMID- 27679496
TI  - Dating violence, quality of life and mental health in sexual minority
      populations: a path analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Theories explaining the impact of intimate partner violence (IPV) on
      mental health have focused on heterosexual relationships. It is unclear whether
      mental health disparities between heterosexual and sexual minority people are due
      to IPV or factors related to sexual orientation. The present study aimed to
      investigate pathways of how sexual orientation influenced quality of life and
      mental health. METHODS: The present cross-sectional study was conducted in 1076
      young adults in a university population (934 heterosexual and 142 sexual minority
      groups). Structural equation modelling was used to examine the pathways of sexual
      orientation, dating violence, sexual orientation concealment, quality of life and
      mental health (perceived stress, anxiety and depression). RESULTS: After
      adjusting for sociodemographic factors, quality of life in sexual minority people
      was poorer [estimate -2.82, 95 % confidence interval (CI) -4.77 to -0.86, p =
      0.005], and stress (estimate 2.77, 95 % CI 1.64-3.92, p < 0.0001), anxiety
      (estimate 1.84, 95 % CI 1.13-2.56, p < 0.0001) and depression levels (estimate
      0.62, 95 % CI 0.05-1.2, p < 0.0001) were higher than in heterosexual people.
      Dating violence and sexual orientation concealment were mediators, with the
      models showing a good fit. CONCLUSION: Our study has progressed investigation of
      the link between sexual orientation and quality of life and mental health in the
      Chinese context. It has helped identify health disparities between heterosexual
      and sexual minority people and determined specific factors affecting their
      quality of life and mental health.

PMID- 27679497
TI  - The importance of considering differential item functioning in investigating the
      impact of chronic conditions on health-related quality of life in a multi-ethnic
      Asian population.
AB  - PURPOSE: The present study aims to examine the impact of chronic conditions after
      adjusting for differential item functioning (DIF) on the various aspects of
      health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in a multi-ethnic Asian population in
      Singapore. METHOD: Data on 3006 participants from a nation-wide cross-sectional
      survey of mental health literacy conducted in Singapore were used. Multiple
      Indicators Multiple Causes model was used to investigate the effects of chronic
      medical conditions on various HRQoL dimensions assessed with the 36-item Medical
      Outcomes Study Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) after adjusting for DIF. RESULTS:
      Twenty out of 36 items were detected with DIF for chronic conditions including
      high blood pressure, cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, cancer, neurological
      disorders and ulcer as well as for a few demographic factors such age, gender and
      marital status. Twenty significant associations between chronic conditions and SF
      36 domains were observed. After controlling for all chronic conditions, socio
      demographic and DIF items, a significant association emerged between
      cardiovascular disorders and physical functioning, while the association between
      diabetes and ulcer and general health became nonsignificant. All other
      associations remained statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Our findings provide
      useful information and important implications of DIF on the impact of chronic
      conditions on HRQoL. We found the impact of DIF with respect to the impact of
      chronic conditions on HRQoL to be minimal after accounting for measurement bias
      in this multiracial Asian population.

PMID- 27679499
TI  - Prof. Huan-Yong Chen: a leading botanist and taxonomist, one of the pioneers and
      founders of modern plant taxonomy in China.

PMID- 27679498
TI  - In Their Own Words: Rural Adolescent Stressors and Relationship to Depressive
      Symptoms.
AB  - This study evaluated qualitative reports of stressful life events from young
      rural adolescents and examined the relationship between stressor themes and
      depressive symptoms. A phenomenological approach guided content analysis of
      qualitative data. Number of themes within each response was tabulated, and
      association with depressive symptoms was then examined. Stressors were
      categorized into four thematic domains: family, peers, academics, and
      intrapersonal. Individual themes within each domain varied, but the themes of
      conflict and loss were predominant in most domains. Higher number of themes were
      associated with elevated depressive symptoms ( p = .045). Study findings provide
      insight into the lived experience of adolescent stressors and provide additional
      empirical evidence regarding the association between stressors and depressive
      symptoms. The ubiquitous themes of conflict and loss, and the implications of
      these themes for adolescents' mental health provide insight for nurses as they
      advocate for quality mental and physical health care for adolescents and their
      families.

PMID- 27679500
TI  - The role of endosomal cholesterol trafficking protein, StAR-related lipid
      transfer domain 3 (StarD3/MLN64), in BRIN-BD11 insulinoma cells.

PMID- 27679501
TI  - A national survey of practical airway training in UK anaesthetic departments.
      Time for a national policy?
AB  - The Fourth National Audit Project (NAP4) recommended airway training for trainee
      and trained anaesthetists. As the skills required for management of airway
      emergencies differ from routine skills and these events are rare, practical
      training is likely to require training workshops. In 2013, we surveyed all UK
      National Health Service hospitals to examine the current practices regarding
      airway training workshops. We received responses from 206 hospitals (62%)
      covering all regions. Regarding airway workshops, 16% provide none and 51% only
      for trainees. Of those providing workshops, more than half are run less than
      annually. Workshop content varies widely, with several Difficult Airway Society
      (DAS) guideline techniques not taught or only infrequently. Reported barriers to
      training include lack of time and departmental or individual interest. Workshop
      based airway training is variable in provision, frequency and content, and is
      often not prioritised by departments or individual trainers. It could be useful
      if guidance on workshop organisation, frequency and content was considered
      nationally.

PMID- 27679502
TI  - Androgens modulate male-derived endothelial cell homeostasis using androgen
      receptor-dependent and receptor-independent mechanisms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sex-related differences in the role of androgen have been reported in
      cardiovascular diseases and angiogenesis. Moreover, androgen receptor (AR) has
      been causally involved in the homeostasis of human prostate endothelial cells.
      However, levels of expression, functionality and biological role of AR in male-
      and female-derived human endothelial cells (ECs) remain poorly characterized. The
      objectives of this work were (1) to characterize the functional expression of AR
      in male- and female-derived human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC), and
      (2) to specifically analyze the biological effects of DHT, and the role of AR on
      these effects, in male-derived HUVECs (mHUVECs). RESULTS: Immunohistochemical
      analyses of tissue microarrays from benign human tissues confirmed expression of
      AR in ECs from several androgen-regulated and non-androgen-regulated human
      organs. Functional expression of AR was validated in vitro in male- and female
      derived HUVECs using quantitative RT-PCR, immunoblotting and AR-mediated
      transcriptional activity assays. Our results indicated that functional expression
      of AR in male- and female-derived HUVECs was heterogeneous, but not sex
      dependent. In parallel, we analyzed in depth the biological effects of DHT, and
      the role of AR on these effects, on proliferation, survival and tube formation
      capacity in mHUVECs. Our results indicated that DHT did not affect mHUVEC
      survival; however, DHT stimulated mHUVEC proliferation and suppressed mHUVEC tube
      formation capacity. While the effect of DHT on proliferation was mediated through
      AR, the effect of DHT on tube formation did not depend on the presence of a
      functional AR, but rather depended on the ability of mHUVECs to further
      metabolize DHT. CONCLUSIONS: (1) Heterogeneous expression of AR in male- and
      female-derived HUVEC could define the presence of functionally different
      subpopulations of ECs that may be affected differentially by androgens, which
      could explain, at least in part, the pleiotropic effects of androgen on vascular
      biology, and (2) DHT, and metabolites of DHT, generally thought to represent
      progressively more hydrophilic products along the path to elimination, may have
      differential roles in modulating the biology of human ECs through AR-dependent
      and AR-independent mechanisms, respectively.

PMID- 27679503
TI  - Persistence with denosumab and zoledronic acid among older women: a population
      based cohort study.
AB  - : Persistence to denosumab or zoledronic acid was increased compared to oral
      bisphosphonates. INTRODUCTION: Denosumab and zoledronic acid are alternative
      therapies to oral bisphosphonates. Few studies have assessed persistence of those
      agents. METHODS: Incident users of denosumab and zoledronic acid were identified
      using healthcare databases of public drug insurance plan of Quebec province,
      Canada. Patients initiating therapy between October 1, 2008, and June 30, 2013,
      and aged 50 years and over were eligible. A persistence rate was assessed over a
      2-year period. We assess the proportion of patients receiving the second, third,
      and fourth injections within a specific delay of predicted time of renewal of
      both agents. The predictors of non-persistence were analyzed using a Cox
      regression model only among women. RESULTS: Among 12,689 incident users, 97.2 %
      were women. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a slow decline of persistence after
      initiating zoledronic acid compared to denosumab therapy, dropping to 81.6 and
      63.3 % after 1 and 2 years of follow-up using the permissive gaps of 56 days, in
      contrast to zoledronic acid, where persistence rate still stays at 74.8 % after 2
      years of follow-up using the permissive gap of 112 days. The likelihood of non
      persistence was significantly higher among new users of denosumab and zoledronic
      acid among older patients and year of initiation; but depression and diabetes are
      only predictors of non-persistence among the zoledronic group. Concomitant use of
      calcium and vitamin D supplements was at low level which may compromise the
      clinical efficacy. CONCLUSION: The persistence rate to denosumab and zoledronic
      acid was higher to the published data of oral bisphosphonates. The second
      intention of treatment seems to target more severe patients which may more likely
      to be compliant.

PMID- 27679504
TI  - A Swedish Population-based Study of Adverse Birth Outcomes among Pregnant Women
      Treated with Buprenorphine or Methadone: Preliminary Findings.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Untreated opioid dependence in pregnant women is associated with
      adverse birth outcomes. Buprenorphine and methadone are options for opioid
      agonist medication-assisted treatment during pregnancy. OBJECTIVE: The aim of
      this study was to describe adverse birth outcomes observed with buprenorphine or
      methadone treatment compared to the general population in Sweden. METHODS:
      Pregnant women and their corresponding births during 2005-2011 were identified in
      the Swedish Medical Birth Register. Data on stillbirth, neonatal/infant death,
      mode of delivery, gestational age at birth, Apgar score, growth outcomes,
      neonatal abstinence syndrome, and congenital malformations were examined.
      Frequencies were compared using two-sided Fisher's exact tests. Unadjusted
      estimates of birth outcomes for women treated with buprenorphine or methadone
      were compared to the registered general population. RESULTS: A total of 746,257
      pregnancies among 538,178 unique women resulted in 746,485 live births. Among the
      194 women treated with buprenorphine (N = 176) or methadone (N = 52), no
      stillbirths or neonatal/infant deaths occurred. Neonatal abstinence syndrome
      developed in 23.3% and 38.5% of infants born to mothers treated with
      buprenorphine and methadone, respectively. The frequency of the selected adverse
      birth outcomes assessed in women treated with buprenorphine as compared to the
      general population was not significantly different. However, a significantly
      higher frequency of preterm birth and congenital malformations was observed in
      women treated with methadone as compared to the general population. Compared with
      the general population, methadone-treated women were significantly older than
      buprenorphine-treated women, and both treatment groups began prenatal care later,
      were more likely to smoke cigarettes, and did not cohabitate with the baby's
      father. CONCLUSIONS: An increased frequency of the selected adverse birth
      outcomes was not observed with buprenorphine treatment during pregnancy. Twofold
      increased frequency of preterm birth [2.21 (1.11, 4,41)] and congenital
      malformations [2.05 (1.08, 3.87)] was observed in the methadone group, which may
      be partly explained by older average maternal age and differences in other
      measured and unmeasured confounders.

PMID- 27679505
TI  - Erratum to: The Need for Social Ethics in Interdisciplinary Environmental Science
      Graduate Programs: Results from a Nation-Wide Survey in the United States.

PMID- 27679506
TI  - Quantifying the therapeutic requirements and potential for combination therapy to
      prevent bacterial coinfection during influenza.
AB  - Secondary bacterial infections (SBIs) exacerbate influenza-associated disease and
      mortality. Antimicrobial agents can reduce the severity of SBIs, but many have
      limited efficacy or cause adverse effects. Thus, new treatment strategies are
      needed. Kinetic models describing the infection process can help determine
      optimal therapeutic targets, the time scale on which a drug will be most
      effective, and how infection dynamics will change under therapy. To understand
      how different therapies perturb the dynamics of influenza infection and bacterial
      coinfection and to quantify the benefit of increasing a drug's efficacy or
      targeting a different infection process, I analyzed data from mice treated with
      an antiviral, an antibiotic, or an immune modulatory agent with kinetic models.
      The results suggest that antivirals targeting the viral life cycle are most
      efficacious in the first 2 days of infection, potentially because of an improved
      immune response, and that increasing the clearance of infected cells is important
      for treatment later in the infection. For a coinfection, immunotherapy could
      control low bacterial loads with as little as 20 % efficacy, but more effective
      drugs would be necessary for high bacterial loads. Antibiotics targeting
      bacterial replication and administered 10 h after infection would require 100 %
      efficacy, which could be reduced to 40 % with prophylaxis. Combining
      immunotherapy with antibiotics could substantially increase treatment success.
      Taken together, the results suggest when and why some therapies fail, determine
      the efficacy needed for successful treatment, identify potential immune effects,
      and show how the regulation of underlying mechanisms can be used to design new
      therapeutic strategies.

PMID- 27679507
TI  - Integrated RNA-seq and sRNA-seq analysis reveals miRNA effects on secondary
      metabolism in Solanum tuberosum L.
AB  - Light is a major environmental factor that affects metabolic pathways and
      stimulates the production of secondary metabolites in potato. However, adaptive
      changes in potato metabolic pathways and physiological functions triggered by
      light are partly explained by gene expression changes. Regulation of secondary
      metabolic pathways in potato has been extensively studied at transcriptional
      level, but little is known about the mechanisms of post-transcriptional
      regulation by miRNAs. To identify light-responsive miRNAs/mRNAs and construct
      putative metabolism pathways regulated by the miRNA-mRNA pairs, an integrated
      omics (sRNAome and transcriptome) analysis was performed to potato under light
      stimulus. A total of 31 and 48 miRNAs were identified to be differentially
      expressed in the leaves and tubers, respectively. Among the DEGs, 1353 genes in
      the leaves and 1841 genes in the tubers were upregulated, while 1595 genes in the
      leaves and 897 genes in the tubers were downregulated by light. Mapman enrichment
      analyses showed that genes related to MVA pathway, alkaloids-like,
      phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, and carotenoids metabolism were significantly
      upregulated, while genes associated with major CHO metabolism were repressed in
      the leaves and tubers. Integrated miRNA and mRNA profiles revealed that light
      responsive miRNAs are important regulators in alkaloids metabolism, UMP salvage,
      lipid biosynthesis, and cellulose catabolism. Moreover, several miRNAs may
      participate in glycoalkaloids metabolism via JA signaling pathway, UDP-glucose
      biosynthesis and hydroxylation reaction. This study provides a global view of
      miRNA and mRNA expression profiles in potato response to light, our results
      suggest that miRNAs might play important roles in secondary metabolic pathways,
      especially in glycoalkaloid biosynthesis. The findings will enlighten us on the
      genetic regulation of secondary metabolite pathways and pave the way for future
      application of genetically engineered potato.

PMID- 27679508
TI  - Hepatectomy for Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases in the Era of Modern
      Preoperative Chemotherapy: Evaluation of Postoperative Complications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recently, an increasing number of patients with liver metastases from
      colorectal cancer have received chemotherapy before hepatectomy. However, the
      effect of chemotherapy on postoperative short-term outcome is not well defined.
      METHODS: We retrospectively investigated the postoperative complications of 439
      patients who underwent hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases in our
      division from 2005 to 2014. Patients were classified into two groups according to
      the presence (Cx; 84 patients) or absence (NCx; 355 patients) of preoperative
      chemotherapy. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine
      the predictive factors for postoperative complications. RESULTS: There was
      neither mortality nor liver failure after surgery. There was no significant
      difference in the frequency of postoperative complications between Groups Cx and
      NCx [29 vs 26 % for all complications; both 6 % for bile leakage that required
      therapeutic intervention; and 2 vs 3 % for Clavien-Dindo (CD) Grade >= IIIa,
      respectively]. In Group Cx, morbidity rates were similar among patients with
      different chemotherapy regimens. Chemotherapy-related factors (administration of
      bevacizumab, oxaliplatin or irinotecan, duration of chemotherapy >150 days, and
      timing of hepatectomy) were not significantly associated with clinically relevant
      bile leakage and CD >= IIIa in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Even after
      combination chemotherapy including targeted therapy, hepatectomy for colorectal
      liver metastases can be performed safely without increasing morbidity or
      mortality, if the patients fulfill the conventional criteria for surgery.

PMID- 27679509
TI  - Activation of the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway is common in wilms tumor, but rarely
      through beta-catenin mutation and APC promoter methylation.
AB  - PURPOSE: The Wnt/beta-catenin pathway is known to be crucial for the regulation
      of embryogenesis and cell differentiation, and its constitutive activation is
      associated with a wide range of malignancies. There are two major principles for
      an activated Wnt/beta-catenin pathway. The first is caused by the failure of the
      destruction complex, mainly due to the decreased expression of the tumor
      suppressor gene adenomatous polyposis coli (APC); the second is the mutation of
      the beta-catenin (CTNNB1) protein itself. Wilms tumors (WTs) are also thought to
      be malignancies with a high rate of Wnt/beta-catenin pathway activation. The aim
      of this study was to analyze a large cohort of WT for activated Wnt/beta-catenin
      pathway. METHODS: The transcription of axis inhibition protein 2 (AXIN2) and APC
      was analyzed by real-time PCR. Expression was compared with those in healthy
      renal tissues as a control. Methylation status of the APC promoter was measured
      by pyrosequencing and correlated with APC expression. Finally, the mutations of
      CTNNB1 itself were detected by Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: The analysis was done
      in a cohort of 103 WTs, treated in our institution. There was a significant
      overexpression of AXIN2 in WTs (P < 0.0001), with 33 (32 %) tumors showing higher
      expression (median + 3* SD) than normal kidney tissue. In contrast, the
      expression of APC as well as its promoter methylation did not differ from control
      (P = 0.78; P = 0.82). Finally, there were only seven (6.8 %) mutations detectable
      in CTNNB1, and five out of seven were seen in WTs with AXIN2 overexpression.
      CONCLUSION: The finding that AXIN2, one of the major Wnt target genes, is
      overexpressed in our cohort of WTs, is indicative for the activation of the
      Wnt/beta-catenin pathway. However, neither the alteration of APC nor frequent
      CTNNB1 mutations were seen in our analyses. Therefore, other mechanisms might be
      responsible for the common activation of the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway.

PMID- 27679510
TI  - What is the role of enhanced recovery after surgery in children? A scoping
      review.
AB  - PURPOSE: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways are standard practice in
      adult specialties resulting in improved outcomes. It is unclear whether ERAS
      principles are applicable to Paediatric Surgery. We performed a scoping review to
      identify the extent to which ERAS has been used in Paediatric Surgery, the nature
      of interventions, and outcomes. METHODS: Pubmed, Cochrane library, Google
      Scholar, and Embase were searched using the terms enhanced recovery, post
      operative protocol/pathway, fast track surgery, and paediatric surgery. Studies
      were excluded if they did not include abdominal/thoracic/urological procedures in
      children. RESULTS: Nine studies were identified (2003-2014; total 1269 patients):
      three case control studies, one retrospective review and five prospective
      implementations, no RCTs. Interventional elements identified were post-operative
      feeding, mobilisation protocols, morphine-sparing analgesia, reduced use of
      nasogastric tubes and urinary catheters. Outcomes reported included post
      operative length of stay (LOS), time to oral feeding and stooling, complications,
      and parent satisfaction. Fast-track programmes significantly reduced LOS in 6/7
      studies, time to oral feeding in 3/3 studies, and time to stooling in 2/3
      studies. CONCLUSION: The use of ERAS pathways in Paediatric surgery appears very
      limited but such pathways may have benefits in children. Prospective studies
      should evaluate interventions used in adult ERAS on appropriate outcomes in the
      paediatric setting.

PMID- 27679512
TI  - Ozone levels in the Spanish Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range are above the
      thresholds for plant protection: analysis at 2262, 1850, and 995 m a.s.l.
AB  - The Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range, located at 60 km from Madrid City
      (Spain), includes high valuable ecosystems following an altitude gradient, some
      of them protected under the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park. The
      characteristic Mediterranean climatic conditions and the precursors emitted from
      Madrid favor a high photochemical production of ozone (O3) in the region.
      However, very little information is available about the patterns and levels of O3
      and other air pollutants in the high elevation areas and their potential effects
      on vegetation. Ozone levels were monitored at three altitudes (2262, 1850, and
      995 m a.s.l.) for at least 3 years within the 2005-2011 period. NO x and SO2 were
      also recorded at the highest and lowest altitude sites. Despite the inter-annual
      and seasonal variations detected in the O3 concentrations, the study revealed
      that SG is exposed to a chronic O3 pollution. The two high elevation sites showed
      high O3 levels even in winter and at nighttime, having low correlation with local
      meteorological variables. At the lower elevation site, O3 levels were more
      related with local meteorological and pollution conditions. Ozone concentrations
      at the three sites exceeded the thresholds for the protection of human health and
      vegetation according to the European Air Quality Directive (EU/50/2008) and the
      thresholds for vegetation protection of the CLRTAP. Ozone should be considered as
      a stress factor for the health of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain ecosystems.
      Furthermore, since O3 levels at foothills differ from concentration in high
      elevation, monitoring stations in mountain ranges should be incorporated in
      regional air quality monitoring networks.

PMID- 27679511
TI  - Occurrence, distribution, and dechlorination of polychlorinated biphenyls and
      health risk assessment in Selangor River basin.
AB  - Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were monitored in surface water collected in the
      Selangor River basin, Malaysia, to identify the occurrence, distribution, and
      dechlorination process as well as to assess the potential adverse effects to the
      Malaysian population. Ten PCB homologs (i.e., mono-CBs to deca-CBs) were
      quantitated by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The total
      concentration of PCBs in the 10 sampling sites ranged from limit of detection to
      7.67 ng L-1. The higher chlorinated biphenyls (tetra-CBs to deca-CBs) were almost
      not detected in most of the sampling sites, whereas lower chlorinated biphenyls
      (mono-CBs, di-CBs, and tri-CBs) dominated more than 90 % of the 10 homologs in
      all the sampling sites. Therefore, the PCB load was estimated to be negligible
      during the sampling period because PCBs have an extremely long half-life. The
      PCBs, particularly higher chlorinated biphenyls, could be thoroughly
      dechlorinated to mono-CBs to tri-CBs by microbial decomposition in sediment or
      could still be accumulated in the sediment. The lower chlorinated biphenyls,
      however, could be resuspended or desorbed from the sediment because they have
      faster desorption rates and higher solubility, compared to the higher chlorinated
      biphenyls. The health risk for the Malaysia population by PCB intake that was
      estimated from the local fish consumption (7.2 ng kg-1 bw day-1) and tap water
      consumption (1.5 * 10-3-3.1 * 10-3 ng kg-1 bw day-1) based on the detected PCB
      levels in the surface water was considered to be minimal. The hazard quotient
      based on the tolerable daily intake (20 ng kg-1 bw day-1) was estimated at 0.36.

PMID- 27679513
TI  - Spectral prediction of sediment chemistry in Lake Okeechobee, Florida.
AB  - High-resolution diffuse reflectance spectra in the visible and near-infrared
      wavelengths were used to predict chemical properties of sediment samples obtained
      from Lake Okeechobee (FL, USA). Chemometric models yielded highly effective
      prediction (relative percent difference (RPD) = SD/RMSE >2) for some sediment
      properties including total magnesium (Mg), total calcium (Ca), total nitrogen
      (TN), total carbon (TC), and organic matter content (loss on ignition (LOI)).
      Predictions for iron (Fe), aluminum (Al), and various forms of phosphorus (total
      P (TP), HCl-extractable P (HCl-P), and KCl-extractable P (KCl-P)) were also
      sufficiently accurate (RPD > 1.5) to be considered useful; predictions for other
      P fractions as well as all pore water properties were poor. Notably, scanning wet
      sediments resulted in only a 7 % decline in RPD scores. Moreover, interpolation
      maps based on values predicted from wet sediment spectra captured the same
      spatial patterns for Ca, Mg, TC, TN, and TP as maps derived directly from wet
      chemistry, suggesting that field scanning of perpetually saturated sediments may
      be a viable option for expediting sample analysis and greatly reducing mapping
      costs. Indeed, the accuracy of spectral model predictions compared favorably with
      the accuracy of kriging model predictions derived from wet chemistry observations
      suggesting that, for some analytes, higher density spatial sampling enabled by
      use of field spectroscopy could increase the geographic accuracy of monitoring
      for changes in lake sediment chemical properties.

PMID- 27679514
TI  - A Novel Hybrid Compound LLP2A-Ale Both Prevented and Rescued the Osteoporotic
      Phenotype in a Mouse Model of Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis.
AB  - Prolonged glucocorticoid (GC) administration causes secondary osteoporosis (GIOP)
      and non-traumatic osteonecrosis. LLP2A-Ale is a novel bone-seeking compound that
      recruits mesenchymal stem cells to the bone surface, stimulates bone formation,
      and increases bone mass. The purpose of this study was to determine if treatment
      with LLP2A-Ale alone or in combination with parathyroid hormone (PTH) could
      prevent or treat GIOP in a mouse model. Four-month-old male Swiss-Webster mice
      were randomized to a prevention study with placebo, GC (day 1-28), and GC + LLP2A
      Ale (IV, day 1) or a treatment study with placebo, GC (days 1-56), GC + LLP2A-Ale
      (IV, day 28), GC + PTH, and GC + LLP2A-Ale + PTH (days 28-56). Mice were killed
      on day 28 (prevention study) or on day 56 (treatment study). The study endpoints
      included bone mass, bone strength, serum markers of bone turnover (P1NP and CTX
      I) and angiogenesis (VEGF-A), surface-based bone turnover, and blood vessel
      density. LLP2A-Ale prevented GC-induced bone loss and increased mechanical
      strength in the vertebral body (days 28 and 56) and femur (day 56). LLP2A-Ale,
      PTH, and LLP2A-Ale + PTH treatment significantly increased the mineralizing
      surface, bone formation rate, mineral apposition rate, double-labeled surface,
      and serum P1NP level on day 56. LLP2A-Ale and PTH treatment increased femoral
      blood vessel density and LLP2A-Ale increased serum VEGF-A on day 28. Therefore,
      LLP2A-Ale monotherapy could be a potential option to both prevent and treat GC
      induced osteoporosis and bone fragility.

PMID- 27679515
TI  - [Physical activity as therapeutic intervention for depression].
AB  - AIM: This article gives a conspectus of the present state of research on the
      efficiency of exercise as a treatment for patients suffering from depression.
      METHODS: A systematic review of articles published between December 1980 and
      March 2016 was carried out. The review focused on studies that examined the
      effects of exercise compared to control conditions in the treatment of
      depression. Extracted and analyzed information from the articles included details
      about participants, characteristics of exercise and control conditions,
      assessments, study design and outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 34 of the 48 studies
      included in the literature search reported a significant reduction of depressive
      symptoms due to exercise interventions. There was a trend to reduced depressive
      symptoms following the exercise interventions in five studies. In nine studies no
      positive impact of exercise on depression and affective well-being could be
      detected. DISCUSSION: This review article shows that physical activity decreases
      depressive symptoms and increases affective well-being in patients with
      depressive diseases; therefore, exercise should be recommended as a component of
      depression treatment within the framework of a multi-dimensional approach.

PMID- 27679516
TI  - The Delivery of High-Dose Dry Powder Antibiotics by a Low-Cost Generic Inhaler.
AB  - The routine of loading multiple capsules for delivery of high-dose antibiotics is
      time consuming, which may reduce patient adherence to inhaled treatment. To
      overcome this limitation, an investigation was carried out using four modified
      versions of the Aerolizer(r) that accommodate a size 0 capsule for delivery of
      high payload formulations. In some prototypes, four piercing pins of 0.6 mm each
      were replaced with a single centrally located 1.2-mm pin and one-third reduced
      air inlet of the original design. The performance of these inhalers was evaluated
      using spray-dried antibiotic powders with distinct morphologies: spherical
      particles with a highly corrugated surface (colistin and tobramycin) and needle
      like particles (rifapentine). The inhalers were tested at capsule loadings of 50
      mg (colistin), 30 mg (rifapentine) and 100 mg (tobramycin) using a multistage
      liquid impinger (MSLI) operating at 60 L/min. The device with a single pin and
      reduced air inlet showed a superior performance than the other prototypes in
      dispersing colistin and rifapentine powders, with a fine particle fraction (FPF
      wt% <5 MUm in the aerosol) between 62 and 68%. Subsequently, an Aerolizer(r) with
      the same configuration (single pin and one-third air inlet) that accommodates a
      size 00 capsule was designed to increase the payload of colistin and rifapentine.
      The performance of the device at various inspiratory flow rates and air volumes
      achievable by most cystic fibrosis (CF) patients was examined at the maximum
      capsule loading of 100 mg. The device showed optimal performance at 45 L/min with
      an air volume of 1.5-2.0 L for colistin and 60 L/min with an air volume of 2.0 L
      for rifapentine. In conclusion, the modified size 00 Aerolizer(r) inhaler as a
      low-cost generic device demonstrated promising results for delivery of various
      high-dose formulations for treatment of lung infections.

PMID- 27679517
TI  - Development and Translational Application of an Integrated, Mechanistic Model of
      Antibody-Drug Conjugate Pharmacokinetics.
AB  - Antibody drug conjugates (ADC), in which small molecule cytotoxic agents are non
      specifically linked to antibodies, can enable targeted delivery of
      chemotherapeutics to tumor cells. ADCs are often produced and administered as a
      mixture of conjugated antibodies with different drug to antibody ratios (DAR)
      resulting in complex and heterogeneous disposition kinetics. We developed a
      mechanism-based platform model that can describe and predict the complex
      pharmacokinetic (PK) behavior of ADCs with protease-cleavable valine-citrulline
      (VC) linker linked to Monomethylmonomethyl auristatin F/E by incorporating known
      mechanisms of ADC disposition. The model includes explicit representation of all
      DAR species; DAR-dependent sequential deconjugation of the drug, resulting in the
      conversion of higher DAR to lower DAR species; and DAR-dependent antibody/ADC
      clearance. PK profiles of multiple analytes (total antibody, drug-conjugated
      antibody, and/or antibody-conjugated drug) for different ADC molecules and
      targets in rodents and cynomolgus monkeys were used for model development. The
      integrated cross-species model was successful in capturing the multi-analyte PK
      profiles after administration of purified ADCs with defined DAR species and ADCs
      with mixtures of DAR. Human PK predictions for DSTP3086S (anti-STEAP1-vc-MMAE)
      with the platform model agreed well with PK (total antibody and antibody
      conjugated drug concentrations) measurements in the dose-ranging phase I clinical
      study. The integrated model is applicable to various other ADCs with different
      formats, conjugated drugs, and linkers, and provides a valuable tool for the
      exploration of mechanisms governing disposition of ADCs and enables translational
      predictions.

PMID- 27679518
TI  - Effect of Patiromer on Urinary Ion Excretion in Healthy Adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Patiromer is a nonabsorbed potassium-binding polymer
      that uses calcium as the counterexchange ion. The calcium released with potassium
      binding has the potential to be absorbed or bind phosphate. Because binding is
      not specific for potassium, patiromer can bind other cations. Here, we evaluate
      the effect of patiromer on urine ion excretion in healthy adults, which reflects
      gastrointestinal ion absorption. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS:
      We analyzed the effect of patiromer on urine potassium, sodium, magnesium,
      calcium, and phosphate in two studies. Healthy adults on controlled diets in a
      clinical research unit were given patiromer up to 50.4 g/d divided three times a
      day for 8 days (dose-finding study) or 25.2 g/d in a crossover design as daily or
      divided (two or three times a day) doses for 18 days (dosing regimen study). On
      the basis of 24-hour collections, urinary ion excretion during the baseline
      period (days 5-11) was compared with that during the treatment period (days 13
      19; dose-finding study), and the last 4 days of each period were compared across
      regimens (dosing regimen study). RESULTS: In the dose-finding study, patiromer
      induced a dose-dependent decrease in urine potassium, urine magnesium, and urine
      sodium (P<0.01 for each). Patiromer at 25.2 g/d decreased urine potassium (mean+/
      SD) by 1140+/-316 mg/d, urine magnesium by 45+/-1 mg/d, and urine sodium by 225+/
      145 mg/d. Urine calcium increased in a dose-dependent manner, and urine phosphate
      decreased in parallel (both P<0.01). Patiromer at 25.2 g/d increased urine
      calcium by 73+/-23 mg/d and decreased urine phosphate by 64+/-40 mg/d. Urine
      potassium, urine sodium, and urine magnesium were unaffected by dosing regimen,
      whereas the increase in urine calcium was significantly lower with daily compared
      with three times a day dosing (P=0.01). Urine phosphate also decreased less with
      daily compared with two or three times a day dosing (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In
      healthy adults, patiromer reduces urine potassium, urine sodium, urine magnesium,
      and urine phosphate, while modestly increasing urine calcium. Compared with
      divided dosing, administration of patiromer once daily provides equivalent
      reductions in urine potassium, urine sodium, and urine magnesium, with less
      effect on urine calcium and urine phosphate.

PMID- 27679520
TI  - Patiromer-an Oral Calcium-Loaded Potassium Binder: Kalirrhea with Calciuresis.

PMID- 27679519
TI  - Incidence, Severity, and Outcomes of AKI Associated with Dual Renin-Angiotensin
      System Blockade.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The benefit of dual blockade of the renin-angiotensin
      system is limited by adverse effects. We performed a secondary analysis of the
      Veterans Affairs Nephropathy in Diabetes (VA NEPHRON-D) Study to describe the
      effect of increased intensity of renin-angiotensin system blockade on the
      incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of AKI. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, &
      MEASUREMENTS: In the VA NEPHRON-D Study, we randomized 1148 veterans receiving
      outpatient care with type 2 diabetes mellitus, eGFR of between 30 and 89.9 ml/min
      per 1.73 m2, and urinary albumin excretion of at least 300 MUg/mg creatinine (or
      a urinary total protein of at least 0.5 mg/mg creatinine) to either combination
      therapy with losartan and lisinopril or monotherapy with losartan. We identified
      hospitalized AKI events and their outcomes during a median follow-up of 2.2 years
      through systematic reporting of serious adverse events. RESULTS: The incidence of
      AKI was 12.2 (95% confidence interval, 10.5 to 14.0) versus 6.7 (95% confidence
      interval, 5.6 to 8.2) per 100 patient-years in the combination arm versus
      monotherapy arms (P<0.001). Individuals with AKI were more likely to develop the
      primary study end point of death, ESRD, or decline in kidney function (hazard
      ratio, 1.78; 95% confidence interval, 1.34 to 2.26; P<0.001). Patients with AKI
      in the combination arm had greater recovery of kidney function (75.9% versus
      66.3%; P=0.04), lower 30-day mortality (4.7% versus 15.0%; P<0.01), and lower
      hazard for development of the primary study end point (hazard ratio, 0.60; 95%
      confidence interval, 0.37 to 0.98). CONCLUSIONS: Dual renin-angiotensin system
      blockade was associated with an increased risk of AKI compared with monotherapy,
      but AKI in the setting of monotherapy was associated with lower rates of recovery
      of kidney function, higher mortality, and higher risk of progression of kidney
      disease.

PMID- 27679521
TI  - Tool-use by rats (Rattus norvegicus): tool-choice based on tool features.
AB  - In the present study, we investigated whether rats (Rattus norvegicus) could be
      trained to use tools in an experimental setting. In Experiment 1, we investigated
      whether rats became able to choose appropriate hook-shaped tools to obtain food
      based on the spatial arrangements of the tool and food, similar to tests
      conducted in non-human primates and birds. With training, the rats were able to
      choose the appropriate hooks. In Experiments 2 and 3, we conducted transfer tests
      with novel tools. The rats had to choose between a functional and non-functional
      rake-shaped tool in these experiments. In Experiment 2, the tools differed from
      those of Experiment 1 in terms of shape, color, and texture. In Experiment 3,
      there was a contradiction between the appearance and the functionality of these
      tools. The rats could obtain the food with a functional rake with a transparent
      blade but could not obtain food with a non-functional rake with an opaque soft
      blade. All rats chose the functional over the non-functional rakes in Experiment
      2, but none of the rats chose the functional rake in Experiment 3. Thus, the rats
      were able to choose the functional rakes only when there was no contradiction
      between the appearance and functionality of the tools. These results suggest that
      rats understand the spatial and physical relationships between the tool, food,
      and self when there was no such contradiction.

PMID- 27679523
TI  - Insights into Zika Virus History, Human Health Effects, and Control Measures.

PMID- 27679522
TI  - Setting healthcare priorities: a description and evaluation of the budgeting and
      planning process in county hospitals in Kenya.
AB  - This paper describes and evaluates the budgeting and planning processes in public
      hospitals in Kenya. We used a qualitative case study approach to examine these
      processes in two hospitals in Kenya. We collected data by in-depth interviews of
      national level policy makers, hospital managers, and frontline practitioners in
      the case study hospitals (n = 72), a review of documents, and non-participant
      observations within the hospitals over a 7 month period. We applied an evaluative
      framework that considers both consequentialist and proceduralist conditions as
      important to the quality of priority-setting processes. The budgeting and
      planning process in the case study hospitals was characterized by lack of
      alignment, inadequate role clarity and the use of informal priority-setting
      criteria. With regard to consequentialist conditions, the hospitals incorporated
      economic criteria by considering the affordability of alternatives, but rarely
      considered the equity of allocative decisions. In the first hospital,
      stakeholders were aware of - and somewhat satisfied with - the budgeting and
      planning process, while in the second hospital they were not. Decision making in
      both hospitals did not result in reallocation of resources. With regard to
      proceduralist conditions, the budgeting and planning process in the first
      hospital was more inclusive and transparent, with the stakeholders more empowered
      compared to the second hospital. In both hospitals, decisions were not based on
      evidence, implementation of decisions was poor and the community was not
      included. There were no mechanisms for appeals or to ensure that the
      proceduralist conditions were met in both hospitals. Public hospitals in Kenya
      could improve their budgeting and planning processes by harmonizing these
      processes, improving role clarity, using explicit priority-setting criteria, and
      by incorporating both consequentialist (efficiency, equity, stakeholder
      satisfaction and understanding, shifted priorities, implementation of decisions),
      and proceduralist (stakeholder engagement and empowerment, transparency, use of
      evidence, revisions, enforcement, and incorporating community values) conditions.

PMID- 27679524
TI  - Renal function predicts long-term outcome on enzyme replacement therapy in
      patients with Fabry disease.
AB  - Background: Renal and cardiac involvement is responsible for substantial
      morbidity and mortality in Fabry disease (FD). We analysed the incidence of FD
      related renal, cardiac and neurologic end points in patients with FD on long-term
      enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). Methods: A retrospective analysis of
      prospectively collected data from two German FD centres was performed. The impact
      of renal and cardiac function at ERT-naive baseline on end point development
      despite ERT was analysed. Results: Fifty-four patients (28 females) receiving ERT
      (mean 81 +/- 21 months) were investigated. Forty per cent of patients were
      diagnosed with clinical end points before ERT initiation and 50% of patients on
      ERT developed new clinical end points. In patients initially diagnosed with an
      end point before ERT initiation, the risk for an additional end point on ERT was
      increased {hazard ratio [HR] 3.83 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.61-9.08]; P =
      0.0023}. A decreased glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <=75 mL/min/1.73 m2 in ERT
      naive patients at baseline was associated with an increased risk for
      cardiovascular end points [HR 3.59 (95% CI 1.15-11.18); P = 0.0273] as well as
      for combined renal, cardiac and neurologic end points on ERT [HR 4.77 (95% CI
      1.93-11.81); P = 0.0007]. In patients with normal kidney function, left
      ventricular hypertrophy at baseline predicted a decreased end point-free survival
      [HR 6.90 (95% CI 2.04-23.27); P = 0.0018]. The risk to develop an end point was
      independent of sex. Conclusions: In addition to age, even moderately impaired
      renal function determines FD progression on ERT. In patients with FD, renal and
      cardiac protection is warranted to prevent patients from deleterious
      manifestations of the disease.

PMID- 27679525
TI  - Systematic Review of the Human Milk Microbiota.
AB  - Human milk-associated microbes are among the first to colonize the infant gut and
      may help to shape both short- and long-term infant health outcomes. We performed
      a systematic review to characterize the microbiota of human milk. Relevant
      primary studies were identified through a comprehensive search of PubMed (January
      1, 1964, to June 31, 2015). Included studies were conducted among healthy
      mothers, were written in English, identified bacteria in human milk, used culture
      independent methods, and reported primary results at the genus level. Twelve
      studies satisfied inclusion criteria. All varied in geographic location and human
      milk collection/storage/analytic methods. Streptococcus was identified in human
      milk samples in 11 studies (91.6%) and Staphylococcus in 10 (83.3%); both were
      predominant genera in 6 (50%). Eight of the 12 studies used conventional
      ribosomal RNA (rRNA) polymerase chain reaction (PCR), of which 7 (87.5%)
      identified Streptococcus and 6 (80%) identified Staphylococcus as present. Of
      these 8 studies, 2 (25%) identified Streptococcus and Staphylococcus as
      predominant genera. Four of the 12 studies used next-generation sequencing (NGS),
      all of which identified Streptococcus and Staphylococcus as present and
      predominant genera. Relative to conventional rRNA PCR, NGS is a more sensitive
      method to identify/quantify bacterial genera in human milk, suggesting the
      predominance of Streptococcus and Staphylococcus may be underestimated in studies
      using older methods. These genera, Streptococcus and Staphylococcus, may be
      universally predominant in human milk, regardless of differences in geographic
      location or analytic methods. Primary studies designed to evaluate the effect of
      these 2 genera on short- and long-term infant outcomes are warranted.

PMID- 27679527
TI  - Should general practice be a specialty in its own right?

PMID- 27679526
TI  - Aluminum Content of Neonatal Parenteral Nutrition Solutions.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Calcium chloride (CaCl2) has been the only calcium additive
      available in the United States that has a low aluminum (Al) content. Calcium
      gluconate in glass vials (CaGluc-Gl) has a high Al content while calcium
      gluconate in plastic vials (CaGluc-Pl) has a low Al content. The purpose of this
      study was to measure Al concentrations in neonatal parenteral nutrition (PN)
      solutions prepared using various calcium additives. METHODS: Samples of solutions
      compounded with CaCl2 or CaGluc-Gl and sodium phosphate (NaPhos) as well as
      CaGluc-Pl and sodium glycerophosphate (NaGP) with and without cysteine were
      analyzed for Al content. Samples of the cysteine and calcium gluconate additives
      were also sent for analysis. RESULTS: Solutions containing CaCl2 and CaGlu-Pl had
      mean Al concentrations of 1.2-2.3 mcg/dL, while those with CaGlu-Gl had mean
      concentrations of 14.6-15.1 mcg/dL. Solutions made with NaGP were low in Al
      content. The measured Al content of 2 lots of the cysteine additive were 168 +/-
      23 mcg/L and 126 +/- 5 mcg/L. The Al concentration equalled 2730 +/- 20 mcg/L for
      the CaGlu-Gl additive and 310 +/- 80 mcg/L for the CaGlu-Pl additive. CONCLUSION:
      The study indicates that solutions containing CaCl2 or CaGluc-Pl and NaPhos or
      NaGP are low in Al content. Using these options for calcium and phosphate
      additives can limit aluminum intake from neonatal PN to levels within the Food
      and Drug Administration guideline of <=5 mcg/kg/d.

PMID- 27679528
TI  - Panel's "Moonshot" Goals Released.
AB  - The Cancer Moonshot's Blue Ribbon Panel has published 10 recommendations to help
      the initiative make 10 years of cancer research progress in half that time. The
      proposed projects include a cancer "atlas" documenting tumor evolution and a
      patient network to sequence tumors and recruit trial participants.

PMID- 27679529
TI  - A Cytosolic Amphiphilic alpha-Helix Controls the Activity of the Bile Acid
      sensitive Ion Channel (BASIC).
AB  - The bile acid-sensitive ion channel (BASIC) is a member of the
      degenerin/epithelial Na+ channel (Deg/ENaC) family of ion channels. It is mainly
      found in bile duct epithelial cells, the intestinal tract, and the cerebellum and
      is activated by alterations of its membrane environment. Bile acids, one class of
      putative physiological activators, exert their effect by changing membrane
      properties, leading to an opening of the channel. The physiological function of
      BASIC, however, is unknown. Deg/ENaC channels are characterized by a trimeric
      subunit composition. Each subunit is composed of two transmembrane segments,
      which are linked by a large extracellular domain. The termini of the channels
      protrude into the cytosol. Many Deg/ENaC channels contain regulatory domains and
      sequence motifs within their cytosolic domains. In this study, we show that BASIC
      contains an amphiphilic alpha-helical structure within its N-terminal domain.
      This alpha-helix binds to the cytosolic face of the plasma membrane and
      stabilizes a closed state. Truncation of this domain renders the channel
      hyperactive. Collectively, we identify a cytoplasmic domain, unique to BASIC,
      that controls channel activity via membrane interaction.

PMID- 27679530
TI  - Perilipin-2 Deletion Impairs Hepatic Lipid Accumulation by Interfering with
      Sterol Regulatory Element-binding Protein (SREBP) Activation and Altering the
      Hepatic Lipidome.
AB  - Perilipin-2 (PLIN2) is a constitutively associated cytoplasmic lipid droplet coat
      protein that has been implicated in fatty liver formation in non-alcoholic fatty
      liver disease. Mice with or without whole-body deletion of perilipin-2 (Plin2
      null) were fed either Western or control diets for 30 weeks. Perilipin-2 deletion
      prevents obesity and insulin resistance in Western diet-fed mice and dramatically
      reduces hepatic triglyceride and cholesterol levels in mice fed Western or
      control diets. Gene and protein expression studies reveal that PLIN2 deletion
      suppressed SREBP-1 and SREBP-2 target genes involved in de novo lipogenesis and
      cholesterol biosynthetic pathways in livers of mice on either diet. GC-MS
      lipidomics demonstrate that this reduction correlated with profound alterations
      in the hepatic lipidome with significant reductions in both desaturation and
      elongation of hepatic neutral lipid species. To examine the possibility that
      lipidomic actions of PLIN2 deletion contribute to suppression of SREBP
      activation, we isolated endoplasmic reticulum membrane fractions from long-term
      Western diet-fed wild type (WT) and Plin2-null mice. Lipidomic analyses reveal
      that endoplasmic reticulum membranes from Plin2-null mice are markedly enriched
      in omega-3 and omega-6 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, which others have
      shown inhibit SREBP activation and de novo lipogenesis. Our results identify
      PLIN2 as a determinant of global changes in the hepatic lipidome and suggest the
      hypothesis that these actions contribute to SREBP-regulated de novo lipogenesis
      involved in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

PMID- 27679532
TI  - Inclusion of Older People in Trials: Lessons From FAST-MAG (Field Administration
      of Stroke Therapy-Magnesium).

PMID- 27679531
TI  - Common Eye Diseases in Children in Saudi Arabia (Jazan).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The rise in childhood eye diseases has become a matter of concern in
      Saudi Arabia, and hence a study has been conducted on the residents of Jazan. The
      aim of the research was to find out the root cause of such issues and provide a
      solution to prevent such circumstances for it may affect the vision of children.
      In this study, therefore, we aimed to determine the types of childhood eye
      diseases in Jazan and to discuss the best ways to prevent them or prevent their
      effect on the vision of our children. Our institutions are working toward the
      longevity and welfare of the residents, and healthcare is one of the important
      aspects in such a field. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of all patients
      less than 18 years of age who presented to the pediatric ophthalmology clinic of
      Prince Mohammed Bin Nasser Hospital, Jazan, between October 2014 and October
      2015. The data, collected on 385 cases, included the age at first presentation,
      sex, clinical diagnosis, refractive error (RE) if present, and whether the child
      had amblyopia. If the child did not undergo complete ophthalmic examination with
      cycloplegic refraction, he/she was excluded. All data were collected and analyzed
      using the software SPSS. A P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically
      significant. RESULTS: We reviewed the files of 385 children, with a male/female
      ratio of 1.1:1.0. The group aged 0-6 years made up the largest group (P = 0.01),
      and the ratio is an expression to define the credibility of the study using a chi
      squared test. Strabismus (36.9%), RE (26.5%), ocular trauma (7.5%), infection of
      cornea and conjunctiva (7.3%), and keratoconus (6.2%) were the most common
      conditions. There was no significant difference in presentation by age group and
      sex among children with REs and squint. Trauma was seen more commonly among males
      and in the group aged 12-18 years. CONCLUSION: In this retrospective study, the
      focus was on the common childhood eye diseases that were considerably high.
      Hypermetropia was the predominant RE, which is in contrast to other studies where
      myopia was more common. However, it is important to promote public education on
      the significance of early detection of strabismus, REs, and amblyopia and have
      periodic screening in schools. The discussion of the various issues is aimed at
      increasing the awareness and building a support for the cause by creating the
      knowledge base to treat things on time and acknowledging the severity of the
      issues.

PMID- 27679533
TI  - Characteristics and Outcomes of Very Elderly Enrolled in a Prehospital Stroke
      Research Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Greater numbers of individuals aged >=80 years enjoy a
      high quality of life, yet historically stroke trials have excluded this
      population. We aimed to describe a population of very elderly successfully
      enrolled into an acute stroke trial and compare their characteristics and
      outcomes with the younger cohort. METHODS: We analyzed consecutive patients
      enrolled <2 hours of symptom onset in a prehospital stroke treatment trial, the
      FAST-MAG clinical trial (Field Administration of Stroke Therapy-Magnesium). We
      gathered demographic, treatment, and outcome data for nonelderly (<80 years old),
      very elderly (>=80 years old), and extreme elderly (>=90 years old). We describe
      key differences in the population of elderly and the impact of their inclusion on
      the clinical trial. RESULTS: Of 1700 participants in FAST-MAG, there were 1210
      nonelderly, 490 very elderly, and 60 extreme elderly subjects. Very elderly
      stroke patients successfully enrolled in a research study were more likely to be
      women, white, and have an ischemic mechanism rather than an intracerebral
      hemorrhage. Although the very elderly had generally poorer outcomes, 4 in 10 were
      functionally independent at 90 days. CONCLUSIONS: Inclusion of the very elderly
      population in acute stroke clinical trials would both significantly increase
      study participation and generalizability of future acute stroke clinical trials.
      CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique
      identifier: NCT00059332.

PMID- 27679535
TI  - Predominant Corticospinal Tract Involvement in a Late Infant with Krabbe Disease.
AB  - A case of late-infantile Krabbe disease in a patient who presented with
      developmental regression and spastic quadriplegia in late infancy is reported.
      Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 11 months of age showed predominant
      corticospinal tract involvement, which usually appears in adult Krabbe disease.
      Galactocerebrosidase activity in lymphocytes and skin fibroblasts was very low.
      Genetic testing revealed compound heterozygous mutations of the
      galactocerebrosidase (GALC) gene, c.635_646 delinsCTC and c.1901T>C [p.L618S],
      both of which are known pathogenic mutations. It has been reported that the
      c.1901T>C [p.L618S] mutation is associated with the late-onset phenotype and, in
      a past case, a homozygous mutation at this location showed predominant
      corticospinal tract involvement on MRI. Although further analysis is needed to
      identify the pathophysiological mechanism, this combination of mutations is
      likely to be associated with this unusual MRI finding in late-infantile Krabbe
      disease. Because these types of mutations are common for Japanese patients, it is
      possible that there are more undiagnosed and late-diagnosed patients of late
      infantile Krabbe disease who display limited lesions on MRI. Pediatricians should
      be aware that patients with late-infantile Krabbe disease can present with
      predominant corticospinal tract involvement on MRI. 

PMID- 27679534
TI  - PET Metabolic Biomarkers for Cancer.
AB  - The body's main fuel sources are fats, carbohydrates (glucose), proteins, and
      ketone bodies. It is well known that an important hallmark of cancer cells is the
      overconsumption of glucose. Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging using the
      glucose analog (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose ((18)F-FDG) has been a powerful cancer
      diagnostic tool for many decades. Apart from surgery, chemotherapy and
      radiotherapy represent the two main domains for cancer therapy, targeting tumor
      proliferation, cell division, and DNA replication-all processes that require a
      large amount of energy. Currently, in vivo clinical imaging of metabolism is
      performed almost exclusively using PET radiotracers that assess oxygen
      consumption and mechanisms of energy substrate consumption. This paper reviews
      the utility of PET imaging biomarkers for the detection of cancer proliferation,
      vascularization, metabolism, treatment response, and follow-up after radiation
      therapy, chemotherapy, and chemotherapy-related side effects. 

PMID- 27679536
TI  - Disseminated intravascular coagulation with the fibrinolytic phenotype predicts
      the outcome of patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We tested the hypothesis that disseminated intravascular coagulation
      (DIC) during the early phase of post-cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is
      associated with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), multiple organ
      dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and affects the outcome of out-of-hospital cardiac
      arrest (OHCA) patients. METHODS: A review of the computer-based medical records
      of OHCA patients was retrospectively conducted and included 388 patients who were
      divided into DIC and non-DIC patients based on the Japanese Association for Acute
      Medicine DIC diagnostic criteria. DIC patients were subdivided into two groups:
      those with and without hyperfibrinolysis. Pre-hospital factors, platelet count,
      coagulation and fibrinolysis markers and lactate levels within 24 h after
      resuscitation were evaluated. The outcome measure was all-cause hospital
      mortality. RESULTS: DIC patients exhibited lower platelet counts, prolonged
      prothrombin time, decreased levels of fibrinogen and antithrombin associated with
      increased fibrinolysis than those without DIC. DIC patients more frequently
      developed SIRS and MODS, followed by worse outcomes than non-DIC patients. The
      same changes were observed in DIC patients with hyperfibrinolysis who showed a
      higher prevalence of MODS, leading to worse outcome than those without
      hyperfibrinolysis. Logistic regression analyses showed that lactate levels
      predicted hyperfibrinolysis and DIC is an independent predictor of patient death.
      Survival probabilities of DIC patients during hospital stay were significantly
      lower than non-DIC patients. The area under the receiver operating characteristic
      curve of DIC for the prediction of death was 0.704. CONCLUSIONS: The fibrinolytic
      phenotype of DIC during the early phase of post-CPR more frequently results in
      SIRS and MODS, especially in patients with hyperfibrinolysis, and affects the
      outcome of OHCA patients.

PMID- 27679537
TI  - Off-label use of the Angioseal vascular closure device for femoral arteriotomy:
      retrospective analysis of safety and efficacy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Angioseal, an arteriotomy closure device (ACD), functions as a
      collagen plug that physically closes arteriotomy sites and can simultaneously
      induce platelet activation and aggregation. When used 'on-label', the safety and
      efficacy profile of Angioseal is superior compared with those of other ACDs.
      However, Angioseal is sometimes deployed in less than ideal situations.
      Therefore, we sought to assess the safety and efficacy of 'off-label' Angioseal
      use in patients undergoing femoral arteriotomies. METHODS: We performed a
      retrospective review of all femoral arterial angiograms executed at our
      institution between 2008 and 2014. Patients whose femoral punctures did not fit
      the criteria for on-label Angioseal use were included, and were dichotomized
      based on vascular closure (off-label Angioseal vs manual compression). RESULTS:
      Of the 521 patients (1023 angiograms) reviewed, 303 (58.2%) patients had off
      label Angioseal groin punctures. Mean patient age was 46.2+/-14.0 years, and 113
      were men. 234 patients (77%) had off-label Angioseal deployment while 69 (22%)
      individuals received manual pressure, serving as controls. Demographic and
      procedural variables were nearly identical between the two groups but the
      Angioseal group comprised mostly patients that underwent neurointerventional
      procedures and thus received intraprocedural heparinization (41%) more often than
      the manual compression group (19%). The overall rate of major complications
      associated with off-label Angioseal deployment was low (<0.85%), and clinical
      complications were not independently associated with Angioseal use (OR 0.76 (95%
      CI 0.06 to 8.86); p=0.69). CONCLUSIONS: Off-label use of Angioseal was found to
      be safe and was not associated with an increased complication rate in our cohort.

PMID- 27679538
TI  - Ethical climate and missed nursing care in cancer care units.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous research has linked missed nursing care to nurses' work
      environment. Ethical climate is a part of work environment, but the relationship
      of missed care to different types of ethical climate is unknown. RESEARCH
      OBJECTIVES: To describe the types of ethical climate in adult in-patient cancer
      care settings, and their relationship to missed nursing care. RESEARCH DESIGN: A
      descriptive correlation design was used. Data were collected using the Ethical
      Climate Questionnaire and the MISSCARE survey tool, and analyzed with descriptive
      statistics, Pearson's correlation and analysis of variance. Participants and
      research context: All nurses from relevant units in the Republic of Cyprus were
      invited to participate. Ethical considerations: The research protocol has been
      approved according to national legislation, all licenses have been obtained, and
      respondents participated voluntarily after they have received all necessary
      information. FINDINGS: Response rate was 91.8%. Five types identified were as
      follows: caring (M = 3.18, standard deviation = 1.39); law and code (M = 3.18,
      standard deviation = 0.96); rules (M = 3.17, standard deviation = 0.73);
      instrumental (M = 2.88, standard deviation = 1.34); and independence (M = 2.74,
      standard deviation = 0.94). Reported overall missed care (range: 1-5) was M =
      2.51 (standard deviation = 0.90), and this was positively (p < 0.05) related to
      instrumental (r = 0.612) and independence (r = 0.461) types and negatively (p <
      0.05) related to caring (r = -0.695), rules (r = -0.367), and law and code (r = 
      0.487). DISCUSSION: The reported levels of missed care and the types of ethical
      climates present similarities and differences with the relevant literature. All
      types of ethical climate were related to the reported missed care. CONCLUSION:
      Efforts to reduce the influence of instrumental and independence types and
      fostering caring, law and code, and rules types might decrease missed nursing
      care. However, more robust evidence is needed.

PMID- 27679539
TI  - (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose and (18)F-flumazenil positron emission tomography in
      patients with refractory epilepsy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by epileptic
      seizures as a result of excessive neuronal activity in the brain. Approximately
      65 million people worldwide suffer from epilepsy; 20-40% of them are refractory
      to medication therapy. Early detection of disease is crucial in the management of
      patients with epilepsy. Correct localization of the ictal onset zone is
      associated with a better surgical outcome. The modern non-invasive techniques
      used for structural-functional localization of the seizure focus includes
      electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), single
      photon emission tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) and positron emission
      tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT). PET/CT can predict surgical outcome in
      patients with refractory epilepsy. The aim of the article is to review the
      current role of routinely used tracer 2-deoxy-2-[(18)F]fluoro-D-glucose ((18)F
      FDG) as well as non routinely used (18)F-Flumazenil ((18)F-FMZ) tracers PET/CT in
      patients with refractory epilepsy. CONCLUSIONS: Functional information delivered
      by PET and the morphologic information delivered by CT or MRI are essential in
      presurgical evaluation of epilepsy. Nowadays (18)F-FDG PET/CT is a routinely
      performed imaging modality in localization of the ictal onset zone in patients
      with refractory epilepsy who are unresponsive to medication therapy.
      Unfortunately, (18)F-FDG is not an ideal PET tracer regarding the management of
      patients with epilepsy: areas of glucose hypometabolism do not correlate
      precisely with the proven degree of change within hippocampal sclerosis, as
      observed by histopathology or MRI. Benzodiazepine-receptor imaging is a promising
      alternative in nuclear medicine imaging of epileptogenic focus. The use of (11)C
      FMZ in clinical practice has been limited by its short half-life and
      necessitating an on-site cyclotron for production. Therefore, (18)F-FMZ might be
      established as one of the tracers of choice for patients with refractory epilepsy
      because of better sensitivity and anatomical resolution.

PMID- 27679542
TI  - Recurrence rate in regional lymph nodes in 737 patients with follicular or
      Hurthle cell neoplasms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Preoperative ultrasound (US) evaluation of central and lateral neck
      compartments is recommended for all patients undergoing a thyroidectomy for
      malignant or suspicious for malignancy cytologic or molecular findings. Our aim
      was to find out how frequent was recurrence in regional lymph nodes in patients
      with follicular or Hurthle cell neoplasm and usefulness of preoperative neck US
      investigation in patients with neoplasm. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Altogether 737
      patients were surgically treated because of follicular or Hurthle cell neoplasms
      from 1995 to 2014 at our cancer comprehensive center, among them 207 patients
      (163 females, 44 males; mean age 52 years) had thyroid carcinoma. RESULTS:
      Carcinoma was diagnosed in follicular and Hurthle cell neoplasm in 143/428 and
      64/309 of cases, respectively. A recurrence in regional lymph nodes occurred in
      12/207 patients (6%) during a median follow-up of 55 months. Among patients with
      carcinoma a recurrence in regional lymph nodes was diagnosed in follicular and
      Hurthle cell neoplasms in 2% and 14%, respectively (p = 0.002). Recurrence in
      regional lymph nodes was diagnosed in 3/428 of all patients with follicular
      neoplasm and 9/309 of all patients with Hurthle cell neoplasm. CONCLUSIONS:
      Recurrence in lymph nodes was diagnosed in 0.7% of patients with a preoperative
      diagnosis of follicular neoplasm and 3% of patients with a Hurthle cell neoplasm.
      A recurrence in regional lymph nodes is rare in patients with carcinoma and
      preoperative diagnosis of follicular neoplasm. Preoperative neck ultrasound
      examination in patients with a follicular neoplasm is probably not useful, but in
      patients with Hurtle cell neoplasm it may be useful.

PMID- 27679541
TI  - Non-contrast computed tomography in the diagnosis of cerebral venous sinus
      thrombosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to investigate the sensitivity and
      specificity of non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) in the diagnosis of
      cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST). Methods. Screening our neurological
      department database, we identified 53 patients who were admitted to neurological
      emergency department with clinical signs of CVST. Two independent observers
      assessed the NCCT scans for the presence of CVST. CT venography and/or MR
      venography were used as a reference standard. Interobserver agreement between the
      two readers was assessed using Kappa statistic. Attenuation inside the cerebral
      venous sinuses was measured and compared between the patient and the control
      group. RESULTS: CVST was confirmed in 13 patients. Sensitivity and specificity of
      NCCT for overall presence of CVST were 100% and 83%, respectively, with Kappa
      value of 0.72 (a good agreement between observers). The attenuation values
      between CVST patients and control group were significantly different (73.4 +/-
      14.12 HU vs. 58.1 +/- 7.58 HU; p = 0.000). The ROC analysis showed an area under
      the curve (AUC) of 0.916 (95% CI, 0.827 - 1.00) and an optimal cutoff value of 64
      HU, leading to a sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 87%. CONCLUSIONS: NCCT as
      a first-line investigation has a high value for diagnosis of CVST in the
      emergency setting. The additional measurement of the sinus attenuation may
      improve the diagnostic value of the examination.

PMID- 27679540
TI  - Uncertainties in target volume delineation in radiotherapy - are they relevant
      and what can we do about them?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Modern radiotherapy techniques enable delivery of high doses to the
      target volume without escalating dose to organs at risk, offering the possibility
      of better local control while preserving good quality of life. Uncertainties in
      target volume delineation have been demonstrated for most tumour sites, and
      various studies indicate that inconsistencies in target volume delineation may be
      larger than errors in all other steps of the treatment planning and delivery
      process. The aim of this paper is to summarize the degree of delineation
      uncertainties for different tumour sites reported in the literature and review
      the effect of strategies to minimize them. CONCLUSIONS: Our review confirmed that
      interobserver variability in target volume contouring represents the largest
      uncertainty in the process for most tumour sites, potentially resulting in a
      systematic error in dose delivery, which could influence local control in
      individual patients. For most tumour sites the optimal combination of imaging
      modalities for target delineation still needs to be determined. Strict use of
      delineation guidelines and protocols is advisable both in every day clinical
      practice and in clinical studies to diminish interobserver variability.
      Continuing medical education of radiation oncologists cannot be overemphasized,
      intensive formal training on interpretation of sectional imaging should be
      included in the program for radiation oncology residents.

PMID- 27679543
TI  - Electrochemotherapy with bleomycin is effective in BRAF mutated melanoma cells
      and interacts with BRAF inhibitors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to explore the effectiveness of
      electrochemotherapy (ECT) during the treatment of melanoma patients with BRAF
      inhibitors. Its effectiveness was tested on BRAF mutated and non-mutated melanoma
      cells in vitro and in combination with BRAF inhibitors. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      ECT with bleomycin was performed on two human melanoma cell lines, with (SK-MEL
      28) or without (CHL-1) BRAF V600E mutation. Cell survival was determined using
      clonogenic assay to determine the effectiveness of ECT in melanoma cells of
      different mutation status. Furthermore, the effectiveness of ECT in concomitant
      treatment with BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib was also determined in BRAF mutated
      cells SK-MEL-28 with clonogenic assay. RESULTS: The survival of BRAF V600E
      mutated melanoma cells was even lower than non-mutated cells, indicating that ECT
      is effective regardless of the mutational status of melanoma cells. Furthermore,
      the synergistic interaction between vemurafenib and ECT with bleomycin was
      demonstrated in the BRAF V600E mutated melanoma cells. CONCLUSIONS: The
      effectiveness of ECT in BRAF mutated melanoma cells as well as potentiation of
      its effectiveness during the treatment with vemurafenib in vitro implies on
      clinical applicability of ECT in melanoma patients with BRAF mutation and/or
      during the treatment with BRAF inhibitors.

PMID- 27679544
TI  - Discovery of 'click' 1,2,3-triazolium salts as potential anticancer drugs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In order to increase the effectiveness of cancer treatment, new
      compounds with potential anticancer activities are synthesized and screened. Here
      we present the screening of a new class of compounds, 1-(2-picolyl)-, 4-(2
      picolyl)-, 1-(2-pyridyl)-, and 4-(2-pyridyl)-3-methyl-1,2,3-triazolium salts and
      'parent' 1,2,3-triazole precursors. METHODS: Cytotoxic activity of new compounds
      was determined by spectrophotometric MTT assay on several tumour and one normal
      cell line. Effect of the selected compound to bind double stranded DNA (ds DNA)
      was examined by testing its influence on thermal stability of calf thymus DNA
      while its influence on cell cycle was determined by flow cytometric analysis.
      Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was determined by addition of
      specific substrate 5-(and-6)-chloromethyl-2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein
      diacetate, acetyl ester (CM-H2DCFDA). RESULTS: Parent triazoles were largely
      inactive, while some of the triazolium salts were highly cytotoxic for HeLa
      cells. Triazolium salts exhibited high cell-type dependent cytotoxicity against
      different tumour cells. Selected compound (4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-methyl-1-(2
      picolyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazolium hexafluorophosphate(V) (2b) was significantly more
      cytotoxic against tumour cells than to normal cells, with very high therapeutic
      index 7.69 for large cell lung carcinoma H460 cells. Additionally, this compound
      was similarly cytotoxic against parent laryngeal carcinoma HEp-2 cells and their
      drug resistant 7T subline, suggesting the potential of this compound in treatment
      of drug resistant cancers. Compound 2b arrested cells in the G1 phase of the cell
      cycle. It did not bind ds DNA, but induced ROS in treated cells, which further
      triggered cell death. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the 'click'
      triazolium salts are worthy of further investigation as anti-cancer agents.

PMID- 27679545
TI  - Functional polymorphisms in antioxidant genes in Hurthle cell thyroid neoplasm -
      an association of GPX1 polymorphism and recurrent Hurthle cell thyroid carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hurthle cells of the thyroid gland are very rich in mitochondria and
      oxidative enzymes. As a high level oxidative metabolism may lead to higher level
      of oxidative stress and can be associated with an increased risk for cancer, we
      investigated whether common functional polymorphisms in antioxidant genes (SOD2,
      CAT, GPX, GSTP1, GSTM1 and GSTT1) are associated with the development or clinical
      course of Hurthle cell thyroid carcinoma (HCTC). METHODS: A retrospective study
      was performed in 139 patients treated by thyroid surgery for a Hurthle cell
      neoplasm. HCTC, Hurthle cell thyroid adenoma (HCTA) or Hurthle cell thyroid
      nodule (HCTN) were diagnosed by pathomorphology. DNA was extracted from cores of
      histologically confirmed normal tissue obtained from formalin-fixed paraffin
      embedded specimens and genotyped for investigated polymorphisms. Logistic
      regression was used to compare genotype distributions between patient groups.
      RESULTS: HCTC, HCTA and HCTN were diagnosed in 53, 47 and 21 patients,
      respectively. Metastatic disease and recurrence of HCTC were diagnosed in 20 and
      16 HCTC patients, respectively. Genotypes and allele frequencies of investigated
      polymorphisms did not deviate from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in patients with
      HCTC, HCTA and HCTN. Under the dominant genetic model we observed no differences
      in the genotype frequency distribution of the investigated polymorphisms when the
      HCTA and HCTN group was compared to the HCTC group for diagnosis of HCTC or for
      the presence of metastatic disease. However, GPX1 polymorphism was associated
      with the occurrence of recurrent disease (p = 0.040). CONCLUSIONS: GPX1
      polymorphism may influence the risk for recurrent disease in HCTC.

PMID- 27679546
TI  - Association between polymorphisms in segregation genes BUB1B and TTK and gastric
      cancer risk.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Malignant transformation of normal gastric cells is a complex and
      multistep process, resulting in development of heterogeneous tumours. Susceptible
      genetic background, accumulation of genetic changes, and environmental factors
      play an important role in gastric carcinogenesis. Single nucleotide polymorphisms
      (SNPs) in mitotic segregation genes could be responsible for inducing the slow
      process of accumulation of genetic changes, leading to genome instability.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a case-control study of polymorphisms in
      mitotic kinases TTK rs151658 and BUB1B rs1031963 and rs1801376 to assess their
      effects on gastric cancer risk. We examined the TTK abundance in gastric cancer
      tissues using immunoblot analysis. RESULTS: C/G genotype of rs151658 was more
      frequent in patients with diffuse type of gastric cancer and G/G genotype was
      more common in intestinal types of gastric cancers (p = 0.049). Polymorphic
      genotype A/A of rs1801376 was associated with higher risk for developing diffuse
      type of gastric cancer in female population (p = 0.007), whereas A/A frequencies
      were increased in male patients with subserosa tumour cell infiltration (p =
      0.009). T/T genotype of rs1031963 was associated with well differentiated tumours
      (p = 0.035). TT+CT genotypes of rs1031963 and GG+AG genotypes of rs1801376 were
      significantly associated with gastric cancer risk (dominant model; OR = 2,929,
      95% CI: 1.281-6.700; p = 0.017 and dominant model; OR = 0,364, 95% CI: 0.192
      0.691; p = 0.003 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that
      polymorphisms in mitotic kinases TTK and BUB1B may contribute to gastric
      tumorigenesis and risk of tumour development. Further investigations on large
      populations and populations of different ethnicity are needed to determine their
      clinical utility.

PMID- 27679547
TI  - Metastatic sebaceous cell carcinoma, review of the literature and use of
      electrochemotherapy as possible new treatment modality.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Metastatic extraorbital sebaceous carcinoma is a rare event that
      could involve the head and neck. The treatment of choice for the initial stage of
      the disease is surgery and/or radiotherapy. The treatment of recurrent or
      advanced disease is still controversial. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Extensive
      literature search was done, and the treatment options are discussed. RESULTS:
      Results. The literature search found several treatment modalities in use for the
      treatment of metastatic extraorbital sebaceous carcinoma. Electrochemotherapy was
      not included in the reported treatments. We used this technique for a man of 85
      years old with a recurrent and locally metastatic extraorbital sebaceous
      carcinoma of the scalp. During the period of 8 months, two sessions of
      electrochemotherapy were employed, which resulted in an objective response of the
      tumour and good quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Electrochemotherapy has shown to be
      a interesting tools for treatment of metastatic extraorbital sebaceous carcinoma
      when other radical options are not available or convenient.

PMID- 27679548
TI  - The proliferation marker Ki67, but not neuroendocrine expression, is an
      independent factor in the prediction of prognosis of primary prostate cancer
      patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neuroendocrine markers, which could indicate for aggressive variants
      of prostate cancer and Ki67 (a well-known marker in oncology for defining tumor
      proliferation), have already been associated with clinical outcome in prostate
      cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of those
      markers in primary prostate cancer patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: NSE (neuron
      specific enolase), ChrA (chromogranin A), Syp (Synaptophysin) and Ki67 staining
      were performed by immunohistochemistry. Then, the prognostic impact of their
      expression on overall survival was investigated in 166 primary prostate cancer
      patients by univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: NSE, ChrA, Syp and
      Ki67 were positive in 50, 45, 54 and 146 out of 166 patients, respectively. In
      Kaplan-Meier analysis only diffuse NSE staining (negative vs diffuse, p = 0.004)
      and Ki67 (<= 10% vs > 10%, p < 0.0001) were significantly associated with overall
      survival. Ki67 expression, but not NSE, resulted as an independent prognostic
      factor for overall survival in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: A prognostic
      model incorporating Ki67 expression with clinical-pathological covariates could
      provide additional prognostic information. Ki67 may thus improve prediction of
      prostate cancer outcome based on standard clinical-pathological parameters
      improving prognosis and management of prostate cancer patients.

PMID- 27679549
TI  - Pancreaticoduodenectomy for ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic head with
      venous resection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent reports have shown that patients with vascular tumour invasion
      who undergo concurrent vascular resection can achieve long-term survival rates
      equivalent to those without vascular involvement requiring
      pancreaticoduodenectomy alone. There is no consensus about which patients benefit
      from the portal-superior mesenteric vein resection and there is no consensus
      about the best surgical technique of vessel reconstruction (resection with or
      without graft reconstruction). As published series are small the aim of this
      study was to evaluate our experience in pancreatectomies with en bloc vascular
      resection and reconstruction of vessels. METHODS: Review of database at
      University Clinical Centre Maribor identified 133 patients (average age 65.4 +/-
      8.6 years, 69 female patients) who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy between
      January 2006 and August 2014. Clinical data, operative results, pathological
      findings and postoperative outcomes were collected prospectively and analyzed.
      Current literature and our experience in pancreatectomies with en bloc vascular
      resection and reconstruction of portal vein are reviewed. RESULTS: Twenty-two
      patients out of 133 (16.5%) had portal vein-superior mesenteric vein resection
      and portal vein reconstruction (PVR) during pancreaticoduodenectomy. In fourteen
      patients portal vein was reconstructed without the use of synthetic vascular
      graft. In these series two types of venous reconstruction were performed. When
      tumour involvement was limited to the superior mesenteric vein (SPV) or portal
      vein (PV) such that the splenic vein could be preserved, and vessels could be
      approximated without tension a primary end-to-end anastomosis was performed. When
      tumour involved the SMV-splenic vein confluence, splenic vein ligation was
      necessary. In the remaining eight procedures interposition graft was needed.
      Dacron grafts with 10 mm diameter were used. There was no infection after dacron
      grafting. One patient had portal vein thrombosis after surgery: it was thrombosis
      after primary reconstruction. There were no thromboses in patients with synthetic
      graft interposition. There were no significant differences in postoperative
      morbidity, mortality or grades of complication between groups of patients with or
      without a PVR. Median survival time in months was in a group with vein resection
      16.13 months and in a group without vein resection 15.17 months. Five year
      survival in the group without vein resection was 19.5%. Comparison of survival
      curves showed equal hazard rates with log-rank p = 0.090. CONCLUSIONS: Survival
      of patients with pancreatic cancer who undergo an R0 resection with
      reconstruction was comparable to those who have a standard
      pancreaticoduodenectomy with no added mortality or morbidity. Synthetic graft
      appeared to be an effective and safe option as an interposition graft for
      portomesenteric venous reconstruction after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

PMID- 27679550
TI  - Interdisciplinary consensus statement on indication and application of a hydrogel
      spacer for prostate radiotherapy based on experience in more than 250 patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to reach a consensus on indication and
      application of a hydrogel spacer based on multicentre experience and give new
      users important information to shorten the learning curve for this innovative
      technique. METHODS: The interdisciplinary meeting was attended by radiation
      oncologists and urologists, each with experience of 23 - 138 hydrogel injections
      (SpaceOAR(r)) in prostate cancer patients before dose-escalated radiotherapy.
      User experience was discussed and questions were defined to comprise practical
      information relevant for successful hydrogel injection and treatment. Answers to
      the defined key questions were generated. Hydrogel-associated side effects were
      collected to estimate the percentage, treatment and prognosis of potential risks.
      RESULTS: The main indication for hydrogel application was dose-escalated
      radiotherapy for histologically confirmed low or intermediate risk prostate
      cancer. It was not recommended in locally advanced prostate cancer. The injection
      or implantation was performed under transrectal ultrasound guidance via the
      transperineal approach after prior hydrodissection. The rate of injection-related
      G2-toxicity was 2% (n = 5) in a total of 258 hydrogel applications. The most
      frequent complication (n = 4) was rectal wall penetration, diagnosed at different
      intervals after hydrogel injection and treated conservatively. CONCLUSIONS: A
      consensus was reached on the application of a hydrogel spacer. Current experience
      demonstrated feasibility, which could promote initiation of this method in more
      centres to reduce radiation-related gastrointestinal toxicity of dose-escalated
      IGRT. However, a very low rate of a potential serious adverse event could not be
      excluded. Therefore, the application should carefully be discussed with the
      patient and be balanced against potential benefits.

PMID- 27679551
TI  - Excellent outcomes after radiotherapy alone for malignant spinal cord compression
      from myeloma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Uncertainty exists whether patients with spinal cord compression
      (SCC) from a highly radiosensitive tumor require decompressive spinal surgery in
      addition to radiotherapy (RT). This study addressed the question by evaluating
      patients receiving RT alone for SCC from myeloma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data of
      238 patients were retrospectively analyzed for response to RT and local control
      of SCC. In addition, the effect of RT on motor function (improvement, no further
      progression, deterioration) was evaluated. Overall response was defined as
      improvement or no further progression of motor dysfunction. Prior to RT, patients
      were presented to a neurosurgeon for evaluation whether upfront decompressive
      surgery was indicated (e.g. vertebral fracture or unstable spine). RESULTS: In
      the entire cohort, the overall response rate was 97% (53% improvement plus 44% no
      further progression). Following RT, 88% of the patients were able to walk. Of the
      69 non-ambulatory patients 44 patients (64%) regained the ability to walk. Local
      control rates at 1, 2 and 3 years were 93%, 82% and 82%, respectively. A trend
      towards better local control was observed for patients who were ambulatory before
      starting RT (p = 0.08) and those with a more favorable performance status (p =
      0.07). CONCLUSIONS: RT alone provided excellent response rates, functional
      outcomes and local control in patients with SCC from myeloma. These results
      should be confirmed in a prospective randomized trial.

PMID- 27679552
TI  - The role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with advanced (stage IIIC)
      epithelial ovarian cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Primary treatment of patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer
      consists of chemotherapy either before (neoadjuvant chemotherapy, NACT) or after
      primary surgery (adjuvant chemotherapy). The goal of primary treatment is no
      residual disease after surgery (R0 resection) what is associated with an
      improvement in survival of patients. There is, however, no evidence of survival
      benefits in patients with R0 resections after prior NACT. METHODS: We
      retrospectively reviewed the records of patients who were treated with diagnosis
      of epithelial ovarian cancer at Institute of Oncology Ljubljana in the years 2005
      2007. The differences in the rates of R0 resections, progression free survival
      (PFS), overall survival (OS) and in five-year and eight-year survival rates
      between patients treated with NACT and patients who had primary surgery were
      compared. RESULTS: Overall 160 patients had stage IIIC epithelial ovarian cancer.
      Eighty patients had NACT and eighty patients had primary surgery. Patients in
      NACT group had higher rates of R0 resection (42% vs. 20%; p = 0.011) than
      patients after primary surgery. PFS was 14.1 months in NACT group and 17.7 months
      after primary surgery (p = 0.213). OS was 24.8 months in NACT group and 31.6
      months after primary surgery (p = 0.012). In patients with R0 resections five
      year and eight-year survival rates were 20.6% and 17.6% in NACT group compared to
      62.5% and 62.5% after primary surgery (p < 0.0001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS:
      Despite higher rates of R0 resections achieved by NACT, survival of patients
      treated with NACT was inferior to survival of patients who underwent primary
      surgery. NACT should only be offered to patients with advanced epithelial cancer
      who are not candidates for primary surgery.

PMID- 27679554
TI  - Trusts move to new contract as BMA vows to keep fighting imposition.

PMID- 27679555
TI  - Elevated levels of autophagy-related marker ULK1 and mitochondrion-associated
      autophagy inhibitor LRPPRC are associated with biochemical progression and
      overall survival after androgen deprivation therapy in patients with metastatic
      prostate cancer.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the expression levels and prognostic significance of autophagy
      related markers, UNC-51-like kinase1 (ULK1), Beclin1, microtubule-associated
      protein light chain 3 (LC3), autophagy-related gene 5 (ATG5) and mitochondrion
      associated autophagy inhibitor, LRPPRC, in patients with metastatic prostate
      cancer (PCa) after androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). METHODS: Expressions of
      ULK1, Beclin1, LC3, ATG5 and LRPPRC were assessed by immunohistochemical
      examination in 198 patients with metastatic PCa who were receiving ADT (goserelin
      and bicalutamide). RESULTS: High expression levels of LRPPRC and ULK1were
      significantly associated with Gleason score, serum prostate-specific antigen
      (PSA) levels, PSA levels after ADT and number of metastatic sites. High
      expression of ULK1 in patients with concomitant high expression of LRPPRC was
      significantly associated with multiple metastases, shorter biochemical
      progression (BCP)-free survival and shorter overall survival (OS). ULK1
      expression, LRPPRC expression, Gleason score, PSA levels after ADT and number of
      metastatic sites were independently associated with shorter BCP-free survival and
      OS on multivariate analysis. Furthermore, two-year BCP rate of patients with >=3
      risk factors was found to be significantly higher as compared with that of
      patients with <=1 and 2 risk factors. Three-year OS rate in patients with >=3
      risk factors was significantly lower than that of those with <=1 and 2 risk
      factors. CONCLUSIONS: High expression of ULK1 concomitant with high expression of
      LRPPRC may serve as useful markers for shorter BCP-free survival and OS in
      patients with metastatic PCa after ADT.

PMID- 27679553
TI  - Colorectal Cancer and Dysplasia in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Review of
      Disease Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, and Management.
AB  - Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic inflammatory bowel diseases
      (IBD) characterized by recurrent episodes of mucosal inflammation. This chronic
      mucosal inflammation has several potential consequences, one of which is the
      occurrence of colitis-associated colorectal cancer. Over the past decade, our
      understanding of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and overall approach to
      diagnosing and managing colitis-associated colorectal cancer has grown
      considerably. In the current review article, we outline these advancements and
      highlight areas in need of further research. Cancer Prev Res; 9(12); 887-94.
      (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27679557
TI  - Control of Dynamic Limb Motion Using Fatigue-Resistant Asynchronous
      Intrafascicular Multi-Electrode Stimulation.
AB  - Asynchronous intrafascicular multi-electrode stimulation (aIFMS) of small
      independent populations of peripheral nerve motor axons can evoke selective,
      fatigue-resistant muscle forces. We previously developed a real-time proportional
      closed-loop control method for aIFMS generation of isometric muscle force and the
      present work extends and adapts this closed-loop controller to the more demanding
      task of dynamically controlling joint position in the presence of opposing joint
      torque. A proportional-integral-velocity controller, with integrator anti-windup
      strategies, was experimentally validated as a means to evoke motion about the
      hind-limb ankle joint of an anesthetized feline via aIFMS stimulation of fast
      twitch plantar-flexor muscles. The controller was successful in evoking steps in
      joint position with 2.4% overshoot, 2.3-s rise time, 4.5-s settling time, and
      near-zero steady-state error. Controlled step responses were consistent across
      changes in step size, stable against external disturbances, and reliable over
      time. The controller was able to evoke smooth eccentric motion at joint
      velocities up to 8 deg./s, as well as sinusoidal trajectories with frequencies up
      to 0.1 Hz, with time delays less than 1.5 s. These experiments provide important
      insights toward creating a robust closed-loop aIFMS controller that can evoke
      precise fatigue-resistant motion in paralyzed individuals, despite the
      complexities introduced by aIFMS. 

PMID- 27679558
TI  - Data Publications Correlate with Citation Impact.
AB  - Neuroscience and molecular biology have been generating large datasets over the
      past years that are reshaping how research is being conducted. In their wake,
      open data sharing has been singled out as a major challenge for the future of
      research. We conducted a comparative study of citations of data publications in
      both fields, showing that the average publication tagged with a data-related term
      by the NCBI MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) curators achieves a significantly
      larger citation impact than the average in either field. We introduce a new
      metric, the data article citation index (DAC-index), to identify the most
      prolific authors among those data-related publications. The study is fully
      reproducible from an executable Rmd (R Markdown) script together with all the
      citation datasets. We hope these results can encourage authors to more openly
      publish their data. 

PMID- 27679556
TI  - Targeting Cannabinoid CB2 Receptors in the Central Nervous System. Medicinal
      Chemistry Approaches with Focus on Neurodegenerative Disorders.
AB  - Endocannabinoids activate two types of specific G-protein-coupled receptors
      (GPCRs), namely cannabinoid CB1 and CB2. Contrary to the psychotropic actions of
      agonists of CB1 receptors, and serious side effects of the selective antagonists
      of this receptor, drugs acting on CB2 receptors appear as promising drugs to
      combat CNS diseases (Parkinson's disease, Huntington's chorea, cerebellar ataxia,
      amyotrohic lateral sclerosis). Differential localization of CB2 receptors in
      neural cell types and upregulation in neuroinflammation are keys to understand
      the therapeutic potential in inter alia diseases that imply progressive
      neurodegeneration. Medicinal chemistry approaches are now engaged to develop
      imaging tools to map receptors in the living human brain, to develop more
      efficacious agonists, and to investigate the possibility to develop allosteric
      modulators. 

PMID- 27679559
TI  - Enhanced GLUT4-Dependent Glucose Transport Relieves Nutrient Stress in Obese Mice
      Through Changes in Lipid and Amino Acid Metabolism.
AB  - Impaired GLUT4-dependent glucose uptake is a contributing factor in the
      development of whole-body insulin resistance in obese patients and obese animal
      models. Previously, we demonstrated that transgenic mice engineered to express
      the human GLUT4 gene under the control of the human GLUT4 promoter (i.e.,
      transgenic [TG] mice) are resistant to obesity-induced insulin resistance. A
      likely mechanism underlying increased insulin sensitivity is increased glucose
      uptake in skeletal muscle. The purpose of this study was to investigate the
      broader metabolic consequences of enhanced glucose uptake into muscle. We
      observed that the expression of several nuclear and mitochondrially encoded
      mitochondrial enzymes was decreased in TG mice but that mitochondrial number,
      size, and fatty acid respiration rates were unchanged. Interestingly, both
      pyruvate and glutamate respiration rates were decreased in TG mice. Metabolomics
      analyses of skeletal muscle samples revealed that increased GLUT4 transgene
      expression was associated with decreased levels of some tricarboxylic acid
      intermediates and amino acids, whereas the levels of several glucogenic amino
      acids were elevated. Furthermore, fasting acyl carnitines in obese TG mice were
      decreased, indicating that increased GLUT4-dependent glucose flux decreases
      nutrient stress by altering lipid and amino acid metabolism in skeletal muscle.

PMID- 27679560
TI  - Growth Hormone Control of Hepatic Lipid Metabolism.
AB  - In humans, low levels of growth hormone (GH) and its mediator, IGF-1, associate
      with hepatic lipid accumulation. In mice, congenital liver-specific ablation of
      the GH receptor (GHR) results in reductions in circulating IGF-1 and hepatic
      steatosis, associated with systemic insulin resistance. Due to the intricate
      relationship between GH and IGF-1, the relative contribution of each hormone to
      the development of hepatic steatosis is unclear. Our goal was to dissect the
      mechanisms by which hepatic GH resistance leads to steatosis and overall insulin
      resistance, independent of IGF-1. We have generated a combined mouse model with
      liver-specific ablation of GHR in which we restored liver IGF-1 expression via
      the hepatic IGF-1 transgene. We found that liver GHR ablation leads to increases
      in lipid uptake, de novo lipogenesis, hyperinsulinemia, and hyperglycemia
      accompanied with severe insulin resistance and increased body adiposity and serum
      lipids. Restoration of IGF-1 improved overall insulin sensitivity and lipid
      profile in serum and reduced body adiposity, but was insufficient to protect
      against steatosis-induced hepatic inflammation or oxidative stress. We conclude
      that the impaired metabolism in states of GH resistance results from direct
      actions of GH on lipid uptake and de novo lipogenesis, whereas its actions on
      extrahepatic tissues are mediated by IGF-1.

PMID- 27679562
TI  - Stimulation from Cochlear Implant Electrodes Assists with Recovery from
      Asymmetric Perceptual Tilt: Evidence from the Subjective Visual Vertical Test.
AB  - Vestibular end organ impairment is highly prevalent in children who have
      sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) rehabilitated with cochlear implants (CIs). As
      a result, spatial perception is likely to be impacted in this population. Of
      particular interest is the perception of visual vertical because it reflects a
      perceptual tilt in the roll axis and is sensitive to an imbalance in otolith
      function. The objectives of the present study were thus to identify abnormalities
      in perception of the vertical plane in children with SNHL and determine whether
      such abnormalities could be resolved with stimulation from the CI. Participants
      included 53 children (15.2 +/- 4.0 years of age) with SNHL and vestibular loss,
      confirmed with vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) testing. Testing
      protocol was validated in a sample of nine young adults with normal hearing (28.8
      +/- 7.7 years). Perception of visual vertical was assessed using the static
      Subjective Visual Vertical (SVV) test performed with and without stimulation in
      the participants with cochleovestibular loss. Trains of electrical pulses were
      delivered by an electrode in the left and/or right ear. Asymmetric spatial
      orientation deficits were found in nearly half of the participants with CIs
      (24/53 [45%]). The abnormal perception in this cohort was exacerbated by visual
      tilts in the direction of their deficit. Electric pulse trains delivered using
      the CI shifted this abnormal perception towards center (i.e., normal; p = 0.007).
      Importantly, this benefit was realized regardless of which ear was stimulated.
      These results suggest a role for CI stimulation beyond the auditory system, in
      particular, for improving vestibular/balance function. 

PMID- 27679563
TI  - Editor's Highlight: Negative Predictors of Carcinogenicity for Environmental
      Chemicals.
AB  - Recent international efforts have led to proposals for modified carcinogenicity
      testing paradigms based on data from shorter-term studies. The main goal of the
      current study was to evaluate the negative predictive value (NPV) of short-term
      toxicity indicators on carcinogenicity study outcomes and cancer classifications
      for chemicals previously reviewed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
      (EPA). Pathology data were analyzed from over 900 acceptable 2-sex guideline
      subchronic (3-month) and carcinogenicity studies in the U.S. EPA Toxicity
      Reference Database. Chemical cancer classifications were obtained from annual
      reports of the U.S. EPA Office of Pesticide Programs. Histopathologic risk
      signals and evidence of hormonal perturbation in subchronic rat studies provided
      56% NPV for any tumor outcome in the rat or mouse and 75% NPV for cancer
      classifications not requiring quantitative risk assessment (qRA). In comparison,
      lack of activity in a battery of 35 in vitro cytotoxicity assays from the U.S.
      EPA ToxCast library provided 49% NPV for any tumor outcome and 80% NPV for cancer
      classifications not requiring qRA. These findings support the idea that the
      absence of short-term bioactivity may provide useful information for prioritizing
      chemicals based on potential carcinogenic risk. Additional data streams are
      needed to further refine these models.

PMID- 27679564
TI  - Posterior Superior Temporal Sulcus Responses Predict Perceived Pleasantness of
      Skin Stroking.
AB  - Love and affection is expressed through a range of physically intimate gestures,
      including caresses. Recent studies suggest that posterior temporal lobe areas
      typically associated with visual processing of social cues also respond to
      interpersonal touch. Here, we asked whether these areas are selective to caress
      like skin stroking. We collected functional magnetic resonance imaging data from
      23 healthy participants and compared brain responses to skin stroking and
      vibration. We did not find any significant differences between stroking and
      vibration in the posterior temporal lobe; however, right posterior superior
      temporal sulcus (pSTS) responses predicted healthy participant's perceived
      pleasantness of skin stroking, but not vibration. These findings link right pSTS
      responses to individual variability in perceived pleasantness of caress-like
      tactile stimuli. We speculate that the right pSTS may play a role in the
      translation of tactile stimuli into positively valenced, socially relevant
      interpersonal touch and that this system may be affected in disorders associated
      with impaired attachment. 

PMID- 27679561
TI  - A Case for Microtubule Vulnerability in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Altered
      Dynamics During Disease.
AB  - Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an aggressive multifactorial disease
      converging on a common pathology: the degeneration of motor neurons (MNs), their
      axons and neuromuscular synapses. This vulnerability and dysfunction of MNs
      highlights the dependency of these large cells on their intracellular machinery.
      Neuronal microtubules (MTs) are intracellular structures that facilitate a myriad
      of vital neuronal functions, including activity dependent axonal transport. In
      ALS, it is becoming increasingly apparent that MTs are likely to be a critical
      component of this disease. Not only are disruptions in this intracellular
      machinery present in the vast majority of seemingly sporadic cases, recent
      research has revealed that mutation to a microtubule protein, the tubulin isoform
      TUBA4A, is sufficient to cause a familial, albeit rare, form of disease. In both
      sporadic and familial disease, studies have provided evidence that microtubule
      mediated deficits in axonal transport are the tipping point for MN survivability.
      Axonal transport deficits would lead to abnormal mitochondrial recycling,
      decreased vesicle and mRNA transport and limited signaling of key survival
      factors from the neurons peripheral synapses, causing the characteristic
      peripheral "die back". This disruption to microtubule dependant transport in ALS
      has been shown to result from alterations in the phenomenon of microtubule
      dynamic instability: the rapid growth and shrinkage of microtubule polymers. This
      is accomplished primarily due to aberrant alterations to microtubule associated
      proteins (MAPs) that regulate microtubule stability. Indeed, the current
      literature would argue that microtubule stability, particularly alterations in
      their dynamics, may be the initial driving force behind many familial and
      sporadic insults in ALS. Pharmacological stabilization of the microtubule network
      offers an attractive therapeutic strategy in ALS; indeed it has shown promise in
      many neurological disorders, ALS included. However, the pathophysiological
      involvement of MTs and their functions is still poorly understood in ALS. Future
      investigations will hopefully uncover further therapeutic targets that may aid in
      combating this awful disease. 

PMID- 27679566
TI  - Prolonged Effects of Acute Stress on Decision-Making under Risk: A Human
      Psychophysiological Study.
AB  - This study investigates the prolonged effects of physiological responses induced
      by acute stress on risk-taking in decision-making. Participants were divided into
      a Stress group (N = 14) and a Control group (N = 12). The Trier Social Stress
      Test was administered as an acute stressor, and reading was administered as a
      control task; thereafter, participants performed a decision-making task in which
      they needed to choose a sure option or a gamble option in Gain and Loss frame
      trials 2 h after (non-) exposure to the stressor. Increased cortisol, adrenaline,
      heart rate (HR), and subjective stress levels validated acute stress
      manipulation. Stressed participants made fewer risky choices only in the Gain
      domain, whereas no effect of stress was shown in the Loss domain. Deceleration of
      HR reflecting attention was greater for Gains compared with Losses only in the
      Stress group. Risk avoidance was determined by increased levels of cortisol
      caused by acute stress. These results suggest that processes regarding
      glucocorticoid might be involved in the prolonged effects of acute stress on the
      evaluation of risks and the monitoring of outcomes in decision-making. 

PMID- 27679567
TI  - Effects of Facial Symmetry and Gaze Direction on Perception of Social Attributes:
      A Study in Experimental Art History.
AB  - This article explores the possibility of testing hypotheses about art production
      in the past by collecting data in the present. We call this enterprise
      "experimental art history". Why did medieval artists prefer to paint Christ with
      his face directed towards the beholder, while profane faces were noticeably more
      often painted in different degrees of profile? Is a preference for frontal faces
      motivated by deeper evolutionary and biological considerations? Head and gaze
      direction is a significant factor for detecting the intentions of others, and
      accurate detection of gaze direction depends on strong contrast between a dark
      iris and a bright sclera, a combination that is only found in humans among the
      primates. One uniquely human capacity is language acquisition, where the
      detection of shared or joint attention, for example through detection of gaze
      direction, contributes significantly to the ease of acquisition. The perceived
      face and gaze direction is also related to fundamental emotional reactions such
      as fear, aggression, empathy and sympathy. The fast-track modulator model
      presents a related fast and unconscious subcortical route that involves many
      central brain areas. Activity in this pathway mediates the affective valence of
      the stimulus. In particular, different sub-regions of the amygdala show specific
      activation as response to gaze direction, head orientation and the valence of
      facial expression. We present three experiments on the effects of face
      orientation and gaze direction on the judgments of social attributes. We observed
      that frontal faces with direct gaze were more highly associated with positive
      adjectives. Does this help to associate positive values to the Holy Face in a
      Western context? The formal result indicates that the Holy Face is perceived more
      positively than profiles with both direct and averted gaze. Two control studies,
      using a Brazilian and a Dutch database of photographs, showed a similar but
      weaker effect with a larger contrast between the gaze directions for profiles.
      Our findings indicate that many factors affect the impression of a face, and that
      eye contact in combination with face direction reinforce the general impression
      of portraits, rather than determine it. 

PMID- 27679565
TI  - Rehabilitation of Motor Function after Stroke: A Multiple Systematic Review
      Focused on Techniques to Stimulate Upper Extremity Recovery.
AB  - Stroke is one of the leading causes for disability worldwide. Motor function
      deficits due to stroke affect the patients' mobility, their limitation in daily
      life activities, their participation in society and their odds of returning to
      professional activities. All of these factors contribute to a low overall quality
      of life. Rehabilitation training is the most effective way to reduce motor
      impairments in stroke patients. This multiple systematic review focuses both on
      standard treatment methods and on innovating rehabilitation techniques used to
      promote upper extremity motor function in stroke patients. A total number of 5712
      publications on stroke rehabilitation was systematically reviewed for relevance
      and quality with regards to upper extremity motor outcome. This procedure yielded
      270 publications corresponding to the inclusion criteria of the systematic
      review. Recent technology-based interventions in stroke rehabilitation including
      non-invasive brain stimulation, robot-assisted training, and virtual reality
      immersion are addressed. Finally, a decisional tree based on evidence from the
      literature and characteristics of stroke patients is proposed. At present, the
      stroke rehabilitation field faces the challenge to tailor evidence-based
      treatment strategies to the needs of the individual stroke patient. Interventions
      can be combined in order to achieve the maximal motor function recovery for each
      patient. Though the efficacy of some interventions may be under debate, motor
      skill learning, and some new technological approaches give promising outcome
      prognosis in stroke motor rehabilitation. 

PMID- 27679570
TI  - Correction: Functional screen identifies regulators of murine hematopoietic stem
      cell repopulation.

PMID- 27679568
TI  - The Importance of Sample Size for Reproducibility of tDCS Effects.

PMID- 27679569
TI  - Neural Computations in a Dynamical System with Multiple Time Scales.
AB  - Neural systems display rich short-term dynamics at various levels, e.g., spike
      frequency adaptation (SFA) at the single-neuron level, and short-term
      facilitation (STF) and depression (STD) at the synapse level. These dynamical
      features typically cover a broad range of time scales and exhibit large diversity
      in different brain regions. It remains unclear what is the computational benefit
      for the brain to have such variability in short-term dynamics. In this study, we
      propose that the brain can exploit such dynamical features to implement multiple
      seemingly contradictory computations in a single neural circuit. To demonstrate
      this idea, we use continuous attractor neural network (CANN) as a working model
      and include STF, SFA and STD with increasing time constants in its dynamics.
      Three computational tasks are considered, which are persistent activity,
      adaptation, and anticipative tracking. These tasks require conflicting neural
      mechanisms, and hence cannot be implemented by a single dynamical feature or any
      combination with similar time constants. However, with properly coordinated STF,
      SFA and STD, we show that the network is able to implement the three
      computational tasks concurrently. We hope this study will shed light on the
      understanding of how the brain orchestrates its rich dynamics at various levels
      to realize diverse cognitive functions. 

PMID- 27679571
TI  - Regional and Gender Study of Neuronal Density in Brain during Aging and in
      Alzheimer's Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Learning processes or language development are only some of the
      cognitive functions that differ qualitatively between men and women. Gender
      differences in the brain structure seem to be behind these variations. Indeed,
      this sexual dimorphism at neuroanatomical level is accompanied unequivocally by
      differences in the way that aging and neurodegenerative diseases affect men and
      women brains. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is the analysis of neuronal
      density in four areas of the hippocampus, and entorhinal and frontal cortices to
      analyze the possible gender influence during normal aging and in Alzheimer's
      disease (AD). METHODS: Human brain tissues of different age and from both sexes,
      without neurological pathology and with different Braak's stages of AD, were
      studied. Neuronal density was quantified using the optical dissector. RESULTS:
      Our results showed the absence of a significant neuronal loss during aging in non
      pathological brains in both sexes. However, we have demonstrated specific
      punctual significant variations in neuronal density related with the age and
      gender in some regions of these brains. In fact, we observed a higher neuronal
      density in CA3 and CA4 hippocampal areas of non-pathological brains of young men
      compared to women. During AD, we observed a negative correlation between Braak's
      stages and neuronal density in hippocampus, specifically in CA1 for women and CA3
      for men, and in frontal cortex for both, men and women. CONCLUSION: Our data
      demonstrated a sexual dimorphism in the neuronal vulnerability to degeneration
      suggesting the need to consider the gender of the individuals in future studies,
      regarding neuronal loss in aging and AD, in order to avoid problems in
      interpreting data.

PMID- 27679573
TI  - ORM Promotes Skeletal Muscle Glycogen Accumulation via CCR5-Activated AMPK
      Pathway in Mice.
AB  - We found previously that acute phase protein orosomucoid reacts to fatigue and
      activates C-C chemokine receptor type 5 to increase muscle glycogen storage and
      enhance muscle endurance (Lei et al., 2016). To explore the underlying molecular
      mechanisms, we investigated the role of AMP-activated protein kinase, a critical
      fuel sensor in skeletal muscle, in C-C chemokine receptor type 5-mediated
      orosomucoid action. It was found orosomucoid increased skeletal muscle AMP
      activated protein kinase activation in a time- and dose- dependent manner, which
      was largely prevented by pharmacological blocking or knockout of C-C chemokine
      receptor type 5. Administration of orosomucoid also significantly increased the
      de-phosphorylation and activity of muscle glycogen synthase, the rate-limiting
      enzyme for glycogen synthesis. The effect was largely absent in mice deficient in
      C-C chemokine receptor type 5(-/-) or AMP-activated protein kinase alpha2(-/-),
      the predominant isoform in skeletal muscle. Moreover, deletion of AMP-activated
      protein kinase alpha2 abolished the effect of orosomucoid on fatigue and muscle
      glycogen. These findings indicate that orosomucoid may promote glycogen storage
      and enhance muscle function through C-C chemokine receptor type 5-mdiated
      activation of AMP-activated protein kinase, which in turn activates glycogen
      synthase and increases muscle glycogen. 

PMID- 27679572
TI  - Whole-Brain Atrophy Differences between Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and
      Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The absence of markers for ante-mortem diagnosis of progressive
      supranuclear palsy (PSP), results in this disorder being commonly mistaken for
      other conditions, such as idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD). Such mistakes
      occur particularly in the initial stages, when "plus syndrome" has not yet
      clinically emerged. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the global brain volume and tissue
      loss in patients with PSP relative to patients with IPD and healthy controls and
      correlations between clinical parameters and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
      derived brain volume estimates. METHODS: T1-weighted images were obtained from
      three groups of Chilean Latin American adults: 21 patients with IPD, 18 patients
      with PSP and 14 healthy controls. We used Structural Imaging Evaluation with
      Normalization of Atrophy (SIENAX) to assess white matter, gray matter and whole
      brain volumes (normalized to cranial volume). Imaging data were used to analyze
      putative correlations with the clinical status of PSP and IPD patients using the
      Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part III (UPDRS III), Hoehn and Yahr
      (H&Y), the Clinical Global Impression for Disease Severity Scale (CGI-S) and the
      Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB). RESULTS: PSP patients had significantly lower
      whole brain volume than both IPD patients and controls. Whole brain volume
      reduction in PSP patients was primarily attributable to gray matter volume
      reduction. We found a significant correlation between brain volume reduction and
      clinical status in the PSP group. CONCLUSIONS: At the group level, the whole
      brain and gray matter volumes differentiated patients with PSP from patients with
      IPD. There was also significant clinical-imaging correlations with motor
      disturbances in PSP.

PMID- 27679574
TI  - In vitro Antiviral Activity of Rubia cordifolia Aerial Part Extract against
      Rotavirus.
AB  - The root of Rubia cordifolia has been used traditionally as a hemostatic agent,
      while the aerial part of the plant consisting of leaf and stem is known to
      exhibit anti-diarrheal properties and has been widely used as a remedy in many
      parts of China. As rotavirus is one of the most commonly associated diarrhea
      causing pathogen, this study aims to investigate the anti-rotaviral effect of R.
      cordifolia aerial part (RCAP). The cytotoxicity of RCAP toward MA-104 cells was
      evaluated using the WST-8 assay. Colloidal gold method and real time polymerase
      chain reaction (qPCR) assay were used to confirm the findings of the antiviral
      assay. Then, 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining method was
      subsequently used to investigate the mode of death among the cells. And the
      representative components of aqueous extract were isolated and identified. It was
      shown that both the viability of MA-104 cells and the viral load were reduced
      with increasing concentration of the extract. DAPI staining showed that virus
      induced apoptosis was the cause of the low cell viability and viral load, an
      effect which was accelerated with incubation in the aqueous herbal extract. The
      major compounds postulated to exhibit this activity were isolated from the
      aqueous herbal extract and identified to be compounds Xanthopurpurin and Vanillic
      Acid. This study showed that RCAP extract effectively inhibited rotavirus
      multiplication by promoting virus-induced apoptosis in MA-104 cells. 

PMID- 27679575
TI  - Vam3, a Compound Derived from Vitis amurensis Rupr., Attenuated Colitis-Related
      Tumorigenesis by Inhibiting NF-kappaB Signaling Pathway.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic inflammation is one of the important mediators of colitis
      related colon cancer (CRC). Abundant mast cells (MCs) were observed in the tumor
      microenvironment and mediators released upon MC activation play an important role
      in the process of chronic inflammation. Previously, we found that activation of
      intestine mucosal MCs recruited and modulated the inflammatory CD11b(+)Gr1(+)
      cells to promote the CRC development. In the current study we investigated the
      effects of Vam3, a resveratrol dimer with potent anti-inflammatory effects, on
      CRC development. METHODS: RBL-2H3 cells, a basophilic leukemia cell line, were
      pretreated with 2.5 or 5 uM Vam3 and then stimulated with dinitrophenol
      conjugated bovine serum albumin (DNP-BSA) plus lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The MC
      degranulation was determined by measuring beta-hexosaminidase release. Generation
      of TNF-alpha and IL-6 in RBL-2H3 cells or in peritoneal macrophages was
      determined by ELISA and real-time qPCR. NF-kappaB p65 and phospho-NF-kappaB p65
      expression was determined by Western blotting. NF-kappaB activity in RAW264.7
      cells was determined by luciferase reporter assay. CRC was induced in C57BL/6
      mice by intraperitoneal injection of azoxymethane (AOM), followed by oral
      exposure to dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). Vam3 at 50 mg/kg, or disodium
      cromoglycate (DSCG, MC stabilizer) at 100 mg/kg, or vehicle were administrated to
      the mice 4 weeks after DSS withdrawal. Levels of TNF-alpha, IL-6, and mouse MC
      protease-1 were determined by ELISA. Infiltration of CD11b(+)Gr1(+) cells was
      determined by flow cytometry analysis. One-way ANOVA was used to compare
      difference between groups. RESULTS: Pretreatment with Vam3 significantly
      inhibited RBL-2H3 cell degranulation and inflammatory cytokine production from
      RBL-2H3 cells and from peritoneal macrophages. After Vam3 treatment, NF-kappaB
      activity in RAW264.7 cells, and expressions of phospho-NF-kappaB p65 in RBL-2H3
      cells and in peritoneal macrophages were significantly down-regulated. In the AOM
      plus DSS-induced CRC murine model, the Vam3 and DSCG-treated mice had less tumor
      numbers than those treated with vehicle. Expression of phospho-NF-kappaB p65,
      production of inflammatory cytokines, and infiltration of MCs and CD11b(+)Gr1(+)
      cells were attenuated in the Vam3-treated mice. CONCLUSION: Vam3 treatment could
      attenuate the CRC development. This effect may be due to its inhibition on NF
      kappaB signaling pathway in MCs and macrophages of the inflamed intestines.

PMID- 27679577
TI  - Fluoxetine Ameliorates Atopic Dermatitis-Like Skin Lesions in BALB/c Mice through
      Reducing Psychological Stress and Inflammatory Response.
AB  - Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic inflammatory skin disorder, and
      patients with AD suffer from severe psychological stress, which markedly
      increases the prevalence rate of depression and anxiety disorders in later life.
      Fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, has recently been reported
      to exert anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. However, it is unclear
      whether fluoxetine is effective in the treatment of AD through reducing
      psychological stress and inflammatory reaction. Here, we reported that a BALB/c
      mouse model of AD was induced by application of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)
      onto hairless dorsal skin. Chronic fluoxetine treatment (10 mg/kg per day, i.p.)
      significantly attenuated AD-like symptoms, as reflected by a dramatic decrease in
      scratching bouts, as well as a decrease in anxiety- and depressive-like
      behaviors. Furthermore, these behavioral changes were accompanied by a
      significant decrease in epidermal thickness, the number of mast cells in skin
      tissue, mRNA levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-13 in the spleen, as well as
      serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) in the DNCB-treated mice by treatment with
      fluoxetine. Taken together, these results indicate that fluoxetine may suppress
      psychological stress and inflammatory response during AD development, and
      subsequently ameliorate AD symptoms, suggesting that fluoxetine may be a
      potential therapeutic agent against AD in clinic. 

PMID- 27679576
TI  - Nanomedicine-Mediated Therapies to Target Breast Cancer Stem Cells.
AB  - Accumulating evidences have suggested the existence of breast cancer stem cells
      (BCSCs), which possess the potential of both self-renewal and differentiation.
      The origin of BCSCs might have relationship to the development of normal mammary
      stem cells. BCSCs are believed to play a key role in the initiation, recurrence
      and chemo-/radiotherapy resistances of breast cancer. Therefore, elimination of
      BCSCs is crucial for breast cancer therapy. However, conventional chemo and
      radiation therapies cannot eradicate BCSCs effectively. Fortunately,
      nanotechnology holds great potential for specific and efficient anti-BCSCs
      treatment. "Smart" nanocarriers can distinguish BCSCs from the other breast
      cancer cells and selectively deliver therapeutic agents to the BCSCs. Emerging
      findings suggest that BCSCs in breast cancer could be successfully inhibited and
      even eradicated by functionalized nanomedicines. In this review, we focus on
      origin of BCSCs, strategies used to target BCSCs, and summarize the
      nanotechnology-based delivery systems that have been applied for eliminating
      BCSCs in breast cancer. 

PMID- 27679578
TI  - Revisiting the Debate: Does Exercise Build Strong Bones in the Mature and
      Senescent Skeleton?
AB  - Traditional exercise programs seem to be less osteogenic in the mature and post
      mature skeleton compared to the young skeleton. This is likely because of the
      decline in sensitivity of bone to mechanical loading that occurs with advancing
      age. Another factor contributing to the apparently diminished benefit of exercise
      in older adults is failure of widely used measurement techniques (i.e., DXA) to
      identify changes in 3-dimensional bone structure, which are important
      determinants of bone strength. Moreover, although hormonal contributors to bone
      loss in the elderly are well-recognized, the influence of age-related increases
      in sympathetic nervous system activity, which impacts bone metabolism, is rarely
      considered. In this Perspective, we cite evidence from animal and human studies
      demonstrating anabolic effects of exercise on bone across the lifespan and we
      discuss theoretical considerations for designing exercise regimens to optimize
      bone health. We conclude with suggestions for future research that should help
      define the osteogenic potential of exercise in older individuals. 

PMID- 27679580
TI  - Arabidopsis Mutant bik1 Exhibits Strong Resistance to Plasmodiophora brassicae.
AB  - Botrytis-induced kinase1 (BIK1), a receptor-like cytoplasmic kinase, plays an
      important role in resistance against pathogens and insects in Arabidopsis
      thaliana. However, it remains unknown whether BIK1 functions against
      Plasmodiophora brassicae, an obligate biotrophic protist that attacks cruciferous
      plants and induces gall formation on roots. Here, we investigated the potential
      roles of receptors FLS2, BAK1, and BIK1 in the infection of P. brassicae
      cruciferous plants. Wild-type plants, fls2, and bak1 mutants showed typical
      symptom on roots, and the galls were filled with large quantities of resting
      spores, while bik1 mutant plants exhibited strong resistance to P. brassicae.
      Compared with that of the wild-type plants, the root hair and cortical infection
      rate of bik1 mutant were significantly reduced by about 40-50%. A considerable
      portion of bik1 roots failed to form typical galls. Even if some small galls were
      formed, they were filled with multinucleate secondary plasmodia. The bik1 plants
      accumulated less reactive oxygen species (ROS) at infected roots than other
      mutants and wild-type plants. Exogenous salicylic acid (SA) treatment alleviated
      the clubroot symptoms in wild-type plants, and the expression of the SA signaling
      marker gene PR1 was significantly increased in bik1. Both sid2 (salicylic acid
      induction-deficient 2) and npr1-1 [non-expresser of PR genes that regulate
      systemic acquired resistance (SAR)] mutants showed increased susceptibility to P.
      brassicae compared with wild-type plants. These results suggest that the
      resistance of bik1 to P. brassicae is possibly mediated by SA inducible
      mechanisms. 

PMID- 27679579
TI  - Calcium-Sensing Receptor Gene: Regulation of Expression.
AB  - The human calcium-sensing receptor gene (CASR) has 8 exons, and localizes to
      chromosome 3q. Exons 1A and 1B encode alternative 5'-untranslated regions (UTRs)
      that splice to exon 2 encoding the AUG initiation codon. Exons 2-7 encode the
      CaSR protein of 1078 amino acids. Promoter P1 has TATA and CCAAT boxes upstream
      of exon 1A, and promoter P2 has Sp1/3 motifs at the start site of exon 1B. Exon
      1A transcripts from the P1 promoter are reduced in parathyroid tumors and colon
      carcinomas. Studies of colon carcinomas and neuroblastomas have emphasized the
      importance of epigenetic changes-promoter methylation of the GC-rich P2 promoter,
      histone acetylation-as well as involvement of microRNAs in bringing about CASR
      gene silencing and reduced CaSR expression. Functional cis-elements in the CASR
      promoters responsive to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D], proinflammatory
      cytokines, and the transcription factor glial cells missing-2 (GCM2) have been
      characterized. Reduced levels of CaSR and reduced responsiveness to active
      vitamin D in parathyroid neoplasia and colon carcinoma may blunt the "tumor
      suppressor" activity of the CaSR. The hypocalcemia of critically ill patients
      with burn injury or sepsis is associated with CASR gene upregulation by TNF-alpha
      and IL-1beta via kappaB elements, and by IL-6 via Stat1/3 and Sp1/3 elements in
      the CASR gene promoters, respectively. The CASR is transactivated by GCM2-the
      expression of which is essential for parathyroid gland development. Hyperactive
      forms of GCM2 may contribute to later parathyroid hyperactivity or tumorigenesis.
      The expression of the CaSR-the calciostat-is regulated physiologically and
      pathophysiologically at the gene level. 

PMID- 27679582
TI  - Growing Different Lactuca Genotypes Aeroponically within a Tropical Greenhouse
      Cool Rootzone Temperatures Decreased Rootzone Ethylene Concentrations and
      Increased Shoot Growth.
AB  - Temperate crops cannot grow well in the tropics without rootzone cooling. As
      cooling increased production costs, this experiment aimed to study the growth of
      various Lactuca genotypes and propose possible ways of reducing these costs,
      without compromising productivity. A recombinant inbred line (RIL) of lettuce and
      its parental lines (L. serriola and L. sativa "Salinas") were grown aeroponically
      in a tropical greenhouse under 24 degrees C cool (C) or warm fluctuating 30-36
      degrees C ambient (A) rootzone temperature (RZT). Their roots were misted with
      Netherlands standard nutrient solution for 1 min, at intervals of either 5 min
      (A5, C5) or 10 min (A10, C10) in attempting to reduce electricity consumption and
      production costs. Lower mortality and higher productivity were observed in all
      genotypes when grown in C-RZT. Higher shoot fresh weight was observed under C5
      than C10, for the RIL and L. serriola. Since "Salinas" had similar shoot fresh
      weight at both C-RZ treatments, this may indicate it is more sensitive to RZT
      than water availability. Under A-RZ treatments, higher carotenoid content, with
      correspondingly higher nonphotochemical quenching, was observed in A10 for the
      RIL and "Salinas." Further, total chlorophyll content was also highest at this RZ
      treatment for the RIL though photochemical quenching was contrastingly the
      lowest. Cumulatively, productivity was compromised at A10 as the RIL seemed to
      prioritize photoprotection over efficiency in photosynthesis, under conditions of
      higher RZT and lower water availability. Generally, higher RZ ethylene
      concentrations accumulated in A10 and C10 than A5 and C5, respectively-probably
      due to spray frequency exerting a greater effect on RZ ethylene accumulation than
      RZT. In the C5 RZ treatment, lowest RZ ethylene concentration corresponded with
      highest shoot fresh weight. As such, further research on ethylene (in)sensitivity
      and water use efficiency could be conducted to identify Lactuca cultivars that
      are better suited for growth in the tropics, so as to allay production costs with
      reduced cooling and spray intervals. 

PMID- 27679581
TI  - Skeletal Muscle Satellite Cells, Mitochondria, and MicroRNAs: Their Involvement
      in the Pathogenesis of ALS.
AB  - Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neuron disease (MND), is
      a fatal motor neuron disorder. It results in progressive degeneration and death
      of upper and lower motor neurons, protein aggregation, severe muscle atrophy and
      respiratory insufficiency. Median survival with ALS is between 2 and 5 years from
      the onset of symptoms. ALS manifests as either familial ALS (FALS) (~10% of
      cases) or sporadic ALS (SALS), (~90% of cases). Mutations in the copper/zinc
      (CuZn) superoxide dismutase (SOD1) gene account for ~20% of FALS cases and the
      mutant SOD1 mouse model has been used extensively to help understand the ALS
      pathology. As the precise mechanisms causing ALS are not well understood there is
      presently no cure. Recent evidence suggests that motor neuron degradation may
      involve a cell non-autonomous phenomenon involving numerous cell types within
      various tissues. Skeletal muscle is now considered as an important tissue
      involved in the pathogenesis of ALS by activating a retrograde signaling cascade
      that degrades motor neurons. Skeletal muscle heath and function are regulated by
      numerous factors including satellite cells, mitochondria and microRNAs. Studies
      demonstrate that in ALS these factors show various levels of dysregulation within
      the skeletal muscle. This review provides an overview of their dysregulation in
      various ALS models as well as how they may contribute individually and/or
      synergistically to the ALS pathogenesis. 

PMID- 27679584
TI  - Effect of Empagliflozin on Left Ventricular Mass and Diastolic Function in
      Individuals With Diabetes: An Important Clue to the EMPA-REG OUTCOME Trial?

PMID- 27679583
TI  - Absence of Peripheral Pulses and Risk of Major Vascular Outcomes in Patients With
      Type 2 Diabetes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The burden of vascular diseases remains substantial in patients with
      type 2 diabetes, requiring identification of further risk markers. We tested the
      absence of dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial pulses as predictors of major
      macrovascular and microvascular events, death, and cognitive decline in this
      population. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Data were derived from 11,120 patients
      with type 2 diabetes in the Action in Diabetes and Vascular Disease: Preterax and
      Diamicron Modified-Release Controlled Evaluation (ADVANCE) study. Absent
      peripheral pulses at baseline were defined as absence of at least one dorsalis
      pedis or posterior tibial pulse. RESULTS: Absent compared with present peripheral
      pulses (n = 2,218) were associated with increased 5-year risks for major
      macrovascular events (hazard ratio 1.47 [95% CI 1.28-1.69], P < 0.0001),
      myocardial infarction (1.45 [1.13-1.87], P = 0.003), stroke (1.57 [1.23-2.00], P
      = 0.0003), cardiovascular death (1.61 [1.33-1.95], P < 0.0001), heart failure
      (1.49 [1.21-1.84], P = 0.0002), all-cause mortality (1.48 [1.29-1.71], P <
      0.0001), major microvascular events (1.17 [1.00-1.36], P = 0.04), nephropathy
      (1.24 [1.00-1.54], P = 0.04), end-stage renal disease or renal death (2.04 [1.12
      3.70], P = 0.02), and peripheral neuropathy (1.13 [1.05-1.21], P = 0.0008) after
      multiple adjustment. Participants with absent dorsalis pedis or posterior tibial
      pulses had comparable hazard ratios. Risks increased proportionally with the
      number of absent peripheral pulses, with the highest risks observed in patients
      with three or four absent pulses. Every additional absent pulse increases the
      risk of all outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Absent dorsalis pedis and/or posterior tibial
      pulses are independent predictors of major vascular outcomes in patients with
      type 2 diabetes. These simple clinical indicators should be used to improve risk
      stratification and treatment of these patients.

PMID- 27679585
TI  - Model Complexity in Diffusion Modeling: Benefits of Making the Model More
      Parsimonious.
AB  - The diffusion model (Ratcliff, 1978) takes into account the reaction time
      distributions of both correct and erroneous responses from binary decision tasks.
      This high degree of information usage allows the estimation of different
      parameters mapping cognitive components such as speed of information accumulation
      or decision bias. For three of the four main parameters (drift rate, starting
      point, and non-decision time) trial-to-trial variability is allowed. We
      investigated the influence of these variability parameters both drawing on
      simulation studies and on data from an empirical test-retest study using
      different optimization criteria and different trial numbers. Our results suggest
      that less complex models (fixing intertrial variabilities of the drift rate and
      the starting point at zero) can improve the estimation of the psychologically
      most interesting parameters (drift rate, threshold separation, starting point,
      and non-decision time). 

PMID- 27679586
TI  - Performing at the Top of One's Musical Game.
AB  - The purpose of the present mixed method study was to investigate personal
      benefits, perceptions, and the effect of a 15-week sport psychological skills
      training program adapted for musicians. The program was individually tailored for
      six music performance students with the objective of facilitating the
      participants' instrumental practice and performance. The participants learnt
      techniques such as goal setting, attentional focus, arousal regulation, imagery,
      and acceptance training/self-talk. Zimmerman's (1989) cyclical model of self
      regulated learning was applied as a theoretical frame for the intervention. The
      present study's mixed-method approach (i.e., quan+ QUAL) included effect size,
      semi-structured interviews, a research log, and practice diaries of the
      participants (Creswell, 2009). Thematic analysis revealed that participants had
      little or no experience concerning planning and goal setting in regard to
      instrumental practice. Concentration, volition, and physical pain were additional
      issues that the participants struggled with at the time of pre-intervention. The
      study found that psychological skills training (with special emphasis on planning
      and goal setting) facilitated cyclical self-regulated learning patterns in the
      participants. In essence, the intervention was found to facilitate the
      participants' concentration, self-observation, self-efficacy, and coping in the
      face of failure. The appliance of practice journals facilitated the participants'
      self-observation, self-evaluation, and awareness of instrumental practice.
      Finally, the psychological skills intervention reduced participants' worry and
      anxiety in performance situations. An 8-month follow up interview revealed that
      the participants were still actively applying psychological skills. 

PMID- 27679587
TI  - The Machine behind the Stage: A Neurobiological Approach toward Theoretical
      Issues of Sensory Perception.
AB  - The purpose of the present article is to try and give a brief, scientific
      perspective on several issues raised in the Philosophy of Perception literature.
      This perspective gives a central role to the brain mechanisms that underlie
      perception: a percept is something that emerges when the brain is activated in a
      certain way and thus all perceptual experiences (whether veridical, illusory, or
      hallucinatory) have a common cause behind them, namely a given brain-activation
      pattern. What distinguishes between different cases of perception is what has
      caused this activation pattern, i.e., something very separate and very different
      from the perceptual experience itself. It is argued that separating the
      perceptual event from its hypothetical content, a direct consequence of the way
      everyday language is structured, creates unnecessary ontological complications
      regarding the nature of the hypothetical 'object' of perception. A clear
      distinction between the physical properties of the real world on the one hand
      (e.g., wavelength reflectance), and the psychological properties of perceptual
      experiences on the other (e.g., color) is clearly made. Finally, although
      perception is a way of acquiring knowledge/information about the world, this
      acquisition should be considered as a cognitive process which is separate to and
      follows perception. Therefore, the latter should remain neutral with respect to
      the 'correctness' or 'truth' of the knowledge acquired. 

PMID- 27679588
TI  - The Role of Executive Functions in Social Cognition among Children with Down
      Syndrome: Relationship Patterns.
AB  - Many studies show a link between social cognition, a set of cognitive and
      emotional abilities applied to social situations, and executive functions in
      typical developing children. Children with Down syndrome (DS) show deficits both
      in social cognition and in some subcomponents of executive functions. However
      this link has barely been studied in this population. The aim of this study is to
      investigate the links between social cognition and executive functions among
      children with DS. We administered a battery of social cognition and executive
      function tasks (six theory of mind tasks, a test of emotion comprehension, and
      three executive function tasks) to a group of 30 participants with DS between 4
      and 12 years of age. The same tasks were administered to a chronological-age
      control group and to a control group with the same linguistic development level.
      Results showed that apart from deficits in social cognition and executive
      function abilities, children with DS displayed a slight improvement with
      increasing chronological age and language development in those abilities.
      Correlational analysis suggested that working memory was the only component that
      remained constant in the relation patterns of the three groups of participants,
      being the relation patterns similar among participants with DS and the language
      development control group. A multiple linear regression showed that working
      memory explained above 50% of the variability of social cognition in DS
      participants and in language development control group, whereas in the
      chronological-age control group this component only explained 31% of the
      variability. These findings, and specifically the link between working memory and
      social cognition, are discussed on the basis of their theoretical and practical
      implications for children with DS. We discuss the possibility to use a working
      memory training to improve social cognition in this population. 

PMID- 27679589
TI  - The Limited Capacity of Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation.
AB  - Sleep supports memory consolidation. However, the conceptually important
      influence of the amount of items encoded in a memory test on this effect has not
      been investigated. In two experiments, participants (n = 101) learned lists of
      word-pairs varying in length (40, 160, 320 word-pairs) in the evening before a
      night of sleep (sleep group) or of sleep deprivation (wake group). After 36 h
      (including a night allowing recovery sleep) retrieval was tested. Compared with
      wakefulness, post-learning sleep enhanced retention for the 160 word-pair
      condition (p < 0.01), importantly, this effect completely vanished for the 320
      word-pair condition. This result indicates a limited capacity for sleep-dependent
      memory consolidation, which is consistent with an active system consolidation
      view on sleep's role for memory, if it is complemented by processes of active
      forgetting and/or gist abstraction. Whereas the absolute benefit from sleep
      should have increased with increasing amounts of successfully encoded items, if
      sleep only passively protected memory from interference. Moreover, the finding
      that retention performance was significantly diminished for the 320 word-pair
      condition compared to the 160 word-pair condition in the sleep group, makes it
      tempting to speculate that with increasing loads of information encoded during
      wakefulness, sleep might favor processes of forgetting over consolidation. 

PMID- 27679590
TI  - When Seeing Is Better than Doing: Preschoolers' Transfer of STEM Skills Using
      Touchscreen Games.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which character
      familiarity and game interactivity moderate preschoolers' learning and transfer
      from digital games. The games were based on a popular television show and
      designed to test skills related to STEM (science, technology, engineering,
      mathematics): numerical cognition (quantity of different sets) and knowledge of a
      biological concept (growth). Preschoolers (3.0-5.5 years, N = 44) were assigned
      to play one game and watch a recording of an experimenter playing the other game.
      Learning was assessed during pre-test and post-test using screenshots from the
      game. Transfer was assessed using modified screenshots (near) and real-life
      objects (far). Familiarity was assessed by asking children to identify the
      television characters and program. Findings indicate that the effectiveness of
      the games varied by age and condition: younger children learned from the quantity
      game, but only when they watched (rather than played) the game. They did not
      transfer this information in either condition. Conversely, older children learned
      from the growth game regardless of whether they played or watched. However, older
      children only demonstrated far transfer if they watched (rather than played) the
      growth game. Thus, preschoolers may benefit more by watching a video than by
      playing a game if the game is cognitively demanding, perhaps because making
      decisions while playing the game increases cognitive load. Character familiarity
      did not predict learning, perhaps because there was little overlap between the
      lessons presented in the television program and game. Findings from the current
      study highlight the need for more research into educational games and
      applications designed for preschoolers in order to establish whether, how, and
      for whom screen media can be educationally valuable. 

PMID- 27679591
TI  - Parenting Style Dimensions As Predictors of Adolescent Antisocial Behavior.
AB  - Antisocial behavior is strongly associated with academic failure in adolescence.
      There is a solid body of evidence that points to parenting style as one of its
      main predictors. The objective of this work is to elaborate a reduced, valid, and
      reliable version of the questionnaire by Oliva et al. (2007) to evaluate the
      dimensions of parenting style and to analyze its psychometric properties in a
      sample of Spanish adolescents. To that end, the designed questionnaire was
      applied to 1974 adolescents 12-18 years of age from Asturias (Spain). Regarding
      construct validity, the results show that the model that best represents the data
      is composed of six dimensions of parenting style, just as in the original scale,
      namely affection and communication; promotion of autonomy; behavioral control;
      psychological control; self-disclosure; and humor. The psychological control
      factor negatively correlates with the other factors, with the exception of
      behavioral control, with which it positively correlates. The remaining
      correlations among the factors in the parenting style questionnaire are positive.
      Regarding internal consistency, the reliability analysis for each factor supports
      the suitability of this six-factor model. With regard to criterion validity, as
      expected based on the evidence available, the six dimensions of parenting style
      correlate in a statistically significant manner with the three antisocial
      behavior measures used as criteria (off-line school aggression, antisocial
      behavior, and antisocial friendships). Specifically, all dimensions negatively
      correlate with the three variables, except for psychological control. In the
      latter case, the correlation is positive. The theoretical and practical
      implications of these results are discussed. 

PMID- 27679592
TI  - Intuition and Insight: Two Processes That Build on Each Other or Fundamentally
      Differ?
AB  - Intuition and insight are intriguing phenomena of non-analytical mental
      functioning: whereas intuition denotes ideas that have been reached by sensing
      the solution without any explicit representation of it, insight has been
      understood as the sudden and unexpected apprehension of the solution by
      recombining the single elements of a problem. By face validity, the two processes
      appear similar; according to a lay perspective, it is assumed that intuition
      precedes insight. Yet, predominant scientific conceptualizations of intuition and
      insight consider the two processes to differ with regard to their (dis
      )continuous unfolding. That is, intuition has been understood as an experience
      based and gradual process, whereas insight is regarded as a genuinely
      discontinuous phenomenon. Unfortunately, both processes have been investigated
      differently and without much reference to each other. In this contribution, we
      therefore set out to fill this lacuna by examining the conceptualizations of the
      assumed underlying cognitive processes of both phenomena, and by also referring
      to the research traditions and paradigms of the respective field. Based on early
      work put forward by Bowers et al. (1990, 1995), we referred to semantic coherence
      tasks consisting of convergent word triads (i.e., the solution has the same
      meaning to all three clue words) and/or divergent word triads (i.e., the solution
      means something different with respect to each clue word) as an excellent kind of
      paradigm that may be used in the future to disentangle intuition and insight
      experimentally. By scrutinizing the underlying mechanisms of intuition and
      insight, with this theoretical contribution, we hope to launch lacking but needed
      experimental studies and to initiate scientific cooperation between the research
      fields of intuition and insight that are currently still separated from each
      other. 

PMID- 27679593
TI  - Emotional Experience of Caam(2) in Teaching: Power and Interpretation of
      Teachers' Work.
AB  - The study explores the social psychological process of teachers' emotional
      experiences. Twenty-one secondary schoolteachers in Hong Kong were interviewed.
      The findings show that the teachers generally felt caam(2) (a Cantonese adjective
      that covers a range of meanings like gloomy, dreadful, tragic, pitiful, pathetic,
      and miserable) in teaching. The social psychological process of the emotional
      experience of caam(2) involves how teachers interpret the significance of their
      actual work in attaining the teaching goal of making a difference. If they
      interpret their work as incapable of fulfilling the goal, they will experience
      negative emotions in teaching. The findings also suggest that the interpretation
      is affected by teachers' power which is unequally distributed according to
      teachers' teaching experience and managerial roles. 

PMID- 27679594
TI  - Acute myocardial infarction as first clinical presentation of infective
      endocarditis.

PMID- 27679595
TI  - The 'napkin-ring' constrictive pericarditis.

PMID- 27679597
TI  - Inversion of the left atrial appendage in an asymptomatic newborn without prior
      cardiac surgery.

PMID- 27679596
TI  - Utility of near-infrared spectroscopy for detection of thin-cap
      neoatherosclerosis.
AB  - Aims: Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has been employed to assess the
      composition of the atherosclerotic plaques in native coronary arteries. However,
      little is known about the detection of neoatherosclerosis by NIRS in in-stent
      restenosis (ISR). The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between the
      distribution of lipid determined by NIRS and morphology of ISR on optical
      coherence tomography (OCT). Methods and results: We performed both NIRS and OCT
      in 39 drug-eluting stents with ISR. Values of lipid-core burden index (LCBI)
      derived by NIRS were compared with the OCT-derived thickness of the fibrous cap
      covering neoatherosclerotic lesions. A total of 22 (49%) in-stent neointimas were
      identified as lipid rich by both NIRS and OCT. There was good agreement between
      OCT and NIRS in identifying lipid within in-stent neointima (kappa = 0.60, 95%
      CI: 0.34-0.86). OCT identified thin-cap neoatheromas (TCNA) (<65 um) in 12 stents
      (23%). The minimal cap thickness of in-stent neoatherosclerotic plaque measured
      by OCT correlated with the maxLCBI4mm (maximal LCBI per 4 mm) within the stent (r
      = -0.77, P< 0.01). Moreover, maxLCBI4mm was able to accurately predict TCNA with
      a cut-off value of >144. Conclusion: NIRS correlates with OCT identification of
      lipids in stented vessels and is able to predict the presence of thin fibrous cap
      neoatheroma.

PMID- 27679598
TI  - Left atrial function index predicts long-term survival in stable outpatients with
      systolic heart failure.
AB  - AIMS: Left atrial (LA) function index (LAFI) is a rhythm-independent index that
      combines LA emptying fraction (LAEF), adjusted LA volume (LAVi), and stroke
      volume. We evaluated LAFI as a predictor of long-term survival in outpatients
      with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). METHODS AND RESULTS:
      For 3 years, we followed up 203 outpatients with a left ventricular ejection
      fraction <40%, who were clinically stable and on optimal therapy. The endpoint
      was all-cause death. LAFI was calculated as LAFI = ([LAEF * left ventricular
      outflow tract-velocity time integral]/[LAVi]), and was categorized into quartiles
      (9.26/16.56/31.92) and median (16.57). Incremental Cox regression models adjusted
      for significant confounders were used for survival analyses. The 3-year death
      rate was 30%. Higher quartiles had lower death rates (43.1%/45.1%/25.5%/6%, P <
      0.001). The receiver operating characteristic curve for death was associated with
      LAFI (area under curve = 0.695, 95% CI 0.62-0.77, P < 0.001). In the direct
      comparison with LAVi and LAEF, LAFI (HRcox 0.93, 95% CI 0.89-0.97, P < 0.001) was
      the only predictor of survival. LAFI (HRcox 0.95, 95% CI 0.88-1.01, P = 0.099),
      LAFI quartiles (HR 0.29, 95% CI 0.125-0.672, P=0.004), and LAFI >=16.57 (HRcox
      0.62, 95% CI 0.38-1.02, P=0.058) were adjusted predictors of survival. Subgroup
      analysis by heart rhythm (sinus vs. atrial fibrillation) showed that LAFI per
      unit increase and LAFI quartiles were independent predictors of death in both
      subgroups. CONCLUSION: LAFI determination in HFrEF stable outpatients is a
      predictor of long-term survival and provides increased prognostic value over a
      wide range of confounder risk factors.

PMID- 27679599
TI  - Cardiac metastasis revealed by ischaemic stroke: interest of multimodal imaging.

PMID- 27679600
TI  - Evaluation of coronary plaque characteristics with coronary computed tomography
      angiography in patients with non-obstructive coronary artery disease: a long-term
      follow-up study.
AB  - Aims: Recent studies suggested that even non-obstructive coronary artery disease
      (CAD) increases major cardiovascular adverse events (MACE) rate. Aim of this
      study was to evaluate whether coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) may
      detect specific plaque characteristics that may affect prognosis in patients with
      non-obstructive CAD. Methods: We enrolled 245 patients who underwent CCTA between
      April 2004 and April 2007 for suspected CAD and were found to have non
      obstructive CAD. Positive remodelling index (PRI), low-attenuation plaque (LAP),
      plaque burden (PB), spotty calcification (SC), and napkin-ring sign (NRS) have
      been evaluated for each coronary plaque detected. Acute coronary syndrome, all
      cause/cardiac death, and very late elective revascularization (vl-ER) were the
      endpoints of the study. Results: A total of 28 events were recorded (2 STEMI, 4
      NSTEMI, 6 UA, 2 cardiac deaths, 4 non-cardiac death, and 10 vl-ERs) at long-term
      follow-up (98 +/- 20 months). When adjusted for significant clinical variables
      PRI > 1.4 (HR 3.31 CI 95% 1.11-9.91, P = 0.0392), LAP (HR 8.45 CI 95% 2.22-32.21,
      P = 0.0019), PB > 0.7 (HR 5.25 CI 95% 1.45-19.03, P = 0.0120), and NRS (HR 12.52
      CI 95% 1.51-103.90, P = 0.0198) were still significantly associated with higher
      rate of hard cardiac events at follow-up. The Kaplan-Meyer curves confirmed lower
      cumulative hard cardiac events-free survival in patients presenting at least one
      coronary plaque with two or more high-risk characteristics when compared with
      patients with no lesion with more than one high-risk plaque characteristics (log
      rank P < 0.0001). Conclusions: High-risk plaque characteristics at CCTA (PRI >
      1.4, PB > 0.7, LAP, and NRS) seem to be promising for risk stratification of
      patients with non-obstructive CAD.

PMID- 27679601
TI  - Clinical characteristics and determinants of exercise-induced pulmonary
      hypertension in patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction.
AB  - Aims: Recent studies have shown that exercise-induced pulmonary hypertension
      (EIPH) is not rare in patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction
      (LVEF). However, the determinants and clinical implication of EIPH in these
      patients are unclear. Methods and results: This study included 1383 patients who
      were referred for exercise echocardiography to evaluate unexplained exertional
      dyspnoea or chest discomfort. Pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) was
      estimated from the maximal velocity of the tricuspid regurgitant jet added to a
      right atrial pressure of 10 mmHg. EIPH was defined as PASP >=50 mmHg during
      exercise. The EIPH group consisted of about one-third of all patients (436
      patients, 31.5%). Patients with EIPH were older, more commonly male and had
      shorter exercise times. In resting echocardiographic findings, the patients with
      EIPH had worse diastolic function associated with a lower e' value (7.0 +/- 2.0
      vs. 7.5 +/- 2.3 cm/s, P< 0.001), a longer deceleration time (238.9 +/- 54.9 vs.
      232.8 +/- 46.0 ms, P= 0.043), and a higher E/e' ratio (10.1 +/- 2.9 vs. 9.1 +/-
      2.7, P< 0.001) compared with those without EIPH. In multivariable analysis, age
      (P< 0.001), resting E/e' ratio (P< 0.001), and resting PASP (P< 0.001) were
      identified as independent determinants of EIPH. Conclusion: EIPH was documented
      in one-third of patients with preserved LVEF. Age, resting E/e' ratio, and
      resting PASP were independently associated with EIPH. Therefore, EIPH should be
      considered as a cause of unexplained exercise intolerance in patients with
      preserved LVEF.

PMID- 27679602
TI  - 4D flow MRI demonstrates changes in cardiovascular haemodynamics in complex
      congenital heart disease.

PMID- 27679603
TI  - HIT initiative: discussion with the seniors.

PMID- 27679604
TI  - Multimodality imaging of a rare case of cardiac lipomatosis.

PMID- 27679605
TI  - Interactions Between Diet and Exposure to Secondhand Smoke on Glycated Hemoglobin
      Levels Among US Children: Results From NHANES 2007-2012.
AB  - Introduction: Antioxidant-rich diets may lessen the adverse metabolic responses
      triggered by exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS), but no studies have investigated
      these potential interactions. Objective: To examine the interaction between diet
      and exposure to SHS on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels among 2551 children,
      ages 12-19 years, who participated in the 2007-2012 National Health and Nutrition
      Examination Survey (NHANES). Methods: Exposure to SHS was assessed by 4
      (methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL), cotinine, and self-report.
      Weighted linear regression models evaluated the cross-sectional association
      between exposure to SHS and HbA1c levels. Additive interaction was assessed by
      introducing product terms (with SHS) of individual nutrients (dietary fiber,
      eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA], docosahexaenoic acid [DHA], vitamin C, and vitamin
      E) to separate models. Results: Over half of the children had NNAL or cotinine
      levels above the limit of detection (56% and 71%, respectively). The median HbA1c
      level was 5.2% (95% confidence interval: 5.17%, 5.23%). The interaction results
      suggest that the effects of exposure to SHS and certain dietary nutrients (EPA,
      DHA, vitamin C) on HbA1c levels may not be independent. For example, although
      there was only a slight difference in adjusted mean HbA1c levels across NNAL
      categories among children with high EPA intakes, the adjusted mean HbA1c level
      was 0.09% higher for high NNAL as compared to low NNAL among children with low
      EPA intakes. Conclusions: Further research is needed to inform public health
      strategies for limiting increases in HbA1c levels among children. Messages may
      need to focus both on reducing exposure to SHS and improving diets to obtain the
      maximum benefit. Implications: Our results suggest that the effects of exposure
      to SHS and diet on HbA1c levels may not be independent. For example, although
      there was little effect of exposure to SHS on HbA1c levels among children with
      high EPA intakes, high exposure to SHS was associated with an increase in HbA1c
      levels among children with low EPA intakes. Further research is necessary;
      however, based on these joint effects, strategies for limiting increases in HbA1c
      levels that focus both on reducing exposure to SHS and improving diets may
      achieve the largest public health benefits.

PMID- 27679606
TI  - Implicit Attitudes and Smoking Behavior in a Smoking Cessation Induction Trial.
AB  - Introduction: Although studies have suggested that implicit attitudes may predict
      smoking-related decisions, evidence that changes in implicit attitudes toward
      smoking are related to changes in smoking behavior is lacking. Using data from a
      trial comparing interventions to induce quit attempts among unmotivated smokers,
      this study examined whether changes in implicit attitudes were associated with
      quit attempts and cessation after controlling for explicit motivation. Methods:
      Daily smokers recruited from the community completed measures of implicit
      attitudes (Implicit Association Test) and explicit measure of motivation to smoke
      at baseline, mid-intervention (week 12 [W12]) and follow-up (week 26 [W26]). Quit
      attempts and cessation were assessed at follow-up, and cessation was
      biochemically verified. Results: As hypothesized, Implicit Association Test
      scores became more negative from baseline to W12, a change that was sustained at
      follow-up. Logistic regression analyses in which implicit attitudes were used to
      predict smoking outcomes revealed that negative changes in implicit attitudes
      from baseline to W12 and from baseline to W26 were significantly related to quit
      attempts (OR = 0.71, 95% CI [0.52, 0.97], p < .05 for both) independent of
      explicit motivation. Negative changes in implicit attitudes from baseline to W26
      were significantly related to cessation (OR = 0.50, 95% CI [0.25, 1.00], p <
      .05). Conclusions: Negative changes in implicit attitudes were associated with
      positive changes in smoking behavior independent of explicit motivation. This
      result indicates that smoking cessation interventions may be enhanced by
      incorporating strategies to change implicit attitudes, and that changes in
      implicit attitudes are also potentially important intervention outcomes.
      Implications: Smoking cessation interventions may be improved by going beyond the
      current focus on explicit psychological constructs and targeting automatic
      cognitive processes such as implicit attitudes. The results are encouragement to
      examine how best to manipulate smokers' implicit attitudes as well as to
      determine the effect on their smoking behavior.

PMID- 27679607
TI  - Association Between Cigarette Smoking Prevalence and Income Level: A Systematic
      Review and Meta-Analysis.
AB  - Introduction: Previous evidence linked low socioeconomic status with higher
      smoking prevalence. Our objective was to assess the strength of this association
      in the world population, updating a previous work. Methods: Systematic review and
      meta-analysis of observational studies. Subgroup analyses included continents,
      WHO regions, country mortality levels, gender, age, risk of bias, and study
      publication date. Independent reviewers selected studies, assessed potential bias
      and extracted data. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, SOCINDEX, AFRICAN INDEX
      MEDICUS, and LILACS, and other sources from 1989 to 2013 reporting direct
      measurements of income and current cigarette smoking. Results: We retrieved
      13,583 articles and included 93 for meta-analysis. Median smoking prevalence was
      17.8% (range 3-70%). Lower income was consistently associated with higher smoking
      prevalence (odds ratio [OR]: 1.45; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.35-1.56). This
      association was statistically significant in the subgroup analysis by WHO regions
      for the Americas (OR: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.42-1.68), South East Asia (OR: 1.53; 95%
      CI: 1.10-2.00), Europe (OR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.29-1.63), and Western Pacific (OR:
      1.32; 95% CI: 1.02-1.72), and in studies conducted during 1990s (OR: 1.42; 95%
      CI: 1.24-1.62) and 2000s (OR: 1.48; 95%CI: 1.30-1.64). Likewise, it was noted in
      low-mortality countries (OR: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.37-1.60) and for both genders.
      Prevalence was highest in the lowest income levels compared to the middle (OR:
      1.69; 95% CI: 1.49-1.92), followed by the middle level compared to the highest
      (OR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.20-1.43). Conclusions: Our results show that current
      cigarette smoking was significantly associated with lower income worldwide and
      across subgroups, suggesting a dose-response relationship. Implications: This
      unique updated systematic review shows a consistent inverse dose-response
      relationship between cigarette smoking and income level, present among most
      geographical areas and country characteristics. Public health measures should
      take into account this potential inequity and consider special efforts directed
      to disadvantaged populations.

PMID- 27679608
TI  - Screening for Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Type 2 Diabetes Patients -
      Questionnaires Are Not Good Enough.

PMID- 27679609
TI  - Distinct Bacterial Communities in Surficial Seafloor Sediments Following the 2010
      Deepwater Horizon Blowout.
AB  - A major fraction of the petroleum hydrocarbons discharged during the 2010 Macondo
      oil spill became associated with and sank to the seafloor as marine snow flocs.
      This sedimentation pulse induced the development of distinct bacterial
      communities. Between May 2010 and July 2011, full-length 16S rRNA gene clone
      libraries demonstrated bacterial community succession in oil-polluted sediment
      samples near the wellhead area. Libraries from early May 2010, before the
      sedimentation event, served as the baseline control. Freshly deposited oil
      derived marine snow was collected on the surface of sediment cores in September
      2010, and was characterized by abundantly detected members of the marine
      Roseobacter cluster within the Alphaproteobacteria. Samples collected in mid
      October 2010 closest to the wellhead contained members of the sulfate-reducing,
      anaerobic bacterial families Desulfobacteraceae and Desulfobulbaceae within the
      Deltaproteobacteria, suggesting that the oil-derived sedimentation pulse
      triggered bacterial oxygen consumption and created patchy anaerobic microniches
      that favored sulfate-reducing bacteria. Phylotypes of the polycyclic aromatic
      hydrocarbon-degrading genus Cycloclasticus, previously found both in surface oil
      slicks and the deep hydrocarbon plume, were also found in oil-derived marine snow
      flocs sedimenting on the seafloor in September 2010, and in surficial sediments
      collected in October and November 2010, but not in any of the control samples.
      Due to the relative recalcitrance and stability of polycyclic aromatic compounds,
      Cycloclasticus represents the most persistent microbial marker of seafloor
      hydrocarbon deposition that we could identify in this dataset. The bacterial
      imprint of the DWH oil spill had diminished in late November 2010, when the
      bacterial communities in oil-impacted sediment samples collected near the Macondo
      wellhead began to resemble their pre-spill counterparts and spatial controls.
      Samples collected in summer of 2011 did not show a consistent bacterial community
      signature, suggesting that the bacterial community was no longer shaped by the
      DWH fallout of oil-derived marine snow, but instead by location-specific and
      seasonal factors. 

PMID- 27679610
TI  - Orf Virus 002 Protein Targets Ovine Protein S100A4 and Inhibits NF-kappaB
      Signaling.
AB  - Orf virus (ORFV), a member of Parapoxvirus, has evolved various strategies to
      modulate the immune responses of host cells. The ORFV-encoded protein ORFV002, a
      regulator factor, has been found to inhibit the acetylation of NF-kappaB-p65 by
      blocking phosphorylation of NF-kappaB-p65 at Ser(276) and also to disrupt the
      binding of NF-kappaB-p65 and p300. To explore the mechanism by which ORFV002
      regulates NF-kappaB signaling, the understanding of ORFV002 potential binding
      partners in host cells is critical. In this study, ovine S100 calcium binding
      protein A4 (S100A4), prolyl endopeptidase-like (PREPL) and NADH dehydrogenase
      (ubiquinone) 1 alpha subcomplex 8 (NDUFA8) were found to interact with ORFV002
      based on the yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) assay using a cDNA library derived from
      primary ovine fetal turbinate cells (OFTu). GST pull-down and bidirectional co
      immunoprecipitation assay results demonstrate that ORFV002 interacts with S100A4
      directly. Following the pEGFP-ORFV002 (p002GFP) transfection, we found that
      cytoplasmic S100A4 translocates into the nucleus and co-localizes with ORFV002.
      Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of ORFV002 on NF-kappaB signaling was
      significantly restored by S100A4 knock-down phenotype, suggesting that ovine
      S100A4 participates in the ORFV002-mediated NF-kappaB signaling. These data
      demonstrate that ORFV002 inhibits the NF-kappaB activation through its
      interaction with S100A4 along with its nucleus translocation. 

PMID- 27679611
TI  - Architecture of Class 1, 2, and 3 Integrons from Gram Negative Bacteria Recovered
      among Fruits and Vegetables.
AB  - The spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria throughout the food chain constitutes
      a public health concern. To understand the contribution of fresh produce in
      shaping antibiotic resistance bacteria and integron prevalence in the food chain,
      333 antibiotic resistance Gram negative isolates were collected from organic and
      conventionally produced fruits (pears, apples, and strawberries) and vegetables
      (lettuces, tomatoes, and carrots). Although low levels of resistance have been
      detected, the bacterial genera identified in the assessed fresh produce are often
      described not only as environmental, but mostly as commensals and opportunistic
      pathogens. The genomic characterization of integron-harboring isolates revealed a
      high number of mobile genetic elements and clinically relevant antibiotic
      resistance genes, of which we highlight the presence of as mcr-1, qnrA1, bla GES
      11, mphA, and oqxAB. The study of class 1 (n = 8), class 2 (n = 3) and class 3 (n
      = 1) integrons, harbored by species such as Morganella morganii, Escherichia
      coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, led to the identification of different integron
      promoters (PcW, PcH1, PcS, and PcWTNG-10) and cassette arrays (containing drfA,
      aadA, cmlA, estX, sat, and bla GES). In fact, the diverse integron backbones were
      associated with transposable elements (e.g., Tn402, Tn7, ISCR1, Tn2 (*), IS26,
      IS1326, and IS3) that conferred greater mobility. This is also the first
      appearance of In1258, In1259, and In3-13, which should be monitored to prevent
      their establishment as successfully dispersed mobile resistance integrons. These
      results underscore the growing concern about the dissemination of acquired
      resistance genes by mobile elements in the food chain. 

PMID- 27679612
TI  - Evaluation of Staphylococcus aureus Lipoproteins: Role in Nutritional Acquisition
      and Pathogenicity.
AB  - Bacterial lipoproteins (Lpp) represent a major class of membrane proteins. They
      are distinguished by a lipid moiety at the N-terminus by which they are anchored
      either in the outer leaflet of the cytoplasmic membrane or, in Gram-negative
      bacteria, also in the inner leaflet of the outer membrane. In Gram-positive
      bacteria Lpp significantly contribute to nutrient transport, Toll-like receptor 2
      activation and pathogenicity. Here we examine the Lpp of Staphylococcus aureus
      USA300, as a prototype for a multiple antibiotic resistant and community-acquired
      pathogen that is rapidly spreading worldwide. The compiled Lpp were grouped
      according to the postulated function and dissemination of homologs in the genus
      Staphylococcus and beyond. Based on this evaluation we also point out Lpp as
      promising vaccine candidates. 

PMID- 27679613
TI  - High Nasal Carriage Rate of Staphylococcus aureus Containing Panton-Valentine
      leukocidin- and EDIN-Encoding Genes in Community and Hospital Settings in Burkina
      Faso.
AB  - The objectives of the present study were to investigate the rate of S.aureus
      nasal carriage and molecular characteristics in hospital and community settings
      in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. Nasal samples (n = 219) were collected from 116
      healthy volunteers and 103 hospitalized patients in July and August 2014. Samples
      were first screened using CHROMagar Staph aureus chromogenic agar plates, and S.
      aureus strains were identified by mass spectrometry. Antibiotic susceptibility
      was tested using the disk diffusion method on Muller-Hinton agar. All S. aureus
      isolates were genotyped using DNA microarray. Overall, the rate of S. aureus
      nasal carriage was 32.9% (72/219) with 29% in healthy volunteers and 37% in
      hospital patients. Among the S. aureus isolates, only four methicillin-resistant
      S. aureus (MRSA) strains were identified and all in hospital patients (3.9%). The
      72 S. aureus isolates from nasal samples belonged to 16 different clonal
      complexes, particularly to CC 152-MSSA (22 clones) and CC1-MSSA (nine clones).
      Two clones were significantly associated with community settings: CC1-MSSA and
      CC45-MSSA. The MRSA strains belonged to the ST88-MRSA-IV or the CC8-MRSA-V
      complex. A very high prevalence of toxinogenic strains 52.2% (36/69), containing
      Panton-Valentine leucocidin- and EDIN-encoding genes, was identified among the S.
      aureus isolates in community and hospital settings. This study provides the first
      characterization of S. aureus clones and their genetic characteristics in Burkina
      Faso. Altogether, it highlights the low prevalence of antimicrobial resistance,
      high diversity of methicillin-sensitive S. aureus clones and high frequency of
      toxinogenic S. aureus strains. 

PMID- 27679614
TI  - New Insight into Isoprenoids Biosynthesis Process and Future Prospects for Drug
      Designing in Plasmodium.
AB  - The MEP (Methyl Erythritol Phosphate) isoprenoids biosynthesis pathway is an
      attractive drug target to combat malaria, due to its uniqueness and
      indispensability for the parasite. It is functional in the apicoplast of
      Plasmodium and its products get transported to the cytoplasm, where they
      participate in glycoprotein synthesis, electron transport chain, tRNA
      modification and several other biological processes. Several compounds have been
      tested against the enzymes involved in this pathway and amongst them
      Fosmidomycin, targeted against IspC (DXP reductoisomerase) enzyme and MMV008138
      targeted against IspD enzyme have shown good anti-malarial activity in parasite
      cultures. Fosmidomycin is now-a-days prescribed clinically, however, less
      absorption, shorter half-life, and toxicity at higher doses, limits its use as an
      anti-malarial. The potential of other enzymes of the pathway as candidate drug
      targets has also been determined. This review details the various drug molecules
      tested against these targets with special emphasis to Plasmodium. We corroborate
      that MEP pathway functional within the apicoplast of Plasmodium is a major drug
      target, especially during erythrocytic stages. However, the major bottlenecks,
      bioavailability and toxicity of the new molecules needs to be addressed, before
      considering any new molecule as a potent antimalarial. 

PMID- 27679616
TI  - Wide Distribution of Genes for Tetrahydromethanopterin/Methanofuran-Linked C1
      Transfer Reactions Argues for Their Presence in the Common Ancestor of Bacteria
      and Archaea.

PMID- 27679617
TI  - Overexpression of a Water-Forming NADH Oxidase Improves the Metabolism and Stress
      Tolerance of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in Aerobic Fermentation.
AB  - Redox homeostasis is fundamental to the maintenance of metabolism. Redox
      imbalance can cause oxidative stress, which affects metabolism and growth. Water
      forming NADH oxidase regulates the redox balance by oxidizing cytosolic NADH to
      NAD(+), which relieves cytosolic NADH accumulation through rapid glucose
      consumption in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, thus decreasing the production of the by
      product glycerol in industrial ethanol production. Here, we studied the effects
      of overexpression of a water-forming NADH oxidase from Lactococcus lactis on the
      stress response of S. cerevisiae in aerobic batch fermentation, and we
      constructed an interaction network of transcriptional regulation and metabolic
      networks to study the effects of and mechanisms underlying NADH oxidase
      regulation. The oxidase-overexpressing strain (NOX) showed increased glucose
      consumption, growth, and ethanol production, while glycerol production was
      remarkably lower. Glucose was exhausted by NOX at 26 h, while 18.92 +/- 0.94 g/L
      residual glucose was left in the fermentation broth of the control strain (CON)
      at this time point. At 29.5 h, the ethanol concentration for NOX peaked at 35.25
      +/- 1.76 g/L, which was 14.37% higher than that for CON (30.82 +/- 1.54 g/L).
      Gene expression involved in the synthesis of thiamine, which is associated with
      stress responses in various organisms, was increased in NOX. The transcription
      factor HAP4 was significantly upregulated in NOX at the late-exponential phase,
      indicating a diauxic shift in response to starvation. The apoptosis-inducing
      factor Nuc1 was downregulated while the transcription factor Sok2, which
      regulates the production of the small signaling molecule ammonia, was upregulated
      at the late-exponential phase, benefiting young cells on the rim. Reactive oxygen
      species production was decreased by 10% in NOX, supporting a decrease in
      apoptosis. The HOG pathway was not activated, although the osmotic stress was
      truly higher, indicating improved osmotolerance. Thus, the NADH oxidase can
      regulate the metabolism during aerobic fermentation in S. cerevisiae, thereby
      protecting cells against several stresses. Our findings indicate its suitability
      for use in industrial processes. 

PMID- 27679615
TI  - Antimicrobial Activity and Mechanism of Inhibition of Silver Nanoparticles
      against Extreme Halophilic Archaea.
AB  - Haloarchaea are salt-loving halophilic microorganisms that inhabit marine
      environments, sea water, salterns, and lakes. The resistance of haloarchaea to
      physical extremities that challenge organismic survival is ubiquitous. Metal and
      antibiotic resistance of haloarchaea has been on an upsurge due to the exposure
      of these organisms to metal sinks and drug resistance genes augmented in their
      natural habitats due to anthropogenic activities and environmental pollution. The
      efficacy of silver nanoparticles (SNPs) as a potent and broad spectrum inhibitory
      agent is known, however, there are no reports on the inhibitory activity of SNPs
      against haloarchaea. In the present study, we have investigated the antimicrobial
      potentials of SNPs synthesized using aqueous leaf extract of Cinnamomum tamala
      against antibiotic resistant haloarchaeal isolates Haloferax prahovense RR8,
      Haloferax lucentense RR15, Haloarcula argentinensis RR10 and Haloarcula tradensis
      RR13. The synthesized SNPs were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, scanning
      electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, dynamic light
      scattering, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The
      SNPs demonstrated potent antimicrobial activity against the haloarchaea with a
      minimum inhibitory concentration of 300-400 MUg/ml. Growth kinetics of
      haloarchaea in the presence of SNPs was studied by employing the Baranyi
      mathematical model for microbial growth using the DMFit curve fitting program.
      The C. tamala SNPs also demonstrated cytotoxic activity against human lung
      adenocarcinoma epithelial cell line (A540) and human breast adenocarcinoma cell
      line (MCF-7). The mechanism of inhibition of haloarchaea by the SNPs was
      investigated. The plausible mechanism proposed is the alterations and disruption
      of haloarchaeal membrane permeability by turbulence, inhibition of respiratory
      dehydrogenases and lipid peroxidation causing cellular and DNA damage resulting
      in cell death. 

PMID- 27679619
TI  - Complete Genome Sequence of Carbonic Anhydrase Producing Psychrobacter sp.
      SHUES1.

PMID- 27679618
TI  - Unveiling the Synergistic Interaction Between Liposomal Amphotericin B and
      Colistin.
AB  - Patients with multiple comorbidities are often administered simultaneously or
      sequentially antifungals and antibacterial agents, without full knowledge of the
      consequences of drug interactions. Considering the clinical relevance of
      liposomal amphotericin B (L-AMB), the association between L-AMB and six
      antibacterial agents was evaluated against four clinical isolates and one type
      strain of Candida spp. and two clinical isolates and one type strain of
      Aspergillus fumigatus. In order to evaluate such combined effects, the minimal
      inhibitory concentration (MIC) of L-AMB was determined in the presence of 0.5-, 1
      , 2-, and 4-fold peak plasma concentrations of each of the antibacterial drugs.
      Since the L-AMB/colistin (CST) association was the most synergic, viability
      assays were performed and the physiological status induced by this association
      was characterized. In addition, computational molecular dynamics studies were
      also performed in order to clarify the molecular interaction. The maximum
      synergistic effect with all antibacterial agents, except CST, was reached at
      fourfold the usual peak plasma concentrations, resulting in 2-to 8-fold L-AMB MIC
      reduction for Candida and 2-to 16-fold for Aspergillus. For CST, the greatest
      synergism was registered at peak plasma concentration (3 mg/L), with 4-to 8-fold
      L-AMB MIC reduction for Candida and 16-to 32-fold for Aspergillus. L-AMB at
      subinhibitory concentration (0.125 mg/L) combined with CST 3 mg/L resulted in: a
      decrease of fungal cell viability; an increase of cell membrane permeability; an
      increase of cellular metabolic activity soon after 1 h of exposure, which
      decreased until 24 h; and an increase of ROS production up to 24 h. From the
      molecular dynamics studies, AMB and CST molecules shown a propensity to form a
      stable molecular complex in solution, conferring a recognition and binding added
      value for membrane intercalation. Our results demonstrate that CST interacts
      synergistically with L-AMB, forming a stable complex, which promotes the
      fungicidal activity of L-AMB at low concentration. 

PMID- 27679621
TI  - Geographical Distribution of Methanogenic Archaea in Nine Representative Paddy
      Soils in China.
AB  - Paddy field methanogenic archaea are responsible for methane (CH4) production and
      contribute significantly to climate change. The information regarding the spatial
      variations in the abundance, the diversity and the composition of such
      ecologically important microbes, however, is quite limited at large scale. In
      this investigation, we studied the abundance, alpha diversity and geographical
      distribution of methanogenic archaeal communities in nine representative paddy
      sites, along a large latitudinal gradient in China, using pyrosequencing and real
      time quantitative PCR. It is found that all paddy soils harbor constant
      methanogenic archaeal constituents, which is dominated by family Methanocellaceae
      (37.3%), Methanobacteriaceae (22.1%), Methanosaetaceae (17.2%), and
      Methanosarcinaceae (9.8%). Methanogenic archaeal abundance is primarily
      influenced by soil C (R = 0.612, P = 0.001) and N (R = 0.673, P = 0.001)
      contents, as well as alpha diversity by soil pH (PD: R = -0.552, P = 0.006;
      Chao1: R = -0.615, P = 0.002). Further exploration revealed that both spatial
      distance (R = 0.3469, P = 0.001, partial mental test) and soil chemical variables
      mainly about soil C and N (R = 0.2847, P = 0.001) are the two major factors
      affecting methanogenic archaeal community composition distribution in paddy
      soils. This finding will allow us to develop a better picture of the
      biogeographic ranges of these ecologically important microbes and get deeper
      insights into their ecology. 

PMID- 27679622
TI  - Development of a Lateral Flow Immunoassay for the Rapid Diagnosis of Invasive
      Candidiasis.
AB  - Early and accurate diagnosis of invasive candidiasis (IC) is very important. In
      this study, a lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) was developed to detect antibody
      against Candida albicans enolase (Eno). Colloidal gold particle labeled mouse
      anti human IgG (1.0 mg/L) was used as the detector reagent. Recombinant enolase
      (rEno, 1.0 mg/L) and goat anti IgG (1.0 mg/L) were immobilized in test and
      control lines, respectively, of a nitrocellulose membrane, acting as the capture
      reagents. The LFIA was used to detect anti Eno in 38 sera from clinically proven
      IC patients, as well as in 50 healthy control subjects. Compared with an indirect
      ELISA designed as a reference test, the specificity and sensitivity of the LFIA
      were 98.2 and 84.8%, respectively. Excellent agreement between the results
      obtained by ELISA and the LFIA (kappa = 0.851) was observed in this study. In
      addition, the agreement between the blood culture results and LFIA test is strong
      (kappa = 0.658). The data presented in the study indicate that the LFIA test is a
      suitable tool for the serological surveillance of IC in the field or in poorly
      equipped laboratories. 

PMID- 27679620
TI  - Experimental Evolution as an Underutilized Tool for Studying Beneficial Animal
      Microbe Interactions.
AB  - Microorganisms play a significant role in the evolution and functioning of the
      eukaryotes with which they interact. Much of our understanding of beneficial host
      microbe interactions stems from studying already established associations; we
      often infer the genotypic and environmental conditions that led to the existing
      host-microbe relationships. However, several outstanding questions remain,
      including understanding how host and microbial (internal) traits, and ecological
      and evolutionary (external) processes, influence the origin of beneficial host
      microbe associations. Experimental evolution has helped address a range of
      evolutionary and ecological questions across different model systems; however, it
      has been greatly underutilized as a tool to study beneficial host-microbe
      associations. In this review, we suggest ways in which experimental evolution can
      further our understanding of the proximate and ultimate mechanisms shaping
      mutualistic interactions between eukaryotic hosts and microbes. By tracking
      beneficial interactions under defined conditions or evolving novel associations
      among hosts and microbes with little prior evolutionary interaction, we can link
      specific genotypes to phenotypes that can be directly measured. Moreover, this
      approach will help address existing puzzles in beneficial symbiosis research: how
      symbioses evolve, how symbioses are maintained, and how both host and microbe
      influence their partner's evolutionary trajectories. By bridging theoretical
      predictions and empirical tests, experimental evolution provides us with another
      approach to test hypotheses regarding the evolution of beneficial host-microbe
      associations. 

PMID- 27679624
TI  - Neospora caninum Activates p38 MAPK as an Evasion Mechanism against Innate
      Immunity.
AB  - Due to the high prevalence and economic impact of neosporosis, the development of
      safe and effective vaccines and therapies against this parasite has been a
      priority in the field and is crucial to limit horizontal and vertical
      transmission in natural hosts. Limited data is available regarding factors that
      regulate the immune response against this parasite and such knowledge is
      essential in order to understand Neospora caninum induced pathogenesis. Mitogen
      activated protein kinases (MAPKs) govern diverse cellular processes, including
      growth, differentiation, apoptosis, and immune-mediated responses. In that sense,
      our goal was to understand the role of MAPKs during the infection by N. caninum.
      We found that p38 phosphorylation was quickly triggered in macrophages stimulated
      by live tachyzoites and antigen extracts, while its chemical inhibition resulted
      in upregulation of IL-12p40 production and augmented B7/MHC expression. In vivo
      blockade of p38 resulted in an amplified production of cytokines, which preceded
      a reduction in latent parasite burden and enhanced survival against the
      infection. Additionally, the experiments indicate that the p38 activation is
      induced by a mechanism that depends on GPCR, PI3K and AKT signaling pathways, and
      that the phenomena here observed is distinct that those induced by Toxoplasma
      gondii's GRA24 protein. Altogether, these results showed that N. caninum
      manipulates p38 phosphorylation in its favor, in order to downregulate the host's
      innate immune responses. Additionally, those results infer that active
      interference in this signaling pathway may be useful for the development of a new
      therapeutic strategy against neosporosis. 

PMID- 27679626
TI  - The infant observation task as a tool in psychiatric practice.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to describe the method and relevance
      of infant observation as a unique and powerful learning tool for psychiatrists.
      CONCLUSION: Infant observation provides a privileged entry into an infant's
      internal world to observe its earliest mental life. Weekly consecutive
      observations of the mother-baby dyad, combined with the process of supervision,
      enable identification of emergent and changing patterns in the relationship. The
      discipline of observation encourages attunement to the nuances of relationships,
      which provides a potent tool for application in other clinical settings.

PMID- 27679625
TI  - The Inhibition and Resistance Mechanisms of Actinonin, Isolated from Marine
      Streptomyces sp. NHF165, against Vibrio anguillarum.
AB  - Vibrio sp. is the most serious pathogen in marine aquaculture, and the
      development of anti-Vibrio agents is urgently needed. However, it is extreme lack
      of high-throughput screening (HTS) model for searching anti-Vibrio compounds.
      Here, we established a protein-based HTS screening model to identify agents
      targeting peptide deformylase (PDF) of Vibrio anguillarum. To find potential anti
      Vibrio compounds, crude extracts derived from marine actinomycetes were applied
      for screening with this model. Notably, crude extract of strain Streptomyces sp.
      NHF165 inhibited dramatically both on V. anguillarum PDF (VaPDF) activity and V.
      anguillarum cell growth. And actinonin was further identified as the functional
      component. Anti-VaPDF and anti-V. anguillarum activities of actinonin were dose
      dependent, and the IC50 values were 6.94 and 2.85 MUM, respectively. To
      understand the resistance of V. anguillarum against actinonin, spontaneous V.
      anguillarum mutants with resistance against actinonin were isolated.
      Surprisingly, for the resistant strains, the region between 774 and 852 base
      pairs was found to be absent in the gene folD which produces 10-formyl
      tetrahydrofolate, a donor of N-formyl to Met-tRNA(fmet). When compared to the
      wild type strain, DeltafolD mutant showed eight times of minimum inhibition
      concentration on actinonin, however, the folD complementary strain could not grow
      on the medium supplemented with actinonin, which suggested that folD gene
      mutation was mainly responsible for the actinonin resistance. To our knowledge,
      this is the first report showing that marine derived Streptomyces sp. could
      produce actinonin with anti-VaPDF activity and the resistance against actinonin
      by V. anguillarum is mediated by mutation in folD gene. 

PMID- 27679623
TI  - New Paradigms for Virus Detection, Surveillance and Control of Zika Virus Vectors
      in the Settings of Southeast Asia.
AB  - Zika virus (ZIKV) has now become a global public health concern. The vectors for
      ZIKV are Aedes aegypti and A. albopictus. Both these mosquitoes are predominant
      in Southeast Asia and are also responsible for the spread of other arboviral
      diseases like dengue virus and chikungunya virus. The incidence of dengue has
      been increasing over the years and this is of concern to public health workers.
      Simple laboratory tools for the detection of ZIKV is also lacking. In the absence
      of drugs and vaccine for these arboviral diseases, vector control is the main
      option for surveillance and control. Aedes larval surveys have been the hallmark
      of dengue control along with larviciding and fogging when cases are reported.
      However, we need new paradigms and options for control of these vectors. The
      current situation in Southeast Asia clearly proves that effective strategies for
      vector control need to be proactive and not reactive. This will be the way
      forward to control epidemics of these diseases inclusive of ZIKV until a vaccine
      becomes available. 

PMID- 27679628
TI  - Increasing resilience in adolescents: the importance of social connectedness in
      adventure education programmes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Mental health problems are a leading cause of health-related
      disability during adolescence. The objectives of the current study were to
      investigate whether participating in an adventure education programme (AEP)
      increased adolescents' resilience and elucidate how social connectedness
      contributes to any increase. METHOD: Adolescents who participated in the AEP had
      their resilience measured on the first (Time 1) and last day (Time 2) of a 10-day
      voyage. Perceived social support and sense of belonging were also measured at
      Time 2. A control group of adolescents, who did not take part in the voyage, also
      had their resilience assessed at two time points, 10 days apart. RESULT:
      Adolescents who participated in the AEP, but not those in the control group,
      displayed an increase in resilience from Time 1 to Time 2. Further, the increase
      in resilience was related to the adolescents' sense of belonging, and this effect
      held when controlling for perceived social support. CONCLUSION: These findings
      demonstrate the positive impact AEPs have on adolescents' resilience and a
      mechanism through which this occurs.

PMID- 27679629
TI  - Primary evidence of seton therapy at Tarban Creek, New South Wales, 1839.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We aimed to find and explore the earliest available New South Wales
      asylum medical records to identify any management or therapeutic data that might
      be of interest to the psychiatric field. CONCLUSIONS: The earliest known existing
      records of New South Wales asylum data are from Tarban Creek Asylum. After almost
      two centuries the preserved records allow insight into treatment used in early
      colonial Australia, including the scarcely remembered seton therapy. This finding
      highlights the importance of preserving historical records. It also demonstrates
      the necessity and/or evolving wish within the colony to care for patients with
      perceived mental health difficulties based on a shared medical culture inherited
      from techniques used in Britain.

PMID- 27679630
TI  - Transference-Focused Psychotherapy in Australian psychiatric training and
      practice.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This article discusses Transference-Focused Psychotherapy, a
      contemporary evidence-based and manualised form of psychoanalytic psychotherapy
      for borderline personality disorder. Transference focused psychotherapy has
      evolved from decades of research in the object-relations approach developed by
      Professor Otto Kernberg and his collaborators. It is being adopted increasingly
      throughout North and South America and Europe, and this article explores the role
      its adoption might play in psychiatric training as well as public and private
      service provision contexts in Australia. CONCLUSIONS: Transference focused
      psychotherapy is readily applicable in a range of training, research and public
      and private service provision contexts in Australia. A numbers of aspects of
      current Australian psychiatric training and practice, such as the Royal
      Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists advanced training
      certificate, and the Australian medicare schedule, make it especially relevant
      for this purpose.

PMID- 27679631
TI  - Care or recovery? Redefining residential rehabilitation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The principles and practices underpinning a newly established
      community residential rehabilitation unit are described. CONCLUSIONS: Residential
      rehabilitation in mental health has largely operated under the same model of care
      for 25 years following the closure of the asylums. In keeping pace with the
      growing recovery movement led by consumers and their carers a new partnership
      model of care that promotes social inclusion and quality of life was considered
      desirable.

PMID- 27679633
TI  - When should I attempt my centrally administered summative assessments in the
      RANZCP competency-based training program?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To provide information relevant to decision-making around the timing
      of attempting the centrally administered summative assessments in the Royal
      Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) 2012 Fellowship
      Program. METHODS: We consider the new Competency-Based Fellowship Program of the
      RANZCP and its underlying philosophy, the trainee trajectory within the program
      and the role of the supervisor. The relationship between workplace-based and
      external assessments is discussed. The timing of attempting centrally
      administered summative assessments is considered within the pedagogical framework
      of medical competencies development. RESULTS: Although successful completion of
      all the centrally administered summative assessments requires demonstration of a
      junior consultant standard of competency, the timing at which this standard will
      most commonly be achieved is likely to vary from assessment to assessment. There
      are disadvantages attendant upon prematurely attempting assessments, and trainees
      are advised to carefully consider the requirements of each assessment and match
      this against their current level of knowledge and skills. CONCLUSIONS: Trainees
      and supervisors need to be clear about the competencies required for each of the
      external assessments and match this against the trainee's current competencies to
      assist in decision-making about the timing of assessments and planning for future
      learning.

PMID- 27679634
TI  - Violence and self-harm in severe mental illness: inpatient study of associations
      with ethnicity, cannabis and alcohol.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We examined the extent to which ethnicity, cannabis and alcohol use
      could predict prevalence of violence and self-harm in an inpatient psychiatric
      sample. METHOD: We collected demographic and clinical data in a series of 141
      adult psychiatric inpatients in Hamilton, New Zealand. The Alcohol Use Disorders
      Identification Test (AUDIT) and Cannabis Use Disorders Identification Test,
      Revised (CUDIT-R) were used to measure substance use. Clinical assessment and
      file review were used to verify histories of self-harm and violence. RESULTS: It
      was found that 66% had a history of violence, 54% of self-harm, and 40% of both;
      only 20% had neither. Cannabis use was found to significantly predict lifetime
      history of violence ( p = 0.02); other independent variables (gender, age,
      ethnicity, alcohol use, psychiatric diagnosis) did not. Self-harm was strikingly
      predicted by female gender ( p < 0.001), as well as by measures both of cannabis
      ( p = 0.025) and alcohol use ( p = 0.036); age, ethnicity and diagnosis did not
      reach significance. Less than 10% of patients were engaged with drug or alcohol
      services. CONCLUSIONS: Cannabis use is a significant predictor of lifetime
      violence among the severely mentally ill, while both alcohol and cannabis use
      predict self-harm. Few affected patients receive specific treatment for substance
      use comorbidity.

PMID- 27679635
TI  - Establishment and implementation of a psychiatry enrichment programme for medical
      students.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: There has been a growing interest in psychiatry enrichment programmes
      such as summer schools and institutes for medical students in the last 10 years.
      Evaluation of enrichment programmes shows that they can be an effective method of
      increasing students' interest in psychiatry as a career. However, despite initial
      enthusiasm and motivation within an academic department, establishing a programme
      can be a daunting task. The aim of this paper is to provide a background of how
      to establish and implement a psychiatry summer school or institute. The steps
      that can be taken to establish and implement a psychiatry enrichment programme
      such as a summer school or institute are described and discussed. This includes
      how to structure a programme, content to include, costs and budget, programme
      promotion, selection of students and programme evaluation. CONCLUSION:
      Establishing an enrichment programme can provide academic departments of
      psychiatry with the opportunity to demonstrate excellence and innovation in
      teaching and positively promote psychiatry to students and other non-medical
      academics involved in medical education. For students interested in psychiatry,
      enrichment programmes have the potential to extend interest and knowledge beyond
      the curriculum and encourage serious consideration of psychiatry as a career.

PMID- 27679636
TI  - The misleading concept of initial severity in depression clinical trials:
      development and results from a mathematical model.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Recently, meta-analytic studies have suggested a positive relationship
      between initial severity and magnitude of treatment efficacy. The aim of the
      current study was to develop a mathematical model to test the assumption
      concerning the role of initial severity in treatment response. METHODS: A number
      of experimental artificial datasets were developed on the basis of three
      different scenarios which reflect a pre-determined effect of initial severity.
      They were used to test for correlations at the patient level as well as at the
      meta-analysis level (trial level). RESULTS: The results suggested that in all
      scenarios and analyses the correlations were so high that a ceiling effect was
      obvious. The testing concerned changes from baseline, but not differences between
      arms. CONCLUSIONS: Overall the data suggest that the question concerning the role
      of initial severity cannot be answered. Any allegations on such a role are based
      on flawed methodology and do not take into consideration the true nature of data.

PMID- 27679637
TI  - Fixing a Hole: Preventing Pneumococcal Pneumonia by Vaccination.

PMID- 27679638
TI  - Endogenous n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Attenuate T Cell-Mediated Hepatitis
      via Autophagy Activation.
AB  - Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) exert anti-inflammatory effects
      in several liver disorders, including cirrhosis, acute liver failure, and fatty
      liver disease. To date, little is known about their role in immune-mediated liver
      diseases. In this study, we used fat-1 transgenic mice rich in endogenous n-3
      PUFAs to examine the role of n-3 PUFAs in immune-mediated liver injury.
      Concanavalin A (Con A) was administered intravenously to wild-type (WT) and fat-1
      transgenic mice to induce T cell-mediated hepatitis. Reduced liver damage was
      shown in Con A-administrated fat-1 transgenic mice, as evidenced by decreased
      mortality, attenuated hepatic necrosis, lessened serum alanine aminotransferase
      activity, and inhibited production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF
      alpha, IL-6, IL-17A, and IFN-gamma). In vivo and in vitro studies demonstrated
      that n-3 PUFAs significantly inhibited the activation of hepatic T cells and the
      differentiation of Th1 cells after Con A challenge. Further studies showed that n
      3 PUFAs markedly increased autophagy level in Con A-treated fat-1 T cells
      compared with the WT counterparts. Blocking hepatic autophagy activity with
      chloroquine diminished the differences in T cell activation and liver injury
      between Con A-injected WT and fat-1 transgenic mice. We conclude that n-3 PUFAs
      limit Con A-induced hepatitis via an autophagy-dependent mechanism and could be
      exploited as a new therapeutic approach for autoimmune hepatitis. 

PMID- 27679639
TI  - Alkali-Soluble Pectin Is the Primary Target of Aluminum Immobilization in Root
      Border Cells of Pea (Pisum sativum).
AB  - We investigated the hypothesis that a discrepancy of Al binding in cell wall
      constituents determines Al mobility in root border cells (RBCs) of pea (Pisum
      sativum), which provides protection for RBCs and root apices under Al toxicity.
      Plants of pea (P. sativum L. 'Zhongwan no. 6') were subjected to Al treatments
      under mist culture. The concentration of Al in RBCs was much higher than that in
      the root apex. The Al content in RBCs surrounding one root apex (10(4) RBCs) was
      approximately 24.5% of the total Al in the root apex (0-2.5 mm), indicating a
      shielding role of RBCs for the root apex under Al toxicity. Cell wall analysis
      showed that Al accumulated predominantly in alkali-soluble pectin (pectin 2) of
      RBCs. This could be attributed to a significant increase of uronic acids under Al
      toxicity, higher capacity of Al adsorption in pectin 2 [5.3-fold higher than that
      of chelate-soluble pectin (pectin 1)], and lower ratio of Al desorption from
      pectin 2 (8.5%) compared with pectin 1 (68.5%). These results indicate that
      pectin 2 is the primary target of Al immobilization in RBCs of pea, which impairs
      Al access to the intracellular space of RBCs and mobility to root apices, and
      therefore protects root apices and RBCs from Al toxicity. 

PMID- 27679641
TI  - GMATA: An Integrated Software Package for Genome-Scale SSR Mining, Marker
      Development and Viewing.
AB  - Simple sequence repeats (SSRs), also referred to as microsatellites, are highly
      variable tandem DNAs that are widely used as genetic markers. The increasing
      availability of whole-genome and transcript sequences provides information
      resources for SSR marker development. However, efficient software is required to
      efficiently identify and display SSR information along with other gene features
      at a genome scale. We developed novel software package Genome-wide Microsatellite
      Analyzing Tool Package (GMATA) integrating SSR mining, statistical analysis and
      plotting, marker design, polymorphism screening and marker transferability, and
      enabled simultaneously display SSR markers with other genome features. GMATA
      applies novel strategies for SSR analysis and primer design in large genomes,
      which allows GMATA to perform faster calculation and provides more accurate
      results than existing tools. Our package is also capable of processing DNA
      sequences of any size on a standard computer. GMATA is user friendly, only
      requires mouse clicks or types inputs on the command line, and is executable in
      multiple computing platforms. We demonstrated the application of GMATA in plants
      genomes and reveal a novel distribution pattern of SSRs in 15 grass genomes. The
      most abundant motifs are dimer GA/TC, the A/T monomer and the GCG/CGC trimer,
      rather than the rich G/C content in DNA sequence. We also revealed that SSR count
      is a linear to the chromosome length in fully assembled grass genomes. GMATA
      represents a powerful application tool that facilitates genomic sequence
      analyses. GAMTA is freely available at
      http://sourceforge.net/projects/gmata/?source=navbar. 

PMID- 27679640
TI  - Methylglyoxal: An Emerging Signaling Molecule in Plant Abiotic Stress Responses
      and Tolerance.
AB  - The oxygenated short aldehyde methylglyoxal (MG) is produced in plants as a by
      product of a number of metabolic reactions, including elimination of phosphate
      groups from glycolysis intermediates dihydroxyacetone phosphate and
      glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate. MG is mostly detoxified by the combined actions of
      the enzymes glyoxalase I and glyoxalase II that together with glutathione make up
      the glyoxalase system. Under normal growth conditions, basal levels of MG remain
      low in plants; however, when plants are exposed to abiotic stress, MG can
      accumulate to much higher levels. Stress-induced MG functions as a toxic
      molecule, inhibiting different developmental processes, including seed
      germination, photosynthesis and root growth, whereas MG, at low levels, acts as
      an important signaling molecule, involved in regulating diverse events, such as
      cell proliferation and survival, control of the redox status of cells, and many
      other aspects of general metabolism and cellular homeostases. MG can modulate
      plant stress responses by regulating stomatal opening and closure, the production
      of reactive oxygen species, cytosolic calcium ion concentrations, the activation
      of inward rectifying potassium channels and the expression of many stress
      responsive genes. MG appears to play important roles in signal transduction by
      transmitting and amplifying cellular signals and functions that promote
      adaptation of plants growing under adverse environmental conditions. Thus, MG is
      now considered as a potential biochemical marker for plant abiotic stress
      tolerance, and is receiving considerable attention by the scientific community.
      In this review, we will summarize recent findings regarding MG metabolism in
      plants under abiotic stress, and evaluate the concept of MG signaling. In
      addition, we will demonstrate the importance of giving consideration to MG
      metabolism and the glyoxalase system, when investigating plant adaptation and
      responses to various environmental stresses. 

PMID- 27679642
TI  - Vacuolar Iron Transporter BnMEB2 Is Involved in Enhancing Iron Tolerance of
      Brassica napus.
AB  - Iron toxicity is a nutrient disorder that severely affects crop development and
      yield in some soil conditions. Vacuolar detoxification of metal stress is an
      important strategy for plants to survive and adapt to this adverse environment.
      Vacuolar iron transporter (VIT) members are involved in this process and play
      essential roles in iron storage and transport. In this study, we identified a
      rapeseed VIT gene BnMEB2 (BnaC07g30170D) homologs to Arabidopsis MEB2
      (At5g24290). Transient expression analysis revealed that BnMEB2 was localized to
      the vacuolar membrane. Q-PCR detection showed a high expression of BnMEB2 in
      mature (60-day-old) leaves and could be obviously induced by exogenous iron
      stress in both roots and leaves. Over-expressed BnMEB2 in both Arabidopsis wild
      type and meb2 mutant seedlings resulted in greatly improved iron tolerability
      with no significant changes in the expression level of other VIT genes. The
      mutant meb2 grew slowly and its root hair elongation was inhibited under high
      iron concentration condition while BnMEB2 over-expressed transgenic plants of the
      mutant restored the phenotypes with apparently higher iron storage in roots and
      dramatically increased iron content in the whole plant. Taken together, these
      results suggested that BnMEB2 was a VIT gene in rapeseed which was necessary for
      safe storage and vacuole detoxification function of excess iron to enhance the
      tolerance of iron toxicity. This research sheds light on a potentially new
      strategy for attenuating hazardous metal stress from environment and improving
      iron biofortification in Brassicaceae crops. 

PMID- 27679643
TI  - Plant Tolerance: A Unique Approach to Control Hemipteran Pests.
AB  - Plant tolerance to insect pests has been indicated to be a unique category of
      resistance, however, very little information is available on the mechanism of
      tolerance against insect pests. Tolerance is distinctive in terms of the plant's
      ability to withstand or recover from herbivore injury through growth and
      compensatory physiological processes. Because plant tolerance involves plant
      compensatory characteristics, the plant is able to harbor large numbers of
      herbivores without interfering with the insect pest's physiology or behavior.
      Some studies have observed that tolerant plants can compensate photosynthetically
      by avoiding feedback inhibition and impaired electron flow through photosystem II
      that occurs as a result of insect feeding. Similarly, the up-regulation of
      peroxidases and other oxidative enzymes during insect feeding, in conjunction
      with elevated levels of phytohormones can play an important role in providing
      plant tolerance to insect pests. Hemipteran insects comprise some of the most
      economically important plant pests (e.g., aphids, whiteflies), due to their
      ability to achieve high population growth and their potential to transmit plant
      viruses. In this review, results from studies on plant tolerance to hemipterans
      are summarized, and potential models to understand tolerance are presented. 

PMID- 27679645
TI  - Halophytes As Bioenergy Crops.
AB  - Shrinking arable land due to soil salinization and, depleting fresh water
      resources pose serious worldwide constraints to crop productivity. A vision of
      using plant feedstock for biofuel production can only be realized if we can
      identify alternate species that can be grown on saline soils and therefore, would
      not compete for the resources required for conventional agriculture. Halophytes
      have remarkable ability to grow under high salinity conditions. They can be
      irrigated with seawater without compromising their biomass and seed yields making
      them good alternate candidates as bioenergy crops. Both oil produced from the
      seeds and the lignocellulosic biomass of halophytes can be utilized for biofuel
      production. Several researchers across the globe have recognized this potential
      and assessed several halophytes for their tolerance to salt, seed oil contents
      and composition of their lignocellulosic biomass. Here, we review current
      advances and highlight the key species of halophytes analyzed for this purpose.
      We have critically assessed the challenges and opportunities associated with
      using halophytes as bioenergy crops. 

PMID- 27679644
TI  - Isolation and Functional Characterization of a Lycopene beta-cyclase Gene
      Promoter from Citrus.
AB  - Lycopene beta-cyclases are key enzymes located at the branch point of the
      carotenoid biosynthesis pathway. However, the transcriptional regulatory
      mechanisms of LCYb1 in citrus with abundant carotenoid accumulation are still
      unclear. To understand the molecular basis of CsLCYb1 expression, we isolated and
      functionally characterized the 5' upstream sequences of CsLCYb1 from citrus. The
      full-length CsLCYb1 promoter and a series of its 5' deletions were fused to the
      beta-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene and transferred into different plants
      (tomato, Arabidopsis and citrus callus) to test the promoter activities. The
      results of all transgenic species showed that the 1584 bp upstream region from
      the translational start site displayed maximal promoter activity, and the minimal
      promoter containing 746 bp upstream sequences was sufficient for strong basal
      promoter activity. Furthermore, the CsLCYb1 promoter activity was developmentally
      and tissue-specially regulated in transgenic Arabidopsis, and it was affected by
      multiple hormones and environmental cues in transgenic citrus callus under
      various treatments. Finer deletion analysis identified an enhancer element
      existing as a tandem repeat in the promoter region between -574 to -513 bp and
      conferring strong promoter activity. The copy numbers of the enhancer element
      differed among various citrus species, leading to the development of a derived
      simple sequence repeat marker to distinguish different species. In conclusion,
      this study elucidates the expression characteristics of the LCYb1 promoter from
      citrus and further identifies a novel enhancer element required for the promoter
      activity. The characterized promoter fragment would be an ideal candidate for
      genetic engineering and seeking of upstream trans-acting elements. 

PMID- 27679646
TI  - Selection of Reference Genes for Quantitative Real-Time RT-PCR Studies in Tomato
      Fruit of the Genotype MT-Rg1.
AB  - Quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) has become one of the most widely used
      methods for accurate quantification of gene expression. Since there are no
      universal reference genes for normalization, the optimal strategy to normalize
      raw qRT-PCR data is to perform an initial comparison of a set of independent
      reference genes to assess the most stable ones in each biological model.
      Normalization of a qRT-PCR experiment helps to ensure that the results are both
      statistically significant and biologically meaningful. Tomato is the model of
      choice to study fleshy fruit development. The miniature tomato (Solanum
      lycopersicum L.) cultivar Micro-Tom (MT) is considered a model system for tomato
      genetics and functional genomics. A new genotype, containing the Rg1 allele,
      improves tomato in vitro regeneration. In this work, we evaluated the expression
      stability of four tomato reference genes, namely CAC, SAND, Expressed, and
      ACTIN2. We showed that the genes CAC and Exp are the best reference genes of the
      four we tested during fruit development in the MT-Rg1 genotype. Furthermore, we
      validated the reference genes by showing that the expression profiles of the
      transcription factors FRUITFULL1 and APETALA2c during fruit development are
      comparable to previous reports using other tomato cultivars. 

PMID- 27679647
TI  - Comparison of Metabolic and Hormonal Profiles of Women With and Without
      Premenstrual Syndrome: A Community Based Cross-Sectional Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is reported by up to 85% of women of
      reproductive age. Although several studies have focused on the hormone and lipid
      profiles of females with PMS, the results are controversial. OBJECTIVES: This
      study was designed to investigate the association of hormonal and metabolic
      factors with PMS among Iranian women of reproductive age. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      This study was a community based cross-sectional study. Anthropometric
      measurements, biochemical parameters, and metabolic disorders were compared
      between 354 women with PMS and 302 healthy controls selected from among 1126
      women of reproductive age who participated in the Iranian PCOS prevalence study.
      P values < 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: Prolactin (PRL) and
      triglycerides (TG) were significantly elevated in women with PMS, whereas their
      testosterone (TES), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17
      OHP) levels were significantly less than they were in women without the syndrome
      (P < 0.05). After adjusting for age and body mass index (BMI), linear regression
      analysis demonstrated that for every one unit increase in PMS score there was 12%
      rise in the probability of having metabolic syndrome (P = 0.033). CONCLUSIONS:
      There was a significant association between PMS scores and the prevalence of
      metabolic syndrome. Further studies are needed to confirm and validate the
      relationships between lipid profile abnormalities and metabolic disorders with
      PMS.

PMID- 27679648
TI  - Lipodistrophy and Associated Risk Factors in Insulin-Treated People With
      Diabetes.

PMID- 27679649
TI  - The Impact of Vitamin D Supplementation on Post-Partum Glucose Tolerance and
      Insulin Resistance in Gestational Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hypovitaminosis D has been associated with the development of
      gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in many observational studies. OBJECTIVES: We
      report the first study of the impact of prenatal vitamin D supplementation on
      postpartum dysglycemia in GDM patients in a randomized clinical trial. PATIENTS
      AND METHODS: Women with GDM at 12 - 32 weeks of gestation were assigned randomly
      to either the intervention group (in which serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25OHD]
      levels were measured immediately, n = 48) or the control group (in which the
      serum was stored and assayed at 6 - 12 weeks post-partum, n = 48). Participants
      with initial serum 25OHD < 30 ng/mL in the intervention group were instructed to
      take a total of 700,000 IU vitamin D3 during pregnancy. The primary outcomes were
      fasting plasma glucose (FPG), insulin, 2-h post 75 g glucose load plasma glucose
      (2-hPLG), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), HbA1C,
      and 25 OHD at 6 - 12 weeks after delivery. RESULTS: The mean +/- SD of serum
      25OHD in the intervention group raised dramatically from 14.6 +/- 6.3 to 32.4 +/-
      14.4 ng/mL, whereas no significant change occurred in the control group (from
      17.7 +/- 6.1 to 19.3 +/- 9.6 ng/mL, P < 0.001). Thirteen participants developed
      dysglycemia in each group. Mean FPG, 2-hPLG, and HOMA-IR were not significantly
      different between the groups. There was no significant difference between the
      groups for maternal and neonatal outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Although the high vitamin
      D supplementation dose in the present study (compared to the 400 IU/day dose
      usually recommended for pregnancy) safely increases the serum 25OHD, in GDM
      cases, the higher dose does not affect the plasma glucose level or insulin
      resistance at short term follow-up after delivery.

PMID- 27679650
TI  - Comparison of the Vitamin D Status of Children Younger and Older Than 2 Years in
      Tehran: Are Supplements Really Necessary?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vitamin D is a vital lipid-soluble vitamin in the body, helping the
      growth and development of bones. Vitamin D deficiency in children has several
      adverse effects. The most important preventative factor is determining the
      deficiency at an early stage and prescribing vitamin D-containing supplements.
      OBJECTIVES: To investigate the vitamin D status of children younger and older
      than 2 years and determine the utility of prescribing vitamin D supplements.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: Three hundred healthy children who attended the pediatric
      clinic for routine assessments were enrolled in this study. Their parents were
      asked to complete a questionnaire, which included questions about demographics,
      nutrition, and supplements. Blood levels of vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus
      were then measured. RESULTS: The final study consisted of 286 children, 140 males
      and 146 females, with a mean age of 4.46 +/- 2.82 yr. Of these, 218 (76.22%)
      children, with a mean age of 5.09 +/- 2.82 yr, had vitamin D deficiency, and 76
      children (23.78%), with a mean age of 2.58 +/- 1.88 yr, had normal vitamin D
      levels (P = 0.001). The mean level of vitamin D was 29.71 +/- 14.42 ng/mL in 88
      (30.8%) patients up to 2 years and 17.11 +/- 14.02 ng/mL in 198 (69.2%) patients
      older than 2 years (P = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The vitamin D levels of children
      aged more than 2 years are lower than those of children aged less than 2 years.
      Thus, prescribing vitamin D-containing supplements in children older than 2 years
      may be beneficial.

PMID- 27679651
TI  - Recurrence of Hyperparathyroid Hypercalcemia in a Patient With the HRPT-2
      Mutation and a Previous Parathyroid Carcinoma in Hyperparathyroidism-Jaw Tumor
      Syndrome.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cancer in the parathyroid gland is rare, but parathyroid cancer is
      occasionally seen in relation to genetic abnormalities. Due to a limited amount
      of evidence, the optimal handling of these cases is not clear. Furthermore, the
      presence of a malignant parathyroid tumor is rarely known at the time of the
      initial operation; therefore, re-operations are often necessary. The aim of this
      study was to present the case of a patient with a previously diagnosed jaw tumor
      and parathyroid carcinoma that presents as a recurrence of hyperparathyroid
      hypercalcemia. CASE PRESENTATION: A 41-year-old patient who was already diagnosed
      with a parathyroid carcinoma and a jaw tumor caused by a CDC73 mutation,
      presented with biochemical evidence of increasing parathyroid hormone (PTH) and
      calcium levels after a previous total parathyroidectomy. The patient's ionized
      calcium increased to 1.55 mmol/L and PTH increased to 16.0 pmol/L. A previous
      genetic analysis revealed a mutation in the CDC73 gene. There was no family
      history of hyperparathyroidism. We performed a sestamibi scintigraphy and an 11-C
      methionine (MET) positron emission tomography (PET) scan that showed a recurrence
      on the left side of the trachea. The patient underwent a third neck operation for
      the removal of a tumor on the left side of the trachea. The pathology report
      revealed that the tumor was a lymph node metastasis from the previous parathyroid
      carcinoma. The patient is currently enrolled in our follow-up regime.
      Hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumor (HPT-JT) syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant
      disorder characterized by a parathyroid adenoma or carcinoma, fibro-osseous
      lesions (ossifying fibroma) of the mandible and maxilla, and renal cysts and
      tumors. This autosomal dominant familial cancer syndrome has been reported with a
      variable and incomplete penetrance, and up to 10% of gene carriers do not show
      any clinical manifestations. Here we present a patient's case and discuss the
      literature related to this condition. CONCLUSIONS: The recurrence of
      hyperparathyroid hypercalcemia in HTP-JT syndrome after an initial total
      parathyroidectomy is a well-known condition necessitating careful management, an
      evaluation of any underlying genetic abnormality, and a family examination. A
      surgical treatment and surveillance of calcium and PTH measurements are necessary
      to prevent a recurrence.

PMID- 27679652
TI  - Care of the Athlete With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Clinical Review.
AB  - CONTEXT: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) results from a highly specific immune
      mediated destruction of pancreatic beta cells, resulting in chronic
      hyperglycemia. For many years, one of the mainstays of therapy for patients with
      T1DM has been exercise balanced with appropriate medications and medical
      nutrition. Compared to healthy peers, athletes with T1DM experience nearly all
      the same health-related benefits from exercise. Despite these benefits, effective
      management of the T1DM athlete is a constant challenge due to various concerns
      such as the increased risk of hypoglycemia. This review seeks to summarize the
      available literature and aid clinicians in clinical decision-making for this
      patient population. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: PubMed searches were conducted for
      "type 1 diabetes mellitus AND athlete" along with "type 1 diabetes mellitus AND
      exercise" from database inception through November 2015. All articles identified
      by this search were reviewed if the article text was available in English and
      related to management of athletes with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Subsequent
      reference searches of retrieved articles yielded additional literature included
      in this review. RESULTS: The majority of current literature available exists as
      recommendations, review articles, or proposed societal guidelines, with less
      prospective or higher-order treatment studies available. The available literature
      is presented objectively with an attempt to describe clinically relevant trends
      and findings in the management of athletes living with T1DM. CONCLUSIONS:
      Managing T1DM in the context of exercise or athletic competition is a challenging
      but important skill for athletes living with this disease. A proper understanding
      of the hormonal milieu during exercise, special nutritional needs, glycemic
      control, necessary insulin dosing adjustments, and prevention/management
      strategies for exercise-related complications can lead to successful care plans
      for these patients. Individualized management strategies should be created with
      close cooperation between the T1DM athlete and their healthcare team (including a
      physician and dietitian).

PMID- 27679654
TI  - Enumeration of minimal stoichiometric precursor sets in metabolic networks.
AB  - BACKGROUND: What an organism needs at least from its environment to produce a set
      of metabolites, e.g. target(s) of interest and/or biomass, has been called a
      minimal precursor set. Early approaches to enumerate all minimal precursor sets
      took into account only the topology of the metabolic network (topological
      precursor sets). Due to cycles and the stoichiometric values of the reactions, it
      is often not possible to produce the target(s) from a topological precursor set
      in the sense that there is no feasible flux. Although considering the
      stoichiometry makes the problem harder, it enables to obtain biologically
      reasonable precursor sets that we call stoichiometric. Recently a method to
      enumerate all minimal stoichiometric precursor sets was proposed in the
      literature. The relationship between topological and stoichiometric precursor
      sets had however not yet been studied. RESULTS: Such relationship between
      topological and stoichiometric precursor sets is highlighted. We also present two
      algorithms that enumerate all minimal stoichiometric precursor sets. The first
      one is of theoretical interest only and is based on the above mentioned
      relationship. The second approach solves a series of mixed integer linear
      programming problems. We compared the computed minimal precursor sets to
      experimentally obtained growth media of several Escherichia coli strains using
      genome-scale metabolic networks. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that the second
      approach efficiently enumerates minimal precursor sets taking stoichiometry into
      account, and allows for broad in silico studies of strains or species
      interactions that may help to understand e.g. pathotype and niche-specific
      metabolic capabilities. sasita is written in Java, uses cplex as LP solver and
      can be downloaded together with all networks and input files used in this paper
      at http://www.sasita.gforge.inria.fr.

PMID- 27679655
TI  - Why Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) provides safe abortion care and what that
      involves.
AB  - MSF responds to needs for the termination of pregnancy, including on request
      (TPR); it is part of the organization's work aimed at reducing maternal mortality
      and suffering; and preventing unsafe abortions in the countries where we work.
      Following the publication of "Why don't humanitarian organizations provide safe
      abortion care?" we offer an insight into MSF's experience over the past few
      years. The article looks at the legal concerns and proposes that the importance
      of addressing maternal mortality should replace them and the operational set-up
      and action organized in a way that mitigates risks. MSF took a policy decision on
      safe abortion care in 2004; the fact that care did not expand rapidly to relevant
      MSF projects came as a surprise, reflecting the important weight social norms
      around abortion have everywhere. The need to engage in an open dialogue with
      staff, relevant medical actors and at community level became more obvious.
      Finally the article looks some key lessons that have emerged for the organization
      as part of the effort to prevent ill health, maternal death and suffering caused
      by unwanted pregnancy and unsafe abortion. 

PMID- 27679656
TI  - Do people's goals for mass participation sporting events matter? A self
      determination theory perspective.
AB  - Background: Non-elite mass participation sports events (MPSEs) may hold potential
      as a physical activity promotion tool. Research into why people participate in
      these events and what goals they are pursuing is lacking. Grounded in self
      determination theory, this study examined the associations between MPSE
      participants' goals, event experiences and physical activity. Methods: A
      prospective cohort study was conducted; pre-event, participants reported their
      goals for the event. Four weeks post-event, participants reported their
      motivation for exercise, perceptions of their event achievement and moderate-to
      vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA). Bivariate correlations and path
      analysis were performed on data from 114 adults. Results: Intrinsic goals (e.g.
      health, skill and social affiliation) for the event were positively associated
      with perceptions of event achievement, whereas extrinsic goals (e.g. appearance
      or social recognition) were not. Event achievement was positively associated with
      post-event autonomous motivation, which in turn was positively associated with
      MVPA. Conclusions: Pursuing intrinsic but not extrinsic goals for MPSEs is
      associated with greater perceptions of event achievement, which in turn is
      associated with post-event autonomous motivation and MVPA.

PMID- 27679653
TI  - The Arabidopsis CERK1-associated kinase PBL27 connects chitin perception to MAPK
      activation.
AB  - Perception of microbe-associated molecular patterns by host cell surface pattern
      recognition receptors (PRRs) triggers the intracellular activation of mitogen
      activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades. However, it is not known how PRRs
      transmit immune signals to MAPK cascades in plants. Here, we identify a complete
      phospho-signaling transduction pathway from PRR-mediated pathogen recognition to
      MAPK activation in plants. We found that the receptor-like cytoplasmic kinase
      PBL27 connects the chitin receptor complex CERK1-LYK5 and a MAPK cascade. PBL27
      interacts with both CERK1 and the MAPK kinase kinase MAPKKK5 at the plasma
      membrane. Knockout mutants of MAPKKK5 compromise chitin-induced MAPK activation
      and disease resistance to Alternaria brassicicola PBL27 phosphorylates MAPKKK5 in
      vitro, which is enhanced by phosphorylation of PBL27 by CERK1. The chitin
      perception induces disassociation between PBL27 and MAPKKK5 in vivo Furthermore,
      genetic evidence suggests that phosphorylation of MAPKKK5 by PBL27 is essential
      for chitin-induced MAPK activation in plants. These data indicate that PBL27 is
      the MAPKKK kinase that provides the missing link between the cell surface chitin
      receptor and the intracellular MAPK cascade in plants.

PMID- 27679657
TI  - Portrayal of tobacco smoking in popular women's magazines: a content analysis.
AB  - Background: Whilst many countries have introduced legislation prohibiting tobacco
      advertising and sponsorship, references to tobacco continue to appear in the
      media. This study quantified and characterized tobacco smoking content in popular
      women's magazines. Methods: The 10 top weekly and 5 monthly women's magazines
      most popular among 15-34 year olds in Britain published over a 3-month period
      were included. A content analysis was conducted for both written and visual
      content. Results: In 146 magazines, there were 310 instances of tobacco content,
      the majority of which were positive towards smoking. Instances of celebrities
      smoking were most common (171, 55%), often in holiday or party settings that
      could be perceived to be luxurious, glamorous or fun. In all, 55 (18%) tobacco
      references related to fashion, which generally created an impression of smoking
      as a norm within the industry; and 34 (11%) text and image references to tobacco
      in TV and film. There were 50 (16%) reader-initiated mentions of smoking,
      typically in real-life stories or readers writing in to seek advice about
      smoking. Anti-smoking references including the hazards of smoking were infrequent
      (49; 16%). Conclusions: Although tobacco advertising is prohibited in Britain,
      women's magazines still appear to be promoting positive messages about tobacco
      and smoking.

PMID- 27679659
TI  - Maternal nutrient intakes from food and drinks consumed in early pregnancy in
      Ireland.
AB  - Background: The aim of this observational study was to measure food,
      macronutrient and micronutrient intakes of women presenting for antenatal care
      and assess compliance with current nutritional recommendations. Methods: Women
      were recruited in the first trimester of pregnancy. Maternal weight and height
      were measured and body mass index (BMI) calculated. Body composition was measured
      using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Maternal energy and nutrient intakes were
      estimated using a validated Willett Food Frequency Questionnaire and misreporting
      of energy intakes (EI) determined. Results: Plausible EIs were reported in 402
      women. Mean age, weight and BMI were 30.8 years, 67.1 kg and 24.6 kg/m2
      respectively. Median EIs were 2111 kcal, and median protein, carbohydrate and fat
      intakes were 17.3, 48.1 and 36.2 g/MJ/day, respectively. More than 90% of women
      exceeded the recommended daily allowance for saturated fat. Nearly all of the
      women (99%) did not meet estimated average requirements (EAR) for vitamin D. One
      in three women failed to achieve a dietary folate intake of 400 ug/day. Over one
      in five women failed to meet the EAR for iron, and 14% failed to achieve the EAR
      for calcium. Conclusions: Our findings highlight concerning deficits in nutrient
      intakes among women and will help guide professional dietary advice to women
      attending for future obstetric care in Ireland.

PMID- 27679658
TI  - Education and disability trends of older Americans, 2000-2014.
AB  - Background: Trends in disability among older Americans has declined since the
      1980s. The study examines whether the trend continues to decline and whether
      educational disparities exist in the prevalence of functional limitations.
      Methods: I used the 2000-2014 National Health Interview Survey and included
      adults aged >=65 years. Functional limitations was measured by three outcomes:
      the need for help with activities of daily living (ADLs) or instrumental
      activities of daily living (IADLs) and physical function limitations. I used a
      set of logistic models to estimate the average annual change rate of functional
      limitations. I examined whether the annual rate of change differed by education,
      age group and sex. Results: During 2000-2014, the annual increase rate of ADL
      limitations was 1.7% (P < 0.001) and was 2.0% (P < 0.001) for physical function
      limitations; IADL limitation did not change significantly. All subgroups
      experienced an increase in ADL and physical function limitations except for
      adults with a more than high school education. The lower-educated group had a
      higher proportion and a higher annual rate of increase in all outcomes.
      Increasing trends in chronic conditions may contribute to the increasing trend in
      functional limitations. Conclusions: The study highlighted a large educational
      disparity in late-life disability among older Americans.

PMID- 27679660
TI  - Papillomavirus and cancers: should we extend vaccination to boys in France?
AB  - Background: In 2006, the HPV (Human papillomavirus) 6/11/16/18 quadrivalent
      vaccine was approved by the European Medicines Agency and obtained its marketing
      authorization in both girls and boys. Currently, the French guidelines recommend
      and refund vaccination of girls aged 11 to 14 with a catch-up program for females
      from 15 to 19 years old. Discussion: In France, HPV vaccination coverage tends to
      decrease. At the end of 2015, the vaccination coverage with three doses reached
      only 14% in 16-year-old girls (three doses). Although men are also affected by
      HPV-related diseases such as anal cancer, ano-genital warts, penile cancer or
      upper aerodigestive tract cancer, vaccine recommendations in France are for girls
      only. To face the high prevalence of anal cancer and related diseases, the best
      option is vaccination. Moreover, by offering men a way to prevent diseases
      against which they do not have any protection yet, universal vaccination could
      better take into account the ethical issues of prevention. In this paper, we
      present the point of view of different medical specialties concerning the
      potential benefit of extending vaccination to boys. Conclusion: HPV vaccination
      of both genders could benefit from a better public acceptance and contribute to a
      better coverage, especially in countries with low vaccination rates.

PMID- 27679662
TI  - Dispositional pandemic worry and the health belief model: promoting vaccination
      during pandemic events.
AB  - Background: Promoting vaccination during pandemics is paramount to public health,
      yet few studies examined theoretical motivations for vaccination during
      pandemics. Thus, the relationships between dispositional pandemic worry,
      constructs of the health belief model (HBM) and vaccination during the H1N1
      pandemic were studied. Methods: Participants (N = 1377) completed surveys
      assessing dispositional pandemic worry, HBM variables and H1N1 vaccination.
      Principle axis factor analysis and point biserial correlations were conducted.
      Differences in worry and vaccination were assessed via independent samples t
      tests. Relationships between vaccination, demographics and worry were
      investigated using hierarchical linear regression. PROCESS analysis was conducted
      to explicate the relationship between worry and vaccination intention. Results: A
      two-factor structure of dispositional pandemic worry-worry frequency and worry
      severity-was confirmed. Dispositional worry was higher among those who intended
      to and received H1N1 vaccine. Worry frequency and worry severity were positively
      related to vaccination. Threat, benefits and barriers mediated the impact of
      worry severity and threat and barriers mediated the impact of worry frequency on
      vaccination intentions. Conclusions: Messages increasing dispositional worry and
      benefits while decreasing barriers may boost vaccination behavior during a
      pandemic event. Future study of relationships between dispositional worry and HBM
      variables is warranted.

PMID- 27679661
TI  - A content analysis of the UK press response to the diagnosis of Ebola in a
      British healthcare worker.
AB  - Background: The Ebola epidemic led to considerable media attention, which may
      influence public risk perception. Therefore, this study analysed the UK press
      response following diagnosis of a British healthcare worker (HCW) with Ebola.
      Methods: Using the Nexis database, the frequency of Ebola-related articles in UK
      national newspaper articles was mapped. This was followed by a content analysis
      of Ebola-related articles in the four newspapers with highest UK net readership
      from November 2014 to February 2015. Results: During the 16-week study period,
      1349 articles were found. The day with the highest number of Ebola-related
      articles was 31 December 2014, the day after the diagnosis of Ebola in a UK HCW.
      Seventy-seven articles were included in the content analysis. Content analysis
      demonstrated a shift from West African to UK-focused articles, increased
      discussion of border control, UK policy decisions and criticism, and an increased
      number of articles with a reassuring/threatening message. Conclusions: UK press
      coverage of Ebola increased following a HCW's diagnosis, particularly regarding
      discussion of screening measures. This is likely to have increased risk
      perception of Ebola in the UK population and may have contributed to subsequent
      strengthening of UK screening policy beyond World Health Organisation
      requirements.

PMID- 27679663
TI  - Investigating what works to support family carers of people with dementia: a
      rapid realist review.
AB  - Introduction: Advances in longevity and medicine mean that many more people in
      the UK survive life-threatening diseases but are instead susceptible to life
      limiting diseases such as dementia. Within the next 10 years those affected by
      dementia in the UK is set to rise to over 1 million, making reliance on family
      care of people with dementia (PWD) essential. A central challenge is how to
      improve family carer support to offset the demands made by dementia care which
      can jeopardise carers' own health. This review investigates 'what works to
      support family carers of PWD'. Methods: Rapid realist review of a comprehensive
      range of databases. Results: Five key themes emerged: (1) extending social
      assets, (2) strengthening key psychological resources, (3) maintaining physical
      health status, (4) safeguarding quality of life and (5) ensuring timely
      availability of key external resources. It is hypothesized that these five
      factors combine and interact to provide critical biopsychosocial and service
      support that bolsters carer 'resilience' and supports the maintenance and
      sustenance of family care of PWD. Conclusions: 'Resilience-building' is central
      to 'what works to support family carers of PWD'. The resulting model and
      Programme Theories respond to the burgeoning need for a coherent approach to
      carer support.

PMID- 27679664
TI  - The cost effectiveness of the SIMPle intervention to improve antimicrobial
      prescribing for urinary tract infection in primary care.
AB  - Background: Antimicrobial resistance is a major public health issue. This study
      examines the cost effectiveness of the SIMPle (Supporting the Improvement and
      Management of Prescribing for Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)) intervention to
      improve antimicrobial prescribing in primary care in Ireland. Methods: An
      economic evaluation was conducted alongside a cluster randomized controlled trial
      of 30 general practices and 2560 patients with a diagnosis of UTI. Practices were
      randomized to the usual practice control or the SIMPle intervention (arm A or B).
      Data at 6 months follow-up were used to estimate incremental costs, incremental
      effectiveness in terms of first-line antimicrobial prescribing for UTI and cost
      effectiveness acceptability curves. Results: The SIMPle intervention was, on
      average, more costly and more effective than the control. The probability of
      intervention arm A being cost effective was 0.280, 0.995 and 1.000 at threshold
      values of ?50, ?150 and ?250 per percentage point increase in first-line
      antimicrobial prescribing respectively. The equivalent probabilities for
      intervention arm B were 0.121, 0.863 and 0.985, respectively. Conclusions: The
      cost effectiveness of the SIMPle intervention depends on the value placed on
      improving antimicrobial prescribing. Future studies should examine the wider and
      longer term costs and outcomes of improving antimicrobial prescribing.

PMID- 27679666
TI  - Most add-on therapies to metformin have similar effects on HbA1c.

PMID- 27679665
TI  - Associations of Acculturation With Self-Report and Objective Physical Activity
      and Sedentary Behaviors Among Latinas.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Less than 50% of Latinas meet physical activity (PA) recommendations.
      Acculturation is a complex cultural phenomenon that may influence health
      behaviors, but associations between acculturation and Latinas' activity and
      sedentary levels are unclear. AIM: To examine associations of acculturation with
      Latinas' domain-specific and total PA as well as sedentary time. METHOD: We
      analyzed baseline data collected between 2011 and 2013 among 410 Latinas (18-65
      years) from a PA promotion intervention in San Diego, CA ( Fe en Accion/ Faith in
      Action). Participants wore an accelerometer to assess moderate-to-vigorous PA
      (MVPA) and sedentary time and completed a survey assessing domain-specific PA,
      sociodemographics, and acculturation as measured by length of residence in the
      United States and the Bidimensional Acculturation Scale (BAS) for Hispanics.
      Higher acculturation was defined as longer residence in the United States or
      being either assimilated or bicultural as per scores on the Hispanic and Anglo
      domains of the BAS. RESULTS: Based on weekly averages from the accelerometer,
      Latinas spent 103 minutes in MVPA and 76% of total activity in sedentary time.
      Only 32% met MVPA recommendations via self-reported leisure-time and
      transportation PA. Longer residence in the United States was inversely associated
      with reporting any transportation or occupational PA and meeting MVPA
      recommendations. Assimilated/bicultural Latinas had significantly less
      accelerometer-based total MVPA and higher sedentary time than their lower
      acculturated counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, higher acculturation, based on
      either measure, was related to less activity. Our findings suggest interventions
      tailored to the acculturation levels of Latinas are needed to help reduce
      disparities in Latinas' PA and sedentary behaviors.

PMID- 27679667
TI  - Careful monitoring of fetal growth and maternal nutritional status should be
      practiced in pregnant women with a history of bariatric surgery.

PMID- 27679669
TI  - The synthetic xylulose-1 phosphate pathway increases production of glycolic acid
      from xylose-rich sugar mixtures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Glycolic acid (GA) is a two-carbon hydroxyacid with applications in
      the cosmetic, textile, and medical industry. Microbial GA production from all
      sugars can be achieved by engineering the natural glyoxylate shunt. The synthetic
      (d)-xylulose-1 phosphate (X1P) pathway provides a complementary route to produce
      GA from (d)-xylose. The simultaneous operation of the X1P and glyoxylate pathways
      increases the theoretical GA yield from xylose by 20 %, which may strongly
      improve GA production from hemicellulosic hydrolysates. RESULTS: We herein
      describe the construction of an E. coli strain that produces GA via the
      glyoxylate pathway at a yield of 0.31 , 0.29 , and 0.37 g/g from glucose, xylose,
      or a mixture of glucose and xylose (mass ratio: 33:66 %), respectively. When the
      X1P pathway operates in addition to the glyoxylate pathway, the GA yields on the
      three substrates are, respectively, 0.39 , 0.43 , and 0.47 g/g. Upon constitutive
      expression of the sugar permease GalP, the GA yield of the strain which
      simultaneously operates the glyoxylate and X1P pathways further increases to 0.63
      g/g when growing on the glucose/xylose mixture. Under these conditions, the GA
      yield on the xylose fraction of the sugar mixture reaches 0.75 g/g, which is the
      highest yield reported to date. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that the
      synthetic X1P pathway has a very strong potential to improve GA production from
      xylose-rich hemicellulosic hydrolysates.

PMID- 27679668
TI  - Phenotypic characterization and comparative transcriptomics of evolved
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains with improved tolerance to lignocellulosic
      derived inhibitors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lignocellulosic biomass continues to be investigated as a viable
      source for bioethanol production. However, the pretreatment process generates
      inhibitory compounds that impair the growth and fermentation performance of
      microorganisms such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Pinewood specifically has been
      shown to be challenging in obtaining industrially relevant ethanol titers. An
      industrial S. cerevisiae strain was subjected to directed evolution and
      adaptation in pretreated pine biomass and resultant strains, GHP1 and GHP4,
      exhibited improved growth and fermentative ability on pretreated pine in the
      presence of related inhibitory compounds. A comparative transcriptomic approach
      was applied to identify and characterize differences in phenotypic stability of
      evolved strains. RESULTS: Evolved strains displayed different fermentative
      capabilities with pretreated pine that appear to be influenced by the addition or
      absence of 13 inhibitory compounds during pre-culturing. GHP4 performance was
      consistent independent of culturing conditions, while GHP1 performance was
      dependent on culturing with inhibitors. Comparative transcriptomics revealed 52
      genes potentially associated with stress responses to multiple inhibitors
      simultaneously. Fluorescence microscopy revealed improved cellular integrity of
      both strains with mitochondria exhibiting resistance to the damaging effects of
      inhibitors in contrast to the parent. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple potentially novel
      genetic targets have been discovered for understanding stress tolerance through
      the characterization of our evolved strains. This study specifically examines the
      synergistic effects of multiple inhibitors and identified targets will guide
      future studies in remediating effects of inhibitors and further development of
      robust yeast strains for multiple industrial applications.

PMID- 27679670
TI  - Nucleosome distortion as a possible mechanism of transcription activation domain
      function.
AB  - After more than three decades since the discovery of transcription activation
      domains (ADs) in gene-specific activators, the mechanism of their function
      remains enigmatic. The widely accepted model of direct recruitment by ADs of co
      activators and basal transcriptional machinery components, however, is not always
      compatible with the short size yet very high degree of sequence randomness and
      intrinsic structural disorder of natural and synthetic ADs. In this review, we
      formulate the basis for an alternative and complementary model, whereby sequence
      randomness and intrinsic structural disorder of ADs are necessary for transient
      distorting interactions with promoter nucleosomes, triggering promoter nucleosome
      translocation and subsequently gene activation. 

PMID- 27679672
TI  - Environmental and lifestyle risk factors of breast cancer in Malta-a
      retrospective case-control study.
AB  - AIM AND BACKGROUND: Environmental exposures are known to play a role in the
      development of cancer, including breast cancer. There are known associations of
      breast cancer with environmental factors such as sunlight exposure, diet and
      exercise and alcohol consumption as well as physiological factors. This study
      examines the prevalence of risk factors for breast cancer related to dietary
      intake, environment and lifestyle in the female population of Malta. Malta has
      had little research in this area, and therefore an exploratory study was carried
      out. METHODS: A retrospective case-control design was applied. Two hundred cases
      and 403 controls were included. Both cases and controls were subjects without a
      known family history for breast cancer. Controls were age-matched to cases in an
      age-decade category roughly at a 2:1 ratio. Interviews were carried out face-to
      face using a questionnaire designed by Maltese and Sicilian researchers,
      encompassing various factors including diet, lifestyle, physiological factors and
      medical history. Breast cancer risk was then analysed using both univariate and
      multivariate analyses. For factors having a metric scale, the Mann-Whitney test
      was used to compare mean scores, while for categorical factors, the chi-square
      test was used to compare percentages between the case and control groups.
      Statistical modelling was carried out using binary logistic regression to relate
      the likelihood of breast cancer to over 50 risk/protective factors analysed
      collectively. RESULTS: Univariate analysis showed around 20 parameters of
      interest, 14 of which were statistically significant at a 0.05 level of
      significance. Logistic regression analysis identified 11 predictors of interest
      that were statistically significant. Tomato, coffee and canned meat consumption
      were associated with lower likelihood of breast cancer (OR = 0.988, 0.901, 0.892,
      respectively), whereas beans and cabbage consumption and low sodium salt were
      positively associated with breast cancer (OR = 1.045, 1.834, 1.028,
      respectively). Premenopausal status was associated with a lower risk of breast
      cancer compared to postmenopausal status (OR = 0.067). Not having experienced
      myocardial infarction was associated with lower odds of breast cancer (OR =
      0.331). Increased height was also found to have a strong association with risk of
      breast cancer, with the odds of having breast cancer increasing for every
      centimetre increase in height (OR = 1.048). In terms of quantity, odds of having
      breast cancer were lower in those exposed to sunlight (OR = 0.891). The odds of
      having breast cancer were also lower in those not using the oral contraceptive
      pill (OR = 0.454). CONCLUSIONS: Various factors in this exploratory study were
      found to be associated with development of breast cancer. While causal
      conclusions cannot be made, tomato consumption is of particular interest, as
      these results corroborate findings found in other studies. A negative association
      of breast cancer with sunlight exposure and oral contraceptive pill use
      corroborates findings in other studies. Other associations with dietary intake
      can be explained by dietary changes. More robust studies in this area, including
      possible longitudinal studies, are warranted.

PMID- 27679671
TI  - Red-shifted channelrhodopsin stimulation restores light responses in blind mice,
      macaque retina, and human retina.
AB  - Targeting the photosensitive ion channel channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) to the retinal
      circuitry downstream of photoreceptors holds promise in treating vision loss
      caused by retinal degeneration. However, the high intensity of blue light
      necessary to activate channelrhodopsin-2 exceeds the safety threshold of retinal
      illumination because of its strong potential to induce photochemical damage. In
      contrast, the damage potential of red-shifted light is vastly lower than that of
      blue light. Here, we show that a red-shifted channelrhodopsin (ReaChR), delivered
      by AAV injections in blind rd1 mice, enables restoration of light responses at
      the retinal, cortical, and behavioral levels, using orange light at intensities
      below the safety threshold for the human retina. We further show that postmortem
      macaque retinae infected with AAV-ReaChR can respond with spike trains to orange
      light at safe intensities. Finally, to directly address the question of
      translatability to human subjects, we demonstrate for the first time, AAV- and
      lentivirus-mediated optogenetic spike responses in ganglion cells of the
      postmortem human retina.

PMID- 27679673
TI  - Validity of self-reported exposure to shift work.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the validity of widely used questionnaire items on work
      schedule using objective registry data as reference. METHOD: A cohort study of
      hospital employees who responded to a self-administered questionnaire on work
      schedule in 2008, 2012 and 2014 and were linked to individual-level pay-roll
      based records on work shifts. For predictive validity, leisure-time fatigue was
      assessed. RESULTS: According to the survey data in 2014 (n=8896), 55% of the day
      workers had at least 1 year of earlier shift work experience. 8% of the night
      shift workers changed to day work during the follow-up. Using pay-roll data as
      reference, questions on 'shift work with night shifts' and 'permanent night work'
      showed high sensitivity (96% and 90%) and specificity (92% and 97%). Self
      reported 'regular day work' showed moderate sensitivity (73%), but high
      specificity (99%) and 'shift work without night shifts' showed low sensitivity
      (62%) and moderate specificity (87%). In multivariate logistic regression
      analysis, the age-adjusted, sex-adjusted and baseline fatigue-adjusted
      association between 'shift work without night shifts' and leisure-time fatigue
      was lower for self-reported compared with objective assessment (1.30, 95% CI 0.94
      to 1.82, n=1707 vs 1.89, 95% CI 1.06 to 3.39, n=1627). In contrast, shift work
      with night shifts, compared with permanent day work, was similarly associated
      with fatigue in the two assessments (2.04, 95% CI 1.62 to 2.57, n=2311 vs 1.82,
      95% CI 1.28 to 2.58, n=1804). CONCLUSIONS: The validity of self-reported
      assessment of shift work varies between work schedules. Exposure
      misclassification in self-reported data may contribute to bias towards the null
      in shift work without night shifts.

PMID- 27679674
TI  - Sick leave in workers with arm, neck and/or shoulder complaints; defining
      occurrence and discriminative trajectories over a 2-year time period.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Impediments due to complaints of non-traumatic arm, neck and/or
      shoulder (CANS) during work often leads to consultation in primary care. This
      study examines the occurrence of sick leave among workers with new CANS, and
      evaluates sick leave trajectories and their characteristics. METHODS: This
      prospective 2-year cohort study included workers with a new CANS presenting in
      general practice. Participants filled out postal questionnaires on sick leave at
      6-monthly intervals. Latent class growth mixture modelling was used to identify
      distinct trajectories of sick leave. Multinomial regression analyses identified
      characteristics of the subgroups. RESULTS: During follow-up, of the 533
      participants 190 reported at least one episode of sick leave due to CANS. Three
      sick leave trajectories were distinguished: (1) 'low-risk' trajectory (n=366),
      with a constant low probability over time; (2) 'intermediate risk' trajectory,
      with a high probability at first consultation followed by a steep decrease in
      probability of sick leave (n=122); (3) 'high-risk' trajectory (n=45), with a
      constant high probability of sick leave. Compared to the 'low-risk' trajectory,
      the other trajectories were characterised by more functional limitations, less
      specific diagnoses, more work-related symptoms and low coworker support. Specific
      for the 'high-risk' subgroup were more recurrent symptoms, more musculoskeletal
      comorbidity, high score on somatisation and low score on job demands.
      CONCLUSIONS: Three trajectories of sick leave were distinguished, graded from
      favourable to unfavourable. Several complaint-related and work-related factors
      and somatisation contributed modestly to identify an unfavourable trajectory of
      sick leave when presenting in primary care with CANS.

PMID- 27679675
TI  - Effect of CYP3A4 genetic polymorphisms on the genotoxicity of 4,4'-methylene
      bis(2-chloroaniline)-exposed workers.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We investigated the relationship between 4,4'-methylene-bis(2
      chloroaniline) (MBOCA) exposure and micronucleus (MN) frequency, and how this
      association was affected by genetic polymorphism of the cytochrome P450 enzyme
      (CYP3A4). METHODS: We divided the study population into an exposed group (n=44
      with total urine MBOCA >=20 MUg/g creatinine) and a control group (n=47 with
      total urine MBOCA <20 MUg/g creatinine). Lymphocyte MN frequency (MNF) and
      micronucleated cell (MNC) frequency were measured by the cytokinesis-block MN
      assay method. MNF reported as the number of micronuclei in binucleated cells per
      1000 cells, and MNC reported as the number of binucleated cells with the presence
      of MN per 1000 cells. CYP3A4 alleles were measured by PCR-based restriction
      fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). RESULTS: The mean MNF (6.11 vs 4.46
      MN/1000 cells, p<0.001) and MNC (5.75 vs 4.15 MN/1000 cells, p<0.001) in the
      exposed workers was significantly higher than that in the controls. The CYP3A4
      polymorphism A/A+A/G influenced the difference in the mean MNF (5.97 vs 4.38
      MN/1000 cells, p<0.001) and MNC (5.60 vs 4.15 MN/1000 cells, p<0.001) between the
      MBOCA-exposed and control groups. After adjusting risk factors, the MNF level in
      the MBOCA-exposed workers was 0.520 MN cells/1000 cells (p<0.001) higher than the
      control group among the CYP3A4 A/A+A/G genotype. Similarly, the MNC level in the
      MBOCA-exposed workers was 0.593 MN/1000 cells (p<0.001) higher than the control
      group among the CYP3A4 A/A+A/G genotype. However, the difference in adjusted MNF
      and MNC between the exposed and control groups was not significant for the CYP3A4
      polymorphism with the G/G genotype. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend that lymphocytes
      MNF and MNC are good indicators to evaluate MBOCA genotoxicity. Individuals with
      the CYP3A4 polymorphism A/A and A/G genotypes appear to be more susceptible to
      MBOCA genotoxicity.

PMID- 27679676
TI  - Freestanding 3-D microvascular networks made of alginate hydrogel as a universal
      tool to create microchannels inside hydrogels.
AB  - The diffusion of molecules such as nutrients and oxygen through densely packed
      cells is impeded by blockage and consumption by cells, resulting in a limited
      depth of penetration. This has been a major hurdle to a bulk (3-D) culture. Great
      efforts have been made to develop methods for generating branched microchannels
      inside hydrogels to support mass exchange inside a bulk culture. These previous
      attempts faced a common obstacle: researchers tried to fabricate microchannels
      with gels already loaded with cells, but the fabrication procedures are often
      harmful to the embedded cells. Herein, we present a universal strategy to create
      microchannels in different types of hydrogels, which effectively avoids cell
      damage. This strategy is based on a freestanding alginate 3-D microvascular
      network prepared by in-situ generation of copper ions from a sacrificial copper
      template. This alginate network could be used as implants to create microchannels
      inside different types of hydrogels. This approach effectively addresses the
      issue of cell damage during microfabrication and made it possible to create
      microchannels inside different types of gels. The microvascular network produced
      with this method is (1) strong enough to allow handling, (2) biocompatible to
      allow cell culturing, and (3) appropriately permeable to allow diffusion of small
      molecules, while sufficiently dense to prevent blocking of channels when embedded
      in different types of gels. In addition, composite microtubules could be prepared
      by simply pre-loading other materials, e.g., particles and large biomolecules, in
      the hydrogel. Compared with other potential strategies to fabricate freestanding
      gel channel networks, our method is more rapid, low-cost and scalable due to
      parallel processing using an industrially mass-producible template. We
      demonstrated the use of such vascular networks in creating microchannels in
      different hydrogels and composite gels, as well as with a cell culture in a
      nutrition gradient based on microfluidic diffusion. In this way, the freestanding
      hydrogel vascular network we produced is a universal functional unit that can be
      embedded in different types of hydrogel; users will be able to adopt this
      strategy to achieve vascular mass exchange in the bulk culture without changing
      their current protocol. The method is readily implementable to applications in
      vascular tissue regeneration, drug discovery, 3-D culture, etc. 

PMID- 27679677
TI  - Silk patterns made by direct femtosecond laser writing.
AB  - Silk patterns in a film of amorphous water-soluble fibroin are created by
      tailored exposure to femtosecond-laser pulses (1030 nm/230 fs) without the use of
      photo-initiators. This shows that amorphous silk can be used as a negative tone
      photo-resist. It is also shown that water insoluble crystalline silk films can be
      precisely ablated from a glass substrate achieving the patterns of crystalline
      silk gratings on a glass substrate. Bio-compatible/degradable silk can be laser
      structured to achieve conformational transformations as demonstrated by infrared
      spectroscopy. 

PMID- 27679678
TI  - Geometrical control of ionic current rectification in a configurable nanofluidic
      diode.
AB  - Control of ionic current in a nanofluidic system and development of the elements
      analogous to electrical circuits have been the subject of theoretical and
      experimental investigations over the past decade. Here, we theoretically and
      experimentally explore a new technique for rectification of ionic current using
      asymmetric 2D nanochannels. These nanochannels have a rectangular cross section
      and a stepped structure consisting of a shallow and a deep side. Control of
      height and length of each side enables us to obtain optimum rectification at each
      ionic strength. A 1D model based on the Poisson-Nernst-Planck equation is derived
      and validated against the full 2D numerical solution, and a nondimensional
      concentration is presented as a function of nanochannel dimensions, surface
      charge, and the electrolyte concentration that summarizes the rectification
      behavior of such geometries. The rectification factor reaches a maximum at
      certain electrolyte concentration predicted by this nondimensional number and
      decays away from it. This method of fabrication and control of a nanofluidic
      diode does not require modification of the surface charge and facilitates the
      integration with lab-on-a-chip fluidic circuits. Experimental results obtained
      from the stepped nanochannels are in good agreement with the 1D theoretical
      model. 

PMID- 27679679
TI  - Omalizumab: A useful tool for inducing tolerance to bee venom immunotherapy.

PMID- 27679680
TI  - Exercising control over bipolar disorder.
AB  - Following extensive research exercise has emerged as an effective treatment for
      major depressive disorder, and it is now a recognised therapy alongside other
      interventions. In contrast, there is a paucity of research examining the
      therapeutic effects of exercise for those with bipolar disorder. Given that
      dysfunctional reward processing is central to bipolar disorder, research suggests
      that exercise can perhaps be framed as a reward-related event that may have the
      potential to precipitate a manic episode. The behavioural activation system (BAS)
      is a neurobehavioural system that is associated with responding to reward and
      provides an appropriate framework to theoretically examine and better understand
      the effects of exercise treatment on bipolar disorder. This article discusses
      recent research findings and provides an overview of the extant literature
      related to the neurobiological underpinnings of BAS and exercise as they relate
      to bipolar disorder. This is important clinically because depending on mood state
      in bipolar disorder, we postulate that exercise could be either beneficial or
      deleterious with positive or negative effects on the illness. Clearly, this
      complicates the evaluation of exercise as a potential treatment in terms of
      identifying its optimal characteristics in this population.

PMID- 27679681
TI  - Tiotropium in asthma: what is the evidence and how does it fit in?
AB  - Despite current therapeutic approaches asthma remains uncontrolled in a
      significant proportion of patients. Short-acting anticholinergic bronchodilators
      have a very long history of use in asthma, and recent data confirms the
      importance of acetylcholine as both a bronchoconstrictor and as a regulator of
      inflammation and remodeling in the lungs. Data from a comprehensive clinical
      trial programme, as well as use in primary care, show the efficacy and safety of
      tiotropium in adults with mild to moderate asthma when it is added to ICS and in
      severe asthma when it is added to high doses of ICS plus LABA, as well as in
      adolescents. Tiotropium is cost effective and its benefits are not restricted to
      particular phenotypes, making it a useful addition to the therapeutic options
      recommended by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) for people with poorly
      controlled asthma at steps 4 & 5. 

PMID- 27679682
TI  - International Consensus (ICON): allergic reactions to vaccines.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Routine immunization, one of the most effective public health
      interventions, has effectively reduced death and morbidity due to a variety of
      infectious diseases. However, allergic reactions to vaccines occur very rarely
      and can be life threatening. Given the large numbers of vaccines administered
      worldwide, there is a need for an international consensus regarding the
      evaluation and management of allergic reactions to vaccines. METHODS: Following a
      review of the literature, and with the active participation of representatives
      from the World Allergy Organization (WAO), the European Academy of Allergy and
      Clinical Immunology (EAACI), the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and
      Immunology (AAAAI), and the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
      (ACAAI), the final committee was formed with the purpose of having members who
      represented a wide-range of countries, had previously worked on vaccine safety,
      and included both allergist/immunologists as well as vaccinologists. RESULTS:
      Consensus was reached on a variety of topics, including: definition of immediate
      allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, approaches to distinguish association
      from causality, approaches to patients with a history of an allergic reaction to
      a previous vaccine, and approaches to patients with a history of an allergic
      reaction to components of vaccines. CONCLUSIONS: This document provides
      comprehensive and internationally accepted guidelines and access to on-line
      documents to help practitioners around the world identify allergic reactions
      following immunization. It also provides a framework for the evaluation and
      further management of patients who present either following an allergic reaction
      to a vaccine or with a history of allergy to a component of vaccines.

PMID- 27679684
TI  - Racial disparity in colorectal cancer: Gut microbiome and cancer stem cells.
AB  - Over the past two decades there has been remarkable progress in cancer diagnosis,
      treatment and screening. The basic mechanisms leading to pathogenesis of various
      types of cancers are also understood better and some patients, if diagnosed at a
      particular stage go on to lead a normal pre-diagnosis life. Despite these
      achievements, racial disparity in some cancers remains a mystery. The higher
      incidence, aggressiveness and mortality of breast, prostate and colorectal
      cancers (CRCs) in African-Americans as compared to Caucasian-Americans are now
      well documented. The polyp-carcinoma sequence in CRC and easy access to colonic
      epithelia or colonic epithelial cells through colonoscopy/colonic effluent
      provides the opportunity to study colonic stem cells early in course of natural
      history of the disease. With the advent of metagenomic sequencing, uncultivable
      organisms can now be identified in stool and their numbers correlated with the
      effects on colonic epithelia. It would be expected that these techniques would
      revolutionize our understanding of the racial disparity in CRC and pave a way for
      the same in other cancers as well. Unfortunately, this has not happened. Our
      understanding of the underlying factors responsible in African-Americans for
      higher incidence and mortality from colorectal carcinoma remains minimal. In this
      review, we aim to summarize the available data on role of microbiome and cancer
      stem cells in racial disparity in CRC. This will provide a platform for further
      research on this topic. 

PMID- 27679685
TI  - Roles and regulation of bone morphogenetic protein-7 in kidney development and
      diseases.
AB  - The gene encoding bone morphogenetic protein-7 (Bmp7) is expressed in the
      developing kidney in embryos and also in the mature organ in adults. During
      kidney development, expression of Bmp7 is essential to determine the final number
      of nephrons in and proper size of the organ. The secreted BMP7 acts on the
      nephron progenitor cells to exert its dual functions: To maintain and expand the
      progenitor population and to provide them with competence to respond to
      differentiation cues, each relying on distinct signaling pathways. Intriguingly,
      in the adult organ, BMP7 has been implicated in protection against and
      regeneration from injury. Exogenous administration of recombinant BMP7 to animal
      models of kidney diseases has shown promising effects in counteracting
      inflammation, apoptosis and fibrosis evoked upon injury. Although the expression
      pattern of Bmp7 has been well described, the mechanisms by which it is regulated
      have remained elusive and the processes by which the secretion sites of BMP7
      impinge upon its functions in kidney development and diseases have not yet been
      assessed. Understanding the regulatory mechanisms will pave the way towards
      gaining better insight into the roles of BMP7, and to achieving desired control
      of the gene expression as a therapeutic strategy for kidney diseases. 

PMID- 27679683
TI  - Immunomodulation by mesenchymal stem cells: Interplay between mesenchymal stem
      cells and regulatory lymphocytes.
AB  - Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess immunomodulatory properties, which confer
      enormous potential for clinical application. Considerable evidence revealed their
      efficacy on various animal models of autoimmune diseases, such as multiple
      sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus and uveitis. MSCs elicit their
      immunomodulatory effects by inhibiting lymphocyte activation and proliferation,
      forbidding the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, limiting the function of
      antigen presenting cells, and inducing regulatory T (Treg) and B (Breg) cells.
      The induction of Treg and Breg cells is of particular interest since Treg and
      Breg cells have significant roles in maintaining immune tolerance. Several
      mechanisms have been proposed regarding to the MSCs-mediated induction of Treg
      and Breg cells. Accordingly, MSCs induce regulatory lymphocytes through secretion
      of multiple pleiotropic cytokines, cell-to-cell contact with target cells and
      modulation of antigen-presenting cells. Here, we summarized how MSCs induce Treg
      and Breg cells to provoke immunosuppression. 

PMID- 27679687
TI  - Diagnostic reliability of the third finger middle phalanx maturation (MPM) method
      in the identification of the mandibular growth peak.
AB  - Background/objectives: The use of the sole third finger middle phalanx for a
      maturational method has been proposed but not fully investigated. Herein, the
      diagnostic reliability of an improved five-stage third finger middle phalanx
      maturation (MPM) method in the identification of mandibular growth peak has been
      investigated. Subjects/methods: From the files of the Burlington Growth Study, 35
      subjects (20 males, 15 females) with at least 7 annual lateral cephalograms taken
      from 9 to 16 years were included. Mandibular growth was defined as annual
      increments in condylion-gnathion (Co-Gn) distance. Subsequently, individual
      annual increments in Co-Gn were arranged according to annual age intervals, with
      the first and last intervals defined as 9-10 years and 14/15-16 years,
      respectively. A full diagnostic reliability analysis (including positive
      likelihood ratio) was performed to establish the diagnostic reliability of the
      MPM stage 2 (MPS2) in the identification of the imminent mandibular growth peak.
      Results: The MPS2 had a satisfactory accuracy in the identification of imminent
      mandibular growth peak with an overall positive likelihood ratio of 10.3.
      However, reliability showed noteworthy variability being greater and lower for
      younger and older age intervals, respectively. Limitations: Secular trend,
      limited sample size, and annual recording in conjunction with the use of a
      discrete staging system. At the 15 years recording, 28 of 35 cases were missing.
      Conclusions/implications: The MPS2 and MPS3 may be considered associated with the
      onset and maximum mandibular growth peak, respectively, in most of the subjects,
      indicating their use in planning treatment timing.

PMID- 27679686
TI  - Stem cell-derived exosomes as a therapeutic tool for cardiovascular disease.
AB  - Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been used to treat patients suffering from
      acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and subsequent heart failure. Although it was
      originally assumed that MSCs differentiated into heart cells such as
      cardiomyocytes, recent evidence suggests that the differentiation capacity of
      MSCs is minimal and that injected MSCs restore cardiac function via the secretion
      of paracrine factors. MSCs secrete paracrine factors in not only naked forms but
      also membrane vesicles including exosomes containing bioactive substances such as
      proteins, messenger RNAs, and microRNAs. Although the details remain unclear,
      these bioactive molecules are selectively sorted in exosomes that are then
      released from donor cells in a regulated manner. Furthermore, exosomes are
      specifically internalized by recipient cells via ligand-receptor interactions.
      Thus, exosomes are promising natural vehicles that stably and specifically
      transport bioactive molecules to recipient cells. Indeed, stem cell-derived
      exosomes have been successfully used to treat cardiovascular disease (CVD), such
      as AMI, stroke, and pulmonary hypertension, in animal models, and their efficacy
      has been demonstrated. Therefore, exosome administration may be a promising
      strategy for the treatment of CVD. Furthermore, modifications of exosomal
      contents may enhance their therapeutic effects. Future clinical studies are
      required to confirm the efficacy of exosome treatment for CVD. 

PMID- 27679688
TI  - Diagnostic Accuracy of Coronary Calcium Score Less than 100 in Excluding Coronary
      Artery Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Coronary artery calcium score (CACS) is a quantitative assessment of
      calcifications and an established predictor of cardiovascular events. OBJECTIVES:
      In this study, we evaluated the diagnostic accuracy, negative predictive value
      (NPV), positive predictive value (PPV), specificity and sensitivity of CACS less
      than 100 in predicting significant coronary artery stenosis in patients with risk
      of coronary artery disease (CAD) in a vessel-based analysis. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: A cross sectional study was carried out on a study population of 2527
      consecutive stable patients with symptoms suggestive of CAD who were referred for
      coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA). We performed 1343 studies with
      256 slice machine in Shahid Rajaee hospital and the other studies were carried
      out with 64 slice machine in Imam Khomeini hospital and the calcium score was
      quantified according to the Agatston method. RESULTS: At the cutoff point of 100
      for coronary calcium scoring, there was high specificity (87%), high sensitivity
      (79%), high efficiency (84%), high PPV (79%), and high NPV (87%) in the diagnosis
      of significant stenosis in the whole heart. The frequency of zero calcium scoring
      was 59% in normal or nonsignificant stenosis and 7.6% in significant stenosis in
      the whole heart. Calcium scoring increased with greater severity of the arterial
      stenosis (P values < 0.001). CONCLUSION: We conclude that coronary calcium
      scoring provided useful information in the management of patients. In CACS less
      than 100, it has a NPV of 87% in excluding significant stenosis in patients with
      the risk of CAD but it does not have enough diagnostic accuracy for surely
      excluding coronary stenosis, so we should perform a combination of CACS and
      coronary CT angiography for patients.

PMID- 27679689
TI  - Imaging and Clinical Data of Placental Site Trophoblastic Tumor: A Case Report.
AB  - Placental site trophoblastic tumor (PSTT) is a very rare variant of gestational
      trophoblastic tumor. It can occur after normal termination of pregnancy or
      spontaneous abortion and ectopic or molar pregnancy. There is a wide range of
      clinical manifestations from a benign condition to an aggressive disease with
      fatal outcome. One of the most important characteristics of PSTT, unlike other
      forms of gestational trophoblastic diseases (GTD) is the presence of low beta
      subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) levels because it is a
      neoplastic proliferation of intermediate trophoblastic cells. However, human
      placental lactogen (hPL) is increased on histologic section and in the serum of
      patients too. We present a case of PSTT and discuss the differential diagnosis in
      order to further familiarize physicians with the diagnosis and treatment of this
      disease. It has a varied clinical spectrum and usually presents with irregular
      vaginal bleeding or amenorrhea. Diagnosis is confirmed by dilatation and
      curettage (D and C) and hysterectomy. Because chemotherapy is not effective,
      surgery is the cornerstone of treatment. This case is presented because it is a
      rare neoplasm with different treatments and it should be differentiated from
      molar pregnancy. 

PMID- 27679691
TI  - Orbital Metastasis from Breast Cancer Without Significant Changes in CT Scan and
      MRI.

PMID- 27679690
TI  - Magnetic Resonance Angiography in the Diagnosis of Cerebral Arteriovenous
      Malformation and Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas: Comparison of Time-Resolved
      Magnetic Resonance Angiography and Three Dimensional Time-of-Flight Magnetic
      Resonance Angiography.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Traditional digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is currently the
      gold standard diagnostic method for the diagnosis and evaluation of cerebral
      arteriovenous malformation (AVM) and dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVF).
      OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyze different less invasive magnetic
      resonance angiography (MRA) images, time-resolved MRA (TR-MRA) and three
      dimensional time-of-flight MRA (3D TOF MRA) to identify their diagnostic accuracy
      and to determine which approach is most similar to DSA. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A
      total of 41 patients with AVM and dAVF at their initial evaluation or follow-up
      after treatment were recruited in this study. We applied time-resolved
      angiography using keyhole (4D-TRAK) MRA to perform TR-MRA and 3D TOF MRA
      examinations simultaneously followed by DSA, which was considered as a standard
      reference. Two experienced neuroradiologists reviewed the images to compare the
      diagnostic accuracy, arterial feeder and venous drainage between these two MRA
      images. Inter-observer agreement for different MRA images was assessed by Kappa
      coefficient and the differences of diagnostic accuracy between MRA images were
      evaluated by the Wilcoxon rank sum test. RESULTS: Almost all vascular lesions
      (92.68%) were correctly diagnosed using 4D-TRAK MRA. However, 3D TOF MRA only
      diagnosed 26 patients (63.41%) accurately. There were statistically significant
      differences regarding lesion diagnostic accuracy (P = 0.008) and venous drainage
      identification (P < 0.0001) between 4D-TRAK MRA and 3D TOF MRA. The results
      indicate that 4D-TRAK MRA is superior to 3D TOF MRA in the assessment of lesions.
      CONCLUSION: Compared with 3D TOF MRA, 4D-TRAK MRA proved to be a more reliable
      screening modality and follow-up method for the diagnosis of cerebral AVM and
      dAVF.

PMID- 27679693
TI  - Split-Bolus Multidetector-Row Computed Tomography Technique for Characterization
      of Focal Liver Lesions in Oncologic Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In oncologic patients, the liver is the most common target for
      metastases. An accurate detection and characterization of focal liver lesions in
      patients with known primary extrahepatic malignancy are essential to define
      management and prognosis. OBJECTIVES: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of the
      split-bolus multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) protocol in the
      characterization of focal liver lesions in oncologic patients. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the follow-up split-bolus 64-detector row CT
      protocol in 36 oncologic patients to characterize focal liver lesions. The split
      bolus MDCT protocol by intravenous injection of two boluses of contrast medium
      combines the hepatic arterial phase (HAP) and hepatic enhancement during the
      portal venous phase (PVP) in a single-pass. RESULTS: The split-bolus MDCT
      protocol detected 208 lesions and characterized 186 (89.4%) of them: typical
      hemangiomas (n = 9), atypical hemangiomas (n = 3), cysts (n = 78), hypovascular
      (n = 93) and hypervascular (n = 3) metastases. Twenty two (10.6%) hypodense
      lesions were categorized as indeterminate (<=5 mm). The mean radiation dose was
      24.5+/-6.5 millisieverts (mSv). CONCLUSION: The designed split-bolus MDCT
      technique can be proposed alternatively to triphasic MDCT and in a single-pass to
      PVP in the initial staging and in the follow-up respectively in oncologic
      patients.

PMID- 27679692
TI  - User Acceptance of Picture Archiving and Communication System in the Emergency
      Department.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Picture archiving and communication system (PACS) has allowed the
      medical images to be transmitted, stored, retrieved, and displayed in different
      locations of a hospital or health system. Using PACS in the emergency department
      will eventually result in improved efficiency and patient care. In spite of the
      abundant benefits of employing PACS, there are some challenges in implementing
      this technology like users' resistance to accept the technology, which has a
      critical role in PACS success. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we will assess and
      compare user acceptance of PACS in the emergency departments of three different
      hospitals and investigate the effect of socio-demographic factors on this
      acceptance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A variant of technology acceptance model (TAM)
      has been used in order to measure the acceptance level of PACS in the emergency
      department of three educational hospitals in Iran. A previously used
      questionnaire was validated and utilized to collect the study data. A stepwise
      multiple regression model was used to predict factors influencing acceptance
      score as the dependent variable. RESULTS: Mean age of participants was 32.9 years
      (standard deviation [SD] = 6.08). Participants with the specialty degree got a
      higher acceptance score than the three other groups (Mean +/- SD = 4.17 +/-
      0.20). Age, gender, degree of PACS usage and participant's occupation
      (profession) did not influence the acceptance score. In our multiple regression
      model, all three variables of perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use
      (PEU) and the effect of PACS (change) had a significant effect in the prediction
      of acceptance. The most influencing factor was change with the beta of 0.22 (P
      value < 0.001). CONCLUSION: PACS is highly accepted in all three emergency
      departments especially among specialists. PU, PEU and change are factors
      influencing PACS acceptance. Our study can be used as an evidence of PACS
      acceptance in emergency wards.

PMID- 27679695
TI  - Giant Lipomatosis of the Sciatic Nerve: Unique Magnetic Resonance Imaging
      Findings.
AB  - Lipomatosis of the nerve, also known as fibrolipomatous hamartoma, is
      characterized by the infiltration of the nerve by fibro-fatty tissue. The
      affected nerve becomes thicker, and it simulates a mass lesion. Lipomatosis
      usually affects the median nerve and lipomatosis of the sciatic nerve is
      extremely rare. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the key to diagnosis, and it
      is usually pathognomonic. In this report, MRI and diffusion-weighted MRI findings
      of a case of a giant sciatic nerve lipomatosis without macrodactyly are
      presented. The MRI findings are unique, and awareness of the MRI features of this
      rare soft tissue mass may prevent unnecessary biopsies and surgeries. 

PMID- 27679694
TI  - Depth of Pleural Effusion in Thoracentesis: Comparison of Lateral, Posterolateral
      and Posterior Approaches in the Supine Position.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In patients who have difficulty sitting, thoracentesis is attempted
      in a supine position via lateral approach. Recently, a new table has been
      designed for supine thoracentesis. This table has gaps that allow access to the
      posterolateral and posterior hemithorax. OBJECTIVES: To compare important safety
      related parameters between lateral, posterolateral, and posterior approaches in
      supine thoracentesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: First, two cadavers were placed
      supine on a table featuring gaps allowing access to the posterolateral and
      posterior hemithorax. Water was administered with sonographic measurement of the
      depth of pleural effusion (DPE) at the mid-axillary and posterior axillary line.
      Second, CT images were analyzed in 25 consecutive patients (32 free-shifting,
      moderate-to-large effusions; mean, 668 (146 - 2020 mL). DPE, craniocaudal
      distance that effusion can be visualized (CCD), and presence of passive
      atelectasis at each of the lateral, posterolateral, and posterior routes was
      assessed. RESULTS: In each cadaver, DPE in the posterolateral route was greater
      than that in the lateral route (P = 0.002, P < 0.001). The amount of pleural
      fluid enough to spread DPE to higher than 1 cm at the posterior axillary line was
      less than half the amount at the mid-axillary line (500 mL vs. 1,100 mL; 800 mL
      vs. 1700 mL). CT showed that the DPEs and CCDs of posterolateral and posterior
      routes were greater than those of the lateral route (P < 0.001). In thirteen
      effusions (40.6%), DPE was greater than 1 cm in both posterolateral and posterior
      routes but less than 1 cm in the lateral route. Frequencies of passive
      atelectasis in posterolateral and posterior routes (81.3% and 90.6%) were higher
      (P < 0.001) than that in the lateral route (28.1%). CONCLUSION: Safety-related
      parameters of posterolateral and posterior approaches in supine thoracentesis are
      far better than that of the conventional lateral approach.

PMID- 27679696
TI  - Histopathological Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Glycyrrhizic Acid as a
      Radioprotector Against the Development of Radiation-Induced Lung Fibrosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Radiotherapy of the thorax often causes lung inflammation leading to
      fibrosis. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate whether the use of
      glycyrrhizic acid (GLA) could improve the development of lung fibrosis in
      irradiated animals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wistar rats were divided into four
      groups. Group A rats received thoracic irradiation. Rats in group B received GLA
      and irradiation. Group C received GLA and no irradiation. Group D received no GLA
      and irradiation. GLA was administered at a dose of 4 mg/kg body weight using an
      intraperitoneal injection one hour before thoracic irradiation. Radiation therapy
      was delivered on a Cobalt-60 unit using a single fraction of 16 Gy. The animals
      were sacrificed at 32 weeks following thoracic irradiation. The lungs were
      dissected and blind histopathological evaluation was performed. RESULTS:
      Histopathologically, a decrease (statistically not significant) in the thickening
      of alveolar or bronchial wall, formation of fibrous bands, and superimposed
      collagen were noted in the animals in group B as compared to the animals in group
      A. CONCLUSION: In this experimental study, administration of GLA one hour before
      thoracic irradiation may be a protective agent against radiation-induced fibrosis
      in animals and this model could be used in future studies.

PMID- 27679697
TI  - Diffusion Weighted Imaging in Acute Attacks of Multiple Sclerosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common autoimmune
      disorders of the central nervous system. In spite of various imaging modalities,
      the definitive diagnosis of MS remains challenging. OBJECTIVES: This study was
      designed to evaluate the usefulness of diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) in the
      diagnosis of acute MS attack and to compare its results with contrast enhanced
      MRI (CE-MRI). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this cross sectional study, seventy
      patients with definite diagnosis of relapsing-remitting MS were included. CE-MRI
      using 0.1 mmol/kg gadolinium as well as DWI sequences were performed for all
      patients. The percentage of patients with positive DWI was compared with the
      results of CE-MRI and the consistency between the two imaging modalities was
      evaluated. Moreover, the relationship between the time of onset of patient's
      symptoms and test results for both methods were investigated. RESULTS: CE-MRI
      yielded positive results for 61 (87%) patients and DWI yielded positive for 53
      (76%) patients. In fifty patients (71.42%), both tests were positive and in six
      cases (8.57%), both were negative. The test results of three patients turned out
      to be positive in DWI, while they tested negative in CE-MRI. There was no
      significant relationship between the results of CE-MRI as well as DWI and the
      time of imaging from the onset of symptoms. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that
      while CE-MRI will depict more positive results, there are cases in which DWI will
      show a positive result while CE-MRI is negative. We suggest that the combination
      of these two imaging modalities might yield more positive results in diagnosing
      acute MS attack giving rise to a more accurate diagnosis.

PMID- 27679699
TI  - A Molecular Approach to Nested RT-PCR Using a New Set of Primers for the
      Detection of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Protease Gene.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) is the etiologic agent of
      AIDS. The disease can be transmitted via blood in the window period prior to the
      development of antibodies to the disease. Thus, an appropriate method for the
      detection of HIV-1 during this window period is very important. OBJECTIVES: This
      descriptive study proposes a sensitive, efficient, inexpensive, and easy method
      to detect HIV-1. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this study 25 serum samples of patients
      under treatment and also 10 positive and 10 negative control samples were
      studied. Twenty-five blood samples were obtained from HIV-1-infected individuals
      who were receiving treatment at the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)
      research center of Imam Khomeini hospital in Tehran. The identification of HIV-1
      positive samples was done by using reverse transcription to produce copy
      deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA) and then optimizing the nested polymerase chain
      reaction (PCR) method. Two pairs of primers were then designed specifically for
      the protease gene fragment of the nested real time-PCR (RT-PCR) samples.
      Electrophoresis was used to examine the PCR products. The results were analyzed
      using statistical tests, including Fisher's exact test, and SPSS17 software.
      RESULTS: The 325 bp band of the protease gene was observed in all the positive
      control samples and in none of the negative control samples. The proposed method
      correctly identified HIV-1 in 23 of the 25 samples. CONCLUSIONS: These results
      suggest that, in comparison with viral cultures, antibody detection by enzyme
      linked immunosorbent assay (ELISAs), and conventional PCR methods, the proposed
      method has high sensitivity and specificity for the detection of HIV-1.

PMID- 27679698
TI  - Diagnostic Accuracy of Dual-Source Computerized Tomography Coronary Angiography
      in Symptomatic Patients Presenting to a Referral Cardiovascular Center During
      Daily Clinical Practice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are numerous studies that address the diagnostic value of dual
      source computed tomography (DSCT) as an alternative to conventional coronary
      angiography (CCA). However, the benefit of application of DSCT in a real world
      clinical setting should be evaluated. OBJECTIVES: To determine the diagnostic
      accuracy of DSCT technique compared with CCA as the gold standard method in
      detection of coronary artery stenosis among symptomatic patients who are
      presented to a referral cardiovascular center during daily clinical practice.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: Evaluating the medical records of a tertiary care referral
      cardiovascular center, 47 patients who had undergone DSCT and CCA, and also met
      the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the study were selected. Sensitivity,
      specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV),
      and likelihood ratios (LRs) of the DSCT imaging technique were calculated.
      RESULTS: In total, 97.8% of the segments (628/642) could be visualized with
      diagnostic image quality via DSCT coronary angiography. The mean heart rate
      during DSCT was 69.2 +/- 12.2 bpm (range: 39 - 83 bpm), and the mean Agatston
      score was 507.7 +/- 590.5 (range: 0 - 2328). Per segment analysis of the findings
      revealed that the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, positive LR (PLR) and
      negative LR (NLR) of DSCT technique for evaluation of patients with coronary
      artery disease were 93.7%, 96.8%, 92.7%, 97.2%, 29.4, and 0.066, respectively.
      Also per vessel, analysis of the findings showed a sensitivity of 97.1%, a
      specificity of 94.0%, PPV of 95.3%, NPV of 96.3%, PLR of 16.1, and NLR of 0.030.
      CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that DSCT coronary angiography provides high
      diagnostic accuracy for the evaluation of CAD patients during daily routine
      practice of a referral cardiovascular setting.

PMID- 27679700
TI  - Anti-Listerial Activity of Four Seaweed Essential Oils Against Listeria
      monocytogenes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Listeria monocytogenes is one of the most virulent types of bacteria
      and causes severe foodborne illness, such as listeriosis. Because this pathogen
      has become resistant to sanitizers and other disinfectants that are used to clean
      utensils and surfaces during food processing, it poses a serious threat to the
      food industry. OBJECTIVES: The study was conducted to determine the anti
      listerial potential of essential oils extracted from four edible seaweeds against
      L. monocytogenes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Essential oil was extracted from four
      edible seaweeds (Enteromorpha linza, Undaria pinnatifida, Laminaria japonica, and
      Porphyra tenera) against L. monocytogenes using the microwave hydrodistillation
      method. The anti-listerial activity of the essential oil was determined using the
      standard disc diffusion method. RESULTS: Among the four essential oils, E. linza
      (ELEO) was most effective against all three strains of L. monocytogenes (11.3 -
      16.0 mm). The other three essential oils were only effective against two strains,
      L. monocytogenes ATCC 19115 (10.0 - 10.5 mm) and L. monocytogenes ATCC 7644 (11.0
      - 15.0 mm). The minimum inhibitory concentration and the minimum bactericidal
      concentration of all four essential oils varied from 12.5 - 25.0 mg/mL. Further,
      the mode of action of ELEO against L. monocytogenes was investigated by examining
      its effect on cell viability, the release of 260-nm absorbing materials, the
      number of K+ ions, the relative electrical conductivity, and the salt tolerance
      capacity. The results indicated that the essential oils exhibited strong anti
      listerial activity against multiple strains of L. monocytogenes. It displayed
      potential inhibitory effects on the viability of bacterial cells and loss of
      integrity as indicated by an increase in the relative electrical conductivity,
      leakage of K+ ions and other 260-nm absorbing materials, and a loss of the salt
      tolerance capacity. CONCLUSIONS: The results presented herein provided insight
      into a possible explanation for the modes of action of essential oils on L.
      monocytogenes. The outcome of the present study may aid the food industry in
      locating the most promising potential anti-listerial agents from edible seaweed
      sources to control L. monocytogenes and also in facilitating their application in
      food processing and preservation techniques in a nontoxic and environmental
      friendly manner.

PMID- 27679701
TI  - PCR Based Detection of Phase Variable Genes in Pakistani Based Clinical
      Helicobacter pylori Strains.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The distribution pattern of phase-variable genes varies from strain
      to strain and from region to region. The present study was carried out to
      investigate the distribution pattern of phase-variable genes within Pakistan
      based Helicobacter pylori strains and to analyze and compare them with strains
      prevalent in other parts of the world. OBJECTIVES: To determine the distribution
      pattern of phase-variable genes in H. pylori strains circulating in Pakistan.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: Biopsy samples were collected from 85 symptomatic patients
      suffering from various upper gastrointestinal tract symptoms. The biopsy
      specimens were chopped, then inoculated on H. pylori-specific media and incubated
      in a Campylobacter Gas Generating kit. Positive isolates were further confirmed
      via staining and biochemical procedures. Primers were designed for five phase
      variable genes using OligoCalc, an oligonucleotide properties calculator (version
      3.26) according to parameters stipulated in the literature. Polymerase chain
      reaction (PCR) was performed on all positive isolates to determine the presence
      or absence of phase-variable genes. RESULTS: On culturing, the prevalence of H.
      pylori infections in the samples was 44.7%. The prevalence was higher in females
      than in males, and it increased with age. PCR amplification revealed that the
      hsdR gene was present in 79% of samples, while the mod and beta-subunit genes
      were present in 16% and 30% of samples, respectively. The streptococcal M protein
      gene was found in 79%, while the fliP gene was prevalent in 56%. CONCLUSIONS: The
      distribution patterns of phase-variable genes in Pakistani H. pylori strains were
      found to be somewhat different. The dominant prevalence of the hsdR gene was an
      interesting finding, considering its role in bacterial defense in both micro- and
      macroenvironments.

PMID- 27679702
TI  - Aflatoxins in Food Products in Iran: a Review of the Literature.
AB  - CONTEXT: Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by certain toxigenic fungi
      and the most of them are aflatoxins, fumonisins, trichothecenes, ochratoxin A,
      patulin, and zearalenone. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: In consideration of the
      consumption of certain farm products for animal feed and the prevalence of
      toxigenic fungi and mycotoxins in food, the present study was performed to
      evaluate this situation in Iran with a review of the literature using search
      engines. All published articles were selected using Iran Medex, Magiran, PubMed
      NCBI, and Google Scholar. RESULTS: Aflatoxins have been found in many food
      products in Iran. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to detect aflatoxins in foods and
      food products as early as possible, before they enter human or animal bodies.
      There is a high consumption of milk and dairy products in Iran, and the proper
      management of animal foods can help to decrease the aflatoxins in milk.

PMID- 27679703
TI  - Microdilution in vitro Antifungal Susceptibility Patterns of Candida Species,
      From Mild Cutaneous to Bloodstream Infections.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Candida species, as opportunistic organisms, can cause various
      clinical manifestations, ranging from mild cutaneous infections to systemic
      candidiasis in otherwise healthy individuals. Remarkably, the incidence and
      mortality rates of candidemia have significantly increased worldwide, even after
      advances in medical interventions and the development of novel antifungal drugs.
      OBJECTIVES: Given the possible resistance to antifungal agents, susceptibility
      testing can be useful in defining the activity spectrum of antifungals and
      determining the appropriate treatment regime. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The in vitro
      susceptibilities of molecularly identified Candida strains (n = 150) belonging to
      seven species recovered from clinical specimens, including vaginal, cutaneous,
      sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), and blood samples, were determined for six
      antifungal drugs (amphotericin B, fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole,
      posaconazole, and caspofungin), based on the clinical and laboratory standards
      institute's M27-A3 and M27-S4 documents. RESULTS: Candida albicans was the most
      frequently isolated species (44.66%), followed by non-albicans Candida, including
      C. glabrata (20%), C. parapsilosis (13.33%), C. krusei (8%), C. tropicalis
      (7.3%), C. dubliniensis (4%), and C. africana (3.33%). Posaconazole had the
      lowest geometric mean minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) (0.0122 ug/ml),
      followed by amphotericin B (0.0217 ug/mL), voriconazole (0.1022 ug/mL),
      itraconazole (0.1612 ug/mL), caspofungin (0.2525 ug/mL), and fluconazole (0.4874
      ug/mL) against all isolated Candida species. Candida africana and C. parapsilosis
      were significantly more susceptible to fluconazole, compared to C. albicans and
      other Candida species (P < 0.001). However, their clinical effectiveness in the
      treatment of Candida infections remains to be determined. CONCLUSIONS: These
      findings highlight the importance of precise and correct species identification
      of clinical yeast isolates via molecular approaches, and of monitoring the
      antifungal susceptibility of Candida species recovered from clinical sources.
      Laboratories should consider routine MIC testing of C. glabrata isolates
      collected from sterile sites. Surveillance studies of Candida species and new
      analyses of antifungal treatment outcomes will allow more informed determinations
      of the value of these drugs in the antifungal armamentarium.

PMID- 27679704
TI  - Study on Toxicity Reduction and Potency Induction in Whole-cell Pertussis Vaccine
      by Developing a New Optimal Inactivation Condition Processed on Bordetella
      pertussis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Whooping cough is caused by Bordetella pertussis, and it remains a
      public health concern. Whole-cell pertussis vaccines have been commonly employed
      for expanded immunization. There is no doubt of the efficacy of whole cell
      pertussis vaccine, but it is necessary to improve the vaccine to decrease its
      toxicity. OBJECTIVES: In this study, an inactivation process of dealing with
      pertussis bacteria is optimized in order to decrease the bacteria content in
      human doses of vaccines and reduce the vaccine's toxicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      The bacterial suspensions of pertussis strains 509 and 134 were divided into 21
      sample parts from F1 to F21 and inactivated under different conditions. The
      inactivated suspensions of both strains were tested for opacity, non-viability,
      agglutination, purity, and sterility; the same formulation samples that passed
      quality tests were then pooled together. The pool of inactivated suspensions were
      analyzed for sterility, agglutination, opacity, specific toxicity, and potency.
      RESULTS: The harvest of both bacterial strains showed purity. The opacity of
      various samples were lost under different treatment conditions by heat from 8% to
      12%, formaldehyde 6% to 8%, glutaraldehyde 6% to 8%, and thimerosal 5% to 8%.
      Tests on suspensions after inactivation and on pooled suspensions showed
      inactivation conditions not degraded agglutinins of both strains. The samples of
      F2, F4, F8, F12, F15, and F17 passed the toxicity test. The potency (ED50) of
      these samples showed following order F17 > F12 > F8 > F15, F4 > F2, and F17
      revealed higher potency compared to other formulations. CONCLUSIONS: It can be
      concluded that F17 showed desirable outcomes in the toxicity test and good
      immunogenicity with a low bacterial number content. Consequently, lower adverse
      effects and good immunogenicity are foreseeable for vaccine preparation with this
      method.

PMID- 27679705
TI  - Ralstonia mannitolilytica-Induced Septicemia and Homology Analysis in Infected
      Patients: 3 Case Reports.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ralstonia mannitolilytica is an emerging opportunistic pathogen.
      Hospital outbreaks of Ralstonia spp. are mainly associated with contaminated
      treatment water or auxiliary instruments. OBJECTIVES: In this report, we
      summarize the clinical infection characteristics of R. mannitolilytica, the drug
      susceptibility testing of the bacterial strains, and the results of related
      infection investigations. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the
      clinical information of 3 patients with R. mannitolilytica. RESULTS: The
      patients' primary-onset symptoms were chills and fever. The disease progressed
      rapidly and septic shock symptoms developed. Laboratory tests indicated
      progressively decreased white blood cells and platelets, as well as significant
      increases in certain inflammation indicators. The effect of treatment with
      Tazocin was good. The growth period of R. mannitolilytica in sterile distilled
      water was > 6 months. The pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) results
      revealed that the infectious strains from these 3 patients were not the same
      clonal strain. This bacterium was not detected in the nosocomial infection
      samples. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that R. mannitolilytica-induced
      septicemia had an acute disease onset and rapid progression. The preferred
      empirical antibiotic was Tazocin. In these 3 cases, the R. mannitolilytica
      induced septicemia was not due to clonal transmission.

PMID- 27679706
TI  - Spa Typing of Staphylococcus aureus Strains Isolated From Clinical Specimens of
      Patients With Nosocomial Infections in Tehran, Iran.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The incidence of nosocomial Staphylococcus aureus infection is
      increasing annually and becoming a true global challenge. The pattern of
      Staphylococcus aureus protein A (spa) types in different geographic regions is
      diverse. OBJECTIVES: This study determined the prevalence of methicillin
      resistant S. aureus and different spa types in S. aureus clinical isolates.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: During a six-month period, 90 S. aureus isolates were
      recovered from 320 clinical specimens. The in vitro susceptibility of various S.
      aureus isolates to 16 antibiotic discs was assessed using the Kirby-Bauer disk
      diffusion method. Molecular typing was carried out with S. aureus protein A
      typing via polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The frequency of methicillin
      resistant S. aureus in our study was 88.9%. Twenty-three (25.5%) isolates were
      positive for panton-valentine leukocidin encoding genes. S. aureus presented a
      high resistance rate to ampicillin (100%) and penicillin (100%). No resistance
      was observed to vancomycin, teicoplanin, or linezolid. The rates of resistance to
      the majority of antibiotics tested varied between 23.3% and 82.2%. The rate of
      multidrug resistance among these clinical isolates was 93.3%. The 90 S. aureus
      isolates were classified into five S. aureus protein A types: t037 (33.3%), t030
      (22.2%), t790 (16.7%), t969 (11.1%), and t044 (7.7%). Eight (8.9%) isolates were
      not typable using the S. aureus protein A typing method. CONCLUSIONS: We report a
      high methicillin-resistant S. aureus rate in our hospital. Additionally, t030 and
      t037 were the predominant spa-types among hospital-associated S. aureus. Our
      findings emphasize the need for continuous surveillance to prevent the
      dissemination of multidrug resistance among different S. aureus protein A types
      in Iran.

PMID- 27679707
TI  - Prevalence of Cytomegalovirus in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: A Case-Control
      Study in Northern Iran.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic debilitating disease known as
      one of the most common neurological dysfunctions in young adults. Recent studies
      suggest that infections with herpesviruses play a critical role in the
      pathogenesis of MS. OBJECTIVES: The present investigation aimed to detect the
      presence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in patients with MS using polymerase chain
      reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods. PATIENTS
      AND METHODS: Plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected
      from MS patients (n = 82) and from blood donors as control group (n = 89). They
      were tested for the presence of CMV antibodies and DNA by ELISA and PCR,
      respectively. RESULTS: Anti-CMV was positive in 65 (79.3%) and 69 (77.5%) of the
      MS patients and healthy subjects, respectively (P= 0.853). Similarly, 23 (28%)
      and 2 (2.2%) patients were positive for CMV DNA among the MS and control groups,
      respectively. Statistical analysis showed that the frequency of CMV DNA in the MS
      patients was significantly higher than in the healthy controls (P < 0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed a possible association between CMV
      infection and MS. Further experimental and epidemiological studies using case
      control approaches are needed to confirm this association.

PMID- 27679708
TI  - The Prevalence of SEN Virus and Occult Hepatitis B (OBI) Virus Infection Among
      Blood Donors in Ahvaz City.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The SEN virus (SENV) is a prevalent blood borne pathogen that has a
      worldwide incidence. SENV is comprised of eight genotypes; genotypes H and D are
      frequently associated with the pathogenesis of non-A - E hepatitis and post
      transfusion hepatitis in blood donors and hepatitis patients. So far, no SENV
      pathogenesis has been reported in the liver biopsies of SENV carriers, but the
      frequency of SENV and its related genotypes requires further molecular
      epidemiology studies in different regions of the world. Occult hepatitis B
      infection (OBI) is another global public health problem that is primarily
      transmitted via blood transfusions. Therefore, the identification of OBI among
      blood donors is key to preventing the spread of this disease. The relationship
      between SENV and OBI requires further evaluation. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this
      study was to determine the prevalence of SENV-D and SENV-H in blood donors in
      Ahvaz city with a particular focus on co-infection with OBI. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: This study had a cross-sectional design and included 184 healthy
      consecutive blood donors who visited a blood transfusion center in Ahvaz city
      from October-November 2013. The sera of all blood donors negative for HBsAg, anti
      HCV antibody, and anti-HIV antibody were tested for SENV-D and SENV-H using
      nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In addition, tests for HBV DNA (PCR),
      HBcIgG (ELISA), liver function (aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase),
      and alkaline phosphatase were carried out. RESULTS: Liver function tests in the
      healthy blood donors were within the normal range. The incidence rates of SENV-D
      and SENV-H in the 184 total blood donors were 10 (5.4%) (95% confidence interval
      (CI): 2.1% - 9.0%) and 32 (17.4%) cases (95% CI: 12.0% - 23.0%), respectively.
      SENV-H/D co-infection occurred in 2 (1.1%) patients. The sera of 8/184 (4.3%)
      were positive for anti-HBc antibody but negative for HBV DNA. CONCLUSIONS:
      Regardless of the presence of nonpathogenic SENV, 44/184 (24%) blood donors
      tested positive for both SENV-D and SENV-H. Although 4.3% of blood donors were
      positive for HBcIgG but negative for HBV DNA, the presence of OBI cannot be ruled
      out unless their liver biopsies show negative for HBV DNA.

PMID- 27679709
TI  - Atypical anti-glomerular basement membrane disease: lessons learned.
AB  - Anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) disease usually pursues a self-limited
      course, at least from the immunological perspective. In addition, circulating
      antibodies to cryptic, conformational epitopes within the NC1 domain of the alpha
      3 chain of Type IV Collagen are commonly found at the zenith of the clinical
      disease. However, exceptions to these general rules do occur, as exemplified by
      two remarkable cases reported in this issue of the Clinical Kidney Journal. The
      possible explanations for and the lessons learned from these uncommon occurrences
      are discussed in this short commentary. 

PMID- 27679710
TI  - Multiple recurrences of anti-glomerular basement membrane disease with variable
      antibody detection: can the laboratory be trusted?
AB  - Anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) disease is commonly a monophasic illness.
      We present the case of multiple recurrences of anti-GBM disease with varying
      serum anti-GBM antibody findings. A 33-year-old female tobacco user presenting
      with hematuria was diagnosed with anti-GBM disease by renal biopsy. Five years
      later, she presented with alveolar hemorrhage and positive anti-GBM antibody. She
      presented a third time with alveolar hemorrhage but undetectable anti-GBM
      antibody. With each occurrence, symptoms resolved with plasmapheresis,
      intravenous methylprednisone and oral cyclophosphamide. The relationship between
      anti-GBM antibody findings and disease presentation is complex. Clinicians should
      be aware of the possibility of seronegative anti-GBM disease. 

PMID- 27679711
TI  - Frequently relapsing anti-glomerular basement membrane antibody disease with
      changing clinical phenotype and antibody characteristics over time.
AB  - Anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) antibody disease is a typically
      monophasic autoimmune disease with severe pulmonary and renal involvement. We
      report an atypical case of frequently relapsing anti-GBM antibody disease with
      both anti-GBM antibody-positive flares with pulmonary and renal involvement, and
      anti-GBM antibody-negative flares that were pulmonary limited with no histologic
      renal disease. This is the first report of alternating disease phenotype and anti
      GBM antibody status over time. Disease severity paralleled the detection of anti
      GBM antibodies but was independent of IgG subtype staining along the GBM. This
      case suggests a role for changing subpopulations of pathogenic antibodies as an
      explanation for variation in disease phenotype and anti-GBM antibody results. 

PMID- 27679712
TI  - FGF23 in kidney transplant: the strange case of Doctor Jekyll and Mister Hyde.
AB  - During the last decade, a new view into the molecular mechanisms of chronic
      kidney disease-mineral bone disorder (CKD-MBD) has been proposed, with fibroblast
      growth factor 23 (FGF23) as a novel player in the field. Enhanced serum FGF23
      levels cause a reduction in serum phosphate, together with calcitriol suppression
      and consequent hyperparathyroidism (HPT). In contrast, reduced serum FGF23 levels
      are associated with hyperphosphatemia, higher calcitriol levels and parathyroid
      hormone (PTH) suppression. In addition, serum FGF23 levels are greatly increased
      and positively correlated with serum phosphate levels in CKD patients. In this
      population, high serum FGF23 concentration seems to predict the occurrence of
      refractory secondary HPT and to be associated with higher mortality risk in
      incident haemodialysis patients. In living-donor kidney transplant recipients, a
      faster normalization of FGF23 and phosphate levels with a lower prevalence of
      HPT, may be considered a major pathway to investigate. 

PMID- 27679713
TI  - FGF23 is associated with early post-transplant hypophosphataemia and normalizes
      faster than iPTH in living donor renal transplant recipients: a longitudinal
      follow-up study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We aimed to longitudinally analyse changes in the levels of serum
      fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and
      associated minerals in patients undergoing renal transplantation. METHODS: Sixty
      three patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who underwent living donor
      transplantation were recruited. Serum FGF23, iPTH, uric acid, inorganic
      phosphorous (iP), blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine were measured pre
      transplant and at 1 (M1), 3 (M3) and 12 months (M12) post-transplantation.
      RESULTS: FGF23 levels were decreased at M1, M3 and M12 by 93.81, 96.74 and
      97.53%, respectively. iPTH levels were decreased by 67.95, 74.95 and 84.9%,
      respectively. The prevalence of hyperparathyroidism at M1, M3 and M12 post
      transplantation was 63.5, 42.9 and 11.1%, respectively. FGF23 and iP levels
      remained above the normal range in 23 (36.5%) and 17 (27%) patients at M1, 10
      (15.9%) and 5 (8%) at M3 and in none at M12 post-transplantation, respectively. A
      multivariate regression model revealed that, pre-transplant, iP was positively
      associated with iPTH (P = 0.016) but not with FGF 23; however, post-transplant,
      iP level was negatively associated with FGF23 (P < 0.001) but not with iPTH.
      CONCLUSIONS: Post-transplant FGF23 levels settle faster than those of iPTH.
      However, 11% of patients continued to have hyperparathyroidism even after 12
      months.

PMID- 27679714
TI  - Serum FGF23 levels may not be associated with serum phosphate and 1,25
      dihydroxyvitamin D levels in patients with Fanconi syndrome-induced
      hypophosphatemia.
AB  - Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is regulated by sustained phosphate
      supplementation and restriction. However, few studies have investigated FGF23
      levels in patients with Fanconi syndrome. Therefore, we evaluated intact and C
      terminal FGF23 and FGF23-associated parameters in four patients with Fanconi
      syndrome. Serum intact and C-terminal FGF23 levels were extremely low. Although
      serum phosphate and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels improved to or above the
      normal range within 1 year of treatment with oral phosphate and calcitriol, serum
      FGF23 levels remained low. Serum FGF23 levels in patients with Fanconi syndrome
      might be regulated by novel factors other than serum phosphate and 1,25
      dihydroxyvitamin D levels. 

PMID- 27679716
TI  - Iohexol plasma clearance for measuring glomerular filtration rate in clinical
      practice and research: a review. Part 2: Why to measure glomerular filtration
      rate with iohexol?
AB  - A reliable assessment of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is of paramount
      importance in clinical practice as well as epidemiological and clinical research
      settings. It is recommended by Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes
      guidelines in specific populations (anorectic, cirrhotic, obese, renal and non
      renal transplant patients) where estimation equations are unreliable. Measured
      GFR is the only valuable test to confirm or confute the status of chronic kidney
      disease (CKD), to evaluate the slope of renal function decay over time, to assess
      the suitability of living kidney donors and for dosing of potentially toxic
      medication with a narrow therapeutic index. Abnormally elevated GFR or
      hyperfiltration in patients with diabetes or obesity can be correctly diagnosed
      only by measuring GFR. GFR measurement contributes to assessing the true CKD
      prevalence rate, avoiding discrepancies due to GFR estimation with different
      equations. Using measured GFR, successfully accomplished in large epidemiological
      studies, is the only way to study the potential link between decreased renal
      function and cardiovascular or total mortality, being sure that this association
      is not due to confounders, i.e. non-GFR determinants of biomarkers. In clinical
      research, it has been shown that measured GFR (or measured GFR slope) as a
      secondary endpoint as compared with estimated GFR detected subtle treatment
      effects and obtained these results with a comparatively smaller sample size than
      trials choosing estimated GFR. Measuring GFR by iohexol has several advantages:
      simplicity, low cost, stability and low interlaboratory variation. Iohexol plasma
      clearance represents the best chance for implementing a standardized GFR
      measurement protocol applicable worldwide both in clinical practice and in
      research. 

PMID- 27679717
TI  - Cardiovascular-renal complications and the possible role of plasminogen activator
      inhibitor: a review.
AB  - Since angiotensin increases the expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor
      (PAI), mechanisms associated with an actively functioning renin-angiotensin
      aldosterone system can be expected to be associated with increased PAI-1
      expression. These mechanisms are present not only in common conditions resulting
      in glomerulosclerosis associated with aging, diabetes or genetic mutations, but
      also in autoimmune disease (like scleroderma and lupus), radiation injury,
      cyclosporine toxicity, allograft nephropathy and ureteral obstruction. While the
      renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and growth factors, such as transforming
      growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), are almost always part of the process, there are
      rare experimental observations of PAI-1 expression without their interaction.
      Here we review the literature on PAI-1 and its role in vascular, fibrotic and
      oxidative injury as well as work suggesting potential areas of intervention in
      the pathogenesis of multiple disorders. 

PMID- 27679715
TI  - Iohexol plasma clearance for measuring glomerular filtration rate in clinical
      practice and research: a review. Part 1: How to measure glomerular filtration
      rate with iohexol?
AB  - While there is general agreement on the necessity to measure glomerular
      filtration rate (GFR) in many clinical situations, there is less agreement on the
      best method to achieve this purpose. As the gold standard method for GFR
      determination, urinary (or renal) clearance of inulin, fades into the background
      due to inconvenience and high cost, a diversity of filtration markers and
      protocols compete to replace it. In this review, we suggest that iohexol, a non
      ionic contrast agent, is most suited to replace inulin as the marker of choice
      for GFR determination. Iohexol comes very close to fulfilling all requirements
      for an ideal GFR marker in terms of low extra-renal excretion, low protein
      binding and in being neither secreted nor reabsorbed by the kidney. In addition,
      iohexol is virtually non-toxic and carries a low cost. As iohexol is stable in
      plasma, administration and sample analysis can be separated in both space and
      time, allowing access to GFR determination across different settings. An external
      proficiency programme operated by Equalis AB, Sweden, exists for iohexol,
      facilitating interlaboratory comparison of results. Plasma clearance measurement
      is the protocol of choice as it combines a reliable GFR determination with
      convenience for the patient. Single-sample protocols dominate, but multiple
      sample protocols may be more accurate in specific situations. In low GFRs one or
      more late samples should be included to improve accuracy. In patients with large
      oedema or ascites, urinary clearance protocols should be employed. In conclusion,
      plasma clearance of iohexol may well be the best candidate for a common GFR
      determination method. 

PMID- 27679718
TI  - Approach to atherosclerotic renovascular disease: 2016.
AB  - The management of atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis in patients with
      hypertension or impaired renal function remains a clinical dilemma. The current
      general consensus, supported by the results of the Angioplasty and Stenting for
      Renal Atherosclerotic Lesions and Cardiovascular Outcomes for Renal Artery
      Lesions trials, argues strongly against endovascular intervention in favor of
      optimal medical management. We discuss the limitations and implications of the
      contemporary clinical trials and present our approach and formulate clear
      recommendations to help with the management of patients with atherosclerotic
      narrowing of the renal artery. 

PMID- 27679719
TI  - Comparison of trends in colorectal cancer screening in the US end-stage renal
      disease population and the US Medicare population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although patients treated with maintenance hemodialysis are at an
      increased risk of colorectal cancer compared with the general population,
      national practices for colorectal cancer screening have not been reported in this
      population. We assessed the performance of colorectal cancer screening in the US
      end-stage renal disease program in comparison with the US Medicare population.
      METHODS: We studied the United States Renal Data System for US prevalent
      hemodialysis patients between 2002 and 2011 who had Medicare as their primary
      insurer. We assessed procedure codes for performance of common colorectal cancer
      screening tests, including fecal occult blood testing, sigmoidoscopy and
      colonoscopy. We assessed screening sigmoidoscopy and screening colonoscopy only
      and excluded patients who had preexisting colon cancer or gastrointestinal
      hemorrhage. Because colorectal cancer screening recommendations are established
      for hemodialysis patients who have been listed for kidney transplantation, but no
      general recommendations exist for patients who are not wait-listed, we assessed
      colorectal cancer screening separately for the two groups. RESULTS: We found that
      1-year performance of colonoscopy in wait-listed hemodialysis patients was
      similar to or higher than that in general Medicare patients of the same age,
      while performance of colonoscopy in non-wait-listed patients was significantly
      lower than among general Medicare patients of the same age. CONCLUSIONS: Given
      improved survival among hemodialysis patients in the last decade, the utility of
      colorectal cancer screening even among non-wait-listed hemodialysis patients
      should be reassessed.

PMID- 27679720
TI  - The impact of haemodialysis arteriovenous fistula on haemodynamic parameters of
      the cardiovascular system.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Satisfactory vascular access flow (Qa) of an arteriovenous fistula
      (AVF) is necessary for haemodialysis (HD) adequacy. The aim of the present study
      was to further our understanding of haemodynamic modifications of the
      cardiovascular system of HD patients associated with an AVF. The main objective
      was to calculate using real data in what way an AVF influences the load of the
      left ventricle (LLV). METHODS: All HD patients treated in our dialysis unit and
      bearing an AVF were enrolled into the present observational cross-sectional
      study. Fifty-six patients bore a lower arm AVF and 30 an upper arm AVF. Qa and
      cardiac output (CO) were measured by means of the ultrasound dilution Transonic
      Hemodialysis Monitor HD02. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was calculated; total
      peripheral vascular resistance (TPVR) was calculated as MAP/CO; resistance of AVF
      (AR) and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) are connected in parallel and were
      respectively calculated as AR = MAP/Qa and SVR = MAP/(CO - Qa). LLV was
      calculated on the principle of a simple physical model: LLV (watt) = TPVR.CO(2).
      The latter was computationally divided into the part spent to run Qa through the
      AVF (LLVAVF) and that part ensuring the flow (CO - Qa) through the vascular
      system. The data from the 86 AVFs were analysed by categorizing them into lower
      and upper arm AVFs. RESULTS: Mean Qa, CO, MAP, TPVR, LLV and LLVAVF of the 86
      AVFs were, respectively, 1.3 (0.6 SD) L/min, 6.3 (1.3) L/min, 92.7 (13.9) mmHg,
      14.9 (3.9) mmHg.min/L, 1.3 (0.6) watt and 19.7 (3.1)% of LLV. A statistically
      significant increase of Qa, CO, LLV and LLVAVF and a statistically significant
      decrease of TPVR, AR and SVR of upper arm AVFs compared with lower arm AVFs was
      shown. A third-order polynomial regression model best fitted the relationship
      between Qa and LLV for the entire cohort (R (2) = 0.546; P < 0.0001) and for both
      lower (R (2) = 0.181; P < 0.01) and upper arm AVFs (R (2) = 0.663; P < 0.0001).
      LLVAVF calculated as % of LLV rose with increasing Qa according to a quadratic
      polynomial regression model, but only in lower arm AVFs. On the contrary, no
      statistically significant relationship was found between the two parameters in
      upper arm AVFs, even if mean LLVAVF was statistically significantly higher in
      upper arm AVFs (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Our observational cross-sectional study
      describes statistically significant haemodynamic modifications of the CV system
      associated to an AVF. Moreover, a quadratic polynomial regression model best fits
      the relationship between LLVAVF and Qa, but only in lower arm AVFs.

PMID- 27679721
TI  - Cutaneous Mycobacterium chelonae infection distal to the arteriovenous fistula.
AB  - A few single cases of Mycobacterium chelonae skin infection have been reported in
      haemodialysis patients. We report three additional cases that share peculiar
      clinical characteristics, pointing to diagnostic clues. All three cases presented
      as erythematous nodules developing distally to a proximal arteriovenous fistula
      (AVF). This presentation was identical to that of two published cases. A survey
      of all Belgian haemodialysis units during the period 2007-11 yields an estimated
      incidence of ~0.9/10 000 patient-years. Although the source of M. chelonae
      remains unclear, this specific clinical presentation should be added to the
      listing of potential complications of an AVF and should be recognized, as it is
      fully treatable if diagnosed by culture and tissue biopsy. 

PMID- 27679723
TI  - RENEW-a renal redesign project in predialysis patient care.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An ageing population and geographical growth, along with an increase
      in the number of people that reside in specific location, are increasing the
      demand for renal replacement therapies. Hospital-based haemodialysis units are
      struggling to cope with the associated physical, staffing and cost demands. Home
      based dialysis therapies are known to be more cost effective with superior
      social, physical health and survival outcomes. METHODS: 'RENEW, a renal redesign
      project, examined the pre-dialysis health care experience of renal patients to
      find opportunities to improve patient care outcomes and increase the uptake of
      home-based dialysis therapies. This article details two crucial parts of the
      approach to change management: (i) diagnostics-an inclusive, client focused,
      multidisciplinary approach to identify issues relating to the pre-dialysis
      journey-and (ii) solution design-an inclusive problem-solving approach to
      identify and marry solutions to the issues identified during diagnostics.
      RESULTS: Based on feedback from patients/caregivers and staff interviews,
      utilizing a clinical redesign methodology, a new model of care was developed,
      implemented and subsequently embedded into clinical practice. The results have
      been evident via improved care coordination, enhanced patient preparation for
      dialysis, improved patient psychosocial welfare and, importantly, an increased
      number of patients planned for and commencing home dialysis. This has empowered
      patients by giving them the confidence, knowledge and skills to be actively
      engaged in their own care. The project resulted in significant expenditure
      avoidance. CONCLUSION: Change management strategies with successful
      implementation are vital components of evolving clinical practice to achieve both
      clinical and organizational goals.

PMID- 27679722
TI  - FAbry STabilization indEX (FASTEX): an innovative tool for the assessment of
      clinical stabilization in Fabry disease.
AB  - Two disease severity scoring systems, the Mainz Severity Score Index (MSSI) and
      Fabry Disease Severity Scoring System (DS3), have been validated for quantifying
      the disease burden of Fabry disease. We aimed to develop a dynamic mathematical
      model [the FASTEX (FAbry STabilization indEX)] to assess the clinical stability.
      A multidisciplinary panel of experts in Fabry disease first defined a novel score
      of severity [raw score (RS)] based on three domains with a small number items in
      each domain (nervous system domain: pain, cerebrovascular events; renal domain:
      proteinuria, glomerular filtration rate; cardiac domain: echocardiography
      parameters, electrocardiograph parameters and New York Heart Association class)
      and evaluated the clinical stability over time. The RS was tested in 28 patients
      (15 males, 13 females) with the classic form of Fabry disease. There was good
      statistical correlation between the newly established RS and a weighted score
      (WS), with DS3 and MSSI (R (2) = 0.914, 0.949, 0.910 and 0.938, respectively). In
      order to refine the RS further, a WS, which was expressed as a percentage value,
      was calculated. This was based on the relative clinical significance of each item
      within the domain with the panel agreeing on the attribution of a different
      weight of clinical damage to a specific organ system. To test the variation of
      the clinical burden over time, the RS was repeated after 1 year. The panel agreed
      on a cut-off of a 20% change from baseline as the clinical WS to define clinical
      stability. The FASTEX model showed good correlation with the clinical assessment
      and with clinical variation over time in all patients. 

PMID- 27679724
TI  - Applying effective teaching and learning techniques to nephrology education.
AB  - The interest in nephrology as a career has declined over the last several years.
      Some of the reasons cited for this decline include the complexity of the
      specialty, poor mentoring and inadequate teaching of nephrology from medical
      school through residency. The purpose of this article is to introduce the reader
      to advances in the science of adult learning, illustrate best teaching practices
      in medical education that can be extrapolated to nephrology and introduce the
      basic teaching methods that can be used on the wards, in clinics and in the
      classroom. 

PMID- 27679725
TI  - Takotsubo cardiomyopathy with left ventricular thrombus presenting as critical
      limb ischaemia.
AB  - Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) is a rare condition, characterized by acute left
      ventricular (LV) dysfunction in the absence of flow-limiting coronary artery
      disease, usually provoked by a physical or emotional stressor. The condition is
      far more common in women. The commonest presenting symptoms in patients with TC
      are chest pain and shortness of breath, often mimicking an acute coronary
      syndrome. A number of complications of TC are recognized, and very rarely
      patients experience cardioembolic phenomena secondary to LV thrombus formation in
      TC. We present the case of a 48-year-old lady presenting with peripheral limb
      ischaemia, subsequently found to have an LV thrombus secondary to TC. Diagnosis
      of TC was made challenging by the absence of chest pain. She required urgent
      arterial embolectomy and was treated with 6-month oral anticoagulation therapy.
      She was also commenced on beta-blocker and angiotensin-converting enzyme
      inhibitor treatment for the management of LV dysfunction. 

PMID- 27679726
TI  - Imaging of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Part I: Clinical classifications and
      radiographs.
AB  - Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is the most common autoimmune systemic disease of
      the connective tissue affecting individuals at the developmental age. Radiography
      is the primary modality employed in the diagnostic imaging in order to identify
      changes typical of this disease entity and rule out other bone-related
      pathologies, such as neoplasms, posttraumatic changes, developmental defects and
      other forms of arthritis. The standard procedure involves the performance of
      comparative joint radiographs in two planes. Radiographic changes in juvenile
      idiopathic arthritis are detected in later stages of the disease. Bone structures
      are assessed in the first place. Radiographs can also indirectly indicate the
      presence of soft tissue inflammation (i.e. in joint cavities, sheaths and bursae)
      based on swelling and increased density of the soft tissue as well as dislocation
      of fat folds. Signs of articular cartilage defects are also seen in radiographs
      indirectly - based on joint space width changes. The first part of the
      publication presents the classification of juvenile idiopathic arthritis and
      discusses its radiographic images. The authors list the affected joints as well
      as explain the spectrum and specificity of radiographic signs resulting from
      inflammatory changes overlapping with those caused by the maturation of the
      skeletal system. Moreover, certain dilemmas associated with the monitoring of the
      disease are reviewed. The second part of the publication will explain issues
      associated with ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging, which are more
      and more commonly applied in juvenile idiopathic arthritis for early detection of
      pathological features as well as the disease complications. 

PMID- 27679727
TI  - Imaging of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Part II: Ultrasonography and MRI.
AB  - Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is the most common autoimmune systemic disease of
      the connective tissue affecting individuals in the developmental age.
      Radiography, which was described in the first part of this publication, is the
      standard modality in the assessment of this condition. Ultrasound and magnetic
      resonance imaging enable early detection of the disease which affects soft
      tissues, as well as bones. Ultrasound assessment involves: joint cavities, tendon
      sheaths and bursae for the presence of synovitis, intraand extraarticular fat
      tissue to visualize signs of inflammation, hyaline cartilage, cartilaginous
      epiphysis and subchondral bone to detect cysts and erosions, and ligaments,
      tendons and their entheses for signs of enthesopathies and tendinopathies.
      Magnetic resonance imaging is indicated in children with juvenile idiopathic
      arthritis for assessment of inflammation in peripheral joints, tendon sheaths and
      bursae, bone marrow involvement and identification of inflammatory lesions in
      whole-body MRI, particularly when the clinical picture is unclear. Also, MRI of
      the spine and spinal cord is used in order to diagnose synovial joint
      inflammation, bone marrow edema and spondylodiscitis as well as to assess their
      activity, location, and complications (spinal canal stenosis, subluxation, e.g.
      in the atlantoaxial region). This article discusses typical pathological changes
      seen on ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. The role of these two methods
      for disease monitoring, its identification in the pre-clinical stage and
      establishing its remission are also highlighted. 

PMID- 27679728
TI  - Inter-rater reliability in the classification of supraspinatus tendon tears using
      3D ultrasound - a question of experience?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound of the shoulder is characterized by
      a comparable accuracy to two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound. No studies
      investigating 2D versus 3D inter-rater reliability in the detection of
      supraspinatus tendon tears taking into account the level of experience of the
      raters have been carried out so far. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to
      determine the inter-rater reliability in the analysis of 3D ultrasound image sets
      of the supraspinatus tendon between sonographer with different levels of
      experience. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Non-interventional, prospective, observational
      pilot study of 2309 images of 127 adult patients suffering from unilateral
      shoulder pain. 3D ultrasound image sets were scored by three raters
      independently. The intra-and interrater reliabilities were calculated. RESULTS:
      There was an excellent intra-rater reliability of rater A in the overall
      classification of supraspinatus tendon tears (2D vs 3D kappa = 0.892, pairwise
      reliability 93.81%, 3D scoring round 1 vs 3D scoring round 2 kappa = 0.875,
      pairwise reliability 92.857%). The inter-rater reliability was only moderate
      compared to rater B on 3D (kappa = 0.497, pairwise reliability 70.95%) and fair
      compared to rater C (kappa = 0.238, pairwise reliability 42.38%). CONCLUSIONS:
      The reliability of 3D ultrasound of the supraspinatus tendon depends on the level
      of experience of the sonographer. Experience in 2D ultrasound does not seem to be
      sufficient for the analysis of 3D ultrasound imaging sets. Therefore, for a 3D
      ultrasound analysis new diagnostic criteria have to be established and taught
      even to experienced 2D sonographers to improve reproducibility.

PMID- 27679729
TI  - Evaluation of the utility value of percutaneous drainage of symptomatic hepatic
      cysts combined with an obliteration attempt.
AB  - AIM: The goal of the paper was to evaluate the procedure of percutaneous drainage
      of symptomatic hepatic cysts under the transabdominal ultrasound control combined
      with obliteration. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Within the period from 2005 to 2015, 70
      patients diagnosed with a simple hepatic cyst of symptomatic nature were subject
      to hospitalization and treated at the 2(nd) General, Gastroenterological and
      Cancer Surgery of the Alimentary System Center and Clinics of the Medical
      University of Lublin. All the patients subject to evaluation were qualified to
      percutaneous drainage under an ultrasound control. The drainage utilized typical
      sets of drains with the diameter of at least 9 F, most often of pigtail type. The
      fluid aspirated form the cyst was dispatched for complex laboratory testing.
      Further, a 10% sodium chloride solution was administered to the cyst through the
      drain, in the volume depending on the previous size of the cyst and the patient's
      reaction. RESULTS: Patients reported for a re-visit within the period from 3 to 9
      months following the procedure. Complete obliteration of the cyst was confirmed
      only in 8 patients (11%). Cyst recurrence was reported in cases when during the
      ultrasound evaluation, the diameter of the cyst following aspiration and
      obliteration enlarged to over 75% of the initial dimension. In this group, in 10
      out of 12 examined (83%) there was a relapse of the previously observed ailments.
      Among patients, who has a cyst imaged within the period of observation, which had
      the diameter from 50% to 75% of the previous size, only in 6 cases (37.5%) the
      initial symptoms relapsed. CONCLUSIONS: The utilization of a drainage and
      obliteration enables one to achieve the acceptable result of the therapy as well
      as significant decrease in the number of previously reported ailments and
      symptoms described.

PMID- 27679730
TI  - Is a fatty pancreas a banal lesion?
AB  - So far, a fatty pancreas has been related to obesity and the ageing processes in
      the body. The current list of pathogenetic factors of the condition is clearly
      extended with genetically conditioned diseases (cystic fibrosis, Shwachman
      Diamond syndrome and Johanson-Blizzard syndrome), pancreatitis, especially
      hereditary and obstructive, metabolic and hormonal disorders
      (hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, hyperinsulinemia and
      hypercortisolemia), alcohol overuse, taking some medicines (especially adrenal
      cortex hormones), disease of the liver and visceral adiposis. As regards
      lipomatosis of that organ resulting mainly from dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia,
      the term "nonalcoholic fatty pancreas disease" was introduced. Experimental
      studies on animals and histological preparations of the pancreatic fragments show
      that the lipotoxicity of the collected adipocytes collected ion the organ release
      a cascade of proinflammatory phenomena, and even induces the processes of
      carcinogenesis. Pancreas adiposis is best defined in Computed Tomography and
      Magnetic Resonance Imaging. However, a series of works proved the usefulness in
      the diagnostics of that pathology of transabdominal and endoscopic
      ultrasonography. In that method, the degree of adiposis was based on the
      comparison of echogenicity of the pancreas and the liver, renal parenchyma,
      spleen and/or retroperitoneal adipose. Recently, the evaluation was expanded by
      the evaluation of the degree of pancreatic adipose with the pancreas-to-liver
      index, utilizing to that end a special computer program. According to our
      experience, the simplest solution is the method utilized by us. On one
      crosssection of the body of the pancreas, its echogenicity is assessed in
      comparison to retroperitoneal adipose and the visibility of the splenic vein,
      pancreatic duct and the major retroperitoneal vessels. Depending on the
      visualization of these structures, it is possible to determine the degree of
      pancreas adiposis. Such a study applies to 250 people, in whom the adiposis was
      detected in 16.5%, which is close to other cohort US examinations results. 

PMID- 27679732
TI  - A review of ultrasonographic methods for the assessment of the anterior cruciate
      ligament in patients with knee instability - diagnostics using a posterior
      approach.
AB  - AIM: The purpose of the study was to improve the ultrasonographic assessment of
      the anterior cruciate ligament by an inclusion of a dynamic element. The proposed
      functional modification aims to restore normal posterior cruciate ligament
      tension, which is associated with a visible change in the ligament shape. This
      method reduces the risk of an error resulting from subjectively assessing the
      shape of the posterior cruciate ligament. It should be also emphasized that the
      method combined with other ultrasound anterior cruciate ligament assessment
      techniques helps increase diagnostic accuracy. METHODS: Ultrasonography is used
      as an adjunctive technique in the diagnosis of anterior cruciate ligament injury.
      The paper presents a sonographic technique for the assessment of suspected
      anterior cruciate ligament insufficiency supplemented by the use of a dynamic
      examination. This technique can be recommended as an additional procedure in
      routine ultrasound diagnostics of anterior cruciate ligament injuries. RESULTS:
      Supplementing routine ultrasonography with the dynamic assessment of posterior
      cruciate ligament shape changes in patients with suspected anterior cruciate
      ligament injury reduces the risk of subjective errors and increases diagnostic
      accuracy. This is important especially in cases of minor anterior knee
      instability and bilateral anterior knee instability. CONCLUSIONS: An assessment
      of changes in posterior cruciate ligament using a dynamic ultrasound examination
      effectively complements routine sonographic diagnostic techniques for anterior
      cruciate ligament insufficiency.

PMID- 27679733
TI  - Internal snapping hip syndrome in dynamic ultrasonography.
AB  - Snapping hip syndrome is an audible or palpable snap in a hip joint during
      movement which may be accompanied by pain or locking. It is typically seen in
      young athletes performing activities requiring repeated extreme movements of the
      hip. It may also follow a physical trauma, intramuscular injections or surgeries.
      There are two main forms of snapping hip: extra- or intra-articular. Extra
      articular snapping hip is elicited by an abnormal movement of specific tendons
      and is divided into two forms: internal and external. The internal form of
      snapping hip syndrome is attributed to an abrupt movement of an iliopsoas tendon
      against an iliopectineal eminence. Radiograph results in patients with this form
      of snapping tend to be normal. Dynamic ultrasound is the gold standard diagnostic
      technique in both forms of extra-articular snapping hip syndrome. The objective
      of the following text is to describe a step-by-step dynamic ultrasonography
      examination in internal extra-articular snapping hip syndrome in accordance to
      the proposed checklist protocol. To evaluate abrupt movement of an involved
      tendon, the patient needs to perform specific provocation tests during the
      examination. With its real-time imaging capabilities, dynamic ultrasonography
      detects the exact mechanism of the abnormal tendon friction during hip movement
      in a noninvasive way. It also allows for a diagnosis of additional hip tissue
      changes which may be causing the pain. 

PMID- 27679731
TI  - Shear wave elastography with a new reliability indicator.
AB  - Non-invasive methods for liver stiffness assessment have been introduced over
      recent years. Of these, two main methods for estimating liver fibrosis using
      ultrasound elastography have become established in clinical practice: shear wave
      elastography and quasi-static or strain elastography. Shear waves are waves with
      a motion perpendicular (lateral) to the direction of the generating force. Shear
      waves travel relatively slowly (between 1 and 10 m/s). The stiffness of the liver
      tissue can be assessed based on shear wave velocity (the stiffness increases with
      the speed). The European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and
      Biology has published Guidelines and Recommendations that describe these
      technologies and provide recommendations for their clinical use. Most of the data
      available to date has been published using the Fibroscan (Echosens, France),
      point shear wave speed measurement using an acoustic radiation force impulse
      (Siemens, Germany) and 2D shear wave elastography using the Aixplorer (SuperSonic
      Imagine, France). More recently, also other manufacturers have introduced shear
      wave elastography technology into the market. A comparison of data obtained using
      different techniques for shear wave propagation and velocity measurement is of
      key interest for future studies, recommendations and guidelines. Here, we present
      a recently introduced shear wave elastography technology from Hitachi and discuss
      its reproducibility and comparability to the already established technologies. 

PMID- 27679734
TI  - Physiological basis in the assessment of myocardial mechanics using speckle
      tracking echocardiography 2D. Part II.
AB  - In this paper, the authors attempt to concisely present the anatomical and
      pathophysiological bases as well as the principles for echocardiographic
      evaluation of mechanical aspects of cardiac function based on speckle tracking
      method. This technique uses a phenomenon involving the formation of
      characteristic image units, referred to as speckles or acoustic markers, which
      are stable during cardiac cycle, on a two-dimensional echocardiographic picture.
      Changes in the position of these speckles throughout the cardiac cycle, which are
      monitored and analyzed semi-automatically by a computer system, reflect
      deformation of both, cardiac ventricle as a whole as well as its individual
      anatomical segments. The values of strain and the strain rate, as well as the
      range and velocity of the movement of these markers, which are in close
      relationship with multiple hemodynamic parameters, can be visualized as various
      types of charts - linear, two- and three-dimensional - as well as numerical
      values, enabling deeper insight into the mechanical and hemodynamic aspects of
      cardiac function in health and disease. The use of information obtained based on
      speckle tracking echocardiography allows to understand previously unclear
      mechanisms of physiological and pathophysiological processes. The first part of
      the study discusses the formation of a two-dimensional ultrasound image and the
      speckles, as well as the technical aspects of tracking their movement. The second
      part presents in more detail the methodology of speckle-tracking
      echocardiography, the characteristic abnormalities of cardiac mechanics
      presenting in different clinical entities, and the limitations related to given
      clinical and technical issues. 

PMID- 27679735
TI  - Fortuitous diagnosis of "full stomach" made by using ultrasonographic examination
      of the antrum in two elective patients.
AB  - We report two cases of patients presenting for elective surgery, in whom
      significant gastric contents were identified by performing fortuitous ultrasound
      examination of their antral area. The first patient presented for a day-case
      surgery scheduled under regional anesthesia. With his consent, ultrasound
      examination of the antral area was by chance performed within the context of
      training for this technique, showing significant solid contents in the stomach.
      The patient admitted that he had not respected preoperative fasting. The second
      patient was scheduled for an elective ophthalmologic surgery. Ultrasound
      examination of the antrum showed that the antrum was dilated, with significant
      solid and liquid gastric contents. This case may be related to a strongly delayed
      gastric emptying. These two cases demonstrate that some elective patients may
      present with significant gastric contents exposing them to the risk of pulmonary
      aspiration in the case of general anesthesia. 

PMID- 27679737
TI  - Early High-Dose Caffeine Increases Seizure Burden in Extremely Preterm Neonates:
      A Preliminary Study.
AB  - Background: Although evidence suggests that methylxanthines may lower the seizure
      threshold, the effect of high-dose caffeine on seizure burden in preterm infants
      is not known. This study reports a secondary post hoc analysis of a randomized
      controlled trial of early high-dose caffeine citrate therapy in preterm infants,
      evaluating the effect of caffeine on the seizure burden using amplitude
      integrated electroencephalography (aEEG). Methods: Seventy-four preterm infants
      (<=30 weeks gestation) were randomized to receive high-dose (n = 37, 80 mg/kg
      over 36 hours) or standard-dose (n = 37, 30 mg/kg over 36 hours) caffeine citrate
      over the first 36 hours followed by standard maintenance therapy. Simultaneous
      recording of two-channel amplitude-integrated EEG was conducted over the first 72
      hours of life. The primary outcome of this post hoc analysis was cumulative
      seizure burden over the first 72 hours of life, measured in seconds. Results:
      Fifteen infants were excluded due to short recordings (<=5 hours) or corrupted
      data files (n = 7 standard dose; n = 8 high dose). The high-dose caffeine group
      displayed a trend toward an increased incidence of seizures (40% vs. 58%; p =
      0.1) and a threefold increase in seizure duration (48.9 vs. 170.9 seconds; p =
      0.1). Conclusion: Early high-dose caffeine therapy was associated with a trend
      toward an increase in seizure incidence and burden. Future studies of alternative
      caffeine dosing regimens should include continuous EEG monitoring.

PMID- 27679738
TI  - The 2016 World Humanitarian Summit Report Card: Both Failing Marks and
      Substantive Gains for an Increasingly Globalized Humanitarian Landscape.
AB  - Outcomes of the World Humanitarian Summit were mixed with some refreshing new
      directions being endorsed and a lack of systemic reform. The selective agenda and
      OCHAs lack of success in engaging pre-meeting political participation not only
      hampered the Summit's ability to deal with global issues and institutional
      reform, but also alienated it from leading aid agencies and governments. The UN's
      failure to commit to humanitarian principles and global disarray of the
      humanitarian system indicates the need for extensive reform or a new global
      humanitarian body. This agency needs to employ a decentralized model to manage
      aid funds, assume coordination of international responses, resolve civil-military
      coordination, cater for people affected by both conflict and disasters, and
      professionalize the humanitarian career. 

PMID- 27679736
TI  - Novel insights into the polycythemia-paraganglioma-somatostatinoma syndrome.
AB  - Worldwide, the syndromes of paraganglioma (PGL), somatostatinoma (SOM) and early
      childhood polycythemia are described in only a few patients with somatic
      mutations in the hypoxia-inducible factor 2 alpha (HIF2A). This study provides
      detailed information about the clinical aspects and course of 7 patients with
      this syndrome and brings into perspective these experiences with the pertinent
      literature. Six females and one male presented at a median age of 28 years (range
      11-46). Two were found to have HIF2A somatic mosaicism. No relatives were
      affected. All patients were diagnosed with polycythemia before age 8 and before
      PGL/SOM developed. PGLs were found at a median age of 17 years (range 8-38) and
      SOMs at 29 years (range 22-38). PGLs were multiple, recurrent and metastatic in
      100, 100 and 29% of all cases, and SOMs in 40, 40 and 60%, respectively. All PGLs
      were primarily norepinephrine-producing. All patients had abnormal ophthalmologic
      findings and those with SOMs had gallbladder disease. Computed tomography (CT)
      and magnetic resonance imaging revealed cystic lesions at multiple sites and
      hemangiomas in 4 patients (57%), previously thought to be pathognomonic for von
      Hippel-Lindau disease. The most accurate radiopharmaceutical to detect PGL
      appeared to be [18F]-fluorodihydroxyphenylalanine ([18F]-FDOPA). Therefore, [18F]
      FDOPA PET/CT, not [68Ga]-(DOTA)-[Tyr3]-octreotate ([68Ga]-DOTATATE) PET/CT is
      recommended for tumor localization and aftercare in this syndrome. The long-term
      prognosis of the syndrome is unknown. However, to date no deaths occurred after 6
      years follow-up. Physicians should be aware of this unique syndrome and its
      diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

PMID- 27679739
TI  - Isolation of Zika Virus Imported from Tonga into Australia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The globally emergent Zika virus (ZIKV) is a threat to Australia,
      given the number of imported cases from epidemic regions and the presence of
      competent mosquito vectors. We report the isolation of ZIKV from a female
      traveler who recently returned from Tonga to Brisbane, Queensland, Australia in
      2016. METHODS: A specific TaqMan real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain
      reaction assay (RT-PCR) assay was used to detect ZIKV in serum and urine samples.
      Conventional cell culture techniques and suckling mice were employed in an
      attempt to isolate ZIKV from serum and urine. RESULTS: A ZIKV isolate (TS17-2016)
      was recovered from the serum sample after one passage in suckling mouse brains
      and harvested 11 days post inoculation. Phylogenetic analysis of complete
      envelope (E) gene sequences demonstrated TS17-2016 shared 99.9% nucleotide
      identity with other contemporary sequences from Tonga 2016, Brazil 2015 and
      French Polynesia 2013 within the Asian lineage. DISCUSSION: This is the first
      known report of successful isolation of ZIKV from a human clinical sample in
      Australia and the first from a traveler from Tonga. This study highlights the
      potential difficulties in isolating ZIKV from acute clinical samples using
      conventional cell culture techniques, particularly in non-endemic countries like
      Australia where access to samples of sufficient viral load is limited. The
      successful isolation of TS17-2016 will be essential for continued investigations
      of ZIKV transmission and pathogenicity and will enable the advancement of new
      preventative control measures extremely relevant to the Australian and Pacific
      region.

PMID- 27679740
TI  - Increased taurine in pre-weaned juvenile mdx mice greatly reduces the acute onset
      of myofibre necrosis and dystropathology and prevents inflammation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The mdx mouse model for the fatal muscle wasting disease Duchenne
      Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) shows a very mild pathology once growth has ceased, with
      low levels of myofibre necrosis in adults. However, from about 3 weeks of post
      natal age, muscles of juvenile mdx mice undergo an acute bout of severe necrosis
      and inflammation: this subsequently decreases and stabilises to lower adult
      levels by about 6 weeks of age. Prior to the onset of this severe
      dystropathology, we have shown that mdx mice are deficient in the amino acid
      taurine (potentially due to weaning), and we propose that this exacerbates
      myofibre necrosis and inflammation in juvenile mdx mice. OBJECTIVES: The purpose
      of this study was to increase taurine availability to pre-weaned juvenile mdx
      mice (from 14 days of age), to evaluate the impact on levels of myofibre necrosis
      and inflammation (at 22 days) during the acute period of severe dystropathology.
      RESULTS: Untreated 22 day old mdx muscle was not deficient in taurine, with
      similar levels to normal C57 control muscle. However taurine treatment, which
      increased the taurine content of young dystrophic muscle (by 40%), greatly
      reduced myofibre necrosis (by 75%) and prevented significant increases in 3
      markers of inflammation. CONCLUSION: Taurine was very effective at preventing the
      acute phase of muscle damage that normally results in myofibre necrosis and
      inflammation in juvenile mdx mice, supporting continued research into the use of
      taurine as a therapeutic intervention for protecting growing muscles of young DMD
      boys.

PMID- 27679741
TI  - DDX6 transfers P-TEFb kinase to the AF4/AF4N (AFF1) super elongation complex.
AB  - AF4/AFF1 and AF5/AFF4 are both backbones for the assembly of "super elongation
      complexes" (SECs) that exert 2 distinct functions after the recruitment of P-TEFb
      from the 7SK snRNP: (1) initiation and elongation of RNA polymerase II gene
      transcription, and (2) modification of transcribed gene regions by distinct
      histone methylation patterns. In this study we aimed to investigate one of the
      initial steps, namely how P-TEFb is transferred from 7SK snRNPs to the SECs. In
      particular, we were interested in the role of DDX6 that we have recently
      identified as part of the AF4 complex. DDX6 is an evolutionarily conserved member
      of the DEAD-box RNA helicase family that is known to control miRNA and mRNA
      biology (translation, storage and degradation). Overexpressed DDX6 is associated
      with different cancer types and with c-Myc protein overexpression. We could
      demonstrate that DDX6 binds to 7SK snRNA and causes the release and transfer of P
      TEFb to the AF4/AF4N SEC. DDX6 also binds stably to AF4 and AF4N as demonstrated
      by GST pull-down and co-immunoprecipitation experiments. As a consequence,
      overexpression of either AF4/AF4N or DDX6 resulted in a strong increase of mRNA
      production (5-6 fold), while their simultaneous expression increased the cellular
      mRNA production by 11-fold. Conversely, the corresponding knockdown of DDX6
      decreased mRNA production by 70%. In conclusion, AF4/AF4N and DDX6 represent key
      molecules for the elongation process of gene transcription and a model will be
      proposed for the hand-over process of P-TEFb to SECs. 

PMID- 27679742
TI  - Small mammalian animal models of heart disease.
AB  - There is an urgent clinical need to develop new therapeutic approaches for
      treating cardiovascular disease, but the biology of cardiovascular regeneration
      is complex. Model systems are required to advance our understanding of the
      pathogenesis, progression, and mechanisms underlying cardiovascular disease as
      well as to test therapeutic approaches to regenerate tissue and restore cardiac
      function following injury. An ideal model system should be inexpensive, easily
      manipulated, reproducible, physiologically representative of human disease, and
      ethically sound. The choice of animal model needs to be considered carefully
      since it affects experimental outcomes and whether findings of the study can be
      reasonably translated to humans. This review presents a guideline for the
      commonly used small animal models (mice, rats, rabbits, and cats) used in cardiac
      research as an effort to standardize the most relevant procedures and obtain
      translatable and reproducible results. 

PMID- 27679743
TI  - Myocardial energetics and the role of micronutrients in heart failure: a critical
      review.
AB  - Heart failure is a multifactorial disease with poor prognosis. There are many
      hypotheses regarding the cause of heart failure. Leading among them are the
      hemodynamic and the neuro-hormonal hypotheses. Although the energy depletion
      hypothesis has been fairly recent, there is evidence suggesting that declining
      bioenergy plays a major role in heart failure. This review explored the
      myocardial energy depletion hypothesis from the role of micronutrients in
      correcting and alleviating symptoms of heart failure. Even though focus was on
      key nutrients such as coenzyme Q10, thiamine, riboflavin, L-carnitine, and
      taurine, emphasis was on the combined effect of multiple micronutrients as a
      whole. Search from databases from 2000 to 2015 produced four clinical studies
      using multiple micronutrients on heart failure. Evidence from the studies show
      that using high doses of multiple micronutrients may have positive effects on
      heart failure and simultaneously support the myocardial energy depletion
      hypothesis. 

PMID- 27679744
TI  - Critical role of mitochondrial ROS is dependent on their site of production on
      the electron transport chain in ischemic heart.
AB  - Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation has been implicated in many pathologies
      including ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. This led to multiple studies on
      antioxidant therapies to treat cardiovascular diseases but paradoxically, results
      have so far been mixed as ROS production can be beneficial as a signaling
      mechanism and in cardiac protection via preconditioning interventions. We
      investigated whether the differential impact of increased ROS in injury as well
      as in protection could be explained by their site of production on the
      mitochondrial electron transport chain. Using amplex red to measure ROS
      production, we found that mitochondria isolated from hearts after I/R produced
      more ROS than non-ischemic when complex I substrate (glutamate/malate) was used.
      Interestingly, the substrates of complex II (succinate) and ubiquinone (sn
      glycerol 3-phosphate, G3P) produced less ROS in mitochondria from I/R hearts
      compared to normal healthy hearts. The inhibitors of complex I (rotenone) and
      complex III (antimycin A) increased ROS production when glutamate/malate and G3P
      were used; in contrast, they reduced ROS production when the complex II substrate
      was used. Mitochondrial calcium retention capacity required to induce
      mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening was measured using
      calcium green fluorescence and was found to be higher when mitochondria were
      treated with G3P and succinate compared to glutamate/malate. Furthermore,
      Langendorff hearts treated with glutamate/malate exhibited reduced cardiac
      functional recovery and increased myocardial infarct size compared to hearts
      treated with G3P. Thus, ROS production by the stimulated respiratory chain
      complexes I and III has opposite roles: cardio-deleterious when produced in
      complex I and cardio-protective when produced in complex III. The mechanism of
      these ROS involves the inhibition of the mPTP opening, a key event in cell death
      following ischemia/reperfusion injury. 

PMID- 27679745
TI  - Documentation of various approaches and outcomes in patients on warfarin
      undergoing dental procedures: a review article.
AB  - Appropriate management of patients with mechanical prosthetic valves on warfarin
      during dental procedures is crucial. If the patients continue warfarin, they
      might develop bleeding, while interruption of therapy can cause thromboembolic
      events. Bridging therapy (mostly heparin) is used in some patients, while others
      stop medications. There is no unifying protocol. Information on management of
      patients on warfarin undergoing dental procedures in Saudi Arabia is lacking.
      Therefore, the current study aimed to provide more insight into various
      approaches utilized by clinicians to deal with such patients at a large teaching
      hospital in Riyadh, and to evaluate the frequency and severity of bleeding and
      thromboembolic complications during different types of dental procedures in this
      population. This was a cohort study. Patient records were used to collect data on
      peri-procedural management of patients on warfarin, continuation or interruption
      of warfarin therapy, as well as bleeding and thromboembolic complications. Fifty
      medical records were reviewed from March to October 2012. Regarding management,
      10% had no proper documentation, 74% underwent bridging therapy, 12% discontinued
      warfarin therapy, and 4% continued warfarin. Of the patients, 31% had minor
      bleeding (15% in patients on bridging therapy and 16% in patients continuing
      warfarin). Thromboembolic complications were documented in 4%, (2% in those on
      bridging therapy and 2% in those discontinuing warfarin). Patients on bridging
      therapy (heparin) were admitted to the hospital for a mean of five days, and none
      of the other patients were admitted. Adopting the protocol to continue warfarin
      caused bleeding tendency that was controlled with the usual measures, with more
      cost effectiveness, and no thromboembolic risks. 

PMID- 27679746
TI  - Angiotensin type 2-receptor (AT2R) activation induces hypotension in
      apolipoprotein E-deficient mice by activating peroxisome proliferator-activated
      receptor-gamma.
AB  - Angiotensin II (Ang II) modulates blood pressure and atherosclerosis development
      through its vascular type-1 (AT1R) and type-2 (AT2R) receptors, which have
      opposing effects. AT2R activation produces hypotension, and is anti-atherogenic.
      Targeted overexpression of AT2Rs in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs)
      indicates that these effects are due to increased nitric oxide (NO) generation.
      However, the role of endogenous VSMC AT2Rs in these events is unknown. Effect of
      7-day low-dose Ang II-infusion (12 ug/kg/hr) on blood pressure was tested in 9
      week-old apoE((-/-)) mice fed a low or high cholesterol diet (LCD or HCD,
      respectively). Cardiac output was measured by echocardiography.
      Immunohistochemistry was performed to localize and quantify AT2Rs and p-Ser(1177)
      endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) levels in the aortic arch. PD123319 and
      GW-9662 were used to selectively block the AT2R and peroxisome proliferator
      activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma), respectively. Ang II infusion decreased
      blood pressure by 12 mmHg (P < 0.001) in LCD/apoE((-/-)) mice without altering
      cardiac output; a response blocked by PD123319. Although, AT2R stimulation
      neither activated eNOS (p-Ser(1177)-eNOS) nor changed plasma NO metabolites, it
      caused an ~6-fold increase in VSMC PPAR-gamma levels (P < 0.001) and the AT2R
      mediated hypotension was abolished by GW-9662. AT2R-mediated hypotension was also
      inhibited by HCD, which selectively decreased VSMC AT2R expression by ~6-fold (P
      < 0.01). These findings suggest a novel pathway for the Ang II/AT2R-mediated
      hypotensive response that involves PPAR-gamma, and is down regulated by a HCD. 

PMID- 27679747
TI  - Diabetic indicators are the strongest predictors for cardiovascular disease risk
      in African American adults.
AB  - African Americans have higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and
      cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to other racial groups. Modifiable and non
      modifiable factors play a role in the development of both diseases. This study
      assessed diabetes indicators in relation to other CVD risk factors taking into
      account confounders, among African American adults. This was a cross-sectional
      study in mid-life and older African Americans (>=45 years) who were recruited
      from the local churches. Fasting blood was collected and serum analyzed for
      diabetes indicators, apolipoproteins, adipokines, and lipid profile. CVD risk
      scores were determined using the American Heart Association and Framingham Risk
      Score assessments. Homeostasis Model Assessments (HOMAs) were calculated using
      glucose and insulin concentrations. Confounding variables were assessed by
      questionnaires. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 21, and p<0.05
      was deemed significant. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze continuous
      variables. Frequencies and percentages were used to examine categorical
      variables. T-tests compared different groups while Pearson correlations provided
      preliminary relationships and determined variables for multiple regression
      analyses. A total of n=79 participants were evaluated (69% women), 59.3+/-9.2
      years, BMI=34.7+/-8.3 (mean +/- SD). As expected, AA men had higher fasting blood
      glucose than women (123.6+/-54.9 mg/dL versus 99.0+/-21.8 mg/dL), and AA women
      had higher insulin (11.8+/-13.1 mg/dL versus 7.6+/-6.0 mg/dL). Our study
      confirmed that it is likely for AA men to have significantly lower adiponectin
      concentrations in comparison to AA women. Based on the CVD risk assessments, men
      had a significantly higher risk of developing CVD than women, which has been
      shown previously. Apolipoproteins, adipokines, and lipid profile also negatively
      influenced the cardiovascular health outcomes in men. Dietary intake, probably by
      influencing participants' weight/adiposity, contributed to the differences in
      cardiovascular outcomes between men and women. In conclusion, the findings of
      this study revealed that diabetes and serum glucose appeared to be the leading
      factors for high CVD risk, on the contrary to some other indicators reported in
      some studies, e.g. hypertension or dyslipidemia. 

PMID- 27679748
TI  - Irreversible Hemichorea-Hemiballism in a Case of Nonketotic Hyperglycemia
      Presenting as the Initial Manifestation of Diabetes Mellitus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hemichorea-hemiballism (HCHB) is a hyperkinetic movement disorder
      with features of both chorea and ballism occurring on the same side. CASE REPORT:
      We present a case of HCHB due to nonketotic hyperglycemia (NKH) that was the
      initial presentation of diabetes and was irreversible clinically even after 6
      months of optimal blood sugar control. DISCUSSION: Although HCHB due to
      hyperglycemia is a potentially reversible condition in the majority of patients,
      prolonged uncontrolled hyperglycemia may cause ischemic insult and persistent
      symptoms. Hyperglycemia should always be kept in the list of differentials while
      dealing with patients who are newly diagnosed with HCHB.

PMID- 27679749
TI  - Negative Pressure Wound Therapy in the Management of Combat Wounds: A Critical
      Review.
AB  - Significance: Wounds sustained in a combat trauma often result in a composite
      tissue loss. Combat injuries, due to high energy transfer to tissues, lead to
      trauma at multiple anatomical sites. An early wound cover is associated with
      lower rate of infections and a faster wound healing. The concept of negative
      pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in the management of combat-related wounds has
      evolved from the civilian trauma and the wounds from nontraumatic etiologies.
      Recent Advances: Encouraged by the results of NPWT in noncombat-related wounds,
      the military surgeons during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring
      Freedom used this novel method in a large percentage of combat wounds, with
      gratifying results. The mechanism of NPWT in wound healing is multifactorial and
      often complex reconstructive procedure can be avoided in a combat trauma setting.
      Critical Issues: Wounds sustained in military trauma are heavily contaminated
      with dirt, patient clothing, and frequently associated with extensive soft tissue
      loss and osseous destruction. Delay in evacuation during an ongoing conflict
      carries the risk of systemic infection. Early debridement is indicated followed
      by delayed closure of wounds. NPWT helps to provide temporary wound cover during
      the interim period of debridement and wound closure. Future Directions: Future
      area of research in combat wounds is related to abdominal trauma with loss of
      abdominal wall. The concept of negative pressure incisional management system in
      patients with a high risk of wound breakdown following surgery is under review,
      and may be of relevance in combat wounds.

PMID- 27679750
TI  - Personalized Medicine in Ocular Fibrosis: Myth or Future Biomarkers.
AB  - Significance: Fibrosis-related events play a part in the pathogenesis or failure
      of treatment of virtually all the blinding diseases around the world, and also
      account for over 40% of all deaths. It is well established that the eye and other
      tissues of some group of patients, for example Afro-Caribbean people, scar worse
      than others. However, there is a current lack of reliable biomarkers to stratify
      the risk of scarring and postsurgical fibrosis in the eye. Recent Advances:
      Recent studies using genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, clinical phenotyping,
      and high-resolution in vivo imaging techniques have revealed potential novel
      biomarkers to identify and stratify patients at risk of scarring in different
      fibrotic eye diseases. Critical Issues: Most of the studies, to date, have been
      done in animals or small cohorts of patients and future research is needed to
      validate these results in large longitudinal human studies. Detailed clinical
      phenotyping and effective biobanking of patient tissues will also be critical for
      future biomarker research in ocular fibrosis. Future Directions: The ability to
      predict the risk of scarring and to tailor the antifibrotic treatment regimen to
      each individual patient will be an extremely useful tool clinically to prevent
      undertreating, or exposing patients to unnecessary treatments with potential side
      effects. An exciting future prospect will be to use new advances in genotyping,
      namely next-generation whole genome sequencing like RNA-Seq, to develop a
      customized gene chip in ocular fibrosis. Successful translation of future
      biomarkers to benefit patient care will also ultimately require a strong
      collaboration between academics, pharmaceutical, and biotech companies.

PMID- 27679751
TI  - Plastic Surgery Challenges in War Wounded I: Flap-Based Extremity Reconstruction.
AB  - Scope and Significance: Reconstruction of traumatic injuries requiring tissue
      transfer begins with aggressive resuscitation and stabilization. Systematic
      advances in acute casualty care at the point of injury have improved survival and
      allowed for increasingly complex treatment before definitive reconstruction at
      tertiary medical facilities outside the combat zone. As a result, the complexity
      of the limb salvage algorithm has increased over 14 years of combat activities in
      Iraq and Afghanistan. Problem: Severe poly-extremity trauma in combat casualties
      has led to a large number of extremity salvage cases. Advanced reconstructive
      techniques coupled with regenerative medicine applications have played a critical
      role in the restoration, recovery, and rehabilitation of functional limb salvage.
      Translational Relevance: The past 14 years of war trauma have increased our
      understanding of tissue transfer for extremity reconstruction in the treatment of
      combat casualties. Injury patterns, flap choice, and reconstruction timing are
      critical variables to consider for optimal outcomes. Clinical Relevance: Subacute
      reconstruction with specifically chosen flap tissue and donor site location based
      on individual injuries result in successful tissue transfer, even in critically
      injured patients. These considerations can be combined with regenerative
      therapies to optimize massive wound coverage and limb salvage form and function
      in previously active patients. Summary: Traditional soft tissue reconstruction is
      integral in the treatment of war extremity trauma. Pedicle and free flaps are a
      critically important part of the reconstructive ladder for salvaging extreme
      extremity injuries that are seen as a result of the current practice of war.

PMID- 27679752
TI  - Plastic Surgery Challenges in War Wounded II: Regenerative Medicine.
AB  - Background: A large volume of service members have sustained complex injuries
      during Operations Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Enduring Freedom (OEF). These injuries
      are complicated by contamination with particulate and foreign materials, have
      high rates of bacterial and/or fungal infections, are often composite-type
      defects with massive soft tissue wounds, and usually have multisystem
      involvement. While traditional treatment modalities remain a mainstay for optimal
      wound care, traditional reconstruction approaches alone may be inadequate to
      fully address the scope and magnitude of such massive complex wounds. As a result
      of these difficult clinical problems, the use of regenerative medicine therapies,
      such as autologous adipose tissue grafting, stem cell therapies, nerve
      allografts, and dermal regenerate templates/extracellular matrix scaffolds, is
      increased as adjuncts to traditional reconstructive measures. Basic and Clinical
      Science Advances: The beneficial applications of regenerative medicine therapies
      have been well characterized in both in vitro studies and in vivo animal studies.
      The use of these regenerative medicine techniques in the treatment of combat
      casualty injuries has been increasing throughout the recent war conflicts.
      Clinical Care Relevance: Military medicine has shown positive results when
      utilizing certain regenerative medicine modalities in treating complex war
      wounds. As a result, multi-institution clinical trials are underway to further
      evaluate these observations and reconstruction measures. Conclusion: Successful
      combat casualty wound care often requires a combination of traditional aspects of
      the reconstructive ladder/elevator with adoption of various regenerative medicine
      therapies. Due to the recent OIF/OEF conflicts, a high volume of combat
      casualties have benefited from adoption of regenerative medicine therapies and
      increased access to innovative clinical trials. Furthermore, many of these
      patients have had long-term follow-up to report on clinical outcomes that
      substantiate current treatment paradigms and concepts within regenerative
      medicine, reconstructive, and rehabilitation care. These results are applicable
      to not only combat casualty care but also to nonmilitary patients.

PMID- 27679754
TI  - A UK student survey investigating the effects of consuming alcohol mixed with
      energy drinks on overall alcohol consumption and alcohol-related negative
      consequences.
AB  - Previous research reported positive associations between alcohol mixed with
      energy drink (AMED) consumption and overall alcohol consumption. However, results
      were largely based on between-subjects comparisons comparing AMED consumers with
      alcohol-only (AO) consumers, and therefore cannot sufficiently control for
      differences in personal characteristics between these groups. In order to
      determine whether AMED consumers drink more alcohol on occasions they consume
      AMED compared to those when they drink AO additional within-subjects comparisons
      are required. Therefore, this UK student survey assessed both alcohol consumption
      and alcohol-related negative consequences when consumed alone and when mixed with
      energy drinks, using a within-subject design. A total of 1873 students completed
      the survey, including 732 who consumed AMED. It was found that AMED consumers
      drank significantly less alcohol when they consumed AMED compared to when they
      drank AO (p < 0.001). In line with reduced alcohol consumption significantly
      fewer negative alcohol-related consequences were reported on AMED occasions
      compared to AO occasions (p < 0.001). These findings suggest that mixing alcohol
      with energy drinks does not increase total alcohol consumption or alcohol-related
      negative consequences. 

PMID- 27679756
TI  - Infantile Pasteurella multocida meningitis.

PMID- 27679753
TI  - Cytokine-Rich Adipose Tissue Extract Production from Water-Assisted Lipoaspirate:
      Methodology for Clinical Use.
AB  - Proper functioning wound healing strategies are sparse. Adequate vascular
      formation to the injured area, as well as replacement of the volume loss, is
      fundamental in soft tissue repair. Tissue engineering strategies have been
      proposed for the treatment of these injury sites. Novel cell-free substance,
      human adipose tissue extract (ATE), has been previously shown to induce in vitro
      angiogenesis and adipogenesis and in vivo soft tissue formation. This study
      reports the translation of ATE preparation from laboratory to the operating room
      (OR). ATE samples for this study were derived from adipose tissue obtained with
      the water-jet assisted liposuction technique from 27 healthy patients. The
      variables studied included incubation time (15, 30, and 45 min), temperature
      (room temperature vs. 37 degrees C), and filter type to determine the optimal
      method yielding the most consistent total protein content, as well as consistent
      and high expression of adipose-derived growth factors and cytokines, including:
      vascular endothelial growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, interleukin
      6, adiponectin, leptin, and insulin-like growth factor. Following the
      optimization, samples were produced in the OR and tested for their sterility. No
      significant differences were observed when comparing extract incubation time
      points or incubation temperature. Nonetheless, when studying the different filter
      types used, a syringe filter with PES membrane with larger filter area showed
      significantly higher protein concentration (p <= 0.018). When studying the
      different growth factor concentrations, ELISA results showed less variation in
      cytokine concentrations in the OR samples with the optimized protocol. All of the
      OR samples were tested sterile. The devised protocol is an easy and reproducible
      OR-ready method for ATE generation. As an attractive source of growth factors,
      ATE is a promising alternative in the vast field of tissue engineering. Its
      clinical applications include volume replacement as a complement to fillers and
      improvement of the permanence of fat grafts and wound healing, among other
      bioactive functions. 

PMID- 27679755
TI  - Chikungunya fever presenting with protracted severe pruritus.
AB  - Travelers returning from the tropics often present with rash/fever. Those with
      rash/fever and myalgias/arthralgias are most likely due to chikungunya fever,
      dengue fever, or Zika virus. In these arthropod viral transmitted infections, the
      rash may be pruritic. The case presented here is that of chikungunya fever
      remarkable for the intensity and duration of her pruritis. 

PMID- 27679757
TI  - Community-acquired lobar pneumonia encountered at autopsy.

PMID- 27679758
TI  - Leiomyosarcoma of the Inferior Vena Cava With Kidney Invasion.
AB  - Primary leiomyosarcomas of the inferior vena cava (IVC) are rare tumors
      associated with poor prognosis, and surgical resection with the goal of obtaining
      negative margins is the gold standard for initial treatment. Tumor
      characteristics of both extraluminal extension into renal parenchyma and
      intraluminal extension of the subdiaphragmatic IVC are even less common. The
      prognosis of vascular leiomyosarcomas is determined by the location and the size
      of the tumor, as these factors determine the risk of local recurrence and
      metastasis. We present a case of a 30-year old female incidentally found to have
      a 14 cm right renal mass and IVC thrombus. 

PMID- 27679760
TI  - Splenogonadal Fusion: A Rare Benign Testicular Mass in a 55-Year-Old Male.
AB  - Splenogonadal fusion (SGF) is a rare cause of testicular mass with the vast
      majority of cases presenting in men under the age of 30 and represents a
      diagnostic challenge. Discontinuous splenogonadal fusion presenting as a new
      testicular mass in a 55-year-old man is discussed to aid other surgeons in
      diagnosing this condition. 

PMID- 27679759
TI  - Prostatic Adenocarcinoma With Hormone Exposure Related Changes in a Patient With
      Hepatic Cirrhosis - Value of Autopsy in a Case Report.
AB  - Hepatic cirrhosis is commonly associated with hyperestrogenism. Previous studies
      have reported morphologic changes in benign and malignant prostate tissue exposed
      to estrogen or anti-androgens. To our knowledge, histopathologic features of
      prostatic adenocarcinoma in patients with cirrhosis have not been well-reported.
      We present a case of incidental, but pathologically significant, prostatic
      adenocarcinoma detected on autopsy in a 67-year-old male patient with cirrhosis
      and spider angiomata. The morphologic and immunohistochemical features (including
      variable ERG expression) of the prostatic adenocarcinoma were consistent with
      hormone exposure related changes, suggesting that cirrhosis-induced elevated
      estrogen-to-testosterone ratio and exogenous hormone therapy might induce similar
      phenotypes. 

PMID- 27679761
TI  - Tumor Seeding With Renal Cell Carcinoma After Renal Biopsy.
AB  - Tumor seeding following biopsy of renal cell carcinoma is extremely rare with an
      incidence of 1:10.000. In this paper two cases with multiple recurrent RRC
      metastasis in the biopsy tract following biopsy of renal tumor is presented and
      the current literature is shortly discussed. 

PMID- 27679762
TI  - Prostatic Leiomyoma: A Case Report.
AB  - A pure leiomyoma of the prostate is a rare tumor. Less than 30 cases about
      prostatic leiomyoma have been reported. Pathologic anatomy examination is the
      only medium for definitive diagnosis and is important to rule out malignancies
      such as leiomyosarcoma. We describe an accidental finding of a tumor in the right
      prostate lobe of a 54 year old man, who was diagnosed with prostatic leiomyoma
      and treated with open radical prostatectomy. 

PMID- 27679763
TI  - Science in the UK - whereto now?

PMID- 27679765
TI  - The mediating role of social capital in the association between neighbourhood
      income inequality and body mass index.
AB  - Background: Neighbourhood income inequality may contribute to differences in body
      weight. We explored whether neighbourhood social capital mediated the association
      of neighbourhood income inequality with individual body mass index (BMI).
      Methods: A total of 4126 adult participants from 48 neighbourhoods in France,
      Hungary, the Netherlands and the UK provided information on their levels of
      income, perceptions of neighbourhood social capital and BMI. Factor analysis of
      the 13-item social capital scale revealed two social capital constructs: social
      networks and social cohesion. Neighbourhood income inequality was defined as the
      ratio of the amount of income earned by the top 20% and the bottom 20% in a given
      neighbourhood. Two single mediation analyses-using multilevel linear regression
      analyses-with neighbourhood social networks and neighbourhood social cohesion as
      possible mediators-were conducted using MacKinnon's product-of-coefficients
      method, adjusted for age, gender, education and absolute household income.
      Results: Higher neighbourhood income inequality was associated with elevated
      levels of BMI and lower levels of neighbourhood social networks and neighbourhood
      social cohesion. High levels of neighbourhood social networks were associated
      with lower BMI. Results stratified by country demonstrate that social networks
      fully explained the association between income inequality and BMI in France and
      the Netherlands. Social cohesion was only a significant mediating variable for
      Dutch participants. Conclusion: The results suggest that in some European urban
      regions, neighbourhood social capital plays a large role in the association
      between neighbourhood income inequality and individual BMI.

PMID- 27679767
TI  - Neuroinflammation and cytokine abnormality in major depression: Cause or
      consequence in that illness?
AB  - Depression results from changes in the central nervous system (CNS) that may
      result from immunological abnormalities. The immune system affects the CNS
      through cytokines, which regulate brain activities and emotions. Cytokines affect
      two biological systems that are most associated with the pathophysiology of
      depression: The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the
      catecholamine/sympathetic nervous system. Neuroinflammation and cytokines affect
      the brain signal patterns involved in the psychopathology of depression and the
      mechanisms of antidepressants, and they are associated with neurogenesis and
      neural plasticity. These observations suggest that neuroinflammation and
      cytokines might cause and/or maintain depression, and that they might be useful
      in the diagnosis and prognosis of depression. This psychoneuroimmunologic
      perspective might compensate for some of the limitations of the monoamine theory
      by suggesting that depression is a result of a failure to adapt to stress and
      that inflammatory responses and cytokines are involved in this process. In this
      review, the interactions of cytokines with the CNS, neuroendocrine system,
      neurotransmitters, neurodegeneration/neurogenesis, and antidepressants are
      discussed. The roles of cytokines in the etiology and psychopathology of
      depression are examined. The use of cytokine inhibitors or anti-inflammatory
      drugs in depression treatment is explored. Finally, the significance and
      limitations of the cytokine hypothesis are discussed. 

PMID- 27679769
TI  - Ecological Momentary Assessment with smartphones for measuring mental health
      problems in adolescents.
AB  - AIM: To analyze the viability of Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) for
      measuring the mental states associated with psychopathological problems in
      adolescents. METHODS: In a sample of 110 adolescents, a sociodemographic data
      survey and an EMA Smartphone application over a one-week period (five times each
      day), was developed to explore symptom profiles, everyday problems, coping
      strategies, and the contexts in which the events take place. RESULTS: The
      positive response was 68.6%. Over 2250 prompts about mental states were recorded.
      In 53% of situations the smartphone was answered at home, 25.5% of cases they
      were with their parents or with peers (20.3%). Associations were found with
      attention, affective and anxiety problems (P < 0.001) in the participants who
      took longer to respond to the EMA app. Anxious and depressive states were highly
      interrelated (rho = 0.51, P < 0.001), as well as oppositional defiant problems
      and conduct problems (rho = 0.56, P < 0.001). Only in 6.2% of the situations the
      subjects perceived they had problems, mainly associated with inter-relational
      aspects with family, peers, boyfriends or girlfriends (31.2%). We also found
      moderate-high reliability on scales of satisfaction level on the context, on
      positive emotionality, and on the discomfort index associated with mental health
      problems. CONCLUSION: EMA methodology using smartphones is a useful tool for
      understanding adolescents' daily dynamics. It achieved moderate-high reliability
      and accurately identified psychopathological manifestations experienced by
      community adolescents in their natural context.

PMID- 27679768
TI  - Gene environment interaction in periphery and brain converge to modulate
      behavioral outcomes: Insights from the SP1 transient early in life interference
      rat model.
AB  - It is generally assumed that behavior results from an interaction between
      susceptible genes and environmental stimuli during critical life stages. The
      present article reviews the main theoretical and practical concepts in the
      research of gene environment interaction, emphasizing the need for models
      simulating real life complexity. We review a novel approach to study gene
      environment interaction in which a brief post-natal interference with the
      expression of multiple genes, by hindering the activity of the ubiquitous
      transcription factor specificity protein 1 (Sp1) is followed by later-in-life
      exposure of rats to stress. Finally, this review discusses the role of peripheral
      processes in behavioral responses, with the Sp1 model as one example
      demonstrating how specific behavioral patterns are linked to modulations in both
      peripheral and central physiological processes. We suggest that models, which
      take into account the tripartite reciprocal interaction between the central
      nervous system, peripheral systems and environmental stimuli will advance our
      understanding of the complexity of behavior. 

PMID- 27679770
TI  - Voxel-based magnetic resonance imaging investigation of poor and preserved
      clinical insight in people with schizophrenia.
AB  - AIM: To define regional grey-matter abnormalities in schizophrenia patients with
      poor insight (Insight(-)), relative to patients with preserved clinical insight
      (Insight(+)), and healthy controls. METHODS: Forty stable schizophrenia
      outpatients (20 Insight(-) and 20 Insight(+)) and 20 healthy controls underwent
      whole brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Insight in all patients was
      assessed using the Birchwood Insight Scale (BIS; a self-report measure). The two
      patient groups were pre-selected to match on most clinical and demographic
      parameters but, by design, they had markedly distinct BIS scores. Voxel-based
      morphometry employed in SPM8 was used to examine group differences in grey matter
      volumes across the whole brain. RESULTS: The three participant groups were
      comparable in age [F(2,57) = 0.34, P = 0.71] and the patient groups did not
      differ in age at illness onset [t(38) = 0.87, P = 0.39]. Insight(-) and
      Insight(+) patient groups also did not differ in symptoms on the Positive and
      Negative Syndromes scale (PANSS): Positive symptoms [t(38) = 0.58, P = 0.57],
      negative symptoms [t(38) = 0.61, P = 0.55], general psychopathology [t(38) =
      1.30, P = 0.20] and total PANSS scores [t(38) = 0.21, P = 0.84]. The two patient
      groups, as expected, varied significantly in the level of BIS-assessed insight
      [t(38) = 12.11, P < 0.001]. MRI results revealed lower fronto-temporal,
      parahippocampal, occipital and cerebellar grey matter volumes in Insight(-)
      patients, relative to Insight(+) patients and healthy controls (for all clusters,
      family-wise error corrected P < 0.05). Insight(+) patient and healthy controls
      did not differ significantly (P > 0.20) from each other. CONCLUSION: Our findings
      demonstrate a clear association between poor clinical insight and smaller fronto
      temporal, occipital and cerebellar grey matter volumes in stable long-term
      schizophrenia patients.

PMID- 27679771
TI  - Stressful life events and psychosocial correlates of pediatric inflammatory bowel
      disease activity.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the association of psychiatric and psychosocial correlates
      with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) activity in children and adolescents.
      METHODS: A total of 85 pediatric IBD patients (in remission or active state of
      the disease) and their parents completed a series of questionnaires and semi
      structured interviews measuring life events, depression, anxiety, family
      dysfunction, and parent mental health. Differences between the remission and the
      IBD active group and the association of any significant variable with the disease
      activity state were examined. RESULTS: Parents of children being in active state
      of the disease reported more life events (P = 0.005) and stressful life events (P
      = 0.048) during the past year and more mental health symptoms (P < 0.001), while
      the children themselves reported higher levels of anxiety symptoms (P = 0.017)
      compared to the remission group. In the logistic regression multivariate
      analysis, the only predictor which had a significant positive effect on the
      probability of the patients being in active state was parent mental health
      symptoms (OR = 4.8; 95%CI: 1.2-25.8). CONCLUSION: Life events, child anxiety and
      parent mental health symptoms may be important correlates of pediatric IBD
      activity and targets of thorough assessment and treatment.

PMID- 27679775
TI  - Oral but not written test anxiety is related to social anxiety.
AB  - AIM: To examine the associations of test anxiety (TA) in written vs oral exam
      situations with social anxiety (SA). METHODS: A convenience sample of 204
      students was recruited at the Technische Universitat Dresden (TU Dresden,
      Germany) and contacted via e-mail asking to complete a cross-sectional online
      survey based on established questionnaires. The study protocol was approved by
      the ethics committee of the TU Dresden. Full data of n = 96 students were
      available for dependent t-tests and correlation analyses on the associations of
      SA and TA respectively with trigger events, cognitions, safety behaviors,
      physical symptoms and depersonalization. Analyses were run using SPSS. RESULTS:
      Levels of TA were higher for fear in oral exams than for fear in written exams (M
      = 48.1, SD = 11.5 vs M = 43.7, SD = 10.1 P < 0.001). Oral TA and SA were
      positively correlated (Spearman's r = 0.343, P < 0.001; Pearson's r = 0.38, P <
      0.001) contrasting written TA and SA (Spearman's r = 0.17, P > 0.05; Pearson's r
      = 0.223, P > 0.05). Compared to written TA, trigger events were more often
      reported for oral TA (18.2% vs 30.3%, P = 0.007); which was also accompanied more
      often by test-anxious cognitions (7.9% vs 8.5%, P = 0.001), safety behavior (8.9%
      vs 10.3%, P < 0.001) and physical symptoms (for all, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION:
      Written, but not oral TA emerged being unrelated to SA and may rather not be
      considered as a typical facet of SA disorder.

PMID- 27679773
TI  - Chronic pelvic pain, psychiatric disorders and early emotional traumas: Results
      of a cross sectional case-control study.
AB  - AIM: To compare the prevalence of psychiatric disorders and early emotional
      traumas between women with chronic pelvic pain (CPP) and healthy women. METHODS:
      One hundred women in reproductive age, 50 of them had CPP (according to the
      criteria set by the International Association for Study of Pain), and 50 were
      considered healthy after the gynecological evaluation. The eligibility criteria
      were defined as follows: chronic or persistent pain perceived in the pelvis
      related structures (digestive, urinary, genital, myofascial or neurological
      systems). Only women in reproductive age with acyclic pain for 6 mo, or more,
      were included in the present study. Menopause was the exclusion criterion. The
      participants were grouped according to age, school level and socio-economic
      status and were individually assessed through DSM-IV Structured Clinical
      Interview (SCID-I) and Early Trauma Inventory Self-report - short form (ETISR-SF
      Brazilian version). Descriptive statistics, group comparison tests and
      multivariate logistics regression were used in the data analysis. RESULTS: The
      early emotional traumas are highly prevalent, but their prevalence did not differ
      between the two groups. The current Major Depressive Disorder was more prevalent
      in women with CPP. The CPP was associated with endometriosis in 48% of the women.
      There was no difference in the prevalence of disorders when endometriosis was
      taken into account (endometriosis vs other diseases: P > 0.29). The current Major
      Depressive Disorder and the Bipolar Disorder had greater occurrence likelihood in
      the group of women with CPP (ODDS = 5.25 and 9.0). CONCLUSION: The data reinforce
      the link between mood disorders and CPP. The preview evidences about the
      association between CPP and early traumas tended not to be significant after a
      stronger methodological control was implemented.

PMID- 27679774
TI  - Self-reported and behavioural impulsivity in anorexia nervosa.
AB  - AIM: To examine how self-reported and behavioural impulsivity are related in
      anorexia nervosa (AN). METHODS: Twenty-four females with AN and 25 healthy
      controls (HC) participant in the study. Self-reported impulsivity was assessed
      with the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11). The scale yields three second
      order factors: Attentional, motor and non-planning. Behavioural impulsivity was
      investigated with the continuous performance test (CPT), a computer-based task of
      sustained attention in which numbers are flashed briefly on screen and
      participants are required to click the mouse when the same number appears
      consecutively. The rate of commission and omission errors can be used a measure
      of behavioural imulsivity. RESULTS: AN participants self-reported increased
      attentional [AN: 20.67 (3.64), HC: 13.88 (2.91), P = 0.001] and reduced motor
      impulsivity [AN: 11.55 (2.28), HC: 14.08 (2.78), P = 0.002]. The rate of omission
      or commission errors on the CPT did not differ between groups (P > 0.05). BIS-11
      and CPT measures did not significantly correlate, but attentional impulsivity was
      related to negative mood states in AN (depression: r = 0.52, P = 0.010, anxiety:
      r = 0.55, P = 0.006, stress: r = 0.57, P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: The discrepancy
      between self-reported and behavioural impulsivity are discussed in terms of
      perfectionism in AN. Furthermore, it is suggested that improving negative mood
      states may resolve this inconsistency in AN.

PMID- 27679772
TI  - Self-worth and psychological adjustment of obese children: An analysis through
      the Draw-A-Person.
AB  - AIM: To investigate psychopathological correlates of child obesity via the Draw-A
      Person test (DAP). METHODS: The participants were 50 children with a mean age of
      9.74 years. Body mass index (BMI) was used as a measure of body fat. Children
      were divided into normal (n = 17), overweight (n = 14) and obese (n = 19). Two
      qualitative methods of scoring the DAP based on an integrative approach were used
      to assess self-concept (ESW) and overall level of children's adjustment (EAC). A
      procedure for judging interpretative skills of clinicians was implemented before
      they evaluated children's drawings. RESULTS: As predicted by our hypothesis, BMI
      was negatively correlated with ESW, r (50) = -0.29, P < 0.05, but not with EAC, r
      (50) = - 0.08, P = ns. To evaluate the effect of gender, Pearson correlations
      were re-computed regrouping the sample accordingly: BMI and EAC reached a
      significant negative correlation in female subjects, r (24) = -0.36, P < 0.05,
      and a positive correlation in male subjects, r (26) = 0.37, P = < 0.05; negative
      correlation between BMI and ESW became stronger in females, r (24) = -0.51, P <
      0.01 but not in males, whose correlation disappeared resulting not-significant, r
      (26) = -0.06, P = ns. No effect of age was found. Results indicate that obesity
      has a negative correlation exclusively on overall adjustment and self-concept in
      female children. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that there is a negative bias
      toward females that reveals how the stigma of obesity is widespread in Western
      society.

PMID- 27679776
TI  - Agreement and conversion formula between mini-mental state examination and
      montreal cognitive assessment in an outpatient sample.
AB  - AIM: To explore the agreement between the mini-mental state examination (MMSE)
      and montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) within community dwelling older patients
      attending an old age psychiatry service and to derive and test a conversion
      formula between the two scales. METHODS: Prospective study of consecutive
      patients attending outpatient services. Both tests were administered by the same
      researcher on the same day in random order. RESULTS: The total sample (n = 135)
      was randomly divided into two groups. One to derive a conversion rule (n = 70),
      and a second (n = 65) in which this rule was tested. The agreement (Pearson's r)
      of MMSE and MoCA was 0.86 (P < 0.001), and Lin's concordance correlation
      coefficient (CCC) was 0.57 (95%CI: 0.45-0.66). In the second sample MoCA scores
      were converted to MMSE scores according to a conversion rule from the first
      sample which achieved agreement with the original MMSE scores of 0.89 (Pearson's
      r, P < 0.001) and CCC of 0.88 (95%CI: 0.82-0.92). CONCLUSION: Although the two
      scales overlap considerably, the agreement is modest. The conversion rule derived
      herein demonstrated promising accuracy and warrants further testing in other
      populations.

PMID- 27679777
TI  - Comparative effectiveness of quetiapine and haloperidol in delirium: A single
      blind randomized controlled study.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of quetiapine and haloperidol in patients of
      delirium referred to psychiatry consultation liaison services. METHODS: The study
      followed a single blind randomised controlled trial design. Thirty-two patients
      in the haloperidol group and 31 patients in the quetiapine group were assessed at
      the baseline and 6 consecutive days. Flexible dosing regimen (haloperidol: 0.25
      1.25 mg; quetiapine 12.5-75 mg/d) was used. Delirium Rating Scale-Revised-98 (DRS
      R-98) and mini mental status examination (MMSE) were the primary and secondary
      efficacy measures respectively. RESULTS: Baseline DRS-R-98 severity score and
      MMSE scores did not differ between the 2 study groups. From baseline to day 6,
      there was significant reduction in the total DRS-R-98 scores, DRS-R-98 cognitive
      domain scores, DRS-R-98 non-cognitive domain scores and significant increase in
      the MMSE scores in both the groups. Both the groups did not differ on any of the
      assessments in terms of DRS-R98 and MMSE scores. The effectiveness of both the
      medications was similar in adult and elderly (>= 60 years) patients. At the end
      of the trial, 68.75% and 67.74% of subjects in the haloperidol and quetiapine
      group respectively had mean DRS-R-98 scores below 10. By 6(th) day, 12 (37.5%)
      patients in haloperidol group and 9 (29.03%) patients in the quetiapine group had
      DRS-R98 score of "0" with no significant difference between the two groups (P =
      0.47). CONCLUSION: Quetiapine is as effective as haloperidol in the management of
      delirium.

PMID- 27679778
TI  - Cognitive behavioural therapy for auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia: A
      review.
AB  - AIM: To provide an updated of recent findings about efficacy of cognitive
      behavior therapy (CBT) in reduction of command hallucinations. METHODS:
      PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied
      Health Literature, PsycINFO, ClinicalTrial.gov searches were performed using the
      keywords "hallucinations", "behavioural therapy" and " cognitive therapy" in
      order to identify relevant articles published during the years of 2011 to 2016.
      No language limits were used. Studies conducted within control group, reviews,
      editorials, were excluded. Data on efficacy, acceptability and tolerability were
      extracted by three authors independently. Disagreements were resolved in a
      consensus meeting or by another reviewer. RESULTS: A total of eight articles were
      eligible for inclusion. Two are randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and six are
      observational studies. The two RCTs included showed a greater efficacy of CBT
      compared to standard care on auditory hallucinations (AHs). Nevertheless, they
      considered different CBT models, particularly Treatment of Resistant Command
      Hallucinations and Cognitive Therapy for Command Hallucinations. As regards non
      RCT-studies, all papers included showed reduction on frequency and severity of
      AHs and distress related to them. However, the lack of content details within non
      RCTs studies decreased their comparability. In terms of predictive variables, our
      findings show that negative symptoms at baseline appeared to be the strongest
      predictor of the treatment efficacy. Indeed, negative symptoms showed a
      significant negative correlation on outcome. CONCLUSION: Although more conclusive
      studies are still needed, we found some preliminary evidence for the efficacy of
      CBT in the treatment of command hallucinations.

PMID- 27679779
TI  - Understanding the paranoid psychosis of James: Use of the repertory grid
      technique for case conceptualization.
AB  - In this paper we illustrate the potential of the repertory grid technique as an
      instrument for case formulation and understanding of the personal perception and
      meanings of people with a diagnosis of psychotic disorders. For this purpose, the
      case of James is presented: A young man diagnosed with schizophrenia and
      personality disorder, with severe persecutory delusions and other positive
      symptoms that have not responded to antipsychotic medication, as well with
      depressive symptomatology. His case was selected because of the way his symptoms
      are reflected in his personal perception of self and others, including his main
      persecutory figure, in the different measures that result from the analysis of
      his repertory grid. Some key clinical hypotheses and possible targets for therapy
      are discussed. 

PMID- 27679780
TI  - CD4-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: A variant with aggressive clinical
      potential.
AB  - CD4 expression is rare in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), with 4
      previously reported cases. Its significance is uncertain. We report five patients
      with CD4(+) DLBCL and one CD4(+) primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma. Cases
      were identified by searching the electronic database of the department; each was
      reviewed. Average age was 56 years. Neoplastic cells expressed CD20 (5/6 tested
      cases). BCL2/BCL6 expression were seen in 3/3 tested cases, suggesting a germinal
      center origin. Additionally, expression of T-cell antigens CD2 and CD5 was noted
      in 2/2 and CD7 in 1/1 tested case. CD3 was negative in all. Lymph nodes were
      commonly involved (67%). Patients received chemotherapy +/- radiation (6/6) and
      bone marrow transplant (2/6). Average survival was 44.2 mo. CD4 expression in
      DLBCL raises questions of lineage commitment. CD4(+) DLBCL is rare; care should
      be exercised not to diagnose these as T-cell lymphomas. A subset behaves
      aggressively. 

PMID- 27679781
TI  - Modified skin bridge technique for ilio-inguinal lymph node dissection: A
      forgotten technique revisited.
AB  - Ilio-inguinal lymph node dissection (IILD) is a commonly performed surgical
      procedure for a number of malignant conditions involving mainly the male and
      female genitalia, and the skin; however the postoperative morbidity of IILD, due
      to high frequency of flap necrosis, wound infection and seroma formation, has
      always been a major concern for the surgeons. The aim of the study is to
      highlight a modified skin bridge technique of IILD using two parallel curvilinear
      incisions to minimize postoperative skin flap necrosis. This technique was
      successfully employed in 38 IILD during May 2012 to November 2013. None of the
      patient had flap necrosis. Two patients developed seroma while another two
      patients had superficial surgical site infection; they were managed
      conservatively. Modified skin bridge technique for IILD is an effective method to
      minimize flap necrosis without compromising the oncological safety. 

PMID- 27679782
TI  - Adjuvant role of Pseudomonas flagellin for Acinetobacter baumannii biofilm
      associated protein.
AB  - AIM: To study immunogenicity of Pseudomonas N terminal flagellin as an adjuvant
      for Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) biofilm associated protein (Bap).
      METHODS: The N terminal flagellin gene was amplified. The pET28a (+) and
      polymerase chain reaction products were digested with HindIII and EcoR I. The
      ligation of N terminal flagellin into pET28a (?+) was performed using T4 DNA
      ligase and was then transformed into Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) as a suitable
      expression host. pET28a (?+) vector harboring a conserved region of Bap from our
      previous work was used. The recombinant proteins were expressed, analyzed by SDS
      PAGE method and was purified by affinity chromatography with His-Tag residues
      followed by confirmation with western blotting. Mice were immunized with
      recombinant N terminal flagellin and Bap subunits. The immunized animals were
      intranasally (i.n) challenged with A. baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P.
      aeruginosa). RESULTS: The flagellin enhanced the immunogenicity of Bap causing an
      increase in specific IgG titers in serum (P < 0.001). Internal organs, i.e.,
      liver, lung and spleen of the Bap-Flagellin immunized group challenged with A.
      baumannii showed significantly lower bacterial load compared to the control
      group. The bacterial loads were studied in internal organs. A. baumannii infected
      immunized animals with Bap-Flagellin exhibited internal organs with minor
      bacterial load while P. aeruginosa PAO1 infected group showed heavy bacterial
      load of (4.3 +/- 0.12) * 10(6), (1.1 +/- 0.01) * 10(6) and (2.2 +/- 0.22) * 10(6)
      per gram of lungs, liver and spleen respectively. Bacterial loads were detected
      per gram of lungs, liver and spleen of the mice group immunized with Bap were
      (1.2 +/- 0.06) * 10(7), (11.1 +/- 0.041) * 10(5) and (3.6 +/- 0.42) * 10(6)
      respectively. In vivo neutralization assay indicated that all experimental mice
      groups, except for Flagellin administered group was significantly (P < 0.05)
      protected against A. baumannii. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that P.
      aeruginosa Flagellin as an adjuvant for Bap A. baumannii could be a useful model
      to evaluate new vaccine against A. baumannii.

PMID- 27679783
TI  - Prevalence of diabetes mellitus among children and adolescents in the district of
      Abidjan in Cote d'Ivoire: a population-based study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: World Health Organization has predicted a worldwide rise in the
      prevalence of diabetes mellitus. Cote d'Ivoire is not exempted as evidenced by
      such factors as obesity and sedentary life style amongst others. The objective of
      the study was to determine the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) among
      children and adolescents in the district of Abidjan in Cote d'Ivoire. METHODS: A
      cross-sectional descriptive survey using a multi-stage sampling approach was
      conducted from March to April 2013. 1572 children and adolescents aged 02-19
      years were surveyed in 687 randomly selected households in three municipalities.
      Capillary fasting glucose was performed in all subjects, and when abnormal was
      followed by an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). Definitions of Impaired
      Fasting Glucose (IFG) and DM (Diabetes Mellitus) were according to International
      Society for Paediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) Guidelines. RESULTS: The
      prevalence of DM and IFG were 0.4 % and 14.5 % respectively. There was no
      significant differences between patients with different glycemic status in terms
      of ethnicity/nationality (p = 0.98) or gender (0.079). In the rural areas, 565
      (81.1 %) subjects were normoglycaemic and 132 (18.9 %) subjects hyperglycaemic
      while there were 773 (88.3 %) normoglycaemic subjects and 102 (11.7 %)
      hyperglycaemic subjects respectively from the urban areas of residence and this
      difference was statistically significant (p = 0.000). The prevalence of diabetes
      mellitus was identical (0.4 %) in the two age groups (2-9 years and 10-19 years).
      Seventy-seven (4.9 %) children who participated in the study had at least one
      diabetic parent. The proportion of participants with a diabetic father (59, 3.8.
      %) was twice the proportion with a diabetic mother (30,1.9 %) and this was
      statistically significant (p = 0.002). Only 10 out of 228 patients with IFG
      reported for the follow up OGTT and no impaired glucose tolerance was identified
      in these patients. CONCLUSION: The prevalence rate of DM among children and
      adolescents was 0.4 %. Nationwide awareness campaigns and prevention programmes
      about diabetes in childhood should be instituted and existing ones strengthened.
      Adequate commitment from the relevant stakeholders especially the country's
      ministry of health is also advocated to stem this looming epidemic.

PMID- 27679784
TI  - Cost Estimation of Road Traffic Injuries Among Iranian Motorcyclists Using the
      Willingness to Pay Method.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Motorcycle riders are amongst some of the most vulnerable road users.
      The burden of motorcycles injuries from low and middle income countries is under
      reported. OBJECTIVES: In this study, the cost of traffic injuries among
      motorcyclists was calculated using the willingness to pay (WTP) method in Iran in
      2013. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, 143 motorcyclists were
      randomly selected. The research questionnaire was prepared based on the standard
      WTP method [stated preference (SP), contingent value (CV) and revealed preference
      (RP) models] taking into consideration perceived risks, especially those in Iran.
      Data were collected by a scenario for motorcyclists. The criteria for inclusion
      in the study consisted of having at least a high school education and being in
      the age range of 18 - 65 years. The final analysis of the WTP data was performed
      using the Weibull model. RESULTS: The mean WTP was 888,110 IRR (Iranian Rial)
      among motorcyclists. The statistical value of life was estimated according to
      4694 death cases as 3,146,225,350,943 IRR, which was equivalent to USD
      104,874,178 based on the dollar free market rate of 30,000 IRR (purchasing power
      parity). The cost of injury was 6,903,839,551,000 IRR, equivalent to USD
      230,127,985 (based upon 73,325 injured motorcyclists in 2013, a daily traffic
      volume of 311, and a daily payment of 12,110 IRR for 250 working days). In total,
      injury and death cases came to 10,050,094,901,943 IRR, equivalent to USD
      335,003,163. Willingness to pay had a significant relationship with having
      experienced an accident, the length of the daily trip (in km), and helmet use (P
      < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Willingness to pay can be affected by experiencing an
      accident, the distance of the daily trip, and helmet use. The cost of traffic
      injuries among motorcyclists shows that this rate is much higher than the global
      average. Thus, expenditure should be made on effective initiatives such as the
      safety of motorcyclists.

PMID- 27679785
TI  - Surgical Treatment of Unstable Distal Radius Fractures With a Volar Variable
      Angle Locking Plate: Clinical and Radiological Outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Unstable distal end radius fractures are difficult to manage and so
      various treatment modalities have been described. The use of variable-angle
      locking plates is promoted for the management of these fractures. OBJECTIVES:
      This study aimed to evaluate the functional and radiological outcomes in unstable
      distal end radius fractures treated with variable-angle locking plates. PATIENTS
      AND METHODS: We reviewed 23 unstable distal end radius fractures that were
      treated at our institution with volar variable-angle locking plates. The mean age
      of the patients was 32.82 +/- 11.81 years (range 19 to 62) and the mean duration
      of follow-up was 11.04 +/- 2.47 months (range 6 to 15). All of the patients
      underwent open reduction and internal fixation with a variable-angle locking
      plate. Radiological parameters such as radial inclination, length, tilt, and
      ulnar variance were measured at six weeks and at the final follow-up. The
      functional evaluation was conducted by measuring the range of motion at the wrist
      joint as well as the grip strength. Gartland and Werley's demerit scoring system
      was used to assess the final outcome. RESULTS: There were two cases of
      superficial infection that responded to oral antibiotics. One patient had
      developed a hypertrophic scar, while another had carpal tunnel syndrome that was
      conservatively managed. There was a significant improvement in the functional
      indices from six weeks to the final follow-up, while the radiological parameters
      were maintained. According to Gartland and Werley, excellent results were
      reported in 65.2% cases, while good results were present in 35% cases.
      CONCLUSIONS: The use of variable-angle locking plates in treating unstable distal
      end radius fractures is associated with excellent to good functional outcomes
      with minimal complications.

PMID- 27679786
TI  - Bilateral Facial Paralysis Caused by Temporal Bone Fracture: A Case Report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Although bilateral facial nerve palsy is a rare condition, its
      etiology is more detectable than the unilateral type. A temporal bone fracture is
      one cause of bilateral facial nerve palsy, contributing in 3% of the cases. CASE
      PRESENTATION: Here, we report the case of a 35-year-old man complaining of
      bilateral incomplete eye closure, two weeks after a closed head injury caused by
      a motor vehicle accident. CONCLUSIONS: The high resolution computed tomography
      findings revealed a bilateral temporal bone fracture line, which extended to the
      fallopian canal. With regard to treatment, near complete recovery was obvious
      after two weeks of treatment with oral corticosteroids. Overall, bilateral facial
      palsy is hard to diagnose; therefore, clinical suspicion and the early detection
      of facial nerve injuries is necessary for good nerve recovery in temporal bone
      fractures.

PMID- 27679787
TI  - A Conservative Approach to the Management of a Dental Trauma for Immediate
      Natural Esthetics.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The fracture of front teeth is one of the routine presentations of
      traumatic injuries. The treatment of a fractured tooth involving the pulp
      includes root canal therapy and post placement followed by core build-up or by
      the extraction of the fractured tooth if it is not restorable. CASE PRESENTATION:
      We report a case of an adult male who had traumatized both his maxillary central
      incisors following a blow experienced during domestic violence. He had lost a
      fractured fragment of the right central incisor, while the left incisor had
      complicated fractures with fragments retained attached to the soft tissue.
      Following radiovisiography (RVG), both incisors were conservatively treated in a
      single visit by reattachment and post and core techniques. CONCLUSIONS: The
      treatment reported for reattachment of the tooth fractures and post and core
      techniques are reasonably easy while providing immediate and lasting results in
      patients' regaining of social confidence and functionality.

PMID- 27679788
TI  - Trends in Road Traffic Deaths in Yazd, Iran, 2004 - 2010.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Road traffic deaths are a considerable public health problem and a
      major source of lost financial and human resources. Most mortality occurs in low-
      and middle-income countries. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to measure road traffic
      fatality rates and years of lost life, and also to depict a view of trends in
      road traffic deaths from 2004 to 2010 in Yazd city, a province in central Iran.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective case study analyzed road traffic deaths
      that were classified under the V01 - V99 codes of the ICD-10 in Yazd province
      from March 2004 to March 2010, using data that were collected from the death
      registration system of the Yazd province health center. Cases were classified
      according to age, sex, time of year, and residence (urban vs. rural). Years of
      lost life and road fatality rate per 100,000 people were calculated. Data were
      analyzed using chi-square test and ANOVA with SPSS 16. RESULTS: During the seven
      year period of this study, 3,028 people in Yazd province died due to road traffic
      accidents (9.1% of total deaths in the province). Most deaths occurred among
      people aged 20-24 (15%), men (82.7%), and urban residents (82.6%). Total years of
      lost life (YLL) were 73,875 (60,337 and 13,489 in men and women, respectively).
      The road traffic fatality rate per 100,000 was 47.6 in 2004 and 37.6 in 2010. In
      the study period, the rate of traffic fatalities decreased for men (from 77.9 to
      68.5) but this is not the case for women (from 14.8 to 19.2). Road traffic deaths
      peaked every summer. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the overall reduction trend, the road
      traffic fatality rate in Yazd province is still alarmingly high compared to
      national and global data. In addition, the female population shows increasing
      death rates. These findings can serve as a basis for health care professionals
      and policymakers to conduct preventive measures, especially during summer, and
      plan specifically for reducing fatalities in the female population.

PMID- 27679789
TI  - Hemoglobin-Based Oxygen Carrier for Traumatic Hemorrhagic Shock Treatment in a
      Jehovah's Witness.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Treatment of severe hemorrhagic shock due to acute blood loss from
      traumatic injuries in a Jehovah's witness (JW) trauma patient is very challenging
      since hemostatic blood product resuscitation is limited by refusal of the
      transfusion of allogeneic blood products. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a
      multifaceted approach to the clinical care of a severely anemic JW trauma patient
      including the early administration of a bovine hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier
      (HBOC) as a bridge to resolution of critical anemia (nadir hemoglobin 3.9 g/dL).
      Hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier infusions were used to supplement oxygen delivery
      until endogenous erythropoiesis could restore adequate red blood cell mass.
      Subsequent endogenous bone marrow recovery was supported by early administration
      of high-dose erythropoiesis-stimulating agents and iron supplementation.
      CONCLUSIONS: Early HBOC administration can be used in the treatment of severe
      hemorrhagic shock in trauma patients who refuse allogeneic blood.

PMID- 27679790
TI  - Road Traffic Related Injury Severity in Truck Drivers: A Prospective Medical and
      Technical Analysis of 582 Truck Crashes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While cyclists and pedestrians are known to be at significant risk
      for severe injuries when exposed to road traffic accidents (RTA) involving
      trucks, little is known about RTA injury risk for truck drivers. OBJECTIVES: The
      aim of this study was to analyze the injury severity in truck drivers following
      RTAs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Our local accident research unit prospectively
      documented 43000 RTAs involving 582 trucks between 2000 and 2011. Injury
      severity, including the abbreviated injury scale (AIS) and the maximum
      abbreviated injury scale (MAIS) were analyzed. Technical parameters (e.g. delta
      v, direction of impact), the location of accident, and its dependency on the road
      type were also taken into consideration. RESULTS: Thirteen percent (77/582) of
      truck drivers were injured. Extremities were found to be at highest risk of
      injury with the lower extremities (36x) being injured most severely (10x: AIS 2
      and 3). Death occurred only after collisions with other trucks, and severity of
      injuries increased with an increased speed limit. The maximum abbreviated injury
      scale was higher in the crash opponents (56x MAIS >= 3) compared to the truck
      drivers (8x MAIS >= 3). Overall, 82% of the crash opponents were injured.
      CONCLUSIONS: The safety of truck drivers is assured by their vehicles, the
      consequence being that the risk of becoming injured is likely to be low. However,
      the legs especially are at high risk for severe injuries during RTAs. This
      probability increases in the instance of a collision with another truck.
      Nevertheless, in RTAs involving trucks and regular passenger vehicles, the other
      party is in higher risk of injury.

PMID- 27679791
TI  - Fear of Neighborhood Violence During Adolescence Predicts Development of Obesity
      a Decade Later: Gender Differences Among African Americans.
AB  - BACKGROUND: African American youth are more likely than other racial and ethnic
      groups to be obese. African American youth are also more likely to live in
      disadvantaged neighborhoods which increase their victimization, observation, and
      fear of violence. OBJECTIVES: This study tested if victimization, observation,
      and fear of violence in the neighborhood during adolescence predict trajectory of
      body mass index (BMI) in the 3rd decade of life in African Americans. PATIENTS
      AND METHODS: Data came from an 18-year community-based cohort. We used multi
      group latent growth curve modeling for data analysis, considering neighborhood
      violence at age 15 (i.e. victimization, observation, and fear) as predictors, and
      the linear slope for the average change in BMI from age 21 to 32 as the outcome,
      with age and socioeconomic status (i.e. intact family and parental employment) as
      covariates. RESULTS: Fear of neighborhood violence at age 15 was predictive of an
      increase in BMI from age 21 to 32 among female but not male African Americans.
      Victimization and observation of violence at age 15 did not predict BMI change
      from age 21 to 32 among female or male African Americans. CONCLUSIONS: Fear of
      neighborhood violence is a contributing factor to increased risk of obesity for
      female African American youth who live in disadvantaged areas. This finding has
      implications for prevention of obesity among African American women who are at
      highest risk for obesity in the United States. Initiatives that enhance
      neighborhood safety are critical strategies for obesity prevention among African
      American women.

PMID- 27679792
TI  - "The NET Outcome": Are Neutrophil Extracellular Traps of Any Relevance to the
      Pathophysiology of Autoimmune Disorders in Childhood?
AB  - Neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation represents a form of cell death
      distinct from apoptosis or necrosis, by which invading pathogens are
      simultaneously entangled and potentially eliminated. Increased NET formation is
      observed in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis,
      antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated small vessel vasculitis,
      antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS), and psoriasis. NETs contribute to the
      pathogenesis of autoimmunity by exposing cryptic autoepitopes, which may
      facilitate the generation of autoantibodies, induce the production of
      interferons, and activate the complement cascade. In SLE, augmented disease
      activity and renal disease are associated with increased NET formation, so that
      NETs could serve as a marker for the monitoring of disease activity. NETs can
      additionally cause endothelial cell damage and death and stimulate inflammation
      in atheromatous plaques, adding to the accelerated atherosclerosis witnessed in
      autoimmune disease. Since NETs induce production of interferons, assessing the
      extent of NET formation might facilitate the prediction of IFN-alpha levels and
      identification of SLE patients with presumably better responses to anti-IFN-alpha
      therapies or other novel therapeutic concepts, such as N-acetyl-cysteine and
      inhibitors of DNase 1 and peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4), which also target
      NETs. In summary, the study of NETs provides a novel approach to the
      understanding of autoimmune disease pathogenesis in childhood and opens new
      vistas in the development of sensitive disease markers and targeted therapies. 

PMID- 27679793
TI  - An Effective Model for Improving Global Health Nursing Competence.
AB  - This paper proposed an effective model for improving global health nursing
      competence among undergraduate students. A descriptive case study was conducted
      by evaluation of four implemented programs by the author. All programs were
      conducted with students majoring in nursing and healthcare, where the researcher
      was a program director, professor, or facilitator. These programs were analyzed
      in terms of students' needs assessment, program design, and implementation and
      evaluation factors. The concept and composition of global nursing competence,
      identified within previous studies, were deemed appropriate in all of our
      programs. Program composition varied from curricular to extracurricular domains.
      During the implementation phase, some of the programs included non-Korean
      students to improve cultural diversity and overcome language barriers.
      Qualitative and quantitative surveys were conducted to assess program efficacy.
      Data triangulation from students' reflective journals was examined. Additionally,
      students' awareness regarding changes within global health nursing, improved
      critical thinking, cultural understanding, and global leadership skills were
      investigated pre- and post-program implementation. The importance of identifying
      students' needs regarding global nursing competence when developing appropriate
      curricula is discussed. 

PMID- 27679794
TI  - One Health Core Competency Domains.
AB  - The emergence of complex global challenges at the convergence of human, animal,
      and environmental health has catalyzed a movement supporting "One Health"
      approaches. Despite recognition of the importance of One Health approaches to
      address these complex challenges, little effort has been directed at identifying
      the seminal knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for individuals to
      successfully contribute to One Health efforts. Between 2008 and 2011, three
      groups independently embarked on separate initiatives to identify core
      competencies for professionals involved with One Health approaches. Core
      competencies were considered critically important for guiding curriculum
      development and continuing professional education, as they describe the
      knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to be effective. A workshop was
      convened in 2012 to synthesize the various strands of work on One Health
      competencies. Despite having different mandates, participants, and approaches,
      all of these initiatives identified similar core competency domains: management;
      communication and informatics; values and ethics; leadership; teams and
      collaboration; roles and responsibilities; and systems thinking. These core
      competency domains have been used to develop new continuing professional
      education programs for One Health professionals and help university curricula
      prepare new graduates to be able to contribute more effectively to One Health
      approaches. 

PMID- 27679795
TI  - Taking Severe Acute Malnutrition Treatment Back to the Community: Practical
      Experiences from Nutrition Coverage Surveys.
AB  - The community-based management of acute malnutrition treatment model was
      introduced to respond to the limited coverage of the inpatient model. Yet until
      the introduction of quick and low-cost approaches to measuring coverage, its
      reach was unknown. Once the Coverage Monitoring Network (CMN) had been created to
      roll out the routine measurement of direct coverage estimates to implementers,
      they found that programs were reaching only a third of cases. The barriers found
      to be limiting coverage were the result of the limited perceived value, and
      therefore focus, on the community. Therefore, the Network used the coverage
      assessment methodology as a way to encourage implementers to engage more fully
      with the community. By introducing small changes to the project cycle,
      specifically a participatory approach to assessments, program design and
      implementation, the CMN has changed the way implementers engage with the
      community. Instead of viewing them as passive receivers of services, they have
      shifted their perspective to view them as service delivery partners. The process
      provides implementers with a deeper understanding of the context while allowing
      the community to better understand the program, its challenges, and the
      identification of solutions. The Network observed implementers from Ministries of
      Health, and non-governmental organizations, adjusted their understanding and
      approach to service provision, which is critical if we are to see sustainable
      increases in program coverage. These experiences show that there is an appetite
      from implementers in multiple contexts for these practical and simple tools for
      re-engaging the community. 

PMID- 27679796
TI  - Contemporary Fatherhood and Its Consequences for Paternal Psychological Well
      being - A Cross-sectional Study of Fathers in Central Europe.
AB  - The emotional consequences of fatherhood are markedly conditional on the context
      in which fatherhood is lived out. This study examines the association between
      different contemporary forms of fatherhood and paternal psychological well-being.
      The data are from an anonymous online survey of 3615 biological fathers,
      stepfathers, adoptive fathers, and foster fathers across the German-speaking
      countries of Central Europe. First, a detailed characterization of the different
      existing family constellations is provided. Second, the consequences of these
      different contemporary forms of fatherhood for paternal psychological well-being
      are investigated. Fathers of all ages (M = 40.11, range: 19-72) with at least one
      child under the age of 18 were included in the present analysis (N = 2785). The
      presented findings demonstrate that a family structure consisting of two
      biological parents with biological children seems to be most beneficial to
      paternal well-being, while some other forms of contemporary fatherhood are
      associated with impaired well-being, independently of sociodemographic or
      relationship aspects. More specifically, a history of family separation in non
      residential biological fathers and blended-family fathers, and the concomitant
      loss of father-child contact, is shown to be particularly disadvantageous for the
      well-being of these fathers. Shared living arrangements, maintaining regular
      contact with biological children, or forming a new intact family could protect
      these fathers from negative outcomes. 

PMID- 27679797
TI  - Capitation-Based Financing Hampers the Provision of Preventive Services in
      Primary Health Care.
AB  - Mortality caused by non-communicable diseases has been extremely high in Hungary,
      which can largely be attributed to not performed preventive examinations (PEs) at
      the level of primary health care (PHC). Both structures and financial incentives
      are lacking, which could support the provision of legally defined PEs. A Model
      Programme was launched in Hungary in 2012 to adapt the recommendations for PHC of
      the World Health Organization. A baseline survey was carried out to describe the
      occurrence of not performed PEs. A sample of 4320 adults representative for
      Hungary by age and gender was surveyed. Twelve PEs to be performed in PHC as
      specified by a governmental decree were investigated and quantified. Not
      performed PEs per person per year with 95% confidence intervals were computed for
      age, gender, and education strata. The number of not performed PEs for the entire
      adult population of Hungary was estimated and converted into expenses according
      to the official reimbursement costs of the National Health Insurance Fund. The
      rate of service use varied between 16.7 and 70.2%. There was no correlation
      between the unit price of examinations and service use (r = 0.356; p = 0.267).
      The rate of not performed PEs was not related to gender, but older age and lower
      education proved to be risk factors. The total number of not performed PEs was
      over 17 million in the country. Of the 31 million euros saved by not paying for
      PEs, the largest share was not spent on those in the lowest educational category.
      New preventive services offered in the reoriented PHC model program include
      systematic and scheduled health examination health promotion programs at
      community settings, risk assessment followed by individual or group care, and/or
      referral and chronic care. The Model Programme has created a pressure for
      collaborative work, consultation, and engagement at each level, from the GPs and
      health mediators up to the decision-making level. It channeled the population
      into preventive health services shown by the fact that more than 80% of the
      population in the intervention area has already participated in the health status
      assessment. 

PMID- 27679798
TI  - The Role of Cardiac Side Population Cells in Cardiac Regeneration.
AB  - The heart has a limited ability to regenerate. It is important to identify
      therapeutic strategies that enhance cardiac regeneration in order to replace
      cardiomyocytes lost during the progression of heart failure. Cardiac progenitor
      cells are interesting targets for new regenerative therapies because they are
      self-renewing, multipotent cells located in the heart. Cardiac side population
      cells (cSPCs), the first cardiac progenitor cells identified in the adult heart,
      have the ability to differentiate into cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, smooth
      muscle cells, and fibroblasts. They become activated in response to cardiac
      injury and transplantation of cSPCs into the injured heart improves cardiac
      function. In this review, we will discuss the current literature on the
      progenitor cell properties and therapeutic potential of cSPCs. This body of work
      demonstrates the great promise cSPCs hold as targets for new regenerative
      strategies. 

PMID- 27679799
TI  - Prognostic Value of Initial Assessment of Residual Hypoventilation Using
      Nocturnal Capnography in Mechanically Ventilated Neuromuscular Patients: A 5-Year
      Follow-up Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Restrictive respiratory failure is a major cause of morbidity and
      mortality in neuromuscular diseases (NMD). Home mechanical ventilation (HMV) is
      used to treat hypoventilation, and its efficiency is mostly assessed by daytime
      blood gases or nocturnal oxygen saturation monitoring (SpO2). Non-invasive
      transcutaneous measure of CO2 (TcCO2) allows to directly assess nocturnal
      hypercapnia and to detect residual hypoventilation with a higher sensitivity than
      SpO2. We aimed to compare the prognostic value of nocturnal SpO2 and TcCO2 in
      ventilated adult NMD patients. METHODS: All consecutive capno-oximetries
      performed between 2010 and 2011 in ventilated adult NMD patients were analyzed
      retrospectively. Concomitant blood gas analysis and lung function data were
      collected. Patients on oxygen therapy were excluded. Nocturnal hypoxemia and
      hypercapnia (using four different definitions) at baseline were compared in their
      ability to predict mortality and respiratory events requiring ICU admission
      during follow-up. RESULTS: Data from 55 patients were analyzed (median age 28
      [interquartile range: 25-36.5] years; 71% Duchenne muscular dystrophy; vital
      capacity 12 [7-27]% of predicted; 51% tracheostomy). Capno-oxymetry showed
      hypoxemia in 14.5% and hypercapnia in 12.7-41.8%, according to the used
      definition. Over a follow-up lasting up to 5 years (median 4.0 [3.6-4.5] years),
      we observed 12 deaths and 20 respiratory events requiring ICU admission.
      Hypercapnia was significantly associated with the study outcomes, with TcCO2 > 49
      mmHg during >=10% of the time being the best definition, while hypoxemia was not.
      CONCLUSION: Our data show for the first time that residual hypoventilation,
      assessed by capnometry, is significantly associated with negative outcomes in
      adult ventilated NMD patients, while oximetry is not. Accordingly, we suggest
      capnometry to be included in the systematic assessment of HMV efficiency in NMD
      patients. CLINICALTRIALSGOV IDENTIFIER: NCT02551406.

PMID- 27679801
TI  - Perspectives in Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology.

PMID- 27679800
TI  - Investigating the Role of Large-Scale Domain Dynamics in Protein-Protein
      Interactions.
AB  - Intrinsically disordered linkers provide multi-domain proteins with degrees of
      conformational freedom that are often essential for function. These highly
      dynamic assemblies represent a significant fraction of all proteomes, and
      deciphering the physical basis of their interactions represents a considerable
      challenge. Here we describe the difficulties associated with mapping the large
      scale domain dynamics and describe two recent examples where solution state
      methods, in particular NMR spectroscopy, are used to investigate conformational
      exchange on very different timescales. 

PMID- 27679802
TI  - Mixing injector enables time-resolved crystallography with high hit rate at X-ray
      free electron lasers.
AB  - Knowledge of protein structure provides essential insight into function,
      enhancing our understanding of diseases and enabling new treatment development. X
      ray crystallography has been used to solve the structures of more than 100 000
      proteins; however, the vast majority represent long-lived states that do not
      capture the functional motions of these molecular machines. Reactions triggered
      by the addition of a ligand can be the most challenging to detect with
      crystallography because of the difficulty of synchronizing reactions to create
      detectable quantities of transient states. The development of X-ray free electron
      lasers (XFELs) and serial femtosecond crystallography (SFX) enables new
      approaches for solving protein structures following the rapid diffusion of
      ligands into micron sized protein crystals. Conformational changes occurring on
      millisecond timescales can be detected and time-resolved. Here, we describe a new
      XFEL injector which incorporates a microfluidic mixer to rapidly combine reactant
      and sample milliseconds before the sample reaches the X-ray beam. The mixing
      injector consists of bonded, concentric glass capillaries. The fabrication
      process, employing custom laser cut centering spacers and UV curable epoxy,
      ensures precise alignment of capillaries for repeatable, centered sample flow and
      dependable mixing. Crystal delivery capillaries are 50 or 75 MUm in diameter and
      can contain an integrated filter depending on the demands of the experiment.
      Reaction times can be varied from submillisecond to several hundred milliseconds.
      The injector features rapid and uniform mixing, low sample dilution, and high hit
      rates. It is fully compatible with existing SFX beamlines. 

PMID- 27679803
TI  - Persistent nonequilibrium dynamics of the thermal energies in the spin and phonon
      systems of an antiferromagnet.
AB  - We present a temperature and fluence dependent Ultrafast X-Ray Diffraction study
      of a laser-heated antiferromagnetic dysprosium thin film. The loss of
      antiferromagnetic order is evidenced by a pronounced lattice contraction. We
      devise a method to determine the energy flow between the phonon and spin system
      from calibrated Bragg peak positions in thermal equilibrium. Reestablishing the
      magnetic order is much slower than the cooling of the lattice, especially around
      the Neel temperature. Despite the pronounced magnetostriction, the transfer of
      energy from the spin system to the phonons in Dy is slow after the spin-order is
      lost. 

PMID- 27679805
TI  - Heartbeat: Do common genetic variants have a role in cardiovascular disease
      prediction?

PMID- 27679804
TI  - Light-induced structural changes in a monomeric bacteriophytochrome.
AB  - Phytochromes sense red light in plants and various microorganism. Light
      absorption causes structural changes within the protein, which alter its
      biochemical activity. Bacterial phytochromes are dimeric proteins, but the
      functional relevance of this arrangement remains unclear. Here, we use time
      resolved X-ray scattering to reveal the solution structural change of a monomeric
      variant of the photosensory core module of the phytochrome from Deinococcus
      radiodurans. The data reveal two motions, a bend and a twist of the PHY domain
      with respect to the chromophore-binding domains. Infrared spectroscopy shows the
      refolding of the PHY tongue. We conclude that a monomer of the phytochrome
      photosensory core is sufficient to perform the light-induced structural changes.
      This implies that allosteric cooperation with the other monomer is not needed for
      structural activation. The dimeric arrangement may instead be intrinsic to the
      biochemical output domains of bacterial phytochromes. 

PMID- 27679806
TI  - Contemporary diagnosis and management of pulmonary hypertension.

PMID- 27679807
TI  - Fontan conversion is a dated approach to the failing Fontan.

PMID- 27679808
TI  - British Heart Foundation reflections on research competition 2016.

PMID- 27679809
TI  - Towards an ab initio theory for metal L-edge soft X-ray spectroscopy of molecular
      aggregates.
AB  - The Frenkel exciton model was adapted to describe X-ray absorption and resonant
      inelastic scattering spectra of polynuclear transition metal complexes by means
      of the restricted active space self-consistent field method. The proposed
      approach allows to substantially decrease the requirements on computational
      resources if compared to a full supermolecular quantum chemical treatment. This
      holds true, in particular, in cases where the dipole approximation to the
      electronic transition charge density can be applied. The computational protocol
      was applied to the calculation of X-ray spectra of the hemin complex, which forms
      dimers in aqueous solution. The aggregation effects were found to be comparable
      to the spectral alterations due to the replacement of the axial ligand by solvent
      molecules. 

PMID- 27679810
TI  - Neural Correlates of the Time Marker for the Perception of Event Timing.
AB  - While sensory processing latency, inferred from the manual reaction time (RT), is
      substantially affected by diverse stimulus parameters, subjective temporal
      judgments are relatively accurate. The neural mechanisms underlying this timing
      perception remain obscure. Here, we measured human neural activity by
      magnetoencephalography while participants performed a simultaneity judgment task
      between the onset of random-dot coherent motion and a beep. In a separate
      session, participants performed an RT task for the same stimuli. We analyzed the
      relationship between neural activity evoked by motion onset and point of
      subjective simultaneity (PSS) or RT. The effect of motion coherence was smaller
      for PSS than RT, but changes in RT and PSS could both be predicted by the time at
      which an integrated sensory response crossed a threshold. The task differences
      could be ascribed to the lower threshold for PSS than for RT. In agreement with
      the psychophysical threshold difference, the participants reported longer delays
      in their motor response from the subjective motion onset for weaker stimuli.
      However, they could not judge the timing of stimuli weaker than the detection
      threshold. A possible interpretation of the present findings is that the brain
      assigns the time marker for timing perception prior to stimulus detection, but
      the time marker is available only after stimulus detection.

PMID- 27679812
TI  - Physiological, Behavioral, and Scientific Impact of Different Fluid Control
      Protocols in the Rhesus Macaque (Macaca mulatta).
AB  - Rhesus macaques are an important model in behavioral neuroscience due to their
      advanced cognitive abilities. To motivate animals to engage in complex tasks,
      fluid rewards, in conjunction with fluid control protocols, are often used. The
      impact of these protocols on animal welfare is controversial. We compared two
      fluid control protocols against a protocol providing free access to water and
      evaluated the impacts on physiological states of hydration, behavioral measures
      of welfare, and scientific output. Blood physiology did not significantly differ
      between any of the protocols, and urine measures were indicative of well
      functioning, healthy kidneys. Changes in behaviors were limited, the main one
      being an increase in motivation to drink on the stricter fluid control protocol,
      and improved task performance early in the week. Overall, fluid control protocols
      had little measurable impact on the welfare of rhesus macaques while ensuring
      that scientific data of high quality could be obtained.

PMID- 27679811
TI  - Adult Neurogenesis in the Female Mouse Hypothalamus: Estradiol and High-Fat Diet
      Alter the Generation of Newborn Neurons Expressing Estrogen Receptor alpha.
AB  - Estrogens and leptins act in the hypothalamus to maintain reproduction and energy
      homeostasis. Neurogenesis in the adult mammalian hypothalamus has been implicated
      in the regulation of energy homeostasis. Recently, high-fat diet (HFD) and
      estradiol (E2) have been shown to alter cell proliferation and the number of
      newborn leptin-responsive neurons in the hypothalamus of adult female mice. The
      current study tested the hypothesis that new cells expressing estrogen receptor
      alpha (ERalpha) are generated in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) and the ventromedial
      nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMH) of the adult female mouse, hypothalamic regions
      that are critical in energy homeostasis. Adult mice were ovariectomized and
      implanted with capsules containing E2 or oil. Within each hormone group, mice
      were fed an HFD or standard chow for 6 weeks and treated with BrdU to label new
      cells. Newborn cells that respond to estrogens were identified in the ARC and
      VMH, of which a subpopulation was leptin sensitive, indicating that the
      subpopulation consists of neurons. Moreover, there was an interaction between
      diet and hormone with an effect on the number of these newborn ERalpha-expressing
      neurons that respond to leptin. Regardless of hormone treatment, HFD increased
      the number of ERalpha-expressing cells in the ARC and VMH. E2 decreased
      hypothalamic fibroblast growth factor 10 (Fgf10) gene expression in HFD mice,
      suggesting a role for Fgf10 in E2 effects on neurogenesis. These findings of
      newly created estrogen-responsive neurons in the adult brain provide a novel
      mechanism by which estrogens can act in the hypothalamus to regulate energy
      homeostasis in females.

PMID- 27679813
TI  - Using a Semi-Automated Strategy to Develop Multi-Compartment Models That Predict
      Biophysical Properties of Interneuron-Specific 3 (IS3) Cells in Hippocampus.
AB  - Determining how intrinsic cellular properties govern and modulate neuronal input
      output processing is a critical endeavor for understanding microcircuit functions
      in the brain. However, lack of cellular specifics and nonlinear interactions
      prevent experiments alone from achieving this. Building and using cellular models
      is essential in these efforts. We focus on uncovering the intrinsic properties of
      mus musculus hippocampal type 3 interneuron-specific (IS3) cells, a cell type
      that makes GABAergic synapses onto specific interneuron types, but not pyramidal
      cells. While IS3 cell morphology and synaptic output have been examined, their
      voltage-gated ion channel profile and distribution remain unknown. We combined
      whole-cell patch-clamp recordings and two-photon dendritic calcium imaging to
      examine IS3 cell membrane and dendritic properties. Using these data as a target
      reference, we developed a semi-automated strategy to obtain multi-compartment
      models for a cell type with unknown intrinsic properties. Our approach is based
      on generating populations of models to capture determined features of the
      experimental data, each of which possesses unique combinations of channel types
      and conductance values. From these populations, we chose models that most closely
      resembled the experimental data. We used these models to examine the impact of
      specific ion channel combinations on spike generation. Our models predict that
      fast delayed rectifier currents should be present in soma and proximal dendrites,
      and this is confirmed using immunohistochemistry. Further, without A-type
      potassium currents in the dendrites, spike generation is facilitated at more
      distal synaptic input locations. Our models will help to determine the functional
      role of IS3 cells in hippocampal microcircuits.

PMID- 27679814
TI  - Gain- and Loss-Related Brain Activation Are Associated with Information Search
      Differences in Risky Gambles: An fMRI and Eye-Tracking Study.
AB  - People differ in the way they approach and handle choices with unsure outcomes.
      In this study, we demonstrate that individual differences in the neural
      processing of gains and losses relates to attentional differences in the way
      individuals search for information in gambles. Fifty subjects participated in two
      independent experiments. Participants first completed an fMRI experiment
      involving financial gains and losses. Subsequently, they performed an eye
      tracking experiment on binary choices between risky gambles, each displaying
      monetary outcomes and their respective probabilities. We find that individual
      differences in gain and loss processing relate to attention distribution.
      Individuals with a stronger reaction to gains in the ventromedial prefrontal
      cortex paid more attention to monetary amounts, while a stronger reaction in the
      ventral striatum to losses was correlated with an increased attention to
      probabilities. Reaction in the posterior cingulate cortex to losses was also
      found to correlate with an increased attention to probabilities. Our data show
      that individual differences in brain activity and differences in information
      search processes are closely linked.

PMID- 27679815
TI  - A pi-gel scaffold for assembling fullerene to photoconducting supramolecular
      rods.
AB  - Nonequilibrium self-assembly of molecules holds a huge prospect as a tool for
      obtaining new-generation materials for future applications. Crystallization of
      neutral molecules within a supramolecular gel matrix is one example in which two
      nonequilibrium processes occur orthogonal to each other. On the other hand,
      electronically interacting donor-acceptor two-component systems are expected to
      form phase-miscible hybrid systems. Contrary to the expectation, we report the
      behavior of a pi-gel, derived from oligo(p-phenylenevinylene), OPVA, as a
      scaffold for the phase separation and crystallization of fullerene (C60) to
      supramolecular rods with increased transient photoconductivity (phi?MUmax = 2.4 *
      10-4 cm2 V-1 s-1). The C60 supramolecular rods in the pi-gel medium exhibited
      high photocurrent in comparison to C60 loaded in a non-pi-gel medium. This
      finding provides an opportunity for large-scale preparation of micrometer-sized
      photoconducting rods of fullerenes for device application.

PMID- 27679818
TI  - Belousov-Zhabotinsky autonomic hydrogel composites: Regulating waves via
      asymmetry.
AB  - Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) autonomic hydrogel composites contain active nodes of
      immobilized catalyst (Ru) encased within a nonactive matrix. Designing functional
      hierarchies of chemical and mechanical communication between these nodes enables
      applications ranging from encryption, sensors, and mechanochemical actuators to
      artificial skin. However, robust design rules and verification of computational
      models are challenged by insufficient understanding of the relative importance of
      local (molecular) heterogeneities, active node shape, and embedment geometry on
      transient and steady-state behavior. We demonstrate the predominance of
      asymmetric embedment and node shape in low-strain, BZ-gelatin composites and
      correlate behavior with gradients in BZ reactants. Asymmetric embedment of square
      and rectangular nodes results in directional steady-state waves that initiate at
      the embedded edge and propagate toward the free edge. In contrast, symmetric
      embedment does not produce preferential wave propagation because of a lack of
      diffusion gradient across the catalyzed region. The initiation at the embedded
      edge is correlated with bromide absorption by the inactive matrix, which locally
      elevates the bromate concentration required for catalyst oxidation. The
      competition between embedment asymmetry and node geometry was used to demonstrate
      a repeatable switch in wave direction that functions as a signal delay.
      Furthermore, signal propagation in or out of the composite was demonstrated via
      embedment asymmetry and relative dimensions of a T-shaped active network node.
      Overall, structural asymmetry provides a robust approach to controlling
      initiation and orientation of chemical-mechanical communication within composite
      BZ gels.

PMID- 27679816
TI  - Native phasing of x-ray free-electron laser data for a G protein-coupled
      receptor.
AB  - Serial femtosecond crystallography (SFX) takes advantage of extremely bright and
      ultrashort pulses produced by x-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs), allowing for
      the collection of high-resolution diffraction intensities from micrometer-sized
      crystals at room temperature with minimal radiation damage, using the principle
      of "diffraction-before-destruction." However, de novo structure factor phase
      determination using XFELs has been difficult so far. We demonstrate the ability
      to solve the crystallographic phase problem for SFX data collected with an XFEL
      using the anomalous signal from native sulfur atoms, leading to a bias-free room
      temperature structure of the human A2A adenosine receptor at 1.9 A resolution.
      The advancement was made possible by recent improvements in SFX data analysis and
      the design of injectors and delivery media for streaming hydrated microcrystals.
      This general method should accelerate structural studies of novel difficult-to
      crystallize macromolecules and their complexes.

PMID- 27679819
TI  - Geodetic measurements reveal similarities between post-Last Glacial Maximum and
      present-day mass loss from the Greenland ice sheet.
AB  - Accurate quantification of the millennial-scale mass balance of the Greenland ice
      sheet (GrIS) and its contribution to global sea-level rise remain challenging
      because of sparse in situ observations in key regions. Glacial isostatic
      adjustment (GIA) is the ongoing response of the solid Earth to ice and ocean load
      changes occurring since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM; ~21 thousand years ago)
      and may be used to constrain the GrIS deglaciation history. We use data from the
      Greenland Global Positioning System network to directly measure GIA and estimate
      basin-wide mass changes since the LGM. Unpredicted, large GIA uplift rates of +12
      mm/year are found in southeast Greenland. These rates are due to low upper mantle
      viscosity in the region, from when Greenland passed over the Iceland hot spot
      about 40 million years ago. This region of concentrated soft rheology has a
      profound influence on reconstructing the deglaciation history of Greenland. We
      reevaluate the evolution of the GrIS since LGM and obtain a loss of 1.5-m sea
      level equivalent from the northwest and southeast. These same sectors are
      dominating modern mass loss. We suggest that the present destabilization of these
      marine-based sectors may increase sea level for centuries to come. Our new
      deglaciation history and GIA uplift estimates suggest that studies that use the
      Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment satellite mission to infer present-day
      changes in the GrIS may have erroneously corrected for GIA and underestimated the
      mass loss by about 20 gigatons/year.

PMID- 27679817
TI  - Single-neuron and genetic correlates of autistic behavior in macaque.
AB  - Atypical neurodevelopment in autism spectrum disorder is a mystery, defying
      explanation despite increasing attention. We report on a Japanese macaque that
      spontaneously exhibited autistic traits, namely, impaired social ability as well
      as restricted and repetitive behaviors, along with our single-neuron and genomic
      analyses. Its social ability was measured in a turn-taking task, where two
      monkeys monitor each other's actions for adaptive behavioral planning. In its
      brain, the medial frontal neurons responding to others' actions, abundant in the
      controls, were almost nonexistent. In its genes, whole-exome sequencing and copy
      number variation analyses identified rare coding variants linked to human
      neuropsychiatric disorders in 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) receptor 2C (HTR2C)
      and adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-binding cassette subfamily A13 (ABCA13). This
      combination of systems neuroscience and cognitive genomics in macaques suggests a
      new, phenotype-to-genotype approach to studying mental disorders.

PMID- 27679821
TI  - From damage to discovery via virtual unwrapping: Reading the scroll from En-Gedi.
AB  - Computer imaging techniques are commonly used to preserve and share readable
      manuscripts, but capturing writing locked away in ancient, deteriorated documents
      poses an entirely different challenge. This software pipeline-referred to as
      "virtual unwrapping"-allows textual artifacts to be read completely and
      noninvasively. The systematic digital analysis of the extremely fragile En-Gedi
      scroll (the oldest Pentateuchal scroll in Hebrew outside of the Dead Sea Scrolls)
      reveals the writing hidden on its untouchable, disintegrating sheets. Our
      approach for recovering substantial ink-based text from a damaged object results
      in readable columns at such high quality that serious critical textual analysis
      can occur. Hence, this work creates a new pathway for subsequent textual
      discoveries buried within the confines of damaged materials.

PMID- 27679822
TI  - Additive lattice kirigami.
AB  - Kirigami uses bending, folding, cutting, and pasting to create complex three
      dimensional (3D) structures from a flat sheet. In the case of lattice kirigami,
      this cutting and rejoining introduces defects into an underlying 2D lattice in
      the form of points of nonzero Gaussian curvature. A set of simple rules was
      previously used to generate a wide variety of stepped structures; we now pare
      back these rules to their minimum. This allows us to describe a set of techniques
      that unify a wide variety of cut-and-paste actions under the rubric of lattice
      kirigami, including adding new material and rejoining material across arbitrary
      cuts in the sheet. We also explore the use of more complex lattices and the
      different structures that consequently arise. Regardless of the choice of
      lattice, creating complex structures may require multiple overlapping kirigami
      cuts, where subsequent cuts are not performed on a locally flat lattice. Our
      additive kirigami method describes such cuts, providing a simple methodology and
      a set of techniques to build a huge variety of complex 3D shapes.

PMID- 27679820
TI  - Mechanical assembly of complex, 3D mesostructures from releasable multilayers of
      advanced materials.
AB  - Capabilities for assembly of three-dimensional (3D) micro/nanostructures in
      advanced materials have important implications across a broad range of
      application areas, reaching nearly every class of microsystem technology.
      Approaches that rely on the controlled, compressive buckling of 2D precursors are
      promising because of their demonstrated compatibility with the most sophisticated
      planar technologies, where materials include inorganic semiconductors, polymers,
      metals, and various heterogeneous combinations, spanning length scales from
      submicrometer to centimeter dimensions. We introduce a set of fabrication
      techniques and design concepts that bypass certain constraints set by the
      underlying physics and geometrical properties of the assembly processes
      associated with the original versions of these methods. In particular, the use of
      releasable, multilayer 2D precursors provides access to complex 3D topologies,
      including dense architectures with nested layouts, controlled points of
      entanglement, and other previously unobtainable layouts. Furthermore, the
      simultaneous, coordinated assembly of additional structures can enhance the
      structural stability and drive the motion of extended features in these systems.
      The resulting 3D mesostructures, demonstrated in a diverse set of more than 40
      different examples with feature sizes from micrometers to centimeters, offer
      unique possibilities in device design. A 3D spiral inductor for near-field
      communication represents an example where these ideas enable enhanced quality (Q)
      factors and broader working angles compared to those of conventional 2D
      counterparts.

PMID- 27679824
TI  - Analysis of ovarian reserve markers (AMH, FSH, AFC) in different age strata in
      IVF/ICSI patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The predictive roles of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), anti
      mullerian hormone (AMH) and antral follicle count (AFC) as ovarian reserve
      markers in women with different age groups are not established well. OBJECTIVE:
      This study compares the value of FSH, AMH and AFC at the time of in vitro
      fertilization (IVF) treatment in different age groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In
      this cross-sectional study, 103 women aged 20-43 years candidates for IVF/ICSI
      cycle were recruited. FSH, AMH and AFC on day 3 of menstrual cycle were measured.
      The relationship of these measured markers with outcome variables (oocytes
      number, number of frozen/fresh embryo and chemical and clinical pregnancy) was
      assessed in different age groups (i.e. 20-32, 33-37 and 38-43 years). RESULTS:
      our results show that age was correlated with clinical pregnancy, oocyte count
      and fresh and frozen embryo (p<0.001). AMH, AFC and FSH were not correlated with
      clinical or chemical pregnancy at total population or age subgroups except the
      significant correlation of AFC with clinical pregnancy at 33-37 years old group.
      AFC was correlated with oocyte count and the number of fresh and frozen embryos
      in the ages group 20-32 years. In this age group, AMH was correlated with fresh
      and frozen embryos. AMH, AFC and FSH were correlated with oocyte count and the
      number of fresh embryos in age group 33-37 years. AMH was correlated with oocyte
      count and the number of fresh embryos in 38-43 years old group. CONCLUSION: We
      concluded that the age is the superior predictor of IVF outcome and AMH and AFC
      are variable predicting markers of ovarian reserve in different age groups.

PMID- 27679823
TI  - PCOS women show significantly higher homocysteine level, independent to glucose
      and E2 level.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is reasonable to think that some biochemical characteristics of
      follicular fluid (FF) surrounding the oocyte may play a critical role in
      determining the quality of oocyte and the subsequent potential needed to achieve
      fertilization and embryo development. OBJECTIVE: This study was carried out to
      evaluate the levels of FF homocysteine (Hcy) in IVF candidate polycystic ovary
      syndrome (PCOS) women and any relationships with FF glucose and estradiol (E2)
      levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this case control study which was performed in
      Dr. Tizro Day Care and IVF Center 70 infertile patients were enrolled in two
      groups: comprising 35 PCOS and 35 non PCOS women. Long protocol was performed for
      all patients. FF Hcy, glucose and E2 levels were analyzed at the time of oocyte
      retrieval. RESULTS: It was observed that FF Hcy level was significantly higher in
      PCOS patients compared with non PCOSs (p<0.01). Observations demonstrated that in
      PCOS group, the Hcy level increased independent to E2, glucose levels, BMI and
      age, while the PCOS group showed significantly higher BMI compared with non-PCOS
      group (p=0.03). However, no significant differences were revealed between groups
      for FF glucose and E2 levels. CONCLUSION: Present data showed that although FF
      glucose and E2 levels were constant in PCOS and non PCOS patients, but the FF Hcy
      levels in PCOS were significantly increased (p=0.01).

PMID- 27679825
TI  - The effect of luteal phase gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist
      administration on IVF outcomes in women at risk of OHSS.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) plays essential roles in embryo
      implantation, invasion of trophoblastic tissue, and steroid synthesis in the
      placenta. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of GnRH
      antagonist administration on pregnancy outcomes in early implantation period.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, 94 infertile women undergoing
      GnRH antagonist protocol who were at risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
      (OHSS) were included. Sixty-seven patients (group I) received Cetrorelix 0.25
      mg/daily in the luteal phase for 3 days while in 27 participants (group II), it
      was not administered. Pregnancy outcomes were assessed based on chemical and
      clinical pregnancy rates. RESULTS: The pregnancy outcomes were not significantly
      different between two groups (p=0.224). CONCLUSION: The present study proposed
      that luteal phase GnRH antagonist administration does not influence the chance of
      successful pregnancy outcomes.

PMID- 27679826
TI  - Alternation of apoptotic and implanting genes expression of mouse embryos after
      re-vitrification.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nowadays, oocytes and embryos vitrification has become a routine
      technique. Based on clinical judgment, re-vitrification maybe required. But
      little is known about re-vitrification impact on genes expression. OBJECTIVE: The
      impact of re-vitrification on apoptotic and implanting genes, Bax, Bcl-2 and
      ErbB4, at compaction stage embryos were evaluated in this study. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: In this experimental study, 8 cell embryos (n=240) were collected from
      female mature mice, 60-62 hr post HCG injection. The embryos were divided
      randomly to 3 groups included: fresh (n=80), vitrified at 8 cell stage (n=80),
      vitrified at 8 cell stage thawed and re-vitrified at compaction stage (n=80).
      Embryos were vitrified by using cryolock, (open system) described by Kuwayama. Q
      PCR was used to examine the expression of Bax, Bcl2 ErbB4 genes in derived
      blastocysts. RESULTS: Our result showed that expanded blastocyst rate was similar
      between vitrified and re-vitrified groups, while re-vitrified embryos showed
      significant decrease in expanded blastocyst rate comparing with fresh embryos
      (p=0.03). In addition, significant difference was observed on apoptotic gene
      expression when comparing re-vitrified and fresh embryos (p=0.004), however
      expression of Bax and Bcl-2 (apoptotic) genes didn't demonstrate a significant
      difference between re-vitrified and vitrified groups. The expression rate of
      ErbB4, an implantation gene was decreased in re-vitrified embryos comparing with
      fresh embryos (p=0.003), but it was similar between re-vitrified and vitrified
      embryos. CONCLUSION: Re-vitrification can alter the expression of Bax, Bcl-2 and
      ErbB4 genes and developmental rate of mouse embryos in compaction stage.

PMID- 27679827
TI  - Antioxidant and protective effects of Royal jelly on histopathological changes in
      testis of diabetic rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diabetes is the most common endocrine disease. It has adverse effects
      on male reproductive function. Royal Jelly (RJ) has antioxidant and anti-diabetic
      effects and show protective effects against diabetes. OBJECTIVE: This study was
      conducted to evaluate the effect of RJ on histopathological alterations of the
      testicular tissue in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: In this experimental study, 28 adult Wistar rats were randomly divided
      into control (C), royal jelly (R), diabetic (D) and RJ-treated diabetic (D+R)
      groups. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ at 50
      mg/kg body weight (BW). The rats from the R and D+R groups received daily RJ (100
      mg/kg BW) for 6 wks orally. Hematoxylin-Eosin staining was used to analyze
      histopathological changes including: tunica albuginea thickness (TAT),
      seminiferous tubules diameter (STsD), Johnsen's score, tubular differentiation
      index (TDI), spermiogenesis index (SPI), Sertoli cell index (SCI), meiotic index
      (MI), and mononuclear immune cells (MICs) in testes. The antioxidant status was
      examined by evaluating testicular levels of ferric reducing antioxidant power
      (FRAP) and catalase (CAT) activity. RESULTS: Histological results of the testis
      from diabetic rats showed significant decrease in STsD, Johnsen's score, TDI,
      SPI, SCI and MI, and significant increase in TAT and MICs, while administration
      of RJ significantly reverted these changes (p<0.05). RJ treatment markedly
      increased activity of CAT and FRAP. There were significant differences in FRAP
      levels among C (13.0+/-0.5), RJ (13.4+/-0.3), D (7.8+/-0.6) and D+R (12.4+/-0.7)
      groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: RJ improved diabetes-induced impairment in testis,
      probably through its antioxidant property.

PMID- 27679828
TI  - Mutation analysis of exon1 of bone morphogenetic protein-15 gene in Iranian
      patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With the prevalence of 6-10%, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is
      considered the most common endocrinological disorder affecting women in their
      reproductive age. It has been suggested that genetic factors participate in the
      development of PCOS. Follicular development has been considered as one of the
      impaired processes in PCOS. Bone morphogenetic protein-15 (BMP-15) gene is a
      candidate gene in follicular development and its variants may play role in
      pathogenesis of PCOS. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether BMP-15 gene mutations are
      present in Iranian women with PCOS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross
      sectional study 5 ml venous blood samples was taken from 70 PCOS women referring
      to Afzalipour Hospital, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran,
      between January to December 2014. Genomic DNA was extracted from the blood sample
      by salting out method. Then a set of PCR reactions for exon1 of BMP-15 gene was
      performed using specific primers followed by genotyping with direct sequencing.
      RESULTS: Two different polymorphisms were found in the gene under study. In total
      20 patients (28.6%) were heterozygote (C/G), and 2 patients (2.86%) were
      homozygous (G/G) for c.-9C>G in 5'UTR promoter region of BMP-15 gene (rs3810682).
      In addition, in the coding region of exon1, three patients (4.3%) were
      heterozygote (G/A) for c.A308G (rs41308602). Two PCOS patients (2.86%) appeared
      to have both c.-9C>G (C/G) and c.A308G (G/A) variants simultaneously. CONCLUSION:
      Our research detected two polymorphisms of BMP-15 gene among PCOS patients,
      indicating that even though it cannot be concluded that variants of BMP-15 gene
      are the principal cause of polycystic ovarian syndrome; they could be involved in
      pathogenic process in development of PCOS.

PMID- 27679829
TI  - The influence of ginger (Zingiber officinale) on human sperm quality and DNA
      fragmentation: A double-blind randomized clinical trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although the effectiveness of ginger as an antioxidant agent has been
      exploited, little human research has been conducted on its activity on male
      reproductive functions. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to investigate the
      effects of ginger (Zingiber officinale) on sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) in
      infertile men. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized double-blind, placebo
      controlled trial with a 1:1 allocation was performed on 100 infertility treatment
      candidates who were admitted to Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine,
      Tehran, Iran. Patients were randomly assigned to receive one of two treatments:
      ginger and placebo. Patients were given a 3-month oral treatment (members
      received capsules containing 250 mg of ginger powder twice a day in ginger and a
      placebo in other group). Before and after treatment, standardized semen samples
      were obtained to determine sperm concentration, motility, and SDF according to
      World Health Organization. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between
      two groups regarding SDF at baseline (53.48. 95%CI: 37.95-69.02) in cases and
      (56.75, 95%CI: 40.01-73.5) in controls. The average positive percentage of SDF in
      patients receiving ginger (17.77, 95%CI: 6.16-29.39) was lower compared with
      placebo (40.54, 95%CI: 23.94-57.13) after three month of treatment (p=0.02). In
      multivariate analysis, SDF was significantly lower in patients receiving ginger
      compared with placebo (mean difference: 3.21, 95%CI: 0.78-5.63, p=0.009). There
      were no significant differences between two groups regarding to semen parameters.
      CONCLUSION: The present study has demonstrated that ginger in a controlled study
      of efficacy was effective in decreasing SDF in infertile men.

PMID- 27679835
TI  - The challenge of diagnosing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in patients of African
      descent.

PMID- 27679830
TI  - Kallmann syndrome and deafness: an uncommon combination: A case report and a
      literature review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Kallmann syndrome (Kal S) is an isolated form of hypogonadotrophic
      hypogonadism in combination with a defect in smell sensation. Depending on the
      genetic form of the disease, a number of non-reproductive, non-olfactory
      abnormalities may also be existent. In the present report, we describe a male
      with Kal S associated with hearing loss, and the successful treatment of his
      sexual and reproductive defects. CASE: A 23-year-old Caucasian man presented with
      a lifelong lack of erection and ejaculation. The patient reported also anosmia
      combined with loss of hearing ability. A diagnostic work-up identified the
      presence of Kal S associated with sensorineural hearing loss. Administration of
      gonadotrophins regained the erection and a viable-sperm containing ejaculation.
      CONCLUSION: Lack of erection and ejaculation are important components of delayed
      puberty which could lead to diagnosis of Kal S. The existence of a hearing
      impairment in the reported patient makes the recommendation to screen the hearing
      ability in Kal S of utmost importance.

PMID- 27679836
TI  - Comparison of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in Afro-Caribbean versus white patients
      in the UK.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study investigated the influence of African/Afro-Caribbean
      (black) ethnicity on the clinical profile and outcomes in hypertrophic
      cardiomyopathy (HCM). METHODS: 425 consecutive patients with HCM (163 black and
      262 Caucasians (white); mean age 52.5+/-16.6 years) were assessed at three
      cardiomyopathy centres. Repeat assessments were performed every 6-12 months and
      mean follow-up was 4.3+/-3.0 years. The primary outcome was a composite of
      cardiovascular death, cardiac arrest or appropriate device therapy. RESULTS: A
      fortuitous diagnosis of HCM was more commonly made in black compared with white
      patients (31.3% vs 19.1%, p=0.004). An abnormal ECG at presentation was more
      frequent in black patients (98.2% vs 90.5%, p=0.002), with T-wave inversion being
      a common feature (91.4% vs 73.0%, p<0.001). Asymmetric septal hypertrophy was the
      predominant pattern in both ethnic groups; however, apical (22.2% vs 10.7%,
      p<0.001) and concentric (9.3% vs 1.5%, p<0.001) patterns were more prevalent in
      black patients. Hypertension was more frequent in black patients (58.3% vs 31.7%,
      p<0.001). There were no ethnic differences in risk factor profile or primary
      outcome. Independent predictors of the primary outcome were non-sustained
      ventricular tachycardia (HR 6.03, 95% CI 3.06 to 11.91, p<=0.001) and
      hypertension at presentation (HR 2.02, 95% CI 1.05 to 3.88, p=0.036), with an
      additive effect. CONCLUSION: Black ethnicity is an important determinant of the
      phenotypic expression of HCM but does not adversely affect outcomes. Apical and
      concentric hypertrophy are common in black patients and may hinder the
      identification of HCM in this cohort. Hypertension has an adverse effect on
      outcome, irrespective of ethnicity.

PMID- 27679837
TI  - Opinion: Big data has big potential for applications to climate change
      adaptation.

PMID- 27679840
TI  - Identifying and Prioritizing Diseases Important for Detection in Adult Hearing
      Health Care.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this research note is to identify and prioritize diseases
      important for detection in adult hearing health care delivery systems. METHOD:
      Through literature review and expert consultation, the authors identified 195
      diseases likely to occur in adults complaining of hearing loss. Five
      neurotologists rated the importance of disease on 3 dimensions related to the
      necessity of detection prior to adult hearing aid fitting. RESULTS: Ratings of
      adverse health consequences, diagnostic difficulty, and presence of nonotologic
      symptoms associated with these diseases resulted in the identification of 104
      diseases potentially important for detection prior to adult hearing aid fitting.
      CONCLUSIONS: Current and evolving health care delivery systems, including direct
      to-consumer sales, involve inconsistent means of disease detection vigilance
      prior to device fitting. The first steps in determining the safety of these
      different delivery methods are to identify and prioritize which diseases present
      the greatest risk for poor health outcomes and, thus, should be detected in
      hearing health care delivery systems. Here the authors have developed a novel
      multidimensional rating system to rank disease importance. The rankings can be
      used to evaluate the effectiveness of alternative detection methods and to inform
      public health policy. The authors are currently using this information to
      validate a consumer questionnaire designed to accurately identify when pre-
      fitting medical evaluations should be required for hearing aid patients.

PMID- 27679839
TI  - Social Networking Services-Based Communicative Care for Patients with Diabetes
      Mellitus in Korea.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Social networking services (SNS)-based online communities are good
      examples of improving quality of care by incorporating information technology
      into medicine. Therefore, we created an SNS-based community care webpage for
      communication among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). We aimed to identify
      what diabetic patients wanted to know and were interested in by analyzing their
      posts and classified content in which users were interested. METHODS: As opposed
      to the existing physician-focused health information websites, we built a patient
      focused experience exchange website, "I love insulin
      (http://www.iloveinsulin.co.kr)." The DM communication webpage was divided into
      "My Web-Chart," "My community-free board," and "Life & Health." The contents
      analysis targeted users' postings, and replies were classified by theme from May
      2012 to June 2013. The data included number of questions asked, answers, and
      question-to-answer (QA) ratio in each category. RESULTS: A total of 264 patients
      registered on the "I Love Insulin" website. The most frequent topic of posts
      classified as questions were about diabetes itself (23%), diet (22%), and glucose
      levels (19%). Conversely, most answers and information provided by users were
      about daily life with no relationship to diabetes mellitus (54%). While there
      were many questions about diet, there were very few answers (2%). Whereas there
      was much provision of knowledge about general DM, sharing diet information was
      rare. The ratios of answers to questions on diet (ratio=0.059, 1/17), glucose
      level (ratio=0.067, 1/15), insulin regulation (ratio=0.222, 2/9) and webpage
      (ratio=0.167, 1/6) were significantly low compared to DM itself (all p < 0.001).
      DISCUSSION: Patients in Korea with DM tend to have insufficient knowledge about
      diet and insulin regulation; continuously providing diet and insulin regulation
      information are desirable. It is hoped that the patients would be motivated to
      participate actively by "knowledge sharing." Through this process, patients learn
      about their diseases not from the physicians but from among themselves.

PMID- 27679841
TI  - Picture Exchange Communication System and Pals: A Peer-Mediated Augmentative and
      Alternative Communication Intervention for Minimally Verbal Preschoolers With
      Autism.
AB  - Purpose: This study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of a social
      intervention that integrates peer-mediated approaches and the Picture Exchange
      Communication System (PECS). Method: Effects were evaluated using a series of A-B
      designs replicated across 4 children with severe autism and limited verbal
      skills. Seven peers without disabilities were trained to use PECS and
      facilitative social skills. Measures of changes included rates of communication
      behaviors, modes, functions, and engagement. Results: Outcomes revealed an
      intervention effect for 1 child with autism, and this effect was replicated
      across 3 other children. All children improved in peer-directed communication,
      with greater increases for 2 children during snack time. For each child with
      autism, the primary communication behavior was to initiate with picture symbols
      to request; the peer's primary communication was to respond. Two children
      increased communicative functions to comment and to share, and all 4 children
      showed improved social engagement. All peers increased their communication with
      the children with autism. Conclusions: These findings add to the limited research
      on the benefits of teaching typically developing peers to be responsive listeners
      to preschoolers with autism by learning to use PECS. These results invite further
      investigation of teaching peers other augmentative and alternative communication
      approaches and how to increase children's communication with peers for different
      purposes.

PMID- 27679843
TI  - Telling Tales: Personal Event Narratives and Life Stories.
AB  - Purpose: Speech-language pathologists know much more about children's development
      of fictional narratives than they do about children's development of personal
      narratives and the role these personal narratives play in academic success,
      social-emotional development, and self-regulation. The purpose of this tutorial
      is to provide clinicians with strategies for assessing and developing children's
      and adolescents' personal narratives. Method: This tutorial reviews the
      literature on (a) the development of autobiographical event narratives and life
      stories, (b) factors that contribute to development of these genres, (c) the
      importance of these genres for the development of sense of self-identity and self
      regulation, (d) deficits in personal narrative genres, and (e) strategies for
      eliciting and assessing event narratives and life stories. Implications: To
      promote development of personal event narratives and life stories, speech
      language pathologists can help clients retrieve information about interesting
      events, provide experiences worthy of narrating, and draw upon published
      narratives to serve as model texts. Clinicians can also address four interrelated
      processes in intervention: reminiscing, reflecting, making coherent connections,
      and signaling the plot structure. Furthermore, they can activate metacognitive
      awareness of how evaluations of experiences, coherence, and plot structure are
      signaled in well-formed personal event narratives and life stories.

PMID- 27679842
TI  - Speech Movement Measures as Markers of Bulbar Disease in Amyotrophic Lateral
      Sclerosis.
AB  - Purpose: The goal of this study was to identify the effects of amyotrophic
      lateral sclerosis (ALS) on tongue and jaw control, both cross-sectionally and
      longitudinally. The data were examined in the context of their utility as a
      diagnostic marker of bulbar disease. Method: Tongue and jaw movements were
      recorded cross-sectionally (n = 33 individuals with ALS, 13 controls) and
      longitudinally (n = 10 individuals with ALS) using a three-dimensional
      electromagnetic articulography system during the production of the sentence Buy
      Bobby a puppy. The movements were examined for evidence of changes in size,
      speed, and duration and with respect to disease severity and time in the study.
      Results: Maximum speed of tongue movements and movement durations were
      significantly different only at an advanced stage of bulbar ALS compared with the
      healthy control group. The longitudinal analysis revealed a reduction in tongue
      movement size and speed with time at early stages of disease, which was not seen
      cross-sectionally. As speaking rate declined, tongue movements decreased in
      maximum speed, whereas jaw movements increased in maximum speed. Conclusions:
      Longitudinal analyses of sentence-level kinematic data show their sensitivity to
      early bulbar impairment. A change in articulatory kinematics can serve as a
      useful diagnostic marker for bulbar ALS and to track bulbar disease progression
      in a clinical setting.

PMID- 27679844
TI  - Metal halide perovskite light emitters.
AB  - Twenty years after layer-type metal halide perovskites were successfully
      developed, 3D metal halide perovskites (shortly, perovskites) were recently
      rediscovered and are attracting multidisciplinary interest from physicists,
      chemists, and material engineers. Perovskites have a crystal structure composed
      of five atoms per unit cell (ABX3) with cation A positioned at a corner, metal
      cation B at the center, and halide anion X at the center of six planes and unique
      optoelectronic properties determined by the crystal structure. Because of very
      narrow spectra (full width at half-maximum <=20 nm), which are insensitive to the
      crystallite/grain/particle dimension and wide wavelength range (400 nm <= lambda
      <= 780 nm), perovskites are expected to be promising high-color purity light
      emitters that overcome inherent problems of conventional organic and inorganic
      quantum dot emitters. Within the last 2 y, perovskites have already demonstrated
      their great potential in light-emitting diodes by showing high
      electroluminescence efficiency comparable to those of organic and quantum dot
      light-emitting diodes. This article reviews the progress of perovskite emitters
      in two directions of bulk perovskite polycrystalline films and perovskite
      nanoparticles, describes current challenges, and suggests future research
      directions for researchers to encourage them to collaborate and to make a
      synergetic effect in this rapidly emerging multidisciplinary field.

PMID- 27679845
TI  - ERK5 kinase activity is dispensable for cellular immune response and
      proliferation.
AB  - Unlike other members of the MAPK family, ERK5 contains a large C-terminal domain
      with transcriptional activation capability in addition to an N-terminal canonical
      kinase domain. Genetic deletion of ERK5 is embryonic lethal, and tissue
      restricted deletions have profound effects on erythroid development, cardiac
      function, and neurogenesis. In addition, depletion of ERK5 is antiinflammatory
      and antitumorigenic. Small molecule inhibition of ERK5 has been shown to have
      promising activity in cell and animal models of inflammation and oncology. Here
      we report the synthesis and biological characterization of potent, selective ERK5
      inhibitors. In contrast to both genetic depletion/deletion of ERK5 and inhibition
      with previously reported compounds, inhibition of the kinase with the most
      selective of the new inhibitors had no antiinflammatory or antiproliferative
      activity. The source of efficacy in previously reported ERK5 inhibitors is shown
      to be off-target activity on bromodomains, conserved protein modules involved in
      recognition of acetyl-lysine residues during transcriptional processes. It is
      likely that phenotypes reported from genetic deletion or depletion of ERK5 arise
      from removal of a noncatalytic function of ERK5. The newly reported inhibitors
      should be useful in determining which of the many reported phenotypes are due to
      kinase activity and delineate which can be pharmacologically targeted.

PMID- 27679848
TI  - Karl W. Butzer: Interdisciplinary mentor.

PMID- 27679846
TI  - Dissection of molecular assembly dynamics by tracking orientation and position of
      single molecules in live cells.
AB  - Regulation of order, such as orientation and conformation, drives the function of
      most molecular assemblies in living cells but remains difficult to measure
      accurately through space and time. We built an instantaneous fluorescence
      polarization microscope, which simultaneously images position and orientation of
      fluorophores in living cells with single-molecule sensitivity and a time
      resolution of 100 ms. We developed image acquisition and analysis methods to
      track single particles that interact with higher-order assemblies of molecules.
      We tracked the fluctuations in position and orientation of molecules from the
      level of an ensemble of fluorophores down to single fluorophores. We tested our
      system in vitro using fluorescently labeled DNA and F-actin, in which the
      ensemble orientation of polarized fluorescence is known. We then tracked the
      orientation of sparsely labeled F-actin network at the leading edge of migrating
      human keratinocytes, revealing the anisotropic distribution of actin filaments
      relative to the local retrograde flow of the F-actin network. Additionally, we
      analyzed the position and orientation of septin-GFP molecules incorporated in
      septin bundles in growing hyphae of a filamentous fungus. Our data indicate that
      septin-GFP molecules undergo positional fluctuations within ~350 nm of the
      binding site and angular fluctuations within ~30 degrees  of the central
      orientation of the bundle. By reporting position and orientation of molecules
      while they form dynamic higher-order structures, our approach can provide
      insights into how micrometer-scale ordered assemblies emerge from nanoscale
      molecules in living cells.

PMID- 27679847
TI  - Intracellular mechanisms of molecular recognition and sorting for transport of
      large extracellular matrix molecules.
AB  - Extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins are biosynthesized in the rough endoplasmic
      reticulum (rER) and transported via the Golgi apparatus to the extracellular
      space. The coat protein complex II (COPII) transport vesicles are approximately
      60-90 nm in diameter. However, several ECM molecules are much larger, up to
      several hundreds of nanometers. Therefore, special COPII vesicles are required to
      coat and transport these molecules. Transmembrane Protein Transport and Golgi
      Organization 1 (TANGO1) facilitates loading of collagens into special vesicles.
      The Src homology 3 (SH3) domain of TANGO1 was proposed to recognize collagen
      molecules, but how the SH3 domain recognizes various types of collagen is not
      understood. Moreover, how are large noncollagenous ECM molecules transported from
      the rER to the Golgi? Here we identify heat shock protein (Hsp) 47 as a guide
      molecule directing collagens to special vesicles by interacting with the SH3
      domain of TANGO1. We also consider whether the collagen secretory model applies
      to other large ECM molecules.

PMID- 27679851
TI  - Bilingual and Home Language Interventions With Young Dual Language Learners: A
      Research Synthesis.
AB  - Purpose: The purpose of this systematic review was to determine what bilingual or
      home language interventions have been found to be effective for 2- to 6-year-old
      dual language learners who have language impairment (LI) or are at risk for LI.
      Method: We conducted ancestral searches and searches of electronic databases,
      hand-searched article bibliographies, and searched 19 journals for experimental,
      quasiexperimental, or single-subject studies. Results: The review yielded 26
      studies that were coded for quality, frequency and duration of the intervention,
      number of participants, location of intervention, interventionist, language(s) of
      intervention, and reported or calculated effect sizes. Studies were grouped by
      those that focused specifically on at-risk populations and those that focused on
      children with LI. Emerging trends provide support for bilingual and/or home
      language interventions for both children with LI and those at risk for LI.
      Conclusions: There were relatively few studies that met inclusion criteria, and
      the average quality rating for a study was 6.8 out of 9.0 possible points. More
      high-quality research is needed, particularly with populations that speak
      languages other than Spanish. Clinicians need more evidence-based recommendations
      to improve the language and literacy outcomes of the diverse range of dual
      language learners served in the United States and abroad.

PMID- 27679852
TI  - The Relationship of Novel Plasma Proteins in the Early Neonatal Period With
      Retinopathy of Prematurity.
AB  - Purpose: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a vision-threatening disease
      associated with abnormal retinal vascular development. Proteins from the insulin
      like growth factor pathway are related to ROP. However, there is a paucity of
      research on the role of other proteins in ROP. The aim of this study was to
      identify plasma proteins related to clinically significant ROP. Methods: We
      measured 1121 plasma proteins in the early neonatal period in infants at risk for
      ROP using an aptamer-based proteomic technology. The primary aim of the study was
      to compare plasma protein concentrations in infants who did (n = 12) and did not
      (n = 23) subsequently develop clinically significant ROP using logistic
      regression. As a secondary aim, we examined patterns in the proteins across
      categories of clinically significant, low-grade, and no ROP groups. Results:
      Lower levels of 16 proteins were associated with an increased risk of clinically
      significant ROP. In this group, superoxide dismutase (Mn), mitochondrial (MnSOD),
      and chordin-like protein 1 (CRDL1) were highly ranked. Other proteins in this
      group included: C-C motif chemokine 14 (HCC-1), prolactin, insulin-like growth
      factor-binding protein 7 (IGFBP-7), and eotaxin. Higher levels of 12 proteins
      were associated with a higher risk for ROP. Fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF-19)
      was the top-ranked protein target followed by hepatocyte growth factor-like
      protein (MSP), luteinizing hormone (LH), cystatin M, plasminogen, and proprotein
      convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9). We also noted different patterns in
      the trend of concentrations of proteins across the clinically significant, low
      grade, and no ROP groups. Conclusions: We discovered plasma proteins with novel
      associations with clinically significant ROP (MnSOD, CRDL1, PCSK9), proteins with
      links to established ROP signaling pathways (IGFBP-7), and proteins such as MnSOD
      that may be a target for future therapeutic interventions.

PMID- 27679850
TI  - Compartment and signal-specific codependence in the transcriptional control of
      Salmonella periplasmic copper homeostasis.
AB  - Copper homeostasis is essential for bacterial pathogen fitness and infection, and
      has been the focus of a number of recent studies. In Salmonella, envelope
      protection against copper overload and macrophage survival depends on CueP, a
      major copper-binding protein in the periplasm. This protein is also required to
      deliver the metal ion to the Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase SodCII. The Salmonella
      specific CueP-coding gene was originally identified as part of the Cue regulon
      under the transcriptional control of the cytoplasmic copper sensor CueR, but its
      expression differs from the rest of CueR-regulated genes. Here we show that cueP
      expression is controlled by the concerted action of CueR, which detects the
      presence of copper in the cytoplasm, and by CpxR/CpxA, which monitors envelope
      stress. Copper-activated CueR is necessary for the appropriate spatial
      arrangement of the -10 and -35 elements of the cueP promoter, and CpxR is
      essential to recruit the RNA polymerase. The integration of two ancestral sensory
      systems-CueR, which provides signal specificity, and CpxR/CpxA, which detects
      stress in the bacterial envelope-restricts the expression of this periplasmic
      copper resistance protein solely to cells encountering surplus copper that
      disturbs envelope homeostasis, emulating the role of the CusR/CusS regulatory
      system present in other enteric bacteria.

PMID- 27679849
TI  - Miro phosphorylation sites regulate Parkin recruitment and mitochondrial
      motility.
AB  - The PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1)/Parkin pathway can tag damaged
      mitochondria and trigger their degradation by mitophagy. Before the onset of
      mitophagy, the pathway blocks mitochondrial motility by causing Miro degradation.
      PINK1 activates Parkin by phosphorylating both Parkin and ubiquitin. PINK1,
      however, has other mitochondrial substrates, including Miro (also called RhoT1
      and -2), although the significance of those substrates is less clear. We show
      that mimicking PINK1 phosphorylation of Miro on S156 promoted the interaction of
      Parkin with Miro, stimulated Miro ubiquitination and degradation, recruited
      Parkin to the mitochondria, and via Parkin arrested axonal transport of
      mitochondria. Although Miro S156E promoted Parkin recruitment it was insufficient
      to trigger mitophagy in the absence of broader PINK1 action. In contrast,
      mimicking phosphorylation of Miro on T298/T299 inhibited PINK1-induced Miro
      ubiquitination, Parkin recruitment, and Parkin-dependent mitochondrial arrest.
      The effects of the T298E/T299E phosphomimetic were dominant over S156E
      substitution. We propose that the status of Miro phosphorylation influences the
      decision to undergo Parkin-dependent mitochondrial arrest, which, in the context
      of PINK1 action on other substrates, can restrict mitochondrial dynamics before
      mitophagy.

PMID- 27679853
TI  - Soluble Adenylyl Cyclase Is Required for Retinal Ganglion Cell and Photoreceptor
      Differentiation.
AB  - Purpose: We have previously demonstrated that soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC) is
      necessary for retinal ganglion cell (RGC) survival and axon growth. Here, we
      further investigate the role of sAC in neuronal differentiation during retinal
      development. Methods: Chx10 or Math5 promoter-driven Cre-Lox recombination were
      used to conditionally delete sAC from early and intermediate retinal progenitor
      cells during retinal development. We examined cell type-specific markers
      expressed by retinal cells to estimate their relative numbers and characterize
      retinal laminar morphology by immunofluorescence in adult and newborn mice.
      Results: Retinal ganglion cell and amacrine cell markers were significantly lower
      in the retinas of adult Math5cre/sACfl/fl and Chx10cre/sACfl/fl mice than in
      those of wild-type controls. The effect on RGC development was detectable as
      early as postnatal day 1 and deleting sAC in either Math5- or Chx10-expressing
      retinal progenitor cells also reduced nerve fiber layer thickness into adulthood.
      The thickness of the photoreceptor layer was slightly but statistically
      significantly decreased in both the newborn Chx10cre/sACfl/fl and
      Math5cre/sACfl/fl mice, but this reduction and abnormal morphology persisted in
      the adults in only the Chx10cre/sACfl/fl mice. Conclusions: sAC plays an
      important role in the early retinal development of RGCs as well as in the
      development of amacrine cells and to a lesser degree photoreceptors.

PMID- 27679856
TI  - The role of the mtDNA set point in differentiation, development and
      tumorigenesis.
AB  - Mitochondrial DNA replication is critical for maintaining mtDNA copy number to
      generate sufficient cellular energy that is required for development and for
      functional cells. In early development, mtDNA copy number is strictly regulated
      at different stages, and, as a result, the establishment of the mtDNA set point
      is required for sequential cell lineage commitment. The failure to establish the
      mtDNA set point results in incomplete differentiation or embryonic arrest. The
      regulation of mtDNA copy number during differentiation is closely associated with
      cellular gene expression, especially with the pluripotency network, and DNA
      methylation profiles. The findings from cancer research highlight the
      relationship between mitochondrial function, mtDNA copy number and DNA
      methylation in regulating differentiation. DNA methylation at exon 2 of DNA
      polymerase gamma subunit A (POLGA) has been shown to be a key factor, which can
      be modulated to change the mtDNA copy number and cell fate of differentiating and
      tumour cells. The present review combines multi-disciplinary data from
      mitochondria, development, epigenetics and tumorigenesis, which could provide
      novel insights for further research, especially for developmental disorders and
      cancers.

PMID- 27679854
TI  - The role of TREX in gene expression and disease.
AB  - TRanscription and EXport (TREX) is a conserved multisubunit complex essential for
      embryogenesis, organogenesis and cellular differentiation throughout life. By
      linking transcription, mRNA processing and export together, it exerts a
      physiologically vital role in the gene expression pathway. In addition, this
      complex prevents DNA damage and regulates the cell cycle by ensuring optimal gene
      expression. As the extent of TREX activity in viral infections, amyotrophic
      lateral sclerosis and cancer emerges, the need for a greater understanding of
      TREX function becomes evident. A complete elucidation of the composition,
      function and interactions of the complex will provide the framework for
      understanding the molecular basis for a variety of diseases. This review details
      the known composition of TREX, how it is regulated and its cellular functions
      with an emphasis on mammalian systems.

PMID- 27679858
TI  - TPL2 meets p38MAPK: emergence of a novel positive feedback loop in inflammation.
AB  - The activation of p38(MAPK) by Toll-like receptor signalling is essential for the
      inflammatory response of innate immunity due to its role in post-transcriptional
      regulation of TNFalpha and cytokine biosynthesis. p38(MAPK) activation proceeds
      by the upstream MAP2Ks, MAPK kinase (MKK)3/6 as well as MKK4, which in turn are
      substrates for MAP3Ks, such as TGFbeta-activated protein kinase-1 (TAK1). In
      contrast, TPL2 has been described as an exclusive MAP3K of MKK1/2-triggering
      activation of the classical ERKs, ERK1/2. In the recent issue of the Biochemical
      Journal, Pattison et al report their screening for TPL2 substrates in LPS
      stimulated macrophages and the identification of MKK3/6. Using catalytic-dead
      TPL2 (Map3k8(D270A/D270A)) knockin macrophages, they demonstrated that activation
      of MKK3/6 by TPL2 significantly contributes to LPS-dependent TNFalpha
      biosynthesis and is also essential for TNF-receptor 1 signalling. Hence, a new
      signalling pathway from TAK1 via IkappaB kinase, p105 NFkappaB and TPL2 to MKK3/6
      and p38(MAPK) is established in macrophages. Taking into account that some
      isoforms of p38(MAPK) are necessary for maintaining functional steady-state
      levels of TPL2, a positive feedback loop in inflammation emerges.

PMID- 27679855
TI  - Targeting polyamine metabolism for cancer therapy and prevention.
AB  - The chemically simple, biologically complex eukaryotic polyamines, spermidine and
      spermine, are positively charged alkylamines involved in many crucial cellular
      processes. Along with their diamine precursor putrescine, their normally high
      intracellular concentrations require fine attenuation by multiple regulatory
      mechanisms to keep these essential molecules within strict physiologic ranges.
      Since the metabolism of and requirement for polyamines are frequently
      dysregulated in neoplastic disease, the metabolic pathway and functions of
      polyamines provide rational drug targets; however, these targets have been
      difficult to exploit for chemotherapy. It is the goal of this article to review
      the latest findings in the field that demonstrate the potential utility of
      targeting the metabolism and function of polyamines as strategies for both
      chemotherapy and, possibly more importantly, chemoprevention.

PMID- 27679859
TI  - Angiotensin type-2 (AT-2)-receptor activation reduces renal fibrosis in
      cyclosporine nephropathy: evidence for blood pressure independent effect.
AB  - Compound 21 (C21), selective agonist of angiotensin type-2 (AT-2) receptors,
      shows anti-inflammatory effects in experimental models of hypertension and
      nephroprotection in diabetes. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the
      effects of C21 in cyclosporine nephropathy, which is characterized mainly by
      tubulo-interstitial fibrosis. Ten days before and during the experimental
      periods, low-salt diet was administered to Sprague-Dawley rats. Cyclosporine-A
      (CsA; 15 mg/kg per day, intraperitoneal injection) and CsA plus C21 (0.3 mg/kg
      per day, intraperitoneal injection) were administered for 1 and 4 weeks. Control
      groups were left without any treatment. Blood pressure (plethysmographic method)
      and 24 h urinary albumin excretion were measured once a week. At the end of the
      experimental protocols, the kidneys were excised for histomorphometric analysis
      of renal fibrosis and for immunohistochemical evaluation of inflammatory
      infiltrates and type I and type IV collagen expression. After 1 and 4 weeks, the
      rats treated with CsA showed a significant increase (P<0.01) in blood pressure,
      no significant changes in urinary albumin excretion and a significant increase
      (P<0.01) in glomerular and tubulo-interstitial fibrosis and inflammatory
      infiltrates as compared with the control rats. Treatment with C21 did not modify
      the CsA dependent increase of blood pressure, which was higher than in control
      rats, but after 4 weeks of treatment significantly reduced (P<0.01) glomerular
      and tubulo-interstitial fibrosis, type 1 collagen expression and macrophage
      infiltration, as compared with rats treated with cyclosporine. The administration
      of C21 showed a protective effect on cyclosporine nephropathy, decreasing renal
      fibrosis and macrophage infiltration. These data suggest that C21 may counteract
      tubulo-interstitial fibrosis, the most potent predictor of the progression of
      renal diseases.

PMID- 27679861
TI  - Open eyes to sensory testing.

PMID- 27679862
TI  - Telephone review for people with epilepsy.
AB  - Telephone consultations are well suited to epilepsy review, particularly for
      those ineligible to drive. Careful patient selection and a courtesy call
      beforehand, by an administrator, increases efficiency and saves patient anxiety
      and clinician time. This paper gives advice based upon the author's experience of
      telephone review of patients with epilepsy.

PMID- 27679860
TI  - Association between genetic polymorphisms of interleukins and cerebral infarction
      risk: a meta-analysis.
AB  - Interleukins (ILs) are the most typical inflammatory and immunoregulatory
      cytokines. Evidences have shown that polymorphisms in ILs are associated with
      cerebral infarction risk. However, the results remain inconclusive. The present
      study was to evaluate the role of ILs polymorphisms in cerebral infarction
      susceptibility. Relevant case-control studies published between January 2000 and
      December 2015 were searched and retrieved from the electronic databases of Web of
      Science, PubMed, Embase and the Chinese Biomedical Database. The odds ratio (OR)
      with its 95% confidence interval (CI) were employed to calculate the strength of
      association. A total of 55 articles including 12619 cerebral infarction patients
      and 14436 controls were screened out. Four ILs (IL-1, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-18)
      contained nine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; IL-1alpha -899C/T, IL-1beta
      -511C/T and IL-1beta +3953C/T; IL-6 -174G/C and -572C/G; IL-10 -819C/T and 
      1082A/G; IL-18 -607C/A and -137G/C). Our result showed that IL-1alpha -899C/T and
      IL-18 -607C/A (under all the genetic models), and IL-6 -572C/G (under the allelic
      model, heterogeneity model and dominant model) were associated with increased the
      risk of cerebral infarction (P<0.05). Subgroup analysis by ethnicity showed that
      IL-6 -174G/C polymorphism (under all the five models) and IL-10 -1082A/G
      polymorphism (under the allelic model and heterologous model) were significantly
      associated with increased the cerebral infarction risk in Asians. Other genetic
      polymorphisms were not related with cerebral infarction susceptibility under any
      genetic models. In conclusion, IL-1alpha -899C/T, IL-6 -572C/G and IL-18 -607C/A
      might be risk factors for cerebral infarction development. Further studies with
      well-designed and large sample size are still required.

PMID- 27679857
TI  - Molecular signaling cascades involved in nonmelanoma skin carcinogenesis.
AB  - Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common cancer worldwide and the
      incidence continues to rise, in part due to increasing numbers in high-risk
      groups such as organ transplant recipients and those taking photosensitizing
      medications. The most significant risk factor for NMSC is ultraviolet radiation
      (UVR) from sunlight, specifically UVB, which is the leading cause of DNA damage,
      photoaging, and malignant transformation in the skin. Activation of apoptosis
      following UVR exposure allows the elimination of irreversibly damaged cells that
      may harbor oncogenic mutations. However, UVR also activates signaling cascades
      that promote the survival of these potentially cancerous cells, resulting in
      tumor initiation. Thus, the UVR-induced stress response in the skin is
      multifaceted and requires coordinated activation of numerous pathways controlling
      DNA damage repair, inflammation, and kinase-mediated signal transduction that
      lead to either cell survival or cell death. This review focuses on the central
      signaling mechanisms that respond to UVR and the subsequent cellular changes.
      Given the prevalence of NMSC and the resulting health care burden, many of these
      pathways provide promising targets for continued study aimed at both
      chemoprevention and chemotherapy.

PMID- 27679863
TI  - Sterile inflammation and pregnancy complications: a review.
AB  - Inflammation is essential for successful embryo implantation, pregnancy
      maintenance and delivery. In the last decade, important advances have been made
      in regard to endogenous, and therefore non-infectious, initiators of
      inflammation, which can act through the same receptors as pathogens. These
      molecules are referred to as damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), and
      their involvement in reproduction has only recently been unraveled. Even though
      inflammation is necessary for successful reproduction, untimely activation of
      inflammatory processes can have devastating effect on pregnancy outcomes. Many
      DAMPs, such as uric acid, high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), interleukin (IL)-1
      and cell-free fetal DNA, have been associated with pregnancy complications, such
      as miscarriages, preeclampsia and preterm birth in preclinical models and in
      humans. However, the specific contribution of alarmins to these conditions is
      still under debate, as currently there is lack of information on their mechanism
      of action. In this review, we discuss the role of sterile inflammation in
      reproduction, including early implantation and pregnancy complications.
      Particularly, we focus on major alarmins vastly implicated in numerous sterile
      inflammatory processes, such as uric acid, HMGB1, IL-1alpha and cell-free DNA
      (especially that of fetal origin) while giving an overview of the potential role
      of other candidate alarmins.

PMID- 27679864
TI  - A high-fat diet fed during different periods of life impairs steroidogenesis of
      rat Leydig cells.
AB  - This study evaluated the impact of a high-fat diet (HFD) during different stages
      of rat life, associated or not with maternal obesity, on the content of sex
      steroid hormones and morphophysiology of Leydig cells. The following periods of
      development were examined: gestation (O1), gestation and lactation (O2), from
      weaning to adulthood (O3), from lactation to adulthood (O4), gestation to
      adulthood (O5), and after sexual maturation (O6). The HFD contained 20%
      unsaturated fat, whereas the control diet had 4% fat. Maternal obesity was
      induced by feeding HFD 15 weeks before mating. All HFD groups presented increased
      body weight, hyperinsulinemia and reduced insulin sensitivity. Except for O1, all
      HFD groups exhibited a higher adiposity index, hyperleptinemia, reduced
      testosterone and estradiol testicular levels, and decreased testicular 17beta-HSD
      enzyme . Morphometrical analyses indicated atrophy of Leydig cells in the O2
      group. Myelin vesicles were observed in the mitochondrial matrix of Leydig cells
      in O3, O4, O5 and O6, and autophagosomes containing mitochondria were found in O5
      and O6. In conclusion, HFD feeding, before or after sexual maturation, reduces
      the functional capacity of rat Leydig cells. Maternal obesity associated with HFD
      during pregnancy/lactation prejudices Leydig cell steroidogenesis and induces its
      atrophy in adulthood, even if it is replaced by a conventional diet at later
      stages of life. Regardless of the life period of exposure to HFD, deregulation of
      leptin is the main factor related to steroidogenic impairment of Leydig cells,
      and, in groups exposed for longer periods (O3, O4, O5 and O6), this is worsened
      by structural damage and mitochondrial degeneration of these cells.

PMID- 27679865
TI  - Characterization of tetraspanin protein CD81 in mouse spermatozoa and bovine
      gametes.
AB  - Sperm-egg interaction and fusion represent a key moment of fertilization. In
      mammals, it is not possible without the interaction of the tetraspanin
      superfamily proteins including CD81. A detailed immunohistochemical localization
      of CD81 was monitored in bovine oocytes during different maturation stages, as
      well as during early embryogenesis. In addition, characterization of CD81 was
      carried out in bovine and mouse sperm. In bovine eggs, CD81 was detected on the
      plasma membrane of the germinal vesicle, metaphase I and metaphase II oocytes.
      During fertilization, accumulation of CD81 molecules in the perivitelline space
      of fertilized oocytes, which appeared as vesicles associated with plasma
      membrane, was observed. In majority of bull-ejaculated sperm and caput, corpus
      and cauda epididymal sperm, as well as mouse cauda epididymal sperm, CD81 was
      found on the plasma membrane covering the apical acrosome. Although the process
      of capacitation did not influence the localization of CD81, it was lost from the
      surface of the acrosome-reacted spermatozoa in bull, in contrast to mouse sperm
      where there was a relocalization of the CD81 protein during acrosome reaction
      across the equatorial segment and later over the whole sperm head. The presented
      results highlight conservative unifying aspects of CD81 expression between cattle
      and mouse, together with mouse-specific traits in sperm CD81 behaviour, which
      emphasizes certain species-specific mechanisms of fertilization to be considered.

PMID- 27679866
TI  - neo-Clerodane Diterpenoids and Other Constituents of Salvia filipes.
AB  - A series of neo-clerodane-type diterpenoids were isolated from the aerial parts
      of Salvia filipes, including the new compounds 4-epi-polystachyne A (1),
      salvifilines A (3), C (7), and D (8), and salvifiline B, which was isolated as
      the 15-O-methyl derivatives 4/5. In addition, the five known diterpenoids (2, 9
      12), together with ursolic, oleanolic, and betulinic acids, and the flavone
      eupatorin were also isolated. The structures were determined by analysis of their
      spectroscopic data, mainly 1D and 2D NMR. The structure of salvifiline D was
      confirmed by X-ray analysis. The cytotoxic activities of the diterpenoids were
      evaluated, but all were inactive against a panel of six human cancer cell lines.

PMID- 27679867
TI  - Evaluation of the Swedish Web-Version of Quality of Recovery (SwQoR): Secondary
      Step in the Development of a Mobile Phone App to Measure Postoperative Recovery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The majority of all surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis
      (day surgery). The Recovery Assessment by Phone Points (RAPP) app is an app for
      the Swedish Web-version of Quality of Recovery (SwQoR), developed to assess and
      follow-up on postoperative recovery after day surgery. OBJECTIVES: The objectives
      of this study are (1) to estimate the extent to which the paper and app versions
      of the SwQoR provide equivalent values; (2) to contribute evidence as to the
      feasibility and acceptability of a mobile phone Web-based app for measuring
      postoperative recovery after day surgery and enabling contact with a nurse; and
      (3) to contribute evidence as to the content validity of the SwQoR. METHODS:
      Equivalence between the paper and app versions of the SwQoR was measured using a
      randomized crossover design, in which participants used both the paper and app
      version. Feasibility and acceptability was evaluated by a questionnaire
      containing 16 questions regarding the value of the app for follow-up care after
      day surgery. Content validity evaluation was based on responses by day surgery
      patients and the staff of the day surgery department. RESULTS: A total of 69
      participants completed the evaluation of equivalence between the paper and app
      versions of the SwQoR. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for the SwQoR
      was .89 (95% CI 0.83-0.93) and .13 to .90 for the items. Of the participants, 63
      continued testing the app after discharge and completed the follow-up
      questionnaire. The median score was 69 (inter-quartile range, IQR 66-73),
      indicating a positive attitude toward using an app for follow-up after day
      surgery. A total of 18 patients and 12 staff members participated in the content
      validity evaluation. The item-level content validity index (I-CVI) for the staff
      group was in the 0.64 to 1.0 range, with a scale-level content validity index (S
      CVI) of 0.88. For the patient group, I-CVI was in the range 0.30 to 0.92 and S
      CVI was 0.67. The content validity evaluation of the SwQoR, together with three
      new items, led to a reduction from 34 to 24 items. CONCLUSIONS: Day surgery
      patients had positive attitudes toward using the app for follow-up after surgery,
      and stated a preference for using the app again if they were admitted for a
      future day surgery procedure. Equivalence between the app and paper version of
      the SwQoR was found, but at the item level, the ICC was less than .7 for 9 items.
      In the content validity evaluation of the SwQoR, staff found more items relevant
      than the patients, and no items found relevant by either staff or patients were
      excluded when revising the SwQoR.

PMID- 27679868
TI  - The co-occurrence of bronchial anthracofibrosis and interstitial lung disease.

PMID- 27679869
TI  - Prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) ligands for diagnosis and therapy of
      prostate cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) has become an attractive
      diagnostic and therapeutic target for small molecule ligands. Radionuclide
      chelating ligands can be labeled with either 68Ga for positron-emission
      tomography (PET) or 177Lu for radionuclide therapy. Areas covered: In this
      literature review we evaluate the diagnostic value of 68Ga PSMA PET/CT and the
      therapeutic potential of 177Lu PSMA radioligand therapy (RLT) in patients with
      prostate cancer. 68Ga PSMA PET/CT is more accurate than CT for nodal staging and
      superior to conventional imaging in patients with biochemical recurrence,
      translating into major changes in clinical management. The preliminary data for
      177Lu PSMA indicates >50% reduction of PSA levels in up to 59% of patients.
      Severe adverse events occurred <10% of patients after RLT. Expert commentary:
      PSMA ligands for diagnostic and therapeutic purpose will significantly impact the
      management of patients with prostate cancer.

PMID- 27679870
TI  - Assessment of forearm muscle spasticity with sonoelastography in patients with
      stroke.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the feasibility of
      sonoelastography to show muscle stiffness in post-stroke spasticity, and the
      relationship between sonoelastography findings and clinical spasticity scores in
      the spastic forearm muscles. METHODS: This study was carried out in a university
      rehabilitation centre. 23 patients with stroke with forearm muscle spasticity
      (>=1+ using the Modified Ashworth scale score and >=1 using the Tardieu scale)
      were included. Sonoelastography parameters (elasticity index and elasticity
      ratio) were measured from the flexor digitorum superficialis, flexor digitorum
      profundus, flexor carpi radialis and flexor carpi ulnaris muscles on the affected
      and unaffected sides. RESULTS: Both elasticity index and elasticity ratio of the
      wrist and finger flexors on the hemiplegic side were significantly increased
      compared with those on the healthy side (p < 0.05). The Tardieu angle of finger
      flexors was negatively correlated with the elasticity index and elasticity ratio
      measured in the spastic flexor digitorum profundus (r = -0.418 and r = -0.469,
      respectively). Tardieu angle of finger flexors was negatively correlated with the
      elasticity index measured in the spastic flexor digitorum superficialis (r = 
      0.435). There was no correlation between other parameters. CONCLUSION:
      Sonoelastography may provide objective assessment of spasticity both in diagnosis
      and follow-up. To strengthen this prediction, further studies are necessary.
      Advances in knowledge: The results of this study represent that sonoelastography
      is a promising evaluation method for forearm muscle spasticity.

PMID- 27679871
TI  - Factors influencing bacteraemia in patients with isomerism and CHD: the effects
      of functional splenic status and antibiotic prophylaxis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: "Heterotaxy syndrome", best segregated as isomerism, is characterised
      by laterality defects of the thoraco-abdominal organs, causing functional
      impairment. In particular, the spleen is frequently affected, increasing
      susceptibility to bacteraemia. This study explored factors that may increase the
      risk of bacteraemia in patients with isomerism. METHODS: We identified patients
      with CHD and isomerism. Review of outpatient, inpatient, and surgical records was
      conducted to collect data and determine trends in the cohort. A Cox regression
      analysis was conducted to determine factors influencing freedom from bacteraemia
      (Fig 1). RESULTS: We identified 83 patients with CHD and isomerism - 17 (20%) who
      had documented episodes of bacteraemia with a total of 21 episodes. A majority
      (86%) were nosocomial. The median age at the time of bacteraemia was 4 months.
      Although splenic anatomy did appear to influence the risk of bacteraemia in
      univariate analysis, this significance was lost with multivariate analysis. None
      of the other factors was significantly associated in either univariate or
      multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Specific factors such as splenic anatomy,
      atrial appendage isomerism, and antibiotic prophylaxis status are not
      significantly associated with the risk of bacteraemia in patients with CHD and
      isomerism. Nosocomial infections represent a majority of bacteraemia in these
      patients.

PMID- 27679872
TI  - Explore the Effects of Microstructural Defects on Voltage Fade of Li- and Mn-Rich
      Cathodes.
AB  - Li- and Mn-rich (LMR) cathode materials have been considered as promising
      candidates for energy storage applications due to high energy density. However,
      these materials suffer from a serious problem of voltage fade. Oxygen loss and
      the layered-to-spinel phase transition are two major contributors of such voltage
      fade. In this paper, using a combination of X-ray diffraction (XRD), pair
      distribution function (PDF), X-ray absorption (XAS) techniques, and aberration
      corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), we studied the
      effects of micro structural defects, especially the grain boundaries, on the
      oxygen loss and layered-to-spinel phase transition through prelithiation of a
      model compound Li2Ru0.5Mn0.5O3. It is found that the nanosized micro structural
      defects, especially the large amount of grain boundaries created by the
      prelithiation can greatly accelerate the oxygen loss and voltage fade. Defects
      (such as nanosized grain boundaries) and oxygen release form a positive feedback
      loop, promote each other during cycling, and accelerate the two major voltage
      fade contributors: the transition metal reduction and layered-to-spinel phase
      transition. These results clearly demonstrate the important relationships among
      the oxygen loss, microstructural defects and voltage fade. The importance of
      maintaining good crystallinity and protecting the surface of LMR material are
      also suggested.

PMID- 27679873
TI  - Polycyclic Musks in the Air and Water of the Lower Great Lakes: Spatial
      Distribution and Volatilization from Surface Waters.
AB  - Polycyclic musks (PCMs) are synthetic fragrance compounds used in personal care
      products and household cleaners. Previous studies have indicated that PCMs are
      introduced to aquatic environments via wastewater and river discharge.
      Polyethylene passive samplers (PEs) were deployed in air and water during winter
      2011 and summer 2012 to investigate the role of population centers as sources of
      these contaminants to the Great Lakes and determine whether the lakes were acting
      as sources of PCMs via volatilization. Average gaseous Sigma5PCM ranged from
      below detection limits (<DL) to 3.2 ng/m3 on the western shoreline of Lake Erie
      in Toledo. Average dissolved Sigma5PCM ranged from <DL to 2.6 ng/L on the
      southern shore of Lake Ontario near the mouth of the Oswego River. Significant
      correlations were observed between population density and Sigma5PCM in both air
      and water, with strongest correlations within a 25 and 40 km radius,
      respectively. At sites where HHCB was detected it was generally volatilizing,
      while the direction of AHTN air-water exchange was variable. Volatilization
      fluxes of HHCB ranged from 11 +/- 6 to 341 +/- 127 ng/m2/day, while air-water
      exchange fluxes of AHTN ranged from -3 +/- 2 to 28 +/- 10 ng/m2/day.
      Extrapolation of average air-water exchange flux values over the surface area of
      the lakes' coastal boundary zone suggested volatilization may be responsible for
      the loss of 64-213 kg/year of dissolved Sigma5PCM from the lakes.

PMID- 27679875
TI  - No middle management.
AB  - There is a widely-held belief that to move on in nursing you must move away from
      patient care; and the further away from hands-on nursing, the higher your salary
      and responsibilities. Clinical grading has worked to revert this disturbing trend
      but there is still much work to be done.

PMID- 27679874
TI  - Mechanochemical Preparation of 3,5-Disubstituted Hydantoins from Dipeptides and
      Unsymmetrical Ureas of Amino Acid Derivatives.
AB  - 5-Substituted-3-(alkoxycarbonyl)alkyl-hydantoin derivatives were prepared by
      mechanochemistry from amino esters or dipeptides, via a 1,1'-carbonyldiimidazole
      mediated one-pot/two-step cyclization reaction involving amino acid unsymmetrical
      urea A and carboxy-imidazolyl-dipeptide ester B intermediates. Comparative
      experiments in solution were also performed. The successful preparation of an
      antibacterial agent precursor was also investigated.

PMID- 27679876
TI  - 'Nothing is low level in nursing'.
AB  - Creeping privatisation of continuing care units and attempts to devalue nursing
      practice by carving off 'basic tasks' for others to perform were strongly
      attacked at the RCN's Annual General Meeting last week.

PMID- 27679877
TI  - Middle managers may be sacrificed to reforms.
AB  - Nursing may have to sacrifice its middle management tier to fund the Prime
      Minister's 'named nurse' initiative, the RCN's Annual General Meeting heard last
      week.

PMID- 27679878
TI  - Clinical grading.
AB  - Clinical grading appeals are not being cleared despite six-month-old assurances
      from Health Secretary William Waldegrave that the process would be speeded up.

PMID- 27679880
TI  - Nursing issues are not a Vote-winning exercise'.
AB  - Nurses on the Isle of Man are claiming that their Government turned a meeting to
      discuss nursing issues into a votewinning exercise in the run-up to the island's
      general election.

PMID- 27679879
TI  - ?
AB  - First World War nurse Dorothy Moriarty visited the imperial War Museum to
      celebrate her 102nd birthday last week. She was joined, from left, by University
      College Hospital ward sister Sarah Lewis, RCN General Secretary Christine
      Hancock, and former Junior Health Minister Edwina Currie.

PMID- 27679881
TI  - John Goodlad, RCN officer and friend.
AB  - Members and staff at the Royal College of Nursing were saddened by the death last
      week of their colleague John Goodlad, RCN Labour Relations Officer.

PMID- 27679882
TI  - ?
AB  - Art and mind: Frank, a client of Hackney Hospital's community-based day ward,
      displayed his work at a recent art show to celebrate the unit's second birthday.

PMID- 27679883
TI  - Accountability is key for HIV.
AB  - Drug users can be accountable for their own HIV prevention, provided they are
      given responsibility to do so, the second European conference for Nurses in AIDS
      Care heard last week.

PMID- 27679884
TI  - Unions reject proposals to alter their practice.
AB  - Nursing unions have criticised Green Paper proposals to reshape industrial
      relations practice, claiming they are designed to damage staff organisations.

PMID- 27679885
TI  - Midwives' leading role.
AB  - Midwives should take the lead in care during womens' pregnancies and childbirth,
      with medical staff following their advice, National Health Service philosopher Dr
      Geoffrey Hunt has told student midwives.

PMID- 27679887
TI  - ?

PMID- 27679886
TI  - NHS Reforms.
AB  - Patient care will suffer as health authorities try to balance their budgets after
      the first year of reformed National Health Service financing, nurses' unions have
      claimed.

PMID- 27679888
TI  - Slim margin for subs rise.
AB  - RCN members decided by only eight votes to increase the College's annual
      subscription by L8 at their Annual General Meeting last week.

PMID- 27679889
TI  - Proving the need for nurses.
AB  - Nursing is far too costly and important to be left to the 'private machinations
      of managers' Royal College of Nursing General Secretary Christine Hancock
      declared last week.

PMID- 27679890
TI  - Consistency needed in approach to US health.
AB  - Inequalities are inherent to the US health system, nursing dean Ann-Marie Brooks
      told the conference.

PMID- 27679891
TI  - RCN council reports.
AB  - RCN Council is 'quietly confident' that : Health Secretary William Waldegrave
      will this week back a Commons private bill enabling the introduction of nurse
      prescribing.

PMID- 27679892
TI  - RCN Accident and emergency nursing association annual conference.
AB  - More than 400 nurses attended the recent RCN Accident and Emergency Nursing
      Association annual conference. Alex Mathieson and Daniel Allen report.

PMID- 27679893
TI  - Rape is not about passion.
AB  - Nurses in A&E can provide the first stage on the road to recovery from the 'life-
      threatening crisis' experienced by rape victims, Jane McGill, a detective
      sergeant with West Yorkshire Constabulary, told the conference.

PMID- 27679894
TI  - Triage adds to waiting time.
AB  - A Department of Health-funded study of waiting times in an A&E unit has found
      that patients in priority cases wait longer when a formal triage system is in
      use.

PMID- 27679895
TI  - Channel tunnel project has lowest fatalities.
AB  - The Channel tunnel project has resulted in seven fatalities from a workforce of
      9000, the lowest mortality rate of any tunnel project, Occupational Health Nurse
      Gary Buchanon, explained to the conference.

PMID- 27679896
TI  - Nurses can aid in identifying suspicious deaths.
AB  - Saving water samples from the lungs of drowning victims can help police identify
      whether a person was alive when he or she fell into a river, conference was told.

PMID- 27679898
TI  - Results of A&E study to be published.
AB  - An important study by the National t Audit Office on the efficiency of accident
      and emergency departments is to be I published early next year.

PMID- 27679897
TI  - Reforms are 'good for the service'.
AB  - Many of the reforms sweeping through the NHS will be good for the service and for
      nursing, according to Ray Rowden, Chief Executive of the Priority Services Unit
      in West Lambeth.

PMID- 27679899
TI  - Nurses' attitudes to health education.
AB  - Only 45 per cent of accident and emergency nurses who took part in a survey felt
      prepared to take on the role of health educator.

PMID- 27679902
TI  - Parliament.
AB  - Radical plans for a Nursing and Midwifery Research Council - on the same lines as
      the Medical Research Council - have been put to a parliamentary inquiry.

PMID- 27679906
TI  - Ireland.
AB  - Irish nurse training should be reorganised along the lines of the British system,
      according to a report by the registration body, An Bord Altranais.

PMID- 27679905
TI  - France.
AB  - About 200,000 health workers from all over France marched through Paris last week
      to show' their dissatisfaction w'ith the country's health service.

PMID- 27679904
TI  - Canada.
AB  - The first university degree programme for midwives in Canada is expected to be
      established soon, once the government passes legislation to set up a College of
      Midwives.

PMID- 27679900
TI  - ?
AB  - Angela Williams receives the L4,000 Queen's Nursing Institute Award for
      Innovation 1991 from Health Minister Virginia Bottomley. Community staff nurse
      Mrs Williams and her team. Anne Cope. Susan Lawrence and Susan Simmons, w ill be
      developing a community nursing service for people with lymphoedema in Enfield.
      L2,000 went to Marie Evans, a practice nurse and health visitor in Liverpool, to
      set up a network of primary health care support workers, and Catherine Davies,
      nurse and Senior Clinical Manager from Shipston on Stour was awarded L2,000 to
      develop patient contracts and discharge packages. The L2,000 Scottish Award went
      to Elizabeth Walker from Forth Valley Health Board to establish a Continence
      Resource Centre.

PMID- 27679908
TI  - Technique to restore faecal continence.
AB  - Faecal continence can be restored, and the quality of patients' lives improved,
      by dynamic graciloplasty.

PMID- 27679907
TI  - New drugs to treat and prevent flu?
AB  - New 'designer drugs' that could treat and prevent the spread of influenza have
      been patented by Australian researchers.

PMID- 27679909
TI  - Endometrial resection and haematometra.
AB  - Clinicians should be aware that abdominal pain in women who have undergone
      endometrial resection and are taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) might be
      due to haematometra.

PMID- 27679910
TI  - Effect on histology of new GP contract.
AB  - There is little evidence of unnecessary operations being performed in GPs'
      surgeries as a result of the new contract, and rates of misdiagnosis and
      incomplete excision of skin lesions are similar to those in hospital.

PMID- 27679911
TI  - Rubella vaccinations need to be promoted.
AB  - Women who arc identified as being unprotected against rubella are often
      overlooked and not vaccinated.

PMID- 27679913
TI  - Images of Romania.
AB  - Thousands of nurses contributed to this book: all those who gave time and money
      to the Nursing Standard Caring for Romania Appeal and the Romanian Angel Appeal.

PMID- 27679912
TI  - Reviewing the situation.
AB  - Shortly after the Prime Minister returns from his Christmas holiday, he will
      receive a report that shapes the 1992 pay award for every nurse, midwife and
      health visitor in the UK: the pay Review Body recommendations. There will be
      little publicity about the report until the end of January, when the Health
      Secretary announces the Government's decision on national pay awards.

PMID- 27679914
TI  - Reviewing research.
AB  - I read with interest Kader Parahoo's article 'Politics and ethics in nursing
      research' (Nursing Standard October 30).

PMID- 27679915
TI  - Controlling the whistling game?
AB  - Eric Gray (Letters Nursing Standard October 30) is right when he says that the
      employers are controlling the whistlebowling game.

PMID- 27679916
TI  - 'What is the RCN thinking of?'
AB  - When I entered nursing, I joined the RCN because it was the only professional
      organisation for nurses. Now it seems that the College is prepared to lose its
      professional status by admitting non-nursing personnel as members, or as
      associate members.

PMID- 27679917
TI  - Show nursing, wards and all.
AB  - The recent television I advertisement designed to encourage people to take up
      nursing has caused me bitter mirth.

PMID- 27679918
TI  - Casualty update.
AB  - Love, and the trauma it causes, was prominent in last week's Casualty.

PMID- 27679919
TI  - Nothing new under the sun.
AB  - As Ecclesiastes tells us: 'There is nothing new under the sun.'

PMID- 27679921
TI  - Gossip.
AB  - Oh dear, a leading public relations company has just launched a video showing
      health service managers how to deal with 'unexpected attention from any part of
      the media with confidence and success'.

PMID- 27679920
TI  - Doctors and nurses at sea.
AB  - I agree wholeheartedly with Les Ceiling's assertion that nurses themselves
      perpetuate the handmaiden approach to medical staff ('No masters without slaves',
      Nursing Standard November 13).

PMID- 27679922
TI  - Psion Winner.
AB  - The winner of the Nursing Standard Psion organiser is CMA Davies, London SW1.
      Congratulations to an organised winner.

PMID- 27679923
TI  - Correction.
AB  - In the feature 'Dying East, Dying West' (Nursing Standard October 30), the author
      stated that St Luke's Hospice in Plymouth has no support system for staff.

PMID- 27679925
TI  - Feminist Groupwork Feminist Groupwork Groupwork Butler S Wintram Sage SAGE L10.95
      , 0-8039-8210-0 [Formula: see text].
AB  - Feminist Groupworkis a very thought-provoking book, although the thoughts and
      speculations stimulated aren't necessarily those intended. I wish that Sandra
      Butler and Claire Wintram had sorted out their research results with their tabula
      rasa in tact. When describing the effects on the female psyche of oppression,
      imbalance of power and exploitation, they accept continually that these stresses
      are confined to females.

PMID- 27679926
TI  - Counselling and communication in health care Counselling and communication in
      health care Wiley John L 15.95 358pp 0-471-92965-4 [Formula: see text].
AB  - Counselling and Communication in Health Care is depressing, exciting, and
      definitely relevant reading for nurses. It gives a sobering review of the
      research evidence that the levels of competent, knowledgeable communication and
      counselling required by patients and their families are, generally, not being
      provided.

PMID- 27679927
TI  - Listings.

PMID- 27679928
TI  - Combining biomedical preventions for HIV: Vaccines with pre-exposure prophylaxis,
      microbicides or other HIV preventions.
AB  - Biomedical preventions for HIV, such as vaccines, microbicides or pre-exposure
      prophylaxis (PrEP) with antiretroviral drugs, can each only partially prevent HIV
      1 infection in most human trials. Oral PrEP is now FDA approved for HIV
      prevention in high risk groups, but partial adherence reduces efficacy. If
      combined as biomedical preventions (CBP) an HIV vaccine could provide protection
      when PrEP adherence is low and PrEP could prevent vaccine breakthroughs. Other
      types of PrEP or microbicides may also be partially protective. When licensed,
      first generation HIV vaccines are likely to be partially effective. Individuals
      at risk for HIV may receive an HIV vaccine combined with other biomedical
      preventions, in series or in parallel, in clinical trials or as part of standard
      of care, with the goal of maximally increasing HIV prevention. In human studies,
      it is challenging to determine which preventions are best combined, how they
      interact and how effective they are. Animal models can determine CBP efficacy,
      whether additive or synergistic, the efficacy of different products and
      combinations, dose, timing and mechanisms. CBP studies in macaques have shown
      that partially or minimally effective candidate HIV vaccines combined with
      partially effective oral PrEP, vaginal PrEP or microbicide generally provided
      greater protection than either prevention alone against SIV or SHIV challenges.
      Since human CBP trials will be complex, animal models can guide their design,
      sample size, endpoints, correlates and surrogates of protection. This review
      focuses on animal studies and human models of CBP and discusses implications for
      HIV prevention.

PMID- 27679929
TI  - ECCMID 2016: addressing the burden of recurrent Clostridium difficile infections.
AB  - 26th European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID),
      9-12th April 2016, Amsterdam, The Netherlands The European Congress of Clinical
      Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID) is the annual scientific meeting of
      the European Society of Clinical Microbiology. ECCMID 2016, held in Amsterdam,
      The Netherlands, was attended by over 11,600 clinical microbiologists and
      infectious disease physicians from more than 120 countries. The Congress offered
      an essential opportunity to learn more about the diagnosis, prevention and
      treatment of healthcare-associated infections, especially those caused by
      Clostridium difficile. Recurrent C. difficile infections have an especially
      serious adverse impact on patients, their families and healthcare systems across
      Europe and around the world, and continue to be a cause for concern among ECCMID
      delegates and their colleagues responsible for managing vulnerable patients in
      acute hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

PMID- 27679932
TI  - Cuprous Phenanthroline MLCT Chromophore Featuring Synthetically Tailored
      Photophysics.
AB  - In the interest of expanding the inventory of available long lifetime,
      photochemically robust, and strongly reducing Cu(I) MLCT sensitizers, we present
      detailed structural, photophysical, and electrochemical characterization of
      [Cu(dipp)2]+, dipp = 2,9-diisopropyl-1,10-phenanthroline, and its sterically
      encumbered tetramethyl analogue [Cu(diptmp)2]+, diptmp = 2,9-diisopropyl-3,4,7,8
      tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline. The achiral isopropyl substituents enable
      similar steric bulk effects to the previously investigated sec-butyl substituents
      while eliminating the complex NMR structural analyses associated with the
      presence of two chiral centers in the latter. The photophysical properties of
      [Cu(diptmp)2]+ are impressive, possessing a 2.3 MUs lifetime in deaerated CH2Cl2
      and a photoluminescence quantum yield of 4.7%, which were slightly attenuated in
      coordinating tetrahydrofuran (THF) solutions. Nanosecond transient absorption
      spectroscopy results matched the transient photoluminescence kinetics enabling
      complete characterization of MLCT excited-state decay in these molecules. The
      calculated excited-state potential for the Cu2+/Cu+* couple (E = -1.74 V vs
      Fc+/0) indicated that [Cu(diptmp)2]+* is a strong photoreductant potentially
      useful for myriad applications. Ultrafast transient absorption measurements
      performed in THF solutions are also reported, yielding the relative time scales
      for both the pseudo-Jahn-Teller distortion (0.4-0.8 ps in [Cu(dipp)2]+ and 0.12
      0.5 ps in [Cu(diptmp)2]+) and singlet-triplet intersystem crossing (6.4-10.1 ps
      for [Cu(dipp)2]+ and 3.5-5.4 ps for [Cu(diptmp)2]+) within these molecules. The
      disparity in the time scales of pseudo-Jahn-Teller distortion and intersystem
      crossing between two complexes with different anticipated excited-state
      geometries suggests that strongly impeded structural distortion in the MLCT
      excited state (i.e., [Cu(diptmp)2]+) enables more rapid surface crossings in the
      initial deactivation dynamics.

PMID- 27679933
TI  - Controlled banked turns in coleopteran flight measured by a miniature wireless
      inertial measurement unit.
AB  - The mechanisms and principles of insect flight have long been investigated by
      researchers working on micro and nano air vehicles (MAVs/NAVs). However, studies
      of insect flight maneuvers require high speed filming and high spatial resolution
      in a small experimental space, or the tethering of the insect to a fixed place.
      Under such artificial conditions, the insects may deviate its flying behavior
      from that of regular flight. In this study, we mounted a tiny wireless system, or
      'backpack', on live beetles (Mecynorrhina torquata; length 62 +/- 8 mm; mass 7.4
      +/- 1.3 g) freely flying in a large laboratory space. The backpack contains a
      micro inertial measurement unit (IMU) that was especially designed and
      manufactured for this purpose. Owing to the small mass (~1.30 g) and dimensions
      (~2.3 cm2) of the backpack and the high accuracy of the IMU, we could remotely
      record the beetle in free flight. The free flight data revealed a strong linear
      correlation between the roll angle and yaw angular velocity. The strength of the
      correlation was quantified by the correlation coefficients and mean values. The
      change in roll angle preceded the change in yaw angular velocity. Moreover, there
      were frequent fluctuations in the roll angular velocity, which were uncorrelated
      with the yaw angular velocity. Apart from the strong correlation, these findings
      imply that Mecynorrhina torquata actively manipulates its roll rotation without
      coupling to the yaw rotation.

PMID- 27679931
TI  - Life Chaos and Perceived Social Support Among Methamphetamine-Using Men Who Have
      Sex With Men Engaging in Transactional Sexual Encounters.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Social support and life chaos have been inversely associated with
      increased risk of HIV infection. The purpose of this study was to explore among a
      sample of HIV-negative methamphetamine-using men who have sex with men (MSM) the
      association between engaging in transactional sex, life chaos, and low social
      support. METHODS: HIV-negative methamphetamine-using MSM completed an online
      questionnaire between July and October 2012 about recent substance use and sexual
      behavior. Bivariate and multivariate tests were used to obtain statistically
      significant associations between demographic characteristics, engaging in
      transactional sex, life chaos, and the participants' perception of their social
      support. RESULTS: Of the 325 participants, 23.7% reported engaging in
      transactional sex, 45.2% reported high life chaos, and 53.5% reported low
      perceived social support. Participants who engaged in transactional sex were more
      likely to have high life chaos than participants who did not (aOR = 1.70, 95% CI
      = [1.01, 2.84]); transactional sex was not associated with social support.
      Participants with high life chaos were more out about their sexual orientation
      (aOR = 2.29, 95% CI = [1.18, 4.42]) and more likely to perceive they had low
      social support (aOR = 3.78, 95% CI = [2.31, 6.22]) than participants with low
      life chaos. Non-Latinos perceived they had less social support than Latinos (aOR
      = 0.48, 95% CI = [0.25, 0.92]). CONCLUSIONS: Methamphetamine-using MSM engaging
      in transactional sex experience more life chaos than those who do not engage in
      transactional sex. Outness, perceived social support, and ethnicity are
      associated with life chaos.

PMID- 27679934
TI  - Development and validation of a simple integer risk score for prediction of in
      hospital mortality following Takotsubo syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Data regarding the characteristics associated with worse outcomes in
      Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) patients is lacking. METHODS AND OBJECTIVES: The
      National Inpatient Sample (NIS) 2012 database was utilized to calculate a risk
      score for in-hospital mortality following TTS that was internally and externally
      validated in both 2012 and 2013 databases, respectively. RESULTS: The incidences
      of in-hospital mortality in the 2012 development sample were 0.2%, 3.2% and 15.6%
      in the low risk (<=2), intermediate risk (3-4) and high-risk (>=5) score groups,
      respectively. The risk score C-statistics were 0.86 and 0.88 in the development
      and external validation samples, respectively (p < 0.001). Age >= 80 year was
      associated with the highest odds ratio (OR) of mortality (OR 8.07, 95% confidence
      interval (CI) 5.79-11.25). Other important predictors were acute cerebrovascular
      accident and acute respiratory failure. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of in-hospital
      mortality following TTS could be predicted using a simple risk score, which could
      aid in identifying and proper management of a higher risk group.

PMID- 27679935
TI  - Serum GDF-15 level in rheumatoid arthritis: relationship with disease activity
      and subclinical atherosclerosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Growth differentiation factor (GDF)-15 was originally identified as a
      factor secreted by activated macrophages, and plays an important role in cell
      growth and differentiation. GDF-15 plays an important role in cell growth, signal
      transduction, and apoptosis regulation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the
      serum GDF-15 levels and their relationship with disease-related characteristics
      in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-six
      patients diagnosed with RA and 36 demographically matched healthy control
      subjects participated in this study. GDF-15 levels were measured in blood samples
      from patients and controls. The disease activity score-28 (DAS28) was used to
      evaluate the disease activity of RA. The quality of life was evaluated using the
      disease-specific rheumatoid arthritis quality of life (RAQoL) scale. The health
      assessment questionnaire (HAQ) was used to evaluate the functional status. The
      degree of joint damage was assessed according to Larsen's method. Atherosclerosis
      was assessed by a cardiologist with the help of echocardiography according to the
      carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) method; vascular stiffness was assessed by
      using the flow mediated dilatation (FMD) method. RESULTS: Serum GDF-15 levels
      were significantly higher in RA patients when compared to the control subjects
      (p< 0.05). RA patients were divided into two groups according to the disease
      activity; while 26 subjects (57%) were in the active group, 20 patients were in
      the non-active group (43%). Serum GDF-15 levels were significantly higher in the
      group that was considered to have an active disease. According to Pearson's
      correlation, serum GDF-15 levels were positively correlated with erythrocyte
      sedimentation rate (ESR) levels, morning stiffness, DAS28 score, tender joint
      count, and CIMT (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: GDF-15 may play a role in the pathway of
      disease activity, joint involvement, and atherosclerosis in patients with
      rheumatoid arthritis.

PMID- 27679936
TI  - Quantum decoherence dynamics of divacancy spins in silicon carbide.
AB  - Long coherence times are key to the performance of quantum bits (qubits). Here,
      we experimentally and theoretically show that the Hahn-echo coherence time of
      electron spins associated with divacancy defects in 4H-SiC reaches 1.3 ms, one of
      the longest Hahn-echo coherence times of an electron spin in a naturally isotopic
      crystal. Using a first-principles microscopic quantum-bath model, we find that
      two factors determine the unusually robust coherence. First, in the presence of
      moderate magnetic fields (30 mT and above), the 29Si and 13C paramagnetic nuclear
      spin baths are decoupled. In addition, because SiC is a binary crystal, homo
      nuclear spin pairs are both diluted and forbidden from forming strongly coupled,
      nearest-neighbour spin pairs. Longer neighbour distances result in fewer nuclear
      spin flip-flops, a less fluctuating intra-crystalline magnetic environment, and
      thus a longer coherence time. Our results point to polyatomic crystals as
      promising hosts for coherent qubits in the solid state.

PMID- 27679937
TI  - The Role of Academic Institutions in Global Health: Building Partnerships With
      Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

PMID- 27679938
TI  - Significance of Extracellular Vesicles: Pathobiological Roles in Disease.
AB  - Over the past decade, many studies have been conducted on extracellular vesicles
      (EVs) in the fields of basic and clinical research. EVs are small sized
      membranous vesicles generated from many type of cells upon activation by
      environmental stresses such as heat, hypoxia, and irradiation. EVs theoretically
      consist of microparticles/microvesicles, exosomes, and apoptotic bodies by
      different productive mechanisms. Clinically, EVs are observed in the blood stream
      of patients suffering from acute and chronic inflammation evoked by various
      diseases, and number of EVs in blood flow is often dependent on the inflammatory
      status and severity of the diseases. To date, it has been reported that small
      molecules such as RNAs and proteins are encapsulated in EVs; however, the
      functions of EVs are still unclear in the biological, pathological, and clinical
      aspects. In this review, we summarize and discuss the biogenesis-based
      classification, expected function, and pathobiological activities of EVs.

PMID- 27679940
TI  - Liver transplantation in Brazil.

PMID- 27679939
TI  - Genome-wide identification of multifunctional laccase gene family in cotton
      (Gossypium spp.); expression and biochemical analysis during fiber development.
AB  - The single-celled cotton fibers, produced from seed coat epidermal cells are the
      largest natural source of textile fibers. The economic value of cotton fiber lies
      in its length and quality. The multifunctional laccase enzymes play important
      roles in cell elongation, lignification and pigmentation in plants and could play
      crucial role in cotton fiber quality. Genome-wide analysis of cultivated
      allotetraploid (G. hirsutum) and its progenitor diploid (G. arboreum and G.
      raimondii) cotton species identified 84, 44 and 46 laccase genes, respectively.
      Analysis of chromosomal location, phylogeny, conserved domain and physical
      properties showed highly conserved nature of laccases across three cotton
      species. Gene expression, enzymatic activity and biochemical analysis of
      developing cotton fibers was performed using G. arboreum species. Of the total
      44, 40 laccases showed expression during different stages of fiber development.
      The higher enzymatic activity of laccases correlated with higher lignin content
      at 25 DPA (Days Post Anthesis). Further, analysis of cotton fiber phenolic
      compounds showed an overall decrease at 25 DPA indicating possible incorporation
      of these substrates into lignin polymer during secondary cell wall biosynthesis.
      Overall data indicate significant roles of laccases in cotton fiber development,
      and presents an excellent opportunity for manipulation of fiber development and
      quality.

PMID- 27679941
TI  - Assessment of antibiotic prophylaxis in surgical patients at the Gaffree e Guinle
      University Hospital.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: : to evaluate the antibiotic prophylaxis in surgical patients at the
      Gaffree e Guinle University Hospital - HUGG. METHODS: : we conducted a rospective
      study of a cohort of 256 patients undergoing elective operations between January
      and September 2014. We collected data on demographics, use or not of prophylactic
      antibiotic and the antibiotic prophylaxis following characteristics: type of
      antibiotic used, moment of administration and duration of postoperative use. The
      analyzed outcomes were "justified use or non-use of antibiotic prophylaxis",
      "correct antibiotic choice," "administration of the antibiotic at the right time"
      and "discontinuation of the antibiotic at the right time." RESULTS: : antibiotic
      prophylaxis was used in 91.8% of cases. The use or non-use of antibiotic
      prophylaxis was justified in 78.9% of patients, the choice of the administered
      antibiotic was considered correct in 97.9%, antibiotic administration was made at
      the right time in only 27.2% of patients and discontinuation of the antibiotic
      was performed at the correct time in 95.7% of cases. CONCLUSION: : the surgical
      antibiotic prophylaxis was not fully adequately performed in the sample.
      OBJETIVO: avaliar a antibioticoprofilaxia em pacientes cirurgicos do Hospital
      Universitario Gaffree e Guinle. METODOS: estudo prospectivo de uma coorte de 256
      pacientes submetidos a operacoes eletivas, entre janeiro e setembro de 2014.
      Foram coletados dados demograficos dos pacientes, se ocorreu utilizacao ou nao do
      antibiotico profilatico e as seguintes caracteristicas da antibioticoprofilaxia:
      tipo de antibiotico utilizado, momento da administracao e tempo de duracao do uso
      no pos-operatorio. Os desfechos de interesse analisados foram "uso ou nao uso
      justificado da antibioticoprofilaxia", "escolha correta do antibiotico",
      "administracao do antibiotico no tempo correto" e "descontinuacao do antibiotico
      no tempo correto". RESULTADOS: a antibioticoprofilaxia foi utilizada em 91,8% dos
      casos. O uso ou nao uso da antibioticoprofilaxia foi justificado em 78,9% dos
      pacientes, a escolha do antibiotico administrado foi considerada correta em
      97,9%, a administracao do antibiotico foi feita no momento correto em apenas
      27,2% dos pacientes e a descontinuacao do antibiotico foi realizada no tempo
      correto em 95,7% dos casos. CONCLUSAO: a antibioticoprofilaxia cirurgica nao foi
      realizada de forma plenamente adequada na amostra estudada.

PMID- 27679942
TI  - Influence of duodenogastric reflux in the gastric mucosa histological changes of
      rats infected with Helicobacter pylori.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the influence of Duodenal reflux in histological changes
      of the gastric mucosa of rats infected with Helicobacter pylori submitted to
      pyloroplasty. METHODS: after two weeks of acclimation, we infected 30 male Wistar
      rats with Helicobacter pylori. We randomly divided them into three groups: one
      submitted to pyloroplasty, another to partial gastrectomy and the third, only
      infected, was not operated. After six months of surgery, euthanasia was carried
      out. Gastric fragments were studied by light microscopy to count the number of H.
      pylori, and to observe the histological changes (gastritis, metaplasia, dysplasia
      and neoplasia). We confirmed these changes by immunohistochemistry using the
      molecular markers PCNA and TGF-beta. RESULTS: the animals submitted to
      pyloroplasty had higher percentage of colonization by H. pylori (median=58.5;
      gastrectomy=16.5; control=14.5). There was a positive correlation between the
      amount of H. pylori and the occurrence of chronic gastritis present in the antral
      fragments. Neoplasia occurred in 40% of rats from the group submitted to
      pyloroplasty. The staining with PCNA and TGF-beta confirmed the histopathological
      changes visualized by optical microscopy. CONCLUSIONS: the antral region was the
      one with the highest concentration of H. pylori, regardless of the group. There
      was a positive correlation between the appearance of benign disorders (chronic
      gastritis, metaplasia, dysplasia) and cancer in mice infected with H. pylori
      submitted to pyloroplasty. OBJETIVO: avaliar a influencia do refluxo
      duodenogastrico nas alteracoes histologicas da mucosa gastrica de ratos,
      infectados por Helicobacter pylori, submetidos a piloroplastia. METODO: apos duas
      semanas de aclimatacao, 30 ratos machos da raca Wistar, foram infectados com o
      microorganismo patogenico H. pylori. De forma aleatoria, foram divididos em tres
      grupos: um submetido a piloroplastia, outro a gastrectomia parcial e o terceiro,
      apenas infectados, nao foi operado. Apos seis meses de operados, procedeu-se a
      eutanasia. Os fragmentos gastricos foram estudados por microscopia optica, para a
      contagem da quantidade de H. pylori, e para a observacao das alteracoes
      histologicas (gastrite, metaplasia, displasia e neoplasia). A confirmacao dessas
      alteracoes foi feita por imuno-histoquimica, utilizando os marcadores moleculares
      PCNA e TGFbeta. RESULTADOS: os animais submetidos a piloroplastia tiveram maior
      percentual de colonizacao por H. pylori (mediana=58,5; gastrectomia=16,5;
      controle=14,5). Houve correlacao positiva entre quantidade de H. pylori e
      ocorrencia de gastrite cronica presente nos fragmentos do antro. Ocorreu 40% de
      neoplasia no grupo submetido a piloroplastia. A marcacao de PCNA e TGF-beta
      confirmou as alteracoes histopatologicas visibilizadas a microscopia optica.
      CONCLUSOES: a regiao do antro foi a que apresentou a maior concentracao de H.
      pylori, independente do grupo. Houve correlacao positiva entre e o aparecimento
      de alteracoes benignas (gastrite cronica, metaplasia, displasia), e de neoplasia
      nos ratos infectados com H. pylori submetidos a piloroplastia.

PMID- 27679943
TI  - Mirizzi syndrome grades III and IV: surgical treatment.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: : to evaluate the epidemiology and outcomes of surgical treatment of
      patients with Mirizzi Syndrome (MS) grades III and IV, the most advanced
      according to Csendes classification. METHODS: : we conducted a retrospective,
      cross-sectional study by reviewing records of thirteen patients with grades III
      and IV MS operated from December 2001 to September 2013, among the 3,691
      cholecystectomies performed in the period. RESULTS: : the incidence of MS was
      0.6% (23 cases) and grades III and IV amounted to 0.35% of this number. There was
      a predominance of type IV (12 cases). The preoperative diagnosis was possible in
      53.8% of cases. The preferred approach was biliary-digestive derivation (10
      cases), and "T" tube drainage with suture of the bile duct was the choice in
      three special occasions. Three patients had biliary fistula resolved with
      clinical management, and one coliperitoneum case required reoperation. In the
      outpatient follow-up of patients who underwent biliodigestive anastomosis
      (eight), 50% are asymptomatic, 25% had anastomotic stricture and 25% lost follow
      up. The mean follow-up was 41.8 months. CONCLUSION: : MS in advanced degrees has
      low incidence, preoperative diagnosis in only half of cases, and has the
      biliodigestive anastomosis as the best conduct, but not without morbidity.
      OBJETIVO: avaliar a epidemiologia e os resultados do tratamento cirurgico de
      doentes portadores de graus III e IV, mais avancados, da Sindrome de Mirizzi (SM)
      de acordo com a classificacao de Csendes. METODOS: estudo retrospectivo, de corte
      transversal atraves da revisao de prontuarios de 13 pacientes portadores de graus
      III e IV da SM operados de dezembro de 2001 a setembro de 2013, entre 3691
      colecistectomias realizadas neste periodo. RESULTADOS: a incidencia da SM foi
      0,6% (23 casos) e os graus III e IV perfizeram 0,35% deste numero. Houve um
      predominio de tipo IV (12 casos). O diagnostico pre-operatorio foi possivel em
      53,8% dos casos. A conduta preferencial foi derivacao biliodigestiva (10 casos) e
      foi optado por drenagem com tubo "T" e sutura da via biliar em tres ocasioes
      especiais. Tres pacientes apresentaram fistula biliar resolvida com conduta
      expectante e um caso de coleperitonio necessitou reoperacao. No seguimento
      ambulatorial dos pacientes que realizaram a anastomose biliodigestiva (oito), 50%
      estao assintomaticos, 25% apresentaram estenose da anastomose e 25% perderam
      seguimento. O tempo medio de acompanhamento foi 41,8 meses. CONCLUSAO: de
      incidencia baixa e de diagnostico pre-operatorio em apenas metade dos casos, a SM
      em graus avancados tem na anastomose biliodigestiva sua melhor conduta, porem nao
      isenta de morbimortalidade.

PMID- 27679944
TI  - Clinical-epidemiological profile of acute appendicitis: retrospective analysis of
      638 cases.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: to describe the clinical and epidemiological profile of acute
      appendicitis (AA) of the patients treated at a referral center in the Juiz de
      Fora macro-region, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. METHODS: we conducted a
      retrospective, observational study in the Dr. Mozart Geraldo TeixeiraEmergency
      Hospital. We selected 638 patients diagnosed with AA, and analyzed the variables
      gender, age, evolutionary phase, length of hospital stay, pathological diagnosis,
      use of antibiotics, use of drains, complications and mortality. RESULTS: AA was
      more prevalent in young adults (19-44 years) and males (65.20%). The mean
      hospital stay was seven days and phase II was the most prevalent. We found the
      histopathological diagnosis of primary tumor of the appendix in six patients
      (0.94%), adenocarcinoma being the most common histologic type (66.7%). Regarding
      the use of antibiotics, 196 patients underwent antibiotic prophylaxis and 306
      received antibiotic therapy. Eighty-one patients used some kind of drain, for an
      average of 4.8 days. Seventeen patients died (2.67%), predominantly males
      (70.59%), with mean age of 38.47 years. CONCLUSION: AA has a higher prevalence in
      males and young adults. The length of stay is directly associated with the
      evolutionary phase. The most common complication is infection of the surgical
      site. Mortality in our service is still high when compared with developed
      centers. OBJETIVO: avaliar a epidemiologia e os resultados do tratamento
      cirurgico de doentes portadores de graus III e IV, mais avancados, da Sindrome de
      Mirizzi (SM) de acordo com a classificacao de Csendes. METODOS: estudo
      retrospectivo, de corte transversal atraves da revisao de prontuarios de 13
      pacientes portadores de graus III e IV da SM operados de dezembro de 2001 a
      setembro de 2013, entre 3691 colecistectomias realizadas neste periodo.
      RESULTADOS: a incidencia da SM foi 0,6% (23 casos) e os graus III e IV perfizeram
      0,35% deste numero. Houve um predominio de tipo IV (12 casos). O diagnostico pre
      operatorio foi possivel em 53,8% dos casos. A conduta preferencial foi derivacao
      biliodigestiva (10 casos) e foi optado por drenagem com tubo "T" e sutura da via
      biliar em tres ocasioes especiais. Tres pacientes apresentaram fistula biliar
      resolvida com conduta expectante e um caso de coleperitonio necessitou
      reoperacao. No seguimento ambulatorial dos pacientes que realizaram a anastomose
      biliodigestiva (oito), 50% estao assintomaticos, 25% apresentaram estenose da
      anastomose e 25% perderam seguimento. O tempo medio de acompanhamento foi 41,8
      meses. CONCLUSAO: de incidencia baixa e de diagnostico pre-operatorio em apenas
      metade dos casos, a SM em graus avancados tem na anastomose biliodigestiva sua
      melhor conduta, porem nao isenta de morbimortalidade.

PMID- 27679945
TI  - Collagen, fibrinogen and thrombin biological addesive is effective in treating
      experimental liver injuries.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: : to evaluate the effectiveness of a collagen-based adhesive
      associated with fibrinogen and thrombin in experimental liver injury in rats.
      METHODS: : the study included 30 Wistar rats randomly divided into three groups:
      A, B and C. All underwent standard liver traumatic injury. In group A the lesion
      was treated with the adhesive; in group B, with conventional absorbable suture;
      and in group C, there was no treatment. We analyzed the time of hemostasis,
      mortality, occurrence of adhesions and any histological changes. RESULTS: : there
      was no statistical difference in relation to mortality (p = 0.5820). The group
      treated with the adhesive showed the lowest hemostasis times (p = 0.0573, odds
      ratio 13.5) and lower incidence of adhesions (p = 0.0119). Microscopic
      histological alterations of Groups A and B were similar, with foreign body
      granuloma formation separating the adhesive material or the suture from the
      hepatic stroma. CONCLUSION: : the adhesive of collagen associated with fibrinogen
      and thrombin was effective in the treatment of experimental hepatic injury,
      providing a lower incidence of adhesions between the liver and surrounding
      structures. OBJETIVO: avaliar a eficacia de um adesivo a base de colageno
      associado a fibrinogenio e trombina, no trauma hepatico experimental em ratos.
      METODOS: foram incluidos no estudo 30 ratos Wistar, igualmente divididos
      aleatoriamente em tres grupos: A, B e C. Todos foram submetidos a lesao
      traumatica hepatica padronizada. No grupo A a lesao foi tratada com o adesivo, no
      grupo B com sutura convencional com fio absorvivel e no grupo C nao houve
      tratamento da lesao. Foram analisados o tempo de hemostasia, mortalidade,
      ocorrencia de aderencias e eventuais alteracoes histologicas. RESULTADOS: os
      resultados mostraram que nao houve diferenca estatistica em relacao a mortalidade
      (p=0,5820). O grupo tratado com adesivo apresentou os menores tempos de
      hemostasia (p=0,0573 e odds ratio 13,5) e menor ocorrencia de aderencias
      (p=0,0119). Microscopicamente, as alteracoes histologicas dos grupos A e B foram
      semelhantes, com a formacao de granuloma de corpo estranho separando o material
      do adesivo e do fio de sutura do estroma hepatico. CONCLUSAO: o estudo concluiu
      que o adesivo de colageno associado a fibrinogenio e trombina foi eficaz no
      tratamento do trauma hepatico experimental, proporcionado menor ocorrencia de
      aderencias entre o figado e as estruturas vizinhas.

PMID- 27679946
TI  - Diagnosis of aggressive subtypes of eyelid basal cell carcinoma by 2-mm punch
      biopsy: prospective and comparative study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: : to compare the accuracy of preoperative 2-mm punch biopsy at one
      site and at two sites in the diagnosis of aggressive subtypes of eyelid basal
      cell carcinoma (BCC). METHODS: : we randomly assigned patients to Group 1 (biopsy
      at one site) and Group 2 (biopsy at two sites). We compared the biopsy results to
      the gold standard (pathology of the surgical specimen). We calculated the
      sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value,
      accuracy and Kappa coefficient to determine the level of agreement in both
      groups. RESULTS: : we analyzed 105 lesions (Group 1: n = 44; Group 2: n = 61).
      The agreement was 54.5% in Group 1 and 73.8% in Group 2 (p = 0.041). There was no
      significant difference between the groups regarding the distribution of
      quantitative and qualitative variables (gender, age, disease duration, tumor
      larger diameter, area and commitment of margins). Biopsy at two sites was two
      times more likely to agree with the gold standard than the biopsy of a single
      site. CONCLUSIONS: : the accuracy and the performance indicators were better for
      2-mm punch biopsy in two sites than in one site for the diagnosis of aggressive
      subtypes of eyelid BCC. OBJETIVO: comparar a acuracia da biopsia pre-operatoria
      por trepano de 2mm em um sitio e em dois sitios no diagnostico dos subtipos
      agressivos de carcinoma basocelular (CBC) palpebral. METODOS: os pacientes foram
      distribuidos aleatoriamente em Grupo 1 (biopsia em um sitio) e Grupo 2 (biopsia
      em dois sitios). Os resultados das biopsias foram comparados com o padrao-ouro
      (exame anatomopatologico da peca cirurgica). A sensibilidade, especificidade,
      valor preditivo positivo, valor preditivo negativo, precisao e coeficiente Kappa
      foram calculados para determinar o nivel de concordancia nos dois grupos.
      RESULTADOS: foram analisadas 105 lesoes (Grupo 1: n = 44; Grupo 2: n = 61). A
      concordancia foi de 54,5% no Grupo 1 e 73,8% no Grupo 2 (p-valor = 0,041). Nao
      houve diferenca significativa entre os grupos quanto a distribuicao das variaveis
      quantitativas e qualitativas (sexo, idade, duracao da doenca, maior diametro do
      tumor, area e comprometimento de margens). A biopsia em dois sitios mostrou duas
      vezes mais chance de concordar com o padrao-ouro do que a biopsia de um sitio.
      CONCLUSOES: a acuracia e os indicadores de desempenho foram melhores para a
      biopsia por trepano de 2 mm em dois sitios do que em um sitio para o diagnostico
      dos subtipos agressivos de CBC palpebral.

PMID- 27679947
TI  - Single transverse extended incision for radical neck dissection.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: to assess the efficacy of the single transverse extended cervical
      incision in radical neck dissection. METHOD: we conducted a prospective study,
      from January 2008 to January 2009, with 18 patients undergoing surgical treatment
      of malignant tumors of the upper aero-digestive tract. The primary lesion was
      located in the oral cavity in eight cases, in the oropharynx in three, in the
      hypopharynx in three, in the larynx in two, in the maxillary sinus, and in one
      case, the primary injury was hidden. There were 29 neck dissections, eight
      bilateral and 10 unilateral (26 radical and three selective). Staging revealed
      nine patients with T4 tumor, one T3, six T2, one T1 and one Tx. Five patients
      were N0, nine N2b, one N2c and three N3. The average number of dissected lymph
      nodes was 34.25. We performed the neck dissection through a single incision
      located in the middle neck, coincident with the skinfold, with a length of about
      2 to 3 cm behind the anterior edge of the trapezius muscle and 3 to 4 cm from the
      midline for the unilateral neck dissections. RESULTS: as complications, there
      were myocutaneous flap necrosis in one patient with prior radiation therapy, one
      lymphatic fistula, one dehiscence of the tracheostomy, one cervical abscess, one
      salivary fistula and one suture dehiscence. CONCLUSIONS: the single extended
      incision provides adequate exposure of the neck structures, without compromising
      surgical time, even in bilateral dissections. It does not compromise the
      resection of all cervical lymph nodes; it has excellent aesthetic and functional
      results and is easily associated with other approaches to resection of the
      primary tumor. OBJETIVO: verificar a eficacia da incisao cervical unica,
      transversa e estendida, para o esvaziamento cervical radical. METODO: estudo
      prospectivo, de janeiro de 2008 a janeiro de 2009, de 18 pacientes submetidos a
      tratamento cirurgico de tumores malignos da via aero-digestiva superior. A lesao
      primaria se situava na cavidade oral em oito casos, na orofaringe em tres, no
      seio piriforme em tres, na laringe em dois, no seio maxilar em um e em um caso a
      lesao primaria era oculta. Houve 29 esvaziamentos, sendo oito bilaterais e 10
      unilaterais (26 radicais e tres seletivos). O estadiamento revelou nove pacientes
      com tumor T4, um T3, seis T2, um T1 e um Tx. Cinco pacientes eram N0, nove N2b,
      um N2c e tres N3. A media de linfonodos dissecados foi de 34,25. O esvaziamento
      cervical foi realizado por meio de uma unica incisao localizada no terco medio do
      pescoco, coincidente com dobra cutanea, com extensao de cerca de 2 a 3 cm para
      tras da borda anterior do musculo trapezio e 3 a 4 cm da linha media para os
      esvaziamentos cervicais unilaterais. RESULTADOS: como complicacoes houve necrose
      de retalho miocutaneo em um paciente com radioterapia previa, uma fistula
      linfatica, uma deiscencia do traqueostoma, um abscesso cervical, uma fistula
      salivar e uma deiscencia de sutura. CONCLUSOES: a incisao unica e estendida
      proporciona exposicao adequada das estruturas do pescoco, sem comprometer o tempo
      cirurgico, mesmo em esvaziamentos bilaterais. Nao compromete a resseccao de todos
      os linfonodos cervicais, apresenta excelentes resultados esteticos e funcionais e
      e facilmente associada com outras abordagens para resseccao do tumor primario.

PMID- 27679949
TI  - Gastric wall changes after intragastric balloon placement: a preliminary
      experience.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: : to evaluate the thickness of the gastric wall at the time of intra
      gastric balloon (IGB) placement, at the time of its withdrawal and one month
      after withdrawal. METHODS: : fifteen morbidly obese patients underwent the
      introduction of IGB under general anesthesia. In all patients, there was infusion
      of 500ml of distilled water in the balloon for the test. Measurements of the
      thickness of the gastric wall were made in the antrum, body and proximal body,
      using a radial echoendoscope with a frequency of 12MHz and maximum zoom, and its
      own balloon inflated with 5ml of distilled water. RESULTS: : the presence of IGB
      led to increased wall thickness of the gastric body by expanding the muscle
      layer. These changes were apparently transient, since 30 days after the balloon
      withdrawal there was a tendency to return of the wall thickness values observed
      before the balloon insertion. CONCLUSION: : the use of intragastric balloon for
      the treatment of obesity determines transient increase in the wall thickness of
      the gastric body caused by expanded muscle layer. OBJETIVO: avaliar a espessura
      da parede gastrica no momento do posicionamento do balao intragastrico (BIG), no
      momento de sua retirada e um mes apos a retirada. METODOS: quinze pacientes
      obesos morbidos foram submetidos a introducao de BIG sob anestesia geral. Em
      todos os pacientes foi feita infusao de 500 ml de agua destilada e o balao foi
      insuflado com 5ml de agua destilada. As medidas da espessura da parede gastrica
      foram feitas no antro, corpo e corpo alto utilizando-se um ecoendoscopio radial
      com frequencia de 12MHz e zoom maximo. RESULTADOS: a presenca do BIG levou ao
      aumento da espessura da parede do corpo gastrico pelo aumento de espessura da sua
      camada muscular. Estas alteracoes sao aparentemente transitorias ja que apos 30
      dias da retirada do balao existiu uma tendencia de retorno da espessura da parede
      aos valores observados antes do seu posicionamento. CONCLUSAO: a utilizacao do
      balao intragastrico para tratamento da obesidade determina aumento transitorio da
      espessura da parede do corpo gastrico causado pelo aumento da camada muscular.

PMID- 27679948
TI  - Age-related changes in bone architecture.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: : to evaluate the histologic and morphometric characteristics of bone
      biopsies of the anterior iliac crest of patients of different age groups.
      METHODS: : we studied 30 bone samples from the iliac crest, using brightfield
      optical microscopy. We divided the samples by donors' age groups in three groups:
      Group 1 (n = 10), subjects aged between 25 and 39 years; Group 2 (n = 10),
      subjects aged between 40 and 64 years; Group 3 (n = 10), individuals aged 65
      years and over. We randomly divided the samples into two sets with 15 specimens.
      In the first study segment (n = 15), we used histological to assess the
      osteogenic property of the graft, through the analysis of cell reserve in the
      periosteum, the number of osteocytes in the lacunae and the number of Haversian
      and Volkmann's canals. In the second study segment (n = 15), we investigated the
      morphology of osteoconductive property of the graft, through quantification of
      the trabecular meshwork (Vv) and trabecular area (Sv). RESULTS: : histologically,
      we observed degeneration of bone occurring with age, characterized by thinning of
      the periosteum, with gradual replacement of the steogenic layer by fibrous
      tissue, small amount of Haversian and Volkmann's canals, osteocyte lacunae voids
      and fine spongy bone trabeculae, allowing ample medullary space, usually occupied
      by fat cells and adipocytes. Morphologically, with respect to the quantification
      of the trabecular meshwork (Vv), we found statistically significant differences
      between Groups 1 and 3 and between Groups 2 and 3, with reduction of the
      trabecular meshwork of about 45% in the elderly over 65 years old ; there was no
      statistically significant difference between Groups 1 and 2. There was also no
      statistical difference between the Groups regarding Sv. CONCLUSION: : the results
      of this experiment suggest that, in the elderly (over 65 years old), the
      osteogenic property of autologous bone graft decreases and the osteoconductive
      property is compromised. OBJETIVO: avaliar as caracteristicas histologicas e
      morfometricas de biopsias osseas da regiao anterior da crista iliaca de pacientes
      de diferentes faixas etarias. METODOS: foram estudadas 30 amostras de osso da
      crista iliaca, utilizando-se microscopia optica de campo claro. As amostras foram
      divididas pela faixa etaria dos doadores em tres grupos: Grupo 1 (n = 10),
      individuos com idade entre 25 e 39 anos; Grupo 2 (n = 10), individuos com idade
      entre 40 e 64 anos; Grupo 3 (n = 10), individuos com idade igual ou superior a 65
      anos. As amostras foram separadas aleatoriamente em dois conjuntos com 15 pecas.
      No primeiro segmento do estudo (n = 15), foi avaliada histologicamente a
      propriedade osteogenica do enxerto, atraves da analise da reserva celular no
      periosteo, do numero de osteocitos nas lacunas e da quantidade de canais de
      Havers e de Volkmann. No segundo segmento do estudo (n = 15), investigou-se
      morfologicamente a propriedade osteocondutora do enxerto, atraves da
      quantificacao da rede trabecular (Vv) e da area trabecular (Sv). RESULTADOS:
      histologicamente, observou-se que ocorre degeneracao do tecido osseo com a idade,
      caracterizada pelo adelgacamento do periosteo, com substituicao gradual da camada
      osteogenica por tecido fibroso, pequena quantidade de canais de Havers e de
      Volkmann, osteoplastos vazios e trabeculas finas de osso esponjoso, permitindo
      amplo espaco medular, em geral ocupado por celulas lipidicas e adipocitos.
      Morfologicamente, com relacao a quantificacao da rede trabecular (Vv), foi
      observada diferenca estatisticamente significante entre os Grupos 1 e 3 e entre
      os Grupos 2 e 3, com reducao da rede trabecular de cerca de 45% no idoso acima de
      65 anos de idade; nao foi observada diferenca estatisticamente significante entre
      os Grupos 1 e 2. Nao foi observada diferenca estatistica entre os grupos quanto a
      Sv. CONCLUSAO: os achados do presente experimento sugerem que nos individuos
      idosos (acima de 65 anos de idade), a propriedade osteogenica do enxerto osseo
      autologo diminui e a propriedade osteocondutora esta comprometida.

PMID- 27679950
TI  - Robotic-assisted modified retroauricular cervical approach: initial experience in
      Latin America.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the thickness of the gastric wall at the time of intra
      gastric balloon (IGB) placement, at the time of its withdrawal and one month
      after withdrawal. METHODS: fifteen morbidly obese patients underwent the
      introduction of IGB under general anesthesia. In all patients, there was infusion
      of 500ml of distilled water in the balloon for the test. Measurements of the
      thickness of the gastric wall were made in the antrum, body and proximal body,
      using a radial echoendoscope with a frequency of 12MHz and maximum zoom, and its
      own balloon inflated with 5ml of distilled water. RESULTS: the presence of IGB
      led to increased wall thickness of the gastric body by expanding the muscle
      layer. These changes were apparently transient, since 30 days after the balloon
      withdrawal there was a tendency to return of the wall thickness values observed
      before the balloon insertion. CONCLUSION: the use of intragastric balloon for the
      treatment of obesity determines transient increase in the wall thickness of the
      gastric body caused by expanded muscle layer. RESUMO: A preocupacao com a
      melhoria dos resultados esteticos e funcionais sem comprometimento dos resultados
      oncologicos na cirurgia de cabeca e pescoco tem aumentado significativamente. Os
      procedimentos minimamente invasivos e principalmente aqueles que utilizam a
      tecnologia robotica permitiram o desenvolvimento de novas abordagens, incluindo o
      acesso retroauricular, que agora e usado rotineiramente, especialmente na Coreia
      do Sul. A presente nota ira ilustrar a tecnica e a experiencia inicial na America
      Latina, demonstrando que esta abordagem e viavel, segura e eficaz
      oncologicamente, podendo ser utilizada em casos selecionados com um beneficio
      estetico evidente.

PMID- 27679951
TI  - Bronchial fistula closure with negative pressure wound therapy: a feasible and
      cost-effective treatment.
AB  - Treatment of bronchial fistula (BF) after pulmonary lobectomy is a challenge.
      Often, patients require long hospital stay, have recurrent empyema and pneumonia,
      are susceptible to sepsis, often need broad-spectrum antibiotics, as well as
      various surgical approaches. With the advent and growing evidence of the benefits
      of negative pressure therapy (NPT), its use in some patients with BF has been
      reported with encouraging results concerning its feasibility and cost
      effectiveness. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the application of NPT as
      a resource for BF treatment and comparatively analyze the overall cost of
      treatment. RESUMO O tratamento de fistula bronquica (FB) apos lobectomia pulmonar
      e um desafio. Muitas vezes, o paciente demanda longo tempo de internacao,
      apresenta recidivas de empiema e pneumonia, pode evoluir para sepse,
      frequentemente necessita de antibioticoterapia de amplo espectro, bem como de
      varias abordagens cirurgicas. Com o advento e acumulo de evidencias dos
      beneficios da terapia por pressao negativa (TPN), seu uso em alguns pacientes com
      FB tem sido relatado com resultados animadores relativos a sua viabilidade e ao
      seu custo-efetividade. O objetivo deste estudo foi demonstrar a aplicacao de TPN
      como recurso para tratamento da FB e analisar comparativamente o custo global do
      seu tratamento. 

PMID- 27679952
TI  - Profile of the newly graduated physicians in southern Brazil and their
      professional insertion.
AB  - Knowledge of the profile and professional integration of new graduates enables
      adjustments in medical education. This study evaluated 107 graduates from a
      private institution in the Brazilian South region, using a self-administered
      electronic questionnaire. There were similar participation of young physicians of
      both genders and higher male concentration in general surgery. Graduates are
      inserted in the public and private labor market. Most do extra shifts in
      emergency services and trauma surgery, where there is greater need for clinical
      and surgical skills. These findings suggest that adequate surgical training
      during graduation is critical to employability. RESUMO O conhecimento do perfil e
      insercao profissional dos recem-formados possibilita ajustes na educacao medica.
      Este estudo avaliou 107 egressos de instituicao privada no sul do pais,
      utilizando questionario eletronico autoaplicavel. Houve participacao similar de
      jovens de ambos os sexos e maior concentracao masculina na area de cirurgia
      geral. Os egressos estao inseridos no mercado de trabalho publico e privado. A
      maioria faz plantoes extras em servicos de emergencia e cirurgia do trauma, onde
      ha maior necessidade de habilidades clinicas e cirurgica. Esses achados apontam
      que a formacao cirurgica adequada durante a graduacao e fundamental para a
      empregabilidade. 

PMID- 27679953
TI  - Cesarean section by maternal request.
AB  - Cesarean section by maternal request is the one performed on a pregnant woman
      without medical indication and without contraindication to vaginal delivery.
      There is great controversy over requested cesarean section. Potential risks
      include complications in subsequent pregnancies, such as uterine rupture,
      placenta previa and accreta. Potential benefits of requested cesareans include a
      lower risk of postpartum hemorrhage in the first cesarean and fewer surgical
      complications compared with vaginal delivery. Cesarean section by request should
      never be performed before 39 weeks. RESUMO A cesariana a pedido materno e aquela
      realizada em uma gestante sem indicacoes medicas e sem contraindicacao para
      tentativa do parto vaginal. Existe grande controversia sobre a realizacao da
      cesariana a pedido. Riscos potenciais da cesariana a pedido incluem complicacoes
      em gravidezes subsequentes, tais como: rotura uterina, placenta previa e
      acretismo. Potenciais beneficios da cesariana a pedido englobam um menor risco de
      hemorragia pos-parto na primeira cesariana e menos complicacoes cirurgicas quando
      comparada ao parto vaginal. A cesariana a pedido jamais deve ser realizada antes
      de 39 semanas. 

PMID- 27679955
TI  - Prioritising minimum standards of emergency care for children in resource-limited
      settings.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is global variation in the ability of hospital-based emergency
      centres to provide paediatric emergency medicine (PEM) services. Although minimum
      standards have been proposed, they may not be applicable in resource-limited
      settings. OBJECTIVE: The goal was to identify reasonable minimum standards to
      provide safe and effective care for acutely ill children in resource-limited
      settings. METHODS: Using previously proposed standards from the International
      Federation of Emergency Medicine (IFEM), a modified Delphi approach was used to
      reach agreement regarding minimum standards for PEM in resource-limited settings.
      Three rounds of surveys were electronically distributed to physicians working in
      resource-limited settings. Those standards with >67% agreement advanced to the
      subsequent round. RESULTS: The categories of the surviving criteria included
      integrated service design, child and family-friendly care, initial assessment of
      the ill child, stabilising and treating an ill child, staff training and
      competence, equipment, supplies and medications, quality and safety, child
      protection, and advanced training and academic research. CONCLUSIONS: Experts
      with experience in acute care of children in resource-limited settings have
      prioritised standards for paediatric emergency care. They identified 26 variables
      in nine domains from the original IFEM list of standards and two additional free
      text standards for the care of acutely ill children. This list may serve as a
      helpful guide for emergency centres to provide medical treatment for acutely ill
      children in resource-limited settings.

PMID- 27679954
TI  - IFN-gamma Blocks Development of an Asthma Phenotype in Rhinovirus-Infected Baby
      Mice by Inhibiting Type 2 Innate Lymphoid Cells.
AB  - Early-life wheezing-associated infections with rhinovirus (RV) have been
      associated with asthma development in children. We have shown that RV infection
      of 6-day-old mice induces mucous metaplasia and airways hyperresponsiveness,
      which is dependent on IL-13, IL-25, and type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s).
      Infection of immature mice fails to induce lung IFN-gamma expression, in contrast
      to mature 8-week-old mice with a robust IFN-gamma response, consistent with the
      notion that deficient IFN-gamma production in immature mice permits RV-induced
      type 2 immune responses. We therefore examined the effects of intranasal IFN
      gamma administration on RV-induced ILC2 expansion and IL-13 expression in 6-day
      old BALB/c and IL-13 reporter mice. Airway responses were assessed by histology,
      immunofluorescence microscopy, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, ELISA, and
      flow cytometry. Lung ILC2s were also treated with IFN-gamma ex vivo. We found
      that, compared with untreated RV-infected immature mice, IFN-gamma treatment
      attenuated RV-induced IL-13 and Muc5ac mRNA expression and mucous metaplasia. IFN
      gamma also reduced ILC2 expansion and the percentage of IL-13-secreting ILC2s.
      IFN-gamma had no effect on the mRNA or protein expression of IL-25, IL-33, or
      thymic stromal lymphoprotein. Finally, IFN-gamma treatment of sorted ILC2s
      reduced IL-5, IL-13, IL-17RB, ST2, and GATA-3 mRNA expression. We conclude that,
      in immature mice, IFN-gamma inhibits ILC2 expansion and IL-13 expression in vivo
      and ex vivo, thereby attenuating RV-induced mucous metaplasia. These findings
      demonstrate the antagonistic function of IFN-gamma on ILC2 expansion and gene
      expression, the absence of which may contribute to the development of an asthma
      like phenotype after early-life RV infection.

PMID- 27679956
TI  - Thresholds in marsh resilience to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
AB  - Ecosystem boundary retreat due to human-induced pressure is a generally observed
      phenomenon. However, studies that document thresholds beyond which internal
      resistance mechanisms are overwhelmed are uncommon. Following the Deepwater
      Horizon (DWH) oil spill, field studies from a few sites suggested that oiling of
      salt marshes could lead to a biogeomorphic feedback where plant death resulted in
      increased marsh erosion. We tested for spatial generality of and thresholds in
      this effect across 103 salt marsh sites spanning ~430 kilometers of shoreline in
      coastal Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi, using data collected as part of the
      natural resource damage assessment (NRDA). Our analyses revealed a threshold for
      oil impacts on marsh edge erosion, with higher erosion rates occurring for ~1-2
      years after the spill at sites with the highest amounts of plant stem oiling (90
      100%). These results provide compelling evidence showing large-scale ecosystem
      loss following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. More broadly, these findings
      provide rare empirical evidence identifying a geomorphologic threshold in the
      resistance of an ecosystem to increasing intensity of human-induced disturbance.

PMID- 27679957
TI  - Transcriptional Analysis Reveals Evidence of Chronically Impeded ECM Turnover and
      Epithelium-to-Mesenchyme Transition in Scar Tissue Giving Rise to Marjolin's
      Ulcer.
AB  - Marjolin's ulcer (MU) is an aggressive malignancy arising within chronic wounds.
      A major cause is unhealed burn injuries. This results in well-differentiated
      squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). This study aimed to elucidate transcriptional
      changes leading to malignancy by investigating differentially expressed genes in
      squamous cells present in a SCC compared with MU. MU tumor cells were isolated
      from histologically confirmed biopsy of SCC within an unhealed burn scar.
      Epithelial cells (ECs) adjacent to the tumor were co-isolated and a SCC cell line
      was commercially purchased. mRNA from all three samples was isolated and its
      expression was quantified using RNASeq. A threshold of log2fold change >2-fold in
      either direction was considered "differentially expressed." Gene expression
      analysis revealed distinct differences in gene expression in MU cells compared
      with EC (665 genes), EC and SCC (1673 genes). Enrichment analysis confirmed that
      pathways most affected included 1) elevation of genes associated with
      extracellular matrix organization/degradation, 2) activation of DNA damage, and
      3) activation of cytokine signaling. Our analysis revealed two key insights about
      chronic wound microenvironment conducive to ulceration. First, in EC vs. MU
      comparison, downregulation of Collagen and Matrix metalloproteinase families
      suggests chronically impaired extracellular matrix turnover giving rise to a
      fibrotic microenvironment. Second, in SCC vs. MU comparison, dysregulation of
      cadherin-mediated cell-cell adhesions is suggestive of epithelial-to-mesenchymal
      transitions, similar to those during development. Acquisition of epithelial-to
      mesenchymal transition may underlie the high metastatic rate in MU tumors. Taken
      together, this sheds light on mechanisms that underlie the divergent clinical
      features of these cutaneous cancers.

PMID- 27679958
TI  - Effect of Fireworks Laws on Pediatric Fireworks-Related Burn Injuries.
AB  - Changes in U.S. fireworks laws have allowed younger children to purchase
      fireworks. In addition, the changes have allowed individuals to purchase more
      powerful fireworks. The purpose of this study is to examine the epidemiology of
      pediatric firework-related burn injuries among a nationally representative sample
      of the United States for the years 2006 to 2012. We examined inpatient admissions
      for pediatric firework-related burn patients from 2006 to 2012 using the
      nationwide inpatient sample and examined emergency department admissions using
      the nationwide emergency department sample. Both data sources are part of the
      Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project. Trajectories over time were evaluated. A
      total of 3193 injuries represented an estimated 90,257 firework-related injuries
      treated in the United States from 2006 to 2012. A majority of injuries were
      managed in the emergency department (n = 2008, 62.9%). The incidence generally
      increased over time; increasing from 4.28 per 100,000 population in 2006 to 5.12
      per 100,000 population in 2012, P = .019. However, the proportion of injuries
      requiring inpatient admission (28.9% in 2006 to 50.0% in 2012, P < .001) and mean
      length of stay in the hospital (3.12 days in 2006 to 7.35 days in 2012, P < .001)
      significantly increased over time, while the mean age decreased over time (12.1
      year-old in 2006 to 11.4-year-old in 2012, P = .006). The relaxing of U.S.
      fireworks laws may have had a modest effect on incidence of related injuries and
      the age of purchaser. However, it has had a dramatic effect on the severity of
      the related injuries, resulting in more inpatient admissions and longer length of
      stay in the hospital. Preventative methods should be taken to reduce the rate and
      severity of firework-related injuries among U.S. youths.

PMID- 27679959
TI  - Exercise Treadmills: A Cause of Significant Hand Burns in Young Children.
AB  - A pediatric nurse practitioner and an occupational therapist were impressed by
      the number and severity of treadmill-related hand burns encountered in their
      outpatient burn clinic. They observed that treadmill burns appeared to be deeper
      compared with other contact hand burns. Literature review revealed that research
      was inadequate in this area. A retrospective chart review was conducted, and a
      total of 384 patients were found to receive treatments at a regional level 1
      pediatric burn center for treadmill and contact hand burns from 2010 to 2014. Age
      distribution, severity, and negative outcomes were compared between treadmill
      hand burns and contact hand burns. Recommendations for primary caregivers to
      prevent treadmill hand burns were given. Treadmill burns were the second most
      common hand injury mechanism after stovetop burns. Both hot surface contact burns
      and treadmill burns were more frequently seen in patients 0 to 4 years of age.
      Treadmill hand burns were more severe than contact hand burns in depth of injury
      (24.5 vs 1.4% full thickness), need for operative intervention (6.4 vs 0.0%),
      mean number of burn appointments (4.9 vs 1.9), median time to skin closure (25.2
      days vs 11.0 days), and median length of care (51.0 days vs 11.0 days). Treadmill
      hand burns were frequently seen, and they were more severe and required an
      increased level and duration of care in comparison with other contact hand burns.

PMID- 27679961
TI  - Theory-Based Cartographic Risk Model Development and Application for Home Fire
      Safety.
AB  - There is a gap in the use of predictive risk models to identify areas at risk for
      home fires and burn injury. The purpose of this study was to describe the
      creation, validation, and application of such a model using a sample from an
      intervention study with parents of newborns in Jefferson County, KY, as an
      example. Performed was a literature search to identify risk factors for home
      fires and burn injury in the target population. Obtained from the American
      Community Survey at the census tract level and synthesized to create a predictive
      cartographic risk model was risk factor data. Model validation was performed
      through correlation, regression, and Moran's I with fire incidence data from open
      records. Independent samples t-tests were used to examine the model in relation
      to geocoded participant addresses. Participant risk level for fire rate was
      determined and proximity to fire station service areas and hospitals. The model
      showed high and severe risk clustering in the northwest section of the county.
      Strongly correlated with fire rate was modeled risk; the best predictive model
      for fire risk contained home value (low), race (black), and non high school
      graduates. Applying the model to the intervention sample, the majority of
      participants were at lower risk and mostly within service areas closest to a fire
      department and hospital. Cartographic risk models were useful in identifying
      areas at risk and analyzing participant risk level. The methods outlined in this
      study are generalizable to other public health issues.

PMID- 27679960
TI  - Low Vitamin D Level on Admission for Burn Injury Is Associated With Increased
      Length of Stay.
AB  - Currently, there have been few studies that have evaluated the incidence of
      vitamin D deficiency in adult burn patients or correlated vitamin D levels with
      burn-related outcomes. The primary objective of the study was to identify the
      incidence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in an adult burn population.
      The secondary objective was to determine the impact of vitamin D deficiency and
      insufficiency on clinical outcomes in burn care. A single-center, retrospective,
      and observational cohort analysis of adult patients admitted for initial
      management of burn injury, who had a 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25D) level measured on
      admission, was performed. Patients were categorized as vitamin D deficient (25D
      <10 ng/ml), insufficient (10-29 ng/ml), or sufficient (30-100 ng/ml) based on
      admission measurements. Clinical outcomes including complications, intensive care
      unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay (LOS), and survival were compared between
      patients with vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency and patients with vitamin D
      sufficiency. Three-hundred and eighteen patients were eligible for evaluation.
      Admission 25D level correlated with deficiency in 46 patients (14.5%),
      insufficiency in 207 (65.1%), and normal in 65 (20.4%). Patients with vitamin D
      deficiency or insufficiency experienced higher rates of complications and longer
      ICU and hospital LOS compared with those with normal vitamin D levels. A large
      proportion of patients with burn injury presented with vitamin D insufficiency
      and deficiency which was associated with poor outcomes, including prolonged ICU
      and hospital LOS. Additional studies are needed to further describe the
      relationship between vitamin D status and clinical outcomes.

PMID- 27679963
TI  - Pulmonary hypertension associated with chronic lung diseases.
AB  - In 2015, the international guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary
      hypertension (PH) were updated. Group 3 of the current classification includes PH
      associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial lung
      disease (ILD), other pulmonary diseases with restrictive and obstructive pattern,
      sleep-disordered breathing, alveolar hypoventilation disorders, chronic exposure
      to high altitude, and developmental lung diseases [1]. PH associated with COPD
      and ILD is common but difficult to manage, as no long-term randomised controlled
      trial (RCT) has been conducted with specific pulmonary arterial hypertension
      (PAH) drugs in PH associated with COPD, and the one recent RCT in PH associated
      with ILD had to be stopped early due to a possible increased risk of death and
      side effects in the treatment group. Specific treatment may thus be harmful and
      may worsen gas exchange as a result of possible recruitment of less oxygenised
      areas, i.e. by increasing ventilation-perfusion mismatch. Management of PH
      patients with chronic lung diseases requires careful evaluation and understanding
      of pathophysiological mechanisms. Interestingly, mediators in PAH and in fibrotic
      lung disease show some overlaps. Several drugs effective in PAH have been
      evaluated for anti-fibrotic treatment in ILD, but until today without consistent
      success. While new drugs with anti-fibrotic effects are now accessible, a
      specific evidence-based treatment for PH in ILD or COPD with or without emphysema
      is not yet available.

PMID- 27679962
TI  - Effects of paroxetine on intravaginal ejaculatory latency time in Egyptian
      patients with lifelong premature ejaculation as a function of serotonin
      transporter polymorphism.
AB  - Premature ejaculation (PE) is a common ejaculatory complaint. The estimated rates
      among Turkish men reached 20%, although the severest type of PE (lifelong PE)
      usually does not exceed 2.3%. This could be seen in line with two survey studies
      involving five nations. They revealed that 2.5% of men had an intravaginal
      ejaculation latency time of <1 min and 6% of <2 min. Rapid ejaculation may be
      treated pharmacologically with a variety of different medications that act either
      centrally or locally to delay ejaculation and subsequent orgasm. Antidepressants,
      particularly members of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor class, retard
      ejaculation significantly. Recently, it was postulated that men with lifelong PE
      might result from a combination of polymorphisms of the serotonergic transporter
      and receptors, and other neurotransmitters and/or receptors. Our findings augment
      the significant effect of paroxetine in delaying ejaculation in the responders
      (P<0.001). Meanwhile, the findings do not suggest a positive association between
      such response and serotonin transporter gene promoter polymorphism.

PMID- 27679964
TI  - Strategic Planning for Research in Pediatric Critical Care.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To summarize the scientific priorities and potential future research
      directions for pediatric critical care research discussed by a panel of experts
      at the inaugural Strategic Planning Conference of the Pediatric Trauma and
      Critical Illness Branch of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child
      Health and Human Development. DATA SOURCES: Expert opinion expressed during the
      Strategic Planning Conference. STUDY SELECTION: Not applicable. DATA EXTRACTION:
      Chaired by an experienced expert from the field, issues relevant to the conduct
      of pediatric critical care research were discussed and debated by the invited
      participants. DATA SYNTHESIS: Common themes and suggested priorities were
      identified and coalesced. CONCLUSIONS: Of the many pathophysiologic conditions
      discussed, the multiple organ dysfunction syndrome emerged as a topic in need of
      more study that is most relevant to the field. Additionally, the experts offered
      that the interrelationship and impact of critical illness on child development
      and family functioning are important research priorities. Consequently, long-term
      outcomes research was encouraged. The expert group also suggested that
      multidisciplinary conferences are needed to help identify key knowledge gaps to
      advance and direct research in the field. The Pediatric Critical Care and Trauma
      Scientist Development National K12 Program and the Collaborative Pediatric
      Critical Care Research Network were recognized as successful and important
      programs supported by the branch. The development of core data resources
      including biorepositories with robust phenotypic data using common data elements
      was also suggested to foster data sharing among investigators and to enhance
      disease diagnosis and discovery. Multicenter clinical trials and innovative study
      designs to address understudied and poorly understood conditions were considered
      important for field advancement. Finally, the growth of the pediatric critical
      care research workforce was offered as a priority that could be spawned in many
      ways including by expanded transdisciplinary and multiprofessional collaboration
      and diversity representation.

PMID- 27679966
TI  - Current State of Pediatric Intensive Care and High Dependency Care in Nepal.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe the state of pediatric intensive care and high dependency
      care in Nepal. Pediatric intensive care is now a recognized specialty in high
      income nations, but there are few reports from low-income countries. With the
      large number of critically ill children in Nepal, the importance of pediatric
      intensive care is increasingly recognized but little is known about its current
      state. DESIGN: Survey. SETTING: All hospitals in Nepal that have separate
      physical facilities for PICU and high dependency care. PATIENTS: All children
      admitted to these facilities. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:
      A questionnaire survey was sent to the chief of each facility. Eighteen hospitals
      were eligible and 16 responded. Two thirds of the 16 units were established in
      the last 5 years; they had a total of 93 beds, with median of 5 (range, 2-10)
      beds per unit. All 16 units had a monitor for each bed but only 75% could manage
      central venous catheters and only 75% had a blood gas analyzer. Thirty two
      percent had only one functioning mechanical ventilator and another 38% had two
      ventilators, the other units had 3-6 ventilators. Six PICUs (38%) had a nurse-to
      patient ratio of 1:2 and the others had 1:3 to 1:6. Only one institution had a
      pediatric intensive care specialist. The majority of patients (88%) came from
      families with an income of just over a dollar per day. All patients were self
      funded with a median cost of PICU bed being $25 U.S. dollars (interquartile
      range, 15-31) per day. The median stay was 6 (interquartile range, 4.8-7) days.
      The most common age group was 1-5. Sixty percent of units reported respiratory
      distress/failure as their primary cause for admission. Mortality was 25%
      (interquartile range, 20-35%) with mechanical ventilation and 1% (interquartile
      range, 0-5%) without mechanical ventilation. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric intensive
      care in Nepal is still in its infancy, and there is a need for improved
      organization, services, and training.

PMID- 27679967
TI  - Life-cycle assessment of a Waste-to-Energy plant in central Norway: Current
      situation and effects of changes in waste fraction composition.
AB  - Waste-to-Energy (WtE) plants constitute one of the most common waste management
      options to deal with municipal solid waste. WtE plants have the dual objective to
      reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and simultaneously to produce useful
      energy (heat and/or power). Energy from WtE is gaining steadily increasing
      importance in the energy mix of several countries. Norway is no exception, as
      energy recovered from waste currently represents the main energy source of the
      Norwegian district heating system. Life-cycle assessments (LCA) of WtE systems in
      a Norwegian context are quasi-nonexistent, and this study assesses the
      environmental performance of a WtE plant located in central Norway by combining
      detailed LCA methodology with primary data from plant operations. Mass transfer
      coefficients and leaching coefficients are used to trace emissions over the
      various life-cycle stages from waste logistics to final disposal of the ashes. We
      consider different fractions of input waste (current waste mix, insertion of 10%
      car fluff, 5% clinical waste and 10% and 50% wood waste), and find a total
      contribution to Climate Change Impact Potential ranging from 265 to 637gCO2eq/kg
      of waste and 25 to 61gCO2eq/MJ of heat. The key drivers of the environmental
      performances of the WtE system being assessed are the carbon biogenic fraction
      and the lower heating value of the incoming waste, the direct emissions at the
      WtE plant, the leaching of the heavy metals at the landfill sites and to a lesser
      extent the use of consumables. We benchmark the environmental performances of our
      WtE systems against those of fossil energy systems, and we find better
      performance for the majority of environmental impact categories, including
      Climate Change Impact Potential, although some trade-offs exist (e.g. higher
      impacts on Human Toxicity Potential than natural gas, but lower than coal). Also,
      the insertion of challenging new waste fractions is demonstrated to be an option
      both to cope with the excess capacity of the Norwegian WtE sector and to reach
      Norway's ambitious political goals for environmentally friendly energy systems.

PMID- 27679969
TI  - Enhanced recycling network for spent e-bicycle batteries: A case study in Xuzhou,
      China.
AB  - Electric bicycles (e-bicycles) are a primary means of commuting in China because
      of their light weight, speed, and low maintenance costs. Owing to short service
      life and environmental pollution hazards, recycling and reuse of e-bicycle
      batteries has always been a focus of industry and academia. As a typical case of
      both production and use of large electric bicycles, 113 major sellers, 378
      corporate and individual buyers, 147 large e-bicycle repair centers, and 1317 e
      bicycle owners in Xuzhou City were investigated in order to understand the sales,
      use, recycling, and disposal of spent e-bicycle batteries. The findings show that
      the existing distempered recycling system is the main limitation of spent battery
      recovery, and the actual recovery rate of spent batteries is lower than the
      estimated output (QW) for the years 2011-2014. Electric bicycle sellers play a
      fundamental role in the collection of spent batteries in Xuzhou, accounting for
      42.3+/-8.3% of all batteries recovered. The widespread use of lithium batteries
      in recent years has resulted in a reduction in spent battery recycling because of
      lower battery prices. Furthermore, consumer preferences are another important
      factor affecting the actual recovery rate according to survey results evaluated
      using canonical correspondence analysis. In this paper, we suggest that a reverse
      logistics network system for spent battery recycling should be established in the
      future; in addition, enhancing producer responsibility, increasing publicity,
      raising of public awareness, developing green public transport, and reducing
      dependence on e-bicycles also should be pursued. This study seeks to provide
      guidance for planning construction and management policies for an effective spent
      battery recycling system in China and other developing countries.

PMID- 27679968
TI  - Environmental impact assessment of different end-of-life LCD management
      strategies.
AB  - The strong growth of the electrical and electronic equipment production combined
      with its short lifespan are causing the production of a significant amount of
      waste to treat. In particular, the present paper focuses on end-of-life liquid
      crystal displays (LCDs) for their significant content of valuable materials, like
      plastic, glass and metals that could be recovered after dismantling. In the
      recent literature, traditional LCD recycling processes are combined with
      innovative treatments, which allow to recover critical raw materials, such as
      indium. In this context, we have evaluated the environmental impact of four
      different strategies of end-of-life LCD management: the disposal in landfilling
      sites, the incineration, the traditional recycling treatment and an innovative
      process also addressed to the recovery of indium. The traditional recycling
      treatment resulted to be the best scenario for the environment. Indeed, a life
      cycle assessment study gave following environmental burdens (if negative they are
      credits): 18, 81, -68, -60kg CO2-equiv. and 0.08, 0.01, -0.25, -0.18mol H+
      equiv., for the four scenarios in the categories of global warming and
      acidification, respectively. The limit of the variability of LCD composition was
      overcome including additional literature data in the study. In order to improve
      the innovative process sustainability, a system of water recirculation was
      optimized with a consequent impact decrease of 35% in the global warming
      category. Nevertheless, this action should be combined with an increase of indium
      concentration in the panel because the low metal content represents the
      bottleneck of the overall approach. In this regard, a sensitivity analysis showed
      that an increase of at least five times in indium concentration in the waste is
      needed to observe an advantage of the innovative vs the traditional recycling
      process, when the impact category of climate change is considered. As a whole,
      the life cycle assessment was confirmed as a key tool for the choice of the best
      option of WEEE management.

PMID- 27679970
TI  - Loss of Control Over Eating Scale (LOCES): Validation in undergraduate men and
      women with and without eating disorder symptoms.
AB  - The present study aimed to further validate the Loss of Control Over Eating Scale
      (LOCES) for use with undergraduate men and women with and without eating disorder
      (ED) symptoms. A total of 261 participants completed the LOCES and the Eating
      Disorder Examination - Questionnaire (EDE-Q) and were identified as non-clinical
      or having probable ED symptomatology based on previously used EDE-Q cutoff
      scores. Results indicated that the LOCES and its subscales were significantly
      associated with and a significant predictor of global ED pathology and binge
      episode frequency. The LOCES behavioral subscale appeared to be a stronger
      predictor of episode frequency compared to other subscales. The ED pathology
      groups reported significantly higher LOCES scores compared to the non-ED
      pathology groups. Binary logistic regression analyses revealed that the LOCES was
      able to accurately distinguish between those with ED pathology and those without
      ED pathology in the majority of cases. Findings from the present study suggest
      that the LOCES is highly predictive of ED pathology, strongly associated with ED
      cognitions and behaviors, and an accurate index for global eating disorder
      pathology. Future directions for research are discussed.

PMID- 27679971
TI  - Qualitative meta-synthesis: the experience of chronic pain across conditions.
AB  - AIM: To synthesize qualitative descriptions of the experience of chronic pain
      across conditions. BACKGROUND: Chronic pain is a transdiagnostic symptom in that
      while somatic pathology plays a role in activating pain pathways, psychological
      and social factors contribute to the experience of pain over time. The treatment
      of the underlying condition may require both biomedical intervention and
      biopsychosocial approaches. DESIGN: Qualitative meta-synthesis using Confidence
      in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative Research (CERQual) developed by
      Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation (GRADE) working
      group to evaluate the strength of the evidence. DATA SOURCES: PubMed and Ovid
      Medline from 2000-2015. REVIEW METHODS: Following a systematic search strategy
      all papers were assessed in relation to inclusion criteria and quality. Themes
      were extracted from each study and a meta-synthesis conducted before completing
      an evaluation of confidence in the findings. RESULTS: Forty-one papers exploring
      the experience of chronic pain were included in the review. Five meta-themes were
      identified across the studies: 1) the body as obstacle; 2) invisible but real; 3)
      disrupted sense of self; 4) unpredictability; and 5) keeping going. There was
      high confidence in the evidence for three themes: 'the body as obstacle';
      'disrupted sense of self' and 'keeping going'; and moderate confidence in the
      evidence for 'invisible but real' and 'unpredictability'. CONCLUSIONS: The
      findings in this review suggest there are similarities in the experience of
      chronic pain across a range of conditions that have implications for the
      development of transdiagnostic pain management strategies and interventions.

PMID- 27679972
TI  - The alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist tropisetron counteracts
      ultraviolet A-mediated oxidative stress in human dermal fibroblasts.

PMID- 27679973
TI  - Nur77 exacerbates PC12 cellular injury in vitro by aggravating mitochondrial
      impairment and endoplasmic reticulum stress.
AB  - The nuclear orphan receptor, Nur77 plays important roles in neuroimflammation,
      apoptosis, and dopaminergic neurodegeneration. We conducted a further mechanistic
      investigation into the association of Nur77 with cell death. Cytosporone B (Csn
      B), an agonist for Nur77, and Nur77 knockdown were adopted in the 6
      hydroxydopamine (OHDA)-lesioned PC12 cells to investigate the mechanisms
      underlying Nur77-mediated injury. The 6-OHDA incubation caused Nur77
      translocation from the nucleus to cytosol and Endoplasm reticulum (ER) and
      induced co-localization of Tom20/Nur77 and Protein Disulfide Isomerase
      (PDI)/Nur77. Nur77 activation further decreased cell viability, aggravated
      intracellular LDH release, intracellular Ca2+, ROS levels, apoptosis, ER tress
      and, mitochondrial transmembrane potential (DeltaPsim) decline. In addition,
      Nur77 activation significantly enhanced the efficiency of autophagy as indicated
      by an up-regulation of Beclin-1/LC-3 and downregulation of p62, and aggravated
      mitochondrial dysfunctions and ER stress as shown by increased HSP60/Cytochrome C
      (Cyt C) and CHOP-ATF3 levels respectively. These changes could be partially
      reversed by Nur77 knockdown. Moreover, Nur77 activation upregulated PINK1 and
      downregulated Parkin levels. We conclude that Nur77 exacerbates PC12 cell death
      at least partially by aggravating the mitochondrial impairment and ER stress and
      enhancing autophagy. We propose that Nur77 is likely a critical target in the PD
      therapy.

PMID- 27679974
TI  - Long sleep duration, independent of frailty and chronic Inflammation, was
      associated with higher mortality: A national population-based study.
AB  - AIM: There is a complex interrelationship between long sleep duration, frailty,
      chronic inflammation and mortality among the community-dwelling middle-aged and
      elderly population, which remains unclear and deserves to be investigated. The
      current study intended to explore these associations by using a prospective
      population-based cohort study. METHODS: A total of 937 community-dwelling middle
      aged and elderly people were enrolled. Sleep patterns of the study participants
      were categorized as short (<6 h), average or long (>=8 h). Sleep disturbance was
      defined by daytime dysfunction defined by the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index.
      Frailty was defined as three or more phenotypes of Fried's Frailty. RESULTS:
      During an average of 4.7 years follow up, 72 (7.7%) study participants died. The
      adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for death of long sleepers was 2.42 (95% confidence
      interval [CI] 1.38-4.27), HR of long sleepers plus frailty was 2.37 (95% CI 1.35
      4.19) and HR of long sleepers plus log interleukin-6 was 2.11 (95% CI 1.19-3.76).
      Adjusted HR of daytime dysfunction was 1.79 (95% CI 1.09-2.94). The association
      between daytime dysfunction and mortality became statistical insignificant after
      further adjustment for frailty. CONCLUSIONS: Long sleep duration, independent of
      frailty and interleukin-6, was associated with 5-year mortality in older adults.
      The relationship between daytime dysfunction and death diminished after adjusting
      for frailty. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1481-1487.

PMID- 27679975
TI  - Multifaceted role of hair follicle dermal cells in bioengineered skins.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The method of generating bioengineered skin constructs was pioneered
      several decades ago; nowadays these constructs are used regularly for the
      treatment of severe burns and nonhealing wounds. Commonly, these constructs are
      comprised of skin fibroblasts within a collagen scaffold, forming the skin
      dermis, and stratified keratinocytes overlying this, forming the skin epidermis.
      In the past decade there has been a surge of interest in bioengineered skins,
      with researchers seeking alternative cell sources, or scaffolds, from which
      constructs can be established, and for more biomimetic equivalents with skin
      appendages. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether human hair follicle dermal cells can
      act as an alternative cell source for engineering the dermal component of
      engineered skin constructs. METHODS: We established in vitro skin constructs by
      incorporating into the collagenous dermal compartment: (i) primary
      interfollicular dermal fibroblasts, (ii) hair follicle dermal papilla cells or
      (iii) hair follicle dermal sheath cells. In vivo skins were established by mixing
      dermal cells and keratinocytes in chambers on top of immunologically compromised
      mice. RESULTS: All fibroblast subtypes were capable of supporting growth of
      overlying epithelial cells, both in vitro and in vivo. However, we found hair
      follicle dermal sheath cells to be superior to fibroblasts in their capacity to
      influence the establishment of a basal lamina. CONCLUSIONS: Human hair follicle
      dermal cells can be readily interchanged with interfollicular fibroblasts and
      used as an alternative cell source for establishing the dermal component of
      engineered skin both in vitro and in vivo.

PMID- 27679976
TI  - Narrowing the focus on the assessment of psychosis-related PTSD: a
      methodologically orientated systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in response to psychosis and
      associated experiences (psychosis-related PTSD, or PR-PTSD) is the subject of a
      growing field of research. However, a wide range of PR-PTSD prevalence rates has
      been reported. This may be due to definitional and methodological inconsistencies
      in the assessment of PR-PTSD. OBJECTIVE: The focus of the review is two-fold. (1)
      To identify factors that enhance, or detract from, the robustness of PR-PTSD
      assessment and (2) to critically evaluate the evidence in relation to these
      identified criteria, including the impact on PR-PTSD prevalence rates. METHOD:
      Four quality criteria, whose development was informed by mainstream PTSD
      research, were selected to evaluate findings on PR-PTSD prevalence. Two criteria
      related to assessment of psychosis-related stressors (participant identification
      of worst moments of discrete threat events; psychometrically robust trauma
      measure) and two focussed on PR-PTSD symptom measurement (adequate time elapsed
      since trauma; use of validated PTSD interview) in the context of psychosis.
      RESULTS: Twenty-one studies of PR-PTSD, with prevalence rates ranging from 11 to
      51%, were evaluated. Fourteen studies (67%) used robust PTSD measures but PR
      trauma was not specifically defined or assessed with validated measures. Eleven
      studies (52%) assessed PTSD before sufficient time had elapsed since the trauma.
      Due to significant methodological limitations, it was not possible to review PR
      PTSD rates and provide a revised estimate of prevalence. CONCLUSIONS:
      Methodological limitations are common in existing studies of PR-PTSD prevalence.
      Specific recommendations for improving assessment of psychosis-related trauma are
      made to guide the development of this new and emerging field. The review
      concludes with a proposed conceptualisation of PR-PTSD in the context of current
      diagnostic systems. The utility of the PR-PTSD term and its theoretical
      underpinnings are discussed.

PMID- 27679977
TI  - Beyond Seed and Soil: Understanding and Targeting Metastatic Prostate Cancer;
      Report From the 2016 Coffey-Holden Prostate Cancer Academy Meeting.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The 2016 Coffey-Holden Prostate Cancer Academy (CHPCA) Meeting,
      "Beyond Seed and Soil: Understanding and Targeting Metastatic Prostate Cancer,"
      was held from June 23 to June 26, 2016, in Coronado, California. METHODS: For the
      4th year in a row, the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) hosted the CHPCA Meeting,
      a think tank-structured scientific conference, which focuses on a specific topic
      of critical unmet need on the biology and treatment of advanced prostate cancer.
      The 2016 CHPCA Meeting was attended by 71 investigators from prostate cancer and
      other fields, who discussed the biology, study methodologies, treatment
      strategies, and critical unmet needs concerning metastatic prostate cancer, with
      the ultimate goal of advancing strategies to treat and eliminate this disease.
      RESULTS: The major topics of discussion included: the molecular landscape and
      molecular heterogeneity of metastatic prostate cancer, the role of the metastatic
      microenvironment, optimizing immunotherapy in metastatic prostate cancer,
      learning from exceptional responders and non-responders, targeting DNA repair
      deficiency in advanced prostate cancer, developing and applying novel biomarkers
      and imaging techniques, and potential roles for the microbiome in prostate
      cancer. DISCUSSION: This article reviews the topics presented and discussions
      held at the CHPCA Meeting, with a focus on the unknowns and next steps needed to
      advance our understanding of the biology and most effective treatment strategies
      for metastatic prostate cancer. Prostate 77:123-144, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27679978
TI  - Functional gastrointestinal disorders in Greek Children based on ROME III
      criteria: identifying the child at risk.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are a common, diverse
      group of disorders of unknown etiology, resulting in significant socieconomic
      burden. In this study, we aimed to assess the prevalence of FGIDs in children
      aged 6-18 years and examine their association with various demographic and
      socioeconomic parameters. METHODS: This was a school-based, cross-sectional study
      approved by the relevant government authorities. Informed consent was obtained by
      the legal representatives of all children who participated. Diagnoses of FGIDs
      were based on the Greek official translation of the ROME-III questionnaire.
      Demographic and socioeconomic information were also collected. KEY RESULTS: A
      total of 1588 children (51.8% females, mean age: 12.9+/-2.8 years) were included.
      The overall prevalence of any-FGID was 23.1% (95% CI: 21.1-25.2). The most common
      FGIDs were functional constipation, n=231 (13.9%), abdominal migraine, n=84
      (5.6%), aerophagia, n=58 (3.5%), and irritable bowel syndrome, n=48 (3.0%).
      Multiple logistic regression analysis on the probability of any-FGID identified
      physical exercise, TV-exposure, victimization, gender, parental educational
      level, number of children at home and number of adults at home as significant
      covariates for any-FGID in the final model. CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES: FGIDs
      affect approximately 1 in 4 school-aged children in Greece. The following
      characteristics are associated with a higher probability of any-FGID: female
      gender, living in a non-nuclear household, victimization, lower parental
      education level, infrequent physical activity, and high television exposure.

PMID- 27679979
TI  - Structure-based discovery of two antiviral inhibitors targeting the NS3 helicase
      of Japanese encephalitis virus.
AB  - Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a flavivirus that threatens more than half
      of the world's population. Vaccination can prevent the disease, but no specific
      antiviral drug is yet available for clinical therapy, and the death rate caused
      by JEV can reach as high as 60%. The C-terminus of non-structural protein 3 (NS3)
      of flavivirus encodes helicase and has been identified as a potential drug
      target. In this study, high throughput molecular docking was employed to identify
      candidate JEV NS3 helicase inhibitors in a commercial library containing 250,000
      compounds. Forty-one compounds were then tested for their ability to inhibit NS3
      activity. Two compounds inhibited unwinding activity strongly but had no effect
      on the ATPase activity of the protein. Western blots, IFA, and plaque reduction
      assays demonstrated that both compounds inhibited the virus in cell culture. The
      EC50s of the two compounds were 25.67 and 23.50 MUM, respectively. Using
      simulated docking, the two compounds were shown to bind and block the NS3 RNA
      unwinding channel, consistent with the results of the enzyme inhibition tests.
      The atoms participating in intramolecular interaction were identified to
      facilitate future compound optimization.

PMID- 27679981
TI  - Short-Term Prospective Clinical Evaluation of Monolithic and Partially Veneered
      Zirconia Single Crowns.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the short
      term clinical performance and esthetics of monolithic and partially (i.e.,
      facially) veneered zirconia single crowns (MZC and PZC, respectively). METHODS:
      Between September 2011 and June 2013, 68 participants received 90 MZCs and 72
      PZCs. Clinical study documentation was performed at crown cementation (baseline),
      at the 6-month follow-up, and then yearly thereafter using standardized report
      forms. Eight participants with 14 single crowns (eight MZCs and six PZCs) dropped
      out during clinical follow-up. Thus, 60 participants (28 male, mean age 62.5 +/-
      13.1 years) fitted with 82 MZCs and 66 PZCs were analyzed in February 2016
      (Kaplan-Meier survival; mean observation time for the restorations 35.1 +/- 6.3
      months). Descriptive statistics were calculated for participants' and dentists'
      esthetic ratings on a numerical rating scale from 0 to 10 (0 = unacceptable color
      and shape; 10 = excellent color and shape). RESULTS: Complications were
      predominantly biological in nature. One PZC was affected by minor chipping.
      Cumulative 3-year failure-free survival was 98.5% (standard error (SE), 1.5%) for
      both MZCs and PZCs. Three-year cumulative complication-free survival (success)
      was 93.6% (SE 2.8%) for MZCs and 95.5% (SE 2.6%) for PZCs. Three-year cumulative
      fracture-free survival was 100% for MZCs and 98.5% (SE 1.5%) for PZCs. Crowns of
      both types were awarded high esthetic scores by participants and dentists.
      CONCLUSIONS: Monolithic and partially veneered zirconia crowns can be used
      clinically with excellent short-term survival and success and without
      compromising esthetic appearance. Longer-term follow-up is, however, desirable.
      CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: During the observation time, both monolithic and partially
      veneered zirconia crowns showed an outstanding low technical complication rate:
      only one minor chipping and three losses of retention were observed.
      Additionally, esthetics was excellent. Based on these results the clinical use of
      this kind of restoration is promising. (J Esthet Restor Dent 29:22-30, 2017).

PMID- 27679980
TI  - Pannexin3 inhibits TNF-alpha-induced inflammatory response by suppressing NF
      kappaB signalling pathway in human dental pulp cells.
AB  - Human dental pulp cells (HDPCs) play a crucial role in dental pulp inflammation.
      Pannexin 3 (Panx3), a member of Panxs (Pannexins), has been recently found to be
      involved in inflammation. However, the mechanism of Panx3 in human dental pulp
      inflammation remains unclear. In this study, the role of Panx3 in inflammatory
      response was firstly explored, and its potential mechanism was proposed.
      Immunohistochemical staining showed that Panx3 levels were diminished in inflamed
      human and rat dental pulp tissues. In vitro, Panx3 expression was significantly
      down-regulated in HDPCs following a TNF-alpha challenge in a concentration
      dependent way, which reached the lowest level at 10 ng/ml of TNF-alpha. Such
      decrease could be reversed by MG132, a proteasome inhibitor. Unlike MG132, BAY 11
      7082, a NF-kappaB inhibitor, even reinforced the inhibitory effect of TNF-alpha.
      Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
      (ELISA) were used to investigate the role of Panx3 in inflammatory response of
      HDPCs. TNF-alpha-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-1beta and
      IL-6, were significantly lessened when Panx3 was overexpressed in HDPCs.
      Conversely, Panx3 knockdown exacerbated the expression of pro-inflammatory
      cytokines. Moreover, Western blot, dual-luciferase reporter assay,
      immunofluorescence staining, qRT-PCR and ELISA results showed that Panx3
      participated in dental pulp inflammation in a NF-kappaB-dependent manner. These
      findings suggested that Panx3 has a defensive role in dental pulp inflammation,
      serving as a potential target to be exploited for the intervention of human
      dental pulp inflammation.

PMID- 27679982
TI  - A single molecule assay to probe monovalent and multivalent bonds between
      hyaluronan and its key leukocyte receptor CD44 under force.
AB  - Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), a category of linear, anionic polysaccharides, are
      ubiquitous in the extracellular space, and important extrinsic regulators of cell
      function. Despite the recognized significance of mechanical stimuli in cellular
      communication, however, only few single molecule methods are currently available
      to study how monovalent and multivalent GAG.protein bonds respond to directed
      mechanical forces. Here, we have devised such a method, by combining purpose
      designed surfaces that afford immobilization of GAGs and receptors at controlled
      nanoscale organizations with single molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS). We apply
      the method to study the interaction of the GAG polymer hyaluronan (HA) with CD44,
      its receptor in vascular endothelium. Individual bonds between HA and CD44 are
      remarkably resistant to rupture under force in comparison to their low binding
      affinity. Multiple bonds along a single HA chain rupture sequentially and
      independently under load. We also demonstrate how strong non-covalent bonds,
      which are versatile for controlled protein and GAG immobilization, can be
      effectively used as molecular anchors in SMFS. We thus establish a versatile
      method for analyzing the nanomechanics of GAG.protein interactions at the level
      of single GAG chains, which provides new molecular-level insight into the role of
      mechanical forces in the assembly and function of GAG-rich extracellular
      matrices.

PMID- 27679983
TI  - Health Care Expenditure and Income: A Global Perspective.
AB  - This paper investigates the long-run economic relationship between healthcare
      expenditure and income in the world using data on 167 countries over the period
      1995-2012, collected from the World Bank data set. The analysis is carried using
      panel data methods that allow one to account for unobserved heterogeneity,
      temporal persistence, and cross-section dependence in the form of either a common
      factor model or a spatial process. We estimate a global measure of income
      elasticity using all countries in the sample, and for sub-groups of countries,
      depending on their geo-political area and income. Our findings suggest that at
      the global level, health care is a necessity rather than a luxury. However,
      results vary greatly depending on the sub-sample analysed. Our findings seem to
      suggest that size of income elasticity depends on the position of different
      countries in the global income distribution, with poorer countries showing higher
      elasticity. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27679984
TI  - The flagellar motor adapts, optimizing bacterial behavior.
AB  - A short review is given of recent work showing that the flagellar rotary motor of
      the bacterium Escherichia coli remodels to match its operating point (the
      fraction of time that it spins clockwise) to the requirements of the chemotaxis
      signaling network, and to provide the torque necessary to operate at different
      viscous loads.

PMID- 27679985
TI  - Clinical presentation and outcomes for adult ependymoma patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Outcomes projects can be a catalyst for determining disease- and
      treatment-related consequences for patients with rare tumors. The Adult
      Ependymoma Outcomes (AEO) survey uses self-reported experience to evaluate how
      this tumor affects patient groups throughout the illness trajectory. METHODS:
      Patients completed the AEO survey via a Web-based portal. The survey included
      questions on treatment, tumor recurrence, and current health status; the MD
      Anderson Symptom Inventory Brain Tumor and Spine Tumor modules; and the Medical
      Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). RESULTS: The sample
      included 264 participants (57% female) with a median age of 46 years (range, 18
      77 years). Radiation treatment was commonly used for patients who had brain
      involvement (chi2 (1) = 20.7; P < .001), underwent a partial resection (43%; chi2
      (3) = 15.4; P < .001), or had a grade 3 tumor (41%; chi2 (2) = 18.8; P < .001).
      Recurrence occurred in a small group (29%), with grade 1 tumor patients 2.6 times
      more likely and grade 3 tumor patients 2.5 times more likely to experience
      recurrence than those with grade 2 tumors. Spine tumor patients had a higher
      symptom burden (mean, 2.8; scale, 0-10) than brain tumor patients (t(247) = 
      4.0), and they reported more moderate to severe symptoms (rating >= 5; 29%) than
      their counterparts (18%). Within the physical health portion of the SF-36, spine
      tumor patients reported worse health with respect to bodily pain (t(249) = 6.8; P
      < .001), physical functioning (t(252) = 4.1; P < .001), and vitality (t(202.2) =
      3.0; P < .003). CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate the feasibility of
      implementing outcomes projects that report on the clinical and demographic
      characteristics of a rare patient population, and they underscore the importance
      of outcomes data in understanding disease-related issues. Cancer 2017;123:494
      501. (c) 2016 American Cancer Society.

PMID- 27679987
TI  - Identification of a novel HLA-B*50 allele, HLA-B*50:01:08, in a Spanish
      hematological patient.
AB  - HLA-B*50:01:08 differs from B*50:01:01 at nucleotides g.1206T>A (intron 3) and
      g.1658G>A (exon 4).

PMID- 27679986
TI  - Structure-Function Correlations of Poly(Amido Amine)s for Gene Delivery.
AB  - Poly(amido amine)s' (PAAs) versatility are nearly unique among stepwise polymers.
      Different functional groups can be easily introduced into these polymers to add
      functionality such as cell internalization, charge-shift, bioreducibility,
      "stealth" properties, and targeting moieties, while maintaining the bulk
      structural integrity of these polymers. The poly(amido amine)s are used as a
      unique research platform to elucidate their complex structure-function
      relationship. It is shown that guanidinium group, carboxyl group, disulfide bond,
      alkyl chain, branching, acetyl groups, benzoyl groups, and quaternary
      nicotinamide moieties can influence many steps of gene delivery, such as DNA
      condensation, cellular uptake, endosomal escape, nuclear entry, and finally gene
      expression. The authors systematically discuss the structure-function
      correlations of PAAs for gene delivery, and elaborate how the properties of
      polymers can be adjusted by changing the polymeric structure.

PMID- 27679988
TI  - Genetic divergence among invasive and native populations of the yellow peacock
      cichlid Cichla kelberi.
AB  - This study used the hypervariable domain of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control
      region (CR) to assess the genetic divergence among native and invasive
      populations of Cichla kelberi, which is considered the first peacock cichlid
      introduced and established throughout Brazil and is among the most invasive
      populations of this genus worldwide. The maximum likelihood tree based on 53 CR
      sequences with strong bootstrap support revealed that C. kelberi forms a
      monophyletic clade, confirming that all 30 C. kelberi studied belong to this
      morphotype. Additionally, the haplotype analysis of the C. kelberi sequences from
      11 sampling sites revealed that invasive populations are much less diverse than
      native ones and largely dominated by a single haplotype that prevailed in
      reservoirs at the Paraiba do Sul River basin. Two haplotypes were recorded
      exclusively in an invasive population at Porto Rico, southern Brazil, and one
      private haplotype was detected in two reservoirs from Paraiba do Sul (Pereira
      Passos and Paracambi), suggesting more than one introduction event and that
      native populations should be better evaluated to encompass the entire genetic
      diversity of native C. kelberi. The possible route and pathways of C. kelberi
      introduction are also briefly discussed.

PMID- 27679989
TI  - High correlation between performance on a virtual-reality simulator and real-life
      cataract surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the correlation in performance of cataract surgery
      between a virtual-reality simulator and real-life surgery using two objective
      assessment tools with evidence of validity. METHODS: Cataract surgeons with
      varying levels of experience were included in the study. All participants
      performed and videorecorded three standard cataract surgeries before completing a
      proficiency-based test on the EyeSi virtual-reality simulator. Standard cataract
      surgeries were defined as: (1) surgery performed under local anaesthesia, (2)
      patient age >60 years, and (3) visual acuity >1/60 preoperatively. A motion
      tracking score was calculated by multiplying average path length and average
      number of movements from the three real-life surgical videos of full procedures.
      The EyeSi test consisted of five abstract and two procedural modules:
      intracapsular navigation, antitremor training, intracapsular antitremor training,
      forceps training, bimanual training, capsulorhexis and phaco divide and conquer.
      RESULTS: Eleven surgeons were enrolled. After a designated warm-up period, the
      proficiency-based test on the EyeSi simulator was strongly correlated to real
      life performance measured by motion-tracking software of cataract surgical videos
      with a Pearson correlation coefficient of -0.70 (p = 0.017). CONCLUSION:
      Performance on the EyeSi simulator is significantly and highly correlated to real
      life surgical performance. However, it is recommended that performance
      assessments are made using multiple data sources.

PMID- 27679991
TI  - Medication-induced acute esophageal necrosis: a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute esophageal necrosis or Gurvits syndrome is a rare clinical
      condition characterized by necrotic esophageal mucosa with an abrupt end at the
      gastroesophageal junction. Its etiology is multifactorial, but mainly related to
      low-flow states. We describe a case in which a patient accidentally took the
      wrong medication, with clozapine and olanzapine most probably being the cause of
      his subsequent acute esophageal necrosis. This situation is, to the best of our
      knowledge, unprecedented in the medical literature. CASE PRESENTATION: A 65-year
      old Finnish male patient with schizoaffective disorder accidentally took another
      patient's medication, including clozapine 300 mg, olanzapine 30 mg, teofyllamine
      200 mg, warfarin 5 mg, and potassium chloride 1 g. He arrived at our hospital for
      a routine examination 6 h after the incident. At hospital he started to vomit
      brownish liquid and had tachycardia and fever. Gastroparesis was found. An
      endoscopy revealed necrotic esophageal mucosa that was typical for Gurvits
      syndrome. A computed tomography scan showed an edematous esophagus and raised
      suspicion of a proximal jejunal obstruction. A laparotomy was performed but only
      healthy paralytic bowel was found. Our patient healed uneventfully within a week.
      CONCLUSIONS: There are analogous case reports describing ischemic colitis
      associated with the use of clozapine and olanzapine, but none describing the same
      for the other medications our patient took. We believe that in this case
      clozapine and olanzapine caused acute esophageal necrosis and this possibility
      should be taken into account when treating patients with acute ischemic
      enteropathy.

PMID- 27679990
TI  - Sources of information on Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, satisfaction with
      diagnostic process and information provision.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the percentage of the needs and
      expectations of pregnant women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) about the
      best sources of information on GDM, their satisfaction with the diagnostic
      process and information provision. METHODS: Questionnaires were completed by 116
      pregnant women aged 18-45 years, diagnosed with GDM and recruited from maternity
      diabetes clinic. Eligible women were invited to participate in the study and
      informed consent was obtained from each participant prior to enrolment.
      Descriptive statistics, Kruskal-Wallis test, t-test and chi-square test were used
      to analyse data. RESULTS: Most women (64.2 %) expected general practitioners
      (GPs) to be the best source of GDM information, following by diabetes educator
      nurses (45.9 %), diabetes support groups (33.9 %) and internet (32.1 %). However,
      women found that diabetes educator nurses were more helpful than GPs (32.6 and
      20.2 %, respectively). Participants' age and country of birth were statistically
      significant. For women aged over 30 years and women born overseas the internet
      was the most useful information source (68.9 and 77.1 % respectively). Overall,
      women were very satisfied (33.0 %) or satisfied (45.0 %) with how they were
      informed of the GDM diagnosis, although 26.0 % were informed by telephone and
      16.0 % by text message. More than one-third (39.0 %) of women were not referred
      to sources of information by GPs at time of diagnosis of GDM (p <0.0001). Women
      who were referred reported that they were very satisfied (40.0 %) or satisfied
      (44.0 %) with information they received. Only 8.0 % of women reported
      dissatisfaction with the manner of health professionals. CONCLUSION: The results
      suggest that health professionals should be aware of the needs and expectations
      of women who have been diagnosed with GDM, with most women expecting to receive
      information on GDM from their GPs and diabetes educator nurses. The findings
      suggest that there is scope for improving how women are informed of the GDM
      diagnosis and given information, and in clinicians' manner.

PMID- 27679965
TI  - Pediatric Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Characteristics and Their Association
      With Survival and Neurobehavioral Outcome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate relationships between cardiac arrest characteristics
      and survival and neurobehavioral outcome among children recruited to the
      Therapeutic Hypothermia after Pediatric Cardiac Arrest Out-of-Hospital trial.
      DESIGN: Secondary analysis of Therapeutic Hypothermia after Pediatric Cardiac
      Arrest Out-of-Hospital trial data. SETTING: Thirty-six PICUs in the United States
      and Canada. PATIENTS: All children (n = 295) had chest compressions for greater
      than or equal to 2 minutes, were comatose, and required mechanical ventilation
      after return of circulation. INTERVENTIONS: Neurobehavioral function was assessed
      using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Second Edition at baseline
      (reflecting prearrest status) and 12 months postarrest. U.S. norms for Vineland
      Adaptive Behavior Scales, Second Edition scores are 100 (mean) +/- 15 (SD).
      Higher scores indicate better functioning. Outcomes included 12-month survival
      and 12-month survival with Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Second Edition
      greater than or equal to 70. MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS: Cardiac etiology of
      arrest, initial arrest rhythm of ventricular fibrillation/tachycardia, shorter
      duration of chest compressions, compressions not required at hospital arrival,
      fewer epinephrine doses, and witnessed arrest were associated with greater 12
      month survival and 12-month survival with Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales,
      Second Edition greater than or equal to 70. Weekend arrest was associated with
      lower 12-month survival. Body habitus was associated with 12-month survival with
      Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Second Edition greater than or equal to 70;
      underweight children had better outcomes, and obese children had worse outcomes.
      On multivariate analysis, acute life threatening event/sudden unexpected infant
      death, chest compressions more than 30 minutes, and weekend arrest were
      associated with lower 12-month survival; witnessed arrest was associated with
      greater 12-month survival. Acute life threatening event/sudden unexpected infant
      death, other respiratory causes of arrest except drowning, other/unknown causes
      of arrest, and compressions more than 30 minutes were associated with lower 12
      month survival with Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Second Edition greater
      than or equal to 70. CONCLUSIONS: Many factors are associated with survival and
      neurobehavioral outcome among children who are comatose and require mechanical
      ventilation after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. These factors may be useful for
      identifying children at risk for poor outcomes, and for improving prevention and
      resuscitation strategies.

PMID- 27679992
TI  - Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns of Recent Cuban Mycoplasma genitalium
      Isolates Determined by a Modified Cell-Culture-Based Method.
AB  - Isolation of Mycoplasma genitalium from clinical specimens remains difficult and
      few strains are available for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. We describe
      the antimicrobial susceptibility of M. genitalium strains grown in Vero cell
      culture with first- and second- line antibiotics, using a modified cell-culture
      based method. Macrolide- and -fluoroquinolone resistance determinants were
      detected by sequencing of the 23S and parC genes, respectively. Seven strains
      were examined, including three new, genetically distinct M. genitalium strains
      isolated from endocervical and urethral swab specimens from Cuban patients
      together with four reference strains isolated from specimens collected from men
      in Denmark, Sweden and Australia. Azithromycin was the most active drug against
      two of the Cuban M. genitalium strains with MICs values of 0.008 mg/liter,
      however, one strain was macrolide resistant with an MIC of >8 mg/liter, and the
      A2059G resistant genotype. Ciprofloxacin was the least active antimicrobial drug
      and moxifloxacin was the most active fluoroquinolone against the new clinical
      strains, although an MIC of 1 mg/l was found for two strains. However, no
      relevant parC mutations were detected. MICs for tetracyclines were 0.5-4
      mg/liter. Although the number of Cuban strains was low, the results suggest that
      a single-dose azithromycin treatment could be ineffective, and that a second-line
      treatment with moxifloxacin, should become an option in Cuba. To our knowledge,
      this is the first report of isolation and antibiotic susceptibility testing of M.
      genitalium strains from the Latin-American region, and the first detection of
      macrolide resistance in such strains.

PMID- 27679994
TI  - A New Emissive Chalcone-Based Chemosensor Armed by Coumarin and Naphthol with
      Fluorescence "Turn-on" Properties for Selective Detection of F- Ions.
AB  - A new chalcone-based probe containing coumarin and naphthol at both ends has been
      synthesized via aldol condensation. The uniqueness of the newly derived probe can
      be ascribed to the presence of naphthol and coumarin units acting as binding site
      and signaling element, respectively. The fluorogenic behaviors toward various
      anions were investigated. The probe was characterized by various spectroscopic
      techniques and the in-depth study led to show excellent selectivity and
      sensitivity for fluoride ions. The hydrogen bonding thus formed with fluoride
      anion provides remarkable fluorometric responses. The interactions of the probe
      with fluoride ions were determined by fluorescence, FT-IR and NMR spectroscopic
      techniques. The exploratory studies by fluorescent spectral changes augur well
      for the naked-eye sensing applications.

PMID- 27679993
TI  - Green Synthetic Approach for Synthesis of Fluorescent Carbon Dots for Lisinopril
      Drug Delivery System and their Confirmations in the Cells.
AB  - In this work, highly luminescent carbon dots (CDs) were synthesized by the
      hydrothermal method at 170  degrees C for 12 h using pasteurized milk as a carbon
      source. The prepared CDs exhibited bright blue fluorescence under UV light
      illumination at 365 nm. The CDs show fluorescence life time of ~4.89 ns at
      excitation wavelength of 370 nm. The effect of different solvents on the
      fluorescence property of CDs was also investigated. The lisinopril (Lis)-loaded
      CDs were fabricated by self-assembly of lisinopril on the surfaces of CDs, which
      were characterized by UV-visible and FT-IR spectroscopic techniques. The
      controlled release of lisinopril from the Lis-CDs was realized at pH values of
      5.2, 6.2 and 7.4, respectively. The results of the cytotoxicity and confocal
      laser scanning microscopic images indicate that the Lis-CDs were successfully
      uptaken by HeLa cells without apparent cytotoxicity. The synthesized CDs show
      great potential as drug vehicles with good biocompatibility, sustained release of
      lisinopril from CDs, indicating that the CDs can act as a promising drug delivery
      system for therapeutic delivery and/or bioimaging applications.

PMID- 27679995
TI  - New ATP8A2 gene mutations associated with a novel syndrome: encephalopathy,
      intellectual disability, severe hypotonia, chorea and optic atrophy.
AB  - We report the clinical and biochemical findings from two unrelated patients who
      presented with a novel syndrome: encephalopathy, intellectual disability, severe
      hypotonia, chorea and optic atrophy. Whole exome sequencing (WES) uncovered a
      homozygous mutation in the ATP8A2 gene (NM_016529:c.1287G > T, p.K429N) in one
      patient and compound heterozygous mutations (c.1630G > C, p.A544P and c.1873C >
      T, p.R625W) in the other. Only one haploinsufficiency case and a family with a
      homozygous mutation in ATP8A2 gene (c.1128C > G, p.I376M) have been described so
      far, with phenotypes that differed slightly from the patients described herein.
      In conclusion, our data expand both the genetic and phenotypic spectrum
      associated with ATP8A2 gene mutations.

PMID- 27679996
TI  - Defining the genetic basis of early onset hereditary spastic paraplegia using
      whole genome sequencing.
AB  - We performed whole genome sequencing (WGS) in nine families from India with early
      onset hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP). We obtained a genetic diagnosis in 4/9
      (44 %) families within known HSP genes (DDHD2 and CYP2U1), as well as perixosomal
      biogenesis disorders (PEX16) and GM1 gangliosidosis (GLB1). In the remaining
      patients, no candidate structural variants, copy number variants or predicted
      splice variants affecting an extended candidate gene list were identified. Our
      findings demonstrate the efficacy of using WGS for diagnosing early-onset HSP,
      particularly in consanguineous families (4/6 diagnosed), highlighting that two of
      the diagnoses would not have been made using a targeted approach.

PMID- 27679997
TI  - Prospective association of the Mediterranean diet with cardiovascular disease
      incidence and mortality and its population impact in a non-Mediterranean
      population: the EPIC-Norfolk study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite convincing evidence in the Mediterranean region, the
      cardiovascular benefit of the Mediterranean diet is not well established in non
      Mediterranean countries and the optimal criteria for defining adherence are
      unclear. The population attributable fraction (PAF) of adherence to this diet is
      also unknown. METHODS: In the UK-based EPIC-Norfolk prospective cohort, we
      evaluated habitual diets assessed at baseline (1993-1997) and during follow-up
      (1998-2000) using food-frequency questionnaires (n = 23,902). We estimated a
      Mediterranean diet score (MDS) using cut-points projected from the Mediterranean
      dietary pyramid, and also three other pre-existing MDSs. Using multivariable
      adjusted Cox regression with repeated measures of MDS and covariates, we examined
      prospective associations between each MDS with incident cardiovascular diseases
      (CVD) by 2009 and mortality by 2013, and estimated PAF for each outcome
      attributable to low MDS. RESULTS: We observed 7606 incident CVD events
      (2818/100,000 person-years) and 1714 CVD deaths (448/100,000). The MDS based on
      the Mediterranean dietary pyramid was significantly associated with lower
      incidence of the cardiovascular outcomes, with hazard ratios (95 % confidence
      intervals) of 0.95 (0.92-0.97) per one standard deviation for incident CVD and
      0.91 (0.87-0.96) for CVD mortality. Associations were similar for composite
      incident ischaemic heart disease and all-cause mortality. Other pre-existing MDSs
      showed similar, but more modest associations. PAF due to low dietary pyramid
      based MDS (<95th percentile) was 3.9 % (1.3-6.5 %) for total incident CVD and
      12.5 % (4.5-20.6 %) for CVD mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Greater adherence to the
      Mediterranean diet was associated with lower CVD incidence and mortality in the
      UK. This diet has an important population health impact for the prevention of
      CVD.

PMID- 27679998
TI  - The accumulation and health risk of heavy metals in vegetables around a zinc
      smelter in northeastern China.
AB  - Mining and smelting activities engender soil contamination by metals severely. A
      field survey was conducted to investigate the present situation and health risk
      of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, As, and Hg) in soils and vegetables in the
      surrounding area of an 80-year-old zinc smelter in northeastern China. Soil pH,
      organic matter (SOM), and cation exchange capacity (CEC) were determined, and
      their relations with heavy metal contents in edible parts of vegetables were
      analyzed. Results showed that the smelting had led to the significant
      contamination of the local soils by Cd and Zn, with average concentrations of
      3.88 and 403.89 mg kg-1, respectively. Concentrations of Cd and Zn in greenhouse
      soils were much lower than those in open farmland soils. Cd concentrations in
      vegetable edible parts exceeded the permissible limits severely, while other
      metal concentrations were much lower than the corresponding standards. Leaf and
      root vegetables had higher concentrations and bioaccumulation factors (BCFs) of
      Cd than fruit vegetables. Hazard quotient and hazard index showed that cadmium is
      imposing a health risk to local residents via vegetable consumption. Cd uptake of
      some vegetables can be predicted by empirical models with the following
      parameters: soil pH, SOM, CEC, Zn concentrations, and Cd concentrations.
      Vegetables such as cabbage, Chinese cabbage, tomato, cucumber, and green bean
      were screened out as being suitable to grow in the studied area.

PMID- 27679999
TI  - Monitoring of emerging pollutants in Guadiamar River basin (South of Spain):
      analytical method, spatial distribution and environmental risk assessment.
AB  - Guadiamar River is located in the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula and connects
      two protected areas in the South of Spain: Sierra Morena and Donana National
      Park. It is sited in an area affected by urban, industrial and agriculture sewage
      pollution and with tradition on intensive mining activities. Most of the studies
      performed in this area have been mainly focused on the presence of heavy metals
      and, until now, little is known about the occurrence of other contaminants such
      as emerging organic pollutants (EOPs). In this work, an analytical method has
      been optimized and validated for monitoring of forty-seven EOPs in surface water.
      The analytical method has been applied to study the distribution and
      environmental risk of these pollutants in Guadiamar River basin. The analytical
      method was based on solid-phase extraction and determination by liquid
      chromatography-triple quadrupole-tandem mass spectrometry. The 60 % of the target
      compounds were found in the analyzed samples. The highest concentrations were
      found for two plasticizers (bisphenol A and di(2-ethyhexyl)phthalate, mean
      concentration up to 930 ng/L) and two pharmaceutical compounds (caffeine (up to
      623 ng/L) and salicylic acid (up to 318 ng/L)). This study allowed to evaluate
      the potential sources (industrial or urban) of the studied compounds and the
      spatial distribution of their concentrations along the river. Environmental risk
      assessment showed a major risk on the south of the river, mainly due to
      discharges of wastewater effluents.

PMID- 27680000
TI  - Comparative study of phosphorus adsorption behaviors in lake sediments over short
      and long periods of time: implication for the prediction of the release of
      phosphorus by CaCl2 and NaHCO3 extraction.
AB  - Ten sediments were collected from the northern part of Taihu Lake, China. They
      were incubated for 24 h and 80 days to analyze the adsorption characteristics.
      After adsorption, the residual sediments were extracted with 0.01 M CaCl2 and 0.5
      M NaHCO3 separately. Maximum buffer capacities of the Langmuir and Freundlich
      functions of 80-day incubation were highly correlated with 24 h (R 2 = 0.97). A
      longer time would enhance the resistance of the sediments to P changes in the
      water. Adsorption and NaHCO3-P were highly linearly related with R 2 > 0.969, but
      the relationships between 24 h and 80 days were different. The relationships
      between adsorption and CaCl2-P could be better explained (97 %) by segmented line
      models, but the fitting results were affected by incubation time. An interesting
      finding is that when we plotted the NaHCO3-P and CaCl2-P together by a segmented
      line model, the data showed a uniform trend unrelated to the incubation time.
      NaHCO3-P is seldom used to evaluate P status in sediments in comparison with
      soils. Yet, our results suggested NaHCO3-P is a good bridge to link the sediments
      P retention ability and P release risk. Due to its simplicity, NaHCO3-P has
      promising potential in predicting the transfer of P from sediments.

PMID- 27680001
TI  - Study of the antimicrobial and antifouling properties of different oxide
      surfaces.
AB  - Membrane separation processes find applications in an array of fields as they use
      far less energy and chemical agents than competing processes. However, a major
      drawback of membrane technology is that biofilm formation alters membrane
      performances. Preventing biofilm formation is thus a pivotal challenge for larger
      scale development of membrane processes. Here, we studied the comparative
      antibacterial activities of different inorganic membranes (ceramic and zeolite
      coated ceramic with or without copper exchange) using several bacterial strains
      (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis). In static
      conditions, alumina plates coated with Cu-exchanged zeolite showed significant
      bactericidal activity. In dynamic mode (circulation of a contaminated nutrient
      medium), there was no observable bacterial adhesion at the surface of the Cu
      exchanged material. These results confirm the antifouling properties of the Cu
      mordenite layer due to both the increased hydrophilicity and antibacterial
      properties of the active layer.Tests performed with tubular filtration membranes
      (without copper exchange) showed a significant decline in membrane hydraulic
      properties during filtration of culture media containing bacteria, whereas copper
      exchanged membranes showed no decline in hydraulic permeability. Filtration tests
      performed with concentrated culture media containing spores of B. subtilis led to
      a significant decrease in membrane hydraulic permeabilities (but less so with Cu
      exchanged membranes). The surfaces showed less effective global antifouling
      properties during the filtration of a concentrated culture medium due to
      competition between bacterial growth and the bactericidal effect of copper.
      Analyses of copper leached in solution show that after a conditioning step, the
      amount of copper released is negligible.

PMID- 27680002
TI  - Quality of urban runoff in wet and dry seasons: a case study in a semi-arid zone.
AB  - Urban runoff (UR) is a promising new resource that may alleviate growing tensions
      in numerous arid and semi-arid regions of the world. However, it is precisely in
      these zones that the available UR quality characteristics are scarcer. This work
      aims to evaluate a wide set of parameters to establish a detailed approach to
      both the quality of UR in a midsized city in Central Mexico and the feasibility
      of using UR to recharge aquifers. UR from an institutional land use site was
      sampled during wet and dry seasons and assessed for suspended solids, organic
      matter, nutrients, microorganisms, metals, and persistent organic chemicals
      (i.e., polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, PAH). The results were analyzed using
      multivariate statistical methods to identify relationships among the variables,
      the sampling sites and the seasons. The soil erosion and the leaching of
      materials due to the water flow through vegetated areas were identified as the
      most influencing factor on the quality of the site runoff in both dry and wet
      seasons. Additionally, data were more heterogeneous during the dry season, and
      higher pollutant concentrations were found both during the dry season and in more
      pervious zones. We consider UR a promising water source for recharging aquifers
      in arid and semi-arid zones if a program is implemented that can integrate an
      adequate runoff treatment system, soil protection, and other non-structural
      measures.

PMID- 27680003
TI  - Nutrient and toxic element soil concentrations during repeated mineral and
      compost fertilization treatments in a Mediterranean agricultural soil.
AB  - Agricultural soils of semi-arid Mediterranean areas are often subjected to
      depletion of their chemical, physical, and biological properties. In this
      context, organic fertilization, in addition to providing nutrients for a longer
      time in respect to mineral fertilization, improves many other characteristics
      related to soil fertility. Moreover, the combined use of organic and mineral
      fertilizers may promote a more sustainable crop production. However, a concern on
      the long-term use of organic fertilizers arises in relation to the possible
      accumulation of toxic elements in soil and their transfer to human beings. For
      this reason, a long-term study on nutrient and toxic element total concentrations
      and availabilities during fertilization treatments was carried out. In
      particular, mineral NPK fertilized soils, soils amended with biowaste compost,
      soils amended with biowaste compost plus mineral nitrogen, and unfertilized soils
      were analyzed for 11 chemical elements. The results highlighted that temporal
      variations in total and bioavailable concentrations of both nutrients and toxic
      elements, occurring also in unfertilized soils, are wider than those related to
      fertilization treatments. Anyway, soil amendments with biowaste compost, alone or
      in combination with mineral fertilizers, reduce Cu bioavailability but improve K,
      Fe, Mn, and Zn availabilities, excluding at the same time a long-term
      accumulation in soil. Total and bioavailable toxic element concentrations (apart
      from available Cd) do not vary in relation to fertilization treatments.

PMID- 27680004
TI  - Wastewater reuse: modeling chloroform formation.
AB  - The chloroform is a substance that presents a significant risk to or via the
      aquatic environment. Thus, the emissions, discharges and losses of this substance
      need to be controlled during wastewater disinfection for reclamation and reuse
      purposes. Due to its carcinogenetic potential, multiple studies have been carried
      out on drinking and surface/natural waters but less consideration has been
      directed to the wastewater disinfection. The focus of this work studied the
      formation of chloroform during chlorination in prepared waters or artificial
      matrices that intended to simulate wastewaters stored in landscape ponds for
      green areas irrigation. The relation between reaction time, chlorine dose, and
      chloroform formation and the variation of the dissolved organic carbon (DOC)
      content during the reaction was assessed. A two-variant model was proposed to
      simulate breakpoint chlorination practices (when chlorine dose is equal or lower
      than chlorine demand) and super chlorination techniques (when chlorine dose tends
      to surpass chlorine demand). The model was validated by the application of actual
      data from working conditions of six wastewater treatment plants located in
      Algarve, Portugal, including other data obtained in previous research studies
      that were not used in the model development, and by comparing the predicted
      values with real measured ones.

PMID- 27680005
TI  - Health implications of atmospheric aerosols from asbestos-bearing road pavements
      traditionally used in Southern Brazil.
AB  - Serpentine and amphibole asbestos occur naturally in certain geologic settings
      worldwide, most commonly in association with ultramafic rocks, along associated
      faults. Ultramafic rocks have been used in Pien County, Southern Brazil for
      decades for the purpose of road paving in rural and urban areas, but without the
      awareness of their adverse environmental and health impact. The aim of this study
      was the chemical characterization of aerosols re-suspended in two rural roads of
      Pien, paved with ultramafic rocks and to estimate the pulmonary deposition of
      asbestos aerosols. Bulk aerosol samples were analyzed by means of X-ray
      fluorescence spectrometry and X-ray diffraction analysis, in order to
      characterize elemental composition and crystallinity. Single-particle
      compositions of aerosols were analyzed by computer-controlled electron-probe
      microanalysis, indicating the presence of a few percentages of serpentine and
      amphibole. Given the chemical composition and size distribution of aerosol
      particles, the deposition efficiency of chrysotile, a sub-group of serpentine, in
      two principal segments of the human respiratory system was estimated using a lung
      deposition model. As an important finding, almost half of the inhaled particles
      were calculated to be deposited in the respiratory system. Asbestos depositions
      were significant (~25 %) in the lower airways, even though the selected breathing
      conditions (rest situation, nose breathing) implied the lowest rate of
      respiratory deposition. Considering the fraction of inhalable suspended
      chrysotile near local roads, and the long-term exposure of humans to these
      aerosols, chrysotile may represent a hazard, regarding more frequent development
      of lung cancer in the population of the exposed region.

PMID- 27680006
TI  - Hematological, biochemical, and toxicopathic effects of subchronic acetamiprid
      toxicity in Wistar rats.
AB  - Acetamiprid is one of the most widely used neonicotinoids. This study
      investigates toxic effects of repeated oral administration of three doses of
      acetamiprid (1/20, 1/10, and 1/5 of LD50) during 60 days. For this, male Wistar
      rats were divided into four different groups. Hematological, biochemical, and
      toxicopathic effects of acetamiprid were evaluated. According to the results, a
      significant decrease in the body weight gain at the highest dose 1/5 of LD50 of
      acetamiprid was noticed. An increase in the relative liver weight was also
      observed at this dose level. The hematological constituents were affected. A
      significant decrease in RBC, HGB, and HCT in rats treated with higher doses of
      acetamiprid (1/10 and 1/5 of LD50) was noted. However, a significant increase in
      WBC and PLT were observed at the same doses. Furthermore, acetamiprid induced
      liver toxicity measured by the increased activities of aspartate aminotransferase
      (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphates (ALPs), and lactate
      dehydrogenase (LDH) which may be due to the loss of hepatic membrane architecture
      and hepatocellular damage. In addition, exposure to acetamiprid resulted in a
      significant decrease in the levels of superoxide dismutase and catalase
      activities (p <= 0.01) with concomitant increase in lipid peroxidation in rat
      liver. These findings highlight the subchronic hepatotoxicity of acetamiprid.

PMID- 27680007
TI  - Chemical assessment of lead, cadmium, nitrate, and nitrite intakes with daily
      diets of children and adolescents from orphanages in Krakow, Poland.
AB  - The aim of this study has been to measure the level of lead, cadmium, nitrates,
      and nitrites in the daily diets of children and adolescents from orphanages
      located in Krakow (Poland). Diets were collected over four seasons of 2009. The
      content of cadmium and lead was measured with flameless atomic absorption
      spectrometry. Nitrates and nitrites in diets were measured using the Griess
      colorimetric method. In all orphanages, the average intake of lead with daily
      diets, regardless of the season, ranged from 1.11 +/- 0.15 to 22.59 +/- 0.07
      MUg/kg bw/week. The average cadmium intake by children and adolescents ranged
      between 3.09 +/- 0.21 and 20.36 +/- 2.21 MUg/kg bw/week and, for all orphanages,
      exceeded the tolerable weekly intake (TWI) level. Daily intake of nitrates and
      nitrites ranged respectively from 27 to 289 % and from 9 to 99 % of the
      acceptable daily intake (ADI). The youngest children, with lower body mass, were
      particularly sensitive to the excessive intakes of cadmium and nitrates.

PMID- 27680008
TI  - Detection of human fecal contamination by nifH gene quantification of marine
      waters in the coastal beaches of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
AB  - The identification of fecal pollution in aquatic ecosystems is one of the
      requirements to assess the possible risks to human health. In this report,
      physicochemical parameters, Escherichia coli enumeration and Methanobrevibacter
      smithii nifH gene quantification were conducted at 13 marine waters in the
      coastal beaches of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen,
      temperature, and conductivity, carried out by mobile equipment, revealed varied
      levels due to specific conditions of the beaches. The bioindicators' enumerations
      were done by defined substrate method, conventional, and real-time PCR. Six
      marine beach sites (46 %) presenting E. coli levels in compliance with Brazilian
      water quality guidelines (<2500 MPN/100 mL) showed nifH gene between 5.7 * 109 to
      9.5 * 1011 copies. L-1 revealing poor correlation between the two approaches. To
      our knowledge, this is the first inquiry in qPCR using nifH gene as a biomarker
      of human-specific sources of sewage pollution in marine waters in Brazil. In
      addition, our data suggests that alternative indicator nifH gene could be used,
      in combination with other markers, for source tracking studies to measure the
      quality of marine ecosystems thereby contributing to improved microbial risk
      assessment.

PMID- 27680009
TI  - [Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma].
AB  - Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin accounts for 20 % of non-melanoma skin
      cancer and is one of the most frequent types of cancer in Caucasian populations.
      Diagnosis is based on the clinical features and should be histopathologically
      confirmed to adequately address the prognosis and treatment. Complete surgical
      excision with histopathological control of excision margins is the gold standard
      in the treatment of primary SCC. Sentinel lymph node biopsies (SLNB) can be
      considered in SCC with a tumor thickness of >6 mm but there is currently no
      evidence concerning prognostic and therapeutic effects. Radiotherapy can be
      discussed as an alternative to surgery for inoperable tumors or as adjuvant
      therapy for a high risk of recurrence. In SCC with distant metastases various
      chemotherapeutic agents are used; however, there is no standard regimen. The
      epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors and immune checkpoint blockers
      can be discussed as treatment options, preferentially in clinical trials. There
      is no standard follow-up schedule for patients with SCC. A risk-adapted follow-up
      is recommended based on the risk of metastatic spread or development of new
      lesions primarily by dermatological control and supplemented by ultrasound
      investigations in high risk patients.

PMID- 27680010
TI  - [Skin cancer as occupational disease].
AB  - The incidence of epithelial skin neoplasms, such as squamous cell carcinoma and
      basal cell carcinoma is significantly increasing worldwide. Leisure time solar UV
      exposure is causative in the overwhelming majority of cases in the general
      population; however, occupational exposure is responsible for a certain
      percentage of cases. Employees with a relevant exposure to polycyclic aromatic
      hydrocarbons in soot, raw paraffin, coal tar, anthracene, pitch or similar
      substances, to sunlight in outdoor occupations as well as to arsenic and ionizing
      radiation have a significantly increased risk to develop occupational skin cancer
      compared to the general population. In the official occupational disease list in
      the appendix of the German by-law on occupational diseases, the following
      occupational diseases concerning skin cancer are listed: BK 5102 "skin cancer and
      carcinoma in situ caused by soot, raw paraffin, coal tar, anthracene, pitch or
      similar substances" (e.g. various solid paraffins, asphalt and mazut as well as
      mineral oils, grease, cylinder and drilling oils), BK 5103 "squamous cell
      carcinoma or multiple actinic keratosis caused by natural UV radiation", BK 1108
      "diseases caused by arsenic and its compounds" and BK 2402 "diseases caused by
      ionizing radiation". For further occupational exposure to carcinogenic substances
      and potential occupationally acquired skin tumors, no official lists are
      currently available. These cancers might be considered under a special opt out
      paragraph in the German Social Law (S 9 para 2 SGB VII). Tumors in scars after
      occupational skin trauma or occupational burns are compensated as consequences of
      work accidents. The current official list of occupational skin cancers and new
      developments for expert opinions are described in this article.

PMID- 27680011
TI  - [Wound management with enzyme alginogels : Expert consensus].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The challenges of modern wound management, such as the treatment of
      chronic wounds and their phase-specific handling, are demanding and require
      optimally adapted therapeutic measures. The principles of moist wound care as
      well as an adequate debridement have priority here. To support these necessary
      measures, different options are available, e.g., a new product group operating
      across several wound phases. OBJECTIVE: A new treatment principle in modern wound
      management based on an expert consensus is presented. METHODS: On the basis of
      clinical experience reports and published evidence, the current and new
      principles of wound treatment were discussed in a panel of experts and formulated
      as a consensus statement. RESULTS: Enzyme alginogels represent a combination of
      agents that allow phase-specific wound care. They exhibit autolytic, absorbent,
      and antimicrobial properties and simultaneously cover three components of wound
      management based on the TIME framework. Thus, according to the experts, they
      differ from other wound healing products and can be classified in a distinct
      product group. Clinical studies, as well as clinical experiences, provide
      evidence for the efficacy of enzyme alginogels. DISCUSSION: According to the
      experts, the potential of enzyme alginogels used considering the principles of
      moist wound care, comprises the three-fold effect (continuous and significantly
      simplified debridement, maintaining a moist wound environment and antimicrobial
      effect without cytotoxicity), the ease of use, and the flexible application. In
      addition, the flexibility of the product class regarding frequency of
      application, duration of treatment and combinability with secondary dressings,
      are of economic benefit in the health care sector.

PMID- 27680012
TI  - Abnormal serum microRNA profiles in tuberous sclerosis are normalized during
      treatment with everolimus: possible clinical implications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tuberous sclerosis (TSC) is a monogenic disease resulting from
      defects of the TSC1 or TSC2 genes, which encode the proteins forming hamartin
      tuberin tumor suppressor complex, the mammalian target of rapamycin complex
      (mTOR). The mTOR pathway is constitutively activated in response to tuberin or
      hamartin defects. The mTOR pathway is also regulated by a multitude of epigenetic
      mechanisms, one of which is regulation by microRNA (miRNA) inhibition. This leads
      us to hypothesize that organ-level abnormalities of miRNA expression patterns are
      widespread in TSC. The aim of the study was to evaluate the serum profiles of
      miRNAs in patients with TSC and subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA)
      treated with mTOR inhibitor (everolimus). METHODS: Serum microRNA profiling was
      performed in 10 TSC-patients before and three months after everolimus treatment,
      as well as in 10 sex- and age-matched healthy controls. MicroRNAs were profiled
      using qPCR panels (Exiqon). RESULTS: Of 752 tested miRNAs, 11 showed
      statistically significant dysregulation in patients with TSC in comparison to
      controls. The following miRNAs were downregulated in TSC: miR-142-3p, miR-199a
      5p, miR-142-5p and miR-136-5p; while miR-130a-3p, miR-378a-3p, miR-130b-3p, miR
      192-5p, miR-25-3p, miR-215-5p and miR-222-3p were upregulated in TSC in
      comparison to the control group. After three months of everolimus treatment, mean
      dose 5.1 (2.6-9.7) mg/m2, seven miRNAs reached expression levels similar to
      healthy controls, with miR-142-3p and miR-136 showed significant increase over
      baseline levels in TSC patients. Moreover, miR-222-3p normalization due to
      treatment differed between patients with mutation in TSC1 and TSC2 gene.
      CONCLUSIONS: Activation of the mTOR pathway in TSC patients alters serum miRNA
      levels, which may be partially reversed by an mTOR inhibitor. This indicates the
      involvement of miRNA dysregulation in the pathogenesis of TSC, linking miRNA
      profiles with treatment efficiency.

PMID- 27680014
TI  - Comparison of MRI- and CT-based semiautomated liver segmentation: a validation
      study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the repeatability, agreement, and efficiency of MRI- and CT
      based semiautomated liver segmentation for the assessment of total and
      subsegmental liver volume. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted in 31
      subjects who underwent contemporaneous liver MRI and CT. Total and subsegmental
      liver volumes were segmented from contrast-enhanced 3D gradient-recalled echo MRI
      sequences and CT images. Semiautomated segmentation was based on variational
      interpolation and Laplacian mesh optimization. All segmentations were repeated
      after 2 weeks. Manual segmentation of CT images using an active contour tool was
      used as the reference standard. Repeatability and agreement of the methods were
      evaluated with intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) and Bland-Altman
      analysis. Total interaction time was recorded. RESULTS: Intra-reader ICC were
      >=0.987 for MRI and >=0.995 for CT. Intra-reader repeatability was 30 +/- 217 ml
      (bias +/- 1.96 SD) (95% limits of agreement: -187 to 247 ml) for MRI and -10 +/-
      143 ml (-153 to 133 ml) for CT. Inter-method ICC between semiautomated and manual
      volumetry were >=0.995 for MRI and >=0.986 for CT. Inter-method segmental ICC
      varied between 0.584 and 0.865 for MRI and between 0.596 and 0.890 for CT. Inter
      method agreement was -14 +/- 136 ml (-150 to 122 ml) for MRI and 50 +/- 226 ml (
      176 to 276 ml) for CT. Inter-method segmental agreement ranged from 10 +/- 47 ml
      (-37 to 57 ml) to 2 +/- 214 ml (-212 to 216 ml) for MRI and 9 +/- 45 ml (-36 to
      54 ml) to -46 +/- 183 ml (-229 to 137 ml) for CT. Interaction time (mean +/- SD)
      was significantly shorter for MRI-based semiautomated segmentation (7.2 +/- 0.1
      min, p < 0.001) and for CT-based semiautomated segmentation (6.5 +/- 0.2 min, p <
      0.001) than for CT-based manual segmentation (14.5 +/- 0.4 min). CONCLUSION: MRI
      based semiautomated segmentation provides similar repeatability and agreement to
      CT-based segmentation for total liver volume.

PMID- 27680013
TI  - Reduced-fluence verteporfin photodynamic therapy plus ranibizumab for choroidal
      neovascularization in pathologic myopia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To demonstrate the efficacy of intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) in
      combination with reduced-fluence photodynamic therapy (RF-PDT) in patients with
      choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to pathologic myopia. METHODS: Sixty
      patients affected by myopic CNV (mCNV) were randomized to receive either
      ranibizumab 0.5 mg monotherapy (RM; n = 20), standard fluence PDT (SF-PDT, n =
      20) or RF-PDT combination therapy (n = 20). Subsequently, IVR was injected as
      needed. All patients were evaluated for 48 weeks. RESULTS: Mean BCVA change at 48
      weeks was + 0.2 and +15 letters with SF or RFPDT plus ranibizumab, respectively,
      compared with +16.8 letters with RM. At 48 weeks, mean central foveal thickness
      (CFT) decrease from baseline was 58 +/- 15 MUm, 91.4 +/- 43.8 MUm, and 85 +/-
      41.5 MUm for the verteporfin SF, RF and RM groups, respectively. Macular
      sensitivity improvement was + 0.4 db, + 1.9 dB and + 2.7 dB for the verteporfin
      SF, RF and RM groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Ranibizumab monotherapy or
      combined with RF-PDT improved BCVA and macular sensitivity in patients affected
      by mCNV, whereas CFT results were reduced. SF-PDT combination regimen mostly
      stabilized vision at 48 weeks. Among all groups, the RF-PDT seemed to reduce the
      number of ranibizumab retreatments.

PMID- 27680015
TI  - Practical use and pitfalls of hepatocyte-specific contrast agents (HSCAs) for
      pediatric hepatic and biliary magnetic resonance imaging.
AB  - Magnetic resonance imaging is commonly used to evaluate for hepatic and biliary
      pathology in the pediatric population. Recently, there has been increased use of
      hepatocyte-specific contrast agents (HSCAs), such as Gadoxetate disodium in
      children. Traditionally, HSCAs have been used to characterize focal liver
      lesions. However, these agents can also be used to problem solve specific hepatic
      or biliary diagnostic dilemmas. The purpose of this manuscript is to review the
      practical uses of HSCA in children with both hepatic and biliary indications, and
      review the corresponding imaging findings. We will highlight the diagnostic uses
      of HSCA in children, as well as pitfalls encountered.

PMID- 27680017
TI  - Should low-income countries invest in breast cancer screening?
AB  - With the increase in incidence and mortality of breast cancer in low-income
      countries (LICs), the question of whether LICs should promote breast cancer
      screening for early detection has gained tremendous importance. Because LICs have
      limited financial resources, the value of screening must be carefully considered
      before integrating screening programs into national healthcare system.
      Mammography-the most commonly used screening tool in developed countries-reduces
      breast cancer-specific mortality among women of age group 50-69, but the evidence
      is not so clear for younger women. Further, it does not reduce the overall
      mortality. Because the women in LICs tend to get breast cancer at younger age and
      are faced with various competing causes of mortality, LICs need to seriously
      evaluate whether mammographic screening presents a good value for the investment.
      Instead, we suggest a special module of clinical breast examination that could
      provide similar benefits at a very low cost. Nevertheless, we believe that LICs
      would obtain a much greater value for their investment if they promote primary
      prevention by tobacco cessation, healthier food and healthier lifestyle campaigns
      instead.

PMID- 27680016
TI  - Menopausal vasomotor symptoms and incident breast cancer risk in the Study of
      Women's Health Across the Nation.
AB  - PURPOSE: Two case-control studies reported a 50 % decreased breast cancer risk
      among women who experienced menopausal vasomotor symptoms (VMS), but one cohort
      study found no association. VMS may be triggered by declining estrogen levels
      during menopause, whereas elevated estrogen levels have been associated with
      increased breast cancer risk. VMS may thus be indicative of lower susceptibility
      to breast cancer. METHODS: We evaluated this relationship in the longitudinal
      Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN), using discrete survival
      analysis of approximately annual data on VMS and self-reported breast cancer
      occurrences for up to 13 years of follow-up in 3,098 women who were pre- or early
      perimenopausal at enrollment. RESULTS: Over an average 11.4 years of follow-up,
      129 incident breast cancer cases were self-reported, and approximately 50 % of
      participants experienced VMS. Symptomatic women had a reduced risk of breast
      cancer compared to non-symptomatic women (adjusted HR 0.63, 95 % CI 0.39, 1.00).
      The association was stronger in the subgroup of women who fully transitioned to
      postmenopause during follow-up (n = 67 cases, adjusted HR 0.45, 95 % CI 0.26,
      0.77). CONCLUSION: VMS appeared to be a marker of reduced breast cancer risk.
      Future research is needed to understand the biology underlying this relationship.

PMID- 27680018
TI  - Endocrine therapy and urogenital outcomes among women with a breast cancer
      diagnosis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Endocrine therapy for breast cancer can exacerbate menopausal symptoms.
      The association between endocrine therapy and common pelvic floor disorders
      including urinary incontinence has rarely been evaluated. We examined urogenital
      and sexual side effects among women with a breast cancer diagnosis, comparing
      endocrine therapy users to nonusers. METHODS: Urogenital and sexual symptoms were
      self-reported during the enrollment interview within the University of North
      Carolina Cancer Survivorship Cohort. Tumor characteristics and endocrine therapy
      use were collected from medical and prescription records. We calculated
      multivariable prevalence ratios (PR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) for the
      association of endocrine therapy (versus no endocrine therapy) and urinary
      incontinence, overall and by therapy type (tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors).
      PROMIS Sexual Function and Satisfaction domain scores were compared across
      endocrine therapy groups. RESULTS: Among the 548 women with a breast cancer
      diagnosis, 49 % received endocrine therapy. Overall, 18 % of women reported
      urinary incontinence symptoms. We observed no association between urinary
      incontinence and endocrine therapy use overall (PR = 0.97; 95 % CI 0.67, 1.43),
      tamoxifen (PR = 1.20; 95 % CI 0.74, 1.96), or aromatase inhibitors (PR = 0.89; 95
      % CI 0.55, 1.42), compared to no use. Approximately 55 % of women were sexually
      active. Sexual function scores did not vary according to endocrine therapy use,
      although urinary incontinence was associated with lower satisfaction scores (p =
      0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate a high prevalence of urinary
      incontinence after breast cancer diagnosis similar to the overall prevalence in
      older U.S. women, and this did not vary strongly according to use of endocrine
      therapy.

PMID- 27680019
TI  - Striking Phenotypic Variation yet Low Genetic Differentiation in Sympatric Lake
      Trout (Salvelinus namaycush).
AB  - The study of population differentiation in the context of ecological speciation
      is commonly assessed using populations with obvious discreteness. Fewer studies
      have examined diversifying populations with occasional adaptive variation and
      minor reproductive isolation, so factors impeding or facilitating the progress of
      early stage differentiation are less understood. We detected non-random genetic
      structuring in lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) inhabiting a large, pristine,
      postglacial lake (Mistassini Lake, Canada), with up to five discernible genetic
      clusters having distinctions in body shape, size, colouration and head shape.
      However, genetic differentiation was low (FST = 0.017) and genetic clustering was
      largely incongruent between several population- and individual-based clustering
      approaches. Genotype- and phenotype-environment associations with spatial
      habitat, depth and fish community structure (competitors and prey) were either
      inconsistent or weak. Striking morphological variation was often more continuous
      within than among defined genetic clusters. Low genetic differentiation was a
      consequence of relatively high contemporary gene flow despite large effective
      population sizes, not migration-drift disequilibrium. Our results suggest a
      highly plastic propensity for occupying multiple habitat niches in lake trout and
      a low cost of morphological plasticity, which may constrain the speed and extent
      of adaptive divergence. We discuss how factors relating to niche conservatism in
      this species may also influence how plasticity affects adaptive divergence, even
      where ample ecological opportunity apparently exists.

PMID- 27680021
TI  - MR-guided attenuation map for prostate PET-MRI: an intensity and morphologic
      based segmentation approach for generating a five-class attenuation map in pelvic
      region.
AB  - PURPOSE: Prostate imaging is one of the major application of hybrid PET/MRI
      systems. Inaccurate attenuation maps (u-maps) derived by direct segmentation
      (SEG) in which the cortical bone is ignored and the volume of the air in cavities
      is underestimated is the main challenge of commercial PET/MRI systems for the
      quantitative analysis of the pelvic region. The present study considered the
      cortical bone and air cavity along with soft tissue, fat, and background air in
      the u-map of the pelvic region using a method based on SEG. The proposed method
      uses a dedicated imaging technique that increases the contrast between regions
      and a hybrid segmentation method to classify MR images based on intensity and
      morphologic characteristics of tissues, such as symmetry and similarity of bony
      structures. PROCEDURES: Ten healthy volunteers underwent MRI and ultra-low dose
      CT imaging. The dedicated MR imaging technique uses the short echo time (STE)
      based on the conventional sequencing implemented on a clinical 1.5T MRI scanner.
      The generation of a u-map comprises the following steps: (1) bias field
      correction; (2) hybrid segmentation (HSEG), including segmenting images into
      clusters of cortical bone-air, soft tissue, and fat using spatial fuzzy c-means
      (SFCM), and separation of cortical bone and internal air cavities using
      morphologic characteristics; (3) the active contour approach for the separation
      of background air; and (4) the generation of a five-class MU-map for cortical
      bone, internal air cavity, soft tissue, fat tissue, and background air.
      Validation was done by comparison with segmented CT images. RESULTS: The Dice and
      sensitivity metrics of cortical bone structures and internal air cavities were 72
      +/- 11 and 66 +/- 13 and 73 +/- 10 and 68 +/- 20 %, respectively. High
      correlation was observed between CT and HSEG-based u-maps (R 2 > 0.99) and the
      corresponding sinograms (R 2 > 0.98). CONCLUSIONS: Currently, pelvis u-maps
      provided by the current PET/MRI systems and the ultra-short echo time and atlas
      based methods tend to be inaccurate. The proposed method acceptably generated a
      five-class MU-map using only one image.

PMID- 27680022
TI  - Synthesis and basic evaluation of 7alpha-(3-[18F]fluoropropyl)-testosterone and
      7alpha-(3-[18F]fluoropropyl)-dihydrotestosterone.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: 7alpha-Substituted androgen derivatives may have the potential to
      visualize androgen receptors with positron emission tomography. In the present
      study, we synthesized fluoropropyl derivatives of 7alpha-(3-[18F]fluoropropyl)
      testosterone ([18F]7) and 7alpha-(3-[18F]fluoropropyl)-dihydrotestosterone
      ([18F]15), and characterized their in vitro binding, in vivo biodistribution, and
      performed blocking studies in mature androgen deprived male rats. METHODS: We
      synthesized [18F]7 and [18F]15. In vitro binding to recombinant rat AR ligand
      binding domain protein was determined using a competitive radiometric ligand
      binding assay with the high-affinity synthetic androgen [17alpha-methyl-3H]
      methyltrienolone ([3H]R1881). In vivo biodistribution was performed in mature
      male rats treated with diethylstilbestrol (chemical castration). A blocking study
      was performed by co-administration of dihydrotestosterone (36 ug/animal).
      RESULTS: 7alpha-(3-Fluoropropyl)-testosterone (7) and 7alpha-(3-fluoropropyl)
      dihydrotestosterone (15) showed competitive binding to recombinant rat AR ligand
      binding domain protein. The IC50 value of 15 (13.0 +/- 3.3 nM) was higher than 7
      (47.8 +/- 10.0 nM). In contrast to the AR binding affinity, the ventral prostate
      uptake of [18F]7 and [18F]15 at 2 h post-injection was similar (0.07 % injected
      dose/g of tissue). A blocking study indicated that specific binding of [18F]15 is
      observed in the ventral prostate. [18F]7 and [18F]15 showed moderate levels of
      bone uptake, which indicates moderate metabolic de-fluorination in rodents.
      CONCLUSION: [18F]15 is better than [18F]7 in terms of radiochemical yield, in
      vitro binding affinity, prostate specific binding and stability against in vivo
      metabolic de-fluorination. However, the net uptake level of [18F]15 in prostate
      might be insufficient for in vivo visualization. Although [18F]7 and [18F]15
      improved in vivo stability against de-fluorination, other basic characterization
      data in rodents were not superior to the current standard tracer 16beta
      [18F]fluoro-5alpha-dihydrotestosterone. It is also revealed that the shorter side
      chain length of 7alpha-[18F]fluoromethyl-dihydrotestosterone is superior to the
      longer three carbon chain in [18F]15, in terms of net prostate uptake and in vivo
      metabolic stability.

PMID- 27680025
TI  - BMA invites health secretary to symposium on seven day services.

PMID- 27680023
TI  - Clinical Application of a Hybrid RapidArc Radiotherapy Technique for Locally
      Advanced Lung Cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Radiation treatment planning for locally advanced lung cancer can be
      technically challenging, as delivery of >=60 Gy to large volumes with concurrent
      chemotherapy is often associated with significant risk of normal tissue toxicity.
      We clinically implemented a novel hybrid RapidArc technique in patients with lung
      cancer and compared these plans with 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy and
      RapidArc-only plans. MATERIALS/METHODS: Hybrid RapidArc was used to treat 11
      patients with locally advanced lung cancer having bulky mediastinal adenopathy.
      All 11 patients received concurrent chemotherapy. All underwent a 4-dimensional
      computed tomography planning scan. Hybrid RapidArc plans concurrently combined
      static (60%) and RapidArc (40%) beams. All cases were replanned using 3- to 5
      field 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy and RapidArc technique as controls.
      RESULTS: Significant reductions in dose were observed in hybrid RapidArc plans
      compared to 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy plans for total lung V20 and
      mean (-2% and -0.6 Gy); contralateral lung mean (-2.92 Gy); and esophagus V60 and
      mean (-16.0% and -2.2 Gy; all P < .05). Contralateral lung doses were
      significantly lower for hybrid RapidArc plans compared to RapidArc-only plans
      (all P < .05). Compared to 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy, heart V60 and
      mean dose were significantly improved with hybrid RapidArc (3% vs 5%, P = .04 and
      16.32 Gy vs 16.65 Gy, P = .03). However, heart V40 and V45 and maximum spinal
      cord dose were significantly lower with RapidArc plans compared to hybrid
      RapidArc plans. Conformity and homogeneity were significantly better with hybrid
      RapidArc plans compared to 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy plans ( P < .05).
      Treatment was well tolerated, with no grade 3+ toxicities. CONCLUSION: To our
      knowledge, this is the first report on the clinical application of hybrid
      RapidArc in patients with locally advanced lung cancer. Hybrid RapidArc permitted
      safe delivery of 60 to 66 Gy to large lung tumors with concurrent chemotherapy
      and demonstrated advantages for reduction in low-dose lung volumes, esophageal
      dose, and mean heart dose.

PMID- 27680027
TI  - Association of Periodontal Destruction and Diabetes with Mortality.
AB  - Current evidence indicates the effects of periodontitis on diabetes as well as
      mortality, for which diabetes itself represents a risk factor. However, the
      possible interaction of these 2 chronic conditions regarding mortality has not
      yet been investigated. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate
      whether periodontal destruction interacts with diabetes on all-cause and
      cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality or if diabetes serves as a mediator in
      this association. The study sample comprised 3,327 participants aged 20 to 81 y
      from the Study of Health in Pomerania. Periodontal destruction was assessed via
      clinical attachment level (CAL) and the number of missing teeth. Information on
      mortality (date and ICD-10 code) was ascertained from death certificates.
      Directed acyclic graphs were used to identify potential confounders, and Cox
      proportional hazard models were applied. In 36,701 person-years of follow-up, 263
      study participants deceased, 89 due to CVD. Fully adjusted main effect models
      resulted in hazard ratios of 1.01 (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.002 to
      1.01) for extent of CAL >=3 mm, 1.10 (95% CI: 1.03 to 1.18) for mean CAL, and
      1.03 (95% CI: 1.01 to 1.04) for the number of missing teeth regarding all-cause
      mortality. Analogous results were obtained for CVD mortality, with hazard ratios
      of 1.01 (95% CI: 0.99 to 1.02), 1.10 (95% CI: 0.98 to 1.23), and 1.02 (95% CI:
      0.99 to 1.05) for extent of CAL, mean CAL, and the number of missing teeth,
      respectively. Findings did not indicate additive interaction of periodontal
      destruction and diabetes regarding all-cause and CVD mortality. Similarly, no
      substantial evidence was found to demonstrate the presence of multiplicative
      interaction or mediation. Besides adjustment for baseline covariates, time
      varying covariates were also considered and led to comparable results. In
      summary, despite their reciprocal relationship, periodontal destruction and
      diabetes may be independent risk factors for all-cause and CVD mortality.

PMID- 27680024
TI  - Expression Pattern of Axin2 During Chicken Development.
AB  - Canonical Wnt-signalling is well understood and has been extensively described in
      many developmental processes. The regulation of this signalling pathway is of
      outstanding relevance for proper development of the vertebrate and invertebrate
      embryo. Axin2 provides a negative-feedback-loop in the canonical Wnt-pathway,
      being a target gene and a negative regulator. Here we provide a detailed analysis
      of the expression pattern in the development of the chicken embryo. By performing
      in-situ hybridization on chicken embryos from stage HH 04+ to HH 32 we detected a
      temporally and spatially restricted dynamic expression of Axin2. In particular,
      data about the expression of Axin2 mRNA in early embryogenesis, somites, neural
      tube, limbs, kidney and eyes was obtained.

PMID- 27680028
TI  - Prevalence and Mechanisms of Peri-implant Diseases.
AB  - The aim of the present critical review is to summarize recent evidence on the
      prevalence of peri-implant diseases and their similarities and differences with
      periodontal diseases with a focus on their pathogenetic mechanisms. Reports on
      the extent and severity of peri-implant diseases are influenced by different case
      definitions. The prevalence of peri-implant diseases is reported at the subject
      or implant level and affected by the type of population samples analyzed (e.g.,
      randomly selected population samples or convenience samples). The outcomes of
      studies on animals and humans indicate that experimental biofilm accumulation
      leads to a higher frequency of bleeding sites around implants as compared with
      teeth. Despite the proof of principle that experimentally induced mucositis may
      be reversible, early diagnosis and management of naturally occurring peri-implant
      mucositis are clinically relevant. Tissue destruction at experimental peri
      implantitis sites is faster and more extensive when compared with that at
      experimental periodontitis sites. Although human periodontitis and peri
      implantitis lesions share similarities with respect to etiology and clinical
      features, they represent distinct entities from a histopathologic point of view.
      To avoid implant loss, patients diagnosed with peri-implantitis should be treated
      without delay.

PMID- 27680026
TI  - Kinase Regulation of Human MHC Class I Molecule Expression on Cancer Cells.
AB  - The major histocompatibility complex I (MHC-1) presents antigenic peptides to
      tumor-specific CD8+ T cells. The regulation of MHC-I by kinases is largely
      unstudied, even though many patients with cancer are receiving therapeutic kinase
      inhibitors. Regulators of cell-surface HLA amounts were discovered using a pooled
      human kinome shRNA interference-based approach. Hits scoring highly were
      subsequently validated by additional RNAi and pharmacologic inhibitors. MAP2K1
      (MEK), EGFR, and RET were validated as negative regulators of MHC-I expression
      and antigen presentation machinery in multiple cancer types, acting through an
      ERK output-dependent mechanism; the pathways responsible for increased MHC-I upon
      kinase inhibition were mapped. Activated MAPK signaling in mouse tumors in vivo
      suppressed components of MHC-I and the antigen presentation machinery.
      Pharmacologic inhibition of MAPK signaling also led to improved peptide/MHC
      target recognition and killing by T cells and TCR-mimic antibodies. Druggable
      kinases may thus serve as immediately applicable targets for modulating
      immunotherapy for many diseases. Cancer Immunol Res; 4(11); 936-47. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27680030
TI  - Gonadal function in boys with newly diagnosed cancer before the start of
      treatment.
AB  - STUDY QUESTION: Are Inhibin B and testosterone levels reduced in boys with newly
      diagnosed cancer prior to therapy? SUMMARY ANSWER: Pretreatment serum levels of
      Inhibin B and testosterone are significantly reduced in boys with newly diagnosed
      cancer, compared to reference values. WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN: Disease-related
      gonadal impairment has been demonstrated in girls and young women diagnosed with
      cancer, prior to therapy. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: We conducted a
      descriptive study in boys newly diagnosed with cancer between January 2006 and
      February 2014. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Serum Inhibin B and
      testosterone levels were determined in 224 boys, up to the age of 18 years, with
      newly diagnosed cancer prior to therapy. Hormone levels were compared with age
      matched reference values. The cohort consisted of patients with acute
      lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), Hodgkin lymphoma
      (HL), non-Hodgkin lym-phoma (NHL), nephroblastoma, neuroblastoma and sarcoma.
      MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: This study demonstrates reduced serum levels
      of Inhibin B in boys with newly diagnosed cancer, compared to reference values
      (standard deviation score (SDS) -0.9, P < 0.001). Median Inhibin B level in
      patients was 103.5 ng/l (range 20-422). Of all patients, 78.6% showed Inhibin B
      levels below the 50th percentile, and 58.5% had Inhibin B levels below the 25th
      percentile. Serum testosterone levels were significantly lower than the reference
      range population (SDS -1.2, P < 0.001). Median testosterone level in pubertal
      patients was 7.3 nmol/l (range 0.1-23.6). No correlation with clinical signs of
      general illness and hormone levels were observed. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR
      CAUTION: In this study, reproductive hormone levels were compared with age
      matched reference values. Future studies may compare reproductive hormone levels
      with case controls. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Future longitudinal
      studies are necessary to determine whether pretreatment impaired gonadal function
      at the time of cancer diagnosis is an important determinant of ultimate recovery
      of spermatogenesis after treatment and later on in adulthood. STUDY
      FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: W.v.D. was supported by the Pediatric Oncology
      Center Society for Research (KOCR), Rotterdam, The Netherlands. A.-L.L.F.v.d.K.
      was supported by EU FP7 PanCare LIFE study. The authors have no conflicts of
      interest.

PMID- 27680032
TI  - Characterization and angiogenic potential of xenogeneic bone grafting materials:
      Role of periodontal ligament cells.
AB  - Adequate revascularization is a prerequisite for successful healing of
      periodontal bone defects. This study characterized three different xenogeneic
      bone grafting materials: Gen-Os of equine and porcine origins, and anorganic Bio
      Oss. We also investigated their angiogenic potential. All materials were composed
      of poorly crystalline calcium oxide phosphate, with Bio-Oss exhibiting a
      carbonated phase and larger particle size and both Gen-Os showing the presence of
      collagen. Both Gen-Os materials significantly enhanced vascular endothelial
      growth factor (VEGF) secretion by PDL cells. A significant increase in
      endothelial cell proliferation was observed in cultures with both Gen-Os
      conditioned media, but not with that of Bio-Oss. Finally, angiogenesis was
      stimulated by both Gen-Os conditioned media as demonstrated by an increased
      formation of capillary-like structures. Taken together, these findings indicate
      an enhanced angiogenic potential of both Gen-Os bone grafting materials when
      applied on PDL cells, most likely by increasing VEGF production.

PMID- 27680029
TI  - Intrauterine administration of hCG immediately after oocyte retrieval and the
      outcome of ICSI: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - STUDY QUESTION: Does the intrauterine administration of hCG immediately after
      oocyte retrieval in antagonist cycles with ICSI and fresh embryo transfer (ET)
      influence the implantation rate or chemical and clinical pregnancy rates? SUMMARY
      ANSWER: The intrauterine administration of hCG after oocyte retrieval increases
      the implantation rate and chemical and clinical pregnancy rates. WHAT IS KNOWN
      ALREADY: Over half of IVF/ICSI cycles fail due to implantation failure.
      Intrauterine administration of hCG, a few minutes before ET, increased the
      implantation and pregnancy rates in most but not in all studies. The effect of
      intrauterine administration of hCG, after oocyte retrieval, has not yet been
      studied. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: The study was a parallel, triple-blind
      randomized clinical trial (RCT) performed from September 2015 to February 2016,
      in a university hospital. We recruited women undergoing antagonist ovarian
      stimulation, ICSI and ET. For an effect size of 0.2, power of 80% at a
      significance level of 0.05, we needed 150 participants. Accounting for a 7%
      dropout rate, a total of 160 women was considered appropriate. A computer
      generated randomization list with a block size of 4, with 1:1 allocation was
      used. The treatment allocation was placed in a sealed, opaque, envelope and
      picked up consecutively. Immediately after oocyte retrieval, patients in the
      intervention and control groups were treated with intrauterine injection of hCG
      and saline, respectively. Participants underwent ET on Day 3. A beta-hCG test was
      done at 2 weeks. If positive, three transvaginal-ultrasonographies (TVSs) were
      done at 3, 4 and 10 weeks after ET. The participants were called up thereafter
      and questioned about the continuity of their pregnancy. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS,
      SETTING, METHOD: Of 1990 women attending the infertility clinic of our university
      hospital, 508 were IVF/ICSI candidates during the study period, and 245 of the
      patients on an antagonist cycle met the criteria to be invited into our trial.
      Inclusion criteria were normal ovarian reserve, age <=41, undergoing ICSI, and
      fresh ET and normal TSH and prolactin. Uncontrolled chronic disease, severe
      hydrosalpinx, severe endometriosis, morphologic embryo deficiencies, non
      obstructive azospermia and high risk of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
      were criteria for exclusion. After taking an informed consent, a total of 158
      participants were recruited, of which 80 were randomly allocated to receive
      intrauterine 500 IU hCG in up to 0.5 ml normal saline and 78 to receive
      intrauterine 0.5 ml normal saline immediately after oocyte retrieval, during
      general anaesthesia. ICSI was performed conventionally. The 4-8 cell embryos were
      transferred on the third day after oocyte retrieval. Implantation rate, chemical
      and clinical pregnancy rates were analysed and compared between the two groups.
      MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Patients' demographic and baseline
      characteristics were comparable. The clinical results showed statistically
      significant differences between the two groups regarding the biochemical
      pregnancy rate (59.2 versus 31.3%; P = 0.001; odds ratio (OR) = 1.88; 95% CI,
      1.26-2.82; risk difference (RD) = 27.8; 95% CI, 11.2-42.3), implantation rate (37
      versus 17%; P = 0.012; OR = 2.29; 95% CI, 1.02-5.14; RD = 20.2; 95% CI, 5.4
      33.8), clinical pregnancy rate (50.7 versus 16.4%; P < 0.001; OR = 3.08; 95% CI,
      1.71-5.55; RD = 34.3; 95% CI, 18.7-47.6) and ongoing pregnancy rate (40.1 versus
      13.4%; P = 0.001; OR = 3.04; 95% CI, 1.55-5.93; RD = 27.4; 95% CI, 12.7-40.6).
      The abortion and ectopic pregnancy rates were not statistically different between
      the two groups. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: The insertion of an
      intrauterine insemination catheter and the injection of a small amount of saline
      into the uterine cavity (without hCG) may also have some impact on implantation.
      This effect could be studied by comparing this intervention with another study
      group without any intrauterine injection.There are no specific side effects
      mentioned in the literature for the intrauterine administration of hCG, neither
      were any observed in our study, but it is best to be cautious about probable side
      effects, because this type of intervention is relatively new and experimental,
      and deserves more studies before being entered into routine clinical practice.
      WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Intrauterine administration of hCG
      immediately after oocyte pick up increases its effectiveness; however, further
      investigations are required before this procedure can be recommended for clinical
      practice. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: This study was supported by the
      Women's Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Iran. No
      external funds were used. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
      TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: IRCT201206165485N4. TRIAL REGISTRATION DATE: 2
      September 2015. DATE OF FIRST PATIENT'S ENROLMENT: 2 September 2015.

PMID- 27680031
TI  - Management of infections in rheumatic patients receiving biological therapies.
      The Portuguese Society of Rheumatology recommendations.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in systemic
      inflammatory rheumatic diseases and the management of infectious complications in
      patients under biological therapies deserves particular attention. OBJECTIVE:
      Develop evidence-based recommendations for the management of infections in
      rheumatic patients receiving biological therapies. METHODS: A search in PubMed
      (until 10 November 2014) and EMBASE (until 20 December 2014) databases was
      performed. Patients with systemic inflammatory rheumatic diseases treated with
      approved biologics in whom infections occurred were included. Search results were
      submitted to title and abstract selection, followed by detailed review of
      suitable studies. Information regarding presentation of the infectious
      complication, its diagnosis, treatment, and outcome, as well as maintenance or
      discontinuation of the biological agent was extracted and subsequently pooled
      according to the type of infection considered. Results of literature review were
      presented and critically reviewed in a dedicated meeting by a multidisciplinary
      panel. Recommendations were then formulated using the Delphi method. Finally, the
      level of agreement among rheumatologists was voted using an online survey.
      RESULTS: Fifteen recommendations were issued. Nine general recommendations
      concerned the assessment of infectious risk before and while on biologics, the
      procedures in case of suspected infection and the management of biologics during
      infectious complications. Six specific recommendations were developed for
      respiratory, urinary, gastrointestinal, skin, osteoarticular and disseminated
      infections. CONCLUSION: These fifteen recommendations are intended to help
      rheumatologists in the management of infections in patients on biological
      therapy. They integrate an extensive literature review, expert opinion and inputs
      from Portuguese rheumatologists.

PMID- 27680034
TI  - Development and modification of a device for three-dimensional measurement of
      orthodontic force system: The V-bend system re-visited.
AB  - We developed a device to evaluate the orthodontic force applied by systems
      requiring high operability. A life-sized, two-tooth model was designed, and the
      measurements were performed using a custom-made jointed attachment, referred to
      as an "action stick", to allow clearance for the oversized six-axis sensors. This
      tooth-sensor apparatus was accurately calibrated, and the error was limited.
      Vector analysis and rotating coordinate transformation were required to derive
      the force and moment at the tooth from the sensor readings. The device was then
      used to obtain measurements of the force and moment generated by the V-bend
      system. Our device was effective, providing results that were consistent with
      those of previous studies. This measurement device can be manufactured with force
      sensors of any size, and it can also be expanded to models with any number of
      teeth.

PMID- 27680033
TI  - Shear bond strength of a novel light cured calcium silicate based-cement to resin
      composite using different adhesive systems.
AB  - The shear bond strength (SBS) of TheraCal LC to resin composite was evaluated in
      comparison to Mineral trioxide aggregate (ProRoot MTA) and conventional glass
      ionomer cement (GIC) using two adhesive systems. A hole was prepared in 90
      acrylic blocks (6 mm diameter, 2 mm deep) then filled with TheraCal LC, MTA or
      Fuji IX (n=30/group). Each group was bonded with either an etch and rinse or 1
      step self-etch adhesive. Filtek Z250 composite was bonded to each capping
      material. Bond strength was tested in a universal testing machine, and data were
      analyzed using 2-way ANOVA and Duncan's Multiple range test (p<0.05). TheraCal LC
      displayed the highest SBS (p<0.001). MTA bonded with the 1-step self-etch
      adhesive showed the lowest SBS (p<0.001), while SBS of TheraCal LC and Fuji IX
      did not differ between either adhesive (p>0.05). TheraCal LC is the preferred
      choice in pulp capping procedures when using resin composite restorations.

PMID- 27680035
TI  - Epigallocatechin-3-gallate increased the push out bond strength of an epoxy resin
      sealer to root dentin.
AB  - This study aimed to investigate the effect of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG)
      from green tea extract on the push out bond strength of an epoxy resin sealer to
      root dentin. Seventy single root canal premolars were decoronated and
      instrumented. The roots were randomly irrigated with different final irrigation
      protocols (n=16): 17%EDTA (EDTA), 17%EDTA followed by 2.5%NaOCl (EDTA+NaOCl),
      17%EDTA followed by 1 mg/mL EGCG (EDTA+EGCG) and 1 mg/mL EGCG (EGCG). Other six
      root canals were received only 2.5%NaOCl as a control group. One root from each
      group (n=1) was excluded and prepared for SEM investigation. All root canals were
      then obturated and horizontally sectioned to perform the push out test. EDTA+EGCG
      group had the highest bond strength (p<0.05). EGCG group showed higher bond
      strength than EDTA group (p<0.05). The use of EGCG as a final irrigant
      significantly increased the push out bond strength of an epoxy resin sealer to
      root dentin.

PMID- 27680036
TI  - Fracture toughness of seven resin composites evaluated by three methods of mode I
      fracture toughness (KIc).
AB  - This study compared the fracture toughness values of seven resin composites and
      analyzed the consistency of data values using three methods: compact tension,
      three point and four point bending for Mode I failure. Seven resin composites
      were selected: Estellite Sigma Quick, Esthet X HD, Filtek Supreme XTE,
      Heliomolar, Ice, Rok, and Vit-l-escence. For each material, 18 specimens (n=6 for
      each test) were prepared. Maximum load to failure was recorded using a universal
      testing machine and fracture toughness was calculated. There was a direct
      significant correlation among all tested methods. Rok showed the highest and
      Estelite the lowest KIc values. SEM of the fractured surface of compact tension
      method showed propagation of the cracks from stresses concentrating at the corner
      of the notch and the surface of the sample. Four-point test gave the largest
      range in KIc and was a simple method to discriminate between the resin composite
      values of KIc.

PMID- 27680037
TI  - Health and equity.

PMID- 27680038
TI  - Factors associated with the grief after stillbirth: a comparative study between
      Brazilian and Canadian women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To verify the association between complicated grief and
      sociodemographic, reproductive, mental, marital satisfaction, and professional
      support characteristics in women after stillbirth. METHOD: Cross-sectional study
      with 26 women who had stillbirth in 2013, living in the city of Maringa, Brazil,
      and eight women who attended the Centre d'Etudes et de Rechercheen Intervention
      Familiale at the University of Quebec en Outaouais, in Canada. The instrument was
      administered as an interview to a small number of mothers of infants up to three
      months (n=50), who did not participate in the validation study. RESULTS: By
      applying the short version of the Perinatal Grief Scale, the prevalence of
      complicated grief in Brazilian women was found to be higher (35%) in relation to
      Canadian women (12%).Characteristics of the Brazilian women associated with the
      grief period included the presence of previous pregnancy with live birth, absence
      of previous perinatal loss, postpartum depression, and lack of marital
      satisfaction. For the Canadians it was observed that 80% of the women presenting
      no grief made use of the professional support group. In both populations the
      occurrence of complicated grief presented a higher prevalence in women with
      duration of pregnancy higher than 28 weeks. CONCLUSION: The women that must be
      further investigated during the grief period are those living in Brazil, making
      no use of a professional support group, presenting little to no marital
      satisfaction, having no religion, and of a low educational level. OBJETIVO:
      Verificar aassociacao entre o luto complicado e as caracteristicas
      sociodemograficas, reprodutivas, mentais, de satisfacao conjugal e apoio
      profissional em mulheres apos obito fetal. METODO: Estudo transversal com 26
      mulheres que tiveram obito fetal no ano de 2013 residentes no municipio de
      Maringa, Brasil, e 18 mulheres participantes do Centre d'Etudes et de Rechercheen
      Intervention Familiale, na Universidade do Quebec em Outaouais, no Canada.
      RESULTADOS: Por meio da aplicacao da versao curta da Perinatal Grief Scale, a
      prevalencia de luto complicado foi maior nas brasileiras (35%) em relacao as
      canadenses (12%). As caracteristicas das brasileiras associadas ao luto
      complicado foram a presenca de gestacao anterior com filho nascido vivo, nao
      ocorrencia de perda perinatal anterior, depressao pos-parto e nao satisfacao
      conjugal. Para as canadenses, foi observado que 80% das mulheres sem luto
      utilizaram grupo profissional de apoio. Nas duas populacoes a ocorrencia do luto
      complicado foi mais frequente nas mulheres com duracao na gestacao maior que 28
      semanas. CONCLUSAO: As mulheres que mais devem ser investigadas no estado de luto
      sao as que moram no Brasil, que nao utilizam grupo profissional de apoio, nao tem
      satisfacao conjugal, nao praticam religiao e tem menor escolaridade.

PMID- 27680039
TI  - AIDS and jail: social representations of women in freedom deprivation situations.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To graspthe AIDS social representations built by freedom-deprived
      women. METHOD: Descriptive study with a quali-quantitative approach that involved
      174 convicted women in a women's prison in a capital city of the Brazilian
      northeastern region. Aword-association test was applied in October and November
      2014, using AIDS as a stimulus. The corpuswas processed usingIramuteq software.
      Descending Hierarchical Classification and Correspondence Factor Analysis were
      applied. RESULTS: The content that comprises the social representation of AIDS
      was influenced by the prison context, which was pervaded by a lack of assistance,
      lack of knowledge, discrimination, and suffering that disclosed vulnerability to
      HIV/AIDS factors such as unprotected sex and object sharing. This underlines the
      stigma and fear of the illness, in addition to favoring and supporting negative
      feelings and a sense of rejection. CONCLUSION: To consider the use of this
      representational amalgam to ensure a comprehensive, contextualized care can help
      redirect practices, motivate self-care practices, and reduce prejudiced
      attitudes. OBJETIVO: Apreenderas representacoes sociais sobre a aids construidas
      por mulheres privadas de liberdade. METODO: Estudo descritivo, com abordagem
      quali-quantitativa que envolveu 174 apenadas de Presidio Feminino situado em
      capital do nordeste brasileiro. Aplicou-se o Teste de Associacao Livre de
      Palavras, em outubro e novembro de 2014, utilizando-se do estimulo aids. O corpus
      foi processado pelo software Iramuteq, sendo efetuadas a Classificacao
      Hierarquica Descendente e Analise Fatorial de Correspondencia. RESULTADOS: Os
      conteudos que compoem a representacao social sobre aids sao influenciados pelo
      contexto prisional, permeado dedesassistencia, desconhecimento, discriminacao e
      condicoes de sofrimento, revelando fatores de vulnerabilidade ao HIV/Aids como
      atividade sexual desprotegida e compartilhamento de objetos; reiterando o estigma
      e o temor a doenca; e favorecendo e sustentando sentimentos negativos e de
      rejeicao. CONCLUSAO: : Considerar este amalgama representacional na garantia de
      um cuidado integral e contextualizado pode contribuir para redirecionar praticas,
      motivar condutas de autocuidado e reduzir atitudes preconceituosas.

PMID- 27680040
TI  - Association between secondhand smoking in the home and respiratory morbidity in
      preschool children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Identifying the prevalence of secondhand smoking in the home and its
      association with morbidity and hospitalization from respiratory causes in
      preschool children. METHOD: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in five
      early childhood education centers at a public university in Sao Paulo. Sample
      size calculation was performed and the participants were randomly determined.
      Data were collected through questionnaires completed by family members or
      caregivers of 215 children. Chi-square and Student's t-test were used for the
      statistical analysis, using a 0.05 significance level. RESULTS: The prevalence of
      secondhand smoke in the household was 15.3%. Bivariate analysis revealed that
      secondhand smoke in the household was associated with the occurrence of rapid
      breathing, subdiaphragmatic retractions in the past three months, and treated ear
      infections/otitis. CONCLUSION: A low prevalence of secondhand smoking in the home
      was found. Secondhand smoke was associated with a higher prevalence of
      respiratory symptoms and morbidity. OBJETIVO: Identificar a prevalencia de
      tabagismo passivo em domicilio e verificar sua associacao com morbidades e
      hospitalizacao por causas respiratorias em criancas pre-escolares. METODO: Trata
      se de estudo transversal conduzido em cinco centros de educacao infantil de uma
      universidade publica de Sao Paulo. Foi realizado calculo de tamanho amostral, e a
      selecao dos participantes foi feita por sorteio. Os dados foram coletados por
      meio de questionarios preenchidos pelos familiares ou cuidadores de 215 criancas.
      Na analise estatistica foram empregados os testes Qui-quadrado e t-Student,
      considerando-se um nivel de significancia de 0,05. RESULTADOS: A prevalencia de
      tabagismo passivo em domicilio foi de 15,3%. Verificou-se na analise bivariada
      que o tabagismo passivo em domicilio esteve associado a ocorrencia de respiracao
      rapida, retracao subdiafragmatica nos ultimos tres meses, e otite tratada.
      CONCLUSAO: Verificou-se uma baixa prevalencia de tabagismo passivo domiciliar. O
      tabagismo passivo esteve associado a uma prevalencia maior de sintomas e
      morbidade respiratoria.

PMID- 27680041
TI  - Coping strategies of nurses in the care of patients with head and neck neoplasms.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To understand and describe the experience of the development of coping
      strategies during the professional life of nurses providing care to patients with
      facial image alteration. METHOD: Descriptive qualitative study with a hermeneutic
      dialectic framework conducted in the head and neck ward of a reference hospital
      in Rio de Janeiro, with the participation of eight nurses and data produced
      through semi-structured interviews conducted between June and August 2013.
      RESULTS: Three major impressions were found: initial estrangement and complexity,
      consisting in the care given to patients with facial image alteration; a
      threshold between estrangement and coping, corresponding to the emergence of
      coping strategies during care; and image-likeness as a (re)cognition of the
      individual with facial image alteration in the development and consolidation of
      coping strategies during care. CONCLUSION: Among other contributions, the
      identification and understanding of coping strategies may contribute to better
      qualify nursing education and care. OBJETIVO: Compreender e descrever a
      experiencia de desenvolvimento de estrategias de enfrentamento durante a vida
      profissional de enfermeiras no cuidado aos pacientes com imagem facial alterada.
      METODO: Pesquisa qualitativa descritiva, com referencial hermeneutico-dialetico,
      realizada na Secao de Cabeca e Pescoco de um hospital de referencia do Rio de
      Janeiro, com participacao de oito enfermeiras e dados produzidos por meio de
      entrevista semiestruturada entre junho e agosto de 2013. RESULTADOS: Emergiram
      tres amplos sentidos: estranhamento e complexidade iniciais, que constituem o
      cuidado ao paciente com imagem facial alterada; limiar entre estranhamento e
      enfrentamento, correspondendo a emersao das estrategias de enfrentamento durante
      o cuidado; e imagem-semelhanca como (re)conhecimento da pessoa com imagem facial
      alterada no desenvolvimento e na consolidacao das estrategias de enfrentamento
      durante o cuidado. CONCLUSAO: Entre outras contribuicoes, a identificacao e a
      compreensao das estrategias de enfretamento podem contribuir para melhor
      qualificar a formacao e a assistencia de enfermagem.

PMID- 27680042
TI  - Use of a severity indicator as a predictor of the use of hepatic transplantation
      resources.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of a severity indicator for end-stage liver
      disease as a predictor of resource use in a teaching hospital in Sao Paulo.
      METHOD: Descriptive, retrospective study, classifying independent variables in
      seven key dimensions: identification/risk rating; length of stay/use of advanced
      life support; imaging; clinical analysis; special procedures; blood products in
      the intensive care unit; and in the operating room. The frequencies were analyzed
      by linear regression analysis of variance to detect relevance due to the
      dependent variable (severity indicator) in 76 cases seen in 2013. RESULTS: Among
      the variables studied, those that presented relevance due to the functional risk
      score were laboratory measurements of bilirubin, amylase, transaminase, blood
      count, creatine phosphokinase (p<0.05), hemotherapy procedures fresh frozen
      plasma (FFP) and platelet concentrate (p<0.05), and Doppler echocardiography
      image (p<0.07). CONCLUSION: Given the results/objective of this study, it is
      concluded that the indicator presents a potential predictive capability in the
      use of postoperative resources of liver receptors in the size, clinical analysis,
      images and hemotherapy dimensions. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o uso do indicador de
      gravidade para doencas hepaticas terminais como fator preditivo do uso de
      recursos em um hospital-escola de Sao Paulo. METODO: Estudo descritivo,
      retrospectivo, classificando variaveis independentes em sete dimensoes
      principais: identificacao/classificacao de risco; tempo de permanencia/uso de
      suporte avancado a vida; exames de imagem; analises clinicas; procedimentos
      especiais; hemoderivados em unidade de terapia intensiva; e em centro cirurgico.
      As frequencias foram analisadas por regressao linear com analise de variancia
      para deteccao de relevancias face a variavel dependente (indicador de gravidade)
      em 76 casos atendidos em 2013. RESULTADOS: Dentre as variaveis estudadas,
      apresentaram relevancia em funcao do escore de risco funcional as dosagens
      laboratoriais de bilirrubina, amilase, transaminase, hemograma,
      creatinofosfoquinase (p<0,05), procedimentos hemoterapicos plasma fresco
      congelado (PFC) e concentrado de plaquetas (p<0,05), e imagem Ecodoppler
      (p<0,07). CONCLUSAO: Face aos resultados/proposito do estudo conclui-se que o
      indicador apresenta potencial capacidade preditiva no uso de recursos pos
      operatorios de receptores de figado nas dimensoes, analises clinicas, imagens e
      hemoterapia.

PMID- 27680043
TI  - Incidence and factors related to delirium in an intensive care unit.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To identify the incidence of delirium, compare the demographic and
      clinical characteristics of patients with and without delirium, and verify
      factors related to delirium in critical care patients. METHOD: Prospective cohort
      with a sample made up of patients hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
      of a university hospital. Demographic, clinical variables and evaluation with the
      Confusion Assessment Method for Intensive Care Unit to identify delirium were
      processed to the univariate analysis and logistic regression to identify factors
      related to the occurrence of delirium. RESULTS: Of the total 149 patients in the
      sample, 69 (46.3%) presented delirium during ICU stay, whose mean age, severity
      of illness and length of ICU stay were statistically higher. The factors related
      to delirium were: age, midazolam, morphine and propofol. CONCLUSION: Results
      showed high incidence of ICU delirium associated with older age, use of sedatives
      and analgesics, emphasizing the need for relevant nursing care to prevent and
      identify early, patients presenting these characteristics. OBJETIVOS: Identificar
      a incidencia de delirium, comparar as caracteristicas demograficas e clinicas dos
      pacientes com e sem delirium e verificar os fatores relacionados ao delirium em
      pacientes internados em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI). METODO: Coorte
      prospectiva, cuja amostra foi constituida de pacientes internados em UTI de um
      hospital universitario. Variaveis demograficas, clinicas e da avaliacao com o
      Confusion Assessment Method for Intensive Care Unit para identificacao de
      delirium foram processadas para analise univariada, e regressao logistica para
      identificar fatores relacionados a ocorrencia do delirium. RESULTADOS: Do total
      de 149 pacientes da amostra, 69 (46,3%) apresentaram delirium durante a
      internacao na UTI, observando-se que a media da idade, o indice de gravidade e o
      tempo de permanencia nas UTI foram estatisticamente maiores. Os fatores
      relacionados ao delirium foram: idade, midazolam, morfina e propofol. CONCLUSAO:
      Os resultados mostraram elevada incidencia de delirium na UTI e sua ocorrencia
      associada as idades mais avancadas e o uso de sedativos e analgesicos,
      ressaltando-se a importancia da atuacao do enfermeiro na prevencao e
      identificacao precoce do quadro nos pacientes com essas caracteristicas.

PMID- 27680044
TI  - Elder-friendly emergency services in Brazil: necessary conditions for care.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify and analyze the aspects necessary to provide an elder
      friendly emergency service (ES) from the perspective of nurses. METHOD: This is a
      descriptive, quantitative study using the Delphi technique in three rounds.
      Nurses with professional experience in the ES and/or researchers with
      publications and/or conducting research in the study area were selected. The
      first round of the Delphi panel had 72 participants, the second 49, and the third
      44. An online questionnaire was used based on a review of the scientific
      literature with questions organized into the central dimensions of elder-friendly
      hospitals. A five-point Likert scale was used for each question and a 70%
      consensus level was established. RESULTS: There were 38 aspects identified as
      necessary for elderly care that were organized into central dimensions.
      CONCLUSIONS: The study's results are consistent with the findings in scientific
      literature and suggest indicators for quality of care and training for an elder
      friendly ES. OBJETIVO: Identificar e analisar aspectos necessarios para um
      atendimento amigo do idoso nos servicos de emergencia (SE), na perspectiva de
      enfermeiros. METODO: Estudo descritivo, quantitativo, com utilizacao da Tecnica
      Delphi, em tres rodadas. Foram selecionados enfermeiros com experiencia
      profissional em SE e/ou pesquisadores com publicacoes e/ou desenvolvendo
      pesquisas na area de estudo. A primeira rodada do painel Delphi contou com 72
      participantes, a segunda com 49 e a terceira com 44. Foi utilizado questionario
      on-line, baseado na revisao da literatura cientifica, com questoes organizadas em
      dimensoes centrais de hospitais amigos do idoso. Foi utilizada uma escala de
      Likert de 5 pontos para cada questao e estabelecido nivel de consenso de 70%.
      RESULTADOS: Foram identificados 38 aspectos necessarios para o atendimento ao
      idoso, organizados em dimensoes centrais. CONCLUSOES: Os resultados do estudo sao
      consistentes com os achados na literatura cientifica e sugerem indicadores para
      qualidade do cuidado e para formacao de SE amigos do idoso.

PMID- 27680045
TI  - Indicators of health and safety among institutionalized older adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify the incidence of mortality, diarrheal diseases, scabies
      and falls; and the prevalence of pressure ulcers - all of which are related to
      the safety ofinstitutionalized older adults. METHOD: This was a documentary
      retrospective study developed in a long-term residential careinstitution for
      older adults in the Northeast region of Brazil. The data were gathered from
      records of health assessment indicators filed between January 2008 and December
      2015. Analysis included absolute case frequency; the sum of monthly prevalence
      and incidence rates; mean values of cases; and mean annual incidence and
      prevalence rates. RESULTS: The incidence of mortality over these nine years
      ranged from 9% to 13%; of acute diarrheic disease from 13% to 45%; and scabies
      from 21% to 63%. The prevalence of pressure ulcers ranged from 8% to 23%. Between
      2012 and 2015, the incidence rate of falls without injury varied from 38% to 83%,
      and with injury from12% to 20%. CONCLUSION: Analysis of the health indicators
      revealeda high incidence of scabies and falls and a high prevalence of pressure
      ulcers. The identification of less than optimal rates for performance indicators
      canhelp improve the quality of nursing care. OBJETIVO: Identificar a incidencia
      de mortalidade, doencas diarreicas, escabiose e quedas, e a prevalencia de lesoes
      por pressao para a seguranca do idoso institucionalizado. METODO: Estudo
      documental, retrospectivo desenvolvido em uma Instituicao de Longa Permanencia
      para Idosos, localizada no nordeste do Brasil. Os dados foram coletados por meio
      dos registros dos indicadores de avaliacao de saude, arquivados de janeiro de
      2008 a dezembro de 2015. A analise incluiu a frequencia absoluta dos casos; o
      somatorio das taxas de prevalencia e incidencia mensais; a media de casos e das
      taxas de incidencia e prevalencia anuais. RESULTADOS: Observa-se que a incidencia
      de obitos nos nove anos considerados variou de 9 a 13%; de doencas diarreicas
      agudas, de 13 a 45%; e de escabiose, de 21 a 63%. A prevalencia de lesao por
      pressao oscilou de 8 a 23%. Entre os anos de 2012 a 2015, a taxa de incidencia de
      quedas sem lesao variou em torno de 38 a 83%, e com lesao, de 12 a 20%.
      CONCLUSAO: A analise da amplitude dos indicadores de saude permitiu identificar a
      alta incidencia de escabiose e de quedas e a elevada prevalencia de lesoes por
      pressao. A identificacao do comprometimento dos indicadores contribui para
      otimizacao da qualidade da assistencia de enfermagem.

PMID- 27680046
TI  - Nursing terminology as a work process instrument of nurses in collective health.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the use of nursing terminology as an instrument of the
      nursing work process in Collective Health. METHOD: Exploratory case study. For
      data collection was conducted a group interview with 24 nurses working in health
      units of a municipality in south central Parana, Brazil. Data were analyzed in
      the light of interdependence between the structural, particular and singular
      dimensions contained in the Theory of Nursing Praxis Intervention in Collective
      Health. RESULTS: The situations interfering with improper use were the lack of
      knowledge about the origin and purpose of terminology, lack of training, and non
      mandatory use. CONCLUSION: Although the nursing terminology is used as an
      instrument in the nursing work process in collective health, it requires training
      to be recognized as a classification system. At the same time, institutional
      policies should be employed to ensure the effective use of these instruments.
      OBJETIVO: Analisar a utilizacao de terminologia de enfermagem como instrumento do
      processo de trabalho do enfermeiro em Saude Coletiva. METODO: Estudo de caso
      exploratorio. Para coleta de dados foi realizada entrevista em grupo com 24
      enfermeiros que atuam nas unidades de saude de um municipio no centro-sul do
      Parana, Brasil. Os dados foram analisados a luz da interdependencia entre as
      dimensoes estrutural, particular e singular contidas na Teoria da Intervencao
      Praxica de Enfermagem em Saude Coletiva. RESULTADOS: As situacoes que
      interferiram na utilizacao inadequada foram o desconhecimento sobre origem e
      finalidade da terminologia, a falta de treinamento e a nao obrigatoriedade de
      uso. CONCLUSAO: A terminologia de enfermagem, apesar de utilizada como
      instrumento no processo de trabalho de enfermeiros em Saude Coletiva, necessita
      de capacitacao para ser reconhecida como sistema classificatorio. Ao mesmo tempo,
      politicas institucionais devem ser empregadas no intuito de garantir a efetiva
      utilizacao destes instrumentos.

PMID- 27680047
TI  - Staphylococcus aureus and the oxacillin sensitivity profile in hospitalized
      people with HIV/AIDS.
AB  - Objective: Analyze nasal colonization by oxacillin-sensitive and oxacillin
      resistant Staphylococcus aureus in people with HIV/AIDS (PWHA) at days 1 and7 of
      hospitalization. METHOD: A prospective observational study conducted in a
      hospital in the countryside of the state of Sao Paulo. Nasal swab samples were
      collected and analyzed through microbiological identification, at days 1 and 7 of
      hospitalization of PWHA, between August 2011 and January 2014. Data were analyzed
      via IBM SPSS(r), version 20.0. RESULTS: Nasal secretion samples were collected
      from 187 (50.1%) PWHA at days 1 and 7 of hospitalization. Of these,
      Staphylococcus aureus was identified in 64 (34.2%) PWHA. CONCLUSION: At day 1 of
      hospitalization, 27 PWHA were identified with Staphylococcus aureus; 27 PWHA
      presented colonization by Staphylococcus aureus at days 1 and 7, and 10 PWHA only
      at day 7. Of 64 PWHA colonized by Staphylococcus aureus, the susceptibility
      profile of isolated Staphylococcus aureus was oxacillin-resistant in 25 PWHA.
      OBJETIVO: Analisar a colonizacao nasal por Staphylococcus aureus sensiveis e
      resistentes a oxacilina de pessoas vivendo com HIV/aids (PVHA) no primeiro e no
      setimo dia de internacao hospitalar. METODO: Estudo prospectivo observacional
      realizado em um hospital do interior paulista. Foram coletadas e analisadas, por
      meio de identificacao microbiologica, amostras de swab nasal no primeiro e no
      setimo dia de internacao hospitalar de PVHA, no periodo de agosto/2011 e
      janeiro/2014. A analise dos dados foi realizada por meio do IBM SPSS(r), versao
      20.0. RESULTADOS: Em 187 (50,1%) PVHA foram coletadas amostras de secrecao nasal
      no primeiro e setimo dia de internacao. Destas, em 64 (34,2%) foi identificado
      Staphylococcus aureus. CONCLUSAO: No primeiro dia de internacao observou-se 27
      PVHA colonizadas por Staphylococcus aureus; em 27 PVHA houve a persistencia da
      colonizacao por Staphylococcus aureus no primeiro e no setimo dia; em 10 PVHA,
      somente no setimo dia. Das 64 PVHA colonizadas por Staphylococcus aureus, em 25 o
      perfil de suscetibilidade do Staphylococcus aureus isolado foi resistente a
      oxacilina.

PMID- 27680048
TI  - Differences in the clinical-epidemiological profile between new cases of
      tuberculosis and retreatment cases after default.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify the socioeconomic and clinical-epidemiological factors
      related to tuberculosis in new cases and retreatment cases. METHOD: Comparative
      study with 126 patients, of which 42 were retreatment cases after default
      attended in a reference center, and 84 were new cases completing the first
      treatment and treated in Basic Health Units. The collection of primary data was
      through interview, and of secondary data by records of the Notifiable Diseases
      Information System. Comparative analysis between the two groups. RESULTS: The new
      cases differ from retreatment cases regarding educational level. The clinical
      epidemiological profile shows a significant difference in relation to performance
      of the tuberculin skin test, and the HIV test result (positive) in favor of new
      cases. In relation to performance of sputum culture and the result (positive) of
      the first sputum smear of the first and second samples, in favor of retreatment
      cases. CONCLUSION: The two groups are significantly different in clinical and
      epidemiological characteristics that show the access to exams. OBJETIVO:
      Identificar fatores socioeconomicos e clinico-epidemiologicos associados a
      tuberculose em casos novos e em casos em retratamento. METODO: Estudo comparativo
      de 126 pacientes, sendo 42 casos em retratamento por abandono atendidos num
      Centro de Referencia e 84 casos novos concluindo o primeiro tratamento, atendidos
      em Unidades Basicas de Saude. Levantamento de dados primarios por entrevista e
      dados secundarios pela Ficha de Informacao de Agravos de Notificacao. Analise
      comparativa entre os dois grupos. RESULTADOS: Os casos novos diferem dos em
      retratamento quanto a escolaridade. O perfil clinico-epidemiologico mostra que ha
      diferenca significativa quanto a realizacao do teste tuberculinico e o resultado
      do teste HIV (positivo) a favor dos casos novos. Quanto a realizacao da cultura
      de escarro e o resultado (positivo) da baciloscopia de escarro da primeira e da
      segunda amostras, a favor dos casos em retratamento. CONCLUSAO: Os dois grupos
      diferem significativamente por caracteristicas clinico-epidemiologicas que
      retratam o acesso a exames.

PMID- 27680049
TI  - Low-level laser therapy and Calendula officinalis in repairing diabetic foot
      ulcers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of low-level laser therapy isolated and
      associated with Calendula officinalis oil in treating diabetic foot ulcers.
      METHOD: An experimental, randomized, controlled, prospective, interventional
      clinical case study using a quantitative approach. The sample consisted of 32
      diabetic patients of both genders. Participants were randomly divided into four
      groups. Doppler Ultrasound evaluation of the Ankle-Brachial Index, brief pain
      inventory and analog pain scale were performed at baseline and after 30 days.
      RESULTS: Reduced pain was observed in the Low-level laser therapy and Low-level
      laser therapy associated with Essential Fatty Acids groups (p<0.01). Regarding
      the Ankle-Brachial Index and Doppler Ultrasound, all groups remained stable. By
      analyzing lesion area reduction, Low-level laser therapy associated with
      Essential fatty acids group showed a significance of p=0.0032, and the Low-level
      laser therapy group showed p=0.0428. CONCLUSION: Low-level laser therapy,
      performed alone or associated with the Calendula officinalis oil was effective in
      relieving pain and accelerating the tissue repair process of diabetic foot.
      OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos da Terapia a Laser de Baixa Intensidade isolada e
      associada ao oleo de Calendula officinalis no reparo de ulceras em pe diabetico.
      METODO: Estudo de caso clinico, experimental, controlado, randomizado,
      prospectivo, intervencional, de carater quantitativo. A amostra foi composta de
      32 pacientes diabeticos, de ambos os generos. Os participantes foram distribuidos
      aleatoriamente em quatro grupos. Ultrassom Doppler, avaliacao do Indice Tornozelo
      Braquial, Inventario breve de dor e escala de dor analogica foram realizados no
      inicio e apos 30 dias. RESULTADOS: Houve reducao da dor nos grupos Terapia a
      Laser de Baixa Intensidade e Terapia a Laser de Baixa intensidade associada aos
      Acidos Graxos Essenciais, com p<0,01. Quanto ao Indice Tornozelo-Braquial e
      Ultrassom Doppler, todos os grupos mantiveram-se estaveis. Na analise da reducao
      de area da lesao, o grupo Terapia a Laser de Baixa Intensidade associada aos
      Acidos Graxos Essenciais apresentou uma significancia p=0,0032, e o grupo Terapia
      a Laser de Baixa Intensidade, p=0,0428. CONCLUSAO: A Terapia a Laser de Baixa
      Intensidade, realizada tanto isoladamente quanto associada ao oleo de Calendula
      officinalis, foi eficaz no alivio da dor e na aceleracao do processo de reparo
      tecidual de pe diabetico.

PMID- 27680050
TI  - Impact of promoting self-care in nursing workload.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of promoting self-care in nursing workload and
      associate it to the variables: age, gender, socioeconomic status, education,
      marital status and number of children of caregivers. METHODS: Prospective study
      with 31 children and their caregivers. Participants were assessed at two moments,
      1st and 2nd hospitalization, the nursing workload was measured by the Nursing
      Activities Score (NAS). RESULTS: The mean NAS in the 1st hospitalization was
      60.9% and in the 2nd hospitalization was 41.6%, that is, 14.6 and 9.9 hours of
      nursing, respectively. The nursing workload on the first day of hospitalization
      was higher compared to the last day, both for the 1st (p<0.001) and for the 2nd
      hospitalization (p<0.001), and higher in the first (p<0.001) and in the last day
      (p=0.025) in the 1st hospitalization. Comparing the 1st hospitalization to the
      2nd hospitalization, the first was higher (p<0.001), and NAS items related to the
      training of self-care was influenced (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The nursing workload
      associated to self-care promotion corresponded to 14.6 hours and was higher than
      determined by the existing legislation. OBJETIVOS: Verificar o impacto da
      promocao do autocuidado na carga de trabalho de enfermagem e associa-la as
      variaveis: idade, genero, classificacao socioeconomica, escolaridade, estado
      civil e numero de filhos dos cuidadores. METODO: Estudo prospectivo, onde
      participaram 31 criancas e seus respectivos cuidadores. Os participantes foram
      avaliados em dois momentos, 1a e 2a internacao, quanto a carga de trabalho de
      enfermagem mensurada por meio do Nursing Activities Score (NAS). RESULTADOS: A
      media NAS na 1a internacao foi de 60,9%, e na 2a internacao foi de 41,6%, ou
      seja, 14,6 e 9,9 horas de enfermagem, respectivamente. A carga de trabalho de
      enfermagem no primeiro dia de internacao foi maior quando comparada ao ultimo
      dia, tanto na 1a (p<0,001) como na 2a internacao (p<0,001), e maior no primeiro
      (p<0,001) e ultimo dia (p=0,025) na 1a internacao. Ainda, na 1a internacao, foi
      maior quando comparada a 2a internacao (p<0,001), e os itens NAS referentes a
      capacitacao do autocuidado a influenciaram (p<0,001). CONCLUSAO: A carga de
      trabalho de enfermagem referente a promocao do autocuidado correspondeu a 14,6
      horas e foi superior ao determinado pela legislacao existente.

PMID- 27680051
TI  - Teamwork in nursing: restricted to nursing professionals or an interprofessional
      collaboration?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To understand the nursing professionals' conceptions of teamwork and
      their elements. METHOD: A qualitative study conducted in an oncological hospital
      using a semi-structured interview with 21 nursing professionals. RESULTS: Two
      conceptions emerged from the accounts: teamwork restricted to nursing
      professionals and teamwork with interprofessional collaboration with particular
      importance for interactive dimensions: communication, trust and professional
      bonds, mutual respect and recognition of the other's work, collaboration, and
      conflict, with this last subcategory considered as an obstacle to teamwork.
      CONCLUSION: Nursing conceives teamwork as an interprofessional practice, which is
      a result of the quality of interaction among professionals from different areas
      and involves the recognition and handling of conflicts. OBJETIVO: Compreender as
      concepcoes dos profissionais de enfermagem sobre trabalho em equipe e seus
      elementos constituintes. METODO: Pesquisa qualitativa, realizada em hospital
      oncologico, por meio de entrevista semiestruturada com 21 profissionais de
      enfermagem. RESULTADOS: Duas concepcoes emergiram dos relatos, trabalho em equipe
      circunscrito a enfermagem e trabalho em equipe com colaboracao interprofissional,
      com destaque para dimensao interativa: comunicacao, confianca e vinculo, respeito
      mutuo e reconhecimento do trabalho do outro, colaboracao e conflito. Esta ultima
      subcategoria foi apontada como obstaculo para o trabalho em equipe. CONCLUSAO: A
      enfermagem concebe majoritariamente o trabalho em equipe como acao
      interprofissional, e isto decorre da qualidade da interacao entre os
      profissionais das diferentes areas e o reconhecimento e manejo de conflitos.

PMID- 27680052
TI  - Is there any link between accreditation programs and the models of organizational
      excellence?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether accredited health organizations perform better
      management practices than non-accredited ones. METHOD: The study was developed in
      two stages: a literature review, and a study of multiple cases in 12 healthcare
      organizations in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil. It surveyed articles comparing
      hospital accreditation with the EFQM (European Foundation for Quality Management)
      model of excellence in management. According to the pertinent literature, the
      accreditation model and the EFQM model are convergent and supplementary in some
      aspects. RESULTS: With 99% confidence, one can say that there is evidence that
      accredited organizations scored better in the evaluation based on the EFQM model
      in comparison to non-accredited organizations. This result was also confirmed in
      the comparison of results between the categories Facilitators and Results in the
      EFQM model. CONCLUSION: There is convergence between the accreditation model and
      the EFQM excellence model, suggesting that accreditation helps the healthcare
      sector to implement the best management practices already used by other business
      sectors. OBJETIVO: Avaliar se as organizacoes de saude acreditadas possuem
      melhores praticas de gestao do que as nao acreditadas. METODO: A pesquisa foi
      dividida em duas etapas: revisao da literatura e estudo de casos multiplos com 12
      organizacoes de saude, localizadas no estado de Sao Paulo - Brasil. Foram
      pesquisados artigos que comparavam a acreditacao hospitalar com o modelo de
      excelencia em gestao da EFQM (European Foundation for Quality Management), sendo
      que a literatura pertinente considera que o modelo de acreditacao e o modelo da
      EFQM sao convergentes e, ao mesmo tempo, complementares em determinados aspectos.
      RESULTADOS: Com 99% de confianca, pode-se afirmar que ha evidencia de que as
      organizacoes com acreditacao obtiveram uma pontuacao maior na avaliacao baseada
      no modelo EFQM comparativamente as organizacoes nao acreditadas. Este resultado
      tambem se confirmou na comparacao dos resultados das categorias Facilitadores e
      Resultados do modelo EFQM. CONCLUSAO: Ha uma convergencia entre o modelo de
      acreditacao e o modelo de excelencia da EFQM, sugerindo que a acreditacao
      contribui para o setor de saude implementar as melhores praticas de gestao ja
      difundidas em outros setores de negocio.

PMID- 27680053
TI  - Instruments used in the assessment of expectation toward a spine surgery: an
      integrative review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify and describe the instruments used to assess patients'
      expectations toward spine surgery. METHOD: An integrative review was carried out
      in the databases PubMed, CINAHL, LILACS and PsycINFO. RESULTS: A total of 4,402
      publications were identified, of which 25 met the selection criteria. Of the
      studies selected, only three used tools that had confirmed validity and
      reliability to be applied; in five studies, clinical scores were used, and were
      modified for the assessment of patients' expectations, and in 17 studies the
      researchers developed scales without an adequate description of the method used
      for their development and validation. CONCLUSION: The assessment of patients'
      expectations has been methodologically conducted in different ways. Until the
      completion of this integrative review, only two valid and reliable instruments
      had been used in three of the selected studies. OBJETIVO: Identificar e descrever
      os instrumentos usados para avaliar a expectativa dos pacientes diante do
      tratamento cirurgico da coluna vertebral. METODO: Revisao Integrativa realizada
      nas bases de dados PubMed, CINAHL, LILACS e PsycINFO. RESULTADOS: Identificamos
      4.402 publicacoes, das quais 25 atenderam aos criterios de selecao. Dos estudos
      selecionados, apenas em tres os autores utilizaram instrumentos que possuiam
      validade e confiabilidade confirmadas para serem aplicados; em cinco estudos
      foram utilizados escores clinicos, modificados para a avaliacao das expectativas
      dos pacientes, e em dezessete os pesquisadores elaboraram escalas sem adequada
      descricao do metodo usado para o seu desenvolvimento e validacao. CONCLUSAO: A
      avaliacao das expectativas dos pacientes tem sido metodologicamente conduzida de
      diferentes maneiras. Ate a finalizacao desta revisao integrativa, apenas dois
      instrumentos, validos e confiaveis, haviam sido utilizados em tres dos estudos
      selecionados.

PMID- 27680054
TI  - Concepts and measures of patient empowerment: a comprehensive review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Analyze the definitions and dimensions of empowerment. Identify the
      strengths and weaknesses of empowerment measures based on the conceptual model.
      METHOD: This was a comprehensive literature review of publications on the MEDLINE
      and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) databases.
      RESULTS: Twenty-nine articles were selected. Seventeen definitions and seven
      dimensions of empowerment, and 10 empowerment measures were selected. Empowerment
      can be seen as an enabling process involving a shift in the balance of power, or
      as an outcome of this process. The dimensions reflect outcome indicators, such as
      participation in decision-making and control, and process indicators, such as
      knowledge acquisition and coping skills. Six of the tools analyzed by this study
      could be said to provide a robust measure of patient empowerment. CONCLUSION: we
      propose a definition of empowerment that helps to deepen understanding of the
      term and, therefore, its operationalization. OBJETIVO: Analizar definiciones y
      dimensiones de empoderamiento. Identificar fortalezas y debilidades de los
      instrumentos de medida de empoderamiento respecto al modelo conceptual. METODO:
      Revision integrativa de la literatura en las bases de datos MEDLINE y Cumulative
      Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL). RESULTADOS: Fueram
      seleccionados 29 articulos . Se identificaron 17 definiciones, 7 propuestas de
      dimensiones y 10 instrumentos de medida. Empoderamiento puede ser un proceso de
      capacitacion o habilitacion en el que se transfiere el poder de un individuo a
      otro, o bien un resultado producto de ese proceso. Las dimensiones reflejan
      indicadores de resultados como son la participacion en la toma de decisiones y
      tomar el control, e indicadores relativos al proceso como son la adquisicion de
      conocimientos y las habilidades de afrontamiento. De los instrumentos analizados
      seis son los instrumentos que presentan mayor robustez. CONCLUSION: Se propone
      una definicion de empoderamiento que puede ayudar a mejorar la comprension del
      termino y por lo tanto a operacionalizarlo.

PMID- 27680055
TI  - Family caregivers: what do they need? An integrative review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Aimed to identify the main needs expressed by family caregivers in
      caring for adependent person. METHOD: An integrative review of the literature in
      the period between 2010 and 2015 using specific search engine tools in the EBSCO
      and SCOPUSdatabases. RESULTS: 11 articles were selected, and the analysis of the
      scientific evidence obtained allowed for organizing the results into five
      thematic areas:transition into care, being responsible for everything, the
      importance of support, access to formal support, communication and
      informationprocesses. CONCLUSION: The results showed that caregivers have many
      needs in different areas, which should be addressed in nursing interventions.
      OBJETIVO: Este estudo teve como objetivo identificar quais as principais
      necessidades manifestadas pelo cuidador familiar no cuidado a pessoa dependente.
      METODO: Realizou-se uma revisao integrativa da literatura no periodo entre 2010 e
      2015 com o recurso de instrumentos de busca especificos, nas bases de dados EBSCO
      e SCOPUS. RESULTADOS: Foram selecionados 11 artigos A analise da evidencia
      cientifica obtida permitiu organizar os resultados em cinco areas tematicas: a
      transicao para o cuidar, o ser responsavel por tudo, a importancia do suporte, o
      acesso aos apoios formais, a comunicacao e a informacao na tomada de decisao.
      CONCLUSAO: Os resultados demonstram que o cuidador apresenta inumeras
      necessidades em areas distintas,as quais devem ser abordadasnas intervencoes de
      enfermagem.

PMID- 27680056
TI  - Nursing workload and occurrence of adverse events in intensive care: a systematic
      review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identifyevidences of the influence of nursing workload on the
      occurrence of adverse events (AE) in adult patients admitted to the intensive
      care unit (ICU). METHOD: A systematic literature review was conducted in the
      databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, LILACS, SciELO, BDENF, and Cochrane from studies in
      English, Portuguese, or Spanish, published by 2015. The analyzed AE were
      infection, pressure ulcer (PU), patient falls, and medication errors. RESULTS: Of
      594 potential studies, eight comprised the final sample of the review. TheNursing
      Activities Score (NAS; 37.5%) and the Therapeutic Intervention Scoring
      System(TISS; 37.5%) were the instruments most frequently used for assessing
      nursing workload. Six studies (75.0%) identified the influence of work overload
      in events of infection, PU, and medicationerrors. An investigation found that the
      NAS was a protective factor for PU. CONCLUSION: The nursing workload required by
      patients in the ICU influenced the occurrence of AE, and nurses must monitor this
      variable daily to ensure proper sizing of staff and safety of care. OBJETIVO:
      Identificar evidencias sobre a influencia da carga de trabalho de enfermagem na
      ocorrencia de eventos adversos (EA) em pacientes adultos internados em Unidade de
      Terapia Intensiva (UTI). METODO: Revisao sistematica da literatura realizada nas
      bases de dados MEDLINE, CINAHL, LILACS, SciELO, BDENF e Cochrane deestudosem
      ingles, portugues ou espanhol, publicados ate 2015. Os EA analisados foram
      infeccao, ulcera por pressao (UPP), quedas e erros associados a medicamentos.
      RESULTADOS: Das 594 pesquisas potenciais identificadas, oito compuseram a amostra
      final da revisao. O NursingActivities Score -NAS (37,5%) e o
      TherapeuticInterventionScoring System -TISS (37,5%) foram os instrumentos mais
      utilizados para avaliacao da carga de trabalho de enfermagem. Seis pesquisas
      (75,0%) identificaram influencia da sobrecarga de trabalho na ocorrencia de
      infeccao, UPP e uso de medicamentos. Uma investigacao identificou que o NAS foi
      fator de protecao para UPP. CONCLUSAO: A carga de trabalho de enfermagem
      requerida por pacientes na UTI influenciou a ocorrencia de EA, e os enfermeiros
      devem monitorar diariamente esta variavel para garantir o correto dimensionamento
      da equipe e a seguranca da assistencia prestada.

PMID- 27680057
TI  - Analyzing the concept of disruptive behavior in healthcare work: an integrative
      review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the concept of disruptive behavior in healthcare work.
      METHOD: An integrative review carried out in the theoretical phase of a
      qualitative research substantiated by the theoretical framework of the Hybrid
      Model of Concept Development. The search for articles was conducted in the
      CINAHL, LILACS, PsycINFO, PubMed and SciVerse Scopus databases in 2013. RESULTS:
      70 scientific articles answered the guiding question and lead to attributes of
      disruptive behavior, being: incivility, psychological violence and
      physical/sexual violence; with their main antecedents (intrapersonal,
      interpersonal and organizational) being: personality characteristics, stress and
      work overload; and consequences of: workers' moral/mental distress, compromised
      patient safety, labor loss, and disruption of communication, collaboration and
      teamwork. CONCLUSION: Analysis of the disruptive behavior concept in healthcare
      work showed a construct in its theoretical stage that encompasses different
      disrespectful conduct adopted by health workers in the hospital context, which
      deserve the attention of leadership for better recognition and proper handling of
      cases and their consequences. OBJETIVO: Analisar o conceito comportamento
      destrutivo no trabalho em saude. METODO: Revisao integrativa realizada na fase
      teorica de pesquisa qualitativa fundamentada pelo referencial teorico
      metodologico do Modelo Hibrido de Analise de Conceitos. A busca dos artigos foi
      realizada nas bases de dados CINAHL, LILACS, PsycINFO, PubMed e SciVerse Scopus,
      em 2013. RESULTADOS: 70 artigos cientificos responderam a questao norteadora e
      atenderam aos criterios de inclusao, permitindo evidenciar os atributos do
      comportamento destrutivo: incivilidade, violencia psicologica e violencia
      fisica/sexual; seus principais antecedentes (intrapessoais, interpessoais e
      organizacionais): caracteristicas de personalidade, estresse e sobrecarga de
      trabalho; e consequentes: sofrimento moral/psiquico dos trabalhadores,
      comprometimento da seguranca do paciente, prejuizos laborais, rompimento da
      comunicacao, da colaboracao e do trabalho em equipe. CONCLUSAO: A analise do
      conceito comportamento destrutivo no trabalho em saude evidenciou, em sua fase
      teorica, um constructo que abrange diferentes condutas desrespeitosas adotadas
      por trabalhadores de saude no contexto hospitalar, merecendo atencao de
      liderancas da area para maior reconhecimento e manejo adequado dos casos e suas
      consequencias.

PMID- 27680058
TI  - Locoregional treatment of peritoneal sarcomatosis A single-centre experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Peritoneal sarcomatosis appears to be responding poorly to systemic
      chemotherapy. Treatment options traditionally include surgical ressections,
      chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) and Hyperthermic
      Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) offers a promising alternative locoregional
      treatment option. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We examine retrospectively 8 patients (4
      females, 4 males) with peritoneal sarcomatosis. The most common histology type
      was the liposarcoma (4/8). The chemotherapeutic agents that were administered
      were mitomycin, cisplatin and doxorubicin. We analyse our cases with regard to
      the PCI, the CC score, the complications that occurred and the overall survival.
      RESULTS: A complete level of cytoreduction (CC0/1) was feasible in 5/8 of
      patients. We report post-operative complications such as GI leaks and fistulas in
      3 cases and infections in 2 cases. Overall survival was proved to depend on the
      PCI (better overall survival rate when PCI<20) DISCUSSION: We identify acceptable
      morbidity, comparable to other series of patients undergoing CRS+HIPEC for other
      histologies. The specific sarcoma type and the previous treatment received prove
      to be factors that alter significantly the prognosis and the survival rates:
      therefore, conclusions cannot be safely excluded in such small patient series. On
      the whole, we conclude that, given the already positive and promising results
      from CRS+HIPEC in sarcomatosis, more studies need to be performed, in order to
      determine the role of all the aforementioned factors. KEY WORDS: Fibrosarcoma,
      HIPEC, Leiomyosarcoma, Liposarcoma, Rabdomyosarcoma, Sarcomatosis.

PMID- 27680059
TI  - [Consensus and controversies of surgical approach selection in the treatment for
      thoracic esophageal cancers].
AB  - Esophageal cancer is one of the most prevalent carcinoma with an incidence
      ranking at the fifth and the mortality at the fourth among all the carcinomas in
      China. Up to now, surgery-based multi-modality treatment is still the most
      effective treatment for esophageal carcinoma. The surgical approaches for
      esophageal cancer include left and right thoracic approaches. Esophagectomy
      through left thoracotomy is the earliest approach applied for esophageal cancer
      in China, and now is still used frequently for esophageal cancer in northern
      China. However, left thoracic approach is insufficient in the lymph node
      dissection for superior mediastinum and abdomen, especially for the
      tracheoesophageal groove and para-recurrent laryngeal nerve nodes. On the
      contrary, right thoracic approach can achieve complete thoracic and abdominal
      field(two-field) lymph node dissection, especially the tracheoesophageal groove
      and para-recurrent laryngeal nerve nodes, which may eventually improve the
      survival of the patients with esophageal cancer. This article summarizes the
      results of lymph node dissection and prognosis based on published literatures
      through left thoracic approach versus through right thoracic approach for
      esophageal cancer, comments on recent controversies and consensus: for resectable
      thoracic esophageal carcinoma, resection of thoracic esophageal carcinoma with 2
      field or 3-field lymph node dissection through right thoracic approach should be
      recommended as the major treatment mode, but this consensus was made based on
      retrospective studies, and the evidence is only level III(, therefore,
      prospective randomized studies with larger sample size are warranted. The
      selection of surgical approach for the lower thoracic esophageal cancer patients
      without upper mediastinal lymph node enlargement is also the direction of future
      clinical trials.

PMID- 27680061
TI  - [Evaluation of the selection between thoracoscopic and open esophagectomy].
AB  - Esophageal cancer is one of the most common digestive tract cancers in our
      country. Although multimodality therapy has been used in the treatment of
      esophageal cancer, such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy and targeted therapy,
      surgery plays its irreplaceable role. With the development of techniques and
      innovation of instruments, minimally invasive esophagectomy is introduced into
      practice worldwide. Due to its less trauma and fewer complications, minimally
      invasive esophagectomy draws great attention, however, controversy exists in the
      question whether minimally invasive esophagectomy has similar efficacy to open
      esophagectomy. With the aim of providing suggestions for selecting optimal
      surgical procedure, this review discusses differences between minimally invasive
      esophagectomy and open esophagectomy in the following three aspects:
      perioperative mortality and morbidity, margin status and harvested lymph node
      number, and postoperative survival. Nowadays, the advantage of minimally invasive
      esophagectomy has been widely recognized in reducing perioperative morbidity and
      mortality, however, in the aspect of radicality and prognosis, it is far from
      reaching a definite conclusion for lack of multicenter, large sample,
      prospective, randomized controlled trials. Such trials are warrented so as to
      show the strength and weakness of minimally invasive esophagectomy.

PMID- 27680060
TI  - [Strategy and prospective of enhanced recovery after surgery for esophageal
      cancer].
AB  - Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is a patient-centered, surgeon-led system
      combining anesthesia, nursing, nutrition and psychology. It aims to minimize
      surgical stress and maintain physiological function in perioperative care,
      thereby expediting recovery. ERAS theory has been clinically applied for nearly
      20 years and it is firstly used in colorectal surgery, then widely used in other
      surgical fields. However, ERAS is not used commonly in esophagectomy because of
      its surgical complexity and high morbidity of postoperative complications, which
      limits the application of ERAS in the field of esophagectomy. In recent years,
      with the increasing maturation of minimally invasive esophagectomy, attention to
      tissue and organ protection concept, improvement of making gastric tube,
      breakthrough of anastomosis technique, and the presentation and application of
      new concepts, ERAS has made great progress in the field of esophagectomy. This
      article summarizes some ERAS measures in the treatment of esophageal cancer based
      on evidence-based medicine, and performs an effective ERAS mode for clinical
      application of esophagectomy. During preoperative preparation and evaluation, we
      propose preoperative education and nutrition evaluation without regular
      intestinal preparation, and advocate preemptive analgesia without preanesthetic
      medication. During intra-operative management, anesthesia scheme should be
      optimized, fluid transfusion should be controlled properly, suitable operation
      mode should be chosen, and intraoperative hypothermia should be avoided. During
      postoperative management, sufficient analgesia should be administered with non
      opioid analgesics, drainage tube placement must be decreased and removed earlier,
      urinary catheter and gastrointestinal decompression tube should be removed
      earlier, and oral intake and ambulation should be resumed as early as possible.
      "Received surgery yesterday, oral intake today, discharged home 5-7 days", ERAS
      program based on "non tube no fasting" has been applied in some medical centers
      and becomes more and more maturation. In the future, we will rely on the
      increasing improvement and systemic training of ERAS mode in order to promote
      such application in more medical centers. With the multi-center clinical trials,
      based on constant enrichments and improvements, a general expert consensus will
      be made finally.

PMID- 27680062
TI  - [Optimal lymphadenectomy for thoracic esophageal cancer: three-field or modified
      two-field lymphadenectomy].
AB  - Differences in operative procedure and knowledge of esophageal cancer exist among
      surgeons from different countries and regions. There is controversy in the
      surgical treatment of esophageal cancer, especially in the extent of
      lymphadenectomy. Until now, results of the three-field lymphadenectomy and two
      field lymphadenectomy are mostly reported by retrospective studies from Japan and
      China. Three-field lymphadenectomy has been initiated in Fujian Provincial Cancer
      Hospital since 1990s. After evaluating our database, we found that three-field
      was superior to two-field lymphadenectomy in terms of long-term survival for
      patients with upper thoracic esophageal cancer, whereas for those with middle or
      lower thoracic esophageal cancer, the survival benefit of three-field
      lymphadenectomy was reduced. Therefore, we propose to perform three-field
      lymphadenectomy for upper thoracic esophageal cancer. In middle or lower thoracic
      esophageal cancer, we suggest to perform modified two-field lymphadenectomy in
      most cases, and three-field lymphadenectomy in selective cases. Video-assisted
      two-field lymphadenectomy is feasible. Based on the national condition of China,
      we advise to perform thoracic duct removal only in patients with posterior
      mediastinal or peri-ductus node metastasis to achieve curative effect.

PMID- 27680064
TI  - [Study on the association of gastric conduit width and postoperative early
      delayed gastric emptying in middle-lower esophageal cancer patients undergoing
      Ivor-Lewis procedure].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between gastric conduit width and
      postoperative early delayed gastric emptying (DGE) in patients with middle-lower
      esophageal carcinoma who underwent Ivor-Lewis operation. METHODS: Clinical data
      of 282 consecutive patients with middle-lower esophageal cancer who underwent the
      Ivor-Lewis operation by same surgical team in our department from January 2013 to
      June 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into three groups
      according to the width of gastric conduit: width > 5.0 cm as broad group (n=93);
      width 3.0-5.0 cm as moderate group (n=70); width < 3.0 cm as narrow group
      (n=119). The gastric conduits of patients in narrow group were completely
      positioned the esophageal bed and fixed to the pericardium posterior wall. None
      of patients received pyloroplasty or pylorotomy. Perioperative data, operation
      associated complications, and postoperative upper gastrointestinal radiographic
      results(1 week and 4 weeks after operation) were compared among groups. RESULTS:
      The baseline data among these groups were comparable in terms of age, gender,
      tumor TNM staging, pathological types, serum albumin level, and the rate of
      receiving neoadjuvant therapy(all P>0.05). There were no significant differences
      in operative time, blood loss, and postoperative hospital stay among groups(all
      P>0.05). No patients died during perioperative peried. Anastomotic leakage
      occurred in 2 cases, one from broad group and another from narrow group. The
      incidences of arrhythmia and postoperative pulmonary complications, including
      infection, atelectasis, pneumothorax, and pleural effusion were similar among
      groups (all P>0.05). The average amount of gastric juice drainage in narrow group
      was (98+/-57) ml/day, which was markedly lower than that in broad group [(157+/
      62) ml/day, P=0.000] and in moderate group [(123+/-68) ml/day, P=0.008]. One week
      after operation, the overall incidence of DGE was 10.6%(30/282), the incidence of
      DGE in broad, moderate, narrow groups was 17.2%(16/93), 14.3%(10/70), and
      3.4%(4/119) respectively, and broad and moderate groups had higher incidence as
      compared to narrow group (P=0.001 and P=0.006). CONCLUSION: During the Ivor-Lewis
      operation, application of a narrow gastric conduit (width < 3.0 cm), which
      completely position the esophageal bed with fixation to the pericardium posterior
      wall, can significantly reduce the incidence of postoperative early DGE.

PMID- 27680063
TI  - [Efficacy comparison of Sweet versus Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy in the treatment of
      middle-lower esophageal squamous cell carcinoma].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the short-term efficacy and long-term survival between
      Sweet and Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy for patients with middle-lower esophageal
      squamous cell carcinoma. METHODS: Clinicopathologic data of 1 308 patients with
      middle-lower esophageal squamous cell carcinoma undergoing Sweet or Ivor-Lewis
      procedures in our department from January 2007 to December 2014 were
      retrospectively analyzed, including 1 021 patients of Sweet operation (Sweet
      group) and 287 patients of Ivor-Lewis operation(Ivor-lewis group). Lymph node
      clearance, lymphatic metastasis, postoperative complication morbidity and long
      term survival were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: There were no
      significant differences in baseline data between the two groups(all P>0.05).
      There were more lymph nodes resected during the Ivor-Lewis procedure compared
      with the Sweet procedure (20.8 vs.19.3, P=0.030). Compared with Ivor-Lewis group,
      the incidence of wound infection in Sweet group was significantly
      lower[(3.2%(33/1 021) vs. 8.0%(23/287), P=0.000]. Sweet group had a significantly
      lower rate of delayed gastric emptying[1.9%(19/1 021) vs. 5.2%(15/287), P=0.002]
      and significantly shorter hospital stay (14.7 days vs. 17.2 days, P=0.029). With
      respect to other postoperative complications, such as pulmonary complications,
      cardiac events, anastomotic leakage, vocal cord palsy, chylothorax and pyothorax,
      the differences between the two groups were not statistically significant. The 5
      year survival rate was not significantly different between the two group (54.0%
      vs. 56.9%, P=0.873). Stratified analysis based on TNM staging showed that no
      significant difference of 5-year survival rate was found between the two groups
      in stageI( and stageIII( patients (P>0.05), while the 5-year survival rate of
      stageII( patients in Sweet group was significantly lower than that in Ivor-Lewis
      group (56.4%% vs. 70.4%, P=0.039). CONCLUSIONS: For patients with middle-lower
      esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, Sweet procedure has certain superiority
      regarding the incidence of wound infection and delayed gastric emptying compared
      with the Ivor-Lewis procedure. Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy can harvest more lymph
      nodes. The 5-year survival rate of these two procedures is similar. Sweet
      procedure is still valuable in clinical practice, especially for stageI( and
      stageIII( patients, while it requires thorough considerations for stageII(
      patients.

PMID- 27680065
TI  - [Efficacy comparison between two-field and three-field lymphadenectomy for
      thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the safety and efficacy between three-field lymphadenectomy
      and normative Ivor-Lewis two-field lymphadenectomy for thoracic esophageal
      squamous cell carcinoma METHODS: Clinical data of 375 patients with thoracic
      esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent three-field lymphadenectomy(3FL)
      or Ivor-Lewis two-field lymphadenectomy(2FL, Ivor-Lewis) in Fudan University
      Shanghai Cancer Center during 2013 were retrieved and collected from electronic
      medical record system. Ninety-one patients received three-field lymphadenectomy
      (3FL group), including 16 cases of intra-cervical gastro-esophageal anastomosis
      and 75 cases of intra-thoracic gastro-esophageal anastomosis, while 284 patients
      received Ivor-Lewis two-field lymphadenectomy (2FL group) with all intra-thoracic
      gastro-esophageal anastomosis. Short-term outcomes were compared between two
      groups, including postoperative anastomotic leakage, pneumonia and respiratory
      failure, chylothorax, reoperation and 90-day death. Total harvested lymph nodes
      and positive lymph nodes in each group were also compared. A total of 338
      patients were enrolled into survival analysis. Survival curve was presented by
      Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: As compared to 2FL group, the 3FL group had
      significantly higher ratio of N3 patients [19.8% (18/91) vs. 5.3% (15/284),
      P=0.000], stageIII( patients [58.2%(53/91) vs. 43.0%(122/284), P=0.007], and
      upper thoracic cancer patients [12.1%(11/91) vs. 3.5%(10/284), P=0.027]; also the
      3FL group had more harvested lymph nodes (40.1+/-14.6 vs. 25.3+/-9.4, P=0.000)
      and more positive lymph nodes (3.3+/-4.0 vs. 1.7+/-3.2, P=0.000). With respect to
      pneumonia and respiratory failure, chylothorax, reoperation and 90-day death, no
      significant differences were found between the group (P=0.447, P=0.751, P=0.678,
      P=0.685). The 3FL group had a significantly higher incidence of anastomotic
      leakage than 2FL group [7.7% (7/91) vs. 1.8% (5/284), P=0.011], while its
      incidence of intrathoracic anastomosis leakage was 4.0% (3/75), which was not
      significantly different with 1.8%(5/284) of 2FL group (P=0.372). Median follow-up
      was 33 months. Overall 1-, 2-, 3-year survival rates were 94%, 81% and 70%, while
      1-, 2-, 3-year survival rates of 3FL group were 90%, 73% and 66%, of 2FL group
      were 95%, 84% and 72%, respectively, without significant differences between the
      two group(P=0.135). Further subgroup analysis showed that no significant
      differences of postoperative survival in stage I(, II( and III( patients were
      observed between the two groups (P=0.541, P=0.511, P=0.402), meanwhile no
      significant differences of postoperative survival in patients with metastasis and
      without metastasis were found between the two groups as well (P=0.985, P=0.233).
      CONCLUSIONS: Three-field lymphadenectomy can be performed with acceptable
      perioperative morbidity and mortality. The prognosis value of three field
      lymphadenectomy needs further investigation. Patients with thoracic esophageal
      squamous cell carcinoma may have favorable survival through normative Ivor-Lewis
      two-field lymphadenectomy.

PMID- 27680066
TI  - [Short-term outcomes of robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy for
      esophageal cancer].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility, safety and short-term clinical outcomes
      of robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE). METHODS: Clinical
      data of 17 patients with esophageal cancer who received RAMIE between April 2016
      and July 2016 were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: The age of the patients
      ranged from 44 to 83. Six patients received neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy while
      11 patients underwent surgery alone. All patients were performed by the robot
      assisted thoraco-laparoscopic minimally invasive esophagectomy. In-hospital
      mortality was 0%. None was converted to open transthoracic or laparotomy
      approach. In the neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy group, 3 patients received
      pathological complete response while 2 patients were stage II(A and 1 patient was
      stage II(B. In the surgery alone group, 1 patient was stage I(A, 3 patients were
      stage II(A, 5 patients were stage II(B, 1 patient was stage III(A and 1 patient
      was stage III(B. The mean operation time was 195 minutes (range 145 to 305
      minutes). The mean blood loss was 60 ml (range 30 to 200 ml). Mean lymph node
      harvest was 28 nodes. The rate of radical resection was 100%. Median ICU stay was
      4.5 days (range 1 to 36 days), and median overall postoperative hospital stay was
      15.2 days(range 9 to 45 days). Postoperative complication occurred in 4 (23.5%)
      patients, including 3 (17.6%) of lung lesion, 2 (11.8%) of hoarseness, 1 (5.9%)
      of chylothorax, while no anastomotic leakage and arrhythmia was observed.
      CONCLUSION: RAMIE for esophageal cancer is feasible and safe with favorable early
      outcomes.

PMID- 27680067
TI  - [Application of mesoesophagus suspension technique in upper mediastinal lymph
      node dissection during thoracoscopic esophagectomy].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the application of mesoesophagus suspension technique to
      improve the upper mediastinal lymph node dissection during thoracoscopic
      esophagectomy in the treatment of esophageal cancer. METHODS: Clinical data of
      164 thoracic esophageal cancer patients who underwent combined thoracoscopic and
      laparoscopic esophagectomy with two-field lymph node dissection in the Union
      Hospital of Fujian Medical University between October 2012 and June 2015 were
      retrospectively analyzed. Among 164 patients, 80 cases underwent upper
      mediastinal lymph node dissection by traditional method (traditional group), and
      the remaining 84 cases underwent upper mediastinal lymph node dissection by
      mesoesophagus suspension technique (suspension group). The operation time,
      estimated blood loss, number of excised lymph nodes and postoperative
      complications were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: There were no
      significant differences in gender, age, location of tumor and pathology stage
      between the two groups. The operation time in the two groups was similar. The
      suspension group had significantly less thoracic blood loss than traditional
      group [(85+/-5) ml vs.(140+/-7) ml, P=0.000]. The number of dissected lymph nodes
      of bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve was more in suspension group [median
      (interquartile range): left: 3 (2 to 4) vs. 2 (1 to 3), P=0.013; right: 3(2 to 6)
      vs. 2(1 to 3), P=0.007]. There was no significant difference in metastatic rate
      of lymph node in different sites between the two groups. The highest metastatic
      rate of suspension and traditional group was found at paracardia lymph
      nodes[22.6%(19/84) and 22.5%(18/80)], the next was at right laryngeal nerve lymph
      nodes [17.9%(15/84) and 15.0%(12/80)] and left laryngeal nerve lymph nodes
      [16.7%(14/84) and 12.5%(10/80)]. There were no significant differences with
      regard to the incidence of major postoperative complications between two groups,
      including respiratory complication, anastomotic leakage, vocal cord palsy.
      CONCLUSIONS: Upper mediastinal bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph node is
      the predilection site of lymphatic metastasis of thoracic esophageal cancer.
      Application of mesoesophagus suspension technique in thoracoscopic esophagectomy
      can improve the clearance quality of bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph
      nodes.

PMID- 27680068
TI  - [Association of postoperative outcome with fasting plasma glucose and risk
      factors in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the impact of preoperative fasting plasma glucose(FPG) on
      postoperative morbidity and outcome following surgical resection of esophageal
      squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), and to analyze the risk factor of postoperative
      complication in ESCC. METHODS: Clinicopathological data of 314 ESCC patients
      undergoing esophagectomy in our center between January 2011 and December 2012
      were retrospectively collected. Patients were divided into two groups according
      to their preoperative FBG: normal FPG group (FPG<6.1 mmol/L, 252 cases) and high
      FBG group (FPG>=6.1 mmol/L, 62 cases, including 14 diabetes cases).
      Clinicopathological data and postoperative morbidity were analyzed and compared
      between two groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to
      evaluate risk factors for postoperative complications. RESULTS: There were 278
      male and 36 female patients with a median age of 59 years (range 42-83 years). As
      compared to normal FPG group, high FBG group had higher ratio of female
      [22.6%(14/62) vs. 8.7%(22/252), P=0.000], older median age (66 years vs. 59
      years, P=0.010), lower ratio of smoking and alcohol drinking [48.4%(30/62) vs.
      73.8%(186/252), 38.7%(24/62) vs. 69.0%(174/252), both P=0.000], higher ratio of
      comorbid diabetes and hypertension [51.6%(32/62) vs. 15.1%(38/252), 16.1%(10/62)
      vs. 1.6%(4/252), both P=0.000]. Pathology results showed 206 patients in normal
      FPG group (81.7%, 206/252) were moderate-poor differentiation, which was
      obviously lower than 93.5%(58/62) in high FPG group(P=0.023). Patients of two
      groups completed their operations successfully. Perioperative overall
      complication morbidity was 24.2%(76/314), and the most common was lung lesions
      (24 cases of pneumonia, 10 cases of respiratory failure), then was anastomotic
      leakage (28 cases) and incision infection (18 cases). Differences in overall and
      other complication morbidity were not significant between two groups (all
      P>0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that operation time
      was an independent risk factor of postoperative complications (P=0.047),
      anastomosis site was an independent risk factor of anastomotic leakage (P=0.036),
      and FPG was not a risk factor of postoperative complications(respectively,
      P=0.683, P=0.836, P=0.784, P=0.637). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative control of FBG
      does not increase the postoperative complication morbidity. Shortening operation
      time and choosing appropriate surgical procedure are important to decrease
      postoperative complications.

PMID- 27680069
TI  - [Application of bundles of intervention in the treatment of esophageal carcinoma
      anastomotic leak].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the application of bundles of intervention in the
      treatment of esophageal carcinoma anastomotic leak. METHODS: From January 2014 to
      May 2015, 44 cases of esophageal carcinoma anastomotic fistula were treated by
      bundles of intervention (through the collection of a series of evidence-based
      treatment and care measures for the treatment of diseases) in Department of
      Thoracic Surgery, Huai'an First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University (bundles of
      intervention group), and 68 patients with esophageal carcinoma postoperative
      anastomotic leak from December 2013 to January 2012 receiving traditional therapy
      were selected as the control group. The clinical and nutritional indexes of both
      groups were compared. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in general
      data and proportion of anastomotic leak between the two groups. Eleven patients
      died during hospital stay, including 3 cases in bundles of intervention
      group(6.8%) and 8 cases in control group (11.8%) without significant difference(P
      = 0.390). In bundles of intervention group, 1 case died of type III(
      intrathoracic anastomotic leak, 2 died of type IIII( intrathoracic anastomotic
      leak. In control group, 2 cases died of type III( cervical anastomotic leak, 2
      died of type III( intrathoracic anastomotic leak and 4 of type IIII(
      intrathoracic anastomotic leak. The mortality of bundles of intervention group
      was lower than that of control group. The duration of moderate fever [(4.1+/-2.4)
      days vs. (8.3+/-4.4) days, t=6.171, P=0.001], the time of antibiotic use [(8.2+/
      3.8) days vs.(12.8+/-5.2) days, t=5.134, P = 0.001], the healing time [(21.5+/
      12.7) days vs.(32.2+/-15.8) days, t=3.610, P=0.001] were shorter, and the average
      hospitalization expenses[(63+/-12) thousand yuan vs. (74+/-19) thansand yuan,
      t=3.564, P=0.001] was lower in bundles of intervention group than those in
      control group. Forty-eight hours after occurrence of anastomotic leak, the levels
      of hemoglobin, albumin and prealbumin were similar in both groups. However, at
      the time of fistula healing, the levels of hemoglobin [(110.6+/-10.5) g/L
      vs.(103.8+/-11.1) g/L, t=3.090, P=0.002], albumin [(39.2+/-5.2) g/L vs.(36.3+/
      5.9) g/L, t=2.543, P=0.013] and prealbumin [(129.3+/-61.9) g/L vs.(94.1+/-66.4)
      g/L, t=2.688, P=0.008] were significantly higher in bundles of intervention
      group. CONCLUSION: In the treatment of postoperative esophageal carcinoma
      anastomotic leak, application of bundles of intervention concept can
      significantly improve the nutritional status and improve the clinical outcomes.

PMID- 27680070
TI  - [Efficacy comparison of laparoscopic Nissen, Toupet and Dor fundoplication in the
      treatment of hiatal hernia complicated with gastroesophageal reflux disease].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety among laparoscopic Nissen, Toupet
      and Dor fundoplication in the treatment of hiatal hernia complicated with
      gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). METHODS: Clinical data of 276 patients of
      hiatal hernia complicated with GERD undergoing operation in our hospital from
      December 2012 to January 2015 were retrospectively analyzed, including 149
      patients of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (Nissen group), 41 of laparoscopic
      Toupet fundoplication (Toupet group), and 86 patients of laparoscopic Dor
      fundoplication (Dor group). Esophageal reflux status, esophageal manometry, GERD
      Q rating scale, and postoperative recovery were compare among the three groups.
      RESULTS: Reflux status was improved significantly in the three groups after
      operation(all P<0.05),except that the efficacy in reducing reflux episodes and
      reflux longest time was not obvious in Toupet group(P>0.05). There were no
      significant differences in postoperative reflux time, acid reflux time ratio,
      reflux longest time ratio, DeMeester score among the three groups (all P>0.05).
      Pairwise comparison showed that Dor group was significantly better than Toupet
      group in reducing the number of reflux episode(14.36+/-10.58 vs. 29.83+/-19.71)
      and long-reflux (0.64+/-0.21 vs. 6.20+/-3.48)(both P<0.05), but Nissen group was
      better than these two groups in reducing the number of long-reflux (0.38+/-0.16,
      P<0.05). As compared to pre-operation, the postoperative esophageal sphincter
      pressure and residual pressure increased significantly, and the relaxation rate
      reduced significantly (all P<0.05), while the episode of ineffective swallowing
      increased significantly in Toupet group (11.25+/-2.04 vs. 6.36+/-3.26, P<0.05).
      The contrast in esophageal manometry between Toupet and Dor group showed that Dor
      group was better than Toupet group in the recovery of lower esophageal sphincter
      pressure (mean resting breathing) [(20.69+/-13.95) mmHg vs.(12.91+/-6.89) mmHg]
      and the decrease of ineffective swallowing [9.15+/-6.44 vs. 11.25+/-2.04](both
      P<0.05), while such results of Dor group were similar to Nissen group[(19.87+/
      10.40) mmHg, 6.15+/-2.95, all P>0.05]. The GERD Q scores were significantly
      decreased after operation in 3 groups(Nissen group:10.94+/-2.20 vs.7.41+/-1.43,
      t=11.667, P=0.001; Toupet group: 10.91+/-2.02 vs.7.18+/-1.33, t=5.109, P=0.005;
      Dor group: 10.69+/-1.69 vs. 7.10+/-1.30, t=7.610, P=0.002). There was no
      significant difference in GERD Q scores among three groups (F=1.465, P=0.207).
      The operative time, blood loss, hospital stay and complications were not
      significantly different among 3 groups (all P>0.05). Follow-up period was 12-51
      months (median 19 months), and no significant difference in recurrence was found
      [Nissen group: 2 cases (1.3%), Toupet group: 1 case (2.4%), Dor group: 1 case
      (1.2%), chi2=0.363, P=0.834]. CONCLUSIONS: It is safe and feasible for these
      three laparoscopic fundoplications to the treatment of hiatal hernia complicated
      with GERD. But laparoscopic Nissen and Dor fundoplication are better than Toupet
      fundoplication in reducing the number of reflux episodes, suppressing long
      reflux, increasing lower esophageal sphincter pressure (mean resting respiration)
      and decreasing the incidence of postoperative dysphagia.

PMID- 27680071
TI  - [Application of gastroepiploic tunnel esophagogastrostomy in minimally invasive
      esophagectomy].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical efficacy and safety of gastroepiploic tunnel
      esophagogastrostomy applied in minimally invasive esophagectomy and
      gastroesophageal cervical anastomosis. METHODS: Clinical data of 137 esophageal
      cancer patients who received minimally invasive esophagectomy from December 2013
      to June 2015 in Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth
      Military Medical University were analyzed retrospectively, including 84 patients
      receiving anastomosis with tubular anastomat (circular staple group), and 53
      patients receiving gastroepiploic tunnel anastomosis(tunnel group, position of
      tunnel anastomosis located in the side of gastrocolic omentum, about 2-3 cm apart
      from fundus). Incidence of postoperative anastomotic leakage and stricture was
      compared between two groups. RESULTS: All the 137 patients completed minimally
      invasive esophageal surgeries successfully without conversion to open thoracic or
      abdominal operation. The time for anastomosis was(20.2+/-3.1) minutes in circular
      stapler group and (38.9+/-2.9) minutes in tunnel group respectively, and the
      difference was statistically significant (t=75.22, P=0.000 0). The incidence of
      postoperative anastomotic leakage was 21.4%(18/84) in circular stapler group and
      0(0/53) in tunnel group respectively, and the difference was statistically
      significant (P=0.000 3). All the patients were followed up for more than 6
      months. During follow-up period, the incidence of postoperative anastomotic
      stricture was 14.3%(12/84) in circular stapler group and 3.8%(2/53) in tunnel
      group respectively, and the difference was statistically significant(P=0.047 9).
      CONCLUSION: The gastroepiploic cervical tunnel anastomosis is safe and effective
      and can reduce the incidence of postoperative anastomotic leakage as well as
      anastomotic stricture.

PMID- 27680072
TI  - [Preliminary investigation of intramural lateral spread distance in pull-through
      conformal resection of low rectal cancer].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the intramural lateral spread distance in low rectal
      cancer in order to provide basis for safety lateral resection margin of pull
      through conformal resection (PTCR). METHODS: The patients with low rectal cancer
      who received low anterior resection or abdominal-perineal resection in Changhai
      Hospital from December 2015 to March 2016 were enrolled and Surgical specimens
      were collected. After the specimens were fixed in 10% formaldehyde for 24 hours,
      a piece of tissue that was 1.5 cm in length and 0.5 cm in width from the edge of
      tumor was cut. The tissue was obtained in the direction of 3, 5, 7 and 9 o'clock
      clockwise. The distance of intramural lateral spread was measured in the
      specimens and the risk factors were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 83 specimens
      were collected and the overall proportion of intramural lateral spread was
      71.1%(59/83). The rate of lateral spread from 3 to 9 o'clock was 34.9%(29/83),
      26.5%(22/83), 32.5%(27/83) and 37.3%(31/83) respectively, and the difference was
      not statistically significant(chi2=2.444 9, P=0.485 3). The median distance of
      lateral spread in each direction was all 0 mm and the quartile range was 1 mm,
      0.5 mm, 0.55 mm and 1 mm respectively. The 5th percentile (P5) of each direction
      was all 0 mm and the 95th percentile(P95) of each direction was 2.5 mm, 1.6 mm,
      2.6 mm, 2.5 mm, respectively and the difference was not statistically significant
      either(chi2=5.331 0, P=0.148 9). The rate of lateral spread of T1, T2, T3 and T4
      was 0/4, 58.3%(14/24), 83.0%(44/53) and 1/2 respectively, and there was
      significant difference(P=0.005 0). The multivariate analysis indicated that T
      stage (P=0.002 2, OR=3.741, 95% CI: 1.606-8.716) was the risk factor of
      intramural lateral spread. CONCLUSIONS: The intramural lateral spread does exist
      in low rectal cancer and T stage is the risk factor of lateral spread. The
      lateral resection margin should be 5 mm from the tumor edge at least when PTCR is
      performed.

PMID- 27680073
TI  - [Applicability and indications of colonoscopic screening for Crohn's disease in
      patients with fistula-in-ano].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the indications of colonoscopic screening for Crohn's
      disease in patients with fistula-in-ano. METHODS: Clinical data of 302 patients
      with perianal fistula who received colonoscopy examination from January 2010 to
      December 2013 in the Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated
      Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University were analyzed retrospectively. Parameters for
      differentiating perianal Crohn's disease from nonspecific fistulae were screened
      by logistic regression analysis. A regression mathematical model was established
      for the prediction of perianal Crohn's disease. RESULTS: A total of 302 patients
      received colonoscopy examination, and Crohn's disease was found in 16 patients
      (CD group). Results of univariate analysis on 26 parameters of clinical
      manifestation, laboratory and radiological examination revealed that differences
      in 11 clinical parameters between the CD group and non-CD group were
      statistically significant(all P<0.05), including age, BMI, abdominal pain, non
      specific symptoms, multiple fistula, complex anal fistula, neutrophil count,
      platelet count, activated partial thromboplastin time, hemoglobin concentration
      and serum albumin concentration. Multivariate analysis revealed that age<=40
      years (OR=14.464, 95% CI: 1.143-183.053, P=0.039), BMI<24.0 kg/m2 (OR=8.220, 95%
      CI:1.005-67.200, P=0.049), abdominal pain (OR=13.148, 95% CI: 1.110-155.774,
      P=0.041), complex anal fistula (OR=7.056, 95% CI:1.166-42.688, P=0.033) and
      elevated platelet count (OR=1.012, 95% CI: 1.004-1.0194, P=0.003) were
      independent risk factors for discovery of Crohn's disease by colonoscopy. Area
      under the ROC curve of the regression mathematical model based on factors
      mentioned above was 0.921, indicating that the model was highly predictive. The
      sensitivity and specificity of this model was 81.3% and 86.7% respectively when
      the optimal diagnostic cut-off point was established at 0.856. CONCLUSIONS:
      Parameters that predict Crohn's disease in patients with perianal fistula include
      age, BMI, abdominal pain, classification of fistula and platelet count.
      Colonoscopy is recommended for patients at high risk.

PMID- 27680074
TI  - [Comparative analysis of postoperative complications on elderly colorectal cancer
      patients over 65 years with and without comorbid cardiovascular diseases].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk of postoperative complications in elderly
      colorectal cancer patients over 65 years with comorbid cardiovascular diseases.
      METHODS: A total of 381 elderly colorectal cancer patients over 65 years were
      pathologically diagnosed as colorectal adenocarcinoma and underwent the first
      surgery in Beijing Hospital during January 2013 and December 2014. Patients were
      divided into comorbid cardiovascular disease group (258 cases) and non
      cardiovascular disease group (123 cases) according to the existence of comorbid
      cardiovascular disease. The morbidity of postoperative complication was compared
      between two groups. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the morbidity
      of postoperative complication between two groups [27.9%(72/258) vs.
      29.3%(36/123), P>0.05]. According to the Clavien-Dindo classification of
      postoperative complications, the morbidities of complication at all levels
      between two groups were not significantly different(all P>0.05). But in terms of
      cardiovascular complications, the morbidity of comorbid cardiovascular disease
      group was significantly higher than that of non-cardiovascular disease group
      [7.4%(19/258) vs. 0.8%(1/123), chi2=6.678, P=0.010], while no significant
      differences in pulmonary and abdominal complications were found between two
      groups(all P>0.05). The morbidities of other complications (deep vein thrombosis,
      urinary tract infection and renal complications, etc.) of comorbid cardiovascular
      disease group were lower than those in non-cardiovascular disease group
      [2.7%(7/258) vs. 8.1%(10/123), chi2=5.733, P=0.017]. Different types of
      cardiovascular diseases, different levels of cardiac risk index and American
      Society of Anesthesiologists(ASA) rating were not significantly related to the
      patient's occurrence of postoperative complications(all P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS:
      Surgery treatment for elderly colorectal cancer patients over 65 years with
      comorbid cardiovascular diseases is safe. However, strict cardiovascular
      monitoring should be performed and necessary measures should be carried out in
      time.

PMID- 27680075
TI  - [Assessment of the risk factors relating to lymph node metastasis in rectal
      cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and the clinical significance].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify the risk factors associated with lymph node metastasis in
      rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT). METHODS: From January
      2005 to December 2013, the clinical data of 178 patients with advanced rectal
      cancer undergoing radical excision after neoadjuvant CRT in our department were
      reviewed retrospectively. A total of 11 clinicopathologic factors relating to
      lymph node metastasis were studied using univariate and multivariate Logistic
      regression analyses. RESULTS: There were 74(41.6%) cases with lymph node
      metastasis, while 104 cases without lymph node metastasis. Univariate analysis
      showed that age(P=0.000 2), post-CRT CEA level(P=0.011 2), ypT stage(P=0.000 0),
      pathologic type(P=0.004 0), and tumor regression grade(TRG)(P=0.033 8) were
      significantly associated with lymph node metastasis. Multivariate analysis showed
      that age(OR=2.385, 95% CI:1.372 ~ 4.147, P=0.002 1), post-CRT CEA level(OR=2.310,
      95% CI:1.005 ~ 5.307, P=0.048 6) and ypT stage(OR=2.592, 95% CI:1.236 ~ 5.432,
      P=0.011 7) were independent risk factors. However, 15.8% of the patients who
      achieved TRG1 had lymph node metastasis and TRG failed to independently correlate
      with lymph node metastasis in rectal cancer after neoadjuvant CRT. CONCLUSIONS:
      There was a higher ratio of lymph node metastasis in rectal cancer patients who
      were young, CEA>=5 MUg/L or deep invasion after neoadjuvant CRT. Therefore,
      neoadjuvant CRT should be carefully considered in these patients.

PMID- 27680076
TI  - [Application study on regional infusion chemotherapy by celiac trunk during
      operation in advanced gastric cancer patients].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility, safety and efficacy of intraoperative
      regional infusion chemotherapy by celiac trunk in advanced gastric cancer
      patients. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-six patients with advanced gastric
      cancer(stageII(-III() were screened from database of Gastrointestinal Surgery
      Department of Taizhou People's Hospital between January 2008 and December 2010
      who underwent R0 resection and D2 lymphadenectomy, received postoperative
      chemotherapy(XELOX or FOLFOX), and had complete follow-up data. They were divided
      into infusion chemotherapy group (65 cases) and control group (61 cases)
      according to regional infusion chemotherapy or not (fluorine 1 000 mg and
      cisplatin 60 mg). The side effects of chemotherapy, parameters related to the
      operation, long-term survival and relapse rate were compared between the two
      groups. RESULTS: The baseline data between the two groups were comparable(all
      P>0.05). Postoperative III( and IIII( adverse reaction of chemotherapy was not
      significantly different between the two groups (P>0.05). The time of
      postoperative intestinal function recovery [(67.9+/-14.8) hours vs. (68.9+/-15.0)
      hours, t=-0.380, P=0.705), volume of postoperative 1-week drainage [(66.1+/-17.1)
      ml vs.(61.9+/-18.2) ml, t=1.478, P=0.142], recent morbidity of
      complications[55.4%(36/65) vs. 49.2%(30/61), chi2=0.256, P=0.613], and the long
      term morbidity of complications [16.9% (11/65) vs. 14.8% (9/61), chi2=0.111,
      P=0.739] were all not significantly different between the two groups. The 3-year
      survival rate and 3-year relapse-free survival rate in infusion chemotherapy
      group were significantly higher than those in control group(58.4% vs. 37.7%,
      chi2=5.382, P=0.020; 58.4% vs. 34.4%, chi2=6.636, P=0.010). CONCLUSION: Regional
      infusion chemotherapy by celiac trunk during operation for advanced gastric
      cancer patients is safe and feasible, and can reduce the risk of local recurrence
      and improve survival rate.

PMID- 27680077
TI  - [Preliminary exploration on accurately preoperative evaluation of colonic lesions
      in slow transit constipation complicated with adult megacolon].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the application value of colonic transit test (CTT)
      combined with anorectal manometry (ARM), barium enema (BE) and defecography (DFG)
      in accurately evaluating colonic lesions of slow transit constipation complicated
      with adult megacolon. METHODS: Clinical data of 47 above patients admitted
      between October 2007 and February 2015 in the People's Hospital of Hunan Province
      were analyzed retrospectively. All the patients were examined with>=2 times of
      CTT combined with ARM and BE, and 42 cases received additional DFG at the same
      time, to evaluate colonic lesions before operation. Operative biopsy pathology
      was used as the standard. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive
      value(PPV) and negative predictive value(NPV) of positioning in the ascending
      colon and caecum, transverse colon and descending colon were calculated, and the
      consistency was represented by Kappa test(Kappa value>=0.75 indicates good
      consistency, meanwhile higher Kappa value indicates better consistency). The
      Heikkinen score was used to evaluate defecation function at postoperative 6
      months. RESULTS: The age of 47 patients was from 18 to 56 years old. Compared
      with intraoperative findings and biopsy pathology, the diagnostic coincidence
      rate was 89.4% by CTT combined with BE and DFG positioning, which suggested
      pathology-changed colonic segment locating in the ascending colon and cecum
      (n=12), transverse colon (n=26) and descending colon (n=9), while intraoperative
      findings and biopsy pathology suggested pathology-changed colonic segment
      locating in the ascending colon and cecum (n=11), transverse colon (n=23) and
      descending colon (n=13). The sensitivity was 88.3%, specificity 93.5%, PPV 92.1%,
      NPV 94.9% and Kappa value was 0.827(P<0.001). Procedures performed included
      segmental colectomy (n=8), subtotal colectomy (n=29), total colectomy (n=10).
      There was no serious complication during and after operation. Defecatory function
      was excellent in 24 cases (60.0%), good in 10 (25.0%), and moderate in 6 (15.0%)
      evaluated by Heikkinen score at postoperative 6 months. A total of 40 patients
      were followed up from 1 to 7 years (median 3 years) and there was no long-term
      diarrhea and recurrence of constipation or giant colon after operation.
      CONCLUSION: Preoperative detection of CTT combined with ARM, BE and DFG in
      patients with slow transit constipation complicated with adult megacolon can make
      a more precise assessment of the extent of colonic lesions in advance, which has
      a good clinical predictive value.

PMID- 27680078
TI  - [Selection of surgical approaches and lymph node dissection in the esophageal
      cancer patients].
AB  - According to the different surgical approaches and its corresponding lymph node
      dissection modes, surgical treatment for esophageal cancer can be divided into
      different surgical treatment modes. Currently in China, the surgical treatment
      modes for esophageal cancer including left and right thoracic approaches and its
      corresponding lymph node dissection modes (two-field or three-field) are widely
      practiced. Different surgical approaches may influence lymph node dissection
      results, and it may eventually affect the survival of the esophageal cancer
      patients, therefore, individual selection of appropriate surgical approaches and
      lymph node dissection extent for esophageal cancer patients based on precise
      preoperative examinations and clinical stages is very important. By summarizing
      the recent domestic and foreign research results, it demonstrates that 2-field
      lymph node dissection by right approach is more radical than left approach, 3
      field lymph node dissection by right approach is more radical than 2-field right
      approach, and may eventually improve the prognosis of patients. However, most of
      them are retrospective studies which need large sample randomized controlled
      trials support. This article reviews and summarizes recently published
      literatures, and discuss the selection of surgical approach and the extent of
      lymph node dissection for esophageal cancer from three aspects that the effect of
      left and right thoracic approach on lymph node dissection and prognosis, how to
      choose individual surgical approach by different position and stage, and what
      kind of patients need right thoracic approaches with 3-field lymph node
      dissection.

PMID- 27680079
TI  - [Research progress in molecular classification of gastric cancer].
AB  - Gastric cancer(GC) is a highly heterogeneous malignancy. The present widely used
      histopathological classifications have gradually failed to meet the needs of
      individualized diagnosis and treatment. Development of technologies such as
      microarray and next-generation sequencing (NGS) has allowed GC to be studied at
      the molecular level. Mechanisms about tumorigenesis and progression of GC can be
      elucidated in the aspects of gene mutations, chromosomal alterations,
      transcriptional and epigenetic changes, on the basis of which GC can be divided
      into several subtypes. The classifications of Tan's, Lei's, TCGA and ACRG are
      relatively comprehensive. Especially the TCGA and ACRG classifications have large
      sample size and abundant molecular profiling data, thus, the genomic
      characteristics of GC can be depicted more accurately. However, significant
      differences between both classifications still exist so that they cannot be
      substituted for each other. So far there is no widely accepted molecular
      classification of GC. Compared with TCGA classification, ACRG system may have
      more clinical significance in Chinese GC patients since the samples are mostly
      from Asian population and show better association with prognosis. The molecular
      classification of GC may provide the theoretical and experimental basis for early
      diagnosis, therapeutic efficacy prediction and treatment stratification while
      their clinical application is still limited. Future work should involve the
      application of molecular classifications in the clinical settings for improving
      the medical management of GC.

PMID- 27680080
TI  - [Detection and clinical significance of circulating tumor cells in gastric
      cancer].
AB  - The death of patients with gastric cancer is mainly due to its recurrence and
      metastasis, and circulating tumor cell (CTC) is the necessary condition of
      metastasis. As liquid biopsy, CTC detection has its certain clinical
      significance. The detection is required after enrichment because circulating
      tumor cells are rare. Many enrichment methods have been developed: methods based
      on physical characteristics of TCT, like density, size and dielectric properties
      and so on; immunogenicity, like Cell Search System; and microfluidic chip
      technology. The immunofluorescence is commonly used to identify CTC in gastric
      cancer and the isolated CTC can also be used for the following analysis on the
      level of nucleic acid, protein and gene regulation. Detection of CTC in gastric
      cancer is helpful to judge the prognosis, assess staging, monitor the curative
      effect and guide the development of drug. There are many challenges for clinical
      transformation of CTC: the lower enrichment efficiency, the less specific surface
      markers, the uncertain diagnostic efficiency and so on, but it also has the good
      research prospect because it is non-invasive, repeatable and can real-time
      monitor the condition and guide the clinical treatment compared with pathological
      biopsy. In this paper, the detection and identification methods, and clinical
      value of CTC in gastric cancer patients are reviewed.

PMID- 27680081
TI  - Commentary: Dennis D. Drotar Distinguished Research Award: Academic and Personal
      Reflections on Childhood Cancer Research Across the Illness Spectrum.

PMID- 27680082
TI  - Peer Victimization in Adolescents With Severe Obesity: The Roles of Self-Worth
      and Social Support in Associations With Psychosocial Adjustment.
AB  - Objective: To examine the associations of peer victimization with internalizing
      symptoms, externalizing symptoms, social competence, and academic performance in
      a clinical sample of adolescents with severe obesity, and whether self-worth and
      social support affect these associations. Methods: Multisite cross-sectional data
      from 139 adolescents before weight loss surgery ( M age = 16.9; 79.9% female,
      66.2% White; M Body Mass Index [BMI] = 51.5 kg/m 2 ) and 83 nonsurgical
      comparisons ( M age = 16.1; 81.9% female, 54.2% White; M BMI = 46.9 kg/m 2 ) were
      collected using self-reports with standardized measures. Results: As a group,
      participants did not report high levels of victimization. Self-worth mediated the
      effects of victimization on a majority of measures of adjustment, and further
      analyses provided evidence of the buffering effect of social support for some
      mediational models. Conclusions: Self-worth and social support are important
      targets for prevention and intervention for both victimization and poor
      adjustment in adolescent severe obesity.

PMID- 27680083
TI  - Early Alterations in Bone Characteristics of Type I Diabetic Rat Femur: A Fourier
      Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Imaging Study.
AB  - Alterations in microstructure and mineral features can affect the mechanical and
      chemical properties of bones and their capacity to resist mechanical forces.
      Controversial results on diabetic bone mineral content have been reported and
      little is known about the structural alterations in collagen, maturation of
      apatite crystals, and carbonate content in diabetic bone. This current study is
      the first to report the mineral and organic properties of cortical, trabecular,
      and growth plate regions of diabetic rat femurs using Fourier transform infrared
      (FT-IR) microspectroscopy and the Vickers microhardness test. Femurs of type I
      diabetic rats were embedded into polymethylmethacrylate blocks, which were used
      for FT-IR imaging and microhardness studies. A lower mineral content and
      microhardness, a higher carbonate content especially labile type carbonate
      content, and an increase in size and maturation of hydroxyapatite crystals were
      observed in diabetic femurs, which indicate that diabetes has detrimental effects
      on bone just like osteoporosis. There was a decrease in the level of collagen
      maturity in diabetic femurs, implying a decrease in bone collagen quality that
      may contribute to the decrease in tensile strength and bone fragility. Taken
      together, the findings revealed alterations in structure and composition of
      mineral and matrix components, and an altered quality and mechanical strength of
      rat femurs in an early stage of type I diabetes. The results contribute to the
      knowledge of structure-function relationship of mineral and matrix components in
      diabetic bone disorder and can further be used for diagnostic or therapeutic
      purposes.

PMID- 27680084
TI  - Study of the AlS4Pc-Polylysine Ion Pair, a Red-Fluorescent Probe: Its High
      Specificity, Large Concentration Range Response to Bismuth Ion, and Application.
AB  - Tetrasulfonated aluminum phthalocyanine (AlS4Pc), a strongly red-emitting
      compound, shows high detection sensitivity, little effect of photobleaching, and
      photochemical stability, making it an excellent red-fluorescent probe. We have
      observed that in acid media, a low concentration of poly-L-lysine (PLL) has a
      strong fluorescence-quenching effect on AlS4Pc, forming the ion-pair complex as
      AlS4Pc-PLL with almost no fluorescence. However, in the presence of Bi3+, the
      fluorescence of AlS4Pc-PLL dramatically recovers and the emission is visual
      because of the remarkable recovery. Screening experiments with other metal ions
      reveal that only Bi3+ can restore the fluorescence of the AlS4Pc-PLL complex. The
      presence of other metal ions does not result in the recovery of fluorescence,
      indicating the high specificity of the response to Bi3+ of AlS4Pc-PLL. This is
      the key finding of the present study. It was also observed that the response to
      Bi3+ of AlS4Pc-PLL exhibits a linear relationship over a large concentration
      range (three orders of magnitude). Based on these findings, we have established a
      new quantitative analysis method for Bi3+ with high specificity and high
      sensitivity, using the ion-pair AlS4Pc-PLL complex as a red-fluorescent probe,
      and we discuss the reaction mechanism. The detection limit of this method is
      0.0021 mg L-1 The linear relationship applies to the range of 0.007-34.9 mg L-1
      with a correlation coefficient of 0.9993. The method established addresses the
      complex operation and time-consuming problems in traditional methods and is thus
      suitable for real applications. Satisfactory results have been obtained when the
      method was applied to the measurement of real samples. This study further expands
      the scope of new applications of phthalocyanine-based red-fluorescent probes in
      analytical sciences.

PMID- 27680085
TI  - Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Spectroscopic Imaging Analysis of Partially
      Miscible PMMA-PEG Blends Using Two-Dimensional Disrelation Mapping.
AB  - A novel technique called disrelation spectroscopic imaging describes the process
      of identifying an area where a coordinated or out-of-phase change in pattern of
      spectral absorbance occurs. Disrelation mapping can be viewed as a spatial filter
      based on the well-established two-dimensional (2D) correlation function to
      highlight specific areas where disrelated variation occurs between nu1 and nu2.
      Disrelation intensity develops only if the spectral absorbance measured at nu1
      and nu2 vary out of phase with each other within a specific spatial area. The
      disrelation mapping locates regions where absorbance varies in a dissimilar
      manner because of the contribution from species of different physical or chemical
      origins. Consequently, it becomes possible to probe onset of molecular
      interactions or presence of intermediate forms between components, which is not
      fully detected by the conventional visualizations based on a single wavenumber.
      Data analysis using disrelation mapping applied to Fourier transform infrared (FT
      IR) spectroscopic images is presented in this study. Data sets of FT-IR
      spectroscopic images of blends of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and
      polyethylene glycol (PEG) were subjected to the disrelation mapping. It was found
      that the disrelation intensity between 1730 and 1714 cm-1 becomes especially
      acute around the spatial boundary between PMMA and PEG domains within the studied
      blend sample. Thus the band at 1730 cm-1 most likely represents the C=O
      stretching mode of the C=O...H-O species due to the intermolecular hydrogen
      bonding between PMMA and PEG. The appearance of such disrelation is more
      noticeable in the PEG-rich region, for the PEG with low molecular weight.
      Consequently, it suggests that the blends of PMMA and PEG are partially miscible
      at the molecular level and these intermolecular interactions are affected by the
      quantity of the terminal -OH groups of the PEG.

PMID- 27680086
TI  - Use of Gradient Dilution to Detect and Correct Matrix Interferences in
      Inductively Coupled Plasma-Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (ICP-TOFMS).
AB  - Our research group earlier used dispersion that occurs during flow injection to
      detect and reduce matrix interference in inductively coupled plasma-time-of
      flight mass spectrometry (ICP-TOFMS). In the absence of a matrix interference,
      the ratio of signals from any two sample constituents should remain constant,
      independent of the dilution, over the course of a flow-injection transient.
      However, when an interferent is present, the signal ratio from different analytes
      will change with dilution, owing to the difference in severity of the
      interference on specific analytes. As a result, matrix interference can be
      recognized (flagged) by monitoring the signal ratios of two analytes over the
      course of a flow-injection transient; a ratio that changes over time indicates
      the presence of an interferent. The drawback of this earlier method was that
      dispersion, and therefore dilution, was somewhat element-specific, causing the
      ratios to wander even when no interference existed. Here, a gradient HPLC pump is
      used to overcome this drawback by creating a longer, better-controlled dilution.
      Under these conditions, variation in dispersion between elements is negligible
      and difficulties associated with it are reduced or eliminated. Further, when an
      interference exists, the optimal dilution factor to reduce the interference to an
      acceptable level can be found from the gradient-dilution curve as the point where
      the signal ratio between two elements becomes constant.

PMID- 27680088
TI  - To Change is Human: "Abnormal" Reliable Change Memory Scores are Common in
      Healthy Adults and Older Adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The rate at which people obtain reliably improved or declined
      cognitive test scores when retested, in the absence of a change in clinical
      condition, is largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to illustrate the
      prevalence of statistically reliable change scores on memory test batteries in
      healthy adults and older adults. METHOD: Participants included three adult and
      older adult test-retest samples from memory test batteries. Reliable change
      scores (reliable change index with 90% confidence interval and practice effects)
      were calculated for the indexes and subtests of each battery. Multivariate
      analyses involved calculating the frequencies of healthy people obtaining one or
      more reliably declined or one or more reliably improved scores when considering
      all change scores simultaneously within each battery. RESULTS: Across all
      batteries, having one or more reliably changed index or subtest score on retest
      was common. With most batteries, having two or more reliably changed scores was
      uncommon. Those with higher intellectual abilities were more likely to have a
      change on retest; however, no significant differences in base rates were found
      based on education level, sex, or ethnic minority status. Those older adults who
      did not have any low memory scores were more likely to improve than decline on
      retest. CONCLUSIONS: Having a single reliably changed score on retest is common
      when interpreting a battery of memory measures. This has implications for
      determining cognitive decline and cognitive recovery, suggesting that
      multivariate interpretation is necessary.

PMID- 27680087
TI  - Memory Binding Test Distinguishes Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia
      from Cognitively Normal Elderly.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess reliability and cross-sectional discriminative
      validity of the Memory Binding Test (MBT) to distinguish persons with amnestic
      cognitive impairment (aMCI) and dementia from cognitively normal elderly
      controls. METHOD: The MBT was administered to 20 participants with dementia, 31
      with aMCI and 246 controls, who received the first administration of the MBT from
      May 2003 to December 2007, as a substudy of the community-based Einstein Aging
      Study (age range: 70+). The optimal index resulted from comparing the partial
      area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC AUC) of four major
      MBT indices for specificities >=0.70. Optimal cut-score of the optimal index was
      selected by maximizing the sum of sensitivity and specificity. Age and education
      effects were assessed using stratified cut-scores and adjusted logistic
      regression. Reliability was computed as intraclass correlation between scores at
      baseline and 1-year follow-up for participants who remained cognitively normal.
      RESULTS: Total number of Items recalled in the Paired condition (TIP) was elected
      the optimal index. TIP cut-score was <=22 for differentiating aMCI alone
      (sensitivity = 0.74, specificity = 0.73) and aMCI and dementia combined
      (sensitivity = 0.84, specificity = 0.73) from controls. It was <=17 for
      differentiating dementia from aMCI and controls (sensitivity = 0.95, specificity
      = 0.87). Age and education adjustments did not materially improve discriminative
      validity. The reliability of TIP was 0.77. CONCLUSIONS: MBT achieved moderate to
      good reliability. TIP had superior cross-sectional discriminative validity than
      the other MBT indices. We recommend using the empirical cut-score of TIP <=22 for
      discriminating aMCI and dementia and <=17 for discriminating dementia alone.

PMID- 27680089
TI  - Decision-making in Cognitively Unimpaired Illiterate and Low-educated Older
      Women: Results on the Iowa Gambling Task.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the pattern of decision-making (DM) on the
      Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) in a sample of Portuguese speaking healthy older women
      in Brazil with limited education: illiterate, 1-2 years, and 3-4 years of
      schooling. METHODS: Around 164 non-demented community-dwelling women participated
      in the study. Among them 60 were illiterate, 52 had 1-2 years of schooling and 52
      had 3-4 years of schooling. Participants completed the instruments: Brief
      Cognitive Screening Battery (BCSB), Mini-Mental State Examination, Verbal Fluency
      Test (animal category), Clock Drawing Test, Geriatric Depression Scale, Geriatric
      Anxiety Inventory, Digit Span Forward and Backward, Raven's Coloured Progressive
      Matrices, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, and IGT. RESULTS: The three education
      groups were equivalent as to age, number of diseases, medications taken daily,
      depression, and anxiety symptoms. In the IGT the literate older adults made more
      advantageous choices than the illiterate and IGT performance improved linearly
      with higher levels of education. IGT performance correlated significantly with
      all cognitive test scores with the exception of the memorization of the pictures
      on the BCSB. CONCLUSION: The results suggested that education influences IGT
      performance, with worse scores among the illiterate. Results may be used by
      clinicians to interpret IGT performance among seniors with low literacy levels.

PMID- 27680090
TI  - The axoneme, a biological template to design a swell energy recovery system.
AB  - The axonemal micro-machinery, the axial skeleton and actuator of cilia and
      flagella of eukaryotic cells, is able to bend and twist and generates wave
      trains. We already demonstrated that it can be the template to construct an
      active trunk robot (Cibert 2013 Bioinspir. Biomim. 8 026006). The work presented
      in this paper describes how the axonemal model can also be useful to design worm
      shaped devices to convert swell energy into usable energy such as electricity.
      Using dynamic simulation we have designed three models either very close to the
      biological machinery or being a reasonable interpretation of its functioning
      principles. Their main advantage as compared with another existing device,
      Pelamis, is the additional twist degree-of-freedom that gives interesting
      properties to the system.

PMID- 27680092
TI  - A 2S Albumin from the Seed Cake of Ricinus communis Inhibits Trypsin and Has
      Strong Antibacterial Activity against Human Pathogenic Bacteria.
AB  - Hospital-acquired infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria threaten the
      lives of many citizens all over the world. Discovery of new agents to hinder
      bacterial development would have a significant impact on the treatment of
      infections. Here, the purification and characterization of Rc-2S-Alb, a protein
      that belongs to the 2S albumin family, from Ricinus communis seed cake, are
      reported. Rc-2S-Alb was purified after protein extraction with Tris-HCl buffer,
      pH 7.5, fractionation by ammonium sulfate (50-75%), and chromatography on Phenyl
      Sepharose and DEAE-Sepharose. Rc-2S-Alb, a 75 kDa peptide, displays trypsin
      inhibitory activity and has high in vitro antibacterial activity against Bacillus
      subtilis, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which are important
      human pathogenic bacteria. Atomic force microscopy studies indicated that Rc-2S
      Alb disrupts the bacterial membrane with loss of the cytoplasm content and
      ultimately bacterial death. Therefore, Rc-2S-Alb is a powerful candidate for the
      development of an alternative drug that may help reduce hospital-acquired
      infections.

PMID- 27680091
TI  - Food consumption and the actual statistics of cardiovascular diseases: an
      epidemiological comparison of 42 European countries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this ecological study was to identify the main nutritional
      factors related to the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in Europe,
      based on a comparison of international statistics. DESIGN: The mean consumption
      of 62 food items from the FAOSTAT database (1993-2008) was compared with the
      actual statistics of five CVD indicators in 42 European countries. Several other
      exogenous factors (health expenditure, smoking, body mass index) and the
      historical stability of results were also examined. RESULTS: We found
      exceptionally strong relationships between some of the examined factors, the
      highest being a correlation between raised cholesterol in men and the combined
      consumption of animal fat and animal protein (r=0.92, p<0.001). The most
      significant dietary correlate of low CVD risk was high total fat and animal
      protein consumption. Additional statistical analyses further highlighted citrus
      fruits, high-fat dairy (cheese) and tree nuts. Among other non-dietary factors,
      health expenditure showed by far the highest correlation coefficients. The major
      correlate of high CVD risk was the proportion of energy from carbohydrates and
      alcohol, or from potato and cereal carbohydrates. Similar patterns were observed
      between food consumption and CVD statistics from the period 1980-2000, which
      shows that these relationships are stable over time. However, we found striking
      discrepancies in men's CVD statistics from 1980 and 1990, which can probably
      explain the origin of the 'saturated fat hypothesis' that influenced public
      health policies in the following decades. CONCLUSION: Our results do not support
      the association between CVDs and saturated fat, which is still contained in
      official dietary guidelines. Instead, they agree with data accumulated from
      recent studies that link CVD risk with the high glycaemic index/load of
      carbohydrate-based diets. In the absence of any scientific evidence connecting
      saturated fat with CVDs, these findings show that current dietary recommendations
      regarding CVDs should be seriously reconsidered.

PMID- 27680093
TI  - Heterogeneously Catalyzed Hydrothermal Processing of C5-C6 Sugars.
AB  - Biomass has been long exploited as an anthropogenic energy source; however, the
      21st century challenges of energy security and climate change are driving
      resurgence in its utilization both as a renewable alternative to fossil fuels and
      as a sustainable carbon feedstock for chemicals production. Deconstruction of
      cellulose and hemicellulose carbohydrate polymers into their constituent C5 and
      C6 sugars, and subsequent heterogeneously catalyzed transformations, offer the
      promise of unlocking diverse oxygenates such as furfural, 5
      hydroxymethylfurfural, xylitol, sorbitol, mannitol, and gluconic acid as
      biorefinery platform chemicals. Here, we review recent advances in the design and
      development of catalysts and processes for C5-C6 sugar reforming into chemical
      intermediates and products, and highlight the challenges of aqueous phase
      operation and catalyst evaluation, in addition to process considerations such as
      solvent and reactor selection.

PMID- 27680094
TI  - Heterogeneous Interaction of Isopropanol with Natural Gobi Dust.
AB  - The adsorption of isopropanol on Gobi dust was investigated in the temperature
      (T) and relative humidity (RH) ranges of 273-348 K and <0.01-70%, respectively,
      using zero air as bath gas. The kinetic measurements were performed using a novel
      experimental setup combining Fourier-Transform InfraRed spectroscopy (FTIR) and
      selected-ion flow-tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS) for gas-phase monitoring. The
      initial uptake coefficient, gamma0, of isopropanol was measured as a function of
      several parameters (concentration, temperature, relative humidity, dust mass).
      gamma0 was found independent of temperature while it was inversely dependent on
      relative humidity according to the empirical expression: gamma0 = 5.37 * 10
      7/(0.77+RH0.6). Furthermore, the adsorption isotherms of isopropanol were
      determined and the results were simulated with the Langmuir adsorption model to
      obtain the partitioning constant, KLin, as a function of temperature and relative
      humidity according to the expressions: KLin = (1.1 +/- 0.3) * 10-2 exp [(1764 +/-
      132)/T] and KLin = 15.75/(3.21+RH1.77). Beside the kinetics, a detailed product
      study was conducted under UV irradiation conditions (350-420 nm) in a
      photochemical reactor. Acetone, formaldehyde, acetic acid, acetaldehyde, carbon
      dioxide, and water were identified as gas-phase products. Besides, the surface
      products were extracted and analyzed employing HPLC; Hydroxyacetone,
      formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acetone, and methylglyoxal were identified as surface
      products while the formation of several other compounds were observed but were
      not identified. Moreover, the photoactivation of the surface was verified
      employing diffuse reflectance infrared fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTs).

PMID- 27680095
TI  - Thermally Assisted Nonvolatile Memory in Monolayer MoS2 Transistors.
AB  - We demonstrate a novel form of thermally-assisted hysteresis in the transfer
      curves of monolayer MoS2 FETs, characterized by the appearance of a large gate
      voltage window and distinct current levels that differ by a factor of ~102. The
      hysteresis emerges for temperatures in excess of 400 K and, from studies in which
      the gate-voltage sweep parameters are varied, appears to be related to charge
      injection into the SiO2 gate dielectric. The thermally-assisted memory is
      strongly suppressed in equivalent measurements performed on bilayer transistors,
      suggesting that weak screening in the monolayer system plays a vital role in
      generating its strongly sensitive response to the charge-injection process. By
      exploiting the full features of the hysteretic transfer curves, programmable
      memory operation is demonstrated. The essential principles demonstrated here
      point the way to a new class of thermally assisted memories based on atomically
      thin two-dimensional semiconductors.

PMID- 27680097
TI  - Comment on "Ultrahigh Performance Supercapacitor from Lacey Reduced Graphene
      Oxide Nanoribbons".

PMID- 27680099
TI  - Mandibular intraosseous pseudocarcinomatous hyperplasia: a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mandibular pseudocarcinomatous hyperplasia is a rare and generally
      benign pathology. We report on one of these rare cases. CASE PRESENTATION: The
      case history of a 73-year-old white man stated that he had a carcinoma of the
      oropharynx, which was primarily treated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy 4
      years prior. As a result of radiotherapy he developed an osteoradionecrosis of
      his mandible and a consecutive pathological fracture of his left mandibular
      angle. Subsequent osteosynthesis was performed with a reconstruction plate. When
      we first saw him, his reconstruction plate was partially exposed with intraoral
      and extraoral fistulation. The resected bone of his defect-bordering jaw showed
      the typical pathohistological findings of an intraosseous mandibular
      pseudocarcinomatous hyperplasia. After a first reconstruction attempt with an
      iliac crest graft failed, definitive reconstruction of his mandible with a
      microvascular anastomosed fibula graft was achieved. CONCLUSIONS: Intraosseous
      pseudocarcinomatous hyperplasia of the mandible is a rare differential diagnosis
      in maxillofacial surgery. Besides other benign epithelial neoplasms, such as
      calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor, squamous odontogenic tumor, or different
      forms of ameloblastoma, the far more frequent invasive squamous cell carcinoma
      needs to be excluded. A misinterpretation of pseudocarcinomatous hyperplasia as
      squamous cell carcinoma must be avoided because it can lead to a massive
      overtreatment.

PMID- 27680096
TI  - Rh(III)-Catalyzed C-H Functionalization of Indolines with Readily Accessible
      Amidating Reagent: Synthesis and Anticancer Evaluation.
AB  - The rhodium(III)-catalyzed direct C-H functionalization of various indolines with
      1,4,2-dioxazol-5-ones as new amidating agents is described. This transformation
      provides efficient preparation of C7-amidated indolines known to display potent
      anticancer activity. The synthetic compounds were evaluated for in vitro
      anticancer activity against human prostate adenocarcinoma cells (LNCaP), human
      endometrial adenocarcinoma cells (Ishikawa), and human ovarian carcinoma cells
      (SKOV3). Compound 4f was found to be highly cytotoxic, with activity competitive
      with that of anticancer agent doxorubicin.

PMID- 27680098
TI  - Is maternal trait anxiety a risk factor for late preterm and early term
      deliveries?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anxiety is associated with preterm deliveries in general (before week
      37 of pregnancy), but is that also true for late preterm (weeks 34/0-36/6) and
      early term deliveries (weeks 37/0-38/6)? We aim to examine this association
      separately for spontaneous and provider-initiated deliveries. METHODS:
      Participants were pregnant women from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study
      (MoBa), which has been following 95 200 pregnant women since 1999. After
      excluding pregnancies with serious health complications, 81 244 participants
      remained. National ultrasound records were used to delineate late preterm, early
      term, and full-term deliveries, which then were subdivided into spontaneous and
      provider-initiated deliveries. We measured trait anxiety based on two ratings of
      the anxiety items on the Symptom Checklist-8 (Acta Psychiatr Scand 87:364-7,
      1993). Trait anxiety was transformed into categorizing the score at the mean and
      at +/- 2 standard deviations. RESULTS: Trait anxiety was substantially associated
      with late preterm and early term deliveries after adjusting for confounders. In
      the whole sample, women with the highest anxiety scores (+2 standard deviations)
      were more likely [(odds ratio (OR) = 1.7; 95 % confidence-interval (CI) 1.3-2.0)]
      to delivering late preterm than women with the lowest anxiety scores. Their odds
      of delivering early term were also high (OR = 1.4; CI 1.3-1.6). Women with
      spontaneous deliveries and the highest anxiety scores had higher odds (OR = 1.4;
      CI 1.1-1.8) of delivering late preterm and early term (OR = 1.3; CI = 1.3-1.5).
      The corresponding odds for women with provider-initiated deliveries were OR = 1.7
      (CI = 1.2-2.4) for late preterm and OR = 1.3 for early term (CI = 1.01-1.6).
      Irrespective of delivery onset, women with provider-initiated deliveries had
      higher levels of anxiety than women delivering spontaneously. However, women with
      high anxiety were equally likely to have provider-initiated or spontaneous
      deliveries. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to show substantial associations
      between high levels of trait anxiety and late preterm delivery. Increased
      attention should be given to the mechanism underlying this association, including
      factors preceding the pregnancy. In addition, acute treatment should be offered
      to women displaying high levels of anxiety throughout pregnancy to avoid
      suffering for the mother and the child.

PMID- 27680100
TI  - Gender-modulated risk of coronary heart disease, diabetes and coronary mortality
      among Turks for three major risk factors, and residual adiposity risk.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We determined the proportion of the effects of body mass index (BMI)
      or its categories on cardiometabolic outcomes mediated through systolic blood
      pressure (SBP), total cholesterol and fasting glucose. METHODS: Cox regression
      analyses were performed for incident outcomes among Turkish Adult Risk Factor
      study participants in whom the three mediators had been determined (n = 2158, age
      48.5 +/- 11 years). Over a mean 10.2-years' follow-up, new coronary heart disease
      (CHD) developed in 406, diabetes in 284 individuals, and 149 CHD deaths occurred.
      RESULTS: Hazard ratios (HR) of BMI for incident diabetes were no more than
      marginally attenuated by the 3 mediators including glucose, irrespective of
      gender. Compared to "normal-weight", sex- and age-adjusted RRs for incident CHD
      of overweight and obesity were 1.40 and 2.24 (95 % CI 1.68; 2.99), respectively,
      in gender combined. Only three-tenths of the excess risk was retained by BMI in
      men, six-tenths in women. No mediation of glycemia was discerned in males, in
      contrast to greatest mediation in females. HR of age-adjusted continuous BMI was
      a significant but modest contributor to CHD mortality in each gender. While the
      BMI risk of CHD death was abolished by mediation of SBP in men, HR strengthened
      to over two-fold in women through mediation of fasting glucose. CONCLUSIONS:
      Mediation of adiposity by 3 traditional factors exhibited among Turkish adults
      strong gender dependence regarding its magnitude for CHD risk and the mediation
      by individual risk factors. Retention of the large part of risk for diabetes in
      each sex and for CHD in women likely reflects underlying autoimmune activation.

PMID- 27680101
TI  - In vivo whole-cell recording with high success rate in anaesthetized and awake
      mammalian brains.
AB  - As a critical technique for dissection of synaptic and cellular mechanisms, whole
      cell patch-clamp recording has become feasible for in vivo preparations including
      both anaesthetized and awake mammalian brains. However, compared with in vitro
      whole-cell recording, in vivo whole-cell recording often suffers from low success
      rates and high access resistance, preventing its wide application in
      physiological analysis of neural circuits. Here, we describe experimental
      procedures for achieving in vivo amphotericin B-perforated whole-cell recording
      as well as conventional (breakthrough) whole-cell recording from rats and mice.
      The success rate of perforated whole-cell recordings was 70-80 % in the
      hippocampus and neocortex, and access resistance was 40-70 MOmega. The success
      rate of conventional whole-cell recordings was ~50 % in the hippocampus, with
      access resistance of 20-40 MOmega. Recordings were stable, and in awake, head
      fixed animals, ~50 % whole-cell patched neurons could be held for > 1 hr. The
      conventional whole-cell recording also permitted infusion of pharmacological
      agents, such as intracellular blockers of Na+ channels and NMDA receptors. These
      findings open new possibilities for synaptic and cellular analysis in vivo.

PMID- 27680102
TI  - The disease of corruption: views on how to fight corruption to advance 21st
      century global health goals.
AB  - Corruption has been described as a disease. When corruption infiltrates global
      health, it can be particularly devastating, threatening hard gained improvements
      in human and economic development, international security, and population health.
      Yet, the multifaceted and complex nature of global health corruption makes it
      extremely difficult to tackle, despite its enormous costs, which have been
      estimated in the billions of dollars. In this forum article, we asked anti
      corruption experts to identify key priority areas that urgently need global
      attention in order to advance the fight against global health corruption. The
      views shared by this multidisciplinary group of contributors reveal several
      fundamental challenges and allow us to explore potential solutions to address the
      unique risks posed by health-related corruption. Collectively, these perspectives
      also provide a roadmap that can be used in support of global health anti
      corruption efforts in the post-2015 development agenda.

PMID- 27680103
TI  - The effects of anaemia and transfusion on patients with traumatic brain injury: A
      review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anaemia in traumatic brain injury (TBI) is frequently encountered.
      Neurosurgical texts continue to recommend transfusion for hematocrit below 30%,
      despite clear evidence to do so. Transfusion should increase oxygen delivery to
      the brain, but it may also increase morbidity and mortality. METHODS: This study
      reviewed the relevant literature to better understand the risks of anaemia and
      benefits of correction of anaemia by transfusion. RESULTS: Of the 21 studies
      reviewed, eight found that anaemia was harmful to patients with TBI; five found
      no significant outcome; seven found transfusion was associated with higher rates
      of morbidity and mortality; two found that transfusion lowered mortality and
      increased brain tissue oxygen levels; and ten found no correlation between
      transfusion and outcome. However, the levels of anaemia severity and the outcome
      measurements varied widely and the majority of outcomes focused on crude
      measurements rather than detailed functional assessments. CONCLUSIONS: No
      division of response based on gender difference or impact of anaemia in the post
      hospital treatment setting was observed. A randomized control trial is
      recommended to determine the impact of anaemia and transfusion on detailed
      outcome assessment in comparison of transfusion thresholds ranging from <= 7 g dL
      1 to <= 9 g dL-1 in patients with moderate-to-severe TBI.

PMID- 27680104
TI  - Prognostic biomarker value of binary and grayscale breast tumor histopathology
      images.
AB  - AIM: Breast cancer prognosis is in the spotlight owing to its potentially major
      clinical importance in effective therapeutic management. Following our recent
      prognostic establishment of the fractal features calculated on binary breast
      tumor histopathology images, this study aimed to accomplish the first
      optimization of this methodology by direct comparison of monofractal,
      multifractal and co-occurrence algorithms in analysis of binary versus grayscale
      image formats. PATIENTS & METHODS: The study included 93 patients with invasive
      breast cancer, without systemic treatment and a long median follow-up of 150
      months. RESULTS: Grayscale images provided a better prognostic source in
      comparison to binary, while monofractal, multifractal and co-occurrence image
      analysis algorithms exerted a comparable performance. CONCLUSION: The critical
      prognostic importance of the grayscale texture is revealed.

PMID- 27680105
TI  - Cost-utility analysis of vortioxetine versus agomelatine, bupropion SR,
      sertraline and venlafaxine XR after treatment switch in major depressive disorder
      in Finland.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To assess the cost-utility of vortioxetine versus relevant
      comparators (agomelatine, bupropion SR, sertraline, and venlafaxine XR) in the
      finnish setting in major depressive disorder (MDD) patients with inadequate
      response to selective serotonin- /serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors.
      METHODS: A one-year analysis was conducted using a decision tree with a Markov
      state transition component. The health states were remission, relapse and
      recovery. A Finnish healthcare payer perspective was adopted. RESULTS:
      Vortioxetine was less costly and more effective versus all comparators in both
      direct and societal perspectives. Vortioxetine reduced the average annual direct
      costs by 4% versus venlafaxine XR and 8% versus sertraline. The greater efficacy
      associated with vortioxetine was translated into a higher percentage of patients
      in remission and recovery. The model was most sensitive to changes in remission
      rates at 8 weeks. CONCLUSION: This cost-utility analysis showed vortioxetine to
      be a good alternative for MDD patients switching therapy in Finland.

PMID- 27680106
TI  - The relationship between serum YKL-40 levels and arterial stiffness in patients
      with ankylosing spondylitis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Serum YKL-40 plays roles in inflammatory and vascular processes. Our
      aim was to evaluate serum YKL-40 levels in patients with ankylosing spondylitis
      (AS) and to investigate their potential relationship with arterial stiffness
      based on carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (CF-PWV). METHODS: Forty-three
      patients with AS and 41 healthy controls with no history or current signs of
      cardiovascular disease were included in the study. All patients were administered
      nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and none were prescribed anti
      tumor necrosis factor agents. Serum YKL-40 levels were measured. CF-PWV and
      intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery (IMT-C) were evaluated.
      RESULTS: The mean age of AS patients was 34.6 +/- 10.2 years and of controls was
      36.3 +/- 9.0 years. CF-PWV was significantly higher in AS patients than in
      controls (8.2+/-2.7 vs.7.0+/-1.6 m/s, respectively; P=0.015). However, the IMT-C
      was not significantly different between AS patients and controls (0.6+/-0.3 vs.
      0.5+/-0.2 mm, P=0.501). YKL-40 levels were significantly higher in AS patients
      than in controls (78.9+/-37.9 vs. 58.4+/-21.2 ng/mL, P=0.003) and were strongly
      correlated with CF-PWV (r=0.773, P < 0.001) and IMT-C (r=0.548, P < 0.001). A
      multiple linear regression analysis revealed that CF-PWV could be explained by
      serum YKL-40 levels and IMT-C (adjusted R2= 0.707, P=0.013 and P=0.001,
      respectively). AS patients with a higher disease activity score had higher YKL-40
      levels, IMT-C, and CF-PWV than did those with a lower disease activity score (P <
      0.001, P=0.008, and P < 0.001, respectively) Conclusion: AS patients had higher
      serum YKL-40 levels, CF-PWV, and IMT-C than did healthy controls. Additionally,
      there was an association between increased CF-PWV and serum YKL-40 levels.
      Therefore, we conclude that CF-PWV and YKL-40 levels may be used for early
      diagnosis of atherosclerosis in AS patients.

PMID- 27680108
TI  - Happily ever after?
AB  - The cheap and cheerful Mills and Boon medical romances are always good for a bit
      of escapism when you've had a particularly hard day. How accurately these popular
      paperbacks portray life on a typical hospital ward is questionable, but then they
      make no claim to documentary status, as Carrie Howse points out in her article on
      the image of nurses ( page 20 ).

PMID- 27680109
TI  - Nurses' role in doctors' training is recognised.
AB  - Nurses' contribution to doctors' training should be formally recognised, a new
      report has recommended.

PMID- 27680110
TI  - ?
AB  - Tower of strength: TV's Birds of a Feather stars Pauline Quirke, left, and Linda
      Robson are pictured with children from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for Children
      in Hackney during a Christmas event organised by the Tower Hill Pageant to raise
      awareness of the hospital's work.

PMID- 27680111
TI  - Mixed reaction to savings proposals.
AB  - There were mixed reactions from nursing unions last week to the Audit Commission
      report which recommends savings of up to L125 million through better organisation
      of ward nursing resources.

PMID- 27680112
TI  - Protest over lack of consultation.
AB  - The RCN has protested to Health Secretary William Waldegrave over lack of
      consultation on proposals that GP fundholders will soon be expected to 'buy'
      district nursing and health visiting services.

PMID- 27680113
TI  - Sex bias claim after refusal to wear hat.
AB  - A nurse who was moved from casualty to a theatre recovery ward because she
      refused to wear a cap has claimed sex discrimination at an industrial tribunal.

PMID- 27680107
TI  - Lower Doses of Fructose Extend Lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans.
AB  - Epidemiological studies indicate that the increased consumption of sugars
      including sucrose and fructose in beverages correlate with the prevalence of
      obesity, type-2 diabetes, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia,
      hypertriglyceridemia, and hypertension in humans. A few reports suggest that
      fructose extends lifespan in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In Anopheles gambiae,
      fructose, glucose, or glucose plus fructose also extended lifespan. New results
      presented here suggest that fructose extends lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans
      (C. elegans) wild type (N2). C. elegans were fed standard laboratory food source
      (E. coli OP50), maintained in liquid culture. Experimental groups received
      additional glucose (111 mM), fructose (55 mM, 111 mM, or 555 mM), sucrose (55 mM,
      111 mM, or 555 mM), glucose (167 mM) plus fructose (167 mM) (G&F), or high
      fructose corn syrup (HFCS, 333 mM). In four replicate experiments, fructose dose
      dependently increased mean lifespan at 55 mM or 111 m Min N2, but decreased
      lifespan at 555 mM (P < 0.001). Sucrose did not affect the lifespan. Glucose
      reduced lifespan (P < 0.001). Equal amount of G&F or HFCS reduced lifespan (P <
      0.0001). Intestinal fat deposition (IFD) was increased at a higher dose of
      fructose (555 mM), glucose (111 mM), and sucrose (55 mM, 111 mM, and 555 mM).
      Here we report a biphasic effect of fructose increasing lifespan at lower doses
      and shortening lifespan at higher doses with an inverse effect on IFD. In view of
      reports that fructose increases lifespan in yeast, mosquitoes and now nematodes,
      while decreasing fat deposition (in nematodes) at lower concentrations, further
      research into the relationship of fructose to lifespan and fat accumulation in
      vertebrates and mammals is indicated.

PMID- 27680115
TI  - Sensible Drinking.
AB  - Morse code: Inspector Morse star Kevin Gateley helped launch the London regional
      health authorities' Christmas Sensible Drinking Campaign. He is pictured with
      Jenny Southam, senior personnel officer for North West Thames Regional Health
      Authority. The campaign is being run in conjunction with Safeways supermarkets
      and Alcohol Concern.

PMID- 27680116
TI  - Stoma care campaign questions impartiality.
AB  - Concerns about the impartiality of commercially-sponsored stoma nurses were
      raised at the launch of a new' pressure group, the Campaign tor Impartial
      Stomacare (CIS).

PMID- 27680117
TI  - Hotel image will mean fewer staff for Guy's.
AB  - Guy's Hospital intends to operate like a hotel, with 20 per cent fewer employees,
      according to the Trust's Chief Executive, Peter Griffiths.

PMID- 27680118
TI  - Hard line on student tax boosts relief campaign.
AB  - Student nurses aged under 25 would have to receive a poll tax bill of L595 before
      they were eligible for Community Charge Benefit, Labour MP lan McCartney was told
      last week.

PMID- 27680119
TI  - Living image appeal.
AB  - A L5-million appeal has been launched by the new Florence Nightingale Fund, a
      joint venture by Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals and their United Medical and
      Dental Schools.

PMID- 27680120
TI  - ?
AB  - RCN General Secretary Christine Hancock joined retired members for a special
      lunch at the College last week in celebration of the RCN's 75th anniversary.

PMID- 27680121
TI  - Pink accuses RCN of lack of support.
AB  - Whistleblower Graham Pink has criticised nursing and the Royal College Nursing
      for 'standing by' when he was sacked for publicising low standards of care.

PMID- 27680122
TI  - Hancock condemns move to 'casualise' nursing.
AB  - Fashionable moves to 'casualise' nursing are wholly incompatible with the Audit
      Commission's findings, Royal College of Nursing General Secretary Christine
      Hancock said. Qualified hands are simply more 'effective and efficient', she told
      the conference.

PMID- 27680123
TI  - ?
AB  - Scot's missed: a dinner to celebrate John Kelly's retirement as Chair of the RCN
      Scottish Board was held at the Royal College of Physicians in Edinburgh recently.
      He is pictured with Isabel Duncan. Secretary to the Board.

PMID- 27680126
TI  - Welsh plan to aid return to community.
AB  - The Welsh Office is considering the provision of extra funds to assist in the
      reintegration into the community of people with learning disabilities, Marion
      Bull, the Chief Nursing Officer for Wales, told a recent RCN Welsh Board
      conference.

PMID- 27680124
TI  - Report heralds start of process of changeAudit commission RCN Conference by
      Andrey Thompson.
AB  - The Audit Commission's report on ward nursing resources is just the beginning of
      the process of change, Commission controller Howard Davies said last week.

PMID- 27680127
TI  - Parliament.
AB  - Scotland and Wales are to get their first National Health Service Trusts next
      April, the Commons was told amid protests against the move.

PMID- 27680128
TI  - ?
AB  - Moving message: An exhibition of photographs recording AIDS prevention efforts
      opened at Abbey Gardens, Westminster to mark World Aids Day. The pictures, by
      photographer Chris Schwarz, will be on show at the London Lighthouse before being
      exhibited in other parts of the country .

PMID- 27680129
TI  - Promoting cultural understanding.
AB  - Nurses should be in the forefront of promoting cultural understanding and
      challenging the stereotypes arising from banner headlines such as 'the gay
      plague' and 'AIDS: the African connection'.

PMID- 27680131
TI  - Improved recognition of indicators in children.
AB  - Clinicians are getting very good at predicting which children are actually
      infected with HIV and which have maternal antibodies, a Royal College of Nursing
      conference to mark World AIDS Day heard.

PMID- 27680130
TI  - Redundancies.
AB  - Nine Staff at the Terrence Higgins Trust are being made redundant because of a
      L400,000 deficit. A spokesperson said direct services, but obviously when staff
      the Trust had not been paid by local authorities for the services it provides.

PMID- 27680132
TI  - Midwives 'pressured to test without consent'.
AB  - Midwives in some hospitals are under enormous pressure to test patients for HIV
      before they feel they have informed consent, delegates to the Anglia Polytechnic
      /Nursing Standard conference on changing attitudes were told.

PMID- 27680134
TI  - ?
AB  - Project 2000 students; from Sir Gordon Roberts College of Nursing and Midwifery
      raised L120 with their World AIDS Day health education display at Nene College.
      Left to right are: Pete Cobbe, Abie Darkness, Jean Smith and Andrew Birket.

PMID- 27680133
TI  - Study to focus on lack of courses for GU nurses.
AB  - Nurses working in genito-urinary medical services are crying out for more
      training, the Anglia Polytechnic/ Nursing Standard 'AIDS: sharing the challenge -
      changing attitudes' conference was told.

PMID- 27680135
TI  - Stress on importance of community nurses.
AB  - The growing importance of community nurses in caring for people with HIV and AIDS
      came under the spotlight at Dux- ford.

PMID- 27680136
TI  - World news.
AB  - India A British nurse has won an award for her pioneering work with cancer
      patients in India.

PMID- 27680138
TI  - Link between epilepsy, convulsions lessened.
AB  - Children who have febrile convulsions are far less likely to develop epilepsy
      than was previously thought, a new study shows.

PMID- 27680139
TI  - Treatment of stroke patients 'deficient'.
AB  - Many stroke patients receive 'startlingly deficient' treatment, according to a
      study unveiled at the recent launch of The Stroke Association.

PMID- 27680140
TI  - Temazepam misused in spite of new formula.
AB  - Despite a change in the formulation of the drug temazepam, doctors from Charing
      Cross Hospital have reported that it continues to be injected by intravenous drug
      abusers.

PMID- 27680141
TI  - ?
AB  - Winning smile: A teaching package on 'germ warfare' in intensive care units won
      Bernadette Grady (right), a nurse at Coventry's Walsgrave Hospital ICU, the
      Hospital Infection Research Laboratory's Marian Reed Book Prize, sponsored by
      bedpan manufacturer Vernacare.

PMID- 27680142
TI  - Elderly regarded as having little worth.
AB  - Many elderly people continue to be regarded as having little worth or status, in
      some cases even by the nurses who care for them, an RCN Nurse Agencies
      Administrators Forum conference was told recently.

PMID- 27680143
TI  - Early warning signal for heart attacks.
AB  - A researcher has developed a device which he believes will detect at least half
      of impending myocardial infarctions.

PMID- 27680145
TI  - Radial keratotomy for myopia five years on.
AB  - The outcome of radial keratotomy for myopia is unpredictable for individual eyes,
      a five-year study suggests.

PMID- 27680144
TI  - Benefits of hypotensives in the old old.
AB  - Treating the very elderly for hypertension confers clinically relevant reductions
      in cardiovascular mortality and morbidity, and total mortality.

PMID- 27680146
TI  - Dialysis technique for damaged livers.
AB  - An artificial liver which could act as a short-term support system has been
      developed by American researchers.

PMID- 27680147
TI  - Revenge on Montezuma's revenge.
AB  - Active immunisation with oral cholera vaccine might give partial protection
      against travellers' diarrhoea, reseachers from Finland say.

PMID- 27680148
TI  - Sorting the branches.
AB  - I was horrified to read the news of the English National Board's proposal to
      merge its Mental Health and Mental Handicap committees.

PMID- 27680149
TI  - Increase in confidence?
AB  - As less than 5 per cent of the total membership of the RCN bothered to express an
      opinion on the rise in the cost of their annual subscription, Council must surely
      be wondering whether the proposed increase was large enough.

PMID- 27680150
TI  - Practice nurses need cash backing.
AB  - The recently published United Kingdom Central Council's proposals for the future
      of community education and practice will at last enable practice nurses to train
      for a nationally recordable qualification, on a par with their colleagues in the
      community.

PMID- 27680152
TI  - Casualty Update.
AB  - Casualty is fast becoming a popular vehicle for spreading the feminist message -
      in a dramatic, rather than placard-waving manner.

PMID- 27680151
TI  - Fond memories of a matron.
AB  - I have very different memories of the 'old style' matron than the ones David
      Wright revealed in his article 'Carry on matron?'(Nursing Standard October 30),
      and certainly do not think they were all the 'ogres' he describes.

PMID- 27680153
TI  - Enforcing stereotypes.
AB  - Although Anne Tennant's article 'Beyond myth and hysteria' ( Nursing Standard
      November 27) raised the issue of the stereotyping of prostitutes, the picture
      chosen to accompany it did just that.

PMID- 27680154
TI  - Just pawns in their game?
AB  - One of the aspects of nursing which I, a mature student nurse, have found most
      disturbing over the past two years, is the profession's tendency to be
      normalistic.

PMID- 27680155
TI  - Information exchange.
AB  - The Royal College of Nursing's Unrolled Nurse Fund is seeking applications from
      enrolled nurses who wish to undertake further study or attend a professional
      conference or study day.

PMID- 27680156
TI  - Scare tactics don't work.
AB  - Breast cancer is the number one cancer killer of women in Britain, killing
      between 13 and 15,000 women every year. Such facts should be enough to have women
      seeking out breast screening clinics in droves. Scare tactics alone are not
      working - especially, it seems, among ethnic minorities.

PMID- 27680157
TI  - Gossip.
AB  - It's hat-swap time. This, the last column of 1991, offers a prime slot for a spot
      of reflection - and an opportunity to swap the old coxcomb for the official
      Viewpoint Editor's Hat.

PMID- 27680158
TI  - Tales from the Turf Bernard J and H Dodd Weidenfeld & Nicolson 64pp L9.99 0-297
      81 164-9 [Formula: see text].
AB  - Jeffrey Bernard claims that he lives an unremarkable life - and earns a living
      writing about it as a regular columnist for The Spectator.

PMID- 27680159
TI  - The Faber Book of Madness R Porter The Faber Book of Madness , editor Faber 572pp
      L14.99 0-571-14387-3 [Formula: see text].
AB  - Dipping into an anthology of 'madness' is a bit like running round a blind corner
      with a bag over your head; you never quite know what you're going to run into.

PMID- 27680161
TI  - The challenge of the nineties.
AB  - What images come to mind when you think of The Netherlands? For most of us
      windmills, canals and tulips will be fairly close to the top of the list. Perhaps
      somewhat lower in the pecking order is the national reputation for relaxed
      attitudes to drugs and sex.

PMID- 27680163
TI  - Listings.

PMID- 27680162
TI  - Images of Romania.
AB  - Thousands of nurses contributed to this book: all those who gave time and money
      to the Nursing Standard Caring for Romania Appeal and the Romanian Angel Appeal.

PMID- 27680164
TI  - DIAGNOSTIC PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF THE SD BIOLINE MALARIA ANTIGEN AG PF/PAN
      TEST (05FK60) IN A MALARIA ENDEMIC AREA OF SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA.
AB  - Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) capable of detecting and differentiating Plasmodium
      species are needed in areas in which microscopy is unsuitable. This study was
      conducted to assess the diagnostic performance of the rapid test kit - SD BIOLINE
      Malaria Ag Pf/Pan(r) (05FK60) in an endemic area. Microscopy of Giemsa-stained
      blood films were performed to detect and estimate the Plasmodium density in
      malaria suspected patients. The performance of the SD BIOLINE Malaria Ag Pf/Pan
      test was evaluated using 272 Plasmodium-positive and 102 negative blood samples.
      The overall sensitivity of the SD BIOLINE Malaria Ag Pf/Pan test was 99.5% for P.
      falciparum and 92.6% for non-P. falciparum malaria infections. The respective
      specificity, PPV, and NPV of the test were 98.0, 98.4, and 99.0% for the
      diagnosis of P. falciparum, and 100.0 %, 100.0%, and 94.4% for non-P. falciparum
      species. The SD BIOLINE Malaria Ag Pf/Pan test showed an excellent performance in
      diagnosing Plasmodium infections in an endemic setting. Therefore, this point-of
      care test could be used as an alternative to microscopy in places where P.
      falciparum is endemic and microscopy is unsuitable.

PMID- 27680165
TI  - COMPARISON OF METHODS TO IDENTIFY Neisseria meningitidis IN ASYMPTOMATIC
      CARRIERS.
AB  - Neisseria meningitidis is a cause of several life-threatening diseases and can be
      a normal commensal in the upper respiratory tract of healthy carriers. The
      carrier rate is not well established especially because there is no standard
      method for the isolation of N. meningitidis. Therefore, the aim of this study was
      to compare identification methods for the carrier state. Two swabs were collected
      from 190 volunteers: one was cultured and the other had DNA extracted directly
      from the sample. The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was performed to determine
      species and serogroups and compared the results between the methods. PCR for
      species determination used two pairs of primers and when there was only one
      amplicon, it was sequenced. The culture technique was positive in 23 (12.1%)
      subjects while the direct extraction method was positive in 132 (69.5%), p <
      0.001. Among the 135 subjects with positive N. meningitides tests, 88 (65.2%)
      were serogroup C; 3 (2.2%) serogroup B; 5 (3.7%) were positive for both serogroup
      B and C, and 39 (28.9%) did not belong to any of the tested serogroups. In this
      study, PCR from DNA extracted directly from swabs identified more N. meningitidis
      asymptomatic carriers than the culture technique.

PMID- 27680166
TI  - Trichomonas vaginalis PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS FOR WOMEN IN SOUTHERN BRAZIL.
AB  - Trichomonas vaginalis infections have been associated with other diseases so that
      epidemiological studies of the parasite are important and help to prevent the
      spread of the disease. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of T.
      vaginalis in female patients of 19 counties in southwestern Rio Grande do Sul,
      Brazil. For diagnosis, was used direct examination, followed by applying a socio
      epidemiological questionnaire. We analyzed 300 women and 9% were infected by
      Trichomonas vaginalis. The highest frequency occurred in women between 18 and 39
      years old, single/divorced/widowed, whose family income was at one minimum wage
      or less, and they had not completed the primary school. Statistically significant
      risk factors were: women reporting two or more sexual partners in the last year
      were 3.3 times more likely to acquire the parasite, and those in use of oral
      contraceptives were 2.7 times more likely to have T. vaginalis. Importantly, 33%
      of the asymptomatic women were infected, and most of the negative results were
      from women presenting symptoms consistent with the infection. The findings
      emphasize that it is necessary to expand the knowledge of individuals about the
      disease, especially among women with the above mentioned risk factors and also to
      include the regular screening of Trichomonas vaginalis infections in health
      centers.

PMID- 27680167
TI  - FREQUENCY OF ANTI- Toxocara spp. ANTIBODIES IN INDIVIDUALS ATTENDED BY THE CENTRO
      DE SALUD FAMILIAR AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION WITH Toxocara canis EGGS IN DOG
      FECES, IN THE COASTAL NIEBLA TOWN, CHILE.
AB  - The frequency of anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies in individuals attended by the
      Centro de Salud Familiar in the coastal Niebla town, Chile, was related to the
      host and to environmental factors. IgG anti- Toxocara antibodies were detected
      with a commercial ELISA kit (SCIMEDX Corporation, USA). Samples with undetermined
      absorbance values were subjected to an additional ELISA standardized by the
      Instituto de Salud Publica, Chilean Health Ministry, a commercial ELISA (NOVATEC,
      Germany), and a commercial Western blot kit (LDBio Diagnostics, France).
      Hematological exams were performed using an automated blood counter and blood
      smears. Dog feces were collected from the ground along the main road in Niebla,
      including rural and urban locations. Ninety (25.4%) of the 355 examined
      individuals were positive by the ELISA test. The frequency of anti-Toxocara
      antibodies and the infection risk were significantly higher (p < 0.05) among
      those individuals >= 40 years old with respect to the 20-39 years old group, in
      individuals from rural locations, those who did not have a safe drinking water
      supply in the house or who presented blood eosinophilia. The proportion of
      positive samples of dog feces and the mean number of Toxocara canis eggs/g of
      feces in urban and rural areas were similar (p > 0.05).

PMID- 27680168
TI  - DIAGNOSIS OF Strongyloides stercoralis INFECTION IN IMMUNOCOMPROMISED PATIENTS BY
      SEROLOGICAL AND MOLECULAR METHODS.
AB  - Strongyloidiasis is a potentially serious infection in immunocompromised
      patients. Thus, the availability of sensitive and specific diagnostic methods is
      desirable, especially in the context of immunosuppressed patients in whom the
      diagnosis and treatment of strongyloidiasis is of utmost importance. In this
      study, serological and molecular tools were used to diagnose Strongyloides
      stercoralis infections in immunosuppressed patients. Serum and stool samples were
      obtained from 52 patients. Stool samples were first analyzed by Lutz, Rugai, and
      Agar plate culture methods, and then by a quantitative real time polymerase chain
      reaction (qPCR). Serum samples were evaluated by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      assay (ELISA) using a soluble (AS) or a membrane fractions antigen (AM) obtained
      from alkaline solutions of the filariform larvae of Strongyloides venezuelensis.
      Of the 52 immunosuppressed patients, three (5.8%) were positive for S.
      stercoralis by parasitological methods, compared to two patients (3.8%) and one
      patient (1.9%) who were detected by ELISA using the AS and the AM antigens,
      respectively. S. stercoralis DNA was amplified in seven (13.5%) stool samples by
      qPCR. These results suggest the utility of qPCR as an alternative diagnostic tool
      for the diagnosis of S. stercoralis infection in immunocompromised patients,
      considering the possible severity of this helminthiasis in this group of
      patients.

PMID- 27680169
TI  - COMPARISON OF 16S rRNA-PCR-RFLP, LipL32-PCR AND OmpL1-PCR METHODS IN THE
      DIAGNOSIS OF LEPTOSPIROSIS.
AB  - Leptospirosis is still one of the most important health problems in developing
      countries located in humid tropical and subtropical regions. Human infections are
      generally caused by exposure to water, soil or food contaminated with the urine
      of infected wild and domestic animals such as rodents and dogs. The clinical
      course of leptospirosis is variable and may be difficult to distinguish from many
      other infectious diseases. The dark-field microscopy (DFM), serology and nucleic
      acid amplification techniques are used to diagnose leptospirosis, however, a
      distinctive standard reference method is still lacking. Therefore, in this study,
      we aimed to determine the presence of Leptospira spp., to differentiate the
      pathogenic L. interrogans and the non-pathogenic L. biflexa, and also to
      determine the sensitivity and specificity values of molecular methods as an
      alternative to conventional ones. A total of 133 serum samples, from 47 humans
      and 86 cattle were evaluated by two conventional tests: the Microagglutination
      Test (MAT) and the DFM, as well as three molecular methods, the 16S rRNA-PCR
      followed by Restriction Fragment Lenght Polymorphism (RFLP) of the amplification
      products 16S rRNA-PCR-RFLP, LipL32-PCR and OmpL1-PCR. In this study, for L.
      interrogans, the specificity and sensitivity rates of the 16S rRNA-PCR and the
      LipL32-PCR were considered similar (100% versus 98.25% and 100% versus 98.68%,
      respectively). The OmpL1-PCR was able to classify L. interrogans into two
      intergroups, but this PCR was less sensitive (87.01%) than the other two PCR
      methods. The 16S rRNA-PCR-RFLP could detect L. biflexa DNA, but LipL32-PCR and
      OmpL1-PCR could not. The 16S rRNA-PCR-RFLP provided an early and accurate
      diagnosis and was able to distinguish pathogenic and non-pathogenic Leptospira
      species, hence it may be used as an alternative method to the conventional gold
      standard techniques for the rapid disgnosis of leptospirosis.

PMID- 27680170
TI  - ADVANCED LIVER INJURY IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC HEPATITIS B AND VIRAL LOAD BELOW
      2,000 IU/mL.
AB  - Introduction:: According to the guidelines, the viral load of 2,000 IU/mL is
      considered the level to differentiate between inactive carriers and HBeAg(-)
      chronic hepatitis B patients. Even so, liver damage may be present in patients
      with lower viral load levels, mainly related to regional variations. This study
      aims to verify the presence of liver injury in patients with viral load below
      2,000 IU/mL. Methods:: Patients presenting HBsAg(+) for more than six months,
      Anti-HBe(+)/HBeAg(-), viral load below 2,000 IU/mL and serum ALT levels less than
      twice the upper limit of normality underwent liver biopsy. Clinical and
      laboratory characteristics were evaluated in relation to the degree of histologic
      alteration. Liver injury was considered advanced when F >= 2 and/or A >= 2 by the
      METAVIR classification. Results:: 11/27 (40.7%) patients had advanced liver
      injury, with a mean viral load of 701.0 (+/- 653.7) IU/mL versus 482.8 (+/-
      580.0) IU/mL in patients with mild injury. The comparison between the mean values
      of the two groups did not find a statistical difference (p = 0.37). The average
      of serum aminotransferases was not able to differentiate light liver injury from
      advanced injury. Conclusions:: In this study, one evaluation of viral load did
      not exclude the presence of advanced liver damage. Pathologic assessment is an
      important tool to diagnose advanced liver damage and should be performed in
      patients with a low viral load to indicate early antiviral treatment.

PMID- 27680171
TI  - POTENTIAL CROSS-CONTAMINATION OF SIMILAR Giardia duodenalis ASSEMBLAGE IN
      CHILDREN AND PET DOGS IN SOUTHERN BRAZIL, AS DETERMINED BY PCR-RFLP.
AB  - Giardia duodenalis is an enteric parasite that has distinct genetic groups. Human
      infections are mainly caused by assemblages A and B, although sporadic infections
      by assemblages C and D have also been reported. Animals can be infected by a wide
      range of assemblages (A to H). The aim of this study is to identify the
      assemblages and sub-assemblages of G. duodenalis with zoonotic features in fecal
      samples of school-aged children, and in dogs that coexist in the same households
      in Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Fecal samples of 91 children and 108 dogs were
      obtained and G. duodenalis cysts were detected in samples from 11 (12.08%)
      children and 10 (9.25%) dogs. DNA extracted from the 21 positive samples was
      analyzed by PCR-RFLP, using the gdh gene. Results showed the presence of sub
      assemblages AI (2/11), AII (4/11), BIII (2/11), and BIV(3/11) among children and
      AI (5/10) and BIV(3/10) in dogs, with zoonotic characteristics, and the carnivore
      specific assemblage C (2/10). G. duodenalis was found to infect both children and
      dogs living in the same household, with the same sub-assemblage (BIV) indicating
      that pet dogs are a potential risk of transmission of G. duodenalis to humans.

PMID- 27680172
TI  - EVOLUTION OF AMERICAN TEGUMENTARY LEISHMANIASIS CASES REPORTED IN PARANA STATE,
      BRAZIL.
AB  - Leishmaniases are infectious diseases caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania.
      They are widely distributed worldwide and endemic in 88 countries in four
      continents. The present study analyzed the reported cases of American Tegumentary
      Leishmaniasis (ATL) in Parana State (Brazil) from January 2007 to December 2013.
      The data were grouped according to Regional Health (RH) districts and
      macroregions, which allowed visualization of the reality in each region in the
      state. A total of 2,879 ATL cases were reported and distributed among the 22 RH
      districts, with an average detection rate of 3.9 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.
      The northwestern region accounted for 50.1% of the total cases, and the northern
      region accounted for 26.0-76.1% of the reported cases. The 6th RH district did
      not report any cases. The 7th, 9th, and 18th RH districts had a higher cure rate
      (> 80%), and lower cure rates were found in the 1st, 4th, and 12th RH districts.
      Reported unfavorable outcomes included treatment abandonment and death. Overall
      cure rates are based on the entire country, and unfavorable outcomes require
      greater attention of managers and health professionals to meet the goals of the
      Brazilian Ministry of Health.

PMID- 27680173
TI  - PANCREATIC TOXICITY AS AN ADVERSE EFFECT INDUCED BY MEGLUMINE ANTIMONIATE THERAPY
      IN A CLINICAL TRIAL FOR CUTANEOUS LEISHMANIASIS.
AB  - American tegumentary leishmaniasis is an infectious disease caused by a protozoan
      of the genus Leishmania. Pentavalent antimonials are the first choice drugs for
      cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), although doses are controversial. In a clinical
      trial for CL we investigated the occurrence of pancreatic toxicity with different
      schedules of treatment with meglumine antimoniate (MA). Seventy-two patients were
      allocated in two different therapeutic groups: 20 or 5 mg of pentavalent antimony
      (Sb5+)/kg/day for 20 or 30 days, respectively. Looking for adverse effects,
      patients were asked about abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or anorexia in each
      medical visit. We performed physical examinations and collected blood to evaluate
      serum amylase and lipase in the pre-treatment period, and every 10 days during
      treatment and one month post-treatment. Hyperlipasemia occurred in 54.8% and
      hyperamylasemia in 19.4% patients. Patients treated with MA 20 mg Sb5+ presented
      a higher risk of hyperlipasemia (p = 0.023). Besides, higher MA doses were
      associated with a 2.05 higher risk ratio (p = 0.003) of developing more serious
      (moderate to severe) hyperlipasemia. The attributable fraction was 51% in this
      group. Thirty-six patients presented abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or anorexia
      but only 47.2% of those had hyperlipasemia and/ or hyperamylasemia. These
      findings suggest the importance of the search for less toxic therapeutic regimens
      for the treatment of CL.

PMID- 27680175
TI  - SEROPREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH Toxoplasma gondii INFECTION AMONG
      RURAL COMMUNITIES IN NORTHERN IRAN.
AB  - Toxoplasmosis is the fourth most common cause of hospitalization and the second
      cause of death due to food-borne infections. We conducted a cross-sectional study
      to determine the prevalence, disease awareness and risk factors associated with
      toxoplasmosis among rural communities in Northern Iran. Data were obtained from
      serological testing and from participant's questionnaires and were analyzed using
      a logistic regression. Of the 630 participants, 465 (73.8%), and 12 (1.9%) had
      IgG and both IgG and IgM anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies, respectively. In the
      logistic regression analysis, T. gondii seropositivity was associated with the
      following factors: age, occupation, consumption of undercooked meat, and of
      unwashed raw vegetables or fruits (p < 0.001). Our study showed a high prevalence
      of T. gondii infection in the general population of Northern Iran. A health
      program is needed to increase the public awareness of toxoplasmosis, and its
      associated risk factors.

PMID- 27680174
TI  - ANTIFUNGAL SUSCEPTIBILITY TESTING AND GENOTYPING CHARACTERIZATION OF Cryptococcus
      neoformans AND gattii ISOLATES FROM HIV-INFECTED PATIENTS OF RIBEIRAO PRETO, SAO
      PAULO, BRAZIL.
AB  - Cryptococcosis is a leading invasive fungal infection in immunocompromised
      patients. Considering the high prevalence and severity of these infections in
      immunocompromised patients attended at HC-FMRP-USP, the present research aimed to
      characterize the clinical isolates of Cryptococcus strains by biochemical and
      molecular methods and evaluate antifungal susceptibility of clinical isolates.
      Fifty isolates from 32 HIV-positive patients were obtained at HC-FMRP-USP. Most
      of the isolates (78.1%) were identified as C. neoformans, and 100% of C.
      neoformans and C. gattii strains were susceptible to amphotericin B, ketoconazole
      and fluconazole. All isolates were classified as serotype A (grubbii variety) by
      PCR and most of them were characterized in mating type MATa. PCR analysis of
      specific M13 microsatellite sequence revealed that VNI type was predominant among
      C. neoformans, while VGII was predominant among C. gattii. The strains did not
      show a significant resistance to the antifungals tested, and Canavanine-Glycine
      Bromthymol Blue Agar (CGB) proved to be a reliable test presenting a good
      correlation with the molecular characterization. C. neoformans isolated from
      disseminated infections in the same patient showed molecular identity when
      different anatomical sites were compared; besides, the studied strains did not
      present a significant increase in resistance to antifungal agents. In addition,
      the homogeneity of the molecular types and detection of the mating types
      suggested a low possibility of crossing among the strains.

PMID- 27680176
TI  - STATUS OF THE AMERICAN TEGUMENTARY LEISHMANIASIS IN THE STATE OF RIO DE JANEIRO ,
      BRAZIL, FROM 2004 TO 2013.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to analyze the status of the American
      Tegumentary Leishmaniasis (ATL) in the state of Rio de Janeiro, from 2004 to
      2013, through its spatiotemporal distribution. We also described variables
      considered relevant to the epidemiology of the disease, such as the clinical
      form, gender, ethnic group, age group, and progression of disease. This is a
      descriptive study, which used notified secondary data from the Brazilian
      Information System of Notifiable Diseases (SINAN), Ministry of Health, Brazil,
      regarding confirmed diagnoses. To help the calculation of coefficients of
      detection and mortality, we used population data from the Brazilian Institute of
      Geography and Statistics (IBGE). We analyzed 1,470 cases of ATL with the
      predominance of the cutaneous clinical form (1,292/87.89%). The data has also
      revealed seven deaths, a predominance of males (922/62.72%), and a higher
      incidence of ATL in the white ethnic group (731/49.72%). We observed a high
      incidence of ATL in the group of 20 - 39 years old (477/32.44%). We concluded
      that there was a decrease in the number of ATL cases in the state of Rio de
      Janeiro, based on a coefficient of detection of 1.44/100.000 inhabitants in 2004
      decreasing to 0.20/100.000 inhabitants in 2013. The localities with the highest
      occurrences of ATL were the metropolitan region (843 cases) and the municipality
      of Rio de Janeiro (740 cases). In 2005, the highest incidence of the disease was
      observed (351 cases) in the study. Among the variables selected to describe the
      epidemiology of the disease, the following categories: cutaneous clinical form,
      male patients, white ethnic group, and the age group of 20 - 39 years old were
      more affected than the others.

PMID- 27680177
TI  - EVALUATION OF CIRCUMSPOROZOITE PROTEIN OF Plasmodium vivax TO ESTIMATE ITS
      PREVALENCE IN OIAPOQUE , AMAPA STATE, BRAZIL, BORDERING FRENCH GUIANA.
AB  - Malaria is a major health problem for people who live on the border between
      Brazil and French Guiana. Here we discuss Plasmodium vivax distribution pattern
      in the town of Oiapoque, Amapa State using the circumsporozoite (CS) gene as a
      marker. Ninety-one peripheral blood samples from P. vivax patients have been
      studied. Of these, 64 individuals were from the municipality of Oiapoque (Amapa
      State, Brazil) and 27 patients from French Guiana (August to December 2011). DNA
      extraction was performed, and a fragment of the P. vivax CS gene was subsequently
      analyzed using PCR/RFLP. The VK210 genotype was the most common in both countries
      (48.36% in Brazil and 14.28% in French Guiana), followed by the P. vivax-like
      (1.10% in both Brazil and French Guiana) and VK247 (1.10% only in Brazil) in
      single infections. We were able to detect all three CS genotypes simultaneously
      in mixed infections. There were no statistically significant differences either
      regarding infection site or parasitaemia among individuals with different
      genotypes. These results suggest that the same genotypes circulating in French
      Guiana are found in the municipality of Oiapoque in Brazil. These findings
      suggest that there may be a dispersion of parasitic populations occurring between
      the two countries. Most likely, this distribution is associated with prolonged
      and/or more complex transmission patterns of these genotypes in Brazil, bordering
      French Guiana.

PMID- 27680180
TI  - The Proceedings of the 217th Kanto-Koshinetsu Regional Meeting of the Japanese
      Society of Neurology.

PMID- 27680179
TI  - The Proceedings of the 2016 Chugoku-Shikoku Regional Post Graduate Education
      Meeting.

PMID- 27680182
TI  - Editor's Note.

PMID- 27680178
TI  - SILVER NANOPARTICLES-DISK DIFFUSION TEST AGAINST Escherichia coli ISOLATES.
AB  - Nanotechnology can be a valuable ally in the treatment of infections. Silver
      nanoparticles (AgNPs) are structures that have antimicrobial activity. The aim of
      this study was to produce AgNPs by green methods, characterize these structures,
      and assess their antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli associated with
      the antibiotic ciprofloxacin. AgNPs were characterized by spectroscopic and
      microscopic techniques. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by the disk
      diffusion method against 10 strains of E. coli. The synthesized AgNPs showed a
      spherical shape and a size of 85.07 +/- 12.86 nm (mean +/- SD). AgNPs increased
      the activity of ciprofloxacin by 40% and may represent a new therapeutic option
      for the treatment of bacterial infections.

PMID- 27680184
TI  - Cellular and humoral inflammatory response after laparoscopic and conventional
      colorectal surgery. Preliminary report.
AB  - : Our aim is to compare the immune response after colorectal surgery performed
      laparoscopically and via traditional technique. This response seems to be
      proportional to the level of the surgical trauma and presumably is directed to
      improve host defence. This is a prospective reported study based on patients'
      randomisation. Fourteen patients with colorectal diseases undergoing laparoscopic
      or open surgery were enrolled. After both laparoscopic and open colorectal
      surgery, we observed a significant increase of circulating C-Reactive Protein
      (CRP) levels. The count of lymphocytes subpopulations did not show significant
      differences after both procedures. IL-6 serum levels increased immediately after
      laparoscopic approach. IL-6 production was preserved only in the laparoscopic
      group, while its plasma levels were significantly higher in conventional group.
      Postoperative cell-mediated immunity was better preserved after laparoscopic than
      after conventional colorectal resection. Laparoscopy became a popular approach to
      treat surgically benign and malignant colorectal diseases and several authors
      reported a better immune response in patients performing laparoscopic surgery
      after comparing to conventional colorectal surgery. These findings may have
      important implications in performing a laparoscopic colorectal resection. KEY
      WORDS: C-Reactive Protein IL-6, Laparoscopic Surgery.

PMID- 27680185
TI  - Improving outcomes in the management of Gram-negative bacterial infections in the
      face of growing antimicrobial resistance.
AB  - 26th European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID
      2016): 9-12 April 2016, Amsterdam, The Netherlands The European Congress of
      Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID), the annual meeting of the
      European Society of Clinical Microbiology, had a record attendance at the 2016
      meeting, with more than 11,600 scientists and clinicians from 120 countries
      sharing the latest research and information on infectious diseases. This article
      reviews sessions on the growing threat of antibiotic resistance in the management
      of Gram-negative bacterial infections and potential solutions, including
      optimizing initial drug choice and dosing, development of new options and
      improving antimicrobial stewardship.

PMID- 27680183
TI  - An efficient route to bispecific antibody production using single-reactor
      mammalian co-culture.
AB  - Bispecific antibodies have shown promise in the clinic as medicines with novel
      mechanisms of action. Lack of efficient production of bispecific IgGs, however,
      has limited their rapid advancement. Here, we describe a single-reactor process
      using mammalian cell co-culture production to efficiently produce a bispecific
      IgG with 4 distinct polypeptide chains without the need for parallel processing
      of each half-antibody or additional framework mutations. This method resembles a
      conventional process, and the quality and yield of the monoclonal antibodies are
      equal to those produced using parallel processing methods. We demonstrate the
      application of the approach to diverse bispecific antibodies, and its suitability
      for production of a tissue specific molecule targeting fibroblast growth factor
      receptor 1 and klotho beta that is being developed for type 2 diabetes and other
      obesity-linked disorders.

PMID- 27680186
TI  - Introduction: Factors Underlying Social Functioning in Schizophrenia: Information
      Processing and Social Perception.

PMID- 27680188
TI  - [Immunooncology in Urologic Cancers: Current Status].
AB  - Immune checkpoint inhibitors are establishing itselves as a new systemic
      treatment option (in addition to chemotherapy and targeted therapy) for
      metastatic tumours. (Re)activating the immune system, these antibodies may lead
      to impressive remissions lasting for a long time in some patients. Regarding
      urological tumours, the anti-PD-1 antibody Nivolumab (Opdivo((r))) has been
      approved this year for advanced, previously treated renal cell carcinoma. In the
      United States, Atezolizumab (Tecentriq((r))) has been approved for metastatic
      urothelial carcinoma after platinum-based chemotherapy. In patients pre-treated
      with antiangiogenic drugs, Nivolumab has achieved a higher rate of remission (25
      vs. 5%) and a 5.4-month increase in overall survival compared with Everolimus. An
      indirect comparison with chemotherapy demonstrates an increased remission rate
      (15%) and an increased 1-year survival rate (37%) for urothelial carcinoma after
      platinum-based chemotherapy with Atezolizumab. The frequency of side-effects
      resulting from these treatments is comparatively low. However, some patients
      experience what is called immune-mediated side-effects, which must be recognised
      and treated in a timely manner. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are being tested in
      numerous ongoing phase III clinical trials and have the potential to replace
      current first-line treatment options for metastatic tumours such as urothelial
      and renal cell carcinoma. These trials are also investigating anti-PD-1/anti-PD
      L1 antibodies in combination with CTLA4 immune checkpoint inhibitors or
      antiangiogenic treatments. Approval trials are also investigating the role of
      immune checkpoint inhibitors in the adjuvant setting.

PMID- 27680190
TI  - [Primary Tumour Treatment in Patients with Metastatic Prostate Cancer].
AB  - Prostate cancer (PCa) with distant metastasis at diagnosis (M1) is associated
      with an unfavourable prognosis. Therefore, according to current treatment
      guidelines, local treatment (radical prostatectomy or irradiation of the prostate
      gland) is not recommended in men with M1 disease. However, M1 patients inevitably
      develop castration-resistant disease progression leading to local complications
      in half of men. Hence, local treatment, if reconcilable with a good quality of
      life, would have the potential to prevent future local symptoms. Furthermore,
      evolving data from genomic studies suggest that local treatment might have the
      potential to reduce further spread of lethal cancer clones by eliminating the
      primary tumour or nodal metastasis. This leads to the experimental concept of
      cytoreductive preventative local treatment. According to large US-American and
      German cancer registries, there is a growing body of evidence pointing towards a
      survival benefit for M1 patients who receive local treatment in combination with
      systemic therapy. These data provide the basis to generate the hypothesis of a
      better response to systemic tumour therapy in metastatic prostate cancer, which
      would be the rationale for prospective randomised trials, but would not suffice
      for a treatment recommendation to be given. While there is a dynamic paradigm
      shift in the systemic treatment of hormone-naive M1 prostate cancer, local
      treatment for primary tumours will only have a chance to be established in this
      indication if prospective randomised trials are successfully completed.

PMID- 27680189
TI  - [Implications of PI-RADS Version 1 and Updated Version 2 on the Scoring of
      Prostatic Lesions in Multiparametric MRI].
AB  - BACKGROUND: A revised version of the PI-RADS scoring system has been introduced
      and score-related variability between version 1 and 2 may be suspected. This
      study aimed to assess the PI-RADS scores derived from version 1 (v1) and the
      updated version 2 (v2). MATERIAL AND METHODS: 61 patients with biopsy-proven
      prostate cancer (PCa) and 90 lesions detected on pre-biopsy 3-Tesla
      multiparametric MRI were included in this retrospective analysis. 2 experienced
      radiologists scored all lesions in consensus. Lesion scores differing between PI
      RADS v1 and v2 were further analyzed. Histology data from radical prostatectomy
      (RP) were included when available. RESULTS: The PI-RADS v1 and v2 score differed
      in 52% of patients (32/61) and in 39% of lesions (35/90). On a lesion basis, the
      reason for the differences were related to sum score in v1 vs. categorical system
      in v2 in 51% (18/35) of lesions, cutoff between PI-RADS 4 and 5 based on lesion
      size in v2 as opposed to the sum score in v1 in 31% (11/35) and were inconclusive
      in 17% (6/35). The RP subgroup indicates enhanced detection of PCas with GS 3+3
      and GS 3+4 in v2. CONCLUSION: PI-RADS scores of prostatic lesions frequently
      differed between v1 and v2, the major reasons for these differences being score
      related. In men undergoing RP, PI-RADS v2 improved detection of low risk PCa, but
      did not increase accuracy for discrimination of GS 3+4 vs. GS>=4+3 compared to
      v1. Urologists should be aware of the system-related differences when
      interpreting PI-RADS scores.

PMID- 27680191
TI  - [Strategies for First-Line Treatment of mCRPC].
AB  - At present, abiraterone acetate and enzalutamide are the most commonly used
      substances in the first-line treatment of asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic
      metastatic castration-resistant prostate carcinoma (mCRPC). Since the relevant
      pivotal trials have demonstrated comparable clinical efficacy for both
      substances, further factors should be considered for the choice of treatment. As
      mCRPC patients usually receive several lines of treatment, different adaptation
      and resistance mechanisms leading to treatment failure could be important. This
      is indicated by daily routine observations and some initial clinical studies on
      resistance and different sequences of therapy. However, until the clinical
      relevance has been confirmed, it is mostly adverse events and comorbidities that
      are taken into account for the choice of first-line therapy. Also potential
      interactions with comedications and patient preferences should be considered. In
      the first-line treatment of mCRPC, ongoing discussions not only centre around the
      choice of medication for first-line mCRPC therapy, but also around the point in
      time they are started. For abiraterone acetate, for example, there is confirmed
      evidence that patients may benefit from early use within the approved indication.
      If the clinical importance of the different resistance mechanisms and differences
      in efficacy of various sequences could be confirmed, this would be a strong
      argument for therapy decisions and should therefore be further analysed in
      prospective clinical studies.

PMID- 27680192
TI  - [Significance and Importance of Pelvic Lymphadenectomy in Low-Risk Prostate
      Cancer Patients].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The most frequent carcinoma in male patients is prostate cancer.
      D'Amico and colleagues (1998) set up a classification to assess the
      aggressiveness of prostate cancer growth and the risk of metastatic spread,
      taking into account the following parameters: PSA, Gleason Score (GS), and tumour
      spread (T). The combination of these parameters results in a classification of
      low-, intermediate- and high-risk patients.In the context of a larger heuristic
      study entitled "Low-Risk Prostate Cancer Patients: Significance And Importance Of
      Pelvic Lymphadenectomy in Localized Prostate Carcinomas", we observed the
      correlation of the parameters PSA, GS and T stage with the occurrence of lymph
      node metastases in low-risk-patients who underwent lymphadenectomy during radical
      prostatectomy. PATIENTS/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Due to a lack of evidence - none
      of the confirmed LR (low-risk=LR) patients was diagnosed with metastases - we set
      up a subclassification for LR patients for the following corridor transition zone
      between low-risk and high-risk patients (based on the D'Amico
      classification):PSA<=10 ng/ml and GS<=7a (c: 7a) and clinical stage T1a-T2c (c:
      T2b, T2c): The population consists of 288 prostate cancer patients (60 low-risk
      (LR) patients, 228 corridor (c) patients). We analysed the number and frequency
      of removed lymph nodes and lymph node metastases. Moreover, we analysed the
      population with a view to a postoperative GS upgrade. The results are based on
      heuristic methods. RESULTS: The situation regarding the data in the transition
      zone, i. e. in the corridor area, and in the verified low-risk range is very
      complicated:In total, 3 743 lymph nodes were removed in 288 patients (mean: 13
      lymph nodes). Of these only 7 lymph nodes in 5 patients from the corridor group
      were metastatic. The overall number of removed lymph nodes in these 5 patients
      lies within a small interval [23,32]; 26 lymph nodes were removed on average. A
      postoperative Gleason Score upgrade was found in 20.14% of the whole patient
      population. CONCLUSION: A postoperative Gleason Score upgrade in every fifth
      patient shows a highly relevant preoperative undergrading in these patients,
      which may lead to inadequate treatment. An opening of the D'Amico classification
      to include a corridor category of patients could be an opportunity to minimise
      preoperative undergrading. In this context, pelvic lymphadenectomy must be
      considered, at least for corridor patients.

PMID- 27680193
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27680194
TI  - Ex vivo characterization of a novel tissue-like cross-linked fibrin-agarose
      hydrogel for tissue engineering applications.
AB  - The generation of biomaterials with adequate biomechanical and structural
      properties remains a challenge in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
      Earlier research has shown that nanostructuration and cross-linking techniques
      improved the biomechanical and structural properties of different biomaterials.
      Currently, uncompressed and nanostructured fibrin-agarose hydrogels (FAH and
      NFAH, respectively) have been used successfully in tissue engineering. The aim of
      this study was to investigate the possibility of improving the structural and
      biomechanical properties of FAH and NFAH by using 0.25% and 0.5% (v/v)
      glutaraldehyde (GA) as a cross-linker. These non-cross-linked and cross-linked
      hydrogels were subjected to structural, rheological and ex vivo biocompatibility
      analyses. Our results showed that GA cross-linking induced structural changes and
      significantly improved the rheological properties of FAH and NFAH. In addition,
      ex vivo biocompatibility analyses demonstrated viable cells in all conditions,
      although viability was more compromised when 0.5% GA was used. Our study
      demonstrates that it is possible to control fiber density and hydrogel porosity
      of FAH and NFAH by using nanostructuration or GA cross-linking techniques. In
      conclusion, hydrogels cross-linked with 0.25% GA showed promising structural,
      biochemical and biological properties for use in tissue engineering.

PMID- 27680197
TI  - Asymmetric Synthesis of Isoquinoline Alkaloids: 2004-2015.
AB  - In the past decade, the asymmetric synthesis of chiral nonracemic isoquinoline
      alkaloids, a family of natural products showing a wide range of structural
      diversity and biological and pharmaceutical activity, has been based either on
      continuation or improvement of known traditional methods or on new, recently
      developed, strategies. Both diastereoselective and enantioselective catalytic
      methods have been applied. This review describes the stereochemically modified
      traditional syntheses (the Pictet-Spengler, the Bischler-Napieralski, and the
      Pomeranz-Fritsch-Bobbitt) along with strategies based on closing of the nitrogen
      containing ring B of the isoquinoline core by the formation of bonds between C1
      N2, N2-C3, C1-N2/N2-C3, and C1-N2/C4-C4a atoms. Methods involving introduction of
      substituents at the C1 carbon of isoquinoline core along with syntheses applying
      various biocatalytic techniques have also been reviewed.

PMID- 27680195
TI  - Perceptions of Harm and Reasons for Misuse of Prescription Opioid Drugs and
      Reasons for Not Seeking Treatment for Physical or Emotional Pain Among a Sample
      of College Students.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Since the early 1990s, the United States has seen a significant
      increase in the prevalence of prescription opioid misuse. Despite benefits
      prescription opioids provide, misuse can be fatal. OBJECTIVES: The current study
      was designed to investigate the prevalence of prescription opioid misuse,
      perceived harm of misuse, and reasons for misuse for physical or emotional pain
      instead of seeking professional medical or mental health treatment. METHODS:
      Survey data were collected in the fall of 2013 via an online survey to a random
      sample of 668 students from a public Midwestern university. RESULTS: Lifetime
      prevalence of prescription opioid misuse was 9.5%. Misusers of prescription
      opioid drugs generally reported lower ratings of perceived harm as compared to
      individuals not reporting misuse of prescription opioid drugs. Primary reasons
      for misuse of prescription opioid drugs was to relieve pain (33.9%), "to feel
      good/get high" (23.2%) and experimentation (21.4%). Lifetime misuse of a
      prescription opioid drug for physical or emotional pain was reported by 8.1% and
      2.2% of respondents, respectively. Primary reasons for misuse for physical pain
      included because pain was temporary, immediate relief was needed, and no health
      insurance/financial resources. Primary reasons for misuse for emotional pain
      included not wanting others to find out, embarrassment and fear.
      Conclusions/Importance: Reasons for misuse of prescription opioid drugs vary by
      type of prescription opioid drug. Reasons for not seeking treatment that
      ultimately lead to misuse, vary by type of pain being treated and may be
      important considerations in the effort to stem the misuse of prescription opioid
      drugs among college students.

PMID- 27680196
TI  - Can MDCT Unmask Instability in Binder-Stabilized Pelvic Ring Disruptions?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Pelvic binders may hinder radiologic assessment of pelvic instability
      after trauma, and avulsive injuries can potentially unmask instability in this
      setting. We compare the performance of MDCT for the detection of pelvic
      disruptions in patients with binders to a matched cohort without binders, and we
      assess the utility of avulsive injuries as signs of pelvic instability. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: MDCT examinations of 56 patients with binders were compared with
      MDCT examinations of 54 patients without binders. Tile grading by an experienced
      orthopedic surgeon was used as the reference standard (A, stable; B, rotationally
      unstable; C, rotationally and vertically unstable). Two radiologists performed
      blinded reviews of CT studies in two reading sessions (sessions 1 and 2). In
      session 1, Tile grade was predicted on the basis of established signs of
      instability, including pubic symphysis and sacroiliac (SI) joint widening. In
      session 2, readers could change the Tile grade when avulsive injuries were seen.
      Diagnostic performance for predicting rotational instability and vertical
      instability was assessed. RESULTS: In the binder group, AUCs under the ROC curves
      for rotational instability increased from fair (0.73-0.77) to good (0.82-0.89)
      when avulsive signs were considered. In the control group, AUCs were good in both
      sessions. AUCs for vertical instability were fair with binders in both sessions.
      Agreement with the reference standard increased from fair (0.30-0.32) to moderate
      (0.46-0.54) when avulsive signs were considered in the binder group but were in
      the moderate range for both sessions in the control group. Combined evaluation
      for inferolateral sacral fractures, ischial spine fractures, and rectus abdominis
      avulsions resulted in optimal discrimination of rotational instability.
      CONCLUSION: Evaluation for avulsive signs improves MDCT sensitivity for the
      detection of rotational instability but not vertical instability in patients with
      binders.

PMID- 27680198
TI  - Bartolosides E-K from a Marine Coccoid Cyanobacterium.
AB  - The glycosylated and halogenated dialkylresorcinol (DAR) compounds bartolosides A
      D (1-4) were recently discovered from marine cyanobacteria and represent a novel
      family of glycolipids, encoded by the brt biosynthetic gene cluster. Here, we
      report the isolation and NMR- and MS-based structure elucidation of
      monoglycosylated bartolosides E-K (5-11), obtained from Synechocystis salina LEGE
      06099, a strain closely related to the cyanobacterium that produces the
      diglycosylated 2-4. In addition, a genome region containing orthologues of brt
      genes was identified in this cyanobacterium. Interestingly, the major bartoloside
      in S. salina LEGE 06099 was 1 (above 0.5% dry wt), originally isolated from the
      phylogenetically distant filamentous cyanobacterium Nodosilinea sp. LEGE 06102.
      Compounds 5-11 are analogues of 1, with different alkyl chain lengths or
      halogenation patterns. Their structures and the organization of the brt genes
      suggest that the DAR-forming ketosynthase BrtD can generate structural diversity
      by accepting fatty acyl-derived substrates of varying length. Compound 9 features
      a rare midchain gem-dichloro moiety, indicating that the putative halogenase BrtJ
      is able to act twice on the same midchain carbon.

PMID- 27680199
TI  - Piecing together the stunting puzzle: a framework for attributable factors of
      child stunting.
AB  - Reducing the burden of stunting in childhood is critical to improving health in
      low- and middle-income settings. However, because many aetiologies underlie
      linear growth failure, stunting has proved difficult to prevent and reverse.
      Understanding the contributions these aetiologies make to the burden of stunting
      can help the development of targeted, effective interventions. To begin to frame
      these causes, a qualitative and a quantitative framework of the primary drivers
      of stunting in low-resource settings were developed. Population attributable
      fractions (PAF) were estimated to inform the quantitative framework. According to
      these estimates, infectious diseases were responsible for large attributable
      fractions in all settings, and a combination of dietary indicators also comprised
      a large fraction in Africa. However, the PAF calculation was found to have
      several limitations, including a requirement for a binary outcome and sensitivity
      to confounding, which necessitate broad interpretation of the results. More
      robust tools to model complex causality are needed in order to understand the
      causal aetiology of stunting.

PMID- 27680201
TI  - Multiphase Ozonolysis of Aqueous alpha-Terpineol.
AB  - Multiphase ozonolysis of aqueous organics presents a potential pathway for the
      formation of aqueous secondary organic aerosol (aqSOA). We investigated the
      multiphase ozonolysis of alpha-terpineol, an oxygenated derivative of limonene,
      and found that the reaction products and kinetics differ from the gas-phase
      ozonolysis of alpha-terpineol. One- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopies along
      with GC-MS identified the aqueous ozonolysis reaction products as trans- and cis
      lactols [4-(5-hydroxy-2,2-dimethyltetrahydrofuran-3-yl)butan-2-one] and a lactone
      [4-hydroxy-4-methyl-3-(3-oxobutyl)-valeric acid gamma-lactone], which accounted
      for 46%, 27%, and 20% of the observed products, respectively. Hydrogen peroxide
      was also formed in 10% yield consistent with a mechanism involving decomposition
      of hydroxyl hydroperoxide intermediates followed by hemiacetal ring closure.
      Multiphase reaction kinetics at gaseous ozone concentrations of 131, 480, and 965
      parts-per-billion were analyzed using a resistance model of net ozone uptake and
      found the second-order rate coefficient for the aqueous reaction of alpha
      terpineol + O3 to be 9.9(+/-3.3) * 106 M-1 s-1. Multiphase ozonolysis will
      therefore be competitive with multiphase oxidation by hydroxyl radicals (OH) and
      ozonolysis of gaseous alpha-terpineol. We also measured product yields for the
      heterogeneous ozonolysis of alpha-terpineol adsorbed on glass, NaCl, and
      kaolinite, and identified the same three major products but with an increasing
      lactone yield of 33, 49, and 55% on these substrates, respectively.

PMID- 27680202
TI  - Synthesis of Allylic Amide Functionalized 2H-Chromenes and Coumarins Using a One
      Pot Overman Rearrangement and Gold(I)-Catalyzed Hydroarylation.
AB  - A four-step synthesis of allylic trichloroacetimidates bearing a 2
      proparyloxyaryl group has been developed from readily available 2
      hydroxybenzaldehydes, and these have been used for the preparation of allylic
      amide derived 2H-chromenes using an Overman rearrangement and a 6-endo-dig
      hydroarylation. High yields of the 2H-chromenes were achieved using a stepwise
      approach involving an Overman rearrangement under thermal conditions followed by
      a hydroarylation reaction with a gold(I) triflimide catalyst. An alternative
      method where both reactions were performed as a one-pot process was also
      developed and instead used a gold(I) chloride catalyst activated by silver(I)
      hexafluoroantimonate for the cycloisomerization step. The allylic amide derived
      2H-chromenes were converted to the corresponding coumarin analogues by a
      pyridinium dichromate (PDC)-mediated chemoselective allylic oxidation.

PMID- 27680203
TI  - Commentary : Hypothesis Focused Ultrasound and NXY-059 in Experimental Cerebral
      Ischemia: A New Therapeutic Opportunity?

PMID- 27680205
TI  - Comment on the Comment on "Ultrahigh Performance Supercapacitor from Lacey
      Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanoribbons".

PMID- 27680204
TI  - Editorial: (Thematic Issue) Novel Concepts on the Blood-Brain Barrier and Brain
      Pathology. New Therapeutic Approaches.

PMID- 27680206
TI  - Perinatal health care services for imprisoned pregnant women and associated
      outcomes: a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Women are an increasing minority of prisoners worldwide, and most are
      of childbearing age. Prisons offer unique opportunities for improving the
      pregnancy outcomes of these high-risk women, and no systematic review to date has
      looked at their care. This systematic review identified studies describing models
      of perinatal health care for imprisoned women which report maternal and child
      health and care outcomes. METHODS: We systematically searched for literature
      published between 1980 and April 2014. Studies were eligible if they included a
      group of imprisoned pregnant women, a description of perinatal health care and
      any maternal or infant health or care outcomes. Two authors independently
      extracted data. We described relevant outcomes in prisons (including jails) under
      models of care we termed PRISON, PRISON+ and PRISON++, depending on the care
      provided. Where outcomes were available on a comparison group of women, we
      calculated odds ratios with 95 % confidence intervals. RESULTS: Eighteen studies
      were reported, comprising 2001 imprisoned pregnant women. Fifteen were in the US,
      two in the UK and one in Germany. Nine contained a comparison group of women
      comprising 849 pregnant women. Study quality was variable and outcome reporting
      was inconsistent. There was some evidence that women in prisons receiving
      enhanced prison care, PRISON+, were less likely to have inadequate prenatal care
      (15.4 % vs 30.7 %, p < 0 . 001), preterm delivery (6.4 % vs 19.0 %, p = 0 . 001)
      or caesarean delivery (12.9 % vs 26.5 %, p = 0 . 005) compared to women in
      prisons receiving usual care (PRISON). Women participating in two PRISON++
      interventions, that is, interventions which included not only enhanced care in
      prisons but also coordination of community care on release, demonstrated
      reductions in long term recidivism rates (summary OR 0 . 37, 95 % CI 0 . 19-0 .
      70) compared to pregnant women in the same prisons who did not participate in the
      intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Enhanced perinatal care can improve both short and
      long-term outcomes but there is a lack of data. Properly designed programmes with
      rigorous evaluation are needed to address the needs of this vulnerable
      population. The cost to mothers, children and to society of failing to address
      these important public health issues are likely to be substantial. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration: CRD42012002384 .

PMID- 27680207
TI  - Definition of important early morbidities related to paediatric cardiac surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Morbidity is defined as a state of being unhealthy or of experiencing
      an aspect of health that is "generally bad for you", and postoperative morbidity
      linked to paediatric cardiac surgery encompasses a range of conditions that may
      impact the patient and are potential targets for quality assurance. METHODS: As
      part of a wider study, a multi-disciplinary group of professionals aimed to
      define a list of morbidities linked to paediatric cardiac surgery that was
      prioritised by a panel reflecting the views of both professionals from a range of
      disciplines and settings as well as parents and patients. RESULTS: We present a
      set of definitions of morbidity for use in routine audit after paediatric cardiac
      surgery. These morbidities are ranked in priority order as acute neurological
      event, unplanned re-operation, feeding problems, the need for renal support,
      major adverse cardiac events or never events, extracorporeal life support,
      necrotising enterocolitis, surgical site of blood stream infection, and prolonged
      pleural effusion or chylothorax. It is recognised that more than one such
      morbidity may arise in the same patient and these are referred to as multiple
      morbidities, except in the case of extracorporeal life support, which is a stand
      alone constellation of morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: It is feasible to define a range
      of paediatric cardiac surgical morbidities for use in routine audit that reflects
      the priorities of both professionals and parents. The impact of these morbidities
      on the patient and family will be explored prospectively as part of a wider
      ongoing, multi-centre study.

PMID- 27680208
TI  - The different effects of probiotics treatment on Salmonella-induced interleukin-8
      response in intestinal epithelia cells via PI3K/Akt and NOD2 expression.
AB  - Salmonella spp. remains a major public health problem for the whole world.
      Intestinal epithelial cells serve as an essential component of the innate mucosal
      immune system to defend against Salmonella infection. A substantial amount of
      evidence has accumulated that probiotics can regulate interleukin 8 (IL-8)
      involved in innate immunity. However, the exact effect of probiotics on
      epithelial IL-8 response to Salmonella infection is not well understood.
      Therefore, we investigated the action of probiotics on Salmonella-infected Caco-2
      cells and its novel mechanisms. Two probiotic strains were examined for
      Salmonella-induced IL-8 responses and regulating proteins using Caco-2 cell
      cultures. We demonstrated probiotic, either Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG or
      Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis DSM10140, administered before Salmonella
      infection conferred significantly suppressive effect on Salmonella-induced IL-8
      responses in Caco-2 cells, either in secreted protein or mRNA, via the PI3K/Akt
      signal pathway while probiotic administered after infection enhanced Salmonella
      induced IL-8 responses via nucleotide-binding oligomerisation domain-containing
      protein 2 expression in membrane. These findings suggest that the different
      regulation of probiotics on Salmonella-induced IL-8 responses in Caco-2 cells
      according to the administered timing supports a rationale for the therapeutic use
      of probiotics in the treatment of Salmonella colitis and inflammatory bowel
      disease. This can explain the reported controversial effect of probiotics on
      these diseases.

PMID- 27680209
TI  - Feed supplementation with avian Propionibacterium acidipropionici contributes to
      mucosa development in early stages of rearing broiler chickens.
AB  - Different studies in animal rearing claim the probiotic potential of species of
      the genus Propionibacterium. The effects of strains of Propionibacterium
      acidipropionici isolated from poultry intestine on microbiota activity and
      intestinal mucosa development were investigated in the early stage of rearing
      chicks and the safety of the dose used was investigated. The strains P.
      acidipropionici LET105 and LET107, administered as monoculture to chicks from the
      1st to 14th day of life in a daily dose of 106 cfu/ml administered in the
      drinking water resulted harmless. The animals arrived at the expected weight for
      age and no differences were observed with respect to the food intake and water
      consumption related to control without bacteria administration. The analysis of
      microbiota composition revealed the presence of propionibacteria at the middle
      and end of the trial only in treated groups. Normal development of lactic acid
      bacteria and bifidobacteria, and slow colonisation by Bacteroides at the 7th day
      of the study was observed in the same groups. Analysis of the organic acids
      concentrations in the caecal content of birds revealed higher lactic acid and
      lower butyric acid production. Lower short chain fatty acids total concentration
      than expected during treatment was related to a better development of the gut
      mucosa. Increase in length of villus-crypt units, goblet cells counts and neutral
      mucins production were evidenced. Higher mucus secretion produced by dietary
      supplementation with propionibacteria could provide increased protection against
      pathogens.

PMID- 27680210
TI  - Therapeutic angiogenesis induced by human umbilical cord tissue-derived
      mesenchymal stromal cells in a murine model of hindlimb ischemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stem cells derived from human umbilical cord tissue,
      termed UCX(r), have the potential to promote a full range of events leading to
      tissue regeneration and homeostasis. The main goal of this work was to
      investigate UCX(r) action in experimentally induced hindlimb ischemia (HLI).
      METHODS: UCX(r), obtained by using a proprietary technology developed by ECBio
      (Amadora, Portugal), were delivered via intramuscular injection to C57BL/6
      females after unilateral HLI induction. Perfusion recovery, capillary and
      collateral density increase were evaluated by laser doppler, CD31
      immunohistochemistry and diaphonisation, respectively. The activation state of
      endothelial cells (ECs) was analysed after EC isolation by laser capture
      microdissection microscopy followed by RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis and
      quantitative RT-PCR analysis. The UCX(r)-conditioned medium was analysed on
      Gallios flow cytometer. The capacity of UCX(r) in promoting tubulogenesis and EC
      migration was assessed by matrigel tubule formation and wound-healing assay,
      respectively. RESULTS: We demonstrated that UCX(r) enhance angiogenesis in vitro
      via a paracrine effect. Importantly, after HLI induction, UCX(r) improve blood
      perfusion by stimulating angiogenesis and arteriogenesis. This is achieved
      through a new mechanism in which durable and simultaneous upregulation of
      transforming growth factor beta2, angiopoietin 2, fibroblast growth factor 2, and
      hepatocyte growth factor, in endothelial cells is induced by UCX(r). CONCLUSIONS:
      In conclusion, our data demonstrate that UCX(r) improve the angiogenic potency of
      endothelial cells in the murine ischemic limb suggesting the potential of UCX(r)
      as a new therapeutic tool for critical limb ischemia.

PMID- 27680211
TI  - Critical neural targets for (the level of) human consciousness: Arousal arrest
      and unconsciousness after sumatriptan administration.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Insufficient understanding of the mechanisms of consciousness can
      make unconsciousness a diagnostic challenge, directly effecting the treatment and
      the outcome of the patient. Consciousness is a product of brainstem arousal
      (wakefulness, the level of consciousness) and cortical information integration
      (awareness, the contents of consciousness). The thalamus serves as a critical hub
      in the arousal pathway. The nuclei within the internal medullary lamina, together
      with the associated thalamocortical connections, have been implicated as being
      especially important for human consciousness. CASE STUDY: A 17-year old male
      migraineur developed a sudden episode of unconsciousness after receiving a single
      dose of intranasal sumatriptan for the treatment of prolonged migraine-associated
      symptoms. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging revealed a small
      bilateral thalamic infarction affecting the centromedian and parafascicular
      nuclei and the associated non-specific thalamocortical connections as the likely
      reason for the impairment of consciousness. With the exception of occasional
      fatigue due to a persistent lesion on the left thalamus, the patient experienced
      full recovery. Corresponding to the injury, diffusion tensor tractography imaging
      revealed a distinctive defect on the thalamocortical fibres originating from the
      left centromedian/parafascicular nuclei complex. CONCLUSIONS: The presented case
      offers an outstanding example of the importance of the arousal system and non
      specific thalamocortical connectivity for normal waking consciousness.

PMID- 27680213
TI  - Update on Brazilian biosimilar enoxaparins.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Brazil is among the first countries approving the commercialization
      and clinical use of biosimilar enoxaparins. Our research group has performed
      quality control assessments of these drugs over the last decade. Areas covered:
      We have not found noticeable differences between Brazilian biosimilar enoxaparins
      and the original product regarding their physicochemical properties, disaccharide
      composition, anticoagulant activity, bioavailability and safety. Expert
      commentary: In spite of clinical and pharmacological advantages of enoxaparin,
      subcutaneous formulations of unfractionated heparin are employed by the Brazilian
      public health system for prevention and treatment of thromboembolism. The
      underuse of both original and biosimilar enoxaparins in Brazil directly
      correlates with their high cost.

PMID- 27680212
TI  - Arterial stiffness in hypertensive and type 2 diabetes patients in Ghana:
      comparison of the cardio-ankle vascular index and central aortic techniques.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diabetes and hypertension increase arterial stiffness and
      cardiovascular events in all societies studied so far; sub-Saharan African
      studies are sparse. We investigated factors affecting arterial function in
      Ghanaians with diabetes, hypertension, both or neither. METHOD: Testing the
      hypothesis that arterial stiffness would progressively increase from controls to
      multiply affected patients, 270 participants were stratified into those with
      diabetes or hypertension only, with both, or without either. Cardio-ankle
      vascular index (CAVI), heart-ankle pulse wave velocity (haPWV), aortic PWV
      (PWVao) by Arteriograph, aortic and brachial blood pressures (BP), were measured.
      RESULTS: In patients with both diabetes and hypertension compared with either
      alone, values were higher of CAVI (mean +/- SD, 8.3 +/- 1.2 vs 7.5 +/- 1.1 and
      7.4 +/- 1.1 units; p < 0.05), PWVao (9.1 +/- 1.4 vs 8.7 +/- 1.9 and 8.1 +/- 0.9
      m/s; p < 0.05) and haPWV (8.5 +/- 1 vs 7.9 +/- 1 and 7.2 +/- 0.7 m/s; p < 0.05)
      respectively. In multivariate analysis, age, having diabetes or hypertension and
      BMI were independently associated with CAVI in all participants (beta = 0.49,
      0.2, 0.17 and -0.2 units; p < 0.01, respectively). Independent determinants of
      PWVao were heart rate, systolic BP and age (beta = 0.42, 0.27 and 0.22; p <
      0.01), and for haPWV were systolic BP, age, BMI, diabetes and hypertension status
      (beta = 0.46, 0.32, -0.2, 0.2 and 0.11; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: In this sub
      Saharan setting with lesser atherosclerosis than the western world, arterial
      stiffness is significantly greater in patients with coexistent diabetes and
      hypertension but did not differ between those with either diabetes or
      hypertension only. Simple, reproducibly measured PWV/CAVI may offer effective and
      efficient targets for intervention.

PMID- 27680215
TI  - Towards a unified and standardized definition of the frailty phenotype.

PMID- 27680216
TI  - Severe lower urinary tract symptoms due to anteriorly located midline prostatic
      cyst arising from the bladder neck in a young male: case report.
AB  - CONTEXT:: Prostatic cysts are uncommon. These cysts are usually asymptomatic and
      are diagnosed incidentally during ultrasonographic examination. On rare
      occasions, they may cause drastic symptoms. CASE REPORT:: We report on a case of
      severely symptomatic anteriorly located prostatic cyst arising from the bladder
      neck in a 30-year-old man presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms, without
      clinical evidence of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Transrectal ultrasonography
      (TRUS), computed tomography (CT) and cystourethroscopy demonstrated a projecting
      prostatic cyst that occupied the bladder neck at the precise twelve o'clock
      position. It was acting as a ball-valve, such that it obstructed the bladder
      outlet. Transurethral unroofing of the cyst was performed and the patient's
      obstructive symptoms were successfully resolved. Histopathological examination
      indicated a retention cyst. CONCLUSIONS:: It should be borne in mind that midline
      prostate cysts can be a reason for bladder outlet obstruction in a young male.
      Such patients may have tremendous improvement in symptoms through transurethral
      unroofing of the cyst wall.

PMID- 27680214
TI  - Cellular effects induced by 17-beta-estradiol to reduce the survival of renal
      cell carcinoma cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is an adult malignancy with 2:1 men-to
      women ratio, which implies the possible role of sex hormones in RCC
      carcinogenesis. One of the predominant sex hormones in women before menopause, 17
      beta-estradiol (or E2), may regulate RCC growth by cellular mechanisms that are
      still not fully understood. METHODS: The expression levels of E2 receptors (ER1
      and ER2) were determined in different RCC cell lines. The DNA damage response
      induced by E2 was determined by a DNA double-strand break marker gammaH2AX. To
      study the possible effect of E2 on oxidative stress response, RCC cells were
      stained with 2,7-dichlorofluorescein diacetate and analyzed by flow cytometry.
      Upregulation of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) ser40
      phosphorylation in response to oxidative stress was detected by immunoblotting.
      Finally, annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) double staining assay was used to
      determine E2-induced cellular apoptosis. RESULTS: Variable expression of ER1 and
      ER2 were found in the RCC cell lines studied (786-O, A498, and ACHN), in which
      ACHN and A498 showed highest and lowest ER expression, respectively. In A498
      cells, E2 induced DNA double-strand breaks with positive staining of gammaH2AX.
      On the other hand, the level of reactive oxidative species were elevated in ACHN
      cells after E2 treatment. The E2-induced oxidative stress also induced the Ser40
      phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of Nrf2. Finally, we also demonstrated
      that E2 induced apoptosis as revealed by annexin V/PI double staining.
      CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we demonstrated the cellular effects of E2 on DNA
      repair, ROS production as well as Nrf2 activation, and apoptosis in RCC cell
      lines. Together these cellular alterations may contribute to the reduced
      viability of RCC cells following E2 treatment.

PMID- 27680217
TI  - Frequency of pain and eating disorders among professional and amateur dancers.
AB  - CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE:: The pursuit of perfection can cause anxiety and lead
      dancers to exceed their physical limits. The aim here was to evaluate the
      prevalence of pain symptoms and eating disorders among professional and amateur
      dancers. DESIGN AND SETTING:: Observational cross-sectional study; Curitiba, PR,
      Brazil. METHODS:: Data on 150 professional and non-professional practitioners of
      ballet, jazz and street dance were collected through specific questionnaires:
      Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form (BPI-SF), Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26),
      Bulimic Investigatory Test Edinburgh (BITE) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-T-6
      (STAI-T-6). RESULTS:: Pain was observed in 58.6% of the sample, equally between
      professionals and amateurs (P = 0.19). Ballet dancers had more lower-limb pain
      than the other groups (P = 0.05). EAT-26 showed a tendency towards more eating
      disorders among the amateurs (P = 0.06). Higher risk of eating disorders was
      found among ballet dancers (P = 0.004) and jazz practitioners (P = 0.02) than
      among street dancers. Amateurs had more symptoms on the BITE scale (P < 0.0001),
      more pain (P = 0.002) and higher anxiety (P < 0.0001). Eating disorders were more
      common among females (P = 0.01) and singles (P = 0.02). Professionals were more
      satisfied with their own body image than amateurs (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS:: Pain
      symptoms were found in almost half of the sample, equally among professionals and
      amateurs as well as between the three dance styles. Female and singles had more
      eating disorders. Those with eating disorders had higher levels of pain and
      anxiety.

PMID- 27680218
TI  - Translation to Brazilian Portuguese, cultural adaptation and reproducibility of
      the questionnaire "Ankylosing Spondylitis: What do you know?"
AB  - CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE:: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) generates inflammation and
      pain in entheses, peripheral joints and the spine. Education regarding AS can
      improve patients' disability. Thus, it is important to assess patients'
      knowledge. There is no instrument in the literature for assessing knowledge of AS
      in Portuguese. The aim here was to translate to the Brazilian Portuguese
      language, culturally adapt and test the reliability of the questionnaire
      "Ankylosing Spondylitis: What do you know?" and to correlate the findings with
      other factors. DESIGN AND SETTING:: Original article regarding validation of
      questionnaire, produced at the Federal University of Sao Paulo (Unifesp).
      METHODS:: For translation and cultural adaptation, Guilleman methodology was
      used. After the first phase, the reliability was tested on 30 patients.
      Correlations between these scores and other factors were examined. RESULTS:: In
      the interobserver assessment, the Pearson correlation coefficient and Cronbach's
      alpha were 0.831 and 0.895, respectively. In the intraobserver evaluation, the
      intraclass correlation coefficient and Cronbach's alpha were 0.79 and 0.883,
      respectively. At this stage, the score for area of knowledge A showed
      correlations with ethnicity and education; the score for area D, with age; the
      total score and scores for areas A and B with "social aspects" of SF-36; and the
      score for area D with "pain", "vitality" and "emotional aspects" of SF-36.
      CONCLUSION:: The Brazilian version of the questionnaire "Ankylosing Spondylitis:
      What do you know?" was created. It is reproducible and correlates with education
      level, ethnicity and the SF-36 domains "social aspects" and "emotional aspects".

PMID- 27680219
TI  - A randomised half body prospective study of low and medium dose regimens using
      the 308 nm excimer laser in the treatment of localised psoriasis.
AB  - This study compared two dose-escalation regimens using the 308 nm excimer laser
      treating localised plaque psoriasis, to determine the optimal regimen. A
      randomised, left-right body trial was designed including patients aged >18 years
      with localised plaque psoriasis (<10% body surface area). The standard/low dose
      regimen started at 70% of the minimal erythema dose (MED), with 20% dose
      increments. The medium dose regimen commenced at 200% MED, with 25% increments.
      Patients were treated until disease clearance or a maximum of 36 treatments.
      Fifteen patients aged 28-55 years completed the study. Psoriasis severity index
      scores analysed at weeks 0, 6 and 12 showed a significant reduction with each
      regimen (p < 0.0001). Six patients cleared, seven had significant improvement
      with uneven clearance of plaques and two failed. Average remission was four
      months (range 1-12 months). There was a significant reduction in DLQI (p =
      0.014). Excimer laser improved psoriasis and reduced DLQI scores, but clearance
      was incomplete for many patients and remission was short-lived. Adverse effects
      of pain and blistering were commoner with the medium dose regimen, without any
      benefit in psoriasis clearance.

PMID- 27680220
TI  - Successful surgical resection of solitary plasmacytoma of the liver mimicking
      hepatocellular carcinoma. A case report.
AB  - : Solitary extramedullary plasmacitomas (SEMP) of the liver are very rare. We
      report the case of an elderly woman with a huge symptomatic SEMP of the liver
      mimicking hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The patient was a 89-year-old woman who
      presented with severe abdominal pain and a huge solid mass in the right
      hypochondrium. The laboratory data on admission revealed normal liver function
      tests. A multiphasic computed tomography (CT) showed a huge solid mass of the
      left hemiliver, hypoattenuating on noncontrast images, dishomogeneously
      hyperenhancing in the late arterial phase, with washout in the portal venous and
      equilibrium phases. A 18F-FDG positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET)-CT scan
      documented a marked FDG uptake within the lesion, without evidence of
      extrahepatic metastases. We considered the clinical and radiologic findings
      consistent with the diagnosis of high-grade HCC with areas of intratumoral
      necrosis preluding to possible tumour rupture. Surgical resection was ultimately
      considered feasible with a reasonable risk and the patient underwent left
      hepatectomy with diaphragmatic resection. Pathological examination exhibited an
      extramedullary plasmacytoma. At immunohistochemical analysis neoplastic cells
      were positive for CD45, CD38, IRF4, HTPD52, kappa-chain, but negative for lambda-
      chain; Mib-1 proliferation index was 50%. Subsequent clinical evaluation excluded
      any sign of multiple myeloma, so that a diagnosis of truly localized SEMP of the
      liver was finally established. To our knowledge, this is the first case of a
      solitary extramedullary plasmacitoma of the liver undergoing successful radical
      liver resection. The patient is alive and well 5 years after surgery without
      evidence of local recurrence and of systemic disease. KEY WORDS: Extramedullary
      plasmacytoma, Hepatocellular carcinoma, Liver, Liver resection, Multiple myeloma.

PMID- 27680221
TI  - A case of cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis mimicking the clinical phenotype of
      mitochondrial disease with a novel frame-shift mutation (c. 43_44 delGG) in
      CYP27A1 gene exon 1.
AB  - A 37-old-male with a history of early childhood mental retardation was admitted
      to our hospital. He experienced recurrent syncopes at 23 years old, and at age 35
      gait disturbance and hearing impairment developed gradually and worsened over
      time. His grandparents were in a consanguineous marriage. He was of short stature
      and absent of tendon xanthomas. Neurological examinations revealed scanning
      speech, dysphagia, right sensorineural hearing loss, spasticity in both upper and
      lower extremities, and spastic gait. Tendon reflexes were brisk throughout, and
      Babinski and Chaddock reflexes were both positive bilaterally. Laboratory tests
      revealed elevated lactate and pyruvate concentrations in both serum and
      cerebrospinal fluid. Fluid attenuated inversion recovery magnetic resonance
      imaging showed high intensity lesions in the bilateral cerebellar hemispheres,
      pyramidal tracts in the brainstem, and internal capsules symmetrically. Brain
      magnetic resonance spectroscopy measurements revealed an elevated
      lactate/creatine plus phosphocreatine ratio and a decreased N-acetyl
      aspartate/creatine plus phosphocreatine ratio in the cerebellum. At this point,
      mitochondrial diseases, particularly myoclonic epilepsy with ragged-red fibers
      (MERRF), to be the most likely cause. We performed a biopsy of his left biceps
      brachii muscle, showing variations in fiber size with occasional central nuclei
      and very few ragged-red fibers. Blood mitochondrial respiratory enzyme assays
      showed normal values with elevated citrate synthase activity, and mitochondrial
      DNA analyses for MERRF revealed no pathogenic mutations. We then explored other
      possibilities and detected an elevated serum cholestanol concentration of 20.4
      MUg/ml (reference value <4.0) and genetic analysis by direct sequencing method
      disclosed a novel frame-shift mutation (c. 43_44delGG) in CYP27A1 gene exon1,
      leading to a diagnosis of cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX). This case
      emphasizes importance of awareness of CTX as a possibility when patients present
      with clinical phenotypes mimicking mitochondrial diseases, but with negative
      results for muscle pathology or genetic analyses. The measurements of serum
      cholestanol concentrations might be useful in diagnosing such atypical cases.

PMID- 27680222
TI  - An overlap case of Fisher syndrome and pharyngeal-cervical-brachial variant of
      Guillain-Barre syndrome associated with urinary retention and constipation.
AB  - We report a 28-year-old woman with the overlap of Fisher syndrome and pharyngeal
      cervical-brachial variant of Guillain-Barre syndrome associated with urinary
      retention and constipation. She showed total ophthalmoplegia, dysphagia,
      dysarthria, upper extremity weakness, cerebellar ataxia, slightly diminished
      superficial sensations in her hands and feet, urinary retention and constipation
      14 days after preceding infection. Laboratory data showed elevations of
      antiganglioside antibodies to GT1b, GD1b, GQ1b, GD3 and GT1a in the IgG subclass.
      There was slight elevation of protein with no pleocytosis in cerebrospinal fluid.
      After administration of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), only the titer of
      antiganglioside antibody to GQ1b was decreased, and she showed rapid improvement
      in dysphagia, urinary retention and constipation, and slow recovery in
      ophthalmoplegia and cerebellar ataxia. The elevations of antiganglioside
      antibodies to GQ1b may be pathologically related to autonomic involvement such as
      urinary retention and constipation in that IVIg seems to be effective. The
      present case suggests that GQ1b may also locate in the autonomic nerve that plays
      bladder and defecation functions, and that incidence of neurological symptoms and
      the response of treatment may differ according to each GQ1b localization.

PMID- 27680223
TI  - A case of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy after
      treatment with pegylated interferon alpha-2a in a patient with chronic hepatitis
      B virus infection.
AB  - We report the case of a 42-year-old man with chronic hepatitis B virus infection
      who developed weakness and paresthesia in the extremities 2 months after
      administration of pegylated interferon (Peg-IFN)alpha-2a. Nerve conduction
      studies conducted 6 months after onset showed abnormal temporal dispersions in
      both tibial nerves. We diagnosed chronic inflammatory demyelinating
      polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) resulting from treatment with Peg-IFNalpha-2a.
      Neurological symptoms were prolonged despite suspension of the treatment.
      Subsequent treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin improved both clinical
      symptoms and temporal dispersion. IFNalpha-induced CIDP is rare, but can
      reportedly progress even after interruption of IFN-alpha without immunotherapy.
      Patients presenting with polyneuropathy after initiation of IFN-alpha thus
      require close attention.

PMID- 27680224
TI  - A case of Cefepime encephalopathy, being difficult to distinguish from non
      convulsive status epilepticus during the treatment of bacterial meningitis.
AB  - A 64-year-old man with fever, appetite loss, and pain in the back of the neck
      visited our hospital. We diagnosed him as having bacterial meningitis because of
      pleocytosis of the cerebrospinal fluid, and started treatment with antibiotics.
      Multiple cerebral infarcts were found on brain MRI. We suspected that the origin
      of the bacterial meningitis was infective endocarditis, and administered Cefepime
      and Gentamicin according to the guidelines for treatment of infective
      endocarditis. Three days later, he became drowsy and had myoclonus and flapping
      of the extremities. An electroencephalograph showed generalized periodic
      discharge and a triphasic wave pattern. We thought that the cause of disturbance
      in consciousness was Cefepime-induced encephalopathy, and stopped administration
      of Cefepime. A few days later, he became clear, and the myoclonus and flapping
      disappeared. It was difficult to distinguish between non-convulsive status
      epilepticus and Cefepime-induced encephalopathy. However, since stopping Cefepime
      treatment had made the patient clear, we diagnosed his condition as Cefepime
      induced encephalopathy, which often occurs in patients with renal or liver
      dysfunction, or in brain infarction or meningitis, which results in blood-brain
      barrier disruption. Thus, care should be taken when administering Cefepime to
      such patients.

PMID- 27680225
TI  - A case of intravenous immunoglobulin-dependent chronic inflammatory demyelinating
      polyneuropathy of pure motor form responsive to mycophenolate mofetil therapy.
AB  - This report concerns a case of chronic inflammatory demyelinating
      polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) with frequent treatment-dependent relapses. A 75
      year-old male presented with a 2-month history of progressive weakness of the
      limbs with no sensory symptoms. Neurological examination revealed normal cranial
      nerves, MRC grade 4 power in the proximal and distal muscles of the limbs, and
      generalized areflexia. However, the sensory examination results, serum
      immunoelectrophoresis, anti-HIV antibody, and vitamins B1 and B12 levels were
      normal. Cervical MR imaging was unremarkable. Cerebrospinal fluid showed
      albuminocytologic dissociation. Nerve conduction studies demonstrated prolonged
      distal latencies in the bilateral median nerves and left ulnar nerve. Treatment
      with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) infusion resulted in a marked improvement.
      Thereafter, the patient had been treated with repeated IVIg to maintain motor
      function. Subsequently, the patient fulfilled the EFNS/PNS diagnostic criteria
      for pure motor form of definite CIDP. Treatment with ciclosporin with the plasma
      trough level of 60-150 ng/ml reduced the frequency of IVIg. However, renal
      function began to deteriorate 94 months after the initiation of ciclosporin. The
      calcineurin inhibitor was replaced with mycophenolate mofetil 1,500 mg, which
      significantly increased the interval between infusions without further renal
      impairment. Therefore, mycophenolate may represent an effective alternative
      treatment for some IVIg-dependent CIDP patients.

PMID- 27680226
TI  - Fisher syndrome with delayed facial weakness and taste impairment: a case report.
AB  - A 55-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of acute onset of diplopia
      and gait disturbance. On admission, ophthalmoplegia, ataxia and areflexia were
      observed. He was diagnosed with Fisher syndrome and given intravenous
      immunoglobulin therapy from day 6 to day 10 after disease onset. After treatment,
      ophthalmoplegia and ataxia began to improve. However, he developed taste
      impairment on day 13 and right hemifacial weakness on day 16 after onset. A blink
      reflex test revealed right facial nerve impairment. On day 42 after onset, facial
      weakness and taste impairment remitted, and the blink reflex test result was
      normalized without additional treatment. Although it has been known that 10% of
      patients with Fisher syndrome complicated by delayed facial nerve palsy, the
      mechanism of the facial nerve palsy has not been elucidated. Therefore, this is a
      significant report to describe delayed facial nerve palsy combined with taste
      impairment and successive recordings of blink reflex and facial nerve conduction
      in a patient with Fisher syndrome.

PMID- 27680227
TI  - A year of triumph.
AB  - There have been troubled and triumphant times for nurses in 1991. A year of
      change, of success and celebration. Nursing has achieved a great deal over the
      past 12 months. It has increased its academic standing, more Project 2000 courses
      have come on stream, prescribing powers for community nurses are finally within
      our grasp and the UK Central Council's proposals for Post-registration Education
      and Practice (PREP) have come to fruition. Nursing has also received a
      significant boost with the extra L3.2 million for nursing development units and
      the concept of the 'named nurse' for every patient incorporated into the
      Patient's Charter.

PMID- 27680228
TI  - System not geared to patients' needs.
AB  - Britain's prison hospitals are facing a major shake-up amid accusations of
      substandard care, filthy conditions and overuse of psychiatric drugs.

PMID- 27680229
TI  - Review body on pay.
AB  - The futureof the nurses' pay Review body remains uncertain, following Health
      Secretary William Waldegrave's comments in a Nursing Standard interview last
      week.

PMID- 27680230
TI  - New community charter to be launched in 1992.
AB  - A new charter to tackle the 'bloody mess' of community health services will be
      launched next year, RCN President Professor June Clark has announced.

PMID- 27680231
TI  - Confusion over 'do not resuscitate'.
AB  - Nurses are making 'wrong' life and death resuscitation decisions because doctors
      are not communicating with them properly, a new survey has warned.

PMID- 27680233
TI  - New living-in rules compared to 'apartheid'.
AB  - New rules to improve junior doctors' accommodation are forcing student nurses
      into costly private housing.

PMID- 27680234
TI  - L170,000 is awarded to nurse for back injury.
AB  - An enrolled nurse has won over L170,000 compensation fora back injury sustained
      while using an 'approved' lifting technique.

PMID- 27680235
TI  - Duplication of training skills requires guidance.
AB  - A national working group of nurses and junior doctors has been formed to set
      guidelines for practice and training in areas common to both professions.

PMID- 27680237
TI  - Key role for nurses as change agents.
AB  - Nurses must tackle environmental problems inside and outside the profession, the
      conference was told.

PMID- 27680236
TI  - Nurse tutors urged to include Green issues.
AB  - Nurse tutors must include environmental issues in their occupational health
      teaching if nursing's voice is not to be ignored, an American educator told the
      conference.

PMID- 27680238
TI  - Workers' health under threat after cut-backs.
AB  - Workers' health is being jeopardised by recession-hit companies' cutting back on
      occupational health expenditure, RCN General Secretary Christine Hancock has
      warned.

PMID- 27680239
TI  - ?
AB  - The world at their hands: Sunderland health visitor Carole Elliott (left) and
      Birmingham nurse counsellor Lilieth Smith received L5.000 travel scholarships to
      visit Bangladesh and the West Indies from TV personality Robert Elms. The awards
      were sponsored by the Royal National Pension Fund for Nurses and the RCN.

PMID- 27680240
TI  - Blanket payment for services suggested.
AB  - Item-for-service payments to GPs providing maternity care must be replaced by a
      capitation system to avoid duplication of services, the Royal College of Midwives
      has declared.

PMID- 27680242
TI  - Angry demonstration follows 'racist comments'.
AB  - Racist comments attributed to a health service manager in a national newspaper
      sparked an angry COHSE demonstration outside a London hospital last week.

PMID- 27680243
TI  - ?
AB  - School of Wales: Ten Welsh nurses have successfully passed the module in 'Care in
      management of persons with AIDS and HIV-related conditions', taught at the Royal
      College of Nursing's Ty Maeth Welsh Board headquarters. The next module begins in
      January . It gives holders one credit towards the Welsh National Board's
      continuing education certificate in Professional Practice.

PMID- 27680241
TI  - NHS Trusts.
AB  - A COHSE reporton Trusts claims seven months of 'financial mismanagement' have
      produced cuts in jobs and services, and 'rich rewards' for top managers.

PMID- 27680244
TI  - Health screening.
AB  - The Governmentwill make L30 million available next year to expand day surgery
      units and provide extra whole-body scanners, Health Secretary William Waldegrave
      announced.

PMID- 27680245
TI  - MP disappoints breast conference audience.
AB  - Conservative MP Emma Nicholson's failure to attend the Royal College of Nursing's
      Breast Care Nursing Society conference prompted calls for a letter to her
      expressing the audience's disappointment.

PMID- 27680246
TI  - Government advice ignores links with poverty.
AB  - New Government advice on avoiding cot death ignores poverty as an important risk
      factor, the Health Visitors' Association has claimed.

PMID- 27680247
TI  - Are hospitals elderly to go pressing private?
AB  - A Commons inquiry is studying allegations that elderly people are being
      'pressured' to move from National Health Service hospitals into private nursing
      homes.

PMID- 27680248
TI  - World news.
AB  - CanadaNurses in Quebec claim the profession is at last getting its due.

PMID- 27680250
TI  - ?
AB  - Helen Taylor-Thompson, Chair of the Board of Governors at the Mildmay Mission
      Hospital in East London, helped to launch a fund-raising appeal to run throughout
      1992. its centenary year.

PMID- 27680251
TI  - Malnutrition and elderly people.
AB  - Vigilant observation of elderly people on admission to long-term care is urged in
      new research looking at malnutrition in elderly patients.

PMID- 27680252
TI  - Mismanagement of chronic leg ulcers.
AB  - Chronic leg ulcers are commonly mismanaged in the NHS and are a major burden for
      district nurses, the Consumers' Association has warned. It says such ulcers waste
      outpatient appointments and block beds.

PMID- 27680254
TI  - Waldegrave on nursing.
AB  - Q Do you agree with the theories put forward by NHS Director of Personnel Eric
      Caines on what are nursing and non-nursing tasks'?

PMID- 27680253
TI  - Suicides up following transfer restrictions.
AB  - Severe restrictions on the transfer of mentally disturbed prisoners to
      psychiatric hospitals in Auckland have resulted in a six-fold increase in prison
      suicides, research shows.

PMID- 27680255
TI  - That was the year that was...
AB  - January It was a grim start to the New Year with the Gulf crisis dominating the
      headlines and medical reservists being called up to join the British forces
      gathering in the desert. Scottish nurse Henry Power won his battle against the
      draft on a technicality, having declared that he would rather go to jail. In the
      build up to the outbreak of war with Iraq, the nursing profession went on red
      alert. Hospitals throughout the country prepared for the many anticipated
      casualties and the UKCC launched a 24-hour emergency service to give employers
      instant confirmation of volunteer nurses' qualifications. Nursing Standard made
      national news bulletins after publishing, in full, 'confidential' Department of
      Health clinical guidance on dealing with possible war casualties. The department
      had sent the information only to regional directors of public health.

PMID- 27680256
TI  - The A-Z Christmas survival guide.
AB  - Avoidance Forget it. Unless you've won a slot on Sue Lawley's Desert Island, or
      you've got a rich relative, you're lumbered. Not even retreating under the duvet
      will work. After all, you've got to eat, and that means at least one trip to the
      shops, full of piped Christmas music and people panic buying like Boris Yeltsin's
      just been made Prime Minister. Accept theAngstand add a relaxation tape to the
      (growing) shopping list.

PMID- 27680257
TI  - Christmas in the open air.
AB  - 'What health problems? I'm bloody fit, me,' said Brian, a homeless man, who is
      not one to whinge and whine about his health. Brian and his mate 'Bob Dylan',
      each wearing a couple of T-shirts, a jumper and an overcoat, crack jokes and
      compete to tell their most gruesome injury tale. It is two weeks before Christmas
      and they sit, snuggled into a sleeping bag amid the blankets and newspaper sheets
      of other homeless people who occupy the disused bandstand in London's Lincoln's
      Inn Fields. They drink one of several cans of extra strong lager and share a
      cigarette. The weather is freezing and as the sun goes down the wind picks up.
      The rotting wooden bandstand is the focal point for homeless people in 'the
      Fields' and, although it's open to the elements, its roof means the ground stays
      dry. Nearby are three concrete tennis courts where Holborn office workers
      practise their forehands. The fencing that separates the courts from the green is
      a support for numerous bashes -cardboard and tarpaulin structures literally
      bashed together - where more homeless people live.

PMID- 27680258
TI  - Linking poverty and ill health.
AB  - Audrey Thompson assesses the links between poverty and ill health by exploring
      the experiences of key nurses caring for people in the community.

PMID- 27680260
TI  - Clinical grading: the silver lining?
AB  - With all the problems that clinical grading has raised can anyone remember the
      real purpose of it? Our understanding was that it would provide a career
      development plan that would enable nurses and midwives to develop their potential
      and clinical skills and allow them to remain involved in clinical practice.

PMID- 27680259
TI  - Developing a career through nursing.
AB  - Nurses now seek planned career advancement patterns, as opposed to a series of
      intermittent, disconnected jobs. Heather-Jane Sears offers practical suggestions
      on bow they can plan a positive career direction, beginning with an evaluation of
      personal value systems and lifestyle, and concluding with opportunities that may
      arise with the advent of the single European Market in 1992.

PMID- 27680262
TI  - 'We are sisters under the skin'.
AB  - I have begun to question what motivates me to remain in nursing.

PMID- 27680261
TI  - Transposition of the great arteries.
AB  - The transposition of the great arteries is a life- threatening condition
      affecting infants. This article presents the surgical options for treatment, then
      describes the nursing care involved in the aftermath of the arterial switch
      procedure, the preferred intervention at Birmingham Children's Hospital. Research
      is currently being done to evaluate its success. Although long term follow-up is
      not yet possible, early results are promising.

PMID- 27680263
TI  - Concern over NHS reforms.
AB  - There is increasing concern and dissent over the ethical implications of the NHS
      reforms, and many doctors and nurses who have chosen to bare their professional
      consciences now see themselves as dissidents.

PMID- 27680264
TI  - Casualty Update.
AB  - Last week's Casualty, which came in with a bang, put men firmly in the wrong.

PMID- 27680265
TI  - Positive benefits of seclusion.
AB  - I am writing to support Walter Brennan's argument that seclusion can have
      positive benefits for patients I ('Alone again, naturally', Nursing Standard
      November 6) following the Senior Nurse Advisor Brian Topping Morris' letter
      (Nursing Standard, December 4).

PMID- 27680266
TI  - Outback lift puts backs out.
AB  - While we appreciate that Barbara Woodcraft's amusing article 'Uplifting
      experience?' (Nursing Standard October 30) was intended as a humorous look at a
      serious problem, we were concerned to see that you accompanied by a photograph of
      two nurses performing the Australian, or Shoulder lift.

PMID- 27680267
TI  - Special people.
AB  - I am writing in response to your article 'It's the patients who take us through'
      (News features Nursing Standard November 20).

PMID- 27680268
TI  - Points of view.
AB  - As a nurse in a small district general hospital, I have been called upon to
      accompany patients who are being transferred to London hospitals for specialist
      treatment of conditions such as renal or hepatic failure, acute head injury and
      ischaemic heart disease.

PMID- 27680269
TI  - Information exchange.
AB  - Do any readers have any old picture postcards showing hospital ward scenes in
      Great Britain between 1900 and 1930?

PMID- 27680270
TI  - Correction.
AB  - In 'Living-in fear', (Tradimus Nursing Standard, December 4) Patrick Blundy,
      Solicitor, Legal Services, Royal College of Nursing, was omitted from the list of
      authors. This was entirely unintentional.

PMID- 27680271
TI  - Christmas cheer or drear?
AB  - I once heard of a man who was given a brand new car for Christmas.

PMID- 27680272
TI  - Cold comfort for rudolph.
AB  - Deep in the frozen wilds of Northminster, Santa Waldeclaus peered out of his
      grotto and stroked his long white beard. The snow lay thick on the ground and he
      was keen to get on, but the head reindeer had told him gift delivery was
      suspended. It was the wrong sort of snow. 'My team can't go out in those
      conditions,' the I head reindeer had said. 'That snow's cold and we can only pull
      sleighs in warm snow.'

PMID- 27680274
TI  - Between the lines.

PMID- 27680273
TI  - Dreams come true in '92?
AB  - You would have thought any year that resulted in a court judgingCoronation
      Street'sBill Roache ('Ken Barlow') not boring would have been a significant one
      perhaps not one of the greats like 1066 or 1945, but certainly a strong candidate
      for the B team.

PMID- 27680275
TI  - Christmas fare.

PMID- 27680276
TI  - Images of '91Every picture tells a story. Beverley Hadfield looks back on seven
      of the best from the Nursing Standard collection of 1991.

PMID- 27680277
TI  - Surgical Christmas spirit.
AB  - The names not Health .... Not on December 24. It's Claus, first name Santa. I'm
      moonlighting ... undercover, false beard and everything. The sleigh's outside.

PMID- 27680278
TI  - Modern Manners P J O'Rourke Atlantic Monthly* 280pp $16.95 0-87113-313-X
      [Formula: see text].
AB  - To understand more fully O'Rourke's aim in ModernManners, you have to read the
      subtitle:An Etiquette Book for Rude People. Because PJ (Patrick Jake, I think)
      has received more attention on TV, this side of the Atlantic than he has in
      print. For the December 'Editors' Choice', I chose a look at P J in print.

PMID- 27680279
TI  - Scream, If You Want To Go Faster H Whyte J Galloway editors Association for
      Scottish Literary Studies 166pp L5.95 0-948877-12-X [Formula: see text].
AB  - Scream, If You Want To Go Faster, an anthology, is Number 9 of the series New
      Writing Scotland to be produced by the The Association of Scottish Literary
      Studies (c/o Department of English, University of Aberdeen, AB9 2UB). This
      particular edition is edited by Hamish Whyte and Janice Galloway, MIND Book of
      the Year award winner for her first novel The Trick Is To Keep Breathing.

PMID- 27680280
TI  - Imajica Clive Barker Imajica Harper Collins 854pp L15.99 0-00-223559-5 [Formula:
      see text].
AB  - Mystery, magic and mayhem abound as Clive Barker takes us on a voyage of
      discovery to the Imajica.

PMID- 27680281
TI  - Listings.

PMID- 27680282
TI  - 3D printed alendronate-releasing poly(caprolactone) porous scaffolds enhance
      osteogenic differentiation and bone formation in rat tibial defects.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro osteogenic effects and in vivo
      new bone formation of three-dimensional (3D) printed alendronate (Aln)-releasing
      poly(caprolactone) (PCL) (Aln/PCL) scaffolds in rat tibial defect models. 3D
      printed Aln/PCL scaffolds were fabricated via layer-by-layer deposition. The
      fabricated Aln/PCL scaffolds had high porosity and an interconnected pore
      structure and showed sustained Aln release. In vitro studies showed that MG-63
      cells seeded on the Aln/PCL scaffolds displayed increased alkaline phosphatase
      (ALP) activity and calcium content in a dose-dependent manner when compared with
      cell cultures in PCL scaffolds. In addition, in vivo animal studies and
      histologic evaluation showed that Aln/PCL scaffolds implanted in a rat tibial
      defect model markedly increased new bone formation and mineralized bone tissues
      in a dose-dependent manner compared to PCL-only scaffolds. Our results show that
      3D printed Aln/PCL scaffolds are promising templates for bone tissue engineering
      applications.

PMID- 27680283
TI  - Understanding the Relationships Between Inspection Results and Risk of Foodborne
      Illness in Restaurants.
AB  - Restaurants are important settings for foodborne disease outbreaks and consumers
      are increasingly using restaurant inspection results to guide decisions about
      where to eat. Although public posting of inspection results may lead to improved
      sanitary practices in the restaurant, the relationship between inspection results
      and risk of foodborne illness appears to be pathogen specific. To further examine
      the relationship between inspection results and the risk of foodborne disease
      outbreaks, we evaluated results of routine inspections conducted in multiple
      restaurants in a chain (Chain A) that was associated with a large Salmonella
      outbreak in Illinois. Inspection results were collected from 106 Chain A
      establishments in eight counties. Forty-six outbreak-associated cases were linked
      to 23 of these Chain A restaurants. There were no significant differences between
      the outbreak and nonoutbreak restaurants for overall demerit points or for the
      number of demerit points attributed to hand washing or cross-contamination. Our
      analyses strongly suggest that the outbreak resulted from consumption of a
      contaminated fresh produce item without further amplification within individual
      restaurants. Inspections at these facilities would be unlikely to detect or
      predict the foodborne illness outbreak because there are no Food Code items in
      place to stop the introduction of contaminated food from an otherwise approved
      commercial food source. The results of our study suggest that the agent and food
      item pairing and route of transmission must be taken into consideration to
      improve our understanding of the relationship between inspection results and the
      risk of foodborne illness in restaurants.

PMID- 27680284
TI  - Structural and quantum chemical analysis of exciton coupling in homo- and
      heteroaggregate stacks of merocyanines.
AB  - Exciton coupling is of fundamental importance and determines functional
      properties of organic dyes in (opto-)electronic and photovoltaic devices. Here we
      show that strong exciton coupling is not limited to the situation of equal
      chromophores as often assumed. Quadruple dye stacks were obtained from two
      bis(merocyanine) dyes with same or different chromophores, respectively, which
      dimerize in less-polar solvents resulting in the respective homo- and
      heteroaggregates. The structures of the quadruple dye stacks were assigned by NMR
      techniques and unambiguously confirmed by single-crystal X-ray analysis. The
      heteroaggregate stack formed from the bis(merocyanine) bearing two different
      chromophores exhibits remarkably different ultraviolet/vis absorption bands
      compared with those of the homoaggregate of the bis(merocyanine) comprising two
      identical chromophores. Quantum chemical analysis based on an extension of
      Kasha's exciton theory appropriately describes the absorption properties of both
      types of stacks revealing strong exciton coupling also between different
      chromophores within the heteroaggregate.

PMID- 27680285
TI  - Blocking Notch signal in myeloid cells alleviates hepatic ischemia reperfusion
      injury by repressing the activation of NF-kappaB through CYLD.
AB  - Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) is a major reason of hepatocyte injury during liver
      surgery and transplantation. Myeloid cells including macrophages and neutrophils
      play important roles in sustained tissue inflammation and damage, but the
      mechanisms regulating myeloid cells activity have been elusive. In this study, we
      investigate the role of Notch signaling in myeloid cells during hepatic I/R
      injury by using a mouse model of myeloid specific conditional knockout of RBP-J.
      Myeloid-specific RBP-J deletion alleviated hepatic I/R injury. RBP-J deletion in
      myeloid cells decreased hepatocytes apoptosis after hepatic I/R injury.
      Furthermore, myeloid-specific RBP-J deletion led to attenuated inflammation
      response in liver after I/R injury. Consistently, Notch blockade reduced the
      production of inflammatory cytokines by macrophages in vitro. We also found that
      blocking Notch signaling reduced NF-kappaB activation and increased
      cylindromatosis (CYLD) expression and knockdown of CYLD rescued reduction of
      inflammatory cytokines induced by Notch blockade in macrophages during I/R injury
      in vitro. On the other hand, activation of Notch signaling in macrophages led to
      increased inflammatory cytokine production and NF-kappaB activation and decreased
      CYLD expression in vitro. These data suggest that activation of Notch signaling
      in myeloid cells aggravates I/R injury, by enhancing the inflammation response by
      NF-kappaB through down regulation of CYLD.

PMID- 27680287
TI  - The Perceptions of White Clients in a Substance Abuse Program in Which They Are
      in the Minority.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a large body of literature regarding the need for culturally
      informed practice with non-white populations in substance abuse treatment.
      Virtually nothing, however, has been written regarding the needs of white clients
      when they represent a small minority in treatment programs. OBJECTIVES: The
      primary purpose of this study is to compare perceptions of treatment and
      completion rates between white and nonwhite clients in a substance abuse
      treatment program where white clients represent a small minority. METHODS: In New
      York City in 2009/2010, at a short-term inpatient program where white clients
      represented 12% of the population, 611 clients completed surveys that included
      scales measuring satisfaction, therapeutic alliance, social cohesion, and
      connection to the program. White and non-white clients were compared regarding
      results of these scales as well as program completion rates. Furthermore,
      demographic/background characteristics of the white and nonwhite clients obtained
      from the surveys were compared. RESULTS: White clients reported lower levels of
      connection to the treatment program than non-white clients at levels that were
      statistically significant. However, there were no statistically significant
      differences between them for the other scales and program completion rates.
      Although white clients reported greater frequency and number of substances used,
      they were far less likely to have had felony convictions. CONCLUSIONS: Although
      differences were not extreme, there was evidence that greater sensitivity to the
      needs of white clients in programs in which they are in the minority is needed.
      Furthermore, this study demonstrates racial disparities in criminal justice
      involvement between white and non-white substance users.

PMID- 27680286
TI  - Assembling non-ferromagnetic materials to ferromagnetic architectures using metal
      semiconductor interfaces.
AB  - In this work, a facile and versatile solution route was used to fabricate room
      temperature ferromagnetic fish bone-like, pteridophyte-like, poplar flower-like,
      cotton-like Cu@Cu2O architectures and golfball-like Cu@ZnO architecture. The
      ferromagnetic origins in these architectures were found to be around metal
      semiconductor interfaces and defects, and the root cause for their ferromagnetism
      lay in charge transfer processes from metal Cu to semiconductors Cu2O and ZnO.
      Owing to different metallization at their interfaces, these architectures
      exhibited different ferromagnetic behaviors, including coercivity, saturation
      magnetization as well as magnetic interactions.

PMID- 27680289
TI  - Negative Relationship between Erythropoietin Dose and Blood Lead Level in
      Patients Undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis.
AB  - The adverse effects of increased blood lead levels have been well discussed.
      Several antioxidant agents have been reported to offer protection from lead
      toxicity and to reduce blood lead levels (BLL). Given that erythropoietin (EPO)
      also has antioxidant properties, the aim of this cross-sectional study was to
      assess the role of EPO and other clinical variables on BLL in hemodialysis (HD)
      patients. We recruited 931 maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients who had
      undergone HD for at least 6 months and who had ever received blood lead level
      (BLL) study. Use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents followed the The National
      Kidney Foundation Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (NKF KDOQI) Clinical
      Practice Guideline. We estimated demographic, hematological, nutritional,
      inflammatory, biochemical, and dialysis-related data based on this study. In the
      group with EPO, 7% had high BLL. In the group without EPO, 22% had high BLL. From
      the stepwise liner regression, urban areas, hemodialysis duration, and clearance
      of urea (KT/Vurea) were positively associated with log BLL. In contrast, diabetes
      (DM), and monthly EPO dose were negatively associated with log BLL. This study
      showed that EPO dose might be negatively associated with blood lead levels in
      patients on maintenance hemodialysis.

PMID- 27680291
TI  - Mechanical Force-Triggered Drug Delivery.
AB  - Advanced drug delivery systems (DDS) enhance treatment efficacy of different
      therapeutics in a dosage, spatial, and/or temporal controlled manner. To date,
      numerous chemical- or physical-based stimuli-responsive formulations or devices
      for controlled drug release have been developed. Among them, the emerging
      mechanical force-based stimulus offers a convenient and robust controlled drug
      release platform and has attracted increasing attention. The relevant DDS can be
      activated to promote drug release by different types of mechanical stimuli,
      including compressive force, tensile force, and shear force as well as indirect
      formats, remotely triggered by ultrasound and magnetic field. In this review, we
      provide an overview of recent advances in mechanically activated DDS. The
      opportunities and challenges regarding clinical translations are also discussed.

PMID- 27680292
TI  - Large Retropharyngeal Abscesses in an Immunocompetent Adult Patient with
      Disseminated Tuberculosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND The retropharyngeal abscess is a rare presentation of head and neck
      tuberculosis. The pathogenesis of the abscess formation in the retropharyngeal
      space in the adult is controversial. CASE REPORT We report a case of large
      retropharyngeal abscesses in a 46-year-old man with disseminated tuberculosis.
      The patient had severe progressive dysphagia, weight loss, and a slowly enlarging
      bilateral cervical mass during a period of three months. His posterior pharynx
      wall was bulging and red, and both tonsils were enlarged and congested. The neck
      had an abscess of 5 cm in diameter that was firm, tender, and warm along the left
      sternocleidomastoid muscle. Palpable bilateral lymphadenitis was detected in the
      submandibular, cervical, axillary, and inguinal regions. A computed tomographic
      (CT) scan of the neck revealed large bilobulated retropharyngeal abscesses. A
      liver ultrasound showed multiple hypoechoic lesions. A Ziehl-Neelsen smear for
      acid-fast bacilli was positive from different abscess samples, and mycobacterial
      cultures subsequently yielded Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Antituberculous therapy
      was begun and the retropharyngeal abscesses were aspirated by external incision
      with complete drainage and relief of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Large retropharyngeal
      abscess is a rare entity in which Mycobacterium tuberculosis etiology should be
      considered, especially in endemic countries, and the diagnosis may be difficult
      because symptoms and signs are influenced by abscess size and time of onset, or
      if the etiology is not suspected.

PMID- 27680288
TI  - Cetylpyridinium chloride mouth rinses alleviate experimental gingivitis by
      inhibiting dental plaque maturation.
AB  - Oral rinses containing chemotherapeutic agents, such as cetylpyridinium chloride
      (CPC), can alleviate plaque-induced gingival infections, but how oral microbiota
      respond to these treatments in human population remains poorly understood. Via a
      double-blinded, randomised controlled trial of 91 subjects, the impact of CPC
      containing oral rinses on supragingival plaque was investigated in experimental
      gingivitis, where the subjects, after a 21-day period of dental prophylaxis to
      achieve healthy gingivae, received either CPC rinses or water for 21 days. Within
      subject temporal dynamics of plaque microbiota and symptoms of gingivitis were
      profiled via 16S ribosomal DNA gene pyrosequencing and assessment with the Mazza
      gingival index. Cetylpyridinium chloride conferred gingival benefits, as
      progression of gingival inflammation resulting from a lack of dental hygiene was
      significantly slower in the mouth rinse group than in the water group due to
      inhibition of 17 gingivitis-enriched bacterial genera. Tracking of plaque alpha
      and beta diversity revealed that CPC treatment prevents acquisition of new taxa
      that would otherwise accumulate but maintains the original biodiversity of
      healthy plaques. Furthermore, CPC rinses reduced the size, local connectivity and
      microbiota-wide connectivity of the bacterial correlation network, particularly
      for nodes representing gingivitis-enriched taxa. The findings of this study
      provide mechanistic insights into the impact of oral rinses on the progression
      and maturation of dental plaque in the natural human population.

PMID- 27680293
TI  - Optical Devices Constructed from Ferrocene-Modified Microgels for H2O2 Sensing.
AB  - Ferrocene-modified poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-based microgels were synthesized,
      characterized, and used to construct optical devices (etalons). The response of
      the microgels and etalons to H2O2 was investigated, and we show that both the
      microgel diameter and the optical properties of the etalons depend on the
      solution concentration of H2O2 from 0.6 to 35 mM. This behavior is a direct
      result of the oxidation of ferrocene, which influences the microgel diameter.
      This was also demonstrated by electrochemical-mediated oxidation/reduction of
      ferrocene using cyclic voltammetry. We go on to show that these materials could
      be used to monitor H2O2 that is generated from enzymatic reactions. Specifically,
      we show that the H2O2 generated from the oxidation of glucose catalyzed by
      glucose oxidase could be quantified. Finally, the devices can be reused multiple
      times via a regeneration process. This investigation illustrates the versatility
      of the etalon system to detect species of broad relevance and how they could
      potentially be used to quantify products of biological reactions.

PMID- 27680290
TI  - A novel technique based on in vitro oocyte injection to improve CRISPR/Cas9 gene
      editing in zebrafish.
AB  - Contemporary improvements in the type II clustered regularly interspaced short
      palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) system offer a
      convenient way for genome editing in zebrafish. However, the low efficiencies of
      genome editing and germline transmission require a time-intensive and laborious
      screening work. Here, we reported a method based on in vitro oocyte storage by
      injecting oocytes in advance and incubating them in oocyte storage medium to
      significantly improve the efficiencies of genome editing and germline
      transmission by in vitro fertilization (IVF) in zebrafish. Compared to
      conventional methods, the prior micro-injection of zebrafish oocytes improved the
      efficiency of genome editing, especially for the sgRNAs with low targeting
      efficiency. Due to high throughputs, simplicity and flexible design, this novel
      strategy will provide an efficient alternative to increase the speed of
      generating heritable mutants in zebrafish by using CRISPR/Cas9 system.

PMID- 27680294
TI  - Detection of Local Tumor Recurrence After Definitive Treatment of Head and Neck
      Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Histogram Analysis of Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced T1
      Weighted Perfusion MRI.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the added value of histogram analysis of
      the ratio of initial to final 90-second time-signal intensity AUC (AUCR) for
      differentiating local tumor recurrence from contrast-enhancing scar on follow-up
      dynamic contrast-enhanced T1-weighted perfusion MRI of patients treated for head
      and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: AUCR histogram
      parameters were assessed among tumor recurrence (n = 19) and contrast-enhancing
      scar (n = 27) at primary sites and compared using the t test. ROC analysis was
      used to determine the best differentiating parameters. The added value of AUCR
      histogram parameters was assessed when they were added to inconclusive
      conventional MRI results. RESULTS: Histogram analysis showed statistically
      significant differences in the 50th, 75th, and 90th percentiles of the AUCR
      values between the two groups (p < 0.05). The 90th percentile of the AUCR values
      (AUCR90) was the best predictor of local tumor recurrence (AUC, 0.77; 95% CI,
      0.64-0.91) with an estimated cutoff of 1.02. AUCR90 increased sensitivity by
      11.7% over that of conventional MRI alone when added to inconclusive results.
      CONCLUSION: Histogram analysis of AUCR can improve the diagnostic yield for local
      tumor recurrence during surveillance after treatment for HNSCC.

PMID- 27680295
TI  - Evaluating the Relationship between Equilibrium Passive Sampler Uptake and
      Aquatic Organism Bioaccumulation.
AB  - This Critcal Review evaluates passive sampler uptake of hydrophobic organic
      contaminants (HOCs) in water column and interstitial water exposures as a
      surrogate for organism bioaccumulation. Fifty-seven studies were found where both
      passive sampler uptake and organism bioaccumulation were measured and 19 of these
      investigations provided direct comparisons relating passive sampler uptake and
      organism bioaccumulation. Polymers compared included low-density polyethylene
      (LDPE), polyoxymethylene (POM), and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), and organisms
      ranged from polychaetes and oligochaetes to bivalves, aquatic insects, and
      gastropods. Regression equations correlating bioaccumulation (CL) and passive
      sampler uptake (CPS) were used to assess the strength of observed relationships.
      Passive sampling based concentrations resulted in log-log predictive
      relationships, most of which were within one to 2 orders of magnitude of measured
      bioaccumulation. Mean coefficients of determination (r2) for LDPE, PDMS, and POM
      were 0.68, 0.76, and 0.58, respectively. For the available raw, untransformed
      data, the mean ratio of CL and CPS was 10.8 +/- 18.4 (n = 609). Using passive
      sampling as a surrogate for organism bioaccumulation is viable when biomonitoring
      organisms are not available. Passive sampling based estimates of bioaccumulation
      provide useful information for making informed decisions about the
      bioavailability of HOCs.

PMID- 27680296
TI  - Early marriage and pregnancy among Syrian adolescent girls in Jordan; do they
      have a choice?

PMID- 27680297
TI  - Band Gap Engineering of Two-Dimensional Nitrogene.
AB  - In our previous study, we have predicted the novel two-dimensional honeycomb
      monolayers of pnictogen. In particular, the structure and properties of the
      honeycomb monolayer of nitrogen, which we call nitrogene, are very unusual. In
      this paper, we make an in-depth investigation of its electronic structure. We
      find that the band structure of nitrogene can be engineered in several ways:
      controlling the stacking of monolayers, application of biaxial tensile strain,
      and application of perpendicular electric field. The band gap of nitrogene is
      found to decrease with the increasing number of layers. The perpendicular
      electric field can also reduce the band gap when it is larger than 0.18 V/A, and
      the gap closes at 0.35 V/A. A nearly linear dependence of the gap on the electric
      field is found during the process. Application of biaxial strain can decrease the
      band gap as well, and eventually closes the gap. After the gap-closing, we find
      six inequivalent Dirac points in the Brillouin zone under the strain between 17%
      and 28%, and the nitrogene monolayer becomes a Dirac semimetal. These findings
      suggest that the electronic structure of nitrogene can be modified by several
      techniques, which makes it a promising candidate for electronic devices.

PMID- 27680299
TI  - Microwave-Assisted Organocatalytic Intramolecular Knoevenagel/Hetero Diels-Alder
      Reaction with O-(Arylpropynyloxy)-Salicylaldehydes: Synthesis of Polycyclic
      Embelin Derivatives.
AB  - A highly efficient and regioselective approach to new polycyclic embelin
      derivatives through a domino Knoevenagel condensation/intramolecular hetero Diels
      Alder reaction using O-(arylpropynyloxy)-salicylaldehydes in the presence of
      ethylenediamine diacetate (EDDA) is reported. This organocatalyzed protocol is
      compatible toward a wide range of aryl-substituted alkynyl ethers with electron
      donating and electron-withdrawing groups. When other active methylene compounds
      were subjected to this domino reaction the corresponding adducts were obtained in
      high yield.

PMID- 27680298
TI  - APOSTL: An Interactive Galaxy Pipeline for Reproducible Analysis of Affinity
      Proteomics Data.
AB  - With continuously increasing scale and depth of coverage in affinity proteomics
      (AP-MS) data, the analysis and visualization is becoming more challenging. A
      number of tools have been developed to identify high-confidence interactions;
      however, a cohesive and intuitive pipeline for analysis and visualization is
      still needed. Here we present Automated Processing of SAINT Templated Layouts
      (APOSTL), a freely available Galaxy-integrated software suite and analysis
      pipeline for reproducible, interactive analysis of AP-MS data. APOSTL contains a
      number of tools woven together using Galaxy workflows, which are intuitive for
      the user to move from raw data to publication-quality figures within a single
      interface. APOSTL is an evolving software project with the potential to customize
      individual analyses with additional Galaxy tools and widgets using the R web
      application framework, Shiny. The source code, data, and documentation are freely
      available from GitHub ( https://github.com/bornea/APOSTL ) and other sources.

PMID- 27680300
TI  - Out of many, one: integrating data in the paediatric cardiovascular environment.
AB  - Large volumes of data and multiple computing platforms are now universal
      components of paediatric cardiovascular medicine, but are in a constant state of
      evolution. Often, multiple sets of related data reside in disconnected "silos",
      resulting in clinical, administrative, and research activities that may be
      duplicative, inefficient, and at times inaccurate. Comprehensive and integrated
      data solutions are needed to facilitate these activities across congenital heart
      centres. We describe methodology, key considerations, successful use cases, and
      lessons learnt in developing an integrated data platform across our congenital
      heart centre.

PMID- 27680302
TI  - Oncosomes - large and small: what are they, where they came from?

PMID- 27680303
TI  - [Zoon's balanitis: Correlation between dermatopathology and dermoscopy].

PMID- 27680301
TI  - A standardized method to determine the concentration of extracellular vesicles
      using tunable resistive pulse sensing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Understanding the pathogenic role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in
      disease and their potential diagnostic and therapeutic utility is extremely
      reliant on in-depth quantification, measurement and identification of EV sub
      populations. Quantification of EVs has presented several challenges,
      predominantly due to the small size of vesicles such as exosomes and the
      availability of various technologies to measure nanosized particles, each
      technology having its own limitations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A standardized
      methodology to measure the concentration of extracellular vesicles (EVs) has been
      developed and tested. The method is based on measuring the EV concentration as a
      function of a defined size range. Blood plasma EVs are isolated and purified
      using size exclusion columns (qEV) and consecutively measured with tunable
      resistive pulse sensing (TRPS). Six independent research groups measured liposome
      and EV samples with the aim to evaluate the developed methodology. Each group
      measured identical samples using up to 5 nanopores with 3 repeat measurements per
      pore. Descriptive statistics and unsupervised multivariate data analysis with
      principal component analysis (PCA) were used to evaluate reproducibility across
      the groups and to explore and visualise possible patterns and outliers in EV and
      liposome data sets. RESULTS: PCA revealed good reproducibility within and between
      laboratories, with few minor outlying samples. Measured mean liposome (not
      filtered with qEV) and EV (filtered with qEV) concentrations had coefficients of
      variance of 23.9% and 52.5%, respectively. The increased variance of the EV
      concentration measurements could be attributed to the use of qEVs and the
      polydisperse nature of EVs. CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrate the
      feasibility of this standardized methodology to facilitate comparable and
      reproducible EV concentration measurements.

PMID- 27680305
TI  - Editorial overview: Molecular and genetic bases of disease.

PMID- 27680304
TI  - Predictors of HIV-related risk perception and PrEP acceptability among young
      adult female family planning patients.
AB  - HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) presents new opportunities for HIV
      prevention. While women comprise approximately 20% of new HIV infections in the
      US, significant questions remain about how to most effectively facilitate PrEP
      uptake for this population. Family planning clinics are a dominant source of
      health care for young women and support an estimated 4.5 million women annually.
      We explore characteristics associated with HIV risk perception and PrEP
      acceptability among young adult women seeking reproductive health services in a
      high-prevalence setting. A cross-sectional, clinic-based survey was conducted
      with women ages 18-35 (n = 146) seeking health care at two family planning
      clinics in the greater Baltimore, Maryland area, from January to April 2014. An
      estimated 22% of women reported being worried about HIV risk, and 60% reported
      they would consider taking a pill daily to prevent HIV. In adjusted models, HIV
      related worry was associated with having no college education, being single or
      dating more than one person, practicing consistent condom use during vaginal sex,
      and having ever traded sex. PrEP acceptability was significantly associated with
      being Black (71% vs. 49%, AOR 2.23, CI: 1.89-2.64) and having ever traded sex
      (83% vs. 58%, AOR 4.94, CI: 2.00-12.22). For women with a history of intimate
      partner violence (IPV), PrEP acceptability was significantly lower (57% vs. 62%,
      AOR .71, CI: .59-.85) relative to their non-abused counterparts. Results suggest
      that family planning clinics may be a natural setting for PrEP discussion and
      roll-out. They should be considered in the context of integrating HIV prevention
      with reproductive health services. Women with a trauma history may need
      additional support for implementing HIV prevention in the form of PrEP.

PMID- 27680306
TI  - Natriuretic peptides revisited: new potentials and challenges in heart failure.

PMID- 27680308
TI  - Reply to: "Statins probably do not cause cataracts".

PMID- 27680307
TI  - SPECT and fluorescence imaging of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque with a
      vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 single-chain antibody fragment.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Early detection and evaluation of vulnerable atherosclerotic
      plaque are important for risk stratification and timely intervention, and
      vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1) assists in adhesion and recruitment of
      inflammatory cells to vulnerable lesions. We labeled a single-chain variable
      fragment (scFv) of VCAM1 with 99mtechnetium (99mTc) and fluorescent markers to
      investigate its potential utility in detecting vulnerable plaques in animal
      models of atherosclerosis. METHODS: We labeled VCAM1 scFv with 99mTc and cyanine5
      (CY5) and evaluated the probes on apolipoprotein E gene-deficient mice and New
      Zealand White rabbits with induced atherosclerosis. Histopathology and Western
      blot examinations confirmed atherosclerotic plaque and VCAM1 expression in the
      aortas. In vivo biodistribution of 99mTc-scFv-VCAM1 was studied. Abdominal organs
      of mice were removed after CY5-scFv-VCAM1 administration for aortic fluorescence
      imaging. Rabbits SPECT imaging of 99mTc-scFv-VCAM1 was performed and
      autoradiography (ARG) of the aortas was checked to confirm the tracer uptake.
      RESULTS: The radiochemical purity of 99mTc-scFv-VCAM1 was 98.72+/- 1.04% (n = 5)
      and its specific activity was 7.8 MBq/MUg. Biodistribution study indicated
      predominant probe clearance by kidneys. In fluorescence imaging, stronger signal
      from CY5-scFv-VCAM1 in the aorta was observed in atherosclerotic mice than that
      in controls. SPECT imaging with 99mTc-scFv-VCAM1 showed tracer uptake in the
      abdominal aorta and the aortic arch of atherosclerotic animals. ARG confirmed
      tracer uptake in the aortas of atherosclerotic rabbits, with higher uptake ratios
      of aortic arch/descending aorta in experimental animals (4.45 +/- 0.63, n = 5)
      than controls (1.12 +/- 0.15, n = 5; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: SPECT and
      fluorescence imaging results showed the feasibility and effectiveness of
      detecting vulnerable plaque with scFv of VCAM1, indicating its potential for
      early diagnosis and evaluation of atherosclerosis.

PMID- 27680309
TI  - Ten-year outcome of early childhood traumatic brain injury: Diffusion tensor
      imaging of the ventral striatum in relation to executive functioning.
AB  - PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: The long-term effects of TBI on verbal fluency and related
      structures, as well as the relation between cognition and structural integrity,
      were evaluated. It was hypothesized that the group with TBI would evidence poorer
      performance on cognitive measures and a decrease in structural integrity.
      RESEARCH DESIGN: Between a paediatric group with TBI and a group of typically
      developing children, the long-term effects of traumatic brain injury were
      investigated in relation to both structural integrity and cognition. Common
      metrics for diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) were used as indicators of white
      matter integrity. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Using DTI, this study examined ventral
      striatum (VS) integrity in 21 patients aged 10-18 years sustaining moderate-to
      severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) 5-15 years earlier and 16 demographically
      comparable subjects. All participants completed Delis-Kaplan Executive
      Functioning System (D-KEFS) sub-tests. MAIN OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: The group with
      TBI exhibited lower fractional anisotropy (FA) and executive functioning
      performance and higher apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC). DTI metrics
      correlated with D-KEFS performance (right VS FA with Inhibition errors, right VS
      ADC with Letter Fluency, left VS FA and ADC with Category Switching).
      CONCLUSIONS: TBI affects VS integrity, even in a chronic phase, and may
      contribute to executive functioning deficits.

PMID- 27680311
TI  - G-CSF improves CUMS-induced depressive behaviors through downregulating
      Ras/ERK/MAPK signaling pathway.
AB  - Neuronal plasticity in hippocampal neurons is closely related to memory, mood and
      behavior as well as in the development of depression. Granulocyte colony
      stimulating factor (G-CSF) can promote neuronal plasticity and enhance motor
      skills. However, the function of G-CSF in depression remains poorly understood.
      In this study, we explored the biological role and potential molecular mechanism
      of G-CSF on depression-like behaviors. Our results showed that G-CSF was
      significantly downregulated in the hippocampus of chronic unexpected mild stress
      (CUMS) rats. Administration of G-CSF significantly reversed CUMS-induced
      depression-like behaviors in the open field test (OFT), sucrose preference test
      (SPT) and forced swimming test (FST). Moreover, G-CSF upregulated the expression
      of synaptic-associated proteins including polysialylated form of neural cell
      adhesion molecule (PSA-NCAM), synaptophysin (SYN), and postsynaptic density
      protein 95 (PSD-95) in the hippocampus and G-CSF significantly increased cell
      viability rate of hippocampal neurons in vitro. Further studies indicated that
      the renin-angiotensin system (Ras)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase
      (ERK)/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways was involved
      in the regulation of G-CSF on depressive-like behaviors and neuronal plasticity
      in CUMS rats. Taken together, our results showed that G-CSF improves depression
      like behaviors via inhibiting Ras/ERK/MAPK signaling pathways. Our study suggests
      that G-CSF may be a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of
      depression.

PMID- 27680310
TI  - Promiscuous activity of the LXR antagonist GSK2033 in a mouse model of fatty
      liver disease.
AB  - The liver X receptor (LXR) functions as a receptor for oxysterols and plays a
      critical role in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism. We recently
      described a synthetic LXR inverse agonist that displayed efficacy in treatment of
      hepatic steatosis in a mouse model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
      This compound, SR9238, was designed to display liver specificity so as to avoid
      potential detrimental effects on reverse cholesterol transport in peripheral
      tissues. Here, we examined the effects of a LXR antagonist/inverse agonist,
      GSK2033, which displays systemic exposure. Although GSK2033 performed as expected
      in cell-based models as a LXR inverse agonist, it displayed unexpected activity
      in the mouse NAFLD model. The expression of lipogenic enzyme genes such as fatty
      acid synthase and sterol regulatory binding protein 1c were induced rather than
      suppressed and no effect on hepatic steatosis was found. Further characterization
      of the specificity of GSK2033 revealed that it displayed a significant degree of
      promiscuity, targeting a number of other nuclear receptors that could clearly
      alter hepatic gene expression.

PMID- 27680312
TI  - TBP-like protein (TLP) represses myogenesis via inhibition of the myogenin
      promoter.
AB  - TBP-like protein (TLP) is one of the metazoan-restricted transcription factors
      participating in development and differentiation, though the molecular mechanism
      by which TLP regulates these processes remains unclear. In this study, we
      investigated the relationship between TLP and myogenesis of mouse C2C12
      myoblasts. We found that TLP gene expression decreases during myogenic
      differentiation. Overexpression and knockdown of TLP revealed that the levels of
      muscle-specific myosin heavy chain and the myogenic transcription factor myogenin
      are downregulated by TLP. TLP inhibits the progression of morphological change
      from myoblasts to myotubes, thereby suppressing myogenesis. We further show that
      TLP represses the promoter activity of myogenin. The proximal AT-rich sequence of
      the myogenin promoter is responsible for TLP-mediated transcriptional repression.
      The results of this study suggest that TLP inhibits myogenesis through
      downregulation of the myogenin gene.

PMID- 27680313
TI  - Novel roles of FKBP5 in muscle alteration induced by gravity change in mice.
AB  - Skeletal muscle hypertrophy and wasting are induced by hypergravity and
      microgravity, respectively. However, the mechanisms by which gravity change
      regulates muscle mass still remain unclear. We previously reported that
      hypergravity increases muscle mass via the vestibular system in mice. In this
      study, we performed comparative DNA microarray analysis of the soleus muscle from
      mice kept in 1 or 3 g environments with or without vestibular lesions. Mice were
      kept in 1 g or 3 g environment for 4 weeks by using a centrifuge 14 days after
      surgical bilateral vestibular lesions. FKBP5 was extracted as a gene whose
      expression was enhanced by hypergravity through the vestibular system. Stable
      FKBP5 overexpression increased the phosphorylations of Akt and p70 S6 kinase
      (muscle protein synthesis pathway) and myosin heavy chain, a myotube gene, mRNA
      level in mouse myoblastic C2C12 cells, although it reduced the mRNA levels of
      atrogin-1 and MuRF1, muscle protein degradation-related genes. In conclusion, we
      first showed that FKBP5 is induced by hypergravity through the vestibular system
      in anti-gravity muscle of mice. Our data suggest that FKBP5 might increase muscle
      mass through the enhancements of muscle protein synthesis and myotube
      differentiation as well as an inhibition of muscle protein degradation in mice.

PMID- 27680314
TI  - Light-induced Notch activity controls neurogenic and gliogenic potential of
      neural progenitors.
AB  - Oscillations in Notch signaling are essential for reserving neural progenitors
      for cellular diversity in developing brains. Thus, steady and prolonged
      overactivation of Notch signaling is not suitable for generating neurons. To
      acquire greater temporal control of Notch activity and mimic endogenous
      oscillating signals, here we adopted a light-inducible transgene system to induce
      active form of Notch NICD in neural progenitors. Alternating Notch activity saved
      more progenitors that are prone to produce neurons creating larger number of
      mixed clones with neurons and progenitors in vitro, compared to groups with no
      light or continuous light stimulus. Furthermore, more upper layer neurons and
      astrocytes arose upon intermittent Notch activity, indicating that dynamic Notch
      activity maintains neural progeny and fine-tune neuron-glia diversity.

PMID- 27680315
TI  - Cited2 participates in cardiomyocyte apoptosis and maternal diabetes-induced
      congenital heart abnormality.
AB  - Gestational diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for abnormal heart development,
      but the molecular basis remains obscure. To further analyze this, the
      hyperglycemia rat and cell model were established in this study. The results
      showed that hyperglycemic rats gained significantly less weight during gestation
      than controls. The number of embryos per litter was significantly reduced in
      diabetic mothers compared to controls. Ventricular wall thickness was often
      decreased in the diabetic offspring and cardiomyocyte apoptosis participated in
      ventricular wall thinness. Our results also indicated that Cited2 expression
      decreased in the heart tissues of diabetic-exposed embryos comparing with the
      control. The vitro results showed that down-regulation of Cited2 was associated
      with high glucose-induced apoptosis in cardiomyocytes in vitro. Over-expression
      of Cited2 gene restrained the cardiomyocyte apoptosis induced by high glucose.
      Furthermore, Cited2 S192G mutation partly inhibited the capacity of Cited2 to
      suppress apoptosis induced by high glucose in cardiomyocytes. This showed the
      critical role of Cited2 in high glucose-induced cardiomyocytes apoptosis. Data
      from this study found the association of Cited2 down regulation with
      cardiomyocytes apoptosis and maternal diabetes-induced ventricular wall thinness
      genesis.

PMID- 27680316
TI  - Implicit Racial Bias in Medical School Admissions.
AB  - PROBLEM: Implicit white race preference has been associated with discrimination
      in the education, criminal justice, and health care systems and could impede the
      entry of African Americans into the medical profession, where they and other
      minorities remain underrepresented. Little is known about implicit racial bias in
      medical school admissions committees. APPROACH: To measure implicit racial bias,
      all 140 members of the Ohio State University College of Medicine (OSUCOM)
      admissions committee took the black-white implicit association test (IAT) prior
      to the 2012-2013 cycle. Results were collated by gender and student versus
      faculty status. To record their impressions of the impact of the IAT on the
      admissions process, members took a survey at the end of the cycle, which 100
      (71%) completed. OUTCOMES: All groups (men, women, students, faculty) displayed
      significant levels of implicit white preference; men (d = 0.697) and faculty (d =
      0.820) had the largest bias measures (P < .001). Most survey respondents (67%)
      thought the IAT might be helpful in reducing bias, 48% were conscious of their
      individual results when interviewing candidates in the next cycle, and 21%
      reported knowledge of their IAT results impacted their admissions decisions in
      the subsequent cycle. The class that matriculated following the IAT exercise was
      the most diverse in OSUCOM's history at that time. NEXT STEPS: Future directions
      include preceding and following the IAT with more robust reflection and education
      on unconscious bias. The authors join others in calling for an examination of
      bias at all levels of academic medicine.

PMID- 27680317
TI  - Flipping the Quality Improvement Classroom in Residency Education.
AB  - PURPOSE: The flipped classroom (FC), in which instructional content is delivered
      before class with class time devoted to knowledge application, has the potential
      to engage residents. A Mayo Clinic Internal Medicine Residency Program study was
      conducted to validate an FC perception instrument (FCPI); determine whether
      participation improved FC perceptions; and determine associations between
      resident characteristics, change in quality improvement (QI) knowledge, and FC
      perception scores. METHOD: All 143 internal medicine residents at Mayo Clinic,
      Rochester participated from 2014 to 2015; some experienced a flipped QI
      curriculum and others completed the traditional nonflipped course. The FCPI was
      developed, and factor analysis revealed an intuitive two-factor structure:
      preclass activity and in-class application. Residents were surveyed before and
      after the monthlong curriculum to measure changes in perception, and the QI
      Knowledge Assessment Tool was employed to measure knowledge improvement. RESULTS:
      Postcourse FCPI scores significantly increased for three of the eight items. QI
      knowledge increased significantly among residents who experienced the FC compared
      with residents who completed the non-FC curriculum. Those without prior FC
      exposure demonstrated a significant increase in QI knowledge compared with those
      with previous FC experience. The FCPI had compelling validity evidence with
      improved scores after curriculum exposure and associations with greater
      engagement in online modules. CONCLUSIONS: Residents who participated in the FC
      demonstrated improved QI knowledge compared with the control group. Residents
      valued the in-class application sessions more than the online component. These
      findings have important implications for graduate medical education as residency
      training programs increasingly use FC models.

PMID- 27680318
TI  - Integrating Theory, Content, and Method to Foster Critical Consciousness in
      Medical Students: A Comprehensive Model for Cultural Competence Training.
AB  - Many efforts to design introductory "cultural competence" courses for medical
      students rely on an information delivery (competence) paradigm, which can
      exoticize patients while obscuring social context, medical culture, and power
      structures. Other approaches foster a general open-minded orientation, which can
      remain nebulous without clear grounding principles. Medical educators are
      increasingly recognizing the limitations of both approaches and calling for
      strategies that reenvision cultural competence training. Successfully realizing
      such alternative strategies requires the development of comprehensive models that
      specify and integrate theoretical frameworks, content, and teaching principles.In
      this article, the authors present one such model: Introduction to Medicine and
      Society (IMS), a required cultural competence course launched in 2013 for first
      year medical students at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of
      Pennsylvania. Building on critical pedagogy, IMS is centered on a novel
      specification of "critical consciousness" in clinical practice as an orientation
      to understanding and pragmatic action in three relational domains: internal,
      interpersonal, and structural. Instead of transmitting discrete "facts" about
      patient "types," IMS content provokes students to engage with complex questions
      bridging the three domains. Learning takes place in a small-group space
      specifically designed to spur transformation toward critical consciousness. After
      discussing the three key components of the course design and describing a
      representative session, the authors discuss the IMS model's implications,
      reception by students and faculty, and potential for expansion. Their early
      experience suggests the IMS model successfully engages students and prepares
      future physicians to critically examine experiences, manage interpersonal
      dynamics, and structurally contextualize patient encounters.

PMID- 27680319
TI  - Expanding Group Peer Review: A Proposal for Medical Education Scholarship.
AB  - After participating in a group peer-review exercise at a workshop presented by
      Academic Medicine and MedEdPORTAL editors at the 2015 Association of American
      Medical Colleges Medical Education Meeting, the authors realized that the way
      their work group reviewed a manuscript was very different from the way by which
      they each would have reviewed the paper as an individual. Further, the group peer
      review process yielded more robust feedback for the manuscript's authors than did
      the traditional individual peer-review process. This realization motivated the
      authors to reconvene and collaborate to write this Commentary to share their
      experience and propose the expanded use of group peer review in medical education
      scholarship.The authors consider the benefits of a peer-review process for
      reviewers, including learning how to improve their own manuscripts. They suggest
      that the benefits of a team review model may be similar to those of teamwork and
      team-based learning in medicine and medical education. They call for research to
      investigate this, to provide evidence to support group review, and to determine
      whether specific paper types would benefit most from team review (e.g.,
      particularly complex manuscripts, those receiving widely disparate initial
      individual reviews). In addition, the authors propose ways in which a team-based
      approach to peer review could be expanded by journals and institutions. They
      believe that exploring the use of group peer review potentially could create a
      new methodology for skill development in research and scholarly writing and could
      enhance the quality of medical education scholarship.

PMID- 27680320
TI  - Design, Implementation, and Evaluation of a Simulation-Based Clinical Correlation
      Curriculum as an Adjunctive Pedagogy in an Anatomy Course.
AB  - PROBLEM: Because reported use of simulation in preclinical basic science courses
      is limited, the authors describe the design, implementation, and preliminary
      evaluation of a simulation-based clinical correlation curriculum in an anatomy
      course for first-year medical students at Perdana University Graduate School of
      Medicine (in collaboration with Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine).
      APPROACH: The simulation curriculum, with five weekly modules, was a component of
      a noncadaveric human anatomy course for three classes (n = 81 students) from
      September 2011 to November 2013. The modules were designed around major
      anatomical regions (thorax; abdomen and pelvis; lower extremities and back; upper
      extremities; and head and neck) and used various types of simulation
      (standardized patients, high-fidelity simulators, and task trainers). Several
      methods were used to evaluate the curriculum's efficacy, including comparing pre-
      versus posttest scores and comparing posttest scores against the score on 15
      clinical correlation final exam questions. OUTCOMES: A total of 81 students
      (response rate: 100%) completed all pre- and posttests and consented to
      participate. Posttest scores suggest significant knowledge acquisition and better
      consistency of performance after participation in the curriculum. The comparison
      of performance on the posttests and final exam suggests that using simulation as
      an adjunctive pedagogy can lead to excellent short-term knowledge retention. NEXT
      STEPS: Simulation-based medical education may prove useful in preclinical basic
      science curricula. Next steps should be to validate the use of this approach,
      demonstrate cost-efficacy or the "return on investment" for educational and
      institutional leadership, and examine longer-term knowledge retention.

PMID- 27680321
TI  - Congratulations! Your Article Has Been Accepted. Now What? Media, Social Media,
      and Other Outlets for Promoting Your Work.

PMID- 27680322
TI  - Twitter as a Potential Data Source for Cardiovascular Disease Research.
AB  - Importance: As society is increasingly becoming more networked, researchers are
      beginning to explore how social media can be used to study person-to-person
      communication about health and health care use. Twitter is an online messaging
      platform used by more than 300 million people who have generated several billion
      Tweets, yet little work has focused on the potential applications of these data
      for studying public attitudes and behaviors associated with cardiovascular
      health. Objective: To describe the volume and content of Tweets associated with
      cardiovascular disease as well as the characteristics of Twitter users. Design,
      Setting, and Participants: We used Twitter to access a random sample of
      approximately 10 billion English-language Tweets originating from US counties
      from July 23, 2009, to February 5, 2015, associated with cardiovascular disease.
      We characterized each Tweet relative to estimated user demographics. A random
      subset of 2500 Tweets was hand-coded for content and modifiers. Main Outcomes and
      Measures: The volume of Tweets about cardiovascular disease and the content of
      these Tweets. Results: Of 550 338 Tweets associated with cardiovascular disease,
      the terms diabetes (n = 239 989) and myocardial infarction (n = 269 907) were
      used more frequently than heart failure (n = 9414). Users who Tweeted about
      cardiovascular disease were more likely to be older than the general population
      of Twitter users (mean age, 28.7 vs 25.4 years; P < .01) and less likely to be
      male (59 082 of 124 896 [47.3%] vs 8433 of 17 270 [48.8%]; P < .01). Most Tweets
      (2338 of 2500 [93.5%]) were associated with a health topic; common themes of
      Tweets included risk factors (1048 of 2500 [41.9%]), awareness (585 of 2500
      [23.4%]), and management (541 of 2500 [21.6%]) of cardiovascular disease.
      Conclusions and Relevance: Twitter offers promise for studying public
      communication about cardiovascular disease.

PMID- 27680324
TI  - Association of Hormonal Contraception With Depression.
AB  - Importance: Millions of women worldwide use hormonal contraception. Despite the
      clinical evidence of an influence of hormonal contraception on some women's mood,
      associations between the use of hormonal contraception and mood disturbances
      remain inadequately addressed. Objective: To investigate whether the use of
      hormonal contraception is positively associated with subsequent use of
      antidepressants and a diagnosis of depression at a psychiatric hospital. Design,
      Setting, and Participants: This nationwide prospective cohort study combined data
      from the National Prescription Register and the Psychiatric Central Research
      Register in Denmark. All women and adolescents aged 15 to 34 years who were
      living in Denmark were followed up from January 1, 2000, to December 2013, if
      they had no prior depression diagnosis, redeemed prescription for
      antidepressants, other major psychiatric diagnosis, cancer, venous thrombosis, or
      infertility treatment. Data were collected from January 1, 1995, to December 31,
      2013, and analyzed from January 1, 2015, through April 1, 2016. Exposures: Use of
      different types of hormonal contraception. Main Outcomes and Measures: With time
      varying covariates, adjusted incidence rate ratios (RRs) were calculated for
      first use of an antidepressant and first diagnosis of depression at a psychiatric
      hospital. Results: A total of 1 061 997 women (mean [SD] age, 24.4 [0.001] years;
      mean [SD] follow-up, 6.4 [0.004] years) were included in the analysis. Compared
      with nonusers, users of combined oral contraceptives had an RR of first use of an
      antidepressant of 1.23 (95% CI, 1.22-1.25). Users of progestogen-only pills had
      an RR for first use of an antidepressant of 1.34 (95% CI, 1.27-1.40); users of a
      patch (norgestrolmin), 2.0 (95% CI, 1.76-2.18); users of a vaginal ring
      (etonogestrel), 1.6 (95% CI, 1.55-1.69); and users of a levonorgestrel
      intrauterine system, 1.4 (95% CI, 1.31-1.42). For depression diagnoses, similar
      or slightly lower estimates were found. The relative risks generally decreased
      with increasing age. Adolescents (age range, 15-19 years) using combined oral
      contraceptives had an RR of a first use of an antidepressant of 1.8 (95% CI, 1.75
      1.84) and those using progestin-only pills, 2.2 (95% CI, 1.99-2.52). Six months
      after starting use of hormonal contraceptives, the RR of antidepressant use
      peaked at 1.4 (95% CI, 1.34-1.46). When the reference group was changed to those
      who never used hormonal contraception, the RR estimates for users of combined
      oral contraceptives increased to 1.7 (95% CI, 1.66-1.71). Conclusions and
      Relevance: Use of hormonal contraception, especially among adolescents, was
      associated with subsequent use of antidepressants and a first diagnosis of
      depression, suggesting depression as a potential adverse effect of hormonal
      contraceptive use.

PMID- 27680323
TI  - Exposure to metal oxide nanoparticles administered at occupationally relevant
      doses induces pulmonary effects in mice.
AB  - In spite of the great promises that the development of nanotechnologies can
      offer, concerns regarding potential adverse health effects of occupational
      exposure to nanoparticle (NP) is raised. We recently identified metal oxide NP in
      lung tissue sections of welders, located inside macrophages infiltrated in
      fibrous regions. This suggests a role of these NP in the lung alterations
      observed in welders. We therefore designed a study aimed to investigate the
      pulmonary effects, in mice, of repeated exposure to NP administered at
      occupationally relevant doses. We therefore chose four metal oxide NPs
      representative of those found in the welder's lungs: Fe2O3, Fe3O4, MnFe2O4 and
      CrOOH. These NPs were administered weekly for up to 3 months at two different
      doses: 5 MUg, chosen as occupationally relevant to welding activity, and 50 MUg,
      chosen as occupationally relevant to the context of an NP-manufacturing facility.
      Our results show that 3 month-repeated exposures to 5 MUg NP induced limited
      pulmonary effects, characterized by the development of a mild peribronchiolar
      fibrosis observed for MnFe2O4 and CrOOH NP only. This fibrotic event was further
      extended in terms of intensity and localization after the repeated administration
      of 50 MUg NP: all but Fe2O3 NP induced the development of peribronchiolar,
      perivascular and alveolar fibrosis, together with an interstitial inflammation.
      Our data demonstrate for the first time a potential risk for respiratory health
      posed by repeated exposure to NP at occupationally relevant doses. Given these
      results, the development of occupational exposure limits (OELs) specifically
      dedicated to NP exposure might therefore be an important issue to address.

PMID- 27680326
TI  - A comparative study on the regulatory region of the PERIOD1 gene among
      diurnal/nocturnal primates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The circadian clock is set up around a 24-h period in humans who are
      awake in the daytime and sleep in the nighttime, accompanied with physiological
      and metabolic rhythms. Most haplorhine primates, including humans, are diurnal,
      while most "primitive" strepsirrhine primates are nocturnal, suggesting primates
      have evolved from nocturnal to diurnal habits. The mechanisms of physiological
      changes causing the habits and of genetic changes causing the physiological
      changes are, however, unknown. To reveal these mechanisms, we focus on the
      nucleotide sequences of the regulatory region of the PERIOD1 (PER1) gene that is
      known as one of the key elements of the circadian clock in mammalians. METHODS:
      We determined nucleotide sequences of the regulatory region of PER1 concerning
      the gene expression for six primates and compared those with those of eight
      primates from the international DNA database. Based on the sequence data, we
      constructed a phylogenetic tree including both the diurnal/nocturnal species and
      investigated the guanine and cytosine (GC) content in the regulatory region.
      RESULTS: The motif sequences regulating gene expression were evolutionary
      conservative in the primates examined. The phylogenetic tree simply showed
      phylogenetic relationship among the species and no branching pattern
      distinguishable between the diurnal and nocturnal groups. We found two cores
      showing a statistically significant difference between the diurnal and the
      nocturnal habits related to the GC contents of the regulatory region of PER1.
      CONCLUSION: Our results suggest the possibility that the two cores in the
      upstream region of PER1 are related to the regulation of gene expression leading
      to behavioral differences between diurnal and nocturnal primates.

PMID- 27680327
TI  - Neonatal and obstetric outcomes in diet- and insulin-treated women with
      gestational diabetes mellitus: a retrospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To evaluate the neonatal and obstetric outcomes of pregnancies
      complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Screening and treatment -
      diet-only versus additional insulin therapy - were based on the 2010 national
      Dutch guidelines. METHODS: Retrospective study of the electronic medical files of
      820 singleton GDM pregnancies treated between January 2011 and September 2014 in
      a university and non-university hospital. Pregnancy outcomes were compared
      between regular care treatment regimens -diet-only versus additional insulin
      therapy- and pregnancy outcomes of the Northern region of the Netherlands served
      as a reference population. RESULTS: A total of 460 women (56 %) met glycaemic
      control on diet-only and 360 women (44 %) required additional insulin therapy.
      Between the groups, there were no differences in perinatal complications
      (mortality, birth trauma, hyperbilirubinaemia, hypoglycaemia), small for
      gestational age, large for gestational age (LGA), neonate weighing >4200 g,
      neonate weighing >=4500 g, Apgar score <7 at 5 min, respiratory support, preterm
      delivery, and admission to the neonatology department. Neonates born in the
      insulin-group had a lower birth weight compared with the diet-group (3364 vs.
      3467 g, p = 0.005) and a lower gestational age at birth (p = 0.001). However,
      birth weight was not different between the groups when expressed in percentiles,
      adjusted for gestational age, gender, parity, and ethnicity. The occurrence of
      preeclampsia and gestational hypertension was comparable between the groups. In
      the insulin-group, labour was more often induced and more planned caesarean
      sections were performed (p = 0.001). Compared with the general obstetric
      population, the percentage of LGA neonates was higher in the GDM population (11.0
      % vs.19.9 %, p = <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Neonatal and obstetric outcomes were
      comparable either with diet-only or additional insulin therapy. However, compared
      with the general obstetric population, the incidence of LGA neonates was
      significantly increased in this GDM cohort.

PMID- 27680325
TI  - Effects of supervised aerobic and strength training in overweight and grade I
      obese pregnant women on maternal and foetal health markers: the GESTAFIT
      randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: During pregnancy, a sedentary lifestyle may have negative
      consequences on maternal and foetal health status. The main objective of this
      project is to assess the effects of an exercise intervention in overweight and
      grade I obese pregnant on maternal and foetal health markers. METHODS/DESIGN: The
      present study aims to recruit 60 overweight and grade I obese women interested in
      participating in an exercise intervention program from the 17th gestational week
      until delivery. Women will be randomized to either an exercise (three 60-min
      sessions/week of combined aerobic and strength training and pelvic floor
      exercises), or usual care (control) group (30 women per group). The primary
      outcome measures are maternal weight gain, and maternal and neonatal glycaemic
      profile. Secondary outcome measures are: i) perinatal obstetric records; i) body
      composition; iii) dietary patterns; iv) physical fitness; v) low-back pain; vi)
      objectively measured physical activity and sedentary behaviour; vii) haematology
      and biochemical analyses; viii) oxidative stress; ix) pro- and anti-inflammatory
      markers; x) bone health biomarkers; xi) sleep quality; xii) mental health,
      quality of life and positive health. DISCUSSION: The findings of this project
      will help to identify strategies for primary prevention and health promotion
      based on this exercise-based intervention program among overweight and grade I
      obese pregnant women. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02582567 ; Date of registration:
      20/10/2015.

PMID- 27680329
TI  - Current Trends and Healthcare Resource Usage in the Hospital Treatment of Primary
      Malignant Brain Tumor in Japan: A National Survey Using the Diagnostic Procedure
      Combination Database (J-ASPECT Study-Brain Tumor).
AB  - We conducted this study to clarify the current trends and healthcare resource
      usage in the treatment of inpatients with primary malignant brain tumors. The
      Diagnostic Procedure Combination (DPC) data of all inpatients treated between
      2013 and 2014 in the 370 core and branch hospitals enrolled in the Japanese
      Neurosurgical Society training program were collected. DPC is a discharge
      abstract and administrative claims database of inpatients. We assessed 6,142
      primary, malignant brain tumor patients. Patient information, diagnostic
      information, treatment procedure, and healthcare resource usage were analyzed.
      Chemotherapy was the most frequent treatment (27% of cases), followed by surgery
      (13%) and surgery + chemo-radiotherapy (11%). Temozolomide (TMZ), the most
      frequently used chemotherapeutic drug, was administered to 1,236 patients.
      Concomitant TMZ and radiotherapy was administered to 816 patients, and was
      performed according to the Stupp regimen in many cases. The mean length of
      hospital stay (LOS) was 16 days, and the mean medical cost was 1,077,690 yen. The
      average medical cost of TMZ-only treatment was 1,138,620 yen whilst it was
      4,424,300 yen in concomitant TMZ patients. The LOS was significantly shorter in
      high-volume than in low-volume hospitals, and the medical cost was higher in
      hospitals treating 21-50 patients compared to those treating 1-10 patients.
      However, the direct medical cost of TMZ treatment was the same across different
      volume hospitals. This is the first report of current trends and healthcare
      resource usage in the treatment of primary malignant brain tumor inpatients in
      the TMZ era in Japan.

PMID- 27680330
TI  - Status and Future Perspectives of Utilizing Big Data in Neurosurgical and Stroke
      Research.
AB  - The management, analysis, and integration of Big Data have received increasing
      attention in healthcare research as well as in medical bioinformatics. The J
      ASPECT study is the first nationwide survey in Japan on the real-world setting of
      stroke care using data obtained from the diagnosis procedure combination-based
      payment system. The J-ASPECT study demonstrated a significant association between
      comprehensive stroke care (CSC) capacity and the hospital volume of stroke
      interventions in Japan; further, it showed that CSC capabilities were associated
      with reduced in-hospital mortality rates. Our study aims to create new evidence
      and insight from 'real world' neurosurgical practice and stroke care in Japan
      using Big Data. The final aim of this study is to develop effective methods to
      bridge the evidence-practice gap in acute stroke healthcare. In this study, the
      authors describe the status and future perspectives of the development of a new
      method of stroke registry as a powerful tool for acute stroke care research.

PMID- 27680331
TI  - A Modified Technique with a New Device of Laparoscopic Percutaneous
      Extraperitoneal Closure for Pediatric Inguinal Hernia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure (LPEC) in boys is
      more complex than in girls, because the vas deferens and testicular vessels must
      be separated from the peritoneum. We therefore developed a needle-shaped surgical
      instrument that enables blunt separation. Here, we report the effectiveness of
      this new device. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: The new device is a ligature carrier
      consisting of (1) an inner tube (19-G blunt needle) through which slides a rod
      with a loop wire at its tip that can catch and release suture materials and (2)
      an outer tube (17-G needle) with a cutting edge. The blunt-structured inner tube
      enables blunt separation. All actions (stabbing, separation, and catching) in the
      LPEC procedure that are required to close the hernia orifice using a thread are
      facilitated through a simple small incision by switching between the inner and
      outer tubes. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: From January 2013 to September 2015, 73 boys
      with inguinal hernia or hydrocele underwent LPEC, and the new device was used in
      45 of these cases. We compared surgical results between cases wherein the new
      (group A) and conventional devices (LPEC needle; group B) were used. RESULTS: The
      mean surgery duration was 33.4 and 34.8 min for groups A and B, respectively.
      Neither group experienced complications during or after surgery. CONCLUSION: Our
      findings suggest that the newly developed needle device may improve the safety of
      the LPEC procedure for boys, although further investigation involving more cases
      and long-term follow-up is needed in the future.

PMID- 27680333
TI  - Do real nurses work in theatres?
AB  - Currently on the conference circuit propounding some radical theories, Keele
      University's Professor Roger Dyson is stirring up a hornets' nest over the pros -
      or in his view the cons - of Project 2000.

PMID- 27680328
TI  - Phage display as a promising approach for vaccine development.
AB  - Bacteriophages are specific antagonists to bacterial hosts. These viral entities
      have attracted growing interest as optimal vaccine delivery vehicles. Phages are
      well-matched for vaccine design due to being highly stable under harsh
      environmental conditions, simple and inexpensive large scale production, and
      potent adjuvant capacities. Phage vaccines have efficient immunostimulatory
      effects and present a high safety profile because these viruses have made a
      constant relationship with the mammalian body during a long-standing evolutionary
      period. The birth of phage display technology has been a turning point in the
      development of phage-based vaccines. Phage display vaccines are made by
      expressing multiple copies of an antigen on the surface of immunogenic phage
      particles, thereby eliciting a powerful and effective immune response. Also, the
      ability to produce combinatorial peptide libraries with a highly diverse pool of
      randomized ligands has transformed phage display into a straightforward,
      versatile and high throughput screening methodology for the identification of
      potential vaccine candidates against different diseases in particular microbial
      infections. These libraries can be conveniently screened through an affinity
      selection-based strategy called biopanning against a wide variety of targets for
      the selection of mimotopes with high antigenicity and immunogenicity. Also, they
      can be panned against the antiserum of convalescent individuals to recognize
      novel peptidomimetics of pathogen-related epitopes. Phage display has represented
      enormous promise for finding new strategies of vaccine discovery and production
      and current breakthroughs promise a brilliant future for the development of
      different phage-based vaccine platforms.

PMID- 27680334
TI  - ?
AB  - Rewarding excellence: Health Secretary Virginia Bottomley presented the Clinical
      Practice and Management Training Awards to Claire Breslin(pictured above) and 11
      other finalists at a special luncheon in London this week. The Awards, a joint
      initiative between the Royal College of Nursing, Smith& Nephew Medical andNursing
      Standard include a week long tailor made management course at Sundridge Park in
      Kent for all the whining nurses. Further details in our special supplement on
      page 49.

PMID- 27680335
TI  - Project 2000: the wrong sort of preparation for the future of nursing?
AB  - Project 2000 is 'crippling' the profession and is completely the wrong sort of
      preparation for nurses of the future, according to controversial management
      figure, Professor Roger Dyson.

PMID- 27680332
TI  - Long non-coding RNAs in the regulation of myeloid cells.
AB  - Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been attracting immense research interests.
      The relevance of lncRNAs in biological and physiological as well as in
      pathological processes has increased along with the understanding of their
      various regulatory mechanisms. Abundant studies have indicated that lncRNAs are
      involved in the differentiation, proliferation, activation, and initiation of
      apoptosis in different cell types. However, most studies about the regulating
      biology of lncRNAs are currently focused on cancer cells. This review is focused
      on the widely unexplored role of lncRNAs in the cell fate of myeloid cells. In
      this review, we summarize recent studies that have confirmed lncRNAs to be
      essential in the development of myeloid cells under normal and pathological
      conditions.

PMID- 27680336
TI  - Hospitals should be run by the private sector.
AB  - Hospitals should be built and run by the private sector to avoid having to deal
      with NHS unions, according to new proposals from the Social Market Foundation.

PMID- 27680337
TI  - NI unions warn cuts will cause misery.
AB  - Cuts in services proposed by the Eastern Health Board in Northern Ireland will
      cause misery to the Province's most vulnerable client groups, unions have warned.

PMID- 27680338
TI  - 350 new community posts called a 'drop in the ocean'.
AB  - Nursing unions have described the 350 new community nursing posts identified by
      the London Implementation Group as a 'drop in the ocean', and say LIG's clearing
      house for redeploying staff affected by the Tomlinson changes will discriminate
      against nurses on lower grades.

PMID- 27680339
TI  - ?
AB  - Bar tenders: Nurses and physios from The Priory' Hospital in Edgbaston provided
      medical cover for competitors during lastweek's World Gymnastics Championships in
      Birmingham. Pictured are nurses Elaine Cooknell (front row, left), Mike Moore
      (Front row, back) Philip Pitt (back row, centre) and Findlay Smith (back row,
      right) with Laura Timmins on the beam and British women's team mates Zeta Lusack,
      Jackie Brady and Anna-lisa Acklam.

PMID- 27680341
TI  - National survey for mental illness.
AB  - The first-ever government-backed nationwide survey of mental illness was launched
      last week. It is being conducted by the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys
      and will try to measure the extent of psychiatric illness among adults throughout
      England, Scotland and Wales.

PMID- 27680342
TI  - Merger means anxiety for tutors.
AB  - Nurse tutors could be 'thrown on the scrap heap' when two London colleges of
      nursing merge, the RCN has warned.

PMID- 27680343
TI  - ?
AB  - Tackling disease: Blackburn Rovers, and England footballer AlanShearer, helped
      kick-off the Cystic Fibrosis Trust's National Appeal Week, which runs until
      Sunday. Helping out are CF sufferers LiamCrombie (front) and Jason Mellor who
      underwent a heart and lung transplant to help him to overcome the life
      threatening disorder.

PMID- 27680344
TI  - Older people face poor levels of care.
AB  - Older people in residential and nursing homes face 'scandalous'levels of care
      unless greater measures are taken to meet their needs, the RCN's Director of
      Policy and Research has warned.

PMID- 27680345
TI  - Nurse wins L30,000 for religious discrimination.
AB  - A Catholic nurse won record damages for religious discrimination last week after
      claiming a health board unjustly failed to shortlist her for a job.

PMID- 27680347
TI  - Battle with GPs, says RCN.
AB  - Practice nurses fearing redundancy when the new health promotion banding system
      is introduced in July must fight to show GPs their worth.

PMID- 27680346
TI  - Unacceptable work conditions for PNs.
AB  - Most practice nurses are working in 'totally unacceptable' circumstances with
      minimal time allowed for study, and no employment contracts or job descriptions,
      a United Kingdom survey has revealed.

PMID- 27680348
TI  - ?
AB  - Participants at the National Practice Nurse Conference: (left to right) RCN Vice
      President Baroness Cox; Detective Chief Inspector Roger Michael, responsible for
      Family Support Units at Whitchurch, Treforest and Skewen: Clare Wilkinson, Senior
      Lecturer, Department of General Practice, University of Wales.

PMID- 27680349
TI  - Men need 'formal invitation' to take care of their health.
AB  - The best way to get men to take care of their health is with good recall
      procedures, believes senior lecturer in general practice, Tom O'Dowd.

PMID- 27680351
TI  - Failure to inform mothers on risk reduction revealed.
AB  - Midwives may be failing to tell women how to reduce the risk of spina bifida and
      other fetal diseases, it was suggested last week, after a survey showed many
      women are not aware of the benefits of folic acid.

PMID- 27680352
TI  - ?
AB  - Hands on help: A child at the new Craighalbert Centre for Children with Motor
      Impairments. The centre in Cumbernauld, Scotland, is the first purpose-built unit
      for children with cerebral palsy.

PMID- 27680353
TI  - Hit-and-run nurse is recovering.
AB  - A nurse who was run over by a hit-and-run driver who stole her car was recovering
      from serious injuries in an Oxford hospital last week.

PMID- 27680354
TI  - MMR vaccine programme suspended.
AB  - Practice nurses and health visitors face a three-week suspension of the MMR
      vaccination programme and will have to reassure parents who may be anxious about
      the delay, the RCN warned last week.

PMID- 27680355
TI  - Survey shows that asthma is stifling children's lifestyles.
AB  - Many children with asthma suffer regular symptoms that restrict their lifestyles,
      an important survey of paediatric asthma patients shows. More than 20,000 young
      people took part in the survey, which was carried out by a medical group, Action
      Asthma.

PMID- 27680356
TI  - Specialist nurses left feeling undervalued.
AB  - Specialist nurses who arrange social and recreational activities for elderly
      people say their skills and contribution are undervalued by health service
      managers.

PMID- 27680358
TI  - Lower age limit for cervical screening.
AB  - The age limit for cervical screening could be lowered to 50 for women who have a
      history of negative smear test results, a new study has shown.

PMID- 27680357
TI  - World news.
AB  - Canada Patients will be put at risk by staff redundancies at hospitals in
      Ontario, a recent nursing conference in Toronto was told.

PMID- 27680359
TI  - Revised thresholds for hypertension treatment.
AB  - Revised thresholds for the pharmcological treatment of hypertension have been
      issued by the British Hypertension Society.

PMID- 27680361
TI  - Pets able to detect epileptic seizures?
AB  - Pet dogs may be able to detect when their owner is about to have an epileptic
      seizure, a new study suggests.

PMID- 27680360
TI  - Warning over effects of maternal alcohol abuse.
AB  - The effects of maternal alcohol abuse persist for many years, researchers have
      warned after following up children whose mothers drank heavily during pregnancy.

PMID- 27680363
TI  - Cholesterol lower in chronic hepatitis B.
AB  - The observed inverse association between blood cholesterol concentration and
      liver disease may be explained by chronic hepatitis B infection.

PMID- 27680362
TI  - Treating RSV in the immunocompromised.
AB  - Tribavirin may be a useful treatment for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in
      people who are immunocompromised.

PMID- 27680364
TI  - Asthma inhalers give unreliable dose.
AB  - Some exacerbations of asthma result from patients continuing to use metered dose
      inhalers beyond the specified number of sprays, American doctors believe.

PMID- 27680365
TI  - Exercise and calcium for teens and twenties.
AB  - Women in their twenties can substantially reduce the risk of developing
      osteoporosis by following the advice usually given to teenagers.

PMID- 27680366
TI  - Enhancing quality of life in bowel disease.
AB  - Nurses could improve the quality of life of patients with inflammatory bowel
      disease by focusing on areas of life where the disease has the greatest impact.

PMID- 27680367
TI  - Footing the bill.
AB  - Five days' study leave over three years may not sound a lot to the dedicated
      practitioner whose instinct is to keep up with professional developments. But to
      acash-strapped government faced with the bill it must seem daunting.

PMID- 27680368
TI  - Can the future turn out bright in the end? this reader's tale shows the bitter
      legacy of redundancy can be beaten by a positive attitude.
AB  - Anne Greenaway's poignant Nurses work campaign article, Life after Redundancy
      (March3), reflected my experiences of the amalgamation of my college of nursing
      and the poor manner in which the resulting redundancies were handled.

PMID- 27680369
TI  - Is my diploma now rendered useless?
AB  - The media is filled with reports of student nurses' poor prospects, and there
      seem to,be more positions available for,unqualified staff willing to take the
      notorious NVQ. If that is not depressing enough I for a hardworking and
      enthusiastic person one month |into the branch programme, I now read chat my
      branch may cease to exist (P2000 mental handicap branch may 'go, News, April 7).

PMID- 27680370
TI  - Care is not free, nor are rights forfeit.
AB  - Joan Lynn's insightful article (Don't tell the patient, March24) examining the
      problems patients encounter with paternalistic healthcare professionals who fail
      to respect their autonomy, carried a statement that may explain why such
      professionals continue to behave in this way.

PMID- 27680371
TI  - Keep up the pressure, back the campaign.
AB  - It will come as no consolation to Lorraine Darbyshire to know that she is but one
      of many UK nursing students facing the likelihood of unemployment after
      registration (Letters, April 7).

PMID- 27680372
TI  - With thanks for a wonderful weekend.
AB  - I have just returned from a trip to Denmark that I won in Nursing Standard's
      September1992 competition.

PMID- 27680374
TI  - Sick, tired and losing patience with bullies.
AB  - I would like to add my story to your series of articles and letters on bullying
      at work.

PMID- 27680373
TI  - Contemplation could be cost-effective.
AB  - I agree with Barry Clifton that many nurses arc so busy meeting deadlines and
      working cost-effectively that they have little time for reflection (Ivory towers
      of strength, Viewpoint, March 17).

PMID- 27680376
TI  - Information exchange.
AB  - I am part of a group currently reviewing the material used to promote the school
      health service in Newcastle.

PMID- 27680375
TI  - Auxiliaries fail to seethe funny side.
AB  - As a community nursing auxiliary I was disappointed to see the cartoon (March 24)
      of a nurse saying to a patient.

PMID- 27680377
TI  - Ethics V Tschudin Scutari 150pp L12.99 1-871-364-79-5.
AB  - Ethics as a subject is sometimes thought of as a professional abstract that has
      no relevance to the real world and belongs in the rather 'stuffy' realm of
      academia.

PMID- 27680380
TI  - Gossip.
AB  - Worried about your future in nursing? Looking for something less stressful?
      Thinking about journalism? Forget it.

PMID- 27680379
TI  - Teaching Students in Clinical Settings J Stengelhofen J Campling Chapman & Hall
      226pp L13.95 0-412-45250-2.
AB  - As purely background reading for the English National Board (ENB998) course,
      'Teaching and Assessing', I found Teaching Students in Clinical Settings both
      enjoyable and informative.

PMID- 27680381
TI  - Judging the winners.
AB  - What a challenge. Nearly 300 readers were sufficiently inspired by the Clinical
      Practice and Management Award series to enter the competition. And because most
      people answered the questions correctly, the judges read all the essays.
      Selecting 12 award winners was daunting, but at the same time, the judges found
      it an encouraging experience. The entrants expressed their enthusiasm to learn,
      to collaborate with managers, to manage others more effectively, and to be
      committed to learning more about this important aspect of health care delivery.
      The series achieved its aim of joining clinical practitioners and managers in a
      collaborative working relationship.

PMID- 27680382
TI  - Clinical Practice And Management Essay Winners.
AB  - The following winners wrote essays on why they would like to attend a residential
      course to further their knowledge in clinical management. Here are some extracts
      from the winning essays.

PMID- 27680383
TI  - Career listings.

PMID- 27680385
TI  - Development of A Teen-Focused Exergame.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Exergames require body movement to play and may be an effective
      method for enhancing teen physical activity (PA). However, results have been
      mixed. Innovative methods are needed to develop Exergames that increase and
      maintain PA. Self-representational avatars, or avatars created from a digital
      image of an individual, may increase PA (e.g., intensity, duration) during
      Exergame play. This article addresses this novel idea by describing the
      development of an Exergame played with a self-representational avatar. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Twelve- to 14-year-olds, stratified by gender, body mass index, and
      PA, were invited to participate in two rounds of data collection. Each round
      consisted of an online survey, followed by a telephone interview to ensure
      comprehension of survey responses. After the first round, an Exergame prototype
      and the system for creating the self-representational avatar were created. A
      second round of data was collected to obtain information with which to create a
      fully functional Exergame and the avatar creation system. RESULTS: Forty-eight
      teens were recruited. The sample was multi-ethnic (41.7% White, 37.5% Black,
      18.8% Hispanic, 2.1% Mixed/Other). Complete data were obtained on 48 teens in the
      first round of data collection and on 43 teens in the second round. Teens
      provided important information regarding preferences and expectations. Gender
      similarities and differences were observed. CONCLUSION: This research contributes
      to the body of knowledge regarding how to design an appealing Exergame for teens
      navigated by a self-representational avatar.

PMID- 27680384
TI  - Differentiated THP-1 Cells Exposed to Pathogenic and Nonpathogenic Borrelia
      Species Demonstrate Minimal Differences in Production of Four Inflammatory
      Cytokines.
AB  - : Tick-borne borreliae include Lyme disease and relapsing fever agents, and they
      are transmitted primarily by ixodid (hard) and argasid (soft) tick vectors,
      respectively. Tick-host interactions during feeding are complex, with host immune
      responses influenced by biological differences in tick feeding and individual
      differences within and between host species. One of the first encounters for
      spirochetes entering vertebrate host skin is with local antigen-presenting cells,
      regardless of whether the tick-associated Borrelia sp. is pathogenic. In this
      study, we performed a basic comparison of cytokine responses in THP-1-derived
      macrophages after exposure to selected borreliae, including a nonpathogen. By
      using THP-1 cells, differentiated to macrophages, we eliminated variations in
      host response and reduced the system to an in vitro model to evaluate the extent
      to which the Borrelia spp. influence cytokine production. Differentiated THP-1
      cells were exposed to four Borrelia spp., Borrelia hermsii (DAH), Borrelia
      burgdorferi (B31), B. burgdorferi (NC-2), or Borrelia lonestari (LS-1), or
      lipopolysaccharides (LPS) (activated) or media (no treatment) controls.
      Intracellular and secreted interferon (IFN)-gamma, interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6,
      and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha were measured using flow cytometric and
      Luminex-based assays, respectively, at 6, 24, and 48 h postexposure time points.
      Using a general linear model ANOVA for each cytokine, treatment (all Borrelia
      spp. and LPS compared to no treatment) had a significant effect on secreted TNF
      alpha only. Time point had a significant effect on intracellular IFN-gamma, TNF
      alpha and IL-6. However, we did not see significant differences in selected
      cytokines among Borrelia spp. TREATMENTS: Thus, in this model, we were unable to
      distinguish pathogenic from nonpathogenic borreliae using the limited array of
      selected cytokines. While unique immune profiles may be detectable in an in vitro
      model and may reveal predictors for pathogenicity in borreliae of unknown
      pathogenicity, a larger panel of cytokines would be desirable to test.

PMID- 27680386
TI  - Spatially inhomogeneous electron state deep in the extreme quantum limit of
      strontium titanate.
AB  - When an electronic system is subjected to a sufficiently strong magnetic field
      that the cyclotron energy is much larger than the Fermi energy, the system enters
      the extreme quantum limit (EQL) and becomes susceptible to a number of
      instabilities. Bringing a three-dimensional electronic system deeply into the EQL
      can be difficult however, since it requires a small Fermi energy, large magnetic
      field, and low disorder. Here we present an experimental study of the EQL in
      lightly-doped single crystals of strontium titanate. Our experiments probe deeply
      into the regime where theory has long predicted an interaction-driven charge
      density wave or Wigner crystal state. A number of interesting features arise in
      the transport in this regime, including a striking re-entrant nonlinearity in the
      current-voltage characteristics. We discuss these features in the context of
      possible correlated electron states, and present an alternative picture based on
      magnetic-field induced puddling of electrons.

PMID- 27680387
TI  - Interplay between cell cycle and autophagy induced by boswellic acid analog.
AB  - In this study, we investigated the role of autophagy induced by boswellic acid
      analog BA145 on cell cycle progression in pancreatic cancer cells. BA145 induced
      robust autophagy in pancreatic cancer cell line PANC-1 and exhibited cell
      proliferation inhibition by inducing cells to undergo G2/M arrest. Inhibition of
      G2/M progression was associated with decreased expression of cyclin A, cyclin B,
      cyclin E, cdc2, cdc25c and CDK-1. Pre-treatment of cells with autophagy
      inhibitors or silencing the expression of key autophagy genes abrogated BA145
      induced G2/M arrest and downregulation of cell cycle regulatory proteins. It was
      further observed that BA145 induced autophagy by targeting mTOR kinase (IC50 1
      MUM), leading to reduced expression of p-mTOR, p-p70S6K (T389), p-4EBP (T37/46)
      and p-S6 (S240/244). Notably, inhibition of mTOR signalling by BA145 was followed
      by attendant activation of AKT and its membrane translocation. Inhibition of Akt
      through pharmacological inhibitors or siRNAs enhanced BA145 mediated autophagy,
      G2/M arrest and reduced expression of G2/M regulators. Further studies revealed
      that BA145 arbitrated inhibition of mTOR led to the activation of Akt through
      IGFR/PI3k/Akt feedback loop. Intervention in IGFR/PI3k/Akt loop further
      depreciated Akt phosphorylation and its membrane translocation that culminates in
      augmented autophagy with concomitant G2/M arrest and cell death.

PMID- 27680388
TI  - Unsupervised Data Mining in nanoscale X-ray Spectro-Microscopic Study of NdFeB
      Magnet.
AB  - Novel developments in X-ray based spectro-microscopic characterization techniques
      have increased the rate of acquisition of spatially resolved spectroscopic data
      by several orders of magnitude over what was possible a few years ago. This
      accelerated data acquisition, with high spatial resolution at nanoscale and
      sensitivity to subtle differences in chemistry and atomic structure, provides a
      unique opportunity to investigate hierarchically complex and structurally
      heterogeneous systems found in functional devices and materials systems. However,
      handling and analyzing the large volume data generated poses significant
      challenges. Here we apply an unsupervised data-mining algorithm known as DBSCAN
      to study a rare-earth element based permanent magnet material, Nd2Fe14B. We are
      able to reduce a large spectro-microscopic dataset of over 300,000 spectra to 3,
      preserving much of the underlying information. Scientists can easily and quickly
      analyze in detail three characteristic spectra. Our approach can rapidly provide
      a concise representation of a large and complex dataset to materials scientists
      and chemists. For example, it shows that the surface of common Nd2Fe14B magnet is
      chemically and structurally very different from the bulk, suggesting a possible
      surface alteration effect possibly due to the corrosion, which could affect the
      material's overall properties.

PMID- 27680389
TI  - Repetitive Thinking in Alcohol-Dependent Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent studies proposed that a tendency to have repetitive negative
      thinking (RNT) could be a predictor of alcohol use. Nevertheless, results differ
      depending on the studied population (nonclinical samples or patients with alcohol
      abuse or alcohol dependence) and on the type of repetitive thinking (rumination
      or worry). These heterogeneous results might be explained by the impact of
      anxiety and depression level on RNT and alcohol consumption. OBJECTIVES: The aim
      of the present study was to explore different type of repetitive thinking (i.e.,
      worry, brooding and reflection rumination, analytic-abstract repetitive thinking,
      and concrete-experiential thinking) in a clinical sample of alcohol-dependent
      patients and a non-clinical sample and the role played by depression and anxiety.
      METHOD: Eighty-four inpatients with a diagnosis of alcohol dependence and 68
      individuals from a nonclinical sample completed questionnaires evaluating
      repetitive thinking, anxiety, depression and alcohol consumption. RESULTS: Mann
      Whitney U tests showed that patients with alcohol dependence reported more
      analytic-abstract repetitive thinking, brooding and reflection rumination and
      worry, as well as anxious and depressive symptoms, compared with social drinkers,
      who reported more concrete-experiential repetitive thinking. Moreover, a multiple
      mediation model indicated that the link between RNT and alcohol consumption was
      significantly mediated by both anxiety and depression. Conclusion/Importance: The
      results support the implication of RNT in alcohol dependence and the distinction
      between different types of repetitive thinking with adaptive or maladaptive
      consequences. This link seems to be explained by the levels of depression and
      anxiety that mediate the impact of RNT on alcohol consumption.

PMID- 27680391
TI  - Phylogeny and biogeography of the remarkable genus Bondarzewia (Basidiomycota,
      Russulales).
AB  - Bondarzewia is a conspicuous and widely distributed mushroom genus, but little is
      known about its origin and biogeography. Here, we investigated the systematics
      and biogeography of Bondarzewia species using multi-locus phylogenetic analysis.
      Four genetic markers, including the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), large
      nuclear ribosomal RNA subunit (nLSU), elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1) and
      mitochondrial small subunit rDNA (mtSSU), were used to infer the phylogenetic
      relationships of Bondarzewia. We performed Bayesian evolutionary analysis on the
      gene datasets of the largest and second largest subunits of RNA polymerase II
      (RPB1 and RPB2). From the results, we inferred that the maximum crown age of
      Bondarzewia is approximately 25.5 million-years-ago (Mya) and that tropical East
      Asia is likely to be its ancestral area, with three possible expansions leading
      to its distribution in North America, Europe and Oceania.

PMID- 27680390
TI  - A randomized controlled trial to assess the central hemodynamic response to
      exercise in patients with transient ischaemic attack and minor stroke.
AB  - Early exercise engagement elicits meaningful changes in peripheral blood pressure
      in patients diagnosed with transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke.
      However, central hemodynamic markers may provide clinicians with important
      diagnostic and prognostic information beyond that provided by peripheral blood
      pressure readings. The purpose of this single-centre, randomized, parallel-group
      clinical trial was to determine the effect of a 12-week aerobic exercise
      intervention on central and peripheral hemodynamic variables in patients with TIA
      or minor stroke. In this study, 47 participants (66+/-10 years) completed a
      baseline assessment, which involved the measurement of central and peripheral
      hemodynamic parameters, undertaken in the morning, in a fasted state.
      Participants were randomized to either a 12-week exercise or control group on
      completion of the baseline assessment. An identical follow-up assessment was
      completed post intervention. Central hemodynamic variables were assessed using an
      oscillometric device at both assessments. Analysis of covariance demonstrated a
      significant interaction for central and peripheral blood pressure and
      augmentation index (all P<0.05; etap2.09-.11), with the exercise group presenting
      lower values than the control group post intervention (118+/-17 vs 132+/-28 mm Hg
      for central blood pressure; 125+/-19 vs 138+/-28 mm Hg for peripheral blood
      pressure; 104+/-49 vs 115+/-67% for augmentation index). The present study
      demonstrates that participation in an exercise program soon after stroke/TIA
      diagnosis may elicit significant beneficial changes to a patient's central
      systolic blood pressure and augmentation index. This may positively impact upon
      the treatment strategies implemented by clinicians in the care of patients with
      TIA and minor stroke.

PMID- 27680392
TI  - A role for Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Beta in T cell development.
AB  - Metabolism plays an important role in T cell biology and changes in metabolism
      drive T cell differentiation and fate. Most research on the role of metabolism in
      T lymphocytes focuses on mature T cells while only few studies have investigated
      the role of metabolism in T cell development. In this study, we report that
      activation or overexpression of the transcription factor Peroxisome Proliferator
      Activated Receptor beta (PPARbeta) increases fatty acid oxidation in T cells.
      Furthermore, using both in vivo and in vitro models, we demonstrate that PPARbeta
      activation/overexpression inhibits thymic T cell development by decreasing
      proliferation of CD4-CD8- double-negative stage 4 (DN4) thymocytes. These results
      support a model where PPARbeta activation/overexpression favours fatty acid-
      instead of glucose-oxidation in developing T cells, thereby hampering the
      proliferative burst normally occurring at the DN4 stage of T cell development. As
      a consequence, the alphabeta T cells that are derived from DN4 thymocytes are
      dramatically decreased in peripheral lymphoid tissues, while the gammadelta T
      cell population remains untouched. This is the first report of a direct role for
      a member of the PPAR family of nuclear receptors in the development of T cells.

PMID- 27680393
TI  - [Causes, diagnosis and differential diagnosis of hyponatremia].
AB  - Hyponatremia is a common electrolyte disorder that arises from disturbances in
      water metabolism. In cases of acute advanced hyponatremia, serious symptoms are
      predominant, while chronic mild hyponatremia causes minor symptoms such as
      slowness, depression or unsteadiness of gait. Any therapy of hyponatremia depends
      on the severity of its symptoms and on its specific etiology and diagnosis.
      Concerning the differential diagnosis of the type of hyponatremia, it is
      initially helpful to distinguish between euvolemic, hypervolemic and hypovolemic
      forms of hyponatremia. In order to distinguish between these 3 types of
      hyponatremia, it is best to assess the spontaneous urinary sodium concentration
      and to consider evidence from the medical history and the physical examination.
      Once the type of hyponatremia has been diagnosed, the next step is to decide
      which of the known etiologies of hyponatremia applies. Diagnostic problems may
      arise in mixed hyponatremia, a condition in which different types and etiologies
      of hyponatremia occur at the same time. In such cases it may be best to determine
      what appears to be the leading diagnosis. Another kind of diagnostic difficulty
      often occurs in simultaneous diuretic use. It may help to distinguish to which
      extracellular volume the types of hyponatremia relate on the basis of the
      fractional excretion of uric acid rather than on the urinary sodium
      concentration.

PMID- 27680394
TI  - [Chronic heart failure - new insights].
AB  - Chronic heart failure is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide with
      increasing prevalence and incidence. Due to high morbidity and mortality a
      standardized and evidence-based therapy is crucial. This review presents new
      pharmacological and interventional developments, as well as new insights due to
      common comorbidities of patients with chronic heart failure like anemia and
      hyperkalemia.

PMID- 27680395
TI  - New York Polyclinic Medical School and Hospital.

PMID- 27680396
TI  - Methane Sources and Migration Mechanisms in Shallow Groundwaters in Parker and
      Hood Counties, Texas-A Heavy Noble Gas Analysis.
AB  - This study places constraints on the source and transport mechanisms of methane
      found in groundwater within the Barnett Shale footprint in Texas using dissolved
      noble gases, with particular emphasis on 84Kr and 132Xe. Dissolved methane
      concentrations are positively correlated with crustal 4He, 21Ne, and 40Ar and
      suggest that noble gases and methane originate from common sedimentary strata,
      likely the Strawn Group. In contrast to most samples, four water wells with the
      highest dissolved methane concentrations unequivocally show strong depletion of
      all atmospheric noble gases (20Ne, 36Ar, 84Kr, 132Xe) with respect to air
      saturated water (ASW). This is consistent with predicted noble gas concentrations
      in a water phase in contact with a gas phase with initial ASW composition at 18 
      degrees C-25  degrees C and it suggests an in situ, highly localized gas source.
      All of these four water wells tap into the Strawn Group and it is likely that
      small gas accumulations known to be present in the shallow subsurface were
      reached. Additionally, lack of correlation of 84Kr/36Ar and 132Xe/36Ar
      fractionation levels along with 4He/20Ne with distance to the nearest gas
      production wells does not support the notion that methane present in these
      groundwaters migrated from nearby production wells either conventional or using
      hydraulic fracturing techniques.

PMID- 27680397
TI  - Validation of international stroke scales for use by nurses in Greek settings.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Improving stroke outcomes by educating nurses in state-of-the-art
      stroke nursing skills is essential, but unfortunately, to date, there are limited
      validated stroke assessment scales for routine clinical and research use in
      Greece. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to validate and culturally adapt
      three internationally recognised stroke scales for use in Greece. METHODS: A
      critical appraisal of the international literature was undertaken to identify
      suitable scales to assess stroke impact: neurological, functional status and
      level of dependence. We identified: Scandinavian Stroke Scale (SSS), Barthel
      Index (BI) and modified Rankin Scale (mRS). They were formally translated and
      culturally adapted from English to Greek. Their validity was tested using
      Cronbach's alpha and Median Discrimination Index, while construct validity was
      checked by Principal Component Analysis (PCA). These were used on 57
      consecutively selected patients with stroke from a Greek hospital, mean age 67.7
      (+/-6.7 SD) years, range 54-85 years, length of stay, 8.5 (+/-2.7 SD) days.
      RESULTS: All three scales show high internal consistency. The Cronbach's alpha on
      admission/ discharge for the SSS ranged from 0.86 to 0.88. The BI's reliability
      ranged from 0.95 to 0.93. The Median Discrimination Index was 0.70 (SSS) and 0.83
      (BI). PCA showed that although a significant general factor (F1) explains most of
      the variance (57.0% on admission and 56.4% on discharge) a second factor (F2) of
      less significance was also highlighted. The convergent validity of the three
      scales was confirmed. DISCUSSION: The stroke tools selected showed high
      reliability and validity, thus making these suitable for use in Greek
      clinical/academic environments. All three scales used are almost routinely
      undertaken in stroke studies internationally and form a backdrop for bio
      statistical, functional and social outcome post-stroke. CONCLUSIONS: The Greek
      version of the stroke tools show that both SSS and BI have high internal
      consistency and reliability and together with the mRS could be used in any Greek
      stroke care delivery setting.

PMID- 27680398
TI  - Cognitive Functions, Concentration of Endogenous Estradiol, Estrogen Receptor
      alpha (ERalpha) Polymorphism in Postmenopausal Women.
AB  - BACKGROUND The goal of this study was to investigate the relationship between
      cognitive functions and the level of endogenous estradiol in postmenopausal
      women, according to which estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) polymorphism the
      woman carries. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study group consisted of 210 women. The
      inclusion criteria were: minimum 2 years after the last menstruation, FSH
      concentration 30 U/ml, and no dementia signs on Montreal Cognitive Assessment
      (MoCA). A computerized battery of Central Nervous System Vital Signs (CNS VS)
      test was used to diagnose cognitive functions. Genotyping of the ERa polymorphism
      was performed using a polymerase chain reaction and restriction enzymes (PCR
      RFLP). Blood plasma was tested for FSH and estradiol (E2). Statistical analysis
      was performed using STATISTICA software. RESULTS A relationship was confirmed
      between standard scores for 3 cognitive functions: general memory, verbal memory,
      and processing speed, and the XbaI polymorphism in the women in the study. In the
      group of women with genotype TT PvuII, significant positive relationships were
      observed between the concentration of E2 and the standard scores of 3 cognitive
      functions: general memory, verbal memory, and processing speed. In the group of
      women with genotype TC PvuII, significant negative correlations were found
      between the concentration of E2 and the standard scores of 4 cognitive functions:
      NCI, general memory, verbal memory, and processing speed. CONCLUSIONS ERalpha
      polymorphism exerted an effect on the interaction between the concentration of
      estradiol and the results for cognitive functions. The concentration of estradiol
      did not depend on Xba1 and PvuII polymorphisms. The results for cognitive
      functions depended on which Xba1 polymorphism the woman carried.

PMID- 27680400
TI  - Use of the Hydantoin Directing Group in Ruthenium(II)-Catalyzed C-H
      Functionalization.
AB  - Ruthenium(II)-catalyzed C-H functionalization of N-arylhydantoins is herein
      described. The biologically relevant hydantoin (imidazolidinedione) heterocycle
      functions as a weakly coordinating directing group in a C-H alkenylation
      reaction. The reaction gave a wide scope of 23 examples with yields up to 94% in
      the green solvent 2-MeTHF. Functionalization of API nilutamide (antiandrogen) is
      also reported. The use of the succinimide heterocycle as a directing group is
      also demonstrated in modest yields.

PMID- 27680399
TI  - Rotational friction of dipolar colloids measured by driven torsional
      oscillations.
AB  - Despite its prominent role in the dynamics of soft materials, rotational friction
      remains a quantity that is difficult to determine for many micron-sized objects.
      Here, we demonstrate how the Stokes coefficient of rotational friction can be
      obtained from the driven torsional oscillations of single particles in a highly
      viscous environment. The idea is that the oscillation amplitude of a dipolar
      particle under combined static and oscillating fields provides a measure for the
      Stokes friction. From numerical studies we derive a semi-empirical analytic
      expression for the amplitude of the oscillation, which cannot be calculated
      analytically from the equation of motion. We additionally demonstrate that this
      expression can be used to experimentally determine the rotational friction
      coefficient of single particles. Here, we record the amplitudes of a field-driven
      dipolar Janus microsphere with optical microscopy. The presented method
      distinguishes itself in its experimental and conceptual simplicity. The magnetic
      torque leaves the local environment unchanged, which contrasts with other
      approaches where, for example, additional mechanical (frictional) or thermal
      contributions have to be regarded.

PMID- 27680401
TI  - Anatomical considerations for the management of a left-sided superior caval vein
      draining to the roof of the left atrium.
AB  - : Aims The pathophysiological entity of a persisting left-sided superior caval
      vein draining into the roof of the left atrium represents an extreme form of
      coronary sinus de-roofing. This is an uncommon, but well-documented condition
      associated with systemic desaturation due to a right-to-left shunt. Depending on
      the size of the coronary ostium, the defect may also present with right-sided
      volume loading. We describe two patients, both of whom presented with
      desaturation, and highlight the important anatomical features underscoring
      management. Methods and Results Both patients were managed interventionally with
      previous assessment of the size of the coronary sinus ostium through cross
      sectional imaging. This revealed a restrictive interatrial communication at the
      right atrial mouth of the coronary sinus in both patients, which permitted an
      interventional approach, as the residual left-to-right shunt subsequent to
      closure of the aberrant vessel would be negligible. At intervention, test
      occlusion of the left superior caval vein allowed assessment of decompressing
      vessels before successful occlusion using an Amplatzer Vascular Plug.
      CONCLUSIONS: Persistence of a left superior caval vein draining to the left
      atrium may be associated with an interatrial communication at the mouth of the
      unroofed coronary sinus. The ostium of the de-roofed coronary sinus can be
      atretic, restrictive, normally sized, or enlarged. Careful assessment of the size
      of this defect is required before treatment. In view of its importance, which has
      received little attention in the literature to date, we suggest an additional
      consideration to the classification of unroofed coronary sinus.

PMID- 27680402
TI  - From leaves to landscape: A multiscale approach to assess fire hazard in wildland
      urban interface areas.
AB  - The overlapping zone between urbanization and wildland vegetation, known as the
      wildland urban interface (WUI), is often at high risk of wildfire. Human
      activities increase the likelihood of wildfires, which can have disastrous
      consequences for property and land use, and can pose a serious threat to lives.
      Fire hazard assessments depend strongly on the spatial scale of analysis. We
      assessed the fire hazard in a WUI area of a Patagonian city by working at three
      scales: landscape, community and species. Fire is a complex phenomenon, so we
      used a large number of variables that correlate a priori with the fire hazard.
      Consequently, we analyzed environmental variables together with fuel load and
      leaf flammability variables and integrated all the information in a fire hazard
      map with four fire hazard categories. The Nothofagus dombeyi forest had the
      highest fire hazard while grasslands had the lowest. Our work highlights the
      vulnerability of the wildland-urban interface to fire in this region and our
      suggested methodology could be applied in other wildland-urban interface areas.
      Particularly in high hazard areas, our work could help in spatial delimitation
      policies, urban planning and development of plans for the protection of human
      lives and assets.

PMID- 27680403
TI  - Quantitative Nanoscale Magnetic Study of Isolated Diameter-Modulated FeCoCu
      Nanowires.
AB  - The comprehension of the magnetic configuration in FeCoCu nanowires with a
      diameter-modulated cylindrical geometry will allow controlling the domain wall
      motion in this low-dimensional system under the application of magnetic fields
      and/or the injection of current pulses. Here we perform a quantitative magnetic
      characterization of isolated diameter-modulated FeCoCu nanowires by combining
      nanoscale magnetic characterization techniques such as electron holography,
      magnetic force microscopy, and micromagnetic simulations. Local reconstructions
      of the magnetic distribution show the diameter-modulated geometry of the wires
      induces the formation of vortex-like structures and magnetic charges in the
      regions where the diameter is varied. Vortex-like structures modify the axial
      alignment of the magnetization in large-diameter segments. Moreover, the magnetic
      charges control the demagnetizing field distribution, promoting a flux-closure
      stray field configuration around large-diameter segments and keeping the
      demagnetizing field parallel to the NW's magnetization around small diameter
      segments. The detailed description of the remanent state in diameter-modulated
      cylindrical FeCoCu nanowires allows us to provide a clear explanation of the
      origin of bright and dark contrast observed in magnetic force microscopy images,
      which have the same feature of magnetic domain walls. This work establishes the
      primary knowledge required for future magnetization reversal studies with the aim
      of searching efficient modulated geometries that allow an optimum and controlled
      domain wall propagation.

PMID- 27680404
TI  - Modification of phage for increased antibacterial effect towards dental biofilm.

PMID- 27680405
TI  - Biomonitoring Human Exposure to Household Air Pollution and Association with Self
      reported Health Symptoms - A Stove Intervention Study in Peru.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Household air pollution (HAP) from indoor biomass stoves contains
      harmful pollutants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and is a
      leading risk factor for global disease burden. We used biomonitoring to assess
      HAP exposure and association with self-reported symptoms in 334 non-smoking
      Peruvian women to evaluate the efficacy of a stove intervention program. METHODS:
      We conducted a cross-sectional study within the framework of a community
      randomized control trial. Using urinary PAH metabolites (OH-PAHs) as the exposure
      biomarkers, we investigated whether the intervention group (n=155, with new
      chimney-equipped stoves) were less exposed to HAP compared to the control group
      (n=179, with mostly open-fire stoves). We also estimated associations between the
      exposure biomarkers, risk factors, and self-reported health symptoms, such as
      recent eye conditions, respiratory conditions, and headache. RESULTS: We observed
      reduced headache and ocular symptoms in the intervention group than the control
      group. Urinary 2-naphthol, a suggested biomarker for inhalation PAH exposure, was
      significantly lower in the intervention group (GM with 95% CI: 13.4 [12.3, 14.6]
      MUg/g creatinine) compared to control group (16.5 [15.0, 18.0] MUg/g creatinine).
      Stove type and/or 2-naphthol was associated with a number of self-reported
      symptoms, such as red eye (adjusted OR with 95% CI: 3.80 [1.32, 10.9]) in the
      past 48h. CONCLUSIONS: Even with the improved stoves, the biomarker
      concentrations in this study far exceeded those of the general populations and
      were higher than a no-observed-genotoxic-effect-level, indicating high exposure
      and a potential for increased cancer risk in the population.

PMID- 27680406
TI  - Disparities in chronic medical conditions in the Mid-South.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study examined differences in socio-demographic characteristics
      and health behaviors relevant to chronic medical conditions (CMCs) in the Mid
      South region (Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, and
      Arkansas), and identified subpopulations with increased burden of chronic
      disease. METHODS: Data were obtained from the 2013 Behavioral Risk Factor
      Surveillance System. The top five most prevalent CMCs in the Mid-South were
      analyzed: asthma, high blood pressure (HBP), obesity, arthritis, and depression.
      Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and confidence intervals (CI) of race-gender
      combinations were estimated using logistic regression. Differences in
      associations between socio-demographic characteristics and CMCs according to
      income were also examined. RESULTS: The weighted prevalence estimates of the top
      five CMCs ranged from 66% (asthma) to 20% (depression). Higher income and
      employment were associated with better outcomes in all five CMCs. Higher
      educational attainment and physical activity were associated with better HBP,
      obesity, and arthritis status. Black and white females had higher odds of asthma
      compared to white males (black AOR = 1.7, CI: 1.1-2.6, white AOR = 1.7, CI: 1.3
      2.2). Black males had lower odds of arthritis (AOR = 0.8, CI: 0.6-0.9), while
      white females had higher odds (AOR = 1.3, CI: 1.2-1.4). Similarly, the odds of
      depression were lower among black males (AOR = 0.5, CI: 0.4-0.6) and higher among
      white females (AOR = 2.2, CI: 2.0-2.5). Income-related differences by race were
      observed for HBP and obesity. CONCLUSION: Disparities in CMCs are associated with
      income and disproportionately affect the black population. In the Mid-South, race
      and gender disparities in the top five chronic conditions are more prominent
      among higher-income rather than lower-income individuals.

PMID- 27680407
TI  - Open-label phase 2 trial of first-line everolimus monotherapy in patients with
      papillary metastatic renal cell carcinoma: RAPTOR final analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Papillary histology accounts for 10-15% of renal cell carcinoma
      (RCC), and treatment options for patients with this subtype are limited. The
      RAPTOR (RAD001 in Advanced Papillary Tumor Program in Europe; ClinicalTrials.gov,
      NCT00688753) study evaluated first-line everolimus in patients with papillary
      metastatic RCC (mRCC). METHODS: This phase 2 trial enrolled previously untreated
      patients with type 1 or type 2 papillary mRCC. Papillary histology was confirmed
      by central review and was performed for every patient. Patients received oral
      everolimus 10 mg once daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
      The primary end-point was progression-free survival (PFS) rate at 6 months among
      the first 44 patients of the per protocol (PP) population. Secondary end-points
      included PFS, tumour response, overall survival (OS), and safety. FINDINGS:
      Analysis sets included safety (N = 92; 100%), intent-to-treat (ITT) (n = 88), and
      PP populations (n = 46). In the safety population, most patients were men (78%)
      and the mean age was 60 years (range 23-84). Papillary histology was confirmed in
      78% of patients (type 1, 32%; type 2, 64%; missing information, 4%). PFS rate at
      6 months was 34% (80% confidence interval [CI] 25-45). In the ITT population,
      median PFS was 4.1 months (95% CI 3.6-5.5), 65% of patients achieved stable
      disease, and median OS was 21.4 months (95% CI 15.4-28.4). Among patients with
      type 1 or type 2 histology, median PFS was 7.9 months (95% CI 2.1-11.0) and 5.1
      months (95% CI 3.3-5.5), respectively, and median OS was 28.0 months (95% CI 7.6
      not estimable) and 24.2 months (95% CI 15.8-32.8), respectively. Common grade >2
      adverse events were asthenia (13%), anaemia (7%), and fatigue (5%).
      INTERPRETATION: Results of this large prospective study in papillary mRCC
      demonstrated that everolimus provides some clinical benefit to this patient
      population and highlight the need for central pathological review of this rare
      tumour.

PMID- 27680408
TI  - Corrigendum to "Immunohistochemical subtypes predict survival in metastatic
      breast cancer receiving high-dose chemotherapy with autologous haematopoietic
      stem cell transplantation" [Eur J Cancer 57 (April 2016) 118-126].

PMID- 27680409
TI  - Simultaneous surface-adsorbed organic matter desorption and cell integrity
      maintenance by moderate prechlorination to enhance Microcystis aeruginosa removal
      in KMnO4Fe(II) process.
AB  - The KMnO4Fe(II) process was proved to have good application potential in
      Microcystis aeruginosa removal, although at relatively high doses. This study
      aims to improve the algae removal in KMnO4Fe(II) process by moderate
      prechlorination, which can realize the desorption of surface-adsorbed organic
      matter (S-AOM) from algae cells without damaging cell integrity. S-AOM was proved
      to not only inhibit algae removal but also maintain cell integrity, using various
      dilution methods for algal suspension preparation. The dilution after filtration
      method mainly removed the dissolved organics in cultured M. aeruginosa, while the
      dilution after centrifugal cleaning method could also remove the S-AOM on algae
      cells. Compared with the S-AOM-removed algal suspension, the lower algae removal
      in KMnO4Fe(II) process and the reduced proportion of damaged cells during
      prechlorination of algal suspension without S-AOM removed indicated the
      inhibitory role of S-AOM in algae removal and the protective function of S-AOM
      toward cell integrity, respectively. Moderate prechlorination of directly diluted
      M. aeruginosa could be realized at chlorine doses of below 0.5 mg/L, and the
      damaged cell ratios were below 4% after 5-min prechlorination. The ability of the
      KMnO4Fe(II) process to remove algae was dramatically enhanced by the elevation of
      chlorine dose from 0 to 0.5 mg/L, as more S-AOM was desorbed during
      prechlorination. Additionally, algae cells were easily captured by flocs after
      moderate prechlorination, which benefited the floc aggregation for formation of
      tightly bounded algae flocs. Therefore, the desorption of S-AOM without damaging
      cell integrity is the key feature of moderate prechlorination, which can be
      applied in improving the algae removal of KMnO4Fe(II) process.

PMID- 27680410
TI  - Radiological Evaluation of Artificial Stone Silicosis Outbreak: Emphasizing
      Findings in Lung Transplant Recipients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the computed tomography (CT)
      findings and correlate pulmonary function tests (PFTs) of silicosis patients with
      emphasis on the findings in lung transplantation (LTX) recipients. METHODS: We
      studied the chest CT scans from 82 marble workers exposed to artificial stone
      dust and who had a diagnosis of silicosis, of whom 13 patients underwent LTX.
      Silicosis-associated findings were graded and correlated to concomitant PFT.
      RESULTS: A statistically significant inverse relationship was found between chest
      CT scores and PFT including forced expired volume in the first second (r = -0.54,
      P < 0.0001), total lung capacity (r = -0.4, P < 0.0001), and diffusion capacity
      for carbon monoxide single breath % (r = -0.6, P < 0.0001) parameters.
      Progressive massive fibrosis indicating advanced and complicated silicosis was
      found in 85% of LTX patients, as compared with 40% in patients with maintained
      pulmonary function. Ground-glass opacities were seen in some LTX patients with or
      without signs of progressive massive fibrosis. Two of these patients had
      silicoproteinosis diagnosed within the resected lung, indicating an acute or
      accelerated form of silicosis. CONCLUSIONS: This silicosis current outbreak is
      important because of the worldwide use of this and similar high-silica-content,
      artificial stone products, which can cause progressive severe forms of silicosis.
      Along with standard clinical assessment and PFT, CT parameters are indicative
      measures of the disease severity.

PMID- 27680411
TI  - Evaluation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Tumor Response After Transcatheter
      Arterial Chemoembolization Using Gadobenate Dimeglumine-Enhanced Liver Magnetic
      Resonance.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Use of gadobenate dimeglumine-enhanced liver magnetic resonance (MR)
      for evaluation of hepatocellular carcinoma tumor response after transcatheter
      arterial chemoembolization (TACE). METHODS: Forty-five patients with
      hepatocellular carcinoma were imaged with multiphase gadobenate dimeglumine
      enhanced MR examination at baseline and 1-month follow-up after TACE. Nodule
      size, enhancement, and apparent diffusion coefficient were measured for both
      examinations by 2 reviewers. Changes in tumor nodule size, enhancement, and
      apparent diffusion coefficient were evaluated using the Student t test. RESULTS:
      Nineteen of 45 patients completed the study, and a total of 34 hepatocellular
      carcinoma nodules were analyzed. On the posttreatment follow up, there was no
      significant change in nodule size. Target lesions demonstrated significant
      decrease in tumor enhancement after TACE (P < 0.001). Intense contrast
      accumulation along the periphery of the presumed necrotic tumor on the delayed
      hepatobiliary phase helped to differentiate viable from non-viable tumor.
      CONCLUSION: Gadobenate dimeglumine-enhanced liver MR may help differentiate
      between viable and necrotic tumor after TACE.

PMID- 27680412
TI  - Multidetector Computed Tomography Evaluation of Mesenteric Venous Thrombosis
      Following Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to review multidetector computed
      tomography (CT) imaging findings of mesenteric venous thrombosis occurring
      following bariatric surgery. To our knowledge, this complication has not been
      described in the radiologic literature. METHODS: Multidetector CT examinations of
      6 patients known to have developed mesenteric venous thrombosis after
      laparoscopic bariatric surgery were reviewed. The thrombus was characterized, and
      associated imaging findings including presence of mesenteric edema, small bowel
      edema, and thrombotic complications were described. RESULTS: Four patients
      underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy approximately 12 days before CT
      diagnosis of mesenteric thrombosis and 2 patients had a laparoscopic Roux-en-Y
      gastric bypass approximately 11 years before imaging diagnosis of mesenteric
      thrombosis.The thrombus occupied the entire length of the superior mesenteric
      vein in all cases. Extension into jejunal branches was present in 4 cases. The
      thrombus was completely occlusive in 4 of 6 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Mesenteric
      venous thrombosis is an increasingly recognized complication of laparoscopic
      bariatric surgery. Awareness demands that postbariatric surgery patients with
      acute abdominal pain be studied with intravenous contrast material.

PMID- 27680413
TI  - Does Acromion Morphology Depend on the Extremity or on Gender in the Population?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aims were to study the acromion parameters in the population and
      to assess the extremity or sex variation in the acromion morphology. METHODS: The
      lateral acromion angle (LAA) and the acromion index (AI) were assessed in a
      computed tomographic scan database of 250 individuals in the age group of 20 to
      49 years. For the analysis of LAA and AI, 286 and 234 shoulders were available,
      respectively. RESULTS: The LAA was 73.6 +/- 6.6 degrees; 73.7 +/- 6.9 and 72.5 +/
      6.1 degrees for the right and left shoulder, respectively. The AI was 0.755 +/-
      0.12; 0.82 +/- 0.12 and 0.69 +/- 0.12 for the left and the right shoulder,
      respectively. The AI of the right shoulder was significantly different between
      the 2 sexes (P = 0.04). The difference in the AI and the LAA of the right and
      left shoulders was significant (P < 0.0001, P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The
      morphology of the acromion differs between the right and the left shoulders as
      well as between sexes.

PMID- 27680414
TI  - Computation of Calcium Score With Dual-Energy Computed Tomography: A Phantom
      Study.
AB  - Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) improves material and tissue
      characterization compared with single-energy CT; we sought to validate coronary
      calcium quantification in advancing cardiovascular DECT. In an anthropomorphic
      phantom, agreement between measurements was excellent, and Bland-Altman analysis
      demonstrated minimal bias. Compared with the known calcium mass for each phantom,
      calcium mass by DECT was highly accurate. Noncontrast DECT yields accurate
      calcium measures and warrants consideration in cardiac protocols for additional
      tissue characterizations.

PMID- 27680415
TI  - Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features of Intramedullary Schwannomas.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify the magnetic resonance imaging features of intramedullary
      spinal schwannomas. METHODS: Clinical and magnetic resonance imaging findings of
      8 patients with pathologically confirmed intramedullary schwannomas were
      reviewed. RESULTS: There were 6 male and 2 female patients (mean age, 49 years).
      Tumors were located in the cervical cord (2), the thoracic cord (5), and the
      cervicothoracic cord (1). Most were in the dorsolateral spinal cord and limited
      to one side. Expansion of the cord was observed. The majority were hypointense on
      T1-weighted images and hypo-hyperintense on T2-weighted images. Peritumoral edema
      was easily found. Gadolinium enhancement was obviously. No recurrence was seen
      during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: A tumor located in the dorsolateral
      spinal cord, causing expansion of the cord, with hypointense areas on T2-weighted
      and obviously enhancement, should arise suspicion of an intramedullary
      schwannoma.

PMID- 27680416
TI  - Acute Symptomatic Hyponatremia After Computed Tomography Renal Protocol.
AB  - Computed tomography (CT) is a widely used imaging modality. Although hyponatremia
      after CT imaging is rare, its effects can be devastating. Hyperosmolar
      radiocontrast acts as effective osmoles and causes fluid migration from
      intracellular into extracellular compartment. Dilutional hyponatremia will ensue
      if translocation of fluid is in excess of diuresis. This case report detailed an
      unusual case of acute symptomatic hyponatremia after CT renal protocol and the
      treatments given after its recognition.

PMID- 27680417
TI  - Computed Tomography Study of the Feet of Mummy of Ramesses III: New Insights on
      the Harem Conspiracy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: A previous study of the computed tomography (CT) of the neck of
      mummified Ramesses III (1190-1070 BC) suggested that an assailant slit the
      Pharaoh's throat with a knife in the plot known as Harem conspiracy. We
      hypothesized the presence of other injuries in the Pharaoh's body as a result of
      this fatal attack. METHODS: We analyzed CT images of mummified Ramesses III and
      reported any finding suggestive of trauma in correlation with archeologic
      literature. RESULTS: Computed tomographic images show partially amputated left
      big toe. The bony edges are sharp without signs of attempted healing. The ancient
      embalmers replaced the missing toe with a linen-made prosthesis and placed 6
      metallic amulets (eye of Horus) at the feet region. CONCLUSIONS: The Pharaoh's
      left big toe was likely chopped perimortem by an assailant using a heavy sharp
      instrument as an ax. This additional injury supports the plot and gives more
      information about the death scene.

PMID- 27680418
TI  - Contrast-Enhanced High-Pitch Computed Tomography in Pediatric Patients Without
      Electrocardiography Triggering and Sedation: Comparison of Cardiac Image Quality
      With Conventional Multidetector Computed Tomography.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare image quality of anatomical
      cardiac details without electrocardiography triggering, sedation, or heart rate
      regulating drugs in contrast-enhanced pediatric chest computed tomography (CT),
      using high-pitch CT (HPCT) versus conventional pitch-mode technique
      (multidetector CT [MDCT]). METHODS: After written informed consent, 55 patients
      (median age, 11 years; range, 3-17 years) were prospectively included in this
      institutional review board-approved study. Patients underwent clinically
      indicated, contrast-enhanced MDCT or HPCT of the chest.Image quality was assessed
      evaluating morphological criteria on a 3-point scale (from 1, high, to 3, low
      detail) and summed up in a global score (from 4, best, to 12, poor image
      quality). Artifacts were analyzed correspondingly (from 3, low, to 9, severe
      artifacts). Effective dose and size-specific dose estimate were calculated for
      all scans. RESULTS: Cardiac image quality was higher in HPCT than in MDCT (7.1
      [1.6] vs 8.8 [1.9], P < 0.001). Nevertheless, HPCT showed limitations in image
      quality, especially concerning the heart valves (2.5 [0.6] and 1.7 [0.5]) and
      coronary arteries (1.8 [0.6). Artifact score (3.4 [0.6 vs 5.1 [0.9, P < 0.001),
      effective dose (1.6 [1.3] vs 2.3 [1.6] mSv, P = 0.047), and size-specific dose
      estimate (2.5 [1.7] vs 4.1 [2.3] mGy, P = 0.002) were lower in HPCT compared with
      those in MDCT. CONCLUSIONS: In pediatric patients, contrast-enhanced HPCT of the
      chest provides high image quality without electrocardiography triggering or
      sedation, although image quality is somewhat limited for a detailed depiction of
      cardiac anatomy.

PMID- 27680419
TI  - Noise Power Characteristics of a Micro-Computed Tomography System.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the noise power properties of
      a micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) system under different operating
      conditions. METHODS: A commercial micro-CT was used in the study that used a flat
      panel detector with a 127-MUm-pixel pitch and a micro-focus x-ray tube. Conical
      tubes of various diameters were used under different acquisition conditions.
      Multidimensional noise power spectrums were used as a metric to investigate the
      noise properties of the system. Noise power spectrum was calculated from the
      difference data generated by subtraction of 2 identical scans. The noise
      properties with respect to various parameters that include the impact of number
      of projections, x-ray spectra, milliampere-second, slice location, object
      diameter, voxel size, geometric magnification (M), back-projection filters, and
      reconstruction magnification (Mrecon) were studied. RESULTS: At a same isocentric
      exposure rate of 270 mR/s, the noise power was much lower for the image
      reconstructed with 3672 views (122 seconds) as compared with the 511 views (17
      seconds), whereas at a fixed isocentric exposure of 4600 mR, the noise power
      levels were almost similar. Image noise with a 50-kV beam was higher as compared
      with the 90-kV beam at a same isocentric exposure. Image noise from a 16-mm
      diameter conical tube was much lower as compared with the 28- and 56-mm tubes
      under identical isocentric exposures. The choice of back-projection filter
      influences noise power spectrum curves in terms of width and amplitudes.
      Reconstruction magnification applied during the reconstruction process increased
      the noise power at lower spatial frequencies but reduced the noise power at
      higher spatial frequencies. It can be established that, for small details
      corresponding to high spatial frequencies, reconstruction magnification can
      provide an improved signal-to-noise ratio. At all spatial frequencies, the in
      plane images had lower noise power levels as compared with the z-plane images.
      CONCLUSIONS: The noise power properties investigated in this study provide
      important image quality references for refined cone beam system development,
      optimization, and operations.

PMID- 27680420
TI  - Effect of Coronary Artery Calcification Score by Lifestyle and Correlation With
      Coronary Artery Stenosis by Multidetector Computed Tomography.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study examined the effect of coronary artery calcification score
      by lifestyle and correlation with coronary artery stenosis in persons who
      underwent coronary artery computed tomography (CT) angiography among health
      examinees for heart diseases in Korea. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The study included
      506 subjects (256 men and 250 women) who underwent coronary artery CT angiography
      among health examines for heart diseases at the Incheon Branch of the Korea
      Association of Health Promotion between January 2, 2014, and December 31, 2014.
      The demographical variables of the subjects were determined by frequency
      analysis, and the difference by sex was compared and analyzed using chi
      independence test. Independent 2-sample t test was performed to determine any
      difference in main factors by coronary artery calcification. RESULTS: According
      to the results, 175 (34.6%) had calcification, men showed statistically higher
      scores than women, and calcification seemed higher in those who were older,
      taller, heavier, and thicker in waist. Regarding blood pressure, calcification
      was shown if contraction phase and relaxation blood pressure was higher, blood
      sugar before meal was higher, and neutral fat was higher. By lifestyle,
      calcification seemed to be higher in those with more alcohol drinking per week,
      long past smoking years, and higher smoking amount per day in the past and
      present. In addition, coronary artery stenosis rate showed statistical
      correlation with calcification from the left anterior descending artery, right
      coronary artery, left circumflex artery, and left main coronary artery in
      sequence. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, coronary artery calcification score CT is
      deemed to be a suitable method for the estimation of coronary artery stenosis
      with short examination time, low radiation exposure, and noninvasive method.

PMID- 27680422
TI  - Feasibility and benefits of computerized cognitive exercise to adults with
      chronic moderate-to-severe cognitive impairments following an acquired brain
      injury: A pilot study.
AB  - PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this pilot study was to explore feasibility and
      effects of participation in a computerized cognitive fitness exercise program by
      a group of adults with chronic moderate-to-severe cognitive impairments following
      an acquired brain injury (ABI). RESEARCH DESIGN: This study used a mixed methods
      design with a convenience sample of individuals forming two groups (+/-
      exercise). METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Following neurocognitive and satisfaction with
      life pre-testing of 14 participants, seven were enrolled in a 5-month, 5-days a
      week computerized cognitive exercise program. Post-testing of all participants
      and semi-structured interviews of exercise group participants were completed.
      MAIN OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: It was feasible for adults with chronic moderate-to
      severe cognitive impairments post-ABI to participate in a computerized cognitive
      exercise program with ongoing external cues to initiate exercise sessions and/or
      to complete them as needed. Significant exercise group improvements were made on
      memory and verbal fluency post-tests and life satisfaction. The majority of
      exercise group participants reported some degree of positive impact on cognitive
      abilities and some on everyday functioning from program participation.
      CONCLUSIONS: Adults with chronic moderate-to-severe cognitive impairments
      following an ABI may benefit from participation in computerized cognitive
      exercise programs. Further study is warranted.

PMID- 27680421
TI  - Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Characteristics of Peripheral
      Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor: A Retrospective Analysis of 16 Cases.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze the radiological features of
      peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor (pPNET). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The
      radiological and clinical findings for 16 patients with pPNETs were
      retrospectively reviewed. The 16 tumors were classified into 4 groups (meninges
      group, n = 4; spine group, n = 3; bone group, n = 5; soft-tissue group, n = 4),
      and clinical data, size, and common and unique CT/MRI characteristics were
      assessed. RESULTS: Peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumors presented as large
      solid masses with aggressive extension into the neighboring tissue. Most tumors
      (11/16) presented with necrosis, and 5 of the 16 cases showed signs of
      hemorrhage. The "dural tail sign" was observed in the meninges and spine groups.
      The pPNETs of bone demonstrated bony destruction with spiculated periosteal
      reaction, and small nourishing vessels were found in tumors in the soft-tissue
      group. CONCLUSIONS: Peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor should be
      suggested as an important differential diagnosis when the tumor presents as a
      large, ill-defined solid mass with aggressive extension and significant
      enhancement.

PMID- 27680424
TI  - Twitter and Cardiovascular Disease: Useful Chirps or Noisy Chatter?

PMID- 27680423
TI  - Micellar dipolar rearrangement is sensitive to hydrophobic chain length:
      Implication for structural switchover of piroxicam.
AB  - The interfacial properties of the membrane are exceptionally vital in drug
      membrane interaction. They not only select out a particular prototropic form of
      the drug molecule for incorporation, but are also potent enough to induce
      structural switchover of these drugs in several cases. In this work, we
      quantitatively monitored the change in dipolar rearrangement of the micellar
      interface (as a simplified membrane mimic) by measuring the dielectric constant
      and dipole potential with the micellization of SDS at pH 3.6. The dielectric
      constant and dipole potential were measured utilizing the fluorescence of
      polarity sensitive probe, pyrene and potential-sensitive probe, di-8-ANEPPS,
      respectively. Our study demonstrates that the change in dipolar rearrangement
      directly influences the switchover equilibrium between the anionic and neutral
      from of piroxicam. We have further extended our work to evaluate the effect of
      hydrophobic chain length of the surfactants on the dipolar rearrangement and its
      effect on the structural switchover of piroxicam. It is interesting that the
      extent of switchover of piroxicam is directly correlated with the dipolar
      rearrangement induced bythe varying hydrophobic chain length of the surfactants.
      To the best of our knowledge, our results constitute the first report to show the
      dependence of dipole potential on the hydrophobic chain length of the surfactant
      and demonstrate that the dipolar rearrangement directly tunes the extent of
      structural switchover of piroxicam, which was so far only intuitive. We consider
      that this new finding would have promising implication in drug distribution and
      drug efficacy.

PMID- 27680426
TI  - Perceived Exertion Is Lower When Using a Functional Electrical Stimulation
      Neuroprosthesis Compared With an Ankle-Foot Orthosis in Persons With Multiple
      Sclerosis: A Preliminary Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the direct comparison of energy cost,
      efficiency, and effort between an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) and a functional
      electrical stimulation (FES) device for foot drop in ambulatory patients with
      multiple sclerosis. DESIGN: Twenty adults (32-74 years old; 55% female) with a
      diagnosis of multiple sclerosis resulting in foot drop participated in a
      crossover, counterbalanced preliminary study. Each participant was tested on
      different days, with each session consisting of a separate walk trial per
      prosthetic device. Heart rate, oxygen consumption, speed, distance, and self
      reported exertion were measured independently for each device walk trial.
      Repeated-measures analysis of variance with device and visit number as within
      participants independent variables were run for the primary outcome variables of
      perceived exertion, energy, and metabolic efficiency. RESULTS: A significant main
      effect of device was found for perceived exertion (P = 0.01), with participants
      reporting decreased exertion levels (Borg Scale) when using the FES compared with
      the AFO (mean difference, 1.63; 95% confidence interval, 0.49-2.76). Energy and
      efficiency did not significantly differ by device. CONCLUSION: Results suggest
      that further investigation of the potential advantages of FES devices over
      traditional AFO is warranted. TO CLAIM CME CREDITS: Complete the self-assessment
      activity and evaluation online at http://www.physiatry.org/JournalCME CME
      OBJECTIVES: Upon completion of this article, the reader should be able to: (1)
      describe the potential differences between an AFO and FES for the treatment of
      foot drop in patients with multiple sclerosis, (2) understand the mechanisms and
      prevalence of foot drop in patients with multiple sclerosis, and (3) recognize
      the potential benefit of improved perceived exertion found when using FES for the
      treatment of foot drop in patients with multiple sclerosis. LEVEL: Advanced
      ACCREDITATION: The Association of Academic Physiatrists is accredited by the
      Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing
      medical education for physicians.The Association of Academic Physiatrists
      designates this activity for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM.
      Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their
      participation in the activity.

PMID- 27680425
TI  - Evaluating the costs and benefits of pneumococcal vaccination in adults.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pneumococcal infection is a public health concern that
      disproportionately affects the young, the elderly, and the immunocompromised.
      There is an open debate on the implementation of polysaccharide and/or conjugate
      vaccines for pneumococcal diseases in adults and the elderly in many countries.
      The aim of this paper is to systematically review the economic profile of
      pneumococcal vaccines in adults in terms of costs and benefits. Areas covered:
      The search for economic studies on pneumococcal vaccination was carried out in
      Pubmed, Embase, Scopus, and the HTA and NHS EED databases and through a manual
      search in journals dealing with economic evaluations. We included original
      articles and reviews with economic evaluation of polysaccharide 23-valent (PPV23)
      and/or conjugate pneumococcal vaccine 13-valent (PCV13) use in adults, the
      elderly, and at-risk groups to provide a systematic review of economical
      evaluation. Expert commentary: Pneumococcal vaccination is strongly recommended
      for all adults, especially subjects at risk and the elderly. Pneumococcal
      vaccination with PCV13 or PPV23 in adults is good value for money and should be a
      priority for the decision-makers. The main issue is how vaccination could be
      offered.

PMID- 27680427
TI  - Kilohertz and Low-Frequency Electrical Stimulation With the Same Pulse Duration
      Have Similar Efficiency for Inducing Isometric Knee Extension Torque and
      Discomfort.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To test the hypotheses that, as compared with pulsed current with the
      same pulse duration, kilohertz frequency alternating current would not differ in
      terms of evoked-torque production and perceived discomfort, and as a result, it
      would show the same current efficiency. DESIGN: A repeated-measures design with 4
      stimuli presented in random order was used to test 25 women: (1) 500-microsecond
      pulse duration, (2) 250-microsecond pulse duration, (3) 500-microsecond pulse
      duration and low carrier frequency (1 kHz), (4) 250-microsecond pulse duration
      and high carrier frequency (4 kHz). Isometric peak torque of quadriceps muscle
      was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer. Discomfort was measured using a
      visual analog scale. RESULTS: Currents with long pulse durations induced
      approximately 21% higher evoked torque than short pulse durations. In addition,
      currents with 500 microseconds delivered greater amounts of charge than
      stimulation patterns using 250-microsecond pulse durations (P < 0.05). All
      currents presented similar discomfort. There was no difference on stimulation
      efficiency with the same pulse duration. CONCLUSIONS: Both kilohertz frequency
      alternating current and pulsed current, with the same pulse duration, have
      similar efficiency for inducing isometric knee extension torque and discomfort.
      However, neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) with longer pulse duration
      induces higher NMES-evoked torque, regardless of the carrier frequency. Pulse
      duration is an important variable that should receive more attention for an
      optimal application of NMES in clinical settings.

PMID- 27680428
TI  - Risk assessment of titanium dioxide nanoparticles via oral exposure, including
      toxicokinetic considerations.
AB  - Titanium dioxide white pigment consists of particles of various sizes, from which
      a fraction is in the nano range (<100 nm). It is applied in food as additive E
      171 as well as in other products, such as food supplements and toothpaste. Here,
      we assessed whether a human health risk can be expected from oral ingestion of
      these titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs), based on currently available
      information. Human health risks were assessed using two different approaches:
      Approach 1, based on intake, i.e. external doses, and Approach 2, based on
      internal organ concentrations using a kinetic model in order to account for
      accumulation over time (the preferred approach). Results showed that with
      Approach 1, a human health risk is not expected for effects in liver and spleen,
      but a human health risk cannot be excluded for effects on the ovaries. When based
      on organ concentrations by including the toxicokinetics of TiO2 NPs (Approach 2),
      a potential risk for liver, ovaries and testes is found. This difference between
      the two approaches shows the importance of including toxicokinetic information.
      The currently estimated risk can be influenced by factors such as absorption,
      form of TiO2, particle fraction, particle size and physico-chemical properties in
      relation to toxicity, among others. Analysis of actual particle concentrations in
      human organs, as well as organ concentrations and effects in liver and the
      reproductive system after chronic exposure to well-characterized TiO2 (NPs) in
      animals are recommended to refine this assessment.

PMID- 27680432
TI  - Cycle of service cuts.
AB  - Strikes, rallies, low morale, bed closures, cuts and longer waiting lists - all
      of the ingredients of the 1987 winter of discontent that led to the government's
      review of the provision of health care in the National Health Service.

PMID- 27680429
TI  - Association Between Continued Cannabis Use and Risk of Relapse in First-Episode
      Psychosis: A Quasi-Experimental Investigation Within an Observational Study.
AB  - Importance: Cannabis use after first-episode psychosis is associated with poor
      outcomes, but the causal nature of this association is unclear. Objective: To
      examine the precise nature of the association between continued cannabis use
      after the onset of psychosis and risk of relapse of psychosis. Design, Setting,
      and Participants: This prospective cohort study followed up for at least 2 years
      after the onset of psychosis 220 patients who presented to psychiatric services
      in South London, England, from April 12, 2002, to July 26, 2013, with first
      episode psychosis. Longitudinal modeling (fixed-effects analysis, cross-lagged
      path analysis) was used to examine whether the association between changes in
      cannabis use and risk of relapse over time is the result of shared vulnerability
      between psychosis and cannabis use, psychosis increasing the risk of cannabis use
      (reverse causation), or a causal effect of cannabis use on psychosis relapse.
      Interventions: Exposure to cannabis within the first and second years after onset
      of psychosis. Main Outcomes and Measures: The main outcome measure was relapse of
      psychosis, defined as subsequent hospitalization for psychosis. Effect of
      cannabis use status in the first year (Ct1) and second year (Ct2) and pattern of
      cannabis use continuation in the first year and second year were modeled for risk
      of relapse in the first year (Rt1) and risk of relapse in the second year (Rt2)
      after psychosis onset. Results: A total of 220 patients with first-episode
      psychosis were included in the analysis (mean [SD] age, 28.62 [8.58] years; age
      range, 18-65 years; 90 women [40.9%] and 130 men [59.1%]). Fixed-effects models
      that adjusted for time-variant (other illicit drug use, antipsychotic medication
      adherence) and time-invariant (eg, genetic or premorbid environment) unobserved
      confounders revealed that there was an increase in the odds of experiencing a
      relapse of psychosis during periods of cannabis use relative to periods of no use
      (odds ratio, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.03-1.24). Change in the pattern of continuation
      significantly increased the risk (odds ratio, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.02-1.13),
      suggesting a dose-dependent association. Cross-lagged analysis confirmed that
      this association reflected an effect of cannabis use on subsequent risk of
      relapse (Ct1->Rt2: beta = 0.44, P = .04) rather than an effect of relapse on
      subsequent cannabis use (Rt1->Ct2: beta = -0.29, P = .59). Conclusions and
      Relevance: These results reveal a dose-dependent association between change in
      cannabis use and relapse of psychosis that is unlikely to be a result of self
      medication or genetic and environmental confounding.

PMID- 27680433
TI  - Unions denounce 'attack' on elderly.
AB  - Unions fear up to 1,500 nursing posts in Scotland could be hit by government
      plans to cut staffing on elderly care wards.

PMID- 27680430
TI  - Recto-Urinary Fistula (RUF) treated by Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEM)
      Review of the literature and surgical technique.
AB  - AIM: Recto-Urinary Fistula (RUF) is a rare complication of pelvic surgery.
      Different approaches are reported in literature but a gold standard treatment has
      not yet been achieved. Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEM) is a miniinvasive
      approach with well known advantages as magnification, 3D view and lighting of the
      operative field. Aim of the present review is to report the current evidence in
      literature about technique and results of RUF treatment by TEM and to suggest
      some key points for its correct management. MATERIALS OF STUDY: After a medline
      in Pubmed and Scopus databases, seven papers were eligible for the present study.
      Data were reviewed on the basis of the cases reported, patient's characteristics,
      surgical techniques and results. RESULTS: Eighteen cases have been reported in
      the literature from 1996 to 2005. The healing success rate was 77.8%. Fecal and
      urinary diversion were performed before TEM-assisted procedure in the 83% and 94%
      of cases, respectively. Recurrence was observed in four patients (22%).
      DISCUSSION: A gold standard treatment of RUF should ensure the complete removal
      of scar tissue around the fistula, in order to perform a tension free suture on
      healthy margins with adequate vascularization. Preoperative stoma improves the
      healing of the fistula, reducing local inflammation and infections. CONCLUSIONS:
      There is not common view of this topic in literature and clarify which could be
      the best treatment is a key condition due to high failure rate of the surgical
      proposed techniques. Recurrences treatment has a lower cure rate if compared to
      primary lesions, nevertheless more studies are required to confirm this data. KEY
      WORDS: Recto-Urinary Fistula (RUF), Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEM),
      Transanal approach.

PMID- 27680435
TI  - Project 2000 nurse wins landmark appeal.
AB  - Project 2000-trained nurses will not be denied financial assistance from local
      education authorities following a landmark appeal by a Newcastle nurse.

PMID- 27680436
TI  - Services increased after cancer tragedy.
AB  - Support services for nurses working at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in
      Birmingham have been stepped up following the release of a report which says 42
      patients were wrongly treated for cancer.

PMID- 27680434
TI  - London crisis could spread to rest of UK.
AB  - The postponement of nonurgent operations at London hospitals signals the start of
      a 'domino effect' which could plunge hospitals around the country into financial
      crises and cause nursing cutbacks, unions have warned.

PMID- 27680437
TI  - Authorship guidelines agreed.
AB  - Guidelines on authorship and dealing with fraudulent publication have been agreed
      by the International Academy of Nursing Editors at its annual meeting held
      recently in Alberta, Canada.

PMID- 27680438
TI  - ?
AB  - Health and safety: Health Minister Dr Brian Mawhinney meets five year-old Adis
      Avdic, one of the Bosnian children evacuated from Sarajevo as part of 'Operation
      Irma', and his mother. Amelia, at Stoke Mandeville Hospital.

PMID- 27680439
TI  - 'Home alone' cases growing.
AB  - Cutbacks in day nursery provision and the increasing cost of private day care for
      children are contributing to the growing number of 'home alone' cases, the Health
      Visitors' Association claimed last week.

PMID- 27680441
TI  - Nursing Standard on the increase.
AB  - Nursing Standard's first audited readership figures show an average circulation
      of 54,449 per issue for the first six months of the year.

PMID- 27680440
TI  - 'Training needed' in family planning.
AB  - Too few practice nurses have had formal training in giving advice on family
      planning and sexual health and those who have are sometimes under-used, according
      to the Family Planning Association.

PMID- 27680443
TI  - Misusers 'slipping through the net'.
AB  - Alcohol and drug misusers who cannot find residential care are slipping through
      the net of community-based services, says a new survey.

PMID- 27680444
TI  - Redundancy threats for nursing posts in SW Hampshire.
AB  - Nurses at a Hampshire hospital face redundancy, the RCN said last week, after
      Southampton and SW Hampshire HA withdrew its contract.

PMID- 27680445
TI  - Female managers criticised.
AB  - Female managers in the NHS have been criticised for their management techniques
      by the men working for them, a regional health authority survey has revealed. But
      the women surveyed saw their female bosses as democrats who put people before
      tasks.

PMID- 27680446
TI  - ?
AB  - Yoga teachers join their guru - BKS Iyengar of Poona, India - In the headstand
      position at Britain's first Iyengar Yoga Convention at Crystal Palace sports
      centre. They are among 1000 people from 30 countries who attended the conference,
      organised to promote the physical and mental benefits of yoga. 'BKS' has been
      teaching yoga for 58 years and his fans include Felicity Kendal, Yehudi Menuhin
      and Frank Bruno.

PMID- 27680447
TI  - Child mental illness 'going undetected'.
AB  - General practioners are failing to identify thousands of children who are
      suffering from mental illness and learning disabilities, the Mental Health
      Foundation has warned.

PMID- 27680449
TI  - Call for comments on complaints.
AB  - The committee looking at the handling of complaints about the NHS has appealed
      for comments from individuals and organisations.

PMID- 27680450
TI  - ?
AB  - Old technology: A mechanical steel and ivory chainsaw, was sold for ,423,100 to
      Thackray Medical Museum in Leeds at a recent Christie's auction of medical
      instruments. Originally intended for use in amputation, few examples of the
      chainsaw were ever distributed because it was found to go too far too fast'.

PMID- 27680451
TI  - No choice for nurses.
AB  - A CP fundholder who has transferred his community nursing contracts to a
      different trust wants the community nurses who work with him to he included in
      the deal. The practice of David Colin-Thome in Runcorn has asked for the
      community nurses to join the Premier Health Trust based in Staffordshire.

PMID- 27680453
TI  - ?
AB  - France One in 10 children tested in Paris have unacceptably high levels of lead
      in their blood, a study by health authorities reveals.

PMID- 27680452
TI  - Nursing homes taking in expatriates from Spain.
AB  - Nursing homes in Britain are taking in elderly people who retired to Spain and
      are now in need of long-term medical care, according to Age Concern.

PMID- 27680454
TI  - World news.
AB  - United States Registered nurses will be a key component of hospital survival in
      the reformed health care environment because of their contribution to the quality
      of patient care and the containment of hospital costs, according to the American
      Nurses Association.

PMID- 27680456
TI  - Midwives' jobs shortage fears.
AB  - An international shortage of jobs for newly qualified midwives has prompted Welsh
      midwives to speak out about their plight.

PMID- 27680457
TI  - Anglo-French clash over schizophrenia treatment.
AB  - French and British psychiatrists have differing views on what schizophrenia is
      and how it should be treated.

PMID- 27680459
TI  - Study of '90s children reveals shift in practices.
AB  - A massive data bank on the health and development of children born in the
      Nineties is already showing intriguing findings since being launched.

PMID- 27680460
TI  - Nurses should take a lead in alcohol education.
AB  - Nurses can play a vital role in preventing alcohol misuse, according to Alcohol
      Concern which says there must be a major boost in public education programmes if
      the government's Health of the Nation targets are to be met.

PMID- 27680461
TI  - Natural peptide to help fight the flab?
AB  - A naturally occurring peptide might help people lose weight, researchers from
      Lund and Baton Rouge believe.

PMID- 27680462
TI  - Hospital referrals not changed by GP contract.
AB  - Despite a sharp increase in minor surgery by GPs there has been no compensatory
      decrease in hospital referrals, new research suggests.

PMID- 27680463
TI  - Space gives clues to heart attack deaths.
AB  - The reason why some people the soon after their first heart attack might be
      explained by research from the American space programme.

PMID- 27680464
TI  - Rapid diagnosis of central line sepsis.
AB  - The number of central venous lines removed for suspected sepsis could be reduced
      by using a rapid test to detect infection. Researchers from Leeds evaluated three
      rapid tests to distinguish between infected and non-infected lines by comparing
      them with quantitative bacteriology. Subjects were 51 children, ranging from
      premature infants to those aged two years. All central venous lines were
      dedicated to parenteral nutrition.

PMID- 27680465
TI  - Banding better than injecting varices.
AB  - Banding ligation of oesophageal varices results in faster eradication in fewer
      endoscopy sessions when compared with injection sclerotherapy.

PMID- 27680466
TI  - Don't be so passive.
AB  - Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) is campaigning for polite people who suffer
      passive smoking in silence to speak out. The ASH campaign, Breathing Space, will
      encourage non-smokers to use their influence as consumers, customers and
      employees to demand the right to breathe smoke-free air.

PMID- 27680467
TI  - Chairs on the move.
AB  - Upping sticks and taking off for far flung places is usually the prerogative of
      the young, who then return and 'settle down' to domesticity. Sue and Paul
      Armitage have bucked the trend, are selling up and heading for Australia.

PMID- 27680469
TI  - Nurses make being mentally ill a crime.
AB  - My own experience of mental health problems made me very interested to read
      Geraldine Sweeney-McCabe's letter exploring the reasons why healthcare
      professionals fail to seek help when in such difficulties (What stops people
      seeking help?, August 4).

PMID- 27680470
TI  - Nursing gets sucked up an ivory tower.
AB  - Trevor Clay's interview with Professor Jane Robinson (Viewpoint, August 18)
      raised some interesting points on the future of nursing.

PMID- 27680468
TI  - Don't catch cold from Tory warmth.
AB  - Nursing must contain more optimists than any other profession.

PMID- 27680471
TI  - EN-Dangered nurses face extinction.
AB  - I feel most upset over the way that enrolled nurses are being treated at present.

PMID- 27680473
TI  - Enrolled nurses have more up top.
AB  - If, amid all the current debate about the de-skilling and conversion of enrolled
      nurses, you asked the majority of charge nurses to identify the most important
      member of the working team, they would tell you that it is the EN. Why?

PMID- 27680472
TI  - Little differences cause me to blush.
AB  - Now that we have a new UK Central Council, there is a new opportunity to examine
      the position of the enrolled nurse.

PMID- 27680474
TI  - No promotion gained from time in loo.
AB  - Your clinical article, Elderly toileting: is two-hourly too often? (Clinical,
      August 11), was disturbing in that the author described incontinence rates of 60
      per cent as 'continence promotion'. I view daytime incontinence rates of 60 per
      cent as a serious problem.

PMID- 27680475
TI  - Information exchange.
AB  - * I would be grateful to hear from anyone using massage or any other body work
      therapy in their work, as I am in the process of compiling a resource centre on
      massage in nursing.

PMID- 27680476
TI  - Sluice talk.

PMID- 27680477
TI  - Catch Me a Nightingale Catch Me a Nightingale J Ash Robert Hale Ltd 202pp L12.95
      0-7090-4604-9 [Formula: see text].
AB  - Catch Me a Nightingale is a nostalgic biographical account of Joan Ash's 40-year
      career in nursing. The story starts in 1939 with the author's discovery, while on
      a church outing to the seaside, that she wants to be a nurse.

PMID- 27680478
TI  - Children of Alcoholics D Stafford Children of Alcoholics Piatkus 204pp L8.99 0
      7499-1140-9.
AB  - Alcoholic parents cause a tremendous amount of problems for their children.

PMID- 27680479
TI  - Margaret Newman: Health as Expanding Consciousness Margaret Newman: Health as
      Expanding Consciousness J Marchione SAGE Publications 52pp L6.95 0-8039-4796-8.
AB  - In SAGE's series of monographs on nursing models, Joanne Marchione does an
      excellent definitive work on Newman's model, Health as Expanding Consciousness.
      To appreciate this book fully, you need to be aware of Newman's texts published
      in 1978 and 1986. You can easily do a library search, as the work carries an
      extensive bibliography.

PMID- 27680480
TI  - The mail snip.
AB  - Anybody who needs to keep mailing lists of any sort is faced with the question of
      how to organise all those names and addresses.

PMID- 27680481
TI  - Immunofluorescence Labeling of a Mutant of Tissue Non-Specific Alkaline
      Phosphatase Lacking the Glysosylphosphatidylinositol Anchor.

PMID- 27680482
TI  - Objective Spectrometric Measurement of Keloid Color in the East Asian Population:
      Pitfalls of Subjective Color Measurements.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Keloids are characterized by the formation of excessive scar tissue
      that extends beyond the area of the initial wound. Keloid redness is due to
      angiogenesis and chronic inflammation and is an important indicator of the
      severity of the lesion and the effectiveness of treatment. METHODS: The color of
      33 untreated keloids from 30 patients was measured with a narrow-band reflectance
      colorimeter. The erythema and melanin levels in the keloids (Ek and Mk,
      respectively) were recorded with control data obtained from the flexor aspect of
      the forearm (Ec and Mc, respectively). The keloid color was also evaluated
      subjectively. RESULTS: The Ek or Mk values did not vary significantly according
      to symptom intensity, scar region, patient age, and patient sex. Younger patients
      (<40 years) and female patients had significantly higher Ek/Ec ratios than did
      older patients and male patients, respectively. Subjective keloid redness
      evaluations distinguished keloids with high Ek/Ec ratios from keloids with low
      Ek/Ec ratios (P<0.0001) but could not distinguish keloids with high Ek from
      keloids with low Ek. CONCLUSIONS: Subjective evaluations of keloids in Japanese
      subjects reflected Ek/Ec ratios, which were strongly affected by variation in
      background skin color. The subjective assessment of the color of keloids or other
      skin disorders should be performed with caution in Asian populations.

PMID- 27680483
TI  - Utility of Measurement of Serum Lactate in Diagnosis of Coagulopathy Associated
      with Peripheral Circulatory Insufficiency: Retrospective Evaluation Using
      Thromboelastometry from a Single Center in Japan.
AB  - Recently, serum lactate level rather than systolic blood pressure (sBP) has been
      widely used to diagnose peripheral circulatory insufficiency, which often leads
      to coagulopathy with systemic inflammation. However, most of the reported
      disorders were examined by plasma samples. The aim of this study was to evaluate
      the utility of serum lactate for detecting coagulopathy with circulatory failure
      by using thromboelastometry as well as standard coagulation test. 192 adult
      patients transported to our hospital between January 2013 and September 2014 were
      enrolled in this retrospective study. The sBP, serum lactate and
      thromboelastometry (ROTEM((r))) were measured in these patients in the emergency
      department. All patients were divided into three groups based on serum lactate
      levels: (1) the severe group (>=4 mmol/L, n=41); (2) the mild group (<4 mmol/L
      and >=2 mmol/L, n=59); and (3) the normal group (<2 mmol/L, n=92). Patients in
      the severe group were of a significantly younger age but had lower pH and poor
      outcome. SBP was significantly lower and heart rates were higher in the severe
      group than in the other groups. Prolonged PT-INR and APTT were statistically
      confirmed in the severe group. ROTEM findings in the severe group revealed
      significantly lower alpha angle, shortened Lysis Onset Time and significantly
      more cases exhibited hyperfibrinolysis. The same analysis with the cut-off level
      of sBP at 90 mmHg showed no significant difference in ROTEM findings between the
      two groups. Abnormal serum lactate levels (>=4.0 mmol/L) properly reflected
      peripheral circulatory insufficiency and were more closely associated with
      coagulopathy such as hyperfibrinolysis and hypocoagulability than sBP. 

PMID- 27680484
TI  - Evaluation of Postoperative Pain Control and Quality of Recovery in Patients
      Using Intravenous Patient-Controlled Analgesia with Fentanyl: A Prospective
      Randomized Study.
AB  - AIM: Opioids are increasingly used to control postoperative pain via intravenous
      patient-controlled analgesia, with several advantages. The present study
      evaluated the effects of intravenous patient-controlled analgesia with different
      doses of fentanyl on postoperative pain and on the quality of physical/emotional
      recovery from surgery and anesthesia. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data
      from 288 patients, and evaluated whether intravenous patient-controlled analgesia
      with fentanyl correlated with the degree of postoperative pain. We then
      prospectively studied 47 patients who underwent elective laparoscopic
      cholecystectomy. The patients were randomized into 2 groups (15 or 30 MUg/mL of
      fentanyl), and postoperative pain control was compared using a visual analog
      scale score. Furthermore, the Japanese 40-item quality of recovery (QoR-40J)
      score (global and dimensional) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)
      were used to assess the quality of recovery from surgery and anesthesia. RESULTS:
      Of 288 patients, 20% complained of intolerable pain and 18% experienced
      postoperative nausea and vomiting. In the prospective study, the visual analog
      scale pain score was lower in the Fentanyl 30 group than in the Fentanyl 15 group
      (p<0.05) on postoperative day 1. Dimensional QoR-40J pain subscales correlated
      with both the emotional state subscales (postoperative day 1, p<0.05; day 2,
      p<0.05) and global QoR-40 scores on both postoperative days (day 1, p<0.05; day
      2, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The postoperative pain as well as the physical and
      emotional quality of recovery in the patients who underwent laparoscopic
      cholecystectomy could be alleviated by sufficient doses of opioids.

PMID- 27680485
TI  - Vigabatrin Therapy for Infantile Spasms in a Case of Cardiofaciocutaneous
      Syndrome with Cardiac Hypertrophy Developing during Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
      Treatment.
AB  - In a patient with cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome complicated by intractable
      infantile spasms (West syndrome), cardiac hypertrophy developed during
      adrenocorticotropic hormone treatment. Various types of antiepileptic drugs,
      intravenous immunoglobulin, thyrotropin releasing hormone, and a ketogenic diet
      were ineffective in this case. However, vigabatrin both decreased clinical
      seizures and improved electroencephalogram findings. Although vigabatrin has not
      been approved for use in Japan, the results in the present case suggest that this
      drug should be considered as an alternative therapy for cases of infantile spasms
      associated with syndromes involving cardiomyopathy or its potential risk factors,
      such as cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome. 

PMID- 27680486
TI  - Cecal Volvulus Following Elective Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Case Report.
AB  - Cecal volvulus is characterized by torsion of the cecum around its own mesentery.
      However, cecal volvulus rarely develops soon after elective laparoscopic
      cholecystectomy. We report on a case of cecal volvulus that developed in a 54
      year-old women 1 day after elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy and was
      successfully treated via colonoscopic decompression. The symptoms gradually
      improved in conjunction with recovery from postoperative ileus. Whether the
      incidence of volvulus has increased with the use of laparoscopic procedures,
      including laparoscopic cholecystectomy, has yet to be determined. Considering the
      current trend toward minimally invasive surgery, cecal volvulus should be
      considered in patients who have postoperative abdominal pain and distention. 

PMID- 27680487
TI  - Extranodal Natural Killer/T-Cell Lymphoma, Nasal Type, with Primary Manifestation
      as an Upper Eyelid Swelling.
AB  - Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (ENK/TCL) is most often in the nose or
      the nasopharynx but can present elsewhere. We report a rare case of ENK/TCL that
      presented as swelling of an upper eyelid without ocular involvement. A 76-year
      old man visited our hospital with a swollen lesion of the left upper eyelid which
      had appeared 2 months earlier. A biopsy of the upper eyelid revealed slight
      perivascular and periadnexal infiltration of mononuclear cells with dermal edema.
      Treatment with oral prednisolone at a dosage of 20 mg/day decreased the eyelid
      swelling. However, 5 months later, exacerbation of the swelling and nasal
      congestion were observed. A second biopsy of the upper eyelid revealed a diffuse
      dermal infiltrate composed of mononuclear cells with an angiocentic growth
      pattern. Immunohistochemical studies and in situ hybridization showed natural
      killer-lineage antigens (CD56, granzyme B, and T-cell intracellular antigen 1)
      with expression of Epstein-Barr virus. These findings lead to the diagnosis of
      ENK/TCL. We treated the patient with radiation therapy (50 Gy) and 3 courses of a
      regimen including dexamethasone, carboplatin, etoposide, and ifosphamide. This
      case suggests that ENK/TCL can present with swelling of an upper eyelid as the
      primary sign of the skin lesion. Swelling of an upper eyelid should be considered
      in the differential diagnosis of ENK/TCL. 

PMID- 27680488
TI  - Strategies for Pre-Emptive Mid-Air Collision Avoidance in Budgerigars.
AB  - We have investigated how birds avoid mid-air collisions during head-on
      encounters. Trajectories of birds flying towards each other in a tunnel were
      recorded using high speed video cameras. Analysis and modelling of the data
      suggest two simple strategies for collision avoidance: (a) each bird veers to its
      right and (b) each bird changes its altitude relative to the other bird according
      to a preset preference. Both strategies suggest simple rules by which collisions
      can be avoided in head-on encounters by two agents, be they animals or machines.
      The findings are potentially applicable to the design of guidance algorithms for
      automated collision avoidance on aircraft.

PMID- 27680489
TI  - Trade-Offs in Male Display Activity with Lek Size.
AB  - In lek mating systems, males aggregate and defend arenas where they display for
      females; females select and mate with a male and then solely raise their
      offspring. Generally, female visits and copulations increase and reproductive
      variance in male mating success declines with lek size. Here we investigate how
      male display effort changes across a gradient in lek size. We expect male display
      effort, an energetically expensive activity, will increase with lek size and male
      rank due to changes in breeding opportunities and competition among males. We
      test the interaction of male rank and lek size on display effort using the white
      bearded manakin, Manacus manacus (Aves: Pipridae), a well-studied species with a
      wide geographic distribution in the new world tropics. We used mini-video
      recorders to simultaneously capture female visits and display behaviors of 41
      males distributed over 10 leks. We found that overall display effort increased
      disproportionately with lek size due to males of both high and low ranks
      increasing their display effort at larger leks. Our results suggest that
      increased breeding opportunities and intrasexual competition at larger leks
      result in males of different ranks investing similarly in increased display
      effort in order to attract females.

PMID- 27680490
TI  - A Simple, Non-Invasive Score to Predict Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation.
AB  - Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (pAF) is a major risk factor for stroke but
      remains often unobserved. To predict the presence of pAF, we developed model
      scores based on echocardiographic and other clinical parameters from routine
      cardiac assessment. The scores can be easily implemented to clinical practice and
      might improve the early detection of pAF. In total, 47 echocardiographic and
      other clinical parameters were collected from 1000 patients with sinus rhythm
      (SR; n = 728), pAF (n = 161) and cAF (n = 111). We developed logistic models for
      classifying between pAF and SR that were reduced to the most predictive
      parameters. To facilitate clinical implementation, linear scores were derived. To
      study the pathophysiological progression to cAF, we analogously developed models
      for cAF prediction. For classification between pAF and SR, amongst 12 selected
      model parameters, the most predictive variables were tissue Doppler imaging
      velocity during atrial contraction (TDI, A'), left atrial diameter, age and
      aortic root diameter. Models for classifying between pAF and SR or between cAF
      and SR showed areas under the ROC curves of 0.80 or 0.93, which resembles
      classifiers with high discriminative power. The novel risk scores were suitable
      to predict the presence of pAF based on variables readily available from routine
      cardiac assessment. Modelling helped to quantitatively characterize the
      pathophysiologic transition from SR via pAF to cAF. Applying the scores may
      improve the early detection of pAF and might be used as decision aid for
      initiating preventive interventions to reduce AF-associated complications.

PMID- 27680491
TI  - Heterosexism, Depression, and Campus Engagement Among LGBTQ College Students:
      Intersectional Differences and Opportunities for Healing.
AB  - LGBTQ people experience health disparities related to multilevel processes of
      sexual and gender marginalization, and intersections with racism can compound
      these challenges for LGBTQ people of color. Although community engagement may be
      protective for mental health broadly and for LGBTQ communities in buffering
      against heterosexism, little research has been conducted on the racialized
      dynamics of these processes among LGBTQ communities. This study analyzes cross
      sectional survey data collected among a diverse sample of LGBTQ college students
      (n = 460), which was split by racial status. Linear regression models were used
      to test main effects of interpersonal heterosexism and engagement with campus
      organizations on depression, as well as moderating effects of campus engagement.
      For White LGBTQ students, engaging in student leadership appears to weaken the
      heterosexism-depression link-specifically, the experience of interpersonal
      microaggressions. For LGBTQ students of color, engaging in LGBTQ-specific spaces
      can strengthen the association between sexual orientation victimization and
      depression.

PMID- 27680492
TI  - Simulated microgravity enhances oligodendrocyte mitochondrial function and lipid
      metabolism.
AB  - The primary energy sources of mammalian cells are proteins, fats, and sugars that
      are processed by well-known biochemical mechanisms that have been discovered and
      studied in 1G (terrestrial gravity). Here we sought to determine how simulated
      microgravity (sim-uG) impacts both energy and lipid metabolism in
      oligodendrocytes (OLs), the myelin-forming cells in the central nervous system.
      We report increased mitochondrial respiration and increased glycolysis 24 hr
      after exposure to sim-uG. Moreover, examination of the secretome after 3 days'
      exposure of OLs to sim-uG increased the Krebs cycle (Krebs and Weitzman, ) flux
      in sim-uG. The secretome study also revealed a significant increase in the
      synthesis of fatty acids and complex lipids such as 1,2-dipalmitoyl-GPC (5.67);
      lysolipids like 1-oleoyl-GPE (4.48) were also increased by microgravity. Although
      longer-chain lipids were not observed in this study, it is possible that at
      longer time points OLs would have continued moving forward toward the synthesis
      of lipids that constitute myelin. For centuries, basic developmental biology
      research has been the pillar of an array of discoveries that have led to clinical
      applications; we believe that studies using microgravity will open new avenues to
      our understanding of the brain in health and disease-in particular, to the
      discovery of new molecules and mechanisms impossible to unveil while in 1G. (c)
      2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27680493
TI  - Aromatic thiol-mediated cleavage of N-O bonds enables chemical ubiquitylation of
      folded proteins.
AB  - Access to protein substrates homogenously modified by ubiquitin (Ub) is critical
      for biophysical and biochemical investigations aimed at deconvoluting the myriad
      biological roles for Ub. Current chemical strategies for protein ubiquitylation,
      however, employ temporary ligation auxiliaries that are removed under harsh
      denaturing conditions and have limited applicability. We report an unprecedented
      aromatic thiol-mediated N-O bond cleavage and its application towards native
      chemical ubiquitylation with the ligation auxiliary 2-aminooxyethanethiol. Our
      interrogation of the reaction mechanism suggests a disulfide radical anion as the
      active species capable of cleaving the N-O bond. The successful semisynthesis of
      full-length histone H2B modified by the small ubiquitin-like modifier-3 (SUMO-3)
      protein further demonstrates the generalizability and compatibility of our
      strategy with folded proteins.

PMID- 27680494
TI  - Gaming for Safer Sex: Young German and Turkish People Report No Specific Culture
      Related Preferences Toward Educational Games Promoting Safer Sex.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Comprehensive sex education programs specifically designed for
      adolescents and young adults that take into account gender norms and cultural
      background have shown promise as a means of countering the high sexually
      transmitted infection rate in young people. Recently, digital gaming
      interventions delivered on computers or mobile devices have emerged as another
      way to promote safer sex behavior in a young population. Tailoring these computer
      based interventions to their target population has been recognized to increase
      positive behavior outcomes. In this qualitative study, we investigated whether
      young female and male adults from two different cultural backgrounds (all living
      in Germany) would have different preferences and needs in relation to an
      educational game promoting safer sex. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted four
      semistructured focus group interviews comprising open-ended questions with male
      and female participants who had either a German or a Turkish background. In
      total, 20 individuals, aged between 18 and 22 years, from two socially diverse
      and ethnically mixed vocational schools in Germany participated. RESULTS:
      Independent of cultural background and gender, participants preferred a real
      world design with a first-person visual perspective over a fantasy-like third
      person perspective. Furthermore, they preferred highly customizable avatars. All
      participants mentioned the importance of including an alcohol-intoxicated avatar
      and most participants wanted there to be additional information available about
      various safer sex approaches and about the use of different barrier protection
      methods. Males and females reported similar preferences for the design of an
      educational game promoting safer sex, with the only difference being exactly how
      the topic of having sexual intercourse should be addressed in the game. Males
      preferred a direct approach, whereas females had a preference for treating this
      subject more sympathetically. CONCLUSION: Educational games offer anonymity and
      can provide young people across different cultural backgrounds with gender
      tailored opportunities to experiment with specific safer sex precautions in a
      nonthreatening virtual environment, free from unwanted parental control and peer
      monitoring.

PMID- 27680496
TI  - Deficiency of histidine decarboxylase attenuates peripheral nerve fibre
      elongation into the epidermis in surfactant-treated mouse skin.

PMID- 27680495
TI  - Imprinting and flexibility in human face cognition.
AB  - Faces are an important cue to multiple physiological and psychological traits.
      Human preferences for exaggerated sex typicality (masculinity or femininity) in
      faces depend on multiple factors and show high inter-subject variability. To gain
      a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying facial femininity preferences
      in men, we tested the interactive effect of family structure (birth order,
      sibling sex-ratio and number of siblings) and parenthood status on these
      preferences. Based on a group of 1304 heterosexual men, we have found that
      preference for feminine faces was not only influenced by sibling age and sex, but
      also that fatherhood modulated this preference. Men with sisters had a weaker
      preference for femininity than men with brothers, highlighting a possible effect
      of a negative imprinting-like mechanism. What is more, fatherhood increased
      strongly the preference for facial femininity. Finally, for fathers with younger
      sisters only, the more the age difference increased between them, the more
      femininity preference increased. Overall our findings bring new insight into how
      early-acquired experience at the individual level may determine face preference
      in adulthood, and what is more, how these preferences are flexible and
      potentially dependent on parenthood status in adult men.

PMID- 27680497
TI  - Impact of co-pretreatment of calcium hydroxide and steam explosion on anaerobic
      digestion efficiency with corn stover.
AB  - Anaerobic digestion (AD) is an effective way to utilize the abundant resource of
      corn stover (CS). In this light, Ca(OH)2 pretreatment alone, steam explosion (SE)
      pretreatment alone, and co-pretreatment of Ca(OH)2 and SE were applied to improve
      the digestion efficiency of CS. Results showed that AD of co-pretreated CS with
      1.0% Ca(OH)2 and SE at 1.5 MPa achieved the highest cumulative methane yield of
      [Formula: see text], which was 61.54% significantly higher (p < .01) than
      untreated CS. The biodegradability value of CS after co-pretreatment enhanced
      from 43.03% to 69.52%. Methane yield could be well fitted by the first-order
      model and the modified Gompertz model. In addition, composition and structural
      changes of CS after pretreatment were analyzed by a fiber analyzer, scanning
      electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray
      diffraction. The validated results indicated that co-pretreatment of Ca(OH)2 and
      SE was efficient to improve the digestion performance of CS and might be a
      suitable method for agricultural waste pretreatment in the future AD industry.

PMID- 27680498
TI  - Observation on the ultrastructure morphology of HeLa cells treated with ethanol:
      Statistical analysis.
AB  - It is estimated that 5.9% of all human deaths are attributable to alcohol
      consumption and that the harmful use of ethanol ranks among the top five risk
      factors for causing disease, disability, and death worldwide. Ethanol is known to
      disrupt phospholipid packing and promote membrane hemifusion at lipid bilayers.
      With the exception of mitochondria involved in hormone synthesis, the sterol
      content of mitochondrial membranes is low. As membranes that are low in
      cholesterol have increased membrane fluidity and are the most easily disordered
      by ethanol, we hypothesize that mitochondria are sensitive targets for ethanol
      damage. HeLa cells were exposed to 50 mM ethanol and the direct effects of
      ethanol on cellular ultrastructure were examined utilizing transmission electron
      microscopy. Our ultramicroscopic analysis revealed that cells exposed to ethanol
      harbor fewer incidence of apoptotic morphology; however, significant alterations
      to mitochondria and to nuclei occurred. We observed statistical increases in the
      amount of irregular cells and cells with multiple nuclei, nuclei harboring
      indentations, and nuclei with multiple nucleolus-like bodies. Indeed, our
      analysis revealed that mitochondrial damage is the most extensive type of
      cellular damage. Rupturing of cristae was the most prominent damage followed by
      mitochondrial swelling. Ethanol exposure also resulted in increased amounts of
      mitochondrial rupturing, organelles with linked membranes, and mitochondria
      localizing to indentations of nuclear membranes. We theorize that these
      alterations could contribute to cellular defects in oxidative phosphorylation
      and, by extension, the inability to generate regular levels of cellular adenosine
      triphosphate.

PMID- 27680499
TI  - A paradox for air pollution controlling in China revealed by "APEC Blue" and
      "Parade Blue".
AB  - A series of strict emission control measures were implemented in Beijing and
      surrounding regions to ensure good air quality during the 2014 Asia-Pacific
      Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit and 2015 Grand Military Parade (Parade), which
      led to blue sky days during these two events commonly referred to as "APEC Blue"
      and "Parade Blue". Here we calculated Multi-Axis Differential Optical Absorption
      Spectroscopy (MAX-DOAS) and Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) NO2 and HCHO
      results based on well known DOAS trace gas fitting algorithm and WRF-Chem model
      (with measured climatology parameter and newest emission inventor) simulated
      trace gases profiles. We found the NO2 columns abruptly decreased both Parade
      (43%) and APEC (21%) compared with the periods before these two events. The back
      trajectory cluster analysis and the potential source contribution function (PSCF)
      proved regional transport from southern peripheral cities plays a key role in
      pollutants observed at Beijing. The diminishing transport contribution from
      southern air mass during Parade manifests the real effect of emission control
      measures on NO2 pollution. Based on the ratios of HCHO over NO2 we found there
      were not only limited the NO2 pollutant but also suppress the O3 contaminant
      during Parade, while O3 increased during the APEC.

PMID- 27680500
TI  - 'The greatest feeling you get, knowing you have made a big difference': survey
      findings on the motivation and experiences of trained volunteer doulas in
      England.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Support from a doula is known to have physical and emotional benefits
      for mothers, but there is little evidence about the experiences of volunteer
      doulas. This research aimed to understand the motivation and experiences of
      volunteer doulas who have been trained to support women during pregnancy, birth
      and the postnatal period. METHODS: A postal questionnaire survey was sent to
      volunteer doulas at five volunteer doula projects working in low-income areas in
      England. Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed in parallel using
      summary statistics and content analysis respectively. RESULTS: Eighty-nine
      volunteer doulas (response rate 34.5 %) from diverse backgrounds responded to the
      survey. Major motivators for volunteering included a desire to help others and,
      to a lesser extent, factors related to future employment. Most reported that the
      training was effective preparation for their role. They continued volunteering
      because they derived satisfaction from the doula role, and valued its social
      aspects. Their confidence, skills, employability and social connectedness had all
      increased, but many found the ending of the doula-mother relationship
      challenging. For a minority, negative aspects of their experience included time
      waiting to be allocated women to support and dissatisfaction with the way the
      doula service was run. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Most respondents found the
      experience rewarding. To maintain doulas' motivation as volunteers, services
      should: ensure doulas can start supporting women as soon as possible after
      completing the training; consider the merits of more flexible endings to the
      support relationship; offer opportunities for ongoing mutual support with other
      doulas, and ensure active support from service staff for volunteers.

PMID- 27680501
TI  - Targeted disruption of the mouse protein phosphatase ppm1l gene leads to
      structural abnormalities in the brain.
AB  - PPM1L, a member of the metal-dependent protein phosphatase (PPM) family, is
      involved in regulating the stress-activated protein kinase pathway and ceramide
      trafficking. However, the physiological function of PPM1L in the brain is
      unclear. In this study, we generated and analyzed ppm1l-deficient mice in order
      to investigate PPM1L functions in the brain. Our results indicate that ppm1l is
      highly expressed in the central nervous system during mouse development and that
      ppm1lDelta/Delta mice display impaired motor performance and morphological
      abnormalities in the forebrain. Electron microscopic and immunohistochemical
      analyses suggest that these abnormalities are due to impaired axonal tract
      formation. Our novel findings suggest an important role for PPM1L in brain
      development.

PMID- 27680503
TI  - Endpoints in strategies to reduce polypharmacy.

PMID- 27680504
TI  - Development of an opto-electronic fiber device with multiple nano-probes.
AB  - We present the fabrication and characterization of an opto-electronic fiber
      device which can allow for both electromechanical functionality and optical
      waveguiding capability. The air holes of a photonic crystal fiber are selectively
      sealed and then pumped with molten metal under pressure. The metal filled holes
      act as electrodes to which individual carbon nanotubes (CNT) are attached
      precisely by a laser-welding technique or a focused ion beam assisted pick-and
      bond technique. The optical modal profile and the group velocity dispersion of
      the fabricated device are studied both numerically and experimentally. We also
      present preliminary experimental proof showing the feasibility of electric
      actuation of a pair of nanotubes by applying up to 40 V potential difference
      between the filled electrodes. Furthermore, numerical simulations are carried out
      which agree with the experimentally observed displacement of the CNT upon
      electric actuation. The unique aspect of our device is that it provides optical
      waveguiding and electromechanical nano-probing capability in a single package.
      Such combined functionality can potentially enable simultaneous electrical and
      optical manipulation and interrogation at the nanoscale.

PMID- 27680502
TI  - Life-history studies by non-lethal sampling: using microchemical constituents of
      fin rays as chronological recorders.
AB  - Chemical properties of fin rays were investigated in nine fish species to test
      whether life-history characteristics can be analysed using a non-lethal and
      minimally invasive methodology. Fish specimens from public aquariums were
      acquired after fishes died in captivity. Analyses concentrated on exploring the
      differences between the wild and captive life periods of each fish, which were
      known from aquarium records. Differences between the two life periods were
      observed in both the trace-element and stable-isotope compositions of the
      chemical matrix of the fin ray. Trace-element concentrations in fin rays were
      compared with those in otoliths using measures of resolved variance and cross
      correlation to test the assumption of conserved matrices in the fin ray. Divalent
      ions and positively charged transition metals (i.e. Fe and Co) had strong
      associations between the two structures, suggesting conservation of material.
      Stable-isotope values of delta13 C and delta15 N differed between the wild and
      captive life periods in most of the fishes, also suggesting conserved matrices.
      delta13 C and delta15 N were derived from the organic matrix within the fin ray,
      which may present a stable-isotope chronology. Future studies can use these
      chronologies to study diet and movement trends on a temporal scale consistent
      with the entire lifetime of an individual.

PMID- 27680506
TI  - Influence of cerebral white matter hyperintensities on cognitive impairment in
      elderly medical patients.
AB  - AIM: We investigated the characteristics of elderly medical patients with white
      matter hyperintensities on magnetic resonance imaging. METHODS: A total of 213
      patients (123 men and 90 women; mean age 74.8 years) reported their history of
      hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, previous stroke, coronary heart disease and
      chronic kidney disease (CKD). All patients completed the Mini-Mental State
      Examination and Geriatric Depression Scale. White matter hyperintensities were
      evaluated for the periventricular region, basal ganglia (BGH), deep white matter
      and infratentorial region, and brain atrophy was calculated as bicaudate ratios.
      RESULTS: Patients with cognitive impairment (Mini-Mental State Examination score
      < 24) were significantly older (P = 0.001), had periventricular region
      hyperintensities (P = 0.029) and BGH (P = 0.0015), and showed atrophy (P <
      0.0001). Logistic regression showed that cognitive impairment was predicted by
      stroke (OR 2.5, 95% CI 0.033-0.894, P = 0.036) and atrophy (OR 8.43, 95% CI 5.71
      37.0, P = 0.0109). Multiple regressions showed that BGH was associated with CKD
      (beta = 0.213; P = 0.003), and infratentorial region was associated with stroke
      (beta = 0.157; P =0.035) and CKD (beta = 0.172; P = 0.016). Periventricular
      region was associated with age (beta = 0.2; P = 0.011) and Geriatric Depression
      Scale (beta = 0.151; P = 0.037), and deep white matter hyperintensities with age
      (beta = 0.189; P = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: Although cognitive impairment in elderly
      medical patients is associated with stroke and brain atrophy, white matter
      hyperintensities, especially BGH and infratentorial region, are associated with
      cognitive decline in relation to CKD. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1488-1493.

PMID- 27680505
TI  - The possible roles of B-cell novel protein-1 (BCNP1) in cellular signalling
      pathways and in cancer.
AB  - B-cell novel protein-1 (BCNP1) or Family member of 129C (FAM129C) was identified
      as a B-cell-specific plasma-membrane protein. Bioinformatics analysis predicted
      that BCNP1 might be heavily phosphorylated. The BCNP1 protein contains a
      pleckstrin homology (PH) domain, two proline-rich (PR) regions and a Leucine
      Zipper (LZ) domain suggesting that it may be involved in protein-protein
      interactions. Using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data sets, we investigated the
      correlation of alteration of the BCNP1 copy-number changes and mutations in
      several cancer types. We also investigated the function of BCNP1 in cellular
      signalling pathways. We found that BCNP1 is highly altered in some types of
      cancers and that BCNP1 copy-number changes and mutations co-occur with other
      molecular alteration events for TP53 (tumour protein P53), PIK3CA
      (Phosphatidylinositol-4,5-Bisphosphate 3-Kinase, Catalytic Subunit Alpha), MAPK1
      (mitogen-activated protein kinase-1; ERK: extracellular signal regulated kinase),
      KRAS (Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog) and AKT2 (V-Akt Murine Thymoma
      Viral Oncogene Homolog 2). We also found that PI3K (Phoshoinositide 3-kinase)
      inhibition and p38 MAPK (p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase) activation leads
      to reduction in phosphorylation of BCNP1 at serine residues, suggesting that
      BCNP1 phosphorylation is PI3K and p38MAPK dependent and that it might be involved
      in cancer. Its degradation depends on a proteasome-mediated pathway.

PMID- 27680508
TI  - Micro-CT Evaluation of Ceramic Inlays: Comparison of the Marginal and Internal
      Fit of Five and Three Axis CAM Systems with a Heat Press Technique.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the marginal and internal adaptation of CAD/CAM lithium
      disilicate inlay restorations fabricated by two milling systems (Five and Three
      axis), and a traditional heat-press technique. METHODS: Fifteen premolar teeth
      with an MOD cavity preparation were fabricated. Lithium-disilicate inlay
      restorations were obtained by three fabrication techniques and fitted to their
      dies (n = 15/gp) as follows: Group-1, three-axis milling system, Group-2, five
      axis milling system, Group-3, conventional heat-press technique. Gaps were
      evaluated by X-ray microtomography. Marginal gap (MG), occlusal-marginal gap
      (OMG), proximal-marginal gap (PMG), gingival-marginal gap (GMG), absolute
      marginal discrepancy (AMD), axial-internal gap (AIG), and occlusal-internal gap
      (OIG) were evaluated at 120 different points per inlay. Data were analyzed using
      repeated measures ANOVA. Pairwise comparisons were conducted for post-hoc testes
      and the Bonferroni correction was used to adjust for multiple comparisons (alpha
      = 0.007). RESULTS: The heat-press group demonstrated significantly smaller mean
      values amongst all outcomes compared with CAD/CAM groups except for GMG, where
      there was no statistically significant difference between groups in the ANOVA (p
      = 0.042). Within the CAD/CAM groups, the five-axis group showed significantly
      lower OMG mean-value compared with the three-axis group p < 0.001, and lower AIG
      mean-value compared with the three-axis group p < 0.001. There was no significant
      difference between the five-axis and the three-axis groups' AMD, MG, PMG, and OIG
      locations. CONCLUSION: Different fabrication techniques affected the marginal and
      internal adaptation of ceramic inlay restorations. The heat-press group showed
      the best marginal and internal adaptation results; however, in every group, all
      samples were within the clinically acceptable MG limit (100 MUm). CLINICAL
      SIGNIFICANCE: The marginal fit and internal adaptation of inlay ceramic
      restorations fabricated by a five-axis milling system have not been tested or
      compared with those fabricated by three-axis machines and the conventional heat
      press method. The preferred method of inlay fabrication, whether in the lab or
      chair side, may be influenced by the results of this study and could affect
      future clinical decision-making. (J Esthet Restor Dent 29:49-58, 2017).

PMID- 27680507
TI  - Mutation in SSUH2 Causes Autosomal-Dominant Dentin Dysplasia Type I.
AB  - Dentin dysplasia type I (DDI) is an autosomal-dominant genetic disorder resulting
      from dentin defects. The molecular basis of DDI remains unclear. DDI exhibits
      unique characteristics with phenotypes featuring obliteration of pulp chambers
      and diminutive root, thus providing a useful model for understanding the genetics
      of tooth formation. Using a large Chinese family with 14 DDI patients, we mapped
      the gene locus responsible for DDI to 3p26.1-3p24.3 and further identified a
      missense mutation, c.353C>A (p.P118Q) in the SSUH2 gene on 3p26.1, which co
      segregated with DDI. We showed that SSUH2 (p.P118Q) perturbed the structure and
      significantly reduced levels of mutant (MT) protein and mRNA compared with wild
      type SSUH2. Furthermore, MT P141Q knock-in mice (+/- and -/-) had a unique
      partial obliteration of the pulp cavity and upregulation or downregulation of six
      major genes involved in odontogenesis: Dspp, Dmp1, Runx2, Pax9, Bmp2, and Dlx2.
      The phenotype of missing teeth was determined in zebrafish with morpholino gene
      knockdowns and rescued by injection of normal human mRNA. Taken together, our
      observations demonstrate that SSUH2 disrupts dental formation and that this novel
      gene, together with other odontogenesis genes, is involved in tooth development.

PMID- 27680509
TI  - Preserving enzymatic activity and enhancing biochemical stability of glutathione
      transferase by soluble additives under free and tethered conditions.
AB  - In the present study, we report the effect of four different soluble additives
      (sucrose, lactitol, superfloc c577, and dextran sulfate) on the stability of
      glutathione transferase 1 enzyme from Zea mays (ZmGSTF1-1) under free and
      tethered conditions at 4 and 25  degrees C. Among all additives, the best
      stabilizing effects were observed in the case of superfloc c577 and sucrose at
      both tested temperatures, yet at distinct concentrations at each condition. Those
      two stabilizing agents were further combined and potential positive synergistic
      effects were investigated. In addition, we assessed the long-term storage and
      operational stability of ZmGSTF1-1 under tethered conditions in the presence of
      additives, which provided the most conducive effects on its stability under free
      conditions. Our results strongly suggest that the presence of additives may be
      beneficial to the stability of the enzyme under both free and tethered
      conditions. Thermodynamic analysis of the free enzyme in the presence of sucrose,
      which exhibited the best stabilizing effect at both temperatures, shed light on
      the possible mechanism of action. Given the considerable importance of the
      development of GST-based biosensors with prolonged stability, the present work
      may be of general interest to researchers in the field of applied enzymology.

PMID- 27680510
TI  - Metabolic syndrome increases cardiovascular events but not hepatic events and
      death in patients with chronic hepatitis B.
AB  - : Metabolic syndrome is an independent risk factor of liver cirrhosis in chronic
      hepatitis B (CHB). Whether metabolic syndrome affects the long-term prognosis of
      CHB patients in terms of hepatic events, cardiovascular events, and death remains
      unknown. We aimed to determine the incidences of hepatic events, cardiovascular
      events, and death in CHB patients with or without metabolic syndrome. From 2006
      to 2008, we prospectively recruited 1,466 CHB patients for liver stiffness
      measurement (LSM) with transient elastography together with detailed metabolic
      profiling as baseline assessment. Patients were prospectively followed for any
      clinical events. The impact of LSM and metabolic syndrome on hepatic events,
      cardiovascular events, and death was evaluated. At baseline visit, the mean age
      was 46 +/- 12 years, LSM value was 8.4 +/- 6.3 kPa, and 188 patients (12.8%) had
      metabolic syndrome. At a mean follow-up of 88 +/- 20 months, 93 and 44 patients
      developed hepatic and cardiovascular events, respectively; 70 patients died.
      Patients with baseline LSM >8.0 kPa had higher cumulative probability of hepatic
      events than those with LSM <=8.0kPa at 8 years (12.3% versus 3.1%, P < 0.001).
      Patients with metabolic syndrome had higher cumulative probability of
      cardiovascular events than those without (8.0% versus 2.1%, P < 0.001). High LSM
      had no impact on cardiovascular events; neither did metabolic syndrome on hepatic
      events. LSM >8.0 kPa but not metabolic syndrome was an independent risk factor of
      death, with adjusted hazard ratios of 1.9 (95% confidence interval 1.1-3.2, P =
      0.023) and 1.3 (95% confidence interval 0.8-2.4, P = 0.310), respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: Metabolic syndrome increased the risk of cardiovascular events but
      not hepatic events and death; LSM was the important risk factor of hepatic events
      and death in CHB patients. (Hepatology 2016;64:1507-1517).

PMID- 27680511
TI  - Managing patients with delusional infestations in an integrated psychodermatology
      clinic is much more cost-effective than a general dermatology or primary care
      setting.

PMID- 27680512
TI  - Integrative transcriptomic meta-analysis of Parkinson's disease and depression
      identifies NAMPT as a potential blood biomarker for de novo Parkinson's disease.
AB  - Emerging research indicates that depression could be one of the earliest
      prodromal symptoms or risk factors associated with the pathogenesis of
      Parkinson's disease (PD), the second most common neurodegenerative disorder
      worldwide, but the mechanisms underlying the association between both diseases
      remains unknown. Understanding the molecular networks linking these diseases
      could facilitate the discovery of novel diagnostic and therapeutics.
      Transcriptomic meta-analysis and network analysis of blood microarrays from
      untreated patients with PD and depression identified genes enriched in pathways
      related to the immune system, metabolism of lipids, glucose, fatty acids,
      nicotinamide, lysosome, insulin signaling and type 1 diabetes. Nicotinamide
      phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), an adipokine that plays a role in lipid and
      glucose metabolism, was identified as the most significant dysregulated gene.
      Relative abundance of NAMPT was upregulated in blood of 99 early stage and drug
      naive PD patients compared to 101 healthy controls (HC) nested in the cross
      sectional Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI). Thus, here we
      demonstrate that shared molecular networks between PD and depression provide an
      additional source of biologically relevant biomarkers. Evaluation of NAMPT in a
      larger prospective longitudinal study including samples from other
      neurodegenerative diseases, and patients at risk of PD is warranted.

PMID- 27680514
TI  - Mutational profiling of a MonoMAC syndrome family with GATA2 deficiency.

PMID- 27680513
TI  - Simulation study of the ability of a computationally-designed peptide to
      recognize target tRNALys3 and other decoy tRNAs.
AB  - In this paper, we investigate the ability of our computationally-designed
      peptide, Pept10 (PNWNGNRWLNNCLRG), to recognize the anticodon stem and loop (ASL)
      domain of the hypermodified tRNALys3 (mcm5 s2 U34 ,ms2 t6 A37 ), a reverse
      transcription primer of HIV replication. Five other ASLs, the singly modified
      ASLLys3 (ms2 t6 A37 ), ASLLys3 (s2 U34 ), ASLLys3 (Psi39 ), ASLLys1,2 (t6 A37 ),
      and ASLGlu (s2 U34 ), were used as decoys. Explicit-solvent atomistic molecular
      dynamics simulations were performed to examine the process of binding of Pept10
      with the target ASLLys3 (mcm5 s2 U34 ,ms2 t6 A37 ) and the decoy ASLs. Simulation
      results demonstrated that Pept10 is capable of recognizing the target ASLLys3
      (mcm5 s2 U34 ,ms2 t6 A37 ) as well as one of the decoys, ASLLys3 (Psi39 ), but
      screens out the other four decoy ASLs. The interchain van der Waals (VDW) and
      charge-charge (ELE + EGB) energies for the two best complexes were evaluated to
      shed light on the molecular recognition mechanism between Pept10 and ASLs. The
      results indicated that Pept10 recognizes and binds to the target ASLLys3 (mcm5 s2
      U34 ,ms2 t6 A37 ) through residues W3 and R7 which interact with the nucleotides
      mcm5 s2 U34 , U35 , and ms2 t6 A37 via the interchain VDW energy. Pept10 also
      recognizes the decoy ASLLys3 (Psi39 ) through residue R14 which contacts the
      nucleotide U36 via the interchain VDW energy. Regardless of the type of ASL, the
      positively charged arginines on Pept10 are attracted to the negatively charged
      phosphate linkages on the ASL via the interchain ELE + EGB energy, thereby
      enhancing the binding affinity.

PMID- 27680515
TI  - The impact of TP53 mutations and TP53 deletions on survival varies between AML,
      ALL, MDS and CLL: an analysis of 3307 cases.
AB  - Alterations in TP53 have been described in many cancer types including
      hematological neoplasms. We aimed at comparing TP53 mutations (mut) and deletions
      (del) in a large cohort of patients with hematological malignancies (n=3307),
      including AML (n=858), MDS (n=943), ALL (n=358), CLL (n=1148). Overall,
      alterations in TP53 were detected in 332/3307 cases (10%). The highest frequency
      was observed in ALL (total: 19%; mut+del: 6%; mut only: 8%; del only: 5%) and AML
      (total: 13%; mut+del: 5%; mut only: 7%; del only: 1%), whereas TP53 alterations
      occurred less frequently in CLL (total: 8%) and MDS (total: 7%). TP53 mutations
      were significantly more frequent in patients ?60 vs <60 years in AML (9% vs 2%,
      P<0.001) and ALL (12% vs 6%, P<0.001). TP53mut+del had a significant negative
      impact on overall survival in all entities, whereas differences were observed
      regarding TP53mut only or TP53del only: TP53mut only impacted survival in AML (36
      vs 9 months, P<0.001) and MDS (65 vs 19 months, P<0.001), TP53del only in CLL
      (not reached vs 64 months, P=0.008) and MDS (65 vs 24 months, P=0.011). As
      substantial differences between the entities are observed regarding correlation
      to age and survival, we suggest evaluation of both TP53 deletion and mutation
      status.

PMID- 27680517
TI  - Modern Implants: Surgical and Injectable.

PMID- 27680518
TI  - Filling the Midface: Injectables.
AB  - Volumizing the face has become commonplace on the facial aesthetic scene, with a
      rapid explosion of popularity in the field of nonsurgical rejuvenation. Three
      dimensional enhancement of the midface with fillers provides the surgeon with a
      minimal downtime opportunity to treat early aging or reverse nonsurgical volume
      loss. With new products come advancements in techniques and the understanding of
      reversal of the effects of aging. While providing minimal downtime and risk,
      complications can occur and the physician must be able to recognize and treat
      these issues. It is crucial for the injector to understand and process these
      factors to ensure patient satisfaction and safety. 

PMID- 27680519
TI  - Solid Midfacial Implants: When Fillers Are Not Enough.
AB  - The aging process results in volumetric changes on multiple levels of the face
      including the skin, soft tissue, and underlying facial skeleton. Malar and
      mandibular augmentation with facial fillers and alloplastic implants are two
      treatment options used to achieve the goal of volume enhancement. Noninvasive
      modalities have become increasingly popular due to the availability of office
      based options that require a limited understanding of facial aesthetics, a basic
      grasp of the mechanisms behind the aging process, and no level of surgical
      expertise or training. It is important, however, to understand the limitations
      and appropriate use of each technique, surgical and nonsurgical, either as a sole
      modality or in conjunction with each other to attain optimal aesthetic results.
      Although minimally invasive soft-tissue augmentation procedures such as fillers
      offer midface treatment options, alloplastic implants provide a stable support
      platform or scaffolding for skeletal and soft-tissue augmentation that fillers
      alone cannot often provide. A multilevel understanding of facial aesthetics must
      include the facial skeletal architecture and foundation that it provides for
      proper soft-tissue draping and contour. Alloplastic implants remain the standard
      for skeletal augmentation and remain the mainstay when fillers are not sufficient
      for midface augmentation. 

PMID- 27680516
TI  - Clinical and genetic characterization of adult-onset leukoencephalopathy with
      axonal spheroids and pigmented glia associated with CSF1R mutation.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The clinical characteristics of colony stimulating factor
      1 receptor (CSF1R) related adult-onset leukoencephalopathy with axonal spheroids
      and pigmented glia (ALSP) have been only partially elucidated. METHODS: Clinical
      data from CSF1R mutation carriers who had been seen at our institutions or
      reported elsewhere were collected and analysed using a specific investigation
      sheet to standardize the data. RESULTS: In all, 122 cases from 90 families with
      CSF1R mutations were identified. The mean age of onset was 43 years (range 18-78
      years), the mean age at death was 53 years (range 23-84 years) and the mean
      disease duration was 6.8 years (range 1-29 years). Women had a significantly
      younger age of onset than men (40 vs. 47 years, P = 0.0006, 95% confidence
      interval 3.158-11.177). There was an age-dependent penetrance that was
      significantly different between the sexes (P = 0.0013). Motor dysfunctions were
      the most frequent initial symptom in women whose diseases began in their 20s.
      Thinning of the corpus callosum, abnormal signalling in pyramidal tracts,
      diffusion-restricted lesions and calcifications in the white matter were
      characteristic imaging findings of ALSP. The calcifications were more frequently
      reported in our case series than in the literature (54% vs. 3%). Seventy-nine per
      cent of the mutations were located in the distal part of the tyrosine kinase
      domain of CSF1R (102 cases). There were no apparent phenotype-genotype
      correlations. CONCLUSIONS: The characteristics of ALSP were clarified. The
      phenotype of ALSP caused by CSF1R mutations is affected by sex.

PMID- 27680520
TI  - Surgical Nasal Implants: Indications and Risks.
AB  - Rhinoplasty often requires the use of grafting material, and the goal of the
      specific graft dictates the ideal characteristics of the material to be used. An
      ideal material would be biologically inert, resistant to infection,
      noncarcinogenic, nondegradable, widely available, cost-effective, readily
      modifiable, and easily removable, have compatible biomechanical characteristics,
      retain physical properties over time, and not migrate. Unfortunately, no material
      currently in existence meets all of these criteria. In modern rhinoplasty,
      autologous grafts are the gold standard against which all other nasal implants
      are measured and offer the safest long-term results for most patients. They are
      easily manipulated, have inherent stability and biomechanical characteristics
      similar to the native nasal framework, and confer minimal risk of complications.
      Modern homologous and alloplastic materials have gained considerable support in
      recent years because they are readily available in endless quantity, do not
      require a second surgical site for harvest, and are generally considered safe if
      most circumstances, but they confer additional risk and have biomechanical
      characteristics different from that of the native nasal framework. To address
      some of these issues, we provide a contemporary review of autologous, homologous,
      and alloplastic materials commonly used in rhinoplasty surgery. 

PMID- 27680521
TI  - Nonsurgical Rhinoplasty.
AB  - "Nonsurgical rhinoplasty" refers to the use of injectable temporary fillers used
      to augment select areas of the nose to achieve improved appearance or function in
      select patients. Nonpermanent fillers can be used safely and must be properly
      chosen based on their properties and the desired effect. In addition to proper
      patient and product selection, a thorough understanding of nasal anatomy,
      analysis of the deformity, and recommended injection techniques are absolutely
      necessary to obtain good outcomes and avoid complications. The proper plane for
      injection is the deep fatty layer, just superficial to the perichondrium and
      periosteum. Erring on the side of undercorrection, small incremental boluses, and
      constant reassessment are the best way to avoid overfilling or producing
      irregularities and asymmetries. The most devastating and feared complications are
      vascular compromise, tissue necrosis, and even blindness, making the nose a
      challenging area to treat with fillers. The surgeon wishing to use fillers in the
      nose should be familiar with proper technique, recognition of developing
      problems, and have a practical plan in place for immediate reversal and
      treatment. 

PMID- 27680522
TI  - Choosing the Best Procedure to Augment the Chin: Is Anything Better than an
      Implant?
AB  - The chin plays a very important role in overall facial appearance, and aesthetic
      procedures to augment the chin in patients with microgenia can improve overall
      facial balance. Many procedures exist to enhance the appearance of a small chin.
      Procedures include surgeries such as placement of an alloplast implant and bony
      osteotomy of the mentum (sliding genioplasty). The advantages and disadvantages
      of each surgical technique are well documented. Although surgical augmentation of
      the chin has been the gold standard of therapy, recent development of injectable
      filler products with lifting capacity has changed the way that many practitioners
      alter chin shape and size. Filler agents allow augmentation of the chin in
      horizontal (projection), vertical, and transverse dimensions. Injectable fillers
      are a simple, noninvasive procedure that causes minimal to no downtime, incurs
      minimal risks, and allows the practitioner to shape the chin in three dimensions.
      This procedure allows patients to enhance their chin size without requiring an
      operative visit. As more and varied filler products become FDA-approved, the
      versatility and application of these agents will increase. 

PMID- 27680523
TI  - Augmenting the Prejowl: Deciding between Fat, Fillers, and Implants.
AB  - The prejowl sulcus is a complex anatomic structure that results from several age
      related changes in the lower face. These changes include the localized atrophy of
      a segment of the mandible inferior to the mental foreman, fat atrophy, and
      dehiscence and laxity of the ligamentous and muscular components of the region.
      The correction of the prejowl sulcus is rarely accomplished through rhytidectomy
      alone. Instead, the volume deficit of the sulcus usually requires the replacement
      of volume. Solid implants, fillers, and fat transfer may be used to improve the
      contour of the lower face. These can be used in isolation and in conjunction with
      rhytidectomy. The decision of what method to be used depends on the severity of
      the deformity, the patient's adjacent anatomy, the patient's wishes, and the
      skill set of the surgeon. 

PMID- 27680524
TI  - Solid Implants in Facial Plastic Surgery: Potential Complications and How to
      Prevent Them.
AB  - Allogenic implants are an effective alternative to autologous grafts in the
      reconstruction of facial defects. These implants are used to reconstruct a
      variety of bony and soft-tissue defects, including the frontal and temporal
      regions; internal orbit; infraorbital rim; malar, paranasal, and nasal regions;
      mandible; and chin. In comparison to their autologous counterparts, alloplastic
      materials are more readily available, lack donor-site morbidity, decrease
      surgical time and cost, and still have relatively good postoperative tissue
      tolerance. However, these implants are not without their own spectrum of
      complications. Common solid implant materials include silicone, GoreTex (expanded
      polytetrafluorethylene; W. L. Gore & Associates Inc., Flagstaff, AZ), MedPor
      (high-density porous polyethylene; Porex Industries, Fairburn, GA), and Mersilene
      mesh (nonresorbable polyester fiber; Ethicon, Somerville, NJ). Each of these
      materials poses certain complication risks based on their surface contour (smooth
      vs. porous), pliability, and reactivity with surrounding tissue. In addition,
      certain implant locations within the head and neck are at risk for different
      postoperative complications. Although there are no evidence-based guidelines for
      implant reconstruction to help avoid common complications, there are several
      principles and techniques that are commonly employed by surgeons to help reduce
      complication rates. These include careful patient selection, proper choice of
      operative procedure, infection control practices (including pre/intraoperative
      systemic antibiotics, meticulous aseptic technique, impregnation/soaking of
      implant in antibiotic, irrigation of implant pocket with antibiotic, careful
      closure of tissue layers, and postoperative oral antibiotics), preoperative
      implant shaping, choice of surgical approach, and intraoperative surgical
      techniques. Larger, controlled trials are needed to confirm the efficacy of the
      aforementioned techniques in the reduction of postoperative complications. 

PMID- 27680526
TI  - The Downside of Fat: Avoiding and Treating Complications.
AB  - Three-dimensional facial volume restoration using fat has become widely accepted
      as an essential component of facial rejuvenation. Transplanted fat has benefits
      due to its inherently nonallergenic nature. The versatility of fat grafts allows
      for their use in all types of facial enhancement-improving the appearance of
      nasolabial folds, mesolabial grooves, flattened cheeks and upper lips, glabellar
      furrows, lipoatrophy, acne scars, and temporal hollowing. Yet despite its virtues
      as the ideal filler, autologous fat has its shortcomings with risks of
      complications. Our objective in this article is to present a systematic approach
      demonstrating the complications that can occur with each step of autologous fat
      grafting in facial rejuvenation and offering pearls to avoid and treat these
      complications. 

PMID- 27680527
TI  - Facelift Techniques That Restore Facial Volume.
AB  - The aging face results in increase in laxity of the skin and the underlying
      supporting tissue. There is a fundamental volume loss in the face and it is most
      apparent in the midface. A traditional superficial musculoaponeurotic system
      (SMAS) rhytidectomy addresses the laxity of the face but not volume loss.
      Multivector high SMAS plication allows for natural excess tissue to be placed
      into the area of volume loss, thereby addressing midface volume loss. This
      technique is easy to perform, reproducible, and effective with the added benefit
      of helping to volumize the lower face. 

PMID- 27680525
TI  - Adverse Reactions to Injectable Fillers.
AB  - As the use of fillers becomes increasingly more common and the skill level of
      those injecting is so varied, adverse events can be expected to increase as well.
      Avoiding complications is always the best measure, and with appropriate training
      and injection techniques, many complications can be avoided. However, adverse
      events can occur in the best of hands, and early detection and treatment may
      eliminate or minimize sequelae. This article is an effort to help in that
      endeavor. 

PMID- 27680528
TI  - Tissue Engineering and the Future of Facial Volumization.
AB  - Volume loss due to facial aging can be restored by facial volumization using a
      variety of materials. Volumization can be performed in isolation or concurrent
      with other facial rejuvenation procedures to obtain an optimal aesthetic result.
      There is a myriad of manufactured products available for volumization. The use of
      autologous fat as facial filler has been adopted more recently and possesses
      certain advantages; however, the ideal filler is still lacking. Tissue
      engineering may offer a solution. This technology would provide autologous soft
      tissue components for use in facial volumization. The use of stem cells may
      enable customization of the engineered product for the specific needs of each
      patient. 

PMID- 27680529
TI  - Modified Endonasal Tongue-in-Groove Technique.
AB  - Achieving stable and desirable changes in tip rotation (TR) and tip projection
      (TP) is among the primary goals of modern day rhinoplasty. The tongue-in-groove
      (TIG) technique is one technique in rhinoplasty used to improve TR and/or TP.
      Performing TIG endonasally using a permanent suture can be quite cumbersome as
      the suture needs to be buried under the skin. We describe a variation of TIG
      technique for endonasal rhinoplasty using a permanent suture buried in small
      columellar skin incisions. The technique details are described and the
      postoperative changes in TR and TP are analyzed for the degree of change and
      longevity. A retrospective review of the preoperative and postoperative
      photographs of 12 patients treated with the endonasal TIG technique were analyzed
      for changes in TR and TP. Out of 12 patients, there were seven females (58.3%)
      and five males (41.7%), with age ranging from 17 to 49 years. The follow-up
      ranged from 6 months to 53 months, with mean follow-up of 12.1 months. All
      patients were treated by the senior author in a major New York City hospital.
      Postoperative changes in TR and TP were compared by measuring the nasolabial
      angle as well as the Goode ratio using a photo editing software. Using a t-test
      and a p-value criteria of 0.05, the difference between the preoperative and
      postoperative TR (p = 0.0069) and TP (p = 0.026) was found to be statistically
      significant. None of the study patients developed any complications related to
      the use of a permanent suture material during the follow-up period. Our modified
      TIG technique is a quick, reliable, and safe option in the surgical armamentarium
      to achieve desired changes in TR and/or TP. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:  4.

PMID- 27680531
TI  - Lasers and Light, Peels and Abrasions.

PMID- 27680532
TI  - Maintenance lenalidomide after transplantation: How much is enough?

PMID- 27680530
TI  - A Case of Basaloid Degeneration of Nevus Sebaceous during Childhood: Should Nevus
      Sebaceous Be Excised or Followed Up?

PMID- 27680534
TI  - Comparative Toxicity and Metabolism of N-Acyl Homologues of Acetaminophen and Its
      Isomer 3'-Hydroxyacetanilide.
AB  - The hepatotoxicity of acetaminophen (APAP) is generally attributed to the
      formation of a reactive quinoneimine metabolite (NAPQI) that depletes glutathione
      and covalently binds to hepatocellular proteins. To explore the importance of the
      N-acyl group in APAP metabolism and toxicity, we synthesized 12 acyl side chain
      homologues of acetaminophen (APAP) and its 3'-regioisomer (AMAP), including the
      respective N-(4-pentynoyl) analogues PYPAP and PYMAP. Rat hepatocytes converted
      APAP, AMAP, PYPAP, and PYMAP extensively to O-glucuronide and O-sulfate
      conjugates in varying proportions, whereas glutathione or cysteine conjugates
      were observed only for APAP and PYPAP. PYPAP and PYMAP also underwent N
      deacylation followed by O-sulfation and/or N-acetylation to a modest extent. The
      overall rates of metabolism in hepatocytes varied approximately 2-fold in the
      order APAP < AMAP ~ PYPAP < PYMAP. Rat liver microsomes supplemented with NADPH
      and GSH converted APAP and PYPAP to their respective glutathione conjugates
      (formed via a reactive quinoneimine intermediate). With PYPAP only, a
      hydroxylated GSH conjugate was also observed. Thus, differences in
      biotransformation among these analogues were modest and mostly quantitative in
      nature. Cytotoxicity was evaluated in cultured hepatocytes by monitoring cell
      death using time-lapse photomicrography coupled with Hoechst 33342 and CellTox
      Green dyes to facilitate counting live cells vs dead cells, respectively.
      Progress curves for cell death and the areas under those curves showed that
      toxicity was markedly dependent on compound, concentration, and time. AMAP was
      essentially equipotent with APAP. Homologating the acyl side chain from C-2 to C
      5 led to progressive increases in toxicity up to 80-fold in the para series. In
      conclusion, whereas N- or ring-substitution on APAP decrease metabolism and
      toxicity, homologating the N-acyl side chain increases metabolism about 2-fold,
      preserves the chemical reactivity of quinoneimine metabolites, and increases
      toxicity by up to 80-fold.

PMID- 27680533
TI  - A potent and selective small molecule inhibitor of sirtuin 1 promotes
      differentiation of pluripotent P19 cells into functional neurons.
AB  - Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is known to suppress differentiation of pluripotent/multipotent
      cells and neural progenitor cells into neurons by blocking activation of
      transcription factors critical for neurogenesis. EX-527 is a highly selective and
      potent inhibitor against SIRT1 and has been used as a chemical probe that
      modulates SIRT1-associated biological processes. However, the effect of EX-527 on
      neuronal differentiation in pluripotent cells has not been well elucidated. Here,
      we report an examination of EX-527 effects on neurogenesis of pluripotent P19
      cells. The results showed that EX-527 greatly accelerated differentiation of P19
      cells into neurons without generation of cardiac cells and astrocytes.
      Importantly, neurons derived from P19 cells treated with EX-527 generated voltage
      dependent sodium currents and depolarization-induced action potentials. The
      findings indicate that the differentiated cells have electrophysiological
      properties. The present study suggests that the selective SIRT1 inhibitor could
      have the potential of being employed as a chemical inducer to generate
      functionally active neurons.

PMID- 27680535
TI  - Safety and pain in electrodiagnostic studies.
AB  - Discomfort is an unavoidable part of electrodiagnostic (EDX) studies. The most
      readily modifiable mediator of electromyography (EMG)-associated pain is muscle
      selection. Interventions that may reduce pain include vapocoolant spray,
      ibuprofen, and techniques such as slapping or stretching the skin. Needlestick
      injuries to health care workers carry the risk of transmitting bloodborne
      illnesses, but other infectious complications of EDX studies are very rare. EMG
      probably contributes to asymptomatic hemorrhage in approximately 1% of patients,
      but clinically significant bleeding has only been reported a few times.
      Therapeutic anticoagulation does not significantly increase this risk. With
      standard procedures, there have been no reports of patients developing cardiac
      arrhythmia from nerve conduction studies. No special precautions are necessary in
      patients with implantable cardiac devices or intravenous lines. There is a small
      risk of pneumothorax associated with EMG of the diaphragm and chest wall muscles.
      Several techniques have been suggested to improve the safety of diaphragm EMG.
      Muscle Nerve 55: 149-159, 2017.

PMID- 27680537
TI  - On the Functionality of Complex Intermetallics: Frustration, Chemical Pressure
      Relief, and Potential Rattling Atoms in Y11Ni60C6.
AB  - Intermetallic carbides provide excellent model systems for exploring how
      frustration can shape the structures and properties of inorganic materials.
      Combinations of several metals with carbon can be designed in which the formation
      of tetrahedrally close-packed (TCP) intermetallics conflicts with the C atoms'
      requirement of trigonal prismatic or octahedral coordination environments, as
      offered by the simple close-packings (SCP) of equally sized spheres. In this
      Article, we explore the driving forces that lead to the coexistence of these
      incompatible arrangements in the Yb11Ni60C6-type compound Y11Ni60C6 (cI154), as
      well as potential consequences of this intergrowth for the phase's physical
      properties. Our focus begins on the structure's SCP regions, which appear as C
      stuffed versions of a AuCu3-type YNi3 phase that is not observed on its own in
      the Y-Ni system. DFT-Chemical Pressure (DFT-CP) calculations on this hypothetical
      YNi3 phase reveal large negative pressures within the Ni sublattice, as it is
      stretched to accommodate the size requirements of the Y atoms. In the Y11Ni60C6
      structure, two structural mechanisms for addressing these CP issues appear: the
      incorporation of interstitial C atoms, and the presence of interfaces with CaCu5
      type domains. The relative roles of these two mechanisms are investigated with
      the CP analysis on a hypothetical YNi3Cx series of C-stuffed AuCu3-type phases,
      the Y-Ni sublattice of Y11Ni60C6, and finally the full Y11Ni60C6 structure.
      Through these calculations, the C atoms appear to play the roles of relieving
      positive Y CPs and supporting relaxation at the AuCu3-type/CaCu5-type interfaces,
      where the cancellation occurs between opposite CPs experienced by the Y atoms in
      the two parent structures (following the epitaxial stabilization mechanism). The
      CP analysis of Y11Ni60C6 also highlights a sublattice of Y and Ni atoms with
      large negative CPs (and thus the potential for soft vibrational modes),
      illustrating how frustrated structures could lead to the full realization of the
      phonon glass-electron crystal concept.

PMID- 27680536
TI  - CT Reporting of Pediatric Neck Infections and Masses: Don't Forget the Veins.

PMID- 27680538
TI  - Engineering of a microbial coculture of Escherichia coli strains for the
      biosynthesis of resveratrol.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Resveratrol is a plant natural product with many health-protecting
      effects which makes it an attractive chemical both for academic studies and
      industrial purposes. However, the low quantities naturally produced by plants as
      well as the unsustainable procedures of extraction, purification and
      concentration have prompted many biotechnological approaches to produce this
      chemical in large quantities from renewable sources. None of these approaches
      have considered a microbial coculture strategy to produce this compound. The aim
      of this study was to prove the functionality of a microbial coculture for the
      biosynthesis of resveratrol. RESULTS: In this work, we have successfully applied
      a coculture system strategy comprised of two populations of Escherichia coli
      strains, each with a partial and complementary section of the pathway leading to
      the biosynthesis of the stilbene resveratrol. The first strain is a pheA knockout
      mutant previously engineered to excrete p-coumaric acid into the medium through
      the overexpression of genes encoding a tyrosine ammonia lyase from Rhodothorula
      glutinis, a feedback resistant 3-deoxy-D-arabino-heptulosonate 7-phosphate
      synthase and a transketolase. The second strain in the coculture was engineered
      to express the second part of the resveratrol biosynthetic pathway through the
      introduction of synthetic genes encoding the 4-coumaroyl-CoA ligase from
      Streptomyces coelicolor A2 and the stilbene synthase either from the peanut
      Arachis hypogaea or the grapevine Vitis vinifera, the latter synthesized
      employing a gene harmonization strategy and showing better resveratrol production
      performance. Batch cultures were performed in mineral medium with glycerol as the
      sole carbon source, where a final titer of 22.6 mg/L of resveratrol was produced
      in 30 h. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first time that a coculture
      of bacterial strains is used for the biosynthesis of resveratrol from glycerol,
      having the potential for a greater improvement in the product yield and avoiding
      the use of precursors such as p-coumaric acid, yeast extract or an expensive
      inhibitor such as cerulenin.

PMID- 27680539
TI  - Inflammatory biomarkers, disease activity index, and self-reported disability may
      be predictors of chronic arthritis after chikungunya infection: brief report.
AB  - The chikungunya virus (ChikV) is a reemerging mosquito-borne pathogen that causes
      disabling chronic arthritis. The relationship between clinical evolution and
      inflammatory biomarkers in patients with ChikV-induced arthritis has not been
      fully described. We performed a prospective case series to evaluate the
      association among joint involvement, self-reported disability, and inflammatory
      biomarkers. Patients with ChikV infection were followed for 1 year. Joint
      involvement and self-reported disability were evaluated with disease activity
      index 28 (DAS-28) and World Health Organization Disablement Assessment Schedule
      II (WHODAS-II). Interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte
      sedimentation rate (ESR), and rheumatoid factor (RF) were used as biomarkers. Ten
      patients with mean age 48 +/-15.04 years were included. Symptoms at diagnosis
      were fever, arthralgias, myalgias, rash, arthritis, nausea, vomiting, and back
      pain. Polyarticular involvement was present in seven cases. At diagnosis,
      measures were as follows: DAS-28, 5.08+/-1.11; WHODAS-II score, 72.3+/-10.3 %;
      CRP, 5.09+/-7.23 mg/dL; ESR, 33.5+/-17.5 mm/h; RF, 64+/-21.7 IU/mL; and IL-6,
      17.6+/-10.3 pg/mL. Six patients developed subacute and chronic symptoms. During
      follow-up, DAS-28 index, WHODAS-II score, ESR, and IL-6 were statistically
      different in patients with subacute and chronic symptoms compared to those who
      resolved in the acute phase (p < 0.05). DAS-28 index, WHODAS-II score, and IL-6
      were related to chronicity of articular symptoms and could be used as predictors
      of ChikV-induced arthritis.

PMID- 27680540
TI  - Rheumatologists' adherence to a disease activity score steered treatment protocol
      in early arthritis patients is less if the target is remission.
AB  - To compare rheumatologists' adherence to treatment protocols for rheumatoid
      arthritis (RA) targeted at Disease Activity Score (DAS) <=2.4 or <1.6. The BeSt
      study enrolled 508 early RA (1987) patients targeted at DAS <=2.4. The IMPROVED
      study included 479 early RA (2010) and 122 undifferentiated arthritis patients
      targeted at DAS <1.6. We evaluated rheumatologists' adherence to the protocols
      and assessed associated opinions and conditions during 5 years. Protocol
      adherence was higher in BeSt than in IMPROVED (86 and 70 %), with a greater
      decrease in IMPROVED (from 100 to 48 %) than in BeSt (100 to 72 %). In BeSt, 50 %
      of non-adherence was against treatment intensification/restart, compared to 63 %
      in IMPROVED and 50 vs. 37 % were against tapering/discontinuation. In both
      studies, non-adherence was associated with physicians' disagreement with DAS or
      with next treatment step and if patient's visual analogue scale (VAS) for general
      health was >=20 mm higher than the physician's VAS. In IMPROVED, also
      discrepancies between swelling, pain, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and VASgh
      were associated with non-adherence. Adherence to DAS steered treatment protocols
      was high but decreased over 5 years, more in a DAS <1.6 steered protocol. Non
      adherence was more likely if physicians disagreed with DAS or next treatment
      step. In the DAS <1.6 steered protocol, non-adherence was also associated with
      discrepancies between subjective and (semi)objective disease outcomes, and often
      against required treatment intensification. These results may indicate that
      adherence to DAS-steered protocols appears to depend in part on the height of the
      target and on how physicians perceive the DAS reflects RA activity.

PMID- 27680541
TI  - Carbazole alkaloids from Murraya koenigii trigger apoptosis and autophagic flux
      inhibition in human oral squamous cell carcinoma cells.
AB  - Carbazole alkaloids, a major constituent of Murraya koenigii (L.) Sprengel
      (Rutaceae), exhibit biological effects such as anticancer activity via the
      induction of apoptosis, and they represent candidate chemotherapeutic agents.
      Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most prevalent cancer of the oral
      cavity and a growing and serious health problem worldwide. In this study, we
      investigated the anticancer properties and mechanisms of action of two carbazole
      alkaloids derived from M. koenigii leaves, mahanine and isomahanine, in the OSCC
      cell line CLS-354. At 15 MUM, mahanine and isomahanine were cytotoxic to CLS-354
      cells, triggering apoptosis via caspase-dependent and -independent mechanisms.
      Autophagosomes, visualised using monodansylcadaverine (MDC) labelling, were
      numerous in carbazole alkaloid-treated cells. Mahanine and isomahanine markedly
      induced the expression of the autophagosome marker microtubule-associated protein
      1 light chain 3, type II (LC3B-II). Genetic and chemical inhibition of autophagy
      via silencing of the Autophagy protein 5 gene and exposure to bafilomycin A1
      (BafA1), respectively, did not arrest carbazole alkaloid-induced apoptosis,
      indicating that it occurs independently of autophagic activation. Surprisingly,
      both carbazole alkaloids caused increased accumulation of p62/sequestosome1
      (p62/SQSTM1), with coordinated expression of LC3B-II and cleaved caspase-3,
      suggesting inhibition of autophagic flux. Our results suggest that inhibition of
      autophagic flux is associated with carbazole alkaloid-induced apoptosis. Our
      findings provide evidence of a novel cytotoxic action of natural carbazole
      alkaloids and support their use as candidate chemotherapeutic agents for the
      treatment of OSCC.

PMID- 27680542
TI  - The physiological basis and measurement of heart rate variability in humans.
AB  - Cardiovascular variabilities were recognized over 250 years ago, but only in the
      past 20 years has their apparent utility come to be appreciated. Technological
      advancement has allowed precise measurement and quantification of short-term
      cardiovascular fluctuations; however, our understanding of the integrated
      mechanisms which underlie these oscillations is inadequate for their widespread
      application. Both autonomic branches, the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous
      system, are key determinants of the magnitude of these spontaneous cardiovascular
      fluctuations. Heart rate variability can be an indicator of an individual
      cardiovascular condition. In this review, we will discuss the two primary
      rhythmic oscillations that underlie the complexity of the heart rate waveform.
      The first oscillation occurs over several cardiac cycles, is respiratory related,
      and termed respiratory sinus arrhythmia. The second oscillation occurs at an
      approximate 10 s cycle. Due to the closed-loop nature of the control system of
      cardiovascular oscillations, it is difficult to define specific relations among
      cardiovascular variables. In this review, we will present the feedforward and
      feedback mechanism that underlie both oscillations and their implication as
      quantitative measures of autonomic circulatory control. We will also review the
      various methodologies to assess them.

PMID- 27680543
TI  - [Speech audiometry, speech perception and cognitive functions. German version].
AB  - Examination of cognitive functions in the framework of speech perception has
      recently gained increasing scientific and clinical interest. Especially against
      the background of age-related hearing impairment and cognitive decline potential
      new perspectives in terms of better individualisation of auditory diagnosis and
      rehabilitation might arise. This review addresses the relationships of speech
      audiometry, speech perception and cognitive functions. It presents models of
      speech perception, discusses associations of neuropsychological with audiometric
      outcomes and shows recent efforts to consider cognitive functions with speech
      audiometry.

PMID- 27680544
TI  - [Simulation in surgical training].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patient safety during operations hinges on the surgeon's skills and
      abilities. However, surgical training has come under a variety of restrictions.
      To acquire dexterity with decreasingly "simple" cases, within the legislative
      time constraints and increasing expectations for surgical results is the future
      challenge. OBJECTIVES: Are there alternatives to traditional master-apprentice
      learning? MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature review and analysis of the
      development, implementation, and evaluation of surgical simulation are presented.
      RESULTS: Simulation, using a variety of methods, most important physical and
      virtual (computer-generated) models, provides a safe environment to practice
      basic and advanced skills without endangering patients. These environments have
      specific strengths and weaknesses. CONCLUSIONS: Simulations can only serve to
      decrease the slope of learning curves, but cannot be a substitute for the real
      situation. Thus, they have to be an integral part of a comprehensive training
      curriculum. Our surgical societies have to take up that challenge to ensure the
      training of future generations.

PMID- 27680545
TI  - [Drug therapy of otorhinolaryngological diseases in pregnancy : An update].
AB  - The majority of women take at least one form of medication during pregnancy. Due
      to often discrepant information about the risk assessment of pharmaceuticals
      during pregnancy, physicians are often beset by uncertainty with respect to
      prescription and the fear of medicolegal consequences is high. As prospective
      clinical trials on drug safety during pregnancy are prohibited due to ethical
      reasons and animal studies are of limited applicability to humans, drug
      recommendations often only rely on observational data. An objective examination
      of the topic not only contributes to effective treatment of illnesses in
      pregnancy but also prevents impairment of fetal outcome by omission of necessary
      maternal treatment. The aim of this article is to give a structured presentation
      of medications that can be used during pregnancy for treating medical conditions
      of the ear, nose and throat, in the sense of practical guidelines.

PMID- 27680546
TI  - Contraction of endothelial cells: 40 years of research, but the debate still
      lives.
AB  - Force generation in non-muscle cells is vital for many cellular and tissue
      functions. Force-generating mechanisms include actomyosin-mediated contraction,
      actin polymerization that drives plasma membrane protrusions and filopodia as
      well as kinesin- and dynein-controlled transport of vesicles and organelles along
      the microtubule cytoskeleton. The actomyosin-mediated contractility and actin
      remodeling in both epithelium and endothelium were shown to have significant
      impact on cell migration, shape change and formation and control of intercellular
      junctions. In endothelium, contraction is supposed to control permeability for
      fluid and solutes. However, recent studies demonstrated the constitutive
      appearance of junction-associated intermittent lamellipodia (JAIL) that drive
      vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin) dynamics and control endothelial
      permeability. Since thrombin blocks JAIL formation and thus increases endothelial
      permeability, the concept of a simple Rho GTPase-controlled contraction, which is
      supposed to open endothelial junctions, becomes challenged. Furthermore, specific
      tyrosine phosphorylation sites of VE-cadherin and catenins have been shown to be
      involved in control of VE-cadherin-mediated cell adhesion. How the causal
      mechanistic interdependency between contractility, VE-cadherin and catenin
      phosphorylation and JAIL-mediated dynamic remodeling of VE-cadherin is regulated
      is still an open question and needs to be further addressed.

PMID- 27680548
TI  - Mst1 inhibits CMECs autophagy and participates in the development of diabetic
      coronary microvascular dysfunction.
AB  - Cardiovascular complications account for a substantial proportion of morbidity
      and mortality in diabetic patients. Abnormalities of cardiac microvascular
      endothelial cells (CMECs) lead to impaired cardiac microvascular vessel integrity
      and subsequent cardiac dysfunction, underlining the importance of coronary
      microvascular dysfunction. In this study, experimental diabetes models were
      constructed using Mst1 transgenic, Mst1 knockout and sirt1 knockout mice.
      Diabetic Mst1 transgenic mice exhibited impaired cardiac microvessel integrity
      and decreased cardiac function. Mst1 overexpression deceased CMECs autophagy as
      evidenced by decreased LC3 expression and enhanced protein aggregation when
      subjected to high glucose culture. Mst1 knockout improved cardiac microvessel
      integrity and enhanced cardiac functions in diabetic mice. Mst1 knockdown up
      regulated autophagy as indicated by more typical autophagosomes and increased LC3
      expression in CMECs subjected to high glucose cultures. Mst1 knockdown also
      promoted autophagic flux in the presence of bafilomycin A1. Mst1 overexpression
      increased CMECs apoptosis, whereas Mst1 knockout decreased CMECs apoptosis. Sirt1
      knockout abolished the effects of Mst1 overexpression in cardiac microvascular
      injury and cardiac dysfunction. In conclusion, Mst1 knockout preserved cardiac
      microvessel integrity and improved cardiac functions in diabetic mice. Mst1
      decreased sirt1 activity, inhibited autophagy and enhanced apoptosis in CMECs,
      thus participating in the pathogenesis of diabetic coronary microvascular
      dysfunction.

PMID- 27680550
TI  - Etiology and diagnosis of stroke in the young adult.
AB  - Stroke is commonly thought of as a disease of the elderly, but it should be
      understood that stroke also occurs in young adults. Furthermore, it is important
      to appreciate the differences in epidemiology of these cohorts in order to
      effectively care for young adults with stroke. Diagnostic imaging has proven to
      be extremely valuable in management of these patients, in particular in
      differentiating hemorrhagic from ischemic causes of stroke.

PMID- 27680549
TI  - The impact of a formal complaint on Dutch dentists' professional practice: a
      survey study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A complaint from a patient can have a serious impact on the well
      being of dentists. Little is known, however, about the nature and the extent of
      this impact. METHODS: Therefore in 2013 an anonymous survey was conducted among
      955 dentists and dental specialists who were involved in a complaints procedure
      dealt with by the Complaints Committee of the Royal Dutch Dental Association
      (KNMT) in the period of mid-2008 to mid-2013. RESULTS: In total 413 (43 %) of
      these dentists participated in the study. As a result of a formal complaint 71 %
      of the respondents experienced a considerable impact in their professional
      practising, while 52 % stated that it had (also) seriously influenced their
      attitude towards colleagues and patients. Furthermore, 60 % (also) mentioned
      effects of a complaints procedure regarding their mental and/or physical well
      being. CONCLUSIONS: Being confronted with a formal complaint from a patient leads
      to a considerable impact on dentists' professional practice and personal well
      being. It is remarkable this did not only pertain to a 'negative' impact, but
      also to a 'positive' impact. Despite unpleasant feelings, several dentists
      regarded the complaint as a 'wake-up call'. Furthermore, given the relatively
      high number of successful mediation attempts it can be concluded that this form
      of complaint handling appears to be a successful way of solving problems that
      have arisen between patients and dentists.

PMID- 27680547
TI  - Chemosensory epithelial cells in the urethra: sentinels of the urinary tract.
AB  - A peculiar cell type of the respiratory and gastrointestinal epithelia,
      originally termed "brush cell" or "tuft cell" by electron microscopists because
      of its apical tuft of microvilli, utilizes the canonical bitter taste
      transduction cascade known from oropharyngeal taste buds to detect potential
      hazardous compounds, e.g. bacterial products. Upon stimulation, this cell
      initiates protective reflexes and local inflammatory responses through release of
      acetylcholine and chemokines. Guided by the understanding of these cells as
      sentinels, they have been newly discovered at previously unrecognized anatomical
      locations, including the urethra. Solitary cholinergic urethral cells express
      canonical taste receptors and are polymodal chemosensors for certain bitter
      substances, glutamate (umami) and uropathogenic Escherichia coli. Intraurethral
      bitter stimulation triggers cholinergic reflex activation of bladder detrusor
      activity, which is interpreted as cleaning flushing of the urethra. The currently
      known scenario suggests the presence of at least two more urethral chemosensory
      cell types: non-cholinergic brush cells and neuroendocrine serotonergic cells.
      The potential implications are enormous and far reaching, as these cells might be
      involved in monitoring and preventing ascending urinary tract infection and
      triggering of inappropriate detrusor activity. However, although appealing, this
      is still highly speculative, since the actual number of distinct chemosensory
      cell types needs to be finally clarified, as well as their embryological origin,
      developmental dynamics, receptor equipment, modes of signalling to adjacent nerve
      fibres and other cells, repertoire of chemo- and cytokines, involvement in
      pathogenesis of diseases and many other aspects.

PMID- 27680552
TI  - The young stroke patient: A need for specialized group support systems.
AB  - Young stroke patients (<65 years of age) account annually for more than one
      quarter of the people who survive a stroke. This article demonstrates the
      necessity of providing ongoing stroke support networks for these young stroke
      survivors and their families and caregivers. Through a support group system,
      members have the opportunity to access education, socialization, emotional
      support, and community interaction. The authors utilized a survey format to
      interview young stroke survivors who belong to support groups and leaders of
      stroke support groups. The survey results detail common practices of Chicago
      metropolitan area stroke support groups, their typical formats, and their stated
      goals. These results document a definitively expressed need for young survivors
      to participate in peer groups addressing their different set of circumstances.

PMID- 27680551
TI  - Assessment of the needs of the young stroke survivor.
AB  - As part of program planning efforts by the RIC Stroke Team, convenience samples
      of 100 young (<60 years old) stroke survivors and 65 referring physicians were
      surveyed to determine the unique needs ofthis patient group. The correlation
      between survivors' and physicians' rankings of programs/activities value was not
      significant. Survivors ranked exercise/fitness, education/information, individual
      counseling, stress management, and recreation/social programs as the five most
      valuable programs. Physicians ranked education/ information, individual
      counseling, sexual, vocational, and family adjustment programs as the five most
      valuable. Other comparisons and program planning implications are analyzed and
      discussed.

PMID- 27680553
TI  - Stroke during pregnancy.
AB  - Stroke during pregnancy poses a challenge to the rehabilitation team. A 10-year
      review of one hospital's records revealed five pregnancies complicated by stroke.
      The mean age was 29 years (range, 21 to 35 years). Cerebrovascular accidents
      associated with pregnancy may be due to many causes, with intracranial hemorrhage
      due to arteriovenous malformation or aneurysm, arterial occlusion due to
      thrombosis or embolus, venous thrombosis, and vasculitis representing the more
      common etiologies. Three of the strokes in this study were due to intracranial
      hemorrhage, and two were due to thrombosis secondary to CNS vasculitis. Two case
      studies and a review of the literature are presented. Stroke during pregnancy
      represents a high-risk obstetrical situation that may complicate the
      rehabilitation process.

PMID- 27680554
TI  - Child care and parenting issues for the young stroke survivor.
AB  - Parenting is a complex and challenging task for any parent and it becomes even
      more complicated for an individual who experiences a disability. Literature
      addressing the parenting role for individuals who have experienced a stroke is
      limited. This article provides information on evaluation tools available for
      assessing an individual's ability to perform child care tasks and intervention
      strategies such as adaptive techniques and equipment for maximizing ability and
      promoting safe performance of child care tasks by the individual who has
      experienced a stroke. Product and literature resources that can be used by either
      the health professional or the parent with a stroke to facilitate parenting and
      child care task performance are included.

PMID- 27680555
TI  - Preparing the young stroke survivor for return to work.
AB  - Preparing the young stroke survivor for work is an essential aspect of the
      rehabilitation process. This unique prevocational program, the Functional
      Occupations Program (FOP), is designed to provide outpatient, interdisciplinary
      group services to those who want to return to work or an occupation after
      cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or other devastating injuries. In the past 3.5
      years of the program, 39 CVAs were seen. Preliminary outcome measures indicate
      that 20% of the CVAs served in year 3 and beginning of year 4 returned to work,
      with 58% of those individuals in blue collar jobs.

PMID- 27680556
TI  - Vocational outcome after stroke.
AB  - This article reviews the literature on vocational outcome after stroke and
      discusses reasons for the minimal use of vocational outcome measures in stroke
      rehabilitation research. A vocational function measurement tool is proposed. The
      vocational rehabilitation process and experience of the Young Stroke Program at
      New England Rehabilitation Hospital are described, and determinants of success or
      failure in vocational rehabilitation after stroke as described in the medical
      literature are reviewed. The impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act of
      1990 and of changes in health care funding on vocational outcomes after stroke
      are discussed.

PMID- 27680557
TI  - Observations of a young stroke patient.

PMID- 27680561
TI  - From the editor.

PMID- 27680558
TI  - Diabetes mellitus: Incidence and influence on stroke rehabilitation and outcome.

PMID- 27680559
TI  - Poststroke seizures.

PMID- 27680562
TI  - Letters to the editor.

PMID- 27680563
TI  - Fascin Induces Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Cholangiocarcinoma Cells by
      Regulating Wnt/beta-Catenin Signaling.
AB  - BACKGROUND Our preliminary study suggested that the expression of Fascin was
      increased in cholangiocarcinoma, which indicating poor prognosis The present
      study aimed to explore the roles and mechanisms of Fascin during the progression
      of cholangiocarcinoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS We evaluated the knockdown effect of
      endogenous Fascin expression by Short hairpin RNA (shRNA) in QBC939 cells. Cell
      proliferation was confirmed by MTS assay. Migration and invasion assay was used
      to examine the cell invasive ability. Tumorigenesis abilities in vivo were
      analyzed with a xenograft tumor model. Western blot analysis was used to test
      epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) biomarkers and critical proteins in the
      Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway. RESULTS shRNA-mediated gene knockdown of
      Fascin significantly inhibited cell proliferation, invasion, and EMT, and shRNA
      Fascin markedly inhibited the xenograft tumor volume. Silencing of Fascin up
      regulated phosphorylation of beta-catenin and decreased its nuclear localization.
      Additionally, knockdown of Fascin led to the upregulation of beta-catenin and E
      cadherin expression in plasma membrane fraction of QBC939 cells. CONCLUSIONS Our
      data indicate a key role of Fascin in cell proliferation, migration, and invasion
      in cholangiocarcinoma. Fascin promotes EMT of cholangiocarcinoma cells, in part
      through regulating Wnt/beta-catenin signaling.

PMID- 27680565
TI  - Erratum to: Using ApoE Genotyping to Promote Healthy Lifestyles in Finland -
      Psychological Impacts: Randomized Controlled Trial.

PMID- 27680564
TI  - Erratum to: Heregulin-1beta and HER3 in hepatocellular carcinoma: status and
      regulation by insulin.

PMID- 27680566
TI  - Predictive Genetic Testing of Children for Adult-Onset Conditions: Negotiating
      Requests with Parents.
AB  - Healthcare professionals (HCPs) regularly face requests from parents for
      predictive genetic testing of children for adult-onset conditions. Little is
      known about how HCPs handle these test requests, given that guidelines recommend
      such testing is deferred to adulthood unless there is medical benefit to testing
      before that time. Our study explored the process of decision-making between HCPs
      and parents. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 34 HCPs in 8 regional
      genetic services across the UK, and data were thematically analysed. We found
      that instead of saying 'yes' or 'no' to such requests, many HCPs framed the
      consultation as an opportunity to negotiate the optimal time of testing. This,
      they argued, facilitates parents' considered decision-making, since parents'
      eventual decisions after requesting a test was often to defer testing their
      child. In cases where parents' requests remained a sustained wish, most HCPs said
      they would agree to test, concluding that not testing would not serve the child's
      wider best interest. As a strategy for determining the child's best interest and
      for facilitating shared decision-making, we recommend that HCPs re-frame requests
      for testing from parents as a discussion about the optimal time of testing for
      adult-onset disease.

PMID- 27680567
TI  - Decisions Regarding Pregnancy Termination Due to beta-Thalassemia Major: a Mixed
      Methods Study in Sistan and Baluchestan, Iran.
AB  - In the present study, an embedded design was applied in order to conduct a one
      year cross-sectional audit of chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and foetal outcomes
      affected by beta-thalassemia major (beta-TM) in a prenatal diagnosis (PND)
      setting. In addition, we explored the decisions regarding pregnancy termination
      among women whose pregnancy (or child) was affected by beta-TM. In the
      quantitative phase, the available data in the clients' medical records were
      analysed, while the qualitative phase was performed using a grounded theory
      method. Interviews were performed with nine pregnant women who had decided
      against pregnancy termination despite positive CVS results, 11 mothers who had
      admitted their child to the thalassemia ward for blood transfusion, and 19
      mothers who had received positive CVS results and had decided against pregnancy
      termination in the preceding year. Over one year, 18.6 % of women decided against
      pregnancy termination despite positive CVS results. Two main themes related to
      decisions against pregnancy termination emerged from the qualitative data: 1)
      Cognitive factors (questioning the reliability of the tests or doubts about the
      accuracy of the results, understanding disease recurrence, curability, perceived
      severity of the disease, and lack of "real-life experiences"); and 2)
      Sociocultural responsiveness (family opposition, responsibility before God, and
      self-responsiveness). All of the mentioned factors could intensify fear of
      abortion in couples due to possible regret, and encourage a decision against
      pregnancy termination.

PMID- 27680569
TI  - Improving Collaborative Behaviour Planning in Adult Auditory Rehabilitation:
      Development of the I-PLAN Intervention Using the Behaviour Change Wheel.
AB  - Background: The consequences of poorly managed hearing loss can be ameliorated
      with hearing aid use but rates of use are sub-optimal. The impact of audiologist
      behaviour on subsequent use, particularly over the long term, is unknown.
      Purpose: This study aimed to describe the role of the behaviour change wheel in
      developing an intervention to introduce and embed particular clinical behaviours
      into adult hearing aid fitting consultations, within the framework of the Medical
      Research Council guidance on complex interventions. Methods: Following the steps
      of the behaviour change wheel, audiologist behaviours that might influence
      hearing aid use were identified based on a systematic review and qualitative work
      with audiologists. An analysis, using the COM-B model, identified potential
      drivers of the target behaviours. This was used to select intervention functions
      and behaviour change techniques likely to influence behaviour in this context.
      Results: The target behaviours were as follows: giving information about the
      benefits of hearing aid use and the negative consequences of non-use, providing
      prompts for use and engaging in collaborative behavioural planning for use. The
      behavioural analysis suggested that psychological capability, opportunity and
      motivation were potential drivers of these behaviours. The intervention functions
      of education, coercion, training, environmental restructuring, modelling and
      enablement were selected and combined to develop a single complex intervention
      that seeks to address the target behaviours.

PMID- 27680568
TI  - Physical Activity in Older Adults: an Ecological Approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies identifying correlates of physical activity (PA) at all
      levels of the ecological model can provide an empirical basis for designing
      interventions to increase older adults' PA. PURPOSE: Applying ecological model
      principles, this study concurrently examined individual, psychosocial, and
      environmental correlates of older adults' PA to determine whether built
      environment factors contribute to PA over and above individual/demographic and
      psychosocial variables. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional observational design,
      726 adults, aged >=66 years, were recruited from two US regions. Explanatory
      variables included demographics, self-efficacy, social support, barriers, and
      environmental variables measured by using geographic information systems (GIS)
      and self-report. Outcomes included reported walking for errands and
      leisure/exercise and accelerometer-measured daily moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA).
      Analyses employed mixed-model regressions with backward elimination. RESULTS: For
      daily MVPA, the only significant environmental variable was GIS-based proximity
      to a park (p < 0.001) after controlling for individual/demographic and
      psychosocial factors. Walking for errands was positively related to four
      environmental variables: reported walking/cycling facilities (p < 0.05), GIS
      based intersection density (p < 0.01), mixed land use (p < 0.01), and private
      recreation facilities (p < 0.01). Walking for leisure/exercise was negatively
      related to GIS-based mixed land use (p < 0.05). Non-Hispanic white
      race/ethnicity, self-efficacy, and social support positively related to all three
      PA outcomes (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Correlates of older adults' PA were found at
      all ecological levels, supporting multiple levels of influence and need for
      multilevel interventions. Environmental correlates varied by PA outcome. Walking
      for errands exhibited the most environmental associations.

PMID- 27680571
TI  - Influence of Pulse Repetition Frequency on 3-D Power Doppler Quantification.
AB  - Three-dimensional power Doppler quantification has limited application because of
      its high dependency on attenuation. The purpose of the study described here was
      to assess if different degrees of attenuation, depending on pulse repetition
      frequency (PRF) adjustment, alter 3-D power Doppler quantification in a region of
      100% moving blood when using vascularization index, flow index and
      vascularization flow index (VFI). A cubic-shaped gelatin phantom with a 1.8-mm
      internal-diameter silicon tube was used. The tube, placed at 45 degrees  to the
      phantom's surface, was filled with blood-mimicking fluid with as constant maximum
      velocity of 30 cm/s. Two different attenuation blocks (low and high attenuation)
      were alternatively placed between the phantom and the transvaginal transducer.
      One single observer acquired 10 data sets for each PRF level from 0.3 to 7.5 kHz,
      using the high- and low-attenuation blocks, for a total of 200 3-D power Doppler
      data sets. We assessed VFI from 1.5-mm-diameter spherical samples, virtually
      placed inside the tube, always at the same position. No difference was noted
      between high- and low-attenuation VFI values when using a PRF of 0.3 kHz. As PRF
      increased, it was observed that VFI quantification progressively differed between
      low and high attenuation. Also, a slope on VFI values for both high- and low
      attenuation models could be observed when increasing PRF, particularly above 4.0
      kHz. We concluded that PRF adjustment is very relevant when using VFI to quantify
      3-D power Doppler signal.

PMID- 27680570
TI  - Anti-PD-1 inhibits Foxp3+ Treg cell conversion and unleashes intratumoural
      effector T cells thereby enhancing the efficacy of a cancer vaccine in a mouse
      model.
AB  - The co-inhibitory molecule PD-1 suppresses T cell responses and has been targeted
      in the treatment of cancer. Here, we examined the role of PD-1 in regulating the
      balance between regulatory and effector T cells and whether blocking PD-1 could
      enhance tumour vaccine-induced protective immunity. A significantly higher
      proportion of tumour-resident T cells expressed PD-1 and Foxp3 compared with T
      cells in the tumour circulation or draining lymph nodes, and this correlated with
      a lower frequency of IFN-gamma- and TNF-secreting CD8 T cells. Blocking PD-1 with
      a specific antibody reduced Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cell induction and
      enhanced proliferation, cytokine production, and tumour killing by CD8 T cells.
      Treatment of CT26 tumour-bearing mice with anti-PD-1 in combination with a
      vaccine, comprising heat-shocked irradiated tumour cells and a TLR 7/8 agonist,
      significantly reduced tumour growth and enhanced survival. Furthermore, surviving
      mice resisted tumour re-challenge. The rejection of tumours in mice treated with
      the anti-PD-1 vaccine combination was associated with a reduction in tumour
      infiltrating Treg cells and enhancement of IFN-gamma-secreting CD8 T cells. Our
      findings demonstrate that high PD-1 expression correlates with increased tumour
      infiltrating Treg cells and reduced effector T cells and that when combined with
      a potent antigen-adjuvant combination, blocking PD-1 effectively enhances anti
      tumour immunity.

PMID- 27680573
TI  - The Modern Face of Synthetic Heterocyclic Chemistry.
AB  - The synthesis of heterocycles is arguably one of the oldest and at the same time
      one of the youngest disciplines of organic chemistry. Groundbreaking principles
      to form heterocycles, mainly by condensation reactions, were recognized in the
      beginning of the 19th century, and many of the classical reactions discovered at
      that time are still of great value today. In the 21st century, the wealth of
      synthetic methodology toward heterocycles is overwhelming, and catalysis, in
      particular, as one of the cornerstones of green and sustainable chemistry has
      contributed in a major way to these developments. This perspective tries the
      impossible by discussing some recent advances in the construction of
      heterocycles, focusing on catalytic methodology. We are aware that we do not come
      close to giving adequate credit to the great creativity of chemists in the field.

PMID- 27680572
TI  - Influence of Donor Age and Stimulation Intensity on Osteogenic Differentiation of
      Rat Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Response to Focused Low-Intensity Pulsed
      Ultrasound.
AB  - A focused low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (FLIPUS) was used to investigate the
      effects of stimulation period, acoustic intensity and donor age on the osteogenic
      differentiation potential of rat mesenchymal stromal cells (rMSCs). rMSCs from 3-
      and 12-mo-old female Sprague Drawly rats were isolated from bone marrow and
      stimulated 20 min/d with either 11.7 or 44.5 mW/cm2 (spatial average temporal
      average intensity) for 7 or 14 d. Osteogenic differentiation markers, i.e., Runt
      related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), osteocalcin (OCN) and degree of matrix
      calcification were analyzed. On day 7 of stimulation, OCN gene expression was
      enhanced 1.9-fold in cells from young rats when stimulated with low intensity.
      The low intensity also led to a 40% decrease in RUNX2 expression on day 7 in aged
      cells, whereas high intensity enhanced expression of RUNX2 on day 14. FLIPUS
      treatment with low intensity resulted in a 15% increase in extracellular matrix
      mineralization in young but not old rMSCs. These differences suggest the
      necessity of a donor-age related optimization of stimulation parameters.

PMID- 27680574
TI  - Tricuspid atresia associated with aortopulmonary window: diagnostic and
      therapeutic dilemmas.
AB  - The association of tricuspid atresia with aortopulmonary window is exceptionally
      rare. We report a patient with tricuspid atresia, normally related great
      arteries, non-restrictive ventricular septal defect, and no pulmonary stenosis
      (type IC) with an aortopulmonary window who underwent successful initial surgical
      palliation. The unique anatomical feature of this case, other than the presence
      of the aortopulmonary window, was the absence of pulmonary stenosis at the level
      of either the ventricular septal defect or the pulmonary valve. All other
      reported cases have described some degree of restriction of anterograde pulmonary
      flow due to pulmonary stenosis or atresia.

PMID- 27680575
TI  - Switching the Immunogenicity of Peptide Assemblies Using Surface Properties.
AB  - Biomaterials created from supramolecular peptides, proteins, and their
      derivatives have been receiving increasing interest for both immunological
      applications, such as vaccines and immunotherapies, as well as ostensibly
      nonimmunological applications, such as therapeutic delivery or tissue
      engineering. However, simple rules for either maximizing immunogenicity or
      abolishing it have yet to be elucidated, even though immunogenicity is a prime
      consideration for the design of any supramolecular biomaterial intended for use
      in vivo. Here, we investigated a range of physicochemical properties of
      fibrillized peptide biomaterials, identifying negative surface charge as a means
      for completely abolishing antibody and T cell responses against them in mice,
      even when they display a competent epitope. The work was facilitated by the
      modularity of the materials, which enabled the generation of a set of co
      assembled fibrillar peptide materials with broad ranges of surface properties. It
      was found that negative surface charge, provided via negatively charged amino
      acid residues, prevented T cell and antibody responses to antigen-carrying
      assemblies because it prevented uptake of the materials by antigen-presenting
      cells (APCs), which in turn prevented presentation of the epitope peptide in the
      APCs' major histocompatibility class II molecules. Conversely, positive surface
      charge augmented the uptake of fibrillized peptides by APCs. These findings
      suggest that some surface characteristics, such as extensive negative charge,
      should be avoided in vaccine design using supramolecular peptide assemblies. More
      importantly, it provides a strategy to switch off potentially problematic
      immunogenicity for using these materials in nonimmunological applications.

PMID- 27680576
TI  - Changes in cardiac function and structure in newly diagnosed Graves' disease. A
      conventional and 2D-speckle tracking echocardiography study.
AB  - Overproduction of thyroid hormones leads to structural as well as functional
      cardiac changes. Conventional echocardiography but also recently developed
      sophisticated two-dimensional echocardiography speckle (2D-STE) tracking allow
      elaborate evaluation of these changes. Our purpose was to investigate the effects
      of thyroid hormones overproduction on the heart in patients with Graves' disease
      and changes that occur after 6 months thyrostatic therapy. We conducted a
      prospective, case-control study of 6 months duration. Full echocardiographic
      assessment at diagnosis and after 6 months of thyrostatic therapy were performed
      in 44 patients with Graves' disease, aged 37.6 +/- 9.1 years. Additionally, 43
      euthyroid controls were studied for the same time period. Left ventricular end
      diastolic diameter (LVEDD) and left ventricular end systolic diameter (LVESD)
      were higher in the patient group while triscupid annular plane systolic excursion
      (TAPSE) was lower in the patient group. Moreover, left ventricular (LV) mass
      index and left atrium (LA) volume index were higher in the Graves' disease group.
      Diastolic impairment as assessed with conventional echocardiography including
      tissue Doppler was present in the patient group (E/A ratio 0.87 +/- 0.10,). 2D
      STE analysis, revealed an increase in the strain rate at the isovolumic
      relaxation time (SRIVRT, 0.310 +/- 0.07 patients versus 0.298 +/- 0.09 s-1
      controls). Improvement in diastolic and right systolic function as well as in
      left ventricular structural parameters was observed after restoration of
      euthyroidism (E/A ratio from 0.87 +/- 0.10 versus 0.9 +/- 0.08, p < 0.05).
      Patients with newly diagnosed Graves' showed an improvement in diastolic
      function, right systolic function and structural parameters after 6 months of
      thyrostatic treatment.

PMID- 27680577
TI  - Leptospirosis in a British soldier after travel to Borneo.
AB  - Undifferentiated febrile illness in a returning soldier is a common problem
      encountered by serving medical officers. A 32-year-old soldier presented to
      Birmingham Heartlands Hospital with fever and acute kidney injury after return
      from Borneo. Leptospirosis was suspected and empirical antibiotics were started
      before subsequent confirmation by serology and PCR. Leptospirosis is common in
      South-East Asia, and troops exercising in jungle areas, and in the UK, are at
      risk. Advice, including inpatient management when appropriate, is available from
      the UK Role 4 Military Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Service.

PMID- 27680579
TI  - The role of decidual NK cells in pregnancies with impaired vascular remodelling.
AB  - The pathologies of the dangerous pregnancy complications pre-eclampsia (PE) and
      fetal growth restriction (FGR) are established in the first trimester of human
      pregnancy yet we know little of how this happens. Finely tuned interactions
      between maternal and placental cells are essential for pregnancy to progress
      without complications; however, the precise nature of this cross-talk and how it
      can go wrong are crucial questions that remain to be answered. This review
      summarises recent studies examining the role played by natural killer cells in
      regulating normal placentation and remodelling. Their involvement when it is
      impaired in PE/FGR pregnancies will additionally be discussed.

PMID- 27680578
TI  - Curing neurophobia in medical schools: evidence-based strategies.
AB  - Medical students often perceive neurology as the most difficult medical
      specialty. This perception is described as 'neurophobia' in the medical
      literature. Several studies have cited poor teaching, complex examination, and
      separation of basic and clinical sciences as major factors in the development of
      neurophobia. These negative perceptions can have serious implications, such as
      decreasing the students' desire to consider neurology as a future career and
      increasing referrals from other specialists to avoid dealing with neurological
      conditions. Faced with increasing demands of healthcare systems and the global
      burden of neurological conditions, there is a rising need for further research
      and innovative strategies to improve students' perceptions of clinical neurology.
      This review discusses evidence-based recommendations and educational
      interventions to cure neurophobia in medical education.

PMID- 27680580
TI  - Aortic root stiffness affects the kinematics of bioprosthetic aortic valves.
AB  - Objectives: In this study, the influence of aortic root distensibility on the
      haemodynamic parameters and valve kinematics of a bioprosthetic aortic valve was
      investigated in a controlled in vitro experiment. Methods: An Edwards INTUITY
      Elite 21 mm sutureless aortic valve (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA, USA) was
      inserted in three transparent aortic root phantoms with different wall
      thicknesses (0.55, 0.85 and 1.50 mm) mimicking different physiological
      distensibilities. Haemodynamic measurements were performed in an in vitro flow
      loop at heart rates of 60, 80 and 100 bpm with corresponding cardiac outputs of
      3.5, 4.0 and 5.0 l/min and aortic pressures of 100/60, 120/90 and 145/110 mmHg,
      respectively. Aortic valve kinematics were assessed using a high-speed camera.
      The geometric orifice area (GOA) was measured by counting pixels in the lumen of
      the open aortic valve. The effective orifice area (EOA) was calculated from the
      root-mean-square value of the systolic aortic valve flow rate and the mean
      systolic trans-valvular pressure gradient. Results: The tested aortic root
      phantoms reproduce physiological distensibilities of healthy individuals in age
      groups ranging from 40 to 70 years (+/-10 years). The haemodynamic results show
      only minor differences between the aortic root phantoms: the trans-valvular
      pressure gradient tends to increase for stiffer aortic roots, whereas the
      systolic aortic valve flow rate remains constant. As a consequence, the EOA
      decreased slightly for less distensible aortic roots. The GOA and the aortic
      valve opening and closing velocities increase significantly with reduced
      distensibility for all haemodynamic measurements. The resulting mean systolic
      flow velocity in the aortic valve orifice is lower for the stiffer aortic root.
      Conclusions: Aortic root distensibility may influence GOA and aortic valve
      kinematics, which affects the mechanical load on the aortic valve cusps. Whether
      these changes have a significant effect on the onset of structural valve
      deterioration of bioprosthetic heart valves needs to be further investigated.

PMID- 27680581
TI  - The effect of cement augmentation and anteromedial plating on proximal humerus
      allograft reconstruction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Limb salvage following the resection of tumor from the proximal part
      of the humerus, poses many challenges, and there is no consensus regarding the
      best reconstructive technique after proximal humerus resection. The aim of this
      study was to evaluate the effect of anteromedial placing of the plate in the
      absence of deltoid muscle and cement augmentation on the functional outcome,
      complication rate and survival of proximal humerus allograft reconstruction.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: A number of 36 osteoarticular allograft reconstructions of
      proximal humerus were included in final study. In 26 cases, medullary canal of
      the allograft was filled by cement and the complication rate and survival was
      compared to non-cemented allografts. In addition, anteromedial placement of plate
      was applied for all resection type IB (18 cases), in which the deltoid muscle was
      resected. The mean follow-up of patients was 46 months. RESULTS: In total, 12
      complications including 3 fractures, 4 resorptions, 3 infections and 2 nonunions
      were reported. Complication rates were significantly lower in cemented allografts
      (p = 0.001). Five year survival rates of cemented and non-cemented allografts
      were found to be 82% and 70%, respectively. The mean MSTS score was 84.9%,
      ranging 76-90. CONCLUSION: According to our results, cement augmentation improves
      survival and reduces the complication rate of allografts. Moreover, our results
      showed that anteromedial placing of the plate in resection type IB could improve
      the functional outcome of allografts. However, the detailed effect of
      anteromedial plating should be further investigated in future studies.

PMID- 27680582
TI  - Neuroblastoma metastasis to bone requiring differentiation from septic arthritis
      of the hip. Report of 2 cases.

PMID- 27680583
TI  - Transcatheter or surgical aortic valve replacement for patients with severe,
      symptomatic, aortic stenosis at low to intermediate surgical risk: a clinical
      practice guideline.

PMID- 27680584
TI  - Further Evaluation of the Use of Multiple Schedules for Behavior Maintained by
      Negative Reinforcement.
AB  - One potential limitation of functional communication training (FCT) is that after
      the functional communication response (FCR) is taught, the response may be
      emitted at high rates or inappropriate times. Thus, schedule thinning is often
      necessary. Previous research has demonstrated that multiple schedules can
      facilitate schedule thinning by establishing discriminative control of the
      communication response while maintaining low rates of problem behavior. To date,
      most applied research evaluating the clinical utility of multiple schedules has
      done so in the context of behavior maintained by positive reinforcement (e.g.,
      attention or tangible items). This study examined the use of a multiple schedule
      with alternating Fixed Ratio (FR 1)/extinction (EXT) components for two
      individuals with developmental disabilities who emitted escape-maintained problem
      behavior. Although problem behavior remained low during all FCT and multiple
      schedule phases, the use of the multiple schedule alone did not result in
      discriminated manding.

PMID- 27680586
TI  - RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization using 3-cyanovinylcarbazole modified
      oligodeoxyribonucleotides as photo-cross-linkable probes.
AB  - Photo-cross-linkable fluorescent oligodeoxyribonucleotides having 3
      cyanovinylcarbazole nucleoside were applied to fluorescence in situ hybridization
      (FISH) based 16S rRNA detection in Escherichia coli cells. As the photo-cross
      linked probe/rRNA hybrid was stable under the denaturing condition, decrease of
      the fluorescence signal through the washing process was prevented. The thermally
      irreversible hybridization property also enabled stable hybridization with the
      structured region on the target RNA, and facilitated design of the sequence for
      the FISH probe. Further development of the method might contribute to
      quantitative and stable FISH staining.

PMID- 27680585
TI  - Evaluation of a Physical Activity Regulation for Child Care in Massachusetts.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: A number of states have enacted regulations to increase physical
      activity in children attending child care, but most were not evaluated. In 2010,
      Massachusetts (MA) enacted a new regulation requiring 60 minutes of light,
      moderate, and vigorous physical activity (LMVPA) for children in child care; we
      conducted a prospective evaluation. We hypothesized that MA centers would comply
      with the regulation at follow-up, resulting in increases in children's LMVPA.
      METHODS: We evaluated compliance with the regulation in MA using Rhode Island
      (RI) as the comparison. We measured physical activity in a longitudinal sample of
      20 centers and cross-sectional samples of 180 children per state three times
      before and three times after the regulation took effect. We assessed physical
      activity using the Observation System for Recording Activity in Preschoolers. We
      conducted difference-in-differences tests to evaluate changes in LMVPA in MA
      compared with RI from baseline to follow-up. RESULTS: Children were active for at
      least 60 minutes of LMVPA in over 80% of centers at baseline and follow-up in MA
      and RI. Nevertheless, LMVPA increased in both states. In multivariable adjusted
      regressions, LMVPA increased from baseline to follow-up [MA estimate 38.1
      minutes; confidence interval (CI): 28.6, 47.5; p <= 0.0001; and RI estimate 42.7
      minutes; CI: 35.2, 50.1; p <= 0.0001]. The average difference-in-differences
      estimate indicated no difference in MA compared with RI (estimate -4.6 minutes;
      CI: -16.6, 7.5; p = 0.46) since LMVPA increased comparably in both states.
      CONCLUSIONS: Although LMVPA increased in MA, we observed similar changes in RI.
      Thus, other factors could have influenced children's physical activity.

PMID- 27680587
TI  - Allyl and prenyl ethers of mansonone G, new potential semisynthetic antibacterial
      agents.
AB  - Four natural 1,2-naphthoquinones: mansonones C, E, G, and H were isolated from
      the dichloromethane extract of Mansonia gagei Drumm. heartwoods. Mansonone G was
      further converted to eight ether and four ester analogues. The structures of
      mansonones and the analogues were well-confirmed by spectroscopic techniques. All
      compounds were evaluated for their antibacterial activity against Gram-positive
      and negative bacteria. Further modification of mansonone G furnished certain
      analogues displaying better activity than natural mansonones. Particularly, allyl
      and prenyl ethers of mansonone G exhibited better activity against Staphylococcus
      aureus with MIC sixty-four times better than their natural compound.

PMID- 27680589
TI  - Anti-inflammatory activity effect of 2-substituted-1,4,5,6
      tetrahydrocyclopenta[b]pyrrole on TPA-induced skin inflammation in mice.
AB  - 2-Substituted-1,4,5,6-tetrahydrocyclopenta[b]pyrrole, a key structural moiety
      exiting in many bioactive molecules, has been shown to have excellent selective
      activity on COX-2. In the present study, the anti-inflammatory activity and the
      underlying molecular mechanism of 2-substituted-1,4,5,6
      tetrahydrocyclopenta[b]pyrrole on skin inflammation were assessed by 12-O
      tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced skin inflammation in mice. Most of
      the compounds showed anti-inflammatory activity on TPA-induced skin inflammation.
      The anti-inflammatory activity of compound 4 showed higher anti-inflammatory
      activity than celecoxib (3.2-fold). Compound 4 pretreatment resulted in markedly
      suppression of TPA-induced IL-1beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha, and COX-2, respectively.
      Furthermore, the mechanical study indicated that the anti-inflammatory activity
      of compound 4 was associated with its ability to inhibit activation of factor
      kappa-kappaB (NF-kappaB) by blocking IkappaB kinase (IKK) activities.
      Accordingly, compound 4 could be used as a potential anti-inflammatory agent for
      skin inflammation.

PMID- 27680588
TI  - Structure-activity relationships of proline modifications around the tetracyclic
      indole class of NS5A inhibitors.
AB  - We describe the impact of proline modifications, in our tetracyclic-indole based
      series of nonstructural protein 5A (NS5A) inhibitors, to their replicon profiles.
      This work identified NS5A inhibitors with an improved and flattened resistance
      profiles.

PMID- 27680590
TI  - Structure-activity relationship of cyclic pentapeptide malformins as fibrinolysis
      enhancers.
AB  - The formation of blood clots in blood vessels causes severe ischemic diseases
      such as cerebral infarction and myocardial infarction. While searching for
      microbial products that increase fibrinolytic activity using an in vitro fibrin
      degradation assay, we found malformin A1, a disulfide form of cyclo(-d-Cys-d-Cys
      l-Val-d-Leu-l-Ile-), as an active compound. In this study, we synthesized
      malformin derivatives using a solid-phase peptide synthesis method and evaluated
      their fibrinolytic activity and cytotoxicity. Reduction of the disulfide bond and
      linearization of the cyclic peptide frame decreased the pro-fibrinolytic
      activity. Substitution of a branched-chain amino acid with lysine resulted in
      loss of activity. However, protection of the amino group in the lysine
      derivatives by the tert-butoxycarbonyl (Boc) group rescued the inactivity.
      Furthermore, the phenylalanine derivatives also exhibited a similar pro
      fibrinolytic effect compared to malformin A1. These results suggest that the
      disulfide bond, the cyclic peptide frame, and the bulky hydrophobic side chains
      play a crucial role in the pro-fibrinolytic activity of malformin. The effective
      dose of the active derivatives for the in vitro fibrin degradation showed similar
      ranges (1-5MUM), while the order of cytotoxic potency for the active derivatives
      was as follows: Phe-derivatives>BocLys-derivatives>malformin A1>reduced form.
      These results showed no correlation between pro-fibrinolytic activity and
      cytotoxicity, suggesting the possibility of the synthesis for non-toxic malformin
      derivatives possessing the activity.

PMID- 27680591
TI  - Efficacy and immunogenicity of unmodified and pseudouridine-modified mRNA
      delivered systemically with lipid nanoparticles in vivo.
AB  - mRNA has broad potential for treating diseases requiring protein expression.
      However, mRNA can also induce an immune response with associated toxicity.
      Replacement of uridine bases with pseudouridine has been postulated to modulate
      both mRNA immunogenicity and potency. Here, we explore the immune response and
      activity of lipid nanoparticle-formulated unmodified and pseudouridine-modified
      mRNAs administered systemically in vivo. Pseudouridine modification to mRNA had
      no significant effect on lipid nanoparticle physical properties, protein
      expression in vivo, or mRNA immunogenicity compared to unmodified mRNA when
      delivered systemically with liver-targeting lipid nanoparticles, but reduced in
      vitro transfection levels. Indicators of a transient, extracellular innate immune
      response to mRNA were observed, including neutrophilia, myeloid cell activation,
      and up-regulation of four serum cytokines. This study provides insight into the
      immune responses to mRNA lipid nanoparticles, and suggests that pseudouridine
      modifications may be unnecessary for therapeutic application of mRNA in the
      liver.

PMID- 27680592
TI  - Effect of Chicory-derived Inulin on Abdominal Sensations and Bowel Motor
      Function.
AB  - GOAL: To determine the effect of a prebiotic chicory-derived inulin-type fructan
      on the tolerance of intestinal gas. BACKGROUND: Subjects with gas-related
      complaints exhibit impaired handling of intestinal gas loads and we hypothesized
      that inulin would have a beneficial effect. STUDY: Placebo-controlled, parallel,
      randomized, double-blind trial. Subjects with abdominal symptoms and reduced
      tolerance of intestinal gas (selected by a pretest) received either inulin (8
      g/d, n=18) or maltodextrin as a placebo (8 g/d, n=18) for 4 weeks. A gas
      challenge test (4 h jejunal gas infusion at 12 mL/min while measuring abdominal
      symptoms and gas retention for 3 h) was performed before and at the end of the
      intervention phase. Gastrointestinal symptoms and bowel habits (using daily
      questionnaires for 1 wk) and fecal bifidobacteria counts were measured before and
      at the end of the intervention. RESULTS: Inulin decreased gas retention during
      the gas challenge test (by 22%; P=0.035 vs. baseline), while the placebo did not,
      but the intergroup difference was not statistically significant (P=0.343). Inulin
      and placebo reduced the perception of abdominal sensations in the gas challenge
      test to a similar extent (by 52% and 43%, respectively). Participants reported
      moderate gastrointestinal symptoms and normal bowel habits during baseline
      examination, and these findings remained unchanged in both groups during the
      intervention. Inulin led to a higher relative abundance of bifidobacteria counts
      (P=0.01 vs. placebo). CONCLUSIONS: A daily dose of inulin that promotes
      bifidobacteria growth and may improve gut function, is well tolerated by subjects
      with gastrointestinal complaints.

PMID- 27680594
TI  - Technical standardization of Kasai portoenterostomy for biliary atresia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical outcome of
      patients treated with the current technique of Kasai procedure compared with that
      of those treated with previous procedures. METHODS: We retrospectively assessed
      the outcomes of 256 patients with biliary atresia who underwent Kasai
      portoenterostomy at our hospital between 1972 and 2014. Patients were divided
      into four groups: group 1 (1972-1981, double Roux-en Y, n=91), group 2 (1982
      1991, Suruga II, n=80), group 3 (1992-2000, double-valve Roux-en Y, n=46), and
      group 4 (2001-2014, total removal of the extrahepatic biliary remnants at hepatic
      capsule and Roux-en Y reconstruction with a spur valve, n=39). Clinical outcomes
      were compared between the four groups. RESULTS: In groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, the
      rate of jaundice clearance was 65.9%, 77.5%, 63.0%, and 87.2%, respectively;
      incidence of early cholangitis was 60.4%, 53.8%, 37.0%, and 23.1%, respectively;
      requirement for redo Kasai surgery was 15.4%, 37.5%, 17.4%, and 5.1%,
      respectively; 10-year native liver survival rate was 53.8%, 60.1%, 44.1%, and
      73.7%, respectively; and 10-year overall survival rate was 55.0%, 72.3%, 86.7%,
      and 97.3%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The standardized Kasai procedure was
      associated with favorable outcomes. Long-term outcomes remain to be evaluated.
      LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Case-control/treatment study, level III.

PMID- 27680595
TI  - Report of the 49th annual meeting of the Pacific Association of Pediatric
      Surgeons, Kaua'i, Hawai'i, April 24th-28th, 2016.
AB  - This is the report of the 49th annual meeting of the Pacific Association of
      Pediatric Surgeons, held at the Grand Hyatt Resort, Kaua'i Island, Hawai'i, USA,
      April 24th-28th, 2016.

PMID- 27680593
TI  - Causes and Outcomes of Esophageal Perforation in Eosinophilic Esophagitis.
AB  - GOALS: To characterize patients who suffer perforation in the context of
      eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and to identify predictors of perforation.
      BACKGROUND: Esophageal perforation is a serious complication of EoE. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of the University of North
      Carolina EoE clinicopathologic database from 2001 to 2014. Subjects were included
      if they had an incident diagnosis of EoE and met consensus guidelines, including
      nonresponse to a PPI trial. Patients with EoE who had suffered perforation at any
      point during their course were identified, and compared with EoE cases without
      perforation. Multiple logistic regression was performed to determine predictors
      of perforation. RESULTS: Out of 511 subjects with EoE, 10 (2.0%) had experienced
      an esophageal perforation. Although those who perforated tended to have a longer
      duration of symptoms before diagnosis (11.4 vs. 7.0 y, P=0.13), a history of food
      impaction (odds ratio, 14.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.7-129.2) and the presence
      of a focal stricture (odds ratio, 4.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-19.7) were
      the only factors independently associated with perforation. Most perforations
      (80%) occurred after a prolonged food bolus impaction, and only half of
      individuals (5/10) carried a diagnosis of EoE at the time of perforation; none
      occurred after dilation. Six patients (60%) were treated with nonoperative
      management, and 4 (40%) required surgical repair. CONCLUSIONS: Esophageal
      perforation is a rare but serious complication of eosinophilic esophagitis,
      occurring in ~2% of cases. Most episodes are due to food bolus impaction or
      strictures, suggesting that patients with fibrostenotic disease due to longer
      duration of symptoms are at increased risk.

PMID- 27680596
TI  - Long-term follow-up for anicteric survival with native liver after redo Kasai: a
      first report.
AB  - PURPOSE: We present a first report of the long-term follow-up of biliary atresia
      (BA) patients who became anicteric with the native liver (ANL; total bilirubin
      <1.5mg/dL) after redo-Kasai. METHODS: Forty-six redo-Kasai cases (1984-2015) were
      the subjects for this study. ANL ratios were determined using the Kaplan-Meier
      estimate. RESULTS: BA type was I (n=3), II (n=1), and III (n=42). Mean ages
      (initial/redo) at Kasai were 60.3/231.9days, respectively. Jaundice persisted
      after the initial Kasai in 24/46 cases while 22 had recurrence of jaundice after
      initially becoming anicteric. After redo, 5/24 of the persistent jaundice cases
      and 14/22 of the initially anicteric cases became anicteric (p<.05). Of these 19,
      7 (one type I, six type III) are currently ANL while the remaining 12 had LTx or
      died. Morbidity/Complications documented in the 7 post-redo ANL cases after a
      mean follow-up of 16.7years (range: 10.0-31.1) included 4 episodes of
      cholangitis, 3 episodes of portal hypertension, 4 episodes of esophageal varices,
      3 episodes of splenomegaly, one splenectomy, and 4 episodes of thrombocytopenia.
      CONCLUSIONS: Ours is the first long-term follow-up study of redo-Kasai cases. We
      found that the ANL ratio after redo-Kasai was low at 7/46 (15.2%) and that ANL
      were prone to multiple morbidity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective comparative
      study, level III.

PMID- 27680597
TI  - Role of gabapentin and anticholinergics in management of neurogenic bladder after
      repair of spina bifida - a randomized controlled study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anticholinergics are well established in the management of neurogenic
      bladders. However, some patients do have sub-optimal response or severe side
      effects. This study is designed to assess and compare efficacy of gabapentin with
      oxybutynin in neurogenic bladders after surgery for spina bifida. METHODS:
      Patients were randomized into three groups after urodynamic studies and started
      on oxybutynin, gabapentin, and combination of both, respectively. Thorough
      clinical and urodynamic reassessment was done at 6months and one year after
      starting treatment. RESULTS: Forty-four patients (3-19years) were studied.
      Improvement was noted in symptoms as well as urodynamic parameters in all groups.
      Maximal improvement of symptom score was with combination of drugs at 1year. In
      urodynamic studies, compliance, pressures, and capacity showed improvement, which
      was significant between the groups at both six months and 1year for bladder
      pressures and volume. Improvement in compliance though marked was not
      statistically significant. Best response was seen in group receiving both drugs.
      Gabapentin was better tolerated than oxybutynin. CONCLUSION: Gabapentin is a good
      alternative to oxybutynin for management of neurogenic bladder, both as
      monotherapy and as an add-on therapy. It has potential application in patients
      with inadequate response to anticholinergics. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: prospective
      competitive treatment study - level II.

PMID- 27680599
TI  - Application of anchoring stitch prevents rectal prolapse in laparoscopic assisted
      anorectal pullthrough.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rectal prolapse has been reported after laparoscopic assisted
      anorectal pullthrough in children with anorectal malformation. We report our
      clinical outcome and study the application of an anchoring stitch to tack the
      rectum to the presacral fascia and the occurrence of rectal prolapse. MATERIAL
      AND METHODS: A retrospective review of all children who had undergone
      laparoscopic assisted anorectal pullthrough for anorectal malformation from 2000
      to 2015 was performed. Patients were divided into two groups (group I: with
      anchoring stitch, group II: without anchoring stitch). Outcome measures including
      rectal prolapse, soiling, voluntary bowel control, and constipation, and Kelly
      Score were analyzed. RESULTS: There were thirty-four patients (group I, n=20;
      group II, n=14) undergoing laparoscopic assisted anorectal pullthrough during the
      study period. The median follow up duration for group I and group II was 60months
      and 168months, respectively. All patients had stoma performed prior to the
      operation. Both groups consisted of patients with high type (30% vs 57%, p=0.12)
      and intermediate type (70% vs 43%, p=0.12) anorectal malformation. Seven (35%)
      patients in group I and 3 (21%) in group II had concomitant vertebral and spinal
      cord pathologies (p=0.408). The mean operative time was significantly shorter in
      group I (193+/-63min vs 242+/-49min, p=0.048). Rectal prolapse occurred less in
      group I, 4 (20%) vs 9 (64%) patients in group II and was statistically
      significant (p=0.008). Median time to development of rectal prolapse was 7months
      in group I and 5months in group II (p=0.767). Mucosectomy was performed in 15% of
      group I and 36% of group II (p=0.171). Soiling occurred less in group I (55% vs
      79%, p=0.167). Voluntary bowel control (85% vs 93%, p=0.499) and constipation
      (55% vs 64%, p=0.601) were comparable in both groups. 75% in group I and 71% in
      group II achieved a Kelly score of 5 or above (p=0.823). CONCLUSIONS: Our study
      showed application of anchoring stitch reduces rectal prolapse and soiling in
      laparoscopic assisted anorectal pullthrough. Treatment Study-Level III.

PMID- 27680600
TI  - CT imaging for long-term functional outcome after spontaneous intracerebral
      haemorrhage: A 3-year follow-up study.
AB  - PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: To define the prognostic value of head computed tomography
      (CT) in patients suffering from SICH after 3 years of follow-up. RESEARCH DESIGN
      AND METHODS: Between January 2011 and May 2012, consecutive patients with SICH
      who underwent brain CT scans within the first 12 hours of presentation were
      prospectively included. Independent predictors of 30-day mortality and
      unfavourable functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale = 4-6 and Barthel Index <=
      60) at 36 months were identified by univariable and multivariable regression
      analysis. MAIN OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: A total of 228 participants were identified.
      According to multivariable analysis, independent CT-related predictors for 30-day
      mortality were intraventricular haemorrhage [IVH] (OR = 2.42; p = 0.009),
      haematoma volume >= 30 cm3 (OR = 3.32; p = 0.006), the presence of midline shift
      (OR = 3.77; p = 0.004) and hydrocephalus (OR = 5.22; p = 0.001). Further, IVH (OR
      = 3.72, 95% CI = 1.16-11.8, p = 0.026), volume of haemorrhage >= 30 cm3 (OR =
      3.96; 95% CI = 1.65-5.84; p = 0.015) and midline shift (OR = 6.58; 95% CI = 1.33
      32.4; p = 0.021) had significant associations with an mRS >= 4 at 36 months.
      CONCLUSIONS: A favourable long-term functional outcome at 36 months and short
      term survival were less likely in patients with greater volume of haematoma,
      presence of IVH and midline displacement.

PMID- 27680598
TI  - Sustained delivery of vincristine inside an orthotopic mouse sarcoma model
      decreases tumor growth.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sarcoma accounts for 20% of solid tumors in children. Surgery has
      significant morbidity. We hypothesized that delivering chemotherapy directly into
      tumors through sustained release silk systems could slow tumor growth. METHODS:
      Human Ewing sarcoma cells A673 were cultured with vincristine and doxorubicin to
      determine half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50). Cells were injected into
      mouse hind leg to create orthotopic tumors. Tumor volumes were measured using
      ultrasound. When volume reached >250mm3, interventions included: implantation of
      drug-free silk foam (Control-F), doxorubicin 400MUg foam (Dox400-F), vincristine
      50MUg foam (Vin50-F), drug-free silk gel (Control-G), vincristine 50MUg gel
      (Vin50-G), or single dose intravenous vincristine 50MUg (Vin50-IV). End-point was
      volume>1000mm3. Kaplan Meier and ANOVA were used. RESULTS: IC50 for vincristine
      and doxorubicin was 0.5ng/mL and 200ng/mL, respectively. There was no difference
      between Dox400-F [6+/-1days to end point (DTEP)] and Control-F (5+/-1.3 DTEP).
      Vin50-F (12.4+/-3.5 DTEP) had slower growth compared to Control-F (p<0.001), and
      there was no difference between Vin50-F and Vin50-IV (14+/-0 DTEP). Growth was
      slowest with Vin50-G, 28+/-10.3 DTEP compared to all other treatment groups
      (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Sustained delivery of vincristine inside the sarcoma tumor
      with silk gel decreased tumor growth. Applying this intratumoral treatment
      strategy may potentially decrease the extent of surgical excision.

PMID- 27680601
TI  - Predicting 30-Day Readmission or Death in Patients With Heart Failure: Looking
      Beyond the C Statistic.

PMID- 27680602
TI  - The Longitudinal Relation Between Accumulation of Adverse Life Events and Body
      Mass Index From Early Adolescence to Young Adulthood.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Stressors, such as adverse life events, can cause weight changes
      through behavioral and biological mechanisms. Whether the accumulation of adverse
      life events is related to body mass index (BMI) across multiple time points from
      early adolescence to young adulthood has not been investigated to date. METHODS:
      Data are from 2188 children participating at T1 (10-12 years), T3 (14-18 years),
      and/or T5 (21-23 years) of the prospective Tracking Adolescents' Individual Lives
      Survey cohort study. Adverse events before T1 and between T1, T3, and T5 were
      measured with a parent interview at T1 and a semistructured interview (Event
      History Calendar) with the adolescent at T3 and T5. An adverse events score was
      calculated per wave. Body mass index z-scores were determined from objectively
      measured height and weight using the LMS (skewness, median, and coefficient of
      variation) reference curves of the International Obesity Task Force for children
      18 years or younger. Data were analyzed using a modified bivariate autoregressive
      cross-lagged structural equation model. RESULTS: Adverse events before T1 and
      between T3 and T5 were related to BMI at T5 (beta = 0.06, p = .001 and beta = 
      0.04, p = .04, respectively). Specifically, health events before T1 were
      associated with a higher BMI at T5, and events related to relationships and
      victimhood events between T3 and T5 were associated with a lower BMI at T5.
      CONCLUSIONS: Adverse relationship and victimhood events in their recent past were
      related to a lower BMI in young adults, whereas adverse health events during
      childhood were related to a higher BMI in young adults. No relationships were
      found between adverse life events with BMI in children and adolescents.

PMID- 27680603
TI  - Clinical phenotype and current diagnostic criteria for primary ciliary
      dyskinesia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare, mostly autosomal
      recessive disorder of motile cilia, characterized by chronic lung disease,
      rhinosinusitis, hearing impairment, and subfertility. PCD is still often missed
      or diagnosed late since symptoms overlap with common respiratory complaints, but
      should be considered if one or more of the cardinal clues are present. Areas
      covered: We provide an overview on clinical presentations of PCD and clues for
      when to consider PCD, these include unexplained neonatal respiratory distress,
      persistent rhinitis from the first days of life, situs anomalies, or otorrhoea
      following tympanostomy tube insertion. Diagnosis is on the basis of clinical
      suspicion, and an algorithm of nasal nitric oxide, ciliary beat pattern and
      frequency, transmission electron microscopy, immunofluorescence of ciliary
      proteins and genetic studies. However, there is no one gold-standard test as yet.
      We reviewed the current literature based on PubMed and Ovid databases literature
      search. Expert commentary: There is a need for increased awareness about PCD
      beyond specialist respiratory clinicians and a need for standardization of PCD
      diagnostics internationally. Early diagnosis means that inappropriate treatment
      based on misdiagnosed conditions can be avoided, and the onset of bronchiectasis
      may be delayed.

PMID- 27680604
TI  - CK7 Immunohistochemistry as a Predictor of CIN1 Progression: A Retrospective
      Study of Patients From the Quadrivalent HPV Vaccine Trials.
AB  - Cervical high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (CIN2-3) is thought to arise
      from a distinct population of cells at the squamocolumnar junction (SCJ).
      Immunohistochemical (IHC) biomarkers that characterize the SCJ phenotype,
      including CK7, have been proposed as tools to separate the subset of low-grade
      squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSILs) (CIN1) that will progress to high-grade
      squamous intraepithelial lesion from the majority of cases, which will resolve
      without further intervention. We conducted a retrospective study of CK7 IHC on
      adjudicated CIN1 tissue from women in the placebo arm of the quadrivalent human
      papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine trials. Tissue sections were stained with CK7 IHC
      and scored as negative, patchy, gradation (ie, top-down), or full-thickness
      pattern. Results were assessed for the prediction of future diagnosis of CIN2
      3/AIS (eg, CIN2+ progression) along with p16 IHC, antecedent high-grade cytology,
      and HPV16 status. A total of 517 patients with CIN1 biopsies and complete data
      were identified, 12% of whom showed CIN2+ progression on follow-up. Full
      thickness CK7 staining showed the highest correlation with CIN2+ progression
      (odds ratio [OR] 2.8, P=0.021) relative to the other risk factors (HPV16: OR 2.0,
      P=0.035; antecedent high-grade cytology: OR 2.2, P=0.028; p16 IHC: OR 1.5,
      P=0.16). Inclusion of the gradation/"top-down" CK7 pattern resulted in a less
      robust association with progression (CIN2+: OR 2.0, P=0.028; CIN3+: OR 1.3,
      P=0.74). Interobserver variability ranged from slight to substantial and was not
      contingent on gynecologic pathology training experience (kappa=0.7078 for
      negative/patchy vs. gradation/full thickness; kappa=0.5672 for
      negative/patchy/gradation vs. full thickness). These data support the theory that
      SCJ-derived LSILs are precursors to a potentially aggressive subset of cervical
      SILs and that CK7 staining may inform risk stratification for LSIL (CIN1).
      However, clinical utility is significantly tempered by the relatively low
      amplitude of the risk increase, interpretative variability, and limitations of
      colposcopic sampling.

PMID- 27680605
TI  - Oncogene Status of an Interdigitating Dendritic Cell Sarcoma: Recurrent Mutations
      in NF1, TP53, and ARID2 Shared With Melanoma.

PMID- 27680606
TI  - Monoclonal antibody therapy for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: current
      and future.
AB  - Monoclonal-antibody has been used for patients with autoimmune disorders for
      several years, and efficacy and safety were appreciated for these patients.
      Neuromyelitis optica specturm disorder (NMOSD) has been defined as an autoimmune
      demyelination disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) with a course of
      relapse-remission. Treatment of prevention is important for patients with NMOSD
      because of the increased disability after several attacks. Multiple factors were
      involved in the pathogenesis of NMOSD. Currently, targeting specific factor was
      favored in the research into the treatment for NMOSD. Previous studies reported
      the efficacy and tolerance in NMOSD for drugs such as rituximab, tocilizumab, and
      eculizumab. The aim of this article is to review the current monoclonal therapies
      for NMOSD patients, and also future alternative options.

PMID- 27680607
TI  - What to Do When the Managed Care Firm Says No.

PMID- 27680608
TI  - Comparison of the effects of PRP and hyaluronic acid in promoting peripheral
      nerve regeneration An experimental study with vascular conduit model in rats'.
AB  - AIM: Peripheral nerve defects generally occur due to mechanical, chemical,
      thermal and pathologic causes and the reconstruction is still a challenging
      problem. In the present study, we aimed to compare the effects of platelet rich
      plasma (PRP) that has high levels of growth factors and hyaluronic acid (HA) that
      is known to have positive effects on nerve regeneration by decreasing scar
      formation in a rat model where they were injected through allogeneic aorta graft
      in peripheral nerve defects using histopathologic and functional methods.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved 20 Wistar Albino male rats that weighed
      200 to 250 grams and aged about 1 year old. Of the rats, two were used as donor
      for PRP and aorta graft harvest. Three random groups of 6 rats were composed. In
      all of the groups, the left sciatic nerves were used and 1 cm of defects were
      created. The right sciatic nerves were used as control groups. Group 1 was the
      group repaired with autograft, Group 2 was the group repaired with HA injected
      through aorta graft and Group 3 was the group repaired with PRP injected through
      aorta graft. The findings were evaluated in terms of functional (electromyography
      and walk test analysis) and histopathologic parameters at 12 weeks. RESULTS: In
      all of the groups varying degrees of axonal regeneration was observed. Group 1
      was the closest group to the control group showing highest rate of nerve
      regeneration followed by Group 3 where PRP was injected through aorta graft and
      group 2 where ha was used respectively. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrates that
      PRP enhances peripheral nerve regeneration more than HA when used in a vascular
      conduit model. KEY WORDS: Hyaluronic acid, Peripheral nerve regeneration, PRP.

PMID- 27680609
TI  - Bifurcation intervention with a two-stent strategy: can one size fit all?

PMID- 27680610
TI  - A large right ventricular mass in a 42-year-old female marathon runner.

PMID- 27680611
TI  - Three-dimensional cinematric volume rendering technique: a novel photon-based
      post-processing technique for reverse right internal mammary artery/right
      coronary artery bypass visualization.

PMID- 27680613
TI  - Helping to adjust: an holistic approach to stoma care.
AB  - The aim of this Learning Unit is to increase your knowledge about the
      psychological implications of stoma formation and to increase your understanding
      of the process of psychological adaptation, in order that you can offer more
      sensitive care.

PMID- 27680614
TI  - ?
AB  - Serious questions need to be asked about the independence of the UK Central
      Council following allegations that it may have bowed to government pressure to
      suppress a damning report into nursing homes until after the European elections
      because its findings may be politically sensitive.

PMID- 27680615
TI  - Ralph investigation to report this week.
AB  - The findings of an investigation into UKCC Registrar Colin Ralph's role in the
      appointment of an administrative post at UKCC headquarters are expected at the
      end of this week.

PMID- 27680616
TI  - UKCC accused of complicity in cover-up.
AB  - The UKCC is at the centre of further controversy concerning allegations that it
      bowed to Government pressure not to release a damning report into nursing homes
      until after the European Elections.

PMID- 27680617
TI  - Widespread discrimination faced by black nurses.
AB  - Evidence of widespread discrimination against ethnic minority applicants to nurse
      training was revealed in the Commons last week.

PMID- 27680618
TI  - Staff side reject performance related pay.
AB  - Management attempts to introduce performance related pay for nurses and other NHS
      professionals were rebutted again by staff side last week.

PMID- 27680621
TI  - ?
AB  - We' ll meet again: Fifty years after they met while saving the lives of D-Day
      casualties in Normandy, 'Flying Nightingales' Myra Jones (nee Roberts), left, and
      Edna Morris (nee Birbeck) shared memories of the battle that turned the war, at
      the Imperial War Museum last week ? Special features starting on p16.

PMID- 27680619
TI  - Anorexia nurse is suspended.
AB  - A student midwife who had anorexia in 1984 is claiming the post-Allitt witch-hunt
      has led to her suspension just weeks before her final exams.

PMID- 27680622
TI  - Nurses can offer reassurance in 'killer bug' scare.
AB  - Infection control nurses are. having to play a vital role reassuring the public
      after the outbreak of the so-called 'killer bug', necrotising fasciitis.

PMID- 27680623
TI  - ?
AB  - Devil food: The grim biker' joined Baby Milk Action demonstrators outside Nestle
      s UK headquarters in Croydon last week. They were protesting against what they
      claim are aggressive promotion strategies to sell baby milk throughout the world.
      A second protest is scheduled for Nestle s AGM in Switzerland.

PMID- 27680624
TI  - Too few places for Project 2000 child nursing students.
AB  - Difficulties in finding community placements for students on the Project 2000
      child nursing course means there is no common currency in their diplomas,
      according to a report published last week.

PMID- 27680625
TI  - Hidden cameras to help prove child abuse.
AB  - Covert video surveillance of parents suspected of smothering or abusing their
      children has received the qualified approval of the Royal College of Nursing.

PMID- 27680626
TI  - Power-mad nurses get personal with patients.
AB  - Inappropriate relationships between nurses and patients usually start because the
      nurse is 'besotted with power' and colleagues are reluctant to blow the whistle
      on the relationship, UKCC Assistant Registrar Tariq Hussain said last week.

PMID- 27680627
TI  - 'No fee' legal firm swamped by opt-out nurses.
AB  - A Bristol firm of solicitors offering a 'no win, no fee' ser- I vice to nurses
      who have lost money on leaving the NHS pensions scheme has been I flooded with
      hundreds of calls.

PMID- 27680628
TI  - Doh go slow on mental health.
AB  - Fears that the recommendations of the mental health nursing review, published
      earlier this year, would not see the light of day were dismissed by the Chair of
      the review team last week.

PMID- 27680631
TI  - Unions face set-back over injuries Bill.
AB  - A bid by trade unions to stop the Government from scrapping the Criminal Injuries
      Compensation Board was lost in the High Court last week.

PMID- 27680630
TI  - UKCC warned that supernumerary promises are being broken over 'tightrope'
      students.
AB  - Government promises to allow nursing students to be supernumerary are not being
      kept, UK Central Council officers have been warned.

PMID- 27680633
TI  - Campaign to stop bullies at work.
AB  - A campaign to combat bullying in the workplace was launched by the union MSF last
      week in response to rising numbers of complaints.

PMID- 27680634
TI  - Package aimed at pregnant smokers.
AB  - Concerns over the ability of health professionals to help pregnant women who
      smoke are to be tackled with the release of a new training package.

PMID- 27680632
TI  - Nurse prescribing biased to help fundholders only.
AB  - Labour MP Tessa Jowell has accused the Government of using nurse prescribing as a
      ploy to promote GP fundholding.

PMID- 27680636
TI  - Poor targeting blamed as routine health checks fail the equality test.
AB  - Socially deprived people and those with unhealthy lifestyles are less likely to
      attend a routine health check, new research has shown.

PMID- 27680637
TI  - Ambu Cardio Pump found useful in resuscitation.
AB  - Active compression-decompression (ACD) resuscitation appears to be more effective
      than the standard method for victims of cardiac arrest outside hospital. American
      researchers undertook a prospective randomised parallel group study comparing
      standard CPR with ACD delivered by Ambu Cardio Pump. Resuscitation was undertaken
      by emergency services personnel trained in the pump's use.

PMID- 27680635
TI  - Parents ignoring sunburn warnings.
AB  - British parents are not being vigilant enough in protecting their children from
      the sun, says a survey published last week.

PMID- 27680638
TI  - Garlic may soon rival commercial antibiotics.
AB  - Garlic might have a more important use than just spicing up your food. American
      researchers believe the substance which gives garlic its characteristic smell,
      allicin, might have some potency against bacteria, including those which are
      resistant to conventional antibiotics.

PMID- 27680640
TI  - New' therapy shown to prolong life in colon cancer.
AB  - Adjuvant therapy with a monoclonal antibody extends the life of and prolongs
      remission in people with Dukes' stage C colorectal cancer.

PMID- 27680639
TI  - Why smear uptake varies.
AB  - Over half the variation in cervical smear uptake rates can be explained by
      patient and general practice variables, London researchers report.

PMID- 27680642
TI  - One nurse's war.
AB  - In the summer of 1939, Florence Simes was intending to use her valuable nursing
      and midwifery qualifications as a passport to seethe world. Plans were under way
      for her to join a P&O passenger liner as a ship's nurse.

PMID- 27680641
TI  - Being there...
AB  - I sat in silence in my battle dress, tin hat, a Red Cross armband prominently on
      my left arm. Straight ahead, jeeps, trucks and ambulances could be seen mounting
      the distant hill. In spire of the familiar sound of the convoy making its
      progress, it seemed incredibly still, almost unreal. The memorable day was June
      5, 1944 and I was setting out on what was to be the greatest adventure of my
      life.

PMID- 27680643
TI  - Unrealistic view of coping with cancer.
AB  - I read with interest the article by Lucy Burgess, 'Facing the reality of head and
      neck cancer' (Clinical, May 4).

PMID- 27680644
TI  - NDUs side-swiped by punchy editorial.
AB  - I take exception to the final paragraph in an otherwise useful and appropriately
      questioning editorial on clinical supervision (May 18).

PMID- 27680645
TI  - Quarry digging reveals injustice.
AB  - Many of us have been disturbed by the TV programme Here and Now which showed the
      giant new building, Quarry House in Leeds, erected at a cost of L55 million for
      the use of top NHS administrators.

PMID- 27680646
TI  - Joy Reilly.
AB  - The sudden death on May 2 of RCN member Joy Reilly after a short illness has left
      her family, friends and colleagues devastated. Joy's death at the early age of 57
      will leave a void in the RCN in Northern Ireland and in particular the South and
      East Belfast Branch. She played a key role in developing the RCN's effectiveness,
      especially as a Northern Ireland Board member and previously through the
      Psychiatric Society. She retired from her post as ward sister in 'Shimna'
      Knockbraken Healthcare Park (formerly Purdysburn Hospital) only last autumn. She
      will be sadly missed by her patients, colleagues and friends in the health
      service and by the many friends she made on the mainland during the times she
      attended RRB and Congress.

PMID- 27680647
TI  - Brain drain gains fame.
AB  - I agree so strongly with the observations made by Teresa Burgoyne in 'The brain
      drain' (Viewpoint, May 18).

PMID- 27680648
TI  - More research please on ethnicity and diet.
AB  - I would like to clarify some elements of your report of my presentation at the
      Florence Nightingale scholarships (Newsfile, April 28).

PMID- 27680649
TI  - Information exchange.

PMID- 27680650
TI  - Reunions.
AB  - September 17 is the date for a 20th anniversary reunion for all nurses who
      commenced training at The Royal Free Hospital in September 1974. It will be held
      in London and anyone wanting details can contact Jacky Ashby-Swain (nee Swain) on
      0408 30455.

PMID- 27680651
TI  - Mattresses: springing to the defence.
AB  - We would like to correct any misapprehensions arising from the Tissue Viability
      news item, 'Alternating pressure overlays give best results in clinical trials'
      (May 18).

PMID- 27680652
TI  - D-Day revisited.

PMID- 27680653
TI  - Gossip.
AB  - The big news this week is that prefabricated buildings are no longer viewed as a
      poor substitute for traditional buildings. That's what it says here, anyway. In a
      press release headed Future looking bright for prefabricated building industry',
      Rovacabin - 'leading suppliers of modular and portable buildings' - says average
      turnover in the prefab, building industry rose by 20 per cent in the second half
      of 1993.

PMID- 27680654
TI  - Gentle medicine Gentle medicine A Smyth Thorsons 616pp L10.99 0-7225-2769-1.
AB  - The simple health programme that I follow has helped me to enjoy good health for
      many I years. As I approach my fiftieth birthday, I recommend the benefits of
      being a teetotaller and non- smoker, having sufficient sleep, eating a balanced
      diet, taking enough exercise, trying not to worry and enjoying creative hobbies.

PMID- 27680656
TI  - Oncological nursing, 2nd edition Oncological nursing, 2nd edition J H Eriksson
      Springhouse 234pp L11.50 0-87434-613-4.
AB  - Oncological Nursing. 2nd edition is part of the Springhouse notes series of study
      and learning guides. It aims to provide all the information needed to review the
      specialty of oncology nursing, covering the core topics found in all major
      textbooks on the subject and highlighting key points, enabling the student to
      review critical material rapidly. A glossary of frequently used or misunderstood
      terms is provided.

PMID- 27680657
TI  - Listings.
AB  - Nursing Standard regrets that it is no longer able to take listings over the
      telephone because of unprecedented demand. Readers are reminded that the listings
      section is for the use of charitable and professional organisations, unions and
      health authorities to publicise forthcoming events. Listings should contain all
      relevant details and be posted or faxed to Susan B/oodworth, Nursing Standard,
      Viking House, 17-19 Peterborough Road, Harrow, Middlesex HA1 2AX. Pax: 081-423
      3867.

PMID- 27680658
TI  - Pacing From the Right Ventricular Septum and Development of New Atrial
      Fibrillation in Paced Patients With Atrioventricular Block and Preserved Left
      Ventricular Function.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Whether pacing from the right ventricular (RV) septum improves
      prognosis is unclear. Furthermore, the clinical characteristics of patients who
      develop atrial fibrillation (AF) and cardiovascular events during long-term RV
      septal pacing have not been described.Methods and Results:We retrospectively
      evaluated the incidence of AF and cardiovascular events, including cardiac death,
      heart failure requiring hospitalization, or stroke, for a median of 4.0 years in
      123 recipients of dual-chamber pacemakers implanted for atrioventricular block
      with preserved left ventricular function, who were free from AF before device
      implantation. AF developed in 30 patients (24%), and multivariable analysis
      suggested that the cumulative percentage of RV pacing was the only independent
      predictor of newly developed AF (hazard ratio: 1.19 for each 10% increment; 95%
      confidence interval: 1.04-1.41; P=0.01). Furthermore, older age, newly developed
      AF and a paced QRS duration >=155 ms at pacemaker implantation were significant
      predictors of cardiovascular events. CONCLUSIONS: RV septum pacing may induce AF
      in up to one-quarter of patients paced for atrioventricular block, according to
      the frequency of pacing. More importantly, in such patients, AF induced by RV
      pacing and a paced QRS duration >=155 ms at pacemaker implantation are
      significantly associated with poor prognosis. Therefore, we recommend pacing from
      sites producing a paced QRS duration <155 ms and avoiding unnecessary RV pacing.
      (Circ J 2016; 80: 2302-2309).

PMID- 27680659
TI  - Impact of Gender Binarism on Hijras' Life Course and Their Access to Fundamental
      Human Rights in Pakistan.
AB  - This study adds to the growing body of knowledge on gender nonconformity aspects
      of heteronormativity by examining its impact on the life course of hijras and
      their access to fundamental human rights in Pakistan. Drawing on 50
      semistructured interviews conducted in two sites, the findings suggest that the
      participants' lived experiences associated with gender nonconformity
      significantly influenced the direction of their life course and their ability to
      have access to human rights. These experiences spanned from childhood to
      elderhood across a wide range of settings, such as family, school, guru dera
      (residence headed by a hijra guru), workplace, and interactions with authorities.
      The participants' human rights were not recognized, resulting in abuse, social
      stigma, discrimination against them, and their exclusion from mainstream society.
      Finally, implications are drawn for public policy and future research on third
      gender concerns in Pakistan and elsewhere.

PMID- 27680660
TI  - Why Are There Developmental Stages in Language Learning? A Developmental Robotics
      Model of Language Development.
AB  - Most theories of learning would predict a gradual acquisition and refinement of
      skills as learning progresses, and while some highlight exponential growth, this
      fails to explain why natural cognitive development typically progresses in
      stages. Models that do span multiple developmental stages typically have
      parameters to "switch" between stages. We argue that by taking an embodied view,
      the interaction between learning mechanisms, the resulting behavior of the agent,
      and the opportunities for learning that the environment provides can account for
      the stage-wise development of cognitive abilities. We summarize work relevant to
      this hypothesis and suggest two simple mechanisms that account for some
      developmental transitions: neural readiness focuses on changes in the neural
      substrate resulting from ongoing learning, and perceptual readiness focuses on
      the perceptual requirements for learning new tasks. Previous work has
      demonstrated these mechanisms in replications of a wide variety of infant
      language experiments, spanning multiple developmental stages. Here we piece this
      work together as a single model of ongoing learning with no parameter changes at
      all. The model, an instance of the Epigenetic Robotics Architecture (Morse et al
      2010) embodied on the iCub humanoid robot, exhibits ongoing multi-stage
      development while learning pre-linguistic and then basic language skills.

PMID- 27680661
TI  - Experimental evidence of pollination in marine flowers by invertebrate fauna.
AB  - Pollen transport by water-flow (hydrophily) is a typical, and almost exclusive,
      adaptation of plants to life in the marine environment. It is thought that,
      unlike terrestrial environments, animals are not involved in pollination in the
      sea. The male flowers of the tropical marine angiosperm Thalassia testudinum open
      up and release pollen in mucilage at night when invertebrate fauna is active.
      Here we present experimental evidence that, in the absence of water-flow, these
      invertebrates visit the flowers, carry and transfer mucilage mass with embedded
      pollen from the male flowers to the stigmas of the female flowers. Pollen tubes
      are formed on the stigmas, indicating that pollination is successful. Thus, T.
      testudinum has mixed abiotic-biotic pollination. We propose a zoobenthophilous
      pollination syndrome (pollen transfer in the benthic zone by invertebrate
      animals) which shares many characteristics with hydrophily, but flowers are
      expected to open-up during the night.

PMID- 27680662
TI  - Transcriptome landscape of perennial wild Cicer microphyllum uncovers
      functionally relevant molecular tags regulating agronomic traits in chickpea.
AB  - The RNA-sequencing followed by de-novo transcriptome assembly identified 11621
      genes differentially xpressed in roots vs. shoots of a wild perennial Cicer
      microphyllum. Comparative analysis of transcriptomes between microphyllum and
      cultivated desi cv. ICC4958 detected 12772 including 3242 root- and 1639 shoot
      specific microphyllum genes with 85% expression validation success rate.
      Transcriptional reprogramming of microphyllum root-specific genes implicates
      their possible role in regulating differential natural adaptive characteristics
      between wild and cultivated chickpea. The transcript-derived 5698 including 282
      in-silico polymorphic SSR and 127038 SNP markers annotated at a genome-wide scale
      exhibited high amplification and polymorphic potential among cultivated (desi and
      kabuli) and wild accessions suggesting their utility in chickpea genomics
      assisted breeding applications. The functional significance of markers was
      assessed based on their localization in non-synonymous coding and regulatory
      regions of microphyllum root-specific genes differentially expressed
      predominantly in ICC 4958 roots under drought stress. A high-density 490 genic
      SSR- and SNP markers-anchored genetic linkage map identified six major QTLs
      regulating drought tolerance-related traits, yield per plant and harvest-index in
      chickpea. The integration of high-resolution QTL mapping with comparative
      transcriptome profiling delineated five microphyllum root-specific genes with non
      synonymous and regulatory SNPs governing drought-responsive yield traits.
      Multiple potential key regulators and functionally relevant molecular tags
      delineated can drive translational research and drought tolerance-mediated
      chickpea genetic enhancement.

PMID- 27680664
TI  - Left Atrial Appendage Closure Under Intracardiac Echocardiographic Guidance:
      Feasibility and Comparison With Transesophageal Echocardiography.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transcatheter left atrial appendage closure is an alternative therapy
      for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation patients. These procedures are
      currently guided with transesophageal echocardiography and fluoroscopy in most
      centers. As intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) is commonly used in other
      catheter-based procedures, we sought to determine the safety and effectiveness of
      intracardiac echocardiography-guided left atrial appendage closure with the
      Watchman device. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 27 patients (11 males, 77.0+/
      8.5 years) with atrial fibrillation receiving Watchman left atrial appendage
      closure under intracardiac echocardiography guidance at a single center were
      investigated. All patients were implanted successfully. There were no major
      procedural complications. The overall procedure-related complication rate was
      14.8%, mainly due to access site hematoma. Transesophageal echocardiography
      demonstrated successful closure of the left atrial appendage in all patients at
      45 days after device implant. CONCLUSIONS: Transcatheter left atrial appendage
      closure with intracardiac echocardiography guidance is safe and feasible.

PMID- 27680665
TI  - Angina and Future Cardiovascular Events in Stable Patients With Coronary Artery
      Disease: Insights From the Reduction of Atherothrombosis for Continued Health
      (REACH) Registry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The extent to which angina is associated with future cardiovascular
      events in patients with coronary artery disease has long been debated. METHODS
      AND RESULTS: Included were outpatients with established coronary artery disease
      who were enrolled in the REACH registry and were followed for 4 years. Angina at
      baseline was defined as necessitating episodic or permanent antianginal
      treatment. The primary end point was the composite of cardiovascular death,
      myocardial infarction, or stroke. Secondary end points included heart failure,
      cardiovascular hospitalizations, and coronary revascularization. The independent
      association between angina and first/total events was examined using Cox and
      logistic regression models. Out of 26 159 patients with established coronary
      artery disease, 13 619 (52%) had angina at baseline. Compared with patients
      without angina, patients with angina were more likely to be older, female, and
      had more heart failure and polyvascular disease (P<0.001 for each). Compared with
      patients without angina, patients with angina had higher rates of first primary
      end-point event (14.2% versus 16.3%, unadjusted hazard ratio 1.19, CI 1.11-1.27,
      P<0.001; adjusted hazard ratio 1.06, CI 0.99-1.14, P=0.11), and total primary end
      point events (adjusted risk ratio 1.08, CI 1.01-1.16, P=0.03). Patients with
      angina were at increased risk for heart failure (adjusted odds ratio 1.17, CI
      1.06-1.28, P=0.002), cardiovascular hospitalizations (adjusted odds ratio 1.29,
      CI 1.21-1.38, P<0.001), and coronary revascularization (adjusted odds ratio 1.23,
      CI 1.13-1.34, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with stable coronary artery disease
      and angina have higher rates of future cardiovascular events compared with
      patients without angina. After adjustment, angina was only weakly associated with
      cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke, but significantly
      associated with heart failure, cardiovascular hospitalization, and coronary
      revascularization.

PMID- 27680663
TI  - Dynamic Resistance Training as Stand-Alone Antihypertensive Lifestyle Therapy: A
      Meta-Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aerobic exercise (AE) is recommended as first-line antihypertensive
      lifestyle therapy based on strong evidence showing that it lowers blood pressure
      (BP) 5 to 7 mm Hg among adults with hypertension. Because of weaker evidence
      showing that dynamic resistance training (RT) reduces BP 2 to 3 mm Hg among
      adults with hypertension, it is recommended as adjuvant lifestyle therapy to AE
      training. Yet, existing evidence suggests that dynamic RT can lower BP as much or
      more than AE. METHODS AND RESULTS: We meta-analyzed 64 controlled studies (71
      interventions) to determine the efficacy of dynamic RT as stand-alone
      antihypertensive therapy. Participants (N=2344) were white (57%), middle-aged
      (47.2+/-19.0 years), and overweight (26.8+/-3.4 kg/m(2)) adults with
      prehypertension (126.7+/-10.3/76.8+/-8.7 mm Hg); 15% were on antihypertensive
      medication. Overall, moderate-intensity dynamic RT was performed 2.8+/-0.6
      days/week for 14.4+/-7.9 weeks and elicited small-to-moderate reductions in
      systolic BP (SBP; d+=-0.31; 95% CIs, -0.43, -0.19; -3.0 mm Hg) and diastolic BP
      (DBP; d+=-0.30; 95% CIs, -0.38, -0.18; -2.1 mm Hg) compared to controls
      (Ps<0.001). Greater BP reductions occurred among samples with higher resting
      SBP/DBP: ~6/5 mm Hg for hypertension, ~3/3 mm Hg for prehypertension, and ~0/1 mm
      Hg for normal BP (Ps<0.023). Furthermore, nonwhite samples with hypertension
      experienced BP reductions that were approximately twice the magnitude of those
      previously reported following AE training (-14.3 mm Hg [95% CIs, -19.0, -9.4]/
      10.3 mm Hg [95% CIs, -14.5, -6.2]). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that for
      nonwhite adult samples with hypertension, dynamic RT may elicit BP reductions
      that are comparable to or greater than those reportedly achieved with AE
      training. Dynamic RT should be further investigated as a viable stand-alone
      therapeutic exercise option for adult populations with high BP.

PMID- 27680668
TI  - Sialidase Unmasks Mucin Domain Epitopes of Lubricin.
AB  - Lubricin is a secreted, mucin-like glycoprotein and proteoglycan abundant in
      synovial fluid that provides boundary lubrication and prevents cell adhesion in
      synovial joints. The antilubricin S6.79 monoclonal antibody recognizes an O
      linked glycopeptide epitope in lubricin's mucin domain. The central, long mucin
      domain of lubricin is extensively O-glycosylated with Gal(beta1-3)GalNAc-O
      Ser/Thr, and about two thirds of the O-glycosylated sites are capped with sialic
      acid. Our aim was to determine whether removal of sialic acid by sialidase could
      improve the detection of lubricin in a number of human tissues using the S6.79
      monoclonal antibody. Sialidase treatment caused a dramatic increase in antibody
      reactivity in human pericardium, splenic capsule and trabeculae, plasma, serum,
      eye sleep extract, and liver sinusoids. Sialidase had minimal effect on S6.79
      antibody reactivity with lubricin in synovial fluid and synovial tissue. These
      observations suggest that the origin of lubricin in blood may be different from
      that in synovial fluid and that desialylation of lubricin is essential for
      unmasking epitopes within the mucin domain.

PMID- 27680666
TI  - Caveolin 1 Modulates Aldosterone-Mediated Pathways of Glucose and Lipid
      Homeostasis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Overactivation of the aldosterone and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR)
      pathway is associated with hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia. Caveolin 1 (cav-1) is
      involved in glucose/lipid homeostasis and may modulate MR signaling. We
      investigated the interplay between cav-1 and aldosterone signaling in modulating
      insulin resistance and dyslipidemia in cav-1-null mice and humans with a
      prevalent variant in the CAV1 gene. METHODS AND RESULTS: In mouse studies, cav-1
      knockout mice exhibited higher levels of homeostatic model assessment of insulin
      resistance, cholesterol, and resistin and lower ratios of high- to low-density
      lipoprotein (all P<0.001 versus wild type). Moreover, cav-1 knockout mice
      displayed hypertriglyceridemia and higher mRNA levels for resistin, retinol
      binding protein 4, NADPH oxidase 4, and aldose reductase in liver and/or fat
      tissues. MR blockade with eplerenone significantly decreased glycemia (P<0.01),
      total cholesterol (P<0.05), resistin (P<0.05), and described enzymes, with no
      effect on insulin or triglycerides. In the human study, we analyzed the CAV1 gene
      polymorphism rs926198 in 556 white participants; 58% were minor allele carriers
      and displayed higher odds of insulin resistance (odds ratio 2.26 [95% CI 1.40
      3.64]) and low high-density lipoprotein (odds ratio 1.54 [95% CI 1.01-3.37]).
      Aldosterone levels correlated with higher homeostatic model assessment of insulin
      resistance and resistin and lower high-density lipoprotein only in minor allele
      carriers. CAV1 gene expression quantitative trait loci data revealed lower cav-1
      expression in adipose tissues by the rs926198 minor allele. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      findings in mice and humans suggested that decreased cav-1 expression may
      activate the effect of aldosterone/MR signaling on several pathways of glycemia,
      dyslipidemia, and resistin. In contrast, hyperinsulinemia and
      hypertriglyceridemia are likely mediated by MR-independent mechanisms. Future
      human studies will elucidate the clinical relevance of MR blockade in patients
      with genotype-mediated cav-1 deficiency.

PMID- 27680667
TI  - Immunophenotyping of Rabbit Testicular Germ and Sertoli Cells Across Maturational
      Stages.
AB  - During testicular maturation, both Sertoli cells (SCs) and germ cells (GCs)
      switch from an immature to a mature immunophenotype. The reexpression of markers
      of immaturity in adults has been reported in cancer and in other testicular
      pathologies, in men as well as in animal species. Naturally affected with
      testicular cancer, rabbits have long been used in human reproductive research,
      but reports on the expression of testicular cell markers in this species are few
      and data about the immunophenotype of normal postnatal SCs and GCs are lacking.
      The aim of this study was to investigate the immunophenotype of SCs and GCs in
      the rabbit, from neonatal to adult age, using the antibodies anti-Mullerian
      hormone (AMH), vimentin (VIM), CKAE1/AE3 (cytokeratins [CKs]), desmin (DES),
      inhibin alpha (INH-alpha), placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP), and periodic
      acid-Schiff (PAS) staining. In SCs, VIM was constantly expressed, and AMH and CKs
      expression was limited to neonatal and prepubertal age, whereas DES, INH-alpha,
      PLAP, and PAS were constantly negative. GCs were negatively stained for PLAP,
      PAS, and for the other markers. Results revealed analogies with human testicular
      immunophenotype, suggesting that rabbits could represent a potential experimental
      model for the study of human testicular pathology.

PMID- 27680671
TI  - Survival and failure modes: platform-switching for internal and external hexagon
      cemented fixed dental prostheses.
AB  - This study evaluated the probability of survival (reliability) of platform
      switched fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) cemented on different implant-abutment
      connection designs. Eighty-four-three-unit FDPs (molar pontic) were cemented on
      abutments connected to two implants of external or internal hexagon connection.
      Four groups (n = 21 each) were established: external hexagon connection and
      regular platform (ERC); external hexagon connection and switched platform (ESC);
      internal hexagon and regular platform (IRC); and internal hexagon and switched
      platform (ISC). Prostheses were subjected to step-stress accelerated life testing
      in water. Weibull curves and probability of survival for a mission of 100,000
      cycles at 400 N (two-sided 90% CI) were calculated. The beta values of 0.22,
      0.48, 0.50, and 1.25 for groups ERC, ESC, IRC, and ISC, respectively, indicated a
      limited role of fatigue in damage accumulation, except for group ISC. Survival
      decreased for both platform-switched groups (ESC: 74%, and ISC: 59%) compared
      with the regular matching platform counterparts (ERC: 95%, and IRC: 98%).
      Characteristic strength was higher only for ERC compared with ESC, but not
      different between internal connections. Failures chiefly involved the abutment
      screw. Platform switching decreased the probability of survival of FDPs on both
      external and internal connections. The absence in loss of characteristic strength
      observed in internal hexagon connections favor their use compared with platform
      switched external hexagon connections.

PMID- 27680669
TI  - Nucleolar Reorganization Upon Site-Specific Double-Strand Break Induction.
AB  - DNA damage response (DDR) in ribosomal genes and mechanisms of DNA repair in
      embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are less explored nuclear events. DDR in ESCs should
      be unique due to their high proliferation rate, expression of pluripotency
      factors, and specific chromatin signature. Given short population doubling time
      and fast progress through G1 phase, ESCs require a sustained production of rRNA,
      which leads to the formation of large and prominent nucleoli. Although
      transcription of rRNA in the nucleolus is relatively well understood, little is
      known about DDR in this nuclear compartment. Here, we directed formation of
      double-strand breaks in rRNA genes with I- PpoI endonuclease, and we studied
      nucleolar morphology, DDR, and chromatin modifications. We observed a pronounced
      formation of I- PpoI-induced nucleolar caps, positive on BRCA1, NBS1, MDC1,
      gammaH2AX, and UBF1 proteins. We showed interaction of nucleolar protein TCOF1
      with HDAC1 and TCOF1 with CARM1 after DNA injury. Moreover, H3R17me2a
      modification mediated by CARM1 was found in I- PpoI-induced nucleolar caps.
      Finally, we report that heterochromatin protein 1 is not involved in DNA repair
      of nucleolar caps.

PMID- 27680670
TI  - Differential Lectin Binding Patterns Identify Distinct Heart Regions in Giant
      Danio ( Devario aequipinnatus) and Zebrafish ( Danio rerio) Hearts.
AB  - Lectins are carbohydrate-binding proteins commonly used as biochemical and
      histochemical tools to study glycoconjugate (glycoproteins, glycolipids)
      expression patterns in cells, tissues, including mammalian hearts. However,
      lectins have received little attention in zebrafish ( Danio rerio) and giant
      danio ( Devario aequipinnatus) heart studies. Here, we sought to determine the
      binding patterns of six commonly used lectins-wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), Ulex
      europaeus agglutinin, Bandeiraea simplicifolia lectin (BS lectin), concanavalin A
      (Con A), Ricinus communis agglutinin I (RCA I), and Lycopersicon esculentum
      agglutinin (tomato lectin)-in these hearts. Con A showed broad staining in the
      myocardium. WGA stained cardiac myocyte borders, with binding markedly stronger
      in the compact heart and bulbus. BS lectin, which stained giant danio coronaries,
      was used to measure vascular reconstruction during regeneration. However, BS
      lectin reacted poorly in zebrafish. RCA I stained the compact heart of both fish.
      Tomato lectin stained the giant danio, and while low reactivity was seen in the
      zebrafish ventricle, staining was observed in their transitional cardiac
      myocytes. In addition, we observed unique staining patterns in the developing
      zebrafish heart. Lectins' ability to reveal differential glycoconjugate
      expression in giant danio and zebrafish hearts suggests they can serve as simple
      but important tools in studies of developing, adult, and regenerating fish
      hearts.

PMID- 27680672
TI  - Hedgehogs and Mustelid Species: Major Carriers of Pathogenic Leptospira, a Survey
      in 28 Animal Species in France (20122015).
AB  - Human leptospirosis is a zoonotic and potentially fatal disease that has
      increasingly been reported in both developing and developed countries, including
      France. However, our understanding of the basic aspects of the epidemiology of
      this disease, including the source of Leptospira serogroup Australis infections
      in humans and domestic animals, remains incomplete. We investigated the genetic
      diversity of Leptospira in 28 species of wildlife other than rats using variable
      number tandem repeat (VNTR) and multispacer sequence typing (MST). The DNA of
      pathogenic Leptospira was detected in the kidney tissues of 201 individuals out
      of 3,738 tested individuals. A wide diversity, including 50 VNTR profiles and 8
      MST profiles, was observed. Hedgehogs and mustelid species had the highest risk
      of being infected (logistic regression, OR = 66.8, CI95% = 30.9-144 and OR =
      16.7, CI95% = 8.7-31.8, respectively). Almost all genetic profiles obtained from
      the hedgehogs were related to Leptospira interrogans Australis, suggesting the
      latter as a host-adapted bacterium, whereas mustelid species were infected by
      various genotypes, suggesting their interaction with Leptospira was different. By
      providing an inventory of the circulating strains of Leptospira and by pointing
      to hedgehogs as a potential reservoir of L. interrogans Australis, our study
      advances current knowledge on Leptospira animal carriers, and this information
      could serve to enhance epidemiological investigations in the future.

PMID- 27680674
TI  - Physical and biochemical changes in sludge upon Tubifex tubifex predation.
AB  - Worm predation (WP) on activated sludge leads to increased sludge degradation
      rates, irrespective of the type of worm used or reactor conditions employed.
      However, the cause of the increased sludge degradation rates remains unknown.
      This paper presents a comparative analysis of the physical and biochemical
      aspects of predated sludge, providing insight into the hydrolytic mechanisms
      underlying WP. To this end, the sessile worm Tubifex tubifex was used as a model
      oligochaete and was batch cultivated in an 18-L airlift reactor. Predation on
      activated sludge showed an average reduction rate of 12 +/- 3.8%/d versus 2 +/-
      1.3%/d for endogenous respirated sludge. Sludge predation resulted in an
      increased release of inorganic nitrogen, phosphate and soluble chemical oxygen
      demand (sCOD). The sCOD consisted mainly of polysaccharides; however,
      fluorescence excitation emission matrix spectroscopy analysis also revealed the
      presence of Tryptophan-protein-like substances. Results suggest that the released
      polysaccharides contain a protein-like element. Additionally, soluble iron
      increased slightly in concentration after WP. The extent of hydrolysis seemed to
      reach an average plateau of about 40% volatile solids (VS) reduction after 4
      days, which is substantially higher than the 29% VS reduction for endogenous
      decay of activated sludge after 30 days. Furthermore, T. tubifex predominantly
      consumed the protein fraction of the extracellular polymeric substances. Results
      suggest that that the worms specifically target a fraction of the sludge that is
      predominantly biodegradable under aerobic conditions, albeit at significantly
      higher degradation rates when compared to the endogenous decay of waste activated
      sludge.

PMID- 27680673
TI  - Habitat Heterogeneity Variably Influences Habitat Selection by Wild Herbivores in
      a Semi-Arid Tropical Savanna Ecosystem.
AB  - An understanding of the habitat selection patterns by wild herbivores is critical
      for adaptive management, particularly towards ecosystem management and wildlife
      conservation in semi arid savanna ecosystems. We tested the following
      predictions: (i) surface water availability, habitat quality and human presence
      have a strong influence on the spatial distribution of wild herbivores in the dry
      season, (ii) habitat suitability for large herbivores would be higher compared to
      medium-sized herbivores in the dry season, and (iii) spatial extent of suitable
      habitats for wild herbivores will be different between years, i.e., 2006 and
      2010, in Matetsi Safari Area, Zimbabwe. MaxEnt modeling was done to determine the
      habitat suitability of large herbivores and medium-sized herbivores. MaxEnt
      modeling of habitat suitability for large herbivores using the environmental
      variables was successful for the selected species in 2006 and 2010, except for
      elephant (Loxodonta africana) for the year 2010. Overall, large herbivores
      probability of occurrence was mostly influenced by distance from rivers. Distance
      from roads influenced much of the variability in the probability of occurrence of
      medium-sized herbivores. The overall predicted area for large and medium-sized
      herbivores was not different. Large herbivores may not necessarily utilize larger
      habitat patches over medium-sized herbivores due to the habitat homogenizing
      effect of water provisioning. Effect of surface water availability, proximity to
      riverine ecosystems and roads on habitat suitability of large and medium-sized
      herbivores in the dry season was highly variable thus could change from one year
      to another. We recommend adaptive management initiatives aimed at ensuring
      dynamic water supply in protected areas through temporal closure and or opening
      of water points to promote heterogeneity of wildlife habitats.

PMID- 27680675
TI  - Locomotion Disorders and Skin and Claw Lesions in Gestating Sows Housed in
      Dynamic versus Static Groups.
AB  - Lameness and lesions to the skin and claws of sows in group housing are commonly
      occurring indicators of reduced welfare. Typically, these problems are more
      common in group housing than in individual housing systems. Group management type
      (dynamic versus static) and stage of gestation influence the behavior of the
      animals, which in turn influences the occurrence of these problems. The present
      study compared prevalence, incidence and mean scores of lameness and skin and
      claw lesions in static versus dynamic group housed sows at different stages of
      gestation during three consecutive reproductive cycles. A total of 10 Belgian sow
      herds were monitored; 5 in which dynamic groups and 5 in which static groups were
      utilized. All sows were visually assessed for lameness and skin lesions three
      times per cycle and the claws of the hind limbs were assessed once per cycle.
      Lameness and claw lesions were assessed using visual analogue scales. Static
      groups, in comparison with dynamic groups, demonstrated lower lameness scores
      (P<0.05) and decreased skin lesion prevalence (24.9 vs. 47.3%, P<0.05) at the end
      of gestation. There was no difference between treatment group regarding claw
      lesion prevalence with 75.5% of sows demonstrating claw lesions regardless of
      group management. Prevalences of lameness (22.4 vs. 8.9%, P<0.05) and skin
      lesions (46.6 vs. 4.4%, P<0.05) were highest during the group-housed phase
      compared to the individually housed phases. Although the prevalence of lameness
      and skin lesions did not differ three days after grouping versus at the end of
      the group-housing phase, their incidence peaked during the first three days after
      moving from the insemination stalls to the group. In conclusion, the first three
      days after grouping was the most risky period for lameness incidence, but there
      was no significant difference between static or dynamic group management.

PMID- 27680676
TI  - Cigarette smoke reversibly activates hypoxia-inducible factor 1 in a reactive
      oxygen species-dependent manner.
AB  - Cigarette smoke (CS) is a major contributor to the development of a large number
      of fatal and debilitating disorders. However, the precise molecular mechanisms
      underlying the effects of CS in lung disease are largely unknown. To elucidate
      these pathophysiological processes, we examined the in vitro and in vivo effects
      of CS extract (CSE) and CS on the transcription factor, hypoxia-inducible factor
      1 (HIF-1). CSE induced concentration- and time-dependent accumulation of HIF
      1alpha protein in human lung epithelial-like cells under non-hypoxic conditions.
      Genes upregulated by HIF-1, including vascular endothelial growth factor and
      regulated in development and DNA damage response 1, both of which are involved in
      smoking-induced emphysematous changes, were increased by CSE treatment under non
      hypoxic conditions in vitro and in vivo. Further investigation revealed that
      reactive oxygen species were generated in cells exposed to CSE and were required
      for CSE-mediated induction of HIF-1alpha protein, as was activation of
      phosphoinositide 3-kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. In
      conclusion, we demonstrated that CSE and CS induced HIF-1 activation in vitro and
      in vivo, respectively. The evidence warrants further investigation to indicate
      that HIF-1 plays an important role in CS-induced gene expression, which is deeply
      involved in pulmonary cellular stress and small airway remodelling.

PMID- 27680677
TI  - Mutations in actin used for structural studies partially disrupt beta
      thymosin/WH2 domains interaction.
AB  - Understanding the structural basis of actin cytoskeleton remodeling requires
      stabilization of actin monomers, oligomers, and filaments in complex with partner
      proteins, using various biochemical strategies. Here, we report a dramatic
      destabilization of the dynamic interaction with a model beta-thymosin/WH2 domain
      induced by mutations in actin. This result underlines that mutant actins should
      be used with prudence to characterize interactions with intrinsically disordered
      partners as destabilization of dynamic interactions, although identifiable by
      NMR, may be invisible to other structural techniques. It also highlights how both
      beta-thymosin/WH2 domains and actin tune local structure and dynamics in
      regulatory processes involving intrinsically disordered domains.

PMID- 27680679
TI  - The preparation of gamma-crystalline non-electrically poled photoluminescant ZnO
      PVDF nanocomposite film for wearable nanogenerators.
AB  - Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) films are filled with various mass fractions (wt%)
      of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) to fabricate the high performance of a
      wearable polymer composite nanogenerator (PCNG). The ZnO-NPs can induced a fully
      gamma-crystalline phase in PVDF, where traditional electrical poling is not
      necessary for the generation of piezoelectric properties. The PCNG delivers up to
      28 V of open circuit voltage and 450 nA of short circuit current by simple
      repeated human finger imparting (under a pressure amplitude of 8.43 kPa) that
      generates sufficient power to turn on at least 48 commercial blue light emitting
      diodes (LEDs) instantly. Furthermore, it also successfully charged the
      capacitors, signifying practical applicability as a piezoelectric based
      nanogenerator for self-powering devices. The applicability of PCNG by wearable
      means is clarified when it gives rise to a sensible response, say up to 400 mV of
      output voltage synchronized with the PCNG embedded human finger in a bending and
      releasing gesture. UV-visible absorption spectral analysis revealed the
      possibility of estimating a change in the optical band gap value (E g),
      refractive index (n) and optical activation energy (E a) in different
      concentrations of ZnO-NP incorporated PVDF nanocomposite films, and it possesses
      a useful methodology where ZnO-NPs can be used as an optical probe. Near blue
      light emission is observed from photoluminescence spectra, which are clearly
      shown from a Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage (CIE) diagram. The
      piezoelectric charge coefficient of the nanocomposite film is estimated to be 
      6.4 pC/N, where even electrical poling treatment is not employed. In addition,
      dielectric properties have been studied to understand the role of molecular
      kinetic and interfacial polarization occurring in nanocomposite films at
      different applied frequencies.

PMID- 27680678
TI  - In vitro beta-Carotene Bioaccessibility and Lipid Digestion in Emulsions:
      Influence of Pectin Type and Degree of Methyl-Esterification.
AB  - Citrus pectin (CP) and sugar beet pectin (SBP) were demethoxylated and fully
      characterized in terms of pectin properties in order to investigate the influence
      of the pectin degree of methyl-esterification (DM) and the pectin type on the in
      vitro beta-carotene bioaccessibility and lipid digestion in emulsions. For the CP
      based emulsions containing beta-carotene enriched oil, water and pectin, the beta
      carotene bioaccessibility, and lipid digestion were higher in the emulsions with
      pectin with a higher DM (57%; "CP57 emulsion") compared to the emulsions with
      pectin with a lower DM (30%; "CP30 emulsion") showing that the DM plays an
      important role. In contrast, in SBP-based emulsions, nor beta-carotene
      bioaccessibility nor lipid digestion were dependent on pectin DM. Probably here,
      other pectin properties are more important factors. It was observed that beta
      carotene bioaccessibility and lipid digestion were lower in the CP30 emulsion in
      comparison with the CP57, SBP32, and SBP58 emulsions. However, the beta-carotene
      bioaccessibility of CP57 emulsion was similar to that of the SBP emulsions,
      whereas the lipid digestion was not. It seems that pectin type and pectin DM (in
      case of CP) are determining which components can be incorporated into micelles.
      Because carotenoids and lipids have different structures and polarities, their
      incorporation may be different. This knowledge can be used to engineer targeted
      (digestive) functionalities in food products. If both high beta-carotene
      bioaccessibility and high lipid digestion are targeted, SBP emulsions are the
      best options. The CP57 emulsion can be chosen if high beta-carotene
      bioaccessibility but lower lipid digestion is desired.

PMID- 27680680
TI  - MicroRNA-21 protects against cardiac hypoxia/reoxygenation injury by inhibiting
      excessive autophagy in H9c2 cells via the Akt/mTOR pathway.
AB  - MicroRNAs and autophagy play critical roles in cardiac hypoxia/reoxygenation
      (H/R)-induced injury. Here, we investigated the function of miR-21 in regulating
      autophagy and identified the potential molecular mechanisms involved. To
      determine the role of miR-21 in regulating autophagy, H9c2 cells were divided
      into the following six groups: control group, H/R group, (miR-21+ H/R) group,
      (miR-21-negative control + H/R) group, (BEZ235+ H/R) group and (miR-21+ BEZ235+
      H/R) group. The cells underwent hypoxia for 1 hr and reoxygenation for 3 hrs.
      Cell count kit-8 was used to evaluate cell function and apoptosis was analysed by
      Western blotting. Western blotting and transmission electron microscopy were used
      to investigate autophagy. We found that miR-21 expression was down-regulated, and
      autophagy was remarkably increased in H9c2 cells during H/R injury.
      Overexpression of miR-21 with a miR-21 precursor significantly inhibited
      autophagic activity and decreased apoptosis, accompanied by the activation of the
      AKT/mTOR pathway. In addition, treatment with BEZ235, a novel dual Akt/mTOR
      inhibitor, resulted in a significant increase in autophagy and apoptosis.
      However, we found that miR-21-mediated inhibition of apoptosis and autophagy was
      partly independent of Akt/mTOR activation, as demonstrated in cells treated with
      both miR-21 and BEZ235. We showed that miR-21 could inhibit H/R-induced autophagy
      and apoptosis, which may be at least partially mediated by the Akt/mTOR
      signalling pathway.

PMID- 27680681
TI  - alpha3beta1 Integrin Suppresses Prostate Cancer Metastasis via Regulation of the
      Hippo Pathway.
AB  - Existing anticancer strategies focused on disrupting integrin functions in tumor
      cells or tumor-involved endothelial cells have met limited success. An
      alternative strategy is to augment integrin-mediated pathways that suppress tumor
      progression, but how integrins can signal to restrain malignant behavior remains
      unclear. To address this issue, we generated an in vivo model of prostate cancer
      metastasis via depletion of alpha3beta1 integrin, a correlation observed in a
      significant proportion of prostate cancers. Our data describe a mechanism whereby
      alpha3beta1 signals through Abl family kinases to restrain Rho GTPase activity,
      support Hippo pathway suppressor functions, and restrain prostate cancer
      migration, invasion, and anchorage-independent growth. This alpha3beta1-Abl
      kinase-Hippo suppressor pathway identified alpha3 integrin-deficient prostate
      cancers as potential candidates for Hippo-targeted therapies currently under
      development, suggesting new strategies for targeting metastatic prostate cancer
      based on integrin expression. Our data also revealed paradoxical tumor suppressor
      functions for Abl kinases in prostate cancer that may help to explain the failure
      of Abl kinase inhibitor imatinib in prostate cancer clinical trials. Cancer Res;
      76(22); 6577-87. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27680683
TI  - Recurrent Loss of STING Signaling in Melanoma Correlates with Susceptibility to
      Viral Oncolysis.
AB  - The innate immunoregulator STING stimulates cytokine production in response to
      the presence of cytosolic DNA, which can arise following DNA damage. Extrinsic
      STING signaling is also needed for antigen-presenting cells to stimulate
      antitumor T-cell immunity. Here, we show that STING signaling is recurrently
      suppressed in melanoma cells, where this event may enable immune escape after DNA
      damage. Mechanistically, STING signaling was suppressed most frequently by
      epigenetic silencing of either STING or the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase, which
      generates STING-activating cyclic dinucleotides after binding cytosolic DNA
      species. Loss of STING function rendered melanoma cells unable to produce type I
      IFN and other immune cytokines after exposure to cytosolic DNA species.
      Consequently, such cells were highly susceptible to infection with DNA viruses
      including HSV1, a variant of which is being developed presently as a therapeutic
      oncolytic virus [talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC)]. Our findings provide insight
      into the basis for susceptibility to viral oncolysis by agents such as HSV1.
      Cancer Res; 76(22); 6747-59. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27680682
TI  - Preclinical Validation of a Single-Treatment Infusion Modality That Can Eradicate
      Extremity Melanomas.
AB  - Isolated limb perfusion (ILP) with the chemotherapeutic agent melphalan is an
      effective treatment option for extremity in-transit melanoma but is toxic and
      technically challenging to deliver locoregionally. CBL0137 is an experimental
      clinical drug with broad anticancer activity in animal models, owing to its
      ability to bind DNA in a nongenotoxic manner and inactivate the FACT chromatin
      modulator essential for tumor cell viability. Here, we report that CBL0137
      delivered by ILP in a murine melanoma model is as efficacious as melphalan,
      displaying antitumor activity at doses corresponding to only a fraction of the
      systemic MTD of CBL0137. The ability to bind DNA quickly combined with a
      favorable safety profile made it possible to substitute CBL0137 in the ILP
      protocol, using an intra-arterial infusion method, to safely achieve effective
      tumor suppression. Our findings of a preclinical proof of concept for CBL0137 and
      its administration via intra-arterial infusion as a superior treatment compared
      with melphalan ILP allows for locoregional treatment anywhere a catheter can be
      placed. Cancer Res; 76(22); 6620-30. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27680684
TI  - Doxorubicin-Induced Systemic Inflammation Is Driven by Upregulation of Toll-Like
      Receptor TLR4 and Endotoxin Leakage.
AB  - Doxorubicin is one of the most effective chemotherapeutic agents used for cancer
      treatment, but it causes systemic inflammation and serious multiorgan side
      effects in many patients. In this study, we report that upregulation of the
      proinflammatory Toll-like receptor TLR4 in macrophages by doxorubicin is an
      important step in generating its toxic side effects. In patient serum,
      doxorubicin treatment resulted in leakage of endotoxin and inflammatory cytokines
      into circulation. In mice, doxorubicin damaged the intestinal epithelium, which
      also resulted in leakage of endotoxin from the gut flora into circulation.
      Concurrently, doxorubicin increased TLR4 expression in macrophages both in vitro
      and in vivo, which further enhanced the sensitivity of these cells to endotoxin.
      Either depletion of gut microorganisms or blockage of TLR4 signaling effectively
      decreased doxorubicin-induced toxicity. Taken together, our findings suggest that
      doxorubicin-triggered leakage of endotoxin into the circulation, in tandem with
      enhanced TLR4 signaling, is a candidate mechanism underlying doxorubicin-induced
      systemic inflammation. Our study provides new insights for devising relevant
      strategies to minimize the adverse effects of chemotherapeutic agents such as
      doxorubicin, which may extend its clinical uses to eradicate cancer cells. Cancer
      Res; 76(22); 6631-42. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27680685
TI  - CCR2 Influences T Regulatory Cell Migration to Tumors and Serves as a Biomarker
      of Cyclophosphamide Sensitivity.
AB  - The CCL2 chemokine receptor CCR2 drives cancer by mediating the recruitment of
      monocytes and myeloid-derived suppressor cells to the tumor microenvironment. In
      this study, we extend the significance of CCR2 in this setting by identifying a
      new role for it in mediating recruitment of CD4+ T regulatory cells (Treg).
      Following tumor initiation, an expanded population of CCR2+ Tregs required CCR2
      expression to traffic between draining lymph nodes (dLN) and the tumor. This Treg
      subset was enriched in the fraction of tumor antigen-specific cells in the dLN,
      where they displayed an activated immunosuppressive phenotype. Notably, in mouse
      models, low-dose cyclophosphamide treatment preferentially depleted CCR2+ Treg,
      enhancing priming of tumor-specific CD8+ T cells. In the MMTV-PyMT transgenic
      mouse model of breast cancer and in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients, tumor
      development was associated with decreased blood frequency and inversely increased
      tumor frequency of CCR2+ Tregs. Our results define a novel subset of CCR2+ Treg
      involved in tumoral immune escape, and they offer evidence that this Treg subset
      may be preferentially eradicated by low-dose cyclophosphamide treatment. Cancer
      Res; 76(22); 6483-94. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27680686
TI  - Japanese-language Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale: Psychometric performance,
      and health student and professional understanding.
AB  - AIM: Dementia prevalence is accelerating internationally commensurate with
      population aging. Super-aging countries, including Japan, will experience growing
      prevalence of this life-limiting condition in the coming decades as a result of
      falling fertility and mortality. The authors developed and verified a Japanese
      translation of the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale (DKAS-J) to address the
      paucity of reliable and valid Japanese-language measures, and to elucidate
      current understanding. METHODS: The present study was designed as exploratory
      research across five universities in Japan. The Dementia Knowledge Assessment
      Scale was translated into Japanese by a native speaker and bilingual physician
      with back-translation carried out to ensure consistency of meaning. Between
      January and April 2016, the DKAS-J was administered to 185 health students,
      academics and health professionals from the disciplines of nursing, medicine and
      allied health in the regions of Kyushu, Kansai and Tohoku. RESULTS: The DKAS-J
      showed face and content validity, acceptable internal consistency (alpha = 0.79)
      and adequate sensitivity (discrimination between health professionals and health
      students). A principal components analysis confirmed that an 18-item iteration of
      the DKAS-J performed optimally as a unidimensional scale. The results of DKAS-J
      administration showed low levels of dementia knowledge among participants, with
      particularly poor understanding related to the clinical course of the syndrome,
      symptomatology and the efficacy of pharmaceutical intervention for behavioral
      symptoms. CONCLUSION: The DKAS-J provides a useful tool for conceptualizing
      baseline knowledge, changes in understanding and knowledge deficits. Such a
      measure will prove valuable for the design and development of educational
      interventions as dementia increases in Japan and worldwide. Geriatr Gerontol Int
      2017; 17: 1746-1751.

PMID- 27680688
TI  - Probing electrical tuning of hair cells with a Zap current method in the intact
      amphibian papilla of bullfrogs.
AB  - Most, if not all, modern vertebrate species have evolved exquisite inner ears to
      discriminate acoustic signals of different frequencies, through a process called
      frequency tuning. For non-mammalian species, at least part of frequency tuning
      has been attributed to intrinsic electrical properties of hair cells, i.e.
      electrical tuning. Since it was first discovered, the traditional method to
      assess electrical tuning has been to inject step current into hair cells and
      examine dampened membrane voltage oscillation. However, this method is not
      applicable for hair cells that do not oscillate. In this study, we developed a
      Zap current method that can be unbiasedly applied to all hair cells regardless of
      their oscillating behavior. Similar to a chirp sound in acoustic stimulation, a
      Zap current is a sinusoidal current with the frequency increased linearly with
      time. We first validated this new method with the traditional step current method
      on hair cells with dampened membrane voltage oscillation, and then applied it to
      all hair cells in the intact amphibian papilla of bullfrogs. We found that while
      hair cells with dampened membrane voltage oscillation are sharply tuned, non
      oscillating hair cells are broadly tuned. In addition, we found a third type of
      hair cells, which oscillate continuously and are extremely sharply tuned, with
      multiple peaks that are reminiscent of harmonics in the mammalian cochlea. In
      conclusion, the new Zap current method provides an unbiased way to assess
      electrical tuning, and it reveals an underappreciated heterogeneity of electrical
      tuning in the bullfrog amphibian papilla.

PMID- 27680687
TI  - Obesity and pregnancy outcomes: Do the relationships differ by maternal region of
      birth? A retrospective cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We aimed to determine whether the association between obesity and a
      range of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes differed in South Asian and
      Australian and New Zealand born women. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of
      singleton births in South Asian (SA) and Australian/New Zealand (AUS/NZ) born
      women at an Australian hospital between 2009 and 2013. The interaction between
      maternal region of birth and obesity on a range of maternal and perinatal
      outcomes was assessed using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Obesity
      was more strongly associated with gestational hypertension/Preeclampsia/HELLP and
      Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in AUS/NZ born women (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001,
      respectively for interaction) and was only associated with shoulder dystocia in
      SA born women (p = 0.006 for interaction). There was some evidence that obesity
      was more strongly related with admission to NICU/Special care nursery (SCN) (p =
      0.06 for interaction) and any perinatal morbidity (p = 0.05 for interaction) in
      SA born women. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions targeted at reducing maternal obesity
      will have different impacts in SA compared to AUS/NZ born women.

PMID- 27680690
TI  - Risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma.

PMID- 27680691
TI  - Familial white lentiginosis.

PMID- 27680689
TI  - Establishment of in vitro soybean aphids, Aphis glycines (Hemiptera: Aphididae):
      a tool to facilitate studies of aphid symbionts, plant-insect interactions and
      insecticide efficacy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies on plant-insect interactions of the soybean aphid, Aphis
      glycines (Matsumura), can be influenced by environmental fluctuations, status of
      the host plant and variability in microbial populations. Maintenance of aphids on
      in vitro-grown plants minimizes environmental fluctuations, provides uniform host
      materials and permits the selective elimination of aphid-associated microbes for
      more standardized controls in aphid research. RESULTS: Aphids were reared on
      sterile, in vitro-grown soybean seedlings germinated on plant tissue culture
      media amended with a mixture of antimicrobials. For initiation and maintenance of
      in vitro aphid colonies, single aphids were inoculated onto single in vitro
      seedlings. After three rounds of transfer of 'clean' aphids to fresh in vitro
      seedlings, contamination was no longer observed, and aphids performed equally
      well when compared with those reared on detached leaves. The addition of the
      insecticides thiamethoxam and chlorantraniliprole to the culture medium confirmed
      uptake and caused significant mortality to the in vitro aphids. The use of the
      antimicrobial mixture removed the associated bacteria Arsenophonus but retained
      Buchnera and Wolbachia within the in vitro aphids. CONCLUSION: The in vitro aphid
      system is a novel and highly useful tool to understand insecticidal efficacy and
      expand our knowledge of tritrophic interactions among plants, insects and
      symbionts. (c) 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID- 27680692
TI  - Therapy for Adult Social Anxiety Disorder: A Meta-Analysis of Functional
      Neuroimaging Studies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We conducted a meta-analysis of the literature reporting neuroimaging
      in patients undergoing psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy for social anxiety
      disorder (SAD). DATA SOURCES: Using PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase, we searched for
      English-language studies published between January 2000 and February 2015 with
      terms related to SAD, therapy, and neuroimaging. STUDY SELECTION: Twelve studies
      were included with a total of 295 subjects with SAD before and after therapy from
      January 2000 to February 2015. DATA EXTRACTION: We extracted peak coordinates of
      clusters of significant group differences and performed a meta-analysis using
      effect-size signed differential mapping to analyze the peak coordinates of
      clusters and thresholds. RESULTS: Therapy significantly reduced activity in the
      left inferior parietal gyrus (Z = 1.441; P < .001), right postcentral gyrus (Z =
      1.711; P < .001), and right precuneus (Z = 1.352; P < .01) and increased activity
      in the left inferior frontal gyrus/insula (Z = 1.939; P < .001) and bilateral
      middle cingulate gyrus (Z = 1.836; P < .001). Psychotherapy significantly
      increased activity in the bilateral precuneus (Z = 2.259; P < .001) and left
      inferior parietal gyrus (Z = 1.786; P < .001) and decreased activity in the left
      anterior cingulate gyrus (Z = 1.707; P < .001), left middle frontal gyrus (Z =
      1.584; P < .001), and right cerebellum (Z = 1.424; P < .01). Pharmacotherapy
      increased activity in the right postcentral gyrus (Z = 1.215; P < .01), left
      middle occipital gyrus (Z = 1.269; P < .01), and right medial orbital frontal
      gyrus (Z = 1.250; P < .01) and reduced activity in the bilateral insula (Z =
      2.172; P < .001; Z = 1.608; P < .01) and left medial cingula (Z = 1.479; P <
      .01). The improvement in social anxiety symptoms was positively associated with
      hyperactivity of the bilateral precuneus, left inferior partial gyrus, right
      medial cingulate, and right postcentral gyrus but negatively associated with
      hypoactivity of the bilateral insula and right medial cingulate (P < .01). We did
      not find any difference of amygdala among these 3 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Previous
      reports of brain imaging suggest that pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy impact
      different brain regions in adult patients with SAD.

PMID- 27680693
TI  - An integrative review on women living with obstetric fistula and after treatment
      experiences.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To review literature on the experiences of women with
      obstetric fistula, their lived experiences after treatment; and to provide
      evidence for future research. BACKGROUND: Obstetric fistula is an injury most
      commonly resulting from a prolonged labour. Long eradicated in developed
      countries, obstetric fistula remains a public health issue in sub-Saharan Africa
      and Asia. This is a highly stigmatised health condition, and an understanding of
      the women's experience is required to inform holistic approaches for care and
      prevention. DESIGN: A search of literature was conducted on databases of EBSCO
      host (Academic Search Premier, MEDLINE, PsychINFO, CINAHL), Web of Science; and
      websites of international organizations such as Women's Dignity Project and
      EngenderHealth. Keywords, Inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined and 25
      articles published between 2004 to January 2015 were identified. METHODS: An
      integrative review of 25 articles was carried out. RESULTS: Three broad themes
      were identified: Challenges of living with fistula; treatment and care
      experiences; and reintegration experiences of women after fistula repair.
      CONCLUSIONS: Living with a fistula presents multidimensional consequences
      affecting women, families and communities. Accessing treatment is difficult and
      there are no standardised treatment packages. Surgical repairs were variable in
      their success rate. Some authors claim women resume normal lives irrespective of
      their continence status, whilst others claim they face discrimination despite
      being continent thereby hindering reintegration. Quality of life is diminished
      for those remaining incontinent. Post repair psychosocial support services are
      beneficial for reintegration, but research on programme benefits is limited.
      Therefore further research is required to support its benefits; and for policy
      development to meet care provision for women with fistula. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL
      PRACTICE: The review provides insights into avenues of improving care provision
      and delivery by health professionals and policy makers. It also exposes areas
      that need further research for quality care provision.

PMID- 27680695
TI  - Corrigendum: An early geodynamo driven by exsolution of mantle components from
      Earth's core.

PMID- 27680696
TI  - Erratum: Replication fork stability confers chemoresistance in BRCA-deficient
      cells.

PMID- 27680697
TI  - Rho GTPase complementation underlies BDNF-dependent homo- and heterosynaptic
      plasticity.
AB  - The Rho GTPase proteins Rac1, RhoA and Cdc42 have a central role in regulating
      the actin cytoskeleton in dendritic spines, thereby exerting control over the
      structural and functional plasticity of spines and, ultimately, learning and
      memory. Although previous work has shown that precise spatiotemporal coordination
      of these GTPases is crucial for some forms of cell morphogenesis, the nature of
      such coordination during structural spine plasticity is unclear. Here we describe
      a three-molecule model of structural long-term potentiation (sLTP) of murine
      dendritic spines, implicating the localized, coincident activation of Rac1, RhoA
      and Cdc42 as a causal signal of sLTP. This model posits that complete tripartite
      signal overlap in spines confers sLTP, but that partial overlap primes spines for
      structural plasticity. By monitoring the spatiotemporal activation patterns of
      these GTPases during sLTP, we find that such spatiotemporal signal
      complementation simultaneously explains three integral features of plasticity:
      the facilitation of plasticity by brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), the
      postsynaptic source of which activates Cdc42 and Rac1, but not RhoA;
      heterosynaptic facilitation of sLTP, which is conveyed by diffusive Rac1 and RhoA
      activity; and input specificity, which is afforded by spine-restricted Cdc42
      activity. Thus, we present a form of biochemical computation in dendrites
      involving the controlled complementation of three molecules that simultaneously
      ensures signal specificity and primes the system for plasticity.

PMID- 27680698
TI  - Autocrine BDNF-TrkB signalling within a single dendritic spine.
AB  - Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor TrkB are crucial for
      many forms of neuronal plasticity, including structural long-term potentiation
      (sLTP), which is a correlate of an animal's learning. However, it is unknown
      whether BDNF release and TrkB activation occur during sLTP, and if so, when and
      where. Here, using a fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based sensor for TrkB
      and two-photon fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy, we monitor TrkB activity
      in single dendritic spines of CA1 pyramidal neurons in cultured murine
      hippocampal slices. In response to sLTP induction, we find fast (onset < 1 min)
      and sustained (>20 min) activation of TrkB in the stimulated spine that depends
      on NMDAR (N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor) and CaMKII signalling and on
      postsynaptically synthesized BDNF. We confirm the presence of postsynaptic BDNF
      using electron microscopy to localize endogenous BDNF to dendrites and spines of
      hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons. Consistent with these findings, we also show
      rapid, glutamate-uncaging-evoked, time-locked BDNF release from single dendritic
      spines using BDNF fused to superecliptic pHluorin. We demonstrate that this
      postsynaptic BDNF-TrkB signalling pathway is necessary for both structural and
      functional LTP. Together, these findings reveal a spine-autonomous, autocrine
      signalling mechanism involving NMDAR-CaMKII-dependent BDNF release from
      stimulated dendritic spines and subsequent TrkB activation on these same spines
      that is crucial for structural and functional plasticity.

PMID- 27680700
TI  - Animal behaviour: Lethal violence deep in the human lineage.

PMID- 27680701
TI  - The phylogenetic roots of human lethal violence.
AB  - The psychological, sociological and evolutionary roots of conspecific violence in
      humans are still debated, despite attracting the attention of intellectuals for
      over two millennia. Here we propose a conceptual approach towards understanding
      these roots based on the assumption that aggression in mammals, including humans,
      has a significant phylogenetic component. By compiling sources of mortality from
      a comprehensive sample of mammals, we assessed the percentage of deaths due to
      conspecifics and, using phylogenetic comparative tools, predicted this value for
      humans. The proportion of human deaths phylogenetically predicted to be caused by
      interpersonal violence stood at 2%. This value was similar to the one
      phylogenetically inferred for the evolutionary ancestor of primates and apes,
      indicating that a certain level of lethal violence arises owing to our position
      within the phylogeny of mammals. It was also similar to the percentage seen in
      prehistoric bands and tribes, indicating that we were as lethally violent then as
      common mammalian evolutionary history would predict. However, the level of lethal
      violence has changed through human history and can be associated with changes in
      the socio-political organization of human populations. Our study provides a
      detailed phylogenetic and historical context against which to compare levels of
      lethal violence observed throughout our history.

PMID- 27680699
TI  - De novo phasing with X-ray laser reveals mosquito larvicide BinAB structure.
AB  - BinAB is a naturally occurring paracrystalline larvicide distributed worldwide to
      combat the devastating diseases borne by mosquitoes. These crystals are composed
      of homologous molecules, BinA and BinB, which play distinct roles in the multi
      step intoxication process, transforming from harmless, robust crystals, to
      soluble protoxin heterodimers, to internalized mature toxin, and finally to toxic
      oligomeric pores. The small size of the crystals-50 unit cells per edge, on
      average-has impeded structural characterization by conventional means. Here we
      report the structure of Lysinibacillus sphaericus BinAB solved de novo by serial
      femtosecond crystallography at an X-ray free-electron laser. The structure
      reveals tyrosine- and carboxylate-mediated contacts acting as pH switches to
      release soluble protoxin in the alkaline larval midgut. An enormous heterodimeric
      interface appears to be responsible for anchoring BinA to receptor-bound BinB for
      co-internalization. Remarkably, this interface is largely composed of
      propeptides, suggesting that proteolytic maturation would trigger dissociation of
      the heterodimer and progression to pore formation.

PMID- 27680703
TI  - Corrigendum: Noncanonical autophagy inhibits the autoinflammatory, lupus-like
      response to dying cells.

PMID- 27680704
TI  - Projected land photosynthesis constrained by changes in the seasonal cycle of
      atmospheric CO2.
AB  - Uncertainties in the response of vegetation to rising atmospheric CO2
      concentrations contribute to the large spread in projections of future climate
      change. Climate-carbon cycle models generally agree that elevated atmospheric CO2
      concentrations will enhance terrestrial gross primary productivity (GPP).
      However, the magnitude of this CO2 fertilization effect varies from a 20 per cent
      to a 60 per cent increase in GPP for a doubling of atmospheric CO2 concentrations
      in model studies. Here we demonstrate emergent constraints on large-scale CO2
      fertilization using observed changes in the amplitude of the atmospheric CO2
      seasonal cycle that are thought to be the result of increasing terrestrial GPP.
      Our comparison of atmospheric CO2 measurements from Point Barrow in Alaska and
      Cape Kumukahi in Hawaii with historical simulations of the latest climate-carbon
      cycle models demonstrates that the increase in the amplitude of the CO2 seasonal
      cycle at both measurement sites is consistent with increasing annual mean GPP,
      driven in part by climate warming, but with differences in CO2 fertilization
      controlling the spread among the model trends. As a result, the relationship
      between the amplitude of the CO2 seasonal cycle and the magnitude of CO2
      fertilization of GPP is almost linear across the entire ensemble of models. When
      combined with the observed trends in the seasonal CO2 amplitude, these
      relationships lead to consistent emergent constraints on the CO2 fertilization of
      GPP. Overall, we estimate a GPP increase of 37 +/- 9 per cent for high-latitude
      ecosystems and 32 +/- 9 per cent for extratropical ecosystems under a doubling of
      atmospheric CO2 concentrations on the basis of the Point Barrow and Cape Kumukahi
      records, respectively.

PMID- 27680702
TI  - XPO1-dependent nuclear export is a druggable vulnerability in KRAS-mutant lung
      cancer.
AB  - The common participation of oncogenic KRAS proteins in many of the most lethal
      human cancers, together with the ease of detecting somatic KRAS mutant alleles in
      patient samples, has spurred persistent and intensive efforts to develop drugs
      that inhibit KRAS activity. However, advances have been hindered by the pervasive
      inter- and intra-lineage diversity in the targetable mechanisms that underlie
      KRAS-driven cancers, limited pharmacological accessibility of many candidate
      synthetic-lethal interactions and the swift emergence of unanticipated resistance
      mechanisms to otherwise effective targeted therapies. Here we demonstrate the
      acute and specific cell-autonomous addiction of KRAS-mutant non-small-cell lung
      cancer cells to receptor-dependent nuclear export. A multi-genomic, data-driven
      approach, utilizing 106 human non-small-cell lung cancer cell lines, was used to
      interrogate 4,725 biological processes with 39,760 short interfering RNA pools
      for those selectively required for the survival of KRAS-mutant cells that harbour
      a broad spectrum of phenotypic variation. Nuclear transport machinery was the
      sole process-level discriminator of statistical significance. Chemical
      perturbation of the nuclear export receptor XPO1 (also known as CRM1), with a
      clinically available drug, revealed a robust synthetic-lethal interaction with
      native or engineered oncogenic KRAS both in vitro and in vivo. The primary
      mechanism underpinning XPO1 inhibitor sensitivity was intolerance to the
      accumulation of nuclear IkappaBalpha (also known as NFKBIA), with consequent
      inhibition of NFkappaB transcription factor activity. Intrinsic resistance
      associated with concurrent FSTL5 mutations was detected and determined to be a
      consequence of YAP1 activation via a previously unappreciated FSTL5-Hippo pathway
      regulatory axis. This occurs in approximately 17% of KRAS-mutant lung cancers,
      and can be overcome with the co-administration of a YAP1-TEAD inhibitor. These
      findings indicate that clinically available XPO1 inhibitors are a promising
      therapeutic strategy for a considerable cohort of patients with lung cancer when
      coupled to genomics-guided patient selection and observation.

PMID- 27680694
TI  - Genome-wide associations for birth weight and correlations with adult disease.
AB  - Birth weight (BW) has been shown to be influenced by both fetal and maternal
      factors and in observational studies is reproducibly associated with future risk
      of adult metabolic diseases including type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular
      disease. These life-course associations have often been attributed to the impact
      of an adverse early life environment. Here, we performed a multi-ancestry genome
      wide association study (GWAS) meta-analysis of BW in 153,781 individuals,
      identifying 60 loci where fetal genotype was associated with BW (P < 5 * 10-8).
      Overall, approximately 15% of variance in BW was captured by assays of fetal
      genetic variation. Using genetic association alone, we found strong inverse
      genetic correlations between BW and systolic blood pressure (Rg = -0.22, P = 5.5
      * 10-13), T2D (Rg = -0.27, P = 1.1 * 10-6) and coronary artery disease (Rg = 
      0.30, P = 6.5 * 10-9). In addition, using large -cohort datasets, we demonstrated
      that genetic factors were the major contributor to the negative covariance
      between BW and future cardiometabolic risk. Pathway analyses indicated that the
      protein products of genes within BW-associated regions were enriched for diverse
      processes including insulin signalling, glucose homeostasis, glycogen
      biosynthesis and chromatin remodelling. There was also enrichment of associations
      with BW in known imprinted regions (P = 1.9 * 10-4). We demonstrate that life
      course associations between early growth phenotypes and adult cardiometabolic
      disease are in part the result of shared genetic effects and identify some of the
      pathways through which these causal genetic effects are mediated.

PMID- 27680705
TI  - The lipolysis pathway sustains normal and transformed stem cells in adult
      Drosophila.
AB  - Cancer stem cells (CSCs) may be responsible for tumour dormancy, relapse and the
      eventual death of most cancer patients. In addition, these cells are usually
      resistant to cytotoxic conditions. However, very little is known about the
      biology behind this resistance to therapeutics. Here we investigated stem-cell
      death in the digestive system of adult Drosophila melanogaster. We found that
      knockdown of the coat protein complex I (COPI)-Arf79F (also known as Arf1)
      complex selectively killed normal and transformed stem cells through necrosis, by
      attenuating the lipolysis pathway, but spared differentiated cells. The dying
      stem cells were engulfed by neighbouring differentiated cells through a draper
      myoblast city-Rac1-basket (also known as JNK)-dependent autophagy pathway.
      Furthermore, Arf1 inhibitors reduced CSCs in human cancer cell lines. Thus,
      normal or cancer stem cells may rely primarily on lipid reserves for energy, in
      such a way that blocking lipolysis starves them to death. This finding may lead
      to new therapies that could help to eliminate CSCs in human cancers.

PMID- 27680708
TI  - Corrigendum: An essential receptor for adeno-associated virus infection.

PMID- 27680707
TI  - Atom-at-a-time laser resonance ionization spectroscopy of nobelium.
AB  - Optical spectroscopy of a primordial isotope has traditionally formed the basis
      for understanding the atomic structure of an element. Such studies have been
      conducted for most elements and theoretical modelling can be performed to high
      precision, taking into account relativistic effects that scale approximately as
      the square of the atomic number. However, for the transfermium elements (those
      with atomic numbers greater than 100), the atomic structure is experimentally
      unknown. These radioactive elements are produced in nuclear fusion reactions at
      rates of only a few atoms per second at most and must be studied immediately
      following their production, which has so far precluded their optical
      spectroscopy. Here we report laser resonance ionization spectroscopy of nobelium
      (No; atomic number 102) in single-atom-at-a-time quantities, in which we identify
      the ground-state transition 1S01P1. By combining this result with data from an
      observed Rydberg series, we obtain an upper limit for the ionization potential of
      nobelium. These accurate results from direct laser excitations of outer-shell
      electrons cannot be achieved using state-of-the-art relativistic many-body
      calculations that include quantum electrodynamic effects, owing to large
      uncertainties in the modelled transition energies of the complex systems under
      consideration. Our work opens the door to high-precision measurements of various
      atomic and nuclear properties of elements heavier than nobelium, and motivates
      future theoretical work.

PMID- 27680709
TI  - Isolation and Characterization of Mauritanicain, a Serine Protease from the Latex
      of Euphorbia mauritanica L.
AB  - A protease called Mauritanicain was isolated from the latex of Euphorbia
      mauritanica L. (Euphorbiaceae) by combining ion exchange chromatography,
      ultrafiltration, and gel filtration chromatography. It has a high proteolytic
      activity against casein. The activity was only inhibited by specific serine
      protease inhibitors, classifying it to the serine protease family. An optimal
      degradation of the substrate casein takes place at a temperature of 55-65 
      degrees C and a pH of 5.5-6.5, and is unstable at pH < 5 and pH > 9. The protease
      is stable at temperatures from 20-70  degrees C, whereby the activity decreases
      drastically to less than 20 % at 75  degrees C. SDS-PAGE and matrix-assisted
      laser desorption time-of-flight analysis yielded a molecular weight of 73 kDa;
      possibly, it is natively present as a non-covalently linked dimer of a higher
      molecular mass > 132 kDa. Without heat denaturation, a breakdown in fractions of
      73 kDa and 52 kDa was observed in SDS-PAGE. Only in some properties it shows a
      similarity to other characterized proteases in the plant family Euphorbiaceae,
      such that Mauritanicain can be presented as a new isolated protease.

PMID- 27680711
TI  - Dissociating parafoveal preview benefit and parafovea-on-fovea effects during
      reading: A combined eye tracking and EEG study.
AB  - During reading, the parafoveal processing of an upcoming word n+1 can influence
      word recognition in two ways: It can affect fixation behavior during the
      preceding fixation on word n (parafovea-on-fovea effect, POF), and it can
      facilitate subsequent foveal processing once word n+1 is fixated (preview
      benefit). While preview benefits are established, evidence for POF effects is
      mixed. Recently, it has been suggested that POF effects exist, but have a delayed
      impact on saccade planning and thus coincide with preview benefits measured on
      word n+1. We combined eye movement and EEG recordings to investigate and separate
      neural correlates of POF and preview benefit effects. Participants read lists of
      nouns either in a boundary paradigm or the RSVP-with-flankers paradigm, while we
      recorded fixation- or event-related potentials (FRPs/ERPs), respectively. The
      validity and lexical frequency of the word shown as preview for the upcoming word
      n+1 were orthogonally manipulated. Analyses focused on the first fixation on word
      n+1. Preview validity (correct vs. incorrect preview) strongly modulated fixation
      times and electrophysiological N1 amplitudes, replicating previous findings.
      Importantly, gaze durations and FRPs measured on word n+1 were also affected by
      the frequency of the word shown as preview, with low-frequency previews eliciting
      a sustained, N400-like centroparietal negativity. Results support the idea that
      POF effects exist but affect word recognition with a delay. Lastly, once word n+1
      was fixated, its frequency also modulated N1 amplitudes in ERPs and FRPs. Taken
      together, we separated immediate and delayed effects of parafoveal processing on
      brain correlates of word recognition.

PMID- 27680710
TI  - Prolonged survival with a longer duration of maintenance lenalidomide after
      autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for multiple myeloma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although lenalidomide maintenance therapy has demonstrated improved
      outcomes after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HCT) for
      patients with multiple myeloma (MM), the impact of the duration of this therapy
      is not clearly known. METHODS: This study retrospectively analyzed all MM
      patients who were placed on maintenance lenalidomide after auto-HCT between
      January 2007 and December 2013. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall
      survival (OS) were analyzed in multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression
      models that included the duration of maintenance as a time-dependent covariate.
      RESULTS: Of the 464 patients identified, 46% initiated therapy early (<4 months
      after auto-HCT). The median PFS and OS were 38 and 78 months, respectively.
      Improvements in PFS (hazard ratio [HR], 0.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.04
      0.38; P < .001) and OS (HR, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.03-0.26; P < .001) were seen for
      those on maintenance for >2 years versus those on maintenance for <=2 years. For
      those on maintenance for >3 versus those on maintenance for <=3 years, this trend
      continued with improvements seen in PFS (HR, 0.02; 95% CI, 0.00-0.44; P = .012)
      and OS (HR, 0.05; 95% CI, 0.00-0.83; P = .037). The incidence of second primary
      malignancies (SPMs) in the entire cohort was 3%. No differences were seen in
      survival between early and late initiators of maintenance lenalidomide.
      CONCLUSIONS: A longer duration of maintenance therapy was associated with longer
      survival. The incidence of SPMs was low, and they were not associated with the
      duration of maintenance. The timing of the initiation of maintenance had no
      effect on survival. Cancer 2016;122:3831-3837. (c) 2016 American Cancer Society.

PMID- 27680706
TI  - Frizzled proteins are colonic epithelial receptors for C. difficile toxin B.
AB  - Clostridium difficile toxin B (TcdB) is a critical virulence factor that causes
      diseases associated with C. difficile infection. Here we carried out CRISPR-Cas9
      mediated genome-wide screens and identified the members of the Wnt receptor
      frizzled family (FZDs) as TcdB receptors. TcdB binds to the conserved Wnt-binding
      site known as the cysteine-rich domain (CRD), with the highest affinity towards
      FZD1, 2 and 7. TcdB competes with Wnt for binding to FZDs, and its binding blocks
      Wnt signalling. FZD1/2/7 triple-knockout cells are highly resistant to TcdB, and
      recombinant FZD2-CRD prevented TcdB binding to the colonic epithelium. Colonic
      organoids cultured from FZD7-knockout mice, combined with knockdown of FZD1 and
      2, showed increased resistance to TcdB. The colonic epithelium in FZD7-knockout
      mice was less susceptible to TcdB-induced tissue damage in vivo. These findings
      establish FZDs as physiologically relevant receptors for TcdB in the colonic
      epithelium.

PMID- 27680712
TI  - Etoposide Induces Apoptosis in Activated Human Hepatic Stellate Cells via ER
      Stress.
AB  - The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) plays a vital role in the
      progression of liver fibrosis, and the induction of HSCs apoptosis may attenuate
      or reverse fibrogenesis. The therapeutic effects of etoposide(VP-16), a widely
      used anticancer agent, on HSCs apoptosis and liver fibrosis resolution are still
      unclear. Here, we report that VP-16 reduced the proliferation of LX-2 cells and
      led to significantly high levels of apoptosis, as indicated by Annexin V staining
      and the proteolytic cleavage of the executioner caspase-3 and PARP. Additionally,
      the unfolded protein response regulators CHOP, BIP, caspase-12, p-eIF2alpha and
      IRE1alpha, which are considered endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers, were
      upregulated by VP-16. The strong inhibitory effect of VP-16 on LX-2 cells was
      mainly dependent on ER stress, which activated JNK signaling pathway. Remarkably,
      VP-16 treatment decreased the expression of alpha-SMA and type I collagen and
      simultaneously increased the ratio of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) to tissue
      inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs). In contrast, VP-16 induced
      significantly more apoptosis in HSCs than in normal hepatocytes. Taken together,
      our findings demonstrate that VP-16 exerts a proapoptotic effect on LX-2 cells
      and has an antifibrogenic effect on collagen deposition, suggesting a new
      strategy for the treatment of liver fibrosis.

PMID- 27680713
TI  - Lesion distribution among 281 patients with sporadic neuralgic amyotrophy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The muscles commonly affected by neuralgic amyotrophy (NA) are well
      known, but the location of the responsible lesions is less clear (plexus versus
      extraplexus). METHODS: We report the lesion locations in 281 NA patients as
      determined by extensive electrodiagnostic (EDX) testing. RESULTS: Our 281
      patients had 322 bouts of NA, 57 of which were bilateral, for a total of 379
      assessable events. A single nerve was involved in 174 (46%), and 205 (54%) were
      multifocal. EDX testing identified 703 individual lesions: 699 neuropathies and 4
      supraclavicular radiculoplexus lesions. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of nerve
      involvement reflects the motor predilection of NA. Involvement of pure motor
      nerves exceeded that of predominantly motor nerves, both of which far exceeded
      involvement of more evenly mixed sensorimotor nerves. Cutaneous sensory nerves
      were least commonly involved. Because of the common C5-C6 innervation, NA often
      mimics an upper plexus lesion. Extraplexus nerve involvement far exceeded plexus
      involvement. Distal motor branch involvement explains the severe single-muscle
      wasting and weakness often observed. Muscle Nerve 55: 858-861, 2017.

PMID- 27680714
TI  - Recall and Cancer Detection Rates for Screening Mammography: Finding the Sweet
      Spot.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to identify the optimal screening
      mammography recall rate range on the basis of cancer detection rates among breast
      imaging specialists at an academic institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical
      outcome audit data collected in accordance with the Mammography Quality Standards
      Act from September 1, 2007, through August 31, 2012, were reviewed. Cancer
      detection rates were calculated from 984 screen-detected cancers identified in
      188,959 total digital screening mammograms. The percentages of minimally invasive
      and early-stage cancers were also calculated. The 75 annual recall rates were
      analyzed two ways. First, they were separated into recall groups to assess cancer
      detection rate variation by the recall categories using rate ratios: less than
      10%, 10% to less than 12%, 12% to less than 14%, and 14% or higher. Next, a
      linear regression with bootstrap bias correction was performed to assess changes
      in cancer detection rate with each unit increase in the recall rate up to 20%,
      with the recall category of less than 7% taken as reference. Annual cancer
      detection rates for a physician were grouped according to annual percentage
      recall rate. RESULTS: Statistically significantly higher cancer detection rates
      were seen for recall rates 12% or higher, with rate ratios of 1.75 (95% CI, 1.40
      2.19) and 2.06 (95% CI, 1.72-2.46) for the recall groups 12% to less than 14% and
      14% and higher, respectively, compared with the less than 10% group. When taking
      the category 12% to less than 14% as the reference, there were no statistically
      significant differences between recall groups 12% to less than 14% and 14% or
      higher in cancer detection rate. A statistically significant increase in the
      cancer detection rate with each unit increase in the recall rate was seen only
      for recall rates 12% or higher. CONCLUSION: These observations suggest that the
      sweet spot for optimal cancer detection is in the recall rate range 12% to less
      than 14% with the incremental benefit above this to be relatively small. A recall
      rate less than 10% may be too low.

PMID- 27680715
TI  - Ba3(Cr0.97(1)Te0.03(1))2TeO9: in Search of Jahn-Teller Distorted Cr(II) Oxide.
AB  - A novel 6H-type hexagonal perovskite Ba3(Cr0.97(1)Te0.03(1))2TeO9 was prepared at
      high pressure (6 GPa) and temperature (1773 K). Both transmission electron
      microscopy and synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction data demonstrate that
      Ba3(Cr0.97(1)Te0.03(1))2TeO9 crystallizes in P63/mmc with face-shared
      (Cr0.97(1)Te0.03(1))O6 octahedral pairs interconnected with TeO6 octahedra via
      corner-sharing. Structure analysis shows a mixed Cr2+/Cr3+ valence state with
      ~10% Cr2+. The existence of Cr2+ in Ba3(Cr2+0.10(1)Cr3+0.87(1)Te6+0.03)2TeO9 is
      further evidenced by X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy. Magnetic properties
      measurements show a paramagnetic response down to 4 K and a small glassy-state
      curvature at low temperature. In this work, the octahedral Cr2+O6 component is
      stabilized in an oxide material for the first time; the expected Jahn-Teller
      distortion of high-spin (d4) Cr2+ is not found, which is attributed to the small
      proportion of Cr2+ (~10%) and the face-sharing arrangement of CrO6 octahedral
      pairs, which structurally disfavor axial distortion.

PMID- 27680716
TI  - Clinical evaluation of glutathione concentrations after consumption of milk
      containing different subtypes of beta-casein: results from a randomized, cross
      over clinical trial.
AB  - : This study reports the plasma glutathione concentrations in a double-blind,
      randomized, controlled, 2 * 2 cross-over study in which healthy participants
      consumed conventional milk (2 * 250 mL per day) containing both A1 and A2 types
      of beta-casein, or milk containing only A2 type beta-casein. Beta-casomorphin-7
      (BCM-7), a peptide uniquely derived from the A1 type of beta-casein, was
      previously reported to downregulate glutathione expression in human gut
      epithelial and neuronal cell lines by limiting cysteine uptake. The current human
      study demonstrates that consumption of milk containing only A2 beta-casein was
      associated with a greater increase in plasma glutathione concentrations compared
      with the consumption of milk containing both beta-casein types, and did not
      increase plasma BCM-7 concentrations compared with the washout diet in the study
      participants. Thus, milk containing only A2 beta-casein and not A1 beta-casein
      has the potential to promote the production of the antioxidant glutathione in
      humans. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov; identifier: NCT02406469.

PMID- 27680717
TI  - Differential expression pattern of Vago in bumblebee (Bombus terrestris), induced
      by virulent and avirulent virus infections.
AB  - Viruses are one of the main drivers of the decline of domesticated and wild bees
      but the mechanisms of antiviral immunity in pollinators are poorly understood.
      Recent work has suggested that next to the small interfering RNA (siRNA) pathway
      other immune-related pathways play a role in the defense of the bee hosts against
      viral infection. In addition, Vago plays a role in the cross-talk between the
      innate immune pathways in Culex mosquito cells. Here we describe the Vago
      orthologue in bumblebees of Bombus terrestris, and investigated its role upon the
      infection of two different bee viruses, the virulent Israeli acute paralysis
      virus (IAPV) and the avirulent slow bee paralysis virus (SBPV). Our results
      showed that BtVago was downregulated upon the infection of IAPV that killed all
      bumblebees, but not with SBPV where the workers survived the virus infection.
      Thus, for the first time, Vago/Vago-like expression appears to be associated with
      the virulence of virus and may act as a modulator of antiviral immunity.

PMID- 27680719
TI  - The aphasia syndromes: Localization and classification.
AB  - The premise of this article is that the members of the stroke team speak an
      abbreviated but common language when discussing the person with aphasia. The
      team's initial goal is to assess a person with stroke who has sustained left
      hemisphere injury and to be able to communicate effectively with each other and
      the patient in order to accomplish the rehabilitation goals. The article
      discusses differential diagnosis in aphasia and the advantages and disadvantages
      of aphasia classification. Given that aphasia classification is a necessary
      clinical charge, the various definitions of aphasia are presented, since what one
      does with the person with aphasia depends on what one thinks aphasia is. The
      syndrome approach is described as the method of choice for classifying persons
      with aphasia, and the various aphasia syndromes are then described both in terms
      of behavior and site of lesion. Finally, clinical implications are discussed in
      the context of applying the syndrome approach to aphasia classification in stroke
      rehabilitation.

PMID- 27680720
TI  - Traditional and contemporary views of aphasia: implications for clinical
      management.
AB  - The following is an attempt to consider how various ways of thinking about the
      aphasic condition influence how the problem is approached for rehabilitation. The
      fundamental theory of three popular, traditional approaches to assessment of
      aphasia are considered with particular regard to their consequential influence
      upon clinical management. The possibilities and limitations of clinical
      integration of the relatively new approach of cognitive neuropsychology are
      discussed.

PMID- 27680721
TI  - An assessment tool for evaluating cognitive-communicative problems in patients
      with right hemisphere damage: Preliminary findings.
AB  - This article briefly describes the primary characteristics ofthe communication
      problems associated with right hemisphere damage. It presents a test battery, the
      RIC Evaluation of Communication Problems in Right Hemisphere Dysfunction-2 (RICE
      2; Halper, Burns, Cherney, & Mogil, 1991), that has been developed for this
      population. Preliminary results of a study to validate the RICE-2 indicate that
      the tool is sensitive to measuring the differences between nonneurologically
      impaired individuals and right hemisphere stroke patients. Test scores of
      individual subjects who are representative of different cognitive-communicative
      severity levels are presented to illustrate variability in patterns of
      performance.

PMID- 27680718
TI  - Staphylococcus capitis isolated from prosthetic joint infections.
AB  - Further knowledge about the clinical and microbiological characteristics of
      prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) caused by different coagulase-negative
      staphylococci (CoNS) may facilitate interpretation of microbiological findings
      and improve treatment algorithms. Staphylococcus capitis is a CoNS with
      documented potential for both human disease and nosocomial spread. As data on
      orthopaedic infections are scarce, our aim was to describe the clinical and
      microbiological characteristics of PJIs caused by S. capitis. This retrospective
      cohort study included three centres and 21 patients with significant growth of S.
      capitis during revision surgery for PJI between 2005 and 2014. Clinical data were
      extracted and further microbiological characterisation of the S. capitis isolates
      was performed. Multidrug-resistant (>=3 antibiotic groups) S. capitis was
      detected in 28.6 % of isolates, methicillin resistance in 38.1 % and
      fluoroquinolone resistance in 14.3 %; no isolates were rifampin-resistant.
      Heterogeneous glycopeptide-intermediate resistance was detected in 38.1 %.
      Biofilm-forming ability was common. All episodes were either early post
      interventional or chronic, and there were no haematogenous infections. Ten
      patients experienced monomicrobial infections. Among patients available for
      evaluation, 86 % of chronic infections and 70 % of early post-interventional
      infections achieved clinical cure; 90 % of monomicrobial infections remained
      infection-free. Genetic fingerprinting with repetitive sequence-based polymerase
      chain reaction (rep-PCR; DiversiLab(r)) displayed clustering of isolates,
      suggesting that nosocomial spread might be present. Staphylococcus capitis has
      the potential to cause PJIs, with infection most likely being contracted during
      surgery or in the early postoperative period. As S. capitis might be an emerging
      nosocomial pathogen, surveillance of the prevalence of PJIs caused by S. capitis
      could be recommended.

PMID- 27680722
TI  - Pragmatic communication disorders following stroke.
AB  - This article provides the rehabilitation professional with a summary of current
      knowledge regarding the nature, implications, and management of pragmatic
      communication disorders following stroke. Alternative views and definitions of
      pragmatics are discussed. Pragmatic communication strengths and weaknesses
      following right and left cerebral hemisphere damage are described within the
      framework of verbal expression, verbal comprehension, paralinguistic skills, and
      nonverbal abilities. Assessment principles and practices are presented, and
      specific assessment tools and methodologies are described. The article includes a
      review of current treatment strategies for pragmatic communication disorders
      following stroke and provides a rationale for an emphasis on pragmatics in the
      rehabilitation of persons with communication disorders following stroke.

PMID- 27680723
TI  - Motor speech problems associated with stroke: The dysarthrias.
AB  - Dysarthria is one of a number of communication problems that may occur following
      a stroke. The presence of dysarthria can affect both rehabilitation efforts as
      well as social and vocational adjustment. This article reviews methods of
      classifying the dysarthrias and presents the types of dysarthria most often
      encountered poststroke. The characteristics of these dysarthria types are then
      related to the underlying neuropathology. Finally, a model of intervention that
      addresses the impairment, disability, and handicap of the dysarthria is
      presented. Specific examples of the role of the rehabilitation team in the
      management of dysarthria are provided.

PMID- 27680724
TI  - The effects of brain stem stroke on communication and swallowing.
AB  - A brain stem stroke frequently results in impairment of speech and/or swallowing.
      Symptoms may range from mild to severe, depending on the location and extent of
      the stroke. This article describes the brain stem's role in communication and
      swallowing, as well as evaluation and treatment of disorders caused by brain stem
      stroke. A number of brain stem syndromes that commonly impair speech and
      swallowing, including Wallenberg's syndrome and locked-in syndrome, are also
      discussed.

PMID- 27680725
TI  - Multiinfarct dementia and communication.
AB  - Traditionally, speech-language pathologists have treated patients who have
      suffered from strokes that resulted in aphasia, but have not always worked with
      patients labelled as having multiinfarct dementia (MID). Patients with MID also
      have difficulties with communication in which the speech-language pathologist's
      input would be beneficial. This article examines the clinical characteristics and
      neurology of MiD along with the assessment and clinical issues that need to be
      examined if speech-language pathologists are to evaluate and treat these patients
      more effectively.

PMID- 27680726
TI  - A second start.

PMID- 27680727
TI  - Assessing decisionmaking capacity in a patient with nondominant hemispheric
      stroke.

PMID- 27680728
TI  - Diagnosis and management of pneumonia and ventilatory disorders in patients with
      stroke.

PMID- 27680731
TI  - Letters to the Editors.

PMID- 27680730
TI  - From the editor.

PMID- 27680729
TI  - New technologies and intervention approaches.

PMID- 27680732
TI  - Foreword.

PMID- 27680734
TI  - Recurrent cerebral venous thrombosis revealing celiac disease: an exceptional
      case report.

PMID- 27680733
TI  - Predictors of intensive care unit utilization in patients with posterior
      reversible encephalopathy syndrome.
AB  - Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is an acute neurological
      syndrome that requires prompt, aggressive management to improve outcomes. Our aim
      was to identify factors that would necessitate care in the intensive care unit
      (ICU) in patients with PRES and the outcomes on discharge following ICU stay. We
      retrospectively reviewed the medical records and radiological data of adult PRES
      patients admitted to our tertiary care medical center. We dichotomized them into
      two groups based on their need for ICU care and compared their clinical,
      laboratory, imaging characteristics and discharge outcomes. Outcomes were defined
      using the modified Rankin Score (mRS) and Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS) on
      discharge. Out of 100 patients, 67 % required admission to the ICU. On univariate
      analysis, factors associated with ICU admission were atrial fibrillation (19.4 vs
      0 %; p <= 0.05), encephalopathy from PRES (89.6 vs 66.7 %; p < 0.05), low Glasgow
      Coma Score (GCS) (11 +/- 4 vs 14 +/- 2; p = 0.01) and cortical involvement on
      imaging (89.6 vs 72.7 %, p = 0.03). On multivariate logistic regression analysis,
      encephalopathy (odds ratio 10.22; 95 % CI (1.14-91.55; p = 0.04) was the sole
      predictor of ICU utilization. This correlated with a GCS <12 (odds ratio 5.53; 95
      % CI (1.05-29.22; p = 0.04). Despite worse functional outcomes following ICU care
      based on mRS (2.3 +/- 2.1 vs 1.3 +/- 1.4, p = 0.02) and GOS (3.9 +/- 1.3 vs 4.6
      +/- 0.7, p <= 0.05), only a borderline increase in mortality was observed (10.4
      vs 0 %, p = 0.05). The presence of PRES-related encephalopathy might aid in
      prompt identification of patients who require ICU care.

PMID- 27680735
TI  - Sulodexide for the extended treatment of venous thromboembolism.

PMID- 27680736
TI  - The grass isn't always greener: The effects of cannabis on embryological
      development.
AB  - With the increasing publicity of marijuana due to recent legislation, it is
      pertinent that the effects of fetal exposure to the drug are assessed. While in
      utero cannabis exposure has been associated with early pregnancy failure, birth
      defects and developmental delay, the mechanisms of such outcomes are largely
      unexplained. Furthermore, the use of cannabinoids in cancer treatment via growth
      inhibition and apoptosis may indicate how cannabis exposure likely harms a
      growing fetus. Cannabinoid signaling is required for proper pre-implantation
      development, embryo transport to the uterus, and uterine receptivity during
      implantation. In post-implantation development, cannabinoid signaling functions
      in a multitude of pathways, including, but not limited to, folic acid, VEGF,
      PCNA, MAPK/ERK, and BDNF. Disrupting the normal activity of these pathways can
      significantly alter many vital in utero processes, including angiogenesis,
      cellular replication, tissue differentiation, and neural cognitive development.
      This paper aims to demonstrate the effects of cannabis exposure on a developing
      embryo in order to provide a molecular explanation for the adverse outcomes
      associated with cannabis use during pregnancy.

PMID- 27680738
TI  - [Management of rheumatic diseases].

PMID- 27680737
TI  - [Management of axial spondyloarthritis].
AB  - The term spondyloarthritis (SpA) is now increasingly used to classify and
      diagnose patients who are characterized by inflammation in the axial skeleton and
      peripheral manifestations (arthritis and enthesitis). The management of SpA
      should be tailored according to the current manifestations of the disease, the
      disease activity and functional impairment. The current article focuses on
      diagnosis and therapy in patients with axial SpA. Diagnostic procedures are
      discussed in light of diagnostic utility and feasibility in daily routine care.
      Cornerstones of treatment in patients with axial SpA are a combination of regular
      exercise and pharmacological treatment options aiming at anti-inflammatory
      strategies.

PMID- 27680739
TI  - [Cardiovascular outcome in patients with COPD : Study to Understand Mortality and
      Morbidity (SUMMIT)].

PMID- 27680741
TI  - Production of Cost-Effective Mesoporous Materials from Prawn Shell
      Hydrocarbonization.
AB  - In this work, prawn shell was studied as raw material for the production of
      mesoporous adsorbents via hydrocarbonization, studying the effect of temperature
      and time on the process reactivity and final characteristics of the hydrochars.
      By suitable characterization technique analyses (N2 adsorption at 77 K, SEM
      observation, ultimate analysis, surface composition), the materials were
      examined. It was found that in both cases mesoporous materials with low values of
      S BET due to the presence of CaCO3 on the material structure. In order to provide
      a potential application for these materials, the adsorption behaviour of
      hydrochars (HCs) as well as that of pristine prawn shells and ashes from prawn
      shell combustion was studied for the first time with the model compound p
      nitrophenol (PNP). The results indicated that HC treatment was beneficial and
      enhanced adsorption performance, especially at high values of equilibrium
      concentration, attaining adsorption capacities up to 1.6 mg g(-1). 

PMID- 27680740
TI  - Detection of pH and Enzyme-Free H2O2 Sensing Mechanism by Using GdO x Membrane in
      Electrolyte-Insulator-Semiconductor Structure.
AB  - A 15-nm-thick GdO x membrane in an electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor (EIS)
      structure shows a higher pH sensitivity of 54.2 mV/pH and enzyme-free hydrogen
      peroxide (H2O2) detection than those of the bare SiO2 and 3-nm-thick GdO x
      membranes for the first time. Polycrystalline grain and higher Gd content of the
      thicker GdO x films are confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X
      ray photo-electron spectroscopy (XPS), respectively. In a thicker GdO x membrane,
      polycrystalline grain has lower energy gap and Gd(2+) oxidation states lead to
      change Gd(3+) states in the presence of H2O2, which are confirmed by electron
      energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). The oxidation/reduction (redox) properties of
      thicker GdO x membrane with higher Gd content are responsible for detecting H2O2
      whereas both bare SiO2 and thinner GdO x membranes do not show sensing. A low
      detection limit of 1 MUM is obtained due to strong catalytic activity of Gd. The
      reference voltage shift increases with increase of the H2O2 concentration from 1
      to 200 MUM owing to more generation of Gd(3+) ions, and the H2O2 sensing
      mechanism has been explained as well. 

PMID- 27680742
TI  - Protective effect of 3-O-methyl quercetin and kaempferol from Semecarpus
      anacardium against H2O2 induced cytotoxicity in lung and liver cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hydrogen peroxide is continuously generated in living cells through
      metabolic pathways and serves as a source of reactive oxygen species. Beyond the
      threshold level, it damages cells and causes several human disorders, including
      cancer. METHODS: Effect of isolated 3-O-methyl quercetin and kaempferol on H2O2
      induced cytotoxicity, ROS formation, plasma membrane damage, loss of
      mitochondrial membrane potential, DNA damage was evaluated in normal liver and
      lung cells. The RT-PCR analysis used to determine Nrf 2 gene expression.
      Calorimetric ELISA was used to determine Nrf2 and p-38 levels. Expression of SOD
      and catalase was analyzed by Western blot analysis. RESULTS: The present study
      isolated 3-O-methyl quercetin and kaempferol from the stem bark. They protected
      normal lung and liver cells from H2O2 induced cytotoxicity, ROS formation,
      membrane damage and DNA damage. Pre-treatment with 3-O-methyl quercetin and
      kaempferol caused translocation of Nrf2 from cytosol to nucleus. It also
      increased expression of p-p38, Nrf2, SOD and catalase in H2O2 treated lung and
      liver cells. CONCLUSION: The flavonoids isolated from S. anacardium significantly
      reduced H2O2 induced stress and increased expression of Nrf2, catalase and
      superoxide dismutase-2 indicating cytoprotective nature of 3-O-methylquercetin
      and kaempferol.

PMID- 27680744
TI  - Successful replacement of the systemic tricuspid valve with a mechanical valve in
      a 3-month-old boy with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries
      having a dysplastic tricuspid valve.
AB  - There are a few reports of successful replacement of the left-sided systemic
      tricuspid valve with a mechanical valve in small infants with congenitally
      corrected transposition of the great arteries having Ebstein's anomaly. Tricuspid
      valve replacement is the preferred option when pulmonary artery banding,
      performed as a prelude to performing the double-switch operation, is not feasible
      because of severe heart failure caused by tricuspid regurgitation.

PMID- 27680743
TI  - Awake whole-brain functional connectivity alterations in the adolescent
      spontaneously hypertensive rat feature visual streams and striatal networks.
AB  - Brain mechanisms underpinning attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are
      incompletely understood. The adolescent spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) is a
      widely studied preclinical model that expresses several of the key behavioral
      features associated with ADHD. Yet, little is known about large-scale functional
      connectivity patterns in the SHR, and their potential similarity to those of
      humans with ADHD. Using an approach comparable to human studies, magnetic
      resonance imaging in the awake animal was performed to identify whole-brain
      intrinsic neural connectivity patterns. An independent components analysis of
      resting-state functional connectivity demonstrated many common components between
      the SHR and both Wistar Kyoto and Sprague-Dawley control strains, but there was a
      divergence in other networks. In the SHR, three functional networks involving the
      striatum had only weak correlations with networks in the two control strains.
      Conversely, networks involving the visual cortex that was present in both control
      strains had only weak correlations with networks in the SHR. The implication is
      that the patterns of brain activity differ between the SHR and the other strains,
      suggesting that brain connectivity patterns in this animal model of ADHD may
      provide insights into the neural basis of ADHD. Brain connectivity patterns might
      also serve to identify brain circuits that could be targeted for the manipulation
      and evaluation of potential therapeutic options.

PMID- 27680745
TI  - Nanomolar Hg2+ Detection Using beta-Lactoglobulin-Stabilized Fluorescent Gold
      Nanoclusters in Beverage and Biological Media.
AB  - Owing to diverse functionalities and metal binding abilities, proteins have been
      proven to be promising ligands in the synthesis of gold nanoclusters (Au NCs). In
      this work, we explored beta-lactoglobulin (beta-Lg), a protein byproduct
      generated during cheese processing, as a biotemplate for fabrication of Au NCs by
      a facile and green method for the first time. The as-prepared Au NCs are water
      soluble and highly fluorescent and exhibit high sensitivity and selectivity for
      Hg2+ detection in aqueous solution. Interestingly, we found that the fluorescence
      of these Au NCs is stable either in a variety of complex matrixes or over a broad
      pH range (5.0-13.0) and therefore can be explored as a cell and animal imaging
      agent. More importantly, we demonstrated that the beta-lactoglobulin-stabilized
      Au NCs (beta-Lg-Au NCs) could serve as a sensor for the detection and
      quantification of Hg2+ in beverages, urine, and serum with high sensitivity.

PMID- 27680747
TI  - Ethnic Identity and Perceived Stress Among Ethnically Diverse Immigrants.
AB  - Recent empirical research suggests that having a strong ethnic identity may be
      associated with reduced perceived stress. However, the relationship between
      perceived stress and ethnic identity has not been tested in a large and
      ethnically diverse sample of immigrants. This study utilized a multi-group latent
      class analysis of ethnic identity on a sample of first and second generation
      immigrants (N = 1603), to determine ethnic identity classifications, and their
      relation to perceived stress. A 4-class ethnic identity structure best fit the
      data for this immigrant sample, and the proportion within each class varied by
      ethnicity, but not immigrant generation. High ethnic identity was found to be
      protective against perceived stress, and this finding was invariant across
      ethnicity. This study extends the findings of previous research on the protective
      effect of ethnic identity against perceived stress to immigrant populations of
      diverse ethnic origins.

PMID- 27680746
TI  - Associations Between Objective and Self-Report Measures of Traffic and Crime
      Safety in Latino Parents of Preschool Children.
AB  - Differences in subjective and objective safety may be explained by moderators
      that shape parental perceptions of the environment. This study examined
      associations between subjective and objective measures of traffic and crime
      safety in preschool parents (N = 240) and potential moderators. Community
      cohesion, social control, and physical activity parenting practices were
      measured. Objective measures of crime and traffic were measured at the block
      group level. Linear models revealed perceived traffic was negatively associated
      with the traffic hazards (b = -0.03; 95 % CI: -0.05, -0.01; p = .041).
      Acculturation moderated the relationship between perceptions of disorder and
      crime (b = 0.001; 95 % CI: 0.000, 0.003; p = .044). Poor community cohesion
      moderated the relationship between perceptions of disorder and crime (b = 0.0015;
      95 % CI: 0.0002, 0.0028; p = .028). Perceived traffic safety was associated with
      the traffic hazard index in parents of boys (b = -0.04; 95 % CI: -0.07, -0.01; p
      = .027). Acculturation and community cohesion can be used to align misperceptions
      of safety to actual safety to promote outdoor play.

PMID- 27680749
TI  - Identification of Pyrogallol in the Ethyl Acetate-Soluble Part of Coffee as the
      Main Contributor to Its Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitory Activity.
AB  - In this study, ethyl acetate-soluble parts of hot-water extracts from roasted
      coffee beans were found to demonstrate potent xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibition.
      The XO inhibitory activities and chlorogenic lactone contents (chlorogenic
      lactones have previously been identified as XO inhibitors in roast coffee) were
      measured for ethyl acetate-soluble parts prepared from coffee beans roasted to
      three different degrees. Although chlorogenic lactone contents decreased with
      higher degrees of roasting, the XO inhibitory activity did not decrease. These
      data led us to investigate new potent inhibitors present in these ethyl acetate
      soluble extracts. Repeated assay-guided purifications afforded a highly potent XO
      inhibitor, which was eluted before chlorogenic lactones via medium-pressure
      chromatography using an octadecylsilica gel column. The obtained inhibitor was
      identified as pyrogallol (1,2,3-trihydroxybenzene), which had an IC50 of 0.73
      MUmol L-1, much stronger than that of other related polyphenolic compounds.
      Quantitative analysis of pyrogallol and chlorogenic lactones revealed that
      pyrogallol (at concentrations of 33.9 +/- 4.2 nmol mL-1 in light roast coffee and
      39.4 +/- 3.9 nmol mL-1 in dark roast coffee) was the main XO inhibitor in hot
      water extracts of roasted coffee beans (i.e., drinking coffee).

PMID- 27680748
TI  - The natural history and management of brachial plexus birth palsy.
AB  - Brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP) is an upper extremity paralysis that occurs
      due to traction injury of the brachial plexus during childbirth. Approximately 20
      % of children with brachial plexus birth palsy will have residual neurologic
      deficits. These permanent and significant impacts on upper limb function continue
      to spur interest in optimizing the management of a problem with a highly variable
      natural history. BPBP is generally diagnosed on clinical examination and does not
      typically require cross-sectional imaging. Physical examination is also the best
      modality to determine candidates for microsurgical reconstruction of the brachial
      plexus. The key finding on physical examination that determines need for
      microsurgery is recovery of antigravity elbow flexion by 3-6 months of age. When
      indicated, both microsurgery and secondary shoulder and elbow procedures are
      effective and can substantially improve functional outcomes. These procedures
      include nerve transfers and nerve grafting in infants and secondary procedures in
      children, such as botulinum toxin injection, shoulder tendon transfers, and
      humeral derotational osteotomy.

PMID- 27680753
TI  - Modulation of the transducer function of Na+,K+-ATPase: new mechanism of heart
      remodeling.
AB  - Endogenous digitalis-like factors were found in the mammalian and human blood. It
      was the starting point for the elucidation of the new non-pumping function of the
      Na+,K+-ATPase. It was previously well known that Na+,K+-ATPase is a
      pharmacological target receptor for cardiac glycosides (J.C. Skou. 1957. Biochim.
      Biophys. Acta, 23: 394-401). We have investigated the trophotropic effects of
      such agents as ouabain, epinephrine, norepinephrine, atenolol, and comenic acid
      using the organotypic tissue culture combined with the reconstruction of optical
      cross sections and confocal microscopy. It was shown that the growth zone of
      organotypic culture forms a multidimensional structure. Our results indicate that
      the cardiac glycoside ouabain applied in endogenous concentrations (10-8, 10-10
      mol/L) can modulate transducer function of Na+,K+-ATPase and control the cell
      growth and proliferation. It was also shown that Src-kinase is involved in
      "endogenous" ouabain activated intracellular pathways as a series unit.
      Epinephrine (10-9-10-14 mol/L) and comenic acid (10-6-10-10 mol/L) were
      demonstrated to modulate the growth of 10- to 12-day-old chicken embryo cardiac
      tissue explants in a dose-dependent manner. Epinephrine and comenic acid regulate
      growth and proliferation of the cardiac tissue via receptor-mediated modulation
      Na+,K+-ATPase as a signal transducer. The trophotropic effects of the
      investigated agents specifically control the heart remodeling phenomenon.

PMID- 27680752
TI  - Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: one entity, multiple impacts on liver health.
AB  - Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is very prevalent and now considered the
      most common cause of chronic liver disease. Staging the severity of liver damage
      is very important because the prognosis of NAFLD is highly variable. The long
      term prognosis of patients with NAFLD remains incompletely elucidated. Even
      though the annual fibrosis progression rate is significantly higher in patients
      with nonalcoholic hepatitis (NASH), both types of NAFLD (nonalcoholic fatty liver
      and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis) can lead to fibrosis. The risk for progressive
      liver damage and poor outcomes is assessed by staging the severity of liver
      injury and liver fibrosis. Algorithms (scores) that incorporate various standard
      clinical and laboratory parameters alongside imaging-based approaches that assess
      liver stiffness are helpful in predicting advanced fibrosis.

PMID- 27680750
TI  - Computerised navigation of unicondylar knee prostheses: from primary implantation
      to revision to total knee arthroplasty.
AB  - AIM: Computerized navigation of unicondylar knee arthroplasties (UKA) is not a
      widespread technique. The lifespan of a UKA depends on the quality of its
      implantation. We know that overcorrection leads to a rapid extension of the
      osteoarthritis to the opposite side of the knee and undercorrection to a rapid
      loosening or wear of the prosthesis. Because of these difficulties and following
      a long experience with navigation of total knee arthroplasties (TKA) and
      osteotomies around the knee, we began using navigation for revisions to TKA in
      2003 and for UKAs in 2008. The aim of this work is to present, firstly, the axial
      alignment of 79 medial and 19 lateral computer-assisted UKAs and, secondly, the
      axial alignment of 23 computer-assisted UKA revisions to TKA. METHODS: In all the
      cases we used the Orthopilot(r) device (BBraun-Aesculap, Tuttlingen, Germany),
      which is a non image-based navigation system. RESULTS: For medial prostheses, the
      main objective was to obtain a post-operative HKA angle of 177 degrees  +/- 2
      degrees , i.e. an under correction of 1-5 degrees . This objective was met in
      88.5 % of the cases. For lateral prostheses, the main objective was to achieve a
      post-operative HKA angle of 183 degrees  +/- 2 degrees , i.e. also an under
      correction of 1-5 degrees . This objective was met in 84 % of the cases (3 cases
      at 186 degrees  and no cases of over correction). Regarding UKA revisions, the
      main objective was to ensure an HKA angle of 180 degrees  +/- 3 degrees . This
      was met in 92.4 % of the cases. CONCLUSION: As for TKA and osteotomies,
      computerized navigation of UKAs and UKA revisions allows the pre-operative goal
      to be met easily.

PMID- 27680751
TI  - Discriminative ability of calcaneal quantitative ultrasound compared with dual
      energy X-ray absorptiometry in men with hip or distal forearm fractures.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this case-control study was to compare the discriminatory
      ability of bone mineral density (BMD) measurements and calcaneal quantitative
      ultrasound (QUS) parameters for fractures and to determine fracture thresholds
      for each variable in men with hip or distal forearm fractures. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: A total of 20 men with hip and 18 men with distal forearm fractures and
      38 age-matched controls were included in this study. Dual-energy X-ray
      absorptiometry (DXA) BMD (spine and hip) and calcaneal QUS measurements were
      made. Area under the curves (AUCs) were calculated to assess fracture
      discriminatory power of DXA and QUS variables. RESULTS: Quantitative Ultrasound
      Index (QUI) T-score and Speed of Sound (SOS) were found to be the best parameters
      for the identification of hip and distal forearm fractures, respectively, with
      AUCs greater than those of DXA BMD and other QUS parameters. While a QUI T-score
      of <=-1.18 could identify and rule out hip fracture cases with approximately 80%
      sensitivity and specificity, a SOS value of <=1529.75 reached to almost 90% for
      ruling in and out distal forearm fractures. CONCLUSION: The discriminatory
      performance of calcaneal QUS variables between fractured and non-fractured men
      was as good as those of the DXA BMD and even better. Since men appear to sustain
      fractures at closer QUS variable levels than those of the DXA BMD regardless of
      the fracture type, it may be speculated that calcaneal QUS may be more helpful in
      predicting the risk of fractures when BMD alone does not demonstrate impaired
      bones. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Study of Diagnostic Test.

PMID- 27680754
TI  - Alfred L. Goldberg: Probing the Proteasome.

PMID- 27680755
TI  - Prior opportunities to identify abuse in children with abusive head trauma.
AB  - Infants with minor abusive injuries are at risk for more serious abusive injury,
      including abusive head trauma (AHT). Our study objective was to determine if
      children with AHT had prior opportunities to detect abuse and to describe the
      opportunities. All AHT cases from 7/1/2009 to 12/31/2011 at four tertiary care
      children's hospitals were included. A prior opportunity was defined as prior
      evaluation by either a medical or child protective services (CPS) professional
      when the symptoms and/or referral could be consistent with abuse but the
      diagnosis was not made and/or an alternate explanation was given and accepted.
      Two-hundred-thirty-two children with AHT were identified; median age (IQR) was
      5.40 (3.30, 14.60) months. Ten percent (22/232) died. Of the 232 patients
      diagnosed with AHT, 31% (n=73) had a total of 120 prior opportunities. Fifty-nine
      children (25%) had at least one prior opportunity to identify abuse in a medical
      setting, representing 98 prior opportunities. An additional 14 (6%) children had
      22 prior opportunities through previous CPS involvement. There were no
      differences between those with and without a prior opportunity based on age,
      gender, race, insurance, mortality, or institution. Children with prior
      opportunities in a medical setting were more likely to have chronic subdural
      hemorrhage (48 vs. 17%, p<0.01) and healing fractures (31 vs. 19%, p=0.05). The
      most common prior opportunities included vomiting 31.6% (38/120), prior CPS
      contact 20% (24/120), and bruising 11.7% (14/120). Improvements in earlier
      recognition of AHT and subsequent intervention might prevent additional injuries
      and reduce mortality.

PMID- 27680756
TI  - Influence of Different Peritoneal Dialysis Fluids on the In Vitro Activity of
      Cefepime, Ciprofloxacin, Ertapenem, Meropenem and Tobramycin Against Escherichia
      Coli.
AB  - ? BACKGROUND: Peritonitis is a major problem among patients on peritoneal
      dialysis (PD). The influence of diverse PD fluids on the activity of frequently
      used antibiotics has been insufficiently investigated. Thus, the present study
      set out to investigate the impact of different PD fluids on the activity of
      cefepime, ciprofloxacin, ertapenem, meropenem, and tobramycin against Escherichia
      coli. ? METHODS: Time-kill curves in 4 different PD fluids (Dianeal PDG4,
      Extraneal, Nutrineal PD4 and Physioneal 40, all Baxter Healthcare Corp.,
      Deerfield, IL, USA) were performed over 24 hours with 4 different concentrations
      (1 * minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC], 4 * MIC, 8 * MIC, 30 * MIC) of each
      antibiotic evaluated and without antibiotics as control. Cation-adjusted Mueller
      Hinton broth (CA-MHB) was used as comparator solution. ? RESULTS: In all PD
      fluids investigated, bacterial growth and antimicrobial activity of all
      antibiotics tested was significantly reduced compared with the CA-MHB comparator
      solution. Except at high concentrations of 30 * MIC, cefepime, ertapenem and
      meropenem demonstrated a strongly reduced activity in all PD fluids investigated.
      Ciprofloxacin and tobramycin were highly active and bactericidal in all PD fluids
      and demonstrated dose-dependent activity. ? CONCLUSION: The antimicrobial
      activity of cefepime, ertapenem and meropenem is limited or even nullified in
      certain PD fluids in vitro, whereas ciprofloxacin and tobramycin show excellent
      activity. The choice of PD fluids can impact the activity of antimicrobial agents
      and might influence microbiological outcome. Further studies are required to
      verify the clinical relevance of our findings.

PMID- 27680757
TI  - Association of Alternative Approaches to Normalizing Peritoneal Dialysis
      Clearance with Mortality and Technique Failure: A Retrospective Analysis Using
      the United States Renal Data System-Dialysis Morbidity and Mortality Study, Wave
      2.
AB  - ? BACKGROUND: Total body water (V) is an imprecise metric for normalization of
      dialytic urea clearance (Kt). This poses a risk of early mortality/technique
      failure (TF). We examined differences in the distribution of peritoneal Kt/V when
      V was calculated with actual weight (AW), ideal weight (IW), and adjusted weight
      (ADW). We also examined the associations of these Kt/V measurements, Kt/body
      surface area (BSA), and non-normalized Kt with mortality and TF. ? METHODS: This
      is a retrospective cohort study of 534 incident peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients
      from the Dialysis Morbidity and Mortality Study Wave 2 linked with United States
      Renal Data System through 2010. Using Cox-proportional hazard models, we examined
      the relationship of several normalization strategies for peritoneal urea
      clearance, including Kt/VAW, Kt/VIW, Kt/VADW, Kt/BSA, and non-normalized Kt, with
      the outcomes of mortality and TF. Harrell's c-statistics were used to assess the
      relative predictive ability of clearance metrics for mortality and TF. The
      distributions of Kt/VAW, KT/VIW, and KT/VADW were compared within and between
      body mass index (BMI) strata. ? RESULTS: Median patient age: 59 (54% male; 72%
      white; 91% continuous ambulatory PD [CAPD]). Median 24-hour urine volume: 700 mL;
      median estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at initiation: 7.15
      mL/min/1.73 m2. Technique failure and transplant-censored mortality at 5 years:
      37%. Death and transplant-censored TF at 5 years: 60%. There were no significant
      differences in initial eGFR and 24-hour urine volume across BMI strata. There
      were statistically significant differences in each Kt/V calculation within the
      underweight, overweight, and obese strata. After adjustment, there were no
      significant differences in the hazard ratios (HRs) for TF/mortality for each
      clearance calculation. Harrell's c-statistics for mortality for each clearance
      calculation were 0.78, and for TF, 0.60 - 0.61. ? CONCLUSIONS: Peritoneal urea
      clearances are sensitive to subtle changes in the estimation of V. However, there
      were no detectable significant associations of Kt/VAW, Kt/VIW, Kt/VADW, Kt/BSA,
      or Kt with TF or mortality.

PMID- 27680758
TI  - The Phantom of Metformin-Induced Lactic Acidosis in End-Stage Renal Disease
      Patients: Time to Reconsider with Peritoneal Dialysis Treatment.
AB  - ? OBJECTIVE: Metformin continues to be the safest and most widely used
      antidiabetic drug. In spite of its well-known benefits; metformin use in end
      stage renal disease (ESRD) patients is still restricted. Little has been reported
      about the effect of peritoneal dialysis (PD) on metformin clearance and the
      phantom of lactic acidosis deprives ESRD patients from metformin therapeutic
      advantages. Peritoneal dialysis is probably a safeguard against lactic acidosis,
      and it is likely that using this drug would be feasible in this group of
      patients. ? MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 83 PD patients with
      type 2 diabetes mellitus. All patients were on automated PD (APD). Metformin was
      administered in a dose of 500 - 1,000 mg daily. Patients were monitored for
      glycemic control. Plasma lactic acid and plasma metformin levels were monitored
      on a scheduled basis. Peritoneal fluid metformin levels were measured. In
      addition, the relation between plasma metformin and plasma lactate was studied. ?
      RESULTS: Mean fasting blood sugar (FBS) was 10.9 +/- 0.5 and 7.8 +/- 0.7, and
      mean hemoglobin A1-C (HgA1C) was 8.2 +/- 0.8 and 6.4 +/- 1.1 at the beginning and
      end of the study, respectively (p < 0.001). The mean body mass index (BMI) was
      29.1 +/- 4.1 and 27.3 +/- 4.5 at the beginning and at the end of the study,
      respectively (p < 0.001). The overall mean plasma lactate level across all blood
      samples was 1.44 +/- 0.6. Plasma levels between 2 and 3 mmol/L were found in
      11.8% and levels of 3 - 3.6 mmol/L in 2.4% plasma samples. Hyperlactemia (level >
      2 and <= 5 mmol/L) was not associated with overt acidemia. None of our patients
      had lactic acidosis (levels > 5 mmol/L). Age >= 60 was a predictor for
      hyperlactemia. No relationship was found between plasma metformin and lactate
      levels. ? CONCLUSION: Metformin may be used with caution in a particular group of
      ESRD patients who are on APD. Metformin allows better diabetic control with
      significant reduction of BMI. Information on the relationship between metformin
      and plasma lactate levels is lacking. Peritoneal dialysis appears to be a
      safeguard against the development of lactic acidosis in this group of patients.

PMID- 27680759
TI  - Home Dialysis Utilization Among Racial and Ethnic Minorities in the United States
      at the National, Regional, and State Level.
AB  - ? BACKGROUND: United States Renal Data System (USRDS) data from 2014 show that
      African Americans (AA) are underrepresented in the home dialysis population, with
      6.4% versus 9.2% utilization in the general populace. This racial disparity may
      be inaccurately ascribed to the nation as a whole if regional and inter-state
      variability exists. This investigation sought to examine home dialysis
      utilization by minority Medicare beneficiary populations across the US
      nationally, regionally, and by individual state. ? METHODS: The 2012 Medicare
      100% Outpatient Standard Analytic File was used to identify all Medicare fee-for
      service (FFS) patients, with state of residence and race, receiving an outpatient
      dialysis facility bill type. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) and home hemodialysis (HHD)
      patients were identified using revenue and condition codes and were defined by
      having at least one claim during the year that met criteria for the category.
      Beneficiaries were counted once for each modality used that year. A home dialysis
      utilization ratio (UR) was calculated as the ratio of the proportion of a
      minority on PD or HHD within a geographic division to the proportion of
      Caucasians on PD or HHD within the same geographic division. A UR less than 1.00
      indicated under-representation while a UR over 1.00 indicated over
      representation. Utilization ratios were compared using a Poisson regression
      model. ? RESULTS: A total of 369,164 Medicare FFS dialysis patients were
      identified. Within the total cohort, AA were the most underrepresented minority
      on PD (UR 0.586; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.585 - 0.586; p < 0.0001),
      followed by Hispanics (UR 0.744; 95% CI 0.743 - 0.744; p < 0.0001). The
      underutilization of PD by AA and Hispanics could not be ascribed to any region of
      the US, as all regions of the US had UR < 1.00. Only Massachusetts had a UR >
      1.00 for AA on PD. Peritoneal dialysis UR values for Asians and those self
      identified as Other were 0.954; 95% CI 0.953 - 0.954 and 0.932; 95% CI 0.931 -
      0.932, respectively. Nationally, all minorities utilized HHD less than
      Caucasians. However, more variability existed, with Asians utilizing more HHD
      than Caucasians in the Midwest. ? CONCLUSIONS: Although regional and interstate
      variability exists, there is near universal under-representation of AA and
      Hispanics in the home dialysis population, while Asians and Other demonstrate
      more interregional and interstate variability.

PMID- 27680760
TI  - Pharmacokinetics of Intraperitoneal Daptomycin in Patients with Peritoneal
      Dialysis-Related Peritonitis.
AB  - ? BACKGROUND: Antibiotics are preferentially delivered via the peritoneal route
      to treat peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis (PDRP) to ensure that maximal
      concentrations are delivered to the site of infection. Our study focused on the
      pharmacokinetics of daptomycin (DAP) administered via the intraperitoneal (IP)
      route in patients with PDRP. ? METHODS: According to the DaptoDP protocol
      (Clinical Trial No. 2012-005699-33), IP DAP was administered daily, i.e., during
      the 6-h Nutrineal (Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Deerfield, IL, USA) dwell time
      period, for 14 days, in addition to administration of the antibiotics used for
      the usual care of patients with PDRP. The plasma and IP levels of DAP were
      measured on days 1 and 5. The tested dose was 200 mg/day. The principal endpoint
      was the dialysate concentration after 6 hours of dwell time > 16 mg/L
      (corresponding to 4 x minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] for E. faecalis). ?
      RESULTS: Three participants were evaluated. On day 5, the IP concentrations after
      6 hours of dwell time were between 6.3 and 23.4 mg/L, and the peak plasma
      concentrations were between 13.0 and 15.3 mg/L. ? CONCLUSION: The results suggest
      that 200 mg/day is very likely sufficient for the treatment of PDRP by
      Staphylococci or Streptococci whereas it could be insufficient to treat PRDP by
      Enterococci. The good peritoneal bioavailability of DAP was quantitatively
      established, suggesting that IP administration could also be used as an alternate
      route for patients with damaged venous access. No DAP accumulation that could
      lead to toxic concentrations after repeated administration is expected, even in
      anuric patients. The protocol will further continue to assess whether a higher
      dose achieves the pharmacokinetic objectives.

PMID- 27680761
TI  - Psychosocial Factors Predict Nonadherence to PD Treatment: A Hong Kong Survey.
AB  - ? BACKGROUND: Nonadherence to hand hygiene and aseptic regimen, dialysis
      environment guidelines, and catheter and exit-site care guidelines are risk
      factors of peritonitis. However, little is known about the psychosocial factors
      that account for the nonadherent behavior of patients undergoing peritoneal
      dialysis (PD). Applying the health belief model, this study seeks to enhance the
      understanding of psychosocial influences on patients' nonadherent behavior to the
      3 regimen components. ? METHODS: Through referrals by 7 Hong Kong renal patient
      support groups, we surveyed patients undergoing PD treatment. ? RESULTS: A total
      of 244 Hong Kong PD patients completed the questionnaires. About 90% of the
      patients reported no deviation from catheter and exit-site care guidelines.
      However, the nonadherence rates of hand hygiene and aseptic regimen and of
      dialysis environment guidelines were 30.3% and 23%, respectively. Longer time on
      PD treatment and lower family monthly income were associated with nonadherence to
      dialysis environment guidelines. Employed patients tended toward nonadherence to
      catheter and exit-site care guidelines twice as much as unemployed patients. Of
      the 5 health beliefs, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and efficacy belief
      were significant predictors of nonadherence to the 3 regimen components. ?
      CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study inform the design of intervention to
      change patients' behavior in regimen nonadherence for preventing peritonitis. To
      identify the target audience for adherence intervention based on the 3 regimen
      components, the results suggest dividing patients into subgroups according to
      their sociodemographic background. To foster behavioral change, health
      communicators should address patients' health beliefs when formulating
      intervention strategies.

PMID- 27680762
TI  - Economic Impact of a Peritoneal Dialysis Continuous Quality Improvement Program
      in Colombia.
AB  - ? BACKGROUND: There is little information regarding the financial burden of
      peritonitis and the economic impact of continuous quality improvement (CQI)
      programs in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. The objectives of this study were
      to measure the costs of peritonitis, and determine the net savings of a PD CQI
      program in Colombia. ? METHODS: The Renal Therapy Services (RTS) network in
      Colombia, along with Coomeva EPS, provided healthcare resource utilization data
      for PD patients with and without peritonitis between January 2012 and December
      2013. Propensity score matching and regression analysis were performed to
      estimate the incremental cost of peritonitis. Patient months at risk, episodes of
      peritonitis pre- and post-CQI, and costs of CQI were obtained. Annual net savings
      of the CQI program were estimated based on the number of peritonitis events
      prevented. ? RESULTS: The incremental cost of a peritonitis episode was $250. In
      an 8-year period, peritonitis decreased from 1,837 episodes per 38,596 patient
      months in 2006 to 841 episodes per 50,910 patient-months in 2014. Overall, the
      CQI program prevented an estimated 10,409 episodes of peritonitis. The cost of
      implementing the CQI program was $147,000 in the first year and $119,000 annually
      thereafter. Using a five percent discount rate, the net present value of the
      program was $1,346,431, with an average annual net savings of $207,027. The
      return on investment (i.e. total savings-program cost/program cost) of CQI was
      169%. ? CONCLUSION: Continuous quality improvement initiatives designed to reduce
      rates of peritonitis have a strong potential to generate cost savings.

PMID- 27680763
TI  - Clinical Outcomes of Peritoneal Dialysis in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients with
      Liver Cirrhosis: A Propensity Score Matching Study.
AB  - ? BACKGROUND: Clinical results of long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD) therapy in
      patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are
      controversial. This study evaluated the clinical outcomes of LC patients
      undergoing PD. ? METHODS: Clinical records were retrospectively collected from a
      single center between January 2007 and December 2014. An analysis of PD patients
      with LC and without liver disease was performed using propensity score matching.
      We further restricted matching by age, gender, and the presence of diabetes
      mellitus. Two cohorts of 33 patients each were selected. Early technical
      complications were defined as the presence of catheter-related complications,
      including malposition, leakage, omental wrapping, obstruction, and requiring a
      transfer to hemodialysis (HD) within 6 months of initiating PD. ? RESULTS: Mean
      PD duration was lower in LC patients (57.2 +/- 46.1 months) than in controls
      (85.8 +/- 64.2 months). Blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and albumin levels were
      significantly lower in LC patients than in the control group. Cystatin C and
      cystatin C-based glomerular filtration rates were not significantly different in
      the LC group compared with those in the controls. We found that the risks for
      early technical complications, peritonitis, and long-term PD and patient survival
      were not higher in patients with LC than in those without LC. Ascites were easily
      controlled, and hepatic encephalopathy did not affect PD maintenance in LC
      patients. ? CONCLUSIONS: The clinical outcomes, including technical
      complications, peritonitis, and patients' survival, suggest that PD can be used
      as a renal replacement therapy in ESRD patients with LC.

PMID- 27680764
TI  - Epidemiology and Clinical Characteristics of Acinetobacter Peritoneal Dialysis
      Related Peritonitis in Hong Kong-With a Perspective on Multi-Drug and Carbapenem
      Resistance.
AB  - ? BACKGROUND: Acinetobacter spp. is an important cause of peritoneal dialysis
      (PD)-related peritonitis, but studies on Acinetobacter peritonitis have been
      scarce. In view of the rising concern of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter (CRA)
      and multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter (MDRA) infections, we conducted this study
      on the incidence of Acinetobacter peritonitis and the impact of CRA and MDRA on
      its outcome. ? METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the clinical
      characteristics, prevalence, antibiotic sensitivity patterns, outcomes, and
      factors associated with treatment failure over the past 16 years in our patients
      with Acinetobacter PD-related peritonitis. ? RESULTS: Out of 2,389 episodes of
      peritonitis, there were 66 episodes (3%) of Acinetobacter peritonitis occurring
      in 59 patients. Twelve episodes were caused by MDRA (18%), of which 5 were CRA
      (8%). There was a progressive increase in the incidence of MDRA and CRA
      infections over the study period. Most isolates were sensitive to sulbactam
      combinations (ampicillin-sulbactam [95.4%] and cefoperazone-sulbactam [93.9%]),
      aminoglycosides (amikacin [92.4%], tobramycin [90.9%], and gentamicin [89.4%]),
      and carbapenems (imipenem [92.2%]). There was 1 case of relapse. Fifteen episodes
      resulted in catheter removal (23%), and 7 patients died (11%). Hypoalbuminemia
      (odds ratio [OR] = 0.85, p = 0.006) and carbapenem resistance (OR = 18.2, p =
      0.049) were significantly associated with higher rates of treatment failure. ?
      CONCLUSION: Both carbapenem resistance and hypoalbuminemia were significantly
      associated with treatment failure. Up to 80% of peritonitis episodes by CRA
      resulted in catheter loss or mortality. Sulbactam combinations and/or
      aminoglycosides remained effective for the majority of Acinetobacter isolates.
      There seemed to be an increasing relative incidence of MDRA and CRA infections
      over the past 16 years.

PMID- 27680765
TI  - Introduction of Renal Key Performance Indicators Associated with Increased Uptake
      of Peritoneal Dialysis in a Publicly Funded Health Service.
AB  - ? BACKGROUND: Increased demand for treatment of end-stage kidney disease has
      largely been accommodated by a costly increase in satellite hemodialysis (SHD) in
      most jurisdictions. In the Australian State of Victoria, a marked regional
      variation in the uptake of home-based dialysis suggests that use of home
      therapies could be increased as an alternative to SHD. An earlier strategy based
      solely on increased remuneration had failed to increase uptake of home therapies.
      Therefore, the public dialysis funder adopted the incidence and prevalence of
      home-based dialysis therapies as a key performance indicator (KPI) for its health
      services to encourage greater uptake of home therapies. ? METHODS: A KPI data
      collection and bench-marking program was established in 2012 by the Victorian
      Department of Health and Human Services, with data provided monthly by all renal
      units in Victoria using a purpose-designed website portal. A KPI Working Group
      was responsible for analyzing data each quarter and ensuring indicators remained
      accurate and relevant and each KPI had clear definitions and targets. We present
      a prospective, observational study of all dialysis patients in Victoria over a 4
      year period following the introduction of the renal KPI program, with descriptive
      analyses to evaluate the proportion of patients using home therapies as well as
      home dialysis modality survival. ? RESULTS: Following the introduction of the KPI
      program, the net growth of dialysis patient numbers in Victoria remained stable
      over 4 years, at 75 - 80 per year (approximately 4%). However, unlike the
      previous decade, about 40% of this growth was through an increase in home
      dialysis, which was almost exclusively peritoneal dialysis (PD). The increase was
      identified particularly in the young (20 - 49) and the elderly (> 80).
      Disappointingly, however, 67% of these incident patients ceased PD within 2 years
      of commencement, 46% of whom transferred to SHD. ? CONCLUSIONS: Introduction of a
      KPI program was associated with an increased uptake of PD but not home HD. This
      change in clinical practice restricted growth of SHD and reduced pressure on
      satellite services. The effect was offset by a modest PD technique survival. Many
      patients in whom PD was unsuccessful were subsequently transferred to SHD rather
      than home HD.

PMID- 27680767
TI  - Precipitation of Carbamazepine-Controlled Seizures Due to Low-Dose Risperidone in
      a Child: A Conspiracy to Unbalance Blood Electrolytes.

PMID- 27680766
TI  - Patients' Perspectives on the Prevention and Treatment of Peritonitis in
      Peritoneal Dialysis: A Semi-Structured Interview Study.
AB  - ? BACKGROUND: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is recommended for adults with residual
      kidney function and without significant comorbidities. However, peritonitis is a
      serious and common complication that is associated with hospitalization, pain,
      catheter loss, and death. This study aims to describe the beliefs, needs, and
      experiences of PD patients about peritonitis, to inform the training, support,
      and care of these patients. ? METHODS: Qualitative semi-structured interviews
      were conducted with 29 patients from 3 renal units in Australia who had previous
      or current experience of PD. The interviews were conducted between November 2014
      and November 2015. Transcripts were analyzed thematically. ? RESULTS: We
      identified 4 themes: constant vigilance for prevention (conscious of
      vulnerability, sharing responsibility with family, demanding attention to detail,
      ambiguity of detecting infection, ineradicable inhabitation, jeopardizing PD
      success); invading harm (life-threatening, wreaking internal damage, debilitating
      pain, losing control and dignity); incapacitating lifestyle interference
      (financial strain, isolation and separation, exacerbating burden on family); and
      exasperation with hospitalization (dread of hospital admission, exposure to
      infection, gruelling follow-up schedule, exposure to harm). ? CONCLUSIONS:
      Patients perceived that peritonitis could threaten their health, treatment
      modality, and lifestyle, which motivated vigilance and attention to hygiene. They
      felt a loss of control due to debilitating symptoms including pain and having to
      be hospitalized, and they were uncertain about how to monitor for signs of
      peritonitis. Providing patients with education about the causes and signs of
      peritonitis and addressing their concerns about lifestyle impact, financial
      impact, hospitalization, and peritonitis-related anxieties may improve treatment
      satisfaction and outcomes for patients requiring PD.

PMID- 27680768
TI  - Introduction to BMJ Rapid Recommendations.

PMID- 27680769
TI  - Factors Affecting the Quality of Anticoagulation With Vitamin K Antagonists in
      Venous Thromboembolism Patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is classically based on
      oral vitamin K antagonists (VKAs). Due to the disadvantages and side effects of
      these drugs, monitoring the quality of anticoagulation by assessing time within
      therapeutic range (TTR) is recommended. Variables altering the TTR in patients
      with VTE are yet to be determined. The aim of this study was to analyze the
      quality of anticoagulation in patients with VTE treated with VKAs and to identify
      factors associated with poor-quality anticoagulation. METHODS: A retrospective
      observational study was performed in a cohort of 94 patients diagnosed with VTE
      undergoing treatment with VKAs. The TTR at 6 months was analyzed by the Rosendaal
      method. Univariate and a multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed
      to unravel factors that increase risk of poor-quality anticoagulation. RESULTS:
      The TTR at 6 months in this cohort was 60.5%; 54 patients had a TTR < 65%. In the
      univariate analysis, female sex, age >= 65 years, and renal impairment were
      significantly associated with poor-quality anticoagulation. However, in the
      multivariate logistic regression model, only renal impairment was independently
      associated with poor-quality anticoagulation (odds ratio = 3.31, 95% confidence
      interval [1.049, 10.486], p = .041). DISCUSSION: The average quality of
      anticoagulation was 60.5%, and a high percentage of patients had a quality of
      anticoagulation below recommended levels. Study findings indicate that renal
      impairment is an independent risk factor for poor-quality anticoagulation in
      patients with VTE treated with VKAs.

PMID- 27680770
TI  - Chevalone C analogues and globoscinic acid derivatives from the fungus
      Neosartorya spinosa KKU-1NK1.
AB  - Four meroterpenoids, 1-hydroxychevalone C, 1-acetoxychevalone C, 1,11
      dihydroxychevalone C, and 11-hydroxychevalone C and two ester epimers, 2S,4S
      spinosate and 2S,4R-spinosate, together with seven known compounds, chevalones B,
      C, and E, tryptoquivaline, nortryptoquivaline, tryptoquivaline L, and quinadoline
      A were isolated from the fungus Neosartorya spinosa. Their structures were
      established based on spectroscopic data analyses. The theoretical ECD spectra of
      epimers, 2S,4S-spinosate and 2S,4R-spinosate were calculated to support the
      experimental results of their CD spectra. 1-hydroxychevalone C exhibited
      antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis with a MIC value of
      26.4 MUM. 1-Acetoxychevalone C and tryptoquivaline showed antimalarial activity
      against Plasmodium falciparum with IC50 values of 6.67 and 2.65 MUM,
      respectively. In addition, 1-hydroxychevalone C, 1-acetoxychevalone C, 1,11
      dihydroxychevalone C and quinadoline A showed cytotoxicity against KB and NCI
      H187 cancer cell lines with IC50 values in the range of 32.7-103.3 MUM.

PMID- 27680771
TI  - Gender impacts on the correlations between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and
      hypertension in a Chinese population aged 45-60 y.
AB  - : No previous study has reported the association between nonalcoholic fatty liver
      disease (NAFLD) and the risk of hypertension in the Chinese population.
      Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between NAFLD
      and hypertension in a middle-aged Chinese population. The study subject was (a
      group of) 1006 Chinese adults aged 45-60 y in Shandong Province who participated
      in the Weifang Nutrition and Health Survey (2014-2015). Hypertension was defined
      as systolic blood pressure (SBP) >=140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) >=
      9 0mmHg. NAFLD was defined as the presence of moderate-severe hepatic steatosis
      (by B-ultrasonic examination), the absence of excessive alcohol use (>20 g/d in
      men and 10 g/d in women), no use of steatogenic medications within the past six
      months, no exposure to hepatotoxins, and no history of bariatric surgery. All
      anthropometric measurements and biochemical data were collected following
      standard protocols. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to
      identify the association between NAFLD and hypertension with adjustment of
      potential confounding variables. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC),
      waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), fasting glucose, SBP, DBP, triglycerides (TG), serum
      uric acid (SUA), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase
      (AST), and the prevalence of hypertension and NAFLD were significantly higher in
      males than in females (p < 0.05). Females had significantly higher levels of
      total cholesterol (TC) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). After
      adjusting for potential confounders, NAFLD was associated with an increased risk
      of hypertension in both male and female, with odds ratios (ORs) (95% CI) of 2.152
      (1.324-3.498) and 2.133 (1.409-3.229), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings
      indicated that NAFLD was significantly associated with the risk of hypertension
      in males than in females. However, our findings also need to be confirmed in
      future prospective studies. ABBREVIATIONS: BMI: body mass index; WC: waist
      circumference; WHR: waist-hip ratio; SBP: systolic blood pressure; DBP: diastolic
      blood pressure; FG: fasting glucose; TG: triglycerides; TC: total cholesterol;
      HDL-C: high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; SUA: serum uric acid; NAFLD:
      nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; LDL-C: low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; OR:
      odds ratio; CI: confidence interval; ALT: alanine aminotransferase; AST:
      aspartate aminotransferase.

PMID- 27680772
TI  - Genetic diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolaemia using a rapid biochip array
      assay for 40 common LDLR, APOB and PCSK9 mutations.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) leads to a lifelong
      increase in plasma LDL levels with subsequent increase in premature vascular
      disease. Early diagnosis and treatment is the key to effective management of this
      condition. This research aims to produce a simple and cost effective genetic test
      which could identify the majority (71%) of mutations causing FH in the UK and
      Ireland. METHODS: The Randox Biochip Array Technology was used to detect 40 point
      mutations in LDLR, APOB and PCSK9 genes, over two 5 * 5 arrays. This technology
      uses multiplex allele specific PCR and biochip array hybridisation, followed by a
      chemiluminescence detection system and software for automated mutation calling.
      RESULTS: The FH biochip array assay was validated in the Belfast Genetics
      Laboratory using 199 cascade screening samples previously sequenced for known FH
      causing family mutations, the overall sensitivity was 98%. The assay was then
      used for routine testing of 663 patients with possible FH, from clinics across
      the UK and Ireland. A total of 49 (7.4%) mutation positive individuals were
      identified, however, for the clinics in England the detection rate was 12.9%.
      Further analysis of 120 biochip negative patients, using DNA sequencing, did not
      identify any false negatives. CONCLUSIONS: The FH biochip array provides a rapid
      and reliable genetic test for the majority of FH causing point mutations in the
      UK and Ireland. A total of 32 samples can be run in 3 h. This allows clinics to
      evaluate additional patients for a possible diagnosis of FH such as patients with
      high LDL, patients with early onset coronary disease, and patients with relatives
      known to have FH.

PMID- 27680773
TI  - Parity, coronary heart disease and mortality in the old order Amish.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Prior data on the association between parity and mortality
      are limited by the presence of sociodemographic confounders including cultural
      norms of parity. Our objective was to determine the association between parity
      and mortality in the Amish, a socioeconomically homogenous group with large
      numbers of children per family. METHODS: We conducted a population-based cohort
      study among 518 Old Order Amish women enrolled in a cardiovascular awareness
      program. The mean length of follow-up for mortality was 13.52 years. We
      determined the adjusted associations between parity and obesity, prevalent
      coronary heart disease and mortality. RESULTS: The mean number of total births
      per woman was 6.7 +/- 3.6 with a mode of 8. No significant association was
      observed between parity and all-cause mortality when adjusted for age (HR 1.00
      per additional birth; 95% CI 0.96-1.05; p = 0.85) or in multivariate analysis (HR
      1.00, 95% CI 0.95-1.05; p = 0.95). There was also no association of parity in age
      or multivariable adjusted models with prevalent diabetes, hypertension or
      coronary heart disease. Despite the lack of effect of parity on mortality, a
      significant association of ten or more births was observed with higher body mass
      index (BMI) compared to the referent group of 8-9 total births. CONCLUSIONS: In a
      highly homogeneous population with high rates of parity, no association between
      overall mortality and parity was observed. Ten or more births were significantly
      associated with a higher BMI but not with overall mortality.

PMID- 27680774
TI  - Plasma cystatin C and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin in relation to
      coronary atherosclerosis on intravascular ultrasound and cardiovascular outcome:
      Impact of kidney function (ATHEROREMO-IVUS study).
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: We investigated whether plasma cystatin C (CysC) and
      neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) are associated with
      intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-derived characteristics of coronary
      atherosclerosis and 1-year adverse coronary events in patients with normal and
      mildly-to-moderately impaired kidney function. METHODS: Between 2008 and 2011,
      virtual histology (VH)-IVUS of a non-culprit coronary artery was performed in 581
      patients undergoing coronary angiography. Creatinine, CysC and NGAL were measured
      in pre-procedural blood samples. Presence of VH-IVUS-derived thin-cap
      fibroatheroma (TCFA) lesions, lesions with plaque burden (PB)>=70% and lesions
      with minimal luminal area (MLA)<=4 mm2 was assessed. Major adverse coronary
      events (MACE) comprised the composite of all-cause mortality, acute coronary
      syndrome, or unplanned coronary revascularization. Analyses were stratified using
      eGFRCr of 90 ml/min/1.73 m2 as the cut-off. RESULTS: In patients with normal
      kidney function, those with higher CysC levels had fewer lesions with PB >= 70%
      and fewer VH-TCFA lesions (adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence
      intervals (CIs): 0.46 [0.30-0.69] and 0.59 [0.44-0.83], respectively, per
      standard deviation (SD) ln[ng/mL] CysC). Those with higher NGAL levels also had
      fewer lesions with PB >= 70% (adjusted OR [95% CI]:0.49 [0.29-0.82]) In patients
      with impaired kidneys, no differences in high-risk lesions were observed for CysC
      or NGAL. However, those with higher CysC had higher risk of MACE (hazard ratio
      (HR):1.4, 95% CI [1.03-1.92]). This was not the case in patients with normal
      kidney function. NGAL did not influence risk of MACE. CONCLUSIONS: Mild-to
      moderate kidney dysfunction modifies the relationship between CysC and high-risk
      coronary lesions. This has not been established before, and offers an explanation
      for the difference in findings between experimental and epidemiologic studies.

PMID- 27680775
TI  - Serum interleukin 6 and 10 levels in Takotsubo cardiomyopathy: Increased
      admission levels may predict adverse events at follow-up.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Systemic inflammation has been hypothesized as a possible
      mechanism of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC). Aim of the study was to assess the
      role of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 in subjects with an episode of TTC. METHODS:
      Fifty-six consecutive subjects with TTC were prospectively enrolled in the study
      and followed for a mean of 178 days. Circulating levels of IL-6, IL-10, clinical
      condition and left ventricular ejection fraction were evaluated at admission.
      Incidence of death, re-hospitalization and recurrence of TTC during follow-up was
      also recorded. RESULTS: 23% of patients experienced in-hospital complications
      while 20% of patients had adverse events at follow-up. IL-6 and IL-10 serum
      levels at admission were higher in subjects with adverse events at follow-up (120
      +/- 294 vs. 22 +/- 40 pg/ml, p<0.05; 13 +/- 35 vs. 2 +/- 3 pg/ml, p=0.05,
      respectively). Increased serum levels of IL-6 and IL-10 were associated with
      higher adverse events rates at follow-up (Log-Rank p<0.001, <0.05, hazard ratio
      8.6, 5.1, respectively) and mortality rates (Log-Rank p<0.001, p<0.05, hazard
      ratio 20.8, 7.1, respectively). Subjects with both increased IL-6 and IL-10
      levels were characterized by an increased risk of adverse events when compared to
      subjects with only IL-6 or IL-10 increased levels or with values below cutoff
      values (Log-Rank p<0.01 for any event, <0.001 for death; hazard ratio 1.20 for
      any event, 1.31 for death), even after correction for age, LVEF and NTproBNP
      levels in multivariable Cox analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Serum IL-6 and IL-10 admission
      levels are associated with higher risk of adverse events during follow-up.

PMID- 27680777
TI  - Predicting 30-Day Readmission or Death in Heart Failure-Reply: Looking Beyond the
      C- Statistic.

PMID- 27680778
TI  - COMPLICATED CONGENITAL RETINOSCHISIS.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe the treatment and natural history of a patient with
      complicated congenital retinoschisis. METHODS: A retrospective case report. A 10
      month-old boy with congenital retinoschisis presented with tractional retinal
      detachments and foveal schisis in both eyes. RESULTS: On presentation, vision was
      decreased in both eyes with presumed amblyopia of the left eye. Funduscopic
      examination revealed bilateral foveal schisis and tractional retinal detachment
      involving the macula. Follow-up examination revealed superior retinal dragging
      and peripheral ischemia on fluorescein angiogram in both eyes. Nine months after
      presentation, combined rhegmatogenous and tractional retinal detachment developed
      in the right eye and was treated by scleral buckle. After vitrectomy for
      nonclearing vitreous hemorrhage in the left eye, a combined rhegmatogenous and
      tractional retinal detachment developed. Vitrectomy and lensectomy with silicone
      oil was performed. At 6 years of follow-up, both retinas were attached and foveal
      schisis had resolved. CONCLUSION: Sight threatening complications of congenital
      retinoschisis include retinal detachment and vitreous hemorrhage. Vitrectomy
      and/or scleral buckling may prevent progression of vision loss and promote
      resolution of schisis.

PMID- 27680776
TI  - Inflammatory responses of stromal fibroblasts to inflammatory epithelial cells
      are involved in the pathogenesis of bovine mastitis.
AB  - Hypernomic secretion of epithelial cytokines has several effects on stromal
      cells. The contributions of inflammatory epithelial cells to stromal fibroblasts
      in bovine mammary glands with mastitis remain poorly understood. Here, we
      established an inflammatory epithelial cell model of bovine mastitis with gram
      negative lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and gram-positive lipoteichoic acid (LTA)
      bacterial cell wall components. We characterized immune responses of mammary
      stromal fibroblasts induced by inflammatory epithelial cells. Our results showed
      that inflammatory epithelial cells affected stromal fibroblast characteristics by
      increasing inflammatory mediator expression, elevating extracellular matrix
      protein deposition, decreasing proliferation capacity, and enhancing migration
      ability. The changes in stromal fibroblast proliferation and migration abilities
      were mediated by signal molecules, such as WNT signal pathway components. LPS-
      and LTA-induced inflammatory epithelial cells triggered different immune
      responses in stromal fibroblasts. Thus, in mastitis, bovine mammary gland stromal
      fibroblasts were affected by inflammatory epithelial cells and displayed
      inflammation-specific changes, suggesting that fibroblasts play crucial roles in
      bovine mastitis.

PMID- 27680779
TI  - Risk factors following first spontaneous epileptic seizure in children below 3
      years of age.
AB  - AIM OF THE STUDY: To assess the recurrence rate after the first spontaneous
      epileptic seizure in pediatric patients, and determine the related risk factors.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from 190 infants (aged between one month and three
      years) admitted after first spontaneous epileptic seizure to Soochow University
      Affiliated Children's Hospital between April 2009 and April 2011 were
      retrospectively analyzed; patients were followed up until April 2014. The
      recurrence rate and risk factors of recurrence were analyzed based on central
      nervous system imaging data (computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging),
      electroencephalogram (EEG) and developmental quotient assessment. RESULTS: Of the
      190 infants, 11 cases (5.79%) were lost to follow-up. The cumulative recurrence
      rate of spontaneous epileptic seizure after five years was 52%. A total of 82%
      recurrence cases occurred within the first year. Age > 24 months (odds ratio (OR)
      = 0.498?95% confidence interval (CI): 0.285-0.869) was an independent protective
      factor, while symptomatic seizure (OR = 1.624, 95% CI: 1.020-2.587), seizure
      during sleep (OR = 2.779, 95% CI: 1.757-4.397) and epileptic discharge in EEG
      (OR=3.269, 95% CI: 2.049-5.217) were independent risk factors. CONCLUSION:
      Recurrence rate is high in infants after the first spontaneous epileptic seizure,
      and recurrence is more likely to occur within one year.

PMID- 27680781
TI  - Nonhealing Lower Leg Ulcers.

PMID- 27680780
TI  - Cholinergic Changes in Aging and Alzheimer Disease: An [18F]-F-A-85380
      Exploratory PET Study.
AB  - The central cholinergic system undergoes changes during the physiological process
      of aging and the pathologic process of Alzheimer disease (AD). We aimed to
      analyze the impairment of cholinergic pathways by positron emission tomography
      using the [F]-F-A-85380 (FA85) tracer, which has a high affinity for nicotinic
      acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Aging was assessed by comparing young (n=10)
      and elderly (n=4) healthy subjects, and the pathologic process of AD was assessed
      by comparing elderly controls and age-matched AD patients (n=8). We measured an
      index of the nAChR density in the cortex and the hippocampus and the total number
      of FA85-binding sites by taking into account the volume changes. In AD, the nAChR
      density was preserved in both the cortex and hippocampus. The total estimated
      number of FA85-binding sites was decreased in the hippocampus despite the lack of
      a significant loss of volume, whereas the difference in the cortex did not
      withstand the adjustment for multiple comparisons despite a significant loss of
      volume. In contrast, in aging, the estimated number of FA85-binding sites was
      decreased in both the cortex and hippocampus with significant hippocampal
      atrophy. These findings suggest a preferential impairment of cholinergic pathways
      in the cortex during aging, whereas in AD, this damage predominated in the
      hippocampus with a potential compensatory cholinergic effect in the cortex.

PMID- 27680782
TI  - A new strategy in sclerotherapy of varicose veins.
AB  - AIM: The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of a new method of
      compression sclerotherapy of GSV and SSV. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 345 lower
      extremities with primary varicose veins, with a long reflux of the GSV (C2-6; Ep;
      As 2, 3; +/- p; Pr), have been submitted to sclerotherapy applying the following
      method: injection of foam (Polidocanol 2%), or liquid sclerosant (iodate solution
      4-6% or Polodocanol 3%) in the trunk of the GSV; echoguided compression of
      sapheno-femoral junction (performed using an inflatable device, the Safeguard);
      immediate eccentric positive compression on the trunk of the GSV; and short
      elastic bandage. RESULTS: The results have shown that applying this method of
      sclerotherapy the failure rate decreases, independently to physical form of
      sclerosing agent. CONCLUSIONS: The use of Safeguard(r) interrupts reflux to the
      lower veins, and these can so be well sclerosed and compressed with short elastic
      bandage. KEY WORDS: Long compression, Foam, Saphenous vein Sclerotherapy varicose
      veins.

PMID- 27680823
TI  - Editorial.
AB  - Thousands of nurses and other health service workers joined last week's day of
      action, making it the biggest demonstration yet in the six-week pay campaign. The
      day was a huge success in media terms. Regardless of political persuasion, most
      national and regional newspapers carried photographs and stories about nurses who
      had given up their lunchtime to protest at this year's pay award. And while the
      media and public were given a flavour of nurses' strength of feeling, politicians
      - many of whom have received RCN pay campaign postcards - packed the House of
      Commons to hear opposition leader Tony Blair question the Prime Minister about
      the unfairness of local pay. Blair pressed home the point that regional disparity
      would result in one nurse being paid less than a colleague in a neighbouring
      hospital doing the same job. Radio and television bulletins carried news from
      local protests around the country and even the BBC's Question Time kicked off
      with a question from a nurse about local pay. Thursday March 30 certainly
      belonged to the nursing organisations, and if ministers thought that pay would be
      buried by now, it certainly proved that it hasn't.

PMID- 27680824
TI  - Commons date set for debate on pay.
AB  - MPs will debate nurses' pay for the first time on April 20, the day thousands of
      nurses are expected to take part in a mass lobby of parliament.

PMID- 27680825
TI  - Five in six trusts fail to meet deadline for local pay deals.
AB  - The vast majority of nurses had heard nothing from trusts about their pay offers
      by April 1, the day their pay should have been increased.

PMID- 27680826
TI  - Thousands join in lunchtime demos as the balloon goes up.
AB  - Tens of thousands of nurses joined other health workers in more than 400
      lunchtime protests outside hospitals last week against the government's 1 per
      cent pay offer.

PMID- 27680827
TI  - Local poll hints at refusal to work overtime.
AB  - Most nurses regularly do unpaid overtime and are ready to refuse to if they do
      not get what they see as a fair pay deal, a survey has shown.

PMID- 27680828
TI  - Fair pay protest.
AB  - Below: Nurses from London's Moorfields Eye Hospital leaflet commuters. Right:
      Protestors from City Hospital Trust in Birmingham. Ear right: The scene at Neath
      General Hospital.

PMID- 27680829
TI  - Midwives hit back over minister's 3 per cent claims.
AB  - The Royal College of Midwives has hit back at health minister Gerald Malone for
      accusing the union of misleading the public by suggesting nurses and midwives
      were being offered a 1 per cent pay rise.

PMID- 27680830
TI  - NHS internal market 'has led to fewer beds'.
AB  - The creation of the internal market in the NHS has led to fewer beds and an
      increase in the number of people waiting for treatment, researchers at the Labour
      Research Department have claimed.

PMID- 27680831
TI  - Staff 'coping well' after seventh arson at hospital.
AB  - Staff at a hospital hit by seven arson attacks in two weeks are 'coping
      magnificently' with the situation, a manager has said.

PMID- 27680832
TI  - Powerful voice.
AB  - Department of Health chief nursing officer Yvonne Moores has been appointed to an
      internal committee which makes key policy and professional decisions. The NHS
      Executive said her seat on the Departmental Management Board gave nursing a
      powerful voice.

PMID- 27680833
TI  - ?
AB  - Open wide: a new feeding room for mothers with babies in special care has been
      opened at Hammersmith Hospital in London, sponsored by Milupa. Pictured are, left
      to right: Caroline Dalmedo, nursery nurse; Joan Charlton, Milupa regional medical
      manager, and Kathy Sleath, clinical nurse specialist.

PMID- 27680834
TI  - Hard-nosed debate on RCN Congress agenda.
AB  - Decriminalisation of prostitution and the affect of fashion and the media on
      health are among the topics on the agenda of the RCN Congress 1995.

PMID- 27680835
TI  - Ashworth nurses 'need close supervision and support'.
AB  - Many nurses at Ashworth special hospital in Merseyside are either 'untrained' or
      'inadequately trained' for the work they are required to do and consequently feel
      undervalued, isolated and threatened, says a report published last week by the
      NHS Health Advisory Service (HAS).

PMID- 27680836
TI  - New line-up at scottish board.
AB  - Scottish secretary Ian Lang has announced the new line-up of the Scottish
      National Board.

PMID- 27680837
TI  - ?
AB  - Sister Ann Granger was one of the staff from St Richard's Hospital in Sussex who
      took part in a recent exercise to show local school children what happens during
      a major disaster.

PMID- 27680838
TI  - Health agencies found lacking in proper policies to tackle abuse of the elderly.
AB  - Health agencies are lagging behind social services departments in planning how to
      deal with abuse of older people, a survey hits shown.

PMID- 27680839
TI  - PREP set to clear confusion.
AB  - The introduction of PREP and clinical supervision will help clear up the
      confusion among nurses surrounding issues of accountability and competence,
      England's chief nursing officer Yvonne Moores said last week.

PMID- 27680840
TI  - Practice nurse in GP role.
AB  - Practice nurses could diagnose and treat a large proportion of patients with
      minor illnesses who currently see their GP, recent research has shown.

PMID- 27680841
TI  - Students gain insight into money matters.
AB  - Student nurses in Chester are being offered short-term placements in purchasing
      as part of a new pilot programme to include areas not traditionally covered by
      Project 2000 courses.

PMID- 27680842
TI  - Protest at rent rises and mouse-traps.
AB  - Student nurses in Yorkshire are locked in bitter dispute over claims of poor
      quality accommodation and rising rents.

PMID- 27680844
TI  - Career fears stall staff in court claims.
AB  - Nurses are foiling to come forward in litigation cases because they are terrified
      of damaging their careers, a leading Edinburgh solicitor has warned.

PMID- 27680843
TI  - All nurses must learn about reality of market forces.
AB  - Market forces are here to stay and the sooner that nurses understand them and use
      them to their advantage, the better for the profession, a private sector nursing
      consultant claimed at the conference last week.

PMID- 27680846
TI  - Health problems in Glasgow under the spotlight.
AB  - The RCN launched its 'Nursing for Scotland' campaign last week with a leaflet
      mailed to every household in Glasgow.

PMID- 27680845
TI  - Call for proactive role in multi-skilling movement.
AB  - Nursing must be more proactive and less reactive in the face of the multi
      skilling movement, a leading international figure told the conference.

PMID- 27680847
TI  - Grief experience after the death of a pet.
AB  - The grief experienced by people at the death of a pet is similar to that
      associated with the death of a significant person, American researchers report.

PMID- 27680849
TI  - Sugar in relation to vitamin intake.
AB  - COMA recommendations that less than 10 per cent of dietary energy be derived from
      sugar might err on the side of caution in respect of any adverse effect on
      dietary quality, researchers say.

PMID- 27680848
TI  - Anti-clotting drugs best in afternoon.
AB  - Tissue plasminogen factor, a 'dot busting' drug given to patients after
      myocardial infarction, might work better when given after midday.

PMID- 27680850
TI  - Men conceal their fears about health.
AB  - Men are bottling up worries about their health instead of taking steps to improve
      it, a new survey has shown.

PMID- 27680851
TI  - 'We shall not be moved'.
AB  - As scores of nurses and other health workers gathered outside Great Ormond Street
      Hospital to campaign for a fair pay deal, the jazz band playing to entertain the
      crowds struck up with ?We Shall Not Be Moved?. No one sang along, but the
      sentiments seemed to sum up the mood of protesters.

PMID- 27680852
TI  - It's top of the shops.
AB  - Nurses in Wales have been rewarded for moving health promotion to the top of
      their agenda.

PMID- 27680853
TI  - Waste not, want not.
AB  - Two recent surveys suggest that the turnover of NHS nurses is on the increase and
      that the recent decline in wastage has ceased. An IES survey of newly qualified
      nurses shows that one in three changed jobs between 1992 and 1994 ( 1 ).

PMID- 27680854
TI  - You done right to question standards.
AB  - I would like to thank Christopher Goodall for pointing out an irritation the size
      of a carbuncle (Kan yu spel propply, Viewpoint, March 15).

PMID- 27680855
TI  - Hope for revolution in student welfare.
AB  - It is reassuring to see that colleges of nursing continue to look after the
      social interests of their students. The letter from Sandy Sankar, Student rent
      rise is not our fault (March 15), expresses an opinion not unfamiliar to many a
      student who ever experienced difficulties, particularly with accommodation.

PMID- 27680856
TI  - Ballot all RCN members now.
AB  - The Royal College of Midwives recently balloted its members regarding the removal
      of the 'no strike' policy. Following the results of the ballot, I phoned my local
      Royal College of Nursing office to enquire whether the RCN Council had made a
      decision regarding balloting of its members. I believe no decision has, as yet,
      been made.

PMID- 27680857
TI  - Every nurse should fight for fair deal.
AB  - It is good to see that some trusts around the country have seen sense and awarded
      their nurses the full 3 per cent we are campaigning for without too much hassle.

PMID- 27680858
TI  - Afghan charity seeks help with amputees.
AB  - Please may I introduce our organisation, Afghan Amputee Bicyclists for
      Rehabilitation, a charitable organisation in Jalalabad, working for disabled
      Afghan people.

PMID- 27680859
TI  - All staff should learn control and restraint.
AB  - It is welcome that the RCN has developed an outline curriculum for training
      control and restraint (C&R) instructors and has started validating instructor
      courses accordingly (Break the lock, Viewpoint, March 1).

PMID- 27680860
TI  - Information exchange.
AB  - * I am investigating the potential for a combined wound care assessment and
      prescription chart. I would be interested to hear from anyone who has experience
      of a design and/or use of a prescription chart for wound care products. Copies of
      such charts would be useful.

PMID- 27680861
TI  - ?
AB  - Southend Health Care NHS Trust has offered qualified nurses and mid wives a 3.5
      per cent pay rise, not Southend Community Care NHS Trust as mentioned in Nursing
      Standardon March 22.

PMID- 27680862
TI  - Readers Panel.
AB  - Our experts consider a hot topic of the day.

PMID- 27680863
TI  - The trouble with transplants.
AB  - The transplantation of organs has become an accepted part of healthcare and yet
      scant attention has been given to the question of whether or not it is a good
      thing.

PMID- 27680864
TI  - Advertising HIV.
AB  - Think of advertising and what comes to mind, soap powders, motor cars, baked
      beans? All of these, of course, are heavily advertised, but what about HIV? Among
      the most durable of the government's advertisement campaigns have been the ones
      concerning HIV. Tens of millions of pounds have been spent telling the public of
      the presence and dangers of the virus.

PMID- 27680865
TI  - Listings.
AB  - As there is such a huge demand for the publication of free listings, readers may
      wish to take advantage of a new service being launched by Nursing Standard. For
      further details please see the coupon on page 69 or contact Veronica Brown,
      telephone 0181 423 1066.

PMID- 27680866
TI  - Unexpected Atrial Septal Intramural Hematoma During Coronary Angiography.

PMID- 27680867
TI  - Identifying With a Stereotype: The Divergent Effects of Exposure to Homosexual
      Television Characters.
AB  - Scholars examining homosexual television characters have typically come to one of
      two conclusions: either exposure to homosexual characters can lead to increased
      acceptance, or homosexual characters serve to reaffirm negative stereotypes. We
      seek to bridge these two bodies of research by introducing the concept of
      stereotyped identification-the idea that cognitively and emotionally identifying
      with fictional characters can increase acceptance of minorities, while
      reinforcing implicit stereotypes about how they look, act, and talk. Results from
      our national survey (N = 972) offer support for this hypothesis.

PMID- 27680868
TI  - Structural Exploration of Quinazolin-4(3H)-ones as Anticonvulsants: Rational
      Design, Synthesis, Pharmacological Evaluation, and Molecular Docking Studies.
AB  - Anticonvulsants effective against multiple seizures are of wide interest as
      antiepileptic drugs, especially if active against pharmaco-resistant seizures.
      Herein, we synthesized 16 different, rationally designed 2-((6,7-dimethoxy-4-oxo
      2-phenylquinazolin-3(4H)-yl)amino)-N-(substituted phenyl)acetamides and screened
      for anticonvulsant activities through in vivo experiments. Compound 4d emerged as
      prototype with excellent anti-seizure action in mice against electroshock,
      chemically induced and pharmaco-resistant 6-Hz seizure models with no symptoms of
      neurotoxicity and hepatotoxicity (ED50  = 23.5 mg/kg, MES, mice, i.p.; ED50  =
      32.6 mg/kg, scPTZ, mice, i.p.; ED50  = 45.2 mg/kg, 6-Hz, mice, i.p.; TD50  =
      325.9 mg/kg, mice, i.p.). In addition, investigation of compound 4l in mice for
      its pharmacological profile proved it as safer anticonvulsant, devoid of the side
      effects such as motor dysfunction and hepatotoxicity of classical antiepileptic
      drugs (ED50  = 26.1 mg/kg, MES, mice, i.p.; ED50  = 79.4 mg/kg, scPTZ, mice,
      i.p.; TD50  = 361.2 mg/kg, mice, i.p.). We also predicted physiochemical and
      pharmacokinetic properties of structurally optimized quinazolin-4(3H)-ones by a
      computational protocol. A combination of in vivo anticonvulsant profile, ex vivo
      toxicity, and in silico studies suggested that the synthesized compounds may be
      useful as broad-spectrum anti-seizure drug candidates with favorable
      pharmacokinetic parameters.

PMID- 27680869
TI  - ICER is requisite for Th17 differentiation.
AB  - Inducible cAMP early repressor (ICER) has been described as a transcriptional
      repressor isoform of the cAMP response element modulator (CREM). Here we report
      that ICER is predominantly expressed in Th17 cells through the IL-6-STAT3 pathway
      and binds to the Il17a promoter, where it facilitates the accumulation of the
      canonical enhancer RORgammat. In vitro differentiation from naive ICER/CREM
      deficient CD4+ T cells to Th17 cells is impaired but can be rescued by forced
      overexpression of ICER. Consistent with a role of Th17 cells in autoimmune and
      inflammatory diseases, ICER/CREM-deficient B6.lpr mice are protected from
      developing autoimmunity. Similarly, both anti-glomerular basement membrane
      induced glomerulonephritis and experimental encephalomyelitis are attenuated in
      ICER/CREM-deficient mice compared with their ICER/CREM-sufficient littermates.
      Importantly, we find ICER overexpressed in CD4+ T cells from patients with
      systemic lupus erythematosus. Collectively, our findings identify a unique role
      for ICER, which affects both organ-specific and systemic autoimmunity in a Th17
      dependent manner.

PMID- 27680870
TI  - Regulation of BZR1 in fruit ripening revealed by iTRAQ proteomics analysis.
AB  - Fruit ripening is a complex and genetically programmed process. Brassinosteroids
      (BRs) play an essential role in plant growth and development, including fruit
      ripening. As a central component of BR signaling, the transcription factor BZR1
      is involved in fruit development in tomato. However, the transcriptional network
      through which BZR1 regulates fruit ripening is mostly unknown. In this study, we
      use isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) labeling
      technology to explore important proteins regulated by BZR1 in two independent
      tomato transgenic lines over-expressing BZR1-1D at four ripening stages,
      identifying 411 differentially expressed proteins. These proteins were implicated
      in light reaction, plant hormone pathways and cell-wall-related metabolism, etc.
      The 'light reaction' metabolic pathway was identified as a markedly enhanced
      pathway by BZR1 during tomato fruit ripening. The protein level of a probable 2
      oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase 2-ODD2, involved in gibberellin biosynthesis
      was significantly increased at all four developmental and ripening stages. The
      results reveal molecular links between BR signaling pathway and downstream
      components involved in multiple ripening-associated events during tomato fruit
      ripening, which will provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms
      underlying tomato ripening regulatory networks, and be potential in understanding
      BR-regulated fruit ripening.

PMID- 27680871
TI  - Influence of visual observational conditions on tongue motor learning.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of visual observational
      conditions on performance during a standardized tongue-protrusion training (TPT)
      task and to evaluate subject-based reports of helpfulness, disturbance, pain, and
      fatigue, due to the observational conditions on 0-10 numerical rating scales.
      Forty-eight healthy participants performed a 1-h standard TPT task. Participants
      were randomly assigned to one of the following three groups with different
      observational conditions: group 1, model observation (participants watched a
      prerecorded video showing standard TPT before optimal TPT being performed); group
      2, self-observation (participants watched live video feedback of their own TPT
      performance); and group 3, control group (participants performed the TPT with no
      conditioning). There was no overall difference between groups but TPT performance
      increased over time. A significant group*time interaction indicated that the self
      observation group performed significantly better than the model-observation group
      in the last 20 min of TPT. The subject-based reports of video helpfulness showed
      that the model-observation group rated the prerecorded video as more helpful for
      TPT performance compared with the other groups but there was no significant
      difference between groups regarding the level of disturbance, pain, or fatigue.
      Self-observation of tongue-training facilitated behavioral aspects of tongue
      motor learning compared with model observation but not compared with control.

PMID- 27680872
TI  - The Dual Role of PEDF in the Pathogenesis of OHSS: Negating Both Angiogenic and
      Inflammatory Pathways.
AB  - CONTEXT: Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a potentially life
      threatening complication of assisted reproductive technologies. This complex
      syndrome is known to involve massive angiogenesis and inflammation. We have
      previously established the anti-angiogenic involvement of pigment epithelium
      derived factor (PEDF) in the pathophysiology and treatment of OHSS. OBJECTIVE:
      Evaluate the anti-inflammatory role of PEDF in OHSS. DESIGN: In vivo mouse OHSS
      model and in vitro cultures of granulosa cells. MAIN OUTCOME: Changes in the
      expression of PEDF, IL-6, IL-8, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)
      were measured by quantitative PCR and ELISA; OHSS symptoms were recorded (body
      and ovarian weight gain and peritoneal vascular leakage quantified by the
      modified Miles's assay). RESULTS: Rat granulosa cell-line stimulated with
      lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), exhibited a significant increase in IL-6 expression,
      concomitantly with a decrease in PEDF level (P < .01). Co-stimulation with
      recombinant PEDF (rPEDF) decreased the expression of IL-6 significantly (P <
      .05). Furthermore, the expression of IL-6 and IL-8 increased in LPA-stimulated
      human primary granulosa cells (P < .01). Co-stimulation with rPEDF decreased the
      expression of LPA-induced IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA and protein by 4- and 2- to 5-fold,
      respectively. IL-8-stimulated human primary granulosa cells exhibited increased
      expression of VEGF mRNA; co-stimulation with hCG induced a significantly higher
      increase in the expression of VEGF mRNA (P < .001), which was counteracted by
      rPEDF. Subcutaneous injection of 0.5 mg/kg rPEDF to OHSS-induced mice reduced the
      increased expression of IL-6 in the ovary (P < .01) and alleviated the severity
      of all OHSS parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide a framework that
      correlates down-regulation of OHSS symptoms caused by PEDF with both angiogenic
      and inflammatory pathways.

PMID- 27680873
TI  - A Phase 2 Study of Continuous Subcutaneous Hydrocortisone Infusion in Adults With
      Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia.
AB  - CONTEXT: Classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) management remains
      challenging, given that supraphysiologic glucocorticoid doses are often needed to
      optimally suppress the ACTH-driven adrenal androgen overproduction. OBJECTIVE:
      This study sought to approximate physiologic cortisol secretion via continuous
      subcutaneous hydrocortisone infusion (CSHI) and evaluate the safety and efficacy
      of CSHI in patients with difficult-to-treat CAH. DESIGN: Eight adult patients
      with classic CAH participated in a single-center open-label phase I-II study
      comparing CSHI to conventional oral glucocorticoid treatment. All patients had
      elevated adrenal steroids and one or more comorbidities at study entry.
      Assessment while receiving conventional therapy at baseline and 6 months
      following CSHI included: 24-hour hormonal sampling, metabolic and radiologic
      evaluation, health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL), and fatigue questionnaires.
      MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The ability of CSHI to approximate physiologic cortisol
      secretion and the percent of patients with 0700-hour 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17
      OHP) <=1200 ng/dL was measured. RESULTS: CSHI approximated physiologic cortisol
      secretion. Compared with baseline, 6 months of CSHI resulted in decreased 0700
      hour and 24-hour area under the curve 17-OHP, androstenedione, ACTH, and
      progesterone, increased osteocalcin, c-telopeptide and lean mass, and improved
      HRQoL (and SF-36 Vitality Score), and fatigue. One of three amenorrheic women
      resumed menses. One man had reduction of testicular adrenal rest tissue.
      CONCLUSIONS: CSHI is a safe and well-tolerated modality of cortisol replacement
      that effectively approximates physiologic cortisol secretion in patients with
      classic CAH poorly controlled on conventional therapy. Improved adrenal steroid
      control and positive effects on HRQoL suggest that CSHI should be considered a
      treatment option for classic CAH. The long-term effect on established
      comorbidities requires further study.

PMID- 27680874
TI  - The MITF, p.E318K Variant, as a Risk Factor for Pheochromocytoma and
      Paraganglioma.
AB  - CONTEXT: The microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) regulates the
      survival, proliferation, and differentiation of neural crest-derived lineages.
      Recent studies reported an increased risk of melanoma in individuals carrying the
      rare variant MITF, p.E318K (rs149617956). Whether this variant plays a role in
      other neural crest-derived tumors is unknown. OBJECTIVE: In the present study, we
      aimed at determining the prevalence of the MITF, p.E318K variant, in a well
      characterized French cohort of pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas (PCC/PGL). DESIGN
      AND METHODS: Genomic DNA from 555 unrelated patients with PCC/PGL was genotyped
      for the p.E318K variant in MITF using Sanger sequencing. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE:
      The prevalence of the mutation in the PCC/PGL cohort was compared with a
      population-based sample of 2348 ethnically matched controls. RESULTS: We
      identified seven carriers (five patients with sporadic PCCs, two with PGLs). The
      prevalence of the MITF, p.E318K variant, was higher in the PCC/PGL cohort than in
      controls, and appears to be a significant risk factor (odds ratio, 3.19; 95%
      confidence interval, 1.34-7.59; P = .005). Noteworthy, two patients were
      homozygous for the p.E318K risk allele, a patient with metastatic PCC and an SDHB
      mutated patient with PGL. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that the germline
      variant MITF, p.E318K is associated with an increased risk of other neural crest
      derived tumors such as PCC/PGL.

PMID- 27680875
TI  - Independent Contributions of Nocturnal Hot Flashes and Sleep Disturbance to
      Depression in Estrogen-Deprived Women.
AB  - CONTEXT: Women are at increased risk for mood disturbance during the menopause
      transition. Hot flashes (HFs), sleep disruption, and fluctuating estradiol levels
      correlate with menopause-associated depression but co-occur, making cause and
      effect relationships difficult to disentangle. OBJECTIVE: Using a GnRH agonist
      (GnRHa) experimental model, we investigated whether depressive symptoms are
      associated with HFs and/or are explained by concomitant sleep fragmentation in
      the absence of estradiol fluctuation. DESIGN AND INTERVENTION: Depressive
      symptoms, objective polysomnographic sleep parameters, subjective sleep quality,
      serum estradiol, and HFs were assessed before and 4 weeks after open-label depot
      GnRHa (leuprolide 3.75-mg) administration. SETTING: Academic medical center.
      PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-nine healthy nondepressed premenopausal volunteers (mean
      age, 27.3 years). RESULTS: Serum estradiol was rapidly and uniformly suppressed.
      HFs developed in 69% of the subjects. On univariate analysis, worsening of mood
      was predicted by increases in time in light sleep (stage N1), number of
      transitions to wake, non-REM arousals, subjective sleep quality, and reductions
      in perceived sleep efficiency (all P < .045), as well as the number of nighttime
      (P = .006), but not daytime (P = .28), HFs reported. In adjusted models, the
      number of nighttime HFs reported, increases in non-REM arousals, time in stage
      N1, transitions to wake, and reduced sleep quality remained significant
      predictors of mood deterioration (P <= .05). CONCLUSIONS: Depressive symptoms
      emerged after estradiol withdrawal in association with objectively and
      subjectively measured sleep disturbance and the number of nighttime, but not
      daytime, HFs reported. Results suggest that sleep disruption and perceived
      nighttime HFs both contribute to vulnerability to menopause-associated depressive
      symptoms in hypoestrogenic women.

PMID- 27680876
TI  - A Variant in the BACH2 Gene Is Associated With Susceptibility to Autoimmune
      Addison's Disease in Humans.
AB  - CONTEXT: Autoimmune Addison's disease (AAD) is a rare but highly heritable
      condition. The BACH2 protein plays a crucial role in T lymphocyte maturation, and
      allelic variation in its gene has been associated with a number of autoimmune
      conditions. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine whether alleles of the rs3757247
      single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the BACH2 gene are associated with AAD.
      DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS: This case-control association study was performed
      in two phases using Taqman chemistry. In the first phase, the rs3757247 SNP was
      genotyped in 358 UK AAD subjects and 166 local control subjects. Genotype data
      were also available from 5154 healthy UK controls from the Wellcome Trust
      (WTCCC2) for comparison. In the second phase, the SNP was genotyped in a
      validation cohort comprising 317 Norwegian AAD subjects and 365 controls.
      RESULTS: The frequency of the minor T allele was significantly higher in subjects
      with AAD from the United Kingdom compared to both the local and WTCCC2 control
      cohorts (58% vs 45 and 48%, respectively) (local controls, P = 1.1 * 10-4; odds
      ratio [OR], 1.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.29-2.18; WTCCC2 controls, P =
      1.4 * 10-6; OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.23-1.69). This finding was replicated in the
      Norwegian validation cohort (P = .0015; OR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.14-1.75). Subgroup
      analysis showed that this association is present in subjects with both isolated
      AAD (OR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.22-1.92) and autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 2
      (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.12-1.69) in the UK cohort, and with autoimmune polyglandular
      syndrome type 2 in the Norwegian cohort (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.22-2.06).
      CONCLUSION: We have demonstrated, for the first time, that allelic variability at
      the BACH2 locus is associated with susceptibility to AAD. Given its association
      with multiple autoimmune conditions, BACH2 can be considered a "universal"
      autoimmune susceptibility locus.

PMID- 27680879
TI  - Comparing Children's and Caseworkers' Reports of Physical Violence.
AB  - In cases of suspected child maltreatment, the caseworkers' evaluations of the
      harm and risk to the child are vital in determining if children are being abused
      and ultimately whether services are provided to the family. These evaluations are
      dependent on information caseworkers are able to uncover during their
      investigation, but may not reflect the experiences of the child. Using data from
      the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being (NSCAW-I), this study
      first compares how consistent children's claims of physical victimization are
      with caseworkers' assessments of harm, severity of risk, and whether there is
      physical abuse occurring. Second, we examine whether any discrepancies are
      influenced by the demographic characteristics of the child. Based on cross
      tabulations, mean tests of difference, and one-way ANOVA, we find a high degree
      of overlap in children's reports of violence with caseworkers' reports of harm,
      the potential for risk, and the presence of physical abuse. However, there are
      also important differences. Among children who reported acts of physical violence
      occurred "lots of times," 23% of the cases were viewed by the caseworker as
      causing "no harm" to the child and over 60% were not regarded as physical abuse.
      The children's age and sex are both significant predictors of discrepancies, with
      more discrepancies between caseworkers and young children or teens as well as
      boys. Implications of this study are that additional training is needed to help
      caseworkers build rapport with the children. We also suggest that Child
      Protective Services (CPS) should implement alternative ways for children to
      report their experiences other than face-to-face interviews with caseworkers.

PMID- 27680877
TI  - Nuchal Skinfold Thickness: A Novel Parameter for Assessment of Body Composition
      in Childhood Craniopharyngioma.
AB  - CONTEXT: Hypothalamic obesity, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and
      relapse/progression have a major impact on prognosis in childhood-onset
      craniopharyngioma (CP). We analyzed nuchal skinfold thickness (NST) on magnetic
      resonance imaging performed for follow-up monitoring as a novel parameter for
      body composition (BC) and CVD in CP. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to
      identify the association of NST with body mass index (BMI), waist to height ratio
      (WHtR), functional capacity, and blood pressure (BP) in CP and controls. DESIGN:
      This was a cross-sectional and longitudinal prospective study in CP patients.
      SETTING: The study was conducted at HIT-Endo, KRANIOPHARYNGEOM 2000/2007.
      PATIENTS: Participants included 94 CP patients and 75 controls. INTERVENTIONS:
      There were no interventions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Association of NST with BC
      and BP in 43 CP and 43 controls was measured. RESULTS: NST correlated with BMI SD
      score (SDS; r = 0.78; P < .001; n = 169) and WHtR (r = 0.85; P < .001; n = 86) in
      the total cohort and CP patients (NST-BMI SDS: r = 0.77, P < .001, n = 94); NST
      WHtR: r = 0.835, P < .001, n=43) and controls (NST-BMI SDS: r = 0.792, P < .001,
      n = 75; NST-WHtR: r = 0.671, P < .001, n = 43). In CP, systolic BP correlated
      with NST (r = 0.575, P < .001), BMI SDS (r = 0.434, P = .004), and WHtR (r =
      0.386, P = .011). Similar results were observed for diastolic BP in CP. In
      multivariate analyses, NST had a predictive value for hypertension in
      postpubertal CP and controls (odds ratio 6.98, 95% confidence interval [1.65,
      29.5], P = .008). During a longitudinal follow-up, changes in NST correlated with
      changes in BMI SDS (P < .001) and WHtR (P = .01) but not with changes in BP and
      functional capacity. CONCLUSIONS: Because monitoring of magnetic resonance
      imaging and BC is essential for follow-up in CP, NST could serve as a novel and
      clinically relevant parameter for longitudinal assessment of BC and CVD risk in
      CP.

PMID- 27680878
TI  - Temporal dynamics of hot desert microbial communities reveal structural and
      functional responses to water input.
AB  - The temporal dynamics of desert soil microbial communities are poorly understood.
      Given the implications for ecosystem functioning under a global change scenario,
      a better understanding of desert microbial community stability is crucial. Here,
      we sampled soils in the central Namib Desert on sixteen different occasions over
      a one-year period. Using Illumina-based amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene,
      we found that alpha-diversity (richness) was more variable at a given sampling
      date (spatial variability) than over the course of one year (temporal
      variability). Community composition remained essentially unchanged across the
      first 10 months, indicating that spatial sampling might be more important than
      temporal sampling when assessing beta-diversity patterns in desert soils.
      However, a major shift in microbial community composition was found following a
      single precipitation event. This shift in composition was associated with a rapid
      increase in CO2 respiration and productivity, supporting the view that desert
      soil microbial communities respond rapidly to re-wetting and that this response
      may be the result of both taxon-specific selection and changes in the
      availability or accessibility of organic substrates. Recovery to quasi pre
      disturbance community composition was achieved within one month after rainfall.

PMID- 27680881
TI  - Influence of sibutramine in addition to diet and exercise on the relationship
      between weight loss and blood glucose changes.
AB  - Aims: Weight loss is expected to improve glycaemic control in patients with
      diabetes or at high risk hereof. Sibutramine causes weight loss and is associated
      with an increased risk of myocardial infarction and stroke in high-risk patients.
      We examined the impact of sibutramine-induced weight loss on glycaemic control.
      Methods and results: In total, 8192 obese patients with diabetes were randomized
      to sibutramine or placebo plus diet and exercise after a preliminary 6 weeks in
      which all patients received sibutramine. Patients were classified into four
      groups of weight change. A total of 1582 patients had a weight loss >5.7 kg; 2047
      patients lost 3.7-5.7 kg; 2432 patients lost <3.7 kg, and 1875 patients gained
      weight. Patients on sibutramine lost slightly more weight than those on placebo (
      0.2 kg on average, P < 0.0001). Mean blood glucose changes in the placebo group
      were -0.6 mmol/L (+/-3.1, P = 0.0002), -0.2  mmol/L (+/-2.7, P = 0.04), and -0.1 
      mmol/L (+/-3.0, P = 0.01) in the moderate, modest, and mild weight loss groups,
      respectively; in the weight gain group blood glucose levels increased by +0.2
      mmol/L (+/-3.1, P = 0.003). Corresponding mean blood glucose changes in the
      sibutramine-treated patients were -0.4 mmol/L (+/-3.2, P = 0.0002), +0.1 mmol/L
      (+/-3.0, P = 0.04), +0.4 mmol/L (+/-2.8, P = 0.01), and +0.2 mmol/L (+/-3.4, P =
      0.003). Mean values of HbA1c followed the same pattern though the HbA1c changes
      were smaller with weight loss and greater with weight gain in the sibutramine
      group. All results were statistically significant (P < 0.0001). Conclusion:
      Weight loss induced by sibutramine, diet, and exercise attenuates falls in blood
      glucose levels and HbA1c compared with similar weight loss with placebo, diet,
      and exercise.

PMID- 27680880
TI  - A nationwide registry study to compare bleeding rates in patients with atrial
      fibrillation being prescribed oral anticoagulants.
AB  - AIMS: We aimed to evaluate bleeding risk in clinical practice in patients with
      atrial fibrillation (AF) being prescribed dabigatran, rivaroxaban, or apixaban
      compared with warfarin. METHODS: Using nationwide registries (Norwegian Patient
      Registry and Norwegian Prescription Database), we identified AF patients with a
      first prescription of oral anticoagulants between January 2013 and June 2015.
      Patients were followed until discontinuation or switching of oral anticoagulants,
      death, or end of follow-up. The primary endpoint was major or clinically relevant
      non-major (CRNM) bleeding. RESULTS: In total 32 675 AF patients were identified
      (58% men, median age 74 years): 11 427 patients used warfarin, 7925 dabigatran,
      6817 rivaroxaban, and 6506 apixaban. After a median follow-up of 173 days (25th,
      75th percentile 84, 340), 2081 (6.37%) patients experienced a first major or CRNM
      bleeding. Using a Cox proportional hazard model adjusting for baseline
      characteristics, use of apixaban [hazard ratio (HR) 0.70, 95% confidence interval
      (CI) 0.61-0.80, P < 0.001] and dabigatran (HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.66-0.84, P < 0.001)
      were associated with a lower risk of major or CRNM bleeding compared with
      warfarin whereas use of rivaroxaban was not (HR: 1.05, 95% CI 0.94-1.17, P =
      0.400). Use of dabigatran and rivaroxaban were associated with higher risk of
      gastrointestinal bleeding, whereas use of apixaban and dabigatran were associated
      with lower risk of intracranial bleeding, compared with warfarin. CONCLUSION: In
      this nationwide cohort study in AF patients, apixaban and dabigatran were
      associated with a lower risk of major or CRNM bleeding compared with warfarin.
      The risk of gastrointestinal bleeding was higher with rivaroxaban and dabigatran
      compared with warfarin.

PMID- 27680882
TI  - Ultrasound Pretreatment as an Useful Tool to Enhance Egg White Protein
      Hydrolysis: Kinetics, Reaction Model, and Thermodinamics.
AB  - The impact of ultrasound waves generated by probe-type sonicator and ultrasound
      cleaning bath on egg white protein susceptibility to hydrolysis by alcalase
      compared to both thermal pretreatment and conventional enzymatic hydrolysis was
      quantitatively investigated. A series of hydrolytic reactions was carried out in
      a stirred tank reactor at different substrate concentrations, enzyme
      concentrations, and temperatures using untreated, and pretreated egg white
      proteins (EWPs). The kinetic model based on substrate inhibition and second-order
      enzyme deactivation successfully predicts the experimental behavior providing an
      effective tool for comparison and optimization. The ultrasound pretreatments
      appear to greatly improve the enzymatic hydrolysis of EWPs under different
      conditions when compare to other methods. The apparent reaction rate constants
      for proteolysis (k2 ) are 0.009, 0.011, 0.053, and 0.045 min-1 for untreated
      EWPs, and those pretreated with heat, probe-type sonicator, and ultrasound
      cleaning bath technologies, respectively. The ultrasound pretreatment also
      decreases hydrolysis activation (Ea ) and enzyme deactivation (Ed ) energy,
      enthalpy (DeltaH), and entropy (DeltaS) of activation and for the probe-type
      sonication this decrease is 61.7%, 61.6%, 63.6%, and 32.2%, respectively, but
      ultrasound has little change in Gibbs free energy value in the temperature range
      of 318 to 338 K. The content of sulfhydryl groups and zeta potential show a
      significant increase (P < 0.05) for both applied ultrasound pretreatments and the
      reduction of particle size distribution are achieved, providing some evidence
      that the ultrasound causes EWP structural changes affecting the proteolysis rate.

PMID- 27680883
TI  - A Macroscopic Mathematical Model for Cell Migration Assays Using a Real-Time Cell
      Analysis.
AB  - Experiments of cell migration and chemotaxis assays have been classically
      performed in the so-called Boyden Chambers. A recent technology, xCELLigence Real
      Time Cell Analysis, is now allowing to monitor the cell migration in real time.
      This technology measures impedance changes caused by the gradual increase of
      electrode surface occupation by cells during the course of time and provide a
      Cell Index which is proportional to cellular morphology, spreading, ruffling and
      adhesion quality as well as cell number. In this paper we propose a macroscopic
      mathematical model, based on advection-reaction-diffusion partial differential
      equations, describing the cell migration assay using the real-time technology. We
      carried out numerical simulations to compare simulated model dynamics with data
      of observed biological experiments on three different cell lines and in two
      experimental settings: absence of chemotactic signals (basal migration) and
      presence of a chemoattractant. Overall we conclude that our minimal mathematical
      model is able to describe the phenomenon in the real time scale and numerical
      results show a good agreement with the experimental evidences.

PMID- 27680885
TI  - Rapid Increase in Serum Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Concentration during
      Hepatitis C Interferon-Free Treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIM: We performed lipid analyses at the early period of therapy in
      patients with chronic hepatitis C who underwent interferon (IFN)-free direct
      acting antiviral (DAA) treatment, and we attempted to identify the factors that
      contributed to a rapid increase in the patients' serum low-density lipoprotein
      cholesterol (LDL-C) concentration. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the cases
      of 100 consecutive patients with HCV infection treated at the National Hospital
      Organization Nagasaki Medical Center: 24 patients underwent daclatasvir (DCV) and
      asunaprevir (ASV) combination therapy (DCV/ASV) for 24 weeks, and the other 76
      patients underwent ledipasvir and sofosbuvir combination therapy (LDV/SOF) for 12
      weeks. DeltaLDL-C was defined as the changed in LDL-C level at 28 days from the
      start of therapy. To determine whether DeltaLDL-C was associated with several
      kinds of factors including viral kinetics, we performed a stepwise multiple
      linear regression analysis. RESULTS: The LDL-C levels in patients treated with
      LDV/SOF were markedly and significantly elevated (87.45 to 122.5 mg/dl; p<10-10)
      compared to those in the DCV/ASV-treated patients (80.15 to 87.8 mg/dl; p =
      0.0056). The median levels of DeltaLDL-C in the LDV/SOF and DCV/ASV groups were
      33.2 and 13.1, respectively. LDV/SOF combination therapy as an IFN-free regimen
      (p<0.001) and DeltaHCV core antigen (0-1 day drop) (p<0.044) were identified as
      independent factors that were closely related to the DeltaLDL-C. CONCLUSIONS: A
      rapid increase in the serum LDL-C concentration during the IFN-free treatment of
      hepatitis C was associated with the type of HCV therapy and a decline of HCV core
      protein.

PMID- 27680886
TI  - Static micro-array isolation, dynamic time series classification, capture and
      enumeration of spiked breast cancer cells in blood: the nanotube-CTC chip.
AB  - We demonstrate the rapid and label-free capture of breast cancer cells spiked in
      blood using nanotube-antibody micro-arrays. 76-element single wall carbon
      nanotube arrays were manufactured using photo-lithography, metal deposition, and
      etching techniques. Anti-epithelial cell adhesion molecule (anti-EpCAM), Anti
      human epithelial growth factor receptor 2 (anti-Her2) and non-specific IgG
      antibodies were functionalized to the surface of the nanotube devices using 1
      pyrene-butanoic acid succinimidyl ester. Following device functionalization,
      blood spiked with SKBR3, MCF7 and MCF10A cells (100/1000 cells per 5 MUl per
      device, 170 elements totaling 0.85 ml of whole blood) were adsorbed on to the
      nanotube device arrays. Electrical signatures were recorded from each device to
      screen the samples for differences in interaction (specific or non-specific)
      between samples and devices. A zone classification scheme enabled the
      classification of all 170 elements in a single map. A kernel-based statistical
      classifier for the 'liquid biopsy' was developed to create a predictive model
      based on dynamic time warping series to classify device electrical signals that
      corresponded to plain blood (control) or SKBR3 spiked blood (case) on anti-Her2
      functionalized devices with ~90% sensitivity, and 90% specificity in capture of
      1000 SKBR3 breast cancer cells in blood using anti-Her2 functionalized devices.
      Screened devices that gave positive electrical signatures were confirmed using
      optical/confocal microscopy to hold spiked cancer cells. Confocal microscopic
      analysis of devices that were classified to hold spiked blood based on their
      electrical signatures confirmed the presence of cancer cells through staining for
      DAPI (nuclei), cytokeratin (cancer cells) and CD45 (hematologic cells) with
      single cell sensitivity. We report 55%-100% cancer cell capture yield depending
      on the active device area for blood adsorption with mean of 62% (~12 500 captured
      off 20 000 spiked cells in 0.1 ml blood) in this first nanotube-CTC chip study.

PMID- 27680884
TI  - Differential Effects of p38, MAPK, PI3K or Rho Kinase Inhibitors on Bacterial
      Phagocytosis and Efferocytosis by Macrophages in COPD.
AB  - Pulmonary inflammation and bacterial colonization are central to the pathogenesis
      of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Defects in macrophage
      phagocytosis of both bacteria and apoptotic cells contribute to the COPD
      phenotype. Small molecule inhibitors with anti-inflammatory activity against p38
      mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs), phosphatidyl-inositol-3 kinase (PI3K)
      and Rho kinase (ROCK) are being investigated as novel therapeutics in COPD.
      Concerns exist, however, about off-target effects. We investigated the effect of
      p38 MAPK inhibitors (VX745 and SCIO469), specific inhibitors of PI3K alpha (NVS
      P13K-2), delta (NVS-P13K-3) or gamma (NVS-P13K-5) and a ROCK inhibitor PF4950834
      on macrophage phagocytosis, early intracellular killing of bacteria and
      efferocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils. Alveolar macrophages (AM) obtained from
      broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) or monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) from COPD
      patients (GOLD stage II/III) enrolled from a well characterized clinical cohort
      (MRC COPD-MAP consortium) or from healthy ex-smoker controls were studied. Both
      COPD AM and MDM exhibited lower levels of bacterial phagocytosis (using
      Streptococcus pneumoniae and non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae) and
      efferocytosis than healthy controls. None of the inhibitors altered bacterial
      internalization or early intracellular bacterial killing in AM or MDM. Conversely
      PF4950834, but not other inhibitors, enhanced efferocytosis in COPD AM and MDM.
      These results suggest none of these inhibitors are likely to exacerbate
      phagocytosis-related defects in COPD, while confirming ROCK inhibitors can
      enhance efferocytosis in COPD.

PMID- 27680887
TI  - Why Is Your Patient Still Short of Breath? Understanding the Complex
      Pathophysiology of Dyspnea in Chronic Kidney Disease.
AB  - Dyspnea is one of the most common symptoms associated with CKD. It has a profound
      influence on the quality of life of CKD patients, and its underlying causes are
      often associated with a negative prognosis. However, its pathophysiology is
      poorly understood. While hemodialysis may address fluid overload, it often does
      not significantly improve breathlessness, suggesting multiple and co-existing
      alternative issues exist. The aim of this article is to discuss the main
      pathophysiologic mechanisms and the most important putative etiologies underlying
      dyspnea in CKD patients. Congestive heart failure, unrecognized chronic lung
      disease, pulmonary hypertension, lung fibrosis, air microembolism, dialyzer bio
      incompatibility, anemia, sodium, and fluid overload are potential frequent causes
      of breathing disorders in this population. However, the relative contributions in
      any one given patient are poorly understood. Systemic inflammation is a common
      theme and contributes to the development of endothelial dysfunction, lung
      fibrosis, anemia, malnutrition, and muscle wasting. The introduction of novel
      multimodal imaging techniques, including pulmonary functional magnetic resonance
      imaging with inhaled contrast agents, could provide new insights into the
      pathophysiology of dyspnea in CKD patients and ultimately contribute to improving
      our clinical management of this symptom.

PMID- 27680889
TI  - Efficacy of beta-Tricalcium Phosphate Graft into the Bone Defects after Bone
      Patellar Tendon-Bone Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.
AB  - This prospective pilot study investigated whether grafting beta-tricalcium
      phosphate (B-TCP) into the bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB)-harvesting site after
      anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction would accelerate bone and tendon
      regeneration in the grafted site. Overall, 19 patients agreed prospectively to
      undergo regular morphological and histological examinations of the B-TCP-grafted
      site. Postoperative radiographic, ultrasonographic, and magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI) examinations were performed to evaluate the grafted site at 1, 3,
      6, and 12 months. Postoperative knee function and donor-site morbidity were
      assessed at 12 months using the kneeling test. A histological examination was
      also performed at this time Radiographic examination and MRI showed that the
      grafted B-TCP was completely absorbed and remodeled into normal bone structure in
      the tibia and patella at 6 months postoperatively. Histological and
      ultrasonographic examinations of all subjects showed that the grafted B-TCP was
      substituted by normal bone tissue, and the patellar tendon - bone junction had
      regenerated at 12 months postoperatively. Clinical functional knee tests showed
      good recovery of the donor site. All patients could perform kneeling and knee
      walking on hard ground. The results of this pilot study suggest that grafting B
      TCP into the BPTB-harvesting site promotes the remodeling process of the bone and
      patellar tendon structures. This surgical treatment would decrease an incidence
      of the anterior knee pain after ACLR using a BPTB autograft.

PMID- 27680890
TI  - The Varus-Valgus Constrained Knee Implant: Survivorship and Outcomes.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to estimate the survivorship of the varus-valgus
      constrained (VVC) knee implants in primary, aseptic, and septic revision total
      knee arthroplasty (TKA); determine functional outcomes; main modes of failure;
      and variables associated with increased mechanical failures. In this study, 685
      consecutive cases of primary (n = 247), aseptic (n = 315), and septic revision (n
      = 123) TKAs with VVC implants were performed between 1999 and 2008; 533 knees
      (78%) had a mean follow-up of 8.2 years (range, 2-15.1). Kaplan-Meier method was
      used to evaluate implant survival with mechanical failure as the end point.
      Clinical outcomes were measured with a modified Knee Society Score (mKSS) and
      modified Knee Function Score (mKFS) and modes of failure were determined. Cox
      proportional hazards models were performed to assess for factors associated with
      implant failure. Ten-year survival was 88.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 83.9
      93.5%) for primary TKAs, 75.8% (95% CI: 70.4-81.7%) for aseptic, and 54.6% (95%
      CI: 43.7-68.2%) for septic revisions. Improvement in pre- to postoperative mKSS
      and mKFS were significant in all three groups (p < 0.05). The most common mode of
      failure overall was infection. Mechanical modes of failures included
      periprosthetic fracture (45%) for primary TKA and soft tissue instability (19%)
      for aseptic revisions. A longer period since the last surgery in affected knee
      was associated with lower mechanical failures (hazards ratio of 0.55 [95% CI:
      0.31-0.95], p = 0.03). VVC implant showed reliable survivorship at 10 years
      although careful patient selection is warranted due to the risk of infection. The
      main mechanical modes of failure were instability and periprosthetic fracture.

PMID- 27680888
TI  - Tibiofemoral Osteoarthritis and Varus-Valgus Laxity.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to systematically review and synthesize the
      literature measuring varus-valgus laxity in individuals with tibiofemoral
      osteoarthritis (OA). Specifically, we aimed to identify varus-valgus laxity
      differences between persons with OA and controls, by radiographic disease
      severity, by frontal plane knee alignment, and by sex. We also aimed to identify
      if there was a relationship between varus-valgus laxity and clinical performance
      and self-reported function. We systematically searched for peer-reviewed original
      research articles in PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL to identify all existing
      literature regarding knee OA and objective measurement of varus-valgus laxity in
      vivo. Forty articles were identified that met the inclusion criteria and data
      were extracted. Varus-valgus laxity was significantly greater in individuals with
      OA compared with controls in a majority of studies, while no study found laxity
      to be significantly greater in controls. Varus-valgus laxity of the knee was
      reported in persons with OA and varying degrees of frontal plane alignment,
      disease severity, clinical performance, and self-reported function but no
      consensus finding could be identified. Females with knee OA appear to have more
      varus-valgus laxity than males. Meta-analysis was not possible due to the
      heterogeneity of the subject populations and differences in laxity measurement
      devices, applied loading, and laxity definitions. Increased varus-valgus laxity
      is a characteristic of knee joints with OA. Large variances exist in reported
      varus-valgus laxity and may be due to differences in measurement devices.
      Prospective studies on joint laxity are needed to identify if increased varus
      valgus laxity is a causative factor in OA incidence and progression.

PMID- 27680892
TI  - Crocin protects human erythrocytes from nitrite-induced methemoglobin formation
      and oxidative damage.
AB  - Sodium nitrite (NaNO2 ) is a common contaminant of drinking water and food and
      feed chain. Nitrite induces oxidative damage in humans and animals. In this work,
      we studied the protective effect of crocin, the active constituent of Crocus
      sativus (saffron), on NaNO2 -induced oxidative damage in human erythrocytes.
      Changes in oxidative stress parameters following NaNO2 incubation of erythrocytes
      in presence and absence of crocin were determined. It was found that crocin pre
      treatment significantly attenuated NaNO2 -induced oxidative damage of proteins,
      lipids, and plasma membrane. Crocin reduced the level of methemoglobin, the
      primary acute effect of nitrite intoxication. It also improved the antioxidant
      capacity of cells and NaNO2 -induced morphological changes in erythrocytes.
      Crocin is thus a potent protective agent against nitrite-induced cytotoxicity.

PMID- 27680894
TI  - Comparison of an anal fistula plug and mucosa advancement flap for complex anal
      fistulas: a meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this analysis was to compare the advantages of the anal
      fistula plug (AFP) with the mucosa advancement flap (MAF) for complex anal
      fistulas. METHODS: Comparative studies of the efficacy of AFP and MAF were
      included. Two independent reviewers selected articles for inclusion. After
      information collection, a meta-analysis was performed using data on overall
      healing rates, complications, incontinences and recurrences. The quality of
      postoperative life and cost were also included with the clinical results.
      RESULTS: Ten studies included 778 patients who were divided into AFP and MAF
      groups in this meta-analysis. During the follow-up period, no significant
      difference in healing rates, complications and recurrences were found (P = 0.55,
      P = 0.78 and P = 0.23, respectively). The incontinence rate of AFP was lower than
      that of MAF (P = 0.04). The postoperative quality of life of AFP patients was
      superior to that of MAF patients. The AFP patients had less persistent pain of a
      shorter duration and shortened healing time and hospital stay. The treatment cost
      of AFP patient was lower than that of MAF. CONCLUSION: Compared to the MAF
      procedure, the AFP procedure has some advantages for complex anal fistulas, but
      more and large randomized clinical trials comparing the two procedures for
      fistula management need to be conducted.

PMID- 27680893
TI  - Utilization of surgical treatment for local and locoregional esophageal cancer:
      Analysis of the National Cancer Data Base.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies have suggested that esophagectomy is severely
      underused for patients with resectable esophageal cancer. The recent expansion of
      endoscopic local therapies, advances in surgical techniques, and improved
      postoperative outcomes have changed the therapeutic landscape. The impact of
      these developments and evolving treatment guidelines on national practice
      patterns is unknown. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with clinical stage 0 to III
      esophageal cancer were identified from the National Cancer Database (2004-2013).
      The receipt of potentially curative surgical treatment over time was analyzed,
      and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with
      surgical treatment. RESULTS: The analysis included 52,122 patients. From 2004 to
      2013, the overall rate of potentially curative surgical treatment increased from
      36.4% to 47.4% (P < .001). For stage 0 disease, the receipt of esophagectomy
      decreased from 23.8% to 17.9% (P < .001), whereas the use of local therapies
      increased from 34.3% to 58.8% (P < .001). The use of surgical treatment increased
      from 43.4% to 61.8% (P < .001), from 36.1% to 45.0% (P < .001), and from 30.8% to
      38.6% (P < .001) for patients with stage I, II, and III disease, respectively. In
      the multivariate analysis, divergent practice patterns and adherence to national
      guidelines were noted between academic and community facilities. CONCLUSIONS: The
      use of potentially curative surgical treatment has increased for patients with
      stage 0 to III esophageal cancer. The expansion of local therapies has driven
      increased rates of surgical treatment for early-stage disease. Although the
      increased use of esophagectomy for more advanced disease is encouraging,
      significant variation persists at the patient and facility levels. Cancer
      2017;123:410-419. (c) 2016 American Cancer Society.

PMID- 27680891
TI  - Macrophages of genetically characterized familial hypercholesterolaemia patients
      show up-regulation of LDL-receptor-related proteins.
AB  - Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is a major risk for premature coronary heart
      disease due to severe long-life exposure to high LDL levels. Accumulation of LDL
      in the vascular wall triggers atherosclerosis with activation of the innate
      immunity system. Here, we have investigated (i) gene expression of LDLR and LRPs
      in peripheral blood cells (PBLs) and in differentiated macrophages of young FH
      patients; and (ii) whether macrophage from FH patients have a differential
      response when exposed to high levels of atherogenic LDL. PBLs in young
      heterozygous genetically characterized FH patients have higher expression of LRP5
      and LRP6 than age-matched healthy controls or patients with secondary
      hypercholesterolaemia. LRP1 levels were similar among groups. In monocyte-derived
      macrophages (MACs), LRP5 and LRP1 transcript levels did not differ between FHs
      and controls in resting conditions, but when exposed to agLDL, FH-MAC showed a
      highly significant up-regulation of LRP5, while LRP1 was unaffected. PBL and MAC
      cells from FH patients had significantly lower LDLR expression than control
      cells, independently of the lipid-lowering therapy. Furthermore, exposure of FH
      MAC to agLDL resulted in a reduced expression of CD163, scavenger receptor with
      anti-inflammatory and atheroprotective properties. In summary, our results show
      for first time that LRPs, active lipid-internalizing receptors, are up-regulated
      in innate immunity cells of young FH patients that have functional LDLR
      mutations. Additionally, their reduced CD163 expression indicates less
      atheroprotection. Both mechanisms may play a synergic effect on the onset of
      premature atherosclerosis in FH patients.

PMID- 27680895
TI  - Emergency nurses' evaluation of observational pain assessment tools for older
      people with cognitive impairment.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To explore emergency nurses' perceptions of the feasibility
      and utility of Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia tool in people over 65 with
      cognitive impairment. The Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia tool was then
      compared with The Abbey Pain Scale, Doloplus-2 and PACSLAC. The objective was to
      determine which observational pain assessment tool was the most appropriate for
      the emergency department context and the cognitively impaired older person.
      BACKGROUND: The number of older people with cognitive impairment conditions, such
      as dementia, presenting to the emergency department is increasing. Approximately
      28% of people over 65 years who present will have cognitive impairment. Older
      people with cognitive impairment often receive suboptimal pain management in the
      ED. There is limited evidence of the use and/or appropriateness of dementia
      specific pain observation assessment tools in the ED. DESIGN: This was a
      multicentre exploratory qualitative study, which was conducted within a
      constructivist paradigm. METHODS: Focus group interviews were conducted with
      nurses across three hospital emergency departments. Data were subject to thematic
      analysis. RESULTS: Six focus groups were conducted with 36 nurses over a 12-week
      period. Four themes emerged from the analysis: 1) cognitive impairment is a
      barrier to pain management; 2) PAINAD gives structure to pain assessment; 3)
      PAINAD assists to convey pain intensity; and 4) selection of an appropriate
      observational pain assessment tool. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified that
      emergency nurses find it challenging to detect, assess and manage pain in
      cognitively impaired people. While the use of the PAINAD helped to address these
      challenges compared to other tools, nurses also identified the important role
      that family and carers can play in pain assessment and management for older
      people with cognitive impairment. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This study has
      generated new knowledge that has broad application across clinical settings,
      which can assist to transform pain management practice and reduce human
      suffering. The use of an observational pain assessment tool can provide for
      greater practice consistency for patients with communication difficulties. Pain
      management for older people with cognitive impairment is best achieved by the use
      an appropriate observational pain assessment tool and with a multidisciplinary
      approach that includes the person and their family/carer.

PMID- 27680897
TI  - Interviews with paediatric rheumatologists about psoriasis and psoriatic
      arthritis in children: how can specialties learn from each other?

PMID- 27680896
TI  - Choosing appropriate analysis methods for cluster randomised cross-over trials
      with a binary outcome.
AB  - In cluster randomised cross-over (CRXO) trials, clusters receive multiple
      treatments in a randomised sequence over time. In such trials, there is usual
      correlation between patients in the same cluster. In addition, within a cluster,
      patients in the same period may be more similar to each other than to patients in
      other periods. We demonstrate that it is necessary to account for these
      correlations in the analysis to obtain correct Type I error rates. We then use
      simulation to compare different methods of analysing a binary outcome from a two
      period CRXO design. Our simulations demonstrated that hierarchical models without
      random effects for period-within-cluster, which do not account for any extra
      within-period correlation, performed poorly with greatly inflated Type I errors
      in many scenarios. In scenarios where extra within-period correlation was
      present, a hierarchical model with random effects for cluster and period-within
      cluster only had correct Type I errors when there were large numbers of clusters;
      with small numbers of clusters, the error rate was inflated. We also found that
      generalised estimating equations did not give correct error rates in any
      scenarios considered. An unweighted cluster-level summary regression performed
      best overall, maintaining an error rate close to 5% for all scenarios, although
      it lost power when extra within-period correlation was present, especially for
      small numbers of clusters. Results from our simulation study show that it is
      important to model both levels of clustering in CRXO trials, and that any extra
      within-period correlation should be accounted for. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley
      & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27680899
TI  - Young researchers thrive in life after academia.

PMID- 27680898
TI  - Educational differences in responses to breast cancer symptoms: A qualitative
      comparative study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Advanced stage at diagnosis for breast cancer is associated with lower
      socio-economic status (SES). We explored what factors in the patient interval
      (time from noticing a bodily change to first consultation with a health care
      professional) may contribute to this inequality. DESIGN: Qualitative comparative
      study. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews with a sample of women (>=47 years)
      from higher (n = 15) and lower (n = 15) educational backgrounds, who had
      experienced at least one potential breast cancer symptom. Half the participants
      (n = 15) had sought medical help, half had not (n = 15). Without making breast
      cancer explicit, we elicited women's sense-making around their symptoms and help
      seeking decisions. RESULTS: Containment of symptoms and confidence in acting upon
      symptoms emerged as two broad themes that differentiated lower and higher
      educational groups. Women from lower educational backgrounds tended to attribute
      their breast symptoms to trivial factors and were reticent in using the word
      'cancer'. Despite 'knowing' that symptoms could be related to cancer, women with
      lower education invoked lack of medical knowledge - 'I am not a doctor' - to
      express uncertainty about interpreting symptoms and accessing help. Women with
      higher education were confident about interpreting symptoms, seeking information
      online, and seeking medical help. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that
      knowledge of breast cancer alone may not explain socio-economic differences in
      how women respond to breast cancer symptoms as women with lower education had
      'reasons' not to react. Research is needed on how to overcome a wider spectrum of
      psycho-social factors to reduce future inequality. Statement of contribution What
      is already known on this subject? Seven of ten breast cancers in the UK are
      diagnosed after people contact their doctor with symptoms. Women from lower socio
      economic backgrounds are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced disease. There
      is little evidence related to potential drivers of this SES inequality. What does
      this study add? We qualitatively explored socio-economic (SES) differences in
      help-seeking for breast symptoms. Women with higher education were more confident
      about interpreting symptoms and navigating health care. Women with lower
      education were more reluctant to seek help due to fear of cancer.

PMID- 27680900
TI  - The maximum climate ambition needs a firm research backing.

PMID- 27680901
TI  - The challenges facing Habitat III.

PMID- 27680902
TI  - Encourage governments to heed scientific advice.

PMID- 27680903
TI  - Biotechnology: Portable way to make proteins.

PMID- 27680905
TI  - Epigenetics: CRISPR edits gene methylation.

PMID- 27680904
TI  - Glaciology: Greenland ice loss underestimated.

PMID- 27680906
TI  - Stem cells: Targeting pain of spinal-cord injury.

PMID- 27680907
TI  - Materials: Graphene jiggles up and down.

PMID- 27680909
TI  - Agriculture: Maize engineered to kill pest.

PMID- 27680908
TI  - Neuroscience: Ants get addicted to morphine.

PMID- 27680910
TI  - Computer science: Ancient scroll virtually unrolled.

PMID- 27680911
TI  - Astronomy: Early star-forming gas found.

PMID- 27680912
TI  - Ecology: Rats and cats drive extinctions.

PMID- 27680913
TI  - African elephants, forensic science and China's gene bank.

PMID- 27680914
TI  - Daring Chinese telescope is poised to transform astronomy.

PMID- 27680915
TI  - Facebook couple commits $3 billion to cure disease.

PMID- 27680916
TI  - Cuban crocodiles pose conservation conundrum.

PMID- 27680917
TI  - Worldwide brain-mapping project sparks excitement - and concern.

PMID- 27680918
TI  - Solar on the steppe: Ukraine embraces renewables revolution.

PMID- 27680919
TI  - Zimbabwean scientists fight to preserve national academy.

PMID- 27680920
TI  - Correction.

PMID- 27680921
TI  - Can Cuban science go global?

PMID- 27680922
TI  - Boost resilience of small and mid-sized cities.

PMID- 27680923
TI  - Where to put the next billion people.

PMID- 27680924
TI  - Give cities a seat at the top table.

PMID- 27680928
TI  - Species loss: a crude view of climate.

PMID- 27680929
TI  - Food systems: Nourish as well as feed the world.

PMID- 27680930
TI  - Species loss: diverse takes on biodiversity.

PMID- 27680931
TI  - Meteorology: Mobile networks aid weather monitoring.

PMID- 27680932
TI  - Species loss: climate plan saves only trees.

PMID- 27680933
TI  - Imaging techniques: MRI illuminated by gamma-rays.

PMID- 27680934
TI  - Microbiology: The bacterial cell wall takes centre stage.

PMID- 27680935
TI  - Biogeochemistry: Long-term effects of permafrost thaw.

PMID- 27680936
TI  - Physiology: Forecast for water balance.

PMID- 27680937
TI  - Chemistry: Small molecular replicators go organic.

PMID- 27680938
TI  - A method for imaging and spectroscopy using gamma-rays and magnetic resonance.
AB  - Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides fine spatial resolution, spectral
      sensitivity and a rich variety of contrast mechanisms for diagnostic medical
      applications. Nuclear imaging using gamma-ray cameras offers the benefits of
      using small quantities of radioactive tracers that seek specific targets of
      interest within the body. Here we describe an imaging and spectroscopic modality
      that combines favourable aspects of both approaches. Spatial information is
      encoded into the spin orientations of tiny amounts of a polarized radioactive
      tracer using pulses of both radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation and
      magnetic-field gradients, as in MRI. However, rather than detecting weak radio
      frequency signals, imaging information is obtained through the detection of gamma
      rays. A single gamma-ray detector can be used to acquire an image; no gamma-ray
      camera is needed. We demonstrate the feasibility of our technique by producing
      images and spectra from a glass cell containing only about 4 * 10(13) atoms
      (about 1 millicurie) of the metastable isomer (131m)Xe that were polarized using
      the laser technique of spin-exchange optical pumping. If the cell had instead
      been filled with water and imaged using conventional MRI, then it would have
      contained more than 10(24) water molecules. The high sensitivity of our modality
      expands the breadth of applications of magnetic resonance, and could lead to a
      new class of radioactive tracers.

PMID- 27680939
TI  - Autocatalytic, bistable, oscillatory networks of biologically relevant organic
      reactions.
AB  - Networks of organic chemical reactions are important in life and probably played
      a central part in its origin. Network dynamics regulate cell division, circadian
      rhythms, nerve impulses and chemotaxis, and guide the development of organisms.
      Although out-of-equilibrium networks of chemical reactions have the potential to
      display emergent network dynamics such as spontaneous pattern formation,
      bistability and periodic oscillations, the principles that enable networks of
      organic reactions to develop complex behaviours are incompletely understood. Here
      we describe a network of biologically relevant organic reactions (amide
      formation, thiolate-thioester exchange, thiolate-disulfide interchange and
      conjugate addition) that displays bistability and oscillations in the
      concentrations of organic thiols and amides. Oscillations arise from the
      interaction between three subcomponents of the network: an autocatalytic cycle
      that generates thiols and amides from thioesters and dialkyl disulfides; a
      trigger that controls autocatalytic growth; and inhibitory processes that remove
      activating thiol species that are produced during the autocatalytic cycle. In
      contrast to previous studies that have demonstrated oscillations and bistability
      using highly evolved biomolecules (enzymes and DNA) or inorganic molecules of
      questionable biochemical relevance (for example, those used in Belousov
      Zhabotinskii-type reactions), the organic molecules we use are relevant to
      metabolism and similar to those that might have existed on the early Earth. By
      using small organic molecules to build a network of organic reactions with
      autocatalytic, bistable and oscillatory behaviour, we identify principles that
      explain the ways in which dynamic networks relevant to life could have developed.
      Modifications of this network will clarify the influence of molecular structure
      on the dynamics of reaction networks, and may enable the design of biomimetic
      networks and of synthetic self-regulating and evolving chemical systems.

PMID- 27680942
TI  - Large-scale tissue clearing (PACT): Technical evaluation and new perspectives in
      immunofluorescence, histology, and ultrastructure.
AB  - Novel techniques, like CLARITY and PACT, render large tissue specimens
      transparent and thereby suitable for microscopic analysis. We used these
      techniques to evaluate their potential in the intestine as an exemplary organ
      with a complex tissue composition. Immunohistochemistry, light sheet-, and
      confocal scanning-microscopy enabled us to follow complex three-dimensional
      structures, like nerve fibers, vessels, and epithelial barriers throughout the
      entire organ. Moreover, in a systematic electron microscopic study, we analyzed
      the morphology and preservation of tissue on ultrastructural level during the
      clearing process. We also connect tissue clearing with classical histology and
      demonstrate that cleared tissues can be stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin and
      Heidenhain's Azan stain, suggesting potential use in histopathology. These
      experiments showed that a neutral pH during the clearing process results in much
      better preservation of tissue ultrastructure and standard stainability. Volume
      changes of specimens were monitored and quantified during the course of the
      protocol. Additionally, we employed the technique to visualize the enteric
      nervous system and the epithelial barrier in post mortem human gut preparations.
      Our data show the high potential of tissue clearing throughout different tissue
      types supporting its usefulness in research and diagnosis, and contribute to the
      technical discussion of ultrastructural tissue-retention.

PMID- 27680940
TI  - Clock-driven vasopressin neurotransmission mediates anticipatory thirst prior to
      sleep.
AB  - Circadian rhythms have evolved to anticipate and adapt animals to the constraints
      of the earth's 24-hour light cycle. Although the molecular processes that
      establish periodicity in clock neurons of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) are
      well understood, the mechanisms by which axonal projections from the central
      clock drive behavioural rhythms are unknown. Here we show that the sleep period
      in mice (Zeitgeber time, ZT0-12) is preceded by an increase in water intake
      promoted entirely by the central clock, and not motivated by physiological need.
      Mice denied this surge experienced significant dehydration near the end of the
      sleep period, indicating that this water intake contributes to the maintenance of
      overnight hydromineral balance. Furthermore, this effect relies specifically on
      the activity of SCN vasopressin (VP) neurons that project to thirst neurons in
      the OVLT (organum vasculosum lamina terminalis), where VP is released as a
      neurotransmitter. SCN VP neurons become electrically active during the
      anticipatory period (ZT21.5-23.5), and depolarize and excite OVLT neurons through
      the activation of postsynaptic VP V1a receptors and downstream non-selective
      cation channels. Optogenetic induction of VP release before the anticipatory
      period (basal period; ZT19.5-21.5) excited OVLT neurons and prompted a surge in
      water intake. Conversely, optogenetic inhibition of VP release during the
      anticipatory period inhibited the firing of OVLT neurons and prevented the
      corresponding increase in water intake. Our findings reveal the existence of
      anticipatory thirst, and demonstrate this behaviour to be driven by excitatory
      peptidergic neurotransmission mediated by VP release from central clock neurons.

PMID- 27680943
TI  - Recognizing young children with high potential: U-STARS~PLUS.
AB  - Hands-on science is the ideal platform for observing young children's ability to
      solve problems, think deeply, and use their creative ingenuity to explore the
      world around them. Science is naturally interesting and offers authentic reasons
      to read for information and use math skills to collect, compile, and analyze
      data. This chapter will share one approach to nurturing and recognizing young
      children with high-potential: U-STARS~PLUS (Using Science, Talents, and Abilities
      to Recognize Students~Promoting Learning for Underrepresented Students). Each of
      the five components (high-end learning environments; teacher's observations of
      potential; engaging science activities; partnerships with parents; and capacity
      building for system change) will be explained. Concrete examples will be given
      for each area showing how it works and why it is important. Special attention
      will be paid to the needs of educationally vulnerable gifted children who remain
      underserved: racially, ethnically, and linguistically different; economically
      disadvantaged, and children who are twice exceptional (2e).

PMID- 27680944
TI  - Using laser capture microdissection to study fiber specific signaling in
      locomotor muscle in COPD: A pilot study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Quadriceps dysfunction is important in chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease (COPD), with an associated increased proportion of type II
      fibers. Investigation of protein synthesis and degradation has yielded
      conflicting results, possibly due to study of whole biopsy samples, whereas
      signaling may be fiber-specific. Our objective was to develop a method for fiber
      specific gene expression analysis. METHODS: 12 COPD and 6 healthy subjects
      underwent quadriceps biopsy. Cryosections were immunostained for type II fibers,
      which were separated using laser capture microdissection (LCM). Whole muscle and
      different fiber populations were subject to quantitative polymerase chain
      reaction. RESULTS: Levels of muscle-RING-finger-protein-1 and Atrogin-1 were
      lower in type II fibers of COPD versus healthy subjects (P = 0.02 and P = 0.03,
      respectively), but differences were not apparent in whole muscle or type I
      fibers. CONCLUSIONS: We describe a novel method for studying fiber-specific gene
      expression in optimum cutting temperature compound-embedded muscle specimens. LCM
      offers a more sensitive way to identify molecular changes in COPD muscle. Muscle
      Nerve 55: 902-912, 2017.

PMID- 27680945
TI  - Thermal Ablation of Colorectal Lung Metastases: Retrospective Comparison Among
      Laser-Induced Thermotherapy, Radiofrequency Ablation, and Microwave Ablation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to retrospectively evaluate local tumor
      control, time to tumor progression, and survival rates among patients with lung
      metastatic colorectal cancer who have undergone ablation therapy performed using
      laser-induced thermotherapy (LITT), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), or microwave
      ablation (MWA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data for this retrospective study were
      collected from 231 CT-guided ablation sessions performed for 109 patients (71 men
      and 38 women; mean [+/- SD] age, 68.6 +/- 11.2 years; range, 34-94 years) from
      May 2000 to May 2014. Twenty-one patients underwent LITT (31 ablations), 41
      patients underwent RFA (75 ablations), and 47 patients underwent MWA (125
      ablations). CT scans were acquired 24 hours after each therapy session and at
      follow-up visits occurring at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after ablation.
      Survival rates were calculated from the time of the first ablation session, with
      the use of Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests. Changes in the volume of the ablated
      lesions were measured using the Kruskal-Wallis method. RESULTS: Local tumor
      control was achieved in 17 of 25 lesions (68.0%) treated with LITT, 45 of 65
      lesions (69.2%) treated with RFA, and 91 of 103 lesions (88.3%) treated with MWA.
      Statistically significant differences were noted when MWA was compared with LITT
      at 18 months after ablation (p = 0.01) and when MWA was compared with RFA at 6
      months (p = 0.004) and 18 months (p = 0.01) after ablation. The overall median
      time to local tumor progression was 7.6 months. The median time to local tumor
      progression was 10.4 months for lesions treated with LITT, 7.2 months for lesions
      treated with RFA, and 7.5 months for lesions treated with MWA, with no
      statistically significant difference noted. New pulmonary metastases developed in
      47.6% of patients treated with LITT, in 51.2% of patients treated with RFA, and
      in 53.2% of patients treated with MWA. According to the Kaplan-Meier test, median
      survival was 22.1 months for patients who underwent LITT, 24.2 months for those
      receiving RFA, and 32.8 months for those who underwent MWA. The overall survival
      rate at 1, 2, and 4 years was 95.2%, 47.6%, and 23.8%, respectively, for patients
      treated with LITT; 76.9%, 50.8%, and 8.0%, respectively, for patients treated
      with RFA; and 82.7%, 67.5%, and 16.6%, respectively, for patients treated with
      MWA. The log-rank test revealed no statistically significant difference among
      LITT, RFA, and MWA. The progression-free survival rate at 1, 2, 3, and 4 years
      was 96.8%, 52.7%, 24.0%, and 19.1%, respectively, for patients who underwent
      LITT; 77.3%, 50.2%, 30.8%, and 16.4%, respectively, for patients who underwent
      RFA; and 54.6%, 29.1%, 10.0%, and 1.0%, respectively, for patients who underwent
      MWA, with no statistically significant difference noted among the three ablation
      methods. CONCLUSION: LITT, RFA, and MWA can be used as therapeutic options for
      lung metastases resulting from colorectal cancer. Statistically significant
      differences in local tumor control revealed a potential advantage in using MWA.
      No differences in time to tumor progression or survival rates were detected when
      the three different ablation methods were compared.

PMID- 27680946
TI  - H2PO4-- and Solvent-Induced Polymorphism of an Amide-Functionalized [Pt(N^C^N)Cl]
      Complex.
AB  - A simple [Pt(N^C^N)Cl] complex functionalized with an amide group was prepared,
      and its absorption and emission properties were examined in different solvents in
      response to various anions. On the one hand, in the presence of H2PO4-, the
      solution of the complex shows distinct color changes in CH3CN, together with a
      ratiometric emission change from a green emission band at 537 nm to a deep red
      emission band at 680 nm. On the other hand, two-step spectral changes were
      observed in response to H2PO4- in CH2Cl2, with the green emission being
      attenuated first followed by the appearance of enhanced and yellow-green
      emissions at a lower-energy region. These recognition processes are highly
      selective for H2PO4- against other common anions including F-, Cl-, Br-, I-, OAc
      , NO3-, and HSO4-. In addition, the platinum complex displays multistage emission
      polymorphism in mixed CH3CN/H2O solvent of various ratios. The hydrogen-bonding
      interaction between H2PO4- and the amide unit was confirmed by NMR analysis. In
      the solid state, this platinum complex emits red light. However, the composite
      material of the platinum complex with H2PO4- shows purely monomeric yellow
      emissions. The solid-state materials were further analyzed by single-crystal X
      ray and Fourier-transform IR analysis. These studies suggest that this simple
      platinum complex is useful for the selective recognition of H2PO4- and as solid
      state emitting materials with tunable emission colors.

PMID- 27680948
TI  - Quantitatively in Situ Imaging Silver Nanowire Hollowing Kinetics.
AB  - We report the in situ investigation of the morphological evolution of silver
      nanowires to hollow silver oxide nanotubes using transmission X-ray microscopy
      (TXM). Complex silver diffusion kinetics and hollowing process via the Kirkendall
      effect have been captured in real time. Further quantitative X-ray absorption
      analysis reveals the difference between the longitudinal and radial diffusions.
      The diffusion coefficient of silver in its oxide nanoshell is, for the first
      time, calculated to be 1.2 * 10-13 cm2/s from the geometrical parameters
      extracted from the TXM images.

PMID- 27680949
TI  - Correction: Short Time-Scale Sensory Coding in S1 during Discrimination of
      Whisker Vibrotactile Sequences.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.1002549.].

PMID- 27680947
TI  - The circadian clock modulates anti-cancer properties of curcumin.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Curcuminoids of the spice turmeric and their enhanced derivatives
      have much potential as cancer treatments. They act on a wide variety of
      biological pathways, including those regulating cell division and circadian
      rhythms. It is known that circadian clocks can modify cancer therapy
      effectiveness, according to studies aimed at optimizing treatments based on the
      circadian cycle. It is therefore important to determine whether treatments with
      curcumin or similar chemotherapeutic agents are regulated by circadian timing.
      Similarly, it is important to characterize any effects of curcumin on timing
      abilities of the circadian clocks within cancer cells. METHODS: We examined the
      circadian clock's impact on the timing of cell death and cell division in
      curcumin-treated C6 rat glioma cells through continuous video microscopy for
      several days. To evaluate its persistence and distribution in cancer cells,
      curcumin was localized within cell compartments by imaging its autofluorescence.
      Finally, HPLC and spectroscopy were used to determine the relative stabilities of
      the curcumin congeners demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin that are
      present in turmeric. RESULTS: Circadian rhythms in cell death were observed in
      response to low (5 MUM) curcumin, reaching a peak several hours before the peak
      in rhythmic expression of mPER2 protein, a major circadian clock component. These
      results revealed a sensitive phase of the circadian cycle that could be
      effectively targeted in patient therapies based on curcumin or its analogs.
      Curcumin fluorescence was observed in cell compartments at least 24 h after
      treatment, and the two congeners displayed greater stability than curcumin in
      cell culture medium. CONCLUSIONS: We propose a mechanism whereby curcuminoids act
      in a sustained manner, over several days, despite their tendency to degrade
      rapidly in blood and other aqueous media. During cancer therapy, curcumin or its
      analogs should be delivered to tumor cells at the optimal phase for highest
      efficacy after identifying the circadian phase of the cancer cells. We confirmed
      the greater stability of the curcumin congeners, suggesting that they may produce
      sustained toxicity in cancer cells and should be considered for use in patient
      care.

PMID- 27680951
TI  - Measurement characteristics of the Functional Independence Measure.
AB  - Clinicians and researchers recognize the need for measures offunctional status
      that possess linear properties and are reliable and valid. Rasch rating scale
      analysis provides the means for converting raw scores from functional assessment
      tools to linear measures for which measurement error can be quantified. The
      extent to which clinicians perceive patients who are undergoing rehabilitation
      after stroke as similarto other patient groups was investigated using the
      Functional Independence Measure (FIM). Earlier work demonstrated that the first
      13 items of the FIM represent a measure of motor function and that the last 5
      items represent a measu re of cognitive function. The FIM was used for patients
      with stroke in a manner similar to that for most other impairment groups on the
      motor items. Patients with stroke were, however, unlike many impairment groups in
      their ratings on the cognitive items. Tables showing raw score to scaled measure
      conversions are provided for two sets of impairment groups on the motor items and
      three sets of impairment groups on the cognitive items. Clinicians can be
      confident that the measures derived from the FIM are linear across the range of
      the instrument and are attuned to the uniqueness of patients with stroke and
      other specific impairments.

PMID- 27680952
TI  - Functional assessment in a community setting.
AB  - Functional assessment for persons with disabilities has been an important
      component of the traditional inpatient rehabilitation process. Recently there has
      been increasing interest in functional assessment for persons residing in the
      community as a means to understanding the role of rehabilitation in community
      integration and the effects of aging on persons with disabilities. The
      instruments used for in-hospital functional assessment (e.g., the Functional
      Independence Measure and the Barthel Index) measure aspects of disability,
      specifically basic self-care and mobility skills, and may not be adequate for
      community assessment. Most often the functional activities that are of interest
      for persons I iving in the community include instrumental activities of daily
      living such as housekeeping and shopping; components of handicap such as social
      integration, community mobility, and productive use of time; and community
      participation. Instruments used to measure components of handicap (i.e., the
      Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique) and community participation
      (i.e., the Self-Observation and Report Technique) may be more appropriate for the
      evaluation of functional status for persons living in the community.

PMID- 27680953
TI  - Predicting outcome after acute stroke with the Functional Independence Measure.
AB  - Previous studies attempting to predict outcome after acute stroke have been
      limited by small sample sizes and inconsistent definitions of outcome. The
      functional status data from the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) as well as
      social and demographic information from 2,109 stroke survivors were reviewed to
      determine the possible risk factors for poor outcome. Four measures of outcome
      were used for this analysis: discharge placement, rate of change of functional
      status as measured by the FIM, total change in functional status from admission
      to discharge, and length of stay. The most significant risk factor for discharge
      to a location other than home was an admission FIM score of less than 60; the
      relative risk was 3.5. Several other factors, including race, marital status, and
      age, influenced this outcome. A low admission FIM score was also a significant
      risk factor for a low rate of change of functional status during the inpatient
      rehabilitation stay; the relative riskwas 2.2. A low admission FIM score was the
      most predictive factor but still enabled only poor prognostication for an
      individual patient.

PMID- 27680954
TI  - Function-based classification for stroke rehabilitation and issues of
      reimbursement: Using patient classification systems to scale payment to patient
      complexity.
AB  - The Functional Independence Measure-Function Related Groups (FIM-FRGs) classify
      stroke patients into five clinical categories that predict medical rehabilitation
      length of stay as a proxy for cost. The current payment system for inpatient
      rehabilitation does not adjust for clinical complexity, thus potentially leading
      to care inequities for individual patients and unequal distribution of resources
      among rehabilitation facilities. Designed for use as part of a payment system,
      the FIM-FRGs could operate within the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act
      payment system or other payment systems to adjust for the clinical complexity of
      the patients actually treated. The article discusses the use of function-based
      classification schemes for the payment of stroke rehabilitation.

PMID- 27680950
TI  - Molecular bases of K+ secretory cells in the inner ear: shared and distinct
      features between birds and mammals.
AB  - In the cochlea, mammals maintain a uniquely high endolymphatic potential (EP),
      which is not observed in other vertebrate groups. However, a high [K+] is always
      present in the inner ear endolymph. Here, we show that Kir4.1, which is required
      in the mammalian stria vascularis to generate the highly positive EP, is absent
      in the functionally equivalent avian tegmentum vasculosum. In contrast, the
      molecular repertoire required for K+ secretion, specifically NKCC1, KCNQ1, KCNE1,
      BSND and CLC-K, is shared between the tegmentum vasculosum, the vestibular dark
      cells and the marginal cells of the stria vascularis. We further show that in
      barn owls, the tegmentum vasculosum is enlarged and a higher EP (~+34 mV)
      maintained, compared to other birds. Our data suggest that both the tegmentum
      vasculosum and the stratified stria vascularis evolved from an ancestral
      vestibular epithelium that already featured the major cell types of the auditory
      epithelia. Genetic recruitment of Kir4.1 specifically to strial melanocytes was
      then a crucial step in mammalian evolution enabling an increase in the cochlear
      EP. An increased EP may be related to high-frequency hearing, as this is a
      hallmark of barn owls among birds and mammals among amniotes.

PMID- 27680955
TI  - Constraints on predicting functional recovery after stroke: Application of
      clinical, laboratory, neurophysiologic, and neuroimaging parameters.
AB  - Methodologic issues in statistical prediction of functional outcome from stroke
      are considered, and a model that defines various sources of constraint on the
      processes involved in recovery is elaborated. Prediction is relatively easy for
      the upper and lower bands of stroke survivors but becomes significantly more
      complex forthe middle band of patients, for whom inpatient rehabilitation
      services may be considered potentiallycost effective. Sources of constraint on
      functional outcome include biological factors related to the stroke and to
      comorbid medical conditions, cognitive factors related to higher cortical
      functions impaired by the stroke, premorbid personality and emotional response
      factors, and socioeconomic factors such as the availability of a social support
      system. In examining recovery of function at the impairment level, issues related
      to how various functions in the brain are reorganized after injury become
      important. New information about the capacity of functional brain subsystems to
      reorganize after focal damage due to stroke may help improve the ability to
      generate prognoses and may also guide the development and application of
      rehabilitation strategies.

PMID- 27680956
TI  - Alternatives to traditional practices.

PMID- 27680958
TI  - A change for the better!

PMID- 27680957
TI  - A question of decision-making capacity.

PMID- 27680960
TI  - From the editor.

PMID- 27680962
TI  - Letters to the editors.

PMID- 27680961
TI  - Foreword.

PMID- 27680963
TI  - Prenatal food restriction induces poor-quality articular cartilage in female rat
      offspring fed a post-weaning high-fat diet and its intra-uterine programming
      mechanisms.
AB  - Epidemiological data show that osteoarthritis (OA) is significantly associated
      with lower birth weight, and that OA may be a type of fetal-originated adult
      disease. The present study aimed to investigate the prenatal food-restriction
      (PFR) effect on the quality of articular cartilage in female offspring to explore
      the underlying mechanisms of fetal-originated OA. Maternal rats were fed a
      restricted diet from gestational day (GD) 11 to 20 to induce intra-uterine growth
      retardation. Female fetuses and female adult offspring fed a post-weaning high
      fat diet were killed at GD20 and postnatal week 24, respectively. Serum and knee
      cartilage samples from fetuses and adult female offspring were collected and
      examined for cholesterol metabolism and histology. Fetal serum corticosterone and
      insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in the PFR group were lower than those of
      the control, but the serum cholesterol level was not changed. The lower
      expression of IGF-1 in the PFR group lasted into adulthood. The expression of
      extracellular matrix (ECM) genes, including type II collagen, aggrecan and
      cholesterol efflux genes including liver X receptor, were significantly induced,
      but the ATP-binding-cassette transporter A1 was unchanged. PFR could induce a
      reduction in ECM synthesis and impaired cholesterol efflux in female offspring,
      and eventually led to poor quality of articular cartilage and OA.

PMID- 27680965
TI  - Resection of central nervous system lymphoma (CNSL): a paradigm shift?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Central nervous system lymphomas (CNSL) are traditionally regarded as
      non-surgically treated tumors with a poor prognosis. Usually, only stereotactic
      biopsy is performed to establish the diagnosis, and most patients show disease
      progression within half a year. A recent study questioned this view, since
      patients who had surgical resection of PCNSL manifestations prior to adjuvant
      therapy reportedly had a better outcome than patients who had biopsy only.
      METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of our patient database to
      identify patients with CNSL who had undergone "accidental" tumor removal in our
      department between 2002 and 2013. Four patients had CNSL specific therapy
      following surgery. One patient received no further therapy because of his bad
      clinical status. RESULTS: Five patients with CNSL were treated surgically. Three
      patients were in complete remission at nine, thirteen and 45 months
      postoperatively, while two others had disease progression at 45 months,
      respectively. The median survival was 22.6 months. CONCLUSION: Gross total
      removal of CNSL may improve outcome. We present a series of five patients who had
      surgical resection of CNSL. While the importance of chemotherapy is beyond doubt,
      more data on the effect of surgery on the prognosis of patients with CNSL are
      needed. However, the paradigm of medical treatment only for CNSL is being
      challenged.

PMID- 27680964
TI  - Inequalities in energy-balance related behaviours and family environmental
      determinants in European children: changes and sustainability within the EPHE
      evaluation study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increasing social inequalities in health across Europe are widening
      the gap between low and high socio-economic groups, notably in the prevalence of
      obesity. Public health interventions may result in differential effects across
      population groups. Therefore, the EPHE (EPODE for the Promotion of Health Equity)
      project analysed the added value of community-based programmes, based on the
      EPODE (Ensemble Prevenons l'Obesite Des Enfants-Together Let's Prevent Obesity)
      model, to reduce socio-economic inequalities in energy balance-related behaviours
      of children and their family-environmental related determinants in seven European
      communities. This study presents the changes between baseline and follow-up after
      the one-year interventions and their sustainability one year after. METHODS: This
      is a prospective study with a one school-year intervention, followed by one year
      of follow-up. In all, 1266 children (age 6-8 years) and their families from
      different socio-economic backgrounds were recruited at baseline. For 1062
      children, information was available after one year (T1) and for 921 children
      after two years (T2). A self-reported questionnaire was completed by the parents
      to examine the children's energy balance-related behaviours and family-
      environmental determinants. Socio-economic status was defined by the educational
      level of the mother. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test for paired data was used to
      test the differences between baseline and intermediate, and between intermediate
      and final, measurements for each of the socio-economic status groups. RESULTS:
      Post-intervention effects in energy-balance related behaviours showed the
      following improvements among the low socio-economic status groups: increased
      fruit consumption (Netherlands), decreased fruit juices amount consumed (Romania)
      and decreased TV time on weekdays (Belgium). Whereas in only the latter case the
      behavioural change was accompanied with an improvement in a family-environmental
      determinant (monitoring the time the child watches TV), other improvements in
      parental rules and practices related to soft drinks/fruit juices and TV exposure
      were observed. A few of those effects were sustainable, notably in the case of
      Belgium. CONCLUSIONS: Inequalities in obesity-related behaviours could be
      potentially reduced when implementing community-based interventions, tailored to
      inequality gaps and using the EPODE methodology. Within-group changes varied
      widely, whereas monitoring of interventions and process evaluation are crucial to
      understand the observed results.

PMID- 27680966
TI  - Second line treatment of recurrent glioblastoma with sunitinib: results of a
      phase II study and systematic review of literature.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Second line treatment of recurrent or progressive glioblastoma
      multiforme (GBM) is not standardized. Anti-angiogenic strategies with tyrosine
      kinase inhibitors have been tested with conflicting results. We tested the
      association of sunitinib (S) plus irinotecan (CPT-11) in a phase II trial in
      terms of response rate (RR) and 6-months progression-free survival (6-PFS). We
      also reviewed the clinical evidence from all the trials with S in this setting
      published to date and summarized it in a meta-analysis. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION:
      Patients with GBM recurrent or progressive after surgery and standard chemo
      radiotherapy were treated with S 37.5 mg/day for 14 days + CPT-11 125 mg/sqm
      every 14 days in a Simon's two-stage phase II study. A summary data meta-analysis
      was performed to establish the 6-PFS in patients with ascertained histological
      diagnosis of GBM treated with sunitinib. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Six patients were
      enrolled in the stage I of the trial and only one had a stable disease. The
      overall response rate was 17% and 6-PFS was not reached. Therefore, the trial was
      stopped early for insufficient activity. All toxicities were grade 1-2.
      Systematic review of the literature identified 9 studies (including the present
      one) for a total of 221 patients. Pooled 6-PFS was 15.1% (95% CI 9.0-24.4).
      Subgroup analysis by different schedule revealed a 6-PFS of 17.5% (95% CI 10.3
      28.1) in the weekly setting which was consistent across all the studies (I2 0%, p
      = 0.66) and a pooled 6-PFS of 12.7% (95% CI 4.9-29.1) in the daily setting with a
      substantial amount of heterogeneity (I2 65%, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Results of
      this trial and those of the systematic review indicate that, compared to
      conventional chemotherapy or bevacizumab, S has insufficient activity in the
      setting of recurrent GBM. Better patient's molecular stratification for second
      line treatment in GBM is warranted.

PMID- 27680967
TI  - Ventriculitis and multicompartimental hydrocephalus: a new endoscopic goal.

PMID- 27680970
TI  - The lord of the broken rings: African porocephaliasis, an emerging radiological
      diagnosis in developed countries.

PMID- 27680971
TI  - [Long-term results after prostate vaporisation : GreenLightTM laser vaporisation
      of the prostate and electrovaporisation].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Various minimally invasive techniques are available for the surgical
      treatment of benign prostatic obstruction. Besides resection and enucleation,
      vaporization of the prostate is an attractive alternative. OBJECTIVES: The aim of
      the present article is to provide a comprehensive literature review on long-term
      results of GreenLightTM laser vaporisation and electrovaporisation of the
      prostate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search on long-term (>=5 years)
      results of GreenLightTM laser vaporization of the prostate and
      electrovaporisation of the prostate. RESULTS: Laser vaporization of the prostate
      with the GreenLightTM laser leads to an immediate and long-lasting improvement of
      voiding symptoms beyond 5 years. Currently, no long-term data of the 180 W laser
      model are available. With the former 80 W laser, an increased rate of reoperation
      due to recurrent obstruction has been described. As reoperation mainly occurs
      within the first 2 postoperative years, this suggests insufficient tissue
      ablation. Electrovaporisation of the prostate also leads to an improvement of
      voiding symptoms. However, only few studies on long-term results are available
      which report a relatively high rate of treatment failure. In addition, these
      studies have limitations in study design. CONCLUSIONS: Laser vaporisation of the
      prostate with the GreenLightTM laser seems to be an effective minimally invasive
      treatment alternative for BPO. However, long-term results of the current 180 W
      laser are still awaited. Based on limited data, electrovaporisation of the
      prostate currently cannot be recommended as an established treatment alternative.

PMID- 27680968
TI  - Dynamics of nuclear receptor gene expression during Pacific oyster development.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nuclear receptors are a highly conserved set of ligand binding
      transcription factors, with essential roles regulating aspects of vertebrate and
      invertebrate biology alike. Current understanding of nuclear receptor regulated
      gene expression in invertebrates remains sparse, limiting our ability to
      elucidate gene function and the conservation of developmental processes across
      phyla. Here, we studied nuclear receptor expression in the early life stages of
      the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas, to identify at which specific key stages
      nuclear receptors are expressed RESULTS: We used quantitative RT-PCR to determine
      the expression profiles of 34 nuclear receptors, revealing three developmental
      key stages, during which nuclear receptor expression is dynamically regulated:
      embryogenesis, mid development from gastrulation to trochophore larva, and late
      larval development prior to metamorphosis. Clustering of nuclear receptor
      expression patterns demonstrated that transcriptional regulation was not directly
      related to gene phylogeny, suggesting closely related genes may have distinct
      functions. Expression of gene homologs of vertebrate retinoid receptors suggests
      participation in organogenesis and shell-formation, as they are highly expressed
      at the gastrulation and trochophore larval initial shell formation stages. The
      ecdysone receptor homolog showed high expression just before larval settlement,
      suggesting a potential role in metamorphosis. CONCLUSION: Throughout early oyster
      development nuclear receptors exhibited highly dynamic expression profiles, which
      were not confined by gene phylogeny. These results provide fundamental
      information on the presence of nuclear receptors during key developmental stages,
      which aids elucidation of their function in the developmental process. This
      understanding is essential as ligand sensing nuclear receptors can be disrupted
      by xenobiotics, a mode of action through which anthropogenic environmental
      pollutants have been found to mediate effects.

PMID- 27680972
TI  - [Transurethral resection of the prostate].
AB  - Symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are the most common reason
      why patients consult a urologist. Despite the rise of new minimally invasive
      technologies, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) remains the most
      commonly used procedure (at 84 %) to treat BPH patients in Germany. The continued
      popularity of this procedure can be explained by three main reasons: a robust,
      simple technique, an until now unsurpassed efficacy and-with regard to the risk
      benefit ratio-a low morbidity. Following TURP, the mean Qmax is 19-20 ml/s and
      the mean IPSS is 6. BPH recurrence occurs in 2-7 % of patients within 8-22 years
      following TURP. Regarding clinical efficacy, meta-analyses now show relevant
      differences between monopolar and bipolar (B) TURP. However, B-TURP seems to be
      favourable considering potential complications. Clot retention with an incidence
      of 1-5 % is the most common acute complication and urethral strictures with an
      incidence of 2-9 % are the most common long-term complications of TURP. TUR
      syndrome is nowadays a clinical rarity. However, many complications can be
      avoided by a proper resection technique. TURP is still the standard in surgical
      BPH therapy.

PMID- 27680969
TI  - Effects of diode laser (980 nm) on orthodontic tooth movement and interleukin 6
      levels in gingival crevicular fluid in female subjects.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of low-level laser irradiation
      on the rate of orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) and the interleukin-6 (IL-6)
      concentration in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) during orthodontic treatment. In
      this randomized split-mouth double blind clinical trial, 11 female patients aged
      14 to 25 years (mean 19 +/- 4.21 year), who required canine retraction following
      four first premolars extraction, were selected. The GaAlAs laser diode laser
      (A.R.C. Laser GmbH, Nurnberg, Germany) (980 nm, 100 mW, 5.6 J/cm2, three points
      from the buccal side and three from lingual side of the tooth, 56 s, running in
      continuous mode) was used for canine retraction in only one maxillary quadrant
      (LG). The irradiation time for each cervical and middle third of the tooth was 10
      s, and 8 s for the apical third of the tooth. The other maxillary quadrant served
      as the control group (CG) using the laser pseudo-application in this side. The
      laser irradiation was applied on days 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 of each month during
      the canine retraction phase. Canine retraction was done using closed coil spring
      with 150 g force on rectangular wires after the alignment and leveling. This
      study was done in 11 months. Dental casts were made at different time points
      during the treatment, and the amount of tooth movement was measured. To evaluate
      the levels of IL-6, GCF samples were collected from the distal side of the
      maxillary canine teeth on both quadrants at the beginning of the trial, the end
      of aligning phase, and on day 21 of each month during canine retraction. Although
      the mean rate of canine retraction was higher in the LG (0.013) than the CG
      (0.012) and there was definitely a tendency for more canine retraction in the
      LLLI, but the results failed to show any significant difference between the mean
      rate of canine retraction of both groups (P = 0.068). A paired t test showed that
      there was no significant difference in the mean concentration of IL-6 at various
      stages of the treatment between the groups during canine distalization (P >
      0.05). Therefore, conclusive evidence could not be provided to support the
      efficacy of the diode laser (980 nm) in accelerating OTM in female subject.

PMID- 27680973
TI  - Local Electronic Structure in gamma-LiAlO2 Studied by Single-Crystal 27Al NMR and
      DFT Calculations.
AB  - From single-crystal 27Al NMR experiments, the full tensors for both the
      electrical field gradient (EFG) and the chemical shift (CS) for the aluminum
      atoms in gamma-LiAlO2 have been determined. A simultaneous fit of the quadrupolar
      splittings observed for the four 27Al in the unit cell gave the EFG tensor in the
      crystal frame, from which a quadrupolar coupling constant of chi = CQ = 3.330 +/-
      0.005 MHz and an asymmetry parameter of etaQ = 0.656 +/- 0.002 were derived. The
      experimentally determined quadrupolar splittings were sufficiently sensitive to
      quantify small deviations of both rotation axis direction and starting direction
      by the data fitting routine. For determination of the CS tensor, the evolution of
      the outer satellite centers over the crystal rotation was tracked, and the
      contribution of the quadrupolar shift was subtracted according to the previously
      determined EFG tensor. The resulting CS tensor of 27Al yields an isotropic
      chemical shift of deltaiso = 81.8 +/- 0.25 ppm and an asymmetry parameter of
      etaCS = 0.532 +/- 0.004, in good agreement with the fit of a MAS NMR spectrum
      acquired at B0 = 21.1 T. From both experiments and DFT calculations using the
      Castep code, we find the eigenvectors of the EFG and CS tensors to be practically
      colinear.

PMID- 27680975
TI  - Ag and Cu Monometallic and Ag/Cu Bimetallic Nanoparticle-Graphene Composites with
      Enhanced Antibacterial Performance.
AB  - Increased proliferation of antimicrobial resistance and new strains of bacterial
      pathogens severely impact current health, environmental, and technological
      developments, demanding design of novel, highly efficient antibacterial agents.
      Ag, Cu monometallic and Ag/Cu bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) were in situ grown
      on the surface of graphene, which was produced by chemical vapor deposition using
      ferrocene as precursor and further functionalized to introduce oxygen-containing
      surface groups. The antibacterial performance of the resulting hybrids was
      evaluated against Escherichia coli cells and compared through a series of
      parametrization experiments of varying metal type and concentration. It was found
      that both Ag- and Cu-based monometallic graphene composites significantly
      suppress bacterial growth, yet the Ag-based ones exhibit higher activity compared
      to that of their Cu-based counterparts. Compared with well-dispersed colloidal Ag
      NPs of the same metal concentration, Ag- and Cu-based graphene hybrids display
      weaker antibacterial activity. However, the bimetallic Ag/CuNP-graphene hybrids
      exhibit superior performance compared to that of all other materials tested,
      i.e., both the monometallic graphene structures as well as the colloidal NPs,
      achieving complete bacterial growth inhibition at all metal concentrations
      tested. This striking performance is attributed to the synergistic action of the
      combination of the two different metals that coexist on the surface as well as
      the enhancing role of the graphene support.

PMID- 27680974
TI  - ADHD symptoms in non-treatment seeking young adults: relationship with other
      forms of impulsivity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been associated
      with various manifestations of impulsivity in adults, including elevated rates of
      other impulsive disorders, substance use, questionnaire-based impulsivity scores,
      and inhibitory dysregulation on neurocognitive tests. The relationship between
      ADHD and all these other forms of impulsivity has yet to be explored within the
      context of a single comprehensive study. METHODS: A total of 423 young adults,
      who gambled >=5 times in the preceding year, were recruited using media
      advertisements and undertook detailed assessment including structured psychiatric
      interview, questionnaires, and neurocognitive tests. Participants with ADHD
      symptoms were identified using the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Screener (ASRS
      V1.1) and were compared to controls using multivariate analysis of variance
      (MANOVA). RESULTS: ADHD symptoms were found in 20.3% of the sample, but only 7.3%
      of these subjects had ever received a formal diagnosis. ADHD symptoms were
      associated with significantly lower quality of life, lower self-esteem, higher
      emotional dysregulation, higher impulsivity questionnaire scores, more
      problematic Internet use, greater occurrence of psychiatric disorders, and
      impaired stop-signal reaction times. Of these variables, stop-signal reaction
      times and Barratt attentional impulsiveness were the strongest predictors of
      group classification. CONCLUSIONS: ADHD symptoms are common and under-diagnosed
      in young adults who gamble, and are most strongly linked with certain other types
      of impulsivity (questionnaire- and cognitive-based measures) and with emotional
      dysregulation, suggesting that these are each important considerations in
      understanding the pathophysiology of the disorder, but also potential treatment
      targets. It is necessary to question whether treatment for adult ADHD could be
      enhanced by considering self-esteem, emotional reactivity, and impaired
      inhibitory control as specific treatment targets, in addition to the core
      diagnostic symptoms of the disorder.

PMID- 27680976
TI  - miRNAs in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
AB  - Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major cause of liver cirrhosis and
      hepatocellular carcinoma and is a considerable threat to public health. miRNAs
      are important post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression, and the
      dysregulation of miRNAs is involved in various biological processes in the liver,
      including lipid homeostasis, inflammation, apoptosis, and cell proliferation.
      Recently, a number of studies have described the association between miRNAs and
      NAFLD progression and have shown that circulating miRNAs reflect histological
      changes in the liver. Therefore, circulating miRNAs have potential use for the
      evaluation of NAFLD severity. In this review, we discuss the involvement of
      miRNAs in NAFLD pathogenesis and the key role of miRNAs in the screening,
      diagnosis, and staging of NAFLD.

PMID- 27680977
TI  - Antidepressant-like effects of acupuncture involved the ERK signaling pathway in
      rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway is
      considered to be associated with the pathogenesis and treatment of depression.
      Acupuncture has been demonstrated to ameliorate depression-related behavior and
      promote neurogenesis. In this study, we explored the role of the ERK signaling
      pathway in the antidepressant-like effects of acupuncture in rats exposed to
      chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). METHODS: Eighty male Sprague-Dawley
      rats were randomly divided into eight groups: control group, model group, model +
      Acupuncture group (Acu group), model + fluoxetine group (FLX group), model + DMSO
      group (DMSO group), model + PD98059 group (PD group), model + Acupuncture +
      PD98059 group (Acu + PD group) and model + fluoxetine + PD98059 group (FLX + PD
      group). Except for the control group, all rats were subjected to 3 weeks of CUMS
      protocols to induce depression. Acupuncture was carried out for 10 min at
      acupoints of Baihui (GV-20) and Yintang (GV-29) each day during the experimental
      procedure. The ERK signaling pathway was inhibited using PD98059 through
      intracerebroventricular injection. The depression-like behaviors were evaluated
      using the sucrose intake and open-field tests. The protein levels of ERK1/2,
      phosphor (p)-ERK1/2, cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), p-CREB and
      brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus were examined using
      western blot. RESULTS: Acupuncture ameliorated the depression-like behaviors and
      dysfunction of the ERK signaling pathway in the hippocampus of CUMS rats. PD98059
      pretreatment inhibited the improvements brought about by acupuncture on the ERK
      signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our results indicated that
      acupuncture had a significant antidepressant-like effect on CUMS-induced
      depression model rats, and the ERK signaling pathway was implicated in this
      effect.

PMID- 27680979
TI  - Effects of estradiol on measurements of conduit artery endothelial function after
      ischemia and reperfusion in premenopausal women.
AB  - In premenopausal women, ovarian steroids are felt to play a role in the
      prevention of cardiovascular disease. We aimed to assess whether menstrual cycle
      variations in estrogen can modify the response to ischemia-reperfusion (IR)
      injury in humans. In an investigator-blinded crossover study, 10 healthy
      premenopausal women with regular menstrual cycles were studied. They had flow
      mediated dilatation (FMD) measured by ultrasound in the radial artery before and
      after IR (15 min of brachial artery ischemia, 15 min of reperfusion) during both
      the early and late follicular phases of the menstrual cycle. The order of these
      visits was not randomized. IR significantly blunted FMD in the early follicular
      phase (pre-IR: 7.1% +/- 1.0%; post-IR: 3.6% +/- 1.0%, P = 0.01) when estradiol
      levels were low (148.4 +/- 19.8 pmol/L). Conversely, FMD was preserved after IR
      during the late follicular phase (pre-IR: 7.2% +/- 0.9%; post-IR: 7.0% +/- 0.8%,
      P = NS, P = 0.03 compared with early follicular) when estradiol levels were high
      (825.7 +/- 85.8 pmol/L, P < 0.001 compared with early follicular). There was a
      significant inverse relationship between estradiol concentration and IR-induced
      endothelial dysfunction (i.e., change in FMD after IR) (r = 0.59, r2 = 0.36, P <
      0.01). These findings demonstrate, for the first time in humans, a clear
      relationship between the cyclical changes in serum concentrations of estradiol
      and the endothelium's response to IR.

PMID- 27680980
TI  - Pre-emptive antibiotic therapy to reduce ventilator-associated pneumonia:
      "thinking outside the box".
AB  - Mechanically ventilated, intubated patients are at increased risk for tracheal
      colonization with bacterial pathogens that may progress to heavy bacterial
      colonization, ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis (VAT), and/or ventilator
      associated pneumonia (VAP). Previous studies report that 10 to 30 % of patients
      with VAT progress to VAP, resulting in increased morbidity and significant acute
      and chronic healthcare costs. Several natural history studies, randomized,
      controlled trials, and a meta-analysis have reported antibiotic treatment for VAT
      can reduce VAP, ventilator days, length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and
      patient morbidity and mortality. We discuss early diagnostic criteria, etiologic
      agents, and benefits of initiating, early, appropriate intravenous or aerosolized
      antibiotic(s) to treat VAT and reduce VAP, to improve patient outcomes by
      reducing lung damage, length of ICU stay, and healthcare costs.

PMID- 27680978
TI  - Gli1, a potential regulator of esophageal cancer stem cell, is identified as an
      independent adverse prognostic factor in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: The hedgehog (Hh) pathway is involved in cancer stem cell (CSC)
      maintenance in various tumors. Glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (Gli1) is a
      key mediator of the Hh pathway; however, its expression and clinical significance
      in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) have not been reported. In this
      study, we aimed to reveal clinical significance of Gli1 expression in ESCC and
      further investigate the potential of Gli1 as a CSC regulator of ESCC by comparing
      its expression with expressions of other stemness genes in ESCC. METHODS: We
      assessed the expressions of Gli1, Sox9, CD44, Sox2, LSD1, and Oct4 in 127
      patients' tissue specimens of ESCC using immunohistochemistry and in ESCC cell
      lines using Western blotting. The relationship of Gli1 expression with clinic
      pathologic parameters as well as cell-cycle-regulating genes was investigated. We
      also investigated the biological pathways that are activated in Gli1-high ESCC
      using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data. RESULTS: Gli1 expression was observed
      in 28.3 % of ESCC, and its expression was correlated with the expression of
      stemness genes, Sox9 (P = 0.003) and CD44 (P = 0.012). And Gli1, CD44, and Sox9
      were highly expressed in more poorly differentiated ESCC cell lines such as TE8
      and TE1 cells. Notably, Gli1 expression was positively associated with distant
      metastasis (P = 0.011), increased microvessel density (MVD) (P = 0.002), and
      expression of cell cycle regulators such as p21, cyclin D1, cyclin E1, and NF
      kappaB (P < 0.05). Sox9 and CD44 expressions in ESCC were also significantly
      associated with unfavorable clinic-pathologic parameters such as increased MVD,
      advanced tumor (pT) stage, and higher TNM stage. Moreover, all three potential
      CSC markers such as Gli1, Sox9, and CD44 were strongly linked to worse clinical
      outcome and independent poor prognostic factors in overall survival and disease
      free survival in ESCC. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that the Gli1-high
      expressing ESCC patients' group was strongly enriched for gene expression
      signature of Hh signaling pathway, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and cancer
      stem cell. CONCLUSIONS: Targeting Gli1, a potential diagnostic marker of ESCC
      stem cells, will have a profound therapeutic and prognostic value.

PMID- 27680981
TI  - Bacteria Are Smartphones and Mobile Genes Are Apps.
AB  - Bacterial core and accessory genome components are analogous to the operating
      system and applications of smartphones. The core genome provides stable taxonomy
      and species lists, but phenotypes reflect the mobile pool of accessory genes.
      This suggests changes to the ways we define bacterial species and describe
      bacterial communities.

PMID- 27680982
TI  - Patient-derived Mammosphere and Xenograft Tumour Initiation Correlates with
      Progression to Metastasis.
AB  - Breast cancer specific mortality results from tumour cell dissemination and
      metastatic colonisation. Identification of the cells and processes responsible
      for metastasis will enable better prevention and control of metastatic disease,
      thus reducing relapse and mortality. To better understand these processes, we
      prospectively collected 307 patient-derived breast cancer samples (n = 195 early
      breast cancers (EBC) and n = 112 metastatic samples (MBC)). We assessed colony
      forming activity in vitro by growing isolated cells in both primary (formation)
      and secondary (self-renewal) mammosphere culture, and tumour initiating activity
      in vivo through subcutaneous transplantation of fragments or cells into mice.
      Metastatic samples formed primary mammosphere colonies significantly more
      frequently than early breast cancers and had significantly higher primary
      mammosphere colony formation efficiency (0.9 % vs. 0.6 %; p < 0.0001). Tumour
      initiation in vivo was significantly higher in metastatic than early breast
      cancer samples (63 % vs. 38 %, p = 0.04). Of 144 breast cancer samples implanted
      in vivo, we established 20 stable patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models at
      passage 2 or greater. Lung metastases were detected in mice from 14 PDX models.
      Mammosphere colony formation in vitro significantly correlated with the ability
      of a tumour to metastasise to the lungs in vivo (p = 0.05), but not with
      subcutaneous tumour initiation. In summary, the breast cancer stem cell
      activities of colony formation and tumour initiation are increased in metastatic
      compared to early samples, and predict metastasis in vivo. These results suggest
      that breast stem cell activity will predict for poor outcome tumours, and therapy
      targeting this activity will improve outcomes for patients with metastatic
      disease.

PMID- 27680983
TI  - Enrichment of dissimilatory Fe(III)-reducing bacteria from groundwater of the
      Siklos BTEX-contaminated site (Hungary).
AB  - Dissimilatory iron-reducing bacteria are commonly found in microbial communities
      of aromatic hydrocarbon-contaminated subsurface environments where they often
      play key role in the degradation of the contaminants. The Siklos benzene,
      toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX)-contaminated area is one of the best
      characterized petroleum hydrocarbon-contaminated sites of Hungary. Continuous
      monitoring of the microbial community in the center of the contaminant plume
      indicated the presence of an emerging Geobacter population and a Rhodoferax
      phylotype highly associated with aromatic hydrocarbon-contaminated subsurface
      environments. The aim of the present study was to make an initial effort to
      enrich Rhodoferax-related and other dissimilatory iron-reducing bacteria from
      this environment. Accordingly, four slightly different freshwater media were used
      to enrich Fe(III) reducers, differing only in the form of nitrogen source
      (organic, inorganic nitrogen or gaseous headspace nitrogen). Although enrichment
      of the desired Rhodoferax phylotype was not succeeded, Geobacter-related bacteria
      were readily enriched. Moreover, the different nitrogen sources caused the
      enrichment of different Geobacter species. Investigation of the diversity of
      benzylsuccinate synthase gene both in the enrichments and in the initial
      groundwater sample indicated that the Geobacter population in the center of the
      contaminant plume may not play a significant role in the anaerobic degradation of
      toluene.

PMID- 27680985
TI  - To Be Real or Virtual? That is the Question....
AB  - This editorial describes a crossroad that many plastic surgeons face when they
      have to decide how to manage their career. Level of Evidence V This journal
      requires that the 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- 27680984
TI  - Evaluating social exclusion interventions in university-community partnerships.
AB  - Most university-community partnerships (UCPs) involve elements of community-level
      social exclusion interventions. As such, they face substantial challenges in
      management and evaluation. This paper highlights the central challenges
      associated with evaluation of UCP and other social exclusion interventions at the
      community level, and suggests methods to overcome them. The main body of the
      paper presents a case study based on a four-year action research involving
      evaluation of a social exclusion intervention initiated and implemented by a UCP
      in Israel. The case study highlights the challenges faced by the evaluation team,
      the solutions provided, and the contribution of the evaluation to improvement and
      accountability.

PMID- 27680986
TI  - Functioning Among Youth with Comorbid Mood Disorder and Chronic Physical Illness
      in Public Sector Care.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The current study examines parent/caregiver and youth report of
      psychosocial and health-related functioning among youth served in public systems
      of care, with mood disorder only, comorbid mood disorder and chronic physical
      illness, and chronic physical illness only. METHOD: Participants were 539 youths
      (ages, 11-18; 64% male) with a mood disorder and/or chronic physical illness
      enrolled in a study of public sector care. Presence of mood disorder was based on
      youth report on the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children-IV. Parents
      reported whether they had been told by a school or health professional that their
      child had 1 of 8 categories of chronic physical illnesses. Psychosocial
      functioning was assessed with the Child Behavior Checklist and Youth Self Report.
      Parent and child versions of the Child Health Questionnaire assessed health
      related functioning. Covariates included demographic variables, substance use,
      mental health service utilization, disruptive behavior disorders, and anxiety
      disorders. Multivariate analysis of covariances assessed differences on outcome
      measures among the 3 groups. RESULTS: Parents and youths reported significantly
      worse psychosocial and health-related functioning for youth with comorbid mood
      and physical illnesses. Generally, parents reported lower functioning in youth
      with a physical illness compared with mood disorder, and youth with mood
      disorders reported lower functioning than those with physical illness.
      CONCLUSION: Youth with comorbid mood disorder and chronic physical illness
      experience high levels of impairment. Increased screening of mood disorders in
      pediatric health settings is warranted. Health systems, clinics, and clinicians
      should focus on integrating mental and physical health diagnosis and treatment.

PMID- 27680988
TI  - Contracaecum sp. parasitizing Acestrorhynchus lacustris as a bioindicator for
      metal pollution in the Batalha River, southeast Brazil.
AB  - Pollution in aquatic ecosystems due to negative human activities remains a
      problem in both freshwater and marine environments and is an ongoing subject of
      research. Several studies have shown that some fish parasites can be used as a
      tool for biomonitoring because they demonstrate higher metal accumulation
      capacity compared to their host tissues. However, compared to acanthocephalans,
      information regarding the absorption mechanisms and accumulation rates in
      nematodes is relatively limited. Here, we evaluated the potential of larvae
      Contracaecum sp. (L3) as indicators of contamination by metals by analyzing
      thirteen element concentrations: magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti),
      chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn),
      arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), barium (Ba), and lead (Pb) in the parasites and host
      Acestrorhynchus lacustris, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.
      Twelve of the thirteen analyzed elements were detected in at least 2-fold higher
      concentrations (e.g. Ni) and were up to approximately 50-fold higher (e.g. Pb) in
      parasites than in host tissues, including elements known for their high toxicity
      (As, Cd, Pb) and those considered to be essential (Cu and Zn). Our results
      suggest that Contracaecum sp. larvae can be used as bioindicators of metal
      contamination because even in early stages of development, numerous essential and
      non-essential elements were accumulated, making this system a useful tool for
      monitoring polluted environments.

PMID- 27680989
TI  - Do omega-3 PUFAs affect insulin resistance in a sex-specific manner? A systematic
      review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Evidence has suggested that omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids
      (PUFAs) improve obesity-induced insulin resistance (IR); however, results from
      human intervention trials have been equivocal. Recently it has been reported that
      n-3 PUFA status is inversely associated with type 2 diabetes in women but not in
      men, suggesting a sex-dependent effect. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine whether
      n-3 PUFA interventions affect IR in a sex-dependent manner. DESIGN: Five
      databases were searched (Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, and Pre-Medline) for
      randomized controlled trials. Searches were limited to the English language and
      to studies with adults aged >18 y. When possible, studies were pooled for a meta
      analysis. The principle summary measure was the standardized mean difference
      (SMD) between groups. RESULTS: Thirty-one eligible trials were identified with a
      total of 1848 participants [men: 45.1%; weighted mean +/- SD age: 52.5 +/- 8.2 y;
      weighted body mass index (in kg/m2): 28.8 +/- 3.0]. Seven studies were conducted
      in women, 4 studies were conducted in men, and the remaining studies pooled men
      and women together. Twenty-six trials were pooled for the meta-analysis (men: n =
      2; women: n = 6). With all studies (n = 26) pooled, there was no effect of n-3
      PUFA on IR at the group level (SMD: 0.089; 95% CI: -0.105, 0.283; P = 0.367). In
      trials of >=6 wk, a significant improvement in IR was seen in women (SMD: -0.266;
      95% CI: -0.524, -0.007; P = 0.045) but not in men (SMD: 0.619; 95% CI: -0.583,
      1.820; P = 0.313). CONCLUSIONS: With this analysis, we provide preliminary
      evidence of a sex-dependent response of IR to an n-3 PUFA intervention.
      Additional studies are needed to confirm sex-dependent associations and to
      elucidate the potential mechanisms that are involved. This trial was registered
      at www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/ as CRD42015017940.

PMID- 27680987
TI  - Fermented Fiber Supplements Are No Better Than Placebo for a Laxative Effect.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Misconceptions about the effects of dietary fiber and 'functional'
      fiber on stool parameters and constipation persist in the literature. METHODS: A
      comprehensive literature review was conducted with the use of the Scopus and
      PubMed scientific databases to identify and objectively assess well-controlled
      clinical studies that evaluated the effects of fiber on stool parameters and
      constipation. RESULTS: The totality of well-controlled randomized clinical
      studies show that, to exert a laxative effect, fiber must: (1) resist
      fermentation to remain intact throughout the large bowel and present in stool,
      and (2) significantly increase stool water content and stool output, resulting in
      soft/bulky/easy-to-pass stools. Poorly fermented insoluble fiber (e.g., wheat
      bran) remains as discreet particles which can mechanically irritate the gut
      mucosa, stimulating water & mucous secretion if the particles are sufficiently
      large/coarse. For soluble fibers, some have no effect on viscosity (e.g., inulin,
      wheat dextrin) while others form high viscosity gels (e.g., beta-glucan,
      psyllium). If the soluble fiber is readily fermented, whether non-viscous or gel
      forming, it has no effect on stool output or stool water content, and has no
      laxative effect. In contrast, a non-fermented, gel-forming soluble fiber (e.g.,
      psyllium) retains its gelled nature and high water-holding capacity throughout
      the large bowel, resulting in soft/bulky/easy-to-pass stools. CONCLUSION: When
      considering a recommendation for a fiber supplement regimen to treat and/or
      prevent constipation, it is important to consider which fibers have the physical
      characteristics to exert a laxative effect, and which fiber supplements have
      rigorous clinical evidence of a significant benefit in patients with
      constipation.

PMID- 27680991
TI  - Public health economic evaluation of different European Union-level policy
      options aimed at reducing population dietary trans fat intake.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The adverse relation between dietary trans fatty acid (TFA) intake
      and coronary artery disease risk is well established. Many countries in the
      European Union (EU) and worldwide have implemented different policies to reduce
      the TFA intake of their populations. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to
      assess the added value of EU-level action by estimating the cost-effectiveness of
      3 possible EU-level policy measures to reduce population dietary TFA intake. This
      was calculated against a reference situation of not implementing any EU-level
      policy (i.e., by assuming only national or self-regulatory measures). DESIGN: We
      developed a mathematical model to compare different policy options at the EU
      level: 1) to do nothing beyond the current state (reference situation), 2) to
      impose mandatory TFA labeling of prepackaged foods, 3) to seek voluntary
      agreements toward further reducing industrially produced TFA (iTFA) content in
      foods, and 4) to impose a legislative limit for iTFA content in foods. RESULTS:
      The model indicated that to impose an EU-level legal limit or to make voluntary
      agreements may, over the course of a lifetime (85 y), avoid the loss of 3.73 and
      2.19 million disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), respectively, and save >51
      and 23 billion euros when compared with the reference situation. Implementing
      mandatory TFA labeling can also avoid the loss of 0.98 million DALYs, but this
      option incurs more costs than it saves compared with the reference option.
      CONCLUSIONS: The model indicates that there is added value of an EU-level action,
      either via a legal limit or through voluntary agreements, with the legal limit
      option producing the highest additional health benefits. Introducing mandatory
      TFA labeling for the EU common market may provide some additional health
      benefits; however, this would likely not be a cost-effective strategy.

PMID- 27680992
TI  - The 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans is associated with a more nutrient
      dense diet and a lower risk of obesity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dietary pattern analysis represents a departure from the traditional
      focus on single foods and nutrients and provides a comprehensive understanding of
      the role of the diet in chronic disease prevention and etiology. Dietary patterns
      of Canadians have not been evaluated comprehensively with the use of an updated a
      priori dietary quality index. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to update the Dietary
      Guidelines for Americans Adherence Index (DGAI) on the basis of the 2015 Dietary
      Guidelines for Americans (DGA), to evaluate the construct validity and
      reliability of the revised index, and to examine whether closer adherence to this
      index is associated with a lower risk of obesity with or without an accompanying
      chronic disease. DESIGN: Data from 11,748 participants (>=18 y of age) in the
      cross-sectional Canadian Community Health Survey cycle 2.2 were used in weighted
      multivariate analyses. Multinomial logistic regression was used to test the
      association between diet quality and obesity risk. RESULTS: With the use of
      principal component analyses, the multidimensionality of the 2015 DGAI was
      confirmed, and its reliability was shown with a high Cronbach's alpha = 0.75.
      Moving from the first to the fourth (healthiest) quartile of the 2015 DGAI score,
      there was a trend toward decreased energy (2492 +/- 26 compared with 2403 +/- 22
      kcal, respectively; +/-SE) and nutrients of concern (e.g., sodium), whereas
      intakes of beneficial nutrients increased (P-trend < 0.05). In the age- and sex
      adjusted model, a lack of adherence to the 2015 DGA recommendations increased the
      OR of being unhealthy obese from 1.42 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.99) in quartile 3 to 2.08
      (95% CI: 1.49, 2.90) in quartile 2 to 2.31 (95% CI: 1.65, 3.23) in the first
      quartile of the 2015 DGAI score, compared with the fourth quartile (healthiest)
      (P-trend < 0.0001). The odds of being obese without a chronic disease (healthy
      obese) and having a chronic disease without being obese also increased in the
      lowest DGAI quartile compared with the highest DGAI quartile, albeit not as much
      as in the unhealthy obese group. CONCLUSION: The 2015 DGAI provides a valid and
      reliable measure of diet quality among Canadians.

PMID- 27680990
TI  - Consumption of a flavonoid-rich acai meal is associated with acute improvements
      in vascular function and a reduction in total oxidative status in healthy
      overweight men.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acai (Euterpe oleracea) is a polyphenol-rich fruit marketed as
      beneficial for health. Experimental data showing improvements in health markers
      arising from acai consumption in humans is limited. OBJECTIVE: The objective of
      the present study was to investigate the effect of acai consumption on acute
      changes in vascular function and on other disease risk markers, including
      postprandial plasma insulin, glucose, and oxidative stress. DESIGN: Twenty-three
      healthy male volunteers, aged 30-65 y and with a body mass index (in kg/m2) of 25
      30, completed a randomized, controlled, high-fat challenge, double-blind,
      crossover, acute dietary intervention trial. The volunteers consumed either an
      acai-based smoothie (AS) or a macronutrient-matched control smoothie (PS)
      together with a high-fat breakfast meal challenge. The primary endpoint was the
      assessment of endothelial function in the brachial artery by flow-mediated
      dilatation (FMD). RESULTS: The acute consumption of an AS containing 694 mg total
      phenolics improved vascular function, with postprandial increases in FMD from
      baseline of 1.4% at 2 h compared with 0.4% after consumption of the PS (P =
      0.001) and increases at 6 h of 0.8% for the AS compared with -0.3% for the PS (P
      < 0.001). There was also a significantly lower incremental area under the curve
      (iAUC) for total peroxide oxidative status after acai consumption relative to the
      control. No significant changes were observed in blood pressure, heart rate, or
      postprandial glucose response. However, the first postprandial insulin peak
      (after breakfast) and the iAUC for insulin were elevated for the AS relative to
      the PS. CONCLUSIONS: In this acute study in overweight men, acai consumption was
      associated with improvements in vascular function, which may lower the risk of a
      cardiovascular event. Future intervention studies, perhaps with a chronic design,
      in wider populations and with other biomarkers of disease risk are needed to
      fully elucidate the benefits of acai to health. This trial was registered at
      clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02292329.

PMID- 27680993
TI  - Potato consumption and risk of cardiovascular disease: 2 prospective cohort
      studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Whether consumption of potatoes, which are rich in potassium and have
      a high glycemic index and glycemic load, is associated with the risk of
      cardiovascular disease (CVD) is unknown. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to examine the
      association between potato consumption and risk of total and specific CVD events
      as well as mortality from CVD in 2 prospective cohorts of Swedish adults, a
      population with a high consumption of potatoes. DESIGN: Information on potato
      consumption was available from 69,313 men and women, free of CVD and diabetes, in
      the Cohort of Swedish Men and the Swedish Mammography Cohort. Nonfatal and fatal
      cases of CVD diagnosed over 13 y of follow-up were identified by linkage with the
      Swedish National Patient and Cause of Death Registers. Analyses were conducted by
      using a Cox proportional hazards regression model, controlled for potential
      confounders. RESULTS: We ascertained 10,147 major CVD events [myocardial
      infarction (MI), heart failure (HF), and stroke] and 4003 deaths due to CVD.
      Total potato consumption was not associated with the risk of major CVD events,
      specific CVD endpoints, or CVD mortality in either men or women. Multivariable
      HRs (95% CIs) per an increment of 3 servings/wk of total potato consumption
      (boiled potatoes, fried potatoes, and French fries) were 1.00 (0.97, 1.02) for
      major CVD events, 1.01 (0.97, 1.04) for MI, 0.97 (0.93, 1.02) for HF, 1.01 (0.97,
      1.05) for stroke, and 0.99 (0.95, 1.03) for CVD mortality. There were no
      significant trends between the consumption of boiled potatoes, fried potatoes, or
      French fries and risk of any CVD outcome. CONCLUSION: Potato consumption was not
      associated with the risk of CVD in this population. The Swedish Mammography
      Cohort and the Cohort of Swedish Men are registered at clinicaltrials.gov as
      NCT01127698 and NCT01127711, respectively.

PMID- 27680994
TI  - Effect of complementary food supplementation on breastfeeding and home diet in
      rural Bangladeshi children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Complementary food supplements (CFSs) can enhance growth where
      stunting is common, but substitution for the usual diet may reduce observed
      benefits. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to characterize dietary diversity from home foods
      in a CFS efficacy trial and determine whether supplementation reduced
      breastfeeding frequency or displaced home foods. DESIGN: In a cluster-randomized
      controlled trial in rural Bangladesh, children (n = 5499) received, for 1 y
      starting at age 6 mo, periodic child feeding counseling for mothers (control) or
      counseling plus 1 of 4 CFSs fed as a daily snack. Breastfeeding status and past
      24-h diet were assessed at enrollment and every 3 mo thereafter until 18 mo of
      age. A 7-food group dietary diversity score (DDS) was calculated from home foods
      only, and a DDS >=4 constituted minimum dietary diversity (MDD). RESULTS: Most
      children (97%) were breastfed through 18 mo of age, and 24-h breastfeeding
      frequency did not differ by supplementation group. Child dietary diversity was
      low; only 51% of children met the MDD by 18 mo. Rice, potatoes, and biscuits
      (cookies) were the most frequently consumed foods, whereas the legumes, dairy,
      eggs, and vitamin A-rich fruit and vegetable food groups were each consumed by
      <50% of children. The odds of meeting the MDD through the consumption of home
      foods were equal or greater in the supplemented groups compared with the control
      group at all ages. High socioeconomic status and any maternal education were
      associated with increased odds of MDD at age 18 mo, whereas child sex and
      household food security were not associated with MDD. CONCLUSIONS: In a setting
      where daily complementary food supplementation improved linear growth, there was
      no evidence that supplementation displaced breastfeeding or home foods, and the
      supplementation may have improved dietary diversity. Pathways by which
      supplementation with fortified foods may enhance dietary diversity, such as an
      improved appetite and increased body size, need elucidation. This trial was
      registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01562379.

PMID- 27680995
TI  - Applying inappropriate cutoffs leads to misinterpretation of folate status in the
      US population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Folate cutoffs for risk of deficiency compared with possible
      deficiency were originally derived differently (experimental compared with
      epidemiologic data), and their interpretations are different. The matching of
      cutoffs derived from one assay with population-based data derived from another
      assay requires caution. OBJECTIVE: We assessed the extent of folate-status
      misinterpretation with the use of inappropriate cutoffs. DESIGN: In the cross
      sectional NHANES, serum and red blood cell (RBC) folate were first measured with
      the use of a radioprotein-binding assay (RPBA) (1988-2006) and, afterwards, with
      the use of a microbiologic assay (2007-2010). We compared prevalence estimates
      for assay-matched cutoffs (e.g., with the use of an RPBA cutoff with RPBA data)
      and assay-mismatched cutoffs (e.g., with the use of microbiologic assay cutoff
      with RPBA data) for risk of deficiency on the basis of megaloblastic anemia as a
      hematologic indicator in persons >=4 y of age (e.g., serum folate concentration
      <7 nmol/L and RBC folate concentration <305 nmol/L derived with the use of a
      microbiologic assay), possible deficiency on the basis of rising homocysteine as
      a metabolic indicator in persons >=4 y of age (e.g., serum folate concentration
      <10 nmol/L and RBC folate concentration <340 nmol/L derived with the use of an
      RPBA), and insufficiency on the basis of elevated risk of neural tube defects in
      women 12-49 y old (e.g., RBC folate concentration <906 nmol/L derived with the
      use of a microbiologic assay). RESULTS: Pre-folic acid fortification (1988-1994),
      risks of deficiency for assay-matched compared with assay-mismatched cutoffs were
      5.6% compared with 16% (serum folate), respectively, and 7.4% compared with 28%
      (RBC folate), respectively; risks declined postfortification (1999-2006) to <1%
      compared with <1% (serum folate), respectively, and to <1% compared with 2.5%
      (RBC folate), respectively. Prefortification (1988-1994), risks of possible
      deficiency for assay-matched compared with assay-mismatched cutoffs were 35%
      compared with 56% (serum folate), respectively, and 37% compared with 84% (RBC
      folate), respectively; risks declined postfortification (1999-2006) to 1.9%
      compared with 7.0% (serum folate), respectively, and to 4.8% compared with 53%
      (RBC folate), respectively. Postfortification (2007-2010), risks of insufficiency
      were 3% (assay matched) compared with 39% (assay mismatched), respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: The application of assay-mismatched cutoffs leads to a
      misinterpretation of folate status. This confusion likely applies to clinical
      assays because no comparability data are available, to our knowledge.

PMID- 27680997
TI  - Calcium-dependent microneme protein discharge and in vitro egress of Eimeria
      tenella sporozoites.
AB  - Egress is a vital step in the endogenous development of apicomplexan parasites,
      as it assures the parasites exit from consumed host cells and entry into fresh
      ones. However, little information has previously been reported on this step of
      Eimeria spp. In this study, we investigated in vitro egress of Eimeria tenella
      sporozoites triggered by acetaldehyde. We found that addition of exogenous
      acetaldehyde induces egress of sporozoites from primary chicken kidney cells
      (PCKs) and stimulate secretion of E. tenella microneme 2 protein (EtMic 2).
      Moreover, by using cellular calcium inhibitors, we further proved that these
      processes were dependent on the intracellular calcium of the parasites. Our
      findings provide clues to the study of interaction between eimerian parasites and
      their hosts.

PMID- 27680996
TI  - Adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with better quality of life:
      data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Mediterranean diet has positively influenced various medical
      conditions, but only a paucity of studies has considered the relation between the
      Mediterranean diet and quality of life (QOL) among people living in North
      America. OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether a higher adherence to the
      Mediterranean diet (aMED) was associated with better QOL and decreased pain,
      stiffness, disability, and depression in a large cohort of North Americans from
      the Osteoarthritis Initiative. DESIGN: aMED was evaluated through a validated
      Mediterranean diet score categorized into quintiles. Outcomes of interest were
      QOL [assessed with the 12-Item Short-Form Health Outcome Survey (SF-12)];
      disability, pain, and stiffness [assessed in both knees with the Western Ontario
      and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC)]; and depressive symptoms
      [assessed with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D)].
      RESULTS: Of the 4470 participants (2605 women; mean age: 61.3 y), those with a
      higher aMED had significantly more favorable scores on all outcomes investigated
      (P < 0.0001 for all comparisons). After adjustment for potential confounders in
      linear regression analyses, a higher aMED was significantly associated with a
      higher SF-12 physical composite scale value (beta: 0.10; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.15; P <
      0.0001), lower WOMAC scores (except for stiffness), and lower CES-D scores (beta:
      -0.05; 95% CI: -0.09, -0.01; P = 0.01). An adjusted logistic regression analysis,
      taking as reference those in the 2 highest quintiles of the aMED score, confirmed
      these findings. CONCLUSION: Higher aMED is associated with better QOL and
      decreased pain, disability, and depressive symptoms. This trial was registered at
      clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00080171.

PMID- 27680999
TI  - Senior consultant warns against indiscriminate closures of emergency departments.

PMID- 27681000
TI  - Prognostic Implications of Biomarker Assessments in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
      at High Cardiovascular Risk: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial.
AB  - Importance: Cardiac biomarkers provide insights into pathophysiologic processes
      and offer an attractive strategy for the assessment of cardiovascular risk.
      Objective: To assess the incremental prognostic value of biomarkers that reflect
      different pathophysiologic processes in patients with type 2 diabetes. Design,
      Setting, and Participants: The Saxagliptin Assessment of Vascular Outcomes
      Recorded in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus (SAVOR)-Thrombolysis in Myocardial
      Infarction (TIMI) 53 is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical
      trial that evaluated the safety of saxagliptin vs placebo in 16 492 outpatients
      with type 2 diabetes with overt cardiovascular disease (CVD) or multiple risk
      factors. In this secondary analysis, widely used biomarkers were evaluated to
      ascertain whether they would provide incremental prognostic value in the risk
      stratification. Median follow-up was 2.1 years (interquartile range, 1.8-2.3
      years). The study was performed from May 10, 2010, to June 15, 2013.
      Interventions: Randomization to saxagliptin vs placebo in addition to standard
      care. Main Outcomes and Measures: Concentrations of high-sensitivity troponin T,
      N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, and high-sensitivity C-reactive
      protein were analyzed continuously and by established cut points. Cardiovascular
      death, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and hospitalization for heart
      failure (HF) were adjudicated by a blinded events committee. Results: Of the 16
      492 patients, 5455 (33.1%) were female and 11 037 (66.9%) were male. Mean (SD)
      age was 65.0 (8.5) years (range, 39-99 years). Baseline biomarkers were measured
      in 12 310 patients. Elevated levels of each biomarker were associated
      significantly with increased risk for all cardiovascular end points. When added
      to clinical variables, biomarkers significantly improved the discrimination and
      appropriate reclassification of risk. Elevated high-sensitivity troponin T was
      associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular death (adjusted hazard ratio
      [AHR], 3.07; 95% CI, 2.35-4.02; P < .001), myocardial infarction (AHR, 2.13; 95%
      CI, 1.69-2.67; P < .001), and hospitalization for HF (AHR, 3.85; 95% CI, 2.82
      5.27; P < .001). Elevated N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide was also
      associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular death (AHR, 3.09; 95% CI,
      2.46-3.89; P < .001), myocardial infarction (AHR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.51-2.53; P <
      .001), and hospitalization for HF (AHR, 3.92; 95% CI, 3.11-4.92; P < .001).
      Elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein was more weakly associated with an
      increased risk of cardiovascular death (AHR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.22-1.82; P < .001)
      and hospitalization for HF (AHR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.20-1.81; P < .001). Consistent
      results were seen in patients with or without established CVD. Conclusions and
      Relevance: A substantial proportion of patients with stable type 2 diabetes with
      established CVD or multiple clinical risk factors have evidence of ongoing
      myocardial injury, hemodynamic stress, or systemic inflammation. Biomarker risk
      stratification thus challenges the traditional differentiation between primary
      and secondary prevention based simply on clinical history. Strategies to improve
      risk stratification in patients with type 2 diabetes, with or without CVD, should
      consider incorporation of biomarker data into standard risk algorithms. Trial
      Registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01107886.

PMID- 27680998
TI  - Arabidopsis FORGETTER1 mediates stress-induced chromatin memory through
      nucleosome remodeling.
AB  - Plants as sessile organisms can adapt to environmental stress to mitigate its
      adverse effects. As part of such adaptation they maintain an active memory of
      heat stress for several days that promotes a more efficient response to recurring
      stress. We show that this heat stress memory requires the activity of the
      FORGETTER1 (FGT1) locus, with fgt1 mutants displaying reduced maintenance of heat
      induced gene expression. FGT1 encodes the Arabidopsis thaliana orthologue of
      Strawberry notch (Sno), and the protein globally associates with the promoter
      regions of actively expressed genes in a heat-dependent fashion. FGT1 interacts
      with chromatin remodelers of the SWI/SNF and ISWI families, which also display
      reduced heat stress memory. Genomic targets of the BRM remodeler overlap
      significantly with FGT1 targets. Accordingly, nucleosome dynamics at loci with
      altered maintenance of heat-induced expression are affected in fgt1. Together,
      our results suggest that by modulating nucleosome occupancy, FGT1 mediates stress
      induced chromatin memory.

PMID- 27681001
TI  - TREATMENT OF VITREOMACULAR TRACTION WITH INTRAVITREAL PERFLUOROPROPANE (C3F8)
      INJECTION.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the posterior vitreous release rates following a single,
      office-based intravitreal injection of expansile gas in treating vitreomacular
      traction. METHODS: Thirty eyes of 29 consecutive patients with symptomatic
      vitreomacular traction received a single, office-based intravitreal injection of
      up to 0.3 mL of 100% perfluoropropane (C3F8). RESULTS: Overall, vitreomacular
      traction release occurred in 25 of 30 eyes by the final follow-up visit (83%
      final release rate); furthermore, 90% (9 of 10 eyes) with diabetes mellitus
      released, 83% (5 of 6 eyes) with concurrent epiretinal membrane released, and 83%
      (5 of 6 eyes) previously treated with ocriplasmin released. Vitreomacular
      traction release occurred overnight in some patients and was documented on
      spectral domain optical coherence tomography at an average of 13 days (range, 1
      62 days). The phakic release rate was 89% (16 of 18 eyes) versus a 75%
      pseudophakic release rate (9 of 12 eyes) (P = 0.3173). Ellipsoid zone changes on
      spectral domain optical coherence tomography occurred in 1 of 30 gas-treated
      eyes. One patient developed pupillary block. CONCLUSION: Office-based
      intravitreal injection of C3F8 offers an inexpensive and effective treatment for
      vitreomacular traction, including for patients who underwent previous ocriplasmin
      administration and in patients with diabetes mellitus or epiretinal membrane.

PMID- 27681002
TI  - INFLIXIMAB THERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH NONINFECTIOUS INTERMEDIATE UVEITIS RESISTANT
      TO CONVENTIONAL IMMUNOMODULATORY THERAPY.
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine the efficacy and safety of infliximab therapy in the
      treatment for noninfectious intermediate uveitis resistant to conventional
      immunomodulatory therapy. METHODS: Forty-four eyes of 23 patients with resistant
      noninfectious intermediate uveitis who were treated with infliximab infusions for
      a minimum period of 3 months were included. Demographic data, clinical data, and
      fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography findings were collected
      from the Massachusetts Eye Research and Surgery Institution database between
      August 2005 and February 2014. Clinical response, improvement in ancillary test
      findings, and major side effects were evaluated. RESULTS: Nineteen patients
      (82.6%) achieved remission. The mean duration of treatment to induce remission
      was 3.99 +/- 3.06 months (range, 2-14.7). Cystoid macular edema was the only
      complication observed during the course of the treatment in 1 eye (2.27%). One
      patient (4.3%) developed major side effects. None of the patients developed
      central or peripheral demyelinating neuropathies or multiple sclerosis. At 6
      months after remission, logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution visual
      acuity (P = 0.006) and central macular thickness (P = 0.03) showed significant
      improvement in patients who achieved remission. CONCLUSION: A significant number
      of patients achieved remission on infliximab therapy. The incidence of major side
      effects in our cohort was low.

PMID- 27681003
TI  - Seeing the rural healthcare journeys of older adults with atrial fibrillation
      through a photographic lens.
AB  - Objectives Obtaining the voices of older adult patients with atrial fibrillation
      (AF) about their health and healthcare has become increasingly important in
      providing quality care. The purpose of this study was to understand the unique
      contributions of photographs in the healthcare journeys of rural living older
      adults with AF. Methods As part of a larger mixed methods study 10 older adults
      with AF living in rural communities were recruited through two rural primary care
      physicians' practices. They were followed over six months through a combination
      of face-to-face and telephone interviews. Photographs were submitted along with
      personal journey logs to report healthcare interactions. A photographic analysis
      was conducted. Results Collectively photos illuminated aspects of older adults AF
      journeys (stable, chronic unstable, and acute crisis) less explicit in the
      narrative accounts. Three themes emerged: focus of attention, life-space, and
      support. Shifts in illness as a focus of attention and life-space paralleled
      patients at different points in their AF journeys while a range of formal and
      informal supports were available to them. Discussion Photographs were valuable in
      shedding light on older adults' rural healthcare experiences. They offer a
      nuanced approach for gaining insights into the subtleties characterizing the
      journeys of older adults with AF.

PMID- 27681004
TI  - Diagnosis of invasive fungal diseases in pediatric patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The optimal management of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) in
      children requires prompt and precise diagnosis that enables timely implementation
      of appropriate antifungal therapy and decreased use of unnecessary toxic
      antifungals. Areas covered: Traditional approaches such as culture, microscopy
      and histopathology remain the gold standard but are often not sufficiently
      sensitive and specific. These limitations have led to the development of
      alternative non-invasive diagnostic methods that in most cases detect fungal
      components, such as antigens or nucleic acids. To date, galactomannan and 1,3
      beta-D-glucan assays are the most efficient non-culture methods for diagnosis and
      monitoring of antifungal therapy. New technologies from nano-sciences are
      applied, like T2Candida assay. However, these are not standardized or validated
      in children. Herein, we focus on IFI diagnosis emphasizing current perspectives,
      interpretation difficulties, and need for further evaluation in pediatrics.
      Expert commentary: The new diagnostic tools may enhance diagnostic capacity in
      combination with traditional methods.

PMID- 27681005
TI  - Preventing Posttraumatic Stress Related to Sexual Assault Through Early
      Intervention: A Systematic Review.
AB  - Sexual assault survivors come into contact with a variety of community responders
      after assault, and these interactions may play an important role in mitigating
      distress. Given theoretical understandings of the importance of early experiences
      in the development of posttraumatic stress (PTS), early contact with formal
      systems (e.g., health care, criminal justice, social services) and informal
      responders (e.g., friends, family) might be particularly important in preventing
      PTS. However, the effectiveness of these early interventions is unclear.
      Understanding the key elements of early interventions, both formal and informal,
      that successfully prevent the development of PTS could help to improve community
      responses to sexual assault and ultimately promote survivor well-being. In this
      systematic review, we investigate the types of experiences with responders in the
      early aftermath of assault that are associated with PTS, the duration of effects
      on PTS, and the role of the timing of these responses in the development of PTS.
      Findings indicate that responder contact alone is not typically associated with
      significant differences in PTS, and there is insufficient evidence to indicate
      that the timing of seeking help is associated with PTS, but the quality of
      services provided and perceptions of interactions with certain responders appear
      to be associated with PTS. Although many effects were short-lived, interventions
      that were perceived positively may be associated with lower PTS up to a year
      postassault. These findings support the importance of offering best practice
      interventions that are perceived positively, rather than simply encouraging
      survivors to seek help.

PMID- 27681006
TI  - Antiseptics and Antibiotics for Surgical Wounds Healing by Secondary Intention:
      Summary of a Cochrane Review.
AB  - Clinical Question: Do antiseptics and antibiotics benefit surgical wounds healing
      by secondary intention (SWHSI)? Bottom Line: No high-quality randomized clinical
      trials have addressed this question. Current evidence is limited and
      insufficient; it is uncertain whether treating SWHSI with antiseptics or
      antibiotics is beneficial.

PMID- 27681007
TI  - Diagnosis of CCSVI in Meniere syndrome.
AB  - PURPOSE: The authors have evaluated by ultrasound the CCSVI in Meniere's Disease.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: 140 patients with diagnosis of Meniere's Disease, who have
      had not improvement to usual therapy, underwent echo color Doppler sonografy by
      Zamboni's protocol for the diagnosis of CCSVI . 128 were positive. RESULTS:
      Ultrasound diagnosis of CCSVI was performed in patients with Meniere's Disease
      with a positivity in 128 patients on 140 examinated (90% of cases). In healthy
      population the presence of CCSVI has been evident in 3% of cases. CONCLUSIONS:
      There is a significant prevalence of CCSVI in patients with Meniere's Disease KEY
      WORDS: CCSVI, Duplex US, Meniere Disease, Multiple Sclerosis.

PMID- 27681008
TI  - Using cloud models of heartbeats as the entity identifier to secure mobile
      devices.
AB  - Mobile devices are extensively used to store more private and often sensitive
      information. Therefore, it is important to protect them against unauthorised
      access. Authentication ensures that authorised users can use mobile devices.
      However, traditional authentication methods, such as numerical or graphic
      passwords, are vulnerable to passive attacks. For example, an adversary can steal
      the password by snooping from a shorter distance. To avoid these problems, this
      study presents a biometric approach that uses cloud models of heartbeats as the
      entity identifier to secure mobile devices. Here, it is identified that these
      concepts including cloud model or cloud have nothing to do with cloud computing.
      The cloud model appearing in the study is the cognitive model. In the proposed
      method, heartbeats are collected by two ECG electrodes that are connected to one
      mobile device. The backward normal cloud generator is used to generate ECG
      standard cloud models characterising the heartbeat template. When a user tries to
      have access to their mobile device, cloud models regenerated by fresh heartbeats
      will be compared with ECG standard cloud models to determine if the current user
      can use this mobile device. This authentication method was evaluated from three
      aspects including accuracy, authentication time and energy consumption. The
      proposed method gives 86.04% of true acceptance rate with 2.73% of false
      acceptance rate. One authentication can be done in 6s, and this processing
      consumes about 2000 mW of power.

PMID- 27681009
TI  - "Housing First" for Homeless Youth With Mental Illness.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: "Housing First" has been shown to improve housing
      stability in homeless individuals with mental illness, but had not been
      empirically tested in homeless youth. We aimed to evaluate the effect of "Housing
      First" on housing stability in homeless youth aged 18 to 24 years participating
      in At Home/Chez Soi, a 24-month randomized trial of "Housing First" in 5 Canadian
      cities. METHODS: Homeless individuals with mental illness were randomized to
      receive "Housing First" (combined with assertive community treatment or intensive
      case management depending on their level of need) or treatment as usual. We
      defined our primary outcome, housing stability, as the percent of days stably
      housed as a proportion of days for which residence data were available. RESULTS:
      Of 2148 participants who completed baseline interviews and were randomized, 7% (n
      = 156) were youth aged 18 to 24 years; 87 received "Housing First" and 69
      received treatment as usual. In an adjusted analysis, youth in "Housing First"
      were stably housed a mean of 437 of 645 (65%) days for which data were available
      compared with youth in treatment as usual, who were stably housed a mean of 189
      of 582 (31%) days for which data were available, resulting in an adjusted mean
      difference of 34% (95% confidence interval, 24%-45%; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS:
      "Housing First" was associated with improved housing stability in homeless youth
      with mental illness. Future research should explore whether adaptations of the
      model for youth yield additional improvements in housing stability and other
      outcomes.

PMID- 27681010
TI  - Preterm Thrombocytopenia and Delay of Ductus Arteriosus Closure.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether preterm thrombocytopenia within 24 hours of birth
      is associated with delayed closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and higher
      proportion of hemodynamically significant PDA (Hs-PDA). METHODS: Neonates
      (gestation 260/7-336/7 weeks, age <24 hours) with known platelet count and PDA on
      echocardiogram were prospectively enrolled. Asphyxia, congenital infections,
      structural heart disease, major malformations and clinical sepsis were
      exclusions. Subjects were recruited in groups A (n = 35), B (n = 18), and C (n =
      17) [platelet counts >150,000, 100,000-150,000 and <100,000 per MUL respectively]
      and underwent daily echocardiography until first closure of PDA, death, or day
      10. RESULTS: The primary outcome was time to first closure of PDA. Secondary
      outcomes included proportion with PDA at 72 hours and 7 days, Hs-PDA, and PDA
      needing treatment. In groups A, B, and C, median (first-third quartile) platelet
      counts (*100000/MUL) were 2.28 (1.94-3.19), 1.25 (1.14-1.37), and 0.68 (0.54
      0.83) and time to PDA closure was 2 (2-2), 2 (2-3), and 10 (6-10) days,
      respectively (log-rank test, P < .001). On Cox proportional hazard regression,
      platelet count (in multiples of 10 000 /MUL) independently predicted time to PDA
      closure (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.045; 95% confidence interval: 1.019-1.07). On
      day 7, 47.1% neonates in group C had PDA and none in groups A and B (P < .001).
      CONCLUSIONS: Thrombocytopenia within 24 hours of birth independently predicts
      delayed PDA closure and PDA on day 7 in preterm neonates.

PMID- 27681011
TI  - Efficacy and Safety of Rivaroxaban and Warfarin in the Perioperative Period of
      Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation - Outcome Analysis From a Prospective
      Multicenter Registry Study in Japan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Catheter ablation (CA) is a common treatment for atrial fibrillation
      (AF). Although rivaroxaban is increasingly used as a substitute for warfarin, its
      safety and efficacy during CA have not been established in Japanese patients. In
      the present study we explored the efficacy/safety of rivaroxaban during the CA
      perioperative period.Methods and Results:We prospectively enrolled Japanese AF
      patients scheduled for CA who had received either rivaroxaban (rivaroxaban
      cohort, JACRE-R) or warfarin (warfarin cohort, JACRE-W) during the perioperative
      period. Primary outcome was a composite of thromboembolism and major bleeding
      within 30 days after CA. In JACRE-R and JACRE-W, 1,118 (median age, 65 years) and
      204 patients (median, 69 years) were enrolled from 42 and 22 institutions,
      respectively. In JACRE-R, the primary outcome occurred in 7 patients (0.6%),
      comprising thromboembolism in 2 and major bleeding in 5. Non-major bleeding
      occurred in 27 patients (2.4%), and the incidence was significantly lower in
      patients without heparin bridging (n=572) than in those with heparin bridging
      (n=546). In JACRE-W, the primary outcome occurred in 3 patients (1.5%), all of
      which were major bleeding. After adjustment for patients' characteristics, no
      significant difference was observed between the JACRE-R and JACRE-W cohorts for
      the primary outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The rates of thromboembolism and major bleeding
      events during the AF ablation perioperative period in Japanese patients treated
      with rivaroxaban was as low as in those treated with warfarin. (Circ J 2016; 80:
      2295-2301).

PMID- 27681012
TI  - Invisible Scars: Comparing the Mental Health of LGB and Heterosexual Intimate
      Partner Violence Survivors.
AB  - Intimate partner violence (IPV) affects countless women and men in lesbian, gay,
      and bisexual (LGB) as well as heterosexual relationships, but few studies have
      examined how such abuse is associated with the mental health of LGB victims. The
      present study addresses this issue using data from the 2006 Behavioral Risk
      Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey to examine differences in depression
      and anxiety among IPV victims in LGB and heterosexual partnerships. The findings
      indicate LGB IPV victims are much more likely to have a history of depression (OR
      1.70, p < .05) and anxiety (OR 1.70, p < .05) than heterosexual victims. These
      differences are slightly mediated by the victim's perceived emotional support but
      not the type of abuse experienced. Our findings accentuate the need for greater
      inclusion of LGB persons in the IPV and mental health discourse, as well as the
      importance of social support for IPV victims. Policy implications for members of
      the LGB community are discussed.

PMID- 27681013
TI  - Erratum: Survival trade-offs in plant roots during colonization by closely
      related beneficial and pathogenic fungi.

PMID- 27681014
TI  - Synthesis of Some Novel 2-Substitutedbenzyl-(4)7-phenyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazoles in
      Mild Conditions as Potent Anti-Tyrosinase and Antioxidant Agents.
AB  - Novel 2-substitutedbenzyl-4(7)-phenyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazole compounds were
      synthesized and characterized. Although 2a and 2b were reported previously in the
      literature, 11 compounds were synthesized (nine of them were newly synthesized)
      and the tyrosinase inhibitory effects and antioxidant activities of these
      compounds were studied for the first time. All of the synthesized compounds
      displayed certain inhibitory effects on tyrosinase, with IC50 values ranging from
      37.86 +/- 0.24 to 75.81 +/- 2.49 MUM. Among the compounds, 2j exhibited similar
      tyrosinase inhibitory effect (IC50  = 37.86 +/- 0.24 uM) to the positive control,
      kojic acid (IC50  = 21.93 +/- 0.11 uM). Kinetic studies revealed it to act as non
      competitive tyrosinase inhibitor with a Ki value of 50.2 uM. The antioxidant
      activities of the compounds were investigated by using in vitro antioxidant
      assays, including 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing
      antioxidant power (FRAP). All of these results indicated that the compounds might
      have potential application as tyrosinase inhibitors.

PMID- 27681015
TI  - Metabolic profile and safety of piperlongumine.
AB  - Piperlongumine (PPL), a natural plant product, has been extensively studied in
      cancer treatment going up on clinical trials. Since the first report related to
      its use on cancer research (in 2011) around 80 papers have been published in less
      than 10 years, but a gap still remaining. There are no metabolism studies of PPL
      in human organism. For the lack of a better view, here, the CYP450 in vitro
      oxidation of PPL was described for the first time. In addition, the enzymatic
      kinetic data, the predicted in vivo parameters, the produced metabolites, the
      phenotyping study and possible piperlongumine-drug interactions in vivo is
      presented.

PMID- 27681016
TI  - Efficacy of interdental calibrated brushes on bleeding reduction in adults: a 3
      month randomized controlled clinical trial.
AB  - This study investigated the effect of interdental brushes on the reduction of
      interproximal bleeding in adults without periodontal disease. Forty-six adults
      were enrolled in a 3-month, observer-blinded, parallel-group randomized control
      trial. The test group used a standard manual toothbrush twice daily and an
      interdental brush daily. The control group used a standard manual toothbrush. At
      each visit, a calibrated colorimetric probe was used in all interdental spaces to
      determine the appropriate size of the interdental brush required, the brush of
      the corresponding size was introduced into the interproximal space, and the
      presence of bleeding was recorded. The outcome was the frequency of bleeding
      after application of the appropriate interdental brush. All participants were
      evaluated 1 wk, 1 month, and 3 months after the baseline visit. The overall
      preventive fraction with respect to bleeding frequency was 46% at 1 wk and 72% at
      3 months. More bleeding reduction was observed in anterior sites than in
      posterior sites (80% vs. 69%, respectively). Participants with low baseline
      bleeding frequency presented with less bleeding (OR = 2.3). This study shows that
      daily use of calibrated interdental brushes reduces interdental bleeding. These
      findings may support interdental cleaning as an effective means to help
      individuals maintain and/or achieve optimal oral health.

PMID- 27681017
TI  - Study of the liquid-film-forming apparatus as an alternative aeration system:
      design criteria and operating condition.
AB  - Aeration is an important factor in aquaculture systems because it is a vital
      condition for all organisms that live in water and respire aerobically.
      Generally, mechanical surface aerators are widely used in Thailand due to their
      advantage for increasing dissolved oxygen (DO) and for their horizontal mixing of
      aquaculture ponds with large surface areas. However, these systems still have
      some drawbacks, primarily the low oxygen transfer efficiency (OTE) and energy.
      Regarding this issue, alternative aeration systems should be studied and applied.
      Therefore, this research aims to study the aeration mechanism obtained by the
      diffused-air aeration combined with a liquid-film-forming apparatus (LFFA). The
      effect of gas flow rates, types, and patterns of aerator installation were
      investigated in an aquaculture pond of 10 m * 10 m * 1.5 m. The analytical
      parameters were volumetric mass transfer coefficient (kLa), OTE, and aeration
      efficiency (AE). From the results, the '4-D' with partitions was proposed as the
      suitable pattern for the LFFA installation. The advantage could be obtained from
      high energy performance with 1.2 kg/kW h of AE. Then, the operation conditions
      can be applied as a design guideline for this alternative aeration system in the
      aquaculture ponds.

PMID- 27681018
TI  - Rethinking gossip and scandal in healthcare organizations.
AB  - Purpose The purpose of this paper is to argue that gossip is a neglected aspect
      of organizational communication and knowledge, and an under-used management
      resource. Design/methodology/approach The paper challenges mainstream managerial
      assumptions that gossip is trivial or tainted talk which should be discouraged in
      the workplace. Instead, gossip is re-framed at an organizational level of
      analysis, which provides the opportunity for relational knowledge about systemic
      failure and poor practice in healthcare to surface. Findings Rather than simply
      viewing gossip as an individual behaviour and interpersonal process, it is
      claimed that organizational gossip is also a valuable early warning indicator of
      risk and failure in healthcare systems. There is potentially significant value in
      re-framing gossip as an aspect of organizational communication and knowledge. If
      attended to (rather than neglected or silenced) gossip can provide fresh insights
      into professional practice, decision making and relational leadership.
      Originality/value This paper offers a provocative challenge to mainstream health
      organization and management thinking about gossip in the workplace. It offers new
      ways of thinking to promote patient safety, and prevent the scandals that have
      plagued healthcare organizations in recent years. 

PMID- 27681019
TI  - Implementation of the affordable care act: a case study of a service line co
      management company.
AB  - Purpose The purpose of this paper is to test and measure the outcome of a
      community hospital in implementing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) through a co
      management arrangement. RQ1: do the benefits of a co-management arrangement
      outweigh the costs? RQ2: does physician alignment aid in the effective
      implementation of the ACA directives set for hospitals?
      Design/methodology/approach A case study of a 350-bed non-profit community
      hospital co-management company. The quantitative data are eight quarters of
      quality metrics prior and eight quarters post establishment of the co-management
      company. The quality metrics are all based on standardized national requirements
      from the Joint Commission and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
      guidelines. These measures directly impact the quality initiatives under the ACA
      that are applicable to all healthcare facilities. Qualitative data include survey
      results from hospital employees of the perceived effectiveness of the co
      management company. A paired samples difference of means t-test was conducted to
      compare the timeframe before co-management and post co-management. Findings The
      findings indicate that the benefits of a co-management arrangement do outweigh
      the costs for both the physicians and the hospital ( RQ1). The physicians benefit
      through actual dollar payout, but also with improved communication and greater
      input in running the service line. The hospital benefits from reduced cost - or
      reduced penalties under the ACA - as well as better communication and greater
      physician involvement in administration of the service line. RQ2: does physician
      alignment aid in the effective implementation of the ACA directives set for
      hospitals? The hospital improved in every quality metric under the co-management
      company. A paired sample difference of means t-test showed a statistically
      significant improvement in five of the six quality metrics in the study.
      Originality/value Previous research indicates the potential effectiveness of co
      management companies in improving healthcare delivery and hospital-physician
      relations (Sowers et al., 2013). The current research takes this a step further
      to show that the data do in fact support these concepts. The hospital and the
      physicians carrying out the day-to-day actions have shared goals, better
      communication, and improved quality metrics under the co-management company. As
      the number of co-management companies increases across the USA, more research can
      be directed at determining their overall impact on quality care. 

PMID- 27681020
TI  - The performance of primary health care organizations depends on interdependences
      with the local environment.
AB  - Purpose Improving the performance of health care organizations is now perceived
      as essential in order to better address the needs of the populations and respect
      their ability to pay for the services. There is no consensus on what is
      performance. It is increasingly considered as the optimal execution of four
      functions that every organization must achieve in order to survive and develop:
      reach goals; adapt to its environment; produce goods or services and maintain
      values; and a satisfying organizational climate. There is also no consensus on
      strategies to improve this performance. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
      Design/methodology/approach This paper intends to analyze the performance of
      primary health care organizations from the perspective of Kauffman's model. It
      mainly aims to understand the often contradictory, paradoxical and unexpected
      results that emerge from studies on this topic. Findings To do so, the first
      section briefly presents Kauffman's model and lays forward its principal
      components. The second section presents three studies on the performance of
      primary organizations and brings out the contradictory, paradoxical and
      unexpected results they obtained. The third section explains these results in the
      light of Kauffman's model. Originality/value Kauffman's model helps give meaning
      to the results of researches on performance of primary health care organizations
      that were qualified as paradoxical or unexpected. The performance of primary
      health care organizations then cannot be understood by only taking into account
      the characteristics of these organizations. The complexity of the environments in
      which they operate must simultaneously be taken into account. This paper brings
      original development of an integrated view of the performance of organizations,
      their own characteristics and those of the local environment in which they
      operated. 

PMID- 27681021
TI  - Interorganizational collaboration in public health data sharing.
AB  - Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze the institutional and social
      forces that influence collaborative data sharing practices in cross-sector
      interorganizational networks. The analysis focusses on the data sharing practices
      between professionals in the transportation and public health sectors, areas
      prioritized for collaborative action to improve public health.
      Design/methodology/approach A mixed methods design is utilized. Electronic
      surveys were sent to 57 public health and 157 transportation professionals in a
      large major metropolitan area in the USA (response rate 39.7 percent). Focus
      groups were held with 12 organizational leaders representing professionals in
      both sectors. Findings The application of the institutional-social capital
      framework suggests that professional specialization and organizational forces
      make it challenging for professionals to develop the cross-sector relationships
      necessary for cross-sector collaborative data sharing. Research
      limitations/implications The findings suggest that developing the social
      relationships necessary for cross-sector collaboration may be resource intensive.
      Investments are necessary at the organizational level to overcome the
      professional divides that limit the development of cross-sector relationships
      critical for collaborative data sharing. The results are limited to the data
      sharing practices of professionals in one metropolitan area. Originality/value
      Despite mandates and calls for increased cross-sector collaboration to improve
      public health, such efforts often fail to produce true collaboration. The study's
      value is that it adds to the theoretical conceptualization of collaboration and
      provides a deeper understanding as to why collaborative action remains difficult
      to achieve. Future study of collaboration must consider the interaction between
      professional specialization and the social relationships necessary for success. 

PMID- 27681022
TI  - What factors determine the choice of public engagement undertaken by health
      technology assessment decision-making organizations?
AB  - Purpose Public engagement in health technology assessment (HTA) is increasingly
      considered crucial for good decision making. Determining the "right" type of
      engagement activity is key in achieving the appropriate consideration of public
      values. Little is known about the factors that determine how HTA organizations
      (HTAOs) decide on their method of public engagement, and there are a number of
      possible factors that might shape these decisions. The purpose of this paper is
      to understand the potential drivers of public engagement from an organizational
      perspective. Design/methodology/approach The published HTA literature is reviewed
      alongside existing frameworks of public engagement in order to elucidate key
      factors influencing the choice of public engagement process undertaken by HTAOs.
      A conceptual framework is then developed to illustrate the factors identified
      from the literature that appear to influence public engagement choice. Findings
      Determining the type of public engagement undertaken in HTA is based on multiple
      factors, some of which are not always explicitly acknowledged. These factors
      included the: perceived complexity of the policy-making issue, perceived impact
      of the decision, transparency and opportunities for public involvement in
      governance, as well as time and resource constraints. The influences of these
      factors vary depending on the context, indicating that a one size fits all
      approach to public engagement may not be effective. Originality/value Awareness
      of the various factors that might influence the type of public engagement
      undertaken would enable decision makers to reflect on their choices and be more
      accountable and transparent about their choice of engagement process in eliciting
      public values and preferences in a HTAO. 

PMID- 27681023
TI  - Formal priority setting in health care: the Swedish experience.
AB  - Purpose From the late 1980s and onwards health care in Sweden has come under
      increasing financial pressure, forcing policy makers to consider restrictions.
      The purpose of this paper is to review experiences and to establish lessons of
      formal priority setting in four Swedish regional health authorities during the
      period 2003-2012. Design/methodology/approach This paper draws on a variety of
      sources, and evidence is organised according to three broad aspects: design and
      implementation of models and processes, application of evidence and decision
      analysis tools and decision making and implementation of decisions. Findings The
      processes accounted for here have resulted in useful experiences concerning
      technical arrangements as well as political and public strategies. All four sites
      used a particular model for priority setting that combined top-down- and bottom
      up-driven elements. Although the process was authorised from the top it was
      clearly bottom-up driven and the template followed a professional rationale. New
      meeting grounds were introduced between politicians and clinical leaders. Overall
      a limited group of stakeholders were involved. By defusing political conflicts
      the likelihood that clinical leaders would regard this undertaking as important
      increased. Originality/value One tendency today is to unburden regional
      authorities of the hard decisions by introducing arrangements at national level.
      This study suggests that regional health authorities, in spite of being
      politically governed organisations, have the potential to execute a formal
      priority-setting process. Still, to make priority-setting processes more robust
      to internal as well as external threat remains a challenge. 

PMID- 27681024
TI  - Measuring distributed leadership agency in a hospital context.
AB  - Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop and validate an instrument that
      can measure distributed leadership (DL) as employees' active participation in DL
      tasks. The authors designate this as the distributed leadership agency (DLA).
      Design/methodology/approach Data were collected throughout all departments and
      occupational groups at a merged centralized hospital setting in Denmark. A total
      of 1,774 employees from 24 hospital departments and 16 occupational groups
      completed our survey. Structural equation model and confirmatory factor analyses
      were applied to identify appropriate items and a test for measurement invariance,
      predictive, discriminant and convergent validity, and ANOVAs were applied to
      analyse group differences in DLA. Findings The identified unidimensional
      questionnaire consists of seven items, as it is different from, but associated
      with, empowering leadership, organizational influence, attitude to participation
      and trust in management. As theoretically predicted, DLA is positively related to
      self-efficacy, job satisfaction and innovative behaviour. Chief physicians,
      permanent employees and employee representatives scored higher on the scale than
      the rest of their respective counterparts. Practical implications The survey
      offers a method to assess a distribution of leadership agency in hospital
      organizations. Such assessment may provide a basis for organizational and
      leadership development. Originality/value The present study provides a reliable
      and valid quantitative instrument that measures how much employees at all
      hierarchical levels are involved in concrete leadership activities in the
      hospital context. Taking a normative perspective the authors could show that DL -
      measured with the DLA-questionnaire - has positive effects on employees'
      behaviour. 

PMID- 27681025
TI  - Alignment of governance and senior executive perceptions of culture.
AB  - Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the alignment of perceived
      organizational culture between Health Board chairs and Board members with that of
      their respective senior executive teams. It compares the degree of alignment
      between these two groups, and analyses them against District Health Board (DHB)
      performance using the New Zealand Ministry of Health's national measure "shorter
      stays in Emergency Departments." Design/methodology/approach Primary survey data
      were collected across eight DHBs using a modified version of the Organizational
      Culture Assessment Instrument and utilizes a sample of both higher and lower
      performing DHBs as defined by the "shorter stays" measure. Findings Many health
      organizations cite Ovseiko and Buchan's (2012) preferred culture as an ideal
      model. However, this study's findings indicate that most DHBs scored higher than
      the preferred score for "Hierarchical" and "Rational" cultures, and lower for
      "Clan" and "Developmental" cultures, and therefore calls into question the
      validity of this organizational profile as the "preferred" cultural state.
      Research limitations/implications This research considers perceived
      organizational culture from the perspective of the Board members and their
      respective senior executive teams. It uses a relatively small sample size and
      excludes potential interactions of national culture. Practical implications The
      findings indicate that healthcare organizations should de-emphasize the dominant
      "Hierarchical" and "Rational" cultures, and promote "Clan" and "Developmental"
      cultures within their organizations as a means of potentially improving
      healthcare performance. Originality/value Organizational culture has been
      highlighted as a major component of performance within healthcare organizations,
      yet very few studies examine how organizational culture is perceived by
      governance and executive groups. This study empirically counters prevailing
      knowledge regarding the most appropriate organizational cultures for healthcare
      organizations. 

PMID- 27681026
TI  - Process redesign for time-based emergency admission targets.
AB  - Purpose Hospitals have used process redesign to increase the efficiency of the
      emergency department (ED) to cope with increasing demand. While there are
      published studies suggesting a positive outcome, recent reviews have reported
      that it is difficult to conclude that these approaches are effective as a result
      of substandard research methodology. The purpose of this paper is to explore the
      perceptions of hospital staff on the impact of a process redesign initiative on
      quality of care. Design/methodology/approach A retrospective qualitative case
      study examining a Lean Six Sigma (LSS) initiative in a large metropolitan
      hospital from 2009 to 2010. Non-probability sampling identified interview
      subjects who, through their participation in the redesign initiative, had a
      detailed understanding of the implementation and outcomes of the initiative.
      Between April 2012 and January 2013 26 in-depth semi-structured interviews were
      conducted and analysed with thematic content analysis. Findings There were four
      important findings. First, when asked to comment on the impact of the LSS
      implementation, without prompting the staff spoke of quality of care. Second,
      there was little agreement among the participants as to whether the project had
      been successful. Third, despite the recognition of the need for a coordinated
      effort across the hospital to improve ED access, the redesign process was not
      successful in reducing existing divides among clinicians and among managers and
      clinicians. Finally, staff expressed tension between production processes to move
      patients more quickly and their duty of care to their patients as individuals.
      Originality/value One of the first studies to explore the impact of process
      redesign through in-depth interviews with participating staff, this study adds
      further evidence that organisations implementing process redesign must ensure the
      supporting management practices are in place. 

PMID- 27681027
TI  - Developing an evaluation framework for clinical redesign programs: lessons
      learnt.
AB  - Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present lessons learnt through the
      development of an evaluation framework for a clinical redesign programme - the
      aim of which was to improve the patient journey through improved discharge
      practices within an Australian public hospital. Design/methodology/approach The
      development of the evaluation framework involved three stages - namely, the
      analysis of secondary data relating to the discharge planning pathway; the
      analysis of primary data including field-notes and interview transcripts on
      hospital processes; and the triangulation of these data sets to devise the
      framework. The evaluation framework ensured that resource use, process
      management, patient satisfaction, and staff well-being and productivity were each
      connected with measures, targets, and the aim of clinical redesign programme.
      Findings The application of business process management and a balanced scorecard
      enabled a different way of framing the evaluation, ensuring measurable outcomes
      were connected to inputs and outputs. Lessons learnt include: first, the
      importance of mixed-methods research to devise the framework and evaluate the
      redesigned processes; second, the need for appropriate tools and resources to
      adequately capture change across the different domains of the redesign programme;
      and third, the value of developing and applying an evaluative framework
      progressively. Research limitations/implications The evaluation framework is
      limited by its retrospective application to a clinical process redesign
      programme. Originality/value This research supports benchmarking with national
      and international practices in relation to best practice healthcare redesign
      processes. Additionally, it provides a theoretical contribution on evaluating
      health services improvement and redesign initiatives. 

PMID- 27681028
TI  - Grassroots inter-professional networks: the case of organizing care for older
      cancer patients.
AB  - Purpose The purpose of this paper of inter-professional networks is to analyze
      the evolution of relationships between professional groups enacting new forms of
      collaboration to address clinical imperatives. Design/methodology/approach This
      paper uses a case study based on semi-structured interviews with physicians and
      nurses, document analysis and informal discussions. Findings This study documents
      how two inter-professional networks were developed through professional agency.
      The findings show that the means by which networks are developed influence the
      form of collaboration therein. One of the networks developed from day-to-day,
      immediately relevant, exchange, for patient care. The other one developed from
      more formal and infrequent research and training exchanges that were seen as less
      decisive in facilitating patient care. The latter resulted in a loosely knit
      network based on a small number of ad hoc referrals while the other resulted in a
      tightly knit network based on frequent referrals and advice seeking. Practical
      implications Developing inter-professional networks likely require a sustained
      phase of interpersonal contacts characterized by persuasion, knowledge sharing,
      skill demonstration and trust building from less powerful professional groups to
      obtain buy-in from more powerful professional groups. The nature of the
      collaboration in any resulting network depends largely on the nature of these
      initial contacts. Originality/value The literature on inter-professional
      healthcare networks focusses on mandated networks such as NHS managed care
      networks. There is a lack of research on inter-professional networks that emerged
      from the bottom up at the initiative of healthcare professionals in response to
      clinical imperatives. This study looks at some forms of collaboration that these
      "grass-root" initiatives engender and how they are consolidated. 

PMID- 27681029
TI  - Key success factors behind electronic medical record adoption in Thailand.
AB  - Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the elements that health care
      personnel in Thailand believe are necessary for successful adoption of electronic
      medical record (EMR) systems. Design/methodology/approach Initial qualitative in
      depth interviews with physicians to adapt key elements from the literature to the
      Thai context. The 12 elements identified included things related to managing the
      implementation and to IT expertise. The nationwide survey was supported by the
      Ministry of Public Health and returned 1,069 usable questionnaires (response rate
      42 percent) from a range of medical personnel. Findings The key elements clearly
      separated into a managerial dimension and an IT dimension. All were considered
      fairly important, but managerial expertise was more critical. In particular,
      there should be clear EMR project goals and scope, adequate budget allocation,
      clinical staff must be involved in implementation, and the IT should facilitate
      good electronic communication. Research limitations/implications Thailand is
      representative of middle-income developing countries, but there is no guarantee
      findings can be generalized. National policies differ, as do economic structures
      of health care industries. The focus is on management at the organizational
      level, but future research must also examine macro-level issues, as well as gain
      more depth into thinking of individual health care personnel. Practical
      implications Technical issues of EMR implementation are certainly important.
      However, it is clear actual adoption and use of the system also depends very
      heavily on managerial issues. Originality/value Most research on EMR
      implementation has been in developed countries, and has often focussed more on
      technical issues rather than examining managerial issues closely. Health IT is
      also critical in developing economies, and management of health IT implementation
      must be well understood. 

PMID- 27681030
TI  - Comparing the implementation consequences of the immunisation and emergency
      department health targets in New Zealand.
AB  - Purpose Over the last decade there has been considerable debate about the merits
      of targets as a policy instrument. The purpose of this paper is to examine the
      implementation of two health targets that were cornerstones of New Zealand health
      policy between 2009 and 2012: immunisation rates for two-year-olds, and time to
      treatment, discharge or admission in hospital emergency departments.
      Design/methodology/approach For each policy target, the authors selected four
      case-study districts and conducted two waves of key-informant interviews (113 in
      total) with clinical and management staff involved in target implementation.
      Findings Despite almost identical levels of target achievement, the research
      reveals quite different mixes of positive and negative implementation
      consequences. The authors argue that the differences in implementation
      consequences are due to the characteristics of the performance measure; and the
      dynamics of the intra-organisational and inter-organisational implementation
      context. Research limitations/implications The research is based on interviews
      with clinical and management staff involved in target implementation, and this
      approach does not address the issue of effort substitution. Practical
      implications While literature on health targets pays attention to the attributes
      of target measures, the paper suggests that policymakers considering the use of
      targets pay more attention to broader implementation contexts, including the
      possible impact of, and effects on related services, organisations and staff.
      Originality/value The research focuses specifically on implementation
      consequences, as distinct from target success and/or changes in clinical and
      health outcomes. The paper also adopts a comparative approach to the study of
      target implementation. 

PMID- 27681032
TI  - Effects of Extraction and Purification Methods on Degradation Kinetics and
      Stability of Lycopene from Watermelon under Storage Conditions.
AB  - Lycopene was extraction, isolation and purification using recrystallization,
      column chromatography, and preparative thin layer chromatography (TLC) methods as
      well as degradation kinetics of lycopene were studied at refrigerated temperature
      and room temperature for 3 wk from watermelon. Higher lycopene degradation was
      observed at refrigerated temperature as compared to ambient temperature
      throughout the storage periods. The highest amount of lycopene retained in
      recrystallization (101.69 MUg/g) followed by column chromatography (18.20 MUg/g)
      and preparative TLC (15.57 MUg/g). Color parameters, half-life time (t1/2 ), and
      color retention (%R) were dependent on extraction, isolation, and purification
      methods and storage life. Recrystallization and preparative TLC were followed by
      first order reaction model. Preparative TLC exhibited higher activation energy
      than did the recrystallization and column chromatography. Therefore, the result
      shows that recrystallization method could apply to extract and purify lycopene
      from watermelon that would also be used as a natural colorant as well as value
      added product.

PMID- 27681031
TI  - Acidic Residues Control the Dimerization of the N-terminal Domain of Black Widow
      Spiders' Major Ampullate Spidroin 1.
AB  - Dragline silk is the most prominent amongst spider silks and comprises two types
      of major ampullate spidroins (MaSp) differing in their proline content. In the
      natural spinning process, the conversion of soluble MaSp into a tough fiber is,
      amongst other factors, triggered by dimerization and conformational switching of
      their helical amino-terminal domains (NRN). Both processes are induced by
      protonation of acidic residues upon acidification along the spinning duct. Here,
      the structure and monomer-dimer-equilibrium of the domain NRN1 of Latrodectus
      hesperus MaSp1 and variants thereof have been investigated, and the key residues
      for both could be identified. Changes in ionic composition and strength within
      the spinning duct enable electrostatic interactions between the acidic and basic
      pole of two monomers which prearrange into an antiparallel dimer. Upon naturally
      occurring acidification this dimer is stabilized by protonation of residue E114.
      A conformational change is independently triggered by protonation of clustered
      acidic residues (D39, E76, E81). Such step-by-step mechanism allows a controlled
      spidroin assembly in a pH- and salt sensitive manner, preventing premature
      aggregation of spider silk proteins in the gland and at the same time ensuring
      fast and efficient dimer formation and stabilization on demand in the spinning
      duct.

PMID- 27681033
TI  - A real-time approach for heart rate monitoring using a Hilbert transform in
      seismocardiograms.
AB  - Heart rate monitoring helps in assessing the functionality and condition of the
      cardiovascular system. We present a new real-time applicable approach for
      estimating beat-to-beat time intervals and heart rate in seismocardiograms
      acquired from a tri-axial microelectromechanical accelerometer.
      Seismocardiography (SCG) is a non-invasive method for heart monitoring which
      measures the mechanical activity of the heart. Measuring true beat-to-beat time
      intervals from SCG could be used for monitoring of the heart rhythm, for heart
      rate variability analysis and for many other clinical applications. In this paper
      we present the Hilbert adaptive beat identification technique for the detection
      of heartbeat timings and inter-beat time intervals in SCG from healthy volunteers
      in three different positions, i.e. supine, left and right recumbent. Our method
      is electrocardiogram (ECG) independent, as it does not require any ECG fiducial
      points to estimate the beat-to-beat intervals. The performance of the algorithm
      was tested against standard ECG measurements. The average true positive rate,
      positive prediction value and detection error rate for the different positions
      were, respectively, supine (95.8%, 96.0% and ?0.6%), left (99.3%, 98.8% and
      ?0.001%) and right (99.53%, 99.3% and ?0.01%). High correlation and agreement was
      observed between SCG and ECG inter-beat intervals (r  >  0.99) for all positions,
      which highlights the capability of the algorithm for SCG heart monitoring from
      different positions. Additionally, we demonstrate the applicability of the
      proposed method in smartphone based SCG. In conclusion, the proposed algorithm
      can be used for real-time continuous unobtrusive cardiac monitoring, smartphone
      cardiography, and in wearable devices aimed at health and well-being
      applications.

PMID- 27681034
TI  - Effectiveness of Prolonged Exposure and Cognitive Processing Therapy for U.S.
      Veterans With a History of Traumatic Brain Injury.
AB  - This retrospective analysis of previously existing nonrandomized clinical data
      examined the effectiveness of completing prolonged exposure (PE) or cognitive
      processing therapy (CPT) in a sample of 41 U.S. veterans at a Veterans Affairs
      medical center. The sample included 19 veterans with diagnoses of posttraumatic
      stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) and 22 veterans with PTSD
      only. Diagnostic groups did not significantly differ on PTSD and depression
      symptom reduction, F(2, 36) = 0.05, p = .951; Pillai's trace = 0.00, partial eta2
      = .00. Veterans who completed PE showed greater symptom reduction than those who
      completed CPT, F(2, 36) = 12.10, p < .001; Pillai's trace = 0.40, partial eta2 =
      .40, regardless of TBI status. Overall, our results suggested that TBI status
      should not preclude individuals from being offered trauma-focused PTSD treatment.

PMID- 27681035
TI  - Aortic valve repair in the paediatric population: insights from a 38-year single
      centre experience.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To analyse our institutional results in the setting of paediatric
      aortic valve (AV) repair. Primary end-points were overall survival, freedom from
      AV reoperation and freedom from AV replacement. METHODS: A retrospective analysis
      of all patients under 18 years of age operated on from 1977 to 2015 in a single
      tertiary care level institution. Patients were included if they benefited from
      any type of AV repair procedure, including commissurotomy, leaflet shaving or
      plication, or leaflet augmentation. All data were gathered from patients' medical
      records, operative reports and referring paediatric cardiologists. The median
      follow-up was 50 months (IQR [13-140]). RESULTS: Sixty-six patients were
      included. Indications for surgery were aortic stenosis, aortic regurgitation and
      mixed disease in 13 (19%), 36 (55%) and 17 (26%) patients, respectively.
      According to El Khoury's functional classification, among the 55 patients with
      some degree of regurgitation there were 5 type Ib regurgitation, 23 type II and
      27 type III. During AV repair, additional procedures were performed in 36
      patients, VSD closure, subaortic membrane resection and mitral valve repair being
      the most frequent (18, 8 and 7 patients). RACHS score was predominantly 2 (98.5%
      of patients). The in-hospital mortality rate was 1.5% (1/66). Major morbidity
      included 10 pericardial effusions (1 pericardocentesis), 1 low cardiac output
      syndrome and 1 stroke. There were three late deaths (at 104, 140 and 179 months
      after repair). All were cardiac related. Overall 5- and 10-year survival rates
      were 100 and 95.7%. The rates of freedom from AV reoperation and AV replacement
      at 5 and 10 years were 90.6, 72.1 and 92.5, 82.7%, respectively. During follow
      up, there was no occurrence of valve-related complication (endocarditis,
      thromboembolism and bleeding). CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, AV repair in the
      paediatric population provides excellent results in terms of both overall
      survival and valve-related reoperation. It obviates the need for chronic
      anticoagulation and in most cases delays the time at which more complex surgery
      such as the Ross procedure should be undertaken.

PMID- 27681036
TI  - Drill-related root injury caused by intraoperative intermaxillary fixation: an
      analysis of 1067 screw applications.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Intermaxillary fixation is a standard procedure for the
      treatment of mandibular fractures or in orthognathic surgery. Predrilling for
      screws poses the risk of accidental tooth root injury, potentially leading to
      further pathological processes. Limited evidence about accidental tooth injury
      during intermaxillary fixation is available due to heterogenous study designs.
      The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of root trauma using predrilled
      transgingival fixation screws and the clinical consequences for the affected
      teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, the data of open
      reduction and internal fixation surgery files with intraoperative application of
      predrilled intermaxillary fixation screws were analysed. The postoperative
      radiographic images were evaluated for the occurrence of tooth root injury.
      Patients diagnosed with root injury were clinically followed up with respect to
      the dental health for the affected teeth. RESULTS: A total of 133 radiologically
      diagnosed tooth root injuries were recorded (12.5% of screws). The median follow
      up interval was 16 months (range: 3-77 months). The return rate was 49.5% for all
      patients. Of these, four of the injured teeth (3%) needed endodontic treatment.
      No toothache was reported, no tooth was lost, and no negative impact on
      periodontal health was clinically evident. CONCLUSION: Intermaxillary fixation
      with predrilled transgingival screws is a safe way to manage mandibular
      fractures. The incidence of tooth root injury is not uncommon, but the adverse
      side effects are rare and the health of the affected teeth is mostly not
      compromised.

PMID- 27681037
TI  - Organizational Health Interventions: Advances in Evaluation Methodology.

PMID- 27681038
TI  - High-Resolution Identification of Specificity Determining Positions in the LacI
      Protein Family Using Ensembles of Sub-Sampled Alignments.
AB  - Since the advent of large-scale genomic sequencing, and the consequent
      availability of large numbers of homologous protein sequences, there has been
      burgeoning development of methods for extracting functional information from
      multiple sequence alignments (MSAs). One type of analysis seeks to identify
      specificity determining positions (SDPs) based on the assumption that such
      positions are highly conserved within groups of sequences sharing functional
      specificity, but conserved to different amino acids in different specificity
      groups. This unsupervised approach to utilizing evolutionary information may
      elucidate mechanisms of specificity in protein-protein interactions, catalytic
      activity of enzymes, sensitivity to allosteric regulation, and other types of
      protein functionality. We present an analysis of SDPs in the LacI family of
      transcriptional regulators in which we 1) relax the constraint that all
      specificity groups must contribute to SDP signal, and 2) use a novel approach to
      robust treatment of sequence alignment uncertainty based on sub-sampling. We find
      that the vast majority of SDP signal occurs at positions with a conservation
      pattern that significantly complicates detection by previously described methods.
      This pattern, which we term "partial SDP", consists of the commonly accepted SDP
      conservation pattern among a subset of specificity groups and strong degeneracy
      among the rest. An upshot of this fact is that the SDP complement of every
      specificity group appears to be unique. Additionally, sub-sampling gives us the
      ability to assign a confidence interval to the SDP score, as well as increase
      fidelity, as compared to analysis of a single, comprehensive alignment-the
      current standard in multiple sequence alignment methodologies.

PMID- 27681039
TI  - Evaluation of the Antibacterial Potential of Liquid and Vapor Phase Phenolic
      Essential Oil Compounds against Oral Microorganisms.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to determine the antibacterial activities of the
      phenolic essential oil (EO) compounds hinokitiol, carvacrol, thymol, and menthol
      against oral pathogens. Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Streptococcus
      mutans, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Escherichia. coli
      were used in this study. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), minimum
      bactericidal concentrations (MBCs), bacterial growth curves, temperature and pH
      stabilities, and synergistic effects of the liquid and vapor EO compounds were
      tested. The MIC/MBC of the EO compounds, ranging from the strongest to weakest,
      were hinokitiol (40-60 MUg/mL/40-100 MUg/mL), thymol (100-200 MUg/mL/200-400
      MUg/mL), carvacrol (200-400 MUg/mL/200-600 MUg/mL), and menthol (500-more than
      2500 MUg/mL/1000-more than 2500 MUg/mL). The antibacterial activities of the four
      EO phenolic compound based on the agar diffusion test and bacterial growth curves
      showed that the four EO phenolic compounds were stable under different
      temperatures for 24 h, but the thymol activity decreased when the temperature was
      higher than 80 degrees C. The combination of liquid carvacrol with thymol did not
      show any synergistic effects. The activities of the vaporous carvacrol and thymol
      were inhibited by the presence of water. Continual violent shaking during culture
      enhanced the activity of menthol. Both liquid and vaporous hinokitiol were stable
      at different temperatures and pH conditions. The combination of vaporous
      hinokitiol with zinc oxide did not show synergistic effects. These results showed
      that the liquid and vapor phases of hinokitiol have strong anti-oral bacteria
      abilities. Hinokitiol has the potential to be applied in oral health care
      products, dental materials, and infection controls to exert antimicrobial
      activity.

PMID- 27681041
TI  - Motivational aftercare planning to better care: Applying the principles of
      advanced directives and motivational interviewing to discharge planning for
      people with mental illness.
AB  - Improving the input of people with mental illness into their recovery plans can
      potentially lead to better outcomes. In the present study, we evaluated the
      introduction of motivational aftercare planning (MAP) into the discharge planning
      of psychiatric inpatients. MAP is a manualized intervention combining
      motivational interviewing with advance directives. We measured changes in the
      level of patient input into discharge planning following training staff in the
      use of MAP. This included the following: (i) documentation of early relapse signs
      along with successful past responses; (ii) evidence of aftercare planning; and
      (iii) the use of the patients' own words in the plan. We used a ward-level
      controlled before-and-after design comparing one intervention ward with two
      control wards. We used anonymized recovery plans, with a goal of 50 plans per
      ward before and after the intervention, to look for evidence of patient input
      into care planning with a standardized checklist. There were also qualitative
      interviews with individuals discharged from the unit. We reviewed 100
      intervention ward plans and 197 control ones (total n = 297). There were no
      significant differences in recovery plans from intervention and control wards at
      baseline. Following MAP training, the intervention ward improved significantly
      (e.g. identification of triggers increased from 52 to 94%, chi2  = 23.3, d.f. =1,
      P < 0.001). This did not occur in the control wards. The qualitative data (n = 20
      interviews) showed improvements in participants' experiences of discharge
      planning. MAP increased inpatient input into discharge planning and was valued by
      participants. The effect on subsequent health service use needs evaluation.

PMID- 27681040
TI  - Miltefosine Suppresses Hepatic Steatosis by Activating AMPK Signal Pathway.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: It has been accepted that AMPK (Adenosine monophosphate
      activated protein kinase) activation exhibits many beneficial effects on
      glucolipid metabolism. Lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) is an important
      lysophospholipid which can improve blood glucose levels in diabetic mice and
      attenuate inflammation by activating AMPK signal pathway in macrophages.
      Synthetic alkylphospholipids (ALPs), such as miltefosine, is used as an alternate
      of LPC for the clinical application. Here, we investigated whether miltefosine
      could have an impact on hepatic steatosis and related metabolic disorders.
      EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Mice were fed with high fat diet (HFD) for 16 weeks to
      generate an obese model. Next, the obese mice were randomly divided into three
      groups: saline-treated and miltefosine-treated (2.5 or 5 mg/kg/d) groups.
      Miltefosine was intraperitoneally administrated into mice for additional 4 weeks
      plus HFD treatment. KEY RESULTS: It was shown that miltefosine treatment could
      substantially improve glucose metabolism, prevented hepatic lipid accumulation,
      and inhibited liver inflammation in HFD-fed mice by activating AMPK signal
      pathway. In vitro, miltefosine stimulated AMPKalpha phosphorylation both in time
      and dose dependent manner and decreased lipid accumulation in liver cells. When a
      specific AMPK inhibitor compound C was used to treat mice, the antagonistic
      effects of miltefosine on HFD-induced mouse hyperlipidaemia and liver steatosis
      were abolished. Treatment with miltefosine also dramatically inhibited the HFD
      induced liver inflammation in mice. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Here we
      demonstrated that miltefosine might be a new activator of AMPK signal pathway in
      vivo and in vitro and be useful for treatment of hepatic steatosis and related
      metabolic disorders.

PMID- 27681042
TI  - A qualitative study of collaboration in general practice: understanding the
      general practice nurse's role.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To explore the nature of collaboration between registered
      nurses and general practitioners in Australian general practice. BACKGROUND:
      There is international recognition that collaboration between health
      professionals can improve care coordination, enhance health outcomes, optimise
      the work environment and reduce healthcare costs. However, effective
      collaboration requires a clear understanding of each team member's role. DESIGN:
      A qualitative approach guided by Naturalistic Inquiry was used to elicit and
      interpret participant narratives. METHODS: Eight general practitioners and
      fourteen registered nurses working in general practice were purposefully
      recruited. Data were collected via individual, semi-structured face-to-face
      interviews during February to May 2015. Interviews were audio recorded and
      transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Data
      revealed three overarching themes. This study presents the data for the
      overarching theme 'Understanding the general practice registered nurse's role'.
      Many general practitioner participants lacked clarity around the role and scope
      of practice of the registered nurse. At the same time, nursing participants often
      articulated their role as an assistant rather than as an independent health
      professional. This limited collaboration and the nurses' role within the team.
      Collaboration was enhanced when general practitioners actively sought an
      understanding of the registered nurses scope of practice. CONCLUSION: Clarifying
      the nurses' role promotes collaboration and supports nurses to work to the full
      extent of their practice. This is important in terms of optimising the nurses'
      role within the team and reinforcing their professional identity. RELEVANCE TO
      CLINICAL PRACTICE: Identification of key issues around understanding the nurses'
      role may help inform strategies that improve collaboration and workplace
      relations.

PMID- 27681043
TI  - Localization of choline acetyltransferase and tyrosine hydroxylase
      immunoreactivities in the superior colliculus of the microbat, Rhinolophus
      ferrumequinum.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to determine whether the superior colliculus (SC)
      of the microbat has the same neurochemical makeup as that of other mammals. We
      examined the organization of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)- and tyrosine
      hydroxylase-immunoreactive (TH-IR) fibers/cells using standard
      immunohistochemistry with antibodies against ChAT and TH. ChAT-IR fibers observed
      in the superficial layers were denser than those in the deeper layers, and these
      fibers were classified into two types: small varicose fibers and large varicose
      fibers. ChAT-IR cells were predominantly located in the superficial layers with
      diverse morphologies. Among the well-known sources of cholinergic fibers in the
      mammalian SC, pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus (PPTN) and laterodorsal
      tegmental nucleus (LDTN) contained strongly labeled ChAT-IR cells, while no
      cholinergic structures were found in the parabigeminal nucleus (PBG) in the
      microbat brain. TH-immunoreactivity was found within fibers but not within cells.
      The density of TH-IR fibers was high in the zonal layer, moderate in the
      superficial gray and optic layers, and low in the deeper layers. Well-labeled TH
      IR cells were also observed within area 13 and the locus coeruleus, known as the
      sources of catecholaminergic fibers in other mammalian SC. Although there are
      some cytoarchitectural variations among species, our results clearly showed
      elaborately organized ChAT-IR and TH-IR fibers/cells in the microbat SC. Our
      findings will contribute significantly to the understanding of actively
      constructed microbat visual systems.

PMID- 27681045
TI  - The dark universe.

PMID- 27681046
TI  - Dark matter: What's the matter?

PMID- 27681044
TI  - Functional expression of N-acetyltransferase 1 in differentiated human skin
      keratinocytes.

PMID- 27681047
TI  - Revealing the unseen Universe.

PMID- 27681048
TI  - Q&A: George Smoot.

PMID- 27681050
TI  - Q&A: Brian Schmidt.

PMID- 27681051
TI  - The dark universe: 4 big questions.

PMID- 27681049
TI  - Dark energy: Staring into darkness.

PMID- 27681052
TI  - Correlation between structural heterogeneity and plastic deformation for phase
      separating FeCu metallic glasses.
AB  - Unlike crystalline metals, the plastic deformation of metallic glasses (MGs)
      involves a competition between disordering and structural relaxation ordering,
      which is not well understood, yet. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were
      performed to investigate the evolutions of strain localizations, short-range
      order (SRO) as well as the free volume in the glass during compressive
      deformation of Fe50Cu50 MGs with different degrees of phase separation. Our
      findings indicate that the free volume in the phase separating MGs decreases
      while the shear strain localizations increase with increasing degree of phase
      separation. Cu-centered clusters show higher potential energies and Voronoi
      volumes, and bear larger local shear strains. On the other hand, Fe-centered
      pentagon-rich clusters in Cu-rich regions seem to play an important role to
      resist the shear transformation. The dilatation or annihilation of Voronoi
      volumes is due to the competition between ordering via structural relaxation and
      shear stress-induced deformation. The present study could provide a better
      understanding of the relationship between the structural inhomogeneity and the
      deformation of MGs.

PMID- 27681054
TI  - Revisiting Current Golden Rules in Managing Acute Ischemic Stroke: Evaluation of
      New Strategies to Further Improve Treatment Selection and Outcome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Advanced stroke imaging has generated much excitement for the early
      diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and facilitation of intervention.
      However, its therapeutic impact has not matched its diagnostic utility; most
      notably, lacking significant contributions to recent major AIS clinical trials.
      It is time to reexamine the fundamental hypotheses from the enormous body of
      imaging research on which clinical practices are based and reassess the current
      standard clinical and imaging strategies, or golden rules, established over
      decades for AIS. In this article, we will investigate a possible new window of
      opportunity in managing AIS through a better understanding of the following:
      first, the potential limitations of the golden rules; second, the significance of
      imaging-based parenchymal hypoperfusion (i.e., lower-than-normal relative
      cerebral blood flow [rCBF] may not be indicative of ischemia); third, the other
      critical factors (e.g., rCBF, collateral circulation, variable therapeutic
      window, chronicity of occlusion) that reflect more individual ischemic injury for
      optimal treatment selection; and, fourth, the need for penumbra validation in
      successfully reperfused patients (not in untreated patients). CONCLUSION:
      Individual variations in the therapeutic window, ischemic injury (rCBF), and
      chronicity of vascular lesion development have not been comprehensively
      incorporated in the standard algorithms used to manage AIS. The current
      established imaging parameters have not been consistently validated with
      successfully reperfused patients and rCBF to quantitatively distinguish between
      oligemia and ischemia and between penumbra and infarct core within ischemic
      tissue. A novel paradigm incorporating rCBF values or indirectly incorporating
      relative rCBF values with higher statistically powered imaging studies to more
      reliably assess the severity of ischemic injury and differentiate reversibility
      from viability within the area of imaging-based parenchymal hypoperfusion may
      provide a more personalized approach to treatment, including no treatment of
      infarction core, to further enhance outcomes.

PMID- 27681053
TI  - Climate forcing and infectious disease transmission in urban landscapes:
      integrating demographic and socioeconomic heterogeneity.
AB  - Urbanization and climate change are the two major environmental challenges of the
      21st century. The dramatic expansion of cities around the world creates new
      conditions for the spread, surveillance, and control of infectious diseases. In
      particular, urban growth generates pronounced spatial heterogeneity within
      cities, which can modulate the effect of climate factors at local spatial scales
      in large urban environments. Importantly, the interaction between environmental
      forcing and socioeconomic heterogeneity at local scales remains an open area in
      infectious disease dynamics, especially for urban landscapes of the developing
      world. A quantitative and conceptual framework on urban health with a focus on
      infectious diseases would benefit from integrating aspects of climate forcing,
      population density, and level of wealth. In this paper, we review what is known
      about these drivers acting independently and jointly on urban infectious
      diseases; we then outline elements that are missing and would contribute to
      building such a framework.

PMID- 27681056
TI  - Visible-Light-Induced Cascade Reaction of Isocyanides and N-Arylacrylamides with
      Diphenylphosphine Oxide via Radical C-P and C-C Bond Formation.
AB  - An effective photoredox-mediated tandem phosphorylation/cyclization reaction of
      diphenylphosphine oxide with three types of radical acceptors leads to P(O)Ph2
      containing phenanthridines, isoquinolines, and indolin-2-ones by formation of
      both C-P and C-C bonds. [Ir(ppy)2(dtbpy)]PF6 (1 mol %) was used as the catalyst,
      CsF or Cs2CO3 as the base, and K2S2O8 as the oxidant. A series of functional
      groups can be tolerated at room temperature. Moderate to good yields were
      generated.

PMID- 27681055
TI  - Polymorphism and Superconductivity in Bilayer Molecular Metals (CNB-EDT-TTF)4I3.
AB  - Electrocrystallization from solutions of the dissymmetrical ET derivative
      cyanobenzene-ethylenedithio-tetrathiafulvalene (CNB-EDT-TTF) in the presence of
      triiodide I3- affords two different polymorphs (beta" and kappa) with the
      composition (CNB-EDT-TTF)4I3, both with a bilayer structure of the donors. These
      polymorphs differ in the packing patterns (beta"- and kappa-type) of the donor
      molecules in each layer, in both cases with bifurcated C-N...H interactions
      effectively coupling head-to-head donor molecules between layer pairs. Two beta"
      polymorphs can be obtained with different degrees of anionic ordering. In one
      disordered phase, beta"d, with a smaller unit cell, the triiodide anions are
      disordered over two possible positions in a channel between the donor bilayers,
      while in the ordered phase, beta"o, the triiodide anions occupy only one of those
      positions in this channel, leading to the doubling of the unit cell in the layer
      plane. These results for beta" phases contrast with the kappa polymorph
      previously reported, for which weaker disorder of the triiodide anions, over two
      possible orientations with 94 and 6% occupation factors, was observed. While the
      beta" polymorphs remains metallic down to 1.5 K with a rho300K/rho4K resistivity
      ratio of 250, the kappa polymorph presents a much smaller resistivity ratio in
      the range of 4-10 and superconductivity with an onset temperature of 3.5 K.

PMID- 27681057
TI  - Quantum walks of interacting fermions on a cycle graph.
AB  - Quantum walks have been employed widely to develop new tools for quantum
      information processing recently. A natural quantum walk dynamics of interacting
      particles can be used to implement efficiently the universal quantum computation.
      In this work quantum walks of electrons on a graph are studied. The graph is
      composed of semiconductor quantum dots arranged in a circle. Electrons can tunnel
      between adjacent dots and interact via Coulomb repulsion, which leads to
      entanglement. Fermionic entanglement dynamics is obtained and evaluated.

PMID- 27681058
TI  - The enduring legacy of Alfred Gilman senior (1908-1984) to pharmacology and
      clinical medicine.
AB  - Alfred Gilman was best known for his co-authorship with Louis Goodman of the
      seminal textbook on pharmacology The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics in
      1941. The book made the discipline of pharmacology relevant to clinical medicine
      by providing a link between the basic medical sciences and the practice of
      medicine. Gilman was also instrumental in establishing the use of chemotherapy in
      the treatment of cancer and made important contributions in areas related to
      renal function, acid-base balance, and diuretics. During the 1960s, he created a
      first rate department at the newly formed Albert Einstein College of Medicine. A
      superb lecturer, he commented incisively on issues related to pharmacology,
      therapeutics, and pathophysiology. Dr Gilman also provided a key link between
      academia and the pharmaceutical industry by serving as a consultant to several
      drug firms. The legacy of Alfred Gilman senior was continued by his son, Alfred
      Goodman Gilman, who became a Nobel Laureate.

PMID- 27681059
TI  - Dr Jerome Pierce Webster (1888-1974): Surgeon, historian, campaigner, and 'the
      father of plastic surgery education'.
AB  - Dr Jerome Pierce Webster is best remembered as the 'founder of plastic surgery
      education in the United States' on the basis of developing his nation's first
      plastic surgery residency programme, his role in the founding of the American
      Board of Plastic Surgery, and, more generally, his influence in professionalising
      this subspecialty. He also deserves to be remembered for his extensive missionary
      work in China, his publications as a successful bibliographer, and as an
      accomplished historian.

PMID- 27681060
TI  - The music of war: Seven World War 1 composers and their experience of combat.
AB  - The effect of World War 1 military service on composers has been neglected in
      comparison with poets and artists. This article describes the wartime service of
      Arthur Bliss, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Ivor Gurney, EJ Moeran, Gordon Jacob,
      Patrick Hadley, and Maurice Ravel. The relationship between experiences of combat
      and the psychological health of these men is examined, with consideration being
      given to predisposition and possible causative influences of military service on
      their later careers, examined from individual and societal perspectives.

PMID- 27681061
TI  - Denis Burkitt: A legacy of global health.
AB  - When first described in 1958, Burkitt lymphoma was considered by many to be an
      African curiosity. However, over the next few decades, over 10,000 publications
      on Burkitt lymphoma would influence many facets of oncology research including
      immunology, molecular genetics, chemotherapy, and viral oncology. At the time of
      discovery, its distribution in equatorial Africa was unique; it was where a child
      was born and lived, and not what race they were, that conveyed the greatest
      incidence risk. Its association with Epstein-Barr virus brought attention to the
      possibility that oncogenesis may be influenced by viruses. The influence that
      Burkitt lymphoma had on furthering oncology is far-reaching, and it is fitting
      that the physician credited with bringing attention to this disease was himself
      broad in his influence. Denis Burkitt was a humanitarian surgeon whose work was
      not limited to Burkitt lymphoma: he instigated a plan to rid an entire Ugandan
      district of yaws, he designed and created affordable orthopaedic equipment that
      could be locally produced in Kampala, and he was an early advocate of a high
      fiber diet. The following article will examine the biography of Denis Burkitt,
      with a focus on how he was able to further oncology and global health.

PMID- 27681062
TI  - Treating the fluent aphasias.
AB  - The origin of the term fluent aphasia is reviewed as well as the characteristics
      and syndromes of patients presenting with this type of aphasia. Three strategies
      are presented for describing the impairments and disabilities associated with
      fluent aphasia: (a) syndrome-based, (b) model-driven, and (c) functionally
      oriented. Treatment approaches that conform to each of these strategies are
      discussed. Current methods for assessing the effectiveness of treatment efforts
      with fluent aphasic patients are described. Some recent findings regarding the
      causes and characteristics of fluent aphasia are presented with regard to their
      potential impact on future interventions for these patients.

PMID- 27681063
TI  - Revealing the competence of aphasic adults through conversation: A challenge to
      health professionals.
AB  - The idea that aphasia masks competence normally revealed through conversation
      forms the basis for a conceptual model thatextends the traditional definition and
      scope of practice in this field. The model focuses on the long-term, psychosocial
      consequences of reduced communicative access to social and community life,
      including reduced access to the service of health professionals. Intervention
      focuses on training conversation partners (including health professionals) to
      acqu i re ski I Is that enable the com petence of aphasic adults to be
      acknowledged and revealed.

PMID- 27681064
TI  - Augmentative and alternative communication intervention for persons with severe
      aphasia.
AB  - Many individuals with severe aphasia are effective in using nonverbal methods of
      communication to meet their wants and needs. However, their difficulty lies in
      conveying specific and novel information. Through the use of augmentative and
      alternative communication (AAC) techniques, severely aphasie individuals can
      share unique information during interactions. This article focuses on designing
      AAC intervention programs based on the individual's residual strengths,
      communication needs, and treatment setting. Individuals who have suffered
      brainstem strokes or individuals with dysarthria as the primary factor
      influencing communication are not discussed. Rather, this articlefocuses on
      individuals with permanent communication disorders due to severe aphasia.

PMID- 27681065
TI  - Pharmacological approaches to the treatment of aphasia.
AB  - The catecholaminergic agonists, d-amphetamine and bromocriptine, have shown some
      promise in the treatment of aphasia. Although studies indicate that patients with
      aphasia experience language improvement after taking these agents, the
      experimental controls necessary to prove their efficacy are lacking. Rigorously
      controlled investigations using a significant number of aphasic patients and a
      double-blind-placebo controlled design, as well as studies using these drugs as
      acute care performance enhancers are needed.

PMID- 27681066
TI  - Drawing and gesture as communication options in a person with severe aphasia.
AB  - The following case study demonstrates the efficacy of a gestural and graphic
      treatment approach for an individual with chronic Broca's aphasia. RJ. presented
      with global aphasia as a result of a stroke in 1985. He had a 2-year history of
      aphasia therapy without notable results, followed by a 3-year hiatus from any
      form of therapy. At the request of the patient's daughter, a speech-language
      pathology (SLP) evaluation was conducted nearly 5 years post onset and over 3
      years after any form of communication intervention. Initially R.J. was so severe
      and perseverative that no formal testing could be administered. A novel,
      intensive treatment regime commenced, and after 6 weeks of aphasia treatment that
      focused on gesture and drawing as expressive modalities, R.J. was discharged home
      a functional communicator.

PMID- 27681067
TI  - Efficacy of oral reading in the treatment of two patients with chronic Broca's
      aphasia.
AB  - Two patients with chronic Broca's aphasia participated in an oral reading
      treatment program. A multiple baseline design across responses was used.
      Materials consisted of 90 sentences randomly divided into three groups. Baseline
      performance was established; then each group of sentences was trained
      sequentially for 10 sessions. At the end of each session, oral reading
      performance was probed. For both patients, results indicated increases in
      accuracy of oral reading of treated materials, with maintenance of performance
      following termination of treatment. However, generalization to oral reading of
      untreated material as well as generalization to other oral language tasks were
      evident only for the aphasic patient with a severe apraxia of speech.

PMID- 27681068
TI  - Family involvement in the treatment of aphasia.
AB  - This case study was designed to determine whether a family-based approach to
      speech language therapy as defined by Andrews and Andrews (1990) provides a cost
      effective approach to speech language treatment of chronic aphasia. A patient
      with chronic moderate Broca's aphasia participated in both conventional aphasia
      treatment and family-based treatment. Resu Its demonstrated that in this patient
      family-based therapy was at least as effective for communication improvement as
      traditional aphasia therapy and that it shows promise as a cost-effective adjunct
      or alternative to traditional treatment in patients with chronic aphasia.

PMID- 27681069
TI  - Changing models for the health care provider-patient relationship.

PMID- 27681070
TI  - Testimony presented to the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research.

PMID- 27681073
TI  - From the Editor.

PMID- 27681071
TI  - Falls during stroke rehabilitation: A review of the literature.

PMID- 27681074
TI  - Foreword.

PMID- 27681075
TI  - Lewis Acid-Catalyzed Denitrogenative Transannulation of Pyridotriazoles with
      Nitriles: Synthesis of Imidazopyridines.
AB  - The synthesis of imidazo[1,5-a]pyridines through denitrogenative transannulation
      of pyridotriazoles with nitriles using BF3.Et2O as catalyst has been described.
      The combination of solvents (dichlorobenzene-dichloroethane) plays a crucial role
      in achieving quantitative yields of desired products under metal-free conditions.

PMID- 27681076
TI  - Novel biomarkers that assist in accurate discrimination of squamous cell
      carcinoma from adenocarcinoma of the lung.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Targeted therapies based on the molecular and histological features
      of cancer types are becoming standard practice. The most effective regimen in
      lung cancers is different between squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and
      adenocarcinoma (AD). Therefore a precise diagnosis is crucial, but this has been
      difficult, particularly for poorly differentiated SCC (PDSCC) and AD without a
      lepidic growth component (non-lepidic AD). Biomarkers enabling a precise
      diagnosis are therefore urgently needed. METHODS: Cap Analysis of Gene Expression
      (CAGE) is a method used to quantify promoter activities across the whole genome
      by determining the 5' ends of capped RNA molecules with next-generation
      sequencing. We performed CAGE on 97 frozen tissues from surgically resected lung
      cancers (22 SCC and 75 AD), and confirmed the findings by immunohistochemical
      analysis (IHC) in an independent group (29 SCC and 45 AD). RESULTS: Using the
      genome-wide promoter activity profiles, we confirmed that the expression of known
      molecular markers used in IHC for SCC (CK5, CK6, p40 and desmoglein-3) and AD
      (TTF-1 and napsin A) were different between SCC and AD. We identified two novel
      marker candidates, SPATS2 for SCC and ST6GALNAC1 for AD, as showing comparable
      performance and complementary utility to the known markers in discriminating
      PDSCC and non-lepidic AD. We subsequently confirmed their utility at the protein
      level by IHC in an independent group. CONCLUSIONS: We identified two genes,
      SPATS2 and ST6GALNAC1, as novel complemental biomarkers discriminating SCC and
      AD. These findings will contribute to a more accurate diagnosis of NSCLC, which
      is crucial for precision medicine for lung cancer.

PMID- 27681077
TI  - The effects of synbiotic supplementation on markers of insulin metabolism and
      lipid profiles in gestational diabetes: a randomised, double-blind, placebo
      controlled trial.
AB  - To the best of our knowledge, data on the effects of synbiotic supplementation on
      markers of insulin metabolism and lipid concentrations in patients with
      gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are scarce. The aim of the current study was
      to determine the effects of synbiotic supplementation on markers of insulin
      metabolism and lipid profiles in GDM patients. In total, seventy patients with
      GDM aged 18-40 years were assigned to two groups - the synbiotic group (n 35) and
      the placebo group (n 35) - in this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
      trial. Patients in the synbiotic group received a daily capsule that contained
      three viable and freeze-dried strains: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus
      casei and Bifidobacterium bifidum (2*109 colony-forming units/g each) plus 800 mg
      inulin for 6 weeks. Fasting blood samples were collected at the beginning and
      week 6 to quantify related markers. After 6 weeks of intervention, compared with
      the placebo, synbiotic supplementation led to a significant decrease in serum
      insulin levels (-1.5 (sd 5.9) v. +4.8 (sd 11.5) uIU/ml, P=0.005), homoeostatic
      model assessment for insulin resistance (-0.4 (sd 1.3) v. +1.1 (sd 2.7), P=0.003)
      and homoeostatic model assessment for beta cell function (-5.1 (sd 24.2) v. +18.9
      (sd 45.6), P=0.008) and a significant increase in quantitative insulin
      sensitivity check index (+0.01 (sd 0.01) v. -0.007 (sd 0.02), P=0.02). In
      addition, synbiotic intake significantly decreased serum TAG (-14.8 (sd 56.5) v.
      +30.4 (sd 37.8) mg/dl, P<0.001) and VLDL-cholesterol concentrations (-3.0 (sd
      11.3) v. +6.1 (sd 7.6) mg/dl, P<0.001) compared with the placebo. Overall, the
      results of this study demonstrate that taking synbiotic supplements for 6 weeks
      among patients with GDM had beneficial effects on markers of insulin metabolism,
      TAG and VLDL-cholesterol concentrations.

PMID- 27681079
TI  - Acute severe hyponatraemia secondary to polydipsia and associated herbal remedy
      use.
AB  - A 47-year-old woman presented with seizures secondary to euvolaemic
      hyponatraemia. A collateral history revealed recent increased oral fluid intake
      and increased use of herbal remedies including valerian root over the New Year
      period. There was no history of psychiatric disease to support psychogenic
      polydipsia. She responded to careful sodium replacement in the intensive care
      unit and was discharged with no neurological sequelae.

PMID- 27681078
TI  - Decreases in Gap Junction Coupling Recovers Ca2+ and Insulin Secretion in
      Neonatal Diabetes Mellitus, Dependent on Beta Cell Heterogeneity and Noise.
AB  - Diabetes is caused by dysfunction to beta-cells in the islets of Langerhans,
      disrupting insulin secretion and glucose homeostasis. Gap junction-mediated
      electrical coupling between beta-cells in the islet plays a major role in
      coordinating a pulsatile secretory response at elevated glucose and suppressing
      insulin secretion at basal glucose. Previously, we demonstrated that a critical
      number of inexcitable cells can rapidly suppress the overall islet response, as a
      result of gap junction coupling. This was demonstrated in a murine model of
      Neonatal Diabetes Mellitus (NDM) involving expression of ATP-insensitive KATP
      channels, and by a multi-cellular computational model of islet electrical
      activity. Here we examined the mechanisms by which gap junction coupling
      contributes to islet dysfunction in NDM. We first verified the computational
      model against [Ca2+] and insulin secretion measurements in islets expressing ATP
      insensitive KATP channels under different levels of gap junction coupling. We
      then applied this model to predict how different KATP channel mutations found in
      NDM suppress [Ca2+], and the role of gap junction coupling in this suppression.
      We further extended the model to account for stochastic noise and insulin
      secretion dynamics. We found experimentally and in the islet model that
      reductions in gap junction coupling allow progressively greater glucose
      stimulated [Ca2+] and insulin secretion following expression of ATP-insensitive
      KATP channels. The model demonstrated good correspondence between suppression of
      [Ca2+] and clinical presentation of different NDM mutations. Significant
      recoveries in [Ca2+] and insulin secretion were predicted for many mutations upon
      reductions in gap junction coupling, where stochastic noise played a significant
      role in the recoveries. These findings provide new understanding how the islet
      functions as a multicellular system and for the role of gap junction channels in
      exacerbating the effects of decreased cellular excitability. They further suggest
      novel therapeutic options for NDM and other monogenic forms of diabetes.

PMID- 27681080
TI  - Clinical experience with the use of anti-CdtB and anti-vinculin antibodies in
      patients with diarrhea in Mexico.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Circulating anti-CdtB/anti-vinculin antibodies have been validated
      as biomarkers to distinguish IBS-D from IBD, but there is no experience with them
      in Latin America. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The analysis was carried out on patients
      seen at a FGIDs/motility clinic over the last 7 months for diarrhea with
      abdominal pain and/or bloating who were tested for these antibodies. The patients
      were diagnosed according to the Rome III criteria or with organic disorders, and
      those presenting with IBS were further classified as post-infectious (PI) or non
      PI-IBS. RESULTS: Thirty patients were studied. Positive biomarkers were found in
      IBS-D and IBS-D Overlap (58.8%) and IBS-M (33.3%), with no differences between PI
      IBS (71.4%) vs. non-PI-IBS (41.7%) subjects (P=.21). There was no positivity in
      patients with other FGIDs or organic diarrhea, except for one with small
      intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support the use
      of this test as a first-line diagnostic tool to confirm the presence of IBS-D/IBS
      M according to the Rome III criteria.

PMID- 27681082
TI  - Virtual Issue in Memory of Ahmed Zewail.

PMID- 27681081
TI  - Geographic variations in cervical cancer risk in San Luis Potosi state, Mexico: A
      spatial statistical approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Worldwide, Cervical Cancer (CC) is the fourth most common type of
      cancer and cause of death in women. It is a significant public health problem,
      especially in low and middle-income/Gross Domestic Product (GDP) countries. In
      the past decade, several studies of CC have been published, that identify the
      main modifiable and non-modifiable CC risk factors for Mexican women. However,
      there are no studies that attempt to explain the residual spatial variation in CC
      incidence In Mexico, i.e. spatial variation that cannot be ascribed to known,
      spatially varying risk factors. METHODS: This paper uses a spatial statistical
      methodology that takes into account spatial variation in socio-economic factors
      and accessibility to health services, whilst allowing for residual, unexplained
      spatial variation in risk. To describe residual spatial variations in CC risk, we
      used generalised linear mixed models (GLMM) with both spatially structured and
      unstructured random effects, using a Bayesian approach to inference. RESULTS: The
      highest risk is concentrated in the southeast, where the Matlapa and Aquismon
      municipalities register excessive risk, with posterior probabilities greater than
      0.8. The lack of coverage of Cervical Cancer-Screening Programme (CCSP) (RR 1.17,
      95 % CI 1.12-1.22), Marginalisation Index (RR 1.05, 95 % CI 1.03-1.08), and lack
      of accessibility to health services (RR 1.01, 95 % CI 1.00-1.03) were significant
      covariates. CONCLUSIONS: There are substantial differences between
      municipalities, with high-risk areas mainly in low-resource areas lacking
      accessibility to health services for CC. Our results clearly indicate the
      presence of spatial patterns, and the relevance of the spatial analysis for
      public health intervention. Ignoring the spatial variability means to continue a
      public policy that does not tackle deficiencies in its national CCSP and to keep
      disadvantaging and disempowering Mexican women in regard to their health care.

PMID- 27681083
TI  - Characterization of Amorphous Oxide Nano-Thick Layers on 316L Stainless Steel by
      Electron Channeling Contrast Imaging and Electron Backscatter Diffraction.
AB  - Characterization of the topmost surface of biomaterials is crucial to
      understanding their properties and interactions with the local environment. In
      this study, the oxide layer microstructure of plasma-modified 316L stainless
      steel (SS316L) samples was analyzed by a combination of electron backscatter
      diffraction and electron channeling contrast imaging using low-energy incident
      electrons. Both techniques allowed clear identification of a nano-thick amorphous
      oxide layer, on top of the polycrystalline substrate, for the plasma-modified
      samples. A methodology was developed using Monte Carlo simulations combined with
      the experimental results to estimate thickness of the amorphous layer for
      different surface conditions. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy depth profiles
      were used to validate these estimations.

PMID- 27681084
TI  - Erratum to: Comparative genomics and transcriptomics of Pichia pastoris.

PMID- 27681085
TI  - Development of Versatile Metal-Organic Framework Functionalized Magnetic Graphene
      Core-Shell Biocomposite for Highly Specific Recognition of Glycopeptides.
AB  - Protein N-glycosylation is a ubiquitous and important post-translational
      modification that has been involved in the development and progression of a
      series of human-related diseases. Until recently, the highly selective capturing
      of glycopeptides from complex biosamples was still significant and challenging
      work due to their changeable structures, ultralow abundance, and strong ion
      suppressing effect. Here we first report the preparation and characterization of
      a novel, hydrophilic, porous biocomposite composed of magnetic graphene
      functionalized with metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) (MG@Zn-MOFs) able to
      recognize glycopeptides. Thanks to its strong magnetic responsiveness, large
      specific surface area, excellent biocompatibility, and unique size-exclusion
      effect, the MG@Zn-MOFs showed outstanding sensitivity and selectivity and good
      recyclability in glycopeptides analysis. More excitingly, in practical
      application, 517 N-glycopeptides within 151 unique glycoproteins were clearly
      identified from human serum (1 MUL) treated with the MG@Zn-MOFs, which is the
      best result among published reports so far. All the results demonstrate the
      promising commercialized usage of the biocomposite for the enrichment of
      glycopeptides in complex samples through a convenient and efficient process.
      Furthermore, it is anticipated that our strategy may offer promising guidance to
      develop new biocomposites functionalized with bio-MOFs for glycoproteomic
      applications.

PMID- 27681086
TI  - Emergency radiology fellowship training in the USA: a web-based survey of
      academic programs.
AB  - Interest in emergency radiology as a distinct subspecialty within radiology
      continues to rise in the USA and globally. While acute care imaging has been
      performed since the earliest days of the specialty, fellowship training in
      emergency radiology is a relatively new phenomenon. The purpose of this study was
      to examine the current status of emergency radiology training in the USA, using
      data derived from the official websites of US residency training programs. The
      most current list of radiology residency programs participating in the 2017 match
      was obtained from the official Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS)
      website. The total number of emergency radiology fellowships was recorded after
      visiting available websites of each academic radiology program. The total number
      of subspecialty fellowships offered by each academic radiology program was also
      recorded. There were 12 confirmed emergency radiology fellowships offered in the
      USA for a combined total of 22 fellowship positions. Eleven programs were 1 year
      in duration, with one program offering a one- or two-year option. One hundred
      eight of the 174 (approximately 62 %) surveyed academic radiology programs
      offered at least one subspecialty fellowship. Emergency radiology fellowships are
      on the rise, paralleling the growth of emergency radiology as a distinct
      subspecialty within radiology.

PMID- 27681088
TI  - Bandwagons I, too, have known.
AB  - KEY MESSAGE: Bandwagons come in waves. A plant breeder, just like a surfer, needs
      to carefully choose which waves to be on. A bandwagon is an idea, activity, or
      cause that becomes increasingly fashionable as more and more people adopt it. In
      a 1991 article entitled Bandwagons I Have Known, Professor N. W. Simmonds
      described several bandwagons that he encountered in his career, beginning with
      induced polyploidy and mutation breeding and ending with the then-new field of
      biotechnology. This article reviews and speculates about post-1990 bandwagons in
      plant improvement, including transgenic cultivars, quantitative trait locus (QTL)
      mapping, association mapping, genomewide (or genomic) selection, phenomics,
      envirotyping, and genome editing. The life cycle of a bandwagon includes an
      excitement phase of hype and funding; a realization phase when the initial hype
      is either tempered or the initial expectations are found to have been too low;
      and a reality phase when the useful aspects of a bandwagon become part of
      mainstream thinking and practice, or when an unsuccessful bandwagon is largely
      abandoned. During the realization phase, a new bandwagon that draws our attention
      and gives us renewed optimism typically arises. The most popular bandwagons, such
      as QTL mapping, are those for which the needed experimental resources are
      accessible, the required technical knowledge and skills can be easily learned,
      and the outputs can almost always be reported. The favorite bandwagon of any
      plant breeder has, in one way or another, resulted from Mendel's seminal
      discoveries 150 years ago. Our community of plant breeders needs to be
      continually diligent in welcoming new bandwagons, but also in hopping off from
      those that do not prove useful.

PMID- 27681090
TI  - Sensitivity of Folding Molecular Dynamics Simulations to Even Minor Force Field
      Changes.
AB  - We examine the sensitivity of folding molecular dynamics simulations on the
      choice between three variants of the same force field (the AMBER99SB force field
      and its ILDN, NMR-ILDN, and STAR-ILDN variants). Using two different peptide
      systems (a marginally stable helical peptide and a beta-hairpin) and a grand
      total of more than 20 MUs of simulation time we show that even relatively minor
      force field changes can lead to appreciable differences in the peptide folding
      behavior.

PMID- 27681087
TI  - [Alcohol- and substance abuse among mentally ill patients with migration
      background in Austria].
AB  - The refugee movements of the recent years are confronting the health care with
      new challenges. However, it has turned out that in Austria data on the mental
      health of migrants are nearly not available. Especially data on the frequency and
      patterns of comorbid substance abuse of migrants with mental disorders do not
      exist even from international studies. We analyzed data from 1819 patients (1726
      first generation, 93 second generation) treated in the outpatient clinic for
      transcultural psychiatry and migration related disorders at the Vienna General
      Hospital: In first-generation migrants the cultural and religious background of
      the region of origin has the greatest impact on the frequency and the patterns of
      misused substances. In second-generation migrants the consumer habits approximate
      to those of the majority of the society. The primary diagnosis plays a minor
      role. Only patients with personality disorders exhibit higher rates of illicit
      substance compared with other diagnoses.

PMID- 27681089
TI  - A novel QTL associated with dwarf bunt resistance in Idaho 444 winter wheat.
AB  - KEY MESSAGE: A novel QTL, Q.DB.ui-7DS, and the PCR-based markers identified in
      the current study will accelerate variety development for resistance to dwarf and
      common bunt of wheat. Dwarf bunt [Tilletia controversa J.G. Kuhn [as
      'contraversa'], in Rabenhorst, Hedwigia 13: 188 (1874)] is a destructive disease
      of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) that reduces grain yield and quality. A number of
      distinct genes conferring resistance to dwarf bunt have been used by breeding
      programs for nearly 100 years. However, few markers were identified that can be
      used in selection of dwarf bunt resistance. A recombinant inbred line (RIL)
      population derived from the bunt-resistant germplasm, Idaho 444 (IDO444), and the
      susceptible cultivar, Rio Blanco, was evaluated for phenotypic reaction to dwarf
      bunt inoculation in four trials in two locations (USU and USDA) over 3 years. The
      population was genotyped with the Diversity Arrays Technology (DArT) and the
      Illumina Infinium 9K iSelect marker platforms. A total of three QTL were
      detected, and resistant alleles were from IDO444. QTL Q.DB.ui-7DS on 7DS was
      determined based on the location of a DArT marker wPt-2565 (X116197), which was
      consistently detected and explained 32 to 56 % of phenotypic variation among the
      four trials. QTL Q.DB.ui-1A on 1A was detected in three Utah State University
      (USU) trials and explained 11-15 % of phenotypic variation. QTL Q.DB.ui-2B on 2B
      was detected in two USU and one United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
      trials and explained up to 6 % of phenotypic variation. Two PCR-based markers
      were developed based on the sequence of wPt-2565 and validated in the RIL
      population and used in genotyping of dwarf bunt differential lines, known
      resistance sources, and resistant cultivars.

PMID- 27681091
TI  - ISVEE 14 Yucatan 2015 14th Symposium of the International Society for Veterinary
      Epidemiology and Economics.
AB  - The 14th Symposium of the International Society for Veterinary Epidemiology and
      Economics (ISVEE 14) was held in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico during 3-7 November.
      2015. The purpose of ISVEE 14 Yucatan 2015 was to provide a global forum for
      graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, junior and senior investigators, as well
      as health policymakers to exchange information that can advance the fields of
      veterinary epidemiology and economics, and other disciplines in the health and
      social sciences. The main theme of ISVEE 14 was Planning Our Future. Human
      population growth is predicted to increase nearly 50% to 11 billion by 2050, and
      climate change and changing land use can have an impact on local and global food
      systems, interactions among humans, wildlife and domestic animals, as well as
      local, regional, and global public health alerts. How can we help our systems of
      education, research, and public policy adapt? Are new veterinary graduates and
      epidemiology practitioners prepared to become active protagonists in the solution
      of health issues that affect humans and animal populations in a changing
      environment? What innovative research is needed to understand and enhance the
      food systems of the future? What are the expected roles or contributions of
      veterinarians or epidemiology practitioners on future climate change, food
      systems, and health? Is our profession or discipline leading One Health
      initiatives? Are there current or new models that make national veterinary
      services more efficacious and efficient for disease control and eradication? To
      help us answer these questions, the organizing committee of ISVEE 14 invited five
      distinguished keynote speakers to share their vision and innovative ideas on
      education, technological developments, research, and public policy of our future
      with a concentration in the following five areas: (i) One Health (Jonna Mazet),
      (ii) climate change (Bernard Bett), (iii) animal health economics (Jonathan
      Rushton), (iv) national veterinary services (Vitor Goncalves), and (v) animal
      welfare (Aline Schunemann). This Special Issue includes manuscripts from four of
      five keynote presentations delivered during ISVEE 14.

PMID- 27681094
TI  - Inhibition of STAT3 phosphorylation by sulforaphane reduces adhesion molecule
      expression in vascular endothelial cell.
AB  - Intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1
      (VCAM-1) play key roles in the initiation of vascular inflammation. In this
      study, we explored whether sulforaphane, a dietary phytochemical, can inhibit the
      expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC)
      stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and the mechanisms involved.
      Sulforaphane prevented the LPS-mediated increase in ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression,
      (P < 0.01) in HUVEC. Sulforaphane also prevented the LPS-mediated increase in the
      phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) (P
      < 0.01). Stattic, a STAT3 inhibitor, reduced the LPS-induced expression of ICAM-1
      and VCAM-1, and STAT3 phosphorylation (P < 0.01). STAT3 small interfering RNA
      treatment reduced the LPS-induced expression of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and STAT3 (P <
      0.01). Sulforaphane reduced LPS-mediated THP-1 monocyte adhesion to HUVEC (P <
      0.01). In C57BL/6 mice, injection of LPS increased aortic ICAM-1 and VCAM-1
      expression, and this effect was prevented by sulforaphane. These data provide
      insight into the mechanism through which sulforaphane partly reduces the
      expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 on the vascular wall by inhibiting STAT3
      phosphorylation.

PMID- 27681092
TI  - Current ideas on the biology of IGFBP-6: More than an IGF-II inhibitor?
AB  - IGFBP-6 binds IGF-II with higher affinity than IGF-I and it is a relatively
      specific inhibitor of IGF-II actions. More recently, IGFBP-6 has also been
      reported to have IGF-independent effects on cell proliferation, survival,
      differentiation and migration. IGFBP-6 binds to several ligands in the
      extracellular space, cytoplasm and nucleus. These interactions, together with
      activation of distinct intracellular signaling pathways, may contribute to its
      IGF-independent actions; for example, IGF-independent migration induced by IGFBP
      6 involves interaction with prohibitin-2 and activation of MAP kinase pathways. A
      major challenge for the future is delineating the relative roles of the IGF
      dependent and -independent actions of IGFBP-6, which may lead to the development
      of therapeutic approaches for diseases including cancer.

PMID- 27681093
TI  - Heterozygosity for the rs696217 SNP in the Preproghrelin Gene Predicts Weight
      Loss After Bariatric Surgery in Severely Obese Individuals.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several patients encompass a scarce weight loss after Roux-en-Y
      gastric bypass (RYGB). As such event is not related to surgical complications,
      finding markers able to identify "well responders" and to predict weight loss
      outcome is clinically relevant. Ghrelin regulates appetite and energy balance.
      Common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in its encoding genes have been
      associated with body weight regulation. Other peptides involved in satiety
      modulation, like the CD40/CD40L complex, are less explored. METHODS: One hundred,
      otherwise healthy, obese subjects (aged 45 +/- 11 years, 65 females, BMI 48.0 +/-
      0.7 kg/m2) were sequentially enrolled in years 2014-2015. SNPs rs2241766 for
      adiponectin gene, rs490683 for ghrelin receptor, rs696217 and rs27647 for the
      preproghrelin/ghrelin gene, and rs1126535 for the CD40L gene were determined on
      DNA extracted from circulating lymphomonocytes. Patients were reevaluated at 6 (n
      = 100), 26 (n = 91), and 52 weeks (n = 79) after RYGB. RESULTS: Subjects carrying
      the rs696217 T allele encompassed a significantly greater reduction in BMI 52
      weeks after surgery (GG vs GT 30.5 +/- 1.1 vs 38.1 +/- 2.1 %; p < 0.001).
      Carrying the rs1126535 C allele in the CD40L gene was associated with a
      significantly lower BMI reduction at week 52 (TT vs CT 33.2 +/- 1.1 vs 28.1 +/-
      2.3 %, p = 0.049). rs490683 and rs27647 SNPs of ghrelin and rs2241766 for
      adiponectin gene did not show any difference between carriers and non-carriers of
      the mutant allele. CONCLUSION: Carrying a G to T substitution in rs696217
      (preproghrelin gene) seems to mark a successful weight loss outcome; we also
      report for the first time that the rs1126535 C allele (CD40L gene) may predict a
      worse response to bariatric surgery.

PMID- 27681096
TI  - Erratum to "The course and distribution of the infra patellar nerve in relation
      to ACL reconstruction" [Knee 22 (2015) 384-388].

PMID- 27681095
TI  - Evaluation of the anti-diarrheal activity of the leaf extract of Croton
      macrostachyus Hocsht. ex Del. (Euphorbiaceae) in mice model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Traditional healers in Ethiopia use a wide range of medicinal plants
      with antidiarrheal properties. Among these, Croton macrostachyus is one such
      plant claimed to have an antidiarrheal activity in Ethiopian folklore medicine.
      Previous studies showed that the crude extract is endowed with the claimed
      property. The present study was undertaken to further the claim by screening
      different fractions for the said activity so that it could serve as a basis for
      subsequent studies. METHODS: The fractions were obtained by successive extraction
      in soxhlet apparatus with solvents of different polarity (chloroform & methanol)
      followed by cold maceration of the deposit of the methanol fraction with
      distilled water. The antidiarrheal activity was evaluated using castor oil
      induced diarrheal model, charcoal meal test and anti-enteropooling test in mice.
      The test groups received various doses (300, 400, 500 mg/kg and an additional
      dose of 1000 mg/kg for the aqueous fraction) of the fractions, whereas positive
      controls received either Loperamide (3 mg/kg) or Atropine (5 mg/kg) and negative
      controls received vehicle (10 ml/kg). RESULTS: In the castor oil induced model,
      the chloroform (at all test doses) and methanol (at 400 & 500 mg/kg) fractions
      significantly delayed diarrheal onset, decreased stool frequency and weight of
      feces. The aqueous fraction was however devoid of significant effect at all the
      tested doses. Chloroform and methanol fractions produced a significant dose
      dependent decline in the weight and volume of intestinal contents while the
      aqueous fraction did not have a significant effect. All the fractions produced a
      significant anti-motility effect either at all doses (chloroform fraction) or at
      middle and higher doses (methanol and aqueous fractions). CONCLUSION: The present
      study demonstrated that the chloroform and methanol fractions possessed
      significant anti-diarrheal activity. Nevertheless, the aqueous fraction showed
      only significant anti-motility effect at the higher dose (1000 mg/kg) employed in
      the study.

PMID- 27681098
TI  - Sleep Disturbances Induced by Stimulants in Children with Attention-Deficit
      Hyperactivity Disorder.

PMID- 27681099
TI  - Thoughts on relief for atomic bomb survivors since Obama's visit to Hiroshima.

PMID- 27681097
TI  - Relationship between mediation analysis and the structured life course approach.
AB  - Many questions in life course epidemiology involve mediation and/or interaction
      because of the long latency period between exposures and outcomes. In this paper,
      we explore how mediation analysis (based on counterfactual theory and implemented
      using conventional regression approaches) links with a structured approach to
      selecting life course hypotheses. Using theory and simulated data, we show how
      the alternative life course hypotheses assessed in the structured life course
      approach correspond to different combinations of mediation and interaction
      parameters. For example, an early life critical period model corresponds to a
      direct effect of the early life exposure, but no indirect effect via the mediator
      and no interaction between the early life exposure and the mediator. We also
      compare these methods using an illustrative real-data example using data on
      parental occupational social class (early life exposure), own adult occupational
      social class (mediator) and physical capability (outcome).

PMID- 27681100
TI  - Post-cardiac arrest mortality is declining in the UK.

PMID- 27681101
TI  - The Impact of the Security Competency on "Self-Efficacy in Information Security"
      for Effective Health Information Security in Iran.
AB  - The security effectiveness based on users' behaviors is becoming a top priority
      of Health Information System (HIS). In the first step of this study, through the
      review of previous studies 'Self-efficacy in Information Security' (SEIS) and
      'Security Competency' (SCMP) were identified as the important factors to
      transforming HIS users to the first line of defense in the security.
      Subsequently, a conceptual model was proposed taking into mentioned factors for
      HIS security effectiveness. Then, this quantitative study used the structural
      equation modeling to examine the proposed model based on survey data collected
      from a sample of 263 HIS users from eight hospitals in Iran. The result shows
      that SEIS is one of the important factors to cultivate of good end users'
      behaviors toward HIS security effectiveness. However SCMP appears a feasible
      alternative to providing SEIS. This study also confirms the mediation effects of
      SEIS on the relationship between SCMP and HIS security effectiveness. The results
      of this research paper can be used by HIS and IT managers to implement their
      information security process more effectively.

PMID- 27681104
TI  - Erratum to: Botulinum Toxin Injection for Treatment of Chronic Anal Fissure: Is
      There Any Dose-Dependent Efficiency? A Meta-Analysis.

PMID- 27681102
TI  - Tumor Static Concentration Curves in Combination Therapy.
AB  - Combination therapies are widely accepted as a cornerstone for treatment of
      different cancer types. A tumor growth inhibition (TGI) model is developed for
      combinations of cetuximab and cisplatin obtained from xenograft mice. Unlike
      traditional TGI models, both natural cell growth and cell death are considered
      explicitly. The growth rate was estimated to 0.006 h-1 and the natural cell death
      to 0.0039 h-1 resulting in a tumor doubling time of 14 days. The tumor static
      concentrations (TSC) are predicted for each individual compound. When the
      compounds are given as single-agents, the required concentrations were computed
      to be 506 MUg . mL-1 and 56 ng . mL-1 for cetuximab and cisplatin, respectively.
      A TSC curve is constructed for different combinations of the two drugs, which
      separates concentration combinations into regions of tumor shrinkage and tumor
      growth. The more concave the TSC curve is, the lower is the total exposure to
      test compounds necessary to achieve tumor regression. The TSC curve for cetuximab
      and cisplatin showed weak concavity. TSC values and TSC curves were estimated
      that predict tumor regression for 95% of the population by taking between-subject
      variability into account. The TSC concept is further discussed for different
      concentration-effect relationships and for combinations of three or more
      compounds.

PMID- 27681105
TI  - Influence of volumetric reduction factor during ozonation of nanofiltration
      concentrates for wastewater reuse.
AB  - Global population growth induces increased threat on drinking water resources.
      One way to address this environmental issue is to reuse water from wastewater
      treatment plant. The presence of pathogenic microorganisms and potentially toxic
      organic micropollutants does not allow a direct reuse of urban effluents.
      Membrane processes such reverse osmosis (RO) or nanofiltration (NF) can be
      considered to effectively eliminate these pollutants. The integration of membrane
      processes involves the production of concentrated retentates which require being
      disposed. To date, no treatment is set up to manage safely this pollution. This
      work focuses on the application of ozonation for the treatment of NF retentates
      in the framework of the wastewater reuse. Ozonation is a powerful oxidation
      process able to react and degrade a wide range of organic pollutants. Four
      pharmaceutical micropollutants were selected as target molecules: acetaminophen,
      carbamazepine, atenolol and diatrozic acid. This study highlighted that NF
      represents a viable alternative to the commonly used RO process ensuring high
      retention at much lower operating costs. Ozonation appears to be effective to
      degrade the most reactive pollutants toward molecular ozone but is limited for
      the reduction of refractory ozone pollutants due to the inhibition of the radical
      chain by the high content of organic matter in the retentates. The ozonation
      process appears to be a promising NF retentate treatment, but additional
      treatments after ozonation are required to lead to a zero liquid discharge
      treatment scheme.

PMID- 27681103
TI  - Relation of Transcriptional Factors to the Expression and Activity of Cytochrome
      P450 and UDP-Glucuronosyltransferases 1A in Human Liver: Co-Expression Network
      Analysis.
AB  - Cytochrome P450 (CYPs) and UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) play important
      roles in the metabolism of exogenous and endogenous compounds. The gene
      transcription of CYPs and UGTs can be enhanced or reduced by transcription
      factors (TFs). This study aims to explore novel TFs involved in the regulatory
      network of human hepatic UGTs/CYPs. Correlations between the transcription levels
      of 683 key TFs and CYPs/UGTs in three different human liver expression profiles
      (n = 640) were calculated first. Supervised weighted correlation network analysis
      (sWGCNA) was employed to define hub genes among the selected TFs. The
      relationship among 17 defined TFs, CYPs/UGTs expression, and activity were
      evaluated in 30 liver samples from Chinese patients. The positive controls (e.g.,
      PPARA, NR1I2, NR1I3) and hub TFs (NFIA, NR3C2, and AR) in the GreysWGCNA Module
      were significantly and positively associated with CYPs/UGTs expression. And the
      cancer- or inflammation-related TFs (TEAD4, NFKB2, and NFKB1) were negatively
      associated with mRNA expression of CYP2C9/CYP2E1/UGT1A9. Furthermore, the effect
      of NR1I2, NR1I3, AR, TEAD4, and NFKB2 on CYP450/UGT1A gene transcription
      translated into moderate influences on enzyme activities. To our knowledge, this
      is the first study to integrate Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets and
      supervised weighted correlation network analysis (sWGCNA) for defining TFs
      potentially related to CYPs/UGTs. We detected several novel TFs involved in the
      regulatory network of hepatic CYPs and UGTs in humans. Further validation and
      investigation may reveal their exact mechanism of CYPs/UGTs regulation.

PMID- 27681106
TI  - New evidence on the formation of oxidizing species in corona discharge in contact
      with liquid and their reactions with organic compounds.
AB  - The objective of these investigations is to understand in more detail how organic
      compounds in water are degraded during plasma treatment. The formation of
      oxidizing species (ozone (O3), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and hydroxyl radicals
      (OH)) in a pulsed corona discharge in contact with liquid is investigated. The
      degradation of a target organic compound (methylparaben) in aqueous solution was
      increased when combining plasma treatment with ozonation, using the O3 generated
      in the discharge. Enhanced mass transfer of O3 obtained in this plasma+O3
      configuration leads to a six fold increase of MeP oxidation rate. The evolution
      of oxidants concentration during treatment of MeP solutions provides information
      on their consumption in reactions with MeP and its oxidation products. The
      correlation of MeP degradation results (MeP removal and mineralization) with O3
      consumption and the identified reaction products confirms that although O3 plays
      an important role in the degradation, for the mineralization OH radicals have an
      essential contribution. The concentration of OH radicals is diminished in the
      solutions containing MeP as compared to plasma-treated water, indicating OH
      consumption in reactions with the target compound and its degradation products.
      The concentration of H2O2 in the liquid can be either increased or reduced in the
      presence of MeP, depending on its initial concentration. On the one hand,
      decomposition of H2O2 by OH or O3 is suppressed in the presence of MeP, but on
      the other hand less OH radicals are available for its formation.

PMID- 27681107
TI  - Pay attention to non-wastewater emission pathways of pharmaceuticals into
      environments.
AB  - Pharmaceuticals have been widely detected in the aquatic environment and
      demonstrated to be potential risks to humans and the environment. Understanding
      emission pathways of pharmaceuticals is essential to the control of
      pharmaceutical contamination for environmental management. The present study is
      aimed at testing the hypothesis that non-wastewater pathway is also significant
      to the emission of pharmaceuticals into the environment. To this end, we compared
      the actual production with the amount of 12 antibiotics obtained by back
      calculation from sewage concentrations in Beijing, Guangzhou and Chongqing. The
      results showed that for over a half of investigated antibiotics, the emission
      through non-wastewater pathways accounted for approximately 30-80% of the total
      emission, varying with individual antibiotics. It was revealed that non
      wastewater emission pathways could be of significance for pharmaceuticals emitted
      into the environment, of which disposed by household waste could be among the
      most important non-wastewater pathways.

PMID- 27681108
TI  - The effect of the number of alkyl substituents on imidazolium ionic liquids
      phytotoxicity and oxidative stress in spring barley and common radish seedlings.
AB  - Increasing amounts of two ILs: 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate
      [BMIM][PF6] and 1-butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate [BMMIM][PF6],
      were introduced to soil in which spring barley (Hordeum vulgare) and common
      radish (Raphanus sativus L. subvar. radicula Pers.) seedlings were cultivated, in
      order to evaluate the phytotoxicity of ionic liquids with imidazolium cation with
      two or three alkyl substituents attached. The results of the study i.e. the
      inhibition of the length of plants and their roots, as well as the yield of fresh
      weight of plants, clearly showed that differences in the number of substituents
      did not affect the toxicity of these ILs. Although, radish was more resistant to
      the applied ionic liquids than barley. Ionic liquids led to a decrease in the
      content of all assimilation pigments and induced oxidative stress in the plants,
      as showed by an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and changes in the
      level of H2O2 and antioxidant enzymes: superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT)
      and peroxidase (POD). The best biomarkers of oxidative stress in both plants were
      the changes in chlorophyll content and the increase in POD activity. Both spring
      barley and radish exposed to [BMIM][PF6] and [BMMIM][PF6] accumulated a large
      amount of fluoride ions, which further increased the toxicity of these compounds
      for both plants.

PMID- 27681109
TI  - Combined cyto/genotoxic activity of a selected antineoplastic drug mixture in
      human circulating blood cells.
AB  - Antineoplastic drugs are highly cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents that can often
      interfere directly or indirectly with the cell's genome. In an environmental or
      medical setting simultaneous exposure may occur. Such multiple exposures may pose
      a higher risk than it could be assumed from the studies evaluating the effect of
      a single substance. Therefore, in the present study we tested the combined
      cyto/genotoxicity of a mixture of selected antineoplastic drugs with different
      mechanisms of action (5-fluorouracil, etoposide, and imatinib mesylate) towards
      human lymphocytes in vitro. The results suggest that the selected antineoplastic
      drug mixture is potentially cyto/genotoxic and that it can induce cell and genome
      damage even at low concentrations. Moreover, the changes in the measured
      oxidative stress parameters suggest the participation of reactive oxygen species
      in the cyto/genotoxicity of the selected mixture. The obtained results indicate
      not only that such mixtures may pose a risk to cell and genome integrity, but
      also that single compound toxicity data are not sufficient for the predicting
      toxicity in a complex environment. Altogether, the results emphasise the need for
      further toxicological screening of antineoplastic drug mixtures, especially at
      low environmentally relevant concentrations, as to avoid any possible adverse
      effects on the environment and human health.

PMID- 27681110
TI  - Assessing the combination of iron sulfate and organic materials as amendment for
      an arsenic and copper contaminated soil. A chemical and ecotoxicological
      approach.
AB  - The efficiency of combining iron sulfate and organic amendments (paper mill
      sludge, olive mill waste compost and olive tree pruning biochar) for the
      remediation of an As- and Cu-contaminated soil was evaluated. Changes in As and
      Cu fractionation and solubility due to the application of the amendments was
      explored by leachate analysis, single and sequential extractions. Also, the
      effects on Arrhenatherum elatius growth, germination of Lactuca sativa and
      toxicity to the bacteria Vibrio fischeri were assessed. The combination of iron
      sulfate and the organic amendments efficiently reduced As solubility and
      availability through the formation of amorphous iron oxides, while organic matter
      did not seem to mobilize As. At the same time, copper fractionation was strongly
      affected by soil pH and organic matter addition. The soil pH significantly
      influenced both As and Cu mobility. Within all the amendments tested, FeSO4 in
      combination with compost showed to be the most suitable treatment for the overall
      remediation process, as it reduced As and Cu availability andenhanced soil
      nutrient concentrations and plant growth. In sipte of contradictory trends
      between chemical analyses and ecotoxicity tests, we can still conclude that the
      application of organic amendments in combination with reactive iron salts is a
      suitable approach for the remediation of soils contaminated by Cu and As.

PMID- 27681111
TI  - Evaluation of the extraction efficiency for the Hypoaspis aculeifer reproduction
      test in the context of soil quality assessment.
AB  - The standardized bioassay using the predatory mite Hypoaspis aculeifer (TG 226;
      as reported by OECD 2008) has already proven its usefulness for the assessment of
      chemicals. While included in the regulatory assessment scheme of pesticides as a
      non-target arthropod, it has still been rarely used for the assessment of soils
      or complex matrices of unknown quality. For such an objective, the extraction of
      both adults and juveniles from soil is a necessary and crucial step to get
      reliable data, but may be influenced by the characteristics of the tested soils
      or matrices. This technical note focuses on this specific protocol point.
      Extraction ratios of adults and of different reproductive outputs were evaluated
      in soils of different textures. Recommendations on the extraction of H. aculeifer
      in the standardization process within ISO/TC 190 are here provided.

PMID- 27681112
TI  - Effects of thalamic hemorrhagic lesions on explicit and implicit learning during
      the acquisition and retrieval phases in an animal model of central post-stroke
      pain.
AB  - Hemorrhagic stroke has many symptoms, including central pain, learning and memory
      impairments, motor deficits, language problems, emotional disturbances, and
      social maladjustment. Lesions of the ventral basal complex (VBC) of the thalamus
      elicit thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia, forming an animal model of central
      post-stroke pain (CPSP). However, no research has yet examined the involvement of
      learning and memory in CPSP using an animal model. The present study examined
      whether VBC lesions affect motor function, conditioned place preference (CPP;
      implicit memory), and spatial learning (explicit memory) in the acquisition and
      retrieval phases. The results showed that rats with VBC lesions exhibited thermal
      hyperalgesia in the acquisition and retrieval phases, indicating that these
      lesions can induce CPSP. During these phases, the rats with VBC lesions exhibited
      enhanced (morphine-induced) CPP learning. These lesions did not affect the rats'
      total distance travelled, time spent, or velocity in the spatial learning tasks.
      The lesions also did not affect motor function in the rotarod task. Altogether,
      VBC lesions resulted in CPSP and facilitated CPP (implicit memory). However, the
      lesions did not affect spatial learning (explicit memory) or motor function. The
      relationship between CPSP and learning and memory is important for patients who
      suffer from such central pain. The implications of the present study may provide
      insights into helping reduce CPSP and its associated symptoms.

PMID- 27681113
TI  - Resting Heart Rate and Long-term Outcomes Among the African American Population:
      Insights From the Jackson Heart Study.
AB  - Importance: Increased resting heart rate is associated with worse outcomes in
      studies of mostly white populations, but its significance is not well established
      in African Americans persons whose cardiac comorbidities and structural
      abnormalities differ. Objective: To study the prognostic utility of heart rate in
      a community-based African American cohort in the Jackson Heart Study. Design,
      Setting, and Participants: A total of 5261 participants in the Jackson Heart
      Study, a prospective, community-based study in Jackson, Mississippi, were
      evaluated. Baseline heart rate was assessed by quintiles and as a continuous
      variable. All participants with baseline heart rate documented by a 12-lead
      electrocardiogram without pacing or atrial fibrillation noted on their baseline
      Jackson Heart Study examination were included in the study. Follow-up began
      September 26, 2000, and was completed December 31, 2011. Data analysis was
      performed from July to October 2015. Main Outcomes and Measures: Unadjusted and
      adjusted associations between heart rate and all-cause mortality and heart
      failure hospitalization using Cox proportional hazards regression models.
      Results: Of the 5261 individuals included in the analysis, 1921 (36.5%) were men;
      median (25th-75th percentile) age was 55.7 (45.4-64.8) years. Median (25th-75th
      percentile) baseline heart rate was 63 beats per minute (bpm) (57-71 bpm). The
      highest heart rate quintile (73-118 bpm) had higher rates of diabetes (398
      [37.4%]; P < .001) and hypertension (735 [69.1%]; P < .001), higher body mass
      index (median [IQR], 32.4 [28.1-38.3]; P < .001), less physical activity (0 hours
      per week, 561 [52.8%]; P < .001), and lower beta-blocker use (73 [6.9%]; P <
      .001) compared with lower quintiles. Caffeine intake (from 80.7 to 85.5 mg/d; P =
      .57) and left ventricular ejection fraction (from 62% to 62.3%; P = .01) were
      similar between groups. As a continuous variable, elevated heart rate was
      associated with increased mortality and heart failure hospitalizations, with
      adjusted hazard ratios for every 5-bpm increase of 1.14 (95% CI, 1.10-1.19) and
      1.10 (95% CI, 1.05-1.16), respectively. Similar patterns were observed in
      comparisons between the highest and lowest quintiles. Conclusions and Relevance:
      Higher baseline heart rate was associated with increased mortality and heart
      failure hospitalizations among African American participants in the Jackson Heart
      Study. These findings are similar to those seen in white populations, but further
      study is needed to understand whether African American individuals benefit from
      interventions targeting heart rate reduction.

PMID- 27681114
TI  - Augmented Renal Clearance in Patients With Febrile Neutropenia is Associated With
      Increased Risk for Subtherapeutic Concentrations of Vancomycin.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Augmented renal clearance (ARC) has frequently been observed in
      critically ill patients. The risk factors for ARC in patients, including those in
      the general ward, and their influences on vancomycin (VCM) treatment remain
      unclear. The aims of this study were to investigate the risk factors for ARC and
      to evaluate the influence of ARC on the pharmacokinetic parameters of VCM.
      METHODS: This study included a total of 292 patients with VCM treatment who had
      normal serum creatinine concentrations. ARC was defined by an estimated
      creatinine clearance >=130 mL.min.1.73 m. The risk factors for ARC were
      determined with stepwise logistic regression analysis. The pharmacokinetic
      parameters of VCM were estimated through the Bayesian method using a 2
      compartment model. RESULTS: ARC was observed in 48 patients (16.4%). Age <=65
      years [odds ratio (OR): 5.77; 95% CI: 2.89-11.97; P < 0.0001], brain injury (OR:
      5.11; 95% CI: 1.49-17.57; P = 0.0086), febrile neutropenia (OR: 2.76; 95% CI:
      1.11-6.67; P = 0.0254), and a mean volume of infusion fluid >=1500 mL/d (OR:
      2.53; 95% CI: 1.27-5.16; P = 0.0091) were independent risk factors for the
      occurrence of ARC. The patients with ARC exhibited higher VCM clearance values
      than the non-ARC patients. The median trough serum concentrations of VCM were 7.4
      (interquartile range: 5.2-11.6) mcg/mL in the ARC patients and 12.2 (8.9-16.3)
      mcg/mL in the non-ARC patients (P < 0.0001). Subtherapeutic trough concentrations
      of VCM (<10.0 mcg/mL) were found in 68.8% of the ARC patients and in 32.8% of the
      non-ARC patients (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: This observational study investigated
      the influence of febrile neutropenia on the emergency of ARC for the first time.
      ARC was strongly associated with VCM pharmacokinetics, and two-thirds of the ARC
      patients had subtherapeutic VCM concentrations. In patients with ARC,
      individualized dosing regimens are required to achieve the target trough
      concentration.

PMID- 27681115
TI  - Treating Infectious Keratitis.

PMID- 27681116
TI  - Oxytocin, cortisol and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine: neurohormonal aspects
      of recreational 'ecstasy'.
AB  - Most research into 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) has debated its
      psychobiological effects in relation to neurotransmission. This article debates
      the contributory roles of the neurohormones oxytocin and cortisol for their
      psychobiological effects in humans. The empirical literature on these
      neurohormones is reviewed and suggestions for future research outlined. Acute
      MDMA or 'ecstasy' can generate increased levels of oxytocin and cortisol, and
      these neurohormonal changes may be important for its mood-enhancing and energy
      activation effects in humans. However, an initial finding of enhanced sociability
      correlating with oxytocin levels has not been replicated. Potential reasons are
      debated. There may be dynamic interactions between the two neurohormones, with
      greater activation under cortisol, facilitating stronger positive feelings under
      oxytocin. Chronic regular use of MDMA can adversely affect cortisol in several
      ways. Regular users show increased cortisol in 3-month hair samples, changes to
      the cortisol awakening response, and indications of greater daily stress.
      Furthermore, these cortisol findings suggest changes to the hypothalamic
      pituitary-adrenal axis. The effects of chronic MDMA usage on oxytocin still need
      to be investigated. It is concluded that the neurohormones oxytocin and cortisol
      contribute in various ways to the psychobiological effects of recreational
      ecstasy/MDMA.

PMID- 27681117
TI  - Novel Chromosome 5 Inversion Associated With PDGFRB Rearrangement in
      Hypereosinophilic Syndrome.

PMID- 27681119
TI  - Manufacturer failed to disclose faulty device in rivaroxaban trial.

PMID- 27681118
TI  - Role of the haemodynamic mapping in varicose vein surgery of lower limbs.
AB  - AIM: To demonstrate the importance of preoperative ultrasound haemodynamic
      mapping of venous system in surgery of varicose veins. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Doppler ultrasound evaluation of haemodynamic features of lower limb venous
      system according to Franceschi's subdivision. DISCUSSION: The importance of
      Doppler mapping in varicose veins surgery shows a similarity with the
      Plebographic classification of venous system developed by W. Hach. The study also
      reassesses the role of varicectomy in the surgery of varicose veins. CONCLUSIONS:
      Preoperative Doppler ultrasound mapping is essential to avoid accident and
      prevent recurrence of varicose veins. KEY WORDS: Doppler US, Surgery, Great
      Saphenous Vein, Varicose Veins, Stripping.

PMID- 27681120
TI  - Altering the Anti-inflammatory Lipoxin Microenvironment: a New Insight into
      Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Pathogenesis.
AB  - : Lipoxins are host anti-inflammatory molecules that play a vital role in
      restoring tissue homeostasis. The efficacy of lipoxins and their analog
      epilipoxins in treating inflammation and its associated diseases has been well
      documented. Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) and primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) are two
      well-known inflammation related diseases caused by Kaposi's sarcoma-associated
      herpesvirus (KSHV). Controlling inflammation is one of the strategies adopted to
      treat KS and PEL, a primary motivation for exploring and evaluating the
      therapeutic potential of using lipoxins. This study documents how KSHV
      manipulates and downregulates the secretion of the anti-inflammatory lipoxin A4
      in host cells and the viral factors involved in this process using in vitro KS
      and PEL cells as models. The presence of the lipoxin A4 receptor/formyl peptidyl
      receptor (ALX/FPR) in KS patient tissue sections and in vitro KS and PEL cell
      models offers a novel possibility for treating KS and PEL with lipoxins. Treating
      de novo KSHV-infected endothelial cells with lipoxin and epilipoxin creates an
      anti-inflammatory environment by decreasing the levels of NF-kappaB, AKT, ERK1/2,
      COX-2, and 5-lipoxygenase. Lipoxin treatment on CRISPR/CAS9 technology-mediated
      ALX/FPR gene deletion revealed the importance of the lipoxin receptor ALX for
      effective lipoxin signaling. A viral microRNA (miRNA) cluster was identified as
      the primary factor contributing to the downregulation of lipoxin A4 secretion in
      host cells. The KSHV miRNA cluster probably targets enzyme 15-lipoxygenase, which
      is involved in lipoxin A4 synthesis. This study provides a new insight into the
      potential treatment of KS and PEL using nature's own anti-inflammatory molecule,
      lipoxin. IMPORTANCE: KSHV infection has been shown to upregulate several host
      proinflammatory factors, which aid in its survival and pathogenesis. The
      influence of KSHV infection on anti-inflammatory molecules is not well studied.
      Since current treatment methods for KS and PEL are fraught with unwanted side
      effects and low efficiency, the search for new therapeutics is therefore
      imperative. The use of nature's own molecule lipoxin as a drug is promising. This
      study opens up new domains in KSHV research focusing on how the virus modulates
      lipoxin secretion and warrants further investigation of the therapeutic potential
      of lipoxin using in vitro cell models for KS and PEL.

PMID- 27681121
TI  - Immune- and Nonimmune-Compartment-Specific Interferon Responses Are Critical
      Determinants of Herpes Simplex Virus-Induced Generalized Infections and Acute
      Liver Failure.
AB  - : The interferon (IFN) response to viral pathogens is critical for host survival.
      In humans and mouse models, defects in IFN responses can result in lethal herpes
      simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) infections, usually from encephalitis. Although rare, HSV
      1 can also cause fulminant hepatic failure, which is often fatal. Although herpes
      simplex encephalitis has been extensively studied, HSV-1 generalized infections
      and subsequent acute liver failure are less well understood. We previously
      demonstrated that IFN-alphabetagammaR-/- mice are exquisitely susceptible to
      liver infection following corneal infection with HSV-1. In this study, we used
      bone marrow chimeras of IFN-alphabetagammaR-/- (AG129) and wild-type (WT;
      129SvEv) mice to probe the underlying IFN-dependent mechanisms that control HSV-1
      pathogenesis. After infection, WT mice with either IFN-alphabetagammaR-/- or WT
      marrow exhibited comparable survival, while IFN-alphabetagammaR-/- mice with WT
      marrow had a significant survival advantage over their counterparts with IFN
      alphabetagammaR-/- marrow. Furthermore, using bioluminescent imaging to maximize
      data acquisition, we showed that the transfer of IFN-competent hematopoietic
      cells controlled HSV-1 replication and damage in the livers of IFN
      alphabetagammaR-/- mice. Consistent with this, the inability of IFN
      alphabetagammaR-/- immune cells to control liver infection in IFN-alphabetagammaR
      /- mice manifested as profoundly elevated aspartate transaminase (AST) and
      alanine transaminase (ALT) levels, indicative of severe liver damage. In
      contrast, IFN-alphabetagammaR-/- mice receiving WT marrow exhibited only modest
      elevations of AST and ALT levels. These studies indicate that IFN responsiveness
      of the immune system is a major determinant of viral tropism and damage during
      visceral HSV infections. IMPORTANCE: Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) infection is
      an incurable viral infection with the most significant morbidity and mortality
      occurring in neonates and patients with compromised immune systems. Severe
      pathologies from HSV include the blindness-inducing herpetic stromal keratitis,
      highly debilitating and lethal herpes simplex encephalitis, and generalized
      infections that can lead to herpes simplex virus-induced acute liver failure.
      While immune compromise is a known factor, the precise mechanisms that lead to
      generalized HSV infections are unknown. In this study, we used and developed a
      mouse model system in combination with real-time bioluminescence imaging to
      demonstrate the relative importance of the immune and nonimmune compartments for
      containing viral spread and promoting host survival after corneal infection. Our
      results shed light on the pathogenesis of HSV infections that lead to generalized
      infection and acute liver failure.

PMID- 27681122
TI  - Structure of Aichi virus 1 and its empty particle: clues towards kobuvirus genome
      release mechanism.
AB  - : Aichi virus 1 (AiV-1) is a human pathogen from the Kobuvirus genus of the
      Picornaviridae family. Worldwide, 80-95% of adults have antibodies against the
      virus. AiV-1 infections are associated with nausea, gastroenteritis, and fever.
      Unlike most picornaviruses, kobuvirus capsids are composed of only three types of
      subunits: VP0, VP1, and VP3. Here we present the structure of the AiV-1 virion
      determined to a resolution of 2.1 A using X-ray crystallography. The surface
      loops puff of VP0 and knob of VP3 in AiV-1 are shorter than those in other
      picornaviruses. Instead, the 42-residue-long BC-loop of VP0 forms the most
      prominent surface feature of the AiV-1 virion. We determined the structure of AiV
      1 empty particle to a resolution of 4.2 A using cryo-electron microscopy. The
      empty capsids are expanded relative to the native virus. The N-terminal arms of
      capsid proteins VP0, which mediate contacts between the pentamers of capsid
      protein protomers in the native AiV-1 virion, are disordered in the empty capsid.
      Nevertheless, the empty particles are stable, at least in vitro, and do not
      contain pores that might serve as channels for genome release. Therefore,
      extensive and probably reversible local reorganization of AiV-1 capsid is
      required for its genome release. IMPORTANCE: Aichi virus 1 (AiV-1) is a human
      pathogen that can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
      AiV-1 is identified in environmental screening studies with higher frequency and
      greater abundance than other human enteric viruses. Accordingly, 80-95% of adults
      worldwide have suffered from AiV-1 infections. We determined the structure of the
      AiV-1 virion. Based on the structure, we show that antiviral compounds that were
      developed against related enteroviruses are unlikely to be effective against AiV
      1. The surface of the AiV-1 virion has a unique topology distinct from other
      related viruses from the Picornaviridae family. We also determined that AiV-1
      capsids form compact shells even after genome release. Therefore, AiV-1 genome
      release requires large localized and probably reversible reorganization of the
      capsid.

PMID- 27681123
TI  - Single-Nucleotide Resolution Mapping of Hepatitis B Virus Promoters in Infected
      Human Livers and Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
AB  - : Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major cause of liver diseases, including
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and more than 650,000 people die annually due to
      HBV-associated liver failure. Extensive studies of individual promoters have
      revealed that heterogeneous RNA 5' ends contribute to the complexity of HBV
      transcriptome and proteome. Here, we provide a comprehensive map of HBV
      transcription start sites (TSSs) in human liver, HCC, and blood, as well as
      several experimental replication systems, at a single-nucleotide resolution.
      Using CAGE (cap analysis of gene expression) analysis of 16 HCC/nontumor liver
      pairs, we identify 17 robust TSSs, including a novel promoter for the X gene
      located in the middle of the gene body, which potentially produces a shorter X
      protein translated from the conserved second start codon, and two minor antisense
      transcripts that might represent viral noncoding RNAs. Interestingly,
      transcription profiles were similar in HCC and nontumor livers, although
      quantitative analysis revealed highly variable patterns of TSS usage among
      clinical samples, reflecting precise regulation of HBV transcription initiation
      at each promoter. Unlike the variety of TSSs found in liver and HCC, the vast
      majority of transcripts detected in HBV-positive blood samples are pregenomic
      RNA, most likely generated and released from liver. Our quantitative TSS mapping
      using the CAGE technology will allow better understanding of HBV transcriptional
      responses in further studies aimed at eradicating HBV in chronic carriers.
      IMPORTANCE: Despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine, HBV
      infection remains a global health problem, and current antiviral protocols are
      not able to eliminate the virus in chronic carriers. Previous studies of the
      regulation of HBV transcription have described four major promoters and two
      enhancers, but little is known about their activity in human livers and HCC. We
      deeply sequenced the HBV RNA 5' ends in clinical human samples and experimental
      models by using a new, sensitive and quantitative method termed cap analysis of
      gene expression (CAGE). Our data provide the first comprehensive map of global
      TSS distribution over the entire HBV genome in the human liver, validating
      already known promoters and identifying novel locations. Better knowledge of HBV
      transcriptional activity in the clinical setting has critical implications in the
      evaluation of therapeutic approaches that target HBV replication.

PMID- 27681127
TI  - Ubiquitination up-regulates influenza virus polymerase function.
AB  - : The influenza A virus polymerase plays an essential role in the virus
      lifecycle, directing synthesis of viral mRNAs and genomes. It is a trimeric
      complex composed of subunits PA, PB1, and PB2 and associates with viral RNAs and
      nucleoprotein (NP) to form higher order ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes. The
      polymerase is regulated temporally over the course of infection to ensure
      coordinated expression of viral genes as well as replication of the viral genome.
      Various host factors and processes have been implicated in regulation of the IAV
      polymerase function, including post-translational modifications, however the
      mechanisms are not fully understood. Here we demonstrate that ubiquitination
      plays an important role in stimulating polymerase activity. We show that all
      protein subunits in the RNP are ubiquitinated, but ubiquitination does not
      significantly alter protein levels. Instead, ubiquitination and an active
      proteasome enhance polymerase activity. Expressing ubiquitin up-regulates
      polymerase function in a dose-dependent fashion causing increased accumulation of
      vRNA, cRNA and mRNA and enhanced viral gene expression during infection.
      Ubiquitin expression directly affects polymerase activity independent of NP or
      RNP assembly. Ubiquitination and the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway play key roles
      during multiple stages of influenza virus infection, and data presented here now
      demonstrate that these processes modulate viral polymerase activity independent
      of protein degradation. IMPORTANCE: The cellular ubiquitin-proteasome pathway
      impacts steps during the entire influenza virus life cycle. Ubiquitination
      suppresses replication by targeting viral proteins for degradation and
      stimulating innate antiviral signaling pathways. Ubiquitination also enhances
      replication by facilitating viral entry and virion disassembly. We identify here
      an addition pro-viral role of the ubiquitin-proteasome system, showing that all
      of the proteins in the viral replication machinery are subject to ubiquitination
      and this is crucial for optimal viral polymerase activity. Manipulating the
      ubiquitin machinery for therapeutic benefit is therefore likely to disrupt the
      function of multiple viral proteins at stages throughout the course of infection.

PMID- 27681126
TI  - Suppression of Host Innate Immune Response by Hepatitis C Virus via Induction of
      Autophagic Degradation of TRAF6.
AB  - : Tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR)-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) is an
      important adaptor molecule that mediates the TNFR family and interleukin-1 (IL
      1)/Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling cascades. These pathways are important for
      the host to control viral infections. In this report, we demonstrated that
      hepatitis C virus (HCV) depleted TRAF6 from its host cells through a
      posttranslational mechanism. This depletion was independent of proteasomes, as it
      was not affected by the proteasome inhibitor MG132, but it was suppressed by
      bafilomycin A1, which led to the association of TRAF6 with autophagosomes. As
      bafilomycin A1 is a vacuolar ATPase inhibitor that inhibits autophagic protein
      degradation, these results suggested that HCV depleted TRAF6 via autophagy. The
      degradation of TRAF6 was apparently mediated by the p62 sequestosome protein,
      which is a factor important for selective autophagy, as it could bind to TRAF6
      and its silencing stabilized TRAF6. The depletion of TRAF6 suppressed activation
      of NF-kappaB and induction of proinflammatory cytokines and enhanced HCV
      replication. In contrast, the overexpression of TRAF6 suppressed HCV replication.
      These results revealed a novel mechanism that was used by HCV to disrupt the host
      innate immune responses for viral replication and persistence. IMPORTANCE: HCV
      can cause severe liver diseases and is one of the most important human pathogens.
      It establishes chronic infections in the great majority of patients that it
      infects, indicating that it has evolved sophisticated mechanisms to evade host
      immunity. TRAF6 is an important signaling molecule that mediates activation of NF
      kappaB and expression of proinflammatory cytokines and interferons. In this
      study, we found that HCV infection suppressed the host innate immune response
      through the induction of autophagic degradation of TRAF6. This finding provided
      important information for further understanding how HCV evades host immunity to
      establish persistence.

PMID- 27681124
TI  - Acute Simian Varicella Virus Infection Causes Robust and Sustained Changes in
      Gene Expression in the Sensory Ganglia.
AB  - : Primary infection with varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a neurotropic
      alphaherpesvirus, results in varicella. VZV establishes latency in the sensory
      ganglia and can reactivate later in life to cause herpes zoster. The relationship
      between VZV and its host during acute infection in the sensory ganglia is not
      well understood due to limited access to clinical specimens. Intrabronchial
      inoculation of rhesus macaques with simian varicella virus (SVV) recapitulates
      the hallmarks of VZV infection in humans. We leveraged this animal model to
      characterize the host-pathogen interactions in the ganglia during both acute and
      latent infection by measuring both viral and host transcriptomes on days
      postinfection (dpi) 3, 7, 10, 14, and 100. SVV DNA and transcripts were detected
      in sensory ganglia 3 dpi, before the appearance of rash. CD4 and CD8 T cells were
      also detected in the sensory ganglia 3 dpi. Moreover, lung-resident T cells
      isolated from the same animals 3 dpi also harbored SVV DNA and transcripts,
      suggesting that T cells may be responsible for trafficking SVV to the ganglia.
      Transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis showed that cessation of viral
      transcription 7 dpi coincides with a robust antiviral innate immune response in
      the ganglia. Interestingly, a significant number of genes that play a critical
      role in nervous system development and function remained downregulated into
      latency. These studies provide novel insights into host-pathogen interactions in
      the sensory ganglia during acute varicella and demonstrate that SVV infection
      results in profound and sustained changes in neuronal gene expression.
      IMPORTANCE: Many aspects of VZV infection of sensory ganglia remain poorly
      understood, due to limited access to human specimens and the fact that VZV is
      strictly a human virus. Infection of rhesus macaques with simian varicella virus
      (SVV), a homolog of VZV, provides a robust model of the human disease. Using this
      model, we show that SVV reaches the ganglia early after infection, most likely by
      T cells, and that the induction of a robust innate immune response correlates
      with cessation of virus transcription. We also report significant changes in the
      expression of genes that play an important role in neuronal function.
      Importantly, these changes persist long after viral replication ceases. Given the
      homology between SVV and VZV, and the genetic and physiological similarities
      between rhesus macaques and humans, our results provide novel insight into the
      interactions between VZV and its human host and explain some of the neurological
      consequences of VZV infection.

PMID- 27681125
TI  - The Splicing History of an mRNA Affects Its Level of Translation and Sensitivity
      to Cleavage by the Virion Host Shutoff Endonuclease during Herpes Simplex Virus
      Infections.
AB  - : During lytic herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections, the virion host shutoff
      (Vhs) (UL41) endoribonuclease degrades many cellular and viral mRNAs. In
      uninfected cells, spliced mRNAs emerge into the cytoplasm bound by exon junction
      complexes (EJCs) and are translated several times more efficiently than unspliced
      mRNAs that have the same sequence but lack EJCs. Notably, most cellular mRNAs are
      spliced, whereas most HSV mRNAs are not. To examine the effect of splicing on
      gene expression during HSV infection, cells were transfected with plasmids
      harboring an unspliced renilla luciferase (RLuc) reporter mRNA or RLuc constructs
      with introns near the 5' or 3' end of the gene. After splicing of intron
      containing transcripts, all three RLuc mRNAs had the same primary sequence. Upon
      infection in the presence of actinomycin D, spliced mRNAs were much less
      sensitive to degradation by copies of Vhs from infecting virions than were
      unspliced mRNAs. During productive infections (in the absence of drugs), RLuc was
      expressed at substantially higher levels from spliced than from unspliced mRNAs.
      Interestingly, the stimulatory effect of splicing on RLuc expression was
      significantly greater in infected than in uninfected cells. The translational
      stimulatory effect of an intron during HSV-1 infections could be replicated by
      artificially tethering various EJC components to an unspliced RLuc transcript.
      Thus, the splicing history of an mRNA, and the consequent presence or absence of
      EJCs, affects its level of translation and sensitivity to Vhs cleavage during
      lytic HSV infections. IMPORTANCE: Most mammalian mRNAs are spliced. In contrast,
      of the more than 80 mRNAs harbored by herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), only 5 are
      spliced. In addition, synthesis of the immediate early protein ICP27 causes
      partial inhibition of pre-mRNA splicing, with the resultant accumulation of both
      spliced and unspliced versions of some mRNAs in the cytoplasm. A common
      perception is that HSV-1 infection necessarily inhibits the expression of spliced
      mRNAs. In contrast, this study demonstrates two instances in which pre-mRNA
      splicing actually enhances the synthesis of proteins from mRNAs during HSV-1
      infections. Specifically, splicing stabilized an mRNA against degradation by
      copies of the Vhs endoribonuclease from infecting virions and greatly enhanced
      the amount of protein synthesized from spliced mRNAs at late times after
      infection. The data suggest that splicing, and the resultant presence of exon
      junction complexes on an mRNA, may play an important role in gene expression
      during HSV-1 infections.

PMID- 27681128
TI  - Bipartite Network Analysis of the Archaeal Virosphere: Evolutionary Connections
      between Viruses and Capsidless Mobile Elements.
AB  - : Archaea and particularly hyperthermophilic crenarchaea are hosts to many
      unusual viruses with diverse virion shapes and distinct gene compositions. As is
      typical of viruses in general, there are no universal genes in the archaeal
      virosphere. Therefore, to obtain a comprehensive picture of the evolutionary
      relationships between viruses, network analysis methods are more productive than
      traditional phylogenetic approaches. Here we present a comprehensive comparative
      analysis of genomes and proteomes from all currently known taxonomically
      classified and unclassified, cultivated and uncultivated archaeal viruses. We
      constructed a bipartite network of archaeal viruses that includes two classes of
      nodes, the genomes and gene families that connect them. Dissection of this
      network using formal community detection methods reveals strong modularity, with
      10 distinct modules and 3 putative supermodules. However, compared to similar
      previously analyzed networks of eukaryotic and bacterial viruses, the archaeal
      virus network is sparsely connected. With the exception of the tailed viruses
      related to bacteriophages of the order Caudovirales and the families Turriviridae
      and Sphaerolipoviridae that are linked to a distinct supermodule of eukaryotic
      and bacterial viruses, there are few connector genes shared by different archaeal
      virus modules. In contrast, most of these modules include, in addition to
      viruses, capsidless mobile elements, emphasizing tight evolutionary connections
      between the two types of entities in archaea. The relative contributions of
      distinct evolutionary origins, in particular from nonviral elements, and
      insufficient sampling to the sparsity of the archaeal virus network remain to be
      determined by further exploration of the archaeal virosphere. IMPORTANCE: Viruses
      infecting archaea are among the most mysterious denizens of the virosphere. Many
      of these viruses display no genetic or even morphological relationship to viruses
      of bacteria and eukaryotes, raising questions regarding their origins and
      position in the global virosphere. Analysis of 5,740 protein sequences from 116
      genomes allowed dissection of the archaeal virus network and showed that most
      groups of archaeal viruses are evolutionarily connected to capsidless mobile
      genetic elements, including various plasmids and transposons. This finding could
      reflect actual independent origins of the distinct groups of archaeal viruses
      from different nonviral elements, providing important insights into the emergence
      and evolution of the archaeal virome.

PMID- 27681129
TI  - Absence of Evidence for a Causal Link between Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
      Strain Variant L-BSE and Known Forms of Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease in
      Human PrP Transgenic Mice.
AB  - : Prions are proteinaceous pathogens responsible for subacute spongiform
      encephalopathies in animals and humans. The prions responsible for bovine
      spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) are zoonotic agents, causing variant Creutzfeldt
      Jakob disease (CJD) in humans. The transfer of prions between species is limited
      by a species barrier, which is thought to reflect structural incompatibilities
      between the host cellular prion protein (PrPC) and the infecting pathological PrP
      assemblies (PrPSc) constituting the prion. A BSE strain variant, designated L-BSE
      and responsible for atypical, supposedly spontaneous forms of prion diseases in
      aged cattle, demonstrates zoonotic potential, as evidenced by its capacity to
      propagate more easily than classical BSE in transgenic mice expressing human PrPC
      and in nonhuman primates. In humanized mice, L-BSE propagates without any
      apparent species barrier and shares similar biochemical PrPSc signatures with the
      CJD subtype designated MM2-cortical, thus opening the possibility that certain
      CJD cases classified as sporadic may actually originate from L-type BSE cross
      transmission. To address this issue, we compared the biological properties of L
      BSE and those of a panel of CJD subtypes representative of the human prion strain
      diversity using standard strain-typing criteria in human PrP transgenic mice. We
      found no evidence that L-BSE causes a known form of sporadic CJD. IMPORTANCE:
      Since the quasi-extinction of classical BSE, atypical BSE forms are the sole BSE
      variants circulating in cattle worldwide. They are observed in rare cases of old
      cattle, making them difficult to detect. Extrapolation of our results suggests
      that L-BSE may propagate in humans as an unrecognized form of CJD, and we urge
      both the continued utilization of precautionary measures to eliminate these
      agents from the human food chain and active surveillance for CJD phenotypes in
      the general population.

PMID- 27681130
TI  - Attenuated Infectious Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus with Rearranged Gene Order as
      Potential Vaccine.
AB  - : The genome of infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV), a salmonid
      novirhabdovirus, has been engineered to modify the gene order and to evaluate the
      impact on a possible attenuation of the virus in vitro and in vivo By reverse
      genetics, eight recombinant IHNVs (rIHNVs), termed NxGy according to the
      respective positions of the nucleoprotein (N) and glycoprotein (G) genes along
      the genome, have been recovered. All rIHNVs have been fully characterized in
      vitro for their cytopathic effects, kinetics of replication, and profiles of
      viral gene transcription. These rIHNVs are stable through up to 10 passages in
      cell culture. Following bath immersion administration of the various rIHNVs to
      juvenile trout, some of the rIHNVs were clearly attenuated (N2G3, N2G4, N3G4, and
      N4G1). The position of the N gene seems to be one of the most critical features
      correlated to the level of viral attenuation. The induced immune response
      potential in fish was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot assay
      (ELISPOT) and seroneutralization assays. The recombinant virus N2G3 induced a
      strong antibody response in immunized fish and conferred 86% of protection
      against wild-type IHNV challenge in trout, thus representing a promising starting
      point for the development of a live attenuated vaccine candidate. IMPORTANCE: In
      Europe, no vaccines are available against infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus
      (IHNV), one of the major economic threats in fish aquaculture. Live attenuated
      vaccines are conditioned by a sensible balance between attenuation and
      pathogenicity. Moreover, nonsegmented negative-strain RNA viruses (NNSV) are
      subject to a transcription gradient dictated by the order of the genes in their
      genomes. With the perspective of developing a vaccine against IHNV, we engineered
      various recombinant IHNVs with reordered genomes in order to artificially
      attenuate the virus. Our results validate the gene rearrangement approach as a
      potent and stable attenuation strategy for fish novirhabdovirus and open a new
      perspective for design of vaccines against other NNSV.

PMID- 27681131
TI  - A Tale of Two PMLs: Elements Regulating a Differential Substrate Recognition by
      the ICP0 E3 Ubiquitin Ligase of Herpes Simplex Virus 1.
AB  - : Infected cell protein 0 (ICP0) of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) is an alpha
      gene product required for viral replication at low multiplicities of infection.
      Upon entry, nuclear domain 10 (ND10) converges at the incoming DNA and represses
      viral gene expression. ICP0 contains a RING-type E3 ubiquitin ligase that
      degrades the ND10 organizer PML and disperses ND10 to alleviate the repression.
      In the present study, we focused on understanding the regulation of ICP0 E3
      ligase activity in the degradation of different ICP0 substrates. We report the
      following. (i) A SUMO interaction motif located at ICP0 residues 362 to 364 is
      required for the degradation of PML isoforms II, IV, and VI but not isoform I.
      This differentiation mechanism exists in both HEp-2 and U2OS cells, regardless of
      the cell's permissiveness to the ICP0-null virus. (ii) Physical interaction
      between SIM362-364 and PML II is necessary but not sufficient for PML II
      degradation. Both proximal sequences surrounding SIM362-364 and distal sequences
      located at the ICP0 C terminus enhance the degradation of PML II. (iii) The ICP0
      C terminus is dispensable for PML I degradation. Instead, bipartite PML I binding
      domains located in the N-terminal half of ICP0 coordinate to promote the
      degradation of PML I. (iv) The stability of ICP0, but not its ND10 fusion
      ability, affects the rate of PML I degradation. Taken together, our results show
      that ICP0 uses at least two regulatory mechanisms to differentiate its
      substrates. The disparate recognition of the ICP0 E3 substrates may be related to
      the different roles these substrates may play in HSV-1 infection. IMPORTANCE:
      Viruses have a limited genetic coding capacity but must encounter a multilayered
      comprehensive host defense. To establish a successful infection, viruses usually
      produce multifunctional proteins to coordinate the counteractions. Here we report
      that an HSV-1 protein, ICP0, can recognize individual host factors and target
      them differently for destruction. We identified elements that are important for
      the ICP0 E3 ubiquitin ligase to differentially recognize two of its substrates,
      PML I and PML II. This is the first study that has systematically investigated
      how ICP0 discriminates two similar molecules by very different mechanisms. This
      work lays the foundation for understanding the role of host defensive factors and
      the mechanisms viruses use to take advantage of some host proteins while
      destroying others.

PMID- 27681134
TI  - Introduction, Evolution, and Dissemination of Influenza A Viruses in Exhibition
      Swine in the United States during 2009 to 2013.
AB  - : The swine-human interface created at agricultural fairs, along with the
      generation of and maintenance of influenza A virus diversity in exhibition swine,
      presents an ongoing threat to public health. Nucleotide sequences of influenza A
      virus isolates collected from exhibition swine in Ohio (n = 262) and Indiana (n =
      103) during 2009 to 2013 were used to investigate viral evolution and movement
      within this niche sector of the swine industry. Phylogenetic and Bayesian
      analyses were employed to identify introductions of influenza A virus to
      exhibition swine and study viral population dynamics. In 2013 alone, we
      identified 10 independent introductions of influenza A virus into Ohio and/or
      Indiana exhibition swine. Frequently, viruses from the same introduction were
      identified at multiple fairs within the region, providing evidence of rapid and
      widespread viral movement within the exhibition swine populations of the two
      states. While pigs moving from fair to fair to fair is possible in some
      locations, the concurrent detection of nearly identical strains at several fairs
      indicates that a common viral source was more likely. Importantly, we detected an
      association between the high number of human variant H3N2 (H3N2v) virus
      infections in 2012 and the widespread circulation of influenza A viruses of the
      same genotype in exhibition swine in Ohio fairs sampled that year. The extent of
      viral diversity observed in exhibition swine and the rapidity with which it
      disseminated across long distances indicate that novel strains of influenza A
      virus will continue to emerge and spread within exhibition swine populations,
      presenting an ongoing threat to humans. IMPORTANCE: Understanding the underlying
      population dynamics of influenza A viruses in commercial and exhibition swine is
      central to assessing the risk for human infections with variant viruses,
      including H3N2v. We used viral genomic sequences from isolates collected from
      exhibition swine during 2009 to 2013 to understand how the peak of H3N2v cases in
      2012 relates to long-term trends in the population dynamics of pandemic viruses
      recently introduced into commercial and exhibition swine in the United States.
      The results of our spatial analysis underscore the key role of rapid viral
      dispersal in spreading multiple genetic lineages throughout a multistate network
      of agricultural fairs, providing opportunities for divergent lineages to
      coinfect, reassort, and generate new viral genotypes. The higher genetic
      diversity of genotypes cocirculating in exhibition swine since 2013 could
      facilitate the evolution of new reassortants, potentially with even greater
      ability to cause severe infections in humans or cause human-to-human
      transmission, highlighting the need for continued vigilance.

PMID- 27681132
TI  - Rhinovirus 16 2A Protease Affects Nuclear Localization of 3CD during Infection.
AB  - : The human rhinovirus (HRV) 3C and 2A proteases (3Cpro and 2Apro, respectively)
      are critical in HRV infection, as they are required for viral polyprotein
      processing as well as proteolysing key host factors to facilitate virus
      replication. Early in infection, 3Cpro is present as its precursor 3CD, which,
      although the mechanism of subcellular targeting is unknown, is found in the
      nucleus as well as the cytoplasm. In this study, we use transfected and infected
      cell systems to show that 2Apro activity is required for 3CD nuclear
      localization. Using green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged forms of 3Cpro, 3D,
      and mutant derivatives thereof, we show that 3Cpro is located in the cytoplasm
      and the nucleus, whereas 3CD and 3D are localized predominantly in the cytoplasm,
      implying that 3D lacks nuclear targeting ability and that 3Cpro activity within
      3CD is not sufficient to allow the larger protein into the nucleus. Importantly,
      by coexpressing mCherry-2Apro fusion proteins, we demonstrate formally that 2Apro
      activity is required to allow HRV 3CD access to the nucleus. In contrast, mCherry
      3Cpro is insufficient to allow 3CD access to the nucleus. Finally, we confirm the
      relevance of these results to HRV infection by demonstrating that nuclear
      localization of 3CD correlates with 2Apro activity and not 3Cpro activity, which
      is observed only later in infection. The results thus define the temporal
      activities of 2Apro and 3CD/3Cpro activities in HRV serotype16 infection.
      IMPORTANCE: The human rhinovirus genome encodes two proteases, 2A and 3C, as well
      as a precursor protease, 3CD. These proteases are essential for efficient virus
      replication. The 3CD protein is found in the nucleus early during infection,
      though the mechanism of subcellular localization is unknown. Here we show that 2A
      protease is required for this localization, the 3C protease activity of 3CD is
      not sufficient to allow 3CD entry into the nucleus, and 3D lacks nuclear
      targeting ability. This study demonstrates that both 2A and 3C proteases are
      required for the correct localization of proteins during infection and defines
      the temporal regulation of 2A and 3CD/3C protease activities during HRV16
      infection.

PMID- 27681133
TI  - Pathogenesis and Transmission Assessments of Two H7N8 Influenza A Viruses
      Recently Isolated from Turkey Farms in Indiana Using Mouse and Ferret Models.
AB  - : Avian influenza A H7 viruses have caused multiple outbreaks in domestic poultry
      throughout North America, resulting in occasional infections of humans in close
      contact with affected birds. In early 2016, the presence of H7N8 highly
      pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses and closely related H7N8 low-pathogenic
      avian influenza (LPAI) viruses was confirmed in commercial turkey farms in
      Indiana. These H7N8 viruses represent the first isolation of this subtype in
      domestic poultry in North America, and their virulence in mammalian hosts and the
      potential risk for human infection are largely unknown. In this study, we
      assessed the ability of H7N8 HPAI and LPAI viruses to replicate in vitro in human
      airway cells and in vivo in mouse and ferret models. Both H7N8 viruses replicated
      efficiently in vitro and in vivo, but they exhibited substantial differences in
      disease severity in mammals. In mice, while the H7N8 LPAI virus largely remained
      avirulent, the H7N8 HPAI virus exhibited greater infectivity, virulence, and
      lethality. Both H7N8 viruses replicated similarly in ferrets, but only the H7N8
      HPAI virus caused moderate weight loss, lethargy, and mortality. The H7N8 LPAI
      virus displayed limited transmissibility in ferrets placed in direct contact with
      an inoculated animal, while no transmission of H7N8 HPAI virus was detected. Our
      results indicate that the H7N8 avian influenza viruses from Indiana are able to
      replicate in mammals and cause severe disease but with limited transmission. The
      recent appearance of H7N8 viruses in domestic poultry highlights the need for
      continued influenza surveillance in wild birds and close monitoring of the
      potential risk to human health. IMPORTANCE: H7 influenza viruses circulate in
      wild birds in the United States, but when the virus emerges in domestic poultry
      populations, the frequency of human exposure and the potential for human
      infections increases. An H7N8 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus and
      an H7N8 low-pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) virus were recently isolated from
      commercial turkey farms in Indiana. To determine the risk that these influenza
      viruses pose to humans, we assessed their pathogenesis and transmission in vitro
      and in mammalian models. We found that the H7N8 HPAI virus exhibited enhanced
      virulence, and although transmission was only observed with the H7N8 LPAI virus,
      the ability of this H7 virus to transmit in a mammalian host and quickly evolve
      to a more virulent strain is cause for concern. Our findings offer important
      insight into the potential for emerging H7 avian influenza viruses to acquire the
      ability to cause disease and transmit among mammals.

PMID- 27681135
TI  - Reovirus MU1 Protein Affects Infectivity by Altering Virus-Receptor Interactions.
AB  - : Proteins that form the reovirus outer capsid play an active role in the entry
      of reovirus into host cells. Among these, the sigma1 protein mediates attachment
      of reovirus particles to host cells via interaction with cell surface glycans or
      the proteinaceous receptor junctional adhesion molecule A (JAM-A). The MU1
      protein functions to penetrate the host cell membrane to allow delivery of the
      genome-containing viral core particle into the cytoplasm to initiate viral
      replication. We demonstrate that a reassortant virus that expresses the M2 gene
      encoded MU1 protein derived from prototype strain T3D in an otherwise prototype
      T1L background (T1L/T3DM2) infects cells more efficiently than parental T1L.
      Unexpectedly, the enhancement in infectivity of T1L/T3DM2 is due to its capacity
      to attach to cells more efficiently. We present genetic data implicating the
      central region of MU1 in altering the cell attachment property of reovirus. Our
      data indicate that the T3D MU1-mediated enhancement in infectivity of T1L is
      dependent on the function of sigma1 and requires the expression of JAM-A. We also
      demonstrate that T1L/T3DM2 utilizes JAM-A more efficiently than T1L. These
      studies revealed a previously unknown relationship between two nonadjacent
      reovirus outer capsid proteins, sigma1 and MU1. IMPORTANCE: How reovirus attaches
      to host cells has been extensively characterized. Attachment of reovirus to host
      cells is mediated by the sigma1 protein, and properties of sigma1 influence the
      capacity of reovirus to target specific host tissues and produce disease. Here,
      we present new evidence indicating that the cell attachment properties of sigma1
      are influenced by the nature of MU1, a capsid protein that does not physically
      interact with sigma1. These studies could explain the previously described role
      for MU1 in influencing reovirus pathogenesis. These studies are also of broader
      significance because they highlight an example of how genetic reassortment
      between virus strains could produce phenotypes that are distinct from those of
      either parent.

PMID- 27681136
TI  - The Coat Protein and NIa Protease of Two Potyviridae Family Members Independently
      Confer Superinfection Exclusion.
AB  - : Superinfection exclusion (SIE) is an antagonistic virus-virus interaction
      whereby initial infection by one virus prevents subsequent infection by closely
      related viruses. Although SIE has been described in diverse viruses infecting
      plants, humans, and animals, its mechanisms, including involvement of specific
      viral determinants, are just beginning to be elucidated. In this study, SIE
      determinants encoded by two economically important wheat viruses, Wheat streak
      mosaic virus (WSMV; genus Tritimovirus, family Potyviridae) and Triticum mosaic
      virus (TriMV; genus Poacevirus, family Potyviridae), were identified in gain-of
      function experiments that used heterologous viruses to express individual virus
      encoded proteins in wheat. Wheat plants infected with TriMV expressing WSMV P1,
      HC-Pro, P3, 6K1, CI, 6K2, NIa-VPg, or NIb cistrons permitted efficient
      superinfection by WSMV expressing green fluorescent protein (WSMV-GFP). In
      contrast, wheat infected with TriMV expressing WSMV NIa-Pro or coat protein (CP)
      substantially excluded superinfection by WSMV-GFP, suggesting that both of these
      cistrons are SIE effectors encoded by WSMV. Importantly, SIE is due to functional
      WSMV NIa-Pro or CP rather than their encoding RNAs, as altering the coded protein
      products by minimally changing RNA sequences led to abolishment of SIE. Deletion
      mutagenesis further revealed that elicitation of SIE by NIa-Pro requires the
      entire protein while CP requires only a 200-amino-acid (aa) middle fragment (aa
      101 to 300) of the 349 aa. Strikingly, reciprocal experiments with WSMV-mediated
      expression of TriMV proteins showed that TriMV CP, and TriMV NIa-Pro to a lesser
      extent, likewise excluded superinfection by TriMV-GFP. Collectively, these data
      demonstrate that WSMV- and TriMV-encoded CP and NIa-Pro proteins are effectors of
      SIE and that these two proteins trigger SIE independently of each other.
      IMPORTANCE: Superinfection exclusion (SIE) is an antagonistic virus-virus
      interaction that prevents secondary invasions by identical or closely related
      viruses in the same host cells. Although known to occur in diverse viruses, SIE
      remains an enigma in terms of key molecular determinants and action mechanisms.
      In this study, we found that Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV) and Triticum mosaic
      virus (TriMV) encode two independently functioning cistrons that serve as
      effectors of SIE at the protein but not the RNA level. The coat protein and NIa
      Pro encoded by these two viruses, when expressed from a heterologous virus,
      exerted SIE to the cognate viruses. The identification of virus-encoded effectors
      of SIE and their transgenic expression could potentially facilitate the
      development of virus-resistant crop plants. Additionally, functional conservation
      of SIE in diverse virus groups suggests that a better understanding of the
      underlying mechanisms of SIE could facilitate the development of novel antiviral
      therapies against viral diseases.

PMID- 27681137
TI  - Specific Inhibition of HIV Infection by the Action of Spironolactone in T Cells.
AB  - : Tat protein, the HIV transactivator, regulates transcription of the HIV genome
      by the host transcription machinery. Efficient inhibitors of HIV transcription
      that target Tat or the cellular cofactor NF-kappaB are well known. However,
      inhibition of HIV Tat-dependent transcription by targeting the general
      transcription and DNA repair factor II human (TFIIH) has not been reported. Here,
      we show that spironolactone (SP), an aldosterone antagonist approved for clinical
      use, inhibits HIV-1 and HIV-2 infection of permissive T cells by blocking viral
      Tat-dependent transcription from the long terminal repeat (LTR). We found that
      treatment of Jurkat and primary CD4+ T cells with SP induces degradation of the
      XPB cellular helicase, a component of the TFIIH complex, without affecting
      cellular mRNA levels, T cell viability, or T cell proliferation. We further
      demonstrate that the effect of SP on HIV infection is independent of its
      aldosterone antagonist function, since the structural analogue, eplerenone, does
      not induce XPB degradation and does not inhibit HIV infection. Rescue experiments
      showed that the SP-induced block of HIV infection relies, at least partially, on
      XPB degradation. In addition, we demonstrate that SP specifically inhibits Tat
      dependent transcription, since basal transcription from the LTR is not affected.
      Our results demonstrate that SP is a specific inhibitor of HIV Tat-dependent
      transcription in T cells, which additionally suggests that XPB is a cofactor
      required for HIV infection. Targeting a cellular cofactor of HIV transcription
      constitutes an alternative strategy to inhibit HIV infection, together with the
      existing antiretroviral therapy. IMPORTANCE: Transcription from the HIV promoter
      is regulated by the combined activities of the host transcription machinery and
      the viral transactivator Tat protein. Here, we report that the drug
      spironolactone-an antagonist of aldosterone-blocks viral Tat-dependent
      transcription, thereby inhibiting both HIV-1 and HIV-2 infection of permissive T
      cells. This inhibition relies on the degradation of the cellular helicase XPB, a
      component of the TFIIH transcription factor complex. Consequently, XPB appears to
      be a novel HIV cofactor. Our discovery of the HIV-inhibitory activity of
      spironolactone opens the way for the development of novel anti-HIV strategies
      targeting a cellular cofactor without the limitations of antiretroviral therapy
      of drug resistance and high cost.

PMID- 27681138
TI  - Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Tegument Protein UL41 Counteracts IFIT3 Antiviral Innate
      Immunity.
AB  - : The interferon-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeat 3 (IFIT3 or ISG60)
      is a host-intrinsic antiviral factor that restricts many instances of DNA and RNA
      virus replication. Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), a DNA virus bearing a large
      genome, can encode many viral proteins to counteract the host immune responses.
      However, whether IFIT3 plays a role upon HSV-1 infection is little known. In this
      study, we show for the first time that HSV-1 tegument protein UL41, a viral
      endoribonuclease, plays an important role in inhibiting the antiviral activity of
      IFIT3. Here, we demonstrated that ectopically expressed IFIT3 could restrict the
      replication of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) but had little effect on the
      replication of wild-type (WT) HSV-1. Further study showed that WT HSV-1 infection
      downregulated the expression of IFIT3, and ectopic expression of UL41, but not
      the immediate-early protein ICP0, notably reduced the expression of IFIT3. The
      underlying molecular mechanism was that UL41 diminished the accumulation of IFIT3
      mRNA to abrogate its antiviral activity. In addition, our results illustrated
      that ectopic expression of IFIT3 inhibited the replication of UL41-null mutant
      virus (R2621), and stable knockdown of IFIT3 facilitated its replication. Taking
      these findings together, HSV-1 was shown for the first time to evade the
      antiviral function of IFIT3 via UL41. IMPORTANCE: The tegument protein UL41 of
      HSV-1 is an endoribonuclease with the substrate specificity of RNase A, which
      plays an important role in viral infection. Upon HSV-1 infection, interferons are
      critical cytokines that regulate immune responses against viral infection. Host
      antiviral responses are significantly boosted or crippled in the presence or
      absence of IFIT3; however, whether IFIT3 plays a role during HSV-1 infection is
      still unknown. Our data show for the first time that IFIT3 has little effect on
      HSV-1 replication, as UL41 decreases the accumulation of IFIT3 mRNA and subverts
      its antiviral activity. This study identifies IFIT3 as a novel target of the
      tegument protein UL41 and provides new insight into HSV-1-mediated immune
      evasion.

PMID- 27681139
TI  - The US3 Protein of Pseudorabies Virus Drives Viral Passage across the Basement
      Membrane in Porcine Respiratory Mucosa Explants.
AB  - : Passage of the basement membrane (BM), which forms a barrier between the
      epithelium and the underlying lamina propria, represents an important step in the
      early pathogenesis of different alphaherpesviruses. Rho GTPase signaling plays an
      important role in transmigration of cells across the BM during physiological and
      pathological processes. We reported earlier that the US3 protein kinase of the
      alphaherpesvirus pseudorabies virus (PRV) interferes with Rho GTPase signaling
      and causes a reorganization of the host cell cytoskeleton, which as a
      consequence, enhances viral cell-to-cell spread in epithelial cell cultures.
      Here, using an ex vivo system of porcine nasal respiratory mucosa explants that
      allows to study PRV invasion through the BM, we found that a PRV strain that
      lacks US3 expression (DeltaUS3 PRV) showed a reduced spread in mucosal epithelium
      and was virtually unable to breach the BM, in contrast to isogenic wild-type (WT)
      or US3 rescue PRV strains. Interestingly, addition of IPA3, an inhibitor of p21
      activated kinases that blocks the effects of US3 on the cytoskeleton, suppressed
      the ability of WT PRV to spread across the BM. In addition, artificial
      suppression of RhoA signaling using CPC3 (cell-permeable C3 transferase) to mimic
      the effects of US3 on Rho GTPase signaling, significantly increased passage of
      DeltaUS3 PRV through the BM, whereas it did not significantly affect BM passage
      of WT or US3 rescue PRV. In conclusion, these data indicate that US3 plays an
      important role in PRV mucosal invasion across the BM, which involves its
      interference with Rho GTPase signaling. This is the first report describing an
      alphaherpesvirus protein that drives viral BM passage. IMPORTANCE: Many viruses,
      including alphaherpesviruses, primarily replicate in epithelial cells of surface
      mucosae, such as the respiratory mucosa. Some of these viruses breach the
      basement membrane underlying these epithelial cells to reach underlying
      connective tissue and blood vessels and invade the host. Hence, epithelial spread
      and basement membrane passage represent crucial but still poorly understood early
      steps in (alphaherpes)virus pathogenesis. Here, using ex vivo porcine respiratory
      mucosa explants, we show that the conserved US3 protein of the porcine
      alphaherpesvirus pseudorabies virus (PRV) is critical for passage of PRV across
      the basement membrane and contributes to efficient viral epithelial spread. In
      addition, we show that US3-mediated viral epithelial spread and passage across
      the basement membrane depend at least in part on the ability of this viral
      protein to modulate cellular Rho GTPase signaling. This is the first report that
      identifies an alphaherpesvirus protein that drives viral basement membrane
      passage.

PMID- 27681141
TI  - Antagonism of BST-2/Tetherin Is a Conserved Function of the Env Glycoprotein of
      Primary HIV-2 Isolates.
AB  - : Although HIV-2 does not encode a vpu gene, the ability to antagonize bone
      marrow stromal antigen 2 (BST-2) is conserved in some HIV-2 isolates, where it is
      controlled by the Env glycoprotein. We previously reported that a single-amino
      acid difference between the laboratory-adapted ROD10 and ROD14 Envs controlled
      the enhancement of virus release (referred to here as Vpu-like) activity. Here,
      we investigated how conserved the Vpu-like activity is in primary HIV-2 isolates.
      We found that half of the 34 tested primary HIV-2 Env isolates obtained from 7
      different patients enhanced virus release. Interestingly, most HIV-2 patients
      harbored a mixed population of viruses containing or lacking Vpu-like activity.
      Vpu-like activity and Envelope functionality varied significantly among Env
      isolates; however, there was no direct correlation between these two functions,
      suggesting they evolved independently. In comparing the Env sequences from one
      HIV-2 patient, we found that similar to the ROD10/ROD14 Envs, a single-amino-acid
      change (T568I) in the ectodomain of the TM subunit was sufficient to confer Vpu
      like activity to an inactive Env variant. Surprisingly, however, absence of Vpu
      like activity was not correlated with absence of BST-2 interaction. Taken
      together, our data suggest that maintaining the ability to antagonize BST-2 is of
      functional relevance not only to HIV-1 but also to HIV-2 as well. Our data show
      that as with Vpu, binding of HIV-2 Env to BST-2 is important but not sufficient
      for antagonism. Finally, as observed previously, the Vpu-like activity in HIV-2
      Env can be controlled by single-residue changes in the TM subunit. IMPORTANCE:
      Lentiviruses such as HIV-1 and HIV-2 encode accessory proteins whose function is
      to overcome host restriction mechanisms. Vpu is a well-studied HIV-1 accessory
      protein that enhances virus release by antagonizing the host restriction factor
      BST-2. HIV-2 does not encode a vpu gene. Instead, the HIV-2 Env glycoprotein was
      found to antagonize BST-2 in some isolates. Here, we cloned multiple Env
      sequences from 7 HIV-2-infected patients and found that about half were able to
      antagonize BST-2. Importantly, most HIV-2 patients harbored a mixed population of
      viruses containing or lacking the ability to antagonize BST-2. In fact, in
      comparing Env sequences from one patient combined with site-directed mutagenesis,
      we were able to restore BST-2 antagonism to an inactive Env protein by a single
      amino-acid change. Our data suggest that targeting BST-2 by HIV-2 Env is a
      dynamic process that can be regulated by simple changes in the Env sequence.

PMID- 27681140
TI  - The Antagonism of HIV-1 Nef to SERINC5 Particle Infectivity Restriction Involves
      the Counteraction of Virion-Associated Pools of the Restriction Factor.
AB  - : SERINC3 (serine incorporator 3) and SERINC5 are recently identified host cell
      inhibitors of HIV-1 particle infectivity that are counteracted by the viral
      pathogenesis factor Nef. Here we confirm that HIV-1 Nef, but not HIV-1 Vpu,
      antagonizes the particle infectivity restriction of SERINC5. SERINC5 antagonism
      occurred in parallel with other Nef activities, including cell surface receptor
      downregulation, trans-Golgi network targeting of Lck, and inhibition of host cell
      actin dynamics. Interaction motifs with host cell endocytic machinery and the Nef
      associated kinase complex, as well as CD4 cytoplasmic tail/HIV-1 protease, were
      identified as essential Nef determinants for SERINC5 antagonism. Characterization
      of antagonism-deficient Nef mutants revealed that counteraction of SERINC5 occurs
      in the absence of retargeting of the restriction factor to intracellular
      compartments and reduction of SERINC5 cell surface density is insufficient for
      antagonism. Consistent with virion incorporation of SERINC5 being a prerequisite
      for its antiviral activity, the infectivity of HIV-1 particles produced in the
      absence of a SERINC5 antagonist decreased with increasing amounts of virion
      SERINC5. At low levels of SERINC5 expression, enhancement of virion infectivity
      by Nef was associated with reduced virion incorporation of SERINC5 and antagonism
      defective Nef mutants failed to exclude SERINC5 from virions. However, at
      elevated levels of SERINC5 expression, Nef maintained infectious HIV particles,
      despite significant virion incorporation of the restriction factor. These results
      suggest that in addition to virion exclusion, Nef employs a cryptic mechanism to
      antagonize virion-associated SERINC5. The involvement of common determinants
      suggests that the antagonism of Nef to SERINC5 and the downregulation of cell
      surface CD4 by Nef involve related molecular mechanisms. IMPORTANCE: HIV-1 Nef
      critically determines virus spread and disease progression in infected
      individuals by incompletely defined mechanisms. SERINC3 and SERINC5 were recently
      identified as potent inhibitors of HIV particle infectivity whose antiviral
      activity is antagonized by HIV-1 Nef. To address the mechanism of SERINC5
      antagonism, we identified four molecular determinants of Nef antagonism that are
      all linked to the mechanism by which Nef downregulates cell surface CD4.
      Functional characterization of these mutants revealed that endosomal targeting
      and cell surface downregulation of SERINC5 are dispensable and insufficient for
      antagonism, respectively. In contrast, virion exclusion and antagonism of SERINC5
      were correlated; however, Nef was also able to enhance the infectivity of virions
      that incorporated robust levels of SERINC5. These results suggest that the
      antagonism of HIV-1 Nef to SERINC5 restriction of virion infectivity is mediated
      by a dual mechanism that is related to CD4 downregulation.

PMID- 27681144
TI  - Antiretroviral adherence and virological outcomes in HIV-positive patients in Ugu
      district, KwaZulu-Natal province.
AB  - Adherence to antiretroviral therapy is crucial to ensure viral suppression. In
      the scientific community it is widely accepted that an adherence level of at
      least 90% is necessary to achieve viral suppression. This study uses pharmacy
      refill records to describe antiretroviral adherence in HIV-positive patients in
      Ugu District, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and to describe pharmacy refill records
      as reliable monitoring method of antiretroviral therapy. In total, 61 patients'
      records were reviewed. Overall, 50 (82%) of the patients achieved an optimum
      adherence level of at least 90%, whereas 19 (38%) of these patients did not show
      any related viral suppression. A statistically significant relationship between
      adherence and viral suppression was not demonstrated. Therefore, pharmacy refill
      records cannot be recommended as an alternative method of monitoring response to
      antiretroviral therapy, but laboratory tests including CD4 cell count and or
      viral load must be combined with the pharmacy refill method for monitoring of
      antiretroviral therapy in HIV-positive patients. 

PMID- 27681142
TI  - TRIM5alpha Resistance Escape Mutations in the Capsid Are Transferable between
      Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Strains.
AB  - : TRIM5alpha polymorphism limits and complicates the use of simian
      immunodeficiency virus (SIV) for evaluation of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
      vaccine strategies in rhesus macaques. We previously reported that the TRIM5alpha
      sensitive SIV from sooty mangabeys (SIVsm) clone SIVsmE543-3 acquired amino acid
      substitutions in the capsid that overcame TRIM5alpha restriction when it was
      passaged in rhesus macaques expressing restrictive TRIM5alpha alleles. Here we
      generated TRIM5alpha-resistant clones of the related SIVsmE660 strain without
      animal passage by introducing the same amino acid capsid substitutions. We
      evaluated one of the variants in rhesus macaques expressing permissive and
      restrictive TRIM5alpha alleles. The SIVsmE660 variant infected and replicated in
      macaques with restrictive TRIM5alpha genotypes as efficiently as in macaques with
      permissive TRIM5alpha genotypes. These results demonstrated that mutations in the
      SIV capsid can confer SIV resistance to TRIM5alpha restriction without animal
      passage, suggesting an applicable method to generate more diverse SIV strains for
      HIV vaccine studies. IMPORTANCE: Many strains of SIV from sooty mangabey monkeys
      are susceptible to resistance by common rhesus macaque TRIM5alpha alleles and
      result in reduced virus acquisition and replication in macaques that express
      these restrictive alleles. We previously observed that spontaneous variations in
      the capsid gene were associated with improved replication in macaques, and the
      introduction of two amino acid changes in the capsid transfers this improved
      replication to the parent clone. In the present study, we introduced these
      mutations into a related but distinct strain of SIV that is commonly used for
      challenge studies for vaccine trials. These mutations also improved the
      replication of this strain in macaques with the restrictive TRIM5alpha genotype
      and thus will eliminate the confounding effects of TRIM5alpha in vaccine studies.

PMID- 27681143
TI  - Genetic Determinants of Clozapine-Induced Metabolic Side Effects.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Atypical antipychotics are linked to a higher incidence of metabolic
      side effects, including weight gain, dyslipidemia, and diabetes. In this study,
      we examined the prevalence and potential genetic predictors of metabolic side
      effects in 60 adult patients on clozapine. METHOD: Genetic variants of relevance
      to clozapine metabolism, clearance, and response were assessed through targeted
      genotyping of cytochrome P450 enzymes CYP1A2 and CYP2C19, the efflux transporter
      ABCB1, the serotonin receptor (HTR2C), leptin (LEP), and leptin receptor (LEPR).
      Clozapine levels and other potential confounders, including concurrent
      medications, were also included in the analysis. RESULTS: More than half of the
      patients were obese (51%), had metabolic syndrome (52.5%), and 30.5% were
      overweight. There was a high prevalence of antipsychotic polypharmacy (61.9%).
      With multivariable linear regression analysis, LEP -2548G>A, LEPR c.668A>G, and
      HTR2C c.551-3008 C>G were identified as genetic predictors of body mass index
      (BMI) after considering effects of clozapine dose, blood level, and concurrent
      medications (adjusted R2 = 0.305). Metabolic syndrome was found to be
      significantly associated with clozapine level and CYP2C19*2 and LEPR c.668 G
      alleles. Clozapine levels in patients with metabolic syndrome were significantly
      higher compared to those without metabolic syndrome (1886 +/- 895 vs. 1283 +/-
      985 ng/mL, P < 0.01) and were associated with the CYP2C19*2 genotype. No
      association was found between the genetic variants studied and lipid or glucose
      levels. CONCLUSION: This study confirms a high prevalence of metabolic side
      effects with clozapine and suggests higher clozapine level and pharmacogenetic
      markers in CYP2C19, LEP, LEPR, and HTR2C receptors as important predictors of BMI
      and metabolic syndrome.

PMID- 27681146
TI  - Clinical correlates of suicidality among individuals with HIV infection and AIDS
      disease in Mbarara, Uganda.
AB  - The association between suicidality and HIV/AIDS has been demonstrated for three
      decades, but little is know about risk factors that can help understand this
      association and help identify who is most at risk. Few research studies have been
      conducted in sub-Saharan Africa, a region that accounts for more than 70% of the
      HIV global burden. This paper describes clinical risk factors for suicidality
      among individuals with HIV infection and AIDS disease in Mbarara, Uganda. In this
      study, suicidality includes both suicidal ideation and suicidal attempts. A cross
      sectional survey was conducted with 543 HIV-positive individuals aged 15 years
      and above, recruited from 2 HIV specialised clinics in Mbarara. Using logistic
      regression analysis, factors significantly associated with suicidality at 95%
      confidence interval were identified. The rate of suicidality was 10% (n = 54; 95%
      CI: 5.00-15.00). Risk factors for suicidality were: perception of poor physical
      health (OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.23-3.99, p = 0.007), physical pain (OR 1.83, 95% CI
      1.01-3.30, p = 0.049), reducing work due to illness (OR = 2.22, 95% CI 1.23-3.99,
      p = 0.004) and recent HIV diagnosis (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.03, p = 0.001). These
      findings suggest that HIV/AIDS in south-western Uganda is associated with a
      considerable burden of suicidality. HIV is associated with several clinical
      factors that increase vulnerability to suicidality. There is need for more
      appropriate interventions targeting these clinical risk factors, systematic
      suicide risk assessment and management of suicidal ideation and behaviours in HIV
      care. 

PMID- 27681145
TI  - A qualitative study of migrant-related stressors, psychosocial outcomes and HIV
      risk behaviour among truck drivers in Zambia.
AB  - Truck drivers are part of mobile populations which have been noted as a key
      population at risk of HIV in Zambia. This study was aimed at: (1) determining
      potentially traumatic events (PTEs), labour migrant-related stressors,
      psychosocial problems and HIV risk behaviours among truck drivers in Zambia; and
      (2) examining the relationship between PTEs, migrant-related stressors,
      psychosocial outcomes and HIV sexual risk behaviour among truck drivers in
      Zambia. We conducted 15 semi-structured interviews with purposively sampled male
      truck drivers at trucking companies in Lusaka, Zambia. Findings indicate that
      truck drivers experience multiple stressors and potentially traumatic incidences,
      including delays and long waiting hours at borders, exposure to crime and
      violence, poverty, stress related to resisting temptation of sexual interactions
      with sex workers or migrant women, and job-related safety concerns. Multiple
      psychosocial problems such as intimate partner violence, loneliness, anxiety and
      depression-like symptoms were noted. Transactional sex, coupled with inconsistent
      condom use, were identified as HIV sexual risk behaviours. Findings suggest the
      critical need to develop HIV-prevention interventions which account for mobility,
      potentially traumatic events, psychosocial problems, and the extreme fear of HIV
      testing among this key population. 

PMID- 27681147
TI  - Teachers' subjectivities and emotionality in HIV/AIDS teaching.
AB  - Schools play a significant role in conveying essential knowledge, skills and
      attitudes about HIV and AIDS to millions of learners, and are therefore at the
      forefront of addressing the HIV/AIDS pandemic. This has resulted in a shift in
      HIV/AIDS research to focus on the crucial role of teachers in HIV prevention.
      This paper explores the influence of teachers' subjectivities and emotionality on
      their teaching about HIV/AIDS. The paper draws on qualitative, narrative data
      gathered from five teachers teaching in a midlands town in KwaZulu-Natal, South
      Africa. It finds that teachers' subject positions play a significant role in
      presenting compassionate, supportive and knowledgeable subjectivities in the
      classroom; and that their positive and negative emotions pivotally influence
      their teaching about HIV/AIDS. We argue that it is vital to consider how teachers
      position themselves, as this is intricately linked with their teaching about
      HIV/AIDS, and we draw attention to teaching about HIV/AIDS as an emotional
      practice. 

PMID- 27681149
TI  - Leadership emergence: the application of the Cynefin framework during a bio
      social HIV/AIDS risk-reduction pilot.
AB  - This article focuses on the utility of a knowledge management heuristic called
      the Cynefin framework, which was applied during an ongoing pilot intervention in
      the Limpopo province, South Africa. The intervention aimed to identify and then
      consolidate low-cost, innovative bio-social responses to reinforce the biomedical
      opportunities that now have the potential to "end AIDS by 2030". The Cynefin
      framework is designed to enable leaders to identify specific decision-making
      domain typologies as a mechanism to maximise the effectiveness of leadership
      responses to both opportunities and challenges that emerge during interventions.
      In this instance the Cynefin framework was used to: (1) provide an indication to
      the project managers whether the early stages of the intervention had been
      effective; (2) provide the participants an opportunity to identify emergent
      knowledge action spaces (opportunities and challenges); and (3) categorise them
      into appropriate decision-making domains in preparation for the next phases of
      the intervention. A qualitative methodology was applied to collect and analyse
      the findings. The findings indicate that applying the Cynefin framework enabled
      the participants to situate knowledge action spaces into appropriate decision
      making domains. From this participatory evaluation a targeted management strategy
      was developed for the next phases of the initiative. The article concludes by
      arguing that the Cynefin framework was an effective mechanism for situating
      emergent knowledge action spaces into appropriate decision-making domains, which
      enabled them to prepare for the next phases of the intervention. This process of
      responsive decision making could have utility in other development related
      interventions. 

PMID- 27681148
TI  - Adverse drug reactions associated with antiretroviral therapy in South Africa.
AB  - South Africa has one of the highest prevalences of HIV and AIDS in the world.
      HIV/AIDS patients face countless challenges, one of which is the risk of adverse
      drug reactions (ADRs). This study aimed to describe the ADRs reported in South
      Africa with reference to the type of ADRs, antiretrovirals (ARVs) implicated,
      seriousness of the ADRs and patient demographics associated with specific ADRs. A
      retrospective quantitative study was carried out using ADR reports submitted to
      the National Department of Health (NDoH) from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2014.
      A descriptive and inferential analysis was carried out to determine the strength
      of the relationships between different variables. A total of 2 489 reports were
      analysed. This study found evidence of ADRs among patients on regimens based on
      stavudine (n = 1 256, 50.46%), efavirenz (n = 572, 22.98%), zidovudine (n = 209,
      8.40%), tenofovir (n = 203, 8.16%) and nevirapine (n = 153, 6.15%). The 10 most
      common ADRs reported with the use of ARVs were peripheral neuropathy (n = 472,
      19%), lipodystrophy (n = 471, 18.9%), serious skin reactions (n = 266, 10.7%),
      gynaecomastia (n = 219, 8.8%), renal failure (n = 140, 5.6%), dizziness (n = 133,
      5.3%), hyperlactatemia (n = 118, 4.7%), psychosis/hallucinations (n = 47, 1.9%),
      sleep disturbances (n = 44, 1.8%) and vomiting (n = 44, 1.8%). Female patients
      were more likely to experience peripheral neuropathy, lipodystrophy, skin rash,
      anaemia and hyperlactatemia, while male patients were more prone to experience
      gynaecomastia and peripheral neuropathy. In addition, patients aged 30-44 years
      reported the most ADRs. Most reactions resulted from the use of stavudine,
      efavirenz, zidovudine, nevirapine and tenofovir in the population groups
      identified in this study. 

PMID- 27681150
TI  - Psychosocial well-being of people living with HIV and the community before and
      after a HIV stigma-reduction community "hub" network intervention.
AB  - The purpose of the research was to determine whether an HIV stigma-reduction
      community "hub" network intervention in a South African urban area would bring
      about a difference in the psychosocial well-being of people living with HIV
      (PLWH), as well as their community (living in the same municipal ward). A single
      case pre-test post-test design was implemented. The sample for this study
      included 62 PLWH who were selected through accessibility sampling and 570
      community members who were selected through random voluntary sampling.
      Participants completed the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Mental
      Health Continuum-Short Form (MHC-SF) before and after the intervention. A
      dependent t-test as well as Cohen's d-values were used to calculate the
      differences between the pre- and post-test results for depression and well-being.
      Levels of languishing, moderate mental health and flourishing before and after
      the intervention were determined. Although the focus of the HIV stigma-reduction
      community "hub" intervention that was followed in this study was on the
      involvement of PLWH and people living close to them (PLC) to share their
      knowledge as community mobilisers and to mobilise and empower their own community
      to reduce HIV stigma, it can be concluded that a secondary gain was the effect it
      had on both depression and mental health of the PLWH as well as the community. Of
      interest is how these effects differed for PLWH and the community. It is thus
      recommended that future interventions should give special attention to aspects of
      depression and well-being. 

PMID- 27681151
TI  - Church representatives' perspectives on masculinities in the context of HIV: the
      case of the Ecumenical HIV and AIDS Initiative in Africa.
AB  - Despite a growing body of literature related to church leaders challenging
      dominant norms of masculinities that may enable the spread of HIV, research on
      masculinity issues among African church representatives who are policy makers is
      scarce. The objectives of this study were to explore the perspectives on
      masculinities held by church representatives within the Ecumenical HIV and AIDS
      Initiative in Africa (EHAIA) and to identify strategies they used to transform
      masculinities in their respective churches. Qualitative interviews were carried
      out with 14 church representatives belonging to the EHAIA International Reference
      Group. These interviews were analysed using thematic analysis and four themes
      were identified: "barriers to challenge masculinities" may contribute to the
      spread of HIV; "counterproductive conservative church leadership" fails to
      challenge dominant forms of masculinities; "facilitators to challenge
      masculinities" perceived as slowly changing men and "an evolving hope for gender
      equality" would be perceived in certain marital relationships. The latter two
      were viewed as positive approaches resulting from masculinity workshops and male
      priests disclosing their HIV-positive status. This research highlights strategies
      that may help male church-goers challenge masculinities, support gender equality
      and, improve the lives of men and women in the context of HIV. 

PMID- 27681152
TI  - Morbidity and nutrition status of rural drug-naive Kenyan women living with HIV.
AB  - This paper describes morbidity in a group of HIV-positive drug-naive rural women
      in western Kenya. A total of 226 drug-naive HIV-positive women were evaluated for
      baseline morbidity, immune function, and anthropometry before a food-based
      nutrition intervention. Kenyan nurses visited women in their homes and conducted
      semi-structured interviews regarding symptoms and physical signs experienced at
      the time of the visit and during the previous week and physical inspection. Blood
      and urine samples were examined for determination of immune function (CD4, CD8,
      and total lymphocyte counts), anaemia, malaria, and pregnancy status. Intradermal
      skin testing with tuberculin (PPD), candida, and tetanus toxoid antigens was also
      performed to evaluate cell-mediated immunity. Anthropometry was measured, and
      body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Seventy-six per cent of the women reported
      being sick on the day of the interview or within the previous week. Illnesses
      considered serious were reported by 13.7% of women. The most frequent morbidity
      episodes reported were upper respiratory tract infections (13.3%), suspected
      malaria (5.85%), skeletal pain (4.87%), and stomach pain (4.42%). The most common
      morbidity signs on physical inspection were respiratory symptoms, most commonly
      rhinorrhea and coughing. Confirmed malaria and severe diarrhea were significantly
      associated with a higher BMI. 

PMID- 27681153
TI  - Political economy of decentralising HIV and AIDS treatment services to primary
      healthcare facilities in three Nigerian states.
AB  - Decentralisation is defined as the dispersion, distribution or transfer of
      resources, functions and decision-making power from a central authority to
      regional and local authorities. It is usually accompanied by assignment of
      accountability and responsibility for results. Fundamental to understanding
      decentralisation is learning what motivates central governments to give up power
      and resources to local governments, and the practical significance of this on
      their positions regarding decentralisation. This study examined key political and
      institutional influences on role-players' capacity to support decentralisation of
      HIV and AIDS treatment services to primary healthcare facilities, and
      implications for sustainability. In-depth interviews were conducted with 55
      purposively selected key informants, drawn from three Nigerian states that were
      at different stages of decentralising HIV and AIDS treatment services to primary
      care facilities. Key informants represented different categories of role-players
      involved in HIV and AIDS control programmes. Thematic framework analysis of data
      was done. Support for decentralisation of HIV and AIDS treatment services to
      primary healthcare facilities was substantial among different categories of
      actors. Political factors such as the local and global agenda for health,
      political tenure and party affiliations, and institutional factors such as
      consolidation of decision-making power and improvements in career trajectories,
      influenced role-players support for decentralisation of HIV and AIDS treatment
      services. It is feasible and acceptable to decentralise HIV and AIDS treatment
      services to primary healthcare facilities, to help improve coverage. However,
      role-players' support largely depends on how well the reform aligns with
      political structures and current institutional practices. 

PMID- 27681155
TI  - Social sustainability as the seventh tenant: a reflection on Oberth and
      Whiteside's sustainability in the HIV and AIDS response.

PMID- 27681154
TI  - Keeping kids in care: virological failure in a paediatric antiretroviral clinic
      and suggestions for improving treatment outcomes.
AB  - The burden of paediatric HIV in South Africa is extremely high. Antiretrovirals
      (ARVs) are now widely accessible in the country and the clinical emphasis has
      shifted from initiation of treatment to retention in care. This study describes
      the cumulative virological failure rate amongst children on ARVs in a peri-urban
      clinic, and suggests ways in which clinics and partners could improve treatment
      outcomes. The study was conducted by the non-profit organisation HOPE Cape Town
      Association. A retrospective file audit determined the cumulative virological
      failure rate, that is, the sum of all children with a viral load >1000 copies/ml,
      children on monotherapy, children who had stopped treatment, children lost to
      follow-up (LTFU) and children who had died. Interviews were conducted with a
      purposive sample of 12 staff members and a random sample of 21 caregivers and 4
      children attending care. Cumulative virological failure rate was 42%, with most
      of those children having been LTFU. Both staff and caregivers consistently
      identified pharmacy queues, ongoing stigma and unpalatable ARVs as barriers to
      adherence. Staff suggestions included use of adherence aids, and better education
      and support groups for caregivers. Caregivers also requested support groups, as
      well as "same day" appointments for caregivers and children, but rejected the
      idea of home visits. Simple, acceptable and cost-effective strategies exist
      whereby clinics and their partners could significantly reduce the cumulative
      virological failure rate in paediatric ARV clinics. These include actively
      tracing defaulters, improving education, providing support groups, and
      campaigning for palatable ARV formulations. 

PMID- 27681156
TI  - Sleep problems and dissociation in preschool victims of sexual abuse.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Child sexual abuse (CSA) is associated with a host of deleterious
      impacts, yet little is known about the short-term correlates in children. This
      study aimed to investigate the association between dissociation and sleep
      problems in a sample of preschool-age sexual abuse victims while controlling for
      potentially confounding variables, including gender, age, polytrauma, CSA
      characteristics, and parental distress. METHOD: The sample consisted of 179
      children (ages 3-6 years) and their non-offending parents. Parents completed
      questionnaires assessing their child's dissociative symptoms and sleep problems
      as well as their own level of psychological distress. RESULTS: Regression
      analyses revealed that sleep problems were significantly associated with
      dissociative symptoms over and above all other control variables (children's
      gender and age, polytrauma, and parental distress). A longer duration of sexual
      abuse also predicted greater dissociative symptoms in preschool children.
      CONCLUSION: Findings highlight the association between sleep problems and
      dissociation in preschool-age victims of CSA. Further research is needed to
      understand their impact on children's development to design appropriate treatment
      and prevention initiatives aimed at fostering resilience in young vulnerable
      children.

PMID- 27681157
TI  - Erratum: Synergistic effects of ion transporter and MAP kinase pathway inhibitors
      in melanoma.

PMID- 27681158
TI  - Tissue Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) Increase Pelvic Floor
      Muscle Mass in Ovariectomized Mice.
AB  - Stress urinary incontinence (SUI), a prevalent condition, is represented by an
      involuntary leakage of urine that results, at least in part, from weakened or
      damaged pelvic floor muscles and is triggered by physical stress. Current
      treatment options are limited with no oral therapies available. The pelvic floor
      is rich in androgen receptor and molecules with anabolic activity including
      selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) may serve as therapeutic options
      for individuals with SUI. In this study, two SARMs (GTx-024 and GTx-027) were
      evaluated in a post-menopausal animal model in order to determine their effect on
      pelvic floor muscles. Female C57BL/6 mice were ovariectomized and their pelvic
      muscles allowed to regress. The animals were then treated with vehicle or doses
      of GTx-024 or GTx-027. Animal total body weight, lean body mass, and pelvic floor
      muscle weights were measured along with the expression of genes associated with
      muscle catabolism. Treatment with the SARMs resulted in a restoration of the
      pelvic muscles to the sham-operated weight. Coordinately, the induction of genes
      associated with muscle catabolism was inhibited. Although a trend was observed
      towards an increase in total lean body mass in the SARM-treated groups, no
      significant differences were detected. Treatment of an ovariectomized mouse model
      with SARMs resulted in an increase in pelvic floor muscles, which may translate
      to an improvement of symptoms associated with SUI and serves as the basis for
      evaluating their clinical use. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 640-646, 2017. (c) 2016
      Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27681160
TI  - Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided choledochoduodenostomy using a newly designed
      laser-cut metal stent: Feasibility study in a porcine model.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)-guided
      choledochoduodenostomy (EUS-CDS) is increasingly used in the treatment of
      malignant distal biliary obstruction. Standardized use of this technique requires
      improvements in instruments, including more convenient and safer devices. The
      present study was designed to evaluate the resistance force to migration (RFM) of
      a newly designed laser-cut metal stent and the feasibility of EUS-CDS using this
      stent. METHODS: This experimental study used a porcine model of biliary
      dilatation involving five male pigs. The new stent is a fully covered laser-cut
      stent with anti-migration anchoring hooks. The RFM of the new stents was compared
      with those of three commercially available covered metal stents using a phantom
      model. In the animal study, after ligation of Vater's ampulla with endoscopic
      clips, the dilated common bile duct was punctured under EUS guidance, followed by
      EUS-CDS using the new stent. One week after the procedure, the stents were
      removed endoscopically and the fistulas were assessed after the pigs were killed.
      Technical feasibility and clinical outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Among the
      four stents, the new stent had the highest RFM. Metal stent placement was
      successful in all five pigs, with no procedure-related complications occurring
      during and 1 week after endoscopic intervention. All stents remained in place
      without migration and were removed easily using a snare. At necropsy, fistulas
      were created between the bile duct and duodenum in all pigs. CONCLUSION: EUS-CDS
      using a newly designed metal stent was feasible and effective in this porcine
      model of biliary dilatation.

PMID- 27681159
TI  - Mitochondrial ROS regulate oxidative damage and mitophagy but not age-related
      muscle fiber atrophy.
AB  - Age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and function is a major contributor to
      morbidity and has a profound effect on the quality of life of older people. The
      potential role of age-dependent mitochondrial dysfunction and cumulative
      oxidative stress as the underlying cause of muscle aging remains a controversial
      topic. Here we show that the pharmacological attenuation of age-related
      mitochondrial redox changes in muscle with SS31 is associated with some
      improvements in oxidative damage and mitophagy in muscles of old mice. However,
      this treatment failed to rescue the age-related muscle fiber atrophy associated
      with muscle atrophy and weakness. Collectively, these data imply that the muscle
      mitochondrial redox environment is not a key regulator of muscle fiber atrophy
      during sarcopenia but may play a key role in the decline of mitochondrial
      organelle integrity that occurs with muscle aging.

PMID- 27681161
TI  - Knowledge extraction from a nitrification denitrification wastewater treatment
      plant using SOM-NG algorithm.
AB  - SOM-NG is a hybrid algorithm that is able to carry out visualization of process
      data, nonlinear function approximation, classification and clustering. The
      supervised version of SOM-NG produces a new type of 2D lattices called gradient
      planes which are useful to determine the dynamics of a target variable according
      to the remaining training variables. In this way, it is an interesting tool for
      data mining in order to extract knowledge from databases for nonlinear systems.
      The main objective of this work is to analyze data from an industrial wastewater
      treatment plant using SOM-NG algorithm in order to investigate relationships
      between the process variables. The data used proceeds from a biological
      wastewater treatment plant. This plant is based on an activated sludge treatment
      including nitrification and denitrification processes. A direct relation between
      the nitrification efficiency and the operating temperature was found, and also
      between the ammonia loading rate and the nitrification denitrification
      efficiency.

PMID- 27681162
TI  - The backtracking search optimization algorithm for frequency band and time
      segment selection in motor imagery-based brain-computer interfaces.
AB  - Common spatial pattern (CSP) is a powerful algorithm for extracting
      discriminative brain patterns in motor imagery-based brain-computer interfaces
      (BCIs). However, its performance depends largely on the subject-specific
      frequency band and time segment. Accurate selection of most responsive frequency
      band and time segment remains a crucial problem. A novel evolutionary algorithm,
      the backtracking search optimization algorithm is used to find the optimal
      frequency band and the optimal combination of frequency band and time segment.
      The former is searched by a frequency window with changing width of which
      starting and ending points are selected by the backtracking optimization
      algorithm; the latter is searched by the same frequency window and an additional
      time window with fixed width. The three parameters, the starting and ending
      points of frequency window and the starting point of time window, are jointly
      optimized by the backtracking search optimization algorithm. Based on the chosen
      frequency band and fixed or chosen time segment, the same feature extraction is
      conducted by CSP and subsequent classification is carried out by Fisher
      discriminant analysis. The classification error rate is used as the objective
      function of the backtracking search optimization algorithm. The two methods,
      named BSA-F CSP and BSA-FT CSP, were evaluated on data set of BCI competition and
      compared with traditional wideband (8-30[Formula: see text]Hz) CSP. The
      classification results showed that backtracking search optimization algorithm can
      find much effective frequency band for EEG preprocessing compared to traditional
      broadband, substantially enhancing CSP performance in terms of classification
      accuracy. On the other hand, the backtracking search optimization algorithm for
      joint selection of frequency band and time segment can find their optimal
      combination, and thus can further improve classification rates.

PMID- 27681163
TI  - Molecular Characterization and Viral Origin of the 2015 Dengue Outbreak in
      Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, China.
AB  - A total of 1067 serum samples were collected from febrile patients in
      Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, 2015. Of these, 852 cases were confirmed to be dengue NS1
      positive. 76 structural protein genes were sequenced through RT-PCR based on the
      viral RNAs extracted from serum samples. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all
      strains were classified as cosmopolitan genotype of DENV-2. After comparing with
      the DENV-2SS, 173 base substitutions were found in 76 sequences, resulting in 43
      nonsynonymous mutations, of which 22 mutations existed among all samples.
      According to secondary structure prediction, 8 new possible nucelotide/protein
      binding sites were found and another 4 sites were lost among the 775 amino acids
      of DENV structural proteins as compared with DENV-2SS. Meanwhile, 6 distinct
      amino acid changes were found in the helix and strand regions, and the
      distribution of the exposed and buried regions was slightly altered. The results
      indicated that the epidemic dengue strains of Xishuangbanna in 2015 are most
      similar to the Indian strain in 2001 and the Sri Lankan strain in 2004. Moreover,
      it also show a very strong similarity to the epidemic strains of Fujian province
      in 1999 and 2010, which show that there is an internal recycling epidemic trend
      of DENV in China.

PMID- 27681164
TI  - Influence of time and different tooth widths on masticatory efficiency and
      muscular activity in bilateral free-end saddles.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of time on masticatory efficiency and muscular
      activity during mastication of different types of test foods in participants
      fitted with a lower bilateral free-end saddle removable partial denture (RPD)
      with wide or narrow teeth. METHODS: Thirty-six participants consented to undergo
      evaluation of their masticatory efficiency and recording of their muscular
      activity, while they wore an RPD with a unified bilateral design, during
      mastication of different types of test foods. The width of the artificial teeth
      was changed as follows. Initially (A), the length was adjusted so that the distal
      end of the mandibular second molars occluded with the distal end of the maxillary
      second molar (buccolingual width of 7-8 mm). Next (B), the width was decreased to
      half the maxillary second molars (buccolingual width of only 5 mm). A statistical
      analysis was performed using SAS software. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA)
      was performed followed by Duncan's multiple range tests. RESULTS: At the 2-month
      follow-up visit, wider teeth demonstrated greater masticatory efficiency than
      narrower teeth. However, after 4 months, no significant differences were observed
      between the two tooth widths. No significant differences in muscular activity
      were observed. CONCLUSION: A reduction of the occlusal table width in free-end
      saddle RPDs resulted in decreased masticatory efficiency 2 months after denture
      fabrication, but there was no significant difference in muscular activity between
      narrow and wide teeth. However, after 4 months, the masticatory efficiency of the
      participants with narrower teeth improved without any changes in muscular
      activity.

PMID- 27681165
TI  - Survival of Probiotics in Hypromellose Capsules with Rice or Potato Maltodextrin
      Excipient.
AB  - There is currently no authorized or established therapeutic level/dose of
      probiotics for proposed health benefits; however, a daily probiotic consumption
      of 108 to 1010 CFU has been recommended. This study determined the survival of 5
      individual probiotic strains, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus paracasei,
      Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Bifidobacterium lactis,
      along with a mixture of the 5 strains in hypromellose capsules with rice or
      potato maltodextrin at 4, 25, and 37  degrees C for 12 mo. Samples were collected
      monthly and plated on deMan-Rogosa Sharpe agar with 0.05% l-cysteine
      hydrochloride. Results showed that samples stored at 4  degrees C had an average
      count of 108 to 1011 CFU/g of probiotic cells during the 12 mo period, whereas at
      25  degrees C, L. rhamnosus and L. paracasei had an average counts below 108
      CFU/g during the storage period. L. rhamnosus was the most vulnerable strain used
      in this study, having the least viable counts at all 3 storage temperatures.
      Probiotics stored in rice maltodextrin, on average, had higher probiotic counts
      compared to those stored in potato maltodextrin. Study suggests that to provide
      consumers with 108 to 1010 CFU/d of probiotic cells, robust bacterial strains,
      suitable carriers, and a storage temperature of 4  degrees C are required.

PMID- 27681166
TI  - Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 3-like squamous cell carcinoma of the
      cervix: a review of 14 cases with comparison of E-cadherin and cyclin D1
      expression in the CIN 3-like and infiltrative tumour elements.
AB  - AIMS: To review the clinicopathological features of 14 cases of CIN 3-like
      squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the cervix and to investigate possible
      mechanisms of tumour invasion in the CIN 3-like and 'conventional' (infiltrative)
      tumour components. METHODS AND RESULTS: The median patient age was 43.4 years. Of
      the 12 cases with known stage, eight were stage IB and four were stage II.
      Initial biopsies were often misinterpreted as CIN 3 alone or CIN 3 with only
      superficial stromal invasion, and eight patients underwent multiple biopsy
      procedures prior to definitive diagnosis: upon review, an earlier diagnosis was
      possible in six of these cases. Nine tumours exhibited both CIN 3-like and
      conventional tumour components. The former usually demonstrated an E-cadherin
      positive and cyclin D1-negative immunophenotype, whereas conventional SCC more
      often showed loss of E-cadherin and cyclin D1 staining at the margin of larger
      tumour nests and in smaller invasive clusters. CONCLUSION: Cervical SCCs
      demonstrating a CIN 3-like growth pattern continue to present diagnostic
      difficulty and are often misinterpreted as non-invasive/minimally invasive
      disease. The morphology and immunophenotype suggest a process of collective
      cellular invasion in CIN 3-like SCC, whereas corresponding conventional SCC
      elements show features consistent with epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

PMID- 27681167
TI  - Time- and frequency-domain analysis of beat to beat P-wave duration, PR interval
      and RR interval can predict asystole as form of syncope during head-up tilt.
AB  - To seek possible differences in short-period temporal RR interval, P-wave and PR
      interval dispersion and spectral coherence in patients with a head-up tilt test
      positive for vasovagal syncope with or without prolonged asystole, severe
      symptoms and at high risk of trauma. We retrospectively reviewed 5 min ECG and
      blood pressure recordings obtained at baseline, at rest and during head-up tilt
      in 40 patients diagnosed as having recurrent vasovagal syncope confirmed at a
      head-up tilt test. We analysed autoregressive spectral power for all the ECG
      derived variables, focusing on temporal P-wave and PR interval dispersion indexes
      as well as their spectral coherence calculated on the same 5 min recordings at
      rest and during tilt. ECG recordings obtained during tilt before syncope showed
      significantly lower P  ->  PR spectral coherence and higher RR standard
      deviations in patients with tilt-induced asystole than in those without (0.567 
      +/-  0.097 versus 0.670  +/-  0.127, p: 0.010 and 84  +/-  36 versus 46  +/-  22
      ms2, p  <  0.0001). Differences in the RR standard deviations persisted also on
      the last hundred beats (-100) (113  +/-  54 versus 34  +/-  17 ms2, p  < 
      0.0001). Multiple regression analysis identified a significantly negative
      association between the maximum RR intervals and P  ->  PR coherence at rest
      (beta:  -0.3, p  <  0.05) and positive association with RR-100 standard deviation
      during tilt-induced syncope (beta: 0.621, p  <  0.001). P  ->  PR spectral
      coherence could be used to assess the risk of prolonged asystole in patients with
      tilt-induced vasovagal syncope as well as as a possible surrogate for tilt
      testing during these patients' follow-up.

PMID- 27681168
TI  - Irving I. Gottesman (1930-2016): the multifactorial threshold model of complex
      phenotypes mediated by endophenotype strategies.

PMID- 27681169
TI  - Another Step Closer to Understanding Plant Cell Wall Biosynthesis: The Crystal
      Structure of FUCOSYLTRANSFERASE1.

PMID- 27681171
TI  - Complications and Failure of Endovenous Laser Ablation and Radiofrequency
      Ablation Procedures in Patients With Lower Extremity Varicose Veins in a 5-Year
      Follow-Up.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Thermal ablation techniques have gradually replaced Babcock
      procedure in varicose vein treatment. AIM: A comparative quantitative-qualitative
      analysis of complications and failure of endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) and
      radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in a 5-year follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One
      hundred ten adult participants with varicose veins clinical grade C2 to C6,
      treated for isolated great saphenous vein (GSV) or small saphenous vein (SSV)
      insufficiency in a single lower extremity in 2009 to 2010, were enrolled and
      subdivided into EVLA (n = 56) and RFA (n = 54) groups. Both groups were compared
      for demography, disease stage, affected veins, perioperative, and postoperative
      complications as well as treatment efficacy. RESULTS: The perioperative and
      postoperative complications were statistically insignificant. Treatment efficacy,
      expressed as the number of participants with recurrent varicosity and
      recanalization, was comparable in both groups. The clinically significant
      recanalization rate was 3.6% and 5.6% in EVLA and RFA groups, respectively.
      CONCLUSION: Endovenous laser ablation and RFA for the management of lower
      extremity varicose vein offer comparable efficacy and safety in a 5-year follow
      up.

PMID- 27681170
TI  - Transcriptional Activation of Two Delta-9 Palmitoyl-ACP Desaturase Genes by
      MYB115 and MYB118 Is Critical for Biosynthesis of Omega-7 Monounsaturated Fatty
      Acids in the Endosperm of Arabidopsis Seeds.
AB  - In angiosperms, double fertilization of the embryo sac initiates the development
      of the embryo and the endosperm. In Arabidopsis thaliana, an exalbuminous
      species, the endosperm is reduced to one cell layer during seed maturation and
      reserves such as oil are massively deposited in the enlarging embryo. Here, we
      consider the strikingly different fatty acid (FA) compositions of the oils stored
      in the two zygotic tissues. Endosperm oil is enriched in omega-7 monounsaturated
      FAs, that represent more than 20 mol% of total FAs, whereas these molecular
      species are 10-fold less abundant in the embryo. Two closely related
      transcription factors, MYB118 and MYB115, are transcriptionally induced at the
      onset of the maturation phase in the endosperm and share a set of transcriptional
      targets. Interestingly, the endosperm oil of myb115 myb118 double mutants lacks
      omega-7 FAs. The identification of two Delta9 palmitoyl-ACP desaturases
      responsible for omega-7 FA biosynthesis, which are activated by MYB115 and MYB118
      in the endosperm, allows us to propose a model for the transcriptional control of
      oil FA composition in this tissue. In addition, an initial characterization of
      the structure-function relationship for these desaturases reveals that their
      particular substrate specificity is conferred by amino acid residues lining their
      substrate pocket that distinguish them from the archetype Delta9 stearoyl-ACP
      desaturase.

PMID- 27681172
TI  - Surgical Revascularization of Symptomatic Kinking of the Internal Carotid Artery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and outcomes of surgical revascularization for
      patients with symptomatic kinking of the internal carotid artery (ICA). METHODS:
      Twenty-five consecutive patients presented with symptomatic kinking of the ICA
      and a history of transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke were prospectively
      enrolled in this study. All patients were treated with ICA transection and end-to
      side reimplantation at the level of the carotid bulb. Patients were followed up
      for a median of 32 months. RESULTS: There were no deaths or strokes within the 30
      days of the treatment. No postprocedural thrombosis or narrowing of the
      ipsilateral ICA was observed. One (4%) patient had temporary recurrent nerve
      palsy, which was completely recovered at 4-week follow-up. One (4%) patient had a
      myocardial ischemic event. At the end of the 32-month follow-up, 1 (4%) patient
      developed ipsilateral minor stroke. No recurrent stenosis was detected by Doppler
      ultrasound. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment for isolated, symptomatic kinking of
      the ICA and a history of TIA or stroke is safe, and the outcomes are acceptable.

PMID- 27681173
TI  - Inhibitory Effect of TLR4 Gene Silencing on Intimal Hyperplasia of Vein Grafting.
AB  - PURPOSE: The present study aimed to explore the regulating effect of Toll-like
      receptor 4 (TLR4) on intimal hyperplasia in rat vein grafts. METHODS: Rat models
      of external jugular vein carotid artery bypass grafting were established.
      Afterward, TLR4 small interfering RNA (siRNA) recombinant plasmids were
      constructed, which were transfected into rat vein graft bypass to study the
      effect of TLR4 silencing on intimal hyperplasia and to explore the underlying
      mechanisms. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were used to
      detect the expression levels of TLR4 and inflammatory factors in TLR4 siRNA
      transfected vein graft bypass. The intimal thickness was evaluated using
      hematoxylin-eosin staining. RESULTS: Compared with the scramble siRNA group, the
      intimal thickness of vein grafting was decreased significantly, while the
      inflammatory factors including interleukin (IL) 1beta, IL-6, and tumor necrosis
      factor alpha in grafted vein were dramatically downregulated in the TLR4 siRNA
      group. CONCLUSION: These results showed that local silencing of TLR4 in the vein
      grafts could inhibit intimal hyperplasia by downregulating the expression of
      inflammatory factors in the vein grafts, suggesting that TLR4 can be used as a
      new target for therapy of vascular intimal hyperplasia.

PMID- 27681174
TI  - Too much to differentiate: aneuploidy promotes proliferation and teratoma
      formation in embryonic stem cells.

PMID- 27681176
TI  - Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells as novel prognostic biomarkers of
      longevity in a murine model for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
AB  - Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease with a
      difficult diagnosis and prognosis. In this regard, new and more reliable
      biomarkers for the disease are needed. We propose peripheral blood, and, more
      specifically, the hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) as potential
      prognostic biomarkers in the SOD1G93A murine model of ALS. We accurately and
      serially studied three HSPCs-hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), common lymphoid
      progenitors (CLPs), and common myeloid progenitors (CMPs)-in both control and
      SOD1G93A mice along the disease's progression by RT-PCR and flow cytometry
      analysis. We found interesting differences for every HSPC type in the transgenic
      mice compared with the control mice at every time point selected, as well as
      differences along the disease course. The results showed a maintained
      compensatory increase of HSCs along disease progression. However, the
      downregulated levels of CLPs and CMPs suggested an exit of these cell populations
      to the peripheral tissues, probably due to their supporting role to the damaged
      tissues. In addition, a positive correlation of the percentage of CLPs and CMPs
      with the longevity was found, as well as a positive correlation of HSCs and CMPs
      with motor function and weight, thus reinforcing the idea that HSPCs play a
      relevant role in the longevity of the SOD1G93A mice. On the basis of these
      results, both CLPs and CMPs could be considered prognostic biomarkers of
      longevity in this animal model, opening the door to future studies in human
      patients for their potential clinical use.

PMID- 27681175
TI  - Towards a DNA Barcode Reference Database for Spiders and Harvestmen of Germany.
AB  - As part of the German Barcode of Life campaign, over 3500 arachnid specimens have
      been collected and analyzed: ca. 3300 Araneae and 200 Opiliones, belonging to
      almost 600 species (median: 4 individuals/species). This covers about 60% of the
      spider fauna and more than 70% of the harvestmen fauna recorded for Germany. The
      overwhelming majority of species could be readily identified through DNA
      barcoding: median distances between closest species lay around 9% in spiders and
      13% in harvestmen, while in 95% of the cases, intraspecific distances were below
      2.5% and 8% respectively, with intraspecific medians at 0.3% and 0.2%. However,
      almost 20 spider species, most notably in the family Lycosidae, could not be
      separated through DNA barcoding (although many of them present discrete
      morphological differences). Conspicuously high interspecific distances were found
      in even more cases, hinting at cryptic species in some instances. A new program
      is presented: DiStats calculates the statistics needed to meet DNA barcode
      release criteria. Furthermore, new generic COI primers useful for a wide range of
      taxa (also other than arachnids) are introduced.

PMID- 27681177
TI  - N-glycosylation critically regulates function of oxalate transporter SLC26A6.
AB  - The brush border Cl--oxalate exchanger SLC26A6 plays an essential role in
      mediating intestinal secretion of oxalate and is crucial for the maintenance of
      oxalate homeostasis and the prevention of hyperoxaluria and calcium oxalate
      nephrolithiasis. Previous in vitro studies have suggested that SLC26A6 is heavily
      N-glycosylated. N-linked glycosylation is known to critically affect folding,
      trafficking, and function in a wide variety of integral membrane proteins and
      could therefore potentially have a critical impact on SLC26A6 function and
      subsequent oxalate homeostasis. Through a series of enzymatic deglycosylation
      studies we confirmed that endogenously expressed mouse and human SLC26A6 are
      indeed glycosylated, that the oligosaccharides are principally attached via N
      glycosidic linkage, and that there are tissue-specific differences in
      glycosylation. In vitro cell culture experiments were then used to elucidate the
      functional significance of the addition of the carbohydrate moieties.
      Biotinylation studies of SLC26A6 glycosylation mutants indicated that
      glycosylation is not essential for cell surface delivery of SLC26A6 but suggested
      that it may affect the efficacy with which it is trafficked and maintained in the
      plasma membrane. Functional studies of transfected SLC26A6 demonstrated that
      glycosylation at two sites in the putative second extracellular loop of SLC26A6
      is critically important for chloride-dependent oxalate transport and that
      enzymatic deglycosylation of SLC26A6 expressed on the plasma membrane of intact
      cells strongly reduced oxalate transport activity. Taken together, these studies
      indicated that oxalate transport function of SLC26A6 is critically dependent on
      glycosylation and that exoglycosidase-mediated deglycosylation of SLC26A6 has the
      capacity to profoundly modulate SLC26A6 function.

PMID- 27681180
TI  - Mechanotransduction of the endothelial glycocalyx mediates nitric oxide
      production through activation of TRP channels.
AB  - The endothelial surface glycocalyx (ESG) is a carbohydrate-rich layer found on
      the vascular endothelium, serving critical functions in the mechanotransduction
      of blood flow-induced forces. One of the most important protective functions of
      the ESG is to mediate the production of nitric oxide (NO) in response to blood
      flow. However, the detailed mechanism underlying ESG's mechanotransduction of the
      production of NO has not been completely identified. Herein, using the cultured
      rat brain microvascular endothelial cells (bEnd.3) as a model system, we have
      implemented a combined atomic force and fluorescence microscopy approach to show
      that the ESG senses and transduces vertical mechanical stretch to produce NO.
      This rapid NO production is dependent on the presence of both heparan sulfate
      (HS) and hyaluronic acid (HA) in ESG, as the removal of HS and/or HA leads to a
      significant decrease in NO production. Moreover, the production of NO is
      dependent on the intake of Ca2+ via endothelial transient receptor potential
      (TRP) channels. Together, our results demonstrate the molecular mechanism of
      rapid production of NO in response to vertical mechanical stretch.

PMID- 27681178
TI  - Expression of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter in cardiac myocytes improves
      impaired mitochondrial calcium handling and metabolism in simulated
      hyperglycemia.
AB  - Diabetic cardiomyopathy is associated with metabolic changes, including decreased
      glucose oxidation (Gox) and increased fatty acid oxidation (FAox), which result
      in cardiac energetic deficiency. Diabetic hyperglycemia is a pathophysiological
      mechanism that triggers multiple maladaptive phenomena. The mitochondrial Ca2+
      uniporter (MCU) is the channel responsible for Ca2+ uptake in mitochondria, and
      free mitochondrial Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]m) regulates mitochondrial
      metabolism. Experiments with cardiac myocytes (CM) exposed to simulated
      hyperglycemia revealed reduced [Ca2+]m and MCU protein levels. Therefore, we
      investigated whether returning [Ca2+]m to normal levels in CM by MCU expression
      could lead to normalization of Gox and FAox with no detrimental effects. Mouse
      neonatal CM were exposed for 72 h to normal glucose [5.5 mM glucose + 19.5 mM
      mannitol (NG)], high glucose [25 mM glucose (HG)], or HG + adenoviral MCU
      expression. Gox and FAox, [Ca2+]m, MCU levels, pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH)
      activity, oxidative stress, mitochondrial membrane potential, and apoptosis were
      assessed. [Ca2+]m and MCU protein levels were reduced after 72 h of HG. Gox was
      decreased and FAox was increased in HG, PDH activity was decreased,
      phosphorylated PDH levels were increased, and mitochondrial membrane potential
      was reduced. MCU expression returned these parameters toward NG levels. Moreover,
      increased oxidative stress and apoptosis were reduced in HG by MCU expression. We
      also observed reduced MCU protein levels and [Ca2+]m in hearts from type 1
      diabetic mice. Thus we conclude that HG-induced metabolic alterations can be
      reversed by restoration of MCU levels, resulting in return of [Ca2+]m to normal
      levels.

PMID- 27681179
TI  - Mouse Slc4a11 expressed in Xenopus oocytes is an ideally selective H+/OH-
      conductance pathway that is stimulated by rises in intracellular and
      extracellular pH.
AB  - The SLC4A11 gene encodes the bicarbonate-transporter-related protein BTR1, which
      is mutated in syndromes characterized by vision and hearing loss. Signs of these
      diseases [congenital hereditary endothelial dystrophy (CHED) and Harboyan
      syndrome] are evident in mouse models of Slc4a11 disruption. However, the
      intrinsic activity of Slc4a11 remains controversial, complicating assignment of
      its (patho)physiological role. Most studies concur that Slc4a11 transports H+ (or
      the thermodynamically equivalent species OH-) rather than HCO3-, but disparities
      have arisen as to whether the transport is coupled to another species such as Na+
      or NH3/NH4+ Here for the first time, we examine the action of mouse Slc4a11 in
      Xenopus oocytes. We simultaneously monitor changes in intracellular pH, membrane
      potential, and conductance as we alter extracellular pH, revealing the electrical
      and chemical driving forces that underlie the observed ion fluxes. We find that
      mSlc4a11 is an ideally selective H+/OH- conductive pathway, the action of which
      is uncoupled from the cotransport of any other ion. We also find that the
      activity of mSlc4a11 is independently enhanced by both extracellular and
      intracellular alkalinization, suggesting OH- as the most likely substrate and
      providing a novel explanation for the apparent NH3-dependence of Slc4a11-mediated
      currents reported by others. We suggest that the unique properties of Slc4a11
      action underlie its value as a pH regulator in corneal endothelial cells.

PMID- 27681183
TI  - Stroke outcomes: A consumer perspective.
AB  - The context of each stroke is at once universal and uniquely personal. From the
      perspective of the consumer, stroke rehabilitation is just one moment in the
      lifework of recovery, compensation, and adaptation. Using a single case example,
      the experience of one stroke survivor and family illustrates the context of
      stroke recovery and the potential impacts of family members and caregivers on
      optimal stroke outcomes. The insights and implications for professionals focus on
      individualizing rehabilitation, developing the capacity of families and
      caregivers to maximize functional gains, and empowering consumers to be daring in
      reclaiming roles and activities threatened by disability.

PMID- 27681181
TI  - Unsupervised learning in probabilistic neural networks with multi-state metal
      oxide memristive synapses.
AB  - In an increasingly data-rich world the need for developing computing systems that
      cannot only process, but ideally also interpret big data is becoming continuously
      more pressing. Brain-inspired concepts have shown great promise towards
      addressing this need. Here we demonstrate unsupervised learning in a
      probabilistic neural network that utilizes metal-oxide memristive devices as
      multi-state synapses. Our approach can be exploited for processing unlabelled
      data and can adapt to time-varying clusters that underlie incoming data by
      supporting the capability of reversible unsupervised learning. The potential of
      this work is showcased through the demonstration of successful learning in the
      presence of corrupted input data and probabilistic neurons, thus paving the way
      towards robust big-data processors.

PMID- 27681184
TI  - How to engage families in stroke rehabilitation.
AB  - The involvement and support of the family are vital in stroke rehabilitation.
      Stroke can have a devastating effect on family relationships. The primary goal of
      rehabilitation is to help the stroke survivor and family maximize their resources
      and capabilities to address the reality of stroke survivorship. This is achieved
      through the combined efforts of the stroke survivor, the family, and the
      treatment team.

PMID- 27681182
TI  - Evolutionary History and Ongoing Transmission of Phylogenetic Sublineages of
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis Beijing Genotype in China.
AB  - Mycobacterium tuberculosis Beijing genotype originated in China and has undergone
      a dramatic population growth and global spread in the last century. Here, a
      collection of M. tuberculosis Beijing family isolates from different provinces
      across all China was genotyped by high-resolution (24-MIRU-VNTR) and low
      resolution, high-rank (modern and ancient sublineages) markers. The molecular
      profiles and global and local phylogenies were compared to the strain phenotype
      and patient data. The phylogeographic patterns observed in the studied collection
      demonstrate that large-scale (but not middle/small-scale) distance remains one of
      the decisive factors of the genetic divergence of M. tuberculosis populations.
      Analysis of diversity and network topology of the local collections appears to
      corroborate a recent intriguing hypothesis about Beijing genotype originating in
      South China. Placing our results within the Eurasian context suggested that
      important Russian B0/W148 and Asian/Russian A0/94-32 epidemic clones of the
      Beijing genotype could trace their origins to the northeastern and northwestern
      regions of China, respectively. The higher clustering of the modern isolates in
      children and lack of increased MDR rate in any sublineage suggest that not
      association with drug resistance but other (e.g., speculatively, virulence
      related) properties underlie an enhanced dissemination of the evolutionarily
      recent, modern sublineage of the Beijing genotype in China.

PMID- 27681186
TI  - Neurocognitive rehabilitation guidelines for therapists.
AB  - Establishing and implementing cognitive rehabilitation (CR) plans requ i re the
      efforts of al I rehabilitation staff members. In addition to clear expectations
      about therapists' roles and responsibilities, there are other issues that need to
      be considered when creating CR protocols. Specifically, the patient's insight
      into his or her deficits is a crucial consideration when establishing a CR plan.
      Other factors also need to be examined, such as the role of the family, the
      method of establishing goals and monitoring progress, and the necessity of
      providing feedback to the patient. This article addresses these issues and
      provides guidelines for rehabilitation teams to establish CR plans.

PMID- 27681185
TI  - Families and stroke: The clinical implications of research findings.
AB  - Clinical and research attention to stroke care has focused on managing the acute
      stage of recovery and on evaluating the short-term effectiveness of
      rehabilitation programs. However, studies suggest that stroke affects the quality
      of life and the well-being of the entire family over much longer time frames.
      This article reviews the stroke literature as it relates to stroke rehabilitation
      and the family. Research findings strongly suggest that stroke is a family affair
      and that more rigorous attention to family assessment, education, advocacy, and
      counseling is needed along with development of new intervention methods focused
      on addressing specific family dimensions that have a demonstrated relationship to
      specific stroke problems. It is clear that health professionals shou Id thi nk
      farm ly, involvethefamily, and work with the family.

PMID- 27681188
TI  - Psychobehavioral problems other than depression in stroke.
AB  - With the exception of depression and cognitive changes, there has been relatively
      little attention paid to psychiatric disorders or to psychosocial and behavioral
      changes that may present after stroke. This article addresses that deficiency by
      reviewing psychiatric symptoms and syndromes and other psychosocial and
      behavioral problems that may present in the stroke survivor: mood disorders other
      than unipolar depression, anxiety and adjustment disorders, substance abuse,
      sexual dysfunction, sleep disturbance, organic mental disorders, and behavioral
      problems. The special concerns and functional impact these presentations have in
      the stroke population are discussed along with diagnostic and treatment options.

PMID- 27681187
TI  - Depression and stroke.
AB  - Depression in stroke patients was observed many years ago but only recently has
      become the subject of systematic study. While estimates of depression vary, some
      have noted its occurrence in more than half of stroke patients. Our understanding
      of depression has been facilitated by refinements in diagnostic categories,
      analysis of contributing factors including the biology of depression, and
      refinements in evaluation to include cognitive and linguistic impairments that
      are common after stroke. The ways in which depression may affect rehabilitation
      and the fate of depression over time have been the subject of recent studies.
      Management includes sensitizing of caregivers, environmental change, education
      for patients and families, psychotherapy, and pharmacological interventions.

PMID- 27681189
TI  - Psychopharmacology and stroke.
AB  - The use of psychopharmacology for stroke patients requires careful attention to
      diagnosis, selection of medications for a particular use and avoidance of
      specific actions that interfere with recovery and function, and careful
      monitoring for results and side effects. Any given psychotropic medication may be
      used to treat a number of psychiatric and other problems. This review focuses on
      specific clinical implications for the use of antipsychotic, antidepressant,
      psychostimulant, antimanic, anxiolytic, and other selected agents in stroke.

PMID- 27681191
TI  - New technologies and intrvention approaches: A new look at aphasia groups.

PMID- 27681190
TI  - Ethical issues arising in the care of stroke patients in the era of managed care.

PMID- 27681192
TI  - From the editor.

PMID- 27681194
TI  - Letters To The Editors.

PMID- 27681193
TI  - Foreword.

PMID- 27681196
TI  - pH and Organic Carbon Dose Rates Control Microbially Driven Bioremediation
      Efficacy in Alkaline Bauxite Residue.
AB  - Bioremediation of alkaline tailings, based on fermentative microbial metabolisms,
      is a novel strategy for achieving rapid pH neutralization and thus improving
      environmental outcomes associated with mining and refining activities. Laboratory
      scale bioreactors containing bauxite residue (an alkaline, saline tailings
      material generated as a byproduct of alumina refining), to which a diverse
      microbial inoculum was added, were used in this study to identify key factors
      (pH, salinity, organic carbon supply) controlling the rates and extent of
      microbially driven pH neutralization (bioremediation) in alkaline tailings.
      Initial tailings pH and organic carbon dose rates both significantly affected
      bioremediation extent and efficiency with lower minimum pHs and higher extents of
      pH neutralization occurring under low initial pH or high organic carbon
      conditions. Rates of pH neutralization (up to 0.13 mM H+ produced per day with pH
      decreasing from 9.5 to <=6.5 in three days) were significantly higher in low
      initial pH treatments. Representatives of the Bacillaceae and Enterobacteriaceae,
      which contain many known facultative anaerobes and fermenters, were identified as
      key contributors to 2,3-butanediol and/or mixed acid fermentation as the major
      mechanism(s) of pH neutralization. Initial pH and salinity significantly
      influenced microbial community successional trajectories, and microbial community
      structure was significantly related to markers of fermentation activity. This
      study provides the first experimental demonstration of bioremediation in bauxite
      residue, identifying pH and organic carbon dose rates as key controls on
      bioremediation efficacy, and will enable future development of bioreactor
      technologies at full field scale.

PMID- 27681198
TI  - Fine-Tuning of the Coordination Environment To Regulate the Magnetic Behavior in
      Solvent/Anion-Dependent DyIII Compounds: Synthesis, Structure, Magnetism, and Ab
      Initio Calculations.
AB  - It is crucial to understand and elucidate the self-assembly mechanism in solution
      systems for the construction of DyIII-based single-molecule magnets (SMMs).
      Herein, through fine-tuning of the anion and solvent, we prepared three nine
      coordinate mononuclear dysprosium compounds, [Dy(2,3'-pcad)(NO3)2(CH3OH)2] (1),
      [Dy(2,3'-Hpcad)2(H2O)3].3Cl.5H2O (2), and [Dy(2,3'-pcad)(NO3)(H2O)4].NO3.H2O (3)
      [2,3'-Hpcad = N3-(2-pyridoyl)-3-pyridinecarboxamidrazone]. The reactions of
      formation for 1-3 are in situ thermodynamically monitored by isothermal titration
      calorimetry. Magnetic data analysis reveals that 2 shows SMM behavior under a
      zero direct-current (dc) field, whereas 1 and 3 exhibit distinct slow magnetic
      relaxation processes upon a 1200 Oe dc field. To deeply understand the different
      magnetic behaviors, the magnetic anisotropy of 1-3 has been systematically
      studied by ab initio calculations, which is consistent with the experimental
      observations. Moreover, the semiconductor behaviors of 1-3 have been investigated
      by experimental measurements of UV-vis spectroscopy.

PMID- 27681199
TI  - Effects of Nanoporous Carbon Derived from Microalgae and Its CoO Composite on
      Capacitance.
AB  - Nanoporous carbon was synthesized from microalgae as a promising electrode
      material for electric double layer capacitors due to its large specific surface
      area and controllable pore structures. The pore textural properties of the algae
      derived-carbon (ADC) samples were measured by N2 adsorption and desorption at 77
      K. The performance of the activated carbon (AC) as supercapacitor electrodes was
      determined by the cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/discharge tests.
      The effect of the nanoporous carbon structure on capacitance was demonstrated by
      calculating the contributions of micropores and mesopores toward capacitance.
      Capacitance was significantly affected by both pore size and pore depth. To
      further increase the specific capacity, a single-pot synthesis of porous carbon
      supported CoO composite (CoO/ADC) electrode material was developed using
      microalgae as the carbon source and Co(OH)2 as both a carbon activation agent and
      CoO precursor. After carbonization, CoO particles were formed and embedded in the
      ADC matrix. The synergic contributions from the combined CoO and ADC resulted in
      better supercapacitor performance as compared to that of the pure CoO electrode.
      The calculated specific capacities of CoO/ADC were 387 and 189 C g-1 at 0.2 and 5
      A g-1, respectively, which were far more than the capacities of pure CoO
      electrode (185 C g-1 at 0.2 A g-1 and 77 C g-1 at 5 A g-1). The cycle stability
      of CoO/ADC also increased significantly (83% retention of the initial capacity
      for CoO/ADC vs 63% for pure CoO). This research had developed a viable and
      promising solution for producing composite electrodes in a large quantity for
      commercial application.

PMID- 27681200
TI  - Ultrafast Raman Spectroscopy as a Probe of Local Structure and Dynamics in
      Photoexcited Conjugated Materials.
AB  - An important challenge in the study of conjugated organic materials is to relate
      the properties of transient states underlying macroscopic material responses
      directly with intra- and intermolecular structure. We discuss recent efforts
      using the vibrational sensitivity of time-resolved Raman spectroscopy to
      interrogate structural properties of transient excited and charge-separated
      states in conjugated oligomers and polymers in order to relate them to molecular
      conformations and material microstructures. We focus on recent work with excited
      state Raman spectroscopy that provides mode-specific signatures of structural
      relaxation in oligo- and polythiophenes, examination of structural
      heterogeneities associated with exciton localization in different structural
      motifs of amorphous polymers, and interrogation of correlations between
      microstructure and properties and dynamics of charge-separated states within
      polymer aggregates. On the basis of these recent efforts, we provide an outlook
      for further applying this method to elucidate relationships between the structure
      and properties of transient states and the photoresponses of conjugated
      materials.

PMID- 27681197
TI  - Mycobacterium tuberculosis multi-drug-resistant strain M induces IL-17+ IFNgamma-
      CD4+ T cell expansion through an IL-23 and TGF-beta-dependent mechanism in
      patients with MDR-TB tuberculosis.
AB  - We have reported previously that T cells from patients with multi-drug-resistant
      tuberculosis (MDR-TB) express high levels of interleukin (IL)-17 in response to
      the MDR strain M (Haarlem family) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.
      tuberculosis). Herein, we explore the pathways involved in the induction of Th17
      cells in MDR-TB patients and healthy tuberculin reactors [purified protein
      derivative healthy donors (PPD+ HD)] by the M strain and the laboratory strain
      H37Rv. Our results show that IL-1beta and IL-6 are crucial for the H37Rv and M
      induced expansion of IL-17+ interferon (IFN)-gamma- and IL-17+ IFN-gamma+ in CD4+
      T cells from MDR-TB and PPD+ HD. IL-23 plays an ambiguous role in T helper type 1
      (Th1) and Th17 profiles: alone, IL-23 is responsible for M. tuberculosis-induced
      IL-17 and IFN-gamma expression in CD4+ T cells from PPD+ HD whereas, together
      with transforming growth factor (TGF-beta), it promotes IL-17+ IFN-gamma-
      expansion in MDR-TB. In fact, spontaneous and M. tuberculosis-induced TGF-beta
      secretion is increased in cells from MDR-TB, the M strain being the highest
      inducer. Interestingly, Toll-like receptor (TLR)-2 signalling mediates the
      expansion of IL-17+ IFN-gamma- cells and the enhancement of latency-associated
      protein (LAP) expression in CD14+ and CD4+ T cells from MDR-TB, which suggests
      that the M strain promotes IL-17+ IFN-gamma- T cells through a strong TLR-2
      dependent TGF-beta production by antigen-presenting cells and CD4+ T cells.
      Finally, CD4+ T cells from MDR-TB patients infected with MDR Haarlem strains show
      higher IL-17+ IFN-gamma- and lower IL-17+ IFN-gamma+ levels than LAM-infected
      patients. The present findings deepen our understanding of the role of IL-17 in
      MDR-TB and highlight the influence of the genetic background of the infecting M.
      tuberculosis strain on the ex-vivo Th17 response.

PMID- 27681201
TI  - Palladium/Lewis Acid Co-catalyzed Divergent Asymmetric Ring-Opening Reactions of
      Azabenzonorbornadienes with Alcohols.
AB  - By fine tuning the combinations of chiral palladium catalysts and Lewis acids,
      both the additional and reductive asymmetric ring-opening reactions of
      azabenzonorbornadienes with alcohols were accomplished with good
      chemoselectivity, regioselectivity, and enantioselectivity. It was proven that
      the reductive ring-opening products were generated through a transfer
      hydrogenation process with alcohols as hydrogen source.

PMID- 27681202
TI  - Increasing Prevalence Rate of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Infections in Five
      States, 2008-2013.
AB  - RATIONALE: Many nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are clinically significant
      pathogens that cause disease in a variety of different human organs and tissues.
      OBJECTIVES: A population-based study was undertaken to investigate the prevalence
      of patients with a positive specimen for NTM within five states of the United
      States. METHODS: We determined the case and age distribution of patients with at
      least one specimen positive for NTM, using data submitted to the disease
      surveillance systems of five states (Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, and
      Wisconsin) between 2008 and 2013. Crude, age-specific, and age-adjusted
      prevalence rates per 100,000 persons were calculated for each state. MEASUREMENTS
      AND MAIN RESULTS: From 2008 to 2013, a total of 24,226 NTM cases were reported to
      the disease surveillance systems of the five states. The overall average annual
      age-adjusted prevalence rate rose from 8.7 to 13.9 per 100,000 persons between
      the beginning and end of the surveillance period. The number of cases and case
      rate in the 50-80+-year age group was higher than in the 0-49-year age group.
      Prevalence by age category differed among the five states. The highest number of
      NTM cases was observed in Mississippi for the 80+-year age group, whereas
      Wisconsin observed the highest number of NTM cases in the 60- to 69-year age
      group. CONCLUSIONS: From 2008 to 2013, the number of patients with positive
      specimens for NTM rose. This trend is likely to continue in the coming decade as
      the U.S. population ages. To reduce the prevalence of NTM infections, medical
      guidance for susceptible populations is needed regarding actions that can be
      taken to avoid sources and routes of exposure to NTMs if the disease burden is to
      be reduced.

PMID- 27681203
TI  - Large low field magnetocaloric effect in first-order phase transition compound
      TlFe3Te3 with low-level hysteresis.
AB  - Magnetic refrigeration based on the magnetocaloric effect (MCE) is an environment
      friendly, high-efficiency technology. It has been believed that a large MCE can
      be realized in the materials with a first-order magnetic transition (FOMT). Here,
      we found that TlFe3Te3 is a ferromagnetic metal with a first-order magnetic
      transition occurring at Curie temperature TC = 220 K. The maximum values of
      magnetic entropy change (Delta) along the crystallographic c-axis, estimated from
      the magnetization data, reach to 5.9 J kg-1K-1 and 7.0 J kg-1 K-1 for the
      magnetic field changes, DeltaH = 0-1 T and 0-2 T, respectively, which is
      significantly larger than that of MCE materials with a second-order magnetic
      transition (SOMT). Besides the large DeltaSM, the low-level both thermal and
      field hysteresis make TlFe3Te3 compound an attractive candidate for magnetic
      refrigeration. Our findings should inspire the exploration of high performance
      new MCE materials.

PMID- 27681204
TI  - Deconstructing negative pressure wound therapy.
AB  - Since its introduction 20 years ago for the treatment of chronic wounds, negative
      pressure wound therapy use has expanded to a variety of other wound types.
      Various mechanisms of action for its efficacy in wound healing have been
      postulated, but no unifying theory exists. Proposed mechanisms include induction
      of perfusion changes, microdeformation, macrodeformation, exudate control and
      decreasing the bacterial load in the wound. We surmise that these different
      mechanisms have varying levels of dominance in each wound type. Specifically,
      negative pressure wound therapy is beneficial to acute open wounds because it
      induces perfusion changes and formation of granulation tissue. Post-surgical
      incisional wounds are positively affected by perfusion changes and exudate
      control. In the context of chronic wounds, negative pressure wound therapy
      removes harmful and corrosive substances within the wounds to affect healing.
      When skin grafts and dermal substitutes are used to close a wound, negative
      pressure wound therapy is effective in promoting granulation tissue formation,
      controlling exudate and decreasing the bacterial load in the wound. In this
      review, we elucidate some of the mechanisms behind the positive wound healing
      effects of negative pressure wound therapy, providing possible explanations for
      these effects in different wound types.

PMID- 27681205
TI  - Taking actions to quit chewing betel nuts and starting a new life: taxi drivers'
      successful experiences of quitting betel nut chewing.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To understand taxi drivers' successful experiences of
      quitting betel nut chewing. BACKGROUND: Previous studies verified that betel nut
      chewing significantly increases the risk of oral cancer. In Taiwan, taxi drivers
      work for approximately 10-13 hours per day, and 31.7-80% of them choose to chew
      betel nuts for their invigorating qualities, which enable them to work more hours
      and receive more income. DESIGN: A qualitative research design was used. METHODS:
      This study used the grounded theory method with purposive sampling to perform in
      depth interviews with male taxi drivers who had successfully quit betel nut
      chewing for more than six months. RESULTS: The interviewed participants were 25
      taxi drivers aged 45-67 who had chewed betel nuts for an average of 30.9 years. A
      constant comparative analysis of the 25 interviews revealed six categories,
      namely the first experience of chewing betel nuts, a part of work and life,
      perceiving the impact of betel nuts, trying to change, acting to quit betel nut
      chewing and starting a new life. CONCLUSIONS: During the cessation process, taxi
      drivers tended to be affected by their addiction to chewing betel nuts and the
      temptation of friends' invitations to chew betel nuts. However, their recognition
      of the physical effects of betel nut chewing and their sense of responsibility
      and commitment to family were the critical factors affecting their determination
      to quit betel nut chewing. Their willpower to not to chew betel nuts and the
      source of their motivation to exercise self-control also contributed to their
      success. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Healthcare personnel should understand
      the experiences and perceptions of betel nut chewers, strengthen their
      understanding of the effects of betel nut chewing on physical health during the
      cessation period and support their self-efficacy and quitting behaviours with the
      assistance of significant others.

PMID- 27681206
TI  - Who attends a Children's Hospital Emergency Department for dental reasons? A two
      step cluster analysis approach.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Emergency departments (EDs) have been identified as key providers of
      dental care although few studies have examined patterns of attendance or clusters
      of characteristics. The aim was to identify the reasons for visits to an ED,
      whether these remained stable over time, and characterize clusters of patients by
      socio-demographic and attendance variables. METHODS: Pseudonymized data were
      obtained for children who attended the ED in 2003-2004, 2004-2005 and 2012-2013.
      Presenting complaint was categorized as attending for dental or nondental
      reasons. Other variables analysed included patient (age, sex, ethnicity and
      deprivation) and attendance characteristics (distance travelled, season, nature
      of complaint, time elapsed since onset of symptoms, day of week and hours of
      attendance), together with treatment outcome (advice, antibiotics and referral).
      To assess trends over time, analyses were conducted on patient, attendance and
      treatment outcome variables. To examine whether patients could be characterized
      by socio-demographic and attendance variables, a two-step cluster analysis was
      undertaken on 2003-2004 data set and validated on 2004-2005 and 2012-2013 data
      sets. RESULTS: In 2003-2004, 550 children attended the ED for dental reasons
      rising to 687 in 2012-2013. The most important predictors of dental attendance
      were as follows: nature of complaint, ethnicity, time elapsed, sex and
      deprivation of the area in which children lived. The analysis showed two
      clusters: cluster 1 was comprised of children who attended the ED for dental
      injury, were of White ethnicity and attended within 24 h of onset of symptoms.
      Children in this cluster were likely to be from the least or less deprived areas
      (compared to Cluster 2) and were more likely to be males. Cluster 2 comprised of
      children attending the ED for caries, oral mucosal lesions or other complaints,
      were likely to be of other (non-White) ethnicities and were likely to attend more
      than 24 h after symptoms began. Children in this cluster were more likely to come
      from the most deprived areas and were both males and females. The clusters varied
      according to treatment outcome; those patients in Cluster 2 were more likely to
      be prescribed medication, whilst those children in Cluster 1 were more likely to
      be referred to another specialty. CONCLUSIONS: A significant number of visits to
      the ED were for dental reasons with two clusters of children. The results have
      identified groups of patients for whom appropriate dental provision is lacking
      and where targeted services are needed to improve outcomes for children and
      reduce the burden on EDs.

PMID- 27681207
TI  - Multi-iPPseEvo: A Multi-label Classifier for Identifying Human Phosphorylated
      Proteins by Incorporating Evolutionary Information into Chou's General PseAAC via
      Grey System Theory.
AB  - Predicting phosphorylation protein is a challenging problem, particularly when
      query proteins have multi-label features meaning that they may be phosphorylated
      at two or more different type amino acids. In fact, human protein usually be
      phosphorylated at serine, threonine and tyrosine. By introducing the "multi-label
      learning" approach, a novel predictor has been developed that can be used to deal
      with the systems containing both single- and multi-label phosphorylation protein.
      Here we proposed a predictor called Multi-iPPseEvo by (1) incorporating the
      protein sequence evolutionary information into the general pseudo amino acid
      composition (PseAAC) via the grey system theory, (2) balancing out the skewed
      training datasets by the asymmetric bootstrap approach, and (3) constructing an
      ensemble predictor by fusing an array of individual random forest classifiers
      thru a voting system. Rigorous cross-validations via a set of multi-label metrics
      indicate that the multi-label phosphorylation predictor is very promising and
      encouraging. The current approach represents a new strategy to deal with the
      multi-label biological problems, and the software is freely available for
      academic use at http://www.jci-bioinfo.cn/Multi-iPPseEvo.

PMID- 27681208
TI  - The effectiveness of habit reversal on treatment outcome and quality of life in
      patients with chronic eczema: a prospective observational study in the U.K.

PMID- 27681209
TI  - Effects of dam parity and pre-weaning average daily gain of Holstein calves on
      future milk production.
AB  - This research communication describes relationships between pre-weaning average
      daily gain (ADG) and dam parity with future productivity of dairy calves. Higher
      ADG before weaning has been shown to be related to greater milk production in the
      first lactation of Holstein calves fed milk replacer. However, data is limited on
      the relationship between pre-weaning ADG and first lactation performance of
      Holstein calves fed whole milk. Data of three hundred and thirty-two Holstein
      calves from 35 primiparous and 297 multiparous cows was investigated to evaluate
      the relationship between the dam parity and pre-weaning ADG with the first
      lactation performance. Results indicated that birth (P < 0.01), and weaning body
      weight (P < 0.001) were greater in calves born from multiparous cows. Neither 305
      d milk production nor pre-weaning ADG differed significantly between calves born
      to primiparous or multiparous cows, although milk yield tended to be higher in
      the former and ADG higher in the latter. Correlations between 305 d milk yield
      and pre-weaning ADG, dam parity and birth body weight were low and non
      significant, although there was a tendency for a positive correlation between ADG
      and milk yield.

PMID- 27681210
TI  - Head trauma on cruise ships.

PMID- 27681211
TI  - The metabolic syndrome among Danish seafarers: a follow-up study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The metabolic syndrome (MS) represents a cluster of risk factors
      related to insulin resistance. Metabolic syndrome is a strong risk factor for
      chronic metabolic and cardiovascular diseases and is related to nutritional
      factors, sleep patterns, work-related stress, fatigue, and physical activity -
      all of which are critical issues at sea. We have previously demonstrated a MS
      prevalence of 24.2% in Danish seafarers. This study aimed to follow the trend of
      MS after 2 years' intervention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Out of 524 Danish
      seafarers (mean age 37.7 years) who underwent medical fit-for-duty examination by
      seamen's doctors at baseline, 141 seafarers (mean age 41.3 years) were tracked
      and re-examined after 2 years. At baseline all participants received general
      advice regarding lifestyle issues. Seafarers with MS were additionally given
      specific advice regarding treatment. The seafarers provided questionnaire
      information about their workplace on board, about treatment of hyperlipidaemia,
      hypertension, and about previously diagnosed type 2-diabetes. In order to define
      MS, we collected data about waist circumference, blood pressure, triglycerides,
      HDL-cholesterol, and fasting plasma glucose. RESULTS: Out of 35 (26.5%) seafarers
      who fulfilled the criteria for MS at follow-up, 18 had MS at baseline while 9
      were incident cases. Two seafarers with MS at baseline ceased to qualify for this
      condition at follow-up. The prevalence of seafarers with MS at follow-up
      represents a minimal estimate because a proportion could not be assessed due to
      missing fasting blood tests. Smoking and alcohol consumption was not reduced.
      CONCLUSIONS: In spite of the intervention, the prevalence of MS increased in this
      group of seafarers. This study indicates the limitations of individual health
      promotion and the need for corporate actions.

PMID- 27681212
TI  - Health status and occupational risk factors in Greek small fisheries workers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fishing is an extremely dangerous occupational activity that
      predisposes to occupational diseases and accidents. Greece, with about 16,000 km
      of coastline and its unique morphological characteristics with small islands and
      peninsulas, represents a strong proof of its great tradition in the fisheries
      sector since ancient times. The aim of the study was to examine the health status
      and the health risk factors present in Greek fishery workers, by exploring their
      working environment, thus providing a current baseline for documentation of the
      needs for prevention and health promotion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An interviewer
      administered questionnaire was distributed in 2013 to a random sample of 172
      professional small-scale fishermen of the Evros district in North-Eastern Greece.
      RESULTS: Eighty-eight per cent worked in coastal fisheries and 73% were using
      small fishing vessels, less than 10 m in length overall. Health disorders
      included musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and visual problems and to a minor
      degree by hearing, dermatologic and respiratory problems in all age groups.
      Seventy per cent had experienced at least one occupational accident. Heavy
      smoking and daily alcohol consumption was seen among nearly half of the
      fishermen. CONCLUSIONS: The health effects observed are causally related to the
      work process exposures on board and to diet, smoking, and lack of exercise. This
      in turn relates to the specific working conditions, the culture and level of
      education in small-scale fishing that need to be taken into consideration
      together in the prevention programmes.

PMID- 27681213
TI  - Occupational asthma in maritime environments: an update.
AB  - In 2006 we published our first review based on the available literature on
      occupational asthma in maritime environments in the "International Maritime
      Health" journal. Since then, we have obtained a great deal of new knowledge on
      asthma in seafood workers and fishermen and on the impact of exposures from
      sulphites preservatives, container fumigants etc. in maritime workers. This
      review aims to provide an update of the current knowledge base about occupational
      asthma in a maritime context and to provide recommendations regarding medical
      surveillance of workers at risk. 

PMID- 27681214
TI  - Cruise ship's doctors - company employees or independent contractors?
AB  - Traditionally, cruise companies have stated that they are in the transport
      business but not in the business of providing medical services to passengers.
      They have claimed not to be able to supervise or control the ship's medical
      personnel and cruise ship's doctors have therefore mostly been signed on as
      independent contractors, not employees. A United States court decision from 1988,
      Barbetta versus S/S Bermuda Star, supported this view and ruled that a ship's
      owner cannot be held vicariously liable for the negligence of the ship's doctor
      directed at the ship's passengers. Some years ago a cruise passenger fell and hit
      his head while boarding a trolley ashore. Hours later he was seen aboard by the
      ship's doctor, who sent him to a local hospital. He died 1 week later, and his
      daughter filed a complaint alleging the cruise company was vicariously liable for
      the purported negligence of the ship's doctor and nurse, under actual or apparent
      agency theories. A United States district court initially dismissed the case, but
      in November 2014 the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
      disagreed and reversed. From then on independently contracted ship's doctors may
      be considered de facto employees of the cruise line. The author discusses the
      employment status of physicians working on cruise ships and reviews arguments for
      and against the Appellate Court's decision. 

PMID- 27681215
TI  - Head injury and anisocoria on a cruise ship.
AB  - A previously healthy 65-year-old female passenger presented on the 3rd day of her
      voyage with a small facial laceration after she fell and hit her forehead,
      following sudden blurred vision and dizziness. When the ship's doctor noticed
      that one pupil was much bigger than the other, he feared intracranial bleeding
      and considered helicopter evacuation. Her symptoms had started shortly after she
      had removed a transdermal scopolamine patch from behind her ear. Getting
      scopolamine from her hands in direct contact with the eye surface caused
      mydriasis. To prevent it, after handling the patch, the hands and the application
      site should have been washed thoroughly with soap and water and dried. Only time
      was needed for the dilated pupil to normalise. 

PMID- 27681216
TI  - Head injury in a cruise passenger during a shore excursion.
AB  - A 66-year-old overweight insulin-dependent male passenger with diabetes and
      severe arthritis was on a 4-week circle-Pacific cruise. He fell ashore and hit
      his head. The ship was about to leave on a non-stop voyage - without any
      evacuation possibilities for the next 8 days. He was examined and had X-rays
      taken at the local hospital, but as his head injury was considered mild, he
      returned to the ship "for 48 hours of observation for signs of intracranial
      bleeding" - against the ship's doctor's advice. Delayed suspicion of a non
      displaced cervical fracture caused extra work and worries and could have, but did
      not complicate matters. When there are no life-saving therapy and no timely
      evacuation possibilities in case of deterioration, on-board observation is
      counterproductive. The patient should be kept in - or near - the local hospital
      during the necessary observation period, followed by safe repatriation. 

PMID- 27681217
TI  - Occupational injuries and diseases among commercial fishers in Finland 1996-2015.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Commercial fishing is recognised as one of the most hazardous
      professions worldwide. In Finland, commercial fishing has some special
      characteristics, including fishing on ice during frozen waters, and pluriactivity
      of the fisher family to gain additional income. The goal of this study was to
      describe injury characteristics among commercial fishers in Finland during the
      years 1996-2015. With this information, we wish to promote creation of effective
      safety campaigns and interventions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data for this
      study was acquired from The Farmers' Social Insurance Institution, who handles
      the mandatory pension and occupational injury insurance of Finnish commercial
      fishers. Descriptive statistics was used to categorise and analyse the data that
      comprised the anonymized insurance history of 1954 insured fishers and reports on
      1135 compensated injuries, 11 fatalities, and 53 occupational disease cases.
      RESULTS: The results show, that the injury rate of Finnish commercial fishers is
      high. Forty per cent of the fishing-related injuries occur aboard or when
      entering or leaving the vessel, while 37% happened ashore, and 11% on sea or lake
      ice. The most common type of incident is preceded by a slip, trip, or sway
      followed by a fall to lower level. The injuries result in a median disability
      length of 21 days. An elevated risk for Finnish (vs. Swedish) speaking, as well
      as for male fishers was found. The occupational diseases of the studied
      population were for the most part results of manual, repetitive and/or physically
      straining work due to e.g. hauling in fishing equipment. Due to small numbers and
      lack of case data, it is not possible to make any further analysis of the 11
      fatalities, which were all drownings. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our findings, injury
      prevention should be targeted, besides preventing fatalities because of drowning,
      at mitigating the risks for slips, trips, and falls both aboard and ashore.

PMID- 27681218
TI  - The development and optimisation of a quantitative physical fitness scoring
      system for use amongst Naval Service personnel.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A lack of research currently exists in relation to the current
      physical fitness testing system that is used within the Irish Naval Service, not
      only in relation to the tests that are used but also in relation to the scores
      that should be achieved in order to pass the test. As such the aim of this study
      was to select tests for various components of physical fitness and create a
      scoring system that could be used to assess individuals more comprehensively.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-five individuals took part in the study (71 males,
      4 females). Each participant completed a battery of physical tests analysing the
      following physical fitness components: flexibility, power, agility, strength,
      speed, anaerobic conditioning and aerobic conditioning. The mean score +/- 0.67
      and +/- 1 standard deviations were used for the selection of categories. RESULTS:
      A six category scoring system was produced for each component of physical
      fitness. Scores were assigned to each category allowing a total cumulative score
      and an overall percentage of the total to be calculated. The categories are as
      follows: Score 5, Score 10, Score 15, Score 20, Score 25, Score 30. CONCLUSIONS:
      A quantitative scoring system has been produced that allows comprehensive
      physical fitness testing to be conducted. In order to achieve a complete picture
      of a participant's physical fitness, all tests outlined should be included in the
      testing process. However, the flexible nature of this system allows for tests to
      be included or excluded to suit the needs of an individual or organisation. The
      fact that the scoring system is quantitative, the time involved is relatively
      short, multiple participants can be tested simultaneously and the pass rates can
      be decided upon by the host organisation makes this system versatile and
      comparable across multiple jurisdictions.

PMID- 27681219
TI  - Prevention of sexual transmission of Zika virus.

PMID- 27681220
TI  - Novel insights into esophageal diagnostic procedures.
AB  - The 21st century offers new advances in diagnostic procedures and protocols in
      the management of esophageal diseases. This review highlights the most recent
      advances in esophageal diagnostic technologies, including clinical applications
      of novel endoscopic devices, such as ultrathin endoscopy and confocal laser
      endomicroscopy for diagnosis and management of Barrett's esophagus; novel
      parameters and protocols in high-resolution esophageal manometry for the
      identification and better classification of motility abnormalities; innovative
      connections between esophageal motility disorder diagnosis and detection of
      gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); impedance-pH testing for detecting the
      various GERD phenotypes; performance of distensibility testing for better
      pathophysiological knowledge of the esophagus and other gastrointestinal
      abnormalities; and a modern view of positron emission tomography scanning in
      metastatic disease detection in the era of accountability as a model for
      examining other new technologies. We now have better tools than ever for the
      detection of esophageal diseases and disorders, and emerging data are helping to
      define how well these tools change management and provide value to clinicians.
      This review features novel insights from multidisciplinary perspectives,
      including both surgical and medical perspectives, into these new tools, and it
      offers guidance on the use of novel technologies in clinical practice and future
      directions for research.

PMID- 27681222
TI  - Stereotactic radiation therapy for hepatic malignancies.
AB  - Management of primary and secondary tumors of the liver is a complex undertaking
      involving multi-disciplinary input. Radiation therapy has played a relatively
      marginal role in the treatment of liver tumors, but with technological
      innovations and the growth of the field of stereotactic body radiation therapy
      (SBRT), this role is evolving. In this review, I discuss the issues of radiation
      induced hepatic toxicity, the planning of liver SBRT treatments, clinical results
      with SBRT, its place amongst other non-surgical ablative treatments, and
      potential future avenues of investigation.

PMID- 27681221
TI  - Safety and efficacy of a novel diffractive lens array using a picosecond 755 nm
      alexandrite laser for treatment of wrinkles.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Picosecond lasers have been reported to be effective for removal of
      tattoo pigment. This prospective study evaluated the efficacy and safety of the
      treatment of peri-oral and -ocular wrinkles using a novel diffractive lens array
      coupled with a picosecond 755 nm alexandrite laser. METHODS: Forty female
      subjects presenting with wrinkles from photodamage were enrolled in an IRB
      approved study. Subjects received four picosecond diffractive lens array
      treatments to the full face at 1 month intervals. Six subjects were biopsied (two
      subjects at 1 month, two subjects at 3 months, and two subjects at 6 months).
      Digital photographic images were taken at 1, 3, and 6 months post-final treatment
      visits. Images were graded by blinded physicians for fine lines/wrinkles,
      erythema, dyschromia, and global improvement. Data on discomfort level,
      satisfaction, and side effects were recorded. RESULTS: Overall blinded physician
      rated global improvement ranged from improved to much improved at 1-, 3-, and 6
      month time points. At baseline the average Fitzpatrick wrinkle score was 5.48. At
      the 6-month follow-up the average score was 3.47. The overall average change in
      score from pre-treatment to post-treatment was 1.97. Subject self-assessment at 6
      months indicated that 90% of subjects were extremely or satisfied with their
      results. Unanticipated adverse events were absent with anticipated post-treatment
      erythema lasting for just several hours. CONCLUSIONS: A novel diffractive lens
      array used with a picosecond 755 nm alexandrite laser for treatment of wrinkles
      is highly effective and safe for wrinkles and other signs of photoaging. Lasers
      Surg. Med. 49:40-44, 2017. (c) 2016 The Authors. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine
      Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27681223
TI  - Thin-Film Phase Plates for Transmission Electron Microscopy Fabricated from
      Metallic Glasses.
AB  - Thin-film phase plates (PPs) have become an interesting tool to enhance the
      contrast of weak-phase objects in transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The
      thin film usually consists of amorphous carbon, which suffers from quick
      degeneration under the intense electron-beam illumination. Recent investigations
      have focused on the search for alternative materials with an improved material
      stability. This work presents thin-film PPs fabricated from metallic glass
      alloys, which are characterized by a high electrical conductivity and an
      amorphous structure. Thin films of the zirconium-based alloy Zr65.0Al7.5Cu27.5
      (ZAC) were fabricated and their phase-shifting properties were evaluated. The ZAC
      film was investigated by different TEM techniques, which reveal beneficial
      properties compared with amorphous carbon PPs. Particularly favorable is the
      small probability for inelastic plasmon scattering, which results from the
      combined effect of a moderate inelastic mean free path and a reduced film
      thickness due to a high mean inner potential. Small probability plasmon
      scattering improves contrast transfer at high spatial frequencies, which makes
      the ZAC alloy a promising material for PP fabrication.

PMID- 27681224
TI  - Nanofoaming to Boost the Electrochemical Performance of Ni@Ni(OH)2 Nanowires for
      Ultrahigh Volumetric Supercapacitors.
AB  - Three-dimensional free-standing film electrodes have aroused great interest for
      energy storage devices. However, small volumetric capacity and low operating
      voltage limit their practical application for large energy storage applications.
      Herein, a facile and novel nanofoaming process was demonstrated to boost the
      volumetric electrochemical capacitance of the devices via activation of Ni
      nanowires to form ultrathin nanosheets and porous nanostructures. The as-designed
      free-standing Ni@Ni(OH)2 film electrodes display a significantly enhanced
      volumetric capacity (462 C/cm3 at 0.5 A/cm3) and excellent cycle stability.
      Moreover, the as-developed hybrid supercapacitor employed Ni@Ni(OH)2 film as
      positive electrode and graphene-carbon nanotube film as negative electrode
      exhibits a high volumetric capacitance of 95 F/cm3 (at 0.25 A/cm3) and excellent
      cycle performance (only 14% capacitance reduction for 4500 cycles). Furthermore,
      the volumetric energy density can reach 33.9 mWh/cm3, which is much higher than
      that of most thin film lithium batteries (1-10 mWh/cm3). This work gives an
      insight for designing high-volume three-dimensional electrodes and paves a new
      way to construct binder-free film electrode for high-performance hybrid
      supercapacitor applications.

PMID- 27681225
TI  - Genetic Divergence in Eucalyptus camaldulensis Progenies in the Savanna Biome in
      Mato Grosso, Brazil.
AB  - Assessing the parental genetic differences and their subsequent prediction of
      progeny performance is an important first step to assure the efficiency of any
      breeding program. In this study, we estimate the genetic divergence in Eucalyptus
      camaldulensis based on the morphological traits of 132 progenies grown in a
      savanna biome. Thus, a field experiment was performed using a randomized block
      design and five replications to compare divergences in total height, commercial
      height, diameter at breast height, stem form and survival rate at 48 months.
      Tocher's clustering method was performed using the Mahalanobis and Euclidian
      distances. The Mahalanobis distance seemed more reliable for the assessed
      parameters and clustered all of the progenies into fourteen major groups. The
      most similar progenies (86 accessions) were clustered into Group I, while the
      most dissimilar (1 progeny) represented Group XIV. The divergence analysis
      indicated that promising crosses could be made between progenies allocated in
      different groups for high genetic divergence and for favorable morphological
      traits.

PMID- 27681227
TI  - Acceptability of a telecare intervention for persistent musculoskeletal pain.
AB  - Introduction Persistent musculoskeletal pain is a prevalent, disabling, and often
      undertreated condition. This paper examines the acceptability of a telecare
      intervention for this condition. Methods The Stepped Care to Optimize Pain Care
      Effectiveness (SCOPE) intervention couples automatic symptom monitoring (ASM)
      with optimized analgesic care management by a nurse-physician team. Data from
      participants in the telecare intervention arm (n = 124) of a randomized control
      trial of SCOPE were analysed to determine the acceptability of the telecare
      intervention as indicated by patient use and satisfaction. Results Most (93.5%)
      patients completed at least one ASM report, selecting equally web-based (49%) or
      interactive voice-recorded (51%) reporting. The median number of ASM reports and
      nurse contacts per patient was 15 and 12, respectively. Of 12 demographic and
      clinical factors examined, none predicted the number of ASM reports, whereas
      nurse contacts were more frequent in patients with higher pain severity or
      receiving opioids. Only a minority of ASM reports required an expedited nurse
      call, with the most frequent alerts being for a medication change, a nurse call
      or side effects. Most (92%) patients rated ASM as easy to use and found the ASM
      reporting (76%) and nurse contacts (81%) very or moderately helpful. Nearly three
      fourths of patients rated their overall pain treatment as good to excellent. The
      most common suggestions from patient feedback were for a free-text messaging
      function, more frequent nurse contact and less redundancy in ASM reporting items.
      Discussion Participants generally found the telecare intervention a user-friendly
      and helpful approach for treating persistent musculoskeletal pain.

PMID- 27681226
TI  - RhoA and Rac1 GTPases Differentially Regulate Agonist-Receptor Mediated Reactive
      Oxygen Species Generation in Platelets.
AB  - Agonist induced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by NADPH oxidases
      (NOX) enhances platelet aggregation and hence the risk of thrombosis. RhoA and
      Rac1 GTPases are involved in ROS generation by NOX in a variety of cells, but
      their roles in platelet ROS production remain unclear. In this study we used
      platelets from RhoA and Rac1 conditional knockout mice as well as human platelets
      treated with Rhosin and NSC23767, rationally designed small molecule inhibitors
      of RhoA and Rac GTPases, respectively, to better define the contributions of RhoA
      and Rac1 signaling to ROS generation and platelet activation. Treatment of
      platelets with Rhosin inhibited: (a) U46619 induced activation of RhoA; (b)
      phosphorylation of p47phox, a critical component of NOX; (c) U46619 or thrombin
      induced ROS generation; (d) phosphorylation of myosin light chain (MLC); (e)
      platelet shape change; (f) platelet spreading on immobilized fibrinogen; and (g)
      release of P-selectin, secretion of ATP and aggregation. Conditional deletion of
      RhoA or Rac1 gene inhibited thrombin induced ROS generation in platelets.
      Addition of Y27632, a RhoA inhibitor, NSC23766 or Phox-I, an inhibitor of Rac1
      p67phox interaction, to human platelets blocked thrombin induced ROS generation.
      These data suggest that: (a) RhoA/ROCK/p47phox signaling axis promotes ROS
      production that, at least in part, contributes to platelet activation in
      conjunction with or independent of the RhoA/ROCK mediated phosphorylation of MLC;
      and (b) RhoA and Rac1 differentially regulate ROS generation by inhibiting
      phosphorylation of p47phox and Rac1-p67phox interaction, respectively.

PMID- 27681228
TI  - SCOTTI: Efficient Reconstruction of Transmission within Outbreaks with the
      Structured Coalescent.
AB  - Exploiting pathogen genomes to reconstruct transmission represents a powerful
      tool in the fight against infectious disease. However, their interpretation rests
      on a number of simplifying assumptions that regularly ignore important
      complexities of real data, in particular within-host evolution and non-sampled
      patients. Here we propose a new approach to transmission inference called SCOTTI
      (Structured COalescent Transmission Tree Inference). This method is based on a
      statistical framework that models each host as a distinct population, and
      transmissions between hosts as migration events. Our computationally efficient
      implementation of this model enables the inference of host-to-host transmission
      while accommodating within-host evolution and non-sampled hosts. SCOTTI is
      distributed as an open source package for the phylogenetic software BEAST2. We
      show that SCOTTI can generally infer transmission events even in the presence of
      considerable within-host variation, can account for the uncertainty associated
      with the possible presence of non-sampled hosts, and can efficiently use data
      from multiple samples of the same host, although there is some reduction in
      accuracy when samples are collected very close to the infection time. We
      illustrate the features of our approach by investigating transmission from
      genetic and epidemiological data in a Foot and Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV)
      veterinary outbreak in England and a Klebsiella pneumoniae outbreak in a Nepali
      neonatal unit. Transmission histories inferred with SCOTTI will be important in
      devising effective measures to prevent and halt transmission.

PMID- 27681229
TI  - Equity in the utilization of physician and inpatient hospital services: evidence
      from Korean health panel survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little is known regarding equity in health care utilization among
      Koreans since 2008. This study examines the extent to which equity in the use of
      health care services has been achieved in Korea. METHODS: Descriptive and
      logistic regression analysis was performed. The sample for this study was 17,035
      individuals who participated in interviews. RESULTS: Differences in need
      substantially account for the original differences observed between subgroups of
      Koreans. Need factors were important determinants of Koreans using physician and
      inpatient hospital services. Having income did not ameliorate the subgroup
      differences in the use of physician services. Nonetheless, having income remains
      an important predictor of physician utilization. CONCLUSIONS: The Korean health
      care system does not yield a fully equitable distribution of physician and
      inpatient hospital services. Health care reforms in Korea should continue to
      concentrate on insuring effective universal health care, implying that all
      population groups with need receive effective coverage.

PMID- 27681230
TI  - Weight and weight changes throughout life and postmenopausal breast cancer risk:
      a case-control study in France.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Overweight and weight gain throughout adult life have been associated
      with increased risk of breast cancer after the menopause. However the role of
      body weight at a young age and of the timing of weight gain over the lifetime in
      postmenopausal breast cancer is not well documented. METHODS: We conducted a
      population-based case-control study on breast cancer in France that included 739
      cases and 815 population controls in postmenopausal women. Height, weight at age
      20, 40 and 50 as well as weight one year before diagnosis were obtained during in
      person interviews. RESULTS: No association between body mass index at the age of
      20 years and breast cancer after the menopause was detected. However, we found
      that postmenopausal breast cancer was associated with weight gain between ages 40
      and 50 years (OR per 5 kg/m2 increase in BMI: 1.45 [95%ci 1.06-1.98]). The
      increased risk of breast cancer associated with weight gain was more consistent
      in leaner women at age 20, in older postmenopausal women (>65 years), and in
      women who did not use menopausal hormone therapy. CONCLUSIONS: These findings
      point to the importance of controlling for weight gain in middle aged-women. The
      role of low body weight in young adulthood in breast cancer risk after the
      menopause should be further scrutinized.

PMID- 27681231
TI  - Texture analysis of parotid gland as a predictive factor of radiation induced
      xerostomia: A subset analysis.

PMID- 27681232
TI  - Genome sequence of the filamentous soil fungus Chaetomium cochliodes reveals
      abundance of genes for heme enzymes from all peroxidase and catalase
      superfamilies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The ascomycetous family Chaetomiaceae (class Sordariomycetes)
      includes numerous soilborn, saprophytic, endophytic and pathogenic fungi which
      can adapt to various growth conditions and living niches by providing a broad
      armory of oxidative and antioxidant enzymes. RESULTS: We release the 34.7 Mbp
      draft genome of Chaetomium cochliodes CCM F-232 consisting of 6036 contigs with
      an average size of 5756 bp and reconstructed its phylogeny. We show that this
      filamentous fungus is closely related but not identical to Chaetomium globosum
      and Chaetomium elatum. We screened and critically analysed this genome for open
      reading frames coding for essential antioxidant enzymes. It is demonstrated that
      the genome of C. cochliodes contains genes encoding putative enzymes from all
      four known heme peroxidase superfamilies including bifunctional catalase
      peroxidase (KatG), cytochrome c peroxidase (CcP), manganese peroxidase, two
      paralogs of hybrid B peroxidases (HyBpox), cyclooxygenase, linoleate diol
      synthase, dye-decolorizing peroxidase (DyP) of type B and three paralogs of heme
      thiolate peroxidases. Both KatG and DyP-type B are shown to be introduced into
      ascomycetes genomes by horizontal gene transfer from various bacteria. In
      addition, two putative large subunit secretory and two small-subunit typical
      catalases are found in C. cochliodes. We support our genomic findings with
      quantitative transcription analysis of nine peroxidase & catalase genes.
      CONCLUSIONS: We delineate molecular phylogeny of five distinct gene superfamilies
      coding for essential heme oxidoreductases in Chaetomia and from the transcription
      analysis the role of this antioxidant enzymatic armory for the survival of a
      peculiar soil ascomycete in various harsh environments.

PMID- 27681234
TI  - Thoracic empyema caused by Campylobacter rectus.
AB  - We report a case of thoracic empyema caused by Campylobacter rectus, an organism
      considered as a periodontal pathogen but rarely recovered from extraoral
      specimens. The patient fully recovered through drainage of purulent pleural fluid
      and administration of antibiotics. The present case illustrates that C. rectus
      can be a cause of not only periodontal disease but also pulmonary infection.

PMID- 27681233
TI  - Vancomycin-associated Henoch-Schonlein purpura.
AB  - Intravenous vancomycin is a widely used antibiotics, but it causes different
      types of cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions, ranging from maculopapular rash,
      red-man syndrome, drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms, IgA bullous
      dermatosis, leukocytoclastic vasculitis, Stevens-Johnsons syndrome, to IgE
      mediated anaphylaxis. We report an elderly patient with the end-stage renal
      disease presented with diffuse palpable purpura while receiving IV vancomycin
      therapy for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus septicemia.
      Histopathology of skin biopsy revealed perivascular infiltrates of
      leukocytoclastic debris with necrosis of the small-sized blood vessels. Direct
      immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated vivid IgA plus C3 immune-complex
      deposits localized to the vessel walls, and no immune complexes were noted on the
      dermoepidermal junction. There was no IgG or IgM immunoreactivity detected on the
      tissue specimen. Rheumatologic disease work-ups were negative. A diagnosis of
      vancomycin-associated Henoch-Schonlein variant of vasculitis was made. Vancomycin
      was substituted by daptomycin, and the purpuric skin rashes were resolved. Since
      vancomycin is a commonly used antibacterial agent, clinicians are encouraged to
      have a heightened awareness of this rare adverse skin reaction. Early recognition
      and prompt discontinuation of the medication is the key in management. As it is
      not an Ig-E mediated reaction, desensitization of vancomycin or re-challenge with
      vancomycin is not recommended as re-exposure to the drug may result in a
      recurrence of similar manifestations with potential permanent renal failure.

PMID- 27681236
TI  - Structural Variation Detection with Read Pair Information: An Improved Null
      Hypothesis Reduces Bias.
AB  - Reads from paired-end and mate-pair libraries are often utilized to find
      structural variation in genomes, and one common approach is to use their fragment
      length for detection. After aligning read pairs to the reference, read pair
      distances are analyzed for statistically significant deviations. However,
      previously proposed methods are based on a simplified model of observed fragment
      lengths that does not agree with data. We show how this model limits statistical
      analysis of identifying variants and propose a new model by adapting a model we
      have previously introduced for contig scaffolding, which agrees with data. From
      this model, we derive an improved null hypothesis that when applied in the
      variant caller CLEVER, reduces the number of false positives and corrects a bias
      that contributes to more deletion calls than insertion calls. We advise
      developers of variant callers with statistical fragment length-based methods to
      adapt the concepts in our proposed model and null hypothesis.

PMID- 27681235
TI  - Case-control study of pneumonia patients with Streptococcus anginosus group
      bacteria in their sputum.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In recent years, Streptococcus anginosus group (SAG)
      bacteria are becoming increasingly recognized as important pneumonia-causing
      pathogens. Although several small studies have been reported, the features of SAG
      pneumonia remain unclear, because the identification of SAG from sputum cultures
      is not routinely performed in most microbiology laboratories. The aim of this
      study was to elucidate the clinical characteristics of SAG pneumonia. PATIENT AND
      METHODS: This was a retrospective case-control study utilizing data obtained in
      our hospital between September 2009 and June 2016. We investigated 31 patients
      with SAG pneumonia (PWP), and also assessed the difference between the 31 PWP and
      37 patients without pneumonia (PWOP) in whose sputum SAG was detected. RESULTS:
      Seventy-one percent of the patients were men and the median age was 78 years in
      the PWP. Univariate analysis indicated that the PWP were significantly more often
      a bed-ridden (p < 0.01) with comorbid aspiration than were the PWOP (p < 0.05).
      Among the PWP, nursing and healthcare-associated pneumonia (NHCAP) was the more
      common type of pneumonia (54.8%). S. anginosus was detected significantly more
      frequently in sputum cultures of PWP than PWOP (p < 0.01), and multiple pathogens
      were detected more frequently in PWP (p < 0.01). Streptococcus constellatus was
      the most frequently detected pathogen in patients with a single bacterial
      infection. Empyema was observed only in patients with multiple bacteria.
      CONCLUSIONS: SAG should be recognized as important causative pathogens of
      pneumonia, particularly among elderly patients with underlying disease associated
      with aspiration. NHCAP was the more common type of SAG pneumonia in this study.

PMID- 27681238
TI  - Erratum to: Etanercept (SB4): A Review in Autoimmune Inflammatory Diseases.

PMID- 27681237
TI  - Long noncoding RNA (lincRNA), a new paradigm in gene expression control.
AB  - Long intergenic non-coding RNAs (lincRNAs) are defined as RNA transcripts that
      are longer than 200 nucleotides. By definition, these RNAs must not have open
      reading frames that encode proteins. Many of these transcripts are encoded by RNA
      polymerase II, are spliced, and are poly-adenylated. This final fact indicates
      that there is a trove of information about lincRNAs in databases such as the Gene
      Expression Omnibus (GEO), which is a repository for RNAseq and microarray data.
      Recent experiments indicate that there are upwards of 15,000 lincRNAs encoded by
      the human genome. The term "intergenic" refers to the identification of these
      transcripts from regions of the genome that do not contain protein-encoding
      genes. These regions coincide with what was once labeled as the "junk DNA"
      portions of our genomes, which, upon careful examination by whole genome RNA
      sequencing experiments, clearly encode RNA transcripts. LincRNAs also contain
      promoter- or enhancer-associated RNAs that are gene proximal and can be either in
      the sense or antisense orientation, relative to the protein-coding gene with
      which they are associated. In this review, we describe the functions of lincRNAs
      playing roles in biological processes such as gene expression control, scaffold
      formation, and epigenetic control.

PMID- 27681239
TI  - Synthesis and evaluation of dihydropyrimidinone-derived selenoesters as multi
      targeted directed compounds against Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - This paper describes the synthesis and evaluation of new dihydropyrimidinone
      (DHPM)-derived selenoesters as potential multi-targeted agents for the treatment
      of Alzheimer's disease. A series of DHPM-derived selenoesters were obtained with
      high structural diversity through a short and modular synthetic route. The
      antioxidant activity was evaluated by TBARS and iron chelation assays. These
      compounds were also evaluated as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEi). The
      compounds demonstrated good antioxidant activity, since they presented excellent
      lipid peroxidation inhibition and good iron chelation activity. In addition, they
      showed acetylcholinesterase inhibition activity and some of them presented
      activity superior to that of the standard drug galantamine. The in silico
      predictions showed that the compound 1h may present a good pharmacokinetic
      profile. Therefore, the series of DHPM-derived selenoesters described herein
      displayed good potential for the development of antioxidant and
      anticholinesterasic agents in the search for new multi-targeted therapeutics for
      the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

PMID- 27681240
TI  - (1S,2E,4S,7E,11E)-2,7,11-Cembratriene-4,6-diol semisynthetic analogs as novel c
      Met inhibitors for the control of c-Met-dependent breast malignancies.
AB  - (1S,2E,4S,6R,7E,11E)-2,7,11-Cembratriene-4,6-diol (1) and its 4-epi-analog (2)
      are the cembranoid precursors to several key flavor ingredients in most Nicotiana
      (tobacco) species. Nearly 40-60% of 1 and 2 are purposely degraded during the
      commercial tobacco fermentation. However, 1 and 2 display promising
      bioactivities, including anticancer. Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer
      in women and ranked second female disease killer. The receptor tyrosine kinase c
      Met correlates with aggressiveness of certain breast cancer phenotypes and thus
      considered a valid therapeutic target. This study reports the discovery and
      optimization of the tobacco-based cembranoid 1 as a novel c-Met inhibitory
      scaffold using combined structure- and ligand-based approaches. 1 displayed
      antiproliferative, anti-migratory and anti-invasive effects against the c-Met
      overexpressing MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells at moderate MUM concentrations. The
      Z'-LYTE kinase platform and Western blot analysis identified c-Met as a potential
      macromolecular target. Rationally designed carbamate analogs were proposed to
      probe additional targeted c-Met interactions and improve the cellular potency.
      The 6-phenyl carbamate 3 showed enhanced c-Met inhibitory activity. Structure
      activity relationships of different substituents on the 3's phenyl moiety were
      studied. The most active analog 20 showed potent in vitro anticancer activity
      against the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells at low MUM concentrations, with
      minimal toxicity on the non-tumorigenic MCF-10A mammary epithelial cells.
      Cembranoid 20 potently inhibited the c-Met catalytic activity in Z'-LYTE kinase
      assay and various cellular c-Met-driven signaling pathways. Furthermore, 20
      displayed a robust antitumor activity in a breast cancer xenograft athymic mouse
      model and thus promoted to the lead rank. Cembranoids are novel c-Met inhibitors
      appropriate for future use to control c-Met dependent malignancies.

PMID- 27681243
TI  - Epigenome and exposome in prenatal programming: essential components of
      personalized medicine in need of understanding and development.

PMID- 27681241
TI  - High-intensity interval training: a review of its impact on glucose control and
      cardiometabolic health.
AB  - Exercise plays a central role in the management and treatment of common metabolic
      diseases, but modern society presents many barriers to exercise. Over the past
      decade there has been considerable interest surrounding high-intensity interval
      training (HIIT), with advocates claiming it can induce health benefits of
      similar, if not superior magnitude to moderate-intensity continuous exercise,
      despite reduced time commitment. As the safety of HIIT becomes clearer, focus has
      shifted away from using HIIT in healthy individuals towards using this form of
      training in clinical populations. The continued growth of metabolic disease and
      reduced physical activity presents a global health challenge and effective
      therapies are urgently required. The aim of this review is to explore whether the
      acclaim surrounding HIIT is justified by examining the effect of HIIT on glucose
      control, its ability to affect cardiovascular function and the underlying
      mechanisms of the changes observed in those with common metabolic diseases. It
      also explores translation of the research into clinical practice.

PMID- 27681242
TI  - Context-dependent memory following recurrent hypoglycaemia in non-diabetic rats
      is mediated via glucocorticoid signalling in the dorsal hippocampus.
AB  - AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Recurrent hypoglycaemia is primarily caused by repeated over
      administration of insulin to patients with diabetes. Although cognition is
      impaired during hypoglycaemia, restoration of euglycaemia after recurrent
      hypoglycaemia is associated with improved hippocampally mediated memory.
      Recurrent hypoglycaemia alters glucocorticoid secretion in response to
      hypoglycaemia; glucocorticoids are well established to regulate hippocampal
      processes, suggesting a possible mechanism for recurrent hypoglycaemia modulation
      of subsequent cognition. We tested the hypothesis that glucocorticoids within the
      dorsal hippocampus might mediate the impact of recurrent hypoglycaemia on
      hippocampal cognitive processes. METHODS: We characterised changes in the dorsal
      hippocampus at several time points to identify specific mechanisms affected by
      recurrent hypoglycaemia, using a well-validated 3 day model of recurrent
      hypoglycaemia either alone or with intrahippocampal delivery of glucocorticoid
      (mifepristone) and mineralocorticoid (spironolactone) receptor antagonists prior
      to each hypoglycaemic episode. RESULTS: Recurrent hypoglycaemia enhanced learning
      and also increased hippocampal expression of glucocorticoid receptors,
      serum/glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1, cyclic AMP response element binding
      (CREB) phosphorylation, and plasma membrane levels of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5
      methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) and N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA)
      receptors. Both hippocampus-dependent memory enhancement and the molecular
      changes were reversed by glucocorticoid receptor antagonist treatment.
      CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: These results indicate that increased glucocorticoid
      signalling during recurrent hypoglycaemia produces several changes in the dorsal
      hippocampus that are conducive to enhanced hippocampus-dependent contextual
      learning. These changes appear to be adaptive, and in addition to supporting
      cognition may reduce damage otherwise caused by repeated exposure to severe
      hypoglycaemia.

PMID- 27681244
TI  - Uric acid and essential hypertension: the endothelial connection.

PMID- 27681245
TI  - Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring: a mandatory approach in high-risk
      pregnancy?

PMID- 27681246
TI  - The importance of not overlooking curable hypertension: primary aldosteronism
      rarely screened for reflecting poor uptake of Endocrine Society Guidelines.

PMID- 27681247
TI  - Restenosis of renal artery fibromuscular dysplasia after percutaneous
      angioplasty.

PMID- 27681248
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 27681249
TI  - 'Another easily recognizable atrial abnormality and risk of stroke in patients in
      sinus rhythm.

PMID- 27681250
TI  - In vitro alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity of isolated fractions from water
      extract of Qingzhuan dark tea.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Natural products have being used as potential inhibitors against
      carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes to treat diabetes mellitus. Chinese dark tea has
      various interesting bioactivities. In this study, the active compounds from
      Qingzhuan dark tea were separated and their anti-diabetic activity was examined
      using an in vitro enzymatic model. METHODS: The chloroform, ethyl acetate, n
      butanol, sediment and residual aqua fractions of a Chinese dark tea (Qingzhuan
      tea) were prepared by successively isolating the water extract with different
      solvents and their in vitro inhibitory activities against alpha-glucosidase were
      assessed. The fraction with the highest inhibitory activity was further
      characterized to obtain the main active components of Qingzhuan tea. RESULTS: The
      ethyl acetate fraction had the greatest inhibitory effect on alpha-glucosidase,
      followed by n-butanol, sediment and residual aqua fractions (with the IC50 values
      of 0.26 mg/mL, 2.94 mg/mL, 3.02 mg/mL, and 5.24 mg/mL, respectively), mainly due
      to the high content of polyphenols. Among the eight subfractions (QEF1-8)
      isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction, QEF8 fraction showed the highest alpha
      glucosidase inhibitory potential in a competitive inhibitory manner (the K i
      value of 77.10 MUg/mL). HPLC-MS analysis revealed that (-)-epigallocatechin
      gallate (EGCG) and (-)-epicatechin gallate (ECG) were the predominant active
      components in QEF8. CONCLUSION: These results indicated that Qingzhuan tea
      extracts exerted potent inhibitory effects against alpha-glucosidase, EGCG and
      ECG were likely responsible for the inhibitory activity in Qingzhuan tea.
      Qingzhuan tea may be recommended as an oral antidiabetic diet.

PMID- 27681252
TI  - Is bioresorbable vascular scaffold acute recoil affected by baseline renal
      function and scaffold selection?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship
      between glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and acute post-scaffold recoil (PSR) in
      patients undergoing bioresorbable scaffold (BVS) implantation. METHODS: We
      included 130 patients who underwent everolimus-eluting BVS device (Absorb BVS;
      Abbott Vascular, Santa Clara, CA, USA) or the novolimus-eluting BVS device
      (Elixir Medical Corporation) implantations for single or multi-vessel disease.
      Clinical, angiographic variables and procedural characteristics were defined and
      pre-procedural GFR was calculated for each patient. Post-procedural angiographic
      parameters of each patient were analyzed. Primary objective of the study was to
      evaluate the effect of GFR on angiographic outcomes after BVS implantation while
      secondary objective was to compare post-procedural angiographic results between
      the two BVS device groups. RESULTS: Baseline clinical characteristics and
      angiographic parameters were similar between the two BVS groups. Post-procedural
      angiographic analysis revealed significantly lower PSR in the DESolve group than
      the Absorb group (0.10+/-0.04 vs. 0.13+/-0.05, p: 0.003). When PSR in the whole
      study population was evaluated, it was positively correlated with age, tortuosity
      , calcification and PBR as there was a negative correlation between GFR. Besides
      GFR were found to be independent predictors for PSR in all groups and the whole
      study population. CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing BVS implantation, pre
      procedural low GFR is associated with increased post-procedural PSR.
      Calcification, age, PBR, dyslipidemia and tortuosity are other independent risk
      factors for PSR. DESolve has lower PSR when compared with Absorb.

PMID- 27681251
TI  - Restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention for coronary chronic total
      occlusion. The central role of an optimized immediate post-procedural
      angiographic result.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Factors of restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)
      for chronic total coronary occlusion (CTO) have not been fully explored. In
      particular, although the last ACC/AHA guidelines on PCI suggest that a minimum
      diameter stenosis of 10% with an optimal goal of as close to 0% as possible
      should be the new benchmark for lesions treated by stenting, angiographic success
      of PCI for CTO remains in the literature most often defined as a <30% residual
      diameter stenosis. Whether an optimized immediate post-PCI angiographic result
      (OAR) defined by a minimal diameter stenosis as close to 0% is associated with a
      lower restenosis rate in this subset of coronary lesions remains unknown.
      METHODS: Therefore, we assessed by quantitative coronary analysis (QCA) both the
      immediate post-PCI and 6-month follow-up angiographic results of 170 successfully
      treated true CTO. RESULTS: Post-PCI QCA immediate residual diameter stenosis was
      <30% in all 170 CTOs and OAR defined as a <=10% residual stenosis was achieved in
      133 (78%). Global binary restenosis rate was 21% in the 170 lesions. Restenosis
      rates were 46% and 14% in the non-OAR group and in the OAR group, respectively
      (p<0.0001). Multivariate analysis showed that a non-OAR, a younger age and a
      retrograde approach were independent factors of restenosis. CONCLUSION: Thus, an
      optimized immediate angiographic result with a minimal diameter stenosis as close
      to 0% as possible appears to be associated with a lower rate of restenosis after
      CTO PCI.

PMID- 27681253
TI  - Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of stress-associated proteins
      (SAPs) containing A20/AN1 zinc finger in cotton.
AB  - Stress-associated proteins (SAPs) containing the A20/AN1 zinc-finger domain play
      important roles in response to both biotic and abiotic stresses in plants.
      Nevertheless, few studies have focused on the SAP gene family in cotton. To
      explore the distributions and expression patterns of these genes, we performed
      genome-wide identification and characterization of SAPs in tetraploid Gossypium
      hirsutum L. TM-1 (AD1). A total of 37 genes encoding SAPs were identified, 36 of
      which were duplicated in the A and D sub-genomes. The analysis of gene
      architectures and conserved protein motifs revealed that nearly all A20-AN1-type
      SAPs were intron-free, whereas AN1-AN1-type SAPs contained one intron. The cis
      elements of the SAP promoters were studied, as were the expression levels of
      cotton SAP genes under different stresses based on RNA-seq data and validated by
      qRT-PCR. Most cotton SAP genes were induced by multiple stresses and
      phytohormones, particularly salt stress, indicating that SAP genes may play
      important roles in cotton's response to unfavorable environmental changes. Among
      these identified SAPs, the expression of GhSAP17A/D is suppressed in cotton
      response to Vertillium dahliae, and the GhSAP17A/D-silenced cotton exhibits more
      resistance to V. dahliae. This study provides insight into the evolution of SAP
      genes in upland cotton and may aid in efforts at further functional
      identification of A20/AN1-type proteins and cotton's response to different
      stresses.

PMID- 27681255
TI  - Investigation of the leaching behavior of lead in stabilized/solidified waste
      using a two-year semi-dynamic leaching test.
AB  - Long-term leaching behavior of contaminant from stabilization/solidification
      (S/S) treated waste stays unclear. For the purpose of studying long-term leaching
      behavior and leaching mechanism of lead from cement stabilized soil under
      different pH environment, semi-dynamic leaching test was extended to two years to
      investigate leaching behaviors of S/S treated lead contaminated soil.
      Effectiveness of S/S treatment in different scenarios was evaluated by
      leachability index (LX) and effective diffusion coefficient (De). In addition,
      the long-term leaching mechanism was investigated at different leaching periods.
      Results showed that no significant difference was observed among the values of
      the cumulative release of Pb, De and LX in weakly alkaline and weakly acidic
      environment (pH value varied from 5.00 to 10.00), and all the controlling
      leaching mechanisms of the samples immersed in weakly alkaline and weakly acidic
      environments turned out to be diffusion. Strong acid environment would
      significantly affect the leaching behavior and leaching mechanism of lead from
      S/S monolith. The two-year variation of De appeared to be time dependent, and De
      values increased after the 210th day in weakly alkaline and weakly acidic
      environment.

PMID- 27681254
TI  - Differentially expressed microRNAs in the corpus cavernosum from a murine model
      with type 2 diabetes mellitus-associated erectile dysfunction.
AB  - To better understand the molecular aetiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus
      associated erectile dysfunction (T2DMED) and to provide candidates for further
      study of its diagnosis and treatment, this study was designed to investigate
      differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) in the corpus cavernosum (CC) of mice
      with T2DMED using GeneChip array techniques (Affymetrix miRNA 4.0 Array) and to
      predict target genes and signalling pathways regulated by these miRNAs based on
      bioinformatic analysis using TargetScan, the DAIAN web platform and DAVID. In the
      initial screening, 21 miRNAs appeared distinctly expressed in the T2DMED group
      (fold change >=3, p <= 0.01). Among them, the differential expression of miR-18a,
      miR-206, miR-122, and miR-133 were confirmed by qRT-PCR (p < 0.05 and FDR <5 %).
      According to bioinformatic analysis, the four miRNAs were speculated to play
      potential roles in the mechanisms of T2DMED via regulating 28 different genes and
      several pathways, including apoptosis, fibrosis, eNOS/cGMP/PKG, and vascular
      smooth muscle contraction processes, which mainly focused on influencing the
      functions of the endothelium and smooth muscle in the CC. IGF-1, as one of the
      target genes, was verified to decrease in the CCs of T2DMED animals via ELISA and
      was confirmed as the target of miR-18a or miR-206 via luciferase assay. Finally,
      these four miRNAs deserve further confirmation as biomarkers of T2DMED in larger
      studies. Additionally, miR-18a and/or miR-206 may provide new
      preventive/therapeutic targets for ED management by targeting IGF-1.

PMID- 27681256
TI  - Disposal options for polluted plants grown on heavy metal contaminated brownfield
      lands - A review.
AB  - Reducing or preventing damage caused by environmental pollution is a significant
      goal nowadays. Phytoextraction, as remediation technique is widely used, but
      during the process, the heavy metal content of the biomass grown on these sites
      special treatment and disposal techniques are required, for example liquid
      extraction, direct disposal, composting, and combustion. These processes are
      discussed in this review in economical and environmental aspects. The following
      main properties are analyzed: form and harmful element content of remains,
      utilization of the main and byproducts, affect to the environment during the
      treatment and disposal. The thermal treatment (combustion, gasification) of
      contaminated biomass provides a promising alternative disposal option, because
      the energy production affects the rate of return, and the harmful elements are
      riched in a small amount of solid remains depending on the ash content of the
      plant (1-2%). The biomass combustion technology is a wildely used energy
      production process in residential and industrial scale, but the ordinary biomass
      firing systems are not suited to burn this type of fuel without environmental
      risk.

PMID- 27681257
TI  - New magnetic graphene-based inorganic-organic sol-gel hybrid nanocomposite for
      simultaneous analysis of polar and non-polar organophosphorus pesticides from
      water samples using solid-phase extraction.
AB  - A new graphene-based tetraethoxysilane-methyltrimethoxysilane sol-gel hybrid
      magnetic nanocomposite (Fe3O4@G-TEOS-MTMOS) was synthesised, characterized and
      successfully applied in magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) for simultaneous
      analysis of polar and non-polar organophosphorus pesticides from several water
      samples. The Fe3O4@G-TEOS-MTMOS nanocomposite was characterized using Fourier
      transform-infrared spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, field
      emission scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Separation,
      determination and quantification were achieved using gas chromatography coupled
      with micro electron capture detector. Adsorption capacity of the sorbent was
      calculated using Langmuir equation. MSPE was linear in the range 100-1000 pg mL-1
      for phosphamidon and dimethoate, and 10-100 pg mL-1 for chlorpyrifos and
      diazinon, with limit of detection (S/N = 3) of 19.8, 23.7, 1.4 and 2.9 pg mL-1
      for phosphamidon, dimethoate, diazinon and chlorpyrifos, respectively. The LODs
      obtained is well below the maximum residual level (100 pg mL-1) as set by
      European Union for pesticides in drinking water. Acceptable precision (%RSD) was
      achieved for intra-day (1.3-8.7%, n = 3) and inter-day (7.6-17.8%, n = 15)
      analyses. Fe3O4@G-TEOS-MTMOS showed high adsorption capacity (54.4-76.3 mg g-1)
      for the selected OPPs. No pesticide residues were detected in the water samples
      analysed. Excellent extraction recoveries (83-105%) were obtained for the spiked
      OPPs from tap, river, lake and sea water samples. The newly synthesised Fe3O4@G
      TEOS-MTMOS showed high potential as adsorbent for OPPs analysis.

PMID- 27681258
TI  - A simulation study of inorganic sulfur cycling in the water level fluctuation
      zone of the Three Gorges Reservoir, China and the implications for mercury
      methylation.
AB  - The water level fluctuation zone (WLFZ) of the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) in
      China experiences a drying and wetting rotation every year, and the water level
      induced redox variation may influence inorganic sulfur speciation and mercury
      methylation. In this work, a simulative flooding and drying experiment and a
      sulfate added flooding experiment were conducted to study this topic. The results
      showed that sulfate was reduced from the 10th d during the flooding period based
      on the detected sulfide in water and the increased elemental sulfur (S0) in
      sediment. Sulfate reduction and sulfide re-oxidation led to the increase of S0
      contents with the maximal values of 1.86 and 0.46 mg kg-1 during the flooding and
      drying period, respectively. Methylmercury (MeHg) content in sediment displayed a
      rising trend (0.16-0.28 MUg kg-1) in the first 40 d during the flooding period,
      and then declined from 0.28 to 0.15 MUg kg-1. A positive correlation between MeHg
      content and S0 content in soil (r = 0.53, p < 0.05) was found during the flooding
      period, and a positive but not significant correlation between the percent of
      MeHg in THg (%MeHg) and S0 content (r = 0.85, p = 0.08). In sulfate added
      flooding simulation, MeHg content in sediment did not increase with the sulfate
      concentration increasing. The increased pyrite in high-sulfate treatment may fix
      mercury through adsorption process. This study demonstrated that inorganic sulfur
      species especially S0 and chromium reducible sulfur (CRS) play an important role
      on mercury methylation in the WLFZ of the TGR.

PMID- 27681259
TI  - Iron supplementation to treat anaemia in adult critical care patients: a
      systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anaemia affects 60-80 % of patients admitted to intensive care units
      (ICUs). Allogeneic red blood cell (RBC) transfusions remain the mainstay of
      treatment for anaemia but are associated with risks and are costly. Our objective
      was to assess the efficacy and safety of iron supplementation by any route, in
      anaemic patients in adult ICUs. METHODS: Electronic databases (CENTRAL, MEDLINE,
      EMBASE) were searched through March 2016 for randomized controlled trials (RCT)s
      comparing iron by any route with placebo/no iron. Primary outcomes were red blood
      cell transfusions and mean haemoglobin concentration. Secondary outcomes included
      mortality, infection, ICU and hospital length of stay, mean difference (MD) in
      iron biomarkers, health-related quality of life and adverse events. RESULTS: Five
      RCTs recruiting 665 patients met the inclusion criteria; intravenous iron was
      tested in four of the RCTs. There was no difference in allogeneic RBC transfusion
      requirements (relative risk 0.87, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.70 to 1.07, p =
      0.18, five trials) or mean number of RBC units transfused (MD -0.45, 95 % CI 
      1.34 to 0.43, p = 0.32, two trials) in patients receiving or not receiving iron.
      Similarly, there was no difference between groups in haemoglobin at short-term
      (up to 10 days) (MD -0.25, 95 % CI -0.79 to 0.28, p = 0.35, three trials) or mid
      term follow up (last measured time point in hospital or end of trial) (MD 0.21,
      95 % CI -0.13 to 0.55, p = 0.23, three trials). There was no difference in
      secondary outcomes of mortality, in-hospital infection, or length of stay. Risk
      of bias was generally low although three trials had high risk of attrition bias;
      only one trial had low risk of bias across all domains. CONCLUSION: Iron
      supplementation does not reduce RBC transfusion requirements in critically ill
      adults, but there is considerable heterogeneity between trials in study design,
      nature of interventions, and outcomes. Well-designed trials are needed to
      investigate the optimal iron dosing regimens and strategies to identify which
      patients are most likely to benefit from iron, together with patient-focused
      outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO International prospective register of
      systematic reviews CRD42015016627 . Registered 2 March 2015.

PMID- 27681260
TI  - Simultaneous recording of EEG and fNIRS during visuo-spatial and facial
      expression processing in a dual task paradigm.
AB  - Emotional processing is probably the most crucial tool for orienting oneself in
      our everyday social life and has been considered to be highly automatic for a
      long time. Dual task (DT) research shows that information competing for working
      memory resources impairs the identification of emotional facial expressions.
      Effects of cognitive load in DT paradigms have been confirmed in numerous
      neuroimaging studies. However, interference occurring during a DT comprised of
      decoding emotional facial expressions and a visuo-spatial working memory task has
      yet to be visualized. To investigate the DT interference effect on brain areas
      associated not only with working memory, but also emotional and visuo-spatial
      processing, we recorded brain activation within the prefrontal cortex and
      parietal-occipital sensory areas using functional near-infrared spectroscopy
      (fNIRS) and electroencephalography (EEG) simultaneously. Our study consisted of N
      = 36 participants (27 female) performing the following tasks: a) Corsi blocks, b)
      identification of emotional facial expressions or c) DT comprising of tasks a)
      and b). We predicted higher activation of the prefrontal cortex during DT and
      corresponding reduced P100 and P300 amplitudes. As expected, fNIRS measurements
      revealed significantly higher neuronal activation within the prefrontal cortex in
      the DT condition. When comparing DT to the single tasks, the P100 amplitude was
      reduced, but the P300 amplitude did not show the expected reduction. Our findings
      underline that at least some aspects of emotional processing are not entirely
      automatic, but depend on prefrontal control and are therefore affected by
      cognitive load, in particular visuo-spatial working memory resources.

PMID- 27681262
TI  - Slowing the Tide of Alcohol Use Disorders.
AB  - Alcohol use disorders (AUDs)-a spectrum including at-risk drinking, alcohol
      abuse, dependence, and addiction-is a highly prevalent problem worldwide with a
      substantial economic impact. The toll of alcohol on individual health and
      healthcare systems is devastating. Alcohol is estimated to be the fifth leading
      risk factor for global disability-adjusted life years. Tackling the problem of
      AUD requires a comprehensive strategy that includes solid action on price,
      availability, and marketing of alcohol. Restricting or banning alcohol
      advertising may reduce exposure to the risk posed by alcohol at the individual
      and general population level. Warning labels about the cancer risks associated
      with drinking have a high degree of public support and may be an inexpensive and
      acceptable way to educate the public. Religiosity may reduce risk behaviors and
      contribute to health decision making related to alcohol use.

PMID- 27681261
TI  - Survey on the Effectiveness of Dietary Supplements to Treat Tinnitus.
AB  - PURPOSE: We surveyed the benefit of dietary supplements to treat tinnitus and
      reported adverse effects. METHOD: A website was created for people with tinnitus
      to complete a variety of questions. RESULTS: The 1,788 subjects who responded to
      questionnaires came from 53 different countries; 413 (23.1%) reported taking
      supplements. No effect on tinnitus was reported in 70.7%, improvement in 19.0%,
      and worsening in 10.3%. Adverse effects were reported in 6% (n = 36), including
      bleeding, diarrhea, headache, and others. Supplements were reported to be helpful
      for sleep: melatonin (effect size, d = 1.228) and lipoflavonoid (d = 0.5244);
      emotional reactions: melatonin (d = 0.6138) and lipoflavonoid (d = 0.457);
      hearing: Ginkgo biloba (d = 0.3758); and concentration Ginkgo biloba (d =
      0.3611). The positive, subjective reports should be interpreted cautiously; many
      might have reported a positive effect because they were committed to treatment
      and expected a benefit. Users of supplements were more likely to have loudness
      hyperacusis and to have a louder tinnitus. CONCLUSIONS: The use of dietary
      supplements to treat tinnitus is common, particularly with Ginkgo biloba,
      lipoflavonoids, magnesium, melatonin, vitamin B12, and zinc. It is likely that
      some supplements will help with sleep for some patients. However, they are
      generally not effective, and many produced adverse effects. We concluded that
      dietary supplements should not be recommended to treat tinnitus but could have a
      positive outcome on tinnitus reactions in some people.

PMID- 27681263
TI  - Commitment to Celibacy in German Catholic Priests: Its Relation to Religious
      Practices, Psychosomatic Health and Psychosocial Resources.
AB  - We aimed to investigate Catholic priests' commitment to celibacy and its relation
      to their religious practices, life and work satisfaction, and psychosomatic
      health. Results of our cross-sectional study of 2549 priests show that the
      majority finds living in celibacy helpful to minister more effectively.
      Nevertheless, a large proportion see it as a burden and would not choose celibate
      life again. Commitment to celibacy was predicted best by the frequency of
      religious practices (liturgy), work engagement and personal relation with God,
      explaining 39 % of variance. These resources are predictors for maintaining a
      celibate lifestyle and facilitate priests' satisfaction with life and commitment
      to their ministry.

PMID- 27681264
TI  - Targeting IFN-lambda: therapeutic implications.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Type-III interferons (IFN-lambda), the most recently discovered
      family of IFNs, shares common features with other family members, but also has
      many distinctive activities. IFN-lambda uniquely has a different receptor
      complex, and a more focused pattern of tissue expression and signaling effects,
      from other classes of IFNs. Multiple genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and
      subsequent validation reports suggest a pivotal role for polymorphisms near the
      IFNL3 gene in hepatitis C clearance and control, as also for several other
      epithelial cell tropic viruses. Apart from its antiviral activity, IFN-lambda
      possesses anti-tumor, immune-inflammatory and homeostatic functions. The
      overlapping effects of IFN-lambda with type I IFN, with a restricted tissue
      expression pattern renders IFN-lambda an attractive therapeutic target for viral
      infection, cancer and autoimmune diseases, with limited side effects. Areas
      covered: This review will summarize the current and future therapeutic
      opportunities offered by this most recently discovered family of interferons.
      Expert opinion: Our knowledge on IFN-lambda is rapidly expanding. Though there
      are many remaining questions and challenges that require elucidation, the unique
      characteristics of IFN-lambda increases enthusiasm that multiple therapeutic
      options will emerge.

PMID- 27681265
TI  - Identification of interaction between HIV-1 glycoprotein 41 and integrase.
AB  - Human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) encodes 15 viral proteins. Protein-protein
      interactions play a large role in the function of these proteins. In this study,
      we attempted to identify novel interactions between the HIV-1 proteins to better
      understand the role played by viral protein-protein interactions in the life
      cycle of HIV-1. Genes encoding the 15 viral proteins from the HIV-1 strain AD8
      were inserted into the plasmids of a yeast two-hybrid system. By screening 120
      pairs of proteins, interactions between seven pairs were found. This led to the
      discovery of an interaction between the HIV-1 proteins integrase (IN) and
      glycoprotein 41 (gp41), which was confirmed by both co-immunoprecipitation (Co
      IP) assays and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) imaging in live
      cells. In addition, it was found that the amino acids at positions 76-100 of gp41
      are required for it to bind to IN. Deletion of this region from gp41 prevented
      its interaction with IN and reduced the production of HIV-1 in 293T cells. This
      study provides new information on HIV-1 protein-protein interactions which
      improves the understanding of the biological functions of gp41 and IN during the
      virus life cycle.

PMID- 27681266
TI  - Immunosuppressive Treatment Alters Secretion of Ileal Antimicrobial Peptides and
      Gut Microbiota, and Favors Subsequent Colonization by Uropathogenic Escherichia
      coli.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transplant recipients are treated with immunosuppressive (IS)
      therapies, which impact host-microbial interactions. We examined the impact of IS
      drugs on gut microbiota and on the expression of ileal antimicrobial peptides.
      METHODS: Mice were treated for 14 days with prednisolone, mycophenolate mofetil,
      tacrolimus, a combination of these 3 drugs, everolimus, or water. Feces were
      collected before and after treatment initiation. Ileal samples were collected
      after sacrifice. Fecal and ileal microbiota were analyzed by pyrosequencing of
      16S rRNA genes and enumeration of selected bacteria by culture, and C-type
      lectins were assessed in ileal tissues by reverse transcriptase-quantitative
      polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Prednisolone disrupted fecal microbiota
      community structure, decreased Bacteroidetes, and increased Firmicutes in the
      feces. Prednisolone, tacrolimus, and mycophenolate mofetil modified fecal
      microbiota at the family level in each experimental replicate, but changes were
      not consistent between the replicates. In ileal samples, the genus Clostridium
      sensu stricto was dramatically reduced in the prednisolone and combined IS drug
      groups. These modifications corresponded to an altered ileal expression of C-type
      lectins Reg3gamma and Reg3beta, and of interleukin 22. Interestingly, the
      combined IS treatment enabled a commensal Escherichia coli to flourish, and
      dramatically increased colonization by uropathogenic E. coli strain 536.
      CONCLUSIONS: IS treatment alters innate antimicrobial defenses and disrupts the
      gut microbiota, which leads to overgrowth of indigenous E. coli and facilitates
      colonization by opportunistic pathogens.

PMID- 27681269
TI  - An Assessment of Urinary Biomarkers in a Series of Declined Human Kidneys
      Measured During Ex Vivo Normothermic Kidney Perfusion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The measurement of urinary biomarkers during ex vivo normothermic
      kidney perfusion (EVKP) may aid in the assessment of a kidney prior to
      transplantation. This study measured levels of neutrophil gelatinase-associated
      lipocalin (NGAL), kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) during
      EVKP in a series of discarded human kidneys. METHODS: Fifty-six kidneys from
      deceased donors were recruited into the study. Each kidney underwent 60 minutes
      of EVKP and was scored based on the macroscopic appearance, renal blood flow and
      urine output. The scores ranged from 1 (least injury) to 5 (most severe). Levels
      of oxygen consumption, extraction, creatinine fall and fractional excretion of
      sodium were measured during perfusion. Urinary levels of NGAL, KIM-1, and ET-1
      were measured after EVKP. RESULTS: Thirty-eight kidneys had an EVKP score of 1 or
      2, 8 a score of 3 and 10 a score of 4 or 5. During EVKP lower levels of oxygen
      consumption, higher oxygen extraction, a lower decrement of serum creatinine, and
      higher levels of NGAL and ET-1 were associated with a higher EVKP score (P <
      0.05). These parameters were also associated with a raised creatinine level in
      the donor before organ retrieval. Levels of KIM-1 were not associated with the
      perfusion parameters (P = 0.649) or renal function in the donor (R = 0.02458: P =
      0.271). CONCLUSIONS: The measurement of urinary biomarkers, particularly NGAL in
      combination with functional perfusion parameters and the EVKP score provides an
      informative measure of kidney quality which may aid the decision to transplant
      the kidney.

PMID- 27681270
TI  - Cryptosporidium spp. Infection in Solid Organ Transplantation: The Nationwide
      "TRANSCRYPTO" Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diarrhea is a frequent complication of solid organ transplantation.
      Cryptosporidiosis is classically reported in patients with acquired
      immunodeficiency syndrome and emerged as a cause of persistent diarrhea in solid
      organ transplant patients. METHODS: Through the ANOFEL Cryptosporidium National
      Network and the French Transplantation Society, we collected all
      cryptosporidiosis cases identified in solid organ transplanted patients between
      2006 and 2010 in France. RESULTS: We reported 47 solid organ transplant
      recipients (41 kidneys) with cryptosporidiosis, mostly men (68%), with a median
      age of 52 (6-70) years old. Five patients had additional immunodepression
      favoring cryptosporidiosis (CD40 ligand deficiency [n = 1], human
      immunodeficiency virus infection [n = 4]). Cryptosporidiosis occurred at a median
      time of 3.4 (0-19.8) years posttransplant. Exposure to environmental risk factors
      was found before infection onset in 18 patients. Time between first symptoms and
      diagnosis was 10 (2-110) days. Four patients had associated extraintestinal
      location (biliary tract [n = 3] and lung [n = 1]). Thirty-five patients received
      specific therapy against cryptosporidiosis ie nitozoxanide, 25 in monotherapy,
      and 10 in association with azithromycin, 13 in association with immunosuppression
      (IS) reduction. Four patients were cured with IS treatment tapering only. The
      others patients had neither IS reduction nor specific therapy against
      cryptosporidiosis. Cryptosporidiosis was complicated by renal failure in 15
      patients. Symptoms resolved after a median of 10 days of treatment. Six patients
      relapsed and 3 died, 1 with evolutive infection. CONCLUSIONS: Cryptosporidiosis
      is a late posttransplant infection that disseminated to biliar duct or lung in 9%
      of patients. When limited to digestive tract, infection may resolve without IS
      reduction.

PMID- 27681272
TI  - Prevalence of abnormal serum liver enzymes in patients with type 2 diabetes
      mellitus: a cross-sectional study from China.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of
      elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in
      Chinese type 2 diabetic patients and identify contributing risk factors. METHODS:
      This cross-sectional study was conducted in rural areas of China, and 1,198 type
      2 diabetic patients with complete data were recruited. Elevated ALT and AST
      levels were defined as >40 U/L. Prevalence of abnormal liver enzymes was analyzed
      and multivariable analysis was used to identify independent risk factors.
      RESULTS: 10.3% and 6.1% diabetic patients had elevated ALT and elevated AST,
      respectively. The prevalence of elevated liver enzymes was gender-related; it was
      13.8% in men and 7.5% in women for elevated ALT, and 7.4% in men and 3.1% in
      women for elevated AST. High triglyceride was positively associated with both
      elevated ALT (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.08-3.01, p = 0.024) and elevated AST (OR 2.24,
      95%CI 1.08-4.65, p = 0.031), while taking anti-diabetes medicine was inversely
      related to both elevated ALT (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.29-0.80, p = 0.005) and elevated
      AST (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.17-0.82, p = 0.014). The risk of elevated ALT in diabetic
      patients increased with the presence of obesity (OR 2.54, 95% CI 1.07-6.01, p =
      0.034), and was lower in women (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.19-0.72, p = 0.003).
      Hypertension (OR 4.33, 95% CI 1.41-13.30, p = 0.011), current drinking status (OR
      2.90, 95% CI 1.21-6.96, p = 0.017) and national minority (OR 3.26, 95%CI 1.31
      8.12, p = 0.011) were risk factors for elevated AST. CONCLUSION: A relatively
      high prevalence of abnormal serum liver enzymes in diabetic patients was
      demonstrated in China, especially in males. More attention should be paid to
      preventing liver injuries in diabetic patients.

PMID- 27681271
TI  - Multiple Renal Artery Pseudoaneurysms in Patients Undergoing Renal Artery
      Embolization Following Partial Nephrectomy: Correlation with RENAL Nephrometry
      Scores.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe the incidence of multiple renal artery pseudoaneurysms (PSA)
      in patients referred for renal artery embolization following partial nephrectomy
      and to study its relationship to RENAL nephrometry scores. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      The medical records of 25 patients referred for renal artery embolization after
      partial nephrectomy were retrospectively reviewed for the following parameters:
      size and number of tumors, RENAL nephrometry scores, angiographic abnormalities,
      technical and clinical outcomes, and estimated glomerular filtration rates
      (eGFRs) after embolization. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients had primary renal
      tumors, while 1 patient had a pancreatic tumor invading the kidney. Multiple
      tumors were resected in 4 patients. Most patients (92 %) were symptomatic,
      presenting with gross hematuria, flank pain, or both. Angiography revealed PSA
      with (n = 5) or without (n = 20) AV fistulae. Sixteen patients (64 %) had
      multiple PSA involving multiple renal vessels. Higher RENAL nephrometry scores
      were associated with an increasing likelihood of multiple PSA. Multiple vessels
      were embolized in 14 patients (56 %). Clinical success was achieved after one (n
      = 22) or two (n = 3) embolization sessions in all patients. Post-embolization
      eGFR values at different time points after embolization were not significantly
      different from the post-operative eGFR. CONCLUSION: A majority of patients
      requiring renal artery embolization following partial nephrectomy have multiple
      pseudoaneurysms, often requiring selective embolization of multiple vessels.
      Higher RENAL nephrometry score is associated with an increasing likelihood of
      multiple pseudoaneurysms. We found transarterial embolization to be a safe and
      effective treatment option with no long-term adverse effect on renal function in
      all but one patient with a solitary kidney.

PMID- 27681273
TI  - Renal insufficiency and left main coronary artery disease: reconsidering coronary
      intervention and bypass surgery.

PMID- 27681274
TI  - Nail Changes of Systemic Amyloidosis After Bone-Marrow Transplantation in a
      Patient With Multiple Myeloma.

PMID- 27681276
TI  - The use of transillumination as a rational approach to sclerotherapy and
      endovascular laser ablation of varices. Results in the use of an original
      instrument.
AB  - AIM: To explain the mode of using and the obtained results during EVLA procedures
      and sclerotherapies with support of Visioven(r), a laser transillumination
      instrument. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 205 patients suffering from Chronic Venous
      Insufficiency - CEAP-C stage 1-2 enrolled (103 females and 102 males) and divided
      into two groups. A Group: patients candidate for sclerotherapy; B Group: patients
      to be subjected to endovascular laser ablation (EVLA). In both groups patients
      were divided into two sub-groups on the basis of the use of Visioven(r) or not
      during the procedure. The analyzed outcome variables were the total number of
      cannulations necessary to treat a whole limb, and the total procedure time.
      RESULTS: There is a statistically significant difference between the sub-groups
      in which Visioven(r) was used and the ones in which the procedure has been
      performed without using of any tools. Both in the sclerotherapy group than in the
      EVLA one, there is not a statistically significant difference for the time
      required to complete the procedures carried out with Visioven(r) compared with
      the ones performed without the use of any transillumination. DISCUSSION: Complete
      closure of the vein was highlighted. Total number of cannulations in
      sclerotherapy and EVLA procedures was reduced, as a consequence of a "smart" and
      "targeted" treatment achieved with Visioven(r) CONCLUSION: The VISIOVEN(r) system
      leads to have a more rational approach to sclerotherapy or Laser Ablation of
      teleangectasias and reticular veins as we can immediately verify the
      effectiveness of the treatment and adapting it to the desired effects. KEY WORDS:
      Chronic Vein Insufficiency, EVLA, EVLT, Laser, Varicose vein.

PMID- 27681275
TI  - A methodology for assessing public health risk associated with groundwater
      nitrate contamination: a case study in an agricultural setting (southern Spain).
AB  - Groundwater nitrate contamination from agriculture is of paramount environmental
      interest. A continuous consumption of polluted water as drinking water or for
      culinary purposes is by no means a minor hazard for people's health that must be
      studied. This research presents a new methodology for the spatial analysis of
      health risk rate from intake of nitrate-polluted groundwater. The method is
      illustrated through its application to a water quality sampling campaign
      performed in the south of Spain in 2003. The probability risk model used by the
      US Environmental Protection Agency has been applied, considering a residential
      intake framework and three representative population age groups (10, 40 and 65
      years).The method was based upon coupling Monte Carlo simulations and
      geostatistics, which allowed mapping of the health risk coefficient (RC). The
      maps obtained were interpreted in the framework of water resources management and
      user's health protection (municipalities). The results showed waterborne health
      risk caused by nitrate-polluted water is moderately low for the region. The
      observed risk was larger for the elderly and children, although no significant
      differences were found among the three age groups (RC average values of 95th
      percentile for age of 0.37, 0.33 and 0.37, respectively). Significant risk values
      of RC > 1 were obtained for 10 % of the surface in the NW site of the study area,
      where the municipalities with the highest contamination thresholds are located
      (agricultural activity). Nitrate concentration and intake rate stood out as the
      main explanatory variables of the RC.

PMID- 27681279
TI  - Building a sustainable future for eLife.
AB  - To support the long-term growth of eLife we are going to introduce a publication
      fee of $2500.

PMID- 27681277
TI  - Molecular and Biochemical Examination of Spraing Disease in Potato Tuber in
      Response to Tobacco rattle virus Infection.
AB  - Field-grown tubers of potato were examined for infection by Tobacco rattle virus
      (TRV) and consequent production of corky ringspot or spraing symptoms. A
      microarray study identified genes that are differentially expressed in tuber
      tissue in response to TRV infection and to spraing production, suggesting that
      hypersensitive response (HR) pathways are activated in spraing-symptomatic
      tubers. This was confirmed by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain
      reaction (qRT-PCR) of a selected group of HR-related genes and by histochemical
      staining of excised tuber tissue with spraing symptoms. qRT-PCR of TRV in
      different regions of the same tuber slice showed that nonsymptomatic areas
      contained higher levels of virus relative to spraing-symptomatic areas. This
      suggests that spraing formation is associated with an active plant defense that
      reduces the level of virus in the infected tuber. Expression of two of the same
      plant defense genes was similarly upregulated in tubers that were infected with
      Potato mop-top virus, a virus that also induces spraing formation.

PMID- 27681278
TI  - Diffusion Tractography of the Entire Left Ventricle by Using Free-breathing
      Accelerated Simultaneous Multisection Imaging.
AB  - Purpose To develop a clinically feasible whole-heart free-breathing diffusion
      tensor (DT) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging approach with an imaging time of
      approximately 15 minutes to enable three-dimensional (3D) tractography. Materials
      and Methods The study was compliant with HIPAA and the institutional review board
      and required written consent from the participants. DT imaging was performed in
      seven healthy volunteers and three patients with pulmonary hypertension by using
      a stimulated echo sequence. Twelve contiguous short-axis sections and six four
      chamber sections that covered the entire left ventricle were acquired by using
      simultaneous multisection (SMS) excitation with a blipped-controlled aliasing in
      parallel imaging readout. Rate 2 and rate 3 SMS excitation was defined as two and
      three times accelerated in the section axis, respectively. Breath-hold and free
      breathing images with and without SMS acceleration were acquired. Diffusion
      encoding directions were acquired sequentially, spatiotemporally registered, and
      retrospectively selected by using an entropy-based approach. Myofiber helix
      angle, mean diffusivity, fractional anisotropy, and 3D tractograms were analyzed
      by using paired t tests and analysis of variance. Results No significant
      differences (P > .63) were seen between breath-hold rate 3 SMS and free-breathing
      rate 2 SMS excitation in transmural myofiber helix angle, mean diffusivity (mean
      +/- standard deviation, [0.89 +/- 0.09] * 10-3 mm2/sec vs [0.9 +/- 0.09] * 10-3
      mm2/sec), or fractional anisotropy (0.43 +/- 0.05 vs 0.42 +/- 0.06). Three
      dimensional tractograms of the left ventricle with no SMS and rate 2 and rate 3
      SMS excitation were qualitatively similar. Conclusion Free-breathing DT imaging
      of the entire human heart can be performed in approximately 15 minutes without
      section gaps by using SMS excitation with a blipped-controlled aliasing in
      parallel imaging readout, followed by spatiotemporal registration and entropy
      based retrospective image selection. This method may lead to clinical translation
      of whole-heart DT imaging, enabling broad application in patients with cardiac
      disease. (c) RSNA, 2016 Online supplemental material is available for this
      article.

PMID- 27681280
TI  - Work environments for healthy and motivated public health nurses.
AB  - Objectives By defining health as mental health and productivity and performance
      as work motivation, the study aimed to identify work environments that promote
      the health and motivation of public health nurses, using the concept of a healthy
      work organizations, which encompasses the coexistence of excellent health for
      each worker and the productivity and performance of the organization.Methods Self
      administered questionnaires were sent to 363 public health nurses in 41 municipal
      public health departments in Chiba prefecture. The questions were comprised of
      the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) for mental health and the
      Morale Measurement Scale (5 items) for work motivation. Demographic data,
      workplace attributes, workload, and workplace environment were set as independent
      variables. The Comfortable Workplace Survey (35 items in 7 areas) was used to
      assess workers' general work environments. The "Work Environment for Public
      Health Nurses" scale (25 items) was developed to assess the specific situations
      of public health nurses. While aggregation was carried out area by area for the
      general work environment, factor analysis and factor-by-factor aggregation were
      used for public health nurse-specific work environments. Mental health and work
      motivation results were divided in two based on the total scores, which were then
      evaluated by t-tests and chi(2) tests. Items that showed a significant
      correlation were analyzed using logistic regression.Results The valid responses
      of 215 participants were analyzed (response rate: 59.2%). For the general work
      environment, high scores (the higher the score, the better the situation) were
      obtained for "contributions to society" and "human relationships" and low scores
      were obtained for "career building and human resource development." For public
      health nurse-specific work environments, high scores were obtained for "peer
      support," while low scores were obtained for "easy access to advice and training"
      and "organizational public health initiative." Mental health was found to be
      related to "contributions to society" (OR=2.86), "workload" (OR=3.00), and
      "organizational public health initiative" (OR=2.08). Work motivation was found to
      be related to "contributions to society" (OR=6.73) and "recognition of public
      health nurse's judgment and opinion" (OR=1.59).Conclusion Both mental health and
      work motivation were related to working environments where public health nurses
      can feel that their work is meaningful to society. It is therefore necessary to
      improve work environments so that objectives are clearly defined to raise
      aspirations and nurses' activities and achievements are recognized and shared.

PMID- 27681282
TI  - A survey on the end-of-life care provided by medical and welfare professionals in
      a depopulated area.

PMID- 27681281
TI  - Efforts to accelerate deinstitutionalization of the public health center in a
      revised Law related to Mental Health and Welfare of the Persons with Mental
      Disorders.

PMID- 27681283
TI  - Awareness and health consciousness regarding the national health plan "Health
      Japan 21" (2nd edition) among the Japanese population in 2013 and 2014.
AB  - Objectives To examine the prevalence of health consciousness regarding "Health
      Japan 21" (2nd edition) among the Japanese population, we conducted a telephone
      survey of a sample extracted randomly from the whole nation in 2013 and
      2014.Methods We extracted 1800 men and women with 150 persons for each gender and
      10-year age group (6 age groups ranging from 20 years to 70 years and older)
      using Random Digital Dialing sampling. Each participant was asked about 1)
      recognition of the following items: "Health Japan 21," "healthy life expectancy,"
      "metabolic syndrome (MetS)," "chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),"
      "locomotive syndrome," "Active Guide," "WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco
      Control," and "Smart Life Project" and 2) health consciousness toward the
      following: "health examination taken within the past one year," "smoking status,"
      and "the amount of vegetables considered desirable to consume per day for
      health." We performed simple tabulation of the collected answers and cross
      tabulation by sex and age groups, respectively. For each question about
      recognition, we categorized "I know the name and meaning" and "I know the name
      but not the meaning" as "awareness." We compared data between 2013 and 2014,
      sexes, and age groups, using chi-squared test.Results In 2013, the top 5 items
      with high awareness were "MetS" (96.2%), "COPD" (51.1%), "healthy life
      expectancy" (34.2%), "locomotive syndrome" (30.2%), and "WHO Framework Convention
      on Tobacco Control" (28.0%). Moreover, awareness of "healthy life expectancy,"
      "locomotive syndrome," and "Active Guide" were significantly higher in 2014 than
      in 2013. Meanwhile, the proportion of participants who correctly chose "350
      grams" as "the desirable amount of vegetables to consume per day" was 41.6% in
      2013 and became significantly higher at 50.1% in 2014. In 2013, awareness of
      "healthy life expectancy," "COPD," and "locomotive syndrome" and the proportion
      of correct answers for "the desirable amount of vegetables to consume per day"
      were significantly higher among women than among men. In 2013, there were
      significant differences among age groups in awareness of "MetS," "COPD," "healthy
      life expectancy," and "locomotive syndrome" and the proportion of correct answers
      for "the desirable amount of vegetables to consume per day."Conclusion Awareness
      of "healthy life expectancy," "locomotive syndrome," and health consciousness of
      "the desirable amount of vegetables to consume per day" were significantly higher
      in 2014 than in 2013. There were discrepancies on respective items among both
      sexes and age groups. Therefore, interventions for groups with lower awareness or
      health consciousness may be required.

PMID- 27681285
TI  - Commentary: Diagnostic devices in clinical trials have high stakes for patient
      care.

PMID- 27681284
TI  - The extent of dissociation in borderline personality disorder: A meta-analytic
      review.
AB  - Several authors have studied dissociation within the borderline personality
      disorder (BPD) population and postulated 3 dissociative subgroups. Conversely,
      other authors suggest that dissociation may play a central role in the
      development of trauma-related disorders and specifically in BPD. Nevertheless,
      the role of dissociation in BPD seems to be controversial. Our aim is to perform
      a meta-analytic review of the literature to evaluate the extent of dissociation
      in BPD compared to other psychopathological disorders to clarify its role in this
      specific condition. Ten eligible studies resulted in a total of 2,035 subjects.
      Results show that levels of dissociation are higher in BPD than in other
      psychiatric disorders in general, although this difference is moderate and the
      heterogeneity of effect sizes is large. In particular, individuals with BPD seem
      to show higher levels of dissociation than those with several psychiatric and
      personality disorders but not dissociative disorders or posttraumatic stress
      disorder. These findings support the fact that dissociation is not specifically a
      core feature of BPD and, in addition, sustain the existence of a continuum of
      severity within the psychiatric population. Nevertheless, the current work has
      several limitations related to the paucity of studies included, the heterogeneity
      of control groups, their clear definition, and the statistical robustness of the
      results. In addition, our conclusions require future research in order to explain
      the role of different forms of dissociation and their etiological factors among
      the psychiatric population. Eventually, we invite clinicians and researchers to
      systematically evaluate dissociation in order to reach a better diagnosis for a
      more specific treatment indication.

PMID- 27681286
TI  - Legible ledgers.

PMID- 27681287
TI  - A saltationist theory of cancer evolution.
AB  - A new study based on single-nucleus sequencing reports that triple-negative
      breast cancers acquire copy number aberrations in short punctuated bursts in the
      earliest stages of tumor evolution, rather than continuously and gradually,
      challenging prevailing models of tumor evolution.

PMID- 27681288
TI  - How the codfish changed its immune system.
AB  - A common ancestor of the modern codfish acquired a set of mutations that
      eliminated a major arm of the adaptive immune system-the MHC II pathway of
      antigen presentation to CD4(+) T cells. Subsequent to this event, there was a
      radiation of these fish in which the number and diversity of MHC I genes
      increased in species-specific ways.

PMID- 27681289
TI  - Nucleosome mapping in plasma DNA predicts cancer gene expression.
AB  - A new study demonstrates that genomic sequencing coverage of plasma DNA fragments
      around transcription start sites reflects the expression levels of genes in
      corresponding tumors. This approach may enable noninvasive monitoring of
      treatment-induced changes in gene expression for patients with cancer.

PMID- 27681290
TI  - Corrigendum: Parallel evolution of male germline epigenetic poising and somatic
      development in animals.

PMID- 27681291
TI  - Corrigendum: Stromal contribution to the colorectal cancer transcriptome.

PMID- 27681293
TI  - Erratum: Detection and interpretation of shared genetic influences on 42 human
      traits.

PMID- 27681294
TI  - Eotaxin Augments Calcification in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells.
AB  - Calcification of atherosclerotic plaques in elderly patients represents a potent
      risk marker of cardiovascular events. Plasma analyses of patients with or without
      calcified plaques reveal significant differences in chemokines, particularly
      eotaxin, which escalates with increased calcification. We therefore, hypothesize
      that eotaxin in circulation augments calcification of vascular smooth muscle
      cells (VSMCs) possibly via oxidative stress in the vasculature. We observe that
      eotaxin increases the rate of calcification significantly in VSMCs as evidenced
      by increased alkaline phosphatase activity, calcium deposition, and osteogenic
      marker expression. In addition, eotaxin promotes proliferation in VSMCs and
      triggers oxidative stress in a NADPH oxidase dependent manner. These primary
      novel observations support our proposition that in the vasculature eotaxin
      augments mineralization. Our findings suggest that eotaxin may represent a
      potential therapeutic target for prevention of cardiovascular complications in
      the elderly. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 647-654, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals,
      Inc.

PMID- 27681295
TI  - Comparison of essential oils from Cistus species growing in Sardinia.
AB  - Cistus genus is present in Sardinia with large populations of C. monspeliensis,
      C. salvifolius, C. creticus subsp. eriocephalus and few stations of C. albidus,
      C. creticus subsp. creticus and C. creticus subsp. corsicus. No chemical studies
      are currently being carried on Cistus species of Sardinia. The essential oils
      have shown six different profiles. C. creticus subsp. eriocephalus showed a high
      amount of manoyl oxide and its isomer (70%). C. salvifolius has pointed out the
      group of labdans, (20%); another consistent percentage is made of perfumed
      molecules as ionone and its derivate. Several linear hydrocarbons were produced
      by C. monspeliensis, and the heneicosane was the most represented element. In C.
      albidus no labdane-type diterpenes were identified. Analysis of C. creticus subsp
      creticus revealed several oxygenated sesquiterpenes and labdane-type diterpenes,
      especially manoyl oxide. C. creticus subsp. corsicus was qualitatively very
      similar to C. creticus subsp. creticus, notably concerning the labdane-type
      compounds.

PMID- 27681292
TI  - Corrigendum: Meta-analysis of 375,000 individuals identifies 38 susceptibility
      loci for migraine.

PMID- 27681296
TI  - Homer1a attenuates glutamate-induced oxidative injury in HT-22 cells through
      regulation of store-operated calcium entry.
AB  - Calcium disequilibrium is extensively involved in oxidative stress-induced
      neuronal injury. Although Homer1a is known to regulate several neuronal calcium
      pathways, its effects on, or its exact relationship with, oxidative stress
      induced neuronal injury has not yet been fully elucidated. We found that Homer1a
      protected HT-22 cells from glutamate-induced oxidative stress injury by
      inhibiting final-phase intracellular calcium overload and mitochondrial oxidative
      stress. In these cells, stromal interactive molecule 1 (STIM1) puncta, but not
      the protein level, was significantly increased after glutamate treatment. Store
      operated calcium entry (SOCE) inhibitors and cells in which a key component of
      SOCE (STIM1) was knocked out were used as glutamate-induced oxidative stress
      injury models. Both models demonstrated significant improvement of HT-22 cell
      survival after glutamate treatment. Additionally, increased Homer1a protein
      levels significantly inhibited SOCE and decreased the association of STIM1-Orai1
      triggered by glutamate. These results suggest that up-regulation of Homer1a can
      protect HT-22 cells from glutamate-induced oxidative injury by disrupting the
      STIM1-Oria1 association, and then by inhibiting the SOCE-mediated final-phrase
      calcium overload. Thus, regulation of Homer1a, either alone or in conjunction
      with SOCE inhibition, may serve as key therapeutic interventional targets for
      neurological diseases in which oxidative stress is involved in the etiology or
      progression of the disease.

PMID- 27681297
TI  - Clinical outcome of endoscopic covered metal stenting for resolution of benign
      biliary stricture: Systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Management of benign biliary stricture is challenging.
      Endoscopic therapy has evolved as the first-line treatment for various benign
      biliary strictures. However, covered self-expandable metal stents (CSEMS) have
      not been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the
      treatment of benign biliary stricture. With this goal, we conducted the present
      systemic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of
      endoscopic stenting with CSEMS in the treatment of benign biliary stricture.
      METHODS: Systematic review and meta-analysis by searching PubMed, MEDLINE and
      Embase databases. RESULTS: In total, 37 studies (1677 patients) fulfilled the
      inclusion criteria. Pooled stricture resolutions were achieved in 83% of cases.
      Median stent dwelling time was 4.4 months, with median endoscopic retrograde
      cholangiopancreatography sessions of 2.0. Stricture recurrence at 4-year follow
      up was 11% (95% CI, 8-14%). Pooled complication rate was 23% (95% CI, 20-26%).
      CONCLUSIONS: Placement of CSEMS is effective in the treatment of benign biliary
      stricture with relatively short stenting duration and low long-term stricture
      recurrence rate. However, more prospectively randomized studies are required to
      confirm the results.

PMID- 27681299
TI  - Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Nociceptive Activities of Native and Modified Hen Egg
      White Lysozyme.
AB  - Persistent inflammatory conditions can have severe pathological consequences.
      Although the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is effective,
      it has side effects, particularly at the gastrointestinal level. There is then a
      high interest to identify natural anti-inflammatory compounds with no side
      effects. The anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities of hen egg
      lysozyme (LZ), both in its native form and modified by heat treatment, chemically
      or by enzymatic digestion have been tested in this study. The carrageenan-induced
      model in mice using native LZ or modified LZ has been applied. It was observed
      that LZ denatured by heat treatment at pH 6.0 presented 39.47% of inhibition of
      paw edema when administered at 30 mg/kg. LZ denatured with DL-dithiothreitol
      (DTT) presented a significant result of 42.10% inhibition of paw edema when
      administered at 30 mg/kg of animal weight. Modified LZ showed anti-inflammatory
      capacity comparable with the activity of the positive control dexamethasone. A
      classical model of acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing tests in mice was used
      to assess anti-nociceptive activity of native LZ and denatured heat treatment LZ
      and denatured chemical agent LZ. Finally, hydrolyzed native LZ presented 48% of
      inhibition of abdominal writhing in mice. Modified LZ with heat, chemical, and
      hydrolysis presented anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities
      independently of their natural enzymatic activity. These novel data point out the
      potential use of denatured and digested LZ as therapeutic agents and offer
      alternatives to the use of NSAIDs. LZ can be a natural source of anti
      inflammatory and anti-nociceptive agents.

PMID- 27681300
TI  - Colonization and diversification of the Euphorbia species (sect. Aphyllis
      subsect. Macaronesicae) on the Canary Islands.
AB  - Diversification between islands and ecological radiation within islands are
      postulated to have occurred in the Euphorbia species (sect. Aphyllis subsect.
      Macaronesicae) on the Canary Islands. In this study, the biogeographical pattern
      of 11 species of subsect. Macaronesicae and the genetic differentiation among
      five species were investigated to distinguish the potential mode and mechanism of
      diversification and speciation. The biogeographical patterns and genetic
      structure were examined using statistical dispersal-vicariance analysis, Bayesian
      phylogenetic analysis, reduced median-joining haplotype network analysis, and
      discriminant analysis of principal components. The gene flow between related
      species was evaluated with an isolation-with-migration model. The ancestral range
      of the species of subsect. Macaronesicae was inferred to be Tenerife and the Cape
      Verde Islands, and Tenerife-La Gomera acted as sources of diversity to other
      islands of the Canary Islands. Inter-island colonization of E. lamarckii among
      the western islands and a colonization of E. regis-jubae from Gran Canaria to
      northern Africa were revealed. Both diversification between islands and radiation
      within islands have been revealed in the Euphorbia species (sect. Aphyllis
      subsect. Macaronesicae) of the Canary Islands. It was clear that this group began
      the speciation process in Tenerife-La Gomera, and this process occurred with gene
      flow between some related species.

PMID- 27681301
TI  - Selling conscience short: a response to Schuklenk and Smalling on conscientious
      objections by medical professionals.
AB  - In a thought-provoking paper, Schuklenk and Smalling argue that no right to
      conscientious objection should be granted to medical professionals. First, they
      hold that it is impossible to assess either the truth of conscience-based claims
      or the sincerity of the objectors. Second, even a fettered right to conscientious
      refusal inevitably has adverse effects on the rights of patients. We argue that
      the main problem with their position is that it is not derived from a broader
      reflection on the meaning and implications of freedom of conscience and
      reasonable accommodation. We point out that they collapse two related but
      distinct questions, that is, the subjective conception of freedom of conscience
      and the sincerity test. We note that they do not successfully show that the
      standard norm according to which exemption claims should not impose undue
      hardship on others is unworkable. We suggest that the main reason why arguments
      such as no one is forced to be a medical professional are flawed is that public
      norms should not constrain citizens to choose between two of their basic rights
      unless it is necessary. In fine, Schuklenk and Smalling, who see conscience
      claims as arbitrary dislikes, sell freedom of conscience short and forego any
      attempts at balancing the competing rights involved. We maintain the authors
      neglect that most of legal reasoning is contextual and that the blanket
      restriction of healthcare professionals' freedom of conscience is
      disproportionate.

PMID- 27681302
TI  - Reasons, reasonability and establishing conscientious objector status in
      medicine.
AB  - This paper builds upon previous work in which I argue that we should assess a
      provider's reasons for his or her objection before granting a conscientious
      exemption. For instance, if the medical professional's reasoned basis involves an
      empirical mistake, an accommodation is not warranted. This article poses and
      begins to address several deep questions about the workings of what I call a
      reason-giving view: What standard should we use to assess reasons? What policy
      should we adopt in order to evaluate the reasons offered by medical practitioners
      in support of their objections? I argue for a reasonability standard to perform
      the essential function of assessing reasons, and I offer considerations in
      support of a policy establishing conscientious objector status in medicine.

PMID- 27681304
TI  - Modeling the Transfer of Salmonella Enteritidis during Slicing of Ready-to-Eat
      Turkey Products Treated with Thyme Essential Oil.
AB  - The increased demand for low-sodium ready-to-eat (RTE) meat products highlights
      the need for new strategies to ensure food safety. The application of essential
      oils (EOs) as natural antimicrobials in the meat industry has been suggested to
      prevent or control cross-contamination during meat processing operations. This
      work aims to quantify and model the transfer of Salmonella Enteritidis during the
      slicing procedure of RTE turkey products treated with thyme essential oil (TEO)
      at a concentration of 0.1% (v/w). Two products were subjected to the slicing
      procedure with slicer blades inoculated with S. Enteritidis at 108 cfu/mL. The
      Weibull and modified Weibull predictive models were fitted to the transfer data.
      Twenty slices were sampled and showed positive with bacteria, indicating cross
      contamination. The number of cells transferred per slice decreased
      logarithmically during the assays. The transfer models, based on the Weibull
      model, were suitable to describe the bacterial transfer trend on slices in most
      cases. TEO treatment reduced the transfer of Salmonella on a preservative free
      RTE turkey product. The predictive models obtained in this study can help food
      quality staff and managers on the design and assessment of processes to guard RTE
      turkey products against Salmonella. This work supports the addition of EOs to
      reduce microbial risk in RTE meat products.

PMID- 27681303
TI  - Dental caries and risk indicators for patients with leprosy in China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In leprosy, oral health is often neglected and poorly understood.
      This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and risk indicators of dental caries
      in patients with leprosy in China. METHODS: This cross-sectional, multicentre
      study included 613 patients with leprosy and 602 control subjects. Based on the
      established standards of the World Health Organization, we investigated dental
      caries in cluster samplings from six so-called 'leprosy villages' in three
      Chinese provinces. Clinical oral examinations were performed and data were
      reported as decayed (D), missing (M) and filled (F) teeth (DMFT scores). RESULTS:
      The average DMFT scores were 10.39 in patients with leprosy (D = 4.43; M = 5.94;
      and F = 0.02) and 4.39 in control individuals (D = 2.29; M = 2.02; F = 0.08). The
      DMFT scores were statistically significantly different in patients with different
      ages, educational backgrounds and daily brushing frequency (P < 0.05). High DMFT
      scores were related to age, low educational levels and poor toothbrushing habits.
      CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that patients with leprosy have a high
      prevalence of severe dental caries. Effective therapy and oral health education
      should be enhanced for this group of patients.

PMID- 27681305
TI  - BRAF-V600E expression correlates with ameloblastoma aggressiveness.
AB  - AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate whether the expression of BRAF
      V600E determines an aggressive clinical and molecular presentation of
      ameloblastoma. METHODS AND RESULTS: Ninety-three cases of solid ameloblastomas
      were arranged in a 1.0-mm tissue microarray (TMA) block. Immunohistochemistry
      against a large panel of cytokeratins (CK), epidermal growth factor receptor
      (EGFR), parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP), syndecan-1, Ki67, p53 and
      BRAF-V600E were performed. Clinicopathological parameters, including sex, age,
      tumour size, tumour duration, tumour location, treatment, recurrences,
      radiographic pattern, vestibular/lingual and basal cortical plates disruption and
      follow-up data, were obtained from patients' medical records. Immunoexpression of
      BRAF-V600E was investigated in 73 cases that remained available in TMA sections.
      Our results indicated that 46.6% (34 cases) demonstrated cytoplasm positivity
      (six weak and 28 strong positivity). BRAF-V600E expression was associated
      significantly with the expression of CK8 (P = 0.00077), CK16 (P = 0.05), PTHrP (P
      = 0.0082) and p53 (P = 0.0087). Additionally, a significant association was seen
      with the presence of recurrences (P = 0.0008), multilocular radiographic
      appearance (P = 0.044) and disruption of basal bone cortical (P = 0.05).
      Univariate analysis showed that BRAF-positive cases (P = 0.001), EGFR
      negative/weak positive cases (P = 0.03) and multilocular tumours (P = 0.04) had a
      significantly lower disease-free survival rate, but these parameters were not
      considered independent prognostic factors in the multivariate analysis (P >
      0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest an association of BRAF-V600E with
      parameters of a more aggressive behaviour of ameloblastoma, supporting the future
      use of BRAF inhibitors for targeted therapy of this neoplasm.

PMID- 27681306
TI  - Recording duration and short-term reproducibility of heart rate and QT interval
      variability in patients with myocardial infarction.
AB  - Beat-to-beat variability of the QT interval (QTV) measured on surface ECG has
      emerged as a potential marker for ventricular repolarization instability and has
      been used along with heart rate variability (HRV) to predict arrhythmic risk.
      Since measurement modalities of QTV have not been standardized, the objective of
      this study was to investigate the effect of ECG recording duration on QTV as well
      as HRV. Using a database of 30 min ECG recorded from 500 patients with acute
      myocardial infraction during rest, we extracted RR and QT interval time series
      and estimated different HRV and QTV metrics over windows of varying length.
      Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and intra-class correlation analyses were computed
      to investigate the effect of recording length on consistency and short-term
      reproducibility of HRV and QTV variables. Good consistency (non-significant ANOVA
      results) and short-term reproducibility (intra-class correlation coefficients 
      >0.8) were demonstrated for all but standard deviation based metrics when at
      least 200 beats were included in the estimation. In conclusion, QTV can be
      quantified from resting ECG with good short-term consistency and reproducibility
      that is comparable to that of HRV.

PMID- 27681308
TI  - A Case of Acquired Gilbert's Syndrome.

PMID- 27681309
TI  - Personal Finance for Pediatric Trainees.

PMID- 27681307
TI  - Uniparental disomy causes deficiencies of vitamin K-dependent proteins.
AB  - : Essentials Vitamin K-dependent coagulant factor deficiency (VKCFD) is a rare
      autosomal recessive disorder. We describe a case of inherited VKCFD due to
      uniparental disomy. The homozygous mutation caused the absence of GGCX isoform 1
      and overexpression of Delta2GGCX. Hepatic and non-hepatic vitamin K-dependent
      proteins must be assayed to monitor VKCFD treatment. SUMMARY: Background
      Inherited deficiency of all vitamin K-dependent coagulant factors (VKCFD) is a
      rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the gamma-glutamyl
      carboxylase gene (GGCX) or the vitamin K epoxide reductase gene (VKORC1), with
      great heterogeneity in terms of both clinical presentation and response to
      treatment. Objective To characterize the molecular basis of VKCFD in a Spanish
      family. Methods and Results Sequencing of candidate genes, comparative genomic
      hybridization and massive sequencing identified a new mechanism causing VKCFD in
      the proband. Uniparental disomy (UPD) of chromosome 2 caused homozygosity of a
      mutation (c.44-1G>A) resulting in aberrant GGCX splicing. This change contributed
      to absent expression of the mRNA coding for the full-length protein, and to four
      fold overexpression of the smaller mRNA isoform lacking exon 2 (Delta2GGCX).
      Delta2GGCX might be responsible for two unexpected clinical observations in the
      patient: (i) increased plasma osteocalcin levels following vitamin K1
      supplementation; and (ii) a mild non-bleeding phenotype. Conclusions Our study
      identifies a new autosomal disease, VKCFD1, caused by UPD. These data suggest
      that the Delta2GGCX isoform may retain enzymatic activity, and strongly encourage
      the evaluation of both hepatic and non-hepatic vitamin K-dependent proteins to
      assess differing responses to vitamin K supplementation in VKCFD patients.

PMID- 27681310
TI  - Pediatric-Informed Facilitation of Patient-Centered Medical Home Transformation.
AB  - Patient-centered medical home (PCMH) transformation has been challenging for
      pediatric practices, in part because of the National Committee for Quality
      Assurance (NCQA) PCMH focus on conditions and processes specific to adult
      patients. Realizing the potential challenges faced by pediatric practices,
      Vermont supported pediatric-informed facilitators to help practices during PCMH
      transformation. This study characterizes the impact of pediatric-informed
      facilitators; provides benchmark data on NCQA scores, number of facilitation
      meetings, and the time between facilitation start and end; and compares pediatric
      and adult-serving practices. We found no difference between pediatric and
      matched adult-serving practices in NCQA score, number of facilitation meetings,
      or weeks to NCQA scoring. These results suggest that pediatric-informed
      facilitators can help pediatric practices achieve NCQA PCMH recognition on par
      with practices serving adult patients. Supporting primary care practices with
      specialty-informed facilitators can assist integration into health care reform
      efforts.

PMID- 27681311
TI  - Short-term treatment of equine wounds with orf virus IL-10 and VEGF-E dampens
      inflammation and promotes repair processes without accelerating closure.
AB  - Healing is delayed in limb wounds relative to body wounds of horses, partly
      because of sustained inflammation and inefficient angiogenesis. In laboratory
      animals, proteins derived from orf virus modulate these processes and enhance
      healing. We aimed to compare immune cell trafficking and the inflammatory,
      vascular, and epidermal responses in body and limb wounds of horses and then to
      investigate the impact of orf virus interleukin-10 and vascular endothelial
      growth factor-E on these processes. Standardized excisional wounds were created
      on the body and forelimb of horses and their progression monitored
      macroscopically until healed. Tissue samples were harvested to measure the
      expression of genes regulating inflammation and repair (quantitative polymerase
      chain reaction) and to observe epithelialization (histology), innate immune cell
      infiltration, and angiogenesis (immunofluorescence). Delayed healing of limb
      wounds was characterized by intensified and extended pro-inflammatory signaling
      and exacerbated innate immune response, concomitant with the absence of anti
      inflammatory eIL-10. Blood vessels were initially more permeable and then matured
      belatedly, concomitant with retarded production of angiogenic factors. Epithelial
      coverage was achieved belatedly in limb wounds. Viral proteins were administered
      to wounds of one body and one limb site/horse at days 1-3, while wounds at
      matching sites served as controls. Treatment dampened pro-inflammatory gene
      expression and the innate immune response in all wounds. It also improved
      angiogenic gene expression, but primarily in body wounds, where it altered blood
      vessel density and myofibroblast persistence. Moreover, the viral proteins
      increased epithelialization of all wounds. The short-term viral protein therapy
      did not, however, improve the healing rate of wounds in either location, likely
      due to suboptimal dosing. In conclusion, we have further detailed the processes
      contributing to protracted healing in limb wounds of horses and shown that short
      term administration of viral proteins exerts several promising though transient
      effects that, if optimized, may positively influence healing.

PMID- 27681314
TI  - A spouse's perspective on life with aphasia.
AB  - The author describes the effect of her husband's stroke and aphasia on her life.
      She writes of the myriad adjustments that are made in everyday life, developing
      coping skills, seeking out information and educating herself about aphasia, and
      establishing support networks, among other responses.

PMID- 27681313
TI  - Formation of droplet interface bilayers in a Teflon tube.
AB  - Droplet-interface bilayers (DIBs) have applications in disciplines ranging from
      biology to computing. We present a method for forming them manually using a
      Teflon tube attached to a syringe pump; this method is simple enough it should be
      accessible to those without expertise in microfluidics. It exploits the
      properties of interfaces between three immiscible liquids, and uses fluid flow
      through the tube to pack together drops coated with lipid monolayers to create
      bilayers at points of contact. It is used to create functional nanopores in DIBs
      composed of phosphocholine using the protein alpha-hemolysin (alphaHL), to
      demonstrate osmotically-driven mass transfer of fluid across surfactant-based
      DIBs, and to create arrays of DIBs. The approach is scalable, and thousands of
      DIBs can be prepared using a robot in one hour; therefore, it is feasible to use
      it for high throughput applications.

PMID- 27681315
TI  - The impact of aphasia on the patient and family in the first year poststroke.
AB  - This article reports a study that addressed coping strategies and possible
      related factors in 58 patients with aphasia and their relatives in the first year
      poststroke. Coping strategies, psychosocial changes, expectations of psychosocial
      adjustment, illness-related causal attributions, control beliefs, and activities
      of daily living were investigated in a longitudinal study. The data show that
      subjects with aphasia and their relatives experience significantly more severe
      professional and social changes than do subjects without aphasia and their
      families. Aphasia, however, seems to have no substantial effect on coping
      strategies, expectancies of adjustment, causal and control attributions, or
      activities of daily living as measured by the Barthel Index.

PMID- 27681316
TI  - Adaptation to stroke: Comparison of spouses of stroke survivors with and without
      aphasia.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to compare adaptation to a partner's stroke in
      spouses of aphasic stroke survivors (SASS) and spouses of nonaphasic stroke
      survivors (SNASS) over time. Cognitive appraisal of the impact of stroke,
      difficult adaptive tasks, and depression were examined in 15 SASS and 20 SNASS.
      Data were collected prior to discharge from rehabilitation and at 6 to 10 weeks
      and 1 year postdischarge. For the entire group, depression scores decreased
      significantly (p < .05) over time. The reduction in depression was equivalent in
      both groups. Differences and similarities in patterns of change in appraisal of
      stroke and in adaptive tasks are discussed.

PMID- 27681312
TI  - FoxO1 in dopaminergic neurons regulates energy homeostasis and targets tyrosine
      hydroxylase.
AB  - Dopaminergic (DA) neurons are involved in the integration of neuronal and
      hormonal signals to regulate food consumption and energy balance. Forkhead
      transcriptional factor O1 (FoxO1) in the hypothalamus plays a crucial role in
      mediation of leptin and insulin function. However, the homoeostatic role of FoxO1
      in DA system has not been investigated. Here we report that FoxO1 is highly
      expressed in DA neurons and mice lacking FoxO1 specifically in the DA neurons
      (FoxO1 KODAT) show markedly increased energy expenditure and interscapular brown
      adipose tissue (iBAT) thermogenesis accompanied by reduced fat mass and improved
      glucose/insulin homoeostasis. Moreover, FoxO1 KODAT mice exhibit an increased
      sucrose preference in concomitance with higher dopamine and norepinephrine
      levels. Finally, we found that FoxO1 directly targets and negatively regulates
      tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression, the rate-limiting enzyme of the
      catecholamine synthesis, delineating a mechanism for the KO phenotypes.
      Collectively, these results suggest that FoxO1 in DA neurons is an important
      transcriptional factor that directs the coordinated control of energy balance,
      thermogenesis and glucose homoeostasis.

PMID- 27681317
TI  - Family perspectives from three aphasia centers in Ontario, Canada.
AB  - Speech-language pathologists and social workers at the three Aphasia Centres in
      Ontario, Canada, work in partnership with aphasic adults and their families to
      increase communicative access to participation in various aspects of social and
      community life. The delivery of optimal service in this context requires an
      expansion of the traditional role played by speech-language pathologists in the
      field of aphasia. Illustrative ideas, activities, and programs developed by the
      three centers are described with emphasis on the benefits of a professional
      partnership between the professions of speech-language pathology and social work.

PMID- 27681318
TI  - Alternative family education programming for adults with chronic aphasia.
AB  - Serious psychological consequences and limited social access are significant
      effects of chronic aphasia due to stroke. There appears to be a need for ongoing
      family education and counseling throughout the chronic stage in order to address
      the psychosocial needs of these individuals and their families. We describe an
      alternative approach to family education for chronically aphasic individuals. Six
      month follow-up results suggest that this educational program has a positive
      impact on social behaviors, understanding of aphasia, and family communication
      patterns. The importance of developing and providing educational programs to the
      chronically impaired beyond the point of formal rehabilitation is discussed.

PMID- 27681319
TI  - Who's the "expert"? Amateur and professional judgment of aphasic communication.
AB  - Partners of aphasie individuals knew them before they suffered a stroke and have
      ample opportunity to observe their everyday functional communication. Therefore,
      at first glance, partners seem to be potentially valid judges of disability
      assessment. However, the literature depicts the partner mainly as a person in
      need of support. Twenty-eight partners were asked to rate the verbal
      communicative abilities of aphasie individuals. The results clearly establish
      partners as accurate judges of verbal communicative disabilities. It is argued
      that assessment of a partner's knowledge about aphasie disabilities should be
      assessed by means of concise, condition-specific tools.

PMID- 27681320
TI  - Report of a questionnaire survey of poststroke patients with aphasia and their
      families.
AB  - In a study made by The Stroke and Aphasia Federation Finland, a little less than
      a quarter of the aphasic patients and their families could not cope with the
      change in their life caused by stroke. Patients' and families' functionality
      decreased, and their social contacts either decreased or ended. These were the
      factors that prevented families from adapting to new situations. Patients and
      famiIies felt that they had received too little information about the illness and
      various benefits available. Families also needed more mental support. Those who
      lived in big cities or in the scattered areas felt that the rehabilitation was
      also insufficient.

PMID- 27681321
TI  - Ethical issues for persons with aphasia and their families.
AB  - Ethical issues frequently arise in the care of patients with aphasia and their
      families. The family is often the most important group with whom an individual
      interacts and with whom crucial life decisions are made following brain injury.
      For individuals with aphasia, who may have trouble understanding information and
      communicating their wishes, the patient's role and thefamily's rolewith decision
      making may be particularly complex. This article discusses (a) patient self
      determination, (b) evaluation ofthe patient's decision-making capacity,

PMID- 27681322
TI  - A commentary on "Ethical Issues for Persons with Aphasia and Their Families".

PMID- 27681323
TI  - From the editor.

PMID- 27681324
TI  - Foreword.

PMID- 27681325
TI  - Lu-, Sm-, and Gd-Doped Ceria: A Comparative Approach to Their Structural
      Properties.
AB  - A room temperature structural study has been performed through the whole
      compositional range of the (Ce1-xLux)O2-x/2 system by synchrotron X-ray
      diffraction and MU-Raman spectroscopy. Samples were synthesized by thermal
      treatment in air at 1373 K of coprecipitated mixed oxalates. A CeO2-based solid
      solution with a fluorite-type structure (F) was found to be stable up to x = 0.4,
      while at higher Lu content a (F + C) biphasic region was observed, with C being
      the cubic atomic arrangement typical of sesquioxides of the heaviest rare earths.
      A comparative approach including also results deriving from other (Ce1-xREx)O2
      x/2 systems (RE = Gd and Sm) allowed us to conclude that the compositional extent
      of the F solid solution is a complex function of RE3+ size and RE
      compressibility. On this basis, the dependence of ionic conductivity on the RE
      identity was interpreted as related both to the Ce4+/RE3+ size closeness and to
      RE compressibility. Ce4+/RE3+ dimensional issues were also revealed to rule the
      appearance of the hybrid structure observed in the two aforementioned systems,
      consisting of the intimate intergrowth of C microdomains within the F-based host
      lattice. Moreover, a more extended definition of F-based solid solution,
      including also the hybrid structure, is formulated; the latter is meant as a
      modification of the former, occurring when mainly RE-vacancy aggregates are
      incorporated into the host lattice in spite of isolated RE ions. By MU-Raman
      spectroscopy it was possible to demonstrate that the mechanism of oxygen vacancy
      formation is common to all the systems studied, provided that the structure of
      the F-based solid solution, also including the hybrid structure, is retained.

PMID- 27681326
TI  - Genetic and Biochemical Biomarkers in Canine Glaucoma.
AB  - In many health-related fields, there is great interest in the identification of
      biomarkers that distinguish diseased from healthy individuals. In addition to
      identifying the diseased state, biomarkers have potential use in predicting
      disease risk, monitoring disease progression, evaluating treatment efficacy, and
      informing pathogenesis. This review details the genetic and biochemical markers
      associated with canine primary glaucoma. While there are numerous molecular
      markers (biochemical and genetic) associated with glaucoma in dogs, there is no
      ideal biomarker that allows early diagnosis and/or identification of disease
      progression. Genetic mutations associated with canine glaucoma include those
      affecting ADAMTS10, ADAMTS17, Myocilin, Nebulin, COL1A2, RAB22A, and SRBD1. With
      the exception of Myocilin, there is very limited crossover in genetic biomarkers
      identified between human and canine glaucomas. Mutations associated with canine
      glaucoma vary between and within canine breeds, and gene discoveries therefore
      have limited overall effects as a screening tool in the general canine
      population. Biochemical markers of glaucoma include indicators of inflammation,
      oxidative stress, serum autoantibodies, matrix metalloproteinases, tumor necrosis
      factor-alpha, and transforming growth factor-beta. These markers include those
      that indicate an adaptive or protective response, as well as those that reflect
      the damage arising from oxidative stress.

PMID- 27681327
TI  - Climate Change Influences Potential Distribution of Infected Aedes aegypti Co
      Occurrence with Dengue Epidemics Risk Areas in Tanzania.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dengue is the second most important vector-borne disease of humans
      globally after malaria. Incidence of dengue infections has dramatically increased
      recently, potentially due to changing climate. Climate projections models predict
      increases in average annual temperature, precipitation and extreme events in the
      future. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of changing climate
      on distribution of dengue vectors in relation to epidemic risk areas in Tanzania.
      METHODS/FINDINGS: We used ecological niche models that incorporated presence-only
      infected Aedes aegypti data co-occurrence with dengue virus to estimate potential
      distribution of epidemic risk areas. Model input data on infected Ae. aegypti was
      collected during the May to June 2014 epidemic in Dar es Salaam. Bioclimatic
      predictors for current and future projections were also used as model inputs.
      Model predictions indicated that habitat suitability for infected Ae. aegypti co
      occurrence with dengue virus in current scenarios is highly localized in the
      coastal areas, including Dar es Salaam, Pwani, Morogoro, Tanga and Zanzibar.
      Models indicate that areas of Kigoma, Ruvuma, Lindi, and those around Lake
      Victoria are also at risk. Projecting to 2020, we show that risk emerges in Mara,
      Arusha, Kagera and Manyara regions, but disappears in parts of Morogoro, Ruvuma
      and near Lake Nyasa. In 2050 climate scenario, the predicted habitat suitability
      of infected Ae. aegypti co-occurrence with dengue shifted towards the central and
      north-eastern parts with intensification in areas around all major lakes.
      Generally, model findings indicated that the coastal regions would remain at high
      risk for dengue epidemic through 2050. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Models
      incorporating climate change scenarios to predict emerging risk areas for dengue
      epidemics in Tanzania show that the anticipated risk is immense and results help
      guiding public health policy decisions on surveillance and control of dengue
      epidemics. A collaborative approach is recommended to develop and adapt control
      and prevention strategies.

PMID- 27681329
TI  - Band-Selective 2D HSQMBC: A Universal Technique for Detection and Measurement of
      35,37Cl Isotope Effects for 13C Nuclei.
AB  - A novel technique that allows efficient measurement of the 35,37Cl isotope
      pattern for any 13C resonance has been developed. The band-selective CLIP-HSQMBC
      experiment is reliable and universally applicable for the indirect measurement of
      the 35,37Cl isotope shift of 13C resonances. The experiment provides advantages
      over conventional 1D 13C NMR and the recently developed bs-HSQC experiments. The
      utility and performance of the bs-CLIP-HSQMBC experiment is demonstrated for
      polyhalogenated synthons in a synthetic route and for a polyhalogenated marine
      natural product.

PMID- 27681330
TI  - Number of Lymph Nodes in Primary Nodal Basin and a "Second Look" Protocol as
      Quality Indicators for Optimal Nodal Staging of Colon Cancer.
AB  - CONTEXT: -Evaluation of 12 or more lymph nodes (LNs) is currently used as a
      quality indicator for adequacy of pathologic examination of colon cancer
      resections. OBJECTIVE: -To evaluate the utility of a focused LN search in the
      immediate vicinity of the tumor and a "second look" protocol in improving LN
      staging in colon cancer. DESIGN: -Lymph nodes were submitted separately from the
      primary nodal basin (PNB) and secondary nodal basin (SNB) defined as an area less
      than 5 cm away and an area greater than 5 cm away from the tumor edge,
      respectively, in 201 consecutive resections (2010-2013). One hundred sixty-eight
      consecutive tumors (2006-2009) were used as a control group. A second search was
      performed in all cases that were N0 after the first search. RESULTS: -In cases
      that were N0 after the first search, 20.9 +/- 10.8 LNs were collected from the
      PNB, compared to 8.5 +/- 9.1 from the SNB. Positive LNs were found in N+ tumors
      in the PNB in all cases but in only 9% (4 of 46) of SNBs (P < .001). A second
      search increased node count by an average of 10 additional LNs. In 5 of 114 cases
      (4.4%), N0 after the first search converted to N+ after a second search that
      yielded 1 to 4 positive LNs, all of which were in the PNB. CONCLUSIONS: -Emphasis
      on the number of LNs examined from the PNB and a "second look" protocol improve
      nodal staging.

PMID- 27681328
TI  - Angiotensin-(1-7) protects from brain damage induced by shiga toxin 2-producing
      enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli.
AB  - Shiga toxin 2 (Stx2)-producing enterohemorrhagic induced brain damage. Since a
      cerebroprotective action was reported for angiotensin (Ang)-(1-7), our aim was to
      investigate whether Ang-(1-7) protects from brain damage induced by Stx2
      producing enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli The anterior hypothalamic area of
      adult male Wistar rats was injected with saline solution or Stx2 or Stx2 plus Ang
      (1-7) or Stx2 plus Ang-(1-7) plus A779. Rats received a single injection of Stx2
      at the beginning of the experiment, and Ang-(1-7), A779, or saline was
      administered daily in a single injection for 8 days. Cellular ultrastructural
      changes were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. Stx2 induced
      neurodegeneration, axonal demyelination, alterations in synapse, and
      oligodendrocyte and astrocyte damage, accompanied by edema. Ang-(1-7) prevented
      neuronal damage triggered by the toxin in 55.6 +/- 9.5% of the neurons and the
      Stx2-induced synapse dysfunction was reversed. In addition, Ang-(1-7) blocked
      Stx2-induced demyelination in 92 +/- 4% of the axons. Oligodendrocyte damage
      caused by Stx2 was prevented by Ang-(1-7) but astrocytes were only partially
      protected by the peptide (38 +/- 5% of astrocytes were preserved). Ang-(1-7)
      treatment resulted in 50% reduction in the number of activated microglial cells
      induced by Stx2, suggesting an anti-inflammatory action. All these beneficial
      effects elicited by Ang-(1-7) were blocked by the Mas receptor antagonist and
      thus it was concluded that Ang-(1-7) protects mainly neurons and
      oligodendrocytes, and partially astrocytes, in the central nervous system through
      Mas receptor stimulation.

PMID- 27681331
TI  - The Spectrum of Histologic Findings in Hepatic Outflow Obstruction.
AB  - CONTEXT: -Cardiac hepatopathy and Budd-Chiari syndrome are 2 forms of hepatic
      venous outflow obstruction with different pathophysiology but overlapping
      histologic findings, including sinusoidal dilation and centrilobular necrosis.
      OBJECTIVE: -To determine whether a constellation of morphologic findings could
      help distinguish between the 2 and could suggest the diagnoses in previously
      undiagnosed patients. DESIGN: -We identified 26 specimens with a diagnosis of
      cardiac hepatopathy and 23 with a diagnosis of Budd-Chiari syndrome. Slides
      stained with hematoxylin and eosin and with trichrome were evaluated for several
      distinctive histologic findings. RESULTS: -Features common to both forms of
      hepatic outflow obstruction included sinusoidal dilation and portal tract changes
      of fibrosis, chronic inflammation, and bile ductular reaction. Histologic
      findings significantly more common in cardiac hepatopathy included
      pericellular/sinusoidal fibrosis and fibrosis around the central vein. Only
      centrilobular hepatocyte dropout/necrosis was significantly more common in Budd
      Chiari, regardless of duration. CONCLUSIONS: -The finding of
      pericellular/sinusoidal fibrosis in cardiac hepatopathy compared with Budd-Chiari
      is not unexpected, given the chronic nature of most cardiac hepatopathy. Portal
      tract changes are common in both forms of hepatic outflow obstruction and should
      not deter one from making the diagnosis of hepatic outflow obstruction. Fibrosis
      along sinusoids and around the central vein may be suggestive of cardiac
      hepatopathy in biopsies from patients without a prior diagnosis.

PMID- 27681332
TI  - Template for Reporting Results of Biomarker Testing of Specimens From Patients
      With Thyroid Carcinoma.

PMID- 27681333
TI  - Impact of Uniform Methods on Interlaboratory Antibody Titration Variability:
      Antibody Titration and Uniform Methods.
AB  - CONTEXT: -Substantial variability between different antibody titration methods
      prompted development and introduction of uniform methods in 2008. OBJECTIVE: -To
      determine whether uniform methods consistently decrease interlaboratory variation
      in proficiency testing. DESIGN: -Proficiency testing data for antibody titration
      between 2009 and 2013 were obtained from the College of American Pathologists.
      Each laboratory was supplied plasma and red cells to determine anti-A and anti-D
      antibody titers by their standard method: gel or tube by uniform or other methods
      at different testing phases (immediate spin and/or room temperature [anti-A],
      and/or anti-human globulin [AHG: anti-A and anti-D]) with different additives.
      Interlaboratory variations were compared by analyzing the distribution of titer
      results by method and phase. RESULTS: -A median of 574 and 1100 responses were
      reported for anti-A and anti-D antibody titers, respectively, during a 5-year
      period. The 3 most frequent (median) methods performed for anti-A antibody were
      uniform tube room temperature (147.5; range, 119-159), uniform tube AHG (143.5;
      range, 134-150), and other tube AHG (97; range, 82-116); for anti-D antibody, the
      methods were other tube (451; range, 431-465), uniform tube (404; range, 382
      462), and uniform gel (137; range, 121-153). Of the larger reported methods,
      uniform gel AHG phase for anti-A and anti-D antibodies had the most participants
      with the same result (mode). For anti-A antibody, 0 of 8 (uniform versus other
      tube room temperature) and 1 of 8 (uniform versus other tube AHG), and for anti-D
      antibody, 0 of 8 (uniform versus other tube) and 0 of 8 (uniform versus other
      gel) proficiency tests showed significant titer variability reduction.
      CONCLUSION: -Uniform methods harmonize laboratory techniques but rarely reduce
      interlaboratory titer variance in comparison with other methods.

PMID- 27681334
TI  - Placental Pathology of Zika Virus: Viral Infection of the Placenta Induces
      Villous Stromal Macrophage (Hofbauer Cell) Proliferation and Hyperplasia.
AB  - CONTEXT: -The placenta is an important component in understanding the fetal
      response to intrauterine Zika virus infection, but the pathologic changes in this
      organ remain largely unknown. Hofbauer cells are fetal-derived macrophages
      normally present in the chorionic villous stroma. They have been implicated in a
      variety of physiological and pathologic processes, in particular involving
      infectious agents. OBJECTIVES: -To characterize the fetal and maternal responses
      and viral localization in the placenta following Zika virus transmission to an 11
      weeks' gestation fetus. The clinical course was notable for prolonged viremia in
      the mother and extensive neuronal necrosis in the fetus. The fetus was delivered
      at 21 weeks' gestation after pregnancy termination. DESIGN: -The placenta was
      evaluated by using immunohistochemistry for inflammatory cells
      (macrophages/monocytes [Hofbauer cells], B and T lymphocytes) and proliferating
      cells, and an RNA probe to Zika virus. The fetal brain and the placenta were
      previously found to be positive for Zika virus RNA by reverse transcription
      polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: -The placenta demonstrated prominently
      enlarged, hydropic chorionic villi with hyperplasia and focal proliferation of
      Hofbauer cells. The degree of Hofbauer cell hyperplasia gave an exaggerated
      immature appearance to the villi. No acute or chronic villitis, villous necrosis,
      remote necroinflammatory abnormalities, chorioamnionitis, funisitis, or
      hemorrhages were present. An RNA probe to Zika virus was positive in villous
      stromal cells, presumably Hofbauer cells. CONCLUSIONS: -Zika virus placental
      infection induces proliferation and prominent hyperplasia of Hofbauer cells in
      the chorionic villi but does not elicit villous necrosis or a maternal or fetal
      lymphoplasmacellular or acute inflammatory cell reaction.

PMID- 27681335
TI  - Attitudes and Beliefs of Pathology Residents Regarding the Subspecialty of
      Clinical Chemistry: Results of a Survey.
AB  - CONTEXT: -Previous studies suggest that training in pathology residency programs
      does not adequately prepare pathology residents to become competent in clinical
      chemistry. OBJECTIVES: -To define the beliefs of pathology residents in the
      United States regarding their preparation for practicing clinical chemistry in
      their career, their attitude toward the discipline, and the attractiveness of
      clinical chemistry as a career. DESIGN: -The residents of all pathology residency
      programs in the United States were given the opportunity to participate in an
      online survey. RESULTS: -Three hundred thirty-six pathology residents responded
      to the survey. Analysis of the survey results indicates that pathology residents
      are more likely to believe that their income may be lower if they select a career
      that has a clinical chemistry focus and that their faculty do not value clinical
      chemistry as much as the anatomic pathology part of the residency. Residents also
      report that clinical chemistry is not as enjoyable as anatomic pathology
      rotations during residency or preferable as a sole career path. A large
      proportion of residents also believe that they will be slightly prepared or not
      prepared to practice clinical chemistry by the end of their residency and that
      they do not have enough background and/or time to learn clinical chemistry during
      their residency programs to be able to practice this specialty effectively post
      graduation. CONCLUSIONS: -Our survey results suggest that many pathology
      residents do not have a positive attitude toward clinical chemistry and do not
      experience a supportive learning environment with an expectation that they will
      become competent in clinical chemistry with a residency alone.

PMID- 27681337
TI  - A not-so-sweet diagnosis - leukocytoclastic vasculitis masquerading as squamous
      cell carcinoma.
AB  - Leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV) is a rare small-vessel vasculitis characterised
      by neutrophilic inflammation of post-capillary venules. Incidence varies from 3
      to 4.5 per 100 000 people per year. Patients typically present with painful,
      itchy purpura and erythema, although clinical manifestations can vary making
      diagnosis a challenge. We report the case of a 75-year-old man with a history of
      a previously completely excised and grafted squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) on the
      dorsum of his hand, who presented with an acutely swollen, erythematous and
      ulcerated lesion adjacent to the graft site. A shave biopsy failed to
      definitively exclude SCC recurrence. He was referred to the Plastics team who
      initially suspected Sweet's syndrome but could not rule out SCC recurrence. The
      patient underwent formal mapping incisional biopsies that later diagnosed LCV. He
      was managed conservatively and made an excellent recovery. We present clinical
      photographs and histology to illustrate disease progression. LCV is typically
      self-limiting with a good overall prognosis, but a minority of patients follow a
      protracted course, which may require treatment in the form of systemic
      corticosteroids or colchicine. LCV can only be confirmed histologically. We
      present this case in order to highlight the importance of adequate tissue biopsy
      when there is diagnostic uncertainty with an acute dermatosis, particularly in
      the context of previous skin malignancy.

PMID- 27681336
TI  - TRPM7-like channels are functionally expressed in oocytes and modulate post
      fertilization embryo development in mouse.
AB  - The Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channels are a family of cationic ion
      channels widely distributed in mammalian tissues. In general, the global genetic
      disruption of individual TRP channels result in phenotypes associated with
      impairment of a particular tissue and/or organ function. An exception is the
      genetic ablation of the TRP channel TRPM7, which results in early embryonic
      lethality. Nevertheless, the function of TRPM7 in oocytes, eggs and pre
      implantation embryos remains unknown. Here, we described an outward rectifying
      non-selective current mediated by a TRP ion channel in immature oocytes (germinal
      vesicle stage), matured oocytes (metaphase II eggs) and 2-cell stage embryos. The
      current is activated by specific agonists and inhibited by distinct blockers
      consistent with the functional expression of TRPM7 channels. We demonstrated that
      the TRPM7-like channels are homo-tetramers and their activation mediates calcium
      influx in oocytes and eggs, which is fundamental to support fertilization and egg
      activation. Lastly, we showed that pharmacological inhibition of the channel
      function delays pre-implantation embryo development and reduces progression to
      the blastocyst stage. Our data demonstrate functional expression of TRPM7-like
      channels in mouse oocytes, eggs and embryos that may play an essential role in
      the initiation of embryo development.

PMID- 27681338
TI  - Reasons for family involvement in elective surgical decision-making in Taiwan: a
      qualitative study.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To inquire into the reasons for family involvement in adult
      patients' surgical decision-making processes from the point of view of the
      patients' family. BACKGROUND: Making a patient the centre of medical decision
      making is essential for respecting individual's autonomy. However, in a Chinese
      society, family members are often deeply involved in a patient's medical decision
      making. Although family involvement has long been viewed as an aspect of the
      Chinese culture, empirical evidence of the reasons for family involvement in
      medical decision-making has been lacking. DESIGN: A qualitative study. METHOD: In
      order to record and examine reasons for family involvement in adult patients'
      surgical decision-making, 12 different family members of 12 elective surgery
      patients were interviewed for collecting and analysing data. RESULTS: Three major
      reasons for family involvement emerged from the data analyses: (1) to share
      responsibility; (2) to ensure the correctness of medical information; and (3) to
      safeguard the patient's well-being. These findings also reveal that culture is
      not the only reason for family involvement. CONCLUSIONS: Making decision to
      undergo a surgery is a tough and stressful process for a patient. Family may
      provide the patient with timely psychological support to assist the patient to
      communicate with his or her physician(s) and other medical personnel to ensure
      their rights. It is also found that due to the imbalanced doctor-patient power
      relationship, a patient may be unable, unwilling to, or even dare not, tell the
      whole truth about his or her illness or feelings to the medical personnel. Thus,
      a patient would expect his or her family to undertake such a mission during the
      informed consent and decision-making processes. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE:
      The results of this study may provide medical professionals with relevant
      insights into family involvement in adult patients' surgical decision-making.

PMID- 27681339
TI  - Illicit Drugs in Oral Fluid: Evaluation of Two Collection Devices.
AB  - Driving after illicit drug use is a worldwide growing concern requiring rapid and
      sensitive screening at the roadside. It is noteworthy that the sampling method
      used to collect oral fluid (OF) may significantly influence drug concentrations
      in the collected sample and thus alter the accuracy of the measurement. We
      evaluated two OF collection devices, Quantisal(r) and Certus(r) collectors, for
      their suitability for collecting samples to allow laboratory confirmation of
      driving after illicit drug use. Four parameters were studied including (i) the
      collected OF volume; (ii) the recovery efficiency using OFs spiked with opiates,
      cannabinoids, amphetamines, cocaine and its metabolites; (iii) drug stability
      after storage for 1, 7 and 14 days at -20 degrees C, +4 degrees C and room
      temperature; and (iv) the impact of mouth cells present in the collected OF on
      drug stability. Drug concentrations were measured using gas and liquid
      chromatography-mass spectrometry. Certus(r) collector allowed the collection of
      significantly larger (0.94 +/- 0.18 mL vs. 0.84 +/- 0.06 mL, P = 0.08) but less
      reproducible OF volumes (19 vs. 6.7%) compared with Quantisal(r) collector. Drug
      recovery was significantly better with Quantisal(r) than with Certus(r)
      collector, especially when used to detect cannabinoids (0.94 vs. 0.54, P < 0.001
      for ?9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)). For both OF collectors, storage at 4 degrees
      C was preferable except for methadone, the stability of which was altered by
      adherence to the collector device. In the presence of mouth cells in the OF
      sample, THC concentrations were significantly decreased at Day 7 in comparison
      with Day 1 with both collection devices (P = 0.001 with Quantisal(r) collector
      and P = 0.01 with Certus(r) collector). In conclusion, Quantisal(r) collector is
      more reliable than Certus(r) collector although the practicability of both
      devices remains to be determined at the roadside.

PMID- 27681340
TI  - Determination of Drugs of Abuse in a Single Sample of Human Teeth by a Gas
      Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Method.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a gas chromatography-mass
      spectrometry method to detect drugs of abuse in a single sample of tooth.
      Pulverized samples of dental materials were subjected to acid hydrolysis to
      detect opiates, cocaine and their metabolites. The residual dental materials from
      these analyses were subjected to basic extraction to detect cannabis products
      (Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol and cannabinol). The method showed a
      good linearity between 0.05 and 2 ng/mg for all substances. The limit of
      detection ranged from 0.02 to 0.03 ng/mg, and the limit of quantification was
      0.05 ng/mg. The application of the method to samples of teeth obtained from drug
      addicts was successful. It can be applied in post-mortem cases, especially when
      limited amounts of sample are available.

PMID- 27681341
TI  - Improved Analytical Approach Based on QuECHERS/UHPLC-PDA for Quantification of
      Fluoxetine, Clomipramine and their Active Metabolites in Human Urine Samples.
AB  - This paper reports, for the first time, the development of a modified Quick,
      Easy, Cheap Effective, Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) combined with a dispersive SPE
      (d-SPE) based clean-up procedure as a new and powerful strategy for the
      simultaneous and efficient isolation of two different antidepressants, fluoxetine
      and clomipramine, and their active metabolites in human urine samples. A
      univariate experimental design with four independent variables such as sample
      volume, extraction solvent, buffered salts and clean-up step, was performed and
      used to investigate the effect of process variables on the extraction efficiency.
      Good linearity was achieved at the studied concentration range (0.1-5.0 ug mL-1),
      with correlation coefficients (R2) higher than 0.9961. Low detection limits,
      ranging between 0.060 and 0.092 MUg mL-1 were obtained for all analytes, whereas
      the lowest quantification limit was 0.1 MUg mL-1, corresponding to the lowest
      concentration of the standard curve. The method also showed good results for
      accuracy, with values ranging from 91% to 105%. Intra- and inter-day precision,
      expressed as the relative standard deviation (RSD), were also satisfactory
      (<10%). Consistent recoveries of antidepressants ranging from 86% to 109% were
      observed when urine samples were fortified at three concentrations, namely 0.1,
      2.5 and 5.0 MUg mL-1 In order to evaluate the proposed method for clinical use,
      the QuEChERS/UHPLC-PDA method was applied to analysis of 12 urine samples from
      depressed patients.

PMID- 27681342
TI  - Hair Analysis to Monitor the Illegal Use of Salbutamol in Beef Cattle.
AB  - This study measured the concentrations of salbutamol residues in red and white
      hair of cattle during and after salbutamol administration. Three Chinese
      Simmental beef cattle received an oral administration of 150 MUg/kg body weight/d
      salbutamol for 21 consecutive days. Salbutamol concentrations were determined on
      Days 1, 7, 14, and 21 of administration and on Days 7, 14, 28, 42, and 70
      following the last administration dose using ultra-performance liquid
      chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The concentrations of salbutamol that
      eluted from hair were determined. The results revealed that salbutamol
      concentrations were higher in red hair than in white hair on the same sampling
      day (P < 0.01). In red hair, salbutamol concentrations increased from 29.82 +/-
      1.8 ng/g on Day 1 of administration to 442.55 +/- 250.29 ng/g on Day 21 of
      administration, and decreased to 33.36 +/- 19.22 ng/g on Day 70 after the last
      administration. In white hair, salbutamol concentrations changed from 4.25 +/-
      0.32 ng/g on Day 1 of administration to 33.81 +/- 6.44 ng/g and 12.25 +/- 2.51
      ng/g on Days 14 and 70, respectively, after the last administration. The
      concentrations of salbutamol that eluted from white hair on Days 1 and 7 were
      22.94 +/- 2.00 ng/g and 92.94 +/- 22.49 ng/g, respectively. Our findings revealed
      that hair is an appropriate biological matrix for assessing the illegal use of
      salbutamol in animal husbandry.

PMID- 27681343
TI  - A Fast and Comprehensive Analysis of 32 Synthetic Cannabinoids Using Agilent
      Triple Quadrupole LC-MS-MS.
AB  - Synthetic cannabinoids are a group of psychoactive compounds that mimic the
      effects of Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the primary psychoactive constituent of
      marijuana (Cannabis sativa L). The Drug Enforcement Administration has classified
      many of the most common cannabinoids as Schedule 1 controlled substances. As a
      result, several novel synthetic cannabinoid series have emerged in the illicit
      drug market, including PINACA, FUBINACA, PB-22, AKB-48 and multiple derivatives
      of these compounds. Our laboratory developed and validated an analytical method
      for the analysis 32 synthetic cannabinoid metabolites in urine samples. Included
      in this method are metabolites that are constituents of the new generation of
      synthetic cannabinoids. Following enzymatic hydrolysis, target analytes were
      recovered by liquid-liquid extraction utilizing 1-chlorobutane:isopropyl alcohol
      (70:30) as the organic ratio. Chromatographic separation and detection was
      achieved using an Agilent Technologies 1290 liquid chromatograph coupled to a
      6460-triple quadrupole mass spectrometer with a Jetstream electrospray source.
      Linearity for all analytes was established along the range of 0.5-200 ng/mL. Both
      intraday and interday accuracy and precision data were all within acceptable
      limits, +/-20% error and +/-15% relative standard deviation, respectively.
      Recovery ranged from 48% to 104%. This method has shown to be selective and
      specific, providing no evidence of interference or carryover concerns. Finally,
      11 distinct synthetic cannabinoids were detected in 23 of 25 donor samples
      analyzed with the method. The data presented here represents a validated liquid
      chromatography  tandem mass spectrometry method to accurately identify and
      quantitate synthetic cannabinoid metabolites in urine samples, incorporating new
      generation derivatives.

PMID- 27681344
TI  - Evaluation of Ethyl Glucuronide and Ethyl Sulfate in Calliphora Vicina as
      Potential Biomarkers for Ethanol Intake.
AB  - Ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and ethyl sulfate (EtS) are specific and sensitive
      biomarkers for the diagnosis of acute or chronic alcohol abuse. Due to postmortem
      alcohol production in biological tissues, they have recently been evaluated as
      potential biomarkers of ethanol ingestion. This in vitro study aimed to evaluate
      all developmental stages of the fly Calliphora vicina L. (Calliphoridae).
      Different pig substrates were used during the in vitro experiments to rear C.
      vicina Experiments were performed to: (i) assess the presence of EtG and EtS in
      larvae, pupae and insects; (ii) study variability due to the substrates
      characteristics; (iii) evaluate the possibility of false positives due to
      external alcohol contamination; and (iv) estimate the potential metabolism of
      ethanol by the insects. EtS was found in all of the samples where the standard
      was added to the substrate. Muscle provided the most reliable results. EtS was
      found in larvae, pupae and puparia. EtG and EtS were found in larvae and pupae
      collected from the body of an alcoholic found dead in his home. This study showed
      that maggots, pupae and puparia could be a useful matrix for the evaluation of
      antemortem alcohol ingestion.

PMID- 27681345
TI  - Estimating the effects of maternal education on child dental caries using
      marginal structural models: The Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Australian
      Children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate the effect of mothers' education on Indigenous Australian
      children's dental caries experience while controlling for the mediating effect of
      children's sweet food intake. METHODS: The Longitudinal Study of Indigenous
      Children is a study of two representative cohorts of Indigenous Australian
      children, aged from 6 months to 2 years (baby cohort) and from 3.5 to 5 years
      (child cohort) at baseline. The children's primary caregiver undertook a face-to
      face interview in 2008 and repeated annually for the next 4 years. Data included
      household demographics, child health (nutrition information and dental health),
      maternal conditions and highest qualification levels. Mother's educational level
      was classified into four categories: 0-9 years, 10 years, 11-12 years and >12
      years. Children's mean sweet food intake was categorized as <20%, 20-30%, and
      >30%. After multiple imputation of missing values, a marginal structural model
      with stabilized inverse probability weights was used to estimate the direct
      effect of mothers' education level on children's dental decay experience.
      RESULTS: From 2008 to 2012, complete data on 1720 mother-child dyads were
      available. Dental caries experience for children was 42.3% over the 5-year
      period. The controlled direct effect estimates of mother's education on child
      dental caries were 1.21 (95% CI: 1.01-1.45), 1.03 (95% CI: 0.91-1.18) and 1.07
      (95% CI: 0.93-1.22); after multiple imputation of missing values, the effects
      were 1.21 (95% CI: 1.05-1.39), 1.06 (95% CI: 0.94-1.19) and 1.06 (95% CI: 0.95
      1.19), comparing '0-9', '10' and '11-12' years to > 12 years of education.
      CONCLUSION: Mothers' education level had a direct effect on children's dental
      decay experience that was not mediated by sweet food intake and other risk
      factors when estimated using a marginal structural model.

PMID- 27681346
TI  - The effect of 20-hydroxyecdysone on the susceptibility of Escherichia coli to
      different antibiotics.
AB  - AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of 20
      hydroxyecdysone (20E) on the susceptibility of growing Escherichia coli to
      antibiotics. METHODS AND RESULTS: Susceptibility of E. coli to antibiotics in the
      presence of 20E was estimated by determination of the colony-forming ability and
      the specific growth rate. Pretreatment with 20E decreased the bactericidal effect
      of ciprofloxacin (0.3 and 3.0 MUg ml-1 ), streptomycin (10 and 40 MUg ml-1 ) and
      kanamycin (10 MUg ml-1 ) and increased the bactericidal action of 0.03 MUg ml-1
      ciprofloxacin. To study the influence of 20E on gene expression, we used strains
      of E. coli carrying fusions of promoters of relevant genes with the structural
      gene of beta-galactosidase. 20E had no marked effect on the expression of
      antioxidant genes katG, katE, sodA and the rpoS gene (general stress response),
      while it (alone or combined with ciprofloxacin) markedly stimulated expression of
      the sulA gene belonging to the SOS regulon (DNA damage response). CONCLUSION: In
      growing E. coli, 20E modulated the bactericidal action of antibiotics and
      stimulated the SOS response. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The results of
      this study may be used to enhance the efficiency of antibacterial therapies.

PMID- 27681347
TI  - Dermoscopic diagnosis of amelanotic/hypomelanotic melanoma.

PMID- 27681348
TI  - Enucleation for haemophthalmus secondary to choroidal neovascularisation in
      polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy: a therapeutic and diagnostic dilemma.
AB  - We report a case of enucleation for painful blind eye secondary to recurrent
      bleeding from choroidal neovascularisation in an eye that was irradiated
      following presumed metastatic breast carcinoma to the choroid. A 58-year-old
      woman with a history of treated breast malignancy presented with haemophthalmus
      and intractable glaucoma in the right eye. One year previously she had presented
      with right vitreous haemorrhage with subretinal mass that had been irradiated
      given her history of breast carcinoma. Following irradiation, vitrectomy was
      performed to clear the blood. Intraoperative and postoperative angiography
      findings suggested a diagnosis of breakthrough bleeding secondary to polypoidal
      choroidal vasculopathy. At this presentation, however, the intraocular bleeding
      was recurrent resulting in elevated intraocular pressure and pain. Despite repeat
      surgery and medical therapy, the eye had to be enucleated. Histopathology showed
      choroidal neovascularisation.

PMID- 27681349
TI  - Peripheral nerve involvement in classic homocystinuria: an unusual association.
AB  - Classic homocystinuria is one of the most common causes of hereditary
      hyperhomocysteinemia. It is an autosomal recessive and multisystemic disorder due
      to cystathionine beta-synthase deficiency. We described a case of an 18-year-old
      Portuguese man with an ischaemic stroke, who was subsequently diagnosed with
      classic homocystinuria [Thr191Met (c.572C>T) CBS mutation] associated with a
      sensorimotor neuropathy. The patient had a good clinical and metabolic response
      to pyridoxine plus methionine-restricted diet after 12 months of treatment.
      Neurophysiological re-evaluation with nerve conduction studies disclosed an
      improvement on the peripheral nerve lesion. Central nervous system manifestations
      in classic homocystinuria have been well documented, but this is to the best of
      our knowledge the first report of an association with peripheral neuropathy,
      which improved after hyperhomocysteinemia treatment.

PMID- 27681350
TI  - Spontaneous renal calyceal and ureteric rupture secondary to intravenous contrast
      during computed tomography intravenous pyelogram.
AB  - Upper urinary tract rupture in the absence of trauma is typically related to
      ureteric calculi causing obstructive nephropathy. Spontaneous extravasation of
      contrast during CT intravenous pyelography (CT IVP) is infrequently reported. Two
      cases, who underwent CT IVP to further investigate positive urine cytology and
      microscopic haematuria, respectively, are described here. In both cases, there
      was spontaneous extravasation of contrast seen in the postcontrast scans in the
      absence of ureteric calculi or hydronephrosis which is very unusual.

PMID- 27681351
TI  - Loperamide-induced hypopituitarism.
AB  - Loperamide is the most commonly used antidiarrhoeal medication in the UK. We
      report a serious and hitherto undocumented adverse effect of chronic use in a 45
      year-old man with inflammatory bowel disease. He presented to the endocrine
      clinic with fatigue and low libido; biochemical assessment revealed hypogonadism
      and adrenal insufficiency without any elevated adrenocorticotropic hormone. When
      symptoms allowed, loperamide was reduced and a short synacthen test (SST) showed
      a 'clear pass' with a normal peak cortisol of 833 nmol/L. Later, worsening
      diarrhoea necessitated an escalation in loperamide use again. While taking a
      daily dose of 15-20 mg (recommended daily maximum 16 mg) reassessment revealed a
      fall in peak cortisol on SST to 483 nmol/L, a subnormal response. Clinicians
      should exercise caution when relying on loperamide to manage their patients'
      chronic diarrhoea and remain mindful of the possibility of drug-induced life
      threatening adrenal insufficiency.

PMID- 27681352
TI  - Atypical presentation of acute fulminant neonatal necrotising enterocolitis:
      diagnostic superiority of sonographic evaluation over plain radiography of
      abdomen.
AB  - A female preterm infant was born to a non-consanguineous couple at 35 weeks of
      gestation. On day 8 of life, while on full feeds, she developed prolonged apnoea
      and bradycardia, requiring respiratory support. Her abdomen was soft with
      unremarkable serial abdominal X-rays. Her septic screen was negative. Metabolic
      acidosis was worsening despite treatment. Echocardiography showed evidence of
      high pulmonary pressures. With further deterioration, an ultrasound scan of the
      abdomen was requested in view of the rising suspicion of abdominal pathology in
      the absence of sepsis and metabolic disorders. Mural oedema, pneumatosis and
      portal venous gas, consistent with diagnosis of necrotising enterocolitis, were
      noted in the ultrasound images. An emergency laparotomy showed extensive small
      bowel necrosis. Despite maximal medical support, the infant died. This case
      highlights the importance of imaging using an ultrasound scanner in the diagnosis
      of necrotising enterocolitis in preterm infants having intractable metabolic
      acidosis, subtle abdominal signs and unremarkable abdominal X-rays.

PMID- 27681353
TI  - XIAP deficiency and MEFV variants resulting in an autoinflammatory
      lymphoproliferative syndrome.
AB  - A 16-year-old boy of Caucasian ethnicity was evaluated for recurrent febrile
      episodes occurring during most of his life without establishment of any microbial
      aetiology. During febrile episodes he developed extensive splenomegaly,
      lymphadenopathy, anaemia, severe abdominal pain and general malaise. Lymph node
      biopsies demonstrated inflammation and sinus histiocytosis but no malignancy or
      granuloma. The patient underwent seroconversion for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
      infection during the hospitalisation. Genetic testing identified a hemizygous
      frameshift mutation in the X linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP)-gene as well as
      variants in the MEFV gene indicating Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF). XIAP
      expression was markedly reduced in the patient, while a functional assay
      assessing tumour necrosis factor (TNF)alpha production of monocytes in response
      to NOD2 stimulation displayed reduced activity. We suggest that the heterozygous
      MEFV variants and the hemizygous XIAP variant in combination triggered the
      prolonged and pathological inflammatory response to EBV infection.

PMID- 27681354
TI  - Diagnosis and management of intersection syndrome as a cause of overuse wrist
      pain.
AB  - Wrist pain due to repetitive motion or overuse is a common presentation in
      primary care. This case reports the rare condition of intersection syndrome as
      the cause of the wrist pain in an amateur tennis player. This is a non
      infectious, inflammatory process that occurs where tendons in the first extensor
      compartment intersect the tendons in the second extensor compartment. Suitable
      history and examination provided the diagnosis, which was confirmed by MRI.
      Management consisted of early involvement of the multidisciplinary team, patient
      education, workplace and sporting adaptations, rest, analgesia, reduction of
      load, protection and immobilisation of the affected joint followed by a period of
      rehabilitation.

PMID- 27681355
TI  - Hepatic hydatid disease presenting as secondary Budd-Chiari syndrome.

PMID- 27681356
TI  - Two atypical cases of isolated migrainous paraesthesia.
AB  - A large number of migraineurs have various transient neurological symptoms in the
      absence of headache at one time or another. Such transient neurological symptoms
      largely represent the typical migraine auras without headaches. Isolated visual
      aura is the most common aura in this category. Sensory aura is the second most
      common aura. However, the literature is sparse regarding isolated sensory aura
      without headache. Herein, we are reporting two cases of recurrent paraesthesia
      that fulfilled the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD
      3beta) criteria of typical migrainous sensory aura without headache. Review of
      the literature suggests that upper limb involvement is almost universal (>90%) in
      the typical sensory aura. However, our both cases were unusual in this aspect.
      Case 1 had recurrent spontaneous paraesthesia predominantly on the left side of
      the face. Case 2 had recurrent spontaneous paraesthesia in either the left or
      right lower limb. Both cases responded to antimigraine drugs.

PMID- 27681357
TI  - Seroprevalence of Trichinella infections in domestic dogs from Slovakia.
AB  - Trichinellosis is constantly present in the sylvatic cycle in Slovakia, with
      several sporadic human outbreaks registered since the 1960s. The largest outbreak
      of trichinellosis occurred in 1998 and was related to the consumption of dog meat
      that had been added to smoked pork sausages. The aim of this study was to
      estimate the seroprevalence of Trichinella infection in domestic dogs in various
      regions of Slovakia. Out of 439 dogs tested, 56 (12.8%) were classified as a
      seropositive based on the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), with
      confirmation by Western blotting. The highest seropositivity was recorded among
      dogs from the eastern part of Slovakia, in the Presov (22.9%) and Kosice (17.1%)
      regions, long considered to be highly endemic for Trichinella occurrence and
      where the prevalence of infection in the vulpine population is also the highest
      in Slovakia. Trichinella-seropositive animals were detected significantly more
      often in dogs kept in rural areas (21.1%) when compared with animals living in
      towns or suburban localities (7.7%). On the other hand, neither age, nor gender
      and size of the dogs were shown to be a significant factor for Trichinella
      infection (P > 0.05). The present results indicate that the dog population in
      Slovakia is at high risk of exposure to Trichinella parasites and could
      potentially represent a suitable host group for serological monitoring of
      Trichinella infection as convenient sentinel animals.

PMID- 27681359
TI  - The end of the wormwars?

PMID- 27681360
TI  - Targeting of sebaceous glands to treat acne by micro-insulated needles with radio
      frequency in a rabbit ear model.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Many studies have investigated the application of
      micro-insulated needles with radio frequency (RF) to treat acne in humans;
      however, the use of a micro-insulated needle RF applicator has not yet been
      studied in an animal model. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the
      effectiveness of a micro-insulated needle RF applicator in a rabbit ear acne
      (REA) model. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, we investigated
      the effect of selectively destroying the sebaceous glands using a micro-insulated
      needle RF applicator on the formation of comedones induced by application of 50%
      oleic acid and intradermal injection of P. acnes in the orifices of the external
      auditory canals of rabbits. The effects of the micro-insulated needle RF
      applicator treatment were evaluated using regular digital photography in addition
      to 3D Primos imaging evaluation, Skin Visio Meter microscopic photography, and
      histologic analyses. RESULTS: Use of the micro-insulated needle RF applicator
      resulted in successful selective destruction of the sebaceous glands and
      attenuated TNF-alpha release in an REA model. The mechanisms by which micro
      insulated needles with RF using 1 MHz exerts its effects may involve inhibition
      of comedone formation, triggering of the wound healing process, and destruction
      of the sebaceous glands and papules. CONCLUSION: The use of micro-insulated
      needles with RF applicators provides a safe and effective method for improving
      the appearance of symptoms in an REA model. The current in vivo study confirms
      that the micro-insulated needle RF applicator is selectively destroying the
      sebaceous glands. Lasers Surg. Med. 49:395-401, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals,
      Inc.

PMID- 27681358
TI  - Genome privacy: challenges, technical approaches to mitigate risk, and ethical
      considerations in the United States.
AB  - Accessing and integrating human genomic data with phenotypes are important for
      biomedical research. Making genomic data accessible for research purposes,
      however, must be handled carefully to avoid leakage of sensitive individual
      information to unauthorized parties and improper use of data. In this article, we
      focus on data sharing within the scope of data accessibility for research.
      Current common practices to gain biomedical data access are strictly rule based,
      without a clear and quantitative measurement of the risk of privacy breaches. In
      addition, several types of studies require privacy-preserving linkage of genotype
      and phenotype information across different locations (e.g., genotypes stored in a
      sequencing facility and phenotypes stored in an electronic health record) to
      accelerate discoveries. The computer science community has developed a spectrum
      of techniques for data privacy and confidentiality protection, many of which have
      yet to be tested on real-world problems. In this article, we discuss clinical,
      technical, and ethical aspects of genome data privacy and confidentiality in the
      United States, as well as potential solutions for privacy-preserving genotype
      phenotype linkage in biomedical research.

PMID- 27681361
TI  - Influence of preoperative pain in the success rate of indirect pulp capping: a
      retrospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The association of preoperative pain and indirect pulp treatment in
      permanent teeth is still unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of
      preoperative pain in the success rate of indirect pulp capping. METHODS: The
      sample of this retrospective study was constituted for 133 teeth treated in a
      Private clinic in Joinvile, Brazil, by one experienced dentist between 2007 and
      2012. Data related to clinical and demographic variables that could influence in
      the success rate of indirect pulp capping were also collected, such patient age
      and sex, type of teeth and arch. Chi-square test was used to evaluate the
      association between preoperative pain with postoperative one and success of the
      treatment. Logistic regression was performed to identify significant clinical and
      demographical factors associated with the success of the indirect pulp capping.
      RESULTS: The overall success rate was 100% in the absence of preoperative pain.
      However, when the preoperative pain was present, the failure rate was 18.3%.
      Statistical analysis showed significant association between preoperative pain and
      postoperative one and failure rate of the indirect pulp capping. The other
      independent variables were not associated with the success rate of the treatment.
      CONCLUSIONS: The presence of preoperative pain is associated with the decrease of
      the success rate of indirect pulp capping.

PMID- 27681362
TI  - First report of Escherichia coli co-producing NDM-1 and OXA-232.
AB  - Recently Gram-negative bacteria co-producing multiple carbapenemases have emerged
      in different parts of the world. We report the first isolation of an Escherichia
      coli strain co-producing the carbapenemases NDM-1 and OXA-232.

PMID- 27681364
TI  - Zinc-Containing Restorations Create Amorphous Biogenic Apatite at the Carious
      Dentin Interface: A X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) Crystal Lattice Analysis.
AB  - The aim of this research was to assess the ability of amalgam restorations to
      induce amorphous mineral precipitation at the caries-affected dentin substrate.
      Sound and caries-affected dentin surfaces were subjected to both Zn-free and Zn
      containing dental amalgam restorations. Specimens were submitted to thermocycling
      (100,000 cycles/5 degrees C-55 degrees C, 3 months). Dentin surfaces were studied
      by atomic force microscopy (nanoroughness), X-ray diffraction, field emission
      scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive analysis, for physical and
      morphological surface characterization. Zn-containing amalgam placement reduced
      crystallinity, crystallite size, and grain size of calcium phosphate crystallites
      at the dentin surface. Both microstrain and nanoroughness were augmented in
      caries-affected dentin restored with Zn-containing amalgams. Caries-affected
      dentin showed the shortest mineral crystallites (11.04 nm), when Zn-containing
      amalgams were used for restorations, probably leading to a decrease of mechanical
      properties which might favor crack propagation and deformation. Sound dentin
      restored with Zn-free amalgams exhibited a substantial increase in length of
      grain particles (12.44 nm) embedded into dentin crystallites. Zn-containing
      amalgam placement creates dentin mineralization and the resultant mineral was
      amorphous in nature. Amorphous calcium phosphate provides a local ion-rich
      environment, which is considered favorable for in situ generation of
      prenucleation clusters, promotong further dentin remineralization.

PMID- 27681363
TI  - Prevalence and quinolone resistance of fecal carriage of extended-spectrum beta
      lactamase-producing Escherichia coli in 6 communities and 2 physical examination
      center populations in Shanghai, China.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To characterize extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing
      Escherichia coli isolates from the community, determine their antibiotic
      sensitivity profiles and quinolone resistance mechanisms, and identify any
      horizontal transfer of ESBL genes. METHODS: One thousand seven hundred thirty-two
      stool samples were collected from healthy individuals in 6 communities and 2
      physical examination centers in Shanghai, China. ESBL-producing E. coli was
      screened and confirmed by confirmatory test and E. coli-identifying agars. PCR
      was used to amplify ESBL-encoding genes blaCTX-M, blaTEM, blaSHV genes, and
      quinolone resistance-relating genes gyrA, gryB, parC, parE, qnrS, aac (6')-Ib-cr,
      oqxA, and oqxB, followed by sequencing. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests and
      conjugation assays were also performed. RESULTS: Overall, 528 isolates were
      identified as ESBL-producing E. coli, and all were positive for blaCTX-M. CTX-M
      14 was found most frequently (48.9%). S83L+/-D87N in gyrA and S80I in parC were
      the most common topoisomerase mutations. Plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance
      (PMQR) determinants were also detected, including qnrS1 (11.7%), qnrS2 (3.7%),
      aac (6')-Ib-cr(12.8%), oqxA(8.5%), and oqxB(11.0%). The rate of multidrug
      resistance was very high (92.2%). ESBL genes transferred successfully in 39.4%
      isolates. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high prevalence of fecal carriage of ESBL
      producing E. coli in the community in Shanghai, with high-level quinolone
      resistance and CTX-M-14 being the predominant CTX-M enzyme.

PMID- 27681365
TI  - Correction to "Recognition of Poly-Ubiquitins by the Proteasome through Protein
      Refolding Guided by Electrostatic and Hydrophobic Interactions".

PMID- 27681366
TI  - One-Pot Synthesis of Superfine Core-Shell Cu@metal Nanowires for Highly Tenacious
      Transparent LED Dimmer.
AB  - We demonstrate a one-pot, low-cost, and scalable method for fast synthesis of
      superfine and uniform core-shell Cu nanowires (NWs) coated with optional metals
      and/or alloy. Cu NWs in high aspect ratio (>3000) were synthesized through an
      oleylamine-mediated solution method, and tunable shell coating was performed by
      injecting metal-organic precursors at the last stage of reaction. Superfine
      Cu@metal NWs (Ti, Zn, V, Ni, Ag, NiZn, etc) were achieved in diameter of ~30 nm
      and length of ~50 MUm. Transparent conductive films were obtained by imprinting
      method, showing high optoelectronic performance (51 Omega/sq at 93%
      transmittance), high mechanical tenacity over bending, twisting, stretching, and
      compressing, and robust antioxidant ability (high temperature and high humidity).
      A transparent film dimmer for light-emitting diode (LED) lighting was fabricated
      with the stretchable Cu@Ti NWs network. The LED luminance could be accurately
      tuned by the deformation strain of Cu@Ti NWs film.

PMID- 27681367
TI  - Molecular Ferroelectric with Most Equivalent Polarization Directions Induced by
      the Plastic Phase Transition.
AB  - Besides the single crystals, ferroelectric materials are actually widely used in
      the forms of the polycrystals like ceramics. Multiaxial ferroelectrics with
      multiple equivalent polarization directions are preferable for such applications,
      because more equivalent ferroelectric axes allow random spontaneous polarization
      vectors to be oriented along the electric field to achieve a larger polarization
      after poling. Most of ceramic ferroelectrics like BaTiO3 have equivalent
      ferroelectric axes no more than three. We herein describe a molecular-ionic
      ferroelectric with 12 equivalent ferroelectric axes: tetraethylammonium
      perchlorate, whose number of axes is the most in the known ferroelectrics.
      Appearance of so many equivalent ferroelectric axes benefits from the plastic
      phase transition, because the plastic phase usually crystallizes in a highly
      symmetric cubic system. A perfect macroscopic ferroelectricity can be obtained on
      the polycrystalline film of this material. This finding opened an avenue
      constructing multiaxial ferroelectrics for applications as polycrystalline
      materials.

PMID- 27681368
TI  - Reduced Long-Term Relative Survival in Females and Younger Adults Undergoing
      Cardiac Surgery: A Prospective Cohort Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess long-term survival and mortality in adult cardiac surgery
      patients. METHODS: 8,564 consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery in
      Trondheim, Norway from 2000 until censoring 31.12.2014 were prospectively
      followed. Observed long-term mortality following surgery was compared to the
      expected mortality in the Norwegian population, matched on gender, age and
      calendar year. This enabled assessment of relative survival (observed/expected
      survival rates) and relative mortality (observed/expected deaths). Long-term
      mortality was compared across gender, age and surgical procedure. Predictors of
      reduced survival were assessed with multivariate analyses of observed and
      relative mortality. RESULTS: During follow-up (median 6.4 years), 2,044 patients
      (23.9%) died. The observed 30-day, 1-, 3- and 5-year mortality rates were 2.2%,
      4.4%, 8.2% and 13.8%, respectively, and remained constant throughout the study
      period. Comparing observed mortality to that expected in a matched sample from
      the general population, patients undergoing cardiac surgery showed excellent
      survival throughout the first seven years of follow-up (relative survival >= 1).
      Subsequently, survival decreased, which was more pronounced in females and
      patients undergoing other procedures than isolated coronary artery bypass
      grafting (CABG). Relative mortality was higher in younger age groups, females and
      patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR). The female survival advantage
      in the general population was obliterated (relative mortality ratio (RMR) 1.35
      (1.19-1.54), p<0.001). Increasing observed long-term mortality seen with ageing
      was due to population risk, and younger age was independently associated with
      increased relative mortality (RMR per 5 years 0.81 (0.79-0.84), p<0.001)).
      CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac surgery patients showed comparable survival to that expected
      in the general Norwegian population, underlining the benefits of cardiac surgery
      in appropriately selected patients. The beneficial effect lasted shorter in
      younger patients, females and patients undergoing AVR or other procedures than
      isolated CABG. Thus, the study identified three groups that need increased
      attention for further improvement of outcomes.

PMID- 27681370
TI  - Myelin-related gene silencing mediated by LPA1 - Rho/ROCK signaling is correlated
      to acetylation of NFkappaB in S16 Schwann cells.
AB  - Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) initiates demyelination following peripheral nerve
      injury, which causes neuropathic pain. Our previous in vivo and ex vivo studies
      using mice have demonstrated that LPA-induced demyelination of spinal dorsal
      roots is attributed by the LPA1-type receptor-mediated down-regulation of myelin
      related molecules, such as MBP and MPZ. In this study using S16 mature-type
      Schwann cells, we found that LPA-induced down-regulation of myelin-related genes
      is attributed by the activation of LPA1 receptor, Rho kinase, and p300, leading
      to an acetylation of NFkappaB, which down-regulates the transcription of Sox10,
      MBP and MPZ genes.

PMID- 27681369
TI  - Activation of the Glutamic Acid-Dependent Acid Resistance System in Escherichia
      coli BL21(DE3) Leads to Increase of the Fatty Acid Biotransformation Activity.
AB  - The biosynthesis of carboxylic acids including fatty acids from biomass is
      central in envisaged biorefinery concepts. The productivities are often, however,
      low due to product toxicity that hamper whole-cell biocatalyst performance. Here,
      we have investigated factors that influence the tolerance of Escherichia coli to
      medium chain carboxylic acid (i.e., n-heptanoic acid)-induced stress. The
      metabolic and genomic responses of E. coli BL21(DE3) and MG1655 grown in the
      presence of n-heptanoic acid indicated that the GadA/B-based glutamic acid
      dependent acid resistance (GDAR) system might be critical for cellular tolerance.
      The GDAR system, which is responsible for scavenging intracellular protons by
      catalyzing decarboxylation of glutamic acid, was inactive in E. coli BL21(DE3).
      Activation of the GDAR system in this strain by overexpressing the rcsB and dsrA
      genes, of which the gene products are involved in the activation of GadE and
      RpoS, respectively, resulted in acid tolerance not only to HCl but also to n
      heptanoic acid. Furthermore, activation of the GDAR system allowed the
      recombinant E. coli BL21(DE3) expressing the alcohol dehydrogenase of Micrococcus
      luteus and the Baeyer-Villiger monooxygenase of Pseudomonas putida to reach 60%
      greater product concentration in the biotransformation of ricinoleic acid (i.e.,
      12-hydroxyoctadec-9-enoic acid (1)) into n-heptanoic acid (5) and 11-hydroxyundec
      9-enoic acid (4). This study may contribute to engineering E. coli-based
      biocatalysts for the production of carboxylic acids from renewable biomass.

PMID- 27681372
TI  - Antinociceptive effects of voluntarily ingested buprenorphine in the hot-plate
      test in laboratory rats.
AB  - Researchers performing experiments on animals should always strive towards the
      refinement of experiments, minimization of stress and provision of better animal
      welfare. An adequate analgesic strategy is important to improve post-operative
      recovery and welfare in laboratory rats and mice. In addition, it is desirable to
      provide post-operative analgesia using methods that are minimally invasive and
      stressful. This study investigated the antinociceptive effects of orally
      administered buprenorphine ingested in Nutella(r) in comparison with subcutaneous
      buprenorphine administration. By exposing the animal to a thermal stimulus using
      a hot plate, significant antinociceptive effects of voluntarily ingested
      buprenorphine administered in Nutella(r) were demonstrated. This was evident at
      doses of 1.0 mg/kg 60 and 120 min post administration ( P < 0.01), although
      antinociceptive effects were not as marked as with subcutaneous administration,
      and had a later onset. It is advised to administer the oral formulation of
      buprenorphine in Nutella(r) in a 10-fold higher dose, as well as approximately 60
      min earlier, than with the more commonly employed subcutaneous route of
      administration.

PMID- 27681371
TI  - LUTE (Local Unpruned Tuple Expansion): Accurate Continuously Flexible Protein
      Design with General Energy Functions and Rigid Rotamer-Like Efficiency.
AB  - Most protein design algorithms search over discrete conformations and an energy
      function that is residue-pairwise, that is, a sum of terms that depend on the
      sequence and conformation of at most two residues. Although modeling of
      continuous flexibility and of non-residue-pairwise energies significantly
      increases the accuracy of protein design, previous methods to model these
      phenomena add a significant asymptotic cost to design calculations. We now remove
      this cost by modeling continuous flexibility and non-residue-pairwise energies in
      a form suitable for direct input to highly efficient, discrete combinatorial
      optimization algorithms such as DEE/A* or branch-width minimization. Our novel
      algorithm performs a local unpruned tuple expansion (LUTE), which can efficiently
      represent both continuous flexibility and general, possibly nonpairwise energy
      functions to an arbitrary level of accuracy using a discrete energy matrix. We
      show using 47 design calculation test cases that LUTE provides a dramatic speedup
      in both single-state and multistate continuously flexible designs.

PMID- 27681374
TI  - Hospital preferences of nursing students in Korea: a discrete choice experiment
      approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: DCE was applied to investigate nursing students' preferred hospital
      choice criteria and to investigate the trends in the trade-offs by calculating
      the marginal rate of substitution between these criteria. This study identified
      the properties of the hospitals primarily selected by nursing students, and aims
      to estimate the monetary value of each attribute. METHODS: Based on discussions
      and in-depth interviews with nursing students' focus groups and a literature
      review, we created a discrete choice experiment (DCE) that assessed how students'
      stated preference for a certain hospital choice was influenced by various job
      attributes: higher salary, location, hospital type, salary per year, provision of
      a dormitory, etc. We applied this DCE to nursing students in South Korea using a
      brief structured questionnaire, and we used conditional logit models to estimate
      the utility of each job's attributes. Willingness to pay (WTP) was estimated as
      the ratio of the value of the coefficient of interest to the negative of the cost
      attribute. RESULTS: Complete data for the DCE analysis were available for 702
      nursing students. In the main effect mixed logit model, the welfare system and
      organizational culture were most strongly associated with job preference.
      Location, hospital type, and opportunity to upgrade qualifications had a negative
      influence on hospital choice. The WTP threshold was 7,043,000 KRW for the welfare
      system and 9,928,000 KRW for the organizational culture (relation-oriented).
      CONCLUSIONS: Better nursing working conditions, such as a positive organizational
      culture and the provision of a welfare system, can improve the motivation and
      applications for hospitals in rural areas.

PMID- 27681373
TI  - Dose-Dependent Regulation of Alternative Splicing by MBNL Proteins Reveals
      Biomarkers for Myotonic Dystrophy.
AB  - Alternative splicing is a regulated process that results in expression of
      specific mRNA and protein isoforms. Alternative splicing factors determine the
      relative abundance of each isoform. Here we focus on MBNL1, a splicing factor
      misregulated in the disease myotonic dystrophy. By altering the concentration of
      MBNL1 in cells across a broad dynamic range, we show that different splicing
      events require different amounts of MBNL1 for half-maximal response, and respond
      more or less steeply to MBNL1. Motifs around MBNL1 exon 5 were studied to assess
      how cis-elements mediate the MBNL1 dose-dependent splicing response. A framework
      was developed to estimate MBNL concentration using splicing responses alone,
      validated in the cell-based model, and applied to myotonic dystrophy patient
      muscle. Using this framework, we evaluated the ability of individual and
      combinations of splicing events to predict functional MBNL concentration in human
      biopsies, as well as their performance as biomarkers to assay mild, moderate, and
      severe cases of DM.

PMID- 27681375
TI  - Midterm outcomes of high-flexion total knee arthroplasty on Japanese lifestyle.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical outcomes after total knee arthroplasty (TKA)
      using the Genesis II posterior stabilized prosthesis with a high-flex insert
      during the mid-term follow-up and to assess its effect on the Japanese lifestyle.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-three consecutive patients (8 men and 45 women)
      underwent primary TKA. The mean follow-up time was 76 months (5-9 years).
      Clinical results were assessed with the Japanese Orthopedic Association
      osteoarthritis knee rating score (JOA knee score), range of motion, and lifestyle
      changes. RESULTS: The postoperative JOA knee score improved significantly
      compared to the preoperative JOA knee score. The mean preoperative flexion range
      improved from 112 degrees  to 123 degrees  postoperatively (p < 0.05).
      Additionally, our findings showed that 39% of patients enjoyed a floor-sitting
      life preoperatively, but only 30% of patients enjoyed floor-sitting life
      postoperatively. CONCLUSION: The postoperative range of knee motion and JOA knee
      score improved after TKA using the Genesis II posterior stabilized prosthesis
      with a high-flex insert, but the number of patients who enjoyed floor-sitting
      life decreased from 39% to 30% because of feelings of fear and discomfort. LEVEL
      OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Therapeutic study.

PMID- 27681376
TI  - Prospective study of postoperative whole breast radiotherapy for Japanese large
      breasted women: a clinical and dosimetric comparisons between supine and prone
      positions and a dose measurement using a breast phantom.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This prospective study aimed to compare dose volume histograms (DVH)
      of the breasts and organs at risk (OARs) of whole breast radiotherapy in the
      supine and prone positions, and frequency and severity of acute and late
      toxicities were analyzed. METHODS: Early-stage breast cancer patients with large
      breasts (Japanese bra size C or larger, or the widest measurements of the bust >=
      95 cm) undergoing partial mastectomy participated in this study. CT-based
      treatment plans were made in each position, and various dosimetric parameters for
      the breast and OARs were calculated to compare the supine and prone radiotherapy
      plans. The actual treatment was delivered in the position regarded as better.
      RESULTS: From 2009 to 2010, 22 patients were prospectively accrued. Median follow
      up period was 58 months. The homogeneity index and lung doses were significantly
      lower in the prone position (P = 0.008, P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0001, respectively).
      Cardiac dose showed no significant differences between two positions. By
      comparing two plans, the prone position was chosen in 77 % of the patients. In
      the prone position, >= grade 2 acute dermatitis were seen in 47 % of patients
      treated, whereas 20 % of the patients treated in the supine position had grade 2
      and no cases of grade 3, although without a statistical significance of the rates
      of >= grade 2 acute dermatitis between the two positions (P = 0.28). The actual
      dose measurement using a breast phantom revealed significantly higher surface
      dose of the breast treated in the prone position than that in the supine
      position. CONCLUSIONS: Breast irradiation in the prone position improves PTV
      homogeneity and lowers doses to the OARs in the Japanese large-breast patients.
      However meticulous positioning of the breast in the prone board avoiding the
      bolus effect is necessary to prevent acute dermatitis.

PMID- 27681377
TI  - Investigation of Streptococcus salivarius-mediated inhibition of pneumococcal
      adherence to pharyngeal epithelial cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pneumococcal adherence to the nasopharyngeal epithelium is a critical
      step in colonisation and disease. The probiotic bacterium, Streptococcus
      salivarius, can inhibit pneumococcal adherence to epithelial cells in vitro. We
      investigated the mechanism(s) of inhibition using a human pharyngeal epithelial
      cell line (Detroit 562) following pre-administration of two different strains of
      S. salivarius. RESULTS: Whilst the bacteriocin-encoding megaplasmids of S.
      salivarius strains K12 and M18 were essential to prevent pneumococcal growth on
      solid media, they were not required to inhibit pneumococcal adherence.
      Experiments testing S. salivarius K12 and two pneumococcal isolates (serotypes
      19F and 6A) showed that inhibition of 19F may involve S. salivarius-mediated
      blocking of pneumococcal binding sites: a negative correlation was observed
      between adherence of K12 and 19F, and no inhibition occurred when K12 was
      prevented from contacting epithelial cells. K12-mediated inhibition of adherence
      by 6A may involve additional mechanisms, since no correlation was observed
      between adherence of K12 and 6A, and K12 could inhibit 6A adherence in the
      absence of cell contact. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that S. salivarius
      employs several mechanisms, including blocking pneumococcal binding sites, to
      reduce pneumococcal adherence to pharyngeal epithelial cells. These findings
      extend our understanding of how probiotics may inhibit pneumococcal adherence and
      could assist with the development of novel strategies to prevent pneumococcal
      colonisation in the future.

PMID- 27681378
TI  - Synthetic Poly(L-Glutamic Acid)-conjugated CpG Exhibits Antitumor Efficacy With
      Increased Retention in Tumor and Draining Lymph Nodes After Intratumoral
      Injection in a Mouse Model of Melanoma.
AB  - There is an urgent need for new clinically applicable drug-delivery methods to
      enhance accumulation of immune-activating drugs in tumors. We synthesized a
      poly(L-glutamic acid)-CpG ODN2216 conjugate (PG-CpG) and injected it
      intratumorally into C57BL/6 mice bearing subcutaneous B16-ovalbumin melanoma. PG
      CpG elicited the same potent antitumoral activity as CpG with respect to reducing
      tumor growth and triggering antigen-specific CD8 T-cell responses in this well
      established solid tumor model. Moreover, PG-CpG was retained significantly longer
      in both tumor and draining lymph nodes than was free CpG after intratumoral
      injection. Specifically, 48 hours after injection, 26.5%+/-16.9% of the injected
      PG-CpG dose versus 4.72%+/-2.61% of free CpG remained at the tumor, and 1.53%+/
      1.22% of the injected PG-CpG versus 0.37%+/-0.33% of free CpG was retained in the
      draining inguinal lymph nodes. These findings indicate that PG is an effective
      synthetic polymeric carrier for delivery of immunostimulatory agents to tumors
      and lymph nodes.

PMID- 27681379
TI  - New insights into the mechanisms of acetic acid resistance in Acetobacter
      pasteurianus using iTRAQ-dependent quantitative proteomic analysis.
AB  - Acetobacter pasteurianus is the main starter in rice vinegar manufacturing due to
      its remarkable abilities to resist and produce acetic acid. Although several
      mechanisms of acetic acid resistance have been proposed and only a few effector
      proteins have been identified, a comprehensive depiction of the biological
      processes involved in acetic acid resistance is needed. In this study, iTRAQ
      based quantitative proteomic analysis was adopted to investigate the whole
      proteome of different acidic titers (3.6, 7.1 and 9.3%, w/v) of Acetobacter
      pasteurianus Ab3 during the vinegar fermentation process. Consequently, 1386
      proteins, including 318 differentially expressed proteins (p<0.05), were
      identified. Compared to that in the low titer circumstance, cells conducted
      distinct biological processes under high acetic acid stress, where >150 proteins
      were differentially expressed. Specifically, proteins involved in amino acid
      metabolic processes and fatty acid biosynthesis were differentially expressed,
      which may contribute to the acetic acid resistance of Acetobacter. Transcription
      factors, two component systems and toxin-antitoxin systems were implicated in the
      modulatory network at multiple levels. In addition, the identification of
      proteins involved in redox homeostasis, protein metabolism, and the cell envelope
      suggested that the whole cellular system is mobilized in response to acid stress.
      These findings provide a differential proteomic profile of acetic acid resistance
      in Acetobacter pasteurianus and have potential application to highly acidic rice
      vinegar manufacturing.

PMID- 27681380
TI  - Comment on "Cut-off points to identify sarcopenia according to European Working
      Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) definition".

PMID- 27681381
TI  - Day case transobturator tapes: a cut and dried solution.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The transobturator tape (TOT) has been utilized in the surgical
      management of SUI since 2001 when it was first described and is associated with
      minimal risk of trauma as its purely perineal insertion avoids entry to the
      retropubic space. Given its high success rate, low associated peri-operative
      morbidity and relative ease of insertion, it has been increasingly used as a day
      case procedure worldwide. AIM: This study aims to demonstrate the suitability of
      the transobturator tape (TOT) as a day surgery procedure in the Republic of
      Ireland. METHODS: A retrospective review of all the patients who underwent TOT as
      a day case procedure at a tertiary referral centre in Dublin over a 1 year period
      (March 2015-March 2016) was carried out. This was post the introduction of the
      procedure as a day case for a select group of patients. The outcomes evaluated
      included intraoperative and postoperative complication rates, voiding dysfunction
      rates, unscheduled inpatient admissions following the procedure and continence
      rates post-procedure. RESULTS: Fifteen cases were reviewed. There was one case
      with minor intraoperative complication of bladder perforation which was managed
      as an outpatient. One patient (6 %) failed to achieve adequate voiding within the
      6-h timeframe allowed and, therefore, required overnight admission. All patients
      reported dryness at the 6-week review. Major elective waiting time for the
      gynaecology list decreased from 28 to 10 weeks 1 year post-commencement of the
      protocol. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the transobturator tape procedure is
      suitable as a day case in a select group of patients in the Irish healthcare
      setting. There was no increased rate of morbidity demonstrated in the group and
      readmission rates were low. It has reduced waiting times by increasing throughput
      of cases and ultimately will lead to reduced costs for hospitals.

PMID- 27681382
TI  - Allium sativum L. regulates in vitro IL-17 gene expression in human peripheral
      blood mononuclear cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Allium sativum L. (A.S.) "garlic", one of the most interesting
      medicinal plants, has been suggested to contain compounds that could be
      beneficial in numerous pathological situations including cancer. In this work, we
      aimed to assess the immunomodulatory effect of A.S. preparation on human
      peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy individuals. METHODS: Nontoxic
      doses of A.S. were identified using MTT assay. Effects on CD4+ or CD8+ T
      lymphocyte proliferation were studied using flow cytometry. The effect of A.S. on
      cytokine gene expression was studied using qRT-PCR. Finally, qualitative analysis
      of A.S. was performed by HPLC approach. Data were analyzed statistically by one
      way ANOVA test. RESULTS: The nontoxic doses of A.S. preparation did not affect
      neither spontaneous nor TCR-mediated CD4+ or CD8+ T lymphocyte proliferation.
      Interestingly, A.S. exhibited a statistically significant regulation of IL-17
      gene expression, a cytokine involved in several inflammatory and autoimmune
      diseases. In contrast, the expression of IL-4, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, was
      unaffected. Qualitative analysis of A.S. ethanol preparation indicated the
      presence of three polyphenol bioactive compounds, which are catechin, vanillic
      acid and ferulic acid. CONCLUSION: The specific inhibition of the pro
      inflammatory cytokine, IL-17 without affecting cell proliferation in human PBMCs
      by the Allium sativum L. preparation suggests a potential valuable effect of the
      compounds present in this plant for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and
      cancer, where IL-17 is highly expressed. The individual contribution of these
      three compounds to this global effect will be assessed.

PMID- 27681384
TI  - Lowering the Bar on the Low-Fat Diet.

PMID- 27681383
TI  - Association between nesfatin-1 levels and metabolic improvements in severely
      obese patients who underwent biliopancreatic derivation with duodenal switch.
AB  - CONTEXT: Nesfatin-1 is a neuroendocrine peptide with potent anorexigenic activity
      in rodents. The potential role of nesfatin-1 on the regulation of energy balance,
      metabolic functions and inflammation is currently debated in obese humans. In the
      present study, nesfatin-1 fluctuations and their associations with metabolic
      factors were investigated in severely obese patients who underwent
      biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS) and severely obese
      controls (SOC). BASIC PROCEDURES: Sixty severely obese patients who underwent
      BPD/DS and 15 SOC (matched for BMI and age) were included in the study.
      Associations between nesfatin-1 levels and body composition, glucose metabolism,
      lipid profile as well as inflammatory markers were evaluated at baseline and over
      a post-surgery12-month (12M) period. MAIN FINDINGS: Body weight was reduced at 6M
      and at 12M in BPD/DS patients (P<0.001). Nesfatin-1 levels were reduced at 6M
      (women: P<0.05) and at 12M (men and women; P<0.001) in BPD/DS patients. At
      baseline, nesfatin-1 levels negatively correlated with weight, fat (FM) and fat
      free mass (FFM) in the whole population (combined BPD/DS and SOC patients). At
      12M, nesfatin-1 concentrations positively correlated with weight, FM, fasting
      insulin, insulin resistance, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglyceride and
      apoB values. At 12M, % changes in nesfatin-1 were positively associated with%
      changes in weight, FM, FFM, fasting insulin, insulin resistance, total
      cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, apoB and C-reactive protein. CONCLUSION: Nesfatin-1
      levels decrease following BPD/DS-induced weight loss and are significantly
      associated with parameters of metabolic health.

PMID- 27681386
TI  - Xylitol as a potential co-crystal co-former for enhancing dissolution rate of
      felodipine: preparation and evaluation of sublingual tablets.
AB  - Dissolution enhancement is a promising strategy for improving drug
      bioavailability. Co-crystallization of drugs with inert material can help in this
      direction. The benefit will become even greater if the inert material can form co
      crystal while maintaining its main function as excipient. Accordingly, the
      objective of the current study was to investigate xylitol as a potential co
      crystal co-former for felodipine with the goal of preparing felodipine sublingual
      tablets. Co-crystallization was achieved by wet co-grinding of the crystals
      deposited from methanolic solutions containing felodipine with increasing molar
      ratios of xylitol (1:1, 1:2 and 1:3). The developed co-crystals were
      characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray
      diffractometry (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and scanning
      electron microscopy (SEM) before monitoring drug dissolution. These results
      reflected the development of new crystalline species depending on the relative
      proportions of felodipine and xylitol with complete co-crystallization of
      felodipine being achieved in the presence of double its molar concentration of
      xylitol. This co-crystal formulation was compressed into sublingual tablet with
      ultrashort disintegration time with subsequent fast dissolution. Co-crystal
      formation was associated with enhanced dissolution with the optimum formulation
      producing the fastest dissolution rate. In conclusion, xylitol can be considered
      as a co-crystal co-former for enhanced dissolution rate of drugs.

PMID- 27681385
TI  - De novo missense variants in PPP1CB are associated with intellectual disability
      and congenital heart disease.
AB  - Intellectual disabilities are genetically heterogeneous and can be associated
      with congenital anomalies. Using whole-exome sequencing (WES), we identified five
      different de novo missense variants in the protein phosphatase-1 catalytic
      subunit beta (PPP1CB) gene in eight unrelated individuals who share an
      overlapping phenotype of dysmorphic features, macrocephaly, developmental delay
      or intellectual disability (ID), congenital heart disease, short stature, and
      skeletal and connective tissue abnormalities. Protein phosphatase-1 (PP1) is a
      serine/threonine-specific protein phosphatase involved in the dephosphorylation
      of a variety of proteins. The PPP1CB gene encodes a PP1 subunit that regulates
      the level of protein phosphorylation. All five altered amino acids we observed
      are highly conserved among the PP1 subunit family, and all are predicted to
      disrupt PP1 subunit binding and impair dephosphorylation. Our data suggest that
      our heterozygous de novo PPP1CB pathogenic variants are associated with syndromic
      intellectual disability.

PMID- 27681388
TI  - Association Between Pediatric Psoriasis and Waist-to-Height Ratio in the Absence
      of Obesity: A Multicenter Australian Study.
AB  - Importance: Increasing evidence suggests that psoriasis poses a cardiometabolic
      risk in children, as in adults. The best way to screen for this has not yet been
      established. Waist-to-height ratio (WtHR) can easily identify children with
      increased central adiposity and is a simpler alternative to body mass index (BMI)
      that does not require growth charts or percentiles. Having a WtHR of 0.5 or
      greater is associated with future cardiovascular risk. Objective: To determine
      whether children with psoriasis are more likely to have increased WtHR, obesity,
      and metabolic syndrome relative to children without psoriasis. Design, Setting,
      and Participants: This multicenter cross-sectional prospective case-control study
      was conducted from February 7, 2014, to July 15, 2015, in a tertiary referral
      center pediatric dermatology clinic and in 2 private consultant rooms of
      specialist dermatologists, all located in Sydney and Gosford, New South Wales,
      Australia. Participants were children (110 girls and 98 boys) aged from 5 to 16
      years, 135 children with psoriasis and 73 controls with noninflammatory skin
      conditions. Main Outcomes and Measures: Increased central adiposity indicated by
      WtHR of 0.5 or higher, metabolic syndrome, and increased BMI. Results: Of the 208
      children evaluated (110 girls and 98 boys) aged from 5 to 16 years (mean age, 8.9
      years), 135 had psoriasis and 73 were controls with noninflammatory skin
      conditions. Children with psoriasis were more likely to have increased central
      adiposity, with WtHR of 0.5 or greater (29% [n = 39] vs 11% [n = 8]; P = .002).
      Four of 53 children older than 10 years with psoriasis were found to have
      metabolic syndrome compared with none of 29 in the control group (8% vs 0%; P =
      .29). Three of 15 children with moderate to severe psoriasis had metabolic
      syndrome compared with 1 of 38 children with mild psoriasis (20% vs 3%; P = .06).
      Children with moderate to severe psoriasis had a higher mean WtHR than children
      with mild psoriasis (0.48 vs 0.46; P = .04). Overweight and obesity according to
      BMI did not vary significantly between children with psoriasis and controls (17%
      [n = 23] vs 16% [n = 12]; P = .91). Conclusions and Relevance: In this Australian
      cohort of children with psoriasis, elevated WtHR was significantly more common in
      patients with psoriasis than in controls, while proportions of participants with
      metabolic syndrome or BMI-determined obesity were not significantly different
      between the 2 groups.

PMID- 27681387
TI  - Benchmarking Sepsis Gene Expression Diagnostics Using Public Data.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In response to a need for better sepsis diagnostics, several new gene
      expression classifiers have been recently published, including the 11-gene
      "Sepsis MetaScore," the "FAIM3-to-PLAC8" ratio, and the Septicyte Lab. We
      performed a systematic search for publicly available gene expression data in
      sepsis and tested each gene expression classifier in all included datasets. We
      also created a public repository of sepsis gene expression data to encourage
      their future reuse. DATA SOURCES: We searched National Institutes of Health Gene
      Expression Omnibus and EBI ArrayExpress for human gene expression microarray
      datasets. We also included the Glue Grant trauma gene expression cohorts. STUDY
      SELECTION: We selected clinical, time-matched, whole blood studies of sepsis and
      acute infections as compared to healthy and/or noninfectious inflammation
      patients. We identified 39 datasets composed of 3,241 samples from 2,604
      patients. DATA EXTRACTION: All data were renormalized from raw data, when
      available, using consistent methods. DATA SYNTHESIS: Mean validation areas under
      the receiver operating characteristic curve for discriminating septic patients
      from patients with noninfectious inflammation for the Sepsis MetaScore, the FAIM3
      to-PLAC8 ratio, and the Septicyte Lab were 0.82 (range, 0.73-0.89), 0.78 (range,
      0.49-0.96), and 0.73 (range, 0.44-0.90), respectively. Paired-sample t tests of
      validation datasets showed no significant differences in area under the receiver
      operating characteristic curves. Mean validation area under the receiver
      operating characteristic curves for discriminating infected patients from healthy
      controls for the Sepsis MetaScore, FAIM3-to-PLAC8 ratio, and Septicyte Lab were
      0.97 (range, 0.85-1.0), 0.94 (range, 0.65-1.0), and 0.71 (range, 0.24-1.0),
      respectively. There were few significant differences in any diagnostics due to
      pathogen type. CONCLUSIONS: The three diagnostics do not show significant
      differences in overall ability to distinguish noninfectious systemic inflammatory
      response syndrome from sepsis, though the performance in some datasets was low
      (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, < 0.7) for the FAIM3-to
      PLAC8 ratio and Septicyte Lab. The Septicyte Lab also demonstrated significantly
      worse performance in discriminating infections as compared to healthy controls.
      Overall, public gene expression data are a useful tool for benchmarking gene
      expression diagnostics.

PMID- 27681390
TI  - " Karmanyevaddhikaraste Ma phalesukadachna Ma karma phalaheturbhur Ma
      teSangostvaakarmani" With deepest prayers to Goddess Saraswathi.

PMID- 27681389
TI  - Weighted-SAMGSR: combining significance analysis of microarray-gene set reduction
      algorithm with pathway topology-based weights to select relevant genes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It has been demonstrated that a pathway-based feature selection
      method that incorporates biological information within pathways during the
      process of feature selection usually outperforms a gene-based feature selection
      algorithm in terms of predictive accuracy and stability. Significance analysis of
      microarray-gene set reduction algorithm (SAMGSR), an extension to a gene set
      analysis method with further reduction of the selected pathways to their
      respective core subsets, can be regarded as a pathway-based feature selection
      method. METHODS: In SAMGSR, whether a gene is selected is mainly determined by
      its expression difference between the phenotypes, and partially by the number of
      pathways to which this gene belongs. It ignores the topology information among
      pathways. In this study, we propose a weighted version of the SAMGSR algorithm by
      constructing weights based on the connectivity among genes and then combing these
      weights with the test statistics. RESULTS: Using both simulated and real-world
      data, we evaluate the performance of the proposed SAMGSR extension and
      demonstrate that the weighted version outperforms its original version. 
      CONCLUSIONS: To conclude, the additional gene connectivity information does
      faciliatate feature selection. REVIEWERS: This article was reviewed by Drs.
      Limsoon Wong, Lev Klebanov, and, I. King Jordan.

PMID- 27681391
TI  - Diagnostic accuracy of direct digital radiography and conventional radiography
      for proximal caries detection in primary teeth: A systematic review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The present study was conducted to uncover the diagnostic accuracy of
      digital versus conventional radiographic methods for the detection of proximal
      caries in primary teeth. METHODS: Two researchers independently involved in the
      search process to explore Medical Subject Heading terms "dental digital
      radiography," "dental radiography," "bitewing," "dental caries," and "primary
      teeth" using PubMed, Cochrane Library, Ovid SP, and SIGLE databases. Search was
      confined to the articles published in English language only, with time period
      limit January 1996 to April 2014 and a hand search was performed to retrieve
      additional citations. Explicit inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to
      eliminate undesired studies. Critical appraisal of the retrieved articles was
      done using the quality rating based on Bader and co-workers criteria. RESULTS: A
      total of 129 articles were retrieved, among which 4 articles were included. All
      the four studies included were in vitro, of which two studies attained a high
      quality score, whereas the other two attained average, and low scores based on
      Bader et al.'s criteria. CONCLUSIONS: A big lacuna exists in the literature,
      regarding the evaluation of radiographic systems in primary teeth, suggesting an
      immediate need for well conducted in vivo studies. The quality of available
      evidence can be regarded as fair but cannot be suggested to set a baseline,
      indicating a need to perform high-quality studies in a randomized sample to find
      out the accuracy of digital and conventional radiographs.

PMID- 27681392
TI  - A comparative evaluation of dental caries status among hearing-impaired and
      normal children of Malda, West Bengal, evaluated with the Caries Assessment
      Spectrum and Treatment.
AB  - CONTEXT: Dental caries is one of the major modern-day diseases of dental hard
      tissue. It may affect both normal and hearing-impaired children. AIMS: This study
      is aimed to evaluate and compare the prevalence of dental caries in hearing
      impaired and normal children of Malda, West Bengal, utilizing the Caries
      Assessment Spectrum and Treatment (CAST). SETTINGS AND DESIGN: In a cross
      sectional, case-control study of dental caries status of 6-12-year-old children
      was assessed. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Statistically significant difference was
      found in studied (hearing-impaired) and control group (normal children). In the
      present study, caries affected hearing-impaired children found to be about 30.51%
      compared to 15.81% in normal children, and the result was statistically
      significant. Regarding individual caries assessment criteria, nearly all
      subgroups reflect statistically significant difference except sealed tooth
      structure group, internal caries-related discoloration in dentin, and distinct
      cavitation into dentine group, and the result is significant at P < 0.05.
      STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Statistical analysis was carried out utilizing Z-test.
      RESULTS: Statistically significant difference was found in studied (hearing
      impaired) and control group (normal children). In the present study, caries
      effected hearing-impaired children found about 30.51% instead of 15.81% in normal
      children, and the result was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Regarding
      individual caries assessment criteria, nearly all subgroups reflect statistically
      significant difference except sealed tooth structure group, internal caries
      related discoloration in dentin, and distinct cavitation into dentine group.
      CONCLUSIONS: Dental health of hearing-impaired children was found unsatisfactory
      than normal children when studied in relation to dental caries status evaluated
      with CAST.

PMID- 27681393
TI  - Correlation of dental age, skeletal age, and chronological age among children
      aged 9-14 years: A retrospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Growth can be one of the most uncertain variations, but understanding
      the same is very important for diagnosis and treatment planning. Skeletal age and
      dental age have been used to determine a child's developmental age. Several
      researchers have evaluated the association between dental and skeletal maturity
      with chronologic age on different population. The purpose of the present study
      was to find out whether dental age estimation can be replaced for skeletal age
      estimation in the Dakshina Kannada population. METHODS: A total of 104 samples
      equally distributed among both genders in the age group of 9-14 years were
      selected. Skeletal age was estimated using hand-wrist radiographs and Fishman's
      skeletal maturation index and dental age was measured using Demirjian's method.
      RESULTS: Spearman's rank-order correlation coefficients were used to measure the
      association between the skeletal maturity and dental maturity. The mean ages of
      male and female samples were determined as 11.89 +/- 1.867 years and 12.21 +/-
      1.473 years, respectively. Chronological age was found to be positively
      correlated to dental age and skeletal age and found to be statistically
      significant (P < 0.01). The correlation between dental age and skeletal age was
      also found to be statistically significant with P < 0.001 and correlation
      coefficient of 0.683 and 0.704 for males and females. CONCLUSION: The present
      study showed a strong relation between the developmental ages in mixed dentition
      population; hence, dental age can be considered as a replacement in the study
      population.

PMID- 27681394
TI  - Comparative evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy of three different formulations
      of mouth rinses with multi-herbal mouth rinse.
AB  - CONTEXT: In response to the propagation of various anti-Streptococcus preventive
      agents, the discovery of newer and more efficient agents which are more
      economical, efficacious, and safe are gaining popularity in today's era. AIMS:
      The purpose was to compare the antimicrobial efficacy of multi-herbal mouth rinse
      with essential oil-based, fluoride containing, and 0.2% chlorhexidine digluconate
      mouth rinses, well-evidenced chemical formulations, against Streptococcus mutans.
      SETTINGS AND DESIGN: It is triple-blinded randomized controlled trial.
      METHODOLOGY: One hundred and twenty adolescents aged between 15 and 17 years were
      randomized into four groups: (a) multi-herbal mouth rinse, 15 ml twice a day; (b)
      0.2% chlorhexidine mouth rinse, 15 ml twice a day; (c) essential oil mouth rinse,
      15 ml twice a day (d) 0.2% sodium fluoride mouth rinse, twice a day. Salivary and
      plaque samples were collected from subjects and oral streptococci colony forming
      units (CFUs)/mL was assessed using TYCSB agar. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED:
      Repeated measures of ANOVA were used to compare the various mouthrinses followed
      by post hoc Bonferroni test for comparing multi-herbal mouthrinse with other
      mouthrinses. Significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: At baseline, there was no
      statistically significant difference in the distribution of baseline data groups,
      but reduction of S. mutans colony count of multi-herbal mouth rinse in comparison
      with the other mouthrinses had statistically significant values except Fluoride
      mouth rinse till 1 week postrinsing. CONCLUSION: Chlorhexidine and multi-herbal
      mouth rinses showed statistically significant reduction in the S. mutans CFU
      count, in terms of efficacy and substantivity both.

PMID- 27681395
TI  - A comparative microleakage evaluation of three different base materials in Class
      I cavity in deciduous molars in sandwich technique using dye penetration and
      dentin surface interface by scanning electron microscope.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: A major objective in restorative dentistry is the control of
      marginal leakage, which may occur because of dimensional changes or lack of
      adaptation of restorative material to the cavity preparation. Numerous techniques
      have been advocated to overcome polymerization shrinkage in composite
      restorations. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: This study investigated microleakage of three
      different bases under composite resin in sandwich technique using dye penetration
      and dentin surface interface using scanning electron microscope (SEM). MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Sixty extracted deciduous molars were stored in distilled water and
      Class I cavities with a width of about one-fourth of intercuspal distance and a
      depth of 0.5-1 mm below the dentino-enamel junction was prepared without bevels.
      In Group 1 - glass ionomer cement (GIC); Group 2 - mineral trioxide aggregate
      (MTA); Group 3 - BiodentineTM was placed as a base under composite. Teeth were
      longitudinally sectioned in two halves, through the centers of the restoration,
      immersed in 2% methylene blue and microleakage was evaluated under
      stereomicroscope and surface interface between base and dentin was evaluated
      under SEM. RESULTS: Under the condition of in vitro study, less microleakage and
      less internal gaps were seen in BiodentineTM (0.00 +/- 0.00 and 4.00 +/- 1.59)
      group than MTA (0.00 +/- 0.00 and 6.08 +/- 1.82) and GIC (25.25 +/- 6.57 and
      14.73 +/- 3.72, respectively) and showed very strong positive correlation between
      microleakage and internal gaps. CONCLUSION: BiodentineTM exhibits superior
      marginal sealing ability as well as marginal adaptation under composite resin as
      compared to MTA and GIC.

PMID- 27681396
TI  - The effectiveness of pendulum, K-loop, and distal jet distalization techniques in
      growing children and its effects on anchor unit: A comparative study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A common strategy to correct Class II malocclusions using a
      nonextraction protocol in children is to move the maxillary molars distally using
      molar distalization appliances, which usually derive their anchorage from
      maxillary premolars, causing mesialization of premolars and protrusion of
      incisors. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the skeletal, dental and soft tissue changes
      produced by three different distalizing appliances, namely, pendulum, K-loop, and
      distal jet appliances. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-six children of mean age
      14.13 years requiring molar distalization were divided into three groups: Group I
      (pendulum appliance), Group II (K-loop), and Group III (distal jet). Lateral
      cephalometric films were taken before and after 5 months of molar distalization
      and following cephalometric parameters were used to assess the effects of
      maxillary molar distalization, namely, anteroposterior skeletal (SNA/SNB/ANB),
      vertical skeletal (face height ratio/Frankfort-mandibular plane [FMA]/angle
      formed between Maxillary plane & Mandibular plane (MM)), interdental
      (overjet/overbite), maxillary dentoalveolar, and soft tissue parameters. RESULTS:
      There was no significant age difference between the three groups. In overall
      treatment changes among the three groups, the Anteroposterior skeletal changes
      were not statistically significant, vertically FMA angle increased by 1.79
      degrees  +/- 2.25 degrees  and overbite reduced by 2.38 +/- 1.83 mm. The
      maxillary first molars were distalized by an average of 4.70 +/- 3.01 mm (Upper 6
      [U6] to pterygoid vertical [PTV]). The maxillary central incisor labial tipping
      increased to an average of 1.61 +/- 2.73 mm and cant of upper lip increased by
      3.40 degrees  +/- 5.88 degrees  are statistically significant (P < 0.05).
      CONCLUSION: All three distalization techniques in growing children produced
      significant effects on anchor unit. There was an increase in FMA angle,
      significant bite opening, proclination of the maxillary incisors and increase in
      the cant of the upper lip.

PMID- 27681397
TI  - Salivary IgA and dental caries in HIV patients: A pilot study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The interrelationship of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
      infection and dental caries, as well as Salivary IgA (S-IgA) level, appear to
      remain underexplored while a manual and electronic search of the literature was
      made. Hence, this study was undertaken to assess the relationship of S-IgA and
      dental caries status in HIV +ve children. AIM: The aim of this study was to find
      out the relationship of S-IgA antibody with dental caries by measuring the
      concentration of IgA in saliva of HIV +ve and HIV -ve children and to determine
      the dental caries status in HIV +ve and HIV -ve children, which may help in
      treatment planning and prevention of the same. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty
      eight HIV +ve children aged between 6 and 14 years and 28 age matched HIV -ve
      children were included in this study, and both samples were randomly selected
      from the same nongovernmental organization (NGO). The HIV status of both these
      samples was confirmed from their medical records provided by the NGO. 2 cc of
      unstimulated saliva was collected from both groups in special tubes coded
      numerically using the method described by Collins and Dawes, and the samples were
      analyzed to measure the concentration of IgA using commercially available ELISA
      kit (DRG Diagnostics, Germany). Examination of dental caries was carried out
      according to the WHO criteria (1997) using a flat mouth mirror and Community
      periodontal index (CPI) probe. RESULTS: In HIV +ve group, mean salivary IgA level
      was calculated as 81.61 +/- 6.20 MUg/ml, mean decayed, missing, filled teeth
      (DMFT) was 3.86 +/- 3.37, mean decayed, extracted and filled teeth (deft) was
      4.75 +/- 2.86. In HIV -ve group, the mean salivary IgA level was calculated as
      145.57 +/-17.83 MUg/ml, mean DMFT was 2.54 +/- 0.69, mean deft was 2.43 +/- 2.01.
      Strong -ve correlation between S-IgA and DMFT (r = -0.781, t = 6.38, P < 0.001)
      and negative, but not significant correlation (r = -0.19, t = 0.99, P > 0.05)
      between S-IgA and deft was found in HIV +ve group. Strong -ve correlation between
      S-IgA and DMFT (r = -0.655, t = 4.42, P < 0.001), S-IgA and deft (r = -0.942, t =
      14.32, P < 0.001) was found in HIV -ve group. CONCLUSION: This study suggests
      that the individuals, who are suffering from IgA deficiency in general, are more
      susceptible to dental caries than normal individuals.

PMID- 27681398
TI  - Dental students' compliance with antibiotic prescribing guidelines for dental
      infections in children.
AB  - CONTEXT: To investigate the antibiotic prescribing training received by dental
      students, clinical experience in treating child patients, awareness of antibiotic
      prescribing guidelines, preparedness in antibiotic prescribing, and compliance
      with antibiotic prescribing guidelines for the management of dental infections in
      children. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving final year dentals
      students from Malaysian and Asian dental schools. A self-administered
      questionnaire consisting of five clinical case scenarios was e-mailed to all
      final year students at selected dental schools. Students' responses were compared
      for each clinical case scenario with the prescribing guidelines of the American
      Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association. Compliance in
      each scenario was tested for association with their preparedness in antibiotic
      prescribing, previous training on antibiotic prescribing and awareness of
      antibiotic prescribing guidelines using Chi-square test. Data collected were
      analyzed using SPSS statistics version 20. RESULTS: A total of 108 completed
      responses were received. About 74 (69%) students were from Malaysian dental
      schools. The compliance rate with prescribing guidelines ranged from 15.7% to
      43.5%. Those attending Malaysian dental schools (47.3%) and those who had treated
      child patient more often (46.3%) were more likely (P < 0.05) to be aware of the
      guidelines. Those who had received antibiotic prescribing training (21.3%) were
      more likely to think they were well prepared in antibiotic prescribing (P <
      0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Final year dental students had low awareness and compliance
      with antibiotic prescribing guidelines. Further research is needed to investigate
      how compliance with the guidelines may be enhanced.

PMID- 27681399
TI  - Strength and difficulties questionnaire: A tool as prerequisite to measure
      child's mental health problems attending dental clinics.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Child's behavior on dental visit depends on variables such as age,
      parental behavior, parental anxiety, medical/dental history, and dental
      procedures. Behavioral-screening questionnaire, such as the Strengths and
      Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), can be used to preassess the child's mental
      health status which further predicts child behavioral pattern in dental clinics.
      AIM: To measure emotional status among children of 3-14 years age group attending
      dental clinics. METHODOLOGY: A total of 176 parents of children aged 3-14 years
      were involved in this study. The child's emotional and behavioral statuses were
      assessed using SDQ. RESULTS: On analyzing the SDQ data, it was found that 80% of
      children came under the abnormal category whereas only 8% of children were found
      to be in normal category. Twelve percent of children came under borderline
      category. On the individual behavioral subsets scores, 13% were rated as abnormal
      on emotional subset, 40% on conduct problems, 12% on hyperactivity, and 29% on
      peer problems subset. CONCLUSION: Findings of this study suggest that
      incorporating tools to identify the current emotional state would give a clue and
      allow the dentist to develop a behavior guidance plan to accomplish the necessary
      oral health care. However, the results are preliminary; studies with larger
      sample should be done to validate the results among diverse populations.

PMID- 27681400
TI  - New fluoride MI Varnish as root canal sealer: An in vitro analysis of bacterial
      leakage.
AB  - AIMS: The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the sealing
      ability of root canal obturation after the application of fluoride varnish (MI
      Varnish) containing 5% sodium fluoride and casein phosphopeptide-amorphous
      calcium phosphate, fluoride varnish, and AH Plus and AH-Plus as root canal sealer
      by bacterial penetration test. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Root canals of 65 single
      rooted and single-canalled teeth were prepared. They were divided into three
      experimental groups (n = 15) and two control groups (n = 10). The root canal
      walls in Group I were coated with AH Plus, Group II were coated with AH Plus and
      fluoride varnish, and Group III were coated with fluoride varnish. All the teeth
      were obturated with gutta-percha using the lateral condensation technique.
      Enterococcus faecalis were used as test bacteria to determine the leakage during
      100 days. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The data were analyzed using log-rank test and
      Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. RESULTS: Group III showed significantly less
      bacterial penetration as compared to Group I (P = 0.01) and Group II (P = 0.03).
      However, there was no statistical significance between Groups I and II (P =
      0.672). CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded from the present study that fluoride
      varnish can be used as a root canal sealer. However, further in vitro and in vivo
      studies are required.

PMID- 27681401
TI  - Dental neglect among children in Chennai.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Child dental neglect is the failure of a parent or guardian to meet
      the child's basic oral health needs such that the child enjoys adequate function
      and freedom from pain and infection, where reasonable resources are available to
      family or caregiver. AIM: The aim of the study is to evaluate the phenomenon of
      dental neglect among children in Chennai and to associate dental neglect with
      oral health status of children aged 3-12 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a
      cross-sectional study involving 478 pairs of parents and children. Dental neglect
      scale and a questionnaire were used to assess the dental neglect score among
      parents of the children involved in the study. Oral health status of children was
      clinically assessed using oral hygiene index, decayed, extracted, filled teeth
      (def(t)), pulp, ulcers, fistula, abscess (pufa), decayed, missing, filled teeth
      (DMFT), PUFA as per the World Health Organization criteria and pufa/PUFA index.
      Student's t-test and one-way ANOVA were used appropriately for statistical
      analysis using SPSS software version 20.0. RESULTS: A significant higher dental
      neglect score was reported among the parents who reside in the suburban location
      (P < 0.001), whose educational qualification was secondary (P < 0.001) and who
      have not availed any dental service for >3 years (P = 0.001). A significant
      higher DMFT (P = 0.003), deft (P = 0 < 0.001), pufa (P = 0.011), and debris index
      (P = 0.002) scores were seen in the higher dental neglect group. CONCLUSION:
      Child dental neglect is seen among the parents whose educational qualification
      was secondary, who reside in the suburban location, and who have not utilized the
      dental services for more than 3 years in Chennai. This dental neglect results in
      poorer oral health of children.

PMID- 27681402
TI  - Cariogenic microbiota of children under chemotherapy: A pilot study.
AB  - AIM: To analyze the cariogenic microbiota of children who are under
      antineoplastic therapy. METHODS: Twenty-seven patients undergoing cancer
      treatment in the Pediatric Unit of Mato Grosso Cancer Hospital were selected. The
      inclusion criteria of volunteers were being under chemotherapy in the saliva
      collection period, age between 2 and 18 years, collaborate with the protocol for
      clinical examination and saliva collection, and responsible have given their
      written consent. For the realization of lactobacilli and Streptococcus mutans
      count in the patients' saliva, respectively, Dentalcult I and II (LaborClin; )
      kits were used. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Kruskal-Wallis and Fisher's exact tests
      were used to assess the association of the variables age group, prevalence of
      lactobacilli and S. mutans, diagnosis of patients, presence and level of decay of
      patients defined by decayed, filled, and missing teeth (DMFT)/dmft indexes with a
      significance level of 5%. RESULTS: The group of patients consisted of 27
      children, 15 males, and 12 females; 44% were aged between 6 and 10 years; 61% had
      present or past history of caries (dmft/DMFT >0); 48% had low value for
      Dentalcult I; 59% presented value grade 0 to Dentalcult II; and 63% were
      diagnosed with acute lymphoid leukemia. CONCLUSION: There was a high prevalence
      of dental caries in the study population but low rates of S. mutans and
      lactobacilli in the saliva of the children. Lactobacilli rate was significantly
      associated with caries index scores, and the prevalence of caries was directly
      associated with the age group of the children.

PMID- 27681403
TI  - Comparison of fracture resistance of simulated immature teeth with an open apex
      using Biodentine and composite resin: An in vitro study.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the fracture resistance in simulated immature teeth that had
      been backfilled using composite resin and Biodentine after using Biodentine as an
      apical plug material immediately and after 3 months of aging. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Sixty extracted human maxillary central incisors were simulated in an
      immature open apex. The roots of all the specimens were then standardized to a
      length of 10 mm and canals were instrumented to obtain the radicular dentin
      thickness around 1.5 mm. All the specimens were then randomly divided into three
      groups of twenty teeth each. Group I (control) - 4 mm apical plug of Biodentine
      backfilled with thermoplasticized gutta-percha. Group II - 4 mm apical plug of
      Biodentine and then backfilled with ParaCore. Group III - completely filled with
      Biodentine. Ten samples from each group were randomly divided into two subgroups.
      In subgroup A: Specimens were stored for 1 week. In subgroup B: Specimens were
      stored in phosphate-buffered saline solution for 3 months and were subjected to
      universal testing machine. Statistical analysis was done using one-way analysis.
      RESULTS: No significant difference in fracture resistance between the groups was
      observed when tested immediately. After 3 months of aging, only Biodentine group
      showed a significant reduction in fracture resistance without significant
      reduction with other two groups. CONCLUSION: Biodentine group has shown a drastic
      reduction in fracture resistance after 3 months of aging, and hence cannot be
      recommended as a reinforcement material in immature teeth with thin dentin walls.

PMID- 27681405
TI  - Effect of newer antioxidants on the bond strength of composite on bleached
      enamel.
AB  - AIM: The study aims to evaluate the effect of the application of two antioxidants
      on the bond strength of composite resin to bleached enamel. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Eighty enamel surfaces were obtained from forty human extracted
      premolars. Specimens were randomly divided into four groups (n = 20). Group 1: No
      bleaching (control); Group 2a: Bleaching with 15% carbamide peroxide gel; Group
      2b: Bleaching, followed by application of 10% sodium ascorbate gel; Group 2c:
      Bleaching, followed by application of 5% proanthocyanidin agent. Surfaces were
      etched followed by application of total etch bonding system, and composite resin
      cylinders were bonded. Specimens were tested for shear bond strength. STATISTICAL
      ANALYSIS USED: One-way analysis of variance was used for multiple group
      comparison and post hoc Tukey's test for individual group-wise comparison.
      RESULTS: Significantly higher shear bond strength values were observed in Group
      2c and 2b as compared with Group 1 and 2a (P < 0.05). Among the antioxidants,
      Group 2c showed significantly higher shear bond strength values than Group 2b (P
      < 0.05). CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that the use of antioxidant before
      bonding procedures on bleached enamel completely neutralizes the deleterious
      effects of bleaching and increases the bond strength significantly.

PMID- 27681404
TI  - Single- versus two-visit pulpectomy treatment in primary teeth with apical
      periodontitis: A double-blind, parallel group, randomized controlled trial.
AB  - CONTEXT: Reduction of the bacterial populations to levels compatible with
      periradicular tissue healing is the primary microbiological goal of the
      endodontic treatment of teeth with apical periodontitis. The number of visits
      required to treat teeth with apical periodontitis represents one of the most
      debatable issues in endodontics. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to
      compare and evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcome of single- versus two
      visit pulpectomy treatment in primary teeth with apical periodontitis at the end
      of 6-month healing period. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A parallel group, double-blind,
      randomized controlled trial was carried out in 64 children aged 4-8 years.
      Nonvital primary teeth with apical periodontitis with enough coronal structure
      were selected. Sixty-four children were assigned randomly into two groups (32
      children each) by block randomization, and allocation concealment was done with
      closed envelop method. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Group I underwent single-visit
      pulpectomy followed by obturation with zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE). Group II
      underwent conventional two-visit pulpectomy with intracanal calcium hydroxide,
      followed by obturation with ZOE. Postoperative clinical and radiographic
      evaluation was carried out at 1, 3, and 6 months after the end of the treatment.
      STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The data were analyzed by Wilcoxon's signed rank test,
      Mann-Whitney U-test, and Friedman test. RESULTS: There was no statistically
      significant difference in clinical and radiographic outcomes in both the groups
      at the end of 6-month healing period. CONCLUSION: Single-visit pulpectomy can be
      considered as a viable option for the treatment of primary teeth with apical
      periodontitis.

PMID- 27681406
TI  - C-shaped mandibular primary first molar diagnosed with cone beam computed
      tomography: A novel case report and literature review of primary molars' root
      canal systems.
AB  - Knowledge of the different anatomical variations in root canal system of
      dedicious dentition will improve the practice of the pediatric dentists. The
      teeth with C-shaped root canal configurations are definitely a problem in
      endodontic treatment. Dentists who are specialists of endodontics must have
      adequate knowledge about various root canal morphologies of primary tooth that
      have a tendency for rapid progression of dental caries to achieve a technically
      satisfactory outcome. This report presents an extraordinary case of unusual tooth
      morphology involving the mandibular first primary molar with a C-shaped
      configuration which has not yet been reported. 

PMID- 27681407
TI  - Postconcussion symptoms reported by Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi
      Freedom veterans with and without blast exposure, mild traumatic brain injury,
      and posttraumatic stress disorder.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study examined symptom reporting related to the 10th Edition of
      the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health
      Problems (ICD-10) criteria for postconcussional syndrome (PCS) in Operation
      Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) Veterans. Our aims were
      to: (a) examine relationships among PCS symptoms by identifying potential
      subscales of the British Columbia Postconcussion Symptom Inventory (BC-PSI); and
      (b) examine group differences in BC-PSI items and subscales in Veterans with and
      without blast exposure, mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), and posttraumatic
      stress disorder (PTSD). METHOD: Our sample included Veterans with blast-related
      mTBI history (n = 47), with blast exposure but no mTBI history (n = 20), and
      without blast exposure (n = 23). Overall, 37 Veterans had PTSD, and 53 did not.
      We conducted an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) of the BC-PSI followed by
      multivariate analysis of variance to examine differences in BC-PSI subscale
      scores by blast exposure, mTBI history, and PTSD. RESULTS: BC-PSI factors were
      interpreted as cognitive, vestibular, affective, anger, and somatic. Items and
      factor scores were highest for Veterans with blast exposure plus mTBI, and lowest
      for controls. Vestibular, affective, and somatic factors were significantly
      higher for Veterans with blast exposure plus mTBI than for controls, but not
      significantly different for those with blast exposure but no mTBI. These results
      remained significant when PTSD symptom severity was included as a covariate.
      Cognitive, anger, and somatic subscales were significantly higher for Veterans
      with PTSD, though there was no interaction effect of PTSD and mTBI or blast
      history. CONCLUSIONS: EFA-derived subscales of the BC-PSI differentiated Veterans
      based on blast exposure, mTBI history, and PTSD.

PMID- 27681409
TI  - Implicit Theories, Expectancies, and Values Predict Mathematics Motivation and
      Behavior across High School and College.
AB  - Mathematics motivation declines for many adolescents, which limits future
      educational and career options. The present study sought to identify predictors
      of this decline by examining whether implicit theories assessed in ninth grade
      (incremental/entity) predicted course-taking behaviors and utility value in
      college. The study integrated implicit theory with variables from expectancy
      value theory to examine potential moderators and mediators of the association of
      implicit theories with college mathematics outcomes. Implicit theories and
      expectancy-value variables were assessed in 165 American high school students (47
      % female; 92 % White), who were then followed into their college years, at which
      time mathematics courses taken, course-taking intentions, and utility value were
      assessed. Implicit theories predicted course-taking intentions and utility value,
      but only self-concept of ability predicted courses taken, course-taking
      intentions, and utility value after controlling for prior mathematics achievement
      and baseline values. Expectancy for success in mathematics mediated associations
      between self-concept of ability and college outcomes. This research identifies
      self-concept of ability as a stronger predictor than implicit theories of
      mathematics motivation and behavior across several years: math self-concept is
      critical to sustained engagement in mathematics.

PMID- 27681408
TI  - Childhood Adversity and Early Initiation of Alcohol Use in Two Representative
      Samples of Puerto Rican Youth.
AB  - Early alcohol use is associated with multiple negative outcomes later in life,
      including substance use disorders. Identification of factors related to this very
      early risk indicator can help inform early prevention efforts. This study
      prospectively examined the relationship between childhood adversities and early
      initiation of alcohol use (by age 14) among Puerto Rican youth, the Latino
      subgroup at highest risk for alcohol use disorders in adulthood. The data come
      from the Boricua Youth Study, a longitudinal study of Puerto Rican youth in two
      sites (South Bronx, New York, and the standard metropolitan area of San Juan,
      Puerto Rico). We focus on youth who were ages 10 and older at Wave 1 [M age at
      Wave 1 (SE) = 11.64(0.05), N = 1259, 48.85 % females]. Twelve childhood
      adversities were measured at Wave 1 and include 10 adverse childhood experiences
      commonly studied and two additional ones (exposure to violence and
      discrimination) that were deemed relevant for this study's population. Early
      initiation of alcohol use was determined based on youth report at Waves 1 through
      3 (each wave 1 year apart). Cox proportional hazards models showed that, when
      considered individually, adversities reflecting child maltreatment, parental
      maladjustment, and sociocultural stressors were related to early initiation of
      alcohol use. Significant gender interactions were identified for parental
      emotional problems and exposure to violence, with associations found among girls
      only. Adversities often co-occurred, and when they were considered jointly,
      physical and emotional abuse, parental antisocial personality, and exposure to
      violence had independent associations with early alcohol use, with a stronger
      influence of exposure to violence in girls compared to boys. The accumulation of
      adversities, regardless of the specific type of exposure, increased the risk for
      starting to drink at a young age in a linear way. The associations between
      childhood adversities and early alcohol use were generally consistent across
      sociocultural contexts, in spite of differences in the prevalence of exposure to
      adversity. Our findings highlight the importance of targeting multiple
      adversities and expanding the notion of adversity to capture the experiences of
      specific groups more adequately.

PMID- 27681410
TI  - Longitudinal Relations between Beliefs Supporting Aggression,Anger Regulation,
      and Dating Aggression among Early Adolescents.
AB  - Dating aggression occurs frequently in early to mid-adolescence and has negative
      repercussions for psychosocial adjustment and physical health. The patterns of
      behavior learned during this developmental timeframe may persist in future dating
      relationships, underscoring the need to identify risk factors for this outcome.
      The current study examined longitudinal relations between beliefs supporting
      aggression, anger regulation, and dating aggression. Participants were 176 middle
      school students in sixth, seventh, and eighth grade (50 % female; 82 % African
      American). No direct effects were found between beliefs supporting reactive or
      proactive aggression and dating aggression. Beliefs supporting reactive
      aggression predicted increased rates of anger dysregulation, and beliefs
      supporting proactive aggression led to subsequent increases in anger inhibition.
      Anger dysregulation and inhibition were associated with higher frequencies of
      dating aggression. An indirect effect was found for the relation between beliefs
      supporting reactive aggression and dating aggression via anger dysregulation.
      Another indirect effect emerged for the relation between beliefs supporting
      proactive aggression and dating aggression through anger inhibition. The study's
      findings suggested that beliefs supporting proactive and reactive aggression were
      differentially related to emotion regulation processes, and identified anger
      dysregulation and inhibition as risk factors for dating aggression among
      adolescents.

PMID- 27681411
TI  - P21 (Cdc42/Rac)-activated kinase 1 (pak1) is associated with cardiotoxicity
      induced by antihistamines.
AB  - Astemizole, a non-sedating histamine H1 receptor blocker, is widely known to
      cause cardiac arrhythmia, which prolongs the QT interval. However, the precise
      molecular mechanism involved in antihistamine-induced cardiovascular adverse
      effects other than hERG channel inhibition is still unclear. In this study, we
      used DNA microarray analysis to detect the mechanisms involved in life
      threatening adverse effects caused by astemizole. Rat primary cardiomyocytes were
      treated with various concentrations of astemizole for 24 h and the corresponding
      cell lysates were analyzed using a DNA microarray. Astemizole altered the
      expression profiles of genes involved in calcium transport/signaling. Using qRT
      PCR analysis, we demonstrated that, among those genes, p21 (Cdc42/Rac)-activated
      kinase 1 (pak1) mRNA was downregulated by treatment with terfenadine and
      astemizole. Astemizole also reduced pak1 protein levels in rat cardiomyocytes. In
      addition, astemizole decreased pak1 mRNA and protein levels in H9c2 cells and
      induced an increase in cell surface area (hypertrophy) and cytotoxicity.
      Fingolimod hydrochloride (FTY720), a pak1 activator, inhibited astemizole-induced
      hypertrophy and cytotoxicity in H9c2 cells. These results suggest that
      antihistamine-induced cardiac adverse effects are associated with pak1 expression
      and function.

PMID- 27681412
TI  - Phylogenetic relationships of D. rudis (Bedriaga, 1886) and D. bithynica(Mehely,
      1909) based on microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA in Turkey.
AB  - The spiny-tailed lizard of the genus Darevskia have a series of taxonomic
      revisions, but still their phylogenetic relationships remain uncertain. In the
      present study, we have assessed taxonomic relationships among Darevskia bithynica
      and Darevskia rudis populations through estimation of phylogenetic relationships
      among 96 specimens using microsatellite DNA (Du215, Du281, Du323 and Du418 loci)
      and 53 specimens using mtDNA (16S rRNA and cytb) from main populations in Turkey.
      Although D. b. bithynica and D. r. mirabilis were separated based on the PCoA
      analysis at low level from other D. rudis and D. bithynica populations, the
      distance values of Nei's genetic distance, Nei's unbiased genetic distance, Fst
      and Linear Fst were not high among taxa in microsatellite DNA. On the other hand,
      our phylogenetic analyses (NJ, ML, MP and BI) did not separate D. rudis and D.
      bithynica populations. Finally, most of the topologically identical trees of
      phylogenetic analyses and microsatellite results showed that the extant
      populations of D. rudis and D. bithynica were found to be polytomy. Based on our
      molecular phylogenetic study, D. rudis complex is still ongoing revisions.

PMID- 27681413
TI  - Do Helper T Cell Subtypes in Lymphocytic Thyroiditis Play a Role in the Antitumor
      Effect?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is frequently accompanied by
      lymphocytic thyroiditis (LT). Some reports claim that Hashimoto's thyroiditis
      (the clinical form of LT) enhances the likelihood of PTC; however, others suggest
      that LT has antitumor activity. This study was aimed to find out the relationship
      between the patterns of helper T cell (Th) cytokines in thyroid tissue of PTC
      with or without LT and the clinicopathological manifestation of PTC. METHODS:
      Fresh surgical samples of PTC with (13 cases) or without (10 cases) LT were used.
      The prognostic parameters (tumor size, extra-thyroidal extension of PTC, and
      lymph node metastasis) were analyzed. The mRNA levels of two subtypes of Th
      cytokines, Th1 (tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-alpha], interferon gamma [IFN
      gamma ], and interleukin [IL] 2) and Th2 (IL-4 and IL-10), were analyzed. Because
      most PTC cases were microcarcinomas and recent cases without clinical follow-up,
      negative or faint p27 immunoreactivity was used as a surrogate marker for lymph
      node metastasis. RESULTS: PTC with LT cases showed significantly higher
      expression of TNF-alpha (p = .043), IFN-gamma (p < .010), IL-4 (p = .015) than
      those without LT cases. Although the data were not statistically significant, all
      analyzed cytokines (except for IL-4) were highly expressed in the cases with
      higher expression of p27 surrogate marker. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate
      that mixed Th1 (TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma , and IL-2) and Th2 (IL-10) immunity might
      play a role in the antitumor effect in terms of lymph node metastasis.

PMID- 27681414
TI  - Depersonalization and derealization in self-report and clinical interview: The
      spectrum of borderline personality disorder, dissociative disorders, and healthy
      controls.
AB  - Depersonalization (DEP) and derealization (DER) were examined among college
      students with and without borderline personality disorder (BPD) and/or
      dissociative disorders (DDs) by self-report and clinician assessment. The
      Steinberg Depersonalization Questionnaire (SDEPQ), the Steinberg Derealization
      Questionnaire (SDERQ), the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, and the screening tool
      of the BPD section of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-BPD)
      were administered to 1,301 students. Those with BPD (n = 80) according to the
      SCID-BPD and 111 non-BPD controls were evaluated using the Structured Clinical
      Interview for DSM-IV Dissociative Disorders by a psychiatrist blind to the
      diagnosis. Of the participants, 19.7% reported SDEPQ (17.8%) and/or SDERQ (11.0%)
      scores above cutoff levels and impairment from these experiences. Principal
      component analysis of 26 items of both scales yielded 4 factors: cognitive
      emotional self-detachment, perceptual detachment, bodily self-detachment, and
      detachment from reality. Participants with concurrent DD and BPD had the highest
      scores for DEP and DER in the clinical interview and self-report. The total
      number of BPD criteria was associated with the severity of childhood trauma and
      dissociation. Both BPD and DD were associated with clinician-assessed and self
      reported DER, self-reported DEP, and the cognitive-emotional self-detachment
      factor. Unlike BPD, DD was associated with clinician-assessed DEP, and BPD was
      related to the self-reported detachment from reality factor. Although the latter
      was correlated with the total childhood trauma score, possibly because of
      dissociative amnesia, clinician-assessed DER was not. Being the closest factor to
      BPD, the factor of detachment from reality warrants further study.

PMID- 27681415
TI  - Dynamic Regulation of a Ribosome Rescue Pathway in Erythroid Cells and Platelets.
AB  - Protein synthesis continues in platelets and maturing reticulocytes, although
      these blood cells lack nuclei and do not make new mRNA or ribosomes. Here, we
      analyze translation in primary human cells from anucleate lineages by ribosome
      profiling and uncover a dramatic accumulation of post-termination unrecycled
      ribosomes in the 3' UTRs of mRNAs. We demonstrate that these ribosomes accumulate
      as a result of the natural loss of the ribosome recycling factor ABCE1 during
      terminal differentiation. Induction of the ribosome rescue factors PELO and HBS1L
      is required to support protein synthesis when ABCE1 levels fall and for
      hemoglobin production during blood cell development. Our observations suggest
      that this distinctive loss of ABCE1 in anucleate blood lineages could sensitize
      them to defects in ribosome homeostasis, perhaps explaining in part why genetic
      defects in the fundamental process of ribosome production ("ribosomopathies")
      often affect hematopoiesis specifically.

PMID- 27681417
TI  - Super-Enhancers at the Nanog Locus Differentially Regulate Neighboring
      Pluripotency-Associated Genes.
AB  - Super-enhancers are tissue-specific cis-regulatory elements that drive expression
      of genes associated with cell identity and malignancy. A cardinal feature of
      super-enhancers is that they are transcribed to produce enhancer-derived RNAs
      (eRNAs). It remains unclear whether super-enhancers robustly activate genes in
      situ and whether their functions are attributable to eRNAs or the DNA element.
      CRISPR/Cas9 was used to systematically delete three discrete super-enhancers at
      the Nanog locus in embryonic stem cells, revealing functional differences in
      Nanog transcriptional regulation. One distal super-enhancer 45 kb upstream of
      Nanog (-45 enhancer) regulates both nearest neighbor genes, Nanog and Dppa3.
      Interestingly, eRNAs produced at the -45 enhancer specifically regulate Dppa3
      expression by stabilizing looping of the -45 enhancer and Dppa3. Our work
      illustrates that genomic editing is required to determine enhancer function and
      points to a method to selectively target a subset of super-enhancer-regulated
      genes by depleting eRNAs.

PMID- 27681418
TI  - mTORC1 Is a Major Regulatory Node in the FGF21 Signaling Network in Adipocytes.
AB  - FGF21 improves the metabolic profile of obese animals through its actions on
      adipocytes. To elucidate the signaling network responsible for mediating these
      effects, we quantified dynamic changes in the adipocyte phosphoproteome following
      acute exposure to FGF21. FGF21 regulated a network of 821 phosphosites on 542
      proteins. A major FGF21-regulated signaling node was mTORC1/S6K. In contrast to
      insulin, FGF21 activated mTORC1 via MAPK rather than through the canonical
      PI3K/AKT pathway. Activation of mTORC1/S6K by FGF21 was surprising because this
      is thought to contribute to deleterious metabolic effects such as obesity and
      insulin resistance. Rather, mTORC1 mediated many of the beneficial actions of
      FGF21 in vitro, including UCP1 and FGF21 induction, increased adiponectin
      secretion, and enhanced glucose uptake without any adverse effects on insulin
      action. This study provides a global view of FGF21 signaling and suggests that
      mTORC1 may act to facilitate FGF21-mediated health benefits in vivo.

PMID- 27681416
TI  - Uniformity of Peptide Release Is Maintained by Methylation of Release Factors.
AB  - Termination of protein synthesis on the ribosome is catalyzed by release factors
      (RFs), which share a conserved glycine-glycine-glutamine (GGQ) motif. The
      glutamine residue is methylated in vivo, but a mechanistic understanding of its
      contribution to hydrolysis is lacking. Here, we show that the modification, apart
      from increasing the overall rate of termination on all dipeptides, substantially
      increases the rate of peptide release on a subset of amino acids. In the presence
      of unmethylated RFs, we measure rates of hydrolysis that are exceptionally slow
      on proline and glycine residues and approximately two orders of magnitude faster
      in the presence of the methylated factors. Structures of 70S ribosomes bound to
      methylated RF1 and RF2 reveal that the glutamine side-chain methylation packs
      against 23S rRNA nucleotide 2451, stabilizing the GGQ motif and placing the side
      chain amide of the glutamine toward tRNA. These data provide a framework for
      understanding how release factor modifications impact termination.

PMID- 27681420
TI  - Discovery and Function of a General Core Hormetic Stress Response in E. coli
      Induced by Sublethal Concentrations of Antibiotics.
AB  - A better understanding of the impact of antibiotics on bacteria is required to
      increase the efficiency of antibiotic treatments and to slow the emergence of
      resistance. Using Escherichia coli, we examined how bacteria exposed to sublethal
      concentrations of ampicillin adjust gene expression patterns and metabolism to
      simultaneously deal with the antibiotic-induced damage and maintain rapid growth.
      We found that the treated cells increased energy production, as well as
      translation and macromolecular repair and protection. These responses are
      adaptive, because they confer increased survival not only to lethal ampicillin
      treatment but also to non-antibiotic lethal stresses. This robustness is
      modulated by nutrient availability. Because different antibiotics and other
      stressors induce the same set of responses, we propose that it constitutes a
      general core hormetic stress response. It is plausible that this response plays
      an important role in the robustness of bacteria exposed to antibiotic treatments
      and constant environmental fluctuations in natural environments.

PMID- 27681419
TI  - MicroRNA-Mediated Downregulation of the Potassium Channel Kv4.2 Contributes to
      Seizure Onset.
AB  - Seizures are bursts of excessive synchronized neuronal activity, suggesting that
      mechanisms controlling brain excitability are compromised. The voltage-gated
      potassium channel Kv4.2, a major mediator of hyperpolarizing A-type currents in
      the brain, is a crucial regulator of neuronal excitability. Kv4.2 expression
      levels are reduced following seizures and in epilepsy, but the underlying
      mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we report that Kv4.2 mRNA is recruited to the
      RNA-induced silencing complex shortly after status epilepticus in mice and after
      kainic acid treatment of hippocampal neurons, coincident with reduction of Kv4.2
      protein. We show that the microRNA miR-324-5p inhibits Kv4.2 protein expression
      and that antagonizing miR-324-5p is neuroprotective and seizure suppressive. MiR
      324-5p inhibition also blocks kainic-acid-induced reduction of Kv4.2 protein in
      vitro and in vivo and delays kainic-acid-induced seizure onset in wild-type but
      not in Kcnd2 knockout mice. These results reveal an important role for miR-324-5p
      mediated silencing of Kv4.2 in seizure onset.

PMID- 27681421
TI  - Adaptation without Plasticity.
AB  - Sensory adaptation is a phenomenon in which neurons are affected not only by
      their immediate input but also by the sequence of preceding inputs. In visual
      cortex, for example, neurons shift their preferred orientation after exposure to
      an oriented stimulus. This adaptation is traditionally attributed to plasticity.
      We show that a recurrent network generates tuning curve shifts observed in cat
      and macaque visual cortex, even when all synaptic weights and intrinsic
      properties in the model are fixed. This demonstrates that, in a recurrent
      network, adaptation on timescales of hundreds of milliseconds does not require
      plasticity. Given the ubiquity of recurrent connections, this phenomenon likely
      contributes to responses observed across cortex and shows that plasticity cannot
      be inferred solely from changes in tuning on these timescales. More broadly, our
      findings show that recurrent connections can endow a network with a powerful
      mechanism to store and integrate recent contextual information.

PMID- 27681422
TI  - NAMPT-Mediated NAD(+) Biosynthesis Is Essential for Vision In Mice.
AB  - Photoreceptor death is the endpoint of many blinding diseases. Identifying
      unifying pathogenic mechanisms in these diseases may offer global approaches for
      facilitating photoreceptor survival. We found that rod or cone photoreceptor
      specific deletion of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (Nampt), the rate
      limiting enzyme in the major NAD(+) biosynthetic pathway beginning with
      nicotinamide, caused retinal degeneration. In both cases, we could rescue vision
      with nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). Significantly, retinal NAD(+) deficiency
      was an early feature of multiple mouse models of retinal dysfunction, including
      light-induced degeneration, streptozotocin-induced diabetic retinopathy, and age
      associated dysfunction. Mechanistically, NAD(+) deficiency caused metabolic
      dysfunction and consequent photoreceptor death. We further demonstrate that the
      NAD(+)-dependent mitochondrial deacylases SIRT3 and SIRT5 play important roles in
      retinal homeostasis and that NAD(+) deficiency causes SIRT3 dysfunction. These
      findings demonstrate that NAD(+) biosynthesis is essential for vision, provide a
      foundation for future work to further clarify the mechanisms involved, and
      identify a unifying therapeutic target for diverse blinding diseases.

PMID- 27681423
TI  - Topological Regulation of Synaptic AMPA Receptor Expression by the RNA-Binding
      Protein CPEB3.
AB  - Synaptic receptors gate the neuronal response to incoming signals, but they are
      not homogeneously distributed on dendrites. A spatially defined receptor
      distribution can preferentially amplify certain synaptic inputs, resize receptive
      fields of neurons, and optimize information processing within a neuronal circuit.
      Thus, a longstanding question is how the spatial organization of synaptic
      receptors is achieved. Here, we find that action potentials provide local signals
      that influence the distribution of synaptic AMPA receptors along dendrites in
      mouse cerebellar stellate cells. Graded dendritic depolarizations elevate CPEB3
      protein at proximal dendrites, where we suggest that CPEB3 binds to GluA2 mRNA,
      suppressing GluA2 protein synthesis leading to a distance-dependent increase in
      synaptic GluA2 AMPARs. The activity-induced expression of CPEB3 requires
      increased Ca(2+) and PKC activation. Our results suggest a cell-autonomous
      mechanism where sustained postsynaptic firing drives graded local protein
      synthesis, thus directing the spatial organization of synaptic AMPARs.

PMID- 27681424
TI  - PTBP1 and PTBP2 Repress Nonconserved Cryptic Exons.
AB  - The fidelity of RNA splicing is maintained by a network of factors, but the
      molecular mechanisms that govern this process have yet to be fully elucidated. We
      previously found that TDP-43, an RNA-binding protein implicated in
      neurodegenerative disease, utilizes UG microsatellites to repress nonconserved
      cryptic exons and prevent their incorporation into mRNA. Here, we report that two
      well-characterized splicing factors, polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1
      (PTBP1) and polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 2 (PTBP2), are also nonconserved
      cryptic exon repressors. In contrast to TDP-43, PTBP1 and PTBP2 utilize CU
      microsatellites to repress both conserved tissue-specific exons and nonconserved
      cryptic exons. Analysis of these conserved splicing events suggests that PTBP1
      and PTBP2 repression is titrated to generate the transcriptome diversity required
      for neuronal differentiation. We establish that PTBP1 and PTBP2 are members of a
      family of cryptic exon repressors.

PMID- 27681425
TI  - Divergent Expression and Metabolic Functions of Human Glucuronosyltransferases
      through Alternative Splicing.
AB  - Maintenance of cellular homeostasis and xenobiotic detoxification is mediated by
      19 human UDP-glucuronosyltransferase enzymes (UGTs) encoded by ten genes that
      comprise the glucuronidation pathway. Deep RNA sequencing of major metabolic
      organs exposes a substantial expansion of the UGT transcriptome by alternative
      splicing, with variants representing 20% to 60% of canonical transcript
      expression. Nearly a fifth of expressed variants comprise in-frame sequences that
      may create distinct structural and functional features. Follow-up cell-based
      assays reveal biological functions for these alternative UGT proteins. Some
      isoforms were found to inhibit or induce inactivation of drugs and steroids in
      addition to perturbing global cell metabolism (energy, amino acids, nucleotides),
      cell adhesion, and proliferation. This work highlights the biological relevance
      of alternative UGT expression, which we propose increases protein diversity
      through the evolution of metabolic regulators from specific enzymes.

PMID- 27681426
TI  - Rescue of Metabolic Alterations in AR113Q Skeletal Muscle by Peripheral Androgen
      Receptor Gene Silencing.
AB  - Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), a progressive degenerative disorder,
      is caused by a CAG/glutamine expansion in the androgen receptor (polyQ AR).
      Recent studies demonstrate that skeletal muscle is an important site of toxicity
      that contributes to the SBMA phenotype. Here, we sought to identify critical
      pathways altered in muscle that underlie disease manifestations in AR113Q mice.
      This led to the unanticipated identification of gene expression changes affecting
      regulators of carbohydrate metabolism, similar to those triggered by denervation.
      AR113Q muscle exhibits diminished glycolysis, altered mitochondria, and an
      impaired response to exercise. Strikingly, the expression of genes regulating
      muscle energy metabolism is rescued following peripheral polyQ AR gene silencing
      by antisense oligonucleotides (ASO), a therapeutic strategy that alleviates
      disease. Our data establish the occurrence of a metabolic imbalance in SBMA
      muscle triggered by peripheral expression of the polyQ AR and indicate that
      alterations in energy utilization contribute to non-neuronal disease
      manifestations.

PMID- 27681427
TI  - Direct Sensing of Nutrients via a LAT1-like Transporter in Drosophila Insulin
      Producing Cells.
AB  - Dietary leucine has been suspected to play an important role in insulin release,
      a hormone that controls satiety and metabolism. The mechanism by which insulin
      producing cells (IPCs) sense leucine and regulate insulin secretion is still
      poorly understood. In Drosophila, insulin-like peptides (DILP2 and DILP5) are
      produced by brain IPCs and are released in the hemolymph after leucine ingestion.
      Using Ca(2+)-imaging and ex vivo cultured larval brains, we demonstrate that IPCs
      can directly sense extracellular leucine levels via minidiscs (MND), a leucine
      transporter. MND knockdown in IPCs abolished leucine-dependent changes, including
      loss of DILP2 and DILP5 in IPC bodies, consistent with the idea that MND is
      necessary for leucine-dependent DILP release. This, in turn, leads to a strong
      increase in hemolymph sugar levels and reduced growth. GDH knockdown in IPCs also
      reduced leucine-dependent DILP release, suggesting that nutrient sensing is
      coupled to the glutamate dehydrogenase pathway.

PMID- 27681428
TI  - The Homeobox Transcription Factor RHOX10 Drives Mouse Spermatogonial Stem Cell
      Establishment.
AB  - The developmental origins of most adult stem cells are poorly understood. Here,
      we report the identification of a transcription factor-RHOX10-critical for the
      initial establishment of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Conditional loss of
      the entire 33-gene X-linked homeobox gene cluster that includes Rhox10 causes
      progressive spermatogenic decline, a phenotype indistinguishable from that caused
      by loss of only Rhox10. We demonstrate that this phenotype results from
      dramatically reduced SSC generation. By using a battery of approaches, including
      single-cell-RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis, we show that Rhox10 drives SSC
      generation by promoting pro-spermatogonia differentiation. Rhox10 also regulates
      batteries of migration genes and promotes the migration of pro-spermatogonia into
      the SSC niche. The identification of an X-linked homeobox gene that drives the
      initial generation of SSCs has implications for the evolution of X-linked gene
      clusters and sheds light on regulatory mechanisms influencing adult stem cell
      generation in general.

PMID- 27681429
TI  - Wnt Regulates Proliferation and Neurogenic Potential of Muller Glial Cells via a
      Lin28/let-7 miRNA-Dependent Pathway in Adult Mammalian Retinas.
AB  - In cold-blooded vertebrates such as zebrafish, Muller glial cells (MGs) readily
      proliferate to replenish lost retinal neurons. In mammals, however, MGs lack
      regenerative capability as they do not spontaneously re-enter the cell cycle
      unless the retina is injured. Here, we show that gene transfer of beta-catenin in
      adult mouse retinas activates Wnt signaling and MG proliferation without retinal
      injury. Upstream of Wnt, deletion of GSK3beta stabilizes beta-catenin and
      activates MG proliferation. Downstream of Wnt, beta-catenin binds to the Lin28
      promoter and activates transcription. Deletion of Lin28 abolishes beta-catenin
      mediated effects on MG proliferation, and Lin28 gene transfer stimulates MG
      proliferation. We further demonstrate that let-7 miRNAs are critically involved
      in Wnt/Lin28-regulated MG proliferation. Intriguingly, a subset of cell-cycle
      reactivated MGs express markers for amacrine cells. Together, these results
      reveal a key role of Wnt-Lin28-let7 miRNA signaling in regulating proliferation
      and neurogenic potential of MGs in the adult mammalian retina.

PMID- 27681430
TI  - MERVL/Zscan4 Network Activation Results in Transient Genome-wide DNA
      Demethylation of mESCs.
AB  - Mouse embryonic stem cells are dynamic and heterogeneous. For example, rare cells
      cycle through a state characterized by decondensed chromatin and expression of
      transcripts, including the Zscan4 cluster and MERVL endogenous retrovirus, which
      are usually restricted to preimplantation embryos. Here, we further characterize
      the dynamics and consequences of this transient cell state. Single-cell
      transcriptomics identified the earliest upregulated transcripts as cells enter
      the MERVL/Zscan4 state. The MERVL/Zscan4 transcriptional network was also
      upregulated during induced pluripotent stem cell reprogramming. Genome-wide DNA
      methylation and chromatin analyses revealed global DNA hypomethylation
      accompanying increased chromatin accessibility. This transient DNA demethylation
      was driven by a loss of DNA methyltransferase proteins in the cells and occurred
      genome-wide. While methylation levels were restored once cells exit this state,
      genomic imprints remained hypomethylated, demonstrating a potential global and
      enduring influence of endogenous retroviral activation on the epigenome.

PMID- 27681431
TI  - Efficient Plasma Cell Differentiation and Trafficking Require Cxcr4
      Desensitization.
AB  - CXCR4 plays a central role in B cell immune response, notably by promoting plasma
      cell (PC) migration and maintenance in the bone marrow (BM). Gain-of-function
      mutations in CXCR4 affecting receptor desensitization have been reported in the
      rare immunodeficiency called WHIM syndrome (WS). Despite lymphopenia, patients
      mount an immune response but fail to maintain it over time. Using a knockin mouse
      model phenocopying WS, we showed that, counter-intuitively, a gain of Cxcr4
      function inhibited the maintenance of antibody titers after immunization.
      Although the Cxcr4 mutation intrinsically and locally promoted germinal center
      response and PC differentiation, antigen-specific PCs were barely detected in the
      BM, a defect mirrored by early accumulation of immature plasmablasts potentially
      occupying the survival niches for long-lived PCs. Therefore, fine-tuning of Cxcr4
      desensitization is critically required for efficient PC differentiation and
      maintenance, and absence of such a regulatory process may account for the
      defective humoral immunity observed in WS patients.

PMID- 27681432
TI  - Rapid and Efficient Generation of Regulatory T Cells to Commensal Antigens in the
      Periphery.
AB  - Commensal bacteria shape the colonic regulatory T (Treg) cell population required
      for intestinal tolerance. However, little is known about this process. Here, we
      use the transfer of naive commensal-reactive transgenic T cells expressing
      colonic Treg T cell receptors (TCRs) to study peripheral Treg (pTreg) cell
      development in normal hosts. We found that T cells were activated primarily in
      the distal mesenteric lymph node. Treg cell induction was rapid, generating >40%
      Foxp3(+) cells 1 week after transfer. Contrary to prior reports, Foxp3(+) cells
      underwent the most cell divisions, demonstrating that pTreg cell generation can
      be the dominant outcome from naive T cell activation. Moreover, Notch2-dependent,
      but not Batf3-dependent, dendritic cells were involved in Treg cell selection.
      Finally, neither deletion of the conserved nucleotide sequence 1 (CNS1) region in
      Foxp3 nor blockade of TGF-beta (transforming growth factor-beta)-receptor
      signaling completely abrogated Foxp3 induction. Thus, these data show that pTreg
      cell selection to commensal bacteria is rapid, is robust, and may be specified by
      TGF-beta-independent signals.

PMID- 27681434
TI  - Mesenchymal Transition of High-Grade Breast Carcinomas Depends on Extracellular
      Matrix Control of Myeloid Suppressor Cell Activity.
AB  - The extracellular matrix (ECM) contributes to the biological and clinical
      heterogeneity of breast cancer, and different prognostic groups can be identified
      according to specific ECM signatures. In high-grade, but not low-grade, tumors,
      an ECM signature characterized by high SPARC expression (ECM3) identifies tumors
      with increased epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), reduced treatment
      response, and poor prognosis. To better understand how this ECM3 signature is
      contributing to tumorigenesis, we expressed SPARC in isogenic cell lines and
      found that SPARC overexpression in tumor cells reduces their growth rate and
      induces EMT. SPARC expression also results in the formation of a highly
      immunosuppressive microenvironment, composed by infiltrating T regulatory cells,
      mast cells, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). The ability of SPARC to
      induce EMT depended on the localization and suppressive function of myeloid
      cells, and inhibition of the suppressive function MDSCs by administration of
      aminobisphosphonates could revert EMT, rendering SPARC-overexpressing tumor cells
      sensitive to Doxil. We conclude that that SPARC is regulating the interplay
      between MDSCs and the ECM to drive the induction of EMT in tumor cells.

PMID- 27681433
TI  - MALT1 Protease Activation Triggers Acute Disruption of Endothelial Barrier
      Integrity via CYLD Cleavage.
AB  - Microvascular endothelial cells maintain a tight barrier to prevent passage of
      plasma and circulating immune cells into the extravascular tissue compartment,
      yet endothelial cells respond rapidly to vasoactive substances, including
      thrombin, allowing transient paracellular permeability. This response is a
      cornerstone of acute inflammation, but the mechanisms responsible are still
      incompletely understood. Here, we demonstrate that thrombin triggers MALT1 to
      proteolytically cleave cylindromatosis (CYLD). Fragmentation of CYLD results in
      microtubule disruption and a cascade of events leading to endothelial cell
      retraction and an acute permeability response. This finding reveals an unexpected
      role for the MALT1 protease, which previously has been viewed mostly as a driver
      of pro-inflammatory NF-kappaB signaling in lymphocytes. Thus, MALT1 not only
      promotes immune cell activation but also acutely regulates endothelial cell
      biology, actions that together facilitate tissue inflammation. Pharmacologic
      inhibition of MALT1 may therefore have synergistic impact by targeting multiple
      disparate steps in the overall inflammatory response.

PMID- 27681435
TI  - Truncating Prolactin Receptor Mutations Promote Tumor Growth in Murine Estrogen
      Receptor-Alpha Mammary Carcinomas.
AB  - Estrogen receptor alpha-positive (ERalpha+) luminal tumors are the most frequent
      subtype of breast cancer. Stat1(-/-) mice develop mammary tumors that closely
      recapitulate the biological characteristics of this cancer subtype. To identify
      transforming events that contribute to tumorigenesis, we performed whole genome
      sequencing of Stat1(-/-) primary mammary tumors and matched normal tissues. This
      investigation identified somatic truncating mutations affecting the prolactin
      receptor (PRLR) in all tumor and no normal samples. Targeted sequencing confirmed
      the presence of these mutations in precancerous lesions, indicating that this is
      an early event in tumorigenesis. Functional evaluation of these heterozygous
      mutations in Stat1(-/-) mouse embryonic fibroblasts showed that co-expression of
      truncated and wild-type PRLR led to aberrant STAT3 and STAT5 activation
      downstream of the receptor, cellular transformation in vitro, and tumor formation
      in vivo. In conclusion, truncating mutations of PRLR promote tumor growth in a
      model of human ERalpha+ breast cancer and warrant further investigation.

PMID- 27681437
TI  - Loss of HDAC-Mediated Repression and Gain of NF-kappaB Activation Underlie
      Cytokine Induction in ARID1A- and PIK3CA-Mutation-Driven Ovarian Cancer.
AB  - ARID1A is frequently mutated in ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) and often co
      exists with activating mutations of PIK3CA. Although induction of pro
      inflammatory cytokines has been observed in this cancer, the mechanism by which
      the two mutations synergistically activate cytokine genes remains elusive. Here,
      we established an in vitro model of OCCC by introducing ARID1A knockdown and
      mutant PIK3CA into a normal human ovarian epithelial cell line, resulting in cell
      transformation and cytokine gene induction. We demonstrate that loss of ARID1A
      impairs the recruitment of the Sin3A-HDAC complex, while the PIK3CA mutation
      releases RelA from IkappaB, leading to cytokine gene activation. We show that an
      NF-kappaB inhibitor partly attenuates the proliferation of OCCC and improves the
      efficacy of carboplatin both in cell culture and in a mouse model. Our study thus
      reveals the mechanistic link between ARID1A/PIK3CA mutations and cytokine gene
      induction in OCCC and suggests that NF-kappaB inhibition could be a potential
      therapeutic option.

PMID- 27681436
TI  - Mammary Tumor-Associated RNAs Impact Tumor Cell Proliferation, Invasion, and
      Migration.
AB  - Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) represent the largest and most diverse class of
      non-coding RNAs, comprising almost 16,000 currently annotated transcripts in
      human and 10,000 in mouse. Here, we investigated the role of lncRNAs in mammary
      tumors by performing RNA-seq on tumor sections and organoids derived from MMTV
      PyMT and MMTV-Neu-NDL mice. We identified several hundred lncRNAs that were
      overexpressed compared to normal mammary epithelium. Among these potentially
      oncogenic lncRNAs we prioritized a subset as Mammary Tumor Associated RNAs
      (MaTARs) and determined their human counterparts, hMaTARs. To functionally
      validate the role of MaTARs, we performed antisense knockdown and observed
      reduced cell proliferation, invasion, and/or organoid branching in a cancer
      specific context. Assessing the expression of hMaTARs in human breast tumors
      revealed that 19 hMaTARs are significantly upregulated and many of these
      correlate with breast cancer subtype and/or hormone receptor status, indicating
      potential clinical relevance.

PMID- 27681440
TI  - Cortical Polarity of the RING Protein PAR-2 Is Maintained by Exchange Rate
      Kinetics at the Cortical-Cytoplasmic Boundary.

PMID- 27681438
TI  - Reversible Regulation of Promoter and Enhancer Histone Landscape by DNA
      Methylation in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells.
AB  - DNA methylation is one of a number of modes of epigenetic gene regulation. Here,
      we profile the DNA methylome, transcriptome, and global occupancy of histone
      modifications (H3K4me1, H3K4me3, H3K27me3, and H3K27ac) in a series of mouse
      embryonic stem cells (mESCs) with varying DNA methylation levels to study the
      effects of DNA methylation on deposition of histone modifications. We find that
      genome-wide DNA demethylation alters occupancy of histone modifications at both
      promoters and enhancers. This is reversed upon remethylation by Dnmt expression.
      DNA methylation promotes H3K27me3 deposition at bivalent promoters, while
      opposing H3K27me3 at silent promoters. DNA methylation also reversibly regulates
      H3K27ac and H3K27me3 at previously identified tissue-specific enhancers. These
      effects require DNMT catalytic activity. Collectively, our data show that DNA
      methylation is essential and instructive for deposition of specific histone
      modifications across regulatory regions, which together influences gene
      expression patterns in mESCs.

PMID- 27681439
TI  - DEEPN as an Approach for Batch Processing of Yeast 2-Hybrid Interactions.
AB  - We adapted the yeast 2-hybrid assay to simultaneously uncover multiple transient
      protein interactions within a single screen by using a strategy termed DEEPN
      (dynamic enrichment for evaluation of protein networks). This approach
      incorporates high-throughput DNA sequencing and computation to follow competition
      among a plasmid population encoding interacting partners. To demonstrate the
      capacity of DEEPN, we identify a wide range of ubiquitin-binding proteins,
      including interactors that we verify biochemically. To demonstrate the
      specificity of DEEPN, we show that DEEPN allows simultaneous comparison of
      candidate interactors across multiple bait proteins, allowing differential
      interactions to be identified. This feature was used to identify interactors that
      distinguish between GTP- and GDP-bound conformations of Rab5.

PMID- 27681443
TI  - Supporting Threat Management with Forensic Expert Knowledge: Protecting Public
      Officials and Private Individuals.
AB  - This article describes the implementation of a Cantonal Threat Assessment and
      Management (CTAM) in Zurich, Switzerland. In order to support this endeavor, the
      Specialist Unit for Forensic Assessment and Case Management was installed. The
      forensic experts provide supervision and short-term assessments to public
      prosecutors and general psychiatrists. In close cooperation with police threat
      management units, forensic experts support the assessment and management of
      individuals who exhibit concerning and threatening behavior towards public
      officials or private individuals. A public official case study illustrates this
      joint approach. The author's experience with CTAM, its pitfalls and the potential
      areas of improvement are discussed. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27681441
TI  - White Matter Microstructural Alterations in Children with ADHD: Categorical and
      Dimensional Perspectives.
AB  - Studies of brain alterations in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity
      disorder (ADHD) have shown heterogeneous results. The aims of the current study
      were to investigate white matter microstructure in children using both
      categorical and dimensional definitions of ADHD and to determine the functional
      consequences of observed alterations. In a large single-site sample of children
      (aged 8-15 years) with ADHD (n=83) and healthy controls (n=122), we used tract
      based spatial statistics on diffusion tensor imaging data to investigate whole
      skeleton differences of fractional anisotropy (FA), mean, axial, and radial
      diffusivity (MD, AD, RD), and mode of anisotropy related to ADHD status
      (categorical) and symptom severity (dimensional). For categorical differences
      observed, we analyzed their association with cognitive functioning in working
      memory and inhibition. Compared with healthy controls, children with ADHD showed
      decreased FA and increased RD in widespread, overlapping brain regions, mainly in
      corpus callosum (CC) and major tracts in the left hemisphere. Decreased FA was
      associated with inhibition performance in the participants with ADHD. Using
      dimensional definitions, greater hyperactivity/impulsivity symptom severity was
      associated with higher FA also in widespread regions, mainly in CC and major
      tracts in the right hemisphere. Our study showed white matter alterations to be
      related to ADHD status and symptom severity in patients. The coexistence of
      decreased FA and increased RD in the absence of alterations in MD or AD might
      indicate altered myelination as a pathophysiological factor in ADHD.

PMID- 27681442
TI  - Adjunctive Lanicemine (AZD6765) in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder and
      History of Inadequate Response to Antidepressants: A Randomized, Placebo
      Controlled Study.
AB  - The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of
      adjunctive lanicemine (NMDA channel blocker) in the treatment of major depressive
      disorder (MDD) over 12 weeks. This phase IIb, randomized, parallel-arm, double
      blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted at 49 centers in four countries
      between December 2011 and August 2013 in 302 patients aged 18-70 years, meeting
      criteria for single episode or recurrent MDD and with a history of inadequate
      treatment response. Patients were required to be taking an allowed antidepressant
      for at least four weeks prior to screening. Patients were randomized equally to
      receive 15 double-blind intravenous infusions of adjunctive lanicemine 50 mg,
      lanicemine 100 mg, or saline over a 12-week course, in addition to ongoing
      antidepressant. The primary efficacy end point was change in Montgomery-Asberg
      Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) total score from baseline to week 6. Secondary
      efficacy outcome variables included change in MADRS score from baseline to week
      12, response and remission rates, and changes in Clinical Global Impression
      scale, Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomology Self-Report score, and Sheehan
      Disability Scale score. Of 302 randomized patients, 240 (79.5%) completed
      treatment. Although lanicemine was generally well tolerated, neither dose was
      superior to placebo in reducing depressive symptoms on the primary end point or
      any secondary measures. There was no significant difference between lanicemine
      and placebo treatment on any outcome measures related to MDD. Post hoc analyses
      were performed to explore the possible effects of trial design and patient
      characteristics in accounting for the contrasting results with a previously
      reported trial.

PMID- 27681445
TI  - MPD3: a useful medicinal plants database for drug designing.
AB  - Medicinal plants are the main natural pools for the discovery and development of
      new drugs. In the modern era of computer-aided drug designing (CADD), there is
      need of prompt efforts to design and construct useful database management system
      that allows proper data storage, retrieval and management with user-friendly
      interface. An inclusive database having information about classification,
      activity and ready-to-dock library of medicinal plant's phytochemicals is
      therefore required to assist the researchers in the field of CADD. The present
      work was designed to merge activities of phytochemicals from medicinal plants,
      their targets and literature references into a single comprehensive database
      named as Medicinal Plants Database for Drug Designing (MPD3). The newly designed
      online and downloadable MPD3 contains information about more than 5000
      phytochemicals from around 1000 medicinal plants with 80 different activities,
      more than 900 literature references and 200 plus targets. The designed database
      is deemed to be very useful for the researchers who are engaged in medicinal
      plants research, CADD and drug discovery/development with ease of operation and
      increased efficiency. The designed MPD3 is a comprehensive database which
      provides most of the information related to the medicinal plants at a single
      platform. MPD3 is freely available at: http://bioinform.info .

PMID- 27681446
TI  - The evolution of optimal resource allocation and mating systems in hermaphroditic
      perennial plants.
AB  - By incorporating the effects of inbreeding depression (ID) on both juveniles and
      adults survivorship, we developed a new theoretical model for hermaphroditic
      perennial plants. Our model showed that the effect of the selfing rate on the
      evolutionarily stable strategy (ESS) reproductive allocation depends on three
      parameters: (1) the self-fertilized juvenile relative survivorship (SFJRS), (2)
      the self-fertilized adult relative survivorship (SFARS) and (3) the growth rate
      of self-fertilized adult, where the SFJRS is the survivorship of self-fertilized
      juveniles divided by the survivorship of outcrossed juveniles, and likewise for
      the SFARS. However, the ESS sex allocation decreases as the selfing rate
      increases. This relationship seems independent of the SFJRS, the SFARS, and the
      growth rate of self-fertilized adults. Additionally, our model showed that the
      complete outcrossing is an ESS when the fraction of juvenile inbreeding
      depression (FJID) is less than 1/2 - tau, where tau is the self-fertilized adults
      mortality rate caused by ID. In contrast, the complete selfing also acts as an
      ESS when the FJID is greater than 1/2 - tau. These results could explain the
      diversity of mating strategies and related resource allocations for plants.

PMID- 27681444
TI  - Remotely sensing the German Wadden Sea-a new approach to address national and
      international environmental legislation.
AB  - The Wadden Sea along the North Sea coasts of Denmark, Germany, and the
      Netherlands is the largest unbroken system of intertidal sand and mud flats in
      the world. Its habitats are highly productive and harbour high standing stocks
      and densities of benthic species, well adapted to the demanding environmental
      conditions. Therefore, the Wadden Sea is one of the most important areas for
      migratory birds in the world and thus protected by national and international
      legislation, which amongst others requires extensive monitoring. Due to the
      inaccessibility of major areas of the Wadden Sea, a classification approach based
      on optical and radar remote sensing has been developed to support environmental
      monitoring programmes. In this study, the general classification framework as
      well as two specific monitoring cases, mussel beds and seagrass meadows, are
      presented. The classification of mussel beds profits highly from inclusion of
      radar data due to their rough surface and achieves agreements of up to 79 % with
      areal data from the regular monitoring programme. Classification of seagrass
      meadows reaches even higher agreements with monitoring data (up to 100 %) and
      furthermore captures seagrass densities as low as 10 %. The main classification
      results are information on area and location of individual habitats. These are
      needed to fulfil environmental legislation requirements. One of the major
      advantages of this approach is the large areal coverage with individual satellite
      images, allowing simultaneous assessment of both accessible and inaccessible
      areas and thus providing a more complete overall picture.

PMID- 27681447
TI  - Pouchitis after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in ulcerative colitis: Diagnosis,
      management, risk factors, and incidence.
AB  - Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis has been the
      surgical treatment of choice for patients with ulcerative colitis who require
      surgery. Quality of life after this procedure is satisfactory in most cases;
      however, pouchitis is a troublesome condition involving inflammation of the ileal
      pouch. When a patient presents with symptoms of pouchitis, such as increased
      bowel movements, mucous and/or bloody exudates, abdominal cramps, and fever,
      endoscopy is essential for a precise diagnosis. The proximal ileum and rectal
      cuff, as well as the ileal pouch, should be endoscopically observed. The reported
      incidence of pouchitis ranges from 14% to 59%, and antibiotic therapy is the
      primary treatment for acute pouchitis. Chronic pouchitis includes antibiotic
      dependent and refractory pouchitis. Intensive therapy including antitumor
      necrosis factor antibodies and steroids may be necessary for antibiotic
      refractory pouchitis, and pouch failure may occur despite such intensive
      treatment. Reported risk factors for the development of pouchitis include
      presence of extraintestinal manifestations, primary sclerosing cholangitis, non
      smoking, and postoperative non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug usage. In the
      present review, we focus on the diagnosis, endoscopic features, management,
      incidence, and risk factors of pouchitis in patients with ulcerative colitis who
      underwent ileal pouch-anal anastomosis.

PMID- 27681448
TI  - A Standardized "Rescue" Exercise Program for Symptomatic Flare-up of Knee
      Osteoarthritis: Description and Safety Considerations.
AB  - Study Design Secondary analysis of clinical trial data. Background Knee
      osteoarthritis (OA) management has changed significantly over recent decades
      toward nonpharmacological treatments, particularly exercise. However, the optimal
      exercise program remains to be established. Objective To describe the
      implementation of standardized rescue exercises for patients with pain
      exacerbations and to assess whether performing these benefit or further worsen
      symptoms in patients with exacerbated symptoms of knee OA. Methods The data from
      2 randomized controlled studies of exercise in patients with knee OA were used. A
      supervised, standard exercise program that included standardized "rescue"
      exercises to be performed in the event of symptomatic exacerbation, defined as
      knee pain of greater than 5 on a 0-to-10 numeric pain-rating scale, was conducted
      for 12 weeks at 3 sessions per week. Pain ratings were obtained before and after
      each exercise session. Results Of 131 participants included, 2 never commenced
      the exercise program, leaving 129 to be included in the analysis. The analysis
      was observational and thus had no comparison group. During the program, 36
      participants (28%) were referred to the rescue exercises. In 63% of the rescue
      sessions, the participants experienced decreased pain intensity (average +/- SD, 
      2.6 +/- 2.3), 27% reported no change in pain, and 10% reported increased pain
      intensity (average +/- SD, 1.3 +/- 0.5). Conclusion Having a predefined and
      standardized rescue exercise option appears beneficial, and did not result in
      further worsening of exacerbated knee OA symptoms. The intervention may be
      particularly relevant for patients with knee OA who have more severe symptoms.
      Level of Evidence Therapy, level 2b. Registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov
      (NCT01545258 and NCT01945749). J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(11):942-946.
      Epub 28 Sep 2016. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.6908.

PMID- 27681449
TI  - Dutch Translation and Cross-cultural Adaptation of the Lysholm Score and Tegner
      Activity Scale for Patients With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries.
AB  - Study Design Clinical measurement. Background The Lysholm score and Tegner
      activity scale are frequently used patient-reported instruments to determine the
      functional status and activity level after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
      reconstruction. Objectives To translate and cross-culturally adapt the Lysholm
      score and Tegner activity scale for use in the Dutch population and to evaluate
      the reliability and validity of these questionnaires in individuals after ACL
      reconstruction. Methods The translation and adaptation were conducted in several
      steps according to the guidelines in the literature. The measurement properties
      of the Lysholm score and Tegner activity scale (internal consistency, construct
      validity, and floor and ceiling effects) were tested in 96 patients.
      Reproducibility was tested in 69 patients with ACL injuries. On the first
      occasion, the International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee
      Evaluation Form (IKDC) and RAND 36-Item Health Survey (RAND-36) were also
      administered. Results The Lysholm score and Tegner activity scale showed good
      test-retest reliability between repeated measures (intraclass correlation
      coefficient = 0.93 and 0.97, respectively) and reasonable to good internal
      consistency (Cronbach alpha = .70-.83). The Lysholm score had a very strong
      correlation with the IKDC (r = 0.83, P<.01) and moderate correlation with the
      RAND-36 (r = 0.55, P<.01). The Tegner activity scale had moderate correlations
      with both the IKDC (r = 0.42, P<.01) and RAND-36 (r = 0.48, P<.01). Conclusion
      The psychometric performance of the Lysholm score and the Tegner activity scale
      as outcome measures for Dutch patients after ACL reconstruction is acceptable. J
      Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(11):976-983. Epub 28 Sep 2016.
      doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.6566.

PMID- 27681451
TI  - NSAIDs and the failing heart.

PMID- 27681450
TI  - Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsies of Ovarian Masses: A Reliable Technique.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In gynecology, fine-needle aspiration (FNA) has an overall accuracy of
      94.5% in differentiation between benign and malignant tumors. The purpose of this
      study was to determine reliable cytological criteria for categorizing ovarian
      masses into benign and malignant categories, their subtypes, and also to evaluate
      FNA accuracy in the diagnosis of ovarian tumors in relation to histopathological
      findings. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study was performed on all patients with a
      preoperative diagnosis of ovarian tumor who were referred to our hospital between
      August 2013 and August 2015. During surgery, FNA was performed using an 18-gauge
      needle by a pathologist. Aspirated material was spread on clean glass slides and
      stained with Papanicolaou and Wright-Giemsa stains. The cytological findings and
      results were compared with the histological diagnosis. RESULTS: Of the 81 cases
      in this study, there was a discrepancy between the cytological and histological
      diagnosis in 9 cases. The overall cytological diagnostic accuracy in our study
      was 88.9% with a sensitivity and specificity of 78.1 and 95.5%, respectively.
      CONCLUSION: FNA of an ovarian mass is a minimally invasive procedure with
      acceptable diagnostic accuracy, especially when differentiating between benign
      and malignant lesions, and can be considered as a useful diagnostic modality for
      choosing an appropriate management course.

PMID- 27681452
TI  - Liver DCE-MRI Registration in Manifold Space Based on Robust Principal Component
      Analysis.
AB  - A technical challenge in the registration of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic
      resonance (DCE-MR) imaging in the liver is intensity variations caused by
      contrast agents. Such variations lead to the failure of the traditional intensity
      based registration method. To address this problem, a manifold-based registration
      framework for liver DCE-MR time series is proposed. We assume that liver DCE-MR
      time series are located on a low-dimensional manifold and determine intrinsic
      similarities between frames. Based on the obtained manifold, the large
      deformation of two dissimilar images can be decomposed into a series of small
      deformations between adjacent images on the manifold through gradual deformation
      of each frame to the template image along the geodesic path. Furthermore,
      manifold construction is important in automating the selection of the template
      image, which is an approximation of the geodesic mean. Robust principal component
      analysis is performed to separate motion components from intensity changes
      induced by contrast agents; the components caused by motion are used to guide
      registration in eliminating the effect of contrast enhancement. Visual inspection
      and quantitative assessment are further performed on clinical dataset
      registration. Experiments show that the proposed method effectively reduces
      movements while preserving the topology of contrast-enhancing structures and
      provides improved registration performance.

PMID- 27681453
TI  - A comparative analysis of oral and maxillofacial pathology over a 16-year period,
      in the north of Portugal.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency and spectrum of oral and maxillofacial
      lesions biopsied in a hospital population in the northern region of Portugal.
      METHODS: We conducted descriptive analyses of pathology reports from biopsies of
      oral and maxillofacial lesions performed between 1990 and 2006, in Oporto
      Hospital Center. Information on gender and age of patient, location of the
      lesions and the histopathological diagnosis were analysed. RESULTS: The analyses
      revealed that 1,520 (47.7%) patients were male and 1,666 (52.3%) were female.
      They had a mean age +/- standard deviation of 47.8 +/- 18.6 years. The site most
      frequently biopsied was the labial mucosa (17.5%). A non-neoplastic diagnosis was
      established in 2,162 (63.3%) cases, potentially malignant disorders in 163 (5.1%)
      and neoplasms in 886 (27.6%) (403 benign and 483 malignant). The most commonly
      reported diagnosis was fibroepithelial polyp (n = 186; 15.9%), followed by
      squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (n = 158; 13.6%). SCC was the lesion most commonly
      found in male patients (n = 279; 18.4%) whilst fibroepithelial polyp was the
      lesion most commonly found in female patients (n = 268; 16.1%). The most common
      lesion in patients 0-17 years of age was a follicular cyst (n = 25; 12.8%),
      whereas in patients 18-64 years of age it was a fibroepithelial polyp (n = 299;
      13%). SCC was the most common type of lesion found in patients >= 65 years of age
      (n = 160; 24.6%). CONCLUSION: This large sample provides useful information about
      the incidence and distribution of oral biopsies over a period of 16 years,
      allowing valuable comparison with other countries. Non-neoplastic lesions were
      the types of lesion most commonly reported, with fibroepithelial polyp being most
      frequent. SCC was the second most common diagnosis.

PMID- 27681454
TI  - Angiotensin-I-Converting Enzyme Inhibitory Activities and In Vivo
      Antihypertensive Effects of Sardine Protein Hydrolysate.
AB  - In our previous study, an antihypertensive protein hydrolysate was prepared from
      sardine. This study aimed to investigate the composition of sardine protein
      hydrolysate (SPH) and it's in vivo antihypertensive effect. SPH was separated
      sequentially with ultrafiltration and size exclusion chromatography. Fractions
      with high angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity were further
      analyzed with RP-HPLC and amino acids analysis. Then, SPH was individually oral
      administrated to spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive wistar
      kyoto rats (WKY) for 4 wk. After treatment, the systolic blood pressure (SBP),
      organ index, oxidative status, serum ACE activity, and serum angiotensin-II (ANG
      II) of all the rats were determined. According to the separation and analysis
      results, 3 main fractions with high ACE-inhibitory activity were obtained with
      different amino acids composition. The animal experiments results showed that SPH
      could significantly reduce SBP (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) within 4 h after a single
      oral administration. After a chronic oral administration, a steady state of SBP
      in SHR rats was attained. The heart weight index and left ventricular weight
      index were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in SPH-treated SHR rats. The
      malonyldialdehyde (MDA) levels in organs and serum, serum ACE activity, and serum
      ANG-II concentration in SPH-treated SHR rats were significantly lowered (P < 0.05
      or P < 0.01) as compared to their controls. Meanwhile there was no significant
      effect (P > 0.05) on those parameters in WKY rats. These results indicate that
      SPH can decrease blood pressure in SHR rats and not in WKY rats.

PMID- 27681455
TI  - Management of pseudophakic myopic anisometropic amblyopia with piggyback
      Visian(r) implantable collamer lens.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the outcomes of sulcus implantation of the Visian(r)
      implantable collamer lens (ICL) to correct pseudophakic myopic anisometropic
      amblyopia with myopic shift and/or primary refractive overcorrection. METHODS:
      Prospective case series enrolled 14 pseudophakic eyes of 14 patients, 5-9 years
      old, with history of cataract surgery and primary in the bag-intraocular lenses
      (IOL) implantation, followed by myopic shift and/or refractive overcorrection and
      anisometropic amblyopia of variable degrees. All cases had implantation of a
      piggyback ICL/toric ICL, to correct the myopia/myopic astigmatism.
      Preoperatively, we evaluated the uncorrected distance visual acuity (UCVA),
      corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), manifest refraction spherical equivalent
      (MRSE), intraocular pressure (IOP) and endothelial cell density (ECD). We
      assessed the position and vaulting of the ICLs on slit lamp examination and
      confirmed by Scheimpflug tomography. Postoperative follow-up was at 1st week and
      1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months. RESULTS: Uncorrected distance visual acuity
      improved in all cases, and CDVA improved in 11 amblyopic eyes (2-4 lines). There
      was no evidence of interlenticular opacification (ILO) throughout the 2-year
      follow-up. Two cases were complicated with early postoperative acute elevation of
      IOP and were controlled with topical beta-blockers. Postoperative acute anterior
      uveitis occurred in six eyes and controlled by topical steroids. Implantable
      collamer lens (ICL) vault was measured using Pentacam, with mean value of 470 +/-
      238 MUm. CONCLUSION: Sulcus implantation of the secondary piggyback ICL to
      correct unilateral pseudophakic myopic refractive error in children was safe,
      efficient, predictable and well tolerated in management of anisometropic
      amblyopia in all eyes.

PMID- 27681456
TI  - Relationships between heart-rate variability and pulse-rate variability obtained
      from video-PPG signal using ZCA.
AB  - In this paper, classical time- and frequency-domain variability indexes obtained
      by pulse rate variability (PRV) series extracted from video-photoplethysmography
      signals (vPPG) were compared with heart rate variability (HRV) parameters
      extracted from ECG signals. The study focuses on the analysis of the changes
      observed during a rest-to-stand manoeuvre (a mild sympathetic stimulus) performed
      on 60 young, normal subjects (age: [Formula: see text] years). The objective is
      to evaluate if video-derived PRV indexes may replace HRV in the assessment of
      autonomic responses to external stimulation. Video recordings were performed with
      a GigE Sony XCG-C30C camera and analyzed offline to extract the vPPG signal. A
      new method based on zero-phase component analysis (ZCA) was employed in
      combination with a fully-automatic method for detection and tracking of region of
      interest (ROI) located on the forehead, the cheek and the nose. Results show an
      overall agreement between time and frequency domain indexes computed on HRV and
      PRV series. However, some differences exist between resting and standing
      conditions. During rest, all the indexes computed on HRV and PRV series were not
      statistically significantly different (p  >  0.05), and showed high correlation
      (Pearson's r  >  0.90). The agreement decreases during standing, especially for
      the high-frequency, respiration-related parameters such as RMSSD (r  =  0.75),
      pNN50 (r  =  0.68) and HF power (r  =  0.76). Finally, the power in the LF band
      (n.u.) was observed to increase significantly during standing by both HRV
      ([Formula: see text] versus [Formula: see text] (n.u.); rest versus standing) and
      PRV ([Formula: see text] versus [Formula: see text](n.u.); rest versus standing)
      analysis, but such an increase was lower in PRV parameters than that observed by
      HRV indexes. These results provide evidence that some differences exist between
      variability indexes extracted from HRV and video-derived PRV, mainly in the HF
      band during standing. However, despite these differences video-derived PRV
      indexes were able to evince the autonomic responses expected by the sympathetic
      stimulation induced by the rest-to-stand manoeuvre.

PMID- 27681457
TI  - Altered collagen turnover in factor VIII-deficient rats with hemophilic
      arthropathy identifies potential novel serological biomarkers in hemophilia.
AB  - : Essentials Joint bleeding in hemophilia may induce significant remodeling of
      the extracellular matrix. Biomarkers of collagen turnover were investigated in a
      F8-/- rat model of hemophilic arthropathy. Biomarkers of cartilage degradation
      increased significantly during development of arthropathy. Basement membrane and
      interstitial matrix turnover changed significantly following hemarthrosis.
      SUMMARY: Background Hemophilic arthropathy is a severe complication of
      hemophilia. It is caused by recurrent bleeding into joint cavities, which leads
      to synovial inflammation, fibrosis, cartilage degradation and bone remodeling.
      Extracellular matrix remodeling of affected tissues is a hallmark of these
      pathological processes. Objectives The aim of this study was to use serological
      biomarkers of collagen turnover to evaluate extracellular matrix remodeling in a
      factor VIII-deficient rat model of hemophilic arthropathy. Methods F8-/- rats and
      wild-type littermate controls were subjected to repeated knee bleeds induced by
      needle puncture on days 0 and 14. Development of arthropathy was confirmed by
      histology after termination on day 28. Serum samples were collected at baseline
      and throughout the study and analyzed for biomarkers of collagen turnover,
      including collagens of the basement membrane (type IV collagen), the interstitial
      matrix (collagen types III, V and VI) and cartilage (type II collagen). Results
      In F8-/- rats, induced knee bleeding and subsequent development of arthropathy
      caused significant alterations in collagen turnover, measured as changes in
      serological biomarkers of basement membrane turnover, interstitial matrix
      turnover and cartilage degradation. Biomarkers of type II collagen degradation
      correlated significantly with cartilage degradation and degree of arthropathy.
      Hemophilic rats had a 50% higher turnover of the basement membrane than wild-type
      littermates at baseline. Conclusions Joint bleeding and hemophilic arthropathy
      cause changes in turnover of extracellular matrix collagens in hemophilic rats.
      Biomarkers of collagen turnover may be used to monitor joint bleeding and
      development of blood-induced joint disease in hemophilia.

PMID- 27681458
TI  - Local quantum thermal susceptibility.
AB  - Thermodynamics relies on the possibility to describe systems composed of a large
      number of constituents in terms of few macroscopic variables. Its foundations are
      rooted into the paradigm of statistical mechanics, where thermal properties
      originate from averaging procedures which smoothen out local details. While
      undoubtedly successful, elegant and formally correct, this approach carries over
      an operational problem, namely determining the precision at which such variables
      are inferred, when technical/practical limitations restrict our capabilities to
      local probing. Here we introduce the local quantum thermal susceptibility, a
      quantifier for the best achievable accuracy for temperature estimation via local
      measurements. Our method relies on basic concepts of quantum estimation theory,
      providing an operative strategy to address the local thermal response of
      arbitrary quantum systems at equilibrium. At low temperatures, it highlights the
      local distinguishability of the ground state from the excited sub-manifolds, thus
      providing a method to locate quantum phase transitions.

PMID- 27681460
TI  - Current Management of Intracranial Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.
AB  - Subarachnoid hemorrhage affects more than 25,000 Americans yearly and is most
      commonly caused by a ruptured, saccular, cerebral aneurysm. Current measures to
      evaluate and manage patients with nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage are
      detailed. Areas of future progress are presented. The diagnosis and treatment of
      intracranial subarachnoid hemorrhage represent a medical and surgical emergency.

PMID- 27681461
TI  - Intracerebral Hemorrhage.
AB  - Stroke is a life threatening condition and remains the most common neurologic
      cause of hospital admission. Approximately 500,000 new or recurrent strokes are
      recorded each year in the United States. Behind cardiovascular disease and
      cancer, stroke remains the third leading cause of death in the United States,
      accounting for approximately 150,000 fatalities per year. Approximately 15%-20%
      of strokes are hemor-rhagic. This article focuses on intracerebral hemorrhage,
      which accounts for approximately half of stroke-related deaths.

PMID- 27681459
TI  - Detecting individual extracellular vesicles using a multicolor in situ proximity
      ligation assay with flow cytometric readout.
AB  - Flow cytometry is a powerful method for quantitative and qualitative analysis of
      individual cells. However, flow cytometric analysis of extracellular vesicles
      (EVs), and the proteins present on their surfaces has been hampered by the small
      size of the EVs - in particular for the smallest EVs, which can be as little as
      40 nm in diameter, the limited number of antigens present, and their low
      refractive index. We addressed these limitations for detection and
      characterization of EV by flow cytometry through the use of multiplex and
      multicolor in situ proximity ligation assays (in situ PLA), allowing each
      detected EV to be easily recorded over background noise using a conventional flow
      cytometer. By targeting sets of proteins on the surface that are specific for
      distinct classes of EVs, the method allows for selective recognition of
      populations of EVs in samples containing more than one type of EVs. The method
      presented herein opens up for analyses of EVs using flow cytometry for their
      characterization and quantification.

PMID- 27681462
TI  - Neuro-Ophthalmologic Rehabilitation after Stroke.
AB  - Cerebrovascular disease may affect vision in a variety of ways. Stroke involving
      the afferent visual pathways typically causes visual field loss with or without
      defects in higher cortical processing. Damage to the efferent visual system may
      result in gaze palsy, diplopia, or fixational instability. Treatment modalities
      for these deficits include optical devices, extraocular muscle surgery, and
      pharmacologic agents. Neuro-ophthalmo- logic evaluation of the patient with
      visual problems following a stroke should include a thorough examination,
      realistic prognostic information, assessment of vocational visual needs, and
      initiation of any appropriate treatment.

PMID- 27681463
TI  - Spinal Cord Infarction.
AB  - Spinal cord infarction (SCI) is uncommon and, therefore, not extensively studied.
      Little is known about the epidemiology and individual risk factors for SCI. The
      prognosis for functional recovery after SCI from any cause is not well
      documented. Despite these deficiencies, useful clinical information regarding SCI
      following surgical procedures is available. Many nonsurgical causes of SCI are
      also recognized, including aortic pathology, systemic hypoperfusion,
      atherosclerotic emboli, or other embolic materials. An understanding of the
      patterns of blood supply to the spinal cord and the more common causes of SCI
      will aid in guiding future trials of neuroprotective medications, growth factors,
      and various perioperative techniques aimed at decreasing functional disability
      following SCI.

PMID- 27681464
TI  - Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism in Stroke.

PMID- 27681465
TI  - Managing under Managed Care.

PMID- 27681466
TI  - Report on the American Speech-Language- Hearing Association Functional Assessment
      of Communication Skills for Adults.

PMID- 27681467
TI  - My Stroke.

PMID- 27681468
TI  - Letters to the Editors.

PMID- 27681469
TI  - From the editor.

PMID- 27681470
TI  - Severe infantile male encephalopathy is a result of early post-zygotic WDR45
      somatic mutation.

PMID- 27681472
TI  - San Antonio Summer '64.

PMID- 27681471
TI  - High-Frequency 1H NMR Chemical Shifts of SnII and PbII Hydrides Induced by
      Relativistic Effects: Quest for PbII Hydrides.
AB  - The role of relativistic effects on 1H NMR chemical shifts of SnII and PbII
      hydrides is investigated by using fully relativistic DFT calculations. The
      stability of possible PbII hydride isomers is studied together with their 1H NMR
      chemical shifts, which are predicted in the high-frequency region, up to 90 ppm.
      These 1H signals are dictated by sizable relativistic contributions due to spin
      orbit coupling at the heavy atom and can be as large as 80 ppm for a hydrogen
      atom bound to PbII. Such high-frequency 1H NMR chemical shifts of PbII hydride
      resonances cannot be detected in the 1H NMR spectra with standard experimental
      setup. Extended 1H NMR spectral ranges are thus suggested for studies of PbII
      compounds. Modulation of spin-orbit relativistic contribution to 1H NMR chemical
      shift is found to be important also in the experimentally known SnII hydrides.
      Because the 1H NMR chemical shifts were found to be rather sensitive to the
      changes in the coordination sphere of the central metal in both SnII and PbII
      hydrides, their application for structural investigation is suggested.

PMID- 27681473
TI  - Night Visiting.

PMID- 27681474
TI  - Dehydrosulfurative C-N Cross-Coupling and Concomitant Oxidative Dehydrogenation
      for One-Step Synthesis of 2-Aryl(alkyl)aminopyrimidines from 3,4-Dihydropyrimidin
      1H-2-thiones.
AB  - A method for the synthesis of 2-aryl(alkyl)aminopyrimidines from readily
      available 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1H-2-thiones (DHPMs) via dehydrosulfurative C-N
      cross-coupling and concomitant oxidative dehydrogenation under a Pd/Cu catalytic
      system is described. This reaction protocol provides unprecedented diversity of
      fully substituted 2-aryl(alkyl)aminopyrimidines in a single step from a wide
      range of DHPMs and amine coupling partners.

PMID- 27681475
TI  - 'AND' logic gates at work: Crystal structure of Rad53 bound to Dbf4 and Cdc7.
AB  - Forkhead-associated (FHA) domains are phosphopeptide recognition modules found in
      many signaling proteins. The Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein kinase Rad53 is a
      key regulator of the DNA damage checkpoint and uses its two FHA domains to
      interact with multiple binding partners during the checkpoint response. One of
      these binding partners is the Dbf4-dependent kinase (DDK), a heterodimer composed
      of the Cdc7 kinase and its regulatory subunit Dbf4. Binding of Rad53 to DDK,
      through its N-terminal FHA (FHA1) domain, ultimately inhibits DDK kinase
      activity, thereby preventing firing of late origins. We have previously found
      that the FHA1 domain of Rad53 binds simultaneously to Dbf4 and a phosphoepitope,
      suggesting that this domain functions as an 'AND' logic gate. Here, we present
      the crystal structures of the FHA1 domain of Rad53 bound to Dbf4, in the presence
      and absence of a Cdc7 phosphorylated peptide. Our results reveal how the FHA1
      uses a canonical binding interface to recognize the Cdc7 phosphopeptide and a non
      canonical interface to bind Dbf4. Based on these data we propose a mechanism to
      explain how Rad53 enhances the specificity of FHA1-mediated transient
      interactions.

PMID- 27681476
TI  - Squamous cell carcinoma complicating a chronic lesion of hidradenitis
      suppurativa: a case report and review of the literature.
AB  - Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) arising from chronic hidradenitis suppurativa (HS)
      is rare; however, the morbidity associated with this presentation is high and
      management has not been standardised or optimised. We present a case of HS of the
      perineum and buttocks complicated by SCC, requiring multiple extensive surgical
      resections. Adjuvant radiotherapy was withheld initially because of concern for
      poor healing of the surgical wound but was eventually initiated after a second
      recurrence was identified. The patient ultimately expired 4 years after the
      initial diagnosis of SCC. We also review 80 cases of SCC complicating HS found in
      the English literature. Case reports and mechanistic studies suggest the
      possibility that human papilloma virus and smoking may be risk factors associated
      with SCC in HS. Despite the majority of SCC cases being well-differentiated
      tumours in HS, the highly aggressive nature of SCC in HS and its high likelihood
      for rapid progression, recurrence, metastasis and high mortality suggests the
      need to advocate for aggressive treatment. We recommend an aggressive approach to
      management at the time of SCC diagnosis in HS, which includes appropriate imaging
      to establish the extent of the tumour, large and deep surgical excision, sentinel
      lymph node evaluation, consultation with radiation oncology for potential
      adjuvant radiation therapy and close surveillance.

PMID- 27681477
TI  - Caregiver burden and prevalence of depression, anxiety and sleep disturbances in
      Alzheimer's disease caregivers in China.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate caregiver burden and factors that influence this
      burden among caregivers and patients with Alzheimer's disease in China.
      BACKGROUND: Long-term care can reduce the quality of life for caregivers and
      result in both mental and physical exhaustion. However, little is known about
      caregiver burden and associated factors in China. DESIGN: The study had a
      quantitative cross-sectional design. METHODS: A total of 309 caregivers and their
      patients were included in the study. The patients' cognitive, psychological and
      functional status and their caregivers' burden, sleep quality and mental state
      were evaluated. Descriptive analyses, single-factor regression and stepwise
      factor regression were used to determine the effects of various factors on
      caregiver burden. RESULTS: Older females and spouses still play an important role
      in providing family care for those with dementia. Most of the caregivers were the
      sole full-time caregiver and had little time for themselves. Sleepiness was a
      common physical problem for caregivers, and some of them had moderate to severe
      depression and anxiety. A lower functional status of the patient was associated
      with higher caregiver burden. Poorer physical status compared with before
      caregiving began, lower life satisfaction, and higher degrees of depression and
      anxiety were associated with higher caregiver burden. CONCLUSION: Depression,
      anxiety and sleep problems are the main challenges that are faced by family
      caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease. Caregivers' functional status,
      lower life satisfaction, depression and anxiety influenced caregiver burden.
      Caregiver burden was related to the severity of the patient's dementia and the
      personal factors of the caregivers. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: To provide
      information about caregivers' current status while caring for patients with
      Alzheimer's disease and to understand caregiver burden and its related factors.
      Professionals who work with Alzheimer's disease should pay more attention to
      caregiver burden, especially those with mental and physical problems.

PMID- 27681478
TI  - Changes in Species Richness and Composition of Tiger Moths (Lepidoptera:
      Erebidae: Arctiinae) among Three Neotropical Ecoregions.
AB  - Parana, Yungas and Chaco Serrano ecoregions are among the most species-rich
      terrestrial habitats at higher latitude. However, the information for tiger
      moths, one of the most speciose groups of moths, is unknown in these ecoregions.
      In this study, we assess their species richness and composition in all three of
      these ecoregions. Also we investigated whether the species composition of tiger
      moths is influenced by climatic factors and altitude. Tiger moth species were
      obtained with samples from 71 sites using standardized protocols (21 sites were
      in Yungas, 19 in Parana and 31 in Chaco Serrano). Rarefaction-extrapolation
      curves, non-parametric estimators for incidence and sample coverage indices were
      performed to assess species richness in the ecoregions studied. Non metric
      multidimensional scaling and adonis tests were performed to compare the species
      composition of tiger moths among ecoregions. Permutest analysis and Pearson
      correlation were used to evaluate the relationship among species composition and
      annual mean temperature, annual temperature range, annual precipitation,
      precipitation seasonality and altitude. Among ecoregions Parana was the richest
      with 125 species, followed by Yungas with 63 species and Chaco Serrano with 24
      species. Species composition differed among these ecoregions, although Yungas and
      Chaco Serrano were more similar than Parana. Species composition was
      significantly influenced by climatic factors and altitude. This study showed that
      species richness and species composition of tiger moths differed among the three
      ecoregions assessed. Furthermore, not only climatic factors and altitude
      influence the species composition of tiger moths among ecoregions, but also
      climatic seasonality at higher latitude in Neotropical South America becomes an
      important factor.

PMID- 27681479
TI  - How do Australians living with MS experience oral health and accessing dental
      care? A focus group study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) can affect oral care and
      access to dental services, but there is limited literature describing the oral
      health and perceived oral healthcare needs of people with MS. This study aimed to
      explore the oral health experiences, oral health behaviours and barriers to
      accessing dental care perceived by people living with MS in Australia. METHODS:
      Six focus groups were held across two metropolitan areas (Brisbane, Queensland
      and Melbourne, Victoria) and one regional area (Toowoomba, Queensland). Focus
      group data were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Living with MS was a
      highly individual experience due to the range of symptoms that may be
      experienced. In addition to having different symptom experiences to others with
      MS, individual symptoms also differed on a daily basis as the disease relapsed
      and remitted. The physical expressions of MS directly and indirectly affected the
      oral health of participants. Additionally, oral health was affected by the side
      effects of medications and orofacial pain symptoms. Depending on the symptoms
      experienced by the individual, personal oral hygiene was affected and
      professional dental appointments were difficult. Participants also experienced
      structural barriers to accessing professional dental care including difficulty
      accessing transport to-and-from dental appointments, space limitations in the
      dental surgery and financial barriers to care. DISCUSSION: Dental care was
      perceived to be inflexible and was not tailored to individual experiences of MS,
      which contributed to perceptions of poor quality and appropriateness of care. It
      is important for dental professionals to offer tailored and individualized dental
      care when treating people with MS. Our findings suggest that there needs to be
      greater interprofessional communication and referral to manage atypical dental
      pain symptoms. Oral health education for people with MS should include altered
      strategies to performing daily oral hygiene, the management of xerostomia and
      advice regarding low cariogenic diets suitable for dysphagia. Additionally,
      policy and strategies to improve the oral health of people with MS should focus
      on enhancing access through transport, reducing the cost of dental services to
      the individual and providing domiciliary oral health care.

PMID- 27681481
TI  - Occupation-based intervention versus rote exercise in modified constraint-induced
      movement therapy for patients with median and ulnar nerve injuries: a randomized
      controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate effect of practice type during modified constraint
      induced movement therapy on hand function in patients with chronic median and
      ulnar nerve injuries. DESIGN: A prospective, single-blinded, randomized
      controlled clinical trial. SETTING: Participants' private home. SUBJECTS: A
      convenience sample of 36 outpatient participants allocated randomly to three
      equal groups. INTERVENTIONS: Intervention groups underwent 3-hour intensive
      training of affected hand each day, 3-day a week, 4-week in association with
      immobilisation of healthy hand: occupation-based group practiced meaningful
      occupations while rote exercise-based group performed rote exercises during
      constraint-induced movement therapy. Control group performed different activities
      with affected hand for 1.5-hour each day during 4-week without restriction of
      healthy hand. MAIN MEASURES: A blinded assessor tested Canadian occupational
      performance measure, box and block, Static two-point discrimination, disabilities
      of arm, shoulder, hand questionnaire, and self-assessment manikin in a random
      order across sessions 3-time as baseline (pre-test), after 4-week intervention
      (post-test), and 1-month after intervention period (follow up). RESULTS: Scores
      significantly changed in intervention groups compared to control. Despite
      significantly more improvement in occupation-based than rote exercise-based group
      in subjective measures at post-test and follow up (Canadian occupational
      performance measure: mean change 4.7 vs. 2.1 for performance, P< 0.001 and mean
      change 5.3 vs. 2.6 for satisfaction, P< 0.001), it was significant just at follow
      up for box and block and static two-point discrimination. CONCLUSIONS: Practice
      content of constraint-induced movement therapy is a critical part of its
      effectiveness on improving outcomes following peripheral nerve repair in favour
      of occupation-based intervention in present study.

PMID- 27681482
TI  - Homozygous SLCO2A1 translation initiation codon mutation in a Pakistani family
      with recessive isolated congenital nail clubbing.

PMID- 27681480
TI  - What environmental factors influence resumption of valued activities post stroke:
      a systematic review of qualitative and quantitative findings.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Identify the environmental factors that influence stroke-survivors'
      reengagement in personally valued activities and determine what specific
      environmental factors are related to specific valued activity types. DATA
      SOURCES: PubMed, CINAHL and PsycINFO were searched until June 2016 using multiple
      search-terms for stroke, activities, disability, and home and community
      environments. REVIEW METHODS: An integrated mixed-method systematic review of
      qualitative, quantitative and mixed-design studies was conducted. Two researchers
      independently identified relevant studies, assessed their methodological quality
      and extracted relevant findings. To validly compare and combine the various
      findings, all findings were classified and grouped by environmental category and
      level of evidence. RESULTS: The search yielded 4024 records; 69 studies were
      included. Most findings came from low-evidence-level studies such as single
      qualitative studies. All findings were consistent in that the following factors
      facilitated reengagement post-stroke: personal adapted equipment; accessible
      environments; transport; services; education and information. Barriers were:
      others' negative attitudes and behaviour; long distances and inconvenient
      environmental conditions (such as bad weather). Each type of valued activity,
      such as mobility or work, had its own pattern of environmental influences, social
      support was a facilitator to all types of activities. Although in many
      qualitative studies others' attitudes, behaviour and stroke-related knowledge
      were seen as important for reengagement, these factors were hardly studied
      quantitatively. CONCLUSION: A diversity of environmental factors was related to
      stroke-survivors' reengagement. Most findings came from low-evidence-level
      studies so that evidence on causal relationships was scarce. In future, more
      higher-level-evidence studies, for example on the attitudes of significant
      others, should be conducted.

PMID- 27681483
TI  - Autonomy and integration in complex parasite life cycles.
AB  - Complex life cycles are common in free-living and parasitic organisms alike. The
      adaptive decoupling hypothesis postulates that separate life cycle stages have a
      degree of developmental and genetic autonomy, allowing them to be independently
      optimized for dissimilar, competing tasks. That is, complex life cycles evolved
      to facilitate functional specialization. Here, I review the connections between
      the different stages in parasite life cycles. I first examine evolutionary
      connections between life stages, such as the genetic coupling of parasite
      performance in consecutive hosts, the interspecific correlations between traits
      expressed in different hosts, and the developmental and functional obstacles to
      stage loss. Then, I evaluate how environmental factors link life stages through
      carryover effects, where stressful larval conditions impact parasites even after
      transmission to a new host. There is evidence for both autonomy and integration
      across stages, so the relevant question becomes how integrated are parasite life
      cycles and through what mechanisms? By highlighting how genetics, development,
      selection and the environment can lead to interdependencies among successive life
      stages, I wish to promote a holistic approach to studying complex life cycle
      parasites and emphasize that what happens in one stage is potentially highly
      relevant for later stages.

PMID- 27681484
TI  - The Pharmacokinetics of Beraprost Sodium Following Single Oral Administration to
      Subjects With Impaired Kidney Function.
AB  - The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of
      beraprost sodium (BPS) and its active enantiomer, BPS-314d, in Japanese subjects
      with impaired kidney function. The plasma and urine concentrations of BPS and BPS
      314d were measured following the single oral administration of 120 MUg of BPS as
      the sustained-release tablet, TRK-100STP, under fasting conditions to 18 subjects
      with impaired kidney function (stage 2, 3, and 4 chronic kidney disease [CKD] as
      categorized by the estimated glomerular filtration rate) and to 6 age-, body
      weight-, and gender-matched subjects with normal kidney function (stage 1 CKD).
      The Cmax values (mean +/- SD) of BPS in stage 1, 2, 3, and 4 CKD, respectively,
      were 84.9 +/- 22.9, 119.8 +/- 36.4, 190.6 +/- 137.3, and 240.2 +/- 110.5 pg/mL;
      its AUC0-48h were 978 +/- 226, 1252 +/- 427, 1862 +/- 964, and 1766 +/- 806
      pg.h/mL, respectively, and its cumulative urinary excretion rates were 0.704 +/-
      0.351%, 0.638 +/- 0.292%, 0.485 +/- 0.294%, and 0.159 +/- 0.136%. The Cmax values
      of BPS-314d were 22.4 +/- 6.4, 30.8 +/- 8.5, 46.7 +/- 30.6, and 54.4 +/- 25.2
      pg/mL, its AUC0-48h were 155 +/- 56, 226 +/- 67, 341 +/- 176, and 329 +/- 143
      pg.h/mL, and its cumulative urinary excretion rates were 0.428 +/- 0.242%, 0.349
      +/- 0.179%, 0.356 +/- 0.270%, and 0.096 +/- 0.099%, respectively. Adverse events
      were reported in 2 subjects with stage 2 CKD and 1 subject with stage 4 CKD. The
      Cmax and AUC0-48h of BPS and BPS-314d were higher based on the severity of
      impaired kidney function. No relationship was observed between the incidence of
      adverse events and the severity, and tolerability was confirmed. We consider that
      dose adjustment is not necessary, but BPS is more carefully treated in patients
      with impaired kidney function.

PMID- 27681486
TI  - Vitamin A supplementation for the prevention of morbidity and mortality in
      infants one to six months of age.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vitamin A deficiency is a significant public health problem in low-
      and middle-income countries. Vitamin A supplementation provided to infants less
      than six months of age is one of the strategies to improve the nutrition of
      infants at high risk of vitamin A deficiency and thus potentially reduce their
      mortality and morbidity. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of synthetic vitamin
      A supplementation in infants one to six months of age in low- and middle-income
      countries, irrespective of maternal antenatal or postnatal vitamin A
      supplementation status, on mortality, morbidity and adverse effects. SEARCH
      METHODS: We used the standard search strategy of Cochrane Neonatal to search the
      Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL 2016, Issue 2), MEDLINE
      via PubMed (1966 to 5 March 2016), Embase (1980 to 5 March 2016) and CINAHL (1982
      to 5 March 2016). We also searched clinical trials databases, conference
      proceedings and the reference lists of retrieved articles for randomised
      controlled trials and quasi-randomised trials. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised or
      quasi-randomised, individually or cluster randomised trials involving synthetic
      vitamin A supplementation compared to placebo or no intervention provided to
      infants one to six months of age were eligible. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two
      review authors assessed the studies for eligibility and assessed their risk of
      bias and collected data on outcomes. MAIN RESULTS: The review included 12 studies
      (reported in 22 publications). The included studies assigned 24,846 participants
      aged one to six months to vitamin A supplementation or control group. There was
      no effect of vitamin A supplementation for the primary outcome of all-cause
      mortality based on seven studies that included 21,339 (85%) participants (risk
      ratio (RR) 1.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.89 to 1.25; I2 = 0%; test for
      heterogeneity: P = 0.79; quality of evidence: moderate). Also, there was no
      effect of vitamin A supplementation on mortality or morbidity due to diarrhoea
      and respiratory tract infection. There was an increased risk of bulging
      fontanelle within 24 to 72 hours of supplementation in the vitamin A group
      compared to control (RR 3.10, 95% CI 1.89 to 5.09; I2 = 9%, test for
      heterogeneity: P = 0.36; quality of evidence: high). There was no reported
      subsequent increased risk of death, convulsions or irritability in infants who
      developed bulging fontanelle after vitamin A supplementation, and it resolved in
      most cases within 72 hours. There was no increased risk of other adverse effects
      such as vomiting, irritability, diarrhoea, fever and convulsions in the vitamin A
      supplementation group compared to control. Vitamin A supplementation did not have
      any statistically significant effect on vitamin A deficiency (RR 0.86, 95% CI
      0.70 to 1.06; I2 = 27%; test for heterogeneity: P = 0.25; quality of evidence:
      moderate). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is no convincing evidence that vitamin A
      supplementation for infants one to six months of age results in a reduction in
      infant mortality or morbidity in low- and middle-income countries. There is an
      increased risk of bulging fontanelle with vitamin A supplementation in this age
      group; however, there were no reported subsequent complications because of this
      adverse effect.

PMID- 27681485
TI  - Improved heterologous production of the nonribosomal peptide-polyketide
      siderophore yersiniabactin through metabolic engineering and induction
      optimization.
AB  - Biosynthesis of complex natural products like polyketides and nonribosomal
      peptides using Escherichia coli as a heterologous host provides an opportunity to
      access these molecules. The value in doing so stems from the fact that many
      compounds hold some therapeutic or other beneficial property and their original
      production hosts are intractable for a variety of reasons. In this work,
      metabolic engineering and induction variable optimization were used to increase
      production of the polyketide-nonribosomal peptide compound yersiniabactin, a
      siderophore that has been utilized to selectively remove metals from various
      solid and aqueous samples. Specifically, several precursor substrate support
      pathways were altered through gene expression and exogenous supplementation in
      order to boost production of the final compound. The gene expression induction
      process was also analyzed to identify the temperatures and inducer concentrations
      resulting in highest final production levels. When combined, yersiniabactin
      production was extended to ~175 mg L-1 . (c) 2016 American Institute of Chemical
      Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 32:1412-1417, 2016.

PMID- 27681487
TI  - Arterial hemodynamics are impaired at rest and following acute exercise in
      overweight young men.
AB  - Higher body mass index (BMI) is associated with greater cardiovascular disease
      (CVD) risk, in part due to aortic stiffening assessed by carotid-femoral pulse
      wave velocity (cfPWV). Importantly, greater cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF;
      VO2peak) decreases CVD risk, and is associated with reductions in aortic
      stiffness. We tested the hypothesis that young adult overweight (OW, n=17)
      compared with healthy-weight (HW, n=17) men will have greater resting aortic
      stiffness, reduced CRF and an impaired post-exercise hemodynamic response.
      Resting cfPWV was greater in OW versus HW individuals (5.81 +/- 0.13 vs 4.81 +/-
      0.12 m/sec, p<0.05). Relative CRF (VO2peak; mL/kg/min) was lower in OW compared
      with HW individuals (49.4 +/- 1.3 vs 57.6 +/- 1.0 mL/kg/min, p<0.05), and was
      inversely related with cfPWV (p<0.05). However, CRF as absolute VO2peak (L/min)
      was not different between groups and there was no relation between cfPWV and
      absolute VO2peak (L/min), indicating reduced relative CRF in OW men is due to
      greater body mass. Following the maximal treadmill exercise test, cfPWV was
      greater in OW compared with HW subjects from rest to 60 minutes post-exercise
      (p<0.05). Compared with HW, OW individuals had higher systolic blood pressure
      (main effect, p<0.05) and diastolic blood pressure was selectively increased for
      up to 60 minutes following exercise (p<0.05). Overweight individuals had an
      attenuated post-exercise decrease in mean arterial pressure (p<0.05).
      Collectively, these results indicate that young, apparently healthy, OW men have
      greater resting aortic stiffening and an impaired post-exercise hemodynamic
      response.

PMID- 27681488
TI  - Cold-associated painful purple digits due to type I cryoglobulinemia.

PMID- 27681491
TI  - Basic methods for the assessment of health-related quality of life in uro
      oncological patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The evaluation of patients' expectations and quality of life in uro
      oncology is considered an important outcome of treatment efficacy and
      satisfaction. Aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the most frequently
      adopted tools in uro-oncology to assess Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL).
      EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A systematic literature search until October 2015 was
      performed on MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, PubMed combining the following terms:
      "quality of life," "health-related quality of life," "kidney cancer," "bladder
      cancer," "prostate cancer." Additional references were obtained from the
      reference list of full-text manuscripts. Data were synthesized using meta
      analytic methods conformed to the PRISMA statement. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: HRQoL is
      a fundamental step in evaluating treatment outcome in patients with urological
      cancers. HRQoL is mostly measured through several questionnaires, which are
      generally categorized in generic questionnaires, exploring the patient's well
      being en bloc; specific questionnaires, assessing each single domain of health
      status; and uro-oncological specific questionnaires, mainly characterized by a
      modular approach. Although different questionnaires have been proposed and
      validated, the standard method to be adopted in urology is far from the solution
      and further studies should investigate the strength and weakness of the different
      questionnaires. CONCLUSIONS: HRQoL questionnaires should become a standard method
      to evaluate medical/surgical outcomes in uro-oncology. Their implementation may
      significantly improve patients' satisfaction and help physicians in the decision
      making process and possibly reduce health care costs.

PMID- 27681492
TI  - Robot assisted retroperitoneal lymph-node dissection after adjuvant therapy:
      different indications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Today, access to technology through robotic surgery has allowed
      urologists to have a valuable tool in order to perform various robot -assisted
      laparoscopic procedures. Robotic surgery allows reproducing complex techniques
      such as retroperitoneal or extended pelvic lymphadenectomy. The aim of the study
      was to report our series of robot assisted retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy and to
      demonstrate its technical and oncological feasibility. METHODS: A retrospective
      analysis on 7 patients (four cases of testicular tumors, one prostate
      adenocarcinoma, and two bladder urothelial carcinomas), who underwent
      retroperitoneal para-aortic, interaorto-cava and extended pelvic lymphadenectomy
      by robot assisted laparoscopic surgery, was conducted. We analyzed demographic,
      oncologic and operative data (surgical time, blood loss, and hospital stay).
      RESULTS: Demographic and operative data showed a mean age of 49 years (18-65),
      mean BMI of 26.1 kg/m2(23.7-29.1), mean operative time of198 minutes (180-220),
      mean estimated blood loss of 88 mL, and mean hospital stay of 3.6 days (3-5). No
      intraoperative complications occurred. Themean number of dissected nodes was 12
      (3-20). Histopathology findings showed one case of postchemotherapy recurrenceof
      seminoma and six cases of fibrosis. At a mean postoperative follow-up of 39
      months (7-75) no patients showed disease recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Our case series
      demonstrated that the robot assisted approach isa feasible and reproducible
      option in skilled robotic surgical referral centers. The surgeons' experience and
      the optical magnification, associated to the degree of freedom offered by robotic
      assisted laparoscopy allow achievinga precise lymph node dissection, also in
      advanced oncologic patients.

PMID- 27681493
TI  - New treatment strategies for benign prostatic hyperplasia in the frail elderly
      population: a systematic review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Life expectancy is constantly increasing and as a consequence older
      men, frequently with multiple comorbidities, are seeking treatment for benign
      prostatic hyperplasia. Given their frail health, these men need extreme attention
      in their management, as efficacious and safe treatment strategies in the general
      population may not be adequate for them. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: The National
      Library of Medicine Database was searched for relevant articles published between
      2006 and 2015. Each article's title, abstract and text were reviewed for their
      appropriateness and their relevance. 57 articles were eligible for the review.
      EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: In the elderly and frail, alpha1-antagonists should be used
      with caution given the risk of orthostatic hypotension and consequent falls,
      cause of significant morbidity in the elderly. 5ARIs present a good safety
      profile. Anticholinergics must also be prescribed with caution, given the risk of
      aggravating symptoms of dementia due to a central blockage of cholinergic
      neuronal pathways. Prostatic urethral lift is a medical device with low morbidity
      and valid functional results, which appear to endure over time. Prostatic artery
      embolization is demonstrating good results with minimal complication rates. Laser
      prostate vaporization or enucleation is also safe in elderly men and in those
      receiving anticoagulation therapy, due to its excellent hemostatic effect on
      prostatic tissue. CONCLUSIONS: Urologists should be familiar with the safety and
      efficacy profile of medical and surgical therapy in the elderly population, given
      the inevitable increase in older patients which we will observe in the near
      future.

PMID- 27681494
TI  - Influenza in the Emergency Department.

PMID- 27681495
TI  - Coexistent Panspinal Subdural Abscess and Isolated Leptomeningeal Myeloma Relapse
      Presenting as Rapid-Onset Paraparesis.

PMID- 27681496
TI  - Reperfusion treatment delays amongst patients with painless ST segment elevation
      myocardial infarction.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Early reperfusion therapy in the treatment of ST segment elevation
      myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients can improve outcomes. Silent myocardial
      infarction is associated with poor prognosis, but little is known about its
      effect on treatment delays. We aimed to characterize STEMI patients presenting
      without complaints of pain to the emergency departments (EDs) in Singapore.
      METHODS: Retrospective data were requested from the Singapore Myocardial
      Infarction Registry (SMIR), a national level registry in Singapore. Painless
      STEMI was defined as the absence of pain (chest, back, shoulder, jaw, and
      epigastric pain) during ED presentation. The primary outcome was door-to-balloon
      (D2B) time, defined as the earliest time a patient arrived in the ED to balloon
      inflation. Secondary outcomes were 1-month and 1-year mortality and occurrence of
      adverse events. RESULTS: From January 2010 to December 2012, the SMIR collected
      6412 cases; 10.9% of patients presented without any pain. These patients were
      older (median age =75 v. 58 years old), more likely to be females (39.9% v.
      16.1%), Chinese (74.9% v. 62.7%), obese (median body mass index [BMI] =24.5 v.
      22.1), and with history of hypertension (71.1% v. 54.6%), diabetes mellitus
      (48.6% v. 37.0%), and acute myocardial infarction (20.0% v. 12.3%). They had a
      longer median D2B (80.5 v. 63 minutes, p<0.001) and a higher occurrence of 30-day
      (38.4% v. 5.7%) and 1-year mortality rates (47.3% v. 8.5%). CONCLUSION: A small
      proportion of STEMI patients presented without any pain to the ED. They tended to
      have a higher D2B and risks of mortality. Targeted effort is required to improve
      diagnostic and treatment efficiency in this group.

PMID- 27681498
TI  - Development of a Microflow System for In-Cell Footprinting Coupled with Mass
      Spectrometry.
AB  - Fast photochemical oxidation of proteins (FPOP) has become a valuable tool for
      protein structural characterization. The method has recently been demonstrated to
      oxidatively modify solvent-accessible sites of proteins inside live cells (IC
      FPOP). However, the flow system used for in vitro analysis is not well-suited for
      IC-FPOP as a number of factors can lead to cell aggregation, causing inconsistent
      labeling and clogging. Here, we present an IC-FPOP flow system that centrally
      focuses the cells, ensuring consistent radiation exposure. Fluorescence imaging
      was used to analyze the effectiveness of the system in focusing the cells.
      Analysis shows the cells flowing individually through the center of the capillary
      with the buffer visible along the walls and with no aggregation or clogging
      observed. To ensure the flow system does not disturb oxidative modification, Vero
      cells were labeled using the flow system and analyzed by liquid chromatography
      mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The results demonstrate a 13-fold increase in the
      number of oxidized proteins and a 2 orders of magnitude increase in the dynamic
      range of the method.

PMID- 27681497
TI  - Development and Validation of a Food-Associated Olfactory Test (FAOT).
AB  - Olfactory tests are an important tool in human nutritional research for studying
      food preferences, yet comprehensive tests dedicated solely to food odors are
      currently lacking. Therefore, within this study, an innovative food-associated
      olfactory test (FAOT) system was developed. The FAOT comprises 16 odorant pens
      that contain representative food odors relating to different macronutrient
      classes. The test underwent a sensory validation based on identification rate,
      intensity, hedonic value, and food association scores. The accuracy of the test
      was further compared to the accuracy of the established Sniffin' Sticks
      identification test. The identification rates and intensities of this new FAOT
      were found to be comparable to the Sniffin' Sticks olfactory identification test.
      The odorant pens were also assessed chemo-analytically and were found to be
      chemically stable for at least 24 weeks. Overall, this new identification test
      for use in assessing olfaction in a food-associated context is valid both in
      terms of its use in sensory perception studies and its chemical stability. The
      FOAT is particularly suited to examinations of the sense of smell regarding food
      odors.

PMID- 27681500
TI  - Pillarplexes: A Metal-Organic Class of Supramolecular Hosts.
AB  - Novel octanuclear NHC complexes of gold(I) and silver(I) form metallocavitand
      structures with very defined tubular cavities and are able to selectively host
      linear molecules, exemplarily demonstrating 1,8-diaminooctane as a model guest
      molecule. The solubility of the host-compounds is easily adjusted by simple anion
      exchange reactions so that the compounds can be made soluble in water wherein
      they exhibit a high longtime stability. The gold(I) complex is emissive in
      aqueous solutions, which enables a determination of the binding constant to the
      diamine via luminescence quenching. The host-guest interaction was further
      investigated by isothermal titration calorimetry, NMR spectroscopy, and X-ray
      crystallography.

PMID- 27681499
TI  - Highly Sensitive Protein Detection Based on Smart Hybrid Nanocomposite-Controlled
      Switch of DNA Polymerase Activity.
AB  - In this work, we have successfully designed a smart and flexible signal
      amplification method based on a newly synthesized hybrid nanocomposite with
      switchable enzyme activity for specific and sensitive protein detection. The
      smart hybrid nanocomposite synthesized here is initially loaded with quenched
      fluorophore and a unique aptamer-inhibited DNA polymerase. It then undergoes
      target protein-triggered release of the fluorophore and activation of the DNA
      polymerase, which can thereby promote multiple catalytic reactions and recycled
      use of the target protein, resulting in the generation of highly amplified
      signals. Therefore, a small amount of target protein can lead to a large amount
      of signal without being consumed. In addition, the programmable control of DNA
      polymerase activity may effectively reduce background signal and avoid false
      positive results, which may further facilitate an efficient detection of small
      amounts of protein. By taking the detection of human stress-induced
      phosphoprotein 1 (STIP1) as an example, the excellent performance of this method
      has been verified. Furthermore, the proposed method has been used to analyze
      serum STIP1 from patients of ovarian cancer, showing promising application in
      clinical practice.

PMID- 27681501
TI  - Corrigendum to "Incretin-based drugs and risk of acute pancreatitis: A nested
      case control study within a healthcare database" [Diabetes Res. Clin. Pract. 108
      (2) (2015) 243-249].

PMID- 27681502
TI  - Deficiency of fat-soluble vitamins in chronic pancreatitis: A systematic review
      and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Chronic pancreatitis (CP) patients are at risk for fat
      soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) deficiency, but available studies are small and
      heterogeneous. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine
      the prevalence of fat-soluble vitamins deficiency in CP patients. METHODS:
      Medline was searched up to January 2016 for case series and case-control studies
      reporting prevalence of fat-soluble vitamin deficiency in CP patients. The
      prevalent deficiency rate was pooled for included studies, and deficiency rate
      between CP and controls, with relative odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence
      interval (CI) calculated for case-control studies. RESULTS: Twelve studies
      including 548 patients included. With a random-effect model, the pooled
      prevalence rate of vitamin A, D and E deficiency were 16.8% (95%CI 6.9-35.7),
      57.6% (95%CI 43.9-70.4) and 29.2% (95%CI 8.6-64.5) respectively, with
      considerable heterogeneity (I2 = 75%, 87.1% and 92%). Only one study evaluated
      vitamin K deficiency. The pooled OR for vitamin D deficiency in CP cases compared
      with controls was 1.17 (95% CI 0.77-1.78). Sensitivity analyses showed lower
      prevalence of vitamin A and E, and higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in
      high-quality studies. The rate of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency did not seem
      affect the deficiency rates, while the use of different cut-offs influences
      results and heterogeneity for vitamin E, but not A. CONCLUSIONS: Fat-soluble
      vitamins deficiency is frequent in CP patients, with considerable heterogeneity.
      There is, however, no apparent increased risk of vitamin D deficiency in CP
      compared to controls. Larger, high-quality studies are necessary to better
      estimate the prevalence of fat-soluble vitamins deficiency, including vitamin K.

PMID- 27681504
TI  - Factors and outcomes associated with pancreatic duct disruption in patients with
      acute necrotizing pancreatitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP) can affect main
      pancreatic duct (MPD) as well as parenchyma. However, the incidence and outcomes
      of MPD disruption has not been well studied in the setting of ANP. METHODS: This
      retrospective study investigated 84 of 465 patients with ANP who underwent
      magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and/or endoscopic retrograde
      cholangiopancreatography. The MPD disruption group was subclassified into
      complete and partial disruption. RESULTS: MPD disruption was documented in 38%
      (32/84) of the ANP patients. Extensive necrosis, enlarging/refractory pancreatic
      fluid collections (PFCs), persistence of amylase-rich output from percutaneous
      drainage, and amylase-rich ascites/pleural effusion were more frequently
      associated with MPD disruption. Hospital stay was prolonged (mean 55 vs. 29 days)
      and recurrence of PFCs (41% vs. 14%) was more frequent in the MPD disruption
      group, although mortality did not differ between ANP patients with and without
      MPD disruption. Subgroup analysis between complete disruption (n = 14) and
      partial disruption (n = 18) revealed a more frequent association of extensive
      necrosis and full-thickness glandular necrosis with complete disruption. The
      success rate of endoscopic transpapillary pancreatic stenting across the
      stricture site was lower in complete disruption (20% vs. 92%). Patients with
      complete MPD disruption also showed a high rate of PFC recurrence (71% vs. 17%)
      and required surgery more often (43% vs. 6%). CONCLUSIONS: MPD disruption is not
      uncommon in patients with ANP with clinical suspicion on ductal disruption.
      Associated MPD disruption may influence morbidity, but not mortality of patients
      with ANP. Complete MPD disruption is often treated by surgery, whereas partial
      MPD disruption can be managed successfully with endoscopic transpapillary
      stenting and/or transmural drainage. Further prospective studies are needed to
      study these items.

PMID- 27681503
TI  - Nature and management of pancreatic mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN): A systematic
      review of the literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The current management of pancreatic mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCN)
      is defined by the consensus European, International Association of Pancreatology
      and American College of Gastroenterology guidelines. However, the criterion for
      surgical resection remains uncertain and differs between these guidelines.
      Therefore through this systematic review of the existing literature we aimed to
      better define the natural history and prognosis of these lesions, in order to
      clarify recommendations for future management. METHODS: A systematic literature
      search was performed (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library) for studies published in
      the English language between 1970 and 2015. RESULTS: MCNs occur almost
      exclusively in women (female:male 20:1) and are mainly located in the pancreatic
      body or tail (93-95%). They are usually found incidentally at the age of 40-60
      years. Cross-sectional imaging and endoscopic ultrasound are the most frequently
      used diagnostic tools, but often it is impossible to differentiate MCNs from
      branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (BD-IPMN) or oligocystic
      serous adenomas pre-operatively. In resected MCNs, 0-34% are malignant, but in
      those less than 4 cm only 0.03% were associated with invasive adenocarcinoma. No
      surgically resected benign MCNs were associated with a synchronous lesion or
      recurrence; therefore further follow-up is not required after resection. Five
      year survival after surgical resection of a malignant MCN is approximately 60%.
      CONCLUSIONS: Compared to other pancreatic tumors, MCNs have a low aggressive
      behavior, with exceptionally low rates of malignant transformation when less than
      4 cm in size, are asymptomatic and lack worrisome features on pre-operative
      imaging. This differs significantly from the natural history of small BD-IPMNs,
      supporting the need to differentiate mucinous cyst subtypes pre-operatively,
      where possible. The findings support the recommendations from the recent European
      Consensus Guidelines, for the more conservative management of MCNs.

PMID- 27681505
TI  - New Algorithm and Software (BNOmics) for Inferring and Visualizing Bayesian
      Networks from Heterogeneous Big Biological and Genetic Data.
AB  - Bayesian network (BN) reconstruction is a prototypical systems biology data
      analysis approach that has been successfully used to reverse engineer and model
      networks reflecting different layers of biological organization (ranging from
      genetic to epigenetic to cellular pathway to metabolomic). It is especially
      relevant in the context of modern (ongoing and prospective) studies that generate
      heterogeneous high-throughput omics datasets. However, there are both theoretical
      and practical obstacles to the seamless application of BN modeling to such big
      data, including computational inefficiency of optimal BN structure search
      algorithms, ambiguity in data discretization, mixing data types, imputation and
      validation, and, in general, limited scalability in both reconstruction and
      visualization of BNs. To overcome these and other obstacles, we present BNOmics,
      an improved algorithm and software toolkit for inferring and analyzing BNs from
      omics datasets. BNOmics aims at comprehensive systems biology-type data
      exploration, including both generating new biological hypothesis and testing and
      validating the existing ones. Novel aspects of the algorithm center around
      increasing scalability and applicability to varying data types (with different
      explicit and implicit distributional assumptions) within the same analysis
      framework. An output and visualization interface to widely available graph
      rendering software is also included. Three diverse applications are detailed.
      BNOmics was originally developed in the context of genetic epidemiology data and
      is being continuously optimized to keep pace with the ever-increasing inflow of
      available large-scale omics datasets. As such, the software scalability and
      usability on the less than exotic computer hardware are a priority, as well as
      the applicability of the algorithm and software to the heterogeneous datasets
      containing many data types-single-nucleotide polymorphisms and other
      genetic/epigenetic/transcriptome variables, metabolite levels, epidemiological
      variables, endpoints, and phenotypes, etc.

PMID- 27681506
TI  - Increased interleukin-35 expression in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes correlates
      with poor prognosis in patients with breast cancer.
AB  - Interleukin-35 (IL-35) is a recently discovered inhibitory cytokine, which is
      firstly discovered to be produced by regulatory T cells (Tregs) and proposed as a
      key effector molecule of Treg function. This study aims to analyze the
      correlation between IL-35 expression in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) of
      breast cancer tissue and patients' clinical characteristics. Plasma IL-35 was
      also determined in 60 patients with breast invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) and 30
      healthy women by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. IL-35 expression in the
      tissue specimens was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. It was shown that 39.1%,
      43.6% and 17.3% of the 110 patients were absent, weak, and strong IL-35
      expression in the TILs, respectively. Strong IL-35 expression in TILs was
      significantly associated with age >50years, tumor size >2cm, TNM stage III, and
      negative ER (All P<0.05). Patients with elevated IL-35 expression in TILs had
      significantly worse progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS)
      than patients with weak or no IL-35 expression (All P<0.05). High plasma IL-35
      levels were significantly associated with TNM stage III and lymph node metastasis
      (All P<0.05). Plasma IL-35 level and IL-35 expression in the TILs of breast
      cancer tissues may be a valuable biomarker in the development and prognosis of
      IDC.

PMID- 27681507
TI  - Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation Improves the Quality of Life Measured with a
      Short Form-36 Questionnaire in Atrial Fibrillation Patients: A Systematic Review
      and Meta-Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The main purpose of performing radiofrequency catheter ablation
      (RFCA) in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients is to improve the quality of life
      (QoL) and alleviate AF-related symptoms. We aimed to determine the qualitative
      and quantitative effects of RFCA on the QoL in AF patients. METHODS: We performed
      a systemic review and meta-analysis using a random effects model. We searched for
      the studies that reported the physical component summary score (PCS) and mental
      component summary score (MCS) of the short form-36, a validated system to assess
      and quantify the QoL, before and after RFCA in AF patients. PCS and MCS are T
      scores with a mean of 50 and standard deviation of 10. RESULTS: Of the 470
      studies identified through systematic search, we included 13 studies for pre-RFCA
      vs. the post-RFCA analysis and 5 studies for treatment success vs. AF recurrence
      analyses. In the pre-RFCA vs. post-RFCA analysis, RFCA was associated with a
      significant increase in both the PCS (weighted mean difference [WMD] = 6.33 [4.81
      7.84]; p < 0.001) and MCS (WMD = 7.80 [6.15-9.44]; p < 0.001). The DeltaPCS (post
      RFCA PCS-pre-RFCA PCS) and DeltaMCS values were used for the treatment success
      vs. AF recurrence analysis. Patients with successful ablation had a higher
      DeltaPCS (WMD = 7.46 [4.44-10.49]; p < 0.001) and DeltaMCS (WMD = 7.59 [4.94
      10.24]; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: RFCA is associated with a significant increase
      in the PCS and MCS in AF patients. Patients without AF recurrence after RFCA had
      a better improvement in the PCS and MCS than patients who had AF recurrence.

PMID- 27681509
TI  - Engaging Patients and Families Beyond the Point of Care: An Emergent Model.

PMID- 27681510
TI  - Nurse Executives Wearing 2 Hats as Strategic Leaders.
AB  - Disruptions in healthcare are challenging nurse leaders to develop innovative
      care delivery strategies and make the space for nursing practice innovation at
      the point of care or service. These functions are interdependent and require
      strong nursing leadership to challenge the status quo thinking of our colleagues.
      The ultimate goal of disruptive innovation is to ensure that care innovations are
      aligned with changing consumer and payer expectations, while ensuring safety,
      reliability, and cost-effectiveness. 

PMID- 27681508
TI  - Alternative Splice Variants Modulates Dominant-Negative Function of Helios in T
      Cell Leukemia.
AB  - The molecular defects which lead to multistep incidences of human T-cell leukemia
      have yet to be identified. The DNA-binding protein Helios (known as IKZF2), a
      member of the Ikaros family of Kruppel-like zinc-finger proteins, functions
      pivotally in T-cell differentiation and activation. In this study, we identify
      three novel short Helios splice variants which are T-cell leukemic specific, and
      demonstrate their dominant-negative function. We then test the cellular
      localization of distinct Helios isoforms, as well as their capability to form
      heterodimer with Ikaros, and the association with complexes comprising histone
      deacetylase (HDAC). In addition, the ectopic expression of T-cell leukemic Helios
      isoforms interferes with T-cell proliferation and apoptosis. The gene expression
      profiling and pathway analysis indicated the enrichment of signaling pathways
      essential for gene expression, translation, cell cycle checkpoint, and response
      to DNA damage stimulus. These data indicate the molecular function of Helios to
      be involved in the leukemogenesis and phenotype of T-cell leukemia, and also
      reveal Helios deregulation as a novel marker for T-cell leukemia.

PMID- 27681511
TI  - A Qualitative Study of Factors Facilitating Clinical Nurse Engagement in
      Emergency Department Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection Prevention.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the actions of nurse leaders that
      facilitated clinical nurses' active involvement in emergency department (ED)
      catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) prevention programs.
      BACKGROUND: Hospitals face increasing financial pressures to reduce CAUTI.
      Urinary catheters, often inserted in the ED, expose patients to CAUTI risk.
      Nurses are the principal champions of ED CAUTI prevention programs. METHODS: This
      was a qualitative analysis from a multisite, comparative case study project. A
      total of 52 interviews and 9 focus groups were analyzed across 6 enrolled EDs.
      Using a conventional content analysis, members of the research team coded data
      and developed site summaries to describe themes that had emerged across
      transcripts. Subsequently, all codes and site summaries were reviewed to identify
      the actions of nurse leaders that facilitated clinical nurses' engagement in
      CAUTI prevention efforts. RESULTS: Nurse leaders were the principal champions of
      CAUTI prevention programs and successfully engaged clinical nurses in CAUTI
      prevention efforts by (1) reframing urinary catheters as a source of potential
      patient harm; (2) empowering clinical nurses to identify and address CAUTI
      improvement opportunities; (3) fostering a culture of teamwork, which facilitated
      interdisciplinary communication around urinary catheter appropriateness and
      alternatives; and (4) holding clinical nurses accountable for CAUTI process and
      outcome measures. CONCLUSIONS: The prevention of CAUTI is an important
      opportunity for nurse leaders to engage clinical nurses in meaningful improvement
      efforts. Clinical nurses are best positioned to examine urinary catheter
      insertion workflow and to suggest improvements in avoiding use and improving
      placement and maintenance. To engage clinical nurses in CAUTI prevention, nurse
      leaders should focus on how urinary catheters expose patients to potential harm,
      involve nurses in designing and implementing practice changes, and provide local
      data to show the impact of nursing practices on patient outcomes.

PMID- 27681512
TI  - Evidence-Based Practice and Job-Related Nurse Outcomes at Magnet(r)-Aspiring,
      Magnet-Conforming, and Non-Magnet University Hospitals in Finland: A Comparison
      Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare nurses' evidence-based practice
      (EBP) beliefs, EBP knowledge, and nurse workforce outcomes between Magnet(r)
      aspiring, Magnet-conforming, and non-Magnet university hospitals in Finland.
      BACKGROUND: The effect of Magnet designation on EBP and nursing workforce
      outcomes is well studied where Magnet hospitals exist. Less is known about it in
      countries where hospitals are embarking upon the initial Magnet journey. METHODS:
      A descriptive cross-sectional national survey was conducted at Finnish university
      hospitals with a convenience sample (n = 943) of practicing nurses. Data were
      analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: Although nurses'
      EBP beliefs were favorable and they were satisfied with their jobs, they reported
      low levels of EBP knowledge. Statistically significant differences were found
      between hospitals' Magnet journey status and nurses' levels of perceived EBP
      knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: Although nurses believed in the value of EBP and were
      satisfied with and likely to stay in their jobs and in nursing, they lacked the
      EBP knowledge required for integrating best evidence into clinical care.

PMID- 27681513
TI  - Advanced Practice Providers' Perceptions of Patient Workload: Results of a Multi
      Institutional Survey.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study examines data collected from a survey of advanced practice
      providers' (APPs') perceptions of reasonable versus actual APP-to-patient ratios
      and other factors that affect workload burden in both inpatient and outpatient
      clinical settings. BACKGROUND: Advanced practice providers provide accessible,
      cost-effective, and quality care in a growing number of specialty practices
      across multiple patient care settings. They are caring for higher volumes of
      patients and assuming more responsibilities while continuing to navigate highly
      complex healthcare systems. Limited evidence or benchmark data exist that would
      assist in determining optimal workload and staffing models that include APPs.
      METHODS: A group of advanced practice leaders developed and distributed a 43
      question survey of workload factors to a highly diverse APP workforce. RESULTS:
      There were 1466 APPs across 37 areas of practice who responded to the survey
      distributed in 14 separate organizations. The perceived reasonable workload was
      lower than the actual workload for 22 specialty practice areas. The analysis
      included years of experience as an APP, work hours, on-call commitment,
      nonclinical responsibilities, and time spent in documentation, direct patient
      care, and performing procedures. CONCLUSIONS: There is a consensus among APPs,
      within their practice area, about what constitutes a reasonable patient
      assignment, despite the variability in APP experience, organizational culture,
      processes, and patient acuity.

PMID- 27681514
TI  - Beyond Magnet(r) Designation: Perspectives From Nurse Managers on Factors of
      Sustainability and High-Performance Programming.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify patterns of high-performing
      behaviors and nurse manager perceptions of the factors of Magnet(r)
      sustainability at a multidesignated Magnet organization. BACKGROUND: The Magnet
      program recognizes exemplary professional nursing practice and is challenging to
      achieve and sustain. Only 10% (n = 42) of Magnet hospitals sustained designation
      for 12 years or longer. This study explored the perspectives of Magnet nurse
      managers regarding high-performing teams and the sustainability of Magnet
      designation. METHODS: A qualitative study of nurse managers was conducted at 1
      multidesignated Magnet organization (n = 13). Interview responses were analyzed
      using pattern recognition of Magnet model domains and characteristics of high
      performing teams and then related to factors of Magnet sustainability. RESULTS:
      Transformational leadership is both an essential factor for sustainability and a
      potential barrier to sustainability of Magnet designation. CONCLUSIONS:
      Transformational nursing leaders lead high-performing teams and should be in
      place at all levels as an essential factor in sustaining Magnet redesignation.

PMID- 27681515
TI  - Impact of Standardized New Medication Education Program on Postdischarge
      Patients' Knowledge and Satisfaction.
AB  - This study, implemented on 2 medical-surgical units, evaluated the impact of a
      standardized, evidence-based new medication education program. Outcomes evaluated
      included patient postdischarge knowledge of new medication purpose and side
      effects, patient satisfaction with new medication, and Medicare reimbursement
      earn-back potential. As a result, knowledge scores for new medication purpose and
      side effects were high post intervention. Patient satisfaction with new
      medication education increased. Value-based purchasing reimbursement earn-back
      potential improved. 

PMID- 27681516
TI  - Nursing Peer Review Perceptions and Practices: A Survey of Chief Nurse
      Executives.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study sought to understand chief nurse executive perceptions of
      nursing peer review (NPR) and current NPR practices in their organizations to
      provide insights and recommendations for the path forward to a robust NPR
      approach nationally. BACKGROUND: Nursing peer review is a key component of
      professional nursing practice focused on self-regulation and improving quality
      and safety. Despite its known benefits, NPR is not broadly disseminated, and how
      it is currently used and perceived is not well understood. METHODS: A causal
      comparison study design was used. A 25-question, Web-based survey was
      administered to collect data variables. RESULTS: Chief nurse executives perceived
      NPR as important in improving quality and safety; however, its prevalence was
      low. Chief nurse executives also reported NPR practices not aligned with the
      American Nurses Association (ANA) NPR guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest
      that knowledge gaps exist regarding NPR's purpose, outcomes, and alignment with
      the ANA peer review guidelines. Interventions are needed to address these gaps to
      further advance NPR adoption nationally.

PMID- 27681518
TI  - Estrogen receptor alpha gene ( ESR1) polymorphism can contribute to clinical
      findings in systemic lupus erythematosus patients.
AB  - Background Estrogens have a modulatory effect on several immune responses, many
      of which are correlated to autoimmune diseases. Estrogens act through binding to
      their receptors, and an overexpression of these receptors has been identified in
      patients with different autoimmune diseases. Here we analyzed the association of
      a putative functional genetic variant in the main estrogen receptor (ERalpha)
      gene ( ESR1), and the susceptibility to clinical findings and severity of SLE.
      Methods A total of 426 individuals (266 healthy controls and 160 SLE patients)
      were genotyped for the polymorphism rs2234693 in the ESR1 gene. Allele and
      genotype frequencies were calculated and analyzed between cases and controls
      using Unphased software. Results The SNP rs2234693 was not associated with SLE
      per se but the minor allele rs2234693-C was correlated with the presence of
      nephritis and discoid skin rash. On the other hand, the rs2234693-CC genotype was
      correlated with the absence of arthritis as well as anti-ANA and anti-RNP
      autoantibodies. The comprehensive clinical analysis of these patients revealed a
      more severe status of the disease, characterized by a younger age of onset and
      higher number of organs involved when compared to European populations.
      Conclusions Minor allele rs2234693-C was associated with renal and cutaneous
      involvement, as well as the absence of arthritis, anti-ANA and anti-RNP
      autoantibodies.

PMID- 27681519
TI  - Patients Presenting to the Emergency Unit with Gynaecological Lower Abdominal
      Pain, with and without Pathological Clinical Findings - Service Utilisation, Pain
      History, Implications.
AB  - Introduction: Few studies have evaluated the utilisation of emergency
      gynaecological services, although lower abdominal pain (LAP) is one of the most
      common symptoms prompting emergency presentation. Although such pain may be
      caused by potentially life-threatening gynaecological diseases, very often no
      clinical cause is found. The aim of this study was to describe the
      characteristics of emergency presentations in order to enable quicker
      identification of real emergencies in routine clinical practice. Materials and
      Methods: Standardised, so-called first aid cards of 1066 consecutive patients
      with LAP presenting acutely to one emergency unit were analysed in this
      retrospective, cross-sectional study. Results: Over one third of cases did not
      constitute actual medical emergencies on objective criteria, with investigations
      yielding "no pathological findings". Parameters were identified that more often
      lead to hospital admission, e.g. palpation of a mass/resistance or at least one
      pathological ultrasound finding. In addition, it was found that symptoms of
      longer duration (average 8 days), and not only acute LAP, were also often
      experienced by patients as emergencies. Conclusion: A diagnosis of "no
      pathological findings", which was common in our study, suggests a subjective
      experience of an emergency from the patient's point of view, although the
      possibility of unrecognised pathology has to be borne in mind. Apart from
      functional disorders, the origins of symptoms may include psychosomatic causes
      and psychosocial problems, which cannot be further defined in the emergency care
      setting. Also, the phenomenon of increased utilisation of emergency services
      parallel to the assumed opening hours of routine outpatient care facilities must
      be seen in a critical light.

PMID- 27681517
TI  - Applied statistical training to strengthen analysis and health research capacity
      in Rwanda.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To guide efficient investment of limited health resources in sub
      Saharan Africa, local researchers need to be involved in, and guide, health
      system and policy research. While extensive survey and census data are available
      to health researchers and program officers in resource-limited countries, local
      involvement and leadership in research is limited due to inadequate experience,
      lack of dedicated research time and weak interagency connections, among other
      challenges. Many research-strengthening initiatives host prolonged fellowships
      out-of-country, yet their approaches have not been evaluated for effectiveness in
      involvement and development of local leadership in research. METHODS: We
      developed, implemented and evaluated a multi-month, deliverable-driven, survey
      analysis training based in Rwanda to strengthen skills of five local research
      leaders, 15 statisticians, and a PhD candidate. Research leaders applied with a
      specific research question relevant to country challenges and committed to
      leading an analysis to publication. Statisticians with prerequisite statistical
      training and experience with a statistical software applied to participate in
      class-based trainings and complete an assigned analysis. Both statisticians and
      research leaders were provided ongoing in-country mentoring for analysis and
      manuscript writing. RESULTS: Participants reported a high level of skill,
      knowledge and collaborator development from class-based trainings and out-of
      class mentorship that were sustained 1 year later. Five of six manuscripts were
      authored by multi-institution teams and submitted to international peer-reviewed
      scientific journals, and three-quarters of the participants mentored others in
      survey data analysis or conducted an additional survey analysis in the year
      following the training. CONCLUSIONS: Our model was effective in utilizing
      existing survey data and strengthening skills among full-time working
      professionals without disrupting ongoing work commitments and using few
      resources. Critical to our success were a transparent, robust application process
      and time limited training supplemented by ongoing, in-country mentoring toward
      manuscript deliverables that were led by Rwanda's health research leaders.

PMID- 27681520
TI  - Osteopathy for Endometriosis and Chronic Pelvic Pain - a Pilot Study.
AB  - Introduction: Pelvic pain is a common problem in gynaecological practice. It is
      often unclear whether definite causality exists between reported symptoms and
      objective clinical findings of the female genital tract, and medical or operative
      treatments do not always achieve long-term resolution of symptoms. Methods: This
      pilot study investigated 28 patients (age 20-65, median 36.5 years) from a
      gynaecology practice whose only clinical finding was painful pelvic floor muscle
      tightness. Following standardised gynaecological and physiotherapist examination,
      all patients received osteopathic treatment. Pain had been present for a median
      of 3 years (range 1 month to 20 years). 14 patients had previously confirmed
      endometriosis. Treatment success was evaluated on consultation with patients in
      person or in writing. Results: 22 of the 28 participants completed the treatment
      according to plan. Overall, 17 reported symptom improvement, while 10 of the 14
      patients with endometriosis did. Conclusion: Osteopathy is well received by women
      with painful pelvic floor muscle tightness and appears to be an effective
      treatment option.

PMID- 27681521
TI  - Efficacy and Effects of Parenteral Pethidine or Meptazinol and Regional Analgesia
      for Pain Relief during Delivery. A Comparative Observational Study.
AB  - Background: Peripartum anesthesia may consist of parenteral opioids and/or
      regional analgesia. There is only limited data in the literature comparing both
      methods in daily obstetric practice. This observational study investigated the
      opioids pethidine and meptazinol as well as regional analgesics with regard to
      their administration, efficacy, side effects and subjective maternal satisfaction
      with therapy. The rates of secondary regional analgesia administration after
      administration of the respective opioid served as a means of evaluating
      treatment. Methods: This study collected data on pain management during vaginal
      delivery in a German university hospital over a twelve month period. Severity of
      pain was measured intrapartum using a numerical rating scale. Maternal, neonatal
      and delivery-related data were obtained postpartum from the clinical records and
      from the mothers using a questionnaire. Results: The study is based on data
      obtained from 449 deliveries. Pain relief achieved by the administration of
      pethidine and meptazinol was similarly low; maternal satisfaction with the
      respective therapy was high. Meptazinol was usually administered intravenously
      (83 % vs. 6 %; p < 0.001), repeatedly (27 % vs. 6 %; p < 0.001) and closer to the
      birth (1.9 +/- 2.7 h vs. 2.6 +/- 2.8 h; p < 0.05) compared to pethidine.
      Secondary regional analgesia was more common after the administration of
      pethidine (16 % vs. 8 %; p < 0.05). Regional analgesia resulted in greater pain
      relief compared to opioid therapy (78 % vs. 24 % after 30 min; p < 0.001) and was
      associated with longer times to delivery (7.6 +/- 2.5 h vs. 5.7 +/- 2.5 h; p <
      0.001) and higher levels of maternal satisfaction with therapy (6.1 +/- 1.2 vs.
      4.8 +/- 1.6 on a 7-point scale; p < 0.001). Conclusion: In daily clinical
      practice, meptazinol can be adapted more readily to changes during birth and
      requires less secondary analgesia. Regional neuraxial analgesia was found to be
      an efficacious and safe way of managing labor pain.

PMID- 27681522
TI  - Differences in the Frequency of Use of Epidural Analgesia between Immigrant Women
      of Turkish Origin and Non-Immigrant Women in Germany - Explanatory Approaches and
      Conclusions of a Qualitative Study.
AB  - Introduction: The starting point of this study was the considerably lower rate of
      epidural analgesia use among women of Turkish origin in Germany compared to non
      immigrant women in the German Research Foundation (DFG)-funded study entitled
      "Perinatal Health and Migration Berlin". The study aimed to identify possible
      differences in the women's attitudes towards epidural analgesia. Methods:
      Exploratory study with semi-structured interviews, interviews lasting 17 minutes
      on average were conducted with 19 women of Turkish origin and 11 non-immigrant
      women at a Berlin hospital. The interviews were subjected to a qualitative
      content analysis. Results: Immigrant women of Turkish origin in Germany more
      frequently ascribe meaning to the pain associated with vaginal delivery. They
      more frequently categorically reject the use of epidural analgesia, 1) for fear
      of long-term complications such as paralysis and back pain and 2) based on the
      view that vaginal delivery with epidural analgesia is not natural. Information on
      epidural analgesia is frequently obtained from a variety of sources from their
      social setting, in particular, by word of mouth. The women in both groups stated
      that they would take the decision to use epidural analgesia independent of their
      partner's opinion. Discussion: The differences in epidural analgesia use rates
      observed correspond to the women's attitudes. For the immigrant women of Turkish
      origin in Germany, the attitude towards using epidural analgesia is based in part
      on misinformation. In order to enable the women to make an informed decision,
      epidural analgesia could receive a stronger focus during childbirth courses.

PMID- 27681523
TI  - Knowledge of Emergency Contraceptive Pills among Hungarian Women Presenting for
      Induced Abortion or Seeking Emergency Contraception.
AB  - Aim: To compare the differences in contraceptive characteristics and the
      knowledge of emergency contraception (ECP) among women who used ECP after
      unprotected intercourse and those who sought an abortion. Methods: A
      questionnaire survey was conducted in a Hungarian university hospital among women
      for whom ECP was prescribed after unprotected intercourse (n = 940) as well as
      women who presented for the termination of pregnancy (n = 1592) between January
      1, 2005 and November 20, 2006. Their knowledge of ECP and their experience with
      and attitudes toward ECP use were targeted. Results: The availability of ECP was
      well known (87.9 %), but it was still greatly underutilized: applied by only 13
      of the 1592 women who resorted to abortion. Primarily, the ECP group consisted of
      those who experienced a condom failure significantly more often (odds ratio [OR]
      = 4.1), followed by those cases where ECP applications was a consequence of not
      using any kind of contraception (OR = 3.8). Fewer than one third (32 %) of the
      abortion seekers had previously used ECP, and only one fifth knew how to obtain
      it. Appropriate awareness of ECP was influenced by information obtained from
      health-care providers (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.93) or school education (AOR
      = 1.82). Conclusions: More thorough education is needed to provide a deeper
      knowledge of ECP use during contraceptive counseling for women seeking abortion,
      including those contraceptive mishaps where unintended pregnancy can be prevented
      by ECP.

PMID- 27681525
TI  - Quantitative assessment of washout in hepatocellular carcinoma using MRI.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Arterial hyperenhancement and washout on computed tomography and
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are described by all major guidelines as
      specific criteria for non-invasive diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
      However, publications on the quantitative assessment of washout in MRI are
      lacking. Therefore, we evaluated a method for quantitatively measuring and
      defining washout in MRI in order to determine a cutoff value that allows
      objective HCC diagnosis. METHODS: We analyzed all patients who underwent liver
      transplantation for cirrhosis or liver resection for HCC at our institution
      between 2003 and 2014. Washout was quantitatively investigated by placing a 25
      mm2 region of interest (ROI) over each nodule and two 25-mm2 ROIs over adjacent
      liver parenchyma. The percentage signal ratio (PSR = 100 * ratio of signal
      intensity of adjacent liver to that of the lesion) was calculated for each series
      in both groups. Accordingly, this quantitative measurement was compared to a
      qualitative approach. RESULTS: A total of 16 hypervascularized non-HCC nodules
      and 69 HCC nodules were identified. Interobserver reliability was reasonably good
      for the measurement of PSRs and readers showed a substantial agreement for the
      qualitative assessment. In the HCC group, the median PSR was 116.2 at equilibrium
      and 112.9 in the delayed phase. In the non-HCC group, the median PSR was 93.8 at
      equilibrium and 96.0 in the delayed phase. Receiver operating characteristic
      analysis indicated areas under the curve of 0.902 (p < 0.001) and 0.873 (p <
      0.001) at equilibrium and in the delayed phase. PSR values of 102 at equilibrium
      and 101.5 in the delayed phase led to the highest Youden's index of 0.82 and
      0.77, respectively. These PSR cutoffs yielded sensitivities of 82 and 77 %,
      respectively, with specificities of 100 %. The sensitivity for the qualitative
      assessment of washout was 88 and 93 % and the specificity was 48 and 56 %. For
      the classification of HCC, sensitivity yielded 95 and 97 % and specificity was 68
      and 56 %, respectively. CONCLUSION: Quantitatively measuring HCC washout in MRI
      is easy and reproducible. It can objectify and support diagnosis of HCC. However,
      the quantitative measurement of washout can only serve as one of several
      components of HCC assessment.

PMID- 27681526
TI  - Associations among height, body mass index and intelligence from age 11 to age 78
      years.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intelligence is related to both height and body mass index (BMI) at
      various stages of life. Several studies have demonstrated longitudinal
      relationships between these measures, but none has established whether height and
      intelligence, or BMI and intelligence are linked from childhood through to older
      age. METHODS: We assessed the relations between these measures over an interval
      of up to 67 years using data from the 36-Day Sample, an initially-representative
      sample of Scottish people born in 1936, assessed at age 11 years (N = 6,291) and
      again at 77-78 years (N = 722). This paper focuses on the 423 participants (6.7 %
      of the original sample) who provided relevant data in late adulthood. RESULTS:
      Height and intelligence were significantly positively associated in childhood
      (beta = .23) and late adulthood (beta = .21-.29). Longitudinal correlations also
      showed that childhood intelligence predicted late-adulthood height (beta = .20),
      and childhood height predicted late-adulthood cognitive ability (beta = .12-.14).
      We observed no significant relationship between BMI and intelligence either in
      childhood or in late adulthood, nor any longitudinal association between the two
      in this sample. CONCLUSIONS: Our results on height and intelligence are the first
      to demonstrate that their relationship spans almost seven decades, from childhood
      through to late adulthood, and they call for further investigation into the
      mechanisms underlying this lifelong association.

PMID- 27681527
TI  - Do not snare rectal polyps.

PMID- 27681524
TI  - Association of Fasciola hepatica Infection with Liver Fibrosis, Cirrhosis, and
      Cancer: A Systematic Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fascioliasis has been sporadically associated with chronic liver
      disease on previous studies. In order to describe the current evidence, we
      carried out a systematic review to assess the association between fascioliasis
      with liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and cancer. METHODOLOGY AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: A
      systematic search of electronic databases (PubMed, LILACS, Scopus, Embase,
      Cochrane, and Scielo) was conducted from June to July 2015 and yielded 1,557
      published studies. Among 21 studies that met inclusion and exclusion criteria, 12
      studies explored the association of F. hepatica with liver fibrosis, 4 with liver
      cirrhosis, and 5 with cancer. Globally these studies suggested the ability of F.
      hepatica to promote liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. The role of F. hepatica in
      cancer is unknown. Given the heterogeneity of the studies, a meta-analysis could
      not be performed. CONCLUSIONS: Future high-quality studies are needed to
      determine the role of F. hepatica on the development of liver fibrosis, liver
      cirrhosis, and cancer in humans.

PMID- 27681528
TI  - Sumatriptan Nasal Powder: A Review in Acute Treatment of Migraine.
AB  - Sumatriptan nasal powder delivered by a breath powered delivery device
      (ONZETRA(r) Xsail(r)) is indicated for the acute treatment of migraine with or
      without aura in adults. This narrative review discusses the clinical use of
      sumatriptan nasal powder in this population and summarizes its pharmacological
      properties. In migraineurs, sumatriptan nasal powder treatment was associated
      with significantly greater rates of pain relief than placebo from 0.5-2 h
      postdose after a single treatment in the phase 3 TARGET trial, with these
      benefits sustained at 24 and 48 h postdose. Compared with oral sumatriptan,
      sumatriptan nasal powder was associated with significantly faster pain relief
      during the first 30 min after treatment in the phase 3 COMPASS trial assessing
      the treatment of up to five migraines in adults and better pain relief and pain
      freedom from 15 min to 1.5 h postdose. However, there were no between-group
      differences in pain relief at subsequent timepoints up to 48 h postdose.
      Sumatriptan nasal powder was generally well tolerated, with the majority of
      adverse events administration-site related and mild or moderate in severity. In
      conclusion, sumatriptan nasal powder is an effective and generally well tolerated
      treatment of migraine. With its novel breath powered nasal delivery resulting in
      a faster onset of action than oral sumatriptan, sumatriptan nasal powder provides
      a useful new option for the acute treatment of migraine with and without aura in
      adults.

PMID- 27681529
TI  - Spanish experience on the design of radon surveys based on the use of geogenic
      information.
AB  - One of the requirements of the recently approved EU-BSS (European Basic Safety
      Standards Directive, EURATOM, 2013) is the design and implementation of national
      radon action plans in the member states (Annex XVIII). Such plans require radon
      surveys. The analysis of indoor radon data is supported by the existing knowledge
      about geogenic radiation. With this aim, we used the terrestrial gamma dose rate
      data from the MARNA project. In addition, we considered other criterion regarding
      the surface of Spain, population, permeability of rocks, uranium and radium
      contain in soils because currently no data are available related to soil radon
      gas concentration and permeability in Spain. Given that, a Spanish radon map was
      produced which will be part of the European Indoor Radon Map and a component of
      the European Atlas of Natural Radiation. The map indicates geographical areas
      with high probability of finding high indoor radon concentrations. This
      information will support legislation regarding prevention of radon entry both in
      dwellings and workplaces. In addition, the map will serve as a tool for the
      development of strategies at all levels: individual dwellings, local, regional
      and national administration.

PMID- 27681530
TI  - [Osteoporosis detection using cone-beam computed tomography].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is still underdiagnosed in Germany. OBJECTIVES: Is it
      possible to detect osteoporosis on the basis of a cone-beam computed tomography
      image of the mandible and several measuring methods? MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Sixteen cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images from patients of the dental
      clinic at the University of Ulm were reinvestigated. When the CBCT images were
      processed the subjects were at least 55 years old, and the mandible was
      completely mapped on the image. Furthermore, a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry
      scan or a CT bone mineral density test was required for every subject. The
      subjects were divided into an osteoporosis group and a control group. The
      computed tomography mental index (CTMI), the computed tomography mandibular index
      superior (CTI[S]) and the computed tomography mandibular index inferior (CTI[I])
      were deployed for comparison of the groups. In the first instance a comparison of
      the osteoporosis and control groups was made for both male and female subjects.
      Subsequently, only the images of the female subjects were compared to each other.
      RESULTS: A possibility for osteoporosis can be expressed at CTMI values located <
      3.0 mm. As well for CTI(S) < 0.18 and CTI(I) < 0.23. There arises a 66.7 %
      sensitivity and 70 % specificity for the mixed subject group and an 80 %
      sensitivity and 57.1 % specificity for the female subject group for CTMI and
      CTI(S). Furthermore, there are 50.0 % sensitivity and 70 % specificity for the
      mixed subject group and 60.0 % sensitivity and 57.1 % specificity for the female
      subject group for the CTI(I). CONCLUSION: CTMI, CTI(S) and CTI(I) are only
      suitable for osteoporosis detection to a limited extent.

PMID- 27681531
TI  - Hyperfocusing as a dimension of adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
AB  - Patients with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) suffer not only
      from inability to focus but also from inability to shift attention for events
      that trigger their interests. This phenomenon is called "hyperfocusing". Previous
      literature about hyperfocusing is scarce and relies mainly on case reports. The
      study aimed to investigate and compare the severity of hyperfocusing in adult
      ADHD with and without psycho-stimulant use. ADHD (DSM-IV-TR) patients either
      psycho-stimulant naive (n=53) or on psycho-stimulants (n=79) from two ADHD
      clinics were recruited. The control group (n=65) consisted of healthy university
      students. A socio-demographic form, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Wender
      Utah Rating Scale, the Adult ADHD Self- Report Scale and the Hyperfocusing Scale
      were applied to the participants. There was no difference between total
      Hyperfocusing Scale and Adult ADHD Self- Report Scale scores of two patient
      groups, but both have higher scores than controls (p<0.001). Hyperfocusing is
      higher in adult ADHD and there was no difference between stimulant-naive patients
      or patients on stimulants. Hyperfocusing can be defined as a separate dimension
      of adult ADHD.

PMID- 27681532
TI  - Skin sensitization risk assessment: Considering available data for weight of
      evidence assessments.

PMID- 27681533
TI  - Referral Patterns as a Contextual Variable in Pediatric Brain Injury: A
      Retrospective Analysis.
AB  - Purpose: Access to speech-language pathology (SLP) services is a critical
      variable in the rehabilitation of pediatric brain injury. In this study, we
      examined patterns of SLP referral and factors affecting referral during the acute
      period following brain injury in 2 large pediatric specialty hospitals. Method:
      In a retrospective, cohort chart review study, data collection focused on
      referrals made during the acute period using International Classification of
      Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes for primary diagnoses of
      brain injury between 2007 and 2014 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
      [CDC], 2014). A total of 200 charts were reviewed. Data extraction included
      demographic and injury-related variables, referral for rehabilitation across
      disciplines, and plans of care following assessment. Results: Samples for both
      facilities were similar except for primary mechanism of traumatic brain injuries
      and severity. SLP referral rate at Hospital 1 was 36% and only 2% at Hospital 2.
      Regression revealed that individuals were less likely to receive an SLP referral
      if injury severity was classified as unknown or mild or if they were younger in
      age. Conclusion: SLP referral rates in the early acute period for children with
      brain injury were poor, creating a barrier to rehabilitation. This not only
      limits access to SLP services, but also may have broader and long-term impact.

PMID- 27681534
TI  - Preparation of chitosan-coated liposomes as a novel carrier system for the
      antiviral drug Triazavirin.
AB  - Novel method for the coating of positively charged liposomes with modified
      chitosan was elaborated. Liposomes were prepared by stepwise extrusion through
      inorganic membranes (Anotop) of 0.2 and 0.1 MUm pore sizes. Chitosan derivatives
      were synthesized via the Ugi multicomponent reaction. Several series of liposomal
      compositions were produced and their properties were compared in terms of
      particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential and stability. The
      effect of various additives was investigated and the optimal composition of the
      lipid film was determined. The addition of the uncharged fatty esters allowed the
      diameter of the liposomes obtained by extrusion to be reduced to 145-150 nm with
      a PDI of 0.13-0.15. The prepared liposomes were loaded with the novel antiviral
      drug Triazavirin and used to determine the release profile. Triazavirin was
      included into liposome layer as a salt with biocompatible choline derivatives of
      limiting fatty acids. The appropriate lipid composition was used for the
      preparation of a larger quantity of liposomes coated by modified chitosan. It was
      shown that an appropriate combination of liposomes and polysaccharide layer
      potentially extended colloidal stability by up to 3 months and exhibited broad
      functional capabilities for surface modification.

PMID- 27681537
TI  - Inferior Vena Cava Filters in Trauma Patients-For Whom the Benefit Tolls?

PMID- 27681536
TI  - Dynamic Evaluation of the Cervical Spine and the Spinal Cord of Symptomatic
      Patients Using a Kinetic Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technique.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the movement of the spinal cord
      and its relationship to the spinal canal in patients with mild spondylosis using
      kinetic magnetic resonance imaging (kMRI). METHODS: Weight-bearing, multiposition
      kMRI was performed on symptomatic patients through a full range of flexion
      extension. A total of 52 study patients were selected based on the C2-C7 Cobb
      angle of sagittal alignment: lordotic (from 30 to 45 degrees). We evaluated
      dynamic changes in different parameters from flexion-extension: spinal canal
      diameter (CD), spinal cord diameter (SCD), space available for the cord, anterior
      space available for the cord (ASAC), posterior space available for the cord
      (PSAC), average distance between the anterior canal and the cord (d-value), and
      global angle for the spinal canal and cord. RESULTS: The CD tended to decrease
      from flexion to extension from C3/C4 to C6/C7, however, there were no significant
      differences at the proximal and distal levels, C2/C3 and C7/T1. There were no
      significant differences of SCD between different postures. The SCD tended to
      decrease from C2/C3 to C7/T1. The ASAC followed the same pattern as CD-values.
      The ASAC was narrowest at C4/C5 and C5/C6. The PSAC tended to increase from C2/C3
      to C7/T1. The spinal cord shifted anteriorly with extension and posteriorly with
      flexion. In addition, the spinal cord maintained its curve with the movement.
      CONCLUSIONS: The kinematics of spinal cord motion may be associated with the
      pathogenesis of cervical spondylotic myelopathy. However, the spinal cord
      maintains its curve with position changes. Consequently, different motions of the
      cervical spine may affect spinal cord migration and cause changes in ASAC and
      PSAC.

PMID- 27681535
TI  - Posterior or Single-stage Combined Anterior and Posterior Approach Decompression
      for Treating Complex Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy Coincident Multilevel
      Anterior and Posterior Compression.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: A single-center, retrospective, longitudinal matched cohort
      clinical study of prospectively collected outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To compare
      retrospectively the clinical outcomes and complications of the posterior approach
      laminoplasty and single-stage anterior approach laminoplasty combined with
      anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion and anterior cervical discectomy and
      fusion for treating patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy coincident
      multilevel anterior and posterior compression, known as complex cervical
      spondylotic myelopathy (cCSM) here. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The optimal
      surgical management of this type of cCSM remains controversial. METHODS: Sixty
      seven patients with multilevel cCSM underwent decompression surgery from 1996 to
      2007. Among these patients, 31 underwent a single-stage combined approach with
      decompression (combined approach group) and 36 underwent laminoplasty for
      posterior approach (posterior approach group). Average operative duration,
      operative estimated blood loss, surgical costs, and cervical alignment were
      measured. RESULTS: Average operative duration, operative estimated blood loss,
      and surgical costs were significantly lower in the posterior approach group than
      those in the combined approach group (P<0.001). Visual analog scale and modified
      Japanese Orthopedic Association scale were insignificantly different at each data
      collection period (P>0.05). No statistical difference was observed in the
      preoperative Cobb angle (P>0.05), whereas a significant statistical difference
      was observed for the postoperative Cobb angle (P<0.05) and variation of Cobb
      angle (P<0.05) between the 2 groups. The surgical incidences of complications
      were 22.2% and 48.4% in the posterior and combined approach groups (P<0.05),
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: For treating multilevel cCSM, both the posterior
      approach laminoplasty and single-stage combined approach led to significant
      neurological improvement and pain reduction in the majority of patients. Both
      approaches showed similar results in terms of decompression and neurological
      improvement. The posterior approach was superior to the combined approach in
      terms of surgical costs, surgical time, blood loss, and complication rate.

PMID- 27681538
TI  - Medical students' learning orientation regarding interracial interactions affects
      preparedness to care for minority patients: a report from Medical Student
      CHANGES.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of evidence on how to train medical students to
      provide equitable, high quality care to racial and ethnic minority patients. We
      test the hypothesis that medical schools' ability to foster a learning
      orientation toward interracial interactions (i.e., that students can improve
      their ability to successfully interact with people of another race and learn from
      their mistakes), will contribute to white medical students' readiness to care for
      racial minority patients. We then test the hypothesis that white medical students
      who perceive their medical school environment as supporting a learning
      orientation will benefit more from disparities training. METHODS: Prospective
      observational study involving web-based questionnaires administered during first
      (2010) and last (2014) semesters of medical school to 2394 white medical students
      from a stratified, random sample of 49 U.S. medical schools. Analysis used data
      from students' last semester to build mixed effects hierarchical models in order
      to assess the effects of medical school interracial learning orientation,
      calculated at both the school and individual (student) level, on key dependent
      measures. RESULTS: School differences in learning orientation explained part of
      the school difference in readiness to care for minority patients. However,
      individual differences in learning orientation accounted for individual
      differences in readiness, even after controlling for school-level learning
      orientation. Individual differences in learning orientation significantly
      moderated the effect of disparities training on white students' readiness to care
      for minority patients. Specifically, white medical students who perceived a high
      level of learning orientation in their medical schools regarding interracial
      interactions benefited more from training to address disparities. CONCLUSIONS:
      Coursework aimed at reducing healthcare disparities and improving the care of
      racial minority patients was only effective when white medical students perceived
      their school as having a learning orientation toward interracial interactions.
      Results suggest that medical school faculty should present interracial encounters
      as opportunities to practice skills shown to reduce bias, and faculty and
      students should be encouraged to learn from one another about mistakes in
      interracial encounters. Future research should explore aspects of the medical
      school environment that contribute to an interracial learning orientation.

PMID- 27681540
TI  - Online inferential and textual processing by adolescents with attention
      deficit/hyperactivity disorder during reading comprehension: Evidence from a
      probing method.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have demonstrated that students with attention
      deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) struggle particularly with grasping the
      implicit, inferential level of narratives that is crucial for story
      comprehension. However, these studies used offline tasks (i.e., after story
      presentation), used indirect measurements (e.g., identifying main ideas), and/or
      yielded inconclusive results using think-aloud techniques. Moreover, most studies
      were conducted with preschool or elementary school children with ADHD, using
      listening or televised story comprehension. In this study, we were interested in
      examining the spontaneous, immediate activation and/or suppression of forward
      predictive inferences, backward-explanatory inferences, and inference-evoking
      textual information, as they occur online during reading comprehension by
      adolescents with ADHD. METHOD: Participants with and without ADHD read short
      narrative texts, each of which included a predictive sentence, a bridging
      sentence that referred back to the predictive sentence via actualization of the
      predicted event, and two intervening sentences positioned between the predictive
      and bridging sentences that introduced a temporary transition from the main
      (predictive) episode. Activation and suppression of inferential and/or textual
      information were assessed using naming times of word probes that were implied by
      the preceding text, explicitly mentioned in it, or neither when following control
      texts. In some cases, a true-false inferential or textual question followed the
      probe. RESULTS: Naming facilitations were observed for the control but not for
      the ADHD group, in responding to inference probes that followed the predictive
      and bridging sentences, and to text probes that followed the predictive
      sentences. Participants with ADHD were accurate, albeit slower, than controls in
      answering the true-false questions. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents with ADHD have
      difficulties in generating predictive and explanatory inferences and in retaining
      relevant textual information in working memory while reading, although they can
      answer questions after reading when texts are relatively short. These findings
      are discussed with regard to development of comprehension strategies for
      individuals with ADHD.

PMID- 27681539
TI  - Definition of Unfit for Standard Acute Myeloid Leukemia Therapy.
AB  - Determining who is fit or unfit for standard treatments among older adults with
      acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains a challenge. However, available evidence can
      provide guidance on strategies to assess and categorize fitness. Evidence is
      strongest to guide identification of "frail" older adults at the time of
      diagnosis based on performance status, physical function, and comorbidity. Many
      older adults, with adequate performance status and comorbidity burden, however,
      may be better characterized as "vulnerable". These patients have subclinical
      impairments that limit resilience when stressed with intensive therapies. More
      sensitive assessment strategies are needed to differentiate fit and vulnerable
      older adults regardless of chronologic age. Research is ongoing to identify tools
      and approaches, such as geriatric assessment, that can enhance characterization
      of fitness for AML therapies. This review will highlight available evidence for
      assessment of fitness among older adults with AML and discuss implications for
      practice and research.

PMID- 27681541
TI  - Challenges in visceral leishmaniasis control and elimination in the developing
      countries: A review.
AB  - Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by an obligate intracellular protozoan that
      affects animals and human. Transmission is zoonotic and/or anthroponotic through
      the bite of an infected female sandfly. Control and elimination of visceral
      leishmaniasis (VL) require proper case detection, identification of reservoir
      hosts, and launching of effective vector control strategies in endemic areas. The
      aim of this review was to highlight the challenges in VL control in developing
      countries. Literatures pertaining to VL burden, diagnosis, prevention and control
      from the year 1969 to 2014 were systematically reviewed from PubMed, Scopus,
      Medline and Google scholar sources during July 2015. Poor vector control
      strategies, limited diagnostic services, drugs, treatments and lack of community
      awareness are the most important challenges in VL control and elimination
      especially in endemic areas. Absence of highly sensitive and specific tests, lack
      of trained man power, and community awareness are the major challenges in VL
      control. Therefore, proper case diagnosis, community mobilization and launching
      of effective vector control strategies in endemic areas are vital. 

PMID- 27681542
TI  - Wolbachia: A biological control strategy against arboviral diseases.
AB  - Vector-borne diseases particularly those transmitted by mosquitoes like Dengue
      are among the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in human population.
      There are no effective vaccines or treatment against dengue fever till date and
      the control methods are limited. So, new approaches are urgently in need to
      reverse these trends. Vector control is currently the primary intervention tool.
      Strategies that reduce or block pathogen transmission by mosquitoes have been
      proposed as a means of augmenting current control measures to reduce the growing
      burden of vector-borne diseases. Wolbachia an endosymbiont of arthropod vectors
      is being explored as a novel ecofriendly control strategy. Studies in Drosophila
      have shown that Wolbachia can confer resistance to diverse RNA viruses and
      protect flies from virus-induced mortality. This review was focused on biology of
      the Wolbachia and its implication as a control measure for arboviral diseases
      mainly Dengue and Chikungunya. 

PMID- 27681543
TI  - A reassessment of the artificial infection of three predominant mosquito species
      with Plasmodium vivax in Shandong Province, China.
AB  - BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Under certain ecological circumstances, pathogens are
      able to rapidly adapt to new vectors. The great capacity of Plasmodium spp. to
      adapt to new anopheline mosquito vectors on different continents and the
      continuous ecological changes attributed to humans might promote their adaptation
      to culicine vectors, which are known to infect humans. Based on our current
      knowledge, it is difficult to predict whether such adaptations will occur. This
      study was aimed to determine the infection susceptibility of Anopheles sinensis,
      Culex tritaeniorhynchus and Cx. pipiens pallens to Plasmodium vivax in Shandong
      Province of China. METHODS: The susceptibility of the three predominant species
      of mosquitoes -An. sinensis, Cx. tritaeniorhynchus and Cx. pipiens pallens in
      Shandong Province was compared with a direct membrane feeding assay with 15
      batches of Shandong strain mono-infected gametocyte-containing blood collected
      from Plasmodium vivax-infected patients. Infectivity was measured by dissecting
      the midguts and salivary glands of the mosquitoes. The presence of oocysts and
      sporozoites was determined by microscopy at 6 and 22 days post-blood feeding.
      RESULTS: From the 15 batches of mosquitoes that were fed infected blood, oocysts
      and sporozoites were detected only in 7th, 13th and 15th batches of infection for
      An. sinensis, and no oocysts or sporozoites were detected in Cx.
      tritaeniorhynchus or Cx. pipiens pallens. The positive rate of An. sinensis
      infection was 21.2, 13 and 36.3% in the three batches of mosquitoes, with an
      average infection rate of 23.5%. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: The susceptibility
      of An. sinensis to P. vivax was very high in Shandong Province. Cx.
      tritaeniorhynchus and Cx. pipiens pallens failed to exhibit susceptibility to P.
      vivax.

PMID- 27681544
TI  - Impact of insecticide-treated bednet use on malaria prevalence in Benishangul
      Gumuz regional state, Ethiopia.
AB  - BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: In Ethiopia, nearly 10 million insecticide-treated
      bednets (ITNs) were distributed between 2004 and 2005; which touched 56 million
      in 2012. The study was aimed to determine the impact of these bednets on malaria
      prevalence, in Yaso district of Benishangul-Gumuz region, western Ethiopia.
      METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted during the peak malaria
      transmission season (October-November, 2014) in the Yaso district, Benishangul
      Gumuz region. Data on demographic variables, ITN ownership and malaria infection
      rates were collected using structured questionnaires and blood film tests and
      analyzed using SAS for windows software. The probability of getting infected
      (questionnaire and the blood film results) was regressed against groups of
      explanatory variables, like age, sex, bednet use etc. using multiple logistic
      regressions. RESULTS: The results revealed that about 40% of the study subjects
      (384) were positive for Plasmodium falciparum; while P. vivax, P. falciparum and
      mixed infections accounted for 74.5% of the study subjects. All the 384 study
      subjects possessed insecticide-treated bednets; 50.5% possessed one, 39.3% two
      and 10.2% more than two. According to the logistic regression, there was
      significant association between illness due to malaria and at least one of the
      explanatory variables (chi26= 271.9, p<0.0001). For all Plasmodium species,
      education level, and age appeared to be significant beneficial factors (OR<1 and
      negative beta-values). Occupation was a significant risk factor. Proper ITN
      utilization improved with increasing educational status. INTERPRETATION &
      CONCLUSION: Schools may be appropriate for creating awareness and distribution of
      ITN instead of the current mass campaign, which is less effective. Efforts of
      stakeholders (schools, community health workers, and the government) should be
      integrated.

PMID- 27681545
TI  - A study of spatial and meteorological determinants of dengue outbreak in Bhopal
      City in 2014.
AB  - BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Dengue epidemics have been linked to various climatic
      and environmental factors. Dengue cases are often found in clusters;
      identification of these clusters in early phase of epidemic can help in efficient
      control by implementing suitable public health interventions. In year 2014,
      Bhopal City in Madhya Pradesh, India witnessed an outbreak of dengue with 729
      recorded cases. This study reports spatial and meteorological determinants and,
      demographic and clinical characteristics of the dengue outbreak in Bhopal City.
      METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of all confirmed cases reported to District
      Unit of Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), Bhopal was carried out
      during June to December 2014. Data pertaining to clinical manifestations, health
      seeking and expenditure were collected by visiting patient's residence.
      Geographic locations were recorded through GPS enabled mobile phones.
      Meteorological data was obtained from Indian Meteorological Department website.
      Multiple linear regression analysis was used to test influence of meteorological
      variables on number of cases. Clustering was investigated using average nearest
      neighbour tool and hot-spot analysis or Getis- Ord Gi* statistic was calculated
      using ArcMap 10. RESULTS: The incidence of confirmed dengue as per IDSP reporting
      was 38/100,000 population (95% CI, 35.2- 40.7), with at least one case reported
      from 73 (86%) of the total 85 wards. Diurnal temperature variation, relative
      humidity and rainfall were found to be statistically significant predictors of
      number of dengue cases on multiple linear regressions. Statistically significant
      hot-spots and cold-spots among wards were identified according to dengue case
      density. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: Seasonal meteorological changes and
      sustained vector breeding contributed to the dengue epidemic in the post-monsoon
      period. Cases were found in geographic clusters, and therefore, findings of this
      study reiterate the importance of spatial analysis for understanding the pace of
      outbreak and identification of hot-spots.

PMID- 27681546
TI  - Clinico-laboratory profile of dengue patients returning from tropical areas to
      Poland during 2010-15.
AB  - BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease, incidences of
      which have increased rapidly in the past decade. About 400 million new infections
      are recorded annually worldwide, and 40% of the human population lives in the
      areas at risk of dengue transmission. In this study, the clinical and laboratory
      profile of dengue diagnosed patients returning to Poland from tropical areas has
      been analyzed. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 65 patients based on
      clinical symptoms and serological tests conducted in the Department of Tropical
      Parasitology of Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine (IMTM) in Gdynia,
      Poland during 2010-15. The diagnosis of dengue virus (DENV) infection was based
      on the detection of specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgA antibodies performed
      by specific ELISA assays. The samples were considered as positive, if the
      absorbance was >10% above the cut-off value. RESULTS: Among 65 persons with
      dengue selected for the analysis, 59 patients were admitted to the hospital
      because of clinical symptoms of the disease; the six persons initially
      asymptomatic were hospitalized due to routine control treatment returning from
      tropical regions. Patients reported various destinations, purpose and duration of
      their travels. All of them had returned from dengue endemic regions and were
      positive for IgM antibodies against DENV. Common clinical symptoms observed were
      fever (ranging from 38 to 40 degrees C in 43% of patients), weakness, headache
      and rash. Laboratory tests revealed elevated levels of transaminase activity,
      leukopenia and thrombocytopenia in 35.3, 24.6 and 20% of patients, respectively.
      INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: The number of Polish travelers to subtropics and
      tropics increases every year. As cases of fever and other symptoms appear to be
      increasingly in Polish people returning from tropical regions of Asia, America
      and Africa, their screening and management should be taken seriously. The study
      also suggests that the disease might be more widespread than it was known
      previously.

PMID- 27681547
TI  - Genetic characterization and molecular phylogeny of Aedes albopictus (Skuse)
      species from Sonitpur district of Assam, India based on COI and ITS1 genes.
AB  - BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Aedes albopictus (Skuse) is one of the major vectors of
      dengue which is an emerging threat in Northeast part of India. The morphological
      characterisation of mosquitoes is time consuming and lacks accuracy for
      distinguishing closely related species. Hence, molecular methods of mosquito
      identification, genetic diversity and molecular phylogeny have gained increased
      importance. This study was aimed to identify and characterize the most abundant
      species of Aedes vectors collected from different breeding spots in Assam,
      Northeast India employing molecular as well as bioinformatics tools. METHODS: Ae.
      albopictus species was genetically characterized with internal transcribed
      spacer1 (ITS1) and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) genes and sequence
      analysis was carried out following molecular methods like PCR amplification, DNA
      sequencing and multiple sequence analysis. Maximum likelihood molecular phylogeny
      was reconstructed to define the evolutionary relationship among studied isolates
      and isolates from other parts of Southeast Asia. RESULTS: Molecular study
      revealed that all five subject specimens belonged to Ae. albopictus species as
      per both ITS1 and COI genes. Maximum likelihood tree based on ITS1 and COI genes
      showed that isolates were distinctly grouped into separate clusters. Almost
      similar pattern of amino acid frequencies in COI gene was found amongst the five
      studied isolates. However, amino acid frequency in ITS1 gene was found to be
      dissimilar, indicating polymorphisms in this gene, among the isolates.
      INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: This is the first report among the Northeastern
      states of India describing the genetic make-up of Ae. albopictus species by
      virtue of highly conserved mitochondrial (mt) DNA and ribosomal (r) DNA gene
      sequences. This study also illustrates that the sequence diversity of these two
      genes in this mosquito species differs geographically which differentiate a
      population and brings unique identity.

PMID- 27681548
TI  - Ecoepidemiological characteristics of a hypoendemic focus of zoonotic cutaneous
      leishmaniasis in north Iran (southeast of Caspian Sea).
AB  - BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Leishmaniasis is an endemic parasitic disease reported
      sporadically throughout Iran. Golestan province is one of the 17 zoonotic
      cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) foci. In this study, ecoepidemiological
      characteristics of ZCL were investigated in Gonbad-e Kavus County, Golestan
      province of Iran. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out in three
      endemic villages and one ZCL-free village by exploiting a stratified random
      sampling methodology in 2013. To understand particular time-allocation and
      activity patterns, sandflies were entrapped twice per month using sticky traps
      from May to October 2013. Records of daily maximum and minimum temperatures (
      degrees C) obtained from the meteorological station were used to calculate
      accumulated degree days (ADD) for Phlebotomus papatasi sandflies using an online
      software, viz. degree-day calculator, available from the website of Integrated
      Pest Management, University of California. The computational ADD and expected
      stage appearance for P. papatasi sandflies were evaluated along with the
      phenological events. Human infection indices were investigated in the study areas
      as well. RESULTS: In the entomological survey, a total of 13 different sandfly
      species were identified. Sergentomyia sintoni (66.8%) and P. papatasi (20%) were
      observed to be the most dominant species. Monthly activity of the different
      species of sandflies started from early May to mid-October, with two peaks
      observed in early July and mid- September, and the peak of hourly activity
      occurred at night (1900-2000 hrs). According to the phenological study,
      population dynamics of P. papatasi was completely in agreement with ADD required
      for the various stages of their growth. Epidemiologically, the highest incidence
      of ZCL was observed in the age group of 30-34 yr (29.4%). INTERPRETATION &
      CONCLUSION: Higher incidence of the disease was seen in the northern and the
      northeastern parts of the province bordered by Turkmenistan. The most effective
      alternative for controlling the disease in this hypoendemic focus is health
      education regarding personal protection from infected P. papatasi. The long-term
      studies are imperative for better understanding and estimation of the factors
      affecting ZCL transmission in the endemic areas.

PMID- 27681549
TI  - NRAMP1 gene polymorphisms and cutaneous leishmaniasis: An evaluation on host
      susceptibility and treatment outcome.
AB  - BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Association between polymorphisms in the natural
      resistance associated macrophage protein 1 (NRAMP1) gene and susceptibility to
      cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) has been demonstrated worldwide; however, the
      reported results were inconsistent. This study aimed to determine the association
      of NRAMP1 variants with susceptibility to CL infection and patients' response to
      treatment in Isfahan province of Iran. METHODS: Peripheral blood samples were
      collected from 150 patients with CL and 136 healthy controls. The CL patients
      were treated with intralesional injection of meglumine antimoniate. The
      polymorphic variants at NRAMP1 (A318V and D543N) were analyzed using PCR-RFLP.
      The chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were used to compare frequencies of
      alleles and genotypes of polymorphisms between patient and healthy control
      populations. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in the
      D543N (rs17235409) polymorphism between the CL patients and healthy controls
      (p=0.008). However, no significant association was detected for A318V
      (rs201565523) polymorphism between groups (p=0.26). In addition, there was a lack
      of association between D543N and A318V genotypes with response to treatment
      (p=0.54 and p=0.31, respectively). INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: The results
      indicated that genetic variations of D543N (rs17235409) might be associated with
      susceptibility to CL infection. These data may be used for detection of sensitive
      individuals and prevention of CL in endemic areas.

PMID- 27681550
TI  - Role of An. culicifacies as a vector of malaria in changing ecological scenario
      of Northeastern states of India.
AB  - BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Malaria has become endemic and subject of concern in
      most part of the India especially Northeastern states of India. Surveys before
      2000 revealed that Anopheles minimus was major vector responsible for
      transmission of malaria in this region followed by An. dirus and An. fluviatilis.
      However, recent studies indicate replacement of An. minimus vector by An.
      culicifacies due to different ecological changes and change in landuse pattern
      etc. The objective of present study was to explore the vectorial role of An.
      culicifacies in transmission of malaria in four malaria endemic states, viz.
      Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur and Sikkim of India. METHODS: The seven surveys were
      conducted in 176 selected villages belonging to eight districts of the four
      states in both pre-monsoon (March-April) and post-monsoon (September-October)
      seasons from 2010 to 2013. However, in 2011 surveys could not be carried out due
      to public inconvenience in pre-monsoon season. For vectorial role of all vector
      species collected, ELISA and PCR were assayed. RESULTS: A total of 19,173
      specimens belonging to 30 anopheline species were collected, out of which 4315
      belonged to four established vector species. In total, 4183 specimens were
      processed through ELISA, out of which 236 specimens were found positive for
      circumsporozoite (CS) protein. Further, infectivity was confirmed by PCR in 35
      samples, of which 12 samples were found positive for Plasmodium falciparum and
      three for P. vivax. Out of 12 Plasmodium falciparum positive samples, nine
      samples were positive for An. culicifacies, two for An. fluviatilis and one for
      An. minimus. While out of three Plasmodium vivax positive samples, two samples
      were positive for An. dirus and one sample was positive for An. culicifacies.
      INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: Anopheles culicifacies replaced the An. minimus, the
      vector of malaria in Northeastern states of India, as it was found to be highly
      infected with malaria parasite as compared to An. minimus by ELISA and PCR
      analysis, and thus playing a major role in malaria transmission in this region.
      The ecological changes like deforestation, development of irrigation channels and
      change in landuse pattern, have helped in evolution of An. culicifacies in the
      study area. Therefore, modified vector control strategies are required on urgent
      basis.

PMID- 27681552
TI  - Knowledge, attitude, behaviour and practices (KABP) of the community and
      resultant IEC leading to behaviour change about dengue in Jodhpur City,
      Rajasthan.
AB  - BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: In recent years dengue has been witnessed as an emerging
      public health problem. Therefore, the present study was undertaken in order to
      assess the knowledge, attitude, behaviour and practices (KABP) adopted by the
      society for its control and prevention. The changes in behaviour of community
      after imparting health education were also recorded to determine the
      effectiveness of information, education and communication (IEC) for dengue
      prevention and control in Jodhpur City of Rajasthan, India. METHODS: A threefold
      study was conducted in Jodhpur City regarding KABP about dengue fever amongst the
      community. Out of 106 cases of dengue reported from Jodhpur City in the year
      2008, only 20 households (HHs) could be located. Therefore, nine HHs around one
      dengue positive household were selected so as to cover the sample size of 200 HHs
      for eliciting information through structured recorded interview-schedule. Health
      education as provided through audiovisuals and group discussion etc. and
      resultant change in KABP was recorded again through interview of respondents from
      100 households. RESULTS: Prevention from dengue mosquito bites through mats and
      liquid vaporizer was known to 32 and 22% HHs respectively. Inhabitants of 87% HHs
      preferred to visit private health facility, 85% of HHs were not aware about the
      symptoms of dengue, while74% HHs stated that dengue mosquito breeds in dirty
      water. Awareness about source of mosquito breeding and source reduction was found
      to be very poor, i.e. 3 and 13% which improved to 78 and 88% respectively after
      undertaking IEC activities. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: Being urban area, the
      economic condition and education level were somewhat similar and satisfactory in
      Jodhpur City. IEC resulted in significant improvement in knowledge about
      transmission, breeding habitats of mosquito transmitting dengue, source reduction
      and health treatment seeking behaviour at government facility. Through such mass
      awareness programmes in the communities, desired results in prevention and
      control of dengue transmission can be achieved.

PMID- 27681551
TI  - Influence of socioeconomic aspects on lymphatic filariasis: A case-control study
      in Andhra Pradesh, India.
AB  - BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a major public health
      problem in India. The objective of the study was to assess the impact of
      socioeconomic conditions on LF in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India.
      METHODS: A survey was carried out from 2004 to 2007 during which, an
      epidemiological and socioeconomic data were collected and analysed. The
      microfilaria (mf) positive samples were taken as cases and matched with control
      group by sex and age (1:1) for case-control study. Bivariate and multivariate
      logistic regression was used to identify the potential risk factors for
      filariasis. Using principal component analysis (PCA), a socioeconomic index was
      developed and the data/scores were classified into low, medium and high
      categories. RESULTS: In total 5,133 blood smears were collected, of which 77
      samples were found positive for microfilaria (1.52%). Multivariate analysis
      showed that the risk of filariasis was higher in groups of people with income <
      ?1000 per month [OR = 2.752 (95%CI, 0.435-17.429)]; ? 1000-3000 per month [3.079
      (0.923-0.275)]; people living in tiled house structure [1.641 (0.534-5.048)],
      with kutcha (uncemented) drainage system [19.427 (2.985- 126.410)], respondents
      who did not implemented mosquito avoidance measures [1.737 (0.563-5.358)]; and in
      people who were not aware about prevention and control of filariasis [1.042
      (0.368-2.956)]. PCA showed that respondents with low (41.6%) and medium (33.8%)
      socioeconomic status are more prone to filariasis (p=0.036). INTERPRETATION &
      CONCLUSION: The cross sectional study showed that the population with low and
      medium socioeconomic status are at higher risk of filariasis. The identified
      socioeconomic risk factors can be used as a guideline for improving the
      conditions for effective management of filariasis.

PMID- 27681554
TI  - Neuro-invasion by a zoonotic arbovirus.

PMID- 27681553
TI  - Evaluation of ImmuneMed scrub typhus rapid test kit, for diagnosis of scrub
      typhus.

PMID- 27681555
TI  - Hyperparasitaemia and phagocytosis of Plasmodium falciparum in fatal cerebral
      malaria.

PMID- 27681556
TI  - Fluctuations in daily energy intake do not cause physiological stress in a
      Neotropical primate living in a seasonal forest.
AB  - Animals may face periods of nutritional stress due to short-term food shortage
      and/or low energy consumption associated with seasonal fluctuations in resource
      availability. We tested the hypothesis that periods of restricted macronutrient
      and energy intake result in energy deficits and physiological stress in wild
      black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) inhabiting seasonal tropical semi-deciduous
      forests. We conducted full-day follows of focal animals recording feeding rates,
      time spent feeding, and total amount of food ingested. We carried out nutritional
      analysis of foods collected from feeding trees and calculated the daily nutrient
      and energy intake of each focal individual. Fecal glucocorticoid metabolites
      (fGCM) of focal animals were used as an indicator of physiological stress. We
      found that fluctuations in daily energy intake across seasons did not have
      significant effects on fGCM of individuals. However, protein intake was
      negatively associated with fGCM, highlighting the interplay among macronutrients,
      metabolism, and the endocrine system. Fecal glucocorticoid metabolites were also
      positively related to fruit availability, but this relationship was most likely
      due to social stress associated with intergroup encounters and resource defense
      that occurred when preferred trees were fruiting. Behavioral strategies such as
      dietary shifts and nutrient mixing, and metabolic adaptations such as low energy
      expenditure allowed individuals to fulfill their minimum energy requirements even
      during periods of decreased resource availability and intake. The present study
      suggests that seasonal variations in food, macronutrient, and energy acquisition
      may have limited physiological costs for animals that exploit different types of
      plant resources such as howler monkeys.

PMID- 27681557
TI  - Assessment of the Psychosocial Adjustment of Well Elderly Residing in Retirement
      Communities.
AB  - Moving to a retirement community involves a major life transition that requires
      adjustment to a new way of life. The purpose of this study was to develop a tool
      to assess the psychosocial adjustment of residents. Using the Life Patterns Model
      as a conceptual framework, residents of 3 retirement communities (n = 240
      residents) were surveyed. Median ages were ~84 years, Nearly 85% (202) reported
      that they feel good about themselves and most (92.5%; n = 221) have things to do
      that they enjoy. Health status was strongly associated with having nearby
      relatives (rs = -.232, p > .000, n = 239). A factor analysis supported the use of
      the conceptual framework. Findings indicate that the tool can used for the
      designed purpose.

PMID- 27681558
TI  - Vasopressin lowers renal epoxyeicosatrienoic acid levels by activating soluble
      epoxide hydrolase.
AB  - Activation of the thick ascending limb (TAL) Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransporter (NKCC2) by
      the antidiuretic hormone arginine vasopressin (AVP) is an essential mechanism of
      renal urine concentration and contributes to extracellular fluid and electrolyte
      homeostasis. AVP effects in the kidney are modulated by locally and/or by
      systemically produced epoxyeicosatrienoic acid derivates (EET). The relation
      between AVP and EET metabolism has not been determined. Here, we show that
      chronic treatment of AVP-deficient Brattleboro rats with the AVP V2 receptor
      analog desmopressin (dDAVP; 5 ng/h, 3 days) significantly lowered renal EET
      levels (-56 +/- 3% for 5,6-EET, -50 +/- 3.4% for 11,12-EET, and -60 +/- 3.7% for
      14,15-EET). The abundance of the principal EET-degrading enzyme soluble epoxide
      hydrolase (sEH) was increased at the mRNA (+160 +/- 37%) and protein levels (+120
      +/- 26%). Immunohistochemistry revealed dDAVP-mediated induction of sEH in
      connecting tubules and cortical and medullary collecting ducts, suggesting a role
      of these segments in the regulation of local interstitial EET signals. Incubation
      of murine kidney cell suspensions with 1 MUM 14,15-EET for 30 min reduced
      phosphorylation of NKCC2 at the AVP-sensitive threonine residues T96 and T101 (
      66 +/- 5%; P < 0.05), while 14,15-DHET had no effect. Concomitantly, isolated
      perfused cortical thick ascending limb pretreated with 14,15-EET showed a 30%
      lower transport current under high and a 70% lower transport current under low
      symmetric chloride concentrations. In summary, we have shown that activation of
      AVP signaling stimulates renal sEH biosynthesis and enzyme activity. The
      resulting reduction of EET tissue levels may be instrumental for increased NKCC2
      transport activity during AVP-induced antidiuresis.

PMID- 27681559
TI  - Nitric oxide synthase inhibition causes acute increases in glomerular
      permeability in vivo, dependent upon reactive oxygen species.
AB  - There is increasing evidence that the permeability of the glomerular filtration
      barrier (GFB) is partly regulated by a balance between the bioavailability of
      nitric oxide (NO) and that of reactive oxygen species (ROS). It has been
      postulated that normal or moderately elevated NO levels protect the GFB from
      permeability increases, whereas ROS, through reducing the bioavailability of NO,
      have the opposite effect. We tested the tentative antagonism between NO and ROS
      on glomerular permeability in anaesthetized Wistar rats, in which the left ureter
      was cannulated for urine collection while simultaneously blood access was
      achieved. Rats were systemically infused with either l-NAME or l-NAME together
      with the superoxide scavenger Tempol, or together with l-arginine or the NO-donor
      DEA-NONOate, or the cGMP agonist 8-bromo-cGMP. To measure glomerular sieving
      coefficients (theta, theta) to Ficoll, rats were infused with FITC-Ficoll 70/400
      (mol/radius 10-80 A). Plasma and urine samples were analyzed by high-performance
      size-exclusion chromatography (HPSEC) for determination of theta for Ficoll
      repeatedly during up to 2 h. l-NAME increased theta for Ficoll70A from 2.27 +/-
      1.30 * 10-5 to 8.46 +/- 2.06 * 10-5 (n = 6, P < 0.001) in 15 min. Tempol
      abrogated these increases in glomerular permeability and an inhibition was also
      observed with l-arginine and with 8-bromo-cGMP. In conclusion, acute NO synthase
      inhibition in vivo by l-NAME caused rapid increases in glomerular permeability,
      which could be reversed by either an ROS antagonist or by activating the guanylyl
      cyclase-cGMP pathway. The data strongly suggest a protective effect of NO in
      maintaining normal glomerular permeability in vivo.

PMID- 27681560
TI  - Characterization and phosphoproteomic analysis of a human immortalized podocyte
      model of Fabry disease generated using CRISPR/Cas9 technology.
AB  - Fabry nephropathy is a major cause of morbidity and premature death in patients
      with Fabry disease (FD), a rare X-linked lysosomal storage disorder. Gb3, the
      main substrate of alpha-galactosidase A (alpha-Gal A), progressively accumulates
      within cells in a variety of tissues. Establishment of cell models has been
      useful as a tool for testing hypotheses of disease pathogenesis. We applied
      CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology to the GLA gene to develop human kidney
      cell models of FD in human immortalized podocytes, which are the main affected
      renal cell type. Our podocytes lack detectable alpha-Gal A activity and have
      increased levels of Gb3. To explore different pathways that could have distinct
      patterns of activation under conditions of alpha-gal A deficiency, we used a high
      throughput antibody array to perform phosphorylation profiling of CRISPR/Cas9
      edited and control podocytes. Changes in both total protein levels and in
      phosphorylation status per site were observed. Analysis of our candidate proteins
      suggests that multiple signaling pathways are impaired in FD.

PMID- 27681562
TI  - The nephron (pro)renin receptor: function and significance.
AB  - The (pro)renin receptor (PRR) is a multifunctional protein that is part of the
      renin-angiotensin system and is an important accessory molecule for the vacuolar
      H+-ATPase. The PRR is widely expressed in the kidney with relatively high
      abundance in the distal nephron. Determining the physiological relevance of the
      PRR has been challenging due to early lethality in whole animal and cell-specific
      PRR knockout models. Recently, viable renal cell-specific PRR knockout mice have
      been developed; these studies suggest that PRR in the nephron can modulate renal
      function via angiotensin II (ANG II)-dependent and -independent cell signaling
      pathways. In this mini-review, we highlight new developments in nephron PRR
      function in health and in pathophysiological conditions.

PMID- 27681561
TI  - Deletion of proton-sensing receptor GPR4 associates with lower blood pressure and
      lower binding of angiotensin II receptor in SFO.
AB  - Diets rich in grains and meat and low in fruits and vegetables (acid-producing
      diets) associate with incident hypertension, whereas vegetarian diets associate
      with lower blood pressure (BP). However, the pathways that sense and mediate the
      effects of acid-producing diets on BP are unknown. Here, we examined the impact
      of the deletion of an acid sensor GPR4 on BP. GPR4 is a proton-sensing G protein
      coupled receptor and an acid sensor in brain, kidney, and blood vessels. We found
      that GPR4 mRNA was higher in subfornical organ (SFO) than other brain regions.
      GPR4 protein was abundant in SFO and present in capillaries throughout the brain.
      Since SFO partakes in BP regulation through the renin-angiotensin system (RAS),
      we measured BP in GPR4-/- and GPR4+/+ mice and found that GPR4 deletion
      associated with lower systolic BP: 87 +/- 1 mmHg in GPR4-/- (n = 35) vs. 99 +/- 2
      mmHg (n = 29) in GPR4+/+; P < 0.0001, irrespective of age and sex. Angiotensin II
      receptors detected by 125I-Sarthran binding were lower in GPR4-/- than GPR4+/+
      mice in SFO and in paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus. Circulating
      angiotensin peptides were comparable in GPR4-/- and GPR4+/+ mice, as were water
      intake and excretion, serum and urine osmolality, and fractional excretion of
      sodium, potassium, or chloride. A mild metabolic acidosis present in GPR4-/- mice
      did not associate with elevated BP, implying that deficiency of GPR4 may preclude
      the effect of chronic acidosis on BP. Collectively, these results posit the acid
      sensor GPR4 as a novel component of central BP control through interactions with
      the RAS.

PMID- 27681564
TI  - The Refugee Health Nurse Liaison: a nurse led initiative to improve healthcare
      for asylum seekers and refugees.
AB  - Asylum seekers and refugees experience a range of barriers to health service
      access and competent use. The Refugee Health Nurse Liaison initiative was piloted
      at a hospital in a high-settlement region of Victoria, Australia. This initiative
      aimed to build capacity within the health sector to more effectively respond to
      the needs of asylum seekers and refugees. A mixed-methods evaluation was
      undertaken to: describe issues encountered by asylum seekers and refugees within
      the hospital setting; capture the nature of the Refugee Health Nurse Liaison
      position; and document key outputs. Throughout the pilot period, 946 patients
      were referred to the role, of which 99% received an assessment of physical,
      mental, and social health. Refugee Health Nurse Liaisons effectively provided
      clinical support, advocacy, education, referrals, and both formal and informal
      capacity building. Learnings from this model are transferable to services in high
      settlement regions, and could have application in improving patient care more
      broadly.

PMID- 27681563
TI  - Structural determinants of NH3 and NH4+ transport by mouse Rhbg, a renal Rh
      glycoprotein.
AB  - Renal Rhbg is localized to the basolateral membrane of intercalated cells and is
      involved in NH3/NH4+ transport. The structure of Rhbg is not yet resolved;
      however, a high-resolution crystal structure of AmtB, a bacterial homolog of Rh,
      has been determined. We aligned the sequence of Rhbg to that of AmtB and
      identified important sites of Rhbg that may affect transport. Our analysis
      positioned three conserved amino acids, histidine 183 (H183), histidine 342
      (H342), and tryptophan 230 (W230), within the hydrophobic pore where they
      presumably serve to control NH3 transport. A fourth residue, phenylalanine 128
      (F128) was positioned at the upper vestibule, presumably contributing to
      recruitment of NH4+ We generated three mutations each of H183, H342, W230, and
      F128 and expressed them in frog oocytes. Immunolabeling showed that W230 and F128
      mutants were localized to the cell membrane, whereas H183 and H342 staining was
      diffuse and mostly intracellular. To determine function, we compared measurements
      of NH3/NH4+ and methyl amine (MA)/methyl ammonium (MA+)-induced currents,
      intracellular pH, and surface pH (pHs) among oocytes expressing the mutants,
      Rhbg, or injected with H2O. In H183 and W230 mutants, NH4+-induced current and
      intracellular acidification were inhibited compared with that of Rhbg, and MA
      induced intracellular alkalinization was completely absent. Expression of H183A
      or W230A mutants inhibited NH3/NH4+- and MA/MA+-induced decrease in pHs to the
      level observed in H2O-injected oocytes. Mutations of F128 did not significantly
      affect transport of NH3 or NH4+ These data demonstrated that mutating H183 or
      W230 caused loss of function but not F128. H183 and H342 may affect membrane
      expression of the transporter.

PMID- 27681565
TI  - Non-intestinal type sinonasal cancers and exposure to occupational carcinogens: a
      case-control study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sinonasal cancers are rare, often fatal, tumors with a very high
      proportion of cases attributable to occupational exposures. The relevance of
      different carcinogens deeply varies among histological subtypes, with intestinal
      type adenocarcinomas (ITAC) characterized by a very large proportion of workers
      exposed to wood dust. The role of occupation in the etiology of other histotypes
      is less clear and more disputed, with authors questioning the possible
      occupational origin of non-ITAC cancers. METHODS: We conducted a hospital-based
      case-control study on 50 consecutives non-ITAC cancers and 50 controls, in
      Varese, Italy. Relative risks for previous exposure to carcinogens (any or single
      agent, i.e. wood/leather dust, solvents, metals) were calculated by multivariate
      logistic regression models adjusted for age, gender, smoking habits and residence
      (within or outside the Lombardy region). RESULTS: Having been exposed to any
      occupational carcinogen carried an OR of 3.04 (95%CI: 0.91-10.21). Considering
      single carcinogens, we observed no increased risk for wood dust exposure
      (OR=1.02, 95%CI: 0.21-4.94), while a large effect associated with previous
      exposure to other recognized carcinogens (leather dust, solvents or metals)
      appeared: OR=7.01 (95%CI: 1.51-32.8). DISCUSSION: Our results highlighted the
      importance of properly considering sinonasal cancers histological subtypes when
      investigating the role of occupational carcinogens. Grouping together all
      sinonasal cancers may end up in underestimating the role of wood in ITAC etiology
      as well as the relevance of other occupational exposures for non-ITAC tumors. All
      sinonasal cancers deserve a thorough investigation of the occupational history.

PMID- 27681566
TI  - Geographical patterns of mesothelioma incidence and asbestos exposure in
      Lombardy, Italy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Measuring malignant mesothelioma (MM) occurrence is a useful means to
      monitor the impact of past asbestos exposure and possibly identify new sources of
      asbestos exposure. OBJECTIVES: Aim of this study is to describe the results of
      the MM registry of the Lombardy Region, North-West Italy, the most populated
      (currently, 10 million inhabitants) and industrialised Italian region. METHODS:
      We extracted from the Lombardy Region Mesothelioma Registry (Registro Mesoteliomi
      Lombardia, RML) database all incident cases of MM (pleura, peritoneum,
      pericardium, and tunica vaginalis testis) with first diagnosis in 2000 through
      2012. For each Province, we calculated crude and standardised incidence rates
      using Italy 2001, European, and world (Segi's) standard populations. To examine
      spatial patterns of MM occurrence across municipalities we drew maps of crude
      rates smoothed according to the Besag, York and Mollie (BYM) method. RESULTS: We
      recorded 4442 MM cases (2850 in men and 1592 in women), representing about one
      fourth of MM cases occurring in Italy. Occupational exposure was more frequent in
      men (73.6%) than in women (38.2%). The crude regional rates were 4.7 per 100,000
      person-years in men and 2.5 per 100,000 person-years in women. The highest rates
      were observed in the Pavia Province (crude rates: 8.7 per 100,000 in men and 5.3
      and per 100,000 person-years in women). CONCLUSIONS: This study documented high
      MM occurrence in both genders, attributable to extensive asbestos exposure in the
      past.

PMID- 27681567
TI  - Spinal load in nurses during emergency lifting of obese patients: preliminary
      results.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nurses are exposed to the risk of injury while handling patients.
      This is particularly true for obese patients. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this paper
      is to estimate the spinal loads and the related risk of injury to nurses while
      lifting obese patients from the floor with a bariatric sheet during a hospital
      emergency. METHODS: Six male nurses participated in this study. The biomechanical
      analysis focused on the lifting strategy. Thirty obese in-patients were enrolled
      to take part in the experimental study and divided into three groups according to
      their Body Mass Index (BMI). Three-dimensional motion analysis was conducted
      using an optoelectronic system. The trunk kinematics and the loading on the
      spines of the operating nurses were computed. RESULTS: Our data showed that when
      the nurse was operating from the central handle, his trunk was more flexed at the
      end of the lift with a reduced range of motion. The values were higher when the
      nurse lifted patients with higher BMIs. All kinetic parameters and tension in the
      lumbar muscles at the end of the movement were characterised by lower values for
      the nurse placed beside the patient's head or feet if compared to the operator
      positioned beside the central handle in all patient groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      preliminary data suggest that only the reaction load on the spine of the nurse
      holding the central handle, closest to the patient's centre of mass, seems to
      exceed the recommended safety limits.

PMID- 27681568
TI  - From work-related stress evaluation to organizational wellbeing promotion: the
      case of an Italian pharmaceutical company.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Work-related stress evaluation is a legal requirement for companies
      that, in some cases, might be seen as an opportunity to examine wellbeing at work
      and the dimensions related to it, through the involvement of employees. To that
      end, this study considers the job demands-resources model as a theoretical
      framework. OBJECTIVES: The study has a twofold objective: a) to describe the
      process of subjective evaluation carried out in the Italian plant of a
      pharmaceutical company; and b) to show and discuss results of the analyses
      performed on variables, examining in detail the relationship between two outcomes
      (job satisfaction and emotional exhaustion) and some job demands (workload and
      job effort), job resources (safety climate, clarity of roles, clarity and
      applicability of procedures, supervisor relational justice and colleague
      support), and personal resources (internal locus of control and job-related self
      efficacy). METHODS: The research was conducted through focus groups and a self
      report questionnaire that involved all plant employees. Final respondents were
      143 (85.1% of employees). RESULTS: The regression model, with job satisfaction as
      a dependent variable, showed a positive relationship with some organizational
      resources: clarity of roles, clarity and applicability of procedures, supervisor
      relational justice and colleague support. The regression model, with emotional
      exhaustion as a dependent variable, showed a positive relationship with two job
      demands, workload and job effort, and a negative relationship with job-related
      self-efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: The study confirmed how important it is to consider
      wellbeing at work, in its cognitive and emotional dimensions, and its
      relationship with job demands and resources, within subjective evaluation of work
      related stress. Starting from the study results, the research identified a plan
      of interventions designed for specific areas of improvement.

PMID- 27681570
TI  - National survey on workplace safety and prevention services: regional
      differences.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Services, with inspections and
      support activities to workers and to enterprises, have a relevant role in the
      field of safety and health in the workplace. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study,
      part of the INSuLa Project, is to realize a national survey about risk perception
      of OSH and awareness about OSH issues in the context of the Italian OSH
      legislative framework (Legislative Decree 81/08 and subsequent modifications and
      integrations) implementation, with involvement of the OSH Services operators.
      METHODS: The Survey involved a representative national sample of the OSH Services
      operators. After an analysis of background literature and a comparison with
      Operating Units involved in the Project, an ad hoc questionnaire was developed
      and administered to the sample to evaluate the topics of the Survey. RESULTS: The
      study has been conducted on a sample of 678 OSH Services operators. The Survey
      showed in Italy an important organizational and procedural inhomogeneity
      perceived by OSH Services operators. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlighted the
      relevance perceived by OSH Services operators to develop a system of safety
      culture dissemination to reduce accidents at work and improve the management of
      occupational risks (traditional and emerging).

PMID- 27681569
TI  - Psychosocial risks assessment at hospital: development of a French questionnaire.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In order to improve the well-being, health, and performance of
      hospital workers, it should be important to focus on the psychosocial risk (PSR)
      factors in the work environment and on job satisfaction. Although many
      epidemiological questionnaires are used to measure PSR among healthcare workers,
      no specific existing model can be applied to all categories of hospital workers.
      OBJECTIVE: To develop a short French self-administered instrument for measuring
      the PSR for hospital workers: the PSRH questionnaire. METHODS: The content of the
      PSRH questionnaire was partly derived from the well-known and standardized
      questionnaires (Karasek Job Content and Siegriest effort-reward imbalance
      questionnaires). The validation process was carried out in all the departments of
      a large public university hospital (Marseille, France). Eligible workers were
      adult employees present on the day of the assessment: healthcare, administrative,
      and technical workers. A total of 2203 subjects were included from September 2012
      to October 2013. RESULTS: The PSRH contains 24 items describing 6 dimensions
      (Management, cooperation and hierarchical support; Requirements, constraints and
      autonomy related to work; Support and relationship with the team; Complexity of
      the work and unforeseen factors; Meaning of work and recognition; and
      Conciliation work - work out). The six-factor structure presented satisfactory
      internal consistency and scalability. All the scores showed significant
      correlations with a well-being score. Acceptability was high. CONCLUSION: The
      PSRH is a self-administered instrument assessing PSR at hospital that presents
      satisfactory psychometric properties. Future studies should identify factors that
      determine low- and high-risk workers in order to implement appropriate preventing
      strategies.

PMID- 27681571
TI  - From the addiction rehabilitation program to the return to work: results of an
      employment and social intervention among young adults with substance dependence.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Substance dependence problems are considered to be a relevant issue
      for a large proportion of the working population and represent a huge health and
      occupational cost. However, few studies have examined the return to work after
      addiction problems. AIMS: This exploratory follow-up study aims to evaluate the
      return to work, in terms of employment outcomes, perceived work environment and
      physical and mental health of patients who have completed an addiction
      rehabilitation program and an employment and social intervention. METHODS: The
      sample includes 51 participants with a baseline diagnosis of substance abuse
      disorder who have completed a rehabilitation and a social-occupational
      intervention. Patients were assessed by means of self-report questionnaires
      referring to perceptions of the work environment, individual characteristics and
      mental and physical health. RESULTS: The results show that the majority of the
      sample (88.2%) is employed at follow-up and refers positive perceptions about the
      psychosocial work environment, the mental and physical health and the
      stabilization of the change. The factors that significantly influence job
      satisfaction are work ability (p=0.02), work engagement (p=0.04) and absence of
      desire (p=0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows that many patients some
      years after the rehabilitation program have kept their job with positive levels
      of individual and organizational well-being. Work is not perceived as a source of
      stress but it represents a protective factor for health, personal identity and
      social integration.

PMID- 27681572
TI  - STEPWISE - STructured lifestyle Education for People WIth SchizophrEnia: a study
      protocol for a randomised controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: People with schizophrenia are two to three times more likely to be
      overweight than the general population. The UK National Institute of Health and
      Care Excellence (NICE) recommends an annual physical health review with
      signposting to, or provision of, a lifestyle programme to address weight concerns
      and obesity. The purpose of this randomised controlled trial is to assess whether
      a group-based structured education programme can help people with schizophrenia
      to lose weight. METHODS: Design: a randomised controlled trial of a group-based
      structured education programme. SETTING: 10 UK community mental health trusts.
      PARTICIPANTS: 396 adults with schizophrenia, schizoaffective, or first-episode
      psychosis who are prescribed antipsychotic medication will be recruited.
      Participants will be overweight, obese or be concerned about their weight.
      INTERVENTION: participants will be randomised to either the intervention or
      treatment as usual (TAU). The intervention arm will receive TAU plus four 2.5-h
      weekly sessions of theory-based lifestyle structured group education, with
      maintenance contact every 2 weeks and 'booster' sessions every 3 months. All
      participants will receive standardised written information about healthy eating,
      physical activity, alcohol and smoking. OUTCOMES: the primary outcome is weight
      (kg) change at 1 year post randomisation. Secondary outcomes, which will be
      assessed at 3 and 12 months, include: the proportion of participants who
      maintained or reduced their weight; waist circumference; body mass index;
      objectively measured physical activity (wrist accelerometer); self-reported diet;
      blood pressure; fasting plasma glucose, lipid profile and HbA1c (baseline and 1
      year only); health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L and RAND SF-36); (adapted)
      brief illness perception questionnaire; the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale; the
      Client Service Receipt Inventory; medication use; smoking status; adverse events;
      depression symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9); use of weight-loss
      programmes; and session feedback (intervention only). Outcome assessors will be
      blind to trial group allocation. Qualitative interviews with a subsample of
      facilitators and invention-arm participants will provide data on intervention
      feasibility and acceptability. Assessment of intervention fidelity will also be
      performed. DISCUSSION: The STEPWISE trial will provide evidence for the clinical
      and cost-effectiveness of a tailored intervention, which, if successful, could be
      implemented rapidly in the NHS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN19447796 , registered
      on 20 March 2014.

PMID- 27681573
TI  - Candida glabrata species complex prevalence and antifungal susceptibility testing
      in a culture collection: First description of Candida nivariensis in Argentina.
AB  - The presence of the cryptic species belonging to the Candida glabrata complex has
      not been studied in Argentina. We analyzed a collection of 117 clinical isolates
      of C. glabrata complex belonging to a National Culture Collection of Instituto
      Nacional de Microbiologia "Dr. Carlos G. Malbran" from Argentina (40 isolates
      from blood samples, 18 from other normally sterile sites, 20 from vagina, 14 from
      urine, 7 from oral cavity, 3 from catheter, 1 from a stool sample and 14 isolates
      whose clinical origin was not recorded). The aims of this work were to determine
      the prevalence of the cryptic species Candida nivariensis and Candida bracarensis
      and to evaluate the susceptibility profile of isolates against nine antifungal
      drugs. Identification was carried out by using classical phenotypic tests,
      CHROMagarTM Candida, PCR and MALDI-TOF. The minimal inhibitory concentrations of
      amphotericin B, 5-fluorocytosine, fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole,
      ketoconazole, posaconazole, caspofungin and anidulafungin were determined
      according to the EDef 7.3 (EUCAST) reference document. Of the 117 isolates, 114
      were identified as C. glabrata and three as C. nivariensis by using PCR and MALDI
      TOF. There were no major differences between C. nivariensis and C. glabrata
      susceptibility profiles. No resistant strains were found to echinocandins. We
      have found that the percentage of C. nivariensis in our culture collection was
      2.56. This is the first description of C. nivariensis in Argentina, and data
      obtained could contribute to the knowledge of the epidemiology of this cryptic
      species.

PMID- 27681574
TI  - Dyslipidaemia: Balancing the benefits and risks of statin therapy.

PMID- 27681576
TI  - Enhancing the value of clinical trials: the role of data sharing.

PMID- 27681575
TI  - Bioresorbable vascular scaffolds - basic concepts and clinical outcome.
AB  - The introduction of percutaneous treatment of coronary artery stenosis with
      balloon angioplasty was the first revolution in interventional cardiology; the
      advent of metallic coronary stents (bare and drug-eluting) marked the second and
      third revolutions. However, the latest generation of drug-eluting stents is
      limited by several factors. Permanent vessel caging impairs arterial physiology,
      and the incidence of very late stent thrombosis - although lower with the second
      generation than with the first generation of drug-eluting stents - remains a
      major concern. This complication is mainly related to the presence of permanent
      metallic implants, chronic degeneration triggered by an inflammatory response to
      the coating polymer, and/or adverse effects of antiproliferative drugs on
      endothelial regeneration. In 2011, self-degrading coronary stents - the
      bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) - were introduced into clinical practice,
      showing good short-term results owing to their adequate strength. The advantage
      of these devices is the transient nature of vascular scaffolding, which avoids
      permanent vessel caging. In this Review, we summarize the latest research on BVS,
      with a particular emphasis on the implantation technique (which is different from
      that used with metallic stents) to outline the concept that BVS deployment
      methods have a major effect on procedural success and prognosis of patients with
      coronary artery stenosis. Furthermore, the clinical outcome of BVS in randomized
      clinical trials and in phase IV studies are discussed in different
      pathophysiological settings, such as stable or acute coronary disease. Finally,
      all the available data on the safety profile of BVS regarding scaffold thrombosis
      are discussed.

PMID- 27681581
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 27681579
TI  - Randomized phase 1 crossover study assessing the bioequivalence of capsule and
      tablet formulations of dovitinib (TKI258) in patients with advanced solid tumors.
AB  - PURPOSE: A capsule formulation of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor dovitinib
      (TKI258) was recently studied in a phase 3 renal cell carcinoma trial; however,
      tablets are the planned commercial formulation. Therefore, this randomized 2-way
      crossover study evaluated the bioequivalence of dovitinib tablet and capsule
      formulations in pretreated patients with advanced solid tumors, excluding breast
      cancer. METHODS: In this 2-part study, eligible patients received dovitinib 500
      mg once daily on a 5-days-on/2-days-off schedule. During the 2-period
      bioequivalence phase, patients received their initial formulation (capsule or
      tablet) for 3 weeks before being switched to the alternative formulation in the
      second period. Patients could continue to receive dovitinib capsules on the same
      dosing schedule during the post-bioequivalence phase. RESULTS: A total of 173
      patients were enrolled into the bioequivalence phase of the study (capsule ->
      tablet, n = 88; tablet -> capsule, n = 85), and 69 patients had evaluable
      pharmacokinetics (PK) for both periods. PK analyses showed similar exposure and
      PK profiles for the dovitinib capsule and tablet formulations and supported
      bioequivalence [geometric mean ratios: AUClast, 0.95 (90 % CI 0.88-1.01); C max,
      0.98 (90 % CI 0.91-1.05)]. The most common adverse events, suspected to be study
      drug related, included diarrhea (60 %), nausea (53 %), fatigue (45 %), and
      vomiting (43 %). Of 168 patients evaluable for response, 1 achieved a partial
      response, and stable disease was observed in 32 % of patients. CONCLUSIONS:
      Dovitinib capsules and tablets were bioequivalent, with a safety profile similar
      to that observed in other dovitinib studies of patients with heavily pretreated
      advanced solid tumors.

PMID- 27681580
TI  - Transcriptional regulatory mechanism of alcohol dehydrogenase 1-deficient mutant
      of rice for cell survival under complete submergence.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rice is the only crop that germinates and elongates the coleoptile
      under complete submergence. It has been shown that alcohol dehydrogenase 1 (ADH1)
      deficient mutant of rice with reduced alcohol dehydrogenase activity (rad) and
      reduced ATP level, is viable with much reduced coleoptile elongation under such
      condition. To understand the altered transcriptional regulatory mechanism of this
      mutant, we aimed to establish possible relationships between gene expression and
      cis-regulatory information content. FINDINGS: We performed promoter analysis of
      the publicly available differentially expressed genes in ADH1 mutant. Our results
      revealed that a crosstalk between a number of key transcription factors (TFs) and
      different phytohormones altered transcriptional regulation leading to the
      survival of the mutant. Amongst the key TFs identified, we suggest potential
      involvement of MYB, bZIP, ARF and ERF as transcriptional activators and WRKY,
      ABI4 and MYC as transcriptional repressors of coleoptile elongation to maintain
      metabolite levels for the cell viability. Out of the repressors, WRKY TF is most
      likely playing a major role in the alteration of the physiological implications
      associated with the cell survival. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our analysis provides a
      possible transcriptional regulatory mechanism underlying the survival of the rad
      mutant under complete submergence in an energy crisis condition and develops
      hypotheses for further experimental validation.

PMID- 27681582
TI  - Cell biology is different in small volumes: endogenous signals shape phenotype of
      primary hepatocytes cultured in microfluidic channels.
AB  - The approaches for maintaining hepatocytes in vitro are aimed at recapitulating
      aspects of the native liver microenvironment through the use of co-cultures,
      surface coatings and 3D spheroids. This study highlights the effects of spatial
      confinement-a less studied component of the in vivo microenvironment. We
      demonstrate that hepatocytes cultured in low-volume microfluidic channels
      (microchambers) retain differentiated hepatic phenotype for 21 days whereas cells
      cultured in regular culture plates under identical conditions de-differentiate
      after 7 days. Careful consideration of nutrient delivery and oxygen tension
      suggested that these factors could not solely account for enhanced cell function
      in microchambers. Through a series of experiments involving microfluidic chambers
      of various heights and inhibition of key molecular pathways, we confirmed that
      phenotype of hepatocytes in small volumes was shaped by endogenous signals, both
      hepato-inductive growth factors (GFs) such as hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and
      hepato-disruptive GFs such as transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1. Hepatocytes
      are not generally thought of as significant producers of GFs-this role is
      typically assigned to nonparenchymal cells of the liver. Our study demonstrates
      that, in an appropriate microenvironment, hepatocytes produce hepato-inductive
      and pro-fibrogenic signals at the levels sufficient to shape their phenotype and
      function.

PMID- 27681577
TI  - Update on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and a guide to the guidelines.
AB  - Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common inherited cardiovascular
      disorder, affecting 1 in 500 individuals worldwide. Existing epidemiological
      studies might have underestimated the prevalence of HCM, however, owing to
      limited inclusion of individuals with early, incomplete phenotypic expression.
      Clinical manifestations of HCM include diastolic dysfunction, left ventricular
      outflow tract obstruction, ischaemia, atrial fibrillation, abnormal vascular
      responses and, in 5% of patients, progression to a 'burnt-out' phase
      characterized by systolic impairment. Disease-related mortality is most often
      attributable to sudden cardiac death, heart failure, and embolic stroke. The
      majority of individuals with HCM, however, have normal or near-normal life
      expectancy, owing in part to contemporary management strategies including family
      screening, risk stratification, thromboembolic prophylaxis, and implantation of
      cardioverter-defibrillators. The clinical guidelines for HCM issued by the ACC
      Foundation/AHA and the ESC facilitate evaluation and management of the disease.
      In this Review, we aim to assist clinicians in navigating the guidelines by
      highlighting important updates, current gaps in knowledge, differences in the
      recommendations, and challenges in implementing them, including aids and pitfalls
      in clinical and pathological evaluation. We also discuss the advances in
      genetics, imaging, and molecular research that will underpin future developments
      in diagnosis and therapy for HCM.

PMID- 27681584
TI  - Dermatological emergencies: evolution from 2008 to 2014 and perspectives.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Our dermatological department includes a dermatological emergency
      unit (DEU) whose activity has grown in recent years. OBJECTIVES: An audit to
      characterize the activity of our DEU and its evolution in terms of medical
      demographics of the area. METHODS: We collected the following data from
      administrative services: number of patients consulting each year in the DEU and
      in the general emergency unit (GEU) of our hospital between 2008 and 2014; daily
      and seasonal activity of the DEU; occurrence of a second event in the department
      and proportion of patients from the DEU who were hospitalized and why. From the
      medical charts of a random sample of patients consulting in the first 15 days of
      January and August 2014, we studied the epidemiological profile, time to
      consultation and diagnoses. Data related to medical demographics (number of
      general practitioners and dermatologists) between 2007 and 2014 and projections
      were obtained. RESULTS: The activity in the DEU increased by 67% between 2008 and
      2014 but remained stable in the GEU over the same period. The activity was higher
      on Mondays and in the summer (+30%). More than 15% of the patients were seen a
      second time in outpatient consultation; 1.2% were hospitalized. Infectious
      dermatosis was the main reason for consultation; seasonal-disease consultations
      were more frequent in the summer. Less than 40% of patients consulted in the
      first week after disease onset. Medical demographics continually decreased since
      2007 in Paris and suburbs and will continue to decrease in the next years.
      CONCLUSION: The increasing activity of our DEU parallels the decrease in medical
      demographics in Paris. The proportion of patients hospitalized was low, in part
      due to specific healthcare networks implemented for some life-threatening
      dermatoses independent of the DEU. A better coordination between hospital and
      private practitioners for managing dermatologic emergencies, taking into account
      the decrease in medical demographics, is warranted.

PMID- 27681583
TI  - Patterns of Use, Acute Subjective Experiences, and Motivations for Using
      Synthetic Cathinones ("Bath Salts") in Recreational Users.
AB  - Given the variety and potential toxicity of synthetic cathinones, clinicians and
      educators would benefit from information about patterns of and motivations for
      use, frequency of psychosocial consequences, and experience of acute subjective
      effects. We administered a comprehensive, web-based survey to 104 recreational
      users of synthetic cathinones. Sixty percent of respondents consumed synthetic
      cathinones once or more per month, usually snorting or swallowing these drugs,
      typically at home, usually with others, customarily during the evening and
      nighttime hours, and often in combination with another drug such as alcohol or
      marijuana. Acute subjective effects attributed to synthetic cathinones were
      similar to those of other psychostimulants, including increased energy, rapid
      heartbeat, racing thoughts, difficulty sleeping, euphoria, decreased appetite,
      open-mindedness, and increased sex drive. Reported reasons for using synthetic
      cathinones included its stimulating effects, curiosity, substitution for another
      drug, and being at a party/music event. Respondents had experienced an average of
      six negative consequences of using synthetic cathinones during the previous year
      (e.g., tolerance, neglecting responsibilities, personality change). In
      combination with previously published investigations, these findings increase our
      understanding of the reported rationales and outcomes of recreational use of
      synthetic cathinones.

PMID- 27681585
TI  - The 3D future of wound healing.

PMID- 27681586
TI  - Impact of surgical wound dehiscence on health-related quality of life and mental
      health.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of surgical wound dehiscence on health-related
      quality of life and mental health. Dehiscence of surgical wounds is a serious
      postoperative complication associated with high morbidity and mortality. METHOD:
      Sixty-one adult patients, who had undergone neurological, general, colorectal,
      orthopaedic, gynaecological, plastic, cardiovascular, urological or neurological
      surgery in a university hospital in Brazil, were assessed between 30 and 180 days
      after surgery. Twenty participants who achieved complete wound healing were
      allocated to the control group and 41 participants who developed surgical wound
      dehiscence were allocated to the dehiscence group. Patients unable to complete
      the questionnaires because of cognitive impairment and those who declined to
      participate or died were excluded from the study. Data were collected using a
      questionnaire assessing sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of
      participants; the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF
      36); and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). RESULTS: Surgical wound dehiscences
      were 0.5-30 cm in length, 0.5-7 cm in depth, and located in the arms, legs or
      trunk. There were significant between-group differences in mean scores on the
      physical functioning (p<0.01), role physical (p<0.01), social functioning
      (p=0.01), and bodily pain (p=0.01) dimensions of the SF-36. Participants with
      wound dehiscence reported significantly higher BDI scores (more depressive
      symptoms) than controls (p=0.01). CONCLUSION: Surgical wound dehiscence had a
      negative impact on the physical functioning, role physical, social functioning,
      and bodily pain dimensions of health-related quality of life and on mental
      health. DECLARATION OF INTEREST: No conflict of interest to declare.

PMID- 27681587
TI  - The role of resilience in rebuilding lives of injured veterans.
AB  - : The aim of this commentary is to discuss potential clinical implications of
      introducing resilience-building interventions into care for veterans who are
      living with a war wound. Some war veterans are expected to live with a wound upon
      discharge from an active military role and also to fit into civilian life. These
      lifestyle adjustments can tax the person's coping abilities and in that context
      may hinder successful adaptation. The experience of living with a wound or
      wounds, either acute or chronic, is connected to losses, including loss of
      mobility, loss of financial capacity (unable to work at times) and losses
      attached to changed social roles. Psychological stress is also a common
      experience for veterans returning to civilian life. Psychological stress is
      associated with impaired wound healing. Modern health practice is centred on
      symptom reduction and working with pathology, however, working with people's
      adaptive behaviours such as resilience has not been considered. Using the
      resilience model as a conceptual framework health-care professionals can engage
      with veterans towards resilience within the context of their personal experience
      of ill health. Using this contemporary framework for considering these aspects of
      care has the potential to facilitate resistance to stressors associated with
      being injured, possibly preventing quality-of-life impairments. DECLARATION OF
      INTEREST: There are no declarations of interest.

PMID- 27681588
TI  - Antibacterial properties and reduction of MRSA biofilm with a dressing combining
      polyabsorbent fibres and a silver matrix.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of a
      wound dressing which combines polyacrylate fibres and a silver lipido-colloid
      matrix (UrgoClean Ag, silver polyabsorbent dressing), against biofilm of
      methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). METHOD: Samples of silver
      polyabsorbent dressing and the neutral form of this dressing (UrgoClean) were
      applied to biofilms of MRSA formed on a collagen I-coated surface, cultured for
      24 hours. Different exposure times were tested (1, 2, 4 and 7 days) without
      dressing change. The biofilm reduction was quantified by using culture methods
      and by confocal laser scanning microscopy experiments. RESULTS: The application
      of the silver polyabsorbent dressing resulted in a significant decrease of the
      biofilm population by a log reduction of 4.6, after 24 hours of exposure.
      Moreover, the antibiofilm activity was maintained for 7 days with reduction
      values up to 4 log (reduction of biofilm superior to 99.99%). The application of
      the neutral dressing also induced a significant reduction of the concentration of
      sessile cells after 1 day (about 0.90 log). The results obtained with this
      neutral form of the dressing showed that the polyacrylate fibres were able to
      exert a mechanical disruption of the biofilm architecture. CONCLUSION: These in
      vitro experiments demonstrated that silver polyabsorbent dressing was able to
      strongly reduce the biofilm of MRSA. The antibiofilm mechanism of this dressing
      can be explained by a dual action of the polyabsorbent fibres (based on ammonium
      polyacrylate polymer around an acrylic core) which induced a mechanical
      disruption of the biofilm matrix and/or a sequestration of sessile cells, and the
      diffusion of silver ions which produced bactericidal activity. DECLARATION OF
      INTEREST: This study was supported by Laboratoires Urgo (Dijon). P. Janod is an
      employee of Laboratoires Urgo. The company had no influence on the experimental
      design and the interpretation of the results.

PMID- 27681589
TI  - Effectiveness of hyaluronic acid and its derivatives on chronic wounds: a
      systematic review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Hyaluronic acid (HA) and its derivatives are used for chronic wounds,
      but evidence of their effectiveness remains unclear. The aim of this study was to
      provide more updated evidence for the effectiveness of HA (or its derivatives)
      compared with placebo or other agents for promoting healing in chronic wounds.
      METHOD: The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE via Ovid
      Online, CINAHL and the EMBASE via EBSCO host databases were searched. Drug
      companies and experts in wounds were also contacted. Randomised controlled trials
      of HA (or its derivatives) compared with control were eligible for inclusion.
      RESULTS: We identified nine randomised controlled trials involving 865
      participants with chronic wounds were included in the review. The reporting for
      mixed arterial and venous ulcers seems to be better quality than that for venous
      leg ulcers (VLUs) and diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). Studies provided little
      evidence regarding the claimed effects of HA or its derivaties on healing of
      chronic wounds. However, there is some evidence on their effectiveness for
      reducing pain intensity for mixed arterial and venous ulcers, which involved 255
      patients (MD=-6.78 [95% CI: -11.10 to -2.46]). CONCLUSION: Evidence to guide
      decisions regarding the use of HA or its derivatives to promote wound healing is
      still limited. More good-quality randomised controlled trials are warranted.

PMID- 27681590
TI  - Casein kinase 1 is recruited to nuclear speckles by FAM83H and SON.
AB  - In some fibroblasts, casein kinase 1alpha (CK1alpha) is localized to nuclear
      speckles, which are sub-nuclear compartments supplying splicing factors, whereas
      it is recruited on keratin filaments in colorectal cancer cells such as DLD1
      cells. In order to obtain a deeper understanding of why CK1alpha is localized to
      these different subcellular sites, we herein elucidated the mechanisms underlying
      its localization to nuclear speckles. CK1alpha and FAM83H were localized to
      nuclear speckles in RKO and WiDr colorectal cancer cells, which do not express
      simple epithelial keratins, and in DLD1 cells transfected with siRNAs for type I
      keratins. The localization of FAM83H to nuclear speckles was also detected in
      colorectal cancer cells with a poorly organized keratin cytoskeleton in
      colorectal cancer tissues. Using an interactome analysis of FAM83H, we identified
      SON, a protein present in nuclear speckles, as a scaffold protein to which FAM83H
      recruits CK1alpha. This result was supported by the knockdown of FAM83H or SON
      delocalizing CK1alpha from nuclear speckles. We also found that CK1delta and
      epsilon are localized to nuclear speckles in a FAM83H-dependent manner. These
      results suggest that CK1 is recruited to nuclear speckles by FAM83H and SON in
      the absence of an intact keratin cytoskeleton.

PMID- 27681591
TI  - Proteolytic activity in some freshwater animals and associated microflora in a
      wide pH range.
AB  - Proteolytic activity in some freshwater animals (crustacean plankton, sandhopper
      Amphipoda sp., larvae of chironomids Chironomus sp., oligochaetes Oligohaeta sp.,
      dreissena Dreissena polymorpha, roach Rutilus rutilus heckelii, rudd Scardinius
      erythrophthalmus, ruff Acerina cernua, and monkey goby Neogobius fluviatilis)
      prevailing within the food of fishes of various ecological groups as well as in
      their associated microflora in a wide pH range was investigated. It has been
      shown that the optimum pH of proteases in the animals' whole organism varies: 6.0
      for sandhopper; 8.0 for chironomid larvae, oligochaetes, monkey goby, and ruff;
      8.0-9.0 for zooplankton; and 10.0 for roach and rudd. The optimum pH of
      associated microflora proteases is 6.0 for monkey goby; 7.0 for sandhopper and
      roach and ruff ; 8.0-9.0 for oligochaetes; 9.0 for zooplankton; and 10.0 for
      chironomid larvae and rudd. The compensatory role of food items and enteric
      microbiota proteases in digestive processes in fish of different ecological
      groups at low pH is discussed.

PMID- 27681592
TI  - mRECIST response combined with sorafenib-related adverse events is superior to
      either criterion alone in predicting survival in HCC patients treated with TACE
      plus sorafenib.
AB  - The mRECIST and dermatologic adverse events (AEs) can be used to assess the
      patient response to transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and/or sorafenib for
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we aimed to combine the two criteria to
      stratify the prognosis in patients with unresectable HCC receiving TACE plus
      sorafenib (TACE-S). In total, 176 consecutive HCC patients treated with TACE-S
      were enrolled. CT scans and laboratory tests were conducted pretreatment (at
      baseline, 5-7 days before the TACE-S) and post-treatment (at 1, 2 and 3 months).
      The radiological response was assessed according to mRECIST. Sorafenib-related
      AEs were recorded every 2 weeks after oral administration, and patients with
      dermatologic AEs of Grade 2 or more were defined as dermatologic responders. The
      earliest time at which mRECIST and dermatologic responses correlated with
      survival was 2 months after therapy. The mRECIST-dermatologic AE combination
      assessment stratified patients into three different prognoses; responders on both
      assessments exhibited the longest median overall survival (OS), followed by
      responders on one assessment and non-responders on both assessments (30.5, 17.4
      and 8.3 months, respectively; p < 0.001). Achieving the highest C-index, the
      mRECIST-dermatologic AE combination showed better performance in predicting
      survival than either mRECIST or dermatologic AEs alone. Furthermore, the mRECIST
      dermatologic AE combination remained a significant predictor of OS, even when the
      patients were stratified according to the BCLC stage, ECOG score or alpha
      fetoprotein (AFP) value. This study showed that the combination of mRECIST
      response and dermatologic AEs is superior to either criterion used alone for
      predicting the survival of HCC patients treated with TACE-S.

PMID- 27681593
TI  - The Staphylococcus aureus Protein IsdH Inhibits Host Hemoglobin Scavenging to
      Promote Heme Acquisition by the Pathogen.
AB  - Hemolysis is a complication in septic infections with Staphylococcus aureus,
      which utilizes the released Hb as an iron source. S. aureus can acquire heme in
      vitro from hemoglobin (Hb) by a heme-sequestering mechanism that involves
      proteins from the S. aureus iron-regulated surface determinant (Isd) system.
      However, the host has its own mechanism to recapture the free Hb via haptoglobin
      (Hp) binding and uptake of Hb-Hp by the CD163 receptor in macrophages. It has so
      far remained unclear how the Isd system competes with this host iron recycling
      system in situ to obtain the important nutrient. By binding and uptake studies,
      we now show that the IsdH protein, which serves as an Hb receptor in the Isd
      system, directly interferes with the CD163-mediated clearance by binding the Hb
      Hp complex and inhibiting CD163 recognition. Analysis of truncated IsdH variants
      including one or more of three near iron transporter domains, IsdHN1, IsdHN2, and
      IsdHN3, revealed that Hb binding of IsdHN1 and IsdHN2 accounted for the high
      affinity for Hb-Hp complexes. The third near iron transporter domain, IsdHN3,
      exhibited redox-dependent heme extraction, when Hb in the Hb-Hp complex was in
      the oxidized met form but not in the reduced oxy form. IsdB, the other S. aureus
      Hb receptor, failed to extract heme from Hb-Hp, and it was a poor competitor for
      Hb-Hp binding to CD163. This indicates that Hb recognition by IsdH, but not by
      IsdB, sterically inhibits the receptor recognition of Hb-Hp. This function of
      IsdH may have an overall stimulatory effect on S. aureus heme acquisition and
      growth.

PMID- 27681594
TI  - Bone-protective Functions of Netrin 1 Protein.
AB  - Netrin 1 was initially identified as an axon guidance factor, and recent studies
      indicate that it inhibits chemokine-directed monocyte migration. Despite its
      importance as a neuroimmune guidance cue, the role of netrin 1 in osteoclasts is
      largely unknown. Here we detected high netrin 1 levels in the synovial fluid of
      rheumatoid arthritis patients. Netrin 1 is potently expressed in osteoblasts and
      synovial fibroblasts, and IL-17 robustly enhances netrin 1 expression in these
      cells. The binding of netrin 1 to its receptor UNC5b on osteoclasts resulted in
      activation of SHP1, which inhibited VAV3 phosphorylation and RAC1 activation.
      This significantly impaired the actin polymerization and fusion, but not the
      differentiation of osteoclast. Strikingly, netrin 1 treatment prevented bone
      erosion in an autoimmune arthritis model and age-related bone destruction.
      Therefore, the netrin 1-UNC5b axis is a novel therapeutic target for bone
      destructive diseases.

PMID- 27681595
TI  - Loss of ift122, a Retrograde Intraflagellar Transport (IFT) Complex Component,
      Leads to Slow, Progressive Photoreceptor Degeneration Due to Inefficient Opsin
      Transport.
AB  - In the retina, aberrant opsin transport from cell bodies to outer segments leads
      to retinal degenerative diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa. Opsin transport is
      facilitated by the intraflagellar transport (IFT) system that mediates the
      bidirectional movement of proteins within cilia. In contrast to functions of the
      anterograde transport executed by IFT complex B (IFT-B), the precise functions of
      the retrograde transport mediated by IFT complex A (IFT-A) have not been well
      studied in photoreceptor cilia. Here, we analyzed developing zebrafish larvae
      carrying a null mutation in ift122 encoding a component of IFT-A. ift122 mutant
      larvae show unexpectedly mild phenotypes, compared with those of mutants
      defective in IFT-B. ift122 mutants exhibit a slow onset of progressive
      photoreceptor degeneration mainly after 7 days post-fertilization. ift122 mutant
      larvae also develop cystic kidney but not curly body, both of which are typically
      observed in various ciliary mutants. ift122 mutants display a loss of cilia in
      the inner ear hair cells and nasal pit epithelia. Loss of ift122 causes
      disorganization of outer segment discs. Ectopic accumulation of an IFT-B
      component, ift88, is observed in the ift122 mutant photoreceptor cilia. In
      addition, pulse-chase experiments using GFP-opsin fusion proteins revealed that
      ift122 is required for the efficient transport of opsin and the distal elongation
      of outer segments. These results show that IFT-A is essential for the efficient
      transport of outer segment proteins, including opsin, and for the survival of
      retinal photoreceptor cells, rendering the ift122 mutant a unique model for human
      retinal degenerative diseases.

PMID- 27681596
TI  - Small Molecule Inhibition of the Ubiquitin-specific Protease USP2 Accelerates
      cyclin D1 Degradation and Leads to Cell Cycle Arrest in Colorectal Cancer and
      Mantle Cell Lymphoma Models.
AB  - Deubiquitinases are important components of the protein degradation regulatory
      network. We report the discovery of ML364, a small molecule inhibitor of the
      deubiquitinase USP2 and its use to interrogate the biology of USP2 and its
      putative substrate cyclin D1. ML364 has an IC50 of 1.1 MUm in a biochemical assay
      using an internally quenched fluorescent di-ubiquitin substrate. Direct binding
      of ML364 to USP2 was demonstrated using microscale thermophoresis. ML364 induced
      an increase in cellular cyclin D1 degradation and caused cell cycle arrest as
      shown in Western blottings and flow cytometry assays utilizing both Mino and
      HCT116 cancer cell lines. ML364, and not the inactive analog 2, was
      antiproliferative in cancer cell lines. Consistent with the role of cyclin D1 in
      DNA damage response, ML364 also caused a decrease in homologous recombination
      mediated DNA repair. These effects by a small molecule inhibitor support a key
      role for USP2 as a regulator of cell cycle, DNA repair, and tumor cell growth.

PMID- 27681599
TI  - Physical, Textural, and Antioxidant Properties of Extruded Waxy Wheat Flour Snack
      Supplemented with Several Varieties of Bran.
AB  - Wheat represents a ubiquitous commodity and although industries valorize 10% of
      wheat bran, most of this antioxidant-rich byproduct gets fed to livestock. The
      objective of this study was to incorporate wheat bran into an extruded snack.
      Bran samples from hard red spring, soft white club cv. Bruehl, and purple wheat
      lines were added to cv. Waxy-Pen wheat flour (Triticum aestivum L.) at
      replacement concentrations of 0%, 12.5%, 25%, and 37.5% (w/w; n = 10). Extrudates
      were evaluated for antioxidant capacity, color, and physical properties. Results
      showed that high fiber concentrations altered several pasting properties, reduced
      expansion ratios (P < 0.0001), and created denser products (P < 0.0001),
      especially for white bran supplemented extrudates. Purple bran supplemented
      extrudates produced harder products compared to white and red bran treatments (P
      < 0.0001). Extrudates produced with 37.5% (w/w) of each bran variety absorbed
      more water than the control with no added bran. The oxygen radical absorption
      capacity assay, expressed as Trolox Equivalents, showed that extrudates made with
      addition of red (37.5%) and purple (37.5%) bran had higher values compared to the
      other treatments; the control, red, and white bran treatments had less
      antioxidant activity after extrusion (P < 0.0001) compared to purple bran
      supplemented extrudates. Purple and red brans may serve as viable functional
      ingredients in extruded foods given their higher antioxidant activities. Future
      studies could evaluate how bran variety and concentration, extruded shape, and
      flavor influence consumer acceptance.

PMID- 27681600
TI  - Early surgical treatment of retinal hemangioblastomas.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical course after early surgical treatment with
      excision of retinal hemangioblastomas (RHs) before development of major
      complications. METHODS: Interventional case series of four eyes (four patients)
      with a peripheral RH that had not yet been treated by laser or cryotherapy prior
      to surgery. All eyes underwent 23-gauge vitrectomy with lesion excision. One
      patient underwent ligation of the feeder vessel prior to lesion excision. Best
      corrected visual acuity and clinical course were assessed during a follow-up
      period of at least 4 years. RESULTS: Four patients (mean age 27.3 years; range 19
      32) were included, of whom two had von Hippel-Lindau syndrome. Visual acuity
      improved in three patients (mean 4.8 lines; range 3-10) and remained stable at
      0.0 logMAR in one patient. There were no intraoperative complications.
      Postoperative complications included transient mild vitreous haemorrhage (n = 2),
      and local epiretinal membrane formation at the excision location (n = 1). At 4
      years postoperatively, there were no long-term complications. There was one case
      of a new lesion, which was effectively treated with laser. CONCLUSION: Vitrectomy
      with RH excision seems to be an effective approach for larger RHs and could be
      considered an early treatment option in selected cases. Postoperative
      complications were limited in scope of this case series. Important points to
      consider during vitrectomy are effective closure of feeder and draining vessels
      as well as complete removal of posterior hyaloid and epiretinal membranes in
      order to avoid postoperative vitreous haemorrhage and proliferative
      vitreoretinopathy.

PMID- 27681597
TI  - Deep Mutational Scans as a Guide to Engineering High Affinity T Cell Receptor
      Interactions with Peptide-bound Major Histocompatibility Complex.
AB  - Proteins are often engineered to have higher affinity for their ligands to
      achieve therapeutic benefit. For example, many studies have used phage or yeast
      display libraries of mutants within complementarity-determining regions to
      affinity mature antibodies and T cell receptors (TCRs). However, these approaches
      do not allow rapid assessment or evolution across the entire interface. By
      combining directed evolution with deep sequencing, it is now possible to generate
      sequence fitness landscapes that survey the impact of every amino acid
      substitution across the entire protein-protein interface. Here we used the
      results of deep mutational scans of a TCR-peptide-MHC interaction to guide
      mutational strategies. The approach yielded stable TCRs with affinity increases
      of >200-fold. The substitutions with the greatest enrichments based on the deep
      sequencing were validated to have higher affinity and could be combined to yield
      additional improvements. We also conducted in silico binding analyses for every
      substitution to compare them with the fitness landscape. Computational modeling
      did not effectively predict the impacts of mutations distal to the interface and
      did not account for yeast display results that depended on combinations of
      affinity and protein stability. However, computation accurately predicted
      affinity changes for mutations within or near the interface, highlighting the
      complementary strengths of computational modeling and yeast surface display
      coupled with deep mutational scanning for engineering high affinity TCRs.

PMID- 27681598
TI  - Heparin Binds Lamprey Angiotensinogen and Promotes Thrombin Inhibition through a
      Template Mechanism.
AB  - Lamprey angiotensinogen (l-ANT) is a hormone carrier in the regulation of blood
      pressure, but it is also a heparin-dependent thrombin inhibitor in lamprey blood
      coagulation system. The detailed mechanisms on how angiotensin is carried by l
      ANT and how heparin binds l-ANT and mediates thrombin inhibition are unclear.
      Here we have solved the crystal structure of cleaved l-ANT at 2.7 A resolution
      and characterized its properties in heparin binding and protease inhibition. The
      structure reveals that l-ANT has a conserved serpin fold with a labile N-terminal
      angiotensin peptide and undergoes a typical stressed-to-relaxed conformational
      change when the reactive center loop is cleaved. Heparin binds l-ANT tightly with
      a dissociation constant of ~10 nm involving ~8 monosaccharides and ~6 ionic
      interactions. The heparin binding site is located in an extensive positively
      charged surface area around helix D involving residues Lys-148, Lys-151, Arg-155,
      and Arg-380. Although l-ANT by itself is a poor thrombin inhibitor with a second
      order rate constant of 500 m-1 s-1, its interaction with thrombin is accelerated
      90-fold by high molecular weight heparin following a bell-shaped dose-dependent
      curve. Short heparin chains of 6-20 monosaccharide units are insufficient to
      promote thrombin inhibition. Furthermore, an l-ANT mutant with the P1 Ile mutated
      to Arg inhibits thrombin nearly 1500-fold faster than the wild type, which is
      further accelerated by high molecular weight heparin. Taken together, these
      results suggest that heparin binds l-ANT at a conserved heparin binding site
      around helix D and promotes the interaction between l-ANT and thrombin through a
      template mechanism conserved in vertebrates.

PMID- 27681601
TI  - The effect of an educational pre-operative DVD on parents' and children's
      outcomes after a same-day surgery: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - AIMS: To examine the effect of a pre-operative DVD on parents' knowledge,
      participation and anxiety and on children's distress, pain, analgesic
      requirements and length of recovery after same-day surgery. BACKGROUND: Very few
      parents are adequately prepared to participate in their child's care during a
      same-day surgery. An educational DVD was developed to educate parents on how to
      actively support their child in the recovery room. DESIGN: Single-blind, post
      test randomized controlled trial. Study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov
      NCT02766452. METHODS: Between September 2011-September 2012, 123 parent-child
      dyads where the child underwent an ENT or dental same-day surgery were recruited
      in a Canadian paediatric hospital. Dyads were randomly assigned to either the
      intervention (DVD and standard preparation) or control group (standard
      preparation). Parents and children were videotaped in the recovery room where
      parental participation and anxiety and children's distress were measured. Data on
      parents' knowledge, children's postoperative pain, analgesic requirements and
      length of recovery were measured. Independent and paired t-tests, chi square and
      repeated measures anova were used to analyse the data. RESULTS: Parents in the
      intervention group gained greater knowledge of and used more positive
      reinforcement and distraction and relaxation methods than those in the control
      group. Children's postoperative pain in the day-care surgery unit was
      significantly lower among the intervention group compared with the control group.
      CONCLUSION: A pre-operative DVD can increase parents' participation in the
      recovery room and decrease children's postoperative pain.

PMID- 27681602
TI  - A novel machine learning-enabled framework for instantaneous heart rate
      monitoring from motion-artifact-corrupted electrocardiogram signals.
AB  - This paper proposes a novel machine learning-enabled framework to robustly
      monitor the instantaneous heart rate (IHR) from wrist-electrocardiography (ECG)
      signals continuously and heavily corrupted by random motion artifacts in wearable
      applications. The framework includes two stages, i.e. heartbeat identification
      and refinement, respectively. In the first stage, an adaptive threshold-based
      auto-segmentation approach is proposed to select out heartbeat candidates,
      including the real heartbeats and large amounts of motion-artifact-induced
      interferential spikes. Then twenty-six features are extracted for each candidate
      in time, spatial, frequency and statistical domains, and evaluated by a spare
      support vector machine (SVM) to select out ten critical features which can
      effectively reveal residual heartbeat information. Afterwards, an SVM model,
      created on the training data using the selected feature set, is applied to find
      high confident heartbeats from a large number of candidates in the testing data.
      In the second stage, the SVM classification results are further refined by two
      steps: (1) a rule-based classifier with two attributes named 'continuity check'
      and 'locality check' for outlier (false positives) removal, and (2) a heartbeat
      interpolation strategy for missing-heartbeat (false negatives) recovery. The
      framework is evaluated on a wrist-ECG dataset acquired by a semi-customized
      platform and also a public dataset. When the signal-to-noise ratio is as low as  
      7 dB, the mean absolute error of the estimated IHR is 1.4 beats per minute (BPM)
      and the root mean square error is 6.5 BPM. The proposed framework greatly
      outperforms well-established approaches, demonstrating that it can effectively
      identify the heartbeats from ECG signals continuously corrupted by intense motion
      artifacts and robustly estimate the IHR. This study is expected to contribute to
      robust long-term wearable IHR monitoring for pervasive heart health and fitness
      management.

PMID- 27681603
TI  - Some practical considerations in three-arm non-inferiority trial design.
AB  - Non-inferiority trials aim to demonstrate whether an experimental therapy is not
      unacceptably worse than an active reference therapy already in use. When
      applicable, a three-arm non-inferiority trial, including an experiment therapy,
      an active reference therapy, and a placebo, is often recommended to assess assay
      sensitivity and internal validity of a trial. In this paper, we share some
      practical considerations based on our experience from a phase III three-arm non
      inferiority trial. First, we discuss the determination of the total sample size
      and its optimal allocation based on the overall power of the non-inferiority
      testing procedure and provide ready-to-use R code for implementation. Second, we
      consider the non-inferiority goal of 'capturing all possibilities' and show that
      it naturally corresponds to a simple two-step testing procedure. Finally, using
      this two-step non-inferiority testing procedure as an example, we compare
      extensively commonly used frequentist p -value methods with the Bayesian
      posterior probability approach. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27681604
TI  - Sixty seconds on . . . medical philanthropists.

PMID- 27681605
TI  - Small artery mechanobiology: Roles of cellular and non-cellular elements.
AB  - Small arteries and their component cellular and non-cellular elements are
      continually subjected to, and interact with, mechanical forces. Such interactions
      are key in both short- and long-term adaptation of the structure and function of
      the microcirculation to its local environment and metabolic requirements.
      Following this brief introduction is a series of papers presented as a symposium
      (Small Artery Mechanobiology: Roles of Cellular and Non-Cellular Elements) at the
      World Congress for Microcirculation, Kyoto 2015.

PMID- 27681608
TI  - Poststroke Rehabilitation: Assessment, Referral, and Patient Management.
AB  - This Quick Reference Guide for Clinicians contains highlights from Post-Stroke
      Rehabilitation, Clinical Practice Guideline No. 16, which was developed by a
      multidisciplinary, private-sector panel comprised of health care professionals
      and a consumer representative. The Quick Reference Guide for Clinicians is an
      example of how a clinician might implement the panel's findings and
      recommendations on the overall management of stroke patients who need poststroke
      rehabilitation programs or services before returning to a family or other living
      environment. Topics include medical management of patients, systematic assessment
      and evaluation of patients throughout acute care and rehabilitation, referring
      patients to appropriate rehabilitation programs, managing the rehabilitation
      process, discharging patients from rehabilitation programs, and reintegrating
      patients into family and community environments.

PMID- 27681609
TI  - Application of Motor Learning Principles to the Stroke Population.
AB  - The physical rehabilitation of patients with stroke is shifting from a medical
      model of treating neurophysiological impairment to an educational model that
      emphasizes the reeducation of patients in motor tasks. This greater focus on
      patient learning requires knowledge not only in how to assist patients in the
      restoration of efficient movement patterns, but also in how to help patients
      learn to create and modify movement strategies to solve the functional problems
      they encounter in daily tasks. This article provides an overview of principles to
      be considered when attempting to optimize the motor learning of stroke patients.
      A model of motor learning is presented, followed by a discussion of contemporary
      research and clinical issues in the areas of information processing and practice.
      It is proposed that only through the combination of clinical research and
      critical introspection of our treatment practices can we gain a more complete
      insight to the motor learning behavior of stroke patients.

PMID- 27681606
TI  - Enrichment of hydroxylated C24- and C26-acyl-chain sphingolipids mediates PIN2
      apical sorting at trans-Golgi network subdomains.
AB  - The post-Golgi compartment trans-Golgi Network (TGN) is a central hub divided
      into multiple subdomains hosting distinct trafficking pathways, including polar
      delivery to apical membrane. Lipids such as sphingolipids and sterols have been
      implicated in polar trafficking from the TGN but the underlying mechanisms
      linking lipid composition to functional polar sorting at TGN subdomains remain
      unknown. Here we demonstrate that sphingolipids with alpha-hydroxylated acyl
      chains of at least 24 carbon atoms are enriched in secretory vesicle subdomains
      of the TGN and are critical for de novo polar secretory sorting of the auxin
      carrier PIN2 to apical membrane of Arabidopsis root epithelial cells. We show
      that sphingolipid acyl-chain length influences the morphology and
      interconnections of TGN-associated secretory vesicles. Our results uncover that
      the sphingolipids acyl-chain length links lipid composition of TGN subdomains
      with polar secretory trafficking of PIN2 to apical membrane of polarized
      epithelial cells.

PMID- 27681610
TI  - Linguistic-Specific Sentence Production Treatment for Agrammatic Aphasia.
AB  - This article describes an approach to treatment of agrammatic aphasic
      individuals' sentence production deficits. In this linguistic-specific sentence
      production treatment, sentences selected for treatment and the treatment itself
      are control led for their lexical and syntactic properties. Results derived from
      a series of studies using this approach have shown successful outcomes of
      treatment. Improved production of sentences targeted for training and
      generalization to untrained sentences that are linguistically similar to those
      trained have resulted from treatment. In addition, improvements in sentence
      production in discourse tasks have been noted. An overview of the theoretical
      foundation of linguistic-specific sentence production treatment, the results of
      our experiments investigating its efficacy, and clinical protocols is provided.

PMID- 27681611
TI  - Cardiac Complications during Inpatient Stroke Rehabilitation.

PMID- 27681607
TI  - Bacteroides intestinalis DSM 17393, a member of the human colonic microbiome,
      upregulates multiple endoxylanases during growth on xylan.
AB  - Many human diets contain arabinoxylan, and the ease of genome sequencing coupled
      with reduced cost have led to unraveling the arsenal of genes utilized by the
      colonic Bacteroidetes to depolymerize this polysaccharide. The colonic
      Bacteroidetes with potential to ferment arabinoxylans include Bacteroides
      intestinalis. In this study, we analyzed the hydrolytic activities of members of
      a xylan degradation cluster encoded on the genome of Bacteroides intestinalis DSM
      17393. Here, it is demonstrated that a cocktail of the xylanolytic enzymes
      completely hydrolyze arabinoxylans found in human diets. We show that this
      bacterium and relatives have evolved and secrete a unique bifunctional
      endoxylanase/arabinofuranosidase in the same polypeptide. The bifunctional enzyme
      and other secreted enzymes attack the polysaccharides extracellularly to remove
      the side-chains, exposing the xylan backbone for cleavage to xylo
      oligosaccharides and xylose. These end products are transported into the cell
      where a beta-xylosidase cleaves the oligosaccharides to fermentable sugars. While
      our experiments focused on B. intestinalis, it is likely that the extracellular
      enzymes also release nutrients to members of the colonic microbial community that
      practice cross-feeding. The presence of the genes characterized in this study in
      other colonic Bacteroidetes suggests a conserved strategy for energy acquisition
      from arabinoxylan, a component of human diets.

PMID- 27681612
TI  - Computer-Mediated Information Technology for Practitioners.

PMID- 27681614
TI  - Letters to the Editors.

PMID- 27681613
TI  - From the Editor.

PMID- 27681616
TI  - Two subdivisions of macaque LIP process visual-oculomotor information
      differently.
AB  - Although the cerebral cortex is thought to be composed of functionally distinct
      areas, the actual parcellation of area and assignment of function are still
      highly controversial. An example is the much-studied lateral intraparietal cortex
      (LIP). Despite the general agreement that LIP plays an important role in visual
      oculomotor transformation, it remains unclear whether the area is primary sensory
      or motor-related (the attention-intention debate). Although LIP has been
      considered as a functionally unitary area, its dorsal (LIPd) and ventral (LIPv)
      parts differ in local morphology and long-distance connectivity. In particular,
      LIPv has much stronger connections with two oculomotor centers, the frontal eye
      field and the deep layers of the superior colliculus, than does LIPd. Such
      anatomical distinctions imply that compared with LIPd, LIPv might be more
      involved in oculomotor processing. We tested this hypothesis physiologically with
      a memory saccade task and a gap saccade task. We found that LIP neurons with
      persistent memory activities in memory saccade are primarily provoked either by
      visual stimulation (vision-related) or by both visual and saccadic events (vision
      saccade-related) in gap saccade. The distribution changes from predominantly
      vision-related to predominantly vision-saccade-related as the recording depth
      increases along the dorsal-ventral dimension. Consistently, the simultaneously
      recorded local field potential also changes from visual evoked to saccade evoked.
      Finally, local injection of muscimol (GABA agonist) in LIPv, but not in LIPd,
      dramatically decreases the proportion of express saccades. With these results, we
      conclude that LIPd and LIPv are more involved in visual and visual-saccadic
      processing, respectively.

PMID- 27681615
TI  - Repression of p63 and induction of EMT by mutant Ras in mammary epithelial cells.
AB  - The p53-related transcription factor p63 is required for maintenance of
      epithelial cell differentiation. We found that activated forms of the Harvey Rat
      Sarcoma Virus GTPase (H-RAS) and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase
      catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA) oncogenes strongly repress expression of
      ?Np63alpha, the predominant p63 isoform in basal mammary epithelial cells. This
      regulation occurs at the transcriptional level, and a short region of the ?Np63
      promoter is sufficient for repression induced by H-RasV12. The suppression of
      ?Np63alpha expression by these oncogenes concomitantly leads to an epithelial-to
      mesenchymal transition (EMT). In addition, the depletion of ?Np63alpha alone is
      sufficient to induce EMT. Both H-RasV12 expression and ?Np63alpha depletion
      induce individual cell invasion in a 3D collagen gel in vitro system, thereby
      demonstrating how Ras can drive the mammary epithelial cell state toward greater
      invasive ability. Together, these results suggest a pathway by which RAS and
      PIK3CA oncogenes induce EMT through regulation of ?Np63alpha.

PMID- 27681618
TI  - A penicillin-binding protein inhibits selection of colistin-resistant,
      lipooligosaccharide-deficient Acinetobacter baumannii.
AB  - The Gram-negative bacterial outer membrane fortifies the cell against
      environmental toxins including antibiotics. Unique glycolipids called
      lipopolysaccharide/lipooligosaccharide (LPS/LOS) are enriched in the cell-surface
      monolayer of the outer membrane and promote antimicrobial resistance. Colistin,
      which targets the lipid A domain of LPS/LOS to lyse the cell, is the last-line
      treatment for multidrug-resistant Gram-negative infections. Lipid A is essential
      for the survival of most Gram-negative bacteria, but colistin-resistant
      Acinetobacter baumannii lacking lipid A were isolated after colistin exposure.
      Previously, strain ATCC 19606 was the only A. baumannii strain demonstrated to
      subsist without lipid A. Here, we show that other A. baumannii strains can also
      survive without lipid A, but some cannot, affording a unique model to study
      endotoxin essentiality. We assessed the capacity of 15 clinical A. baumannii
      isolates including 9 recent clinical isolates to develop colistin resistance
      through inactivation of the lipid A biosynthetic pathway, the products of which
      assemble the LOS precursor. Our investigation determined that expression of the
      well-conserved penicillin-binding protein (PBP) 1A, prevented LOS-deficient
      colony isolation. The glycosyltransferase activity of PBP1A, which aids in the
      polymerization of the peptidoglycan cell wall, was lethal to LOS-deficient A.
      baumannii Global transcriptomic analysis of a PBP1A-deficient mutant and four LOS
      deficient A. baumannii strains showed a concomitant increase in transcription of
      lipoproteins and their transporters. Examination of the LOS-deficient A.
      baumannii cell surface demonstrated that specific lipoproteins were overexpressed
      and decorated the cell surface, potentially compensating for LOS removal. This
      work expands our knowledge of lipid A essentiality and elucidates a drug
      resistance mechanism.

PMID- 27681619
TI  - Antigen exposure shapes the ratio between antigen-specific Tregs and conventional
      T cells in human peripheral blood.
AB  - The T-cell receptor (TCR) is required for maturation and function of regulatory T
      cells (Tregs), but the ligand specificities of Tregs outside the context of
      transgenic TCRs are largely unknown. Using peptide-MHC tetramers, we isolated
      rare specific Foxp3+ cells directly ex vivo from adult peripheral blood and
      defined their frequency and phenotype. We find that a proportion of circulating
      Tregs recognize foreign antigens and the frequency of these cells are similar to
      that of self-reactive Tregs in the absence of cognate infection. In contrast, the
      frequencies of Tregs that recognize some common microbial antigens are
      significantly reduced in the blood of most adults. Exposure to peripheral
      antigens likely has a major influence on the balance between Tregs and
      conventional T-cell subsets because a larger proportion of flu-specific T cells
      has a regulatory cell phenotype in the cord blood. Consistent with this finding,
      we show that lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection can directly modulate
      the ratio of virus-specific effectors and Tregs in mice. The resulting change in
      the balance within an antigen-specific T-cell population further correlates with
      the magnitude of effector response and the chronicity of infection. Taken
      together, our data highlight the importance of antigen specificity in the
      functional dynamics of the T-cell repertoire. Each specific population of CD4+ T
      cells in human peripheral blood contains a subset of Tregs at birth, but the
      balance between regulatory and effector subsets changes in response to peripheral
      antigen exposure and this could impact the robustness of antipathogen immunity.

PMID- 27681617
TI  - Mutant PFN1 causes ALS phenotypes and progressive motor neuron degeneration in
      mice by a gain of toxicity.
AB  - Mutations in the profilin 1 (PFN1) gene cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
      (ALS), a neurodegenerative disease caused by the loss of motor neurons leading to
      paralysis and eventually death. PFN1 is a small actin-binding protein that
      promotes formin-based actin polymerization and regulates numerous cellular
      functions, but how the mutations in PFN1 cause ALS is unclear. To investigate
      this problem, we have generated transgenic mice expressing either the ALS
      associated mutant (C71G) or wild-type protein. Here, we report that mice
      expressing the mutant, but not the wild-type, protein had relentless progression
      of motor neuron loss with concomitant progressive muscle weakness ending in
      paralysis and death. Furthermore, mutant, but not wild-type, PFN1 forms insoluble
      aggregates, disrupts cytoskeletal structure, and elevates ubiquitin and p62/SQSTM
      levels in motor neurons. Unexpectedly, the acceleration of motor neuron
      degeneration precedes the accumulation of mutant PFN1 aggregates. These results
      suggest that although mutant PFN1 aggregation may contribute to
      neurodegeneration, it does not trigger its onset. Importantly, these experiments
      establish a progressive disease model that can contribute toward identifying the
      mechanisms of ALS pathogenesis and the development of therapeutic treatments.

PMID- 27681620
TI  - Structure-guided enzymology of the lipid A acyltransferase LpxM reveals a dual
      activity mechanism.
AB  - Gram-negative bacteria possess a characteristic outer membrane, of which the
      lipid A constituent elicits a strong host immune response through the Toll-like
      receptor 4 complex, and acts as a component of the permeability barrier to
      prevent uptake of bactericidal compounds. Lipid A species comprise the bulk of
      the outer leaflet of the outer membrane and are produced through a multistep
      biosynthetic pathway conserved in most Gram-negative bacteria. The final steps in
      this pathway involve the secondary acylation of lipid A precursors. These are
      catalyzed by members of a superfamily of enzymes known as lysophospholipid
      acyltransferases (LPLATs), which are present in all domains of life and play
      important roles in diverse biological processes. To date, characterization of
      this clinically important class of enzymes has been limited by a lack of
      structural information and the availability of only low-throughput biochemical
      assays. In this work, we present the structure of the bacterial LPLAT protein
      LpxM, and we describe a high-throughput, label-free mass spectrometric assay to
      characterize acyltransferase enzymatic activity. Using our structure and assay,
      we identify an LPLAT thioesterase activity, and we provide experimental evidence
      to support an ordered-binding and "reset" mechanistic model for LpxM function.
      This work enables the interrogation of other bacterial acyltransferases'
      structure-mechanism relationships, and the assay described herein provides a
      foundation for quantitatively characterizing the enzymology of any number of
      clinically relevant LPLAT proteins.

PMID- 27681621
TI  - A ring-shaped conduit connects the mother cell and forespore during sporulation
      in Bacillus subtilis.
AB  - During spore formation in Bacillus subtilis a transenvelope complex is assembled
      across the double membrane that separates the mother cell and forespore. This
      complex (called the "A-Q complex") is required to maintain forespore development
      and is composed of proteins with remote homology to components of type II, III,
      and IV secretion systems found in Gram-negative bacteria. Here, we show that one
      of these proteins, SpoIIIAG, which has remote homology to ring-forming proteins
      found in type III secretion systems, assembles into an oligomeric ring in the
      periplasmic-like space between the two membranes. Three-dimensional
      reconstruction of images generated by cryo-electron microscopy indicates that the
      SpoIIIAG ring has a cup-and-saucer architecture with a 6-nm central pore.
      Structural modeling of SpoIIIAG generated a 24-member ring with dimensions
      similar to those of the EM-derived saucer. Point mutations in the predicted
      oligomeric interface disrupted ring formation in vitro and impaired forespore
      gene expression and efficient spore formation in vivo. Taken together, our data
      provide strong support for the model in which the A-Q transenvelope complex
      contains a conduit that connects the mother cell and forespore. We propose that a
      set of stacked rings spans the intermembrane space, as has been found for type
      III secretion systems.

PMID- 27681622
TI  - Suppression of NF-kappaB activity via nanoparticle-based siRNA delivery alters
      early cartilage responses to injury.
AB  - Osteoarthritis (OA) is a major cause of disability and morbidity in the aging
      population. Joint injury leads to cartilage damage, a known determinant for
      subsequent development of posttraumatic OA, which accounts for 12% of all OA.
      Understanding the early molecular and cellular responses postinjury may provide
      targets for therapeutic interventions that limit articular degeneration. Using a
      murine model of controlled knee joint impact injury that allows the examination
      of cartilage responses to injury at specific time points, we show that
      intraarticular delivery of a peptidic nanoparticle complexed to NF-kappaB siRNA
      significantly reduces early chondrocyte apoptosis and reactive synovitis. Our
      data suggest that NF-kappaB siRNA nanotherapy maintains cartilage homeostasis by
      enhancing AMPK signaling while suppressing mTORC1 and Wnt/beta-catenin activity.
      These findings delineate an extensive crosstalk between NF-kappaB and signaling
      pathways that govern cartilage responses postinjury and suggest that delivery of
      NF-kappaB siRNA nanotherapy to attenuate early inflammation may limit the chronic
      consequences of joint injury. Therapeutic benefits of siRNA nanotherapy may also
      apply to primary OA in which NF-kappaB activation mediates chondrocyte catabolic
      responses. Additionally, a critical barrier to the successful development of OA
      treatment includes ineffective delivery of therapeutic agents to the resident
      chondrocytes in the avascular cartilage. Here, we show that the peptide-siRNA
      nanocomplexes are nonimmunogenic, are freely and deeply penetrant to human OA
      cartilage, and persist in chondrocyte lacunae for at least 2 wk. The peptide
      siRNA platform thus provides a clinically relevant and promising approach to
      overcoming the obstacles of drug delivery to the highly inaccessible
      chondrocytes.

PMID- 27681623
TI  - Concomitant emergence of the antisense protein gene of HIV-1 and of the pandemic.
AB  - Recent experiments provide sound arguments in favor of the in vivo expression of
      the AntiSense Protein (ASP) of HIV-1. This putative protein is encoded on the
      antisense strand of the provirus genome and entirely overlapped by the env gene
      with reading frame -2. The existence of ASP was suggested in 1988, but is still
      controversial, and its function has yet to be determined. We used a large dataset
      of ~23,000 HIV-1 and SIV sequences to study the origin, evolution, and
      conservation of the asp gene. We found that the ASP ORF is specific to group M of
      HIV-1, which is responsible for the human pandemic. Moreover, the correlation
      between the presence of asp and the prevalence of HIV-1 groups and M subtypes
      appeared to be statistically significant. We then looked for evidence of
      selection pressure acting on asp Using computer simulations, we showed that the
      conservation of the ASP ORF in the group M could not be due to chance. Standard
      methods were ineffective in disentangling the two selection pressures imposed by
      both the Env and ASP proteins-an expected outcome with overlaps in frame -2. We
      thus developed a method based on careful evolutionary analysis of the
      presence/absence of stop codons, revealing that ASP does impose significant
      selection pressure. All of these results support the idea that asp is the 10th
      gene of HIV-1 group M and indicate a correlation with the spread of the pandemic.

PMID- 27681625
TI  - Witnessing entanglement without entanglement witness operators.
AB  - Quantum mechanics predicts the existence of correlations between composite
      systems that, although puzzling to our physical intuition, enable technologies
      not accessible in a classical world. Notwithstanding, there is still no efficient
      general method to theoretically quantify and experimentally detect entanglement
      of many qubits. Here we propose to detect entanglement by measuring the
      statistical response of a quantum system to an arbitrary nonlocal parametric
      evolution. We witness entanglement without relying on the tomographic
      reconstruction of the quantum state, or the realization of witness operators. The
      protocol requires two collective settings for any number of parties and is robust
      against noise and decoherence occurring after the implementation of the
      parametric transformation. To illustrate its user friendliness we demonstrate
      multipartite entanglement in different experiments with ions and photons by
      analyzing published data on fidelity visibilities and variances of collective
      observables.

PMID- 27681624
TI  - MiR-155-regulated molecular network orchestrates cell fate in the innate and
      adaptive immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
AB  - The regulation of host-pathogen interactions during Mycobacterium tuberculosis
      (Mtb) infection remains unresolved. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators
      of the immune system, and so we used a systems biology approach to construct an
      miRNA regulatory network activated in macrophages during Mtb infection. Our
      network comprises 77 putative miRNAs that are associated with temporal gene
      expression signatures in macrophages early after Mtb infection. In this study, we
      demonstrate a dual role for one of these regulators, miR-155. On the one hand,
      miR-155 maintains the survival of Mtb-infected macrophages, thereby providing a
      niche favoring bacterial replication; on the other hand, miR-155 promotes the
      survival and function of Mtb-specific T cells, enabling an effective adaptive
      immune response. MiR-155-induced cell survival is mediated through the SH2 domain
      containing inositol 5-phosphatase 1 (SHIP1)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway. Thus,
      dual regulation of the same cell survival pathway in innate and adaptive immune
      cells leads to vastly different outcomes with respect to bacterial containment.

PMID- 27681626
TI  - Functional receptor molecules CD300lf and CD300ld within the CD300 family enable
      murine noroviruses to infect cells.
AB  - Norovirus is the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis worldwide. Since the
      discovery of human norovirus (HuNoV), an efficient and reproducible norovirus
      replication system has not been established in cultured cells. Although limited
      amounts of virus particles can be produced when the HuNoV genome is directly
      transfected into cells, the HuNoV cycle of infection has not been successfully
      reproduced in any currently available cell-culture system. Those results imply
      that the identification of a functional cell-surface receptor for norovirus might
      be the key to establishing a norovirus culture system. Using a genome-wide
      CRISPR/Cas9 guide RNA library, we identified murine CD300lf and CD300ld as
      functional receptors for murine norovirus (MNV). The treatment of susceptible
      cells with polyclonal antibody against CD300lf significantly reduced the
      production of viral progeny. Additionally, ectopic CD300lf expression in
      nonsusceptible cell lines derived from other animal species enabled MNV infection
      and progeny production, suggesting that CD300lf has potential for dictating MNV
      host tropism. Furthermore, CD300ld, which has an amino acid sequence in the N
      terminal region of its extracellular domain that is highly homologous to that of
      CD300lf, also functions as a receptor for MNV. Our results indicate that direct
      interaction of MNV with two cell-surface molecules, CD300lf and CD300ld, dictates
      permissive noroviral infection.

PMID- 27681628
TI  - Innovation network.
AB  - Technological progress builds upon itself, with the expansion of invention in one
      domain propelling future work in linked fields. Our analysis uses 1.8 million US
      patents and their citation properties to map the innovation network and its
      strength. Past innovation network structures are calculated using citation
      patterns across technology classes during 1975-1994. The interaction of this
      preexisting network structure with patent growth in upstream technology fields
      has strong predictive power on future innovation after 1995. This pattern is
      consistent with the idea that when there is more past upstream innovation for a
      particular technology class to build on, then that technology class innovates
      more.

PMID- 27681627
TI  - Atomic lattice disorder in charge-density-wave phases of exfoliated
      dichalcogenides (1T-TaS2).
AB  - Charge-density waves (CDWs) and their concomitant periodic lattice distortions
      (PLDs) govern the electronic properties in several layered transition-metal
      dichalcogenides. In particular, 1T-TaS2 undergoes a metal-to-insulator phase
      transition as the PLD becomes commensurate with the crystal lattice. Here we
      directly image PLDs of the nearly commensurate (NC) and commensurate (C) phases
      in thin, exfoliated 1T-TaS2 using atomic resolution scanning transmission
      electron microscopy at room and cryogenic temperature. At low temperatures, we
      observe commensurate PLD superstructures, suggesting ordering of the CDWs both in
      and out-of-plane. In addition, we discover stacking transitions in the atomic
      lattice that occur via one-bond-length shifts. Interestingly, the NC PLDs exist
      inside both the stacking domains and their boundaries. Transitions in stacking
      order are expected to create fractional shifts in the CDW between layers and may
      be another route to manipulate electronic phases in layered dichalcogenides.

PMID- 27681630
TI  - Effect of flow and peristaltic mixing on bacterial growth in a gut-like channel.
AB  - The ecology of microbes in the gut has been shown to play important roles in the
      health of the host. To better understand microbial growth and population dynamics
      in the proximal colon, the primary region of bacterial growth in the gut, we
      built and applied a fluidic channel that we call the "minigut." This is a channel
      with an array of membrane valves along its length, which allows mimicking active
      contractions of the colonic wall. Repeated contraction is shown to be crucial in
      maintaining a steady-state bacterial population in the device despite strong flow
      along the channel that would otherwise cause bacterial washout. Depending on the
      flow rate and the frequency of contractions, the bacterial density profile
      exhibits varying spatial dependencies. For a synthetic cross-feeding community,
      the species abundance ratio is also strongly affected by mixing and flow along
      the length of the device. Complex mixing dynamics due to contractions is
      described well by an effective diffusion term. Bacterial dynamics is captured by
      a simple reaction-diffusion model without adjustable parameters. Our results
      suggest that flow and mixing play a major role in shaping the microbiota of the
      colon.

PMID- 27681632
TI  - Bursts of activity in collective cell migration.
AB  - Dense monolayers of living cells display intriguing relaxation dynamics,
      reminiscent of soft and glassy materials close to the jamming transition, and
      migrate collectively when space is available, as in wound healing or in cancer
      invasion. Here we show that collective cell migration occurs in bursts that are
      similar to those recorded in the propagation of cracks, fluid fronts in porous
      media, and ferromagnetic domain walls. In analogy with these systems, the
      distribution of activity bursts displays scaling laws that are universal in
      different cell types and for cells moving on different substrates. The main
      features of the invasion dynamics are quantitatively captured by a model of
      interacting active particles moving in a disordered landscape. Our results
      illustrate that collective motion of living cells is analogous to the
      corresponding dynamics in driven, but inanimate, systems.

PMID- 27681635
TI  - Li-Ion Conductivity and Phase Stability of Ca-Doped LiBH4 under High Pressure.
AB  - The effect of Ca doping on the Li-ion conductivity and phase stability of the
      rock-salt-type LiBH4 phase emerging under high pressures in the range of
      gigapascals has been investigated. In situ electrochemical measurements under
      high pressure were performed using a cubic-anvil-type apparatus. Ca doping
      drastically enhanced the ionic conductivity of the rock-salt-type phase: the
      ionic conductivity of undoped and 5 mol %Ca-doped LiBH4 was 2.2 * 10-4 and 1.4 *
      10-2 S.cm-1 under 4.0 GPa at 220  degrees C, respectively. The activation volume
      of LiBH4-5 mol %Ca(BH4)2, at 3.2 cm3.mol-1, was comparable to that of other fast
      ionic conductors, such as lithium titanate and NASICONs. Moreover, Ca-doped LiBH4
      showed lithium plating-stripping behavior in a cyclic voltammogram. These results
      indicate that the conductivity enhancement by Ca doping can be attributed to the
      formation of a LiBH4-Ca(BH4)2 solid solution; however, the solid solution
      decomposed into the orthorhombic LiBH4 phase and the orthorhombic Ca(BH4)2 phase
      after unloading the high pressure.

PMID- 27681629
TI  - Early somatic mosaicism is a rare cause of long-QT syndrome.
AB  - Somatic mosaicism, the occurrence and propagation of genetic variation in cell
      lineages after fertilization, is increasingly recognized to play a causal role in
      a variety of human diseases. We investigated the case of life-threatening
      arrhythmia in a 10-day-old infant with long QT syndrome (LQTS). Rapid genome
      sequencing suggested a variant in the sodium channel NaV1.5 encoded by SCN5A,
      NM_000335:c.5284G > T predicting p.(V1762L), but read depth was insufficient to
      be diagnostic. Exome sequencing of the trio confirmed read ratios inconsistent
      with Mendelian inheritance only in the proband. Genotyping of single circulating
      leukocytes demonstrated the mutation in the genomes of 8% of patient cells, and
      RNA sequencing of cardiac tissue from the infant confirmed the expression of the
      mutant allele at mosaic ratios. Heterologous expression of the mutant channel
      revealed significantly delayed sodium current with a dominant negative effect. To
      investigate the mechanism by which mosaicism might cause arrhythmia, we built a
      finite element simulation model incorporating Purkinje fiber activation. This
      model confirmed the pathogenic consequences of cardiac cellular mosaicism and,
      under the presenting conditions of this case, recapitulated 2:1 AV block and
      arrhythmia. To investigate the extent to which mosaicism might explain
      undiagnosed arrhythmia, we studied 7,500 affected probands undergoing commercial
      gene-panel testing. Four individuals with pathogenic variants arising from early
      somatic mutation events were found. Here we establish cardiac mosaicism as a
      causal mechanism for LQTS and present methods by which the general phenomenon,
      likely to be relevant for all genetic diseases, can be detected through single
      cell analysis and next-generation sequencing.

PMID- 27681634
TI  - Dual chromatin recognition by the histone deacetylase complex HCHC is required
      for proper DNA methylation in Neurospora crassa.
AB  - DNA methylation, heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1), histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9)
      methylation, histone deacetylation, and highly repeated sequences are
      prototypical heterochromatic features, but their interrelationships are not fully
      understood. Prior work showed that H3K9 methylation directs DNA methylation and
      histone deacetylation via HP1 in Neurospora crassa and that the histone
      deacetylase complex HCHC is required for proper DNA methylation. The complex
      consists of the chromodomain proteins HP1 and chromodomain protein 2 (CDP-2), the
      histone deacetylase HDA-1, and the AT-hook motif protein CDP-2/HDA-1-associated
      protein (CHAP). We show that the complex is required for proper chromosome
      segregation, dissect its function, and characterize interactions among its
      components. Our analyses revealed the existence of an HP1-based DNA methylation
      pathway independent of its chromodomain. The pathway partially depends on CHAP
      but not on the CDP-2 chromodomain. CDP-2 serves as a bridge between the
      recognition of H3K9 trimethylation (H3K9me3) by HP1 and the histone deacetylase
      activity of HDA-1. CHAP is also critical for HDA-1 localization to
      heterochromatin. Specifically, the CHAP zinc finger interacts directly with the
      HDA-1 argonaute-binding protein 2 (Arb2) domain, and the CHAP AT-hook motifs
      recognize heterochromatic regions by binding to AT-rich DNA. Our data shed light
      on the interrelationships among the prototypical heterochromatic features and
      support a model in which dual recognition by the HP1 chromodomain and the CHAP AT
      hooks are required for proper heterochromatin formation.

PMID- 27681636
TI  - Borane-Catalyzed Transfer Hydrogenations of Pyridines with Ammonia Borane.
AB  - With the use of ammonia borane as a hydrogen source, a borane catalyzed metal
      free transfer hydrogenation of pyridines was successfully realized for the first
      time to furnish a variety of piperidines in 44-88% yields with moderate to
      excellent cis-selectivities. The ease in handling without requiring high pressure
      H2 makes this transfer hydrogenation practical and useful.

PMID- 27681633
TI  - Tunable allosteric library of caspase-3 identifies coupling between conserved
      water molecules and conformational selection.
AB  - The native ensemble of caspases is described globally by a complex energy
      landscape where the binding of substrate selects for the active conformation,
      whereas targeting an allosteric site in the dimer interface selects an inactive
      conformation that contains disordered active-site loops. Mutations and
      posttranslational modifications stabilize high-energy inactive conformations,
      with mostly formed, but distorted, active sites. To examine the interconversion
      of active and inactive states in the ensemble, we used detection of related
      solvent positions to analyze 4,995 waters in 15 high-resolution (<2.0 A)
      structures of wild-type caspase-3, resulting in 450 clusters with the most highly
      conserved set containing 145 water molecules. The data show that regions of the
      protein that contact the conserved waters also correspond to sites of
      posttranslational modifications, suggesting that the conserved waters are an
      integral part of allosteric mechanisms. To test this hypothesis, we created a
      library of 19 caspase-3 variants through saturation mutagenesis in a single
      position of the allosteric site of the dimer interface, and we show that the
      enzyme activity varies by more than four orders of magnitude. Altogether, our
      database consists of 37 high-resolution structures of caspase-3 variants, and we
      demonstrate that the decrease in activity correlates with a loss of conserved
      water molecules. The data show that the activity of caspase-3 can be fine-tuned
      through globally desolvating the active conformation within the native ensemble,
      providing a mechanism for cells to repartition the ensemble and thus fine-tune
      activity through conformational selection.

PMID- 27681631
TI  - C-terminal domain of the RNA chaperone Hfq drives sRNA competition and release of
      target RNA.
AB  - The bacterial Sm protein and RNA chaperone Hfq stabilizes small noncoding RNAs
      (sRNAs) and facilitates their annealing to mRNA targets involved in stress
      tolerance and virulence. Although an arginine patch on the Sm core is needed for
      Hfq's RNA chaperone activity, the function of Hfq's intrinsically disordered C
      terminal domain (CTD) has remained unclear. Here, we use stopped flow
      spectroscopy to show that the CTD of Escherichia coli Hfq is not needed to
      accelerate RNA base pairing but is required for the release of dsRNA. The Hfq CTD
      also mediates competition between sRNAs, offering a kinetic advantage to sRNAs
      that contact both the proximal and distal faces of the Hfq hexamer. The change in
      sRNA hierarchy caused by deletion of the Hfq CTD in E. coli alters the sRNA
      accumulation and the kinetics of sRNA regulation in vivo. We propose that the Hfq
      CTD displaces sRNAs and annealed sRNA?mRNA complexes from the Sm core, enabling
      Hfq to chaperone sRNA-mRNA interactions and rapidly cycle between competing
      targets in the cell.

PMID- 27681637
TI  - Contact Electrification of Regolith Particles and Chloride Electrolysis:
      Synthesis of Perchlorates on Mars.
AB  - Contact electrification of chloride-impregnated martian regolith particles due to
      eolian agitation and moisture condensation on coalesced oppositely charged grains
      may lead to spontaneous electrolysis that generates hypochlorite, chlorite,
      chlorate, and perchlorate with a concomitant reduction of water to hydrogen. This
      process is not curtailed even if moisture condenses as ice because chloride
      ionizes on the surface of ice. Limitations dictated by potentials needed for
      electrolysis and breakdown electric fields enable estimation of the required
      regolith grain size. The estimated dimension turns out to be of the same order of
      magnitude as the expected median size of martian regolith, and a simple
      calculation yields the optimum rate of perchlorate production. Key Words: Mars
      oxidants-Perchlorate-Dust electrification-Electrolysis. Astrobiology 16, 811-816.

PMID- 27681638
TI  - MiR-24-BIM-Smac/DIABLO axis controls the sensitivity to doxorubicin treatment in
      osteosarcoma.
AB  - Emerging evidence shows that microRNAs (miRNAs) act as critical regulators in the
      progression and chemoresistance of multiple tumors, including osteosarcoma (OS).
      In this study, we found that the level of miR-24 was increased in OS patients'
      serum, tumor tissues and OS cell lines. Furthermore, we found that knockdown of
      miR-24 by its specific inhibitors significantly increased the therapeutic effect
      of doxorubicin (DOX) on OS cell lines (MG-63 and HOS). Moreover, miR-24
      inhibitors resensitized the doxorubicin-resistant MG-63 cells (MG-63/R) and HOS
      cells (HOS/R) to DOX. As the gene of Bcl-2 interacting mediator of cell death
      (BIM) was proved to be a target of miR-24 in MG-63/R cells, we further observed
      that the miR-24 inhibitors promoted the DOX-induced apoptosis via mitochondrial
      pathway. In addition, results of immunoprecipitation showed the release of second
      mitochondria derived activator of caspase/ direct IAP binding protein with low pI
      (Smac/DIABLO) abolished the biological activity of X-linked inhibitor of
      apoptosis protein (XIAP) by binding with it, which subsequently induced the
      activation of caspase 9, 7 and 3. In summary, those results strongly suggest that
      the miR-24-BIM-Smac/DIABLO axis might be a novel target for the treatment of OS.

PMID- 27681639
TI  - Approach to death in the older emergency department patient.

PMID- 27681640
TI  - The family health, functioning, social support and child maltreatment risk of
      families expecting a baby.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To describe the family health, functioning, social support
      and child maltreatment risk and associations between them in families expecting a
      baby. BACKGROUND: Finland was one of the first countries in banning corporal
      punishment against children over 30 years ago. Despite of this, studies have
      shown that parents physically abuse their children. In addition, professionals
      struggle in intervention of this phenomenon. Abusive parents should be recognised
      and helped before actual violent behaviour. DESIGN: A follow-up case-control
      study, with a supportive intervention in the case group (families with a
      heightened risk) in maternity and child welfare clinics. The baseline results of
      families are described here. METHODS: Child maltreatment risk in families
      expecting a baby was measured by Child Abuse Potential Inventory. The health and
      functioning was measured by Family Health, Functioning and Social Support Scale.
      Data included 380 families. RESULTS: A total of 78 families had increased risk
      for child maltreatment. Heightened risk was associated with partners' age,
      mothers' education, partners' father's mental health problems, mothers' worry
      about partners' drinking and mothers' difficulties in talking about the family's
      problems. Risk was associated with family functioning and health. Families with
      risk received a less support from maternity clinics. Families with child
      maltreatment risk and related factors were found. CONCLUSIONS: This knowledge can
      be applied for supporting families both during pregnancy and after the baby is
      born. Professionals working with families in maternity clinics need tools to
      recognise families with risk and aid a discussion with them about the family life
      situation. The Child Abuse Potential, as a part of evaluating the family life
      situation, seems to prove a useful tool in identifying families at risk.
      RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The results offer a valid and useful tool for
      recognising families with risk and provide knowledge about high-risk family
      situations.

PMID- 27681642
TI  - Foreword to Complementary Medicine in Andrology - special issue Andrologia.

PMID- 27681643
TI  - Review of local herbal compounds found in the Iranian traditional medicine known
      to optimise male fertility.
AB  - The male reproductive function can be influenced by many different factors,
      including genetic, environmental and socioeconomic parameters leading to a
      progressive decline. However, the cause of infertility cannot be found in a
      significant proportion of couples, and even with the presence of the sign of
      testicular dysfunction or obstructive azoospermia, the main aetiology is not
      identified. In the absence of knowledge about predisposing factor, targeted
      therapeutic modalities for male infertility may not be possible, and a wide
      variety of empiric drug approaches, even with low scientific evidence, have been
      utilised in current conventional medicine. According to the recently updated
      reports of the European Association of Urology guidelines on male infertility,
      the implication of previous recommendations and complementary alternative
      medicine based on the old literature has been suggested to improve a multifaceted
      integrative therapeutic approach for this disease. We have reviewed the potential
      herbal active compounds optimising male fertility, according to the principles of
      Iranian traditional medicine. 

PMID- 27681644
TI  - An evidence-based approach to medicinal plants for the treatment of sperm
      abnormalities in traditional Persian medicine.
AB  - Infertility is defined as inability of a sexually active couple to conceive after
      1 year of regular intercourse without contraception. Male factors account for 20%
      50% of cases of infertility. The aim of this study was to review medicinal plants
      that proposed to improve sperm abnormalities in traditional Persian medicine. For
      this purpose, PubMed, Scopus, GoogleScholar and Cochrane library were explored
      for medicinal plants used in traditional Persian medicine for sperm abnormalities
      to obtain studies giving any evidence for their efficacy and pharmacological
      mechanisms related to male infertility. Data were collected for the years 1966 to
      March 2015. For some of them, including Chlorophytum borivilianum, Crocus
      sativus, Nigella sativa, Sesamum indicum, Tribulus terrestris, Mucuna pruriens
      and Withania somnifera, more reliable evidence was found. The mechanisms involved
      in the beneficial effects of medicinal plants in sperm abnormalities are
      antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-oedematous and venotonic activity as well as
      containing precursors for sperm production and increasing blood testosterone
      level. Various phytochemical categories including saponins, phytosterols,
      carotenoids, oxygenated volatile compounds, phenolic compounds and alkaloids seem
      to be responsible for these beneficial effects. Further studies are recommended
      for obtaining more conclusive results about the efficacy and safety of the
      mentioned medicinal plants. 

PMID- 27681641
TI  - The Blueprint of a Minimal Cell: MiniBacillus.
AB  - Bacillus subtilis is one of the best-studied organisms. Due to the broad
      knowledge and annotation and the well-developed genetic system, this bacterium is
      an excellent starting point for genome minimization with the aim of constructing
      a minimal cell. We have analyzed the genome of B. subtilis and selected all genes
      that are required to allow life in complex medium at 37 degrees C. This selection
      is based on the known information on essential genes and functions as well as on
      gene and protein expression data and gene conservation. The list presented here
      includes 523 and 119 genes coding for proteins and RNAs, respectively. These
      proteins and RNAs are required for the basic functions of life in information
      processing (replication and chromosome maintenance, transcription, translation,
      protein folding, and secretion), metabolism, cell division, and the integrity of
      the minimal cell. The completeness of the selected metabolic pathways, reactions,
      and enzymes was verified by the development of a model of metabolism of the
      minimal cell. A comparison of the MiniBacillus genome to the recently reported
      designed minimal genome of Mycoplasma mycoides JCVI-syn3.0 indicates excellent
      agreement in the information-processing pathways, whereas each species has a
      metabolism that reflects specific evolution and adaptation. The blueprint of
      MiniBacillus presented here serves as the starting point for a successive
      reduction of the B. subtilis genome.

PMID- 27681645
TI  - A review of the potential of medicinal plants in the management and treatment of
      male sexual dysfunction.
AB  - Male sexual dysfunction is a common disorder that appears to be a consequence of
      a wide range of physical and psychological conditions. Due to mental stress,
      insufficient physical exercise and various aetiological factors, human being's
      life is becoming less pleasant, which leads to incapability to have sexual
      pleasure. The allopathic drugs used for sexual dysfunction are believed to
      produce a variety of side effects and affect other physiological processes and,
      ultimately, general health. Therefore, the search for natural supplement from
      medicinal plants is being intensified probably because of less side effects
      availability and affordability. Ethnobotanical surveys have indicated a large
      number of plants traditionally used as aphrodisiacs but only few of them are
      scientifically validated for the management and treatment of male sexual
      dysfunction. This article has summarised the medicinal plants traditionally
      recommended and scientifically validated for the management and treatment of male
      sexual dysfunction. 

PMID- 27681646
TI  - Indian folklore medicine in managing men's health and wellness.
AB  - India is a home for a large variety of plants with remarkable medicinal and
      pharmacological value. Traditional medicine in the form of Ayurveda, Siddha and
      Unani has used many of these plants since ancient days for treating and curing
      various ailments of the body. When it comes to issues related to reproductive
      health, people still hesitate to discuss and/or accept it openly and hence look
      for alternate and natural remedies. The various tribal populations distributed
      across different parts of the country still use these plant extracts in various
      formulations for maintenance of good health. The medical utilities of several of
      these plants have been documented; however, there are many more, whose potential
      is yet to be explored. This review discusses the role of various plants grown in
      the Indian subcontinent that have been widely used in maintaining various aspects
      of reproductive health in men such as infertility, aphrodisiac, contraception,
      libido, sexually transmitted infections and reproductive tract cancers as well as
      in treating chronic disorders. 

PMID- 27681647
TI  - Effects of aqueous root extract of Carpolobia alba G. Don on sexual behaviour in
      adult male rats.
AB  - Several lines say that a number of natural products, mostly plant based, have
      been claimed to cure male sexual dysfunction. One of such botanicals is
      Carpolobia alba G. Don which is used in Cameroon to treat erectile dysfunction
      and related male sexual debilities. However, the traditional claim has not been
      scientifically tested. Thirty adult male rats (five groups of six animals) were
      orally treated daily with distilled water, sildenafil citrate (positive control),
      75, 150, 300 mg/kg of C. alba G. Don roots aqueous extract. The erection and
      ejaculation properties were recorded on the first, seventh and fourteenth day of
      treatment by following copulation settings: number of erections (NE), mount
      frequency (MF), intromission frequency (IF), ejaculation frequency (EF), mount
      latency (ML), intromission latency (IL), ejaculation latency (EL), average
      interval of copulation (AIC) and post-ejaculatory interval (PEI). The extract
      resulted in an improvement of copulation parameters through significant reduction
      (p < .001) of PEI, ML and IL and significant increase (p < .001) in the NE, MF,
      IF, EF, EL and AIC. These results indicate a pro-erectile and pro-ejaculatory
      potential of aqueous root extract of this plant in male rats. 

PMID- 27681648
TI  - Effect of butanolic fraction of yellow and black maca (Lepidium meyenii) on the
      sperm count of adult mice.
AB  - Lepidium meyenii, known as maca, is a popular nutraceutical food which is grown
      over 4,000 m above sea level in the Peruvian central highlands. Maca contains
      alkaloids, but there are no studies on their biological effects. The butanol
      fraction obtained from methanol extract of maca hypocotyls contains alkaloids.
      The effects of butanol/aqueous fractions partitioned from methanol extract of
      yellow and black maca were examined. Total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant
      capacity by 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl were used to evaluate maca fractions
      in vitro. Daily sperm production and sperm count in epididymis and vas deferens
      in mice were determined as biological effect of maca extracts in vivo. Yellow
      maca (21.7%+/-0.69) had better antioxidant capacity than black maca (18.2% +/-
      0.12; p < .01). Antioxidant activity was better in the methanolic fraction than
      in the aqueous fraction of yellow or black maca. TPC is higher in the aqueous
      fraction than in the methanolic extract of yellow or black maca. Black maca
      administration resulted in higher concentration of sperm count in epididymis and
      vas deferens compared to yellow maca. A higher biological effect was observed in
      methanolic extract and in aqueous extract than in the butanol fraction of maca.
      In conclusion, better biological effect was observed in the methanolic extract of
      maca than in its partitioned fractions. 

PMID- 27681650
TI  - Effect of Lepidium meyenii (maca) on testicular function of mice with chemically
      and physically induced subfertility.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Lepidium meyenii (maca) in
      chemically and physically subfertile mice. After 35 days, the following groups of
      mice were evaluated: control, sham, chemical subfertility, chemical subfertility
      maca-supplemented, physical subfertility, physical subfertility-maca-supplemented
      and maca-supplemented only. Motility (32.36% +/- 5.34%) and sperm count (44.4 +/-
      5.37 * 10(6) /ml) in the chemically and physically subfertile mice (11.81% +/-
      4.06%, 17.34 +/- 13.07 * 10(6) /ml) decreased compared to the control (75.53% +/-
      2.97% and 57.4 +/- 19.6 10(6) /ml) and sham (53.5% +/- 7.86% and 58.4 +/- 14.10
      10(6) /ml). Maca was able to reverse the deleterious effect of motility (76.36 +/
      1.97) as well as sperm count (53.5 +/- 9.18 * 10(6) /ml) on chemical
      subfertility. In contrast, maca did not reverse the effects of induced physical
      subfertility nor motility (18.78% +/- 14.41%) or sperm count (20.17 +/- 11.20 *
      10(6) /ml). The percentage of sperm DNA fragmentation in the physically
      subfertile mice increased (11.1% +/- 19.29%) compared to the control (0.84% +/-
      0.85%). However, in the physically subfertile group, maca decreased sperm DNA
      fragmentation (2.29% +/- 2.30%) closer to the sham (1.04% +/- 0.62%) and the
      control (0.84% +/- 0.85%). The group supplemented only with maca showed 0.54% +/-
      0.50% of spermatozoa with DNA fragmentation. Yet, the differences observed were
      statistically not significant. In conclusion, it appears that maca activates the
      cytochrome P450 system after chemically induced subfertility. However, it does
      not reverse the low mitochondrial membrane potential in spermatozoa compromised
      in the physical subfertility group. 

PMID- 27681649
TI  - Red Maca (Lepidium meyenii) did not affect cell viability despite increased
      androgen receptor and prostate-specific antigen gene expression in the human
      prostate cancer cell line LNCaP.
AB  - We examined whether aqueous extract of Lepidium meyenii (red Maca) could inhibit
      growth, potentiate apoptotic activity of two anticancer drugs Taxol and 2
      methoxyestradiol (2ME) or change mRNA expression for the androgen target genes,
      androgen receptor (Ar) and prostate-specific antigen (Psa) in the human prostate
      cancer cell line LNCaP. Red Maca aqueous extract at 0, 10, 20, 40 or 80 MUg/ml
      was added to LNCaP cells, and viability was evaluated by the MTS assay at 24 or
      48 hr after treatment. Furthermore, LNCaP cells were treated with 80 MUg/ml of
      red Maca plus Taxol or 2ME 5 MUM and viability was assessed 48 hr later. Finally,
      LNCaP cells were treated with red Maca 0, 20, 40 or 80 MUg/ml, and 12 hr later,
      mRNA level for Ar or Psa was assessed by real-time PCR. Treatment with red Maca
      did not affect viability of LNCaP cells. Apoptotic activity induced by Taxol and
      2ME in LNCaP cells was not altered with red Maca treatment. Relative expression
      of the mRNA for Ar and Psa increased with red Maca 20 and 40 MUg/ml, but not at
      80 MUg/ml. We conclude that red Maca aqueous extract does not have toxic effects,
      but stimulates androgen signalling in LNCaP cells. 

PMID- 27681652
TI  - Psychiatric comorbidities in children and adolescents with psoriasis: a
      population-based cohort study.

PMID- 27681651
TI  - Adalimumab for the treatment of actinic granuloma.

PMID- 27681654
TI  - Dynamic left ventricular changes in patients with gestational diabetes: A speckle
      tracking echocardiography study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The left ventricle (LV) undergoes physiologic remodeling in adaptation
      to the hemodynamic changes that occur in pregnancy. Speckle tracking
      echocardiography (STE) is a novel and reliable tool to evaluate subtle myocardial
      alterations that have been utilized to assess myocardial changes in patients with
      diabetes mellitus (DM) but not in patients with gestational DM (GDM). We seek to
      evaluate changes in LV function using STE in patients with GDM compared with
      women with normal pregnancy. METHODS: This was a single-center retrospective
      cohort study. A total of 312 pregnant patients that underwent transthoracic
      echocardiogram (TTE) between 2009 and 2014 were screened. After excluding
      patients with comorbidities or insufficient data, 90 women were included. TTE
      from the second and third trimester for each patient were then reviewed, and STE
      analysis was performed. RESULTS: Of the 90 subjects, 72 had normal pregnancies
      and 18 developed GDM. There was no difference in LV end-diastolic diameter (4.73
      +/- 0.40 versus 4.60 +/- 0.56, p = 0.25), LV end-systolic diameter (3.12 +/- 0.35
      versus 2.91 +/- 0.61, p = 0.152), or ejection fraction (62.26 +/- 4.12 versus
      63.50 +/- 5.24, p = 0.314) between the two groups. Global longitudinal strain was
      lower (-19.8 +/- 3.34 versus -17.2 +/- 2.18, p < 0.001) in patients with GDM,
      while time-to-peak strain was greater (0.43 +/- 0.05 versus 0.50 +/- 0.06, p <
      0.001). Circumferential and radial strains were preserved in both groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: Although conventional TTE variables show preserved LV size and
      function, LV longitudinal strain suggests subclinical myocardial dysfunction in
      patients with GDM. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 45:20-27,
      2017.

PMID- 27681653
TI  - Interrelationship between family history of alcoholism and generational status in
      the prediction of alcohol dependence in US Hispanics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Both a family history of alcoholism and migration-related factors
      like US v. foreign nativity increase the risk for developing alcohol use
      disorders in Hispanic Americans. For this study, we integrated these two lines of
      research to test whether the relationship between familial alcoholism and alcohol
      dependence changes with successive generations in the United States. METHOD: Data
      were from the waves 1 and 2 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related
      Conditions (NESARC). Subjects self-identified Hispanic ethnicity (N = 4122; n =
      1784 first, n = 1169 second, and n = 1169 third or later generation) and reported
      ever consuming ?12 drinks in a 1-year period. A family history of alcoholism was
      assessed in first- and second-degree relatives. Analyses predicting the number of
      alcohol dependence symptoms were path models. RESULTS: Alcohol dependence
      symptoms were associated with a stronger family history of alcoholism and later
      generational status. There was a significant interaction effect between familial
      alcoholism and generational status; the relationship of familial alcoholism with
      alcohol dependence symptoms increased significantly with successive generations
      in the United States, more strongly in women than men. Acculturation partially
      mediated the interaction effect between familial alcoholism and generational
      status on alcohol dependence, although not in the expected direction.
      CONCLUSIONS: Familial alcoholism interacted with generational status in
      predicting alcohol dependence symptoms in US Hispanic drinkers. This relationship
      suggests that heritability for alcoholism is influenced by a higher-order
      environmental factor, likely characterized by a relaxing of social restrictions
      on drinking.

PMID- 27681656
TI  - Reduced fetal brain fissures depth in fetuses with congenital heart diseases.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To screen and detect cortex gyration in fetuses with congenital heart
      disease (CHD) using Ultrasonography (US) during routine obstetric scans. METHODS:
      The depth of the Sylvian fissure (SF), parieto-occipital fissure (POF), and
      calcarine (CF) fissure were prospectively serially measured and compared in 45
      fetuses with CHD and 45 normal fetuses. Cardiac hemodynamic parameters, including
      aortic valve diameter (AV), pulmonary valve diameter (PV), velocity time integral
      of the aortic valve (VTIav), and velocity time integral of the pulmonary valve
      (VTIpv), were recorded. Correlations between the fissure depths and the prenatal
      cardiac hemodynamic parameters and postnatal neurodevelopmental scores were
      assessed. RESULTS: SF, POF, and CF were decreased in CHD fetuses compared with
      the controls in late of pregnancy (P < 0.01). The diagnostic category was
      independently associated with smaller fissure depths in fetuses with CHD
      (adjusted R2  = 0.472 for SF, 0.465 for POF, and 0.425 for CF). Correlations were
      observed between small fissure depths and decreased left heart hemodynamic
      parameters (AV and VTIav) in fetuses with CHD. The SF depth was positively
      correlated with the neurodevelopmental scores (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: US can be
      used to screen for abnormal fetal brain cortex development during routine
      obstetric scans and to evaluate the maturation progress during close follow-up.
      (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27681655
TI  - Marine Habitat Selection by Marbled Murrelets (Brachyramphus marmoratus) during
      the Breeding Season.
AB  - The marbled murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus) is a declining seabird that is
      well-known for nesting in coastal old-growth forests in the Pacific Northwest.
      Most studies of habitat selection have focused on modeling terrestrial nesting
      habitat even though marine habitat is believed to be a major contributor to
      population declines in some regions. To address this information gap, we
      conducted a 5-year study of marine resource selection by murrelets in Washington,
      which contains a population experiencing the steepest documented declines and
      where marine habitat is believed to be compromised. Across five years we tracked
      157 radio-tagged murrelets during the breeding season (May to August), and used
      discrete choice models to examine habitat selection. Using an information
      theoretic approach, our global model had the most support, suggesting that
      murrelet resource selection at-sea is affected by many factors, both terrestrial
      and marine. Locations with higher amounts of nesting habitat (beta = 21.49, P <
      0.001) that were closer to shore (beta = -0.0007, P < 0.001) and in cool waters
      (beta = -0.2026, P < 0.001) with low footprint (beta = -0.0087, P < 0.001) had
      higher probabilities of use. While past conservation efforts have focused on
      protecting terrestrial nesting habitat, we echo many past studies calling for
      future efforts to protect marine habitat for murrelets, as the current emphasis
      on terrestrial habitat alone may be insufficient for conserving populations. In
      particular, marine areas in close proximity to old-growth nesting habitat appear
      important for murrelets during the breeding season and should be priorities for
      protection.

PMID- 27681657
TI  - Oral 5-aminosalicylic acid for maintenance of medically-induced remission in
      Crohn's disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prevention of relapse is a major issue in the management of
      Crohn's disease. Corticosteroids, the mainstay of treatment of acute
      exacerbations, are not effective for maintenance of remission and its chronic use
      is limited by numerous adverse events. Randomised controlled trials assessing the
      efficacy of oral 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) agents for maintenance of
      medically-induced remission in Crohn's disease have produced conflicting results.
      OBJECTIVES: To conduct a systematic review to evaluate the efficacy and safety of
      oral 5-ASA agents for the maintenance of medically-induced remission in Crohn's
      disease. SEARCH METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL and the IBD Group
      Specialized Register from inception to 8 June 2016. We also searched reference
      lists and conference proceedings. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised
      controlled trials that compared oral 5-ASA agents to either placebo or
      sulphasalazine in patients with quiescent Crohn's disease. The trials had to have
      a treatment duration of at least six months. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two
      authors independently extracted data and performed the risk of bias assessment.
      Any disagreements were resolved by discussion and consensus. The primary outcome
      measure was the occurrence of relapse as defined by the primary studies.
      Secondary outcomes included time to relapse, adverse events, withdrawal due to
      adverse events and serious adverse events. We calculated the pooled risk ratio
      (RR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI) using a fixed-effect
      model. All data were analysed on an intention-to-treat basis and drop-outs were
      considered to be relapses. Sensitivity analyses included an available case
      analysis where drop-outs were ignored and using a random-effects model. We
      evaluated the overall quality of the evidence supporting the outcomes using the
      GRADE criteria. MAIN RESULTS: Twelve studies (2146 participants) that compared 5
      ASA to placebo were included. We did not identify any studies that compared
      sulphasalazine to placebo. Seven studies were judged to be at low risk of bias.
      The other studies were judged to have an unclear risk of bias for various items
      due to insufficient details to allow for a judgement. There was no statistically
      significant difference in relapse rates at 12 months. Fifty-three per cent
      (526/998) of 5-ASA patients (dose 1.6 g to 4 g/day) relapsed at 12 months
      compared to 54% (544/1016) of placebo patients (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.07; 11
      studies; 2014 patients; moderate-quality evidence). Sensitivity analyses based on
      an available case analysis and a random-effects model had no impact on the
      results. One study found no difference in relapse rates at 24 months. Fifty-four
      per cent (31/57) of 5-ASA patients (dose 2 g/day) relapsed at 24 months compared
      to 58% (36/62) of placebo patients (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.68 to 1.29, 119 patients;
      low-quality evidence). One paediatric study found no statistically significant
      difference in relapse rates at 12 months. Sixty-two per cent (29/47) of
      paediatric 5-ASA patients (dose 50 mg/kg/day) relapsed at 12 months compared to
      64% (35/55) of paediatric placebo patients (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.31; 102
      patients; moderate-quality evidence). There was no statistically significant
      difference in the proportion of patients who experienced an adverse event,
      withdrawal due to adverse events or serious adverse events. Thirty-four per cent
      (307/900) of 5-ASA patients had at least one adverse event compared to 33%
      (301/914) of placebo patients (RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.17; 10 studies; 1814
      patients). Fourteen per cent (127/917) of 5-ASA patients withdrew due to adverse
      events compared to 13% (119/916) of placebo patients (RR 1.11, 95% CI 0.88 to
      1.38; 9 studies; 1833 patients). One per cent (3/293) of 5-ASA patients had a
      serious adverse event compared to 0.7% (2/283) of placebo patients (RR 1.43, 95%
      CI 0.24 to 2.83; 3 studies; 576 patients). Common adverse events reported in the
      studies included diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, headache and
      skin rash. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: We found no evidence in this review to suggest
      that oral 5-ASA preparations are superior to placebo for the maintenance of
      medically-induced remission in patients with Crohn's disease. Additional
      randomised trials may not be justified.

PMID- 27681658
TI  - Challenges encountered in the conduct of Optimal Health: A patient-centered
      comparative effectiveness study of interventions for adults with serious mental
      illness.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of patient-centered comparative effectiveness research is to
      conduct stakeholder-driven investigations that identify which interventions are
      most effective for which patients under specific circumstances. Conducting this
      research in real-world settings comes with unique experiences and challenges. We
      provide the study design, challenges confronted, and the solutions we devised for
      Optimal Health, a stakeholder-informed patient-centered comparative effectiveness
      study focused on the needs of seriously mentally ill individuals receiving case
      management services in community mental health centers across Pennsylvania.
      METHODS: Optimal Health, supported by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research
      Institute, is a cluster-randomized trial of two evidence-based interventions for
      improving health and wellness across 11 provider sites. Participants were
      followed for 18-24 months, with repeated measurements of self-reported health
      status and activation in care and administrative measurements of primary and
      specialty health service utilization. Health-related quality of life, engagement
      in care, and service utilization are to be compared via random effects mixed
      models. Stakeholders were, and continue to be, engaged via focus groups,
      interviews, and stakeholder advisory board meetings. A learning collaborative
      model was used to support shared learning and implementation fidelity across
      provider sites. RESULTS: From 1 November 2013 through 15 July 2014, we recruited
      1229 adults with serious mental illness, representing 85.1% of those eligible for
      study participation. Of these, 713 are in the Provider-Supported arm of the study
      and 516 in Patient Self-Directed Care. Across five data collection time points,
      we retained 86% and 83% of the participants in the Provider-Supported and Self
      Directed arms, respectively. LESSONS LEARNED: Lessons learned relate to
      estimation of the size of our study population, the value of multiple data
      sources, and intervention training and implementation. The use of historical
      claims data can lead to an overestimation of eligible participants and,
      subsequently, a reduced study sample and an imbalance between intervention arms.
      Disruptions in continuity of care in real-world settings can pose challenges to
      on-site self-report data collection, although the inclusion of multiple data
      sources in study design can improve data completeness. Geographic dispersion of
      rural provider sites and staff turnover can lead to training and intervention
      fidelity challenges that can be overcome with the use of a "train-the-trainer"
      model, "wellness champions," and the use of a Learning Collaborative approach.
      Stakeholder engagement in mitigating these challenges proved to be critical to
      study progress. CONCLUSION: Conducting real-world patient-centered comparative
      effectiveness research in healthcare systems that care for seriously mentally ill
      persons is an important yet challenging undertaking, one which requires
      flexibility in identifying potential adaptations within all major study phases.
      Advice from a wide range of stakeholders is critical in development of successful
      strategies.

PMID- 27681659
TI  - A system for the treatment of nocturnal enuresis in children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This paper presents our findings related to the treatment of children
      with nocturnal enuresis using our own rehabilitation system. The basic three
      elements of the therapeutic process include: 1st stage: assessment of the way in
      which a child urinates; 2nd stage: treatment of bladder dysfunctions; 3rd stage:
      learning to wake up in order to urinate. METHODS: Medical records of 198 children
      were used in the study. Group 1: children with monosymptomatic nocturnal
      enuresis. Group 2: children with polisymptomatic nocturnal enuresis. Group 1 was
      treated with the use of alarm device (AD). The treatment in group 2 started with
      the urotherapy and pharamacotherapy of bladder dysfunctions, if the treatment was
      effective a therapy with the use of alarm device was recommended. RESULTS: A
      therapy with an AD was carried out in 122 children, 6 started to wake up without
      episodes of NE that would trigger the alarm, in 31 the ability to wake up in
      order to urinate developed in the first month of the therapy, 35 were cured after
      2 months, in another 5 children the therapy was continued and was successfully
      completed in the 3rd month of using the AD. In total, 77 children (63.1%) treated
      using AD were considered as cured. CONCLUSIONS: The system for the treatment
      based on the functional division is effective both in children with normal
      bladder function and in patients with symptoms of urinary tract dysfunction. The
      treatment with AD is more effective in children with monosymptomatic than with
      polisymptomatic nocturnal enuresis.

PMID- 27681660
TI  - Health related quality of life after radical cystectomy in women: orthotopic
      neobladder versus ileal loop conduit and impact of incontinence.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Enough data about health related quality of life (HRQOL) after
      radical cystectomy (RC) and urinary diversion (UD) in women is still lacking. The
      objectives are to evaluate HRQOL in women after RC and orthotopic neobladder
      (ONB) versus ileal loop conduit (IC) and to assess the impact of urinary
      continence. METHODS: The study included 145 women who underwent RC and came for
      routine follow-up. HRQOL was assessed by two questionnaires (EORTC-QLQ-C30and
      FACT-Bl). ONB group was stratified to: totally continent, with nocturnal
      incontinence (NI) and patients in chronic urinary retention (CUR) and maintained
      on CIC. The orthotopic group (as a whole and its 3 subgroups) was compared to IC.
      RESULTS: ONB group included 22 continent women, 35 with NI and 27 in CUR and on
      CIC. There were no statistically significant differences between ONB and IC
      groups in all domains of the two questionnaires. However, continent women showed
      statistically significant better most of EORTC-QLQ-C30 scales and emotional well
      being, functional well-being, bladder cancer subscale and FACT-Bl total Score
      (P?0.05) than IC group. Similarly, women in CUR showed statistically significant
      better global health and physical functioning EORTC-QLQ-C30 scores (P
      values=0.0001, 0.01) and all domains of FACT-Bl. On the other hand, women with NI
      showed statistically significant lower values in all domains of the EORTC-QLQ-C30
      and FACT-Bl than IC group. CONCLUSIONS: In women, HRQOL is better after ONB than
      IC as long as continence status is preserved. If incontinence is expected, IC may
      be a better option for UD.

PMID- 27681662
TI  - Postoperative cystographic findings as an independent predictor of urinary
      incontinence three months after radical prostatectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Postoperative cystogram has been used to identify clinically
      significant leaks before catheter removal after radical prostatectomy (RP). The
      aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between cystogram
      findings after RP and early urinary incontinence. METHODS: From January 2011 to
      February 2015, 417 patients who had undergone a cystography after RP at our
      hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The ratio dividing the length from the
      upper part of the pubic symphysis to the neck of the bladder with the length of
      the total pubic symphysis height (bladder neck pubic symphysis ratio [BNPSR]) was
      measured and urinary incontinence was assessed by the subjects' use of a pad.
      RESULTS: In the total patient sample, urinary incontinence 3 months after RP was
      28.5%. The mean BNPSR for the group with urinary incontinence and the group
      without was 0.49+/-0.26 and 0.38+/-0.17, respectively (P<0.001). Additionally,
      the rate of urine leakage in the group with urinary incontinence and the group
      without was observed to be 14.3% and 6.4% on cystogram, respectively (P=0.012).
      Open vs. robotic surgeries resulted in urinary incontinence frequencies of 41.0%
      vs. 22.3% (P<0.001). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, both a high
      BNPS ratio (Odds ratio [OR], 23.14; P<0.001) and surgical technique (OR=2.29;
      P<0.001) were shown to be independent predictive factors for urinary incontinence
      3 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: BNPSR measured by cystogram after RP can be
      useful for predicting the occurrence of urinary incontinence and managing a
      patient's progress after RP.

PMID- 27681663
TI  - A prospective evaluation of the availability and utility of the Ambulance Call
      Record in the emergency department - ERRATUM.

PMID- 27681664
TI  - Mechanism of Conductivity Relaxation in Liquid and Polymeric Electrolytes: Direct
      Link between Conductivity and Diffusivity.
AB  - Combining broadband impedance spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry,
      and nuclear magnetic resonance we analyzed charge and mass transport in two
      polymerized ionic liquids and one of their monomeric precursors. In order to
      establish a general procedure for extracting single-particle diffusivity from
      their conductivity spectra, we critically assessed several approaches previously
      employed to describe the onset of diffusive charge dynamics and of the electrode
      polarization in ion conducting materials. Based on the analysis of the
      permittivity spectra, we demonstrate that the conductivity relaxation process
      provides information on ion diffusion and the magnitude of cross-correlation
      effects between ionic motions. A new approach is introduced which is able to
      estimate ionic diffusivities from the characteristic times of conductivity
      relaxation and ion concentration without any adjustable parameters. This opens
      the venue for a deeper understanding of charge transport in concentrated and
      diluted electrolyte solutions.

PMID- 27681665
TI  - Flow Injection Single Particle Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry: An
      Original Simple Approach for the Characterization of Metal-Based Nanoparticles.
AB  - In recent years, single-particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
      (spICPMS) has emerged as a reliable tool that can both count metal-containing
      nanoparticles and measure their mass, thereby allowing sizing if their shape,
      density, and composition are known. However, the methodology associated with the
      current spICPMS approach for mass determination requires determination of both
      the sample uptake rate and the sample introduction efficiency of the nebulization
      system. In this paper, the proof of concept of a novel approach based on flow
      injection (FI) analysis coupled to ICPMS, i.e., FI-spICPMS, is presented. Unlike
      the established technique, this method does not require a determination of the
      transport efficiency and of the sample uptake rate for the accurate measurement
      of particle mass. It also only requires a measurement of the transport efficiency
      for determination of the particle number. Unlike the traditional spICPMS
      approach, the measurement of transport efficiency by FI-spICPMS is not affected
      by changes in sample uptake rate. The efficiency of FI-spICPMS is demonstrated
      through accurate determination of the particle number and size of 60 nm citrate
      coated gold nanoparticles suspended in high-purity water. Despite being simpler,
      the method provides similar results to those obtained by the established spICPMS
      method. With a 5 ms dwell time and 200 MUs settling time, the size detection
      limit is 20 nm, i.e., the same as with spICPMS.

PMID- 27681666
TI  - Effect of Al2O3 Deposition on Performance of Top-Gated Monolayer MoS2-Based Field
      Effect Transistor.
AB  - Deposition of high-k dielectrics on two-dimensional MoS2 is an important process
      for successful application of the transition-metal dichalcogenides in electronic
      devices. Here, we show the effect of H2O reactant exposure on monolayer (1L) MoS2
      during atomic layer deposition (ALD) of Al2O3. The results showed that the ALD
      Al2O3 caused degradation of the performance of 1L MoS2 field effect transistors
      (FETs) owing to the formation of Mo-O bonding and trapping of H2O molecules at
      the Al2O3/MoS2 interface. Furthermore, we demonstrated that reduced duration of
      exposure to H2O reactant and postdeposition annealing were essential to the
      enhancement of the performance of top-gated 1L MoS2 FETs. The mobility and on/off
      current ratios were increased by factors of approximately 40 and 103,
      respectively, with reduced duration of exposure to H2O reactant and with
      postdeposition annealing.

PMID- 27681667
TI  - Nonequilibrium Hybridization Enables Discrimination of a Point Mutation within 5
      40  degrees C.
AB  - Detection of point mutations and single nucleotide polymorphisms in DNA and RNA
      has a growing importance in biology, biotechnology, and medicine. For the
      application at hand, hybridization assays are often used. Traditionally, they
      differentiate point mutations only at elevated temperatures (>40  degrees C) and
      in narrow intervals (DeltaT = 1-10  degrees C). The current study demonstrates
      that a specially designed multistranded DNA probe can differentiate point
      mutations in the range of 5-40  degrees C. This unprecedentedly broad ambient
      temperature range is enabled by a controlled combination of (i) nonequilibrium
      hybridization conditions and (ii) a mismatch-induced increase of equilibration
      time in respect to that of a fully matched complex, which we dub "kinetic
      inversion".

PMID- 27681668
TI  - The Effect of a Perinatal Breastfeeding Support Program on Breastfeeding Outcomes
      in Primiparous Mothers.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a self-efficacy
      intervention on primiparous mothers' breastfeeding behaviors. Participants were
      recruited from an antenatal clinic at a university-affiliated hospital. Seventy
      five primiparous mothers were recruited from November 2013 to February 2014 for
      the control group, and 75 primiparous mothers were recruited from March to June
      2014 for the intervention group. The intervention group participated in a 1-hr
      prenatal breastfeeding workshop and a 1-hr breastfeeding counseling session
      within 24 hr after delivery. The Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form and
      the infant feeding method were assessed at hospital discharge, as well as 4 and 8
      weeks postpartum. The breastfeeding support program was found to be effective and
      beneficial to mothers. Nurses should incorporate breastfeeding self-efficacy
      interventions into their routine care to support new mothers and to increase
      their breastfeeding self-efficacy and the duration of their breastfeeding
      exclusivity.

PMID- 27681669
TI  - Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome - Issue 30.8.

PMID- 27681671
TI  - Synthesis of a Fluorescent Acridone using a Grignard Addition, Oxidation, and
      Nucleophilic Aromatic Substitution Reaction Sequence.
AB  - A three-pot synthesis oriented for an undergraduate organic chemistry laboratory
      was developed to construct a fluorescent acridone molecule. This laboratory
      experiment utilizes Grignard addition to an aldehyde, alcohol oxidation, and
      iterative nucleophilic aromatic substitution steps to produce the final product.
      Each of the intermediates and the acridone product of the synthesis are analyzed
      by common techniques available in most undergraduate chemistry laboratories, such
      as melting point, TLC, IR spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and fluorescence
      spectroscopy. Yields for each transformation in the synthesis are generally
      moderately low to good (20-90%) and nearly all of the students (>90%) who
      attempted the synthesis were able to produce the final acridone product.

PMID- 27681673
TI  - National Survey of Hospital Nursing Research, Part 2: Facilitators and
      Hindrances.

PMID- 27681672
TI  - Magnet(r) Culture and Leadership: Research and Empirical Outcomes.

PMID- 27681670
TI  - Nutrient sensing, signal transduction and immune responses.
AB  - Most cells in the body have a constant supply of nutrients, which are required to
      sustain cellular metabolism and functions. In contrast, cells of the immune
      system can encounter conditions with a limited nutrient supply during the course
      of an immune response. Cells of the immune system frequently operate in complex
      nutrient restricted microenvironments such as tumour or inflammatory sites. The
      concentrations of key nutrients such as glucose and certain amino acids, can be
      low at these sites, and this can have an impact upon immune cell function.
      Nutrient sufficiency is important to supply the metabolic and biosynthetic
      pathways of immune cells. In addition nutrients can also act as important cues
      that influence immunological signalling pathways to affect the function of immune
      cells. This review will describe the various nutrient sensing signalling pathways
      and discuss the evidence that nutrients are critical signals that shape immune
      responses.

PMID- 27681674
TI  - Nursing Research Fellowship: Building Nursing Research Infrastructure in a
      Hospital.

PMID- 27681676
TI  - Promoting Evidence-Based Practice Through a Research Training Program for Point
      of-Care Clinicians.

PMID- 27681675
TI  - Creative Approaches to Increasing Hospital-Based Nursing Research.

PMID- 27681677
TI  - Supporting Research Takes Leadership Commitment.

PMID- 27681678
TI  - Nurses' Research Capacity, Use of Evidence, and Research Productivity in Acute
      Care: Year 1 Findings From a Partnership Study.

PMID- 27681679
TI  - Fostering Clinical Nurse Research in a Hospital Context.

PMID- 27681680
TI  - Transforming Practice Through Publication: A Community Hospital Approach to the
      Creation of a Research-Intensive Environment.

PMID- 27681681
TI  - Creating Staff Confidence in Distinguishing Between Performance Improvement and
      Research Studies: A User-Friendly Worksheet.

PMID- 27681682
TI  - National Survey of Hospital Nursing Research, Part 1: Research Requirements and
      Outcomes.

PMID- 27681684
TI  - The Impairing Effect of Mental Fatigue on Visual Sustained Attention under
      Monotonous Multi-Object Visual Attention Task in Long Durations: An Event-Related
      Potential Based Study.
AB  - The impairing effects of mental fatigue on visual sustained attention were
      assessed by event-related potentials (ERPs). Subjects performed a dual visual
      task, which includes a continuous tracking task (primary task) and a random
      signal detection task (secondary task), for 63 minutes nonstop in order to elicit
      ERPs. In this period, the data such as subjective levels of mental fatigue,
      behavioral performance measures, and electroencephalograms were recorded for each
      subject. Comparing data from the first interval (0-25 min) to that of the second,
      the following phenomena were observed: the subjective fatigue ratings increased
      with time, which indicates that performing the tasks leads to increase in mental
      fatigue levels; reaction times prolonged and accuracy rates decreased in the
      second interval, which indicates that subjects' sustained attention decreased.;
      In the ERP data, the P3 amplitudes elicited by the random signals decreased,
      while the P3 latencies increased in the second interval. These results suggest
      that mental fatigue can modulate the higher-level cognitive processes, in terms
      of less attentional resources allocated to the random stimuli, which leads to
      decreased speed in information evaluating and decision making against the
      stimuli. These findings provide new insights into the question that how mental
      fatigue affects visual sustained attention and, therefore, can help to design
      countermeasures to prevent accidents caused by low visual sustained attention.

PMID- 27681683
TI  - Distribution of Human Norovirus in the Coastal Waters of South Korea.
AB  - The presence of human norovirus in the aquatic environment can cause outbreaks
      related to recreational activities and the consumption of norovirus-contaminated
      clams. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of norovirus genogroups I
      (GI) and II (GII) in the coastal aquatic environment in South Korea (March 2014
      to February 2015). A total of 504 water samples were collected periodically from
      four coastal areas (total sites = 63), of which 44 sites were in estuaries (clam
      fisheries) and 19 were in inflow streams. RT-PCR analysis targeting ORF2 region C
      revealed that 20.6% of the water samples were contaminated by GI (13.3%) or GII
      (16.6%). The prevalence of human norovirus was higher in winter/spring than in
      summer/fall, and higher in inflow streams (50.0%) than in estuaries (7.9%). A
      total of 229 human norovirus sequences were identified from the water samples,
      and phylogenetic analysis showed that the sequences clustered into eight GI
      genotypes (GI.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 9) and nine GII genotypes (GII.2, 3, 4, 5,
      6, 11, 13, 17, and 21). This study highlighted three issues: 1) a strong
      correlation between norovirus contamination via inflow streams and coastal areas
      used in clam fisheries; 2) increased prevalence of certain non-GII.4 genotypes,
      exceeding that of the GII.4 pandemic variants; 3) seasonal shifts in the dominant
      genotypes of both GI and GII.

PMID- 27681685
TI  - Desperately seeking consistency: Student nurses' experiences and expectations of
      academic supervision.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Academic supervision - the support available to students when writing
      assignments - is a fundamental element in the provision of support within nurse
      education. Not only can it underpin high levels of academic achievement, but it
      also has a role in enhancing the retention of students. Despite its importance,
      there is little investigation of undergraduate academic supervision within the
      nursing literature. OBJECTIVES: To explore students' experiences and expectations
      of academic supervision as part of an undergraduate programme of nurse education.
      DESIGN: A qualitative approach to explore student perceptions. SETTING: The
      research was undertaken at a Higher Education Institution in the United Kingdom.
      The institution offers undergraduate nurse education programmes to approximately
      800 students. PARTICIPANTS: Eight pre-registration nursing students from a
      Bachelor of Science programme participated in a focus group interview. All were
      in the first semester of their final year. METHODS: Data were collected using
      focus group interviewing, based around a semistructured question framework. The
      focus groups explored students' expectations and previous experiences of academic
      supervision. The focus group was recorded, responses were transcribed and
      thematic analysis was undertaken to identify key findings. RESULTS: Three themes
      were identified from the data: relationship with supervisor, variation between
      supervisors, and the link between supervision and marking. Overall, students
      identified frustration with variability in the provision of academic supervision.
      CONCLUSIONS: Effective academic supervision depends on a strong relationship
      between student and supervisor - something that can be difficult to achieve if
      supervision is only for a short period of time. Equally, students crave a
      consistent approach to supervision, in terms of both the amount and content of
      feedback. Students are able to identify and articulate a clear link between
      effective supervision and academic achievement.

PMID- 27681686
TI  - Molecular features of bile salt hydrolases and relevance in human health.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bile salt hydrolase (BSH) enzyme is responsible for the de
      conjugation of bile salts by commensal bacteria, thus playing a vital role in
      their colonization and survival in the mammalian intestine and determination of
      their probiotic potential. Further, bile deconjugation also leads to lowering of
      cholesterol and alterations in energy homeostasis, thus making BSH a clinically
      important enzyme. SCOPE OF THE REVIEW: Many recent observations have indicated
      that BSH may be involved in a multifaceted array of roles, directly or indirectly
      in the host and microbial physiology. BSH paralogues have now been found to occur
      in different microbes including free-living and pathogenic bacteria and Archaea.
      BSHs from various sources also show differential activity and substrate spectrum.
      Certain bacteria are known to possess multiple genes for BSH enzymes. BSHs have
      been reported to influence different metabolic phenomena, including bacterial
      pathogenesis and the maintenance of lipid and glucose homeostasis in the host.
      These observations necessitate an intense study into the biochemical, structural
      and regulatory features of BSH enzymes to better understand their role in
      regulating bacterial and host metabolism. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS: In this review, the
      available information on the characteristics of BSH enzymes have been organized
      in order to understand their interactions with a wide range of substrates and
      their myriad physiological roles, from bile resistance to signalling mechanisms.
      GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: A detailed exploration of BSH architecture and regulation
      could provide insights into its evolution and a deeper appreciation of the
      multiple functions of this enzyme relevant to healthcare.

PMID- 27681687
TI  - Random Item Generation Is Affected by Age.
AB  - Purpose: Random item generation (RIG) involves central executive functioning.
      Measuring aspects of random sequences can therefore provide a simple method to
      complement other tools for cognitive assessment. We examine the extent to which
      RIG relates to specific measures of cognitive function, and whether those
      measures can be estimated using RIG only. Method: Twelve healthy older adults
      (age: M = 70.3 years, SD = 4.9; 8 women and 4 men) and 20 healthy young adults
      (age: M = 24 years, SD = 4.0; 12 women and 8 men) participated in this pilot
      study. Each completed a RIG task, along with the color Stroop test, the
      Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status, and the
      Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-Fourth Edition (Dunn & Dunn, 2007). Several
      statistical features extracted from RIG sequences, including recurrence
      quantification, were found to be related to the other measures through
      correlation, regression, and a neural-network model. Results: The authors found
      significant effects of age in RIG and demonstrate that nonlinear machine learning
      can use measures of RIG to accurately predict outcomes from other tools.
      Conclusions: These results suggest that RIG can be used as a relatively simple
      predictor for other tools and in particular seems promising as a potential
      screening tool for selective attention in healthy aging.

PMID- 27681688
TI  - Dysregulation of calcium channels decreases parasecretion in pancreatic beta
      cells in rats born small for gestational age.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of intrauterine malnourishment in the
      development and function of pancreatic islet beta-cells. METHODS: Whole-cell
      patch clamping was used to record voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC)-mediated
      currents. Insulin secretion was detected by measuring capacitance using a
      sequence of sine wave stimuli. VGCC currents and insulin secretion were measured
      in the small for gestational age (SGA) group treated with human recombinant
      growth hormone (hGH). RESULTS: The membrane capacitance in the SGA group (6.4 +/-
      0.9 fF/Pf) was significantly reduced. Calcium current density and peak current
      density in the SGA group were also markedly decreased, whereas other measurements
      of calcium channels were unaltered. Treatment with hGH significantly rescued the
      membrane capacitance, whereas calcium channels were not affected. CONCLUSION: Our
      data suggest that decreased beta-cell secretion is caused by a decreased
      expression of calcium channels and reduced calcium currents. hGH restores beta
      cell secretion in SGA animals, possibly independently of VGCC.

PMID- 27681690
TI  - Breast Cancer Posttreatment Surveillance: Diagnosis and Management of Recurrent
      Disease.
AB  - There has been a steady decline in breast cancer mortality that has led to a
      significant increase in the number of patients surviving breast cancer. We will
      review in this manuscript the evidence and guidelines for posttreatment
      surveillance of patients with breast cancer as well as the management options for
      patients who are diagnosed with local-regional and distant recurrences.

PMID- 27681691
TI  - Sonographic Examination of The Fetus Vis-a-Vis Shoulder Dystocia: A Vexing
      Promise.
AB  - Since antepartum and intrapartum risk factors are poor at identifying women whose
      labor is complicated by shoulder dystocia, sonographic examination of the fetus
      holds promise. Though there are several measurements of biometric parameters to
      identify the parturient who will have shoulder dystocia, none are currently
      clinically useful. Three national guidelines confirm that sonographic
      measurements do not serve as appropriate diagnostic tests to identify women who
      will have shoulder dystocia with or without concurrent injury. In summary,
      biometric measurements of the fetus should not be used to alter clinical
      management with the aim of averting shoulder dystocia.

PMID- 27681689
TI  - An investigation of the antiplatelet effects of succinobucol (AGI-1067).
AB  - Succinobucol is a phenolic antioxidant with anti-inflammatory and antiplatelet
      effects. Given the importance of oxidant stress in modulating platelet-platelet
      and platelet-vessel wall interactions, the aim of this study was to establish if
      antioxidant activity was responsible for the antiplatelet activity of
      succinobucol. Platelet aggregation in response to collagen and adenosine
      diphosphate (ADP) was studied in rabbit whole blood and platelet-rich plasma
      using impedance aggregometry. The effect of oxidant stress on aggregation,
      platelet lipid peroxides, and vascular tone was studied by incubating platelets,
      washed platelets or preconstricted rabbit iliac artery rings respectively with a
      combination of xanthine and xanthine oxidase (X/XO). To study the effect of
      succinobucol in vivo, anaesthetized rats were injected with up to 150 mg/kg
      succinobucol and aggregation measured in blood removed 15 mins later.
      Succinobucol (10-5-10-4 M) significantly attenuated platelet aggregation to
      collagen and ADP in whole blood and platelet-rich plasma. X/XO significantly
      increased aggregation to collagen and platelet lipid peroxides and this was
      reversed by succinobucol. Addition of X/XO to denuded rabbit iliac arteries
      caused a dose-dependent relaxation which was significantly inhibited by
      succinobucol. In vivo administration up to 150 mg/kg had no effect on heart rate
      or mean arterial blood pressure but significantly inhibited platelet aggregation
      to collagen ex vivo. In conclusion, succinobucol displays anti-platelet activity
      in rabbit and rat blood and reverses the increase in platelet aggregation in
      response to oxidant stress.

PMID- 27681692
TI  - An Update on the Acute Management of Shoulder Dystocia.
AB  - Shoulder dystocia continues to challenge obstetrical providers and therefore the
      management must evolve. The available literature demonstrates clear value in both
      simulation training and having a clear algorithmic approach. Similarly, the
      available literature suggests that delivery of the posterior arm should be
      prioritized. Several new techniques such as the Menticoglou maneuver, Gaskin's
      maneuver, and the posterior axilla sling traction technique offer obstetrical
      choices after more traditional techniques have failed.

PMID- 27681694
TI  - Breast Cancer Epidemiology and Risk Factors.
AB  - Between the years 2010 and 2012, the lifetime probability of developing female
      breast cancer was 12.3%, or approximately 1 in 8. Worldwide, breast cancer is the
      most common cancer in women. Survival is increasing. Between 2005 and 2011, the 5
      year relative survival was found to be 89%. This is thought to be due to both the
      increase in utilization of population-wide screening, as well as advances in
      treatment. Less than 10% of breast cancers can be attributed to an inherited
      genetic mutation. Breast cancer is more commonly associated with environmental,
      reproductive, and lifestyle factors, some of which are potentially modifiable.

PMID- 27681693
TI  - Pathologic High-risk Lesions, Diagnosis and Management.
AB  - Percutaneous imaging-guided core needle biopsy (CNB) is a less invasive and less
      expensive alternative to surgical biopsy for the evaluation of breast lesions.
      After a CNB the radiologist determine if there is concordance between the
      pathology, imaging, and clinical findings. Patient management after CNB diagnosis
      of high-risk breast lesion varies. Surgical excision is warranted for lesions
      yielding a CNB diagnosis of ADH; however controversy exists regarding the need
      for surgical excision after CNB diagnosis of radial scar, papillary lesion,
      atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH), or lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS). Repeat
      CNB or surgical excision is warranted if histologic findings and imaging findings
      are discordant.

PMID- 27681695
TI  - Foreword.

PMID- 27681696
TI  - Advances, Pauses, and Future Opportunity for the Prevention of Venous
      Thromboembolism in the Trauma Population.

PMID- 27681697
TI  - The fibrolytic potentials of vitamin D and thymoquinone remedial therapies:
      insights from liver fibrosis established by CCl4 in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vitamin D (VitD) and thymoquinone (TQ) are nutraceutical agents with
      well-known immunomodulatory and hepatoprotective properties. This study measured
      whether VitD and TQ, individually or combined, could have direct fibrolytic
      activities and/or enhanced performance during remedial treatment of liver
      fibrosis established by CCl4 in rats. METHODS: Eighty five male Wistar rats were
      used as 10 negative controls (NC) and the remainders were distributed equally
      into 5 groups: short (S-PC) and long (L-PC) positive controls, TQ, VitD and
      VitD/TQ groups. CCl4 was injected for 7 weeks followed by a week of no
      intervention. TQ and/or VitD were given orally (3 days/week) from week 9 and
      euthanasia was at week 17 for all groups except the S-PC was at week 9. Following
      histopathological and digital image analyses, TGF-beta1, IL-6, IL-10, IL-22 and
      MMP-9 were measured by ELISA in liver homogenates while the corresponding
      cytokine receptors were measured by immunohistochemistry. The mRNA expressions of
      all molecules were measured by quantitative RT-PCR. RESULTS: Fibrosis was evident
      in both PC-groups and was significantly more advanced in the L-PC than S-PC,
      reaching to cirrhosis. The concentrations of TGF-beta1, IL-6, IL-22 and their
      receptors were significantly higher (P < 0.05) simultaneously with significantly
      lower (P < 0.05) concentrations of MMP-9, IL-10 and IL-10 receptors in the S-PC
      and L-PC than the NC-group. TQ and VitD monotherapies showed significantly less
      fibrosis than L-PC but were similar to S-PC. Both remedial monotherapies also
      resulted in significant decreases of TGF-beta1, IL-6, IL-22 and their receptors
      together with significant increases of MMP-9 and IL-10 system compared with S-PC
      and L-PC groups. Interestingly, dual therapy resulted in the most significant
      improvement in fibrosis score and index, yet was significantly higher (P < 0.05)
      than the NC-group, and concurred with the utmost significant restorations of all
      candidate genes and proteins. CONCLUSIONS: VitD and TQ exhibited comparable anti
      fibrogenic effects and modulated several pro- and anti-fibrotic mediators.
      Additionally, VitD/TQ dual therapy alleviated the previously established liver
      fibrosis simultaneously with significantly enhanced actions at the molecular
      level. More studies are required to explorer the therapeutic value of TQ and VitD
      against liver fibrosis in human.

PMID- 27681698
TI  - Association between polymorphisms of OGG1, EPHA2 and age-related cataract risk: a
      meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Evidences have identified the correlation of 8-oxoguanine DNA
      glycosylase-1 (OGG1) and eph-receptor tyrosine kinase-type A2 (EPHA2)
      polymorphisms in age-related cataract (ARC) risk. However, the results were not
      consistent. The objective of this study was to examine the role of these two gene
      polymorphisms in ARC susceptibility. METHODS: Eligible case-control studies
      published between January 2000 and 2015 were searched and retrieved in the
      electronic databases. The odds ratio with 95 % confidence interval (CI) was
      employed to calculate the strength of the relationship. RESULTS: We totally
      screened out six articles, including 5971 cataract patients and 4189 matched
      controls. Three variants were contained (OGG1 rs1052133; EPHA2 rs7543472 and
      rs11260867). For OGG1 rs1052133, we detected a significant correlation between
      OGG1 polymorphism and ARC risk under the heterogenous model (CG vs. CC: OR =
      1.34, 95 % CI = 1.06-1.70, P = 0.01) and dominant model (GG+CG vs. CC: OR = 1.45,
      95 % CI = 1.16-1.81, P = 0.001), especially in patients with cortical cataract of
      subgroup analysis by phenotypes (P < 0.05). For EPHA2 rs7543472 and rs11260867,
      we did not find a positive association between these two mutations and ARC
      susceptibility in total cases. Subgroup analysis by phenotypes of cataract showed
      that only in cortical cataract, genotypes of rs7543472 under the allele model,
      homogenous model and recessive model; genotypes of rs11260867 under the
      heterogenous model and dominant model were associated with ARC risk. CONCLUSIONS:
      OGG1 rs1052133 (CG and CG+GG genotypes) might be risk factor for ARC,
      particularly in cortical cataract risk. EPHA2 rs7543472 (T allele and TT
      genotype) and rs11260867 (CG and GG+CG genotypes) might be associated with
      cortical cataract.

PMID- 27681699
TI  - Fatal Zika Virus Infection with Secondary Nonsexual Transmission.

PMID- 27681700
TI  - Profiles of Stimulus-Frequency Otoacoustic Emissions from 0.5 to 20 kHz in
      Humans.
AB  - The characteristics of human otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) have not been
      thoroughly examined above the standard audiometric frequency range (>8 kHz). This
      is despite the fact that deterioration of cochlear function often starts at the
      basal, high-frequency end of the cochlea before progressing apically. Here,
      stimulus-frequency OAEs (SFOAEs) were obtained from 0.5 to 20 kHz in 23 young,
      audiometrically normal female adults and three individuals with abnormal
      audiograms, using a low-to-moderate probe level of 36 dB forward pressure level
      (FPL). In audiometrically normal ears, SFOAEs were measurable at frequencies
      approaching the start of the steeply sloping high-frequency portion of the
      audiogram (~12-15 kHz), though their amplitudes often declined substantially
      above ~7 kHz, rarely exceeding 0 dB SPL above 8 kHz. This amplitude decline was
      typically abrupt and occurred at a frequency that was variable across subjects
      and not strongly related to the audiogram. In contrast, certain ears with
      elevated mid-frequency thresholds but regions of normal high-frequency
      sensitivity could possess surprisingly large SFOAEs (>10 dB SPL) above 7 kHz.
      When also measured, distortion-product OAEs (DPOAEs) usually remained stronger at
      higher stimulus frequencies and mirrored the audiogram more closely than SFOAEs.
      However, the high-frequency extent of SFOAE and DPOAE responses was similar when
      compared as a function of the response frequency, suggesting that middle ear
      transmission may be a common limiting factor at high frequencies. Nevertheless,
      cochlear factors are more likely responsible for complexities observed in high
      frequency SFOAE spectra, such as abrupt amplitude changes and narrowly defined
      response peaks above 10 kHz, as well as the large responses in abnormal ears.
      These factors may include altered cochlear reflectivity due to subtle damage or
      the reduced spatial extent of the SFOAE generation region at the cochlear base.
      The use of higher probe levels is necessary to further evaluate the
      characteristics and potential utility of high-frequency SFOAE measurements.

PMID- 27681701
TI  - Antimuscarinic Medication Use in Elderly Patients with Overactive Bladder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Antimuscarinic medications are the first-line pharmacological
      treatment for overactive bladder (OAB); however, little is known about the
      utilization pattern of antimuscarinic agents in elderly patients with OAB.
      OBJECTIVE: This study examined the prevalence and predictors of antimuscarinic
      medication prescribing in elderly patients with OAB, using national ambulatory
      survey data. METHODS: This cross-sectional study utilized the 2009-2010 National
      Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and the outpatient component of the National
      Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey. The study included patients aged >=65
      years diagnosed with OAB based on the International Classification of Diseases.
      Antimuscarinic medications were operationally defined using the American Hospital
      Formulary Service classification and identified using Multum Lexicon codes.
      Descriptive statistics using sampling weights were used to estimate the
      prevalence of antimuscarinic medication prescription, while multivariable
      logistic regression within the conceptual framework of the Anderson Behavioral
      Model was used to identify the factors associated with antimuscarinic medication
      prescription in elderly patients with OAB. RESULTS: According to the national
      surveys, 2.18 million (95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.62-2.75) elderly
      outpatient visits were made for OAB, of which 0.90 million (41.43 %) visits
      involved prescribing of antimuscarinic medications. The most frequently
      prescribed drugs were solifenacin (14.25 %), oxybutynin (10.50 %), and
      tolterodine (6.89 %). Multivariable analysis revealed that patients >=85 years of
      age (odds ratio [OR] 3.50, 95 % CI 1.23-9.92) were more likely to receive
      antimuscarinic medications, and the South region (OR 2.78, 95 % CI 1.01-7.66)
      increased the likelihood of receiving antimuscarinic medications in elderly
      patients with OAB. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that antimuscarinic medications
      are commonly prescribed for elderly patients with OAB and there is variation in
      antimuscarinic use across age and region.

PMID- 27681703
TI  - Characteristics of Japanese aldosterone-producing adenomas with KCNJ5 mutations.
AB  - Somatic mutations in KCNJ5 gene have been identified in patients with adrenal
      aldosterone-producing adenomas (APAs). We previously reported that Japanese
      patients with APAs had distinct characteristics from patients in Western
      countries; i.e. they had a high frequency of KCNJ5 mutations and exhibited a
      frequent association with cortisol co-secretion. Therefore, APAs among Japanese
      patients may have different features from those in Western countries. We added
      recent cases, examined 47 cases (43% male) of APAs, including clinicopathological
      features, KCNJ5 mutations, and the mRNA levels of several steroidogenic enzymes,
      and compared the results obtained to those reported in other countries. While the
      prevalence of KCNJ5 mutations is approximately 40% in Western countries, 37 APA
      cases (78.7%) showed mutations: 26 with p.G151R and 11 with p.L168R. Although a
      significant gender difference has been reported in the frequency of KCNJ5
      mutations in Europe, we did not find any gender difference. However, the
      phenotypes of Japanese patients with mutations were similar to those of patients
      in Western countries; patients were younger and had higher plasma aldosterone
      levels, lower potassium levels, and higher diastolic blood pressure. Reflecting
      these phenotypes, APAs with mutations had higher CYP11B2 mRNA levels. However, in
      contrast to APAs in Western countries, Japanese APAs with mutations showed lower
      CYP11B1, CYP17A1, and CYP11A1 mRNA levels. These findings demonstrated that
      Japanese APA patients may have distinct features including a higher prevalence of
      KCNJ5 mutations, no gender difference in the frequency of these mutations, and
      characteristics similar to the zona glomerulosa.

PMID- 27681702
TI  - Effects of Renal Impairment on Steady-State Plasma Concentrations of
      Rivastigmine: A Population Pharmacokinetic Analysis of Capsule and Patch
      Formulations in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The glomerular filtration rate (GFR), a measure of renal function,
      decreases by approximately 10 mL/min every 10 years after the age of 40 years,
      which could lead to the accumulation of drugs and/or renal toxicity.
      Pharmacokinetic studies of drugs excreted both renally and non-renally are
      desirable in patients with impaired renal function, defined by parameters
      including estimated GFR (eGFR) and creatinine clearance (CLCR). OBJECTIVE: We
      describe here a population pharmacokinetic analysis of the possible effects of
      renal impairment on steady-state plasma concentrations of rivastigmine and its
      metabolite NAP226-90 after rivastigmine patch (5 cm2 [4.6 mg/24 h], 10 cm2 [9.5
      mg/24 h], 15 cm2 [13.3 mg/24 h], and 20 cm2 [17.4 mg/24 h]) and capsule (1.5, 3,
      4.5, and 6 mg/12 h) treatment in patients with Alzheimer's disease. METHODS: The
      data used to conduct the current pharmacokinetic analysis were obtained from the
      pivotal phase III, 24-week, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo- and
      active-controlled, parallel-group study (IDEAL). One blood sample was collected
      from each patient at steady-state to measure plasma concentrations of
      rivastigmine and NAP226-90 using a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry
      (LC-MS/MS) method. The steady-state plasma concentrations of rivastigmine and
      NAP226-90 were plotted against CLCR and eGFR data, and boxplots were constructed
      after stratification by renal function. RESULTS: The two groups (mild/no renal
      impairment vs. moderate/severe/end-stage renal impairment) showed comparable
      demographic covariates for all patch sizes and capsule doses. No correlation was
      observed between CLCR or eGFR and plasma concentrations of rivastigmine or NAP226
      90. Boxplots of concentrations of rivastigmine or NAP226-90 for each dose largely
      overlapped for patch and capsule. Additionally, model-based estimates of plasma
      concentrations adjusted for body weight yielded similar results. CONCLUSION: The
      results of this study show that renal function does not affect rivastigmine or
      NAP226-90 steady-state plasma concentrations, and no dose adjustment in patients
      with renal impairment is required. CLINICALTRIALS.GOV: NCT00099242.

PMID- 27681704
TI  - Usefulness of urinary glucose excretion after oral glucose tolerance testing to
      detect insulin secretion failure before the onset of diabetes mellitus.
AB  - Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors are commonly used to promote urinary
      glucose excretion (UGE). However, it remains unclear how UGE reflects glucose
      metabolism in the natural history of diabetes. Thus, we retrospectively reviewed
      the prediabetes medical records of 64 patients who had undergone 75-g oral
      glucose tolerance testing (OGTT) with measurements of UGE at 0 min, 60 min, and
      120 min. The mean age and glycated hemoglobin levels were 46 +/- 10 years and 5.6
      +/- 0.3%, respectively. The median UGE (60 min + 120 min) value was 16.8 mg
      ([interquartile range]: [10.5-150.0 mg]). Thus, we categorized 16 patients as
      having high UGE (>=150.0 mg) and 48 patients as having low UGE (<150.0 mg). As
      compared with the low UGE group, the high UGE group exhibited a significantly
      lower median insulinogenic index (0.23 [0.12-0.35] vs. 0.56 [0.31-1.06], p =
      0.001) and homeostasis model assessment of beta-cell function value (46 [26-67]
      vs. 66 [41-85], p = 0.028). The log-transformed insulinogenic index exhibited a
      significant inverse association with log-transformed UGE (60 min + 120 min) (r = 
      0.50, p < 0.001). The association between higher UGE and lower insulinogenic
      index was also observed in a subgroup analysis of patients with plasma glucose
      levels of >=160 mg/dL during the OGTT. Therefore, UGE measurements after OGTT may
      provide a useful clinical marker for detecting insulin secretion failure and
      advancing preventive and therapeutic interventions among populations with a high
      risk of developing diabetes.

PMID- 27681705
TI  - ABO type and bleeding during adult ECMO.

PMID- 27681707
TI  - Adverse Events in Childhood as a Risk Factor for Elevated BMI among People with
      Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder.
AB  - Diseases of obesity have become a major cause of morbidity and mortality among
      people with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Childhood adversity has been
      associated with adult obesity in the general public, but has not been examined
      among people with mental illness. This study used a secondary analysis to examine
      childhood adversity and body mass index in people with schizophrenia and bipolar
      disorder. Among females, a history of physical abuse from parents or paternal
      emotional neglect was associated with an increased risk for obesity (OR = 3.34
      and 2.44, respectively).

PMID- 27681706
TI  - Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for refractory cardiogenic shock
      post-cardiac arrest.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe the characteristics, outcomes, and risk factors associated
      with poor outcome of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO)
      treated patients with refractory shock post-cardiac arrest. METHODS: We
      retrospectively analyzed data collected prospectively (March 2007-January 2015)
      in a 26-bed tertiary hospital intensive care unit. All patients implanted with VA
      ECMO for refractory cardiogenic shock after successful resuscitation from cardiac
      arrest were included. Refractory cardiac arrest patients, given VA-ECMO under
      cardiopulmonary resuscitation, were excluded. RESULTS: Ninety-four patients
      received VA-ECMO for refractory shock post-cardiac arrest. Their hospital and 12
      month survival rates were 28 and 27 %, respectively. All 1-year survivors were
      cerebral performance category 1. Multivariable analysis retained INR >2.4 (OR
      4.9; 95 % CI 1.4-17.2), admission SOFA score >14 (OR 5.3; 95 % CI 1.7-16.5), and
      shockable rhythm (OR 0.3; 95 % CI 0.1-0.9) as independent predictors of hospital
      mortality, but not SAPS II, out-of-hospital cardiac arrest score, or other
      cardiac arrest variables. Only 10 % of patients with an admission SOFA score >14
      survived, whereas 50 % of those with scores <=14 were alive at 1 year.
      Restricting the analysis to the 67 patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest
      of coronary cause yielded similar results. CONCLUSION: Among 94 patients
      implanted with VA-ECMO for refractory cardiogenic shock post-cardiac arrest
      resuscitation, the 24 (27 %) 1-year survivors had good neurological outcomes, but
      survival was significantly better for patients with admission SOFA scores <14,
      shockable rhythm, and INR <=2.4. VA-ECMO might be considered a rescue therapy for
      patients with refractory cardiogenic shock post-cardiac arrest resuscitation.

PMID- 27681709
TI  - Snowball Vs. House-to-House Technique for Measuring Annual Incidence of Kala-azar
      in the Higher Endemic Blocks of Bihar, India: A Comparison.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Visceral Leishmaniasis, commonly known as kala-azar, is widely
      prevalent in Bihar. The National Kala-azar Control Program has applied house-to
      house survey approach several times for estimating Kala-azar incidence in the
      past. However, this approach includes huge logistics and operational cost, as
      occurrence of kala-azar is clustered in nature. The present study aims to compare
      efficiency, cost and feasibility of snowball sampling approach to house-to-house
      survey approach in capturing kala-azar cases in two endemic districts of Bihar,
      India. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: A community based cross-sectional study
      was conducted in two highly endemic Primary Health Centre (PHC) areas, each from
      two endemic districts of Bihar, India. Snowball technique (used to locate
      potential subjects with help of key informants where subjects are hard to locate)
      and house-to-house survey technique were applied to detect all the new cases of
      Kala-azar during a defined reference period of one year i.e. June, 2010 to May,
      2011. The study covered a total of 105,035 households with 537,153 populations.
      Out of total 561 cases and 17 deaths probably due to kala-azar, identified by the
      study, snowball sampling approach captured only 221 cases and 13 deaths, whereas
      489 cases and 17 deaths were detected by house-to-house survey approach. Higher
      value of McNemar's chi2 statistics (64; p<0.0001) for house-to-house survey
      approach than snowball sampling and relative difference (>1) indicates that most
      of the kala-azar cases missed by snowball sampling were captured by house-to
      house approach with 13% of omission. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Snowball sampling
      was not found sensitive enough as it captured only about 50% of VL cases.
      However, it captured about 77% of the deaths probably due to kala-azar and was
      found more cost-effective than house-to-house approach. Standardization of
      snowball approach with improved procedure, training and logistics may enhance the
      sensitivity of snowball sampling and its application in national Kala-azar
      elimination programme as cost-effective approach for estimation of kala-azar
      burden.

PMID- 27681708
TI  - A spatial model of Wild Poliovirus Type 1 in Kano State, Nigeria: calibration and
      assessment of elimination probability.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Since the launch of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, all but
      three countries (Nigeria, Pakistan, and Afghanistan) have apparently interrupted
      all wild poliovirus (WPV) transmission, and only one of three wild serotypes has
      been reported globally since 2012. Countrywide supplemental immunization
      campaigns in Nigeria produced dramatic reduction in WPV Type 1 paralysis cases
      since 2010 compared to the 2000's, and WPV1 has not been observed in Nigeria
      since July 24, 2014. This article presents the development and calibration of a
      spatial metapopulation model of wild poliovirus Type 1 transmission in Kano
      State, Nigeria, which was the location of the most recent WPV1 case and 5 out of
      6 of the reported WPV1 paralytic cases in Nigeria in 2014. METHODS: The model is
      calibrated to data on the case counts and age at onset of paralysis from 2003
      2009. The features of the data drive model development from a simple susceptible
      exposed-infective-recovered (SEIR) model to a spatial metapopulation model
      featuring seasonal forcing and age-dependent transmission. The calibrated
      parameter space is then resampled, projected forward, and compared to more recent
      case counts to estimate the probability that Type 1 poliovirus has been
      eliminated in Kano state. RESULTS: The model indicates a 91 % probability that
      Type 1 poliovirus has been eliminated from Kano state as of October 2015. This
      probability rises to >99 % if no WPV1 paralysis cases are detected for another
      year. The other states in Nigeria have experienced even longer case-free periods
      (the only other state with a WPV1 case was Yobe, on April 19, 2014), and Nigeria
      is the last remaining country in Africa to experience endemic WPV1 transmission,
      so these results can be interpreted as an upper bound on the probability that
      WPV1 transmission is currently interrupted continent-wide. CONCLUSIONS: While the
      results indicate optimism that WPV1 transmission has been interrupted in Kano
      state, the model also assumes that frequent SIAs with high coverage continue to
      take place in Kano state through the end of the certification period. We conclude
      that though WPV1 appears to be on the brink of continent-wide elimination (WHO
      officially removed Nigeria from the list of polio-endemic countries on September
      25, 2015), it is important for the polio program to maintain vigilance in
      surveillance and vaccination activities to prevent WPV1 resurgence through the
      WHO's 3-year eradication certification period.

PMID- 27681710
TI  - Do previous sports experiences influence the effect of an enrichment programme in
      basketball skills?
AB  - The aim of this study was to examine the effect of an enrichment programme in
      motor, technical and tactical basketball skills, when accounting for the age of
      youth sport specialisation. Seventy-six college students (age: M = 20.4, SD =
      1.9) were allocated according to three different paths: (i) non-structured (n =
      14), (ii) early specialisation (n = 34), and (iii) late specialisation (n = 28),
      according to information previously provided by the participants about the
      quantity and type of sporting activities performed throughout their sporting
      careers. Then, the participants of each path were randomly distributed across
      control and experimental groups. Variables under study included agility,
      technical skills circuit, as well as tactical actions performed in a 4-on-4 full
      court basketball game. The results indicated improvements in the early and late
      specialisation paths namely in the experimental training groups. However, the
      late specialisation path revealed larger benefits, in contrast with the non
      structured path, which showed less sensitivity to the enrichment programme,
      mostly sustained in physical literacy and differential learning. Higher
      improvements were observed in agility, and also in reducing the number of
      unsuccessful actions performed during the game. Overall, this study provided
      evidence of how early sports experiences affect basketball skill acquisition and
      contribute to adapt to new contexts with motor and technical-tactical challenges.
      In addition, a path supported by late specialisation might present several
      advantages in sport performance achievement.

PMID- 27681711
TI  - Adaptation of the Grasha Riechman Student Learning Style Survey and Teaching
      Style Inventory to assess individual teaching and learning styles in a quality
      improvement collaborative.
AB  - BACKGROUND: NIATx200, a quality improvement collaborative, involved 201 substance
      abuse clinics. Each clinic was randomized to one of four implementation
      strategies: (a) interest circle calls, (b) learning sessions, (c) coach only or
      (d) a combination of all three. Each strategy was led by NIATx200 coaches who
      provided direct coaching or facilitated the interest circle and learning session
      interventions. METHODS: Eligibility was limited to NIATx200 coaches (N = 18), and
      the executive sponsor/change leader of participating clinics (N = 389).
      Participants were invited to complete a modified Grasha Riechmann Student
      Learning Style Survey and Teaching Style Inventory. Principal components analysis
      determined participants' preferred learning and teaching styles. RESULTS:
      Responses were received from 17 (94.4 %) of the coaches. Seventy-two individuals
      were excluded from the initial sample of change leaders and executive sponsors (N
      = 389). Responses were received from 80 persons (25.2 %) of the contactable
      individuals. Six learning profiles for the executive sponsors and change leaders
      were identified: Collaborative/Competitive (N = 28, 36.4 %);
      Collaborative/Participatory (N = 19, 24.7 %); Collaborative only (N = 17, 22.1
      %); Collaborative/Dependent (N = 6, 7.8 %); Independent (N = 3, 5.2 %); and
      Avoidant/Dependent (N = 3, 3.9 %). NIATx200 coaches relied primarily on one of
      four coaching profiles: Facilitator (N = 7, 41.2 %), Facilitator/Delegator (N =
      6, 35.3 %), Facilitator/Personal Model (N = 3, 17.6 %) and Delegator (N = 1, 5.9
      %). Coaches also supported their primary coaching profiles with one of eight
      different secondary coaching profiles. CONCLUSIONS: The study is one of the first
      to assess teaching and learning styles within a QIC. Results indicate that
      individual learners (change leaders and executive sponsors) and coaches utilize
      multiple approaches in the teaching and practice-based learning of quality
      improvement (QI) processes. Identification teaching profiles could be used to
      tailor the collaborative structure and content delivery. Efforts to accommodate
      learning styles would facilitate knowledge acquisition enhancing the
      effectiveness of a QI collaborative to improve organizational processes and
      outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00934141
      Registered July 6, 2009. Retrospectively registered.

PMID- 27681712
TI  - Correlation of Expression of Breast Biomarkers in Primary and Metastatic Breast
      Carcinomas: A Single-Institution Experience.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Changes in the status of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor
      (PR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) in metastatic breast
      carcinomas are frequently reported. We examined the change in the status of
      biomarkers in metastatic breast carcinomas. STUDY DESIGN: This study cohort was
      composed of 137 metastatic breast carcinomas (58 surgical and 79 cytological
      specimens) with existing primary tumors during a study period from 2013 to 2015.
      RESULTS: The overall change rates in metastases were 9, 21 and 6% for ER, PR and
      HER2, respectively. All changes were from positive in the primary tumor to
      negative in the metastases. The ER change rate was significantly higher in the
      cytological than in the surgical metastases. Six of 14 cytological metastases
      with positive HER2 in primary tumors showed a change in HER2 status, including 5
      fluid specimens and 1 fine-needle aspiration (FNA); the other 8 had no change in
      HER2 status, and included 7 FNAs and 1 fluid specimen. CONCLUSION: The
      significant percentage of cases with a change in biomarker status supports the
      recommendation by the College of American Pathologists to test breast biomarkers
      in metastases. HER2 status change was mostly identified in fluid specimens;
      however, the small sample size in our cohort and the fact that HER2 fluorescence
      in situ hybridization was not performed may warrant further studies.

PMID- 27681713
TI  - Novel Diterpenoids from the Twigs of Podocarpus nagi.
AB  - Phytochemical investigation of the twigs of Podocarpus nagi (Podocarpaceae) led
      to the isolation of two new abietane-type diterpenoids, named 1beta,16
      dihydroxylambertic acid (1) and 3beta,16-dihydroxylambertic acid (2), along with
      two new ent-pimarane-type diterpenoids, named ent-2beta,15,16,18
      tetrahydroxypimar-8(14)-ene (3) and ent-15-oxo-2beta,16,18-trihydroxypimar-8(14)
      ene (4). Their respective structures were elucidated on the basis of
      spectroscopic analyses, including 1D- and 2D-NMR, IR, CD, and HR-ESI-MS. This is
      the first time ent-pimarane-type diterpenoids from the genus Podocarpus has been
      reported. All four new compounds were tested for cytotoxic activity. The MTT
      assay results showed that compounds 3 and 4 significantly inhibited the
      proliferation of human cervical cancer Hela cells, human lung cancer A549 cells,
      and human breast cancer MCF-7 cells at a concentration of 10 MUM. Furthermore,
      using the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, compounds 2 and 4
      were found to significantly inhibit nitrogen oxide (NO) production with IC50
      values of 26.5 +/- 6.1 and 17.1 +/- 1.5 MUM, respectively.

PMID- 27681714
TI  - Antiprotozoal and Antiglycation Activities of Sesquiterpene Coumarins from Ferula
      narthex Exudate.
AB  - The exudate of Ferula narthex Boiss. (Apiaceae) is widely used in the Indian
      subcontinent as a spice and because of its health effects. Six sesquiterpene
      coumarins have been isolated from this exudate: feselol, ligupersin A,
      asacoumarin A, 8'-O-acetyl-asacoumarin A, 10'R-karatavacinol and 10'R-acetyl
      karatavacinol. Based on its use in infectious and diabetic conditions, the
      isolated constituents were evaluated for antimicrobial and antiglycation
      activities. Some compounds showed activity against protozoal parasites,
      asacoumarin A being the most active one against Plasmodium falciparum K1 (IC50
      1.3 MUM). With regard to antiglycation activity, in the BSA-glucose test,
      ligupersin A displayed the highest activity (IC50 0.41 mM), being more active
      than the positive control aminiguanidine (IC50 1.75 mM). In the BSA-MGO assay,
      the highest activity was shown by 8'-O-acetyl-asacoumarin A (IC50 1.03 mM), being
      less active than aminoguanidine (IC50 0.15 mM). Hence, the antiglycation activity
      of the isolated constituents was due to both oxidative and non-oxidative modes of
      inhibition.

PMID- 27681715
TI  - Acacetin Protects Mice from Staphylococcus aureus Bloodstream Infection by
      Inhibiting the Activity of Sortase A.
AB  - Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a major cause of infection in hospitals and
      communities. Widespread dissemination of multi-drug resistant S. aureus is a
      serious threat to the health of humans and animals. An anti-virulence strategy
      has been widely considered as an alternative therapeutic approach. Inhibitors of
      virulence factors are able to treat S. aureus infections without influencing the
      growth or viability of bacteria and rarely lead to bacterial resistance. Sortase
      A (SrtA) is a membrane-associated cysteine transpeptidase that catalyzes up to 25
      surface proteins that covalently bind to cell wall peptidoglycans. In S. aureus,
      most of these surface proteins have been identified as important virulence
      factors that are vital in bacterial pathogenesis. In the present study, we show
      that acacetin, a natural flavonoid compound, inhibits the activity of SrtA in S.
      aureus (IC50 = 36.46 +/- 4.69 MUg/mL, 128 MUM) which affects the assembly of
      protein A (SpA) to cell walls and reduces the binding of S. aureus to fibrinogen
      (Fg). The mechanism of the interaction between acacetin and SrtA were
      preliminarily discussed using molecular dynamics simulations. The results
      suggested that acacetin adopted a compact conformation binding at the pocket of
      the SrtA via residues Arg-139 and Lys-140. By performing an animal infection
      model, we demonstrated that acacetin was able to protect mice from renal abscess
      formation induced by S. aureus and significantly increased survival rates. Taken
      together, these findings suggest that acacetin may be a promising candidate for
      the development of anti-S. aureus drugs.

PMID- 27681716
TI  - Terminamines K-S, Antimetastatic Pregnane Alkaloids from the Whole Herb of
      Pachysandra terminalis.
AB  - Nine new pregnane alkaloids (1-9), together with eight known alkaloids (10-17),
      were isolated from the whole herb of Pachysandra terminalis. Their structures
      were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analyses. In addition, the isolates
      were examined for their ability to inhibit the migration of MDA-MB-231 cells
      induced by the chemokine epidermal growth factor (EGF). Alkaloids 1, 5, 7, 9, 12,
      and 17 presented significant anti-metastasis activities compared with the
      positive reagent, LY294002.

PMID- 27681717
TI  - Improvement of Peptide-Based Tumor Immunotherapy Using pH-Sensitive Fusogenic
      Polymer-Modified Liposomes.
AB  - To establish peptide vaccine-based cancer immunotherapy, we investigated the
      improvement of antigenic peptides by encapsulation with pH-sensitive fusogenic
      polymer-modified liposomes for induction of antigen-specific immunity. The
      liposomes were prepared by modification of egg yolk phosphatidylcholine and l
      dioleoyl phosphatidylethanolamine with 3-methyl-glutarylated hyperbranched
      poly(glycidol) (MGlu-HPG) and were loaded with antigenic peptides derived from
      ovalbumin (OVA) OVA-I (SIINFEKL), and OVA-II (PSISQAVHAAHAEINEAPbetaA), which
      bind, respectively, to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and class
      II molecules on dendritic cell (DCs). The peptide-loaded liposomes were taken up
      efficiently by DCs. The peptides were delivered into their cytosol.
      Administration of OVA-I-loaded MGlu-HPG-modified liposomes to mice bearing OVA
      expressing E.G7-OVA tumors induced the activation of OVA-specific CTLs much more
      efficiently than the administration of free OVA-I peptide did. Mice strongly
      rejected E.G7-OVA cells after immunization with OVA-I peptide-loaded MGlu-HPG
      liposomes, although mice treated with free OVA-I peptide only slightly rejected
      the cells. Furthermore, efficient suppression of tumor volume was observed when
      tumor-bearing mice were immunized with OVA-I-peptide-loaded liposomes.
      Immunization with OVA-II-loaded MGlu-HPG-modified liposomes exhibited much lower
      tumor-suppressive effects. Results indicate that MGlu-HPG liposomes might be
      useful for improvement of CTL-inducing peptides for efficient cancer
      immunotherapy.

PMID- 27681718
TI  - Effects of Sanguis Draconis on Perforator Flap Survival in Rats.
AB  - Sanguis draconis, a resin known to improve blood circulation, relieve pain,
      stimulate tissue regeneration, and heal wounds, is widely used in clinical
      practice. In this study, we prepared an ethanol extract of sanguis draconis
      (EESD) containing 75.08 mg/g of dracorhodin. The experiment was carried out on 20
      rats that were divided into two groups, a control group (n = 10) and an EESD
      group (n = 10). All the rats underwent a perforator flap surgery, after which
      post-operative abdominal compressions of EESD were given to the EESD group for
      seven days, while the control group received saline. Flap survival percentages
      were determined after seven days, and were found to be significantly higher in
      the EESD group than in the control group. Results of laser Doppler flowmetry
      (LDF) showed that perforator flaps in the EESD group had higher perfusion values
      than those of the control group. The flap tissues were stained with hematoxylin
      and eosin, followed by immunohistochemical evaluation. Superoxide dismutase (SOD)
      expression and micro-vessel development markedly increased in the EESD group,
      while malondialdehyde (MDA) levels decreased. This is the first study to
      investigate the effect of sanguis draconis on perforator flap survival. Our
      results demonstrate that sanguis draconis can improve perforator flap survival in
      rats by promoting microvessel regeneration and blood perfusion.

PMID- 27681719
TI  - Anti-Cancer Effect of Quercetin in Xenograft Models with EBV-Associated Human
      Gastric Carcinoma.
AB  - Licorice extracts have been widely used in herbal and folk medications.
      Glycyrrhiza contains diverse range of biological compounds including triterpenes
      (glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhizic acid) and flavonoids (quercetin, liquiritin,
      liquiritigenin, glabridin, licoricidin, isoliquiritigenin). The flavonoids in
      licorice are known to have strong anti-cancer activities. Quercetin, the most
      abundant flavonoid, has been shown to have anti-ulcer, anti-cancer, antioxidant,
      and anti-inflammatory properties. Latent Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection can
      lead to serious malignancies, such as, Burkitt's lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and
      gastric carcinoma(GC), and (Epstein-Barr virus associated gastric carcinoma)
      EBVaGC is one of the most common EBV-associated cancers. In this study, the
      authors first examined the anti-cancer effects of quercetin and isoliquiritigenin
      in vivo xenograft animal models implanted with EBV(+) human gastric carcinoma
      (SNU719) or EBV(-) human gastric carcinoma (MKN74), and then explored the
      molecular mechanisms responsible for their anti-cancer activities. The results
      obtained showed that anti-cancer effect of quercetin was greater than
      isoliquiritigenin in mice injected with EBV(+) human gastric carcinoma (SNU719)
      cells. On the other hand, quercetin and isoliquiritigenin had similar anti-cancer
      effects in mice injected with EBV(-) human gastric carcinoma (MKN74) cells.
      Interestingly, quercetin inhibited EBV viral protein expressions, including EBNA
      1 and LMP-2 proteins in tumor tissues from mice injected with EBV(+) human
      gastric carcinoma. Quercetin more effectively induced p53-dependent apoptosis
      than isoliquiritigenin in EBV(+) human gastric carcinoma, and this induction was
      correlated with increased expressions of the cleaved forms of caspase-3, -9, and
      Parp. In EBV(-)human gastric carcinoma (MKN74), both quercetin and
      isoliquiritigenin induced the expressions of p53, Bax, and Puma and the cleaved
      forms of caspase-3 and -9 and Parp at similar levels.

PMID- 27681720
TI  - The Structure-Antimicrobial Activity Relationships of a Promising Class of the
      Compounds Containing the N-Arylpiperazine Scaffold.
AB  - This research was focused on in silico characterization and in vitro biological
      testing of the series of the compounds carrying a N-arylpiperazine moiety. The in
      silico investigation was based on the prediction of electronic, steric and
      lipohydrophilic features. The molecules were screened against Mycobacterium avium
      subsp. paratuberculosis CIT03, M. smegmatis ATCC 700084, M. kansasii DSM 44162,
      M. marinum CAMP 5644, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, methicillin-resistant S.
      aureus 63718, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212,
      Candida albicans CCM 8261, C. parapsilosis CCM 8260 and C. krusei CCM 8271,
      respectively, by standardized microdilution methods. The eventual
      antiproliferative (cytotoxic) impact of those compounds was examined on a human
      monocytic leukemia THP-1 cell line, as a part of the biological study. Promising
      potential against M. kansasii was found for 1-[3-(3-ethoxyphenylcarbamoyl)oxy-2
      hydroxypropyl]-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazin-1-ium chloride (MIC = 31.75
      MUM), which was comparable to the activity of isoniazid (INH; MIC = 29.17 MUM).
      Moreover, 1-{2-hydroxy-3-(3-methoxyphenylcarbamoyl)oxy)propyl}-4-(4
      fluorophenyl)piperazin-1-ium chloride was even more effective (MIC = 17.62 MUM)
      against given mycobacterium. Among the tested N-arylpiperazines, 1-{2-hydroxy-3
      (4-methoxyphenylcarbamoyl)oxy)propyl}-4-(3-trifluorometh-ylphenyl)piperazin-1-ium
      chloride was the most efficient against M. marinum (MIC = 65.32 MUM). One of the
      common features of all investigated substances was their insignificant
      antiproliferative (i.e., non-cytotoxic) effect. The study discussed structure
      antimicrobial activity relationships considering electronic, steric and
      lipophilic properties.

PMID- 27681721
TI  - Nanoemulsion Formulations of Fungicide Tebuconazole for Agricultural
      Applications.
AB  - Tebuconazole (TBZ) nanoemulsions (NEs) were formulated using a low energy method.
      TBZ composition directly affected the drop size and surface tension of the NE.
      Water fraction and the organic-to-surfactant-ratio (RO/S) were evaluated in the
      range of 1-90 and 1-10 wt %, respectively. The study was carried out with an
      organic phase (OP) consisting of an acetone/glycerol mixture containing TBZ at a
      concentration of 5.4 wt % and Tween 80 (TW80) as a nonionic and Agnique BL1754
      (AG54) as a mixture of nonionic and anionic surfactants. The process involved a
      large dilution of a bicontinuous microemulsion (ME) into an aqueous phase (AP).
      Pseudo-ternary phase diagrams of the OP//TW80//AP and OP//AG54//AP systems at T =
      25  degrees C were determined to map ME regions; these were in the range of 0.49
      0.90, 0.01-0.23, and 0.07-0.49 of OP, AP, and surfactant, respectively. Optical
      microscope images helped confirm ME formation and system viscosity was measured
      in the range of 25-147 cP. NEs with drop sizes about 9 nm and 250 nm were
      achieved with TW80 and AG54, respectively. An innovative low-energy method was
      used to develop nanopesticide TBZ formulations based on nanoemulsion (NE)
      technology. The surface tension of the studied systems can be lowered 50% more
      than that of pure water. This study's proposed low-energy NE formulations may
      prove useful in sustainable agriculture.

PMID- 27681722
TI  - MicroRNA-944 Affects Cell Growth by Targeting EPHA7 in Non-Small Cell Lung
      Cancer.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have critical roles in lung tumorigenesis and development. To
      determine aberrantly expressed miRNAs involved in non-small cell lung cancer
      (NSCLC) and investigate pathophysiological functions and mechanisms, we firstly
      carried out small RNA deep sequencing in NSCLC cell lines (EPLC-32M1, A549 and
      801D) and a human immortalized cell line 16HBE, we then studied miRNA function by
      cell proliferation and apoptosis. cDNA microarray, luciferase reporter assay and
      miRNA transfection were used to investigate interaction between the miRNA and
      target gene. miR-944 was significantly down-regulated in NSCLC and had many
      putative targets. Moreover, the forced expression of miR-944 significantly
      inhibited the proliferation of NSCLC cells in vitro. By integrating mRNA
      expression data and miR-944-target prediction, we disclosed that EPHA7 was a
      potential target of miR-944, which was further verified by luciferase reporter
      assay and microRNA transfection. Our data indicated that miR-944 targets EPHA7 in
      NSCLC and regulates NSCLC cell proliferation, which may offer a new mechanism
      underlying the development and progression of NSCLC.

PMID- 27681725
TI  - Fabrication and Mechanical Characterization of Hydrogel Infused Network Silk
      Scaffolds.
AB  - Development and characterization of porous scaffolds for tissue engineering and
      regenerative medicine is of great importance. In recent times, silk scaffolds
      were developed and successfully tested in tissue engineering and drug release
      applications. We developed a novel composite scaffold by mechanical infusion of
      silk hydrogel matrix into a highly porous network silk scaffold. The mechanical
      behaviour of these scaffolds was thoroughly examined for their possible use in
      load bearing applications. Firstly, unconfined compression experiments show that
      the denser composite scaffolds displayed significant enhancement in the elastic
      modulus as compared to either of the components. This effect was examined and
      further explained with the help of foam mechanics principles. Secondly, results
      from confined compression experiments that resemble loading of cartilage in
      confinement, showed nonlinear material responses for all scaffolds. Finally, the
      confined creep experiments were performed to calculate the hydraulic permeability
      of the scaffolds using soil mechanics principles. Our results show that composite
      scaffolds with some modifications can be a potential candidate for use of
      cartilage like applications. We hope such approaches help in developing novel
      scaffolds for tissue engineering by providing an understanding of the mechanics
      and can further be used to develop graded scaffolds by targeted infusion in
      specific regions.

PMID- 27681724
TI  - Interactions between Two Different G Protein-Coupled Receptors in Reproductive
      Hormone-Producing Cells: The Role of PACAP and Its Receptor PAC1R.
AB  - Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotropins are indispensable
      hormones for maintaining female reproductive functions. In a similar manner to
      other endocrine hormones, GnRH and gonadotropins are controlled by their
      principle regulators. Although it has been previously established that GnRH
      regulates the synthesis and secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle
      stimulating hormone (FSH)-both gonadotropins-from pituitary gonadotrophs, it has
      recently become clear that hypothalamic GnRH is under the control of hypothalamic
      kisspeptin. Prolactin, which is also known as luteotropic hormone and is released
      from pituitary lactotrophs, stimulates milk production in mammals. Prolactin is
      also regulated by hypothalamic factors, and it is thought that prolactin
      synthesis and release are principally under inhibitory control by dopamine
      through the dopamine D2 receptor. In addition, although it remains unknown
      whether it is a physiological regulator, thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) is a
      strong secretagogue for prolactin. Thus, GnRH, LH and FSH, and prolactin are
      mainly regulated by hypothalamic kisspeptin, GnRH, and TRH, respectively.
      However, the synthesis and release of these hormones is also modulated by other
      neuropeptides in the hypothalamus. Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating
      polypeptide (PACAP) is a hypothalamic peptide that was first isolated from sheep
      hypothalamic extracts based on its ability to stimulate cAMP production in
      anterior pituitary cells. PACAP acts on GnRH neurons and pituitary gonadotrophs
      and lactotrophs, resulting in the modulation of their hormone producing/secreting
      functions. Furthermore, the presence of the PACAP type 1 receptor (PAC1R) has
      been demonstrated in these cells. We have examined how PACAP and PAC1R affect
      GnRH- and pituitary hormone-secreting cells and interact with their principle
      regulators. In this review, we describe our understanding of the role of PACAP
      and PAC1R in the regulation of GnRH neurons, gonadotrophs, and lactotrophs, which
      are regulated mainly by kisspeptin, GnRH, and TRH, respectively.

PMID- 27681723
TI  - The Effects of Syzygium samarangense, Passiflora edulis and Solanum muricatum on
      Alcohol-Induced Liver Injury.
AB  - Previous studies have shown that fruits have different effects on alcohol
      metabolism and alcohol-induced liver injury. The present work selected three
      fruits and aimed at studying the effects of Syzygium samarangense, Passiflora
      edulis and Solanum muricatum on alcohol-induced liver injury in mice. The animals
      were treated daily with alcohol and fruit juices for fifteen days. Chronic
      treatment with alcohol increased the levels of aspartate transaminase (AST),
      alanine transaminase (ALT), total bilirubin (TBIL), triglyceride (TG),
      malondialdehyde (MDA), and decreased total protein (TP). Histopathological
      evaluation also showed that ethanol induced extensive fat droplets in hepatocyte
      cytoplasm. Syzygium samarangense and Passiflora edulis normalized various
      biochemical parameters. Solanum muricatum increased the level of ALT and induced
      infiltration of inflammatory cells in the liver. These results strongly suggest
      that treatment with Syzygium samarangense and Passiflora edulis could protect
      liver from the injury of alcohol, while Solanum muricatum could aggravate the
      damage.

PMID- 27681726
TI  - Global Transcriptomic Analysis of Targeted Silencing of Two Paralogous ACC
      Oxidase Genes in Banana.
AB  - Among 18 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) oxidase homologous genes
      existing in the banana genome there are two genes, Mh-ACO1 and Mh-ACO2, that
      participate in banana fruit ripening. To better understand the physiological
      functions of Mh-ACO1 and Mh-ACO2, two hairpin-type siRNA expression vectors
      targeting both the Mh-ACO1 and Mh-ACO2 were constructed and incorporated into the
      banana genome by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. The generation of Mh-ACO1
      and Mh-ACO2 RNAi transgenic banana plants was confirmed by Southern blot
      analysis. To gain insights into the functional diversity and complexity between
      Mh-ACO1 and Mh-ACO2, transcriptome sequencing of banana fruits using the Illumina
      next-generation sequencer was performed. A total of 32,093,976 reads, assembled
      into 88,031 unigenes for 123,617 transcripts were obtained. Significantly
      enriched Gene Oncology (GO) terms and the number of differentially expressed
      genes (DEGs) with GO annotation were 'catalytic activity' (1327, 56.4%), 'heme
      binding' (65, 2.76%), 'tetrapyrrole binding' (66, 2.81%), and 'oxidoreductase
      activity' (287, 12.21%). Real-time RT-PCR was further performed with mRNAs from
      both peel and pulp of banana fruits in Mh-ACO1 and Mh-ACO2 RNAi transgenic
      plants. The results showed that expression levels of genes related to ethylene
      signaling in ripening banana fruits were strongly influenced by the expression of
      genes associated with ethylene biosynthesis.

PMID- 27681727
TI  - Disruption of Membranes of Extracellular Vesicles Is Necessary for ELISA
      Determination of Urine AQP2: Proof of Disruption and Epitopes of AQP2 Antibodies.
AB  - Aquaporin-2 (AQP2) is present in urine extracellular vesicles (EVs) and is a
      useful biomarker for water balance disorders. We previously found that pre
      treatment of urine with alkali/detergent or storage at -25  degrees C is required
      for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) measurement. We speculated that
      disruptions of EVs membranes are necessary to allow for the direct contact of
      antibodies with their epitopes. Human urine EVs were prepared using an
      ultracentrifugation method. Urine EV samples were stored at different
      temperatures for a week. Electron microscopy showed abundant EVs with diameters
      of 20-100 nm, consistent with those of exosomes, in normal urine, whereas samples
      from alkali/detergent pre-treated urine showed fewer EVs with large swollen
      shapes and frequent membrane disruptions. The abundance and structures of EVs
      were maintained during storage at -80  degrees C, but were severely damaged at 
      25  degrees C. Binding and competitive inhibition assays showed that epitopes of
      monoclonal antibody and polyclonal antibody were the hydrophilic Loop D and C
      terminus of AQP2, respectively, both of which are present on the inner surface of
      EVs. Thus, urine storage at -25  degrees C or pre-treatment with alkali/detergent
      disrupt EVs membranes and allow AQP2 antibodies to bind to their epitopes located
      inside EVs.

PMID- 27681728
TI  - Strain Modal Analysis of Small and Light Pipes Using Distributed Fibre Bragg
      Grating Sensors.
AB  - Vibration fatigue failure is a critical problem of hydraulic pipes under severe
      working conditions. Strain modal testing of small and light pipes is a good
      option for dynamic characteristic evaluation, structural health monitoring and
      damage identification. Unique features such as small size, light weight, and high
      multiplexing capability enable Fibre Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors to measure
      structural dynamic responses where sensor size and placement are critical. In
      this paper, experimental strain modal analysis of pipes using distributed FBG
      sensors ispresented. Strain modal analysis and parameter identification methods
      are introduced. Experimental strain modal testing and finite element analysis for
      a cantilever pipe have been carried out. The analysis results indicate that the
      natural frequencies and strain mode shapes of the tested pipe acquired by FBG
      sensors are in good agreement with the results obtained by a reference
      accelerometer and simulation outputs. The strain modal parameters of a hydraulic
      pipe were obtained by the proposed strain modal testing method. FBG sensors have
      been shown to be useful in the experimental strain modal analysis of small and
      light pipes in mechanical, aeronautic and aerospace applications.

PMID- 27681729
TI  - Electrocardiogram Signal Denoising Using Extreme-Point Symmetric Mode
      Decomposition and Nonlocal Means.
AB  - Electrocardiogram (ECG) signals contain a great deal of essential information
      which can be utilized by physicians for the diagnosis of heart diseases.
      Unfortunately, ECG signals are inevitably corrupted by noise which will severely
      affect the accuracy of cardiovascular disease diagnosis. Existing ECG signal
      denoising methods based on wavelet shrinkage, empirical mode decomposition and
      nonlocal means (NLM) cannot provide sufficient noise reduction or well-detailed
      preservation, especially with high noise corruption. To address this problem, we
      have proposed a hybrid ECG signal denoising scheme by combining extreme-point
      symmetric mode decomposition (ESMD) with NLM. In the proposed method, the noisy
      ECG signals will first be decomposed into several intrinsic mode functions (IMFs)
      and adaptive global mean using ESMD. Then, the first several IMFs will be
      filtered by the NLM method according to the frequency of IMFs while the QRS
      complex detected from these IMFs as the dominant feature of the ECG signal and
      the remaining IMFs will be left unprocessed. The denoised IMFs and unprocessed
      IMFs are combined to produce the final denoised ECG signals. Experiments on both
      simulated ECG signals and real ECG signals from the MIT-BIH database demonstrate
      that the proposed method can suppress noise in ECG signals effectively while
      preserving the details very well, and it outperforms several state-of-the-art ECG
      signal denoising methods in terms of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), root mean
      squared error (RMSE), percent root mean square difference (PRD) and mean opinion
      score (MOS) error index.

PMID- 27681730
TI  - A Novel Petri Nets-Based Modeling Method for the Interaction between the Sensor
      and the Geographic Environment in Emerging Sensor Networks.
AB  - The service of sensor device in Emerging Sensor Networks (ESNs) is the extension
      of traditional Web services. Through the sensor network, the service of sensor
      device can communicate directly with the entity in the geographic environment,
      and even impact the geographic entity directly. The interaction between the
      sensor device in ESNs and geographic environment is very complex, and the
      interaction modeling is a challenging problem. This paper proposed a novel Petri
      Nets-based modeling method for the interaction between the sensor device and the
      geographic environment. The feature of the sensor device service in ESNs is more
      easily affected by the geographic environment than the traditional Web service.
      Therefore, the response time, the fault-tolerant ability and the resource
      consumption become important factors in the performance of the whole sensor
      application system. Thus, this paper classified IoT services as Sensing services
      and Controlling services according to the interaction between IoT service and
      geographic entity, and classified GIS services as data services and processing
      services. Then, this paper designed and analyzed service algebra and Colored
      Petri Nets model to modeling the geo-feature, IoT service, GIS service and the
      interaction process between the sensor and the geographic enviroment. At last,
      the modeling process is discussed by examples.

PMID- 27681731
TI  - A Cluster-Based Dual-Adaptive Topology Control Approach in Wireless Sensor
      Networks.
AB  - Multi-Input Multi-Output (MIMO) can improve wireless network performance. Sensors
      are usually single-antenna devices due to the high hardware complexity and cost,
      so several sensors are used to form virtual MIMO array, which is a desirable
      approach to efficiently take advantage of MIMO gains. Also, in large Wireless
      Sensor Networks (WSNs), clustering can improve the network scalability, which is
      an effective topology control approach. The existing virtual MIMO-based
      clustering schemes do not either fully explore the benefits of MIMO or adaptively
      determine the clustering ranges. Also, clustering mechanism needs to be further
      improved to enhance the cluster structure life. In this paper, we propose an
      improved clustering scheme for virtual MIMO-based topology construction (ICV
      MIMO), which can determine adaptively not only the inter-cluster transmission
      modes but also the clustering ranges. Through the rational division of cluster
      head function and the optimization of cluster head selection criteria and
      information exchange process, the ICV-MIMO scheme effectively reduces the network
      energy consumption and improves the lifetime of the cluster structure when
      compared with the existing typical virtual MIMO-based scheme. Moreover, the
      message overhead and time complexity are still in the same order of magnitude.

PMID- 27681732
TI  - Real-Time Performance of Mechatronic PZT Module Using Active Vibration Feedback
      Control.
AB  - This paper proposes an innovative mechatronic piezo-actuated module to control
      vibrations in modern machine tools. Vibrations represent one of the main issues
      that seriously compromise the quality of the workpiece. The active vibration
      control (AVC) device is composed of a host part integrated with sensors and
      actuators synchronized by a regulator; it is able to make a self-assessment and
      adjust to alterations in the environment. In particular, an innovative smart
      actuator has been designed and developed to satisfy machining requirements during
      active vibration control. This study presents the mechatronic model based on the
      kinematic and dynamic analysis of the AVC device. To ensure a real time
      performance, a H2-LQG controller has been developed and validated by simulations
      involving a machine tool, PZT actuator and controller models. The Hardware in the
      Loop (HIL) architecture is adopted to control and attenuate the vibrations. A set
      of experimental tests has been performed to validate the AVC module on a
      commercial machine tool. The feasibility of the real time vibration damping is
      demonstrated and the simulation accuracy is evaluated.

PMID- 27681734
TI  - Design of a Piezoelectric Accelerometer with High Sensitivity and Low Transverse
      Effect.
AB  - In order to meet the requirements of cable fault detection, a new structure of
      piezoelectric accelerometer was designed and analyzed in detail. The structure
      was composed of a seismic mass, two sensitive beams, and two added beams. Then,
      simulations including the maximum stress, natural frequency, and output voltage
      were carried out. Moreover, comparisons with traditional structures of
      piezoelectric accelerometer were made. To verify which vibration mode is the
      dominant one on the acceleration and the space between the mass and glass, mode
      analysis and deflection analysis were carried out. Fabricated on an n-type single
      crystal silicon wafer, the sensor chips were wire-bonged to printed circuit
      boards (PCBs) and simply packaged for experiments. Finally, a vibration test was
      conducted. The results show that the proposed piezoelectric accelerometer has
      high sensitivity, low resonance frequency, and low transverse effect.

PMID- 27681733
TI  - Magnetic Particles Coupled to Disposable Screen Printed Transducers for
      Electrochemical Biosensing.
AB  - Ultrasensitive biosensing is currently a growing demand that has led to the
      development of numerous strategies for signal amplification. In this context, the
      unique properties of magnetic particles; both of nano- and micro-size dimensions;
      have proved to be promising materials to be coupled with disposable electrodes
      for the design of cost-effective electrochemical affinity biosensing platforms.
      This review addresses, through discussion of selected examples, the way that nano
      and micro-magnetic particles (MNPs and MMPs; respectively) have contributed
      significantly to the development of electrochemical affinity biosensors,
      including immuno-, DNA, aptamer and other affinity modes. Different aspects such
      as type of magnetic particles, assay formats, detection techniques, sensitivity,
      applicability and other relevant characteristics are discussed. Research
      opportunities and future development trends in this field are also considered.

PMID- 27681735
TI  - Effect of Nanoparticles on Modified Screen Printed Inhibition Superoxide
      Dismutase Electrodes for Aluminum.
AB  - A novel amperometric biosensor for the determination of Al(III) based on the
      inhibition of the enzyme superoxide dismutase has been developed. The oxidation
      signal of epinephrine substrate was affected by the presence of Al(III) ions
      leading to a decrease in its amperometric current. The immobilization of the
      enzyme was performed with glutaraldehyde on screen-printed carbon electrodes
      modifiedwith tetrathiofulvalene (TTF) and different types ofnanoparticles.
      Nanoparticles of gold, platinum, rhodium and palladium were deposited on screen
      printed carbon electrodes by means of two electrochemical procedures.
      Nanoparticles were characterized trough scanning electronic microscopy, X-rays
      fluorescence, and atomic force microscopy. Palladium nanoparticles showed lower
      atomic force microscopy parameters and higher slope of aluminum calibration
      curves and were selected to perform sensor validation. The developed biosensor
      has a detection limit of 2.0 +/- 0.2 MUM for Al(III), with a reproducibility of
      7.9% (n = 5). Recovery of standard reference material spiked to buffer solution
      was 103.8% with a relative standard deviation of 4.8% (n = 5). Recovery of tap
      water spiked with the standard reference material was 100.5 with a relative
      standard deviation of 3.4% (n = 3). The study of interfering ions has also been
      carried out.

PMID- 27681736
TI  - Environmental Noise Annoyance and Mental Health in Adults: Findings from the
      Cross-Sectional German Health Update (GEDA) Study 2012.
AB  - The health implications of environmental noise, especially cardiovascular
      effects, have been studied intensively. Research on associations between noise
      and mental health, however, has shown contradictory results. The present study
      examined associations between individual levels of noise annoyance due to noise
      from various sources in the living environment and mental health of adults in
      Germany. It evaluated whether these associations persisted after adjusting for
      potential covariates. Data were obtained from the cross-sectional "German Health
      Update" study 2012 (GEDA 2012), a national health interview survey among adults
      in Germany conducted by the Robert Koch Institute (n = 19,294). Noise annoyance
      questions referred to overall noise and that from road traffic, neighbours, and
      air traffic. Mental health was measured with the five-item Mental Health
      Inventory. Bivariate analysis showed associations between high levels of noise
      annoyance and impaired mental health for all noise sources except air traffic.
      After adjusting for covariates (sociodemographic factors, chronic disease, and
      social support), both men and women who reported high overall noise annoyance
      showed more than doubled odds of impaired mental health compared to those who
      were not annoyed. The odds of impaired mental health in the highest noise
      annoyance category from road traffic and neighbours were also significantly
      increased. These findings indicate that high noise annoyance is associated with
      impaired mental health and that this association can vary with the source of
      environmental noise. Further research on covariates of this association is
      necessary. Particularly, longitudinal data are required to establish the
      direction of associations and to address questions of causality.

PMID- 27681737
TI  - Children's Exposure to Secondhand Smoke during Ramadan in Jakarta, Indonesia.
AB  - Secondhand smoke exposure (SHS) causes a disproportionate health burden for
      children, yet existing smoke-free laws are often poorly enforced. We monitored
      air quality while observing children and adult nonsmokers present in public
      venues during Ramadan, a period of Muslim religious observance marked by family
      and social gatherings, in Jakarta, Indonesia. A repeated-measures design was used
      to assess indoor air quality during and after Ramadan in 43 restaurants and in
      five smoke-free control venues. Fine particulate matter of 2.5 microns or less
      (PM2.5) was sampled. The average number of children and active smokers present in
      each venue was also observed. PM2.5 levels were significantly higher during
      Ramadan (mean 86.5 ug/m3) compared with post-Ramadan (mean 63.2 ug/m3) in smoking
      venues (p = 0.015). During Ramadan, there were more active smokers (p = 0.012)
      and children (p = 0.051) observed in venues where smoking occurred, compared with
      the same venues post-Ramadan. Poor enforcement of the smoke-free law in Jakarta
      has failed to protect children from SHS exposure in public venues during Ramadan.
      Collaboration between the government, NGOs (such as the Indonesian Cancer
      Foundation (YKI) and the Smoking Control Foundation (LM3)), religious leaders,
      and venue owners and managers must be developed to ensure that the comprehensive
      smoking bans apply to all venues, and that smoke-free laws are enforced.

PMID- 27681739
TI  - Botulinum Toxin A for Controlling Obesity.
AB  - Rapid growth of the overweight population and the number of obese individuals in
      recent decades suggests that current strategies based on diet, exercise, and
      pharmacological knowledge are not sufficient to address this epidemic. Obesity is
      the result of a high caloric intake and energy storage, not counterbalanced by an
      equally important energy expense. Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) use is rapidly
      expanding to include treatment of a variety of ophthalmological,
      gastrointestinal, urological, orthopedic, dermatological, secretory, painful, and
      cosmetic disorders. Many studies evaluating the effect of BoNT-A in gastric
      antrum e/o fundus for the treatment of obesity have been published. This
      treatment modality was based on the observation that gastric injection of BoNT-A
      in laparatomized rats induced a significant reduction of food intake and body
      weight. These studies have been published yielding debated results. Differences
      in the selection of patients, the doses of BoNT-A, the method of administration
      of the toxin, and the instruments of evaluation of some parameters among these
      studies may be the cause. In this review, it will study the state-of-the-art use
      of BoNT-A in obesity basic science models and review the clinical evidence on the
      therapeutic applications of BoNT-A for obesity.

PMID- 27681738
TI  - The Role of Bioactive Dietary Components in Modulating miRNA Expression in
      Colorectal Cancer.
AB  - Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the world and considered to
      be one of the most diet-related types of cancer. Extensive research has been
      conducted but still the link between diet and colorectal cancer is complex.
      Recent studies have highlight microRNAs (miRNAs) as key players in cancer-related
      pathways in the context of dietary modulation. MicroRNAs are involved in most
      biological processes related to tumor development and progression; therefore, it
      is of great interest to understand the underlying mechanisms by which dietary
      patterns and components influence the expression of these powerful molecules in
      colorectal cancer. In this review, we discuss relevant dietary patterns in terms
      of miRNAs modulation in colorectal cancer, as well as bioactive dietary
      components able to modify gene expression through changes in miRNA expression.
      Furthermore, we emphasize on protective components such as resveratrol, curcumin,
      quercetin, alpha-mangostin, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D and dietary fiber,
      with a focus on the molecular mechanisms in the context of prevention and even
      treatment. In addition, several bioactive dietary components that have the
      ability to re-sensitize treatment resistant cells are described.

PMID- 27681741
TI  - How to Start with a Clean Crop: Biopesticide Dips Reduce Populations of Bemisia
      tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) on Greenhouse Poinsettia Propagative Cuttings.
AB  - (1) Global movement of propagative plant material is a major pathway for
      introduction of Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) into poinsettia
      greenhouses. Starting a poinsettia crop with high pest numbers disrupts otherwise
      successful biological control programs and widespread resistance of B. tabaci
      against pesticides is limiting growers' options to control this pest; (2) This
      study investigated the use of several biopesticides (mineral oil, insecticidal
      soap, Beauveria bassiana, Isaria fumosorosea, Steinernema feltiae) and
      combinations of these products as immersion treatments (cutting dips) to control
      B. tabaci on poinsettia cuttings. In addition, phytotoxicity risks of these
      treatments on poinsettia cuttings, and effects of treatment residues on mortality
      of commercial whitefly parasitoids (Eretmocerus eremicus and Encarsia formosa)
      were determined; (3) Mineral oil (0.1% v/v) and insecticidal soap (0.5%) + B.
      bassiana (1.25 g/L) were the most effective treatments; only 31% and 29%,
      respectively, of the treated B. tabaci survived on infested poinsettia cuttings
      and B. tabaci populations were lowest in these treatments after eight weeks.
      Phytotoxicity risks of these treatments were acceptable, and dip residues had
      little effect on survival of either parasitoid, and are considered highly
      compatible; (4) Use of poinsettia cutting dips will allow growers to knock-down
      B. tabaci populations to a point where they can be managed successfully
      thereafter with existing biocontrol strategies. 

PMID- 27681742
TI  - Automated and Multiplexed Soft Lithography for the Production of Low-Density DNA
      Microarrays.
AB  - Microarrays are established research tools for genotyping, expression profiling,
      or molecular diagnostics in which DNA molecules are precisely addressed to the
      surface of a solid support. This study assesses the fabrication of low-density
      oligonucleotide arrays using an automated microcontact printing device, the
      InnoStamp 40((r)). This automate allows a multiplexed deposition of oligoprobes
      on a functionalized surface by the use of a MacroStamp(TM) bearing 64 individual
      pillars each mounted with 50 circular micropatterns (spots) of 160 um diameter at
      320 um pitch. Reliability and reuse of the MacroStamp(TM) were shown to be fast
      and robust by a simple washing step in 96% ethanol. The low-density microarrays
      printed on either epoxysilane or dendrimer-functionalized slides (DendriSlides)
      showed excellent hybridization response with complementary sequences at unusual
      low probe and target concentrations, since the actual probe density immobilized
      by this technology was at least 10-fold lower than with the conventional
      mechanical spotting. In addition, we found a comparable hybridization response in
      terms of fluorescence intensity between spotted and printed oligoarrays with a 1
      nM complementary target by using a 50-fold lower probe concentration to produce
      the oligoarrays by the microcontact printing method. Taken together, our results
      lend support to the potential development of this multiplexed microcontact
      printing technology employing soft lithography as an alternative, cost
      competitive tool for fabrication of low-density DNA microarrays. 

PMID- 27681740
TI  - Polyamines as Snake Toxins and Their Probable Pharmacological Functions in
      Envenomation.
AB  - While decades of research have focused on snake venom proteins, far less
      attention has been paid to small organic venom constituents. Using mostly pooled
      samples, we surveyed 31 venoms (six elapid, six viperid, and 19 crotalid) for
      spermine, spermidine, putrescine, and cadaverine. Most venoms contained all four
      polyamines, although some in essentially trace quantities. Spermine is a
      potentially significant component of many viperid and crotalid venoms (<=0.16% by
      mass, or 7.9 umol/g); however, it is almost completely absent from elapid venoms
      assayed. All elapid venoms contained larger molar quantities of putrescine and
      cadaverine than spermine, but still at levels that are likely to be biologically
      insignificant. As with venom purines, polyamines impact numerous physiological
      targets in ways that are consistent with the objectives of prey envenomation,
      prey immobilization via hypotension and paralysis. Most venoms probably do not
      contain sufficient quantities of polyamines to induce systemic effects in prey;
      however, local effects seem probable. A review of the pharmacological literature
      suggests that spermine could contribute to prey hypotension and paralysis by
      interacting with N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) and alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4
      isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors, nicotinic and muscarinic acetylcholine
      receptors, gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors, blood platelets, ryanodine
      receptors, and Ca2+-ATPase. It also blocks many types of cation-permeable
      channels by interacting with negatively charged amino acid residues in the
      channel mouths. The site of envenomation probably determines which physiological
      targets assume the greatest importance; however, venom-induced liberation of
      endogenous, intracellular stores of polyamines could potentially have systemic
      implications and may contribute significantly to envenomation sequelae.

PMID- 27681744
TI  - Improving Head and Neck Cancer Outcomes: Technology, Used Wisely.

PMID- 27681743
TI  - The Clinical Diagnosis and Management of Kawasaki Disease: a Review and Update.
AB  - Kawasaki disease is an acute, self-limited vasculitis of childhood and has become
      the leading cause of acquired pediatric heart disease in the USA. Prompt
      treatment is essential in reducing cardiac-related morbidity and mortality. The
      underlying etiology remains unknown. The disease itself may be the characteristic
      manifestation of a common pathway of immune-mediated vascular inflammation in
      susceptible hosts. The characteristic clinical features of fever for at least 5
      days with bilateral nonpurulent conjunctivitis, rash, changes in lips and oral
      cavity, changes in peripheral extremities, and cervical lymphadenopathy remain
      the mainstay of diagnosis. Supplementary laboratory criteria can aid in the
      diagnosis, particularly in cases of incomplete clinical presentation. Diagnosis
      of Kawasaki disease can be challenging as the clinical presentation can be
      mistaken for a variety of other pediatric illnesses. Standard of care consists of
      intravenous immune globulin and aspirin. Corticosteroids, infliximab, and
      cyclosporine A have been used as adjunct therapy for Kawasaki disease refractory
      to initial treatment. There is ongoing research into the use of these agents in
      the initial therapy of Kawasaki disease. 

PMID- 27681745
TI  - The Radiation Oncology Job Market: The Economics and Policy of Workforce
      Regulation.
AB  - Examinations of the US radiation oncology workforce offer inconsistent
      conclusions, but recent data raise significant concerns about an oversupply of
      physicians. Despite these concerns, residency slots continue to expand at an
      unprecedented pace. Employed radiation oncologists and professional corporations
      with weak contracts or loose ties to hospital administrators would be expected to
      suffer the greatest harm from an oversupply. The reduced cost of labor, however,
      would be expected to increase profitability for equipment owners, technology
      vendors, and entrenched professional groups. Policymakers must recognize that the
      number of practicing radiation oncologists is a poor surrogate for clinical
      capacity. There is likely to be significant opportunity to augment capacity
      without increasing the number of radiation oncologists by improving clinic
      efficiency and offering targeted incentives for geographic redistribution.
      Payment policy changes significantly threaten radiation oncologists' income,
      which may encourage physicians to care for greater patient loads, thereby
      obviating more personnel. Furthermore, the implementation of alternative payment
      models such as Medicare's Oncology Care Model threatens to decrease both the
      utilization and price of radiation therapy by turning referring providers into
      cost-conscious consumers. Medicare funds the vast majority of graduate medical
      education, but the extent to which the expansion in radiation oncology residency
      slots has been externally funded is unclear. Excess physician capacity carries a
      significant risk of harm to society by suboptimally allocating intellectual
      resources and creating comparative shortages in other, more needed disciplines.
      There are practical concerns associated with a market-based solution in which
      medical students self-regulate according to job availability, but antitrust law
      would likely forbid collaborative self-regulation that purports to restrict
      supply. Because Congress is unlikely to create one central body to govern
      residency controls for all specialties, we recommend better reporting of program
      specific employment metrics and careful, intellectually honest re-evaluation of
      existing Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education accreditation
      standards.

PMID- 27681746
TI  - Masters of Our Destiny: From Jazz Quartet to Symphony Orchestra.

PMID- 27681747
TI  - Applicant Interview Experiences and Postinterview Communication of the 2016
      Radiation Oncology Match Cycle.
AB  - PURPOSE: To characterize applicant interview experiences at radiation oncology
      residency programs during the 2016 match cycle and to assess applicant opinions
      regarding postinterview communication (PIC) after recent attention to
      gamesmanship noted in prior match cycles. METHODS AND MATERIALS: An anonymous,
      institutional review board-approved, 29-question survey was deployed following
      the rank order list deadline to all 2016 radiation oncology residency applicants
      applying to a single institution. RESULTS: Complete surveys were returned by 118
      of 210 applicants, for a 56% response rate. Regarding possible match violation
      questions, 84% of respondents were asked at least once about where else they were
      interviewing (occurred at a median of 20% of program interviews); 51% were asked
      about marital status (6% of interviews); and 22% were asked about plans to have
      children (1% of interviews). Eighty-three percent of applicants wrote thank-you
      notes, with 55% reporting fear of being viewed unfavorably if such notes were not
      communicated. Sixty percent of applicants informed a program that they had ranked
      a program highly; 53% felt this PIC strategy would improve their standing on the
      rank order list, yet 46% reported feeling distressed by this obligation. A
      majority of applicants stated that they would feel relieved if programs
      explicitly discouraged PIC (89%) and that it would be preferable if programs
      prohibited applicants from notifying the program of their rank position (66%).
      CONCLUSIONS: Potential match violations occur at a high rate but are experienced
      at a minority of interviews. Postinterview communication occurs frequently, with
      applicants reporting resultant distress. Respondents stated that active
      discouragement of both thank-you notes/e-mails and applicants' notification to
      programs of their ranking would be preferred.

PMID- 27681748
TI  - Radiation Oncology and Online Patient Education Materials: Deviating From NIH and
      AMA Recommendations.
AB  - PURPOSE: Physicians encourage patients to be informed about their health care
      options, but much of the online health care-related resources can be beneficial
      only if patients are capable of comprehending it. This study's aim was to assess
      the readability level of online patient education resources for radiation
      oncology to conclude whether they meet the general public's health literacy needs
      as determined by the guidelines of the United States National Institutes of
      Health (NIH) and the American Medical Association (AMA). METHODS: Radiation
      oncology-related internet-based patient education materials were downloaded from
      5 major professional websites (American Society for Radiation Oncology, American
      Association of Physicists in Medicine, American Brachytherapy Society,
      RadiologyInfo.org, and Radiation Therapy Oncology Group). Additional patient
      education documents were downloaded by searching for key radiation oncology
      phrases using Google. A total of 135 articles were downloaded and assessed for
      their readability level using 10 quantitative readability scales that are widely
      accepted in the medical literature. RESULTS: When all 10 assessment tools for
      readability were taken into account, the 135 online patient education articles
      were written at an average grade level of 13.7 +/- 2.0. One hundred nine of the
      135 articles (80.7%) required a high school graduate's comprehension level (12th
      grade level or higher). Only 1 of the 135 articles (0.74%) met the AMA and NIH
      recommendations for patient education resources to be written between the third
      grade and seventh-grade levels. CONCLUSION: Radiation oncology websites have
      patient education material written at an educational level above the NIH and AMA
      recommendations; as a result, average American patients may not be able to fully
      understand them. Rewriting radiation oncology patient education resources would
      likely contribute to the patients' understanding of their health and treatment
      options, making each physician-patient interaction more productive and efficient.

PMID- 27681750
TI  - Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyltransferase Upregulation by Phenylephrine Reduces
      Radiation Injury in Submandibular Gland.
AB  - PURPOSE: Radiation therapy for head and neck cancer commonly leads to radiation
      sialadenitis. Emerging evidence has indicated that phenylephrine pretreatment
      reduces radiosensitivity in the salivary gland; however, the underlying
      cytoprotective mechanism remains unclear. Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase
      (NAMPT) is not only a key enzyme for the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide
      salvage pathway, but also a cytokine participating in cell survival, metabolism,
      and longevity, with a broad effect on cellular functions in physiology and
      pathology. However, the regulatory events of NAMPT in response to the irradiated
      salivary gland are unknown. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The cell viability of primary
      cultured submandibular gland cells was determined using the PrestoBlue assay.
      NAMPT expression was measured using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain
      reaction and Western blotting in vitro and in vivo. Silent information regulator
      1 (SIRT1) and phosphorylated Akt protein levels were examined by Western
      blotting. The cellular locations of NAMPT and SIRT1 were detected by
      immunohistochemistry. NAMPT promoter activity was assessed using the luciferase
      reporter gene assay. RESULTS: NAMPT was mainly distributed in the cytoplasm of
      granular convoluted tubule cells and ductal cells in normal submandibular glands.
      mRNA and protein expression of NAMPT was downregulated after radiation but
      upregulated with phenylephrine pretreatment both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover,
      the protein expression of phosphorylated Akt and SIRT1 was decreased in
      irradiated glands, and phenylephrine pretreatment restored the expression of
      both. SIRT1 was mainly located in the cell nucleus and cytoplasm in the normal
      submandibular gland. Phenylephrine dramatically enhanced the expression of SIRT1,
      which was significantly reduced by radiation. Furthermore, phenylephrine induced
      a marked increase of NAMPT promoter activity. CONCLUSIONS: These findings reveal
      the regulatory mechanisms of NAMPT expression, which help to understand the
      mechanism of the cytoprotective role of phenylephrine on irradiated tissues.

PMID- 27681749
TI  - Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy Delivery in a Genetically Engineered Mouse
      Model of Lung Cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: To implement clinical stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) using a
      small animal radiation research platform (SARRP) in a genetically engineered
      mouse model of lung cancer. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A murine model of multinodular
      Kras-driven spontaneous lung tumors was used for this study. High-resolution cone
      beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging was used to identify and target
      peripheral tumor nodules, whereas off-target lung nodules in the contralateral
      lung were used as a nonirradiated control. CBCT imaging helps localize tumors,
      facilitate high-precision irradiation, and monitor tumor growth. SBRT planning,
      prescription dose, and dose limits to normal tissue followed the guidelines set
      by RTOG protocols. Pathologic changes in the irradiated tumors were investigated
      using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The image guided radiation delivery using
      the SARRP system effectively localized and treated lung cancer with precision in
      a genetically engineered mouse model of lung cancer. Immunohistochemical data
      confirmed the precise delivery of SBRT to the targeted lung nodules. The 60 Gy
      delivered in 3 weekly fractions markedly reduced the proliferation index, Ki-67,
      and increased apoptosis per staining for cleaved caspase-3 in irradiated lung
      nodules. CONCLUSIONS: It is feasible to use the SARRP platform to perform
      dosimetric planning and delivery of SBRT in mice with lung cancer. This allows
      for preclinical studies that provide a rationale for clinical trials involving
      SBRT, especially when combined with immunotherapeutics.

PMID- 27681751
TI  - Preclinical Evaluation of Promitil, a Radiation-Responsive Liposomal Formulation
      of Mitomycin C Prodrug, in Chemoradiotherapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine the effect of radiation on in vitro drug activation and
      release of Promitil, a pegylated liposomal formulation of a mitomycin C (MMC)
      lipid-based prodrug; and examine the efficacy and toxicity of Promitil with
      concurrent radiation in colorectal cancer models. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Promitil
      was obtained from Lipomedix Pharmaceuticals (Jerusalem, Israel). We tested the
      effects of radiation on release of active MMC from Promitil in vitro. We next
      examined the radiosensitization effect of Promitil in vitro. We further evaluated
      the toxicity of a single injection of free MMC or Promitil when combined with
      radiation by assessing the effects on blood counts and in-field skin and hair
      toxicity. Finally, we compared the efficacy of MMC and Promitil in
      chemoradiotherapy using mouse xenograft models. RESULTS: Mitomycin C was
      activated and released from Promitil in a controlled-release profile, and the
      rate of release was significantly increased in medium from previously irradiated
      cells. Both Promitil and MMC potently radiosensitized HT-29 cells in vitro.
      Toxicity of MMC (8.4 mg/kg) was substantially greater than with equivalent doses
      of Promitil (30 mg/kg). Mice treated with human-equivalent doses of MMC (3.3
      mg/kg) experienced comparable levels of toxicity as Promitil-treated mice at 30
      mg/kg. Promitil improved the antitumor efficacy of 5-fluorouracil-based
      chemoradiotherapy in mouse xenograft models of colorectal cancer, while equitoxic
      doses of MMC did not. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that Promitil is an attractive
      agent for chemoradiotherapy because it demonstrates a radiation-triggered release
      of active drug. We further demonstrated that Promitil is a well-tolerated and
      potent radiosensitizer at doses not achievable with free MMC. These results
      support clinical investigations using Promitil in chemoradiotherapy.

PMID- 27681752
TI  - The Involvement of Mitochondrial Membrane Potential in Cross-Resistance Between
      Radiation and Docetaxel.
AB  - PURPOSE: To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer cell
      radioresistance, clinically relevant radioresistant (CRR) cells that continue to
      proliferate during exposure to 2 Gy/day X-rays for more than 30 days were
      established. A modified high-density survival assay for anticancer drug screening
      revealed that CRR cells were resistant to an antimicrotubule agent, docetaxel
      (DTX). The involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from mitochondria (mtROS)
      in the cross-resistance to X-rays and DTX was studied. METHODS AND MATERIALS:
      Sensitivity to anticancer agents was determined by a modified high-density cell
      survival or water-soluble tetrazolium salt assay. DTX-induced mtROS generation
      was determined by MitoSOX red staining. JC-1 staining was used to visualize
      mitochondrial membrane potential. DTX-induced DNA double-strand breaks were
      determined by gamma-H2AX staining. To obtain mitochondrial DNA-lacking (rho(0))
      cells, the cells were cultured for 3 to 4 weeks in medium containing ethidium
      bromide. RESULTS: Treatment with DTX increased mtROS in parental cells but not in
      CRR cells. DTX induced DNA double-strand breaks in parental cells. The
      mitochondrial membrane potential of CRR cells was lower in CRR cells than in
      parental cells. Depletion of mtDNA induced DTX resistance in parental cells.
      Treatment with dimethyl sulfoxide also induced DTX resistance in parental cells.
      CONCLUSIONS: The mitochondrial dysfunction observed in CRR cells contributes to X
      ray and DTX cross-resistance. The activation of oxidative phosphorylation in CRR
      cells may represent an effective approach to overcome radioresistant cancers. In
      general, the overexpression of beta-tubulin or multidrug efflux pumps is thought
      to be involved in DTX resistance. In the present study, we discovered another DTX
      resistant mechanism by investigating CRR cells.

PMID- 27681753
TI  - A Prospective Clinical Trial Combining Radiation Therapy With Systemic
      Immunotherapy in Metastatic Melanoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: Local radiation therapy (RT) combined with systemic anti-cytotoxic T
      lymphocyte-associated protein-4 immunotherapy may enhance induction of systemic
      antimelanoma immune responses. The primary objective of the present trial was to
      assess the safety and efficacy of combining ipilimumab with RT in patients with
      stage IV melanoma. The secondary objectives included laboratory assessment of
      induction of antimelanoma immune responses. METHODS AND MATERIALS: In our
      prospective clinical trial, 22 patients with stage IV melanoma were treated with
      palliative RT and ipilimumab for 4 cycles. RT to 1 to 2 disease sites was
      initiated within 5 days after starting ipilimumab. Patients had >=1 nonirradiated
      metastasis measuring >=1.5 cm available for response assessment. Tumor imaging
      studies were obtained at baseline, 2 to 4 weeks after cycle 4 of ipilimumab, and
      every 3 months until progression. Laboratory immune response parameters were
      measured before and during treatment. RESULTS: Combination therapy was well
      tolerated without unexpected toxicities. Eleven patients (50.0%) experienced
      clinical benefit from therapy, including complete and partial responses and
      stable disease at median follow-up of 55 weeks. Three patients (27.3%) achieved
      an ongoing systemic complete response at a median follow-up of 55 weeks (range 32
      65), and 3 (27.3%) had an initial partial response for a median of 40 weeks.
      Analysis of immune response data suggested a relationship between elevated CD8
      activated T-cells and response. CONCLUSION: This is the second prospective
      clinical trial of treatment of metastatic melanoma using the combination of RT
      and systemic immunotherapy and the first using this sequence of therapy. The
      results from the present trial demonstrate that a subset of patients may benefit
      from combination therapy, arguing for continued clinical investigation of the use
      of RT combined with immunotherapy, including programmed cell death 1 inhibitors,
      which might have the potential to be even more effective in combination with RT.

PMID- 27681754
TI  - Stroke After Radiation Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer: What Is the Risk?
AB  - PURPOSE: A retrospective population-based cohort study was conducted to determine
      the risk of ischemic stroke with respect to time, associated with curative
      radiation therapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). METHODS AND
      MATERIALS: On the basis of data from the Ontario Cancer Registry and regional
      cancer treatment centers, 14,069 patients were identified with diagnoses of
      squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, larynx, and pharynx who were treated
      for cure between 1990 and 2010. Hazards of stroke and time to stroke were
      examined, accounting for the competing risk of death. Stroke risk factors
      identified through diagnostic and procedural administrative codes were adjusted
      for in the comparison between treatment regimens, which included surgery alone
      versus radiation therapy alone and surgery alone versus any exposure to radiation
      therapy. RESULTS: Overall, 6% of patients experienced an ischemic stroke after
      treatment, with 5% experiencing a stroke after surgery, 8% after radiation
      therapy alone, and 6% after any exposure to radiation therapy. The cause-specific
      hazard ratios of ischemic stroke after radiation therapy alone and after any
      exposure to radiation therapy compared with surgery were 1.70 (95% confidence
      interval [CI]: 1.41-2.05) and 1.46 (95% CI: 1.23-1.73), respectively, after
      adjustment for stroke risk factors, patient factors, and disease-related factors.
      CONCLUSIONS: Radiation therapy was associated with an increased risk of ischemic
      stroke compared with surgery alone: for both radiation therapy alone and after
      all treatment modalities that included any radiation treatment were combined.
      Because of a shift toward a younger HNSCC patient population, our results speak
      to the need for adequate follow-up and survivorship care among patients who have
      been treated with radiation therapy. Advances in treatment that minimize chronic
      morbidity also require further evaluation.

PMID- 27681756
TI  - Adjuvant Chemotherapy Is More Suitable Than Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Muscle
      Invasive Bladder Cancer Patients Treated With Radical Chemoradiotherapy.

PMID- 27681755
TI  - Simultaneous Integrated Boost Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy in the
      Postoperative Treatment of High-Risk to Intermediate-Risk Endometrial Cancer:
      Results of ADA II Phase 1-2 Trial.
AB  - PURPOSE: A prospective phase 1-2 clinical trial aimed at determining the
      recommended postoperative dose of simultaneous integrated boost volumetric
      modulated arc therapy (SIB-VMAT) in a large series of patients with high-risk and
      intermediate-risk endometrial cancer (HIR-EC) is presented. The study also
      evaluated the association between rate and severity of toxicity and comorbidities
      and the clinical outcomes. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Two SIB-VMAT dose levels were
      investigated for boost to the vaginal vault, whereas the pelvic lymph nodes were
      always treated with 45 Gy. The first cohort received a SIB-VMAT dose of 55 Gy in
      25 consecutive 2.2-Gy fractions, and the subsequent cohort received higher doses
      (60 Gy in 2.4-Gy fractions). RESULTS: Seventy consecutive HIR-EC patients,
      roughly half of whom were obese (47.1%) or overweight (37.1%), with Charlson Age
      Comorbidity Index >2 (48.5%), were enrolled. Thirty-one patients (44.3%) were
      administered adjuvant chemotherapy before starting radiation therapy. All
      patients (n=35 per dose level) completed irradiation without any dose-limiting
      toxicity. Proctitis (any grade) was associated with radiation therapy dose
      (P=.001); not so enterocolitis. Grade >=2 gastrointestinal (GI) and genitourinary
      (GU) toxicity were recorded in 17 (24.3%) and 14 patients (20.0%), respectively,
      and were not associated with radiation dose. As for late toxicity, none of
      patients experienced late grade >=3 GI or grade >=2 GU toxicity. The 3-year late
      grade >=2 GI and GU toxicity-free survival were 92.8% and 100%, respectively,
      with no difference between the 2 dose levels. With a median follow-up period of
      25 months (range, 4-60 months), relapse/progression of disease was observed in 10
      of 70 patients (14.2%). The 3-year cumulative incidence of recurrence was 1.5%
      (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.2-10.7), whereas the 3-year disease-free
      survival was 81.3% (95% CI: 65.0-90.0). CONCLUSIONS: This clinical study showed
      the feasibility of this technique and its good profile in terms of acute and late
      toxicity at the recommended doses even in aged and frail patients.

PMID- 27681758
TI  - Prostate Brachytherapy Case Volumes by Academic and Nonacademic Practices:
      Implications for Future Residency Training.
AB  - PURPOSE: The use of prostate brachytherapy has continued to decline in the United
      States. We examined the national practice patterns of both academic and
      nonacademic practices performing prostate brachytherapy by case volume per year
      to further characterize the decline and postulate the effect this trend might
      have on training the next generation of residents. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Men
      diagnosed with prostate cancer who had undergone radiation therapy in 2004 to
      2012 were identified. The annual brachytherapy case volume at each facility was
      determined and further categorized into <=12 cases per year (ie, an average of
      <=1 cases per month), 13 to 52 cases per year, and >=53 cases per year (ie, an
      average of >=1 cases per week) in academic practices versus nonacademic
      practices. RESULTS: In 2004 to 2012, academic practices performing an average of
      <=1 brachytherapy cases per month increased from 56.4% to 73.7%. In nonacademic
      practices, this percentage increased from 60.2% to 77.4% (P<.0001 for both).
      Practices performing an average of >=1 cases per week decreased among both
      academic practices (from 6.7% to 1.5%) and nonacademic practices (from 4.5% to
      2.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Both academic and nonacademic radiation oncology practices
      have demonstrated a significant reduction in the use of prostate brachytherapy
      from 2004 to 2012. With the case volume continuing to decline, it is unclear
      whether we are prepared to train the next generation of residents in this
      critical modality.

PMID- 27681759
TI  - The Henri Mondor Procedure of Morbidity and Mortality Review Meetings:
      Prospective Registration of Clinical, Dosimetric, and Individual Radiosensitivity
      Data of Patients With Severe Radiation Toxicity.
AB  - PURPOSE: After radiation therapy (RT), various radiation-induced toxicities can
      develop in about one-fourth of patients. An international interest in using
      morbidity and mortality rates to monitor the quality of care and integrate
      morbidity and mortality review (MMR) meetings into organizations' governance
      processes has arisen. We report the first results of patients included in our MMR
      procedure that included biological assays for individual intrinsic
      radiosensitivity (IIRS). METHODS AND MATERIALS: Twenty-three patients were
      prospectively included in the MMR database. Twenty-two were evaluable for IIRS.
      Prostate (n=10) and breast (n=8) cancers were the most frequent disease types.
      The total dose delivered, determined according to the type of disease, ranged
      from 30 to 74 Gy. Our MMR procedure requires strict criteria: patients with
      unresolved toxicity of grade 3 or higher with availability of clinical
      (photographic) data, IIRS results obtained from skin biopsy assays, treatment
      modalities, and follow-up data. The RT technique and dosimetry were reviewed.
      RESULTS: Our prospective registration of toxicities showed mainly rectitis,
      occurring in 7 cases, and skin toxicities, occurring in 9. Of the 7 patients with
      rectitis, 5 received 66 Gy of post-prostatectomy RT with V50 (rectum volume
      receiving 50 Gy) ranging from 45% to 75% and a mean maximal dose of 66.5 Gy. For
      dermatitis and cystitis, the mean maximal doses were in the range of classical
      constraints without any overdosage or dose heterogeneity. No errors were found in
      the review of treatment planning and positioning. Conversely, all the patients
      were considered biologically as radiosensitive with genomic instability and ATM
      (ataxia telangiectasia mutated)-dependent DNA double-strand break repair
      impairments. CONCLUSIONS: The MMR review of files allowed clear answers for
      patients on the relationship between clinical events and their IIRS. Our
      procedure has allowed education of all our staff to monitor, identify, and
      document clinical, physical, and biological aspects of radiation-induced
      toxicities. Thus we recommend the introduction of the MMR procedure in RT
      departments.

PMID- 27681757
TI  - Posttreatment Prostate-Specific Antigen 6 Months After Radiation With Androgen
      Deprivation Therapy Predicts for Distant Metastasis-Free Survival and Prostate
      Cancer-Specific Mortality.
AB  - OBJECTIVES/BACKGROUND: To determine whether a 6-month posttreatment prostate
      specific antigen (PSA) value in patients with prostate cancer (PCa) treated with
      concurrent androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and external beam radiation therapy
      (EBRT) serves as an early predictor for biochemical relapse free survival (bRFS),
      distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and prostate cancer-specific mortality
      (PCSM). METHODS: A retrospective review of intermediate-risk and high-risk PCa
      patients treated with EBRT and concurrent ADT at a single institution between
      1996 and 2012. All patients received high-dose radiation with either 78 Gy in 39
      fractions or 70 Gy in 28 fractions. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate
      bRFS and DMFS, and cumulative incidence was used to estimate PCSM. RESULTS: 532
      patients were identified. The median follow-up time was 7.5 years (range, 1-16.25
      years). The median initial PSA (iPSA) was 13.0 ng/mL (range, 0.37-255 ng/mL), and
      the median duration of ADT was 6 months (range, 1-78 months). The median PSA 6
      months after EBRT was 0.1 ng/mL (range, 0-19 ng/mL), and 310 patients (58.3%) had
      a 6-month PSA <=0.1 ng/mL. Multivariable analysis (MVA) demonstrated that a 6
      month post-EBRT PSA of >0.1 ng/mL was an independent predictor of worse bRFS
      (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.518; P<.0001), DMFS (HR=3.743; P<.0001), and PCSM
      (HR=5.435; P<.0001). On MVA, a Gleason score of 8 to 10 also correlated with
      worse DMFS and PCSM (P<.05). The duration of ADT (1-6 vs >6 months) was not
      predictive of any clinical endpoint. CONCLUSIONS: A 6-month posttreatment PSA
      >0.1 ng/mL in intermediate-risk and high-risk PCa patients treated with
      concurrent high-dose EBRT and ADT is associated with worse bRFS, DMFS, and PCSM.
      The duration of ADT was not predictive of any clinical endpoint. A 6-month PSA
      after definitive EBRT and ADT helps identify patients at higher risk of disease
      progression and may serve as a predictive tool to select patients for early
      salvage therapy on future clinical trials.

PMID- 27681760
TI  - Outcomes of Post Mastectomy Radiation Therapy in Patients Receiving Axillary
      Lymph Node Dissection After Positive Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy.
AB  - PURPOSE: We sought to determine the rate of postmastectomy radiation therapy
      (PMRT) among women treated with axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) after
      positive sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy results and to establish the effect of
      negative ALND results and PMRT on locoregional recurrence (LRR) and overall
      survival (OS). METHODS AND MATERIALS: All patients were treated with mastectomy
      and ALND after positive SLN biopsy results. All patients had clinical N0 or NX
      disease at the time of mastectomy and received no neoadjuvant therapy. The
      presence of lymphovascular space invasion, presence of multifocality, number of
      positive SLNs and non-SLNs, clinical and pathologic stage, extranodal extension,
      age, and use of PMRT were evaluated for significance regarding the rates of OS
      and LRR. RESULTS: A total of 345 patients were analyzed. ALND after positive SLN
      biopsy results was negative in 235 patients (68.1%), and a total of 112 patients
      (32.5%) received radiation therapy. On multivariate analysis, only pathologic
      stage III predicted for lower OS (hazard ratio, 3.32; P<.001). The rate of 10
      year freedom from LRR was 87.9% and 95.3% in patients with positive ALND results
      and patients with negative ALND results, respectively. In patients with negative
      ALND results with >=3 positive SLNs, the rate of freedom from LRR was 74.7%
      compared with 96.7% in those with <3 positive SLNs (P=.009). In patients with
      negative ALND results, >=3 positive SLNs predicted for an increase in LRR on
      multivariate analysis (hazard ratio, 10.10; P=.034). CONCLUSIONS: A low
      proportion of cT1-2, N0 patients with positive SLNs who undergo mastectomy
      receive PMRT after ALND. Even in this low-risk cohort, patients with >=3 positive
      SLNs and negative ALND results are at increased risk of LRR and may benefit from
      PMRT.

PMID- 27681761
TI  - Methods for Reducing Normal Tissue Complication Probabilities in Oropharyngeal
      Cancer: Dose Reduction or Planning Target Volume Elimination.
AB  - PURPOSE: Strategies to reduce the toxicities of head and neck radiation (ie,
      dysphagia [difficulty swallowing] and xerostomia [dry mouth]) are currently
      underway. However, the predicted benefit of dose and planning target volume (PTV)
      reduction strategies is unknown. The purpose of the present study was to compare
      the normal tissue complication probabilities (NTCP) for swallowing and salivary
      structures in standard plans (70 Gy [P70]), dose-reduced plans (60 Gy [P60]), and
      plans eliminating the PTV margin. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A total of 38
      oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) plans were analyzed. Standard organ-sparing volumetric
      modulated arc therapy plans (P70) were created and then modified by eliminating
      the PTVs and treating the clinical tumor volumes (CTVs) only (C70) or maintaining
      the PTV but reducing the dose to 60 Gy (P60). NTCP dose models for the pharyngeal
      constrictors, glottis/supraglottic larynx, parotid glands (PGs), and
      submandibular glands (SMGs) were analyzed. The minimal clinically important
      benefit was defined as a mean change in NTCP of >5%. The P70 NTCP thresholds and
      overlap percentages of the organs at risk with the PTVs (56-59 Gy, vPTV56) were
      evaluated to identify the predictors for NTCP improvement. RESULTS: With the P60
      plans, only the ipsilateral PG (iPG) benefited (23.9% vs 16.2%; P<.01). With the
      C70 plans, only the iPG (23.9% vs 17.5%; P<.01) and contralateral SMG (cSMG)
      (NTCP 32.1% vs 22.9%; P<.01) benefited. An iPG NTCP threshold of 20% and 30%
      predicted NTCP benefits for the P60 and C70 plans, respectively (P<.001). A cSMG
      NTCP threshold of 30% predicted for an NTCP benefit with the C70 plans (P<.001).
      Furthermore, for the iPG, a vPTV56 >13% predicted benefit with P60 (P<.001) and
      C70 (P=.002). For the cSMG, a vPTV56 >22% predicted benefit with C70 (P<.01).
      CONCLUSIONS: PTV elimination and dose-reduction lowered the NTCP of the iPG, and
      PTV elimination lowered the NTCP of the cSMG. NTCP thresholds and the percentage
      of overlap of the PTV with organs at risk can predict which patients will benefit
      and inform future clinical trial design.

PMID- 27681762
TI  - Head and Neck Margin Reduction With Adaptive Radiation Therapy: Robustness of
      Treatment Plans Against Anatomy Changes.
AB  - PURPOSE: We set out to investigate loss of target coverage from anatomy changes
      in head and neck cancer patients as a function of applied safety margins and to
      verify a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)-based adaptive strategy with an
      average patient anatomy to overcome possible target underdosage. METHODS AND
      MATERIALS: For 19 oropharyngeal cancer patients, volumetric modulated arc therapy
      treatment plans (2 arcs; simultaneous integrated boost, 70 and 54.25 Gy; 35
      fractions) were automatically optimized with uniform clinical target volume (CTV)
      to-planning target volume margins of 5, 3, and 0 mm. We applied b-spline CBCT-to
      computed tomography (CT) deformable registration to allow recalculation of the
      dose on modified CT scans (planning CT deformed to daily CBCT following online
      positioning) and dose accumulation in the planning CT scan. Patients with
      deviations in primary or elective CTV coverage >2 Gy were identified as
      candidates for adaptive replanning. For these patients, a single adaptive
      intervention was simulated with an average anatomy from the first 10 fractions.
      RESULTS: Margin reduction from 5 mm to 3 mm to 0 mm generally led to an organ-at
      risk (OAR) mean dose (Dmean) sparing of approximately 1 Gy/mm. CTV shrinkage was
      mainly seen in the elective volumes (up to 10%), likely related to weight loss.
      Despite online repositioning, substantial systematic errors were present (>3 mm)
      in lymph node CTV, the parotid glands, and the larynx. Nevertheless, the average
      increase in OAR dose was small: maximum of 1.2 Gy (parotid glands, Dmean) for all
      applied margins. Loss of CTV coverage >2 Gy was found in 1, 3, and 7 of 73 CTVs,
      respectively. Adaptive intervention in 0-mm plans substantially improved
      coverage: in 5 of 7 CTVs (in 6 patients) to <2 Gy of initially planned.
      CONCLUSIONS: Volumetric modulated arc therapy head and neck cancer treatment
      plans with 5-mm margins are robust for anatomy changes and show a modest increase
      in OAR dose. Margin reduction improves OAR sparing with approximately 1 Gy/mm at
      the expense of target coverage in a subgroup of patients. Patients at risk of CTV
      underdosage >2 Gy in 0-mm plans may be identified early in treatment using dose
      accumulation. A single intervention with an average anatomy derived from CBCT
      effectively mitigates discrepancies.

PMID- 27681763
TI  - Limited Impact of Setup and Range Uncertainties, Breathing Motion, and Interplay
      Effects in Robustly Optimized Intensity Modulated Proton Therapy for Stage III
      Non-small Cell Lung Cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the impact of setup and range uncertainties, breathing
      motion, and interplay effects using scanning pencil beams in robustly optimized
      intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) for stage III non-small cell lung
      cancer (NSCLC). METHODS AND MATERIALS: Three-field IMPT plans were created using
      a minimax robust optimization technique for 10 NSCLC patients. The plans
      accounted for 5- or 7-mm setup errors with +/-3% range uncertainties. The
      robustness of the IMPT nominal plans was evaluated considering (1) isotropic 5-mm
      setup errors with +/-3% range uncertainties; (2) breathing motion; (3) interplay
      effects; and (4) a combination of items 1 and 2. The plans were calculated using
      4-dimensional and average intensity projection computed tomography images. The
      target coverage (TC, volume receiving 95% of prescribed dose) and homogeneity
      index (D2 - D98, where D2 and D98 are the least doses received by 2% and 98% of
      the volume) for the internal clinical target volume, and dose indexes for lung,
      esophagus, heart and spinal cord were compared with that of clinical volumetric
      modulated arc therapy plans. RESULTS: The TC and homogeneity index for all plans
      were within clinical limits when considering the breathing motion and interplay
      effects independently. The setup and range uncertainties had a larger effect when
      considering their combined effect. The TC decreased to <98% (clinical threshold)
      in 3 of 10 patients for robust 5-mm evaluations. However, the TC remained >98%
      for robust 7-mm evaluations for all patients. The organ at risk dose parameters
      did not significantly vary between the respective robust 5-mm and robust 7-mm
      evaluations for the 4 error types. Compared with the volumetric modulated arc
      therapy plans, the IMPT plans showed better target homogeneity and mean lung and
      heart dose parameters reduced by about 40% and 60%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In
      robustly optimized IMPT for stage III NSCLC, the setup and range uncertainties,
      breathing motion, and interplay effects have limited impact on target coverage,
      dose homogeneity, and organ-at-risk dose parameters.

PMID- 27681764
TI  - (18)F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography Can Quantify and Predict
      Esophageal Injury During Radiation Therapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: We sought to investigate the ability of mid-treatment (18)F
      fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET) studies to objectively and
      spatially quantify esophageal injury in vivo from radiation therapy for non-small
      cell lung cancer. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This retrospective study was approved by
      the local institutional review board, with written informed consent obtained
      before enrollment. We normalized (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET uptake to each
      patient's low-irradiated region (<5 Gy) of the esophagus, as a radiation response
      measure. Spatially localized metrics of normalized uptake (normalized standard
      uptake value [nSUV]) were derived for 79 patients undergoing concurrent
      chemoradiation therapy for non-small cell lung cancer. We used nSUV metrics to
      classify esophagitis grade at the time of the PET study, as well as maximum
      severity by treatment completion, according to National Cancer Institute Common
      Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, using multivariate least absolute
      shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression and repeated 3-fold
      cross validation (training, validation, and test folds). This 3-fold cross
      validation LASSO model procedure was used to predict toxicity progression from 43
      asymptomatic patients during the PET study. Dose-volume metrics were also tested
      in both the multivariate classification and the symptom progression prediction
      analyses. Classification performance was quantified with the area under the curve
      (AUC) from receiver operating characteristic analysis on the test set from the 3
      fold analyses. RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed increasing nSUV is related to
      esophagitis severity. Axial-averaged maximum nSUV for 1 esophageal slice and
      esophageal length with at least 40% of axial-averaged nSUV both had AUCs of 0.85
      for classifying grade 2 or higher esophagitis at the time of the PET study and
      AUCs of 0.91 and 0.92, respectively, for maximum grade 2 or higher by treatment
      completion. Symptom progression was predicted with an AUC of 0.75. Dose metrics
      performed poorly at classifying esophagitis (AUC of 0.52, grade 2 or higher mid
      treatment) or predicting symptom progression (AUC of 0.67). CONCLUSIONS:
      Normalized uptake can objectively, locally, and noninvasively quantify
      esophagitis during radiation therapy and predict eventual symptoms from
      asymptomatic patients. Normalized uptake may provide patient-specific dose
      response information not discernible from dose.

PMID- 27681768
TI  - In Regard to Vaidya et al.

PMID- 27681767
TI  - Effect of the Maximum Dose on White Matter Fiber Bundles Using Longitudinal
      Diffusion Tensor Imaging.
AB  - PURPOSE: Previous efforts to decrease neurocognitive effects of radiation focused
      on sparing isolated cortical structures. We hypothesize that understanding
      temporal, spatial, and dosimetric patterns of radiation damage to whole-brain
      white matter (WM) after partial-brain irradiation might also be important.
      Therefore, we carried out a study to develop the methodology to assess radiation
      therapy (RT)-induced damage to whole-brain WM bundles. METHODS AND MATERIALS: An
      atlas-based, automated WM tractography analysis was implemented to quantify
      longitudinal changes in indices of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of 22 major WM
      fibers in 33 patients with predominantly low-grade or benign brain tumors treated
      by RT. Six DTI scans per patient were performed from before RT to 18 months after
      RT. The DTI indices and planned doses (maximum and mean doses) were mapped onto
      profiles of each of 22 WM bundles. A multivariate linear regression was performed
      to determine the main dose effect as well as the influence of other clinical
      factors on longitudinal percentage changes in axial diffusivity (AD) and radial
      diffusivity (RD) from before RT. RESULTS: Among 22 fiber bundles, AD or RD
      changes in 12 bundles were affected significantly by doses (P<.05), as the effect
      was progressive over time. In 9 elongated tracts, decreased AD or RD was
      significantly related to maximum doses received, consistent with a serial
      structure. In individual bundles, AD changes were up to 11.5% at the maximum dose
      locations 18 months after RT. The dose effect on WM was greater in older female
      patients than younger male patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates for the
      first time that the maximum dose to the elongated WM bundles causes post-RT
      damage in WM. Validation and correlative studies are necessary to determine the
      ability and impact of sparing these bundles on preserving neurocognitive function
      after RT.

PMID- 27681765
TI  - Evaluation of Functional Marrow Irradiation Based on Skeletal Marrow Composition
      Obtained Using Dual-Energy Computed Tomography.
AB  - PURPOSE: To develop an imaging method to characterize and map marrow composition
      in the entire skeletal system, and to simulate differential targeted marrow
      irradiation based on marrow composition. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Whole-body dual
      energy computed tomography (DECT) images of cadavers and leukemia patients were
      acquired, segmented to separate bone marrow components, namely, bone, red marrow
      (RM), and yellow marrow (YM). DECT-derived marrow fat fraction was validated
      using histology of lumbar vertebrae obtained from cadavers. The fractions of RM
      (RMF = RM/total marrow) and YMF were calculated in each skeletal region to assess
      the correlation of marrow composition with sites and ages. Treatment planning was
      simulated to target irradiation differentially at a higher dose (18 Gy) to either
      RM or YM and a lower dose (12 Gy) to the rest of the skeleton. RESULTS: A
      significant correlation between fat fractions obtained from DECT and cadaver
      histology samples was observed (r=0.861, P<.0001, Pearson). The RMF decreased in
      the head, neck, and chest was significantly inversely correlated with age but did
      not show any significant age-related changes in the abdomen and pelvis regions.
      Conformity of radiation to targets (RM, YM) was significantly dependent on
      skeletal sites. The radiation exposure was significantly reduced (P<.05, t test)
      to organs at risk (OARs) in RM and YM irradiation compared with standard total
      marrow irradiation (TMI). CONCLUSIONS: Whole-body DECT offers a new imaging
      technique to visualize and measure skeletal-wide marrow composition. The DECT
      based treatment planning offers volumetric and site-specific precise radiation
      dosimetry of RM and YM, which varies with aging. Our proposed method could be
      used as a functional compartment of TMI for further targeted radiation to
      specific bone marrow environment, dose escalation, reduction of doses to OARs, or
      a combination of these factors.

PMID- 27681766
TI  - Fast Megavoltage Computed Tomography: A Rapid Imaging Method for Total Body or
      Marrow Irradiation in Helical Tomotherapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Megavoltage computed tomographic (MVCT) imaging has been widely used for
      the 3-dimensional (3-D) setup of patients treated with helical tomotherapy (HT).
      One drawback of MVCT is its very long imaging time, the result of slow couch
      speeds of approximately 1 mm/s, which can be difficult for the patient to
      tolerate. We sought to develop an MVCT imaging method allowing faster couch
      speeds and to assess its accuracy for image guidance for HT. METHODS AND
      MATERIALS: Three cadavers were scanned 4 times with couch speeds of 1, 2, 3, and
      4 mm/s. The resulting MVCT images were reconstructed using an iterative
      reconstruction (IR) algorithm with a penalty term of total variation and with a
      conventional filtered back projection (FBP) algorithm. The MVCT images were
      registered with kilovoltage CT images, and the registration errors from the 2
      reconstruction algorithms were compared. This fast MVCT imaging was tested in 3
      cases of total marrow irradiation as a clinical trial. RESULTS: The 3-D
      registration errors of the MVCT images reconstructed with the IR algorithm were
      smaller than the errors of images reconstructed with the FBP algorithm at fast
      couch speeds (2, 3, 4 mm/s). The scan time and imaging dose at a speed of 4 mm/s
      were reduced to 30% of those from a conventional coarse mode scan. For the
      patient imaging, faster MVCT (3 mm/s couch speed) scanning reduced the imaging
      time and still generated images useful for anatomic registration. CONCLUSIONS:
      Fast MVCT with the IR algorithm is clinically feasible for large 3-D target
      localization, which may reduce the overall time for the treatment procedure. This
      technique may also be useful for calculating daily dose distributions or organ
      motion analyses in HT treatment over a wide area. Automated integration of this
      imaging is at least needed to further assess its clinical benefits.

PMID- 27681769
TI  - In Reply to Park et al.

PMID- 27681770
TI  - In Regard to Takiar et al.

PMID- 27681771
TI  - In Regard to Boda-Heggemann et al.

PMID- 27681772
TI  - In Reply to Mansha.

PMID- 27681773
TI  - Micellar HPLC Method for Simultaneous Determination of Ethamsylate and Mefenamic
      Acid in Presence of Their Main Impurities and Degradation Products.
AB  - An eco-friendly sensitive, rapid and less hazardous micellar liquid
      chromatographic method was developed and validated for the simultaneous analysis
      of ethamsylate (ETM) and mefenamic acid (MFA) in the presence of hydroquinone
      (HQ) and 2,3-dimethylaniline (DMA) the main impurities of ETM and MFA,
      respectively. Good chromatographic separation was attained using Eclipse XDB-C8
      column (150 mm * 4.6 mm, 5 MUm particle size) adopting UV detection at 300 nm
      with micellar mobile phase consisting of 0.12 M sodium dodecyl sulfate, 0.3%
      triethylamine and 15% 2-propanol in 0.02 M orthophosphoric acid (pH 7.0) at 1.0
      mL/min. The analytes were well resolved in <6.0 min, ETM (tR = 1.55 min), HQ (tR
      = 1.95 min), MFA (tR = 4.55 min) and DMA (tR = 5.80 min). Different validation
      parameters were examined as recommended by international conference on
      harmonization (ICH) guidelines. The method was linear over the concentration
      ranges of 0.5-18.0, 0.5-20.0, 0.01-0.5 and 0.02-0.2 ug/mL with limits of
      detection of 0.118, 0.159, 0.005 and 0.005 ug/mL and limits of quantification of
      0.358, 0.482, 0.014 and 0.015 ug/mL for ETM, MFA, HQ and DMA, respectively. The
      suggested method was successfully applied for the determination of the two drugs
      in their bulk powder, laboratory-prepared mixtures, single-ingredient and co
      formulated tablets. The obtained results were in accordance with those of the
      comparison method. The method can also detect trace amounts of HQ and DMA as the
      main impurities of ETM and MFA, respectively, within the BP limit (0.1%) for both
      impurities. Furthermore, it is a stability-indicating one for the determination
      of ETM in its pure form, single-component tablet and co-formulated tablets with
      other drugs.

PMID- 27681774
TI  - Development and Validation of Chiral HPLC Method for Quantification of 3-(S)
      Quinuclidinol in Pharmaceutically Important Precursor, 3-(R)-Quinuclidinol, by
      Precolumn Derivatization.
AB  - A sensitive and specific high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for
      the separation and quantification of 3-(S)-quinuclidinol in 3-(R)-quinuclidinol,
      precursor for active pharmaceutical ingredients (solifenacin, revatropate and
      talsaclidine), has been developed and validated by precolumn derivatization.
      Several chiral columns were tested in a normal phase system. Excellent
      enantioseparation with the resolution more than 11.4 was achieved on Chiralpak IC
      column using isocratic mobile phase consisting of n-hexane, ethanol, 2-propanol
      and diethylamine (80:8:12:0.4, v/v). The detection was carried out using UV
      detector at 230 nm. The influence of mobile phase composition, namely organic
      modifiers, additives, aliphatic alkanes and water content in mobile phase, on
      retention and enantioseparation was studied. Validation of the developed method
      including specificity, system suitability, limit of detection, limit of
      quantification, linearity, repeatability, intermediate precision, accuracy and
      solution stability was performed according to the International Conference on
      Harmonization guidelines. The advantage of the method is a good HPLC
      enantioseparation by precolumn derivatization using reaction mixture as sample,
      simpler UV detection, short analysis time (<30 min), and therefore this method is
      suitable option for routine quantification of 3-(S)-quinuclidinol in 3-(R)
      quinuclidinol.

PMID- 27681775
TI  - Separation of Isomers of JWH-122 on Porous Graphitic Carbon Stationary Phase with
      Non-Aqueous Mobile Phase Using Intelligent Software.
AB  - Cannabimimetic compounds have gained an increasing attention from the forensic
      community during the past few years. The present study was aimed to develop a
      liquid chromatographic separation method for the analysis of JWH-122 and its
      methyl isomers. In Hungary, JWH-122 is scheduled as a narcotic compound and its
      methyl isomers fall into the new psychoactive substance category, attracting
      significantly milder punishment than JWH-122 does. According to our best
      knowledge, gas chromatography or reversed phase liquid chromatography coupled
      with mass spectrometry could not be applied for separation and selective
      determination of methyl-naphthoyl indol isomers. In this study, we aimed to
      develop a high performance liquid chromatography method with UV and mass
      spectrometric detection for the separation of JWH-122 and all its possible
      isomers, depending on the position of methyl group on the naphthyl frame.
      Different reversed phase columns were used. Alkyl-modified silica with different
      selectivity and morphology with different mobile phase composition cannot be
      applied for separation of JWH-122 isomers. Porous graphitic carbon (PGC) column
      was used for separation of banned JWH-122 and each of its methyl isomers. In
      method development, a Quality by Design approach is presented for modeling the
      retention of the compounds. According to our knowledge, this is the first time
      reporting the use of intelligent software to estimate the retention on PGC
      material and using non-aqueous conditions. Retention times predicted by two
      program packages (STATISTICA(r) and DryLab(r)) are compared. The possibilities
      and limitations of the software modeling in the conditions described above are
      also evaluated.

PMID- 27681776
TI  - Quantitative In Silico Analysis of Retention of Nitrobenzofurazan-Amino Acids in
      Reversed-Phase Ion-Pair Liquid Chromatography.
AB  - The retention mechanisms of nitrobenzofurazan (NBD)-amino acids in reversed-phase
      ion-pair liquid chromatography were quantitatively analyzed in silico The most
      contributed interaction for the retention is the Lewis acid-base interaction
      between an aromatic ring of NBD-amino acids and hydroxyl-group hydrogen of tetra
      butyl-ammonium hydroxide coated on the hydrophobic phase. Solvent effects
      significantly improved the relation between the calculated molecular interaction
      (MI) energy values using a molecular mechanics program and log k values measured
      in chromatography. The correlation coefficient between the calculated MI energy
      values and the log k values was >0.95.

PMID- 27681777
TI  - [Endometriosis : An often unrecognized pain disorder].
AB  - Endometriosis is a chronic disease of women during their reproductive age. The
      most typical symptoms are dysmenorrhoea, dyspareunia, dysuria, cyclical and
      acyclical pelvic pain, bleeding disorders and infertility. These symptoms lead to
      significant impairment of the quality of life and economic burden. The prevalence
      is estimated to be 2-20 % of all women in this age and due to this fact, it is
      one of the most frequently benign gynecological diseases. Not all women suffer
      from severe symptoms, but more than 50 % require ongoing treatment. Beside the
      severe physical impairment due to the pain, the high recurrence rate of 50-80 %
      also after surgical and/or hormonal treatment is problematic. The interval
      between onset of symptoms and diagnosis is approximately 6-8 years. These
      problems are a consequence of lack of knowledge about the pathogenesis of the
      disease and the pain mechanisms as well as the lack of awareness of physicians in
      this field.

PMID- 27681778
TI  - [Impact of attachment behavior on chronic and somatoform pain].
AB  - In addition to being a risk factor for the course of chronic pain, the
      personality characteristics of the individual attachment style are also
      predictors for the success of medical and psychosocial interventions and aspects
      of the physician-patient relationship. Insecurely attached patients seem to be
      less able to sustain the positive effects of pain therapy. These results are
      especially relevant as insecure attachment patterns are overrepresented among
      chronic pain patients. As a result the attachment style can be seen as a
      psychosocial vulnerability factor for the chronification of acute pain.

PMID- 27681780
TI  - ?

PMID- 27681779
TI  - [Effect of oxytocin on human pain perception].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Over the years the effect of the neuropeptide oxytocin and its
      possible utilization for pain management has been increasingly more investigated
      and discussed. Initial results emphasized the effects of oxytocin with respect to
      labor and breastfeeding. Diverse animals studies were also able to demonstrate
      the effectiveness of the peptide in attachment behavior and pain perception;
      however, it is still unclear how oxytocin affects pain perception in humans. The
      potential therapeutic effectiveness of oxytocin could be particularly important
      for primary and secondary treatment of pain patients because chronification of
      pain can occur more frequently in this area. METHODS: For this review the
      databases PubMed, Medline und PsycINFO were searched using the terms oxytocin,
      pain, human and analgesic. The search resulted in a total of 89 original articles
      after excluding articles regarding labor pain, breastfeeding and animal studies.
      Only those studies were included which were carried out between 1994 and 2015. A
      total of 17 articles remained for inclusion in this review and included 13
      studies on the exogenous application of oxytocin and 4 on measurement of oxytocin
      levels in plasma. CONCLUSION: This review article gives a summary of the current
      state of research on oxytocin and its direct and indirect association with human
      pain perception and emphasizes its relevance for the multimodal management of
      pain.

PMID- 27681781
TI  - Echocardiographic consequences of smoking status in middle-aged subjects.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Smoking is known to have many short- and long-term cardiovascular
      effects. Cardiac index (CI), which is cardiac output indexed to body surface
      area, is considered to be a valid measure of cardiac performance. We investigated
      whether there were any differences in CI or other echocardiographic variables
      between never smokers, ex-smokers, and current smokers in a cardiopulmonary
      healthy population. METHODS: Subjects (n=355) from a previous population-based
      respiratory questionnaire survey (never smokers, ex-smokers, and current smokers
      without significant chronic obstructive lung disease) were examined with
      echocardiography, and CI (L/min/m2 ) was calculated. RESULTS: Current smokers had
      a higher CI than never smokers 2.61+/-0.52 L/min/m2 vs. 2.42+/-0.49 L/min/m2
      (P<.01). Ex-smokers had a nonsignificant, numerically higher value for CI than
      never smokers 2.54+/-0.54 L/min/m2 vs. 2.42+/-0.49 L/min/m2 (P>.05). Smoking
      status had no significant effect on other echocardiographic variables.
      CONCLUSION: We conclude that currents smokers without known cardiac disease or
      significant chronic obstructive lung disease show signs of slightly altered
      hemodynamics.

PMID- 27681782
TI  - The cancer vaccine resurgence.

PMID- 27681783
TI  - FDA eyes new diabetes end points.

PMID- 27681784
TI  - Merck &Co. drops osteoporosis drug odanacatib.

PMID- 27681785
TI  - Cardiovascular pipeline decline quantified.

PMID- 27681786
TI  - New vaccine coalition targets epidemics.

PMID- 27681787
TI  - Regulatory watch: Evaluating the potential for digital submission of expedited
      premarket safety reports to the FDA.

PMID- 27681788
TI  - Market watch: Upcoming market catalysts in Q4 2016.

PMID- 27681789
TI  - Michael Rosenblatt.

PMID- 27681790
TI  - Viral infection: New tricks to treat Ebola.

PMID- 27681792
TI  - Cancer: Tumour-specific ablation of Treg cells induces anticancer response.

PMID- 27681791
TI  - Antiparasitic drugs: Proteasome inhibition combats kinetoplastid infections.

PMID- 27681793
TI  - Analgesia: Screening for cleaner pain relief.

PMID- 27681794
TI  - Inflammatory diseases: Anti-CD1a antibody reduces inflammation in psoriasis.

PMID- 27681795
TI  - Muscle disorders: Preventing diaphragm dysfunction.

PMID- 27681796
TI  - Regenerative medicine: Inhibiting Hippo repairs tissue.

PMID- 27681797
TI  - Cancer: BMI1 inhibition reverses lung cancer.

PMID- 27681798
TI  - Stroke: Promoting neuronal recovery.

PMID- 27681799
TI  - Prevention of nosocomial infections in critically ill patients with lactoferrin
      (PREVAIL study): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nosocomial infections remain an important source of morbidity,
      mortality, and increased health care costs in hospitalized patients. This is
      particularly problematic in intensive care units (ICUs) because of increased
      patient vulnerability due to the underlying severity of illness and increased
      susceptibility from utilization of invasive therapeutic and monitoring devices.
      Lactoferrin (LF) and the products of its breakdown have multiple biological
      effects, which make its utilization of interest for the prevention of nosocomial
      infections in the critically ill. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a phase II randomized,
      multicenter, double-blinded trial to determine the effect of LF on antibiotic
      free days in mechanically ventilated, critically ill, adult patients in the ICU.
      Eligible, consenting patients will be randomized to receive either LF or placebo.
      The treating clinician will remain blinded to allocation during the study;
      blinding will be maintained by using opaque syringes and containers. The primary
      outcome will be antibiotic-free days, defined as the number of days alive and
      free of antibiotics 28 days after randomization. Secondary outcomes will include:
      antibiotic utilization, adjudicated diagnosis of nosocomial infection (longer
      than 72 h of admission to ICU), hospital and ICU length of stay, change in organ
      function after randomization, hospital and 90-day mortality, incidence of
      tracheal colonization, changes in gastrointestinal permeability, and immune
      function. Outcomes to inform the conduct of a larger definitive trial will also
      be evaluated, including feasibility as determined by recruitment rates and
      protocol adherence. DISCUSSION: The results from this study are expected to
      provide insight into a potential novel therapeutic use for LF in critically ill
      adult patients. Further, analysis of study outcomes will inform a future, large
      scale phase III randomized controlled trial powered on clinically important
      outcomes related to the use of LF. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered
      at www.ClinicalTrials.gov on 18 November 2013. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER:
      NCT01996579 .

PMID- 27681804
TI  - Intensive Clinical and Subjective Studies Introduction.

PMID- 27681805
TI  - Thinking about Things Differently: Commentary on Silverstein and Palumbo.

PMID- 27681807
TI  - Viable intact cryopreserved human placental membrane for a non-surgical approach
      to closure in complex wounds.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Advances in wound treatment have yielded successful approaches to
      complex wound closure through plastic surgery or other staged surgical methods.
      However, not all patients or wounds are candidates for such increasingly rigorous
      levels of interventions. The exploration of non-surgical treatment options that
      promote anatomical and functional tissue replacement on an outpatient basis
      without donor site morbidity is necessary to maximise opportunities for patient
      mobility and rehabilitation. The native components found in human placental
      membranes may offer alternative properties for the clinical management of these
      complex wounds. METHOD: A 10-month, single-centre effectiveness review was
      conducted on the clinical outcomes in patients (n=12) treated with Grafix, a
      viable intact cryopreserved human placental membrane (vCPM), for complex wounds
      characterised by exposed bone, tendon, muscle, or hardware. Wounds were treated
      with routine standard of care in addition to weekly grafting with a vCPM.
      RESULTS: The average baseline wound area and duration at presentation were 17.5
      cm2 and 11.2 weeks. All twelve cases resulted in granulation over the exposed
      structures followed by complete wound re-epithelialisation without the
      concomitant use of negative pressure wound therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, or
      surgical intervention. The mean 4-week percentage area reduction was 62.5 %. The
      mean time to closure was 10 weeks with a mean graft use of 8.1 grafts. Of the
      wounds seven (58%) presented with exposed tendon associated with an actively
      moving joint, the functional integrity of which was maintained with a return to
      the previous range of motion upon wound closure. CONCLUSION: These outcomes
      illustrate that vCPM is a clinically effective option in the non-surgical
      management of complex wounds in the outpatient setting, contributing to timely
      definitive closure without the risk of associated donor site morbidity.
      DECLARATION OF INTEREST: Kazu Suzuki, DPM, CWS is a member of the Speakers'
      Bureau at Osiris Therapeutics Inc., Georgina Michael and Yeabsera Tamire belong
      to the Department of Medical Affairs at Osiris Therapeutics Inc.

PMID- 27681806
TI  - Treatment of large, complex, non-healing wounds with cryopreserved amniotic
      suspension allograft: a case series.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Cryopreserved amniotic suspension allograft (CASA) is a regenerative
      tissue suspension containing amniotic membrane and amniotic fluid components used
      for soft-tissue repair, replacement, and reconstruction. The aim of this case
      series is to examine its effects in different wound types. METHOD: In a
      retrospective series CASA was applied to chronic non-healing wounds. All patients
      were treated at a single center between June 2013 and December 2014. The
      criterion for application of CASA was lack of progress toward wound healing
      despite standard treatments and adjuvant therapies. RESULTS: We assessed five
      patients aged between 39 to 86 years old. Three patients had surgical/radiation
      wounds, one had a sacral pressure ulcer, and one had a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU).
      All patients experienced progressive improvement in wound area and volume during
      treatment with CASA. One patient (postmastectomy tissue necrosis) required
      surgical closure in conjunction with removal of retained sutures. CASA applied
      topically and subcutaneously was particularly well suited to application in these
      wounds with large sinus tracts or undermining. All five patients experienced
      complete wound closure following one to two applications of CASA over 5 to 22
      weeks. CONCLUSION: This series highlights the effective use of CASA in
      recalcitrant large soft-tissue wounds, DFUs, and deep wounds with tendon
      exposure. DECLARATION OF INTEREST: This study was supported by a grant from Derma
      Sciences (Princeton, NJ, US).

PMID- 27681808
TI  - Are chronic wounds, chronic infections?

PMID- 27681803
TI  - Rescue of Early bace-1 and Global DNA Demethylation by S-Adenosylmethionine
      Reduces Amyloid Pathology and Improves Cognition in an Alzheimer's Model.
AB  - General DNA hypomethylation is associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD), but it
      is unclear when DNA hypomethylation starts or plays a role in AD pathology or
      whether DNA re-methylation would rescue early amyloid-related cognitive
      impairments. In an APP transgenic mouse model of AD-like amyloid pathology we
      found that early intraneuronal amyloid beta build-up is sufficient to unleash a
      global and beta-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (bace-1) DNA
      demethylation in AD-vulnerable brain regions. S-adenosylmethionine administration
      at these early stages abolished this hypomethylation, diminished the amyloid
      pathology and restored cognitive capabilities. To assess a possible human
      significance of findings, we examined the methylation at 12 CpGs sites in the
      bace-1 promoter, using genome-wide DNA methylation data from 740 postmortem human
      brains. Thus, we found significant associations of bace-1 promoter methylation
      with beta-amyloid load among persons with AD dementia, and PHFtau tangle density.
      Our results support a plausible causal role for the earliest amyloid beta
      accumulation to provoke DNA hypomethylation, influencing AD pathological
      outcomes.

PMID- 27681809
TI  - Microbiota is a primary cause of pathogenesis of chronic wounds.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Diverse microorganisms present on the surface of chronic wounds have
      been established to constitute wound microbiota. The aims of this study were to
      quantify the viability of wound microbiota, classify dispersal of viable microbes
      from the wound, and determine if human wound microbiota can produce a chronic
      wound in an animal model. METHOD: Wound microbiotas as units (multiple microbial
      species acting as one infectious agent) were obtained from well-defined human
      chronic wounds and seeded onto mouse surgical excision wounds to produce
      chronically infected wounds that closely resembled the chronic wounds observed in
      the original hosts. RESULTS: We found the wound microbiota harvested from 35 out
      of 43 (81%) patients could produce similar chronic wounds (producing slough and
      exudate) in a murine chronic wound model. The top 30 species present in patient
      wounds were identified in the mouse wounds by molecular sequencing. Koch's
      postulates could therefore be applied to establish wound microbiota as the cause
      of the original human chronic wound infections. Evidence-based medicine criteria
      such as Hill's criteria for causation can all be satisfied by what is currently
      known about wound microbiota. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that wound
      microbiota actively disseminates from the chronic wound by forces and mechanisms
      intrinsic to the wound. Koch's postulates and Hill's criteria for causation
      together suggest chronic wound microbiota to be the main cause underlying the
      pathogenesis of chronic wounds. DECLARATION OF INTEREST: RW has an equity
      interest in PathoGenius Labs. No funding was received for this study.

PMID- 27681810
TI  - Thoracoabdominal necrotising soft tissue infection secondary to enterocutaneous
      fistulae: a case report.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Necrotising soft tissue infection is a rare surgical emergency, which
      requires immediate and aggressive surgical debridement. Following control of the
      infection, patients are often left with large defects, with wound reconstruction
      and closure creating significant challenges. Here we describe a case of extensive
      thoracoabdominal necrotising soft tissue infection and provide a discussion on
      the standard of care and treatment based on a current literature review. METHOD:
      A 53-year-old female presented with bilious and feculent discharge from her
      surgical incision two weeks after a total abdominal hysterectomy. She was found
      to have two enterocutaneous fistulae and an extensive abdominal wall necrotising
      soft tissue infection extending to the lower thorax. Wide excision and
      debridement were performed, leaving a large triangular defect. Following serial
      washouts and debridements, a biologic mesh with openings for the enterocutaneous
      fistulae was used to cover the fascial defect Results: Postoperatively, the
      patient was discharged to a nursing facility where she remained on total
      parenteral nutrition due to high fistula output. She subsequently underwent
      fistulectomy nine months later followed by skin grafting. To date, she has not
      had any recurrent fistulae or infection. CONCLUSION: Necrotising soft tissue
      infection resulting in a large abdominal wall defect secondary to enterocutaneous
      fistulae poses a significant challenge for source control and abdominal wall
      reconstruction. After serial debridements, use of biologic mesh for temporary
      closure followed by staged resection of the bowel with abdominal wall
      reconstruction can be performed. DECLARATION OF INTEREST: The authors have no
      personal financial or institutional interest in any of the drugs, materials, or
      devices used.

PMID- 27681811
TI  - A comparative analysis of skin substitutes used in the management of diabetic
      foot ulcers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the relative product cost and clinical outcomes of four
      skin substitutes used as adjunctive treatments for diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs).
      METHOD: Medicare claims data from 2011 to 2014 were used to identify
      beneficiaries with diabetes and foot ulcers. Patients treated with one of four
      types of skin substitute (Apligraf, Dermagraft, OASIS, and MatriStem) were
      identified. The skin substitutes were compared on episode length; amputation
      rate; skin substitute utilisation; and skin substitute costs. RESULTS: There were
      13,193 skin substitute treatment episodes: Apligraf (HML) was used in 4926
      (37.3%), Dermagraft (HSL) in 5530 (41.9%), OASIS (SIS) in 2458 (18.6%) and
      MatriStem (UBM) in 279 (2.1%). The percentage of DFUs that healed at 90 days
      were: UBM 62%; SIS 63%; HML 58%; and HSL 58%. Over the entire time, UBM was non
      inferior to SIS (p<0.001), and either was significantly better than HML or HSL
      (p<0.005 in all four tests). HML was marginally superior to HSL (p=0.025
      unadjusted for multiple testing). Medicare reimbursements for skin substitutes
      per DFU episode for UBM ($1435 in skin substitutes per episode) and SIS ($1901)
      appeared to be equivalent to each other, although non-inferiority tests were not
      significant. Both were less than HML ($5364) or HSL ($14,424) (p<0.0005 in all
      four tests). HML was less costly than HSL (p<0.0005). CONCLUSION: Various types
      of skin substitutes appear to be able to confer important benefits to both
      patients with DFUs and payers. Analysis of the four skin-substitute types
      resulted in a demonstration that UBM and SIS were associated with both shorter
      DFU episode lengths and lower payer reimbursements than HML and HSL, while HML
      was less costly than HSL but equivalent in healing. DECLARATION OF INTEREST: MM
      and NM are health economic consultants who completed and authored this analysis.
      They have no financial interest in ACell, Inc. Their fees were not contingent on
      the outcome of this analysis.

PMID- 27681812
TI  - A multilevel nonvolatile magnetoelectric memory.
AB  - The coexistence and coupling between magnetization and electric polarization in
      multiferroic materials provide extra degrees of freedom for creating next
      generation memory devices. A variety of concepts of multiferroic or
      magnetoelectric memories have been proposed and explored in the past decade. Here
      we propose a new principle to realize a multilevel nonvolatile memory based on
      the multiple states of the magnetoelectric coefficient (alpha) of multiferroics.
      Because the states of alpha depends on the relative orientation between
      magnetization and polarization, one can reach different levels of alpha by
      controlling the ratio of up and down ferroelectric domains with external electric
      fields. Our experiments in a device made of the PMN-PT/Terfenol-D multiferroic
      heterostructure confirm that the states of alpha can be well controlled between
      positive and negative by applying selective electric fields. Consequently, two
      level, four-level, and eight-level nonvolatile memory devices are demonstrated at
      room temperature. This kind of multilevel magnetoelectric memory retains all the
      advantages of ferroelectric random access memory but overcomes the drawback of
      destructive reading of polarization. In contrast, the reading of alpha is
      nondestructive and highly efficient in a parallel way, with an independent
      reading coil shared by all the memory cells.

PMID- 27681813
TI  - Clinical comparison of oral administration and viscosupplementation of hyaluronic
      acid (HA) in early knee osteoarthritis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive, chronic and degenerative joint
      disease characterized by a loss of articular cartilage. Treatment of OA is
      largely palliative based on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids and
      injections of steroids. Regarding conservative treatment, intra-articular
      injections of hyaluronic acid (HA) can play a role in early symptomatic knee OA.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between August 2015 and September 2015, sixty patients (32
      males and 28 females) between 40 and 70 years old were randomly allocated into
      two groups: Half were treated with three weekly intra-articular injections of
      hyaluronic acid 1.6 % (group A), while the others were treated with Syalox 300
      Plus(r) (hyaluronic acid 300 mg + Boswellia serrata extract 100 mg) 1 tab/die for
      20 days and afterward Syalox 150(r) (hyaluronic acid 150 mg) 1 tab/die for other
      20 days (group B). All patients were evaluated clinically with American Knee
      Society Score (AKSS) and visual analogue scale (VAS) for the pain before the
      treatment and after 3 months. RESULTS: AKSS of the patients in both groups was
      significantly increased by the treatment, and VAS score was significantly
      reduced. In both groups, two subgroups were created with patients older than 60
      years and patients younger than 60 years. Better results are reported in younger
      patients of group A and older subjects in group B. CONCLUSIONS: Despite several
      limitations, the results of the study have shown that HA injection and oral
      administration may have beneficial therapeutic effects on patients with early
      osteoarthritis. Different outcomes in younger and older subject suggested a
      combined therapy first with local infiltrations and then with oral composition.

PMID- 27681816
TI  - Application of Freezing and Thawing in Apple (Malus domestica) Juice Extraction.
AB  - The paper presents the results of the research on the impact of enzymatic
      liquefaction, freezing and thawing on the efficiency of juice pressure extraction
      from apple pulp and quality of the obtained juices. The research was conducted
      using three types of pretreatment prior the pressing: crushing and enzymatic
      liquefaction in temperature of 25  degrees C, crushing and enzymatic liquefaction
      in temperature of 45  degrees C and crushing followed by freezing and thawing of
      the pulp. The study included three varieties of apples. The juice was obtained
      using a laboratory basket press. It was determined that the pretreatment of the
      pulp as well as the varietal characteristics of the fruits have a significant
      impact on the efficiency of the pressure extraction process. The enzymatic
      treatment of the pulp, irrespective of the temperature at which it was conducted,
      significantly increased the efficiency of the process. No effect of the
      temperature (25 or 45  degrees C) of enzymatic treatment on the efficiency of the
      pressure extraction process was found. Pretreatment of the pulp based on freezing
      and thawing contributes to the increase of efficiency of pressing in the case of
      two apple cultivars, that is, Idared and Red Delicious. It was showed that total
      phenolic content, antioxidant activity, the soluble solids content and juice
      acidity (pH) depend on the pretreatment of the pulp and the varietal
      characteristics of apples. Following the application of pretreatment of the pulp,
      an increase was observed in the content of polyphenols and in the antioxidant
      activity of the juices obtained.

PMID- 27681815
TI  - Country-specific HPV-related genital disease among men residing in Brazil, Mexico
      and The United States: The HIM study.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to assess whether the incidence of
      histopathologically confirmed condyloma and penile intraepithelial neoplasia
      (PeIN) and rates of genital HPV infection progression to these lesions differs by
      country (Brazil, Mexico and the U.S.). At each visit, lesions were biopsied and
      were categorized by pathologic diagnoses. The Linear Array genotyping method was
      used to identify HPV genotypes from genital swabs, while the INNO-LiPA HPV
      Genotyping Extra method was used for tissue specimens. Age-specific analyses were
      conducted for lesion incidence by country, with Kaplan-Meier estimation of
      cumulative incidence. The proportion of HPV infections that progressed to
      condyloma and PeIN, the median time to lesion development and the incidence rates
      were estimated by country. When comparing demographic and sexual characteristics
      across the three countries, sexual orientation (p = 0.008) and lifetime number of
      female sexual partners (p < 0.0001) were differentially associated with lesion
      incidence in the three countries. Condyloma incidence in Brazil and the U.S.
      decreased with age, while incidence remained constant across the lifespan in
      Mexico. There were no differences by country and age for PeIN incidence. HPV
      types 6 and 11 were the most common types to progress to condyloma and HPV types
      16, 6 and 11 were the most common types to progress to PeIN in all three
      countries. The continuous risk of condyloma and PeIN across all age groups and
      countries in this study emphasizes the need to ensure that strong HPV immunity,
      such as that obtained through vaccination, is maintained across the lifespan of
      men.

PMID- 27681814
TI  - Serologic and radiographic outcome of total hip arthroplasty with CoCr modular
      neck at mid-term follow-up.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study is a radiographic evaluation and to determine
      serologic values of chromium and cobalt in the blood and urine of patients who
      have been implanted with a Stryker(r) ABG II Modular Neck and see if there is
      correlation with the features of prosthesis and patients. METHODS: The study
      involves the collection of data from patients operated on for total hip model
      with the ABG II Modular Neck with a minimum follow-up of 1 year. RESULTS: We
      evaluated 22 patients who underwent implantation of a hip prosthesis with modular
      neck in CoCr. Of these, the average Cr in the blood was 0.63 MUgL-1 (range 0.1
      2.15 MUgL-1), the average of Co in the blood was 3.50 MUgL-1 (range 0.62-7.78
      MUgL-1), the average Cr in the urine was 1.24 MUgL-1 (range 0.48-2.21 MUgL-1),
      and the average Co in urine was 14.22 MUgL-1 (range 3.3-31.2 MUgL-1). None of
      these patients had undergone revision surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Our study seems to
      indicate that the restoration of offset and age are correlated with the release
      of metal ions, although the correlation is weak and needs better methodological
      studies and a greater number of patients to confirm this hypothesis. STUDY TYPE:
      Case series Level of Evidence 4.

PMID- 27681818
TI  - Understanding interprofessional collaboration in the context of chronic disease
      management for older adults living in communities: a concept analysis.
AB  - AIM: To report a concept analysis of interprofessional collaboration in the
      context of chronic disease management, for older adults living in communities.
      BACKGROUND: Increasing prevalence of chronic disease among older adults is
      creating significant burden for patients, families and healthcare systems.
      Managing chronic disease for older adults living in the community requires
      interprofessional collaboration across different health and other care providers,
      organizations and sectors. However, there is a lack of consensus about the
      definition and use of interprofessional collaboration for community-based chronic
      disease management. DESIGN: Concept analysis. DATA SOURCES: Electronic databases
      CINAHL, Medline, HealthStar, EMBASE, PsychINFO, Ageline and Cochrane Database
      were searched from 2000 - 2013. METHODS: Rodgers' evolutionary method for concept
      analysis. RESULTS: The most common surrogate term was interdisciplinary
      collaboration. Related terms were interprofessional team, multidisciplinary team
      and teamwork. Attributes included: an evolving interpersonal process; shared
      goals, decision-making and care planning; interdependence; effective and frequent
      communication; evaluation of team processes; involving older adults and family
      members in the team; and diverse and flexible team membership. Antecedents
      comprised: role awareness; interprofessional education; trust between team
      members; belief that interprofessional collaboration improves care; and
      organizational support. Consequences included impacts on team composition and
      function, care planning processes and providers' knowledge, confidence and job
      satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Interprofessional collaboration is a complex evolving
      concept. Key components of interprofessional collaboration in chronic disease
      management for community-living older adults are identified. Implications for
      nursing practice, education and research are proposed.

PMID- 27681817
TI  - Multiple imaging modalities for the detection of optic nerve head drusen: Is
      echography still mandatory?

PMID- 27681819
TI  - Intermittent pneumatic compression in laparoscopic surgery for prevention of deep
      vein thrombosis and cellular damage from iatrogenic compartment syndrome.
AB  - AIM: This study is aimed to evaluate the incidence of the postoperative deep vein
      thrombosis (DVT) and the cell damage from compartment iatrogenic syndrome,
      analyzing two groups of patients operated laparoscopically, one of which assisted
      with a Sequential Compression Device (SCD). MATERIAL OF STUDY: A patients' series
      submitted to laparoscopic surgery over a period at least 90 minutes. The venous
      flow in the lower limbs was detected with the Echo Colour Doppler method, and
      only one of the two groups was assisted with the SCD. RESULTS: Between November
      2006 and October 2007, 35 patients were evaluated, 21 of them wew assisted with
      SDC and the remaining 14 patients were the control group. All patients had a
      follow-up was extended for 5 years at the interval of 7 days, 14 days, 30 days, 3
      and 5 years. DISCUSSION: The results were confirmed that the application of SCD
      is able to neutralize the negative effect of the PNP reducing the possible risk
      of thromboembolic venous stasis and the improvement of lactic acid and of
      myoglobinemia are attributable to a reduction of preload. With the use of IPC, it
      decreases venous stasis, improves venous return and cardiac output increases,
      preventing cell damage by hypoperfusion. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a SCD applied to
      the lower limbs allows an increase in venous return from the lower limbs so
      reducing the risk of DVT. KEY WORDS: Cellular damage, DVT, Pneumoperitoneum.

PMID- 27681820
TI  - Estimating the reliability of repeatedly measured endpoints based on linear mixed
      effects models. A tutorial.
AB  - There are various settings in which researchers are interested in the assessment
      of the correlation between repeated measurements that are taken within the same
      subject (i.e., reliability). For example, the same rating scale may be used to
      assess the symptom severity of the same patients by multiple physicians, or the
      same outcome may be measured repeatedly over time in the same patients.
      Reliability can be estimated in various ways, for example, using the classical
      Pearson correlation or the intra-class correlation in clustered data. However,
      contemporary data often have a complex structure that goes well beyond the
      restrictive assumptions that are needed with the more conventional methods to
      estimate reliability. In the current paper, we propose a general and flexible
      modeling approach that allows for the derivation of reliability estimates,
      standard errors, and confidence intervals - appropriately taking hierarchies and
      covariates in the data into account. Our methodology is developed for continuous
      outcomes together with covariates of an arbitrary type. The methodology is
      illustrated in a case study, and a Web Appendix is provided which details the
      computations using the R package CorrMixed and the SAS software. Copyright (c)
      2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27681821
TI  - Mesenchymal stem cells and vascular regeneration.
AB  - In recent years, MSCs have emerged as a promising therapeutic cell type in
      regenerative medicine. They hold great promise for treating cardiovascular
      diseases, such as myocardial infarction and limb ischemia. MSCs may be utilized
      in both cell-based therapy and vascular graft engineering to restore vascular
      function, thereby providing therapeutic benefits to patients. The efficacy of
      MSCs lies in their multipotent differentiation ability toward vascular smooth
      muscle cells, endothelial cells and other cell types, as well as their capacity
      to secrete various trophic factors, which are potent in promoting angiogenesis,
      inhibiting apoptosis and modulating immunoreaction. Increasing our understanding
      of the mechanisms of MSC involvement in vascular regeneration will be beneficial
      in boosting present therapeutic approaches and developing novel ones to treat
      cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we aim to summarize current progress in
      characterizing the in vivo identity of MSCs, to discuss mechanisms involved in
      cell-based therapy utilizing MSCs, and to explore current and future strategies
      for vascular regeneration.

PMID- 27681822
TI  - Topographic generation of submesoscale centrifugal instability and energy
      dissipation.
AB  - Most of the ocean kinetic energy is contained in the large scale currents and the
      vigorous geostrophic eddy field, at horizontal scales of order 100 km. To achieve
      equilibrium the geostrophic currents must viscously dissipate their kinetic
      energy at much smaller scale. However, geostrophic turbulence is characterized by
      an inverse cascade of energy towards larger scale, and the pathways of energy
      toward dissipation are still in question. Here, we present a mechanism, in the
      context of the Gulf Stream, where energy is transferred from the geostrophic flow
      to submesoscale wakes through anticyclonic vertical vorticity generation in the
      bottom boundary layer. The submesoscale turbulence leads to elevated local
      dissipation and mixing outside the oceanic boundary layers. This process is
      generic for boundary slope currents that flow in the direction of Kelvin wave
      propagation. Topographic generation of submesoscale flows potentially provides a
      new and significant route to energy dissipation for geostrophic flows.

PMID- 27681824
TI  - Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology: Implications for Swallowing.
AB  - Deglutition is a complicated neuromuscular process that requires a complex level
      of communication between the central and peripheral nervous systems, and which
      results in highly coordinated actions from the muscles of mouth, pharynx, larynx,
      and esophagus. The actions of the individual muscles involved in deglutition and
      their cranial nerve innervation for the oral and pharyngeal stages of the swallow
      are presented. This is followed by a discussion of the research relating to
      potential areas of breakdown, and the corresponding symptomology, associated with
      the oral and pharyngeal stages of swallowing following a stroke.

PMID- 27681825
TI  - Evaluating Swallowing Disorders: The Speech-Language Pathologist's Perspective.
AB  - A comprehensive evaluation of swallowing is critical for identifying the presence
      of a dysphagia, the stage of dysfunction, and the underlying cause of difficulty,
      as well as for determining the risk for aspiration. This article reviews the
      procedures of the evaluation, typically conducted by a speech-language
      pathologist. The evaluation includes a complete history of the problem, a
      clinical swallowing evaluation, and a video- fluorographic assessment (or other
      instrumental assessment) of the swallowing mechanism. The results of the
      evaluation al low the clinician to determine an appropriate individualized
      management plan.

PMID- 27681823
TI  - Single sample resolution of rare microbial dark matter in a marine invertebrate
      metagenome.
AB  - Direct, untargeted sequencing of environmental samples (metagenomics) and de novo
      genome assembly enable the study of uncultured and phylogenetically divergent
      organisms. However, separating individual genomes from a mixed community has
      often relied on the differential-coverage analysis of multiple, deeply sequenced
      samples. In the metagenomic investigation of the marine bryozoan Bugula neritina,
      we uncovered seven bacterial genomes associated with a single B. neritina
      individual that appeared to be transient associates, two of which were unique to
      one individual and undetectable using certain "universal" 16S rRNA primers and
      probes. We recovered high quality genome assemblies for several rare instances of
      "microbial dark matter," or phylogenetically divergent bacteria lacking genomes
      in reference databases, from a single tissue sample that was not subjected to any
      physical or chemical pre-treatment. One of these rare, divergent organisms has a
      small (593 kbp), poorly annotated genome with low GC content (20.9%) and a 16S
      rRNA gene with just 65% sequence similarity to the closest reference sequence.
      Our findings illustrate the importance of sampling strategy and de novo assembly
      of metagenomic reads to understand the extent and function of bacterial
      biodiversity.

PMID- 27681826
TI  - Treating Swallowing Disorders following Stroke.
AB  - The speech-language pathologist uses a combination of direct and indirect
      treatment techniques to manage dysphagia in the patient with a stroke. This
      article reviews a variety of these procedures, including patient and family
      education, sensory stimulation techniques such as modifications in bolus
      characteristics and thermal stimulation, compensatory postures and positioning,
      compensatory swallowing maneuvers, and physiotherapeutic techniques. General
      guidelines for selection of appropriate techniques based on clinical presentation
      and underlying symptoms are discussed.

PMID- 27681827
TI  - Dysphagia Resulting from Esophageal Problems.
AB  - Common symptoms, diagnostic techniques, and management methods for patients who
      have dysphagia of esophageal origin are reviewed. Esophageal problems are usually
      present premorbidly, but may manifest themselves after a stroke occurs.
      Esophageal abnormalities may mimic or exacerbate oropharyngeal symptoms of
      dysphagia. Therefore, the anatomy, physiology, and diagnostic tools to examine
      the esophagus must be appreciated in order to recognize symptoms and choose
      appropriate treatment strategies for esophageal disorders. Despite the high
      mortality and morbidity of some esophageal diseases, proper diagnosis and
      treatment may al low the stroke survivor to maintain adequate oral caloric intake
      without discomfort or nonoral feeding methods.

PMID- 27681828
TI  - Nutritional Considerations for the Stroke Patient with Dysphagia.
AB  - Dysphagia is a physical disability that negatively affects patients' abilities to
      meet their nutritional needs. Dysphagia may result in anorexia, weight loss,
      protein-energy malnutrition, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Dehydration is
      also a major risk. Swallowing abnormalities have been observed in 25% to 50% of
      patients following a stroke. The dietitian's role in assessingthe nutritional
      status of dysphagic patients and in working with the interdisciplinary team
      isessential to comprehensive patient care. A Nutrition Assessment Form is
      presented for stroke patients, and recommendations are made for dysphagic diets
      and feeding management for the interdisciplinary team. Increasing food
      consumption is critical to improving nutritional status and quality of life for
      those receiving rehabilitation services.

PMID- 27681829
TI  - Hemiplegia and Feeding: An Occupational Therapy Approach to Upper Extremity
      Management.
AB  - Stroke survivors with resulting hemiplegia may have difficulty performing feeding
      tasks independently. This article describes the occupational therapist's role in
      helping patients achieve improved functional performance during feeding. It
      provides an overview of motor abilities required for self-feeding, describes
      abnormal movements typically seen in stroke patients, and discusses assessments
      and therapeutic interventions commonly used in occupational therapy. A case study
      is presented to illustrate the use of these therapeutic interventions.

PMID- 27681830
TI  - Ethical Dilemmas in Dysphagia Practice.

PMID- 27681831
TI  - Foreword.

PMID- 27681832
TI  - 1-D "Platinum Wire" Stacking Structure Built of Platinum(II) Diimine Bis(sigma
      acetylide) Units with Luminescence in the NIR Region.
AB  - A square-planar platinum(II) complex, Pt(DiBrbpy)(C=CC6H4Et-4)2 (1) (DiBrbpy =
      4,4-dibromo-2,2'-bipyridine), and crystals of its three solvated forms, namely,
      1.DMSO, 1.1/2(CH3CN), and 1.1/8(CH2Cl2), were developed and characterized. 1.DMSO
      and 1.1/2(CH3CN) contain quasi-dimeric and dimeric structures with luminescence
      in the visible range, whereas 1.1/8(CH2Cl2) exhibits NIR luminescence at 1022 nm
      due to its intrinsic 1-D "platinum wire" stacking structure with strong Pt-Pt
      interactions. 1.1/8(CH2Cl2) represents the first compound based on platinum(II)
      diimine bis(sigma-acetylide) molecular units with the NIR luminescence beyond
      1000 nm. 1 selectively responds to DMSO and CH3CN by changing its color and
      luminescence property and the three solvated forms can be reversibly converted to
      each other upon exposure to corresponding solvent vapors. Their desolvated forms,
      namely 1a, 1b, and 1c, obtained after heating 1.DMSO, 1.1/2(CH3CN), and
      1.1/8(CH2Cl2), respectively, can also be restored to the original solvated forms
      upon exposure to corresponding solvent vapors. 1a and 1b emit NIR luminescence
      peaked at 998 and 1018 nm respectively, suggesting indirect synthetic methods as
      powerful alternatives to achieve NIR luminescence with long wavelength. In
      contrast, 1c exhibits a red luminescence with a broad unstructured emission band
      centered at 667 nm. All the responses to organic solvent vapors and heating are
      due to the structural transformations which result in the conversion of the
      lowest energy excited states between 3MLCT/3LLCT and 3MMLCT in solid-state as
      supported by time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations.

PMID- 27681833
TI  - Novel oral anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation.

PMID- 27681834
TI  - o-Naphthoquinone-Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidation of Amines to (Ket)imines: A Modular
      Catalyst Approach.
AB  - A modular aerobic oxidation of amines to imines has been achieved using an ortho
      naphthoquinone (o-NQ) catalyst. The cooperative catalyst system of o-NQ and
      Cu(OAc)2 enabled the formation of homocoupled imines from benzylamines, while the
      presence of TFA helped the formation of cross-coupled imines in excellent yields.
      The current mild aerobic oxidation protocol could also be applied to the
      oxidation of secondary amines to imines or ketimines with the help of cocatalyst,
      Ag2CO3, with excellent yields.

PMID- 27681837
TI  - Comparison of methods used to quantify general practice-type patients in the
      emergency department: A tertiary paediatric perspective.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare methods for quantifying general
      practice-type (GP-type) patients in a paediatric ED to determine the robustness
      of current identification methods. METHODS: Data was sourced from the ED
      Information System for 5 years (2010-2014) from the tertiary paediatric hospital
      in Perth, Western Australia, Australia. A further detailed analysis of 2014
      presentations established an independent sample for valid statistical comparison
      of the three methods used to identify GP-type patients: Australian Institute of
      Health and Welfare, ACEM and the Diagnosis. RESULTS: A total of 348 020 patients
      presented in 2010-2014, with the percentage of GP-type patients identified
      varying from 38% to 68% by the three methods. Fewer GP-type presentations
      occurred over each consecutive year and had significantly lower median medical
      consultation times and ED length of stay when compared with the total
      presentation sample. GP-type presentations were evenly spread across the days and
      times of the week, with ACEM demonstrating only fewer presentations during office
      hours (P = 0.02). In 2014 there was only overlap in 36.6% cases for all three
      methods - 6.9% exclusively flagged by ACEM, 22.7% by Australian Institute of
      Health and Welfare and 0.2% by the Diagnosis method. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated
      that current models to quantify perceived GP-type presentations were inconsistent
      in paediatric patients. All methods flagged a high proportion of GP-type
      presentations, and although the reasons for these presentations are
      multifactorial and not easily explained by access to GP services alone, they do
      represent a significant workload in the paediatric ED.

PMID- 27681839
TI  - Health promotion among older adults in Austria: a qualitative study.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the types of attitudes to health promotion
      among older Austrians. BACKGROUND: Health promotion in old age becomes
      increasingly important in the current period of demographic transition.
      Interventions are likely to be successful if they take the attitude of older
      persons into consideration. There may be several types of attitudes to health
      promotion among older adults. DESIGN: Cross-sectional qualitative study. METHODS:
      Semi-structured interviews were conducted in a purposive sample consisting of 36
      home-dwelling older persons from local communities in the federal province of
      Salzburg, Austria. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis
      according to Mayring and subsequent construction of types. RESULTS: There are
      three main types of attitudes to health promotion. 'Health promoters through
      everyday activities' considered domestic work and walks to be sufficient in
      keeping up their health. Fitness-oriented persons practised sports of some type.
      Users of complementary methods practised such methods to some degree. These types
      of attitudes could be further differentiated according to their outcome
      expectations. In addition to benefits for health, socialising was also an
      important outcome. Physical decline may reduce a fitness-oriented attitude,
      whereas encouragement by others may trigger it. CONCLUSION: Older adults have
      various attitudes to health promotion, but these are not immutable. RELEVANCE TO
      CLINICAL PRACTICE: Health promotion programmes that are not restricted to a
      narrow focus on health but provide the opportunity to socialise may support older
      adults in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

PMID- 27681838
TI  - Ilex kaushue and Its Bioactive Component 3,5-Dicaffeoylquinic Acid Protected Mice
      from Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Lung Injury.
AB  - Acute lung injury (ALI) is a severe respiratory disease with high mortality rates
      worldwide. Recent reports suggest that human neutrophil elastase (HNE) plays a
      key role in the inflammatory response that is characteristic of ALI, which
      indicates that the development of HNE inhibitors could be an efficient treatment
      strategy. In the current study, an enzyme-based screening assay was used to
      identify effective HNE inhibitors from a number of traditional Chinese medicines
      (TCMs). Among them, a water extract of Ilex kaushue (IKWE) effectively inhibited
      HNE activity (IC50, 11.37 +/- 1.59 MUg/mL). Using bioactivity-guided
      fractionation, one new compound and 23 known compounds were identified. Compound
      6 (identified as 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid; 3,5-DCQA) exerted the most potent and
      selective inhibitory effect on HNE activity (IC50, 1.86 +/- 0.06 MUM). In a cell
      based assay, 3,5-DCQA not only directly reduced superoxide generation and
      elastase activity but also attenuated the Src family kinase (SRKs)/Vav signaling
      pathway in N-formyl-L-Met-L-Leu-L-Phe (fMLF)-stimulated human neutrophils. In an
      animal disease model, both 3,5-DCQA and standardized IKWE protected against
      lipopolysaccharide-induced ALI in mice, which provides support for their
      potential as candidates in the development of new therapeutic agents for
      neutrophilic inflammatory diseases.

PMID- 27681841
TI  - Relation between blood vitamin B12 levels with premature ejaculation: case
      control study.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate whether vitamin B12 levels are
      associated with premature ejaculation (PE). A total of 109 subjects (56 PE and 53
      controls) were included in this study. PE was defined as self-reported
      intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT) based on the Diagnostic and
      Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV criteria and those who had had an IELT
      of <2 min was considered as PE. All participants were evaluated using premature
      ejaculation diagnostic tool (PEDT), International Index of Erectile Function
      (IIEF) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The vitamin 12 levels were measured
      in all subjects. The mean age between the PE and controls was comparable (p =
      .084). Mean IIEF and BDI scores between the two groups did not statistically
      differ. The mean IELT values in the PE group were significantly lower than in the
      control group (p < .0001). PE patients reported significantly lower vitamin B12
      levels compared with the controls (213.14 vs. 265.89 ng ml-1 ; p < .001). The ROC
      analysis showed a significant correlation between the diagnosis of PE and lower
      vitamin B12 levels. This study has demonstrated that lower vitamin B12 levels are
      associated with the presence of PE. This work also shows a strong correlation
      between vitamin B12 levels and the PEDT scores as well as the IELT values.

PMID- 27681843
TI  - Follicular proliferation or basal cell carcinoma? The first prospective U.K.
      study of this histological challenge during Mohs surgery.

PMID- 27681844
TI  - Letter to the Editor: Bias in the measurement of bias. Letter regarding 'Citation
      bias and selective focus on positive findings in the literature on the serotonin
      transporter gene (5-HTTLPR), life stress and depression'.

PMID- 27681842
TI  - Preoperative risk factors for intra-operative bleeding in pediatric liver
      transplantation.
AB  - This study analyzes the preoperative risk factors for intra-operative bleeding in
      our recent series of pediatric LTs. Between November 2009 and November 2014, 84
      consecutive isolated pediatric LTs were performed in 81 children. Potential
      preoperative predictive factors for bleeding, amount of intra-operative
      transfusions, postoperative course, and outcome were recorded. Cutoff point for
      intra-operative HBL was defined as intra-operative RBC transfusions >=1 TBV.
      Twenty-six patients (31%) had intra-operative HBL. One-year patient survival
      after LT was 66.7% (CI 95%=[50.2-88.5]) in HBL patients and 83.8% (CI 95%=[74.6
      94.1]) in the others (P=.054). Among 13 potential preoperative risk factors,
      three of them were identified as independent predictors of high intra-operative
      bleeding: abdominal surgical procedure(s) prior to LT, factor V level <=30%
      before transplantation, and ex situ parenchymal transsection of the liver graft.
      Based on these findings, we propose a simple score to predict the individual
      hemorrhagic risk related to each patient and graft association. This score may
      help to better anticipate intra-operative bleeding and improve patient's
      management.

PMID- 27681840
TI  - Regulation of divalent metal transporter-1 by serine phosphorylation.
AB  - Divalent metal transporter-1 (DMT1) mediates dietary iron uptake across the
      intestinal mucosa and facilitates peripheral delivery of iron released by
      transferrin in the endosome. Here, we report that classical cannabinoids (Delta9
      tetrahydrocannabinol, Delta9-THC), nonclassical cannabinoids (CP 55,940),
      aminoalkylindoles (WIN 55,212-2) and endocannabinoids (anandamide) reduce 55Fe
      and 54Mn uptake by HEK293T(DMT1) cells stably expressing the transporter. siRNA
      knockdown of cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2) abrogated inhibition. CB2 is a G
      protein (GTP-binding protein)-coupled receptor that negatively regulates signal
      transduction cascades involving serine/threonine kinases. Immunoprecipitation
      experiments showed that DMT1 is serine-phosphorylated under basal conditions, but
      that treatment with Delta9-THC reduced phosphorylation. Site-directed mutation of
      predicted DMT1 phosphosites further showed that substitution of serine with
      alanine at N-terminal position 43 (S43A) abolished basal phosphorylation.
      Concordantly, both the rate and extent of 55Fe uptake in cells expressing
      DMT1(S43A) was reduced compared with those expressing wild-type DMT1. Among
      kinase inhibitors that affected DMT1-mediated iron uptake, staurosporine also
      reduced DMT1 phosphorylation confirming a role for serine phosphorylation in iron
      transport regulation. These combined data indicate that phosphorylation at serine
      43 of DMT1 promotes transport activity, whereas dephosphorylation is associated
      with loss of iron uptake. Since anti-inflammatory actions mediated through CB2
      would be associated with reduced DMT1 phosphorylation, we postulate that this
      pathway provides a means to reduce oxidative stress by limiting iron uptake.

PMID- 27681845
TI  - Adherence to recommended UK sampling protocols for detecting mast cell mediator
      release in perioperative anaphylaxis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sheffield National Adverse Reactions Consultancy Service (NARCOS)
      investigates and triages suspected perioperative anaesthetic reactions to allergy
      clinics, using serial tryptase samples, urinary methylhistamine and clinical
      information on a pro forma request. OBJECTIVE: To determine if current UK
      guidelines on serial tryptase samples are achieved and describe the patterns of
      tryptase release. METHOD: A retrospective review of 3455 NARCOS cases. Tryptase
      and clinical details were analysed. 1746 had sufficient clinical information to
      grade the reactions according to the Ring and Messmer scale. RESULTS: 98%
      provided two or more acute samples, but only 60% supplied clinical information.
      308 patients never dropped within the reference range over three samples.
      CONCLUSIONS: Good compliance with UK guidelines for tryptase measurements is
      achievable in this long-term cohort, but obtaining clinical details at referral
      remains a challenge. Sample sequence labelling and apparent timing may be
      misleading. Baseline tryptase may frequently need to be rechecked in allergy
      clinics to estimate true peak-to-trough changes.

PMID- 27681846
TI  - How close are we to standardised extended RAS gene mutation testing? The UK NEQAS
      evaluation.
AB  - AIMS: Since 2008, KRAS mutation status in exon 2 has been used to predict
      response to anti-EGFR therapies. Recent evidence has demonstrated that NRAS
      status is also predictive of response. Several retrospective 'extended RAS'
      analyses have been performed on clinical trial material. Despite this, are we
      really moving towards such extended screening practice in reality? METHODS: Data
      were analysed from four consecutive UK National External Quality Assessment
      Service for Molecular Genetics Colorectal cancer External Quality Assessment
      schemes (during the period 2014-2016), with up to 110 laboratories (worldwide)
      participating in each scheme. Testing of four or five tumour samples is required
      per scheme. Laboratories provided information on which codons were routinely
      screened, and provided genotyping and interpretation results for each sample.
      RESULTS: At least 85% of laboratories routinely tested KRAS codons 12, 13 and 61.
      Over the four schemes, an increasing number of laboratories routinely tested KRAS
      codons 59, 117 and 146. Furthermore, more laboratories were introducing next
      generation sequencing technologies. The pattern of 'extended testing' was
      reassuringly similar for NRAS, although fewer laboratories currently test for
      mutations in this gene. Alarmingly, still only 36.1% and 24.1% of participating
      laboratories met the ACP Molecular Pathology and Diagnostics Group and American
      Society of Clinical Oncology guidelines, respectively, for extended RAS testing
      in the latest assessment. CONCLUSIONS: Despite recommendations in the UK and USA
      on extended RAS testing, there has clearly been, based on these results, a delay
      in implementation. Inadequate testing results in patients being subjected to
      harmful treatment regimens, which would not be the case, were routine practice
      altered, in line with evidence-based guidelines.

PMID- 27681847
TI  - Regression grading in neoadjuvant treated pancreatic cancer: an interobserver
      study.
AB  - AIM: Several regression grading systems have been proposed for neoadjuvant
      chemoradiation-treated pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). This study aimed
      to examine the utility, reproducibility and level of concordance of three most
      frequently used grading systems. METHODS: Four gastrointestinal pathologists used
      the College of American Pathologists (CAP), Evans, MD Anderson Cancer Centre
      (MDA) regression grading systems to grade 14 selected cases (7-20 slides from
      each case) of neoadjuvant chemoradiation-treated PDAC. A postscoring discussion
      with each pathologist was conducted. The results were entered into a standardised
      data collection form and statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS: There was
      little concordance across the three systems. The Kendall coefficient of
      concordance agreement scores were: CAP: 2-poor, 2-fair; Evans: 1-fair, 1
      moderate, 2-good; MDA: 1-poor, 2-moderate, 1-good. Interpretation in all three
      grades in the CAP grading system was a source of discrepancy. Furthermore, using
      fibrosis as a criterion to assess regression was contentious. In the Evans
      system, quantifying tumour destruction using arbitrary percentage cut-offs (ie,
      9% vs 10%; 50% vs 51%, etc) was imprecise and subjective. Although the MDA system
      generated greatest concordance, this was due to 'oversimplification' surrounding
      wide, arbitrarily assigned thresholds of </> 5% of tumour. CONCLUSIONS: All
      systems lacked precision and clarity for accurate regression grading. Presently
      the clinical utility and impact of histological regression grading in patient
      management is questionable. There is a need to re-evaluate regression grading in
      the pancreas and establish a reproducible, clinically relevant grading system.

PMID- 27681848
TI  - Type 1 diabetes risk in children born to women with fertility problems: a cohort
      study in 1.5 million Danish children.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: While some studies have indicated that children born following
      fertility treatment are at an increased risk for insulin resistance and higher
      blood glucose levels, no study to date has investigated the risk of type 1
      diabetes. In this large population-based cohort study we aim to assess the
      association between maternal fertility problems and the risk of type 1 diabetes
      in children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Information on all children, born in Denmark
      from 1987 to 2010, was extracted from the Civil Registration System and linked
      with the Danish Infertility Cohort to identify maternal fertility status.
      Diabetes information was obtained from the National Patient Register and the
      Childhood Diabetes Register. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to
      calculate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: A total of 1 550
      519 children made up the study cohort, of whom 110 393 (7.1%) were born to women
      with fertility problems. In all, 313 children born to women with fertility
      problems (0.36%) and 5176 children born to women without fertility problems
      (0.28%) were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. The risk of type 1 diabetes was not
      affected by maternal fertility status (hazard ratio 1.01, 95% CI 0.90-1.13) when
      taking into account birth year, sex, history of parental diabetes, parental age
      and age at diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed no association between
      maternal fertility problems and risk of type 1 diabetes in children.

PMID- 27681849
TI  - Evaluation of Knee Pain in Athletes: A Radiologist's Perspective.
AB  - Lower limb injuries account for most of all injuries suffered by athletes and the
      knee joint accounts for over half of these. The etiology of knee pain is
      multifactorial; a good history focusing on the mechanism of injury and the
      chronicity of pain is extremely useful in correlating with radiologic findings
      and establishing a clinically meaningful diagnosis. This review article will
      discuss several important and common causes of acute and chronic knee pain in
      athletes, focusing on their mechanism of injury and site of pain as well as their
      salient imaging findings.

PMID- 27681850
TI  - Preoperative Imaging in Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Literature Review and
      Recommendations.

PMID- 27681851
TI  - Differing Isomerization Kinetics of Azobenzene-Functionalized Self-Assembled
      Monolayers in Ambient Air and in Vacuum.
AB  - Azobenzene-alkanethiols in self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on Au(111) exhibit
      reversible trans-cis photoisomerization when diluted with alkanethiol spacers.
      Using these mixed SAMs, we show switching of the linear optical and second
      harmonic response. The effective switching of these surface optical properties
      relies on a reasonably large cross section and a high photoisomerization yield as
      well as a long lifetime of the metastable cis isomer. We quantified the switching
      process by X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The cross sections for the trans-cis
      and cis-trans photoisomerization with 365 and 455 nm light, respectively, are one
      order of magnitude smaller than in solution. In vacuum the 365 nm photostationary
      state comprises 50-74% of the molecules in the cis form, limited by their rapid
      thermal isomerization back to the trans state. In contrast, the 455 nm
      photostationary state contains nearly 100% trans-azobenzene. We determined time
      constants for the thermal cis-trans isomerization of only a few minutes in vacuum
      and in a dry nitrogen atmosphere, but of more than one day in ambient air. Our
      results suggest that adventitious water adsorbed on the SAM's surface stabilizes
      the polar cis configuration of azobenzene under ambient conditions. The back
      reaction rates differing by two orders of magnitude underline the huge influence
      of the environment and accordingly its importance when comparing various
      experiments.

PMID- 27681852
TI  - Emergency Preparedness for a Mass Gathering: the 2015 Papal Visit to
      Philadelphia.
AB  - In September 2015, Pope Francis visited Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and led
      outdoor events over the course of 2 days. As a result, The Children's Hospital of
      Philadelphia (CHOP) was faced with the challenge of planning for and responding
      to a mass gathering that was anticipated to be one of the largest in US history.
      As a result of unprecedented traffic restrictions, it was anticipated that
      patients, staff, and vendors would have severe challenges accessing the hospital,
      along with impaired communications from widespread cell phone service disruption.
      Previous mass gatherings have proven a need for early, detailed planning with
      multidisciplinary stakeholders, but little has been published on the impact of
      mass gatherings on area hospitals. This lack of data makes it difficult to
      predict the extent to which demand for hospital services would be increased and
      which services would be most affected. Early, coordinated planning allowed CHOP
      leaders to delegate responsibilities to those with specific expertise, prioritize
      needs, prevent duplication of efforts, and ensure engagement and accountability
      from key stakeholders. Emergency preparedness-led efforts including housing
      almost 1000 employees for 3 consecutive nights and assisting families with access
      allowed our hospital to maintain operations. The planning strategies shared here
      will provide emergency preparedness planners with a blueprint for future mass
      gathering preparedness. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2017;11:267
      276).

PMID- 27681853
TI  - Comparative Assessment of Different RNA Tetranucleotides from the DFT-D3 and
      Force Field Perspective.
AB  - Classical force field (FF) molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of RNA
      tetranucleotides have substantial problems in reproducing conformer populations
      indicated by NMR experiments. To provide more information about the possible
      sources of errors, we performed quantum mechanical (QM, TPSS-D3/def2-TZVP) and
      molecular mechanics (MM, AMBER parm99bsc0+chiOL3) calculations of different
      r(CCCC), r(GACC), and r(UUUU) conformers obtained from explicit solvent MD
      simulations. Solvent effects in the static QM and MM calculations were mimicked
      using implicit solvent models (COSMO and Poisson-Boltzmann, respectively). The
      comparison of QM and MM geometries and energies revealed that the two
      methodologies provide qualitatively consistent results in most of the cases. Even
      though we found some differences, these were insufficient to indicate any
      systematic corrections of the RNA FF terms that could improve the performance of
      classical MD in simulating tetranucleotides. On the basis of these findings, we
      inferred that the overpopulation of intercalated conformers in the MD simulations
      of RNA tetramers, which were not observed experimentally, might be predominantly
      caused by imbalanced water-solvent and water-water interactions. Apart from the
      large-scale QM calculations performed to assess the performance of the AMBER FF,
      a representative spectrum of faster QM methods was tested.

PMID- 27681854
TI  - Spatio-Temporal Variation in Age Structure and Abundance of the Endangered Snail
      Kite: Pooling across Regions Masks a Declining and Aging Population.
AB  - While variation in age structure over time and space has long been considered
      important for population dynamics and conservation, reliable estimates of such
      spatio-temporal variation in age structure have been elusive for wild vertebrate
      populations. This limitation has arisen because of problems of imperfect
      detection, the potential for temporary emigration impacting assessments of age
      structure, and limited information on age. However, identifying patterns in age
      structure is important for making reliable predictions of both short- and long
      term dynamics of populations of conservation concern. Using a multistate
      superpopulation estimator, we estimated region-specific abundance and age
      structure (the proportion of individuals within each age class) of a highly
      endangered population of snail kites for two separate regions in Florida over 17
      years (1997-2013). We find that in the southern region of the snail kite-a region
      known to be critical for the long-term persistence of the species-the population
      has declined significantly since 1997, and during this time, it has increasingly
      become dominated by older snail kites (> 12 years old). In contrast, in the
      northern region-a region historically thought to serve primarily as drought
      refugia-the population has increased significantly since 2007 and age structure
      is more evenly distributed among age classes. Given that snail kites show
      senescence at approximately 13 years of age, where individuals suffer higher
      mortality rates and lower breeding rates, these results reveal an alarming trend
      for the southern region. Our work illustrates the importance of accounting for
      spatial structure when assessing changes in abundance and age distribution and
      the need for monitoring of age structure in imperiled species.

PMID- 27681855
TI  - Fabrication of Polydiacetylene Liposome Chemosensor with Enhanced Fluorescent
      Self-Amplification and Its Application for Selective Detection of Cationic
      Surfactants.
AB  - Polydiacetylene (PDA) materials have been adopted as one of the powerful
      conjugated polymers for sensing applications due to their unique optical
      properties. In this paper, we present a new PDA liposome-based sensor system with
      enhanced fluorescent self-amplification by tuning a fluorophore fluorescence
      emission. In this system, a 1,8-naphthalimide derivative employed as a highly
      fluorescent fluorophore was incorporated into a PDA supermolecule. During the
      formation of blue PDA liposomes, the fluorescence emission of the fluorophore can
      be directly quenched, while thermal-induced phase transition of PDA liposomes
      from blue to red can readily restore this fluorescence emission. These phenomena
      could be ascribed to the tunable Forster energy transfer between the excited
      fluorophore and PDA conjugated framework. To demonstrate the sensing performance
      of this newly prepared PDA liposome-based sensor, the sensor with fluorescent
      self-amplification was successfully applied for the detection of cationic
      surfactants (CS). The results show that the PDA liposomes displayed a distinct
      color change and fluorescence restoration in the presence of cationic surfactant
      species, and allowed detection of cationic surfactants with high sensitivity and
      selectivity. The limit of detection for target CS, such as cetyltrimethylammonium
      bromide (CTAB), can reach as low as 184 nM. Compared to the traditional methods
      based on colorimetric PDA liposomes, this newly fabricated PDA sensor system was
      superior for sensitivity. Thus, our findings offer an avenue for the design and
      development of new types of PDA sensors with enhanced sensitivity.

PMID- 27681856
TI  - Small Gold Nanoparticles Interfaced to Electrodes through Molecular Linkers: A
      Platform to Enhance Electron Transfer and Increase Electrochemically Active
      Surface Area.
AB  - For the smallest nanostructures (<5 nm), small changes in structure can lead to
      significant changes in properties and reactivity. In the case of nanoparticle
      (NP)-functionalized electrodes, NP structure and composition, and the nature of
      the NP-electrode interface have a strong influence upon electrochemical
      properties that are critical in applications such as amperometric sensing,
      photocatalysis and electrocatalysis. Existing methods to fabricate NP
      functionalized electrodes do not allow for precise control over all these
      variables, especially the NP-electrode interface, making it difficult to
      understand and predict how structural changes influence NP activity. We
      investigated the electrochemical properties of small (dcore < 2.5 nm) gold
      nanoparticles (AuNPs) on boron doped diamond electrodes using three different
      electrode fabrication techniques with varying degrees of nanoparticle-electrode
      interface definition. Two methods to attach AuNPs to the electrode through a
      covalently bound molecular linker were developed and compared to NP
      functionalized electrodes fabricated using solution deposition methods (drop
      casting and physiadsorption of a monolayer). In each case, a ferrocene redox
      probe was tethered to the AuNP surface to evaluate electron transfer through the
      AuNPs. The AuNPs that were molecularly interfaced with the electrode exhibited
      nearly ideal, reproducible electrochemical behavior with narrow redox peaks and
      small peak separations, whereas the solution deposited NPs had broader redox
      peaks with large peak separations. These data suggest that the molecular tether
      facilitates AuNP-mediated electron transfer. Interestingly, the molecularly
      tethered NPs also had significantly more electrochemically active surface area
      than the solution deposited NPs. The enhanced electrochemical behavior of the
      molecularly interfaced NPs demonstrates the significant influence of the
      interface on NP-mediated electron transfer and suggests that similar modified
      electrodes can serve as versatile platforms for studies and applications of
      nanoparticles.

PMID- 27681857
TI  - Biomechanical Analysis of the Individual Ligament Contributions to Syndesmotic
      Stability.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Biomechanical data and contributions to ankle joint stability have
      been previously reported for the individual distal tibiofibular ligaments. These
      results have not yet been validated based on recent anatomic descriptions or
      using current biomechanical testing devices. METHODS: Eight matched-pair, lower
      leg specimens were tested using a dynamic, biaxial testing machine. The proximal
      tibiofibular joint and the medial and lateral ankle ligaments were left intact.
      After fixation, specimens were preconditioned and then biomechanically tested
      following sequential cutting of the tibiofibular ligaments to assess the
      individual ligamentous contributions to syndesmotic stability. Matched paired
      specimens were randomly divided into 1 of 2 cutting sequences: (1) anterior-to
      posterior: intact, anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL), interosseous
      tibiofibular ligament (ITFL), deep posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament
      (PITFL), superficial PITFL, and complete interosseous membrane; (2) posterior-to
      anterior: intact, superficial PITFL, deep PITFL, ITFL, AITFL, and complete
      interosseous membrane. While under a 750-N axial compressive load, the foot was
      rotated to 15 degrees of external rotation and 10 degrees of internal rotation
      for each sectioned state. Torque (Nm), rotational position (degrees), and 3
      dimensional data were recorded continuously throughout testing. RESULTS: Testing
      of the intact ankle syndesmosis under simulated physiologic conditions revealed
      4.3 degrees of fibular rotation in the axial plane and 3.3 mm of fibular
      translation in the sagittal plane. Significant increases in fibular sagittal
      translation and axial rotation were observed after syndesmotic injury,
      particularly after sectioning of the AITFL and superficial PITFL. Sequential
      sectioning of the syndesmotic ligaments resulted in significant reductions in
      resistance to both internal and external rotation. Isolated injuries to the AITFL
      resulted in the most substantial reduction of resistance to external rotation
      (average of 24%). However, resistance to internal rotation was not significantly
      diminished until the majority of the syndesmotic structures had been sectioned.
      CONCLUSION: The ligaments of the syndesmosis provide significant contributions to
      rotary stability of the distal tibiofibular joint within the physiologic range of
      motion. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study defined normal motion of the syndesmosis
      and the biomechanical consequences of injury. The degree of instability was
      increased with each additional injured structure; however, isolated injuries to
      the AITFL alone may lead to significant external rotary instability.

PMID- 27681860
TI  - Asymmetric Synthesis of Dipropionate Derivatives through Catalytic Hydrogenation
      of Enantioenriched E-Ketene Heterodimers.
AB  - A highly diastereoselective approach to dipropionate derivatives through Pd/C
      catalyzed hydrogenation of enantioenriched E-ketene heterodimers is described.
      Catalytic hydrogenation of the E-isomer of ketene heterodimer beta-lactones (12
      examples) provides access to syn,anti-beta-lactones (dipropionate derivatives)
      bearing up to three stereogenic centers (dr up to 49:1), and with excellent
      transfer of chirality (ee up to >99%).

PMID- 27681861
TI  - Radiographic signs of pathology determining removal of an impacted mandibular
      third molar assessed in a panoramic image or CBCT.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To (1) compare pathological findings related to the mandibular third
      molar in panoramic images (PAN) and CBCT; (2) estimate the frequency of removals
      if pathological findings were indicative; and (3) assess factors in PAN
      associated with resorption and marginal bone loss at the second molar as observed
      in CBCT. METHODS: 379 mandibular third molars were examined with PAN and CBCT.
      Four observers registered resorption and marginal bone loss at the second molar
      and increased periodontal space at the third molar in both imaging modalities.
      Agreement between PAN and CBCT, frequency of removals based on pathological
      findings in either of the two modalities and interobserver reproducibility was
      calculated. Logistic regression analyses assessed factors in PAN, which could
      predict marginal bone loss and resorption observed in CBCT. RESULTS: Agreement
      between PAN and CBCT: resorption 54-74%; marginal bone loss 66-85%; and increased
      periodontal space 92-97%. Removals based on CBCT and PAN: 58-71% and 36-65%.
      Interobserver percentage accordance and kappa values ranged from 57 to 98% and
      0.10-0.91 for PAN and 61-97% and 0.22-0.78 for CBCT, respectively.
      Mesioangulated/horizontally positioned third molars were associated with marginal
      bone loss [odds ratio (OR) = 7.0-31.3; p < 0.001] and resorption (OR = 2.9-35.6;
      p < 0.001) in CBCT. Overprojection between the third and the second molars in PAN
      predicted resorption observed in CBCT (OR = 5.6-21.2; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS:
      Pathology associated with the third molar is more often observed in CBCT than in
      PAN. More third molars would be removed if pathological findings are based on
      CBCT. Mesioangulated/horizontally positioned third molars overprojecting the
      cervical/root part of the second molar in PAN are strongly associated with
      pathology observed in CBCT.

PMID- 27681862
TI  - Propofol Pharmacodynamics and Bispectral Index During Key Moments of Awake
      Craniotomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: During awake craniotomy, the patient's language centers are
      identified by neurological testing requiring a fully awake and cooperative
      patient. Hence, anesthesia aims for an unconscious patient at the beginning and
      end of surgery but an awake and responsive patient in between. We investigated
      the plasma (Cplasma) and effect-site (Ceffect-site) propofol concentration as
      well as the related Bispectral Index (BIS) required for intraoperative return of
      consciousness and begin of neurological testing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 13
      patients, arterial Cplasma were measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography
      and Ceffect-site was estimated based on the Marsh and Schnider
      pharmacokinetic/dynamic (pk/pd) models. The BIS, Cplasma and Ceffect-site were
      compared during the intraoperative awakening period at designated time points
      such as return of consciousness and start of the Boston Naming Test (neurological
      test). RESULTS: Return of consciousness occurred at a BIS of 77+/-7 (mean+/-SD)
      and a measured Cplasma of 1.2+/-0.4 MUg/mL. The Marsh model predicted a
      significantly (P<0.001) higher Cplasma of 1.9+/-0.4 ug/mL as compared with the
      Schnider model (Cplasma=1.4+/-0.4 ug/mL) at return of consciousness. Neurological
      testing was possible as soon as the BIS had increased to 92+/-6 and measured
      Cplasma had decreased to 0.8+/-0.3 ug/mL. This translated into a time delay of
      23+/-12 minutes between return of consciousness and begin of neurological
      testing. At begin of neurological testing, Cplasma according to Marsh
      (Cplasma=1.3+/-0.5 ug/mL) was significantly (P=0.002) higher as compared with the
      Schnider model (Cplasma=1.0+/-0.4 ug/mL). CONCLUSIONS: To perform intraoperative
      neurological testing, patients are required to be fully awake with plasma
      propofol concentrations as low as 0.8 ug/mL. Following our clinical setup, the
      Schnider pk/pd model estimates propofol concentrations significantly more
      accurate as compared with the Marsh model at this neurologically crucial time
      point.

PMID- 27681863
TI  - Validation of the German patient-reported outcomes version of the common
      terminology criteria for adverse events (PRO-CTCAETM).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Integrating the patient's perspective has become an increasingly
      important component of adverse event reporting. The National Cancer Institute has
      developed a Patient-Reported Outcomes version of the Common Terminology Criteria
      for Adverse Events (PRO-CTCAETM). This instrument has been translated into German
      and linguistically validated; however, its quantitative measurement properties
      have not been evaluated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A German language survey that
      included 31 PRO-CTCAE items, as well as the EORTC QLQ-C30 and the Oral Mucositis
      Daily Questionnaire (OMDQ), was distributed at 10 cancer treatment settings in
      Germany and Austria. Item quality was assessed by analysis of acceptability and
      comprehensibility. Reliability was evaluated by using Cronbach's' alpha and
      validity by principal components analysis (PCA), multitrait-multimethod matrix
      (MTMM) and known groups validity techniques. RESULTS: Of 660 surveys distributed
      to the study centres, 271 were returned (return rate 41%), and data from 262 were
      available for analysis. Participants' median age was 59.7 years, and 69.5% of the
      patients were female. Analysis of item quality supported the comprehensibility of
      the 31 PRO-CTCAE items. Reliability was very good; Cronbach's' alpha correlation
      coefficients were >0.9 for almost all item clusters. Construct validity of the
      PRO-CTCAE core item set was shown by identifying 10 conceptually meaningful item
      clusters via PCA. Moreover, construct validity was confirmed by the MTMM:
      monotrait-heteromethod comparison showed 100% high correlation, whereas
      heterotrait-monomethod comparison indicated 0% high correlation. Known groups
      validity was supported; PRO-CTCAE scores were significantly lower for those with
      impaired versus preserved health-related quality of life. CONCLUSION: A set of 31
      items drawn from the German PRO-CTCAE item library demonstrated favourable
      measurement properties. These findings add to the body of evidence that PRO-CTCAE
      provides a rigorous method to capture patient self-reports of symptomatic
      toxicity for use in cancer clinical trials.

PMID- 27681865
TI  - Targeted next-generation sequencing identifies molecular subgroups in squamous
      cell carcinoma of the head and neck with distinct outcome after concurrent
      chemoradiation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Based on epidemiological (HPV status, smoking habits) and clinical
      risk factors (T/N stage), three subgroups of patients suffering from locally
      advanced oropharyngeal carcinoma with significantly different outcome after
      concurrent chemoradiation (cCRTX) can be distinguished. Mutational profiling by
      targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) might further improve risk
      stratification. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with stage IV squamous cell
      carcinoma of the oropharynx and hypopharynx who had been enrolled in a randomized
      phase III trial (ARO-0401) comparing two regimens of cCRTX and from whom archival
      tumor specimens were available were included. The HPV status was determined by
      p16 immunostaining and detection of HPV DNA. Targeted NGS covering 45 genes
      frequently altered in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) was
      applied for detection of non-synonymous somatic and germline mutations.
      Interference of mutational profiles with cCRTX efficacy was determined. RESULTS:
      The prognostic value of the 'Ang' risk model could be confirmed in the total
      biomarker study cohort (N = 175) as well as the patient subgroup for which
      mutational profiles could be established (N = 97). Mutations in genes involved in
      phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK), and p53
      signaling pathways were significantly enriched in the low- (N = 7), intermediate-
      (N = 20), and high-risk group (N = 70), respectively. Mutations in TP53
      identified a subgroup of high-risk patients with dismal outcome after cCRTX. No
      prognostic relevance was observed for mutations in PI3K and RTK signaling
      pathways in the low- and intermediate-risk groups, respectively. Mutated NOTCH1
      and two functional KDR germline variants (rs2305948, rs1870377) were associated
      with improved outcome in all risk groups. All genetic markers (TP53, NOTCH1, KDR)
      remained independent prognosticators of OS in the multivariate model. CONCLUSION:
      A potential of targeted NGS for risk classification of SCCHN cases beyond HPV
      status and clinical factors was demonstrated.

PMID- 27681867
TI  - Muscle activation comparisons between elastic and isoinertial resistance: A meta
      analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Elastic resistance has been commonly used in the therapeutic and
      fitness setting; however, the ability of elastic resistance to overload and
      activate muscles has been questioned because of linear increase in elastic
      resistance as the device is elongated. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to
      examine the available literature on muscle activation associated with isoinertial
      and elastic resistance exercises, and to provide a quantitative summary comparing
      the two resistance training modes. METHODS: In a random-effects model, the
      Hedge's g effect size was used to calculate the biased corrected standardized
      mean difference between the elastic and isoinertial resistance activation of
      prime movers (agonist), antagonists, assistant movers and stabilizer muscles.
      FINDINGS: There was a lack of significant difference with the prime movers
      (effect size=-0.037, confidence interval: -0.202 to 0.128, p=0.660), antagonists
      (effect size=0.089, confidence interval: -0.112 to 0.290, p=0.385), synergists
      (effect size=-0.133, confidence interval: -0.342 to 0.076, p=0.213) and
      stabilizer (effect size=0.142, confidence interval: -0.006 to 0.289, p=0.060)
      muscle electromyography activity recorded during similar exercises using elastic
      and isoinertial resistance. INTERPRETATION: Elastic resistance provides similar
      prime mover, antagonist, assistant movers and stabilizer muscle activation as
      isoinertial resistance; contradicting the traditional criticism that the elastic
      band would not elicit comparable levels of muscle activation as isoinertial
      resistance exercise. Since development of muscle strength is closely related to
      the duration of muscle tension, relatively equal muscle adaptations could be
      expected following the two modes of training provided that equal external
      resistance is employed between the two exercises. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2a.

PMID- 27681864
TI  - Metformin as an adjuvant treatment for cancer: a systematic review and meta
      analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Metformin use has been associated with a reduced risk of developing
      cancer and an improvement in overall cancer survival rates in meta-analyses, but,
      to date, evidence to support the use of metformin as an adjuvant therapy in
      individual cancer types has not been presented. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We
      systematically searched research databases, conference abstracts and trial
      registries for any studies reporting cancer outcomes for individual tumour types
      in metformin users compared with non-users, and extracted data on patients with
      early-stage cancer. Studies were assessed for design and quality, and a meta
      analysis was conducted to quantify the adjuvant effect of metformin on recurrence
      free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS), to
      inform future trial design. RESULTS: Of 7670 articles screened, 27 eligible
      studies were identified comprising 24 178 participants, all enrolled in
      observational studies. In those with early-stage colorectal cancer, metformin use
      was associated with a significant benefit in all outcomes [RFS hazard ratio (HR)
      0.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.47-0.85; OS HR 0.69, CI 0.58-0.83; CSS HR
      0.58, CI 0.39-0.86]. For men with early-stage prostate cancer, metformin was
      associated with significant, or borderline significant, benefits in all outcomes
      (RFS HR 0.83, CI 0.69-1.00; OS HR 0.82, CI 0.73-0.93; CSS HR 0.58, CI 0.37-0.93);
      however, there was significant heterogeneity between studies. The data suggest
      that prostate cancer patients treated with radical radiotherapy may benefit more
      from metformin (RFS HR 0.45, CI 0.29-0.70). In breast and urothelial cancer, no
      significant benefits were identified. Sufficient data were not available to
      conduct analyses on the impact of metformin dose and duration. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      findings suggest that metformin could be a useful adjuvant agent, with the
      greatest benefits seen in colorectal and prostate cancer, particularly in those
      receiving radical radiotherapy, and randomised, controlled trials which
      investigate dose and duration, alongside efficacy, are advocated.

PMID- 27681868
TI  - Religion and family planning.
AB  - Religion is embedded in the culture of all societies. It influences matters of
      morality, ideology and decision making, which concern every human being at some
      point in their life. Although the different religions often lack a united view on
      matters such contraception and abortion, there is sometimes some dogmatic overlap
      when general religious principles are subject to the influence of local customs.
      Immigration and population flow add further complexities to societal views on
      reproductive issues. For example, present day Europe has recently faced a
      dramatic increase in refugee influx, which raises questions about the health care
      of immigrants and the effects of cultural and religious differences on
      reproductive health. Religious beliefs on family planning in, for example,
      Christianity, Judaism, Islam and Hinduism have grown from different backgrounds
      and perspectives. Understanding these differences may result in more culturally
      competent delivery of care by health care providers. This paper presents the
      teachings of the most widespread religions in Europe with regard to contraception
      and reproduction.

PMID- 27681866
TI  - A phase Ib study of selumetinib (AZD6244, ARRY-142886) in combination with
      sorafenib in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Treatment with sorafenib, although associated with inhibition of
      tumour growth and angiogenesis in in vivo studies, leads to up-regulation of
      pERK. The addition of MEK inhibition could potentially abrogate this effect and
      potentiate anti-tumour activity. This phase I study investigated the maximum
      tolerated dose (MTD), safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK) and biomarker
      correlates of selumetinib combined with sorafenib in patients with advanced
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: Patients with Child-Pugh (CP) score <=7
      were treated with 400 mg twice daily of sorafenib with escalating doses of
      selumetinib in a 3 + 3 study design. The dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) evaluation
      period was 28 days. PK of selumetinib was determined. Angiogenic effect was
      evaluated with dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI).
      RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients of Asian ethnicity were enrolled. The MTD was
      selumetinib 75 mg daily with sorafenib 400 mg twice daily. DLT included grade 3
      transaminitis, diarrhoea and fatigue. Most common treatment-related adverse
      events at MTD (all grades) were diarrhoea (85%), rash (59%), hypertension (44%),
      fatigue (30%), anorexia (22%) and hand-foot syndrome (22%). Four patients (15%)
      had PR and 13 (48%) had SD. PR or SD was observed for >=6 months in seven
      patients. The median overall survival was 14.4 months. Selumetinib exposures in
      combination with sorafenib were comparable to other monotherapy studies. A
      reduction in permeability-surface area product noted in DCE-MRI with treatment
      correlated with worse survival outcomes. CONCLUSION: The MTD of selumetinib was
      75 mg daily when combined with sorafenib 400 mg twice a day in CP <=7 HCC.
      Acceptable adverse events and encouraging anti-tumour activity warrant further
      evaluation. DCE-MRI findings deserve prospective evaluation. CLINICALTRIALSGOV
      IDENTIFIER: NCT01029418.

PMID- 27681869
TI  - Investigating the inhibitory effect of cyanide, phenol and 4-nitrophenol on the
      activated sludge process employed for the treatment of petroleum wastewater.
AB  - In this work, the inhibitory effect of cyanide, phenol and 4-nitrophenol on the
      activated sludge process was investigated. The inhibition of the aerobic
      oxidation of organic matter, nitrification and denitrification were examined in
      batch reactors by measuring the specific oxygen uptake rate (sOUR), the specific
      ammonium uptake rate (sAUR) and the specific nitrogen uptake rate (sNUR)
      respectively. The tested cyanide, phenol and 4-nitrophenol concentrations were
      0.2-1.7 mg/L, 4.8-73.1 mg/L and 8.2-73.0 mg/L respectively. Cyanide was highly
      toxic as it significantly (>50%) inhibited the activity of autotrophic biomass,
      heterotrophic biomass under aerobic conditions and denitrifiers even at
      relatively low concentrations (1.0-1.7 mgCN-/L). The determination of the half
      maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50) confirmed this, since for cyanide IC50
      values were very low for the examined bioprocesses (<1.5 mg/L). On the other
      hand, the IC50 values for phenol and 4-nitrophenol were much higher (>25 mg/L)
      for the tested bioprocesses since appreciable concentrations were required to
      accomplish significant inhibition. The autotrophic bacteria were more sensitive
      to phenol than the aerobic heterotrophs. The denitrifiers were found to be very
      resistant to phenol.

PMID- 27681870
TI  - On the design and assessment of regional air quality plans: The SHERPA approach.
AB  - Although significant progress has been made in Europe regarding air quality,
      problems still remain acute for some pollutants, notably NO2 and Particulate
      Matter (fine and coarse fractions) in specific regions/cities. One issue
      regarding air quality management is governance, i.e. the selection of appropriate
      and cost effective strategies over the area controlled by policy makers. In this
      work we present a new approach to integrated assessment modelling focusing on
      regional and urban aspects. One of the key added values is spatial flexibility,
      namely the possibility to assess the contributions from different regions to air
      quality at any given location. The SHERPA tool is shown to be particularly
      helpful in addressing the following tasks: source allocation, governance and the
      assessment of scenario impacts. Application of the methodology over the London
      area for yearly averaged PM2.5 concentrations demonstrates these features. Given
      that it is possible to use the SHERPA interface with other types of data, SHERPA
      can also be seen as a means to foster harmonization in the field of model
      evaluation.

PMID- 27681871
TI  - Indoor radon and thoron concentrations in some towns of central and South Serbia.
AB  - This study presents the results of indoor radon and thoron activity
      concentrations of some municipalities in central and south part of Serbia:
      Krusevac, Brus, Blace and Kursumlija. Measurements were carried out in 60
      dwellings during the winter season. Passive discriminative radon-thoron detectors
      known as UFO detectors were used. The mean values of indoor radon and thoron
      concentrations were 82 Bq m-3 and 42 Bq m-3, respectively. Population-weighted
      mean values were 76 Bq m-3 and 40 Bq m-3, respectively. 26.7% of dwellings had
      radon concentration higher than 100 Bq m-3 (one location had even more than 300
      Bq m-3). There are no statistically significant correlations of indoor radon and
      thoron concentrations neither with the period of house construction, nor with the
      existence of a basement. The results of this study represent the first step of
      investigating radon and thoron levels in these parts of Serbia and therefore
      could be the basis for creating a radon map.

PMID- 27681872
TI  - EU effect: Exporting emission standards for vehicles through the global market
      economy.
AB  - Emission data from EDGAR (Emissions Database for Global Atmospheric Research),
      rather than economic data, are used to estimate the effect of policies and of the
      global exports of policy-regulated goods, such as vehicles, on global emissions.
      The results clearly show that the adoption of emission standards for the road
      transport sector in the two main global markets (Europe and North America) has
      led to the global proliferation of emission-regulated vehicles through exports,
      regardless the domestic regulation in the country of destination. It is in fact
      more economically convenient for vehicle manufacturers to produce and sell a
      standard product to the widest possible market and in the greatest possible
      amounts. The EU effect (European Union effect) is introduced as a global
      counterpart to the California effect. The former is a direct consequence of the
      penetration of the EURO standards in the global markets by European and Japanese
      manufacturers, which effectively export the standard worldwide. We analyze the
      effect on PM2.5 emissions by comparing a scenario of non-EURO standards against
      the current estimates provided by EDGAR. We find that PM2.5 emissions were
      reduced by more than 60% since the 1990s worldwide. Similar investigations on
      other pollutants confirm the hypothesis that the combined effect of technological
      regulations and their diffusion through global markets can also produce a
      positive effect on the global environment. While we acknowledge the positive
      feedback, we also demonstrate that current efforts and standards will be totally
      insufficient should the passenger car fleets in emerging markets reach Western
      per capita figures. If emerging countries reach the per capita vehicle number of
      the USA and Europe under current technological conditions, then the world will
      suffer pre-1990 emission levels.

PMID- 27681873
TI  - Derivation of ecological criteria for copper in land-applied biosolids and
      biosolid-amended agricultural soils.
AB  - The difference in availability between soil metals added via biosolids and
      soluble salts was not taken into account in deriving the current land-applied
      biosolids standards. In the present study, a biosolids availability factor (BAF)
      approach was adopted to investigate the ecological thresholds for copper (Cu) in
      land-applied biosolids and biosolid-amended agricultural soils. First, the soil
      property-specific values of HC5add (the added hazardous concentration for 5% of
      species) for Cu2+ salt amended were collected with due attention to data for
      organisms and soils relevant to China. Second, a BAF representing the difference
      in availability between soil Cu added via biosolids and soluble salts was
      estimated based on long-term biosolid-amended soils, including soils from China.
      Third, biosolids Cu HC5input values (the input hazardous concentration for 5% of
      species of Cu from biosolids to soil) as a function of soil properties were
      derived using the BAF approach. The average potential availability of Cu in
      agricultural soils amended with biosolids accounted for 53% of that for the same
      soils spiked with same amount of soluble Cu salts and with a similar aging time.
      The cation exchange capacity was the main factor affecting the biosolids Cu
      HC5input values, while soil pH and organic carbon only explained 24.2 and 1.5% of
      the variation, respectively. The biosolids Cu HC5input values can be accurately
      predicted by regression models developed based on 2-3 soil properties with
      coefficients of determination (R2) of 0.889 and 0.945. Compared with model
      predicted biosolids Cu HC5input values, current standards (GB4284-84) are most
      likely to be less protective in acidic and neutral soil, but conservative in
      alkaline non-calcareous soil. Recommendations on ecological criteria for Cu in
      land-applied biosolids and biosolid-amended agriculture soils may be helpful to
      fill the gaps existing between science and regulations, and can be useful for Cu
      risk assessments in soils amended with biosolids.

PMID- 27681875
TI  - Neuropeptide Y Overexpressing Female and Male Mice Show Divergent Metabolic but
      Not Gut Microbial Responses to Prenatal Metformin Exposure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prenatal metformin exposure has been shown to improve the metabolic
      outcome in the offspring of high fat diet fed dams. However, if this is evident
      also in a genetic model of obesity and whether gut microbiota has a role, is not
      known. METHODS: The metabolic effects of prenatal metformin exposure were
      investigated in a genetic model of obesity, mice overexpressing neuropeptide Y in
      the sympathetic nervous system and in brain noradrenergic neurons (OE-NPYDbetaH).
      Metformin was given for 18 days to the mated female mice. Body weight, body
      composition, glucose tolerance and serum parameters of the offspring were
      investigated on regular diet from weaning and sequentially on western diet (at
      the age of 5-7 months). Gut microbiota composition was analysed by 16S rRNA
      sequencing at 10-11 weeks. RESULTS: In the male offspring, metformin exposure
      inhibited weight gain. Moreover, weight of white fat depots and serum insulin and
      lipids tended to be lower at 7 months. In contrast, in the female offspring,
      metformin exposure impaired glucose tolerance at 3 months, and subsequently
      increased body weight gain, fat mass and serum cholesterol. In the gut
      microbiota, a decline in Erysipelotrichaceae and Odoribacter was detected in the
      metformin exposed offspring. Furthermore, the abundance of Sutterella tended to
      be decreased and Parabacteroides increased. Gut microbiota composition of the
      metformin exposed male offspring correlated to their metabolic phenotype.
      CONCLUSION: Prenatal metformin exposure caused divergent metabolic phenotypes in
      the female and male offspring. Nevertheless, gut microbiota of metformin exposed
      offspring was similarly modified in both genders.

PMID- 27681876
TI  - Absence of TolC Impairs Biofilm Formation in Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae by
      Reducing Initial Attachment.
AB  - Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae is the etiologic agent of porcine contagious
      pleuropneumonia, a major cause of economic loss in swine industry worldwide.
      TolC, the key component of multidrug efflux pumps and type I secretion systems,
      has been well-studied as an exit duct for numerous substances in many Gram
      negative bacteria. By contrast, little is known on the role of TolC in biofilm
      formation. In this study, a DeltatolC mutant was used to examine the importance
      of TolC in biofilm formation of A. pleuropneumoniae. Surface attachment assays
      demonstrated the essential role of TolC in initial attachment of biofilm cells.
      The loss of TolC function altered surface hydrophobicity, and resulted in greatly
      reduced autoaggregation in DeltatolC. Using both enzymatic treatments and
      confocal microscopy, biofilm composition and architecture were characterized.
      When compared against the wild-type strain, the poly-beta-1, 6-N-acetyl-D
      glucosamine (PGA), an important biofilm matrix component of A. pleuropneumoniae,
      was significantly reduced at the initial attachment stage in DeltatolC. These
      results were confirmed by mRNA level using quantitative RT-PCR. Additionally,
      defective secretion systems in DeltatolC may also contribute to the deficiency in
      biofilm formation. Taken together, the current study demonstrated the importance
      of TolC in the initial biofilm formation stage in A. pleuropneumoniae. These
      findings could have important clinical implications in developing new treatments
      against biofilm-related infections by A. pleuropneumoniae.

PMID- 27681879
TI  - Microparticle and mitochondrial release during extended storage of different
      types of platelet concentrates.
AB  - On activation, platelets release vesicles called microparticles (MPs). MPs are
      heterogeneous with regard to the presence or absence of mitochondria. We
      quantified MPs in platelet concentrates (PCs) taking their mitochondrial content
      into account. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), buffy coat (BC) and apheresis (AP) PCs
      were tested through 7 days of storage. A combination of flow cytometry and
      spanning-tree progression analysis of density-normalized events (SPADE) was used
      to determine MP and mitochondrial release during storage. All the PC biochemical
      parameters complied with transfusion standards at all times. Platelet activation
      markers increased during storage and were higher for PRP than other types of PCs.
      Concentrations of MPs and extracellular mitochondria interpreted by SPADE
      algorithm were significantly higher in PRP than other in PCs and were stable
      throughout storage. The mode of preparation, rather than storage duration,
      impacts the release of MPs and mitochondria in PCs.

PMID- 27681880
TI  - Variation in Weight and Obesity Comorbidities After Open Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
      by Health Insurance: Medicaid vs Medicare vs Private vs Self-Pay in 4225
      Bariatric Outcomes Longitudinal Database Patients.

PMID- 27681881
TI  - My Vision for Universal, Quality, Affordable Health Care.

PMID- 27681877
TI  - Community acquired respiratory virus infections in cancer patients-Guideline on
      diagnosis and management by the Infectious Diseases Working Party of the German
      Society for haematology and Medical Oncology.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Community acquired viruses (CRVs) may cause severe disease in cancer
      patients. Thus, efforts should be made to diagnose CRV rapidly and manage CRV
      infections accordingly. METHODS: A panel of 18 clinicians from the Infectious
      Diseases Working Party of the German Society for Haematology and Medical Oncology
      have convened to assess the available literature and provide recommendations on
      the management of CRV infections including influenza, respiratory syncytial
      virus, parainfluenza virus, human metapneumovirus and adenovirus. RESULTS: CRV
      infections in cancer patients may lead to pneumonia in approximately 30% of the
      cases, with an associated mortality of around 25%. For diagnosis of a CRV
      infection, combined nasal/throat swabs or washes/aspirates give the best results
      and nucleic acid amplification based-techniques (NAT) should be used to detect
      the pathogen. Hand hygiene, contact isolation and face masks have been shown to
      be of benefit as general infection management. Causal treatment can be given for
      influenza, using a neuraminidase inhibitor, and respiratory syncytial virus,
      using ribavirin in addition to intravenous immunoglobulins. Ribavirin has also
      been used to treat parainfluenza virus and human metapneumovirus, but data are
      inconclusive in this setting. Cidofovir is used to treat adenovirus pneumonitis.
      CONCLUSIONS: CRV infections may pose a vital threat to patients with underlying
      malignancy. This guideline provides information on diagnosis and treatment to
      improve the outcome.

PMID- 27681878
TI  - Joint Engagement and Early Language in Young Children With Fragile X Syndrome.
AB  - Purpose: In this study, we examine joint engagement (JE) in young children with
      fragile X syndrome (FXS) and its relationship to language abilities and autism
      spectrum disorder symptomatology at 24 to 36 months (toddler period) and 59 to 68
      months (child period). Method: Participants were 28 children with FXS (24 boys,
      four girls) and their mothers. Videotaped home observations were conducted during
      the toddler period and coded for JE. Language abilities were measured at both
      ages from a developmental assessment, a functional measure, and from a language
      sample. The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (Schopler, Reichler, & Renner, 1988)
      was completed at both ages. Results: Children with FXS spent more time in
      supported JE than in coordinated JE. Using a weighted JE variable, we found that
      children with FXS who had higher weighted JE scores also had more advanced
      expressive language skills at both the toddler and child periods. Weighted JE was
      negatively related to autism symptomatology in the toddler period. Conclusion:
      This study provides evidence that children with FXS who use more JE also have
      more advanced expressive language skills in early development. Therefore,
      existing early interventions that target JE behaviors may be effective for
      promoting language, social communication, and social interaction in this
      population.

PMID- 27681883
TI  - Changes in quality of life in patients with acromegaly after surgical remission -
      A prospective study using SF-36 questionnaire.
AB  - Patients with acromegaly have a compromised quality of life (QOL). Modern
      surgical techniques have improved the surgical cure rate. However, there are no
      prospective studies reporting postoperative changes in QOL among patients cured
      solely by surgery. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of
      surgery on QOL using the 36-item short form health survey (SF-36) questionnaire.
      SF-36 scores comprise 3 components: the physical component summary (PCS), the
      mental component summary (MCS) and role-social component summary (RCS). Included
      in this prospective cohort were 41 patients with acromegaly who underwent surgery
      alone and achieved postoperative normalization of insulin-like growth factor-1.
      All participants completed the SF-36 preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively.
      Preoperatively, RCS and 4 subscale scores (role physical, social functioning,
      role emotional, mental health) were below the set standards for the normal
      population. Postoperatively, the PCS and RCS scores did not change significantly,
      but the MCS score improved significantly (from 48.1 +/- 11.3 to 51.7 +/- 8.9,
      p=0.03). Further we compared the QOL of 26 patients whose nadir GH level was <
      0.4 MUg/L during postoperative oral glucose tolerance testing (complete remission
      group) with that of 15 patients whose nadir GH level was >= 0.4 MUg/L (partial
      remission group). There were no significant differences between these groups in
      terms of PCS, MCS, RCS, or any subscale scores. In conclusion, surgical remission
      mostly improved the participants' mental condition. There was no difference in
      QOL between patients who achieved the new remission criteria and those who did
      not.

PMID- 27681882
TI  - Immunomodulatory effects of nicotine on interleukin 1beta activated human
      astrocytes and the role of cyclooxygenase 2 in the underlying mechanism.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) primarily functions
      through acetylcholine (ACh)-alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (alpha7nAChR)
      interaction on macrophages to control peripheral inflammation. Interestingly, ACh
      can also bind alpha7nAChRs on microglia resulting in neuroprotective effects.
      However, ACh effects on astrocytes remain elusive. Here, we investigated the
      effects of nicotine, an ACh receptor agonist, on the cytokine and cholinesterase
      production of immunocompetent human astrocytes stimulated with interleukin 1beta
      (IL-1beta) in vitro. In addition, the potential involvement of prostaglandins as
      mediators of nicotine was studied using cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) inhibition.
      METHODS: Cultured human fetal astrocytes were stimulated with human recombinant
      IL-1beta and treated simultaneously with nicotine at different concentrations (1,
      10, and 100 MUM). Cell supernatants were collected for cytokine and
      cholinesterase profiling using ELISA and MesoScale multiplex assay. alpha7nAChR
      expression on activated human astrocytes was studied using immunofluorescence.
      For the COX-2 inhibition studies, enzyme activity was inhibited using NS-398. One
      way ANOVA was used to perform statistical analyses. RESULTS: Nicotine treatment
      dose dependently limits the production of critical proinflammatory cytokines such
      as IL-6 (60.5 +/- 3.3, %inhibition), IL-1beta (42.4 +/- 1.7, %inhibition), and
      TNF-alpha (68.9 +/- 7.7, %inhibition) by activated human astrocytes.
      Interestingly, it also inhibits IL-8 chemokine (31.4 +/- 8.5, %inhibition), IL-13
      (34.243 +/- 4.9, %inhibition), and butyrylcholinesterase (20.8 +/- 2.8,
      %inhibition) production at 100 MUM. Expression of alpha7nAChR was detected on the
      activated human astrocytes. Importantly, nicotine's inhibitory effect on IL-6
      production was reversed with the specific COX-2 inhibitor NS-398. CONCLUSIONS:
      Activation of the cholinergic system through alpha7nAChR agonists has been known
      to suppress inflammation both in the CNS and periphery. In the CNS, earlier
      experimental data shows that cholinergic activation through nicotine inhibits
      microglial activation and proinflammatory cytokine release. Here, we report
      similar anti-inflammatory effects of cholinergic activation on human astrocytes,
      at least partly mediated through the COX-2 pathway. These results confirm the
      potential for cholinergic neuroprotection, which is looked upon as a promising
      therapy for neuroinflammation as well as neurodegenerative diseases and stroke.
      Our data implicates an important role for the prostaglandin system in cholinergic
      regulatory effects.

PMID- 27681884
TI  - Induction of steroidogenic cells from adult stem cells and pluripotent stem cells
      [Review].
AB  - Steroid hormones are mainly produced in adrenal glands and gonads. Because
      steroid hormones play vital roles in various physiological processes, replacement
      of deficient steroid hormones by hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is necessary
      for patients with adrenal and gonadal failure. In addition to HRT, tissue
      regeneration using stem cells is predicted to provide novel therapy. Among
      various stem cell types, mesenchymal stem cells can be differentiated into
      steroidogenic cells following ectopic expression of nuclear receptor (NR) 5A
      subfamily proteins, steroidogenic factor-1 (also known as adrenal 4 binding
      protein) and liver receptor homolog-1, with the aid of cAMP signaling.
      Conversely, these approaches cannot be applied to pluripotent stem cells, such as
      embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells, because of poor survival
      following cytotoxic expression of NR5A subfamily proteins. However, if
      pluripotent stem cells are first differentiated through mesenchymal lineage, they
      can also be differentiated into steroidogenic cells via NR5A subfamily protein
      expression. This approach offers a potential suitable cells for future
      regenerative medicine and gene therapy for diseases caused by steroidogenesis
      deficiencies. It represents a powerful tool to investigate the molecular
      mechanisms involved in steroidogenesis. This article highlights our own and
      current research on the induction of steroidogenic cells from various stem cells.
      We also discuss the future direction of their clinical application.

PMID- 27681874
TI  - Functional characterization of AMP-activated protein kinase signaling in
      tumorigenesis.
AB  - AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a ubiquitously expressed metabolic sensor
      among various species. Specifically, cellular AMPK is phosphorylated and
      activated under certain stressful conditions, such as energy deprivation, in turn
      to activate diversified downstream substrates to modulate the adaptive changes
      and maintain metabolic homeostasis. Recently, emerging evidences have implicated
      the potential roles of AMPK signaling in tumor initiation and progression.
      Nevertheless, a comprehensive description on such topic is still in scarcity,
      especially in combination of its biochemical features with mouse modeling results
      to elucidate the physiological role of AMPK signaling in tumorigenesis. Hence, we
      performed this thorough review by summarizing the tumorigenic role of each
      component along the AMPK signaling, comprising of both its upstream and
      downstream effectors. Moreover, their functional interplay with the AMPK
      heterotrimer and exclusive efficacies in carcinogenesis were chiefly explained
      among genetically altered mice models. Importantly, the pharmaceutical
      investigations of AMPK relevant medications have also been highlighted. In
      summary, in this review, we not only elucidate the potential functions of AMPK
      signaling pathway in governing tumorigenesis, but also potentiate the future
      targeted strategy aiming for better treatment of aberrant metabolism-associated
      diseases, including cancer.

PMID- 27681885
TI  - Prevalence and associated factors of vernal keratoconjunctivitis among children
      in Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a common cause of ocular
      morbidity in children in warm dry climates such as Sub-Saharan Africa and
      accounts for about 3 % of serious ophthalmic cases in tropical countries. The
      purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of
      vernal keratoconjunctivitis among children living in Gondar City, Ethiopia.
      METHODS: A Cross Sectional Design study was carried out in 737 children under the
      age of 18 years in Gondar City from April to May 2015. Basic ophthalmic
      examination was performed using a 3x magnifying loop and torch light and a
      pretested and structured questionnaire was completed. The association between
      vernal keratoconjunctivitis and factors such as socio-economic, demographic, and
      environmental status, and history of allergic disease in affected children and
      their family members was examined using logistic regression multivariate
      analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of vernal keratoconjunctivitis was 5.8 % (95 %
      CI: 4.14, 7.53) (43/737) and mixed type VKC was the most frequent form which was
      found in 35 out of 43 cases (81.4 %). The following were positively associated
      with vernal keratoconjunctivitis: use of kerosene/firewood for cooking (AOR =
      6.25 (95 % CI: 1.61, 25)), child dust exposure (AOR = 10.0 (95 % CI: 4.16,
      20.0)), child history of non-ocular allergic diseases (AOR = 4.0 (95 % CI: 1.92,
      8.33)), family history of non-ocular allergic diseases (AOR = 3.57(95 % CI: 1.39,
      9.09). CONCLUSION: There is a high prevalence of vernal keratoconjunctivitis in
      this region. The use of kerosene/firewood for cooking, child dust exposure, and
      non-ocular allergic disease in the child or their family were statistically
      significant risk factors for vernal keratoconjunctivitis.

PMID- 27681886
TI  - Collaboration Needed: Pain Care and Opioid Abuse.

PMID- 27681887
TI  - Controlling Marangoni-induced instabilities in spin-cast polymer films: How to
      prepare uniform films.
AB  - In both research and industrial settings spincoating is extensively used to
      prepare highly uniform thin polymer films. However, under certain conditions,
      spincoating results in films with non-uniform surface morphologies. Although the
      spincoating process has been extensively studied, the origin of these
      morphologies is not fully understood and the formation of non-uniform spin-cast
      films remains a practical problem. Here we report on experiments demonstrating
      that the formation of surface instabilities during spincoating is dependent on
      temperature. Our results suggest that non-uniform spin-cast films form as a
      result of the Marangoni effect, which describes flow due to surface tension
      gradients. We find that both the wavelength and amplitude of the pattern increase
      with temperature. Finally, and most important from a practical viewpoint, the non
      uniformities in the film thickness can be entirely avoided simply by lowering the
      spin coating temperature.

PMID- 27681888
TI  - A Single Dose-Escalation Study to Evaluate the Safety and Pharmacokinetics of
      Orally Administered Des-Aspartate Angiotensin I in Healthy Subjects.
AB  - Des-aspartate-angiotensin I (DAA-I) is an endogenous angiotensin peptide and a
      prototype angiotensin receptor agonist (ARA). It acts on the angiotensin AT1
      receptor and antagonises the deleterious actions of angiotensin II. DAA-I
      attenuates animal models of human disease in which angiotensin II has been
      implicated, such as cardiac hypertrophy, neointima formation, arteriosclerosis,
      renal failure, post-infarction injuries, diabetes, viral infection, chemical
      induced inflammation, heat stroke, cancer, and gamma radiation lethality. DAA-I
      crosses Caco-2 cells and is effective at sub-nanomolar concentrations. These two
      properties are responsible for its oral efficacy. A single dose-escalation study
      was conducted to evaluate the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of orally
      administered DAA-I in 18 healthy subjects. DAA-I was safe and well tolerated by
      the subjects, who were administered either 0.08, 0.70 or 1.50 mg/kg of the
      compound. The heart rate and systolic and diastolic blood pressures determined at
      each post-dose measurement remained within the clinically acceptable range.
      Across all cohorts, DAA-I had no substantial effect on blood pressures compared
      with placebo. Electrocardiographs (ECGs) were normal, and none of the subjects
      complained of chest discomfort. All clinical laboratory tests obtained before and
      after DAA-I and placebo treatment were normal. Pharmacokinetic analysis over a 12
      h period following DAA-I administration did not show any increase of its level
      beyond basal concentration. This is in line with studies showing that
      intravenously administered DAA-I is rapidly metabolized and has a short half
      life. We postulate that, during its short systemic sojourn, DAA-I exerts its
      actions via biased agonism on the angiotensin AT1 receptor.The ClinicalTrial.gov
      assignment number for this study is NCT02666196.

PMID- 27681890
TI  - Cardiac monitoring for detection of atrial fibrillation after TIA: A systematic
      review and meta-analysis.
AB  - Background and purpose The detection rate of atrial fibrillation has not been
      studied specifically in transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients although
      extrapolation from ischemic stroke may be inadequate. We conducted a systematic
      review and meta-analysis to determine the rate of newly diagnosed atrial
      fibrillation using different methods of ECG monitoring in TIA. Methods A
      comprehensive literature search was performed following a pre-specified protocol
      the PRISMA statement. Prospective observational studies and randomized controlled
      trials were considered that included TIA patients who underwent cardiac
      monitoring for >12 h. Primary outcome was frequency of detection of atrial
      fibrillation >=30 s. Analyses of subgroups and of duration and type of monitoring
      were performed. Results Seventeen studies enrolling 1163 patients were included.
      The pooled atrial fibrillation detection rate for all methods was 4% (95% CI: 2
      7%). Yield of monitoring was higher in selected (higher age, more extensive
      testing for arrhythmias before enrolment, or presumed cardioembolic/cryptogenic
      cause) than in unselected cohorts (7% vs 3%). Pooled mean atrial fibrillation
      detection rates rose with duration of monitoring: 4% (24 h), 5% (24 h to 7 days)
      and 6% (>7 days), respectively. Yield of non-invasive was significantly lower
      than that of invasive monitoring (4% vs. 11%). Significant heterogeneity was
      observed among studies (I2=60.61%). Conclusion This first meta-analysis of atrial
      fibrillation detection in TIA patients finds a lower atrial fibrillation
      detection rate in TIA than reported for IS and TIA cohorts in previous meta
      analyses. Prospective studies are needed to determine actual prevalence of atrial
      fibrillation and optimal diagnostic procedure for atrial fibrillation detection
      in TIA.

PMID- 27681889
TI  - Cognitive control exertion leads to reductions in peak power output and [Formula:
      see text] as well as increased perceived exertion on a graded exercise test to
      exhaustion.
AB  - We investigated effects of a brief (10.5 min) cognitively demanding task on
      graded exercise test performance. Untrained, university students (N = 15)
      completed two graded exercise tests in counterbalanced, randomised order. One
      test was preceded by restful viewing of a documentary video (control); the other
      by a stop-signal task. Cardiorespiratory functions and perceived exertion were
      monitored during exercise. Peak power output (W) was lower following the stop
      signal task (M = 240.03, SD = 53.37) compared to control (M = 246.03, SD =
      52.60), P = 0.002, etaP2 = 0.493, as was [Formula: see text] (P = 0.042, Cohen's
      d = 0.55). Perceived exertion was significantly higher at 50% (d = 0.77) and 75%
      (d = 0.83) of iso-time following the cognitive task (Ps <= 0.01). Results are
      consistent with research showing negative carryover effects of cognitively
      demanding tasks on whole-body endurance performance. Results also support the
      psychobiological model of exercise as performance of the cognitive task did not
      affect perceived exertion when exercise task demands were lower, but lead to
      greater perceived exertion and earlier withdrawal of effort at higher levels of
      exercise task demand. Findings have implications for understanding psychological
      determinants of exercise performance and conditions that may lead to
      underestimation of [Formula: see text].

PMID- 27681891
TI  - Primary stroke prevention needs overhaul.
AB  - There is compelling evidence from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study that
      the burden of stroke and cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been increasing fast
      over the last two and half decades. These deficiencies are further highlighted by
      significant gender and ethnic disparities, and a trend towards more strokes in
      younger people. This suggests very strongly that currently used primary stroke
      and CVD prevention measures, which include high-risk (screening of the population
      for absolute CVD risk) and population-wide strategies, are not sufficiently
      effective. Identifying the causes of the failure in primary stroke and CVD
      prevention on individual and population levels and the most promising strategies
      to improve the situation is the first step in combating these leading causes of
      disease burden in the world.

PMID- 27681892
TI  - Erratum to: Surgical accuracy in high tibial osteotomy: coronal equivalence of
      computer navigation and gap measurement.

PMID- 27681893
TI  - Arthroscopic suture bridge fixation technique with multiple crossover ties for
      posterior cruciate ligament tibial avulsion fracture.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study examined the clinical outcomes of a newly developed
      technique, arthroscopic suture bridge fixation with crossover ties of PCL tibial
      avulsion fracture using two tibial tunnels and a posterior trans-septal portal.
      METHODS: Records were reviewed of 18 patients (median age 33.5 years, range 13-55
      years) with PCL tibial avulsion fractures treated with an arthroscopic suture
      bridge technique. Knee function before surgery and at last follow-up was
      evaluated by Lysholm and Tegner scores. A KT-2000 arthrometer was used to
      evaluate knee stability, and fracture union was assessed by plain radiographs.
      RESULTS: Mean postoperative Lysholm (P < 0.001) and Tegner (P = 0.011) scores
      showed significant improvements compared with preoperative scores. Arthrometry
      showed that the mean side-to-side difference improved significantly, from 7.8 +/-
      0.8 mm preoperatively to 3 +/- 1.2 mm postoperatively (P = 0.012). Radiographic
      evaluation showed solid union at the fracture site in all 18 patients at last
      follow-up. CONCLUSION: This new arthroscopic double-tunnel pull-out suture bridge
      fixation with multiple crossover ties and posterior trans-septal technique for
      PCL tibial avulsion fracture yielded good clinico-radiological outcomes,
      including satisfactory stability and fracture site healing. This technique can be
      a useful treatment option for PCL tibial avulsion fracture even with small
      comminuted fracture due to compression by the unique crossover configuration mesh
      of multiple fixation sutures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

PMID- 27681894
TI  - Erratum to: Clinical characteristics and outcomes of spontaneous bacterial
      peritonitis caused by Enterobacter species versus Escherichia coli: a matched
      case-control study.

PMID- 27681896
TI  - In Silico Analysis of a Novel Plasmid from the Coral Pathogen Vibrio
      coralliilyticus Reveals Two Potential "Ecological Islands".
AB  - As virulence often correlates with the presence of plasmid replicons in several
      Vibrio spp., this study investigated whether non-chromosomal DNA could be found
      in the coral pathogen, Vibrio coralliilyticus BAA-450. A circular plasmid, 26,631
      bp in size, was identified. DNA sequence analysis indicated that the plasmid
      contained 30 open reading frames, six tRNA genes, 12 inverted repeats, three
      direct repeats and presented no continuous sequence identity to other replicons
      within the database. Consequently, these findings indicate that this is a novel,
      previously unidentified, plasmid. Two putative "ecological islands" were also
      identified and are predicted to encode for various factors that would facilitate
      growth and survival under different ecological conditions. In addition, two open
      reading frames may encode proteins that contribute to the pathogenicity of the
      organism. Functional cooperativity is also indicated between several plasmid- and
      chromosomally-encoded proteins, which, in a single instance, would allow a fully
      functioning nutrient uptake system to be established. 

PMID- 27681895
TI  - Influence of pH Regulation Mode in Glucose Fermentation on Product Selection and
      Process Stability.
AB  - Mixed culture anaerobic fermentation generates a wide range of products from
      simple sugars, and is potentially an effective process for producing renewable
      commodity chemicals. However it is difficult to predict product spectrum, and to
      control the process. One of the key control handles is pH, but the response is
      commonly dependent on culture history. In this work, we assess the impact of pH
      regulation mode on the product spectrum. Two regulation modes were applied: in
      the first, pH was adjusted from 4.5 to 8.5 in progressive steps of 0.5 and in the
      second, covered the same pH range, but the pH was reset to 5.5 before each
      change. Acetate, butyrate, and ethanol were produced throughout all pH ranges,
      but there was a shift from butyrate at pH < 6.5 to ethanol at pH > 6.5, as well
      as a strong and consistent shift from hydrogen to formate as pH increased.
      Microbial analysis indicated that progressive pH resulted in dominance by
      Klebsiella, while reset pH resulted in a bias towards Clostridium spp.,
      particularly at low pH, with higher variance in community between different pH
      levels. Reset pH was more responsive to changes in pH, and analysis of Gibbs free
      energy indicated that the reset pH experiments operated closer to thermodynamic
      equilibrium, particularly with respect to the formate/hydrogen balance. This may
      indicate that periodically resetting pH conforms better to thermodynamic
      expectations. 

PMID- 27681897
TI  - Microbial Biofilm Community Variation in Flowing Habitats: Potential Utility as
      Bioindicators of Postmortem Submersion Intervals.
AB  - Biofilms are a ubiquitous formation of microbial communities found on surfaces in
      aqueous environments. These structures have been investigated as biomonitoring
      indicators for stream heath, and here were used for the potential use in forensic
      sciences. Biofilm successional development has been proposed as a method to
      determine the postmortem submersion interval (PMSI) of remains because there are
      no standard methods for estimating the PMSI and biofilms are ubiquitous in
      aquatic habitats. We sought to compare the development of epinecrotic (biofilms
      on Sus scrofa domesticus carcasses) and epilithic (biofilms on unglazed ceramic
      tiles) communities in two small streams using bacterial automated ribosomal
      intergenic spacer analysis. Epinecrotic communities were significantly different
      from epilithic communities even though environmental factors associated with each
      stream location also had a significant influence on biofilm structure. All
      communities at both locations exhibited significant succession suggesting that
      changing communities throughout time is a general characteristic of stream
      biofilm communities. The implications resulting from this work are that
      epinecrotic communities have distinctive shifts at the first and second weeks,
      and therefore the potential to be used in forensic applications by associating
      successional changes with submersion time to estimate a PMSI. The influence of
      environmental factors, however, indicates the lack of a successional pattern with
      the same organisms and a focus on functional diversity may be more applicable in
      a forensic context. 

PMID- 27681898
TI  - Phage Inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes on San Daniele Dry-Cured Ham and
      Elimination of Biofilms from Equipment and Working Environments.
AB  - The anti-listerial activity of generally recognized as safe (GRAS) bacteriophage
      Listex P100 (phage P100) was demonstrated in broths and on the surface of slices
      of dry-cured ham against 5 strains or serotypes (i.e., Scott A, 1/2a, 1/2b, and
      4b) of Listeria monocytogenes. In a broth model system, phage P100 at a
      concentration equal to or greater than 7 log PFU/mL completely inhibited 2 log
      CFU/cm2 or 3 log CFU/cm2 of L. monocytogenes growth at 30  degrees C. The
      temperature (4, 10, 20  degrees C) seemed to influence P100 activity; the best
      results were obtained at 4  degrees C. On dry-cured ham slices, a P100
      concentration ranging from 5 to 8 log PFU/cm2 was required to obtain a
      significant reduction in L. monocytogenes. At 4, 10, and 20  degrees C, an
      inoculum of 8 log PFU/cm2 was required to completely eliminate 2 log L.
      monocytogenes/cm2 and to reach the absence in 25 g product according to USA food
      law. Conversely, it was impossible to completely eradicate L. monocytogenes with
      an inoculum of approximately of 3.0 and 4.0 log CFU/cm2 and with a P100 inoculum
      ranging from 1 to 7 log PFU/cm2. P100 remained stable on dry-cured ham slices
      over a 14-day storage period, with only a marginal loss of 0.2 log PFU/cm2 from
      an initial phage treatment of approximately 8 log PFU/cm2. Moreover, phage P100
      eliminated free L. monocytogenes cells and biofilms on the machinery surfaces
      used for dry-cured ham production. These findings demonstrate that the GRAS
      bacteriophage Listex P100 at level of 8 log PFU/cm2 is listericidal and useful
      for reducing the L. monocytogenes concentration or eradicating the bacteria from
      dry-cured ham. 

PMID- 27681899
TI  - Low Substrate Loading Limits Methanogenesis and Leads to High Coulombic
      Efficiency in Bioelectrochemical Systems.
AB  - A crucial aspect for the application of bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) as a
      wastewater treatment technology is the efficient oxidation of complex substrates
      by the bioanode, which is reflected in high Coulombic efficiency (CE). To achieve
      high CE, it is essential to give a competitive advantage to electrogens over
      methanogens. Factors that affect CE in bioanodes are, amongst others, the type of
      wastewater, anode potential, substrate concentration and pH. In this paper, we
      focus on acetate as a substrate and analyze the competition between methanogens
      and electrogens from a thermodynamic and kinetic point of view. We reviewed
      experimental data from earlier studies and propose that low substrate loading in
      combination with a sufficiently high anode overpotential plays a key-role in
      achieving high CE. Low substrate loading is a proven strategy against
      methanogenic activity in large-scale reactors for sulfate reduction. The
      combination of low substrate loading with sufficiently high overpotential is
      essential because it results in favorable growth kinetics of electrogens compared
      to methanogens. To achieve high current density in combination with low substrate
      concentrations, it is essential to have a high specific anode surface area. New
      reactor designs with these features are essential for BESs to be successful in
      wastewater treatment in the future. 

PMID- 27681901
TI  - Metagenomic Analyses Reveal That Energy Transfer Gene Abundances Can Predict the
      Syntrophic Potential of Environmental Microbial Communities.
AB  - Hydrocarbon compounds can be biodegraded by anaerobic microorganisms to form
      methane through an energetically interdependent metabolic process known as
      syntrophy. The microorganisms that perform this process as well as the energy
      transfer mechanisms involved are difficult to study and thus are still poorly
      understood, especially on an environmental scale. Here, metagenomic data was
      analyzed for specific clusters of orthologous groups (COGs) related to key energy
      transfer genes thus far identified in syntrophic bacteria, and principal
      component analysis was used in order to determine whether potentially syntrophic
      environments could be distinguished using these syntroph related COGs as opposed
      to universally present COGs. We found that COGs related to hydrogenase and
      formate dehydrogenase genes were able to distinguish known syntrophic consortia
      and environments with the potential for syntrophy from non-syntrophic
      environments, indicating that these COGs could be used as a tool to identify
      syntrophic hydrocarbon biodegrading environments using metagenomic data. 

PMID- 27681900
TI  - Molecular Ecology of Hypersaline Microbial Mats: Current Insights and New
      Directions.
AB  - Microbial mats are unique geobiological ecosystems that form as a result of
      complex communities of microorganisms interacting with each other and their
      physical environment. Both the microorganisms present and the network of
      metabolic interactions govern ecosystem function therein. These systems are often
      found in a range of extreme environments, and those found in elevated salinity
      have been particularly well studied. The purpose of this review is to briefly
      describe the molecular ecology of select model hypersaline mat systems (Guerrero
      Negro, Shark Bay, S'Avall, and Kiritimati Atoll), and any potentially modulating
      effects caused by salinity to community structure. In addition, we discuss
      several emerging issues in the field (linking function to newly discovered phyla
      and microbial dark matter), which illustrate the changing paradigm that is seen
      as technology has rapidly advanced in the study of these extreme and
      evolutionally significant ecosystems. 

PMID- 27681904
TI  - Aspergillus oryzae-Saccharomyces cerevisiae Consortium Allows Bio-Hybrid Fuel
      Cell to Run on Complex Carbohydrates.
AB  - Consortia of Aspergillus oryzae and Saccharomyces cerevisiae are examined for
      their abilities to turn complex carbohydrates into ethanol. To understand the
      interactions between microorganisms in consortia, Fourier-transform infrared
      spectroscopy is used to follow the concentrations of various metabolites such as
      sugars (e.g., glucose, maltose), longer chain carbohydrates, and ethanol to
      optimize consortia conditions for the production of ethanol. It is shown that
      with proper design A. oryzae can digest food waste simulants into soluble sugars
      that S. cerevisiae can ferment into ethanol. Depending on the substrate and
      conditions used, concentrations of 13% ethanol were achieved in 10 days. It is
      further shown that a direct alcohol fuel cell (FC) can be coupled with these A.
      oryzae-enabled S. cerevisiae fermentations using a reverse osmosis membrane. This
      "bio-hybrid FC" continually extracted ethanol from an ongoing consortium,
      enhancing ethanol production and allowing the bio-hybrid FC to run for at least
      one week. Obtained bio-hybrid FC currents were comparable to those from pure
      ethanol-water mixtures, using the same FC. The A. oryzae-S. cerevisiae
      consortium, coupled to a bio-hybrid FC, converted food waste simulants into
      electricity without any pre- or post-processing. 

PMID- 27681902
TI  - Extremophiles in an Antarctic Marine Ecosystem.
AB  - Recent attempts to explore marine microbial diversity and the global marine
      microbiome have indicated a large proportion of previously unknown diversity.
      However, sequencing alone does not tell the whole story, as it relies heavily
      upon information that is already contained within sequence databases. In
      addition, microorganisms have been shown to present small-to-large scale
      biogeographical patterns worldwide, potentially making regional combinations of
      selection pressures unique. Here, we focus on the extremophile community in the
      boundary region located between the Polar Front and the Southern Antarctic
      Circumpolar Current in the Southern Ocean, to explore the potential of
      metagenomic approaches as a tool for bioprospecting in the search for novel
      functional activity based on targeted sampling efforts. We assessed the microbial
      composition and diversity from a region north of the current limit for winter sea
      ice, north of the Southern Antarctic Circumpolar Front (SACCF) but south of the
      Polar Front. Although, most of the more frequently encountered sequences  were
      derived from common marine microorganisms, within these dominant groups, we found
      a proportion of genes related to secondary metabolism of potential interest in
      bioprospecting. Extremophiles were rare by comparison but belonged to a range of
      genera. Hence, they represented interesting targets from which to identify rare
      or novel functions. Ultimately, future shifts in environmental conditions
      favoring more cosmopolitan groups could have an unpredictable effect on microbial
      diversity and function in the Southern Ocean, perhaps excluding the rarer
      extremophiles. 

PMID- 27681905
TI  - The Opportunity for High-Performance Biomaterials from Methane.
AB  - Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biopolymers are widely recognised as outstanding
      candidates to replace conventional petroleum-derived polymers. Their mechanical
      properties are good and can be tailored through copolymer composition, they are
      biodegradable, and unlike many alternatives, they do not rely on oil-based
      feedstocks. Further, they are the only commodity polymer that can be synthesised
      intracellularly, ensuring stereoregularity and high molecular weight. However,
      despite offering enormous potential for many years, they are still not making a
      significant impact. This is broadly because commercial uptake has been limited by
      variable performance (inconsistent polymer properties) and high production costs
      of the raw polymer. Additionally, the main type of PHA produced naturally is poly
      3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), which has limited scope due to its brittle nature and
      low thermal stability, as well as its tendency to embrittle over time. Production
      cost is strongly impacted by the type of the feedstock used. In this article we
      consider: the production of PHAs from methanotrophs using methane as a cost
      effective substrate; the use of mixed cultures, as opposed to pure strains; and
      strategies to generate a poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) copolymer
      (PHBV), which has more desirable qualities such as toughness and elasticity. 

PMID- 27681906
TI  - Staphylococcus aureus in Animals and Food: Methicillin Resistance, Prevalence and
      Population Structure. A Review in the African Continent.
AB  - The interest about Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and methicillin resistant S.
      aureus (MRSA) in livestock, and domestic and wild animals has significantly
      increased. The spread of different clonal complexes related to livestock animals,
      mainly CC398, and the recent description of the new mecC gene, make it necessary
      to know more about the epidemiology and population structure of this
      microorganism all over the world. Nowadays, there are several descriptions about
      the presence of S. aureus and/or MRSA in different animal species (dogs, sheep,
      donkeys, bats, pigs, and monkeys), and in food of animal origin in African
      countries. In this continent, there is a high diversity of ethnicities, cultures
      or religions, as well as a high number of wild animal species and close contact
      between humans and animals, which can have a relevant impact in the epidemiology
      of this microorganism. This review shows that some clonal lineages associated
      with humans (CC1, CC15, CC72, CC80, CC101, and CC152) and animals (CC398, CC130
      and CC133) are present in this continent in animal isolates, although the mecC
      gene has not been detected yet. However, available studies are limited to a few
      countries, very often with incomplete information, and many more studies are
      necessary to cover a larger number of African countries. 

PMID- 27681907
TI  - Carbapenem Resistance in Gram-Negative Bacteria: The Not-So-Little Problem in the
      Little Red Dot.
AB  - Singapore is an international travel and medical hub and faces a genuine threat
      for import and dissemination of bacteria with broad-spectrum resistance. In this
      review, we described the current landscape and management of carbapenem
      resistance in Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) in Singapore. Notably, the number of
      carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae has exponentially increased in the past
      two years. Resistance is largely mediated by a variety of mechanisms. Polymyxin
      resistance has also emerged. Interestingly, two Escherichia coli isolates with
      plasmid-mediated mcr-1 genes have been detected. Evidently, surveillance and
      infection control becomes critical in the local setting where resistance is
      commonly related to plasmid-mediated mechanisms, such as carbapenemases.
      Combination antibiotic therapy has been proposed as a last-resort strategy in the
      treatment of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) GNB infections, and is widely
      adopted in Singapore. The diversity of carbapenemases encountered, however,
      presents complexities in both carbapenemase detection and the selection of
      optimal antibiotic combinations. One unique strategy introduced in Singapore is a
      prospective in vitro combination testing service, which aids physicians in the
      selection of individualized combinations. The outcome of this treatment strategy
      has been promising. Unlike countries with a predominant carbapenemase type,
      Singapore has to adopt management strategies which accounts for diversity in
      resistance mechanisms. 

PMID- 27681909
TI  - Metabolic Interaction of Helicobacter pylori Infection and Gut Microbiota.
AB  - As a barrier, gut commensal microbiota can protect against potential pathogenic
      microbes in the gastrointestinal tract. Crosstalk between gut microbes and immune
      cells promotes human intestinal homeostasis. Dysbiosis of gut microbiota has been
      implicated in the development of many human metabolic disorders like obesity,
      hepatic steatohepatitis, and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes (T2D). Certain
      microbes, such as butyrate-producing bacteria, are lower in T2D patients. The
      transfer of intestinal microbiota from lean donors increases insulin sensitivity
      in individuals with metabolic syndrome, but the exact pathogenesis remains
      unclear. H. pylori in the human stomach cause chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers,
      and gastric cancers. H. pylori infection also induces insulin resistance and has
      been defined as a predisposing factor to T2D development. Gastric and fecal
      microbiota may have been changed in H. pylori-infected persons and mice to
      promote gastric inflammation and specific diseases. However, the interaction of
      H. pylori and gut microbiota in regulating host metabolism also remains unknown.
      Further studies aim to identify the H. pylori-microbiota-host metabolism axis and
      to test if H. pylori eradication or modification of gut microbiota can improve
      the control of human metabolic disorders. 

PMID- 27681911
TI  - Process Recovery after CaO Addition Due to Granule Formation in a CSTR Co
      Digester-A Tool to Influence the Composition of the Microbial Community and
      Stabilize the Process?
AB  - The composition, structure and function of granules formed during process
      recovery with calcium oxide in a laboratory-scale fermenter fed with sewage
      sludge and rapeseed oil were studied. In the course of over-acidification and
      successful process recovery, only minor changes were observed in the bacterial
      community of the digestate, while granules appeared during recovery. Fluorescence
      microscopic analysis of the granules showed a close spatial relationship between
      calcium and oil and/or long chain fatty acids. This finding further substantiated
      the hypothesis that calcium precipitated with carbon of organic origin and
      reduced the negative effects of overloading with oil. Furthermore, the enrichment
      of phosphate minerals in the granules was shown, and molecular biological
      analyses detected polyphosphate-accumulating organisms as well as methanogenic
      archaea in the core. Organisms related to Methanoculleus receptaculi were
      detected in the inner zones of a granule, whereas they were present in the
      digestate only after process recovery. This finding indicated more favorable
      microhabitats inside the granules that supported process recovery. Thus, the
      granule formation triggered by calcium oxide addition served as a tool to
      influence the composition of the microbial community and to stabilize the process
      after overloading with oil. 

PMID- 27681910
TI  - Extensive Intestinal Resection Triggers Behavioral Adaptation, Intestinal
      Remodeling and Microbiota Transition in Short Bowel Syndrome.
AB  - Extensive resection of small bowel often leads to short bowel syndrome (SBS). SBS
      patients develop clinical mal-absorption and dehydration relative to the
      reduction of absorptive area, acceleration of gastrointestinal transit time and
      modifications of the gastrointestinal intra-luminal environment. As a consequence
      of severe mal-absorption, patients require parenteral nutrition (PN). In adults,
      the overall adaptation following intestinal resection includes spontaneous and
      complex compensatory processes such as hyperphagia, mucosal remodeling of the
      remaining part of the intestine and major modifications of the microbiota. SBS
      patients, with colon in continuity, harbor a specific fecal microbiota that we
      called "lactobiota" because it is enriched in the Lactobacillus/Leuconostoc group
      and depleted in anaerobic micro-organisms (especially Clostridium and
      Bacteroides). In some patients, the lactobiota-driven fermentative activities
      lead to an accumulation of fecal d/l-lactates and an increased risk of d
      encephalopathy. Better knowledge of clinical parameters and lactobiota
      characteristics has made it possible to stratify patients and define group at
      risk for d-encephalopathy crises. 

PMID- 27681908
TI  - Bacterial Multidrug Efflux Pumps: Much More Than Antibiotic Resistance
      Determinants.
AB  - Bacterial multidrug efflux pumps are antibiotic resistance determinants present
      in all microorganisms. With few exceptions, they are chromosomally encoded and
      present a conserved organization both at the genetic and at the protein levels.
      In addition, most, if not all, strains of a given bacterial species present the
      same chromosomally-encoded efflux pumps. Altogether this indicates that multidrug
      efflux pumps are ancient elements encoded in bacterial genomes long before the
      recent use of antibiotics for human and animal therapy. In this regard, it is
      worth mentioning that efflux pumps can extrude a wide range of substrates that
      include, besides antibiotics, heavy metals, organic pollutants, plant-produced
      compounds, quorum sensing signals or bacterial metabolites, among others. In the
      current review, we present information on the different functions that multidrug
      efflux pumps may have for the bacterial behaviour in different habitats as well
      as on their regulation by specific signals. Since, in addition to their function
      in non-clinical ecosystems, multidrug efflux pumps contribute to intrinsic,
      acquired, and phenotypic resistance of bacterial pathogens, the review also
      presents information on the search for inhibitors of multidrug efflux pumps,
      which are currently under development, in the aim of increasing the
      susceptibility of bacterial pathogens to antibiotics. 

PMID- 27681912
TI  - Fed-Batch Production of Bacterial Ghosts Using Dielectric Spectroscopy for
      Dynamic Process Control.
AB  - The Bacterial Ghost (BG) platform technology evolved from a microbiological
      expression system incorporating the phiX174 lysis gene E. E-lysis generates empty
      but structurally intact cell envelopes (BGs) from Gram-negative bacteria which
      have been suggested as candidate vaccines, immunotherapeutic agents or drug
      delivery vehicles. E-lysis is a highly dynamic and complex biological process
      that puts exceptional demands towards process understanding and control. The
      development of a both economic and robust fed-batch production process for BGs
      required a toolset capable of dealing with rapidly changing concentrations of
      viable biomass during the E-lysis phase. This challenge was addressed using a
      transfer function combining dielectric spectroscopy and soft-sensor based biomass
      estimation for monitoring the rapid decline of viable biomass during the E-lysis
      phase. The transfer function was implemented to a feed-controller, which followed
      the permittivity signal closely and was capable of maintaining a constant
      specific substrate uptake rate during lysis phase. With the described toolset, we
      were able to increase the yield of BG production processes by a factor of 8-10
      when compared to currently used batch procedures reaching lysis efficiencies
      >98%. This provides elevated potentials for commercial application of the
      Bacterial Ghost platform technology. 

PMID- 27681915
TI  - Establishment of a Quality Management System Based on ISO 9001 Standard in a
      Public Service Fungal Culture Collection.
AB  - Collaborations between different Microbiological Resource Centres (mBRCs) and
      ethical sourcing practices are mandatory to guarantee biodiversity conservation,
      successful and sustainable preservation and fair share of benefits that arise
      from the use of genetic resources. Since microbial Culture Collections (CCs) are
      now engaged in meeting high quality operational standards, they are facing the
      challenge of establishing quality control criteria to certify their biological
      materials. The authentication/certification of strains is nowadays a demand from
      the bioeconomy sector for the global operation of mBRCs. The achievement of
      consistent quality assurance and trust within the mBRCs and microbial CCs context
      is a dynamic and never-ending process. A good option to facilitate that process
      is to implement a Quality Management System (QMS) based on the ISO 9001 standard.
      Here, we report a detailed description of all the steps taken for the QMS
      implementation at the Portuguese CC of filamentous fungi: Micoteca da
      Universidade do Minho (MUM). Our aim is to provide guidelines for the
      certification of other CCs, so that they can also enhance the search and choice
      of the most consistent, reliable, and effective operating methods, with assured
      procedures and validation of preservation; and guarantee trustworthy relations
      with all stakeholders. 

PMID- 27681913
TI  - New Dimensions in Microbial Ecology-Functional Genes in Studies to Unravel the
      Biodiversity and Role of Functional Microbial Groups in the Environment.
AB  - During the past decades, tremendous advances have been made in the possibilities
      to study the diversity of microbial communities in the environment. The
      development of methods to study these communities on the basis of 16S rRNA gene
      sequences analysis was a first step into the molecular analysis of environmental
      communities and the study of biodiversity in natural habitats. A new dimension in
      this field was reached with the introduction of functional genes of ecological
      importance and the establishment of genetic tools to study the diversity of
      functional microbial groups and their responses to environmental factors.
      Functional gene approaches are excellent tools to study the diversity of a
      particular function and to demonstrate changes in the composition of prokaryote
      communities contributing to this function. The phylogeny of many functional genes
      largely correlates with that of the 16S rRNA gene, and microbial species may be
      identified on the basis of functional gene sequences. Functional genes are
      perfectly suited to link culture-based microbiological work with environmental
      molecular genetic studies. In this review, the development of functional gene
      studies in environmental microbiology is highlighted with examples of genes
      relevant for important ecophysiological functions. Examples are presented for
      bacterial photosynthesis and two types of anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria, with
      genes of the Fenna-Matthews-Olson-protein (fmoA) as target for the green sulfur
      bacteria and of two reaction center proteins (pufLM) for the phototrophic purple
      bacteria, with genes of adenosine-5'phosphosulfate (APS) reductase (aprA),
      sulfate thioesterase (soxB) and dissimilatory sulfite reductase (dsrAB) for
      sulfur oxidizing and sulfate reducing bacteria, with genes of ammonia
      monooxygenase (amoA) for nitrifying/ammonia-oxidizing bacteria, with genes of
      particulate nitrate reductase and nitrite reductases (narH/G, nirS, nirK) for
      denitrifying bacteria and with genes of methane monooxygenase (pmoA) for methane
      oxidizing bacteria. 

PMID- 27681914
TI  - Microbiome, Metabolome and Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
AB  - Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a multifactorial disorder that conceptually
      occurs as a result of altered immune responses to commensal and/or pathogenic gut
      microbes in individuals most susceptible to the disease. During Crohn's Disease
      (CD) or Ulcerative Colitis (UC), two components of the human IBD, distinct stages
      define the disease onset, severity, progression and remission. Epigenetic,
      environmental (microbiome, metabolome) and nutritional factors are important in
      IBD pathogenesis. While the dysbiotic microbiota has been proposed to play a role
      in disease pathogenesis, the data on IBD and diet are still less convincing.
      Nonetheless, studies are ongoing to examine the effect of pre/probiotics and/or
      FODMAP reduced diets on both the gut microbiome and its metabolome in an effort
      to define the healthy diet in patients with IBD. Knowledge of a unique
      metabolomic fingerprint in IBD could be useful for diagnosis, treatment and
      detection of disease pathogenesis. 

PMID- 27681916
TI  - A Look inside the Listeria monocytogenes Biofilms Extracellular Matrix.
AB  - Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen able to persist in food industry
      and is responsible for a severe illness called listeriosis. The ability of L.
      monocytogenes to persist in environments is due to its capacity to form biofilms
      that are a sessile community of microorganisms embedded in a self-produced matrix
      of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS's). In this review, we summarized
      recent efforts performed in order to better characterize the polymeric substances
      that compose the extracellular matrix (ECM) of L. monocytogenes biofilms. EPS
      extraction and analysis led to the identification of polysaccharides, proteins,
      extracellular DNA, and other molecules within the listerial ECM. All this
      knowledge will be useful for increasing food protection, suggesting effective
      strategies for the minimization of persistence of L. monocytogenes in food
      industry environments. 

PMID- 27681917
TI  - Highly Variable Bacterial Communities Associated with the Octocoral Antillogorgia
      elisabethae.
AB  - Antillogorgia elisabethae (synonymous with Pseudopterogorgia elisabethae) is a
      common branching octocoral in Caribbean reef ecosystems. A. elisabethae is a rich
      source of anti-inflammatory diterpenes, thus this octocoral has been the subject
      of numerous natural product investigations, yet relatively little is known
      regarding the composition, diversity and the geographic and temporal stability of
      its microbiome. To characterize the composition, diversity and stability of
      bacterial communities of Bahamian A. elisabethae populations, 17 A. elisabethae
      samples originating from five sites within The Bahamas were characterized by 16S
      rDNA pyrosequencing. A. elisabethae bacterial communities were less diverse and
      distinct from those of surrounding seawater samples. Analyses of alpha- and beta
      diversity revealed that A. elisabethae bacterial communities were highly variable
      between A. elisabethae samples from The Bahamas. This contrasts results obtained
      from a previous study of three specimens collected from Providencia Island,
      Colombia, which found A. elisabethae bacterial communities to be highly
      structured. Taxa belonging to the Rhodobacteriales, Rhizobiales, Flavobacteriales
      and Oceanospiralles were identified as potential members of the A. elisabethae
      core microbiome. 

PMID- 27681918
TI  - Enrichment of Fusobacteria in Sea Surface Oil Slicks from the Deepwater Horizon
      Oil Spill.
AB  - The Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill led to rapid microbial community shifts in
      the Gulf of Mexico, including the formation of unprecedented quantities of marine
      oil snow (MOS) and of a massive subsurface oil plume. The major taxa that bloomed
      in sea surface oil slicks during the spill included Cycloclasticus, and to a
      lesser extent Halomonas, Alteromonas, and Pseudoalteromonas-organisms that grow
      and degrade oil hydrocarbons aerobically. Here, we show that sea surface oil
      slicks at DWH contained obligate and facultative anaerobic taxa, including
      members of the obligate anaerobic phylum Fusobacteria that are commonly found in
      marine sediment environments. Pyrosequencing analysis revealed that Fusobacteria
      were strongly selected for when sea surface oil slicks were allowed to develop
      anaerobically. These organisms have been found in oil-contaminated sediments in
      the Gulf of Mexico, in deep marine oil reservoirs, and other oil-contaminated
      sites, suggesting they have putative hydrocarbon-degrading qualities. The
      occurrence and strong selection for Fusobacteria in a lab-based incubation of a
      sea surface oil slick sample collected during the spill suggests that these
      organisms may have become enriched in anaerobic zones of suspended particulates,
      such as MOS. Whilst the formation and rapid sinking of MOS is recognised as an
      important mechanism by which a proportion of the Macondo oil had been transported
      to the sea floor, its role in potentially transporting microorganisms, including
      oil-degraders, from the upper reaches of the water column to the seafloor should
      be considered. The presence of Fusobacteria on the sea surface-a highly
      oxygenated environment-is intriguing, and may be explained by the vertical
      upsurge of oil that provided a carrier to transport these organisms from
      anaerobic/micro-aerophilic zones in the oil plume or seabed to the upper reaches
      of the water column. We also propose that the formation of rapidly-sinking MOS
      may have re-transported these, and other microbial taxa, to the sediment in the
      Gulf of Mexico. 

PMID- 27681919
TI  - Diagnostic Procedures to Detect Chlamydia trachomatis Infections.
AB  - The intracellular life style of chlamydia and the ability to cause persistent
      infections with low-grade replication requires tests with high analytical
      sensitivity to directly detect C. trachomatis (CT) in medical samples. Nucleic
      acid amplification tests (NAATs) are the most sensitive assays with a specificity
      similar to cell culture and are considered the method of choice for CT detection.
      In addition, NAATs can be performed on various clinical specimens that do not
      depend on specific transport and storage conditions, since NAATs do not require
      infectious bacteria. In the case of lower genital tract infections, first void
      urine and vaginal swabs are the recommended specimens for testing males and
      females, respectively. Infections of anorectal, oropharyngeal and ocular
      epithelia should also be tested by NAAT analysis of corresponding mucosal swabs.
      In particular, anorectal infections of men who have sex with men (MSM) should
      include evaluation of lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) by identification of
      genotypes L1, L2 or L3. Detection of CT antigens by enzyme immunoassay (EIAs) or
      rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are unsuitable due to insufficient sensitivity and
      specificity. Recent PCR-based RDTs, however, are non-inferior to standard NAATs,
      and might be used at the point-of-care. Serology finds application in the
      diagnostic work-up of suspected chronic CT infection but is inappropriate to
      diagnose acute infections. 

PMID- 27681920
TI  - Biofilms from Klebsiella pneumoniae: Matrix Polysaccharide Structure and
      Interactions with Antimicrobial Peptides.
AB  - Biofilm matrices of two Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates, KpTs101 and
      KpTs113, were investigated for their polysaccharide composition and protective
      effects against antimicrobial peptides. Both strains were good biofilm producers,
      with KpTs113 forming flocs with very low adhesive properties to supports. Matrix
      exopolysaccharides were isolated and their monosaccharide composition and
      glycosidic linkage types were defined. KpTs101 polysaccharide is neutral and
      composed only of galactose, in both pyranose and furanose ring configurations.
      Conversely, KpTs113 polysaccharide is anionic due to glucuronic acid units, and
      also contains glucose and mannose residues. The susceptibility of the two strains
      to two bovine cathelicidin antimicrobial peptides, BMAP-27 and Bac7(1-35), was
      assessed using both planktonic cultures and biofilms. Biofilm matrices exerted a
      relevant protection against both antimicrobials, which act with quite different
      mechanisms. Similar protection was also detected when antimicrobial peptides were
      tested against planktonic bacteria in the presence of the polysaccharides
      extracted from KpTs101 and KpTs113 biofilms, suggesting sequestering adduct
      formation with antimicrobials. Circular dichroism experiments on BMAP-27 in the
      presence of increasing amounts of either polysaccharide confirmed their ability
      to interact with the peptide and induce an alpha-helical conformation. 

PMID- 27681921
TI  - Immunoregulatory Effects Triggered by Lactic Acid Bacteria Exopolysaccharides:
      New Insights into Molecular Interactions with Host Cells.
AB  - Researchers have demonstrated that lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with
      immunomodulatory capabilities (immunobiotics) exert their beneficial effects
      through several molecules, including cell wall, peptidoglycan, and
      exopolysaccharides (EPS), that are able to interact with specific host cell
      receptors. EPS from LAB show a wide heterogeneity in its composition, meaning
      that biological properties depend on the strain and. therefore, only a part of
      the mechanism of action has been elucidated for these molecules. In this review,
      we summarize the current knowledge of the health-promoting actions of EPS from
      LAB with special focus on their immunoregulatory actions. In addition, we
      describe our studies using porcine intestinal epithelial cells (PIE cells) as a
      model to evaluate the molecular interactions of EPS from two immunobiotic LAB
      strains and the host cells. Our studies showed that EPS from immunobiotic LAB
      have anti-inflammatory capacities in PIE cells since they are able to reduce the
      production of inflammatory cytokines in cells challenged with the Toll-like
      receptor (TLR)-4-agonist lipopolysaccharide. The effects of EPS were dependent on
      TLR2, TLR4, and negative regulators of TLR signaling. We also reported that the
      radioprotective 105 (RP105)/MD1 complex, a member of the TLR family, is partially
      involved in the immunoregulatory effects of the EPS from LAB. Our work described,
      for the first time, that LAB and their EPS reduce inflammation in intestinal
      epithelial cells in a RP105/MD1-dependent manner. A continuing challenge for the
      future is to reveal more effector-receptor relationships in immunobiotic-host
      interactions that contribute to the beneficial effects of these bacteria on
      mucosal immune homeostasis. A detailed molecular understanding should lead to a
      more rational use of immunobiotics in general, and their EPS in particular, as
      efficient prevention and therapies for specific immune-related disorders in
      humans and animals. 

PMID- 27681922
TI  - Chlamydia-Like Organisms (CLOs) in Finnish Ixodes ricinus Ticks and Human Skin.
AB  - Ticks carry several human pathogenic microbes including Borreliae and Flavivirus
      causing tick-born encephalitis. Ticks can also carry DNA of Chlamydia-like
      organisms (CLOs). The purpose of this study was to investigate the occurrence of
      CLOs in ticks and skin biopsies taken from individuals with suspected tick bite.
      DNA from CLOs was detected by pan-Chlamydiales-PCR in 40% of adult ticks from
      southwestern Finland. The estimated minimal infection rate for nymphs and larvae
      (studied in pools) was 6% and 2%, respectively. For the first time, we show CLO
      DNA also in human skin as 68% of all skin biopsies studied contained CLO DNA as
      determined through pan-Chlamydiales-PCR. Sequence analyses based on the 16S rRNA
      gene fragment indicated that the sequences detected in ticks were heterogeneous,
      representing various CLO families; whereas the majority of the sequences from
      human skin remained "unclassified Chlamydiales" and might represent a new family
      level lineage. CLO sequences detected in four skin biopsies were most closely
      related to "uncultured Chlamydial bacterium clones from Ixodes ricinus ticks" and
      two of them were very similar to CLO sequences from Finnish ticks. These results
      suggest that CLO DNA is present in human skin; ticks carry CLOs and could
      potentially transmit CLOs to humans. 

PMID- 27681924
TI  - Coinfection of Chlamydiae and other Bacteria in Reactive Arthritis and
      Spondyloarthritis: Need for Future Research.
AB  - Reactive (inflammatory) arthritis has been known for many years to follow genital
      infection with the intracellular bacterial pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis in some
      individuals. Recent studies from several groups have demonstrated that a related
      bacterium, the respiratory pathogen Chlamydia pneumoniae, can elicit a similar
      arthritis. Studies of these organisms, and of a set of gastrointestinal pathogens
      also associated with engendering inflammatory arthritis, have been relatively
      extensive. However, reports focusing on coinfections with these and/or other
      organisms, and the effects of such coinfections on the host immune and other
      systems, have been rare. In this article, we review the extant data regarding
      infections by multiple pathogens in the joint as they relate to engendering
      arthritis, and we suggest a number of research areas that must be given a high
      priority if we are to understand, and therefore to treat in an effective manner,
      such arthritides. 

PMID- 27681925
TI  - Correia Repeat Enclosed Elements and Non-Coding RNAs in the Neisseria Species.
AB  - Neisseria gonorrhoeae is capable of causing gonorrhoea and more complex diseases
      in the human host. Neisseria meningitidis is a closely related pathogen that
      shares many of the same genomic features and virulence factors, but causes the
      life threatening diseases meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia. The
      importance of non-coding RNAs in gene regulation has become increasingly evident
      having been demonstrated to be involved in regulons responsible for iron
      acquisition, antigenic variation, and virulence. Neisseria spp. contain an IS
      like element, the Correia Repeat Enclosed Element, which has been predicted to be
      mobile within the genomes or to have been in the past. This repeat, present in
      over 100 copies in the genome, has the ability to alter gene expression and
      regulation in several ways. We reveal here that Correia Repeat Enclosed Elements
      tend to be near non-coding RNAs in the Neisseria spp., especially N. gonorrhoeae.
      These results suggest that Correia Repeat Enclosed Elements may have disrupted
      ancestral regulatory networks not just through their influence on regulatory
      proteins but also for non-coding RNAs. 

PMID- 27681926
TI  - Phylogenetic Characterization of Marine Benthic Archaea in Organic-Poor Sediments
      of the Eastern Equatorial Pacific Ocean (ODP Site 1225).
AB  - Sequencing surveys of microbial communities in marine subsurface sediments have
      focused on organic-rich, continental margins; the database for organic-lean deep
      sea sediments from mid-ocean regions is underdeveloped. The archaeal community in
      subsurface sediments of ODP Site 1225 in the eastern equatorial Pacific (3760 m
      water depth; 1.1 and 7.8 m sediment depth) was analyzed by PCR, cloning and
      sequencing, and by denaturant gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) of 16S rRNA
      genes. Three uncultured archaeal lineages with different depth distributions were
      found: Marine Group I (MG-I) within the Thaumarchaeota, its sister lineage Marine
      Benthic Group A (MBG-A), the phylum-level archaeal lineage Marine Benthic Group B
      (also known as Deep-Sea Archaeal Group or Lokiarchaeota), and the Deep-Sea
      Euryarchaeotal Group 3. The MG-I phylotypes included representatives of sediment
      clusters that are distinct from the pelagic members of this phylum. On the scale
      from fully oxidized, extremely organic carbon-depleted sediments (for example,
      those the South Pacific Gyre) to fully reduced, organic carbon-rich marine
      subsurface sediments (such as those of the Peru Margin), Ocean Drilling Program
      (ODP) Site 1225 falls into the non-extreme organic carbon-lean category, and
      harbors archaeal communities from both ends of the spectrum. 

PMID- 27681927
TI  - Achromobacter Species Isolated from Cystic Fibrosis Patients Reveal Distinctly
      Different Biofilm Morphotypes.
AB  - Achromobacter species have attracted attention as emerging pathogens in cystic
      fibrosis. The clinical significance of Achromobacter infection is not yet fully
      elucidated; however, their intrinsic resistance to antimicrobials and ability to
      form biofilms renders them capable of establishing long-term chronic infections.
      Still, many aspects of Achromobacter biofilm formation remain uncharacterized. In
      this study, we characterized biofilm formation in clinical isolates of
      Achromobacter and investigated the effect of challenging the biofilm with
      antimicrobials and/or enzymes targeting the extracellular matrix. In vitro
      biofilm growth and subsequent visualization by confocal microscopy revealed
      distinctly different biofilm morphotypes: a surface-attached biofilm morphotype
      of small aggregates and an unattached biofilm morphotype of large suspended
      aggregates. Aggregates consistent with our in vitro findings were visualized in
      sputum samples from cystic fibrosis patients using an Achromobacter specific
      peptide nucleic acid fluorescence in situ hybridization (PNA-FISH) probe,
      confirming the presence of Achromobacter biofilms in the CF lung. High antibiotic
      tolerance was associated with the biofilm phenotype, and biocidal antibiotic
      concentrations were up to 1000 fold higher than for planktonic cultures.
      Treatment with DNase or subtilisin partially dispersed the biofilm and reduced
      the tolerance to specific antimicrobials, paving the way for further research
      into using dispersal mechanisms to improve treatment strategies. 

PMID- 27681923
TI  - Insights on the Horizontal Gene Transfer of Carbapenemase Determinants in the
      Opportunistic Pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii.
AB  - Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is a driving force to the evolution of bacteria.
      The fast emergence of antimicrobial resistance reflects the ability of genetic
      adaptation of pathogens. Acinetobacter baumannii has emerged in the last few
      decades as an important opportunistic nosocomial pathogen, in part due to its
      high capacity of acquiring resistance to diverse antibiotic families, including
      to the so-called last line drugs such as carbapenems. The rampant selective
      pressure and genetic exchange of resistance genes hinder the effective treatment
      of resistant infections. A. baumannii uses all the resistance mechanisms to
      survive against carbapenems but production of carbapenemases are the major
      mechanism, which may act in synergy with others. A. baumannii appears to use all
      the mechanisms of gene dissemination. Beyond conjugation, the mostly reported
      recent studies point to natural transformation, transduction and outer membrane
      vesicles-mediated transfer as mechanisms that may play a role in carbapenemase
      determinants spread. Understanding the genetic mobilization of carbapenemase
      genes is paramount in preventing their dissemination. Here we review the
      carbapenemases found in A. baumannii and present an overview of the current
      knowledge of contributions of the various HGT mechanisms to the molecular
      epidemiology of carbapenem resistance in this relevant opportunistic pathogen. 

PMID- 27681928
TI  - Streptokinase Treatment Reverses Biofilm-Associated Antibiotic Resistance in
      Staphylococcus aureus.
AB  - Biofilms formed by Staphylococcus aureus is a serious complication to the use of
      medical implants. A central part of the pathogenesis relies on S. aureus' ability
      to adhere to host extracellular matrix proteins, which adsorb to medical implants
      and stimulate biofilm formation. Being coagulase positive, S. aureus furthermore
      induces formation of fibrin fibers from fibrinogen in the blood. Consequently, we
      hypothesized that fibrin is a key component of the extracellular matrix of S.
      aureus biofilms under in vivo conditions, and that the recalcitrance of biofilm
      infections can be overcome by combining antibiotic treatment with a fibrinolytic
      drug. We quantified S. aureus USA300 biofilms grown on peg-lids in brain heart
      infusion (BHI) broth with 0%-50% human plasma. Young (2 h) and mature (24 h)
      biofilms were then treated with streptokinase to determine if this lead to
      dispersal. Then, the minimal biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) of 24 h old
      biofilms was measured for vancomycin and daptomycin alone or in combination with
      10 ug/mL rifampicin in the presence or absence of streptokinase in the antibiotic
      treatment step. Finally, biofilms were visualized by confocal laser scanning
      microscopy. Addition of human plasma stimulated biofilm formation in BHI in a
      dose-dependent manner, and biofilms could be partially dispersed by
      streptokinase. The biofilms could be eradicated with physiologically relevant
      concentrations of streptokinase in combination with rifampicin and vancomycin or
      daptomycin, which are commonly used antibiotics for treatment of S. aureus
      infections. Fibronolytic drugs have been used to treat thromboembolic events for
      decades, and our findings suggest that their use against biofilm infections has
      the potential to improve the efficacy of antibiotics in treatment of S. aureus
      biofilm infections. 

PMID- 27681929
TI  - Biofilm Forming Lactobacillus: New Challenges for the Development of Probiotics.
AB  - Probiotics are live bacteria, generally administered in food, conferring
      beneficial effects to the host because they help to prevent or treat diseases,
      the majority of which are gastrointestinal. Numerous investigations have verified
      the beneficial effect of probiotic strains in biofilm form, including increased
      resistance to temperature, gastric pH and mechanical forces to that of their
      planktonic counterparts. In addition, the development of new encapsulation
      technologies, which have exploited the properties of biofilms in the creation of
      double coated capsules, has given origin to fourth generation probiotics. Up to
      now, reviews have focused on the detrimental effects of biofilms associated with
      pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, this work aims to amalgamate information
      describing the biofilms of Lactobacillus strains which are used as probiotics,
      particularly L. rhamnosus, L. plantarum, L. reuteri, and L. fermentum.
      Additionally, we have reviewed the development of probiotics using technology
      inspired by biofilms. 

PMID- 27681930
TI  - Adhesion Properties of Lactic Acid Bacteria on Intestinal Mucin.
AB  - Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are Gram-positive bacteria that are natural
      inhabitants of the gastrointestinal (GI) tracts of mammals, including humans.
      Since Mechnikov first proposed that yogurt could prevent intestinal putrefaction
      and aging, the beneficial effects of LAB have been widely demonstrated. The
      region between the duodenum and the terminal of the ileum is the primary region
      colonized by LAB, particularly the Lactobacillus species, and this region is
      covered by a mucus layer composed mainly of mucin-type glycoproteins. The mucus
      layer plays a role in protecting the intestinal epithelial cells against damage,
      but is also considered to be critical for the adhesion of Lactobacillus in the GI
      tract. Consequently, the adhesion exhibited by lactobacilli on mucin has
      attracted attention as one of the critical factors contributing to the persistent
      beneficial effects of Lactobacillus in a constantly changing intestinal
      environment. Thus, understanding the interactions between Lactobacillus and mucin
      is crucial for elucidating the survival strategies of LAB in the GI tract. This
      review highlights the properties of the interactions between Lactobacillus and
      mucin, while concomitantly considering the structure of the GI tract from a
      histochemical perspective. 

PMID- 27681931
TI  - Biotin Auxotrophy and Biotin Enhanced Germ Tube Formation in Candida albicans.
AB  - Due to the increased number of immunocompromised patients, infections with the
      pathogen Candida albicans have significantly increased in recent years. C.
      albicans transition from yeast to germ tubes is one of the essential factors for
      virulence. In this study we noted that Lee's medium, commonly used to induce
      filamentation, contained 500-fold more biotin than needed for growth and 40-fold
      more biotin than is typically added to growth media. Thus, we investigated the
      effects of excess biotin on growth rate and filamentation by C. albicans in
      different media. At 37  degrees C, excess biotin (4 uM) enhanced germ tube
      formation (GTF) ca. 10-fold in both Lee's medium and a defined glucose-proline
      medium, and ca. 4-fold in 1% serum. Two biotin precursors, desthiobiotin and 7
      keto-8-aminopelargonic acid (KAPA), also stimulated GTF. During these studies we
      also noted an inverse correlation between the number of times the inoculum had
      been washed and the concentration of serum needed to stimulate GTF. C. albicans
      cells that had been washed eight times achieved 80% GTF with only 0.1% sheep
      serum. The mechanism by which 1-4 uM biotin enhances GTF is still unknown except
      to note that equivalent levels of biotin are needed to create an internal supply
      of stored biotin and biotinylated histones. Biotin did not restore filamentation
      for any of the four known filamentation defective mutants tested. C. albicans is
      auxotrophic for biotin and this biotin auxotrophy was fulfilled by biotin,
      desthiobiotin, or KAPA. However, biotin auxotrophy is not temperature dependent
      or influenced by the presence of 5% CO2. Biotin starvation upregulated the biotin
      biosynthetic genes BIO2, BIO3, and BIO4 by 11-, 1500-, and 150-fold,
      respectively, and BIO2p is predicted to be mitochondrion-localized. Based on our
      findings, we suggest that biotin has two roles in the physiology of C. albicans,
      one as an enzymatic cofactor and another as a morphological regulator. Finally,
      we found no evidence supporting prior claims that C. albicans only forms hyphae
      at very low biotin (0.1 nM) growth conditions. 

PMID- 27681933
TI  - The impact of item-writing flaws and item complexity on examination item
      difficulty and discrimination value.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Failure to adhere to standard item-writing guidelines may render
      examination questions easier or more difficult than intended. Item complexity
      describes the cognitive skill level required to obtain a correct answer. Higher
      cognitive examination items promote critical thinking and are recommended to
      prepare students for clinical training. This study evaluated faculty-authored
      examinations to determine the impact of item-writing flaws and item complexity on
      the difficulty and discrimination value of examination items used to assess third
      year veterinary students. METHODS: The impact of item-writing flaws and item
      complexity (cognitive level I-V) on examination item difficulty and
      discrimination value was evaluated on 1925 examination items prepared by clinical
      faculty for third year veterinary students. RESULTS: The mean (+/- SE) percent
      correct (83.3 % +/- 17.5) was consistent with target values in professional
      education, and the mean discrimination index (0.18 +/- 0.17) was slightly lower
      than recommended (0.20). More than one item-writing flaw was identified in 37.3 %
      of questions. The most common item-writing flaws were awkward stem structure,
      implausible distractors, longest response is correct, and responses are series of
      true-false statements. Higher cognitive skills (complexity level III-IV) were
      required to correctly answer 38.4 % of examination items. As item complexity
      increased, item difficulty and discrimination values increased. The probability
      of writing discriminating, difficult examination items decreased when implausible
      distractors and all of the above were used, and increased if the distractors were
      comprised of a series of true/false statements. Items with four distractors were
      not more difficult or discriminating than items with three distractors.
      CONCLUSION: Preparation of examination questions targeting higher cognitive
      levels will increase the likelihood of constructing discriminating items. Use of
      implausible distractors to complete a five-option multiple choice question does
      not strengthen the discrimination value.

PMID- 27681932
TI  - DC-159a Shows Inhibitory Activity against DNA Gyrases of Mycobacterium leprae.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fluoroquinolones are a class of antibacterial agents used for leprosy
      treatment. Some new fluoroquinolones have been attracting interest due to their
      remarkable potency that is reportedly better than that of ofloxacin, the
      fluoroquinolone currently recommended for treatment of leprosy. For example, DC
      159a, a recently developed 8-methoxy fluoroquinolone, has been found to be highly
      potent against various bacterial species. Nonetheless, the efficacy of DC-159a
      against Mycobacterium leprae is yet to be examined. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL
      FINDINGS: To gather data that can support highly effective fluoroquinolones as
      candidates for new remedies for leprosy treatment, we conducted in vitro assays
      to assess and compare the inhibitory activities of DC-159a and two
      fluoroquinolones that are already known to be more effective against M. leprae
      than ofloxacin. The fluoroquinolone-inhibited DNA supercoiling assay using
      recombinant DNA gyrases of wild type and ofloxacin-resistant M. leprae revealed
      that inhibitory activities of DC-159a and sitafloxacin were at most 9.8- and 11.9
      fold higher than moxifloxacin. Also the fluoroquinolone-mediated cleavage assay
      showed that potencies of those drugs were at most 13.5- and 9.8-fold higher than
      moxifloxacin. In addition, these two drugs retained their inhibitory activities
      even against DNA gyrases of ofloxacin-resistant M. leprae.
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The results indicated that DC-159a and sitafloxacin are
      more effective against wild type and mutant M. leprae DNA gyrases than
      moxifloxacin, suggesting that these antibacterial drugs can be good candidates
      that may supersede current fluoroquinolone remedies. DC-159a in particular is
      very promising because it is classified in a subgroup of fluoroquinolones that is
      known to be less likely to cause adverse effects. Our results implied that DC
      159a is well worth further investigation to ascertain its in vivo effectiveness
      and clinical safety for humans.

PMID- 27681934
TI  - Plasma Catestatin in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To measure plasma catestatin levels in patients with acute coronary
      syndrome and investigate whether there is an association between catestatin
      levels and long-term outcome. METHODS: Patients (n = 170) with suspected acute
      coronary syndrome who underwent emergency coronary angiography were enrolled,
      including 46 with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), 89
      with unstable angina pectoris (UAP), and 35 without coronary artery disease
      (CAD). All patients were followed for 2 years to measure the occurrence of major
      adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), including death from a cardiovascular
      cause, recurrent acute myocardial infarction, or hospital admission for heart
      failure or revascularization. RESULTS: On average, the plasma catestatin levels
      in patients with STEMI (0.80 +/- 0.62 ng/ml) and UAP (0.99 +/- 0.63 ng/ml) were
      significantly lower than the levels seen in the control group with no evidence of
      CAD (1.38 +/- 0.98 ng/ml; p = 0.001). In multivariable linear regression, body
      mass index, presence of hypertension, and type of CAD were independently related
      to the plasma catestatin level. However, there were no significant differences in
      MACEs between patients with high and low levels of catestatin. CONCLUSIONS: The
      plasma catestatin levels in patients with STEMI and UAP were lower than the
      levels seen in patients without CAD.

PMID- 27681935
TI  - Postmenopausal osteoporosis.
AB  - Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disorder that is characterized by low bone mass
      and micro-architectural deterioration of bone tissue. Fractures of the proximal
      femur, the vertebrae and the distal radius are the most frequent osteoporotic
      fractures, although most fractures in the elderly are probably at least partly
      related to bone fragility. The incidence of fractures varies greatly by country,
      but on average up to 50% of women >50 years of age are at risk of fractures.
      Fractures severely affect the quality of life of an individual and are becoming a
      major public health problem owing to the ageing population. Postmenopausal
      osteoporosis, resulting from oestrogen deficiency, is the most common type of
      osteoporosis. Oestrogen deficiency results in an increase in bone turnover owing
      to effects on all types of bone cells. The imbalance in bone formation and
      resorption has effects on trabecular bone (loss of connectivity) and cortical
      bone (cortical thinning and porosity). Osteoporosis is diagnosed using bone
      density measurements of the lumbar spine and proximal femur. Preventive
      strategies to improve bone health include diet, exercise and abstaining from
      smoking. Fractures may be prevented by reducing falls in high-risk populations.
      Several drugs are licensed to reduce fracture risk by slowing down bone
      resorption (such as bisphosphonates and denosumab) or by stimulating bone
      formation (such as teriparatide). Improved understanding of the cellular basis
      for osteoporosis has resulted in new drugs targeted to key pathways, which are
      under development.

PMID- 27681936
TI  - Bone Response of Loaded Periodontal Ligament.
AB  - The tooth-periodontal ligament-alveolar bone complex acts symbiotically to
      dissipate the mechanical loads incurred during mastication and/or orthodontic
      tooth movement. The periodontal ligament functions both in the tension and
      compression. At the molecular and celleular levels, the loads in the periodontal
      ligament trigger mechanobiological events in the alveolar bone, which leads to
      bone modeling and remodeling. The current review focuses on the bone response to
      mechanical loading of the periodontal ligament on the tension and pressure sides.
      Understanding the bone response has major implications for dentistry, including a
      better understanding of the different types of orthodontic tooth movement.

PMID- 27681937
TI  - Landscape-scale spatial heterogeneity in phytodetrital cover and megafauna
      biomass in the abyss links to modest topographic variation.
AB  - Sinking particulate organic matter (POM, phytodetritus) is the principal limiting
      resource for deep-sea life. However, little is known about spatial variation in
      POM supply to the abyssal seafloor, which is frequently assumed to be homogenous.
      In reality, the abyss has a highly complex landscape with millions of hills and
      mountains. Here, we show a significant increase in seabed POM % cover (by ~1.05
      times), and a large significant increase in megafauna biomass (by ~2.5 times), on
      abyssal hill terrain in comparison to the surrounding plain. These differences
      are substantially greater than predicted by current models linking water depth to
      POM supply or benthic biomass. Our observed variations in POM % cover
      (phytodetritus), megafauna biomass, sediment total organic carbon and total
      nitrogen, sedimentology, and benthic boundary layer turbidity, all appear to be
      consistent with topographically enhanced current speeds driving these
      enhancements. The effects are detectable with bathymetric elevations of only 10 s
      of metres above the surrounding plain. These results imply considerable
      unquantified heterogeneity in global ecology.

PMID- 27681940
TI  - Candida infections in paediatrics: Results from a prospective single-centre study
      in a tertiary care children's hospital.
AB  - To describe the epidemiology of invasive Candida infection in a tertiary care
      paediatric hospital. Prospective single-centre survey on all Candida strains
      isolated from normally sterile fluids and urines in the period 2005-2015 . A
      total of 299 ICI were documented in 262 patients. Urinary tract infection
      represented the most frequent diagnosis (62%), followed by fungaemia (34%) and
      peritonitis (4%). Fungaemia was most frequent in children with cancer (59%) or in
      low birth weight neonates (61%), while urinary tract infections were more
      frequent in patients with urinary tract malformation. C.albicans was the most
      frequently isolated species (60%) compared with C. non-albicans, but differences
      were present according to the site of isolation and underlying conditions.
      Overall 90-day mortality was 7%, 13% in fungaemias, 8% in peritonitis and 2% in
      urinary tract infections. The rates of invasive Candida infection increased
      during the study period. Invasive Candida infection is diagnosed with increasing
      frequency in children. Site of isolation and aetiology are frequently related
      with the presence of underlying, favouring conditions. Mortality was not
      negligible, especially in the presence of more invasive infections and specific
      underlying conditions.

PMID- 27681941
TI  - When evidence of heat-related vulnerability depends on the contrast measure.
AB  - Many studies assessing which population subgroups are more vulnerable to heat
      related mortality and morbidity have been conducted in recent years. However,
      given the non-linear (U or J shaped) relationship of temperature with mortality
      and morbidity, they generally consider only a single contrast measure to report
      evidence of heat-related vulnerability, despite the possibility that
      vulnerability depends on the selected contrast measure. In this manuscript, we
      highlight the importance of considering such issue in further studies by
      providing evidence for and against heat-related vulnerability using two different
      temperature contrast measures. We conducted time series analyses to characterize
      the association between mortality and mean daily temperature in Montreal, Canada
      (1990-2010). We used age (>=65 vs. 0-64 years) as the effect modifier in
      stratified analyses. We assessed the presence of effect modification using
      Cochran Q tests. As contrast measures, we used (1) the percentage change in the
      outcome above 25  degrees C, obtained through spline functions showing a linear
      relationship after this threshold and (2) a comparison of two percentiles (26 vs.
      20  degrees C) of the temperature. We found that evidence of effect modification
      depended on the contrast measure used. We encourage researchers aiming to
      identify populations more vulnerable to heat to perform sensitivity analyses
      using different contrast measures.

PMID- 27681942
TI  - How useful is thrombocytosis in predicting an underlying cancer in primary care?
      a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although the association between raised platelet count
      (thrombocytosis) and cancer has been reported in primary and secondary care
      studies, UK GPs are unaware of it, and it is insufficiently evidenced for
      laboratories to identify and warn of it. This systematic review aimed to identify
      and collate evidence from studies that have investigated thrombocytosis as an
      early marker of cancer in primary care. METHODS: EMBASE (OvidSP), Medline (Ovid),
      Web of Science and The Cochrane Library were searched for relevant studies.
      Eligible studies had reported estimates of the association between thrombocytosis
      and cancer, in adults aged >=40 in a primary care setting. Raw data from included
      studies were used to calculate positive predictive values and likelihood ratios
      (LRs) for cancer. RESULTS: Nine case-control studies were identified. Study
      quality was judged to be high. Included studies reported on the following cancer
      sites: colorectal, lung, ovary, bladder, kidney, pancreas, oesophago-gastric,
      uterus and breast. LRs indicated that thrombocytosis was a predictor of cancer in
      all sites except breast. In a consulting population, thrombocytosis is most
      highly predictive of lung and colorectal cancer. CONCLUSIONS: These results
      suggest that patients with thrombocytosis in primary care have an increased risk
      of cancer, and that some, but not all, cancers have raised platelets as an early
      marker. This finding is expected to be of use in primary care, for GPs receiving
      blood test results unexpectedly showing high platelet counts. Further research is
      needed to identify the cancers that are most strongly associated with
      thrombocytosis.

PMID- 27681943
TI  - Hexagonal Boron Nitride Tunnel Barriers Grown on Graphite by High Temperature
      Molecular Beam Epitaxy.
AB  - We demonstrate direct epitaxial growth of high-quality hexagonal boron nitride
      (hBN) layers on graphite using high-temperature plasma-assisted molecular beam
      epitaxy. Atomic force microscopy reveals mono- and few-layer island growth, while
      conducting atomic force microscopy shows that the grown hBN has a resistance
      which increases exponentially with the number of layers, and has electrical
      properties comparable to exfoliated hBN. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman
      microscopy and spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements on hBN confirm the
      formation of sp2-bonded hBN and a band gap of 5.9 +/- 0.1 eV with no chemical
      intermixing with graphite. We also observe hexagonal moire patterns with a period
      of 15 nm, consistent with the alignment of the hBN lattice and the graphite
      substrate.

PMID- 27681944
TI  - Dalotuzumab in chemorefractory KRAS exon 2 mutant colorectal cancer: Results from
      a randomised phase II/III trial.
AB  - Limited data are available on the efficacy of anti-IGF-1R agents in KRAS mutant
      colorectal cancer (CRC). We analysed the outcome of 69 chemorefractory, KRAS exon
      2 mutant CRC patients who were enrolled in a double-blind, randomised, phase
      II/III study of irinotecan and cetuximab plus dalotuzumab 10 mg/kg once weekly
      (arm A), dalotuzumab 7.5 mg/kg every second week (arm B) or placebo (arm C).
      Objective response rate (5.6% vs. 3.1% vs. 4.8%), median progression-free
      survival (2.7 vs. 2.6 vs. 1.4 months) and overall survival (7.8 vs. 10.3 vs. 7.8
      months) were not statistically significantly different between treatment groups.
      Most common grade >=3 treatment-related toxicities included neutropenia,
      diarrhoea, hyperglycaemia, fatigue and dermatitis acneiform. Expression of IGF
      1R, IGF-1, IGF-2 and EREG by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was
      assessed in 351 patients from the same study with available data on KRAS exon 2
      mutational status. Median cycle threshold values for all biomarkers were
      significantly lower (i.e., higher expression, p < 0.05) among patients with KRAS
      wild-type compared to those with KRAS exon 2 mutant tumours. No significant
      changes were found according to location of the primary tumour with only a trend
      towards lower expression of IGF-1 in colon compared to rectal cancers (p = 0.06).
      Albeit limited by the small sample size, this study does not appear to support a
      potential role for anti-IGF-1R agents in KRAS exon 2 mutant CRC. Data on IGF-1R,
      IGF-1 and IGF-2 expression here reported may be useful for patient stratification
      in future trials with inhibitors of the IGF pathway.

PMID- 27681947
TI  - Clinical recovery in linezolid-induced optic nerve toxicity.

PMID- 27681946
TI  - Survey: interpolation methods for whole slide image processing.
AB  - Evaluating whole slide images of histological and cytological samples is used in
      pathology for diagnostics, grading and prognosis . It is often necessary to
      rescale whole slide images of a very large size. Image resizing is one of the
      most common applications of interpolation. We collect the advantages and
      drawbacks of nine interpolation methods, and as a result of our analysis, we try
      to select one interpolation method as the preferred solution. To compare the
      performance of interpolation methods, test images were scaled and then rescaled
      to the original size using the same algorithm. The modified image was compared to
      the original image in various aspects. The time needed for calculations and
      results of quantification performance on modified images were also compared. For
      evaluation purposes, we used four general test images and 12 specialized
      biological immunohistochemically stained tissue sample images. The purpose of
      this survey is to determine which method of interpolation is the best to resize
      whole slide images, so they can be further processed using quantification
      methods. As a result, the interpolation method has to be selected depending on
      the task involving whole slide images.

PMID- 27681949
TI  - ?

PMID- 27681945
TI  - Genome-wide identification and characterization of tRNA-derived RNA fragments in
      land plants.
AB  - KEY MESSAGE: The manuscript by Alves et al. entitled "Genome-wide identification
      and characterization of tRNA-derived RNA fragments in land plants" describes the
      identification and characterization of tRNAderived sRNA fragments in plants. By
      combining bioinformatic analysis and genetic and molecular approaches, we show
      that tRF biogenesis does not rely on canonical microRNA/siRNA processing
      machinery (i.e., independent of DICER-LIKE proteins). Moreover, we provide
      evidences that the Arabidopsis S-like Ribonuclease 1 (RNS1) might be involved in
      the biogenesis of tRFs. Detailed analyses showed that plant tRFs are sorted into
      different types of ARGONAUTE proteins and that they have potential target
      candidate genes. Our work advances the understanding of the tRF biology in plants
      by providing evidences that plant and animal tRFs shared common features and
      raising the hypothesis that an interplay between tRFs and other sRNAs might be
      important to fine-tune gene expression and protein biosynthesis in plant cells.
      Small RNA (sRNA) fragments derived from tRNAs (3'-loop, 5'-loop, anti-codon
      loop), named tRFs, have been reported in several organisms, including humans and
      plants. Although they may interfere with gene expression, their biogenesis and
      biological functions in plants remain poorly understood. Here, we capitalized on
      small RNA sequencing data from distinct species such as Arabidopsis thaliana,
      Oryza sativa, and Physcomitrella patens to examine the diversity of plant tRFs
      and provide insight into their properties. In silico analyzes of 19 to 25-nt tRFs
      derived from 5' (tRF-5s) and 3'CCA (tRF-3s) tRNA loops in these three
      evolutionary distant species showed that they are conserved and their abundance
      did not correlate with the number of genomic copies of the parental tRNAs.
      Moreover, tRF-5 is the most abundant variant in all three species. In silico and
      in vivo expression analyses unraveled differential accumulation of tRFs in
      Arabidopsis tissues/organs, suggesting that they are not byproducts of tRNA
      degradation. We also verified that the biogenesis of most Arabidopsis 19-25 nt
      tRF-5s and tRF-3s is not primarily dependent on DICER-LIKE proteins, though they
      seem to be associated with ARGONAUTE proteins and have few potential targets.
      Finally, we provide evidence that Arabidopsis ribonuclease RNS1 might be involved
      in the processing and/or degradation of tRFs. Our data support the notion that an
      interplay between tRFs and other sRNAs might be important to fine tune gene
      expression and protein biosynthesis in plant cells.

PMID- 27681948
TI  - Theory-based self-management educational interventions on patients with type 2
      diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
AB  - AIM: To synthesize the effects of theory-based self-management educational
      interventions on patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in randomized controlled
      trials. BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes is a common chronic disease causing
      complications that put a heavy burden on society and reduce the quality of life
      of patients. Good self-management of diabetes can prevent complications and
      improve the quality of life of T2DM patients. DESIGN: Systematic review with meta
      analysis of randomized controlled trials following Cochrane methods. DATA
      RESOURCES: A literature search was carried out in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL,
      PSYCINFO, and Web of Science databases (1980-April 2015). REVIEW METHODS: The
      risk of bias of these eligible studies was assessed independently by two authors
      using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool. The Publication bias of the main
      outcomes was examined. Statistical heterogeneity and random-effects model were
      used for meta-analysis. RESULTS: Twenty studies with 5802 participants met the
      inclusion criteria. The interventions in the studies were based on one or more
      theories which mostly belong to mid-range theories. The pooled main outcomes by
      random-effects model showed significant improvements in HbA1c, self-efficacy, and
      diabetes knowledge, but not in BMI. As for quality of life, no conclusions can be
      drawn as the pooled outcome became the opposite with reduced heterogeneity after
      one study was excluded. No significant publication bias was found in the main
      outcomes. CONCLUSION: To get theory-based interventions to produce more effects,
      the role of patients should be more involved and stronger and the education team
      should be trained beyond the primary preparation for the self-management
      education program.

PMID- 27681951
TI  - Cancer-associated fibroblasts are an infrequent finding in the microenvironment
      of proliferative verrucous leukoplakia-associated squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are generally associated with
      negative prognostic factors. This study compares the clinicopathologic impact of
      CAFs in oral squamous cell carcinoma in patients with a history of proliferative
      verrucous leukoplakia (p-scca) and patients with conventional squamous cell
      carcinoma of the buccal mucosa, gingiva, and palate (c-scca). METHODS: A
      retrospective clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical analysis of 97 tumor
      specimens from 78 patients (13 patients with proliferative verrucous leukoplakia
      associated squamous cell carcinoma (n = 32) and conventional squamous cell
      carcinoma from the buccal mucosa, gingiva, and palate (n = 65) was conducted.
      Immunostaining with anti-alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) antibody was used
      to evaluate the presence of CAFs. RESULTS: alpha-SMA expression was an infrequent
      finding in p-scca and seen in only 6% of p-scca compared to 40% of c-scca (P <
      0.0004). In the c-scca subgroup, alpha-SMA significantly correlated with tumor
      size (T) (P = 0.009), tumor thickness (P < 0.0009), perineural invasion (P =
      0.009), and microscopic grade (P = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of CAFs was
      an infrequent finding in our p-scca cohort which may contribute to its seemingly
      slower growing and less invasive growth pattern. In the cohort of c-scca
      patients, higher levels of CAFs correlated with microscopic invasiveness, tumor
      size, and perineural invasion. Practically, these are important observations as
      targeting strategies are being developed to combat carcinoma types where CAFs
      significance has been validated.

PMID- 27681950
TI  - [Pitfalls in the histopathological diagnostics of endometrial carcinoma and its
      precursors : Clinically relevant differential diagnoses, avoidance of false
      positive diagnoses].
AB  - Making an incorrect histopathological diagnosis of an endometrial lesion may lead
      to unwanted loss of fertility and therapy-associated morbidity; therefore,
      endometrial carcinomas need to be correctly typed and differentiated from
      hyperplastic precursors, benign lesions and artifacts. Typical diagnostic
      pitfalls are described in this article. Misdiagnosing endometrial lesions can be
      avoided by paying thorough attention to gross as well as microscopic features and
      by taking crucial differential diagnoses into consideration. These are, in
      particular, well-differentiated endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the endometrium
      versus atypical endometrial hyperplasia, myoinvasive endometrioid adenocarcinoma
      versus atypical polypoid adenomyoma and endometrioid carcinoma versus serous
      carcinoma of the endometrium with a predominantly glandular pattern. It is also
      important to consider the possibility of a false positive diagnosis of atypical
      endometrial hyperplasia or carcinoma in cases of biopsy-induced artifacts.

PMID- 27681952
TI  - Surgical treatment of pseudotumor cerebri.
AB  - AIM: To share our experience with idiopathic intracranial hypertension. MATERIAL
      AND METHODS: All patients believed to have pseudotumor cerebri underwent a fundus
      oculi examination to confirm the existence of papillary stasis and lumbar
      puncture (LP) to measure cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure. Patients who did not
      respond to medical treatment underwent fundus oculi examinations at 3-week
      intervals. Patients with CFS pressures exceeding 240 mm H2O underwent at least
      three LPs at 3-day intervals. Patients with higher CFS pressures were treated
      surgically. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 40.8 (range 31-58) years and the
      mean body mass index (BMI) was 30.9 (range 28.8-36.4) kg/m2. Papillary stasis was
      observed in 15 (46.8%) cases. The mean initial CSF pressure was 455.6 (range 360
      560) mmHg, and after a mean of 4.3 (range 3-6) repeat measurements, this
      decreased to 213.4 (range 160-320) mmHg (Table I). Complications in our series
      included a lumbar pouch in three patients, and an abdominal pouch, meningitis,
      and abdominal migration in one patient each. DISCUSSION: Surgical treatment of
      idiopathic intracranial hypertension is necessary when the intracranial pressure
      does not decrease despite medical treatment and repeat LP. CONCLUSIONS:
      Idiopathic intracranial hypertension is a clinical syndrome of unclear
      pathogenesis that is closely related to obesity. KEY WORDS: Cerebrospinal fluid,
      Idiopathic intracranial hypertension, Pseudotumor cerebri, Obesity.

PMID- 27681953
TI  - Erratum to: Isolated cardiac sarcoidosis: A focused review of an under-recognized
      entity.

PMID- 27681954
TI  - Non-invasive imaging in suspected coronary artery disease: Choosing the right
      test from the first time.

PMID- 27681955
TI  - Stress myocardial blood flow correlates with ventricular function and synchrony
      better than myocardial perfusion reserve: A Nitrogen-13 ammonia PET study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiac PET quantifies stress myocardial blood flow (MBF) and
      perfusion reserve (MPR), while ECG-gated datasets can measure components of
      ventricular function simultaneously. Stress MBF seems to outperform MPR in the
      detection of significant CAD. However, it is uncertain which perfusion
      measurement is more related to ventricular function. We hypothesized that stress
      MBF correlates with ventricular function better than MPR in patients studied for
      suspected myocardial ischemia. METHODS: We studied 248 patients referred to a
      rest and adenosine-stress Nitrogen-13 ammonia PET. We performed a multivariate
      analysis using systolic function (left ventricular ejection fraction, LVEF),
      diastolic function (mean filling rate in diastole, MFR/3), and synchrony
      (Entropy) as the outcome variables, and stress MBF, MPR, and relevant covariates
      as the predictors. Secondarily, we repeated the analysis for the subgroup of
      patients with and without a previous myocardial infarction (MI). RESULTS: 166
      male and 82 female patients (mean age 63 +/- 11 and 67 +/- 11 year, respectively)
      were included. 60% of the patients presented hypertension, 57% dyslipidemia, 21%
      type 2 diabetes mellitus, 45% smoking, and 34.7% a previous MI. Mean stress MBF
      was 1.99 +/- 0.75 mL/g/min, MPR = 2.55 +/- 0.89, LVEF = 61.6 +/- 15%, MFR/3 =
      1.12 +/- 0.38 EDV/s, and Entropy = 45.6 +/- 11.3%. There was a significant
      correlation between stress MBF (P < .001) and ventricular function. This was
      stronger than the one for MPR (P = .063). Sex, age, diabetes, and extent of
      previous MI were also significant predictors. Results were similar for the
      analyses of the 2 subgroups. CONCLUSION: Stress MBF is better correlated with
      ventricular function than MPR, as evaluated by Nitrogen-13 ammonia PET,
      independently from other relevant cardiovascular risk factors and clinical
      covariates. This relationship between coronary vasodilatory capacity and
      ventricular function is sustained across groups with and without a previous MI.

PMID- 27681956
TI  - Clinical outcome and morbidity in pediatric patients with nasopharyngeal cancer
      treated with chemoradiotherapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcome and treatment
      related morbidity in pediatric patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC)
      treated with chemoradiotherapy. METHODS: We did a retrospective review of 41
      pediatric patients diagnosed with NPC between 2000 and 2013. The majority of the
      patients were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by concurrent
      chemoradiation with the dose of 70 Gy in 35 fractions. Eight patients were
      treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy, while the remaining with
      three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy or two-dimensional simulation
      technique. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 14 years (range 6-20
      years). Most of the patients had locoregionally advanced disease (stage
      III/IVA/IVB). The histology of all the cases was undifferentiated carcinoma.
      Immunohistochemistry for the Epstein-Barr virus-Latent membrane protein 1 was
      positive in nine of the 13 tested cases. The median follow-up for all and the
      surviving patients was 26.6 months (range 2-140.8) and 51.2 months, respectively.
      The 3-year overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) rates were
      estimated at 83.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 64.8-93%) and 55.8% (95%CI:
      38.7-69.8%), respectively. Distant metastases were the predominant pattern of
      failure. Treatment response showed an independent association with OS. T
      classification (T1/T2 vs. T3/T4) was significantly associated with EFS.
      Xerostomia, hypothyroidism, dental caries, neck fibrosis, trismus, and dysphagia
      were the common late effects in survivors. Radiation myelitis was observed in one
      patient. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by
      concurrent chemoradiation provides good survival outcomes in pediatric NPC. The
      quality of life of the survivors is a pertinent area that necessitates
      consideration.

PMID- 27681957
TI  - Skin glucose metabolism and microvascular blood flow during local insulin
      delivery and after an oral glucose load.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Insulin causes capillary recruitment in muscle and adipose tissue, but
      the metabolic and microvascular effects of insulin in the skin have not been
      studied in detail. The aim of this study was to measure glucose metabolism and
      microvascular blood flow in the skin during local insulin delivery and after an
      oral glucose load. METHODS: Microdialysis catheters were inserted intracutanously
      in human subjects. In eight subjects two microdialysis catheters were inserted,
      one perfused with insulin and one with control solution. First the local effects
      of insulin was studied, followed by a systemic provocation by an oral glucose
      load. Additionally, as control experiment, six subjects did not recieve local
      delivery of insulin or the oral glucose load. During microdialysis the local
      blood flow was measured by urea clearance and by laser speckle contrast imaging
      (LSCI). RESULTS: Within 15 minutes of local insulin delivery, microvascular blood
      flow in the skin increased (urea clearance: P=.047, LSCI: P=.002) paralleled by
      increases in pyruvate (P=.01) and lactate (P=.04), indicating an increase in
      glucose uptake. An oral glucose load increased urea clearance from the catheters,
      indicating an increase in skin perfusion, although no perfusion changes were
      detected with LSCI. The concentration of glucose, pyruvate and lactate increased
      in the skin after the oral glucose load. CONCLUSION: Insulin has metabolic and
      vasodilatory effects in the skin both when given locally and after systemic
      delivery through an oral glucose load.

PMID- 27681959
TI  - Accuracy of the serum intestinal fatty-acid-binding protein for diagnosis of
      acute intestinal ischemia: a meta-analysis.
AB  - Numerous studies have investigated the utility of serum intestinal fatty-acid
      binding protein (I-FABP) in differentiating acute intestinal ischemia from acute
      abdomen. However, the results remain controversial. The aim of this meta-analysis
      is to determine the overall accuracy of serum I-FABP in the diagnosis of acute
      intestinal ischemia. Publications addressing the accuracy of serum I-FABP in the
      diagnosis of ischemic bowel diseases were selected from databases. The values of
      true-positive (TP), true-negative (TN), false-positive (FP), and false-negative
      (FN) were extracted or calculated for each study. Pooled sensitivity,
      specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR),
      and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were calculated. The overall diagnostic
      performance was assessed using a summary receiver operating characteristic curve
      (SROC) and area under curve (AUC). Nine studies that collectively included 1246
      patients met the eligible criteria. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, DOR,
      PLR, and NLR were 0.80 (95% CI: 0.72-0.86), 0.85 (95% CI: 0.73-0.93), 24 (95% CI:
      9-65), 5.5 (95% CI: 2.8-10.8) and 0.23 (95% CI: 0.15-0.35), respectively. The AUC
      was 0.86 (95% CI: 0.83-0.89). The meta-analysis carried out in this report
      suggests that the I-FABP may be a useful diagnostic tool to confirm acute
      intestinal ischemia in acute abdomen, but better-designed trials are still
      required to confirm our findings.

PMID- 27681958
TI  - Confocal reference free traction force microscopy.
AB  - The mechanical wiring between cells and their surroundings is fundamental to the
      regulation of complex biological processes during tissue development, repair or
      pathology. Traction force microscopy (TFM) enables determination of the actuating
      forces. Despite progress, important limitations with intrusion effects in low
      resolution 2D pillar-based methods or disruptive intermediate steps of cell
      removal and substrate relaxation in high-resolution continuum TFM methods need to
      be overcome. Here we introduce a novel method allowing a one-shot (live)
      acquisition of continuous in- and out-of-plane traction fields with high
      sensitivity. The method is based on electrohydrodynamic nanodrip-printing of
      quantum dots into confocal monocrystalline arrays, rendering individually
      identifiable point light sources on compliant substrates. We demonstrate the
      undisrupted reference-free acquisition and quantification of high-resolution
      continuous force fields, and the simultaneous capability of this method to
      correlatively overlap traction forces with spatial localization of proteins
      revealed using immunofluorescence methods.

PMID- 27681960
TI  - Diabetes management - keeping up to date.

PMID- 27681962
TI  - The possible risks of proton pump inhibitors.

PMID- 27681963
TI  - Biosimilars in inflammatory bowel disease.

PMID- 27681964
TI  - No Jab, No Pay - no planning for migrant children.

PMID- 27681965
TI  - Central retinal venous pulsations.

PMID- 27681966
TI  - Neurofibromatosis of the tongue.

PMID- 27681967
TI  - Oral health: an important consideration in patient care.

PMID- 27681969
TI  - Being good.

PMID- 27681968
TI  - A medical student's first experience of theatre.

PMID- 27681970
TI  - Irritable bowel syndrome, dyspepsia and other chronic disorders of
      gastrointestinal function.

PMID- 27681971
TI  - The prevalence and clinical associations of HTLV-1 infection in a remote
      Indigenous community.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Hospital and laboratory data indicate that human T-lymphotropic virus
      type 1 (HTLV-1) is endemic to central Australia, but no community-based studies
      of its prevalence or disease burden have been reported. We determined the
      prevalence rates of HTLV-1 infection and of HTLV-1-associated diseases in a
      remote Indigenous community. SETTING: A remote Northern Territory community.
      DESIGN: All residents were asked to complete a health survey and offered a
      limited clinical examination, together with serological tests for HTLV-1 and
      Strongyloides, and HTLV-1 proviral load (PVL) assessment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
      HTLV-1 seropositivity rates; HTLV-1 PVL (copies/105 peripheral blood leucocytes
      [PBL]); presentation with HTLV-1-related clinical disease. RESULTS: HTLV-1
      serostatus was determined for 97 of 138 residents (70%). The prevalence of HTLV-1
      infection was significantly higher among adults (30 of 74 people tested) than
      children (1 of 23; P = 0.001). Nine of 30 HTLV-1-positive adults had a clinical
      syndrome that was potentially attributable to HTLV-1 infection (chronic lung
      disease, seven; symptomatic strongyloidiasis, two). The median HTLV-1 PVL was
      significantly higher for adults with chronic lung disease than for those who were
      asymptomatic (chronic lung disease, 649 copies/105 PBL [IQR, 162-2220];
      asymptomatic adults, 40 copies/105 PBL [IQR, 0.9-229]; P = 0.017). Ten of 72
      adults tested were seropositive for Strongyloides (six of 28 HTLV-1-positive
      participants and four of 44 HTLV-1-negative participants; P = 0.17), as were
      three of 15 children tested; the three children were HTLV-1-negative. CONCLUSION:
      The prevalence of HTLV-1 infection and the rate of disease potentially
      attributable to HTLV-1 were high among adults in this remote community.

PMID- 27681972
TI  - Microgeographic factors and patterns of aeroallergen sensitisation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine patterns of airborne allergen (aeroallergen) sensitisation
      in the Greater Sydney area (Sydney), and their relationships with climate,
      coastal proximity and environment (urban v regional). DESIGN, SETTING,
      PARTICIPANTS: Retrospective cross-sectional study of patients who underwent
      aeroallergen skin prick testing at three Sydney allergy clinics, January 2001 -
      October 2014. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Proportions of patients sensitised to
      specific aeroallergen types; relationships between sensitisation patterns and
      climate and geography. RESULTS: Of 1421 patients who met the selection criteria
      (mean age, 28.3 years [SD, 21.3]; 53.3% were female), 1092 (76.8%) were
      sensitised to at least one aeroallergen. Those living less than 15 km from the
      coast were less commonly sensitised to cockroach (< 15 km, 15.1%; 15-30 km,
      40.0%; > 30 km, 39.7%; P < 0.001) and grass aeroallergens (< 15 km, 36.5%; 15-30
      km, 52.2%; > 30 km, 58.1%; P < 0.001) than patients further inland; the same
      applied to mould, weed and tree aeroallergens. Subtropical grass sensitisation
      was more common in temperate/warm summer climates (about 50%) than in
      temperate/hot summer (27.1%) or subtropical climates (15%) (P < 0.001), and less
      common in urban (36.7%) than in regional areas (54%; P = 0.014). 72.4% of grass
      sensitised patients were co-sensitised to both temperate and subtropical grasses.
      A selected ten-aeroallergen skin prick test panel identified 98.5% of atopic
      patients in this Sydney sample. CONCLUSIONS: Environmental and geographic factors
      are associated with different patterns of allergic sensitisation in Sydney.
      Extensive co-sensitisation to subtropical and temperate grasses has implications
      for immunotherapy in Australia, where most currently available therapies are
      based on formulations directed at temperate grasses only.

PMID- 27681973
TI  - Gluten content of imported gluten-free foods: national and international
      implications.

PMID- 27681974
TI  - Barrett's oesophagus: epidemiology, diagnosis and clinical management.
AB  - Barrett's oesophagus is a condition characterised by partial replacement of the
      normal squamous epithelium of the lower oesophagus by a metaplastic columnar
      epithelium containing goblet cells (intestinal metaplasia). Barrett's oesophagus
      is important clinically because those afflicted are predisposed to oesophageal
      adenocarcinoma. Prevalence surveys suggest that up to 2% of the population may be
      affected; most will be unaware of their diagnosis. Risk factors include age, male
      sex, gastro-oesophageal acid reflux, central obesity and smoking. Helicobacter
      pylori infection confers a reduced risk of Barrett's oesophagus. Risks of cancer
      progression are lower than originally reported and are now estimated at 1-3 per
      1000 patient-years for patients with non-dysplastic Barrett's oesophagus.
      Progression rates are higher for patients with long segment (>= 3 cm) and
      dysplastic Barrett's oesophagus. Australian guidelines have been developed to aid
      practitioners in managing patients with Barrett's oesophagus and early
      oesophageal adenocarcinoma. While generalised population screening for Barrett's
      oesophagus is not recommended, endoscopic surveillance of patients with confirmed
      Barrett's oesophagus is recommended, with surveillance intervals dependent on
      segment length and presence of dysplasia. New techniques such as endoscopic
      mucosal resection and endoscopic radiofrequency ablation are now available to
      treat patients with dysplasia and early oesophageal adenocarcinoma. New screening
      and surveillance technologies are currently under investigation; these may prove
      cost-effective in identifying and managing patients in the community. 

PMID- 27681975
TI  - Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis in North Queensland: the paediatric
      experience.
AB  - Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a fulminant, diffuse haemorrhagic
      meningoencephalitis caused by Naegleria fowleri, with an almost invariably fatal
      outcome. In Australia and the developed world, PAM remains a rare disease,
      although it is very likely that large numbers of cases go undetected in
      developing countries. N. fowleri is a thermophilic, free-living amoeba with a
      worldwide distribution. It is acquired when contaminated fresh water is flushed
      into the nose and penetrates the central nervous system via the cribriform plate.
      Clinical features are similar to those of bacterial meningitis, but it does not
      respond to standard therapy and rapid progression to death occurs in most cases.
      Some survivors have been reported; these patients received early treatment with
      amphotericin B in combination with a variety of other medications. Our review
      describes the local and worldwide experience of this disease and its clinical
      features, and discusses the associated diagnostic challenges. We hope that by
      detailing the local response to a recent case, and the outcomes of our public
      health campaign, we can improve the knowledge of this rare disease for doctors
      working in rural and remote Australia. 

PMID- 27681976
TI  - Sarcopenia: a potential cause and consequence of type 2 diabetes in Australia's
      ageing population?
AB  - The incidence of type 2 diabetes is increasing in Australia's older adult
      population. Sarcopenia, the age-related decline in skeletal muscle mass, quality
      and function, may make a significant but under-appreciated contribution to
      increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes. As skeletal muscle is the largest insulin
      sensitive tissue in the body, low muscle mass in sarcopenia likely results in
      reduced capacity for glucose disposal. Age-related declines in muscle quality,
      including increased mitochondrial dysfunction and fat infiltration, are also
      implicated in skeletal muscle inflammation and subsequent insulin resistance.
      Prospective studies have shown that low muscle mass and strength are associated
      with increased risk of incident type 2 diabetes. Prevalent type 2 diabetes also
      appears to exacerbate progression of sarcopenia in older adults. Recently
      developed operational definitions and the inclusion of sarcopenia in the
      International classification of diseases, 10th revision, clinical modification,
      provide impetus for clinicians to diagnose and treat sarcopenia in older
      patients. Simple assessments to diagnose sarcopenia can potentially play a role
      in primary and secondary prevention of type 2 diabetes in older patients.
      Lifestyle modification programs for older adults with type 2 diabetes,
      particularly for those with sarcopenia, should incorporate progressive resistance
      training, along with adequate intakes of protein and vitamin D, which may improve
      both functional and metabolic health and prevent undesirable decreases in muscle
      mass associated with weight loss interventions. As some older adults with type 2
      diabetes have a poor response to exercise, clinicians must ensure that lifestyle
      modification programs are appropriately prescribed, regularly monitored and
      modified if necessary. 

PMID- 27681977
TI  - Using opioids in general practice for chronic non-cancer pain: an overview of
      current evidence.

PMID- 27681978
TI  - Using opioids in general practice for chronic non-cancer pain: an overview of
      current evidence.

PMID- 27681979
TI  - Using opioids in general practice for chronic non-cancer pain: an overview of
      current evidence.

PMID- 27681980
TI  - Surgical management of low back pain.

PMID- 27681981
TI  - Leslie Cowlishaw (1877-1943): the "bibliophile from the bush".

PMID- 27681982
TI  - How are tobacco smokers using e-cigarettes? Patterns of use, reasons for use and
      places of purchase in New South Wales.

PMID- 27681983
TI  - How are tobacco smokers using e-cigarettes? Patterns of use, reasons for use and
      places of purchase in New South Wales.

PMID- 27681984
TI  - Are we optimising outcomes in Australia's framework for the supply of plasma
      derived medicines?

PMID- 27681985
TI  - Synthesis, Properties, and Light-Emitting Electrochemical Cell (LEEC) Device
      Fabrication of Cationic Ir(III) Complexes Bearing Electron-Withdrawing Groups on
      the Cyclometallating Ligands.
AB  - The structure-property relationship study of a series of cationic Ir(III)
      complexes in the form of [Ir(C^N)2(dtBubpy)]PF6 [where dtBubpy = 4,4'-di-tert
      butyl-2,2'-bipyridine and C^N = cyclometallating ligand bearing an electron
      withdrawing group (EWG) at C4 of the phenyl substituent, i.e., -CF3 (1), -OCF3
      (2), -SCF3 (3), -SO2CF3 (4)] has been investigated. The physical and
      optoelectronic properties of the four complexes were comprehensively
      characterized, including by X-ray diffraction analysis. All the complexes exhibit
      quasireversible dtBubpy-based reductions from -1.29 to -1.34 V (vs SCE). The
      oxidation processes are likewise quasireversible (metal + C^N ligand) and are
      between 1.54 and 1.72 V (vs SCE). The relative oxidation potentials follow a
      general trend associated with the Hammett parameter (sigma) of the EWGs.
      Surprisingly, complex 4 bearing the strongest EWG does not adhere to the expected
      Hammett behavior and was found to exhibit red-shifted absorption and emission
      maxima. Nevertheless, the concept of introducing EWGs was found to be generally
      useful in blue-shifting the emission maxima of the complexes (lambdaem = 484-545
      nm) compared to that of the prototype complex [Ir(ppy)2(dtBubpy)]PF6 (where ppy =
      2-phenylpyridinato) (lambdaem = 591 nm). The complexes were found to be bright
      emitters in solution at room temperature (PhiPL = 45-66%) with microsecond
      excited-state lifetimes (taue = 1.14-4.28 MUs). The photophysical properties
      along with density functional theory (DFT) calculations suggest that the emission
      of these complexes originates from mixed contributions from ligand-centered (LC)
      transitions and mixed metal-to-ligand and ligand-to-ligand charge transfer
      (LLCT/MLCT) transitions, depending on the EWG. In complexes 1, 3, and 4 the 3LC
      character is prominent over the mixed 3CT character, while in complex 2, the
      mixed 3CT character is much more pronounced, as demonstrated by DFT calculations
      and the observed positive solvatochromism effect. Due to the quasireversible
      nature of the oxidation and reduction waves, fabrication of light-emitting
      electrochemical cells (LEECs) using these complexes as emitters was possible with
      the LEECs showing moderate efficiencies.

PMID- 27681987
TI  - Application of Microextraction Techniques Including SPME and MESI to the Thermal
      Degradation of Polymers: A Review.
AB  - Here, we discuss the newly developed micro and solventless sample preparation
      techniques SPME (Solid Phase Microextraction) and MESI (Membrane Extraction with
      a Sorbent Interface) as applied to the qualitative and quantitative analysis of
      thermal oxidative degradation products of polymers and their stabilizers. The
      coupling of these systems to analytical instruments is also described. Our
      comprehensive literature search revealed that there is no previously published
      review article on this topic. It is shown that these extraction techniques are
      valuable sample preparation tools for identifying complex series of degradation
      products in polymers. In general, the number of products identified by
      traditional headspace (HS-GC-MS) is much lower than with SPME-GC-MS. MESI is
      particularly well suited for the detection of non-polar compounds, therefore
      number of products identified by this technique is not also to the same degree of
      SPME. Its main advantage, however, is its ability of (semi-) continuous
      monitoring, but it is more expensive and not yet commercialized.

PMID- 27681986
TI  - Age-dependent impact of inferior alveolar nerve transection on mandibular bone
      metabolism and the underlying mechanisms.
AB  - Aging is associated with peripheral nerve degradation and bone destruction. The
      aim of the study is to elucidate the influence of sensory denervation on bone
      metabolism in different age groups by establishing a modified unilateral inferior
      alveolar nerve transection (IANT) model. The rats, divided into young, middle
      aged and aged group, were sacrificed at 1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks after right IANT. The
      histological changes of mandibles were analyzed by fluorescent double labeling,
      micro-CT, HE, TRAP and anti-CGRP immunohistochemical staining. Molecular
      mechanisms underlying the changes were analyzed by qPCR and western blot.
      Differences between the test and control side were evaluated by paired-samples t
      test. The Friedman test and separate Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were applied to
      analyze age-dependent difference. The impact of IANT was the most intensive in
      developing bone, the most persistent in full grown bone and the faintest in the
      aged bone. The role of IAN in keeping homeostasis was closely related to the
      anabolic effect of CGRP, which suppressed the number of osteoclasts through
      OPG/RANKL ratio and controlled growth factors expression like BMP2. This study
      contributes to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of CGRP in vivo
      and the relationship among sensory nerve, bone metabolism and aging.

PMID- 27681988
TI  - Using Discrete Choice Experiments with Duration to Model EQ-5D-5L Health State
      Preferences.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Discrete choice experiments incorporating duration can be used to
      derive health state values for EQ-5D-5L. Yet, methodological issues relating to
      the duration attribute and the optimal way to select health states remain. The
      aims of this study were to: test increasing the number of duration levels and
      choice sets where duration varies (aim 1); compare designs with zero and non-zero
      prior values (aim 2); and investigate a novel, two-stage design to incorporate
      prior values (aim 3). METHODS: Informed by zero and non-zero prior values, two
      efficient designs were developed, each consisting of 120 EQ-5D-5L health profile
      pairs with one of six duration levels (aims 1 and 2). Another 120 health state
      pairs were selected, with one of six duration levels allocated in a second stage
      based on existing estimated utility of the states (aim 3). An online sample of
      2,002 members of the UK general population completed 10 choice sets each.
      Differences across the regression coefficients from the three designs were
      assessed. RESULTS: The zero prior value design produced a model with coefficients
      that were generally logically ordered, but the non-zero prior value design
      resulted in a set of less ordered coefficients where some differed significantly.
      The two-stage design resulted in ordered and significant coefficients. The non
      zero prior value design may include more "difficult" choice sets, based on the
      proportions choosing each profile. CONCLUSIONS: There is some indication of
      compromised "respondent efficiency", suggesting that the use of non-zero prior
      values will not necessarily result in better overall precision. It is feasible to
      design discrete choice experiments in two stages by allocating duration values to
      EQ-5D-5L health state pairs based on estimates from prior studies.

PMID- 27681989
TI  - Understanding the Effects of Competition for Constrained Colonoscopy Services
      with the Introduction of Population-level Colorectal Cancer Screening.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Median wait times for gastroenterology services in Canada exceed
      consensus-recommended targets and have worsened substantially over the past
      decade. Meanwhile, efforts to control colorectal cancer have shifted their focus
      to screening asymptomatic, average-risk individuals. Along with increasing
      prevalence of colorectal cancer due to an aging population, screening programs
      are expected to add substantially to the existing burden on colonoscopy services,
      and create competition for limited services among individuals of varying risk.
      Failure to understand the effects of operational programmatic screening decisions
      may cause unintended harm to both screening participants and higher-risk
      patients, make inefficient use of limited health care resources, and ultimately
      hinder a program's success. METHODS: We present a new simulation model
      (Simulation of Cancer Outcomes for Planning Exercises, or SCOPE) for colorectal
      cancer screening which, unlike many other colorectal cancer screening models,
      reflects the effects of competition for limited colonoscopy services between
      patient groups and can be used to guide planning to ensure adequate resource
      allocation. We include verification and validation results for the SCOPE model.
      RESULTS: A discrete event simulation model was developed based on an
      epidemiological representation of colorectal cancer in a sample population.
      Colonoscopy service and screening modules were added to allow observation of
      screening scenarios and resource considerations. The model reproduces population
      based data on prevalence of colorectal cancer by stage, and mortality by cause of
      death, age, and sex, and attendant demand and wait times for colonoscopy
      services. CONCLUSIONS: The study model differs from existing screening models in
      that it explicitly considers the colonoscopy resource implications of screening
      activities and the impact of constrained resources on screening effectiveness.

PMID- 27681990
TI  - Extrapolation of Survival Curves from Cancer Trials Using External Information.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Estimates of life expectancy are a key input to cost-effectiveness
      analysis (CEA) models for cancer treatments. Due to the limited follow-up in
      Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), parametric models are frequently used to
      extrapolate survival outcomes beyond the RCT period. However, different
      parametric models that fit the RCT data equally well may generate highly
      divergent predictions of treatment-related gain in life expectancy. Here, we
      investigate the use of information external to the RCT data to inform model
      choice and estimation of life expectancy. METHODS: We used Bayesian multi
      parameter evidence synthesis to combine the RCT data with external information on
      general population survival, conditional survival from cancer registry databases,
      and expert opinion. We illustrate with a 5-year follow-up RCT of cetuximab plus
      radiotherapy v. radiotherapy alone for head and neck cancer. RESULTS: Standard
      survival time distributions were insufficiently flexible to simultaneously fit
      both the RCT data and external data on general population survival. Using spline
      models, we were able to estimate a model that was consistent with the trial data
      and all external data. A model integrating all sources achieved an adequate fit
      and predicted a 4.7-month (95% CrL: 0.4; 9.1) gain in life expectancy due to
      cetuximab. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term extrapolation using parametric models based on
      RCT data alone is highly unreliable and these models are unlikely to be
      consistent with external data. External data can be integrated with RCT data
      using spline models to enable long-term extrapolation. Conditional survival data
      could be used for many cancers and general population survival may have a role in
      other conditions. The use of external data should be guided by knowledge of
      natural history and treatment mechanisms.

PMID- 27681991
TI  - Disclosing the Uncertainty Associated with Prognostic Estimates in Breast Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Treatment decision making is often guided by evidence-based
      probabilities, which may be presented to patients during consultations. These
      probabilities are intrinsically imperfect and embody 2 types of uncertainties:
      aleatory uncertainty arising from the unpredictability of future events and
      epistemic uncertainty arising from limitations in the reliability and accuracy of
      probability estimates. Risk communication experts have recommended disclosing
      uncertainty. We examined whether uncertainty was discussed during cancer
      consultations and whether and how patients perceived uncertainty. METHODS:
      Consecutive patient consultations with medical oncologists discussing adjuvant
      treatment in early-stage breast cancer were audiotaped, transcribed, and coded.
      Patients were interviewed after the consultation to gain insight into their
      perceptions of uncertainty. RESULTS: In total, 198 patients were included by 27
      oncologists. Uncertainty was disclosed in 49% (97/197) of consultations. In those
      97 consultations, 23 allusions to epistemic uncertainty were made and 84
      allusions to aleatory uncertainty. Overall, the allusions to the precision of the
      probabilities were somewhat ambiguous. Interviewed patients mainly referred to
      aleatory uncertainty if not prompted about epistemic uncertainty. Even when
      specifically asked about epistemic uncertainty, 1 in 4 utterances referred to
      aleatory uncertainty. When talking about epistemic uncertainty, many patients
      contradicted themselves. In addition, 1 in 10 patients seemed not to realize that
      the probabilities communicated during the consultation are imperfect.
      CONCLUSIONS: Uncertainty is conveyed in only half of patient consultations. When
      uncertainty is communicated, oncologists mainly refer to aleatory uncertainty.
      This is also the type of uncertainty that most patients perceive and seem
      comfortable discussing. Given that it is increasingly common for clinicians to
      discuss outcome probabilities with their patients, guidance on whether and how to
      best communicate uncertainty is urgently needed.

PMID- 27681992
TI  - Sensitivity Analysis in Sequential Decision Models.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sequential decision problems are frequently encountered in medical
      decision making, which are commonly solved using Markov decision processes
      (MDPs). Modeling guidelines recommend conducting sensitivity analyses in decision
      analytic models to assess the robustness of the model results against the
      uncertainty in model parameters. However, standard methods of conducting
      sensitivity analyses cannot be directly applied to sequential decision problems
      because this would require evaluating all possible decision sequences, typically
      in the order of trillions, which is not practically feasible. As a result, most
      MDP-based modeling studies do not examine confidence in their recommended
      policies. METHOD: In this study, we provide an approach to estimate uncertainty
      and confidence in the results of sequential decision models. RESULTS: First, we
      provide a probabilistic univariate method to identify the most sensitive
      parameters in MDPs. Second, we present a probabilistic multivariate approach to
      estimate the overall confidence in the recommended optimal policy considering
      joint uncertainty in the model parameters. We provide a graphical representation,
      which we call a policy acceptability curve, to summarize the confidence in the
      optimal policy by incorporating stakeholders' willingness to accept the base case
      policy. For a cost-effectiveness analysis, we provide an approach to construct a
      cost-effectiveness acceptability frontier, which shows the most cost-effective
      policy as well as the confidence in that for a given willingness to pay
      threshold. We demonstrate our approach using a simple MDP case study.
      CONCLUSIONS: We developed a method to conduct sensitivity analysis in sequential
      decision models, which could increase the credibility of these models among
      stakeholders.

PMID- 27681993
TI  - Response to Re: The end of emergency medicine as we know it.

PMID- 27681995
TI  - Dyspnoea in an older woman.

PMID- 27681994
TI  - Accumulation of heavy metals and trace elements in fluvial sediments received
      effluents from traditional and semiconductor industries.
AB  - Metal accumulation in sediments threatens adjacent ecosystems due to the
      potential of metal mobilization and the subsequent uptake into food webs. Here,
      contents of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) and trace elements (Ga, In,
      Mo, and Se) were determined for river waters and bed sediments that received
      sewage discharged from traditional and semiconductor industries. We used
      principal component analysis (PCA) to determine the metal distribution in
      relation to environmental factors such as pH, EC, and organic matter (OM)
      contents in the river basin. While water PCA categorized discharged metals into
      three groups that implied potential origins of contamination, sediment PCA only
      indicated a correlation between metal accumulation and OM contents. Such
      discrepancy in metal distribution between river water and bed sediment
      highlighted the significance of physical-chemical properties of sediment,
      especially OM, in metal retention. Moreover, we used Se XANES as an example to
      test the species transformation during metal transportation from effluent outlets
      to bed sediments and found a portion of Se inventory shifted from less soluble
      elemental Se to the high soluble and toxic selenite and selenate. The
      consideration of environmental factors is required to develop pollution
      managements and assess environmental risks for bed sediments.

PMID- 27681996
TI  - Effects of oral zinc administration on long-term ipsilateral and contralateral
      testes damage after experimental testis ischaemia-reperfusion.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to examine potential long-term post-torsion changes
      that can occur in the histopathology, biochemistry and spermatogenesis of both
      torsioned and nontorsioned opposite testes. The study also determines the effect
      of zinc (Zn) administration on the testicular torsion/detorsion (T/D) damage on
      both testes. Forty-eight male rats, divided equally into eight groups: (SHAM),
      (SHAM+,Zn+), (T/D+, Zn- 1 month), (T/D+,Zn- 2 months), (T/D+,Zn- 3 months),
      (T/D+,Zn+ 1 months), (T/D+,Zn+ 2 months), (T/D+,Zn+ 3 months), have been used.
      Drug administration was carried out by adding 100 MUg (0.016 ml/rat) Zn per rat
      to drinking water in related groups. Testicular damage decreased superoxide
      dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) in the
      testis tissues of rats, while Zn administration increased SOD and GSH and
      decreased MDA in the testis tissues in comparison with the SHAM group. The
      beneficial effect of zinc sulphate was more evident on the nonrotated testis than
      the rotated testis. In the histopathological study, a significant decrease in
      torsion and detorsion injuries was observed in the treatment groups compared to
      the torsion and detorsion groups. We found a protective effect of zinc sulphate
      on oxidative stress as a result of T/D injuries in rats, especially for the
      nonrotated testis; results were supported histopathologically.

PMID- 27681998
TI  - Proceedings SaskVal 2015.

PMID- 27681997
TI  - Molecular and clinical features of KATP -channel neonatal diabetes mellitus in
      Japan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are few reports pertaining to Asian patients with neonatal
      diabetes mellitus (NDM) caused by activating mutations in the ATP-sensitive
      potassium channel genes (KATP-NDM). OBJECTIVES: To elucidate the characteristics
      of Japanese patients with KATP-NDM. METHODS: By the amplification and direct
      sequencing of all exons and exon-intron boundaries of the KCNJ11 and ABCC8 genes,
      25 patients with KATP-NDM were identified from a total of 70 patients with NDM.
      Clinical data were collected from the medical charts. RESULTS: Sixteen patients
      had mutations in KCNJ11 and nine in ABCC8. Eight novel mutations were identified;
      two in KCNJ11 (V64M, R201G) and six in ABCC8 (R216C, G832C, F1176L, A1263V,
      I196N, T229N). Interestingly, V64M caused DEND (developmental delay, epilepsy,
      neonatal diabetes) syndrome in our patient, while mutation of the same residue
      (V64G) had been reported to cause congenital hyperinsulinism. Mutations in ABCC8
      were associated with TNDM (4/9) or isolated PNDM (5/9), whereas those in KCNJ11
      were associated with more severe phenotypes, including DEND (3/16), iDEND
      (intermediate DEND, 4/16), or isolated PNDM (6/16). Switching from insulin to
      glibenclamide monotherapy was successful in 87.5% of the patients. Neurological
      improvement was observed in two patients, one with DEND (T293N) and one with
      iDEND (R50P) syndrome. Three others with iDEND mutations (R201C, G53D, and V59M)
      remained neurologically normal at 5, 1, and 4 years of age, respectively, with
      early introduction of sulfonylurea. CONCLUSION: Overall, clinical presentation of
      KATP-NDM in Japanese patients was similar to those of other populations. Early
      introduction of sulfonylurea appeared beneficial in ameliorating neurological
      symptoms.

PMID- 27681999
TI  - Uterine, but not ovarian, female reproductive organ involvement at presentation
      by diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is associated with poor outcomes and a high
      frequency of secondary CNS involvement.
AB  - Involvement of the internal female reproductive organs by diffuse large B-cell
      lymphoma (DLBCL) is uncommon, and there are sparse data describing the outcomes
      of such cases. In total, 678 female patients with DLBCL staged with positron
      emission tomography/computed tomography and treated with rituximab-containing
      chemotherapy were identified from databases in Denmark, Great Britain, Australia,
      and Canada. Overall, 27/678 (4%) had internal reproductive organ involvement:
      uterus (n = 14), ovaries (n = 10) or both (n = 3). In multivariate analysis,
      women with uterine DLBCL experienced inferior progression-free survival and
      overall survival compared to those without reproductive organ involvement,
      whereas ovarian DLBCL was not predictive of outcome. Secondary central nervous
      system (CNS) involvement (SCNS) occurred in 7/17 (41%) women with uterine DLBCL
      (two patients with concomitant ovarian DLBCL) and 0/10 women with ovarian DLBCL
      without concomitant uterine involvement. In multivariate analysis adjusted for
      other risk factors for SCNS, uterine involvement by DLBCL remained strongly
      associated with SCNS (Hazard ratio 14.13, 95% confidence interval 5.09-39.25, P <
      0.001). Because involvement of the uterus by DLBCL appears to be associated with
      a high risk of SCNS, those patients should be considered for CNS staging and
      prophylaxis. However, more studies are needed to determine whether the increased
      risk of secondary CNS involvement also applies to women with localized
      reproductive organ DLBCL.

PMID- 27682000
TI  - Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, severe psychological distress,
      explosive anger and grief amongst partners of survivors of high levels of trauma
      in post-conflict Timor-Leste.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little is known about the mental health of partners of survivors of
      high levels of trauma in post-conflict countries. METHOD: We studied 677 spouse
      dyads (n = 1354) drawn from a community survey (response 82.4%) in post-conflict
      Timor-Leste. We used culturally adapted measures of post-traumatic stress
      disorder (PTSD), psychological distress, explosive anger and grief. RESULTS:
      Latent class analysis identified three classes of couples: class 1, comprising
      women with higher trauma events (TEs), men with intermediate TEs (19%); class 2,
      including men with higher TEs, women with lower TEs (23%); and class 3,
      comprising couples in which men and women had lower TE exposure (58%) (the
      reference group). Men and women partners of survivors of higher TE exposure
      (classes 1 and 2) had increased symptoms of explosive anger and grief compared
      with the reference class (class 3). Women partners of survivors of higher TE
      exposure (class 2) had a 20-fold increased rate of PTSD symptoms compared with
      the reference class, a pattern that was not evident for men living with women
      exposed to higher levels of trauma (class 1). CONCLUSIONS: Men and women living
      with survivors of higher levels of trauma showed an increase in symptoms of grief
      and explosive anger. The manifold higher rate of PTSD symptoms amongst women
      living with men exposed to high levels of trauma requires replication. It is
      important to assess the mental health of partners when treating survivors of high
      levels of trauma in post-conflict settings.

PMID- 27682002
TI  - Oxidized LDL, insulin resistance and central blood pressure after gestational
      diabetes mellitus.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is an indicator of future
      cardiovascular disease. We investigated whether sensitive biomarkers of increased
      cardiovascular risk differ between women with and without a history of GDM few
      years after pregnancy, and whether obesity affects the results. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: We studied two cohorts - 120 women with a history of GDM and 120
      controls, on average 3.7 years after delivery. Circulating concentrations of
      oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) were determined by ELISA. The
      homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index was used to
      estimate insulin resistance. Central blood pressure (cBP) was measured
      noninvasively from a radial artery pulse wave. The primary outcomes were possible
      differences in oxLDL, HOMA-IR or cBP between the groups. Secondly, we
      investigated the influence of obesity on the results, also using adjusted
      multiple linear regression analyses. RESULTS: OxLDL concentrations or cBP did not
      differ between the two cohorts, but HOMA-IR was significantly higher in women
      with previous GDM than in controls, 1.3 +/- 0.9 (SD) and 1.1 +/- 0.9,
      respectively (p = 0.022). In subgroup analyses, HOMA-IR (p < 0.001), systolic (p
      < 0.001) and diastolic (p < 0.001) cBP were significantly higher in obese
      subgroups compared with non-obese ones. Body mass index was an important
      determinant of HOMA-IR and cBP in multiple linear regression analyses.
      CONCLUSIONS: Over 3 years after delivery, women with GDM were still more insulin
      resistant than controls. Obesity turned out to be a more important determinant of
      insulin resistance and cBP compared with GDM.

PMID- 27682003
TI  - cTnI Exacerbates Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury by Inducing Adhesion of
      Monocytes to VECs via  TLR4/NF-kappaB-dependent Pathway.
AB  - Cardiac troponin I (cTnI), a biomarker for myocardial damage and risk
      stratification, may be involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases,
      which was ascribed to the effect of cTnI auto-antibodies. Whether or not cTnI
      itself has a direct impact on acute myocardial injury is unknown. To exclude the
      influence of cTnI antibody on the cardiac infarct size, we studied the effect of
      cTnI shortly after myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury when cTnI
      antibodies were not elevated. Pretreatment with cTnI augmented the myocardial
      infarct size caused by I/R, accompanied by an increase in inflammatory markers in
      the blood and myocardium. Additional experiments using human umbilical vein
      endothelial cells (HUVECs) showed that the detrimental effect of cTnI was related
      to cTnI-induced increase in VCAM-1 expression and VCAM-1 mediated adhesion of
      human monocytes (THP-1) to HUVECs, which could be neutralized by VCAM-1 antibody.
      Both toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and NF-kappaB were involved in the signaling
      pathway, because blockade of either TLR4 or NF-kappaB inhibited the cTnI's effect
      on VCAM-1 expression and adhesion of monocytes to endothelial cells. Moreover,
      TLR4 inhibition reduced cTnI-augmented cardiac injury in rats with I/R injury. We
      conclude that cTnI exacerbates myocardial I/R injury by inducing the adhesion of
      monocytes to vascular endothelial cells via activation of the TLR4/NF-kappaB
      pathway. Inhibition of TLR4 may be an alternative strategy to reduce cTnI-induced
      myocardial I/R injury.

PMID- 27682001
TI  - Association between perfluorooctanoic acid exposure and degranulation of mast
      cells in allergic inflammation.
AB  - Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) has wide applications, including as a raw material
      for converted paper and packaging products. With the widespread use of PFOA,
      concerns regarding its potential environmental and health impacts have increased.
      In spite of the known hepatotoxicity and genotoxicity of PFOA, correlation with
      PFOA and allergic inflammation is not well known. In this study, the effect of
      PFOA on the degranulation of mast cells and mast cell-mediated allergic
      inflammation in the presence of FcepsilonRI cross-linking was evaluated. In
      immunoglobulin (Ig) E-stimulated mast cells, PFOA increased the release of
      histamine and beta-hexosaminidase by the up-regulation of intracellular calcium
      levels. PFOA enhanced gene expression of several pro-inflammatory cytokines,
      including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, and IL
      8 by the activation of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB in IgE-stimulated mast cells.
      Also, PFOA exacerbated allergic symptoms via hypothermia, and an increase of
      serum histamine, TNF-alpha, IgE and IgG1 in the ovalbumin-induced systemic
      anaphylaxis. The present data indicate that PFOA aggravated FcERI-mediated mast
      cell degranulation and allergic symptoms. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons,
      Ltd.

PMID- 27682004
TI  - Nonconsecutive versus consecutive-day resistance training in recreationally
      trained subjects.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that total-body resistance training (RT)
      performed two to three alternating days per week has positive effects on muscle
      strength and body composition. However, no evidence exists to determine if total
      body RT workouts done on consecutive days (CD) are beneficial. Therefore, the
      purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a total-body RT program
      performed on three consecutive or nonconsecutive days (NCD) per week for 7 weeks
      on maximum strength and body composition in recreationally trained subjects.
      METHODS: Twenty-one men were randomly assigned to a 3NCD (N.=11) or 3CD group
      (N.=10). Prior and following training, anthropometric measures, and 1 repetition
      maximum values for leg press, and bench press were measured. RESULTS: Statistical
      analysis revealed a significant increase for leg press strength and bench press
      strength for both groups (P<0.01) from pre to post intervention. There was also a
      significant increase for arm and chest girth measures (P<0.05) on the 3 CD group.
      No significant differences between groups were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The results
      suggest that RT programs performed on three consecutive or nonconsecutive days
      per week determine similar effects on maximum strength, and body composition.

PMID- 27682007
TI  - Hierarchical Self-Assembly of Luminescent Tartrate-Bridged Chiral Binuclear
      Tb(III) Complexes in Ethanol.
AB  - A new family of supramolecular metalloamphiphiles carrying two metal centers is
      developed. They are formed by bridging two coordinatively unsaturated lipophilic
      Tb3+ complexes (TbL+) with chiral dicarboxylate anions. The formation of bridging
      coordination bonds is confirmed using UV spectroscopy, induced circular dichroism
      (ICD), increased luminescence intensity of TbL+, and electrospray ionization mass
      spectrometry (ESIMS) analysis. These supramolecular metalloamphiphiles
      hierarchically self-assemble in ethanol to give luminescent nanospheres, as
      observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron
      microscopy (SEM). The two hydroxyl groups introduced in the bridging ligands of
      [TbL]2(d-/l-tartrate) significantly promote self-assembly by increasing coherent
      forces via intermolecular hydrogen bonding. The observed self-assembly in ethanol
      also merits mention because such polar alcoholic media have been unfavorable for
      conventional molecular self-assemblies. The present approach offers a new
      molecular design strategy for composable metalloamphiphiles.

PMID- 27682006
TI  - Allogeneic Blood Transfusion Is a Significant Risk Factor for Surgical-Site
      Infection Following Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: A Meta-Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Blood loss occurs significantly more frequently during total hip and
      knee arthroplasty than among any other type of orthopedic operation, which can
      sometimes lead to requiring a blood transfusion. Although allogeneic blood
      transfusion has been identified as a risk factor for postoperative surgical-site
      infection following arthroplasty, results are inconclusive. The purpose of this
      study was to conduct a systematic meta-analysis to investigate whether having an
      allogeneic blood transfusion significantly increases the risk for surgical-site
      infection, particularly after total hip and knee arthroplasty. METHODS: We
      performed a systematic review and meta-analysis using random-effect models. Using
      an electronic database search, we selected 6 studies that included data on 21,770
      patients and among these studies compared the postoperative infection rate
      between an allogeneic blood-transfusion exposure group and a nonexposure group.
      We calculated the pooled odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the groups.
      RESULTS: The prevalences of surgical-site infections in our pooled analyses were
      2.88% and 1.74% for the transfusion and nontransfusion groups, respectively. The
      allogeneic blood transfusion group had a significantly higher frequency of
      surgical-site infections based on pooled analysis using a random-effect model
      (pooled odds ratio = 1.71, 95% confidence interval: 1.23-2.40, P = .002).
      CONCLUSION: Allogeneic blood transfusion is a significant risk factor for
      increasing the surgical-site infection rate after total hip and knee
      arthroplasty.

PMID- 27682005
TI  - Late Complications Following Elective Primary Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty:
      Who, When, and How?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Improved pain management and early mobilization protocols have
      increased interest in the feasibility of short stay (<24 hours) or outpatient
      total hip (THA) and total knee (TKA) arthroplasty. However, concerns exist
      regarding patient safety and readmissions. The purposes of this study were to
      determine the incidence of in-hospital complications following THA/TKA, to create
      a model to identify comorbidities associated with the risk of developing major
      complications >24 hours postoperatively, and to validate this model against
      another consecutive series of patients. METHODS: We prospectively evaluated a
      consecutive series of 802 patients who underwent elective primary THA and TKA
      over a 9-month period. The mean age was 62.3 years. Demographic, surgical, and
      postoperative readmission data were entered into an arthroplasty database.
      RESULTS: Of the 802 patients, 382 experienced a complication postoperatively. Of
      these, 152 (19%) required active management. Multiple logistic regression
      analysis identified cirrhosis (odds ratio [OR], 5.89; 95% confidence interval
      [CI], 1.05-33.07; P = .044), congestive heart failure (OR, 3.12; 95% CI, 1.50
      6.44; P = .002), and chronic kidney disease (OR, 3.85; 95% CI, 2.21-6.71; P <
      .001) as risk factors for late complications. One comorbidity was associated with
      a 77% probability of developing a major postoperative complication. This model
      was validated against an independent dataset of 1012 patients. CONCLUSION: With
      improved pain management and mobilization protocols, there is increasing interest
      in short stay and outpatient THA and TKA. Patients with cirrhosis, congestive
      heart failure, or chronic kidney disease should be excluded from early discharge
      total joint arthroplasty protocols.

PMID- 27682009
TI  - Density Functional Study of Stacking Structures and Electronic Behaviors of AnE
      PV Copolymer.
AB  - In this work, we report an in-depth investigation on the pi-stacking and
      interdigitating structures of poly(p-anthracene-ethynylene)-alt-poly(p-phenylene
      vinylene) copolymer with octyl and ethyl-hexyl side chains and the resulting
      electronic band structures using density functional theory calculations. We found
      that in the pi-stacking direction, the preferred stacking structure, determined
      by the steric effect of the branched ethyl-hexyl side chains, is featured by the
      anthracene-ethynylene units stacking on the phenylene-vinylene units of the
      neighboring chains and vice versa. This stacking structure, combined with the
      interdigitating structure where the branched side chains of the laterally
      neighboring chains are isolated, defines the energetically favorable structure of
      the ordered copolymer phase, which provides a good compromise between light
      absorption and charge-carrier transport.

PMID- 27682008
TI  - The Sewol Ferry Disaster: Experiences of a Community-Based Hospital in Ansan
      City.
AB  - The Sewol ferry disaster is one of the most tragic events in Korea's modern
      history. Among the 476 people on board, which included Danwon High School
      students (324) and teachers (14), 304 passengers died in the disaster (295
      recovered corpses and 9 missing) and 172 survived. Of the rescued survivors, 72
      were attending Danwon High School, located in Ansan City, and residing in a
      residence nearby. Because the students were young, emotionally susceptible
      adolescents, both the government and the parents requested the students be
      grouped together at a single hospital capable of appropriate psychiatric care.
      Korea University Ansan Hospital was the logical choice, as the only third-tier
      university-grade hospital with the necessary faculty and facilities within the
      residential area of the families of the students. We report the experiences and
      the lessons learned from the processes of preparing for and managing the
      surviving young students as a community-based hospital. (Disaster Med Public
      Health Preparedness. 2017;11:389-393).

PMID- 27682010
TI  - Copper-Catalyzed Hydroxylation of (Hetero)aryl Halides under Mild Conditions.
AB  - The combination of Cu(acac)2 and N,N'-bis(4-hydroxyl-2,6-dimethylphenyl)oxalamide
      (BHMPO) provides a powerful catalytic system for hydroxylation of (hetero)aryl
      halides. A wide range of (hetero)aryl chlorides bearing either electron-donating
      or -withdrawing groups proceeded well at 130  degrees C, delivering the
      corresponding phenols and hydroxylated heteroarenes in good to excellent yields.
      When more reactive (hetero)aryl bromides and iodides were employed, the
      hydroxylation reactions completed at relatively low temperatures (80 and 60 
      degrees C, respectively) at low catalytic loadings (0.5 mol % Cu).

PMID- 27682011
TI  - The T>A (rs11646213) gene polymorphism of cadherin-13 (CDH13) gene is associated
      with decreased risk of developing hypertension in Mexican population.
AB  - Hypertension is a major public health problem affecting about 30% of the adult
      population and is associated with an increased risk of developing metabolic and
      cardiovascular disease. Recent reports have shown that the T-cadherin receptor
      characteristically expressed on endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells is
      involved in hypertension. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role
      of cadherin-13 (CDH13) gene polymorphisms as susceptibility markers for
      hypertension in Mexican population. Six CDH13 polymorphisms (rs11646213,
      rs11646411, rs6563943, rs3096277, rs3784990 and rs254340) were genotyped by 5'
      exonuclease TaqMan assays in a group of 644 hypertensive and 765 non-hypertensive
      individuals. Under co-dominant, recessive, and additive models, the CDH13 T>A
      (rs11646213) polymorphism was associated with decreased risk of developing
      hypertension when compared to non-hypertensive individuals (OR=0.61, 95% CI: 0.42
      0.89, Pco-dom=0.019; OR=0.63, 95% CI: 0.46-0.87, Pres=0.005; OR=0.80, 95% CI:
      0.66-0.96, Padd=0.016, respectively). All models were adjusted by gender, age,
      body index mass, type II diabetes mellitus, alcohol consumption, dyslipidemia and
      smoking habit. Linkage disequilibrium analysis showed one haplotype (TCACGG) with
      decreased frequency in hypertensive when compared to non-hypertensive individuals
      (OR=0.52, 95% CI: 0.33-0.82, P=0.0053). In summary, our data suggests that the
      CDH13 T>A (rs11646213) polymorphism is associated with decreased risk of
      developing hypertension in the Mexican population. In addition, it was possible
      to distinguish one haplotype associated with decreased risk and two for increased
      risk of develop hypertension.

PMID- 27682012
TI  - Dipeptidyl peptidase 9 (DPP9) in human skin cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dipeptidyl peptidase 9 (DPP9) is a relatively new member of the DPPIV
      family of prolyl dipeptidases which is ubiquitously expressed. Its role in
      regulation of immune responses and proliferation of epithelial carcinoma cells
      was reported. There is no data on possible role of DPP9 expressed in skin
      epithelial cells (keratinocytes) and in dermal fibroblasts. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Transcriptional and protein expression of DPP9 and DPPIV was examined in
      fibroblasts and keratinocytes isolated from normal human skin. Localization of
      DPP9 and its sub-localization in Golgi were determined by immunocytochemistry
      staining. DPPIV-like enzyme activity was determined in cell lysates and in
      isolated cell fractions containing membranes (M), cytosol (C) and content of
      organelles/endosomes/vesicles (V). Relative contribution of DPPIV and DPP8/9
      enzyme activity in these fractions was determined by using selective inhibitors:
      sitagliptin (selective for DPPIV) and 1G244 (selective for DPP9 and a highly
      homologous DPP8). Possible roles of DPP8/9 via its enzyme activity were analysed
      by assessment of survival and proliferative capacity of fibroblasts and HaCaT
      cells of keratinocyte origin in the presence of the inhibitors. Possible role of
      DPP9 in cell migration and/or adhesion was analysed in fibroblasts and HaCaT
      cells after DPP9 gene silencing. RESULTS: Fibroblasts and keratinocytes exerted
      comparable level of DPP9 both at transcriptional and protein level. Fibroblasts
      strongly expressed DPPIV, whereas in keratinocytes DPPIV expression was low. DPP9
      expression was found in cytosol and in perinuclear area of some fibroblasts, or
      in scattered pattern of keratinocytes, as well as in nuclei of some cells. Only
      low level of DPP9 sub-localization within Golgi was observed in fibroblasts and
      keratinocytes. DPPIV-like enzyme activity was about 5 times higher in lysates of
      fibroblasts than of HaCaT cells. In fibroblasts DPPIV-like enzyme activity was
      mainly (65%) found in the fraction containing cell membranes (M) and was
      predominantly (86.9%) due to DPPIV. In contrast, in HaCaT cells the DPPIV-like
      enzyme activity was mainly (84.2%) found in cytosol (C) and was predominantly
      (95.6%) due to DPP8/9. Survival and the proliferative capacity were significantly
      diminished in the presence of 10MUM 1G244, both in fibroblasts and in HaCaT
      cells, suggesting possible role of DPP8/9 enzyme activity in regulation of
      survival and proliferation of these cells. DPP9 gene silencing resulted in
      decreased adhesion of fibroblasts, as well as in decreased migration of
      fibroblasts and HaCaT cells. Accumulation of DPP9 on the edges of plasma
      membranes of fibroblasts and keratinocytes adhering to surface supports the idea
      of possible role of DPP9 in cell adhesion. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study
      showing protein expression, sub-localization and possible biological roles of
      DPP9 expressed in isolated human skin cells. The data may be relevant for
      development of new drugs against skin diseases by targeting DPP9 expressed in the
      skin cells.

PMID- 27682013
TI  - Regulation of Siglec-8-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species production
      and eosinophil cell death by Src family kinases.
AB  - RATIONALE: Siglec-8 is a surface receptor predominantly expressed on human
      eosinophils where its ligation induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation
      and cell death. Since Siglec-8 has intracellular tyrosine-based motifs, we
      hypothesized that Src family kinases (SFKs) are involved in ROS formation and
      cell death induced by Siglec-8 engagement. METHODS: Human peripheral blood
      eosinophils were purified and incubated with anti-Siglec-8 monoclonal antibodies
      (mAb, agonist), IL-5, and SFK pharmacological inhibitors. We focused on Siglec-8
      induced cell death in short-term IL-5-activated cells leading to a regulated
      necrosis-type cell death. ROS production was determined by dihydrorhodamine (DHR)
      123 labeling and flow cytometry, or by chemiluminescence using Amplex red.
      Activation of SFK was determined using phospholuminex and Western blotting.
      RESULTS: In order to determine cellular localization of ROS production, we
      measured intra and extracellular ROS. While an ETosis stimulus (calcium ionophore
      A23187) led to extracellular ROS (ecROS) production, Siglec-8-engagement in short
      term IL-5 activated cells led to intracellular ROS (icROS) accumulation.
      Consistently, inhibition of extracellular ROS by catalase inhibited ETosis, but
      not IL-5-primed Siglec-8-induced cell death. In order to determine signaling
      events for Siglec-8, we performed Western blotting and found SFK phosphorylation
      in lysates from eosinophils stimulated with anti-Siglec-8 mAb+/-IL-5. In order to
      identify which SFKs were involved, we used the phospholuminex assay and found
      increased levels of phosphorylated Fgr in the cytoplasmic fraction of cells co
      stimulated with anti-Siglec-8 and IL-5 for 3 hours compared with cells stimulated
      with IL-5 alone. To test the involvement of SFKs in ROS production and cell
      death, we used SFK inhibitors PP2 and dasatinib, both of which completely
      inhibited eosinophil ROS production and cell death induced by anti-Siglec-8 and
      IL-5 co-stimulation. CONCLUSION: Siglec-8 engagement in short-term IL-5-activated
      eosinophils causes icROS production and SKF phosphorylation, and both are
      essential in mediating Siglec-8-induced cell death.

PMID- 27682014
TI  - Visualization of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps and Fibrin Meshwork in Human
      Fibrinopurulent Inflammatory Lesions: I. Light Microscopic Study.
AB  - Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are extracellular fibrillary structures
      composed of degraded chromatin and granules of neutrophil origin. In
      fibrinopurulent inflammation such as pneumonia and abscess, deposition of
      fibrillar eosinophilic material is a common histopathological finding under
      hematoxylin-eosin staining. Expectedly, not only fibrin fibrils but also NETs
      consist of the fibrillar material. The aim of the present study is to analyze
      immunohistochemically how NETs are involved in the inflammatory process. Archival
      formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections accompanying marked neutrophilic
      infiltration were the target of analysis. Neutrophil-associated substances
      (citrullinated histone H3, lactoferrin, myeloperoxidase and neutrophil elastase)
      were evaluated as NETs markers, while fibrinogen gamma chain was employed as a
      fibrin marker. Light microscopically, the fibrils were categorized into three
      types: thin, thick and clustered thick. Lactoferrin represented a good and stable
      NETs marker. Thin fibrils belonged to NETs. Thick fibrils are composed of either
      mixed NETs and fibrin or fibrin alone. Clustered thick fibrils were solely
      composed of fibrin. Neutrophils were entrapped within the fibrilllar meshwork of
      the thin and thick types. Apoptotic cells immunoreactive to cleaved caspase 3 and
      cleaved actin were dispersed in the NETs. In conclusion, NETs and fibrin meshwork
      were consistently recognizable by immunostaining for lactoferrin and fibrinogen
      gamma chain. 

PMID- 27682015
TI  - Visualization of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps and Fibrin Meshwork in Human
      Fibrinopurulent Inflammatory Lesions: II. Ultrastructural Study.
AB  - Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) represent an extracellular, spider's web
      like structure resulting from cell death of neutrophils. NETs play an important
      role in innate immunity against microbial infection, but their roles in human
      pathological processes remain largely unknown. NETs and fibrin meshwork both
      showing fibrillar structures are observed at the site of fibrinopurulent
      inflammation, as described in our sister paper [Acta Histochem. Cytochem. 49; 109
      116, 2016]. In the present study, immunoelectron microscopic study was performed
      for visualizing NETs and fibrin fibrils (thick fibrils in our tongue) in formalin
      fixed, paraffin-embedded sections of autopsied lung tissue of legionnaire's
      pneumonia. Lactoferrin and fibrinogen gamma chain were utilized as markers of
      NETs and fibrin, respectively. Analysis of immuno-scanning electron microscopy
      indicated that NETs constructed thin fibrils and granular materials were attached
      onto the NETs fibrils. The smooth-surfaced fibrin fibrils were much thicker than
      the NETs fibrils. Pre-embedding immunoelectron microscopy demonstrated that
      lactoferrin immunoreactivities were visible as dots on the fibrils, whereas
      fibrinogen gamma chain immunoreactivities were homogeneously observed throughout
      the fibrils. Usefulness of immunoelectron microscopic analysis of NETs and fibrin
      fibrils should be emphasized. 

PMID- 27682016
TI  - p62 Regulates the Proliferation of Molecular Apocrine Breast Cancer Cells.
AB  - p62, also called sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1), is a multifunctional signaling molecule
      that affects cell proliferation. Recently, we found accumulation of p62 in
      apocrine carcinoma of the breast, however, the biological role of p62 expression
      in apocrine carcinoma still remains unclear. To investigate whether p62 might
      contribute to tumor cell proliferation in apocrine carcinomas, we used the MDA-MB
      453 (androgen receptor-positive, HER2-type) and MFM223 (androgen receptor
      positive, triple-negative type) breast cancer cell lines as models of molecular
      apocrine carcinoma. Both MDA-MB-453 and MFM223 showed strong and d high p62
      protein expression than MCF7 cells (androgen receptor-negative, luminal A type).
      Knockdown of p62 resulted in significant reduction of the cell proliferative
      activity in both MDA-MB-453 (P<0.01) and MFM223 (P<0.05). In conclusion, p62
      could contribute to cell proliferation and represent a therapeutic target in
      apocrine carcinoma. 

PMID- 27682017
TI  - Investigating the Effect of Gaze Cues and Emotional Expressions on the Affective
      Evaluations of Unfamiliar Faces.
AB  - People look at what they are interested in, and their emotional expressions tend
      to indicate how they feel about the objects at which they look. The combination
      of gaze direction and emotional expression can therefore convey important
      information about people's evaluations of the objects in their environment, and
      can even influence the subsequent evaluations of those objects by a third party,
      a phenomenon known as the emotional gaze effect. The present study extended
      research into the effect of emotional gaze cues by investigating whether they
      affect evaluations of the most important aspect of our social environment-other
      people-and whether the presence of multiple gaze cues enhances this effect. Over
      four experiments, a factorial within-subjects design employing both null
      hypothesis significance testing and a Bayesian statistical analysis replicated
      previous work showing an emotional gaze effect for objects, but found strong
      evidence that emotional gaze cues do not affect evaluations of other people, and
      that multiple, simultaneously presented gaze cues do not enhance the emotional
      gaze effect for either the evaluations of objects or of people. Overall, our
      results suggest that emotional gaze cues have a relatively weak influence on
      affective evaluations, especially of those aspects of our environment that
      automatically elicit affectively valenced reactions, including other humans.

PMID- 27682019
TI  - Heat Generation During Bone Drilling: A Comparison Between Industrial and
      Orthopaedic Drill Bits.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Cortical bone drilling for preparation of screw placement is common
      in multiple surgical fields. The heat generated while drilling may reach
      thresholds high enough to cause osteonecrosis. This can compromise implant
      stability. Orthopaedic drill bits are several orders more expensive than their
      similarly sized, publicly available industrial counterparts. We hypothesize that
      an industrial bit will generate less heat during drilling, and the bits will not
      generate more heat after multiple cortical passes. METHODS: We compared 4 4.0 mm
      orthopaedic and 1 3.97 mm industrial drill bits. Three types of each bit were
      drilled into porcine femoral cortices 20 times. The temperature of the bone was
      measured with thermocouple transducers. The heat generated during the first 5
      drill cycles for each bit was compared to the last 5 cycles. These data were
      analyzed with analysis of covariance. RESULTS: The industrial drill bit generated
      the smallest mean increase in temperature (2.8 +/- 0.29 degrees C) P < 0.0001. No
      significant difference was identified comparing the first 5 cortices drilled to
      the last 5 cortices drilled for each bit. The P-values are as follows: Bosch (P =
      0.73), Emerge (P = 0.09), Smith & Nephew (P = 0.08), Stryker (P = 0.086), and
      Synthes (P = 0.16). The industrial bit generated less heat during drilling than
      its orthopaedic counterparts. The bits maintained their performance after 20
      drill cycles. CONCLUSIONS: Consideration should be given by manufacturers to
      design differences that may contribute to a more efficient cutting bit. Further
      investigation into the reuse of these drill bits may be warranted, as our data
      suggest their efficiency is maintained after multiple uses.

PMID- 27682020
TI  - Use of Inlet-Obturator Oblique View (Leeds View) for Placement of Posterior Wall
      Screws in Acetabular Fracture Surgery.
AB  - Posterior wall (PW) fractures are the most common fractures requiring surgical
      fixation in acetabular surgery. Extra-articular screw placement must be confirmed
      intraoperatively. Herein we describe the use of the inlet and obturator oblique
      view (the Leeds view) for screw placement in elementary PW and in associated both
      column with PW fractures. We highlight our steps to ensure accurate placement in
      a small series of patients.

PMID- 27682018
TI  - Access to Emergency Contraception in the Over-the-Counter Era.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: After years of complex regulatory changes, levonorgestrel (LNG)
      emergency contraception (EC) is now approved for unrestricted sale in the United
      States. Timely access to EC pills is critical because they are more likely to
      work the sooner they are taken. This study assesses whether LNG EC is sold in
      accordance with current Food and Drug Administration regulations. METHODS: We
      distributed an online questionnaire through an EC-focused listserv for
      reproductive health professionals, asking data collectors to visit local stores
      and document product names, price, over-the-counter shelf availability, and
      misinformation about age restrictions. We used chi2 analysis to assess bivariate
      associations and t tests and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests to determine differences in
      means. RESULTS: We collected information about 220 stores. The majority (65%)
      stocked EC on over-the-counter shelves, although only 22% of these displayed it
      without a locked security enclosure. Chain pharmacies were more likely to shelf
      stock EC than independent pharmacies (77% vs. 5%; p = .000), but variation
      existed among stores within the same chain. Among stores that were asked, 40%
      incorrectly reported an age restriction for non-prescription purchase of LNG EC,
      whereas 95% correctly reported that men can buy LNG EC. The average price of
      branded and generic LNG EC was $49.64 and $40.05, respectively. CONCLUSIONS:
      Changes in the regulatory status of LNG EC have resulted in widespread confusion
      about how EC can be sold, and its high price contributes to access barriers.
      Retailers should ensure that consumers can access LNG EC quickly and easily by
      stocking the product on over-the-counter shelves and educating staff about
      current regulations.

PMID- 27682021
TI  - A Comparison of Sound Levels in Open Plan Versus Pods in a Neonatal Intensive
      Care Unit.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the noise levels recorded
      in two different neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) settings: a pod and an open
      plan NICU located in the same hospital. BACKGROUND: The NICU is a busy
      environment with ambient noise levels that often exceed established
      recommendations. This noise deleteriously affects the physiological stability and
      developmental outcomes of sick and preterm infants. Pods have reduced numbers of
      cots (in this case, 6) compared to open plan NICUs (in this case, 11), yet the
      noise levels in pods have not been reported. METHOD: This study compared real
      time decibel (dB) levels in an A-weighted scale, captured continuously by sound
      dosimeters mounted in both NICU settings for a period of 4 weeks: a pod setting
      and an open plan NICU. Researchers also collected observational data. RESULTS:
      The average noise level recorded in the pod was 3 dBs less than in the open plan
      NICU. This result was statistically significant. However, dB recordings in both
      areas were over the recommended limits by 4-6 dBs, with isolated peaks between
      74.5 dBs (NICU) and 75.9 dBs (pod). Observational data confirmed this
      correlation. CONCLUSIONS: Further research to evaluate interventions to decrease
      the noise levels in both settings are needed, especially during times of peak
      activity. Staff working in these settings need to be more aware that control of
      acoustic levels is important in the neuroprotection of neonates. Coupling this
      with careful consideration to structural components and evidence-based design
      planning may contribute to lowering dB levels in the NICU environment.

PMID- 27682022
TI  - Delivering risk information in a dynamic information environment: Framing and
      authoritative voice in Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and primetime broadcast
      news media communications during the 2014 Ebola outbreak.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: During a disease outbreak, media serve as primary transmitters of
      information from public health agencies to the public, and have been shown to
      influence both behavior and perception of risk. Differences in news frequency,
      framing and information source can impact the public's interpretation of risk
      messages and subsequent attitudes and behaviors about a particular threat. The
      media's framing of an outbreak is important, as it may affect both perception of
      risk and the ability to process important health information. METHODS: To
      understand how risk communication by the Centers for Disease Control and
      Prevention (CDC) during the 2014 Ebola outbreak was framed and delivered and to
      what extent primetime broadcast news media mirrored CDC's framing and
      authoritative voice, 209 CDC communications and primetime broadcast transcripts
      issued between July 24 and December 29, 2014 were analyzed and coded by thematic
      frame and authoritative voice. Dominant frame and voice were determined for each
      month and for overall period of analysis. RESULTS: Medical frame was dominant in
      CDC (60%), Anderson Cooper 360 (49%), The Rachel Maddow Show (47%) and All In
      with Chris Hayes (47%). The human interest frame was dominant in The Kelly File
      (45%), while The O'Reilly Factor coverage was equally split between
      sociopolitical and medical frames (28%, respectively). Primetime news media also
      changed dominant frames over time. Dominant authoritative voice in CDC
      communications was that of CDC officials, while primetime news dominantly
      featured local and federal (non-CDC) government officials and academic/medical
      experts. CONCLUSION: Differences in framing and delivery could have led the
      public to interpret risk in a different way than intended by CDC. Overall, public
      health agencies should consider adapting risk communication strategies to account
      for a dynamic news environment and the media's agenda. Options include adapting
      communications to short-form styles and embracing the concept of storytelling.

PMID- 27682023
TI  - Fear, vulnerability and sacrifice: Drivers of emergency department use and
      implications for policy.
AB  - Patients' existential fears of unknowns associated with illness and unusual
      bodily signs and symptoms are common, but unexamined drivers to the emergency
      department (ED). This paper examines a May 2015 case study of a 51-year-old low
      income, recently insured, African American man in Philadelphia (USA) who had two
      recent ED visits for evaluation of frequent headaches and described fear of being
      at risk for a stroke. Through ethnographic methods and anthropological analyses
      we find that fear of failing to fulfill social roles due to a potentially
      debilitating illness, and fear of burdening family members with medical bills
      resulting from doctor's visits affect this man's patterns of health-seeking
      behaviors. While current popular and policy discourses emphasize crowded EDs and
      ED "overuse," our analysis locates health-seeking behavior within a context of
      this man's social and medical history. We layer the impact of macrosocial forces
      with an analysis of his subjectivity to develop a robust understanding of how his
      patterns of seeking care reflect agency. In so doing, we reveal how this approach
      can inform policy interventions that could create entry points for patients to
      access the primary care they need in settings that are best suited to their
      condition, and leads researchers away from the unproductive binary of
      "appropriate" and "inappropriate" users that blames patients for seeking acute
      care. We suggest that institutions develop structural competency to address
      administrative "inattentional blindness" that erects barriers to care.
      Specifically, we recommend: increasing insurance coverage among individuals and
      across populations, and enacting place-based community-level care by employing
      community health workers.

PMID- 27682024
TI  - Bioinformatics analysis of gene expression profile data to screen key genes
      involved in pulmonary sarcoidosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sarcoidosis is a multisystemic inflammatory and granulomatous disease
      that occurs in almost all populations and affects multiple organs. Meanwhile, its
      most common manifestation is pulmonary sarcoidosis. This study aimed to identify
      effective biomarkers for the diagnosis and therapy of pulmonary sarcoidosis.
      METHODS: GSE16538 was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus, including 6
      pulmonary sarcoidosis samples and 6 normal lung samples. Then, differentially
      expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by limma package in R. After the
      expression values of the DEGs were extracted, hierarchical clustering analysis
      was performed for the DEGs using the pheatmap package in R. Subsequently, protein
      protein interaction (PPI) pairs among the DEGs were searched by STRING or
      REACTOME databases, and then PPI networks were visualized by Cytoscape software.
      Using DAVID and KOBAS, functional and pathway enrichment analyses separately were
      performed for the DEGs involved in the PPI network. RESULTS: Total 208 DEGs were
      identified in pulmonary sarcoidosis samples, including 179 up-regulated genes and
      29 down-regulated genes. Hierarchical clustering showed that the DEGs could
      clearly distinguish the pulmonary sarcoidosis samples from the normal lung
      samples. In the PPI network constructed by STRING database, CXCL9, STAT1, CCL5,
      CXCL11 and GBP1 had higher degrees and betweenness values, and could interact
      with each other. Functional enrichment showed that CXCL9, CXCL11 and CCL5 were
      enriched in immune response. Moreover, STAT1 was enriched in pathways of
      chemokine signaling pathway and JAK-STAT signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: CXCL9,
      CXCL11, STAT1, CCL5 and GBP1 might be implicated in pulmonary sarcoidosis through
      interacting with each other.

PMID- 27682025
TI  - Short-Term Memory Performance in 7- and 8-Year-Old Children: The Relationship
      Between Phonological and Pitch Processing.
AB  - Purpose: The relationship between short-term memory for phonology and pitch was
      explored by examining accuracy scores for typically developing children for 5
      experimental tasks: immediate nonword repetition (NWR), nonword repetition with
      an 8-s silent interference (NWRS), pitch discrimination (PD), pitch
      discrimination with an 8-s silent interference (PDS), and pitch matching (PM).
      Method: Thirty-six 7- and 8-year-old children (21 girls, 15 boys) with normal
      hearing, language, and cognition were asked to listen to and repeat nonsense
      words (NWR, NWRS), make a same versus different decision between 2 tones (PD,
      PDS), and listen to and then vocally reproduce a tone (PM). Results: Results
      showed no significant correlations between tasks of phonological memory and tests
      of pitch memory, that participants scored significantly better on nonword
      repetition tasks than PD and PM tasks, and that participants performed
      significantly better on tasks with no silent interference. Discussion: These
      findings suggest that, for typically developing children, pitch may be stored and
      rehearsed in a separate location than phonological information. Because of
      fundamental task differences, further research is needed to corroborate these
      data and determine the presence of developmental effects and neuroanatomical
      locations where a potential language/music overlap is occurring in children.

PMID- 27682026
TI  - Mathematical model of the post-ablation enhancement zone as a tissue-level
      oedematic response.
AB  - PURPOSE: A hyperdense rim is commonly observed at the periphery of ablation zones
      during post-ablation imaging (e.g. ultrasound) in tumours. A mathematical model
      has been developed here to investigate the occurrence of this enhanced rim,
      caused by the ablated cells, giving an indication of the location of the final
      ablation region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The enhanced rim has been assumed here to
      be due to a tissue-level oedematic response of viable cells, which necessitated
      coupling multiple modelling elements in a spatially distributed system: thermal
      cell death, tissue-state dependent ion concentration dynamics, ion transport in
      the extracellular space, and osmotic cell volume regulation. RESULTS: In response
      to the imposed temperature function, an ablation zone was predicted,
      distinguishing the tissue state between 'dead' and 'alive'. A disturbance in
      intracellular/extracellular ion concentrations was induced due to ion
      redistribution, which acted as an osmotic stress and contributed to significant
      cell swelling in a thin rim at the periphery of the ablation zone. It was also
      found that the rim size only changed slightly with varying lesion size, in
      response to different temperature profiles. CONCLUSIONS: The study presents a
      novel mathematical model to understand the enhanced rim surrounding the ablation
      zone by assuming tissue-level cell oedema as the primary potential cause. The
      model links the direct response to thermal injury to an observable secondary
      response, which could be of clinical value in that the location of this bright
      ring could potentially be used for more accurate determination of the extent of
      the ablation zone.

PMID- 27682027
TI  - Prognostic significance of platelet count changes during hospitalization for
      community-acquired pneumonia.
AB  - The prognostic significance of platelet count (PC) changes during hospitalization
      for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) has not been investigated. For 976 adults,
      clinical data during hospitalization for CAP and all-cause mortality following
      discharge were compared according to DeltaPC (PC on discharge minus PC on
      admission): groups A (declining PC, DeltaPC < -50 * 109/l), B (stable PC, DeltaPC
      +/- 50 * 109/l), and C (rising PC, DeltaPC >50 * 109/l), and according to the
      presence of thrombocytopenia, normal PC, and thrombocytosis on
      admission/discharge. Groups A, B, and C comprised 7.9%, 46.5%, and 45.6% of
      patients, respectively. On hospital admission/discharge, thrombocytopenia, normal
      PC, and thrombocytosis were observed in 12.8%/6.4%, 84.1%/84.4%, and 3.1%/9.2% of
      patients, respectively. The respective 90-day, 3-year, and total (median follow
      up of 54 months) mortality rates were significantly higher: in group A (40.3%,
      63.6%, and 72.7%), compared to groups B (12.3%, 31.5%, and 39.0%) and C (4.9%,
      17.3%, and 25.4%), p < 0.001; and in patients with thrombocytopenia at discharge
      (27.4%, 48.4%, and 51.6%), compared to those with normal PC (10.2%, 26.9%, and
      35.4%) and thrombocytosis (8.9%, 17.8%, and 24.4%) at discharge (p < 0.001).
      Mortality rates were comparable among groups with thrombocytopenia, normal PC,
      and thrombocytosis at admission (p = 0.6). In the entire sample, each 100 * 109/l
      increment of DeltaPC strongly predicted lower mortality (p < 0.001, relative risk
      0.73, 95% confidence interval 0.64-0.83). In conclusion, PC changes are common
      among CAP inpatients. Rising PC throughout hospitalization is a powerful
      predictor of better survival, while declining PC predicts poor outcome.
      Evaluation of PC changes during hospitalization for CAP may provide useful
      prognostic information.

PMID- 27682028
TI  - Alcohol-Induced Molecular Dysregulation in Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived
      Neural Precursor Cells.
AB  - Adverse effect of alcohol on neural function has been well documented.
      Especially, the teratogenic effect of alcohol on neurodevelopment during
      embryogenesis has been demonstrated in various models, which could be a
      pathologic basis for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). While the
      developmental defects from alcohol abuse during gestation have been described,
      the specific mechanisms by which alcohol mediates these injuries have yet to be
      determined. Recent studies have shown that alcohol has significant effect on
      molecular and cellular regulatory mechanisms in embryonic stem cell (ESC)
      differentiation including genes involved in neural development. To test our
      hypothesis that alcohol induces molecular alterations during neural
      differentiation we have derived neural precursor cells from pluripotent human
      ESCs in the presence or absence of ethanol treatment. Genome-wide transcriptomic
      profiling identified molecular alterations induced by ethanol exposure during
      neural differentiation of hESCs into neural rosettes and neural precursor cell
      populations. The Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery
      (DAVID) functional analysis on significantly altered genes showed potential
      ethanol's effect on JAK-STAT signaling pathway, neuroactive ligand-receptor
      interaction, Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway, cytokine-cytokine
      receptor interaction and regulation of autophagy. We have further quantitatively
      verified ethanol-induced alterations of selected candidate genes. Among verified
      genes we further examined the expression of P2RX3, which is associated with
      nociception, a peripheral pain response. We found ethanol significantly reduced
      the level of P2RX3 in undifferentiated hESCs, but induced the level of P2RX3 mRNA
      and protein in hESC-derived NPCs. Our result suggests ethanol-induced
      dysregulation of P2RX3 along with alterations in molecules involved in neural
      activity such as neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction may be a molecular event
      associated with alcohol-related peripheral neuropathy of an enhanced nociceptive
      response.

PMID- 27682030
TI  - Clinical Anatomy of the Cavotricuspid Isthmus and Terminal Crest.
AB  - The aim of this study was to provide useful information about the cavotricuspid
      isthmus (CTI) and surrounding areas morphology, which may help to plan CTI radio
      frequency ablation. We examined 140 autopsied human hearts from Caucasian
      individuals of both sexes (29.3% females) with a mean age of 49.1+/-17.2 years.
      We macroscopically investigated the lower part of the right atrium, the CTI, the
      inferior vena cava ostium and the terminal crest. The paraseptal isthmus (18.5+/
      4.0 mm) was significantly shorter than the central isthmus (p<0.0001), and the
      central isthmus (24.0+/-4.2 mm) was significantly shorter than the inferolateral
      isthmus (29.3+/-4.9 mm) (p<0.0001). Heart weight was positively correlated with
      all isthmus diameters. Three different sectors of CTI were distinguished:
      anterior, middle and posterior. The middle sector of the CTI presented a
      different morphology: trabeculae (N = 87; 62.1%), intertrabecular recesses (N =
      35; 25.0%) and trabecular bridges (N = 18; 12.9%). A single sub-Eustachian recess
      was present in 48.6% of hearts (N = 68), and a double recess was present in 2.9%
      of hearts (N = 4) with mean depth = 5.6+/-1.8mm and diameter = 7.1+/-3.4mm. The
      morphology of the distal terminal crest was varied; 10 patterns of the distal
      terminal crest ramifications were noted. There were no statistically significant
      differences in any of the investigated CTI parameters between groups with
      different types of terminal crest ramifications. The presence of intertrabecular
      recesses (25.0%), trabecular bridges (12.9%) and sub-Eustachian recesses (48.6%)
      within the CTI can make ablation more difficult. We have presented the
      macroscopic patterns of final ramifications of the terminal crest within the
      quadrilateral CTI area.

PMID- 27682029
TI  - Investigating Teamwork in the Operating Room: Engaging Stakeholders and Setting
      the Agenda.

PMID- 27682031
TI  - Considerations for Developing a Zika Virus Vaccine.

PMID- 27682032
TI  - Fast-Track Zika Vaccine Development - Is It Possible?

PMID- 27682033
TI  - Predicting the Future - Big Data, Machine Learning, and Clinical Medicine.

PMID- 27682035
TI  - CLINICAL PRACTICE. Influenza Vaccination.

PMID- 27682036
TI  - IMAGES IN CLINICAL MEDICINE. Human Papillomavirus-Associated Oropharyngeal
      Squamous-Cell Carcinoma.

PMID- 27682037
TI  - CASE RECORDS of the MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL. Case 30-2016. A 63-Year-Old
      Woman with Bipolar Disorder, Cancer, and Worsening Depression.

PMID- 27682034
TI  - Adjunctive Azithromycin Prophylaxis for Cesarean Delivery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The addition of azithromycin to standard regimens for antibiotic
      prophylaxis before cesarean delivery may further reduce the rate of postoperative
      infection. We evaluated the benefits and safety of azithromycin-based extended
      spectrum prophylaxis in women undergoing nonelective cesarean section. METHODS:
      In this trial conducted at 14 centers in the United States, we studied 2013 women
      who had a singleton pregnancy with a gestation of 24 weeks or more and who were
      undergoing cesarean delivery during labor or after membrane rupture. We randomly
      assigned 1019 to receive 500 mg of intravenous azithromycin and 994 to receive
      placebo. All the women were also scheduled to receive standard antibiotic
      prophylaxis. The primary outcome was a composite of endometritis, wound
      infection, or other infection occurring within 6 weeks. RESULTS: The primary
      outcome occurred in 62 women (6.1%) who received azithromycin and in 119 (12.0%)
      who received placebo (relative risk, 0.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.38 to
      0.68; P<0.001). There were significant differences between the azithromycin group
      and the placebo group in rates of endometritis (3.8% vs. 6.1%, P=0.02), wound
      infection (2.4% vs. 6.6%, P<0.001), and serious maternal adverse events (1.5% vs.
      2.9%, P=0.03). There was no significant between-group difference in a secondary
      neonatal composite outcome that included neonatal death and serious neonatal
      complications (14.3% vs. 13.6%, P=0.63). CONCLUSIONS: Among women undergoing
      nonelective cesarean delivery who were all receiving standard antibiotic
      prophylaxis, extended-spectrum prophylaxis with adjunctive azithromycin was more
      effective than placebo in reducing the risk of postoperative infection. (Funded
      by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human
      Development; C/SOAP ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01235546 .).

PMID- 27682038
TI  - Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Cesarean Delivery - When Broader Is Better.

PMID- 27682039
TI  - Limits to Personalized Cancer Medicine.

PMID- 27682040
TI  - Mitochondrial Mobility and Neuronal Recovery.

PMID- 27682041
TI  - Preventing Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections.

PMID- 27682042
TI  - Preventing Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections.

PMID- 27682043
TI  - Preventing Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections.

PMID- 27682044
TI  - Preventing Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections.

PMID- 27682045
TI  - Body-Mass Index in Adolescence and Cardiovascular Death in Adulthood.

PMID- 27682046
TI  - Body-Mass Index in Adolescence and Cardiovascular Death in Adulthood.

PMID- 27682047
TI  - Body-Mass Index in Adolescence and Cardiovascular Death in Adulthood.

PMID- 27682048
TI  - Sudden Cardiac Death in Children and Young Adults.

PMID- 27682049
TI  - Sudden Cardiac Death in Children and Young Adults.

PMID- 27682050
TI  - Ankylosing Spondylitis and Axial Spondyloarthritis.

PMID- 27682051
TI  - Ankylosing Spondylitis and Axial Spondyloarthritis.

PMID- 27682052
TI  - Ankylosing Spondylitis and Axial Spondyloarthritis.

PMID- 27682054
TI  - Stellar Quake.

PMID- 27682053
TI  - Viral Load Kinetics of MERS Coronavirus Infection.

PMID- 27682055
TI  - IMAGES IN CLINICAL MEDICINE. Lymphangitis on the Abdomen.

PMID- 27682056
TI  - Crystallopathies.

PMID- 27682057
TI  - Crystallopathies.

PMID- 27682058
TI  - Crystallopathies.

PMID- 27682059
TI  - New Lignans from Antidesma hainanensis Inhibit NO Production in BV2 Microglial
      Cells.
AB  - Two new lignans (7S,7'R,8S,8'R)-3,3'-dimethoxy-7,7'-epoxylignan-4,4',9-triol 4-O
      beta-D-glucopyranoside (1) and 9-O-formylaviculin (2) together with other
      thirteen known secondary metabolites were isolated from the leaves of Antidesma
      hainanensis. Their chemical structures were determined using NMR, electrospray
      ionization (ESI)-MS, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopic methods, and as well
      as by comparison with those reported in the literature. Neuro-inflammatory
      activity of isolated compounds was evaluated by their inhibition on nitric oxide
      (NO) production in activated BV2 microglial cells. At concentration of 40 uM,
      compounds 1-3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 14, and 15 exhibited inhibitory effects over 50%,
      suggesting that they could be potential candidate drugs for the cure of neuro
      inflammation. In addition, compounds 1, 8, 14, and 15 significantly inhibited
      16.23, 27.76, 21.23, and 29.44% NO production at diluted concentration as low as
      2.5 uM.

PMID- 27682060
TI  - Brokering Community Engagement: Proactive Strategies for Supporting Indigenous
      Australians with Mental Health Problems.
AB  - This qualitative study explored the experiences of mental health employees
      working with Indigenous clients living with mental illness. Interviews were
      conducted with 20 mental health workers to identify strategies they adopt to
      facilitate community engagement with Indigenous clients. Using a thematic
      analysis approach, 'Brokering community engagement' was the umbrella theme from
      which two subthemes related to community engagement for the service and clients
      emerged (1) enabling connections -community and family; and (2) recovery and
      reconnecting with community. Participant insights enabled a deeper understanding
      of the role of community in the recovery process for Indigenous clients and
      highlight the importance of community engagement as a primary, yet multifaceted
      strategy used by mental health workers in the communities they serve.

PMID- 27682062
TI  - Drug resistant integrase mutants cause aberrant HIV integrations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: HIV-1 integrase is the target for three FDA-approved drugs,
      raltegravir, elvitegravir, and dolutegravir. All three drugs bind at the active
      site of integrase and block the strand transfer step of integration. We
      previously showed that sub-optimal doses of the anti-HIV drug raltegravir can
      cause aberrant HIV integrations that are accompanied by a variety of deletions,
      duplications, insertions and inversions of the adjacent host sequences. RESULTS:
      We show here that a second drug, elvitegravir, also causes similar aberrant
      integrations. More importantly, we show that at least two of the three clinically
      relevant drug resistant integrase mutants we tested, N155H and G140S/Q148H, which
      reduce the enzymatic activity of integrase, can cause the same sorts of aberrant
      integrations, even in the absence of drugs. In addition, these drug resistant
      mutants have an elevated IC50 for anti-integrase drugs, and concentrations of the
      drugs that would be optimal against the WT virus are suboptimal for the mutants.
      CONCLUSIONS: We previously showed that suboptimal doses of a drug that binds to
      the HIV enzyme integrase and blocks the integration of a DNA copy of the viral
      genome into host DNA can cause aberrant integrations that involve rearrangements
      of the host DNA. We show here that suboptimal doses of a second anti-integrase
      drug can cause similar aberrant integrations. We also show that drug-resistance
      mutations in HIV integrase can also cause aberrant integrations, even in the
      absence of an anti-integrase drug. HIV DNA integrations in the oncogenes BACH2
      and MKL2 that do not involve rearrangements of the viral or host DNA can
      stimulate the proliferation of infected cells. Based on what is known about the
      association of DNA rearrangements and the activation of oncogenes in human
      tumors, it is possible that some of the deletions, duplications, insertions, and
      inversions of the host DNA that accompany aberrant HIV DNA integrations could
      increase the chances that HIV integrations could lead to the development of a
      tumor.

PMID- 27682063
TI  - The Molecular Epidemiology and Antimicrobial Resistance of Neisseria gonorrhoeae
      in Australia: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study, 2012.
AB  - BACKGROUND:  Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by Neisseria gonorrhoeae is
      considered a serious global threat. METHODS:  In this nationwide study, we used
      MassARRAY iPLEX genotyping technology to examine the epidemiology of N.
      gonorrhoeae and associated AMR in the Australian population. All available N.
      gonorrhoeae isolates (n = 2452) received from Australian reference laboratories
      from January to June 2012 were included in the study. Genotypic data were
      combined with phenotypic AMR information to define strain types. RESULTS:  A
      total of 270 distinct strain types were observed. The 40 most common strain types
      accounted for over 80% of isolates, and the 10 most common strain types accounted
      for almost half of all isolates. The high male to female ratios (>94% male)
      suggested that at least 22 of the top 40 strain types were primarily circulating
      within networks of men who have sex with men (MSM). Particular strain types were
      also concentrated among females: two strain types accounted for 37.5% of all
      isolates from females. Isolates harbouring the mosaic penicillin binding protein
      2 (PBP2)-considered a key mechanism for cephalosporin resistance-comprised 8.9%
      of all N. gonorrhoeae isolates and were primarily observed in males (95%).
      CONCLUSIONS:  This large scale epidemiological investigation demonstrated that N.
      gonorrhoeae infections are dominated by relatively few strain types. The
      commonest strain types were concentrated in MSM in urban areas and Indigenous
      heterosexuals in remote areas, and we were able to confirm a resurgent epidemic
      in heterosexual networks in urban areas. The prevalence of mosaic PBP2 harboring
      N. gonorrhoeae strains highlight the ability for new N. gonorrhoeae strains to
      spread and become established across populations.

PMID- 27682064
TI  - Home Environment as a Source of Life-Threatening Azole-Resistant Aspergillus
      fumigatus in Immunocompromised Patients.
AB  - A case of fatal aspergillosis due to a TR46/Y121F/T289A azole-resistant
      Aspergillus fumigatus is reported. Environmental investigations at the patient's
      residence led to the recovery of TR46/Y121F/T289A isolates, genotypically
      indistinguishable from the clinical isolate, supporting for the first time the
      direct role of household as potential source of azole-resistant invasive
      aspergillosis.

PMID- 27682065
TI  - Zika Virus Genital Tract Shedding in Infected Women of Childbearing age.

PMID- 27682066
TI  - Reply to Sullivan.

PMID- 27682068
TI  - A Randomized Study Evaluating Oral Fusidic Acid (CEM-102) in Combination With
      Oral Rifampin Compared With Standard-of-Care Antibiotics for Treatment of
      Prosthetic Joint Infections: A Newly Identified Drug-Drug Interaction.
AB  - BACKGROUND:  Fusidic acid (FA) has been used for decades for bone infection,
      including prosthetic joint infection (PJI), often in combination with rifampin
      (RIF). An FA/RIF pharmacokinetic interaction has not previously been described.
      METHODS:  In a phase 2 open-label randomized study, we evaluated oral FA/RIF vs
      standard-of-care (SOC) intravenous antibiotics for treatment of hip or knee PJI.
      Outcome assessment occurred at reimplantation (week 12) for subjects with 2-stage
      exchange, and after 3 or 6 months of treatment for subjects with hip or knee
      debride and retain strategies, respectively. RESULTS:  Fourteen subjects were
      randomized 1:1 to FA/RIF or SOC. Pharmacokinetic profiles were obtained for 6
      subjects randomized to FA/RIF. FA concentrations were lower than anticipated in
      all subjects during the first week of therapy, and at weeks 4 and 6, blood levels
      continued to decline. By week 6, FA exposures were 40%-45% lower than expected.
      CONCLUSIONS:  The sponsor elected to terminate this study due to a clearly
      illustrated drug-drug interaction between FA and RIF, which lowered FA levels to
      a degree that could influence subject outcomes. Optimization of FA exposure if
      used in combination with RIF should be a topic of future research. CLINICAL
      TRIALS REGISTRATION:  NCT01756924.

PMID- 27682069
TI  - Definitions of Cytomegalovirus Infection and Disease in Transplant Patients for
      Use in Clinical Trials.
AB  - Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and disease are important causes of morbidity and
      mortality in transplant recipients. For the purpose of developing consistent
      reporting of CMV outcomes in clinical trials, definitions of CMV infection and
      disease were developed and most recently published in 2002. Since then, there
      have been major developments in its diagnosis and management. Therefore, the CMV
      Drug Development Forum consisting of scientists, clinicians, regulators, and
      industry representatives has produced an updated version incorporating recent
      knowledge with the aim to support clinical research and drug development. The
      main changes compared to previous definitions are the introduction of a "probable
      disease" category and to incorporate quantitative nucleic acid testing in some
      end-organ disease categories. As the field evolves, the need for updates of these
      definitions is clear, and collaborative efforts between scientists, regulators,
      and industry can provide a platform for this work.

PMID- 27682067
TI  - Hepatitis C Virus Postexposure Prophylaxis in the Healthcare Worker: Why Direct
      Acting Antivirals Don't Change a Thing.
AB  - Currently, 380 000-400 000 occupational exposures to blood-borne pathogens occur
      annually in the United States. The management for occupational HIV or hepatitis B
      virus exposures includes postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) when necessary; however,
      PEP is not recommended for hepatitis C virus (HCV) exposures. Recent approval of
      HCV direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) has renewed discussions as to whether these
      therapies could be used to prevent infection after exposure. There are no
      published studies addressing this question, but the prescribing of DAAs for PEP
      has been reported. We will discuss the differences in transmission of the 3 most
      common blood-borne pathogens, the natural history of early HCV infection, and the
      scientific rationale for PEP. In particular, we will discuss how the low
      feasibility of conducting an adequately powered clinical trial of DAA use for PEP
      and the low cost-effectiveness of such an intervention is not supportive of
      targeting limited resources for such use.

PMID- 27682070
TI  - Measuring Appropriate Antimicrobial Use: Attempts at Opening the Black Box.
AB  - Indiscriminate antimicrobial use has plagued medicine since antibiotics were
      first introduced into clinical practice >70 years ago. Infectious diseases
      physicians and public health officials have advocated for preservation of these
      life-saving drugs for many years. With rising burden of antimicrobial-resistant
      organisms and Clostridium difficile infections, halting unnecessary antimicrobial
      use has become one of the largest public health concerns of our time.
      Inappropriate antimicrobial use has been quantified in various settings using
      numerous definitions; however, no established reference standard exists. With
      mounting national efforts to improve antimicrobial use, a consensus definition
      and standard method of measuring appropriate antimicrobial use is imperative. We
      review existing literature on systematic approaches to define and measure
      appropriate antimicrobial use, and describe a collaborative effort at developing
      standardized audit tools for assessing the quality of antimicrobial prescribing.

PMID- 27682071
TI  - Declining Interest in Infectious Diseases: An Economic Problem That Requires
      Economic Solutions.

PMID- 27682072
TI  - How anorexia nervosa patients with high and low autistic traits respond to group
      Cognitive Remediation Therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The current study aimed to evaluate group Cognitive remediation
      therapy (CRT) inpatients with Anorexia Nervosa (AN). We aimed to examine the
      treatment response of group CRT in AN patients with high or low levels of
      autistic traits. METHODS: Thirty-five in patients with an AN diagnosis received
      group CRT intervention for 6 sessions in a national eating disorder unit. All
      participants completed self-report questionnaires on thinking styles and
      motivation before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Patients with low autistic
      traits had statistically significant medium size effect improvements in self
      reported thinking style scales as well as confidence (ability) to change.
      Patients with high autistic traits showed no statistically significant
      improvements in any outcome measure. CONCLUSIONS: The brief group format CRT
      intervention improves self-reported cognitive and motivational aspects in people
      with AN without autistic traits. For patients with higher autistic traits brief
      group CRT does not improve self-reported cognitive style or motivation. This
      finding suggests that brief group format CRT might not be the best suited format
      for individuals with elevated autistic traits and individual or more tailored CRT
      should be explored.

PMID- 27682073
TI  - Priorities in the Polish health care system.
AB  - Since 1999, Polish health policy has changed, the quality of services has
      increased, and also the level of financing, mainly from public benefits. Despite
      constant growth of indexes reflecting the health status of Polish society, such
      as life expectancy, quality of life, or decreasing index of deaths at birth, just
      as in the majority of European countries, in Poland the society is growing older,
      which implies the necessity to reorganize the system. In this paper, the author
      has described the most important factors that determine the operation of the
      health system in Poland, as well as presents the ways it was restructured over
      the last few years, taking into consideration the structural, legislative,
      financial, organizational, and quantitative aspects. Also, the latest trends in
      Polish health policy, which take into account new goals of the system, have been
      presented within.

PMID- 27682075
TI  - Identification of Multiple Bacteriocins in Enterococcus spp. Using an
      Enterococcus-Specific Bacteriocin PCR Array.
AB  - Twenty-two bacteriocin-producing Enterococcus isolates obtained from food and
      animal sources, and demonstrating activity against Listeria monocytogenes, were
      screened for bacteriocin-related genes using a bacteriocin PCR array based on
      known enterococcal bacteriocin gene sequences in the NCBI GenBank database. The
      22 bacteriocin-positive (Bac+) enterococci included En. durans (1), En. faecalis
      (4), En. faecium (12), En. hirae (3), and En. thailandicus (2). Enterocin A
      (entA), enterocins mr10A and mr10B (mr10AB), and bacteriocin T8 (bacA) were the
      most commonly found structural genes in order of decreasing prevalence. Forty
      five bacteriocin genes were identified within the 22 Bac+ isolates, each
      containing at least one of the screened structural genes. Of the 22 Bac+
      isolates, 15 possessed two bacteriocin genes, seven isolates contained three
      different bacteriocins, and three isolates contained as many as four different
      bacteriocin genes. These results may explain the high degree of bactericidal
      activity observed with various Bac+ Enterococcus spp. Antimicrobial activity
      against wild-type L. monocytogenes and a bacteriocin-resistant variant
      demonstrated bacteriocins having different modes-of-action. Mixtures of
      bacteriocins, especially those with different modes-of-action and having activity
      against foodborne pathogens, such as L. monocytogenes, may play a promising role
      in the preservation of food. 

PMID- 27682074
TI  - Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of MicroRNA in Viral Diseases.
AB  - Virology is probably the most rapidly developing field within clinical laboratory
      medicine. Adequate diagnostic methods exist for the diagnostics of most acute
      viral infections. However, emergence of pathogenic viruses or virus strains and
      new disease associations of known viruses require the establishment of new
      diagnostic methods, sometimes very rapidly. In the field of chronic or persistent
      viral diseases, particularly those involving potential of malignant or fatal
      development, there is a constant need for improved differential diagnostics,
      monitoring, prognosis and risk assessment. Increasing understanding of disease
      pathogenesis also enables better patient management and personalized medicine,
      where companion diagnostics can offer precise and specific tools for individual
      care. Very often the new tools are offered by molecular diagnostic techniques,
      and this includes the detection of microRNAs (miRNAs). miRNAs are small
      regulatory RNA molecules, which regulate the expression of their target genes.
      They are encoded both by viruses and their host, and both can target either viral
      or cellular gene expression. In this review the diagnostic possibilities offered
      by miRNA will be discussed. The focus will be on selected viral and human miRNAs
      in viral diseases, and examples of miRNAs of putative diagnostic potential will
      be presented.

PMID- 27682076
TI  - Rapid Reactivation of Deep Subsurface Microbes in the Presence of C-1 Compounds.
AB  - Microorganisms in the deep biosphere are believed to conduct little metabolic
      activity due to low nutrient availability in these environments. However,
      destructive penetration to long-isolated bedrock environments during construction
      of underground waste repositories can lead to increased nutrient availability and
      potentially affect the long-term stability of the repository systems, Here, we
      studied how microorganisms present in fracture fluid from a depth of 500 m in
      Outokumpu, Finland, respond to simple carbon compounds (C-1 compounds) in the
      presence or absence of sulphate as an electron acceptor. C-1 compounds such as
      methane and methanol are important intermediates in the deep subsurface carbon
      cycle, and electron acceptors such as sulphate are critical components of
      oxidation processes. Fracture fluid samples were incubated in vitro with either
      methane or methanol in the presence or absence of sulphate as an electron
      acceptor. Metabolic response was measured by staining the microbial cells with
      fluorescent dyes that indicate metabolic activity and transcriptional response
      with RT-qPCR. Our results show that deep subsurface microbes exist in dormant
      states but rapidly reactivate their transcription and respiration systems in the
      presence of C-1 substrates, particularly methane. Microbial activity was further
      enhanced by the addition of sulphate as an electron acceptor. Sulphate- and
      nitrate-reducing microbes were particularly responsive to the addition of C-1
      compounds and sulphate. These taxa are common in deep biosphere environments and
      may be affected by conditions disturbed by bedrock intrusion, as from drilling
      and excavation for long-term storage of hazardous waste. 

PMID- 27682077
TI  - Fumaric Acid and Slightly Acidic Electrolyzed Water Inactivate Gram Positive and
      Gram Negative Foodborne Pathogens.
AB  - Sanitizing effectiveness of slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) and fumaric
      acid (FA) at different dipping temperatures (25-60  degrees C), times (1-5 min),
      and concentrations (5-30 ppm for SAEW and 0.125%-0.5% for FA) on pure cultures of
      two Gram positive pathogens Staphylococcus aureus (SA) and Listeria monocytogenes
      (LM) and two Gram negative pathogens Escherichia coli O157:H7 (EC) and Salmonella
      Typhimurium (ST) was evaluated. FA (0.25%) showed the strongest sanitizing
      effect, demonstrating complete inactivation of EC, ST, and LM, while SA was
      reduced by 3.95-5.76 log CFU/mL at 25-60  degrees C, respectively, after 1 min of
      treatment. For SAEW, the complete inactivation was obtained when available
      chlorine concentration was increased to 20 ppm at 40  degrees C for 3 and 5 min.
      Moreover, Gram positive pathogens have been shown to resist to all treatment
      trends more than Gram negative pathogens throughout this experiment. Regardless
      of the different dipping temperatures, concentrations, and times, FA treatment
      was more effective than treatment with SAEW for reduction of foodborne pathogens.
      This study demonstrated that application of FA in food systems may be useful as a
      method for inactivation of foodborne pathogens. 

PMID- 27682078
TI  - Role of NAD+-Dependent Malate Dehydrogenase in the Metabolism of Methylomicrobium
      alcaliphilum 20Z and Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b.
AB  - We have expressed the l-malate dehydrogenase (MDH) genes from aerobic
      methanotrophs Methylomicrobium alcaliphilum 20Z and Methylosinus trichosporium
      OB3b as his-tagged proteins in Escherichia coli. The substrate specificities,
      enzymatic kinetics and oligomeric states of the MDHs have been characterized.
      Both MDHs were NAD+-specific and thermostable enzymes not affected by metal ions
      or various organic metabolites. The MDH from M. alcaliphilum 20Z was a
      homodimeric (2 * 35 kDa) enzyme displaying nearly equal reductive (malate
      formation) and oxidative (oxaloacetate formation) activities and higher affinity
      to malate (Km = 0.11 mM) than to oxaloacetate (Km = 0.34 mM). The MDH from M.
      trichosporium OB3b was homotetrameric (4 * 35 kDa), two-fold more active in the
      reaction of oxaloacetate reduction compared to malate oxidation and exhibiting
      higher affinity to oxaloacetate (Km = 0.059 mM) than to malate (Km = 1.28 mM).
      The kcat/Km ratios indicated that the enzyme from M. alcaliphilum 20Z had a
      remarkably high catalytic efficiency for malate oxidation, while the MDH of M.
      trichosporium OB3b was preferable for oxaloacetate reduction. The metabolic roles
      of the enzymes in the specific metabolism of the two methanotrophs are discussed.

PMID- 27682079
TI  - Experimental Horizontal Gene Transfer of Methylamine Dehydrogenase Mimics
      Prevalent Exchange in Nature and Overcomes the Methylamine Growth Constraints
      Posed by the Sub-Optimal N-Methylglutamate Pathway.
AB  - Methylamine plays an important role in the global carbon and nitrogen budget;
      microorganisms that grow on reduced single carbon compounds, methylotrophs, serve
      as a major biological sink for methylamine in aerobic environments. Two non
      orthologous, functionally degenerate routes for methylamine oxidation have been
      studied in methylotrophic Proteobacteria: Methylamine dehydrogenase and the N
      methylglutamate pathway. Recent work suggests the N-methylglutamate (NMG) pathway
      may be more common in nature than the well-studied methylamine dehydrogenase
      (MaDH, encoded by the mau gene cluster). However, the distribution of these
      pathways across methylotrophs has never been analyzed. Furthermore, even though
      horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is commonly invoked as a means to transfer these
      pathways between strains, the physiological barriers to doing so have not been
      investigated. We found that the NMG pathway is both more abundant and more
      universally distributed across methylotrophic Proteobacteria compared to MaDH,
      which displays a patchy distribution and has clearly been transmitted by HGT even
      amongst very closely related strains. This trend was especially prominent in well
      characterized strains of the Methylobacterium extroquens species, which also
      display significant phenotypic variability during methylamine growth. Strains
      like Methylobacterium extorquens PA1 that only encode the NMG pathway grew on
      methylamine at least five-fold slower than strains like Methylobacterium
      extorquens AM1 that also possess the mau gene cluster. By mimicking a HGT event
      through the introduction of the M. extorquens AM1 mau gene cluster into the PA1
      genome, the resulting strain instantaneously achieved a 4.5-fold increase in
      growth rate on methylamine and a 11-fold increase in fitness on methylamine,
      which even surpassed the fitness of M. extorquens AM1. In contrast, when three
      replicate populations of wild type M. extorquens PA1 were evolved on methylamine
      as the sole carbon and energy source for 150 generations neither fitness nor
      growth rate improved. These results suggest that the NMG pathway permits slow
      growth on methylamine and is widely distributed in methylotrophs; however, rapid
      growth on methylamine can be achieved quite readily through acquisition of the
      mau cluster by HGT. 

PMID- 27682080
TI  - Isolation and Taxonomic Identity of Bacteriocin-Producing Lactic Acid Bacteria
      from Retail Foods and Animal Sources.
AB  - Bacteriocin-producing (Bac+) lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from a
      variety of food products and animal sources. Samples were enriched in de Man,
      Rogosa, and Sharpe (MRS) Lactocilli broth and plated onto MRS agar plates using a
      "sandwich overlay" technique. Inhibitory activity was detected by the "deferred
      antagonism" indicator overlay method using Listeria monocytogenes as the primary
      indicator organism. Antimicrobial activity against L. monocytogenes was detected
      by 41 isolates obtained from 23 of 170 food samples (14%) and 11 of 110 samples
      from animal sources (10%) tested. Isolated Bac+ LAB included Lactococcus lactis,
      Lactobacillus curvatus, Carnobacterium maltaromaticum, Leuconostoc mesenteroides,
      and Pediococcus acidilactici, as well as Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus
      faecalis, Enterococcus hirae, and Enterococcus thailandicus. In addition to
      these, two Gram-negative bacteria were isolated (Serratia plymuthica, and
      Serratia ficaria) that demonstrated inhibitory activity against L. monocytogenes,
      Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis (S. ficaria additionally showed
      activity against Salmonella Typhimurium). These data continue to demonstrate that
      despite more than a decade of antimicrobial interventions on meats and produce, a
      wide variety of food products still contain Bac+ microbiota that are likely eaten
      by consumers and may have application as natural food preservatives. 

PMID- 27682081
TI  - Genomics of Methylotrophy in Gram-Positive Methylamine-Utilizing Bacteria.
AB  - Gram-positive methylotrophic bacteria have been known for a long period of time,
      some serving as model organisms for characterizing the specific details of
      methylotrophy pathways/enzymes within this group. However, genome-based knowledge
      of methylotrophy within this group has been so far limited to a single species,
      Bacillus methanolicus (Firmicutes). The paucity of whole-genome data for Gram
      positive methylotrophs limits our global understanding of methylotrophy within
      this group, including their roles in specific biogeochemical cycles, as well as
      their biotechnological potential. Here, we describe the isolation of seven novel
      strains of Gram-positive methylotrophs that include two strains of Bacillus and
      five representatives of Actinobacteria classified within two genera, Arthrobacter
      and Mycobacterium. We report whole-genome sequences for these isolates and
      present comparative analysis of the methylotrophy functional modules within these
      genomes. The genomic sequences of these seven novel organisms, all capable of
      growth on methylated amines, present an important reference dataset for
      understanding the genomic basis of methylotrophy in Gram-positive methylotrophic
      bacteria. This study is a major contribution to the field of methylotrophy, aimed
      at closing the gap in the genomic knowledge of methylotrophy within this diverse
      group of bacteria. 

PMID- 27682082
TI  - High Throughput Sequencing to Detect Differences in Methanotrophic
      Methylococcaceae and Methylocystaceae in Surface Peat, Forest Soil, and Sphagnum
      Moss in Cranesville Swamp Preserve, West Virginia, USA.
AB  - Northern temperate forest soils and Sphagnum-dominated peatlands are a major
      source and sink of methane. In these ecosystems, methane is mainly oxidized by
      aerobic methanotrophic bacteria, which are typically found in aerated forest
      soils, surface peat, and Sphagnum moss. We contrasted methanotrophic bacterial
      diversity and abundances from the (i) organic horizon of forest soil; (ii)
      surface peat; and (iii) submerged Sphagnum moss from Cranesville Swamp Preserve,
      West Virginia, using multiplex sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA (V3 region) gene
      amplicons. From ~1 million reads, >50,000 unique OTUs (Operational Taxonomic
      Units), 29 and 34 unique sequences were detected in the Methylococcaceae and
      Methylocystaceae, respectively, and 24 potential methanotrophs in the
      Beijerinckiaceae were also identified. Methylacidiphilum-like methanotrophs were
      not detected. Proteobacterial methanotrophic bacteria constitute <2% of
      microbiota in these environments, with the Methylocystaceae one to two orders of
      magnitude more abundant than the Methylococcaceae in all environments sampled.
      The Methylococcaceae are also less diverse in forest soil compared to the other
      two habitats. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling analyses indicated that the
      majority of methanotrophs from the Methylococcaceae and Methylocystaceae tend to
      occur in one habitat only (peat or Sphagnum moss) or co-occurred in both Sphagnum
      moss and peat. This study provides insights into the structure of methanotrophic
      communities in relationship to habitat type, and suggests that peat and Sphagnum
      moss can influence methanotroph community structure and biogeography. 

PMID- 27682083
TI  - Interactions of Methylotrophs with Plants and Other Heterotrophic Bacteria.
AB  - Methylotrophs, which can utilize methane and/or methanol as sole carbon and
      energy sources, are key players in the carbon cycle between methane and CO2, the
      two most important greenhouse gases. This review describes the relationships
      between methylotrophs and plants, and between methanotrophs (methane-utilizers, a
      subset of methylotrophs) and heterotrophic bacteria. Some plants emit methane and
      methanol from their leaves, and provide methylotrophs with habitats. Methanol
      utilizing methylotrophs in the genus Methylobacterium are abundant in the
      phyllosphere and have the ability to promote the growth of some plants.
      Methanotrophs also inhabit the phyllosphere, and methanotrophs with high methane
      oxidation activities have been found on aquatic plants. Both plant and
      environmental factors are involved in shaping the methylotroph community on
      plants. Methanotrophic activity can be enhanced by heterotrophic bacteria that
      provide growth factors (e.g., cobalamin). Information regarding the biological
      interaction of methylotrophs with other organisms will facilitate a better
      understanding of the carbon cycle that is driven by methylotrophs. 

PMID- 27682084
TI  - Parallel and Divergent Evolutionary Solutions for the Optimization of an
      Engineered Central Metabolism in Methylobacterium extorquens AM1.
AB  - Bioengineering holds great promise to provide fast and efficient biocatalysts for
      methanol-based biotechnology, but necessitates proven methods to optimize
      physiology in engineered strains. Here, we highlight experimental evolution as an
      effective means for optimizing an engineered Methylobacterium extorquens AM1.
      Replacement of the native formaldehyde oxidation pathway with a functional analog
      substantially decreased growth in an engineered Methylobacterium, but growth
      rapidly recovered after six hundred generations of evolution on methanol. We used
      whole-genome sequencing to identify the basis of adaptation in eight replicate
      evolved strains, and examined genomic changes in light of other growth and
      physiological data. We observed great variety in the numbers and types of
      mutations that occurred, including instances of parallel mutations at targets
      that may have been "rationalized" by the bioengineer, plus other "illogical"
      mutations that demonstrate the ability of evolution to expose unforeseen
      optimization solutions. Notably, we investigated mutations to RNA polymerase,
      which provided a massive growth benefit but are linked to highly aberrant
      transcriptional profiles. Overall, we highlight the power of experimental
      evolution to present genetic and physiological solutions for strain optimization,
      particularly in systems where the challenges of engineering are too many or too
      difficult to overcome via traditional engineering methods. 

PMID- 27682085
TI  - C1-Pathways in Methyloversatilis universalis FAM5: Genome Wide Gene Expression
      and Mutagenesis Studies.
AB  - Methyloversatilis universalis FAM5 utilizes single carbon compounds such as
      methanol or methylamine as a sole source of carbon and energy. Expression
      profiling reveals distinct sets of genes altered during growth on methylamine vs
      methanol. As expected, all genes for the N-methylglutamate pathway were induced
      during growth on methylamine. Among other functions responding to the aminated
      source of C1-carbon, are a heme-containing amine dehydrogenase (Qhp), a distant
      homologue of formaldehyde activating enzyme (Fae3), molybdenum-containing formate
      dehydrogenase, ferredoxin reductase, a set of homologues to urea/ammonium
      transporters and amino-acid permeases. Mutants lacking one of the functional
      subunits of the amine dehydrogenase (DeltaqhpA) or Deltafae3 showed no growth
      defect on C1-compounds. M. universalis FAM5 strains with a lesion in the H4
      folate pathway were not able to use any C1-compound, methanol or methylamine.
      Genes essential for C1-assimilation (the serine cycle and glyoxylate shunt) and
      H4MTP-pathway for formaldehyde oxidation showed similar levels of expression on
      both C1-carbon sources. M. universalis FAM5 possesses three homologs of the
      formaldehyde activating enzyme, a key enzyme of the H4MTP-pathway. Strains
      lacking the canonical Fae (fae1) lost the ability to grow on both C1-compounds.
      However, upon incubation on methylamine the fae1-mutant produced revertants
      (Deltafae1(R)), which regained the ability to grow on methylamine. Double and
      triple mutants (Deltafae1(R)Deltafae3, or Deltafae1(R)Deltafae2 or
      Deltafae1(R)Deltafae2Deltafae3) constructed in the revertant strain background
      showed growth similar to the Deltafae1(R) phenotype. The metabolic pathways for
      utilization of methanol and methylamine in Methyloversatilis universalis FAM5 are
      reconstructed based on these gene expression and phenotypic data. 

PMID- 27682086
TI  - Comparison of Microbiological and Probiotic Characteristics of Lactobacilli
      Isolates from Dairy Food Products and Animal Rumen Contents.
AB  - Lactobacilli are employed in probiotic food preparations and as feed additives in
      poultry and livestock, due to health benefits associated with their consumption.
      The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the probiotic potential
      of ten lactobacilli strains isolated from commercial dairy food products and
      animal rumen contents in New Zealand. Genetic identification of the isolates
      revealed that all belonged to the genus Lactobacillus, specifically the species
      L. reuteri, L. rhamnosus and L. plantarum. All isolates did not show any
      haemolytic behaviour. Isolates of dairy origin showed better tolerance to low pH
      stress. On the other hand, rumen isolates exhibited a higher tolerance to
      presence of bile salts. All isolates exhibited resistance to aminoglycoside
      antibiotics, however most were sensitive to ampicillin. Isolates of rumen origin
      demonstrated a higher inhibitory effect on Listeria monocytogenes, Enterobacter
      aerogenes and Salmonella menston. Bacterial adherence of all isolates increased
      with a decrease in pH. This screening study on lactobacilli isolates has assessed
      and identified potential probiotic candidates for further evaluation. 

PMID- 27682089
TI  - Generation of PHB from Spent Sulfite Liquor Using Halophilic Microorganisms.
AB  - Halophilic microorganisms thrive at elevated concentrations of sodium chloride up
      to saturation and are capable of growing on a wide variety of carbon sources like
      various organic acids, hexose and also pentose sugars. Hence, the
      biotechnological application of these microorganisms can cover many aspects, such
      as the treatment of hypersaline waste streams of different origin. Due to the
      fact that the high osmotic pressure of hypersaline environments reduces the risk
      of contamination, the capacity for cost-effective non-sterile cultivation can
      make extreme halophilic microorganisms potentially valuable organisms for
      biotechnological applications. In this contribution, the stepwise use of
      screening approaches, employing design of experiment (DoE) on model media and
      subsequently using industrial waste as substrate have been implemented to
      investigate the applicability of halophiles to generate PHB from the industrial
      waste stream spent sulfite liquor (SSL). The production of PHB on model media as
      well as dilutions of industrial substrate in a complex medium has been screened
      for by fluorescence microscopy using Nile Blue staining. Screening was used to
      investigate the ability of halophilic microorganisms to withstand the inhibiting
      substances of the waste stream without negatively affecting PHB production. It
      could be shown that neither single inhibiting substances nor a mixture thereof
      inhibited growth in the investigated range, hence, leaving the question on the
      inhibiting mechanisms open. However, it could be demonstrated that some
      haloarchaea and halophilic bacteria are able to produce PHB when cultivated on
      3.3% w/w dry matter spent sulfite liquor, whereas H. halophila was even able to
      thrive on 6.6% w/w dry matter spent sulfite liquor and still produce PHB. 

PMID- 27682087
TI  - Does the Gut Microbiota Contribute to Obesity? Going beyond the Gut Feeling.
AB  - Increasing evidence suggests that gut microbiota is an environmental factor that
      plays a crucial role in obesity. However, the aetiology of obesity is rather
      complex and depends on different factors. Furthermore, there is a lack of
      consensus about the exact role that this microbial community plays in the host.
      The aim of this review is to present evidence about what has been characterized,
      compositionally and functionally, as obese gut microbiota. In addition, the
      different reasons explaining the so-far unclear role are discussed considering
      evidence from in vitro, animal and human studies. 

PMID- 27682090
TI  - Methane Oxidation and Molecular Characterization of Methanotrophs from a Former
      Mercury Mine Impoundment.
AB  - The Herman Pit, once a mercury mine, is an impoundment located in an active
      geothermal area. Its acidic waters are permeated by hundreds of gas seeps. One
      seep was sampled and found to be composed of mostly CO2 with some CH4 present.
      The delta(13)CH4 value suggested a complex origin for the methane: i.e., a
      thermogenic component plus a biological methanogenic portion. The relatively
      (12)C-enriched CO2 suggested a reworking of the ebullitive methane by
      methanotrophic bacteria. Therefore, we tested bottom sediments for their ability
      to consume methane by conducting aerobic incubations of slurried materials.
      Methane was removed from the headspace of live slurries, and subsequent additions
      of methane resulted in faster removal rates. This activity could be transferred
      to an artificial, acidic medium, indicating the presence of acidophilic or acid
      tolerant methanotrophs, the latter reinforced by the observation of maximum
      activity at pH = 4.5 with incubated slurries. A successful extraction of sterol
      and hopanoid lipids characteristic of methanotrophs was achieved, and their
      abundances greatly increased with increased sediment methane consumption. DNA
      extracted from methane-oxidizing enrichment cultures was amplified and sequenced
      for pmoA genes that aligned with methanotrophic members of the
      Gammaproteobacteria. An enrichment culture was established that grew in an acidic
      (pH 4.5) medium via methane oxidation. 

PMID- 27682091
TI  - Temporal Study of the Microbial Diversity of the North Arm of Great Salt Lake,
      Utah, U.S.
AB  - We employed a temporal sampling approach to understand how the microbial
      diversity may shift in the north arm of Great Salt Lake, Utah, U.S. To determine
      how variations in seasonal environmental factors affect microbial communities,
      length heterogeneity PCR fingerprinting was performed using consensus primers for
      the domain Bacteria, and the haloarchaea. The archaeal fingerprints showed
      similarities during 2003 and 2004, but this diversity changed during the
      remaining two years of the study, 2005 and 2006. We also performed molecular
      phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA genes of the whole microbial community to
      characterize the taxa in the samples. Our results indicated that in the domain,
      Bacteria, the Salinibacter group dominated the populations in all samplings.
      However, in the case of Archaea, as noted by LIBSHUFF for phylogenetic
      relatedness analysis, many of the temporal communities were distinct from each
      other, and changes in community composition did not track with environmental
      parameters. Around 20-23 different phylotypes, as revealed by rarefaction,
      predominated at different periods of the year. Some phylotypes, such as
      Haloquadradum, were present year-round although they changed in their abundance
      in different samplings, which may indicate that these species are affected by
      biotic factors, such as nutrients or viruses, that are independent of seasonal
      temperature dynamics. 

PMID- 27682092
TI  - Tetrachloromethane-Degrading Bacterial Enrichment Cultures and Isolates from a
      Contaminated Aquifer.
AB  - The prokaryotic community of a groundwater aquifer exposed to high concentrations
      of tetrachloromethane (CCl4) for more than three decades was followed by terminal
      restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) during pump-and-treat
      remediation at the contamination source. Bacterial enrichments and isolates were
      obtained under selective anoxic conditions, and degraded 10 mg.L(-1) CCl4, with
      less than 10% transient formation of chloroform. Dichloromethane and
      chloromethane were not detected. Several tetrachloromethane-degrading strains
      were isolated from these enrichments, including bacteria from the Klebsiella and
      Clostridium genera closely related to previously described CCl4 degrading
      bacteria, and strain TM1, assigned to the genus Pelosinus, for which this
      property was not yet described. Pelosinus sp. TM1, an oxygen-tolerant, Gram
      positive bacterium with strictly anaerobic metabolism, excreted a thermostable
      metabolite into the culture medium that allowed extracellular CCl4
      transformation. As estimated by T-RFLP, phylotypes of CCl4-degrading enrichment
      cultures represented less than 7%, and archaeal and Pelosinus strains less than
      0.5% of the total prokaryotic groundwater community. 

PMID- 27682093
TI  - Copahue Geothermal System: A Volcanic Environment with Rich Extreme Prokaryotic
      Biodiversity.
AB  - The Copahue geothermal system is a natural extreme environment located at the
      northern end of the Cordillera de los Andes in Neuquen province in Argentina. The
      geochemistry and consequently the biodiversity of the area are dominated by the
      activity of the Copahue volcano. The main characteristic of Copahue is the
      extreme acidity of its aquatic environments; ponds and hot springs of moderate
      and high temperature as well as Rio Agrio. In spite of being an apparently
      hostile location, the prokaryotic biodiversity detected by molecular ecology
      techniques as well as cultivation shows a rich and diverse environment dominated
      by acidophilic, sulphur oxidising bacteria or archaea, depending on the
      conditions of the particular niche studied. In microbial biofilms, found in the
      borders of the ponds where thermal activity is less intense, the species found
      are completely different, with a high presence of cyanobacteria and other
      photosynthetic species. Our results, collected during more than 10 years of work
      in Copahue, have enabled us to outline geomicrobiological models for the
      different environments found in the ponds and Rio Agrio. Besides, Copahue seems
      to be the habitat of novel, not yet characterised autochthonous species,
      especially in the domain Archaea. 

PMID- 27682094
TI  - Extremophiles in Mineral Sulphide Heaps: Some Bacterial Responses to Variable
      Temperature, Acidity and Solution Composition.
AB  - In heap bioleaching, acidophilic extremophiles contribute to enhanced metal
      extraction from mineral sulphides through the oxidation of Fe(II) and/or reduced
      inorganic sulphur compounds (RISC), such as elemental sulphur or mineral
      sulphides, or the degradation of organic compounds derived from the ore, biota or
      reagents used during mineral processing. The impacts of variable solution acidity
      and composition, as well as temperature on the three microbiological functions
      have been examined for up to four bacterial species found in mineral sulphide
      heaps. The results indicate that bacteria adapt to sufficiently high metal
      concentrations (Cu, Ni, Co, Zn, As) to allow them to function in mineral sulphide
      heaps and, by engaging alternative metabolic pathways, to extend the solution pH
      range over which growth is sustained. Fluctuating temperatures during start up in
      sulphide heaps pose the greatest threat to efficient bacterial colonisation. The
      large masses of ores in bioleaching heaps mean that high temperatures arising
      from sulphide oxidation are hard to control initially, when the sulphide content
      of the ore is greatest. During that period, mesophilic and moderately
      thermophilic bacteria are markedly reduced in both numbers and activity. 

PMID- 27682088
TI  - Tackling Drug Resistant Infection Outbreaks of Global Pandemic Escherichia coli
      ST131 Using Evolutionary and Epidemiological Genomics.
AB  - High-throughput molecular screening is required to investigate the origin and
      diffusion of antimicrobial resistance in pathogen outbreaks. The most frequent
      cause of human infection is Escherichia coli, which is dominated by sequence type
      131 (ST131)-a set of rapidly radiating pandemic clones. The highly infectious
      clades of ST131 originated firstly by a mutation enhancing conjugation and
      adhesion. Secondly, single-nucleotide polymorphisms occurred enabling
      fluoroquinolone-resistance, which is near-fixed in all ST131. Thirdly, broader
      resistance through beta-lactamases has been gained and lost frequently,
      symptomatic of conflicting environmental selective effects. This flexible
      approach to gene exchange is worrying and supports the proposition that ST131
      will develop an even wider range of plasmid and chromosomal elements promoting
      antimicrobial resistance. To stop ST131, deep genome sequencing is required to
      understand the origin, evolution and spread of antimicrobial resistance genes.
      Phylogenetic methods that decipher past events can predict future patterns of
      virulence and transmission based on genetic signatures of adaptation and gene
      exchange. Both the effect of partial antimicrobial exposure and cell dormancy
      caused by variation in gene expression may accelerate the development of
      resistance. High-throughput sequencing can decode measurable evolution of cell
      populations within patients associated with systems-wide changes in gene
      expression during treatments. A multi-faceted approach can enhance assessment of
      antimicrobial resistance in E. coli ST131 by examining transmission dynamics
      between hosts to achieve a goal of pre-empting resistance before it emerges by
      optimising antimicrobial treatment protocols. 

PMID- 27682095
TI  - Cold-Active, Heterotrophic Bacteria from the Highly Oligotrophic Waters of Lake
      Vanda, Antarctica.
AB  - The permanently ice-covered lakes of the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica are
      distinctive ecosystems that consist strictly of microbial communities. In this
      study, water samples were collected from Lake Vanda, a stratified Dry Valley lake
      whose upper waters (from just below the ice cover to nearly 60 m) are highly
      oligotrophic, and used to establish enrichment cultures. Six strains of
      psychrotolerant, heterotrophic bacteria were isolated from lake water samples
      from a depth of 50 or 55 m. Phylogenetic analyses showed the Lake Vanda strains
      to be species of Nocardiaceae, Caulobacteraceae, Sphingomonadaceae, and
      Bradyrhizobiaceae. All Lake Vanda strains grew at temperatures near or below 0 
      degrees C, but optimal growth occurred from 18 to 24  degrees C. Some strains
      showed significant halotolerance, but no strains required NaCl for growth. The
      isolates described herein include cold-active species not previously reported
      from Dry Valley lakes, and their physiological and phylogenetic characterization
      broadens our understanding of these limnologically unique lakes. 

PMID- 27682097
TI  - Live Yeast and Yeast Cell Wall Supplements Enhance Immune Function and
      Performance in Food-Producing Livestock: A Review (?,)(?).
AB  - More livestock producers are seeking natural alternatives to antibiotics and
      antimicrobials, and searching for supplements to enhance growth performance, and
      general animal health and well-being. Some of the compounds currently being
      utilized and studied are live yeast and yeast-based products derived from the
      strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae. These products have been reported to have
      positive effects both directly and indirectly on the immune system and its
      subsequent biomarkers, thereby mitigating negative effects associated with stress
      and disease. These yeast-based products have also been reported to simultaneously
      enhance growth and performance by enhancing dry matter intake (DMI) and average
      daily gain (ADG) perhaps through the establishment of a healthy gastrointestinal
      tract. These products may be especially useful in times of potential stress such
      as during birth, weaning, early lactation, and during the receiving period at the
      feedlot. Overall, yeast supplements appear to possess the ability to improve
      animal health and metabolism while decreasing morbidity, thereby enhancing
      profitability of these animals. 

PMID- 27682096
TI  - Pyruvate: A key Nutrient in Hypersaline Environments?
AB  - Some of the most commonly occurring but difficult to isolate halophilic
      prokaryotes, Archaea as well as Bacteria, require or prefer pyruvate as carbon
      and energy source. The most efficient media for the enumeration and isolation of
      heterotrophic prokaryotes from natural environments, from freshwater to
      hypersaline, including the widely used R2A agar medium, contain pyruvate as a key
      ingredient. Examples of pyruvate-loving halophiles are the square, extremely
      halophilic archaeon Haloquadratum walsbyi and the halophilic gammaproteobacterium
      Spiribacter salinus. However, surprisingly little is known about the availability
      of pyruvate in natural environments and about the way it enters the cell. Some
      halophilic Archaea (Halorubrum saccharovorum, Haloarcula spp.) partially convert
      sugars and glycerol to pyruvate and other acids (acetate, lactate) which are
      excreted to the medium. Pyruvate formation from glycerol was also shown during a
      bloom of halophilic Archaea in the Dead Sea. However, no pyruvate transporters
      were yet identified in the genomes of halophilic Archaea, and altogether, our
      understanding of pyruvate transport in the prokaryote world is very limited.
      Therefore, the preference for pyruvate by fastidious and often elusive halophiles
      and the empirically proven enhanced colony recovery on agar media containing
      pyruvate are still poorly understood. 

PMID- 27682099
TI  - Quantitative Characterization of the Growth of Deinococcus geothermalis DSM
      11302: Effect of Inoculum Size, Growth Medium and Culture Conditions.
AB  - Due to their remarkable resistance to extreme conditions, Deinococcaceae strains
      are of great interest to biotechnological prospects. However, the physiology of
      the extremophile strain Deinococcus geothermalis has scarcely been studied and is
      not well understood. The physiological behaviour was then studied in well
      controlled conditions in flask and bioreactor cultures. The growth of D.
      geothermalis type strains was compared. Among the strains tested, the strain from
      the German Collection of Microorganisms (Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen
      DSM) DSM-11302 was found to give the highest biomass concentration and growth
      rate: in a complex medium with glucose, the growth rate reached 0.75 h(-1) at 45 
      degrees C. Yeast extract concentration in the medium had significant constitutive
      and catalytic effects. Furthermore, the results showed that the physiological
      descriptors were not affected by the inoculum preparation steps. A batch culture
      of D. geothermalis DSM-11302 on defined medium was carried out: cells grew
      exponentially with a maximal growth rate of 0.28 h(-1) and D. geothermalis DSM
      11302 biomass reached 1.4 g.L(-1) in 20 h. Then, 1.4 gDryCellWeight of biomass
      (X) was obtained from 5.6 g glucose (Glc) consumed as carbon source,
      corresponding to a yield of 0.3 CmolX.CmolGlc(-1); cell specific oxygen uptake
      and carbon dioxide production rates reached 216 and 226 mmol.CmolX(-1).h(-1),
      respectively, and the respiratory quotient (QR) value varied from 1.1 to 1.7.
      This is the first time that kinetic parameters and yields are reported for D.
      geothermalis DSM-11302 grown on a mineral medium in well-controlled batch
      culture. 

PMID- 27682098
TI  - Assessment of the Factors Contributing to the Growth or Spoilage of Meyerozyma
      guilliermondii in Organic Yogurt: Comparison of Methods for Strain
      Differentiation.
AB  - In this work we analyze the spoiling potential of Meyerozyma guilliermondii in
      yogurt. The analysis was based on contaminated samples sent to us by an
      industrial laboratory over two years. All the plain and fruit yogurt packages
      were heavily contaminated by yeasts, but only the last ones, containing
      fermentable sugars besides lactose, were spoiled by gas swelling. These strains
      were unable to grow and ferment lactose (as the type strain); they did grow on
      lactate plus galactose, fermented glucose and sucrose, and galactose (weakly),
      but did not compete with lactic acid bacteria for lactose. This enables them to
      grow in any yogurt, although only those with added jam were spoiled due to the
      fermentation of the fruit sugars. Fermentation, but not growth, was strongly
      inhibited at 8  degrees C. In consequence, in plain yogurt as well as in any
      yogurt maintained at low temperature, yeast contamination would not be detected
      by the consumer. The risk could be enhanced because the species has been proposed
      for biological control of fungal infections in organic agriculture. The
      combination of the IGS PCR-RFLP (amplification of the intergenic spacer region of
      rDNA followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis) method and
      mitochondrial DNA-RFLP makes a good tool to trace and control the contamination
      by M. guilliermondii. 

PMID- 27682100
TI  - Role of Bacterial Exopolysaccharides as Agents in Counteracting Immune Disorders
      Induced by Herpes Virus.
AB  - Extreme marine environments, such as the submarine shallow vents of the Eolian
      Islands (Italy), offer an almost unexplored source of microorganisms producing
      unexploited and promising biomolecules for pharmaceutical applications.
      Thermophilic and thermotolerant bacilli isolated from Eolian vents are able to
      produce exopolysaccharides (EPSs) with antiviral and immunomodulatory effects
      against Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). HSV-2 is responsible for the most
      common and continuously increasing viral infections in humans. Due to the
      appearance of resistance to the available treatments, new biomolecules exhibiting
      different mechanisms of action could provide novel agents for treating viral
      infections. The EPSs hinder the HSV-2 replication in human peripheral blood
      mononuclear cells (PBMC) but not in WISH (Wistar Institute Susan Hayflic) cells
      line, indicating that cell-mediated immunity was involved in the antiviral
      activity. High levels of Th1-type cytokines were detected in PBMC treated with
      all EPSs, while Th2-type cytokines were not induced. These EPSs are water soluble
      exopolymers able to stimulate the immune response and thus contribute to the
      antiviral immune defense, acting as immunomodulators. As stimulants of Th1 cell
      mediated immunity, they could lead to the development of novel drugs as
      alternative in the treatment of herpes virus infections, as well as in
      immunocompromised host. 

PMID- 27682101
TI  - Novel Methanotrophs of the Family Methylococcaceae from Different Geographical
      Regions and Habitats.
AB  - Terrestrial methane seeps and rice paddy fields are important ecosystems in the
      methane cycle. Methanotrophic bacteria in these ecosystems play a key role in
      reducing methane emission into the atmosphere. Here, we describe three novel
      methanotrophs, designated BRS-K6, GFS-K6 and AK-K6, which were recovered from
      three different habitats in contrasting geographic regions and ecosystems:
      waterlogged rice-field soil and methane seep pond sediments from Bangladesh; and
      warm spring sediments from Armenia. All isolates had a temperature range for
      growth of 8-35  degrees C (optimal 25-28  degrees C) and a pH range of 5.0-7.5
      (optimal 6.4-7.0). 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that they were new
      gammaproteobacterial methanotrophs, which form a separate clade in the family
      Methylococcaceae. They fell into a cluster with thermotolerant and mesophilic
      growth tendency, comprising the genera Methylocaldum-Methylococcus
      Methyloparacoccus-Methylogaea. So far, growth below 15  degrees C of
      methanotrophs from this cluster has not been reported. The strains possessed type
      I intracytoplasmic membranes. The genes pmoA, mxaF, cbbL, nifH were detected, but
      no mmoX gene was found. Each strain probably represents a novel species either
      belonging to the same novel genus or each may even represent separate genera.
      These isolates extend our knowledge of methanotrophic Gammaproteobacteria and
      their physiology and adaptation to different ecosystems. 

PMID- 27682104
TI  - Effect of Lemongrass Essential Oil Vapors on Microbial Dynamics and Listeria
      monocytogenes Survival on Rocket and Melon Stored under Different Packaging
      Conditions and Temperatures.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of lemongrass essential
      oil vapors on the dynamics of surface microbiota and L. monocytogenes growth on
      rocket and melon under different packaging conditions and storage temperature.
      For that purpose, rocket and melon were placed on Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
      trays, sprayed with L. monocytogenes to a population of 4.5-5.0 log CFU.g(-1),
      packaged using microperforated Oriented Polypropylene (OPP) film in either air or
      Microperforated Active Modified Atmosphere (MAMA) (initial atmosphere 5% O2, 10%
      CO2) including a Whatman paper containing the essential oil, without contact with
      the product, and stored at 0, 5, 10, and 15  degrees C. Application of lemongrass
      exhibited a bactericidal effect on enterococci and a fungistatic effect on yeast
      mould populations but only during air storage of rocket. The former took place at
      all temperatures and the latter only at 10 and 15  degrees C. No effect on shelf
      life of both products was recorded. However, an important effect on the sensorial
      properties was observed; during the first 4-5 days of storage both products were
      organoleptically unacceptable. Regarding MAMA packaging, it affected only
      Pseudomonas spp. population resulting in a reduction of 1-2 log CFU.g(-1) in both
      products. 

PMID- 27682102
TI  - A Three-Component Microbial Consortium from Deep-Sea Salt-Saturated Anoxic Lake
      Thetis Links Anaerobic Glycine Betaine Degradation with Methanogenesis.
AB  - Microbial communities inhabiting the deep-sea salt-saturated anoxic lakes of the
      Eastern Mediterranean operate under harsh physical-chemical conditions that are
      incompatible with the lifestyle of common marine microorganisms. Here, we
      investigated a stable three-component microbial consortium obtained from the
      brine of the recently discovered deep-sea salt-saturated Lake Thetis. The trophic
      network of this consortium, established at salinities up to 240, relies on
      fermentative decomposition of common osmoprotectant glycine betaine (GB).
      Similarly to known extreme halophilic anaerobic GB-degrading enrichments, the
      initial step of GB degradation starts with its reductive cleavage to
      trimethylamine and acetate, carried out by the fermenting member of the Thetis
      enrichment, Halobacteroides lacunaris TB21. In contrast to acetate, which cannot
      be easily oxidized in salt-saturated anoxic environments, trimethylamine
      represents an advantageous C1-substrate for methylotrophic methanogenic member of
      the Thetis enrichment, Methanohalophilus sp. TA21. This second member of the
      consortium likely produces hydrogen via methylotrophic modification of reductive
      acetyl-CoA pathway because the initial anaerobic GB cleavage reaction requires
      the consumption of reducing equivalents. Ecophysiological role of the third
      member of the Thetis consortium, Halanaerobium sp. TB24, which lacks the
      capability of either GB or trimethylamine degradation, remains yet to be
      elucidated. As it is true for cultivated members of family Halanaerobiaceae, the
      isolate TB24 can obtain energy primarily by fermenting simple sugars and
      producing hydrogen as one of the end products. Hence, by consuming of TB21 and
      TA21 metabolites, Halanaerobium sp. TB24 can be an additional provider of
      reducing equivalents required for reductive degradation of GB. Description of the
      Thetis GB-degrading consortium indicated that anaerobic degradation of
      osmoregulatory molecules may play important role in the overall turnover of
      organic carbon in anoxic hypersaline biotopes. 

PMID- 27682105
TI  - Evaluation of Potential Effects of NaCl and Sorbic Acid on Staphylococcal
      Enterotoxin A Formation.
AB  - The prophage-encoded staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) is recognized as the main
      cause of staphylococcal food poisoning (SFP), a common foodborne intoxication
      disease, caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Studies on the production of SEA
      suggest that activation of the SOS response and subsequent prophage induction
      affect the regulation of the sea gene and the SEA produced, increasing the risk
      for SFP. The present study aims to evaluate the effect of NaCl and sorbic acid,
      in concentrations relevant to food production, on SOS response activation,
      prophage induction and SEA production. The impact of stress was initially
      evaluated on steady state cells for a homogenous cell response. NaCl 2% was found
      to activate the SOS response, i.e., recA expression, and trigger prophage
      induction, in a similar way as the phage-inducer mitomycin C. In contrast, sorbic
      acid decreased the pH of the culture to a level where prophage induction was
      probably suppressed, even when combined with NaCl stress. The impact of previous
      physiological state of the bacteria was also addressed on cells pre-exposed to
      NaCl, and was found to potentially affect cell response upon exposure to further
      stress. The results obtained highlight the possible SFP-related risks arising
      from the use of preservatives during food processing. 

PMID- 27682103
TI  - The Effects of Perchlorates on the Permafrost Methanogens: Implication for
      Autotrophic Life on Mars.
AB  - The terrestrial permafrost represents a range of possible cryogenic
      extraterrestrial ecosystems on Earth-like planets without obvious surface ice,
      such as Mars. The autotrophic and chemolithotrophic psychrotolerant methanogens
      are more likely than aerobes to function as a model for life forms that may exist
      in frozen subsurface environments on Mars, which has no free oxygen, inaccessible
      organic matter, and extremely low amounts of unfrozen water. Our research on the
      genesis of methane, its content and distribution in permafrost horizons of
      different ages and origin demonstrated the presence of methane in permanently
      frozen fine-grained sediments. Earlier, we isolated and described four strains of
      methanogenic archaea of Methanobacterium and Methanosarcina genera from samples
      of Pliocene and Holocene permafrost from Eastern Siberia. In this paper we study
      the effect of sodium and magnesium perchlorates on growth of permafrost and
      nonpermafrost methanogens, and present evidence that permafrost hydogenotrophic
      methanogens are more resistant to the chaotropic agent found in Martian soil. In
      this paper we study the effect of sodium and magnesium perchlorates on the growth
      of permafrost and nonpermafrost methanogens, and present evidence that permafrost
      hydogenotrophic methanogens are more resistant to the chaotropic agent found in
      Martian soil. Furthermore, as shown in the studies strain M2(T) M. arcticum,
      probably can use perchlorate anion as an electron acceptor in anaerobic methane
      oxidation. Earth's subzero subsurface environments are the best approximation of
      environments on Mars, which is most likely to harbor methanogens; thus, a
      biochemical understanding of these pathways is expected to provide a basis for
      designing experiments to detect autotrophic methane-producing life forms on Mars.

PMID- 27682106
TI  - Membrane Association and Catabolite Repression of the Sulfolobus solfataricus
      alpha-Amylase.
AB  - Sulfolobus solfataricus is a thermoacidophilic member of the archaea whose
      envelope consists of an ether-linked lipid monolayer surrounded by a protein S
      layer. Protein translocation across this envelope must accommodate a steep proton
      gradient that is subject to temperature extremes. To better understand this
      process in vivo, studies were conducted on the S. solfataricus glycosyl
      hydrolyase family 57 alpha-Amylase (AmyA). Cell lines harboring site specific
      modifications of the amyA promoter and AmyA structural domains were created by
      gene replacement using markerless exchange and characterized by Western blot,
      enzyme assay and culture-based analysis. Fusion of amyA to the malAp promoter
      overcame amyAp-mediated regulatory responses to media composition including
      glucose and amino acid repression implicating action act at the level of
      transcription. Deletion of the AmyA Class II N-terminal signal peptide blocked
      protein secretion and intracellular protein accumulation. Deletion analysis of a
      conserved bipartite C-terminal motif consisting of a hydrophobic region followed
      by several charged residues indicated the charged residues played an essential
      role in membrane-association but not protein secretion. Mutants lacking the C
      terminal bipartite motif exhibited reduced growth rates on starch as the sole
      carbon and energy source; therefore, association of AmyA with the membrane
      improves carbohydrate utilization. Widespread occurrence of this motif in other
      secreted proteins of S. solfataricus and of related Crenarchaeota suggests
      protein association with membranes is a general trait used by these organisms to
      influence external processes. 

PMID- 27682108
TI  - Fungal Biodiversity in the Alpine Tarfala Valley.
AB  - Biological soil crusts (BSCs) are distributed worldwide in all semiarid and arid
      lands, where they play a determinant role in element cycling and soil
      development. Although much work has concentrated on BSC microbial communities,
      free-living fungi have been hitherto largely overlooked. The aim of this study
      was to examine the fungal biodiversity, by cultural-dependent and cultural
      independent approaches, in thirteen samples of Arctic BSCs collected at different
      sites in the Alpine Tarfala Valley, located on the slopes of Kebnekaise, the
      highest mountain in northern Scandinavia. Isolated fungi were identified by both
      microscopic observation and molecular approaches. Data revealed that the fungal
      assemblage composition was homogeneous among the BSCs analyzed, with low
      biodiversity and the presence of a few dominant species; the majority of fungi
      isolated belonged to the Ascomycota, and Cryptococcus gilvescens and Pezoloma
      ericae were the most frequently-recorded species. Ecological considerations for
      the species involved and the implication of our findings for future fungal
      research in BSCs are put forward. 

PMID- 27682107
TI  - Bioprotective Role of Yeasts.
AB  - The yeasts constitute a large group of microorganisms characterized by the
      ability to grow and survive in different and stressful conditions and then to
      colonize a wide range of environmental and human ecosystems. The competitive
      traits against other microorganisms have attracted increasing attention from
      scientists, who proposed their successful application as bioprotective agents in
      the agricultural, food and medical sectors. These antagonistic activities rely on
      the competition for nutrients, production and tolerance of high concentrations of
      ethanol, as well as the synthesis of a large class of antimicrobial compounds,
      known as killer toxins, which showed clearly a large spectrum of activity against
      food spoilage microorganisms, but also against plant, animal and human pathogens.
      This review describes the antimicrobial mechanisms involved in the antagonistic
      activity, their applications in the processed and unprocessed food sectors, as
      well as the future perspectives in the development of new bio-drugs, which may
      overcome the limitations connected to conventional antimicrobial and drug
      resistance. 

PMID- 27682109
TI  - Alicyclobacillus spp.: New Insights on Ecology and Preserving Food Quality
      through New Approaches.
AB  - Alicyclobacillus spp. includes spore-forming and thermo-acidophilic
      microorganisms, usually recovered from soil, acidic drinks, orchards and
      equipment from juice producers. The description of the genus is generally based
      on the presence of omega-fatty acids in the membrane, although some newly
      described species do not possess them. The genus includes different species and
      sub-species, but A. acidoterrestris is generally regarded as the most important
      spoiler for acidic drinks and juices. The main goal of this review is a focus on
      the ecology of the genus, mainly on the species A. acidoterrestris, with a
      special emphasis on the different phenotypic properties and genetic traits, along
      with the correlation among them and with the primary source of isolation.
      Finally, the last section of the review reports on some alternative approaches to
      heat treatments (natural compounds and other chemical treatments) to control
      and/or reduce the contamination of food by Alicyclobacillus. 

PMID- 27682112
TI  - How to Show the Real Microbial Biodiversity? A Comparison of Seven DNA Extraction
      Methods for Bacterial Population Analyses in Matrices Containing Highly Charged
      Natural Nanoparticles.
AB  - A DNA extraction that comprises the DNA of all available taxa in an ecosystem is
      an essential step in population analysis, especially for next generation
      sequencing applications. Many nanoparticles as well as naturally occurring clay
      minerals contain charged surfaces or edges that capture negatively charged DNA
      molecules after cell lysis within DNA extraction. Depending on the methodology of
      DNA extraction, this phenomenon causes a shift in detection of microbial taxa in
      ecosystems and a possible misinterpretation of microbial interactions. With the
      aim to describe microbial interactions and the bio-geo-chemical reactions during
      a clay alteration experiment, several methods for the detection of a high number
      of microbial taxa were examined in this study. Altogether, 13 different methods
      of commercially available DNA extraction kits provided by seven companies as well
      as the classical phenol-chloroform DNA extraction were compared. The amount and
      the quality of nucleic acid extracts were determined and compared to the
      amplifiable amount of DNA. The 16S rRNA gene fragments of several taxa were
      separated using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) to determine the
      number of different species and sequenced to get the information about what kind
      of species the microbial population consists of. A total number of 13 species was
      detected in the system. Up to nine taxa could be detected with commercially
      available DNA extraction kits while phenol-chloroform extraction lead to three
      detected species. In this paper, we describe how to combine several DNA
      extraction methods for the investigation of microbial community structures in
      clay. 

PMID- 27682111
TI  - Novel and Unexpected Microbial Diversity in Acid Mine Drainage in Svalbard (78
      degrees  N), Revealed by Culture-Independent Approaches.
AB  - Svalbard, situated in the high Arctic, is an important past and present coal
      mining area. Dozens of abandoned waste rock piles can be found in the proximity
      of Longyearbyen. This environment offers a unique opportunity for studying the
      biological control over the weathering of sulphide rocks at low temperatures.
      Although the extension and impact of acid mine drainage (AMD) in this area is
      known, the native microbial communities involved in this process are still
      scarcely studied and uncharacterized. Several abandoned mining areas were
      explored in the search for active AMD and a culture-independent approach was
      applied with samples from two different runoffs for the identification and
      quantification of the native microbial communities. The results obtained revealed
      two distinct microbial communities. One of the runoffs was more extreme with
      regards to pH and higher concentration of soluble iron and heavy metals. These
      conditions favored the development of algal-dominated microbial mats. Typical AMD
      microorganisms related to known iron-oxidizing bacteria (Acidithiobacillus
      ferrivorans, Acidobacteria and Actinobacteria) dominated the bacterial community
      although some unexpected populations related to Chloroflexi were also
      significant. No microbial mats were found in the second area. The geochemistry
      here showed less extreme drainage, most likely in direct contact with the ore
      under the waste pile. Large deposits of secondary minerals were found and the
      presence of iron stalks was revealed by microscopy analysis. Although typical AMD
      microorganisms were also detected here, the microbial community was dominated by
      other populations, some of them new to this type of system (Saccharibacteria,
      Gallionellaceae). These were absent or lowered in numbers the farther from the
      spring source and they could represent native populations involved in the
      oxidation of sulphide rocks within the waste rock pile. This environment appears
      thus as a highly interesting field of potential novelty in terms of both
      phylogenetic/taxonomic and functional diversity. 

PMID- 27682110
TI  - The Gut Microbiota as a Therapeutic Target in IBD and Metabolic Disease: A Role
      for the Bile Acid Receptors FXR and TGR5.
AB  - The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in regulating many physiological systems
      of the host, including the metabolic and immune system. Disturbances in
      microbiota composition are increasingly correlated with disease; however, the
      underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Recent evidence suggests that
      changes in microbiota composition directly affect the metabolism of bile salts.
      Next to their role in digestion of dietary fats, bile salts function as signaling
      molecules for bile salt receptors such as Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and G
      protein-coupled bile acid receptor (TGR5). Complementary to their role in
      metabolism, FXR and TGR5 are shown to play a role in intestinal homeostasis and
      immune regulation. This review presents an overview of evidence showing that
      changes in bile salt pool and composition due to changes in gut microbial
      composition contribute to the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease and
      metabolic disease, possibly through altered activation of TGR5 and FXR. We
      further discuss how dietary interventions, such as pro- and synbiotics, may be
      used to treat metabolic disease and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) through
      normalization of bile acid dysregulation directly or indirectly through
      normalization of the intestinal microbiota. 

PMID- 27682113
TI  - Sulfur Oxygenase Reductase (Sor) in the Moderately Thermoacidophilic Leaching
      Bacteria: Studies in Sulfobacillus thermosulfidooxidans and Acidithiobacillus
      caldus.
AB  - The sulfur oxygenase reductase (Sor) catalyzes the oxygen dependent
      disproportionation of elemental sulfur, producing sulfite, thiosulfate and
      sulfide. Being considered an "archaeal like" enzyme, it is also encoded in the
      genomes of some acidophilic leaching bacteria such as Acidithiobacillus caldus,
      Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans, Acidithiobacillus ferrivorans and Sulfobacillus
      thermosulfidooxidans, among others. We measured Sor activity in crude extracts
      from Sb. thermosulfidooxidans DSM 9293(T). The optimum temperature for its
      oxygenase activity was achieved at 75  degrees C, confirming the "thermophilic"
      nature of this enzyme. Additionally, a search for genes probably involved in
      sulfur metabolism in the genome sequence of Sb. thermosulfidooxidans DSM 9293(T)
      was done. Interestingly, no sox genes were found. Two sor genes, a complete
      heterodisulfidereductase (hdr) gene cluster, three tetrathionate hydrolase (tth)
      genes, three sulfide quinonereductase (sqr), as well as the doxD component of a
      thiosulfate quinonereductase (tqo) were found. Seven At. caldus strains were
      tested for Sor activity, which was not detected in any of them. We provide
      evidence that an earlier reported Sor activity from At. caldus S1 and S2 strains
      most likely was due to the presence of a Sulfobacillus contaminant. 

PMID- 27682114
TI  - Dynamic In Vitro Models of the Human Gastrointestinal Tract as Relevant Tools to
      Assess the Survival of Probiotic Strains and Their Interactions with Gut
      Microbiota.
AB  - The beneficial effects of probiotics are conditioned by their survival during
      passage through the human gastrointestinal tract and their ability to favorably
      influence gut microbiota. The main objective of this study was to use dynamic in
      vitro models of the human digestive tract to investigate the effect of fasted or
      fed state on the survival kinetics of the new probiotic Saccharomyces cerevisiae
      strain CNCM I-3856 and to assess its influence on intestinal microbiota
      composition and activity. The probiotic yeast showed a high survival rate in the
      upper gastrointestinal tract whatever the route of admistration, i.e., within a
      glass of water or a Western-type meal. S. cerevisiae CNCM I-3856 was more
      sensitive to colonic conditions, as the strain was not able to colonize within
      the bioreactor despite a twice daily administration. The main bacterial
      populations of the gut microbiota, as well as the production of short chain fatty
      acids were not influenced by the probiotic treatment. However, the effect of the
      probiotic on the gut microbiota was found to be individual dependent. This study
      shows that dynamic in vitro models can be advantageously used to provide useful
      insight into the behavior of probiotic strains in the human digestive
      environment. 

PMID- 27682115
TI  - Carbon-Starvation Induces Cross-Resistance to Thermal, Acid, and Oxidative Stress
      in Serratia marcescens.
AB  - The broad host-range pathogen Serratia marcescens survives in diverse host and
      non-host environments, often enduring conditions in which the concentration of
      essential nutrients is growth-limiting. In such environments, carbon and energy
      source starvation (carbon-starvation) is one of the most common forms of stress
      encountered by S. marcescens. Related members of the family Enterobacteriaceae
      are known to undergo substantial changes in gene expression and physiology in
      response to the specific stress of carbon-starvation, enabling non-spore-forming
      cells to survive periods of prolonged starvation and exposure to other forms of
      stress (i.e., starvation-induced cross-resistance). To determine if carbon
      starvation also results in elevated levels of cross-resistance in S. marcescens,
      both log-phase and carbon-starved cultures, depleted of glucose before the onset
      of high cell-density stationary-phase, were grown in minimal media at either 30 
      degrees C or 37  degrees C and were then challenged for resistance to high
      temperature (50  degrees C), low pH (pH 2.8), and oxidative stress (15 mM H2O2).
      In general, carbon-starved cells exhibited a higher level of resistance to
      thermal stress, acid stress, and oxidative stress compared to log-phase cells.
      The extent of carbon-starvation-induced cross-resistance was dependent on
      incubation temperature and on the particular strain of S. marcescens. In
      addition, strain- and temperature-dependent variations in long-term starvation
      survival were also observed. The enhanced stress-resistance of starved S.
      marcescens cells could be an important factor in their survival and persistence
      in many non-host environments and within certain host microenvironments where the
      availability of carbon sources is suboptimal for growth. 

PMID- 27682118
TI  - Movement of Salmonella serovar Typhimurium and E. coli O157:H7 to Ripe Tomato
      Fruit Following Various Routes of Contamination.
AB  - Salmonella serovars have been associated with the majority of foodborne illness
      outbreaks involving tomatoes, and E. coli O157:H7 has caused outbreaks involving
      other fresh produce. Contamination by both pathogens has been thought to
      originate from all points of the growing and distribution process. To determine
      if Salmonella serovar Typhimurium and E. coli O157:H7 could move to the mature
      tomato fruit of different tomato cultivars following contamination, three
      different contamination scenarios (seed, leaf, and soil) were examined. Following
      contamination, each cultivar appeared to respond differently to the presence of
      the pathogens, with most producing few fruit and having overall poor health. The
      Micro-Tom cultivar, however, produced relatively more fruit and E. coli O157:H7
      was detected in the ripe tomatoes for both the seed- and leaf- contaminated
      plants, but not following soil contamination. The Roma cultivar produced fewer
      fruit, but was the only cultivar in which E. coli O157:H7 was detected via all
      three routes of contamination. Only two of the five cultivars produced tomatoes
      following seed-, leaf-, and soil- contamination with Salmonella Typhimurium, and
      no Salmonella was found in any of the tomatoes. Together these results show that
      different tomato cultivars respond differently to the presence of a human
      pathogen, and for E. coli O157:H7, in particular, tomato plants that are either
      contaminated as seeds or have a natural opening or a wound, that allows bacteria
      to enter the leaves can result in plants that have the potential to produce
      tomatoes that harbor internalized pathogenic bacteria. 

PMID- 27682117
TI  - Thermus thermophilus as a Source of Thermostable Lipolytic Enzymes.
AB  - Lipolytic enzymes, esterases (EC 3.1.1.1) and lipases (EC 3.1.1.3), catalyze the
      hydrolysis of ester bonds between alcohols and carboxylic acids, and its
      formation in organic media. At present, they represent about 20% of
      commercialized enzymes for industrial use. Lipolytic enzymes from thermophilic
      microorganisms are preferred for industrial use to their mesophilic counterparts,
      mainly due to higher thermostability and resistance to several denaturing agents.
      However, the production at an industrial scale from the native organisms is
      technically complicated and expensive. The thermophilic bacterium Thermus
      thermophilus (T. thermophilus) has high levels of lipolytic activity, and its
      whole genome has been sequenced. One esterase from the T. thermophilus strain
      HB27 has been widely characterized, both in its native form and in recombinant
      forms, being expressed in mesophilic microorganisms. Other putative
      lipases/esterases annotated in the T. thermophilus genome have been explored and
      will also be reviewed in this paper. 

PMID- 27682119
TI  - The Effect of Tellurite on Highly Resistant Freshwater Aerobic Anoxygenic
      Phototrophs and Their Strategies for Reduction.
AB  - Six fresh water aerobic anoxygenic phototrophs (Erythromicrobium ezovicum, strain
      E1; Erythromicrobium hydrolyticum, E4(1); Erythromicrobium ramosum, E5;
      Erythromonas ursincola, KR99; Sandaracinobacter sibiricus, RB 16-17; and
      Roseococcus thiosulfatophilus, RB3) possessing high level resistance to TeO3(2-)
      and the ability to reduce it to elemental Te were studied to understand their
      interaction with this highly toxic oxyanion. Tested organic carbon sources, pH,
      and level of aeration all had an impact on reduction. Physiological and metabolic
      responses of cells to tellurite varied among strains. In its presence, versus
      absence, cellular biomass either increased (KR99, 66.6% and E5, 21.2%) or
      decreased (RB3, 66.1%, E1, 57.8%, RB 16-17, 41.5%, and E4(1), 21.3%). The
      increase suggests a possible benefit from tellurite. Cellular ATP production was
      similarly affected, resulting in an increase (KR99, 15.2% and E5, 38.9%) or
      decrease (E4(1), 31.9%; RB 16-17, 48.8%; RB3, 55.9%; E1, 35.9%). Two distinct
      strategies to tellurite reduction were identified. The first, found in E4(1),
      requires de novo protein preparations as well as an undisturbed whole cell. The
      second strategy, in which reduction depended on a membrane associated
      constitutive reductase, was used by the remaining strains. 

PMID- 27682116
TI  - Gut Microbiota and Host Reaction in Liver Diseases.
AB  - Although alcohol feeding produces evident intestinal microbial changes in
      animals, only some alcoholics show evident intestinal dysbiosis, a decrease in
      Bacteroidetes and an increase in Proteobacteria. Gut dysbiosis is related to
      intestinal hyperpermeability and endotoxemia in alcoholic patients. Alcoholics
      further exhibit reduced numbers of the beneficial Lactobacillus and
      Bifidobacterium. Large amounts of endotoxins translocated from the gut strongly
      activate Toll-like receptor 4 in the liver and play an important role in the
      progression of alcoholic liver disease (ALD), especially in severe alcoholic
      liver injury. Gut microbiota and bacterial endotoxins are further involved in
      some of the mechanisms of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its
      progression to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). There is experimental
      evidence that a high-fat diet causes characteristic dysbiosis of NAFLD, with a
      decrease in Bacteroidetes and increases in Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, and gut
      dysbiosis itself can induce hepatic steatosis and metabolic syndrome. Clinical
      data support the above dysbiosis, but the details are variable. Intestinal
      dysbiosis and endotoxemia greatly affect the cirrhotics in relation to major
      complications and prognosis. Metagenomic approaches to dysbiosis may be promising
      for the analysis of deranged host metabolism in NASH and cirrhosis. Management of
      dysbiosis may become a cornerstone for the future treatment of liver diseases. 

PMID- 27682120
TI  - The Potential of the Yeast Debaryomyces hansenii H525 to Degrade Biogenic Amines
      in Food.
AB  - Twenty-six yeasts from different genera were investigated for their ability to
      metabolize biogenic amines. About half of the yeast strains produced one or more
      different biogenic amines, but some strains of Debaryomyces hansenii and Yarrowia
      lipolytica were also able to degrade such compounds. The most effective strain D.
      hanseniii H525 metabolized a broad spectrum of biogenic amines by growing and
      resting cells. Degradation of biogenic amines by this yeast isolate could be
      attributed to a peroxisomal amine oxidase activity. Strain H525 may be useful as
      a starter culture to reduce biogenic amines in fermented food. 

PMID- 27682121
TI  - Bioactivities of Ketones Terpenes: Antifungal Effect on F. verticillioides and
      Repellents to Control Insect Fungal Vector, S. zeamais.
AB  - Maize is one the most important staple foods in the world. However, numerous
      pests, such as fungal pathogens, e.g., Fusarium verticillioides, and insects,
      such as Sitophlilus zeamais, attack maize grains during storage. Many F.
      verticillioides strains produce fumonisins, one of the most important mycotoxin
      that causes toxic effects on human and animal health. This situation is
      aggravated by the insect fungal vector, Sitophlilus zeamais, which contributes to
      the dispersal of fungal spores, and through feeding damage, provide entry points
      for fungal infections. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro bioassays,
      the antifungal activity on F. verticillioides M3125 and repellent effects against
      S. zeamais of ketone terpenes. In addition, we performed Quantitative structure
      activity relationship (Q-SAR) studies between physico-chemical properties of
      ketone terpenes and the antifungal effect. Thymoquinone was the most active
      compound against F. verticillioides (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration, MIC: 0.87)
      affecting the lag phase and the growth rate showing a total inhibition of growth
      at concentration higher than 2 mM (p < 0.05). The Q-SAR model revealed that the
      antifungal activity of ketone compounds is related to the electronic descriptor,
      Pi energy. Thymoquinone showed a strong repellent effect (-77.8 +/- 8.5, p <
      0.001) against S. zeamais. These findings make an important contribution to the
      search for new compounds to control two stored pests of maize. 

PMID- 27682123
TI  - The Microbial Resource Research Infrastructure MIRRI: Strength through
      Coordination.
AB  - Microbial resources have been recognized as essential raw materials for the
      advancement of health and later for biotechnology, agriculture, food technology
      and for research in the life sciences, as their enormous abundance and diversity
      offer an unparalleled source of unexplored solutions. Microbial domain biological
      resource centres (mBRC) provide live cultures and associated data to foster and
      support the development of basic and applied science in countries worldwide and
      especially in Europe, where the density of highly advanced mBRCs is high. The not
      for-profit and distributed project MIRRI (Microbial Resource Research
      Infrastructure) aims to coordinate access to hitherto individually managed
      resources by developing a pan-European platform which takes the interoperability
      and accessibility of resources and data to a higher level. Providing a wealth of
      additional information and linking to datasets such as literature, environmental
      data, sequences and chemistry will enable researchers to select organisms
      suitable for their research and enable innovative solutions to be developed. The
      current independent policies and managed processes will be adapted by partner
      mBRCs to harmonize holdings, services, training, and accession policy and to
      share expertise. The infrastructure will improve access to enhanced quality
      microorganisms in an appropriate legal framework and to resource-associated data
      in a more interoperable way. 

PMID- 27682124
TI  - Susceptibility of Select Agents to Predation by Predatory Bacteria.
AB  - Select Agents are microorganisms and toxins considered to be exploitable as
      biological weapons. Although infections by many Select Agents can be treated by
      conventional antibiotics, the risk of an emerging or engineered drug resistant
      strain is of great concern. One group of microorganisms that is showing potential
      to control drug resistant Gram-negative bacteria are the predatory bacteria from
      the genera Bdellovibrio spp. and Micavibrio spp. In this study, we have examined
      the ability of Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus (B. bacteriovorus) strain 109J, HD100
      and Micavibrio aeruginosavorus (M. aeruginosavorus) ARL-13 to prey on a variety
      of Select Agents. Our findings demonstrate that B. bacteriovorus and M.
      aeruginosavorus are able to prey efficiently on Yersinia pestis and Burkholderia
      mallei. Modest predation was also measured in co-cultures of B. bacteriovorus and
      Francisella tularensis. However, neither of the predators showed predation when
      Burkholderia pseudomallei and Brucella melitensis were used as prey. 

PMID- 27682122
TI  - Hydrogen Sulfide in Physiology and Diseases of the Digestive Tract.
AB  - Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a Janus-faced molecule. On one hand, several toxic
      functions have been attributed to H2S and exposure to high levels of this gas is
      extremely hazardous to health. On the other hand, H2S delivery based clinical
      therapies are being developed to combat inflammation, visceral pain, oxidative
      stress related tissue injury, thrombosis and cancer. Since its discovery, H2S has
      been found to have pleiotropic effects on physiology and health. H2S is a
      gasotransmitter that exerts its effect on different systems, such as
      gastrointestinal, neuronal, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, and hepatic
      systems. In the gastrointestinal tract, in addition to H2S production by
      mammalian cystathionine-beta-synthase (CBS), cystathionine-gamma-lyase (CSE), H2S
      is also generated by the metabolic activity of resident gut microbes, mainly by
      colonic Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria (SRB) via a dissimilatory sulfate reduction
      (DSR) pathway. In the gut, H2S regulates functions such as inflammation,
      ischemia/ reperfusion injury and motility. H2S derived from gut microbes has been
      found to be associated with gastrointestinal disorders such as ulcerative
      colitis, Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome. This underscores the
      importance of gut microbes and their production of H2S on host physiology and
      pathophysiology. 

PMID- 27682126
TI  - Assessment of Carbapenem Resistance in Enterobacteriaceae with the Rapid and Easy
      to-Use Chromogenic beta Carba Test.

PMID- 27682125
TI  - Metabolic Interactions in the Gastrointestinal Tract (GIT): Host, Commensal,
      Probiotics, and Bacteriophage Influences.
AB  - Life on this planet has been intricately associated with bacterial activity at
      all levels of evolution and bacteria represent the earliest form of autonomous
      existence. Plants such as those from the Leguminosae family that form root
      nodules while harboring nitrogen-fixing soil bacteria are a primordial example of
      symbiotic existence. Similarly, cooperative activities between bacteria and
      animals can also be observed in multiple domains, including the most inhospitable
      geographical regions of the planet such as Antarctica and the Lower Geyser Basin
      of Yellowstone National Park. In humans bacteria are often classified as either
      beneficial or pathogenic and in this regard we posit that this artificial
      nomenclature is overly simplistic and as such almost misinterprets the complex
      activities and inter-relationships that bacteria have with the environment as
      well as the human host and the plethora of biochemical activities that continue
      to be identified. We further suggest that in humans there are neither pathogenic
      nor beneficial bacteria, just bacteria embraced by those that tolerate the host
      and those that do not. The densest and most complex association exists in the
      human gastrointestinal tract, followed by the oral cavity, respiratory tract, and
      skin, where bacteria-pre- and post-birth-instruct the human cell in the
      fundamental language of molecular biology that normally leads to immunological
      tolerance over a lifetime. The overall effect of this complex output is the
      elaboration of a beneficial milieu, an environment that is of equal or greater
      importance than the bacterium in maintaining homeostasis. 

PMID- 27682127
TI  - Accuracy of Automated Flow Cytometry-Based Leukocyte Counts To Rule Out Urinary
      Tract Infection in Febrile Children: a Prospective Cross-Sectional Study.
AB  - Automated flow cytometry of urine remains an incompletely validated method to
      rule out urinary tract infection (UTI) in children. This cross-sectional
      analytical study was performed to compare the predictive values of flow cytometry
      and a dipstick test as initial diagnostic tests for UTI in febrile children and
      prospectively included 1,106 children (1,247 episodes). Urine culture was used as
      the gold standard test for diagnosing UTI. The performance of screening tests to
      diagnose UTI were established using receiver operating characteristic (ROC)
      analysis. Among these 1,247 febrile episodes, 221 UTIs were diagnosed (17.7% [95%
      confidence interval {CI}, 15.6 to 19.8%]). The area under the ROC curve for flow
      cytometry white blood cell (WBC) counts (0.99 [95% CI, 0.98 to 0.99]) was
      significantly superior to that for red blood cell (0.74 [95% CI, 0.70 to 0.78])
      and bacterial counts (0.89 [95% CI, 0.87 to 0.92]) (P < 0.001). Urinary WBC
      counts also had a significantly higher area under the ROC curve than that of the
      leukocyte esterase (LE) dipstick (0.92 [95% CI, 0.90 to 0.94]), nitrite dipstick
      (0.83 [95% CI, 0.80 to 0.87]), or the combination of positive LE and/or nitrite
      dipstick (0.91 [95% CI, 0.89 to 0.93]) test (P < 0.001). The presence of >=35
      WBC/MUl of urine was the best cutoff point, yielding both a high sensitivity
      (99.5% [95% CI, 99 to 100%]) and an acceptable specificity (80.6% [95% CI, 78 to
      83%]). Using this cutoff point would have reduced the number of samples sent to
      the laboratory for culture by 67%. In conclusion, the determination of urinary
      WBC counts by flow cytometry provides optimal performance as an initial
      diagnostic test for UTI in febrile children.

PMID- 27682128
TI  - Urgent Implementation in a Hospital Setting of a Strategy To Rule Out Secondary
      Cases Caused by Imported Extensively Drug-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis
      Strains at Diagnosis.
AB  - Current migratory movements require new strategies for rapidly tracking the
      transmission of high-risk imported Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains. Whole
      genome sequencing (WGS) enables us to identify single-nucleotide polymorphisms
      (SNPs) and therefore design PCRs to track specific relevant strains. However,
      fast implementation of these strategies in the hospital setting is difficult
      because professionals working in diagnostics, molecular epidemiology, and
      genomics are generally at separate institutions. In this study, we describe the
      urgent implementation of a system that integrates genomics and molecular tools in
      a genuine high-risk epidemiological alert involving 2 independent importations of
      extensively drug resistant (XDR) and pre-XDR Beijing M. tuberculosis strains from
      Russia into Spain. Both cases involved commercial sex workers with long-standing
      tuberculosis (TB). The system was based on strain-specific PCRs tailored from WGS
      data that were transferred to the local node that was managing the
      epidemiological alert. The optimized tests were available for prospective
      implementation in the local node 33 working days after receiving the primary
      cultures of the XDR strains and were applied to all 42 new incident cases. An
      interpretable result was obtained in each case (directly from sputum for 27 stain
      positive cases) and corresponded to the amplification profiles for strains other
      than the targeted pre-XDR and XDR strains, which made it possible to
      prospectively rule out transmission of these high-risk strains at diagnosis.

PMID- 27682129
TI  - Evaluation of Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight Mass
      Spectrometry for Identification of Mycobacterium abscessus Subspecies According
      to Whole-Genome Sequencing.
AB  - This study was undertaken to evaluate the utility of matrix-assisted laser
      desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry with the Vitek MS Plus
      system for identifying Mycobacterium abscessus subspecies in order to facilitate
      more rapid and appropriate therapy. A total of 175 clinical M. abscessus strains
      were identified by whole-genome sequencing analysis: 139 Mycobacterium abscessus
      subsp. abscessus and 36 Mycobacterium abscessus subsp. massiliense The research
      use-only (RUO) Saramis Knowledge Base database v.4.12 was modified accordingly by
      adding 40 M. abscessus subsp. abscessus and 19 M. abscessus subsp. massiliense
      reference spectra to construct subspecies SuperSpectra. A blind test, used to
      validate the remaining 116 isolates, yielded 99.1% (n = 115) reliability and only
      0.9% (n = 1) error for subspecies identification. Among the two subspecies
      SuperSpectra, two specific peaks were found for M. abscessus subsp. abscessus and
      four specific peaks were found for M. abscessus subsp. massiliense Our study is
      the first to report differential peaks 3,354.4 m/z and 6,711.1 m/z, which were
      specific for M. abscessus subsp. massiliense Our research demonstrates the
      capacity of the Vitek MS RUO Saramis Knowledge Base database to identify M.
      abscessus at the subspecies level. Moreover, it validates the potential ease and
      accuracy with which it can be incorporated into the IVD system for the
      identification of M. abscessus subspecies.

PMID- 27682130
TI  - Use of a Molecular Panel To Aid in Diagnosis of Culture-Negative Meningitis.

PMID- 27682132
TI  - Do patient characteristics impact the relationship between anatomic prolapse and
      vaginal bulge symptoms?
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Seeing or feeling a vaginal bulge is the most
      specific symptom for identifying prolapse. Bulge symptoms are becoming
      increasingly important as a surgical outcome measure. Our objectives were to
      identify patient characteristics associated with the symptom of a vaginal bulge
      and to determine whether those characteristics impact the relationship between
      symptoms and anatomic prolapse. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis of new
      urogynecology patients was performed. Standardized history and examination forms
      were used. Patient characteristics associated with vaginal bulge at p <=0.10 were
      entered in logistic regression models. Interactions between patient
      characteristics and prolapse were tested to determine whether patient factors
      modified the association between anatomic prolapse and symptoms. RESULTS: We
      evaluated 685 patients with mean age of 58.5 years. Patients reporting a vaginal
      bulge were slightly older, more likely postmenopausal, and had greater parity and
      body mass index (BMI). They were more likely to report prior prolapse surgery (p
      <0.05) and more often previously underwent hysterectomy (p = 0.10). In
      multivariable analysis, prolapse, age group, and vaginal parity were associated
      with the bulge symptom. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area under the
      curve (AUC) was 0.87 [95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.84-0.90], suggesting good
      predictive value of maximum vaginal descent for a vaginal bulge symptom. The AUC
      for the youngest women was lower than for middle and older age groups (p < 0.01).
      The optimal cutoff for defining prolapse associated with a vaginal bulge symptom
      was the hymen. CONCLUSIONS: Age and vaginal parity were independently associated
      with the vaginal bulge symptom. The level of vaginal descent did not predict a
      bulge symptom as accurately in younger patients.

PMID- 27682133
TI  - 19 F NMR matrix-assisted DOSY: a versatile tool for differentiating fluorinated
      species in mixtures.
AB  - NMR is the most versatile tool for the analysis of organic compounds and, in
      combination with Diffusion-Ordered Spectroscopy ('DOSY'), can give information on
      compounds in complex mixtures without the need for physical separation. In
      mixtures where the components' diffusion coefficients are nearly identical, for
      example because of similar sizes, Matrix-Assisted DOSY ('MAD') can help separate
      the signals of different constituents, resolving their spectra. Unfortunately,
      DOSY (including MAD) typically fails where signals overlap, as is common in 1 H
      NMR. Using 19 F NMR avoids such problems, because the great sensitivity of the 19
      F chemical shift to local environment leads to very well-dispersed spectra.
      Another advantage is the absence of any 19 F background signals from the matrices
      typically used, avoiding interference with the analyte signals. In this study,
      differentiation among fluorophenol and fluoroaniline isomers was evaluated using
      normal and reverse micelles-of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS),
      cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (AOT)-as
      matrices. These surfactants provide useful diffusion separation in these
      difficult mixtures, with all the solutes interacting with the matrices to
      different extents, in some cases leading to differences in diffusion coefficient
      of more than 30%. The best matrices for separating the signals of both acid and
      basic species were shown to be AOT and CTAB, which are useful over a wide range
      of surfactant concentration. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27682131
TI  - Treatment of vaginal stenosis with fasciocutaneous Singapore flap.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Vaginal stenosis is an unfortunate complication that can occur
      after pelvic radiation therapy for gynecologic or colorectal malignancies.
      Treatment is challenging and can require significant reconstructive surgery. The
      objective of this video is to present a case of vaginal stenosis after radiation
      and describe vaginal reconstruction with a fasciocutaneous Singapore flap.
      METHODS: We describe the case of a 42-year-old woman with a history of stage 3
      colorectal cancer who underwent partial colectomy, chemotherapy, and pelvic
      radiation. She subsequently developed a rectovaginal fistula requiring repair
      with a right-sided gracilis flap. When her stenosis recurred, she underwent
      vaginal reconstruction with a medial thigh flap. RESULTS: The Singapore flap is a
      pudendal thigh flap centered on the labial crural fold with a base at the
      perineal body. As the cutaneous innervation is spared, this flap is sensate. This
      technique is one option for patients with complex vaginal stenosis who have
      failed conservative management. However, it is imperative the patient perform
      vaginal dilation postoperatively and maintain close follow-up with her surgeon,
      as vaginal stenosis can recur. CONCLUSIONS: Postradiation vaginal stenosis is a
      complex condition to treat; however, vaginal reconstruction with a thigh flap can
      provide excellent cosmetic and functional results.

PMID- 27682135
TI  - Postmenopausal osteoporosis.

PMID- 27682136
TI  - Effect of Conjugated Linoleic Acid-enriched Butter After 24 hours of Intestinal
      Mucositis Induction.
AB  - Mucositis is the most common side effect due to chemotherapy or radiotherapy. It
      refers to the inflammation of intestinal mucous membranes, and it is associated
      with complications such as diarrhea, weight loss, and increased intestinal
      permeability (IP). This study was designed to evaluate the effect of diet
      containing conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)-enriched butter on intestinal damage
      and inflammatory response after 24 h of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced mucositis.
      Mice were divided into four groups: CTL; CLA; 5-FU, and CLA 5-FU, and they were
      fed for 31 days. On the 30th experimental day, mucositis was induced by unique
      injection of 300 mg/kg of 5-FU. After 24 h (31st experimental day), IP was
      evaluated; ileum and fecal material were collected to determine cytokine level
      and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA). The 5
      FU group showed an increase in IP and MPO activity (CTL vs. 5-FU: P < 0.05).
      Additionally, increased levels of IP and MPO were observed in CLA 5-FU group
      compared to those in the test groups (P < 0.05). Animals in the CLA 5-FU group
      showed reduced concentrations of sIgA (CTL vs. CLA 5-FU: P < 0.05). CLA-enriched
      butter exacerbating the 5-FU-induced intestinal damage. Safety concerns regarding
      the use of CLA require further investigation.

PMID- 27682137
TI  - Short-term effects of meteorological factors on pediatric hand, foot, and mouth
      disease in Guangdong, China: a multi-city time-series analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Literature shows inconsistency in meteorological effects on Hand,
      foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) in different cities. This multi-city study aims to
      investigate the meteorological effects on pediatric HFMD occurrences and the
      potential effect modification by geographic factors. METHODS: Based on daily time
      series data in eight major cities in Guangdong, China during 2009-2013, mixed
      generalized additive models were employed to estimate city-specific
      meteorological effects on pediatric HFMD. Then, a random-effect multivariate meta
      analysis was conducted to obtain the pooled risks and to explore heterogeneity
      explained by city-level factors. RESULTS: There were a total of 400,408 pediatric
      HFMD cases (children aged 0-14 years old) with an annual incidence rate of 16.6
      cases per 1,000 children, clustered in males and children under 3 years old.
      Daily average temperature was positively associated with pediatric HFMD cases
      with the highest pooled relative risk (RR) of 1.52 (95 % CI: 1.30-1.77) at the
      95th percentile of temperature (30.5  degrees C) as compared to the median
      temperature (23.5  degrees C). Significant non-linear positive effects of high
      relative humidity were also observed with a 13 % increase (RR = 1.13, 95 % CI:
      1.00-1.28) in the risk of HFMD at the 99th percentile of relative humidity (86.9
      %) as compared to the median value (78 %). The effect estimates showed geographic
      variations among the cities which was significantly associated with city's
      latitude and longitude with an explained heterogeneity of 32 %. CONCLUSIONS:
      Daily average temperature and relative humidity had non-linear and delayed
      effects on pediatric HFMD and the effects varied across different cities. These
      findings provide important evidence for comprehensive understanding of the
      climatic effects on pediatric HFMD and for the authority to take targeted
      interventions and measures to control the occurrence and transmission of HFMD.

PMID- 27682134
TI  - Broad Detection of Alterations Predicted to Confer Lack of Benefit From EGFR
      Antibodies or Sensitivity to Targeted Therapy in Advanced Colorectal Cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: A KRAS mutation represented the first genomic biomarker to predict
      lack of benefit from anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibody
      therapy in advanced colorectal cancer (CRC). Expanded RAS testing has further
      refined the treatment approach, but understanding of genomic alterations
      underlying primary and acquired resistance is limited and further study is
      needed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively analyzed 4,422 clinical samples
      from patients with advanced CRC, using hybrid-capture based comprehensive genomic
      profiling (CGP) at the request of the individual treating physicians. Comparison
      with prior molecular testing results, when available, was performed to assess
      concordance. RESULTS: We identified a RAS/RAF pathway mutation or amplification
      in 62% of cases, including samples harboring KRAS mutations outside of the codon
      12/13 hotspot region in 6.4% of cases. Among cases with KRAS non-codon 12/13
      alterations for which prior test results were available, 79 of 90 (88%) were not
      identified by focused testing. Of 1,644 RAS/RAF wild-type cases analyzed by CGP,
      31% harbored a genomic alteration (GA) associated with resistance to anti-EGFR
      therapy in advanced CRC including mutations in PIK3CA, PTEN, EGFR, and ERBB2. We
      also identified other targetable GA, including novel kinase fusions, receptor
      tyrosine kinase amplification, activating point mutations, as well as
      microsatellite instability. CONCLUSION: Extended genomic profiling reliably
      detects alterations associated with lack of benefit to anti-EGFR therapy in
      advanced CRC, while simultaneously identifying alterations potentially important
      in guiding treatment. The use of CGP during the course of clinical care allows
      for the refined selection of appropriate targeted therapies and clinical trials,
      increasing the chance of clinical benefit and avoiding therapeutic futility.
      IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) detects diverse
      genomic alterations associated with lack of benefit to anti-epidermal growth
      factor receptor therapy in advanced colorectal cancer (CRC), as well as
      targetable alterations in many other genes. This includes detection of a broad
      spectrum of activating KRAS alterations frequently missed by focused molecular
      hotspot testing, as well as other RAS/RAF pathway alterations, mutations shown to
      disrupt antibody binding, RTK activating point mutations, amplifications, and
      rearrangements, and activating alterations in downstream effectors including PI3K
      and MEK1. The use of CGP in clinical practice is critical to guide appropriate
      selection of targeted therapies for patients with advanced CRC.

PMID- 27682139
TI  - How many children and young people with life-limiting conditions are clinically
      unstable? A national data linkage study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical stage (stable, unstable, deteriorating or
      dying) for children and young people (CYP) aged 0-25 years in Scotland with life
      limiting conditions (LLCs). DESIGN: National cohort of CYP with LLCs using linked
      routinely collected healthcare data. SETTING: Scotland. PATIENTS: 20 436 CYP
      identified as having LLCs and resident in Scotland between 1 April 2009 and 31
      March 2014. MAIN OUTCOME: Clinical stage based on emergency inpatient and
      intensive care unit admissions and date of death. RESULTS: Over 2200 CYP with
      LLCs in Scotland were unstable, deteriorating or dying in each year. Compared
      with 1-year-olds to 5-year-olds, children under 1 year of age had the highest
      risk of instability (OR 6.4, 95% CI 5.7 to 7.1); all older age groups had lower
      risk. Girls were more likely to be unstable than boys (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.06 to
      1.24). CYP of South Asian (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.28 to 2.01), Black (OR 1.58, 95% CI
      1.04 to 2.41) and Other (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.74) ethnicity were more likely
      to experience instability than White CYP. Deprivation was not a significant
      predictor of instability. Compared with congenital abnormalities, CYP with most
      other primary diagnoses had a higher risk of instability; only CYP with a primary
      perinatal diagnosis had significantly lower risk (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.29).
      CONCLUSIONS: The large number of CYP with LLCs who are unstable, deteriorating or
      dying may benefit from input from specialist paediatric palliative care. The age
      group under 1 and CYP of South Asian, Black and Other ethnicities should be
      priority groups.

PMID- 27682138
TI  - Rapid Electron Transfer within the III-IV Supercomplex in Corynebacterium
      glutamicum.
AB  - Complex III in C. glutamicum has an unusual di-heme cyt. c1 and it co-purifies
      with complex IV in a supercomplex. Here, we investigated the kinetics of electron
      transfer within this supercomplex and in the cyt. aa3 alone (cyt. bc1 was removed
      genetically). In the reaction of the reduced cyt. aa3 with O2, we identified the
      same sequence of events as with other A-type oxidases. However, even though this
      reaction is associated with proton uptake, no pH dependence was observed in the
      kinetics. For the cyt. bc1-cyt. aa3 supercomplex, we observed that electrons from
      the c-hemes were transferred to CuA with time constants 0.1-1 ms. The b-hemes
      were oxidized with a time constant of 6.5 ms, indicating that this electron
      transfer is rate-limiting for the overall quinol oxidation/O2 reduction activity
      (~210 e-/s). Furthermore, electron transfer from externally added cyt. c to cyt.
      aa3 was significantly faster upon removal of cyt. bc1 from the supercomplex,
      suggesting that one of the c-hemes occupies a position near CuA. In conclusion,
      isolation of the III-IV-supercomplex allowed us to investigate the kinetics of
      electron transfer from the b-hemes, via the di-heme cyt. c1 and heme a to the
      heme a3-CuB catalytic site of cyt. aa3.

PMID- 27682140
TI  - Therapeutic efficacy and safety of ACE inhibitors in the hypertensive paediatric
      population: a review.
AB  - PURPOSE: Since 1997, strong incentives have been introduced worldwide to improve
      access to safe and effective medicines addressing the therapeutic needs of
      children. ACE inhibitors, the most prescribed antihypertensive drugs in the
      paediatric population, are one of the prototype drugs targeted by the legislation
      initiatives. Our purpose in assembling this review is to evaluate and describe
      the current evidence for the efficacy and safety profile of ACE inhibitors in the
      paediatric population. METHODS: The authors made a descriptive review of the
      literature from 1980 to 2015 using the following search terms: hypertension,
      child, paediatric, ACE (inhibitors), renin-angiotensin aldosterone system,
      captopril, lisinopril, enalapril, ramipril and fosinopril. RESULTS: A total of 16
      studies evaluating efficacy and safety of ACE inhibitors were included in this
      review. The included studies demonstrate that ACE inhibitors have the potency to
      decrease the systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure with an overall favourable
      safety profile in a short-term period. More importantly, the incentives resulted
      in an improvement of the overall availability of paediatric labelling, dosing and
      safety information for ACE inhibitors. However, they failed to fulfil several of
      paediatric needs: absence of long-term safety data on growth and maturation,
      absence of commercially available child-friendly formulations and incomplete
      evaluation of the entire paediatric hypertension population. CONCLUSION:
      Additional efforts are needed to close the gap between the availability of drugs
      that are labelled and indicated for paediatric use and the actual drug usage in
      children, especially in young children, neonates and children with severe
      hypertension, renal transplantation or severe renal impairment.

PMID- 27682142
TI  - Introduction to "Interviewing Eddie".

PMID- 27682141
TI  - KAP Surveys and Dengue Control in Colombia: Disentangling the Effect of
      Sociodemographic Factors Using Multiple Correspondence Analysis.
AB  - During the last few decades, several studies have analyzed and described
      knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of populations regarding dengue.
      However, few studies have applied geometric data analytic techniques to generate
      indices from KAP domains. Results of such analyses have not been used to
      determine the potential effects of sociodemographic variables on the levels of
      KAP. The objective was to determine the sociodemographic factors related to
      different levels of KAP regarding dengue in two hyper-endemic cities of Colombia,
      using a multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) technique. In the context of a
      cluster randomized trial, 3,998 households were surveyed in Arauca and Armenia
      between 2012 and 2013. To generate KAP indexes, we performed a MCA followed by a
      hierarchical cluster analysis to classify each score in different groups. A
      quantile regression for each of the score groups was conducted. KAP indexes
      explained 56.1%, 79.7%, and 83.2% of the variance, with means of 4.2, 1.4, and
      3.2 and values that ranged from 1 to 7, 7 and 11, respectively. The highest
      values of the index denoted higher levels of knowledge and practices. The
      attitudes index did not show the same relationship and was excluded from the
      analysis. In the quantile regression, age (0.06; IC: 0.03, 0.09), years of
      education (0.14; IC: 0.06, 0.22), and history of dengue in the family (0.21; IC:
      0.12, 0.31) were positively related to lower levels of knowledge regarding
      dengue. The effect of such factors gradually decreased or disappeared when
      knowledge was higher. The practices indexes did not evidence a correlation with
      sociodemographic variables. These results suggest that the transformation of
      categorical variables into a single index by the use of MCA is possible when
      analyzing knowledge and practices regarding dengue from KAP questionnaires.
      Additionally, the magnitude of the effect of socioeconomic variables on the
      knowledge scores varies according to the levels of knowledge, suggesting that
      other factors might be influencing higher levels of knowledge.

PMID- 27682143
TI  - Commentary on "Interviewing Eddie".

PMID- 27682144
TI  - Introduction.

PMID- 27682145
TI  - Pre-Implantation Genetic Screening Techniques: Implications for Clinical Prenatal
      Diagnosis.
AB  - Chromosomal aneuploidy is responsible for a significant proportion of pregnancy
      failures, whether conceived naturally or through in vitro fertilization (IVF). In
      an effort to improve the success rate of IVF, screening embryos for aneuploidy -
      or pre-implantation genetic screening (PGS) - has been proposed as a means of
      ensuring only euploid embryos are selected for transfer. Early PGS approaches
      were based on fluorescence in situ hybridization testing, and have been shown not
      to improve live birth rates. Recent developments in genetic testing technologies 
      such as next-generation sequencing and quantitative polymerase chain reaction,
      coupled with embryo biopsy at the blastocyst stage - have shown promise in
      improving IVF outcomes, but they remain to be validated in adequately powered,
      prospective randomized trials. The extent to which IVF with PGS lowers the a
      priori risk of aneuploidy in ongoing pregnancies so conceived has been poorly
      described, rendering it difficult to incorporate the potential benefit of PGS
      into existing prenatal aneuploidy screening regimens such as cell-free DNA
      testing or conventional combined nuchal translucency and maternal biochemistry
      assessment. Further data on the sensitivity and specificity of various forms of
      molecular PGS testing would improve our understanding of the effectiveness and
      accuracy of these technologies. This, in addition to further research into
      methods of risk combination and assessment, would allow us to help our patients
      make better- informed decisions about whether or not to proceed with invasive
      diagnostic tests.

PMID- 27682146
TI  - A psychometric evaluation of the Gender Bias in Medical Education Scale.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gender bias within medical education is gaining increasing attention.
      However, valid and reliable measures are needed to adequately address and monitor
      this issue. This research conducts a psychometric evaluation of a short
      multidimensional scale that assesses medical students' awareness of gender bias,
      beliefs that gender bias should be addressed, and experience of gender bias
      during medical education. METHODS: Using students from the University of
      Wollongong, one pilot study and two empirical studies were conducted. The pilot
      study was used to scope the domain space (n = 28). This initial measure was
      extended to develop the Gender Bias in Medical Education Scale (GBMES). For Study
      1 (n = 172), confirmatory factor analysis assessed the construct validity of the
      three-factor structure (awareness, beliefs, experience) and enabled deletion of
      redundant items. Study 2 (n = 457) tested the generalizability of the refined
      scale to a new sample. Combining Study 1 and 2, invariance testing for program of
      study and gender was explored. The relationship of the GBMES to demographic and
      gender politics variables was tested. The results were analyzed in R using
      confirmatory factor analysis and Multiple-Indicator-Multiple-Indicator-Cause
      models. RESULTS: After analysis of the responses from the original 16-item GBMES
      (Study 1), a shortened measure of ten items fitted the data well (RMSEA = .063;
      CFI = .965; TLI = .951; Mean R-square of items = 58.6 %; reliability: .720-.910)
      and was found to generalize to a new sample in Study 2 (RMSEA = .068; CFI = .952;
      TLI = .933; Mean R-square of items = 55.9 %; reliability: .711-.892). The GBMES
      was found to be invariant across studies, gender, and program of study. Female
      students and those who supported gender equality had greater agreement for each
      of the factors. Likewise, postgraduate students reported higher scores on
      experience of gender bias than undergraduate students. CONCLUSION: The GBMES
      provides a validated short multidimensional measure for use in research and
      policy. Given its good reliability across different target populations and its
      concise length, the GBMES has much potential for application in research and
      education to assess students' attitudes towards gender bias.

PMID- 27682147
TI  - Top 10 Tips for Using Advance Care Planning Codes in Palliative Medicine and
      Beyond.
AB  - Although recommended for all persons with serious illness, advance care planning
      (ACP) has historically been a charitable clinical service. Inadequate or
      unreliable provisions for reimbursement, among other barriers, have spurred a gap
      between the evidence demonstrating the importance of timely ACP and recognition
      by payers for its delivery.1 For the first time, healthcare is experiencing a
      dramatic shift in billing codes that support increased care management and care
      coordination. ACP, chronic care management, and transitional care management
      codes are examples of this newer recognition of the value of these types of
      services. ACP discussions are an integral component of comprehensive, high
      quality palliative care delivery. The advent of reimbursement mechanisms to
      recognize these services has an enormous potential to impact palliative care
      program sustainability and growth. In this article, we highlight 10 tips to
      effectively using the new ACP codes reimbursable under Medicare. The importance
      of documentation, proper billing, and nuances regarding coding is addressed.

PMID- 27682148
TI  - Gastrointestinal Transit Assessment: Role of Scintigraphy: Where Are We Now?
      Where Are We Going?
AB  - OPINION STATEMENT: The diagnostic imaging evaluation of patients with suspected
      esophagogastrointestinal transit disorders is changing. Anatomical methods, e.g.,
      barium studies, endoscopy, manometry, radiopaque markers, have long been the
      techniques available and used for diagnosis. The one exception has been gastric
      emptying, where radionuclide scintigraphy has been the standard for decades.
      Esophageal transit scintigraphy is an old and reliable methodology but probably
      underutilized. The diagnostic use of small and large intestinal transit
      scintigraphy is increasing, in part, because of the limitations of the other
      methods but, most importantly, because it is truly physiologic, i.e., the transit
      of radiolabeled food can be imaged and quantified from the mouth to rectum.
      Limitations to its wider use have been the lack of standardization, general
      availability, and reimbursement issues. Radionuclide methods are increasingly
      being used to evaluate esophagogastrointestinal transit in a single study, from
      top to bottom.

PMID- 27682149
TI  - Elevated CO2 increases energetic cost and ion movement in the marine fish
      intestine.
AB  - Energetic costs associated with ion and acid-base regulation in response to ocean
      acidification have been predicted to decrease the energy available to fish for
      basic life processes. However, the low cost of ion regulation (6-15% of standard
      metabolic rate) and inherent variation associated with whole-animal metabolic
      rate measurements have made it difficult to consistently demonstrate such a cost.
      Here we aimed to gain resolution in assessing the energetic demand associated
      with acid-base regulation by examining ion movement and O2 consumption rates of
      isolated intestinal tissue from Gulf toadfish acclimated to control or 1900 MUatm
      CO2 (projected for year 2300). The active marine fish intestine absorbs ions from
      ingested seawater in exchange for HCO3- to maintain water balance. We demonstrate
      that CO2 exposure causes a 13% increase of intestinal HCO3- secretion that the
      animal does not appear to regulate. Isolated tissue from CO2-exposed toadfish
      also exhibited an 8% higher O2 consumption rate than tissue from controls. These
      findings show that compensation for CO2 leads to a seemingly maladaptive
      persistent base (HCO3-) loss that incurs an energetic expense at the tissue
      level. Sustained increases to baseline metabolic rate could lead to energetic
      reallocations away from other life processes at the whole-animal level.

PMID- 27682150
TI  - Cultural perceptions and clinical experiences of nursing students in Eastern
      Turkey.
AB  - AIM: This study explored Turkish nursing students' perceptions of providing care
      to patients culturally different from themselves. BACKGROUND: Increasing
      migration will increase the need for nurses to provide care across cultural
      groups. METHODS: Twenty one students in the second year of a 4-year nursing
      programme participated in 3 focus groups. Data were analysed using directed
      content analysis. Research questions were based on Campinha-Bacote's model.
      RESULTS: Three themes were identified: perceived cultural barriers, perceived
      cultural facilitators and identifying culturally sensitive actions. Generally,
      students were able to define culture but were unable to say how culture would
      affect nursing practice. DISCUSSION: Students were unprepared to practice in a
      multicultural setting. Cultural awareness is insufficient for determining how to
      respond to cultural differences. LIMITATIONS: The study is limited by its
      restriction to a single school of nursing and a single curriculum. CONCLUSIONS:
      The multiple, ongoing political, religious and ethnic conflicts will require
      nurses to provide care to patients from other cultural groups, in some instances
      to people identified as adversaries to the group the nurse may represent.
      Understanding cultural differences is insufficient to do this effectively.
      IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING EDUCATION: Learning culturally competent care requires
      opportunities to provide, be guided through and reflect on care to individuals
      from different cultural groups. IMPLICATIONS FOR ORGANIZATIONAL AND PUBLIC
      POLICIES: Standards for culturally competent care should be adopted by all care
      delivery settings. Public and organizational policies openly declaring healthcare
      settings as cultural safe zones, and explicit organizational commitment to
      culturally safe care, would set clear expectations for providers and help ensure
      a positive patient experience.

PMID- 27682151
TI  - Growth and characterization of V2 O5 thin film on conductive electrode.
AB  - Vanadium pentoxide V2 O5 thin films were grown at room temperature on ITO coated
      glass substrates by electrochemical deposition. The resulting films were annealed
      at 300, 400 and 500 degrees C for 1 h in ambient environment. The effect of heat
      treatment on the films properties such as surface morphology, crystal structure,
      optical absorption and photoluminescence were investigated. The x-ray diffraction
      study showed that the films are well crystallized with temperatures. Strong
      reflection from plane (400) indicated the film's preferred growth orientation.
      The V2 O5 films are found to be highly transparent across the visible spectrum
      and the measured photoluminescence quenching suggested the film's potential
      application in OPV device fabrication.

PMID- 27682152
TI  - Chemical Diversity and Antimicrobial Activity of Volatile Compounds from
      Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides Lam. according to Compound Classes, Plant Organs and
      Senegalese Sample Locations.
AB  - The chemical diversity of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides growing wild in Senegal was
      studied according to volatile compound classes, plant organs and sample
      locations. The composition of fruit essential oil was investigated using an
      original targeted approach based on the combination of gas chromatography (GC)
      and liquid chromatography (LC) both coupled with mass spectrometry (MS). The
      volatile composition of Z. zanthoxyloides fruits exhibited relative high amounts
      of hydrocarbon monoterpenes (24.3 - 55.8%) and non-terpenic oxygenated compounds
      (34.5 - 63.1%). The main components were (E)-beta-ocimene (12.1 - 39%), octyl
      acetate (11.6 - 21.8%) and decanol (9.7 - 15.4%). The GC and GC/MS profiling of
      fruit essential oils showed a chemical variability according to geographical
      locations of plant material. The LC/MS/MS analysis of fruit oils allowed the
      detection of seven coumarins in trace content. The chemical composition of fruit
      essential oils was compared with volatile fractions of leaves and barks (root and
      trunk) from the same plant station. Hexadecanoic acid, germacrene D and decanal
      were identified as the major constituents of leaves whereas the barks (root and
      trunk) were dominated by pellitorine (85.8% and 57%, respectively), an atypic
      linear compound with amide group. The fruit essential oil exhibited interesting
      antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans,
      particularly the alcohol fraction of the oil.

PMID- 27682154
TI  - Analysis of the impact of allergy and atopy on new onset of uveitis.
AB  - PURPOSE: The inappropriate immune response to harmless foreign and self-antigens
      is a common feature of allergy, atopy and autoimmune disease. The influence of
      environmental factors in the initiation of autoimmunity is not well understood.
      It is conceivable that immune responses to allergens may also serve as a trigger
      of bystander immune reactions, including autoimmunity such as uveitis. Therefore,
      we wanted to investigate the prevalence of allergies and atopy in patients with
      different types of uveitis in comparison to a control cohort. METHODS: In total,
      530 consecutive patients with new-onset anterior, intermediate, posterior and
      panuveitis were compared to a non-uveitis control cohort consisting of 1.060
      consecutive new-referral patients who attended our specialized outpatient clinics
      for other reasons than uveitis. Allergy and atopy status as well as demographic
      data (age, gender and ethnicity) were obtained by standardized interviewer
      assisted questionnaires. RESULTS: Uveitis case cohort and control cohort did not
      differ significantly in the allergy status (p = 0.910), such as the history of
      pollen allergy (p = 0.671), history of drug allergy (p = 0.920), history of food
      allergy (p = 0.941), history of house dust mite allergy (p = 0.197) or history of
      other allergens (p = 0.593), nor in the atopy status (p = 0.802), such as the
      history of atopic dermatitis (p = 0.365), history of asthma (p = 0.430) or
      history of allergic rhinitis (p = 0.115). CONCLUSIONS: Our results argue against
      a substantial influence of allergies and atopy on the onset of uveitis.

PMID- 27682153
TI  - Clinical-Pathological Conference Series from the Medical University of Graz :
      Case No 160: 33-year-old woman with tetraparesis on Easter Sunday.

PMID- 27682155
TI  - The potential for nurses to contribute to and lead improvement science in health
      care.
AB  - AIM: A discussion of how nurses can contribute to and lead improvement science
      activities in health care. BACKGROUND: Quality failures in health care have led
      to the urgent need for healthcare quality improvement. However, commonly quality
      improvement interventions proceed to practice implementation without rigorous
      methods or sufficient empirical evidence. This lack of evidence for quality
      improvement has led to the development of improvement science, which embodies
      quality improvement research and quality improvement practice. This paper
      discusses how the discipline of nursing and the nursing profession possesses many
      strengths that enable nurses to lead and to play an integral role in improvement
      science activities. However, we also discuss that there are insufficiencies in
      nursing education that require attention for nurses to truly contribute to and
      lead improvement science in health care. DESIGN: Discussion paper. DATA SOURCES:
      This paper builds on a collection of our previous work, a 12-month scoping review
      (March 2013-March 2014), baseline study on a quality improvement management
      system (Lean), interviews with nurses on quality improvement implementation and
      supporting literature. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: This paper highlights how nurses
      have the philosophical, theoretical, political and ethical positioning to
      contribute to and lead improvement science activities. However up to now, the
      potential for nurses to lead improvement science activities has not been fully
      used. CONCLUSION: We suggest that one starting point is to include improvement
      science in nursing education curricula. Specifically, there needs to be increased
      focus on the nursing roles and skills needed to contribute to and lead healthcare
      improvement science activities.

PMID- 27682157
TI  - Assessment of BRAF V600E (VE1) protein expression and BRAF gene mutation status
      in codon 600 in benign and malignant salivary gland neoplasms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The role of BRAF mutations in cancerogenesis has been demonstrated in
      several solid tumor types. However, in salivary gland tumors, this genetic
      alteration is very uncommon, and its role still remains unclear. Thus, the aim of
      this study was to analyze BRAF V600E (VE1) protein expression with BRAF mutation
      status in codon 600, in malignant and benign salivary gland tumors. METHODS:
      Studies were performed on archived formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue
      sections derived from 95 patients who underwent surgery for tumors of the
      salivary gland. Immunohistochemical staining (IHC) on tissue microarray slides
      was performed for evaluation of BRAF V600E (VE1) protein expression, and the
      automatic molecular diagnostics platform was used for the evaluation of mutations
      in codon 600 of BRAF gene. RESULTS: IHC cytoplasmic expression of BRAF V600E
      (VE1) protein was found in two of 95 cases: one case of adenocarcinoma NOS (one
      of three; 33%) and one case of carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (one of five;
      20%). Although, in IHC studies, nuclear BRAF V600E (VE1) protein expression was
      found in 14 (15%) of the analyzed cases: nine of 28 (32%) cases of pleomorphic
      adenoma, three of five (60%) cases of ductal carcinoma, one of nine (11%) case of
      mucoepidermoid carcinoma, and in one of five (20%) case of carcinoma ex
      pleomorphic adenoma. All cases were negative for polymerase chain reaction PCR
      based analyses of BRAF mutations in codon 600. CONCLUSIONS: In studied salivary
      gland cancers, no PCR-based prove mutations of BRAF V600 were detected. Further
      molecular analyses are necessary to rapid molecular arrays for the identification
      of specific mutations, optimal for individualized targeted therapies.

PMID- 27682158
TI  - Reduction mammoplasty using oxidized regenerated cellulose as a filler in breast
      conservation surgery.
AB  - : Oncoplastic surgery of the breast has generated great excitement over the past
      years and has become an integrated component of the surgical treatment of breast
      cancer. Oncoplastic procedures (OPP) associate the best surgical oncologic
      principles to achieve wide tumor-free margins with the best principles of plastic
      surgery to optimize cosmetic outcomes. So, a number of conventional mammoplasty
      techniques have been adapted to allow reconstruction of resection defects with
      parenchymal flaps using a variety of different approaches. Thanks to these
      oncoplastic techniques, the role of breast conserving surgery (BCS) has been
      extended to include a group of patients who would otherwise require mastectomy to
      achieve adeguate tumor clearance. However, even with the use of therapeutic
      mammoplasties, cosmetic outcomes may result unsatisfying when a large volume of
      parenchyma has to be removed, particularly in medium size breasts and for tumor
      localized in unfavourable location as central, inner-upper and lower quadrants.
      Recently, it has been proposed the use of oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC) as
      a reconstructive biomaterial to optimize the aesthetic results after OPP. The aim
      of this article is to describe the standard pattern of an innovative surgical
      oncoplastic technique with ORC, that we have called "QUORC" (QUadrantectomy with
      Oxidized Regenerated Cellulose), to improve cosmetic results and minimize the
      possible postoperative complications after therapeutic mammaplasties. KEY WORDS:
      Breast cancer, Cosmetic results, Oncoplastic surgery, Oxidized regenerated
      cellulose, QUORC technique.

PMID- 27682159
TI  - Spontaneous remission of congenital AML with skin involvement and
      t(1;11)(p32;q23).

PMID- 27682160
TI  - Atrioventricular depolarization differences identify coronary artery anomalies in
      Kawasaki disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Kawasaki disease (KD) is the leading cause of acquired heart disease
      in children. Signal average electrocardiogram changes in patients during the
      acute phase of KD with coronary artery anomalies (CAA) include depolarization
      changes. We set out to determine if 12-lead-derived atrioventricular
      depolarization differences can identify CAA in patients with KD. METHODS: A
      blinded, retrospective case-control study of patients with KD was performed. Deep
      Q waves, corrected QT-intervals (QTc), spatial QRS-T angles, T-wave vector
      magnitudes (RMS-T), and a novel parameter for assessment of atrioventricular
      depolarization difference (the spatial PR angle) and a two dimensional PR angle
      were assessed. Comparisons between groups were performed to test for significant
      differences. RESULTS: One hundred one patients with KD were evaluated, with 68
      having CAA (67.3%, mean age 3.6 +/- 3.0 years, 82.6% male), and 32 without CAA
      (31.7%, mean age 2.7 +/- 3.2 years, 70.4% male). The spatial PR angle
      significantly discriminated KD patients with CAA from those without, 59.7 degrees
      +/- 31.1 degrees  versus 41.6 degrees  +/- 11.5 degrees  (p < .001). A spatial
      PR angle cutoff value of 56.9 degrees  gave positive/negative predictive values
      and odds ratios of 93.8%, 43.5%, and 11.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.6
      52.2). The two dimensional PR angle either below 7 degrees  or above 92 degrees 
      gave positive/negative predictive values and odds ratios of 100.0%, 38.8%, and
      21.1% (95% CI 1.2-362.8). No other parameters significantly differentiated the
      groups. CONCLUSION: Atrioventricular depolarization differences, measured by the
      spatial or two dimensional PR angle differentiate KD patients with CAA versus
      those without.

PMID- 27682156
TI  - The geographical distribution and prevalence of Echinococcus multilocularis in
      animals in the European Union and adjacent countries: a systematic review and
      meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to provide a systematic review on the geographical
      distribution of Echinococcus multilocularis in definitive and intermediate hosts
      in the European Union (EU) and adjacent countries (AC). The relative importance
      of the different host species in the life-cycle of this parasite was highlighted
      and gaps in our knowledge regarding these hosts were identified. METHODS: Six
      databases were searched for primary research studies published from 1900 to 2015.
      From a total of 2,805 identified scientific papers, 244 publications were used
      for meta-analyses. RESULTS: Studies in 21 countries reported the presence of E.
      multilocularis in red foxes, with the following pooled prevalence (PP): low (<= 1
      %; Denmark, Slovenia and Sweden); medium (> 1 % to < 10 %; Austria, Belgium,
      Croatia, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania and the Ukraine); and high (>
      10 %; Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland,
      Slovakia, Liechtenstein and Switzerland). Studies from Finland, Ireland, the
      United Kingdom and Norway reported the absence of E. multilocularis in red foxes.
      However, E. multilocularis was detected in Arctic foxes from the Arctic
      Archipelago of Svalbard in Norway. CONCLUSIONS: Raccoon dogs (PP 2.2 %), golden
      jackals (PP 4.7 %) and wolves (PP 1.4 %) showed a higher E. multilocularis PP
      than dogs (PP 0.3 %) and cats (PP 0.5 %). High E. multilocularis PP in raccoon
      dogs and golden jackals correlated with high PP in foxes. For intermediate hosts
      (IHs), muskrats (PP 4.2 %) and arvicolids (PP 6.0 %) showed similar E.
      multilocularis PP as sylvatic definitive hosts (DHs), excluding foxes. Nutrias
      (PP 1.0 %) and murids (PP 1.1 %) could play a role in the life-cycle of E.
      multilocularis in areas with medium to high PP in red foxes. In areas with low PP
      in foxes, no other DH was found infected with E. multilocularis. When fox E.
      multilocularis PP was >3 %, raccoon dogs and golden jackals could play a similar
      role as foxes. In areas with high E. multilocularis fox PP, the wolf emerged as a
      potentially important DH. Dogs and cats could be irrelevant in the life-cycle of
      the parasite in Europe, although dogs could be important for parasite
      introduction into non-endemic areas. Muskrats and arvicolids are important IHs.
      Swine, insectivores, murids and nutrias seem to play a minor or no role in the
      life-cycle of the parasite within the EU and ACs.

PMID- 27682161
TI  - Engineering island-chain silicon nanowires via a droplet mediated Plateau
      Rayleigh transformation.
AB  - The ability to program highly modulated morphology upon silicon nanowires (SiNWs)
      has been fundamental to explore new phononic and electronic functionalities. We
      here exploit a nanoscale locomotion of metal droplets to demonstrate a large and
      readily controllable morphology engineering of crystalline SiNWs, from straight
      ones into continuous or discrete island-chains, at temperature <350  degrees C.
      This has been accomplished via a tin (Sn) droplet mediated in-plane growth where
      amorphous Si thin film is consumed as precursor to produce crystalline SiNWs.
      Thanks to a significant interface-stretching effect, a periodic Plateau-Rayleigh
      instability oscillation can be stimulated in the liquid Sn droplet, and the
      temporal oscillation of the Sn droplets is translated faithfully, via the
      deformable liquid/solid deposition interface, into regular spatial modulation
      upon the SiNWs. Combined with a unique self-alignment and positioning capability,
      this new strategy could enable a rational design and single-run fabrication of a
      wide variety of nanowire-based optoelectronic devices.

PMID- 27682164
TI  - Role of Ceramide in Apoptosis and Development of Insulin Resistance.
AB  - This review presents data on the functional biochemistry of ceramide, one of the
      key sphingolipids with properties of a secondary messenger. Molecular mechanisms
      of the involvement of ceramide in apoptosis in pancreatic beta-cells and its role
      in the formation of insulin resistance in pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes are
      reviewed. One of the main predispositions for the development of insulin
      resistance and diabetes is obesity, which is associated with ectopic fat
      deposition and significant increase in intracellular concentrations of cytotoxic
      ceramides. A possible approach to the restoration of tissue sensitivity to
      insulin in type 2 diabetes based on selective reduction of the content of
      cytotoxic ceramides is discussed. 

PMID- 27682163
TI  - LcMCII-1 is involved in the ROS-dependent senescence of the rudimentary leaves of
      Litchi chinensis.
AB  - KEY MESSAGE: LcMCII - 1 is a type II metacaspase. Over-expression of LcMCII- 1 in
      Arabidopsis promoted ROS-dependent and natural senescence. Virus-induced LcMCII-
      1 silencing delayed the ROS-dependent senescence of the rudimentary leaves of
      Litchi chinensis . Litchi is an evergreen woody fruit tree that is widely
      cultivated in subtropical and tropical regions. Its floral buds are mixed with
      axillary or apical panicle primordia, leaf primordia and rudimentary leaves. A
      low spring temperature is vital for litchi production as it promotes the
      abscission of the rudimentary leaves, which could otherwise prevent panicle
      development. Hence, climate change could present additional challenges for litchi
      production. We previously reported that reactive oxygen species (ROS) can
      substitute low-temperature treatment to induce the senescence of rudimentary
      leaves. We have now identified from RNA-Seq data a litchi type II metacaspase
      gene, LcMCII-1, that is responsive to ROS. Silencing LcMCII-1 by virus-induced
      gene silencing delayed ROS-dependent senescence. The ectopic over-expression of
      LcMCII-1 in transgenic Arabidopsis promoted ROS-dependent and natural senescence.
      Consistently, the transient expression of LcMCII-1 in tobacco leaf by
      agroinfiltration resulted in leaf yellowing. Our findings demonstrate that LcMCII
      1 is positively involved in the regulation of rudimentary leaf senescence in
      litchi and provide a new target for the future molecular breeding of new
      cultivars that can set fruit in warmer climates.

PMID- 27682165
TI  - The Road to Optogenetics: Microbial Rhodopsins.
AB  - Optogenetics technology (using light-sensitive microbial proteins to control
      animal cell physiology) is becoming increasingly popular in laboratories around
      the world. Among these proteins, particularly important are rhodopsins that
      transport ions across the membrane and are used in optogenetics to regulate
      membrane potential by light, mostly in neurons. Although rhodopsin ion pumps
      transport only one charge per captured photon, channelrhodopsins are capable of
      more efficient passive transport. In this review, we follow the history of
      channelrhodopsin discovery in flagellate algae and discuss the latest addition to
      the channelrhodopsin family, channels with anion, rather than cation,
      selectivity. 

PMID- 27682166
TI  - Nucleolar Methyltransferase Fibrillarin: Evolution of Structure and Functions.
AB  - Fibrillarin is one of the most studied nucleolar proteins. Its main functions are
      methylation and processing of pre-rRNA. Fibrillarin is a highly conserved
      protein; however, in the course of evolution from archaea to eukaryotes, it
      acquired an additional N-terminal glycine and arginine-rich (GAR) domain. In this
      review, we discuss the evolution of fibrillarin structure and its relation to the
      functions of the protein in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. 

PMID- 27682167
TI  - AP Endonuclease 1 as a Key Enzyme in Repair of Apurinic/Apyrimidinic Sites.
AB  - Human apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1) is one of the key participants
      in the DNA base excision repair system. APE1 hydrolyzes DNA adjacent to the 5'
      end of an apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) site to produce a nick with a 3'-hydroxyl
      group and a 5'-deoxyribose phosphate moiety. APE1 exhibits 3'-phosphodiesterase,
      3'-5'-exonuclease, and 3'-phosphatase activities. APE1 was also identified as a
      redox factor (Ref-1). In this review, data on the role of APE1 in the DNA repair
      process and in other metabolic processes occurring in cells are analyzed as well
      as the interaction of this enzyme with DNA and other proteins participating in
      the repair system. 

PMID- 27682162
TI  - Map-based Cloning and Characterization of the BPH18 Gene from Wild Rice
      Conferring Resistance to Brown Planthopper (BPH) Insect Pest.
AB  - Brown planthopper (BPH) is a phloem sap-sucking insect pest of rice which causes
      severe yield loss. We cloned the BPH18 gene from the BPH-resistant introgression
      line derived from the wild rice species Oryza australiensis. Map-based cloning
      and complementation test revealed that the BPH18 encodes CC-NBS-NBS-LRR protein.
      BPH18 has two NBS domains, unlike the typical NBS-LRR proteins. The BPH18
      promoter::GUS transgenic plants exhibited strong GUS expression in the vascular
      bundles of the leaf sheath, especially in phloem cells where the BPH attacks. The
      BPH18 proteins were widely localized to the endo-membranes in a cell, including
      the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, trans-Golgi network, and prevacuolar
      compartments, suggesting that BPH18 may recognize the BPH invasion at endo
      membranes in phloem cells. Whole genome sequencing of the near-isogenic lines
      (NILs), NIL-BPH18 and NIL-BPH26, revealed that BPH18 located at the same locus of
      BPH26. However, these two genes have remarkable sequence differences and the
      independent NILs showed differential BPH resistance with different expression
      patterns of plant defense-related genes, indicating that BPH18 and BPH26 are
      functionally different alleles. These findings would facilitate elucidation of
      the molecular mechanism of BPH resistance and the identified novel alleles to
      fast track breeding BPH resistant rice cultivars.

PMID- 27682168
TI  - 35S Promoter Methylation in Kanamycin-Resistant Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe pinnata L.)
      Plants Expressing the Antimicrobial Peptide Cecropin P1 Transgene.
AB  - Transgenic kalanchoe plants (Kalanchoe pinnata L.) expressing the antimicrobial
      peptide cecropin P1 gene (cecP1) under the control of the 35S cauliflower mosaic
      virus 35S RNA promoter and the selective neomycin phosphotransferase II (nptII)
      gene under the control of the nopaline synthase gene promoter were studied. The
      35S promoter methylation and the cecropin P1 biosynthesis levels were compared in
      plants growing on media with and without kanamycin. The low level of active 35S
      promoter methylation further decreases upon cultivation on kanamycin-containing
      medium, while cecropin P1 synthesis increases. 

PMID- 27682169
TI  - Molecular Genetic Markers of Intra- and Interspecific Divergence within Starfish
      and Sea Urchins (Echinodermata).
AB  - A fragment of the mitochondrial COI gene from isolates of several echinoderm
      species was sequenced. The isolates were from three species of starfish from the
      Asteriidae family (Asterias amurensis and Aphelasterias japonica collected in the
      Sea of Japan and Asterias rubens collected in the White Sea) and from the sea
      urchin Echinocardium cordatum (family Loveniidae) collected in the Sea of Japan.
      Additionally, regions including internal transcribed spacers and 5.8S rRNA (ITS1 
      5.8S rDNA - ITS2) were sequenced for the three studied starfish species.
      Phylogenetic analysis of the obtained COI sequences together with earlier
      determined homologous COI sequences from Ast. forbesii, Ast. rubens, and
      Echinocardium laevigaster from the North Atlantic and E. cordatum from the Yellow
      and North Seas (GenBank) placed them into strictly conspecific clusters with high
      bootstrap support (99% in all cases). Only two exceptions - Ast. rubens DQ077915
      sequence placed with the Ast. forbesii cluster and Aph. japonica DQ992560
      sequence placed with the Ast. amurensis cluster - were likely results of species
      misidentification. The intraspecific polymorphism for the COI gene within the
      Asteriidae family varied within a range of 0.2-0.9% as estimated from the genetic
      distances. The corresponding intrageneric and intergeneric values were 10.4-12.1
      and 21.8-29.8%, respectively. The interspecific divergence for the COI gene in
      the sea urchin of Echinocardium genus (family Loveniidae) was significantly
      higher (17.1-17.7%) than in the starfish, while intergeneric divergence (14.6
      25.7%) was similar to that in asteroids. The interspecific genetic distances for
      the nuclear transcribed sequences (ITS1 - 5.8S rDNA - ITS2) within the Asteriidae
      family were lower (3.1-4.5%), and the intergeneric distances were significantly
      higher (32.8-35.0%), compared to the corresponding distances for the COI gene.
      These results suggest that the investigated molecular-genetic markers could be
      used for segregation and identification of echinoderm species. 

PMID- 27682170
TI  - Plastid Genome of Seseli montanum: Complete Sequence and Comparison with
      Plastomes of Other Members of the Apiaceae Family.
AB  - This work reports the complete plastid (pt) DNA sequence of Seseli montanum L. of
      the Apiaceae family, determined using next-generation sequencing technology. The
      complete genome sequence has been deposited in GenBank with accession No.
      KM035851. The S. montanum plastome is 147,823 bp in length. The plastid genome
      has a typical structure for angiosperms and contains a large single-copy region
      (LSC) of 92,620 bp and a small single-copy region (SSC) of 17,481 bp separated by
      a pair of 18,861 bp inverted repeats (IRa and IRb). The composition, gene order,
      and AT-content in the S. montanum plastome are similar to that of a typical
      flowering plant pt DNA. One hundred fourteen unique genes have been identified,
      including 30 tRNA genes, four rRNA genes, and 80 protein genes. Of 18 intron
      containing genes found, 16 genes have one intron, and two genes (ycf3, clpP) have
      two introns. Comparative analysis of Apiaceae plastomes reveals in the S.
      montanum plastome a LSC/IRb junction shift, so that the part of the ycf2 (4980
      bp) gene is located in the LSC, but the other part of ycf2 (1301 bp) is within
      the inverted repeat. Thus, structural rearrangements in the plastid genome of S.
      montanum result in an enlargement of the LSC region by means of capture of a
      large part of ycf2, in contrast to eight Apiaceae plastomes where the complete
      ycf2 gene sequence is located in the inverted repeat. 

PMID- 27682171
TI  - Dioxygenases of Chlorobiphenyl-Degrading Species Rhodococcus wratislaviensis G10
      and Chlorophenol-Degrading Species Rhodococcus opacus 1CP Induced in Benzoate
      Grown Cells and Genes Potentially Involved in These Processes.
AB  - Dioxygenases induced during benzoate degradation by the actinobacterium
      Rhodococcus wratislaviensis G10 strain degrading haloaromatic compounds were
      studied. Rhodococcus wratislaviensis G10 completely degraded 2 g/liter benzoate
      during 30 h and 10 g/liter during 200 h. Washed cells grown on benzoate retained
      respiration activity for more than 90 days, and a high activity of benzoate
      dioxygenase was recorded for 10 days. Compared to the enzyme activities with
      benzoate, the activity of benzoate dioxygenases was 10-30% with 13 of 35
      substituted benzoate analogs. Two dioxygenases capable of cleaving the aromatic
      ring were isolated and characterized: protocatechuate 3,4-dioxygenase and
      catechol 1,2-dioxygenase. Catechol inhibited the activity of protocatechuate 3,4
      dioxygenase. Protocatechuate did not affect the activity of catechol 1,2
      dioxygenase. A high degree of identity was shown by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry
      for protein peaks of the R. wratislaviensis G10 and Rhodococcus opacus 1CP cells
      grown on benzoate or LB. DNA from the R. wratislaviensis G10 strain was
      specifically amplified using specific primers to variable regions of genes coding
      alpha- and beta-subunits of protocatechuate 3,4-dioxygenase and to two genes of
      the R. opacus 1CP coding catechol 1,2-dioxygenase. The products were 99%
      identical with the corresponding regions of the R. opacus 1CP genes. This high
      identity (99%) between the genes coding degradation of aromatic compounds in the
      R. wratislaviensis G10 and R. opacus 1CP strains isolated from sites of remote
      location (1400 km) and at different time (20-year difference) indicates a common
      origin of biodegradation genes of these strains and a wide distribution of these
      genes among rhodococci. 

PMID- 27682172
TI  - Cell Wall Glycopolymers of Type Strains from Three Species of the Genus
      Actinoplanes.
AB  - The structures of cell wall glycopolymers from the type strains of three
      Actinoplanes species were investigated using chemical methods, NMR spectroscopy,
      and mass spectrometry. Actinoplanes digitatis VKM Ac-649(T) contains two
      phosphate-containing glycopolymers: poly(diglycosyl-1-phosphate) ->6)-alpha-D
      GlcpNAc-(1-P-6)-alpha-D-GlcpN-(1-> and teichoic acid ->1)-sn-Gro-(3-P-3)-beta
      [beta-D-GlcpNAc-(1->2]-D-Galp-(1->. Two glycopolymers were identified in A.
      auranticolor VKM Ac-648(T) and A. cyaneus VKM Ac-1095(T): minor polymer -
      unsubstituted 2,3-poly(glycerol phosphate), widely abundant in actinobacteria (Ac
      648(T)), and mannan with trisaccharide repeating unit ->2)-alpha-D-Manp-(1->2)
      alpha-D-Manp-(1->6)-alpha-D-Manp-(1-> (Ac-1095(T)). In addition, both
      microorganisms contain a teichuronic acid of unique structure containing a
      pentasaccharide repeating unit with two residues of glucopyranose and three
      residues of diaminouronic acids in D-manno- and/or D-gluco-configuration. Each of
      the strains demonstrates peculiarities in the structure of teichuronic acid with
      respect to the ratio of diaminouronic acids and availability and location of O
      methyl groups in glucopyranose residues. All investigated strains contain a
      unique set of glycopolymers in their cell walls with structures not described
      earlier for prokaryotes. 

PMID- 27682173
TI  - Identification of Proteins Whose Interaction with Na+,K+-ATPase Is Triggered by
      Ouabain.
AB  - Prolonged exposure of different epithelial cells (canine renal epithelial cells
      (MDCK), vascular endothelial cells from porcine aorta (PAEC), human umbilical
      vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa), as well as
      epithelial cells from colon carcinoma (Caco-2)) with ouabain or with other
      cardiotonic steroids was shown earlier to result in the death of these cells.
      Intermediates in the cell death signal cascade remain unknown. In the present
      study, we used proteomics methods for identification of proteins whose
      interaction with Na+,K+-ATPase is triggered by ouabain. After exposure of Caco-2
      human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells with 3 uM of ouabain for 3 h, the protein
      interacting in complex with Na+,K+-ATPase was coimmunoprecipitated using
      antibodies against the enzyme alpha1-subunit. Proteins of coimmunoprecipitates
      were separated by 2D electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel. A number of proteins
      in the coimmunoprecipitates with molecular masses of 71-74, 46, 40-43, 38, and 33
      35 kDa was revealed whose binding to Na+,K+-ATPase was activated by ouabain.
      Analyses conducted by mass spectroscopy allowed us to identify some of them,
      including seven signal proteins from superfamilies of glucocorticoid receptors,
      serine/threonine protein kinases, and protein phosphatases 2C, Src-, and Rho
      GTPases. The possible participation of these proteins in activation of cell
      signaling terminated by cell death is discussed. 

PMID- 27682174
TI  - Interaction of Telomeric Retroelement HeT-A Transcripts and Their Protein Product
      Gag in Early Embryogenesis of Drosophila.
AB  - The telomere is a nucleoprotein complex at the ends of linear chromosomes that
      protects them from fusion and degradation. The telomere consists of telomeric
      DNA, a protective protein complex and telomeric RNA. Biogenesis of telomeric
      transcripts in development is still far from being understood. Drosophila
      telomeres are elongated by a transposition of specialized telomeric
      retrotransposons that encode proteins. Using transgenic constructs encoding
      tagged telomeric protein, we found that transcripts of Drosophila telomeric
      element HeT-A bind Gag-HeT-A protein encoded by these transcripts. Maternal HeT-A
      transcripts and Gag-HeT-A form ribonucleoprotein granules around centrosomes,
      centers of microtubule organization, during blastoderm formation, upon disruption
      of telomere silencing during oogenesis. The specific localization of HeT-A RNA is
      dependent on microtubules since disruption of microtubules caused delocalization
      of HeT-A transcripts. This transgenic system is a valuable model for the study of
      telomeric RNA biogenesis. 

PMID- 27682175
TI  - Adverse drug reactions of botulinum neurotoxin type A in children with cerebral
      palsy: a pharmaco-epidemiological study in VigiBase.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the risk of adverse drug reactions
      (ADRs) with botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT-A) in children with cerebral palsy
      (CP) using the World Health Organization global individual case safety report
      (ICSR) database, VigiBase. METHOD: We extracted all children ICSRs for ADRs with
      BoNT-A used as anti-spastic drug in CP recorded between 1995 and 2015 in
      VigiBase. We also performed a case/non-case method (disproportionality analysis)
      to assess the link between exposure to BoNT-A and each ADR of interest in
      children and adults, calculating reporting odds ratios (RORs). RESULTS: In
      VigiBase, 162 ICSRs were registered. They involved mainly males (n=95, 59%) and
      mean (SD) age was 7 years 11 months (4y 4mo). The most frequent ADR was dysphagia
      (27 ICSRs, 17%) followed by asthenia and muscular weakness (25 ICSRs each, 16%).
      Nineteen ICSRs (12%) were lethal. There was a significant association between
      BoNT-A and death in children (ROR=11.1 95%, confidence interval [CI] 7.0-17.7)
      but not in adults. INTERPRETATION: In children with CP, most ADRs seem to be
      linked to a systemic spread of BoNT-A. Our study suggests a higher risk of ADRs
      with BoNT-A in children than in adults.

PMID- 27682176
TI  - Copper/Zinc-Directed Heterometallic Uranyl-Organic Polycatenating Frameworks:
      Synthesis, Characterization, and Anion-Dependent Structural Regulation.
AB  - By employing a multidentate ligand, 2,2'-bipyridine-5,5'-dicarboxylic acid
      (H2bpdc), with both O-donors and N-donors, five uranyl-Cu(II)/Zn(II)
      heterometallic coordination polymers, (UO2)Cu(MU4-bpdc)(MU3-bpdc) (1-Cu),
      (UO2)Zn(MU4-bpdc)(MU3-bpdc) (1'-Zn), (UO2)CuCl(MU3-bpdc)(MU2-Hbpdc)(H2O) (2-Cu),
      (UO2)2Cu2Cl2(MU3-bpdc)2(MU2-Hbpdc)2(H2O)3.2H2O (2-Cu'), and (UO2)2Zn(MU3-SO4)(MU4
      bpdc)(MU3-bpdc)(H2O)3 (3-Zn), were prepared under hydrothermal conditions.
      Thermal stability and luminescent properties of 1-Cu, 1'-Zn, 2-Cu, and 3-Zn were
      also investigated. Isostructural compounds 1-Cu and 1'-Zn both have a three
      dimensional (3D) framework built by polycatenating of two sets of paralleling two
      dimensional (2D) grids with octahedral transition metal cations (Cu or Zn) as the
      cross-linking nodes. As far as we know, compounds 1-Cu and 1'-Zn are the first
      two cases that possess polycatenated networks in heterometallic uranyl-organic
      coordination polymers. Compound 2-Cu contains 3-fold interpenetrated 2D networks
      which are built by the connection of [(UO2)2(bpdc)2(Hbpdc)2]2- secondary building
      units and Cu(II). A one-dimensional tilted ladder-like structure in 2-Cu' is
      constructed by uranyl-bpdc chains connected by Cu(II) and Hbpdc-. Compound 3-Zn
      displays a layered-like 2D network contain an unusual [(UO2)2Zn(MU3-SO4)] unit.
      Interestingly, different anions could lead to the change of coordination sites of
      transition metal cations, resulting in structural diversity of heterometallic
      uranyl-organic frameworks.

PMID- 27682177
TI  - ?

PMID- 27682178
TI  - Hypatulins A and B, Meroterpenes from Hypericum patulum.
AB  - Two novel prenylated benzophenone related meroterpenes, hypatulins A (1) and B
      (2), were isolated from the leaves of Hypericum patulum. The structures of 1 and
      2 were assigned by spectroscopic analysis, chemical conversion, and calculations
      of the ECD (electron circular dichroism) spectra. Hypatulin A (1) had a unique
      densely substituted tricyclic octahydro-1,5-methanopentalene core, while
      hypatulin B (2) possessed a bicyclo[3.2.1]octane moiety. Hypatulin A (1)
      exhibited antimicrobacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis. A possible
      biogenetic pathway of the new meroterpenes 1 and 2 from a prenylated benzophenone
      was presented.

PMID- 27682180
TI  - Frontmatter.

PMID- 27682179
TI  - Hardware Technologies and Probe Development in Light Microscopy Help Drive
      Discoveries in Cell Biology: Introduction to a Virtual Symposium in The
      Biological Bulletin.

PMID- 27682181
TI  - Quantitative lateral flow strip assays as User-Friendly Tools To Detect Biomarker
      Profiles For Leprosy.
AB  - Leprosy is a debilitating, infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae.
      Despite the availability of multidrug therapy, transmission is unremitting. Thus,
      early identification of M. leprae infection is essential to reduce transmission.
      The immune response to M. leprae is determined by host genetics, resulting in
      paucibacillary (PB) and multibacillary (MB) leprosy associated with dominant
      cellular or humoral immunity, respectively. This spectral pathology of leprosy
      compels detection of immunity to M. leprae to be based on multiple, diverse
      biomarkers. In this study we have applied quantitative user friendly lateral flow
      assays (LFAs) for four immune markers (anti-PGL-I antibodies, IL-10, CCL4 and IP
      10) for whole blood samples from a longitudinal BCG vaccination field-trial in
      Bangladesh. Different biomarker profiles, in contrast to single markers,
      distinguished M. leprae infected from non-infected test groups, patients from
      household contacts (HHC) and endemic controls (EC), or MB from PB patients. The
      test protocol presented in this study merging detection of innate, adaptive
      cellular as well as humoral immunity, thus provides a convenient tool to measure
      specific biomarker profiles for M. leprae infection and leprosy utilizing a field
      friendly technology.

PMID- 27682183
TI  - Genome divergence and diversification within a geographic mosaic of coevolution.
AB  - Despite substantial interest in coevolution's role in diversification, examples
      of coevolution contributing to speciation have been elusive. Here, we build upon
      past studies that have shown both coevolution between South Hills crossbills and
      lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta), and high levels of reproductive isolation
      between South Hills crossbills and other ecotypes in the North American red
      crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) complex. We used genotyping by sequencing to
      generate population genomic data and applied phylogenetic and population genetic
      analyses to characterize the genetic structure within and among nine of the
      ecotypes. Although genome-wide divergence was slight between ecotypes (FST  =
      0.011-0.035), we found evidence of relative genetic differentiation (as measured
      by FST ) between and genetic cohesiveness within many of them. As expected for
      nomadic and opportunistic breeders, we detected no evidence of isolation by
      distance. The one sedentary ecotype, the South Hills crossbill, was genetically
      most distinct because of elevated divergence at a small number of loci rather
      than pronounced overall genome-wide divergence. These findings suggest that
      mechanisms related to recent local coevolution between South Hills crossbills and
      lodgepole pine (e.g. strong resource-based density dependence limiting gene flow)
      have been associated with genome divergence in the face of gene flow. Our results
      further characterize a striking example of coevolution driving speciation within
      perhaps as little as 6000 years.

PMID- 27682182
TI  - Beneficial Effects of Exogenous Melatonin in Acute Staphylococcus aureus and
      Escherichia coli Infection-Induced Inflammation and Associated Behavioral
      Response in Mice After Exposure to Short Photoperiod.
AB  - The administration of melatonin during acute bacterial infection was evaluated in
      this study. Mice pre-exposed to normal photoperiodic (NP), short photoperiodic
      (SP), and long photoperiodic (LP) day lengths were infected separately with live
      Staphylococcus aureus (5 * 106 cells/ml) or Escherichia coli (2.5 * 107 colony
      forming units/ml) and treated with melatonin (10 mg/kg body weight). Behavioral
      studies were performed before bacterial infection and after melatonin
      administration. In mice pre-exposed to SP, exogenous melatonin administration
      resulted in better clearance of bacteria from blood and behavioral improvement.
      Reduced glutathione content and superoxide dismutase activities were increased,
      with concomitant decrease in lipid peroxidation content and catalase activities
      in the liver, brain, and spleen after exogenous melatonin administration. The
      overproduction of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interferon-gamma, and interleukin
      6 during acute bacterial infection in mice exposed to different photoperiods was
      probably regulated by the administration of exogenous melatonin, by reducing
      neutrophil recruitment to spleen, expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase
      and cyclooxygenase-2 in hypothalamus, and C-reactive protein in the serum, and
      was also associated with improved behavioral response. Photoperiodic variations
      in inflammatory and oxidative stress markers might be correlated to serum
      melatonin and corticosterone levels. This study suggests that the administration
      of melatonin during SP exposure is protective in infection-induced inflammation
      than NP and LP exposure.

PMID- 27682184
TI  - Tracing of zinc and iron in experimentally induced varicocele: correlation with
      oxidative, nitrosative and carbonyl stress.
AB  - This study was designed to evaluate how varicocele (VCL) can time dependently
      induce zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) toxicity in testicular tissue and to analyse the
      relation between heavy metals toxicity and lipid peroxidation, sperm DNA damage,
      nitrosative and carbonyl stresses. Twenty-four mature male Wistar rats were
      divided into control-sham and test groups, which were then submitted to
      experimentally induced VCL. Non-VCL-induced rats were considered as control-sham.
      The test groups were subdivided into three groups based on the sample collecting
      date (2, 6 and 8 months after VCL induction). Zn and Fe distribution in
      testicles, DNA ladder for sperm DNA fragmentation, testicular total antioxidant
      capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitrite oxide (NO) and carbonyl groups
      (CG) were analysed. A significant (p < .05) enhancement in the percentage of
      tubules with negative tubular repopulation, differentiation and spermiogenesis
      indices was revealed. The VCL increased Zn and Fe distribution in testicles. The
      VCL, time dependently, reduced sperm count, motility and enhanced sperm DNA
      damage (p < .05). The VCL downregulated the testicular TAC and enhanced the MDA,
      NO and CG contents. Our data showed that the VCL results in intensive Fe and Zn
      toxicities. Produced Zn- and Fe-mediated-oxidative stress increases sperm DNA
      damage associated with NO and CG-induced stresses.

PMID- 27682185
TI  - Merging Iron Catalysis and Biocatalysis-Iron Carbonyl Complexes as Efficient
      Hydrogen Autotransfer Catalysts in Dynamic Kinetic Resolutions.
AB  - A dual catalytic iron/lipase system has been developed and applied in the dynamic
      kinetic resolution of benzylic and aliphatic secondary alcohols. A detailed study
      of the Knolker-type iron complexes demonstrated the hydrogen autotransfer of
      alcohols to proceed under mild reaction conditions and allowed the combination
      with the enzymatic resolution. Different racemic alcohols were efficiently
      converted to chiral acetates in good yields and with excellent
      enantioselectivities.

PMID- 27682186
TI  - Twelve months monitoring of hair GHB decay following a single dose administration
      in a case of facilitated sexual assault.

PMID- 27682188
TI  - The impact of postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms on child
      development: a population-based, 2-year follow-up study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Against the background of very limited evidence, the present study
      aimed to prospectively examine the impact of maternal postpartum post-traumatic
      stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms on four important areas of child development,
      i.e. gross motor, fine motor, communication and social-emotional development.
      METHOD: This study is part of the large, population-based Akershus Birth Cohort.
      Data from the hospital's birth record as well as questionnaire data from 8 weeks
      and 2 years postpartum were used (n = 1472). The domains of child development
      that were significantly correlated with PTSD symptoms were entered into
      regression analyses. Interaction analyses were run to test whether the influence
      of postpartum PTSD symptoms on child development was moderated by child sex or
      infant temperament. RESULTS: Postpartum PTSD symptoms had a prospective
      relationship with poor child social-emotional development 2 years later. This
      relationship remained significant even when adjusting for confounders such as
      maternal depression and anxiety or infant temperament. Both child sex and infant
      temperament moderated the association between maternal PTSD symptoms and child
      social-emotional development, i.e. with increasing maternal PTSD symptom load,
      boys and children with a difficult temperament were shown to have comparatively
      higher levels of social-emotional problems. CONCLUSIONS: Examining four different
      domains of child development, we found a prospective impact of postpartum PTSD
      symptoms on children's social-emotional development at 2 years of age. Our
      findings suggest that both boys and children with an early difficult temperament
      may be particularly susceptible to the adverse impact of postpartum PTSD
      symptoms. Additional studies are needed to further investigate the mechanisms at
      work.

PMID- 27682187
TI  - Characteristics and outcomes of patients with multiple myeloma aged 21-40 years
      versus 41-60 years: a multi-institutional case-control study.
AB  - We compared the outcomes of multiple myeloma (MM) patients aged 21-40 and 41-60
      years in the novel agent era. This case-control study included 1089 patients
      between 2000 and 2015. Cases and controls were matched for sex, International
      Staging System (ISS) stage and institution. There were 173 patients in the
      younger group and 916 patients in the older group. Younger patients presented
      with a higher incidence of lytic lesions (82% vs. 72%; P = 0.04) and high-risk
      cytogenetic abnormalities (83% vs. 68%; P = 0.007), but lower rate of elevated
      lactate dehydrogenase (21% vs. 44%; P < 0.001). Five- and 10-year overall
      survival (OS) in younger versus older patients was 83% vs. 67% and 56% vs. 39%,
      respectively (P < 0.001). Similar results were seen when studying the subset of
      780 patients who underwent autologous transplantation. Younger patients with ISS
      stage 1 had a better OS than older patients (P < 0.001). There was no survival
      difference between younger and older patients with ISS stage 2 or 3. Younger MM
      patients, aged 21-40 years, treated in the era of novel agents have a better OS
      than their counterparts aged 41-60 years, but the survival advantage observed in
      younger patients was lost in more advanced stages of MM.

PMID- 27682189
TI  - Activity of cefquinome against extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing
      Klebsiella pneumoniae in neutropenic mouse thigh model.
AB  - Increasing prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing
      Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) is of clinical concern. The objective of
      our study was to examine the in vivo activity of cefquinome against ESBL
      producing K. pneumoniae strain using a neutropenic mouse thigh infection model.
      Cefquinome kinetics and protein binding in infected neutropenic mice were
      measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Dose
      fractionation studies over a 24-h dose range of 2.5-320 mg/kg were administered
      every 3, 6, 12, or 24 h. The percentage of the dosing interval that the free-drug
      serum levels exceed the MIC (%fT > MIC) was the PK-PD index that best correlated
      with cefquinome efficacy (R2  = 86%). Using a sigmoid Emax model, the magnitudes
      of %fT > MIC producing net bacterial stasis, a 1-log10 kill and a 2-log10 kill
      over 24 h, were estimated to be 20.07%, 29.57%, and 55.12%, respectively. These
      studies suggest that optimal cefquinome PK/PD targets are not achieved in pigs,
      sheep, and cattle at current recommended doses (1~2 mg/kg). Further studies with
      higher doses in the target species are needed to ensure therapeutic
      concentration, if cefquinome is used for treatment of K. pneumoniae infection.

PMID- 27682190
TI  - Autophagy function and its relationship to pathology, clinical applications, drug
      metabolism and toxicity.
AB  - Autophagy is a cellular process that facilitates nutrient turnover and removal of
      expended macromolecules and organelles to maintain homeostasis. The recycling of
      cytosolic macromolecules and damaged organelles by autophagosomes occurs through
      the lysosomal degradation pathway. Autophagy can also be upregulated as a
      prosurvival pathway in response to stress stimuli such as starvation, hypoxia or
      cell damage. Over the last two decades, there has been a surge in research
      revealing the basic molecular mechanisms of autophagy in mammalian cells. A
      corollary of an advanced understanding of autophagy has been a concurrent
      expansion of research into understanding autophagic function and dysfunction in
      pathology. Recent studies have revealed a pivotal role for autophagy in drug
      toxicity, and for utilizing autophagic components as diagnostic markers and
      therapeutic targets in treating disease and cancer. In this review, advances in
      understanding the molecular basis of mammalian autophagy, methods used to induce
      and evaluate autophagy, and the diverse interactions between autophagy and drug
      toxicity, disease progression and carcinogenesis are discussed. Copyright (c)
      2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27682192
TI  - Junior doctors lose legal challenge over contract imposition.

PMID- 27682191
TI  - Towards national comprehensive gestational diabetes screening - consequences for
      neonatal outcome and care.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The change from risk-factor-based to nearly comprehensive screening
      of gestational diabetes (GDM) identifies more but milder cases of the disease.
      The main aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of this screening policy
      change on neonatal outcomes and care. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A population-based
      register study in Finland. GDM cases during risk-factor-based (year 2006, n =
      5179) and comprehensive (2010, n = 6679) screenings were identified through the
      Medical Birth Register. All singletons without maternal GDM or prepregnancy
      diabetes served as controls (n = 51 746 and n = 52 386, respectively). The main
      outcomes were macrosomia, neonatal hypoglycemia and the need for care in a
      neonatal ward. RESULTS: In the GDM group, the mean birthweight decreased between
      the study years from 3660 g to 3595 g and the prevalence of macrosomia from 5.6
      to 4.1% even after adjustment for maternal age, parity and prepregnancy body mass
      index. The adjusted mean difference in birthweight between GDM and control
      newborns decreased from 70 to 22 g between the study years. The prevalence of
      neonatal hypoglycemia increased from 18.0 to 22.1% in the GDM group. However,
      neonatal hypoglycemia was more often treated without care in a neonatal ward. The
      proportion of infants treated on a neonatal ward decreased in both the GDM and
      control groups between the study years. CONCLUSIONS: In newborns, comprehensive
      GDM screening led to decreased mean birthweight and macrosomia rates, but the
      prevalence of neonatal hypoglycemia increased. This places substantial demands
      for delivery hospitals and healthcare resources.

PMID- 27682193
TI  - Surfactant-Free Emulsions with Erasable Triggered Phase Inversions.
AB  - Complex emulsions including double emulsions and high-internal-phase emulsions
      (HIPEs) are wonderful templates for producing porous polymeric materials. Yet,
      surfactants and multiple emulsifications are generally needed. In this work,
      surfactant-free complex emulsions are successfully prepared using a CO2
      responsive block copolymer through one-step emulsification. Phase inversion from
      HIPEs to double emulsions happens in one system upon the change in polymer
      amphiphilicity as a result of CO2 triggering. The one-step emulsification method
      offers great convenience for converting the block copolymer into porous 3D
      scaffolds and particles. Moreover, CO2 triggering is erasable so that the polymer
      can be repeatedly used for controllable complex emulsions as well as porous
      materials.

PMID- 27682194
TI  - Examination of Trifluoroethanol Interactions with Trp-Cage through MD Simulations
      and Intermolecular Nuclear Overhauser Effects.
AB  - Molecular dynamics simulations of the protein model Trp-cage in 42% 2,2,2
      trifluoroethanol (TFE)-water at 318 K have been carried out with the goal of
      exploring solvent fluorine-peptide hydrogen nuclear spin cross-relaxation. TFE5
      and TFE6 models of TFE developed in previous work from this laboratory were used
      with the TIP5PE model of water. System densities and component translational
      diffusion coefficients were well predicted by the simulations, as were many of
      the cross-relaxation parameters (SigmaHF) for which experimental values are
      available. However, the calculated SigmaHF values were too small for some
      hydrogens of the Trp6 indole ring and for amino acid hydrogens near this residue
      in the native structure. Simulations carried out with unfolded versions of Trp
      cage suggest that underestimates of SigmaHF are the result of insufficient
      sampling of conformational motions that expose these hydrogens to interactions
      with solvent molecules during simulations of the native peptide. Consideration of
      the relative amounts of TFE and water surrounding the Trp-cage structure
      indicates that the composition of the solvent mixture at distances beyond ~1.5 nm
      from the surface of the peptide is close to the composition of the bulk solvent,
      but, as observed by others, TFE tends to accumulate preferentially near the
      surface of the peptide. Both TFE and water molecules make contacts with the
      peptide surface; water molecules predominate in contacts with the peptide
      backbone atoms, and TFE molecules generally preferentially interact with side
      chains. Translational diffusion of solvent molecules appears to slow down near
      the surface of the peptide.

PMID- 27682195
TI  - Albumin-Binding Evans Blue Derivatives for Diagnostic Imaging and Production of
      Long-Acting Therapeutics.
AB  - One of the major design considerations for a drug is its pharmacokinetics: a drug
      with short blood half-life is less available at a target organ which in turn
      dictates treatment with either high or more frequent doses, and increases the
      likelihood of undesirable side effects. One method to improve drug
      pharmacokinetics is adding functional chemical groups to the drug molecule that
      can increase the half-life in the blood, hopefully, without significantly
      affecting its desired biological activity. Evans Blue (EB) dye reversibly binds
      to serum albumin with moderate affinity and has a long blood half-life. The
      binding of EB to albumin has been exploited to quantify protein leakage as an
      indicator of increased vascular permeability. Design of new chemical entities
      based on EB structure and coupling them to drugs, enables the usage of albumin as
      a reversible carrier in the blood and improves drug's half-life. This Topical
      Review summarizes the recent developments of various EB derivatives for molecular
      imaging and therapy applications.

PMID- 27682197
TI  - Functional Diversity and Microbial Activity of Forest Soils that Are Heavily
      Contaminated by Lead and Zinc.
AB  - The objective of this study was to assess the impact of metal contamination on
      microbial functional diversity and enzyme activity in forest soils. This study
      involved the evaluation of the influence of the texture, carbon content and
      distance to the source of contamination on the change in soil microbial activity,
      which did not investigate in previous studies. The study area is located in
      southern Poland near the city of Olkusz around the flotation sedimentation pond
      of lead and zinc at the Mining and Metallurgical Company "ZGH Boleslaw, Inc.".
      The central point of the study area was selected as the middle part of the
      sedimentation pond. The experiment was conducted over a regular 500 * 500-m grid,
      where 33 sampling points were established. Contents of organic carbon and trace
      elements (Zn, Pb and Cd), pH and soil texture were investigated. The study
      included the determination of dehydrogenase and urease activities and microbial
      functional diversity evaluation based on the community-level physiological
      profiling approach by Biolog EcoPlate. The greatest reduction in the
      dehydrogenase and urease activities was observed in light sandy soils with Zn
      content >220 mg . kg-1 and a Pb content > 100 mg . kg-1. Soils with a higher
      concentration of fine fraction, despite having the greatest concentrations of
      metals, were characterized by high rates of Biolog(r)-derived parameters and a
      lower reduction of enzyme activity.

PMID- 27682196
TI  - The Plasma Protein Binding Proteome of Ertapenem: A Novel Compound-Centric
      Proteomic Approach for Elucidating Drug-Plasma Protein Binding Interactions.
AB  - Ertapenem is an important first-line carbapenem antibiotic used for the treatment
      of aerobic Gram-negative bacterial infections. It is the only marketed carbapenem
      that is highly bound to plasma proteins and displays a concentration-dependent
      and saturable plasma protein binding profile. To date, the plasma components
      responsible for sequestering ertapenems antibacterial activity remain
      uncharacterized. In the present study, we have employed an orthogonal,
      multiplatform approach, including novel compound-centric displacement proteomics
      and surface plasmon resonance to characterize the plasma protein binding proteome
      of ertapenem. In proof-of-concept, the capacity of physiological cocktails of the
      identified plasma proteins to inhibit the antibacterial activity of ertapenem was
      assessed with in vitro microbiological assays. We show that fibrinogen,
      complement C4, haptoglobulin, alpha-1-antitrypsin, fibronectin, transferrin,
      immunoglobulin G, hemopexin, and humans serum albumin are responsible for the
      majority of the sequestering activity in plasma. No binding was observed to alpha
      1-acid-glycoprotein. The findings of this study have broad reaching implications
      for antibiotic drug design and for dose tailoring to suit the plasma protein
      levels of individual patients in order to maximize the clinical efficacy of
      important first-line antibiotics such as ertapenem.

PMID- 27682198
TI  - Interaction Between Cadmium Stress and Sulphur Nutrition Level on Macronutrient
      Status of Sinapis alba L.
AB  - This study evaluated the possibility of improving the macronutrient status of Cd
      stressed white mustard 'Rota' using intensive S nutrition. Three S-SO4 (2, 6, 9
      mM S) and four CdCl2 doses (0, 0.0002, 0.02, 0.04 mM Cd) in the Hoagland's
      nutrient solution were conducted for 14 days. High S supply (6 or 9 mM) appears,
      to some extent, to affect positively the macronutrient status of Cd-stressed
      mustard. It increased roots and shoots contents of K and S, without significant
      changes in P content. Simultaneously, Mg content in shoots and roots remained
      stable, but Mg bioaccumulation was elevated. Shoot Ca content at the lowest and
      medium Cd dose decreased, whilst was unaffected at the highest Cd treatment.
      Intensive S nutrition of Cd-stressed mustard increased root N content and
      accumulation at the highest Cd concentration, but the N content dropped in above
      ground parts. The bioaccumulation of remained macronutrients in general was
      substantially elevated together with enhanced Cd accumulation. Thus, the
      intensive S nutrition can enhance mustard tolerance to Cd stress by improvement
      macronutrients relations in plants, and S supplementation may be recommended for
      mustard cultivation on the Cd-contaminated areas.

PMID- 27682199
TI  - Cyclobutane Thymine Photodimerization Mechanism Revealed by Nonadiabatic
      Molecular Dynamics.
AB  - The formation of cyclobutane thymine dimers is one of the most important DNA
      carcinogenic photolesions induced by ultraviolet irradiation. The long debated
      question whether thymine dimerization after direct light excitation involves
      singlet or triplet states is investigated here for the first time using
      nonadiabatic molecular dynamics simulations. We find that the precursor of this
      [2 + 2] cycloaddition reaction is the singlet doubly pi2pi*2 excited state, which
      is spectroscopically rather dark. Excitation to the bright 1pipi* or dark 1npi*
      excited states does not lead to thymine dimer formation. In all cases,
      intersystem crossing to the triplet states is not observed during the simulated
      time, indicating that ultrafast dimerization occurs in the singlet manifold. The
      dynamics simulations also show that dimerization takes place only when
      conformational control happens in the doubly excited state.

PMID- 27682200
TI  - HRD Motif as the Central Hub of the Signaling Network for Activation Loop
      Autophosphorylation in Abl Kinase.
AB  - A number of structural factors modulate the activity of Abelson (Abl) tyrosine
      kinase, whose deregulation is often related to oncogenic processes. First, only
      the open conformation of the Abl kinase domain's activation loop (A-loop) favors
      ATP binding to the catalytic cleft. In this regard, the trans-autophosphorylation
      of the Y412 residue, which is located along the A-loop, favors the stability of
      the open conformation, in turn enhancing Abl activity. Another key factor for
      full Abl activity is the formation of active conformations of the catalytic DFG
      motif in the Abl kinase domain. Furthermore, binding of the SH2 domain to the N
      lobe of the Abl kinase was recently demonstrated to have a long-range allosteric
      effect on the stabilization of the A-loop open state. Intriguingly, these
      distinct structural factors imply a complex signal transmission network for
      controlling the A-loop's flexibility and conformational preference for optimal
      Abl function. However, the exact dynamical features of this signal transmission
      network structure remain unclear. Here, we report on microsecond-long molecular
      dynamics coupled with enhanced sampling simulations of multiple Abl model
      systems, in the presence or absence of the SH2 domain and with the DFG motif
      flipped in two ways (in or out conformation). Through comparative analysis, our
      simulations augment the interpretation of the existing Abl experimental data,
      revealing a dynamical network of interactions that interconnect SH2 domain
      binding with A-loop plasticity and Y412 autophosphorylation in Abl. This
      signaling network engages the DFG motif and, importantly, other conserved
      structural elements of the kinase domain, namely, the EPK-ELK H-bond network and
      the HRD motif. Our results show that the signal propagation for modulating the A
      loop spatial localization is highly dependent on the HRD motif conformation,
      which thus acts as the central hub of this (allosteric) signaling network
      controlling Abl activation and function.

PMID- 27682201
TI  - [What do the members of the Spanish Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology think
      about clinical practice guidelines in geriatrics?]

PMID- 27682202
TI  - Novel genotype of Ehrlichia canis detected in samples of human blood bank donors
      in Costa Rica.
AB  - This study focuses on the detection and identification of DNA and antibodies to
      Ehrlichia spp. in samples of blood bank donors in Costa Rica using molecular and
      serological techniques. Presence of Ehrlichia canis was determined in 10 (3.6%)
      out of 280 blood samples using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the
      ehrlichial dsb conserved gene. Analysis of the ehrlichial trp36 polymorphic gene
      in these 10 samples revealed substantial polymorphism among the E. canis
      genotypes, including divergent tandem repeat sequences. Nucleotide sequences of
      dsb and trp36 amplicons revealed a novel genotype of E. canis in blood bank
      donors from Costa Rica. Indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) detected
      antibodies in 35 (35%) of 100 serum samples evaluated. Thirty samples showed low
      endpoint titers (64-256) to E. canis, whereas five sera yielded high endpoint
      titers (1024-8192); these five samples were also E. canis-PCR positive. These
      findings represent the first report of the presence of E. canis in humans in
      Central America.

PMID- 27682203
TI  - Considering sex as a biological variable in preclinical research.
AB  - In June 2015, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) released a Guide notice
      (NOT-OD-15-102) that highlighted the expectation of the NIH that the possible
      role of sex as a biologic variable be factored into research design, analyses,
      and reporting of vertebrate animal and human studies. Anticipating these
      guidelines, the NIH Office of Research on Women's Health, in October 2014,
      convened key stakeholders to discuss methods and techniques for integrating sex
      as a biologic variable in preclinical research. The workshop focused on practical
      methods, experimental design, and approaches to statistical analyses in the use
      of both male and female animals, cells, and tissues in preclinical research.
      Workshop participants also considered gender as a modifier of biology. This
      article builds on the workshop and is meant as a guide to preclinical
      investigators as they consider methods and techniques for inclusion of both sexes
      in preclinical research and is not intended to prescribe exhaustive/specific
      approaches for compliance with the new NIH policy.-Miller, L. R., Marks, C.,
      Becker, J. B., Hurn, P. D., Chen, W.-J., Woodruff, T., McCarthy, M. M., Sohrabji,
      F., Schiebinger, L., Wetherington, C. L., Makris, S., Arnold, A. P., Einstein,
      G., Miller, V. M., Sandberg, K., Maier, S., Cornelison, T. L., Clayton, J. A.
      Considering sex as a biological variable in preclinical research.

PMID- 27682204
TI  - The immune modulatory peptide FhHDM-1 secreted by the helminth Fasciola hepatica
      prevents NLRP3 inflammasome activation by inhibiting endolysosomal acidification
      in macrophages.
AB  - The NLRP3 inflammasome is a multimeric protein complex that controls the
      production of IL-1beta, a cytokine that influences the development of both innate
      and adaptive immune responses. Helminth parasites secrete molecules that interact
      with innate immune cells, modulating their activity to ultimately determine the
      phenotype of differentiated T cells, thus creating an immune environment that is
      conducive to sustaining chronic infection. We show that one of these molecules,
      FhHDM-1, a cathelicidin-like peptide secreted by the helminth parasite, Fasciola
      hepatica, inhibits the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome resulting in reduced
      secretion of IL-1beta by macrophages. FhHDM-1 had no effect on the synthesis of
      pro-IL-1beta. Rather, the inhibitory effect was associated with the capacity of
      the peptide to prevent acidification of the endolysosome. The activation of
      cathepsin B protease by lysosomal destabilization was prevented in FhHDM-1
      treated macrophages. By contrast, peptide derivatives of FhHDM-1 that did not
      alter the lysosomal pH did not inhibit secretion of IL-1beta. We propose a novel
      immune modulatory strategy used by F. hepatica, whereby secretion of the FhHDM-1
      peptide impairs the activation of NLRP3 by lysosomal cathepsin B protease, which
      prevents the downstream production of IL-1beta and the development of protective
      T helper 1 type immune responses that are detrimental to parasite survival.
      Alvarado, R., To, J., Lund, M. E., Pinar, A., Mansell, A., Robinson, M. W.,
      O'Brien, B. A., Dalton, J. P., Donnelly, S. The immune modulatory peptide FhHDM-1
      secreted by the helminth Fasciola hepatica prevents NLRP3 inflammasome activation
      by inhibiting endolysosomal acidification in macrophages.

PMID- 27682205
TI  - Impact of endurance exercise training on adipocyte microRNA expression in
      overweight men.
AB  - Adipocytes are major regulators of metabolism, and endurance exercise training
      improves adipocyte function; however, the molecular mechanisms that regulate
      chronic adaptive responses remain unresolved. microRNAs (miRNAs) influence
      adipocyte differentiation and metabolism. Accordingly, we aimed to determine
      whether adipocyte miRNA expression is responsive to exercise training and to
      identify exercise-responsive miRNAs that influence adipocyte metabolism. Next
      generation sequencing was used to profile miRNA expression of adipocytes that
      were isolated from abdominal subcutaneous (ABD) and gluteofemoral (GF) adipose
      tissue of overweight men before and after 6 wk of endurance exercise training.
      Differentially expressed miRNAs were overexpressed or silenced in 3T3-L1
      adipocytes, and lipid metabolism was examined. Next-generation sequencing
      identified 526 miRNAs in adipocytes, and there were no statistical differences in
      miRNA expression when comparing pre- and post-training samples for ABD and GF
      adipocytes. miR-10b expression was increased in ABD compared with GF adipocytes,
      whereas miR-204, miR-3613, and miR-4532 were more highly expressed in GF compared
      with ABD adipocytes. Blocking miR-10b in adipocytes suppressed beta-adrenergic
      lipolysis but generally had a minor effect on lipid metabolism. Thus, unlike
      their critical role in adipogenesis, stable changes in miRNA expression do not
      play a prominent role in the regulation of adipocyte function in response to
      endurance exercise training.-Tsiloulis, T., Pike, J., Powell, D., Rossello, F.
      J., Canny, B. J., Meex, R. C. R., Watt, M. J. Impact of endurance exercise
      training on adipocyte microRNA expression in overweight men.

PMID- 27682206
TI  - In vivo study of the role of alpha6-containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptor
      in retinal function using subtype-specific RDP-MII(E11R) toxin.
AB  - Although alpha6-contaning (alpha6*) nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs)
      are densely expressed in the visual system, their role is not well known. We have
      characterized a family of toxins that are antagonists for alpha6beta2* receptors
      and used one of these [RDP-MII(E11R)] to localize alpha6* nAChRs and investigate
      their impact on retinal function in adult Long-Evans rats. The alpha6*nAChRs in
      retinal tissue were localized using either a fluorescently tagged [RDP-MII(E11R)]
      or anti-alpha6-specific antibodies and found to be predominantly at the level of
      the ganglion cell layer. After intraocular injection of RDP-MII(E11R) in one eye
      and vehicle or inactive MII in contralateral eyes as controls, we recorded flash
      electroretinograms (F-ERGs), pattern ERGs (P-ERGs), and cortical visual-evoked
      potential (VEPs). There was no significant difference in F-ERG between the RDP
      MII(E11R)-treated and control eyes. In contrast, P-ERG response amplitude was
      significantly reduced in the RDP-MII(E11R)-injected eye. Blocking alpha6* nAChRs
      at retinal level also decreased the VEP amplitude recorded in the visual cortex
      contralateral to the injected eye. Because both the cortical and inner retina
      output were affected by RDP-MII(E11R), whereas photoreceptor output was
      preserved, we conclude that the reduced visual response was due to an alteration
      in the function of alpha6* nAChRs present in the ganglion cell layer.-Barloscio,
      D., Cerri, E., Domenici, L., Longhi, R., Dallanoce, C., Moretti, M., Vilella, A.,
      Zoli, M., Gotti, C., and Origlia, N. In vivo study of the role of alpha6
      containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in retinal function using subtype
      specific RDP-MII(E11R) toxin.

PMID- 27682207
TI  - Long-term outcomes from training in self-management of chronic pain in an elderly
      population: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - This study compares the outcomes, from pretreatment to 1-year follow-up, of an
      outpatient, CBT-based pain self-management program (PSM) that included exercises,
      pain education, and pain coping strategies, with a control condition (exercise
      attention control, EAC) that included exercises and a control for the attention
      of the treatment team. We previously reported short-term results (to 1-month
      follow-up) from the same study. This new paper considers the important issue of
      maintenance of treatment-related gains. The participants (n = 141) were a
      heterogeneous sample of ambulant, community-dwelling older adult patients with
      chronic pain (mean age: 73.90 [6.5] years [range: 65-87 years]). The long-term
      results indicate the pain self-management program group achieved and maintained
      significantly better results than the exercise-attention control group on the
      primary outcome, pain-related disability, as well as on usual pain, pain
      distress, depression, and fear-avoidance beliefs. The mean effect size for these
      gains by the pain self-management program group over the exercise-attention
      control group was 0.37 (range: 0.29-0.45), which is in the small effect size
      range. While statistically and clinically meaningful, these findings do indicate
      some weakening in effects over time but not to a significant degree. The study
      has implications for the provision of pain management interventions for community
      dwelling older adults with chronic pain.

PMID- 27682208
TI  - Racial and ethnic differences in experimental pain sensitivity: systematic review
      and meta-analysis.
AB  - Our objective was to describe the racial and ethnic differences in experimental
      pain sensitivity. Four databases (PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register
      of Controlled Trials, and PsycINFO) were searched for studies examining
      racial/ethnic differences in experimental pain sensitivity. Thermal-heat, cold
      pressor, pressure, ischemic, mechanical cutaneous, electrical, and chemical
      experimental pain modalities were assessed. Risk of bias was assessed using the
      Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality guideline. Meta-analysis was used to
      calculate standardized mean differences (SMDs) by pain sensitivity measures.
      Studies comparing African Americans (AAs) and non-Hispanic whites (NHWs) were
      included for meta-analyses because of high heterogeneity in other racial/ethnic
      group comparisons. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed by subgroup analyses by
      sex, sample size, sample characteristics, and pain modalities. A total of 41
      studies met the review criteria. Overall, AAs, Asians, and Hispanics had higher
      pain sensitivity compared with NHWs, particularly lower pain tolerance, higher
      pain ratings, and greater temporal summation of pain. Meta-analyses revealed that
      AAs had lower pain tolerance (SMD: -0.90, 95% confidence intervals [CIs]: -1.10
      to -0.70) and higher pain ratings (SMD: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.30-0.69) but no
      significant differences in pain threshold (SMD: -0.06, 95% CI: -0.23 to 0.10)
      compared with NHWs. Estimates did not vary by pain modalities, nor by other
      demographic factors; however, SMDs were significantly different based on the
      sample size. Racial/ethnic differences in experimental pain sensitivity were more
      pronounced with suprathreshold than with threshold stimuli, which is important in
      clinical pain treatment. Additional studies examining mechanisms to explain such
      differences in pain tolerance and pain ratings are needed.

PMID- 27682209
TI  - A rodent model of HIV protease inhibitor indinavir induced peripheral neuropathy.
AB  - HIV-associated sensory neuropathy (HIV-SN) is the most frequent manifestation of
      HIV disease. It often presents with significant neuropathic pain and is
      associated with previous exposure to neurotoxic nucleoside reverse transcriptase
      inhibitors. However, HIV-SN prevalence remains high even in resource-rich
      settings where these drugs are no longer used. Previous evidence suggests that
      exposure to indinavir, a protease inhibitor commonly used in antiretroviral
      therapy, may link to elevated HIV-SN risk. Here, we investigated whether
      indinavir treatment was associated with the development of a "dying back" axonal
      neuropathy and changes in pain-relevant limb withdrawal and thigmotactic
      behaviours. After 2 intravenous injections of indinavir (50 mg/kg, 4 days apart),
      adult rats developed hind paw mechanical hypersensitivity, which peaked around 2
      weeks post first injection (44% reduction from baseline). At this time, animals
      also had (1) significantly changed thigmotactic behaviour (62% reduction in
      central zone entries) comparing with the controls and (2) a significant reduction
      (45%) in hind paw intraepidermal nerve fibre density. Treatment with gabapentin,
      but not amitriptyline, was associated with a complete attenuation of hind paw
      mechanical hypersensitivity observed with indinavir treatment. Furthermore, we
      found a small but significant increase in microglia with the effector morphology
      in the lumbar spinal dorsal horn in indinavir-treated animals, coupled with
      significantly increased expression of phospho-p38 in microglia. In summary, we
      have reported neuropathic pain-related sensory and behavioural changes
      accompanied by a significant loss of hind paw skin sensory innervation in a rat
      model of indinavir-induced peripheral neuropathy that is suitable for further
      pathophysiological investigation and preclinical evaluation of novel analgesics.

PMID- 27682211
TI  - The time course of acute pain in hospitalized patients: exciting progress in data
      and methods.

PMID- 27682210
TI  - Differential expression of systemic inflammatory mediators in amputees with
      chronic residual limb pain.
AB  - Chronic postsurgical pain impacts most amputees, with more than half experiencing
      neuralgic residual limb pain. The transition from normal acute postamputation
      pain to chronic residual limb pain likely involves both peripheral and central
      inflammatory mechanisms. As part of the Veterans Integrated Pain Evaluation
      Research study, we investigated links between systemic inflammatory mediator
      levels and chronic residual limb pain. Subjects included 36 recent active duty
      military traumatic amputees with chronic residual limb pain and 40 without
      clinically significant pain. Blood samples were obtained and plasma
      concentrations of an array of inflammatory mediators were analyzed. Residual limb
      pain intensity and pain catastrophizing were assessed to examine associations
      with inflammatory mediators. Pro-inflammatory mediators including tumor necrosis
      factor (TNF)-alpha, TNF-beta, interleukin (IL)-8, ICAM-1, Tie2, CRP, and SAA were
      elevated in patients with chronic residual limb pain. Across all patients,
      residual limb pain intensity was associated positively with levels of several
      proinflammatory mediators (IL-8, TNF-alpha, IL-12, TNF-beta, PIGF, Tie2, SAA, and
      ICAM-1), and inversely with concentrations of the anti-inflammatory mediator IL
      13, as well as IL-2 and Eotaxin-3. Pain catastrophizing correlated positively
      with IL-8, IL-12, TNF-beta, PIGF, and ICAM-1, and inversely with IL-13.
      Significant associations between catastrophizing and residual limb pain intensity
      were partially mediated by TNF-alpha, TNF- beta, SAA, and ICAM-1 levels. Results
      suggest that chronic postamputation residual limb pain is associated with
      excessive inflammatory response to injury or to inadequate resolution of the
      postinjury inflammatory state. Impact of pain catastrophizing on residual limb
      pain may be because of part to common underlying inflammatory mechanisms.

PMID- 27682213
TI  - The management of neonatal acute and chronic renal failure: A review.
AB  - Most babies with chronic renal failure are identified antenatally, and over half
      that are treated with peritoneal dialysis receive kidney transplants before
      school age. Most infants that develop acute renal failure have hypotension
      following cardiac surgery, or multiple organ failure. Sometimes the falls in
      glomerular filtration and urine output are physiological and reversible, and
      sometimes due to kidney injury, but (illogically) it is now common to define them
      all as having 'acute kidney injury'. Contrary to widespread opinion, careful
      interpretation of the plasma creatinine concentrations can provide sensitive
      evidence of early acute renal failure. Conservative management frequently leads
      to under-nutrition or fluid overload. Acute peritoneal dialysis is often
      technically fraught in very small patients, and haemotherapies have been limited
      by vascular access and anticoagulation requirements, the need to blood-prime
      circuits, and serious limitations in regulating fluid removal. Newer devices,
      including the Nidus, have been specifically designed to reduce these
      difficulties.

PMID- 27682212
TI  - Current and developing therapies for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer
      with ALK abnormalities: update and perspectives for clinical practice.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The treatment of patients with ALK-rearranged non-small-cell lung
      cancer was completely revolutionized by the introduction of Crizotinib, a small
      molecule inhibiting ALK, MET and ROS1. Given that resistance occurs within
      approximately 12 months, in order to develop more potent inhibitors and to
      increase drug penetration to CNS, innovative ALK-inhibitors were developed.
      Second-generation ALK inhibitors Ceritinib (LDK378), Alectinib
      (CH5424802/RO5424802) and Brigatinib (AP26113) have shown significant clinical
      activity, and were rapidly approved by regulatory agencies. In addition, early
      clinical data demonstrated that 3rd generation ALK-inhibitors Lorlatinib (PF
      06463922), Entrectinib (RxDx-101) and Ensartinib (X-398) provided promising
      advantages in terms of both clinical activity and safety. Areas covered: In this
      review, the efficacy and tolerability of Crizotinib for 1st and 2nd-line
      treatment, and the clinical and preclinical data that led to the development of
      innovative second and third generation ALK-inhibitors are described. Expert
      opinion: The better characterization of the mechanisms of resistance to
      Crizotinib led to the development of newest drugs, which are active both after
      Crizotinib failure and in patients naive from ALK-inhibitors. Tumor
      characterization at disease progression will allow to further personalize the
      treatment by establishing optimal sequences, which represent tough challenges for
      the future research in this field of cancer treatment.

PMID- 27682214
TI  - Aerosol delivery of folate-decorated hyperbranched polyspermine complexes to
      suppress lung tumorigenesis via Akt signaling pathway.
AB  - Lung cancer has been a leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide and aerosol
      mediated gene therapy endows numerous advantages compared to other traditional
      modalities. Here, we reported a folic acid (FA)-modified hyperbranched
      polyspermine (HPSPE) with prominent biocompatibility for lung cancer cell
      targeted gene therapy. FA was decorated to the HPSPE via an amidation reaction
      and the physicochemical properties of nanoplexes formed with DNA were
      characterized. Gel electrophoresis study elucidated that the designed polymer was
      capable to condense DNA and protect it from degradation by DNase I. Cell
      viability and transfection efficiency assay in vitro and in vivo indicated its
      increased transfection performance with lower toxicity. Furthermore, reduced
      tumor numbers and down-regulation of Akt1 protein after aerosol treatment
      containing FA-HPSPE/shAkt1 complexes proved its therapeutic potential for lung
      cancer suppression. Results obtained in this study suggested that FA-HPSPE with
      highly biocompatibility and targeting capability while forming complexes with
      shAkt1 and administrated through noninvasive aerosol could be prospective for
      inhibiting lung tumorigenesis.

PMID- 27682215
TI  - One-step assembly of polymeric demethylcantharate prodrug/Akt1 shRNA complexes
      for enhanced cancer therapy.
AB  - This report demonstrated a one-step assembly for co-delivering chemotherapeutics
      and therapeutic nucleic acids, constructed by integrating drug molecules into a
      nucleic acid condensing polymeric prodrug through degradable linkages.
      Demethylcantharate was selected as the model drug and pre-modified by esterifying
      its two carboxylic groups with 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate. The synthesized
      demethylcantharate diacrylate was then used to polymerize with linear
      polyethyleneimine (PEI 423) through a one-step Michael-addition reaction. The
      obtained cationic polymeric demethylcantharate prodrug was used to pack Akt1
      shRNA into complexes through a one-step assembly. The formed complexes could
      release the parent drug demethylcantharate and Akt1 shRNA through the hydrolysis
      of ester bonds. Cellular assays involving cell uptake, cytotoxicity, and cell
      migration indicated that demethylcantharate and Akt1 shRNA co-delivered in the
      present form significantly and synergistically suppress the growth and metastasis
      of three human cancer cells. This work suggests that incorporating drug molecules
      into a nucleic acid-packing cationic polymer as a polymeric prodrug in a
      degradable form is a highly convenient and efficient way to co-deliver drugs and
      nucleic acids for cancer therapy.

PMID- 27682217
TI  - Time-resolved fluorescence observation of di-tyrosine formation in horseradish
      peroxidase upon ultrasound treatment leading to enzyme inactivation.
AB  - The application of ultrasound to a solution can induce cavitional phenomena and
      generate high localised temperatures and pressures. These are dependent of the
      frequency used and have enabled ultrasound application in areas such as
      synthetic, green and food chemistry. High frequency (100kHz to 1MHz) in
      particular is promising in food chemistry as a means to inactivate enzymes,
      replacing the need to use periods of high temperature. A plant enzyme,
      horseradish peroxidase, was studied using time-resolved fluorescence techniques
      as a means to assess the effect of high frequency (378kHz and 583kHz) ultrasound
      treatment at equivalent acoustic powers. This uncovered the fluorescence emission
      from a newly formed species, attributed to the formation of di-tyrosine within
      the horseradish peroxidase structure caused by auto-oxidation, and linked to
      enzyme inactivation.

PMID- 27682218
TI  - Understanding the complexation of Eu3+ with potential ligands used for
      preferential separation of lanthanides and actinides in various stages of nuclear
      fuel cycle: A luminescence investigation.
AB  - A systematic photoluminescence based investigation was carried out to understand
      the complexation of Eu3+ with different ligands (TBP: tri-n-butyl phosphate,
      DHOA: di-n-hexyl octanamide, Cyanex 923: tri-n-alkyl phosphine oxide and Cyanex
      272: Bis (2,4,4 trimethyl) pentyl phosphinic acid) used for preferential
      separation of lanthanides and actinides in various stages of nuclear fuel cycle.
      In case of TBP and DHOA complexes, 3 ligand molecules coordinated in monodentate
      fashion and 3 nitrate ion in bidentate fashion to Eu3+ to satisfy the 9
      coordination of Eu. In case of Cyanex 923 and Cyanex 272 complexes, 3 ligand
      molecules, 3 nitrate ion and 3 water molecules coordinated to Eu3+ in monodentate
      fashion. The Eu complexes of TBP and DHOA were found to have D3h local symmetry
      while that for Cyanex 923 and Cyanex 272 were C3h. Judd-Ofelt analysis of these
      systems revealed that the covalency of EuO bond followed the trend
      DHOA>TBP>Cyanex 272>Cyanex 923. Different photophysical properties like radiative
      and non-radiative life time, branching ratio for different transitions, magnetic
      and electric dipole moment transition probabilities and quantum efficiency were
      also evaluated and compared for these systems. The magnetic dipole transition
      probability was found to be almost independent of ligand field perturbation while
      electric dipole transition probability for 5D0-7F2 transition was found to be
      hypersensitive with ligand field with a trend DHOA>TBP>Cyanex 272>Cyanex 923.

PMID- 27682216
TI  - Is Exposure to Macondo Oil Reflected in the Otolith Chemistry of Marsh-Resident
      Fish?
AB  - Genomic and physiological responses in Gulf killifish (Fundulus grandis) in the
      northern Gulf of Mexico have confirmed oil exposure of resident marsh fish
      following the Macondo blowout in 2010. Using these same fish, we evaluated
      otolith microchemistry as a method for assessing oil exposure history. Laser
      ablation inductively-coupled-plasma mass spectrometry was used to analyze the
      chemical composition of sagittal otoliths to assess whether a trace metal
      signature could be detected in the otoliths of F. grandis collected from a
      Macondo-oil impacted site in 2010, post-spill relative to pre-spill, as well as
      versus fish from areas not impacted by the spill. We found no evidence of
      increased concentrations of two elements associated with oil contamination
      (nickel and vanadium) in F. grandis otoliths regardless of Macondo oil exposure
      history. One potential explanation for this is that Macondo oil is relatively
      depleted of those metals compared to other crude oils globally. During and after
      the spill, however, elevated levels of barium, lead, and to a lesser degree,
      copper were detected in killifish otoliths at the oil-impacted collection site in
      coastal Louisiana. This may reflect oil contact or other environmental
      perturbations that occurred concomitant with oiling. For example, increases in
      barium in otoliths from oil-exposed fish followed (temporally) freshwater
      diversions in Louisiana in 2010. This implicates (but does not conclusively
      demonstrate) freshwater diversions from the Mississippi River (with previously
      recorded higher concentrations of lead and copper), designed to halt the ingress
      of oil, as a mechanism for elevated elemental uptake in otoliths of Louisiana
      marsh fishes. These results highlight the potentially complex and indirect
      effects of the Macondo oil spill and human responses to it on Gulf of Mexico
      ecosystems, and emphasize the need to consider the multiple stressors acting
      simultaneously on inshore fish communities.

PMID- 27682220
TI  - The gastrin receptor antagonist netazepide (YF476) in patients with type 1
      gastric enterochromaffin-like cell neuroendocrine tumours: review of long-term
      treatment.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Netazepide (YF476) is a recently developed, orally active gastrin
      receptor antagonist that, in short trials in patients with type 1 gastric
      enterochromaffin-like cell neuroendocrine tumours, has been shown to induce a
      significant reduction in the number and size of tumours as well as serum
      chromogranin A (CgA). The aim of this review is to evaluate the long-term effect
      and safety of netazepide. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Five patients previously treated
      with netazepide in an open-label trial were offered continuous treatment with
      netazepide 25 mg once daily. Upper endoscopy was performed every 6 months. The
      tumours were counted and measured, and tissue samples were obtained from the flat
      corpus mucosa. Enterochromaffin-like cell hyperplasia was classified according to
      Solcia and colleagues and volume density of CgA immunoreactive (IR) cells was
      calculated. Fasting serum CgA and fasting serum gastrin were measured every 3
      months. RESULTS: All tumours regressed completely in three of five patients; time
      until total disappearance was 3, 9 and 12 months. In the other two patients, the
      number of tumours was reduced from 13 to 5 and from 14 to 3. Serum CgA showed a
      rapid and sustained decrease (P<0.001). The mean reduction in serum CgA was 4.1+/
      0.5 nmol/l. Similarly, volume density of CgA IR cells in the flat corpus mucosa
      decreased (P<0.001), with the mean change being 2.0+/-0.4%. Serum gastrin and
      volume density of gastrin IR cells in the antral part of the stomach remained
      unchanged (P=0.2 and 0.7, respectively). CONCLUSION: Long-term administration of
      netazepide is effective and safe.

PMID- 27682221
TI  - Association Between Postoperative Admission and Location of Hernia Surgery: A
      Matched Case-Control Study in the Veterans Administration.

PMID- 27682222
TI  - Characteristics of number transcoding errors of Chinese- versus English-speaking
      Alzheimer's disease patients.
AB  - Number processing disorder is an acquired deficit in mathematical skills commonly
      observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD), usually as a consequence of neurological
      dysfunction. Common impairments include syntactic errors (800012 instead of 8012)
      and intrusion errors (8 thousand and 12 instead of eight thousand and twelve) in
      number transcoding tasks. This study aimed to understand the characterization of
      AD-related number processing disorder within an alphabetic language (English) and
      ideographical language (Chinese), and to investigate the differences between
      alphabetic and ideographic language processing. Chinese-speaking AD patients were
      hypothesized to make significantly more intrusion errors than English-speaking
      ones, due to the ideographical nature of both Chinese characters and Arabic
      numbers. A simplified number transcoding test derived from EC301 battery was
      administered to AD patients. Chinese-speaking AD patients made significantly more
      intrusion errors (p = 0.001) than English speakers. This demonstrates that number
      processing in an alphabetic language such as English does not function in the
      same manner as in Chinese. The impaired inhibition capability likely contributes
      to such observations due to its competitive lexical representation in brain for
      Chinese speakers.

PMID- 27682223
TI  - Questionnaire-Based Development of an Educational Program of Traditional Japanese
      Kampo Medicine.
AB  - Traditional Japanese Kampo medicine has been widely used in clinical practice in
      Japan. Though it is a compulsory subject in Japanese medical schools, a standard
      educational program in Kampo medicine does not exist. Tohoku University has
      incorporated Kampo medicine into clinical education via didactic lectures since
      2003; however, student evaluations have been lower for Kampo than for all other
      clinical specialties. We administered a questionnaire about a Kampo medicine
      course for fifth-year students from 2009 to 2012 and developed an educational
      program based on feedback obtained. The questionnaire consisted of nine questions
      (a clear training plan; opportunities for learning, practice, and patient
      contact; acquisition of medical knowledge and physical examination; learning
      professionalism; understanding the specialty; overall assessment) that were rated
      on a 5-point Likert scale along with open-ended questions about the course's
      strengths and weaknesses. The students responded to the questionnaire after
      clinical practice in Kampo medicine and other clinical specialty courses. Scores
      for Kampo medicine and the average of other clinical specialties were compared.
      All 389 students who participated in Kampo clinical practice answered the
      questionnaire. In 2009, scores for Kampo medicine for nine questions were lower
      than for the average of the other clinical specialties. After curriculum
      reformation involving hands-on training in 2012, all scores except "opportunities
      to learn about clinical cases" and "opportunities to practice involvement" were
      higher than the average of all other clinical specialties. In conclusion, we have
      successfully developed a Kampo medicine educational program for our university
      through this survey study.

PMID- 27682224
TI  - Psychometric Properties of the Chinese Version of the Children's Resourcefulness
      Scale in Taiwanese Children.
AB  - This study reports the psychometric properties of a Chinese version of the
      Children's Resourcefulness Scale (C-CRS) for Taiwanese children. An instrument
      for assessing resourcefulness skills in children and adolescents, the CRS was
      translated into Mandarin Chinese, and a cross-sectional investigation was
      conducted with a convenience sample of 368 fifth and sixth graders recruited from
      three geographically diverse locations in Taiwan. Internal consistency statistics
      from the total sample and subgroups were between .57 and .71 with lower alphas
      for subgroups with disadvantaged socioeconomic status. Findings suggest that the
      C-CRS has the potential to assess children's resourcefulness skills in the
      Taiwanese population.

PMID- 27682225
TI  - Examining the specific dimensions of distress tolerance that prospectively
      predict perceived stress.
AB  - We examined five dimensions of distress tolerance (i.e. uncertainty, ambiguity,
      frustration, negative emotion, physical discomfort) as prospective predictors of
      perceived stress. Undergraduate students (N = 135) completed self-report
      questionnaires over the course of two assessment sessions (T1 and T2). Results of
      a linear regression in which the five dimensions of distress tolerance and
      covariates (i.e. T1 perceived stress, duration between T1 and T2) served as
      predictor variables and T2 perceived stress served as the outcome variable showed
      that intolerance of uncertainty was the only dimension of distress tolerance to
      predict T2 perceived stress. To better understand this prospective association,
      we conducted a post hoc analysis simultaneously regressing two subdimensions of
      intolerance of uncertainty on T2 perceived stress. The subdimension representing
      beliefs that "uncertainty has negative behavioral and self-referent implications"
      significantly predicted T2 perceived stress, while the subdimension indicating
      that "uncertainty is unfair and spoils everything" did not. Results support a
      growing body of research suggesting intolerance of uncertainty as a risk factor
      for a wide variety of maladaptive psychological outcomes. Clinical implications
      will be discussed.

PMID- 27682226
TI  - Iron Deficiency Anemia Coexists with Cancer Related Anemia and Adversely Impacts
      Quality of Life.
AB  - Cancer related anemia (CRA) adversely affects patient Quality of Life (QoL) and
      overall survival. We prospectively studied the prevalence, etiology and the
      impact of anemia on QoL in 218 Indian cancer patients attending a tertiary
      referral hospital. The study used the sTfR/log Ferritin index to detect iron
      deficiency anemia and assessed patient QoL using the Functional Assessment of
      Cancer Therapy-Anemia (FACT-An) tool, standardized for language. Mean patient age
      was 51+/-13 years and 60% were female. The prevalence of cancer related anemia in
      this setting was 64% (n = 139). As expected, plasma ferritin did not differ
      significantly between anemic (n = 121) and non-anemic cancer patients (n = 73).
      In contrast, plasma sTfR levels were significantly higher in anemic cancer
      patients compared to non-anemic cancer patients (31 nmol/L vs. 24 nmol/L, p =
      0.002). Among anemic cancer patients, using the sTfR/log Ferritin index, we found
      that 60% (n = 83) had iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Interestingly, plasma sTfR
      levels were significantly higher in cancer patients with CRA+IDA (n = 83)
      compared with patients having CRA (n = 38) alone (39 nmol/L vs. 20 nmol/L,
      p<0.001). There was a significant linear correlation between Hb and QoL (Spearman
      rho = 0.21; p = 0.001) and multivariate regression analysis revealed that every
      gram rise in Hb was accompanied by a 3.1 unit increase in the QoL score (95% CI =
      0.19-5.33; p = 0.003). The high prevalence of anemia in cancer patients, a major
      portion of which is due to iron deficiency anemia, the availability of sensitive
      and specific biomarkers of iron status to detect IDA superimposed on anemia of
      inflammation, suggests an urgent need to diagnose and treat such patients.
      Despite the potential negative consequences of increasing metabolically available
      plasma iron in cancer, our clinical data suggest that detecting and treating IDA
      in anemic cancer patients will have important consequences to their QoL and
      overall survival. Clinical trials of iron therapy in these patients will be able
      to demonstrate the potential for benefit or harm.

PMID- 27682228
TI  - Ongoing increase in incidence and prevalence of multiple sclerosis in Newcastle,
      Australia: A 50-year study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Since 1959, multiple sclerosis (MS) prevalence has been estimated for
      the east coast Australian city of Newcastle. Previous surveys, conducted in 1988
      and 2003, have described an increase in the prevalence and incidence of MS.
      OBJECTIVES: In this study, we evaluated whether these trends continue and provide
      50 years of MS epidemiological follow-up for this southern hemisphere city.
      METHODS: Expressed per 100,000 people, prevalence of MS in Newcastle was
      calculated for those with a confirmed diagnosis of MS on 9 August 2011 and
      incidence based on the number of cases with MS diagnosis made during the
      preceding decade. Data were age-standardised to the total Australian population.
      Statistical comparisons were undertaken using Poisson regression analysis.
      RESULTS: In 2011, the estimate of MS prevalence was 124.2, with female-to-male
      ratio reaching 3.1, a 53% increase in female predominance since 1996. MS
      incidence increased to 6.7, with a significantly higher proportion of new female
      cases since the previous survey. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of MS in Newcastle has
      risen linearly and is contributed to by a substantial increase in new cases over
      the preceding decade. Female predominance of MS cases continues to increase with
      a new diagnosis three times more likely in women.

PMID- 27682227
TI  - Baseline EDSS proportions in MS clinical trials affect the overall outcome and
      power: A cautionary note.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In randomized clinical trials, when treatments do not work equally
      effectively across stratifications of participants, observed event rates may
      differ from those hypothesized leading to deviations in estimated power.
      OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of distributions of baseline Expanded
      Disability Status Scale (EDSS) proportions in relapsing-remitting multiple
      sclerosis (RRMS) on the trial outcome, confirmed disability progression rate
      (CDPR), and power. METHODS: We reported CDPRs in the CombiRx trial by baseline
      EDSS and by groups (1st (0, 1), 2nd (1.5, 2), 3rd (2.5, 3), and 4th (?3.5)) and
      investigated the effect of different combinations of baseline EDSS proportions on
      the trial outcome and power. RESULTS: There were 244 (25.4%) participants in the
      1st group, 368 (38.4%) in the 2nd group, 223 (23.3%) in the 3rd group, and 124
      (12.9%) in the 4th group with CDPRs of 40.1%, 13.9%, 11.2%, and 16.9%,
      respectively. Both CDPR and power increased when the proportion of the 1st group
      increased in hypothetical trials with equal sample sizes in each arm, and a 10%
      increase in the 1st group led to a 5% increase in power. CONCLUSION: Various
      baseline EDSS proportions yielded different CDPRs and power, suggesting caution
      in interpretation of treatment effects across trials that enrolled participants
      with different proportions of baseline EDSS.

PMID- 27682229
TI  - Internet-based treatment for depression in multiple sclerosis: A randomized
      controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Depression in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients is common but may stay
      untreated. Physical limitations impede face-to-face treatment. Internet-based
      treatment is therefore a promising tool for treating depression in MS.
      OBJECTIVES: To investigate effectiveness of a guided Internet-based problem
      solving treatment (IPST) for depressed MS patients. METHODS: MS patients with
      moderate or severe depressive symptoms were randomly assigned to IPST or a wait
      list control. Primary outcome was the change in depressive symptoms defined by a
      change in sum score on the Beck Depression Inventory Second Edition (BDI-II).
      Assessments took place at baseline (T0), within a week after the intervention
      (T1), and at 4 months follow-up (T2). Analyses were based on the intention-to
      treat principle. RESULTS: A total of 171 patients were randomized to IPST ( n =
      85) or a wait list control ( n = 86). T1 was completed by 152 (89%) and T2 by 131
      patients (77%). The IPST group and wait list control showed large significant
      improvements in depressive symptoms, but no differences were found between groups
      at T1 ( d = 0.23; 95% confidence interval (CI) = (-4.03, 1.08); p = 0.259) and T2
      ( d = 0.01; 95% CI = (-2.80, 2.98); p = 0.953). CONCLUSION: We found no
      indication that IPST for MS patients with moderate or severe depression is
      effective in reducing depressive symptoms compared to a waiting list. Large
      improvements in the wait list control were unexpected and are discussed.

PMID- 27682231
TI  - Increased cerebrospinal fluid metalloproteinase-2 and interleukin-6 are
      associated with albumin quotient in neuromyelitis optica: Their possible role on
      blood-brain barrier disruption.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inflammation in neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is triggered by a serum
      antibody against the aquaporin-4 (AQP4). This process requires antibody
      penetration of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), but the mechanisms for BBB
      disruption in NMO remain unknown. OBJECTIVE: We examined whether changes in
      cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), tissue
      inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), and cytokines are associated with BBB
      disruption in NMO. METHODS: The concentrations 9 MMPs, 4 TIMPs, and 14 cytokines
      were measured by multiplex assay in CSF and serum samples from 29 NMO patients,
      29 relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, and 27 patients with
      other neurological disorders. We also performed immunohistochemistry for MMP-2
      and TIMP-1 expression in post-mortem brain tissues from NMO patients. RESULTS:
      NMO patients exhibited significantly elevated MMP-2, TIMP-1, interleukin-6, and
      MMP-2/TIMP-2 ratio in CSF (but not sera) than the other groups. The CSF/serum
      albumin ratio, an index of BBB permeability, was most strongly correlated with
      CSF MMP-2 concentration, which in turn correlated with CSF interleukin-6 levels.
      Immunohistochemistry revealed MMP-2- and TIMP-1-positive cells surrounding
      vessels in NMO lesions. CONCLUSION: In NMO, increased CSF MMP-2, likely induced
      by interleukin-6 signaling, may disrupt the BBB and enable serum anti-AQP-4
      antibodies migration into the central nervous system (CNS).

PMID- 27682230
TI  - Employment, disability pension and income for children with parental multiple
      sclerosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little is known about the consequences of parental multiple sclerosis
      (MS) on offspring's socioeconomic circumstances. OBJECTIVE: To investigate
      employment, disability pension and income in offspring of parents with MS
      compared with matched reference persons in a nationwide register-based cohort
      study. METHODS: All Danish-born persons with onset of MS during 1950-1986 were
      retrieved from the Danish Multiple Sclerosis Registry. Their offspring were
      identified using the Civil Registration System. One random offspring from each
      sibship was matched by sex and year of birth with eight random reference persons.
      RESULTS: We included 2456 MS offspring and 19,648 reference persons. At age 30,
      employment was lower among MS offspring than reference children (odds ratio (OR):
      0.89; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.84-0.95; p = 0.0003), and they more often
      received disability pension (OR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.15-1.50; p < 0.0001) at ages 30
      and 40 but not at age 50. Although the mean income was not significantly lower
      for the MS offspring cohort, most of them attained an annual personal income
      below 250,000 DKK (Danish krone), that is, ~33,650 EUR (OR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.84
      0.99; p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Having had a parent with MS may affect employment
      and increase the risk of disability pension and low income in adult life.

PMID- 27682233
TI  - The Science behind the Probiotic Strain Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB
      12((r)).
AB  - This review presents selected data on the probiotic strain Bifidobacterium
      animalis subsp. lactis BB-12((r)) (BB-12((r))), which is the world's most
      documented probiotic Bifidobacterium. It is described in more than 300 scientific
      publications out of which more than 130 are publications of human clinical
      studies. The complete genome sequence of BB-12((r)) has been determined and
      published. BB-12((r)) originates from Chr. Hansen's collection of dairy cultures
      and has high stability in foods and as freeze dried powders. Strain
      characteristics and mechanisms of BB-12((r)) have been established through
      extensive in vitro testing. BB-12((r)) exhibits excellent gastric acid and bile
      tolerance; it contains bile salt hydrolase, and has strong mucus adherence
      properties, all valuable probiotic characteristics. Pathogen inhibition, barrier
      function enhancement, and immune interactions are mechanisms that all have been
      demonstrated for BB-12((r)). BB-12((r)) has proven its beneficial health effect
      in numerous clinical studies within gastrointestinal health and immune function.
      Clinical studies have demonstrated survival of BB-12((r)) through the
      gastrointestinal tract and BB-12((r)) has been shown to support a healthy
      gastrointestinal microbiota. Furthermore, BB-12((r)) has been shown to improve
      bowel function, to have a protective effect against diarrhea, and to reduce side
      effects of antibiotic treatment, such as antibiotic-associated diarrhea. In terms
      of immune function, clinical studies have shown that BB-12((r)) increases the
      body's resistance to common respiratory infections as well as reduces the
      incidence of acute respiratory tract infections. 

PMID- 27682234
TI  - Butyrolactone I Quantification from Lovastatin Producing Aspergillus terreus
      Using Tandem Mass Spectrometry-Evidence of Signalling Functions.
AB  - Aspergillus terreus is an industrially important filamentous fungus producing a
      wide spectrum of secondary metabolites, including lovastatin and itaconic acid.
      It also produces butyrolactone I which has shown potential as an antitumour
      agent. Additionally, butyrolactone I has been implicated to have a regulating
      role in the secondary metabolism and morphology of A. terreus. In this study, a
      quantitative time-course liquid chromatography-electrospray ionisation-tandem
      mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS-MS) analysis of butyrolactone I is reported for the
      first time in nine-day long submerged cultures of A. terreus. Butyrolactone I was
      fragmented in the mass analysis producing a reproducible fragmentation pattern of
      four main daughter ions (m/z 307, 331, 363 and 393) in all the samples tested.
      Supplementing the cultures with 100 nM butyrolactone I caused a statistically
      significant increase (up to two-fold) in its production, regardless of the growth
      stage but was constitutive when butyrolactone I was added at high cell density
      during the stationary phase. Furthermore, the extracellular butyrolactone I
      concentration peaked at 48 h post inoculation, showing a similar profile as has
      been reported for bacterial quorum sensing molecules. Taken together, the results
      support the idea of butyrolactone I as a quorum sensing molecule in A. terreus. 

PMID- 27682232
TI  - Relationship between Body Composition and Pulmonary Function in Early Adult Life:
      A Cross-Sectional Analysis Nested in Two Birth Cohort Studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Overweight/obesity has been reported to worsen pulmonary function
      (PF). This study aimed to examine the association between PF and several body
      composition (BC) measures in two population-based cohorts. METHODS: We performed
      a cross-sectional analysis of individuals aged 18 and 30 years from two Pelotas
      Birth Cohorts in southern Brazil. PF was assessed by spirometry. Body measures
      that were collected included body mass index, waist circumference, skinfold
      thickness, percentages of total and segmented (trunk, arms and legs) fat mass
      (FM) and total fat-free mass (FFM). FM and FFM were measured by air-displacement
      plethysmography (BODPOD) and by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA).
      Associations were verified through linear regressions stratified by sex, and
      adjusted for weight, height, skin color, and socioeconomic, behavioral, and
      perinatal variables. RESULTS: A total of 7347 individuals were included in the
      analyses (3438 and 3909 at 30 and 18 years, respectively). Most BC measures
      showed a significant positive association between PF and FFM, and a negative
      association with FM. For each additional percentage point of FM, measured by BOD
      POD, the forced vital capacity regression coefficient adjusted by height, weight
      and skin color, at 18 years, was -33 mL (95% CI -38, -29) and -26 mL (95% CI -30,
      -22), and -30 mL (95% CI -35, -25) and -19 mL (95% CI -23, -14) at 30 years, in
      men and women, respectively. All the BOD POD regression coefficients for FFM were
      the same as for the FM coefficients, but in a positive trend (p<0.001 for all
      associations). CONCLUSIONS: All measures that distinguish FM from FFM (skinfold
      thickness-FM estimation-BOD POD, total and segmental DXA measures-FM and FFM
      proportions) showed negative trends in the association of FM with PF for both
      ages and sexes. On the other hand, FFM showed a positive association with PF.

PMID- 27682235
TI  - Microorganisms-A Journal and a Unifying Concept for the Science of Microbiology.
AB  - The MDPI journal Microorganisms is still very young, having been launched in
      2013, but the concept of the microorganism has been in use for at least a century
      as a unifying principle for the discipline of microbiology, which was cemented
      firmly by the intellectual work of Roger Stanier and colleagues in their
      Microbial World and other general microbiology textbooks and related articles
      from the 1950s to the 1970s [1,2]. Merging the idea of the microscopic and the
      very small with the older idea of an organism as a living entity or cell, the
      concept of a microorganism enabled a real appreciation of the microbial world as
      one that is amenable to study using similar tools and approaches even though
      representing distinctly different types of reproductive units and cell
      organizations. In the late 20th century following the work of Carl Woese and
      other molecular evolutionists, biologists came to appreciate the commonality
      among all organisms, all being comprised of cells that bear a remarkable
      similarity to one another and that share a common evolutionary ancestry, and
      consequently with major features of a largely shared genetic code and molecular
      biology. In this sense microbiology and biology as a whole became unified as they
      never had been before.[...]. 

PMID- 27682237
TI  - Understanding how dogs encourage and motivate walking: cross-sectional findings
      from RESIDE.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many people live with dogs but not all walk with them regularly. This
      study examines the demographic and behavioural factors that contribute towards
      owners reporting having a strong sense of encouragement and motivation to walk
      provided by their dogs, which we call 'the Lassie effect'. METHODS: Data was
      collected from 629 dog owners participating in the RESIDE cross-sectional survey
      in Perth, Western Australia. Multivariable logistic regression analyses of
      factors associated with two separate outcome survey items 'Dog encouragement to
      walk' (how often dog encouraged me to go walking in last month) and 'Dog
      motivation to walk' (Having a dog makes me walk more). RESULTS: Owning a larger
      dog; having an increased level of attachment to dog; knowing dog enjoys going for
      a walk; believing walking keeps dog healthy; and having high social support from
      family to go walking, were positively associated with both outcomes 'dog
      encouragement to walk' and 'dog motivation to walk'. Conversely, reporting the
      presence of children at home; that the child is the main person who walks with
      the dog; and perceiving dog-specific barriers to walking with dog daily; were
      negatively associated with both outcomes. In addition, 'Dog motivation to walk'
      only was positively associated with a belief walking reduces barking, and
      negatively with owning a dog that is overweight or a dog that is too old/sick.
      Reporting that the spouse/partner is main person who walks with the dog was also
      negatively associated with 'dog motivation to walk', as was increased perceived
      access to public open spaces with dog-supportive features. CONCLUSIONS: There are
      both dog and owner factors that are associated with an owner's sense of
      encouragement, and motivation to walk the dog, which in turn has been found to be
      associated with dog waking behaviour. These factors may be targeted in future
      interventions to increase and maintain physical activity levels of both people
      and pets.

PMID- 27682238
TI  - Serial Native T1 Mapping to Monitor Cardiac Response to Treatment in Light-Chain
      Amyloidosis.

PMID- 27682236
TI  - Implementing goals of care conversations with veterans in VA long-term care
      setting: a mixed methods protocol.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The program "Implementing Goals of Care Conversations with Veterans
      in VA LTC Settings" is proposed in partnership with the US Veterans Health
      Administration (VA) National Center for Ethics in Health Care and the Geriatrics
      and Extended Care Program Offices, together with the VA Office of Nursing
      Services. The three projects in this program are designed to support a new system
      wide mandate requiring providers to conduct and systematically record
      conversations with veterans about their preferences for care, particularly life
      sustaining treatments. These treatments include cardiac resuscitation, mechanical
      ventilation, and other forms of life support. However, veteran preferences for
      care go beyond whether or not they receive life-sustaining treatments to include
      issues such as whether or not they want to be hospitalized if they are acutely
      ill, and what kinds of comfort care they would like to receive. METHODS: Three
      projects, all focused on improving the provision of veteran-centered care, are
      proposed. The projects will be conducted in Community Living Centers (VA-owned
      nursing homes) and VA Home-Based Primary Care programs in five regional networks
      in the Veterans Health Administration. In all the projects, we will use data from
      context and barrier and facilitator assessments to design feedback reports for
      staff to help them understand how well they are meeting the requirement to have
      conversations with veterans about their preferences and to document them
      appropriately. We will also use learning collaboratives-meetings in which staff
      teams come together and problem-solve issues they encounter in how to get
      veterans' preferences expressed and documented, and acted on-to support action
      planning to improve performance. DISCUSSION: We will use data over time to track
      implementation success, measured as the proportions of veterans in Community
      Living Centers (CLCs) and Home-Based Primary Care (HBPC) who have a documented
      goals of care conversation soon after admission. We will work with our
      operational partners to spread approaches that work throughout the Veterans
      Health Administration.

PMID- 27682239
TI  - 1 H and 13 C NMR spectral assignments of flavone derivatives.

PMID- 27682240
TI  - Reward: Calculating error.

PMID- 27682241
TI  - Extraction of hermit crabs from their shells by white-faced capuchin monkeys
      (Cebus capucinus).
AB  - We observed two capuchin monkeys (Cebus capucinus) feeding on hermit crabs
      (Coenobita compressus) on the coast, and the tactics they used to extract this
      well-protected prey. The observations took place during the dry season at Playa
      Escondida beach, Puntarenas, Costa Rica. The capuchins descended from trees at
      the back edge of the beach to capture passing hermit crabs. Both capuchins
      extracted the hermit crabs from their protective shells by holding the shell with
      one hand and pulling the crab out with the other. Even though this was
      accomplished within seconds, the extraction of hermit crabs from their shells did
      not appear to be a straightforward task. Once the capuchins succeeded in pulling
      the crabs out of their shells, they consumed the soft abdomen and discarded the
      rest of the crab's body. To our knowledge, the consumption of hermit crabs has
      not been previously reported for any capuchin monkey (Cebus or Sapajus). Our
      observations provide a new example of extractive foraging by capuchins, and thus
      an additional natural context for which fine motor skills (which are highly
      developed in capuchins) are necessary.

PMID- 27682242
TI  - Dietary Patterns for Women With Triple-negative Breast Cancer and Dense Breasts.
AB  - Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a common subtype of breast cancer among
      women with dense breasts and is associated with a poor prognosis. Diet is a
      modifiable risk factor for breast cancer, but the association between the risk of
      TNBC and diet has not been studied. The present study investigated the hypothesis
      that a healthy dietary pattern was negatively associated with risk of TNBC in
      women with dense breasts (density types 3 and 4). After total mastectomy or
      breast conserving surgery, patients with TNBC (n = 38) and non-TNBC (n = 178)
      were recruited. The risk of TNBC was negatively associated with a healthy dietary
      pattern involving consumption of seafood and vegetables, and positively
      associated with a dietary pattern of consuming grains, meats, and eggs.
      Additionally, intake of animal fat, eggs, and meat was positively associated with
      the risk of TNBC, but intake of vegetable fats, nuts, and vegetables showed a
      negative association. Patients with TNBC had higher proportion of obesity or
      abdominal obesity than those with non-TNBC. The present study is the first to
      show a negative association between risk of TNBC and a healthy dietary pattern in
      women with dense breasts and suggests the importance of diet in the prevention of
      TNBC.

PMID- 27682243
TI  - Health services utilization in patients with eating disorders: evidence from a
      cohort study in Emilia-Romagna.
AB  - PURPOSE: To estimate the treated prevalence of eating disorders (ED) in Emilia
      Romagna, Italy, and to compare health services utilization among age groups and
      geographical areas. METHODS: The study cohort consists of patients aged 12-64
      years with a primary or secondary ED diagnosis, treated in regional healthcare
      facilities in 2012. Patients were followed up for 1 year from the first contact.
      Data were extracted from regional administrative databases. RESULTS: The study
      cohort included 1550 cases, 36.8 % with anorexia nervosa, 21.9 % with bulimia
      nervosa and 41.3 % with ED not otherwise specified. Adolescents (12-17 years)
      were 18.6 %, young adults (18-30) 32.7 % and older adults (31-64) 48.7 %. The
      annual treated prevalence rate was 5.2/10,000 (13.3 for adolescents, 9.3 for
      young adults and 3.4 for older adults) and was highest among adolescent
      (24.6/10,000) and young adult females (17.1/10,000). Cases without a record for
      ED in the previous year were 46.8 %. Older adults displayed higher comorbidity
      and used more services including hospital-based care. Outpatient care greatly
      exceeded inpatient care across age groups. Variations in care patterns across
      regional areas were found. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that the care
      pathway for ED varies among age groups and geographical areas, but is consistent
      with the regional care model that favors the use of outpatient services. Future
      perspectives include evaluating the integration among mental health services,
      specialty outpatient units and primary care.

PMID- 27682244
TI  - Regulation of aPKC activity by Nup358 dependent SUMO modification.
AB  - Atypical PKC (aPKC) family members are involved in regulation of diverse cellular
      processes, including cell polarization. aPKCs are known to be activated by
      phosphorylation of specific threonine residues in the activation loop and turn
      motif. They can also be stimulated by interaction with Cdc42~GTP-Par6 complex.
      Here we report that PKCzeta, a member of the aPKC family, is activated by
      SUMOylation. We show that aPKC is endogenously modified by SUMO1 and the
      nucleoporin Nup358 acts as its SUMO E3 ligase. Results from in vitro SUMOylation
      and kinase assays showed that the modification enhances the kinase activity of
      PKCzeta by ~10-fold. By monitoring the phosphorylation of Lethal giant larvae
      (Lgl), a downstream target of aPKC, we confirmed these findings in vivo.
      Consistent with the function of Nup358 as a SUMO E3 ligase for aPKC, depletion of
      Nup358 attenuated the extent of SUMOylation and the activity of aPKC. Moreover,
      overexpression of the C-terminal fragment of Nup358 that possesses the E3 ligase
      activity enhanced SUMOylation of endogenous aPKC and its kinase activity.
      Collectively, our studies reveal a role for Nup358-dependent SUMOylation in the
      regulation of aPKC activity and provide a framework for understanding the role of
      Nup358 in cell polarity.

PMID- 27682248
TI  - Hypocalcaemia after denosumab in older people following fracture.
AB  - : Hypocalcaemia following denosumab therapy can be observed in older adults. This
      is more common if their pre-treatment corrected serum calcium concentrations are
      less than 2.28 mmol/L. Denosumab remains a safe treatment in older people but we
      recommend a cautious approach in people at risk. INTRODUCTION: Previous studies
      have indicated that denosumab, an anti-RANK ligand (RANKL) monoclonal antibody,
      for treatment of osteoporosis is well-tolerated. There is little data
      specifically regarding its adverse effect profile in a hospitalised older person.
      Primarily, this study wished to determine the frequency of hypocalcaemia
      following denosumab administration in older people admitted to hospital following
      fracture. Secondarily, this study wished to determine any associations that may
      predict the development of hypocalcaemia. METHODS: This was a prospective study
      of 33 participants using a paired study design aged 70 years old or more with
      fragility fractures who were given denosumab in a rehabilitation hospital in
      Sydney. The primary outcome was the frequency of hypocalcaemia. Hypocalcaemia was
      defined as corrected serum concentration of less than 2.20 mmol/L on day 14 after
      denosumab administration. RESULTS: Of the 33 participants with a mean age of 84.6
      +/- 1.2 years old, 5 participants (15.2 %) developed hypocalcaemia post
      injection. A paired t test showed a mean difference between the baseline and post
      injection calcium concentrations to be 0.059 mmol/L (95 %CI 0.020-0.098; t =
      3.080, p = 0.004). Regression analysis showed that pre-denosumab serum calcium
      concentration correlated with the post-denosumab injection calcium concentration
      (R = 0.631, 95 %CI 0.288-0.977; p = 0.001). No other variables were significant.
      Further, a baseline serum calcium concentration of 2.28 mmol/L was able to
      predict post-denosumab hypocalcaemia with a sensitivity of 80 % and specificity
      of 86 %. CONCLUSIONS: Denosumab is a relatively safe treatment of osteoporosis.
      This study shows that hypocalcaemia following denosumab therapy can be observed
      in older adults. Clinicians should be aware of this adverse effect when using
      denosumab in the older people.

PMID- 27682250
TI  - Complete and sustained response of adult medulloblastoma to first-line sonic
      hedgehog inhibition with vismodegib.
AB  - Medulloblastoma is an aggressive primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the
      cerebellum that is rare in adults. Medulloblastomas fall into 4 prognostically
      significant molecular subgroups that are best defined by experimental gene
      expression profiles: the WNT pathway, sonic hedgehog (SHH) pathway, and subgroups
      3 and 4 (non-SHH/WNT). Medulloblastoma of adults belong primarily to the SHH
      category. Vismodegib, an SHH-pathway inhibitor FDA-approved in 2012 for treatment
      of basal cell carcinoma, has been used successfully in the setting of
      chemorefractory medulloblastoma, but not as a first-line therapy. In this report,
      we describe a sustained response of an unresectable multifocal form of adult
      medulloblastoma to vismodegib. Molecular analysis in this case revealed mutations
      in TP53 and a cytogenetic abnormality, i17q, that is prevalent and most often
      associated with subgroup 4 rather than the SHH-activated form of medulloblastoma.
      Our findings indicate that vismodegib may also block alternate, non-canonical
      forms of downstream SHH pathway activation. These findings provide strong impetus
      for further investigation of vismodegib in clinical trials in the first-line
      setting for pediatric and adult forms of medulloblastoma.

PMID- 27682249
TI  - Higher serum sclerostin levels and insufficiency of vitamin D are strongly
      associated with vertebral fractures in hemodialysis patients: a case control
      study.
AB  - : In hemodialysis patients, vertebral fractures were associated with elevated
      sclerostin levels, suggesting that sclerostin could reflect bone fragility in
      these patients. INTRODUCTION: Fragility fractures are common in hemodialysis
      patients. The aims of our study were to determine the prevalence of vertebral
      fracture and analyze associations between sclerostin serum levels and vertebral
      fractures in hemodialysis patients. METHODS: Ninety-two hemodialysis patients and
      100 controls matched for age and sex were studied. Bone mineral density was
      measured by ultrasonography at non-dominant heel. The markers of bone turnover
      included serum osteocalcin, C-terminal telopeptide, and sclerostin. All
      participants underwent radiography of the thoracic and lumbar spine to ascertain
      the presence of vertebral fractures. RESULTS: Bone ultrasound parameters at
      calcaneus were significantly lower in hemodialysis patients compared with
      controls; bone turnover markers and parathyroid hormone level were significantly
      higher, while serum of 25-OH-D3 was significantly lower in hemodialysis group.
      One or more moderate or severe vertebral fractures were found in 38 hemodialysis
      patients, whereas in control group, 10 patients had a vertebral fracture. In
      hemodialysis group, the comparison between patients with and without vertebral
      fractures showed that the patients with vertebral fractures had the serum
      sclerostin levels statistically higher than patients without vertebral, while
      serum levels of 25-OH-D3 was significantly lower in patients with vertebral
      fractures compared to the patients without vertebral fractures. Multivariate
      analysis disclosed that sclerostin levels were associated with an increased risk
      of vertebral fractures in hemodialysis patients after adjusting for multiple
      variables. CONCLUSIONS: Our data shows high prevalence of vertebral fractures in
      hemodialysis patients and that it is associated with elevated sclerostin levels,
      reflecting bone fragility in these patients.

PMID- 27682251
TI  - The impact of healthcare visit timing on reported pertussis cough duration:
      Selection bias and disease pattern from reported cases in Michigan, USA, 2000
      2010.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pertussis is a potentially serious respiratory illness characterized
      by cough of exceptionally long duration of up to approximately100 days. While
      macrolide antibiotics are an effective treatment, there is an ongoing debate
      whether they also shorten the length of cough symptoms. We investigated whether
      public health surveillance data for pertussis, in which cases are identified at
      diagnosis, are potentially affected by selection bias and the possible
      consequences for reported cough duration. METHODS: Data on 4,794 pertussis cases
      reported during 2000-2010 were extracted from the Michigan Disease Surveillance
      System, a statewide, web-based communicable disease reporting system, to
      specifically investigate increased duration of cough observed in pertussis
      patients with delayed initial healthcare visit. A simulated population of cases
      was derived from the observed surveillance data and truncated week-by-week to
      evaluate the effects of bias associated with stratification on timing of
      antibiotics. RESULTS: Cases presenting for medical evaluation later in the
      clinical course were more likely to have experienced delayed antibiotic therapy
      and longer average cough duration. A comparable magnitude of increasing cough
      duration was also observed in the simulated data. By stratifying on initial
      medical visit, selection bias effects based on timing of healthcare visit were
      demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: Stratifying or controlling for the timing of the
      initial case identification and accompanying antibiotic treatment can create
      artificial patterns of observed cough duration. In surveillance data, differences
      in symptom duration may arise from selection bias and should not be presumed to
      be related to early antibiotic treatment.

PMID- 27682252
TI  - Expansion and Contraction of the Indo-Pacific Tropical Rain Belt over the Last
      Three Millennia.
AB  - The seasonal north-south migration of the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ)
      defines the tropical rain belt (TRB), a region of enormous terrestrial and marine
      biodiversity and home to 40% of people on Earth. The TRB is dynamic and has been
      shown to shift south as a coherent system during periods of Northern Hemisphere
      cooling. However, recent studies of Indo-Pacific hydroclimate suggest that during
      the Little Ice Age (LIA; AD 1400-1850), the TRB in this region contracted rather
      than being displaced uniformly southward. This behaviour is not well understood,
      particularly during climatic fluctuations less pronounced than those of the LIA,
      the largest centennial-scale cool period of the last millennium. Here we show
      that the Indo-Pacific TRB expanded and contracted numerous times over multi
      decadal to centennial scales during the last 3,000 yr. By integrating precisely
      dated stalagmite records of tropical hydroclimate from southern China with a
      newly enhanced stalagmite time series from northern Australia, our study reveals
      a previously unidentified coherence between the austral and boreal summer
      monsoon. State-of-the-art climate model simulations of the last millennium
      suggest these are linked to changes in the structure of the regional
      manifestation of the atmosphere's meridional circulation.

PMID- 27682253
TI  - Studies on forensic nursing in Brazil: a systematic review of the literature.
AB  - AIM: To identify and synthesize the national and international literature on
      forensic nursing in Brazil. BACKGROUND: Forensic nursing is a new specialty to
      the nursing practice in Brazil, being recognized by the Federal Nursing Council
      of Brazil in 2011. In 2016, the first forensic nursing specialization programme
      was authorized in the country. INTRODUCTION: The implementation of forensic
      nursing specialty in Brazil marks new possibilities for the nursing practice,
      making it possible for nurses to develop additional skills to intervene in
      various situations under the Brazilian Unified Healthcare System. METHODS: A
      systematic search of the literature was conducted using the keyword 'Forensic
      nursing' in combination with 'Brazil'. LILACS, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus and Web of
      Science databases were searched. Studies were also retrieved from the grey
      literature. Once literature had been identified, a thematic analysis was
      undertaken in order to extract themes, which were: establishment of the forensic
      nursing specialty and its contributions to Brazil and its practical implications.
      RESULTS: Eight manuscripts and 20 studies from the grey literature were included
      in the final review. Most studies (54%) were literature reviews that indicated
      forensic nursing as an emerging specialty in Brazil, addressing educational,
      instructional, communicative or contextual aspects of the specialty in the
      country. DISCUSSION: In the nursing profession in Brazil, few studies exist on
      forensic nursing and those are limited to short communications. Although most
      studies address the definition of forensic nursing, others present its
      implications in various situations such as intimate partner violence, domestic
      violence, sexual abuse and elder mistreatment. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR
      NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY: Despite the study limitations, it provides evidence
      that forensic nursing has been silently implemented in the country with the need
      for more evidence-based studies to support its constitution as a specialty in
      Brazil.

PMID- 27682255
TI  - The burgeoning field of innate immune-mediated disease and autoinflammation.
AB  - Immune-mediated autoinflammatory diseases are occupying an increasingly prominent
      position among the pantheon of debilitating conditions that afflict humankind.
      This review focuses on some of the key developments that have occurred since the
      original description of autoinflammatory disease in 1999, and focuses on
      underlying mechanisms that trigger autoinflammation. The monogenic
      autoinflammatory disease range has expanded considerably during that time, and
      now includes a broad spectrum of disorders, including relatively common
      conditions such as cystic fibrosis and subsets of systemic lupus erythematosus.
      The innate immune system also plays a key role in the pathogenesis of complex
      inflammatory disorders. We have proposed a new nomenclature to accommodate the
      rapidly increasing number of monogenic disorders, which predispose to either
      autoinflammation or autoimmunity or, indeed, combinations of both. This new
      terminology also encompasses a wide spectrum of genetically determined
      autoinflammatory diseases, with variable clinical manifestations of
      immunodeficiency and immune dysregulation/autoimmunity. We also explore some of
      the ramifications of the breakthrough discovery of the physiological role of
      pyrin and the search for identifiable factors that may serve to trigger attacks
      of autoinflammation. The evidence that pyrin, as part of the pyrin inflammasome,
      acts as a sensor of different inactivating bacterial modification Rho GTPases,
      rather than interacting directly with these microbial products, sets the stage
      for a better understanding of the role of microorganisms and infections in the
      autoinflammatory disorders. Finally, we discuss some of the triggers of
      autoinflammation as well as potential therapeutic interventions aimed at
      enhancing autophagy and proteasome degradation pathways. Copyright (c) 2016
      Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley &
      Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27682257
TI  - On Dioxygen and Substrate Access to Soluble Methane Monooxygenases: An all-Atom
      Molecular Dynamics Investigation in Water Solution.
AB  - In a preliminary exploration of the dummy model for diiron proteins, random
      acceleration molecular dynamics (RAMD) revealed that a pure four-helix bundle
      structure, like hemerythrin, constitutes an efficient cage for dioxygen (O2 ),
      which can only leave from defined, albeit very broad, gates. However, this well
      ordered structure does not constitute an archetype on which to compare O2
      permeation of other diiron proteins, like the complex of soluble methane
      monooxygenase hydroxylase with the regulatory protein (sMMOH-MMOB). The reason is
      that with this complex, unlike hemerythrin, the four helices of the four-helix
      bundle are heavily bent, and RAMD showed that most traps for O2 lie outside them.
      It was also observed that, in spite of a nearly identical van der Waals radius
      for O2 and the natural substrate CH4 , the latter behaves under RAMD as a bulkier
      molecule than O2 , requiring a higher external force to be brought out of sMMOH
      MMOB along trajectories of viable length. All that determined with sMMOH-MMOB
      multiple gates and multiple pathways to each of them through several binding
      pockets, for both O2 and CH4 . Of the two equally preferred pathways for O2 , at
      right angle with one another, one proved to be in accordance with the Xe-atom
      mapping for sMMOH. In contrast, none of the pathways identified for CH4 proved to
      be in accordance with such mapping, CH4 looking for more open avenues instead.

PMID- 27682258
TI  - Number of Grooming Partners Is Associated with Hookworm Infection in Wild Vervet
      Monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops).
AB  - There are many known benefits of social grooming among primates, including
      maintenance of social relationships, removal of ectoparasites, and improved
      physiological condition. Recently, however, researchers have noted that social
      grooming and social contact may also present a significant cost by facilitating
      transmission of some parasites and pathogens. We investigated whether the number
      of social grooming partners varied based on infection status for gastrointestinal
      parasites. We used focal animal sampling and continuous recording to collect data
      on the number of grooming partners for known individual vervet monkeys
      (Chlorocebus aethiops). We collected non-invasive faecal samples and examined
      them using faecal flotation, faecal sedimentation, and immunofluorescence
      microscopy. We detected 6 parasites: Trichuris sp. (92%), hookworm (71%),
      spirurids (68%), Oesophagostomum sp. (84%), Strongyloides sp. (24%), and
      Entamoeba coli (92%). The number of grooming partners varied significantly based
      on infection with hookworm and sex. No significant relationships were detected
      for other parasites. Associations between host behavioural variation and some
      parasite taxa (specifically Trichuris, Oesophagostomum, and Entamoeba spp.) were
      impossible to explore due to an extremely high prevalence among hosts. This is
      the first report that we are aware of that has detected an association between
      social grooming behaviours and infection with hookworm.

PMID- 27682259
TI  - Medical students' perceptions towards research at a Sudanese University.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inadequately designed curricula and barriers to research have not
      enabled students to realize the crucial importance of research to clinical
      practice. Several studies have reported variable results with regards to research
      training. The aim of this survey was to evaluate research training at a
      university in Sudan which had provided research training for 17 years. METHODS: A
      university-based survey design, using a self-administered questionnaire, was
      conducted among final year medical students who completed 2 years of research
      training. Descriptive frequency analysis and bivariate analysis were performed
      using IBM SPSS version 20. RESULTS: The response rate was 76 %. Ninety-five (91.3
      %) perceived research important to medicine and 62 (59.6 %) perceived that it
      should be a requirement for partial fulfillment of the MBBS degree. Elevation of
      professional standing as a clinician was the prime reason for pursuing a career
      in research (18/68.2 %). Main reasons for not pursuing a career in research was
      research being time consuming (49/59.8 %) and focusing on clinical service being
      more important than clinical research (48/58.5 %). Fifty-five (56.1 %) believe
      that their supervisor gave them a positive attitude to research. Principle
      barriers to student research were lack of funding (75/72.1 %), insufficient time
      (71/68.3 %) and the demands of the curriculum (70/67.3 %). No significant
      differences were detected between gender and perceptions towards research.
      CONCLUSION: The curriculum should be revised to address the gaps in research
      training. A small group learning model should be adopted to train students in
      research and provide supervision to group research projects. This model would
      improve academic learning, skills acquisition, encourage student interest in
      research, reduce barriers to student research and make better use of limited
      resources.

PMID- 27682256
TI  - Impact of Heat Stress on Cellular and Transcriptional Adaptation of Mammary
      Epithelial Cells in Riverine Buffalo (Bubalus Bubalis).
AB  - The present study aims to identify the heat responsive genes and biological
      pathways in heat stressed buffalo mammary epithelial cells (MECs). The primary
      mammary epithelial cells of riverine buffalo were exposed to thermal stress at 42
      degrees C for one hour. The cells were subsequently allowed to recover at 37
      degrees C and harvested at different time intervals (30 min to 48 h) along with
      control samples (un-stressed). In order to assess the impact of heat stress in
      buffalo MECs, several in-vitro cellular parameters (lactate dehydrogenase
      activity, cell proliferation assay, cellular viability, cell death and apoptosis)
      and transcriptional studies were conducted. The heat stress resulted in overall
      decrease in cell viability and cell proliferation of MECs while induction of
      cellular apoptosis and necrosis. The transcriptomic profile of heat stressed MECs
      was generated using Agilent 44 K bovine oligonucleotide array and at cutoff
      criteria of >=3-or <=3 fold change, a total of 153 genes were observed to be
      upregulated while 8 genes were down regulated across all time points post heat
      stress. The genes that were specifically up-regulated or down-regulated were
      identified as heat responsive genes. The upregulated genes in heat stressed MECs
      belonged to heat shock family viz., HSPA6, HSPB8, DNAJB2, HSPA1A. Along with
      HSPs, genes like BOLA, MRPL55, PFKFB3, PSMC2, ENDODD1, ARID5A, and SENP3 were
      also upregulated. Microarray data revealed that the heat responsive genes
      belonged to different functional classes viz., chaperons; immune responsive; cell
      proliferation and metabolism related. Gene ontology analysis revealed enrichment
      of several biological processes like; cellular process, metabolic process,
      response to stimulus, biological regulation, immune system processes and
      signaling. The transcriptome analysis data was further validated by RT-qPCR
      studies. Several HSP (HSP40, HSP60, HSP70, HSP90, and HSPB1), apoptotic (Bax and
      Bcl2), immune (IL6, TNFalpha and NF-kbeta) and oxidative stress (GPX1 and DUSP1)
      related genes showed differential expression profile at different time points
      post heat stress. The transcriptional data strongly indicated the induction of
      survival/apoptotic mechanism in heat stressed buffalo MECs. The overrepresented
      pathways across all time points were; electron transport chain, cytochrome P450,
      apoptosis, MAPK, FAS and stress induction of HSP regulation, delta Notch
      signaling, apoptosis modulation by HSP70, EGFR1 signaling, cytokines and
      inflammatory response, oxidative stress, TNF-alpha and NF- kB signaling pathway.
      The study thus identified several genes from different functional classes and
      biological pathways that could be termed as heat responsive in buffalo MEC. The
      responsiveness of buffalo MECs to heat stress in the present study clearly
      suggested its suitability as a model to understand the modulation of buffalo
      mammary gland expression signature in response to environmental heat load.

PMID- 27682260
TI  - Open-angle glaucoma and Alzheimer's disease: a population-based 30-year follow-up
      study.

PMID- 27682261
TI  - CONSIDER - Core Outcome Set in IAD Research: study protocol for establishing a
      core set of outcomes and measurements in incontinence-associated dermatitis
      research.
AB  - AIM: This study protocol describes the methodology for the development of a core
      set of outcomes and a core set of measurements for incontinence-associated
      dermatitis. BACKGROUND: Incontinence is a widespread disorder with an important
      impact on quality of life. One of the most common complications is incontinence
      associated dermatitis, resulting from chemical and physical irritation of the
      skin barrier, triggering inflammation and skin damage. Managing incontinence
      associated dermatitis is an important challenge for nurses. Several interventions
      have been assessed in clinical trials, but heterogeneity in study outcomes
      complicates the comparability and standardization. To overcome this challenge,
      the development of a core outcome set, a minimum set of outcomes and measurements
      to be assessed in clinical research, is needed. DESIGN: A project team,
      International Steering Committee and panelists will be involved to guide the
      development of the core outcome set. The framework of the Harmonizing Outcomes
      Measures for Eczema roadmap endorsed by Cochrane Skin Group Core Outcomes Set
      Initiative, is used to inform the project design. METHODS: A systematic
      literature review, interviews to integrate the patients' perspective and a
      consensus study with healthcare researchers and providers using the Delphi
      procedure will be performed. The project was approved by the Ethics review
      Committee (April 2016). DISCUSSION: This is the first project that will identify
      a core outcome set of outcomes and measurements for incontinence-associated
      dermatitis research. A core outcome set will reduce possible reporting bias,
      allow results comparisons and statistical pooling across trials and strengthen
      evidence-based practice and decision-making. REGISTRATION: This project has been
      registered in the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials (COMET) database
      and is part of the Cochrane Skin Group Core Outcomes Set Initiative (CSG-COUSIN).

PMID- 27682262
TI  - Rare copy number alterations and copy-neutral loss of heterozygosity revealed in
      ameloblastomas by high-density whole-genome microarray analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ameloblastoma (unicystic, UA, or multicystic, MA) is a rare tumor
      associated with bone destruction and facial deformity. Its malignant counterpart
      is the ameloblastic carcinoma (AC). The BRAFV600E mutation is highly prevalent in
      all these tumors subtypes and cannot account for their different clinical
      behaviors. METHODS: We assessed copy number alterations (CNAs) and copy-neutral
      loss of heterozygosity (cnLOH) in UA (n = 2), MA (n = 3), and AC (n = 1) using
      the CytoScan HD Array (Affymetrix) and the BRAFV600E status. RT-qPCR was applied
      in four selected genes (B4GALT1, BAG1, PKD1L2, and PPP2R5A) covered by rare
      alterations, also including three MA and four normal oral tissues. RESULTS: Fifty
      seven CNAs and cnLOH were observed in the ameloblastomas and six CNAs in the AC.
      Seven of the CNAs were rare (six in UA and one in MA), four of them encompassing
      genes (gains of 7q11.21, 1q32.3, and 9p21.1 and loss of 16q23.2). We found
      positive correlation between rare CNA gene dosage and the expression of B4GALT1,
      BAG1, PKD1L2, and PPP2R5A. The AC and 1 UA were BRAF wild-type; however, this UA
      showed rare genomic alterations encompassing genes associated with RAF/MAPK
      activation. CONCLUSION: Ameloblastomas show rare CNAs and cnLOH, presenting a
      specific genomic profile with no overlapping of the rare alterations among UA,
      MA, and AC. These genomic changes might play a role in tumor evolution and in
      BRAFV600E-negative tumors.

PMID- 27682264
TI  - Intraoperative neuromonitoring in thyroidectomy: the learning curve.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the learning curve in the use of intraoperative neuromonitoring
      of recurrent laryngeal nerve and vagus in thyroid surgery. MATERIALS OF THE
      STUDY: We analyzed 140 pts treated consecutively for thyroid disease. All the
      patients were neuromonitored with Intraoperative neuromonitoring of recurrent
      laryngeal nerve and vagus. We divided these patients in 7 groups to collect the
      adverse events during our learning curve. RESULTS: We monitored consecutively 271
      nerves. The incidence of transient paralysis was 0.73%.No significant differences
      were recorded in the groups about the calceium values,the mean operative time.
      Sensitivity was 100%, specificity 99%, Predictive positive value was 33%,
      negative predictive value was 100%. DISCUSSION: The recurrent laryngeal nerve
      injury is the most frequent adverse event in thyroid surgery. The causes of the
      lesion are different. The introduction of non-invasive monitoring devices that
      define the standard of IONM in thyroidectomy is increasing in the last period. In
      our study we performed the neuromonitoring in four times finding several
      benefits: avoid damage from excessive traction of the thyroid; early
      identification of RLN extra-laryngeal branches; identification and preservation
      of the parathyroid glands. CONCLUSION: The use of neuromonitoring in course of
      thyroidectomy helps the surgeon to early localization, identification,
      visualization and dissection of the RLN. It is important highlight that for the
      surgeon, especially the less experienced, the opportunity to immediately verify
      the absence of nerve structures and the presence of lesions is very important
      especially in education and research. We confirm that real learning curve
      requires at least 60 consecutive cases as reported by others in literature. KEY
      WORDS: Hypocalcaemia, Intraoperative neuromonitoring, Learning curve, Recurrent
      laryngeal nerve injury, Thyroid surgery.

PMID- 27682265
TI  - Biomaterial microarchitecture: a potent regulator of individual cell behavior and
      multicellular organization.
AB  - Insoluble cues from a cell's surrounding microenvironment have increasingly been
      shown to be important regulators of cell behavior. The microarchitecture of
      biomaterials used for 3D cell encapsulation, however, is often underappreciated
      as an important insoluble factor guiding cell activity. In this review, we
      illustrate that the subcellular physical features of a scaffold influence a range
      of cell behaviors, including morphology, cytoskeletal organization, migration,
      matrix remodeling, and long-range force transmission. We emphasize that the
      microarchitecture of stromal extracellular matrix (ECM)-specifically the fact
      that it consists of a network of long interconnecting fibers with micron and
      nanometer-sized diameters-is an important determinant of how cells naturally
      interact with their surrounding matrix and each other. Synthetic biomaterials
      with a microarchitecture similar to stromal ECM can support analogous cellular
      responses, suggesting that this fibrous microarchitecture is a key regulator of
      these cell behaviors. Drawing upon examples from in vitro, in silico, and in vivo
      studies, we compare these behaviors in fibrous matrices to those of cells
      cultured within nanoporous matrices (e.g., alginate and PEG gels) as well as
      macroporous scaffolds to highlight key differences in the cellular response to
      each type of microarchitecture. Understanding how microarchitecture affects cell
      behavior can lead to more efficient biomaterial selection when designing tissue
      engineered scaffolds for therapeutic applications. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals,
      Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 640-661, 2017.

PMID- 27682266
TI  - Amiloride modifies the progression of lithium-induced renal interstitial
      fibrosis.
AB  - AIM: Long-term administration of lithium has been associated with the development
      of a chronic interstitial fibrosis in addition to nephrogenic diabetes insipidus
      (NDI). Earlier studies have demonstrated that amiloride, by blocking the
      epithelial sodium channel ENaC and thus preventing lithium uptake into the
      principal cells of the collecting ducts, can partially reverse lithium-induced
      NDI. However, there are no long-term studies examining whether or not amiloride
      also modifies the progressive chronic interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy
      often evident with long-term lithium exposure. METHODS: Using an established
      animal model of lithium-induced chronic interstitial fibrosis, rats were treated
      with amiloride and lithium for 5 months following 1 month of exposure to lithium
      alone and compared with control animals and those given only lithium. RESULTS AND
      CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the 5 months of amiloride therapy partially mitigated
      the lithium-induced NDI and limited the further progression of lithium-induced
      kidney fibrosis. This improvement was associated with decreased expression of the
      pro-fibrotic connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), along with reduced
      myofibroblast infiltration and decreased collagen deposition around the distended
      cortical collecting ducts. This may, in part, be mediated by modifying lithium
      induced alterations in beta-catenin activity through its effects on GSK-3beta.

PMID- 27682263
TI  - Bioavailable Trace Metals in Neurological Diseases.
AB  - OPINION STATEMENT: Medical treatment in Wilson's disease includes chelators (D
      penicillamine and trientine) or zinc salts that have to be maintain all the
      lifelong. This pharmacological treatment is categorised into two phases; the
      first being a de-coppering phase and the second a maintenance one. The best
      therapeutic approach remains controversial, as only a few non-controlled trials
      have compared these treatments. During the initial phase, progressive increase of
      chelators' doses adjusted to exchangeable copper and urinary copper might help to
      avoid neurological deterioration. Liver transplantation is indicated in acute
      fulminant liver failure and decompensated cirrhosis; in cases of neurologic
      deterioration, it must be individually discussed. During the maintenance phase,
      the most important challenge is to obtain a good adherence to lifelong medical
      therapy. Neurodegenerative diseases that lead to a mislocalisation of iron can be
      caused by a culmination of localised overload (pro-oxidant siderosis) and
      localised deficiency (metabolic distress). A new therapeutic concept with
      conservative iron chelation rescues iron-overloaded neurons by scavenging labile
      iron and, by delivering this chelated metal to endogenous apo-transferrin, allows
      iron redistribution to avoid systemic loss of iron.

PMID- 27682268
TI  - Quantized conductance doubling and hard gap in a two-dimensional semiconductor
      superconductor heterostructure.
AB  - Coupling a two-dimensional (2D) semiconductor heterostructure to a superconductor
      opens new research and technology opportunities, including fundamental problems
      in mesoscopic superconductivity, scalable superconducting electronics, and new
      topological states of matter. One route towards topological matter is by coupling
      a 2D electron gas with strong spin-orbit interaction to an s-wave superconductor.
      Previous efforts along these lines have been adversely affected by interface
      disorder and unstable gating. Here we show measurements on a gateable InGaAs/InAs
      2DEG with patterned epitaxial Al, yielding devices with atomically pristine
      interfaces between semiconductor and superconductor. Using surface gates to form
      a quantum point contact (QPC), we find a hard superconducting gap in the
      tunnelling regime. When the QPC is in the open regime, we observe a first
      conductance plateau at 4e2/h, consistent with theory. The hard-gap semiconductor
      superconductor system demonstrated here is amenable to top-down processing and
      provides a new avenue towards low-dissipation electronics and topological quantum
      systems.

PMID- 27682269
TI  - The Golgi associated ERI3 is a Flavivirus host factor.
AB  - Dengue virus (DENV) is a mosquito-borne Flavivirus classified into four serotypes
      (DENV-1-4) that causes Dengue fever (DF), Dengue hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) or
      Dengue shock syndrome (DSS). An estimated 390 million people are at risk for
      infection with DENV and there are no effective vaccines or therapeutics. We
      utilized RNA chromatography coupled with quantitative mass spectrometry (qMS) to
      identify host RNA binding proteins (RBPs) that interact with DENV-2 RNA. We
      identified ERI3 (also PRNPIP and PINT1), a putative 3'-5' RNA exonuclease, which
      preferentially associates with DENV-2 genomic RNA via interactions with dumbbell
      structures in the 3' UTR. ERI3 is required for accumulation of DENV-2 genomic RNA
      and production of infectious particles. Furthermore, the mosquito homologue of
      ERI3 is required for DENV-2 replication in adult Aedes aegypti mosquitos implying
      that the requirement for ERI3 is conserved in both DENV hosts. In human cells
      ERI3 localizes to the Golgi in uninfected cells, but relocalizes near sites of
      DENV-2 replication in infected cells. ERI3 is not required for maintaining DENV-2
      RNA stability or translation of the viral polyprotein, but is required for viral
      RNA synthesis. Our results define a specific role for ERI3 and highlight the
      importance of Golgi proteins in DENV-2 replication.

PMID- 27682267
TI  - Noncontiguous double-level unstable spinal injuries.
AB  - PURPOSE: Noncontiguous double-level unstable spinal injuries (NDUSI) are uncommon
      and have not been well described. In this study, we aimed to better understand
      the patterns of NDUSI, in order to recommend proper diagnostic and treatment
      methods, as well as to raise awareness among traumatologists about the
      possibility of these uncommon injuries. METHODS: A total of 710 consecutive
      patients with spine fractures were treated for >9 years since 2007 at a single
      regional trauma center. Of them, 18 patients with NDUSI were reviewed
      retrospectively. RESULTS: The incidence of NDUSI was 2.5 % of all spine
      fractures. In 17 of 18 patients (94.7 %), NDUSI was caused by a high-energy
      trauma. Nine patients (50.0 %) exhibited complete neurological deficit. Spinal
      cord injury occurred in the cranial injured region in all American Spinal Injury
      Association grade A cases. In one case, a second fracture was overlooked at the
      initial examination. CONCLUSION: NDUSI are common in cases of high-energy trauma
      and should be taken into consideration at the initial examination. A second
      fracture may be easily overlooked because of the high frequency of concomitant
      severe spinal cord injury in the cranial injured region and/or loss of
      consciousness due to associated injuries. To avoid overlooking injuries, full
      spine computed tomography is useful at the initial examination. Operative
      reduction and internal fixation with instrumentation through a posterior approach
      is recommendable for cases of NDUSI. In elderly patients, a very rapid
      stabilizing surgery should be planned before aspiration pneumonia occurs or the
      pulmonary condition worsens.

PMID- 27682271
TI  - Microcephaly risk with RUSC2.

PMID- 27682272
TI  - Cross-sectional and Prospective Examination of Weight Misperception and
      Depressive Symptoms Among Youth with Overweight and Obesity.
AB  - This study aims to determine the association between weight misperception
      (considering oneself average or underweight) and depressive symptoms among youth
      with overweight/obesity. Linear regression models (adjusted for age, BMI,
      parental education, percent poverty) were used to examine cross-sectional (wave
      II, 1996, n = 3898, M age = 15.9, SD = 0.13) and longitudinal (from wave II to
      IV, 1996-2008/2009, n = 2738, M age = 28.5, SD = 0.06) associations between
      weight misperception and depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiologic Studies
      Depression Scale) in a subsample of White, Black, Asian, Hispanic, and Multi
      racial male and female youth with overweight/obesity participating in the
      National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Average BMI was 29.0 (0.16) at
      wave II and 35.7 (0.23) at wave IV. Thirty-two percent misperceived their weight
      status as average weight (n = 1151, 30 %) or underweight (n = 99, 3 %). In fully
      adjusted cross-sectional models, White (beta = -1.92, 95 % CI = -2.79, -1.06) and
      Multi-racial (beta = -4.43, 95 % CI = -6.90, -1.95) youth who perceived
      themselves as average weight had significantly lower depressive symptoms compared
      to accurate weight-perceivers. In fully adjusted longitudinal models, White youth
      (beta = -0.41, 95 % CI = -0.81, -0.004) who perceived themselves as average
      weight had significantly lower depressive symptoms 12 years later. Findings
      suggest that weight misperception may be protective against depression among
      White adolescents and young adults with overweight/obesity. Clinical and
      population interventions should consider potential harmful effects of correcting
      weight misperceptions on the mental health of youth with overweight/obesity.

PMID- 27682270
TI  - Oviposition ecology and species composition of Aedes spp. and Aedes aegypti
      dynamics in variously urbanized settings in arbovirus foci in southeastern Cote
      d'Ivoire.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aedes mosquito-transmitted outbreaks of dengue and yellow fever have
      been reported from rural and urban parts of Cote d'Ivoire. The present study
      aimed at assessing Aedes spp. oviposition ecology in variously urbanized settings
      within arbovirus foci in southeastern Cote d'Ivoire. METHODS: Aedes spp. eggs
      were sampled using a standard ovitrap method from January 2013 to April 2014 in
      different ecosystems of rural, suburban and urban areas. Emerged larvae were
      reared until the adult stage for species identification. RESULTS: Aedes spp.
      oviposition ecology significantly varied from rural-to-urban areas and according
      to the ecozones and the seasons. Species richness of Aedes spp. gradually
      decreased from rural (eight species) to suburban (three species) and urban (one
      species) areas. Conversely, emerged adult Aedes spp. mean numbers were higher in
      the urban (1.97 Aedes/ovitrap/week), followed by the suburban (1.44
      Aedes/ovitrap/week) and rural (0.89 Aedes/ovitrap/week) areas. Aedes aegypti was
      the only species in the urban setting (100 %), and was also the predominant
      species in suburban (85.5 %) and rural (63.3 %) areas. The highest Ae. aegypti
      mean number was observed in the urban (1.97 Ae. aegypti/ovitrap/week), followed
      by the suburban (1.20 Ae. aegypti/ovitrap/week) and rural (0.57 Ae.
      aegypti/ovitrap/week) areas. Aedes africanus (9.4 %), Ae. dendrophilus (8.0 %),
      Ae. metallicus (1.3 %) in the rural, and Ae. vittatus (6.5 %) and Ae. metallicus
      (1.2 %) in the suburban areas each represented more than 1 % of the total Aedes
      fauna. In all areas, Aedes species richness and abundance were higher in the
      peridomestic zones and during the rainy season, with stronger variations in
      species richness in the rural and in abundance in the urban areas. Besides, the
      highest Culex quinquefasciatus abundance was found in the urban areas, while
      Eretmapodites chrysogaster was restricted to the rural areas. CONCLUSIONS:
      Urbanization correlates with a substantially higher abundance in Aedes mosquitoes
      and a regression of the Aedes wild species towards a unique presence of Ae.
      aegypti in urban areas. Aedes wild species serve as bridge vectors of arboviruses
      in rural areas, while Ae. aegypti amplifies arbovirus transmission in urban
      areas. Our results have important ramifications for dengue and yellow fever
      vector control and surveillance strategies in arbovirus foci in southeastern Cote
      d'Ivoire.

PMID- 27682274
TI  - Variety in diagnosis and treatment of periprosthetic joint infections in Belgium
      and the Netherlands.
AB  - Recently, guidelines regarding diagnosis and treatment of periprosthetic joint
      infection (PJI) have been published, but it is unknown how well these are 
      followed in the Netherlands and Belgium. Therefore, a survey study was performed
      in the Netherlands and Belgium. 81 orthopedic departments responded (54% in the
      Netherlands, 52% in Belgium). The majority used protocols for antibiotic and
      surgical treatment. To discriminate between early and late infection, differences
      in periods used were seen between respondents, and between countries. Empirical
      antibiotic treatment varied greatly. Debridement, antibiotics, irrigation and
      retention of the prosthesis (DAIR) is the -almost unanimous treatment of choice
      for early PJI. Guidelines are available, but seem not (yet) to be -followed
      accurately, and do not have answers to all possible treatment options. Perhaps,
      national guidelines might produce more standardized care, and -consequentially,
      easier comparison for research, more transparency for patients, and less health
      care costs.

PMID- 27682273
TI  - Exploring Couples' Processes of Change in the Context of SASA!, a Violence
      Against Women and HIV Prevention Intervention in Uganda.
AB  - There is now a growing body of research indicating that prevention interventions
      can reduce intimate partner violence (IPV); much less is known, however, about
      how couples exposed to these interventions experience the change process,
      particularly in low-income countries. Understanding the dynamic process that
      brings about the cessation of IPV is essential for understanding how
      interventions work (or don't) to reduce IPV. This study aimed to provide a better
      understanding of how couples' involvement with SASA!-a violence against women and
      HIV-related community mobilisation intervention developed by Raising Voices in
      Uganda-influenced processes of change in relationships. Qualitative data were
      collected from each partner in separate in-depth interviews following the
      intervention. Dyadic analysis was conducted using framework analysis methods.
      Study findings suggest that engagement with SASA! contributed to varied
      experiences and degrees of change at the individual and relationship levels.
      Reflection around healthy relationships and communication skills learned through
      SASA! activities or community activists led to more positive interaction among
      many couples, which reduced conflict and IPV. This nurtured a growing trust and
      respect between many partners, facilitating change in longstanding conflicts and
      generating greater intimacy and love as well as increased partnership among
      couples to manage economic challenges. This study draws attention to the value of
      researching and working with both women, men and couples to prevent IPV and
      suggests IPV prevention interventions may benefit from the inclusion of
      relationship skills building and support within the context of community
      mobilisation interventions.

PMID- 27682275
TI  - Acromioclavicular joint cyst in ASA 3-4 patients.Whether and how quickly it
      recurs after aspiration and steroid injection.
AB  - We observed the clinical course, in the short-medium term, of patients with
      voluminous type II acromio-clavicular (AC) joint cyst who underwent aspiration
      and steroid injection regarded as the only possible treatment to avoid possible
      skin complications. Four patients (7.4% of cases described in literature) (3F-1M
      ; mean age 83 years, range : 78-87 years) with a voluminous ( > 7 cm) oval, no
      mobile, no fluctuant cyst overlying the AC joint, were retrospectively observed.
      The patients, judged by the anesthesiologist as ASA 3-4 patients, were merely
      submitted to cyst aspiration and steroid injection. The content of the cyst was
      microscopically analysed. All patients were clinically evaluated on the day of
      aspiration and after 14-30 days and after 1 year. Shoulder function and pain
      intensity were analysed with Constant score and VAS. We were able to aspirate 80
      150 ml of amorphous joint fluid. At the first follow-up, all patients had a
      recurrence of the cyst, a lower grade of tension of the skin overlying the cyst
      and also a very little decreasing of pain intensity. After a month from
      aspiration, the cysts of the 4 patients had the same size as that present before
      aspiration. The range of motion, the average value of VAS and Constant were
      similar to those recorded before aspiration. In no case signs of infection or
      draining sinus occurred. Aspiration is a useless practice. However it is still a
      motive for discussion if the reduced suffering of the skin overlying the cyst
      after the aspiration has avoided, or simply postponed, an imminent complication.

PMID- 27682276
TI  - Empty can and drop arm tests for cuff rupture : Improved specificity after
      subacromial injection.
AB  - : Shoulder disorders are common in the general population : they occur in about
      25 of every 1000 patients per year. A rather large majority are caused by cuff
      disorders. Differentiating between impingement and cuff rupture is essential to
      adequate treatment. Clinical tests have been developed, but their accuracy is
      limited. This study was performed to improve clinical accuracy by combining
      single tests and adding a subacromial injection. We postulated that the empty can
      and drop arm tests would result in higher sensitivity and specificity after
      subacromial injection. METHOD: We prospectively assessed 49 patients with the
      empty can and drop arm tests and used ultrasound to compare the individual and
      combined results. RESULT: The ultrasound found six cuff ruptures. Specificity
      improved and sensitivity decreased after subacromial injection. CONCLUSION: Only
      specificity improved after subacromial injection. Combining the test results led
      to an increase in both sensitivity and specificity without injection.

PMID- 27682277
TI  - Radiological and clinical outcome of arthroscopic labral repair with all-suture
      anchors.
AB  - Purpose : The aim of this study was to assess radiological and clinical outcome
      after arthroscopic all--suture anchor labral repair. Method: 20 patients treated
      for anterior and superior labral instability (mean age 29, range 14-51 years)
      were assessed at a minimum follow-up time of 1 year (mean 19 months ; range, 12
      28 months). Postoperative MRI scans were assessed by 3 independent radiologists.
      The radiological appearance of bone at the anchor-site was judged by the presence
      of cyst formation, tunnel widening (> 2 mm) or bone edema. Clinical outcome
      analysis included standard follow-up and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder
      and Hand score (DASH), Constant Shoulder score and the Western Ontario Shoulder
      Instability Index (WOSI). result: All patients were available for follow-up. In
      total, 58 all-suture anchors were implanted. None of the patients displayed large
      cyst formation. Small cysts were found in two patients (2 anchors). Tunnel
      widening was apparent in 3 patients (3 anchors) with an average widening of 3.3
      mm (range 3-4 mm). Bone edema at the anchor-site was seen in 6 patients (8
      anchors). The remaining 9 patients (45 anchors) did not display reactive bone
      changes. Clinical outcomes showed a WOSI of 70.6, a DASH of 18.9 and a Constant
      score of 89.3, and no recurrence of instability. Conclusions : Satisfying
      radiological and clinical outcome was observed after arthroscopic instability
      surgery using all-suture anchors. Imaging revealed good labral healing without
      important bony reactions or the formation of large cysts at early follow-up.
      Level of evidence : IV Case series.

PMID- 27682278
TI  - Histological and biochemical evidence related to the collagen quality in torn
      rotator cuff tendons.
AB  - This study investigates the histological background of torn rotator cuff tendons,
      evaluates the stability of newly synthesized collagen by measuring the hydro
      xyproline content and attempts to correlate these findings with the clinical
      outcome after reconstruction of the rotator cuff. Sixty-one patients underwent
      reconstruction for a -rotator cuff tear. They were evaluated preoperatively with
      the Constant-Murley score, MRI and ultrasound. Biopsy samples were taken from
      chronic rotator cuff tears and histological analysis was performed. Hydroxyprolin
      presence was evaluated in various -tissues. Mean follow-up was 46 months.
      Histological analysis revealed collagen fragmentation and thinning (90.2% of
      patients), myxoid degeneration (88%), hyaline degeneration (50.8%), chondroid
      metaplasia (44.3%), calcification (24.7%), fatty infiltration (20.4%) and
      vascular proliferation (62.3%). Hydroxyproline was under-represented in newly
      synthesized collagen in 57% of patients. In the majority of the patients with a
      low hydroxyproline/collagen ratio the histological findings were abnormal. None
      of the findings was related to the clinical outcome with a statistical
      significance. Histological and biochemical findings reflected the poor quality of
      the tendon. The good clinical outcome did not depend on the histological or
      biochemical findings but rather on the meticulous surgical reconstruction and
      physical therapy.

PMID- 27682279
TI  - The necessity of strength evaluation in assessment of clinical outcome after
      shoulder surgery : follow-up data from patients with complex proximal humerus
      fractures treated by locking plate fixation.
AB  - In order to minimize the bias of Constant score we modified the allocation of
      strength subscore. One hundred and two patients with 3- and 4-part proximal
      humerus fractures were treated using locking plate fixation and followed up for >
      1 year. The clinical outcomes were assessed by DASH score abbreviated Constant
      score (AbbCS strength item excluded) modified Constant score (ModCS with 12-pound
      strength) and original Constant score (CS with 25-pound strength). The
      satisfaction rate was determined for each scoring instrument. Compared to CS the
      satisfaction rate was significantly higher in DASH score AbbCS and ModCS (all p <
      0.001) but the latter 3 groups did not show significant difference. ROC analysis
      showed that a > 7-pound shoulder strength was present in patients with satisfied
      outcome assessed by DASH score. In conclusion strength evaluation is necessary
      for the assessment of shoulder function but the over-allocated strength should be
      modified in Constant score.

PMID- 27682280
TI  - Avulsions of Triceps Brachii : associated injuries and surgical treatment ; a
      case series.
AB  - This study reports the clinical presentations, intra -operative findings, type of
      the treatments, outcome of the treatment and specially associated injuries in
      patients with the avulsion of the distal end of the triceps brachii (TB) tendon.
      We studied 6 patients with rupture or avulsion of the distal end of the TB
      tendon. The medical records, imaging files, clinical outcomes at the final follow
      up visit were reviewed. The clinical outcomes were assessed by Mayo Elbow Score
      at the final follow-up visit. All patients were male, 4 of them having injury in
      the left hand as the non-dominant hand. Mean age of them was 34.5 years. All
      cases had small bony fleck in the posterior of elbow in lateral radiograph. Three
      patients had associated injuries -including intra-articular fractures and medial
      collateral ligament rupture. In one case V-Y plasty of the distal TB was done. In
      4 patients the results of surgery were excellent, one was good and one was fair.
      Although TB tendon rupture is rare, it should be -considered in differential
      diagnosis of the upper -extremity trauma and its associated injuries should be
      addressed properly.

PMID- 27682281
TI  - The value of manipulation of displaced distal radius fractures in the emergency
      department.
AB  - The aim of this study was to report the success of maintaining reduced distal
      radius fractures with cast immobilisation and analyse risk factors for
      redisplacement. A retrospective analysis of distal radius fracture manipulated
      between April 2011 and 2013 was conducted. Age, gender, fracture classification,
      ulna fracture, dorsal comminution and volar alignment were recorded. Reduction
      and redisplacement were measured using Sarmiento's modification of Lidstrom's
      system. 110 patients were included ; mean age 62.8 years and 83.4% female. The AO
      classification was used to grade initial fractures A2 (44%), A3 (25%), C1 (20%)
      and C2 (10%). 86.4% of cases were improved following manipulation, although 48.4%
      redisplaced and 27.4% required surgical intervention. The radial length (60%) was
      harder to maintain than dorsal alignment (44%) in cases of redisplacement.
      Successful alignment of the volar cortices was associated with a statistically
      significant reduction in redisplacement (p = 0.024). Manipulation of distal 
      radius fractures is initially beneficial but half of cases redisplace.

PMID- 27682282
TI  - Scaphoid nonunion with carpal ligament injury - radiological, arthroscopical
      assessment and clinical results.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to review the clinical results of carpal ligaments
      injuries with scaphoid nonunion. We hypothesized that scaphoid nonunion with
      carpal ligament injury is associated with clinical result. We retrospectively
      reviewed 60 cases of -Herbert screw fixation with bone graft for scaphoid
      nonunions. Scapholunate (SL) and lunotriquetral (LT) ligaments lesions were
      confirmed by arthroscopy. Approximately half of the nonunion scaphoid cases had
      carpal ligaments injuries. At final follow-up evaluation, wrist function as
      evaluated by the Mayo wrist score was excellent in 34 patients, good in 16
      patients, fair in 8 patients, and poor in 2 patients. Cases with both SL/LT
      ligaments injuries tended to have decreased wrist flexion-extension motion. Our
      results suggest that there is an indication for arthroscopy in scaphoid nonunion
      if surgical fixation is offered to avoid detrimental effects of an undiagnosed
      ligament tear.

PMID- 27682283
TI  - Non-Metastatic Pelvic Ewing's Sarcoma : oncologic outcomes and evaluation of
      prognostic factors.
AB  - We are reporting our experience on patients with -pelvic Ewing's Sarcoma treated
      in our unit. We retrospectively reviewed a series of patients with non-metastatic
      pelvic Ewing's sarcoma treated between 1977 and 2009. Patients were classified
      into three groups according to the local treatment received : Group 1.
      radiotherapy-chemo ; Group 2. surgery-chemo and Group 3. radiotherapy-surgery
      chemo. Recurrence free and overall survival rates were calculated using the
      Kaplan-Meier method. Influence of various factors (age at diagnosis, gender,
      tumour site and size, chemotherapy response, surgical margins and type of
      treatment) on survival was assessed with a logistic regression model. A total of
      85 patients were treated with a mean follow-up of 65.8 months and mean -tumour
      volume of 435ml. The 5-year survival for all patients was 40.7% decreased to
      36.2% at 10 years. A significant prognostic factor identified was chemotherapy
      response only. There was a trend for improved survival and local control rates
      for patients who had chemotherapy and surgery and the results were apparent for
      all tumours irrespective of size but not statistically significant. Currently,
      the optimal management of pelvic Ewing's sarcoma is contro-versial but our study
      shows a trend for improved -survival for patients treated with chemotherapy and
      surgery.

PMID- 27682284
TI  - The reliability and validity of the Unified Classification System of
      periprosthetic femoral fractures after hip arthroplasty.
AB  - The Unified Classification System has expanded and updated the Vancouver
      Classification System and applied treatment principles to all periprosthetic
      fractures. This study assessed the reliability and validity of the Unified
      Classification System for femur fractures after hip arthroplasty. Thirty-eight
      radiographs were finally evaluated by 6 observers, 3 consultants and 3 trainees.
      Each observer read the radiographs on 2 separate occasions, independently, at
      least 2 weeks apart. Interobserver and intraobserver agreement and validity were
      analyzed, using weighted kappa statistics. The mean kappa value for interobserver
      agreement was found to be 0.849 (0.838-0.871) for consultants (almost perfect
      agreement) and 0.761 (0.707-0.836) for the trainees (substantial agreement).
      Intraobserver kappa values ranged from 0.740 to 0.903, showing substantial to
      almost perfect agreement. Validity analysis of 23 type B cases revealed 79.710%
      agreement within B1, B2, and B3 subgroups with a mean kappa value of 0.694 (0.670
      0.741) (substantial agreement).

PMID- 27682285
TI  - Augmentative compression plating versus exchanging reamed nailing for nonunion of
      femoral shaft fracture after intramedullary nailing : A retrospective cohort
      study.
AB  - Aim of the present study was to compare the outcomes between exchanging reamed
      nailing (ERN) and augmentative compression plating (ACP) in treatment of femoral
      shaft nonunion after intra-medullary nailing (IMN) retrospectively. A
      retrospective, multicentre study was performed with 188 patients (190 cases)with
      femoral shaft nonunion after IMN, who received therapy with either ERN (n = 92)
      for 44/92 (47.8%) cases of nonisthmal nonunions and 48/92 (52.2%) cases of
      isthmal nonunions or ACP (n = 98) for 48/98 (49%) cases of nonisthmal nonunions
      and 50/98 (51%) cases of isthmal nonunions. Operation time, intraoperative blood
      loss, time to union, union rate, postoperative draining volume and complication
      rate were compared between ERN and ACP group. After a mean follow-up of 4.6 years
      (range 1-8.1 years), the bone union occurred in 98/98 (100%) cases in -total ACP
      group versus 80/92 (87%) cases in total ERN group [odds ratio (OR) = 3.34, 95%
      confidence interval (CI) 0.8-1.6]. Twelve cases with re-nonunion in the total ERN
      group included 10/12 (83.3%) cases of nonisthmal nonunions and 2/12 (16.7%) cases
      of isthmal nonunion with cortical bone defect > 3 cm. The average time to union,
      the intraoperative blood loss and the complication rate in total ERN group were
      also both significantly more than that in total ACP group (p = 0.031, p = 0.042,
      p = 0.028). No -significant difference was found in the average operation time
      between the two total groups (p = 0.213). However, for nonisthmal nonunions, the
      mean operation time for ERN group was 126.8 +/- 19.6 min in -comparison to ACP
      group (88.6 +/- 15.2 min), significant difference was found between ERN group and
      ACP group (p = 0.021). ACP could obtain the higher bone union rate and shorter
      time to union than ERN in the treatment of femoral shaft nonunion after failed
      IMN. Especially for nonisthmal femoral shaft nonunions or isthmal.

PMID- 27682286
TI  - A posteromedial approach for open reduction and internal fixation of
      posteromedial tibial plateau fracture.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients with
      posteromedial tibial plateau fractures treated by open reduction and internal
      fixation (ORIF) through a posteromedial approach. Thirty-six patients with
      posteromedial tibial plateau fracture underwent ORIF through a posteromedial
      approach and were retrospectively analyzed. Pre-operative X-ray pictures and CT
      images were -obtained. And there were 11 cases of posteromedial tibial plateau
      fracture and 25 cases of posteromedial and posterolateral tibial plateau
      fracture. All the -patients were treated surgically with posteromedial approach.
      The clinical outcomes were assessed -according to the Rasmussen knee function
      grading system. The patients were followed-up for an average of 17.5 months
      (range, 12-32 months). All the fractures attained satisfactory reduction. No
      major complications were observed. According to the Rasmussen knee function
      grading system, the results were graded as excellent in 21 cases, good in 13
      cases, fair in 2 cases. The rate of excellent and good results was 94.4%. The
      posteromedial approach in our opinion is the best option to treat the
      posteromedial tibial plateau fractures because it can provide direct
      visualization of the fracture site and avoid dissection of neurovascular bundle
      in the popliteal fossa area with minimal soft tissue injury.

PMID- 27682287
TI  - Postoperative pain relief and functional outcome following total knee
      arthroplasty - a prospective comparative audit of three analgesic regimes.
AB  - Pain control plays a key role in joint-replacement -surgery. As a surgeon the
      challenge is to reduce pain to an acceptable level in the post-operative period.
      The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of bolus -local anaesthesia,
      infusion in to the surgical site and nerve blocks with femoral nerve catheter and
      its functional outcome. A prospective audit of 114 patients undergoing total knee
      arthroplasty were carried out.The patients were divided in to three groups :
      Group 1 (n = 27) received a bolus injection of 20 ml 0.25% levobupivacaine + 10
      ml 0.25%bupivacaine + adrenaline + 30 ml saline. Group 2 (n = 39) received a
      bolus injection as on group 1 with 240 ml 0.25% bupivacaine infusion and 5
      ml/hour using a Pain Buster pump. Group 3 (n = 48) received 30 ml 0.125%
      levobupivacaine to femoral (3-in-1) block with 30 ml 0.25% levobupivacaine to 
      sciatic nerve and introduction of a femoral nerve catheter. All patients were
      prescribed paracetamol 1 g QDS, Oxycontin 20 mg BD and Ibuprofen post 
      operatively. Pain was assessed with a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The incidence of
      PONV was measured by PONY intensity score. The mean post-op VAS score for Group 3
      was 4. The demand of oxynorm and NSAID were minimal in Group 3. The mean in
      patient stay for Group 3 was 3.1 days. The PONV intensity score was > 50 for 9
      (36%) in Group 1, 15 (40%) in Group 2 and 9 (20%) in Group 3. There was loss of
      20-30 degrees of flexion movements in Group 3 in the first 4 to 6 days post-op.
      Our study demonstrated that Regime 3 with the use of nerve blocks and femoral
      nerve catheter has given the maximum pain relief and good functional outcome
      following total knee replacement.

PMID- 27682288
TI  - Pedobarographic measurements after repair of Achilles tendon by minimal invasive
      surgery.
AB  - The aim of the current study was to assess the changes of plantar foot pressures
      with pedobarography in -patients with Achilles tendon repair by minimally 
      invasive surgical technique. This retrospective study consisted of 15 consecutive
      patients who were treated for acute Achilles' tendon repair with minimally
      invasive technique in our clinic in a two year period between 2010 and 2012. All
      patients were male. The mean age was 28.7 years (24-42) and the mean follow-up
      time was 2.3 years (1.5- 3). All patients had sports related Achilles' tendon
      rupture and all had undergone surgery in 24-48 hours. After surgery, extremity
      was immobilized with short leg cast for 6 weeks. Peak and mean heel and forefoot
      pressures in injured extremity were measured by -pedobarograph and compared with
      noninvolved foot. There wasn't any complication associated with -surgery such as
      wound problems, re rupture or -neurologic injury. Only three patients had some
      numbness at the incision site. When we compare the mean foot pressures between
      the operated foot and the normal foot, there was no statistical difference about
      peak and mean heel and forefoot plantar pressure between involved site and non
      involved site. As a result, Achilles tendon repair with minimal invasive
      technique and early rehabilitation may prevent changes of plantar foot pressure
      distribution.

PMID- 27682289
TI  - Heel reconstruction with parallel fibular osteoseptocutaneous flap.
AB  - Reconstruction of heel defects can be challenging and requires careful
      consideration in restoring both the functional and aesthetic deficit. This study
      assessed the use of parallel fibular osteoseptocutaneous flap to repair composite
      heel defects. Follow-up of the 4 patients included in this study ranged from 24
      months to 3 years after their operation. The flap survival rate was 100% in all
      patients, with good coverage of the heel defects. Postoperative complication was
      one -superficial wound infection. Union of the graft with the host bone was
      achieved in all patients at an average of 6 months (range : 5-10 m/onths). The
      parallel fibular osteoseptocutaneous flap is thus a reliable means of
      reconstruction of composite bone and soft-tissue -defect in the heel region.

PMID- 27682290
TI  - Evaluation of the metaphyseal ulnar shortening technique according to Sennwald.
AB  - : The outcome of a metaphyseal ulnar shortening osteotomy, reported by Sennwald
      as an alternative option for ulnar abutment syndrome, was evaluated with -regard
      to the functional results, pain relief and incidence of complications. METHOD: We
      conducted a review of 12 patients ; measured parameters were DASH score, PRWE,
      VAS for pain, grip force and wrist motion. RESULTS: Only disability improved
      significantly with a DASH score of 42 (p = 0.03). The function and pain
      assessment scores did not improve in 3 patients. We found no correlation between
      change in functional scores and other measured variables. Six patients were
      reoperated for prominent screw heads or new-onset distal radioulnar joint
      osteoarthritis. CONCLUSION: All osteomies healed fast and uneventfully and
      disability improved in most patients but 25% did not improve and 50% were re
      operated. Further investigation is needed to evaluate the value of the
      metaphyseal osteotomy as an alternative treatment for ulnar abutment syndrome.

PMID- 27682291
TI  - Gait analysis in tumor patients after distal femoral resection and implantation
      of a megaprosthesis.
AB  - We analysed nine patients who had had a megaprosthesis implanted into the distal
      femur and knee joint for treatment of sarcomas. Data obtained from the leg
      operated on were compared with those from the contralateral side and healthy
      volunteers. Gait data, kinematics, ground reaction forces and the EMG from five
      muscles around the knee joint were analysed by means of a video-based analysis
      system recording data from reflection markers ; a Kistler-plate recorded the GRF
      and a ten channel surface EMG the muscle activity. Muscle around the knee showed
      a cocontraction between the extensor and flexor muscles in the thigh and the calf
      in the operated leg as well as contralaterally. Gait characteristics exhibited a
      reduced speed, -cadence, and a shorter step. This correlated with a reduced
      flexion in the hip and knee joint. The GRF exhibited significant changes in the
      data representing the reduced gait dynamic.

PMID- 27682292
TI  - Bicondylar tibial plateau fractures involving the posteromedial fragment :
      morphology based fixation.
AB  - The aim of this study is to describe the morphology of the posteromedial fragment
      in the setting of bicondylar tibial plateau fractures and to use it as a base for
      selection of the method of fixation. Twenty two -patients with bicondylar tibial
      plateau fractures -involving the posteromedial fragment were included in this
      study. Plain X- ray and computed tomogram (CT) were performed in all patients.
      Thirteen patients were treated by dual plating while nine were treated by single
      lateral plate. The mean posteromedial fragment height was 39 mm. The cephalad
      surface area percentage of the posteromedial fragment relative to the entire
      tibial plateau ranged from 10% to 43%. with an average of 28%. The average knee
      motion at the final follow up was 110 degrees . Two cases were complicated by
      implant failure. Morphological study of the posteromedial fragment could help in
      selection of the proper method of fixation.

PMID- 27682293
TI  - Analysis of soft-tissue complications of volar plate fixation for managing distal
      radius fractures and clinical effect while preserving pronator quadratus.
AB  - The aim of the study was to analysis soft-tissue complications of volar plate
      fixation and it's prevention strategies along with exploring clinical effects of
      preserving pronator quadratus (PQ) muscle. From February 2011 to February 2013,
      sixty-five patients with distal radius fracture underwent open reduction and
      internal fixation with the volar locking palmar plates. The group with preserving
      PQ involved 30 patients and group with PQ repair involved 35 patients. Surgeons
      must took great care of not -letting drill pierce dorsal cortical bone rapidly
      and dorsal carpal tangential fluoroscopy was also taken in addition to lateral
      fluoroscopy to get accurate screw length. Volar plate must be placed not go
      beyond the watershed region of distal radius. The wrist pain, forearm range of
      motion, grip strength, wrist functional recovery score, X-ray and CT imaging were
      followed-up after surgery. Two groups were compared for Clinical efficacy. The
      minimum follow-up for the whole cohort was one year. The relevant post operative
      data were collected after 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 and 12 month respectively.
      Fractures healing after postoperative 3 months are significant in X -ray and CT
      imaging. Fixation position and stability were good, but each group had one case
      with a screw piercing the dorsal cortical. The -differences between the two
      groups were significant regarding the wrist pain, forearm range of motion, grip
      and strength at 2 and 6 weeks after operation, but not significant at 3 and 12
      month after operation. The differences between the two groups were also
      significant regarding wrist functional scores at 6 weeks, but not significant at
      3 and 12 month after operation. Drilling the dorsal cortical bone gently and
      accurate screws length can avoid extensor tendon injury. -Dorsal carpal
      tangential fluoroscopy is a useful supplement for accurate screws length besides
      lateral fluoroscopy. Volar plate's position not go beyond the watershed region of
      distal radius is the key factor in reducing the flexor tendon injury and
      preservation of the PQ muscle can also prevent the flexor tendon -injury, yield
      better early wrist function and shorten rehabilitation time.

PMID- 27682294
TI  - Morphological characteristics of olecranon fractures in adults : a Computed
      Tomography-based study.
AB  - The aim of this study was to identify the fragment's shape by evaluating
      olecranon fractures. We examined the CT images of 48 olecranon fractures (28
      women and 20 men). Mean age was 59.9 years. On the olecranon's posterior surface,
      we measured the distance between the apex of the olecranon fragment and the
      radial edge of the flat spot on the short axis and the width of the flat spot on
      the same short axis. The tip radial ratio (i.e., the tip radial edge to the flat
      spot width) was derived from these parameters. The mean tip radial edge was 1.96
      mm, and the flat spot width was 12.64 mm ; therefore, the tip radial ratio was
      0.15 mm. Radial inclination on the articular surface was 30.55 degrees . Our
      findings confirmed our hypothesis that the fracture lines run from the proximal
      ulnar side to the distal radial side on the olecranon's posterior and articular
      surfaces.

PMID- 27682295
TI  - Does the implant make the difference ? - Prospective comparison of two different
      proximal femur nails.
AB  - The aim of this study was to compare two proximal femur nails with regard to the
      complication rate and midterm clinical outcome : the InterTAN nail (ITN) versus
      the third generation gamma nail (GN). 78 patients older than 60 years with an
      unstable intertrochanteric femoral fracture (AO/OTA 31 A2/A3) were randomised
      over a 20 month period into either ITN (n = 39) or GN (n = 39). The outcomes of
      interest were the perioperative implant-related complications and the functional
      status (Harris Hip Score) at 6 months postoperatively. In 14 of the ITN and in
      two of the GN procedures the surgeons rated the implant as cumbersome (p =
      0.002). Functional outcome and complication rate did not differ between both
      groups. The mechanical failure correlated with the positioning of the lag screw
      independent on the used implant. The surgeon's technique (closed reduction,
      positioning of lag screw) and not implant configuration, is of crucial importance
      in achieving successful outcome.

PMID- 27682296
TI  - Four-corner arthrodesis using two headless compression screws.
AB  - We present the outcome of four-corner wrist arthrodesis using two headless
      compression screws for fixation. The study group consisted of 27 patients who
      underwent arthrodesis from 1998 through 2007. Data on demographic parameters,
      diagnosis, range of motion, pain and complications were collected from the
      medical files. A total of 77 series of anteroposterior, oblique, and lateral x
      rays were reviewed by three independent interpreters ; consensus of at least two
      was required for the bones to be considered fused. Fusion was achieved in 24/27
      wrists. Overall, inter-observer agreement in identifying radiographic bony fusion
      was fair (kappa = 0.41). At the critical timing, 86 (SD 68) days postoperatively,
      when the decision regarding -fusion was made, inter-observer agreement was poor
      (kappa = 0.07). Our rates of fusion are consistent with -reports in the
      literature. Radiographs performed at 3 months after four-corner arthrodesis are
      not -reliable for the diagnosis of fusion.

PMID- 27682297
TI  - Arthroscopic treatment of the young degenerative shoulder joint ; is there a role
      for interpositioning arthroplasty ?
AB  - We evaluate our experience with arthroscopic interpositioning arthroplasty as a
      treatment of the young degenerative shoulder joint. Between 2007 and 2009 ten
      patients were treated with either a dermal allograft or a meniscal allograft. In
      seven patients the graft failed and within 13 months these were revised to a
      total shoulder arthroplasty. Three patients are still satisfied after 7 to 8
      years follow-up. Biologic resurfacing of the glenoid may have a role in the
      management of glenohumeral arthritis in the young and active patient, but the
      optimal graft and pathology still need to be defined.

PMID- 27682298
TI  - Dynamic hip screw fixation of intertrochanteric fractures without using traction
      table.
AB  - To evaluate a new technique of Dynamic hip screw (DHS) fixation without using
      traction table. From july 2006 to july 2012, 328 patients undergoing DHS fixation
      using manual traction technique were evaluated in terms of Tip apex distance
      (TAD), -quality of fracture reduction, operation time, preoperative preparation
      time. In 97% cases good to moderate reduction could be achieved. The mean TAD was
      19.2 millimeters, mean operation time 37 minutes and screw cutout rate was only
      0.91%. This technique is easy, reproducible, cheap do not sacrifice reduction
      alignment, screw position and is extremely beneficial in polytrauma patients
      where multiple surgeries are to be done.

PMID- 27682299
TI  - Median nerve biodegradable wrapping : Clinical outcome of 10 patients.
AB  - Nerve wrap protectors are bioabsorbable synthetic materials made of collagen or
      extracellular matrix that provide a non-constricting encasement for injured
      peripheral nerves. They are designed to be used as an interface between the nerve
      and the surrounding tissue. After hydrated, they transform into a soft, pliable,
      nonfriable, easy to handle porous conduit. The wall of the nerve wrap has a
      longitudinal slit that allows to be placed around the injured nerve. Tauhis
      article presents the surgical technique for median nerve neurolysis and nerve
      coverage using a collagen or an extracellular matrix nerve wrap protector in 10
      patients with recurrent or persistent carpal -tunnel syndrome. All patients had a
      mean of three previous open carpal tunnel operations, which were not successful.
      The mean follow-up was 3 years. -Under axillary nerve block anaesthesia with the
      use of -pneumatic tourniquet, a standard open carpal tunnel approach was done
      incorporating the previous incision. Scar tissue was excised in a healthy bed and
      the median nerve was thoroughly released with external neurolysis. An appropriate
      length of nerve wrap protector was cut longitudinally according to the length of
      nerve release. The nerve wrap was loosely sutured with separate polypropylene
      sutures No. 7-0. A volar splint was applied for a mean of 2 weeks followed by
      progressive passive and active range of motion rehabilitation exercises of the
      wrist and fingers. At the last follow-up, all patients showed improvement of
      clinical symptoms, static two-point discrimination test and median nerve
      conduction studies, and absence of Tinel sign. Differences in outcome and
      complications with respect to the nerve wrap materials used were not observed.

PMID- 27682300
TI  - Supplementary tibial fixation in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction -
      Direct cortical fixation using spiked washer screw vs. post-tie using washer
      screw.
AB  - We compare clinical outcomes of two different supplementary tibial fixation in
      anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using free tendon Achilles
      allograft. Eighty subjects underwent ACL reconstruction using Endobutton CL for
      femoral fixation and Bio-interference screw for tibial fixation. Supplementary
      tibial fixation was performed as direct -cortical fixation using spiked washer
      screw (group I) or as post-tie using washer screw (group II). -Lachman test,
      pivot shift test, IKDC classification, Lysholm score, and side-to-side difference
      (SSD) were evaluated. Thirty six in group I and thirty five in group II could
      follow up for at least 2 years. At the last follow-up, 7 in group I and 1 in
      group II showed 2+ or 3+ in Lachman test (p = 0.027). Mean SSD was 2.4mm in group
      I and 1.4mm in group II (p = 0.048). Post-tie using washer screw was more
      effective than direct cortical fixation using spiked washer screw to restore
      stability. Level of evidence : Therapeutic Level I ; Randomized controlled
      clinical trial.

PMID- 27682302
TI  - Prospective mid-term results of a consecutive series of a short stem.
AB  - A large number of short stem prostheses for hip -arthroplasty have been
      introduced in the past years. Although there is a large increase of publications
      about short stems, there is still little data available about survival and
      revision rates. We report prospectively on the outcome of 84 consecutive NANOS(r)
      short stem prostheses in 81 patients. We have included 37 female patients and 44
      male patients with an average age of 61.6 +/- 9.2 years. The main diagnoses were
      osteoarthritis in 67 patients, dysplastic osteoarthritis in 8 patients and
      avascular necrosis of the femoral head in 6 patients. Along with demographic data
      and co-morbidities, the Harris Hip Score was recorded preoperatively and at
      follow-up. The Harris Hip Score increased from 36.6 +/- 14.5 preoperatively to
      94.5 +/- 8.8 at the final follow-up. During the main follow-up time (27.7 months
      +/- 5.7) none of the 84 stems were revised, intraoperatively three fissure
      fractures occurred.

PMID- 27682301
TI  - Outcomes of combined tibial tuberosity transfer and medial patellofemoral
      ligament reconstruction for recurrent patellar instability.
AB  - Patellofemoral instability is multifactorial and is associated with
      pathomechanics secondary to anatomical variance. Surgical management of this
      problem must be tailored to each patient and a thorough clinical and radiological
      assessment of the anatomical alignment should be carried out pre-operatively. The
      aim of this study is to assess the role of medial patellofemoral ligament
      reconstruction combined with tibial tuberosity transfer in patients with
      increased tibial tuberosity to trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance. Twenty-four
      patients (27 knees) over 2-years were operated on by a single surgeon, with
      standardised post-operative rehabilitation and follow up. Mean follow up was 31
      months. Two patients had problems with recurrent instability, 1 had a -traumatic
      re-dislocation at 2 years and a total of 4 required further operation for
      complications. Mean post--operative Kujala scores were 87.4 (SD 9.8). Combined
      medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction and tibial tuberosity transfer is
      an appropriate treatment for patients with increased TT-TG distance.

PMID- 27682303
TI  - Atypical femur fractures - Patient characteristics and results of intramedullary
      nailing for a series of 21 patients.
AB  - Atypical femoral fractures have been associated with long term use of
      bisphosphonates. Our study plan was to report the outcome of treatment for a
      series of -patients with an atypical femoral fracture and to compare the
      characteristics of those patients with a proximal femoral fracture. 21 atypical
      fractures were identified over a seven year period and these were compared with
      those of 2.547 hip fracture patients treated over the same time period at a
      single centre. The mean age of patients with an atypical fracture was on average
      nine years less than that for the hip fracture patients (72 as against 81 years,
      p = 0.002). Four (19.0%) of the patients with atypical fracture had no injury
      associated with the fracture and nine (42.9%) patients had pain prior to
      presentation at hospital for a mean of 31 days. Patients with atypical fractures
      were more likely to be smokers (9/21(42.9%) versus 319/2547 (12.5%), p = 0.0001)
      and more likely to be on long term oral steroid therapy (8/21 (38.1%) versus
      131/2547 (5.1%), p < 0.0001) in comparison to other hip fracture patients. All
      the atypical fractures were treated by intramedullary nailing and healed
      uneventfully apart from one fracture that developed non-union requiring revision
      nailing. Residual pain at one year from injury was more prevalent for patients
      with atypical fractures.

PMID- 27682304
TI  - Long term results after bipolar radial head arthroplasty.
AB  - Radial head fractures are common injuries, occurring mostly in active young
      people 85%. Treatment of the more complex radial head fractures (Mason type III
      and IV), appear to be challenging and remain a subject of controversy.
      Replacement of the radial head with a metal prosthesis imitates the stabilizing
      role of the radial head and has been considered as the treatment of choice.
      However, long-term results are scarce. We report our mid to long-term (mean 9.4
      year) clinical and radiographic results after insertion of a Judet Bipolar Radial
      Head prosthesis. 34 patients were treated with the Judet Bipolar Head prosthesis
      between 2000 and 2008. In this study, 21 patients were re-examined after a mean
      period of 113 months (range, 174-84), ie, 9.4 years (range, 14.5-7). Follow-up
      examinations included both the Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI) and Dis-
      abilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score. Range of motion was
      measured with a hand goniometer. X-rays were evaluated for peri-articular
      ossifications, radiolucent lines and signs of proximal erosion, capitellar
      erosion. Mean Mayo Elbow Performance Index was 88.6 (Range 100-50). According to
      the MEPI score we had 14 excellent, 1 good, 5 fair results and one poor result.
      One patient reported severe pain, 3 patients reported moderate pain, one patient
      reported mild pain and 16 patients reported no pain at all. Difference between
      pronation-suppination range was noted between primary or secondary indication of
      the radial head, no other significant differences were found. Mean DASH score was
      23.1 degrees  (Range 0-63) without difference between primary and secondary
      indication. Mean flexion was 121.8 degrees  (Range : 110-140), mean extension
      deficit was 24.8 degrees  (Range 15-40), mean pronation was 62.4 degrees  (Range
      : 50-80) and suppination 58.8 degrees  (Range : 45-80). Ten patients showed signs
      of ulnohumeral joint degenerative arthritis. One patient developed symptomatic
      ulna plus. One patient showed radiolucent lines surrounding the prosthesis with
      proximal bone erosion. There were no reports of dislocations of the prosthesis.
      One case of radiological signs of overlenghtening was noted. Mainly good clinical
      results are achieved with the -Judet bipolar radial head implant. Functional
      results after long term follow-up are, however less optimistic then the excellent
      results achieved after short- to mid-term follow-up. No clear link between
      radiological signs and functional results can be found.

PMID- 27682306
TI  - How often absence of palmaris longus and functional deficiencyof flexor digitorum
      superficialis occurs ?
AB  - This study was designed to find a possible correlation between the presence of
      the palmaris longus and function of the fifth flexor digitorum superficialis. We
      examined 300 participants to assess the absence of palmaris longus and flexor
      digitorum superficialis function by several clinical tests. Overall absence of
      palmaris longus, was seen in 157 participants (52.3%). Overall deficiency of
      flexor digitorum superficialis was noted in 100 participants (33.3%). In 15
      participants (5%) we noted bilateral absence of palmaris longus and flexor
      digitorum superficialis deficiency. Five participants (1.7%) had unilateral
      absence of palmaris longus and flexor digitorum superficialis deficiency on the
      same, left or right hand. Bilaterally presence of these muscles we noted in 95
      participants (31.7%). We believe that there is no connection between absent
      palmaris longus and absent function of flexor digitorum superficialis. We found a
      much higher prevalence of muscles absence individually and jointly than in other
      studies.

PMID- 27682307
TI  - Unilateral lumbar interbody fusion (ULIF).
AB  - Results and clinical outcome of a prospective multicenter clinical study
      involving 100 patients under-going a lumbar interbody fusion procedure using an
      unilateral approach to the spine to introduce a new surgical technique as a
      viable and less invasive alternative to standard posterior (PLIF) or
      transforaminal (TLIF) lumbar interbody fusion techniques : For certain
      indications clinical data show that unilateral lumbar interbody fusion (ULIF)
      offers the surgeon a considerable time advantage compared to standard lumbar
      interbody fusion techniques.

PMID- 27682305
TI  - Effectiveness and safety of collagenase Clostridium histolyticum in Dupuytren's
      disease : an observational study in Belgium.
AB  - Dupuytren's disease is a connective tissue disorder leading to contractures. It
      can be treated surgically or through injections of collagenase Clostridium
      histolyticum (CCH). Patients with Dupuytren's contracture (> 20 degrees ) and a
      palpable cord were included in this observational study, aiming to characterise
      the Belgian patient population and to assess the effectiveness and safety of CCH.
      Overall, 108 patients (114 joints) received at least one injection of CCH, and
      104 patients completed the study. The percentages of joints achieving a degree of
      contracture of 5 degrees  or less, or a relative contracture reduction of at
      least 50% after the extension procedure were 64.9% and 90.1%, respectively. The
      mean number of injections per cord was 1.0. The Unite Rhumatologique des
      Affections de la Main score decreased from 29.4 +/- 11.0 to 12.9 +/- 6.3 (mean +/
      SD ; p < 0.0001). CCH was demonstrated to be effective, safe and able to
      increase quality of life.

PMID- 27682308
TI  - Combination of transpedicular enucleation and Plate-Rod System for single-stage
      correction of progressive hemivertebral scoliosis.
AB  - The purpose of this study is to report the effectiveness of transpedicular
      enucleation and Plate-Rod System for Scoliosis (PRSS) fixation for the treatment
      of hemivertebral (HV) scoliosis. 16 patients with progressive HV scoliosis
      underwent the combined procedure. The technique involves excision of cancellous
      bone to eliminate the blood supply of the cartilaginous endplate and destroy the
      superior and inferior vertebral end plates, followed by PRSS fixation to correct
      the main curve and compensatory curve. The mean age at operation was 8.125 +/-
      1.82 years. The scoliosis curve was corrected from average 55.06 +/- 25.68
      degrees  preoperatively to 21.25 +/- 15.51 degrees  postoperatively. At the
      latest follow-up, the Cobb angle was 24.38 +/- 16.44 degrees , and there was no
      significant -difference compared with immediate postoperative angle (P > 0.05).
      No surgical complication of neurological deficits occurred in any patients.
      Combined use of transpedicular enucleation and PRSS fixation is a safe and
      effective single-stage method for the management of HV scoliosis in growing
      children.

PMID- 27682309
TI  - Synthesis of a Sterically Demanding Dispiropiperidine and Its Application in
      Monoamidodialkyl Zincate Complexes.
AB  - The new sterically hindered piperidine analog, dispiro[cyclohexane-2,2'
      piperidine-6',2"-cyclohexane] (CPC(H), 2), and its N-methylated derivative
      CPC(Me) (3) were synthesized from commercially available starting materials in
      short steps. The N-lithiated amide LiCPC (4) was also isolated from 2 as a
      cyclictrimer in single crystals and showed slightly larger steric hindrance than
      that of lithium 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidide (LiTMP) in the competitive
      methylation reaction with methyl trifluoromethanesulfonate. In addition, the
      heterobimetallic heteroleptic zincate complexes [Li(MU-NR2)(MU-Et)Zn(Et)] (NR2 =
      CPC, 5, and NR2 = TMP, 6) were obtained as THF- and TMEDA-coordinated monomer
      5.(THF)2, 6.(THF)2, 5.TMEDA, and 6.TMEDA (THF = tetrahydrofuran, TMEDA =
      N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine). These molecular structures bearing
      different amido ligands in single crystals showed little structural differences
      from crystallographic studies. Diffusion-ordered spectroscopy (DOSY) revealed
      that the solution structures of the zincate complexes 5.(THF)2 and 6.(THF)2 only
      differ in the number of coordination THF molecules. In the deprotonation
      reactions with tert-butyl 3-bromobenzoate, the zincate complexes containing the
      CPC ligand [Li(MU-CPC)(MU-R)Zn(R)] (R = Et (5), tBu) showed moderately improved
      regioselectivity for the 6 position in comparison to those containing the TMP
      ligand [Li(MU-TMP)(MU-R)Zn(R)] (R = Et (6), tBu).

PMID- 27682310
TI  - Synthesis of 5-Iodo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyridines by Rhodium-Catalyzed Tandem
      Nucleophilic Attacks Involving 1-Sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazoles and Iodides.
AB  - Sodium iodide is used for the first time as a nucleophile to trap an alpha-imino
      rhodium carbene, which triggers a tandem process involving intermolecular
      nucleophilic attack and intramolecular SN2 reaction. A series of 5-iodo-1,2,3,4
      tetrahydropyridines are obtained in high yield, and the synthetic utility of the
      products is demonstrated in cross-coupling reactions and the construction of
      biorelated polycyclic compounds.

PMID- 27682311
TI  - Calculating Exclusive Breastfeeding Rates: Comparing Dietary "24-Hour Recall"
      with Recall "Since Birth" Methods.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Calculating exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rates based on the previous
      day recall has been recommended by the World Health Organization to avoid the
      recall bias but it also may not accurately reflect the feeding pattern since
      birth and leads to overestimate of the proportion of exclusively breastfed
      infants. The objective of this study was to compare the (EBF) rates calculated by
      the 24-hour recall and since birth recall and their association with different
      sociodemographic and maternal data. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Prospective descriptive
      study in Mansoura District including 1,102 mother-infant dyad attending primary
      healthcare centers for vaccination. One thousand ninety-one and 1,029 were
      followed up at 4 and 6 months during a period from January to October 2015.
      Sociodemographic data, maternal, antenatal, birth, and some infant related data
      were collected through interview. Questions about EBF using the 24-hour recall
      and since birth recall definitions were asked. RESULTS: This study shows
      consistent difference in breastfeeding pattern reported by 24-hour recall with
      recall since birth at all age intervals. At the age of 6 months 13.6% of infants
      were EBF as reported by 24-hour recall method versus 5.2% for recall since birth
      method. Different factors were associated with EBF practice reported using these
      different methods. CONCLUSIONS: The two recall methods describe the reality in
      different and incomplete ways. It is better to measure and report EBF rated using
      both methods so as to give a full picture of breastfeeding practice. And it is
      very important to distinguish between both methods and not to be used
      interchangeably with each other.

PMID- 27682313
TI  - 125 Iodine brachytherapy via a trans-superior vena cava approach in patients with
      metastases in middle mediastinal lymph nodes: a novel approach.
AB  - AIM: Certain metastasis-containing middle mediastinal lymph nodes cannot be
      approached by standard CT-guided brachytherapy. We here describe a novel trans
      superior vena cava approach for such nodes. The aim of this prospective study was
      to assess the safety and clinical value of 125 iodine (I) brachytherapy via a
      trans-superior vena cava approach in patients with metastases in middle
      mediastinal lymph nodes. METHODS: From February 2008 to October 2011, 32 patients
      with 43 pathologically confirmed metastasis-containing mediastinal middle lymph
      nodes underwent CT-guided percutaneous 125 I brachytherapy via a trans-superior
      vena cava approach. Their complications and treatment responses were analyzed.
      Variations in blood pressure, heart rate, hemoglobin concentration and
      oxyhemoglobin saturation before, during and after the procedure were recorded, as
      were complications, including hemorrhage, pneumothorax and development of
      Breuer's reflex. Treatment response was assessed according to the response
      evaluation criteria for solid tumors Version 1.1. RESULTS: According to follow-up
      CT examination after 6 months, 22 patients (68.75%) achieved complete responses
      and four (12. 5%) partial responses. One patient died of myocardial infarction.
      Overall response rate was 81.25%, with a local control rate of 87.5%. The median
      survival was 25.7 months, with progression-free survival of 19.74 +/- 0.81
      months. The 1-year and 3-year overall survival rates were 53.13% and 28.13%.
      There were minimal immediate or delayed complications; no complications were
      severe. CONCLUSION: We consider this novel approach a safe means of treating
      certain mediastinal middle lymph node metastases.

PMID- 27682312
TI  - Diagnostic accuracy of coronary CT angiography using 3rd-generation dual-source
      CT and automated tube voltage selection: Clinical application in a non-obese and
      obese patient population.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate diagnostic accuracy of 3rd-generation dual-source CT
      (DSCT) coronary angiography in obese and non-obese patients. METHODS: We
      retrospectively analyzed 76 patients who underwent coronary CT angiography (CCTA)
      and invasive coronary angiography. Prospectively ECG-triggered acquisition was
      performed with automated tube voltage selection (ATVS). Patients were
      dichotomized based on body mass index in groups A (<30 kg/m2, n = 37) and B (>=30
      kg/m2, n = 39) and based on tube voltage in groups C (<120 kV, n = 46) and D (120
      kV, n = 30). Coronary arteries were assessed for significant stenoses (>=50 %
      luminal narrowing) and diagnostic accuracy was calculated. RESULTS: Per-patient
      overall sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive
      value (NPV) and accuracy were 96.9 %, 95.5 %, 93.9 %, 97.7 % and 96.1 %,
      respectively. Sensitivity and NPV were lower in groups B and D compared to groups
      A and C, but no statistically significant differences were observed (group A vs.
      B: sensitivity, 100.0 % vs. 93.3 %, p = 0.9493; NPV, 100 % vs. 95.5 %, p =
      0.9812; group C vs. D: sensitivity, 100.0 % vs. 92.3 %, p = 0.8462; NPV, 100.0 %
      vs. 94.1 %, p = 0.8285). CONCLUSION: CCTA using 3rd-generation DSCT and (ATVS)
      provides high diagnostic accuracy in both non-obese and obese patients. KEY
      POINTS: * Coronary CTA provides high diagnostic accuracy in non-obese and obese
      patients. * Diagnostic accuracy between obese and non-obese patients showed no
      significant difference. * <120 kV studies were performed in 44 % of obese
      patients. * Current radiation dose-saving approaches can be applied independent
      of body habitus.

PMID- 27682314
TI  - Temporal efficiency evaluation and small-worldness characterization in temporal
      networks.
AB  - Numerous real-world systems can be modeled as networks. To date, most network
      studies have been conducted assuming stationary network characteristics. Many
      systems, however, undergo topological changes over time. Temporal networks, which
      incorporate time into conventional network models, are therefore more accurate
      representations of such dynamic systems. Here, we introduce a novel generalized
      analytical framework for temporal networks, which enables 1) robust evaluation of
      the efficiency of temporal information exchange using two new network metrics and
      2) quantitative inspection of the temporal small-worldness. Specifically, we
      define new robust temporal network efficiency measures by incorporating the time
      dependency of temporal distance. We propose a temporal regular network model, and
      based on this plus the redefined temporal efficiency metrics and widely used
      temporal random network models, we introduce a quantitative approach for
      identifying temporal small-world architectures (featuring high temporal network
      efficiency both globally and locally). In addition, within this framework, we can
      uncover network-specific dynamic structures. Applications to brain networks,
      international trade networks, and social networks reveal prominent temporal small
      world properties with distinct dynamic network structures. We believe that the
      framework can provide further insight into dynamic changes in the network
      topology of various real-world systems and significantly promote research on
      temporal networks.

PMID- 27682316
TI  - Antibacterial effects of volatiles produced by Bacillus strain D13 against
      Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae.
AB  - Recent investigations have demonstrated that bacteria employ the volatile
      compounds they produce during interactions with other organisms, such as plants,
      fungi, nematodes and bacteria. However, studies focused on the antibacterial
      activity of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) volatiles against
      bacterial phytopathogens are still rare. In this study, Bacillus strain D13,
      which is antagonistic to Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), was isolated and
      screened. Volatile compounds emitted from strain D13 reduced the colony diameter
      and cell motility of Xoo cultured in divided Petri plates. Transmission electron
      micrograph analysis showed concentration in cytoplasm and altered surface
      morphology in the majority of Xanthomonas cells after co-cultivation with strain
      D13. Transcriptional expression of virulence-associated genes in Xoo was
      repressed. Based on gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis, 12
      volatile compounds specifically produced by strain D13 were identified. Among
      them, decyl alcohol and 3,5,5-trimethylhexanol inhibited the growth of Xoo at
      minimum inhibitory amounts of 0.48 and 2.4 mg, respectively. Furthermore,
      transcriptional expression of virulence-associated genes was also repressed by
      decyl alcohol and 3,5,5-trimethylhexanol. These results are useful for a better
      understanding of the biocontrol mechanisms of Bacillus.

PMID- 27682315
TI  - One-year Surveillance of Human Enteric Viruses in Raw and Treated Wastewaters,
      Downstream River Waters, and Drinking Waters.
AB  - Human enteric viruses are a major cause of waterborne diseases, and can be
      transmitted by contaminated water of all kinds, including drinking and
      recreational water. The objectives of the present study were to assess the
      occurrence of enteric viruses (enterovirus, norovirus, adenovirus, hepatitis A
      and E virus) in raw and treated wastewaters, in rivers receiving wastewater
      discharges, and in drinking waters. Wastewater treatment plants' (WWTP) pathogen
      removal efficiencies by adenovirus quantitative real-time PCR and the presence of
      infectious enterovirus, by cell culture assays, in treated wastewaters and in
      surface waters were also evaluated. A total of 90 water samples were collected:
      raw and treated wastewaters (treated effluents and ultrafiltered water reused for
      industrial purposes), water from two rivers receiving treated discharges, and
      drinking water. Nested PCR assays were used for the identification of viral
      DNA/RNA, followed by direct amplicon sequencing. All raw sewage samples (21/21),
      61.9 % of treated wastewater samples (13/21), and 25 % of ultrafiltered water
      samples (3/12) were contaminated with at least one viral family. Multiple virus
      families and genera were frequently detected. Mean positive PCRs per sample
      decreased significantly from raw to treated sewage and to ultrafiltered waters.
      Moreover, quantitative adenovirus data showed a reduction in excess of 99 % in
      viral genome copies following wastewater treatment. In surface waters, 78.6 %
      (22/28) of samples tested positive for one or more viruses by molecular methods,
      but enterovirus-specific infectivity assays did not reveal infectious particles
      in these samples. All drinking water samples tested negative for all viruses,
      demonstrating the effectiveness of treatment in removing viral pathogens from
      drinking water. Integrated strategies to manage water from all sources are
      crucial to ensure water quality.

PMID- 27682317
TI  - Morphological and ultrastructural studies of human spermatogonial stem cells from
      patients with maturation arrest.
AB  - Destruction of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) along the chemotherapy and
      radiotherapy is one of the side effects of cancer treatments that lead to
      infertility. In vitro propagation of hSSCs is necessary to obtain an adequate
      number of cells for successful transplantation. In this study, hSSCs were
      isolated from testis biopsies of the patients with maturation arrest and
      proliferated in DMEM in the presence of LIF and bFGF for 5 weeks. The various
      types of human spermatogonia were identified in culture system and compared with
      testis tissue using morphological criteria at the ultrastructural level. The
      results showed that although many various types of spermatogonia were identified,
      but no remarkable difference was observed between spermatogonial cells in culture
      system and testis tissue. Electron and light microscopic studies of hSSC colonies
      did not show differentiated SSCs in the culture system. The results also showed
      that probably the suitable time for transplanting of SSCs in recipient testis is
      2-3 weeks after culture. Because apoptosis which may affect the development of
      germ cells has not started in colony cells at this time and the population of
      apoptotic cells are low.

PMID- 27682318
TI  - Nitroxyl-Radical-Catalyzed Oxidative Coupling of Amides with Silylated
      Nucleophiles through N-Halogenation.
AB  - A nitroxyl-radical-catalyzed oxidative coupling reaction between amines with an N
      protecting electron-withdrawing group (EWG) and silylated nucleophiles was
      developed to furnish coupling products in high yields, thus opening up new
      frontiers in organocatalyzed reactions. This reaction proceeded through the
      activation of N-halogenated amides by a nitroxyl-radical catalyst, followed by
      carbon-carbon coupling with silylated nucleophiles. Studies of the reaction
      mechanism indicated that the nitroxyl radical activates N-halogenated amides,
      which are generated from N-EWG-protected amides and a halogenation reagent, to
      give the corresponding imines.

PMID- 27682319
TI  - Incidence of early childhood caries: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - The aim was to systemically review the incidence of early childhood caries (ECC).
      The addressed focused question was "What is the reported incidence of ECC?"
      Indexed databases were searched using various key words. Five studies were
      included and processed for data extraction. All studies were prospective and two
      studies were randomized clinical trials. The number of participants ranged
      between 96 and 1275 children. Two studies reported the mean age of children, that
      ranged between 1.8 and 2.5 years (range 0.5 to 5 years). In three studies, the
      follow-up duration was 2 years, and in two studies the participants were followed
      up till 3 and 5 years, respectively. Results from all studies reported that the
      incidence of ECC was significantly higher among children with caries at baseline
      compared with caries-free children. In conclusion, the incidence of ECC is
      significantly higher in children with a previous history of dental caries.

PMID- 27682321
TI  - Molecular pharmacology of G protein-coupled receptors.
AB  - This themed issue of the British Journal of Pharmacology stems from the eighth in
      the series of meetings on the Molecular Pharmacology of G protein coupled
      receptors (MPGPCR) held as part of a joint meeting with the Australasian Society
      of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologists (ASCEPT) in
      Melbourne Australia from 7 to 11 December 2014. Linked Articles This article is
      part of a themed section on Molecular Pharmacology of G Protein-Coupled
      Receptors. To view the other articles in this section visit
      http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v173.20/issuetoc.

PMID- 27682320
TI  - Effects of early life stress on depression, cognitive performance and brain
      morphology.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Childhood early life stress (ELS) increases risk of adulthood major
      depressive disorder (MDD) and is associated with altered brain structure and
      function. It is unclear whether specific ELSs affect depression risk, cognitive
      function and brain structure. METHOD: This cross-sectional study included 64
      antidepressant-free depressed and 65 never-depressed individuals. Both groups
      reported a range of ELSs on the Early Life Stress Questionnaire, completed
      neuropsychological testing and 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
      Neuropsychological testing assessed domains of episodic memory, working memory,
      processing speed and executive function. MRI measures included cortical thickness
      and regional gray matter volumes, with a priori focus on the cingulate cortex,
      orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), amygdala, caudate and hippocampus. RESULTS: Of 19
      ELSs, only emotional abuse, sexual abuse and severe family conflict independently
      predicted adulthood MDD diagnosis. The effect of total ELS score differed between
      groups. Greater ELS exposure was associated with slower processing speed and
      smaller OFC volumes in depressed subjects, but faster speed and larger volumes in
      non-depressed subjects. In contrast, exposure to ELSs predictive of depression
      had similar effects in both diagnostic groups. Individuals reporting predictive
      ELSs exhibited poorer processing speed and working memory performance, smaller
      volumes of the lateral OFC and caudate, and decreased cortical thickness in
      multiple areas including the insula bilaterally. Predictive ELS exposure was also
      associated with smaller left hippocampal volume in depressed subjects.
      CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest an association between childhood trauma exposure
      and adulthood cognitive function and brain structure. These relationships appear
      to differ between individuals who do and do not develop depression.

PMID- 27682322
TI  - Comparative pharmacokinetics of minocycline in foals and adult horses.
AB  - The objective of this study was to compare the pharmacokinetics of minocycline in
      foals vs. adult horses. Minocycline was administered to six healthy 6- to 9-week
      old foals and six adult horses at a dose of 4 mg/kg intragastrically (IG) and 2
      mg/kg intravenously (i.v.) in a cross-over design. Five additional oral doses
      were administered at 12-h intervals in foals. A microbiologic assay was used to
      measure minocycline concentration in plasma, urine, synovial fluid, and
      cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was
      used to measure minocycline concentrations in pulmonary epithelial lining fluid
      (PELF) and bronchoalveolar (BAL) cells. After i.v. administration to foals,
      minocycline had a mean (+/-SD) elimination half-life of 8.5 +/- 2.1 h, a systemic
      clearance of 113.3 +/- 26.1 mL/h/kg, and an apparent volume of distribution of
      1.24 +/- 0.19 L/kg. Pharmacokinetic variables determined after i.v.
      administration to adult horses were not significantly different from those
      determined in foals. Bioavailability was significantly higher in foals (57.8 +/-
      19.3%) than in adult horses (32.0 +/- 18.0%). Minocycline concentrations in PELF
      were higher than in other body fluids. Oral minocycline dosed at 4 mg/kg every 12
      h might be adequate for the treatment of susceptible bacterial infections in
      foals.

PMID- 27682323
TI  - Using Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 to evaluate hydrogen peroxide as a biofouling
      control agent in membrane treatment systems.
AB  - : Hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) is widely used in water treatment for biofouling
      control and, in conjunction with catalysts, as a powerful oxidant for contaminant
      destruction. H2 O2 could potentially serve as an antifouling agent in reverse
      osmosis systems in lieu of chlorine-based disinfectants. The dependence of the
      biocidal efficiency of H2 O2 on cell density, temperature and H2 O2 concentration
      by determining the growth, attachment and viability of the model bacterium
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 was studied. For controlling growth of planktonic
      PAO1 cells, the minimally required H2 O2 concentration depends on the cell
      density and temperature. The effect of H2 O2 to remove the existing biofilm was
      found to be effective in the presence of a high concentration bicarbonate (8.4 g
      l-1 ), which forms peroxymonocarbonate, a strong oxidant and disinfectant.
      Treatment with H2 O2 -bicarbonate reduced the density of live PAO1 cells, removed
      extracellular polymeric substances and lowered the average biofilm thickness
      while maintaining the integrity of the membrane, suggesting that this type of
      treatment may be a suitable 'in-place-cleaning' procedure for biofouled
      membranes. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: H2 O2 is evaluated as a
      potential replacement for chlorine to control biofouling in membrane-based water
      treatment systems. The biocidal efficacy of H2 O2 was evaluated as a function of
      H2 O2 concentration, cell density and temperature using the model organism
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1. Results demonstrated that at low temperatures and
      low cell densities, bacterial growth and membrane biofouling can be prevented by
      low H2 O2 concentrations, and existing biofilms could be removed by H2 O2 
      bicarbonate mixtures. Findings suggested that H2 O2 could be used as a low cost
      agent for prevention and controlling biofouling in reverse osmosis applications.

PMID- 27682324
TI  - Trends in Incidence of Disability in Activities of Daily Living in Chinese Older
      Adults: 1993-2006.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate time trends in incidence of activity of daily living
      (ADL) disability of Chinese older adults and to explore factors potentially
      contributing to trends. DESIGN: Population-based prospective study using a
      multistage, randomized, cluster sampling process. SETTING: Nine provinces of
      China. PARTICIPANTS: Three consecutive cohorts of people aged 60 and older from
      the China Health and Nutrition Survey: cohort 1993-2000 (n = 831), cohort 1997
      2004 (n = 1,091), cohort 2000-2006 (n = 1,152). MEASUREMENTS: Disability in ADLs
      was defined as inability to perform at least one of five self-care activities
      (transferring, dressing, toileting, bathing, feeding). Data were analyzed using
      Cox and generalized estimating equation models. RESULTS: The incidence (per 1,000
      person-years) of ADL disability decreased significantly from 35.3 in 1993-2000
      and 28.9 in 1997-2004 to 24.3 in 2000-2006 in Chinese older adults (Ptrend <
      .001). The incidence of ADL disability decreased significantly in men and women,
      in young-old adults (aged 60-74), and in those living in rural areas (all Ptrend
      <= .02) after controlling for multiple potential influential factors. Of the five
      ADL items, decline in incidence of disability was significant in transferring
      (Ptrend < .001) and bathing (Ptrend = .002) and marginally significant in
      toileting (Ptrend = .06) but stable in dressing (Ptrend = .38) and feeding
      (Ptrend = .26). CONCLUSION: The incidence of ADL disability decreased from 1993
      to 2006 in older adults in China, especially in transferring and bathing,
      independent of sociodemographic, lifestyle, and chronic health conditions.

PMID- 27682326
TI  - Familial Horizontal Gaze Palsy With Progressive Scoliosis.

PMID- 27682325
TI  - Differences between serum polar lipid profiles of male and female rheumatoid
      arthritis patients in response to glucocorticoid treatment.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: As there are pharmacological differences between males and females,
      and glucocorticoid (GC) treatment is associated with increased cardiovascular
      mortality rate in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, it is important to study
      serum polar lipid profiles of male and female patients in response to GC therapy.
      Gender differences may require an adjustment to the treatment strategy for a
      selection of patients. METHODS: Serum samples from 281 RA patients were analysed
      using a targeted lipidomics platform. The differences in GC use and gender on
      polar lipid profiles were cross sectionally examined by multiple linear
      regressions, while correcting for confounding factors. RESULTS: Differences in
      polar lipids between GC users and non-GC users in females and males were merely
      restricted to lysophospholipids (lysophosphatidylcholines and
      lysophosphatidylethanolamines). Lysophospholipids in female patients treated with
      GCs were significantly higher than female patients not treated with GCs (p = 6.0
      E-6), whereas no significant difference was observed in male GC users versus non
      users (p = 0.397). CONCLUSION: The lysophospholipid profiles in response to GCs
      were significantly different between male and female RA patients, which may have
      implications for the cardiovascular risk of GC treatment.

PMID- 27682327
TI  - Long-term clinical outcomes of 'Prairie Epidemic Strain' Pseudomonas aeruginosa
      infection in adults with cystic fibrosis.
AB  - RATIONALE: Epidemic Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) plays an important role in cystic
      fibrosis (CF) lung disease. A novel strain, the 'Prairie Epidemic Strain' (PES),
      has been identified in up to 30% of patients in Prairie-based Canadian CF
      centres. OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence, prevalence and long-term clinical
      impact of PES infection. METHODS: A cohort of adults with CF was followed from
      1980 to 2014 where bacteria isolated from clinical encounters were prospectively
      collected. Strain typing was performed using pulse-field gel electrophoresis and
      multilocus sequence typing. Patients were divided into one of four cohorts: no
      PA, transient PA, chronic PA with unique strains and chronic PES. Proportional
      Cox hazard and linear mixed models were used to assess for CF-associated
      respiratory death or transplantation, and rates of %FEV1 and body mass index
      (BMI) decline. RESULTS: 274 patients (51.7% male) were analysed: 44--no PA, 29-
      transient PA, 137--unique PA, 64--PES. A total of 92 patients (33.6%) died or
      underwent lung transplantation (2423.0 patient-years). PES infection was
      associated with greater risk of respiratory death or lung transplant compared
      with the no PA group (aHR, 3.94 (95% CI 1.18 to 13.1); p=0.03) and unique PA
      group (aHR, 1.75 (95% CI 1.05 to 2.92) p=0.03). Rate of lung function decline
      (%FEV1 predicted) was greatest in the PES group (1.73%/year (95% CI 1.63% to
      1.82%); p<0.001). BMI improved over time but at an attenuated rate in the PES
      group (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Infection with PES was associated with increased
      patient morbidity through three decades and manifested in an increased risk of
      respiratory death and/or lung transplantation.

PMID- 27682328
TI  - Pulmonary endarterectomy for calcified amorphous tumour-related pulmonary
      hypertension.

PMID- 27682329
TI  - Large airways nodularity secondary to tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica.

PMID- 27682332
TI  - Molecular-Thermodynamic Modeling of Mixed Cationic/Anionic Vesicles.
AB  - Vesicles are widely used as model cells in biology and medicine and are also
      potentially useful as drug carriers and other industrial encapsulating devices.
      To facilitate the practical implementation of vesicles, as well as to gain a
      fundamental understanding of the process of vesicle formation, we have developed
      a molecular-thermodynamic theory to describe the formation of two-component mixed
      vesicles in aqueous solutions. The central quantity in this theory is the free
      energy of vesiculation, which is calculated by carefully modeling the various
      free-energy contributions to vesiculation. In particular, we (i) estimate the
      surfactant-tail packing free energy using a mean-field approach that accounts for
      the conformations of the surfactant tails in the vesicle hydrophobic region, (ii)
      adopt a more accurate equation of state in the calculation of the surfactant-head
      steric repulsions, and (iii) utilize the nonlinear Poisson-Boltzmann equation to
      calculate the electrostatic interactions in the case of mixed cationic/anionic
      charged vesicles. Particular attention has also been paid to issues such as the
      location of the outer and inner steric-repulsion surfaces in a vesicle and the
      curvature correction to the interfacial tensions at the outer and inner
      hydrocarbon/water vesicle interfaces. By knowing only the molecular structures of
      the surfactants involved in vesicle formation and the solution conditions, our
      theory can predict a wealth of vesicle properties, including vesicle size and
      composition distribution, surface potentials, surface charge densities, and
      compositions of vesicle leaflets. More importantly, this theory enables us to
      gain an understanding of (i) the underlying mechanisms of stabilization in mixed
      cationic/anionic vesicular systems, (ii) the effect of the interplay between the
      various intravesicular free-energy contributions on vesiculation, and (iii) the
      role of the distribution of surfactant molecules between the two vesicle leaflets
      in vesicle formation. As an illustration, the theory has been applied to describe
      vesicle formation in an aqueous mixture of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)
      and sodium octyl sulfate (SOS). In this system, the vesicles are found to be
      stabilized entropically, with a predicted mean radius of about 1200 A for a
      mixture containing 2 wt % surfactant and a CTAB/SOS weight ratio of 3/7, a value
      which compares well with the experimentally measured value of 1300 A. In
      addition, the predicted outer surface potential of -72 mV is consistent with the
      measured zeta potential value. The effect of added salt on vesicle properties has
      also been studied using this theory, and the predicted results conform well to
      experimental observations.

PMID- 27682334
TI  - Portuguese validation of the Short Health Anxiety Inventory: Factor structure,
      reliability, and factor invariance.
AB  - The Short Health Anxiety Inventory is a brief instrument to assess health anxiety
      widely used across countries; however, no validated version is available for
      Portuguese-speaking population. Factorial structure, reliability, and equivalency
      factor with the Spanish version were analyzed with Portuguese adolescents aged 14
      18 years. A Portuguese adolescent cohort ( N = 629) and a comparative Spanish
      adolescent cohort ( N = 1502) were evaluated. The original two-factor version was
      the best fitting model for the Portuguese version. The reliability was excellent.
      Complete measurement invariance across both countries was supported. The
      Portuguese version of the Short Health Anxiety Inventory is a valid screening
      inventory to assess health anxiety in adolescents.

PMID- 27682333
TI  - The Effect of n vs. iso Isomerization on the Thermophysical Properties of
      Aromatic and Non-aromatic Ionic Liquids.
AB  - This work explores the n vs. iso isomerization effects on the physicochemical
      properties of different families of ionic liquids (ILs) with variable aromaticity
      and ring size. This study comprises the experimental measurements, in a wide
      temperature range, of the ILs' thermal behavior, heat capacities, densities,
      refractive indices, surface tensions, and viscosities. The results here reported
      show that the presence of the iso-alkyl group leads to an increase of the
      temperature of the glass transition, Tg. The iso-pyrrolidinium (5 atoms ring
      cation core) and iso-piperidinium (6 atoms ring cation core) ILs present a strong
      differentiation in the enthalpy and entropy of melting. Non-aromatic ILs have
      higher molar heat capacities due to the increase of the atomic contribution,
      whereas it was not found any significant differentiation between the n and iso
      alkyl isomers. A small increase of the surface tension was observed for the non
      aromatic ILs, which could be related to their higher cohesive energy of the bulk,
      while the lower surface entropy observed for the iso isomers indicates a
      structural resemblance between the IL bulk and surface. The significant
      differentiation between ILs with a 5 and 6 atoms ring cation in the n-alkyl
      series (where 5 atoms ring cations have higher surface entropy) is an indication
      of a more efficient arrangement of the non-polar region at the surface in ILs
      with smaller cation cores. The ILs constituted by non-aromatic piperidinium
      cation, and iso-alkyl isomers were found to be the most viscous among the studied
      ILs due to their higher energy barriers for shear stress.

PMID- 27682335
TI  - Exploring breast health practices of post-menopausal women: Implications to
      informed consent.
AB  - In light of the contention surrounding breast health practices, the research
      aimed to explore post-menopausal women's experiences of such practices. Semi
      structured interviews were conducted in July and August 2015 with 13 Australian
      women aged 54-74 years. Data were analysed thematically. Participants deemed
      their engagement with breast health practices as the 'right' thing. However,
      engaging in these 'right' practices appeared to be fostered by misconceptions.
      The findings suggest that women may not be making evidence-informed decisions to
      engage in breast screening; identify contemporary barriers to promoting informed
      decisions; and may inform information pertinent to breast screening policy,
      campaigns and decision aid designs.

PMID- 27682331
TI  - Physiotherapy, and speech and language therapy intervention for patients with
      refractory chronic cough: a multicentre randomised control trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Physiotherapy, and speech and language therapy are emerging non
      pharmacological treatments for refractory chronic cough. We aimed to investigate
      the efficacy of a physiotherapy, and speech and language therapy intervention
      (PSALTI) to improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and to reduce cough
      frequency in patients with refractory chronic cough. METHODS: In this multicentre
      randomised controlled trial, patients with refractory chronic cough were
      randomised to four weekly 1:1 sessions of either PSALTI consisting of education,
      laryngeal hygiene and hydration, cough suppression techniques, breathing
      exercises and psychoeducational counselling or control intervention consisting of
      healthy lifestyle advice. We assessed the change in HRQoL at week 4 with the
      Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ). Secondary efficacy outcomes included 24-hour
      objective cough frequency (Leicester Cough Monitor) and cough reflex sensitivity.
      The primary analysis used an analysis of covariance adjusted for baseline
      measurements with the intention-to-treat population. This study was registered at
      UK Clinical Research Network (UKCRN ID 10678). FINDINGS: Between December 2011
      and April 2014, we randomly assigned 75 participants who underwent baseline
      assessment (34 PSALTI and 41 controls). In the observed case analysis, HRQoL
      (LCQ) improved on average by 1.53 (95% CI 0.21 to 2.85) points more in PSALTI
      group than with control (p=0.024). Cough frequency decreased by 41% (95% CI 36%
      to 95%) in PSALTI group relative to control (p=0.030). The improvements within
      the PSALTI group were sustained up to 3 months. There was no significant
      difference between groups in the concentration of capsaicin causing five or more
      coughs. INTERPRETATION: Greater improvements in HRQoL and cough frequency were
      observed with PSALTI intervention. Our findings support the use of PSALTI for
      patients with refractory chronic cough. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: UKCRN ID 10678
      and ISRCTN 73039760; Results.

PMID- 27682330
TI  - Socio-economic inequalities in stage at diagnosis, and in time intervals on the
      lung cancer pathway from first symptom to treatment: systematic review and meta
      analysis.
AB  - : Cancer diagnosis at an early stage increases the chance of curative treatment
      and of survival. It has been suggested that delays on the pathway from first
      symptom to diagnosis and treatment may be socio-economically patterned, and
      contribute to socio-economic differences in receipt of treatment and in cancer
      survival. This review aimed to assess the published evidence for socio-economic
      inequalities in stage at diagnosis of lung cancer, and in the length of time
      spent on the lung cancer pathway. MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL databases were
      searched to locate cohort studies of adults with a primary diagnosis of lung
      cancer, where the outcome was stage at diagnosis or the length of time spent
      within an interval on the care pathway, or a suitable proxy measure, analysed
      according to a measure of socio-economic position. Meta-analysis was undertaken
      when there were studies available with suitable data. Of the 461 records
      screened, 39 papers were included in the review (20 from the UK) and seven in a
      final meta-analysis for stage at diagnosis. There was no evidence of socio
      economic inequalities in late stage at diagnosis in the most, compared with the
      least, deprived group (OR=1.04, 95% CI=0.92 to 1.19). No socio-economic
      inequalities in the patient interval or in time from diagnosis to treatment were
      found. Socio-economic inequalities in stage at diagnosis are thought to be an
      important explanatory factor for survival inequalities in cancer. However, socio
      economic inequalities in stage at diagnosis were not found in a meta-analysis for
      lung cancer. PROSPERO PROTOCOL REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42014007145.

PMID- 27682337
TI  - Listening to both sides: A qualitative comparison between patients with hepatitis
      C and their healthcare professionals' perceptions of the facilitators and
      barriers to hepatitis C treatment adherence and completion.
AB  - This qualitative study compares and contrasts the perspectives of healthcare
      professionals who treat hepatitis C with those of patients in treatment.
      Comparative analysis of semi-structured interviews with 20 healthcare
      professionals and 20 patients undergoing treatment for hepatitis C concluded that
      patients and healthcare professionals disagreed on the source of communication
      breakdowns, but both felt that individualised clinical information improved
      adherence. Stigma was recognised as a barrier to treatment adherence by both
      patients and healthcare professionals. Limitations of the healthcare system, such
      as patients receiving inconsistent information and long wait times, negatively
      impacted both patients and providers.

PMID- 27682336
TI  - Nutritionism and the construction of 'poor choices' in families facing food
      insecurity.
AB  - The dominant research approach to both food insecurity and charitable meal
      provision is nutritionistic, deficit-orientated and ignores wider socio-economic
      issues. This reinforces existing power dynamics and overlooks the agency of
      people living food-insecure lives. We critique this dominant approach and draw on
      the everyday experiences of families facing food insecurity to ground an
      alternative approach that emphasises food as a social determinant of health.

PMID- 27682338
TI  - Locus of control and pain: Validity of the Form C of the Multidimensional Health
      Locus of Control scales when used with adolescents.
AB  - The objective of this study was to examine the factor structure, reliability, and
      validity of the Form C of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control scales in
      adolescents. A confirmatory factor analysis indicated that adequate fit of a four
      factor model and the internal consistency of the scales were adequate. Criterion
      validity of the four scales of the Form C of the Multidimensional Health Locus of
      Control was also supported by significant correlations with measures of pain
      related self-efficacy, anxiety, and coping strategies. The results indicate that
      the four Form C of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control scale scores are
      reliable and valid and therefore support their use to assess pain-related locus
      of control beliefs in adolescents.

PMID- 27682339
TI  - A qualitative exploration of the daily experiences and challenges faced by
      parents and caregivers of children with Tourette's syndrome.
AB  - Few studies address the daily challenges faced by parents of children diagnosed
      with Tourette's syndrome. This article reports on a qualitative interview study
      with 15 parents exploring their experiences, the challenges they face and the
      support mechanisms they have found to be most helpful. Thematic analysis
      identified four core categories which represented shared experiences of the
      participants: coping with children's challenging behaviours, misconceptions and
      lack of understanding of professionals and the lay public, negative experiences
      of their children's education and lack of support and services for families with
      Tourette's syndrome. The findings highlight the challenges of parenting a child
      with Tourette's syndrome, particularly with respect to family life and the
      child's schooling.

PMID- 27682340
TI  - Taking a hard look at the Heart Truth campaign in Canada: A discourse analysis.
AB  - The Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation launched the Heart Truth campaign to
      increase women's awareness of heart disease. However, little is known about how
      such campaigns intersect with broader understandings of gender and health. This
      discourse analysis examined the construction of gender, risk, and prevention
      within campaign material. Two primary discourses emerged: one of acceptable
      femininity, which outlines whose risk, survivorship, and prevention matters, and
      another of selfless prevention. Women of diverse ethnic, sexual, and socio
      economic background were largely absent. Prevention was portrayed as a personal
      choice, eclipsing conversations about social determinants of health and the socio
      political context of heart disease.

PMID- 27682341
TI  - A qualitative content analysis of peer mentoring video calls in adolescents with
      chronic illness.
AB  - This article endeavored to determine the topics of discussion during open-ended
      peer mentoring between adolescents and young adults living with chronic illness.
      This study occurred alongside a study of the iPeer2Peer Program. Fifty-two calls
      (7 mentor-mentee pairings) were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and
      analyzed using inductive coding with an additional 30 calls (21 mentor-mentee
      pairings) coded to ensure representativeness of the data. Three categories
      emerged: (1) illness impact (e.g., relationships, school/work, self-identity,
      personal stories), (2) self-management (e.g., treatment adherence, transition to
      adult care, coping strategies), and (3) non-illness-related adolescent issues
      (e.g., post-secondary goals, hobbies, social environments). Differences in
      discussed topics were noted between sexes and by diagnosis. Peer mentors provided
      informational, appraisal, and emotional support to adolescents.

PMID- 27682342
TI  - Visible Light Photocatalysis for the Generation and Use of Reactive Azolyl and
      Polyfluoroaryl Intermediates.
AB  - Photocatalysis offers several mechanistically unique pathways that are not
      rivaled by mainstream catalysis. Primarily, the ability to convert photochemical
      energy into single electron oxidation and reduction events provides a new
      dimension for chemists to consider when choosing how to activate a molecule or
      approach a complex synthesis. Since most organic molecules do not absorb light in
      the visible region, they are impervious to direct visible light photochemistry,
      which provides an opportunity for photocatalysis in which a visible light
      absorbing compound can serve as a mediator. In this Account, we discuss the
      consequences of catalyst mediated, photoinduced electron transfer to several
      classes of reducible arenes. While the bulk of the work discussed within this
      Account utilizes iridium-based photocatalysts, in principle the chemistry is not
      limited to this class of photocatalyst, and the principles should be more
      general. Instead, this Account focuses largely on the consequences of single
      electron transfer to poly- and perfluorinated arenes and 2-halo azoles. Electron
      transfer converts these stable molecules into reactive intermediates whose
      behavior often depends entirely on the identity of the halogen that undergoes
      substitution. The result is both diverse chemistry and an alternative way of
      thinking about the chemical reactivity of these motifs. Specifically, we discuss
      our efforts and those of others to develop strategies for the generation of
      radicals or radical anions from perfluoroarenes and azoles and the behavior of
      these intermediates as implied by reactions in which they participate. The
      divergent pathway is illustrated by 2-bromoazoles, which yield azolyl radicals
      and can be utilized for addition to pi-bonds, while use of the 2-chloroazole
      substrate leads to an entirely different reaction profile. Under the appropriate
      reaction conditions, the reactive and transient intermediates are useful coupling
      partners and often provide unrivaled access to new chemical space. The odd
      electron species can form challenging bonds with minimal prefunctionalization of
      the coupling partner. For instance, some of the intermediates can be utilized for
      C-H functionalizations to selectively make crowded amines or to synthesize
      biarenes substituted at every ortho position. While photocatalysis is not the
      only manner of accomplishing electron transfer, the catalytic generation of the
      reactive species in which the concentration of the transient odd electron species
      is kept low, provides a synthetic handle that can be used to improve reaction
      outcomes. This is elegantly demonstrated in a number of examples in which redox
      sensitive groups located on substrates survive the reaction. In addition, the
      underlying basic concepts associated with radical anion fragmentation are
      reviewed and provide the backdrop for discussion throughout the Account.

PMID- 27682343
TI  - Five minutes with . . . John Ioannidis.

PMID- 27682344
TI  - Pathways for Arene Oxidation in Non-Heme Diiron Enzymes: Lessons from
      Computational Studies on Benzoyl Coenzyme A Epoxidase.
AB  - Oxygenation of aromatic rings using O2 is catalyzed by several non-heme
      carboxylate-bridged diiron enzymes. In order to provide a general mechanistic
      description for these reactions, computational studies were carried out at the
      ONIOM(B3LYP/BP86/Amber) level on the non-heme diiron enzyme benzoyl coenzyme A
      epoxidase, BoxB. The calculations revealed four possible pathways for attacking
      the aromatic ring: (a) electrophilic (2e-) attack by a bis(MU-oxo)-diiron(IV)
      species (Q pathway); (b) electrophilic (2e-) attack via the sigma* orbital of a
      MU-eta2:eta2-peroxo-diiron(III) intermediate (Psigma* pathway); (c) radical (1e-)
      attack via the pi*-orbital of a superoxo-diiron(II,III) species (Ppi* pathway);
      (d) radical (1e-) attack of a partially quenched bis(MU-oxo)-diiron(IV)
      intermediate (Q' pathway). The results allowed earlier work of de Visser on
      olefin epoxidation by diiron complexes and QM-cluster studies of Liao and
      Siegbahn on BoxB to be put into a broader perspective. Parallels with epoxidation
      using organic peracids were also examined. Specifically for the BoxB enzyme, the
      Q pathway was found to be the most preferred, but the corresponding bis(MU-oxo)
      diiron(IV) species is significantly destabilized and not expected to be directly
      observable. Epoxidation via the Psigma* pathway represents an energetically
      somewhat higher lying alternative; possible strategies for experimental
      discrimination are discussed. The selectivity toward epoxidation is shown to stem
      from a combination of inherent electronic properties of the thioacyl substituent
      and enzymatic constraints. Possible implications of the results for toluene
      monooxygenases are considered as well.

PMID- 27682346
TI  - Why are we still detecting food-related Salmonella outbreaks in Spain?

PMID- 27682345
TI  - Improving the Force Field Description of Tyrosine-Choline Cation-pi Interactions:
      QM Investigation of Phenol-N(Me)4+ Interactions.
AB  - Cation-pi interactions between tyrosine amino acids and compounds containing
      N,N,N-trimethylethanolammonium (N(CH3)3) are involved in the recognition of
      histone tails by chromodomains and in the recognition of phosphatidylcholine (PC)
      phospholipids by membrane-binding proteins. Yet, the lack of explicit
      polarization or charge transfer effects in molecular mechanics force fields
      raises questions about the reliability of the representation of these
      interactions in biomolecular simulations. Here, we investigate the nature of
      phenol-tetramethylammonium (TMA) interactions using quantum mechanical (QM)
      calculations, which we also use to evaluate the accuracy of the additive CHARMM36
      and Drude polarizable force fields in modeling tyrosine-choline interactions. We
      show that the potential energy surface (PES) obtained using SAPT2+/aug-cc-pVDZ
      compares well with the large basis-set CCSD(T) PES when TMA approaches the phenol
      ring perpendicularly. Furthermore, the SAPT energy decomposition reveals
      comparable contributions from electrostatics and dispersion in phenol-TMA
      interactions. We then compared the SAPT2+/aug-cc-pVDZ PES obtained along various
      approach directions to the corresponding PES obtained with CHARMM, and we show
      that the force field accurately reproduces the minimum distances while the
      interaction energies are underestimated. The use of the Drude polarizable force
      field significantly improves the interaction energies but decreases the agreement
      on distances at energy minima. The best agreement between force field and QM PES
      is obtained by modifying the Lennard-Jones terms for atom pairs involved in the
      phenol-TMA cation-pi interactions. This is further shown to improve the
      correlation between the occupancy of tyrosine-choline cation-pi interactions
      obtained from molecular dynamics simulations of a bilayer-bound bacterial
      phospholipase and experimental affinity data of the wild-type protein and
      selected mutants.

PMID- 27682348
TI  - Erratum to "Profiling the anti-protozoal activity of anti-cancer HDAC inhibitors
      against Plasmodium and Trypanosoma parasites" [Int. J. Parasitol. Drugs Drug Res.
      5 (2015) 117-126].

PMID- 27682349
TI  - HOUSTON, WE HAVE A PROBLEM: COMMENTARY ON PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF INSULIN
      ASSOCIATED HYPOGLYCEMIA IN HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS.

PMID- 27682347
TI  - Polymorphism in ion channel genes of Dirofilaria immitis: Relevant knowledge for
      future anthelmintic drug design.
AB  - Dirofilaria immitis, a filarial parasite, causes cardiopulmonary dirofilariasis
      in dogs, cats and wild canids. The macrocyclic lactone (ML) class of drugs has
      been used to prevent heartworm infection. There is confirmed ML resistance in D.
      immitis and thus there is an urgent need to find new anthelmintics that could
      prevent and/or control the disease. Targeting ion channels of D. immitis for drug
      design has obvious advantages. These channels, present in the nematode nervous
      system, control movement, feeding, mating and respond to environmental cues which
      are necessary for survival of the parasite. Any new drug that targets these ion
      channels is likely to have a motility phenotype and should act to clear the worms
      from the host. Many of the successful anthelmintics in the past have targeted
      these ion channels and receptors. Knowledge about genetic variability of the ion
      channel and receptor genes should be useful information for drug design as
      receptor polymorphism may affect responses to a drug. Such information may also
      be useful for anticipation of possible resistance development. A total of 224 ion
      channel genes/subunits have been identified in the genome of D. immitis. Whole
      genome sequencing data of parasites from eight different geographical locations,
      four from ML-susceptible populations and the other four from ML-loss of efficacy
      (LOE) populations, were used for polymorphism analysis. We identified 1762 single
      nucleotide polymorphic (SNP) sites (1508 intronic and 126 exonic) in these 224
      ion channel genes/subunits with an overall polymorphic rate of 0.18%. Of the SNPs
      found in the exon regions, 129 of them caused a non-synonymous type of
      polymorphism. Fourteen of the exonic SNPs caused a change in predicted secondary
      structure. A few of the SNPs identified may have an effect on gene expression,
      function of the protein and resistance selection processes.

PMID- 27682350
TI  - GLUCOCORTICOID REPLACEMENT IN CHRONIC ADRENAL INSUFFICIENCY: EVALUATING THE
      EVIDENCE FOR OPTIMAL THERAPY.

PMID- 27682351
TI  - INCREASED RATES OF SMOKING CESSATION OBSERVED AMONG TRANSGENDER WOMEN RECEIVING
      HORMONE TREATMENT.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: According to the Centers for Disease Control, while 68% of adult
      smokers nationally desire to quit, only 6.2% successfully quit in a given year.
      Transgender women seen for hormone therapy at Boston Medical Center (BMC) are
      strongly advised to quit smoking before the start of treatment, not only due to
      general health benefits, but also because of the concern for increased
      thromboembolic events with estrogen therapy. Transgender men are given the same
      recommendation regarding tobacco as any patient. METHODS: We retrospectively
      examined 156 patients' charts, 120 transgender women and 36 transgender men, from
      the Transgender Center at BMC. Thirty-five charts were excluded, as they did not
      contain smoking data (29 transgender women and 6 transgender men). RESULTS:
      Twenty-eight transgender women (31%) were current smokers when they began
      treatment. Of those, 64% quit smoking over the course of initiating treatment. Of
      the 30 transgender men included in this study, 8 (27%) were current smokers when
      they began treatment. Of those, 25% quit smoking over the course of initiating
      treatment. CONCLUSION: Although others report that discussing tobacco use with a
      healthcare provider can increase rates of smoking cessation as seen with
      transgender men at our center, the substantially increased rate of smoking
      cessation among our transgender women suggests that greater impact can be
      achieved when a life-changing event is leveraged. Further, while some physicians
      raise concern over morbidity from hormone therapy, in our experience, good health
      habits initiated with care in our system more than outweigh the modest risks
      currently described. Abbreviation: BMC = Boston Medical Center.

PMID- 27682352
TI  - PRIMARY ALDOSTERONISM IN THE PRIMARY CARE CLINIC: RIFE OR RARE?

PMID- 27682353
TI  - CLINICAL OUTCOMES AND SELF-REPORTED SYMPTOMS IN PATIENTS WITH ACROMEGALY: AN 8
      YEAR FOLLOW-UP OF A LANREOTIDE STUDY.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the proportion of patients with
      acromegaly who remained on long-term lanreotide depot after completion of an open
      label multicenter phase III clinical trial (SALSA: A Multi Center Open Label
      Study to Assess the Ability of Subjects With Acromegaly or Their Partners to
      Administer Somatuline Autogel), compare baseline and long-term follow-up symptoms
      scores, and correlate scores with individual longitudinal clinical outcomes.
      METHODS: Records of all subjects previously enrolled at the Massachusetts General
      Hospital site of SALSA were reviewed. Those who remained on lanreotide were
      interviewed and asked to complete a questionnaire that they had filled out in
      SALSA in 2007 regarding their current symptomatology and injection side effects,
      as well as to complete the Acromegaly Quality of Life Questionnaire. Furthermore,
      clinical, biochemical, and radiographic data related to acromegaly and its
      comorbidities were tracked throughout follow-up. RESULTS: Six out of 7 patients
      chose to remain on lanreotide, and 5 of them continued lanreotide depot through
      last follow-up, for up to 8 years or in 1 case until death. In all cases,
      lanreotide remained well tolerated, and insulin-like growth factor-1 levels and
      pituitary imaging remained well controlled on stable doses. While comorbidities
      persisted or developed, the self-reported symptom score after up to 8 years of
      therapy showed a significant decrease in frequency or resolution in symptoms that
      were reported at baseline. CONCLUSION: This study shows a significant decrease in
      frequency or resolution in self-reported symptoms in well-controlled patients
      receiving long-term lanreotide therapy. ABBREVIATIONS: AcroQoL = Acromegaly
      Quality of Life Questionnaire GH = growth hormone GI = gastrointestinal IGF-1 =
      insulin-like growth factor-1 SALSA = A Multi Center Open Label Study to Assess
      the Ability of Subjects With Acromegaly or Their Partners to Administer
      Somatuline Autogel.

PMID- 27682354
TI  - FREE AND BIOAVAILABLE 25-HYDROXYVITAMIN D LEVELS IN PATIENTS WITH PRIMARY
      HYPERPARATHYROIDISM.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate free and bioavailable 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels
      in primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) patients. METHODS: Fifty PHPT patients and
      50 healthy age-, gender-, and body mass index (BMI)-matched control subjects were
      enrolled. Levels of 25(OH)D were determined by a radioimmunoassay and vitamin D
      binding protein (DBP) were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
      Free and bioavailable 25(OH)D were calculated utilizing equations that use
      average binding coefficients for DBP and albumin. RESULTS: There was no
      significant difference in age and BMI between PHPT patients and controls (P>.05).
      Levels of 25(OH)D, DBP, and DBP-bound 25(OH)D were lower in PHPT patients
      compared to controls (P<.01). There was no significant difference in free and
      bioavailable 25(OH)D levels between PHPT patients and controls (P>.05). Levels of
      intact parathyroid hormone were inversely correlated with free (r = -0.217;
      P<.05) and bioavailable 25(OH)D levels (r = -0.296; P<.01). CONCLUSION: Serum
      total 25(OH)D levels were lower, while free and bioavailable 25(OH)D remained
      similar in patients with PHPT compared to controls. We suggest that low 25(OH)D
      levels might not reflect true vitamin D nutrition status in PHPT patients.
      ABBREVIATIONS: 25(OH)D = 25-hydroxyvitamin D BMI = body mass index DBP = vitamin
      D-binding protein iPTH = intact parathyroid hormone PHPT = primary
      hyperparathyroidism.

PMID- 27682355
TI  - SURGICAL OUTCOMES OF PROLACTINOMAS IN RECENT ERA: RESULTS OF A HETEROGENOUS
      GROUP.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Prolactinomas are primarily treated with medical therapy. Given the
      efficacy of dopamine agonists (DAs), surgery has remained a second-line treatment
      option. Despite medical therapy, some tumors display resistance and/or patients
      maybe intolerant of DA and require alternative treatment options. We examined the
      indications, efficacy, and safety of pituitary surgery for the treatment of
      prolactinomas. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients who
      had surgery for a prolactinoma at our institution from January 1993 to October
      2014. RESULTS: Seventy-eight patients (46 females, mean age 32 years) with a
      median follow-up of 12 months were analyzed. Macroprolactinomas accounted for 65%
      (51/78) of tumors. The most common indication for surgery in microprolactinomas
      was medication intolerance (37%, 10/27) and medication failure (33%, 17/51) in
      macroprolactinomas. DA therapy had been tried in 76% (59/78) patients prior to
      surgery. Following surgery, long-term remission was seen in 72% (18/25) of micro
      adenomas and 20% (10/49) of macro-adenomas (32% [10/32] in those without
      cavernous sinus invasion). Despite persistent disease in those with macro
      adenomas (34% [13/38]) were able to remain off medication. Early surgical failure
      was more common in males (P = .004) and those with large (P<=.001) or atypical (P
      = .003) adenomas. CONCLUSION: Surgery can result in prolonged remission in 72% of
      microprolactinomas. Despite lower remission rates among macroprolactinomas, a
      third of patients with persistent disease did not require medical therapy.
      Therefore, surgery remains an alternative effective treatment option,
      particularly for those who are intolerant or resistant to medical therapy.
      ABBREVIATIONS: ACTH = adrenocorticotropic hormone CI = confidence interval CSF =
      cerebrospinal fluid DA = dopamine agonist IQR = interquartile range MIB-1 =
      methylation inhibiting binding protein-1 VF = visual field.

PMID- 27682356
TI  - EVALUATION OF OUTCOMES AND COMPLICATIONS IN PATIENTS WHO EXPERIENCE HYPOGLYCEMIA
      AFTER CARDIAC SURGERY.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to elucidate 30-day and long-term
      outcomes in patients experiencing postoperative hypoglycemia. METHODS: We
      conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent cardiac surgery
      between September 4, 2007, and April 30, 2011, at Northwestern Memorial Hospital
      who had intensive treatment of hyperglycemia postoperatively. Of 1,325 patients,
      215 experienced a hypoglycemic episode (blood glucose <70 mg/dL) within the first
      3 postoperative days. A total of 198 were propensity-score (PS) matched to 363
      patients without hypoglycemia. The analysis consisted of a comparison of 30-day
      cardiac outcomes and long-term mortality between those who experienced a
      hypoglycemic event and those who did not. RESULTS: Between patients who
      experienced hypoglycemia compared to those that did not, there were no
      significant differences in mean glucose values while on insulin drips (119.8 +/-
      33.5 mg/dL vs. 120.9 +/- 30.5 mg/dL; P = .69) or subcutaneous insulin (122.0 +/-
      38.0 mg/dL vs. 127.2 +/- 35.5 mg/dL; P = .11) or postoperative surgical
      complication rates (30-day mortality: 3.5% vs. 1.7%; complications (any): 40% vs.
      42%; 30-day re-admissions: 13% vs. 13%; all cardiac complications: 35% vs. 31%;
      and all infections: 8% vs. 5%). Over an average of 5.1 +/- 2.2 years following
      index surgery, there was higher all-cause mortality among those PS-matched who
      had experienced hypoglycemia compared to those who had not (log-rank P = .031),
      primarily due to those (n = 32) experiencing more than one episode of
      hypoglycemia. CONCLUSION: Postoperative hypoglycemia did not negatively impact
      immediate surgical complication rates but was associated with a significant risk
      of increased postoperative morbidity and long-term all-cause mortality in
      patients experiencing multiple episodes of hypoglycemia. ABBREVIATIONS: BG =
      blood glucose BMI = body mass index CARD = Cardiovascular Research Database HR =
      hazard rate PS = propensity score.

PMID- 27682357
TI  - Racecadotril May Reduce Diarrhoea in Microvillous Inclusion Disease.

PMID- 27682358
TI  - UPPS-P model impulsivity and marijuana use behaviors in adolescents: A meta
      analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Impulsivity is often included as a risk factor in models of
      adolescent marijuana use behaviors; however, the magnitude of the association
      between impulsivity and marijuana use behaviors is variable across studies. The
      present study reviewed existent literature to 1) quantify the relationship
      between separable impulsivity-related traits and both marijuana use and negative
      marijuana consequences and 2) quantify the size of the effect of gender on these
      relationships. METHOD: Thirty-eight studies (41 independent samples) were meta
      analyzed using a random effects model to examine the relationship between
      impulsivity traits and marijuana use behaviors. RESULTS: Marijuana use was
      significantly related to all impulsivity-related traits except lack of
      perseverance (r's ranging from 0.13-0.23, p's<0.01). Negative marijuana
      consequences were only significantly related to sensation seeking, lack of
      planning, and positive urgency (r's ranging from 0.37-0.39, p's<0.01). Effects
      were small for marijuana use, but medium for negative marijuana consequences.
      Gender was not a significant moderator of any relationships. CONCLUSIONS:
      Impulsivity-related traits had more robust relationships with negative marijuana
      consequences than marijuana use, suggesting impulsivity-related traits are
      important in differentiating adolescents most likely to experience negative
      consequences from marijuana use. Few relationships examined gender and many of
      the impulsivity-related traits, other than sensation seeking. Data and trends
      suggest a more multi-dimensional approach to marijuana use and consequences is
      warranted.

PMID- 27682359
TI  - A review of computer-aided oral and maxillofacial surgery: planning, simulation
      and navigation.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Currently, oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) still poses a
      significant challenge for surgeons due to the anatomic complexity and limited
      field of view of the oral cavity. With the great development of computer
      technologies, he computer-aided surgery has been widely used for minimizing the
      risks and improving the precision of surgery. Areas covered: The major goal of
      this paper is to provide a comprehensive reference source of current and future
      development of computer-aided OMFS including surgical planning, simulation and
      navigation for relevant researchers. Expert commentary: Compared with the
      traditional OMFS, computer-aided OMFS overcomes the disadvantage that the
      treatment on the region of anatomically complex maxillofacial depends almost
      exclusively on the experience of the surgeon.

PMID- 27682360
TI  - Identification of cryptic Candida species by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, not all
      MALDI-TOF systems are the same: focus on the C. parapsilosis species complex.
AB  - Data about the performance of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry against cryptic Candida
      species are limited. According to our findings within the C. parapsilosis species
      complex, microbiologists should be aware that the choice of the instrument is
      critical for accurate species identification due to the risk of misidentification
      in the clinical setting.

PMID- 27682361
TI  - Hypochlorite converts cysteinyl-dopamine into a cytotoxic product: A possible
      factor in Parkinson's Disease.
AB  - The dopamine oxidation product cysteinyl-dopamine has attracted attention as a
      contributor to the death of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease.
      Treatment of cysteinyl-dopamine with hypochlorite yields an even more cytotoxic
      product. This product has potent redox-cycling activity and initiates production
      of superoxide in PC12 cells. Taurine, which scavenges hypochlorite, protects PC12
      cells from cysteinyl-dopamine but not from the hypochlorite product, suggesting
      that the product, not cysteinyl-dopamine itself, is toxic. Furthermore, rotenone,
      which enhances expression of the hypochlorite-producing enzyme myeloperoxidase,
      increases the cytotoxicity of cysteinyl-dopamine but not of the hypochlorite
      product. This suggests that dopamine oxidation to cysteinyl-dopamine followed by
      hypochlorite-dependent conversion to a cytotoxic redox-cycling product leads to
      the generation of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress and may contribute
      to the death of dopaminergic neurons.

PMID- 27682362
TI  - 4-Hydroxynonenal dependent alteration of TRPV1-mediated coronary microvascular
      signaling.
AB  - We demonstrated previously that TRPV1-dependent regulation of coronary blood flow
      (CBF) is disrupted in diabetes. Further, we have shown that endothelial TRPV1 is
      differentially regulated, ultimately leading to the inactivation of TRPV1, when
      exposed to a prolonged pathophysiological oxidative environment. This environment
      has been shown to increase lipid peroxidation byproducts including 4
      Hydroxynonenal (4-HNE). 4-HNE is notorious for producing protein post-translation
      modification (PTM) via reactions with the amino acids: cysteine, histidine and
      lysine. Thus, we sought to determine if 4-HNE mediated post-translational
      modification of TRPV1 could account for dysfunctional TRPV1-mediated signaling
      observed in diabetes. Our initial studies demonstrate 4-HNE infusion decreases
      TRPV1-dependent coronary blood flow in C57BKS/J (WT) mice. Further, we found that
      TRPV1-dependent vasorelaxation was suppressed after 4-HNE treatment in isolated
      mouse coronary arterioles. Moreover, we demonstrate 4-HNE significantly inhibited
      TRPV1 currents and Ca2+ entry utilizing patch-clamp electrophysiology and calcium
      imaging respectively. Using molecular modeling, we identified potential pore
      cysteines residues that, when mutated, could restore TRPV1 function in the
      presence of 4-HNE. Specifically, complete rescue of capsaicin-mediated activation
      of TRPV1 was obtained following mutation of pore Cysteine 621. Finally, His tag
      pull-down of TRPV1 in HEK cells treated with 4-HNE demonstrated a significant
      increase in 4-HNE binding to TRPV1, which was reduced in the TRPV1 C621G mutant.
      Taken together these data suggest that 4-HNE decreases TRPV1-mediated responses,
      at both the in vivo and in vitro levels and this dysfunction can be rescued via
      mutation of the pore Cysteine 621. Our results show the first evidence of an
      amino acid specific modification of TRPV1 by 4-HNE suggesting this 4-HNE
      dependent modification of TRPV1 may contribute to microvascular dysfunction and
      tissue perfusion deficits characteristic of diabetes.

PMID- 27682364
TI  - Renal transplant immunology in the last 20 years: A revolution towards graft and
      patient survival improvement.
AB  - To deride the hope of progress is the ultimate fatuity, the last word in poverty
      of spirit and meanness of mind. There is no need to be dismayed by the fact that
      we cannot yet envisage a definitive solution of our problems, a resting-place
      beyond which we need not try to go. -P.B. Medawar, 1969 * Thomas E. Starlz, also
      known as the Father of Clinical Transplantation, once said that organ
      transplantation was the supreme exception to the rule that most major advances in
      medicine spring from discoveries in basic science [Starzl T. The mystique of
      organ transplantation. J Am Coll Surg 2005 Aug;201(2):160-170]. In fact, the
      first successful identical-twin kidney transplantation performed by Murray's team
      in December 1954 (Murray J et al. Renal homotransplantations in identical twins.
      Surg Forum 1955;6:432-436) was the example of an upside down translation
      medicine: Human clinical transplantation began and researchers tried to
      understand the underlying immune response and how to control the powerful
      rejection pathways through experimental models. In the last 20 years, we have
      witnessed an amazing progress in the knowledge of immunological mechanisms
      regarding alloimmune response and an outstanding evolution on the identification
      and characterization of major and minor histocompatibility antigens. This review
      presents an historical and clinical perspective of those important advances in
      kidney transplantation immunology in the last 20 years, which contributed to the
      improvement in patients' quality of life and the survival of end-stage renal
      patients. In spite of these significant progresses, some areas still need
      substantial progress, such as the definition of non-invasive biomarkers for acute
      rejection; the continuous reduction of immunosuppression; the extension of graft
      survival, and finally the achievement of real graft tolerance extended to HLA
      mismatch donor: recipient pairs.

PMID- 27682365
TI  - Low Gestational Weight Gain and Risk of Adverse Perinatal Outcomes in Obese and
      Severely Obese Women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Our objective was to estimate associations between gestational weight
      gain z scores and preterm birth, neonatal intensive care unit admission, large-
      and small-for-gestational age birth, and cesarean delivery among grades 1, 2, and
      3 obese women. METHODS: We included singleton infants born in Pennsylvania (2003
      2011) to grade 1 (body mass index 30-34.9 kg/m, n = 148,335), grade 2 (35-39.9
      kg/m, n = 72,032), or grade 3 (>=40 kg/m, n = 47,494) obese mothers. Total
      pregnancy weight gain (kg) was converted to gestational age-standardized z
      scores. Multivariable Poisson regression models stratified by obesity grade were
      used to estimate associations between z scores and outcomes. A probabilistic bias
      analysis, informed by an internal validation study, evaluated the impact of body
      mass index and weight gain misclassification. RESULTS: Risks of adverse outcomes
      did not substantially vary within the range of z scores equivalent to 40-week
      weight gains of -4.3 to 9 kg for grade 1 obese, -8.2 to 5.6 kg for grade 2 obese,
      and -12 to -2.3 kg for grade 3 obese women. As gestational weight gain increased
      beyond these z score ranges, there were slight declines in risk of small-for
      gestational age birth but rapid rises in cesarean delivery and large-for
      gestational age birth. Risks of preterm birth and neonatal intensive care unit
      admission were weakly associated with weight gain. The bias analysis supported
      the validity of the conventional analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Gestational weight gain
      below national recommendations for obese mothers (5-9 kg) may not be adversely
      associated with fetal growth, gestational age at delivery, or mode of delivery.

PMID- 27682368
TI  - Barriers to nursing home staff accessing CPD must be broken down.
AB  - A study on priorities for the professional development of registered nurses (RNs)
      in nursing homes published in Age and Ageing ( page 6 ) has identified that staff
      shortages, lack of access to NHS courses and lack of paid study time are the main
      reasons why RNs do not access continuing professional development (CPD)
      activities. Specialist gerontological education for care home nurses was,
      however, seen as a means to ensure that care home nursing attracts the best
      people.

PMID- 27682363
TI  - Polyamine- and NADPH-dependent generation of ROS during Helicobacter pylori
      infection: A blessing in disguise.
AB  - Helicobacter pylori is a Gram-negative bacterium that specifically colonizes the
      gastric ecological niche. During the infectious process, which results in
      diseases ranging from chronic gastritis to gastric cancer, the host response is
      characterized by the activation of the innate immunity of gastric epithelial
      cells and macrophages. These cells thus produce effector molecules such as
      reactive oxygen species (ROS) to counteract the infection. The generation of ROS
      in response to H. pylori involves two canonical pathways: 1) the NADPH-dependent
      reduction of molecular oxygen to generate O2*-, which can dismute to generate
      ROS; and 2) the back-conversion of the polyamine spermine into spermidine through
      the enzyme spermine oxidase, leading to H2O2 production. Although these products
      have the potential to affect the survival of bacteria, H. pylori has acquired
      numerous strategies to counteract their deleterious effects. Nonetheless, ROS
      mediated oxidative DNA damage and mutations may participate in the adaptation of
      H. pylori to its ecological niche. Lastly, ROS have been shown to play a major
      role in the development of the inflammation and carcinogenesis. It is the purpose
      of this review to summarize the literature about the production of ROS during H.
      pylori infection and their role in this infectious gastric disease.

PMID- 27682366
TI  - How Many Is Too Many? On the Relationship between Research Productivity and
      Impact.
AB  - Over the last few decades, the institutionalisation of quantitative research
      evaluations has created incentives for scholars to publish as many papers as
      possible. This paper assesses the effects of such incentives on individual
      researchers' scientific impact, by analysing the relationship between their
      number of articles and their proportion of highly cited papers. In other words,
      does the share of an author's top 1% most cited papers increase, remain stable,
      or decrease as his/her total number of papers increase? Using a large dataset of
      disambiguated researchers (N = 28,078,476) over the 1980-2013 period, this paper
      shows that, on average, the higher the number of papers a researcher publishes,
      the higher the proportion of these papers are amongst the most cited. This
      relationship is stronger for older cohorts of researchers, while decreasing
      returns to scale are observed for recent cohorts. On the whole, these results
      suggest that for established researchers, the strategy of publishing as many
      papers as possible did not yield lower shares of highly cited publications, but
      such a pattern is not always observed for younger scholars.

PMID- 27682367
TI  - Association Between Inferior Vena Cava Filter Insertion in Trauma Patients and In
      Hospital and Overall Mortality.
AB  - Importance: Trauma patients admitted to the hospital are at increased risk of
      bleeding and thrombosis. The use of inferior vena cava (IVC) filters in this
      population has been increasing, despite a lack of high-quality evidence to
      demonstrate their efficacy. Objective: To determine if IVC filter insertion in
      trauma patients affects overall mortality. Design, Setting, and Participants:
      This retrospective cohort study used stratified 3:1 propensity matching to select
      a control population similar to patients who underwent IVC filter insertion at
      Boston Medical Center (a level I trauma center at Boston University School of
      Medicine) between August 1, 2003, and December 31, 2012. Among patients with an
      IVC filter and matched controls, age, sex, race/ethnicity, and Injury Severity
      Score were entered into a multivariable logistic regression model to calculate a
      propensity score. Matching was stratified by the date of injury. Main Outcomes
      and Measures: Multivariable logistic regression was used to compare hospital
      mortality across both groups, adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, Injury
      Severity Score, and brain injury severity using the head and neck Abbreviated
      Injury Score. To determine any significant difference in mortality, patient
      characteristics and mortality data from the National Death Index were analyzed in
      all patients and in those who survived 24, 48, and 72 hours after injury, as well
      as at hospital discharge. Results: Among 451 trauma patients with an IVC filter
      and 1343 matched controls without an IVC filter, the mean (SD) age was 47.4
      (21.5) years. The median Injury Severity Score overall was 24 (range, 1-75).
      Based on a mean follow-up of 3.8 years (range, 0-9.4 years), there was no
      significant difference in overall mortality or cause of mortality in patients
      with vs without an IVC filter who survived more than 24 hours from the time of
      injury, independent of the presence or absence of deep vein thrombosis or
      pulmonary embolism at the time of IVC filter placement. Additional analyses at
      shorter intervals of 6 months and 1 year after discharge also showed no
      significant difference between the 2 groups of patients. Eight percent (38 of
      451) of the IVC filters were removed at Boston Medical Center during the follow
      up period. Conclusions and Relevance: The research herein demonstrates no
      significant difference in survival in trauma patients with vs without placement
      of an IVC filter, whether in the presence or absence of venous thrombosis. The
      use of IVC filters in this population should be reexamined because filter removal
      rates are low and there is increased risk of morbidity in patients with filters
      that remain in place.

PMID- 27682370
TI  - Coalition to keep EU workers in UK.
AB  - A coalition of 29 health and social care organisations has been created to ensure
      there are enough nurses and other workers in place when the UK withdraws from the
      European Union (EU).

PMID- 27682369
TI  - Residential staff need more training in personal care.
AB  - Care home nurses need more access to training in personal care and dementia
      because they are being poorly prepared by undergraduate courses, a study has
      concluded.

PMID- 27682372
TI  - Funding cuts are leaving older and disabled people 'outside the system'.
AB  - Older people are bearing the brunt of cuts to social care and increasing numbers
      of care homes could go out of business, a new report warns.

PMID- 27682371
TI  - Story in numbers.
AB  - Parkinson's UK's 2015 audit on Parkinson's services.

PMID- 27682373
TI  - Care programme recruits nurses.
AB  - Senior nurses and allied health professionals (AHPs) in England are being
      encouraged to apply for places on a 1-year programme to improve care for older
      people.

PMID- 27682374
TI  - Picture of a 'broken' workforce.
AB  - The decline in district nurse numbers is well known. A 48% drop between 2000 and
      2014 has seen numbers fall to fewer than 6,000 full-time roles in England.

PMID- 27682377
TI  - Delayed discharge.
AB  - Essential facts Delays in discharging older people from hospital cost the NHS
      L820 million a year, according to a report from the National Audit Office (NAO).

PMID- 27682378
TI  - Prevention is best strategy for Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Most people with Alzheimer's disease have late onset disease in which genetic
      predisposition and environmental factors combine to contribute to its
      development.

PMID- 27682380
TI  - Depression is often undiagnosed in older people with cancer.
AB  - Depression is commonly associated with cancer, either as a pre-existing condition
      or as a consequence of the illness. Depression is also associated with adverse
      outcomes such as poor treatment compliance, short survival, long hospital stays,
      early functional decline, impaired quality of life and increased healthcare
      costs.

PMID- 27682379
TI  - How older people store and use food could increase listeriosis risk.
AB  - People with weakened immunity, including older adults, are known to be at
      increased risk of foodborne disease, in particular, listeriosis. Listeriosis is
      associated with the highest levels of hospitalisation and mortality of all
      foodborne pathogens in the UK.

PMID- 27682381
TI  - How care homes are becoming learning hubs.
AB  - For too long the care sector has received a disproportionate amount of negativity
      from the media and health professionals.

PMID- 27682382
TI  - More people behind bars nearing end of life.
AB  - As prisons and probation ombudsman, I investigate deaths in prison in England and
      Wales. Demand for my services has never been greater, with a record 304 deaths to
      investigate in 2015-16, 42% more than 5 years before.

PMID- 27682385
TI  - Oral health.
AB  - If the oral health problems of older people are left undetected or untreated,
      physical, psychological and social health can deteriorate ( Public Health England
      (PHE) 2015 ).

PMID- 27682386
TI  - Development of an activities care crew to support patients.
AB  - Improving care for people with dementia in acute hospitals is a priority in the
      UK. The Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading has implemented a range of
      initiatives, including environmental changes to older people's care wards,
      development of workforce skills and knowledge, engagement with third sector
      providers, use of volunteers, and the development of an activities care crew.
      This article focuses on the work of the activities care crew. The care crew
      formation, using monies from vacant posts, has supported the provision of one-to
      one nursing and engagement of patients in meaningful activities. Overall, the
      initiatives have reduced the number of falls with serious harm, improved the
      experience of people with dementia and their families, and supported partnership
      working with patients, families and multidisciplinary teams.

PMID- 27682387
TI  - Developing a culture of relationship-centred care in a care home group.
AB  - This article outlines the development of a new way of working across a group of
      care homes in south east Wales, based on a philosophy of relationship-centred
      care and an ethos of empowerment for older people in the homes. The underpinning
      aim was to enable residents to have a good quality of life, reflecting
      recommendations made by the Older People's Commissioner for Wales in a 2014
      review into the quality of life and care of older people living in care homes in
      the country. After the introduction of the new way of working, the care home
      group were approached by a university to take part in a collaborative project
      offering nursing students clinical placements in the care homes, mentored by
      registered nurses employed there. The collaboration between the university and
      the care homes meant that nursing students became enveloped in the person-centred
      culture, receiving positive exposure to nursing older people early in their
      careers. It is hoped that the clinical placements may encourage them to consider
      careers in the specialty.

PMID- 27682388
TI  - Culture change in care homes: development and facilitation.
AB  - This article is the second of a two-part series that explores a programme of
      culture change in care homes. In this article, the authors describe their
      independent development and facilitation of a flexible learning programme for
      care homes, designed to meet a quality improvement request made by a care home
      company. The two selected care homes' staff conducted a review of their care
      culture, as a precursor to their creation of a new care philosophy. These
      activities provided a firm foundation from which the homes could, in theory,
      become a Remedial Enterprise Active Learning care home. Although the learning
      programme was not completed due to unavoidable circumstances, the staff's
      experiences highlight some of the challenges and successes that may be
      experienced when seeking to improve care homes' learning culture and practice.

PMID- 27682389
TI  - A voice for older patients.
AB  - How did you become an older people's nurse? I have never seen it as a specialty,
      but as part of my job as a nurse. I work in the Bournemouth area, as nurse
      consultant intermediate care at Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation
      Trust, where we have a large older population.

PMID- 27682390
TI  - Bowel cancer screening.
AB  - Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in England and the second highest
      cause of cancer deaths.

PMID- 27682391
TI  - Self-care among children.
AB  - Based on two systematic reviews and research into different self-care support
      programmes in the UK, this article in Nursing Children and Young People examines
      the evidence for self-care among children and young people with physical and
      mental health conditions.

PMID- 27682392
TI  - Guidelines for safe consumption of caffeine.
AB  - 'Guidelines for safe consumption of caffeine indicate that an intake of up to
      400mg daily is safe for adults. Average tea consumption in the UK, at 2 to 3
      servings daily, fits within this. Given the potential benefits of tea for health,
      consumption could rise to 8 servings daily and still be within safe limits'.

PMID- 27682393
TI  - Leadership styles.
AB  - Promoting the public health agenda has become a multidisciplinary enterprise, and
      strong partnerships between allied healthcare professionals and their social care
      counterparts are essential for successful outcomes.

PMID- 27682394
TI  - The Teaching Care Homes pilot programme.
AB  - 'The Teaching Care Homes pilot programme aims to create care centres that
      demonstrate excellence and innovation in nurse-led care, and learning
      environments that benefit staff and students'.

PMID- 27682395
TI  - Pneumocandin B0-imprinted Polymer Using Surface-imprinting Technique for
      Efficient Purification of Crude Product.
AB  - In this work, we prepared surface molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) for
      selective recognition of pneumocandin B0 (PNB0). Methacrylic acid (MAA) was first
      grafted onto silica gel particles (SiO2) in the manner of "grafting from" by
      using 3-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane as intermedium, and then PNB0
      molecules were imprinted on the surface of the obtained particles in the presence
      of ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether as the cross-linker. The prepared MIP
      PMAA/SiO2 was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform
      infrared spectroscopy and thermo-gravimetric analysis, which confirmed the
      successful grafting of MAA onto SiO2 and the grafting degree was calculated to be
      12.50 wt%. The binding properties of the products were investigated and it is
      found that the binding process of PNB0 followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic
      model. The as-prepared material also displays relatively quick adsorption
      kinetics and decent recognition affinity toward the template over its
      structurally related compound. 

PMID- 27682396
TI  - Simultaneous Determinations of Eleven Bioactive Components in Suanzaoren
      Decoction Granules by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography and Its Application
      to the Quality Control in Productive Processes.
AB  - A simple and reliable method using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled
      with a photodiode array detector (HPLC-PDA) was firstly established for the
      determinations of eleven bioactive compounds (neomangiferin, mangiferin,
      spinosin, liquiritin apioside, liquiritin, fumalic acid, 6'''-feruloylspinosin,
      senkyunolide I, isoliquiritin, glycyrrhizic acid and senkyunolide A) in
      Suanzaoren decoction (SZRD) extract and its granules. The chromatographic
      analysis was performed on a C18 column at 30 degrees C. Excellent linear
      behaviors over the investigated concentration ranges were observed with the
      values of R(2) being higher than 0.9990 for all analytes. The developed method
      showed good precision and accuracy with overall intra- and inter-day variations
      of less than 2.0%, and overall recoveries in the range of 97.2 - 102.1%. The
      validated method was successfully applied to the determination of eleven
      components in SZRD samples from different production batches, including SZRD
      extract, lab-made SZRD granules and clinical medicine. This accurate and reliable
      HPLC-PDA method will be helpful for improving the quality evaluation of SZRD
      granules and its quality control in productive processes. 

PMID- 27682397
TI  - Selective Concentration of Ultra-trace Acetone in the Air by Cryogenic
      Temperature Programmed Desorption (cryo-TPD).
AB  - A gas analytical technique with compact size, low cost, sufficient sensitivity,
      and excellent reproducibility is required in many fields including exhaled breath
      analysis for medical monitoring. In the present study, we examined selective
      acetone concentration by quench condensation at cryogenic temperature followed by
      temperature programmed desorption (cryogenic temperature programmed desorption
      (cryo-TPD)) for possible applications to breath analysis for medical monitoring.
      The essence of cryo-TPD is rough mass selection by thermal desorption followed by
      quantification of certain species using mass spectrometry. The performance of
      cryo-TPD was investigated in the acetone concentration range below 1 * 10(-6)
      volume fraction (1 ppmv). It was found that acetone is selectively quench
      condensed on a tungsten substrate at 50 K without the major components of air,
      such as N2 and O2. The concentrated acetone gas was obtained by the following
      thermal desorption at around 151 K. Under conditions of condensation for 1 min
      and pressure of 1 * 10(-2) Pa, the lowest limit of detection reached well below
      10 * 10(-9) volume fraction (10 ppbv). The relationship between the cetone
      intensity of cryo-TPD and the acetone concentration in the gas was almost linear
      in the ppbv range. The separation of acetone and propanal using the fragmentation
      pattern, which have almost the identical molecular mass, was also demonstrated in
      the present study. 

PMID- 27682398
TI  - Combination of Microporous Hollow Carbon Spheres and Nafion for the Individual
      Metal-free Stripping Detection of Pb(2+) and Cd(2.).
AB  - Here, the combination of Nafion with microporous hollow carbon spheres (MHCS) is
      first proposed to fabricate a disposable metal-free electrode for heavy metal
      stripping sensing. The MHCS-Nafion composite film electrode is prepared by drop
      casting a mixture of MHCS and Nafion onto the lab-made screen-printed carbon
      electrode (SPCE(*)). Results demonstrate that the interfusion of MHCS into Nafion
      offers enhanced performance for the electro-enrichment and stripping of lead and
      cadmium over the only Nafion film: 1) abundant MHCS immobilized on the electrode
      surface serve as effective nucleation sites for metal ion reduction; 2) the
      mixing of MHCS into Nafion enlarges the active surface of negative-charged Nafion
      for the electrostatic adsorption of metal cations. The proposed MHCS
      Nafion/SPCE(*) provides linear responses for Pb(2+) and Cd(2+) in the range of 2 
      200 MUg/L, with a detection limit of 1.37 and 1.63 MUg/L, respectively.
      Practical applications of the sensor in water sample detection with good accuracy
      have also been confirmed. 

PMID- 27682399
TI  - Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer-based Biosensor Composed of Nitrogen-doped
      Carbon Dots and Gold Nanoparticles for the Highly Sensitive Detection of
      Organophosphorus Pesticides.
AB  - The present article reports a novel biosensor for organophosphorus pesticides
      based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between nitrogen-doped
      carbon dots (NC-dots) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The effective NC-dots/AuNPs
      assembly through the Au-N interaction results in good fluorescence quenching.
      Active acetylcholinesterase (AChE) catalyzes the hydrolysis of acetylthiocholine
      into -SH containing thiocholine to replace the NC-dots and trigger the
      aggregation of AuNPs. In the presence of paraoxon, the activity of AChE is
      inhibited, and thus preventing the generation of thiocholine, causing fewer NC
      dots to be replaced. As a consequence, the fluorescence intensity gradually
      decreases with increasing amount of paraoxon. This biosensor does not require any
      complex synthesis or modification, and the results show a wide detection range of
      from 10(-4) to 10(-9) g/L with a detection limit of 1.0 * 10(-9) g/L (3.6 * 10(
      12) mol/L). Two linear response regions have been reported with a turning point
      at about 10(-6) g/L and three different factors that would influence the response
      behavior. These phenomena discussed in detail so as to explain the special
      response mechanism. 

PMID- 27682400
TI  - Arsenic Speciation and Cadmium Determination in Tobacco Leaves, Ash and Smoke.
AB  - The concentrations of arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) in the tobacco leaves, ash
      and smoke of 10 kinds of cigarettes collected from different countries worldwide
      were determined by ICP-MS after microwave-assisted digestion. Total As and Cd
      concentrations in the tobacco leaves ranged from 0.20 to 0.63 and 1.8 to 9.9 mg
      kg(-1), respectively. By the speciation analysis of As in tobacco leaves and ash
      by HPLC-ICP-MS following acid extraction, arsenite [As(III)] and arsenate [As(V)]
      were determined and trace amounts of monomethylarsonic acid (MMAA),
      dimethylarsinic acid (DMAA), trimethylarsine oxide (TMAO), tetramethylarsonium
      (TeMA) and some unidentified As species were also found. Arsenic speciation for
      smoke absorbed in an aqueous solution was carried out. The sum of the As species
      in tobacco leaves, ash and smoke was in good agreement with the result of total
      As determination in each sample, and the recoveries of speciation were 100 +/-
      10%. The distributions and the behaviors of As species were clarified. 

PMID- 27682401
TI  - Glucosylation Mediated Rolling Circle Amplification Combined with a qPCR Assay
      for the Detection of 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine.
AB  - The detection of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), a newly recognized epigenetic
      mark, is essential to its functional study. Here, an efficient and simple two
      step-amplification method to detect 5hmC mediated by glucosylation is reported,
      which combines rolling circle amplification (RCA) and a quantitative polymerase
      chain reaction (qPCR). In the first step RCA, the glucosylated 5hmC (5ghmC), but
      not 5hmC, 5-methylcytosine (5mC) or cytosine (C) bases, could directly and
      specifically inhibit the activity of phi29 DNA polymerase, resulting in less RCA
      product compared to that using C-/5mC-/5hmC-containing templates. Then, the
      second step qPCR is adopted to test and verify the difference of the product
      quantity of 5ghmC-related RCA. The results show that the delta cycle threshold,
      DeltaCt, obtained by subtracting the cycle threshold value (Ct) of C-related qPCR
      from that of each qPCR, of 5ghmC-related qPCR reaches 1.59 +/- 0.03,
      significantly different from that of C-/5mC-/5hmC-related qPCR (-0.00 +/- 0.09,
      0.06 +/- 0.08 and -0.02 +/- 0.03, respectively). Meanwhile, a linear relationship
      is observed between the 5ghmC levels and the DeltaCt values. This suggests that
      the strategy has a potential application for 5hmC detection and quantification. 

PMID- 27682402
TI  - Chromatographic Fingerprint-Bioactivity Relationships of the Antitumor Properties
      of Bufo bufo gargarizans Skin Extracts.
AB  - Statistical analyses of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-based
      chemical fingerprints of Bufo bufo gargarizans toad skin extracts were integrated
      with antitumor evaluations as a means to more effectively identify bioactive
      constituents. Specifically, chemical fingerprints of Bufo bufo gargarizans skin
      extract samples obtained from ten different regions in China were generated by
      HPLC, and then subjected to similarity analysis and principal component analysis
      (PCA). Concurrently, a MCF-7 breast cancer cell model was adopted to obtain the
      antitumor activity of different toad skin extracts. The chromatographic
      fingerprint-bioactivity relationships of the Bufo bufo gargarizans extracts were
      then evaluated by Pearson correlation analysis. The results demonstrated that all
      skin extract samples inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7 cells to some extent,
      and that there was a correlation between the chemical fingerprints and the anti
      proliferative activity. Bufotalin, bufalin, and cinobufagin, three known
      components of Bufo bufo gargarizans that were identified in the chemical
      fingerprints, were highlighted as constituents responsible for the observed
      bioactivity. The activity of cinobufagin was confirmed by cell viability and
      colony formation assays using MCF-7 cells. The approach documented here provides
      a more effective means to associate chemical information on medicinal extracts
      with the principle components responsible for their bioactivity, and to therefore
      expedite drug discovery. 

PMID- 27682403
TI  - Preparation of Pb(II) Ion Imprinted Polymer and Its Application as the Interface
      of an Electrochemical Sensor for Trace Lead Determination.
AB  - An ion imprinted polymer (IIP) was synthesized by using Pb(II) as a template,
      methacrylic acid as a monomer, 8-hydoxyquinoline as a ligand, ethylene glycol
      dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as a crosslinker, and azobisisobutyronitrile as initiator.
      It can be applied to prepare lead ion selective voltammetric sensor for Pb(II)
      adsorption and trace detection. The Pb(II)-IIP was characterized by FTIR spectra
      and SEM image. Under optimized conditions of polymerization, the Pb(II)-IIP
      showed good adsorption behavior toward Pb(II), with a magnitude of three times
      higher than that of the non imprinted polymer (NIP). Also, it exhibited a
      favorable selectivity for Pb(II), compared with other heavy metal ions of Hg(II),
      Cd(II), Cu(II), and a negligible adsorption to the other cations. The synthesized
      IIP was used to determine trace levels of Pb(II) in food and water samples, with
      a calibration linear range over Pb(II) concentrations of 0.05 - 60 MUM and a
      limit of detection at 0.01 MUM. 

PMID- 27682405
TI  - Facile Synthesis of a Luminescent Material, PAN@{SiO2}n, Having a Simultaneous
      Binding Capacity of High and Low Oxidation States: HOMO and LUMO, Quantum
      mechanical Descriptor of Break-through Capacity.
AB  - A time-cost effective, chemically stable mesoporous resin (FSG-PAN), simultaneous
      binder of two different metal centers (both high (Cd(II)) and low (Tl(I))
      oxidation states), has been synthesized by immobilizing azo-dye (1-(2-pyridylazo)
      2-napthol: PAN) on functionalized silica gel (FSG). Its corresponding synthesized
      nano material possesses good luminescent properties, and has been utilized in
      fluoride sensing at trace levels (1.8 * 10(-6) - 7.2 * 10(-6) M). The composition
      ({Si[OSi]p=4[H2O]x=0.81}12[-Si(CH3)2-NH-C6H4-N=N-PAN]4..51H2O) and structure
      (tetrahedral) have been well assessed. Under the optimum extraction conditions,
      the soft extractor (etaFSG-PAN = 1.31 eV), FSG-PAN quantitatively extracts the
      soft metal centers Cd(II), followed by Tl(I) at its respective HOMO and LUMO by
      soft-soft interactions. The extractor possesses a high Brunauer-Emmett-Teller
      (BET) surface area (SABET) (374 m(2) g(-1)), high preconcentration factor (PF,
      192), selective pore size and two kinds of break-through capacity (BTCHOMO, 945
      MUmol g(-1); BTCLUMO, 120 MUmol g(-1)). BTC is spelled out as a function of the
      electron density over the ligand binding site as analyzed from a DFT calculation.

PMID- 27682404
TI  - Simultaneous Determination of Seven Neuroactive Steroids Associated with
      Depression in Rat Plasma and Brain by High Performance Liquid Chromatography
      Tandem Mass Spectrometry.
AB  - Sensitive and specific biomarkers are required for the diagnosis and treatment of
      depression because the existing diagnostic criteria are subjective and could
      produce false positives or negatives. Some endogenous neuroactive steroids that
      have shown either antidepressant effects or concentration changes in individuals
      with depression could provide potential biomarkers. In this study, a simple and
      specific method was developed to simultaneously determine seven endogenous
      neuroactive steroids in biological samples: cortisone, cortisol,
      dehydroepiandrosterone, estradiol, progesterone, pregnenolone, and testosterone.
      After liquid-liquid extraction, chromatographic separation was achieved on a C18
      column with gradient elution using water-methanol at a flow rate of 300 MUL min(
      1). Detection and quantitation were performed by tandem mass spectrometry with
      atmospheric pressure chemical ionization and selected reaction monitoring. Plasma
      and brain neuroactive steroid levels were then determined in control rats and
      rats exposed to forced swimming, a classical rodent model of depression. The
      results showed that the plasma concentrations of testosterone, pregnenolone, and
      progesterone significantly increased in rats exposed to the forced swimming test.
      In contrast, brain homogenate levels of cortisol, estradiol, and progesterone
      decreased, while pregnenolone levels were elevated in this model of depression.
      In conclusion, a new method to quantify neuroactive steroids was successfully
      developed and applied to their investigation in rat plasma and brain. The
      findings of this study indicated that plasma testosterone, pregnenolone, and
      progesterone levels could provide potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and
      treatment of depression. 

PMID- 27682406
TI  - Fluorometric Determination of Epinephrine: A Green Approach.
AB  - Herein, a simple, sensitive and selective turn-on fluorescent method for the
      determination of epinephrine (EP), an important hormone and neurotransmitter, is
      described. The method is based on the interaction of EP with PEG6000 coated
      carbon nanoparticles (PCN) resulting in the fluorescence enhancement of PCN. A
      linear relationship was obtained between the fluorescence intensity and
      concentration of EP in the 9.90 * 10(-9) - 1.07 * 10(-7) M range; the detection
      limit being 7.59 * 10(-10) M. Furthermore, we demonstrated the application of the
      present approach in a synthetic urine sample, which suggested its great potential
      for diagnostic purposes. 

PMID- 27682407
TI  - Effect of Long-time Heating for Polyvinyl Chloride and Polypropylene Resin Pellet
      Certified Reference Materials for Heavy Metal Analysis.
AB  - The effect of long-time heating for both polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and
      polypropylene (PP) resin pellet certified reference materials (CRMs) for heavy
      metal analysis, which contained Cd, Cr, Hg and Pb, was examined in the present
      study. The temperature of the drying oven was 80 degrees C, which was used for
      drying these CRMs before analysis, and the long-time heating was carried out for
      up to 480 h. As a result, a relative decrease in mass of ca. 0.3% was observed
      for both CRMs. Moreover, a decrease in concentration of ca. 10% was observed for
      Cr, even though the concentrations for other elements did not change during the
      long-time heating. Since the chemical form of Cr was an organometallic compound
      with lower melting point, it was considered that concentration decreased due to
      the heat. 

PMID- 27682408
TI  - Direct Determination of Lead in Foods by Solid Sampling Electrothermal
      Vaporization Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry.
AB  - A solid sampling method for the determination of lead in foods (including grains,
      vegetables and seafoods) using electrothermal vaporization atomic fluorescence
      spectrometry was established. The method introduced samples using electrothermal
      vaporization by quartz furnace and used on-line ashing and vaporization to remove
      matrix interferences for the specific trap of lead. It was proven by the
      certified reference material (CRM) and the recovery rate of the standards that
      the electrothermal vaporization was stable and there was no effect for sampling
      difference. The best operating program and parameters for the new method included
      ashing (850 degrees C, 160 s), vaporization and trap (1050 degrees C, 80 s; 800
      degrees C, 10 s), release (800 degrees C, 10 s), and mixed Ar + H2 (85:15%, v/v)
      as carrier gas with flow rate of 500 mL/min. The relative standard deviations of
      repeated Pb measurements in CRMs were all below 5.0%, and the recovery rate
      ranged from 90.0 - 110.0%. The limit of detection (LOD) for the new method was
      3.0 pg and the limit of quantification (LOQ) was 10.0 pg. The total time of
      analysis was less than 6 min. No significant differences existed between the
      results measured by the new method and microwave ICP-MS. 

PMID- 27682409
TI  - Determination of Eicosapentaenoic, Docosahexaenoic, and Arachidonic Acids in
      Human Plasma by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Electrochemical
      Detection.
AB  - A high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC
      ECD) system was developed for the simultaneous determination of eicosapentaenoic
      acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and arachidonic acid (AA) in human
      plasma. In the present HPLC-ECD system, EPA, DHA, and AA were separated using a
      reverse-phase C30 column and detected based on the voltammetric reduction of 3,5
      di-tert-butyl-1,2-benzoquinone (DBBQ). Chromatographic peak areas were
      proportional to the concentration of EPA, DHA, and AA from 0.75 MUM to 0.1 mM (r
      > 0.998). The concentrations of EPA, DHA, and AA in plasma from healthy human
      subjects after overnight fasting were determined, and the ratio of EPA to AA was
      obtained by the present HPLC-ECD method, which required 40 MUL of human plasma
      and a simple procedure of sample preparation using diethyl ether extraction.
      Moreover, changes in EPA, DHA, and AA concentrations in a human subject were
      monitored before and after fish oil supplement administration by the present HPLC
      ECD system. 

PMID- 27682410
TI  - Evaluating the Translational Temperature of Molecules Laser-desorbed after Online
      Concentration Using Multiphoton Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry.
AB  - We describe a new technique for evaluating the translational temperature of
      molecules by applying online concentration via analyte adsorption/laser
      desorption, which is a sample-introduction technique for resonance-enhanced
      multiphoton ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (REMPI-TOFMS). In the
      present study, analyte molecules were adsorbed via a narrowed capillary tip once,
      and then the flow of the carrier gas containing the analyte was stopped. After
      laser desorption, the ion signals induced by REMPI were monitored. Finally, the
      translational temperature could be calculated from the velocity distribution of
      the desorbed molecules by applying a Maxwell distribution. 

PMID- 27682411
TI  - Extraction and Analysis of Disperse Dyes from Colored Polyester Single Fibers
      Using Liquid Chromatography/Linear Ion Trap Tandem Mass Spectrometry.
AB  - Nine disperse dyes extracted from colored polyester threads and single fibers of
      manufactory-supplied textiles by using centrifugal filtration were analyzed using
      liquid chromatography/linear ion trap tandem mass spectrometry (LC/LIT-MS(n)).
      Based on diode array detector data, dimethylformamide (DMF) was found to be a
      more effective extraction solvent than acetonitrile/water (4:3, v/v) or
      methanol/water (1:1, v/v) mixtures. The precursor, [M+H](+) ions, were detected
      for the dyes extracted using DMF. The MS(2) and MS(3) spectra also matched those
      of the standard disperse dyes. Without relying on comparison clothes, disperse
      dyes extracted from the single fibers (5 mm in length) were successfully
      identified by LC/LIT-MS(n) and the custom-built database. 

PMID- 27682412
TI  - Design and Application of Multi-functional Electrogenerated Chemiluminescence
      Imaging Analyzer.
AB  - A multi-functional eletrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) imaging analyzer
      including both a photomultiplier tube and charged coupled device as detectors has
      been developed. The ECL imaging analyzer can effectively work for electrochemical
      study, ECL intensity detection at electrode array, and ECL imaging at bipolar
      electrodes or electrode array. As an ECL imaging example, an ECL biosensor for
      visual detection of matrix metalloproteinase 7 in the range from 0.05 to 1 ng/mL
      is demonstrated. 

PMID- 27682414
TI  - A pH-responsive asymmetric lipid vesicle as drug carrier.
AB  - In order to increase the loading efficiency of drug carriers, here we
      demonstrated a microfluidic method to fabricate an asymmetric vesicle, which
      contains trichloro(1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluoroocty-l)silane (TPS) inner leaflet and
      lipid outer leaflet. The asymmetric vesicle was characterised by fluorescence
      microscopy and Fourier transform infra-red spectrum. In vitro cytotoxicity of the
      vesicles carrying 5-fluorouacil (5-FU) has also been studied.

PMID- 27682415
TI  - Overcoming procrastination: one-year follow-up and predictors of change in a
      randomized controlled trial of Internet-based cognitive behavior therapy.
AB  - Procrastination is a common self-regulatory failure that can have a negative
      impact on well-being and performance. However, few clinical trials have been
      conducted, and no follow-up has ever been performed. The current study therefore
      aimed to provide evidence for the long-term benefits and investigate predictors
      of a positive treatment outcome among patients receiving Internet-based cognitive
      behavior therapy (ICBT). A total of 150 self-recruited participants were
      randomized to guided or unguided ICBT. Self-report measures of procrastination,
      depression, anxiety, and quality of life were distributed at pre-treatment
      assessment, post-treatment assessment, and one-year follow-up. Mixed effects
      models were used to investigate the long-term gains, and multiple linear
      regression for predictors of a positive treatment outcome, using the change score
      on the Irrational Procrastination Scale as the dependent variable. Intention-to
      treat was implemented for all statistical analyses. Large within-group effect
      sizes for guided and unguided ICBT, Cohen's d = .97-1.64, were found for self
      report measures of procrastination, together with d = .56-.66 for depression and
      anxiety. Gains were maintained, and, in some cases, improved at follow-up. Guided
      and unguided ICBT did not differ from each other, mean differences -.31-1.17, 95%
      CIs [-2.59-3.22], and none of the predictors were associated with a better
      result, bs -1.45-1.61, 95% CIs [-3.14-4.26]. In sum, ICBT could be useful and
      beneficial in relation to managing procrastination, yielding great benefits up to
      one year after the treatment period has ended, with comparable results between
      guided and unguided ICBT.

PMID- 27682418
TI  - A simple technique for suppressor detection in Escherichia coli.
AB  - To study the viability of a gyrA S83 stop mutation found in an Escherichia coli
      J53 ciprofloxacin-resistant strain (J53 CipR27), a pBR322 derivative was
      constructed with a UAG mutation in the bla gene knocking out ampicillin
      resistance. Ampicillin resistance was restored, suggesting that the strain
      contains tRNA suppressor activity able to suppress the UAG codon gyrA and allow
      viability. The method was applied to 22 unique clinical E. coli isolates, and all
      were found to have low-level suppressor activity.

PMID- 27682417
TI  - DeaD contributes to Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence in a mouse acute pneumonia
      model.
AB  - DExD/H box RNA helicases play essential roles in various biological processes in
      prokaryotes and eukaryotes. By screening Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains with
      mutations in various DExD/H box helicase genes, we identified that deaD was
      required for bacterial cytotoxicity and virulence in a mouse acute pneumonia
      model. Compared to a wild-type strain and its complementation strain, the deaD
      mutant induced less production of proinflammatory cytokines, neutrophil
      infiltration and lung damage during infection. We further found that the RNA
      helicase activity of DeaD was required for the expression of type III secretion
      system (T3SS) genes. Overexpression of ExsA, a master activator of the T3SS,
      restored the expression of T3SS genes as well as the virulence of the deaD
      mutant, suggesting that the attenuated virulence of the deaD mutant was mainly
      due to the defective T3SS. Overall, our results reveal a role of DeaD in the
      virulence of P. aeruginosa.

PMID- 27682419
TI  - Association of body mass index and waist circumference with severity of knee
      osteoarthritis.
AB  - AIM: The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of the body
      mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) with the severity of radiographic
      severity of knee osteoarthritis (rKOA) Methods. A cross-sectional study had been
      applied during the research which included 150 patients diagnosed at the General
      Hospital in Uzice and Health Center in Arilje (Serbia). The study included
      patients over the age of 50 diagnosed with OA according to The European League
      Against Rheumatism (EULAR) criteria. Data on social-demographic characteristics,
      health habits, and personal and family histories of the participants were
      collected through a specific questionnaire designated for this research. The
      severity of the disease was assessed pursuant to radiological changes using the
      Kellgren-Lawrence grading scale (K-L). The state of nourishment was assessed
      according to the BMI and WC. RESULTS: According to multivariate logistic
      regression analyses, after adjustment on age, sex, marital status, formal
      education, present occupation, smoking, alcohol consumption and physical
      activity, higher grades of rKOA (grade III and grade IV) were significantly
      related to BMI (p = 0.038) and WC (p < 0.001). The association was much stronger
      for obesity defined as BMI >=30 kg/m2 (p = 0.002) and for abdominal obesity - WC
      > 102 cm in men and > 88 cm in women (p = 0.009). CONCLUSION: This study showed
      that obesity defined as BMI >=30 kg/m2 and abdominal obesity are strongly related
      to K-L of rKOA, the associations being of very similar extent.

PMID- 27682421
TI  - Bone: The concept of RANKL-independent osteoclastogenesis refuted.

PMID- 27682420
TI  - Understanding implementation of comprehensive geriatric care programs: a multiple
      perspective approach is preferred.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Prevention and Reactivation Care Program (PReCaP) provides a
      novel approach targeting hospital-related functional decline among elderly
      patients. Despite the high expectations, the PReCaP was not effective in
      preventing functional decline (ADL and iADL) among older patients. Although
      elderly PReCaP patients demonstrated slightly better cognitive functioning (Mini
      Mental State Examination; 0.4 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.2-0.6]), lower
      depression (Geriatric Depression Scale 15; -0.9 [95% -1.1 to -0.6]), and higher
      perceived health (Short-form 20; 5.6 [95% CI 2.8-8.4]) 1 year after admission
      than control patients, the clinical relevance was limited. Therefore, this study
      aims to identify factors impacting on the effectiveness of the implementation of
      the PReCaPand geriatric care 'as usual'. METHODS: We conducted semi-structured
      interviews with 34 professionals working with elderly patients in three
      hospitals, selected for their comparable patient case mix and different levels of
      geriatric care. Five non-participatory observations were undertaken during
      multidisciplinary meetings. Patient files (n = 42), hospital protocols, and care
      plans were screened for elements of geriatric care. Clinical process data were
      analysed for PReCaP components. RESULTS: The establishment of a geriatric unit
      and employment of geriatricians demonstrates commitment to geriatric care in
      hospital A. Although admission processes are comparable, early identification of
      frail elderly patients only takes place in hosptial A. Furthermore, nursing care
      in the hospital A geriatric unit excels with regard to maximizing patient
      independency, an important predictor for hospital-related functional decline.
      Transfer nurses play a key role in arranging post-discharge geriatric follow-up
      care. Geriatric consultations are performed by geriatricians, geriatric nurses,
      and PReCaP case managers in hospital A. Yet hospital B consultative psychiatric
      nurses provide similar consultation services. The combination of standardized
      procedures, formalized communication channels, and advanced computerization
      contributes significantly to geriatric care in hospital B. Nevertheless, a small
      size hospital (hospital C) provides informal opportunities for information
      sharing and decision making, which are essential in geriatric care, given its
      multidisciplinary nature. CONCLUSIONS: Geriatric care for patients with
      multimorbidity requires a multidisciplinary approach in a geriatric unit.
      Geriatric care, which integrates medical and reactivation treatment, by means of
      early screening of risk factors for functional decline, promotion of physical
      activity, and adequate discharge planning, potentially reduces the incidence of
      functional decline in elderly patients. Yet low treatment fidelity played a major
      role in the ineffective implementation of the PReCaP. Treatment fidelity issues
      are caused by various factors, including the complexity of projects, limited
      attention for implementation, and inadequate interdisciplinary communication. (c)
      2016 The Authors The International Journal of Health Planning and Management
      Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

PMID- 27682423
TI  - Fruit and Vegetables Consumption: A Pointer for Cholangiocarcinoma Prevention in
      Northeast Thailand, the Highest Incidence Area in the World.
AB  - Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) caused by opisthorchiasis is a specific public health
      problem in the Greater Mekong subregional countries. The Northeast Thailand is
      considered a world's prime area of CCA. Many epidemiological studies found the
      association between fruit and vegetables consumption and CCA, but their results
      were inconclusive. Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to investigate the
      relationship between fruit and vegetables consumption and CCA prevention in the
      Northeast Thailand. The authors conducted a comprehensive search of scholarships
      on MEDLINE, EMBASE, and SCOPUS published during 1990 and 2015. Selected studies
      about fruit and vegetables consumption and CCA were analyzed. The fixed-effect
      model was used to estimate pool odds ratios for the consumption vs.
      nonconsumption. Based on a meta-analysis, consumption of mixed fruit [odds ratio
      (OR) = 0.79; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.65-0.96], mixed vegetables (OR =
      0.61; 95% CI: 0.50-0.75), and combined fruit and vegetables (OR = 0.68; 95% CI:
      0.57-0.80) was associated with the reduction of CCA risk statistically. These
      findings support that fruit and vegetables consumption is associated with CCA
      risk reduction. If implemented in a larger geographical area, the study will shed
      light on possibilities to future reduction of CCA. Educators can replicate the
      study to solve CCA or other types of cancer and discover the best practice.

PMID- 27682422
TI  - Nationwide Distribution of Bovine Influenza D Virus Infection in Japan.
AB  - Cattle are major reservoirs of the provisionally named influenza D virus, which
      is potentially involved in the bovine respiratory disease complex. Here, we
      conducted a serological survey for the influenza D virus in Japan, using archived
      bovine serum samples collected during 2010-2016 from several herds of apparently
      healthy cattle in various regions of the country. We found sero-positive cattle
      across all years and in all the prefectural regions tested, with a total
      positivity rate of 30.5%, although the positivity rates varied among regions
      (13.5-50.0%). There was no significant difference in positivity rates for
      Holstein and Japanese Black cattle. Positivity rates tended to increase with
      cattle age. The herds were clearly divided into two groups: those with a high
      positive rate and those with a low (or no) positive rate, indicating that
      horizontal transmission of the virus occurs readily within a herd. These data
      demonstrate that bovine influenza D viruses have been in circulation for at least
      5 years countrywide, emphasizing its ubiquitous distribution in the cattle
      population of Japan.

PMID- 27682425
TI  - Nurses' perspectives on moral distress: A Q methodology approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Moral distress occurs when nurses experience ethical dilemmas. Issues
      related to these dilemmas are addressed in some nursing education courses.
      Nurses' reaction to dilemma such as moral distress is relatively less noticed.
      OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify and describe the various types of
      perceptions of moral distress exhibited by nurses. RESEARCH DESIGN: This study
      applied Q methodology to explore the perspectives of nurses regarding moral
      distress. Data were collected in two stages. First, in-depth interviews were
      conducted to collect nurses' opinions. Sentences that best fit the concepts of
      moral distress were extracted for the construction of Q statements. Second,
      nurses subjectively ranked these Q statements so that the relevant severity of
      moral distress could be determined using Q sorts. The study participants were
      nurses at a regional teaching hospital in northeast Taiwan. A total of 60
      participants were invited to rank 40 moral distress Q statements. Ethical
      considerations: The study protocol was approved by the institutional review board
      of National Yang-Ming University Hospital. Only the participants who signed an
      informed consent form participated in the study. The respondents' right to
      withdraw from the study was respected. FINDINGS: Five types of responses were
      identified regarding the nurses' perspectives. These types were "conflict with
      personal values," "excessive of workload," "curbing of autonomy," "constraint
      engendered by organizational norms," and "self-expectation frustration."
      CONCLUSION: The findings regarding nurses' experiences of moral distress can be
      used to construct multifaceted policies and solutions and to incorporate ethical
      education in training programs.

PMID- 27682424
TI  - The Usefulness of the Delta Neutrophil Index for Predicting Superimposed
      Pneumonia in Patients with Acute Decompensated Heart Failure in the Emergency
      Department.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although respiratory infections, such as pneumonia, have long been
      recognized as precipitators of exacerbation in patients with acute decompensated
      heart failure (ADHF), identifying signs of concomitant pneumonia in ADHF is a
      clinical diagnostic challenge. We evaluated the predictive value of the delta
      neutrophil index (DNI), a new indicator for immature granulocytes, for diagnosing
      superimposed pneumonia in patients presenting with ADHF in the emergency
      department (ED). METHODS: This was a retrospective and observational study of
      consecutive patients (>18 years old) diagnosed with an ADHF in the ED over a 7
      month period. Patients were categorized into either the ADHF group or the ADHF
      with pneumonia group. DNI, serum white blood cell (WBC), C-reactive protein
      (CRP), and beta-natriuretic peptide (BNP) were measured upon ED arrival. RESULTS:
      The ADHF with pneumonia group included 30 patients (20.4%). Median initial DNI,
      WBC, and CRP were significantly higher in the ADHF with pneumonia group [0% vs.
      1.8%, p<0.001, 8,200 cells/mL vs. 10,470 cells/mL, p<0.001, and 0.56 mg/dL vs.
      6.10 mg/dL, p<0.001]. Multiple logistic regression analyses showed that only
      initial DNI significantly predicted the presence of superimposed pneumonia in
      patients with ADHF. In the receiver operating characteristic curves for initial
      DNI, WBC, and CRP for differentiating superimposed pneumonia in ADHF patients,
      the area under curve (AUC) of DNI (0.916 [95% confidence interval 0.859-0.955])
      was good. AUC of DNI was significantly higher than AUC of CRP and WBC [0.828 and
      0.715] (DNI vs. CRP, p = 0.047 and DNI vs. WBC, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Initial
      DNI, which was measured upon ED arrival, was significantly higher in the ADHF
      with pneumonia group than in the ADHF group. The initial DNI's ability of
      prediction for ADHF with superimposed pneumonia in the ED was good and it was
      better than those of serum WBC and CRP. Therefore, DNI may serve as a convenient
      and useful marker for early diagnosis of superimposed pneumonia in patients with
      ADHF in the ED.

PMID- 27682426
TI  - Pre-fusion F is absent on the surface of formalin-inactivated respiratory
      syncytial virus.
AB  - The lack of a licensed vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can be
      partly attributed to regulatory hurdles resulting from vaccine enhanced
      respiratory disease (ERD) subsequent to natural RSV infection that was observed
      in clinical trials of formalin-inactivated RSV (FI-RSV) in antigen-naive infants.
      To develop an effective vaccine that does not enhance RSV illness, it is
      important to understand how formalin and heat inactivation affected the
      antigenicity and immunogenicity of FI-RSV compared to native virus. Informed by
      atomic structures of RSV fusion (F) glycoprotein in prefusion (pre-F) and
      postfusion (post-F) conformations, we demonstrate that FI-RSV predominately
      presents post-F on the virion surface, whereas infectious RSV presents both pre-F
      and post-F conformations. This significant antigenic distinction has not been
      previously appreciated. Thus, a stabilized pre-F antigen is more representative
      of live RSV than F in its post-F conformation, as displayed on the surface of FI
      RSV. This finding has major implications for discriminating current pre-F-based
      immunogens from FI-RSV used in historical vaccine trials.

PMID- 27682429
TI  - Remarkable Anion-Dependent Spin-State Switching in Diiron(III) MU-Hydroxo
      Bisporphyrins: What Role do Counterions Play?
AB  - Addition of 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (HTNP) to an ethene-bridged diiron(III) MU-oxo
      bisporphyrin (1) in CH2 Cl2 initially leads to the formation of diiron(III) MU
      hydroxo bisporphyrin (2?TNP) with a phenolate counterion that, after further
      addition of HTNP or dissolution in a nonpolar solvent, converts to a diiron(III)
      complex with axial phenoxide coordination (3?(TNP)2 ). The progress of the
      reaction from MU-oxo to MU-hydroxo to axially ligated complex has been monitored
      in solution by using 1 H NMR spectroscopy because their signals appear in three
      different and distinct spectral regions. The X-ray structure of 2?TNP revealed
      that the nearly planar TNP counterion fits perfectly within the bisporphyrin
      cavity to form a strong hydrogen bond with the MU-hydroxo group, which thus
      stabilizes the two equivalent iron centers. In contrast, such counterions as I5 ,
      I3 , BF4 , SbF6 , and PF6 are found to be tightly associated with one of the
      porphyrin rings and, therefore, stabilize two different spin states of iron in
      one molecule. A spectroscopic investigation of 2?TNP has revealed the presence of
      two equivalent iron centers with a high-spin state (S=5/2) in the solid state
      that converts to intermediate spin (S=3/2) in solution. An extensive
      computational study by using a range of DFT methods was performed on 2?TNP and 2+
      , and clearly supports the experimentally observed spin flip triggered by
      hydrogen-bonding interactions. The counterion is shown to perturb the spin-state
      ordering through, for example, hydrogen-bonding interactions, switched positions
      between counterion and axial ligand, ion-pair interactions, and charge
      polarization. The present investigation thus provides a clear rationalization of
      the unusual counterion-specific spin states observed in the MU-hydroxo
      bisporphyrins that have so far remained the most outstanding issue.

PMID- 27682428
TI  - Older People's External Residential Assessment Tool (OPERAT): a complementary
      participatory and metric approach to the development of an observational
      environmental measure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The potential for environmental interventions to improve health and
      wellbeing has assumed particular importance in the face of unprecedented
      population ageing. However, presently observational environmental assessment
      tools are unsuitable for 'all ages'. This article describes the development of
      the Older People's External Residential Assessment Tool (OPERAT). METHODS:
      Potential items were identified through review and consultation with an Expert
      Advisory Group. Items were ranked according the importance ascribed to them by
      older people who responded to a survey distributed by 50+ forum in Wales (N =
      545). 40 highly ranked items were selected for the OPERAT pilot. An observational
      assessment was conducted in 405 postcodes in Wales. Items validated with data
      from a survey of older residents (N = 500) in the postcode areas were selected
      for statistical modelling (Kendall's Tau-b, p < .05). Data reduction techniques
      (exploratory factor analysis with Geomin rotation) identified the underlying
      factor structure of OPERAT. Items were weighted (Thurstone scaling approach) and
      scores calculated for each domain. Internal consistency: all items were tested
      for scale-domain total correlation (Spearman's rank). Construct validity:
      correlation analysis examined the associations between domains and the extent to
      which participants enjoyed living in the area, felt that it was a desirable place
      to live, or felt safe at night or during the day (Spearman's rank). Usability:
      analysis of variance compared mean OPERAT domain scores between neighbourhoods
      that were homogenous in terms of (a) deprivation (quintiles of the Townsend
      Index) and (b) geographic settlement type. Inter-rater reliability:
      Krippendorff's alpha was used to evaluate inter-rater consistency in ten postcode
      areas. RESULTS: A four factor model was selected as the best interpretable fit to
      the data. The domains were named Natural Elements, Incivilities and Nuisance;
      Navigation and Mobility; and Territorial Functioning. Statistical tests
      demonstrated good internal consistency, convergent validity, utility and inter
      rater reliability. CONCLUSIONS: Participatory approaches to research and robust
      statistical testing are not mutually exclusive. OPERAT can be used to assess the
      suitability of external residential environments for older people with different
      physical and cognitive capacities, living in rural or urban areas. OPERAT can be
      used to help plan residential environments that are friendly for all ages.

PMID- 27682427
TI  - Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for late radiation-induced tissue toxicity:
      prospectively patient-reported outcome measures in breast cancer patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This study examines patient reported outcome measures of women
      undergoing hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) after breast-conserving therapy.
      METHOD: Included were 57 women treated with HBOT for late radiation-induced
      tissue toxicity (LRITT) referred in the period January 2014-December 2015. HBOT
      consisted of (on average) 47 sessions. In total, 80 min of 100 % O2 was
      administered under increased pressure of 2.4 ATA. Quality of life was assessed
      before and after treatment using the European Organization for Research and
      Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-BR23, and a NRS pain score. RESULTS: Fifty-seven
      women were available for evaluation before and after treatment. Before HBOT,
      patients had severe complaints of pain in the arm/shoulder (46 %), swollen
      arm/hand (14 %), difficulty to raise arm or move it sideways (45 %), pain in the
      area of the affected breast (67 %), swollen area of the affected breast (45 %),
      oversensitivity of the affected breast (54 %), and skin problems on/in the area
      of the affected breast (32 %); post HBOT, severe complaints were still
      experienced in 17, 7, 22, 15, 13, 15, and 11 % of the women, respectively.
      Differences were all significant. The NRS pain score improved at least 1 point
      (range 0-10) in 81 % of the patients (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In these breast
      cancer patients treated with HBOT for LRITT, the patient-reported outcomes were
      positive and improvements were observed. HBOT was a well-tolerated treatment for
      LRITT and its side-effects were both minimal and reversible.

PMID- 27682431
TI  - Closed head experimental traumatic brain injury increases size and bone volume of
      callus in mice with concomitant tibial fracture.
AB  - Concomitant traumatic brain injury (TBI) and long bone fracture are commonly
      observed in multitrauma and polytrauma. Despite clinical observations of enhanced
      bone healing in patients with TBI, the relationship between TBI and fracture
      healing remains poorly understood, with clinical data limited by the presence of
      several confounding variables. Here we developed a novel trauma model featuring
      closed-skull weight-drop TBI and concomitant tibial fracture in order to
      investigate the effect of TBI on fracture healing. Male mice were assigned into
      Fracture + Sham TBI (FX) or Fracture + TBI (MULTI) groups and sacrificed at 21
      and 35 days post-injury for analysis of healing fractures by micro computed
      tomography (MUCT) and histomorphometry. MUCT analysis revealed calluses from
      MULTI mice had a greater bone and total tissue volume, and displayed higher mean
      polar moment of inertia when compared to calluses from FX mice at 21 days post
      injury. Histomorphometric results demonstrated an increased amount of trabecular
      bone in MULTI calluses at 21 days post-injury. These findings indicate that
      closed head TBI results in calluses that are larger in size and have an increased
      bone volume, which is consistent with the notion that TBI induces the formation
      of a more robust callus.

PMID- 27682432
TI  - Long bone histology of the subterranean rodent Bathyergus suillus (Bathyergidae):
      ontogenetic pattern of cortical bone thickening.
AB  - Patterns of bone development in mammals are best known from terrestrial and
      cursorial groups, but there is a considerable gap in our understanding of how
      specializations for life underground affect bone growth and development.
      Likewise, studies of bone microstructure in wild populations are still scarce,
      and they often include few individuals and tend to be focused on adults. For
      these reasons, the processes generating bone microstructural variation at intra-
      and interspecific levels are not fully understood. This study comprehensively
      examines the bone microstructure of an extant population of Cape dune molerats,
      Bathyergus suillus (Bathyergidae), the largest subterranean mammal endemic to the
      Western Cape of South Africa. The aim of this study is to investigate the
      postnatal bone growth of B. suillus using undecalcified histological sections (n
      = 197) of the femur, humerus, tibia-fibula, ulna and radius, including males and
      females belonging to different ontogenetic and reproductive stages (n = 42).
      Qualitative histological features demonstrate a wide histodiversity with
      thickening of the cortex mainly resulting from endosteal and periosteal bone
      depositions, whilst there is scarce endosteal resorption and remodeling
      throughout ontogeny. This imbalanced bone modeling allows the tissues deposited
      during ontogeny to remain relatively intact, thus preserving an excellent record
      of growth. The distribution of the different bone tissues observed in the cortex
      depends on ontogenetic status, anatomical features (e.g. muscle attachment
      structures) and location on the bone (e.g. anterior or lateral). The type of bone
      microstructure and modeling is discussed in relation to digging behavior,
      reproduction and physiology of this species. This study is the first histological
      assessment describing the process of cortical thickening in long bones of a
      fossorial mammal.

PMID- 27682430
TI  - [Iron deficiency, thrombocytosis and thromboembolism].
AB  - Iron deficiency, the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide, is often
      associated with reactive thrombocytosis. Although secondary thrombocytosis is
      commonly considered to be harmless, there is accumulating evidence that elevated
      platelet counts, especially in the setting of iron deficiency, can lead to an
      increased thromboembolic risk in both arterial and venous systems. Here we
      present the mechanisms of iron deficiency-induced thrombocytosis and summarize
      its clinical consequences especially in patients with inflammatory bowel
      diseases, chronic kidney disease or cancer. We hypothesize that iron deficiency
      is an underestimated thromboembolic risk factor, and that iron replacement
      therapy can become an effective preventive strategy in a variety of clinical
      settings.

PMID- 27682434
TI  - Sleep duration and cognitive impairment in older adults.

PMID- 27682433
TI  - Impact of tooth loss on walking speed decline over time in older adults: a
      population-based cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tooth loss has been linked to poor health such as chronic diseases
      and mobility limitations. Prospective evidence on the association between tooth
      loss and walking speed decline is however lacking. AIMS: To examine the impact of
      tooth loss on walking speed over time and explore whether inflammation may
      account for this association. METHODS: This study included 2695 persons aged 60
      years and older, who were free from severe mobility limitation at baseline.
      Information on dental status was assessed through self-report during the nurse
      interview at baseline. Walking speed baseline and at 3- and 6-year follow-ups was
      assessed when participants walked at their usual pace. Covariates included age,
      sex, education, lifestyle-related factors, and chronic diseases. Blood samples
      were taken, and C-reactive protein (CRP) was tested. RESULTS: At baseline, 389
      (13.1 %) participants had partial tooth loss and 204 (6.9 %) had complete tooth
      loss. Mixed-effects models showed that tooth loss was associated with a greater
      decline in walking speed over time after adjustment for lifestyle-related factors
      and chronic diseases (p = 0.001 for interaction between time and tooth loss on
      walking speed decline); however, when further adjusting for inflammation (CRP),
      the association was attenuated and no longer significant. CONCLUSION: Tooth loss
      was associated with an accelerated decline in walking speed in older adults.
      Inflammation may play a role in the association between tooth loss and walking
      speed decline.

PMID- 27682435
TI  - Gait speed response to aerobic versus resistance exercise training in older
      adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little is known about the comparative effect of aerobic training (AT)
      versus resistance training (RT) on gait speed, a strong predictor of disability.
      AIMS: To compare the effect of AT versus RT on gait speed and other functional
      measures. METHODS: Overweight and obese [body mass index (BMI) >=27.0 kg/m2]
      sedentary men and women aged 65-79 years engaged in 5 months of either 4
      days/weeks moderate-intensity treadmill walking, AT, (n = 44) or 3 days/weeks
      moderate-intensity RT (n = 56). Usual-pace gait speed, fast-pace gait speed and
      short physical performance battery (SPPB) were evaluated in all participants
      before and after training. Peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) was assessed in AT
      participants only, and knee extensor strength was assessed in RT participants.
      RESULTS: Both AT and RT resulted in clinically significant improvements in usual
      pace gait speed (0.08 +/- 0.14 and 0.08 +/- 0.17 m/s, respectively, both p <
      0.05) and SPPB (0.53 +/- 1.40 and 0.53 +/- 1.20 points, both p < 0.05) and chair
      rise time (-1.2 +/- 3.2 and -1.7 +/- 3.0 s, p < 0.05). Only AT improved fast-pace
      gait speed (0.11 +/- 0.10 m/s, p < 0.05). In the RT participants, lower baseline
      knee strength was associated with less improvement in usual-pace gait speed. In
      AT participants, lower baseline VO2peak was associated with less improvement in
      chair rise time and self-reported disability. DISCUSSION: While both AT and RT
      improved usual-pace gait speed, only AT improved fast-pace gait speed. Lower
      baseline fitness was associated with less improvement with training. CONCLUSION:
      Research to directly compare which mode of training elicits the maximum
      improvement in older individuals with specific functional deficits could lead to
      better intervention targeting.

PMID- 27682436
TI  - Photosynthetic activity and proteomic analysis highlights the utilization of
      atmospheric CO2 by Ulva prolifera (Chlorophyta) for rapid growth.
AB  - Free-floating Ulva prolifera is one of the causative species of green tides. When
      green tides occur, massive mats of floating U. prolifera thalli accumulate
      rapidly in surface waters with daily growth rates as high as 56%. The upper
      thalli of the mats experience environmental changes such as the change in carbon
      source, high salinity, and desiccation. In this study, the photosynthetic
      performances of PSI and PSII in U. prolifera thalli exposed to different
      atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2 ) levels were measured. Changes in photosynthesis
      within salinity treatments and dehydration under different CO2 concentrations
      were also analyzed. The results showed that PSII activity was enhanced as CO2
      increased, suggesting that CO2 assimilation was enhanced and U. prolifera thalli
      can utilize CO2 in the atmosphere directly, even when under moderate stress. In
      addition, changes in the proteome of U. prolifera in response to salt stress were
      investigated. Stress-tolerance proteins appeared to have an important role in the
      response to salinity stress, whereas the abundance of proteins related to
      metabolism showed no significant change under low salinity treatments. These
      findings may be one of the main reasons for the extremely high growth rate of
      free-floating U. prolifera when green tides occur.

PMID- 27682437
TI  - Weekday sunlight exposure, but not vitamin D intake, influences the association
      between vitamin D receptor genotype and circulating concentration 25
      hydroxyvitamin D in a pan-European population: the Food4Me study.
AB  - SCOPE: Little is known about diet- and environment-gene interactions on 25
      hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D concentration. This cross-sectional study aimed to
      investigate (i) predictors of 25(OH)D concentration and relationships with
      vitamin D genotypes and (ii) whether dietary vitamin D intake and sunlight
      exposure modified these relationships. METHODS AND RESULTS: Participants from the
      Food4Me study (n = 1312; age 18-79) were genotyped for vitamin D receptor (VDR)
      and vitamin D binding protein at baseline and a genetic risk score was
      calculated. Dried blood spot samples were assayed for 25(OH)D concentration and
      dietary and lifestyle information collected. Circulating 25(OH)D concentration
      was lower with increasing genetic risk score, lower in females than males, higher
      in supplement users than non-users and higher in summer than winter. Carriage of
      the minor VDR allele was associated with lower 25(OH)D concentration in
      participants with the least sunlight exposure. Vitamin D genotype did not
      influence the relationship between vitamin D intake and 25(OH)D concentration.
      CONCLUSION: Age, sex, dietary vitamin D intake, country, sunlight exposure,
      season, and vitamin D genetic risk score were associated with circulating 25(OH)D
      concentration in a pan-European population. The relationship between VDR genotype
      and 25(OH)D concentration may be influenced by weekday sunlight exposure but not
      dietary vitamin D intake.

PMID- 27682438
TI  - Malaria infection and anaemia in HIV-infected children in Mutengene, Southwest
      Cameroon: a cross sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Malaria is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in
      children and HIV infection as well as other factors may worsen the situation.
      This study was aimed at determining the factors influencing malaria parasite
      prevalence and density as well as anaemia in HIV-infected children in Mutengene,
      Cameroon from November, 2012 to April, 2013. METHODS: A semi-structured
      questionnaire was used to record information on socio-demographic factors and use
      of preventive measures by caregivers of HIV-infected children aged 1-15 years and
      of both sexes. Venous blood was collected; blood films were prepared and Giemsa
      stained for parasite detection and speciation. Haemoglobin concentration was
      measured and the anaemic status determined. Data was analysed using Epi Info 7
      software. RESULTS: A total of 234 children were studied. The overall malaria
      parasite prevalence was 24.8 % (58) and was significantly higher (31.9 %, P = 0
      .004) in females, those who did not implement any preventive measure at all (66.7
      %, P = 0.03) and children who used antiretroviral therapy (ART) (28.6 %, P =
      0.02) when compared with their respective counterparts. Geometric mean parasite
      density (GMPD) was significantly higher (3098.4, P = 0.02) in children who
      presented with fever, had CD4 T cells >=500 cells/MUL (491.3, P = 0.003) and
      those with moderate anaemia (1658.8, P = 0.03) than their respective
      counterparts. Although there was no significant difference, GMPD was however
      higher in males (549.0); those not on ART (635.0) and highest in children <5
      years old (633.0) than their respective counterparts. The overall prevalence of
      anaemia was 49.6 % (116). The value was significantly highest (58.3 %, P = 0.01)
      in the 11-15 years age group; those with CD4 T cell level 200-499 (72.7 %, P =
      0.001) and children with fever (85.7 %, P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Implementation of
      proper and integrated malaria preventive measures as well as frequent monitoring
      of anaemia on prescription of ART could likely improve the health conditions of
      HIV-infected children thus avoiding malaria-related morbidity and mortality.

PMID- 27682439
TI  - Reduced metabolic function and structural alterations in inherited retinal
      dystrophies: investigating the effect of peripapillary vessel oxygen saturation
      and vascular diameter on the retinal nerve fibre layer thickness.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the relationship between the peripapillary metabolic
      alterations [retinal vessel Oximetry (RO)] and the structural findings [retinal
      vessel diameter and retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (RNFL)] in patients with
      inherited retinal dystrophies (IRD). METHODS: Patients with IRD [24 patients with
      rod-cone dystrophy (RCD), 15 patients with cone-rod dystrophy, 13 patients with
      inherited maculopathy] and 18 age-matched controls, who underwent RO imaging and
      spectral domain optical coherence tomography, were included. The average and
      quadrant oxygen saturation in all four major peripapillary retinal arterioles (A
      SO2 ) and venules (V-SO2 ) were measured, and their difference (A-V SO2 ) was
      calculated. The corresponding retinal vessel diameter of these arterioles (D-A)
      and venules (D-V) was measured. The data were compared to the peripapillary RNFL
      thickness within the IRD subgroups and to the data obtained in the controls.
      RESULTS: In general, patients with IRD had higher average V-SO2 values when
      compared to controls (p <= 0.029). Rod-cone dystrophy (RCD) patients differed
      from controls, but also from patients with other IRDs, when the average and
      quadrant oxygen saturation values (A-SO2 and V-SO2 ) were evaluated (p <= 0.026).
      Within the RCD group, the correlations of RNFL thickness to V-SO2 , A-V SO2 , D-A
      and D-V were significant (p <= 0.030), thus indicating a different relationship
      between the RNFL thickness and the examined parameters, when compared to the
      other groups. CONCLUSION: It becomes evident from our combined metabolic
      structural approach that a prediction model, to identify which individual is at
      risk of developing a photoreceptor degeneration of RCD type, can be proposed. It
      will take into account the peripapillary retinal oxygen saturation, the retinal
      vessel diameter and the RNFL thickness values.

PMID- 27682441
TI  - Reversible Right Heart Failure in Scurvy Rediscovery of an Old Observation.

PMID- 27682440
TI  - Risk Factors for Incident Hospitalized Heart Failure With Preserved Versus
      Reduced Ejection Fraction in a Multiracial Cohort of Postmenopausal Women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Heart failure is an important and growing public health problem in
      women. Risk factors for incident hospitalized heart failure with preserved
      ejection fraction (HFpEF) compared with heart failure with reduced ejection
      fraction (HFrEF) in women and differences by race/ethnicity are not well
      characterized. METHODS AND RESULTS: We prospectively evaluated the risk factors
      for incident hospitalized HFpEF and HFrEF in a multiracial cohort of 42 170
      postmenopausal women followed up for a mean of 13.2 years. Cox regression models
      with time-dependent covariate adjustment were used to define risk factors for
      HFpEF and HFrEF. Differences by race/ethnicity about incidence rates, baseline
      risk factors, and their population-attributable risk percentage were analyzed.
      Risk factors for both HFpEF and HFrEF were as follows: older age, white race,
      diabetes mellitus, cigarette smoking, and hypertension. Obesity, history of
      coronary heart disease (other than myocardial infarction), anemia, atrial
      fibrillation, and more than one comorbidity were associated with HFpEF but not
      with HFrEF. History of myocardial infarction was associated with HFrEF but not
      with HFpEF. Obesity was found to be a more potent risk factor for African
      American women compared with white women for HFpEF (P for interaction=0.007). For
      HFpEF, the population-attributable risk percentage was greatest for hypertension
      (40.9%) followed by obesity (25.8%), with the highest population-attributable
      risk percentage found in African Americans for these risk factors. CONCLUSIONS:
      In this multiracial cohort of postmenopausal women, obesity stands out as a
      significant risk factor for HFpEF, with the strongest association in African
      American women. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov.
      Unique identifier: NCT00000611.

PMID- 27682443
TI  - Spatial Overlap of Grey Seals and Fisheries in Irish Waters, Some New Insights
      Using Telemetry Technology and VMS.
AB  - Seals and humans often target the same food resource, leading to competition.
      This is of mounting concern with fish stocks in global decline. Grey seals were
      tracked from southeast Ireland, an area of mixed demersal and pelagic fisheries,
      and overlap with fisheries on the Celtic Shelf and Irish Sea was assessed.
      Overall, there was low overlap between the tagged seals and fisheries. However,
      when we separate active (e.g. trawls) and passive gear (e.g. nets, lines)
      fisheries, a different picture emerged. Overlap with active fisheries was no
      different from that expected under a random distribution, but overlap with
      passive fisheries was significantly higher. This suggests that grey seals may be
      targeting the same areas as passive fisheries and/or specifically targeting
      passive gear. There was variation in foraging areas between individual seals
      suggesting habitat partitioning to reduce intra-specific competition or potential
      individual specialisation in foraging behaviour. Our findings support other
      recent assertions that seal/fisheries interactions in Irish waters are an issue
      in inshore passive fisheries, most likely at the operational and individual
      level. This suggests that seal population management measures would be
      unjustifiable, and mitigation is best focused on minimizing interactions at nets.

PMID- 27682444
TI  - beta-defensin CNV is not associated with susceptibility to Candida albicans
      infections in Sardinian APS I patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether a variation in the
      genomic copy number (CNV) of the beta-defensin cluster could be associated with
      the pre-disposition to chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMC) in Sardinian
      APECED patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The beta-defensin copy number variation
      was determined by MLPA analysis in 18 Sardinian APECED patients with CMC and in
      21 Sardinian controls. Statistical analyses were performed with one-way ANOVA
      test. RESULTS: No statistically significant results were observed between the
      patients and controls groups. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results we have
      obtained, it appears that either beta-defensin genomic CNV is not a modifier
      locus for CMC susceptibility in APECED patients, or any effect is too small for
      it to be detected using such sample size. An extensive study on APECED patients
      from different geographical areas might reveal the real implication of the beta
      defensin CNV in the susceptibility to Candida albicans infections.

PMID- 27682442
TI  - PROTECT - trial: a multicentre prospective pragmatic RCT and health economic
      analysis of the effect of tailored repositioning to prevent pressure ulcers -
      study protocol.
AB  - AIM: The aims of this trial were as follows: (1) to compare the (cost-)
      effectiveness of a turning and repositioning system and an algorithm for a
      tailored repositioning vs. usual care to improve reposition frequency in patients
      at risk; and (2) to compare the (cost-) effectiveness of standardized
      incontinence care vs. usual care. BACKGROUND: Pressure ulcers are a serious and
      common problem for hospitalized patients. In many countries, pressure ulcers are
      recognized as a national health issue and governments designate pressure ulcers
      as one of the most important sentinel events for health care. International
      guidelines recommend the use of pressure redistributing support surfaces,
      systematic patient repositioning and preventive skin care to prevent pressure
      ulcers. Interventions should be patient-tailored and based on a thorough
      assessment of both the patient and contextual risk factors. There is a lack of
      rigorous research addressing the effectiveness of a turning and repositioning
      system and it is unclear how to tailor the frequency and posture to specific
      patient needs. DESIGN: Multicentre, cluster, three-arm, randomized, controlled
      pragmatic trial and a cost-effectiveness analysis. The ward is the unit of
      randomization. METHODS: Tailored repositioning, the use of a device to facilitate
      patient repositioning and an optimal procedure for incontinence care will be
      combined. Participating wards will be intensive care units, geriatric and
      rehabilitation wards. A sample size calculation was performed (80% power, alpha =
      0.05). This study is approved by the Ethics Committee (February 2016).
      DISCUSSION: Data collection is currently ongoing. The results are expected to be
      obtained in March 2017.

PMID- 27682445
TI  - Spigelian hernia A series of cases and literature review.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this case series is to describe the pathophysiological, clinical,
      and radiological features of Spigelian hernias, and to describe their modern
      surgical management. MATERIAL OF STUDY: We describe the clinical management of
      four cases of Spigelian hernias, and we discuss the main issues and controversies
      in the current scientific literature. RESULTS: In all the cases the clinical
      suspect arouses during the clinical examination of the patients, and it was
      confirmed through imaging techniques. All cases were treated surgically by an
      open approach; no intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred, and no
      recurrences were registered. DISCUSSION: Our experience and the literature review
      that we carried out confirm that Spigelian hernia is a rare condition, and its
      diagnosis should always be based on a thorough clinical examination and possibly
      a ultrasound or computed tomography, which are important for the study of the
      exact anatomical features of the defect, and for the planning of the adequate
      operative approach. The laparoscopic technique is effective but used in few
      reference centers, both for the rarity of the disease and the long learning
      curve, whereas the open surgical correction is the most common approach, with
      excellent results, especially in cases where urgent repair is needed. CONCLUSION:
      The surgical treatment of Spigelian hernias has excellent results when a thorough
      clinical - radiological evaluation is carried out, and the appropriate surgical
      approach is chosen. KEY WORDS: Abdominal wall, Spigelian hernia, Surgery.

PMID- 27682446
TI  - Bioactive glass-based surfaces induce differential gene expression profiling of
      osteoblasts.
AB  - The ability of Biosilicate(r) with two crystalline phases (BioS-2P) to drive
      osteoblast differentiation encourages the investigation of the cellular
      mechanisms involved in this process. Then, the aim of our study was to analyze
      the large-scale gene expression of osteoblasts grown on BioS-2P compared with
      Bioglass(r) 45S5 (45S5). Osteoblasts differentiated from rat bone marrow
      mesenchymal stem cells were cultured under osteogenic conditions on BioS-2P, 45S5
      and polystyrene (control). After 10 days, the expression of 23,794 genes was
      analyzed using mRNA Sequencing and the data were validated by real-time PCR. The
      BioS-2P exhibited 5 genes upregulated and 3 downregulated compared with 45S5.
      Compared with control, BioS-2P upregulated 15 and downregulated 11 genes, while
      45S5 upregulated 25 and downregulated 21 genes. Eight genes were commonly
      upregulated and 4 downregulated by both bioactive glasses. In conclusion, our
      results demonstrated that bioactive glasses affect the gene expression profiling
      of osteoblasts. Most of the regulated genes by both BioS-2P and 45S5 are
      associated with the process of mineralization highlighting their osteostimulation
      property that is, at least in part, derived from the ability to modulate the
      intracellular machinery to promote osteoblast genotype expression. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 419-423, 2017.

PMID- 27682447
TI  - A qualitative synthesis of the positive and negative impacts related to delivery
      of peer-based health interventions in prison settings.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Peer interventions involving prisoners in delivering peer education
      and peer support in a prison setting can address health need and add capacity for
      health services operating in this setting. This paper reports on a qualitative
      synthesis conducted as part of a systematic review of prison-based peer
      interventions. One of the review questions aimed to investigate the positive and
      negative impacts of delivering peer interventions within prison settings. This
      covered organisational and process issues relating to peer interventions,
      including prisoner and staff views. METHODS: A qualitative synthesis of
      qualitative and mixed method studies was undertaken. The overall study design
      comprised a systematic review involving searching, study selection, data
      extraction and validity assessment. Studies reporting interventions with
      prisoners or ex-prisoners delivering education or support to prisoners resident
      in any type of prison or young offender institution, all ages, male and female,
      were included. A thematic synthesis was undertaken with a subset of studies
      reporting qualitative data (n = 33). This involved free coding of text reporting
      qualitative findings to develop a set of codes, which were then grouped into
      thematic categories and mapped back to the review question. RESULTS: Themes on
      process issues and wider impacts were grouped into four thematic categories: peer
      recruitment training and support; organisational support; prisoner relationships;
      prison life. There was consistent qualitative evidence on the need for
      organisational support within the prison to ensure smooth implementation and on
      managing security risks when prisoners were involved in service delivery. A suite
      of factors affecting the delivery of peer interventions and the wider
      organisation of prison life were identified. Alongside reported benefits of peer
      delivery, some reasons for non-utilisation of services by other prisoners were
      found. There was weak qualitative evidence on wider impacts on the prison system,
      including better communication between staff and prisoners. Gaps in evidence were
      identified. CONCLUSIONS: The quality of included studies limited the strength of
      the conclusions. The main conclusion is that peer interventions cannot be seen as
      independent of prison life and health services need to work in partnership with
      prison services to deliver peer interventions. More research is needed on long
      term impacts. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO ref: CRD42012002349 .

PMID- 27682448
TI  - "The Emperor's new clothes": discourse analysis on how the patient is constructed
      in the new Swedish Patient Act.
AB  - The Swedish welfare debate increasingly focuses on market liberal notions and its
      healthcare perspective aims for more patient-centered care. This article examines
      the new Swedish Patient Act describing and analyzing how the patient is
      constructed in government documents. This study takes a Foucauldian discourse
      analysis approach following Willig's analysis guide. The act contains an
      entitlement discourse for patients and a requirement discourse for healthcare
      personnel. These two discourses are governed by a values-based healthcare
      discourse. Neo-liberal ideology, in the form of New Public Management discourse,
      focusing on the value of efficiency and competition, is given a hegemonic
      position as laws and regulations are used to strengthen it. The new Swedish
      Patient Act seems to further strengthen this development. The Act underlines the
      increased entitlement for patients, but it is not legally binding as it offers
      patients only indirect entitlement to influence and control their care. To
      safeguard the patient's entitlement under the Patient Act, healthcare personnel
      should be made aware of the contents of the Act, so that they can contribute to
      the creation of systems and working methods that facilitate respect of the Act's
      provisions in daily healthcare work.

PMID- 27682449
TI  - Young asteroidal fluid activity revealed by absolute age from apatite in
      carbonaceous chondrite.
AB  - Chondritic meteorites, consisting of the materials that have formed in the early
      solar system (ESS), have been affected by late thermal events and fluid activity
      to various degrees. Determining the timing of fluid activity in ESS is of
      fundamental importance for understanding the nature, formation, evolution and
      significance of fluid activity in ESS. Previous investigations have determined
      the relative ages of fluid activity with short-lived isotope systematics. Here we
      report an absolute 207Pb/206Pb isochron age (4,450+/-50 Ma) of apatite from Dar
      al Gani (DaG) 978, a type ~3.5, ungrouped carbonaceous chondrite. The
      petrographic, mineralogical and geochemical features suggest that the apatite in
      DaG 978 should have formed during metamorphism in the presence of a fluid.
      Therefore, the apatite age represents an absolute age for fluid activity in an
      asteroidal setting. An impact event could have provided the heat to activate this
      young fluid activity in ESS.

PMID- 27682450
TI  - Extracting quantum coherence via steering.
AB  - As the precious resource for quantum information processing, quantum coherence
      can be created remotely if the involved two sites are quantum correlated. It can
      be expected that the amount of coherence created should depend on the quantity of
      the shared quantum correlation, which is also a resource. Here, we establish an
      operational connection between coherence induced by steering and the quantum
      correlation. We find that the steering-induced coherence quantified by such as
      relative entropy of coherence and trace-norm of coherence is bounded from above
      by a known quantum correlation measure defined as the one-side measurement
      induced disturbance. The condition that the upper bound saturated by the induced
      coherence varies for different measures of coherence. The tripartite scenario is
      also studied and similar conclusion can be obtained. Our results provide the
      operational connections between local and non-local resources in quantum
      information processing.

PMID- 27682451
TI  - Science Outside the Lab: Helping Graduate Students in Science and Engineering
      Understand the Complexities of Science Policy.
AB  - Helping scientists and engineers challenge received assumptions about how
      science, engineering, and society relate is a critical cornerstone for
      macroethics education. Scientific and engineering research are frequently framed
      as first steps of a value-free linear model that inexorably leads to societal
      benefit. Social studies of science and assessments of scientific and engineering
      research speak to the need for a more critical approach to the noble intentions
      underlying these assumptions. "Science Outside the Lab" is a program designed to
      help early-career scientists and engineers understand the complexities of science
      and engineering policy. Assessment of the program entailed a pre-, post-, and 1
      year follow up survey to gauge student perspectives on relationships between
      science and society, as well as a pre-post concept map exercise to elicit student
      conceptualizations of science policy. Students leave Science Outside the Lab with
      greater humility about the role of scientific expertise in science and
      engineering policy; greater skepticism toward linear notions of scientific
      advances benefiting society; a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the actors
      involved in shaping science policy; and a continued appreciation of the
      contributions of science and engineering to society. The study presents an
      efficacious program that helps scientists and engineers make inroads into
      macroethical debates, reframe the ways in which they think about values of
      science and engineering in society, and more thoughtfully engage with critical
      mediators of science and society relationships: policy makers and policy
      processes.

PMID- 27682452
TI  - Relationship between venous drainage subtypes and sub-arachnoid hemorrhage
      subtypes: a meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To investigate whether associations exist between venous drainage
      subtypes (types I, II, and III) and the risk of subarachnoid hemorrhage subtypes.
      METHODS: Published case-control and case series from 2010 to 2014 which met all
      the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis were selected and subjected to
      rigorous statistical analysis. RESULTS: A total of 11 studies with an overall
      patient population (case and controls) of 891 were involved in the study. Types I
      and II venous drainage had odds against peri-mesencephalic subarachnoid
      hemorrhage. The odds were in favor of type III venous drainage and peri
      mesencephalic sub-arachnoid hemorrhage and idiopathic sub-arachnoid hemorrhage
      (ISAH). CONCLUSIONS: Type I deep venous drainage may not be associated with the
      risks of peri-mesencephalic subarachnoid hemorrhage and ISAH, however, types II
      and III may be associated with high risk of peri-mesencephalic subarachnoid
      hemorrhage and ISAH, respectively.

PMID- 27682453
TI  - An Icosahedral Quasicrystal and Its 1/0 Crystalline Approximant in the Ca-Au-Al
      System.
AB  - A new icosahedral quasicrystalline phase, CaAu4.5-xAl1.5+x [0.11 <= x <= 0.40(6);
      CaAu4.4Al1.6, aQC = 5.383(4) A, and Pm3 5], and its lowest-order 1/0 cubic
      crystalline approximant phase, CaAu3+xAl1-x [0 <= x <= 0.31(1); a = 9.0766(5)
      9.1261(8) A, Pa3 (No. 205), and Pearson symbol cP40], have been discovered in the
      Ca-poor region of the Ca-Au-Al system. In the crystalline approximant, eight [Au3
      xAl1+x] tetrahedra fill the unit cell, and each tetrahedron is surrounded by four
      Ca atoms, thus forming a three-dimensional network of {Ca4/4[Au3-xAl1+x]}
      tetrahedral stars. A computational study of Au and Al site preferences concurs
      with the experimental results, which indicate a preference for near-neighbor Au
      Al interactions over Au-Au and Al-Al interactions. Analysis of the electronic
      density of states and the associated crystal orbital Hamilton population curves
      was used to rationalize the descriptions of CaAu4.5-xAl1.5+x [0.11 <= x <=
      0.46(6)] and CaAu3+xAl1-x [0 <= x <= 0.31(1)] as polar intermetallic species,
      whereby Ca atoms engage in polar covalent bonding with the electronegative,
      electron-deficient [Au3-xAl1+x] tetrahedral clusters and the observed phase width
      of the crystalline approximant.

PMID- 27682454
TI  - Efficient Compact-Layer-Free, Hole-Conductor-Free, Fully Printable Mesoscopic
      Perovskite Solar Cell.
AB  - A compact-layer-free, hole-conductor-free, fully printable mesoscopic perovskite
      solar cell presents a power conversion efficiency of over 13%, which is
      comparable to that of the device with a TiO2 compact layer. The different
      wettability of the perovskite precursor solution on the surface of FTO and TiO2
      possesses a significant effect on realizing efficient mesoscopic perovskite solar
      cell. This result shows a promising future in printable solar cells by further
      simplifying the fabrication process and lowering the preparation costs.

PMID- 27682455
TI  - Novel Swelling-Resistant Sodium Alginate Membrane Branching Modified by Glycogen
      for Highly Aqueous Ethanol Solution Pervaporation.
AB  - A novel carbohydrate chain cross-linking method of sodium alginate (SA) is
      proposed in which glycogen with the branched-chain structure is utilized to cross
      link with SA matrix by the bridging of glutaraldehyde (GA). The active layer of
      SA composite ceramic membrane modified by glycogen and GA for pervaporation (PV)
      demonstrates great advantages. The branched structure increases the chain density
      of the active layer, which compresses the free volume between the carbohydrate
      chains of SA. Large amounts of hydroxyl groups are consumed during the reaction
      with GA, which reduces the hydrogen bond formation between water molecules and
      the polysaccharide matrix. The two factors benefit the active layer with great
      improvement in swelling resistance, promoting the potential of the active layer
      for the dehydration of an ethanol-water solution containing high water content.
      Meanwhile, the modified active layer is loaded on the rigid alpha-Al2O3 ceramic
      membrane by dip-coating method with the enhancement of anti-deformation and
      controllable thickness of the active layer. Characterization techniques such as
      SEM, AFM, XRD, FTIR, XPS, and water contact angle are utilized to observe the
      composite structure and surface morphology of the composite membrane, to probe
      the free volume variation, and to determine the chemical composition and
      hydrophilicity difference of the active layer caused by the different glycogen
      additive amounts. The membrane containing 3% glycogen in the selective layer
      demonstrates the flux at 1250 g m-2 h-1 coupled with the separation factor of 187
      in the 25 wt % water content feed solution at the operating temperature of 75 
      degrees C, reflecting superior pervaporation processing capacity compared with
      the general organic PV membranes in the same condition.

PMID- 27682456
TI  - First report of Setaria tundra in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) from the Iberian
      Peninsula inferred from molecular data: epidemiological implications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Filarioid nematode parasites are major health hazards with important
      medical, veterinary and economic implications. Recently, they have been
      considered as indicators of climate change. FINDINGS: In this paper, we report
      the first record of Setaria tundra in roe deer from the Iberian Peninsula. Adult
      S. tundra were collected from the peritoneal cavity during the post-mortem
      examination of a 2 year-old male roe deer, which belonged to a private fenced
      estate in La Alcarria (Guadalajara, Spain). Since 2012, the area has suffered a
      high roe deer decline rate (75 %), for unknown reasons. Aiming to support the
      morphological identification and to determine the phylogenetic position of S.
      tundra recovered from the roe deer, a fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c
      oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene from the two morphologically identified parasites
      was amplified, sequenced and compared with corresponding sequences of other
      filarioid nematode species. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the isolate of S.
      tundra recovered was basal to all other formely reported Setaria tundra
      sequences. The presence of all other haplotypes in Northern Europe may be
      indicative of a South to North outbreak in Europe. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first
      report of S. tundra in roe deer from the Iberian Peninsula, with interesting
      phylogenetic results, which may have further implications in the epidemiological
      and genetic studies of these filarioid parasites. More studies are needed to
      explore the reasons and dynamics behind the rapid host/geographic expansion of
      the filarioid parasites in Europe.

PMID- 27682457
TI  - S-Trifluoromethyl Sulfoximine as a Directing Group in Ortho-Lithiation Reaction
      toward Structural Complexity.
AB  - The first use of the NH S-trifluoromethyl sulfoximine as an ortho directing group
      is described for the functionalization of the aryl group bonded to the sulfur
      atom. Various electrophiles (halogen, carbon, oxygen, sulfur, boron, etc.) are
      introduced on the aromatic ring. Cyclic S-trifluoromethyl sulfoximines are
      synthesized either with properly chosen electrophiles or by structural adjustment
      of o-azido sulfoximines. Fluorinated analogues of prazosin are also prepared.

PMID- 27682458
TI  - Good Intention Is Not Enough: Intentional Action to Address Health Disparities in
      Breastfeeding.

PMID- 27682460
TI  - Eighth Annual Summit on Breastfeeding Agenda.

PMID- 27682459
TI  - Reaching the Global Target to Increase Exclusive Breastfeeding: How Much Will It
      Cost and How Can We Pay for It?
AB  - There is an urgent need for global action to increase the rates of exclusive
      breastfeeding. In 2012, the World Health Assembly (WHA) set a global target to
      increase the rate of exclusive breastfeeding in the first 6 months up to at least
      50% by 2025. However, current investment levels are insufficient to drive the
      kind of progress that is needed to meet the target. Reaching the global nutrition
      target of increasing exclusive breastfeeding to 50% will require an average
      annual investment of $570 million over 10 years in addition to what is currently
      being spent. This investment is projected to result in an additional 105 million
      children being exclusively breastfed and at least 520,000 child deaths prevented
      over the next 10 years. This analysis was part of an investment framework
      developed by the World Bank, Results for Development Institute, and 1,000 Days to
      provide policy makers with a roadmap for how to reach four of the six WHA global
      nutrition targets: decreasing childhood stunting, decreasing childhood wasting,
      decreasing rates of anemia in women of reproductive age, and increasing exclusive
      breastfeeding in the first 6 months.

PMID- 27682461
TI  - Eighth Annual Summit on Breastfeeding Participants.

PMID- 27682462
TI  - Polymorphisms in Toll-like receptor 3 are associated with asthma-related
      phenotypes in the Chinese Han patients.
AB  - Toll-like receptor (TLR) 3 mediates antivirus immunity and is involved in asthma
      exacerbation and development. However, the genetic association between TLR3 and
      asthma remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of polymorphisms
      within TLR3 on asthma risk and asthma-related phenotypes in the Chinese Han
      population. A total number of 462 unrelated adult patients with asthma and 398
      healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study. The genotypes of tagging single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in TLR3 gene were determined using multiplex
      SNaPshot SNP genotyping assays. Case-control and case-only studies were used to
      assess any links with asthma and asthma-related phenotypes. The results showed
      that the genetic variants in TLR3 were associated with asthma-related phenotypes,
      including eosinophil counts, serum immunoglobulin E levels and lung function.
      However, there was no obvious association between the TLR3 SNPs and asthma
      susceptibility or asthma severity. TLR3 polymorphisms may play a considerable
      role in the pathogenesis of asthma. It will help in better understanding the
      pathogenesis of asthma and development of more effective strategies for the
      prevention, prediction and treatment of asthma.

PMID- 27682463
TI  - Towards a Definition of "Self-Neglect" in Psychiatric Patients: Descriptions of a
      Case Series.
AB  - Self-neglect, although frequently studied in geriatric populations, has received
      only limited attention in psychiatric populations. To address this gap, we
      utilize a behavioral framework to present a set of case examples in order to
      illustrate the complex relationship between self-neglect behaviors and conditions
      and various psychiatric illness. Cases are discussed with respect to ascending
      severity of presentations of self-neglect in adult non-geriatric inpatient
      psychiatric populations. Self-neglect is conceptualized as a range of behaviors,
      as well as an overall condition that affects an individual's functioning in
      several major domains. The concept of self-neglect in non-geriatric psychiatric
      patients warrants additional study, including development of a formal definition,
      as well as evaluation of its associated manifestations and implications for
      treatment and prognosis.

PMID- 27682464
TI  - Uncovering the essential links in online commercial networks.
AB  - Recommender systems are designed to effectively support individuals' decision
      making process on various web sites. It can be naturally represented by a user
      object bipartite network, where a link indicates that a user has collected an
      object. Recently, research on the information backbone has attracted researchers'
      interests, which is a sub-network with fewer nodes and links but carrying most of
      the relevant information. With the backbone, a system can generate satisfactory
      recommenda- tions while saving much computing resource. In this paper, we propose
      an enhanced topology-aware method to extract the information backbone in the
      bipartite network mainly based on the information of neighboring users and
      objects. Our backbone extraction method enables the recommender systems achieve
      more than 90% of the accuracy of the top-L recommendation, however, consuming
      only 20% links. The experimental results show that our method outperforms the
      alternative backbone extraction methods. Moreover, the structure of the
      information backbone is studied in detail. Finally, we highlight that the
      information backbone is one of the most important properties of the bipartite
      network, with which one can significantly improve the efficiency of the
      recommender system.

PMID- 27682465
TI  - Theoretical Insight into the Mechanisms and Regioselectivity of [4 + 3] and [4 +
      1] Annulations of Enals with Azoalkenes Catalyzed by N-Heterocyclic Carbenes.
AB  - The reaction mechanisms on the NHC-catalyzed [4 + 3] and [4 + 1] annulations of
      enals with azoalkenes have been theoretically investigated with the aid of the
      density functional theory calculations. It is found that the additives play an
      important role in promoting proton transfer and dehydration. The impacts of
      catalysts (NHC-A and NHC-B) and substituent groups on the regioselectivity were
      rationalized. The origin of the regioselectivity involved in these reactions was
      probed by performing distortion-interaction analysis. For reaction A with NHC-A
      as the catalyst and Boc group as the substituent, the regioselectivity is
      predicted to be determined by the interaction energy of 3 with R2' in TS3A versus
      TS8A. For reaction B with NHC-B as the catalyst and Boc group as the substituent,
      the unstable boat-type conformation versus the stable chair-type conformation
      involved in the NHC-B moiety accounts for the regioselectivity. In reaction C
      with NHC-A as the catalyst and Ts group as the substituent, distortion energies
      of 3 and R2' in TS3C versus TS6C are found to be the major reason delivering
      regioselectivity even higher than that of reaction A.

PMID- 27682466
TI  - Developing strengths-based recovery systems through community connections.

PMID- 27682467
TI  - Porcine sperm vitrification I: cryoloops method.
AB  - The aims of this study were to evaluate porcine sperm vitrification in cryoloops,
      with and without two different cryoprotectants and assess two warming procedures.
      Extended (n = 3; r = 4) and raw (n = 5; r = 2) semen was diluted in media without
      and with cryoprotectants (4% dimethylformamide and 4% glycerol) to a final
      concentration of 20 * 106 spermatozoa ml-1 and vitrified using the cryoloops
      method. Two warming procedures were evaluated: rapid method (30 s at 37 degrees
      C) and an ultra-rapid method (7 s at 75 degrees C, followed by 30 s at 37 degrees
      C). Total motility (phase contrast), sperm viability (6-carboxifluorescein
      diacetate and propidium iodide stain), membrane function (hypo-osmotic swelling
      test), acrosome integrity (phase contrast), chromatin condensation (toluidine
      blue stain) and chromatin susceptibility to acid denaturation (acridine orange
      stain) were evaluated before and after vitrification and analysed using
      Friedman's test. In all media, the only seminal parameters that were maintained
      after vitrification were chromatin condensation and integrity. Vitrification of
      porcine spermatozoon using cryoloops, both in the presence or absence of
      cryoprotectants and independent of the warming procedure used, permits
      conservation of sperm chromatin condensation and integrity. It would be
      interesting to further verify this by producing porcine embryos using vitrified
      spermatozoon with intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

PMID- 27682468
TI  - Botryosphaeria dothidea: a latent pathogen of global importance to woody plant
      health.
AB  - : Botryosphaeria dothidea is the type species of Botryosphaeria
      (Botryosphaeriaceae, Botryosphaeriales). Fungi residing in this order are amongst
      the most widespread and important canker and dieback pathogens of trees
      worldwide, with B. dothidea one of the most common species on a large number of
      hosts. Its taxonomic circumscription has undergone substantial change in the past
      decade, making it difficult to interpret the large volume of literature linked to
      the name B. dothidea. This pathogen profile synthesizes the current understanding
      of B. dothidea pertaining to its distribution, host associations and role as a
      pathogen in managed and natural woody environments. The prolonged latent
      infection or endophytic phase is of particular importance, as it implies that the
      fungus can easily pass undetected by quarantine systems in traded living plants,
      fruits and other plant parts. Infections typically become obvious only under
      conditions of host stress, when disease symptoms develop. This study also
      considers the knowledge emerging from the recently sequenced B. dothidea genome,
      elucidating previously unknown aspects of the species, including mating and host
      infection strategies. Despite more than 150 years of research on B. dothidea,
      there is clearly much to be learned regarding this global tree pathogen. This is
      increasingly important given the stresses imposed on various woody hosts as a
      result of climate change. TAXONOMY: Botryosphaeria dothidea (Moug. ex Fr) Ces. &
      De Not, 1863. Kingdom Fungi, Phylum Ascomycota, Class Dothideomycetes, Order
      Botryosphaeriales, Family Botryosphaeriaceae, Genus Botryosphaeria, Species
      dothidea. HOST RANGE: Confirmed on more than 24 host genera, including woody
      plants, such as Acacia (= Vachellia), Eucalyptus, Vitis and Pistachio. DISEASE
      SYMPTOMS: Associated with twig, branch and stem cankers, tip and branch dieback,
      fruit rot, blue stain and plant death. USEFUL WEBSITES: The Botryosphaeria site
      for detailed morphological descriptions
      (http://www.crem.fct.unl.pt/botryosphaeria_site/); Systematic Mycology and
      Microbiology Laboratory Fungal Database for all literature and associated hosts
      (https://nt.ars-grin.gov/fungaldatabases/); TreeBASE link for the combined ITS
      and TEF-1alpha tree (http://purl.org/phylo/treebase/phylows/study/TB2:S18906);
      DOE Joint Genome Institute, JGI Mycocosm for the Botryosphaeria dothidea genome
      (http://genome.jgi.doe.gov/Botdo1_1/Botdo1_1.home.html).

PMID- 27682469
TI  - Predictors of mortality in pediatric urban firearm injuries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although firearms account for less than 5 % of all pediatric
      injuries, they have the highest associated case fatality rate. METHODS: The
      registry at a Level-1 trauma center was used to identify firearm injuries (<18
      years of age) from 1991 to 2011. Descriptive statistics and risk-adjusted
      multivariate analyses (MVA) were performed. RESULTS: Overall, 1085 patients were
      identified. Immediate operations were performed in 33 % (n = 358) of patients
      with most having abdominal surgery (n = 214). Survival was 86 %, but higher for
      African Americans (OR = 1.92) than for Hispanics (p = 0.006). African Americans
      were more likely to sustain extremity (OR = 2.26) and less head (OR = 0.36)
      injuries than Hispanics (p < 0.001). Analysis by injury location showed that head
      (OR = 14.1) had the highest associated mortality. Other significant predictors
      included multiple major injury (defined by Abbreviated Injury Scale) with central
      nervous system involvement (OR = 7.30) and single injuries to the chest (OR =
      2.68). These findings were compared to abdominal injuries as the baseline (p <
      0.02). MVA demonstrated that Caucasian children had higher mortality (OR = 6.12)
      vs. Hispanics (p = 0.031). Children admitted with initial pH <= 7.15 (OR = 14.8),
      initial hematocrit <=30 (OR = 3.24), or Injury Severity Score (ISS) > 15 (OR =
      1.08) had higher mortality rates (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Independent significant
      indicators of mortality include low initial pH or hematocrit, Caucasian race,
      high ISS, and those who sustain head injuries.

PMID- 27682470
TI  - Facile Synthesis of Black Phosphorus: an Efficient Electrocatalyst for the Oxygen
      Evolving Reaction.
AB  - Black phosphorus (BP) as a new 2D material has attracted extensive attention
      because of its unique electronic, optical, and structural properties. However,
      the difficulties associated with BP synthesis severely hinder the further
      development of BP for any potential applications. On the other hand, searching
      for other potential applications of BP is also a big challenge. A facile strategy
      was developed for preparation of BP supported on Ti foil (BP-Ti) in a thin-film
      form. Surprisingly, the as-prepared BP shows advanced electrocatalytic activity
      for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). To improve the OER activity of the
      electrocatalyst, BP was grown on a carbon nanotube network (BP-CNT), showing even
      better activity. The results demonstrate that BP can be prepared by a facile
      method and may be applied as an electrocatalyst.

PMID- 27682471
TI  - Infraorbital nerve transposition to expand the endoscopic transnasal
      maxillectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The infraorbital nerve (ION) is a terminal branch of the maxillary
      nerve (V2) providing sensory innervation to the malar skin. It is sometimes
      necessary to sacrifice the ION and its branches to obtain adequate maxillary
      sinus exposure for radical resection of sinonasal tumors. Consequently, patients
      suffer temporary or permanent paresthesia, hypoestesthia, and neuralgia of the
      face. We describe an innovative technique used for preservation of the ION while
      removing the anterior, superior, and lateral walls of the maxillary sinus through
      a medial endoscopic transnasal maxillectomy. METHODS: All patients who underwent
      transnasal endoscopic maxillectomy with ION transposition in our institute were
      retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Two patients were identified who had been
      treated for sinonasal cancers using this approach. No major complications were
      observed. Transient loss of ION function was observed with complete recovery of
      skin sensory perception within 6 months of surgery. One patient referred to a
      mild permanent anesthesia of the upper incisors. No diplopia or enophthalmos were
      encountered in any of the patients. CONCLUSION: The ION transposition is useful
      for selected cases of benign and malignant sinonasal tumors that do not
      infiltrate the ION itself but involve the surrounding portion of the maxillary
      sinus. Anatomic preservation of the ION seems to be beneficial to the
      postoperative quality of life of such patients.

PMID- 27682472
TI  - Immunity against influenza A(H1N1) infections is determined by age at the time of
      initial strain circulation.
AB  - We explored age-dependent patterns in haemagglutination inhibition (HI) titre to
      seasonal [1956 A(H1N1), 1977 A(H1N1), 2007 A(H1N1)] and pandemic [A(H1N1)pdm09]
      influenza strains using serological data collected from an adult French influenza
      cohort. Subjects were recruited by their general practitioners from 2008 to 2009
      and followed until 2010. We explored age-related differences between strain
      specific HI titres using 1053 serological samples collected over the study period
      from 398 unvaccinated subjects. HI titres against the tested seasonal and
      pandemic strains were determined using the HI technique. Geometric mean titres
      (GMTs) were estimated using regression models for interval-censored data.
      Generalized additive mixed models were fit to log-transformed HI estimates to
      study the relationship between HI titre and age (age at inclusion and/or age at
      initial strain circulation). GMT against one strain was consistently highest in
      the birth cohort exposed to that strain during childhood, with peak titres
      observed in subjects aged 7-8 years at the time of initial strain circulation.
      Our results complete previous findings on influenza A(H3N2) strains and identify
      a strain-dependent relationship between HI titre and age at initial strain
      circulation.

PMID- 27682473
TI  - Intergenerational solidarity: the paradox of reciprocity imbalance in ageing
      welfare states.
AB  - In this article a new theoretical framework is applied to a research field that
      is somewhat fragmented, namely that of intergenerational solidarity in ageing
      welfare states. Inspired by utilitarian considerations many scholars tend to
      problematize the lack of reciprocity characterizing intergenerational exchanges.
      As some generations are longer old and more numerous they may receive excessive
      state-administered support of the younger generations, especially in a democratic
      setting. However, in reality there is limited empirical evidence of
      intergenerational conflict and theoretical explanations of this paradox are rare.
      An integrated and dynamical approach that incorporates Durkheim's solidarity
      theory, Honneth's intersubjective recognition theory, and the current work on
      reciprocal exchange is necessary in order to understand the survival of
      intergenerational solidarity in ageing welfare states. According to this model
      reciprocal recognition leading to the empathization of exchanges is the driving
      force of intergenerational solidarity in a prefigurative and democratized culture
      where the status of the young has risen dramatically. Hence, we come to the
      paradoxical conclusion that attempts to preserve intergenerational solidarity by
      openly denouncing excessive transfers and trying to bypass them institutionally
      sometimes might be counterproductive because they may erode their empathic
      underpinnings.

PMID- 27682475
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 27682477
TI  - DISCUSSION: PRACTICE-BASED EVALUATION AS A RESPONSE TO ADRESS INTERVENTION
      COMPLEXITY.
AB  - The aim of this special issue of the Canadian Journal of Program Evaluation was
      to present an overview of current practices in the field of evaluation of complex
      interventions. Seasoned evaluators described their approaches to these types of
      evaluation in the healthcare context. Building upon their contributions, this
      synthesis offers a cross-sectional reading of their experiences, highlighting the
      common and divergent features of their approaches as well as their most pressing
      concerns and interests.

PMID- 27682476
TI  - Caring for Older Adults with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus.
AB  - Increasing proportions of older adults are living with the human immunodeficiency
      virus (HIV). It is estimated that more than 50% of individuals with HIV in the
      United States are aged 50 and older. Part of this group consists of individuals
      who have aged with chronic HIV infection, but a large proportion also results
      from new HIV diagnosis, with approximately 17% of new HIV diagnoses in 2013
      occurring in individuals aged 50 and older. Although many of the recommendations
      on management of HIV infection are not age-specific, individuals with HIV aged 50
      and older differ from their younger counterparts in many aspects, including
      immune response to antiretroviral therapy, multimorbidity, antiretroviral
      toxicities, and diagnostic considerations. This article outline these
      differences, offers a strategy on how to care for this unique population, and
      provides special considerations for problem-based management of individuals with
      HIV aged 50 and older.

PMID- 27682474
TI  - Sevoflurane-Induced Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Contributes to Neuroapoptosis
      and BACE-1 Expression in the Developing Brain: The Role of eIF2alpha.
AB  - Neonatal exposure to volatile anesthetics causes apoptotic neurodegeneration in
      the developing brain, possibly leading to neurocognitive deficits in adulthood.
      Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress might be associated with sevoflurane (sevo)
      induced neuroapoptosis. However, the signaling pathway regulating sevo-induced
      neuroapoptosis is not understood. We investigated the effects of neonatal sevo
      exposure on ER signaling pathway activation. Seven-day-old mouse pups were
      divided into control (C) and sevo (S; 3 % sevo exposure, 6 h) groups. ER stress
      marker [protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK), eukaryotic translation
      initiation factor 2alpha (eIF2alpha), activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4),
      CHOP, and caspase-12] levels were determined by western blotting. To understand
      the role of eIF2alpha in sevo-induced ER stress and caspase-3 activation, pups
      were pretreated with an eIF2alpha dephosphorylation inhibitor, salubrinal, and a
      potent and selective inhibitor of PERK, GSK2656157, before sevo exposure, and the
      effects on ER stress signaling and neuroapoptosis were examined. We investigated
      whether neonatal exposure to sevo increased beta-site APP-cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE
      1) expression. Neonatal sevo exposure elevated caspase-3 activation. ER stress
      signaling was activated, along with increased PERK and eIF2alpha phosphorylation,
      and upregulation of proapoptotic proteins (ATF4 and CHOP) in the cerebral cortex
      of the developing brain. Pretreatment with salubrinal augmented sevo-induced
      eIF2alpha phosphorylation, which inhibited ER stress-mediated ATF4 and caspase-3
      activation. Inhibition of PERK phosphorylation due to GSK2656157 pretreatment
      reduced the sevo-induced increase in eIF2alpha phosphorylation. Sevo increased
      BACE-1 expression, which was attenuated by GSK2656157 and salubrinal
      pretreatment. Our data suggested that neonatal sevo exposure-induced
      neuroapoptosis is mediated via the PERK-eIF2alpha-ATF4-CHOP axis of the ER stress
      signaling pathway. Modulation of eIF2alpha phosphorylation may play a key role in
      sevo-induced neurotoxicity in the developing brain.

PMID- 27682479
TI  - [Promoting the innovation and development of occupational health work with joint
      efforts].

PMID- 27682478
TI  - Differences in vector-genome processing and illegitimate integration of non
      integrating lentiviral vectors.
AB  - A variety of mutations in lentiviral vector expression systems have been shown to
      generate a non-integrating phenotype. We studied a novel 12 base-pair U3-long
      terminal repeats (LTR) integrase (IN) attachment site deletion (U3-LTR att site)
      mutant and found similar physical titers to the previously reported IN catalytic
      core mutant IN/D116N. Both mutations led to a greater than two log reduction in
      vector integration; with IN/D116N providing lower illegitimate integration
      frequency, whereas the U3-LTR att site mutant provided a higher level of
      transgene expression. The improved expression of the U3-LTR att site mutant could
      not be explained solely based on an observed modest increase in integration
      frequency. In evaluating processing, we noted significant differences in
      unintegrated vector forms, with the U3-LTR att site mutant leading to a
      predominance of 1-LTR circles. The mutations also differed in the manner of
      illegitimate integration. The U3-LTR att site mutant vector demonstrated IN
      mediated integration at the intact U5-LTR att site and non-IN-mediated
      integration at the mutated U3-LTR att site. Finally, we combined a variety of
      mutations and modifications and assessed transgene expression and integration
      frequency to show that combining modifications can improve the potential clinical
      utility of non-integrating lentiviral vectors.

PMID- 27682480
TI  - [The role of transforming growth factor-beta1/connective tissue growth factor
      signaling pathway in paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the effects of Paraquat on human embryonic lung
      fibroblasts (MRC5) and explore the role of transforming growth factor
      beta1/connective tissue growth factor signaling pathway in paraquat-induced
      pulmonary fibrosis. Methods: MRC5 cells were cultured with different
      concentration of PQ (0, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, 200, 400 MUmol/L) for 24 h. The
      viability of cells was measured by MTT. The protein level of TGF-beta1 were
      analyzed by ELISA after PQ treatment (0, 25, 50, 100 MUmol/L) . To examine
      whether TGF-beta1/CTGF signaling pathway was involved in paraquat-induced
      cytotoxicity, cells was divided into 6 groups: (1) control; (2) 25 MUmol/L PQ
      group; (3) 50 MUmol/L PQ group; (4) 100 MUmol/L PQ group; (5) TGF-beta1 positive
      control group (50 MUmol/L rhTGF-beta1) ; (6) stimulate group (100 MUmol/L PQ+50
      MUmol/L TGF-beta1) . The protein levels of p-Smad2, p-Smad3 and CTGF were assayed
      by western blot. The mRNA level of CTGF was assayed by real time RT-PCR. Results:
      MTT showed that cell viability decreased with increasing PQ concentration
      (P<0.05) . The protein expression of TGF-beta1 treated with PQ (25, 50, 100
      MUmol/L) significantly increased compared with control in a dose-independent
      manner (P<0.05) . Exposure to PQ (25, 50, 100 MUmol/L) induced increase of
      protein levels of p-Smad2 and p-Smad3. Noteworthy, the expression of p-Smad2 and
      p-Smad3 were dramatically increased following PQ plus TGF-beta1 stimulation
      (P<0.05) . Exposure to PQ (50, 100MUmol/L) induced increase of CTGF protein
      expression and similar greatly increase following PQ plus TGF-beta1 stimulation
      (P<0.05) . Real time RT-PCR showed CTGF mRNA in all groups also significantly up
      regulated compared with control (P<0.05) . Conclusion: TGF-beta1 regulates the
      expression of target gene CTGF to exhibit its pro-fibrogenic effects by
      activating TGF-beta1/Smad signaling pathway in PQ-induced pulmonary fibrosis.

PMID- 27682481
TI  - [The role of BDNF pathway in lambda-cyhalothrin disrupting the promotion of
      17beta-Estradiol on Post-synaptic Density 95 protein expression in HT22 cell].
AB  - Objective: To explore the effect of BDNF pathway on lambda-cyhalothrin
      interfering estrogen promoting the expression of PSD95 in hippocampus neurons.
      Methods: HT22 cell line were used to, treating with lambda-cyhalothrin (LCT, 50
      MUmol/L) , 17beta-Estradiol (E2, 10 nmol/L) , LCT (50 MUmol/L) +TrkB FC (20
      MUg/ml) , E2 (10 nmol/L) +TrkB FC (20 MUg/ml) , LCT (50 MUmol/L) +ICI182 780 (1
      MUmol/L) , E2 (10 nmol/L) + ICI182 780 (1 MUmol/L) , LCT (50 MUmol/L) +E2 (10
      nmol/L) for 24 h. MTT kit was used to detect cell viability. Post-synaptic
      Density 95 protein expression was measured by western blot. ELISA assay was used
      to detect the level of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) of culture
      supernatant and cell. Results: Campared to Sham, LCT or E2 could promote the
      expression of PSD95 LCT+ICI could reduce the expresion of BDNF (P<0.05) ,
      campared to LCT, LCT+TrkB FC could reduce the expression of PSD95 and LCT+ICI
      cound reduce the expresion of BDNF (P<0.05) , campared to E2, E2+TrkB FC could
      reduce the expression of PSD95 and E2+ICI could reduce the expression of BDNF
      (P<0.05) , campared to E2, LCT+ E2 could reduce the expression of PSD95 and BDNF
      (P<0.05) . Conclusion: BDNF pathway plays a key role in E2 promoting the
      expression of PSD95 in neural cells. Although LCT alone has a similar effect on
      E2. LCT could disrupt the promotion of E2 on PSD95 expression via BDNF pathway.

PMID- 27682482
TI  - [Application of benchmark dose on renal injury in people chronically exposed to
      lead].
AB  - Objective: To screen sensitive indicators of renal injury in lead workers using
      benchmark dose method. Methods: Of the 486 subjects,116 did not occupationally
      contact to lead as a control. The blood lead was considered as exposure
      biomarker, while Ubeta2-MG and UNAG as effect biomarkers for renal injury. The
      BMD and BMDL of blood lead were estimated at the 10% benchmark response using
      BMDS Version 2.6. Results: There was statistical rise in blood lead between the
      lead group and control group (P<0.05) ; and the blood lead level was divided into
      four groups by quarterback spacing method, among which UNAG was statistically
      different (P<0.05) . There was an increased prevalence of abnormal rates of
      Ubeta2-MG and UNAG with increasing blood lead concentration (P<0.05) , after
      trend chi-square test. BMD and BMDL of UNAG and Ubeta2-MG were 602.784/431.838
      MUg/L and 130.398/100.981 MUg/L caculated by Log-Probit model, respectively.
      Conclusions: Occupational lead exposure may cause kidney damage, and UNAG could
      be as a more sensitive marker for monitoring early renal injury than Ubeta2-MG.

PMID- 27682483
TI  - [Mental health research for new nurse during the standardized training period].
AB  - Objective: To explore the mental health status for new nurse during the
      standardization training period and provide scientific basis for managers to
      formulate corresponding measures. Methods: Using eysenck personality
      questionnaire (EPQ) and symptom self-assessment scale (SCL-90) , understanding
      social support scale (PSSS) , trait coping style questionnaire (TCSQ) and other
      standardized psychological assessment tools and self designed general situation
      questionnaire, 141 nurses in our hospital before rotary department and 1 year
      later accepted the questionnaire survey while the control group accepted the same
      questionnaire. Results: Compared with before rotary department and the control
      group, the forced, anxiety and interpersonal sensitivity factor increased
      significantly in SCL-90 for rotary nurse and the differences were significant
      statistical significance (P<0.05) ; Pearson correlation analysis showed rotary
      nurse SCL-90 forcing factor scores and EPQ-E dimension scores, TCSQ negative
      coping scores were positively correlated (P<0.05; r1=0.537; r2=0.407; r3=0.701) ,
      and were negatively correlated with EPQ-E dimension scores, PSSS scores and TCSQ
      active responding score (P<0.05; r1=-0.621; r2=-0.671; r3=-0.312) ; Anxiety was
      positively correlated with EPQ-N, PSSS scores and TCSQ negative responding score
      (P<0.05; r1=0.607; r2=0.409; r3=0.764) , was negatively correlated with EPQ-E
      dimension scores, PSSS scores and TCSQ positive responding score (P<0.05; r1=
      0.569; r2=-0.723; r3= -0.418) ; Interpersonal sensitivity factor score was
      positively correlated with EPQ-N, P dimension scores and TCSQ negative coping
      scores (P<0.05; r1=0.611; r2=0.687; r3=0.773) , was negatively correlated with
      EPQ-E dimension scores, PSSS scores and TCSQ active responding score (P<0.05; r1=
      0.506; r2=-0.693; r3=-0.307) . Conclusion: Rotary nurse mental health status was
      significantly lower than non-rotary nurse.Insufficient social support, negative
      coping style and instability personality characteristics are the main risk
      factors to affect the rotation nurses mental health.

PMID- 27682484
TI  - [Somewhere in tertiary hospital clinical laboratory in pursuance of personnel
      sharp injury incidence status investigation and relative factor analysis].
AB  - Objective: Investigation in tertiary hospital clinical laboratory in pursuance of
      the current state of the sharp injury incidence and influencing factors, analyze
      the causes and discuss the control strategy. Methods: Application of cross
      sectional survey method, according to the unified investigation questionnaire
      investigation, with chi-square test and the multi-factor Logistic regression
      analysis methods to analyze research data. Results: The work environment exit
      contact with injection needles, glass and other sharps, contact with noise,
      contact with chemicals, contact the patient's blood and other biological
      specimens, high-risk groups, the patient and family to negative emotions, by
      patients and their families complain or abuse related influencing factors. In the
      organization and management factors, in order to work strength is insufficient
      for the most dissatisfied, protective equipment, medical staff personal cognitive
      factors of occupational exposure, failing to abide by the medical care standard
      operation and high incidence after exposure to failed to report. Somewhere in
      tertiary hospital clinical laboratory in pursuance of the incidence of sharps
      injuries associated with five factors: different jobs, working strength,
      protective equipment perfect or not, sharp instrument use and disposal of medical
      wastes. Conclusion: Tertiary hospital clinical laboratory in pursuance of the
      incidence of sharp injury related to many factors, Hospitals should formulate
      corresponding rules and regulations, improve the working environment, the
      standard safety operation, reduced the incidence of sharps injuries.

PMID- 27682485
TI  - [An analysis of the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of acute
      poisoning patients in a general hospital].
AB  - Objective: To analyze the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of acute
      poisoning patients in a general hospital, then to provide a reference for the
      prevention and treatment of acute poisoning in the future. Methods: A
      retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 660 patients with acute
      poisoning admitted in emergency medical center of the First Affiliated Hospital
      of Wenzhou Medical University from July 2009 to May 2015. Results: More men than
      women in 660 cases with acute poisoning(the ratio of male to female was 1.36?1) ;
      >=30 years old was the high incidence age (78.79%) ; The top occupation was
      farmers (39.70%) ; Most were life poisoning (88.18%) , suicide was the main
      reason (62.42%) especially happened in women, and the main cause of suicide was
      family conflicts; Toxic species dominated by pesticide (67.58%) , most were
      severe poisoning (81.82%) ; The top two pesticide poisoning were organic
      phosphorus and paraquat, and the proportion of blood purification in paraquat was
      significantly higher (chi2=105.21, P=0.00) ; There were 212 cases with organ
      dysfunction, main were pesticide poisoning patients, and the proportionof organ
      dysfunction in paraquat was significantly higher than the rest allpesticide
      poisoning (chi2=45.09, P=0.00) ; The general fatal rate of acute poisoning was
      2.27%, and the proportion in paraquat poisoning was .higher than the rest
      pesticide poisoning who were death and give up when discharged (chi2=56.83,
      P=0.00) . Conclusion: The focus of acute poisoning in the general hospital is
      still pesticide (especially organic phosphorus and paraquat) , and most were
      severe poisoning.

PMID- 27682486
TI  - [Research on the therapeutic effects of drugs on patients with pneumoconiosis in
      China].
AB  - Objective: To review the clinical research on the main drugs which are used to
      treat pneumoconiosis in China, evaluate and analyze the efficacy, and give the
      suggestions on the study of pneumoconiosis treatment. Methods: The data of
      researches on the therapeutic effects of eight main drugs on patients with
      pneumoconiosis in China were retrieved from CNKI and Wanfang database before Jan.
      1, 2016 including polyvinylpyridine, tetrandrine, piperaquine phosphate,
      hydroxypiperaquine phosphate, aluminium citrate, Xinin, Xifeining and N-acetyl
      cysteine (NAC) after consulting the related project files on the clinical
      treatment on the patients with pneumoconiosis, and a systematic analysis was made
      on the random control test (RCT) which conformed to the quality criteria in terms
      of five indices such as the improvement rate of respiratory system symptoms such
      as cough, expectoration, chest pain and dyspnea, the decrease of the respiratory
      system infection rate, the changes in FEV1.0% (forced expired volume in one
      second to forced vital capacity ratio) (DeltaFEV1.0%) , index of stability and
      improvement rate of chest X-ray, and adverse reactions as well as the summary of
      descriptive efficacy. Results: Nine RCTs in the 15 papers were included; 2 097
      patients with pneumoconiosis were included with 1215 in the treatment group and
      882 in the control group. The medication modes were divided into four categories,
      monotherapy (such as polyvinylpyridine, hydroxypiperaquine phosphate, Xifeining
      and Xinin) , combination of tetrandrine with other drugs, hydroxypiperaquine
      phosphate and aluminium citrate, and lung lavage (added medications) ; the
      analysis indicated that the patients in the treatment group were obviously
      superior to those in the control group in terms of the improvement rate of
      respiratory system symptoms, the decrease rate of the respiratory tract
      infection, DeltaFEV1.0%, the improvement rate of shadows as indicated in the X
      ray chest film and the index of stability (P<0.01) ; after the mean values of the
      control group were deducted, the improvement rate of symptoms of the respiratory
      system within the treatment period of the patients with pneumoconiosis increased
      by 34.6% (95% CI 32.9%, 36.3%) in average, the mean value of the decrease in the
      respiratory tract infection rate was 26.0% (95% CI 24.0%, 28.0%) , the mean value
      of DeltaFEV1.0% was 4.08 (95% CI 3.56, 4.60) , the improvement rate in X-ray
      chest film increased by 8.80% (95% CI 8.55%, 9.05%) in average, and the index of
      stability in the X-ray chest film increased by 10.6% (95% CI 9.18%, 12.0%) ; one
      way analysis of variance indicated the presence of statistical difference in
      terms of efficacy of four categories of medication modes (Fthe improvement rate
      of symptoms of the respiratory system=482.2, P<0.01; Fthe decrease in the
      respiratory tract infection rate=72.01, P<0.01; FDeltaFEV1.0%=246.6, P<0.01; Fthe
      index of stability in the X-ray chest film=212.9, P<0.01; Fthe improvement rate
      of X-ray chest film=466.6, P<0.01) . Conclusion: Drugs such as polyvinylpyridine,
      tetrandrine, hydroxypiperaquine phosphate, aluminium citrate, Xinin, Xifeining
      and NAC have some efficacy in the treatment of pneumoconiosis. It is suggested
      that, in accordance with the mechanism of pneumosilicosis onset and the action
      mechanism of drugs and on the basis of the research on the traditional drugs, the
      latest clinical study results and the management experiences on the idiopathic
      pulmonary interstitial fibrosis be constantly traced and borrowed to strengthen
      the research on the drugs which are used to treat the pneumoconiosis and the
      patient health management.

PMID- 27682487
TI  - [Health status of dust-exposed workers in a precision casting enterprise].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the health status of workers exposed to zircon sand and
      silica dust in a precision casting enterprise, and to provide a basis for the
      development of prevention and control measures. Methods: Occupational health
      examination, questionnaire survey, and field investigation of occupational health
      were performed for 176 male workers (18 workers in the zirconium dust exposure
      group, 109 in the non-zirconium dust exposure group, and 49 in the non-dust
      exposure group) in a precision casting enterprise, and a statistical analysis was
      performed for the data obtained. Results: Dust and noise were major hazard
      factors for occupational diseases in this enterprise. The abnormal rate of
      physical examination was 71.02%. Compared with the non-zirconium dust exposure
      group, the zirconium dust exposure group had significantly higher detection rates
      of restrictive ventilatory dysfunction, increased immunoglobulin IgE, increased
      alanine aminotransferase, and increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (P<0.05) ;
      compared with the non-dust exposure group, the zirconium dust exposure group had
      a significantly higher detection rate of increased ALP (P<0.05) . Of all workers,
      15 were found to have pneumoconiosis-like changes (11 had pneumoconiosis and 4
      needed observation) , among whom 4 were in the zirconium dust exposure group (3
      had pneumoconiosis and 1 needed observation) and 11 were in the non-zirconium
      dust exposure group (8 had pneumoconiosis and 3 needed observation) . The
      detection rate of pneumoconiosis-like changes showed no significant differences
      between the two groups (20.22% vs 10.09%) . Conclusions: There was a severe dust
      hazard in this enterprise. Inhalation of dust containing zirconium is associated
      with respiratory system injury, especially the development of pneumoconiosis, and
      it may also cause immune dysfunction and liver impairment.

PMID- 27682488
TI  - [Risk factors for pulmonary fibrosis in patients with paraquat poisoning].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the risk factors for pulmonary fibrosis in patients
      with paraquat (PQ) poisoning. Methods: A total of 120 patients with PQ poisoning
      who were admitted from January 2012 to December 2014 were enrolled. According to
      the presence or absence of pulmonary fibrosis, the patients were divided into non
      pulmonary fibrosis group (67 patients) and pulmonary fibrosis group (53 patients)
      . The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score was
      obtained on days 1 and 3 of poisoning. Routine blood test results, blood
      biochemical parameters, and radiological parameters were recorded, and the
      patients with PQ poisoning were followed up for survival and pulmonary fibrosis.
      Results: A total of 39 patients with PQ poisoning died, resulting in a mortality
      rate of 32.5%. There were 53 patients who developed pulmonary interstitial
      fibrosis, yielding an incidence rate of 44.2%. Compared with the non-pulmonary
      fibrosis group, the pulmonary fibrosis group had a significantly higher age, a
      significantly higher dose of PQ, and significantly higher APACHE II scores on
      days 1 and 3 of poisoning (P<0.01) , as well as significantly higher white blood
      cell (WBC) count and neutrophil count on day 1, significantly higher levels of
      urea nitrogen, creatinine, and blood glucose on days 1 and 3, and significantly
      higher activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine
      aminotransferase (ALT) (P<0.01) . The logistic regression analysis showed that
      the dose of PQ, WBC count and neutrophil count on day 1, APACHE II scores on days
      1 and 3 of poisoning, levels of urea nitrogen, creatinine, and blood glucose, and
      activities of AST and ALT were associated with the development of pulmonary
      fibrosis in patients with PQ poisoning. Conclusion: Oral dose of PQ, APACHE II
      scores on days 1 and 3 of poisoning, levels of urea nitrogen, creatinine, and
      blood glucose, activities of AST and ALT, and WBC count and neutrophil count on
      day 1 are risk factors for pulmonary fibrosis in patients with paraquat
      poisoning.

PMID- 27682489
TI  - [Influencing factors for trauma-induced tibial infection in underground coal
      mine].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the influencing factors for trauma-induced tibial
      infection in underground coal mine. Methods: A retrospective analysis was
      performed for the clinical data of 1 090 patients with tibial fracture
      complicated by bone infection who were injured in underground coal mine and
      admitted to our hospital from January 1995 to August 2015, including the type of
      trauma, injured parts, severity, and treatment outcome. The association between
      risk factors and infection was analyzed. Results: Among the 1 090 patients, 357
      had the clinical manifestations of acute and chronic bone infection, 219 had red
      and swollen legs with heat pain, and 138 experienced skin necrosis, rupture, and
      discharge of pus. The incidence rates of tibial infection from 1995 to 2001, from
      2002 to 2008, and from 2009 to 2015 were 31%, 26.9%, and 20.2%, respectively. The
      incidence rate of bone infection in the proximal segment of the tibia was
      significantly higher than that in the middle and distal segments (42.1% vs
      18.9%/27.1%, P<0.01) . As for patients with different types of trauma (Gustilo
      typing) , the patients with type III fracture had a significantly higher
      incidence rate of bone infection than those with type I/II infection (52.8% vs
      21.8%/24.6%, P<0.01) . The incidence rates of bone infection after bone traction,
      internal fixation with steel plates, fixation with external fixator, and fixation
      with intramedullary nail were 20.7%, 43.5%, 21.4%, and 26.1%, respectively,
      suggesting that internal fixation with steel plates had a significantly higher
      incidence rate of bone infection than other fixation methods (P<0.01) . The
      multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the position of tibial
      fracture and type of fracture were independent risk factors for bone infection.
      Conclusion: There is a high incidence rate of trauma-induced tibial infection in
      workers in underground coal mine. The position of tibial fracture and type of
      fracture are independent risk factors for bone infection. Vacuum sealing drainage
      and Ilizarov technique can achieve a satisfactory therapeutic effect.

PMID- 27682490
TI  - [The expression of serum miRNAs in pneumoconiosis complicated with pulmonary
      tuberculosis patients].
AB  - Objective: To inquiry the changes of serum miRNAs expression in pneumoconiosis
      complicated with pulmonary tuberculosis patients. Methods: The study subjects
      (all subjects are male) were divided into three groups: Istage pneumoconiosis (38
      cases) ,Pneumoconiosis complicated with pulmonary tuberculosis (12 cases) and
      healthy control (40cases) . The first two groups come from Tianjin worker's
      sanatorium and healthy control group came from a Hospital Health Screening
      Center. RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression levels of miR-21, miR-200c, miR
      16, miR-204, miR-206, miR-155, let-7g, miR-30b, miR-192, miR-29a in serum.
      Results: Compared with the healthy control group, the expression levels of miR
      204, miR-206, miR-21, miR-16, miR-29a, miR-155, miR-200c in other two groups are
      different (P<0.05) ; Compared with the Istage pneumoconiosis, the expression
      levels of miR-155 is significantly higher (P<0.05) and miR-29a is significantly
      lower (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Compared with the Istage pneumoconiosis, the
      expression levels of miR-155 and miR-29a are significantly different, suggesting
      that these two miRNAs may play a important role in the process of pneumoconiosis
      complicated with pulmonary tuberculosis.

PMID- 27682491
TI  - [Hospital costs and related influencing factors in patients with acute
      poisoning].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the hospital costs and related influencing factors in
      patients with acute poisoning. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed
      for the general status and hospital costs of 373 patients with acute poisoning
      who were admitted to The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical College
      from January 2009 to March 2015. The questionnaires were completed, the data were
      entered into Excel forms, and SPSS 18.0 was used to perform statistical analysis.
      Results: Among the 373 patients, 44.8% committed suicide and 31.1% were poisoned
      by accidental contact; 42.6% were poisoned by pesticides, and 32.7% were poisoned
      by drugs. After treatment, 64.1% achieved improvements, whereas 1.3% died. The
      highest hospital cost reached 62 710.26 RMB, and the lowest was 64.64 RMB (median
      4 328 RMB) . The patients with an older age and a longer length of hospital stay
      tended to have higher hospital costs; the patients who underwent catharsis,
      mechanical ventilation, and blood purification and were admitted to the intensive
      care unit had relatively high hospital costs. Conclusion: The patients with acute
      poisoning have high hospital costs. Poisoning caused by pesticides and drugs
      should be prevented and treated with priority, so as to reduce the heavy economic
      burden caused by acute poisoning.

PMID- 27682492
TI  - [Changes of microRNAs profiling in mesothelial cells exposed to multi-walled
      carbon nanotubes].
AB  - Objective: To explore the cytotoxicities of MWCNT to the mesothelial cells and
      screen the changes of microRNA profile after exposure to MWCNT. Methods: A LDH
      method was used to test the cytotoxicities of MWCNT to MeT-5A cell lines. And
      then the differentially expressed miRNAs between mesothelioma cells and normal
      mesothelial cells were selected from previous work of research group. Among the
      significant expression changed miRNAs, 5 were verified by RT-qPCR in mesothelioma
      cells. The same five ones were further tested in MeT-5A cells exposed to 10
      MUg/cm2 MWCNT for 8, 24, 48, 72 h by RT-qPCR. Target genes of 5 miRNAs were
      predicted using Targetscan and miRanda softwares. David6.7 was used to perform GO
      enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis of target genes. All the data were analyzed
      by one-way ANOVA and Dunnett-T test in SPSS17.0. Results: After 24 h exposure to
      MWCNT, cell proliferation was significantly suppressed at more than 20 MUg/cm2
      concentration. Among the differentially expressed miRNAs, 5 were chosen to
      further vestified, namely hsa-miR-155 (up-regulated) , hsa-miR-30 d-5p, hsa-miR
      34c-5p, hsa-miR-28-5p and hsa-miR-324-5p (down-regulated) , which were consistent
      with the miRNA array results. The 5 miRNAs also had the same expression changes
      in MeT-5A cells after exposure to 10 MUg/cm2 MWCNT for different time periods.
      The potential target genes of the 5 miRNAs may be AKAP13, CCND3, Twist and E
      Cadherin, which mainly involved in TGF-beta signal pathway, small cell lung
      cancer, etc. Conclusion: MWCNT could induce to MeT-5A cells, and also cause miRNA
      expression changes. The differential changed miRNAs may involve in cancer related
      signal pathways.

PMID- 27682494
TI  - [Clinical features of acute severe ammonia poisoning and its respiratory
      sequelae].

PMID- 27682493
TI  - [Clinical effect of compound monoammonium glycyrrhizinate combined with dandelion
      in treatment of acute paraquat poisoning].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the clinical effect of compound monoammonium
      glycyrrhizinate combined with dandelion in the treatment of acute paraquat
      poisoning. Methods: A total of 80 patients with acute paraquat poisoning who were
      admitted to our hospital were enrolled as study subjects and randomly divided
      into routine treatment group (38 patients) and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)
      group (42 patients) . The patients in the TCM group were given compound
      monoammonium glycyrrhizinate and dandelion in addition to the treatment in the
      control group. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) , total bilirubin (TBil) ,
      blood urea nitrogen (BUN) , creatinine (Cr) , and arterial blood lactate (Lac)
      and partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) during different time periods on day 3, 7,
      and 9 of treatment were observed in both groups, and ulceration of oral mucosa,
      pulmonary fibrosis, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) , and mortality
      were compared between the two groups. Results: On days 3, 7, and 9 of treatment,
      the routine treatment group had significantly higher serum ALT, TBil, BUN, Cr,
      and arterial blood Lac than the TCM group. The routine treatment group had
      significantly lower arterial blood PaO2 than the TCM group, while the TCM group
      had significantly lower incidence rates of ulceration of oral mucosa, pulmonary
      fibrosis, and MODS and a significantly lower mortality rate than the routine
      treatment group (P<0.05) . Conclusion: In the treatment of patients with acute
      paraquat poisoning, compound monoammonium glycyrrhizinate combined with dandelion
      can effectively improve organ function, reduce the incidence of pulmonary
      fibrosis and MODS, improve the healing rate of oral ulcer, improve prognosis, and
      reduce mortality rate.

PMID- 27682495
TI  - [Solicosis with one micorscopic polyangitis case complicated].

PMID- 27682496
TI  - [Nursing care of 13 cases of thumb reconstruction with acute occupational hand
      injury].

PMID- 27682497
TI  - [A case report of chromate manufacturing workers with lung cancer].

PMID- 27682498
TI  - [One case of eyes contact methanol induced toxic eyes disease].

PMID- 27682499
TI  - [<<Technical specification for occupational health surveillance>>problems
      encountereal in the application].

PMID- 27682500
TI  - [The wle of high mobility group protein B1(HMGB-1) on inflammatony responese and
      pulmonary fibrosis induced by silica dusty].

PMID- 27682501
TI  - [Advances in detection methods for pyrethroid insecticides and their metabolites
      in human biological samples of human].

PMID- 27682502
TI  - [Summary of studies on carcinogenicity of 1-bromopropane].

PMID- 27682503
TI  - The Solvent-Exposed C-Terminus of the Cytolysin A Pore-Forming Toxin Directs Pore
      Formation and Channel Function in Membranes.
AB  - Pore-forming toxins (PFTs) bind to cell membranes and form nanoscale pores that
      allow leakage of cellular components, resulting in cell death. The water-soluble,
      monomeric form of these toxins shows a dramatic conformational change during pore
      formation, as exemplified by crystal structures of the monomer and functional
      pore of cytolysin A (ClyA). The solvent-exposed, C-terminal residues of the
      protein are essential for activity, but the mechanism by which this region
      regulates pore formation remains unknown. We show here that deletion of the C
      terminus of ClyA did not alter its ability to bind to the membrane or oligomerize
      in detergent. However, the truncated toxin lysed erythrocytes poorly, was more
      susceptible to proteolysis and thermal unfolding, and showed low calcein leakage
      from small unilamellar vesicles. Using fully atomistic molecular dynamics (MD)
      simulations, we find that deletion of C-terminal residues from the ClyA monomer
      significantly altered stability and unfolding trajectories in the transmembrane N
      terminal helix, a region that is pivotal in maintaining the structural integrity
      of the helical bundle. MD simulations of pores with or without the C-terminus
      showed minor differences, implying that if oligomerization could be induced prior
      to the addition to vesicles, then an active pore could be generated. Via
      generation of oligomers in a detergent prior to the addition to vesicles, the
      truncated toxin could induce calcein leakage from vesicles, albeit to a lower
      extent. Therefore, regions of pore-forming toxins, not directly involved in the
      pore structure, are not passive players but have important roles in undergoing
      the transition through intermediary steps leading to successful pore formation in
      a membrane environment.

PMID- 27682504
TI  - Optic nerve head slope-based quantitative parameters for identifying open-angle
      glaucoma on SPECTRALIS OCT images.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate monitoring slope-based features of the optic nerve head
      (ONH) cup as open-angle glaucoma (OAG) occurs. METHOD: A dataset of 46
      retrospective OCT cases was acquired from the SPECTRALIS Heidelberg Engineering
      OCT device. A set of five parameters, which are based on the ONH cup-incline, are
      measured on the OAG and normal subjects in the dataset. Then, three new ONH cup
      shape indices were deduced. The ONH cup-incline parameters and ONH cup-shape
      indices are analyzed to estimate their clinical value. RESULTS: The statistical
      difference between measurements on normal and glaucoma eyes was remarkably
      significant for all of the analyzed parameters and indices (p value < 0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: The geometric shape of the ONH cup can be transferred to numerical
      parameters and indices. The proposed ONH cup-incline parameters and ONH cup-shape
      indices have shown suggestive clinical value to identify the development of OAG.
      As OAG appears, the top ONH cup-incline parameters decrease while the bottom ONH
      cup-incline parameters increase. The ONH cup-shape indices suggest capability to
      discriminate OAG from normal eyes.

PMID- 27682505
TI  - Magnetic Circular Dichroism Evidence for an Unusual Electronic Structure of a
      Tetracarbene-Oxoiron(IV) Complex.
AB  - In biology, high valent oxo-iron(IV) species have been shown to be pivotal
      intermediates for functionalization of C-H bonds in the catalytic cycles of a
      range of O2-activating iron enzymes. This work details an electronic-structure
      investigation of [FeIV(O)(LNHC)(NCMe)]2+ (LNHC = 3,9,14,20-tetraaza-1,6,12,17
      tetraazoniapenta-cyclohexacosane-1(23),4,6(26),10,12(25),15,17(24),21-octaene,
      complex 1) using helium tagging infrared photodissociation (IRPD), absorption,
      and magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) spectroscopy, coupled with DFT and highly
      correlated wave function based multireference calculations. The IRPD spectrum of
      complex 1 reveals the Fe-O stretching vibration at 832 +/- 3 cm-1. By analyzing
      the Franck-Condon progression, we can determine the same vibration occurring at
      616 +/- 10 cm-1 in the E(dxy -> dxz,yz) excited state. Both values are similar to
      those measured for [FeIV(O)(TMC)(NCMe)]2+ (TMC = 1,4,8,11-tetramethyl-1,4,8,11
      tetraazacyclotetradecane). The low-temperature MCD spectra of complex 1 exhibit
      three pseudo A-term signals around 12 500, 17 000, and 24 300 cm-1. We can
      unequivocally assign them to the ligand field transitions of dxy -> dxz,yz,
      dxz,yz -> dz2, and dxz,yz -> dx2-y2, respectively, through direct calculations of
      MCD spectra and independent determination of the MCD C-term signs from the
      corresponding electron donating and accepting orbitals. In comparison with the
      corresponding transitions observed for [FeIV(O) (SR-TPA)(NCMe)]2+ (SR-TPA =
      tris(3,5-dimethyl-4-methoxypyridyl-2-methy)amine), the excitations within the
      (FeO)2+ core of complex 1 have similar transition energies, whereas the
      excitation energy for dxz,yz -> dx2-y2 is significantly higher (~12 000 cm-1 for
      [FeIV(O)(SR-TPA)(NCMe)]2+). Our results thus substantiate that the tetracarbene
      ligand (LNHC) of complex 1 does not significantly affect the bonding in the
      (FeO)2+ unit but strongly destabilizes the dx2-y2 orbital to eventually lift it
      above dz2. As a consequence, this unusual electron configuration leads to an
      unprecedentedly larger quintet-triplet energy separation for complex 1, which
      largely rules out the possibility that the H atom transfer reaction may take
      place on the quintet surface and hence quenches two-state reactivity. The
      resulting mechanistic implications are discussed.

PMID- 27682506
TI  - Clinical characteristics of canine fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy (FCE): a
      systematic review of 393 cases (1973-2013).
AB  - Fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy (FCE) is common in dogs; however, there is
      conflicting information in the veterinary literature regarding clinical
      characteristics and data on recovery in severe cases is sparse. A systematic
      review of canine FCE was performed to delineate the natural history of this
      disease. 322 previously reported cases and 71 previously unreported cases were
      identified for inclusion. Source publications were identified via PubMed central
      search and by references from review articles. Previously unreported cases were
      identified via computerised medical records search at two veterinary
      institutions. FCE was most common in middle-aged large breed dogs (30 per cent);
      however, the miniature schnauzer was the most frequently reported individual
      breed and small breeds comprised 24 per cent of all reported cases. The most
      common neuroanatomical localisation was a T3-L3 myelopathy (33.1 per cent).
      Prognosis for recovery of ambulation was good to excellent with 85 per cent of
      cases regaining the ability to walk unassisted, most within 3 weeks. Persistent
      neurological deficits were common in patients that recovered ambulation (49.1 per
      cent). When nociception was absent in the affected limbs at initial presentation,
      rate of recovery was lower (10 per cent); however, this data is likely biased by
      limited follow-up in more severe cases. Future prospective studies should
      evaluate prognosis for more severely affected patients.

PMID- 27682508
TI  - Preparing for the unpredictable: The continuing need for pandemic influenza
      preparedness.

PMID- 27682507
TI  - Discovery of a Potent and Selective in Vivo Probe (GNE-272) for the Bromodomains
      of CBP/EP300.
AB  - The single bromodomain of the closely related transcriptional regulators
      CBP/EP300 is a target of much recent interest in cancer and immune system
      regulation. A co-crystal structure of a ligand-efficient screening hit and the
      CBP bromodomain guided initial design targeting the LPF shelf, ZA loop, and
      acetylated lysine binding regions. Structure-activity relationship studies
      allowed us to identify a more potent analogue. Optimization of permeability and
      microsomal stability and subsequent improvement of mouse hepatocyte stability
      afforded 59 (GNE-272, TR-FRET IC50 = 0.02 MUM, BRET IC50 = 0.41 MUM, BRD4(1) IC50
      = 13 MUM) that retained the best balance of cell potency, selectivity, and in
      vivo PK. Compound 59 showed a marked antiproliferative effect in hematologic
      cancer cell lines and modulates MYC expression in vivo that corresponds with
      antitumor activity in an AML tumor model.

PMID- 27682509
TI  - Prevalence of serum neutralizing antibodies to adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) and 41
      (Ad41) in children is associated with age and sanitary conditions.
AB  - Neutralizing antibody (NAb) can dampen the immunogenicity of adenovirus (Ad)
      vector-based vaccine. Vector systems based on human adenovirus type 41 (Ad41)
      have been constructed and used to develop recombinant vaccines. Here, we
      attempted to study the seroprevalence of NAbs to Ad5 and Ad41 among children and
      adults in Qinghai province, China. The positive rates (titer?40) of Ad5 and Ad41
      NAb in adults from Xining city were 75.7% and 94.7%, respectively. The
      moderate/high-positive rates (titer?160) of NAb were quite close between the two
      viruses in adults (70.4% for Ad5 and 73.5% for Ad41). Age-dependent increase of
      NAb seroprevalence was observed for both viruses in children. NAb-positive rate
      of Ad41 reached 50% at 3.3-4.6years of age for children from Chengxi district,
      Xining city, approximately 1.5years earlier than that of Ad5 did. Interestingly,
      NAb level was also associated with sanitary conditions among young children. For
      Ad5, 8-15% children (0.2-3.0years of age) from city or town, where the
      sanitations were relatively better, had moderate/high-positive NAb, while the
      same rate was 62% for children from villages. For Ad41, 22% children from city,
      47% from town and 88% from villages possessed moderate/high-positive NAb. The
      possible influence of NAb titer distributions on the application of Ad41-vectored
      vaccines was discussed in detail. Our results suggested that children from places
      with poor sanitations should be included for comprehensive Ad NAb seroprevalence
      studies, and provided insights to the applications of Ad41 vectors.

PMID- 27682511
TI  - EGS_cbct: Simulation of a fan beam CT and RMI phantom for measured HU
      verification.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: A mathematical 3D model of an existing computed tomography (CT)
      scanner was created and used in the EGSnrc-based BEAMnrc and egs_cbct Monte Carlo
      codes. Simulated transmission dose profiles of a RMI-465 phantom were analysed to
      verify Hounsfield numbers against measured data obtained from the CT scanner.
      METHODS AND MATERIALS: The modelled CT unit is based on the design of a Toshiba
      Aquilion 16 LB CT scanner. As a first step, BEAMnrc simulated the X-ray tube,
      filters, and secondary collimation to obtain phase space data of the X-ray beam.
      A bowtie filter was included to create a more uniform beam intensity and to
      remove the beam hardening effects. In a second step the Interactive Data Language
      (IDL) code was used to build an EGSPHANT file that contained the RMI phantom
      which was used in egs_cbct simulations. After simulation a series of profiles
      were sampled from the detector model and the Feldkamp-Davis-Kress (FDK) algorithm
      was used to reconstruct transversal images. The results were tested against
      measured data obtained from CT scans. RESULTS: The egs_cbct code can be used for
      the simulation of a fan beam CT unit. The calculated bowtie filter ensured a
      uniform flux on the detectors. Good correlation between measured and simulated CT
      numbers was obtained. CONCLUSIONS: In principle, Monte Carlo codes such as
      egs_cbct can model a fan beam CT unit. After reconstruction, the images contained
      Hounsfield values comparable to measured data.

PMID- 27682512
TI  - A Clinical Prediction Algorithm to Stratify Pediatric Musculoskeletal Infection
      by Severity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: There are currently no algorithms for early stratification of
      pediatric musculoskeletal infection (MSKI) severity that are applicable to all
      types of tissue involvement. In this study, the authors sought to develop a
      clinical prediction algorithm that accurately stratifies infection severity based
      on clinical and laboratory data at presentation to the emergency department.
      METHODS: An IRB-approved retrospective review was conducted to identify patients
      aged 0 to 18 who presented to the pediatric emergency department at a tertiary
      care children's hospital with concern for acute MSKI over a 5-year period (2008
      to 2013). Qualifying records were reviewed to obtain clinical and laboratory data
      and to classify in-hospital outcomes using a 3-tiered severity stratification
      system. Ordinal regression was used to estimate risk for each outcome. Candidate
      predictors included age, temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate, C-reactive
      protein (CRP), and peripheral white blood cell count. We fit fully specified (all
      predictors) and reduced models (retaining predictors with a P-value <=0.2).
      Discriminatory power of the models was assessed using the concordance (c)-index.
      RESULTS: Of the 273 identified children, 191 (70%) met inclusion criteria. Median
      age was 5.8 years. Outcomes included 47 (25%) children with inflammation only, 41
      (21%) with local infection, and 103 (54%) with disseminated infection. Both the
      full and reduced models accurately demonstrated excellent performance (full model
      c-index 0.83; 95% confidence interval, 0.79-0.88; reduced model 0.83; 95%
      confidence interval, 0.78-0.87). Model fit was also similar, indicating
      preference for the reduced model. Variables in this model included CRP, pulse,
      temperature, and an interaction term for pulse and temperature. The odds of a
      more severe outcome increased by 30% for every 10 U increase in CRP. CONCLUSIONS:
      Clinical and laboratory data obtained in the emergency department may be used to
      accurately differentiate pediatric MSKI severity. The predictive algorithm in
      this study stratifies pediatric MSKI severity at presentation irrespective of
      tissue involvement and anatomic diagnosis. Prospective studies are needed to
      validate model performance and clinical utility. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II
      prognostic study.

PMID- 27682510
TI  - PDGFRalpha Regulates Follicular Cell Differentiation Driving Treatment Resistance
      and Disease Recurrence in Papillary Thyroid Cancer.
AB  - Dedifferentiation of follicular cells is a central event in resistance to
      radioactive iodine and patient mortality in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). We
      reveal that platelet derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRalpha)
      specifically drives dedifferentiation in PTC by disrupting the transcriptional
      activity of thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF1). PDGFRalpha activation
      dephosphorylates TTF1 consequently shifting the localization of this
      transcription factor from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. TTF1 is required for
      follicular cell development and disrupting its function abrogates thyroglobulin
      production and sodium iodide transport. PDGFRalpha also promotes a more invasive
      and migratory cell phenotype with a dramatic increase in xenograft tumor
      formation. In patient tumors we confirm that nuclear TTF1 expression is inversely
      proportional to PDGFRalpha levels. Patients exhibiting PDGFRalpha at time of
      diagnosis are three times more likely to exhibit nodal metastases and are 18
      times more likely to recur within 5years than those patients lacking PDGFRalpha
      expression. Moreover, high levels of PDGFRalpha and low levels of nuclear TTF1
      predict resistance to radioactive iodine therapy. We demonstrate in SCID
      xenografts that focused PDGFRalpha blockade restores iodide transport and
      decreases tumor burden by >50%. Focused PDGFRalpha inhibitors, combined with
      radioactive iodine, represent an additional avenue for treating patients with
      aggressive variants of PTC.

PMID- 27682513
TI  - A definitive blood test for post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome?

PMID- 27682514
TI  - Hepatocellular Carcinoma With Foamy Histiocyte-Like Component.

PMID- 27682516
TI  - Procalcitonin levels predict identification of bacterial strains in blood
      cultures of septic patients: effect measures of association.

PMID- 27682515
TI  - Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and risk of heart failure in four European
      countries: nested case-control study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the cardiovascular safety of non-steroidal anti
      inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and estimate the risk of hospital admission for heart
      failure with use of individual NSAIDs. DESIGN: Nested case-control study.
      SETTING: Five population based healthcare databases from four European countries
      (the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, and the United Kingdom). PARTICIPANTS: Adult
      individuals (age >=18 years) who started NSAID treatment in 2000-10. Overall, 92
      163 hospital admissions for heart failure were identified and matched with 8 246
      403 controls (matched via risk set sampling according to age, sex, year of cohort
      entry). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Association between risk of hospital admission for
      heart failure and use of 27 individual NSAIDs, including 23 traditional NSAIDs
      and four selective COX 2 inhibitors. Associations were assessed by multivariable
      conditional logistic regression models. The dose-response relation between NSAID
      use and heart failure risk was also assessed. RESULTS: Current use of any NSAID
      (use in preceding 14 days) was found to be associated with a 19% increase of risk
      of hospital admission for heart failure (adjusted odds ratio 1.19; 95% confidence
      interval 1.17 to 1.22), compared with past use of any NSAIDs (use >183 days in
      the past). Risk of admission for heart failure increased for seven traditional
      NSAIDs (diclofenac, ibuprofen, indomethacin, ketorolac, naproxen, nimesulide, and
      piroxicam) and two COX 2 inhibitors (etoricoxib and rofecoxib). Odds ratios
      ranged from 1.16 (95% confidence interval 1.07 to 1.27) for naproxen to 1.83
      (1.66 to 2.02) for ketorolac. Risk of heart failure doubled for diclofenac,
      etoricoxib, indomethacin, piroxicam, and rofecoxib used at very high doses (>=2
      defined daily dose equivalents), although some confidence intervals were wide.
      Even medium doses (0.9-1.2 defined daily dose equivalents) of indomethacin and
      etoricoxib were associated with increased risk. There was no evidence that
      celecoxib increased the risk of admission for heart failure at commonly used
      doses. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of hospital admission for heart failure associated
      with current use of NSAIDs appears to vary between individual NSAIDs, and this
      effect is dose dependent. This risk is associated with the use of a large number
      of individual NSAIDs reported by this study, which could help to inform both
      clinicians and health regulators.

PMID- 27682517
TI  - Diabetes impairs heart mitochondrial function without changes in resting cardiac
      performance.
AB  - Diabetes is a chronic disease associated to a cardiac contractile dysfunction
      that is not attributable to underlying coronary artery disease or hypertension,
      and could be consequence of a progressive deterioration of mitochondrial
      function. We hypothesized that impaired mitochondrial function precedes Diabetic
      Cardiomyopathy. Thus, the aim of this work was to study the cardiac performance
      and heart mitochondrial function of diabetic rats, using an experimental model of
      type I Diabetes. Rats were sacrificed after 28days of Streptozotocin injection
      (STZ, 60mgkg-1, ip.). Heart O2 consumption was declined, mainly due to the
      impairment of mitochondrial O2 uptake. The mitochondrial dysfunction observed in
      diabetic animals included the reduction of state 3 respiration (22%), the decline
      of ADP/O ratio (~15%) and the decrease of the respiratory complexes activities
      (22-26%). An enhancement in mitochondrial H2O2 (127%) and NO (23%) production
      rates and in tyrosine nitration (58%) were observed in heart of diabetic rats,
      with a decrease in Mn-SOD activity (~50%). Moreover, a decrease in contractile
      response (38%), inotropic (37%) and lusitropic (58%) reserves were observed in
      diabetic rats only after a beta-adrenergic stimulus. Therefore, in conditions of
      sustained hyperglycemia, heart mitochondrial O2 consumption and oxidative
      phosphorylation efficiency are decreased, and H2O2 and NO productions are
      increased, leading to a cardiac compromise against a work overload. This
      mitochondrial impairment was detected in the absence of heart hypertrophy and of
      resting cardiac performance changes, suggesting that mitochondrial dysfunction
      could precede the onset of diabetic cardiac failure, being H2O2, NO and ATP the
      molecules probably involved in mitochondrion-cytosol signalling.

PMID- 27682518
TI  - Inhibition of endogenous thioredoxin-1 in the heart of transgenic mice does not
      confer cardioprotection in ischemic postconditioning.
AB  - Thioredoxin-1 maintains the cellular redox status and decreases the infarct size
      in ischemia/reperfusion injury. However, whether the increase of thioredoxin-1
      expression or its lack of activity modifies the protection conferred by ischemic
      postconditioning has not been yet elucidated. The aim was to evaluate if the
      thioredoxin-1 overexpression enhances the posctconditioning protective effect,
      and whether the lack of the activity abolishes the reduction of the infarct size.
      Wild type mice hearts, transgenic mice hearts overexpressing thioredoxin-1, and a
      dominant negative mutant (C32S/C35S) of thioredoxin-1 were used. The hearts were
      subjected to 30min of ischemia and 120min of reperfusion (Langendorff) (I/R
      group) or to postconditioning protocol (PostC group). The infarct size in the Wt
      PostC group decreased in comparison to the Wt-I/R group (54.6+/-2.4 vs. 39.2+/
      2.1%, p<0.05), but this protection was abolished in DN-Trx1-PostC group (49.7+/
      1.1%). The ischemia/reperfusion and postconditioning in mice overexpressing
      thioredoxin-1 reduced infarct size at the same magnitude (35.9+/-2.1 and 38.4+/
      1.3%, p<0.05 vs. Wt-I/R). In Wt-PostC, Trx1-I/R and Trx1- PostC, Akt and GSK3beta
      phosphorylation increased compared to Wt-I/R, without changes in DN-Trx1 groups.
      In conclusion, given that the cardioprotection conferred by thioredoxin-1
      overexpression and postconditioning, is accomplished through the activation of
      the Akt/GSK3beta survival pathway, no synergic effect was evidenced. Thioredoxin
      1 plays a key role in the postconditioning, given that when this protein is
      inactive the cardioprotective mechanism was abolished. Thus, diverse
      comorbidities or situations modifying the thioredoxin activity, could explain the
      absence of this strong mechanism of protection in different clinical situations.

PMID- 27682519
TI  - Influence of P2X receptors on renal medullary circulation is not altered by
      angiotensin II pretreatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Purine P2X and P2Y receptors (P2-R) are involved in control of renal
      circulation, especially in the medulla, wherein they appear to interact with
      angiotensin II (Ang II). Our experimental approach enabled examination of
      interaction with Ang II per se, in the absence of blood pressure elevation. In
      this whole-kidney functional study we focused on the influence of P2X1-R on
      perfusion of the renal medulla. METHODS: Acute experiments were conducted with
      normal rats, untreated or subjected to two weeks' infusion of Ang II (osmotic
      minipumps). Urethane was used for anesthesia because in Ang II-treated rats it
      normalized elevated blood pressure. MRS2159, a P2X1-R inhibitor, was infused
      intravenously or directly into the medulla. Renal blood flow (RBF, Transonic
      renal artery probe), perfusion of the outer and inner medulla (OM-BF, IM-BF;
      laser-Doppler fluxes), and sodium and water excretion and urine osmolality (Uosm)
      were measured. RESULTS: In untreated rats intravenous MRS2159 unexpectedly
      decreased RBF by 12+/-4% (p<0.02) and IM-BF by 7+/-2% (p<0.05). In Ang II
      pretreated rats the inhibitor tended to increase RBF while OM-BF and IM-BF
      increased 14+/-5% and 12+/-2%, respectively (p<0.05 for both). Renal excretion
      was not affected, with or without Ang II treatment, while Uosm increased by about
      150mosmol/kg H2O (p<0.05). Intramedullary MRS2159 increased IM-BF only, by 21+/
      5% in untreated and 16+/-3% in Ang II-treated rats (p<0.04 for both).
      CONCLUSIONS: Tonic activity of P2X1 receptors participates in control of renal
      medullary perfusion and of the tubular processes involved in urine concentration,
      neither effect is modified by Ang II pretreatment.

PMID- 27682520
TI  - X-ray diffraction analysis of spontaneously draining calcinosis in scleroderma
      patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Calcium hydroxyapatite (HA) is reported to be the major constituent
      of soft tissue calcinosis in patients with scleroderma (systemic sclerosis, SSc).
      Mechanical stress and local tissue hypoxia are thought to be important in the
      pathogenesis of SSc calcinosis. We sought to analyse spontaneously draining
      material from calcinosis sites in SSc patients using X-ray diffraction (XRD).
      METHOD: With approval from our local Institutional Review Board (IRB), eligible
      SSc patients consented to submit their spontaneously draining calcinosis samples
      for XRD analysis. All patients met the American College of Rheumatology (ACR)
      criteria for definite SSc. XRD data were used to determine how much solid phase
      was present (e.g. HA vs. other calcium phosphate phases) and the percentage of
      crystalline components. Pertinent clinical data were collected. RESULTS: Draining
      calcinosis was submitted mostly from the hands of 10 female patients with
      advanced SSc, whose mean disease duration was 16 (range 9-29) years; six had
      diffuse cutaneous SSc and four had limited SSc. All 10 developed calcinosis later
      in their disease course; seven had extensive deposits affecting multiple sites.
      XRD confirmed that HA was the only crystalline material. However, HA was the
      minor component and most samples contained more than 50% organic material. Solid
      samples generally contained more HA and fluid samples contained HA in suspension.
      CONCLUSIONS: In this large series of SSc calcinosis analysis, XRD confirmed that
      HA was the only inorganic material that formed less than 50% of most draining
      samples. More research is needed to fully characterize and improve our
      understanding of calcinosis formation in SSc.

PMID- 27682521
TI  - Re: Does Exposure Prediction Bias Health-effect Estimation? The Relationship
      Between Confounding Adjustment and Exposure Prediction.

PMID- 27682522
TI  - Re: Modeling the Effects of E-cigarettes on Smoking Behavior: Implications for
      Future Adult Smoking Prevalence.

PMID- 27682523
TI  - The Authors Respond.

PMID- 27682524
TI  - Commentary: Multiple Causes of Death: The Importance of Substantive Knowledge in
      the Big Data Era.

PMID- 27682526
TI  - Advanced nursing scheme will give recognition where it's due.
AB  - What's your job title? Chances are it's one of the many traditional monikers,
      such as staff nurse, that the profession has used for decades. 

PMID- 27682527
TI  - Funding cuts for CPD put NHS changes in danger.
AB  - Cuts to continuing professional development (CPD) funding for nurses in England
      could jeopardise the transformation of NHS services, academics have warned. 

PMID- 27682525
TI  - Implications of the Definition of an Episode of Care Used in the Comprehensive
      Care for Joint Replacement Model.
AB  - Importance: Under the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CJR) model,
      hospitals are held accountable for nearly all Medicare payments that occur during
      the initial hospitalization until 90 days after hospital discharge (ie, the
      episode of care). It is not known whether unrelated expenditures resulting from
      this "broad" definition of an episode of care will affect participating
      hospitals' average episode-of-care payments. Objective: To compare the CJR
      program's broad definition of an episode of care with a clinically narrow
      definition of an episode of care. Design, Setting, and Participants: We
      identified Medicare claims for 23 251 patients in Michigan who were Medicare
      beneficiaries and who underwent joint replacement during the period from 2011
      through 2013 at hospitals located in metropolitan statistical areas. Using
      specifications from the CJR model and the clinically narrow Hospital Compare
      payment measure, we constructed episodes of care and calculated 90-day episode
      payments. We then compared hospitals' average 90-day episode payments using the 2
      definitions of an episode of care and fit linear regression models to understand
      whether payment differences were associated with specific hospital
      characteristics (average Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services-hierarchical
      condition categories risk score, rural hospital status, joint replacement volume,
      percentage of Medicaid discharges, teaching hospital status, number of beds,
      percentage of joint replacements performed on African American patients, and
      median income of the hospital's county). We performed analyses from July 1
      through October 1, 2015. Main Outcomes and Measures: The correlation and
      difference between average 90-day episode payments using the broad definition of
      an episode of care in the CJR model and the clinically narrow Hospital Compare
      definition of an episode of care. Results: We identified 23 251 joint
      replacements (ie, episodes of care). The 90-day episode payments using the broad
      definition of the CJR model ranged from $17 349 to $29 465 (mean [SD] payment,
      $22 122 [$2600]). Episode payments were slightly lower (mean payment, $21 670)
      when the Hospital Compare definition was used. Both methods were strongly
      correlated (r = 0.99, P < .001). The average payment difference between these 2
      types of episodes of care was small (mean [SD], $452 [$177]; range, $73-$1006).
      In our multivariable analysis, we found that the hospital characteristics
      examined had a minimal impact or no impact on the payment differential.
      Conclusions and Relevance: The average 90-day episode payments determined by both
      definitions of an episode of care were strongly correlated, and there was a small
      payment differential for most hospitals. In the context of joint replacement
      bundled payments, these data suggest that hospital performance will be consistent
      whether a broad or clinically narrow definition of an episode of care is used.

PMID- 27682529
TI  - NHS England launches consultation on acceptable value of gifts to staff.
AB  - Nurses and other NHS staff will not be able to accept gifts worth more than L50
      under new proposals about conflicts of interest. 

PMID- 27682528
TI  - Pedometers.
AB  - Nursing students and trainee midwives at Edinburgh Napier University have been
      given pedometers to boost their health and fitness after research revealed nearly
      70% of nurses in Scotland are overweight. 

PMID- 27682530
TI  - Scheme will accredit advanced-level practice.
AB  - A scheme that offers accreditation to advanced nurse practitioners (ANPs) will be
      soft-launched this autumn, the RCN has revealed. 

PMID- 27682532
TI  - HCAs do 'nursing on the cheap'.
AB  - Healthcare assistants (HCAs) are doing the jobs of nurses without the equivalent
      pay or education, according to a report from Unison. 

PMID- 27682533
TI  - Trust dangles carrot of cheap rent for jobseekers.
AB  - An NHS trust is offering nurse recruits rent-free accommodation in a bid to
      attract 190 band 5 staff. 

PMID- 27682536
TI  - You work in a neglected area of health, NHS chief tells community nurses.
AB  - Community nurses work in an often invisible part of the health service, says the
      head of NHS England. 

PMID- 27682537
TI  - 'We need to step back and say losing the bursary could be the right way to change
      nurse numbers'.
AB  - It will take at least a decade to resolve the staffing crisis in nursing,
      according to a leading academic. 

PMID- 27682538
TI  - Without reporting, FGM remains a hidden crime.
AB  - Though it has been illegal in the UK since 1985, no one has ever been prosecuted
      for FGM. Under laws rolled out last year in England and Wales, nurses, midwives,
      doctors and teachers have a mandatory duty to report FGM cases in under-18s to
      police. 

PMID- 27682541
TI  - End of life care.
AB  - Essential facts In July, the government announced a new commitment to improve end
      of life care in England in response to What's Important to Me: A Review of Choice
      in End of Life Care. 

PMID- 27682542
TI  - Whole brain radiotherapy 'has no effect' in patients whose lung cancer has
      spread.
AB  - Whole brain radiotherapy makes little or no difference to survival rates or
      quality of life in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has
      spread to the brain, say researchers. 

PMID- 27682543
TI  - Exercise can offset the risks associated with alcohol intake.
AB  - Keeping to the weekly recommended level of physical activity may offset some of
      the lethal effects of high alcohol intake, international researchers suggest. 

PMID- 27682544
TI  - Deliver twins at 37 weeks to give them the best chance.
AB  - Twins should be delivered at 37 weeks to minimise stillbirths and newborn deaths,
      say experts who analysed more than 35,000 twin pregnancies. 

PMID- 27682545
TI  - Antipsychotics double risk of pneumonia in Alzheimer's.
AB  - Taking antipsychotic drugs increases the risk of pneumonia in people with
      Alzheimer's disease, say researchers from the University of Eastern Finland. 

PMID- 27682546
TI  - Drug limits heart damage in childhood chemotherapy.
AB  - A cardioprotective drug could help prevent long-term heart damage in children who
      receive chemotherapy, researchers say. 

PMID- 27682547
TI  - From nutrition to co-production.
AB  - 'These three fantastic examples illustrate the breadth of nursing innovation in
      London,' says RCN London regional director Bernell Bussue. 

PMID- 27682548
TI  - Celebrating the nursing degree pioneers.
AB  - In 1961, teenager Sandra McSwein knew what she wanted to do with her life. Coming
      from a medical family, she was sure that nursing was for her. 

PMID- 27682549
TI  - Staffing levels law will bolster the front line.
AB  - Sustaining a sufficient, well-educated nursing workforce that can meet growing
      healthcare needs is an important challenge in many countries. 

PMID- 27682550
TI  - Shaping the future of regulation.
AB  - With the support of government ministers, the NMC can reform its legal framework
      to better reflect the regulator's range of responsibilities. 

PMID- 27682551
TI  - How wages compare.
AB  - In the autumn, the NHS Pay Review Body (RB) will take evidence from government,
      employers and nurses' unions. It will then deliberate before making
      recommendations on what should be a pay rise in April 2017. But as NHS nurses
      know only too well, this supposedly independent system has been compromised by
      top down pay freezes initiated by the Westminster government as part of its
      'austerity' measures. 

PMID- 27682552
TI  - HIV: an integrated approach.
AB  - Last month, the National HIV Nurses Association (NHIVNA) produced guidelines on
      advanced nursing practice in HIV care, endorsed by the RCN. 

PMID- 27682555
TI  - Clinical trial involvement.
AB  - In the past, hospital-based clinical trials were led by principal investigators
      who were either medics or scientists with PhDs or a post-doctoral qualification. 

PMID- 27682556
TI  - Demise of district nursing.
AB  - Your article highlighting problems in district nursing is well overdue (September
      14). 

PMID- 27682557
TI  - Animal magic in tending the sick.
AB  - Most people are given grapes or flowers when they are ill. My friend got a dead
      magpie from her moggie Fergus. 

PMID- 27682558
TI  - Readers' panel - Given the NHS funding crisis, will rationing become the norm?
AB  - Our experts consider a hot topic of the day. 

PMID- 27682560
TI  - Constant Therapy.
AB  - Designed by scientists at Boston University, this speech therapy app aims to
      improve everyday skills, such as speech, memory and focus, for patients
      recovering from a traumatic brain injury or who have aphasia, dementia or a
      speech-language disorder. 

PMID- 27682562
TI  - Student life - When laughter is the best medicine - and when it is not.
AB  - As you progress through your placements, you will witness the extremes of the
      human condition. 

PMID- 27682563
TI  - Despite all my training, nothing prepared me for a patient's death.
AB  - On my first mental health placement, a tragic incident resulted in the death of a
      service user. With almost 5 years' experience as a support worker, this was
      something I hadn't faced before. 

PMID- 27682564
TI  - Finding the right person.
AB  - The quest for a new job will lead many nurses to an assessment centre as part, or
      all, of the recruitment process. 

PMID- 27682565
TI  - Meet award-winning HIV nurse specialist Gary Barker.
AB  - Since he volunteered with the St John Ambulance as a teenager, Gary Barker knew
      he wanted to be a nurse. 

PMID- 27682566
TI  - 'Nursing is a privileged role'.
AB  - Since qualifying in 1990, major trauma nurse specialist Amanda Burston has spent
      her career working in emergency care. She is trauma co-ordinator for the
      emergency department at Royal Stoke University Hospital. She became Nursing
      Standard's Nurse of the Year 2015 for the Safer Steps programme, a service for
      victims of domestic violence. 

PMID- 27682567
TI  - Non-suicidal self-injury: clinical presentation, assessment and management.
AB  - Non-suicidal self-injury is a common behaviour in adolescents and young adults,
      and may be associated with mental health disorders, risk of suicidal behaviour
      (ideation and attempts), and a need for clinical services. Nurses, in particular
      those working in emergency departments and mental health settings, have a crucial
      role in the assessment, treatment and care of individuals who have self-injured.
      It is essential for nurses to assess an individual's risk of more serious harm or
      accidental death, regardless of intent. It is also important to understand the
      variations in non-suicidal self-injurious behaviour in terms of its presentation,
      features and functions, to provide appropriate person-centred care. Nurses should
      assist individuals in identifying the triggers or cues for their behaviour,
      exploring treatment options, and monitoring their behaviour and risk in the long
      term. This article describes the profile of people who self-injure, and the
      issues related to assessment and management of such patients presenting in
      emergency departments. A description of who self-injures and why, and how people
      self-injure; developmental aspects of these behaviours, including short and long
      term outcomes; and the available treatments is presented. 

PMID- 27682568
TI  - Fibromyalgia: clinical features, diagnosis and management.
AB  - Patients with fibromyalgia experience chronic widespread pain, with associated
      symptoms of fatigue, sleep disturbance and memory problems. There are many
      therapies which may be helpful in managing the symptoms of fibromyalgia; however,
      these often require a process of trial and error to establish optimum management
      using a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches. Nurses
      can support patients with fibromyalgia using a biopsychosocial approach to
      symptom management. Understanding the nature of fibromyalgia and management
      options will enable nurses to deliver holistic patient-centred care. 

PMID- 27682569
TI  - Neutropenic sepsis.
AB  - What was the nature of the CPD activity, practice-related feedback and/or event
      and/or experience in your practice? The article discussed the causes, signs and
      symptoms of neutropenic sepsis in adult patients after cancer treatment. It also
      explored the prevention and management of this condition. 

PMID- 27682570
TI  - Compassionate care improved my physical and mental health.
AB  - I met Fiona Barrett-Gray, lead nurse in respiratory illnesses at the North
      Carlisle Medical Practice, more than 12 years ago and her professional and
      compassionate care has changed my life. I know of many other patients with
      respiratory illnesses who she has helped cope with loneliness and panic attacks. 

PMID- 27682571
TI  - Online.
AB  - 'The nurses who showed me unconditional acceptance, irrespective of whether they
      agreed with what I was saying, were the ones with whom I developed strong
      therapeutic relationships'. 

PMID- 27682572
TI  - UK nurses are needed overseas.
AB  - Could UK nurse volunteers working overseas be instrumental in reducing healthcare
      inequalities? Joao Marcal-Grilo, writing in Nursing Older People, is adamant that
      UK-trained nurses have the potential to eradicate poverty worldwide and should be
      offered opportunities to volunteer abroad and practise alongside colleagues in
      low and middle-income countries. Not only will this have a positive effect on
      older adults who are affected by a lack of qualified staff working in developing
      countries, UK-trained nurses can gain new skills that can benefit nursing
      practice in the UK. The article provides examples of current voluntary projects
      in older person care taking place in Sri Lanka and Nepal. 

PMID- 27682573
TI  - Weight management for children with severe obesity.
AB  - In areas where weight management services are not established, an integrated
      approach is required to sustain results. This article in Primary Health Care
      suggests using a stepped care approach using a model such as SHINE (Self, Help,
      Independence, Nutrition and Exercise). This model can be used to provide a
      holistic and integrative care pathway for children and young people with severe
      obesity. 

PMID- 27682574
TI  - Physical health screening for people with mental illness.
AB  - People with severe mental illness are at risk of chronic physical health
      conditions, but physical health screening for this patient group is rarely
      conducted at primary or mental healthcare facilities because of gaps in services.
      In this article in Mental Health Practice, Emerson and colleagues discuss a
      quality improvement project in the US that has been improving health outcomes for
      patients. 

PMID- 27682575
TI  - Big picture.
AB  - 'This autumn, the US will choose a new president and, with this, a change in
      healthcare. But how will these changes affect US citizens? Considering that the
      goal of healthcare reform is to improve quality and access to care, does either
      presidential candidate completely support this goal?' 

PMID- 27682576
TI  - Symbiosis Studies in Microbial Ecology.

PMID- 27682577
TI  - Magnetic nanogel polymer of bupivacaine for ankle block in rats.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In an effort of designing an alternative method for local nerve
      block, we demonstrated the possibility of inducing ankle block in the rat with
      intravenous (IV) injection of magnetic nanoparticles conjugated bupivacaine and
      application of a magnet at the ankle. METHODS: The anaesthetic effect of magnet
      directed bupivacaine-associated MNPs (NIPAAM-MAA-bupivacaine) was tested in rat
      using paw withdrawal latencies from thermal stimuli on the hind paw. Thirteen
      (13) experimental animals were grouped into two; untreated left hind paw (control
      group) and test group with treated right hind paw. The morphology of the
      synthesised nanogel was analysed using scanning electron micrograph (SEM),
      chemical characterisation using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and nuclear
      magnetic resonance (NMR) and finally the in vivo drug release using UV
      spectroscopy. RESULTS: UV spectroscopy result show that, at 37  degrees C a sharp
      increase was observed from 24-72 h (40-75%) cumulative drug release at pH 5.3, a
      steady increase from 21-60% and 20-40% at pH 6.8 and 7.4m respectively. At 43 
      degrees C, a steady increase was observed at the three pH, 37-72%, 20-35% and 10
      19% at pH 5.3, 6.8 and 7.4, respectively. It was shown also that drug release at
      higher pH (6.8 and 7.4) does not become significantly faster when temperature is
      high, compared to the release at a pH of 5.3. This depicts that the decreasing pH
      has more impact on the speed of the release of drug than increasing temperature.
      NMR and FTIR results displayed a comparable chemical structure as expected. The
      NMR peak displayed high purity of the final product. Morphology using SEM showed
      that the nanocomposite size is slightly greater than that of the nanogel, and the
      nanocomposite particles are nearly mono dispersed. Paw withdrawal latency highest
      peak of 15% was observed for NG/PU/30 at 40hours, and lowest peak for NG/30 at 50
      h for the left paw. Group BU0.15 at 30 h shows the highest peak (20%) and NG/30
      at 120 h shows the lowest peak for the right treated paw, which is significantly
      difference from the untreated left paw group (p< 0.0001). However, there wasn't a
      significant difference amongst NG/30, NG/Pub/15, or NG/Pub/60. CONCLUSIONS: The
      current study verifies the findings that we can induce ankle block in rat through
      IV injection administration of NIPAAM-MAA-bupivacaine complexes and the
      application of magnet at the ankle. We however suggest a lower temperature and pH
      for optimum release of this nanoanaesthetics, there is a probability of
      translating this mechanism to clinical practise.

PMID- 27682580
TI  - Extra-articular rheumatoid arthritis imaged by [18F]FDG-PET/CT.

PMID- 27682579
TI  - Occupational safety measures and morbidity among welders in Vellore, Southern
      India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Welders in the unorganized occupational sector in the economically
      developing world are exposed to respiratory, skin, eye, ear, and neurological
      problems exacerbated by non-usage of personal protective equipment (PPE).
      OBJECTIVE: To study the frequency of health problems and the usage of PPE among
      welders in unorganized welding units in Vellore, India. METHODS: A cross
      sectional survey was conducted among 150 welders to determine the frequency of
      skin, ear, eye, and respiratory morbidity and the usage of PPE. A group of 150
      non-welders were chosen for comparison. RESULTS: Significant differences in the
      frequency of skin burns, redness, hyper pigmentation, itching, eye injuries, and
      sensorineural deafness were observed among the welders and non-welders (P <
      0.001). Hypertension was noted in 12.6% of the welders as compared to 0.7% among
      the non-welders. None of the welders used appropriate PPE. For welders, low
      educational attainment was associated with an increased risk of eye injury (P <
      0.05, OR = 0.29). There was also a significant difference between sensorineural
      deafness and a welder having less than 10 years of welding work experience (P <
      0.001, OR = 18.18) which could probably be accounted for by the healthy worker
      effect. CONCLUSION: Welders in this sample experienced a significant skin, eye,
      and ear morbidity accentuated by the non-usage of PPE. All worked without formal
      training and were unaware of the safe working guidelines that exist, but are not
      implemented for the welders in India.

PMID- 27682581
TI  - Mucous Secretion and Cilia Beating Defend Developing Coral Larvae from Suspended
      Sediments.
AB  - Suspended sediments produced from dredging activities, or added to the sediment
      budget via river runoff, are a concern for marine resource managers.
      Understanding the impact of suspended sediments on critical life history stages
      of keystone species like corals is fundamental to effective management of
      coastlines and reefs. Coral embryos (Acropora tenuis and A. millepora) and larvae
      (A. tenuis, A. millepora and Pocillopora acuta) were subjected to a range of
      suspended sediment concentrations of different sediment types (siliciclastic and
      carbonate) to assess concentration-response relationships on ecologically
      relevant endpoints, including survivorship and ability to metamorphose. Embryos
      were subjected to short (12 h) suspended sediment exposures from ages of 3-12
      hours old or a long (30 h) exposure at 6 hours old. Neither the survivorship nor
      metamorphosis function of embryos were significantly affected by realistic
      sediment exposures to ~1000 mg L-1. However, some embryos exhibited a previously
      undescribed response to dynamically suspended sediments, which saw 10% of the
      embryos form negatively buoyant cocoons at siliciclastic suspended sediment
      concentrations >=35 mg L-1. Scanning electron and optical microscopy confirmed
      the presence of a coating on these embryos, possibly mucus with incorporated
      sediment particles. Cocoon formation was common in embryos but not in larvae, and
      occurred more often after exposure to siliciclastic rather than carbonate
      sediments. Once transferred into sediment-free seawater, functional ~36-h-old
      embryos began emerging from the cocoons, coinciding with cilia development.
      Ciliated (> 36-h-old) larvae exposed to suspended sediments for 60 h were also
      observed to secrete mucus and were similarly unaffected by suspended sediment
      concentrations to ~800 mg L-1. This study provides evidence that mucous secretion
      and cilia beating effectively protect coral embryos and larvae from suspended
      sediment and that these mechanisms may enhance their chances of successful
      recruitment.

PMID- 27682582
TI  - Incidence and Risk Factors of Refeeding Syndrome in Head and Neck Cancer Patients
      An Observational Study.
AB  - This study aimed to determine the incidence rates of refeeding phenomena (defined
      as a decline in p-phosphate) and refeeding syndrome (RFS; defined as development
      of clinical symptoms in addition to a decline in p-phosphate) in head and neck
      cancer patients, and to identify risk factors. Fifty-four head and neck cancer
      patients referred for surgery were included. Forty-six potential risk factors
      were registered at the baseline, and p-phosphate was measured at Days 2, 4, and
      7. Eleven patients (20%) developed RFS, and twenty-eight (52%) developed
      refeeding phenomena. At baseline, these patients presented a higher prevalence of
      head and neck pain, eating difficulties, higher p-phosphate levels, lower p
      transferrin levels, and, in men, lower b-hemoglobin levels. Patients who
      developed symptoms had a decline in p-phosphate >=0.22 mmol/l. At baseline, these
      patients had higher p-phosphate levels, higher alcohol consumption, and lower p
      transferrin and p-sodium levels, as well as a higher prevalence of eating
      difficulties, low handgrip strength (HGS), and a history of radiation therapy.
      The risk factors most strongly associated with the development of refeeding
      phenomena and RFS were pain, eating difficulties, low HGS, high alcohol intake,
      and previous radiation therapy.

PMID- 27682578
TI  - Progress does not just come in giant leaps: adapting techniques for the study of
      inflammation to novel applications.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Discussion of the relevance of suitable experimental models for the
      effective translation of drug effects to clinical inflammatory diseases has a
      long history. Much emphasis is placed these days on genetically transformed mice,
      which may have developmental drawbacks. But are established models redundant?
      FINDINGS: Drawn from personal experience, examples are provided of the success of
      tinkering with technology in the context of inflammation. These include the use
      of specific dietary deficiency conditions, the development of new applications
      for established drugs and the introduction of a variety of readouts to assess
      outcome in studies on established disease models. Such approaches have been used
      to demonstrate inflammation-modulating effects of prostaglandin E, in the
      development of ebselen, for the introduction of immunomodulatory macrolide drugs
      and in new approaches to the therapy of multiple sclerosis. CONCLUSION: Fine
      tuning of experimental approaches and evaluation technologies can often still
      provide innovative, clinically relevant insights into the potential beneficial
      effects of drugs and pharmacological agents.

PMID- 27682583
TI  - Functional nanoscale coupling of Lyn kinase with IgE-FcepsilonRI is restricted by
      the actin cytoskeleton in early antigen-stimulated signaling.
AB  - The allergic response is initiated on the plasma membrane of mast cells by
      phosphorylation of the receptor for immunoglobulin E (IgE), FcepsilonRI, by Lyn
      kinase after IgE-FcepsilonRI complexes are cross-linked by multivalent antigen.
      Signal transduction requires reorganization of receptors and membrane signaling
      proteins, but this spatial regulation is not well defined. We used fluorescence
      localization microscopy (FLM) and pair-correlation analysis to measure the
      codistribution of IgE-FcepsilonRI and Lyn on the plasma membrane of fixed cells
      with 20- to 25-nm resolution. We directly visualized Lyn recruitment to IgE
      FcepsilonRI within 1 min of antigen stimulation. Parallel FLM experiments
      captured stimulation-induced FcepsilonRI phosphorylation and colocalization of a
      saturated lipid-anchor probe derived from Lyn's membrane anchorage. We used
      cytochalasin and latrunculin to investigate participation of the actin
      cytoskeleton in regulating functional interactions of FcepsilonRI. Inhibition of
      actin polymerization by these agents enhanced colocalization of IgE-FcepsilonRI
      with Lyn and its saturated lipid anchor at early stimulation times, accompanied
      by augmented phosphorylation within FcepsilonRI clusters. Ising model simulations
      provide a simplified model consistent with our results. These findings extend
      previous evidence that IgE-FcepsilonRI signaling is initiated by colocalization
      with Lyn in ordered lipid regions and that the actin cytoskeleton regulates this
      functional interaction by influencing the organization of membrane lipids.

PMID- 27682584
TI  - Arl13b regulates Shh signaling from both inside and outside the cilium.
AB  - The regulatory GTPase Arl13b localizes to primary cilia, where it regulates Sonic
      hedgehog (Shh) signaling. Missense mutations in ARL13B can cause the ciliopathy
      Joubert syndrome, while the mouse null allele is embryonic lethal. We used mouse
      embryonic fibroblasts as a system to determine the effects of Arl13b mutations on
      Shh signaling. We tested a total of seven different mutants, three JS-causing
      variants, two point mutants predicted to alter guanine nucleotide handling, one
      that disrupts cilia localization, and one that prevents palmitoylation and thus
      membrane binding, in assays of transcriptional and non-transcriptional Shh
      signaling. We found that mutations disrupting Arl13b's palmitoylation site, cilia
      localization signal, or GTPase handling altered the Shh response in distinct
      assays of transcriptional or non-transcriptional signaling. In contrast, JS
      causing mutations in Arl13b did not affect Shh signaling in these same assays,
      suggesting these mutations result in more subtle defects, likely affecting only a
      subset of signaling outputs. Finally, we show that restricting Arl13b from cilia
      interferes with its ability to regulate Shh-stimulated chemotaxis, despite
      previous evidence that cilia themselves are not required for this non
      transcriptional Shh response. This points to a more complex relationship between
      the ciliary and non-ciliary roles of this regulatory GTPase than previously
      envisioned.

PMID- 27682585
TI  - Perturbation of neddylation-dependent NF-kappaB responses in the intestinal
      epithelium drives apoptosis and inhibits resolution of mucosal inflammation.
AB  - Recent work has revealed a central role for neddylation (the conjugation of a
      Nedd8-moiety to Cullin proteins) in the fine tuning of the NF-kappaB response
      (via Cullin-1). In the present study, we investigated the contribution of Cullin
      1 neddylation and NF-kappaB signaling to mucosal inflammatory responses in vitro
      and in vivo. Initial in vitro studies using cultured intestinal epithelial cells
      revealed that the neddylation inhibitor MLN4924 prominently induces the
      deneddylation of Cullin-1. Parallel western blot, luciferase reporter and gene
      target assays identified MLN4924 as a potent inhibitor of intestinal epithelial
      NF-kappaB. Subsequent studies revealed that MLN4924 potently induces epithelial
      apoptosis but only in the presence of additional inflammatory stimuli. In vivo
      administration of MLN4924 (3 mg/kg/d) in a TNBS-induce colitis model
      significantly accentuated disease severity. Indeed, MLN4924 resulted in worsened
      clinical scores and increased mortality early in the inflammatory response.
      Histologic analysis of the colon revealed that neddylation inhibition results in
      increased tissue damage and significantly increased mucosal apoptosis as
      determined by TUNEL and cleaved caspase-3 staining, particularly prominent within
      the epithelium. Extensions of these studies revealed that ongoing inflammation is
      associated with significant loss of deneddylase-1 (SENP8) expresssion. These
      studies reveal that intact Cullin-1 neddylation is central to resolution of acute
      inflammation.

PMID- 27682586
TI  - Neurite outgrowth is driven by actin polymerization even in the presence of actin
      polymerization inhibitors.
AB  - Actin polymerization is a universal mechanism to drive plasma membrane protrusion
      in motile cells. One apparent exception to this rule is continuing, or even
      accelerated outgrowth of neuronal processes in the presence of actin
      polymerization inhibitors. This fact together with a key role of microtubule
      dynamics in neurite outgrowth led to the concept that microtubules directly drive
      plasma membrane protrusion, either in the course of polymerization or motor
      driven sliding. Surprisingly, a possibility that unextinguished actin
      polymerization drives neurite outgrowth in the presence of actin drugs was not
      explored. We show that cultured hippocampal neurons treated with cytochalasin D
      or latrunculin B contained dense accumulations of branched actin filaments at
      ~50% of neurite tips at all tested drug concentrations (1-10 MUM). Actin
      polymerization was required for neurite outgrowth, because only low
      concentrations of either inhibitor increased the length and/or a number of
      neurites, whereas high concentrations inhibited neurite outgrowth. Importantly,
      neurites undergoing active elongation invariably contained a bright F-actin patch
      at the tip, whereas actin-depleted neurites never elongated, even though they
      still contained dynamic microtubules. Stabilization of microtubules by taxol
      treatment did not stop elongation of cytochalasin d-treated neurites. We conclude
      that actin polymerization is indispensable for neurite elongation.

PMID- 27682587
TI  - Molecular basis of Kar9-Bim1 complex function during mating and spindle
      positioning.
AB  - The Kar9 pathway promotes nuclear fusion during mating and spindle alignment
      during metaphase in budding yeast. How Kar9 supports the different outcome of
      these two divergent processes is an open question. Here, we show that three sites
      in the C-terminal disordered domain of Kar9 mediate tight Kar9 interaction with
      the C-terminal dimerization domain of Bim1 (EB1 orthologue). Site1 and Site2
      contain SxIP motifs; however, Site3 defines a novel type of EB1-binding site.
      Whereas Site2 and Site3 mediate Kar9 recruitment to microtubule tips, nuclear
      movement and karyogamy, solely Site2 functions in spindle positioning during
      metaphase. Site1 in turn plays an inhibitory role during mating. Additionally,
      the Kar9-Bim1 complex is involved in microtubule-independent activities during
      mating. Together, our data reveal how multiple and partially redundant EB1
      binding sites provide a microtubule-associated protein with the means to modulate
      its biochemical properties to promote different molecular processes during cell
      proliferation and differentiation.

PMID- 27682588
TI  - Tay-Sachs disease mutations in HEXA target the alpha chain of hexosaminidase A to
      endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation.
AB  - Loss of function of the enzyme beta-hexosaminidase A (HexA) causes the lysosomal
      storage disorder Tay-Sachs disease (TSD). It has been proposed that mutations in
      the alpha chain of HexA can impair folding, enzyme assembly, and/or trafficking,
      yet there is surprisingly little known about the mechanisms of these potential
      routes of pathogenesis. We therefore investigated the biosynthesis and
      trafficking of TSD-associated HexA alpha mutants, seeking to identify relevant
      cellular quality control mechanisms. The alpha mutants E482K and G269S are
      defective in enzymatic activity, unprocessed by lysosomal proteases, and exhibit
      altered folding pathways compared with wild-type alpha. E482K is more severely
      misfolded than G269S, as observed by its aggregation and inability to associate
      with the HexA beta chain. Importantly, both mutants are retrotranslocated from
      the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the cytosol and are degraded by the proteasome,
      indicating that they are cleared via ER-associated degradation (ERAD). Leveraging
      these discoveries, we observed that manipulating the cellular folding environment
      or ERAD pathways can alter the kinetics of mutant alpha degradation.
      Additionally, growth of patient fibroblasts at a permissive temperature or with
      chemical chaperones increases cellular Hex activity by improving mutant alpha
      folding. Therefore modulation of the ER quality control systems may be a
      potential therapeutic route for improving some forms of TSD.

PMID- 27682589
TI  - Intraflagellar transport protein IFT20 is essential for male fertility and
      spermiogenesis in mice.
AB  - Intraflagellar transport (IFT) is a conserved mechanism thought to be essential
      for the assembly and maintenance of cilia and flagella. However, little is known
      about its role in mammalian sperm flagella formation. To fill this gap, we
      disrupted the Ift20 gene in male germ cells. Homozygous mutant mice were
      infertile with significantly reduced sperm counts and motility. In addition,
      abnormally shaped elongating spermatid heads and bulbous round spermatids were
      found in the lumen of the seminiferous tubules. Electron microscopy revealed
      increased cytoplasmic vesicles, fiber-like structures, abnormal accumulation of
      mitochondria and a decrease in mature lysosomes. The few developed sperm had
      disrupted axonemes and some retained cytoplasmic lobe components on the flagella.
      ODF2 and SPAG16L, two sperm flagella proteins failed to be incorporated into
      sperm tails of the mutant mice, and in the germ cells, both were assembled into
      complexes with lighter density in the absence of IFT20. Disrupting IFT20 did not
      significantly change expression levels of IFT88, a component of IFT-B complex,
      and IFT140, a component of IFT-A complex. Even though the expression level of an
      autophagy core protein that associates with IFT20, ATG16, was reduced in the
      testis of the Ift20 mutant mice, expression levels of other major autophagy
      markers, including LC3 and ubiquitin were not changed. Our studies suggest that
      IFT20 is essential for male fertility and spermiogenesis in mice, and its major
      function is to transport cargo proteins for sperm flagella formation. It also
      appears to be involved in removing excess cytoplasmic components.

PMID- 27682591
TI  - Genomic Selection Improves Heat Tolerance in Dairy Cattle.
AB  - Dairy products are a key source of valuable proteins and fats for many millions
      of people worldwide. Dairy cattle are highly susceptible to heat-stress induced
      decline in milk production, and as the frequency and duration of heat-stress
      events increases, the long term security of nutrition from dairy products is
      threatened. Identification of dairy cattle more tolerant of heat stress
      conditions would be an important progression towards breeding better adapted
      dairy herds to future climates. Breeding for heat tolerance could be accelerated
      with genomic selection, using genome wide DNA markers that predict tolerance to
      heat stress. Here we demonstrate the value of genomic predictions for heat
      tolerance in cohorts of Holstein cows predicted to be heat tolerant and heat
      susceptible using controlled-climate chambers simulating a moderate heatwave
      event. Not only was the heat challenge stimulated decline in milk production less
      in cows genomically predicted to be heat-tolerant, physiological indicators such
      as rectal and intra-vaginal temperatures had reduced increases over the 4 day
      heat challenge. This demonstrates that genomic selection for heat tolerance in
      dairy cattle is a step towards securing a valuable source of nutrition and
      improving animal welfare facing a future with predicted increases in heat stress
      events.

PMID- 27682593
TI  - Synthesis of Triptycene-Substituted Azapentacene and Azahexacene Derivatives.
AB  - We describe the synthesis and characterization of novel iptycene-substituted
      azaacenes by using either a classic condensation route (diamine plus ortho
      quinone) and/or a Pd-catalyzed coupling of an aromatic diamine with an aromatic
      dihalide. The attachment of an iptycene unit leads to a significant blueshift (15
      nm) in the UV/Vis spectra of these azaacenes. The iptycene unit stabilizes a
      hexaazahexacene with a lambdamax abs of 833 nm. By employing 5,6
      diamino(benzothiadiazole) as a synthon for tetraaminobenzene, we could prepare
      the symmetrical bis-triptycene-substituted tetraazapentacene in high yields.

PMID- 27682590
TI  - Molecular signatures of mu opioid receptor and somatostatin receptor 2 in
      pancreatic cancer.
AB  - Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a particularly aggressive malignancy,
      has been linked to atypical levels, certain mutations, and aberrant signaling of
      G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). GPCRs have been challenging to target in
      cancer because they organize into complex networks in tumor cells. To dissect
      such networks with nanometer-scale precision, here we combine traditional
      biochemical approaches with superresolution microscopy methods. A novel
      interaction specific to PDAC is identified between mu opioid receptor (MOR) and
      somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2). Although MOR and SSTR2 did not colocalize in
      healthy pancreatic cells or matching healthy patient tissues, the pair did
      significantly colocalize in pancreatic cancer cells, multicellular tumor
      spheroids, and cancerous patient tissues. Moreover, this association in
      pancreatic cancer cells correlated with functional cross-talk and increased
      metastatic potential of cells. Coactivation of MOR and SSTR2 in PDAC cells led to
      increased expression of mesenchymal markers and decreased expression of an
      epithelial marker. Together these results suggest that the MOR-SSTR2 heteromer
      may constitute a novel therapeutic target for PDAC.

PMID- 27682595
TI  - Stacking up Cav3.2 channels.

PMID- 27682594
TI  - Long Term Outcome after Application of the Angio-Seal Vascular Closure Device in
      Minipigs.
AB  - Minipigs are frequently used in (neuro-)interventional research. Longitudinal
      experiments may require repeated vessel access via the femoral artery.
      Anticoagulation and incompliance of the animals necessitates the use of a
      vascular closure device (VCD). The effects of the Angio-Seal VCD in minipigs were
      longitudinally assessed. Minipig (42+/-8.4 kg body weight) femoral arteries were
      sealed using the 8F (n = 6) or 6F (n = 7) Angio-Seal VCD. The pre-interventional
      femoral artery diameter was 5.1+/-0.4 mm (4.3-5.8 mm). Sealed puncture sites were
      analysed angiographically as well as by computed tomography angiography (CTA) for
      a mean period of 14.1+/-8.0 weeks (1-22 weeks). All animals were constantly
      treated with acetylsalicylic acid (ASS) (450 mg/d (n = 7) or 100 mg/d (n = 1))
      and clopidogrel (75 mg/d (n = 8)). Non-instrumented (n = 2) and arteries sealed
      using the VCD (n = 2) were examined histologically. No postoperative hemorrhagic
      complications were observed. Three arteries were occluded after VCD placement (1
      animal diagnosed after 4 weeks (8F), 2 animals after 1 week (6F)) and remained so
      until the end of the experiments after 22, 12 and 4 weeks, respectively. In one
      artery a 50% stenosis 8 weeks after application of a 6F Angio-Seal was detected.
      In 69.2% (n = 9) the VCD was applied without complications. Histopathological
      analysis of the sealed arterial segments showed subtotal obliteration of the
      vessel lumen, formation of collagenous tissue and partial damage of the internal
      elastic lamina. The Angio-Seal VCD prevents relevant hemorrhagic complications in
      minipigs treated with dual platelet inhibition, but is associated with increased
      vessel occlusion rates.

PMID- 27682596
TI  - Inhibition of transforming growth factor beta-activated kinase 1 prevents
      inflammation-related cartilage degradation in osteoarthritis.
AB  - Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common debilitating joint disorder, there's still no
      available disease-modifying drug for OA currently. This study aims to explore the
      role of TAK1 in OA pathogenesis and therapeutic efficiency of TAK1 inhibition for
      OA. The contribution of TAK1 to OA pathogenesis was investigated by intra
      articular injection of TAK1-encoding adenovirus in rats. TAK1 inhibitor 5Z-7
      induced expression changes of extracellular matrix (ECM)-related genes were
      detected by real-time PCR. The protective effect of 5Z-7 against OA progression
      was evaluated in a post-traumatic OA rat model. Our results showed that intra
      articular injection of Ad-Tak1 induced cartilage destruction and OA-related
      cytokine secretion in rat joints. TAK1 inhibition by 5Z-7 efficiently blocked NF
      kappaB, JNK and p38 pathways activation in OA chondrocytes and synoviocytes,
      Meanwhile, 5Z-7 significantly decreased the expression of matrix-degrading
      enzymes and pro-inflammatory cytokine, while increased ECM protein expression,
      which are all crucial components in OA. 5Z-7 also ameliorated ECM loss in OA
      cartilage explants. More importantly, 5Z-7 significantly protected against
      cartilage destruction in a rat model of OA. In conclusion, our findings provide
      the first in vivo evidence that TAK1 contributes to OA by disrupting cartilage
      homeostasis, thus represents an ideal target for OA treatment, with 5Z-7 as a
      candidate therapeutic.

PMID- 27682598
TI  - Predictive Value of Triglyceride Glucose Index for the Risk of Incident Diabetes:
      A 4-Year Retrospective Longitudinal Study.
AB  - The Triglyceride Glucose Index (TyG index) is considered a surrogate marker of
      insulin resistance. The aim of this study is to investigate whether the TyG index
      has a predictive role in identifying individuals with a high risk of incident
      diabetes and to compare it with other indicators of metabolic health. A total
      2900 non-diabetic adults who attended five consecutive annual health check-ups at
      Kangbuk Samsung Hospital was divided into four subgroups using three methods: (1)
      baseline TyG index; (2) obesity status (body mass index >=25 kg/m2) and cutoff
      value of TyG index; (3) obesity status and metabolic health, defined as having
      fewer than two of the five components of high blood pressure, fasting blood
      glucose, triglyceride, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and highest
      decile of homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance. The development of
      diabetes was assessed annually using self-questionnaire, fasting glucose, and
      glycated hemoglobin. We compared the risk of incident diabetes using multivariate
      Cox analysis. During 11623 person-years there were 101 case of incident diabetes.
      Subjects with high TyG index had a high risk of diabetes. For TyG index
      quartiles, hazard ratios (HRs) of quartiles 3 and 4 were 4.06 (p = 0.033) and
      5.65 (p = 0.006) respectively. When the subjects were divided by obesity status
      and cutoff value of TyG index of 8.8, the subgroups with TyG index >= 8.8
      regardless of obesity had a significantly high risk for diabetes (HR 2.40 [p =
      0.024] and 2.25 [p = 0.048]). For obesity status and metabolic health, the two
      metabolically unhealthy subgroups regardless of obesity had a significantly high
      risk for diabetes (HRs 2.54 [p = 0.024] and 2.73 [p = 0.021]). In conclusion, the
      TyG index measured at a single time point may be an indicator of the risk for
      incident diabetes. The predictive value of the TyG index was comparable to that
      of metabolic health.

PMID- 27682597
TI  - p120-Catenin Is Required for Dietary Calcium Suppression of Oral Carcinogenesis
      in Mice.
AB  - Previous studies have shown that dietary calcium suppresses oral carcinogenesis,
      but the mechanism is unclear. p120-catenin (p120) is a cytoplasmic protein
      closely associated with E-cadherin to form the E-cadherin-beta-catenin complex
      and may function as a tumor suppressor in the oral epithelium. To determine
      whether p120 is involved in the mechanism by which dietary calcium suppresses
      oral carcinogenesis, The normal, low, or high calcium diet was fed control mice
      (designated as floxed p120 mice) or mice in which p120 was specifically deleted
      in the oral squamous epithelium during the adult stage (designated as p120cKO
      mice). All mice were exposed to a low dose of oral cancer carcinogen 4
      nitroquinoline 1-oxide and rates of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and
      proliferation and differentiation in the cancerous and non-cancerous oral
      epithelium of these mice were examined. The results showed that the low calcium
      diet increased rates of OSCC and proliferation of the non-cancerous oral
      epithelium and decreased differentiation of the non-cancerous oral epithelium,
      but had no effect on cancerous oral epithelium. In contrast, the high calcium
      diet had opposite effects. However, the effect of the dietary calcium on the
      rates of OSCC, proliferation, and differentiation of the non-cancerous epithelium
      were not seen in p120cKO mice. Based on these results, we conclude that p120 is
      required for dietary calcium suppression of oral carcinogenesis and oral
      epithelial proliferation and dietary calcium induction of oral epithelial
      differentiation. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 1360-1367, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27682599
TI  - A Quasi-Solid-State Li-Ion Capacitor Based on Porous TiO2 Hollow Microspheres
      Wrapped with Graphene Nanosheets.
AB  - The quasi-solid-state Li-ion capacitor is demonstrated with graphene nanosheets
      prepared by an electrochemical exfoliation as the positive electrode and the
      porous TiO2 hollow microspheres wrapped with the same graphene nanosheets as the
      negative electrode, using a Li-ion conducting gel polymer electrolyte. This
      device may be the key to bridging the gap between conventional lithium-ion
      batteries and supercapacitors, meanwhile meeting the safety demands of electronic
      devices.

PMID- 27682600
TI  - Impact of pharmacist interventions on cost avoidance in an ambulatory cancer
      center.
AB  - Objective To provide a foundation to justify the presence of a full-time clinical
      pharmacist in the ambulatory cancer center in addition to an existing centralized
      pharmacist through cost avoidance calculation and patient and staff satisfaction
      surveys. Methods The prospective, pilot study took place in an ambulatory cancer
      center over four weeks in 2014. Cost avoidance values were assigned to
      interventions performed by a pharmacy resident, who was present in the ambulatory
      cancer center during clinic hours, along with a centralized oncology pharmacist
      routinely working with the cancer center. Anonymous patient and staff
      satisfaction surveys based on a 5-point Likert scale were distributed to assess
      the perceived benefit of a pharmacist located in the ambulatory cancer center.
      Results Data collection took place over approximately one month. After evaluation
      of 962 interventions from both pharmacists, the estimated cost avoidance was
      US$282,741 per pharmacist per year, yielding a net benefit of US$138,441. The
      most common interventions made by the resident included chemotherapy regimen
      review (n = 290, 69%) and patient counseling (n = 102, 24%), while the majority
      of the centralized pharmacist's interventions was chemotherapy regimen review (n
      = 525, 97%). Results from the anonymous patient and staff surveys revealed an
      overall positive perception of the pharmacy resident while in the ambulatory
      cancer center. Conclusion A full-time clinical pharmacist in an ambulatory cancer
      center is both financially beneficial and positively perceived by patients and
      staff.

PMID- 27682601
TI  - Erratum to: Low-dose brachytherapy for early stage penile cancer: a 20-year
      single-institution study (73 patients).

PMID- 27682603
TI  - Non-invasive imaging of retinal blood flow in myeloproliferative neoplasms.
AB  - PURPOSE: To study the circulation in the retinal vessels in patients with blood
      dyscrasia due to myeloproliferative neoplasms using non-invasive retinal imaging.
      METHODS: Prospective consecutive case series of seven treatment-naive patients
      with chronic myeloid leukaemia (n = 2), polycythemia vera (n = 4), essential
      thrombocytosis (n = 1) examined before and after cytoreductive treatment. We
      investigated retinal circulation with motion-contrast imaging, retinal oximetry
      and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. RESULTS: Retinal venous blood
      velocity increased by 8.14% (CI95 3.67% to 12.6%, p = 0.004) and retinal arterial
      oxygen saturation increased by 7.23% (CI95 2.9% to 11.6%, p = 0.010) at follow-up
      (mean 12 weeks, range 5-14 weeks) where complete haematological remission had
      been achieved by cytoreductive treatment. Abnormal optical coherence tomography
      reflectivity patterns were present at baseline in patients with chronic myeloid
      leukaemia and were replaced by normal patterns at follow-up. Retinopathy, in the
      form of cotton-wool spots and retinal haemorrhages, was found at presentation in
      the two patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia and in one patient with
      polycythemia vera. The retinopathy had resolved at follow-up in all patients.
      CONCLUSION: With non-invasive retinal imaging, we were able to demonstrate
      increased retinal venous blood velocity, increased retinal arterial blood
      oxygenation and normalization of intravascular reflectivity patterns after
      successful treatment of myeloproliferative neoplasms. Larger prospective studies
      are needed to assess the prognostic value of these non-invasive imaging methods
      in predicting circulatory complications in myeloproliferative neoplasms.

PMID- 27682604
TI  - Xenopus laevis and Emerging Amphibian Pathogens in Chile.
AB  - Amphibians face an extinction crisis with no precedence. Two emerging infectious
      diseases, ranaviral disease caused by viruses within the genus Ranavirus and
      chytridiomycosis due to Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), have been linked
      with amphibian mass mortalities and population declines in many regions of the
      globe. The African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis) has been indicated as a vector
      for the spread of these pathogens. Since the 1970s, this species has been
      invasive in central Chile. We collected X. laevis and dead native amphibians in
      Chile between 2011 and 2013. We conducted post-mortem examinations and molecular
      tests for Ranavirus and Bd. Eight of 187 individuals (4.3 %) tested positive for
      Ranavirus: seven X. laevis and a giant Chilean frog (Calyptocephallela gayi). All
      positive cases were from the original area of X. laevis invasion. Bd was found to
      be more prevalent (14.4 %) and widespread than Ranavirus, and all X. laevis Bd
      positive animals presented low to moderate levels of infection. Sequencing of a
      partial Ranavirus gene revealed 100 % sequence identity with Frog Virus 3. This
      is the first report of Ranavirus in Chile, and these preliminary results are
      consistent with a role for X. laevis as an infection reservoir for both Ranavirus
      and Bd.

PMID- 27682602
TI  - Association of environmental markers with childhood type 1 diabetes mellitus
      revealed by a long questionnaire on early life exposures and lifestyle in a case
      control study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The incidence of childhood type 1 diabetes (T1D) incidence is rising
      in many countries, supposedly because of changing environmental factors, which
      are yet largely unknown. The purpose of the study was to unravel environmental
      markers associated with T1D. METHODS: Cases were children with T1D from the
      French Isis-Diab cohort. Controls were schoolmates or friends of the patients.
      Parents were asked to fill a 845-item questionnaire investigating the child's
      environment before diagnosis. The analysis took into account the matching between
      cases and controls. A second analysis used propensity score methods. RESULTS: We
      found a negative association of several lifestyle variables, gastroenteritis
      episodes, dental hygiene, hazelnut cocoa spread consumption, wasp and bee stings
      with T1D, consumption of vegetables from a farm and death of a pet by old age.
      CONCLUSIONS: The found statistical association of new environmental markers with
      T1D calls for replication in other cohorts and investigation of new environmental
      areas. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical-Trial.gov NCT02212522 . Registered August 6,
      2014.

PMID- 27682605
TI  - Microbial Indicators, Opportunistic Bacteria, and Pathogenic Protozoa for
      Monitoring Urban Wastewater Reused for Irrigation in the Proximity of a Megacity.
AB  - In Latin America and the Caribbean, with a population of approximately 580
      million inhabitants, less than 20 % of wastewater is treated. Megacities in this
      region face common challenges and problems related with water quality and
      sanitation, which require urgent actions, such as changes in the sustainable use
      of water resources. The Mexico City Metropolitan Area is one of the most populous
      urban agglomerations in the world, with over 20 million inhabitants, and is no
      exception to the challenges of sustainable water management. For more than 100
      years, wastewater from Mexico City has been transported north to the Mezquital
      Valley, which is ranked as the largest wastewater-irrigated area in the world. In
      this study, bacteria and pathogenic protozoa were analyzed to determine the
      association between the presence of such microorganisms and water types (WTs)
      across sampling sites and seasons in Mexico City and the Mezquital Valley. Our
      results show a difference in microbiological water quality between sampling sites
      and WTs. There is no significant interaction between sampling sites and seasons
      in terms of bacterial concentration, demonstrating that water quality remains
      constant at each site regardless of whether it is the dry or the rainy season.
      The results illustrate the quantity of these microorganisms in wastewater,
      provide a current diagnosis of water quality across the area which could affect
      the health of residents in both Mexico City and the Mezquital Valley, and
      demonstrate the need to transition in the short term to treat wastewater from a
      local to a regional scale.

PMID- 27682606
TI  - Biological embedding: evaluation and analysis of an emerging concept for nursing
      scholarship.
AB  - AIM: The purpose of this paper was to report the analysis of the concept of
      biological embedding. BACKGROUND: Research that incorporates a life course
      perspective is becoming increasingly prominent in the health sciences. Biological
      embedding is a central concept in life course theory and may be important for
      nursing theories to enhance our understanding of health states in individuals and
      populations. Before the concept of biological embedding can be used in nursing
      theory and research, an analysis of the concept is required to advance it towards
      full maturity. DESIGN: Concept analysis. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, CINAHL and
      PsycINFO were searched for publications using the term 'biological embedding' or
      'biological programming' and published through 2015. METHODS: An evaluation of
      the concept was first conducted to determine the concept's level of maturity and
      was followed by a concept comparison, using the methods for concept evaluation
      and comparison described by Morse. RESULTS: A consistent definition of biological
      embedding - the process by which early life experience alters biological
      processes to affect adult health outcomes - was found throughout the literature.
      The concept has been used in several theories that describe the mechanisms
      through which biological embedding might occur and highlight its role in the
      development of health trajectories. Biological embedding is a partially mature
      concept, requiring concept comparison with an overlapping concept - biological
      programming - to more clearly establish the boundaries of biological embedding.
      CONCLUSIONS: Biological embedding has significant potential for theory
      development and application in multiple academic disciplines, including nursing.

PMID- 27682607
TI  - Plasmadiafiltration ameliorating gut mucosal barrier dysfunction and improving
      survival in porcine sepsis models.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The object of this study is to explore whether the
      plasmadiafiltration (PDF) is more effective in improving the intestinal mucosal
      barrier function by removing more key large molecular inflammatory mediators and
      then prolonging the survival time. METHODS: Totally, 24 porcine sepsis models
      induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) operation were randomly divided into
      three groups: PDF group, high-volume hemofiltration (HVHF) group, and control
      group, and received 8 h treatment, respectively. The expression of ZO-1 and
      occludin in intestinal mucosal epithelial cells were detected by
      immunohistochemistry, and apoptotic protein caspase-3-positive lymphocytes were
      signed in mesenteric lymph nodes by TUNEL staining. The hemodynamic parameters
      were measured by invasive cavity detection. The tumor necrosis factor alpha
      (TNFalpha) and high-mobility group protein 1 (HMGB1) were tested by ELISA method.
      And then, the survival curves with all-cause death were compared with three
      groups. RESULTS: PDF led to a superior reversal of sepsis-related hemodynamic
      impairment and serum biochemistry abnormalities and resulted in longer survival
      time compared with HVHF and control (p < 0.01). Definitive protection from
      excessive TNF-alpha and HMGB1 response were only achieved by PDF. A more regular
      distribution pattern of ZO-1 and occludin along the epithelium was found in PDF
      animals (p < 0.01). The presence of apoptotic lymphocytes was significantly
      reduced in the PDF animals (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: PDF can effectively eliminate
      more pivotal inflammatory mediators of TNFalpha and HMGB1 and reduce the
      inflammation damage of the intestinal mucosal barrier and apoptosis of lymphocyte
      then improve the circulation function and prolong the survival time.

PMID- 27682610
TI  - Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy as palliative treatment for malignant
      ascites A single-center experience and a review of the literature.
AB  - : Malignant ascites is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity
      of patients with intraperitoneal cancer dissemination. This clinical condition
      could represent the terminal evolution of a lethal disease and could influence
      the prognosis, severely impairing the patients' quality of life. Treatment
      options include a multitude of different procedures with limited efficacy and
      some degree of risk; diuretics, paracentesis, peritoneo-venous shunts and
      intraperitoneal biologic agents like anti-VEGF molecules, metalloproteinase
      inhibitors and immunomodulators are included. None of these approaches have been
      established as a standard of care because of their low efficacy or severe side
      effects. The last two decades saw the emergence of cytoreductive surgery with
      hyperthermic intraperitoneal perioperative chemotherapy (HIPEC) as a viable
      therapeutic approach resulting in an effective cure against refractory malignant
      ascites. The following describes our experiences with 3 cases together with a
      literature review. KEY WORDS: Chemotherapy, HIPEC, Laparoscopy, Malignant
      ascites.

PMID- 27682609
TI  - A comparative study of the effect of Bio-Oss(r) in combination with concentrated
      growth factors or bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in canine sinus
      grafting.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To compare the effects of Bio-Oss(r) in combination with concentrated
      growth factors (CGFs) and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) on
      bone regeneration for maxillary sinus floor augmentation in beagle dogs. METHODS:
      Six beagle dogs received bilateral maxillary sinus floor augmentation. Venous
      blood drawn from dogs was collected and centrifuged to obtain CGFs. BMSCs derived
      from canine bone marrow were cultured using density gradient centrifugation. The
      suspension of BMSCs was added onto Bio-Oss(r) granules at a density of 2 * 106
      cells/ml, and the BMSCs/Bio-Oss(r) constructs were incubated for an additional 4
      h before use. Twelve sinuses were grafted with a mixture of CGFs/Bio-Oss(r) ,
      BMSCs/Bio-Oss(r) construct, or Bio-Oss(r) alone. Six months later, the bone
      formation of bilateral sinuses was evaluated by Micro-CT, microhardness test,
      histological examination, and histomorphometry. RESULTS: No adverse effect was
      found in these dogs. The dome-shaped augmentation protruded into the sinus
      cavity. Micro-CT revealed that there was significant difference in BV/TV but not
      in Tb. N, between groups A, B, and C. The extent of microhardness in groups A and
      B was significantly higher than in group C. The proportion of newly formed bone
      in groups A and B showed significant difference when compared to group C (P <=
      0.01). The amount of residual grafts in groups A and B was significantly lower
      than in group C. CONCLUSIONS: Grafting with Bio-Oss(r) in combination with CGFs
      can increase new bone formation more efficiently than using Bio-Oss(r) alone in a
      canine model.

PMID- 27682608
TI  - Dual effectiveness of Alternaria but not Fusarium mycotoxins against human
      topoisomerase II and bacterial gyrase.
AB  - Type II DNA-topoisomerases (topo II) play a crucial role in the maintenance of
      DNA topology. Previously, fungi of the Alternaria genus were found to produce
      mycotoxins that target human topo II. These results implied the question why a
      fungus should produce secondary metabolites that target a human enzyme. In the
      current work, the homology between human topo II and its bacterial equivalent,
      gyrase, served as basis to study a potential dual inhibition of both enzymes by
      mycotoxins. A total of 15 secondary metabolites produced by fungi of the genera
      Alternaria and Fusarium were assessed for their impact on topo II of human and
      bacterial origin in the decatenation and the supercoiling assay, respectively. In
      line with the theory of dual topo II inhibition, six of the tested Alternaria
      mycotoxins were active against both enzymes, the dibenzo-alpha-pyrones
      alternariol (AOH) and alternariol monomethyl ether (AME), as well as the perylene
      quinones altertoxin I (ATX I) and II (ATX II), alterperylenol (ALP) and
      stemphyltoxin III (STTX III). The Alternaria metabolites altersetin (ALN),
      macrosporin (MAC), altenusine (ALS) and pyrenophorol (PYR) impaired the function
      of human topo II, but did not show any effect on gyrase. The potency to inhibit
      topo II activity declined in the row STTX III (initial inhibitory concentration
      10 uM) > AOH (25 uM) = AME (25 uM) = ALS (25 uM) = ATX II (25 uM) > ALN (50 uM) =
      ATX I (50 uM) > ALP (75 uM) = PYR (75 uM) > MAC (150 uM). Inhibition of gyrase
      activity was most pronounced for AOH and AME (initial inhibitory concentration 10
      uM) followed by ATX II (25 uM) > ATX I = ALP = STTX III (50 uM). In contrast,
      none of the investigated Fusarium mycotoxins deoxynivalenol (DON), fumonisin B1,
      fusarin C and moniliformin, as well as the Alternaria metabolite tentoxin, had
      any impact on the activity of neither human nor bacterial topo II.

PMID- 27682612
TI  - Neonatal Bartter syndrome with cholelithiasis and hydrocephalus: Rare
      association.
AB  - Neonatal Bartter syndrome (NBS) is a rare autosomal recessive renal tubular
      disorder. This disease is characterized by hypokalemia, hypochloremia, and
      metabolic alkalosis that is often associated with failure to thrive and recurrent
      episodes of dehydration. The combination of BS and cholelithiasis in an infant is
      very rare. Herein, we report a premature male infant with NBS who developed
      cholelithiasis and hydrocephalus on clinical follow up. We recommend that
      periodic routine hepatobiliary ultrasonograpic screening for cholelithiasis
      should be performed in patients with NBS. 

PMID- 27682611
TI  - Molecular evidence of high rates of asymptomatic P. vivax infection and very low
      P. falciparum malaria in Botswana.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Botswana is one of eight SADC countries targeting malaria elimination
      by 2018. Through spirited upscaling of control activities and passive
      surveillance, significant reductions in case incidence of Plasmodium falciparum
      (0.96 - 0.01) was achieved between 2008 and 2012. As part of the elimination
      campaign, active detection of asymptomatic Plasmodium species by a highly
      sensitive method was deemed necessary. This study was carried out to determine
      asymptomatic Plasmodium species carriage by nested PCR in the country, in 2012.
      METHOD: A cross-sectional study involving 3924 apparently healthy participants
      were screened for Plasmodium species in 14 districts (5 endemic: Okavango, Ngami,
      Tutume, Boteti and Bobirwa; and 9 epidemic: North East, Francistown, Serowe
      Palapye, Ghanzi, Kweneng West, Kweneng East, Kgatleng, South East, and Good
      Hope). Venous blood was taken from each participant for a nested PCR detection of
      Plasmodium species. RESULTS: The parasite rates of asymptomatic Plasmodium
      species detected were as follows: Plasmodium falciparum, 0.16 %; Plasmodium
      vivax, 4.66 %; Plasmodium malariae, (Pm) 0.16 %; Plasmodium ovale, 0 %, mixed
      infections (P. falciparum and P. vivax), 0.055 %; and (P. vivax and P. malariae),
      0.027 %, (total: 5.062 %). The high proportion of asymptomatic reservoir of P.
      vivax was clustered in the East, South Eastern and Central districts of the
      country. There appeared to be a correlation between the occurrence of P. malariae
      infection with P. vivax infection, with the former only occurring in districts
      that had substantial P. vivax circulation. The median age among 2-12 year olds
      for P. vivax infection was 5 years (Mean 5.13 years, interquartile range 3-7
      years). The odds of being infected with P. vivax decreased by 7 % for each year
      increase in age (OR 0.93, 95 % CI 0.87-1.00, p = 0.056). CONCLUSION: We have
      confirmed low parasite rate of asymptomatic Plasmodium species in Botswana, with
      the exception of P.vivax which was unexpectedly high. This has implication for
      the elimination campaign so a follow up study is warranted to inform decisions on
      new strategies that take this evidence into account in the elimination campaign.

PMID- 27682613
TI  - Prenatal diagnosis of Gaucher disease using next-generation sequencing.
AB  - In the prenatal diagnosis of Gaucher disease (GD), glucocerebrosidase (GBA)
      activity is measured with fetal cells, and gene analysis is performed when
      pathogenic mutations in GBA are identified in advance. Herein is described
      prenatal diagnosis in a family in which two children had GD. Although prior
      genetic information for this GD family was not obtained, next-generation
      sequencing (NGS) was carried out for this family because immediate prenatal
      diagnosis was necessary. Three mutations were identified in this GD family. The
      father had one mutation in intron 3 (IVS2 + 1), the mother had two mutations in
      exons 3 (I[-20]V) and 5 (M85T), and child 1 had all three of these mutations;
      child 3 had none of these mutations. On NGS the present fetus (child 3) was not a
      carrier of GD-related mutations. NGS may facilitate early detection and treatment
      before disease onset. 

PMID- 27682614
TI  - Ecthyma gangrenosum in an infant after liver transplantation.
AB  - Ecthyma gangrenosum is a rare, necrotizing, bacterial infection of the skin most
      commonly caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It has a characteristic clinical
      picture starting with maculopapular eruption followed by hemorrhagic vesicle and
      evolving into gangrenous ulcer. Although direct skin inoculation without
      septicemia is also probable, usually ecthyma gangrenosum is pathognomonic for
      Pseudomonas septicemia, which has a mortality rate of 38-96%. Herein, we report
      on the case of a 9-month-old male infant diagnosed with ecthyma gangrenosum who
      had undergone liver transplantation approximately 6 months previously and who was
      under immunosuppressive treatment, in order to highlight the importance of the
      early diagnosis and treatment of this disease. 

PMID- 27682616
TI  - Pediatrician role in public health: Domestic animal-related injury alerts for
      neonates.

PMID- 27682615
TI  - Anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody neuritis optica following anti
      NMDA receptor encephalitis.

PMID- 27682617
TI  - Thorium-phosphorus triamidoamine complexes containing Th-P single- and multiple
      bond interactions.
AB  - Despite the burgeoning field of uranium-ligand multiple bonds, analogous
      complexes involving other actinides remain scarce. For thorium, under ambient
      conditions only a few multiple bonds to carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur,
      selenium and tellurium are reported, and no multiple bonds to phosphorus are
      known, reflecting a general paucity of synthetic methodologies and also problems
      associated with stabilising these linkages at the large thorium ion. Here we
      report structurally authenticated examples of a parent thorium(IV)-phosphanide
      (Th-PH2), a terminal thorium(IV)-phosphinidene (Th=PH), a parent dithorium(IV)
      phosphinidiide (Th-P(H)-Th) and a discrete actinide-phosphido complex under
      ambient conditions (Th=P=Th). Although thorium is traditionally considered to
      have dominant 6d-orbital contributions to its bonding, contrasting to majority 5f
      orbital character for uranium, computational analyses suggests that the bonding
      of thorium can be more nuanced, in terms of 5f- versus 6d-orbital composition and
      also significant involvement of the 7s-orbital and how this affects the balance
      of 5f- versus 6d-orbital bonding character.

PMID- 27682618
TI  - Extensive Proliferation of a Subset of Differentiated, yet Plastic, Medial
      Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Contributes to Neointimal Formation in Mouse Injury
      and Atherosclerosis Models.
AB  - RATIONALE: Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) accumulation is a hallmark of
      atherosclerosis and vascular injury. However, fundamental aspects of
      proliferation and the phenotypic changes within individual VSMCs, which underlie
      vascular disease, remain unresolved. In particular, it is not known whether all
      VSMCs proliferate and display plasticity or whether individual cells can switch
      to multiple phenotypes. OBJECTIVE: To assess whether proliferation and plasticity
      in disease is a general characteristic of VSMCs or a feature of a subset of
      cells. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using multicolor lineage labeling, we demonstrate
      that VSMCs in injury-induced neointimal lesions and in atherosclerotic plaques
      are oligoclonal, derived from few expanding cells. Lineage tracing also revealed
      that the progeny of individual VSMCs contributes to both alpha smooth muscle
      actin (aSma)-positive fibrous cap and Mac3-expressing macrophage-like plaque core
      cells. Costaining for phenotypic markers further identified a double-positive
      aSma+ Mac3+ cell population, which is specific to VSMC-derived plaque cells. In
      contrast, VSMC-derived cells generating the neointima after vascular injury
      generally retained the expression of VSMC markers and the upregulation of Mac3
      was less pronounced. Monochromatic regions in atherosclerotic plaques and injury
      induced neointima did not contain VSMC-derived cells expressing a different
      fluorescent reporter protein, suggesting that proliferation-independent VSMC
      migration does not make a major contribution to VSMC accumulation in vascular
      disease. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate that extensive proliferation of a low
      proportion of highly plastic VSMCs results in the observed VSMC accumulation
      after injury and in atherosclerotic plaques. Therapeutic targeting of these
      hyperproliferating VSMCs might effectively reduce vascular disease without
      affecting vascular integrity.

PMID- 27682619
TI  - Deconstructing the Alcohol Harm Paradox: A Population Based Survey of Adults in
      England.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Alcohol Harm Paradox refers to observations that lower
      socioeconomic status (SES) groups consume less alcohol but experience more
      alcohol-related problems. However, SES is a complex concept and its observed
      relationship to social problems often depends on how it is measured and the
      demographic groups studied. Thus this study assessed socioeconomic patterning of
      alcohol consumption and related harm using multiple measures of SES and examined
      moderation of this patterning by gender and age. METHOD: Data were used from the
      Alcohol Toolkit Study between March and September 2015 on 31,878 adults (16+)
      living in England. Participants completed the AUDIT which includes alcohol
      consumption, harm and dependence modules. SES was measured via qualifications,
      employment, home and car ownership, income and social-grade, plus a composite of
      these measures. The composite score was coded such that higher scores reflected
      greater social-disadvantage. RESULTS: We observed the Alcohol Harm Paradox for
      the composite SES measure, with a linear negative relationship between SES and
      AUDIT-Consumption scores (beta = -0.036, p<0.001) and a positive relationship
      between lower SES and AUDIT-Harm (beta = 0.022, p<0.001) and AUDIT-Dependence
      (beta = 0.024, p<0.001) scores. Individual measures of SES displayed different,
      and non-linear, relationships with AUDIT modules. For example, social-grade and
      income had a u-shaped relationship with AUDIT-Consumption scores while education
      had an inverse u-shaped relationship. Almost all measures displayed an
      exponential relationship with AUDIT-Dependence and AUDIT-Harm scores. We
      identified moderating effects from age and gender, with AUDIT-Dependence scores
      increasing more steeply with lower SES in men and both AUDIT-Harm and AUDIT
      Dependence scores increasing more steeply with lower SES in younger age groups.
      CONCLUSION: Different SES measures appear to influence whether the Alcohol Harm
      Paradox is observed as a linear trend across SES groups or a phenomenon
      associated particularly with the most disadvantaged. The paradox also appears
      more concentrated in men and younger age groups.

PMID- 27682621
TI  - Are Agricultural Soils Dumps for Microplastics of Urban Origin?

PMID- 27682620
TI  - Distribution and characteristics of rodent picornaviruses in China.
AB  - Rodents are important reservoir hosts of many important zoonotic viruses. The
      family Picornaviridae contains clinically important pathogens that infect humans
      and animals, and increasing numbers of rodent picornaviruses have recently been
      associated with zoonoses. We collected 574 pharyngeal and anal swab specimens
      from 287 rodents of 10 different species from eight representative regions of
      China from October 2013 to July 2015. Seven representative sequences identified
      from six rodent species were amplified as full genomes and classified into four
      lineages. Three lineage 1 viruses belonged to a novel genus of picornaviruses and
      was more closely related to Hepatovirus than to others genera of picornaviruses
      based on aa homology. Lineage 2, lineage 3, and lineage 4 viruses belonged to the
      genera Rosavirus, Hunnivirus, and Enterovirus, respectively, representing new
      species. According to both phylogenetic and identity analyses, Lineage 2 viruses
      had a close relationship with rosavirus 2 which was recovered from the feces of a
      child in Gambia and Lineage 3 viruses had a close relationship with domestic
      animal Hunnivirus. Lineage 4 viruses provide the first evidence of these
      enteroviruses and their evolution in rodent hosts in China.

PMID- 27682624
TI  - Facile Preparation of Wurtzite CuInE2 (E = S, Se) Nanoparticles Under
      Solvothermal Conditions.
AB  - In this work, the synthesis of nanoscale CuInS2 and CuInSe2 was developed using
      molecular precursors of the type [(Ph3P)2CuIn(ER)4] (E = S, Se) and solvothermal
      reactions. Various conditions were investigated including the use of different
      precursors, reaction temperatures, reaction times and the addition of a secondary
      chalcogen source to mixtures. After optimizing conditions, nanoparticles of
      CuInS2 and CuInSe2 were isolated with controlled sizes in the range of 2-5 nm
      (wurtzite structure), which ultimately tuned the band gap energies of the
      materials. Characterization methods including powder X-ray diffraction, electron
      microscopy, and optical spectroscopy were used to investigate their structures
      and photophysical properties.

PMID- 27682622
TI  - IL-1beta, IL-18, and eicosanoids promote neutrophil recruitment to pore-induced
      intracellular traps following pyroptosis.
AB  - Inflammasomes activate caspase-1, initiating a lytic form of programmed cell
      death termed pyroptosis, which is an important innate immune defense mechanism
      against intracellular infections. We recently demonstrated in a mouse infection
      model of pyroptosis that instead of releasing bacteria into the extracellular
      space, bacteria remain trapped within the pyroptotic cell corpse, termed the pore
      induced intracellular trap (PIT). This trapping mediates efferocytosis of the PIT
      and associated bacteria by neutrophils; bacteria are subsequently killed via
      neutrophil ROS. Using this pyroptosis model, we now show that the pro
      inflammatory cytokines IL-1beta and IL-18 and inflammatory lipid mediators termed
      eicosanoids are required for effective clearance of bacteria downstream of
      pyroptosis. We further show that IL-1beta, IL-18, and eicosanoids affect this in
      part by mediating neutrophil recruitment to the PIT. This is in addition to our
      prior findings that complement is also important to attract neutrophils. Thus,
      the PIT initiates a robust and coordinated innate immune response involving
      multiple mediators that attract neutrophils to efferocytose the PIT and its
      entrapped bacteria.

PMID- 27682623
TI  - Influence of R-CHOP Therapy on Immune System Restoration in Patients with B-Cell
      Lymphoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the immunosuppressive effect of R-CHOP in patients with B
      cell lymphoma at 2 years. METHODS: Parameters of humoral and cell-mediated
      immunity were assessed in 89 patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma or
      follicular lymphoma before and after 6-8 cycles of R-CHOP-14 or R-CHOP-21
      regimen. RESULTS: Data on pre- and posttreatment serum IgG (sIgG) levels were
      available for all 89 patients, while the corresponding data on serum CD20+, CD3+,
      CD4+, and CD8+ lymphocyte counts were available in only 43. Median sIgG levels
      significantly decreased from 1,221 mg/dl (baseline) to 733 mg/dl (after
      chemotherapy) (p < 0.001). Although CD20+ and CD4+ cell counts decreased (p <
      0.001), no significant effect of chemotherapy on CD3+ and CD8+ cell counts was
      observed. CD20+ cell counts were restored to baseline levels at the 12-month
      follow-up. sIgG levels and CD4+ cell counts were not completely restored at 24
      months, indicating a sustained immunosuppressive effect of R-CHOP in these
      patients. The incidence of infections over the 2-year period was 16.3-23.6%.
      CONCLUSION: The immunosuppressive effect of R-CHOP in newly diagnosed cases of B
      cell lymphoma tends to persist for >2 years, although sIgG levels were restored
      more quickly than CD4+ cell counts.

PMID- 27682626
TI  - Coupled Cluster Method with Single and Double Excitations Tailored by Matrix
      Product State Wave Functions.
AB  - In the past decade, the quantum chemical version of the density matrix
      renormalization group (DMRG) method has established itself as the method of
      choice for calculations of strongly correlated molecular systems. Despite its
      favorable scaling, it is in practice not suitable for computations of dynamic
      correlation. We present a novel method for accurate "post-DMRG" treatment of
      dynamic correlation based on the tailored coupled cluster (CC) theory in which
      the DMRG method is responsible for the proper description of nondynamic
      correlation, whereas dynamic correlation is incorporated through the framework of
      the CC theory. We illustrate the potential of this method on prominent
      multireference systems, in particular, N2 and Cr2 molecules and also oxo
      Mn(Salen), for which we have performed the first post-DMRG computations in order
      to shed light on the energy ordering of the lowest spin states.

PMID- 27682625
TI  - The acceptability and feasibility of using the Adult Social Care Outcomes Toolkit
      (ASCOT) to inform practice in care homes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Adult Social Care Outcomes Toolkit (ASCOT) measures social care
      related quality of life (SCRQoL) and can be used to measure outcomes and
      demonstrate impact across different social care settings. This exploratory study
      built on previous work by collecting new inter-rater reliability data on the
      mixed-methods version of the toolkit and exploring how it might be used to inform
      practice in four case study homes. METHOD: We worked with two care home providers
      to agree an in-depth study collecting SCRQoL data in four case-study homes. Data
      was collected about residents' age, ethnicity, cognitive impairment, ability to
      perform activities of daily living and SCRQoL in the four homes. Feedback
      sessions with staff and managers were held in the homes two weeks after baseline
      and follow-up data collected three months later. Interviews with managers
      explored their views of the feedback and recorded any changes that had been made
      because of it. RESULTS: Participant recruitment was challenging, despite working
      in partnership with the homes. Resident response rates ranged from 23 to 54 %
      with 58 residents from four care homes taking part in the research. 53 % lacked
      capacity to consent. Inter-rater reliability for the ASCOT ratings of SCRQoL were
      good at time one (IRR = 0.72) and excellent at time two (IRR = 0.76). During the
      study, residents' ability to perform activities of daily living declined
      significantly (z = -2.67, p < .01), as did their expected needs in the absence of
      services (z = -2.41, p < .05). Despite these rapid declines in functionings,
      residents' current SCRQoL declined slightly but not significantly (Z = -1.49, p =
      .14). Staff responded positively to the feedback given and managers reported
      implementing changes in practice because of it. CONCLUSION: This exploratory
      study faced many challenges in the recruitment of residents, many of whom were
      cognitively impaired. Nevertheless, without a mixed-methods approach many of the
      residents living in the care homes would have been excluded from the research
      altogether or had their views represented only by a representative or proxy. The
      value of the mixed-methods toolkit and its potential for use by providers is
      discussed.

PMID- 27682627
TI  - Update: Routine screening for antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus,
      civilian applicants for U.S. military service and U.S. Armed Forces, active and
      reserve components, January 2011-June 2016.
AB  - This report contains an update through June 2016 of the results of routine
      screening for antibodies to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among civilian
      applicants for military service and among members of the active and reserve
      components of the U.S. Armed Forces. During the surveillance period, annual
      seroprevalences among civilian applicants for military service peaked in 2015
      (0.31 per 1,000 tested), up 29% from 2014 (0.24 per 1,000 tested).
      Seroprevalences among Marine Corps reservists, Navy active component service
      members, and Navy reservists also peaked in 2015. In the Army National Guard and
      the reserve component of the Marine Corps, full-year seroprevalences have trended
      upward since 2011. Overall (January 2011-June 2016) seroprevalences were highest
      for Army reservists, Army National Guard members, Navy active component members,
      and Navy reservists. Among active and reserve component service members,
      seroprevalences continue to be higher among Army and Navy members and males than
      their respective counterparts. 

PMID- 27682628
TI  - Update: Diagnoses of overweight and obesity, active component, U.S. Armed Forces,
      2011-2015.
AB  - Excessive weight and body fat among currently serving active component members
      have a detrimental effect on operational effectiveness and increase the risk of
      both acute and chronic health effects related to overweight and obesity. During
      2011-2015, the number and prevalence of active component members who received at
      least one clinical overweight diagnosis increased steadily (2011: n=71,168; 4.5%;
      2015: n=113,958; 7.8%). Annual prevalences of clinical overweight increased most
      rapidly between 2011 and 2013, then remained relatively stable for the remainder
      of the surveillance period. Continued emphasis on improving "nutritional fitness"
      as well as physical fitness should continue as a priority of military medical and
      line leaders at every level. 

PMID- 27682629
TI  - Update: Osteoarthritis and spondylosis, active component, U.S. Armed Forces, 2010
      2015.
AB  - During the 6-year surveillance period, a total of 56,935 incident diagnoses of
      osteoarthritis (OA) and 60,968 incident diagnoses of spondylosis were identified.
      Age-specific rates of OA and spondylosis increased markedly with age and were
      higher among Army members and those in armor/motor transport occupations,
      compared to their respective counterparts. Among service members aged 25 years or
      older, the rate of OA overall was higher among black, non-Hispanic than other
      race/ethnicity group members, and the rate of shoulder OA was higher among males
      than females. Among service members aged 35 years or older, rates of OA of the
      knee and pelvic region/thigh were higher among females than males. Age-specific
      rates of spondylosis were generally higher among white, non-Hispanic than other
      race/ethnicity group members. Crude overall incidence rates of spondylosis were
      generally similar between sexes for all anatomical locations except the cervical
      region (20% higher for females than males). Findings suggest a need for
      additional research to identify military-specific equipment and activities that
      increase risk of acute and chronic damage to joints. 

PMID- 27682630
TI  - Abstracts from The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine 21(st) Annual International
      Meeting Washington, DC October 13-16, 2016.

PMID- 27682632
TI  - CORR Insights(r): What Are the Risk Factors for Dislocation of Hip Bipolar
      Hemiarthroplasty Through the Anterolateral Approach? A Nested Case-control Study.

PMID- 27682633
TI  - Thermally induced crystallization in NbO2 thin films.
AB  - Niobium dioxide can exhibit negative differential resistance (NDR) in metal
      insulator-metal (MIM) devices, which has recently attracted significant interest
      for its potential applications as a highly non-linear selector element in
      emerging nonvolatile memory (NVM) and as a locally-active element in neuromorphic
      circuits. In order to further understand the processing of this material system,
      we studied the effect of thermal annealing on a 15 nm thick NbO2 thin film
      sandwiched inside a nanoscale MIM device and compared it with 180 nm thick
      blanket NbOx (x = 2 and 2.5) films deposited on a silicon dioxide surface as
      references. A systematic transmission electron microscope (TEM) study revealed a
      similar structural transition from amorphous to a distorted rutile structure in
      both cases, with a transition temperature of 700  degrees C for the NbO2 inside
      the MIM device and a slightly higher transition temperature of 750  degrees C for
      the reference NbO2 film. Quantitative composition analysis from electron energy
      loss spectroscopy (EELS) showed the stoichiometry of the nominal 15 nm NbO2 layer
      in the as-fabricated MIM device deviated from the target 1:2 ratio because of an
      interaction with the electrode materials, which was more prominent at elevated
      annealing temperature.

PMID- 27682634
TI  - Lower serum uric acid is associated with mild cognitive impairment in early
      Parkinson's disease: a 4-year follow-up study.
AB  - Cognitive deficits are common in Parkinson's disease (PD) and many patients
      eventually develop dementia; however, its occurrence is unpredictable. Serum uric
      acid (UA) has been proposed as a biomarker of PD, both in the preclinical and
      clinical phase of the disease. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate
      relationships between baseline serum UA levels and occurrence of mild cognitive
      impairment (MCI) at 4-year follow-up in a cohort of early PD patients. Early PD
      patients, not presenting concomitant diseases, cognitive impairment or treatment
      possibly interfering with UA levels, underwent neuropsychological testing at
      baseline and 4-year follow-up. UA levels were determined in serum at baseline.
      MCI was found in 23 out of 42 PD patients completing 4-year follow-up. Patients
      presenting MCI had significantly higher age at onset and lower Frontal Assessment
      Battery scores at baseline as compared with patients cognitively intact. Logistic
      regression analysis showed that both serum UA levels (OR = 0.54, p = 0.044) and
      age (OR = 1.16, p = 0.009) contribute to the occurrence of MCI at 4-year follow
      up. Our pilot study suggests that lower levels of serum UA in the early disease
      stages are associated to the later occurrence of MCI. These results need to be
      confirmed by further studies on larger samples.

PMID- 27682636
TI  - Synthesis of 6,12-Epiminodibenzo[b,f][1,5]diazocines via an Ytterbium Triflate
      Catalyzed, AB2 Three-Component Reaction.
AB  - An efficient and selective procedure for the synthesis of
      epiminodibenzo[b,f][1,5]diazocines involving a AB2 three-component reaction is
      developed. Two equivalents of suitably substituted 2-aminoarylaldehydes reacted
      with arylamines in the presence of Yb(OTf)3 to afford the desired products in
      high yields. The reaction is highly atom-economic and waste-free, in addition to
      allowing the generation of two heterocyclic rings and four C-N bonds in a single
      operation. Significantly, this approach is complementary to the existing
      literature procedures, affording arylamine-derived products that could not be
      accessed previously. A plausible mechanism is proposed involving an imine
      formation-intermolecular annulation-intramolecular iminium ion cyclization
      sequence.

PMID- 27682637
TI  - Primary scalp alopecia: new histopathological tools, new concepts and a practical
      guide to diagnosis.
AB  - The diagnosis of primary scalp alopecia remains one of the most challenging
      fields in dermatopathology. In this review, we would like to connect the
      established classification of primary alopecia into scarring (cicatricial) and
      non-scarring (non-cicatricial) with current concepts. We introduce a simplified
      pathway for the diagnosis of the most common causes of alopecia, including a
      discussion of tissue processing techniques and use of immunohistochemistry.

PMID- 27682635
TI  - Effects of acute doses of methylphenidate on inflammation and oxidative stress in
      isolated hippocampus and cerebral cortex of adult rats.
AB  - Methylphenidate (MPH) is a stimulatory agent in brain with unknown long-term
      consequences. In this study, MPH-induced neurodegeneration in adult rat brain was
      assessed. Rats were acutely treated with different doses of MPH. Open Field Test
      was used to investigate anxiety and depression levels. Inflammatory factors and
      anti-oxidant activity were also evaluated in isolated hippocampus and cerebral
      cortex. MPH treated groups (10 and 20 mg/kg) demonstrated anxiety and depression
      like behavior in OFT. MPH significantly increased lipid peroxidation, GSSG level,
      IL-1beta and TNF-alpha in isolated tissues. In addition, MPH at the same doses
      (10 and 20 mg/kg) reduced GSH, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and
      glutathione reductase activity significantly in hippocampus and cerebral cortex.
      In conclusion, acute administration of high doses of MPH can cause oxidative and
      inflammatory changes in brain cells and induce neurodegeneration in hippocampus
      and cerebral cortex of adult rats.

PMID- 27682638
TI  - Influence of temperature and relative humidity on survival and fecundity of three
      tsetse strains.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tsetse flies occur in much of sub-Saharan Africa where they are
      vectors of trypanosomes that cause human and animal African trypanosomosis. The
      sterile insect technique (SIT) is currently used to eliminate tsetse fly
      populations in an area-wide integrated pest management (AW-IPM) context in
      Senegal and Ethiopia. Three Glossina palpalis gambiensis strains [originating
      from Burkina Faso (BKF), Senegal (SEN) and an introgressed strain (SENbkf)] were
      established and are now available for use in future AW-IPM programmes against
      trypanosomes in West Africa. For each strain, knowledge of the environmental
      survival thresholds is essential to determine which of these strains is best
      suited to a particular environment or ecosystem, and can therefore be used
      effectively in SIT programmes. METHODS: In this paper, we investigated the
      survival and fecundity of three G. p. gambiensis strains maintained under various
      conditions: 25  degrees C and 40, 50, 60, and 75 % relative humidity (rH), 30 
      degrees C and 60 % rH and 35  degrees C and 60 % rH. RESULTS: The survival of the
      three strains was dependent on temperature only, and it was unaffected by
      changing humidity within the tested range. The BKF strain survived temperatures
      above its optimum better than the SEN strain. The SENbkf showed intermediate
      resistance to high temperatures. A temperature of about 32  degrees C was the
      limit for survival for all strains. A rH ranging from 40 to 76 % had no effect on
      fecundity at 25-26  degrees C. CONCLUSIONS: We discuss the implications of these
      results on tsetse SIT-based control programmes.

PMID- 27682640
TI  - Highly Diastereo- and Enantioselective Cu-Catalyzed Borylative Coupling of 1,3
      Dienes and Aldimines.
AB  - A Cu-catalyzed diastereo- and enantioselective borylative coupling reaction of
      1,3-dienes with imines was realized. Branched homoallylic amines are readily
      prepared in a syn-selective manner with high regio-, diastereo- and
      enantioselectivity. Moreover, these three-component coupling reactions feature
      good functional-group compatibility and easy access to the substrates and
      catalyst.

PMID- 27682639
TI  - Wolf population genetics in Europe: a systematic review, meta-analysis and
      suggestions for conservation and management.
AB  - The grey wolf (Canis lupus) is an iconic large carnivore that has increasingly
      been recognized as an apex predator with intrinsic value and a keystone species.
      However, wolves have also long represented a primary source of human-carnivore
      conflict, which has led to long-term persecution of wolves, resulting in a
      significant decrease in their numbers, genetic diversity and gene flow between
      populations. For more effective protection and management of wolf populations in
      Europe, robust scientific evidence is crucial. This review serves as an
      analytical summary of the main findings from wolf population genetic studies in
      Europe, covering major studies from the 'pre-genomic era' and the first insights
      of the 'genomics era'. We analyse, summarize and discuss findings derived from
      analyses of three compartments of the mammalian genome with different inheritance
      modes: maternal (mitochondrial DNA), paternal (Y chromosome) and biparental
      [autosomal microsatellites and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)]. To
      describe large-scale trends and patterns of genetic variation in European wolf
      populations, we conducted a meta-analysis based on the results of previous
      microsatellite studies and also included new data, covering all 19 European
      countries for which wolf genetic information is available: Norway, Sweden,
      Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany,
      Belarus, Russia, Italy, Croatia, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, Spain
      and Portugal. We compared different indices of genetic diversity in wolf
      populations and found a significant spatial trend in heterozygosity across Europe
      from south-west (lowest genetic diversity) to north-east (highest). The range of
      spatial autocorrelation calculated on the basis of three characteristics of
      genetic diversity was 650-850 km, suggesting that the genetic diversity of a
      given wolf population can be influenced by populations up to 850 km away. As an
      important outcome of this synthesis, we discuss the most pressing issues
      threatening wolf populations in Europe, highlight important gaps in current
      knowledge, suggest solutions to overcome these limitations, and provide
      recommendations for science-based wolf conservation and management at regional
      and Europe-wide scales.

PMID- 27682641
TI  - Occurrence of human respiratory syncytial virus in summer in Japan.
AB  - In temperate zones, human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) outbreaks typically
      occur in cold weather, i.e. in late autumn and winter. However, recent outbreaks
      in Japan have tended to start during summer and autumn. This study examined
      associations of meteorological conditions with the numbers of HRSV cases reported
      in summer in Japan. Using data from the HRSV national surveillance system and
      national meteorological data for summer during the period 2007-2014, we utilized
      negative binomial logistic regression analysis to identify associations between
      meteorological conditions and reported cases of HRSV. HRSV cases increased when
      summer temperatures rose and when relative humidity increased. Consideration of
      the interaction term temperature * relative humidity enabled us to show
      synergistic effects of high temperature with HRSV occurrence. In particular, HRSV
      cases synergistically increased when relative humidity increased while the
      temperature was ?28.2  degrees C. Seasonal-trend decomposition analysis using the
      HRSV national surveillance data divided by 11 climate divisions showed that
      summer HRSV cases occurred in South Japan (Okinawa Island), Kyushu, and Nankai
      climate divisions, which are located in southwest Japan. Higher temperature and
      higher relative humidity were necessary conditions for HRSV occurrence in summer
      in Japan. Paediatricians in temperate zones should be mindful of possible HRSV
      cases in summer, when suitable conditions are present.

PMID- 27682642
TI  - Randomized clinical trial comparing two vessel-sealing devices with crush
      clamping during liver transection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous RCTs have failed to demonstrate the usefulness of combining
      energy devices with the conventional clamp crushing method to reduce blood loss
      during liver transection. Here, the combination of an ultrasonically activated
      device (UAD) and a bipolar vessel-sealing device (BVSD) with crush clamping was
      investigated. METHODS: Patients scheduled to undergo hepatectomy at the
      University of Tokyo Hospital or Nihon University Itabashi Hospital were eligible
      for this parallel-group, single-blinded randomized study. Patients were assigned
      to a control group (no energy device used), an UAD group or a BVSD group. The
      primary endpoint was the volume of blood loss during liver transection. Outcomes
      of the control group and the combined energy device groups (UAD plus BVSD) were
      first compared. Pairwise comparisons among the three groups were made for
      outcomes for which the combined energy device group was superior to the control
      group. RESULTS: A total of 380 patients were enrolled between July 2012 and May
      2014; 116 patients in the control group, 122 in the UAD group and 123 in the BVSD
      group were included in the final analysis. Median blood loss during liver
      transection was lower in the combined energy device group (245 patients) than in
      the control group (116 patients): median 190 (range 0-3575) versus 230 (range 3
      1570) ml (P = 0.048). Pairwise comparison revealed that blood loss was lower in
      the BVSD group than in the control group (P = 0.043). CONCLUSION: The use of
      energy devices combined with crush clamping reduced blood loss during liver
      transection. Registration number: C000008372 (www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index.htm).

PMID- 27682643
TI  - Infant, Control Thyself: Infants' Integration of Multiple Social Cues to Regulate
      Their Imitative Behavior.
AB  - This study investigated 15-month-old infants' (N = 150) ability to self-regulate
      based on observing a social interaction between two adults. Infants were
      bystanders to a social exchange in which an Experimenter performed actions on
      objects and an Emoter expressed anger, as if they were forbidden acts. Next, the
      Emoter became neutral and her visual access to the infant was experimentally
      manipulated. The Emoter either: (a) left the room, (b) turned her back, (c) faced
      the infant but looked down at a magazine, or (d) faced and looked toward the
      infant. Infants were then presented with the test objects. When the previously
      angry Emoter was facing them, infants were hesitant to imitate the demonstrated
      acts in comparison to the other conditions. We hypothesize that infants
      integrated the emotional and visual-perceptual cues to determine whether the
      Emoter would get angry at them, and then regulated their behavior accordingly.
      Temperament was related to infants' self-regulation -infants with higher
      impulsivity scores were more likely to perform the forbidden acts. Taken
      together, these findings provide insight into the roots of executive functions in
      late infancy.

PMID- 27682644
TI  - Editorial: Spilled Over Emerging Infectious Diseases Necessitate an Accelerated
      Drug Design and Discovery Program: Some Comments with Special Reference to
      Chemoinformatics and the Current Zika Virus Crisis.

PMID- 27682645
TI  - Every caesarean section must count.
AB  - Caesarean section rates (CSR) have climbed over the last three decades but some
      authors have argued that there is no reason to count them, claiming that this
      practice may lead to inappropriate attempts to lower CSR. However, there are many
      adverse effects of CS and these are short, medium and long-term for both mother
      and baby. There is likely to be an optimal CSR which gives the best perinatal
      outcomes and unless each caesarean counts, and is counted, CSR will be higher
      than they need to be for best perinatal outcomes.

PMID- 27682646
TI  - Prophylactic total gastrectomy in the management of hereditary tumor syndromes.
AB  - PURPOSE: Germline mutations in several genes confer a relevant lifetime risk of
      gastric cancer. In this context, an increasing involvement of a surgeon can be
      seen, mainly with the question of performing a prophylactic operation. METHODS:
      Patients with hereditary tumor syndromes predisposing for gastric cancer who
      received care leading to prophylactic total gastrectomy in our Center for
      Hereditary Tumor Syndromes were analyzed. For each patient, the multidisciplinary
      decision-making process, the perioperative course, and the histopathologic
      findings were assessed. Short-term morbidity was evaluated based on the medical
      reports. RESULTS: The analysis includes nine patients (six female, three male)
      with a median age of 41.6 (range 23-60) years. Indication for prophylactic total
      gastrectomy was based on family history and genetic analysis (eight patients with
      a germline mutation of the CDH1 gene and one patient with a SMAD4 mutation).
      Removal of the entire gastric mucosa was documented intraoperatively by fresh
      frozen section examination. Extended (DII) lymphadenectomy was performed in four
      patients. Histopathologic examination of gastrectomy specimens revealed six
      patients (6/9, 67 %) with multifocal signet ring cell carcinomas. In our series,
      prophylactic total gastrectomy was a safe procedure without mortality and low
      morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with hereditary syndromes predisposing for
      gastric cancer should be evaluated for this curative procedure in a specialized
      center. Further research is necessary, and the implementation of nationwide
      registers including patients with prophylactic gastrointestinal operations due to
      hereditary tumor syndrome is advisable.

PMID- 27682647
TI  - Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis 20 years later: is it still a good surgical option
      for patients with ulcerative colitis?
AB  - PURPOSE: Short-term results after ileo-pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) are well
      established; data are conflicting in long-standing patients. We retrospectively
      evaluated long-term complications and functional results after follow-up longer
      than 20 years. METHODS: Two hundred five patients with follow-up longer than 20
      years have been identified out of 1112 IPAA performed in our institution; of
      these, 20 cases were lost at follow-up or decline to take part at the study. We
      evaluated long-term complications and failure rate also according to changes in
      histological diagnosis. Changes in functional results and quality of life (QoL)
      were analyzed at 5 and 20 years after IPAA. RESULTS: Pouch failure rate was 10.8
      % (35 % due to misdiagnosed Crohn). Incidences of fistulas, anastomotic stenosis,
      chronic pouchitis, and pre-pouch ileitis were 17.3, 12.9, 28.6, and 7.6 %,
      respectively. Most of the patients reported good functional outcomes. Day-time
      evacuations at 5 and after 20 years were 4.3 and 4.8 (p = n.s.) while during
      night-time were 0.8 and 1.2 (p < 0.05). Urgency was 6 and 9.4 % (p = n.s.),
      respectively; need of antimotility drugs was 16 and 35 % (p < 0.001). Dietary
      limitations and work restrictions were similar over time. Only sexuality got
      worse during follow-up. Satisfaction for surgery was always high and it did not
      change over time. CONCLUSION: IPAA is still an excellent surgical option for UC
      with a low rate of pouch failure even after more than 20 years. Despite a slight
      worsening of functional results over time, the QoL remained high and most
      patients expressed satisfaction with the procedure and were willing to recommend
      it to others.

PMID- 27682648
TI  - Comparative diagnostic accuracy of hepatocyte-specific gadoxetic acid (Gd-EOB
      DTPA) enhanced MR imaging and contrast enhanced CT for the detection of liver
      metastases: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: This systematic review evaluated the diagnostic accuracy and impact on
      patient management of hepatocyte-specific gadoxetic acid enhanced magnetic
      resonance imaging (GA-MRI) compared to contrast enhanced computed tomography (CE
      CT) in patients with liver metastases. METHOD: Four biomedical databases (PubMed,
      EMBASE, Cochrane Library, York CRD) were searched from January 1991 to February
      2016. Studies investigating the accuracy or management impact of GA-MRI compared
      to CE-CT in patients with known or suspected liver metastases were included. Bias
      was evaluated using QUADAS-II. Univariate meta-analysis of sensitivity ratios
      (RR) were conducted in the absence of heterogeneity, calculated using I 2 , Tau
      values (tau) and prediction intervals. RESULTS: Nine diagnostic accuracy studies
      (537 patients with 1216 lesions) and four change in management studies (488
      patients with 281 lesions) were included. Per-lesion sensitivity and specificity
      estimates for GA-MRI ranged from 86.9-100.0 % and 80.2-98.0 %, respectively,
      compared to 51.8-84.6 % and 77.2-98.0 % for CE-CT. Meta-analysis found GA-MRI to
      be significantly more sensitive than CE-CT (RR = 1.29, 95 % CI = 1.18-1.40, P <
      0.001), with equivalent specificity (RR = 0.97, 95 % CI 0.910-1.042, P = 0.44).
      The largest difference was observed for lesions smaller than 10 mm for which GA
      MRI was significantly more sensitive (RR = 2.21, 95 % CI = 1.47-3.32, P < 0.001)
      but less specific (RR = 0.92, 95 % CI 0.87-0.98, P = 0.008). GA-MRI affected
      clinical management in 26 of 155 patients (16.8 %) who had a prior CE-CT;
      however, no studies investigated the consequences of using GA-MRI instead of CE
      CT. CONCLUSION: GA-MRI is significantly more sensitive than CE-CT for detecting
      liver metastases, which leads to a modest impact on patient management in the
      context of an equivocal CE-CT result.

PMID- 27682650
TI  - Differences in the association between high blood pressure and cognitive
      functioning among the general Japanese population aged 70 to 80 years old:
      methodological issues to avoid misinterpretation.

PMID- 27682649
TI  - Autoantibody to scaffold attachment factor B (SAFB): A novel connective tissue
      disease-related autoantibody associated with interstitial lung disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify and characterize a novel connective tissue disease (CTD)
      related autoantibody (autoAb) directed against scaffold attachment factor B
      (SAFB). METHODS: AutoAb specificity was analyzed using RNA and protein
      immunoprecipitation assays. Autoimmune targets were affinity purified using
      patients' sera and subjected to liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. RESULTS:
      By immunoprecipitation assay, 10 sera reacted with a protein with a molecular
      weight of approximately 160 kDa. Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry of the
      partially purified autoantigen and additional immunoblot-based analyses revealed
      that the Ab specifically recognized SAFB. Anti-SAFB Abs were detected in 2 of 646
      patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) (0.3%), 1 of 1570 patients with
      polymyositis/dermatomyositis (0.06%), 4 of 270 patients with interstitial lung
      disease (ILD) (1.5%), 1 of 43 patients with overlap syndrome (2.3%) and 2
      patients with other diseases including primary Raynaud's disease and eosinophilic
      pneumonia. Five patients with anti-SAFB Abs had Raynaud's phenomenon and 3 had
      nail fold punctate hemorrhage. Of note, 8 of the 10 patients (80%) suffered from
      ILD. None of the patients with anti-SAFB Abs had pulmonary arterial hypertension,
      heart disease, or renal involvement. CONCLUSIONS: Anti-SAFB Ab is a novel CTD
      related autoAb possibly associated with ILD.

PMID- 27682651
TI  - Seasonal variation in self-measured home blood pressure among patients on
      antihypertensive medications: HOMED-BP study.
AB  - Seasonal variation of blood pressure (BP) has been reported in small populations
      or by BP levels captured at only a few points in a year, for example, summer and
      winter. We aimed to investigate the multiyear seasonal variation in self-measured
      home BP among hypertensive patients receiving antihypertensive medications. We
      selected 1649 eligible patients receiving antihypertensive drug treatment, and
      weekly averaged home BPs were analyzed throughout the follow-up period. Systolic
      and diastolic home BPs were fitted with the cosine function: 'Variation+Other
      Effects+Intercept', in which the 'Variation' was expressed by a cosine curve with
      three parameters representing: (1) maximum-minimum difference of home BP in one
      cycle of the cosine curve; (2) time required for one cycle of the cosine curve
      for home BP variation; and (3) time at which home BP reached the maximum point.
      Maximum-minimum differences in home BP were 6.7/2.9 mm Hg, and the highest home
      BPs were observed in mid-to-late January. In the multivariable-adjusted model, a
      large maximum-minimum difference in home BP was associated with lower body mass
      index and older age, and larger differences were observed in men compared with
      women. Summer-winter difference in home BP was essentially similar every year,
      though it was marginally reduced by 0.14/0.04 mm Hg per year, under long-term
      antihypertensive treatment. Records of daily home BP measurements enable us to
      capture long-term factors such as seasonal variation. Home BP should therefore be
      carefully monitored, particularly in patients with increased BP in winter, to
      mitigate cardiovascular risk.

PMID- 27682652
TI  - Second derivative of the finger photoplethysmogram and cardiovascular mortality
      in middle-aged and elderly Japanese women.
AB  - The second derivative of the digital photoplethysmogram (SDPTG) is an indicator
      of arterial stiffness. The ratio of the height of the d wave to the a wave of the
      SDPTG (d/a) is associated with functional peripheral vascular tension and
      represents aortic-blood pressure (BP) augmented by reflection waves from the
      periphery. This longitudinal study aimed to investigate the relationship between
      SDPTG and cardiovascular mortality in middle-aged and elderly Japanese women.
      From 1998 to 2008, we recruited 4373 women (50-79 years old at baseline) who
      underwent medical check-ups and SDPTG measurement. The SDPTG index (d/a) was
      calculated from the wave component height, and was divided into quartiles (Q)
      according to the d/a value. The median follow-up period was 9.0 years. The d/a
      value was negatively associated with age and BP, and positively associated with
      heart rate and body height. Using the Cox proportional hazards model, the hazard
      ratios for cardiovascular mortality for Q2, Q3 and Q4 were significantly higher
      than that of Q1. In multivariate analysis, the hazard ratio was 2.30 for Q3 (95%
      confidence interval (CI): 1.06-4.99, P<0.05) and 2.60 for Q4 (95% CI: 1.21-5.60,
      P<0.05), after adjustment for age, height, body mass index, BP levels, heart rate
      and other atherosclerosis-related factors. The hazard ratios of cardiovascular
      mortality for Q3 and Q4 were significantly higher compared with the reference
      (Q1). Thus, the SDPTG d/a is an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality
      in middle-aged and elderly Japanese women.

PMID- 27682653
TI  - Use of serum fibroblast growth factor 23 vs. plasma B-type natriuretic peptide
      levels in assessing the pathophysiology of patients with heart failure.
AB  - Recently, fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), a phosphate-regulating hormone,
      has been linked to the pathophysiology of heart failure (HF), thus encouraging us
      to examine which hemodynamic abnormalities of HF are linked to either serum FGF23
      or plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels. We measured both the serum
      FGF23 and plasma BNP levels in 154 consecutive prospectively enrolled
      hospitalized HF patients, with an estimated glomerular filtration rate >40 ml min
      1 1.73 m-2, who underwent heart catheterizations and an echocardiogram. The serum
      FGF23 levels correlated with the diameter of the inferior vena cava and its
      respiratory changes, whereas the plasma BNP levels did not. Both the plasma BNP
      and serum FGF23 levels were moderately correlated with the mean pulmonary artery
      (PA) pressure and pulmonary capillary wedge (PCW) pressure. Interestingly, in
      patients with an above-median right-atrial (RA) pressure (4 mm Hg), FGF23 levels
      were correlated with both PA and PCW pressures, but the levels were not
      correlated in patients with a below-median RA pressure. In contrast, the plasma
      BNP levels were correlated with both PA and PCW pressures. Finally, serum FGF23
      levels, compared with the plasma BNP levels, were more strongly associated with
      the clinical outcomes in patients with above-median RA pressure. These findings
      suggested that serum FGF23 levels are predominantly correlated with clinical
      outcomes, may serve as a biomarker for HF in patients with higher RA pressure,
      may provide beneficial information for patients with right-sided HF and may
      represent different clinical information than that provided only by plasma BNP
      levels.

PMID- 27682655
TI  - Epidemiology of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy: prevalence, risk factors,
      predictors and prognosis.
AB  - Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP) represent some of the most important
      problems faced by public health because HDP is a major cause of maternal and
      prenatal morbidity and mortality. Several epidemiological studies have been
      performed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of HDP as well as its
      subtypes. The prevalences of HDP, gestational hypertension and preeclampsia are
      5.2-8.2%, 1.8-4.4% and 0.2-9.2%, respectively. Body mass index, anemia and lower
      education appear to be modifiable risk factors for HDP. Maternal age,
      primiparous, multiple pregnancy, HDP in previous pregnancy, gestational diabetes
      mellitus, preexisting hypertension, preexisting type 2 diabetes mellitus,
      preexisting urinary tract infection and a family history of hypertension, type 2
      diabetes mellitus and preeclampsia appear to be nonmodifiable risk factors.
      Genetic variants including a single-nucleotide polymorphism in the
      angiotensinogen gene have also been reported to be nonmodifiable risk factors.
      Epidemiological studies have recently examined the associations between a history
      of HDP and its subtypes and future risks of other diseases. These studies have
      reported associations between a history of HDP and a risk of coronary heart
      disease, heart failure, dysrhythmia, stroke, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, end
      stage renal dysfunction and cardiomyopathy. HDP is not associated with the future
      incidence of total cancer. In conclusion, HDP is not a rare complication of
      pregnancy and the influence of HDP remains for an extended duration. Physicians
      should consider the effects of HDP when treating chronic diseases in women.

PMID- 27682656
TI  - Left atrial dimension is related to blood pressure variability in newly diagnosed
      untreated hypertensive patients: methodological and statistical issues.

PMID- 27682654
TI  - The association of endothelin-1 with markers of oxidative stress in a biethnic
      South African cohort: the SABPA study.
AB  - Both endothelin-1 and oxidative stress have important roles in the development of
      cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and atherosclerosis. Limited
      information is available on the interaction between oxidative stress, the
      glutathione system and endothelin-1 in humans. We aimed to investigate the
      association of endothelin-1 with markers of oxidative stress and the antioxidant
      capacity in a biethnic South African cohort. This cross-sectional study included
      195 black and 198 white South Africans. Serum endothelin-1 levels and oxidative
      stress-related markers such as reactive oxygen species (measured as serum
      peroxides), glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase
      and catalase were measured. In single, partial and multiple regression analyses
      endothelin-1 correlated positively with glutathione reductase activity (adj.
      R2=0.10; beta=0.232; P=0.020) and negatively with antihypertension medication
      (P=0.02) and tended to correlate with glutathione reductase-to-glutathione
      peroxidase ratio (adj. R2=0.10; beta=0.19; P=0.057) in black men. In white men,
      endothelin-1 correlated positively with ROS (adj. R2=0.09; beta=0.26; P=0.01) and
      negatively with glutathione peroxidase activity (adj. R2=0.05; beta=-0.23;
      P=0.02). In black women, endothelin-1 correlated negatively with total
      glutathione (adj. R2=0.22; beta=-0.214; P=0.026). Endothelin-1 may contribute to
      glutathione reductase upregulation through increased reactive oxygen species
      production mediated via endothelin-1 in black men. In white men, we observed a
      negative association between glutathione peroxidase and endothelin-1, describing
      the expected physiological relationship between endothelin-1 and reactive oxygen
      species. Higher total glutathione levels may act as a counter-regulatory
      mechanism to protect against oxidative vascular damage attributed by endothelin-1
      in black women.

PMID- 27682657
TI  - Successful rotational atherectomy over RG3 guidewire after failure of various
      techniques to deliver RotaWire.
AB  - Although performing rotational atherectomy (RA) requires guidewire exchange for
      the dedicated guidewire, RotaWire guidewire (Boston Scientific) exhibits much
      lower performance than conventional guidewire. Consequently, there are times when
      RotaWire cannot be advanced past the lesion independently or using a
      microcatheter exchange technique, rendering RA impossible. We present a case of a
      heavily calcified, device-uncrossable, and non-expansible chronic total occlusion
      lesion successfully revascularized with RA over RG3 guidewire (Asahi Intecc),
      which has a length of 330 cm, hydrophilic coating, and a 0.010-inch-long shaft.
      RG3 provided excellent cross-ability and RA could also be performed over RG3
      without guidewire exchange for the RotaWire.

PMID- 27682658
TI  - Stepwise Simulation of 3,5-Dihydro-5-methylidene-4H-imidazol-4-one (MIO)
      Biogenesis in Histidine Ammonia-lyase.
AB  - A 3,5-dihydro-5-methylidene-4H-imidazol-4-one (MIO) electrophilic moiety is post
      translationally and autocatalytically generated in homotetrameric histidine
      ammonia-lyase (HAL) and other enzymes containing the tripeptide Ala-Ser-Gly in a
      suitably positioned loop. The backbone cyclization step is identical to that
      taking place during fluorophore formation in green fluorescent protein from the
      tripeptide Ser-Tyr-Gly, but dehydration, rather than dehydrogenation by molecular
      oxygen, is the reaction that gives rise to the mature MIO ring system. To gain
      additional insight into this unique process and shed light on some still
      unresolved issues, we have made use of extensive molecular dynamics simulations
      and hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics calculations implementing the
      self-consistent charge density functional tight-binding method on a fully
      solvated tetramer of Pseudomonas putida HAL. Our results strongly support the
      idea that mechanical compression of the reacting loop by neighboring protein
      residues in the precursor state is absolutely required to prevent formation of
      inhibitory main-chain hydrogen bonds and to enforce proper alignment of donor and
      acceptor orbitals for bond creation. The consideration of the protein environment
      in our computations shows that water molecules, which have been mostly neglected
      in previous theoretical work, play a highly relevant role in the reaction
      mechanism and, more importantly, that backbone cyclization resulting from the
      nucleophilic attack of the Gly amide lone pair on the pi* orbital of the Ala
      carbonyl precedes side-chain dehydration of the central serine.

PMID- 27682659
TI  - [Current status of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in nurses in Xinjiang,
      China].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal
      disorders (WMSDs) in nurses in Xinjiang, China, to analyze the influencing
      factors for the development of WMSDs, and to provide a reference for the
      prevention and treatment of WMSDs in nurses. Methods: Stratified cluster sampling
      was used to randomly select 8 422 nurses in 8 tertiary hospitals and 4 secondary
      hospitals in Xinjiang from January to October, 2015. A questionnaire survey was
      performed to investigate the prevalence of WMSDs in nurses from departments of
      internal medicine, surgery, gynecology, pediatrics, emergency, and intensive care
      and operating rooms and analyze related influencing factors. Results: A total of
      3 000 questionnaires were distributed, and 2 851 questionnaires were returned,
      resulting in a recovery rate of 95.00%. In the nurses who participated in the
      survey, the prevalence of WMSDs was 78.58%. As for different body parts, the
      prevalence of WMSDs was 63.36% in the waist, 61.79% in the neck, 52.52% in the
      shoulder, 41.83% in the back, 35.56% in the knees, 33.35% in the ankles, 26.02%
      in the wrists, 23.41% in the hip, and 17.62% in the elbows. There were
      significant differences in the prevalence of WMSDs across the nurses with
      different ages and working years (chi2=28.29 and 27.73, both P<0.01) , and the
      prevalence of WMSDs tended to increase with the increasing age and working years
      (chi2=22.94 and 17.56, both P<0.01) . The results of multivariate logistic
      regression analysis showed that sex, working years, intensive care/emergency,
      outpatient service, surgical anesthesia, weekly working hours, physical
      condition, and fatigue in work were risk factors for WMSDs in nurses. Conclusion:
      In the nurses in Xinjiang, the prevalence of WMSDs in the neck, shoulder, back,
      and waist is high, and nurses with different ages, working years, departments,
      sexes, physical conditions, and weekly working hours have varying degrees of risk
      of WMSDs.

PMID- 27682660
TI  - [An investigation of the application of hygienic standards for the design of
      industrial enterprises (GBZ 1-2010)].
AB  - Objective: To study the applicability, the high frequency used content, the
      feasibility, and issues needed to be solved of the standard of GBZ 1-2010, aiming
      to provide technical evidence for the revision of GBZ1. Methods: In the study,
      the data were collected by referring to the literature database and the
      questionnaire from June 2013 to June 2015. There were 2 surveys carried out in
      the study, with methods including questionnaire survey and specific interview.
      The investigation methods include the paper version of the questionnaire by mail,
      the electronic version of the questionnaire by e-mail, and the online survey. And
      111 questionnaires were collected. Results: In total, the applicability survey
      (the first survey) received 156 suggestions covering 76 items from 23 facilities,
      and 13 key technical issues were summarized to be solved as priorities. In the
      application survey (the second survey) , the leading three jobs using GBZ 1-2010
      were the occupational hazards evaluation for constructive project (82.0%) ,
      lecturing/training (65.8%) , occupational hazards monitoring (64.9%) ,
      respectively. The high frequency used contents of GBZ 1-2010 were the sixth part
      "the basic hygienic requirements for workplace" (90.1%) , the fifth part "site
      selection, overall layout and workshop design" (87.4%) , the seventh part "the
      basic hygienic requirements for welfare room" (85.6%) , respectively. In the
      results of feasibility, scores of the fourth part "the general rules" , the fifth
      part "site selection, overall layout and workshop design" , the sixth part "the
      basic hygienic requirements for workplace" , the seventh part "the basic hygienic
      requirements for welfare room" , the eighth "emergency rescue" , annex A "the
      correct use instructions" , annex B "buffer zone standards for industrial
      enterprises" were 2.6, 3.1, 3.5, 3.8, 3.2, 3.3, 2.6, respectively. Among 111
      questionnaires, the parts needed to be modified as priories were the fifth part
      "site selection, overall layout and workshop design" (51.4%) , and the sixth part
      "the basic hygienic requirements for workplace" (51.4%) . In results of the key
      technical issues needed to be modified of GBZ 1-2010, the contents needed to be
      added as priories were the occupational prevention and control requirements of
      biological factors (51.4%) , technical parameters of dust in workplace (48.7%) ,
      technical parameters of hazardous agents in workplace (46.9%) , the quality and
      quantity requirements of fresh air (46.0%) , the setting conditions of the
      emergency rescue station (46.0%) , the hygienic design requirements of joint
      workshops and the evidence (45.1%) , and requirements for medical emergency
      rescue personnel equipped and qualified (45.1%) . Conclusion: GBZ 1-2010 is
      feasible and practical, mainly used by occupational health technical service
      organizations in the occupational hazards evaluation for constructive project,
      lecturing/training, occupational hazards monitoring, et al. GBZ 1 plays a
      directive role in government decision-making, control of constructive projects
      from the beginning, training and capacity building of occupational health
      professionals, and the prevention and treatment of occupational diseases in
      enterprises, needing to strengthen the implementation of GBZ 1. And on the basis
      of the above key technical issues to be revised, international cooperation and
      exchanges should be strengthened, so that it is adapted to the development of the
      modern enterprise system.

PMID- 27682661
TI  - [Association between musculoskeletal disorders in the lower limbs and
      occupational stress in bus drivers].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal
      disorders (MSDs) in the lower limbs and occupational stress in bus drivers, as
      well as the association between occupational stress and MSDs in the lower limbs,
      and to provide a reference for the prevention and control of MSDs in the lower
      limbs in bus drivers. Methods: Cluster sampling was used to collect 598 bus
      drivers from those who underwent physical examination in a hospital in Chengdu,
      China, from June to July, 2015. The data on demographic features and living
      habits were collected, and the Chinese version of effort-reward imbalance
      questionnaire and Nordic Standardized Questionnaires for Musculoskeletal
      Disorders were used to investigate occupational stress and the development of
      MSDs. Results: In these bus drivers, the prevalence of MSDs in the lower limbs
      was 51.2%, and that in the thigh/hip, ankle/foot, and knee was 36.8%, 32.2%, and
      31.4%, respectively. The multivariate regression analysis showed that effort
      reward imbalance was the risk factor for MSDs in the lower limbs, and the OR
      values for the lower limbs, thigh/hip, knee, and ankle/foot were 3.96 (95% CI:
      2.19~7.18) , 3.86 (95% CI: 2.05~7.28) , 2.47 (95% CI: 1.30~4.70) , and 2.45 (95%
      CI: 1.32~4.56) , respectively. Conclusion: Occupational stress is associated with
      an increased risk of MSDs in the lower limbs in bus drivers.

PMID- 27682662
TI  - [Application of three risk assessment models in occupational health risk
      assessment of dimethylformamide].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the application of United States Environmental
      Protection Agency (EPA) inhalation risk assessment model, Singapore semi
      quantitative risk assessment model, and occupational hazards risk assessment
      index method in occupational health risk in enterprises using dimethylformamide
      (DMF) in a certain area in Jiangsu, China, and to put forward related risk
      control measures. Methods: The industries involving DMF exposure in Jiangsu
      province were chosen as the evaluation objects in 2013 and three risk assessment
      models were used in the evaluation. EPA inhalation risk assessment model:
      HQ=EC/RfC; Singapore semi-quantitative risk assessment model: Risk= (HR*ER) 1/2;
      Occupational hazards risk assessment index=2Health effect level*2exposure
      ratio*Operation condition level. Results: The results of hazard quotient (HQ>1)
      from EPA inhalation risk assessment model suggested that all the workshops (dry
      method, wet method and printing) and work positions (pasting, burdening,
      unreeling, rolling, assisting) were high risk. The results of Singapore semi
      quantitative risk assessment model indicated that the workshop risk level of dry
      method, wet method and printing were 3.5 (high) , 3.5 (high) and 2.8 (general) ,
      and position risk level of pasting, burdening, unreeling, rolling, assisting were
      4 (high) , 4 (high) , 2.8 (general) , 2.8 (general) and 2.8 (general) . The
      results of occupational hazards risk assessment index method demonstrated that
      the position risk index of pasting, burdening, unreeling, rolling, assisting were
      42 (high) , 33 (high) , 23 (middle) , 21 (middle) and 22 (middle) . The results
      of Singapore semi-quantitative risk assessment model and occupational hazards
      risk assessment index method were similar, while EPA inhalation risk assessment
      model indicated all the workshops and positions were high risk. Conclusion: The
      occupational hazards risk assessment index method fully considers health effects,
      exposure, and operating conditions and can comprehensively and accurately
      evaluate occupational health risk caused by DMF.

PMID- 27682663
TI  - [HSP70 gene polymorphism on genetic susceptibility to the coal worker's
      penumoconiosis of han nationality in Xinjiang, China.]
AB  - Objective: To explore the influence of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) gene genetic
      susceptibility of coal worker's pneumoconiosis among the han nationality in
      xinjiang. Methods: 156 coal worker's pneumoconiosis patients and 96 mine workers
      were randomly selected from the han coal worker's pneumoconiosis patients and
      attend the health check retirement mine workers from March to December, 2014 in
      Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of Occupational Disease Hospital. Using TaqMan
      genotyping methods to detect HSP70 genotype distribution in the two groups.
      Results: The HSP70-1+190 loci GC genotype occurrence frequencies of coal worker's
      pneumoconiosis was significantly higher than the control group (chi2=6.75,
      P<0.05) , the risk of coal worker's pneumoconiosis armed with HSP70-1+190 GC
      genotype individual was 2.21 times of CC genotype individual (95%CI: 1.03~4.75) ,
      and HSP70-2+1267 and HSP70-hom+2437 loci polymorphism were no significant
      difference between the two groups (HSP70-2+1267: chi2=3.30, P=0.19; HSP70
      hom+2437: chi2=0.12, P=0.94) . Conclusion: HSP70-1+190 GC genotypes may be a
      susceptible genotype, the genotype individual may be more likely to suffer from
      coal worker's pneumoconiosis.

PMID- 27682664
TI  - [A survey of current status of noise hazard on offshore oil platforms].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the noise distribution characteristics, workers'
      exposure to noise, and protective measures against noise on offshore oil
      platforms. Methods: Six offshore oil platforms with a similar scale of production
      from China National Offshore Oil Corporation were selected from June to October,
      2015 to conduct a field investigation of occupational health and detection of
      risk factors for occupational diseases and to know the current status of noise
      hazard on offshore oil platforms. Results: Among the 373 sites for noise
      measurement, 69.7% had a noise level of >=80 dB (A) ; among the 196 sites for
      noise measurement in the area with noisy equipment, 86.7% had a noise level of
      >=80 dB (A) ; among the 177 sites for noise measurement in the area without noisy
      equipment, 50.8% had a noise level of >=80 dB (A) . The actual sound attenuation
      of earplugs used on platforms was 18.6 dB (A) , and if they were worn correctly,
      they had a maximum value of noise protection of 103.6 dB (A) . The workers
      engaged in indoor operation were exposed to noise for 0.5~1.0 hour per day, and
      the 40 h/week equivalent sound level (weekly noise exposure, LEX, w) met the
      requirements in GBZ 2.2-2007 Occupational exposure limits for hazardous agents in
      the workplace Part 2: Physical agents[85 dB (A) ]. The workers engaged in outdoor
      operation were exposed to noise for 6.0~8.0 hours per day, and the over-standard
      rate of LEX, w was 53.7%. The noise exposure level showed a significant
      difference between the two groups, and indoor operation workers had a
      significantly lower noise exposure level than outdoor operation workers[ (69.8+/
      3.4) dB (A) vs (85.5+/-3.5) dB (A) , P<0.05]. Conclusion: Noise sources on
      offshore oil platforms show the characteristic of centralized distribution, and
      noisy equipment have a great impact on the area without noisy equipment. The
      noise exposure level differs significantly between workers engaged in indoor and
      outdoor operation, and noise protection mainly relies on personal protective
      supplies.

PMID- 27682665
TI  - [An epidemiological study of occupational injuries in Xuzhou railway from 1975 to
      2015].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of occupational
      injuries in Xuzhou Railway, and to provide a scientific basis for the management
      of railway occupational safety and hygiene. Methods: From January to March, 2016,
      it was used the descriptive epidemiology research methods to collect the files of
      the professional injuries cases reported in Xuzhou railway from 1975 to 2015 to
      retrospectively survey and study and analyze the characteristics of professional
      injuries in the aspect of sociology, time, work, damage type and nature, etc.
      Results: From 1975 to 2015, the number of people in Xuzhou railway who had
      professional injuries, reached injure level and professionally died are 804, 558
      and 4. The rate of occupational injuries was 0.070/00~5.870/00 and the
      occupational injuries rate of up to grade was 0.030/00~1.500/00. The annual
      average incidence rate was 0.790/00 and the annual average incidence rate of up
      to grade was 0.550/00. The mortality of occupational injuries was 3.95*10-30/00.
      The occurrence rate of occupational injuries showed a downward trend in wave
      mode. The proportion of occupational injuries of 26 to 30 years old and 11 to 15
      working years workers was higher, respectively, 18.03% and 19.28%. The proportion
      of male occupational injuries (88.56%) was higher than that of female (11.44%) .
      The proportion of workers with low cultural level was higher. The time period of
      occupational injury was more concentrated in 2: 00~3: 00 and 16: 00~17: 00, and
      the proportion of occupational injuries was higher in August and the first
      quarter. The difference in occupational injuries rates of different years had the
      statistical significance (chi2=6 546.121, P=0.000) . The difference in the
      occupational injuries rates of up to grade of different years had the statistical
      significance (chi2=1 981.623, P=0.000) . The mainly departments and posts
      involved in occupational injuries were locomotive department (26.12%) and
      shunting operation (25.00%) . The most kinds was vehicles injury (37.31%) and
      most injury parts was upper limb (34.87%) . Fracture was the most common injure
      nature (46.89%) . The mild degree of injury was main injury degree (72.95%) . The
      main reasons causing occupational injuries were violations (47.64%) and weak
      safety awareness (28.36%) . Conclusion: The incidence of occupational injuries in
      Xuzhou railway shows a trend of wave-like reduction year by year. Violations and
      weak awareness of safety are the main reasons for the occurrence of occupational
      injuries. The departments in charge of railway occupational safety and hygiene
      management need to take effective measures to strengthen the intervention of
      occupational injuries in key positions and reduce or eliminate railway
      occupational injuries.

PMID- 27682667
TI  - [Comparison of the hearing assessment results between the new diagnosis of
      occupational noise-induced deafness and the old one].

PMID- 27682666
TI  - [An investigation of mental health in migrant workers in an enterprise].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the mental health status in migrant workers in a labor
      intensive enterprise and related influencing factors. Methods: Typical sampling
      was used to perform an investigation in 910 migrant workers in a large foreign
      funded labor-intensive enterprise in Shenzhen, China. All the respondents gave
      informed consent and completed the questionnaire independently and anonymously.
      The self-reported mental health status was evaluated using the Beck Anxiety
      Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, and General Health Questionnaire. Results:
      Of all the migrant workers in this enterprise, 7.2% had a positive self-reported
      anxiety symptom, 25.4% had a moderate or severe self-reported depression symptom,
      and 76.4% had a poor self-reported general health status. Age had significant
      influence on the self-reported depression symptom (chi2=21.968, P<0.05) ; age did
      not have significant influence on the self-reported anxiety and general health
      status (chi2=6.616,12.498, both P>0.05) . The knowledge of occupational hazards
      had significant influence on mental health status (chi2Depression=47.289,
      chi2General health=21.087, both P<0.05) . The feeling of work had significant
      influence on self-reported depression and general health status
      (chi2Depression=52.406, chi2General health=17.327, both P<0.05) . Attention to
      self mental health had significant influence on self-reported depression
      (chi2=17.714, P<0.05) , and whether the person wanted to learn the knowledge of
      mental health had significant influence on self-reported anxiety (chi2= 6.145,
      P<0.05) . Conclusion: The self-reported mental health status in migrant workers
      is poor and is associated with age, worry about exposure to occupational hazard
      factors, emphasis on mental health knowledge, and a focus on personal mental
      health. Therefore, targeted occupational health education and occupational mental
      health education should be strengthened.

PMID- 27682668
TI  - [An investigation of prevalence of occupational diseases and treatment
      implementation in migrant workers in Hunan, China].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the prevalence of occupational diseases and treatment
      implementation in migrant workers in Hunan, China, and to provide a scientific
      basis for related departments to develop preventive and treatment measures and
      social security system for migrant workers. Methods: A retrospective
      investigation was performed in 2015 to collect the information of occupational
      diseases in migrant workers, and age, type of work, type of occupational disease,
      and implementation of employment injury insurance for occupation diseases were
      analyzed. Results: The migrant workers with occupational diseases accounted for
      50.43% (11 280/22 368) of all patients with occupational diseases in Hunan, among
      whom 99.4% (11 212/11 280) were male workers. The mean age of migrant workers
      with occupational diseases was 55 years. The types of occupational diseases
      involved 6 categories such as occupational pneumoconiosis and occupational skin
      diseases, totaling 42 legal occupational diseases; 98.31% of all migrant workers
      (11 089/11 280) had occupational pneumoconiosis. The main types of work were
      underground coal miners (62.42%) , heading drivers (29.79%) , and haulage workers
      (2.20%) in coal mines and non-coal mines. A total of 27.25% migrant workers with
      occupational diseases (2 072/7 605) enjoyed employment injury insurance, and
      20.84% (1 585/7 605) did not receive any medical or life compensations.
      Conclusion: The occupational diseases in migrant workers in Hunan are mainly
      pneumoconiosis, and a large proportion of those with occupational diseases do not
      enjoy implementation of treatment. Coal mines and non-coal mines are the high
      risk areas for occupational diseases in migrant workers and should be the focus
      of prevention and control.

PMID- 27682669
TI  - [Trimethyltin chloride intoxication in China: a systematic review and meta
      analysis].

PMID- 27682670
TI  - [Skin sensitization of 3, 4-bis (4'-aminofurazano-3') furoxan in mice evaluated
      by BrdU-ELISA local lymph node assay].
AB  - Objective: To investigate skin sensitization of 3, 4-bis (4'-aminofurazano-3')
      furoxan (DATF) in mice using 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      assay (BrdU-ELISA) . Methods: A total of 30 specific pathogen-free BALB/C mice
      were randomly divided into high-, medium-, and low-dose DATF groups, positive
      control group, and solvent control group, with six mice in each group. The mice
      in the high-, medium-, and low-dose DATF groups were treated with 50%, 25%, and
      10% (0.5, 0.25, and 0.10 g/ml) DATF solution, those in the positive control group
      were treated with 1% 2, 4-dinitrochlorobenzol (DNCB) , and those in the solvent
      control group were treated with acetone/olive oil (4?1) . After treatment,
      retroauricular lymph nodes were collected and cell suspension was prepared. ELISA
      was used to measure the level of cell proliferation after the addition of 5-bromo
      2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) , and the BrdU labeling index (LI) and test substance
      concentration at a stimulation index (SI) of 1.6 (EC1.6) were calculated.
      Results: There were no significant differences in auricular thickness between
      groups (P>0.05) , and DAFT did not have skin irritation. Compared with the
      solvent control group, the high-dose DATF group and the positive control group
      showed significant increases in the weight of lymph nodes (P<0.05) . Compared
      with the solvent control group, all the other groups showed significant increases
      in BrdU LI (P<0.01) . The low-, medium-, and high-dose DATF groups had SIs of
      6.1, 8.8, and 12.1, respectively, and the EC1.6 of DATF was 2.2%, which suggested
      that DATF had strong sensitization. Conclusion: DATF has strong skin
      sensitization in mice, with reference to the guideline of Organization for
      Economic Co-operation and Development Item No. 442B (OECD TG 442B) .

PMID- 27682671
TI  - [Carpal canal ultrasound examination in patients with mild hand-arm vibration
      disease].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the clinical value of ultrasound examination of carpal
      canal structure in patients with mild hand-arm vibration disease. Methods: A
      total of 29 patients (58 wrists) with mild hand-arm vibration disease who were
      treated in Shenzhen Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases
      from May to December, 2015 were enrolled as observation group, and 20 healthy
      volunteers (40 wrists) were enrolled as the control group. Color Doppler
      ultrasound was used to observe the morphology and echo of the median nerve in the
      carpal canal and 9 muscle tendons and transverse carpal ligament. The thickness
      of transverse carpal ligament and diameter of the median nerve at the level of
      the hamulus of hamate bone were measured, as well as the cross-sectional area of
      the median nerve at the level of pisiform bone. Results: In the 29 patients with
      hand-arm vibration disease patients in the observation group, 8 experienced
      entrapment of the median nerve in the carpal canal, among whom 5 had entrapment
      in both wrists; there were 13 wrists (23%) with nerve entrapment and 45 wrists
      (77%) without nerve entrapment. Compared with the control group, the patients
      with hand-arm vibration disease and nerve entrapment in the observation group
      showed significant thickening of the transverse carpal ligament at the level of
      the hamulus of hamate bone and a significant increase in the cross-sectional area
      of the median nerve at the level of pisiform bone (P<0.05) , while there were no
      significant differences in the thickness of transverse carpal ligament at the
      level of the hamulus of hamate bone and the cross-sectional area of the median
      nerve at the level of pisiform bone (t=-9.397 and -4.385, both P>0.05) .
      Conclusion: Ultrasound examination can clearly show the radiological changes of
      carpal canal contents in patients with mild hand-arm vibration disease and has a
      certain diagnostic value in nerve damage in patients with hand-arm vibration
      disease.

PMID- 27682672
TI  - [An analysis on two cases of occupational brucellosis].

PMID- 27682673
TI  - [Determination of tert-butyl alcohol in the air of the workplace by solvent
      desorption gas chromatography].
AB  - Objective: To establish solvent desorption gas chromatographic method for
      determination of tert-butyl alcohol in the air of the workplace. Methods: After
      tert-butyl alcohol in the air of the workplace collected with activated carbon
      tube and desorbed with 2% 2-propanol in CS2, and then separated with DB-FFAP
      capillary column and detected with flame ionization detector. Results: The
      linearity ranges were 0.6~2 264.0 mg/L. The limit of quantification was 0.6 mg/L.
      The determination has a good reproducibility. The intraassay and interassay
      precisions were 2.8%~3.2% and 3.8%~5.7%. The desorption efficiencies were
      93.9%~98.1%. Absorption efficiencies were 95.8%~100.0%. The breakthrough volume
      was above 7.1 mg in 100mg activated carbon. The samples in activated carbon tube
      could be stored for at least 14 days at ambient temperature. Conclusion: The
      method is feasible for determination of tert-butyl alcohol in the air of the
      workplace.

PMID- 27682674
TI  - [An investigation of ionizing radiation dose in a manufacturing enterprise of ion
      absorbing type rare earth ore].
AB  - Objective: To investigate radioactive source term dose monitoring and estimation
      results in a manufacturing enterprise of ion-absorbing type rare earth ore and
      the possible ionizing radiation dose received by its workers. Methods: Ionizing
      radiation monitoring data of the posts in the control area and supervised area of
      workplace were collected, and the annual average effective dose directly
      estimated or estimated using formulas was evaluated and analyzed. Results: In the
      control area and supervised area of the workplace for this rare earth ore, alpha
      surface contamination activity had a maximum value of 0.35 Bq/cm2 and a minimum
      value of 0.01 Bq/cm2; beta radioactive surface contamination activity had a
      maximum value of 18.8 Bq/cm2 and a minimum value of 0.22 Bq/cm2. In 14 monitoring
      points in the workplace, the maximum value of the annual average effective dose
      of occupational exposure was 1.641 mSv/a, which did not exceed the authorized
      limit for workers (5 mSv/a) , but exceeded the authorized limit for general
      personnel (0.25 mSv/a) . The radionuclide specific activity of ionic mixed rare
      earth oxides was determined to be 0.9. Conclusion: The annual average effective
      dose of occupational exposure in this enterprise does not exceed the authorized
      limit for workers, but it exceeds the authorized limit for general personnel. We
      should pay attention to the focus of the radiation process, especially for public
      works radiation.

PMID- 27682676
TI  - [DRGs and standardization management of the occupational disease list and
      coding].

PMID- 27682675
TI  - [Evaluation on the effect of dust control facilities in a stone processing
      factory].

PMID- 27682677
TI  - [A case of acetone burn].

PMID- 27682678
TI  - [Current progress and prospect in effects of PM2.5 on metabolic syndrome].

PMID- 27682679
TI  - [Current status of health protection zone standards for industrial enterprises by
      noise].

PMID- 27682680
TI  - 6-Hydroxydopamine Inhibits the Hepatitis C Virus through Alkylation of Host and
      Viral Proteins and the Induction of Oxidative Stress.
AB  - Many viruses, including the hepatitis C virus (HCV), are dependent on the host
      RNA silencing pathway for replication. In this study, we screened small molecule
      probes, previously reported to disrupt loading of the RNA-induced silencing
      complex (RISC), including 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), suramin (SUR), and
      aurintricarboxylic acid (ATA), to examine their effects on viral replication. We
      found that 6-OHDA inhibited HCV replication; however, 6-OHDA was a less potent
      inhibitor of RISC than either SUR or ATA. By generating a novel chemical probe (6
      OHDA-yne), we determined that 6-OHDA covalently modifies host and virus proteins.
      Moreover, 6-OHDA was shown to be an alkylating agent that is capable of
      generating adducts with a number of enzymes involved in the oxidative stress
      response. Furthermore, modification of viral enzymes with 6-OHDA and 6-OHDA-yne
      was found to inhibit their enzymatic activity. Our findings suggest that 6-OHDA
      is a probe for oxidative stress as well as protein alkylation, and these
      properties together contribute to the antiviral effects of this compound.

PMID- 27682681
TI  - Evidence of a Nitrene Tunneling Reaction: Spontaneous Rearrangement of 2-Formyl
      Phenylnitrene to an Imino Ketene in Low-Temperature Matrixes.
AB  - Triplet 2-formyl phenylnitrene was generated by photolysis of 2-formyl
      phenylazide isolated in Ar, Kr, and Xe matrixes and characterized by IR, UV-vis,
      and EPR spectroscopies. Upon generation at 10 K, the triplet nitrene
      spontaneously rearranges in the dark to singlet 6-imino-2,4-cyclohexadien-1
      ketene on the time scale of several hours. The intramolecular [1,4] H atom shift
      from the nitrene to the imino ketene occurs by tunneling, on the triplet
      manifold, followed by intersystem crossing. This case constitutes the first
      direct evidence of a tunneling reaction involving a nitrene.

PMID- 27682683
TI  - Track B. Biomechanics and Orthopaedics.

PMID- 27682682
TI  - Track A. Biomaterials and Biocompatibility.

PMID- 27682684
TI  - Track C. Biomedical Instrumentation & Micro and Nano Systems.

PMID- 27682685
TI  - Track E. Bioprinting and Additive Manufacturing.

PMID- 27682686
TI  - Track F. Biosensors and Bioanalytics.

PMID- 27682687
TI  - Track G. Neural Signal Processing.

PMID- 27682688
TI  - Track H. Cardio Technology.

PMID- 27682689
TI  - Track I. Cellular-, Tissue- and Bioengineering.

PMID- 27682691
TI  - Track K. AIIC - Developments in clinical engineering in Europe.

PMID- 27682690
TI  - Track J. Clinical Engineering and Hospital Technology.

PMID- 27682692
TI  - Track L. Devices and Systems for Surgical lntervention.

PMID- 27682693
TI  - Track M. Drug Delivery Technology.

PMID- 27682694
TI  - Track N. Functional Electrical Stimulation and Neuroprostheses.

PMID- 27682695
TI  - Track O. Image Computing.

PMID- 27682696
TI  - Track P. Medical Implants / Implant Development.

PMID- 27682697
TI  - Track Q. Interoperabilitat fur eine einrichtungsubergreifende
      Patientenversorgung.

PMID- 27682698
TI  - Track R. Medical Device Management.

PMID- 27682699
TI  - Track S. Innovationmanagement in Medical Engineering & Scientific Writing.

PMID- 27682700
TI  - Track T. Modelling and Simulation - Cardio Technology.

PMID- 27682701
TI  - Track U. BrainLinks-BrainTools-Methods and tools for neural engineering.

PMID- 27682702
TI  - Track V. Patient Monitoring.

PMID- 27682703
TI  - Track W. Personalized Health.

PMID- 27682704
TI  - Track X. Prosthetics and Rehabilitation Engineering.

PMID- 27682705
TI  - Track Y. Smart Assistance Systems.

PMID- 27682706
TI  - Track Z. Training and Further Education for Engineers and Physicians.

PMID- 27682707
TI  - Severe malnutrition causing superior mesenteric artery syndrome in an adolescent
      with Triple A syndrome.
AB  - Triple A syndrome, formerly known as Allgrove syndrome (AS), is characterized by
      achalasia, alacrima and adrenal insufficiency. Here we report an adolescent male
      with adrenal insufficiency who developed severe malnutrition secondary to a
      delayed diagnosis of achalasia. The severe malnutrition in our patient led to
      superior mesenteric artery (SMA) obstruction syndrome. Severe malnutrition to the
      point of SMA syndrome has not been previously described in the literature in
      Triple A syndrome.

PMID- 27682708
TI  - The outcome of seven patients with hereditary tyrosinemia type 1.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hereditary tyrosinemia type 1 (HT1) is a rare, inborn error of
      tyrosine metabolism. It is a fatal disorder without treatment. Early treatment
      may prevent acute liver failure, renal dysfunction, liver cirrhosis,
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and improves survival. The aim of the present
      study is to describe the clinical, biochemical, imaging and follow-up of seven
      patients with HT1 and to define the consequences of the late and interrupted
      treatment. METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out with seven HT1
      patients. RESULTS: The median age at onset of clinical symptoms was 11.2 months
      (range, 3-28 months) and the median age at diagnosis was 22 months (range, 6-58
      months). Liver enzymes and coagulation parameters were back to normal in all
      symptomatic patients in about 2 weeks. Alfa-fetoprotein (AFP) levels were
      normalized within the first year of therapy. Hypoechoic nodule formation was
      detected in two of the seven patients despite drug treatment without an increase
      of AFP and any dysplastic changes in the biopsies. One patient died due to
      metastatic HCC because of the late diagnosis and the poor compliance of the
      follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed once again that adherence to the
      treatment and a follow-up schedule of the patients are very important. Also it
      should not be forgotten that nodule formation can occur despite nitisinone
      treatment without an increase of AFP. Despite nitisinone treatment, HT1 patients
      still carry the risk of HCC. HCC must be detected before metastasis to other
      organs otherwise, patients may lose the chance for liver transplantation.

PMID- 27682709
TI  - Endoglin and obestatin levels, cardiometabolic risk factors and subclinical
      atherosclerosis in children aged 10-18 years.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the early signs of
      atherosclerosis and to evaluate serum endoglin and obestatin levels as predictors
      of subclinical atherosclerosis in obese children. METHODS: A total of 95 children
      (60 obese and 35 controls) aged 10-18 years were included in the study. Their
      endoglin and obestatin levels and biochemical parameters were measured. The
      carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) and brachial artery flow-mediated
      dilatation (FMD) responses were evaluated. RESULTS: The cIMT values were higher
      (p < 0.001) and FMD responses were lower (p = 0.003) in the obese group than in
      the control group. A logistic regression multivariate analysis revealed that cIMT
      was independently associated with the body mass index (BMI) Z-score (beta =
      0.323, p = 0.003) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) (beta = 0.29, p = 0.008),
      while FMD % was independently associated with waist circumference (beta = -0.36,
      p = 0.002). The obese and control groups were similar in endoglin (p = 0.67) and
      obestatin levels (p = 0.70). The endoglin level was inversely correlated with the
      cholesterol and LDL levels (r = -0.23, p = 0.032; rho = -0.25, p = 0.019).
      CONCLUSIONS: The cIMT and brachial artery FMD response in obese children are
      significantly different compared to healthy controls. Circulating endoglin and
      obestatin levels are not predictive markers for subclinical atherosclerosis in
      obese children aged 10-18 years old.

PMID- 27682710
TI  - Co-existence of phenylketonuria either with maple syrup urine disease or Sandhoff
      disease in two patients from Iran: emphasizing the role of consanguinity.
AB  - Most inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) are inherited in an autosomal recessive
      manner. IEMs are one of the major concerns in Iran due to its extensive
      consanguineous marriages. Herein, we report two patients with two co-existent
      IEMs: a girl affected by classic phenylketonuria (PKU) and maple syrup urine
      disease (MSUD) and a male patient affected with Sandhoff disease and PKU, where
      Sandhoff disease was suspected due to the presence of a cherry-red spot in the
      eyes at 6 months which is unrelated to PKU. Sequencing of candidate genes in the
      first patient revealed one novel and three recurrent compound heterozygous
      mutations of p.Ser231Pro and p.Ala300Ser in the PAH gene and p.Glu330Lys and
      p.Arg170Cys mutations in the BCKDHB gene. Genetic testing results in the second
      patient showed previously reported homozygous mutations of p.Arg261Gln in the PAH
      and p.Arg533Cys mutation in the HEXB gene. Genetic testing confirmed the clinical
      diagnosis of both diseases in both patients. To the best of our knowledge; this
      is the first report of the co-existence of two distinct genetic disorders in two
      individuals from Iran. Co-existent different IEMs in patients complicated the
      clinical diagnosis and management of the diseases.

PMID- 27682711
TI  - Genetic characteristics and long-term follow-up of 11 patients with congenital
      hyperinsulinism followed in a single center.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI) is a rare disease with an estimated
      incidence of 1:40,000 live births. Here, we characterize 11 patients treated at
      Munich Children's Hospital Schwabing. METHODS: We analyzed data on birth,
      treatment and laboratory results including genetic testing and evaluated the long
      term course with a follow-up visit. RESULTS: All patients had severe, diazoxide
      (DZX)-resistant hypoglycemia, beginning immediately after birth. Two patients
      were treated by medical therapy, eight underwent subtotal pancreatectomy and one
      had a partial resection. Both patients who had medical therapy still suffer from
      occasional hypoglycemia. Six patients with subtotal pancreatectomy were affected
      by mild hypoglycemia. Seventy-five percent of patients who had surgical treatment
      developed diabetes mellitus (DM) at a median age of 10.5 (8-13) years. In 89% of
      patients with available genetic testing, mutations of the ABCC8 gene were
      detected. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of CHI-patients not responding to DZX
      underwent surgery. After subtotal pancreatectomy, patients typically developed
      diabetes around early puberty.

PMID- 27682712
TI  - An update on thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy in children and adolescents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Risk of developing thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) in
      children and adolescents is similar or may be even slightly higher than in
      adults. The aim of this article is to review and summarize current knowledge
      regarding diagnostic and therapeutic measures in pediatric TAO. CONTENT: MEDLINE
      and EMBASE papers were searched using the terms 'pediatric Graves'
      ophthalmopathy' 'pediatric Graves' orbitopathy', 'thyroid-associated
      ophthalmopathy in childhood and adolescence' from the year 1970 to December 2015.
      SUMMARY: TAO usually accompanies hyperthyreosis in Graves' disease, but may also
      occur in patients with hypothyreosis due to chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis
      (Hashimoto's disease) or in euthyroid patients. Current information regarding
      epidemiology, pathogenesis, symptoms and treatment of TAO in children and
      adolescents is presented. The course of the disease is usually mild, eye
      disturbances often regress after restoring euthyroidism and a 'wait and see'
      policy is appropriate in the majority of patients. In rare cases, sight
      threatening complications [dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON) or corneal
      breakdown] may develop and immediate surgical intervention might become
      necessary. OUTLOOK: Close cooperation between pediatric endocrinologists and
      opthalmologists is extremely important to ensure best care and quality of life in
      patients with thyroid gland dysfunction. Further investigations on pathogenesis
      and course of TAO in children and adolescents should be performed for better
      management of this disease in this group of patients.

PMID- 27682713
TI  - A FACS-based screening strategy to assess sequence-specific RNA-binding of
      Pumilio protein variants in E. coli.
AB  - Sequence-specific and programmable binding of proteins to RNA bears the potential
      to detect and manipulate target RNAs. Applications include analysis of
      subcellular RNA localization or post-transcriptional regulation but require
      sequence-specificity to be readily adjustable to any target RNA. The Pumilio
      homology domain binds an eight nucleotide target sequence in a predictable manner
      allowing for rational design of variants with new specificities. We describe a
      high-throughput system for screening Pumilio variants based on fluorescence
      activated cell sorting of E. coli. Our approach should help optimizing variants
      obtained from rational design regarding folding and stability or identifying new
      variants with alternative binding modes.

PMID- 27682714
TI  - Diagnostics for assessing the linear noise and moment closure approximations.
AB  - Solving the chemical master equation exactly is typically not possible, so
      instead we must rely on simulation based methods. Unfortunately, drawing exact
      realisations, results in simulating every reaction that occurs. This will
      preclude the use of exact simulators for models of any realistic size and so
      approximate algorithms become important. In this paper we describe a general
      framework for assessing the accuracy of the linear noise and two moment
      approximations. By constructing an efficient space filling design over the
      parameter region of interest, we present a number of useful diagnostic tools that
      aids modellers in assessing whether the approximation is suitable. In particular,
      we leverage the normality assumption of the linear noise and moment closure
      approximations.

PMID- 27682715
TI  - Accounting for isotopic clustering in Fourier transform mass spectrometry data
      analysis for clinical diagnostic studies.
AB  - Mass spectrometry based clinical proteomics has emerged as a powerful tool for
      high-throughput protein profiling and biomarker discovery. Recent improvements in
      mass spectrometry technology have boosted the potential of proteomic studies in
      biomedical research. However, the complexity of the proteomic expression
      introduces new statistical challenges in summarizing and analyzing the acquired
      data. Statistical methods for optimally processing proteomic data are currently a
      growing field of research. In this paper we present simple, yet appropriate
      methods to preprocess, summarize and analyze high-throughput MALDI-FTICR mass
      spectrometry data, collected in a case-control fashion, while dealing with the
      statistical challenges that accompany such data. The known statistical properties
      of the isotopic distribution of the peptide molecules are used to preprocess the
      spectra and translate the proteomic expression into a condensed data set.
      Information on either the intensity level or the shape of the identified isotopic
      clusters is used to derive summary measures on which diagnostic rules for disease
      status allocation will be based. Results indicate that both the shape of the
      identified isotopic clusters and the overall intensity level carry information on
      the class outcome and can be used to predict the presence or absence of the
      disease.

PMID- 27682716
TI  - Alleviation of 5-fluorouracil-induced intestinal mucositis in rats by vitamin E
      via targeting oxidative stress and inflammatory markers.
AB  - BackgroundIntestinal mucositis is a major concern related with cancer therapy. It
      is well established that overproduction of reactive oxygen species and
      inflammatory mediators plays vital role in the pathogenesis of mucositis. The aim
      of the study was to investigate the modulatory effect of vitamin E (vit. E) on 5
      fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced intestinal mucositis by targeting oxidative stress
      and inflammatory markers in rats. MethodsRats were randomly divided into four
      groups of six animals each. All four-group animals received normal standard diet
      and water throughout the experimental period which last up to 10 days. Rats were
      gavaged with vit. E (300 mg/kg b. wt.) daily for 10 days (day 1-10) and were
      given intraperitoneal injection of 5-FU (150 mg/kg b. wt.) or saline (control) on
      day 8 to induce mucositis. Results We found that vit. E supplementation
      ameliorated 5-FU-induced lipid peroxidation, myeloperoxidase activity, activation
      of nuclear factor kappaB, expression of cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide
      synthase and mucin depletion. Vit. E administration also attenuated 5-FU-induced
      histological anomalies such as neutrophil infiltration, loss of cellular
      integrity, villus and crypt deformities. ConclusionsFindings of the study suggest
      that vit. E inhibits 5-FU-induced mucositis via modulation of oxidative stress,
      activation of redox sensitive transcription factor and its downstream targets.

PMID- 27682717
TI  - Bis-Michael Acceptors as Novel Probes to Study the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE Pathway.
AB  - Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a master regulator that
      promotes the transcription of cytoprotective genes in response to
      oxidative/electrophilic stress. Various Michael-type compounds were designed and
      synthesized, and their potency to activate the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE pathway was
      evaluated. Compounds bearing two Michael-type acceptors proved to be the most
      active. Tether length and rigidity between the acceptors was crucial. This study
      will help to understand how this feature disrupts the interaction between Keap1
      and Nrf2.

PMID- 27682718
TI  - Accuracy of staging of oral squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue: should
      incisional biopsy be done before or after magnetic resonance imaging?
AB  - Accurate staging of oral squamous cell carcinoma (oral SCC) is essential. Some
      clinicians delay diagnostic biopsy until after magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
      We retrospectively studied the clinical records and histopathological databases
      of 58 patients with SCC of the tongue; 39 had biopsy before MRI and 19
      afterwards. In the group who had the biopsy first, eight were up-staged, nine
      were down-staged, and in 22 the T stage was accurate. In those who had MRI first,
      the corresponding figures were two, six, and 11, respectively. The time between
      initial biopsy and excision was significantly longer in the MRI group (43 days),
      than in the biopsy group (16 days) (p<0.001). Differences in staging between the
      two groups were not significant. Whether the biopsy was taken before or after MRI
      does not seem to affect the accuracy of clinical staging, and to delay biopsy
      until after staging may be unnecessary.

PMID- 27682719
TI  - Tattoos: could they be used to advantage as a medical alert in oral and
      maxillofacial surgery?
AB  - Many publications have addressed the medical complications of tattoos, but to our
      knowledge there are no reports of their use to alert people in our field of
      potentially dangerous conditions. We present a new way to inform oral and
      maxillofacial colleagues about patients with a history of malignant hyperthermia
      (or any other life-threatening medical problem) and discuss the potential
      advantages and disadvantages of medical alert tattoos.

PMID- 27682721
TI  - A Win-Win Tool for Improving Local Public Health.

PMID- 27682720
TI  - Violence Is a Public Health Issue.

PMID- 27682722
TI  - A Timely Reflection on the Public Health Workforce.

PMID- 27682723
TI  - Succession Planning and Management Practice in Washington State Local Public
      Health Agencies.
AB  - CONTEXT: Turnover of top local public health officials is expected to be great,
      with 23% being 60 years of age or older, and another 42% being 50 to 59 years of
      age. Yet, we know little about the use of succession planning in public health
      agencies. OBJECTIVE: Describe succession planning practices in local public
      health agencies. DESIGN: We conducted a Web-based, cross-sectional survey of
      succession planning practices and followed the career paths of public health
      officials for 40 months. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: The top local public health
      officials from Washington State's 35 local governmental public health agencies.
      MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Twenty-five succession planning best practices. RESULTS:
      All 35 agencies responded, resulting in a 100% response rate. Our study found
      evidence of succession planning practices in Washington State local public health
      agencies: 85% of agencies selected high-performing high potential employees for
      development, 76% sent them to formal technical and management/leadership
      training, 70% used cross-functional team projects, and 67% used stretch
      assignments to develop their employees. Impetuses to implement succession
      planning were discovering that large percentages of employees were able to retire
      soon and that national accreditation requires workforce development plans.
      Barriers to implementing succession planning included other competing demands for
      time, belief that the agency's workforce was too small for a formal program, and
      concerns that there would be union barriers. In 2012, 50% of the officials
      surveyed said that it would be at least possible that they would leave their
      current jobs within 5 years. Forty months later, 12 (34%) had left their
      positions. CONCLUSIONS: We were encouraged by the level of succession planning in
      Washington State and recommend creating a greater sense of urgency by focusing on
      agency retirement profiles and emphasizing the need for workforce development
      plans for accreditation. Developing the public health leaders of tomorrow is too
      important to be left to chance.

PMID- 27682724
TI  - State Public Health Enabling Authorities: Results of a Fundamental Activities
      Assessment Examining Core and Essential Services.
AB  - CONTEXT: Public health enabling authorities establish the legal foundation for
      financing, organizing, and delivering public health services. State laws vary in
      terms of the content, depth, and breadth of these fundamental public health
      activities. Given this variance, the Institute of Medicine has identified state
      public health laws as an area that requires further examination. To respond to
      this call for further examination, the Centers for Disease Control and
      Prevention's Public Health Law Program conducted a fundamental activities legal
      assessment on state public health laws. OBJECTIVE: The goal of the legal
      assessment was to examine state laws referencing frameworks representing public
      health department fundamental activities (ie, core and essential services) in an
      effort to identify, catalog, and describe enabling authorities of state
      governmental public health systems. DESIGN: In 2013, Public Health Law Program
      staff compiled a list of state statutes and regulations referencing different
      commonly-recognized public health frameworks of fundamental activities. The legal
      assessment included state fundamental activities laws available on WestlawNext as
      of July 2013. The results related to the 10 essential public health services and
      the 3 core public health functions were confirmed and updated in June 2016.
      RESULTS: Eighteen states reference commonly-recognized frameworks of fundamental
      activities in their laws. Thirteen states have listed the 10 essential public
      health services in their laws. Eight of these states have also referenced the 3
      core public health functions in their laws. Five states reference only the core
      public health functions. CONCLUSIONS: Several states reference fundamental
      activities in their state laws, particularly through use of the essential
      services framework. Further work is needed to capture the public health laws and
      practices of states that may be performing fundamental activities but without
      reference to a common framework.

PMID- 27682725
TI  - Wage Inequity: Within-Market Comparative Analysis of Salary for Public Health
      Nurses and Hospital Nurses.
AB  - The labor market perspective focuses on supply and demand for registered nurses
      (RNs) as employees. This perspective contrasts with beliefs in the public health
      sector that RNs working in local health departments (LHD) as public health nurses
      (PHNs) accept lower wages because of factors other than market demand. This study
      sought to describe the extent to which hourly wages of RNs working in LHDs are
      competitive with hospital RN wages within the same county market. A repeated
      measures survey design was used in collecting 2010 and 2014 data. The unit of
      analysis was the county, as an RN labor market for LHDs and hospitals. Survey
      questions captured factors common in human resources benefits and wage packages,
      such as differential pay, hourly rate pay based on years of experience,
      components of benefit packages (eg, sick and vacation leave), and reimbursement
      for education. Within each county, the LHD and all hospitals constituted a
      "market," yielding a potential 12 markets in our study sample. Human resources
      representatives from each of the 12 LHDs and from all hospitals within those 12
      counties were invited to participate. We conducted comparisons with survey data
      using t test of mean differences on mean RN wages across years of experience. On
      average, LHDs paid significantly less than hospitals in their markets, at all
      levels of RN experience, and this gap increased with RN experience in the sample
      markets. Salary compression was evident in 2010 and worsened for PHNs in 2014,
      when compared with hospital RNs. In 2014, 100% of the sample LHDs offered
      reimbursements for continuing education for PHNs compared with 89% of hospitals
      providing this benefit. This study contributes to our understanding of the human
      resources challenges faced by LHDs and provides evidence elucidating resources
      issues that need to be addressed in order to improve recruitment and retention of
      PHNs.

PMID- 27682726
TI  - Assessment of National CLAS Standards in Rural and Urban Local Health Departments
      in Kentucky.
AB  - CONTEXT: Findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest
      that addressing persistent health disparities based on race and ethnicity must
      become a national priority. The field of cultural and linguistic competency has
      gained national attention by improving access to and quality of health care,
      patient-provider communication, health outcomes, and health equity for minority
      groups and other vulnerable or special needs populations. OBJECTIVES: (1) To
      measure how local health departments (LHDs) in Kentucky comply with the National
      Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS); and (2)
      to provide policy recommendation based on the findings. This study is the first
      to assess a statewide public health system under the lens of CLAS. DESIGN:
      Analysis of cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Electronic surveys administered to
      LHD administrators in Kentucky. PARTICIPANTS: Public health directors, nurse
      leaders, and program managers. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Levels of compliance with
      various CLAS standards were examined for rural and urban counties using a novel
      scoring method. RESULTS: A total of 159 LHD administrators received the survey.
      Response rate was 67% (106 participants). Rural and urban LHDs achieved moderate
      compliance on domains of plans and policies, quality monitoring and improvement
      for needs assessment, management information systems for clients, and staff
      training and development. Both geographic groups exhibited lesser compliance on
      domains of organizational governance, culturally inclusive health care
      environment for educational materials, and diversity of personnel recruitment.
      CONCLUSION: County and district LHDs in Kentucky have implemented activities and
      policies that comply with CLAS standards at levels that vary by domain. Areas
      requiring particular attention include organizational governance, culturally
      inclusive health care environment for educational materials, and diversity of
      personnel. Improvements in these areas may help LHDs better meet the needs of
      vulnerable populations, racial and ethnic minorities, and special needs groups.
      CLAS practices may allow organizations to adhere to national public health
      accreditation standards.

PMID- 27682728
TI  - A Century in the Life of the Control of Communicable Diseases Manual: 1917 to
      2017.
AB  - The Control of Communicable Diseases Manual, a premier publication of the
      American Public Health Association, celebrates its centennial in 2017. The
      Control of Communicable Diseases Manual has evolved in format and content through
      20 separate editions. This article is a follow-up to an earlier article, titled
      "Evolution of the Control of Communicable Disease Manual: 1917 to 2000," that
      appeared in the Journal of Public Health Management & Practice in 2001. Our
      update focuses on the period since the 17th edition, which is characterized by
      dramatic changes. The 20th edition (2014) added a few arboviral diseases (Banna,
      Cache Valley, Eyach, Heartland, severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome
      virus, Iquitos, and Me Tri), but mostly contracted, leaving 65 arboviral entries.
      Other categories of pathogens also declined in the most recent editions,
      indicating an apparent trend to make the manual less encyclopedic. We attempt to
      explain these and other changes and ask the reader to comment whether they are
      aware of other related facts or history based on personal experience.

PMID- 27682729
TI  - Building the Business Case for Public Health Information Systems.

PMID- 27682730
TI  - ASTHO President's Challenge-Health Is Community.

PMID- 27682727
TI  - Development and Usefulness of a District Health Systems Tool for Performance
      Improvement in Essential Public Health Functions in Botswana and Mozambique.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This study describes the development of a self-audit tool for
      public health and the associated methodology for implementing a district health
      system self-audit tool that can provide quantitative data on how district
      governments perceive their performance of the essential public health functions.
      METHODS: Development began with a consensus-building process to engage Ministry
      of Health and provincial health officers in Mozambique and Botswana. We then
      worked with lists of relevant public health functions as determined by these
      stakeholders to adapt a self-audit tool describing essential public health
      functions to each country's health system. We then piloted the tool across
      districts in both countries and conducted interviews with district health
      personnel to determine health workers' perception of the usefulness of the
      approach. RESULTS: Country stakeholders were able to develop consensus around 11
      essential public health functions that were relevant in each country. Pilots of
      the self-audit tool enabled the tool to be effectively shortened. Pilots also
      disclosed a tendency to upcode during self-audits that was checked by group
      deliberation. Convening sessions at the district enabled better attendance and
      representative deliberation. Instant feedback from the audit was a feature that
      100% of pilot respondents found most useful. CONCLUSION: The development of
      metrics that provide feedback on public health performance can be used as an aid
      in the self-assessment of health system performance at the district level.
      Measurements of practice can open the door to future applications for practice
      improvement and research into the determinants and consequences of better public
      health practice. The current tool can be assessed for its usefulness to district
      health managers in improving their public health practice. The tool can also be
      used by the Ministry of Health or external donors in the African region for
      monitoring the district-level performance of the essential public health
      functions.

PMID- 27682731
TI  - A Look at Local Public Health Governance: Findings From the 2015 Local Board of
      Health National Profile.

PMID- 27682732
TI  - A Tribute to Dr Harrison Spencer.

PMID- 27682733
TI  - Response to Scanlan Concerning: Measurement of Health Disparities, Health
      Inequities, and Social Determinants of Health to Support the Advancement of
      Health Equity.

PMID- 27682734
TI  - Editor's Note.

PMID- 27682735
TI  - Implementing Health Impact Assessment Programs in State Health Agencies: Lessons
      Learned From Pilot Programs, 2009-2011.
AB  - CONTEXT: Health Impact Assessment (HIA) has emerged as a promising tool to
      integrate health considerations into decision making. The growth and success of
      HIA practice in the United States will be dependent on building the capacity of
      practitioners. OBJECTIVE: This article seeks to identify the role of state health
      agencies (SHAs) in building capacity for conducting HIAs and the key components
      of initiatives that produced effective HIAs and HIA programs. The authors
      proposed to answer 3 research questions: (1) What can be the role of the SHA in
      HIA? (2) What are the characteristics of successful state HIA programs? and (3)
      What are some effective strategies for building capacity for HIA in SHAs and
      local health departments? DESIGN: The authors reviewed program reports from the
      ASTHO's pilot state health agencies (California, Minnesota, Oregon, and
      Wisconsin) that, between 2009 and 2011, created HIA programs to provide HIA
      training, conduct HIAs, and build practitioner networks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
      Program reports were examined for shared themes on the role of SHAs in a
      statewide HIA initiative, the characteristics of successful programs, and
      effective strategies for building capacity. RESULTS: Despite differences among
      the programs, many shared themes existed. These include stressing the importance
      of a basic, sustained infrastructure for HIA practice; leveraging existing
      programs and networks; and working in partnership with diverse stakeholders.
      CONCLUSIONS: SHAs can build capacity for HIA, and SHAs can both lead and support
      the completion of individual HIAs. States and territories interested in starting
      comprehensive statewide HIA initiatives could consider implementing the
      strategies identified by the pilot programs.

PMID- 27682738
TI  - The future of multiple sclerosis treatments.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There are not many conditions in which the last few decades have
      brought such a major change in the landscape of treatments as is the case of
      multiple sclerosis (MS). A number of disease modifying treatments (DMTs) are
      presently available for the treatment of the inflammatory phase of this disabling
      disease; however, the need for treating neurodegeneration and halting the
      progression of disability is still unmet. Areas covered: In this paper we review
      the available information on existing and emerging DMTs and we discuss their
      place within the context of different treatment strategies in MS, Expert
      commentary: The future of MS treatments should include the development of new
      treatment strategies tackling disease progression, together with a better
      understanding of the side-effects and the best sequential strategy of
      implementation of available and emerging drugs.

PMID- 27682736
TI  - Magnetic resonance imaging of osteosarcoma using a bis(alendronate)-based bone
      targeted contrast agent.
AB  - Magnetic resonance (MR) is currently used for diagnosis of osteosarcoma but not
      well even though contrast agents are administered. Here, we report a novel bone
      targeted MR imaging contrast agent, Gd2-diethylenetriaminepentaacetate
      bis(alendronate) (Gd2-DTPA-BA) for the diagnosis of osteosarcoma. It is the
      conjugate of a bone cell-seeking molecule (i.e., alendronate) and an MR imaging
      contrast agent (i.e., Gd-DTPA). Its physicochemical parameters were measured,
      including pKa, complex constant, and T1 relaxivity. Its bone cell-seeking ability
      was evaluated by measuring its adsorption on hydroxyapatite. Hemolysis was
      investigated. MR imaging and biodistribution of Gd2-DTPA-BA and Gd-DTPA were
      studied on healthy and osteosarcoma-bearing nude mice. Gd2-DTPA-BA showed high
      adsorption on hydroxyapatite, the high MR relaxivity (r1) of 7.613mM-1s-1 (2.6
      folds of Gd-DTPA), and no hemolysis. The MR contrast effect of Gd2-DTPA-BA was
      much higher than that of Gd-DTPA after intravenous injection to the mice. More
      importantly, the MR imaging of osteosarcoma was significantly improved by Gd2
      DTPA-BA. The signal intensity of Gd2-DTPA-BA reached 120.3% at 50min, equal to
      three folds of Gd-DTPA. The bone targeting index (bone/blood) of Gd2-DTPA-BA in
      the osteosarcoma-bearing mice was very high to 130 at 180min. Furthermore, the
      contrast enhancement could also be found in the lung due to metastasis of
      osteosarcoma. Gd2-DTPA-BA plays a promising role in the diagnoses of
      osteosacomas, including the primary bone tumors and metastases.

PMID- 27682737
TI  - Evaluation of antioxidant and stabilizing lipid peroxidation nature of Solanum
      xanthocarpum leaves in experimentally diethylnitrosamine induced hepatocellular
      carcinogenesis.
AB  - Solanum xanthocarpum Schrad. & Wendl, is a traditional edible leaves as a form of
      decoction, extracts used as a herbal medicine, and consumed for health promoting
      profiles. The present investigation was carried out to evaluate antioxidant
      status and lipid peroxidation level of anticancer activity of Solanum
      xanthocarpum (SXC) on Diethylnitrosamine (DEN) induced hepato carcinogenesis in
      male Wistar albino rats. Hepatic cancer was developed on the liver of Wistar rats
      treated by DEN or vehicle three times a week for 16 weeks. Tumour incidence,
      tumour volume, tumour burden, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant, liver marker
      enzymes and histopathological changes were assessed in DEN alone and in DEN+SXC
      leaves extract treated rats. Hundred percent tumour incidences with an imbalance
      in carcinogen metabolizing enzymes and cellular redox status were observed in
      rats treated with DEN alone. Oral administration of SXC aqueous leaves extract
      treatment at a dose of 150mg/kg b.w. to DEN treated rats were prevented tumour
      incidence and restored the elevated activities of liver marker enzymes and
      antioxidant status to near normal with decreased lipid peroxide levels. The
      biochemical consistent with histopathological observations suggesting marked
      hepatoprotective effect of the leaves extract in a dose dependent manner. These
      results clearly suggest that SXC aqueous leaves extract treatment prevents liver
      damage, lipid peroxidation, protects the antioxidant defense system and anti
      carcinogenic potential in DEN induced hepatic carcinogenesis.

PMID- 27682739
TI  - A systematic review of patient-practitioner communication interventions involving
      treatment decisions.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine the: 1) methodological quality of interventions examining
      strategies to improve patient-practitioner communication involving treatment
      decisions; 2) effectiveness of strategies to improve patient-practitioner
      communication involving treatment decisions; and 3) types of treatment decisions
      (emergency/non-emergency) in the included studies. METHODS: Medline, PsychINFO,
      CINAHL, and Embase were searched to identify intervention studies. To be
      included, studies were required to examine patient-practitioner communication
      related to decision making about treatment. Study methodological quality was
      assessed using Cochrane's Effective Practice and Organisation of Care risk of
      bias criteria. Study design, sample characteristics, intervention details, and
      outcomes were extracted. RESULTS: Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. No
      studies were rated low risk on all nine risk of bias criteria. Two of the three
      interventions aimed at changing patient behaviour, two of the five practitioner
      directed, and one of the three patient-practitioner directed interventions
      demonstrated an effect on decision-making outcomes. No studies examined emergency
      treatment decisions. CONCLUSIONS: Existing studies have a high risk of bias and
      are poorly reported. There is some evidence to suggest patient-directed
      interventions may be effective in improving decision-making outcomes. PRACTICE
      IMPLICATIONS: It is imperative that an evidence-base is developed to inform
      clinical practice.

PMID- 27682740
TI  - Efficacy of NGR peptide-modified PEGylated quantum dots for crossing the blood
      brain barrier and targeted fluorescence imaging of glioma and tumor vasculature.
AB  - Delivery of imaging agents to brain glioma is challenging because the blood-brain
      barrier (BBB) functions as a physiological checkpoint guarding the central
      nervous system from circulating large molecules. Moreover, the ability of
      existing probes to target glioma has been insufficient and needs to be improved.
      In present study, PEG-based long circulation, CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs)-based
      nanoscale and fluorescence, asparagines-glycine-arginine peptides (NGR)-based
      specific CD13 recognition were integrated to design and synthesize a novel
      nanoprobe by conjugating biotinylated NGR peptides to avidin-PEG-coated QDs. Our
      data showed that the NGR-PEG-QDs were nanoscale with less than 100 nm and were
      stable in various pH (4.0~8.0). These nanomaterials with non-toxic concentrations
      could cross the BBB and target CD13-overexpressing glioma and tumor vasculature
      in vitro and in vivo, contributing to fluorescence imaging of this brain
      malignancy. These achievements allowed groundbreaking technological advances in
      targeted fluorescence imaging for the diagnosis and surgical removal of glioma,
      facilitating potential transformation toward clinical nanomedicine.

PMID- 27682741
TI  - Pulmonary adenocarcinomas presenting as ground-glass opacities on multidetector
      CT: three-dimensional computer-assisted analysis of growth pattern and doubling
      time.
AB  - PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the growth pattern and doubling time (DT) of
      pulmonary adenocarcinomas exhibiting ground-glass opacities (GGOs) on
      multidetector computed tomography (CT). METHODS: The growth pattern and DT of 22
      pulmonary adenocarcinomas exhibiting GGOs were retrospectively analyzed using
      three-dimensional semiautomatic software. Analysis of each lesion was based on
      calculations of volume and mass changes and their respective DTs throughout CT
      follow-up. Three-dimensional segmentation was performed by a single radiologist
      on each CT scan. The same observer and another radiologist independently repeated
      the segmentation at the baseline and the last CT scan to determine the
      variability of the measurements. The relationships among DTs, histopathology, and
      initial CT features of the lesions were also analyzed. RESULTS: Pulmonary
      adenocarcinomas presenting as GGOs exhibited different growth patterns: some
      lesions grew rapidly and some grew slowly, whereas others alternated between
      periods of growth, stability, or shrinkage. A significant increase in volume and
      mass that exceeded the coefficient of repeatability of interobserver variability
      was observed in 72.7% and 84.2% of GGOs, respectively. The volume-DTs and mass
      DTs were heterogeneous throughout the follow-up CT scan (range, -4293 to 21928
      and -3113 to 17020 days, respectively), and their intra- and interobserver
      variabilities were moderately high. The volume-DTs and mass-DTs were not
      correlated with the initial CT features of GGOs; however, they were significantly
      shorter in invasive adenocarcinomas (P = 0.002 and P = 0.001, respectively).
      CONCLUSION: Pulmonary adenocarcinomas exhibiting GGOs show heterogeneous growth
      patterns with a trend toward a progressive increase in size. DTs may be useful
      for predicting tumor aggressiveness.

PMID- 27682743
TI  - Can Anal Sphincter Defects Be Identified by Palpation?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to correlate clinical findings of anal
      sphincter defects and function with a sonographic diagnosis of significant
      sphincter defects. METHODS: This is an observational cross-sectional study on
      women seen 6 to 10 weeks after primary repair of obstetric anal sphincter
      injuries (OASIs). All patients underwent a standardized interview including the
      St Mark incontinence score, a digital rectal examination, and 3-/4-dimensional
      transperineal ultrasound imaging. RESULTS: Two hundred forty-five patients were
      seen after primary repair of OASIs. Mean age was 29 (17-43) years. They were
      assessed at a median of 58 (15-278) days postpartum. One hundred fifty-seven
      (64%) delivered normal vaginally, 72 (29%) delivered by vacuum, and 16 (7%)
      delivered by forceps. A comparison of external anal sphincter (EAS) and internal
      anal sphincter ultrasound volume data and palpation was possible in 220 and 212
      cases, respectively. Sphincter defects at rest and on contraction were both
      detected clinically in 17 patients. Significant abnormalities of the EAS were
      diagnosed on tomographic ultrasound imaging in 99 cases (45%), and significant
      abnormalities of the internal anal sphincter were diagnosed in 113 cases (53%).
      Agreement between digital and sonographic findings of sphincter defect was poor
      (k = 0.03-0.08). Women with significant EAS defects on ultrasound were found to
      have a lower resistance to digital insertion (P = 0.018) and maximum anal squeeze
      (P = 0.009) on a 6-point scale. The difference was however small. CONCLUSIONS:
      Digital rectal examination does not seem to be sufficiently sensitive to diagnose
      residual sphincter defects after primary repair of OASIs. Imaging is required for
      the evaluation of sphincter anatomy after repair.

PMID- 27682742
TI  - Investigation of a multi-biomarker disease activity score in rheumatoid arthritis
      by comparison with magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography,
      ultrasonography, and radiography parameters of inflammation and damage.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the multi-biomarker disease activity (MBDA) score by
      comparison with imaging findings in an investigator-initiated rheumatoid
      arthritis (RA) trial (HURRAH trial, NCT00696059). METHOD: Fifty-two patients with
      established RA initiated adalimumab treatment and had magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI), ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT), and radiography performed
      at weeks 0, 26, and 52. Serum samples were analysed using MBDA score assays and
      associations between clinical measures, MBDA score, and imaging findings were
      investigated. RESULTS: The MBDA score correlated significantly with MRI synovitis
      (rho = 0.65, p < 0.001), MRI bone marrow oedema (rho = 0.36, p = 0.044), and US
      power Doppler (PD) score at week 26 (rho = 0.35, p = 0.039) but not at week 0 or
      week 52. In the 15 patients who had achieved a Disease Activity Score based on C
      reactive protein (DAS28-CRP) < 2.6 at week 26, MRI and/or US detected subclinical
      inflammation and 13 (87%) had a moderate/high MBDA score. For the cohort with
      available data, none of the four patients in MBDA remission (score <= 25) at week
      26 had progression of imaging damage from baseline to week 52 whereas progression
      was observed in three out of nine (33%) and seven out of 21 (33%) patients with
      moderate (30-44) and high (> 44) MBDA scores, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In this
      cohort, the MBDA score correlated poorly with MRI/US inflammation. However, the
      MBDA score and MRI/US were generally concordant in showing signs of inflammation
      in most patients in clinical remission during anti-tumour necrosis factor (anti
      TNF) therapy. MBDA scores were elevated in all patients with structural damage
      progression.

PMID- 27682744
TI  - Insurance Type and Major Complications After Hysterectomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between
      primary insurance type and major complications after hysterectomy. METHODS: A
      retrospective analysis was performed on women with Medicaid, Medicare, and
      private insurance who underwent hysterectomy from January 1, 2012, to July 1,
      2014, and were included in the Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative. Major
      complications within 30 days of surgery included the following: deep/organ space
      surgical site infection, deep venous and pulmonary thromboembolism, myocardial
      infarction or stroke, pneumonia or sepsis, blood transfusion, readmission, and
      death. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated
      with major complications and characteristics associated with the Medicaid and
      Medicare groups. RESULTS: A total of 1577 women had Medicaid, 2103 had Medicare,
      and 11,611 had private insurance. The Medicaid and Medicare groups had a similar
      rate of major complications, nearly double that of the private insurance group
      (6.85% vs 7.85% vs 3.79%; P < .001). Compared with private insurance, women with
      Medicaid and Medicare had increased odds of major complications (Medicaid: odds
      ratio [OR], 1.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.26-2.04; P < .001; Medicare:
      OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.04-1.73; P = .03). Women with Medicaid were more likely to be
      nonwhite, have a higher body mass index (BMI), report tobacco use in the last
      year and undergo an abdominal hysterectomy. Those with Medicare were more likely
      to be white, to have gynecologic cancer, and to be functionally dependent. Both
      groups had increased odds of American Society of Anesthesiology class 3 or higher
      and decreased odds of undergoing hysterectomy at large hospitals (>=500 beds).
      CONCLUSIONS: Women with Medicaid and Medicare insurance have increased odds of
      major complications after hysterectomy. Abdominal hysterectomy, BMI, and smoking
      are potentially modifiable risk factors for women with Medicaid.

PMID- 27682745
TI  - Effect of a New Risk Calculator on Patient Satisfaction With the Decision for
      Concomitant Midurethral Sling During Prolapse Surgery: A Randomized Controlled
      Trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether use of a new personalized risk calculator
      increases patient satisfaction with the decision whether or not to have a
      prophylactic midurethral sling (MUS) during pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery.
      METHODS: We performed a randomized controlled trial involving English-speaking
      women without symptoms of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) with >= stage 2 POP
      who planned to undergo POP surgery with 1 of 4 fellowship-trained
      urogynecologists at a single academic center. Women with a history of prior POP
      or incontinence surgery, or who were pregnant, or unable to complete study forms
      were excluded. Participants were randomly assigned to standard preoperative
      counseling or preoperative counseling with the use of a validated, online risk
      calculator for de novo SUI after POP surgery. The primary outcome was patient
      satisfaction with the decision for prophylactic MUS placement during POP surgery
      at 3 months postoperative assessed using the Satisfaction with Decision Scale for
      Pelvic Floor Disorders. RESULTS: Sixty-three women were approached for
      participation. Forty-two agreed to participate, 41 underwent randomization, and
      33 had POP surgery and completed 3-month follow-up. Of these 33, 17 were
      randomized to the risk calculator and 16 to standard counseling. The mean age was
      61.2 +/- 9.1 years, and 41% (14/33) had a prophylactic MUS. At 3 months
      postoperative, there was no difference in Satisfaction with Decision Scale for
      Pelvic Floor Disorders scores between groups (4.67 +/- 0.46 [intervention] vs
      4.78 +/- 0.34 [control]; P = 0.61). CONCLUSIONS: Use of the de novo SUI risk
      calculator did not increase patient satisfaction with the decision regarding MUS
      placement during POP surgery.

PMID- 27682746
TI  - Perioperative Complications and Cost of Vaginal, Open Abdominal, and Robotic
      Surgery for Apical Vaginal Vault Prolapse.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the rate of perioperative complications and cost
      associated with Mayo-McCall culdoplasty (MMC), open abdominal sacrocolpopexy
      (ASC), and robotic sacrocolpopexy (RSC) for posthysterectomy vaginal vault
      prolapse. METHODS: We retrospectively searched for the records of patients
      undergoing posthysterectomy apical vaginal prolapse surgery (MMC, ASC, or RSC)
      between January 1, 2000, and June 30, 2012, at our institution. For all patients
      identified, perioperative complications, length of hospital stay, and inpatient
      costs to patients were abstracted from the medical records and compared by
      procedure. Inverse-probability-of-procedure weighting using propensity scores was
      used to obtain less-biased comparisons of outcomes between procedures. RESULTS: A
      total of 512 patients met the inclusion criteria (174 MMC, 237 ASC, and 101 RSC).
      Using inverse-probability weighting, the MMC group had a significantly lower
      intraoperative complication rate (3.3% vs 11.6% for ASC, 3.4% vs 24.1% for RSC),
      median operative time (94 vs 217 min for ASC, 100 vs 228 min for RSC), and median
      cost (US $8,776 vs $12,695 for ASC, US $8,773 vs $13,107 for RSC) than the ASC
      and RSC groups (all P < 0.01). In addition, the MMC group had significantly fewer
      postoperative grade 3+ complications than the RSC group (1.1% vs 9.4%, P < 0.01).
      CONCLUSIONS: In the treatment of posthysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse, MMC is
      associated with decreased non-urinary tract infection, less perioperative
      morbidity, and lower cost to patients compared with sacrocolpopexy.

PMID- 27682747
TI  - Anatomical Relationships of Burch Colposuspension Sutures.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The prevalent use of minimally invasive midurethral slings for the
      treatment of stress urinary incontinence in the last several decades has resulted
      in fewer Burch procedures being performed and diminished surgical experience in
      performing the Burch colposuspension. However, recent antimesh media has resulted
      in more patients requesting nonmesh anti-incontinence procedures and a subsequent
      need for surgeons to refamiliarize themselves with the Burch procedure and its
      relevant anatomy. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationships
      of Burch sutures to surrounding neurovascular anatomic structures in the human
      cadaver. METHODS: The retropubic space of 11 unembalmed female cadavers was
      dissected, and a Burch procedure performed. The distance from the Burch sutures'
      location through both Cooper's ligament and the vagina to the obturator
      neurovascular bundle and external iliac vessels was measured. RESULTS: The mean
      distance from the most lateral stitch in Cooper's ligament to the obturator
      bundle was 25.9 +/- 7.6 mm and to the external iliac vessels was 28.9 +/- 9.3 mm,
      and in some instances, these structures were less than 1.5 cm away. CONCLUSIONS:
      The obturator bundle and external iliac lie, on average, within 3 cm of sutures
      placed during a Burch colposuspension. Knowledge of these anatomical
      relationships is valuable when dissecting the space of Retzius and placing
      sutures for a Burch to avoid injury.

PMID- 27682748
TI  - Voiding Function After Midurethral Slings With and Without Local Anesthetic:
      Randomized Controlled Trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the effect of periurethral infiltration
      of bupivacaine versus normal saline on postoperative voiding function and pain in
      patients undergoing retropubic midurethral sling METHODS: A randomized double
      blind placebo-controlled study was performed at the University of Massachusetts
      from March 2012 to June 2015. Ninety patients were randomized to receive 0.5%
      bupivacaine with epinephrine or normal saline with epinephrine solution for
      periurethral hydrodissection. Postoperative pain was assessed at 2 to 3 and 6 to
      7 hours using a visual analog scale. Voiding function was determined by the
      proportion of subjects passing or failing a voiding trial. Descriptive statistics
      and percentages were used to compare the rate of voiding dysfunction. A logistic
      regression analysis was performed adjusting for possible covariates. RESULTS:
      Ninety subjects enrolled and 45 were randomized to each group. Thirty-nine
      subjects received the normal saline and 41 received bupivacaine. The remaining 10
      withdrew before the procedure. Pain scores at 2 to 3 hours did not differ between
      the groups (P = 0.837), but at 6 to 7 hours, patients who received bupivacaine
      had less pain (P = 0.028). There was no difference in voiding dysfunction between
      the study and placebo groups (17.9% and 24.4%, respectively; P = 0.481). Because
      of the unavailability of indigo carmine midway through the study, 36 of 80
      subjects received preoperative phenazopyridine for the assessment of ureteral
      patency. Three (8%) of these subjects failed their voiding trial compared with 19
      (30%) of the patients who did not receive phenazopyridine (P = 0.010).
      CONCLUSIONS: The use of bupivacaine did not affect postoperative voiding function
      but had lower pain scores at 6 to 7 hours postoperatively. Preoperative
      phenazopyridine may reduce postoperative urinary retention.

PMID- 27682750
TI  - ?
AB  - Nursing Practice has always sought to address issues relevant to practising
      nurses. Clinical grading is a subject which has attracted a lot of coverage in
      the nursing press; not least because of the dissatisfaction of many clinical
      nurses with their grading and subsequent delays in appeals.

PMID- 27682751
TI  - Health care research: Measuring health status.
AB  - The NHS White Paper working document entitled 'Contracts for services and the
      role of district health authorities' ( 1 ) emphasised the need for providers to
      guarantee appropriate care with optimum clinical outcome. One of the issues that
      will be increasingly topical is: what methods exist for evaluating the
      effectiveness, or outcome, of treatment or care?

PMID- 27682749
TI  - Association of Mechanism of Injury With Risk for Venous Thromboembolism After
      Trauma.
AB  - Importance: To date, no study has assessed whether the risk of venous
      thromboembolism (VTE) varies with blunt or penetrating trauma. Objective: To test
      whether the mechanism of injury alters risk of VTE after trauma. Design, Setting,
      and Participants: A retrospective database review was conducted of adults
      admitted to the intensive care unit of an American College of Surgeons-verified
      level I trauma center between August 1, 2011, and January 1, 2015, with blunt or
      penetrating injuries. Univariate and multivariable analyses identified
      independent predictors of VTE. Main Outcomes and Measures: Differences in risk
      factors for VTE with blunt vs penetrating trauma. Results: In 813 patients with
      blunt trauma (mean [SD] age, 47 [19] years) and 324 patients with penetrating
      trauma (mean [SD] age, 35 [15] years), the rate of VTE was 9.1% overall (104 of
      1137) and similar between groups (blunt trauma, 9% [n = 73] vs penetrating
      trauma, 9.6% [n = 31]; P = .76). In the blunt trauma group, more patients with
      VTE than without VTE had abnormal coagulation results (49.3% vs 35.7%; P = .02),
      femoral catheters (9.6% vs 3.9%; P = .03), repair and/or ligation of vascular
      injury (15.1% vs 5.4%; P = .001), complex leg fractures (34.2% vs 18.5%; P =
      .001), Glasgow Coma Scale score less than 8 (31.5% vs 10.7%; P < .001), 4 or more
      transfusions (51.4% vs 17.6%; P < .001), operation time longer than 2 hours
      (35.6% vs 16.4%; P < .001), and pelvic fractures (43.8% vs 21.4%; P < .001);
      patients with VTE also had higher mean (SD) Greenfield Risk Assessment Profile
      scores (13 [6] vs 8 [4]; P <= .001). However, with multivariable analysis, only
      receiving 4 or more transfusions (odds ratio [OR], 3.47; 95% CI, 2.04-5.91),
      Glasgow Coma Scale score less than 8 (OR, 2.75; 95% CI, 1.53-4.94), and pelvic
      fracture (OR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.23-3.55) predicted VTE, with an area under the
      receiver operator curve of 0.730. In the penetrating trauma group, more patients
      with VTE than without VTE had abnormal coagulation results (64.5% vs 44.4%; P =
      .03), femoral catheters (16.1% vs 5.5%; P = .02), repair and/or ligation of
      vascular injury (54.8% vs 25.3%; P < .001), 4 or more transfusions (74.2% vs
      39.6%; P < .001), operation time longer than 2 hours (74.2% vs 50.5%; P = .01),
      Abbreviated Injury Score for the abdomen greater than 2 (64.5% vs 42.3%; P =
      .02), and were aged 40 to 59 years (41.9% vs 23.2%; P = .02); patients with VTE
      also had higher mean (SD) Greenfield Risk Assessment Profile scores (12 [4] vs 7
      [4]; P < .001). However, with multivariable analysis, only repair and/or ligation
      of vascular injury (OR, 3.32; 95% CI, 1.37-8.03), Abbreviated Injury Score for
      the abdomen greater than 2 (OR, 2.77; 95% CI, 1.19-6.45), and age 40 to 59 years
      (OR, 2.69; 95% CI, 1.19-6.08) predicted VTE, with an area under the receiver
      operator curve of 0.760. Conclusions and Relevance: Although rates of VTE are the
      same in patients who experienced blunt and penetrating trauma, the independent
      risk factors for VTE are different based on mechanism of injury. This finding
      should be a consideration when contemplating prophylactic treatment protocols.

PMID- 27682753
TI  - A Charter for 'patients'.
AB  - The more often trains are delayed the less likely anybody is to rely on them. And
      although British Rail distributes a proliferation of timetables, regular
      commuters regard the published times with a healthy dose of scepticism. People
      have begun to expect a lower standard of service as the norm.

PMID- 27682752
TI  - Calcium alginate: A dressing trial.
AB  - Venous leg ulcers and pressure sores are common problems that afflict elderly,
      chronically ill, debilitated or paralysed patients. They cause considerable
      discomfort and distress to the patient and take up large amounts of nursing time,
      frequently resulting in long hospital stays. They are liable to become infected,
      necrotic and produce considerable amounts of exudate.

PMID- 27682754
TI  - 'Heavy tax demands' looming for HAs.
AB  - Health authorities could face 'substantial and unexpected demands' for back tax
      and national insurance contributions in the near future, tax experts have
      claimed.

PMID- 27682755
TI  - Proposed charter can offer improved care.
AB  - Nurses and midwives have strongly urged the Government to use the proposed
      Patient's Charter as a tool for 'active and responsive' primary health care.

PMID- 27682756
TI  - Nurses' pay.
AB  - As staff-side representatives prepare to submit their evidence to the Review Body
      on nurses' pay next week, independent experts have predicted that public service
      pay will rise by 7 per cent in 1992-93 at a cost to the Government of L2 billion
      more than estimated.

PMID- 27682757
TI  - ?
AB  - Life cycle: Amateur cyclists rode from Bath and Bristol to London last week in
      the Audi 100 charity bike ride to raise money for Action Research.

PMID- 27682758
TI  - Row over infection control guidelines.
AB  - NUPE is demanding to know why hospital Trusts are not obliged to obey new Health
      Department infection control guidelines on HIV and Hepatitis B.

PMID- 27682759
TI  - NHS down 80,000 nurses, says Cook.
AB  - Under the Conservative Government the National Health Service has lost more than
      80,000 nurses and one in five beds, Labour Health Spokesman Robin Cook said last
      week.

PMID- 27682761
TI  - BPA set to investigate lack of paediatric ICUs.
AB  - The lack of paediatric intensive-care beds often results in children being cared
      for in adult intensive-care units (ICU) or on general children's wards, according
      to the British Paediatric Association (BPA).

PMID- 27682762
TI  - Toe-nail avulsion.
AB  - This trial compares the efficiency of Comfeel Ulcer Dressing (Coloplast Ltd), a
      hydrocolloid dressing, with a chlorhexidine acetate impregnated dressing on
      iatrogenic wounds produced by toe-nail avulsion followed by treatment with
      phenolisation of the germinal matrix and nail bed.

PMID- 27682763
TI  - No care provisions for elderly people.
AB  - Many health authorities have little or no provision for elderly people who need
      continuing care, says a new report from the charity Age Concern.

PMID- 27682765
TI  - Holistic nursing care praised.
AB  - Aromatherapy and alternative medicine can enhance what nurses do every day, Helen
      Passant, a clinical nurse specialist told a conference last week.

PMID- 27682764
TI  - Patients' views.
AB  - Users of health and local authority services need to be consulted more often,
      according to a new report from the National Council for Voluntary Organisations
      (NCVO).

PMID- 27682766
TI  - ?
AB  - Sisters Myfanwy Khan, left, Elizabeth Harris and Yvonne Sterenborg handed over
      their great-grandfather's medals to a representative of the Army Museum at RCN
      head office last week. The former Army surgeon won at least one of the medals for
      his work in the Crimea and named his daughter after Florence Nightingale.

PMID- 27682767
TI  - Health information act.
AB  - Nurses have welcomed legislation allowing patients greater freedom to see their
      medical records.

PMID- 27682768
TI  - Nursing practice.
AB  - The crucial Step in a nurse's development is the one from being a competent to a
      proficient practitioner, according to leading American author and researcher,
      Patricia Benner.

PMID- 27682769
TI  - Reasons for leaving among psychiatric nurses: A two-year prospective study.
AB  - Recruiting and retaining nursing staff has been increasingly identified by nurse
      managers and the media as a problem of 'crisis' proportions, but until recently
      there has been very little systematic research into what factors influence the
      nurse to leave. The present study addressed this issue and asks: 'Why do nurses
      leave?' and 'What happens to them once they do leave?' This study was a follow-up
      to an earlier one by Bamber ( 1 ) and aimed to generate new information which
      would either support or reject the findings of the earlier study.

PMID- 27682770
TI  - Nurse is suing for burns compensation.
AB  - A nurse who claims she suffered injury as a result of chemical exposure at
      Basildon and Orsett Hospitals in Essex is suing for compensation.

PMID- 27682771
TI  - Eye tests.
AB  - Pensioners and those on low incomes who find it difficult to get out to the
      optitians will soon be able to get their optitian to visit them.

PMID- 27682772
TI  - Declaration attacks HIV discrimination.
AB  - Nurses and doctors who refuse to care for people with HIV and AIDS should be
      struck off by their professional bodies, Jonathan Grimshaw told a press
      conference last week.

PMID- 27682773
TI  - Managing the patient with fractured femur.

PMID- 27682774
TI  - 'Secret plans' to cut London HAs alleged.
AB  - The four Thames Regional Health Authorities are drawing up secret plans to cut
      the number of health authorities in the capital from 28 to 11 over the next two
      and a half years, the pressure group London Health Emergency has claimed.

PMID- 27682776
TI  - Evaluating a change to primary nursing: Some methodological issues.
AB  - Research studies which have been designed to evaluate the introduction of primary
      nursing as a method of organising the delivery of care frequently use an
      'experimental' research design. Experimental research studies use the terms
      'independent variable' and 'dependent variable'. There is assumed to be a
      relationship between the independent variable and the dependent variable so that
      manipulation of the independent variable causes a change in the dependent
      variable.

PMID- 27682777
TI  - Music proves therapeutic to pain levels.
AB  - Music may reduce the experience of pain during minor surgical procedures.

PMID- 27682778
TI  - Meningitis outcome, symptom-duration link.
AB  - The duration of symptoms in children with bacterial meningitis might be an
      indicator of prognosis.

PMID- 27682779
TI  - Tattoo parlours in need of tighter control.
AB  - Registration and tighter controls on tattoo parlours by environmental health
      officers have been called for.

PMID- 27682780
TI  - Teeth under attack from savoury snacks.
AB  - Crisps and savoury snacks are not the best nibble to bridge the gap, at least as
      far as your teeth are concerned.

PMID- 27682781
TI  - Fat embolism risk from closed manipulation.
AB  - Massive fat embolism may be a rare but life-threatening complication of closed
      manipulation of bones, say researchers.

PMID- 27682782
TI  - Barley extract cream for pressure sores.
AB  - Vast numbers of elderly patients suffering from pressure sores may soon find
      relief from a cream based on barley extract.

PMID- 27682783
TI  - Postmenopausal risk of myocardial infarction.
AB  - Postmenopausal women taking tamoxifen for at least five years are less likely to
      the from myocardial infarction (MI), an Edinburgh research project suggests.

PMID- 27682784
TI  - Portable records are a help to the homeless.
AB  - Portable medical records can be used successfully by mentally ill homeless
      people, a major study has revealed.

PMID- 27682785
TI  - Relieving emetic side-effect of chemotherapy.
AB  - Two of the most distressing side-effects of chemotherapy, nausea and vomiting,
      can severely impair the quality of life of cancer sufferers and may result in non
      compliance with prescribed treatment.

PMID- 27682786
TI  - World news.
AB  - What's happening in nursing across the globe.

PMID- 27682788
TI  - Friend or foe?
AB  - He is popularly described as a maverick, a Conservative traditionalist, and a
      thorn in the side of the Government, especially after he cast his vote against
      the NHS reforms. He is man of strong views, passionate beliefs and single-minded
      determination.

PMID- 27682787
TI  - Informal carers of the dementing elderly: A study of relationships.
AB  - The role of informal carers in the UK has been a cause of considerable concern
      recently and has been highlighted by the Government's legislation of 1988 ( 1 ).

PMID- 27682789
TI  - Moral dilemmas in nursing research.
AB  - The aim of this paper is to address the complex issue of moral dilemmas which can
      exist in the realm of research using human subjects. Two such dangers of
      exploitation are breaching the confidentiality of the patient and not securing an
      informed consent ( 1 , 2 ).

PMID- 27682790
TI  - Orem and the nursing process: New directions for the 1990s.
AB  - Orem considers that the activities or operations of the nursing process involve
      both technical and professional aspects of nursing. The term technologic
      professional operations is now used as a general description of all the
      activities a nurse must present when performing nursing duties. These technologic
      professional operations form the basis of the nursing process and include the
      following steps: diagnostic, prescriptive, treatment/regulatory and case
      management.

PMID- 27682792
TI  - Losing all credibility.
AB  - After reading Derek Hand's article 'Equal only on paper' (Nursing Standard August
      11), I still cannot believe that the NHS is any less committed to equal
      opportunities than any other employer.

PMID- 27682791
TI  - Ward placements should come free.
AB  - Everyone knows that nurse education is expensive. But has cost been ignored, or
      is it too difficult to quantify? Two years ago, nursing colleges tried to
      generate income by selling services to the independent sector.

PMID- 27682793
TI  - No support for prodigal nurses?
AB  - After a 15-year absence from hospital nursing, my mother, an RGN, returned to the
      profession at the age of 52.

PMID- 27682794
TI  - Correction.
AB  - Pauline Ford, Royal College of Nursing Advisor in Care of the Elderly, was
      incorrectly credited with writing the document 'The Role of the Nurse in
      Rehabilitation of Elderly People' (Nursing Standard August 28 - page 9 ).

PMID- 27682795
TI  - Information exchange.
AB  - We are a community hospital, caring mainly for the elderly, offering interim and
      rehabilitation care following an acute admission to a district general hospital.

PMID- 27682796
TI  - ?

PMID- 27682797
TI  - Points of View.
AB  - Are the NHS reforms really about providing a quality health care service?

PMID- 27682798
TI  - Accident and emergency nursing: A new approach Accident and emergency nursing: A
      new approach G Jones Faber 154pp L5.99 0-571-14319-9 [Formula: see text].
AB  - Gary Jones's A&E book is one with a difference. He I begins with the development
      of the service and its emergence in nursing as a specialty, with a look forward
      to developing a philosophy for care.

PMID- 27682799
TI  - Primary Nursing in Perspective S Ersser Primary Nursing in Perspective and E
      Tutton Scutari Press 286pp L17.95 1-871364-36-3 [Formula: see text].
AB  - Primary Nursing in Perspective is an extremely detailed analysis of not just the
      practice of primary nursing but the history and philosophy behind the concept.
      It's attractive and well-presented with clearly defined sections, each written by
      nurses, teachers and researchers involved in primary nursing.

PMID- 27682800
TI  - Critical Care Nursing of the Surgical Patient Critical Care Nursing of the
      Surgical Patient M Shekleton K Litwack W B Saunders 658pp L27.00 0-7126-3090-1
      [Formula: see text].
AB  - Critical Care Nursing of the Surgical Patient promises little and lives up to its
      promise. It's difficult for me to understand why, apparently, we need more books
      of this sort. I am always impressed by the amount of effort that goes into the
      writing, editing, referencing, indexing and production. I can forgive the ;
      failure to make any attempt to adapt the book for the British reader. More
      difficult to forget, as I read, is the gradually failing vision of the editors.

PMID- 27682802
TI  - Listings.
AB  - Nursing Standard regrets that owing to unprecedented demand we are no longer able
      to take listings over the telephone. We would like to remind our readers that the
      listings section is for use by charitable organisations, unions, professional
      organisations and health authorities to publicise forthcoming events. Your
      listings should contain all relevant details and be posted or faxed to Jo Barr,
      Nursing Standard, Viking House, 17-19 Peterborough Road, Harrow, Middlesex HA1
      2AX (Fax 081-423 3867).

PMID- 27682801
TI  - Eye structure: A functional view.
AB  - In schools, universities and many colleges of nursing, the anatomy and physiology
      of the eye is taught from a very structured 'three coat' perspective. The
      existing knowledge of nurses undertaking post- basic courses is often based on
      this structural approach.

PMID- 27682805
TI  - Polysorbate-80-coated, polymeric curcumin nanoparticles for in vivo anti
      depressant activity across BBB and envisaged biomolecular mechanism of action
      through a proposed pharmacophore model.
AB  - Depression is a modern world epidemic. Its main causative factor is oxidative
      stress, as reported in study subjects. Natural products are yet to show
      significant therapeutic effects in comparison with synthetic drugs. Current study
      deals with the preparation of brain-targeted polysorbate-80-coated curcumin PLGA
      nanoparticles (PS-80-CUR-NP), and their characterisation via Spectral and optical
      methods. PS-80-CUR-NP were evaluated against the oxidative stress-mediated
      depressant (OSMD) activity via Force despair, Tail suspension tests and stress
      biomarker assay (SOD and catalase activity). A significant reduction in
      immobility (p < 0.01) in force despair and tail suspension test and a significant
      increase (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01) in SOD and catalase activity was found and
      compared with stress control, which confirmed the OSMD activity of PS-80-CUR-NP
      at 5 mg equivalent dose. Further, AUC(0.5-15 h) curve of brain homogenates
      estimated the curcumin concentration of 1.73 ng/g C max at T max  3 h via HPLC
      technique.

PMID- 27682803
TI  - Phylogenetic Identification, Phenotypic Variations, and Symbiotic Characteristics
      of the Peculiar Rhizobium, Strain CzR2, Isolated from Crotalaria zanzibarica in
      Taiwan.
AB  - Crotalaria zanzibarica is an exotic and widely distributed leguminous plant in
      Taiwan. The relationship between C. zanzibarica and its rhizobial symbionts has
      been suggested to contribute to its successful invasion. A rhizobial strain
      (designed as CzR2) isolated from the root nodules of C. zanzibarica and
      cultivated in standard YEM medium displayed pleomorphism, with cells ranging
      between 2 and 10 MUm in length and some branching. In the present study, we
      identified this rhizobial strain, investigated the causes of pleomorphism, and
      examined the nodules formed. The results of a multilocus sequence analysis of the
      atpD, dnaK, glnII, gyrB, recA, and rpoB genes revealed that CzR2 belongs to
      Bradyrhizobium arachidis, a peanut symbiont recently isolated from China. Cells
      of the strain were uniformly rod-shaped in basal HM medium, but displayed
      pleomorphism in the presence of yeast extract, mannitol, or fructose. These
      results indicate that the morphology of CzR2 in its free-living state is affected
      by nutrient conditions. Several highly pleomorphic bacteroids enclosed in
      symbiosomes were frequently detected in FM and TEM observations of sections of
      the indeterminate nodules induced by CzR2; however, no infection thread was
      identified. Flow cytometric analyses showed that CzR2 cells in YEM medium and in
      the nodules of C. zanzibarica had two or more than two peaks in relative DNA
      contents, respectively, suggesting that the elongated cells of CzR2 in its free
      living state occur due to a cell cycle-delayed process, while those in its
      symbiotic state are from genomic endo-reduplication.

PMID- 27682806
TI  - Does tranexamic acid improve outcomes in traumatic brain injury?

PMID- 27682804
TI  - In Situ Cultivation Allows for Recovery of Bacterial Types Competitive in Their
      Natural Environment.
AB  - Standard cultivation fails to grow most microorganisms, whereas in situ
      cultivation allows for the isolation of comparatively diverse and novel
      microorganisms. Information on similarities and differences in the physiological
      properties of isolates obtained from in situ cultivation and standard cultivation
      is limited. Therefore, we used the arctic sediment samples and compared two
      culture collections obtained using standard and novel cultivation techniques.
      Even though there was no temperature selection at the isolation step, isolates
      from each method showed different reactions to temperature. The results of the
      present study suggest that isolates from in situ cultivation are more competitive
      in their natural environment.

PMID- 27682807
TI  - Striatal mitochondria response to 3-nitropropionic acid and fish oil treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mitochondrial dysfunction is involved in neurodegenerative diseases,
      such as Huntington's disease (HD). 3-Nitropropionic acid (3-NP) is a
      mitochondrial toxin that specifically inhibits complex II of the electron
      transport chain (ETC) and is used to generate an experimental model of HD.
      OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of fish liver oil (FO) over the mitochondrial
      dysfunction induced via partial ETC inhibition by 3-NP. METHODS: This study was
      performed in rats and consisted of two phases: (i) administration of increasing
      doses of 3-NP and (ii) administration of FO for 14 days before to 3-NP. The rats'
      exploratory activity; complex I, II, III, and IV activities; and rearing behavior
      were observed. Additionally, the number of TUNEL-positive cells and various
      mitochondrial parameters, including oxygen consumption, transmembrane potential,
      adenosine triphosphate synthesis, and ETC activity, were measured. RESULTS: We
      observed that FO exerted a protective effect against the 3-NP-induced toxicity,
      although complex II inhibition still occurred. Instead, this effect was related
      to strengthened mitochondrial complex III and IV activities. DISCUSSION: Our
      results show that FO exerts a beneficial prophylactic effect against
      mitochondrial damage. Elucidating the mechanisms linking the effects of FO with
      its prevention of neurodegeneration could be the key to developing
      recommendations for FO consumption in neurological pathologies.

PMID- 27682808
TI  - Incidence and predictors of cardiovascular events in a cohort of patients with
      rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: An excess in cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality has been
      recognized in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients when compared to the general
      population. Given the paucity of prospective data, our aim was to estimate the
      incidence of CV events and the contribution of traditional CVD risk factors and
      RA-related parameters to future events. METHODS: Incident fatal and non-fatal CV
      events (hospitalizations due to unstable angina, myocardial infarction, coronary
      artery revascularization procedures, stroke, or CV death) were assessed in a
      prospective cohort of RA women followed since 2007 and without CV events at
      cohort entry. The presence of traditional CV risk factors, disease
      characteristics, medication, carotid ultrasound, and biomarkers of inflammation
      and endothelial activation were evaluated at baseline. Univariate Cox
      proportional hazard models were used to identify risk factors for CV events.
      RESULTS: Among 106 women followed over 565 patient-years we identified 4 CV
      events (1 fatal stroke, 2 myocardial infarction and 1 unstable angina), which
      contributed to an incidence rate of 7 per 1000 person-years (95%CI 2.0- 13.9).
      Patients who developed CV events were older, but the distribution of other
      traditional CV risk factors was otherwise similar in both groups. Also,
      corticosteroid dosage and proportion of patients with carotid atherosclerotic
      plaques was higher in those with CV events. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
      (HR 1.036; 95%CI 1.005-1.067) and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1
      (sICAM-1) serum levels (HR 1.002; 95%CI 1.000-1.003) significantly contributed to
      CV events. These results remained significant after adjusting for patients' age.
      CONCLUSION: We found an incidence of cardiovascular events in women with RA of 7
      per 1000 patent-years. This value is similar to that found in other Portuguese
      cohort of RA patients1 and much higher than the incidence reported for the
      general Portuguese population. Markers of inflammation and endothelial activation
      contributed significantly to CV events, but the limited number of events prevents
      further analysis.

PMID- 27682809
TI  - Intrathecal baclofen withdrawal: A rare cause of reversible cardiomyopathy.
AB  - Baclofen is commonly used to treat spasticity of central etiology. Unfortunately,
      a potentially lethal withdrawal syndrome can complicate its use. This is
      especially true when the drug is administered intrathecally. There are very few
      cases of baclofen withdrawal leading to reversible cardiomyopathy described in
      the literature. The authors present a patient with a history of chronic
      intrathecal baclofen use who, in the setting of acute baclofen withdrawal,
      develops laboratory, electrocardiogram, and echocardiogram abnormalities
      consistent with cardiomyopathy. Upon reinstitution of intrathecal baclofen, the
      cardiomyopathy and associated abnormalities quickly resolve. Although rare, it is
      crucial to be aware of this reversible cardiomyopathy to ensure its prompt
      diagnosis and treatment.

PMID- 27682811
TI  - Steady-state equation of water vapor sorption for CaCl2-based chemical sorbents
      and its application.
AB  - Green CaCl2-based chemical sorbent has been widely used in sorption
      refrigeration, air purification and air desiccation. Methods to improve the
      sorption rate have been extensively investigated, but the corresponding
      theoretical formulations have not been reported. In this paper, a sorption system
      of solid-liquid coexistence is established based on the hypothesis of steady
      state sorption. The combination of theoretical analysis and experimental results
      indicates that the system can be described by steady-state sorption process. The
      steady-state sorption equation, MU = (eta - gammaT) , was obtained in
      consideration of humidity, temperature and the surface area. Based on engineering
      applications and this equation, two methods including an increase of specific
      surface area and adjustment of the critical relative humidity (gamma) for
      chemical sorbents, have been proposed to increase the sorption rate. The results
      indicate that the CaCl2/CNTs composite with a large specific surface area can be
      obtained by coating CaCl2 powder on the surface of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The
      composite reached sorption equilibrium within only 4 h, and the sorption capacity
      was improved by 75% compared with pure CaCl2 powder. Furthermore, the addition of
      NaCl powder to saturated CaCl2 solution could significantly lower the solution's
      gamma. The sorption rate was improved by 30% under the same environment.

PMID- 27682810
TI  - Discovery of Novel Viruses in Mosquitoes from the Zambezi Valley of Mozambique.
AB  - Mosquitoes carry a wide variety of viruses that can cause vector-borne infectious
      diseases and affect both human and veterinary public health. Although Mozambique
      can be considered a hot spot for emerging infectious diseases due to factors such
      as a rich vector population and a close vector/human/wildlife interface, the
      viral flora in mosquitoes have not previously been investigated. In this study,
      viral metagenomics was employed to analyze the viral communities in Culex and
      Mansonia mosquitoes in the Zambezia province of Mozambique. Among the 1.7 and 2.6
      million sequences produced from the Culex and Mansonia samples, respectively,
      3269 and 983 reads were classified as viral sequences. Viruses belonging to the
      Flaviviridae, Rhabdoviridae and Iflaviridae families were detected, and different
      unclassified single- and double-stranded RNA viruses were also identified. A near
      complete genome of a flavivirus, tentatively named Cuacua virus, was obtained
      from the Mansonia mosquitoes. Phylogenetic analysis of this flavivirus, using the
      NS5 amino acid sequence, showed that it grouped with 'insect-specific' viruses
      and was most closely related to Nakiwogo virus previously identified in Uganda.
      Both mosquito genera had viral sequences related to Rhabdoviruses, and these were
      most closely related to Culex tritaeniorhynchus rhabdovirus (CTRV). The results
      from this study suggest that several viruses specific for insects belonging to,
      for example, the Flaviviridae and Rhabdoviridae families, as well as a number of
      unclassified RNA viruses, are present in mosquitoes in Mozambique.

PMID- 27682812
TI  - Intermolecular Amination of Unactivated C(sp3 )-H Bonds with Cyclic Alkylamines:
      Formation of C(sp3 )-N Bonds through Copper/Oxygen-Mediated C(sp3 )-H/N-H
      Activation.
AB  - The first example of intermolecular amination of unactivated C(sp3 )-H bonds by
      cyclic alkylamines mediated by Cu(OAc)2 /O2 is reported. This method avoids the
      use of benzoyloxyamines as the aminating reagent, which are normally prepared
      from alkylamines in extra steps. A variety of unnatural beta2, 2 -amino acid
      analogues are synthesized by this simple and efficient procedure. This approach
      offers a solution to the previous unmet challenge of C(sp3 )-H/N-H activation for
      the formation of C(sp3 )-N bonds.

PMID- 27682813
TI  - Diaphragmatic Dysfunction Is Characterized by Increased Duration of Mechanical
      Ventilation in Subjects With Prolonged Weaning.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diaphragmatic dysfunction is often underdiagnosed and is among the
      risk factors for failed weaning. The purpose of this study was to determine the
      prevalence of diaphragmatic dysfunction diagnosed by B-mode ultrasonography and
      to determine whether prolonged weaning subjects with diaphragmatic dysfunction
      have increased duration of mechanical ventilation compared with those without
      diaphragmatic dysfunction. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study in
      mechanically ventilated subjects who failed >=3 spontaneous breathing trials or
      required >7 d of weaning after the first spontaneous breathing trial. Diaphragm
      thickness was measured in the zone of apposition using a 6-13-MHz ultrasound
      transducer during a spontaneous breathing trial. The diaphragmatic thickening
      fraction was calculated as a percentage from the formula: (Thickness at peak
      inspiration - thickness at end expiration)/thickness at end expiration. Intra
      observer and inter-observer reliability were also evaluated. RESULTS: Forty-one
      subjects (24 males; 62.2 +/- 15.9 y old) were included in the study. Of these,
      the prevalence of ultrasonographic diaphragmatic dysfunction (defined as
      diaphragmatic thickening fraction of <20% with inspiration) was 34.1% (n = 14).
      Subjects with diaphragmatic dysfunction had longer ventilation time after
      inclusion (293.4 +/- 194.8 vs 145.1 +/- 101.3 h, P = .02) and ICU stay (29.2 +/-
      11.4 vs 22.4 +/- 7.7 d, P = .03) than subjects without diaphragmatic dysfunction.
      CONCLUSIONS: Diaphragmatic dysfunction as assessed by B-mode ultrasonography is
      common in subjects with prolonged weaning. Subjects with such diaphragmatic
      dysfunction show longer mechanical ventilation durations and ICU stays.

PMID- 27682814
TI  - Should the 6-Minute Walk Test Be Compared When Conducted by 2 Different Assessors
      in Subjects With COPD?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The 6-min walk test (6MWT) is an important tool in the assessment of
      functional capacity and prognosis in patients with COPD. However, especially in
      long-term follow-up in clinical settings, this test may be executed by a
      different assessor, and it is not well known whether 6MWT has an acceptable inter
      rater reliability. The aim of this study is to analyze the intra- and inter-rater
      reliability of the performance in 6MWT, its cardiorespiratory changes, and effort
      perception in subjects with COPD. METHODS: Thirty-two subjects with a diagnosis
      of COPD participated in the study, but 3 subjects did not appear on the second
      day of evaluation and therefore were included only in the intra-rater analysis;
      the first and second tests were executed by the same assessor with a 30-min
      interval between them, and the last was executed by a different assessor a week
      later. The intra-rater reliability was verified comparing the first and second
      6MWT performance, and the inter-rater reliability was verified comparing the
      third test with the best performance of the first and second tests. RESULTS: The
      intraclass correlation coefficient values were >0.75 (P < .001) for the walked
      distance on the 6MWT; however, the limits of agreement, SE of measurement, and
      minimal detectable difference were higher than the minimum clinically important
      differences already mentioned in the literature (~25, 26, and 54 m), and the
      coefficient of variation was small in both intra- and inter-rater comparisons.
      CONCLUSIONS: The 6MWT showed excellent reliability for distance and perceived
      exertion and moderate to excellent for HR and SD as assessed by intra- and inter
      rater analysis. Thus, based on the main study outcomes, we concluded that the
      6MWT can be compared when conducted by 2 different evaluators.

PMID- 27682815
TI  - Electrical Impedance Tomography During Mechanical Ventilation.
AB  - Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a noninvasive, non-radiologic imaging
      modality that may be useful for the quantification of lung disorders and
      titration of mechanical ventilation. The principle of operation is based on
      changes in electrical conductivity that occur as a function of changes in lung
      volume during ventilation. EIT offers potentially important benefits over
      standard imaging modalities because the system is portable and non-radiologic and
      can be applied to patients for long periods of time. Rather than providing a
      technical dissection of the methods utilized to gather, compile, reconstruct, and
      display EIT images, the present article seeks to provide an overview of the
      clinical application of this technology as it relates to monitoring mechanical
      ventilation and providing decision support at the bedside. EIT has been shown to
      be useful in the detection of pneumothoraces, quantification of pulmonary edema
      and comparison of distribution of ventilation between different modes of
      ventilation and may offer superior individual titration of PEEP and other
      ventilator parameters compared with existing approaches. Although application of
      EIT is still primarily done within a research context, it may prove to be a
      useful bedside tool in the future. However, head-to-head comparisons with
      existing methods of mechanical ventilation titration in humans need to be
      conducted before its application in general ICUs can be recommended. 

PMID- 27682816
TI  - Is Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Saving Lives, or Are We Just Using It in
      Healthier Patients?

PMID- 27682818
TI  - Editor's Commentary.

PMID- 27682817
TI  - Heated Humidified High-Flow Nasal Cannula: Impact on Neonatal Outcomes.

PMID- 27682819
TI  - The effect of perceived psychological stress on the immunogenicity of the
      quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine in males.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is recommended for male and
      female recipients aged 9-26 years, and is effective in preventing HPV infection
      and cancer precursors. However, there is variability in immunogenicity among
      recipients as measured by anti-HPV geometric mean titers. In this study, we
      explored the effect of stress level on the immunogenicity of the HPV vaccine
      among college age males. METHODS: 220 males aged 18-25 y were randomly assigned
      to 6-month (0, 2, and 6) and 12-month (0, 2, and 12) dosing schedules. Antibody
      titers were measured before the first dose and 2-6 weeks following the final
      dose. We recorded participants' age and stress level, based on a 4-item Perceived
      Stress Scale (PSS-4) questionnaire. RESULTS: The average age of participants was
      21.3 y old. Inspection of titers by quartile on the stress scale generally showed
      highest titers with highest stress. Spearman correlation coefficients revealed
      significant correlation between stress and titers for HPV-6, 16, and 18 but not
      for HPV-16 in the group of 6-month dosing schedule; no associations were found
      for the 12-month dosing schedule. For most strains, linear regression revealed
      significant (P > 0.05) associations on antibody titer for categorical age and
      dosing schedule but not stress. CONCLUSION: The evidence is mixed for an
      association between stress and HPV vaccine response for the 6-month dosing
      schedule, but no association was found for stress for the 12-month dosing
      schedule. Further investigations with larger and more diverse population groups
      are needed to explore the association between stress level and vaccine
      immunogenicity.

PMID- 27682821
TI  - Crystal structures of mono- and bi-specific diabodies and reduction of their
      structural flexibility by introduction of disulfide bridges at the Fv interface.
AB  - Building a sophisticated protein nano-assembly requires a method for linking
      protein components in a predictable and stable structure. Diabodies are
      engineered antibody fragments that are composed of two Fv domains connected by
      short peptide linkers. They are attractive candidates for mediators in assembling
      protein nano-structures because they can simultaneously bind to two different
      proteins and are rigid enough to be crystallized. However, comparison of previous
      crystal structures demonstrates that there is substantial structural diversity in
      the Fv interface region of diabodies and, therefore, reliable prediction of its
      structure is not trivial. Here, we present the crystal structures of ten mono-
      and bi-specific diabodies. We found that changing an arginine residue in the Fv
      interface to threonine greatly reduced the structural diversity of diabodies. We
      also found that one of the bispecific diabodies underwent an unexpected process
      of chain swapping yielding a non-functional monospecific diabody. In order to
      further reduce structural flexibility and prevent chain shuffling, we introduced
      disulfide bridges in the Fv interface regions. The disulfide-bridged diabodies
      have rigid and predictable structures and may have applications in crystallizing
      proteins, analyzing cryo-electron microscopic images and building protein nano
      assemblies.

PMID- 27682822
TI  - New Insights on the Regulation of Ca2+ -Activated Chloride Channel TMEM16A.
AB  - TMEM16A, also known as anoctamin 1, is a recently identified Ca2+ -activated
      chloride channel and the first member of a 10-member TMEM16 family. TMEM16A
      dysfunction is implicated in many diseases such as cancer, hypertension, and
      cystic fibrosis. TMEM16A channels are well known to be dually regulated by
      voltage and Ca2+ . In addition, recent studies have revealed that TMEM16A
      channels are regulated by many molecules such as calmodulin, protons,
      cholesterol, and phosphoinositides, and a diverse range of stimuli such as
      thermal and mechanical stimuli. A better understanding of the regulatory
      mechanisms of TMEM16A is important to understand its physiological and
      pathological role. Recently, the crystal structure of a TMEM16 family member from
      the fungus Nectria haematococcaten (nhTMEM16) is discovered, and provides
      valuable information for studying the structure and function of TMEM16A. In this
      review, we discuss the structure and function of TMEM16A channels based on the
      crystal structure of nhTMEM16A and focus on the regulatory mechanisms of TMEM16A
      channels. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 707-716, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27682824
TI  - Source of CpG Depletion in the HIV-1 Genome.
AB  - The dinucleotide CpG is highly underrepresented in the genome of human
      immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). To identify the source of CpG depletion in
      the HIV-1 genome, we investigated two biological mechanisms: (1) CpG methylation
      induced transcriptional silencing and (2) CpG recognition by Toll-like receptors
      (TLRs). We hypothesized that HIV-1 has been under selective evolutionary pressure
      by these mechanisms leading to the reduction of CpG in its genome. A CpG depleted
      genome would enable HIV-1 to avoid methylation-induced transcriptional silencing
      and/or to avoid recognition by TLRs that identify foreign CpG sequences. We
      investigated these two hypotheses by determining the sequence context dependency
      of CpG depletion and comparing it with that of CpG methylation and TLR
      recognition. We found that in both human and HIV-1 genomes the CpG motifs flanked
      by T/A were depleted most and those flanked by C/G were depleted least.
      Similarly, our analyses of human methylome data revealed that the CpG motifs
      flanked by T/A were methylated most and those flanked by C/G were methylated
      least. Given that a similar CpG depletion pattern was observed for the human
      genome within which CpGs are not likely to be recognized by TLRs, we argue that
      the main source of CpG depletion in HIV-1 is likely host-induced methylation.
      Analyses of CpG motifs in over 100 viruses revealed that this unique CpG
      representation pattern is specific to the human and simian immunodeficiency
      viruses.

PMID- 27682823
TI  - Excitation of lateral habenula neurons as a neural mechanism underlying ethanol
      induced conditioned taste aversion.
AB  - KEY POINTS: The lateral habenula (LHb) has been implicated in regulation of drug
      seeking behaviours through aversion-mediated learning. In this study, we recorded
      neuronal activity in the LHb of rats during an operant task before and after
      ethanol-induced conditioned taste aversion (CTA) to saccharin. Ethanol-induced
      CTA caused significantly higher baseline firing rates in LHb neurons, as well as
      elevated firing rates in response to cue presentation, lever press and saccharin
      taste. In a separate cohort of rats, we found that bilateral LHb lesions blocked
      ethanol-induced CTA. Our results strongly suggest that excitation of LHb neurons
      is required for ethanol-induced CTA, and point towards a mechanism through which
      LHb firing may regulate voluntary ethanol consumption. ABSTRACT: Ethanol, like
      other drugs of abuse, has both rewarding and aversive properties. Previous work
      suggests that sensitivity to ethanol's aversive effects negatively modulates
      voluntary alcohol intake and thus may be important in vulnerability to developing
      alcohol use disorders. We previously found that rats with lesions of the lateral
      habenula (LHb), which is implicated in aversion-mediated learning, show
      accelerated escalation of voluntary ethanol consumption. To understand neural
      encoding in the LHb contributing to ethanol-induced aversion, we recorded neural
      firing in the LHb of freely behaving, water-deprived rats before and after an
      ethanol-induced (1.5 g kg-1 20% ethanol, i.p.) conditioned taste aversion (CTA)
      to saccharin taste. Ethanol-induced CTA strongly decreased motivation for
      saccharin in an operant task to obtain the tastant. Comparison of LHb neural
      firing before and after CTA induction revealed four main differences in firing
      properties. First, baseline firing after CTA induction was significantly higher.
      Second, firing evoked by cues signalling saccharin availability shifted from a
      pattern of primarily inhibition before CTA to primarily excitation after CTA
      induction. Third, CTA induction reduced the magnitude of lever press-evoked
      inhibition. Finally, firing rates were significantly higher during consumption of
      the devalued saccharin solution after CTA induction. Next, we studied sham- and
      LHb-lesioned rats in our operant CTA paradigm and found that LHb lesion
      significantly attenuated CTA effects in the operant task. Our data demonstrate
      the importance of LHb excitation in regulating expression of ethanol-induced
      aversion and suggest a mechanism for its role in modulating escalation of
      voluntary ethanol intake.

PMID- 27682825
TI  - Rapid and efficient enantioseparation of (S)-amlodipine by surface-imprinted core
      shell polymer microspheres.
AB  - We present a protocol for the preparation of surface-imprinted polymer
      microspheres by core-shell precipitation polymerization for the enantioseparation
      of (S)-amlodipine. In this work, submicron mesoporous silica microspheres were
      prepared with gemini cationic surfactant as soft template. Molecularly imprinted
      polymers were coated on the silica supports with a low level of crosslinking, and
      the thickness of the thin-walled imprinted shell was about 45 nm. The material
      showed fast binding kinetics for (S)-amlodipine (within only 20 min for complete
      equilibrium), and the saturation adsorption capacity reached 309.2 mg/g,
      indicating the good accessibility of binding sites and improved mass transfer for
      target molecule. The imprinted microspheres exhibited an appreciable enantiomeric
      excess of (S)-amlodipine of 11.3% when used as a glass chromatography column for
      the enantioseparation of (S)-amlodipine from amlodipine besylate without extra
      chiral additives. The surface-imprinted materials display potentially
      amplification for industrial enantioseparation of (S)-amlodipine.

PMID- 27682826
TI  - Predictors of Acute Vertebrobasilar Vasospasm following Tumor Resection in the
      Foramen Magnum Region.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Cerebral vasospasm can occur after skull base tumor removal. Few
      studies concentrated on the posterior circulation vasospasm after tumor resection
      in the posterior fossa. We aimed to identify the risk factors associated with
      postoperative vertebrobasilar vasospasm after tumor resection in the foramen
      magnum. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the data of 62 patients with tumors
      in the foramen magnum at our institution from January 2010 to January 2015. The
      demographic data, tumor features, surgical characteristics were collected.
      Vertebrobasilar vasospasm was evaluated by bedside transcranial Doppler before
      surgery and on postoperative day 1, 3, 7. Univariate and multivariate analyses
      were performed to determine the predictors of postoperative vasospasm in the
      posterior circulation. RESULTS: Vertebrobasilar vasospasm was detected in 28
      (53.8%) of the 62 patients at a mean time of 3.5 days after surgery. There were 5
      (8%) patients with severe vasospasm according to the grading criteria. Age, tumor
      type, tumor size, vertebral artery encasement, and surgical time were
      significantly related to vasospasm in the univariate analysis. Further
      multivariate analysis demonstrated that only age and vertebral artery encasement
      were independent risk factors predicting the occurrence of postoperative
      vertebrobasilar vasospasm. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of acute vertebrobasilar
      vasospasm is not uncommon after foramen magnum tumor resection. Age and vertebral
      artery encasement are significantly correlated with postoperative vasospasm.
      Close monitoring of vasospasm should be given to patients with younger age and
      the presence of vertebral artery encasement on the preoperative imaging to
      facilitate early diagnosis and intervention.

PMID- 27682827
TI  - Validity of aqueous flare measurement in predicting proliferative
      vitreoretinopathy in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate aqueous flare as a preoperative predictor for later
      proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) development in patients with rhegmatogenous
      retinal detachment (RD) and to determine the validity of this measurement in
      patients at low clinical risk for postoperative PVR. METHODS: This study included
      100 eyes of 100 patients who underwent surgery for primary RD. Aqueous flare was
      determined preoperatively with a laser flare-cell meter (Kowa FM-500, Kowa
      Company Ltd, Tokyo, Japan). Patients were followed for at least 6 months
      postoperatively. Failures related to PVR were recorded for statistical analysis.
      RESULTS: Twenty eyes (20%) developed PVR postoperatively. Preoperative flare
      values in these eyes were significantly higher than in eyes with no redetachment
      (48.12 +/- 61.24 versus 17.74 +/- 29.63 photon counts per millisecond (pc/ms), p
      = 0.002). The odds ratio for PVR development with flare values >15 pc/ms was 12.3
      (p < 0.0001, 95% confidence interval, 3.54-42.59). Of 54 eyes at low clinical
      risk for postoperative PVR, five developed PVR postoperatively. Flare values were
      significantly higher in these eyes (25.30 +/- 7.10 pc/ms) than in eyes with no
      redetachment (12.44 +/- 10.16 pc/ms, p = 0.008). Using logistic regression, the
      odds ratio of PVR redetachment risk increased by the factor 1.078 per 1 pc/ms of
      flare value (95% CI, 1.01-1.15). CONCLUSION: Preoperative aqueous flare is a
      strong predictive factor for PVR redetachment. The laser flare-cell meter
      provides a fast and safe tool to accurately identify patients at risk for
      postoperative PVR, especially when clinical examination did not predict this
      risk.

PMID- 27682828
TI  - Countries publishing in JAN.

PMID- 27682820
TI  - A central role for calcineurin in protein misfolding neurodegenerative diseases.
AB  - Accumulation of misfolded/unfolded aggregated proteins in the brain is a hallmark
      of many neurodegenerative diseases affecting humans and animals. Dysregulation of
      calcium (Ca2+) and disruption of fast axonal transport (FAT) are early
      pathological events that lead to loss of synaptic integrity and axonal
      degeneration in early stages of neurodegenerative diseases. Dysregulated Ca2+ in
      the brain is triggered by accumulation of misfolded/unfolded aggregated proteins
      in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), a major Ca2+ storing organelle, ultimately
      leading to neuronal dysfunction and apoptosis. Calcineurin (CaN), a
      Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent serine/threonine phosphatase, has been implicated in T
      cells activation through the induction of nuclear factor of activated T cells
      (NFAT). In addition to the involvement of several other signaling cascades, CaN
      has been shown to play a role in early synaptic dysfunction and neuronal death.
      Therefore, inhibiting hyperactivated CaN in early stages of disease might be a
      promising therapeutic strategy for treating patients with protein misfolding
      diseases. In this review, we briefly summarize the structure of CaN, inhibition
      mechanisms by which immunosuppressants inhibit CaN, role of CaN in maintaining
      neuronal and synaptic integrity and homeostasis and the role played by CaN in
      protein unfolding/misfolding neurodegenerative diseases.

PMID- 27682830
TI  - The role of mutation analysis of the APC gene in the management of FAP patients.
      A controversial issue.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A correlation between the location of mutation in the adenomatous
      polyposis coli (APC) gene and clinical manifestations of familial adenomatous
      polyposis (FAP) has repeatedly been reported. Some Authors suggest the use of
      mutational analysis as a guide to select the best surgical option in FAP
      patients. However, data coming from studies on large series have raised questions
      on this issue. The aim of this study is to discuss the role of the genetic tests
      in the management of FAP. METHODS: A literature review was performed considering
      only peer-reviewed articles published between 1991-2015. All the studies examined
      the role of genetic as a guide for surgical management of FAP. RESULTS: Of 363
      articles identified, 21 were selected for full-text review. We found different
      positions with regard the use of genetic tests to determine surgical management
      of FAP. In particular, while consistent correlations between the APC mutation
      site and FAP phenotype were observed in large series, 8 studies reported a wide
      variation of genotypephenotype correlation in patients with the same mutation and
      they recommended that decisions regarding surgical strategy should be based not
      only on genotype but also on the clinical factors and the will of the patient who
      must be fully informed. CONCLUSIONS: The decision on the type and the timing of
      surgery should be based on the assessment of many factors and genotype assessment
      should be used in combination with clinical data. KEY WORDS: Disease severity,
      Familial adenomatous polyposis, Genetic tests, Genotype-phenotype correlations,
      Surgical management.

PMID- 27682831
TI  - Occupational Justice: Moral Imagination, Critical Reflection, and Political
      Praxis.

PMID- 27682829
TI  - Transcriptome Analysis of the Response to NaCl in Suaeda maritima Provides an
      Insight into Salt Tolerance Mechanisms in Halophytes.
AB  - Although salt tolerance is a feature representative of halophytes, most studies
      on this topic in plants have been conducted on glycophytes. Transcriptome
      profiles are also available for only a limited number of halophytes. Hence, the
      present study was conducted to understand the molecular basis of salt tolerance
      through the transcriptome profiling of the halophyte Suaeda maritima, which is an
      emerging plant model for research on salt tolerance. Illumina sequencing revealed
      72,588 clustered transcripts, including 27,434 that were annotated using BLASTX.
      Salt application resulted in the 2-fold or greater upregulation of 647 genes and
      downregulation of 735 genes. Of these, 391 proteins were homologous to proteins
      in the COGs (cluster of orthologous groups) database, and the majorities were
      grouped into the poorly characterized category. Approximately 50% of the genes
      assigned to MapMan pathways showed homology to S. maritima. The majority of such
      genes represented transcription factors. Several genes also contributed to cell
      wall and carbohydrate metabolism, ion relation, redox responses and G protein,
      phosphoinositide and hormone signaling. Real-time PCR was used to validate the
      results of the deep sequencing for the most of the genes. This study demonstrates
      the expression of protein kinase C, the target of diacylglycerol in
      phosphoinositide signaling, for the first time in plants. This study further
      reveals that the biochemical and molecular responses occurring at several levels
      are associated with salt tolerance in S. maritima. At the structural level,
      adaptations to high salinity levels include the remodeling of cell walls and the
      modification of membrane lipids. At the cellular level, the accumulation of
      glycinebetaine and the sequestration and exclusion of Na+ appear to be important.
      Moreover, this study also shows that the processes related to salt tolerance
      might be highly complex, as reflected by the salt-induced enhancement of
      transcription factor expression, including hormone-responsive factors, and that
      this process might be initially triggered by G protein and phosphoinositide
      signaling.

PMID- 27682832
TI  - Rett syndrome: a wide clinical and autonomic picture.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rett Syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder almost exclusively
      affecting females, characterized by a broad clinical spectrum of signs and
      symptoms and a peculiar course. The disease affects different body systems:
      nervous, muscolo-skeletal, gastro-enteric. Moreover, part of the symptoms are
      related to the involvement of the autonomic nervous system. In the Tuscany Rett
      Center at Versilia Hospital, we collected data from 151 subjects with a clinical
      diagnosis of classical or variant RTT syndrome. For each subject, we assessed the
      severity of the condition with clinical-rating scales (ISS, PBZ), we quantified
      the performance of the autonomic nervous system, and we performed genetic
      analysis. We used multivariate statistical analysis of the data to evaluate the
      relation between the different clinical RTT forms, the cardiorespiratory
      phenotype, the different genetic mutations and the severity of the clinical
      picture. Individuals were classified according to existing forms: Classical RTT
      and three atypical RTT: Z-RTT, Hanefeld, Congenital. A correlation between C
      Terminal deletions and lower severity of the clinical manifestations was evident,
      in the previous literature, but, considering the analysis of autonomic behaviour,
      the original classification can be enriched with a more accurate subdivision of
      Rett subgroups, which may be useful for early diagnosis. RESULTS: Present data
      emphasize some differences, not entirely described in the literature, among RTT
      variants. In our cohort the Z-RTT variant cases show clinical features
      (communication, growth, epilepsy and development), well documented by specific
      ISS items, less severe, if compared to classical RTT and show autonomic
      disorders, previously not reported in the literature. In this form epilepsy is
      rarely present. In contrast, Hanefeld variant shows the constant presence of
      epilepsy which has an earlier onset In Hanefeld variant the frequency of apneas
      was rare and, among the cardiorespiratory phenotypes, the feeble type is lacking.
      CONCLUSION: A quantitative analysis of the different autonomic components reveals
      differences across typical and atypical forms of RTT that leads to a more
      accurate classification of the groups. In our cohort of RTT individuals, the
      inclusion of autonomic parameter in the classification leads to an improved
      diagnosis at earlier stages of development.

PMID- 27682833
TI  - Extreme weather events in developing countries and related injuries and mental
      health disorders - a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Due to climate change, extreme weather events have an incremental
      impact on human health. Injuries and mental health disorders are a particular
      burden of disease, which is broadly investigated in high income countries. Most
      distressed populations are, however, those in developing countries. Therefore,
      this study investigates mental and physical health impacts arising from extreme
      weather events in these populations. METHOD: Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
      (PTSD), injury [primary outcomes], anxiety and depressive disorders [secondary
      outcomes], caused by weather extremes were systematically analyzed in people of
      developing countries. A systematic review of observational studies was conducted
      searching six databases, complemented by hand search, and utilizing two search
      engines. Review processing was done independently by two reviewers. Prevalence
      rates were analyzed in a pre/post design; an additional semi-structured search
      was conducted, to provide reference data for studies not incorporating reference
      values. RESULTS: All 17 identified studies (70,842 individuals) indicate a
      disease increase, compared to the reference data. Increase ranges from 0.7-52.6 %
      for PTSD, and from 0.3-37.3 % for injury. No studies on droughts and heatwaves
      were identified. All studies were conducted in South America and Asia.
      CONCLUSION: There is an increased burden of psychological diseases and injury.
      This finding needs to be incorporated into activities of prevention, preparedness
      and general health care of those developing countries increasingly experiencing
      extreme weather events. There is also a gap in research in Africa (in quantity
      and quality) of studies in this field and a predominant heterogeneity of health
      assessment tools. PROSPERO registration no.: CRD42014009109.

PMID- 27682834
TI  - Hemiatrophy of brain: antenatal ultrasonography and MRI/postnatal MRI diagnosis
      with the introduction of "shifted falx sign".
AB  - Dyke-Davidoff-Masson syndrome (DDMS) is an uncommon congenital/pediatric disorder
      diagnosed only with the help of imaging. Clinical features associated with it are
      hemiparesis, seizures, facial asymmetry, and mental retardation. We here present
      a case of DDMS diagnosed antenatally at 29 weeks gestational age during routine
      antenatal ultrasound examination. The patient was further evaluated and followed
      using both ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging during antenatal and
      postnatal periods. The infant had unilateral hemiatrophy with the absence of
      anterior and middle cerebral arteries. We hereby also want to coin the term
      "shifted falx sign" as a diagnostic indicator for DDMS for the first time. To our
      knowledge, this is the earliest antenatally sonologically diagnosed case of the
      said pathology.

PMID- 27682835
TI  - Recurrent uterine artery pseudoaneurysm.

PMID- 27682836
TI  - Large optical nonlinearity of ITO nanorods for sub-picosecond all-optical
      modulation of the full-visible spectrum.
AB  - Nonlinear optical responses of materials play a vital role for the development of
      active nanophotonic and plasmonic devices. Optical nonlinearity induced by
      intense optical excitation of mobile electrons in metallic nanostructures can
      provide large-amplitude, dynamic tuning of their electromagnetic response, which
      is potentially useful for all-optical processing of information and dynamic beam
      control. Here we report on the sub-picosecond optical nonlinearity of indium tin
      oxide nanorod arrays (ITO-NRAs) following intraband, on-plasmon-resonance optical
      pumping, which enables modulation of the full-visible spectrum with large
      absolute change of transmission, favourable spectral tunability and beam-steering
      capability. Furthermore, we observe a transient response in the microsecond
      regime associated with slow lattice cooling, which arises from the large aspect
      ratio and low thermal conductivity of ITO-NRAs. Our results demonstrate that all
      optical control of light can be achieved by using heavily doped wide-bandgap
      semiconductors in their transparent regime with speed faster than that of noble
      metals.

PMID- 27682837
TI  - Technical note: how to determine the FDG activity for tumour PET imaging that
      satisfies European guidelines.
AB  - BACKGROUND: For tumour imaging with PET, the literature proposes to administer a
      patient-specific FDG activity that depends quadratically on a patient's body
      weight. However, a practical approach on how to implement such a protocol in
      clinical practice is currently lacking. We aimed to provide a practical method to
      determine a FDG activity formula for whole-body PET examinations that satisfies
      both the EANM guidelines and this quadratic relation. RESULTS: We have developed
      a methodology that results in a formula describing the patient-specific FDG
      activity to administer. A PET study using the NEMA NU-2001 image quality phantom
      forms the basis of our method. This phantom needs to be filled with 2.0 and 20.0
      kBq FDG/mL in the background and spheres, respectively. After a PET acquisition
      of 10 min, a reconstruction has to be performed that results in sphere recovery
      coefficients (RCs) that are within the specifications as defined by the EANM
      Research Ltd (EARL). By performing reconstructions based on shorter scan
      durations, the minimal scan time per bed position (T min) needs to be extracted
      using an image coefficient of variation (COV) of 15 %. At T min, the RCs should
      be within EARL specifications as well. Finally, the FDG activity (in MBq) to
      administer can be described by [Formula: see text] with c a constant that is
      typically 0.0533 (MBq/kg(2)), w the patient's body weight (in kg), and t the scan
      time per bed position that is chosen in a clinical setting (in seconds). We
      successfully demonstrated this methodology using a state-of-the-art PET/CT
      scanner. CONCLUSIONS: We provide a practical method that results in a formula
      describing the FDG activity to administer to individual patients for whole-body
      PET examinations, taking into account both the EANM guidelines and a quadratic
      relation between FDG activity and patient's body weight. This formula is
      generally applicable to any PET system, using a specified image reconstruction
      and scan time per bed position.

PMID- 27682839
TI  - Thioflavin T behaves as an efficient fluorescent ligand for label-free ATP
      aptasensor.
AB  - Here, we for the first time demonstrated thioflavin T (ThT) as an efficient
      fluorescent ligand for 27-mer ATP-binding aptamer (ABA27), providing a novel
      signal readout mode for label-free selective ATP detection. ABA27 can promote the
      fluorescence emission of ThT with an unprecedentedly high efficiency, attributed
      to the specific structure of ABA27 rather than the G-tracts. Polyacrylamide gel
      electrophoresis, fluorescence spectroscopy, and fluorometric titration reveal
      that ThT interacts with ABA27 with a lower binding affinity (Kd ~89 MUM) than
      ATP, which allows ATP to easily compete with ThT for the DNA binder. In the
      presence of ThT, adding ATP induces ABA27 to undergo a structural change, thereby
      not favoring the binding to ThT, verified by circular dichroism and UV-Vis
      absorption spectroscopy. As a result, the fluorescence intensity of ThT decreases
      dramatically, enabling the sensitive detection of ATP with high selectivity over
      other analogs. Such a sensing strategy may make ThT able to serve as a facile
      signal reporter for DNA nanomechanical devices fueled with ATP. Graphical
      Abstract The principle of the displacement of ThT by ATP.

PMID- 27682838
TI  - A non-enzymatic urine glucose sensor with 2-D photonic crystal hydrogel.
AB  - A novel polymerized crystalline colloidal array (PCCA) sensing material for the
      detection of urine glucose was developed by embedding a two-dimensional (2-D)
      polystyrene crystalline colloidal array (CCA) in 3-acrylamidophenylboronic acid
      (3-APBA)-functionalized hydrogel. After adjusting the cross-linker concentration,
      this material showed significant sensitivity for glucose under lab conditions,
      the particle spacing of the PCCA changed from 917 to 824 nm (93 nm) within 3 min
      as the glucose concentration increased from 0 to 10 mM, and the structural color
      of the PCCA changed from red through orange, to green, and finally, to cyan. In
      further experiments, this material was used to semi-quantitatively detect glucose
      in 20 human urine (HU) samples. Compared with the traditional dry-chemistry
      method, which was applied widely in clinical diagnosis, the PCCA method was more
      accurate and cost-effective. Moreover, this method can efficiently avoid the
      errors induced by most of the urine-interfering elements like vitamin C and
      ketone body. With a homemade portable optical detector, this low-cost intelligent
      sensing material can provide a more convenient and efficient strategy for the
      urine glucose detection in clinical diagnosis and point-of-care monitoring.

PMID- 27682841
TI  - An Unbiased Chemical Proteomics Method Identifies FabI as the Primary Target of 6
      OH-BDE-47.
AB  - Determination of the physical interactions of environmental chemicals with
      cellular proteins is important for characterizing biological and toxic mechanism
      of action. Yet despite the discovery of numerous bioactive natural brominated
      compounds, such as hydroxylated polybrominated diphenyl ethers (OH-PBDEs), their
      corresponding protein targets remain largely unclear. Here, we reported a
      systematic and unbiased chemical proteomics assay (Target Identification by
      Ligand Stabilization, TILS) for target identification of bioactive molecules
      based on monitoring ligand-induced thermal stabilization. We first validated the
      broad applicability of this approach by identifying both known and unexpected
      proteins bound by diverse compounds (anticancer drugs, antibiotics). We then
      applied TILS to identify the bacterial target of 6-OH-BDE-47 as enoyl-acyl
      carrier protein reductase (FabI), an essential and widely conserved enzyme. Using
      affinity pull-down and in vitro enzymatic assays, we confirmed the potent
      antibacterial activity of 6-OH-BDE-47 occurs via direct binding and inhibition of
      FabI. Conversely, overexpression of FabI rescued the growth inhibition of
      Escherichia coli by 6-OH-BDE-47, validating it as the primary in vivo target.
      This study documents a chemical proteomics strategy for identifying the physical
      and functional targets of small molecules, and its potential high-throughput
      application to investigate the modes-of-action of environmental compounds.

PMID- 27682840
TI  - Quantitative imaging of heterogeneous dynamics in drying and aging paints.
AB  - Drying and aging paint dispersions display a wealth of complex phenomena that
      make their study fascinating yet challenging. To meet the growing demand for
      sustainable, high-quality paints, it is essential to unravel the microscopic
      mechanisms underlying these phenomena. Visualising the governing dynamics is,
      however, intrinsically difficult because the dynamics are typically heterogeneous
      and span a wide range of time scales. Moreover, the high turbidity of paints
      precludes conventional imaging techniques from reaching deep inside the paint. To
      address these challenges, we apply a scattering technique, Laser Speckle Imaging,
      as a versatile and quantitative tool to elucidate the internal dynamics, with
      microscopic resolution and spanning seven decades of time. We present a toolbox
      of data analysis and image processing methods that allows a tailored
      investigation of virtually any turbid dispersion, regardless of the geometry and
      substrate. Using these tools we watch a variety of paints dry and age with
      unprecedented detail.

PMID- 27682842
TI  - Computational methods for trajectory inference from single-cell transcriptomics.
AB  - Recent developments in single-cell transcriptomics have opened new opportunities
      for studying dynamic processes in immunology in a high throughput and unbiased
      manner. Starting from a mixture of cells in different stages of a developmental
      process, unsupervised trajectory inference algorithms aim to automatically
      reconstruct the underlying developmental path that cells are following. In this
      review, we break down the strategies used by this novel class of methods, and
      organize their components into a common framework, highlighting several practical
      advantages and disadvantages of the individual methods. We also give an overview
      of new insights these methods have already provided regarding the wiring and gene
      regulation of cell differentiation. As the trajectory inference field is still in
      its infancy, we propose several future developments that will ultimately lead to
      a global and data-driven way of studying immune cell differentiation.

PMID- 27682844
TI  - Interplay of Cation Ordering and Ferroelectricity in Perovskite Tin Iodides:
      Designing a Polar Halide Perovskite for Photovoltaic Applications.
AB  - Owing to its ideal semiconducting band gap and good carrier-transport properties,
      the fully inorganic perovskite CsSnI3 has been proposed as a visible-light
      absorber for photovoltaic (PV) applications. However, compared to the organic
      inorganic lead halide perovskite CH3NH3PbI3, CsSnI3 solar cells display very low
      energy conversion efficiency. In this work, we propose a potential route to
      improve the PV properties of CsSnI3. Using first-principles calculations, we
      examine the crystal structures and electronic properties of CsSnI3, including its
      structural polymorphs. Next, we purposefully order Cs and Rb cations on the A
      site to create the double perovskite (CsRb)Sn2I6. We find that a stable
      ferroelectric polarization arises from the nontrivial coupling between polar
      displacements and octahedral rotations of the SnI6 network. These ferroelectric
      double perovskites are predicted to have energy band gaps and carrier effective
      masses similar to those of CsSnI3. More importantly, unlike nonpolar CsSnI3, the
      electric polarization present in ferroelectric (CsRb)Sn2I6 can effectively
      separate the photoexcited carriers, leading to novel ferroelectric PV materials
      with potentially enhanced energy conversion efficiency.

PMID- 27682843
TI  - Epidemiology and outcomes of acute kidney injury in elderly chinese patients: a
      subgroup analysis from the EACH study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Information on acute kidney injury (AKI) in elderly hospitalized
      patients is limited. This study aims to assess the incidence, risk factors and
      outcomes of AKI in elderly Chinese patients. METHOD: The Epidemiology of AKI in
      Chinese Hospitalized adults (EACH) study is a multicenter, retrospective cohort
      study conducted in nine regional central hospitals across China. Patients aged
      more than 65 years were selected from the EACH study for this analysis. A novel
      approach with adjustment for frequency of serum creatinine was used to estimate
      the incidence of AKI in elderly patients. In-hospital outcomes, including
      mortality, renal recovery, length of stay and daily cost of elderly patients,
      were analyzed and compared with outcomes in younger patients. RESULTS: Of 144,232
      adult patients in the EACH study, 42,737 (29.63 %) patients were 65 years or
      older, including 9773 very elderly patients (>=80 years old). The incidence of
      AKI was 15.44 % in patients 65-79 years old (community-acquired (CA) AKI of 3.89
      % and hospital-acquired (HA) AKI of 11.55 %) and 22.22 % in the very elderly
      group (CA-AKI of 6.58 % and HA-AKI of 15.64 %). The mortality rate of AKI was
      10.3 % in patients aged from 65 to 80 and 19.6 % in patients older than 80 years.
      AKI incidence, in-hospital mortality, percentage of patients requiring dialysis
      and percentage without renal recovery were higher in elderly patients than in
      younger patients. CONCLUSION: The incidence of AKI in elderly Chinese
      hospitalized patients is high, which becomes a substantial burden on medical care
      in China.

PMID- 27682845
TI  - Fossil Carder Bee's Nest from the Hominin Locality of Taung, South Africa.
AB  - The Buxton-Norlim Limeworks southwest of Taung, South Africa, is renowned for the
      discovery of the first Australopithecus africanus fossil, the 'Taung Child'. The
      hominin was recovered from a distinctive pink calcrete that contains an abundance
      of invertebrate ichnofauna belonging to the Coprinisphaera ichnofacies. Here we
      describe the first fossil bee's nest, attributed to the ichnogenus Celliforma,
      from the Plio-Pleistocene of Africa. Petrographic examination of a cell lining
      revealed the preservation of an intricate organic matrix lined with the calcitic
      casts of numerous plant trichomes-a nesting behaviour unique to the modern-day
      carder bees (Anthidiini). The presence of Celliforma considered alongside several
      other recorded ichnofossils can be indicative of a dry, savannah environment, in
      agreement with recent work on the palaeoenvironment of Plio-Pleistocene southern
      Africa. Moreover, the occurrence of ground-nesting bees provides further evidence
      that the pink calcrete deposits are of pedogenic origin, rather than speleogenic
      origin as has previously been assumed. This study demonstrates the potential
      value of insect trace fossils as palaeoenvironmental indicators.

PMID- 27682846
TI  - Calculated conjugated payload from immunoassay and LC-MS intact protein analysis
      measurements of antibody-drug conjugate.
AB  - AIM: Complex nature of bioconjugates require multiple bioanalytical approaches to
      support PK and absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion
      characterization. For antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) bioanalysis both LC-MS and
      ligand-binding assays (LBAs) are employed. RESULTS: A method consisting of
      immunocapture extraction of ADC from biomatrices followed by LC-MS analysis of
      light and heavy chain is described. Drug antibody ratio (DAR) profiles of ADC
      Tras-mcVC-PF06380101 dosed at 0.3, 1 and 3 mg/kg in Sprague Dawley rats were
      obtained. Combined with total antibody (monoclonal antibody) measurement by LBA,
      conjugated payload concentration was calculated. CONCLUSION: PK profiles from
      LBA, ADC and calculated conjugated payload (DAR * monoclonal antibody) were in
      good agreement. We present a new tool for PK assessment of ADCs while also
      exploring ADC metabolism and DAR sensitivity of LBA ADC assay.

PMID- 27682847
TI  - Quantification of biofilm formation on silicone intranasal splints: An in vitro
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Biofilms are associated with persistent infections and resistant to
      conventional therapeutic strategies. The aim of this study was to investigate the
      quantity of biofilm produced on silicone intranasal splints. METHODS: Quantity of
      biofilm formation on silicone splints (SS) was tested on 15 strains of
      Staphylococcus aureus and Moraxella catarrhalis, respectively. Antimicrobial
      susceptibility testing was performed in accordance with European Committee on
      Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing recommendations. RESULTS: All tested strains
      formed different amounts of biofilm on SS: 66.7% S. aureus and 93.3% M.
      catarrhalis were weak biofilm producers and 33.3% S. aureus and 6.7% M.
      catarrhalis were moderate biofilm producers. S. aureus formed significantly
      higher quantity of biofilm compared with M. catarrhalis (p < 0.05). Multidrug
      resistant S. aureus produced significantly higher amount of biofilm compared with
      non-multidrug resistant strains (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Quantity of biofilm on SS
      is highly dependent on bacterial species and their resistance patterns. Future
      studies are needed to ascertain another therapeutic option for prophylaxis prior
      to SS placement.

PMID- 27682848
TI  - DR3 regulation of apoptosis of naive T-lymphocytes in children with acute
      infectious mononucleosis.
AB  - Acute infectious mononucleosis (AIM) is a widespread viral disease that mostly
      affects children. Development of AIM is accompanied by a change in the ratio of
      immune cells. This is provided by means of different biological processes
      including the regulation of apoptosis of naive T-cells. One of the potential
      regulators of apoptosis of T-lymphocytes is a death receptor 3 (DR3). We have
      studied the role of DR3 in the regulation of apoptosis of naive CD4+ (nTh) and
      CD8+ (nCTL) T-cells in healthy children and children with AIM. In healthy
      children as well as in children with AIM, the activation of DR3 is accompanied by
      inhibition of apoptosis of nTh. In healthy children, the stimulation of DR3
      resulted in the increase in apoptosis of nCTL. On the contrary, in children with
      AIM, the level of apoptosis of nCTL decreased after DR3 activation, which is a
      positive contribution to the antiviral immune response. In children with AIM,
      nCTL are characterized by reduced level of apoptosis as compared with healthy
      children. These results indicate that DR3 can be involved in the reduction of
      sensitivity of nCTL to apoptosis in children with AIM.

PMID- 27682849
TI  - Banana fruits affected by Fusarium post-harvest disease as source of human
      fusariosis.

PMID- 27682851
TI  - Presumed LRP1-targeting transport peptide delivers beta-secretase inhibitor to
      neurons in vitro with limited efficiency.
AB  - Interfering with the activity of beta-secretase to reduce the production of Abeta
      peptides is a conceivable therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's disease. However,
      the development of efficient yet safe inhibitors is hampered by secondary
      effects, usually linked to the indiscriminate inhibition of other substrates'
      processing by the targeted enzyme. Based on the spatial compartmentalization of
      the cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein by beta-secretase, we hypothesized
      that by exploiting the endocytosis receptor low-density lipoprotein receptor
      related protein it would be possible to direct an otherwise cell-impermeable
      inhibitor to the endosomes of neurons, boosting the drug's efficacy and
      importantly, sparing the off-target effects. We used the transport peptide
      Angiopep to build an endocytosis-competent conjugate and found that although the
      peptide facilitated the inhibitor's internalization into neurons and delivered it
      to the endosomes, the delivery was not efficient enough to potently reduce beta
      secretase activity at the cellular level. This is likely connected to the finding
      that in the cell lines we used, Angiopep's internalization was not mediated by
      its presumed receptor to a significant extent. Additionally, Angiopep exploited
      different internalization mechanisms when applied alone or when conjugated to the
      inhibitor, highlighting the impact that drug conjugation can have on transport
      peptides.

PMID- 27682853
TI  - Mandating influenza vaccinations for health care workers: analysing opportunities
      for policy change using Kingdon's agenda setting framework.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The consequences of annual influenza outbreaks are often
      underestimated by the general public. Influenza poses a serious public health
      threat around the world, particularly for the most vulnerable populations.
      Fortunately, vaccination can mitigate the negative effects of this common
      infectious disease. Although inoculating frontline health care workers (HCWs)
      helps minimize disease transmission, some HCWs continue to resist participating
      in voluntary immunization programs. A potential solution to this problem is
      government-mandated vaccination for HCWs; however, in practice, there are
      substantial barriers to the adoption of such policies. The purpose of this paper
      is to identify the likelihood of adopting a policy for mandatory immunization of
      HCWs in Ontario based on a historical review of barriers to the agenda setting
      process. METHODS: Documents from secondary data sources were analysed using
      Kingdon's agenda setting framework of three converging streams leading to windows
      of opportunity for possible policy adoption. RESULTS: The problems, politics, and
      policies streams of Kingdon's framework have converged and diverged repeatedly
      over an extended period (policy windows have opened and closed several times). In
      each instance, a technically feasible solution was available. However, despite
      the evidence supporting the value of HCW immunization, alignment of the three
      agenda setting streams occurred for very short periods of time, during which,
      opposition lobby groups reacted, making the proposed solution less politically
      acceptable. CONCLUSIONS: Prior to the adoption of any new policies, issues must
      reach a government's decision agenda. Based on Kingdon's agenda setting
      framework, this only occurs when there is alignment of the problems, politics,
      and policies streams. Understanding this process makes it easier to predict the
      likelihood of a policy being adopted, and ultimately implemented. Such learning
      may be applied to policy issues in other jurisdictions. In the case of mandatory
      influenza vaccinations for HCWs in Ontario, it seems highly unlikely that a new
      policy will be adopted until perception of the problem's importance is sufficient
      to overcome the political opposition to implementing a solution and thus, create
      a window of opportunity that is open long enough to support change.

PMID- 27682852
TI  - The Process of Retinal Vascularization after Anti-VEGF Treatment in Retinopathy
      of Prematurity: A Comparison Study between Ranibizumab and Bevacizumab.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the effects on the process of retinal vascularization of
      intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) and intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) in the
      treatment of severe retinopathy of prematurity. METHODS: The present study is a
      bi-centered retrospective study. While 44 eyes of 22 patients in group 1 were
      applied 0.625 mg bevacizumab, 46 eyes of 23 patients in group 2 were applied 0.25
      mg ranibizumab. Retinal vascularization was evaluated clinically. RESULTS: The
      mean time for completion of vascularization was found to be postmenstrual 55.93
      +/- 4.13 weeks in group 1 and 56.30 +/- 4.30 weeks in group 2. There were
      significant differences in the recurrence prevalence between the two groups. The
      prevalence of recurrence was found to be significantly higher in the ranibizumab
      group than in the bevacizumab group (p = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: The study showed
      that after IVR or IVB treatment, vascularization could be completed with delay;
      there were no differences in this delay time between the ranibizumab and
      bevacizumab groups. Besides, avascular areas may remain in the peripheral retina,
      and additional treatment may be necessary after IVB or IVR treatment. When the
      treatment was applied as monotherapy, more recurrence was observed in the
      ranibizumab group.

PMID- 27682854
TI  - Cascade Reactions of Nitrones and Allenes for the Synthesis of Indole
      Derivatives.
AB  - Cascade reactions involving nitrones and allenes are known to facilitate the
      rapid synthesis of several indole derivatives. The chemoselectivity of these
      complicated transformations can be influenced by substrate functionalization,
      reaction conditions, and catalyst control. While seminal studies established
      primary reactivity patterns, recent work has illustrated the impact of these
      cascade reactions for creating diverse libraries, increased the breadth of these
      methods with facilitated access to challenging nitrones, and shown that these
      transformations can be controlled by asymmetric catalysis.

PMID- 27682855
TI  - Cryoballoon Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation: Double Jeopardy?

PMID- 27682856
TI  - Multiple clear cell acanthomas and a sebaceous lymphadenoma presenting in a
      patient with Cowden syndrome - a case report.
AB  - Cowden syndrome (CS) is an uncommon autosomal dominant multiorgan/system
      genodermatosis. It is characterized by the development of multiple hamartomas of
      endodermal, mesodermal and ectodermal origin, an increased lifetime risk of
      breast, thyroid, endometrial and other cancers and an identifiable germline
      mutation. Mucocutaneous hamartomas are the most common lesions seen and mainly
      include facial trichilemmomas, oral mucosal papillomas and benign acral
      keratoses. Herein, we report a case of a 63-year-old Caucasian male with a long
      established diagnosis of CS and history of thyroid cancer, colonic polyps, and
      innumerable trichilemmomas, seborrheic keratoses, squamous papillomas and non
      melanoma skin cancers excised in the past. He presented in four separate
      occasions with small skin-colored papulonodular lesions that upon excision
      revealed to be clear cell acanthomas. He also developed a tumor in the
      preauricular area that was completely resected and was found to be a sebaceous
      lymphadenoma (SLA) of the parotid gland. This is to our knowledge, the second
      report of clear cell acanthoma and also the second reported case of SLA in a
      patient with CS.

PMID- 27682857
TI  - Mediating patienthood-from an ethics of to an ethics with technology.
AB  - The changes that happen to healthcare services after the implementation of new
      assistive healthcare technologies (also called 'welfare technology' in the Nordic
      countries) concern more than increased efficiency and reducing healthcare
      expenditure. Of particular interest from an ethical point of view are the manners
      in which technologies shape the roles and identities of care receivers and
      healthcare personnel. The notion of 'patienthood' is explored in this paper as
      something that is both challenged by new technologies, and as something that is
      opened up for active and potentially positive reshaping when care receivers
      support their illness or frailty with assistive healthcare technologies. This
      dual effect of technologies (as both challenge and opportunity) requires a
      rethinking of ethics of technologies, which for most part have been preoccupied
      with ethical issues prior to the implementation of a new technology into a
      healthcare service. Ethics of technology should also contribute to the concrete
      efforts of care receivers to establish something approximating a 'good
      patienthood' in relation to a new technology, making it opportune to dub it,
      instead, an ethics with technology. This paper explores how assistive healthcare
      technologies impact on care receivers and the care situation, and in relation to
      the notion of patienthood, before turning to what this implies for an ethics that
      has as its goal to support care receivers to reach a life with the technology
      that is in line with their own notions of well-being and a good life.

PMID- 27682858
TI  - Estrogenic Receptor-Functionalized Magnetite Nanoparticles for Rapid Separation
      of Phytoestrogens in Plant Extracts.
AB  - With growing interests of phytoestrogens, many natural phytochemicals extracted
      from diverse plant species have been explored for their estrogenic-like
      activities and potential applications. In this work, a simple and rapid
      separation of phytoestrogenic compounds from crude plant extracts was purposed
      using magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) of Fe3O4 immobilized with the ligand-binding
      domain (LBD) of estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha). The recombinant LBD-ERalpha
      peptide of 40 kDa was produced and subsequently covalently linked to MNPs. One
      milligram of the LBD-ERalpha-immobilized MNPs demonstrated a specific binding to
      the standard 17beta-estradiol (E2) of 3.37 nmol and 91.3-100 % of the bound E2
      were subsequently recovered. LBD-ERalpha-immobilized MNPs could separate
      phytoestrogens of 4.6 nmol E2-equivalent activity from a 1-mg crude extract of
      Asparagus racemosus. The produced MNPs showed no separation yield when were
      applied to the negative controls, the crude extract of radish (Raphanus sativus),
      and the standard progesterone (P4). Thin-layer chromatography demonstrated a
      single phytochemical band of the separated phytoestrogens, which exhibited the
      activity to promote MCF-7 cell proliferation at 4.7 folds greater than the crude
      A. racemosus extract. The results of this work demonstrated a simple method to
      specifically separate phytoestrogens from crude plant extracts via the LBD
      ERalpha-immobilized MNPs.

PMID- 27682859
TI  - Vine Trimming Shoots as Substrate for Ferulic Acid Esterases Production.
AB  - Ferulic acid esterases (FAE) possess a large variety of biotechnological
      applications mainly based on their ability to release ferulic acid from
      lignocellulosic matrixes. The use of vine trimming shoots (VTS), an agricultural
      waste, as substrate for the generation of this kind of esterases represents an
      attractive alternative to change the consideration of VTS from residue to
      resource. Furthermore, xylanase, cellobiase, and cellulase activities were
      quantified. Six microorganisms were screened for FAE production by solid-state
      fermentation, and the effects of the additional supplementation and substrate
      size were also tested. Finally, the process was scaled-up to a horizontal
      bioreactor where the influence of aeration in enzymatic activities was evaluated.
      Thus, the optimal FAE activity (0.44 U/g dry VTS) was attained by Aspergillus
      terreus CECT 2808, in non-additional supplementation media, using the larger
      particles size of substrate (<= 5 mm) and at a flow rate of 0.7 L/min.

PMID- 27682860
TI  - Addenbrooke's cognitive examination III: diagnostic utility for mild cognitive
      impairment and dementia and correlation with standardized neuropsychological
      tests.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination III (ACE-III) is a screening test
      that was recently validated for diagnosing dementia. Since it assesses attention,
      language, memory, fluency, and visuospatial function separately, it may also be
      useful for general neuropsychological assessments. The aim of this study was to
      analyze the tool's ability to detect early stages of Alzheimer's disease and to
      examine the correlation between ACE-III scores and scores on standardized
      neuropsychological tests. METHODS: Our study included 200 participants
      categorized as follows: 25 healthy controls, 48 individuals with subjective
      memory complaints, 47 patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment and 47
      mild Alzheimer's disease, and 33 patients with other neurodegenerative diseases.
      RESULTS: The ACE-III memory and language domains were highly correlated with the
      neuropsychological tests specific to those domains (Pearson correlation
      coefficient of 0.806 for total delayed recall on the Free and Cued Selective
      Reminding Test vs. 0.744 on the Boston Naming Test). ACE-III scores discriminated
      between controls and patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (AUC:
      0.906), and between controls and patients with mild Alzheimer's disease (AUC:
      0.978). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that ACE-III is a useful
      neuropsychological test for assessing the cognitive domains of attention,
      language, memory, and visuospatial function. It also enables detection of
      Alzheimer's disease in early stages.

PMID- 27682861
TI  - Optimal Behavior is Easier to Learn than the Truth.
AB  - We consider a reinforcement learning setting where the learner is given a set of
      possible models containing the true model. While there are algorithms that are
      able to successfully learn optimal behavior in this setting, they do so without
      trying to identify the underlying true model. Indeed, we show that there are
      cases in which the attempt to find the true model is doomed to failure.

PMID- 27682862
TI  - Cellular mysteries of plant sex.

PMID- 27682863
TI  - Chemokine CXCL1 may serve as a potential molecular target for hepatocellular
      carcinoma.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to screen for changes in chemokine and chemokine
      related genes that are expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as potential
      markers of HCC progression. Total RNA was extracted from tumor and peritumor
      tissues from mice with HCC and analyzed using a PCR microarray comprising 98
      genes. Changes in gene expression of threefold or more were screened and
      subsequently confirmed by immunohistochemical analyses and western blotting.
      Furthermore, whether chemokine knockdown by RNA interference (RNAi) could
      significantly suppress tumor growth in vivo was also evaluated. Finally, total
      serum samples were collected from HCC patients with HBV/cirrhosis (n = 16) or
      liver cirrhosis (n = 16) and from healthy controls (n = 16). The serum mRNA and
      protein expression levels of CXCL1 in primary liver cancer patients were detected
      by qRT-PCR and western blot analysis, respectively. Several genes were up
      regulated in tumor tissues during the progression period, including CXCL1, CXCL2,
      CXCL3, and IL-1beta, while CXCR1 expression was down-regulated. CBRH-7919 cells
      carrying CXCL1 siRNA resulted in decreased tumor growth in nude mice. The
      differences in serum CXCL1 mRNA and protein levels among the HCC, hepatic
      sclerosis (HS), and control groups were significant (P < 0.001). The mRNA and
      protein levels of CXCL1 in the HCC group were up-regulated compared with the HS
      group or the control group (P < 0.001). Several chemokine genes were identified
      that might play important roles in the tumor microenvironment of HCC. These
      results provide new insights into human HCC and may ultimately facilitate early
      HCC diagnosis and lead to the discovery of innovative therapeutic approaches for
      HCC.

PMID- 27682866
TI  - Editorial (Thematic Issue: Medicinal Chemistry Applied to Natural Products in
      Neglected Drug Discovery).

PMID- 27682865
TI  - Increased expression of ATP binding cassette transporter genes following exposure
      of Haemonchus contortus larvae to a high concentration of monepantel in vitro.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is some evidence that ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters
      play a role in resistance to anthelmintics, particularly against macrocyclic
      lactones. Some anthelmintics, including ivermectin (IVM), have been shown to
      induce transcription of multiple ABC transporters in nematodes; however, the
      effects of monepantel (MPL) on transcription of these transporter genes has not
      been studied. METHODS: Larvae of two MPL-susceptible isolates of Haemonchus
      contortus were exposed to MPL at two concentrations (2.5 and 250 MUg/ml) for
      periods of 3, 6 and 24 h. Transcription levels of sixteen ABC transporter genes
      were measured at the end of the incubation periods. The consequences of MPL
      exposure were examined by measuring rhodamine-123 efflux from the larvae, and
      their sensitivity to subsequent treatment with IVM or levamisole. RESULTS:
      Multiple ABC transporter genes showed significantly higher transcription in both
      worm isolates following exposure to MPL at 250 MUg/ml for 3, 6 or 24 h,
      particularly the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) genes pgp-11, pgp-12 and pgp-14. Of these,
      only pgp-11 maintained the elevated levels 24 h after the end of the drug
      exposure period. In contrast, there was only a single instance of low-level
      upregulation as a result of exposure to MPL at 2.5 MUg/ml. Larvae exposed to MPL
      at 250 MUg/ml showed an increased efflux of rhodamine-123 and a proportion of the
      larval population showed an ability to subsequently tolerate higher
      concentrations of IVM in migration assays. There was no increased tolerance to
      IVM following pre-exposure to MPL at 2.5 MUg/ml. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure of H.
      contortus larvae to 250 MUg/ml MPL results in increased transcription of multiple
      transporter genes and increased R-123 efflux. The subsequent ability of a
      proportion of the larvae to tolerate IVM suggests a protective role of ABC
      transporters across different chemical entities. However, these observations were
      only made at a concentration of MPL well above that experienced by parasitic life
      stages in vivo, and hence their significance remains unclear.

PMID- 27682864
TI  - Preoperative radiotherapy in the management of retroperitoneal liposarcoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Histological subtype influences both prognosis and patterns of
      treatment failure in retroperitoneal sarcoma. Previous studies on the efficacy of
      neoadjuvant radiotherapy (NRT) have incorporated multiple histological types with
      heterogeneous tumour biology. The survival impact of NRT specifically for
      patients with retroperitoneal liposarcoma is poorly defined. METHODS: Patients
      who underwent resection with curative intent for retroperitoneal liposarcoma and
      who received NRT or surgery alone were identified in the US National Cancer Data
      Base (2004-2013). Cox regression was used to identify co-variables associated
      with overall survival. NRT and surgery-alone cohorts were matched 1 : 1 by
      propensity scores based on the survival hazard on Cox modelling. Overall survival
      was compared by Kaplan-Meier estimates. RESULTS: A total of 2082 patients with
      retroperitoneal liposarcoma were identified; 1908 underwent surgery alone and 174
      received NRT before surgical resection. Median tumour size was 22.0 cm and 34.9
      per cent of tumours were high grade. In the unmatched cohort, NRT was not
      associated with improved overall survival (chi2  = 3.49, P = 0.062). In the
      propensity score-matched cohort, NRT was associated with an improvement in
      survival (median overall survival 129.2 versus 84.3 months; P = 0.046; hazard
      ratio (HR) 1.54, 95 per cent c.i. 1.01 to 2.36). This effect appeared most
      pronounced for tumours with adjacent organ invasion (median overall survival not
      reached versus 63.8 months; P = 0.044; HR 1.79, 1.01 to 3.19). CONCLUSION: NRT
      improved survival in patients undergoing surgery for retroperitoneal liposarcoma,
      particularly those with high-risk pathological features.

PMID- 27682867
TI  - Natural Products as a Source for Antileishmanial and Antitrypanosomal Agents.
AB  - Natural products are compounds extracted from plants, marine organisms, fungi or
      bacteria. Many researches for new drugs are based on these natural molecules,
      mainly by beneficial effects on health, health, efficacy, and therapeutic safety.
      Leishmaniosis, Chagas disease and African sleeping sickness are neglected
      diseases caused by the Leishmania and Trypanosoma ssp. parasites. These
      infections mainly affect population of developing countries; they have different
      symptoms, and may often lead to death. The therapeutic drugs available to treat
      these diseases are either obsolete, toxic, or have questionable efficacy,
      possibly through encountering resistance. Discovery of new, safe, effective, and
      affordable molecules is urgently needed. Natural organisms, as marine
      metabolites, alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, terpene and coumarins provide
      innumerable molecules with the potential to treat these diseases. This study
      examines studies of natural bioactive compounds as antileishmanial and
      antitrypanosomal agents.

PMID- 27682869
TI  - Diamonds, Digital Health, and Drug Development: Optimizing Combinatorial
      Nanomedicine.
AB  - The field of nanomedicine has already seen substantial progress in the clinic,
      with multiple formulations being evaluated through clinical studies. From
      poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) and cyclodextrin-based drug-delivery platforms to
      metallic nanoparticles for photothermal treatment and imaging, nanotechnology has
      enabled versatile strategies to treat and to diagnose a wide range of disorders.
      However, as the field as a whole pushes forward, barriers that have always
      challenged conventional drug development have already started to impact
      nanomedicine translation. These include exorbitant costs, substantial time to
      development, and the uncertainty of achieving major improvements in efficacy or
      safety. Of note, there has been, until recent advances, a virtual inability to
      identify optimal drug doses either as monotherapies or components of combination
      therapy. In this Nano Focus, we assess how the impact of nanotechnology in the
      clinic can be optimized through systematically designed combinatorial
      nanotherapy. In addition, we provide a clinical perspective on how a recently
      unveiled technology platform can substantially alter the landscape of
      combinatorial nanomedicine, drug development, as well as conventional drug
      development.

PMID- 27682868
TI  - Financial incentives to improve adherence to antipsychotic maintenance medication
      in non-adherent patients: a cluster randomised controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Poor adherence to long-term antipsychotic injectable (LAI) medication
      in patients with psychotic disorders is associated with a range of negative
      outcomes. No psychosocial intervention has been found to be consistently
      effective in improving adherence. OBJECTIVES: To test whether or not offering
      financial incentives is effective and cost-effective in improving adherence and
      to explore patient and clinician experiences with such incentives. DESIGN: A
      cluster randomised controlled trial with economic and nested qualitative
      evaluation. The intervention period lasted for 12 months with 24 months' follow
      up. The unit of randomisation was mental health teams in the community. SETTING:
      Community teams in secondary mental health care. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with a
      diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective psychosis or bipolar illness,
      receiving <= 75% of their prescribed LAI medication. In total, 73 teams with 141
      patients (intervention n = 78 and control n = 63) were included. INTERVENTIONS:
      Participants in the intervention group received L15 for each LAI medication.
      Patients in the control group received treatment as usual. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
      PRIMARY OUTCOME: adherence to LAI medication (the percentage of received out of
      those prescribed). SECONDARY OUTCOMES: percentage of patients with at least 95%
      adherence; clinical global improvement; subjective quality of life; satisfaction
      with medication; hospitalisation; adverse events; and costs. Qualitative
      evaluation: semistructured interviews with patients in the intervention group and
      their clinicians. RESULTS:  PRIMARY OUTCOME: outcome data were available for 131
      patients. Baseline adherence was 69% in the intervention group and 67% in the
      control group. During the intervention period, adherence was significantly higher
      in the intervention group than in the control group (85% vs. 71%) [adjusted mean
      difference 11.5%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.9% to 19.0%; p = 0.003].
      Secondary outcome: patients in the intervention group showed statistically
      significant improvement in adherence of at least 95% (adjusted odds ratio 8.21,
      95% CI 2.00 to 33.67; p = 0.003) and subjective quality of life (difference in
      means 0.71, 95% CI 0.26 to 1.15; p = 0.002). Follow-ups: after incentives
      stopped, adherence did not differ significantly between groups, neither during
      the first 6 months (adjusted difference in means -7.4%, 95% CI -17.0% to 2.1%; p
      = 0.175) nor during the period from month 7 to month 24 (difference in means 
      5.7%, 95% CI -13.1% to 1.7%; p = 0.130). Cost-effectiveness: the average costs of
      the financial incentives was L303. Overall costs per patient were somewhat higher
      in the intervention group, but the difference was not significant. Semistructured
      interviews: the majority of patients and clinicians reported positive experiences
      with the incentives beyond their monetary value. These included improvement in
      the therapeutic relationship. The majority of both patients and clinicians
      perceived no negative impact after the intervention was stopped after 1 year.
      CONCLUSIONS: Financial incentives are effective in improving adherence to LAI
      medication. Health-care costs (including costs of the financial incentive) are
      unlikely to be increased substantially by this intervention. Once the incentives
      stop, the advantage is not maintained. The experiences of both patients and
      clinicians are largely, but not exclusively, positive. Whether or not financial
      incentives are effective for patients with more favourable background, those on
      oral mediation or for shorter or longer time periods remains unknown. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN77769281. FUNDING: This project was
      funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology
      Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology
      Assessment; Vol. 20, No. 70. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further
      project information.

PMID- 27682870
TI  - Atmospheric Chemistry of Criegee Intermediates: Unimolecular Reactions and
      Reactions with Water.
AB  - Criegee intermediates are produced in the ozonolysis of unsaturated hydrocarbons
      in the troposphere, and understanding their fate is a prerequisite to modeling
      climate-controlling atmospheric aerosol formation. Although some experimental and
      theoretical rate data are available, they are incomplete and partially
      inconsistent, and they do not cover the tropospheric temperature range. Here, we
      report quantum chemical rate constants for the reactions of stabilized
      formaldehyde oxide (CH2OO) and acetaldehyde oxide (syn-CH3CHOO and anti-CH3CHOO)
      with H2O and for their unimolecular reactions. Our results are obtained by
      combining post-CCSD(T) electronic structure benchmarks, validated density
      functional theory potential energy surfaces, and multipath variational transition
      state theory with multidimensional tunneling, coupled-torsions anharmonicity, and
      high-frequency anharmonicity. We consider two different types of reaction
      mechanisms for the bimolecular reactions, namely, (i) addition-coupled hydrogen
      transfer and (ii) double hydrogen atom transfer (DHAT). First, we show that the
      MN15-L exchange-correlation functional has kJ/mol accuracy for the CH2OO + H2O
      and syn-CH3CHOO + H2O reactions. Then we show that, due to tunneling, the DHAT
      mechanism is especially important in the syn-CH3CHOO + H2O reaction. We show that
      the dominant pathways for reactions of Criegee intermediates depend on altitude.
      The results we obtain eliminate the discrepancy between experiment and theory
      under those conditions where experimental results are available, and we make
      predictions for the full range of temperatures and pressures encountered in the
      troposphere and stratosphere. The present results are an important cog in
      clarifying the atmospheric fate and oxidation processes of Criegee intermediates,
      and they also show how theoretical methods can provide reliable rate data for
      complex atmospheric processes.

PMID- 27682871
TI  - Role of Dicer as a prognostic predictor for survival in cancer patients: a
      systematic review with a meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The role of Dicer in the prognosis of cancer patients remains
      controversial. This systematic review is attempted to assess the influence of
      Dicer as a prognostic predictor for survival in diverse types of cancers.
      METHODS: Studies were selected as candidates if they published an independent
      evaluation of Dicer expression level together with the correlation with prognosis
      in cancers. Random-effect model was applied in this meta-analysis. Heterogeneity
      between studies was assessed by Q-statistic with P < 0.10 to be statistically
      significant. Publication bias was investigated using funnel plot and test with
      Begg's and Egger's test. P < 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant.
      RESULTS: 24 of 44 articles revealed low Dicer status as a predictor of poor
      prognosis. The aggregate result of overall survival (OS) indicated that low Dicer
      expression level resulted in poor clinical outcomes, and subgroup of IHC and RT
      PCR method both revealed the same result. Overall analysis of progression-free
      survival (PFS) showed the same result as OS, and both the two subgroups divided
      by laboratory method revealed positive results. Subgroup analysis by tumor types
      showed low dicer levels were associated with poor prognosis in ovarian cancer (HR
      = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.19-3.15), otorhinolaryngological tumors (HR = 2.39, 95% CI:
      1.70-3.36), hematological malignancies (HR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.69-3.56) and
      neuroblastoma (HR = 4.03, 95% CI: 1.91-8.50). CONCLUSION: Low Dicer status was
      associated with poor prognosis in ovarian cancer, otorhinolaryngological tumors
      and ematological malignancies. More homogeneous studies with high quality are
      needed to further confirm our conclusion and make Dicer a useful parameter in
      clinical application.

PMID- 27682872
TI  - Successful TB treatment induces B-cells expressing FASL and IL5RA mRNA.
AB  - Activated B-cells increase T-cell behaviour during autoimmune disease and other
      infections by means of cytokine production and antigen-presentation. Functional
      studies in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) indicate that B-cell
      deficiencies, and a lack of IL10 and IL35 leads to a poor prognosis. We
      hypothesised that B-cells play a role during tuberculosis. We evaluated B-cell
      mRNA expression using real-time PCR from healthy community controls, individuals
      with other lung diseases and newly diagnosed untreated pulmonary TB patients at
      three different time points (diagnosis, month 2 and 6 of treatment).We show that
      FASLG, IL5RA, CD38 and IL4 expression was lower in B-cells from TB cases compared
      to healthy controls. The changes in expression levels of CD38 may be due to a
      reduced activation of B-cells from TB cases at diagnosis. By month 2 of
      treatment, there was a significant increase in the expression of APRIL and IL5RA
      in TB cases. Furthermore, after 6 months of treatment, APRIL, FASLG, IL5RA and
      CD19 were upregulated in B-cells from TB cases. The increase in the expression of
      APRIL and CD19 suggests that there may be restored activation of B-cells
      following anti-TB treatment. The upregulation of FASLG and IL5RA indicates that B
      cells expressing regulatory genes may play an important role in the protective
      immunity against M.tb infection. Our results show that increased activation of B
      cells is present following successful TB treatment, and that the expression of
      FASLG and IL5RA could potentially be utilised as a signature to monitor treatment
      response.

PMID- 27682873
TI  - Haploinsufficiency in tumor predisposition syndromes: altered genomic
      transcription in morphologically normal cells heterozygous for VHL or TSC
      mutation.
AB  - Tumor suppressor genes and their effector pathways have been identified for many
      dominantly heritable cancers, enabling efforts to intervene early in the course
      of disease. Our approach on the subject of early intervention was to investigate
      gene expression patterns of morphologically normal "one-hit" cells before they
      become hemizygous or homozygous for the inherited mutant gene which is usually
      required for tumor formation. Here, we studied histologically non-transformed
      renal epithelial cells from patients with inherited disorders that predispose to
      renal tumors, including von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease and Tuberous Sclerosis
      (TSC). As controls, we studied histologically normal cells from non-cancerous
      renal epithelium of patients with sporadic clear cell renal cell carcinoma
      (ccRCC). Gene expression analyses of VHLmut/wt or TSC1/2mut/wt versus wild-type
      (WT) cells revealed transcriptomic alterations previously implicated in the
      transition to precancerous renal lesions. For example, the gene expression
      changes in VHLmut/wt cells were consistent with activation of the hypoxia
      response, associated, in part, with the "Warburg effect". Knockdown of any
      remaining VHL mRNA using shRNA induced secondary expression changes, such as
      activation of NFkappaB and interferon pathways, that are fundamentally important
      in the development of RCC. We posit that this is a general pattern of hereditary
      cancer predisposition, wherein haploinsufficiency for VHL or TSC1/2, or
      potentially other tumor susceptibility genes, is sufficient to promote
      development of early lesions, while cancer results from inactivation of the
      remaining normal allele. The gene expression changes identified here are related
      to the metabolic basis of renal cancer and may constitute suitable targets for
      early intervention.

PMID- 27682874
TI  - Elevated level of interleukin-35 in colorectal cancer induces conversion of T
      cells into iTr35 by activating STAT1/STAT3.
AB  - IL-35 is a novel heterodimeric and inhibitory cytokine, composed of interleukin
      12 subunit alpha (P35) and Epstein-Barr virus -induced gene 3 (EBI3). IL-35 has
      been reported to be produced by a range of cell types, especially regulatory T
      cells, and to exert immunosuppressive effects via the STATx signaling pathway. In
      this study, we demonstrated that IL-35 expression was elevated in both serum and
      tumors in patients with colorectal cancer. IL-35 mainly expressed in CD4+ T cells
      in human colorectal cancer tumors and adjacent tissues. Increased IL-35
      expression in tumor-adjacent tissues was significantly associated with tumor
      metastasis. IL-35 inhibited the proliferation of CD4+CD25- T effector cells in
      vitro in a dose-dependent manner, and its suppression was partially reversed by
      applying IL-35-neutralizing antibodies. IL-35 treatment activated the
      phosphorylation of both STAT1 and STAT3 in human CD4+ T cells. Meanwhile, IL-35
      induced a positive feedback loop to promote its own production. We observed that
      Tregs obtained from colorectal cancer patients were capable of inducing more IL
      35 production. In addition, EBI3 promoter-driven luciferase activity was higher
      than that of the mock plasmid after IL-35stimulation. Thus, our study indicates
      that the high level of IL-35 in colorectal cancer promotes the production of IL
      35 via STAT1 and STAT3, which suppresses T cell proliferation and may participate
      in tumor immunotolerance.

PMID- 27682877
TI  - Tumour suppressor gene (CDKNA2) status on chromosome 9p in resected renal tissue
      improves prognosis of localised kidney cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Genetic alterations on chromosome 9p, including inactivation of the
      tumour suppressor gene, CDKN2A, result in cellular proliferation and growth of
      tumours. Our aim was to use microsatellite analysis and fluorescence in situ
      hybridization (FISH) to characterise the architecture of this region. RESULTS:
      Seventy-five out of 77 clear cell renal cell cancers (tumour/normal pairs) were
      interpretable for LOH analysis on chromosome 9p (two tumours were excluded, as
      all five primers were uninformative). Twenty out of 75 (26.6%) tumours showed LOH
      in at least one of the five primers employed. Most allelic deletions were
      detected, telomeric to the CDKN2A region at D9S916, with 11 out of 52 informative
      tumours (21%) displaying LOH. The LOH in the coding region of CDKN2A, at D9S974
      and D9S942, was associated with a higher pT-stage (p = 0.004) and metastasis (p =
      0.006, both markers). The rate of chromosome 9p deletion in ccRCC was 44% (35/80
      cases) according to FISH. Somatic copy number loss of chromosome 9p was
      associated with a larger tumour size (p = 0.002), higher pathological tumour
      stage (p = 0.021), presence of tumour necrosis (p = 0.019) and microvascular
      invasion (p = 0.032). The cases with copy number loss, loss of heterozygosity and
      copy number neutral (n = 42) were at a higher risk of cancer-specific death when
      compared to tumours in category D (n = 32) (Log-rank: p = 0.001). Seventeen
      patients with localised ccRCC developed recurrence, and fourteen of those showed
      either LOH or somatic copy number loss at CDKN2A (Log-rank: p = 0.005).
      Multivariate analysis showed that LOH or copy number loss at CDKN2A retained its
      independent prognostic effect, improving the predictive accuracy of stage and
      SSIGN score by concordance Index C from 0.823 to 0.878 (p = 0.001). MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Cytogenetics data, microsatellite analysis and FISH were acquired for a
      cohort of patients undergoing resection for clinically localised renal cancer
      between January 2001 and December 2005. Five microsatellite markers (D9S916,
      D9S1814, D9S974, D9S942 and D9S171) assessed loss of heterogeneity (LOH) using
      DNA samples and in the same cohort FISH analysis was accomplished on tissue
      microarray slides. The FISH data were scored by two observers blinded to the
      histological data of the patients. Cytogenetic aberrations were correlated with
      histological and clinical outcomes by univariate and multivariate analyses using
      different prognostic models. Disease specific and recurrence free survival based
      on cytogenetic changes were assessed by Kaplan Meier methods. CONCLUSIONS: A
      comprehensive cytogenetic analysis using microsatellite analysis and FISH of the
      CDKN2A region on chromosome 9p improves the predictive accuracy of known
      prognostic factors in clinically localised renal cell carcinoma undergoing
      surgical resection.

PMID- 27682876
TI  - Overcoming adaptive resistance in mucoepidermoid carcinoma through inhibition of
      the IKK-beta/IkappaBalpha/NFkappaB axis.
AB  - Patients with mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) experience low survival rates and
      high morbidity following treatment, yet the intrinsic resistance of MEC cells to
      ionizing radiation (IR) and the mechanisms underlying acquired resistance remain
      unexplored. Herein, we demonstrated that low doses of IR intrinsically activated
      NFkappaB in resistant MEC cell lines. Moreover, resistance was significantly
      enhanced in IR-sensitive cell lines when NFkappaB pathway was stimulated.
      Pharmacological inhibition of the IKK-beta/IkappaBalpha/NFkappaB axis, using a
      single dose of FDA-approved Emetine, led to a striking sensitization of MEC cells
      to IR and a reduction in cancer stem cells. We achieved a major step towards
      better understanding the basic mechanisms involved in IR-adaptive resistance in
      MEC cell lines and how to efficiently overcome this critical problem.

PMID- 27682875
TI  - Targeting cancer initiating cells by promoting cell differentiation and restoring
      chemosensitivity via dual inactivation of STAT3 and src activity using an active
      component of antrodia cinnamomea mycelia.
AB  - Cancer initiating cells (CICs) represent a subpopulation of cancer cells, which
      are responsible for tumor growth and resistance to chemotherapy. Herein, we first
      used a cell-based aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity assay to identify that
      YMGKI-2 (also named as Ergone), an active component purified from Antrodia
      cinnamomea Mycelia extract (ACME), effectively abrogated the ALDH activity and
      abolished the CICs in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells (HNSCCs).
      Consequently, YMGKI-2 treatment suppressed self-renewal ability and expression of
      stemness signature genes (Oct-4 and Nanog) of sphere cells with enriched CICs.
      Moreover, YMGKI-2 treated sphere cells displayed reduction of CICs properties and
      promotion of cell differentiation, but not significant cytotoxicity. YMGKI-2
      treatment also attenuated the tumorigenicity of HNSCC cells in vivo.
      Mechanistically, treatment of YMGKI-2 resulted in inactivation of STAT3 and Src.
      Lastly, combinatorial treatments with YMGKI-2 and standard chemotherapeutic drugs
      (cisplatin or Fluorouracil) restored the chemosensivity on sphere cells and
      cisplatin-resistant HNSCC cells. Together, we demonstrate that YMGKI-2 treatment
      effectively induces differentiation and reduces tumorigenicity of CICs. Further,
      combined treatment of YMGKI-2 and conventional chemotherapy can overcome
      chemoresistance. These results suggest that YMGKI-2 treatment may be used to
      improve future clinical responses in head and neck cancer treatment through
      targeting CICs.

PMID- 27682879
TI  - Supraclavicular and/or celiac lymph node metastases from thoracic esophageal
      squamous cell carcinoma did not compromise survival following neoadjuvant
      chemoradiotherapy and surgery.
AB  - This study is to evaluate the prognostic significance of supraclavicular and/or
      celiac lymph node (LN) metastases in locally advanced thoracic esophageal
      squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients treated with neoadjuvant
      chemoradiotherapy (NACRT) and surgery. Among the total 199 patients, 75 (37.7%)
      had supraclavicular and/or celiac LN metastasis. Surgery was performed following
      NACRT in 168 patients (84.4%). After the median 18.7 (1.0-147.2) months' follow
      up, 2-year rates of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in
      all patients were 48.1% and 65.7%, respectively. In multivariate analyses,
      negative surgical margin (p < 0.001), ypT0 stage (p = 0.004), and ypN0 stage (p =
      0.020) were significantly favorable factors for PFS, and negative surgical margin
      (p < 0.001) was the only significantly favorable factor for OS. Metastasis to the
      supraclavicular and/or celiac LNs was significant factor neither for PFS (p =
      0.311) nor OS (p = 0.515). Supraclavicular and/or celiac LN metastasis did not
      compromise the clinical outcomes following NACRT and surgery.

PMID- 27682878
TI  - The C-terminal domain of connexin43 modulates cartilage structure via chondrocyte
      phenotypic changes.
AB  - Chondrocytes in cartilage and bone cells population express connexin43 (Cx43) and
      gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) is essential to synchronize cells
      for coordinated electrical, mechanical, metabolic and chemical communication in
      both tissues. Reduced Cx43 connectivity decreases chondrocyte differentiation and
      defective Cx43 causes skeletal defects. The carboxy terminal domain (CTD) of Cx43
      is located in the cytoplasmic side and is key for protein functions. Here we
      demonstrated that chondrocytes from the CTD-deficient mice, K258stop/Cx43KO and
      K258stop/K258stop, have reduced GJIC, increased rates of proliferation and
      reduced expression of collagen type II and proteoglycans. We observed that CTD
      truncated mice were significantly smaller in size. Together these results
      demonstrated that the deletion of the CTD negatively impacts cartilage structure
      and normal chondrocyte phenotype. These findings suggest that the proteolytic
      cleavage of the CTD under pathological conditions, such as under the activation
      of metalloproteinases during tissue injury or inflammation, may account for the
      deleterious effects of Cx43 in cartilage and bone disorders such as
      osteoarthritis.

PMID- 27682881
TI  - Tetra(3,4-pyrido)porphyrazines Caught in the Cationic Cage: Toward Nanomolar
      Active Photosensitizers.
AB  - Investigation of a series of tetra(3,4-pyrido)porphyrazines (TPyPzs) substituted
      with hydrophilic substituents revealed important structure-activity relationships
      for their use in photodynamic therapy (PDT). Among them, a cationic TPyPz
      derivative with total of 12 cationic charges above, below and in the plane of the
      core featured a unique spatial arrangement that caught the hydrophobic core in a
      cage, thereby protecting it fully from aggregation in water. This derivative
      exhibited exceptionally effective photodynamic activity on a number of tumor cell
      lines (HeLa, SK-MEL-28, A549, MCF-7) with effective concentrations (EC50)
      typically below 5 nM, at least an order of magnitude better than the EC50 values
      obtained for the clinically approved photosensitizers verteporfin, temoporfin,
      protoporphyrin IX, and trisulfonated hydroxyaluminum phthalocyanine. Its very low
      dark toxicity (TC50 > 400 MUM) and high ability to induce photodamage to
      endothelial cells (EA.hy926) without preincubation suggest the high potential of
      this cationic TPyPz derivative in vascular-targeted PDT.

PMID- 27682880
TI  - Changes in the cellular immune system and circulating inflammatory markers of
      stroke patients.
AB  - This study was designed to investigate dynamic changes in the cellular immune
      system and circulating inflammatory markers after ischemic stroke. Blood was
      collected from 96 patients and 99 age-matched control subjects for detection of
      lymphocyte subpopulations and inflammatory markers. We observed decreases in B
      cells, Th cells, cytotoxic T cells, and NK cells and an increase in regulatory T
      (Treg) cells in stroke patients on days 1, 3, and 7. Serum levels of TNF-alpha, C
      reactive protein (CRP), IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, IL-23, and TGF-beta increased,
      whereas serum level of IFN-gamma decreased at all time points after stroke.
      Stroke patients with infection exhibited a similar tendency toward changes in
      some lymphocyte subpopulations and inflammatory markers as stroke patients
      without infection. After controlling for NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS), we observed no
      differences in lymphocyte subpopulations between patients with anterior
      circulation stroke and those with posterior circulation stroke at any time point.
      The splenic volume correlated positively with the percentages of B cells, Th
      cells, and cytotoxic T cells, but negatively with Treg cells on day 3 after
      stroke. Infections were associated with splenic volume, leukocyte counts,
      percentage of Treg cells, and serum levels of CRP, IL-10, and IFN-gamma on day 3.
      Lesion volume correlated positively with CRP, IL-6, and IL-23, but negatively
      with IFN-gamma on day 3. The NIHSS showed a positive relation with IL-6 and IL-10
      on day 3. Ischemic stroke has a profound effect on the systemic immune system
      that might explain the increased susceptibility of stroke patients to infection.

PMID- 27682883
TI  - Distribution of Estimated 10-Year Risk of Recurrent Vascular Events and Residual
      Risk in a Secondary Prevention Population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Among patients with clinically manifest vascular disease, the risk of
      recurrent vascular events is likely to vary. We assessed the distribution of
      estimated 10-year risk of recurrent vascular events in a secondary prevention
      population. We also estimated the potential risk reduction and residual risk that
      can be achieved if patients reach guideline-recommended risk factor targets.
      METHODS: The SMART score (Second Manifestations of Arterial Disease) for 10-year
      risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, or vascular death was applied to 6904
      patients with vascular disease. The risk score was externally validated in 18 436
      patients with various manifestations of vascular disease from the TNT (Treating
      to New Targets), IDEAL (Incremental Decrease in End Points Through Aggressive
      Lipid Lowering), SPARCL (Stroke Prevention by Aggressive Reduction in Cholesterol
      Levels), and CAPRIE (Clopidogrel Versus Aspirin in Patients at Risk of Ischemic
      Events) trials. The residual risk at guideline-recommended targets was estimated
      by applying relative risk reductions from meta-analyses to the estimated risk for
      targets for systolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,
      smoking, physical activity, and use of antithrombotic agents. RESULTS: The
      external performance of the SMART risk score was reasonable, apart from
      overestimation of risk in patients with 10-year risk >40%. In patients with
      various manifestations of vascular disease, median 10-year risk of a recurrent
      major vascular event was 17% (interquartile range, 11%-28%), varying from <10% in
      18% to >30% in 22% of the patients. If risk factors were at guideline-recommended
      targets, the residual 10-year risk would be <10% in 47% and >30% in 9% of the
      patients (median, 11%; interquartile range, 7%-17%). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients
      with vascular disease, there is very substantial variation in estimated 10-year
      risk of recurrent vascular events. If all modifiable risk factors were at
      guideline-recommended targets, half of the patients would have a 10-year risk
      <10%. These data suggest that even with optimal treatment, many patients with
      vascular disease will remain at >20% and even >30% 10-year risk, clearly
      delineating an area of substantial unmet medical need.

PMID- 27682882
TI  - Risk stratification for invasive fungal infections in patients with hematological
      malignancies: SEIFEM recommendations.
AB  - Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are an important cause of morbidity and
      mortality in immunocompromised patients. Patients with hematological malignancies
      undergoing conventional chemotherapy, autologous or allogeneic hematopoietic stem
      cell transplantation are considered at high risk, and Aspergillus spp. represents
      the most frequently isolated micro-organisms. In the last years, attention has
      also been focused on other rare molds (e.g., Zygomycetes, Fusarium spp.)
      responsible for devastating clinical manifestations. The extensive use of
      antifungal prophylaxis has reduced the infections from yeasts (e.g., candidemia)
      even though they are still associated with high mortality rates. This paper
      analyzes concurrent multiple predisposing factors that could favor the onset of
      fungal infections. Although neutropenia is common to almost all hematologic
      patients, other factors play a key role in specific patients, in particular in
      patients with AML or allogeneic HSCT recipients. Defining those patients at
      higher risk of IFIs may help to design the most appropriate diagnostic work-up
      and antifungal strategy.

PMID- 27682884
TI  - Risk Prediction: Are We There Yet?

PMID- 27682887
TI  - ?

PMID- 27682885
TI  - Predicting the 10-Year Risks of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in Chinese
      Population: The China-PAR Project (Prediction for ASCVD Risk in China).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The accurate assessment of individual risk can be of great value to
      guiding and facilitating the prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
      (ASCVD). However, prediction models in common use were formulated primarily in
      white populations. The China-PAR project (Prediction for ASCVD Risk in China) is
      aimed at developing and validating 10-year risk prediction equations for ASCVD
      from 4 contemporary Chinese cohorts. METHODS: Two prospective studies followed up
      together with a unified protocol were used as the derivation cohort to develop 10
      year ASCVD risk equations in 21 320 Chinese participants. The external validation
      was evaluated in 2 independent Chinese cohorts with 14 123 and 70 838
      participants. Furthermore, model performance was compared with the Pooled Cohort
      Equations reported in the American College of Cardiology/American Heart
      Association guideline. RESULTS: Over 12 years of follow-up in the derivation
      cohort with 21 320 Chinese participants, 1048 subjects developed a first ASCVD
      event. Sex-specific equations had C statistics of 0.794 (95% confidence interval,
      0.775-0.814) for men and 0.811 (95% confidence interval, 0.787-0.835) for women.
      The predicted rates were similar to the observed rates, as indicated by a
      calibration chi2 of 13.1 for men (P=0.16) and 12.8 for women (P=0.17). Good
      internal and external validations of our equations were achieved in subsequent
      analyses. Compared with the Chinese equations, the Pooled Cohort Equations had
      lower C statistics and much higher calibration chi2 values in men. CONCLUSIONS:
      Our project developed effective tools with good performance for 10-year ASCVD
      risk prediction among a Chinese population that will help to improve the primary
      prevention and management of cardiovascular disease.

PMID- 27682888
TI  - miR-548b inhibits the proliferation and invasion of malignant gliomas by
      targeting metastasis tumor-associated protein-2.
AB  - microRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in cancer development and progression. In
      this study, we explored the expression and biological roles of miR-548b in human
      gliomas. The expression of miR-548b in human glioma tissues and cell lines was
      examined. Gain-of-function experiments were conducted to determine the roles of
      miR-548b in glioma cell growth, invasiveness, and tumorigenesis. Bioinformatic
      analysis and luciferase reporter assays were performed to identify direct target
      genes for miR-548b. miR-548b was underexpressed in human glioma tissues and cell
      lines. Re-expression of miR-548b significantly inhibited the proliferation and
      colony formation of U87 and U373 glioma cells. Enforced expression of miR-548b
      significantly impaired the invasiveness of glioma cells. Notably, metastasis
      tumor-associated protein-2 (MTA2) was a direct target of miR-548b. Overexpression
      of miR-548b negatively regulated endogenous MTA2 expression in U87 cells. Rescue
      experiments with an MTA2 construct lacking the 3'-untranslated region showed that
      enforced expression of MTA2 significantly restored cell proliferation and
      invasion in miR-548b-overexpressing cells. In-vivo studies confirmed that miR
      548b overexpression retarded the growth of U87 xenograft tumors, which was
      accompanied by reduced expression of MTA2. In conclusion, miR-548b exerts its
      tumor-suppressive activity in glioma through repression of MTA2. Restoration of
      miR-548b may have therapeutic potential in glioma.

PMID- 27682889
TI  - Culture growth of testate amoebae under different silicon concentrations.
AB  - Testate amoebae with self-secreted siliceous shell platelets ("idiosomes") play
      an important role in terrestrial silicon (Si) cycles. In this context, Si
      dependent culture growth dynamics of idiosomic testate amoebae are of interest.
      Clonal cultures of idiosomic testate amoebae were analyzed under three different
      Si concentrations: low (50MUmolL-1), moderate/site-specific (150MUmolL-1) and
      high Si supply (500MUmolL-1). Food (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) was provided in
      surplus. (i) Shell size of four different clones of idiosomic testate amoebae
      either decreased (Trinema galeata, Euglypha filifera cf.), increased (E. rotunda
      cf.), or did not change (E. rotunda) under the lowest Si concentration
      (50MUmolSiL-1). (ii) Culture growth of idiosomic Euglypha rotunda was dependent
      on Si concentration. The more Si available in the culture medium, the earlier the
      entry into exponential growth phase. (iii) Culture growth of idiosomic Euglypha
      rotunda was dependent on origin of inoculum. Amoebae previously cultured under a
      moderate Si concentration revealed highest sustainability in consecutive
      cultures. Amoebae derived from cultures with high Si concentrations showed rapid
      culture growth which finished early in consecutive cultures. (iv) Si (diluted in
      the culture medium) was absorbed by amoebae and fixed in the amoeba shells
      resulting in decreased Si concentrations.

PMID- 27682890
TI  - Relationships between environmental conditions and the morphological variability
      of planktonic testate amoeba in four neotropical floodplains.
AB  - Planktonic testate amoebae in floodplains exhibit a broad-range of morphological
      variability. The variation size is already known, but it is necessary to know how
      this is for morphological variables. This study aimed to identify the
      relationships between testate amoebae morphology and environmental factors in
      four neotropical floodplains. We conducted detailed morphometric analyses on 27
      common species of planktonic testate amoebae from genera Arcella, Centropyxis,
      Cucurbitella, Suiadifflugia, Difflugia, Lesquereusia and Netzelia. We sampled
      subsurface water from each lake in 72 lakes in four Brazilian floodplain lakes.
      Our goals were to assess: (1) the range of their morphological variability (a)
      over space within each floodplain, and (b) among the four floodplains, and (c)
      over time, and (2) which environmental factors explained this variation. Mean
      shell height and breadth varied considerably among the different floodplain
      lakes, especially in the Pantanal and Amazonian floodplains. The morphological
      variability of testate amoeba was correlated to environmental conditions
      (ammonia, nitrate, phosphate, chlorophyll-a, turbidity, temperature, and depth).
      Thus, understanding the morphological variation of the testate amoeba species can
      elucidate many questions involving the ecology of these organisms. Furthermore,
      could help molecular studies, bioindicator role of these organisations,
      environmental reconstruction, among others.

PMID- 27682886
TI  - Retinal Vessel Calibers in Predicting Long-Term Cardiovascular Outcomes: The
      Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Narrower retinal arterioles and wider retinal venules have been
      associated with negative cardiovascular outcomes. We investigated whether retinal
      vessel calibers are associated with cardiovascular outcomes in long-term follow
      up and provide incremental value over the 2013 American College of
      Cardiology/American Heart Association Pooled Cohort Equations in predicting
      atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease events. METHODS: A total of 10 470 men and
      women without prior atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease events or heart
      failure in the ARIC Study (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) underwent retinal
      photography at visit 3 (1993-1995). RESULTS: During a mean follow-up of 16 years,
      there were 1779 incident coronary heart disease events, 548 ischemic strokes,
      1395 heart failure events, and 2793 deaths. Rates of all outcomes were higher in
      those with wider retinal venules and narrower retinal arterioles. Subjects with
      wider retinal venules (hazard ratio [HR], 1.13; 95% confidence interval [CI],
      1.08-1.18; HR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.07-1.31; and HR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.00-1.20 per 1-SD
      increase) and narrower retinal arterioles (HR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.01-1.11; HR, 1.14;
      95% CI, 1.03-1.26; and HR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.03-1.24 per 1-SD decrease) had a
      higher risk of death and stroke in both sexes and incident coronary heart disease
      in women but not men (interaction P=0.02) after adjustment for the Pooled Cohort
      Equations risk score variables. The association between retinal vessel caliber
      and heart failure was nonsignificant after adjustment for systolic blood
      pressure. Among women with Pooled Cohort Equations-predicted 10-year
      atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease event risk <5% (overall risk, 3.9%), women
      in the narrowest arteriolar quartile had a 10-year event rate of 5.6% compared
      with 2.8% for women in the widest quartile (5.0% versus 3.4% for wider versus
      narrower venules). Retinal vessel caliber reclassified 21% of low-risk women (11%
      of all women) as intermediate risk (>5%). CONCLUSIONS: Narrower retinal
      arterioles and wider retinal venules conferred long-term risk of mortality and
      ischemic stroke in both sexes and coronary heart disease in women. These measures
      serve as an inexpensive, reproducible biomarker that added incremental value to
      current practice guidelines in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease event risk
      prediction in low-risk women.

PMID- 27682891
TI  - Diagnostic potential of extracellular RNA from biofluids.

PMID- 27682892
TI  - Implementation of Client Incentives within a Recovery Navigation Program.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Multiple detoxification admissions among clients with substance use
      disorders (SUD) are costly to the health care system. This study explored the
      impact on behavior and cost outcomes of recovery support navigator (RSN) services
      delivered with and without a contingent incentive intervention. METHODS: New
      intakes at four detoxification programs were offered RSN-only (N=1116) or RSN
      plus incentive (RSN+I; N=1551) services. The study used a group-level cross-over
      design with the intervention in place at each clinic reversed halfway through the
      enrollment period. RSN+I clients could earn up to $240 in gift cards for
      accomplishing 12 different recovery-oriented target behaviors. All eligible
      clients entering the detoxification programs were included in the analyses,
      regardless of actual service use. RESULTS: Among RSN+I clients, 35.5% accessed
      any RSN services compared to 22.3% in the RSN-only group (p<.01). Of RSN+I
      clients, 19% earned one, 12% earned two and 18% earned three or more incentives;
      51% did not earn any incentives. The majority of incentives earned were for
      meeting with the RSN either during or after detoxification. Adjusted average
      monthly health care costs among clients in the RSN-only and RSN+I groups
      increased at a similar rate over 12 months post-detoxification. DISCUSSION:
      Possible explanations for limited uptake of the incentive program discussed
      include features of the incentive program itself, navigator-client communication,
      organizational barriers and navigator bias. The findings provide lessons to
      consider for future design and implementation of multi-target contingency
      management interventions in real-world settings.

PMID- 27682893
TI  - Culturally Relevant Physical Activity through Elders in Motion: Physical Activity
      Programming for Older Aboriginal Adults in the Northwest Territories, Canada.
AB  - The 2011 National Household Survey found that the number of Aboriginal peoples in
      Canada aged 65 and over has increased by over 46 % since the 2006 Canadian Census
      (Statistics Canada 2011). Despite this dramatic increase in older Aboriginal
      peoples, there is a dearth of research concerning this cohort, especially
      regarding their engagement with physical activity. Using a case study
      methodology, this research sought to examine if the Northwest Territories (NWT)
      Recreation and Parks Association's (NWTRPA) Elders in Motion (EIM) program is
      culturally relevant for the participants. For this research we used a
      postcolonial theoretical framework since many of the participants in EIM are
      Aboriginal older adults and have experienced, and continue to experience, the
      effects of colonialism. To address this aim we conducted nine semi-structured
      interviews with EIM program leaders and NWTRPA staff, and supplemented these with
      archival research of EIM program documents. The findings show that the NWTRPA has
      adapted many EIM program documents for the participants and thus attempts to be
      culturally relevant for the participants. There are, however, aspects of the
      program that are not culturally relevant and actually reinforce colonialism,
      specifically with the program content (i.e. activities that are a part of EIM).
      In light of these findings, recommendations are offered for the NWTRPA on how the
      EIM program can become more culturally relevant for its Aboriginal participants.

PMID- 27682894
TI  - Interstitial lung disease in primary Sjogren's syndrome.
AB  - Interstitial lung disease (ILD) has been reported in 3 to 11% of patients with
      primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS). The aims of this retrospective multicenter
      study were to: 1) analyze characteristics and outcome of ILD in pSS; and 2)
      evaluate predictive factors associated with ILD onset and deterioration. Twenty
      one of 263 patients with pSS (8%) developed ILD. ILD onset preceded pSS diagnosis
      (n=5), was concurrently identified in association with pSS (n=6) and developed
      after pSS onset (n=9). Presenting ILD manifestations were: acute/subacute (n=11)
      onset of ILD, symptomatic progressive onset of ILD (n=5), and asymptomatic
      patients exhibiting abnormalities consistent with ILD on PFTs and HRCT-scan
      (n=5). ILD therapy included: steroids (n=21), cyclophosphamide (n=1),
      azathioprine (n=4) and rituximab (n=1). The course of ILD was as follows:
      improvement (15.8%), stabilization (47.4%) or deterioration (36.8%). Predictive
      parameters of ILD onset were: older age (p=0.044), Raynaud's phenomenon (p=0.001)
      and esophageal involvement (p=0.001). Factors associated with ILD deterioration
      were: older age (p=0.038) and esophageal involvement (p=0.038). Thus, this study
      underscores the poor outcome of ILD during pSS; thus, systematic screening of
      pulmonary involvement is required in pSS patients, resulting in both diagnosis
      and management at early stage of ILD. We also suggest that patients presenting
      predictive factors of ILD deterioration may need a closer follow-up and a more
      aggressive therapy.

PMID- 27682895
TI  - Inducing bioactivity of dental ceramic/bioactive glass composites by Nd:YAG
      laser.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Aims of this study were to investigate the optimal conditions of
      laser irradiation of a novel Bioactive Glass/Dental Ceramic-BP67 composite for
      acceleration of hydroxyapatite-HA formation and to assess cellular responses on
      the precipitated HA region. METHODS: BP67 (Bioactive Glass: 33.3%, Dental
      Ceramic: 66.7%) was fabricated by the sol-gel method. A laser assisted biomimetic
      LAB process was applied to BP67 sintered specimens immersed in 1.5-times
      concentrated simulated body fluid-1.5*-SBF. The effect of various energy
      densities of pulsed nanosecond Nd-YAG (1064nm) laser and irradiation exposure
      times (30min, 1 and 3h) were evaluated for HA precipitation. The HA film was
      characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM and micro Raman techniques. ICP-AES was used for
      revealing changes in chemical composition of the 1.5*-SBF during irradiation.
      Cell viability and morphological characteristics of periodontal ligament
      fibroblasts-PDLFs, human gingival fibroblasts-HGFs and SAOS-2 osteoblasts on the
      HA surface were evaluated by MTT assays and SEM. RESULTS: At optimal energy
      fluence of 1.52J/cm2 and irradiation time for 3h followed by immersion in 1.5*
      SBF at 60 degrees C, a dense HA layer was formed on laser-irradiated BP67 within
      7 days. The resulting HA film was tightly bonded to the underlying substrate and
      had mineral composition similar to cementum. MTT assay showed a consistent
      reduction of cell proliferation on the HA layer in comparison to conventional
      control ceramic and BP67 for all 3 cell lines studied. SIGNIFICANCE: These
      findings suggest LAB is an effective method for acceleration of HA formation on
      materials with low bioactivity, while cellular responses need further
      investigation.

PMID- 27682896
TI  - Measuring Users' Receptivity Toward an Integral Intervention Model Based on
      mHealth Solutions for Patients With Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia (m-RESIST):
      A Qualitative Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the theoretical potential of mHealth solutions in the
      treatment of patients with schizophrenia, there remains a lack of technological
      tools in clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to measure the
      receptivity of patients, informal carers, and clinicians to a European integral
      intervention model focused on patients with persistent positive symptoms: Mobile
      Therapeutic Attention for Patients with Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia (m
      RESIST). METHODS: Before defining the system requirements, a qualitative study of
      the needs of outpatients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia was carried out
      in Spain, Israel, and Hungary. We analyzed the opinions of patients, informal
      carers, and clinicians concerning the services originally intended to be part of
      the solution. A total of 9 focus groups (72 people) and 35 individual interviews
      were carried out in the 3 countries, using discourse analysis as the framework.
      RESULTS: A webpage and an online forum were perceived as suitable to get both
      reliable information on the disease and support. Data transmission by a smart
      watch (monitoring), Web-based visits, and instant messages (clinical treatment)
      were valued as ways to improve contact with clinicians. Alerts were appreciated
      as reminders of daily tasks and appointments. Avoiding stressful situations for
      outpatients, promoting an active role in the management of the disease, and
      maintaining human contact with clinicians were the main suggestions provided for
      improving the effectiveness of the solution. CONCLUSIONS: Positive receptivity
      toward m-RESIST services is related to its usefulness in meeting user needs, its
      capacity to empower them, and the possibility of maintaining human contact.

PMID- 27682897
TI  - Client Acceptability for Integrating Antiretroviral Therapy in Methadone
      Maintenance Therapy Clinics in Sichuan, China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Using methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) clinics to deliver
      antiretroviral therapy (ART) has proven to be effective for promoting treatment
      initiation and adherence in drug users living with HIV. OBJECTIVES: The objective
      of this study was to investigate the HIV-positive client acceptability of
      integrated ART services and to identify the reasons for and factors associated
      with service acceptability. METHODS: A total of 86 HIV-positive MMT clients were
      recruited from 12 MMT clinics in Sichuan Province, China. They participated in a
      cross-sectional survey that queried their willingness to receive seven different
      types of MMT-based ART services. The reasons for their willingness/unwillingness
      to accept these services were documented. The association between service
      acceptability and background characteristics was examined. RESULTS: The most
      accepted integrated services were ART-related counseling (75.6%) and referral
      (73.2%). Concerns regarding the provider's lack of ART expertise and
      confidentiality issues were common barriers for the acceptance of MMT-based ART
      services. A trust relationship with MMT providers was a reason for service
      acceptance. Service acceptability was associated with a poorer perceived health
      status. Conclusions/Importance: ART-related services, based on the client
      perspective, can be delivered at MMT clinics. However, service provider training
      and the protection of confidentiality must be strengthened for the effective
      implementation of integrated service delivery.

PMID- 27682898
TI  - An Exact Solution for the Ground-level Gamma Dose Rate from a Spherical Gaussian
      Puff.
AB  - Analytical solutions of the absorbed dose rate integral for a spherically
      symmetric Gaussian puff were developed for both linear and Berger buildup
      approximations. Mathematically simpler solutions were also developed for the
      absorbed dose rate at the center of the puff. These solutions are valid for a
      ground-level receptor and both ground-level and elevated spherical puffs.
      Graphical solutions allow estimates of the ratio of the absorbed dose rate due to
      a puff to the absorbed dose rate for an infinite cloud with concentration equal
      to the maximum concentration at the center of the puff. Calculations also give
      the ratio of the absorbed dose rate integral due to photons from Compton
      scattering and secondary photons, assuming Berger buildup, to the absorbed dose
      rate integral using linear buildup for ranges of the Berger b parameter reported
      for air.

PMID- 27682900
TI  - Thoron Mitigation from Building Materials with Surface Barriers.
AB  - Thoron (Rn) exhalation from building materials has become increasingly recognized
      as a potential source for radiation exposure in dwellings. However, few studies
      have focused on mitigation strategies to reduce exposure from thoron and its
      progeny. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to (1) determine the reduction
      in thoron exhalation from building materials applied with regularly available
      surface barriers and (2) investigate the effects from surface roughness of the
      base material, barrier thickness, and surface cover on the thoron-retaining
      action of the surface barrier. The findings from this study demonstrate that
      regular surface barriers provide a potentially significant reduction in thoron
      exhalation, which can reach more than 90%. Despite this reduction, there are also
      materials that provide no reduction at all. Based on this work, no commonly
      available product property could be identified that provides good guidance on the
      barriers' performance to reduce thoron exhalation. 

PMID- 27682901
TI  - Investigating Uranium Concentrations in Groundwaters in the State of Idaho Using
      Kinetic Phosphorescence Analysis and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass
      Spectrometry.
AB  - The determination of uranium concentrations in natural water samples is of great
      interest due to the environmental consequences of this radionuclide. In this
      study, 380 groundwater samples from various locations within the state of Idaho
      were analyzed using two different techniques. The first method was Kinetic
      Phosphorescence Analysis (KPA), which gives the total uranium concentrations in
      water samples. The second analysis method was inductively coupled plasma mass
      spectrometry (ICP- MS). This method determines the total uranium concentration as
      well as the separate isotope concentrations of uranium. The U/U isotopic ratio
      was also measured for each sample to confirm that there was no depleted or
      enriched uranium present. The results were compared and mapped separately from
      each other. The study also found that in some areas of the state, natural uranium
      concentrations are relatively high.

PMID- 27682899
TI  - Combined Hydration and Antibiotics with Lisinopril to Mitigate Acute and Delayed
      High-dose Radiation Injuries to Multiple Organs.
AB  - The NIAID Radiation and Nuclear Countermeasures Program is developing medical
      agents to mitigate the acute and delayed effects of radiation that may occur from
      a radionuclear attack or accident. To date, most such medical countermeasures
      have been developed for single organ injuries. Angiotensin converting enzyme
      (ACE) inhibitors have been used to mitigate radiation-induced lung, skin, brain,
      and renal injuries in rats. ACE inhibitors have also been reported to decrease
      normal tissue complication in radiation oncology patients. In the current study,
      the authors have developed a rat partial-body irradiation (leg-out PBI) model
      with minimal bone marrow sparing (one leg shielded) that results in acute and
      late injuries to multiple organs. In this model, the ACE inhibitor lisinopril (at
      ~24 mg m d started orally in the drinking water at 7 d after irradiation and
      continued to >=150 d) mitigated late effects in the lungs and kidneys after 12.5
      Gy leg-out PBI. Also in this model, a short course of saline hydration and
      antibiotics mitigated acute radiation syndrome following doses as high as 13 Gy.
      Combining this supportive care with the lisinopril regimen mitigated overall
      morbidity for up to 150 d after 13-Gy leg-out PBI. Furthermore, lisinopril was an
      effective mitigator in the presence of the growth factor G-CSF (100 MUg kg d from
      days 1-14), which is FDA-approved for use in a radionuclear event. In summary, by
      combining lisinopril (FDA-approved for other indications) with hydration and
      antibiotics, acute and delayed radiation injuries in multiple organs were
      mitigated.

PMID- 27682902
TI  - Modeling and Qualification of a Modified Emission Unit for Radioactive Air
      Emissions Stack Sampling Compliance.
AB  - A planned laboratory space and exhaust system modification to the Pacific
      Northwest National Laboratory Material Science and Technology Building indicated
      that a new evaluation of the mixing at the air sampling system location would be
      required for compliance to ANSI/HPS N13.1-2011. The modified exhaust system would
      add a third fan, thereby increasing the overall exhaust rate out the stack, thus
      voiding the previous mixing study. Prior to modifying the radioactive air
      emissions exhaust system, a three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics
      computer model was used to evaluate the mixing at the sampling system location.
      Modeling of the original three-fan system indicated that not all mixing criteria
      could be met. A second modeling effort was conducted with the addition of an air
      blender downstream of the confluence of the three fans, which then showed
      satisfactory mixing results. The final installation included an air blender, and
      the exhaust system underwent full-scale tests to verify velocity, cyclonic flow,
      gas, and particulate uniformity. The modeling results and those of the full-scale
      tests show agreement between each of the evaluated criteria. The use of a
      computational fluid dynamics code was an effective aid in the design process and
      allowed the sampling system to remain in its original location while still
      meeting the requirements for sampling at a well mixed location.

PMID- 27682903
TI  - Dynamic Radioactive Source for Evaluating and Demonstrating Time-dependent
      Performance of Continuous Air Monitors.
AB  - Evaluation of continuous air monitors in the presence of a plutonium aerosol is
      time intensive, expensive, and requires a specialized facility. The Radiation
      Protection Services Group at Los Alamos National Laboratory has designed a
      Dynamic Radioactive Source, intended to replace plutonium aerosol challenge
      testing. The Dynamic Radioactive Source is small enough to be inserted into the
      sampler filter chamber of a typical continuous air monitor. Time-dependent
      radioactivity is introduced from electroplated sources for real-time testing of a
      continuous air monitor where a mechanical wristwatch motor rotates a mask above
      an alpha-emitting electroplated disk source. The mask is attached to the watch's
      minute hand, and as it rotates, more of the underlying source is revealed. The
      measured alpha activity increases with time, simulating the arrival of airborne
      radioactive particulates at the air sampler inlet. The Dynamic Radioactive Source
      allows the temporal behavior of puff and chronic release conditions to be
      mimicked without the need for radioactive aerosols. The new system is
      configurable to different continuous air monitor designs and provides an in-house
      testing capability (benchtop compatible). It is a repeatable and reusable system
      and does not contaminate the tested air monitor. Test benefits include direct
      user control, realistic (plutonium) aerosol spectra, and iterative development of
      continuous air monitor alarm algorithms. Data obtained using the Dynamic
      Radioactive Source has been used to elucidate alarm algorithms and to compare the
      response time of two commercial continuous air monitors. 

PMID- 27682905
TI  - Analysis of Natural and Anthropogenic Radionuclide Content in Palm Date Fruit of
      the United Arab Emirates: A Baseline Study.
AB  - The purpose of this study is to contribute to a wider effort of establishing an
      environmental radiation baseline for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) before the
      startup of the country's first nuclear reactor in 2017. An investigation of gamma
      emitting radionuclide concentrations in palm dates grown in the UAE was
      performed. Palm date samples of 10 varieties originating from several local
      commercial date palm farms of the UAE were collected and analyzed. The study
      targeted the naturally occurring radionuclides, such as U, Th, and K, in addition
      to any potential anthropogenic radionuclides, such as Cs and others. Gamma
      spectrometry revealed measured activity concentrations for U (Ra), Th (Ra), and K
      that ranged from 0.61 to 0.80 Bq kg, 0.10 to 0.23 Bq kg, and 191 to 362 Bq kg,
      respectively, on a dry-weight basis, and calculated activity concentrations on a
      wet basis ranged from 0.52 to 0.69 Bq kg, 0.09 to 0.22 Bq kg, and 168 to 297 Bq
      kg, respectively. No Cs or other anthropogenic radionuclides could be detected in
      this study. All measurements were performed using a coaxial HPGe detector with
      40% relative efficiency quoted by the manufacturer. Efficiency calibration
      correction factors were calculated using Angle software.

PMID- 27682904
TI  - Early Intake of Radiocesium by Residents Living Near the TEPCO Fukushima Dai-Ichi
      Nuclear Power Plant after the Accident. Part 1: Internal Doses Based on Whole
      body Measurements by NIRS.
AB  - The Tokyo Electric Power Company's Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP)
      accident in 2011 resulted in a release of radionuclides into the environment (I:
      142.9 PBq, Cs:12.4 PBq). This study presents the results of internal doses to 174
      residents living near the FDNPP at the time of the accident based on whole-body
      (WB) measurements performed by the National Institute of Radiological Sciences
      (NIRS) during the period between 27 June and 28 July 2011. The 174 subjects
      consisted of 125 adults (>=18-y) and 49 children (<18-y) and included 90 persons
      of Namie town, one of the municipalities heavily contaminated with the
      radionuclides. The number of subjects with significant detection of both Cs and
      Cs was relatively small: 28.8% for the adults and 4.1% for the children. A
      significant gender difference in the Cs detection rate (males > females) was
      observed in the adults but not the children. In this study, the committed
      effective dose (CED) from Cs and Cs was calculated based on individual WB
      contents (Cs) corrected against body size, the observed body content ratio of Cs
      to Cs, and the assumed intake scenario (namely, acute inhalation of Type F
      compounds on 12 March 2011 when the first explosive event occurred at the site of
      the FDNPP). The 90th-percentile CED value for the adults was around 0.1 mSv and
      the maximum CED (0.63 mSv) was found in an elderly male. Comparable CED results
      were obtained in other WB measurements subsequently performed by the Japan Atomic
      Energy Agency (JAEA) in a similar manner to that of the NIRS, suggesting that the
      contribution of ingestion to the WB content observed would be trivial for most of
      the JAEA subjects. The intake ratio of I to Cs was evaluated to be 3~5 based on
      the I thyroid measurement data of Tokonami et al. Using the average intake ratio
      of 3.8, the resulting median and maximum thyroid-equivalent doses to the adult
      subjects of this study were estimated at 3.5 mSv and 84 mSv, respectively.

PMID- 27682906
TI  - The Current Limits for Radionuclides in Food in Japan.
AB  - After the TEPCO Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident, the
      current limits in Japan on the radionuclide contamination of food [100 Bq kg for
      general foods, 50 Bq kg for milk and infant foods, and 10 Bq kg for drinking
      water as radioactive cesium (Cs + Cs)] were established on the basis of an
      effective dose of 1 mSv y, consistent with international standards to mitigate
      the exposure of the general public to radiation. Measures that include recalling
      or restriction of food have been taken in cases when these limits were violated.
      As a result of these efforts, the actual effective doses of radioactive cesium
      (Cs + Cs) in foods approximately 1 y after the FDNPP accident were below 0.01 mSv
      y. However, there is little information on the current status of these limits in
      the literature, which necessitates a comprehensive review of the information that
      exists. In this paper, the concept behind the introduction of these limits, the
      methods by which they were derived, and the results of monitoring food
      accordingly, are reviewed. This information will be helpful in the case of a
      future accident, and it will also help to enhance the understanding of the
      current limits and to relieve the anxieties of the general public concerning
      radiation exposure from radionuclides in food. 

PMID- 27682911
TI  - Qualified staff kept on low grades, says RCN.
AB  - Enrolled nurses who have successfully completed conversion courses are still
      being employed at grade C, according to RCN General Secretary Christine Hancock.

PMID- 27682910
TI  - Is money where his mouth is?
AB  - Prime Minister John Major paid nursing something of a compliment last week. With
      speculation about the date of the next General Election at fever pitch, he chose
      this year's Nursing Standard/BUP A Nursing Nurse 91 awards ceremony to make a
      major speech about health care in general and the profession in particular.

PMID- 27682912
TI  - Unions demand above-inflation rises.
AB  - Nursing unions have demanded an above-inflation pay rise and an end to phased
      increases in the next pay award. The Review Body has also been asked to move
      'towards a fair rate of nursing pay' and ensure its recommendations cover staff
      in self-governing Trusts.

PMID- 27682913
TI  - Major promises 'named nurse' under Charter.
AB  - Every patient can expect a named nurse or midwife who will be responsible for
      their care 'from start to finish' under the forthcoming Patients' Charter, Prime
      Minister John Major pledged when he presented the Nursing Standard/BUPA Nursing
      Nurse 91 awards last week.

PMID- 27682914
TI  - Pink is sacked but speaks up for the whistleblowers.
AB  - Nursing can only move forward if the profession is prepared to speak out against
      poor standards, whistleblowing charge nurse Graham Pink warned last week after he
      was sacked by Stockport Health Authority for alleged gross misconduct.

PMID- 27682915
TI  - Ashworth inquiry.
AB  - Student nurse placements have been suspended at Ashworth Hospital in Merseyside
      until the public inquiry into allegations of patient abuse has ended.

PMID- 27682916
TI  - ?
AB  - Arthritis force: Celebrities who suffer from arthritis, including Dave Prowse,
      Darth Vader in Star Wars, joined children from the Bath Institute of Rheumatic
      Diseases to launch the Force Against Arthritis campaign in London.

PMID- 27682917
TI  - Health unions attack 'hire and fire' report.
AB  - Health unions have condemned a Department of Health commissioned report
      suggesting opted-out hospitals should get rid of permanent staff and take on
      contract workers to save money.

PMID- 27682919
TI  - Nursing Update pilot to be screened this week.
AB  - RCN Nursing Update - a system of continuing education broadcasting for Britain's
      600,000 nurses - will take to the air in a special pilot edition on Friday.

PMID- 27682918
TI  - Mental health.
AB  - Nurses at the Royal Edinburgh Hospitalhave been told either to stop making
      'destructive' comments about mental health services in Lothian or resign.

PMID- 27682920
TI  - Major organisations seek top discussions.
AB  - A coalition of major organisations involved in providing services for people with
      learning disabilities is seeking a meeting with Health Minister Stephen Dorrell
      to discuss issues arising from the Minister's policy statement on the development
      of better services.

PMID- 27682921
TI  - ?
AB  - A new guide on how the Children Act will affect NHS staff was launched by Health
      Minister Virginia Bottomley.

PMID- 27682922
TI  - Nursing audit.
AB  - Margaret Macdonald is to head the new Scottish Nursing Audit Development Project.
      The appointment was announced by Scottish Chief Nurse Yvonne Moores at a
      conference to launch the final report of the Scottish Nursing Standards Project,
      which Ms Macdonald has coordinated. She will lead a team of five nurses who will
      promote a practitioner- based approach to nursing audit.

PMID- 27682923
TI  - Dissatisfaction with redundancy measures.
AB  - Older nurses at two Shropshire hospitals which are about to close are angry at
      not being offered redundancy as younger nurses were. Sixty nurses at Shifnal and
      Beeches hospitals had applied for redundancy but only 28 were accepted.

PMID- 27682924
TI  - Government' foils to take ENs seriously'.
AB  - Statutory bodies are not representing the interests of enrolled nurses and must
      now be freed from Government interference, a COHSE, conference heard last week.

PMID- 27682925
TI  - ?
AB  - Values in Action, the national campaign group for people with learning
      disabilities, held gatherings at the gates of hospitals throughout the country
      last week, calling for the closure of mental handicap hospitals and demanding
      extra funding for community care.

PMID- 27682928
TI  - Care strategy helps sufferers.
AB  - Poor attention, little continuity in treatment and a lack of understanding has
      meant that sickle cell suffers endure more pain than they should, specialist
      nurses told a national sickle cell conference in Cardiff last week.

PMID- 27682926
TI  - Equal opportunities.
AB  - Four unions representing hospital ancillary staff have made a claim for better
      treatment of 102,000 women parttimers. NUPE, COHSE, GMB and TGWU are asking for
      time and a half pay for working Saturdays, paid bank holidays and paid overtime
      rates for working extra hours. Malcolm Wing, NUPE national secretary, said: 'Our
      claim is to win equality for women part-timers.'

PMID- 27682927
TI  - Nurses mistrust plans to cut night casualty.
AB  - Nurses have accused Leicestershire Health Authority of using inadequate staff
      security as an excuse for the planned night time closure of casualty units.

PMID- 27682930
TI  - Call for more community nurse services.
AB  - Children stay in hospital for longer than is necessary or are cared for by their
      parents at home without adequate support because of the shortage of paediatric
      community nursing services around the country, according to the Chief Nursing
      Officer for Wales.

PMID- 27682929
TI  - Nursing parents need 'teaching and support '.
AB  - Parents were able to take on the nursing care of their children in hospital for a
      wide range of conditions, provided they were carefully taught and supported,
      nurses in a Welsh scheme found.

PMID- 27682931
TI  - Asthma.
AB  - Childhood mortality rates from asthma are remaining constant, with about 40
      deaths in the UK each year, despite the increasingly wide range of drugs
      available, delegates heard.

PMID- 27682933
TI  - Nurses retrained to stop spread of HIV.
AB  - Romanian nurses are being retrained in the proper use of needles, syringes and
      sterilisation techniques after researchers warned that current practices might be
      spreading HIV.

PMID- 27682935
TI  - Home visits best for adolescent asthmatics.
AB  - The best way to ensure that young people comply with asthma treatment is to see
      them in their own homes, school nurse Dorothy Orrell told a London meeting on
      teenagers and asthma last week.

PMID- 27682934
TI  - Doctors admit lethal doses administered.
AB  - Doctors admitted they had administered lethal drug doses at patients' requests in
      1.8 per cent of deaths studied in a survey in the Netherlands.

PMID- 27682937
TI  - World news.
AB  - Austria Computer tomography is being used to measure the density of kidney stones
      in patients attending the urological clinic at Innsbruck Medical School.

PMID- 27682938
TI  - ?
AB  - World AIDS Day The World Health Organization has warned against widespread
      complacency, denial or cutbacks in AIDS funding in the light of new evidence
      showing progress in halting the spread of the pandemic.

PMID- 27682939
TI  - HIV-positive patients claim discrimination.
AB  - Refusal of a requested health service is a particularly common form of
      discrimination against people who are HIV positive, Italian researchers say.
      Anonymous questionnaires were completed by 86 in- and out-patients at one AIDS
      unit, of whom 63 were intravenous drug users, 11 heterosexual, nine homosexual
      and three had no known risk factors, Eighty- four were HIV-positive and the other
      two were at high risk of infection.

PMID- 27682940
TI  - Anticancer drug gets cells back in line.
AB  - American researchers have developed a new anticancer drug that 're-educates'
      cells instead of killing them. The drug, yet to be named, was developed from
      another compound, HMBA. The drawbacks of HMBA are the large doses required and
      the side-effects.

PMID- 27682941
TI  - Short-term success for otitis media antibiotics.
AB  - Antibiotics substantially improve the short-term outcome in children with mild
      otitis media, but do not seem to influence medium or long-term results.

PMID- 27682942
TI  - Pregnancy follows endometrial resection.
AB  - A tubal occlusive procedure prior to transcervical endometrial resection (TCER)
      might be prudent, researchers from Bournemouth say.

PMID- 27682943
TI  - 'Cold sores' and safer sex.
AB  - Safer sex campaigns should cover all aspects of herpes simplex virus (HSV)
      infectiousness, researchers say.

PMID- 27682944
TI  - Time for a fair deal.
AB  - Staff representatives revealed this week the evidence to be submitted to the
      Review Body for Nursing Staff, Midwives and Health Visitors in the run-up to the
      1992 pay award, with demands for an immediate move 'towards a fair rate of
      nursing pay'.

PMID- 27682945
TI  - A project comes alive.
AB  - RCN Nursing Update, a unique project in continuing education for nurses, midwives
      and health visitors goes on air this week. The first pilot of this exciting
      venture is broadcast on BBC 1 at 1.1 5am on Friday September 27. This week's
      issue of Nursing Standard includes a special supplement to complement the
      programme.

PMID- 27682946
TI  - Assessment.
AB  - Assessment will be in two stages; the first stage is the assessment of knowledge
      about the subject of the unit of learning. Entry to assessment will be by
      application to the IANE, using an application form in the Nursing Standard
      supplement accompanied by the fee.

PMID- 27682947
TI  - Planning.
AB  - The educational responsibility for RCN Nursing Update rests with the Institute of
      Advanced Nursing Education (IANE).

PMID- 27682948
TI  - Take care when counselling.
AB  - I read Points of View (Nursing StandardAugust 14) with considerable concern and
      would like to challenge Barbara Eunson on three points: holistic nursing, other
      professionals' qualifications and counselling/psychotherapy.

PMID- 27682949
TI  - HIV patients should be equal.
AB  - I agree with landmark Director Jonathan Grimshaw's assertion that health
      professionals who refuse to treat patients with HIV ('Declaration attacks HIV
      discrimination', Nursing Standard News, September 4) should be sanctioned.

PMID- 27682950
TI  - Thank you and goodnight.
AB  - I agree with D D MacGregor's letter 'Out of fashion but fitting' (Nursing
      Standard August 14), expressing concern over unsuitable nightwear for hospital
      patients.

PMID- 27682951
TI  - Casualty update.
AB  - It was Jimmy's turn to cock it up (again), getting it wrong about whether or not
      to remove a burns casualty's clothing.

PMID- 27682952
TI  - Correction.
AB  - In Temperature taking - getting it right' (Nursing Standard December 12 1990),
      the author erroneously referred to TcmpaDOT thermometers as using liquid crystal
      indicators. They in fact function through a colour change, using a mix of two
      organic chemicals.

PMID- 27682953
TI  - Never too late to refresh.
AB  - It is upsetting that C Love's mother felt 'let down' at being offered a four
      month intensive course (Nursing Standard Letters, September 4). Surely, her spell
      back in nursing and her refresher course made her aware of the many ongoing
      changes in nursing and the benefits of further courses?

PMID- 27682954
TI  - Val Kavanagh.
AB  - Val Kavanagh, who worked as an enrolled nurse at Trevalyn Hospital, Rossett,
      Clwyd, died on August 9 1991.

PMID- 27682955
TI  - Information exchange.
AB  - I am a sister running a pre-admission assessment clinic, and am planning to write
      a dissertation on either a cost-benefit analysis of such a clinic or a
      comparative study with other such clinics that are hospital or community- based,
      run by doctors, nurses or a multidisciplinary team.

PMID- 27682957
TI  - Management comes clean.
AB  - The name's Health ... Nat Health, Special Investigator into Services that Care.

PMID- 27682956
TI  - Points of View.
AB  - 'Nurses required for World Student Games', the advertisement read.

PMID- 27682958
TI  - Nursing Care of the Burn-Injured Patient R B Trofino F A Davis Nursing Care of
      the Burn-Injured Patient 466pp L33-50 0-8036-8658-7 [Formula: see text].
AB  - The foreword states 'a nursing text which emphasises nursing process and focuses
      on all aspects of burn care from emergency treatment through rehabilitation and
      all age groups should make a significant contribution to the care of these
      complex patients.' Nursing Care of the Burn-Injured Patient does precisely that.
      With a US audience in mind, it may not make quite the 'significant contribution'
      it should in the UK.

PMID- 27682960
TI  - Nursing A Perry and M Jolley Nursing editors Edward Arnold 352pp L13.95 0-340
      51492-2 [Formula: see text].
AB  - Nursing: A Knowledge Base for Practice, for pre- and post-registration levels, is
      a major contribution towards assisting such students to understand and appreciate
      the theoretical framework that supports the art and science of nursing.

PMID- 27682961
TI  - HIV roundup.
AB  - World AIDS Day The National AIDS Trust is co-ordinating UK activities for World
      AIDS Day on December 1. A newsletter, funded by the Health Education Authority,
      will be published monthly for four issues to inform everyone involved in
      planning, organising or running an event.

PMID- 27682962
TI  - Listings.

PMID- 27682963
TI  - Explaining socioeconomic inequalities in self-rated health: a systematic review
      of the relative contribution of material, psychosocial and behavioural factors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Material, psychosocial and behavioural factors are important
      explanatory pathways for socioeconomic inequalities in health. The aim of this
      systematic review was to summarise the available evidence on empirical studies
      and to analyse the relative contribution of these factors for explaining
      inequalities in self-rated health. METHODS: The study was performed in compliance
      with PRISMA guidelines. The literature search was conducted in the electronic
      databases PubMed and Web of Science (1996-2016) as well as by screening of
      reference lists of obtained articles. Two reviewers performed the search and
      critical appraisal of the studies. All studies that focus on explaining
      socioeconomic inequalities in self-rated health, including at least 2 of the 3
      main pathways and analysing the relative contribution of these approaches in
      separate and joint models, were included. RESULTS: Eleven publications were
      included. Separate analyses showed that material, psychosocial and behavioural
      factors contribute to the explanation of socioeconomic inequalities in self-rated
      health. However, the combined analyses revealed that material factors contributed
      most to differences in self-rated health because of their higher independent
      (direct) effect and additional shared (indirect) effect (through psychosocial and
      behavioural factors). These results were largely independent of age, gender and
      indicator of socioeconomic status. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence presented might be
      used for policymakers to identify and to justify prioritisation in terms of
      prevention and health promotion. The findings show that multiple factors are
      important for tackling social inequalities in health. Strategies for reducing
      these inequalities should focus on material/structural living conditions as they
      shape conditions of psychosocial resources and health behaviour.

PMID- 27682964
TI  - Stability study of sodium colistimethate-loaded lipid nanoparticles.
AB  - In the last decades, the encapsulation of antibiotics into nanoparticulate
      carriers has gained increasing attention for the treatment of infectious
      diseases. Sodium colistimethate-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (Colist-SLNs)
      and nanostructured lipid carriers (Colist-NLCs) were designed aiming to treat the
      pulmonary infection associated to cystic fibrosis patients. The nanoparticles
      were freeze-dried using trehalose as cryoprotectant. The stability of both
      nanoparticles was analysed over one year according to the International
      Conference of Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines by determining the minimum
      inhibitory concentration (MIC) against clinically isolated Pseudomonas aeruginosa
      strains and by studying their physico-chemical characteristics. The results
      showed that Colist-SLNs lost their antimicrobial activity at the third month; on
      the contrary, the antibacterial activity of Colist-NLCs was maintained throughout
      the study within an adequate range (MIC <=16 MUg/mL). In addition, Colist-NLCs
      exhibited suitable physico-chemical properties at 5  degrees C and 25  degrees
      C/60% relative humidity over one year. Altogether, Colist-NLCs proved to have
      better stability than Colist-SLNs.

PMID- 27682965
TI  - Provider experiences with the large-scale 'Helping Babies Breathe' training
      programme in Tanzania.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Worldwide, there has been renewed emphasis on reducing neonatal
      mortality in low-resource countries. The Helping Babies Breathe (HBB) programme
      has been shown to reduce newborn deaths. The aim of this study is to present
      provider-level perceptions and experiences of the HBB programme implemented at
      scale in Tanzania and identify key lessons learned for scalability in similar and
      other settings. METHODS: Focus group discussions with HBB-trained providers were
      conducted using a prospective longitudinal study design between October 2013 and
      May 2015. A semi-structured discussion guide was used to facilitate the focus
      groups which were held 4-6 weeks and 4-6 months post-HBB training. Data were
      managed using NVivo software and analysed thematically. RESULTS: A total of 222
      focus group discussions were conducted in 252 trained facilities and involved 599
      providers across 15 regions of Tanzania. Birth attendants reported that the
      training programme helped increase knowledge, skills and confidence, and that the
      provided equipment simplified resuscitation. Supportive supervision and regular
      follow-up visits were considered critical for skills retention. On the other
      hand, the brief 1-day training in Tanzania, small financal incentives, intra
      facility rotations of trained attendants, staff shortages, limited rescucitation
      spaces and mastery of the bag-and-mask were considered challenges to the HBB
      programme in Tanzania. DISCUSSION: The HBB programme was largely very well
      received during its first at-scale implementation in Tanzania. Addressing the
      main challenges cited by participants, particularly the training duration, may
      increase provider satisfaction with the HBB training programme.

PMID- 27682966
TI  - Human papillomavirus infection and cervical lesions in rheumatic diseases: a
      systematic review.
AB  - An association between immune-mediated diseases and cervical pre-malignant and
      malignant lesions is described, having the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection a
      causal role. Related studies have been generally focused on systemic lupus
      erythematosus (SLE) patients, but relatively to other diseases, such as
      rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Sjogren's syndrome (SS) and systemic sclerosis (SSc),
      data has not been systematically evaluated. We conducted a systematic review
      analysis of the literature in PubMed, including articles published until March of
      2015, in patients with RA, SS, SLE and SSc, to evaluate the frequency of HPV
      infection, cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer, and associated factors, with
      particular interest on the role of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive
      treatment. Moreover, safety and efficacy of HPV vaccines in these patients was
      investigated. Of 476 articles identified, 27 were finally included. The studies
      showed an increased prevalence of cervical dysplasia and cancer, with the HPV
      infection being an important associated factor, in particular in SLE patients.
      The data relatively to other rheumatic diseases was very scarse, but an increased
      prevalence of smear abnormalities was also found in RA. Patients exposed to
      glucocorticoids and to long-term immunosuppression, particularly
      cyclophosphamide, have increased risk of presenting more pre-malignant lesions
      than the general population. The available vaccines seem to be generally safe and
      immunogenic in the short- period evaluation, but long-term follow-up is required
      to evaluate the impact of the vaccine in the protection against HPV infection and
      occurrence of high-grade cervical lesions.

PMID- 27682967
TI  - Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome: the EBV hypothesis.
AB  - Steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome is marked by a massive proteinuria and loss
      of podocytes foot processes. The mechanism of the disease remains debated but
      recent publications suggest a primary role of Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV). EBV
      replication in the peripheral blood is found in 50% of patients during the first
      flare of the disease. The genetic locus of steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome
      was also identified as influencing antibodies directed against EBNA1. EBV is able
      to establish, latent benign infection in memory B cells that display phenotypes
      similar to antigen-selected memory B cells. Consistently, memory B cells
      reconstitution after rituximab infusion is a predictor of the relapse of
      proteinuria. We suggest that a specific anti-EBNA1 antibody internalized in the
      podocytes via the neonatal Fc receptor might cross-react with a major protein
      present in the same cell trafficking compartment. The diversion of this major
      podocyte protein in the urinary space and the subsequent depletion is supposed to
      result in podocyte damages with loss of foot processes and massive proteinuria.
      Immunosuppression of B cells and subsequent clearance of anti-EBNA1 antibodies
      would lead to a restoration of the normal level of the protein allowing recovery
      of proteinuria and of normal podocyte morphology.

PMID- 27682969
TI  - Bronchopulmonary dysplasia: new becomes old again!
AB  - Despite the many advances in neonatology, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD)
      continues to be a frustrating disease of prematurity. BPD is a disease which is
      defined oddly by its treatment rather than its pathophysiology, leading to
      frequently changing nomenclature which has widespread implications on our ability
      to both understand and follow the progression of BPD. As various treatment
      modalities for BPD were developed and a larger number of extremely preterm
      infants survived, the "old" BPD based on lung injury from oxygen therapy and
      mechanical ventilation transitioned into a "new" BPD focused more on the
      interruption of normal development. However, the interruption of normal
      development does not solely apply to lung development. The effects of prematurity
      on vascular development cannot be overstated and pulmonary vascular disease has
      become the new frontier of BPD. As we begin to better understand the complex,
      multifactorial pathophysiology of BPD, it is necessary to again focus on
      appropriate, pathology-driven nomenclature that can effectively describe the
      multiple clinical phenotypes of BPD.

PMID- 27682970
TI  - Capillary electrophoresis/immunosubtraction as a better alternative to
      immunofixation for detecting and immunotyping serum monoclonal proteins in
      patients with immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis.
AB  - Capillary electrophoresis/immunosubtraction (CE/IS) is a simple method for
      detecting and immunotyping serum or urine monoclonal proteins. To our knowledge,
      there are no previous reports of the use of CE/IS for characterizing patients
      with Immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis, and there are no convincing
      data available to compare CE/IS with serum immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE)
      and free light chain (FLC) assay. The aim of this study was to evaluate the
      clinical utility of CE/IS in patients with AL amyloidosis as a diagnostic
      accuracy study. This study included 50 patients with AL amyloidosis (17 newly
      diagnosed and 33 undergoing treatment). Serum IFE identified monoclonal proteins
      in 15/50 (30%) of all cases and in 7/17 (41%) of newly diagnosed cases. CE/IS
      identified monoclonal proteins in 16/50 (32%) of all cases and in 7/17 (41%) of
      newly diagnosed cases. The FLC assay detected an abnormal ratio of kappa and
      lambda light chains in 26/50 (52%) of all cases and in 15/17 (88%) of newly
      diagnosed cases. IFE and CE/IS combined with FLC assay identified monoclonal
      proteins more sensitive than IFE alone and CE/IS alone, in newly diagnosed
      patients (p = 0.002 and 0.002, respectively) and in patients undergoing treatment
      (p = 0.031 and 0.016, respectively). CE/IS is an acceptable alternative to IFE.

PMID- 27682974
TI  - Measuring the Complex Optical Conductivity of Graphene by Fabry-Perot Reflectance
      Spectroscopy.
AB  - We have experimentally studied the dispersion of optical conductivity in few
      layer graphene through reflection spectroscopy at visible wavelengths. A laser
      scanning microscope (LSM) with a supercontinuum laser source measured the
      frequency dependence of the reflectance of exfoliated graphene flakes, including
      monolayer, bilayer and trilayer graphene, loaded on a Si/SiO2 Fabry-Perot
      resonator in the 545-700 nm range. The complex refractive index of few-layer
      graphene, n - ik, was extracted from the reflectance contrast to the bare
      substrate. It was found that each few-layer graphene possesses a unique
      dispersionless optical index. This feature indicates that the optical
      conductivity does not simply scale with the number of layers, and that inter
      layer electrodynamics are significant at visible energies.

PMID- 27682975
TI  - A persistent cough.

PMID- 27682976
TI  - One or two?

PMID- 27682977
TI  - Developments in the field of allergy mechanisms in 2015 through the eyes of
      Clinical & Experimental Allergy.
AB  - In the first of two papers we described the development in the field of allergy
      mechanisms as described by Clinical and Experimental Allergy in 2015.
      Experimental models of allergic disease, basic mechanisms, clinical mechanisms
      and allergens are all covered. A second paper will cover clinical aspects.

PMID- 27682968
TI  - Hirschsprung's disease: clinical dysmorphology, genes, micro-RNAs, and future
      perspectives.
AB  - On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Dr. Harald Hirschsprung's death,
      there is a worldwide significant research effort toward identifying and
      understanding the role of genes and biochemical pathways involved in the
      pathogenesis as well as the use of new therapies for the disease harboring his
      name (Hirschsprung disease, HSCR). HSCR (aganglionic megacolon) is a frequent
      diagnostic and clinical challenge in perinatology and pediatric surgery, and a
      major cause of neonatal intestinal obstruction. HSCR is characterized by the
      absence of ganglia of the enteric nervous system, mostly in the distal
      gastrointestinal tract. This review focuses on current understanding of genes and
      pathways associated with HSCR and summarizes recent knowledge related to micro
      RNAs (miRNAs) and HSCR pathogenesis. While commonly sporadic, Mendelian patterns
      of inheritance have been described in syndromic cases with HSCR. Although only
      half of the patients with HSCR have mutations in specific genes related to early
      embryonic development, recent pathway-based analysis suggests that gene modules
      with common functions may be associated with HSCR in different populations. This
      comprehensive profile of functional gene modules may serve as a useful resource
      for future developmental, biochemical, and genetic studies providing insights
      into the complex nature of HSCR.

PMID- 27682979
TI  - Parents' confidence in recommended childhood vaccinations: Extending the
      assessment, expanding the context.
AB  - There has been significant and growing interest in vaccine hesitancy and
      confidence in the United States as well as across the globe. While studies have
      used confidence measures, few studies have provided in-depth assessments and no
      studies have assessed parents' confidence in vaccines in relationship to other
      frequently recommended health-related products for young children. This study
      used a nationally representative sample of 1000 US parents to identify confidence
      levels for recommended vaccinations, antibiotics, over-the-counter (OTC)
      medicines, and vitamins for children. The analyses examined associations between
      confidence ratings, vaccination behaviors and intentions, and trust in healthcare
      provider, along with associations between confidence ratings and use of the other
      health-related products. Parents' confidence in vaccines was relatively high and
      high relative to antibiotics, OTC medicines and vitamins. For all 4 health
      related products examined, past product experience and knowledge of bad or
      adverse outcomes negatively impacted parents' confidence levels. Confidence
      levels were associated with both trust in advice from their child's healthcare
      provider and acceptance of healthcare provider recommendations. Parents in some
      groups, such as those with lower income and education levels, were more likely to
      have less confidence not just in vaccines, but also in antibiotics and OTC
      medicines for children. Overall, the findings extend understanding of vaccine
      confidence, including by placing it into a broader context.

PMID- 27682980
TI  - Regulation of PCGEM1 by p54/nrb in prostate cancer.
AB  - PCGEM1 is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) that is often upregulated in prostate
      cancer. However, little is known how PCGEM1 is regulated. In the present study,
      we show transcriptional regulation of PCGEM1 in response to androgen deprivation
      by p54/nrb. While ectopic expression of p54/nrb increases, suppression of p54/nrb
      by RNAi or knockout (KO) reduces PCGEM1. Moreover, rescue experiments indicate
      that re-expression of p54/nrb in KO cells restores the ability to induce PCGEM1,
      leading to upregulation of the androgen receptor splice variant AR3 which has
      been shown to play a role in castration resistance. Finally, 3,3'
      Diindolylmethane (DIM), a known chemoprevention agent, is capable of suppressing
      PCGEM1 expression by preventing the interaction of p54/nrb with the PCGEM1
      promoter. In particular, DIM reduces tumor growth by suppression of PCGEM1 and
      promoting apoptosis in the castrated xenograft mouse model. Together, these
      results demonstrate a novel mechanism of p54/nrb-mediated expression of PCGEM1
      and AR3, contributing to castration resistance in prostate cancer.

PMID- 27682983
TI  - Consensus or Deadlock? Consequences of Simple Behavioral Rules for Coordination
      in Group Decisions.
AB  - Coordinated collective behaviors often emerge from simple rules governing the
      interactions of individuals in groups. We model mechanisms of coordination among
      ants during cooperative transport, a challenging task that requires a consensus
      on travel direction. Our goal is to determine whether groups following simple
      behavioral rules can reach a consensus using minimal information. Using
      deterministic and stochastic models, we investigate behavioral factors that
      affect coordination. We define and investigate three types of behavioral rules
      governing individual behavior that differ in the information available:
      individuals either 1) have no information, 2) can measure transport success, or
      3) measure success while also knowing whether they are aligned with the majority.
      We find that groups break deadlocks only if individuals more readily give up when
      they are going against the majority, corresponding to rule type 3 -such groups
      are "informed." These behavioral rules succeed through positive and negative
      feedbacks that are implemented in our model via a single mechanism: individuals
      only need to measure the relative group sizes to make effective decisions. We
      also find that groups reach consensus more quickly if they have either a shared
      bias, high sensitivity to group behavior, or finely tuned persistence. Each of
      these is a potential adaptation for efficient cooperative transport. This
      flexibility makes the behavioral rules in the informed case relatively robust to
      deficiencies in the individuals' capabilities. While inspired by ants, our
      results are generalizable to other collective decisions with deadlocks, and
      demonstrate that groups of behaviorally simple individuals with no memory and
      extremely limited information can break symmetry and reach a consensus in a
      decision between two equal options.

PMID- 27682981
TI  - Identification of a Novel Human E-Cadherin Splice Variant and Assessment of Its
      Effects Upon EMT-Related Events.
AB  - Epithelial Cadherin (E-cadherin) is involved in calcium-dependent cell-cell
      adhesion and signal transduction. The E-cadherin decrease/loss is a hallmark of
      Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT), a key event in tumor progression. The
      underlying molecular mechanisms that trigger E-cadherin loss and consequent EMT
      have not been completely elucidated. This study reports the identification of a
      novel human E-cadherin variant mRNA produced by alternative splicing. A
      bioinformatics evaluation of the novel mRNA sequence and biochemical
      verifications suggest its regulation by Nonsense-Mediated mRNA Decay (NMD). The
      novel E-cadherin variant was detected in 29/42 (69%) human tumor cell lines,
      expressed at variable levels (E-cadherin variant expression relative to the wild
      type mRNA = 0.05-11.6%). Stable transfection of the novel E-cadherin variant in
      MCF-7 cells (MCF7Ecadvar) resulted in downregulation of wild type E-cadherin
      expression (transcript/protein) and EMT-related changes, among them acquisition
      of a fibroblastic-like cell phenotype, increased expression of Twist, Snail,
      Zeb1, and Slug transcriptional repressors and decreased expression of ESRP1 and
      ESRP2 RNA binding proteins. Moreover, loss of cytokeratins and gain of vimentin,
      N-cadherin and Dysadherin/FXYD5 proteins was observed. Dramatic changes in cell
      behavior were found in MCF7Ecadvar, as judged by the decreased cell-cell adhesion
      (Hanging-drop assay), increased cell motility (Wound Healing) and increased cell
      migration (Transwell) and invasion (Transwell w/Matrigel). Some changes were
      found in MCF-7 cells incubated with culture medium supplemented with conditioned
      medium from HEK-293 cells transfected with the E-cadherin variant mRNA. Further
      characterization of the novel E-cadherin variant will help understanding the
      molecular basis of tumor progression and improve cancer diagnosis. J. Cell.
      Physiol. 232: 1368-1386, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27682982
TI  - Molecular mechanisms of Slo2 K+ channel closure.
AB  - KEY POINTS: Intracellular Na+ -activated Slo2 potassium channels are in a closed
      state under normal physiological conditions, although their mechanisms of ion
      permeation gating are not well understood. A cryo-electron microscopy structure
      of Slo2.2 suggests that the ion permeation pathway of these channels is closed by
      a single constriction of the inner pore formed by the criss-crossing of the
      cytoplasmic ends of the S6 segments (the S6 bundle crossing) at a conserved Met
      residue. Functional characterization of mutant Slo2 channels suggests that
      hydrophobic interactions between Leu residues in the upper region of the S6
      segments contribute to stabilizing the inner pore in a non-conducting state.
      Mutation of the conserved Met residues in the S6 segments to the negatively
      charged Glu did not induce constitutive opening of Slo2.1 or Slo2.2, suggesting
      that ion permeation of Slo2 channels is not predominantly gated by the S6 bundle
      crossing. ABSTRACT: Large conductance K+ -selective Slo2 channels are in a closed
      state unless activated by elevated [Na+ ]i . Our previous studies suggested that
      the pore helix/selectivity filter serves as the activation gate in Slo2 channels.
      In the present study, we evaluated two other potential mechanisms for
      stabilization of Slo2 channels in a closed state: (1) dewetting and collapse of
      the inner pore (hydrophobic gating) and (2) constriction of the inner pore by
      tight criss-crossing of the cytoplasmic ends of the S6 alpha-helical segments.
      Slo2 channels contain two conserved Leu residues in each of the four S6 segments
      that line the inner pore region nearest the bottom of the selectivity filter. To
      evaluate the potential role of these residues in hydrophobic gating, Leu267 and
      Leu270 in human Slo2.1 were each replaced by 15 different residues. The relative
      conductance of mutant channels was highly dependent on hydrophilicity and volume
      of the amino acid substituted for Leu267 and was maximal with L267H. Consistent
      with their combined role in hydrophobic gating, replacement of both Leu residues
      with the isosteric but polar residue Asn (L267N/L270N) stabilized channels in a
      fully open state. In a recent cryo-electron microscopy structure of chicken
      Slo2.2, the ion permeation pathway of the channel is closed by a constriction of
      the inner pore formed by criss-crossing of the S6 segments at a conserved Met.
      Inconsistent with the S6 segment crossing forming the activation gate,
      replacement of the homologous Met residues in human Slo2.1 or Slo2.2 with the
      negatively-charged Glu did not induce constitutive channel opening.

PMID- 27682985
TI  - Portable electronic vision enhancement systems in comparison with optical
      magnifiers for near vision activities: an economic evaluation alongside a
      randomized crossover trial.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the incremental cost-effectiveness of portable electronic
      vision enhancement system (p-EVES) devices compared with optical low vision aids
      (LVAs), for improving near vision visual function, quality of life and well-being
      of people with a visual impairment. METHODS: An AB/BA randomized crossover trial
      design was used. Eighty-two participants completed the study. Participants were
      current users of optical LVAs who had not tried a p-EVES device before and had a
      stable visual impairment. The trial intervention was the addition of a p-EVES
      device to the participant's existing optical LVA(s) for 2 months, and the control
      intervention was optical LVA use only, for 2 months. Cost-effectiveness and cost
      utility analyses were conducted from a societal perspective. RESULTS: The mean
      cost of the p-EVES intervention was L448. Carer costs were L30 (4.46 hr) less for
      the p-EVES intervention compared with the LVA only control. The mean difference
      in total costs was L417. Bootstrapping gave an incremental cost-effectiveness
      ratio (ICER) of L736 (95% CI L481 to L1525) for a 7% improvement in near vision
      visual function. Cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) ranged from L56 991
      (lower 95% CI = L19 801) to L66 490 (lower 95% CI = L23 055). Sensitivity
      analysis varying the commercial price of the p-EVES device reduced ICERs by up to
      75%, with cost per QALYs falling below L30 000. CONCLUSION: Portable electronic
      vision enhancement system (p-EVES) devices are likely to be a cost-effective use
      of healthcare resources for improving near vision visual function, but this does
      not translate into cost-effective improvements in quality of life, capability or
      well-being.

PMID- 27682986
TI  - Urinary incontinence and mortality among older adults residing in care homes.
AB  - AIM: To assess the association between baseline urinary incontinence and long
      term, all-cause mortality. BACKGROUND: Urinary incontinence is a common disorder
      among older institutionalised adults, with important consequences for morbidity
      and quality of life. Moreover, while it is a consistent mortality marker, the
      extent to which this association might be causal remains controversial. DESIGN: A
      cohort study. METHODS: We conducted a mortality follow-up study on a cohort of
      675 nursing-home residents in the city of Madrid (Spain), from their 1998-1999
      baseline interviews to September 2013. Study subjects or their caregivers were
      asked whether the resident had experienced any involuntary leakage of urine in
      the preceding 14 days, with subjects being subsequently defined as continent,
      mildly incontinent, or severely incontinent. Hazard ratios for all-cause
      mortality were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS: After a
      4061 person-year follow-up (median/maximum of 4.6/15.2 years), 576 participants
      had died. In fully-adjusted models, urinary incontinence was associated with a 24
      per cent increased risk of all-cause mortality. There was a graded relationship
      across severity levels, with hazard ratios 7% higher for mild and 44% higher for
      severe incontinence as compared with the continent group. The adjusted mortality
      fraction attributable to urinary incontinence was 11 per cent. CONCLUSION: It
      would appear that urinary incontinence is not only a marker but also a real
      determinant of survival in the institutionalized population. This finding, which
      seems plausible in a population of frail older adults, warrants further research
      into mechanisms that could help to elucidate this hypothesis.

PMID- 27682984
TI  - Proteomics insights into DNA damage response and translating this knowledge to
      clinical strategies.
AB  - Genomic instability is a critical driver in the process of cancer formation. At
      the same time, inducing DNA damage by irradiation or genotoxic compounds
      constitutes a key therapeutic strategy to kill fast-dividing cancer cells.
      Sensing of DNA lesions initiates a complex set of signalling pathways,
      collectively known as the DNA damage response (DDR). Deciphering DDR signalling
      pathways with high-throughput technologies could provide insights into oncogenic
      transformation, metastasis formation and therapy responses, and could build a
      basis for better therapeutic interventions in cancer treatment. Mass spectrometry
      (MS)-based proteomics emerged as a method of choice for global studies of
      proteins and their posttranslational modifications (PTMs). MS-based studies of
      the DDR have aided in delineating DNA damage-induced signalling responses. Those
      studies identified changes in abundance, interactions and modification of
      proteins in the context of genotoxic stress. Here we review ground-breaking MS
      based proteomics studies, which analysed changes in protein abundance, protein
      protein and protein-DNA interactions, phosphorylation, acetylation,
      ubiquitylation, SUMOylation and Poly(ADP-ribose)ylation (PARylation) in the DDR.
      Finally, we provide an outlook on how proteomics studies of the DDR could aid
      clinical developments on multiple levels.

PMID- 27682988
TI  - Congenital diaphragmatic hernia in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome.
AB  - We report the important association of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and
      22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS). The prevalence of CDH in our cohort of
      patients with 22q11.2DS is 0.8% (10/1246), which is greater than in the general
      population (0.025%). This observation suggests that 22q11.2DS should be
      considered when a child or fetus presents with CDH, in particular when other
      clinical findings associated with the 22q11.2DS are present, such as congenital
      cardiac defects. Furthermore, this finding may lead to the identification of an
      additional locus for diaphragmatic hernia in the general population. (c) 2016
      Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27682987
TI  - Oxidative Stress in Wild Boars Naturally and Experimentally Infected with
      Mycobacterium bovis.
AB  - Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS-RNS) are important defence substances
      involved in the immune response against pathogens. An excessive increase in ROS
      RNS, however, can damage the organism causing oxidative stress (OS). The organism
      is able to neutralise OS by the production of antioxidant enzymes (AE); hence,
      tissue damage is the result of an imbalance between oxidant and antioxidant
      status. Though some work has been carried out in humans, there is a lack of
      information about the oxidant/antioxidant status in the presence of tuberculosis
      (TB) in wild reservoirs. In the Mediterranean Basin, wild boar (Sus scrofa) is
      the main reservoir of TB. Wild boar showing severe TB have an increased risk to
      Mycobacterium spp. shedding, leading to pathogen spreading and persistence. If OS
      is greater in these individuals, oxidant/antioxidant balance in TB-affected boars
      could be used as a biomarker of disease severity. The present work had a two-fold
      objective: i) to study the effects of bovine TB on different OS biomarkers
      (namely superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalasa (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX),
      glutathione reductase (GR) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS))
      in wild boar experimentally challenged with Mycobacterium bovis, and ii) to
      explore the role of body weight, sex, population and season in explaining the
      observed variability of OS indicators in two populations of free-ranging wild
      boar where TB is common. For the first objective, a partial least squares
      regression (PLSR) approach was used whereas, recursive partitioning with
      regression tree models (RTM) were applied for the second. A negative relationship
      between antioxidant enzymes and bovine TB (the more severe lesions, the lower the
      concentration of antioxidant biomarkers) was observed in experimentally infected
      animals. The final PLSR model retained the GPX, SOD and GR biomarkers and showed
      that 17.6% of the observed variability of antioxidant capacity was significantly
      correlated with the PLSR X's component represented by both disease status and the
      age of boars. In the samples from free-ranging wild boar, however, the
      environmental factors were more relevant to the observed variability of the OS
      biomarkers than the TB itself. For each OS biomarker, each RTM was defined as a
      maximum by one node due to the population effect. Along the same lines, the ad
      hoc tree regression on boars from the population with a higher prevalence of
      severe TB confirmed that disease status was not the main factor explaining the
      observed variability in OS biomarkers. It was concluded that oxidative damage
      caused by TB is significant, but can only be detected in the absence of
      environmental variation in wild boar.

PMID- 27682989
TI  - Takete and Maluma in Action: A Cross-Modal Relationship between Gestures and
      Sounds.
AB  - Despite Saussure's famous observation that sound-meaning relationships are in
      principle arbitrary, we now have a substantial body of evidence that sounds
      themselves can have meanings, patterns often referred to as "sound symbolism".
      Previous studies have found that particular sounds can be associated with
      particular meanings, and also with particular static visual shapes. Less well
      studied is the association between sounds and dynamic movements. Using a free
      elicitation method, the current experiment shows that several sound symbolic
      associations between sounds and dynamic movements exist: (1) front vowels are
      more likely to be associated with small movements than with large movements; (2)
      front vowels are more likely to be associated with angular movements than with
      round movements; (3) obstruents are more likely to be associated with angular
      movements than with round movements; (4) voiced obstruents are more likely to be
      associated with large movements than with small movements. All of these results
      are compatible with the results of the previous studies of sound symbolism using
      static images or meanings. Overall, the current study supports the hypothesis
      that particular dynamic motions can be associated with particular sounds.
      Building on the current results, we discuss a possible practical application of
      these sound symbolic associations in sports instructions.

PMID- 27682990
TI  - Reflux monitoring in children.
AB  - Recently, multichannel intraluminal impedance (MII) monitoring was added to the
      repertoire of tests to evaluate the (patho)physiology of gastroesophageal reflux
      (GER) in children. Its advantage above the sole monitoring of the esophageal pH
      lies in the ability of the detection of both acid and nonacid GER and to discern
      between liquid and gas GER. Currently, combined 24 h pH-MII monitoring is
      recommended for evaluation of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) and its
      relation to symptoms in infants and children, despite the lack of reference
      values in these age groups. There is new evidence in the current issue of this
      Journal supporting the role of pH-MII monitoring for the evaluation of children
      presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms suggestive of GERD and the prediction
      of the presence of reflux esophagitis. However, several issues should be taken
      into account when performing pH-MII clinically. 

PMID- 27682991
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 27682992
TI  - Radiative heat transfer exceeding the blackbody limit between macroscale planar
      surfaces separated by a nanosize vacuum gap.
AB  - Using Rytov's fluctuational electrodynamics framework, Polder and Van Hove
      predicted that radiative heat transfer between planar surfaces separated by a
      vacuum gap smaller than the thermal wavelength exceeds the blackbody limit due to
      tunnelling of evanescent modes. This finding has led to the conceptualization of
      systems capitalizing on evanescent modes such as thermophotovoltaic converters
      and thermal rectifiers. Their development is, however, limited by the lack of
      devices enabling radiative transfer between macroscale planar surfaces separated
      by a nanosize vacuum gap. Here we measure radiative heat transfer for large
      temperature differences (~120 K) using a custom-fabricated device in which the
      gap separating two 5 * 5 mm2 intrinsic silicon planar surfaces is modulated from
      3,500 to 150 nm. A substantial enhancement over the blackbody limit by a factor
      of 8.4 is reported for a 150-nm-thick gap. Our device paves the way for the
      establishment of novel evanescent wave-based systems.

PMID- 27682993
TI  - Resonantly Enhanced Emission from a Luminescent Nanostructured Waveguide.
AB  - Controlling the characteristics of photon emission represents a significant
      challenge for both fundamental science and device technologies. Research on
      microcavities, photonic crystals, and plasmonic nanocavities has focused on
      controlling spontaneous emission by way of designing a resonant structure around
      the emitter to modify the local density of photonic states. In this work, we
      demonstrate resonantly enhanced emission using luminescent nanostructured
      waveguide resonance (LUNAR). Our concept is based on coupling between emitters in
      the luminescent waveguide and a resonant waveguide mode that interacts with a
      periodic nanostructure and hence outcouples via diffraction. We show that the
      enhancement of resonance emission can be controlled by tuning the design
      parameters. We also demonstrate that the enhanced emission is attributable to the
      accelerated spontaneous emission rate that increases the probability of photon
      emission in the resonant mode, accompanied by enhanced the local density of
      photonic states. This study demonstrates that nanostructured luminescent
      materials can be designed to exhibit functional and enhanced emission. We
      anticipate that our concept will be used to improve the performance of a variety
      of photonic and optical applications ranging from bio/chemical sensors to
      lighting, displays and projectors.

PMID- 27682995
TI  - Prader-Willi syndrome mental health research strategy workshop proceedings: the
      state of the science and future directions.
AB  - : This paper reports on the 'Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) Mental Health Research
      Strategy Workshop' that took place in March 2015. PWS is characterized by a
      complex phenotype affecting multiple systems with a high prevalence of
      maladaptive behaviours, and neuropsychiatric illness. Prader Willi syndrome
      results from the absence of paternally derived alleles located at the imprinted
      chromosomal locus, 15q11-13. The goal of the workshop was to highlight the state
      of the science of the mental health of people with this rare neurodevelopmental
      disorder. Mental ill health and maladaptive behaviors significantly impact
      quality of life for persons with PWS and their caregivers. Effective treatments
      and further research into this area are critically needed. METHODS: A
      multidisciplinary group of scientists and health care professionals were brought
      together to discuss the mental health and behavioral needs of people with PWS.
      The workshop strategy was to integrate established work on PWS with other
      relevant areas of study. The meeting also focused on two neurobiological systems
      that research had suggested were relevant to understanding the broader mental
      health aspects of PWS: the autonomic nervous system and oxytocin/vasopressin
      pathways. Other relevant topics were considered and recommendations made.
      RESULTS: The workshop presentations and working group discussions revealed that
      no one approach was sufficient to fully conceptualize the mental health
      challenges in PWS. Workshop discussions pointed to the need for theoretically
      informed studies focused on clinical characterization, measurement, and the
      probing of specific neurobiological systems through pharmaceutical or other
      interventions. Future studies in this area should explore the use of advanced
      neuroimaging protocols, as well as molecular studies using iPS cells in order to
      create more informed theories. CONCLUSIONS: Within this framework, workshop
      participants identified and prioritized key research questions, and highlighted
      current opportunities. Recommendations were made with respect to the development
      of specific resources and tools for furthering mental health research such as The
      Global PWS Registry, the development of effective endpoints, the use of animal
      models and iPS cells to aid understanding of the neurobiological underpinnings.
      Additionally, collaborative opportunities across disciplines and syndromes were
      highlighted and targeted research initiatives focused on psychological/behavioral
      interventions modified for use in PWS were recommended.

PMID- 27682996
TI  - Delayed gadolinium-enhanced MRI of meniscus (dGEMRIM) and cartilage (dGEMRIC) in
      healthy knees and in knees with different stages of meniscus pathology.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lesions in the meniscus are risk factors for developing knee
      osteoarthritis (OA), not least because of the role of the meniscus in the
      pathological progression of OA. Delayed gadolinium enhanced MRI of cartilage
      (dGEMRIC) has extensively been used to identify pre-radiographic cartilage
      changes in OA. In contrast, its counterpart with regard to examination of the
      meniscus, gadolinium enhanced MRI of meniscus (dGEMRIM), has been less utilized.
      In this study we use 3D dGEMRIM in patients with meniscus lesions and compare
      them with previous results of healthy individuals. METHODS: Eighteen subjects
      with MRI-verified posteromedial meniscus lesions and 12 healthy subjects with non
      injured and non-symptomatic knee joints, together 30 volunteers, were examined
      using 3D Look-Locker sequence after intravenous injection of Gd-DTPA2- (0.2
      mmol/kg body weight). Relaxation time (T1) was measured in the posterior meniscus
      and femoral cartilage before and 60, 90, 120 and 180 min after injection.
      Relaxation rate (R1 = 1/T1) and change in relaxation rate (DeltaR1) were
      calculated. For statistical analyses, Student's t-test and Analysis of Variance
      (ANOVA) were used. RESULTS: The pre-contrast diagnostic MRI identified two sub
      cohorts in the 18 patients with regard to meniscus injury: 1) 11 subjects with
      MRI verified pathological intrameniscal changes (grade 2) in the posteromedial
      meniscus only and no obvious cartilage changes. The lateral meniscus showed no
      pathology. 2) 7 subjects with MRI verified pathological rupture (grade 3) of the
      posteromedial meniscus and pathological changes in the lateral meniscus and/or
      medial and lateral joint cartilage. Comparisons of pathological and healthy
      posteromedial meniscus revealed opposite patterns in both T1Gd and DeltaR1 values
      between pathological meniscus grade 2 and grade 3. The concentration of the
      contrast agent was lower than in healthy meniscus in grade 2 lesions (p = 0.046)
      but tended to increase in grade 3 lesions (p = 0.110). Maximum concentration of
      contrast agent was reached after 180 min in both cartilage and menisci (except
      for grade 3 menisci where the maximum concentration was reached after 90 min).
      CONCLUSION: dGEMRIM and dGEMRIC may be feasible to combine in vivo, preferably
      with one examination before and one 2 h after contrast injection. Possible
      different dGEMRIM patterns at different stages of meniscus lesions must be taken
      into account when evaluating meniscus pathology.

PMID- 27682998
TI  - Fluorescent Angiography Used to Evaluate the Perfusion Status of Anastomosis in
      Laparoscopic Anterior Resection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anastomotic leakage after gastrointestinal surgery is associated with
      significant morbidity and mortality.1 Insufficient vascular supply is one cause.2
      Recent reports of using intraoperative indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescent
      angiography to evaluate whether perfusion of the anastomosis is adequate has
      yielded positive outcomes.3 - 6 The authors describe their use of ICG-enhanced
      fluorescence angiography in a laparoscopic anterior resection. METHODS: The
      patient was an 80-year-old with an upper rectal adenocarcinoma and significant
      cardiovascular risk factors. Fluorescence angiography with 0.4 mg/kg of ICG was
      administered intravenously just before the colorectal anastomosis was fashioned.
      A near-infrared (NIR) laparoscopic camera (KARLSTORZ, GmbH & Co. KG, Tuttlingen,
      Germany) was used to inspect the anastomosis. For this video, 0.4 mg/kg of ICG
      also was injected after ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery to demonstrate
      the appearance of a poorly perfused sigmoid bowel. RESULTS: Just before the
      staple was fired to fashion the colorectal anastomosis, an intravenous bolus of
      ICG was administered. Within seconds, vessels on both ends of the anastomosis
      turned fluorescent blue, indicating adequacy of perfusion. The use of ICG did not
      significantly lengthen the operative time (285 min) because its effect appeared
      within seconds after its administration. The patient recovered well and was
      discharged on postoperative day 5. Another four patients who also underwent
      intraoperative fluorescent angiography for left-sided colorectal lesions did not
      experience anastomotic leakage. CONCLUSION: The study showed that ICG fluorescent
      angiography is a simple and quick intraoperative tool for evaluating the
      perfusion of the anastomosis. The authors' experience with ICG fluorescent
      angiography has shown promising results, with a 0 % anastomotic leak rate.

PMID- 27682997
TI  - Lumican negatively controls the pathogenicity of murine encephalitic TH17 cells.
AB  - TH17 cells play an essential role in the development of both human multiple
      sclerosis and animal experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE).
      Nevertheless, it is not well understood how the pathogenicity of TH17 cells is
      controlled in the autoimmune neuroinflammation. In vitro, we found Lumican (Lum),
      an extracellular matrix (ECM) protein, is selectively expressed by TH17 cells
      among tested murine TH subsets. Lum deficiency leads to earlier onset and
      enhanced severity of EAE. This enhanced disease in Lum-deficient mice is
      associated with increased production of IL-17 and IL-21 and decreased TH17 cell
      apoptosis. Dysregulation in cytokine production appears to be specific to TH17
      cells as TH1 and TH2 cell polarization and/or cytokine production were unaltered.
      Furthermore, adoptive transfer of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein specific
      TH17 cells derived from Lum-deficient mice led to earlier onset and increased
      severity of disease compared to controls highlighting a TH17-cell-intrinsic
      effect of Lum. Taken together, our results suggest that Lum negatively regulates
      encephalitic TH17 cells, implicating a potential therapeutic pathway in TH17 cell
      mediated autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

PMID- 27682999
TI  - Laparoscopic Right Hepatectomy: Toward Protocolization and Simplification.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Major hurdles for laparoscopic right hepatectomy (LapRH) include
      difficulties in (1) mobilization and (2) applying hanging maneuver and (3) lack
      of experienced assistants. We discuss the protocolization of lapRH, introducing
      our simplified technique. METHODS: The procedure was disassembled into six steps:
      (1) curtailed mobilization of the right liver so as to align the resection plane
      with the laparoscopic camera view, (2) inflow vascular control, (3) setting up
      the parenchymal resection applying the rubber band retraction method, (4)
      parenchymal resection approaching the caudate lobe, (5) a lifting-up maneuver
      using a laparoscopic grasper or retractor instead of the hanging maneuver, and
      (6) completion of resection dividing the caudate lobe, right hepatic vein, and
      remaining ligament. RESULTS: Between March 2014 and August 2015, 13 LapRH
      surgeries were attempted. The patients consisted of eight males and five females
      with a mean age of 58.5 +/- 11.6 years. Final pathological diagnoses were
      hepatocellular carcinoma in seven patients, intrahepatic duct stone in 4, and
      colorectal liver metastasis in 2. The mean total operative time was 381 +/- 66
      minutes, and the mean intraoperative estimated blood loss was 633 +/- 619 ml. One
      patient was converted to open surgery. There was no clinically significant
      complication, and the mean length of stay after surgery was 9.1 +/- 2.3 days.
      CONCLUSIONS: Protocolization and simplification of the procedure may allow
      professionals to better understand the respective process and determine
      appropriate port placements, resulting in safe and successful minimally invasive
      hepatectomy procedures.

PMID- 27683000
TI  - Auditory mechanics in a bush-cricket: direct evidence of dual sound inputs in the
      pressure difference receiver.
AB  - The ear of the bush-cricket, Copiphora gorgonensis, consists of a system of
      paired eardrums (tympana) on each foreleg. In these insects, the ear is backed by
      an air-filled tube, the acoustic trachea (AT), which transfers sound from the
      prothoracic acoustic spiracle to the internal side of the eardrums. Both surfaces
      of the eardrums of this auditory system are exposed to sound, making it a
      directionally sensitive pressure difference receiver. A key feature of the AT is
      its capacity to reduce the velocity of sound propagation and alter the acoustic
      driving forces at the tympanum. The mechanism responsible for reduction in sound
      velocity in the AT remains elusive, yet it is deemed to depend on adiabatic or
      isothermal conditions. To investigate the biophysics of such multiple input ears,
      we used micro-scanning laser Doppler vibrometry and micro-computed X-ray
      tomography. We measured the velocity of sound propagation in the AT, the
      transmission gains across auditory frequencies and the time-resolved mechanical
      dynamics of the tympanal membranes in C. gorgonensis Tracheal sound transmission
      generates a gain of approximately 15 dB SPL, and a propagation velocity of ca 255
      m s-1, an approximately 25% reduction from free field propagation. Modelling
      tracheal acoustic behaviour that accounts for thermal and viscous effects, we
      conclude that reduction in sound velocity within the AT can be explained, among
      others, by heat exchange between the sound wave and the tracheal walls.

PMID- 27683001
TI  - Molecular stripping, targets and decoys as modulators of oscillations in the NF
      kappaB/IkappaBalpha/DNA genetic network.
AB  - Eukaryotic transcription factors in the NF-kappaB family are central components
      of an extensive genetic network that activates cellular responses to inflammation
      and to a host of other external stressors. This network consists of feedback
      loops that involve the inhibitor IkappaBalpha, numerous downstream functional
      targets, and still more numerous binding sites that do not appear to be directly
      functional. Under steady stimulation, the regulatory network of NF-kappaB becomes
      oscillatory, and temporal patterns of NF-kappaB pulses appear to govern the
      patterns of downstream gene expression needed for immune response. Understanding
      how the information from external stress passes to oscillatory signals and is
      then ultimately relayed to gene expression is a general issue in systems biology.
      Recently, in vitro kinetic experiments as well as molecular simulations suggest
      that active stripping of NF-kappaB by IkappaBalpha from its binding sites can
      modify the traditional systems biology view of NF-kappaB/IkappaBalpha gene
      circuits. In this work, we revise the commonly adopted minimal model of the NF
      kappaB regulatory network to account for the presence of the large number of
      binding sites for NF-kappaB along with dissociation from these sites that may
      proceed either by passive unbinding or by active molecular stripping. We identify
      regimes where the kinetics of target and decoy unbinding and molecular stripping
      enter a dynamic tug of war that may either compensate each other or amplify
      nuclear NF-kappaB activity, leading to distinct oscillatory patterns. Our finding
      that decoys and stripping play a key role in shaping the NF-kappaB oscillations
      suggests strategies to control NF-kappaB responses by introducing artificial
      decoys therapeutically.

PMID- 27683002
TI  - Active inference and robot control: a case study.
AB  - Active inference is a general framework for perception and action that is gaining
      prominence in computational and systems neuroscience but is less known outside
      these fields. Here, we discuss a proof-of-principle implementation of the active
      inference scheme for the control or the 7-DoF arm of a (simulated) PR2 robot. By
      manipulating visual and proprioceptive noise levels, we show under which
      conditions robot control under the active inference scheme is accurate. Besides
      accurate control, our analysis of the internal system dynamics (e.g. the dynamics
      of the hidden states that are inferred during the inference) sheds light on key
      aspects of the framework such as the quintessentially multimodal nature of
      control and the differential roles of proprioception and vision. In the
      discussion, we consider the potential importance of being able to implement
      active inference in robots. In particular, we briefly review the opportunities
      for modelling psychophysiological phenomena such as sensory attenuation and
      related failures of gain control, of the sort seen in Parkinson's disease. We
      also consider the fundamental difference between active inference and optimal
      control formulations, showing that in the former the heavy lifting shifts from
      solving a dynamical inverse problem to creating deep forward or generative models
      with dynamics, whose attracting sets prescribe desired behaviours.

PMID- 27683003
TI  - Optimizing dual energy cone beam CT protocols for preclinical imaging and
      radiation research.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to investigate whether quantitative dual
      energy CT (DECT) imaging is feasible for small animal irradiators with an
      integrated cone-beam CT (CBCT) system. METHODS: The optimal imaging protocols
      were determined by analyzing different energy combinations and dose levels. The
      influence of beam hardening effects and the performance of a beam hardening
      correction (BHC) were investigated. In addition, two systems from different
      manufacturers were compared in terms of errors in the extracted effective atomic
      numbers (Zeff) and relative electron densities (rhoe) for phantom inserts with
      known elemental compositions and relative electron densities. RESULTS: The
      optimal energy combination was determined to be 50 and 90 kVp. For this
      combination, Zeff and rhoe can be extracted with a mean error of 0.11 and 0.010,
      respectively, at a dose level of 60 cGy. CONCLUSION: Quantitative DECT imaging is
      feasible for small animal irradiators with an integrated CBCT system. To obtain
      the best results, optimizing the imaging protocols is required. Well-separated X
      ray spectra and a sufficient dose level should be used to minimize the error and
      noise for Zeff and rhoe. When no BHC is applied in the image reconstruction, the
      size of the calibration phantom should match the size of the imaged object to
      limit the influence of beam hardening effects. No significant differences in Zeff
      and rhoe errors are observed between the two systems from different
      manufacturers. Advances in knowledge: This is the first study that investigates
      quantitative DECT imaging for small animal irradiators with an integrated CBCT
      system.

PMID- 27683004
TI  - The oculomotor salience of flicker, apparent motion and continuous motion in
      saccade trajectories.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of dynamic distractors
      on the time-course of oculomotor selection using saccade trajectory deviations.
      Participants were instructed to make a speeded eye movement (pro-saccade) to a
      target presented above or below the fixation point while an irrelevant distractor
      was presented. Four types of distractors were varied within participants: (1)
      static, (2) flicker, (3) rotating apparent motion and (4) continuous motion. The
      eccentricity of the distractor was varied between participants. The results
      showed that saccadic trajectories curved towards distractors presented near the
      vertical midline; no reliable deviation was found for distractors presented
      further away from the vertical midline. Differences between the flickering and
      rotating distractor were found when distractor eccentricity was small and these
      specific effects developed over time such that there was a clear differentiation
      between saccadic deviation based on apparent motion for long-latency saccades,
      but not short-latency saccades. The present results suggest that the influence on
      performance of apparent motion stimuli is relatively delayed and acts in a more
      sustained manner compared to the influence of salient static, flickering and
      continuous moving stimuli.

PMID- 27683005
TI  - Responses to affective pictures depicting humans: late positive potential reveals
      a sex-related effect in processing that is not present in subjective ratings.
AB  - We examined sex-related effects in the amplitudes of the late positive potential
      (LPP), an event-related potential elicited by the presentation of emotional
      stimuli. Sixteen females and 18 males viewed emotional pictures to perform a
      visual detection task. In female participants, viewing unpleasant pictures
      elicited larger LPP (550-900 ms) when the pictures contained humans (human
      pictures) than when they did not contain humans (non-human pictures). For male
      participants, the results were reversed, with smaller LPP for unpleasant human
      pictures. Subjective ratings of valence in both female and male participants
      showed that unpleasant human pictures were evaluated less negatively than
      unpleasant non-human pictures. The results indicate that greater LPP amplitude
      for human than for non-human pictures occurred in females irrespective of
      subjective evaluations. This suggests that relatively robust processes in females
      cause sex-related effects in sensitivity to human pictures.

PMID- 27683008
TI  - Appendicitis caused by the metastasis of HER2-positive breast cancer.
AB  - The appropriate therapy for metastatic breast cancer must be selected based on
      the immunohistochemical phenotype of the cancer. However, biopsy for metastatic
      lesions is difficult. We herein report a patient with incidental appendicitis
      caused by a metastatic breast cancer which was successfully treated with
      effective therapy chosen based on the pathological diagnosis obtained on
      resection. The patient was a 56-year-old female with right breast cancer and an
      immunohistochemical status of estrogen receptor (ER) (+), progesterone receptor
      (PgR) (+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) (3+), and Ki67 40 %.
      She received epirubicin and cyclophosphamide therapy followed by docetaxel and
      trastuzumab, and total mastectomy with axillary dissection was performed.
      Thereafter, she received postmastectomy radiation, adjuvant trastuzumab, and
      adjuvant hormone therapy with letrozole. One year and 8 months after the
      operation, she developed right hydronephrosis and swollen para-aortic lymph nodes
      and her hormone therapy was changed to fulvestrant therapy. However, she
      additionally developed left hydronephrosis and multiple bone metastases, and
      pertuzumab, trastuzumab, and docetaxel therapy was started. After six cycles, her
      disease became well-controlled, and maintenance with pertuzumab and trastuzumab
      was introduced. However, after another 7 months, she developed new vertebral
      metastasis and acute appendicitis and laparoscopic appendectomy was performed. A
      pathological investigation of the resected appendix revealed some clusters of
      atypical cells in the subserosa and muscle layer, which showed an
      immunohistochemical status of ER (+), PgR (-), HER2 (3+), and E-cadherin (-).
      These findings led to the diagnosis as appendiceal metastasis of invasive lobular
      carcinoma (ILC) from the breast. Thereafter, she received trastuzumab-DM1 and her
      disease was well-controlled again. Appendicitis caused by breast cancer is very
      rare. However, ILC sometimes develops metastases in the abdominal cavity; an
      appendiceal tumor should therefore be included in the differential diagnosis. A
      pathological diagnosis of metastatic tumor could be very useful for selecting the
      effective therapy. 

PMID- 27683007
TI  - Peroxynitrite formed during a transient episode of brain ischaemia increases
      endothelium-derived hyperpolarization-type dilations in thromboxane/prostaglandin
      receptor-stimulated rat cerebral arteries.
AB  - AIM: Increased thromboxane A2 and peroxynitrite are hallmarks of cerebral
      ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R). Stimulation of thromboxane/prostaglandin receptors
      (TP) attenuates endothelium-derived hyperpolarization (EDH). We investigated
      whether EDH-type middle cerebral artery (MCA) relaxations following TP
      stimulation are altered after I/R and the influence of peroxynitrite. METHODS:
      Vascular function was determined by wire myography after TP stimulation with the
      thromboxane A2 mimetic 9,11-dideoxy-9alpha, 11alpha -methano-epoxy prostaglandin
      F2alpha (U46619) in MCA of Sprague Dawley rats subjected to MCA occlusion (90
      min)/reperfusion (24 h) or sham operation, and in non-operated (control) rats.
      Some rats were treated with saline or the peroxynitrite decomposition catalyst
      5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrinato iron (III) (20 mg kg-1 ).
      Protein expression was evaluated in MCA and in human microvascular endothelial
      cells submitted to hypoxia (overnight)/reoxygenation (24 h) (H/R) using
      immunofluorescence and immunoblotting. RESULTS: In U46619-pre-constricted MCA,
      EDH-type relaxation by the proteinase-activated receptor 2 agonist serine-leucine
      isoleucine-glycine-arginine-leucine-NH2 (SLIGRL) was greater in I/R than sham
      rats due to an increased contribution of small-conductance calcium-activated
      potassium channels (SKCa ), which was confirmed by the enlarged relaxation to the
      SKCa activator N-cyclohexyl-N-2-(3,5-dimethyl-pyrazol-1-yl)-6-methyl-4
      pyrimidinamine. I/R and H/R induced endothelial protein tyrosine nitration and
      filamentous-actin disruption. In control MCA, either cytochalasin D or
      peroxynitrite disrupted endothelial filamentous-actin and augmented EDH-type
      relaxation. Furthermore, peroxynitrite decomposition during I/R prevented the
      increase in EDH-type responses. CONCLUSION: Following TP stimulation in MCA, EDH
      type relaxation to SLIGRL is greater after I/R due to endothelial filamentous
      actin disruption by peroxynitrite, which prevents TP-induced block of SKCa input
      to EDH. These results reveal a novel mechanism whereby peroxynitrite could
      promote post-ischaemic brain injury.

PMID- 27683006
TI  - Mapping the visual brain areas susceptible to phosphene induction through brain
      stimulation.
AB  - Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation
      technique whose effects on neural activity can be uncertain. Within the visual
      cortex, phosphenes are a useful marker of TMS: They indicate the induction of
      neural activation that propagates and creates a conscious percept. However, we
      currently do not know how susceptible different areas of the visual cortex are to
      TMS-induced phosphenes. In this study, we systematically map out locations in the
      visual cortex where stimulation triggered phosphenes. We relate this to the
      retinotopic organization and the location of object- and motion-selective areas,
      identified by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) measurements. Our
      results show that TMS can reliably induce phosphenes in early (V1, V2d, and V2v)
      and dorsal (V3d and V3a) visual areas close to the interhemispheric cleft.
      However, phosphenes are less likely in more lateral locations (hMT+/V5 and LOC).
      This suggests that early and dorsal visual areas are particularly amenable to TMS
      and that TMS can be used to probe the functional role of these areas.

PMID- 27683009
TI  - Non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis in the right atrium caused by pectus
      excavatum.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE) is an uncommon
      pathological situation, which involves the presence of bland, fibrin-platelet
      thrombi. It usually occurs at the endocardium of cardiac valves, in association
      with endothelial injury and a hypercoagulative state. However, NBTE on the
      endocardium at the right atrial free wall in a patient without any apparent
      hypercoagulative background is rarely reported. CASE PRESENTATION: A girl aged 4
      years with severe pectus excavatum was referred to our hospital for treatment of
      a recurrent right atrial tumor. The tumor was removed concomitant with pectus
      excavatum repair. The tumor was revealed as recurrent thrombus. Pathological
      findings showed that NBTE caused by an operative scar on the endocardium of the
      right atrium and sustained rheological stress in the right atrium due to
      compression from pectus excavatum lead to recurrent thrombus formation. Three
      years after the discontinuation of anticoagulation therapy, no sign of thrombus
      formation was found. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first report of
      NBTE related to an interaction between sustained rheological stress from cardiac
      compression and endocardial injury. In such patients, we recommend concomitant
      chest wall repair when the operative scar is present at the site of the
      rheological force.

PMID- 27683010
TI  - The effects of a genome-wide supported variant in the CACNA1C gene on cortical
      morphology in schizophrenia patients and healthy subjects.
AB  - Schizophrenia is a highly heritable disorder with multiple susceptibility genes.
      Previously, we identified CACNA1C rs2007044 as a new risk locus for
      schizophrenia, with the minor allele G as risk allele. This association was
      recently validated by a powerful genome-wide association study. However, the
      underlying neural mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, we tested whether the
      risk allele has an influence on cortical surface area and thickness in a sample
      of schizophrenia patients and healthy controls. We found significant genotype by
      diagnosis interactions on cortical surface area, but not thickness, in the right
      dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the left superior parietal cortex, both of
      which are key components of the central executive network. Moreover, the surface
      areas of both regions were inversely correlated with PANSS negative scores in AA
      homogeneous patients but not in G-carriers. This is the first study to describe
      the influence of the new genome-wide supported schizophrenia risk variant on
      cortical morphology. Our data revealed a significant genetic effect of cortical
      surface area in pivotal brain regions, which have been implicated in the
      pathophysiology of schizophrenia, possibly via their involvement in cognitive
      functions. These results yield new insights into the potential neural mechanisms
      linking CACNA1C to the risk of schizophrenia.

PMID- 27683011
TI  - Compliance, illiteracy and low-protein diet: multiple challenges in CKD and a
      case of self-empowerment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Low-protein diets (LPD) are an important means of delaying the need
      for dialysis and attaining a stable metabolic balance in chronic kidney disease
      (CKD). Many authors consider a low educational level and illiteracy to be adverse
      features for a good dietary compliance. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of
      a 77-year old woman, illiterate, affected by advanced CKD (stage 4 according to
      KDIGO guidelines). She was initially ashamed of her problem and did not declare
      it, leading to an overzealous reduction in protein intake. However, with her
      daughter's help, who translated the dietary prescription into images, she
      overcame the barrier represented by illiteracy and was able to correctly follow
      the prescriptions, attaining good kidney function stability and preserving an
      adequate nutritional status. CONCLUSIONS: The case underlines the importance of a
      personalized approach to dietary prescriptions and suggests that it is possible
      to achieve a good compliance to the dietary treatment of CKD also in patients
      with relevant cultural barriers.

PMID- 27683012
TI  - Molecular Basis for Inhibition of the Na+/Citrate Transporter NaCT (SLC13A5) by
      Dicarboxylate Inhibitors.
AB  - The Na+/citrate transporter, NaCT (SLC13A5), is a therapeutic target for
      metabolic diseases. Citrate is an important signaling molecule that regulates the
      activity of lipid- and glucose-metabolizing enzymes in cells. Previous studies
      identified two compounds, PF-06649298 (compound 2: ) and PF-06678419 (compound 4:
      ), that inhibit human NaCT with high affinity, and one of the compounds
      demonstrated specificity relative to other SLC13 family members. Here we use
      molecular modeling and site-directed mutagenesis of hNaCT followed by transport
      characterization and cell-surface biotinylation to examine the residues involved
      in inhibitor binding and transport. The results indicate that residues located
      near the putative citrate binding site, G228, V231, V232, and G409, affect both
      citrate transport and inhibition of citrate uptake by compounds 2: and 4: V231
      appears to distinguish between compounds 2: and 4: as inhibitors. Furthermore,
      residues located outside of the putative citrate binding site, Q77 and T86, may
      also play a role in NaCT inhibition by compounds 2: and 4: Our results provide
      new insight into the mechanism of transport and inhibition in NaCT and the SLC13
      family. These findings should provide a basis for future drug design of SLC13
      inhibitors.

PMID- 27683013
TI  - Role of the Second Extracellular Loop of the Adenosine A1 Receptor on Allosteric
      Modulator Binding, Signaling, and Cooperativity.
AB  - Allosteric modulation of adenosine A1 receptors (A1ARs) offers a novel
      therapeutic approach for the treatment of numerous central and peripheral
      disorders; however, despite decades of research, there is a relative paucity of
      structural information regarding the A1AR allosteric site and mechanisms
      governing cooperativity with orthosteric ligands. We combined alanine-scanning
      mutagenesis of the A1AR second extracellular loop (ECL2) with radioligand binding
      and functional interaction assays to quantify effects on allosteric ligand
      affinity, cooperativity, and efficacy. Docking and molecular dynamics (MD)
      simulations were performed using an A1AR homology model based on an agonist-bound
      A2AAR structure. Substitution of E172ECL2 for alanine reduced the affinity of the
      allosteric modulators PD81723 and VCP171 for the unoccupied A1AR. Residues
      involved in cooperativity with the orthosteric agonist NECA were different in
      PD81723 and VCP171; positive cooperativity between PD81723 and NECA was reduced
      on alanine substitution of a number of ECL2 residues, including E170ECL2 and
      K173ECL2, whereas mutation of W146ECL2 and W156ECL2 decreased VCP171
      cooperativity with NECA. Molecular modeling localized a likely allosteric pocket
      for both modulators to an extracellular vestibule that overlaps with a region
      used by orthosteric ligands as they transit into the canonical A1AR orthosteric
      site. MD simulations confirmed a key interaction between E172ECL2 and both
      modulators. Bound PD81723 is flanked by another residue, E170ECL2, which forms
      hydrogen bonds with adjacent K168ECL2 and K173ECL2. Collectively, our data
      suggest E172ECL2 is a key allosteric ligand-binding determinant, whereas hydrogen
      bonding networks within the extracellular vestibule may facilitate the
      transmission of cooperativity between orthosteric and allosteric sites.

PMID- 27683014
TI  - Extracellular Loop 2 of the Adenosine A1 Receptor Has a Key Role in Orthosteric
      Ligand Affinity and Agonist Efficacy.
AB  - The adenosine A1 G protein-coupled receptor (A1AR) is an important therapeutic
      target implicated in a wide range of cardiovascular and neuronal disorders.
      Although it is well established that the A1AR orthosteric site is located within
      the receptor's transmembrane (TM) bundle, prior studies have implicated
      extracellular loop 2 (ECL2) as having a significant role in contributing to
      orthosteric ligand affinity and signaling for various G protein-coupled receptors
      (GPCRs). We thus performed extensive alanine scanning mutagenesis of A1AR-ECL2 to
      explore the role of this domain on A1AR orthosteric ligand pharmacology. Using
      quantitative analytical approaches and molecular modeling, we identified ECL2
      residues that interact either directly or indirectly with orthosteric agonists
      and antagonists. Discrete mutations proximal to a conserved ECL2-TM3 disulfide
      bond selectively affected orthosteric ligand affinity, whereas a cluster of five
      residues near the TM4-ECL2 juncture influenced orthosteric agonist efficacy. A
      combination of ligand docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and mutagenesis
      results suggested that the orthosteric agonist 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine
      binds transiently to an extracellular vestibule formed by ECL2 and the top of TM5
      and TM7, prior to entry into the canonical TM bundle orthosteric site.
      Collectively, this study highlights a key role for ECL2 in A1AR orthosteric
      ligand binding and receptor activation.

PMID- 27683016
TI  - Spatial Prediction and Optimized Sampling Design for Sodium Concentration in
      Groundwater.
AB  - Sodium is an integral part of water, and its excessive amount in drinking water
      causes high blood pressure and hypertension. In the present paper, spatial
      distribution of sodium concentration in drinking water is modeled and optimized
      sampling designs for selecting sampling locations is calculated for three
      divisions in Punjab, Pakistan. Universal kriging and Bayesian universal kriging
      are used to predict the sodium concentrations. Spatial simulated annealing is
      used to generate optimized sampling designs. Different estimation methods (i.e.,
      maximum likelihood, restricted maximum likelihood, ordinary least squares, and
      weighted least squares) are used to estimate the parameters of the variogram
      model (i.e, exponential, Gaussian, spherical and cubic). It is concluded that
      Bayesian universal kriging fits better than universal kriging. It is also
      observed that the universal kriging predictor provides minimum mean universal
      kriging variance for both adding and deleting locations during sampling design.

PMID- 27683015
TI  - Income and Technology as Drivers of Australian Healthcare Expenditures.
AB  - The roles of income and technology as the major determinants of aggregate
      healthcare expenditure (HEXP) continue to interest economists and health policy
      researchers. Concepts and measures of medical technologies remain complex;
      however, income (on the demand side) and technology (on the supply side) are
      important drivers of HEXP. This paper presents analysis of Australia's HEXP,
      using time-series econometrics modeling techniques applied to 1971-2011 annual
      aggregate data. Our work fills two important gaps in the literature. First, we
      model the determinants of Australia's HEXP using the latest and longest available
      data series. Second, this novel study investigates several alternative technology
      proxies (input and output measures), including economy-wide research and
      development expenditures, hospital research expenditures, mortality rate, and two
      technology indexes based on medical devices. We then apply the residual component
      method and the technology proxy approach to quantify the technology effects on
      HEXP. Our empirical results suggest that Australian aggregate healthcare is a
      normal good and a technical necessity with the income elasticity estimates
      ranging from 0.51 to 0.97, depending on the model. The estimated technology
      effects on HEXP falling in the 0.30-0.35 range and mimicking those in the
      literature using the US data, reinforce the global spread of healthcare
      technology. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27683017
TI  - Black veins: a case of minocycline-induced pigmentation post-sclerotherapy and a
      review of literature.
AB  - Minocycline-induced pigmentation (MIP) is an uncommon but well-described adverse
      effect of oral minocycline treatment. MIP is clinically and histopathologically
      distinct from post-sclerotherapy pigmentation. We report a case of a patient
      presenting with blackened skin overlying veins recently treated with endovenous
      laser and foam sclerotherapy. The patient was a 44-year-old male with systemic
      sclerosis who commenced minocycline for the treatment of rosacea 5 months prior.
      Histological examination of the discolored tissue and underlying vein revealed
      hemosiderin deposition in the dermis and pigmented macrophages within the sub
      endothelial layer of the vein wall with a staining pattern consistent with MIP.
      Venous tissue has not previously been reported in the literature as a target of
      minocycline pigmentation. Our patient preferred to control his rosacea by
      continuing to take minocycline. Follow-up ultrasound examinations revealed the
      treated vessels to be fully occluded with no evidence of recanalization, residual
      flow or ongoing thrombophlebitis. Despite a good sclerotherapy outcome, the
      pigmentation did not subside over 2 years. This case demonstrates that oral
      minocycline may induce significant and potentially long-term pigmentation in
      predisposed patients undergoing sclerotherapy.

PMID- 27683018
TI  - Feasibility and Acceptability of Smartphone Assessment in Older Adults with
      Cognitive and Emotional Difficulties.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) has several advantages in
      clinical research yet little is known about the feasibility of collecting EMA
      data with mobile technologies in older adults, particularly those with emotional
      or cognitive difficulties. The aim of this feasibility study was to assess
      perceived acceptability, adherence rates, and reasons for non-adherence to
      smartphone-based EMA. METHOD: At two sites, participants (n=103) aged 65 years or
      older with a DSM-IV-defined anxiety or depressive disorder and cognitive concerns
      responded three times daily to smartphone-based EMA questions assessing clinical
      outcomes for two 10-day periods. Quantitative and qualitative measures assessed
      acceptability, adherence, and reasons for non-adherence following both 10-day EMA
      periods. RESULTS: Participants were moderately satisfied with and comfortable
      using smartphone-based EMA. Overall, 76% of participants completed surveys on
      >=10 of the 20 assessment days, and 70% of participants completed at least 30% of
      the total surveys. Reasons for non-adherence included technical (malfunction),
      logistical (competing demands), physiological (hearing difficulties), and
      cognitive (forgetting) issues. DISCUSSION: Smartphone-based EMA is feasible in
      older adults with cognitive and emotional difficulties. EMA tools should be
      responsive to the needs and preferences of participants to ensure adequate
      acceptability and adherence in this population. Our findings can inform the
      design, development, and implementation of mobile technologies in older adults in
      research and clinical contexts.

PMID- 27683020
TI  - The Impact of Case Finding on the Recruitment Yield for COPD Research in Primary
      Care: An Observational Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recruiting patients for research in primary care is difficult with
      diseases that tend to remain underdiagnosed, such as chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease (COPD). Researchers may consider introducing case finding into
      patient recruitment, but the impact on recruitment yield is largely unknown.
      OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of case finding on recruitment yield and
      population characteristics in primary care-based COPD research. METHODS: For a
      cluster randomized controlled trial of COPD in primary care, an opportunistic
      case finding strategy was introduced into patient recruitment, in addition to
      recruiting patients with previously diagnosed COPD. The recruitment process and
      performance of the primary care physicians (PCPs) were analysed. The numbers and
      characteristics of patients identified by case finding were compared with those
      of patients with previously diagnosed COPD. RESULTS: Thirty-five PCPs approached
      398 patients and successfully recruited 216 patients during 1 year. The mean
      number of patients recruited was 6.3 (range 0-16) per PCP. Case finding
      contributed 71 patients (32.9%) with significantly milder disease, with FEV1 %
      predicted +16.7 (95% CI: +11.3 to +22.0), a COPD Assessment Test difference of -4
      points (95% CI: -2 to -6; p < 0.001), and fewer exacerbations resulting in a
      higher rate of GOLD class A (85.9 vs. 45.5%; p < 0.001). The smoking rate was
      significantly higher among patients with newly diagnosed COPD (70.4 vs. 48.6%; p
      = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Case finding increased the number of patients recruited by
      50%. The COPD patients identified by case finding differed importantly from those
      with previously diagnosed COPD. Researchers should be aware of COPD
      underdiagnosis and the potential impact of case finding during patient
      recruitment.

PMID- 27683019
TI  - A new look at nursing home residents' depressive symptoms: the role of basic
      versus expanded everyday competence.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Depressive symptoms are highly prevalent in nursing home (NH)
      residents. The relationship between depressive symptoms and everyday competence
      in terms of basic (BaCo) and expanded everyday competence (ExCo; see Baltes et
      al., 2001) in the NH setting is, however, not clear. Applying Lewinsohn's
      depression model, we examined how residents' BaCo and ExCo relate to their
      depressive symptoms. Furthermore, we investigated the mediating role of perceived
      control. METHODS: Cross-sectional data from 196 residents (M age = 83.7 years, SD
      = 9.4 years) of two German NHs were analyzed. Study variables were assessed by
      the Geriatric Depression Scale-Residential (GDS-12R), maximal gait speed (BaCo),
      proxy ratings of residents' in-home activity participation, and self-initiated
      social contact done by staff (ExCo). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used
      and a simulation study was included to determine power and potential estimation
      bias. RESULTS: At the descriptive level, one quarter of the residents showed
      symptoms of depression according to the GDS-12R cut-off criterion. Residents'
      BaCo and ExCo were independently and equally strongly associated with their
      depressive symptoms in the SEM analysis. These findings were affected neither by
      cognitive impairment, sex, nor age. Perceived control mediated between BaCo but
      not ExCo and depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION: Future research needs to follow the
      connection between residents' everyday competence and their depressive symptoms
      longitudinally to better understand the underlying mechanisms.

PMID- 27683021
TI  - Intervention for Diabetes with Education, Advancement and Support (IDEAS) study:
      protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The high market penetration of mobile phones has triggered an
      opportunity to combine mobile technology with health care to overcome challenges
      in today's health care setting. Although Malaysia has a high Internet and mobile
      penetration rate, evaluations of the efficacy of incorporating this technology in
      diabetes care is not common. We report the development of a telemonitoring
      coaching system, using the United Kingdom (UK) Medical Research Council (MRC)
      framework, for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: The Intervention
      for Diabetes with Education, Technological Advancement and Support (IDEAS) study
      is a telemonitoring programme based on an empowerment philosophy to enable
      participants to be responsible for their own health decision and behaviour. An
      iterative cycle of development, piloting, and collating qualitative and
      quantitative data will be used to inform and refine the intervention. To increase
      compliance, the intervention will be designed to encourage self-management using
      simple, non-technical knowledge. The primary outcomes will be HbA1c, blood
      pressure, total cholesterol, and quality of life and diabetes self-efficacy. In
      addition, an economic analysis on health service utilisation will be collected.
      DISCUSSION: The mixed-method approach in this study will allow for a holistic
      overview of using telemonitoring in diabetes care. This design enables
      researchers to understand the effectiveness of telemonitoring as well as provide
      insights towards the receptiveness of incorporating information technology
      amongst type 2 diabetes patients in a community setting. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02466880 Registered 2 June 2015.

PMID- 27683022
TI  - Screening mammography: sparing the emperor's blushes.
AB  - Differing interpretations about evidence on benefits and harms of screening
      mammography has led to conflicting recommendations among different jurisdictions
      that range from intensive screening starting at age 40 to no screening at all.
      Despite broad attention of scientific and nonscientific media, evidence suggests
      substantial discrepancy between real and perceived benefits of screening
      mammography among women. In this commentary, underlying concept of mammographic
      screening, limitations in primary evidence, results from secondary evidence, and
      existing misunderstandings are underscored with a critical gaze at available
      information.

PMID- 27683023
TI  - Impact of hospital volume on risk-adjusted mortality following oesophagectomy in
      Japan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported that patients undergoing
      oesophagectomy in high-volume hospitals experience lower mortality rates.
      However, there has been ongoing discussion regarding the validity of evidence for
      this association. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship
      between hospital volume and risk-adjusted mortality following oesophagectomy in
      Japan, using a nationwide web-based database. METHODS: The study included
      patients registered in the database as having undergone oesophagectomy with
      reconstruction between 2011 and 2013. Outcome measures were 30-day and operative
      mortality rates. Logistic regression analysis was used to adjust for hospital
      volume, surgeon volume and risk factors for mortality after oesophagectomy.
      RESULTS: A total of 16 556 oesophagectomies at 988 hospitals were included; the
      overall unadjusted 30-day and operative mortality rates were 1.1 and 3.0 per cent
      respectively. The unadjusted operative mortality rate in hospitals performing
      fewer than ten procedures per year (5.1 per cent) was more than three times
      higher than that in hospitals conducting 30 or more procedures annually (1.5 per
      cent). Multivariable models indicated that hospital volume had a significant
      effect on 30-day (odds ratio 0.88 per 10-patient increase; P = 0.012) and
      operative (odds ratio 0.86 per 10-patient increase; P < 0.001) mortality.
      CONCLUSION: In Japan, high-volume hospitals had lower risk-adjusted 30-day and
      operative mortality rates following oesophagectomy compared with low-volume
      hospitals.

PMID- 27683024
TI  - Accumulation of Metals in Juvenile Carp (Cyprinus carpio) Exposed to Sublethal
      Levels of Iron and Manganese: Survival, Body Weight and Tissue.
AB  - Many oxbows are contaminated by Fe and Mn as a consequence of the elemental
      concentration of sediment and water originating from the Upper Tisza Region of
      Hungary. The phenomenon is partly caused by anthropogenic activities and mainly
      due to the geochemical characteristics of the region. The effects of Fe and Mn on
      the aquatic ecosystem of these wetlands were investigated in a model experiments
      in this study. Survival, individual body weight and the elemental concentrations
      of organs were determined in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) juveniles reared in Fe
      and Mn contaminated media (treatment 1: Fe 0.57 mg L-1, Mn 0.29 mg L-1, treatment
      2: Fe 0.57 mg L-1, Mn 0.625 mg L-1, treatment 3: Fe 1.50 mg L-1, Mn 0.29 mg L-1,
      treatment 4: Fe 1.50 mg L-1, Mn 0.625 mg L-1 and control: Fe 0.005 mg L-1, Mn
      0.003 mg L-1), for rearing time of 49 days. The treatment with Fe and Mn did not
      have any effect on the survival data and individual body weight in the levels
      tested. The highest concentration of Fe and Mn was found in the liver and brain
      of carp juveniles, while the lowest concentration of these elements occurred in
      the muscular tissue and gills. The treatment where Fe and Mn were applied in the
      highest concentrations resulted in a statistically higher level of these elements
      in the brain, grills and muscle tissues. The treatment where only Mn was present
      in the highest concentration caused increased level of Mn only in the liver. We
      found metal accumulation in almost every organ; however, the applied
      concentrations and exposure time did not affect the survival and average body
      weight of carp juveniles.

PMID- 27683025
TI  - Control of seizures by ketogenic diet-induced modulation of metabolic pathways.
AB  - Epilepsy is too complex to be considered as a disease; it is more of a syndrome,
      characterized by seizures, which can be caused by a diverse array of afflictions.
      As such, drug interventions that target a single biological pathway will only
      help the specific individuals where that drug's mechanism of action is relevant
      to their disorder. Most likely, this will not alleviate all forms of epilepsy nor
      the potential biological pathways causing the seizures, such as glucose/amino
      acid transport, mitochondrial dysfunction, or neuronal myelination. Considering
      our current inability to test every individual effectively for the true causes of
      their epilepsy and the alarming number of misdiagnoses observed, we propose the
      use of the ketogenic diet (KD) as an effective and efficient preliminary/long
      term treatment. The KD mimics fasting by altering substrate metabolism from
      carbohydrates to fatty acids and ketone bodies (KBs). Here, we underscore the
      need to understand the underlying cellular mechanisms governing the KD's
      modulation of various forms of epilepsy and how a diverse array of metabolites
      including soluble fibers, specific fatty acids, and functional amino acids (e.g.,
      leucine, D-serine, glycine, arginine metabolites, and N-acetyl-cysteine) may
      potentially enhance the KD's ability to treat and reverse, not mask, these
      neurological disorders that lead to epilepsy.

PMID- 27683027
TI  - Mobile real-time surveillance of Zika virus in Brazil.
AB  - The World Health Organization has declared Zika virus an international public
      health emergency. Knowledge of Zika virus genomic epidemiology is currently
      limited due to challenges in obtaining and processing samples for sequencing. The
      ZiBRA project is a United Kingdom-Brazil collaboration that aims to improve this
      situation using new sequencing technologies.

PMID- 27683026
TI  - [Childhood absence epilepsy: An update].
AB  - Childhood absence epilepsy (CAE) is a common pediatric epilepsy syndrome
      accounting for 10% of all pediatric epilepsies. The aim of this review is to
      provide an updated overview of this epilepsy syndrome to pediatricians. Most of
      the patients can be initially managed in private practice or in general pediatric
      settings. Absence seizures are the only seizure type observed at the time of
      diagnosis in these patients. An electroencephalogram recording and a clinical
      evaluation lead to the diagnosis. The underlying mechanisms are not yet fully
      understood. CAE is considered a self-limited epilepsy syndrome since most of the
      patients will become seizure free. Only a few patients (5-10%) have resistant
      CAE. However, CAE, as well as any pediatric epilepsy syndrome, should not be
      considered a "benign" epilepsy. Attention deficit is observed in about one third
      of the patients. There is also an increased risk of academic difficulties related
      to specific cognitive disorders. Therefore, the early detection of children at
      risk of developing neuropsychological problems can be helpful for preventing
      school underachievement and poor psychosocial outcome. Recently, several studies
      including a large randomized controlled trial indicated that ethosuximide should
      be considered as a first-line treatment and valproate as a second-line treatment.
      Cognitive side effects should be an important factor in the selection of the
      antiepileptic drug and should be specifically assessed during the follow-up. This
      review concludes by discussing the criteria that might lead to referring the
      patient to a specialist.

PMID- 27683028
TI  - Disseminated lung cancer presenting as a rectal mass.
AB  - Primary lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, and
      approximately 50% had metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis. A rectal mass
      and unintended weight loss are common manifestations of rectal cancer. Our case
      presented with a rectal mass, but workup revealed a metastatic lesion from lung
      cancer. Lung cancer metastases to the lower gastrointestinal tract imply reduced
      survival compared with the already poor mean survival of stage IV lung cancer.
      Despite relevant therapy, the patient died 5 months after referral. 

PMID- 27683029
TI  - Transplantation of mature adipocyte-derived dedifferentiated fat cells for the
      treatment of vesicoureteral reflux in a rat model.
AB  - PURPOSE: Autologous cells potentially provide an ideal injectable substance for
      management in vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). The aim of this study is to examine
      the effects of mature adipocyte-derived dedifferentiated fat (DFAT) cell
      transplantation on VUR in a rat bladder pressurization-induced VUR model.
      METHODS: To create VUR, Sprague-Dawley rats underwent urethral clamping and
      placement of cystostomy followed by intravesical pressurization. Rat DFAT cells
      (1 * 106 cells, DFAT group, n = 5) or saline (control group, n = 5) was then
      injected into the bilateral vesicoureteral junctions. Two weeks later, VUR grade
      was evaluated on cystography. The number of apoptotic cells in the renal pelvic
      urothelium, the ureteral inner/outer diameter ratio and the area of connective
      tissue in the posterior bladder wall were measured. RESULTS: The reflux grade in
      the DFAT group was significantly lower than that in the control group. The number
      of apoptotic cells in the renal pelvic urothelium, ureteral inner/outer diameter
      ratio and connective tissue area in DFAT group were significantly lower in
      comparison with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: DFAT cell transplantation
      improved VUR and exerted nephroprotective effects in a rat VUR model.

PMID- 27683030
TI  - MicroRNA regulatory pathway analysis identifies miR-142-5p as a negative
      regulator of TGF-beta pathway via targeting SMAD3.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNAs with functions of posttranscriptional
      regulation. The abnormally expressed miRNAs have been shown to be crucial
      contributors and may serve as biomarkers in many diseases. However, determining
      the biological function of miRNAs is an ongoing challenge. By combining miRNA
      targets prediction, miRNA and mRNA expression profiles in TCGA cancers, and
      pathway data, we performed a miRNA-pathway regulation inference by Fisher's exact
      test for enrichment analysis. Then we constructed a database to show the cancer
      related miRNA-pathway regulatory network
      (http://bioinfo.life.hust.edu.cn/miR_path). As one of the miRNAs targeting many
      cancer related pathways, miR-142-5p potentially regulates the maximum number of
      genes in TGF-beta signaling pathway. We experimentally confirmed that miR-142-5p
      directly targeted and suppressed SMAD3, a key component in TGF-beta signaling.
      Ectopic overexpression of miR-142-5p significantly promoted tumor cell
      proliferation and inhibited apoptosis, while silencing of miR-142-5p inhibited
      the tumor cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis in vitro. These findings
      indicate that miR-142-5p plays as a negative regulator in TGF-beta pathway by
      targeting SMAD3 and suppresses TGF-beta-induced growth inhibition in cancer
      cells. Our study proved the feasibility of miRNA regulatory pathway analysis and
      shed light on combining bioinformatics with experiments in the research of
      complex diseases.

PMID- 27683033
TI  - A novel co-drug of aspirin and ursolic acid interrupts adhesion, invasion and
      migration of cancer cells to vascular endothelium via regulating EMT and EGFR
      mediated signaling pathways: multiple targets for cancer metastasis prevention
      and treatment.
AB  - Metastasis currently remains the predominant cause of breast carcinoma treatment
      failure. The effective targeting of metastasis-related-pathways in cancer holds
      promise for a new generation of therapeutics. In this study, we developed an
      novel Asp-UA conjugate, which was composed of classical "old drug" aspirin and
      low toxicity natural product ursolic acid for targeting breast cancer metastasis.
      Our results showed that Asp-UA could attenuate the adhesion, migration and
      invasion of breast cancer MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells in a more safe and effective
      manner in vitro. Molecular and cellular study demonstrated that Asp-UA
      significantly down-regulated the expression of cell adhesion and invasion
      molecules including integrin alpha6beta1, CD44 ,MMP-2, MMP-9, COX-2, EGFR and ERK
      proteins, and up-regulated the epithelial markers "E-cadherin" and "beta
      catenin", and PTEN proteins. Furthermore, Asp-UA (80 mg/kg) reduced lung
      metastasis in a 4T1 murine breast cancer metastasis model more efficiently, which
      was associated with a decrease in the expression of CD44. More importantly, we
      did not detect side effects with Asp-UA in mice such as weight loss and main
      viscera tissues toxicity. Overall, our research suggested that co-drug Asp-UA
      possessed potential metastasis chemoprevention abilities via influencing EMT and
      EGFR-mediated pathways and could be a more promising drug candidate for the
      prevention and/or treatment of breast cancer metastasis.

PMID- 27683031
TI  - The efficacy and safety of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies for treatment of advanced
      or refractory cancers: a meta-analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To systematically evaluate the overall efficacy and safety of current
      anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies for treatment of patients with advanced or refractory
      cancer. RESULTS: Fifty-one trials including 6,800 patients were included. The
      overall response rates for melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and
      renal cell carcinoma (RCC) were 29% (95% CI: 1.53-2.41), 21% (95% CI: 17%-25%)
      and 21% (95% CI: 16%-27%) respectively. While the overall adverse effects rate
      for melanoma, NSCLC, RCC were 16% (95% CI: 6%-28%), 11% (95% CI: 8%-14%) and 20%
      (95% CI: 11%-32%) respectively. Tumor PD-L1 expression and patient smoking status
      might serve as biomarkers to predict response of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibody
      treatment. Compared to tumors with negative PD-L1 expression, tumors with
      positive PD-L1 expression had a significantly higher clinical response rate
      (41.4% versus 26.5%) with RR = 1.92 (95% CI: 1.53-2.41, P < 0.001). Smoker
      patients also showed a significantly higher response rate (33.7%) than patients
      who never smoked (4.2%) with RR = 6.02 (95% CI: 1.22-29.75, P = 0.028). Nivolumab
      and Pembrolizumab were associated with significantly increased response rate (RR
      = 2.89, 95% CI: 2.46-3.40, P < 0.001), reduced death risk (HR= 0.53; 95% CI: 0.48
      0.57; P < 0.001), and decreased adverse effect rate (RR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.30
      0.80, P = 0.004) compared with other therapies. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Clinical
      trials reporting response or safety of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies for advanced or
      refractory cancer patients published before January 31th 2016 were searched in
      PubMed and EMBASE database. Meta-analyses using random effects models were used
      to calculate the overall estimate. CONCLUSIONS: Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies have
      high response rates and low adverse effect rates for advanced or refractory
      cancers.

PMID- 27683034
TI  - Intraglomerular crosstalk elaborately regulates podocyte injury and repair in
      diabetic patients: insights from a 3D multiscale modeling study.
AB  - Podocytes are mainly involved in the regulation of glomerular filtration rate
      (GFR) under physiological condition. Podocyte depletion is a crucial pathological
      alteration in diabetic nephropathy (DN) and results in a broad spectrum of
      clinical syndromes such as protein urine and renal insufficiency. Recent studies
      indicate that depleted podocytes can be regenerated via differentiation of the
      parietal epithelial cells (PECs), which serve as the local progenitors of
      podocytes. However, the podocyte regeneration process is regulated by a
      complicated mechanism of cell-cell interactions and cytokine stimulations, which
      has been studied in a piecemeal manner rather than systematically. To address
      this gap, we developed a high-resolution multi-scale multi-agent mathematical
      model in 3D, mimicking the in situ glomerulus anatomical structure and micro
      environment, to simulate the podocyte regeneration process under various cytokine
      perturbations in healthy and diabetic conditions. Our model showed that,
      treatment with pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF) or insulin-like growth
      factor-1 (IGF-1) alone merely ameliorated the glomerulus injury, while co
      treatment with both cytokines replenished the damaged podocyte population
      gradually. In addition, our model suggested that continuous administration of
      PEDF instead of a bolus injection sustained the regeneration process of
      podocytes. Part of the results has been validated by our in vivo experiments.
      These results indicated that amelioration of the glomerular stress by PEDF and
      promotion of PEC differentiation by IGF-1 are equivalently critical for podocyte
      regeneration. Our 3D multi-scale model represents a powerful tool for
      understanding the signaling regulation and guiding the design of cytokine
      therapies in promoting podocyte regeneration.

PMID- 27683032
TI  - The role of SH3GL3 in myeloma cell migration/invasion, stemness and chemo
      resistance.
AB  - Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable cancer characterized by clonal expansion of
      malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow and their egress into peripheral blood.
      The mechanisms of myeloma cells migration/invasion have remained unclear. Herein,
      we found SH3GL3 was highly expressed in the CD138-negative (CD138-) myeloma
      cells. The migration/invasion capability of CD138- cells was significantly higher
      than that in the CD138-positive (CD138+) cells. Silencing SH3GL3 using shRNA
      reduced myeloma cells migration/invasion. Conversely, overexpression of SH3GL3
      increased myeloma cells migration/invasion. Moreover, SH3GL3 is also associated
      with the stemness and chemo-resistance of CD138- myeloma cells. Elevated
      expression of stem cell and multi-drug resistant markers were seen in the myeloma
      cells with overexpressed SH3GL3; while knocking-down SH3GL3 reduced the
      expression of these markers. A marked increase in p-PI3K and p-FAK was observed
      in the cells with overexpressed SH3GL3. To test if FAK/PI3K signaling pathway was
      involved in the SH3GL3-mediated myeloma cells migration, the cells transfected
      w/wo SH3GL3 cDNA were treated with FAK inhibitor 14 and PI3K inhibitor LY294002.
      Inhibition of FAK and PI3K attenuated SH3GL3-mediated migration /invasion. Our
      findings indicate that SH3GL3 plays an important role in myeloma cell
      migration/invasion, stemness and chemo-resistance. The SH3GL3-mediated myeloma
      cell migration/invasion is mediated by FAK/PI3K signaling pathway.

PMID- 27683035
TI  - Perturbed hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell hierarchy in myelodysplastic
      syndromes patients with monosomy 7 as the sole cytogenetic abnormality.
AB  - The stem and progenitor cell compartments in low- and intermediate-risk
      myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) have recently been described, and shown to be
      highly conserved when compared to those in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Much
      less is known about the characteristics of the hematopoietic hierarchy of
      subgroups of MDS with a high risk of transforming to AML. Immunophenotypic
      analysis of immature stem and progenitor cell compartments from patients with an
      isolated loss of the entire chromosome 7 (isolated -7), an independent high-risk
      genetic event in MDS, showed expansion and dominance of the malignant -7 clone in
      the granulocyte and macrophage progenitors (GMP), and other CD45RA+ progenitor
      compartments, and a significant reduction of the LIN-CD34+CD38low/-CD90+CD45RA-
      hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) compartment, highly reminiscent of what is
      typically seen in AML, and distinct from low-risk MDS. Established functional in
      vitro and in vivo stem cell assays showed a poor readout for -7 MDS patients
      irrespective of marrow blast counts. Moreover, while the -7 clone dominated at
      all stages of GM differentiation, the -7 clone had a competitive disadvantage in
      erythroid differentiation. In azacitidine-treated -7 MDS patients with a clinical
      response, the decreased clonal involvement in mononuclear bone marrow cells was
      not accompanied by a parallel reduced clonal involvement in the dominant CD45RA+
      progenitor populations, suggesting a selective azacitidine-resistance of these
      distinct -7 progenitor compartments. Our data demonstrate, in a subgroup of high
      risk MDS with monosomy 7, that the perturbed stem and progenitor cell
      compartments resemble more that of AML than low-risk MDS.

PMID- 27683036
TI  - Proteomic analysis uncovers common effects of IFN-gamma and IL-27 on the HLA
      class I antigen presentation machinery in human cancer cells.
AB  - IL-27, a member of the IL-12-family of cytokines, has shown anti-tumor activity
      in several pre-clinical models due to anti-proliferative, anti-angiogenic and
      immune-enhancing effects. On the other hand, IL-27 demonstrated immune regulatory
      activities and inhibition of auto-immunity in mouse models. Also, we reported
      that IL-27, similar to IFN-gamma, induces the expression of IL-18BP, IDO and PD
      L1 immune regulatory molecules in human cancer cells. Here, a proteomic analysis
      reveals that IL-27 and IFN-gamma display a broad overlap of functions on human
      ovarian cancer cells. Indeed, among 990 proteins modulated by either cytokine
      treatment in SKOV3 cells, 814 showed a concordant modulation by both cytokines,
      while a smaller number (176) were differentially modulated. The most up-regulated
      proteins were common to both IFN-gamma and IL-27. In addition, functional
      analysis of IL-27-regulated protein networks highlighted pathways of interferon
      signaling and regulation, antigen presentation, protection from natural killer
      cell-mediated cytotoxicity, regulation of protein polyubiquitination and
      proteasome, aminoacid catabolism and regulation of viral protein
      levels.Importantly, we found that IL-27 induced HLA class I molecule expression
      in human cancer cells of different histotypes, including tumor cells showing very
      low expression. IL-27 failed only in a cancer cell line bearing a homozygous
      deletion in the B2M gene. Altogether, these data point out to a broad set of
      activities shared by IL-27 and IFN-gamma, which are dependent on the common
      activation of the STAT1 pathway. These data add further explanation to the anti
      tumor activity of IL-27 and also to its dual role in immune regulation.

PMID- 27683037
TI  - Interaction of microtubules with the actin cytoskeleton via cross-talk of EB1
      containing +TIPs and gamma-actin in epithelial cells.
AB  - Actin microfilaments and microtubules are both highly dynamic cytoskeleton
      components implicated in a wide range of intracellular processes as well as cell
      cell and cell-substrate interactions. The interactions of actin filaments with
      the microtubule system play an important role in the assembly and maintenance of
      3D cell structure. Here we demonstrate that cytoplasmic actins are differentially
      distributed in relation to the microtubule system. LSM, 3D-SIM, proximity
      ligation assay (PLA) and co-immunoprecipitation methods applied in combination
      with selective depletion of beta- or gamma-cytoplasmic actins revealed a
      selective interaction between microtubules and gamma-, but not beta-cytoplasmic
      actin via the microtubule +TIPs protein EB1. EB1-positive comet distribution
      analysis and quantification have shown more effective microtubule growth in the
      absence of beta-actin. Our data represent the first demonstration that
      microtubule +TIPs protein EB1 interacts mainly with gamma-cytoplasmic actin in
      epithelial cells.

PMID- 27683038
TI  - Regulation of tumor growth by circulating full-length chromogranin A.
AB  - Chromogranin A (CgA), a neuroendocrine secretory protein, and its fragments are
      present in variable amounts in the blood of normal subjects and cancer patients.
      We investigated whether circulating CgA has a regulatory function in tumor
      biology and progression. Systemic administration of full-length CgA, but not of
      fragments lacking the C-terminal region, could reduce tumor growth in murine
      models of fibrosarcoma, mammary adenocarcinoma, Lewis lung carcinoma, and primary
      and metastatic melanoma, with U-shaped dose-response curves. Tumor growth
      inhibition was associated with reduction of microvessel density and blood flow in
      neoplastic tissues. Neutralization of endogenous CgA with antibodies against its
      C-terminal region (residues 410-439) promoted tumor growth. Structure-function
      studies showed that the C-terminal region of CgA contains a bioactive site and
      that cleavage of this region causes a marked loss of anti-angiogenic and anti
      tumor potency. Mechanistic studies showed that full-length CgA could induce, with
      a U-shaped dose-response curve, the production of protease nexin-1 in endothelial
      cells, a serine protease inhibitor endowed of anti-angiogenic activity. Gene
      silencing or neutralization of protease nexin-1 with specific antibodies
      abolished both anti-angiogenic and anti-tumor effects of CgA. These results
      suggest that circulating full-length CgA is an important inhibitor of
      angiogenesis and tumor growth, and that cleavage of its C-terminal region
      markedly reduces its activity. Pathophysiological changes in CgA blood levels
      and/or its fragmentation might regulate disease progression in cancer patients.

PMID- 27683039
TI  - Clonal and microclonal mutational heterogeneity in high hyperdiploid acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia.
AB  - High hyperdiploidy (HD), the most common cytogenetic subtype of B-cell acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), is largely curable but significant treatment
      related morbidity warrants investigating the biology and identifying novel drug
      targets. Targeted deep-sequencing of 538 cancer-relevant genes was performed in
      57 HD-ALL patients lacking overt KRAS and NRAS hotspot mutations and lacking
      common B-ALL deletions to enrich for discovery of novel driver genes. One-third
      of patients harbored damaging mutations in epigenetic regulatory genes, including
      the putative novel driver DOT1L (n=4). Receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK)/Ras/MAPK
      signaling pathway mutations were found in two-thirds of patients, including novel
      mutations in ROS1, which mediates phosphorylation of the PTPN11-encoded protein
      SHP2. Mutations in FLT3 significantly co-occurred with DOT1L (p=0.04), suggesting
      functional cooperation in leukemogenesis. We detected an extraordinary level of
      tumor heterogeneity, with microclonal (mutant allele fraction <0.10) KRAS, NRAS,
      FLT3, and/or PTPN11 hotspot mutations evident in 31/57 (54.4%) patients. Multiple
      KRAS and NRAS codon 12 and 13 microclonal mutations significantly co-occurred
      within tumor samples (p=4.8x10-4), suggesting ongoing formation of and selection
      for Ras-activating mutations. Future work is required to investigate whether
      tumor microheterogeneity impacts clinical outcome and to elucidate the functional
      consequences of epigenetic dysregulation in HD-ALL, potentially leading to novel
      therapeutic approaches.

PMID- 27683040
TI  - Perioperative treatments for resected upper tract urothelial carcinoma: a network
      meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Perioperative treatments have been used to improve prognosis in
      patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). However, optimal
      management remains unestablished. METHODS: We searched the Embase, Web of Science
      and Cochrane databases for studies published before June 20, 2015. All included
      studies were categorised into three groups on the basis of the outcome reported
      (overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS) and recurrence-free
      survival (RFS)). Relative hazard ratios (HRs) for death were calculated using
      random-effects Bayesian network meta-analysis methods. We also ranked the three
      different treatments in terms of three outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 31 trials
      with 8100 patients were included. Compared with the control, adjuvant
      chemotherapy (AC) could improve OS, DSS and RFS by 32% (HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.51
      0.89), 29% (HR 0.71, 95% CI 0.54-0.89) and 51% (HR 0.49, 95% CI 0.23-0.85),
      respectively. We noted a marked prolongation of RFS in both intravesical
      chemotherapy (HR 0.32, 95% CI 0.09-0.69) as well as concurrent radiotherapy and
      intravesical chemotherapy (HR 0.32, 95% CI 0.03-0.97) than in the control.
      Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) showed a significant improvement in DSS relative
      to the control (HR 0.25, 95% CI 0.06-0.61) and a distinct advantage over AC (HR
      0.36, 95% CI 0.08-0.90) or AR (HR 6.89, 95% CI 1.25-18.66). CONCLUSIONS: Our
      results showed that AC; intravesical chemotherapy; and concurrent radiotherapy
      and intravesical chemotherapy could improve the prognosis of UTUC patients. NAC
      was found to be more favourable for UTUC than AC in terms of DSS.

PMID- 27683042
TI  - Identification of miR-30b-3p and miR-30d-5p as direct regulators of androgen
      receptor signaling in prostate cancer by complementary functional microRNA
      library screening.
AB  - The Androgen Receptor (AR) plays a key role in prostate biology and in the
      progression of prostate cancer (PCa) to castration resistance. The role of
      microRNAs (miRNAs) in aberrant AR signaling have not been fully characterized.
      Here we screened a library of 810 miRNA mimics to identify miRNAs that alter AR
      activity in complementary functional assays including protein lysate microarray
      (LMA) quantification of AR and PSA protein levels, AR transcriptional reporter
      activity, and AR-positive PCa cell viability. Candidate AR-regulating miRNAs were
      verified through AR transcriptional reporter and cell viability assays. MiRNA
      binding sites were found within the AR 3'-untranslated region (UTR) and within
      the AR and AR-V7 coding regions. MiRNA activity was characterized by western
      blotting, 3'-UTR reporter assay, and AR-GFP and AR-V7-GFP reporter assays.
      Results uncovered miR-30 family members as direct AR inhibitors. Inhibition of
      endogenous miR-30b-3p and miR-30d-5p enhanced AR expression and androgen
      independent cell growth. Droplet digital RT-PCR quantification of miR-30c-5p and
      miR-30d-5p revealed significantly reduced levels in metastatic castration
      resistant PCa (CRPC), when compared to healthy prostate tissues. MiR-30d-5p
      levels were inversely correlated with AR activity, as measured by PSA mRNA, in
      metastatic CRPC. Collectively, these studies provide a comprehensive evaluation
      of AR-regulating miRNAs in PCa.

PMID- 27683041
TI  - Preliminary experience with dosimetry, response and patient reported outcome
      after 177Lu-PSMA-617 therapy for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.
AB  - Prostate cancer can be targeted by ligands to the prostate-specific membrane
      antigen (PSMA). We aimed to evaluate dosimetry, safety and efficacy of 177Lu-PSMA
      617 radioligand therapy (RLT) in patients with metastatic castration-resistant
      prostate cancer (mCRPC).Fifteen patients each received two cycles of 3.7 GBq (n =
      5) or 6.0 GBq (n = 10) 177Lu-PSMA-617 at an eight to ten weeks interval. For
      safety monitoring, each treatment was followed by dosimetry with serial
      quantitative SPECT as well as inpatient and outpatient recording of adverse
      events. Response to RLT was primarily determined by baseline to follow-up change
      in 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT (RECIST1.1), as well as change in prostate-specific antigen
      (PSA), quality of life (QoL, FACT-P scale), and pain (Brief Pain Inventory) as
      secondary endpoints.Radiation dose delivered to the tumor (6.1 Gy/GBq) was six to
      twelve-fold higher than to critical organs (kidney left/right 0.5/0.6 Gy/GBq
      each, salivary glands 1.0 Gy/GBq). Total radiation dose per kidney did not exceed
      23 Gy in any patient. Three patients had sub-acute and latent grade 3 events,
      i.e. anemia, leukocytopenia, and nausea. No acute events, grade >=4 events or
      high grade events for salivary gland or kidney function were observed. After two
      RLT cycles, 4 (27%) patients had partial response, 6 (40%) had stable disease,
      and 5 (33%) had progressive disease according to RECIST. Any PSA decline was
      observed in 12/15 (80%) patients during RLT. Significant pain relief was
      documented in 7/10 (70%) symptomatic patients and QoL improved in 9/15 (60%)
      patients.177Lu-PSMA-617 therapy proved safe and indicated promising response
      rates for both objective and patient-reported outcomes in our small group of
      mCRPC patients.

PMID- 27683044
TI  - Blockade of C5 in Severe Acute Postinfectious Glomerulonephritis Associated With
      Anti-Factor H Autoantibody.
AB  - Activation of the complement cascade plays an important role in the pathogenesis
      of postinfectious glomerulonephritis. We report successful terminal complement
      pathway blockade using an anti-C5 monoclonal antibody (eculizumab) in an 8-year
      old child with severe acute postinfectious glomerulonephritis requiring
      hemodialysis. The child presented with clinical, serologic, and histopathologic
      criteria for diffuse crescentic postinfectious glomerulonephritis. Complement
      measurements showed low C3 and C4 levels, with increased SC5b-9 titers. The
      presence of a transient anti-factor H autoantibody was also identified.
      Eculizumab (600mg, 2 doses at a 1-week interval) was administered, with a
      striking recovery of kidney function. There were no additional hemodialysis
      sessions needed after the first dose of eculizumab, and glomerular filtration
      rate measured using inulin clearance at 12 months of follow-up was within the
      normal range (92mL/min/1.73m2). Prompt terminal complement blockade may have
      improved the outcome in this case of severe acute postinfectious
      glomerulonephritis.

PMID- 27683045
TI  - MELAS Syndrome and Kidney Disease Without Fanconi Syndrome or Proteinuria: A Case
      Report.
AB  - Mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS
      syndrome) represents one of the most frequent mitochondrial disorders. The
      majority of MELAS cases are caused by m.3243A>G mutation in the mitochondrial MT
      TL1 gene, which encodes the mitochondrial tRNALeu(UUR). Kidney involvement
      usually manifests as Fanconi syndrome or focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. We
      describe a patient with MELAS mutation, cardiomyopathy, and chronic kidney
      disease without Fanconi syndrome, proteinuria, or hematuria. While the patient
      was waitlisted for heart transplantation, her kidney function deteriorated from
      an estimated glomerular filtration rate of 33 to 20mL/min/1.73m2 within several
      months. Kidney biopsy was performed to distinguish decreased kidney perfusion
      from intrinsic kidney pathology. Histologic examination of the biopsy specimen
      showed only a moderate degree of tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis, but
      quantitative analysis of the m.3243A>G mitochondrial DNA mutation revealed high
      heteroplasmy levels of 89% in the kidney. Functional assessment showed reduced
      activity of mitochondrial enzymes in kidney tissue, which was confirmed by
      immunohistology. In conclusion, we describe an unusual case of MELAS syndrome
      with chronic kidney disease without apparent proteinuria or tubular disorders
      associated with Fanconi syndrome, but widespread interstitial fibrosis and a high
      degree of heteroplasmy of the MELAS specific mutation and low mitochondrial
      activity in the kidney.

PMID- 27683043
TI  - Low-dose green tea intake reduces incidence of atrial fibrillation in a Chinese
      population.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to assessthe association between green tea
      intake and incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in a Chinese population. A total
      of 801 (mean age: 62 years; 56% male) subjects were enrolled: 401 AF patients and
      400 controls. All subjects completed a questionnaire and the associations between
      their green tea drinking habits and incidence of AF were assessed using the odds
      ratio (OR) and binary logistic regression. After multivariate adjustment, green
      tea intake presented as a protective factor against the incidence of AF (OR:
      0.349, 95% CI: 0.253-0.483, P < 0.001). The green tea protection showed downward
      trend with increasing green tea intake (P for the trend= 0.001). Low frequency,
      low concentration, short-term tea consumption was classified as low-dose green
      tea intake. Green tea intake decreased the incidence of both paroxysmal AF (OR:
      0.307, 95% CI: 0.216-0.436, P < 0.001) and persistent AF (OR: 0.355, 95% CI:
      0.261-0.482, P < 0.001) and may be associated with a decreased incidence of AF.
      This study suggests that low-dose green tea intake strongly protects against AF.

PMID- 27683046
TI  - Stereoselective Pharmacodynamics and Pharmacokinetics of Proton Pump Inhibitors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a group of gastric acid suppressing
      drugs, they work by irreversibly blocking the H+/K+ ATPase. The structure of PPIs
      is similar. They all have a similar core with a sulphur atom chiral center
      combined with different substituent groups. In relation to the sulphur atom
      chiral center, the pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics are diverse between the
      racemates and their stereoisomers. But there are no reviews outlining the
      stereoselective pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics in PPIs. This review aims
      to compare the differences between the stereoisomers of PPIs in their
      pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics parameters. And exploring the development
      directions of PPIs at present. METHODS: We undertook a search of PubMed databases
      for PPI research literature including reviews, clinical studies, letters and
      books, in recent 20 years. The citied papers were high quality, which were
      carefully screened by authors using standard tools. The data of the
      pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics parameters were selected from the retrieved
      papers, then making generalization and summary. RESULTS: Ninety-three papers were
      included in the review, mainly from East Asia, America and Europe. All these
      papers involved the reviews of PPIs, the pharmacodynamics studies of PPIs and the
      pharmacokinetics studies of PPIs. Finally, omeprazole, lansoprazole,
      pantoprazole, rebeprazole and pantoprazole with their enantiomers were discussed
      in this paper. CONCLUSION: The findings of this review confirm the differences of
      pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics in the racemates and the stereoisomer of
      PPIs. Providing longer duration, faster time of onset and better nocturnal
      gastric acid secretion control are the development directions of new generation
      PPIs. But, due to debate on the necessity and superiority of these new drugs,
      more validation studies are needed.

PMID- 27683048
TI  - [Infection-induced rheumatic diseases].

PMID- 27683049
TI  - A multidisciplinary response to commercial sexual exploitation of children.
AB  - Commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) is associated with child abuse,
      neglect, poverty, homelessness, and societal causes. Sex trafficking is the
      participation in commercial sex acts in which force, fraud, or coercion occur.
      This article discusses the scope of CSEC and sex trafficking, and the necessary
      identification skills and medical evaluations needed to help these patients.

PMID- 27683047
TI  - Elevated NLR in gallbladder cancer and cholangiocarcinoma - making bad cancers
      even worse: results from the US Extrahepatic Biliary Malignancy Consortium.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gallbladder and extrahepatic biliary malignancies are aggressive
      tumors with high risk of recurrence and death. We hypothesize that elevated
      preoperative Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratios (NLR) are associated with poor
      prognosis among patients undergoing resection of gallbladder or extrahepatic
      biliary cancers. METHODS: Patients who underwent complete surgical resection
      between 2000-2014 were identified from 10 academic centers (n=525). Overall (OS)
      and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were analyzed by stratifying patients with
      normal (<5) versus elevated (>5) NLR. RESULTS: Overall, 375 patients had NLR <5
      while 150 patients had NLR >5. Median OS was 24.5 months among patients with
      NLR<5 versus 17.0 months among patients with NLR>5 (p<0.001). NLR was also
      associated with OS in subgroup analysis of patients with gallbladder cancer. In
      fact, on multivariable analysis, NLR>5, dyspnea and preoperative peak bilirubin
      were independently associated with OS in patients with gallbladder cancer. Median
      RFS was 26.8 months in patients with NLR<5 versus 22.7 months among patients with
      NLR>5 (p=0.030). NLR>5 was independently associated with worse RFS for patients
      with gallbladder cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated NLR was associated with worse
      outcomes in patients with gallbladder and extrahepatic biliary cancers after
      curative-intent resection. NLR is easily measured and may provide important
      prognostic information.

PMID- 27683050
TI  - Genome-wide transcriptome profiling of black poplar (Populus nigra L.) under
      boron toxicity revealed candidate genes responsible in boron uptake, transport
      and detoxification.
AB  - Boron (B) is an essential nutrient for normal growth of plants. Despite its low
      abundance in soils, it could be highly toxic to plants in especially arid and
      semi-arid environments. Poplars are known to be tolerant species to B toxicity
      and accumulation. However, physiological and gene regulation responses of these
      trees to B toxicity have not been investigated yet. Here, B accumulation and
      tolerance level of black poplar clones were firstly tested in the current study.
      Rooted cutting of these clones were treated with elevated B toxicity to select
      the most B accumulator and tolerant genotype. Then we carried out a microarray
      based transcriptome experiment on the leaves and roots of this genotype to find
      out transcriptional networks, genes and molecular mechanisms behind B toxicity
      tolerance. The results of the study indicated that black poplar is quite suitable
      for phytoremediation of B pollution. It could resist 15 ppm soil B content and
      >1500 ppm B accumulation in leaves, which are highly toxic concentrations for
      almost all agricultural plants. Transcriptomics results of study revealed totally
      1625 and 1419 altered probe sets under 15 ppm B toxicity in leaf and root
      tissues, respectively. The highest induction were recorded for the probes sets
      annotated to tyrosine aminotransferase, ATP binding cassette transporters,
      glutathione S transferases and metallochaperone proteins. Strong up regulation of
      these genes attributed to internal excretion of B into the cell vacuole and
      existence of B detoxification processes in black poplar. Many other candidate
      genes functional in signalling, gene regulation, antioxidation, B uptake and
      transport processes were also identified in this hyper B accumulator plant for
      the first time with the current study.

PMID- 27683051
TI  - Re: Cytoreductive surgery plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy with
      lobaplatin and docetaxel to treat synchronous peritoneal carcinomatosis from
      gastric cancer: Results from a Chinese center, Eur J Surg Oncol (2016).

PMID- 27683053
TI  - Integrin-linked kinase regulates cadherin switch in bladder cancer.
AB  - Cadherin switch is specific of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and is
      closely related to tumor cell invasion. However, the molecular mechanism that
      promotes the phenotypic changes remains unclear and elusive. We found that
      integrin-linked kinase (ILK) is a key factor involved in cadherin switch. The
      expression and activity of ILK are elevated in a variety of cancers but its
      mechanisms are not exactly understood. In this report, we studied the role and
      mechanism of ILK in EMT of human bladder cancer. We showed that silencing of ILK
      expression by small interfering RNA (siRNA) significantly abolished the nuclear
      translocation or the presence of markers associated with EMT like Snail, Twist,
      Zeb, and beta-catenin. ILK knockdown by siRNA suppressed N-cadherin expression
      and increased re-expression of E-cadherin in bladder cancer cells. We suggest
      that ILK is a major signaling factor involved in EMT. It is essential to
      understand the molecular mechanism of EMT in aim to possibly use it in search for
      new therapeutic targets.

PMID- 27683054
TI  - High mucin-7 expression is an independent predictor of adverse clinical outcomes
      in patients with clear-cell renal cell carcinoma.
AB  - Mucin-7 is a member of the secreted mucins family. Mucins might play a crucial
      role during tumor development and its aberrant expression was observed in several
      types of tumor. Our study aims to evaluate the prognostic significance of Mucin-7
      expression in postoperative clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) patients. In
      this retrospective study, we enrolled 392 patients with ccRCC undergoing
      nephrectomy between 2008 and 2009 in a single center. The median follow-up was 73
      months (range 39-74 months). Mucin-7 expression was evaluated by
      immunohistochemistry protocol on ccRCC specimens. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis
      was conducted to compare survival curves. Univariate and multivariate Cox
      regression models were applied to assess the impact of prognostic factors in
      overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). A nomogram was then
      constructed based on the independent prognosticators identified on multivariate
      analysis. The results displayed that Mucin-7 expression was significantly
      associated with tumor size (p = 0.034), pT stage (p = 0.004), TNM stage (p =
      0.008), and necrosis (p = 0.043). Patients with high Mucin-7 expression had
      significant worse outcomes in both OS (p < 0.001) and RFS (p < 0.001) compared to
      those with low Mucin-7 expression. MUC7 expression was considered as an
      independent predictive factor for OS (HR 2.286; 95 %CI 1.167-4.475; p = 0.016)
      and RFS (HR 2.055; 95 %CI 1.086-3.887; p = 0.027). A nomogram integrating Mucin-7
      expression and other independent prognosticators was constructed. In summary, the
      high Mucin-7 expression is a potential prognosticator of adverse clinical outcome
      in ccRCC patients after surgery.

PMID- 27683055
TI  - The anticancer effects of Resina Draconis extract on cholangiocarcinoma.
AB  - Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a relatively rare, heterogeneous malignant tumor with
      poor clinical outcomes. Because of high insensitivity to chemotherapy and
      radiotherapy, there are no effective treatment options. Efforts to identify and
      develop new agents for prevention and treatment of this deadly disease are
      urgent. Here, we assessed the apoptotic cytotoxicity of Resina Draconis extract
      (RDE) using in vitro and in vivo assays and identified the mechanisms underlying
      antitumor effects of RDE. RDE was obtained via vacuum distillation of Resina
      Draconis with 75 % ethanol. The ethanol extract could inhibit CCA cell
      proliferation and trigger apoptotic cell death in both QBC939 and HCCC9810 cell
      lines in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. RDE treatment resulted in
      intracellular caspase-8 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase protease activation. RDE
      significantly downregulated antiapoptotic protein survivin expression and
      upregulated proapoptotic protein Bak expression. RDE also inhibited CCA tumor
      growth in vivo. We observed that human CCA tissues had much higher survivin
      expression than did paired adjacent normal tissue. Taken together, the current
      data suggested that RDE has anticancer effects on CCA, and that RDE could
      function as a novel anticancer agent to benefit patients with CCA.

PMID- 27683052
TI  - Direct targeting of HGF by miR-16 regulates proliferation and migration in
      gastric cancer.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to be involved in each stage of tumor
      development in various types of cancers. We have previously showed that miR-16 is
      downregulated in cancer and acts as a tumor suppressor. Other studies indicated
      that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c-Met is implicated in proliferation,
      migration, and other pathophysiological processes. However, little is known about
      the relationship between miR-16 and HGF/c-Met in gastric cancer (GC). In the
      present study, we used bioinformatics tools and related experiments to search for
      miRNAs targeting HGF. Here, we found that miR-16 suppressed HGF protein
      expression by directly targeting 3'-untranslated region (UTR) of HGF mRNA.
      Subsequently, it was illustrated the downregulation of miR-16 promotes, while
      overexpressed of miR-16 significantly inhibits cell proliferation and migration
      by negatively regulating HGF/c-Met pathway. Moreover, the biological role of HGF
      in GC cells was determined by using HGF siRNA and HGF-overexpressing plasmid,
      respectively. To conclude, our results provide a potential target by using miR-16
      for the future clinical treatment of GC.

PMID- 27683058
TI  - Near-membrane electric field calcium ion dehydration.
AB  - The dehydration of ion-water complexes prior to ion channel transit has focused
      on channel protein-mediated dissociation of water. Ion dehydration by the
      membrane electric field has not previously been considered. Near membrane
      electric fields have previously been shown to cause the disassociation of non
      covalently bound small molecule-small molecule, small molecule-protein, and
      protein-protein complexes. It is well known that cosmotropic, structure making
      ions such as calcium and sodium significantly bind multiple water ions in
      solution. It is also known that these ions are often not hydrated as they pass
      through membrane ion channels. Using capillary electrophoresis, the range of
      electric fields needed to strip water molecules from calcium ions has been
      measured. Ion migration velocity is a linear function of the electric field. At
      low electric fields, the migration rate of calcium ion was shown to be linearly
      related to the applied electric field. Using a form of the Stoke's equation
      applicable to ion migration, the hydrated calcium radius was found to be 0.334nm,
      corresponding to a water hydration shell of 5.09 water molecules. At higher
      electric fields, the slope of the calcium migration velocity as a function of the
      electric field increased, which was modeled as a decrease in the radius of the
      migrating ion as the water was removed. Using a tanh function to model the
      transition of the ion from a hydrated to a stripped state, the transition had a
      midpoint at 446V/cm, and was 88% complete at 587V/cm with a correlation
      coefficient of 0.9996. The migration velocity of the stripped calcium ion was
      found to be a function of both the decrease in radius and an increase in the
      effective, electronic viscosity of the dipole medium through which the dehydrated
      ion moved. The size of the electric field needed to dehydrate calcium occurs 6
      7nm from the cell membrane. Calcium ions within this distance from the membrane
      will be devoid of water molecules when they reach the calcium selective channel
      pore entrances, all known to be approximately 1-2nm from the membrane. No matter
      what the calcium pore structure, calcium ions reaching the channel entrance will
      be devoid of a water shell.

PMID- 27683057
TI  - MicroRNA-490 regulates lung cancer metastasis by targeting poly r(C)-binding
      protein 1.
AB  - Lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, with metastatic
      progression remaining the single largest cause of lung cancer mortality. Hence,
      it is imperative to determine reliable biomarkers of lung cancer prognosis.
      MicroRNA-490-3p has been previously reported to be a positive prognostic
      biomarker for hepatocellular cancer. However, its role in human lung cancer has
      not yet been elucidated. Here, we report that hsa-miR-490-3p expression is
      significantly higher in human lung cancer tissue specimens and cell line. Gain-
      and loss-of-function studies of hsa-miR-490-3p showed that it regulates cell
      proliferation and is required for induction of in vitro migration and invasion
      the latter being a hallmark of epithelial to mesenchymal transition. In situ
      analysis revealed that hsa-miR-490-3p targets poly r(C)-binding protein 1
      (PCBP1), which has been previously shown to be a negative regulator of lung
      cancer metastasis. Reporter assays confirmed PCBP1 as a bona fide target of miR
      490-3p, and metagenomic analysis revealed an inverse relation between expression
      of miR-490-3p and PCBP1 in metastatic lung cancer patients. In fact, PCBP1
      expression, as detected by immunohistochemistry, was undetectable in advanced
      stages of lung cancer patients' brain and lymph node tissues. Xenograft tail vein
      colonization assays proved that high expression of miR-490-3p is a prerequisite
      for metastatic progression of lung cancer. Our results suggest that hsa-miR-490
      3p might be a potential biomarker for lung cancer prognosis. In addition, we can
      also conclude that the lung cancer cells have evolved refractory mechanisms to
      downregulate the expression of the metastatic inhibitor, PCBP1.

PMID- 27683056
TI  - Upregulation of miR-192 inhibits cell growth and invasion and induces cell
      apoptosis by targeting TCF7 in human osteosarcoma.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can function as oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes and are
      involved in multiple processes in cancer development and progression. For
      example, miR-192 is dysregulated in multiple human cancers, including
      osteosarcoma (OS). However, the pathophysiological role of miR-192 and its
      relevance to OS cell growth and invasion has not yet been clarified. This study
      aimed to investigate the expression of miR-192 in OS and elucidate the molecular
      mechanisms by which miR-192 acts as a tumor suppressor in this disease. The qRT
      PCR data identified significant down-regulation of miR-192 in 20 OS tissue
      samples and two OS cell lines when compared with adjacent normal tissues and a
      human osteoblast cell line, respectively. Furthermore, Western blot analysis
      revealed overexpression of T cell-specific transcription factor (TCF) 7 protein
      in tumor tissues compared with matched adjacent normal tissues. Further in vitro
      studies demonstrated that enforced expression of miR-192 inhibited U2OS and MG63
      cell proliferation, invasion, and migration and induced apoptosis. Finally,
      Western blot and Luciferase assays identified TCF7 as a target of miR-192.
      Collectively, these findings suggest an important role for miR-192 in regulating
      the proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of OS cells through the
      regulation of TCF7.

PMID- 27683059
TI  - Evaluating Patient Usability of an Image-Based Mobile Health Platform for
      Postoperative Wound Monitoring.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surgical patients are increasingly using mobile health (mHealth)
      platforms to monitor recovery and communicate with their providers in the
      postdischarge period. Despite widespread enthusiasm for mHealth, few studies
      evaluate the usability or user experience of these platforms. OBJECTIVE: Our
      objectives were to (1) develop a novel image-based smartphone app for
      postdischarge surgical wound monitoring, and (2) rigorously user test it with a
      representative population of vascular and general surgery patients. METHODS: A
      total of 9 vascular and general surgery inpatients undertook usability testing of
      an internally developed smartphone app that allows patients to take digital
      images of their wound and answer a survey about their recovery. We followed the
      International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9241-11 guidelines, focusing
      on effectiveness, efficiency, and user satisfaction. An accompanying training
      module was developed by applying tenets of adult learning. Sessions were audio
      recorded, and the smartphone screen was mirrored onto a study computer. Digital
      image quality was evaluated by a physician panel to determine usefulness for
      clinical decision making. RESULTS: The mean length of time spent was 4.7 (2.1
      12.8) minutes on the training session and 5.0 (1.4-16.6) minutes on app
      completion. 55.5% (5/9) of patients were able to complete the app independently
      with the most difficulty experienced in taking digital images of surgical wounds.
      Novice patients who were older, obese, or had groin wounds had the most
      difficulty. 81.8% of images were sufficient for diagnostic purposes. User
      satisfaction was high, with an average usability score of 83.3 out of 100.
      CONCLUSION: Surgical patients can learn to use a smartphone app for postoperative
      wound monitoring with high user satisfaction. We identified design features and
      training approaches that can facilitate ease of use. This protocol illustrates an
      important, often overlooked, aspect of mHealth development to improve surgical
      care.

PMID- 27683060
TI  - Quantification of the Latent HIV-1 Reservoir Using Ultra Deep Sequencing and
      Primer ID in a Viral Outgrowth Assay.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In this study, we measured the latent HIV-1 reservoir harboring
      replication-competent HIV-1 in resting CD4 T cells in participants on highly
      active antiretroviral therapy, quantitating the frequency of latent infection
      through the use of a Primer ID-based Ultra Deep Sequencing Assay (UDSA), in
      comparison to the readout of the quantitative viral outgrowth assay (QVOA).
      METHODS: Viral RNA derived from culture wells of QVOA that scored as HIV-1 p24
      capsid antigen positive were tagged with a specific barcode during cDNA
      synthesis, and the sequences within the V1-V3 region of the HIV-1 env gene were
      analyzed for diversity using the Primer ID-based paired-end MiSeq platform. We
      analyzed samples from a total of 19 participants, 2 initially treated with highly
      active antiretroviral therapy in acute infection and 17 treated during chronic
      infection. Phylogenetic trees were generated with all viral lineages detected
      from culture wells derived from each participant to determine the number of
      distinct viral lineages growing out in each well, thus capturing another level of
      information beyond the well being positive for viral antigen. The infectious
      units per million (IUPM) cell values estimated using a maximum likelihood
      approach, based on the number of distinct viral lineages detected (VOA-UDSA),
      were compared with those obtained from QVOA measured using limiting dilution.
      RESULTS: IUPM estimates determined by VOA-UDSA ranged from 0.14 to 3.66 and
      strongly correlated with the IUPM estimates determined by QVOA (r = 0.94; P <
      0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: VOA-UDSA may be an alternative readout for that currently
      used for QVOA.

PMID- 27683061
TI  - Persistent iatrogenic atrial septal defects after pulmonary vein isolation: long
      term follow-up with contrast transesophageal echocardiography.
AB  - PURPOSE: Pulmonary vein isolation using cryoballoon ablation is an established
      approach to treating atrial fibrillation. The procedure involves insertion of a
      15-Fr sheath into the left atrium across the interatrial septum. This creates an
      iatrogenic atrial septal defect, which may have important long-term clinical
      relevance, especially in younger patients. We sought to determine the long-term
      incidence of these defects and determine the direction of shunt using contrast
      transesophageal echocardiography. METHODS: Individuals who had undergone a single
      pulmonary vein isolation procedure were invited to attend for transesophageal
      echocardiography (TOE). Patients who had undergone more than one procedure
      involving puncture of the interatrial septum were excluded. The interatrial
      septum was interrogated using two-dimensional imaging, color flow Doppler, and
      microbubble contrast study. RESULTS: A total of 27 patients were recruited with a
      median follow-up time of 553 days from pulmonary vein isolation to TOE. Seven
      patients had persistent iatrogenic atrial septal defects with three demonstrating
      right to left shunt either at rest or with Valsalva. There were no reported
      adverse events during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Persistent iatrogenic atrial
      septal defects are relatively common following cryoballoon ablation procedures.
      Right to left shunting can be observed using microbubble contrast in a subset of
      patients with iatrogenic atrial septal defect (iASD). Further studies that
      longitudinally assess shunt fraction, pulmonary artery pressure, and the
      incidence of paradoxical embolism are needed to better understand the clinical
      impacts of such defects.

PMID- 27683063
TI  - Psychometric properties of the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR) -
      a contribution to the Portuguese validation of the scale.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia (FM) remains a relatively misunderstood and clinically
      challenging condition that impact significantly in the individual's life,
      impairing global functioning and diminishing quality of life. Management is
      complex and frequently unsatisfactory, requiring personal tailoring and
      adaptation of interventions according to the fluctuations of the disease
      manifestations and their response to therapy. The use of comprehensive and
      quantified assessment tools constitutes, therefore, an essential component of the
      management of patients with FM. The Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire
      (FIQR) is currently one of the most used and well validated instruments to assess
      functional (in)capacity and global impact of FM and associated symptoms.
      OBJECTIVES: To translate to Portuguese the FIQR and to study its psychometric
      properties. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The total sample comprised 103 women with
      fibromyalgia, defined according to the established criteria for FM. A self-report
      battery composed by the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR), the
      Portuguese version of Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and the Profile of
      Mood States (PoMS) was administered. The FIQR was re-administered to twenty-four
      participants, six weeks after the first evaluation. Internal reliability was
      assessed through Cronbach's alpha, corrected item-total score correlations and
      alpha if item deleted. Spearman and Pearson correlations along with repeated
      measures tests were computed to assess the temporal stability of the scale.
      Convergent and divergent validity were assessed via Spearman and Pearson
      correlations. RESULTS: The FIQR demonstrated a good to very good internal
      consistency (from alpha = 0.87 to alpha = 0.94). All items correlated to a good
      degree (above 0.30) to the total score and contributed significantly to the
      overall reliability. Moreover, FIQR presented a good temporal stability (from r =
      .617 to r = .886, p <= .001) and favorable convergent and discriminant validity
      with depressive symptoms (r > .289, p <= .01) and positive (r > -.186, p > .05)
      and negative affect (r > .206, p <= .05). CONCLUSIONS: The Portuguese version of
      the FIQR demonstrated good psychometric properties, which renders it a proper and
      valuable tool to be used in different settings.

PMID- 27683062
TI  - Efficacy and safety of the second-generation cryoballoons versus radiofrequency
      ablation for the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: a systematic review
      and meta-analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Currently, radiofrequency (RF) and cryoballoon are the most commonly
      used ablation technologies for atrial fibrillation (AF). We performed a meta
      analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of the second-generation cryoballoons
      (CB-2) compared with RF for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) ablation.
      METHODS: The PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases were searched and
      qualified studies were identified. The primary clinical outcome was the
      recurrence rate of atrial tachyarrhythmia (AT), and the secondary clinical
      outcomes were procedure time, fluoroscopy time, and the complications that
      followed. RESULTS: Nine observational studies (2336 patients) with a mean follow
      up period ranging from 8.8 to 16.8 months were included. The CB-2 group was
      associated with a significantly lower recurrence rate of ATs (20.8 versus 29.8 %,
      p = 0.01). In subgroup analysis, compared with non-contact force sensing (NCF)
      catheter, using CB-2 showed significantly reduced incidence of ATs (22.0 versus
      38.5 %, p < 0.00001). However, the difference became negligible in contrast with
      contact force sensing (CF) catheter. Moreover, the CB-2 group had a tendency to
      decrease procedure time (weighted mean difference -39.72 min, p = 0.0003),
      whereas fluoroscopy time was similar between the two groups. The total
      complication rate showed no statistical difference (8.8 versus 4.4 %, p = 0.08).
      Almost all the cases of phrenic nerve palsy occurred in the CB-2 group, whereas
      pericardial tamponade was seldom manifested in the CB-2 group. CONCLUSIONS: CB-2
      tended to be more effective in comparison to NCF catheter and at least non
      inferior to CF catheter, with shorter procedure time and similar safety endpoint.

PMID- 27683065
TI  - All Photons Imaging Through Volumetric Scattering.
AB  - Imaging through thick highly scattering media (sample thickness ? mean free path)
      can realize broad applications in biomedical and industrial imaging as well as
      remote sensing. Here we propose a computational "All Photons Imaging" (API)
      framework that utilizes time-resolved measurement for imaging through thick
      volumetric scattering by using both early arrived (non-scattered) and diffused
      photons. As opposed to other methods which aim to lock on specific photons
      (coherent, ballistic, acoustically modulated, etc.), this framework aims to use
      all of the optical signal. Compared to conventional early photon measurements for
      imaging through a 15 mm tissue phantom, our method shows a two fold improvement
      in spatial resolution (4db increase in Peak SNR). This all optical, calibration
      free framework enables widefield imaging through thick turbid media, and opens
      new avenues in non-invasive testing, analysis, and diagnosis.

PMID- 27683064
TI  - PTHrP-Derived Peptides Restore Bone Mass and Strength in Diabetic Mice: Additive
      Effect of Mechanical Loading.
AB  - There is an unmet need to understand the mechanisms underlying skeletal
      deterioration in diabetes mellitus (DM) and to develop therapeutic approaches to
      treat bone fragility in diabetic patients. We demonstrate herein that mice with
      type 1 DM induced by streptozotocin exhibited low bone mass, inferior mechanical
      and material properties, increased bone resorption, decreased bone formation,
      increased apoptosis of osteocytes, and increased expression of the osteocyte
      derived bone formation inhibitor Sost/sclerostin. Further, short treatment of
      diabetic mice with parathyroid hormone related protein (PTHrP)-derived peptides
      corrected these changes to levels undistinguishable from non-diabetic mice. In
      addition, diabetic mice exhibited reduced bone formation in response to
      mechanical stimulation, which was corrected by treatment with the PTHrP peptides,
      and higher prevalence of apoptotic osteocytes, which was reduced by loading or by
      the PTHrP peptides alone and reversed by a combination of loading and PTHrP
      peptide treatment. In vitro experiments demonstrated that the PTHrP peptides or
      mechanical stimulation by fluid flow activated the survival kinases ERKs and
      induced nuclear translocation of the canonical Wnt signaling mediator beta
      catenin, and prevented the increase in osteocytic cell apoptosis induced by high
      glucose. Thus, PTHrP-derived peptides cross-talk with mechanical signaling
      pathways to reverse skeletal deterioration induced by DM in mice. These findings
      suggest a crucial role of osteocytes in the harmful effects of diabetes on bone
      and raise the possibility of targeting these cells as a novel approach to treat
      skeletal deterioration in diabetes. Moreover, our study suggests the potential
      therapeutic efficacy of combined pharmacological and mechanical stimuli to
      promote bone accrual and maintenance in diabetic subjects. (c) 2016 American
      Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

PMID- 27683066
TI  - Photonic Crystal Microchip Laser.
AB  - The microchip lasers, being very compact and efficient sources of coherent light,
      suffer from one serious drawback: low spatial quality of the beam strongly
      reducing the brightness of emitted radiation. Attempts to improve the beam
      quality, such as pump-beam guiding, external feedback, either strongly reduce the
      emission power, or drastically increase the size and complexity of the lasers.
      Here it is proposed that specially designed photonic crystal in the cavity of a
      microchip laser, can significantly improve the beam quality. Experiments show
      that a microchip laser, due to spatial filtering functionality of intracavity
      photonic crystal, improves the beam quality factor M2 reducing it by a factor of
      2, and increase the brightness of radiation by a factor of 3. This comprises a
      new kind of laser, the "photonic crystal microchip laser", a very compact and
      efficient light source emitting high spatial quality high brightness radiation.

PMID- 27683067
TI  - Assessment of the interaction of Portland cement-based materials with blood and
      tissue fluids using an animal model.
AB  - Portland cement used in the construction industry improves its properties when
      wet. Since most dental materials are used in a moist environment, Portland cement
      has been developed for use in dentistry. The first generation material is mineral
      trioxide aggregate (MTA), used in surgical procedures, thus in contact with
      blood. The aim of this study was to compare the setting of MTA in vitro and in
      vivo in contact with blood by subcutaneous implantation in rats. The tissue
      reaction to the material was also investigated. ProRoot MTA (Dentsply) was
      implanted in the subcutaneous tissues of Sprague-Dawley rats in opposite flanks
      and left in situ for 3 months. Furthermore the material was also stored in
      physiological solution in vitro. At the end of the incubation time, tissue
      histology and material characterization were performed. Surface assessment showed
      the formation of calcium carbonate for both environments. The bismuth was evident
      in the tissues thus showing heavy element contamination of the animal specimen.
      The tissue histology showed a chronic inflammatory cell infiltrate associated
      with the MTA. MTA interacts with the host tissues and causes a chronic
      inflammatory reaction when implanted subcutaneously. Hydration in vivo proceeds
      similarly to the in vitro model with some differences particularly in the bismuth
      oxide leaching patterns.

PMID- 27683068
TI  - Understanding the Pathogenesis of Neurotrophic Keratitis: The Role of Corneal
      Nerves.
AB  - Neurotrophic keratitis (NK) is a rare degenerative disease of the cornea caused
      by trigeminal nerve damage, which leads to loss of corneal sensitivity, corneal
      epithelium breakdown, and poor healing. Though extremely uncommon, NK is
      increasingly recognized for its characteristics as a distinct and well-defined
      clinical entity rather than a rare complication of various diseases that can
      disrupt trigeminal innervation. Indeed, the defining feature of NK is loss of
      corneal sensitivity, and its clinical findings do not correlate with the wide
      range of systemic or ocular conditions that underlie trigeminal nerve damage.
      Despite increasing awareness of NK as a distinct condition, its management
      continues to be challenged by the lack of treatments that target nerve
      regeneration. This review focuses on the role of corneal nerves in maintaining
      ocular surface homeostasis, the consequences (such as alterations in
      neuromediators and corneal cell morphology/function) of impaired innervation, and
      advances in NK diagnosis and management. Novel therapeutic strategies should aim
      to improve corneal innervation in order support corneal renewal and healing. J.
      Cell. Physiol. 232: 717-724, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27683069
TI  - PeptideTracker: A knowledge base for collecting and storing information on
      protein concentrations in biological tissues.

PMID- 27683070
TI  - Analysis of retinal function using chromatic pupillography in retinitis
      pigmentosa and the relationship to electrically evoked phosphene thresholds.
AB  - PURPOSE: To analyse pupil responses to specific chromatic stimuli in patients
      with advanced retinitis pigmentosa (RP) to ascertain whether chromatic
      pupillography can be used as an objective marker for residual retinal function.
      To examine correlations between parameters of the pupil response and the
      perception threshold of electrically evoked phosphenes. METHODS: Chromatic
      pupillography was performed in 40 patients with advanced RP (visual acuity < 0.02
      or visual field <=5 degrees , non-recordable ERGs) and 40 age-matched healthy
      subjects. Pupil responses to full-field red (605 nm) and blue (420 nm) stimuli of
      28 lx corneal illumination were recorded and analysed for two stimulus durations
      (1 and 4 seconds). The perception threshold of phosphenes to transcorneal
      electrostimulation was ascertained and correlated to the pupil responses and
      visual acuity. RESULTS: Patients with RP showed significantly reduced pupil
      responses to red and blue stimuli compared with the controls. With red stimuli,
      pupillary escape could be observed; blue stimuli resulted in a well-preserved
      postillumination pupil response. Phosphene thresholds were significantly
      increased in patients with RP and correlated with the parameters of the pupil
      response if all subjects were considered. Within the RP group alone, this
      relationship was less pronounced and statistically not significant. CONCLUSIONS:
      Chromatic pupillography demonstrated a significant decrease in outer retinal
      photoreceptor responses but a persisting and disinhibited intrinsic
      photosensitive retinal ganglion cell function in advanced RP. These phenomena may
      be useful as an objective marker for the efficacy of any interventional treatment
      for hereditary retinal diseases as well as for the selection of suitable patients
      for an electronic retinal implant.

PMID- 27683071
TI  - Nurses', midwives' and key stakeholders' experiences and perceptions on
      requirements to demonstrate the maintenance of professional competence.
AB  - AIM: To present the qualitative findings from a study on the development of
      scheme(s) to give evidence of maintenance of professional competence for nurses
      and midwives. BACKGROUND: Key issues in maintenance of professional competence
      include notions of self- assessment, verification of engagement and practice
      hours, provision of an evidential record, the role of the employer and
      articulation of possible consequences for non-adherence with the requirements.
      Schemes to demonstrate the maintenance of professional competence have
      application to nurses, midwives and regulatory bodies and healthcare employers
      worldwide. DESIGN: A mixed methods approach was used. This included an online
      survey of nurses and midwives and focus groups with nurses and midwives and other
      key stakeholders. The qualitative data are reported in this study. METHODS: Focus
      groups were conducted among a purposive sample of nurses, midwives and key
      stakeholders from January-May 2015. A total of 13 focus groups with 91
      participants contributed to the study. FINDINGS: Four major themes were
      identified: Definitions and Characteristics of Competence; Continuing
      Professional Development and Demonstrating Competence; Assessment of Competence;
      The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland and employers as regulators and
      enablers of maintaining professional competence. CONCLUSION: Competence
      incorporates knowledge, skills, attitudes, professionalism, application of
      evidence and translating learning into practice. It is specific to the
      nurse's/midwife's role, organizational needs, patient's needs and the individual
      nurse's/midwife's learning needs. Competencies develop over time and change as
      nurses and midwives work in different practice areas. Thus, role-specific
      competence is linked to recent engagement in practice.

PMID- 27683073
TI  - Monophasic beta-TCP vs. biphasic HA/beta-TCP in two-stage sinus floor
      augmentation procedures - a prospective randomized clinical trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To compare a monophasic (100% beta-TCP) and a biphasic (60% HA and
      40% beta-TCP) bone substitute material (BSM) regarding biocompatibility,
      osteoconductivity and implant stability using histological, radiological and
      resonance frequency analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-seven sinus floor
      elevations were performed in 60 patients. One patient group (monophasic bone
      substitute [MBS], 30 patients, 32 sinuses) was augmented by the use of the
      monophasic material (Bioresorb(r) , Sybron Implant Solutions, Bremen, Germany),
      while the second group (biphasic bone substitute (BBS), 30 patients, 35 sinuses)
      received a biphasic material (Maxresorb(r) , Botiss Biomaterials, Berlin,
      Germany). Cone beam CT images were taken immediately after augmentation and prior
      to implant placement after 6 months. Trephines were harvested, while the implant
      bed was prepared. Resonance frequency analysis was performed immediately after
      implant placement and 6 months later. Descriptive analysis was performed on all
      augmented sinus (n = 67). For statistical comparison of the groups, one sinus of
      each bilaterally treated patient was randomly excluded, resulting in 30 sinuses
      grafted with MBS and 30 sinuses grafted with BBS (n = 60). RESULTS:
      Histomorphometrical analysis of all sinuses displayed comparable results for both
      groups regarding new bone matrix (MBS 36.16 +/- 19.37%, BBS 38.42 +/- 12.61%),
      residual BSM (MBS 30.26 +/- 11.7%, BBS 32.66 +/- 12.57%) and non-mineralized
      tissue (MBS 34.29 +/- 18.32%, BBS 28.92 +/- 15.04) %) (P > 0.05, respectively).
      Radiological volume of BBS was significantly more stable (volume loss of 22.2%
      for MBS, 6.66% for BBS; P < 0.001), and homogeneity of the graft after 6 months
      was higher for BBS than that for MBS (P < 0.05). Resonance frequency analysis
      endorsed a higher implant stability quotient for BBS after 6 months than that for
      MBS (MBS 78.31 +/- 5.81, BBS 80.42 +/- 6.31; P < 0.05, Mann-Whitney U-test,
      respectively). CONCLUSION: Both monophasic and biphasic materials show good
      biocompatibility and osteoconductivity with satisfactory support on implant
      stability. BBS remains more stable in terms of volume maintenance and
      radiological graft homogeneity after a healing period of 6 months.

PMID- 27683075
TI  - Factors Affecting Communication Patterns between Oncology Staff and Family
      Members of Deceased Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Perceptions of the role of oncology medical staff in supporting
      bereaved families have evolved with the transition to interdisciplinary cancer
      care. We investigated the interactions between oncology professionals and
      bereaved families. METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved all oncology
      medical staff at the Davidoff Center. Participants were given a questionnaire
      relating to bereavement follow-up. Responses were measured using a 5-point Likert
      scale. RESULTS: Of 155 staff members, 107 filled questionnaires with <20% missing
      data and were included in the analysis (alpha = 0.799; corrected, alpha = 0.821).
      Respondents included physicians (35%), nurses (46%), social workers (7%),
      psychologists (4%), or unspecified (8%); 85% were Jewish, and 60% had >=10 years
      of oncology experience. Most respondents thought that contacting bereaved
      families was important (73%), and that it provided closure for staff (79%); 41%
      indicated that they contacted >50% of the families of their deceased patients.
      Contacting bereaved families was considered the responsibility of the physicians
      (90%), nurses (84%), or social workers (89%). The main barriers to contacting
      bereaved families were emotional overload (68%) and lack of time (63%); 60%
      indicated a need for additional communication tools for bereavement follow-up. In
      a multivariate analysis, profession (physician vs. nurse), primary workplace
      (outpatient setting vs. other), and self-defined religion were significant
      variables with respect to the perceived importance of contacting bereaved
      families and to actually contacting them. Other factors (e.g., age, gender) were
      non-significant. CONCLUSIONS: Perspectives regarding bereavement actions differ
      significantly across medical professions, work settings, and self-defined
      religions. Additional guidance and education regarding bereavement actions is
      warranted.

PMID- 27683076
TI  - The association between Ehlers-Danlos syndrome-hypermobility type and
      gastrointestinal symptoms in university students: a cross-sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome-hypermobility type (EDS-HT) have
      increased prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, particularly reflux and
      dyspepsia. EDS-HT is associated with dysautonomia, psychopathology, and chronic
      pain which can be associated with GI symptoms. The association between GI
      symptoms and EDS-HT in a 'non-patient' population and the effect of the above
      mentioned factors has never been studied. METHODS: In a cross sectional study, a
      hypermobility questionnaire was used to screen university students; further
      clinical examination established the diagnosis of EDS-HT. Validated
      questionnaires assessed for GI, somatic, pain and autonomic symptoms,
      psychopathology and quality of life (QOL). These were compared in students with
      and without EDS-HT; logistic regression analysis examined associations between
      EDS-HT, GI symptoms and other variables. KEY RESULTS: Of 1998 students screened,
      162 were included: 74 EDS-HT (21.0 years, 53% female) vs 88 Non-EDS-HT (21.5
      years, 65% female). Compared to non-EDS-HT students, EDS-HT students were more
      likely to have multiple GI symptoms (41.9% vs 27.3% P=.05), particularly
      postprandial fullness (34.4% vs 15.9%, P=.01) and early satiety (32% vs 17%,
      P=.03), greater autonomic (P<.001) and somatic symptoms (P=.04) but not
      psychopathology (P>.8). The association between EDS-HT and postprandial symptoms
      was dependent on autonomic factors but independent of pain and psychopathology.
      Pain-related QOL scores were reduced in the EDS-HT group (80 vs 90, P=.03).
      CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES: The previously described association between EDS-HT,
      dyspepsia, pain and autonomic symptoms in patients is also present in non-patient
      groups. Future studies are necessary to explore the etiological role of
      connective tissue in GI and extra intestinal symptoms.

PMID- 27683074
TI  - SDHA mutation with dominant transmission results in complex II deficiency with
      ocular, cardiac, and neurologic involvement.
AB  - Isolated defects of the mitochondrial respiratory complex II (succinate
      dehydrogenase, SDH) are rare, accounting for approximately 2% of all respiratory
      chain deficiency diagnoses. Here, we report clinical and molecular investigations
      of three family members with a heterozygous mutation in the large flavoprotein
      subunit SDHA previously described to cause complex II deficiency. The index
      patient presented with bilateral optic atrophy and ocular movement disorder, a
      progressive polyneuropathy, psychiatric involvement, and cardiomyopathy. Two of
      his children presented with cardiomyopathy and methylglutaconic aciduria in early
      childhood. The daughter deceased at the age of 7 months due to cardiac
      insufficiency. The 30-year old son presents with cardiomyopathy and developed
      bilateral optic atrophy in adulthood. Of the four nuclear encoded proteins
      composing complex II (SDHA, SDHB, SDHC, SDHD) and currently known assembly
      factors SDHAF1 and SDHAF2 mainly recessively inherited mutations have been
      described in SDHA, SDHB, SDHD, and SDHAF1 to be causative for mitochondrial
      disease phenotypes. This is the second report presenting autosomal dominant
      inheritance of a SDHA mutation.(c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27683072
TI  - Prognosis after surgical replacement with a bioprosthetic aortic valve in
      patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis: systematic review of
      observational studies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE:  To determine the frequency of survival, stroke, atrial fibrillation,
      structural valve deterioration, and length of hospital stay after surgical
      replacement of an aortic valve (SAVR) with a bioprosthetic valve in patients with
      severe symptomatic aortic stenosis. DESIGN:  Systematic review and meta-analysis
      of observational studies. DATA SOURCES:  Medline, Embase, PubMed (non-Medline
      records only), Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Cochrane CENTRAL from
      2002 to June 2016. STUDY SELECTION:  Eligible observational studies followed
      patients after SAVR with a bioprosthetic valve for at least two years. METHODS: 
      Reviewers, independently and in duplicate, evaluated study eligibility, extracted
      data, and assessed risk of bias for patient important outcomes. We used the GRADE
      system to quantify absolute effects and quality of evidence. Published survival
      curves provided data for survival and freedom from structural valve
      deterioration, and random effect models provided the framework for estimates of
      pooled incidence rates of stroke, atrial fibrillation, and length of hospital
      stay. RESULTS:  In patients undergoing SAVR with a bioprosthetic valve, median
      survival was 16 years in those aged 65 or less, 12 years in those aged 65 to 75,
      seven years in those aged 75 to 85, and six years in those aged more than 85. The
      incidence rate of stroke was 0.25 per 100 patient years (95% confidence interval
      0.06 to 0.54) and atrial fibrillation 2.90 per 100 patient years (1.78 to 4.79).
      Post-SAVR, freedom from structural valve deterioration was 94.0% at 10 years,
      81.7% at 15 years, and 52% at 20 years, and mean length of hospital stay was 12
      days (95% confidence interval 9 to 15). CONCLUSION:  Patients with severe
      symptomatic aortic stenosis undergoing SAVR with a bioprosthetic valve can expect
      only slightly lower survival than those without aortic stenosis, and a low
      incidence of stroke and, up to 10 years, of structural valve deterioration. The
      rate of deterioration increases rapidly after 10 years, and particularly after 15
      years.

PMID- 27683077
TI  - Highly tunable refractive index visible-light metasurface from block copolymer
      self-assembly.
AB  - The refractive index of natural transparent materials is limited to 2-3
      throughout the visible wavelength range. Wider controllability of the refractive
      index is desired for novel optical applications such as nanoimaging and
      integrated photonics. We report that metamaterials consisting of period and
      symmetry-tunable self-assembled nanopatterns can provide a controllable
      refractive index medium for a broad wavelength range, including the visible
      region. Our approach exploits the independent control of permeability and
      permittivity with nanoscale objects smaller than the skin depth. The precise
      manipulation of the interobject distance in block copolymer nanopatterns via
      pattern shrinkage increased the effective refractive index up to 5.10. The
      effective refractive index remains above 3.0 over more than 1,000 nm wavelength
      bandwidth. Spatially graded and anisotropic refractive indices are also obtained
      with the design of transitional and rotational symmetry modification.

PMID- 27683078
TI  - The significance of routine biochemical markers in patients with major depressive
      disorder.
AB  - The aim of our study is to examine the levels of routine biochemical markers in
      patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), and combine multiple biochemical
      parameters to assess the discriminative power for patients with MDD. We used the
      Hamilton Depression (HAMD) score to evaluate the severity of depressive symptoms
      in 228 patients with MDD. The phase of depression severity was between moderate
      and severe in MDD patients. There were significant differences between MDD
      patients and healthy controls in alanine transaminase (ALT), urea nitrogen (UN),
      lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), uric acid (UA), total protein (TP), total bile acid
      (TBA), creatinine (Cr), total bilirubin (Tbil), direct bilirubin (Dbil) and
      indirect bilirubin (Ibil), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), fasting
      blood-glucose (FBG) and fructosamine (SF). Multivariate analysis showed that UN,
      FBG, HDL-C, SF, TP, Cr and Tbil remained independently association with MDD.
      Further, a logit equation was established to identify patients with MDD. The
      composite markers exhibited an area under the curve of 0.810 with cut-off values
      of 0.410. Our results suggest the associations between UN, FBG, HDL-C, TP, Cr,
      Tbil, SF and MDD, use of these routine biochemical markers in combination may
      contribute to improve the complete management for patients with MDD.

PMID- 27683079
TI  - [Reduce sedentary behaviour among children - a systematic review].
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Sedentary behaviour is itself a health-related
      behaviour. This systematic review examines whether family-based interventions can
      reduce sitting time among children and adolescents and which variables moderate
      potential intervention effects. METHODS: Using a systematic literature search we
      identified family-based randomised controlled intervention studies that focus on
      sedentary behaviour in 3- to 18-year-old children and youth. The methodological
      quality of studies as well as the intervention effects according to different
      outcomes (screen-based vs. overall sitting) were analysed and evaluated for
      moderating effects. RESULTS: Of 29 studies, 17 reported significant effects and
      11 studies showed positive trends for reduced sitting time. The content of
      interventions, the level of theoretical underpinning as well as the
      methodological quality of studies were heterogeneous. Most often, screen-based
      sitting and seldom overall sitting was examined. Concise characteristics of
      intervention success were not clearly apparent. The proportion of positive
      intervention effects was higher in reducing sitting in front of TVs compared to
      other outcomes. An analysis of moderators highlighted that intervention programs
      among pre-schoolers showed more often positive intervention effects. DISCUSSION:
      There are many promising opportunities to reduce sitting time using family-based
      approaches. Statements in terms of replication of interventions and explanations
      of the effective mechanisms within interventions are limited. Therefore, future
      interventions should use subjective as well as objective evaluation measures and
      consider overall sitting time. To strengthen the basis of interventional effort
      in this research field, a theoretical planning approach is recommended.

PMID- 27683080
TI  - Tbet Deficiency Causes T Helper Cell Dependent Airways Eosinophilia and Mucus
      Hypersecretion in Response to Rhinovirus Infection.
AB  - Current understanding of adaptive immune, particularly T cell, responses to human
      rhinoviruses (RV) is limited. Memory T cells are thought to be of a primarily T
      helper 1 type, but both T helper 1 and T helper 2 memory cells have been
      described, and heightened T helper 2/ lessened T helper 1 responses have been
      associated with increased RV-induced asthma exacerbation severity. We examined
      the contribution of T helper 1 cells to RV-induced airways inflammation using
      mice deficient in the transcription factor T-Box Expressed In T Cells (Tbet), a
      critical controller of T helper 1 cell differentiation. Using flow cytometry we
      showed that Tbet deficient mice lacked the T helper 1 response of wild type mice
      and instead developed mixed T helper 2/T helper 17 responses to RV infection,
      evidenced by increased numbers of GATA binding protein 3 (GATA-3) and RAR-related
      orphan receptor gamma t (RORgammat), and interleukin-13 and interleukin-17A
      expressing CD4+ T cells in the lung. Forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) and interleukin-10
      expressing T cell numbers were unaffected. Tbet deficient mice also displayed
      deficiencies in lung Natural Killer, Natural Killer T cell and gammadeltaT cell
      responses, and serum neutralising antibody responses. Tbet deficient mice
      exhibited pronounced airways eosinophilia and mucus production in response to RV
      infection that, by utilising a CD4+ cell depleting antibody, were found to be T
      helper cell dependent. RV induction of T helper 2 and T helper 17 responses may
      therefore have an important role in directly driving features of allergic airways
      disease such as eosinophilia and mucus hypersecretion during asthma
      exacerbations.

PMID- 27683081
TI  - Modulating sphingosine 1-phosphate signaling with DOP or FTY720 alleviates
      vascular and immune defects in mouse sepsis.
AB  - Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response to pathogens and a leading cause of
      hospital related mortality worldwide. Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) regulates
      multiple cellular processes potentially involved in the pathogenesis of sepsis,
      including antigen presentation, lymphocyte egress, and maintenance of vascular
      integrity. We thus explored the impact of manipulating S1P signaling in
      experimental polymicrobial sepsis in mice. Administration of 4-deoxypyridoxine
      (DOP), an inhibitor of the S1P-degrading enzyme S1P-lyase, or of the sphingosine
      analog FTY720 that serves as an S1P receptor agonist after phosphorylation
      ameliorated morbidity, improved recovery from sepsis in surviving mice, and
      reduced sepsis-elicited hypothermia and body weight loss. Treated mice developed
      lymphopenia, leading to an accumulation of lymphocytes in peripheral lymph nodes,
      and reduced bacterial burden in liver, but not in blood. Sepsis-induced
      upregulation of mRNA expression of cytokines in spleen remained unchanged, but
      reduction of IL-6, TNF-alpha, MCP-1, and IL-10 in plasma was evident. DOP and
      FTY720 treatment significantly reduced levels of Evans blue leakage from blood
      into liver and lung, decreased hematocrit values, and lowered plasma levels of
      VEGF-A in septic mice. Collectively, our results indicate that modulation of S1P
      signaling showed a protective phenotype in experimental sepsis by modulating
      vascular and immune functions.

PMID- 27683083
TI  - Relaxation and contraction rates - underestimated parameters of vascular
      contractility?

PMID- 27683082
TI  - WEVOTE: Weighted Voting Taxonomic Identification Method of Microbial Sequences.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Metagenome shotgun sequencing presents opportunities to identify
      organisms that may prevent or promote disease. The analysis of sample diversity
      is achieved by taxonomic identification of metagenomic reads followed by
      generating an abundance profile. Numerous tools have been developed based on
      different design principles. Tools achieving high precision can lack sensitivity
      in some applications. Conversely, tools with high sensitivity can suffer from low
      precision and require long computation time. METHODS: In this paper, we present
      WEVOTE (WEighted VOting Taxonomic idEntification), a method that classifies
      metagenome shotgun sequencing DNA reads based on an ensemble of existing methods
      using k-mer-based, marker-based, and naive-similarity based approaches. Our
      evaluation on fourteen benchmarking datasets shows that WEVOTE improves the
      classification precision by reducing false positive annotations while preserving
      a high level of sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: WEVOTE is an efficient and automated
      tool that combines multiple individual taxonomic identification methods to
      produce more precise and sensitive microbial profiles. WEVOTE is developed
      primarily to identify reads generated by MetaGenome Shotgun sequencing. It is
      expandable and has the potential to incorporate additional tools to produce a
      more accurate taxonomic profile. WEVOTE was implemented using C++ and shell
      scripting and is available at www.github.com/aametwally/WEVOTE.

PMID- 27683084
TI  - SPATA5 mutations cause a distinct autosomal recessive phenotype of intellectual
      disability, hypotonia and hearing loss.
AB  - We examined an extended, consanguineous family with seven individuals with severe
      intellectual disability and microcephaly. Further symptoms were hearing loss,
      vision impairment, gastrointestinal disturbances, and slow and asymmetric waves
      in the EEG. Linkage analysis followed by exome sequencing revealed a homozygous
      variant in SPATA5 (c.1822_1824del; p.Asp608del), which segregates with the
      phenotype in the family. Molecular modelling suggested a deleterious effect of
      the identified alterations on the protein function. In an unrelated family, we
      identified compound heterozygous variants in SPATA5 (c.[2081G >
      A];[989_991delCAA]; p.[Gly694Glu];[.Thr330del]) in a further individual with
      global developmental delay, infantile spasms, profound dystonia, and
      sensorineural hearing loss. Molecular modelling suggested an impairment of
      protein function in the presence of both variants.SPATA5 is a member of the
      ATPase associated with diverse activities (AAA) protein family and was very
      recently reported in one publication to be mutated in individuals with
      intellectual disability, epilepsy and hearing loss. Our results describe new,
      probably pathogenic variants in SPATA5 that were identified in individuals with a
      comparable phenotype. We thus independently confirm that bi-allelic pathogenic
      variants in SPATA5 cause a syndromic form of intellectual disability, and we
      delineate its clinical presentation.

PMID- 27683085
TI  - Chest closure without drainage after open patent ductus arteriosus ligation in
      Ugandan children: A non blinded randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is clinical equipoise regarding post-operative management of
      patients with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) without insertion of a chest drain.
      This study evaluated post operative outcomes of chest closure with or without a
      drain following Patent Ductus Arteriosus ligation among childen at Uganda Heart
      Instritute (UHI). METHODS: This was an open label randomized controlled trial of
      62 children 12 years of age and below diagnosed with patent ductus arteriosus at
      Mulago National Teaching and Referral Hospital, Uganda. Participants were
      randomized in the ratio of 1:1 with surgical ligation of patent ductus arteriosus
      to either thoracotomy closure with a chest tube or without a chest tube. All
      participants received standard care and were monitored hourly for 24 hours then
      until hospital discharge. The combined primary endpoint consisted of significant
      pleural space accumulation of fluid or air, higher oxygen need or infection of
      the surgical site. Analysis was conducted by multivariable logistic regression
      analysis at 5 % significance level. RESULTS: We enrolled 62 participants, 46 (74
      %) of whom were females. Their median age was 12 months (IQR: 8-36). Participants
      in the no-drain arm significantly had less post-operative complications compared
      to the drain arm (Unadjusted odds ratio [uOR]: 0.21, 95 % CI: 0.06-0.73, p =
      0.015). This "protective effect" remained without statistical significance in the
      multivariable regression model (Adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.07, 95 % CI: 0.00
      2.50, p = 0.144). CONCLUSION: Children aged below 6 years with patent ductus
      arterious can safely and effectively have thoracotomy closure without using a
      drain in uncomplicated surgical ligation of the PDA. Chest drain was associated
      with post-operative complications. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered
      in the Pan African Clinical Trials registry on 1st/July/2012, retrospectively
      registered. Identifier number PACTR201207000395469 .

PMID- 27683086
TI  - Correlates of Enhanced Sexual Pleasure from Condom Use: A Study of Young Black
      Men Who Have Sex with Men in the United States.
AB  - This study of young Black MSM (YBMSM) explored the correlates and outcomes of
      enhanced sexual pleasure from condom-protected sex. Six-hundred YBMSM were
      enrolled from an sexually transmitted infection clinic in the southern United
      States. Men completed a computer-assisted self-interview. A 3-item scale assessed
      perceptions related to condoms enhancing sexual pleasure. Nine of 14 correlates
      met the screening level of significance and were tested in a regression model.
      Three obtained multivariable significance: (1) Men discussing condom use with sex
      partners had greater odds (AOR = 1.67, 95 % CI 1.20-2.34) of experiencing
      enhanced pleasure; (2) Insertive-partners had lower odds (AOR = 0.63, 95 % CI
      0.44-0.91) of experiencing enhanced pleasure; and (3) men scoring higher in
      internalized homophobia had lower odds (AOR = 0.66, 95 % CI 0.47-0.93) of
      experiencing enhanced pleasure. Also, men experiencing enhanced pleasure were
      less likely to report any condomless anal sex. The experience of enhanced sexual
      pleasure during condom-protected sex may be an important "target" of behavioral
      intervention efforts.

PMID- 27683088
TI  - Mapping Dual-Degree Programs in Social Work and Public Health: Results From a
      National Survey.
AB  - Dramatic changes in the health system due to national health reform are raising
      important questions regarding the educational preparation of social workers for
      the new health arena. While dual-degree programs in public health and social work
      can be an important response to what is needed educationally, little is known
      about them. The National MSW/MPH Programs Study surveyed MSW/MPH program
      administrators to better understand the prevalence, models, structure, and
      challenges of these dual-degree programs. Forty-two programs were identified, and
      97.6% of those contacted participated (n=41). Findings indicate that MSW/MPH
      programs are popular, increasing, geographically dispersed, and drawing talented
      students interested in trans-disciplinary public health social work practice.
      Challenges for these programs include the need for greater institutional support,
      particularly funding, and a general lack of best practices for MSW/MPH education.
      While findings from this study suggest graduates appear especially well-prepared
      for leadership and practice in the new health environment, additional research is
      needed to assess their particular contributions and career trajectories.

PMID- 27683089
TI  - Symposium Introduction: Papers on 'Modeling National Health Expenditures'.
AB  - Significant contributions have been made since the World Health Organization
      published Brian Abel-Smith's pioneering comparative study of national health
      expenditures more than 50 years ago. There have been major advances in theories,
      model specifications, methodological approaches, and data structures. This
      introductory essay provides a historical context for this line of work,
      highlights four newly published studies that move health economics research
      forward, and indicates several important areas of challenging but potentially
      fruitful research to strengthen future contributions to the literature and make
      empirical findings more useful for evaluating health policy decisions. Copyright
      (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27683087
TI  - Identity information content depends on the type of facial movement.
AB  - Facial movements convey information about many social cues, including identity.
      However, how much information about a person's identity is conveyed by different
      kinds of facial movements is unknown. We addressed this question using a recent
      motion capture and animation system, with which we animated one avatar head with
      facial movements of three types: (1) emotional, (2) emotional in social
      interaction and (3) conversational, all recorded from several actors. In a
      delayed match-to-sample task, observers were best at matching actor identity
      across conversational movements, worse with emotional movements in social
      interactions, and at chance level with emotional facial expressions. Model
      observers performing this task showed similar performance profiles, indicating
      that performance variation was due to differences in information content, rather
      than processing. Our results suggest that conversational facial movements
      transmit more dynamic identity information than emotional facial expressions,
      thus suggesting different functional roles and processing mechanisms for
      different types of facial motion.

PMID- 27683090
TI  - A population pharmacokinetic model to predict oxypurinol exposure in patients on
      haemodialysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to characterise the population
      pharmacokinetics of oxypurinol in patients receiving haemodialysis and to compare
      oxypurinol exposure in dialysis and non-dialysis patients. METHODS: Oxypurinol
      plasma concentrations from 6 gout people receiving haemodialysis and 19 people
      with gout not receiving dialysis were used to develop a population
      pharmacokinetic model in NONMEM. Deterministic simulations were used to predict
      the steady-state area under the oxypurinol plasma concentration time curve over 1
      week (AUC7days). RESULTS: The pharmacokinetics of oxypurinol were best described
      by a one-compartment model with a separate parameter for dialytic clearance.
      Allopurinol 100 mg daily produced an AUC7days of 279 MUmol/L h in dialysis
      patients, a value 50-75 % lower than the AUC7days predicted for patients with
      normal renal function taking 200 to 400 mg daily (427-855 MUmol/L h). Dosing pre
      dialysis resulted in about a 25-35 % reduction in exposure compared to post
      dialysis. CONCLUSIONS: Oxypurinol is efficiently removed by dialysis. The
      population dialytic and total (non-dialytic) clearance of oxypurinol were found
      to be 8.23 and 1.23 L/h, standardised to a fat-free mass of 70 kg and creatinine
      clearance of 6 L/h, respectively. Our results suggest that if the combination of
      low-dose allopurinol and haemodialysis does not result in sustained urate
      lowering below treatment targets (serum urate <=0.36 mmol/L), then allopurinol
      doses may be increased to optimise oxypurinol exposure.

PMID- 27683091
TI  - Linear trichilemmomas on the ankle of a 28-year-old female.
AB  - Trichilemmomas are benign cutaneous proliferations derived from the outer root
      sheath of the hair follicle. They most often occur on the head and neck region
      and show a female predominance. When multiple, they are associated with Cowden
      syndrome (CS), a rare disorder due to an autosomal dominant germline mutation in
      PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog on chromosome 10), a tumor suppressor gene.
      Trichilemmomas outside of the head and neck region are rare, and as such, the
      association with CS is not clear. A 28-year-old healthy female with no
      significant family history of cancer presented to her dermatologist with multiple
      erythematous papules on the left anterior ankle, starting at birth. A shave
      biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of trichilemmoma with focal desmoplastic features
      (or desmoplastic trichilemmoma). A PTEN immunohistochemical study showed patchy
      (but not complete) loss of staining of the lesional cells. After shave removal,
      the trichilemmomas recurred 1-2 months later.

PMID- 27683093
TI  - Bronchial artery aneurysm: a rare, undescribed cause of Horner syndrome.

PMID- 27683094
TI  - Replication stress as a source of telomere recombination during replicative
      senescence in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
AB  - Replicative senescence is triggered by short unprotected telomeres that arise in
      the absence of telomerase. In addition, telomeres are known as difficult regions
      to replicate due to their repetitive G-rich sequence prone to secondary
      structures and tightly bound non-histone proteins. Here we review accumulating
      evidence that telomerase inactivation in yeast immediately unmasks the problems
      associated with replication stress at telomeres. Early after telomerase
      inactivation, yeast cells undergo successive rounds of stochastic DNA damages and
      become dependent on recombination for viability long before the bulk of telomeres
      are getting critically short. The switch from telomerase to recombination to
      repair replication stress-induced damage at telomeres creates telomere
      instability, which may drive further genomic alterations and prepare the ground
      for telomerase-independent immortalization observed in yeast survivors and in 15%
      of human cancer.

PMID- 27683092
TI  - Double overexpression of DREB and PIF transcription factors improves drought
      stress tolerance and cell elongation in transgenic plants.
AB  - Although a variety of transgenic plants that are tolerant to drought stress have
      been generated, many of these plants show growth retardation. To improve drought
      tolerance and plant growth, we applied a gene-stacking approach using two
      transcription factor genes: DEHYDRATION-RESPONSIVE ELEMENT-BINDING 1A (DREB1A)
      and rice PHYTOCHROME-INTERACTING FACTOR-LIKE 1 (OsPIL1). The overexpression of
      DREB1A has been reported to improve drought stress tolerance in various crops,
      although it also causes a severe dwarf phenotype. OsPIL1 is a rice homologue of
      Arabidopsis PHYTOCHROME-INTERACTING FACTOR 4 (PIF4), and it enhances cell
      elongation by activating cell wall-related gene expression. We found that the
      OsPIL1 protein was more stable than PIF4 under light conditions in Arabidopsis
      protoplasts. Transactivation analyses revealed that DREB1A and OsPIL1 did not
      negatively affect each other's transcriptional activities. The transgenic plants
      overexpressing both OsPIL1 and DREB1A showed the improved drought stress
      tolerance similar to that of DREB1A overexpressors. Furthermore, double
      overexpressors showed the enhanced hypocotyl elongation and floral induction
      compared with the DREB1A overexpressors. Metabolome analyses indicated that
      compatible solutes, such as sugars and amino acids, accumulated in the double
      overexpressors, which was similar to the observations of the DREB1A
      overexpressors. Transcriptome analyses showed an increased expression of abiotic
      stress-inducible DREB1A downstream genes and cell elongation-related OsPIL1
      downstream genes in the double overexpressors, which suggests that these two
      transcription factors function independently in the transgenic plants despite the
      trade-offs required to balance plant growth and stress tolerance. Our study
      provides a basis for plant genetic engineering designed to overcome growth
      retardation in drought-tolerant transgenic plants.

PMID- 27683095
TI  - Human transcription factors in yeast: the fruitful examples of P53 and NF-kB.
AB  - The observation that human transcription factors (TFs) can function when
      expressed in yeast cells has stimulated the development of various functional
      assays to investigate (i) the role of binding site sequences (herein referred to
      as response elements, REs) in transactivation specificity, (ii) the impact of
      polymorphic nucleotide variants on transactivation potential, (iii) the
      functional consequences of mutations in TFs and (iv) the impact of cofactors or
      small molecules. These approaches have found applications in basic as well as
      applied research, including the identification and the characterisation of mutant
      TF alleles from clinical samples. The ease of genome editing of yeast cells and
      the availability of regulated systems for ectopic protein expression enabled the
      development of quantitative reporter systems, integrated at a chosen chromosomal
      locus in isogenic yeast strains that differ only at the level of a specific RE
      targeted by a TF or for the expression of distinct TF alleles. In many cases,
      these assays were proven predictive of results in higher eukaryotes. The
      potential to work in small volume formats and the availability of yeast strains
      with modified chemical uptake have enhanced the scalability of these approaches.
      Next to well-established one-, two-, three-hybrid assays, the functional assays
      with non-chimeric human TFs enrich the palette of opportunities for functional
      characterisation. We review ~25 years of research on human sequence-specific TFs
      expressed in yeast, with an emphasis on the P53 and NF-kB family of proteins,
      highlighting outcomes, advantages, challenges and limitations of these
      heterologous assays.

PMID- 27683096
TI  - Sudden onset of parathyroid hormone-independent severe hypercalcemia from
      reversal of tumoral calcinosis in a dialysis patient.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tumoral calcinosis is a rare manifestation of extraskeletal
      calcification, featuring large calcified cystic masses in the periarticular
      regions of large joints. In chronic kidney disease (CKD), this disorder is
      thought to evolve through a chronically elevated calcium-phosphorus solubility
      product leading to calcium precipitation in soft tissue. Treating tumoral
      calcinosis in these patients involves interventions to lower the calcium
      phosphorus product such as reduction in vitamin D therapy and intensive
      hemodialysis regimens. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 54-year old
      woman with polycystic kidney disease on peritoneal dialysis with widespread
      tumoral calcinosis in the context of hypercalcemic tertiary hyperparathyroidism
      who had been on long-term alfacalcidol therapy. After withdrawal of the vitamin D
      analogue and initiation of daily hemodialysis, there was rapid dissolution of her
      tumoral calcium deposits with the abrupt onset of parathyroid hormone (PTH)
      independent transient hypercalcemia that resolved once the soft tissue deposits
      disappeared. CONCLUSIONS: Resorption of soft tissue calcific deposits may result
      in transient parathyroid hormone (PTH)-independent hypercalcemia. In CKD
      patients, this hypercalcemia causes a decrease in the PTH level, distinguishing
      it from tertiary hyperparathyroidism, though PTH may not be totally suppressed,
      the way it is seen in PTH-independent hypercalcemia in non-CKD patients.

PMID- 27683097
TI  - Erratum to: Radiation Engineering of Multifunctional Nanogels.

PMID- 27683098
TI  - Semiconductor Quantum Dots with Photoresponsive Ligands.
AB  - Photochromic or photocaged ligands can be anchored to the outer shell of
      semiconductor quantum dots in order to control the photophysical properties of
      these inorganic nanocrystals with optical stimulations. One of the two
      interconvertible states of the photoresponsive ligands can be designed to accept
      either an electron or energy from the excited quantum dots and quench their
      luminescence. Under these conditions, the reversible transformations of
      photochromic ligands or the irreversible cleavage of photocaged counterparts
      translates into the possibility to switch luminescence with external control. As
      an alternative to regulating the photophysics of a quantum dot via the
      photochemistry of its ligands, the photochemistry of the latter can be controlled
      by relying on the photophysics of the former. The transfer of excitation energy
      from a quantum dot to a photocaged ligand populates the excited state of the
      species adsorbed on the nanocrystal to induce a photochemical reaction. This
      mechanism, in conjunction with the large two-photon absorption cross section of
      quantum dots, can be exploited to release nitric oxide or to generate singlet
      oxygen under near-infrared irradiation. Thus, the combination of semiconductor
      quantum dots and photoresponsive ligands offers the opportunity to assemble
      nanostructured constructs with specific functions on the basis of electron or
      energy transfer processes. The photoswitchable luminescence and ability to
      photoinduce the release of reactive chemicals, associated with the resulting
      systems, can be particularly valuable in biomedical research and can, ultimately,
      lead to the realization of imaging probes for diagnostic applications as well as
      to therapeutic agents for the treatment of cancer.

PMID- 27683099
TI  - Geraniol suppresses prostate cancer growth through down-regulation of E2F8.
AB  - Geraniol, an acyclic dietary monoterpene, has been found to suppress cancer
      survival and growth. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the antitumor
      action of geraniol has not been investigated at the genome-wide level. In this
      study, we analyzed the microarray data obtained from geraniol-treated prostate
      cancer cells. Geraniol potently altered a gene expression profile and primarily
      down-regulated cell cycle-related gene signatures, compared to linalool, another
      structurally similar monoterpene that induces no apparent phenotypic changes.
      Master regulator analysis using the prostate cancer-specific regulatory
      interactome identified that the transcription factor E2F8 as a specific target
      molecule regulates geraniol-specific cell cycle signatures. Subsequent
      experiments confirmed that geraniol down-regulated E2F8 expression and the
      knockdown of E2F8 was sufficient to suppress cell growth by inducing G2 /M
      arrest. Epidemiological analysis showed that E2F8 is up-regulated in metastatic
      prostate cancer and associated with poor prognosis. These results indicate that
      E2F8 is a crucial transcription regulator controlling cell cycle and survival in
      prostate cancer cells. Therefore, our study provides insight into the role of
      E2F8 in prostate cancer biology and therapeutics.

PMID- 27683100
TI  - The treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Guatemala: Biologic
      features, treatment hurdles, and results.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The National Pediatric Oncology Unit (UNOP) is the only pediatric
      hemato-oncology center in Guatemala. METHODS: Patients ages 1 to 17 years with
      acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) were treated according to modified ALL
      Intercontinental Berlin-Frankfurt-Munster (IC-BFM) 2002 protocol. Risk
      classification was based on age, white blood cell count, immunophenotype,
      genetics (when available), and early response to therapy. RESULTS: From July 2007
      to June 2014, 787 patients were treated, including 160 who had standard-risk ALL,
      450 who had intermediate-risk ALL, and 177 who had high-risk ALL. The induction
      death rate was 6.6%, and the remission rate was 92.9%. The rates of death and
      treatment abandonment during first complete remission were 4.8% and 2.5%,
      respectively. At a median observation time of 3.6 years, and with abandonment
      considered an event, the 5-year event-free survival and overall survival
      estimates ( +/- standard error) were 56.2% +/- 2.1% and 64.1% +/- 2.1%,
      respectively, with a 5-year cumulative incidence of relapse of 28.9% +/- 2.0%.
      Twenty-one of 281 patients (7.5%) investigated were positive for the ets variant
      6/runt-related transcription factor 1 (ETV6/RUNX1) fusion. CONCLUSIONS: A well
      organized center in a low-middle-income country can overcome the disadvantages of
      malnutrition and reduce abandonment. Outcomes remain suboptimal because of late
      diagnosis, early death, and a high relapse rate, which may have a partly genetic
      basis. Earlier diagnosis, better management of complications, and better
      knowledge of ALL will improve outcomes. Cancer 2017;123:436-448. (c) 2016
      American Cancer Society.

PMID- 27683102
TI  - Collective synchrony increases prosociality towards non-performers and outgroup
      members.
AB  - Previous research has found that behavioural synchrony between people leads to
      greater prosocial tendencies towards co-performers. In this study, we
      investigated the scope of this prosocial effect: does it extend beyond the
      performance group to an extended ingroup (extended parochial prosociality) or
      even to other people in general (generalized prosociality)? Participants
      performed a simple rhythmic movement either in time (synchrony condition) or out
      of time (asynchrony condition) with each other. Before and during the rhythmic
      movement, participants were exposed to a prime that made salient an extended
      ingroup identity. After the task, half of the participants had the opportunity to
      help an extended ingroup member; the other half had the opportunity to help an
      outgroup member. We found a main effect of our synchrony manipulation across both
      help targets suggesting that the prosocial effects of synchrony extend to non
      performers. Furthermore, there was a significantly higher proportion of
      participants willing to help an outgroup member after moving collectively in
      synchrony. This study shows that under certain intergroup contexts synchrony can
      lead to generalized prosociality with performers displaying greater prosociality
      even towards outgroup members.

PMID- 27683104
TI  - Iatrogenic Menopause After Treatment for Cervical Cancer.
AB  - The ever-improving prognosis of women diagnosed with cervical cancer has meant
      that survivorship and treatment-related sequelae are being brought more into the
      spotlight in an attempt to try to reduce morbidity and improve women's long-term
      health. However, there are many issues surrounding an iatrogenic menopause in
      cervical cancer, a variety of potential management options and barriers to
      treatment. Women who have become menopausal under the age of 45 years as a result
      of cervical cancer are significantly less likely to start hormone replacement
      therapy (HRT) or continue it long term as compared with those who have undergone
      a surgical menopause for a benign reason. High profile media reports raising
      concerns about the safety of HRT use have left many women reluctant to consider
      HRT as a therapeutic option for menopausal symptoms and many are seeking to use
      complementary/alternative medicine, including non-pharmacological interventions,
      to alleviate symptoms. The benefits of HRT in this population have been shown to
      reduce these effects, although adherence to treatment regimens is a challenge due
      to poor compliance, which is in part due to the fear of a second malignancy. The
      development of non-HRT-based interventions to ameliorate menopausal symptoms and
      reduce the long-term health consequences are needed for women who choose not to
      take HRT.

PMID- 27683101
TI  - An Amphotericin B Derivative Equally Potent to Amphotericin B and with Increased
      Safety.
AB  - Amphotericin B is the most potent antimycotic known to date. However due to its
      large collateral toxicity, its use, although long standing, had been limited.
      Many attempts have been made to produce derivatives with reduced collateral
      damage. The molecular mechanism of polyene has also been closely studied for this
      purpose and understanding it would contribute to the development of safe
      derivatives. Our study examined polyene action, including chemical synthesis,
      electrophysiology, pharmacology, toxicology and molecular dynamics. The results
      were used to support a novel Amphotericin B derivative with increased
      selectivity: L-histidine methyl ester of Amphotericin B. We found that this
      derivative has the same form of action as Amphotericin B, i.e. pore formation in
      the cell membrane. Its reduced dimerization in solution, when compared to
      Amphotericin B, is at least partially responsible for its increased selectivity.
      Here we also present the results of preclinical tests, which show that the
      derivative is just as potent as Amphotericin B and has increased safety.

PMID- 27683105
TI  - Medicine shortages: a commentary on causes and mitigation strategies.
AB  - Shortages of medicines and vaccines have been reported in countries of all income
      levels in recent years. Shortages can result from one or multiple causes,
      including shortages of raw materials, manufacturing capacity problems, industry
      consolidation, marketing practices, and procurement and supply chain management.
      Existing approaches to mitigate shortages include advance notice systems managed
      through medicine regulatory authorities, special programmes that track medicines,
      and interventions to improve efficiency of the medicine supply chain.
      Redistribution of supplies at the national level can mitigate some shortages in
      the short term. International redistribution and exceptional regulatory approvals
      may be used in limited circumstances, with the understanding that such approaches
      are complex and may introduce cost and quality risks. If it is necessary to
      prioritise patients to receive a medicine that is in shortage, evidence-based
      practice should be used to ensure optimal allocation. Important steps in reducing
      medicine shortages and their impact include identifying medicines that are most
      at risk, developing reporting systems to share information on current and
      emerging shortages, and improving data from medicine supply chains.

PMID- 27683103
TI  - Population-Based External Validation of the Updated 2012 Partin Tables in
      Contemporary North American Prostate Cancer Patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To externally validate the updated 2012 Partin Tables in contemporary
      North American patients treated with radical prostatectomy (RP) for localized
      prostate cancer (PCa) at community institutions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We
      examined records of 25,254 patients treated with RP and pelvic lymph node
      dissection (PLND) between 2010 and 2013, within the surveillance, epidemiology,
      and end results database. The ROC derived AUC assessed discriminant properties of
      the updated 2012 Partin Tables of organ confined disease (OC), extracapsular
      extension (ECE), seminal vesical invasion (SVI), and lymph node invasion (LNI).
      Calibration plots focused on calibration between predicted and observed rates.
      RESULTS: Proportions of OC, ECE, SVI, and LNI at RP were 69.8%, 18.4%, 7.4%, and
      4.4%, respectively. Accuracy for prediction of OC, ECE, SVI, and LNI was 70.4%,
      59.9%, 72.9%, and 77.1%, respectively. In subgroup analyses in patients with
      nodal yield >10, accuracy for LNI prediction was 76.0%. Subgroup analyses in
      elderly patients and in African American patients revealed decreased accuracy for
      prediction of all four endpoints. Last but not least, SVI and LNI calibration
      plots showed excellent agreement, versus good agreement for OC (maximum
      underestimation of 10%) and poor agreement for ECE (maximum overestimation of
      12%). CONCLUSION: Taken together, the updated 2012 Partin Tables can be
      unequivocally endorsed for prediction of OC, SVI, and LNI in community-based
      patients with localized PCa. Conversely, ECE predictions failed to reach the
      minimum accuracy requirements of 70%. Prostate 77:105-113, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27683106
TI  - Apolipoprotein A1: a novel serum biomarker for predicting the prognosis of
      hepatocellular carcinoma after curative resection.
AB  - As a major protein constituent of high density lipoprotein, Apolipoprotein A1
      (ApoA-1) might be associated with cancer progression. Our study investigated the
      serum ApoA-1 level for the prognosis of 443 patients with hepatocellular
      carcinoma (HCC) and its effects on tumor cells. We found that the serum ApoA-1
      level was significantly lower in HCC patients with tumor recurrence, and was an
      independent indicator of tumor-free survival and overall survival. Low serum ApoA
      1 levels were significantly associated with multiple tumors and high Barcelona
      Clinic Liver Cancer stage. The circulating tumor cell (CTC) levels were
      significantly higher in patients with low serum ApoA-1 compared with those with
      high serum ApoA-1 levels (4.03 +/- 0.98 vs. 1.48 +/- 0.22; p=0.001). In patients
      with detectable CTCs, those with low ApoA-1 levels had higher recurrence rates
      and shorter survival times. In vitro experiments showed that ApoA-1 can inhibit
      tumor cell proliferation through cell cycle arrest and promote apoptosis through
      down regulating mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. In addition,
      ApoA-1 might impair extracellular matrix degradation properties of tumor cells.
      Taken together, our findings indicate that decreased serum ApoA-1 levels are a
      novel prognostic factor for HCC, and the role of ApoA-1 in inhibition of
      proliferation and promotion of apoptosis for tumor cells during their
      hematogenous dissemination are presumably responsible for the poor prognosis of
      patients with low ApoA-1 levels. Furthermore, AopA-1 might be a promising
      therapeutic target to reduce recurrence and metastasis for HCC patients after
      resection.

PMID- 27683107
TI  - Human PDE4D isoform composition is deregulated in primary prostate cancer and
      indicative for disease progression and development of distant metastases.
AB  - Phosphodiesterase 4D7 was recently shown to be specifically over-expressed in
      localized prostate cancer, raising the question as to which regulatory mechanisms
      are involved and whether other isoforms of this gene family (PDE4D) are affected
      under the same conditions.We investigated PDE4D isoform composition in prostatic
      tissues using a total of seven independent expression datasets and also included
      data on DNA methylation, copy number and AR and ERG binding in PDE4D promoters to
      gain insight into their effect on PDE4D transcription.We show that expression of
      PDE4D isoforms is consistently altered in primary human prostate cancer compared
      to benign tissue, with PDE4D7 being up-regulated while PDE4D5 and PDE4D9 are down
      regulated. Disease progression is marked by an overall down-regulation of long
      PDE4D isoforms, while short isoforms (PDE4D1/2) appear to be relatively
      unaffected. While these alterations seem to be independent of copy number
      alterations in the PDE4D locus and driven by AR and ERG binding, we also observed
      increased DNA methylation in the promoter region of PDE4D5, indicating a long
      lasting alteration of the isoform composition in prostate cancer tissues.We
      propose two independent metrics that may serve as diagnostic and prognostic
      markers for prostate disease: (PDE4D7 - PDE4D5) provides an effective means for
      distinguishing PCa from normal adjacent prostate, whereas PDE4D1/2 - (PDE4D5 +
      PDE4D7 + PDE4D9) offers strong prognostic potential to detect aggressive forms of
      PCa and is associated with metastasis free survival. Overall, our findings
      highlight the relevance of PDE4D as prostate cancer biomarker and potential drug
      target.

PMID- 27683108
TI  - Concentration of circulating miRNA-containing particles in serum enhances miRNA
      detection and reflects CRC tissue-related deregulations.
AB  - The emerging potential of miRNAs as biomarkers for cancer detection demands
      parallel evaluation of strategies for reliable identification of disease-related
      signatures from easily accessible and pertinent body compartments. Here, we
      addressed whether efficient concentration of circulating miRNA-carrying particles
      is a rationale for miRNA biomarker discovery. We systematically compared miRNA
      signatures in 93 RNA preparations from three serum entities (whole serum,
      particle-concentrated, and particle-depleted fractions) and corresponding tissue
      samples from patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) as a model disease.
      Significant differences between whole sera and particle-concentrated serum
      fractions of CRC patients emerged for 45 of 742 tested miRNAs. Twenty-eight of
      these 45 miRNAs were differentially expressed between particle-concentrated serum
      fractions of metastatic CRC- and healthy individuals. Over half of these
      candidates (15 of 28) showed deregulations only in concentrated serum fractions,
      but not in whole sera, compared to the respective controls.Our results also
      provided evidence of a consistent downregulation of miR-486 and miR-92a, and
      further showed a possible "strand-specific" deregulation of extracellular miRNAs
      in CRC. More importantly, most of the identified miRNAs in the enriched sera
      reflected the patterns of the corresponding tumor tissues and showed links to
      cancer-related inflammation. Further investigation of seven serum pools revealed
      a subset of potential extracellular miRNA candidates to be implicated in both
      neoplastic and inflammatory bowel disease.Our findings demonstrate that
      enrichment and sensitive detection of miRNA carriers is a promising approach to
      detect CRC-related pathological changes in liquid biopsies, and has potential for
      clinical diagnostics.

PMID- 27683109
TI  - Pseudoexons provide a mechanism for allele-specific expression of APC in familial
      adenomatous polyposis.
AB  - Allele-specific expression (ASE) of the Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC) gene
      occurs in up to one-third of families with adenomatous polyposis (FAP) that have
      screened mutation-negative by conventional techniques. To advance our
      understanding of the genomic basis of this phenomenon, 54 APC mutation-negative
      families (21 with classical FAP and 33 with attenuated FAP, AFAP) were
      investigated. We focused on four families with validated ASE and scrutinized
      these families by sequencing of the blood transcriptomes (RNA-seq) and genomes
      (WGS). Three families, two with classical FAP and one with AFAP, revealed deep
      intronic mutations associated with pseudoexons. In all three families, intronic
      mutations (c.646-1806T>G in intron 6, c.1408+729A>G in intron 11, and
      c.1408+731C>T in intron 11) created new splice donor sites resulting in the
      insertion of intronic sequences (of 127 bp, 83 bp, and 83 bp, respectively) in
      the APC transcript. The respective intronic mutations were absent in the
      remaining polyposis families and the general population. Premature stop of
      translation as the predicted consequence as well as co-segregation with polyposis
      supported the pathogenicity of the pseudoexons. We conclude that next generation
      sequencing on RNA and genomic DNA is an effective strategy to reveal and validate
      pseudoexons that are regularly missed by traditional screening methods and is
      worth considering in apparent mutation-negative polyposis families.

PMID- 27683110
TI  - Polarization of macrophages in the tumor microenvironment is influenced by EGFR
      signaling within colon cancer cells.
AB  - Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a target of colon cancer therapy, but
      the effects of this therapy on the tumor microenvironment remain poorly
      understood. Our in vivo studies showed that cetuximab, an anti-EGFR monoclonal
      antibody, effectively inhibited AOM/DSS-induced, colitis-associated
      tumorigenesis, downregulated M2-related markers, and decreased F4/80+/CD206+
      macrophage populations. Treatment with conditioned medium of colon cancer cells
      increased macrophage expression of the M2-related markers arginase-1 (Arg1),
      CCL17, CCL22, IL-10 and IL-4. By contrast, conditioned medium of EGFR knockout
      colon cancer cells inhibited expression of these M2-related markers and induced
      macrophage expression of the M1-related markers inducible nitric oxide synthase
      (iNOS), IL-12, TNF-alpha and CCR7. EGFR knockout in colon cancer cells inhibited
      macrophage-induced promotion of xenograft tumor growth. Moreover, colon cancer
      derived insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) increased Arg1 expression, and
      treatment with the IGF1R inhibitor AG1024 inhibited that increase. These results
      suggest that inhibition of EGFR signaling in colon cancer cells modulates
      cytokine secretion (e.g. IGF-1) and prevents M1-to-M2 macrophage polarization,
      thereby inhibiting cancer cell growth.

PMID- 27683111
TI  - miR-135a promotes gastric cancer progression and resistance to oxaliplatin.
AB  - Resistance to oxaliplatin (OXA)-based chemotherapy regimens continues to be a
      major cause of gastric cancer (GC) recurrence and metastasis. We analyzed GC
      samples and matched non-tumorous control stomach tissues from 280 patients and
      found that miR-135a was overexpressed in GC samples relative to control tissues.
      Tumors with high miR-135a expression were more likely to have aggressive
      characteristics (high levels of carcino-embryonic antigen, vascular invasion,
      lymphatic metastasis, and poor differentiation) than those with low levels.
      Patients with greater tumoral expression of miR-135a had shorter overall survival
      times and times to disease recurrence. Furthermore, miR-135a, which promotes the
      proliferation and invasion of OXA-resistant GC cells, inhibited E2F transcription
      factor 1 (E2F1)-induced apoptosis by downregulating E2F1 and Death-associated
      protein kinase 2 (DAPK2) expression. Our results indicate that higher levels of
      miR-135a in GC are associated with shorter survival times and reduced times to
      disease recurrence. The mechanism whereby miR-135a promotes GC pathogenesis
      appears to be the suppression of E2F1 expression and Sp1/DAPK2 pathway signaling.

PMID- 27683113
TI  - ESM1 mediates NGFR-induced invasion and metastasis in murine oral squamous cell
      carcinoma.
AB  - Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a highly invasive and metastatic
      malignancy. The nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR) has been observed to be
      expressed on a subset of cells in OSCC, and NGFR+ cells have greater tumor
      initiating capacity in vivo. Further, inhibition of NGFR reduces tumor growth,
      indicating a functional role of this receptor; however, the mechanisms by which
      NGFR confers enhanced tumor formation are not known. Here, we used an established
      murine model of OSCC and gene expression array analysis to identify ESM1 as a
      downstream target gene of NGFR, critical for tumor invasion and metastasis. ESM1
      encodes a protein called endocan, which has the property of regulating
      proliferation, differentiation, migration, and adhesion of different cell types.
      Incubation of NGFR+ murine OSCC cells with nerve growth factor resulted in
      increased expression of ESM1. Importantly, ESM1 overexpression conferred an
      enhanced migratory, invasive, and metastatic phenotype, similar to what has been
      correlated with NGFR expression. Conversely, shRNA knockdown of ESM1 in NGFR
      overexpressing OSCC cells abrogated the tumor growth kinetics and the invasive
      and metastatic properties associated with NGFR. Together, our data indicate that
      NGFR plays an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of OSCC via
      regulation of ESM1.

PMID- 27683112
TI  - Glutathione-mediated antioxidant response and aerobic metabolism: two crucial
      factors involved in determining the multi-drug resistance of high-risk
      neuroblastoma.
AB  - Neuroblastoma, a paediatric malignant tumor, is initially sensitive to etoposide,
      a drug to which many patients develop chemoresistance. In order to investigate
      the molecular mechanisms responsible for etoposide chemoresistance, HTLA-230, a
      human MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma cell line, was chronically treated with
      etoposide at a concentration that in vitro mimics the clinically-used dose. The
      selected cells (HTLA-Chr) acquire multi-drug resistance (MDR), becoming less
      sensitive than parental cells to high doses of etoposide or doxorubicin. MDR is
      due to several mechanisms that together contribute to maintaining non-toxic
      levels of H2O2. In fact, HTLA-Chr cells, while having an efficient aerobic
      metabolism, are also characterized by an up-regulation of catalase activity and
      higher levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), a thiol antioxidant compound. The
      combination of such mechanisms contributes to prevent membrane lipoperoxidation
      and cell death. Treatment of HTLA-Chr cells with L-Buthionine-sulfoximine, an
      inhibitor of GSH biosynthesis, markedly reduces their tumorigenic potential that
      is instead enhanced by the exposure to N-Acetylcysteine, able to promote GSH
      synthesis.Collectively, these results demonstrate that GSH and GSH-related
      responses play a crucial role in the acquisition of MDR and suggest that GSH
      level monitoring is an efficient strategy to early identify the onset of drug
      resistance and to control the patient's response to therapy.

PMID- 27683114
TI  - Methylation of RAD51B, XRCC3 and other homologous recombination genes is
      associated with expression of immune checkpoints and an inflammatory signature in
      squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, lung and cervix.
AB  - Immune checkpoints are emerging treatment targets, but mechanisms underlying
      checkpoint expression are poorly understood. Since alterations in DNA repair
      genes have been connected to the efficacy of checkpoint inhibitors, we
      investigated associations between methylation of DNA repair genes and CTLA4 and
      CD274 (PD-L1) expression.A list of DNA repair genes (179 genes) was selected from
      the literature, methylation status and expression of inflammation-associated
      genes (The Cancer Genome Atlas data) was correlated in head and neck squamous
      cell carcinoma (HNSCC), cervical and lung squamous cell carcinoma.A significant
      positive correlation of the methylation status of 15, 3 and 2 genes with
      checkpoint expression was identified, respectively. RAD51B methylation was
      identified in all cancer subtypes. In HNSCC and cervical cancer, there was
      significant enrichment for homologous recombination genes. Methylation of the
      candidate genes was also associated with expression of other checkpoints,
      ligands, MHC- and T-cell associated genes as well as an interferon-inflammatory
      immune gene signature, predictive for the efficacy of PD-1 inhibition in
      HNSCC.Homologous recombination deficiency might therefore be mediated by DNA
      repair gene hypermethylation and linked to an immune-evasive phenotype in SCC.
      The methylation status of these genes could represent a new predictive biomarker
      for immune checkpoint inhibition.

PMID- 27683115
TI  - CD8+/FOXP3+ ratio and PD-L1 expression associated with survival in pT3N0M0 stage
      esophageal squamous cell cancer.
AB  - Data describing relationships between the tumor immune microenvironment and
      patient outcome are limited for esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC). The
      present study investigated the prognostic values of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD
      L1) expression and CD8+ or forkhead box protein 3+ (FOXP3+) tumor-infiltrating
      lymphocytes (TILs) in 133 pathological T3N0M0 stage ESCC patients who underwent
      radical resection without neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy. CD8+ and FOXP3+ TIL
      densities as well as PD-L1 levels in tumor cells and lymphocytes, were assessed
      through immunohistochemical staining. Patient survival was not associated with
      CD8+ or FOXP3+ TILs alone, but PD-L1 expression and the CD8+/FOXP3+ ratio were
      independent predictors of both disease-free and overall survival. PD-L1
      expression correlated with age (p = 0.029), tumor length (p < 0.001), tumor
      differentiation status (p = 0.002) and reduced intratumoral CD8+ TIL density (p <
      0.001). Our results suggest pT3N0M0 ESCC clinical outcomes correlate with CD8+
      and FOXP3+ TIL densities and PD-L1 levels. Moreover, an intrinsic mechanism for
      induction of PD-L1 overexpression may be occurring during early tumor
      oncogenesis. This information may be useful for stratifying patients and guide
      the application of checkpoint blockade therapy in ESCC.

PMID- 27683116
TI  - Targeting endogenous DLK1 exerts antitumor effect on hepatocellular carcinoma
      through initiating cell differentiation.
AB  - Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are responsible for tumor initiation and progression. We
      previously showed that Delta-like homolog 1 (DLK1) may be a therapeutic target
      against the CSCs of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the
      therapeutic efficacy and underlying mechanism remain unclear. Here we
      demonstrated that knockdown of DLK1 using a tet-inducible short hairpin RNA
      (shRNA) system significantly inhibited proliferation, spheroid formation and in
      vivo xenograft tumor growth of human HCC cells. Furthermore, in an orthotopic
      xenograft mouse model, adenovirus-mediated DLK1 knockdown could significantly
      reduce tumor size, as shown by in vivo imaging approach. Subsequently, an
      adenoviral vector harboring mouse Dlk1 shRNA was applied. The results showed that
      Dlk1 knockdown also could inhibit tumor progression in a diethylnitrosamine (DEN)
      induced mouse HCC model. At cellular mechanism, DLK1 knockdown delayed the cell
      cycle G1-S transition, along with the decreased expression of cyclin E1 and D1.
      Significantly, DLK1 knockdown resulted in the decrease of molecular markers such
      as AFP and EpCAM for hepatic progenitor cells, but the increase of KRT18 and
      KRT19 for the differentiated hepatocytes. The collective data indicated that
      targeting endogenous DLK1 may exert antitumor effect on HCCs possibly through
      initiating cell differentiation.

PMID- 27683117
TI  - Fragile X mental retardation protein promotes astrocytoma proliferation via the
      MEK/ERK signaling pathway.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between fragile X mental retardation
      protein (FMRP) expression and astrocytoma characteristics. METHODS: Pathologic
      grade and expressions of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), Ki67
      (proliferation marker), and FMRP were determined in astrocytoma specimens from 74
      patients. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was undertaken. Pathologic grade and
      protein levels of FMRP were determined in 24 additional patients with astrocytoma
      and 6 controls (cerebral trauma). In cultured U251 and U87 cell lines, the
      effects of FMRP knock-down on cell proliferation, AKT/mTOR/GSK-3beta and MEK/ERK
      signaling were studied. The effects of FMRP knock-down on the volumes and weights
      of U251 cell-derived orthotopic tumors in mice were investigated. RESULTS: In
      patients, FMRP expression was increased in grade IV (5.1-fold, P<0.01) and grade
      III (3.2-fold, P<0.05) astrocytoma, compared with controls. FMRP and Ki67
      expressions were positively correlated (R2=0.877, P<0.001). Up-regulation of FMRP
      was associated with poorer survival among patients with FMRP integrated optical
      density >30 (P<0.01). In astrocytoma cell lines, FMRP knock-down slowed
      proliferation (P<0.05), inhibited total MEK levels P<0.05, and reduced
      phosphorylation of MEK (Ser217/221) and ERK (Thr202/Tyr204) (P<0.05). In mice
      with orthotopic tumors, FMRP knock-down decreased FMRP and Ki67 expressions, and
      reduced tumor volume and weight (36.3% or 61.5% on day 15, both P<0.01). Also,
      phosphorylation of MEK (Ser217/221) and ERK (Thr202/Tyr204), and total MEK in
      xenografts were decreased in sh-FMRP xenografts compared with non-transfected
      ones (all P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Enhanced FMRP expression in astrocytoma may
      promote proliferation through activation of MEK/ERK signaling.

PMID- 27683118
TI  - Induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by Beclin 1 knockdown via
      posttranscriptional upregulation of ZEB1 in thyroid cancer cells.
AB  - Beclin 1 has emerged as a haploinsufficient tumor suppression gene in a variety
      of human carcinomas. In order to clarify the role of Beclin 1 in thyroid cancer,
      Beclin 1 was knockdown in thyroid cancer cell lines. The current study
      demonstrated that knockdown of Beclin 1 resulted in morphological and molecular
      changes of thyroid cancer cells consistent with epithelial-mesenchymal transition
      (EMT), a morphogenetic procedure during which cells lose their epithelial
      characteristics and acquire mesenchymal properties concomitantly with gene
      expression reprogramming. In addition, the current study presented evidence
      demonstrating that Beclin 1 knockdown triggered this prometastatic process via
      stabilization of the EMT inducer ZEB1 mRNA through upregulation of AU-binding
      factor 1 (AUF1), which is recruited to the 3'-untranslated region (UTR) of the
      ZEB1 mRNA and decreases its degradation. We also found a negative correlation of
      Beclin 1 with AUF1 or ZEB1 in thyroid cancer tissues. These results indicated
      that at least some tumor suppressor functions of Beclin 1 were mediated through
      posttranscriptional regulation of ZEB1 via AUF1 in thyroid cancers.

PMID- 27683119
TI  - Silencing of Profilin-1 suppresses cell adhesion and tumor growth via predicted
      alterations in integrin and Ca2+ signaling in T24M-based bladder cancer models.
AB  - Bladder cancer (BC) is the second most common malignancy of the genitourinary
      system, characterized by the highest recurrence rate of all cancers. Treatment
      options are limited; thus a thorough understanding of the underlying molecular
      mechanisms is needed to guide the discovery of novel therapeutic targets.
      Profilins are actin binding proteins with attributed pleiotropic functions to
      cytoskeletal remodeling, cell adhesion, motility, even transcriptional
      regulation, not fully characterized yet. Earlier studies from our laboratory
      revealed that decreased tissue levels of Profilin-1 (PFN1) are correlated with BC
      progression to muscle invasive disease. Herein, we describe a comprehensive
      analysis of PFN1 silencing via shRNA, in vitro (by employing T24M cells) and in
      vivo [(with T24M xenografts in non-obese diabetic severe combined immunodeficient
      mice (NOD/SCID) mice]. A combination of phenotypic and molecular assays,
      including migration, proliferation, adhesion assays, flow cytometry and total
      mRNA sequencing, as well as immunohistochemistry for investigation of selected
      findings in human specimens were applied. A decrease in BC cell adhesion and
      tumor growth in vivo following PFN downregulation are observed, likely associated
      with the concomitant downregulation of Fibronectin receptor, Endothelin-1, and
      Actin polymerization. A decrease in the levels of multiple key members of the non
      canonical Wnt/Ca2+ signaling pathway is also detected following PFN1 suppression,
      providing the groundwork for future studies, addressing the specific role of PFN1
      in Ca2+ signaling, particularly in the muscle invasive disease.

PMID- 27683120
TI  - Diagnostic accuracy of DNA methylation for head and neck cancer varies by sample
      type and number of markers tested.
AB  - Abnormal methylation of certain cancer related genes strongly predicts a
      diagnosis of head and neck cancer (HNC), while the predictive power of
      methylation of other DNA markers for HNC remains unclear. To systemically assess
      the diagnostic value of DNA methylation patterns for HNC and the effect of
      methylation platform techniques and sample types, we performed a PubMed search
      for studies of the correlation between DNA methylation and HNC completed before
      July 2016, and extracted the sensitivity and specificity for methylated
      biomarkers. Across these studies, DNA methylation showed high sensitivity for
      diagnosing HNC in solid tissue (0.57), and high specificity in saliva (0.89).
      Area under the curve (AUC) from summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC)
      curves revealed that DNA methylation had more diagnostic power in solid tissue
      (AUC = 0.82) than saliva (AUC = 0.80) or blood (AUC = 0.77). Combinations of
      multiple methylated genes were more sensitive diagnostic markers than single
      methylated genes. Our results suggest that the diagnostic accuracy of methylated
      biomarkers for HNC varied by sample type and were most accurate when results from
      multiple sample types were considered.

PMID- 27683121
TI  - Long non-coding RNAs LOC285194, RP11-462C24.1 and Nbla12061 in serum provide a
      new approach for distinguishing patients with colorectal cancer from healthy
      controls.
AB  - Colorectal cancer (CRC) is currently the most prevalent malignant cancer
      worldwide. However, there is a lack of efficient biomarkers for CRC screening.
      Accumulating evidence reveals that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) detectable in
      serum are associated with the genesis and development of various types of cancer.
      Therefore, we examined the diagnostic ability of lncRNAs in blood samples from
      patients with CRC by evaluating the levels of 17 CRC- or gastrointestinal cancer
      related lncRNAs in serum samples from 71 CRC patients and 70 healthy individuals
      using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). We
      detected 13 lncRNAs in serum, three of which displayed significantly different
      levels between CRC patients and healthy controls. A three-lncRNA signature
      (LOC285194, RP11-462C24.1 and Nbla12061) identified via stepwise regression
      analysis showed potential as a diagnostic marker for CRC. The area under the
      receiver operating characteristic curve of this signature for distinguishing CRC
      patients from healthy individuals was 0.793 (95% CI: 0.709 to 0.861). The
      diagnostic ability of this marker was much higher than that of conventional blood
      biomarkers such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 199
      (CA199), carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) and carbohydrate antigen 724 (CA724).
      Combining this novel marker with conventional biomarkers produced even greater
      diagnostic ability. Furthermore, the levels of the three lncRNAs decreased after
      the patients underwent surgical resection. The results of this study suggest an
      additional marker for CRC screening and provide new directions for further
      investigation.

PMID- 27683122
TI  - Different growth and metastatic phenotypes associated with a cell-intrinsic
      change of Met in metastatic melanoma.
AB  - A dynamic phenotypic change contributes to the metastatic progression and drug
      resistance in malignant melanoma. Nevertheless, mechanisms for a phenotypic
      change have remained to be addressed. Here, we show that Met receptor expression
      changes in a cell-autonomous manner and can distinguish phenotypical differences
      in growth, as well as in metastatic and drug-resistant characteristics. In
      metastatic melanoma, the cells are composed of Met-low and Met-high populations.
      Met-low populations have stem-like gene expression profiles, are resistant to
      chemotherapeutic agents, and have shown abundant angiogenesis and rapid tumor
      growth in subcutaneous inoculation. Met-high populations have a differentiated
      phenotype, are relatively resistant to B-RAF inhibitor, and are highly metastatic
      to the lungs. Met plays a definitive role in lung metastasis because the lung
      metastasis of Met-high cells requires Met, and treatment of mice with the Met
      containing exosomes from Met-high cells facilitates lung metastasis by Met-low
      cells. Clonal cell fate analysis showed the hierarchical phenotypical changes
      from Met-low to Met-high populations. Met-low cells either showed self-renewal or
      changed into Met-high cells, whereas Met-high cells remained Met-high. Clonal
      transition from Met-low to Met-high cells accompanied changes in the gene
      expression profile, in tumor growth, and in metastasis that were similar to those
      in Met-high cells. These findings indicate that malignant melanoma has the
      ability to undergo phenotypic change by a cell-intrinsic/autonomous mechanism
      that can be characterized by Met expression.

PMID- 27683124
TI  - Development of a selected reaction monitoring mass spectrometry-based assay to
      detect asparaginyl endopeptidase activity in biological fluids.
AB  - Cancer Biomarkers have the capability to improve patient outcomes. They have
      potential applications in diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring of disease progression
      and measuring response to treatment. This type of information is particularly
      useful in the individualisation of treatment regimens. Biomarkers may take many
      forms but considerable effort has been made to identify and quantify proteins in
      biological fluids. However, a major challenge in measuring protein in biological
      fluids, such as plasma, is the sensitivity of the assay and the complex matrix of
      proteins present. Furthermore, determining the effect of proteases in disease
      requires measurement of their activity in biological fluids as quantification of
      the protein itself may not provide sufficient information. To date little
      progress has been made towards monitoring activity of proteases in plasma. The
      protease asparaginyl endopeptidase has been implicated in diseases such as breast
      cancer, leukaemia and dementia. Here we describe a new approach to sensitively
      and in a targeted fashion quantify asparaginyl endopeptidase activity in plasma
      using a synthetic substrate peptide protected from nonspecific hydrolysis using D
      amino acids within the structure. Our selected reaction monitoring approach
      enabled asparaginyl endopeptidase activity to be measured in human plasma with
      both a high dynamic range and sensitivity. This manuscript describes a paradigm
      for future development of assays to measure protease activities in biological
      fluids as biomarkers of disease.

PMID- 27683123
TI  - The changing 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of cisplatin: a pilot study on
      the artifacts of the MTT assay and the precise measurement of density-dependent
      chemoresistance in ovarian cancer.
AB  - Inconsistencies in the half-maximal (50%) inhibitory concentration (IC50) data
      for anticancer chemotherapeutic agents have yielded irreproducible experimental
      results and thus reciprocally contradictory theories in modern cancer research.
      The MTT assay is currently the most extensively used method for IC50
      measurements. Here, we dissected the critical reasons behind MTT-dependent IC50
      inconsistencies. We showed that IC50 errors caused by the technical deficiencies
      of the MTT assay are large and not adjustable (range: 300-11,000%). To overcome
      severe MTT artifacts, we developed an unbiased direct IC50 measurement method,
      the limiting dilution assay. This detection technique led us to the discovery of
      the inherent density-dependent chemoresistance variation of cancer cells, which
      is manifold and unpredictable in its forms. The subsequent intracellular
      signaling pathway analysis indicated that pAkt and p62 expression levels
      correlated with alterations in the IC50 values for cisplatin in ovarian cancer,
      providing an explainable mechanism for this property. An in situ pAkt-and-p62
      based immunohistochemical (IHCpAkt+p62) scoring system was thereby established.
      Both the limiting dilution assay and the IHCpAkt+p62 scoring system accurately
      predicted the primary chemoresistance against cisplatin in ovarian cancer
      patients. Furthermore, two distinct chemoresistant recurrence patterns were
      uncovered using these novel detection tools, which were linked to two different
      forms of density-chemoresistance relationships (positively vs. negatively
      correlated), respectively. An interpretation was given based on the cancer
      evolution theory. We concluded that the density-related IC50 uncertainty is a
      natural property of the cancer cells and that the precise measurement of the
      density-dependent IC50 spectrum can benefit both basic and clinical cancer
      research fields.

PMID- 27683125
TI  - Reduced argininosuccinate synthetase expression in refractory sarcomas: Impacts
      on therapeutic potential and drug resistance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Treating drug-resistant sarcomas remains a major challenge. The
      present study aimed to identify a novel therapy for drug-resistant sarcomas based
      on metabolic errors involving argininosuccinate synthetase1 (ASS1). RESULTS: ASS1
      expression was reduced in Dox-resistant sarcoma cells. Immunohistochemistry and
      real-time PCR showed an inverse correlation between ASS1 and P-gp expressions.
      The inhibition of cellular proliferation with G1-arrest was shown to lead to
      autophagy with arginine deprivation. In addition, the combination of an autophagy
      inhibitor plus arginine deprivation was more effective than arginine deprivation
      alone. In cells with suppressed ASS1 expression, P-gp expression was upregulated
      as compared to that in negative controls. DISCUSSION: These results indicate that
      the reduced ASS1 expression in Dox-resistant sarcomas may contribute to drug
      resistance in association with the expression of P-gp. ASS1 deficiency is a
      potential target for novel drug therapies. The combination of arginine
      deprivation therapy and an autophagy inhibitor may have anti-tumor effects in
      refractory sarcomas. METHODS: We assessed the expressions of ASS1 and P
      glycoprotein (P-gp) in clinical specimens and cell lines of osteosarcoma (KHOS),
      doxorubicin (Dox)-resistant osteosarcoma (KHOSR2), epithelioid sarcomas (ES-X and
      VAESBJ) and alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS-KY). Each cell line was cultured in
      arginine-containing and arginine-free media. Cell growth was assessed using an
      XTT assay and flow cytometry. We analyzed the induction of autophagy in arginine
      free medium. Moreover, we assessed the expression of P-gp after suppressing ASS1
      in Dox-sensitive cells (MCF-7 and KHOS) and after transfecting ASS1 into Dox
      resistant cells (ES-X, VAESBJ, ASPS-KY and KHOSR2).

PMID- 27683126
TI  - Hydroxychloroquine potentiates carfilzomib toxicity towards myeloma cells.
AB  - Cells degrade proteins either by proteasomes that clinically are targeted by for
      example bortezomib or carfilzomib, or by formation of autophagosomes and
      lysosomal degradation that can be inhibited by hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). Multiple
      myeloma is unique among cancers because proteasomal inhibition has good clinical
      effects. However, some multiple myeloma patients display intrinsic resistance to
      the treatment and most patients acquire resistance over time. We hypothesized
      that simultaneous targeting both arms of protein degradation could be a way to
      improve treatment of multiple myeloma. Here we tested the combined effects of the
      lysosomal inhibitor HCQ and clinically relevant proteasome inhibitors on myeloma
      cell lines and primary cells. Carfilzomib and bortezomib both induced
      immunoglobulin-containing aggregates in myeloma cells. HCQ significantly
      potentiated the effect of carfilzomib in both cell lines and in primary myeloma
      cells. In contrast, HCQ had little or no effects on the toxicity of bortezomib.
      Furthermore, cells adapted to tolerate high levels of carfilzomib could be re
      sensitized to the drug by co-treatment with HCQ. Thus, we show that inhibition of
      lysosomal degradation can overcome carfilzomib resistance, suggesting that the
      role of autophagy in myeloma cells is dependent on type of proteasome inhibitor.
      In conclusion, attempts should be made to combine HCQ with carfilzomib in the
      treatment of multiple myeloma.

PMID- 27683127
TI  - High-efficacy targeting of colon-cancer liver metastasis with Salmonella
      typhimurium A1-R via intra-portal-vein injection in orthotopic nude-mouse models.
AB  - Liver metastasis is the main cause of colon cancer-related death and is a
      recalcitrant disease. We report here the efficacy and safety of intra-portal-vein
      (iPV) targeting of Salmonella typhimurium A1-R on colon cancer liver metastasis
      in a nude-mouse orthotopic model. Nude mice with HT29 human colon cancer cells,
      expressing red fluorescent protein (RFP) (HT29-RFP), growing in the liver were
      administered S. typhimurium A1-R by either iPV (1*104 colony forming units
      (CFU)/100 MUl) or, for comparison, intra-venous injection (iv; 5*107 CFU/100
      MUl). Similar amounts of bacteria were delivered to the liver with the two doses,
      indicating that iPV delivery is 5*103 times more efficient than iv delivery.
      Treatment efficacy was evaluated by tumor fluorescent area (mm2) and total
      fluorescence intensity. Tumor fluorescent area and fluorescence intensity highly
      correlated (p<0.0001). iPV treatment was more effective compared to both
      untreated control and iv treatment (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively with iPV
      treatment with S. typhimurium arresting metastatic growth). There were no
      significant differences in body weight between all groups. The results of this
      study suggest that S. typhimurium A1-R administered iPV has potential for peri
      operative adjuvant treatment of colon cancer liver metastasis.

PMID- 27683130
TI  - Foreword: Seminars in Research 2014 Joint Experiences in Rheumatology and
      Dermatology.

PMID- 27683129
TI  - Nebulized C1-Esterase Inhibitor does not Reduce Pulmonary Complement Activation
      in Rats with Severe Streptococcus Pneumoniae Pneumonia.
AB  - Complement activation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of pneumonia.
      We hypothesized that inhibition of the complement system in the lungs by repeated
      treatment with nebulized plasma-derived human C1-esterase inhibitor reduces
      pulmonary complement activation and subsequently attenuates lung injury and lung
      inflammation. This was investigated in a rat model of severe Streptococcus
      pneumoniae pneumonia. Rats were intra-tracheally challenged with S. pneumoniae to
      induce pneumonia. Nebulized C1-esterase inhibitor or saline (control animals) was
      repeatedly administered to rats, 30 min before induction of pneumonia and every 6
      h thereafter. Rats were sacrificed 20 or 40 h after inoculation with bacteria.
      Brochoalveolar lavage fluid and lung tissue were obtained for measuring levels of
      complement activation (C4b/c), lung injury and inflammation. Induction of
      pneumonia was associated with pulmonary complement activation (C4b/c at 20 h 1.24
      % [0.56-2.59] and at 40 h 2.08 % [0.98-5.12], compared to 0.50 % [0.07-0.59] and
      0.03 % [0.03-0.03] in the healthy control animals). The functional fraction of C1
      INH was detectable in BALF, but no effect was found on pulmonary complement
      activation (C4b/c at 20 h 0.73 % [0.16-1.93] and at 40 h 2.38 % [0.54-4.19]).
      Twenty hours after inoculation, nebulized C1-esterase inhibitor treatment reduced
      total histology score, but this effect was no longer seen at 40 h. Nebulized C1
      esterase inhibitor did not affect other markers of lung injury or lung
      inflammation. In this negative experimental animal study, severe S. pneumoniae
      pneumonia in rats is associated with pulmonary complement activation. Repeated
      treatment with nebulized C1-esterase inhibitor, although successfully delivered
      to the lungs, does not affect pulmonary complement activation, lung inflammation
      or lung injury.

PMID- 27683131
TI  - The effect of etanercept on vascular endothelial growth factor production by
      cutaneous mesenchymal stem cells from patients with psoriasis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate prospectively the effect of etanercept (a tumour necrosis
      factor [TNF]-alpha inhibitor) on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)
      production by mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) from patients with psoriasis. METHODS:
      MSCs from lesional and perilesional skin were isolated, cultured and
      characterized. VEGF production was evaluated at baseline and after 12 weeks'
      etanercept treatment. RESULTS: Etanercept treatment resulted in significant
      reductions in VEGF production compared with baseline in both lesional MSCs
      (256.42 +/- 3.07 pg/ml per 106 cells at baseline vs 27.66 +/- 2.03 pg/ml per 106
      cells after treatment) and perilesional MSCs (235.03 +/- 2.52 pg/ml per 106 cells
      vs 41.65 +/- 4.72 pg/ml per 106 cells). CONCLUSIONS: Etanercept reduces the
      production of VEGF in MSCs, which may modulate angiogenesis and contributes
      towards preventing the start of the "psoriatic march".

PMID- 27683132
TI  - Salivary interleukin-1beta: Oral inflammatory biomarker in patients with
      psoriasis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate salivary interleukin (IL)-1beta levels in patients with
      psoriasis, before and after treatment with tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha
      inhibitors. METHODS: In this pilot study, salivary secretions were collected from
      patients with psoriasis and untreated healthy control subjects at baseline, and
      from patients after 12 weeks' treatment with TNF-alpha inhibitors. IL-1beta
      levels were determined in saliva samples via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays,
      undertaken before and after TNF-alpha inhibitor treatment. Psoriasis-specific
      analysis of disease severity and activity were also undertaken. RESULTS: At
      baseline, patients (n = 25) had significantly higher salivary IL1beta levels than
      controls (n = 20). In patients with psoriasis, TNF-alpha inhibitor treatment
      resulted in significantly reduced IL1beta levels compared with baseline, but
      IL1beta levels remained significantly higher than in control subjects even after
      treatment. There was a positive correlation between IL-1beta levels, psoriasis
      activity and disease index score after TNF-alpha inhibitor treatment. CONCLUSION:
      Saliva is a valid noninvasive tool for monitoring inflammation in psoriasis. TNF
      alpha inhibitor treatments appear to interfere with the oral inflammatory process
      in patients with psoriasis.

PMID- 27683133
TI  - Synovial fluid from patients with rheumatoid arthritis modulates monocyte cell
      surface phenotype.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the ability of synovial fluid from patients with
      rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or osteoarthritis (OA) to modulate cell-surface
      phenotype, function and viability of monocytes. METHODS: Monocytes from healthy
      donors were incubated with synovial fluid from patients with RA or OA. These were
      then cultured with autologous healthy CD4+ T-cells. Immunoglobulin-like
      transcript 4 (ILT4) and CD86 were evaluated on stimulated monocytes and CD4+ T
      cells via fluorescence activated cell sorting. RESULTS: Monocytes incubated with
      synovial fluid from patients with RA (SF-RA; n = 12) had significantly lower ILT4
      and higher CD86 levels than those incubated with synovial fluid from patients
      with OA (SF-OA; n = 12) or medium alone. In patients with RA, there was a
      significant negative correlation between ILT4 and disease activity score (DAS; r
      = -0.699), and a positive correlation between CD86 and DAS (r = 0.626). T-cells
      costimulated with monocytes cultured with SF-RA produced significantly more
      interferon-gamma and tumour necrosis factor-alpha than those costimulated with
      monocytes cultured with SF-OA or controls. CONCLUSIONS: Soluble mediators in SF
      RA could contribute to modulating inflammation and local effectiveness of the
      immune response.

PMID- 27683134
TI  - Expression of immunoglobulin-like transcript 4 as an inhibitory receptor in
      patients with psoriatic arthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the presence of immunoglobulin-like transcript (ILT)4
      and costimulatory proteins (CD40, CD80 and CD86), as well as tumour necrosis
      factor (TNF)-alpha production in antigen-presenting cells (APCs) from patients
      with psoriatic arthritis, before and after treatment with the antitumour necrosis
      factor-alpha therapy, adalimumab. METHODS: Peripheral blood monocytes from
      patients with psoriatic arthritis and healthy controls were cultured with CD40
      ligand (CD40L) to stimulate differentiation to APCs. Cell-surface phenotype was
      analysed via fluorescence-activated cell sorting. RESULTS: CD40L-stimulation
      resulted in significantly more ILT4+ monocytes in cultures from control subjects
      (n = 21) than those from patients (n = 20). ILT4-positivity on CD40L-stimulated
      monocytes was negatively correlated with disease activity in patients. Adalimumab
      treatment resulted in significant increases from baseline in ILT4-positivity, and
      in decreases in CD40, CD80 and CD86-positivity in monocytes from patients.
      CONCLUSION: The effect of adalimumab on monocyte surface phenotype may be due to
      modification of the inflammatory milieu associated with therapy-induced reduction
      of disease activity in psoriatic arthritis.

PMID- 27683136
TI  - S100A8/A9 in psoriatic plaques from patients with psoriatic arthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate levels of the calcium-binding proteins S100A8 and S100A9
      in the skin of patients with psoriatic arthritis. METHODS: Skin punch biopsies
      were obtained from patients with psoriatic arthritis and healthy control
      subjects. S100A8/A9 were semiquantified via immunohistochemistry and
      semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The study included biopsies
      from nine patients with psoriatic arthritis and nine control subjects. S100A8 and
      S100A9 were present at visibly higher levels in psoriatic plaques compared with
      normal skin samples. S100A8 and S100A9 RNA levels were significantly higher in
      the peripheral region of plaques compared with the central region. CONCLUSION:
      Both S100A8 and S100A9 may represent good therapeutic targets in psoriasis and
      psoriatic arthritis.

PMID- 27683135
TI  - Effective tumour necrosis factor-blocking therapy reduces reactive oxygen
      metabolite level in rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess circulating levels of derived reactive oxygen metabolites
      (ROMs) in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA), before and during
      antitumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha therapy. METHODS: Patients with active RA
      and failed previous treatment with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs received
      subcutaneous anti-TNF-alpha for 52 weeks. Circulating hydrogen peroxide was
      quantified as a marker of oxidative stress at baseline and at 24 and 52 weeks.
      RESULTS: The study included 40 patients. Circulating dROM levels were
      significantly reduced compared with baseline after 24 and 52 weeks' of anti-TNF
      alpha treatment (33.2 +/- 10.0 mgH2O2/dl, 29.5 +/- 7.0 mgH2O2/dl and 29.3 +/- 9.0
      mgH2O2/dl, respectively). There was a significant direct correlation between
      disease activity score and ROM levels. CONCLUSION: TNF-alpha inhibition can
      control disease activity and reduce circulating levels of reactive oxygen species
      in patients with RA.

PMID- 27683137
TI  - How the immune system responds to therapeutic biological agents.
AB  - Biological agents target disease mechanisms and have modified the natural history
      of several immune-mediated disorders. Biological agents are structurally
      immunogenic, and therefore usually elicit a minor, subclinical and transient
      phenomenon. Occasionally, however, these drugs induce complete cellular and
      humoral immune responses, with the main clinical consequences being
      hypersensitivity reactions or loss of treatment response. This article considers
      the relative pathogenic mechanisms influencing immunogenicity in biological
      agents and discusses mechanisms of tolerance and adaptive immune response,
      including adaptive T-regulatory cell induction and immune response induction.
      Methods of determining cellular and humoral immune response to biological agents
      are identified and examined. Assays to detect antidrug antibodies and their
      isotypes can assist in monitoring immunogenicity and in preventing adverse
      events. Such strategies also enable resource conservation and may provide
      regulatory authorities with new insights that can be useful during the process of
      approving new biological or biosimilar agents.

PMID- 27683138
TI  - Cardiovascular risk evaluation through heart rate variability analysis in
      psoriatic patients before and after 24 weeks of etanercept therapy: Prospective
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the influence of etanercept, an anti-tumour necrosis factor
      (TNF)-alpha agent, on autonomic cardiovascular regulation in young patients with
      moderate-to-severe psoriasis without cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS:
      Patients with psoriasis underwent 5-min electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings before
      and after 24 weeks of etanercept therapy. Linear heart rate variability (HRV)
      analysis was performed. RESULTS: The study recruited 19 patients. Frequency
      domain analysis showed a significant decrease in oscillatory components
      attributable to sympathetic activity (LF%) and a significant decrease in low
      frequency/high frequency (LF/HF) ratio following etanercept therapy. CONCLUSION:
      Treatment with etanercept in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis could
      affect cardiovascular autonomic regulation, and subsequently reduce
      cardiovascular risk.

PMID- 27683139
TI  - Long-term treatment with adalimumab in psoriatic arthritis: serum adalimumab
      concentration, immunogenicity and the link with clinical response.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: An observational study to evaluate the relationship between serum
      concentrations of adalimumab and disease activity in patients receiving long-term
      adalimumab treatment for psoriatic arthritis. METHODS: Serum adalimumab and
      adalimumab antidrug antibodies were quantified by enzyme linked immunosorbent
      assay. Disease activity was assessed using Disease Activity Score (44 joint
      measures). Serum C-reactive protein was quantified using standard methods.
      RESULTS: A total of 30 patients were recruited. There were significant inverse
      correlations between serum adalimumab concentration and serum C-reactive protein
      (CRP) concentration [r = -0.43], the number of tender joints (r = -0.4), and
      Disease Activity Score (DAS44)-CRP (r = -0.36). Mean serum adalimumab levels were
      significantly higher in patients with DAS44-CRP <1.6 than in patients with DAS44
      CRP >=1.6. CONCLUSIONS: Serum adalimumab could be an important tool that may
      improve the management of psoriatic arthritis in patients responding to long-term
      treatment.

PMID- 27683128
TI  - Circulating and disseminated tumor cells: diagnostic tools and therapeutic
      targets in motion.
AB  - Enumeration of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in peripheral blood with the gold
      standard CellSearchTM has proven prognostic value for tumor recurrence and
      progression of metastatic disease. Therefore, the further molecular
      characterization of isolated CTCs might have clinical relevance as liquid biopsy
      for therapeutic decision-making and to monitor disease progression. The direct
      analysis of systemic cancer appears particularly important in view of the known
      disparity in expression of therapeutic targets as well as epithelial-to
      mesenchymal transition (EMT)-based heterogeneity between primary and systemic
      tumor cells, which all substantially complicate monitoring and therapeutic
      targeting at present. Since CTCs are the potential precursor cells of metastasis,
      their in-depth molecular profiling should also provide a useful resource for
      target discovery. The present review will discuss the use of systemically spread
      cancer cells as liquid biopsy and focus on potential target antigens.

PMID- 27683140
TI  - Serological markers associated with disease activity in patients with rheumatoid
      arthritis treated with rituximab.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate prospectively serological markers at baseline and during
      treatment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) initiating rituximab
      treatment, following failure of antitumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha therapy.
      METHODS: Patients with RA and healthy control subjects were recruited. Plasma
      complement (C)3, C4, rheumatoid factor (RF), anticitrullinated protein antibody
      (ACPA), immunoglobulin (Ig)M, A and G, disease activity scores (DAS) and
      therapeutic response were recorded at baseline and at 6, 12 and 18 months.
      RESULTS: Patients (n = 35) had significantly higher C3 and C4 levels than
      controls (n = 30). At 12 months after initiation of rituximab, C3 and C4 levels
      were significantly lower in patients who responded to treatment, compared with
      nonresponders. There were direct correlations between C3 levels and DAS at 12
      months in the study population as a whole, and between IgM levels and DAS in
      responding patients after 6, 12 and 18 months' treatment. CONCLUSIONS: C3 and IgM
      levels may represent potentially useful serological markers of disease activity
      during rituximab treatment in patients with RA.

PMID- 27683141
TI  - Long-term safety of etanercept in psoriasis: Retrospective study focused on
      infections.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Retrospective study to evaluate the incidence of infectious adverse
      events in patients with psoriasis treated with etanercept. METHODS: Patients with
      psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis who were treated with etanercept (50 mg,
      administered weekly via subcutaneous injection) for >=48 weeks were
      retrospectively enrolled. Patients were screened for occult infections before
      treatment commenced, and then every 12 months thereafter. Minor (not requiring
      hospitalization and/or discontinuation of treatment) and major (requiring
      hospitalization and/or discontinuation of treatment) infectious events were
      recorded. RESULTS: The study included 50 patients. Minor infectious events
      included self-limiting upper respiratory tract infections (six patients), lower
      urinary tract infections (one patient) and recurrent herpes simplex labialis (two
      patients). Major infections occurred in only two cases. CONCLUSION: These data
      support the good safety profile of etanercept in patients with psoriasis or
      psoriatic arthritis.

PMID- 27683142
TI  - Suicide risk and psychiatric comorbidity in patients with psoriasis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine the occurrence of stressful life events, psychological
      comorbidity and suicide risk in patients with psoriasis or other dermatological
      conditions. METHODS: Consecutive adult outpatients with psoriasis or other
      dermatological conditions completed a sociodemographic questionnaire and the
      Hamilton scales for depression and anxiety. RESULTS: The study included 157
      patients (91 with psoriasis; 66 with other conditions [melanoma; allergy]).
      Patients with psoriasis were significantly more likely to have experienced major
      life events in the 12 months before diagnosis, have had a psychiatric diagnosis
      and to have experienced past suicidal ideation than patients with other
      dermatological conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with psoriasis have an increased
      risk of psychiatric comorbidities, suicidal ideation, and long-term course of the
      disease compared with patients who have other dermatological conditions.
      Psychiatric assessment is highly recommended in patients with psoriasis.

PMID- 27683143
TI  - Treatment of psoriasis with etanercept in immunocompromised patients: Two case
      reports.
AB  - Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha blocking agents have revolutionized the
      treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Concerns remain about increased
      susceptibility to infection and onset of malignancies, and the use of TNF-alpha
      agents in patients with HIV infection or undergoing immunosuppressant treatment
      is debated. We report cases of severe plaque psoriasis in a patient with HIV
      infection and in a liver transplant recipient who were successfully treated with
      etanercept, an anti-TNF-alpha agent, without notable side-effects.

PMID- 27683144
TI  - Influence of body mass index and weight on etanercept efficacy in patients with
      psoriasis: A retrospective study.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the role of body mass index (BMI) and weight in the long-term
      efficacy of etanercept in patients with psoriasis. METHODS: Medical records were
      retrospectively analysed. Extracted data included weight, BMI, comorbidities and
      psoriasis area severity index (PASI). Patients were stratified by weight (<80 kg
      or >=80 kg) and BMI (healthy, BMI 22 - 24.99 kg/m2; overweight, BMI 25 - 29.99
      kg/m2; obese, BMI >=30 kg/m2). RESULTS: The study included 66 patients. Body
      weight had no effect on etanercept efficacy. There was a significant reduction in
      etanercept efficacy in obese patients (n = 12) compared with healthy weight (n =
      33) or overweight (n = 21) patients. CONCLUSION: Obesity has a negative effect on
      the efficacy of etanercept in psoriasis.

PMID- 27683145
TI  - Asymmetric dimethylarginine and arterial stiffness in patients with rheumatoid
      arthritis: A case-control study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA),
      as a measure of endothelial dysfunction, are higher in patients with rheumatoid
      arthritis compared with healthy control subjects. The relationships between ADMA
      and surrogate measures of arterial stiffness were evaluated. METHODS: Patients
      with rheumatoid arthritis and healthy control subjects were recruited. ADMA was
      quantified via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Arterial stiffness was
      evaluated using pulse wave analysis. RESULTS: There was no significant difference
      in plasma ADMA concentration between patients with rheumatoid arthritis (n = 30)
      and healthy controls (n = 30). Aortic augmentation pressure was significantly
      higher in patients than in controls. C-reactive protein and Health Assessment
      Questionnaire score were independent predictors of arterial stiffness in
      patients. There was no relationship between ADMA concentration and aortic
      augmentation pressure in the study population as a whole. CONCLUSIONS: Arterial
      stiffness appears to be increased in rheumatoid arthritis and independently
      associated with systemic inflammation and physical disability. ADMA concentration
      was not increased in this small group of patients with rheumatoid arthritis
      compared with healthy controls; nor was it associated with arterial stiffness.

PMID- 27683146
TI  - Post-translational modifications in rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis:
      Focus on citrullination and carbamylation.
AB  - Coronary heart disease is the main cause of mortality in patients with rheumatoid
      arthritis (RA), a disease known to be associated with accelerated
      atherosclerosis. The role of inflammation and immunity in atherosclerotic process
      offers possible explanations for the increased cardiovascular risk in patients
      with RA. The immune response to citrullinated peptides has been extensively
      studied in RA; antibodies directed to citrullinated peptides are now a
      cornerstone for RA diagnosis. However, few studies have investigated the response
      to citrullinated peptides and the development of atherosclerotic plaque.
      Antibodies to carbamylated proteins can be detected before the clinical onset of
      RA, suggesting a potential predictive role for these antibodies; on the other
      hand, carbamylation of lipoproteins has been described in patients with
      cardiovascular disease. This review examines the role of citrullination and
      carbamylation, two post-translational protein modifications that appear to be
      involved in the pathogenesis of both RA and atherosclerosis, expanding the
      similarities between these two diseases. Further investigation on the role of the
      immune response to modified proteins may contribute to a better comprehension of
      cardiovascular disease in patients with RA.

PMID- 27683147
TI  - Beneficial effects of long-term treatment with bosentan on the development of
      pulmonary arterial hypertension in patients with systemic sclerosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of long-term treatment with bosentan on
      pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in patients with systemic sclerosis.
      METHODS: Patients with systemic sclerosis were followed between 2003 and 2014;
      those who developed digital ulcers were treated with standard regimens of
      bosentan. Patients were assessed at baseline and every 12 months using
      transthoracic Doppler echocardiography, 6-min walking distance test, Borg
      dyspnoea index and monitoring of plasma levels of 76-amino-acid N-terminal
      probrain natriuretic peptide. Patients who developed PAH underwent right heart
      catheterization to confirm the diagnosis. RESULTS: Sixty-nine patients with
      systemic sclerosis were enrolled in the study. Of these, 25 developed digital
      ulcers and received treatment with bosentan; the remaining 44 comprised the
      control group. None of the patients treated with bosentan developed PAH during
      the follow-up period. Furthermore, in these patients the mean +/- SD systolic
      pulmonary arterial pressure significantly decreased from 33.64 +/- 2.91 mmHg at
      baseline to 26.20 +/- 1.78 mmHg at the end of the follow-up period. In contrast,
      in the control group, seven patients developed PAH during the follow-up period,
      with the mean +/- SD systolic pulmonary arterial pressure significantly
      increasing from 33.57 +/- 2.75 mmHg at baseline to 39.41 +/- 4.11 mmHg at the end
      of the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Long-term treatment with bosentan reduces
      the risk of developing PAH in patients with systemic sclerosis.

PMID- 27683148
TI  - Remission and low disease activity in a cohort of real-life patients with
      rheumatoid arthritis treated with first-line antitumour necrosis factor.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This retrospective study used various indices to evaluate remission
      and low disease activity in 'real life' patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA),
      given antitumour necrosis factor (anti-TNF) as a first-line treatment; changes in
      concomitant steroid and conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic
      drug (csDMARD) treatment were also assessed. METHODS: Remission and low disease
      activity were analysed in patients with RA treated with anti-TNF using the 28
      joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28), Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI)
      and Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI). Remission and low disease activity
      were recorded after 6 months, 1 year and 2 years, along with concomitant
      prednisone and csDMARD treatment. RESULTS: A total of 271 patients with RA were
      included in the study. After 6 months, remission rates were 18.0%, 20.3% and
      23.0% as assessed by CDAI, SDAI and DAS28, respectively. After 1 year and 2
      years, respectively, remission rates were 18.4% and 15.9% using CDAI, 21.8% and
      17.3% using SDAI, and 22.1% and 17.3% using DAS28. Low disease activity was
      achieved in 30-40% of patients, depending on the indices used. There was a
      significant reduction in the number of patients on prednisone and csDMARDs during
      anti-TNF treatment. CONCLUSION: Remission with first-line anti-TNF treatment is
      an achievable goal in clinical practice, allowing a reduction in concomitant
      csDMARD and prednisone treatment.

PMID- 27683149
TI  - From patients' needs to treatment outcomes in psoriasis: Results from the
      'pSORRIDI' experience.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate results of the 'pSORRIDI' experience (which is a
      prevention campaign to evaluate the prevalence of comorbidities,
      multidisciplinary needs and appropriateness of the therapeutic approach for
      comorbidities) in patients already being treated for psoriasis. METHODS:
      Telephone interviews were conducted in patients with psoriasis, who then
      underwent comprehensive evaluation and investigation of comorbidities. If
      necessary, patients were referred to specialist cardiology, endocrinology and/or
      rheumatology services. RESULTS: Overall, 72.0% (54/75) of patients required a
      multidisciplinary consultation. Among patients referred to cardiology,
      therapeutic adjustment was needed in 33.3% (five of 15) patients and a redefined
      diagnosis in 26.7% (four of 15) cases. Among patients undergoing endocrinology
      evaluations, therapeutic adjustment and a redefined diagnosis were needed in
      61.1% (11/18) and 33.3% (six of 18) patients, respectively; for rheumatology
      evaluations, therapeutic adjustment and a redefined diagnosis were needed in
      76.2% (16/21) and 19.0% (four of 21) of patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS:
      Among patients with psoriasis, there may be a need for an improvement in the
      diagnosis of underlying comorbid conditions, and in disease management of both
      psoriasis and any comorbid conditions.

PMID- 27683150
TI  - Combination therapy with etanercept in psoriasis: Retrospective analysis of
      efficacy and safety outcomes from real-life practice.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and safety outcomes of combination therapy
      used to optimize etanercept treatment in patients with psoriasis treated in real
      life clinical practice. METHODS: Data from patients presenting with psoriasis,
      treated initially with etanercept monotherapy, were analysed retrospectively.
      Patients subsequently treated with combination therapy were further analysed. The
      Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score was recorded for all patients
      receiving comedication; a subjective pain score was recorded in those with
      psoriatic arthritis receiving comedication after 12, 24 and 48 weeks' treatment
      and thereafter at 6-month intervals. RESULTS: From the database of 400 patients
      treated with etanercept, 37 patients (18 male; 19 female; mean age 59.43 years)
      underwent combination therapy due to lack of efficacy. Patients received mostly
      short-term (range 4-34 weeks) comedication with corticosteroids, cyclosporine,
      methotrexate, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, acitretin or sulphasalazine.
      There were significant reductions in the mean PASI score from baseline at all
      timepoints. There were also significant reductions in the mean pain VAS score
      from baseline at all timepoints in patients with psoriatic arthritis. The drug
      survival rate was 59.6% over a mean duration of 323 weeks of etanercept
      treatment. The safety profile of combination therapy was satisfactory.
      CONCLUSIONS: Short-term comedication in combination with etanercept may optimize
      treatment options and improve long-term drug survival in patients with psoriasis.

PMID- 27683151
TI  - Glomerular filtration rate in patients with psoriasis treated with etanercept.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and
      evaluate renal function in patients with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque
      psoriasis treated with etanercept (an anti-tumour necrosis factor-alpha drug).
      METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included patients with moderate-to
      severe chronic plaque psoriasis. Kidney function was evaluated using estimated
      glomerular filtration rate (EGFR). RESULTS: The prevalence of CKD at baseline was
      3.9% (two of 51 patients). EGFR was unaffected by etanercept therapy (83.6 +/-
      23.9 at baseline vs 82.2 +/- 21.6 ml/min per 1.73 m2 after 6 months). CONCLUSION:
      EGFR was unaffected by 6 months' etanercept treatment. Physicians should be aware
      of the risk of CKD when providing comprehensive care to patients with moderate-to
      severe psoriasis.

PMID- 27683152
TI  - Long-term efficacy of high doses of intravenous immunoglobulins in generalized
      scleromyxoedema: Case report.
AB  - Scleromyxoedema is a rare disease with a progressive and disabling course
      involving dermal deposition of mucin and fibroblast proliferation; it is
      characterized clinically by a diffuse papular eruption, skin thickening, oedema
      and decreased skin flexibility, especially of the face and hands. Current therapy
      options are based on evidence from a limited number of case reports. The clinical
      manifestations and treatment of a 64-year-old man affected by scleromyxoedema
      with severe skin involvement of the face, arms and hands, decreased mouth opening
      and hypomotility of the fingers are reported. Dysphagia, asthenia and
      immunoglobulin G lambda monoclonal gammopathy were also present. Previous
      treatment with topical and systemic corticosteroids, psoralen plus ultraviolet A
      radiation therapy, plasmapheresis, extracorporeal photochemotherapy,
      hydroxychloroquine and cyclophosphamide had been unsuccessful. Treatment with
      intravenous immunoglobulins at a dosage of 2 g/kg monthly was started.
      Considerable improvements were observed after seven cycles of therapy, with
      recovery of skin elasticity, an increase in facial mimic movement, restoration of
      joint function and improvement in the modified Rodnan score. There were no
      observed side-effects. The patient remains in remission on monthly maintenance
      intravenous immunoglobulins, 2 years after initial treatment.

PMID- 27683154
TI  - Speckled variance optical coherence tomography for the assessment of nail
      involvement in acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau: A case study.
AB  - Noninvasive techniques for nail imaging would be useful for confirming diagnosis
      and monitoring treatment response at the microscopic level in patients with nail
      psoriasis. However, the use of ultrasound and high-resolution magnetic resonance
      imaging in nail evaluation is limited. Optical coherence tomography (OCT)
      produces high-resolution images of transversal tissue sections and represents an
      optimal approach to the study of the nail. This study used a multibeam OCT
      instrument to produce speckled variance OCT (SV-OCT) blood-flow images, which
      were used to measure the degree of change over successive scans. Nail changes,
      inflammation and response to therapy were evaluated in a 75-year-old female
      patient with psoriasis who had severe acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau of the
      hands, treated for 4 weeks with 40 mg adalimumab (administered subcutaneously
      every other week) and 25 mg prednisone (administered orally, daily). SV-OCT
      provided a detailed assessment of the nail structures in relation to inflammation
      of psoriatic tissues. Restoration of the normal anatomy of the nail apparatus was
      apparent following adalimumab treatment; SV-OCT evaluation correlated with
      clinical appearance. SV-OCT may have a diagnostic role and provide an objective
      tool to assess clinical and subclinical inflammation in nail psoriasis.

PMID- 27683153
TI  - The role of methotrexate as combination therapy with etanercept in rheumatoid
      arthritis: Retrospective analysis of a local registry.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In a real-life setting, to analyse retrospectively the effects of
      different methotrexate regimens on etanercept efficacy during the first year of
      treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Demographic characteristics,
      clinical parameters and treatment data from patients with RA receiving the first
      line biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drug, etanercept, as monotherapy
      or in combination with methotrexate were analysed at baseline and after 6 and 12
      months. The study population was stratified into three groups according to the
      level of concomitant methotrexate therapy: no methotrexate, low-dose methotrexate
      (<= 10 mg/week) or high-dose methotrexate (>10 mg/week). RESULTS: Clinical
      response at 6 and 12 months and clinical outcome at 12 months were significantly
      better in patients concomitantly treated with high-dose methotrexate.
      Furthermore, this regimen was associated with the lowest discontinuation rate,
      suggesting a favourable safety profile. CONCLUSION: These data confirm, in a real
      life setting, the importance of methotrexate as a combination therapy with
      etanercept and suggest that the minimal effective dose of methotrexate is >10
      mg/week.

PMID- 27683155
TI  - Exploration of pathomechanisms triggered by a single-nucleotide polymorphism in
      titin's I-band: the cardiomyopathy-linked mutation T2580I.
AB  - Missense single-nucleotide polymorphisms (mSNPs) in titin are emerging as a main
      causative factor of heart failure. However, distinguishing between benign and
      disease-causing mSNPs is a substantial challenge. Here, we research the question
      of whether a single mSNP in a generic domain of titin can affect heart function
      as a whole and, if so, how. For this, we studied the mSNP T2850I, seemingly
      linked to arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC). We used
      structural biology, computational simulations and transgenic muscle in vivo
      methods to track the effect of the mutation from the molecular to the organismal
      level. The data show that the T2850I exchange is compatible with the domain three
      dimensional fold, but that it strongly destabilizes it. Further, it induces a
      change in the conformational dynamics of the titin chain that alters its
      reactivity, causing the formation of aberrant interactions in the sarcomere.
      Echocardiography of knock-in mice indicated a mild diastolic dysfunction arising
      from increased myocardial stiffness. In conclusion, our data provide evidence
      that single mSNPs in titin's I-band can alter overall muscle behaviour. Our
      suggested mechanisms of disease are the development of non-native sarcomeric
      interactions and titin instability leading to a reduced I-band compliance.
      However, understanding the T2850I-induced ARVC pathology mechanistically remains
      a complex problem and will require a deeper understanding of the sarcomeric
      context of the titin region affected.

PMID- 27683156
TI  - Prediction and validation of protein-protein interactors from genome-wide DNA
      binding data using a knowledge-based machine-learning approach.
AB  - The ability to accurately predict the DNA targets and interacting cofactors of
      transcriptional regulators from genome-wide data can significantly advance our
      understanding of gene regulatory networks. NKX2-5 is a homeodomain transcription
      factor that sits high in the cardiac gene regulatory network and is essential for
      normal heart development. We previously identified genomic targets for NKX2-5 in
      mouse HL-1 atrial cardiomyocytes using DNA-adenine methyltransferase
      identification (DamID). Here, we apply machine learning algorithms and propose a
      knowledge-based feature selection method for predicting NKX2-5 protein : protein
      interactions based on motif grammar in genome-wide DNA-binding data. We assessed
      model performance using leave-one-out cross-validation and a completely
      independent DamID experiment performed with replicates. In addition to
      identifying previously described NKX2-5-interacting proteins, including GATA,
      HAND and TBX family members, a number of novel interactors were identified, with
      direct protein : protein interactions between NKX2-5 and retinoid X receptor
      (RXR), paired-related homeobox (PRRX) and Ikaros zinc fingers (IKZF) validated
      using the yeast two-hybrid assay. We also found that the interaction of RXRalpha
      with NKX2-5 mutations found in congenital heart disease (Q187H, R189G and R190H)
      was altered. These findings highlight an intuitive approach to accessing protein
      protein interaction information of transcription factors in DNA-binding
      experiments.

PMID- 27683158
TI  - Low calcium and vitamin D intake in Korean women over 50 years of age.
AB  - Inadequate calcium and vitamin D intake is a possible risk factor of
      osteoporosis. Our purposes were to estimate calcium and vitamin D intake in
      Korean women, and to determine associated risk factors for low calcium and
      vitamin D intake. This is a multicenter, hospital-based, and cross-sectional
      study on osteoporosis. In this study, 1516 women of 50 years or older were
      involved. Dietary calcium and vitamin D intake were evaluated using the self
      reporting KCAT questionnaire. Average daily calcium intake was 662.8 +/- 473.8
      mg, and vitamin D intake 9.5 +/- 10.7 MUg. In multivariate analysis, older age
      (OR 1.02, 95 % CI 1.00-1.04, p = 0.001), and rural residence (OR 2.43, 95 % CI
      1.34-4.43, p = 0.004) were significant risk factors for lower calcium intake, and
      older age (OR 1.03, 95 % CI 1.02-1.04, p < 0.001), and rural residence (OR 1.85,
      95 % CI 1.10-3.11, p < 0.001) were significant risk factors for lower vitamin D
      intake. About 70 % of women aged 50 years or older had calcium and vitamin D
      intake below the recommended dietary intake. Older age and rural residence were
      significant risk factors for lower calcium and vitamin D intake in Korean women.

PMID- 27683157
TI  - Challenging perspectives on the cellular origins of lymphoma.
AB  - Both B and T lymphocytes have signature traits that set them apart from other
      cell types. They actively and repeatedly rearrange their DNA in order to produce
      a unique and functional antigen receptor, they have potential for massive clonal
      expansion upon encountering antigen via this receptor or its precursor, and they
      have the capacity to be extremely long lived as 'memory' cells. All three of
      these traits are fundamental to their ability to function as the adaptive immune
      response to infectious agents, but concurrently render these cells vulnerable to
      transformation. Thus, it is classically considered that lymphomas arise at a
      relatively late stage in a lymphocyte's development during the process of
      modifying diversity within antigen receptors, and when the cell is capable of
      responding to stimulus via its receptor. Attempts to understand the aetiology of
      lymphoma have reinforced this notion, as the most notable advances to date have
      shown chronic stimulation of the antigen receptor by infectious agents or self
      antigens to be key drivers of these diseases. Despite this, there is still
      uncertainty about the cell of origin in some lymphomas, and increasing evidence
      that a subset arises in a more immature cell. Specifically, a recent study
      indicates that T-cell lymphoma, in particular nucleophosmin-anaplastic lymphoma
      kinase-driven anaplastic large cell lymphoma, may originate in T-cell progenitors
      in the thymus.

PMID- 27683161
TI  - Your views on leader visibility.

PMID- 27683159
TI  - Regional tau deposition measured by [18F]THK5317 positron emission tomography is
      associated to cognition via glucose metabolism in Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The recent development of tau-specific positron emission tomography
      (PET) tracers has allowed in vivo quantification of regional tau deposition and
      offers the opportunity to monitor the progression of tau pathology along with
      cognitive impairment. In this study, we investigated the relationships of
      cerebral tau deposition ([18F]THK5317-PET) and metabolism ([18F]FDG-PET) with
      concomitant cognitive function in patients with probable Alzheimer's disease
      (AD). METHODS: Nine patients diagnosed with AD dementia and 11 with prodromal AD
      (mild cognitive impairment, amyloid-positive on [11C]PiB-PET) were included in
      this study. All patients underwent PET scans using each tracer, as well as
      episodic memory and global cognition assessment. Linear models were used to
      investigate the association of regional [18F]THK5317 retention and [18F]FDG
      uptake with cognition. The possible mediating effect of local metabolism on the
      relationship between tau deposition and cognitive performance was investigated
      using mediation analyses. RESULTS: Significant negative associations were found
      between [18F]THK5317 regional retention, mainly in temporal regions, and both
      episodic memory and global cognition. Significant positive associations were
      found between [18F]FDG regional uptake and cognition. The association of [18F]FDG
      with global cognition was regionally more extensive than that of [18F]THK5317,
      while the opposite was observed with episodic memory, suggesting that
      [18F]THK5317 retention might be more sensitive than [18F]FDG regional uptake to
      early cognitive impairment. Finally, [18F]FDG uptake had a mediating effect on
      the relationship between [18F]THK5317 retention in temporal regions and global
      cognition. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest a mediating role for local glucose
      metabolism in the observed association between in vivo tau deposition and
      concomitant cognitive impairment in AD.

PMID- 27683162
TI  - Nursing practice remediation: Administration and regulation.

PMID- 27683163
TI  - Better outcomes through "rooming-in".

PMID- 27683164
TI  - The value of free clinics.

PMID- 27683165
TI  - Seven strategies for partnering with risk managers.

PMID- 27683166
TI  - Leadership, defined: What's your style, and how's it actually perceived?

PMID- 27683167
TI  - The mindful nurse leader: Advancing executive nurse leadership skills through
      participation in action learning.
AB  - In this second installment of a three-part series on mindfulness, we describe the
      process of producing video vignettes to illustrate how clinical nurses draw on
      the power of mindfulness to build their own resiliency while delivering
      compassionate care. 

PMID- 27683168
TI  - Improve manager competency with experiential learning.

PMID- 27683169
TI  - Leadership Q&A.

PMID- 27683171
TI  - Outcomes in Premature Acute Coronary Syndrome: Has the Sex Gap Closed?

PMID- 27683170
TI  - Molecular analysis of the hexon, penton base, and fiber-2 genes of Korean fowl
      adenovirus serotype 4 isolates from hydropericardium syndrome-affected chickens.
AB  - Fowl adenovirus serotype 4 (FAdV-4) is the causative agent of hydropericardium
      syndrome (HPS), a highly pathogenic disease in poultry. In the present study,
      hexon, penton base, and fiber-2 genes encoding major capsid proteins were
      analyzed in four FAdV-4 isolates from HPS-affected chickens in Korea. Nucleotide
      sequences of the entire hexon (2811 bases), penton base (1578 bases), and fiber-2
      (1425 bases) genes from the Korean isolates were 97.5-99.3, 99.1-99.7, and 95.5
      99.0 % identical, respectively, to those of foreign FAdV-4 isolates. In the N
      terminal tail region of fiber-2, the KRP motif predicted to be the nuclear
      localization signal was identified in the Korean isolates, whereas KRP/A was
      detected in other isolates. The VYPF motif in fiber-2, which is known to interact
      with the penton base, was present in the same region of all FAdV-4 isolates that
      were compared. Amino acid variations in fiber-2 for HPS and non-HPS isolates
      revealed that D219 and T300 were conserved among ten HPS isolates from five
      countries, including Korea. T380 in fiber-2, previously found in HPS isolates,
      corresponded to A380 in the Korean isolates, indicating that T380 is not relevant
      for increased virulence. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the four Korean FAdV-4
      isolates were more related to MX-SHP95, a Mexican FAdV-4 isolate of HPS origin,
      than to FAdV-4 isolates of Indian and Chinese origin, suggesting that the genetic
      relationship among FAdV-4 isolates is independent of geographic distribution. The
      molecular features of these genes will provide valuable information for vaccine
      development against HPS in the future.

PMID- 27683172
TI  - Sex Differences in Clinical Outcomes After Premature Acute Coronary Syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Over past decades, the incidence of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has
      increased in young women, and greater mortality rates after discharge were
      observed among young women vs men. We revisited this issue with contemporary data
      from the Gender and Sex Determinants of Cardiovascular Disease: From Bench to
      Beyond Premature Acute Coronary Syndrome (GENESIS-PRAXY), a multicentre
      prospective cohort study. METHODS: One thousand two hundred thirteen patients
      were enrolled in GENESIS-PRAXY from 26 centres across Canada, the United States,
      and Switzerland between January 2009 and April 2013. We assessed major adverse
      cardiac events (MACE) and mortality over 12 months after ACS. The role of sex as
      a predictor of outcomes was determined with Cox proportional hazard regression
      analysis. RESULTS: We included 1163 patients with complete data. The occurrence
      of MACE was 9% and 8% in women and men, respectively (P = 0.75), and 1% of women
      and men died during follow-up. In adjusted models, there was no sex difference in
      the risk of MACE or mortality. The proportion of patients with all-cause
      rehospitalization was higher in women (13%) compared with men (9%; P = 0.006),
      but cardiac rehospitalization rates were similar in both sexes regardless of ACS
      type. Among first rehospitalizations, the majority was classified as cardiac
      related (69%), with chest pain or angina (28%) and myocardial infarction (19%)
      reported as the most common reasons for first rehospitalization. CONCLUSIONS:
      Women were more likely than men to be rehospitalized for all causes but not for a
      cardiac cause. In contrast to earlier studies, men and women had similar
      mortality and MACE outcomes at 1 year.

PMID- 27683173
TI  - Investigating Sociodemographic Factors and HIV Risk Behaviors Associated With
      Social Networking Among Adolescents in Soweto, South Africa: A Cross-Sectional
      Survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Internet access via mobile phones and computers facilitates
      interaction and potential health communication among individuals through social
      networking. Many South African adolescents own mobile phones and can access
      social networks via apps. OBJECTIVE: We investigated sociodemographic factors and
      HIV risk behaviors of adolescent social networking users in Soweto, South Africa.
      METHODS: We conducted an interviewer-administered, cross-sectional survey of
      adolescents aged 14-19 years. Independent covariates of social networking were
      assessed by multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Of 830
      adolescents, 57% (475/830) were females and the median age was found to be 18
      years (interquartile range 17-18). Social networking was used by 60% of
      adolescents (494/830); more than half, that is, 87% (396/494) accessed social
      networks through mobile phones and 56% (275/494) spent more than 4 hours per day
      using their mobile phones. Social networking was independently associated with
      mobile usage 2-4 hours (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 3.06, CI: 1.69-5.51) and more
      than 4 hours per day (AOR: 6.16, CI: 3.46-10.9) and one (AOR: 3.35, CI: 1.79
      6.27) or more sexual partner(s) (AOR: 2.58, CI: 1.05-6.36). CONCLUSIONS: Mobile
      phone-based social networking is prevalent among sexually active adolescents
      living in Soweto and may be used as an entry point for health promotion and
      initiation of low-cost adolescent health interventions.

PMID- 27683174
TI  - Inducible cardiomyocyte-specific deletion of CaM kinase II protects from pressure
      overload-induced heart failure.
AB  - CaM kinase II (CaMKII) has been suggested to drive pathological cardiac
      remodeling and heart failure. However, the evidence provided so far is based on
      inhibitory strategies using chemical compounds and peptides that also exert off
      target effects and followed exclusively preventive strategies. Therefore, the aim
      of this study was to investigate whether specific CaMKII inhibition after the
      onset of cardiac stress delays or reverses maladaptive cardiac remodeling and
      dysfunction. Combined genetic deletion of the two redundant CaMKII genes delta
      and gamma was induced after the onset of overt heart failure as the result of
      pathological pressure overload induced by transverse aortic constriction (TAC).
      We used two different strategies to engineer an inducible cardiomyocyte-specific
      CaMKIIdelta/CaMKIIgamma double knockout mouse model (DKO): one model bases on
      tamoxifen-inducible mER/Cre/mER expression under control of the cardiac-specific
      alphaMHC promoter; the other strategy bases on overexpression of Cre recombinase
      via cardiac-specific gene transfer through adeno-associated virus (AAV9) under
      control of the cardiac-specific myosin light chain promoter. Both models led to a
      substantial deletion of CaMKII in failing hearts. To approximate the clinical
      situation, CaMKII deletion was induced 3 weeks after TAC surgery. In both models
      of DKO, the progression of cardiac dysfunction and interstitial fibrosis could be
      slowed down as compared to control animals. Taken together, we show for the first
      time that "therapeutic" CaMKII deletion after cardiac damage is sufficient to
      attenuate maladaptive cardiac remodeling and to reverse signs of heart failure.
      These data suggest that CaMKII inhibition is a promising therapeutic approach to
      combat heart failure.

PMID- 27683175
TI  - Inhibition of cardiac CaMKII to cure heart failure: step by step towards
      translation?

PMID- 27683176
TI  - Oral Bisphosphonates and Improved Survival of Breast Cancer.
AB  - Purpose: Bisphosphonates are used for treatment or prevention of osteoporosis and
      of bone metastases. The use of oral bisphosphonates was suggested to be
      associated with reduced risk of developing breast cancer, and their positive
      influence on breast cancer survival was only demonstrated with third-generation
      bisphosphonates. We studied the association of use of oral bisphosphonates after
      breast cancer diagnosis on overall and breast cancer survival.Experimental
      Design: A nested case-control analysis was performed using data from the
      population-based Breast Cancer in Northern Israel Study (BCINIS). Participants
      were postmenopausal women with newly diagnosed breast cancer insured by Clalit.
      Use of second-generation bisphosphonates (alendronate and/or risedronate) was
      identified using computerized prescription records. The analysis was restricted
      to women who did not use bisphosphonates prior to diagnosis.Results: In a cohort
      of 3,731 postmenopausal women with breast cancer, followed up for an average of
      70 months, there were 799 cases of death which were matched to 15,915 control
      periods of living breast cancer cases. Use of bisphosphonates after diagnosis for
      at least 18 months was significantly more common among survivors than among their
      matched controls who died, adjusted for tumor stage/grade (overall survival: OR =
      0.63, 0.41-0.96, P = 0.03; breast cancer-specific survival: OR = 0.28, 0.09-0.91,
      P = 0.035). A similar advantageous effect, but statistically underpowered, was
      found in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive, ER-negative, and HER2neu-positive
      tumors.Conclusions: The use of oral bisphosphonates, by postmenopausal, probably
      osteoporotic, women initiated after diagnosis of breast cancer was associated
      with a significant improvement in overall and breast-specific odds of survival.
      Clin Cancer Res; 23(7); 1684-9. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27683178
TI  - Anti-PD1-Induced Pneumonitis: Capturing the Hidden Enemy.
AB  - Anti-PD1 antibodies have led to a therapeutic shift in cancer treatment. Although
      classically described as "well tolerated," these drugs can lead to severe immune
      related adverse events. Using CT scan imaging, Nishino and colleagues describe
      different radiologic patterns and their possible relation to severity of several
      cases of anti-PD1-induced pneumonitis. Clin Cancer Res; 22(24); 5956-8. (c)2016
      AACRSee related article by Nishino et al., p. 6051.

PMID- 27683177
TI  - Liver Microvascular Injury and Thrombocytopenia of Antibody-Calicheamicin
      Conjugates in Cynomolgus Monkeys-Mechanism and Monitoring.
AB  - Purpose: Adverse reactions reported in patients treated with antibody
      calicheamicin conjugates such as gemtuzumab ozogamicin (Mylotarg) and inotuzumab
      ozogamicin include thrombocytopenia and sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS).
      The objective of this experimental work was to investigate the mechanism for
      thrombocytopenia, characterize the liver injury, and identify potential safety
      biomarkers.Experimental Design: Cynomolgus monkeys were dosed intravenously at 6
      mg/m2/dose once every 3 weeks with a nonbinding antibody-calicheamicin conjugate
      (PF-0259) containing the same linker-payload as gemtuzumab ozogamicin and
      inotuzumab ozogamicin. Monkeys were necropsied 48 hours after the first
      administration (day 3) or 3 weeks after the third administration (day
      63).Results: PF-0259 induced acute thrombocytopenia (up to 86% platelet
      reduction) with nadirs on days 3 to 4. There was no indication of effects on
      megakaryocytes in bone marrow or activation of platelets in peripheral blood.
      Microscopic evaluation of liver from animals necropsied on day 3 demonstrated
      midzonal degeneration and loss of sinusoidal endothelial cells (SECs) associated
      with marked platelet accumulation in sinusoids. Liver histopathology on day 63
      showed variable endothelial recovery and progression to a combination of
      sinusoidal capillarization and sinusoidal dilation/hepatocellular atrophy,
      consistent with early SOS. Among biomarkers evaluated, there were early and
      sustained increases in serum hyaluronic acid (HA) that correlated well with serum
      aspartate aminotransferase and liver microscopic changes, suggesting that HA may
      be a sensitive diagnostic marker of the liver microvascular injury.Conclusions:
      These data support the conclusion that target-independent damage to liver SECs
      may be responsible for acute thrombocytopenia (through platelet sequestration in
      liver sinusoids) and development of SOS. Clin Cancer Res; 23(7); 1760-70. (c)2016
      AACR.

PMID- 27683179
TI  - A Potent In Vivo Antitumor Efficacy of Novel Recombinant Type I Interferon.
AB  - Purpose: Antiproliferative, antiviral, and immunomodulatory activities of
      endogenous type I IFNs (IFN1) prompt the design of recombinant IFN1 for
      therapeutic purposes. However, most of the designed IFNs exhibited suboptimal
      therapeutic efficacies against solid tumors. Here, we report evaluation of the in
      vitro and in vivo antitumorigenic activities of a novel recombinant IFN termed
      sIFN-I.Experimental Design: We compared primary and tertiary structures of sIFN-I
      with its parental human IFNalpha-2b, as well as affinities of these ligands for
      IFN1 receptor chains and pharmacokinetics. These IFN1 species were also compared
      for their ability to induce JAK-STAT signaling and expression of the IFN1
      stimulated genes and to elicit antitumorigenic effects. Effects of sIFN-I on
      tumor angiogenesis and immune infiltration were also tested in transplanted and
      genetically engineered immunocompetent mouse models.Results: sIFN-I displayed
      greater affinity for IFNAR1 (over IFNAR2) chain of the IFN1 receptor and elicited
      a greater extent of IFN1 signaling and expression of IFN-inducible genes in human
      cells. Unlike IFNalpha-2b, sIFN-I induced JAK-STAT signaling in mouse cells and
      exhibited an extended half-life in mice. Treatment with sIFN-I inhibited
      intratumoral angiogenesis, increased CD8+ T-cell infiltration, and robustly
      suppressed growth of transplantable and genetically engineered tumors in
      immunodeficient and immunocompetent mice.Conclusions: These findings define sIFN
      I as a novel recombinant IFN1 with potent preclinical antitumorigenic effects
      against solid tumor, thereby prompting the assessment of sIFN-I clinical efficacy
      in humans. Clin Cancer Res; 23(8); 2038-49. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27683181
TI  - Patient-Derived Xenograft Establishment from Human Malignant Pleural
      Mesothelioma.
AB  - Purpose: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare but aggressive disease
      with few therapeutic options. The tumor-stromal interface is important in MPM,
      but this is lost in cell lines, the main model used for preclinical studies. We
      sought to characterize MPM patient-derived xenografts (PDX) to determine their
      suitability as preclinical models and whether tumors that engraft reflect a more
      aggressive biological phenotype.Experimental Design: Fresh tumors were harvested
      from extrapleural pneumonectomy, decortication, or biopsy samples of 50 MPM
      patients and implanted subcutaneously into immunodeficient mice and serially
      passaged for up to five generations. We correlated selected mesothelioma
      biomarkers between PDX and patient tumors, and PDX establishment with the
      clinical pathologic features of the patients, including their survival. DNA of
      nine PDXs was profiled using the OncoScan FFPE Express platform. Ten PDXs were
      treated with cisplatin and pemetrexed.Results: A PDX was formed in 20 of 50 (40%)
      tumors implanted. Histologically, PDX models closely resembled the parent tumor.
      PDX models formed despite preoperative chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In
      multivariable analysis, patients whose tumors formed a PDX had significantly
      poorer survival when the model was adjusted for preoperative treatment (HR, 2.46;
      95% confidence interval, 1.1-5.52; P = 0.028). Among 10 models treated with
      cisplatin, seven demonstrated growth inhibition. Genomic abnormalities seen in
      nine PDX models were similar to that previously reported.Conclusions: Patients
      whose tumors form PDX models have poorer clinical outcomes. MPM PDX tumors
      closely resemble the genotype and phenotype of parent tumors, making them
      valuable models for preclinical studies. Clin Cancer Res; 23(4); 1060-7. (c)2016
      AACR.

PMID- 27683180
TI  - Somatic and Germline TP53 Alterations in Second Malignant Neoplasms from
      Pediatric Cancer Survivors.
AB  - Purpose: Second malignant neoplasms (SMNs) are severe late complications that
      occur in pediatric cancer survivors exposed to radiotherapy and other genotoxic
      treatments. To characterize the mutational landscape of treatment-induced
      sarcomas and to identify candidate SMN-predisposing variants, we analyzed
      germline and SMN samples from pediatric cancer survivors.Experimental Design: We
      performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) and RNA sequencing on radiation-induced
      sarcomas arising from two pediatric cancer survivors. To assess the frequency of
      germline TP53 variants in SMNs, Sanger sequencing was performed to analyze
      germline TP53 in 37 pediatric cancer survivors from the Childhood Cancer Survivor
      Study (CCSS) without any history of a familial cancer predisposition syndrome but
      known to have developed SMNs.Results: WES revealed TP53 mutations involving p53's
      DNA-binding domain in both index cases, one of which was also present in the
      germline. The germline and somatic TP53-mutant variants were enriched in the
      transcriptomes for both sarcomas. Analysis of TP53-coding exons in germline
      specimens from the CCSS survivor cohort identified a G215C variant encoding an
      R72P amino acid substitution in 6 patients and a synonymous SNP A639G in 4
      others, resulting in 10 of 37 evaluable patients (27%) harboring a germline TP53
      variant.Conclusions: Currently, germline TP53 is not routinely assessed in
      patients with pediatric cancer. These data support the concept that identifying
      germline TP53 variants at the time a primary cancer is diagnosed may identify
      patients at high risk for SMN development, who could benefit from modified
      therapeutic strategies and/or intensive posttreatment monitoring. Clin Cancer
      Res; 23(7); 1852-61. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27683183
TI  - RET Aberrations in Diverse Cancers: Next-Generation Sequencing of 4,871 Patients.
AB  - Purpose: Aberrations in genetic sequences encoding the tyrosine kinase receptor
      RET lead to oncogenic signaling that is targetable with anti-RET multikinase
      inhibitors. Understanding the comprehensive genomic landscape of RET aberrations
      across multiple cancers may facilitate clinical trial development targeting
      RETExperimental Design: We interrogated the molecular portfolio of 4,871 patients
      with diverse malignancies for the presence of RET aberrations using Clinical
      Laboratory Improvement Amendments-certified targeted next-generation sequencing
      of 182 or 236 gene panels.Results: Among diverse cancers, RET aberrations were
      identified in 88 cases [1.8% (88/4, 871)], with mutations being the most common
      alteration [38.6% (34/88)], followed by fusions [30.7% (27/88), including a novel
      SQSTM1-RET] and amplifications [25% (22/88)]. Most patients had coexisting
      aberrations in addition to RET anomalies [81.8% (72/88)], with the most common
      being in TP53-associated genes [59.1% (52/88)], cell cycle-associated genes
      [39.8% (35/88)], the PI3K signaling pathway [30.7% (27/88)], MAPK effectors
      [22.7% (20/88)], or other tyrosine kinase families [21.6% (19/88)]. RET fusions
      were mutually exclusive with MAPK signaling pathway alterations. All 72 patients
      harboring coaberrations had distinct genomic portfolios, and most [98.6% (71/72)]
      had potentially targetable coaberrations with either an FDA-approved or an
      investigational agent. Two cases with lung (KIF5B-RET) and medullary thyroid
      carcinoma (RET M918T) that responded to a vandetanib (multikinase RET inhibitor)
      containing regimen are shown.Conclusions:RET aberrations were seen in 1.8% of
      diverse cancers, with most cases harboring actionable, albeit distinct,
      coexisting alterations. The current report suggests that optimal targeting of
      patients with RET anomalies will require customized combination strategies. Clin
      Cancer Res; 23(8); 1988-97. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27683184
TI  - Ultrasound for the rheumatologist - Subcutaneous Sarcoidosis.

PMID- 27683182
TI  - A Phase II Trial of Abiraterone Combined with Dutasteride for Men with Metastatic
      Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer.
AB  - Purpose: Despite the efficacy of abiraterone, a CYP17A1 inhibitor, in metastatic
      castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), nearly all patients develop
      resistance. The purpose of this phase II study was to evaluate mechanisms of
      resistance to more complete androgen synthesis inhibition with abiraterone and
      dutasteride.Experimental Design: Eligible patients with metastatic CRPC underwent
      a baseline metastasis biopsy. Patients received abiraterone and prednisone for
      two 4-week cycles. After this time, high-dose dutasteride (3.5 mg daily) was
      added. Patients continued therapy until study withdrawal or radiographic
      progression. Repeat metastasis biopsy was obtained at progression. The primary
      endpoint was to assess mechanisms of resistance. Serum hormone and abiraterone
      levels were assessed. Tissue was assessed for androgen receptor (AR) and AR
      splice variant-7 (ARV7) expression.Results: Forty patients were enrolled. Sixty
      percent (n = 24) achieved a >=50% reduction in prostate-specific antigen (PSA).
      The median time to radiographic progression was 11 months. Nearly all baseline (n
      = 29 of 31) and posttreatment (n = 16 of 16) tumors tested for AR nuclear
      expression were positive. Of those tested, ARV7 expression was present in 48% (n
      = 10 of 21) of baseline and 42% (n = 5 of 12) of treatment discontinuation
      specimens. Compared with patients with higher serum abiraterone levels at
      treatment discontinuation, patients with lower levels had higher circulating
      androgens.Conclusions: Despite increased androgen synthesis inhibition, we
      demonstrate that tumor AR axis remains important in disease progression. We
      highlight that abiraterone metabolism and pharmacokinetics may play a role in
      resistance. The noncomparative design limits conclusions on the efficacy of dual
      therapy with abiraterone and dutasteride, but the results support development of
      further multifaceted approaches toward AR inhibition. Clin Cancer Res; 23(4); 935
      45. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27683185
TI  - Association Between Single Gene Polymorphisms and Bone Biomarkers and Response to
      Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation in Young Adults Undergoing Military
      Training.
AB  - Initial military training (IMT) is associated with increased stress fracture
      risk. In prior studies, supplemental calcium (Ca) and vitamin D provided daily
      throughout IMT reduced stress fracture incidence, suppressed parathyroid hormone
      (PTH), and improved measures of bone health compared with placebo. Data were
      analyzed from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to determine
      whether single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in Ca and vitamin D-related genes
      were associated with circulating biomarkers of bone metabolism in young adults
      entering IMT, and whether responses to Ca and vitamin D supplementation were
      modulated by genotype. Associations between SNPs, including vitamin D receptor
      (VDR), vitamin D binding protein (DBP), and 1-alpha-hydroxylase (CYP27B1), and
      circulating biomarkers were measured in fasting blood samples from volunteers (n
      = 748) starting IMT. Volunteers were block randomized by race and sex to receive
      Ca (2000 mg) and vitamin D (1000 IU) or placebo daily throughout Army or Air
      Force IMT (7 to 9 weeks). Total Ca and vitamin D intakes were calculated as the
      sum of supplemental intake based on intervention compliance and dietary intake.
      Relationships between SNPs, Ca, and vitamin D intake tertile and change in
      biomarkers were evaluated in trial completers (n = 391). At baseline, the minor
      allele of a DBP SNP (rs7041) was positively associated with both 25OHD (B = 4.46,
      p = 1.97E-10) and 1,25(OH)2 D3 (B = 9.63, p < 0.001). Combined genetic risk score
      (GRS) for this SNP and a second SNP in the VDR gene (rs1544410) was inversely
      associated with baseline 25OHD (r = -0.28, p < 0.001) and response to Ca and
      vitamin D intake differed by GRS (p < 0.05). In addition, presence of the minor
      allele of a second VDR SNP (rs2228570) was associated with lower P1NP (B = -4.83,
      p = 0.04) and osteocalcin (B = -0.59, p = 0.03). These data suggest that VDR and
      DBP SNPs are associated with 25OHD status and bone turnover and those with the
      highest GRS require the greatest vitamin D intake to improve 25OHD during IMT.
      (c) 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

PMID- 27683186
TI  - Combined Influence of Genetic Polymorphism and DNA Methylation on ABCB1
      Expression and Function in Healthy Chinese Males.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: It is well known that the expression and function of
      ATP-binding cassette transporter B1 (ABCB1) show high interindividual
      variability, but the reasons have not yet been fully elucidated. In this study,
      combined influence of genetic polymorphism and DNA methylation on ABCB1 mRNA
      expression and digoxin pharmacokinetics in healthy Chinese males was analyzed.
      METHODS: A total of 93 subjects who were homozygous for the ABCB1 1236-2677-3435
      TTT or CGC haplotype were enrolled in this study. DNA methylation status of the
      ABCB1 promoter and ABCB1 mRNA expression level in exfoliated intestinal
      epithelial cells were analyzed using bisulfite sequencing PCR and real-time PCR.
      The pharmacokinetics of digoxin in subjects were investigated after
      administration of a single oral dose of digoxin 0.5 mg. RESULTS: The DNA
      methylation levels of ABCB1 promoter showed no significant difference between
      TTT/TTT and CGC/CGC carriers (P = 0.54). Subjects with TTT/TTT haplotype pair and
      high methylation status (TTT/TTT-HM) showed a significantly lower ABCB1 mRNA
      level compared to other subjects. Compared with TTT/TTT-HM subgroup, the area
      under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to 72 h (AUC0-72) of
      digoxin was decreased by 26.9 %, the maximum plasma concentration (C max) was
      decreased by 25 % and the apparent oral clearance (CL/F) was increased by 21.2 %
      in CGC/CGC-LM subgroup. The values of time to maximum concentration (t max) and
      terminal elimination half-life (t 1/2) showed no significant difference.
      CONCLUSIONS: Both genetic polymorphism and DNA methylation variation should be
      taken into consideration to explain the interindividual variability in ABCB1
      expression and function more clearly.

PMID- 27683188
TI  - Sonographic depiction of non-palpable uterine papillary serous carcinoma
      metastasis embedded within the abdominal wall.

PMID- 27683189
TI  - Acquiring and processing ultrafast biomolecular 2D NMR experiments using a
      referenced-based correction.
AB  - Thanks to their special spatiotemporal encoding/decoding scheme, ultrafast (UF)
      NMR sequences can deliver arbitrary 2D spectra following a single excitation.
      Regardless of their nature, these sequences have in common their tracing of a
      path in the [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] plane, that will deliver the
      spectrum being sought after a 1D Fourier transformation versus [Formula: see
      text]. This need to simultaneously digitize two domains, tends to impose
      bandwidth limitations along all spectral axes. Along the [Formula: see
      text]/[Formula: see text] dimension this problem is exacerbated by the fact that
      odd and even time points are not equispaced, and by additional artifacts such as
      time shifts between time points sampled while under the action of positive and
      negative decoding gradients. As a result, odd and even [Formula: see text] points
      are typically Fourier transformed separately, halving the potential spectral
      width along this dimension. While this halving of the [Formula: see text] span
      can be overcome by an interlaced Fourier transform, this post-processing is
      seldom used because of its sensitivity to hardware inaccuracies requiring even
      finer corrections of the even/odd [Formula: see text] data points. These
      corrections have so far been done manually, but are challenging to implement when
      dealing with low signal-to-noise ratio signals like those associated with
      biomolecular NMR experiments. This study introduces an algorithm for an automatic
      correction of all even/odd ultrafast NMR inconsistencies, based on the
      acquisition of a reference scan on the solvent. This algorithm was verified
      experimentally using an [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] UF-HSQC variant
      on ubiquitin at 600 MHz. Features of this method as well as of the interlaced
      Fourier transformation in general, are discussed.

PMID- 27683190
TI  - Iron Binding and Iron Removal Efficiency of Desferrioxamine Based Polymeric Iron
      Chelators: Influence of Molecular Size and Chelator Density.
AB  - Desferrioxamine (DFO) is a clinically approved, high affinity iron chelator used
      for the treatment of iron overload. Due to its short half-life and toxicity, DFO
      is administered for 8-12 h per day, 5-7 d per week. In this manuscript, the
      influence of molecular properties of hyperbranched polyglycerol (HPG)-DFO
      conjugates on their iron binding by isothermal titration calorimetry, iron
      removal efficiency from ferritin in presence and absence of a low molecular
      weight (MW) iron chelator, and protection against iron mediated oxidation of
      proteins is reported. The iron binding properties of HPG-DFO are slightly altered
      with size and DFO density of conjugates. The lower MW conjugate shows greater
      iron removal efficiency at room temperature, however, the efficacy of high MW
      conjugates increases at physiological temperature. The iron removal from ferritin
      by HPG-DFO conjugates increases significantly in presence of a low MW chelator,
      suggesting the potential of combination therapy. The molecular properties of the
      polymer scaffold also have influence on the prevention of iron mediated oxidation
      of proteins by the conjugates. The results therefore help to define the iron
      binding thermodynamics of HPG-DFO and their dependence on MW, and can be extended
      to improve the general understanding of polymeric chelator-iron interactions in
      situ.

PMID- 27683187
TI  - Enhancement of Curcumin Bioavailability Via the Prodrug Approach: Challenges and
      Prospects.
AB  - Curcumin is a natural product with many interesting pharmacological properties.
      However, these are offset by the particularly poor biopharmaceutical properties.
      The oral bioavailability of curcumin in humans is very low, mainly due to low
      solubility, poor stability, and extensive metabolism. This has led to multiple
      approaches to improve bioavailability, including administration of curcumin with
      metabolism inhibitors, formulation into nanoparticles, modification of the
      curcumin structure, and development of curcumin prodrugs. In this paper, we focus
      on the pharmacokinetic outcomes of these approaches. Pharmacokinetic parameters
      of curcumin after release from prodrugs are dependent on the linker between
      curcumin and the promoiety, and the release itself may depend on the
      physiological and enzymatic environment at the site of cleavage. This is an area
      in which more data are required for rational design of improved linkers.
      Cytotoxicity of curcumin prodrugs seems to correlate well with cellular uptake in
      vitro, but the in vivo relevance is uncertain. We conclude that improved
      experimental and theoretical models of absorption of curcumin prodrugs,
      development of accurate analytical methods for simultaneous measurement of plasma
      levels of prodrug and released curcumin, and acquisition of more pharmacokinetic
      data in animal models for dose prediction in humans are required to facilitate
      movement of curcumin prodrugs into clinical trials.

PMID- 27683192
TI  - Home- or self-tonometry to the follow-up of intraocular pressure in glaucoma.

PMID- 27683191
TI  - The prognosis of liver resection for patients with four or more colorectal liver
      metastases has not improved in the era of modern chemotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The impact of perioperative chemotherapy on patients
      with multiple colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) remains unclear. We attempted to
      examine whether the introduction of modern chemotherapies has improved the
      prognosis of patients that undergo liver resection for >=4 CRLM. METHODS: Between
      January 1990 and December 2013, 194 patients underwent liver resection for CRLM
      at our institution. The outcomes of the patients with >=4 and 1-3 CRLM were
      compared before and after 2005, when modern chemotherapies were introduced to
      Japan. RESULTS: There were 50 and 144 patients with >=4 (Group 1) and 1-3 (Group
      2) CRLM, respectively. The overall survival (OS) rate of Group 1 was
      significantly worse than that of Group 2 (P = 0.0007). The OS rate of Group 2 was
      significantly better after 2005 than before 2004 (P = 0.039), while no such
      differences were observed in Group 1. Multivariate analysis identified three
      prognostic factors in Group 1: a serum carcinoembryonic antigen level of >=20
      ng/ml (P = 0.018), a serum cancer antigen 19-9 level of >=100 U/ml (P = 0.018),
      and a primary colorectal cancer N factor of >=N2 (P = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: The
      prognosis of patients with >=4 CRLM that undergo liver resection has not improved
      despite the development of modern chemotherapies. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;114:959
      965. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27683193
TI  - Gender and socio-economic inequalities in health and living conditions among co
      resident informal caregivers: a nationwide survey in Spain.
AB  - AIMS: To explore the associations between social determinants, caregiver's
      network support, burden of care and their consequences in health and living
      conditions of informal caregivers. BACKGROUND: The socio-demographic trends
      regarding population ageing and changes in family models trigger an increased
      demand for care. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study based on the 2008 edition of the
      National Disability, Independence and Dependency Situations Survey (DIDSS-2008)
      conducted by the National Statistics Institute in Spain. METHODS: Analyses
      focused on persons identified as primary caregivers who co-reside with the
      dependent person. The associations between social determinants of caregivers,
      burden of care, support network and problems attributed to informal care
      (impaired health, depression, professional, economic and personal issues) were
      estimated by fitting robust Poisson regression models. Analyses were conducted
      separately for women and men. RESULTS: The study sample included 6923 caregivers,
      73% of women and 27% of men. Gender and socio-economic inequalities were found in
      assumption of responsibilities and burden of caring for dependents, which tend to
      fall more on women and persons of lower socio-economic level, who in turn have
      less access to formal support. These aspects translate into a higher prevalence
      of health, professional, economic and personal problems. CONCLUSIONS: The study
      highlights gender and socio-economic inequalities in informal caregiving and its
      negative consequences. These findings may be useful in the design of policies and
      support programmes targeting the most affected groups of informal caregivers.

PMID- 27683194
TI  - Comparison of early osseointegration of SLA(r) and SLActive(r) implants in
      maxillary sinus augmentation: a pilot study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of a hydrophilic implant surface (SLActive(r) )
      placed into augmented maxillary sinuses on bone-to-implant contact (BIC) and
      surrounding tissue composition when compared to a hydrophobic surface (SLA(r) ).
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four sheep underwent bilateral sinus augmentation. Each
      sinus received anorganic bovine bone mineral + autogenous bone (ABBM + AB).
      Sixteen implants were subsequently placed 12 weeks postgrafting with each sinus
      receiving a control (SLA(r) ) and test implant (SLActive(r) ). Two animals were
      sacrificed at 2 weeks and another two animals were sacrificed at 4 weeks
      postimplantation. The eight sinuses and 16 implants were processed for
      histomorphometry, which assessed bone-to-implant contact (%BIC) and tissue
      elements (woven bone - WB, lamellar bone - LB, soft tissue - ST) in the
      interthread region of implants within the augmented sinus. RESULTS: There was a
      statistically significant increase in %BIC at week 4 compared to the week 2
      animals in both test (P < 0.005) and control (P < 0.005) groups. There was a
      statistically significant greater %BIC around test implants when compared to
      control implants in both week 2 (P < 0.05) and week 4 animals (P < 0.05). Greater
      %WB (11.17% +/-6.82) and %LB (11.06% +/-3.67) were seen in the test implants when
      compared to the control implants independent of time. This was only statistically
      significant for %LB (P < 0.05). A statistically significant reduction of 16.78%
      (+/-6.19) in %ST was noted in test implants when compared to control implants (P
      < 0.05) independent of time. CONCLUSION: Both time and the use of hydrophilic
      implant surface had a positive impact on %BIC around implants placed into
      augmented maxillary sinuses. Hydrophilic implant surfaces also had a positive
      impact on surrounding tissue composition. Larger trials are needed to better
      assess and detect differences between these two surfaces in augmented maxillary
      sinuses.

PMID- 27683195
TI  - First evidence of Smith-Magenis syndrome in mother and daughter due to a novel
      RAI mutation.
AB  - Smith-Magenis syndrome (SMS) is a complex genetic disorder caused by interstitial
      17p11.2 deletions encompassing multiple genes, including the retinoic acid
      induced 1 gene-RAI1-or mutations in RAI1 itself. The clinical spectrum includes
      developmental delay, cognitive impairment, and behavioral abnormalities, with
      distinctive physical features that become more evident with age. No patients have
      been reported to have had offspring. We here describe a girl with developmental
      delay, mainly compromising the speech area, and her mother with mild intellectual
      disabilities and minor dysmorphic features. Both had sleep disturbance and
      attention deficit disorder, but no other atypical behaviors have been reported.
      In both, CGH-array analysis detected a 15q13.3 interstitial duplication,
      encompassing CHRNA7. However, the same duplication has been observed in several,
      apparently healthy, maternal relatives. We, thus, performed a whole exome
      sequencing analysis, which detected a frameshift mutation in RAI1, de novo in the
      mother, and transmitted to her daughter. No other family members carried this
      mutation. This is the first report of an SMS patient having offspring. Our
      experience confirms the importance of searching for alternative causative genetic
      mechanisms in case of confounding/inconclusive findings such as a CGH-array
      result of uncertain significance. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27683196
TI  - Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction in children and adults: diagnosis and
      therapeutic options.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO) represents the most
      severe form of gastrointestinal dysmotility with debilitating and potentially
      lethal consequences. Symptoms can be non-specific, and result in this condition
      being diagnosed incorrectly or too late with consequences for morbidity and even
      mortality. PURPOSE: The present article aims to provide pediatric and adult
      gastroenterologists with an up to date review about clinical features, diagnosis
      and therapeutic options for CIPO. Although pediatric and adult CIPO share many
      clinical aspects distinctive features can be identified. There is no single
      diagnostic test or pathognomonic finding of CIPO, thus a stepwise approach
      including radiology, endoscopy, laboratory, manometry, and histopathology should
      be considered in the diagnostic work-up. Treatment of patients with CIPO is
      challenging and requires a multidisciplinary effort with participation of
      appropriately experienced gastroenterologists, pathologists, dieticians,
      surgeons, psychologists, and other subspecialists based on the presence of
      comorbidities. Current treatment options invariably involve surgery and
      specialized nutritional support, especially in children. Medical therapies are
      mainly aimed to avoid complications such as sepsis or intestinal bacterial
      overgrowth and, where possible, restore intestinal propulsion. More efficacious
      therapeutic options are eagerly awaited for such difficult patients.

PMID- 27683197
TI  - Observational evidence that maladaptive gene flow reduces patch occupancy in a
      wild insect metapopulation.
AB  - Theory predicts that dispersal throughout metapopulations has a variety of
      consequences for the abundance and distribution of species. Immigration is
      predicted to increase abundance and habitat patch occupancy, but gene flow can
      have both positive and negative demographic consequences. Here, we address the
      eco-evolutionary effects of dispersal in a wild metapopulation of the stick
      insect Timema cristinae, which exhibits variable degrees of local adaptation
      throughout a heterogeneous habitat patch network of two host-plant species. To
      disentangle the ecological and evolutionary contributions of dispersal to habitat
      patch occupancy and abundance, we contrasted the effects of connectivity to
      populations inhabiting conspecific host plants and those inhabiting the alternate
      host plant. Both types of connectivity should increase patch occupancy and
      abundance through increased immigration and sharing of beneficial alleles through
      gene flow. However, connectivity to populations inhabiting the alternate host
      plant species may uniquely cause maladaptive gene flow that counters the positive
      demographic effects of immigration. Supporting these predictions, we find the
      relationship between patch occupancy and alternate-host connectivity to be
      significantly smaller in slope than the relationship between patch occupancy and
      conspecific-host connectivity. Our findings illustrate the ecological and
      evolutionary roles of dispersal in driving the distribution and abundance of
      species.

PMID- 27683198
TI  - Workload pressures are leading to unsafe hospital discharges, say MPs.

PMID- 27683199
TI  - A Novel Colonial Ciliate Zoothamnium ignavum sp. nov. (Ciliophora,
      Oligohymenophorea) and Its Ectosymbiont Candidatus Navis piranensis gen. nov.,
      sp. nov. from Shallow-Water Wood Falls.
AB  - Symbioses between ciliate hosts and prokaryote or unicellular eukaryote symbionts
      are widespread. Here, we report on a novel ciliate species within the genus
      Zoothamnium Bory de St. Vincent, 1824, isolated from shallow-water sunken wood in
      the North Adriatic Sea (Mediterranean Sea), proposed as Zoothamnium ignavum sp.
      nov. We found this ciliate species to be associated with a novel genus of
      bacteria, here proposed as "Candidatus Navis piranensis" gen. nov., sp. nov. The
      descriptions of host and symbiont species are based on morphological and
      ultrastructural studies, the SSU rRNA sequences, and in situ hybridization with
      symbiont-specific probes. The host is characterized by alternate microzooids on
      alternate branches arising from a long, common stalk with an adhesive disc. Three
      different types of zooids are present: microzooids with a bulgy oral side,
      roundish to ellipsoid macrozooids, and terminal zooids ellipsoid when dividing or
      bulgy when undividing. The oral ciliature of the microzooids runs 11/4 turns in a
      clockwise direction around the peristomial disc when viewed from inside the cell
      and runs into the infundibulum, where it makes another 3/4 turn. The ciliature
      consists of a paroral membrane (haplokinety), three adoral membranelles
      (polykineties), and one stomatogenic kinety (germinal kinety). One circular row
      of barren kinetosomes is present aborally (trochal band). Phylogenetic analyses
      placed Z. ignavum sp. nov. within the clade II of the polyphyletic family
      Zoothamniidae (Oligohymenophorea). The ectosymbiont was found to occur in two
      different morphotypes, as rods with pointed ends and coccoid rods. It forms a
      monophyletic group with two uncultured Gammaproteobacteria within an unclassified
      group of Gammaproteobacteria, and is only distantly related to the ectosymbiont
      of the closely related peritrich Z. niveum (Hemprich and Ehrenberg, 1831)
      Ehrenberg, 1838.

PMID- 27683200
TI  - A Qualitative Approach to the Intersection of Sexual, Ethnic, and Gender
      Identities.
AB  - In this paper we report on a new qualitative instrument designed to study the
      intersection of identities related to sexuality and race/ethnicity, and how
      people who hold those identities interact with social contexts. Researchers often
      resort to using separate measures to assess race/ethnicity, sexual orientation,
      and other target identities. But this approach can miss elements of a self-system
      that stem from the intersection of identities, the interactions between
      identities and social contexts, related shifts in identity over time, and related
      changes in the prominence and valence of identities. Using a small sub-sample, we
      demonstrate how our instrument can help researchers overcome these limitations.
      Our instrument was also designed for economy in administration and analysis, so
      that it could be used as a qualitative complement in large survey research.

PMID- 27683201
TI  - [Rare combination of causes in thoracic inlet syndrome].

PMID- 27683202
TI  - Evolving Health Expenditure Landscape of the BRICS Nations and Projections to
      2025.
AB  - Global health spending share of low/middle income countries continues its long
      term growth. BRICS nations remain to be major drivers of such change since 1990s.
      Governmental, private and out-of-pocket health expenditures were analyzed based
      on WHO sources. Medium-term projections of national health spending to 2025 were
      provided based on macroeconomic budgetary excess growth model. In terms of per
      capita spending Russia was highest in 2013. India's health expenditure did not
      match overall economic growth and fell to slightly less than 4% of GDP. Up to
      2025 China will achieve highest excess growth rate of 2% and increase its GDP%
      spent on health care from 5.4% in 2012 to 6.6% in 2025. Russia's spending will
      remain highest among BRICS in absolute per capita terms reaching net gain from
      $1523 PPP in 2012 to $2214 PPP in 2025. In spite of BRICS' diversity, all
      countries were able to significantly increase their investments in health care.
      The major setback was bold rise in out-of-pocket spending. Most of BRICS' growing
      share of global medical spending was heavily attributable to the overachievement
      of People's Republic of China. Such trend is highly likely to continue beyond
      2025. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27683204
TI  - Genital HSV Shedding among Kenyan Women Initiating Antiretroviral Therapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Genital ulcer disease (GUD) prevalence increases in the first month
      of antiretroviral treatment (ART), followed by a return to baseline prevalence by
      month 3. Since most GUD is caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), we
      hypothesized that genital HSV detection would follow a similar pattern after
      treatment initiation. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study of 122 HSV
      2 and HIV-1 co-infected women with advanced HIV disease who initiated ART and
      were followed closely with collection of genital swab specimens for the first
      three months of treatment. RESULTS: At baseline, the HSV detection rate was 32%,
      without significant increase in genital HSV detection noted during the first
      month or the third month of ART. HIV-1 shedding declined during this period; no
      association was also noted between HSV and HIV-1 shedding during this period.
      CONCLUSION: Because other studies have reported increased HSV detection in women
      initiating ART and we have previously reported an increase in GUD during early
      ART, it may be prudent to counsel HIV-1 infected women initiating ART that HSV
      shedding in the genital tract may continue after ART initiation.

PMID- 27683203
TI  - The Structure of Treponema pallidum Tp0751 (Pallilysin) Reveals a Non-canonical
      Lipocalin Fold That Mediates Adhesion to Extracellular Matrix Components and
      Interactions with Host Cells.
AB  - Syphilis is a chronic disease caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum subsp.
      pallidum. Treponema pallidum disseminates widely throughout the host and
      extravasates from the vasculature, a process that is at least partially dependent
      upon the ability of T. pallidum to interact with host extracellular matrix (ECM)
      components. Defining the molecular basis for the interaction between T. pallidum
      and the host is complicated by the intractability of T. pallidum to in vitro
      culturing and genetic manipulation. Correspondingly, few T. pallidum proteins
      have been identified that interact directly with host components. Of these,
      Tp0751 (also known as pallilysin) displays a propensity to interact with the ECM,
      although the underlying mechanism of these interactions remains unknown. Towards
      establishing the molecular mechanism of Tp0751-host ECM attachment, we first
      determined the crystal structure of Tp0751 to a resolution of 2.15 A using
      selenomethionine phasing. Structural analysis revealed an eight-stranded beta
      barrel with a profile of short conserved regions consistent with a non-canonical
      lipocalin fold. Using a library of native and scrambled peptides representing the
      full Tp0751 sequence, we next identified a subset of peptides that showed
      statistically significant and dose-dependent interactions with the ECM components
      fibrinogen, fibronectin, collagen I, and collagen IV. Intriguingly, each ECM
      interacting peptide mapped to the lipocalin domain. To assess the potential of
      these ECM-coordinating peptides to inhibit adhesion of bacteria to host cells, we
      engineered an adherence-deficient strain of the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi
      to heterologously express Tp0751. This engineered strain displayed Tp0751 on its
      surface and exhibited a Tp0751-dependent gain-of-function in adhering to human
      umbilical vein endothelial cells that was inhibited in the presence of one of the
      ECM-interacting peptides (p10). Overall, these data provide the first structural
      insight into the mechanisms of Tp0751-host interactions, which are dependent on
      the protein's lipocalin fold.

PMID- 27683207
TI  - RETRACTED ARTICLE: Genetic Structure and Diversity Analysis Revealed by AFLP
      Markers on Different Glycyrrhiza glabra L. an Endangered Medicinal Species from
      South of Iran and Implications for Conservation.

PMID- 27683206
TI  - Subconjunctival gentamicin-induced macular toxicity following sutureless 25-gauge
      vitrectomy.

PMID- 27683205
TI  - Uncoupling associations of risk alleles with endophenotypes and phenotypes:
      insights from the ApoB locus and heart-related traits.
AB  - Traditionally, genomewide association studies (GWAS) have emphasized the benefits
      of large samples in the analyses of age-related traits rather than their specific
      properties. We adopted a realistic concept of genetic susceptibility to
      inherently heterogeneous, age-related traits driven by the elusive role of
      evolution in their properties. We analyzed in detail the associations of rs693
      and rs562338 polymorphisms representing the Apolipoprotein B locus with
      endophenotypes (total cholesterol [TC] and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol)
      and phenotypes (myocardial infarction [MI] and survival) in four large-scale
      studies, which include 20 748 individuals with 2357 MI events. We showed that a
      strong, robust predisposition of rs693 and rs562338 to TC (beta = 0.72, P = 7.7 *
      10-30 for rs693 and beta = -1.08, P = 9.8 * 10-42 for rs562338) is not translated
      into a predisposition to MI and survival. The rs693_A allele influences risks of
      MI and mortality after MI additively with lipids. This allele shows antagonistic
      effects-protecting against MI risks (beta = -0.18, P = 1.1 * 10-5 ) or increasing
      MI risks (beta = 0.15, P = 2.8 * 10-3 ) and mortality after MI, in different
      populations. Paradoxically, increased TC concentrations can be protective against
      MI for the rs693_A allele carriers. Our results uncouple the influences of the
      same alleles on endophenotypes and phenotypes despite potential causal
      relationships among the latter. Our strategy reveals virtually genomewide
      significance for the associations of rs693 with MI (P = 5.5 * 10-8 ) that is
      contrasted with a weak estimate following the traditional, sample-size-centered
      GWAS strategy (P = 0.16) in the same sample. These results caution against the
      use of the traditional GWAS strategy for gaining profound insights into genetic
      predisposition to healthspan and lifespan.

PMID- 27683208
TI  - The full blood count as a biomarker of outcome and toxicity in ipilimumab-treated
      cutaneous metastatic melanoma.
AB  - Ipilimumab produces durable responses in some metastatic melanoma patients.
      Neutrophil, platelet, and eosinophil to lymphocyte ratios (NLR, PLR, and ELR) may
      be associated with the immune response in cancer thereby acting as biomarkers of
      toxicity and efficacy in ipilimumab-treated patients. Data were collected on
      clinical characteristics and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), NLR, PLR, and ELR at
      baseline, post cycle 2 and at the end of treatment for 183 patients treated with
      ipilimumab between 2008 and 2015 at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.
      Associations between clinical characteristics, LDH, NLR, PLR, and ELR with
      toxicity or survival outcomes of progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS)
      were assessed using univariable and multivariable analysis. Prognostic models of
      outcome at each time point were determined. Of the 183 patients included, the
      median age was 58, 85% had M1c disease, 58% were performance status 1, and 64%
      received ipilimumab as second line therapy. Median follow up was 7.5 months
      (range: 0.3-49.5), median PFS was 2.8 months (95% confidence intervals (CI): 2.8
      3.2), and median OS was 9.6 months (95% CI: 7.9-13.2). Prognostic factors for OS
      by multivariable analysis were LDH and NLR at all-time points. Prognostic models
      using LDH (* 2 upper limit of normal) and NLR 4) differentiated patients into
      high, moderate, and low risk of death prior to or on ipilimumab treatment (P <
      0.0001 for each model). No factors were associated with toxicity. Prognostic
      models based on NLR and LDH values at baseline and on treatment differentiate
      patients into good, intermediate, and poor prognostic groups and may be relevant
      in patient management.

PMID- 27683209
TI  - The association between mammographic calcifications and breast cancer prognostic
      factors in a population-based registry cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mammographic calcifications can be a marker of malignancy, but their
      association with prognosis is less well established. In the current study, the
      authors examined the relationship between calcifications and breast cancer
      prognostic factors in the population-based Carolina Mammography Registry.
      METHODS: The current study included 8472 invasive breast cancers diagnosed in the
      Carolina Mammography Registry between 1996 and 2011 for which information
      regarding calcifications occurring within 2 years of diagnosis was reported.
      Calcification-specific Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS)
      assessments were reported prospectively by a radiologist. Tumor characteristic
      data were obtained from the North Carolina Central Cancer Registry and/or
      pathology reports. Multivariable-adjusted associations between the presence of
      calcifications in the breast affected by cancer and tumor characteristics were
      estimated using logistic regression. Statistical tests were 2-sided. RESULTS: The
      presence of calcifications was found to be positively associated with tumors that
      were high grade (vs low grade: odds ratio [OR], 1.43; 95% confidence interval
      [95% CI], 1.10-1.88) or had an in situ component (vs without: OR, 2.15; 95% CI,
      1.81-2.55). Calcifications were found to be inversely associated with hormone
      receptor-negative status (vs positive status: OR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.57-0.93), size
      >35 mm (vs <=8 mm: OR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.37-0.61), and lobular tumors (vs ductal:
      OR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.22-0.69). The association between the presence of
      calcifications and an in situ component was limited to BI-RADS category 4 and 5
      calcifications and was absent for BI-RADS category 2 or 3 calcifications (P for
      heterogeneity <.01). The association with tumor size was found to be strongest
      for BI-RADS categories 3 and 4 (P for heterogeneity <.01). CONCLUSIONS:
      Calcifications were found to be associated with both unfavorable (high grade) and
      favorable (small size, hormone receptor positivity) prognostic factors. Detailed
      analysis of the biological features of calcifications is necessary to understand
      the mechanisms driving these associations. Cancer 2017;123:219-227. (c) 2016
      American Cancer Society.

PMID- 27683210
TI  - A novel self-cleavable tag Zbasic-?I-CM and its application in the soluble
      expression of recombinant human interleukin-15 in Escherichia coli.
AB  - Soluble expression of recombinant therapeutic proteins in Escherichia coli (E.
      coli) has been a challenging task in biopharmaceutical development. In this
      study, a novel self-cleavable tag Zbasic-intein has been constructed for the
      soluble expression and purification of a recombinant cytokine, human interleukin
      15 (IL-15). We screened several solubilizing tags fused with the self-cleavable
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis recA mini-intein ?I-CM and demonstrated that Zbasic
      tag can significantly improve the solubility of the product with correspondent to
      the intein activity. The fusion protein "Zbasic-?I-CM-IL-15" was expressed with
      high solubility and easily enriched by the cost-effective cation-exchange
      chromatography. The self-cleavage of the fusion tag Zbasic-?I-CM was then induced
      by a pH shift, with an activation energy of 7.48 kcal/mol. The mature IL-15 with
      natural N-terminus was released and further purified by hydrophobic interaction
      and anion-exchange chromatography. High-resolution reverse-phase high-performance
      liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis confirmed that the product
      was of high purity and correct mass. With a CTLL-2 cell proliferation-based
      assay, the EC50 was evaluated to be of about 0.126 ng/mL, similar to the product
      in clinical trials. By avoiding the time-consuming denaturing-refolding steps in
      previously reported processes, the current method is efficient and cost
      effective. The novel tag Zbasic-?I-CM can be potentially applied to large-scale
      manufacturing of recombinant human cytokines as well as other mammalian-sourced
      proteins in E. coli.

PMID- 27683211
TI  - Characterization and genome sequencing of a Citrobacter freundii phage CfP1
      harboring a lysin active against multidrug-resistant isolates.
AB  - Citrobacter spp., although frequently ignored, is emerging as an important
      nosocomial bacterium able to cause various superficial and systemic life
      threatening infections. Considered to be hard-to-treat bacterium due to its
      pattern of high antibiotic resistance, it is important to develop effective
      measures for early and efficient therapy. In this study, the first myovirus
      (vB_CfrM_CfP1) lytic for Citrobacter freundii was microbiologically and
      genomically characterized. Its morphology, activity spectrum, burst size, and
      biophysical stability spectrum were determined. CfP1 specifically infects C.
      freundii, has broad host range (>85 %; 21 strains tested), a burst size of 45
      PFU/cell, and is very stable under different temperatures (-20 to 50  degrees C)
      and pH (3 to 11) values. CfP1 demonstrated to be highly virulent against
      multidrug-resistant clinical isolates up to 12 antibiotics, including
      penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems, and fluroquinoles. Genomically, CfP1
      has a dsDNA molecule with 180,219 bp with average GC content of 43.1 % and codes
      for 273 CDSs. The genome architecture is organized into function-specific gene
      clusters typical for tailed phages, sharing 46 to 94 % nucleotide identity to
      other Citrobacter phages. The lysin gene encoding a predicted D-Ala-D-Ala
      carboxypeptidase was also cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli and its
      activity evaluated in terms of pH, ionic strength, and temperature. The lysine
      optimum activity was reached at 20 mM HEPES, pH 7 at 37  degrees C, and was able
      to significantly reduce all C. freundii (>2 logs) as well as Citrobacter koseri
      (>4 logs) strains tested. Interestingly, the antimicrobial activity of this
      enzyme was performed without the need of pretreatment with outer membrane
      destabilizing agents. These results indicate that CfP1 lysin is a good candidate
      to control problematic Citrobacter infections, for which current antibiotics are
      no longer effective.

PMID- 27683212
TI  - Bacterial communities involved in sulfur transformations in wastewater treatment
      plants.
AB  - The main sulfate-reducing (SRB) and sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB) in six
      wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) located at southern Brazil were described
      based on high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rDNA. Specific taxa of SRB and SOB
      were correlated with some abiotic factors, such as the source of the wastewater,
      oxygen content, sample type, and physical chemical attributes of these WWTPs.
      When the 22 families of SRB and SOB were clustered together, the samples
      presented a striking distribution, demonstrating grouping patterns according to
      the sample type. For SOB, the most abundant families were Spirochaetaceae,
      Chromatiaceae, Helicobacteriaceae, Rhodospirillaceae, and Neisseriaceae, whereas,
      for SRB, were Syntrophaceae, Desulfobacteraceae, Nitrospiraceae, and
      Desulfovibriaceae. The structure and composition of the major families related to
      the sulfur cycle were also influenced by six chemical attributes (sulfur,
      potassium, zinc, manganese, phosphorus, and nitrogen). Sulfur was the chemical
      attribute that most influenced the variation of bacterial communities in the
      WWTPs (lambda = 0.14, p = 0.008). The OTUs affiliated to Syntrophus showed the
      highest response to the increase of total sulfur. All these findings can
      contribute to improve the understanding in relation to the sulfur-oxidizing and
      sulfate-reducing communities in WWTPs aiming to reduce H2S emissions.

PMID- 27683213
TI  - Number of Unfavorable Intermediate-Risk Factors Predicts Pathologic Upstaging and
      Prostate Cancer-Specific Mortality Following Radical Prostatectomy: Results From
      the SEARCH Database.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To validate and further improve the stratification of intermediate
      risk prostate cancer into favorable and unfavorable subgroups for patients
      undergoing radical prostatectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The SEARCH database was
      queried for IR patients undergoing radical prostatectomy without adjuvant
      radiotherapy. UIR disease was defined any patient with at least one unfavorable
      risk factor (URF), including primary Gleason pattern 4, 50% of more biopsy cores
      containing cancer, or multiple National Comprehensive Cancer Network IR factors.
      RESULTS: One thousand five hundred eighty-six patients with IR prostate cancer
      comprised the study cohort. Median follow-up was 62 months. Patients classified
      as UIR were significantly more likely to have pathologic high-risk features, such
      as Gleason score 8 - 10, pT3-4 disease, or lymph node metastases, than FIR
      patients (P < 0.001). Furthermore, UIR patients had significantly higher rates of
      PSA-relapse (PSA, hazard ratio [HR] = 1.89, P < 0.001) and distant metastasis
      (DM, HR = 2.92, P = 0.001), but no difference in prostate cancer-specific
      mortality (PCSM) or all-cause mortality in multivariable analysis. On secondary
      analysis, patients with >=2 URF had significantly worse PSA-RFS, DM, and PCSM
      than those with 0 or 1 URF. Moreover, 40% of patients with >=2 URF had high-risk
      pathologic features. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with UIR prostate cancer are at
      increased risk of PSA relapse, DM, and pathologic upstaging following
      prostatectomy. However, increased risk of PCSM was only detected in those with
      >=2 URF. This suggests that further refinement of the UIR subgroup may improve
      risk stratification. Prostate Prostate 77:154-163, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27683214
TI  - Persistency, medication prescribing patterns, and medical resource use associated
      with multiple sclerosis patients receiving oral disease-modifying therapies: a
      retrospective medical record review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the US, the approved multiple sclerosis (MS) oral disease
      modifying therapies (ODMTs) are fingolimod (FTY), teriflunomide (TFN), and
      dimethyl fumarate (DMF). FTY and TFN are recommended with once-daily doses with
      no up-titration, whereas DMF treatment is recommended twice-daily (BID) and is
      initiated with a 7-day starter dose of 120 mg BID before up-titration to the
      maintenance dose of 240 mg BID. Limited information exists regarding real-world
      ODMT prescribing patterns to aid physician/patient decision-making. METHODS:
      Eligible patients for this retrospective medical record review were >=18 years,
      had one visit related to ODMT initiation (index visit), and >=1 visit within 12
      months before and after the index visit. Primary objectives were to assess post
      index ODMT persistency (i.e., discontinuation), prescribing patterns (medication
      switching, dose up-titrations, dose reduction, re-starts, and add-ons) and
      medical resource utilization (office-visits, MRI procedures, and mobility
      indicators) at distinct time windows of 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Chi-square or
      Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests were used for 3-way ODMT group comparisons. RESULTS:
      Medical records of 293 MS-diagnosed patients using ODMTs were abstracted from 19
      US-based neurology clinics between December 31, 2010 and June 30, 2014 (FTY: 101;
      DMF: 133; TFN: 59). Persistency rates among ODMT groups were similar. MS-related
      medication switching, dose reduction, re-starts, and add-ons were infrequently
      observed and were similar across ODMT groups. Of DMF patients with a confirmed
      starting dose of 120 mg BID with >=12 months follow-up (n = 26), the percentage
      who were prescribed dose up-titrations to the recommended maintenance DMF dose
      was 23.1 % at 1-3 months, 26.9 % at 4-6 months, 42.3 % at 7-9 months, and 0 % at
      10-12 months. There were no significant differences at any time window among the
      ODMT groups in the number of office visits or percent of patients receiving MRIs.
      Mobility indicator patterns (proportion of patients with abnormal gait,
      wheelchair use, etc.) were consistent over time. CONCLUSIONS: There was no
      difference in persistency, prescribing patterns (medication switching, dose
      reduction, re-starts, and add-ons) or medical resource utilization (office
      visits, MRI procedures, and mobility indicators) among the ODMTs. However, in a
      small sub-group of patients, delays of up to 9 months in DMF dose-up titration to
      the recommended maintenance dose were observed.

PMID- 27683215
TI  - Limited Clinical Significance of Dimeric Form of Pyruvate Kinase as a Diagnostic
      and Prognostic Biomarker in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer.
AB  - Metabolism of tumor tissue differs from the normal one by the intensity of
      protein synthesis and glycolysis. The dimeric pyruvate kinase (PKM2) is a
      specific enzyme for tumor glycolysis. The aim of this study was to determine the
      relationship between the activity of PKM2 and the type and stage of non-small
      cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A second objective was to compare the expression of
      PKM2 with disease progression and prognosis. We studied 65 patients divided into
      two groups: 45 patients with lung cancer and 20 non-cancer healthy subjects taken
      as control. The serum activity of PKM2 was assessed spectrophotometrically. We
      found that PKM2 activity was greater, on average, by 136 % for adenocarcinoma and
      for 126 % for squamous cell carcinoma compared with that present in control
      subjects. The higher PKM2 activity was associated only with Stage III of cancer
      (p < 0.001). Sensitivity of PKM2 as a cancer marker was 79 % for adenocarcinoma
      and 81 % for squamous cell carcinoma and specificity was 50 % for both cancer
      types. We conclude that PKM2 activity is higher in patients with NSCLC than in
      healthy subjects. The level of PKM2 activity is associated with advanced stage of
      cancer. Nonetheless, low specificity of PKM2 assessment makes it of limited
      utility in NSCLC diagnosis or evaluation of cancer progression.

PMID- 27683216
TI  - Food-Web Complexity in Guaymas Basin Hydrothermal Vents and Cold Seeps.
AB  - In the Guaymas Basin, the presence of cold seeps and hydrothermal vents in close
      proximity, similar sedimentary settings and comparable depths offers a unique
      opportunity to assess and compare the functioning of these deep-sea
      chemosynthetic ecosystems. The food webs of five seep and four vent assemblages
      were studied using stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analyses. Although the two
      ecosystems shared similar potential basal sources, their food webs differed:
      seeps relied predominantly on methanotrophy and thiotrophy via the Calvin-Benson
      Bassham (CBB) cycle and vents on petroleum-derived organic matter and thiotrophy
      via the CBB and reductive tricarboxylic acid (rTCA) cycles. In contrast to
      symbiotic species, the heterotrophic fauna exhibited high trophic flexibility
      among assemblages, suggesting weak trophic links to the metabolic diversity of
      chemosynthetic primary producers. At both ecosystems, food webs did not appear to
      be organised through predator-prey links but rather through weak trophic
      relationships among co-occurring species. Examples of trophic or spatial niche
      differentiation highlighted the importance of species-sorting processes within
      chemosynthetic ecosystems. Variability in food web structure, addressed through
      Bayesian metrics, revealed consistent trends across ecosystems. Food-web
      complexity significantly decreased with increasing methane concentrations, a
      common proxy for the intensity of seep and vent fluid fluxes. Although high fluid
      fluxes have the potential to enhance primary productivity, they generate
      environmental constraints that may limit microbial diversity, colonisation of
      consumers and the structuring role of competitive interactions, leading to an
      overall reduction of food-web complexity and an increase in trophic redundancy.
      Heterogeneity provided by foundation species was identified as an additional
      structuring factor. According to their biological activities, foundation species
      may have the potential to partly release the competitive pressure within
      communities of low fluid-flux habitats. Finally, ecosystem functioning in vents
      and seeps was highly similar despite environmental differences (e.g. physico
      chemistry, dominant basal sources) suggesting that ecological niches are not
      specifically linked to the nature of fluids. This comparison of seep and vent
      functioning in the Guaymas basin thus provides further supports to the hypothesis
      of continuity among deep-sea chemosynthetic ecosystems.

PMID- 27683217
TI  - Stoichiometries of U2AF35, U2AF65 and U2 snRNP reveal new early spliceosome
      assembly pathways.
AB  - The selection of 3? splice sites (3?ss) is an essential early step in mammalian
      RNA splicing reactions, but the processes involved are unknown. We have used
      single molecule methods to test whether the major components implicated in
      selection, the proteins U2AF35 and U2AF65 and the U2 snRNP, are able to recognize
      alternative candidate sites or are restricted to one pre-specified site. In the
      presence of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), all three components bind in a 1:1
      stoichiometry with a 3?ss. Pre-mRNA molecules with two alternative 3?ss can be
      bound concurrently by two molecules of U2AF or two U2 snRNPs, so none of the
      components are restricted. However, concurrent occupancy inhibits splicing.
      Stoichiometric binding requires conditions consistent with coalescence of the 5?
      and 3? sites in a complex (I, initial), but if this cannot form the components
      show unrestricted and stochastic association. In the absence of ATP, when complex
      E forms, U2 snRNP association is unrestricted. However, if protein
      dephosphorylation is prevented, an I-like complex forms with stoichiometric
      association of U2 snRNPs and the U2 snRNA is base-paired to the pre-mRNA. Complex
      I differs from complex A in that the formation of complex A is associated with
      the loss of U2AF65 and 35.

PMID- 27683219
TI  - Rev1 is a base excision repair enzyme with 5'-deoxyribose phosphate lyase
      activity.
AB  - Rev1 is a member of the Y-family of DNA polymerases and is known for its
      deoxycytidyl transferase activity that incorporates dCMP into DNA and its ability
      to function as a scaffold factor for other Y-family polymerases in translesion
      bypass events. Rev1 also is involved in mutagenic processes during somatic
      hypermutation of immunoglobulin genes. In light of the mutation pattern
      consistent with dCMP insertion observed earlier in mouse fibroblast cells treated
      with a base excision repair-inducing agent, we questioned whether Rev1 could also
      be involved in base excision repair (BER). Here, we uncovered a weak 5'
      deoxyribose phosphate (5'-dRP) lyase activity in mouse Rev1 and demonstrated the
      enzyme can mediate BER in vitro The full-length Rev1 protein and its catalytic
      core domain are similar in their ability to support BER in vitro The dRP lyase
      activity in both of these proteins was confirmed by NaBH4 reduction of the Schiff
      base intermediate and kinetics studies. Limited proteolysis, mass spectrometry
      and deletion analysis localized the dRP lyase active site to the C-terminal
      segment of Rev1's catalytic core domain. These results suggest that Rev1 could
      serve as a backup polymerase in BER and could potentially contribute to AID
      initiated antibody diversification through this activity.

PMID- 27683222
TI  - 2016 update of the PRIDE database and its related tools.

PMID- 27683218
TI  - Methylation at position 32 of tRNA catalyzed by TrmJ alters oxidative stress
      response in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
AB  - Bacteria respond to environmental stresses using a variety of signaling and gene
      expression pathways, with translational mechanisms being the least well
      understood. Here, we identified a tRNA methyltransferase in Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa PA14, trmJ, which confers resistance to oxidative stress. Analysis of
      tRNA from a trmJ mutant revealed that TrmJ catalyzes formation of Cm, Um, and,
      unexpectedly, Am. Defined in vitro analyses revealed that tRNAMet(CAU) and
      tRNATrp(CCA) are substrates for Cm formation, tRNAGln(UUG), tRNAPro(UGG),
      tRNAPro(CGG) and tRNAHis(GUG) for Um, and tRNAPro(GGG) for Am. tRNASer(UGA),
      previously observed as a TrmJ substrate in Escherichia coli, was not modified by
      PA14 TrmJ. Position 32 was confirmed as the TrmJ target for Am in tRNAPro(GGG)
      and Um in tRNAGln(UUG) by mass spectrometric analysis. Crystal structures of the
      free catalytic N-terminal domain of TrmJ show a 2-fold symmetrical dimer with an
      active site located at the interface between the monomers and a flexible basic
      loop positioned to bind tRNA, with conformational changes upon binding of the SAM
      analog sinefungin. The loss of TrmJ rendered PA14 sensitive to H2O2 exposure,
      with reduced expression of oxyR-recG, katB-ankB, and katE These results reveal
      that TrmJ is a tRNA:Cm32/Um32/Am32 methyltransferase involved in translational
      fidelity and the oxidative stress response.

PMID- 27683220
TI  - AKAP12 mediates PKA-induced phosphorylation of ATR to enhance nucleotide excision
      repair.
AB  - Loss-of-function in melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R), a GS protein-coupled receptor
      that regulates signal transduction through cAMP and protein kinase A (PKA) in
      melanocytes, is a major inherited melanoma risk factor. Herein, we report a novel
      cAMP-mediated response for sensing and responding to UV-induced DNA damage
      regulated by A-kinase-anchoring protein 12 (AKAP12). AKAP12 is identified as a
      necessary participant in PKA-mediated phosphorylation of ataxia telangiectasia
      mutated and Rad3-related (ATR) at S435, a post-translational event required for
      cAMP-enhanced nucleotide excision repair (NER). Moreover, UV exposure promotes
      ATR-directed phosphorylation of AKAP12 at S732, which promotes nuclear
      translocation of AKAP12-ATR-pS435. This complex subsequently recruits XPA to UV
      DNA damage and enhances 5' strand incision. Preventing AKAP12's interaction with
      PKA or with ATR abrogates ATR-pS435 accumulation, delays recruitment of XPA to UV
      damaged DNA, impairs NER and increases UV-induced mutagenesis. Our results define
      a critical role for AKAP12 as an UV-inducible scaffold for PKA-mediated ATR
      phosphorylation, and identify a repair complex consisting of AKAP12-ATR-pS435-XPA
      at photodamage, which is essential for cAMP-enhanced NER.

PMID- 27683224
TI  - Antisense oligonucleotides delivered to the amniotic cavity in utero modulate
      gene expression in the postnatal mouse.
AB  - Congenital diseases account for a large portion of pediatric illness. Prenatal
      screening and diagnosis permit early detection of many genetic diseases. Fetal
      therapeutic strategies to manage disease processes in utero represent a powerful
      new approach for clinical care. A safe and effective fetal pharmacotherapy
      designed to modulate gene expression ideally would avoid direct mechanical
      engagement of the fetus and present an external reservoir of drug. The amniotic
      cavity surrounding the fetus could serve as an ideal drug reservoir. Antisense
      oligonucleotides (ASOs) are an established tool for the therapeutic modulation of
      gene expression. We hypothesize that ASOs administered to the amniotic cavity
      will gain entry to the fetus and modulate gene expression. Here, we show that an
      ASO targeting MALAT1 RNA, delivered by transuterine microinjection into the mouse
      amniotic cavity at embryonic day 13-13.5, reduces target RNA expression for up to
      4 weeks after birth. A similarly delivered ASO targeting a causal splice site
      mutation for Usher syndrome corrects gene expression in the inner ear, a
      therapeutically relevant target tissue. We conclude that intra-amniotic delivery
      of ASOs is well tolerated and produces a sustained effect on postnatal gene
      expression. Transuterine delivery of ASOs is an innovative platform for
      developing fetal therapeutics to efficaciously treat congenital disease.

PMID- 27683225
TI  - Insufficient documentation for clinical efficacy of selenium supplementation in
      chronic autoimmune thyroiditis, based on a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - By a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate clinically relevant
      effects of selenium supplementation in patients with chronic autoimmune
      thyroiditis. Controlled trials in adults (>=18 years) with autoimmune
      thyroiditis, comparing selenium with or without levothyroxine substitution,
      versus placebo and/or levothyroxine substitution, were eligible for inclusion.
      Identified outcomes were serum thyrotropin (thyroid stimulating hormone) levels
      in LT4-untreated patients, thyroid ultrasound and health-related quality of life.
      Eleven publications, covering nine controlled trials, were included in the
      systematic review. Random effects model meta-analyses were performed in weighted
      mean difference for thyroid stimulating hormone, ultrasound and health-related
      quality of life. Quality of evidence was assessed per outcome, using GRADE. Meta
      analyses showed no change in thyroid stimulating hormone, or improvements in
      health-related quality of life or thyroid echogenicity (ultrasound), between
      levothyroxine substitution-untreated patients assigned to selenium
      supplementation or placebo. Three trials found some improvement in wellbeing in
      patients receiving levothyroxine substitution, but could not be synthesized in a
      meta-analysis. The quality of evidence ranged from very low to low for thyroid
      stimulating hormone as well as ultrasound outcomes, and low to moderate for
      health-related quality of life, and was generally downgraded due to small sample
      sizes. We found no effect of selenium supplementation on thyroid stimulating
      hormone, health-related quality of life or thyroid ultrasound, in levothyroxine
      substitution-untreated individuals, and sporadic evaluation of clinically
      relevant outcomes in levothyroxine substitution-treated patients. Future well
      powered RCTs, evaluating e.g. disease progression or health-related quality of
      life, are warranted before determining the relevance of selenium supplementation
      in autoimmune thyroiditis.

PMID- 27683226
TI  - Mechanical thrombectomy in patients with tumour-related ischaemic stroke.
AB  - Ischaemic stroke is a common cause of death and incapacity and is related in most
      cases to vascular disease. Intracranial vessel occlusion due to tumour emboli is
      a rare entity and adequate treatment for this condition is not defined. The use
      of mechanical thrombectomy devices is considered the treatment of choice for
      major intracranial vessel occlusion; however, no recommendation can be made in
      the case of tumour thrombembolia. This report describes two cases who presented
      with a middle cerebral artery occlusion due to tumour emboli and that were
      treated using the Solitaire thrombectomy device.

PMID- 27683223
TI  - Chtop (Chromatin target of Prmt1) auto-regulates its expression level via intron
      retention and nonsense-mediated decay of its own mRNA.
AB  - Chtop (chromatin target of Prmt1) regulates various aspects of gene expression
      including transcription and mRNA export. Despite these important functions, the
      regulatory mechanism underlying Chtop expression remains undetermined. Using
      Chtop-expressing human cell lines, we demonstrate that Chtop expression is
      controlled via an autoregulatory negative feedback loop whereby Chtop binds its
      own mRNA to retain intron 2 during splicing; a premature termination codon
      present at the 5' end of intron 2 leads to nonsense-mediated decay of the mRNA.
      We also show that Chtop interacts with exon 2 of Chtop mRNA via its arginine
      glycine-rich (RG) domain, and with intron 2 via its N-terminal (N1) domain; both
      are required for retention of intron 2. In addition, we show that hnRNP H
      accelerates intron 2 splicing of Chtop mRNA in a manner dependent on Chtop
      expression level, suggesting that Chtop and hnRNP H regulate intron 2 retention
      of Chtop mRNA antagonistically. Thus, the present study provides a novel
      molecular mechanism by which mRNA and protein levels are constitutively regulated
      by intron retention.

PMID- 27683227
TI  - Psychopathic personality traits in 5 year old twins: the importance of genetic
      and shared environmental influences.
AB  - There is limited research on the genetic and environmental bases of psychopathic
      personality traits in children. In this study, psychopathic personality traits
      were assessed in a total of 1189 5-year-old boys and girls drawn from the
      Preschool Twin Study in Sweden. Psychopathic personality traits were assessed
      with the Child Problematic Traits Inventory, a teacher-report measure of
      psychopathic personality traits in children ranging from 3 to 12 years old.
      Univariate results showed that genetic influences accounted for 57, 25, and 74 %
      of the variance in the grandiose-deceitful, callous-unemotional, and impulsive
      need for stimulation dimensions, while the shared environment accounted for 17,
      48 and 9 % (n.s.) in grandiose-deceitful and callous-unemotional, impulsive-need
      for stimulation dimensions, respectively. No sex differences were found in the
      genetic and environmental variance components. The non-shared environment
      accounted for the remaining 26, 27 and 17 % of the variance, respectively. The
      three dimensions of psychopathic personality were moderately correlated (0.54
      0.66) and these correlations were primarily mediated by genetic and shared
      environmental factors. In contrast to research conducted with adolescent and
      adult twins, we found that both genetic and shared environmental factors
      influenced psychopathic personality traits in early childhood. These findings
      indicate that etiological models of psychopathic personality traits would benefit
      by taking developmental stages and processes into consideration.

PMID- 27683229
TI  - Rapamycin suppresses hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced islet injury by up-regulation
      of miR-21 via PI3K/Akt signalling pathway.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Increasing evidences indicate that microRNAs may play a critical role
      in the regulation of hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury, and their expression is
      associated with mTORC activity. We propose that rapamycin modulates H/R-induced
      islets injury by regulating microRNA expression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We
      investigated whether rapamycin treatment could alter the expression profile of
      miRNAs in islets. Furthermore, we assessed the islet apoptosis and function after
      H/R or syngeneic islet transplantation. RESULTS: We found that rapamycin
      treatment significantly decreased H/R-induced islet apoptosis, and improved islet
      function in vivo and in vitro, and that miR-21 gene transcription is controlled
      by rapamycin. When the PI3k/Akt signalling pathways was blocked by wortmannin,
      the up-regulative effects of rapamycin on miR-21 expression were inhibited in
      vitro. Furthermore, our study clearly demonstrates that miR-21 is essential for
      the rapamycin-mediated protection islets against H/R injury. DISCUSSION: Our
      findings indicate that up-regulation of miR-21 function in islets by treatment
      with rapamycin or overexpression of the miR-21 could represent a potential new
      therapy for the treatment of H/R injury. CONCLUSION: The results of this study
      clearly suggest that rapamycin exerts its inhibitory effects on islets H/R injury
      by inducing miR-21 expression via PI3K/Akt.

PMID- 27683228
TI  - Microvesicles shed from microglia activated by the P2X7-p38 pathway are involved
      in neuropathic pain induced by spinal nerve ligation in rats.
AB  - Microglia are critical in the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain. In this study, we
      investigated the role of microvesicles (MVs) in neuropathic pain induced by
      spinal nerve ligation (SNL) in rats. First, we found that MVs shed from microglia
      were increased in the cerebrospinal fluid and dorsal horn of the spinal cord
      after SNL. Next, MVs significantly reduced paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) and paw
      withdrawal latency (PWL). In addition, the P2X7-p38 pathway was related to the
      bleb of MVs after SNL. Interleukin (IL)-1beta was found to be significantly
      upregulated in the package of MVs, and PWT and PWL increased following inhibition
      with shRNA-IL-1beta. Finally, the amplitude and frequency of spontaneous
      excitatory postsynaptic currents increased following stimulation with MVs. Our
      results indicate that the P2X7-p38 pathway is closely correlated with the
      shedding of MVs from microglia in neuropathic pain, and MVs had a significant
      effect on neuropathic pain by participating in the interaction between microglia
      and neurons.

PMID- 27683230
TI  - Effects of Gadodiamide on cell proliferation and collagen production in cultured
      human dermal fibroblasts.
AB  - Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) is a disease characterized by fibrosis of the
      systemic organs in patients with renal failure. Following the findings of recent
      epidemiological studies and the finding of gadolinium (Gd) in the skin tissue of
      NSF patients, it is now definitely known that the use of Gd contrast agents can
      trigger NSF. To date, however, the exact mechanism underlying the induction of
      fibrosis in various organs by Gd remains unexplained. This study was undertaken
      to evaluate the influence of Gd on the proliferation activity and collagen
      production of cultured fibroblasts. Normal human dermis-derived fibroblasts were
      incubated in the presence of gadodiamide (GA) in the concentration range of 5 *
      10-7 to 5 * 10-3 M. The proliferation activity of the cells was assessed on the
      basis of the cell counts in the fibroblast growth curve and the DNA-synthetic
      activity of the cells (indicator; level of 3H-thymidine uptake by cells). The
      collagen production was evaluated by densitometric measurement of the quantity of
      collagen through electrophoresis and fluorography after incorporation of 3H
      proline into the procollagens. Furthermore, the expression levels of the genes
      for type I and III collagen were measured by real-time reverse transcription
      polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay. The cell count tended to be higher when
      the fibroblasts were incubated in medium containing GA in the concentration range
      of 5 * 10-7 to 5 * 10-4M as compared to that in the GA-free control cultures;
      furthermore, the DNA-synthetic activity also rose in a concentration-dependent
      manner in the GA-treated group as compared to that in the control group. No
      significant changes in either the collagen production or the collagen gene
      expression levels were noted in cultures containing GA at concentrations between
      5 * 10-7 and 5 * 10-3 M. These results suggest that the formation of sclerosing
      lesions in patients with NSF may be attributable to the effect of GA of enhancing
      the growth activity of fibroblasts.

PMID- 27683231
TI  - Nano-Bio Engineered Carbon Dot-Peptide Functionalized Water Dispersible
      Hyperbranched Polyurethane for Bone Tissue Regeneration.
AB  - The present study delves into a combined bio-nano-macromolecular approach for
      bone tissue engineering. This approach relies on the properties of an ideal
      scaffold material imbued with all the chemical premises required for fostering
      cellular growth and differentiation. A tannic acid based water dispersible
      hyperbranched polyurethane is fabricated with bio-nanohybrids of carbon dot and
      four different peptides (viz. SVVYGLR, PRGDSGYRGDS, IPP, and
      CGGKVGKACCVPTKLSPISVLYK) to impart target specific in vivo bone healing ability.
      This polymeric bio-nanocomposite is blended with 10 wt% of gelatin and examined
      as a non-invasive delivery vehicle. In vitro assessment of the developed
      polymeric system reveals good osteoblast adhesion, proliferation, and
      differentiation. Aided by this panel of peptides, the polymeric bio-nanocomposite
      exhibits in vivo ectopic bone formation ability. The study on in vivo
      mineralization and vascularization reveals the occurrence of calcification and
      blood vessel formation. Thus, the study demonstrates carbon dot/peptide
      functionalized hyperbranched polyurethane gel for bone tissue engineering
      application.

PMID- 27683232
TI  - Detection of Kayser-Fleischer ring using Scheimpflug imaging.

PMID- 27683233
TI  - Should nurses be role models for healthy lifestyles? Results from a modified
      Delphi study.
AB  - AIM: To explore the expectation that nurses should be role models for healthy
      behaviours. BACKGROUND: Nurses are expected to be role models for healthy
      behaviours. Whether this is a realistic and acceptable expectation has not been
      explored. DESIGN: Modified Policy Delphi study with two rounds of data
      collection. METHOD: Purposive sampling was used to explore areas of agreement and
      disagreement among six stakeholder groups who influence nursing roles: practising
      nurses, nursing students, service users, policy makers, workforce development
      leads and stakeholders working in nurse education. Two rounds of a modified
      Policy Delphi study were conducted between February - June 2015. The first round
      used telephone interviews for an open exploration of opinions. The second round
      used attitude statements to explore convergence and divergence of opinions across
      stakeholder groups. Responses were analysed thematically. RESULTS: Policy and
      professional discourse that asserts that nurses should be healthy role models was
      seen as unrealistic and unhelpful. Contrary to the view that nurses should
      epitomize and demonstrate healthy behaviours to encourage patients and to be
      credible in advice, stakeholders agreed that it was more important to be seen as
      'human' and understand the challenges of health behaviour change. Student and
      practising nurses did not see role modelling healthy behaviours as a reasonable
      professional expectation. CONCLUSIONS: The findings challenge the assumptions
      underpinning the argument that nurses be healthy role models. Further research is
      needed to understand the views of frontline nurses and to further explore avenues
      by which health services staff health can be improved.

PMID- 27683234
TI  - In memoriam: Donald H. Gilden, M.D.

PMID- 27683237
TI  - Mutation analysis of FGFR1-3 in 11 Japanese patients with syndromic
      craniosynostoses.
AB  - Syndromic craniosynostoses usually occur as single gene disorders. In this study,
      we analyzed FGFR1-3 genes in four patients with Crouzon syndrome (CS), four
      patients with Pfeiffer syndrome type 2 (PS-2), one patient with Jackson-Weiss
      syndrome (JWS), and two patients (sisters) with Muenke syndrome (MS). FGFR2 and
      FGFR3 mutations were identified in 10 of the 11 patients. Notably, we found a
      novel FGFR2 p.Asn549Thr mutation in a patient with CS, and a novel FGFR2
      p.Ser347Cys mutation in a patient with JWS (thus, this patient was turned out to
      have an FGFR2-related PS-variant). We also identified an FGFR2 p.Ser252Leu
      mutation in a phenotypically normal father of a daughter with CS, and an FGFR3
      p.Pro250Arg mutation in a mildly macrocephalic father of sisters with MS. These
      findings, together with previous data, imply that the same FGFR2 mutations can be
      associated with a wide range of phenotypes including clinically different forms
      of syndromic craniosynostosis and apparently normal phenotype, depending on other
      (epi)genetic and environmental factors. Thus, genetic studies are recommended not
      only for obviously affected individuals but also for family members with
      apparently normal phenotype or non-specific subtle abnormal phenotype, to allow
      for pertinent genetic counseling. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27683238
TI  - Sleep disturbances in irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sleep disturbances are well-documented among persons with irritable
      bowel syndrome (IBS). Difficulty in falling asleep, shorter sleep time, frequent
      arousal and awakenings, or non-restorative sleep are the most common
      manifestations. Sleep disturbances are also related to a higher risk of having
      IBS. Some researchers have provided evidence of a positive association between
      poorer subjective sleep quality and increased severity and frequency in
      gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in those with IBS. However, findings from studies
      using objective sleep and activity measures, such as polysomnography and
      actigraphy, are inconclusive. PURPOSE: This systematic review of the literature
      between 1990 and 2015 evaluates the evidence of sleep disturbances in adults with
      IBS and their relationship with GI symptoms.

PMID- 27683235
TI  - Induction of varicella zoster virus DNA replication in dissociated human
      trigeminal ganglia.
AB  - Varicella zoster virus (VZV), a human neurotropic alphaherpesvirus, becomes
      latent after primary infection and reactivates to produce zoster. To study VZV
      latency and reactivation, human trigeminal ganglia removed within 24 h after
      death were mechanically dissociated, randomly distributed into six-well tissue
      culture plates and incubated with reagents to inactivate nerve growth factor
      (NGF) or phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3-kinase) pathways. At 5 days, VZV DNA
      increased in control and PI3-kinase inhibitor-treated cultures to the same
      extent, but was significantly more abundant in anti-NGF-treated cultures (p =
      0.001). Overall, VZV DNA replication is regulated in part by an NGF pathway that
      is PI3-kinase-independent.

PMID- 27683239
TI  - Gene duplications circumvent trade-offs in enzyme function: Insect adaptation to
      toxic host plants.
AB  - Herbivorous insects and their adaptations against plant toxins provide striking
      opportunities to investigate the genetic basis of traits involved in
      coevolutionary interactions. Target site insensitivity to cardenolides has
      evolved convergently across six orders of insects, involving identical
      substitutions in the Na,K-ATPase gene and repeated convergent gene duplications.
      The large milkweed bug, Oncopeltus fasciatus, has three copies of the Na,K-ATPase
      alpha-subunit gene that bear differing numbers of amino acid substitutions in the
      binding pocket for cardenolides. To analyze the effect of these substitutions on
      cardenolide resistance and to infer possible trade-offs in gene function, we
      expressed the cardenolide-sensitive Na,K-ATPase of Drosophila melanogaster in
      vitro and introduced four distinct combinations of substitutions observed in the
      three gene copies of O. fasciatus. With an increasing number of substitutions,
      the sensitivity of the Na,K-ATPase to a standard cardenolide decreased in a
      stepwise manner. At the same time, the enzyme's overall activity decreased
      significantly with increasing cardenolide resistance and only the least
      substituted mimic of the Na,K-ATPase alpha1C copy maintained activity similar to
      the wild-type enzyme. Our results suggest that the Na,K-ATPase copies in O.
      fasciatus have diverged in function, enabling specific adaptations to dietary
      cardenolides while maintaining the functionality of this critical ion carrier.

PMID- 27683240
TI  - Protein Crystallization in an Actuated Microfluidic Nanowell Device.
AB  - Protein crystallization is a major bottleneck of structure determination by X-ray
      crystallography, hampering the process by years in some cases. Numerous matrix
      screening trials using significant amounts of protein are often applied, while a
      systematic approach with phase diagram determination is prohibited for many
      proteins that can only be expressed in small amounts. Here, we demonstrate a
      microfluidic nanowell device implementing protein crystallization and phase
      diagram screening using nanoscale volumes of protein solution per trial. The
      device is made with cost-effective materials and is completely automated for
      efficient and economical experimentation. In the developed device, 170 trials can
      be realized with unique concentrations of protein and precipitant established by
      gradient generation and isolated by elastomeric valving for crystallization
      incubation. Moreover, this device can be further downscaled to smaller nanowell
      volumes and larger scale integration. The device was calibrated using a
      fluorescent dye and compared to a numerical model where concentrations of each
      trial can be quantified to establish crystallization phase diagrams. Using this
      device, we successfully crystallized lysozyme and C-phycocyanin, as visualized by
      compatible crystal imaging techniques such as bright-field microscopy, UV
      fluorescence, and second-order nonlinear imaging of chiral crystals.
      Concentrations yielding observed crystal formation were quantified and used to
      determine regions of the crystallization phase space for both proteins. Low
      sample consumption and compatibility with a variety of proteins and imaging
      techniques make this device a powerful tool for systematic crystallization
      studies.

PMID- 27683241
TI  - Sex dependent alterations in mitochondrial electron transport chain proteins
      following neonatal rat cerebral hypoxic-ischemia.
AB  - Males are more susceptible to brain mitochondrial bioenergetic dysfunction
      following neonatal cerebral hypoxic-ischemia (HI) than females. Mitochondrial
      biogenesis has been implicated in the cellular response to HI injury, but sex
      differences in biogenesis following HI have not been described. We tested the
      hypothesis that mitochondrial biogenesis or the expression of mitochondrial
      electron transport chain (ETC) proteins are differentially stimulated in the
      brains of 8 day old male and female rats one day following HI, and promoted by
      treatment with acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR). There were no sex differences in
      mitochondrial mass, as reflected by the ratio of mitochondrial to nuclear DNA
      (mtDNA/nDNA) and citrate synthase enzyme activity present one day following HI or
      sham surgery. There was an increase in mtDNA/nDNA, however, in the hypoxic and
      ischemic (ipsilateral) hemisphere after HI in both male and female brains at one
      day post-injury, which was suppressed by ALCAR. Citrate synthase activity was
      increased in the ipsilateral hemisphere of ALCAR treated male and female brain.
      Most importantly, the levels of representative mitochondrial proteins present in
      ETC complexes I, II and IV increased substantially one day following HI in
      female, but not male brain. This sex difference is consistent with the increase
      in the mitochondrial biogenesis-associated transcription factor NRF-2/GABPalpha
      following HI in females, in contrast to the decrease observed with males. In
      conclusion, the female sex-selective increase in ETC proteins following HI may at
      least partially explain the relative female resilience to mitochondrial
      respiratory impairment and neuronal death that occur after HI.

PMID- 27683243
TI  - The Role of Policy and Institutions on Health Spending.
AB  - This paper investigates the impact of policies and institutions on health
      expenditures for a large panel of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and
      Development countries for the period of 2000-2010. A set of 20 policy and
      institutional indicators developed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation
      and Development are integrated into a theoretically motivated econometric
      framework, alongside control variables related to demographic (dependency ratio)
      and non-demographic (income, prices and technology) drivers of health
      expenditures per capita. Although a large share of cross-country differences in
      public health expenditures can be explained by demographic and economic factors
      (around 71%), cross-country variations in policies and institutions also have a
      significant influence, explaining most of the remaining difference in public
      health spending (23%). Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27683242
TI  - Kinetic and mutational studies of the adenosine diphosphate ribose hydrolase from
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
AB  - Mycobacterium tuberculosis represents one of the world's most devastating
      infectious agents - with one third of the world's population infected and 1.5
      million people dying each year from this deadly pathogen. As part of an effort to
      identify targets for therapeutic intervention, we carried out the kinetic
      characterization of the product of gene rv1700 of M. tuberculosis. Based on its
      sequence and its structure, the protein had been tentatively identified as a
      pyrophosphohydrolase specific for adenosine diphosphate ribose (ADPR), a compound
      involved in various pathways including oxidative stress response and tellurite
      resistance. In this work we carry out a kinetic, mutational and structural
      investigation of the enzyme, which provides a full characterization of this Mt
      ADPRase. Optimal catalytic rates were achieved at alkaline pH (7.5-8.5) with
      either 0.5-1 mM Mg2+ or 0.02-1 mM Mn2+. K m and k cat values for hydrolysis of
      ADPR with Mg2+ ions are 200 +/- 19 MUM and 14.4 +/- 0.4 s-1, and with Mn2+ ions
      are 554 +/- 64 MUM and 28.9 +/- 1.4 s-1. Four residues proposed to be important
      in the catalytic mechanism of the enzyme were individually mutated and the
      kinetics of the mutant enzymes were characterized. In the four cases, the K m
      increased only slightly (2- to 3-fold) but the k cat decreased significantly (300
      to 1900-fold), confirming the participation of these residues in catalysis. An
      analysis of the sequence and structure conservation patterns in Nudix ADPRases
      permits an unambiguous identification of members of the family and provides
      insight into residues involved in catalysis and their participation in substrate
      recognition in the Mt-ADPRase.

PMID- 27683246
TI  - Transcatheter versus surgical aortic valve replacement in patients with severe
      aortic stenosis at low and intermediate risk: systematic review and meta
      analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE:  To examine the effect of transcatheter aortic valve implantation
      (TAVI) versus surgical replacement of an aortic valve (SAVR) in patients with
      severe aortic stenosis at low and intermediate risk of perioperative death.
      DESIGN:  Systematic review and meta-analysis DATA SOURCES:  Medline, Embase, and
      Cochrane CENTRAL. STUDY SELECTION:  Randomized trials of TAVI compared with SAVR
      in patients with a mean perioperative risk of death <8%. REVIEW METHODS:  Two
      reviewers independently extracted data and assessed risk of bias for outcomes
      important to patients that were selected a priori by a parallel guideline
      committee, including patient advisors. We used the GRADE system was used to
      quantify absolute effects and quality of evidence. RESULTS:  4 trials with 3179
      patients and a median follow-up of two years were included. Compared with SAVR,
      transfemoral TAVI was associated with reduced mortality (risk difference per 1000
      patients: -30, 95% confidence interval -49 to -8, moderate certainty), stroke (
      20, -37 to 1, moderate certainty), life threatening bleeding (-252, -293 to -190,
      high certainty), atrial fibrillation (-178, -150 to -203, moderate certainty),
      and acute kidney injury (-53, -39 to -62, high certainty) but increased short
      term aortic valve reintervention (7, 1 to 21, moderate certainty), permanent
      pacemaker insertion (134, 16 to 382, moderate certainty), and moderate or severe
      symptoms of heart failure (18, 5 to 34, moderate certainty). Compared with SAVR,
      transapical TAVI was associated higher mortality (57, -16 to 153, moderate
      certainty, P=0.015 for interaction between transfemoral versus transapical TAVI)
      and stroke (45, -2 to 125, moderate certainty, interaction P=0.012). No study
      reported long term follow-up, which is particularly important for structural
      valve deterioration. CONCLUSIONS:  Many patients, particularly those who have a
      shorter life expectancy or place a lower value on the risk of long term valve
      degeneration, are likely to perceive net benefit with transfemoral TAVI versus
      SAVR. SAVR, however, performs better than transapical TAVI, which is of interest
      to patients who are not candidates for transfemoral TAVI. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
      REGISTRATION:  PROSPERO CRD42016042879.

PMID- 27683245
TI  - Antioxidants reveal an inverted U-shaped dose-response relationship between
      reactive oxygen species levels and the rate of aging in Caenorhabditis elegans.
AB  - Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are potentially toxic, but they are also signaling
      molecules that modulate aging. Recent observations that ROS can promote longevity
      have to be reconciled with the numerous claims about the benefits of antioxidants
      on lifespan. Here, three antioxidants [N-acetylcysteine (NAC), vitamin C, and
      resveratrol (RSV)] were tested on Caenorhabditis elegans mutants that alter drug
      uptake, mitochondrial function, and ROS metabolism. We observed that like pro
      oxidants, antioxidants can both lengthen and shorten lifespan, dependent on
      concentration, genotypes, and conditions. The effects of antioxidants thus reveal
      an inverted U-shaped dose-response relationship between ROS levels and lifespan.
      In addition, we observed that RSV can act additively to both NAC and paraquat, to
      dramatically increase lifespan. This suggests that the effect of compounds that
      modulate ROS levels can be additive when their loci of action or mechanisms of
      action are sufficiently distinct.

PMID- 27683247
TI  - Mobility, balance and frailty in community-dwelling older adults: What is the
      best 1-year predictor of falls?
AB  - AIM: The present study aimed, first, to compare the ability to predict falls over
      12 months for three measures - mobility, balance and frailty. Second, among the
      three domains of frailty - physical, psychological and social - we investigated
      what is the strongest predictor of falls. METHODS: A total of 192 community
      dwelling older adults (age 73.0 +/- 6.2 years; 62% women) were involved in this
      longitudinal study. The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, One Leg Standing (OLS) test
      and the Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI) were respectively used to measure
      mobility, balance and frailty. The TFI is a questionnaire based on a
      multidimensional conceptualization of frailty consisting of 15 items in three
      domains (physical, psychological and social). Falls were self-reported during the
      12-month follow up. Logistic regression models, adjusted for interesting
      variables, were carried out to predict the risk of falls. RESULTS: History of
      falls and chronic conditions were the indicators more strongly related with falls
      over 12 months. The TFI resulted as a stronger predictor of falls when compared
      with the TUG and OLS tests. The explained variance of the three models was 31.2%,
      22.4% and 22.2%, respectively. The TFI was significantly associated with falls (P
      < 0.001), whereas the TUG and the OLS were not (P > 0.05). Among the three
      frailty domains, physical (P < 0.001) and psychological (P = 0.041) domains were
      significant predictors of falls. CONCLUSIONS: The findings showed that the TFI
      might be an effective tool for predicting falls at 12 months in aged populations,
      probably because it is able to capture the multifactorial facets that can lead to
      falls. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1463-1469.

PMID- 27683248
TI  - The Arrival of Homo sapiens into the Southern Cone at 14,000 Years Ago.
AB  - The Arroyo Seco 2 site contains a rich archaeological record, exceptional for
      South America, to explain the expansion of Homo sapiens into the Americas and
      their interaction with extinct Pleistocene mammals. The following paper provides
      a detailed overview of material remains found in the earliest cultural episodes
      at this multi-component site, dated between ca. 12,170 14C yrs B.P. (ca. 14,064
      cal yrs B.P.) and 11,180 14C yrs B.P. (ca. 13,068 cal yrs B.P.). Evidence of
      early occupations includes the presence of lithic tools, a concentration of
      Pleistocene species remains, human-induced fractured animal bones, and a
      selection of skeletal parts of extinct fauna. The occurrence of hunter-gatherers
      in the Southern Cone at ca. 14,000 cal yrs B.P. is added to the growing list of
      American sites that indicate a human occupation earlier than the Clovis dispersal
      episode, but posterior to the onset of the deglaciation of the Last Glacial
      Maximum (LGM) in the North America.

PMID- 27683249
TI  - AhpA is a peroxidase expressed during biofilm formation in Bacillus subtilis.
AB  - Organisms growing aerobically generate reactive oxygen species such as hydrogen
      peroxide. These reactive oxygen molecules damage enzymes and DNA, potentially
      causing cell death. In response, Bacillus subtilis produces at least nine
      potential peroxide-scavenging enzymes; two belong to the alkylhydroperoxide
      reductase (Ahp) class of peroxidases. Here, we explore the role of one of these
      Ahp homologs, AhpA. While previous studies demonstrated that AhpA can scavenge
      peroxides and thus defend cells against peroxides, they did not clarify when
      during growth the cell produces AhpA. The results presented here show that the
      expression of ahpA is regulated in a manner distinct from that of the other
      peroxide-scavenging enzymes in B. subtilis. While the primary Ahp, AhpC, is
      expressed during exponential growth and stationary phase, these studies
      demonstrate that the expression of ahpA is dependent on the transition-state
      regulator AbrB and the sporulation and biofilm formation transcription factor
      Spo0A. Furthermore, these results show that ahpA is specifically expressed during
      biofilm formation, and not during sporulation or stationary phase, suggesting
      that derepression of ahpA by AbrB requires a signal other than those present upon
      entry into stationary phase. Despite this expression pattern, ahpA mutant strains
      still form and maintain robust biofilms, even in the presence of peroxides. Thus,
      the role of AhpA with regard to protecting cells within biofilms from
      environmental stresses is still uncertain. These studies highlight the need to
      further study the Ahp homologs to better understand how they differ from one
      another and the unique roles they may play in oxidative stress resistance.

PMID- 27683251
TI  - Intraprostatic Reflux of Urine Induces Inflammation in a Rat.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We examined whether urine reflux into the prostate can induce
      prostatic inflammation in a rat and evaluated the effect of alpha1-adrenoreceptor
      antagonist. METHODS: Experiment 1: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with
      500 ul of Evans Blue through the urethral orifice. Intravesical pressure was
      measured, and the prostate was excised to evaluate urine reflux. Experiment 2:
      Rats were injected with 500 ul urine or saline (control) from the urethral
      orifice. Silodosin (200 ug/kg/day) was administered to the silodosin group. We
      evaluated histopathology, the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and
      oxidative stress markers of the prostate on day 7, after assessing the prostatic
      microcirculation and cystometrogram. RESULTS: Experiment 1: The histopathology
      showed that Evans Blue instilled through the urethral orifice entered the
      prostatic ducts. Intravesical pressure during Evans Blue instillation was 47.7 +/
      1.6 cmH2 O (mean +/- standard error). Experiment 2: On day 7 after urine
      instillation through the urethral orifice, histopathology showed infiltrated
      inflammatory cells in the peri-glandular stroma. Inflammation-associated proteins
      (IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, and TNFalpha) were upregulated in the urine-instilled
      rats but not in the silodosin group. Erythrocyte speed on the prostatic surface,
      immunostaining for hypoxyprobe, and quantification of oxidative stress markers
      (MDA and HIF-1alpha) demonstrated prostatic hypoxia in the urine-instilled rats,
      which was ameliorated in the silodosin group. Cystometrogram revealed a shorter
      intercontraction interval in the urine-instilled rats, which was prolonged in the
      silodosin group. CONCLUSIONS: Urine reflux into the prostatic duct induces
      abacterial prostatitis. Silodosin relieved prostatic inflammation and bladder
      overactivity by increasing microcirculation in the prostate. Prostate 77:164-172,
      2017. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27683252
TI  - Visual Interpretation of Biomedical Time Series Using Parzen Window-Based Density
      Amplitude Domain Transformation.
AB  - This study proposes a new method suitable for the visual analysis of biomedical
      time series that is based on the examination of biomedical signals in the density
      amplitude domain. Toward this goal, we employed two publicly available datasets.
      In the first stage of the study, density coefficients were computed separately by
      using the Parzen Windowing method for each class of raw attribute data. Then,
      differences between classes were determined visually by using density
      coefficients and their related amplitudes. Visual interpretation of the processed
      data gave more successful classification results compared with the raw data in
      the first stage. Next the density-amplitude representations of the raw data were
      classified using classifiers (SVM, KNN and Naive Bayes). The raw data (time
      amplitude) and their frequency-amplitude representation were also classified
      using the same classification methods. The statistical results showed that the
      proposed method based on the density-amplitude representation increases the
      classification success up to 55% compared with methods using the time-amplitude
      domain and up to 75% compared with methods based on the frequency-amplitude
      domain. Finally, we have highlighted several statistical analysis suggestions as
      a result of the density-amplitude representation.

PMID- 27683250
TI  - Human metapneumovirus Induces Reorganization of the Actin Cytoskeleton for Direct
      Cell-to-Cell Spread.
AB  - Paramyxovirus spread generally involves assembly of individual viral particles
      which then infect target cells. We show that infection of human bronchial airway
      cells with human metapneumovirus (HMPV), a recently identified paramyxovirus
      which causes significant respiratory disease, results in formation of
      intercellular extensions and extensive networks of branched cell-associated
      filaments. Formation of these structures is dependent on actin, but not
      microtubule, polymerization. Interestingly, using a co-culture assay we show that
      conditions which block regular infection by HMPV particles, including addition of
      neutralizing antibodies or removal of cell surface heparan sulfate, did not
      prevent viral spread from infected to new target cells. In contrast, inhibition
      of actin polymerization or alterations to Rho GTPase signaling pathways
      significantly decreased cell-to-cell spread. Furthermore, viral proteins and
      viral RNA were detected in intercellular extensions, suggesting direct transfer
      of viral genetic material to new target cells. While roles for paramyxovirus
      matrix and fusion proteins in membrane deformation have been previously
      demonstrated, we show that the HMPV phosphoprotein extensively co-localized with
      actin and induced formation of cellular extensions when transiently expressed,
      supporting a new model in which a paramyxovirus phosphoprotein is a key player in
      assembly and spread. Our results reveal a novel mechanism for HMPV direct cell-to
      cell spread and provide insights into dissemination of respiratory viruses.

PMID- 27683255
TI  - An Approach for Zika Virus Inhibition Using Homology Structure of the Envelope
      Protein.
AB  - To find an effective drug for Zika virus, it is important to understand how
      numerous proteins which are critical for the virus' structure and function
      interact with their counterparts. One approach to inhibiting the flavivirus is to
      deter its ability to bind onto glycoproteins; however, the crystal structures of
      envelope proteins of the ever-evolving viral strains that decipher glycosidic or
      drug-molecular interactions are not always available. To fill this gap, we are
      reporting a holistic, simulation-based approach to predict compounds that will
      inhibit ligand binding onto a structurally unresolved protein, in this case the
      Zika virus envelope protein (ZVEP), by developing a three-dimensional general
      structure and analyzing sites at which ligands and small drug-like molecules
      interact. By examining how glycan molecules and small-molecule probes interact
      with a freshly resolved ZVEP homology model, we report the susceptibility of ZVEP
      to inhibition via two small molecules, ZINC33683341 and ZINC49605556-by
      preferentially binding onto the primary receptor responsible for the virus'
      virulence. Antiviral activity was confirmed when ZINC33683341 was tested in cell
      culture. We anticipate the results to be a starting point for drug discovery
      targeting Zika virus and other emerging pathogens.

PMID- 27683253
TI  - Relationship of specific MRI findings to treatment outcomes in patients receiving
      transforaminal epidural steroid injections.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine whether specific MRI findings are related to outcomes
      after lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESI) and to assess the
      inter-rater reliability of imaging diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A
      prospective outcomes study on 156 consecutive patients with 1-month follow-up
      outcomes data and MRI within 3 months of TFESI was conducted. Pain levels
      (numerical rating scale) (NRS) were recorded prior to injection. Overall
      'improvement' was determined using the Patients Global Impression of Change
      (PGIC) scale and NRS data were collected at three time points post injection. Two
      radiologists independently evaluated all images blinded to treatment outcome for
      reliability of diagnosis. The Chi-square test compared MRI findings for the
      senior radiologist to 'improvement'. NRS change scores were compared to MRI
      findings with the unpaired t-test or ANOVA. Kappa and percent agreement assessed
      inter-rater agreement of diagnosis. RESULTS: The only abnormality linked to
      'improvement' (p = 0.03) and higher NRS change scores (p = 0.0001) at 1 month was
      the disc herniation morphology 'protrusion + sequestration'. Patients with
      degeneration by osteophytes (p = 0.034), grade 3 foraminal nerve root compression
      (p = 0.01) and foraminal/extraforaminal location of herniation (p = 0.014) also
      had higher 1 month NRS change scores. Reliability of diagnosis was 'fair' to
      'substantial' depending on MRI findings. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with disc
      protrusion plus sequestration were significantly more likely to report overall
      improvement and more pain reduction at 1 month. Higher pain reduction was noted
      in patients with degeneration by osteophytes, grade 3 foraminal nerve root
      compression, or foraminal/extraforaminal disc herniation location.

PMID- 27683254
TI  - RARS2 Mutations: Is Pontocerebellar Hypoplasia Type 6 a Mitochondrial
      Encephalopathy?
AB  - Mutations in the mitochondrial arginyl tRNA synthetase (RARS2) gene are
      associated with Pontocerebellar Hypoplasia type 6 (PCH6). Here we report two
      patients, compound heterozygous for RARS2 mutations, presenting with early onset
      epileptic encephalopathy and (progressive) atrophy of both supra- and
      infratentorial structures. Early pontocerebellar hypoplasia was virtually absent
      and respiratory chain (RC) defects could not be detected in muscle biopsies. Both
      patients carried a novel missense mutation c.1544A>G (p.(Asp515Gly)) in
      combination with either a splice site (c.297+2T>G) or a frameshift
      (c.452_454insC) mutation. The splice site mutation induced skipping of exon
      4.These two patients expand the phenotypical spectrum associated with RARS2
      mutations beyond the first report of PCH6 by Edvardson and colleagues. We propose
      to classify RARS2-associated phenotypes as an early onset mitochondrial
      encephalopathy, since this is more in agreement with both clinical presentation
      and underlying genetic cause.

PMID- 27683256
TI  - Minipig-BMSCs Combined with a Self-Setting Calcium Phosphate Paste for Bone
      Tissue Engineering.
AB  - Calcium phosphate cements (CPCs) are a new generation of bone repair materials
      with good biocompatibility for various stem cells. The minipig is a recommended
      large animal model for bone engineering research. This study aimed to evaluate
      the feasibility of utilizing CPC scaffolds for the adhesion, proliferation, and
      osteogenic differentiation of minipig's bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
      (pBMSCs). Passage 3 pBMSCs were seeded on the CPC scaffold and cultured with
      osteogenic culture medium (osteogenic group) or normal medium (control group).
      The density of viable cells increased in both groups, and pBMSCs firmly attached
      and spread well on the CPC scaffold. The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in
      the osteogenic group had significantly increased on day 7 (D7) and peaked on D14.
      qRT-PCR revealed that mRNA levels of ALP and three osteogenic marker genes were
      significantly higher on D4, D7, and D14 in the osteogenic group. Alizarin Red S
      staining showed a significantly higher degree of bone mineralization from D7, D14
      to D21 in the osteogenic group. These results indicated that pBMSCs can attach,
      proliferate well on CPC scaffold, and be successfully induced to differentiate
      into osteogenic cells. Our findings may be helpful for bone tissue engineering
      and the studies of bone regeneration.

PMID- 27683257
TI  - Global Budget Payment: Proposing the CAP Framework.
AB  - To control ever-increasing costs, global budget payment has gained attention but
      has unclear impacts on health care systems. We propose the CAP framework that
      helps navigate 3 domains of difficult design choices in global budget payment:
      Constraints in resources (capitation vs facility-based budgeting; hard vs soft
      budget constraints), Agent-principal in resource allocation (individual vs group
      providers in resource allocation; single vs multiple pipes), and Price
      adjustment. We illustrate the framework with empirical examples and draw
      implications for policy makers.

PMID- 27683258
TI  - In vitro and in silico characterization of angiogenic inhibitors from Sophora
      interrupta.
AB  - Sophora interrupta Bedd, (Fabaceae) is used in Indian folk medicine to treat
      cancer. Angiogenesis is one of the crucial characteristics of cancer metastasis
      and is regulated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). In this study, we
      examined the antiangiogenic properties of the root ethyl acetate extract of
      Sophora interrupta by various methods. In vitro antioxidant activity (100-600
      MUg/ml) of S. interrupta ethyl acetate (SEA) extract was evaluated by DPPH and
      ABTS, anti-inflammatory activity (50, 100 and 150 MUg/ml) by estimating nitric
      oxide (NO) levels, anti-angiogenic activity (200 and 500 MUg/ml) was validated by
      chorio allantoic membrane (CAM) assay and in silico molecular dynamic (MD)
      simulations analyses (25 ns) were performed to identify the anti-angiogenic
      compounds extracted from root extract. The antioxidative activity of SEA extract
      at IC50 (200 +/- 0.6 MUg/mL) is equal to that of ascorbic acid at IC50 (50 +/-
      0.6 MUg/mL), and the anti-inflammatory activity of SEA extract at IC50 (150 +/-
      0.2 MUg/mL) was inhibited significantly by nitric oxide (NO) production. The SEA
      extract significantly reduced the sprouting of new blood vessels at ID50 500 +/-
      0.13 MUg/mL in the CAM assay. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of
      the SEA extract detected 34 secondary metabolites, of which 6a,12a-dihydro-6H
      (1,3)dioxolo(5,6)benzofuro(3,2-c)chromen-3-ol (maackiain) and funiculosin formed
      strong hydrogen bond interactions with Lys 920, Thr 916 and Cys 919 (2H), as well
      as Glu 917 of VEGFR2, and these interactions were similar to those of the anti
      angiogenic compound axitinib. Significant findings in all the assays performed
      indicate that SEA extract has potential anti-angiogenic compounds that may
      interfere with VEGF-induced cancer malignancy.

PMID- 27683259
TI  - Optoelectronic properties of naphtho[2, 1-b:6, 5-b']difuran derivatives for
      photovoltaic application: a computational study.
AB  - Some important optoelectronic properties of naphtho[2,1-b:6,5-b']difuran (DPNDF)
      and its two derivatives have been limelighted by applying the density functional
      theory (DFT). Due to their low cost, high stability and earth abundance, the
      DPNDF and its derivatives are considered as potential organic semiconductor
      materials for their optoelectronics applications. Highly proficient derivatives
      are obtained systematically by attaching -CN (cyanide) to DPNDF at various sites.
      Our calculations indicate that DPNDF has a wide and direct band gap with an
      energy gap of 3.157 eV. Whereas the band gaps of its derivatives are found to be
      decreased by 88 meV for derivative "a" and 300 meV for derivative "b" as a
      consequence of p orbitals present in C and N atoms in derivative structures. The
      narrowing of the energy gap and density of states for the derivatives of DPNDF in
      the present investigation suggest that energy gap can be engineered for desirable
      optoelectronic applications via derivatives designing. Furthermore, their
      obtained results for optical parameters such as the dielectric and conductivity
      functions, reflectivity, refractive index, and the extinction coefficients
      endorses their aptness for optoelectronic applications. Graphical Abstract Real
      part of dielectric function for derivative "b".

PMID- 27683261
TI  - Risk factors for overnight respiratory events following sedation for magnetic
      resonance imaging in children with sleep apnea.
AB  - PURPOSE: Children with sleep apnea may be at increased risk for overnight
      respiratory events (ORE) following anesthesia. We sought to identify ORE risk
      factors in sleep apnea patients sedated for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
      METHODS: One thousand four hundred seven hospitalizations for children with sleep
      apnea (by ICD-9 code) occurred at our institution from 5/1/2011 to 2/1/2015. One
      hundred twenty-seven (9 %) encounters were solely for post-MRI observation
      representing 96 unique patients. The first post-MRI admission for each patient
      underwent chart review. ORE was defined as sustained oxygen saturation <90 % with
      need for increased oxygen or adjustment of respiratory support after release from
      recovery. Characteristics of patients with and without ORE were compared by chi
      squared analysis or independent samples t test. Logistic regression identified
      associations with ORE. RESULTS: Ten out of 96 (10.4 %) patients had ORE. The
      average time following sedation to ORE was 10.25 h. ORE patients were
      hospitalized longer (median 2 vs. 1 day, p < 0.001). Overall, patients were 55 %
      male, 60 % Hispanic, with median age of 5 years [IQR 2-10] and median body mass
      index (BMI) of 17.9 [IQR 15.2-24]. On logistic regression, apnea-hypopnea index
      (AHI; OR 1.007 [95 % CI 1.002-1.011]), anesthesia complication (OR 1.13 [95 % CI
      1.01-1.28]), and home non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIV; OR 6.08
      [95 % CI 1.57-26.17]) were associated with ORE. CONCLUSION: Ninety percent of
      children with sleep apnea admitted for overnight observation following sedated
      MRI did not have an ORE. AHI, anesthesia complications, and NIV use may help
      target higher-risk patients and avoid unnecessary hospitalizations.

PMID- 27683260
TI  - Synchrotron Imaging Assessment of Bone Quality.
AB  - Bone is a complex hierarchical structure, and its principal function is to resist
      mechanical forces and fracture. Bone strength depends not only on the quantity of
      bone tissue but also on the shape and hierarchical structure. The hierarchical
      levels are interrelated, especially the micro-architecture, collagen and mineral
      components; hence, analysis of their specific roles in bone strength and
      stiffness is difficult. Synchrotron imaging technologies including micro-CT and
      small/wide angle X-ray scattering/diffraction are becoming increasingly popular
      for studying bone because the images can resolve deformations in the micro
      architecture and collagen-mineral matrix under in situ mechanical loading.
      Synchrotron cannot be directly applied in vivo due to the high radiation dose but
      will allow researchers to carry out systematic multifaceted studies of bone ex
      vivo. Identifying characteristics of aging and disease will underpin future
      efforts to generate novel devices and interventional therapies for assessing and
      promoting healthy aging. With our own research work as examples, this paper
      introduces how synchrotron imaging technology can be used with in situ testing in
      bone research.

PMID- 27683262
TI  - Hypoxic Stress Forces Irreversible Differentiation of a Majority of Mouse
      Trophoblast Stem Cells Despite FGF4.
AB  - Hypoxic, hyperosmotic, and genotoxic stress slow mouse trophoblast stem cell
      (mTSC) proliferation, decrease potency/stemness, and increase differentiation.
      Previous reports suggest a period of reversibility in stress-induced mTSC
      differentiation. Here we show that hypoxic stress at 0.5% O2 decreased potency
      factor protein by ~60%-90% and reduced growth to nil. Hypoxia caused a 35-fold
      increase in apoptosis at Day 3 and a 2-fold increase at Day 6 above baseline. The
      baseline apoptosis rate was only 0.3%. Total protein was never less than baseline
      during hypoxic treatment, suggesting 0.5% O2 is a robust, nonmorbid stressor.
      Hypoxic stress induced ~50% of trophoblast giant cell (TGC) differentiation with
      a simultaneous 5- to 6-fold increase in the TGC product antiluteolytic prolactin
      family 3, subfamily d, member 1 (PRL3D1), despite the presence of fibroblast
      growth factor 4 (FGF4). Hypoxia-induced TGC differentiation was also supported by
      potency and differentiation mRNA marker analysis. FGF4 removal at 20% O2
      committed cell fate towards irreversible differentiation at 2 days, with similar
      TGC percentages after an additional 3 days of culture under potency conditions
      when FGF4 was readded or under differentiation conditions without FGF4. However,
      hypoxic stress required 4 days to irreversibly differentiate cells. Runted stem
      cell growth, forced differentiation of fewer cells, and irreversible
      differentiation limit total available stem cell population. Were mTSCs to respond
      to stress in a similar mode in vivo, miscarriage might occur as a result, which
      should be tested in the future.

PMID- 27683263
TI  - SMAD3 Activation: A Converging Point of Dysregulated TGF-Beta Superfamily
      Signaling and Genetic Aberrations in Granulosa Cell Tumor Development?
AB  - Ovarian granulosa cell tumors (GCTs) are rare gynecologic tumors in women. Due to
      the rarity and limited research efforts invested, the etiology of GCTs remains
      poorly defined. A landmark study has discovered the mutation of forkhead box L2
      (FOXL2) as a genetic hallmark of adult GCTs in the human. However, our
      understanding of the role of cell signaling in GCT development is far from
      complete. Increasing lines of evidence highlight the importance of TGF-beta
      (TGFB) superfamily signaling in the pathogenesis of GCTs. This review draws on
      findings using genetically modified mouse models and human patient specimens and
      cell lines to reveal SMAD3 activation as a potentially key converging point of
      dysregulated TGFB superfamily signaling and genetic aberrations in GCT
      development. It is anticipated that deciphering the role of TGFB superfamily
      signaling cascades in ovarian tumorigenesis will help develop new therapeutic
      approaches for GCTs by targeting core signaling elements essential for tumor
      initiation, growth, and progression.

PMID- 27683264
TI  - Apelin (APLN) and Apelin Receptor (APLNR) in Human Ovary: Expression, Signaling,
      and Regulation of Steroidogenesis in Primary Human Luteinized Granulosa Cells.
AB  - Apelin (APLN) is a recently discovered adipokine involved in the regulation of
      various metabolic functions. Its receptor, APLNR, is expressed in reproductive
      tissues, however, its role in human ovarian cells is unknown. In this study, we
      identified APLN and APLNR in human ovarian follicles and analyzed their
      expression in granulosa cells and follicular fluid obtained from obese and
      nonobese patients, with or without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). We also
      investigated the effect of APLN on steroidogenesis in cultured human luteinized
      granulosa cells (hGCs) from nonobese patients without PCOS. Using RT-PCR and
      immunoblotting, we found that APLN and APLNR were expressed in hGCs and cumulus
      and theca cells. We confirmed these data immunohistochemically and observed that
      APLNR and APLN are present in human oocytes at different stages of follicular
      development. In patients with PCOS, we observed that follicular fluid APLN
      concentration and granulosa cell APLN and APLNR mRNA expression was higher than
      that observed in control patients. In cultured hGCs from nonobese patients
      without PCOS, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) increased APLNR expression, and
      recombinant human APLN (APLN-13 and APLN-17) increased both basal and IGF1
      induced steroid secretion. These effects on steroid production were reversed when
      cultured in the presence of ML221, an APLNR antagonist, which was associated with
      an increased 3beta-hydrosteroid dehydrogenase (HSD3B) protein concentration. We
      showed that these effects were dependent on the activation of the AKT and MAPK3/1
      pathways using pharmacological inhibitors. Our results show that APLN and APLNR
      are present in human ovarian cells and APLN increases IGF1-induced
      steroidogenesis in granulosa cells through an increase in HSD3B protein
      expression and activation of the MAPK3/1 and Akt pathways. Therefore, APLN and
      APLNR may play a role in human follicular development and the pathogenesis of
      PCOS.

PMID- 27683266
TI  - Rosiglitazone Improves Stallion Sperm Motility, ATP Content, and Mitochondrial
      Function.
AB  - Media used for equine sperm storage often contain relatively high concentrations
      of glucose, even though stallion spermatozoa preferentially utilize oxidative
      phosphorylation (OXPHOS) over glycolysis to generate ATP and support motility.
      Rosiglitazone is an antidiabetic compound that enhances metabolic flexibility and
      glucose utilization in various cell types, but its effects on sperm metabolism
      are unknown. This study investigated the effects of rosiglitazone on stallion
      sperm function in vitro, along with the possible role of AMP-activated protein
      kinase (AMPK) in mediating these effects. Spermatozoa were incubated with or
      without rosiglitazone, GW9662 (an antagonist of peroxisome proliferator
      activating receptor-gamma), and compound C (CC; an AMPK inhibitor). Sperm
      motility, viability, reactive oxygen species production, mitochondrial membrane
      potential (mMP), ATP content, and glucose uptake capacity were measured. Samples
      incubated with rosiglitazone displayed significantly higher motility, percentage
      of cells with normal mMP, ATP content, and glucose uptake capacity, while sperm
      viability was unaffected. The percentage of spermatozoa positive for
      mitochondrial ROS was also significantly lower in rosiglitazone-treated samples.
      AMPK localized to the sperm midpiece, and its phosphorylation, was increased in
      rosiglitazone-treated spermatozoa. CC decreased sperm AMPK phosphorylation and
      reduced sperm motility, and successfully inhibited the effects of rosiglitazone.
      Inclusion of rosiglitazone in a room temperature sperm storage medium maintained
      sperm motility above 60% for 6 days, attaining significantly higher motility than
      sperm stored in control media. The ability of rosiglitazone to substantially
      alleviate the time-dependent deterioration of stallion spermatozoa by diverting
      metabolism away from OXPHOS and toward glycolysis has novel implications for the
      long-term, functional preservation of these cells.

PMID- 27683265
TI  - Spatial Characterization of Bioenergetics and Metabolism of Primordial to
      Preovulatory Follicles in Whole Ex Vivo Murine Ovary.
AB  - Previous work characterizing ovarian bioenergetics has defined follicular
      metabolism by measuring metabolic by-products in culture media. However, culture
      conditions perturb the native state of the follicle, and these methods do not
      distinguish between metabolism occurring within oocytes or granulosa cells. We
      applied the phasor approach to fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (phasor
      FLIM) at 740-nm two-photon excitation to examine the spatial distribution of free
      and protein-bound nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydride (NADH) during
      primordial through preovulatory stages of follicular development in fresh ex vivo
      murine neonatal and gonadotropin stimulated prepubertal ovaries. We obtained
      subcellular resolution phasor FLIM images of primordial through primary follicles
      and quantified the free/bound NADH ratio (relative NADH/NAD+) separately for
      oocyte nucleus and oocyte cytoplasm. We found that dynamic changes in oocyte
      nucleus free/bound NADH paralleled the developmental maturation of primordial to
      primary follicles. Immunohistochemistry of NAD+-dependent deacetylase SIRTUIN 1
      (SIRT1) in neonatal ovary revealed that increasing SIRT1 expression in oocyte
      nuclei was inversely related to decreasing free/bound NADH during the primordial
      to primary follicle transition. We characterized oocyte metabolism at these early
      stages to be NADH producing (glycolysis/Krebs). We extended the results of prior
      studies to show that cumulus and mural granulosa cell metabolism in secondary
      through preovulatory follicles is mainly NADH producing (glycolysis/Krebs cycle),
      while oocyte metabolism is mainly NADH consuming (oxidative phosphorylation).
      Taken together, our data characterize dynamic changes in free/bound NADH and
      SIRT1 expression during early follicular development and confirm results from
      previous studies defining antral and preovulatory follicle metabolism in culture.

PMID- 27683267
TI  - Effects of Daily Exposure to Saccharin and Sucrose on Testicular Biologic
      Functions in Mice.
AB  - Saccharin sodium consumption is considered safe and beneficial, owing to its very
      intense sweetness without any associated calories, but supporting scientific data
      remain sparse and controversial. Herein, we demonstrate that dose-response
      relationships existed with regard to administration of saccharin or sucrose to
      mice for 35 days, and this association involved testis-expressed sweet-tasting
      molecules (taste receptor type 1 subunit 3 [T1R3]; G protein alpha-gustducin
      [Galpha]). Mouse body weights and testis weights in middle- and low-dose
      saccharin-treated groups were increased with up-expressions of molecules involved
      in testicular sweet taste and steroidogenic (middle saccharin: steroidogenic
      acute regulatory protein [StAR]; P450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme
      [CYP11A1]; 17-alpha-hydroxylase/C17,20-lyase [CYP17A1]; low saccharin: StAR).
      Moreover, a high-dose saccharin-related decline in reproductive hormone levels
      and injuries to testis and sperm were observed to be associated with suppression
      of testicular T1R3 and Galpha, as well as steroidogenic-related factors (StAR; 3
      beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase [3-beta-HSD]; CYP11A1; CYP17A1; 17-beta
      hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase [17-beta-HSD]), and activation of cleaved caspase-3.
      However, abnormalities of the testis and sperm in high- and middle-dose sucrose
      exposed mice were related to the increased-cleaved caspase-3, but independent of
      T1R3 and/or Galpha. Collectively, our results clearly suggest that saccharin
      induced physiologic effects on testis are associated with testicular T1R3 and
      Galpha, which differed from sucrose. We hence call for a reassessment of the
      excessive use of sweeteners in daily life, especially artificial ones,
      considering their potential side effects.

PMID- 27683268
TI  - Risk factors for post-partum hemorrhage following vacuum assisted vaginal
      delivery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors for post-partum hemorrhage (PPH) following
      vacuum assisted vaginal delivery (VAVD). STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study of
      all women with singleton pregnancies who underwent VAVD in a tertiary hospital
      (2012-2014). PPH was defined as any of the following: >=500 ml estimated blood
      loss, hemoglobin drop >=3 g/dl (difference between pre- and post-VAVD hemoglobin
      levels) or the need for blood products transfusion. Characteristics of women with
      PPH following VAVD were compared to those of women with no PPH following VAVD.
      RESULTS: Of 1,154 VAVDs, 295 (25.6 %) had PPH. Women in the PPH group were more
      often nulliparous (83.1 vs. 70.5 %, p = 0.001) and had higher rate of
      hypertensive disorders (4.4 vs. 1.4 %, p = 0.001). The rate of episiotomy (87.8
      vs. 81.6 %, p = 0.01) was higher in the PPH group. In multivariate analysis, risk
      factors for PPH were (Odds Ratio, 95 % Confidence Interval) hypertensive
      disorders (2.40, 1.03-5.58, p = 0.04), induction of labor (1.42, 1.01-2.10, p =
      0.04) and longer second (1.003, 1.001-1.006, p = 0.03) and 3rd (1.02, 1.01-1.04,
      p = 0.004) stages of labor. CONCLUSION: Risk factors for PPH following VAVD can
      be identified and should be taken into consideration at the immediate post-partum
      period.

PMID- 27683269
TI  - Identification of genetic variation in the lncRNA HOTAIR associated with HPV16
      related cervical cancer pathogenesis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Previously, over-expression of the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) HOTAIR
      has been found to be associated with the invasive and metastatic capacities of
      several epithelial cancers, including cervical cancer (CaCx). Here, we aimed at
      identifying functionally relevant genetic variants that may be employed to
      differentiate between clinically distinct CaCx subtypes, i.e., those exhibiting
      high HOTAIR levels and molecular signatures of metastasis and those lacking such
      signatures in the presence of low HOTAIR expression levels. METHODS: Genomic DNA
      isolated from various cervical tissue samples (characterized by histopathology
      and HPV status) was used for HOTAIR amplicon sequencing, followed by validation
      of the findings by Sanger sequencing. The impact of the genetic variants found on
      the secondary structure of HOTAIR and the concomitant alterations in miRNA
      binding sites were determined through in silico analysis, followed by miRNA
      expression analysis by quantitative real-time PCR and confirmation of miRNA
      binding using a luciferase reporter assay. RESULTS: We found that rs2366152C was
      over-represented [ORage-adjusted = 2.58 (1.23-5.57); p = 0.014] in low HOTAIR
      expressing HPV positive CaCx cases compared to HPV negative controls. This
      genetic variant showed the propensity of a secondary structure alteration and
      gain of a miR-22 binding site in HOTAIR, which was found to be concordant with
      miR-22 over-expression in low HOTAIR CaCx cases compared to controls. We found
      that miR-22 expression negatively correlated with HOTAIR and E7 expression in
      HPV16 positive cases and in an E7 transfected HPV negative CaCx-derived cell line
      (C33A), but was not altered in high HOTAIR cases compared to controls. Reduced
      luciferase activity of a HOTAIR rs2366152C expression plasmid in C33A cells
      through miR-22 co-transfection confirmed the ability of miR-22 to specifically
      target rs2366152C-harbouring HOTAIR lncRNA in CaCx cells, ultimately leading to
      its down-regulation. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that rs2366152C not only has
      the potential to serve as a marker for singling out CaCx cases lacking metastatic
      molecular signatures, but also to explain the functional inactivation of HOTAIR
      in these cases, including the mechanism of its down-regulation.

PMID- 27683270
TI  - Comprehensive microbiome analysis of tonsillar crypts in IgA nephropathy.
AB  - Background: Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is the most prevalent primary
      chronic glomerular disease, in which the mucosal immune response elicited
      particularly in the tonsils or intestine has been estimated to be involved in the
      development of the disease. To explore the relationship between IgAN and
      bacterial flora in the tonsils, we conducted a comprehensive microbiome analysis.
      Methods: We enrolled 48 IgAN patients, 21 recurrent tonsillitis (RT) patients
      without urine abnormalities and 30 children with tonsillar hyperplasia (TH) who
      had undergone tonsillectomy previously. Genomic DNA from tonsillar crypts of each
      patient was extracted, and V4 regions of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene were
      amplified and analysed using a high-throughput multiplexed sequencing approach.
      Differences in genus composition among the three study groups were statistically
      analysed by permutational multivariate analysis of variance and visualized by
      principal component analysis (PCA). Results: Substantial diversity in bacterial
      composition was detected in each sample. Prevotella spp., Fusobacterium spp.,
      Sphingomonas spp. and Treponema spp. were predominant in IgAN patients. The
      percentage of abundance of Prevotella spp., Haemophilus spp., Porphyromonas spp.
      and Treponema spp. in IgAN patients was significantly different from that in TH
      patients. However, there was no significant difference in the percentage of
      abundance of any bacterial genus between IgAN and RT patients. PCA did not
      distinguish IgAN from RT, although it discriminated TH. No significant
      differences in microbiome composition among the groups of IgAN patients according
      to clinicopathological parameters were observed. Conclusions: Similar patterns of
      bacteria are present in tonsillar crypts of both IgAN and RT patients, suggesting
      that the host response to these bacteria might be important in the development of
      IgAN.

PMID- 27683272
TI  - Plasma sodium measurements by direct ion selective methods in laboratory and
      point of care may not be clinically interchangeable.
AB  - An estimated 25 % of indirect ion selective electrode (ISE) ICU plasma sodium
      measurements differ from corresponding direct ISE values by at least 4 mmol/L,
      the dominant factor being indirect ISE over-estimation driven by hypoproteinemia.
      Since direct measurements are considered unaffected by protein concentrations, we
      investigated whether direct ISE plasma sodium measurements in the laboratory and
      at point of care in ICU show sufficient agreement to be clinically
      interchangeable. From a 5 year clinical chemistry database, 9910 ICU plasma
      samples were assessed for agreement between direct ISE sodium measurements in ICU
      (ABL 700) and in the central laboratory (Vitros Fusion). The relationship between
      differences in paired plasma sodium measurements (Vitros-ABL) and total plasma
      protein concentrations was evaluated by generalized estimating equation linear
      regression. Patients were hypo-proteinemic [mean (SD) total protein concentration
      56.9 (9.04) g/L]. Mean (SD) paired Vitros-ABL sodium measurements was -0.087
      (1.74) mmol/L, range -14 to +10 mmol/L. Disagreement at >=|4|mmol/L, >=|3|mmol/L
      and >=|2|mmol/L was present in 409 (4.1 %), 1333 (13.4 %) and 3591 (36.2 %) pairs
      respectively. Test-retest disagreement estimates within either source alone were
      substantially lower. Small negative Vitros-ABL differences associated with low
      plasma protein concentrations were reversed at high protein concentrations.
      Disagreement between plasma sodium concentrations monitored by two common direct
      ISE analyzers was substantially less than reported between direct and indirect
      ISE devices, although a protein influence of low clinical importance persisted.
      Disagreement was sufficient to jeopardize safe interchangeable interpretation in
      situations with a low tolerance for imprecision, such as hyponatremia correction.

PMID- 27683273
TI  - Activation of Checkpoint Kinase Chk1 by Reactive Oxygen Species Resulting from
      Disruption of wat1/pop3 in Schizosaccharomyces pombe.
AB  - DNA double-strand breaks are critical lesions that can lead to chromosomal
      aberrations and genomic instability. In response to DNA damage, Chk1, a
      serine/threonine kinase, is responsible for cell cycle arrest to prevent damaged
      cells from progressing through the cell cycle. Here, we report that the
      disruption of wat1, a WD repeat-containing protein, leads to the phosphorylation
      of Chk1. The double-deletion of chk1 and wat1 had a grave effect on the survival
      of fission yeast cells, and the spontaneous recombination rate was also high upon
      double-deletion of wat1 and chk1, as compared to the single-mutant. In the
      absence of wat1, the cells exhibited a high level of nuclear fragmentation that
      resulted in the accumulation of Rad22 yellow fluorescent protein foci.
      Furthermore, we show that wat1 is required for the regulation of the oxidative
      stress response. We observed elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS)
      generation in wat1-null mutant that led to a high degree of propidium iodide
      staining at nonpermissive temperature. Based on the results presented here, we
      hypothesize that ROS production in wat1-null mutant cells generates DNA
      fragmentation that could trigger a checkpoint response and that, in the absence
      of checkpoint kinase Chk1, the cells exhibit severe growth defects leading to a
      synthetic lethal phenotype.

PMID- 27683274
TI  - Reconstructing Demography and Social Behavior During the Neolithic Expansion from
      Genomic Diversity Across Island Southeast Asia.
AB  - Archaeology, linguistics, and increasingly genetics are clarifying how
      populations moved from mainland Asia, through Island Southeast Asia, and out into
      the Pacific during the farming revolution. Yet key features of this process
      remain poorly understood, particularly how social behaviors intersected with
      demographic drivers to create the patterns of genomic diversity observed across
      Island Southeast Asia today. Such questions are ripe for computer modeling. Here,
      we construct an agent-based model to simulate human mobility across Island
      Southeast Asia from the Neolithic period to the present, with a special focus on
      interactions between individuals with Asian, Papuan, and mixed Asian-Papuan
      ancestry. Incorporating key features of the region, including its complex
      geography (islands and sea), demographic drivers (fecundity and migration), and
      social behaviors (marriage preferences), the model simultaneously tracks a full
      suite of genomic markers (autosomes, X chromosome, mitochondrial DNA, and Y
      chromosome). Using Bayesian inference, model parameters were determined that
      produce simulations that closely resemble the admixture profiles of 2299
      individuals from 84 populations across Island Southeast Asia. The results
      highlight that greater propensity to migrate and elevated birth rates are related
      drivers behind the expansion of individuals with Asian ancestry relative to
      individuals with Papuan ancestry, that offspring preferentially resulted from
      marriages between Asian women and Papuan men, and that in contrast to current
      thinking, individuals with Asian ancestry were likely distributed across large
      parts of western Island Southeast Asia before the Neolithic expansion.

PMID- 27683276
TI  - Direct oral anticoagulants in the elderly: systematic review and meta-analysis of
      evidence, current and future directions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Concerns regarding the use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs:
      apixaban, dabigatran, edoxaban, rivaroxaban) in the elderly persist owing to the
      lack of randomised controlled trials targeting this age group. OBJECTIVES: The
      aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of DOACs in elderly
      patients (aged 75 years or more) with atrial fibrillation or venous
      thromboembolism (VTE), based on already published large randomised trials.
      METHODS: EMBASE, MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to
      June 2015 for phase III trials. Pooled odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals
      were calculated for the target population using the fixed effect model.
      Heterogeneity between trials was assessed using the I2 Higgins test. RESULTS: A
      total of 30 655 participants aged 75 or older from eight studies (two apixaban,
      one dabigatran, two edoxaban, three rivaroxaban) were included in the statistical
      evaluation. Pooled analysis revealed that treatment with a DOAC was associated
      with a statistically significant odds reduction for stroke and embolism in
      elderly patients with atrial fibrillation. Also, DOACs significantly reduced the
      number of recurrent VTE events or VTE-related deaths in the participants aged 75
      years or more with VTE. There was no statistically significant difference in
      safety outcome for both indications with DOAC compared with vitamin K antagonists
      although some differences in safety profiles between the DOACs were apparent.
      CONCLUSION: DOACs show the same or greater efficacy than vitamin K antagonists in
      elderly patients with atrial fibrillation and VTE. Individual differences between
      DOACs in terms of safety profile cannot be excluded on the basis of current
      evidence. Direct head-to-head comparisons are needed to investigate possible
      divergence in pharmacological profiles between DOACs. Additionally, further
      studies conducted in real-word settings and in the frail elderly are ongoing and
      it would be interesting to target this particular patient group.

PMID- 27683275
TI  - Short-Term Memory Effects on Crossing the Boundary: Discrimination between Large
      and Small Quantities in Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare).
AB  - Rudimentary quantification abilities are found in numerous animal species and in
      human infants all demonstrating the ability to discriminate between quantities
      differing in numerical size. An open question is whether individuals rely on
      different underlying systems to discriminate between large (analogue magnitude
      system (AMS) for number of items exceeding 3) and small quantities (object-file
      system (OFS) for number of items below 4), or they use only one system (AMS) for
      the entire number range. The two-system hypothesis has been supported by finding
      reduced ability to discriminate between quantities that cross the large-small
      boundary in several species. Recently, the role of cognitive representation,
      i.e., memory, in quantity discrimination has also been recognized. Here, we
      investigated whether angelfish can discriminate quantities across the boundary
      under two memory conditions. In a binary choice test, single angelfish were
      allowed to see groups (shoals) of conspecifics of different numerical size on the
      two sides of their test tank. In Experiment 1, their choice was recorded after a
      2-sec retention interval during which shoal size information was unavailable.
      Angelfish were able to discriminate the larger shoal across the boundary when the
      shoals differed by a 2:1 or higher ratio, but not when the ratio was lower. In
      Experiment 2, however, with a 15-sec retention interval, angelfish could only
      detect a four-fold difference in ratio but failed to detect a three- or a two
      fold difference across the boundary. These results suggest that angelfish can
      remember smaller differences for a short (2 sec) but not for a longer (15 sec)
      period. Together with previous findings, the current results support the idea
      that angelfish use two distinct systems for representing quantity, but they may
      recruit the AMS even for the small number range under some circumstances, e.g.,
      when higher memory demand is imposed by a greater retention interval.

PMID- 27683277
TI  - Peripheral Blood Leukocyte Production of BDNF following Mitogen Stimulation in
      Early Onset and Regressive Autism.
AB  - Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is critical for neuronal differentiation
      and synaptic development. BDNF is also implicated in the development of
      psychological disorders including depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
      Previously, elevated BDNF levels were observed in neonatal blood samples from
      infants who were later diagnosed with autism when compared with children who
      developed normally, suggesting that BDNF may be involved in the development of
      autism. BDNF is produced by activated brain microglial cells, a cellular
      phenotype that shares several features with peripheral macrophages, suggesting an
      important role for the immune system in BDNF production. We hypothesized that
      under mitogenic stimulation, peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from
      children with autism may have altered BDNF production compared with age-matched
      typically developing control subjects. In addition, we examined the differences
      between the production of BDNF in classic/early-onset autism and children who had
      a regressive form of autism. We show here that plasma levels of BDNF levels are
      increased in children with autism, especially in early onset autism subjects.
      Furthermore, under mitogenic stimulation with PHA and LPS, BDNF production is
      significantly increased in children with autism compared with typically
      developing subjects. However, stimulation with tetanus toxoid results in a
      decreased response in children with autism. This data suggest that immune cell
      derived production of BDNF could be an important source for the increased BDNF
      that is detected in some subjects with autism. As a neurotrophic factor produced
      by immune cells, BDNF could help elucidate the role of the immune system in
      neurodevelopment and neuronal maintenance, which may be dysregulated in autism.

PMID- 27683278
TI  - First Report of the Human-Pathogenic Enterocytozoon bieneusi from Red-Bellied
      Tree Squirrels (Callosciurus erythraeus) in Sichuan, China.
AB  - Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a common opportunistic pathogen causing diarrhea and
      enteric disease in a variety of animal hosts. Although it has been reported in
      many animals, there is no published information available on the occurrence of E.
      bieneusi in red-bellied tree squirrels. To understand the occurrence, genetic
      diversity, and zoonotic potential of E. bieneusi in red-bellied tree squirrels,
      144 fecal specimens from Sichuan province, China, were examined by PCR
      amplification and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of
      the ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene of E. bieneusi. The overall infection rate of E.
      bieneusi 16.7% (24/144) was observed in red-bellied tree squirrels. Altogether
      five genotypes of E. bieneusi were identified: three known genotypes D (n = 18),
      EbpC (n = 3), SC02 (n = 1) and two novel genotypes CE01, CE02 (one each).
      Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) analysis employing three microsatellite (MS1,
      MS3, MS7) and one minisatellite (MS4) revealed 16, 14, 7 and 14 positive
      specimens were successfully sequenced, and identified eight, three, three and two
      genotypes at four loci, respectively. In phylogenetic analysis, the three known
      genotypes D, EbpC, and SC02 were clustered into group 1 with zoonotic potential,
      and the two novel genotypes CE01 and CE02 were clustered into group 6. The
      present study firstly reported the occurrence of E. bieneusi in red-bellied tree
      squirrels in China, and the E. bieneusi genotypes D and EbpC were found in humans
      previously. These results indicate that red-bellied tree squirrels may play a
      potential role in the transmission of E. bieneusi to humans.

PMID- 27683279
TI  - High extent of O-GlcNAcylation in breast cancer cells correlates with the levels
      of HAS enzymes, accumulation of hyaluronan, and poor outcome.
AB  - PURPOSE: Obesity and oversupply of glucose, e.g., due to nutritional factors may
      shape the tumor microenvironment favorable for tumor progression. O
      GlcNAcylation, a reversible modification of intracellular proteins, influences on
      several cellular functions and is connected to many diseases including cancer.
      Glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan (HA) enhances tumor progression and in breast cancer
      HA accumulation associates strongly with poor outcome. In vitro studies have
      suggested that O-GlcNAcylation may enhance HA synthesis. The aim of this study
      was to investigate the correlations between O-GlcNAcylation, HA-related
      parameters, and disease outcome in a clinical breast cancer material consisting
      of 278 breast cancer cases. METHODS: In microscopic analyses, O-GlcNAc staining
      of the breast carcinoma cells was evaluated in several randomly picked high-power
      fields of each section. The extent of cytoplasmic O-GlcNAc staining was graded as
      either low or high according to the intensity of the staining and the percentage
      of stained cells. The extent of nuclear O-GlcNAc staining was categorized as
      either low or high according to the percentage of stained nuclei. RESULTS: A high
      extent of both cytoplasmic and nuclear O-GlcNAcylation correlated with an
      increased relapse rate, development of distant metastases, and poor outcome. A
      high extent of cytoplasmic O-GlcNAcylation correlated also with the accumulation
      of all hyaluronan synthase (HAS1-3) proteins and with a large amount of HA in the
      tumor stroma. In addition, a high extent of nuclear O-GlcNAcylation associated
      with obesity. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest a mechanistic association between
      increased O-GlcNAcylation and HA synthesis, leading to a HA-rich microenvironment
      favorable for breast cancer progression.

PMID- 27683280
TI  - The prognosis of women diagnosed with breast cancer before, during and after
      pregnancy: a meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Previous meta-analyses have examined the prognosis of women with
      pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC) as well as pregnancy that follows
      breast cancer diagnosis. Since then, many additional studies have been performed.
      We conducted an updated meta-analysis to examine the prognosis for women who
      become pregnant before, during and after a diagnosis of breast cancer. We also
      performed analyses on the various subgroups within PABC such as pregnancy and
      postpartum cases, as well as on time periods postpartum. METHODS: We identified
      studies that reported on overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in patients
      diagnosed with breast cancer during pregnancy or up to 5 years postpartum from
      four electronic databases. We also identified studies that reported on OS and DFS
      where pregnancy up to 5 years occurred after a breast cancer diagnosis. RESULTS:
      41 studies met our inclusion criteria (cases = 4929; controls = 61,041) for
      pregnancy occurring during or before breast cancer diagnosis. There was an
      overall increased risk of death amongst patients compared to non-pregnant
      controls [HR 1.57; 95 % CI 1.35-1.82]. Subgroup analysis indicated poor survival
      outcomes for those diagnosed either during pregnancy or postpartum (PABC) [HR
      1.46; 95 % CI 1.17-1.82] as well as those diagnosed during pregnancy alone [HR
      1.47; 95 % CI 1.04-2.08]. Those diagnosed postpartum had the poorest overall
      survival [HR 1.79; 95 % CI 1.39-2.29]. Similarly, patients with PABC had
      decreased DFS compared to controls [HR 1.51; 95 % CI 1.22-1.88]. Those diagnosed
      postpartum were the most at risk of disease progression or relapse [HR 1.86; 95 %
      CI 1.17-2.93]. 19 studies met our inclusion criteria (cases = 1829; controls =
      21,907) for pregnancy following breast cancer diagnosis. Such women had a
      significantly reduced risk of death compared to those who did not become pregnant
      [pHR 0.63; 95 % CI 0.51-0.79]. A subgroup analysis to account for the "healthy
      mother effect" generated similar results [pHR 0.65; 95 % CI 0.52-0.81].
      CONCLUSION: Pregnancy that occurs before or concurrently with a diagnosis of
      breast cancer is more likely to result in death and decreased disease-free
      survival. On the other hand, pregnancy occurring after a breast cancer diagnosis
      reduces the risk of death.

PMID- 27683283
TI  - Duration of untreated psychosis in an Egyptian sample: Sociodemographic and
      clinical variables.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) has been considered as a poor
      prognostic factor for psychotic disorder. Several studies have been investigating
      different predictors of DUP in Western countries, while in Egypt only a few
      studies have examined various predictors of DUP. AIMS: To study DUP in Egyptian
      patients with psychotic disorders and to investigate how certain illnesses,
      patient, socio-cultural risk factors and help-seeking behaviour are correlated
      with prolonged DUP. METHOD: The sample included 100 patients with Diagnostic and
      Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed., text rev.; DSM-IV-TR) diagnosis
      of psychotic disorder were selected and interviewed to assess DUP. They were
      interviewed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV axis I disorders
      (SCID-I), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Global Assessment of
      Functioning (GAF) scale. RESULTS: Mean (+/-standard deviation ( SD)) of DUP was
      found to be 36.93(+/-45.27) months. DUP was correlated with various
      sociodemographic and clinical variables. Following log transformation of DUP,
      correlation with PANSS scores was done and revealed highly significant
      statistical relation of DUP to PANSS negative and PANSS positive scores. In
      linear regression analysis, it was found that age of patients, the age of onset,
      residence, being illiterate, the insidious mode of onset, negative family history
      of psychiatric disorder and the severity of illness as indicated by PANSS are
      among DUP predictors. CONCLUSION: Longer DUP results from multiple patient- and
      illness-related factors. This has many implications in targeting early
      intervention with specific consideration to cultural factors.

PMID- 27683281
TI  - Prediction of coronary artery calcium progression by FDG uptake of large arteries
      in asymptomatic individuals.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether fluorodeoxyglucose
      (FDG) uptake of the large arteries can predict coronary artery calcium (CAC)
      progression in asymptomatic individuals. METHODS: Ninety-six asymptomatic
      individuals who underwent FDG positron emission tomography (PET) and CAC scoring
      on the same day for health screening and follow-up CAC scoring >=1 year after
      baseline studies (mean 4.3 years) were included. Vascular FDG uptake was measured
      and corrected for blood pool activity to obtain peak and average target-to-blood
      pool ratios (TBRpeak and TBRavg, respectively) for the carotid arteries, and
      ascending and abdominal aorta. CAC scores at baseline and follow-up of each
      individual were measured and absolute CAC change (DeltaCAC), annual CAC change
      (DeltaCAC/year), and annual CAC change rate (DeltaCAC%/year) were calculated. CAC
      progression was defined as DeltaCAC >0 for individuals with negative baseline
      CAC; DeltaCAC/year >=10 for those with baseline CAC of 0<x<100; DeltaCAC%/year
      >=10 % for those with baseline CAC >=100. Vascular FDG uptake and other clinical
      risk factors were compared between CAC-progressors and non-CAC-progressors.
      Multivariate analysis was performed to evaluate whether vascular FDG uptake can
      independently predict CAC progression. RESULTS: Thirty-one subjects showed CAC
      progression. CAC-progressors showed significantly higher TBRpeak and TBRavg as
      compared to non-CAC-progressors for all three arteries. TBRpeak of the abdominal
      aorta was significantly associated with CAC progression in multivariate analysis,
      with age and baseline CAC. A higher TBRpeak of the abdominal aorta (>=2.11) was
      associated with CAC progression among subjects with negative baseline CAC only.
      In subjects with positive baseline CAC, only the amount of baseline CAC was
      significantly associated with CAC progression. However, the positive predictive
      value of the TBRpeak of the abdominal aorta was <40 % when age was <58 or
      baseline CAC was negative. CONCLUSIONS: Higher FDG uptake of the large arteries
      is associated with an increased risk of CAC progression in asymptomatic subjects
      with negative baseline CAC. But its clinical application needs further
      validation.

PMID- 27683282
TI  - Comparison of 300,000 and 600,000 IU Oral Vitamin-D Bolus for Vitamin-D
      Deficiency in Young Children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of 300,000 and 600,000 IU vitamin-D
      single-oral dose for the treatment of vitamin-D deficiency (VDD) in young
      children (3 mo - 3 y). METHODS: This double-blind randomized control trial
      (Clinical Trail Registration-CTRI/2012/05/002621) was conducted in the Pediatric
      out-patient department (OPD) at a tertiary-care referral hospital. Children (3 mo
      - 3 y) with clinical/radiological features suggestive of VDD were screened; those
      found to be having 25(OH)D below 15 ng/ml and meeting inclusion and exclusion
      criteria's were enrolled after taking informed consent. They were randomized into
      two groups, one receiving 600,000 and other 300,000 IU vitamin-D orally stat
      (Stoss-therapy). Primary outcome measure was proportion of children developing
      hypercalcemia/and hypercalciuria at day 7-10 post-therapy. Secondary outcome
      measures were proportion of children with hypercalciuria at day 3-5,
      hypercalcemia/and hypercalciuria at day 25-30 and 25(OH)D sufficiency at day 25
      30 post-therapy. RESULTS: Sixty children, 30 in each group were randomized to two
      study groups. Baseline variables were comparable in two groups. Primary outcome
      measure (proportion of children with hypercalcemia/and hypercalciuria at 7 - 10th
      d) were 18.5 % (5/27) in 600,000 and 10.7 % (3/28) in 300,000 IU group (P =
      0.47). Secondary outcome measures were - i) Proportion of children with
      hypercalciuria (3-5th d) were 18.5 % (5/27) in 600,000 and 7 % (2/28) in 300,000
      group (P = 0.25). ii) Proportion of children with hypercalcemia/and
      hypercalciuria (25-30th d) were 18.5 % (5/27) in 600,000 and 11 % (3/28) in
      300,000 group (P = 0.47). iii) All children in both groups had 25(OH)D levels in
      sufficiency range (25-30th d). With this sample size no significant difference in
      any of the group could be established. CONCLUSIONS: The superiority of 300,000
      over 600,000 IU vitamin-D single-dose oral therapy for VDD in children (3 mo - 3
      y) in terms of safety could not be established with this sample size, although
      the prevalence of hypercalcemia/and hypercalciuria was observed more with 600,000
      IU group. Both the regimens were effective for treating VDD at 25-30th d post
      therapy.

PMID- 27683284
TI  - 1. Prenatal Diagnosis of Chromosomal Disorders - Molecular Aspects.

PMID- 27683286
TI  - 3. Risk Assessment.

PMID- 27683285
TI  - 2. Post-Natal Molecular Diagnosis of Inherited Diseases.

PMID- 27683287
TI  - 4. Global Approach to Biomedicine: Functional Genomics and Proteomics.

PMID- 27683288
TI  - 5. Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Medicine.

PMID- 27683289
TI  - 6. Dose Adjustments Based on Pharmacogenetics of CYP450 Enzymes.

PMID- 27683290
TI  - 7. Pharmacogenetics of Drug Receptors.

PMID- 27683291
TI  - 8. Application of Pharmacogenetics in Dose Individualization in Diabetes,
      Psychiatry, Cancer and Cardiology.

PMID- 27683292
TI  - 9. Point-of-Care Molecular Diagnosis: A Near Future?

PMID- 27683295
TI  - 12. Ethics and Legal Issue of Genetic Testing.

PMID- 27683294
TI  - 11. European Quality Assessment Networks in Molecular Diagnostics.

PMID- 27683293
TI  - 10. Circulating Nucleic Acids as Diagnostic Tool.

PMID- 27683296
TI  - Glossary: Definitions Useful in Understanding Pharmacogenetics.

PMID- 27683298
TI  - Cluster Correspondence Analysis.
AB  - A method is proposed that combines dimension reduction and cluster analysis for
      categorical data by simultaneously assigning individuals to clusters and optimal
      scaling values to categories in such a way that a single between variance
      maximization objective is achieved. In a unified framework, a brief review of
      alternative methods is provided and we show that the proposed method is
      equivalent to GROUPALS applied to categorical data. Performance of the methods is
      appraised by means of a simulation study. The results of the joint dimension
      reduction and clustering methods are compared with the so-called tandem approach,
      a sequential analysis of dimension reduction followed by cluster analysis. The
      tandem approach is conjectured to perform worse when variables are added that are
      unrelated to the cluster structure. Our simulation study confirms this
      conjecture. Moreover, the results of the simulation study indicate that the
      proposed method also consistently outperforms alternative joint dimension
      reduction and clustering methods.

PMID- 27683297
TI  - Immediate versus delayed aggressive physical therapy following buccal fat pad
      interposition in oral submucous fibrosis-a prospective study in Central India.
AB  - PURPOSE: Oral submucous fibrosis is a disease of an Indian subcontinent with
      obscure aetiology and poorly treated with varying signs and symptoms. OSMF occurs
      at any age but is most commonly seen in teenagers and adults in the age ranging
      between 16 and 35 years. A number of surgical treatments have been used for the
      treatment of oral submucous fibrosis with unpredictable results. PATIENTS AND
      METHOD: In this study, 220 patients were randomly divided into two groups with
      mouth opening less than 16 mm and evaluated with immediate and delayed aggressive
      physiotherapy with buccal fat pad interposition after fibrotomy. Group A (n =
      110) patients underwent aggressive mouth opening exercise from the next
      postoperative day while in group B (n = 110), patients underwent physiotherapy
      7th day postoperatively. Pain and discomfort, mucosalization, infection, flap
      dehiscence and necrosis were noted. Patients were followed for 1 year on a
      regular interval basis. RESULTS: At the end of 1-year follow up, the post
      operative mean mouth opening in group A was 38.63 mm and 34.19 mm in group B. In
      group A, the immediate physiotherapy results in mild to moderate pain and
      discomfort to the patients as compared to no apparent pain in the group B. The
      mean mucosalization time in group A and group B was 4.2 and 5.1 weeks,
      respectively. Postoperatively, all patients achieve satisfactory mouth opening.
      CONCLUSION: Immediate aggressive physiotherapy yields a comparatively superior
      result than delayed physiotherapy with respect to mouth opening in 1 year of
      follow-up.

PMID- 27683299
TI  - The one-leg standing radiograph: An improved technique to evaluate the severity
      of knee osteoarthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare the joint space width
      between one-leg and both-legs standing radiographs in order to diagnose a primary
      osteoarthritis of the knee. METHODS: Digital radiographs of 100 medial
      osteoarthritic knees in 50 patients were performed. The patients had undergone
      one-leg standing anteroposterior (AP) views by standing on the affected leg while
      a both-legs standing AP view was undertaken while standing on both legs. The
      severity of the osteoarthritis was evaluated using the joint space width and
      Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) radiographic classification. The t-test was used for
      statistical analysis. RESULTS: The mean medial joint space width found in the one
      leg and in the both-legs standing view were measured at 1.8 mm and 2.4 mm,
      respectively (p < 0.001, 95% CI 0.5 to 0.7). 33%, 47.4% and 23.1% of the knees
      diagnosed with a KL grade of I, II and III in the both-legs standing views were
      changed to KL grade II, III and IV in the one-leg standing views, respectively.
      No changes for KL IV osteoarthritis diagnoses have been found between both- and
      one-leg standing views. CONCLUSIONS: One-leg standing radiographs better
      represent joint space width than both-legs standing radiographs. 32% of both-legs
      standing radiographs have changed the KL grading to a more severe grade than that
      in the one-leg standing radiographs.Cite this article: P. Pinsornsak, K.
      Naratrikun, S. Kanitnate, T. Sangkomkamhang. The one-leg standing radiograph: An
      improved technique to evaluate the severity of knee osteoarthritis. Bone Joint
      Res 2016;5:436-441. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.59.BJR-2016-0049.R1.

PMID- 27683300
TI  - Catamnesis results of an inpatient neuro-otologic and psychosomatic tinnitus
      therapy 1-5 years after discharge.
AB  - Treating tinnitus with the resources offered in hospitals can become necessary
      for patients suffering from complex tinnitus if a high symptom severity, usually
      accompanied by a corresponding psychosomatic comorbidity, is present. For such
      costly therapies, for example, the neuro-otologic psychosomatic tinnitus therapy
      (NPT) examined here, the long-term effect is particularly important; however,
      reliable catamnesis studies for inpatient treatments are not yet available. Data
      from 169 (from a total of 327 contacted) inpatients suffering from complex
      tinnitus were analysed here. To assess the tinnitus stress, the Mini-Tinnitus
      Questionnaire (Mini-TF12-In German language) according to Hiller and Goebel [1],
      and for the assessment of the anxiety and depression element, the German version
      of the Hospitality Anxiety and Depression Score (HADS) [2] were analysed at the
      start of the therapy, at the end of the therapy and at the earliest 1 year (up to
      5 years) after discharge from inpatient treatment. The data were correlated with
      the current hearing status. In addition, the subjectively perceived effect
      factors of the therapy as well as the therapies continued outside of hospital
      were queried. On average, the therapy lasted 39.3 days (SD 13.6) = 5.6 weeks, and
      the mean of the follow-up time was 38.5 months (12-70 months) (SD 18). The
      therapy focused on daily neuro-otologic counselling, the improvement of the
      concrete hearing ability, an audio-therapy as well as frequent individual and
      group psychotherapy based on neuro-otology. 53.8 % of patients experienced
      relevant hearing loss (according to WHO criteria) which needed to be treated in
      addition to tinnitus. Both at the end of the therapy and the follow-up
      consultation, a significant improvement of the tinnitus stress and a continuing
      significant improvement of the depression and anxiety element could be achieved
      in the HADS with high effect levels ranging from 1 to 2.5. Patients who did not
      improve (n = 7) or even deteriorated (n = 2) demonstrated increased hearing
      impairment, requiring hearing aids. During the therapy, particularly, the neuro
      otologic counselling, the psychotherapy, and the audio-therapy were experienced
      as effective. After discharge from hospital, especially, the progressive muscle
      relaxation according to Jacobsen was continued, as well as psychotherapy. With
      the corresponding symptomatic suffering, an inpatient hospitalisation and
      tinnitus therapy with neuro-otologic and psychosomatic alignment can achieve
      medium-to-high-grade therapeutic effects. This requires a disorder-specific
      approach, which also includes the elements of neuro-otologic counselling,
      psychotherapy as well as audio-therapy, and the possibility of providing hearing
      aids and an approach which aims at the continuation of the therapies experienced
      as helpful.

PMID- 27683303
TI  - eJIFCC Special Issue on Laboratory Reference Intervals.

PMID- 27683301
TI  - Double nasoseptal flap technique for endonasal pituitary surgery.
AB  - Endoscopic endonasal approach has been successfully used for the management of
      pituitary tumors; however, the loss of septal mucosa especially around
      sphenoethmoidal recess and posterior nasal septum might be a disadvantage of this
      technique. The aim of this study is to describe a variation of the endonasal
      approach, "double nasoseptal flap" technique in endoscopic transsphenoidal
      pituitary surgery, and to evaluate its outcomes. The technique depends on fully
      harvested bigger nasoseptal flap on one side and smaller on the other. Thirty
      patients were included. Functional results were assessed by preoperative and
      postoperative first month visual analogue scale (VAS), and morphology was
      evaluated by achieving intact septum from the sphenoid ostium to the columella.
      Sphenoid sinusitis, the presence of synechia and crusting in the sphenoethmoidal
      recess was also assessed. Mean VAS was 71 and 67 mm preoperatively and
      postoperatively, respectively (p > 0.01). There were no septal perforations,
      synechia, and sphenoid sinusitis postoperatively. Three patients had (10 %)
      crusts on sphenoethmoidal recess on first month postoperatively. Double
      nasoseptal flap technique has advantages, such as wider exposure during surgery;
      prepared flaps could be used if needed, better morphological and functional
      outcomes postoperatively. The technique is safe without any perforations and
      minimal crusting.

PMID- 27683304
TI  - Reference Intervals: Practical Aspects.

PMID- 27683302
TI  - Creative ways to well-being: Reappraisal inventiveness in the context of anger
      evoking situations.
AB  - Neuroscientific studies in the field of creativity mainly focused on tasks
      drawing on basic verbal divergent thinking demands. This study took a step
      further by investigating brain mechanisms in response to other types of creative
      behavior, involving more "real-life" creativity demands in the context of emotion
      regulation and well-being. Specifically, functional patterns of EEG alpha
      activity were investigated while participants were required to generate as many
      and as different ways as possible to reappraise presented anger-eliciting
      situations in a manner that reduces their anger. Cognitive reappraisal involves
      some of the same cognitive processes as in conventional verbal creativity tasks,
      inasmuch as it requires an individual to inhibit or disengage from an emotional
      event, to shift attention between different perspectives, and to flexibly adopt
      new solutions. To examine whether alpha oscillations during cognitive reappraisal
      are different from those during conventional creative ideation, the EEG was also
      assessed during performance of the Alternative Uses task, requiring individuals
      to generate as many and as original uses of an object as possible. While
      cognitive reappraisal was associated with a similar pattern of alpha power as
      observed in conventional verbal creative ideation, the former yielded
      significantly stronger alpha power increases at prefrontal sites, along with
      lower alpha increases at more posterior cortical sites, indicating higher
      cognitive control and less spontaneous imaginative thought processes in the
      generation of effective strategies to regulate an ongoing negative emotional
      state.

PMID- 27683305
TI  - "Are my Laboratory Results Normal?" Considerations to be Made Concerning
      Reference Intervals and Decision Limits.
AB  - This paper looks at the topic of reference intervals from the point of view of
      the patient or the clinician. The differences between the concepts of reference
      intervals (biological characteristic of a well defined population) and the
      various types of decision limits are illustrated and discussed. Decision limits
      can be defined in different ways: based on a Bayesian approach, on
      epidemiological studies or on clinical experience, but differ from reference
      intervals because, while the latter deals with physiology, decision limits are
      related to some kind of disease or risk of developing it. 

PMID- 27683306
TI  - 3. Pediatric Reference Intervals: Critical Gap Analysis and Establishment of a
      National Initiative.

PMID- 27683308
TI  - Accurate Reference Intervals are Required for Accurate Diagnosis and Monitoring
      of Patients.

PMID- 27683307
TI  - Bone Health in Childhood: Usefulness of Biochemical Biomarkers.
AB  - Development of the human skeleton begins in early embryonic life and continues
      through childhood into early adulthood. The acquisition of peak bone mass during
      these vulnerable periods may impact on skeletal fragility in later adult years.
      Once the skeleton has reached maturity, bone remodelling continues with periodic
      replacement of old bone with new at the same location. Bone biomarkers are
      specifically derived biomarkers that reflect both formation by osteoblasts and
      resorption by osteoclasts. Children have significantly higher concentrations of
      bone biomarkers than adults due to both skeletal growth and rapid bone turnover
      during childhood and adolescence. Biochemical assessment of markers of bone
      turnover may be important in the diagnosis, prognosis and management of metabolic
      bone disease. This review will discuss the various serum bone markers used for
      assessing bone health and the factors that influence their utility. 

PMID- 27683309
TI  - You Are What you Eat: a Metabolomics Approach to Understanding Prey Responses to
      Diet-Dependent Chemical Cues Released by Predators.
AB  - Prey responses to predator cues are graded in intensity in accordance with the
      degree of threat presented by the predator. In systems in which prey gather
      information on predators by using chemicals, prey often respond more to the odor
      of predators that have consumed conspecifics, as opposed to heterospecifics. We
      investigated the response of a prey species, the mud crab, Panopeus herbstii, to
      urine of blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, fed mud crabs or oysters. Behavioral
      analysis was combined with metabolomics to characterize bioactive deterrents in
      the urine of predators fed different diets. Urine from blue crabs fed oysters or
      mud crabs depressed mud crab foraging when presented singly, with the urine
      derived from a mud crab diet being more potent. The magnitude of foraging
      depression increased with urine concentration. When urine from blue crabs fed
      oysters or mud crabs was combined, response to the urine mixture was no different
      from that to urine derived only from a mud crab diet. Metabolomics analysis
      indicated diet-dependent differences were related to a set of shared spectral
      features that differed in concentration in the respective urines, likely
      consisting of aromatic compounds, amino acids, and lipids. Taken together, these
      results suggest mud crabs distinguish diet of, and therefore the risk imposed by,
      predators through detection of a suite of compounds that together represent what
      the predator has recently consumed.

PMID- 27683312
TI  - Proteomics - A New Approach in Biomedical Studies.

PMID- 27683310
TI  - Mice lacking sialyltransferase ST3Gal-II develop late-onset obesity and insulin
      resistance.
AB  - Sialyltransferases are a family of 20 gene products in mice and humans that
      transfer sialic acid from its activated precursor, CMP-sialic acid, to the
      terminus of glycoprotein and glycolipid acceptors. ST3Gal-II (coded by the
      St3gal2 gene) transfers sialic acid preferentially to the three positions of
      galactose on the Galbeta1-3GalNAc terminus of gangliosides GM1 and GD1b to
      synthesize GD1a and GT1b, respectively. Mice with a targeted disruption of
      St3gal2 unexpectedly displayed late-onset obesity and insulin resistance. At 3
      months of age, St3gal2-null mice were the same weight as their wild type (WT)
      counterparts, but by 13 months on standard chow they were visibly obese, 22%
      heavier and with 37% greater fat/lean ratio than WT mice. St3gal2-null mice
      became hyperglycemic and displayed impaired glucose tolerance by 9 months of age.
      They had sharply reduced insulin responsiveness despite equivalent pancreatic
      islet morphology. Analyses of insulin receptor (IR) tyrosine kinase substrate IRS
      1 and downstream target Akt revealed decreased insulin-induced phosphorylation in
      adipose tissue but not liver or skeletal muscle of St3gal2-null mice. Thin-layer
      chromatography and mass spectrometry revealed altered ganglioside profiles in the
      adipose tissue of St3gal2-null mice compared to WT littermates. Metabolically,
      St3gal2-null mice display a reduced respiratory exchange ratio compared to WT
      mice, indicating a preference for lipid oxidation as an energy source. Despite
      their altered metabolism, St3gal2-null mice were hyperactive. We conclude that
      altered ganglioside expression in adipose tissue results in diminished IR
      sensitivity and late-onset obesity.

PMID- 27683313
TI  - Applications of Two-Dimensional Electrophoresis Technology to the Study of
      Atherosclerosis.
AB  - Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial disease in which hypertension, diabetes,
      hyperlipidemia and other risk factors are thought to play a role. However, the
      molecular processes underlying plaque formation and progression are not yet
      completely known. In the last years some researchers applied proteomics
      technologies for the comprehension of biochemical pathways of atherogenesis and
      to search new cardiovascular biomarkers to be utilized either as early diagnostic
      traits or as targets for new drug therapies. Due to its intrinsic complexity, the
      problem has been approached by different strategies, all of which have some
      limitations. In this review, we summarize the most common critical experimental
      variables in two-dimensional electrophoresis-based techniques and recent data
      obtained by applying proteomic approaches in the study of atherosclerosis. 

PMID- 27683314
TI  - Multi-Marker Approach with the Use of Biochip Cardiac Array Technology for Early
      Diagnosis in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is frequently a
      challenging task while immediate risk stratification remains crucial for the
      prompt implementation of appropriate therapy in this setting. The prolonged
      release pattern of both CK-MB mass and cardiac troponins makes it difficult to
      identify the origin of recent chest pain, thus a combination of early and later
      biomarkers might further facilitate the differential diagnosis. The study was
      designed to evaluate the efficacy of multi-marker approach using biochip array
      technology in identifying ACS shortly after the symptom onset. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: The study group consisted of 42 patients suspected for ACS. Subjects
      were diagnosed as presenting with unstable angina (UA), non-ST-elevation
      myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) or ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).
      Biomarkers in the serum were determined twice: on admission (<=6 hours from the
      chest pain onset) and after next 6 hours. Cardiac troponin I was measured by
      routine sensitive automated assay (STAT cTnI) while other 6 cardiac markers
      (heart-fatty acid binding protein - H-FABP, myoglobin, glycogen phosphorylase BB,
      cTn I, CK-MB mass and carbonic anhydrase III) were assessed using biochip array
      technology. RESULTS: STAT cTnI concentrations within 6 hours from the symptom
      onset were elevated over the 99(th) percentile for reference population in 83.3%
      of subjects but none reached the cut-off value for myocardial infarction.
      Instead, H-FABP demonstrated a very good efficacy in early detection of ACS
      (90.5%), better than myoglobin and CK-MB mass. Sensitivity of H-FABP calculated
      for NSTEMI/STEMI subjects reached 100%. The diagnostic efficacy of troponin,
      myoglobin and CK-MB mass assay markedly increased within 12 hours. It was only
      for the patients with UA that the cardiac panel was not efficient in the early
      stratification of risk. CONCLUSIONS: A multi-marker strategy with H-FABP and
      highly sensitive troponin included enhances the early diagnosis and decision
      making process in patients with ACS. A new biochip cardiac array technology may
      serve as a powerful tool for ACS detection in the clinical practice.

PMID- 27683316
TI  - Polymorphic Variations in 5-HT2A, 5-HTT and DISC 1 in First Episode Schizophrenia
      Patients.

PMID- 27683315
TI  - Adiponectin and Metabolic Syndrome in Women at Menopause.
AB  - Obesity is associated with premature atherosclerosis, as well as with many
      metabolic alterations including insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and
      hypertension. Visceral fat accumulation, particularly, is closely associated with
      the development of metabolic syndrome. The menopause transition, as well as the
      early postmenopausal period, is associated with increase in total and central
      obesity. Among adipocytokines secreted by the adipose tissue adiponectin is the
      only one that has a protective role in the development of obesity-related
      disorders, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This review aims
      to present a role that adiponectin may play during the progress of menopause in
      relation to development of menopausal metabolic syndrome. 

PMID- 27683318
TI  - Measures of Diagnostic Accuracy: Basic Definitions.
AB  - Diagnostic accuracy relates to the ability of a test to discriminate between the
      target condition and health. This discriminative potential can be quantified by
      the measures of diagnostic accuracy such as sensitivity and specificity,
      predictive values, likelihood ratios, the area under the ROC curve, Youden's
      index and diagnostic odds ratio. Different measures of diagnostic accuracy relate
      to the different aspects of diagnostic procedure: while some measures are used to
      assess the discriminative property of the test, others are used to assess its
      predictive ability. Measures of diagnostic accuracy are not fixed indicators of a
      test performance, some are very sensitive to the disease prevalence, while others
      to the spectrum and definition of the disease. Furthermore, measures of
      diagnostic accuracy are extremely sensitive to the design of the study. Studies
      not meeting strict methodological standards usually over- or under-estimate the
      indicators of test performance as well as they limit the applicability of the
      results of the study. STARD initiative was a very important step toward the
      improvement the quality of reporting of studies of diagnostic accuracy. STARD
      statement should be included into the Instructions to authors by scientific
      journals and authors should be encouraged to use the checklist whenever reporting
      their studies on diagnostic accuracy. Such efforts could make a substantial
      difference in the quality of reporting of studies of diagnostic accuracy and
      serve to provide the best possible evidence to the best for the patient care.
      This brief review outlines some basic definitions and characteristics of the
      measures of diagnostic accuracy. 

PMID- 27683317
TI  - Bone Turnover Markers and Osteoprotegerin in Uncomplicated Pregnancy.
AB  - Although calcium metabolism during pregnancy is well described the mechanisms
      involved in bone metabolism are not quite clear. Increase of osteoprotegerin
      (OPG) with elevated bone turnover is supposed to be a homeostatic mechanism
      limiting bone loss. The aim of the study was to assess bone turnover in pregnancy
      in relation to serum osteoprotegerin level. Osteocalcin (OC), beta-crosslaps
      (CTx), OPG, vitamin 25 OH D3, parathormone (PTH), and calcium (Ca) were
      determined in 30 healthy women at 1(st) and at 3(rd) trimester of pregnancy and
      27 healthy age-matched non pregnant women. In pregnant women average OPG, CTx and
      serum calcium concentrations were found to be highly elevated. During pregnancy
      OPG and bone resorption significantly rised whereas only slight increase in OC
      level was found with concomitant decrease in serum calcium. OPG correlated
      positively with OC and Ca only at 1(st) trimester. Serum CTx and OPG at 1(st)
      trimester seemed to be the only parameters to differentiate between elevated and
      normal bone turnover among pregnant women. In pregnancy bone turnover increases
      mainly due to enhanced bone resorption. The determination of osteocalcin at the
      beginning of pregnancy seems to be of limited clinical use, whereas measuring
      bone resorption markers such as CTx and/or osteoprotegerin may have a good
      predictive value for later pregnancy-associated bone loss. 

PMID- 27683320
TI  - The Eight EFCC Continuous Postgraduate Course in Clinical Chemistry: New Trends
      in Classification, Diagnosis and Management of Kidney Diseases.

PMID- 27683321
TI  - 1. Pathophysiology and Classification of Kidney Diseases.

PMID- 27683311
TI  - The role of hydrogen sulfide in aging and age-related pathologies.
AB  - When humans grow older, they experience inevitable and progressive loss of
      physiological function, ultimately leading to death. Research on aging largely
      focuses on the identification of mechanisms involved in the aging process.
      Several proposed aging theories were recently combined as the 'hallmarks of
      aging'. These hallmarks describe (patho-)physiological processes that together,
      when disrupted, determine the aging phenotype. Sustaining evidence shows a
      potential role for hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in the regulation of aging. Nowadays,
      H2S is acknowledged as an endogenously produced signaling molecule with various
      (patho-) physiological effects. H2S is involved in several diseases including
      pathologies related to aging. In this review, the known, assumed and hypothetical
      effects of hydrogen sulfide on the aging process will be discussed by reviewing
      its actions on the hallmarks of aging and on several age-related pathologies.

PMID- 27683322
TI  - 2. Inflammation, Cytokines and Chemokines in Chronic Kidney Disease.

PMID- 27683323
TI  - 3. Podocyte Injury in Glomerular Diseases.

PMID- 27683324
TI  - 4. Kidneys and Autoimmune Disease.

PMID- 27683325
TI  - 5. Hereditary Kidney Disorders.

PMID- 27683327
TI  - 7. Drug-Induced Kidney Injury.

PMID- 27683326
TI  - 6. Diabetic Nephropathy.

PMID- 27683328
TI  - 8. Dyslipidemia at Chronic Renal Failure.

PMID- 27683329
TI  - 9. GFR - Where are We Now?

PMID- 27683330
TI  - 10. Cardiovascular Risk in Chronic Kidney Disease.

PMID- 27683331
TI  - 11. Laboratory Standards in the Diagnosis and Monitoring of Therapy.

PMID- 27683332
TI  - 12. The Urinary Proteomics: A Tool to Discover New and Potent Biomarkers for
      Kidney Damage.

PMID- 27683333
TI  - 13. Point-of-Care Creatinine Testing in High-Risk Patients.

PMID- 27683334
TI  - 14. Recent Approaches to Therapy: Is There Real Progress?

PMID- 27683335
TI  - Pathogenic Mechanisms Underlying Iron Deficiency and Iron Overload: New Insights
      for Clinical Application.
AB  - Iron uptake, utilisation, release and storage occur at the gene level.
      Individuals with variant forms of genes involved in iron metabolism may have
      different requirements for iron and are likely to respond differently to the same
      amount of iron in the diet, a concept termed nutrigenetics. Iron deficiency, iron
      overload and the anemia of inflammation are the commonest iron-related disorders.
      While at least four types of hereditary iron overload have been identified to
      date, our knowledge of the genetic basis and consequences of inherited iron
      deficiency remain limited. The importance of genetic risk factors in relation to
      iron overload was highlighted with the identification of the HFE gene in 1996.
      Deleterious mutations in this gene account for 80-90% of inherited iron overload
      and are associated with loss of iron homeostasis, alterations in inflammatory
      responses, oxidative stress and in its most severe form, the disorder hereditary
      haemochromatosis (HH). Elucidation of the genetic basis of HH has led to rapid
      clinical benefit through drastic reduction in liver biopsies performed as part of
      the diagnostic work-up of affected patients. Today, detection of a genetic
      predisposition in the presence of high serum ferritin and transferrin saturation
      levels is usually sufficient to diagnose HH, thereby addressing the potential
      danger of inherited iron overload which starts with the same symptoms as iron
      deficiency, namely chronic fatigue. This review provides the scientific back-up
      for application of pathology supported genetic testing, a new test concept that
      is well placed for optimizing clinical benefit to patients with regard to iron
      status. 

PMID- 27683336
TI  - Hepcidin and Its Role in Iron Homeostasis.
AB  - Hepcidin, a small peptide secreted mainly by the liver, plays a central role in
      iron status regulation. The experiments on hepcidin seemed very promising and
      gave new life to understanding iron metabolism. Many authors suggest that
      hepcidin measurement can be used as a clinical tool for the diagnosis and
      management of a wide range of iron-related disorders. The current review presents
      data concerning hepcidin, especially its biology, mechanism of action and its
      role in pathomechanism of many diseases. 

PMID- 27683337
TI  - The Impact of Sex and Age on Serum Prohepcidin Concentration in Healthy Adults.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Within the last 8 years, it has become evident that hepcidin has a
      diagnostic and therapeutic potential. Therefore, it is a great need to establish
      the reference interval for hepcidin and its precursor. The aim of this study was
      to assess the impact of age and sex on serum prohepcidin concentration in healthy
      adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 100 healthy volunteers were enrolled during the 18
      months of the study - 56 males and 44 females, mean age 34.8+/-10.1 yrs. Serum
      prohepcidin, ferritin, soluble transferring receptor (sTfR) and plasma
      erythropoietin were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits.
      Serum iron and unsaturated iron binding capacity were determined on ARCHITECT
      ci8200 (Abbott Diagnostics) according to the manufacturer's instructions.
      RESULTS: Serum prohepcidin concentrations ranged from 74.9 ng/ml to 300.4 ng/ml
      in healthy adults of both sexes. However, prohepcidin levels were significantly
      higher in males (median value 145.7 ng/ml) than in females (median 127.3 ng/ml)
      (p=0.0016). Serum prohepcidin was not associated with age in the group of healthy
      adults. CONCLUSIONS: Serum prohepcidin concentrations were found to be related to
      sex. Significantly lower prohepcidin levels were observed in females compared
      with males.

PMID- 27683338
TI  - Determination of Serum Ferritin Glycosylation in Hyperferritinemia Associated to
      Iron Overload and Inflammation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Serum ferritin is a commonly used clinical biochemical parameter and
      hyperferritinemia is used as a surrogate marker for iron overload, acute or
      chronic inflammation, malignancy or cell death. The aim of the present study was
      to develop purification strategies of ferritin from sera to determine if micro
      heterogeneity of serum ferritin can be used to differentiate the underlying cause
      of the hyperferritinemia. PATIENTS MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sera from patients with
      hemochromatosis, rheumatologic diseases, aceruloplasminemia, ferroportin disease
      or iron loading anemia have been collected and stored and ferritin purified by
      negative affinity followed by ion exchange and size exclusion chromatography.
      Purified serum ferritin was analyzed by western blotting and MALDI TOF mass
      spectrometry and the spectra compared with the results from ferritin isolated
      from human liver, spleen and placenta. RESULTS: By Western blotting a major band
      of 19kD has been found in most sera, suggesting that the L-ferritin is the
      predominant isoform present in serum regardless of the cause of
      hyperferritinemia. Multistep chromatography can be used for significant
      enrichment and purification of ferritin from serum, which can be further analyzed
      by MALDI TOF MS. Tryptic digestion and peptide mass finger-printing by MALDI TOF
      MS of ferritin purified from human tissues shows differential spectra. DISCUSSION
      AND CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of ferritin micro-heterogeneity by MALDI TOF allows
      determination of the tissue origin of ferritin, which could be applied in the
      differential diagnostic workup of hyperferritinemia.

PMID- 27683339
TI  - Standardization in Clinical Enzymology.
AB  - The goal of standardization in Laboratory Medicine is to achieve comparable
      results in human samples, independent of the reagent kits, instruments, and
      laboratory where the assay is carried out. To pursue this objective in clinical
      enzymology, the IFCC has established reference measurement systems for the most
      important clinical enzymes. These systems are based on the following
      requirements: a) reference methods, well described in procedures that are
      extensively evaluated; b) suitable reference materials; and c) reference
      laboratories operating in a highly controlled manner. Using these reference
      systems and the manufacturer's standing procedures, industry can assign traceable
      values to commercial calibrators. Clinical laboratories, which use routine
      procedures with validated calibrators to measure enzymes in human specimens, can
      finally obtain values which are traceable to higher-order reference procedures.
      These reference systems constitute the structure of the traceability chain to
      which the enzyme routine methods can be linked via an appropriate calibration
      process, provided that they have a comparable specificity (i.e. they are
      measuring the same quantity). 

PMID- 27683340
TI  - Standardization in Clinical Enzymology - Results of a Survey Performed in 2008 in
      Big Hospital Laboratories in Poland.
AB  - The survey was performed in December 2008 in 21 big hospital laboratories in
      Poland. The purpose of this survey was to estimate how the IFCC standardization
      in clinical enzymology is recognized and followed in medical laboratories. Each
      participant received a short questionnaire in an electronic version consisting of
      5 questions dealing with the main features for the Reference Procedures for
      measurement of catalytic activity concentrations of CK, LDH, GGTP, AST and ALT.
      Measurement temperature for all enzyme assays in question was 37 degrees C and
      wavelenght was 340 nm for LDH, ALT, AST and CK in all but one lab. Most of
      laboratories (80%) performed GGTP assay according to the reference procedure.
      Surprisingly, the methods used for the LDH measurement were discordant with the
      IFCC reference procedure in respect to reaction principle in 50% of laboratories.
      On the other hand, methods for measurements of catalytic activity concentration
      of ALT and AST were incompatible with the IFCC reference procedures in respect to
      reaction mixture composition in 55% of laboratories. 

PMID- 27683341
TI  - Government stewardship of the for-profit private health sector in Afghanistan.
AB  - Background: Since 2003, Afghanistan's largely unregulated for-profit private
      health sector has grown at a rapid pace. In 2008, the Ministry of Public Health
      (MoPH) launched a long-term stewardship initiative to oversee and regulate
      private providers and align the sector with national health goals. Aim: We
      examine the progress the MoPH has made towards more effective stewardship,
      consider the challenges and assess the early impacts on for-profit performance.
      Methods: We reviewed publicly available documents, publications and the grey
      literature to analyse the development, adoption and implementation of strategies,
      policies and regulations. We carried out a series of key informant/participant
      interviews, organizational capacity assessments and analyses of hospital
      standards checklists. Using a literature review of health systems strengthening,
      we proposed an Afghan-specific definition of six key stewardship functions to
      assess progress towards MoPH stewardship objectives. Results: The MoPH and its
      partners have achieved positive results in strengthening its private sector
      stewardship functions especially in generating actionable intelligence and
      establishing strategic policy directions, administrative structures and a legal
      and regulatory framework. Progress has also been made on improving accountability
      and transparency, building partnerships and applying minimum required standards
      to private hospitals. Procedural and operational issues still need resolution and
      the MoPH is establishing mechanisms for resolving them. Conclusions: The MoPH
      stewardship initiative is notable for its achievements to date under challenging
      circumstances. Its success is due to the focus on developing a solid policy
      framework and building institutions and systems aimed at ensuring higher quality
      private services, and a rational long-term and sustainable role for the private
      sector. Although the MoPH stewardship initiative is still at an early stage, the
      evidence suggests that enhanced stewardship functions in the MoPH are leading to
      a more efficient and effective for-profit private sector. These successful early
      efforts offer high-leverage potential to rapidly scale up going forward.

PMID- 27683343
TI  - Molecular Classification of Breast Cancer Tumours from Patients Treated with
      Doxorubicin and Docetaxel.
AB  - It is known that four main molecular breast cancer subtypes have different
      prognoses and different responses to therapy. Luminal A tumours have a better
      prognosis and they tend to be sensitive to anti-estrogen drugs. Luminal B tumours
      have incomplete sensitivity to endocrine therapy. Her2 tumours, which have an
      aggressive natural history, are sensitive to trastuzumab. Finally, basal-like
      tumours might be eligible for chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate
      the chemosensitivity to docetaxel and doxorubicin of breast cancer subtypes.
      Patients with locally advanced breast cancer were randomized to receive 4 cycles
      of full dose doxorubicin (75 mg/m2) or docetaxel (100 mg/m2). After the fourth
      cycle, patients were submitted to surgery to ascertain pathological response.
      Treatment response was assessed according to Symmans classification. Among 130
      samples analysed most ER positive tumours were luminal subtype. 41% of Her2
      positive tumours assessed by immunohistochemistry and FISH were Her2 according to
      the gene expression profile. Luminal A and normal-like tumours have low
      expression of proliferation genes as well as ki67, whereas Her2 and basal-like
      tumours are highly proliferative. Both treatments have the same efficiency (20%
      of responses). However, basal tumours have the poorest outcome in the doxorubicin
      branch (0% of responses) while they are the most sensitive to docetaxel (50% of
      responses). Luminal and normal-like tumours have the poorest responses to both
      treatments. Finally, Her2 tumours had similar outcome in both branches (20% of
      responses). Genomic classification may assist the physician to choose a specific
      treatment based on the sub-type of tumour. This study provides the basis for
      building individualized neoadjuvant therapies for breast cancer. 

PMID- 27683342
TI  - Rational Laboratory Diagnostics of Antiphospholipid Antibodies: Anti-Cardiolipin,
      Anti-beta2-Glycoprotein I, Anti-Prothrombin and Anti-Annexin V Antibodies.
AB  - A possible co-appearance of anticardiolipin (aCL), anti-beta2-glycoprotein I
      (anti-beta2-GPI), anti-prothrombin (aPT) and anti-annexin V (aANXV) antibodies of
      IgG, IgM and IgA class were studied in 58 patients with SLE alone and 32 patients
      APS in the view of rational laboratory diagnostics. The presence of anti
      phospholipid antibodies (aPL) were defined by our in-house ELISA methods. Out of
      17 aCL negative SLE patients 6 had other antigenically defined aPL antibodies. In
      13 patients only IgA but not IgG and IgM anti-beta2GPI were detected. Different
      combinations of aPL subsets were equally distributed in APS and SLE groups. The
      prevalence of aANXV were similar in APS and SLE patients which was not the case
      with other aPL. Our findings support the idea of measuring additional subsets of
      aPL (aPT and aANXV) in unclear cases. IgA (either aCL or anti-beta2-GPI) improved
      neither the diagnostic specificity nor diagnostic sensitivity, but only increased
      the frequency of the total anti-beta2-GPI. 

PMID- 27683344
TI  - Multiplex Immunoassays: Chips and Beads.
AB  - Multiplex analysis is intended to simultaneously look for multiple targets in one
      sample. This approach has been largely adopted in genomics and progressively
      expands to various domains of laboratory investigation. In protein analysis,
      immunoassays are the fundamental methods and their multiplexing and
      miniaturization is of great applicability to both basic and applied research.
      Furthermore, the potential of these high-throughput methodologies can be foreseen
      in the field of clinical diagnostics. The following text describes planar and
      bead-based arrays, two main strategies of immunoassay multiplexing. Principles,
      detection methods and strengths of each are shortly discussed. Finally, we
      mention several challenges linked with the integration of these methods to
      diagnostics. 

PMID- 27683345
TI  - Production of Cystatin C Wild Type and Stabilized Mutants.
AB  - Cystatin C is produced in all nucleated cells. It has various functions and
      biological activities. Researchers are focused on its role in kidney diseases as
      a marker of glomerular filtration but also as a very important link in
      development of amyloid diseases. This work describes expression and purification
      of both wild type (wt) and stabilized form (stab 1 and 2) of wt cystatin C and
      amyloid-forming L68Q mutant of cystatin C. The recombinant cystatin C can be used
      in projects requiring pure cystatin C to examine models of dimerization and
      fibrils formation as well as a standard in clinical tests. 

PMID- 27683346
TI  - Dihydrochalcomycin Production and Glycosyltransferase from Streptomyces SP. KCTC
      0041BP.
AB  - The dihydrochalcomycin (GERI) synthetic gene cluster from Streptomyces sp. KCTC
      0041BP has been isolated. Two open reading frames (ORFs), designated gerT1 and
      gerT2 as glycosyltransferase genes, has been identified by sequence analysis.
      GerT1 encodes for the protein function as dTDP-deoxyallosyltransferase and it is
      responsible to the attachment of dTDP-allose to the macrolide ring. Similarly,
      gerT2 encodes for peptide named as dTDP-chacosyltransferase which can transfers
      the dTDP-4,6-dideoxyglucose to macrolactone core. During process of compound
      isolation, a new compound has been isolated with molecular weight m/z 755
      [M+Na+]. This compound could be the dihydrochalcomycin derivative. The compound
      has been shown the same antibacterial activity as GERI compound. 

PMID- 27683347
TI  - Challenges of Endocrine Function Testing in Resource Poor Settings.

PMID- 27683348
TI  - Does sports participation (including level of performance and previous injury)
      increase risk of osteoarthritis? A systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To assess the relationship between sport and osteoarthritis (OA), and
      specifically to determine whether previous participation, in terms of level
      (elite or non-elite), type of sport, intensity or previous injury, was associated
      with OA. METHODS: This systematic review was developed using PRISMA guidelines.
      Databases were searched (to May 2016). Narrative review and meta-analysis (with
      risk ratio (RR) and 95% CIs) approaches were undertaken where appropriate. Study
      quality was assessed using GRADE. RESULTS: 46 studies were included. Narratively,
      31 studies reported an increased risk of OA, with 19 demonstrating an increased
      risk in elite athletes. There was an increased risk after sports exposure
      (irrespective of type; RR 1.37; 95% CI 1.14 to 1.64; 21 studies). It remained
      uncertain whether there was a difference in risk of OA between elite and non
      elite athletes (RR 1.37; 95% CI 0.84 to 2.22; 17 studies). The risk was higher in
      soccer (RR 1.42; 95% CI 1.14 to 1.77; 15 studies) but lower in runners (RR 0.86;
      95% CI 0.53 to 1.41; 12 studies). 9 studies showed an association with the
      intensity of sport undertaken and OA. 5 studies demonstrated a higher prevalence
      of OA following meniscectomies and anterior cruciate ligament tears. Overall, the
      evidence was of GRADE 'very low' quality. CONCLUSIONS: There was very low-quality
      evidence to support an increased relationship between sports participation and OA
      in elite participants. It is unclear whether there is a difference in risk
      between elite and non-elite participants with further prospective studies needed
      to evaluate this. Pooled findings suggested that significant injuries were
      associated with OA in soccer players.

PMID- 27683349
TI  - National Football League concussion lawsuit: what it means for other sports and
      observations from Singapore Rugby.

PMID- 27683351
TI  - The Interaction of Apolipoprotein E and Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme Dna
      Polymorphisms with Hypertension on Early Ischemic Stroke Risk.
AB  - Combinations of multiple predisposing polymorphisms and their interactions with
      modifiable factors may result in synergistic effects on early ischemic stroke
      risk. We evaluated the potential interaction of apolipoprotein (apo) E and
      angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphisms and hypertension on
      early ischemic stroke risk in Serbian population. We analyzed 65 stroke patients
      (mean age 35 yrs) and age- and body mass index matched 330 controls. ACE
      genotypes were determined by polymerase chain method (PCR) and apoE genotypes by
      PCR appended by HhaI restriction fragment-length polymorphism/MADGE analysis.
      Odds ratios (ORs) for stroke were 1.35 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.50-3.62)
      in subjects with one studied polymorphism and 3.78 (95% CI, 1.28-11.18) in those
      with two. Compared with nonhypertensive subjects bearing no polymorphisms, ORs
      were 2.73 (95% CI 0.32-17.55) and 4.80 (95% CI 0.50-28.12) for nonhypertensive
      subjects with one and two polymorphisms, 8.53 (95% CI 1.04-62.47) and 30.00 (95%
      CI 3.21-186.45) for hypertensive. These data suggest a gene-dose effect of the
      examined gene variants and a synergistic effect of these polymorphisms and
      hypertension in the pathogenesis of early ischemic stroke. 

PMID- 27683350
TI  - Use of Biomarkers in Screening for Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Screening for premalignant lesions or early invasive disease has the
      potential to reduce mortality from cancer. Potential screening tests for
      malignancy include measurement of (bio)markers. CONTENT: The literature relevant
      to the use of biomarkers as screening tests for cancer was reviewed with
      particular attention given to systematic reviews, prospective randomised trials
      and guidelines published by Expert Panels. Because of their ease of measurement,
      several biomarkers have been evaluated or are currently undergoing evaluation as
      screening tests for early malignancy. These include the use of vanillymandelic
      acid and homovanillic acid in screening for neuroblastoma in newborn infants, AFP
      in screening for hepatocellular cancer in high-risk subjects, CA 125 in
      combination with transvaginal ultrasound (TVU) in screening for ovarian cancer,
      PSA in screening for prostate cancer and fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) in
      screening for CRC. Of these markers, only the use of FOBT in screening for CRC
      has been shown to reduce mortality from cancer. Large randomized prospective
      trials are currently in progress aimed at evaluating the potential value of PSA
      screening in reducing mortality from prostate cancer and CA 125 in combination
      with TVU in reducing mortality form ovarian cancer. CONCLUSION: Although
      biomarkers have many attractions as screening tests, inadequate sensitivity and
      specificity, when combined with the low prevalence of cancer in asymptomatic
      subjects, limit their value for the early detection of malignancy. Screening has
      been defined as the systematic application of a test to identify subjects at
      sufficient risk of a specific disorder to benefit from further investigation or
      direct preventive action, among persons who have not sought medical attention on
      account of symptoms of that disorder (1). To be of value, screening must detect
      disease earlier and result in an efficacious treatment and the earlier use of
      efficacious treatment must lead to better outcome compared to treatment available
      at the onset of symptoms (2). Screening differs from diagnosis in that the aim is
      to detect disease or a predisease state when subjects are asymptomatic.
      Currently, only a small number of screening tests have been shown to reduce
      mortality from cancer. These include mammography in screening for breast cancer
      (especially in women >50 years of age), the Papanicalaou (PAP) test in screening
      for cervical cancer and fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) in screening for
      colorectal cancer (CRC) (for review, see refs. 2,3). Compared to procedures such
      as radiology, cytology and endoscopy, the use of biomarkers as cancer screening
      tests have several advantages (4). These advantages include: Biomarkers can be
      measured in biological fluids such as blood and urine that can be obtained with
      minimal inconvenience to subjects undergoing screening. This in turn should lead
      to high compliance rates.For many biomarkers, automated assays are available,
      thus allowing the processing of large numbers of samples in a relatively short
      period of time.Tests for biomarkers provide quantitative results with objective
      endpoints.Assays for biomarkers are relatively cheap.In practice however, lack of
      sensitivity for early invasive disease or premalignant lesions and lack of
      specificity for malignancy limit the use of existing biomarkers in screening
      asymptomatic subjects for early malignancy (4,5). This lack of sensitivity and
      specificity when combined with the low prevalence of cancers in the general
      population means that most biomarkers, if used alone, have a low positive
      predictive value in screening asymptomatic populations. Indeed, it is the low
      prevalence of cancer in the general population that prohibits most biomarkers
      from being used alone, in screening for cancer (4,5). Despite these limitations,
      a number of biomarkers have either undergone or are currently undergoing
      evaluation as potential cancer screening tests. These markers include the use of
      vanillymandelic acid (VMA) and homovanillic acid (HVA) in screening for
      neuroblastoma in newborns, AFP in screening for hepatocellular cancer in high
      risk subjects, CA 125 in combination with transvaginal ultrasound (TVU) in
      screening for ovarian cancer, PSA in screening for prostate cancer and fecal
      occult blood testing (FOBT) in screening for CRC. The aim of this article is to
      critically review the role of these biomarkers in screening normal-risk
      asymptomatic subjects for early cancer. Screening subjects with a genetic
      predisposition to cancer will not be discussed.

PMID- 27683352
TI  - Antioxidant Effects of Lycopene and Ubiquinol-10 on the Oxidative Stress in Rat
      Hepatocytes Induced by Tert-Buthyl Hydroperoxide.
AB  - Free radicals especially reactive oxygen metabolites can damage DNA, protein,
      enzymes, and membrane lipids. Lipid peroxidation in hepatocyte membrane may be
      involved in hepatic diseases. Antioxidants may inhibit this reaction. Due to
      oxidant-antioxidant imbalance, free radicals may cause destructive effects. For
      several years, scientists tried to find antioxidant compounds. In this study, the
      effects of lycopene and ubiquinol-10 on the oxidative stress in rat hepatocytes
      induced by t-buthyl hydroperoxide was determined. First, rat hepatocytes were
      isolated and then incubated in the presence of tert-buthyl hydroperoxide and the
      amount of malondialdehyde, as a marker of lipid peroxidation, was determined.
      Then, this reaction was performed in the presence of various concentrations of
      each lycopene and ubiquinol-10, and the malondialdehyde level was determined. The
      results of this study showed that in the presence of various concentrations of
      lycopene and ubiquinol-10 the levels of lipid peroxidation products significantly
      decreased (P<0.05). Thus, lycopene and ubiquinol-10 have inhibitory effects on
      lipid peroxidation reaction. This study showed the potential utility of lycopene
      and ubiquinol-10 in prevention of hepatic dysfunction. 

PMID- 27683353
TI  - The Study of Hemodialysis Effectiveness on the Change Rate of Lipid Peroxidation
      and L-Carnitine Level in Hemodialysis Patients.
AB  - Carnitine is a small molecule widely present in all cells from prokaryotic to
      eukaryotic. It is an important element in beta-oxidation of fatty acids.
      Carnitine is a scavenger of oxygen free radicals in mammalian tissues. Lack of
      carnitine in a hemodialysis patient can lead to carnitine deficiency. Oxidation
      of fatty acids and lipid metabolism are severly affected by carnitine deficiency.
      Oxidative stress is defined as imbalance between formation of free radicals and
      antioxidative defense mechanisms. It has been proposed to play a role in many
      disease states. In hemodialysis patients multiple factors can lead to a a high
      susceptibility to oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to determine
      hemodialysis effectiveness on the change rate of serum L-carnitine and lipid
      peroxidation. 27 patients with chronic renal failure (24-80 yrs) who undergo
      hemodialysis for 6-12 months were selected (M= 17, F= 10). Malondialdehyde (MDA),
      as an indicator of lipid peroxidation was measured colorimetrically with a
      standard thiobarbituric acid (TBA) method. L-carnitine was measured with
      enzymatic UV method (ROCHE, Spectronic Genesis 2, 340 nm). The weight mean of L
      carnitine before and after hemodialysis was 7.67+/-3.6 mg/l and 2.07+/-1.6 mg/l,
      respectively (P<0.001). The weight mean of pre-hemodialysis MDA was 4.17+/-1.24
      umol/l, following hemodialysis -4.98+/-1.2 umol/l (P<0.001). Results showed that
      55.6% of patients suffered from carnitine defciency. Serum carnitine was found to
      be decreased markedly after hemodialysis (P<0.001). Our findings indicated that
      oxidative stress in these patients is further exacerbated by hemodialysis, as
      evidenced by increased lipid peroxidation. The relationship between serum L
      carnitine and MDA before and after hemodialysis was observed (r=0.82; p<0.001;
      r=0.75; p<0.001). 

PMID- 27683354
TI  - Early Origins of Adult Cancer Risk Among Men and Women: Influence of Childhood
      Misfortune?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of five childhood misfortune domains-parental
      behavior, socioeconomic status, infectious diseases, chronic diseases, and
      impairments-on all-site and selected site-specific cancer prevalence and all-site
      cancer incidence. METHOD: Panel data from the Health and Retirement Study (2004
      2012) were used to investigate cancer risk among adults above the age of 50.
      RESULTS: Risky parental behavior and impairment in childhood were associated with
      higher odds of all-site cancer prevalence, and childhood chronic disease was
      associated with prostate cancer, even after adjusting for adult health and
      socioeconomic factors. Moreover, having one infectious disease in childhood
      lowered the odds of colon cancer. Cancer trends varied by race and ethnicity,
      most notably, higher prostate cancer prevalence among Black men and lower all
      site cancer among Hispanic adults. DISCUSSION: These findings underscore the
      importance of examining multiple domains of misfortune because the type and
      amount of misfortune influence cancer risk in different ways.

PMID- 27683356
TI  - About Diode Laser Stapedotomy.

PMID- 27683355
TI  - Highlights from the Current Issue: October 2016.

PMID- 27683357
TI  - Laboratory Medicine Specialization Teaching and Training in Italy with a Glance
      to Some European and Non-European Countries.
AB  - The Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research has recently reformed
      the medical schools of specialization in accordance with a series of EC
      Directives. Four different curricula have been defined into the class of
      "Diagnostics and Laboratory Medicine", respectively: Anatomic Pathology, Clinical
      Biochemistry, Clinical Pathology, and Microbiology & Virology. Each curriculum is
      based on a scheme of 300 credits, that includes formal educational activities)
      and practical activities distributed on a five years' period. The four curricula
      share a common course of either formal or practical activities. Main training and
      professional objectives are in favour of: a) the principles of appropriateness
      and of evidence based medicine, b) the acquisition of either on-the-bench
      experience and practice, or skills in organizing and managing the laboratory
      activities and personnel c) the understanding of data and phenomena relevant to
      the patients in a clinically oriented vision, d) the ability to translate
      research results into diagnostic advantages, e) the values of humanism and
      ethics. When comparing the Italian curriculum with some European and non-European
      curricula in Laboratory Medicine, many similarities are apparent: above all, the
      medical pertinence of the profession is increasingly affirmed in favour of a
      consultancy role to be played by the specialist in Laboratory Medicine at the
      clinical level. MAIN CONCLUSIONS: a) the education, skill and expertise required
      for laboratory specialists regard now a broad variety of issues, b) these embrace
      not only technical, scientific and organizational aspects, but even the ability
      to develop consultative capacities in different diagnostic areas, c) moreover the
      implicit translational aspects in the profession require the adoption of
      innovative and multifaceted curricula.

PMID- 27683358
TI  - Registration of Medical Laboratory Technologist Qualified Abroad.

PMID- 27683359
TI  - Current Pre- and Post-Graduate Vocational Education and Training in Laboratory
      Medicine and Microbiology in Poland.
AB  - The status of Polish medical laboratories in continuously changing. Since 2001
      the legal framework was established for the clinical chemists employed in medical
      and microbiological laboratories. Since that time, the job performance by
      clinical chemists is limited only to the specialist, member of the Polish Chamber
      of Laboratory Diagnosticians. According to that legal act, graduate in laboratory
      medicine is certified to perform the professional activities in medical or
      microbiological laboratories without further vocational training. After
      graduating from biology, chemistry, pharmacy or veterinary medicine, a person can
      perform the job only under supervision of a certified clinical chemist. Several
      Medical Universities have organized the system of post-graduation education for
      such graduates. The main courses taught are basic pathology, internal medicine,
      hematology, immunology, and clinical chemistry. In addition, the Ministry of
      Health and Chamber of Laboratory Diagnosticians are organizing and supervising
      the higher level of post-graduate education for clinical chemists, the education
      and vocational training which leads to the title of specialist in clinical
      chemistry or similar area in laboratory medicine. The professional qualification
      of such person are evaluated during the final exam at the national level. The
      specialist is eligible to act as director of clinical laboratories. 

PMID- 27683360
TI  - Education in Medical Biochemistry in Serbia.
AB  - Medical biochemistry is the usual name for clinical biochemistry or clinical
      chemistry in Serbia. Medical biochemistry laboratories and medical biochemists as
      a profession are part of Health Care System and are regulated through: the Health
      Care Law and rules issued by the Chamber of Medical Biochemists of Serbia. The
      first continuous and organized education for Medical Biochemists in Serbia dates
      from 1945, when Department of Medical Biochemistry was established at
      Pharmaceutical Faculty in Belgrade. In 1987 at the same Faculty a five years
      undergraduate branch was established, educating Medical Biochemists under a
      special program. Since 2006 the new five year undergraduate (according to Bologna
      Declaration) and postgraduate program of four-year specialization according to
      EC4 European Syllabus for Post-Graduate Training in Clinical Chemistry and
      Laboratory Medicine has been established. The Ministry of Education and Ministry
      of Public Health accredits the programs. There are four requirements for
      practicing medical biochemistry in the Health Care System: University Diploma of
      the Faculty of Pharmacy (Medical Biochemistry), successful completion of the
      profession exam at the Ministry of Health after completion of one additional year
      of obligatory practical training in medical laboratories, membership in the
      Serbian Chamber of Medical Biochemists and licence for skilled work issued by
      Serbian Chamber of Medical Biochemists. 

PMID- 27683362
TI  - Male courtship decisions are influenced by light environment and female
      receptivity.
AB  - The appearance of animal colour signals depends jointly upon the ambient light
      spectrum and the signal's reflectance spectra. Light environment heterogeneity
      might, therefore, allow individuals to enhance their signal by signalling in an
      environment that increases signal efficacy. We tested this hypothesis by
      providing male guppies (Poecilia reticulata), a choice of three light
      environments in which to display their colour signal to females: green, lilac,
      and clear. We paired males with both receptive and non-receptive females to test
      whether female response might affect male behavioural decisions. Males preferred
      the clear environment in all trials and this environment also resulted in males
      having the highest average visual contrast. Sexual behaviour was influenced by
      complex interactions between female receptivity, light environment, and male
      colour pattern contrast. Males spent significantly more time in the environment
      in which their colour signal had the highest contrast, but only when paired with
      receptive females. Significant interactions between light environment and
      individual male colour components were also seen only in receptive trials. Our
      results suggest that males use light environment to enhance their colour pattern,
      but only in the presence of receptive females.

PMID- 27683361
TI  - Phenotypic innovation through recombination in genome-scale metabolic networks.
AB  - Recombination is an important source of metabolic innovation, especially in
      prokaryotes, which have evolved the ability to survive on many different sources
      of chemical elements and energy. Metabolic systems have a well-understood
      genotype-phenotype relationship, which permits a quantitative and biochemically
      principled understanding of how recombination creates novel phenotypes. Here, we
      investigate the power of recombination to create genome-scale metabolic reaction
      networks that enable an organism to survive in new chemical environments. To this
      end, we use flux balance analysis, an experimentally validated computational
      method that can predict metabolic phenotypes from metabolic genotypes. We show
      that recombination is much more likely to create novel metabolic abilities than
      random changes in chemical reactions of a metabolic network. We also find that
      phenotypic innovation is more likely when recombination occurs between parents
      that are genetically closely related, phenotypically highly diverse, and viable
      on few rather than many carbon sources. Survival on a new carbon source
      preferentially involves reactions that are superessential, that is, essential in
      many metabolic networks. We validate our observations with data from 61
      reconstructed prokaryotic metabolic networks. Our systematic and quantitative
      analysis of metabolic systems helps understand how recombination creates
      innovation.

PMID- 27683363
TI  - Reconstructing the emergence of a lethal infectious disease of wildlife supports
      a key role for spread through translocations by humans.
AB  - There have been few reconstructions of wildlife disease emergences, despite their
      extensive impact on biodiversity and human health. This is in large part
      attributable to the lack of structured and robust spatio-temporal datasets. We
      overcame logistical problems of obtaining suitable information by using data from
      a citizen science project and formulating spatio-temporal models of the spread of
      a wildlife pathogen (genus Ranavirus, infecting amphibians). We evaluated three
      main hypotheses for the rapid increase in disease reports in the UK: that
      outbreaks were being reported more frequently, that climate change had altered
      the interaction between hosts and a previously widespread pathogen, and that
      disease was emerging due to spatial spread of a novel pathogen. Our analysis
      characterized localized spread from nearby ponds, consistent with amphibian
      dispersal, but also revealed a highly significant trend for elevated rates of
      additional outbreaks in localities with higher human population density-pointing
      to human activities in also spreading the virus. Phylogenetic analyses of
      pathogen genomes support the inference of at least two independent introductions
      into the UK. Together these results point strongly to humans repeatedly
      translocating ranaviruses into the UK from other countries and between UK ponds,
      and therefore suggest potential control measures.

PMID- 27683364
TI  - An aquatic vertebrate can use amino acids from environmental water.
AB  - Conventional food-web theory assumes that nutrients from dissolved organic matter
      are transferred to aquatic vertebrates via long nutrient pathways involving
      multiple eukaryotic species as intermediary nutrient transporters. Here, using
      larvae of the salamander Hynobius retardatus as a model system, we provide
      experimental evidence of a shortcut nutrient pathway by showing that H.
      retardatus larvae can use dissolved amino acids for their growth without
      eukaryotic mediation. First, to explore which amino acids can promote larval
      growth, we kept individual salamander larvae in one of eight different high
      concentration amino acid solutions, or in control water from which all other
      eukaryotic organisms had been removed. We thus identified five amino acids
      (lysine, threonine, serine, phenylalanine, and tyrosine) as having the potential
      to promote larval growth. Next, using 15N-labelled amino acid solutions, we
      demonstrated that nitrogen from dissolved amino acids was found in larval
      tissues. These results suggest that salamander larvae can take up dissolved amino
      acids from environmental water to use as an energy source or a growth-promoting
      factor. Thus, aquatic vertebrates as well as aquatic invertebrates may be able to
      use dissolved organic matter as a nutrient source.

PMID- 27683365
TI  - A touch of sleep: biophysical model of contact-mediated dormancy of archaea by
      viruses.
AB  - The canonical view of the interactions between viruses and their microbial hosts
      presumes that changes in host and virus fate requires the initiation of infection
      of a host by a virus. Infection may lead to the death of the host cell and
      release of viruses, to the elimination of the viral genome through cellular
      defence mechanisms or the integration of the viral genome with the host as a
      chromosomal or extrachromosomal element. Here, we revisit this canonical view,
      inspired by recent experimental findings in which the majority of target host
      cells can be induced into a dormant state when exposed to either active or
      deactivated viruses, even when viruses are present at low relative titre. We
      propose that both the qualitative phenomena and the quantitative timescales of
      dormancy induction are consistent with the hypothesis that cellular physiology
      can be altered by contact on the surface of host cells rather than strictly by
      infection In order to test this hypothesis, we develop and study a biophysical
      model of contact-mediated dynamics involving virus particles and target cells. We
      show how virus particles can catalyse cellular transformations among many cells,
      even if they ultimately infect only one (or none). We also find that population
      scale dormancy is robust to variation in the representation of model dynamics,
      including cell growth, death and recovery.

PMID- 27683366
TI  - Evolution of transgenerational immunity in invertebrates.
AB  - Over a decade ago, the discovery of transgenerational immunity in invertebrates
      shifted existing paradigms on the lack of sophistication of their immune system.
      Nonetheless, the prevalence of this trait and the ecological factors driving its
      evolution in invertebrates remain poorly understood. Here, we develop a
      theoretical host-parasite model and predict that long lifespan and low dispersal
      should promote the evolution of transgenerational immunity. We also predict that
      in species that produce both philopatric and dispersing individuals, it may pay
      to have a plastic allocation strategy with a higher transgenerational immunity
      investment in philopatric offspring because they are more likely to encounter
      locally adapted pathogens. We review all experimental studies published to date,
      comprising 21 invertebrate species in nine different orders, and we show that, as
      expected, longevity and dispersal correlate with the transfer of immunity to
      offspring. The validity of our prediction regarding the plasticity of investment
      in transgenerational immunity remains to be tested in invertebrates, but also in
      vertebrate species. We discuss the implications of our work for the study of the
      evolution of immunity, and we suggest further avenues of research to expand our
      knowledge of the impact of transgenerational immune protection in host-parasite
      interactions.

PMID- 27683367
TI  - One fly to rule them all-muscid flies are the key pollinators in the Arctic.
AB  - Global change is causing drastic changes in the pollinator communities of the
      Arctic. While arctic flowers are visited by a wide range of insects, flies in
      family Muscidae have been proposed as a pollinator group of particular
      importance. To understand the functional outcome of current changes in pollinator
      community composition, we examined the role of muscids in the pollination of a
      key plant species, the mountain avens (Dryas). We monitored the seed set of Dryas
      across 15 sites at Zackenberg, northeast Greenland, and used sticky flower mimics
      and DNA barcoding to describe the flower-visiting community at each site. To
      evaluate the consequences of shifts in pollinator phenology under climate change,
      we compared the flower visitors between the early and the late season. Our
      approach revealed a diverse community of insects visiting Dryas, including two
      thirds of all insect species known from the area. Even against this diverse
      background, the abundance of muscid flies emerged as a key predictor for seed set
      in Dryas, whereas overall insect abundance and species richness had little or no
      effect. With muscid flies as the main drivers of the pollinating function in the
      High Arctic, a recently observed decline in their abundances offers cause for
      concern.

PMID- 27683369
TI  - Convergent evolution of ramified antennae in insect lineages from the Early
      Cretaceous of Northeastern China.
AB  - Antennae are important, insect sensory organs that are used principally for
      communication with other insects and the detection of environmental cues. Some
      insects independently evolved ramified (branched) antennae, which house several
      types of sensilla for motion detection, sensing olfactory and chemical cues, and
      determining humidity and temperature levels. Though ramified antennae are common
      in living insects, occasionally they are present in the Mesozoic fossil record.
      Here, we present the first caddisflies with ramified antennae, the earliest known
      fossil sawfly, and a scorpionfly also with ramified antennae from the mid-Lower
      Cretaceous Yixian Formation of Northeastern China, dated at 125 million years ago
      (Ma). These three insect taxa with ramified antennae consist of three unrelated
      lineages and provide evidence for broad structural convergence that historically
      has been best demonstrated by features such as convergent mouthparts. In
      addition, ramified antennae in these Mid-Mesozoic lineages likely do not
      constitute a key innovation, as they are not associated with significantly
      increased diversification compared with closely related lineages lacking this
      trait, and nor are they ecologically isolated from numerous, co-occurring insect
      species with unmodified antennae.

PMID- 27683368
TI  - Hybridization as a facilitator of species range expansion.
AB  - Explaining the evolution of species geographical ranges is fundamental to
      understanding how biodiversity is distributed and maintained. The solution to
      this classic problem in ecology and evolution remains elusive: we still do not
      fully know how species geographical ranges evolve and what factors fuel range
      expansions. Resolving this problem is now more crucial than ever with increasing
      biodiversity loss, global change and movement of species by humans. Here, we
      describe and evaluate the hypothesis that hybridization between species can
      contribute to species range expansion. We discuss how such a process can occur
      and the empirical data that are needed to test this hypothesis. We also examine
      how species can expand into new environments via hybridization with a resident
      species, and yet remain distinct species. Generally, hybridization may play an
      underappreciated role in influencing the evolution of species ranges. Whether-and
      to what extent-hybridization has such an effect requires further study across
      more diverse taxa.

PMID- 27683370
TI  - Host coevolution alters the adaptive landscape of a virus.
AB  - The origin of new and complex structures and functions is fundamental for shaping
      the diversity of life. Such key innovations are rare because they require
      multiple interacting changes. We sought to understand how the adaptive landscape
      led to an innovation whereby bacteriophage lambda evolved the new ability to
      exploit a receptor, OmpF, on Escherichia coli cells. Previous work showed that
      this ability evolved repeatedly, despite requiring four mutations in one virus
      gene. Here, we examine how this innovation evolved by studying six intermediate
      genotypes of lambda isolated during independent transitions to exploit OmpF and
      comparing them to their ancestor. All six intermediates showed large increases in
      their adsorption rates on the ancestral host. Improvements in adsorption were
      offset, in large part, by the evolution of host resistance, which occurred by
      reduced expression of LamB, the usual receptor for lambda. As a consequence of
      host coevolution, the adaptive landscape of the virus changed such that selection
      favouring four of the six virus intermediates became stronger after the host
      evolved resistance, thereby accelerating virus populations along the path to
      using the new OmpF receptor. This dependency of viral fitness on host genotype
      thus shows an important role for coevolution in the origin of the new viral
      function.

PMID- 27683371
TI  - Evolution of a butterfly dispersal syndrome.
AB  - The existence of dispersal syndromes contrasting disperser from resident
      phenotypes within populations has been intensively documented across taxa.
      However, how such suites of phenotypic traits emerge and are maintained is
      largely unknown, although deciphering the processes shaping the evolution of
      dispersal phenotypes is a key in ecology and evolution. In this study, we created
      artificial populations of a butterfly, in which we controlled for individual
      phenotypes and measured experimentally the roles of selection and genetic
      constraints on the correlations between dispersal-related traits: flight
      performance and wing morphology. We demonstrate that (i) trait covariations are
      not due to genetic correlations, (ii) the effects of selection are sex-specific,
      and (iii) both divergent and stabilizing selection maintain specific flight
      performance phenotypes and wing morphologies. Interestingly, some trait
      combinations are also favoured, depending on sex and fitness components.
      Moreover, we provide evidence for the role of (dis)assortative mating in the
      evolution of these dispersal-related traits. Our results suggest that dispersal
      syndromes may have high evolutionary potential, but also that they may be easily
      disrupted under particular environmental conditions.

PMID- 27683373
TI  - Laboratory Medicine as a Profession and Clinical Science - How to Perform Both of
      them well?

PMID- 27683372
TI  - Maternal stress has divergent effects on gene expression patterns in the brains
      of male and female threespine stickleback.
AB  - Maternal stress can have long-term effects on neurodevelopment that can influence
      offspring performance and population evolutionary trajectories. To examine the
      mechanistic basis for these neurodevelopmental effects of maternal stress, we
      used RNA-seq to assess differential gene expression across the brain
      transcriptome of adult male and female threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus
      aculeatus) from stressed and unstressed mothers. We identified sexually divergent
      effects of maternal stress on the brain transcriptome. In males, genes that were
      upregulated by maternal stress were enriched for processes involved in synaptic
      function and organization and steroid hormone-mediated signalling pathways,
      whereas in females genes that were upregulated by maternal stress were enriched
      for processes involved in protein translation and metabolic functions. The
      expression of several genes involved in the hypothalamic-pituitary-interrenal
      response to stress and epigenetic processes such as the regulation of DNA
      methylation patterns and miRNAs increased in males and not in females. These data
      suggest that maternal stress has markedly different effects on cellular pathways
      in the brains of male and female offspring of mothers that are exposed to stress,
      which could have important implications when assessing the long-term ecological
      and evolutionary impacts of stress across generations.

PMID- 27683374
TI  - Laboratory Medicine in the Scope of Proteomics and Genomics.
AB  - Advances in technology, especially in molecular biology, allow for a fast
      expansion of diagnostic methods in routine clinical practice. New proteomics and
      genomics technologies could be used for disease specific biomarker discovery and
      to monitor patient response to the therapy. Genomics and proteomics may also help
      to establish new, molecular classification of the disease. Applying genomic and
      proteomic methods to body fluids (serum, cerebrospinal fluid, urine, etc) and
      tissue extracts would place valuable objective analytical power in the hands of
      the clinician however validation of those methods is an important issue. The
      rapid expansion of the diagnostic tools based on developments in proteomic and
      genomic technologies can be fundamental for the development of personalized
      medicine. 

PMID- 27683375
TI  - Non-HDL Cholesterol and Evaluation of Cardiovascular Disease Risk.
AB  - Cardiovascular disease (CVD), such as coronary heart disease (CHD), is the most
      frequent cause of death worldwide, especially in developed countries. The latest
      recommendations of European and American Cardiological Associations emphasize the
      role of non-HDL cholesterol (non-HDL-C) in evaluating the risk of CVD. Although
      this parameter has a lot of advantages, it is rarely used by general
      practitioners in lipid profile assessment. The aim of this article is to present
      the recent informations on the usage of non-HDL-C in the primary prevention of
      cardiovascular disease and to compare its diagnostic value to traditional and new
      CVD risk factors. 

PMID- 27683376
TI  - Serum Adiponectin and Indices of Cardiovascular Risk in Young Women with
      Excessive Body Mass.
AB  - Adiponectin reduces oxidative stress, the release of C-reactive protein and
      influences on the process of atherogenesis reducing lipid accumulation in the
      blood vessels. The findings on the association of adiponectin with cardiovascular
      risk are contradictory. This study aimed to assess the relationship between
      adiponectin and indices of cardiovascular risk in women with excessive body mass.
      Adiponectin, hsCRP and lipids were measured in blood samples obtained from
      normoglycemic women with excessive body mass (n=52;BMI>=25 kg/m(2)) aged 25-40
      yrs and age-matched healthy controls (n=36; BMI<25kg/m(2)). All subjects
      underwent blood pressure examination and anthropometric measurements. Median
      concentration of adiponectin in the serum in women with excessive body mass was
      significantly lower than in women with normal weight (10,8 vs 15,5 ug/ml;
      p<0,01). Similarly, median serum concentration of triglycerides, hsCRP and blood
      pressure values were significantly higher and HDL-cholesterol significantly lower
      in women with BMI>=25 kg/m(2) in comparison to these with normal BMI, however
      only HDL-C and hsCRP were found to be beyond widely accepted cut-offs.
      Hypoadiponectinemia in women with excessive body mass (adiponectin concentration
      below the 5(th) percentile in the control group) was associated predominantly
      with abnormally increased median values of hsCRP and blood pressure.
      Concentrations of total cholesterol, non-HDL-C and LDL-C were also significantly
      higher in women with excessive body mass and hypoadiponectinemia, however still
      within the reference range. Our results suggest that adiponectin may be used as a
      prognostic marker of cardiovascular risk in women with excessive body mass. 

PMID- 27683377
TI  - Letter to the Editor: Unlikeliness Limits Estimation.

PMID- 27683379
TI  - Comparison of Apolipoprotein Concentrations and Values of APOB:APOAI with
      Traditional Lipid Measures in Women Diagnosed with Acute Cornonary Syndromes - A
      Preliminary Report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) are the leading cause of
      hospitalization and death in the modern world. Reliable indicators of risk
      assessment could be useful in clinical investigation. Results from recent studies
      suggest that apolipoprotein measurement and apoB:apoI ratio are superior to
      traditional lipids in the estimation of coronary risk. We compared apolipoprotein
      concentrations and apoB:apoAI index with traditional lipid measures in ACS
      patients. METHODS: A study group consisted of 94 women diagnosed with ACS
      (STEMI=21, NSTEMI=25 and UA=48). Clinically healthy volunteers (n=30) served as
      controls. Measurements of serum cardiac TnI, lipid profile, high sensitivity C
      reactive protein, apolipoprotein AI and apoB100 concentrations were performed and
      apoB:apoAI ratio was calculated. RESULTS: ACS patients had significantly
      decreased median HDL-cholesterol, increased atherogenic indexes TC:HDL-C,
      apoB:apoAI and abnormally high CRP compared to controls. Median LDL-cholesterol
      and apoAI concentrations, although significantly higher in ACS patients, remained
      within the normal range. Comparison of atherogenic indexes in ACS patients has
      shown increased TC:HDL-C (>4) and apoB:apoAI (>0,3) in 60,4% and 96,8% of which
      55,4% had moderate and high risk (>0,6). ApoB:apoAI ratio was of good diagnostic
      utility for discrimination between ACS cases and non-ACS controls (AUC=0,715),
      and little better than TC:HDL-C. In both groups similar percentage of increased
      LDL-C and triglycerides was observed whereas increased apoB concentration was
      three times more likely in ACS cases. The highest apoB:apoAI was observed
      predominantly in STEMI cases (49%) whereas the lowest in UA and NSTEMI (30%).
      CONCLUSIONS: Determination of apolipoproteins and assessment of apoB:apoAI ratio
      seems to be useful and better tool than traditional lipid measures in assessing
      risk of acute coronary syndromes in women.

PMID- 27683378
TI  - Thrombomodulatory Effect of Anti-B2-Glycoprotein I Antibodies on Crystalline
      Annexin A5 on Phospholipid Bilayers, as Observed by Atomic Force Microscopy.
AB  - Antibodies against beta2-glycoprotein I are a subset of very heterogeneous family
      of antiphospholipid antibodies. It is well recognised that anti-beta2
      glycoprotein I antibodies are the main pathogenic players in the autoimmune
      disease known as antiphospholipid syndrome. Many mechanisms have been proposed
      through which these autoantibodies could cause microplacental, arterial or venous
      thrombosis. One of the suggested mechanisms is an antiphospholipid antibody
      mediated disruption of annexin A5 protective crystalline shield on negatively
      charged phospholipid membranes. In current report the study of beta2-glycoprotein
      I, anti-beta2-glycoprotein I antibodies and annexin A5 interactions was performed
      on in vitro model of planar solid-supported phospholipid bilayers and visualized
      by atomic force microscopy. Planar phospholipid bilayers comprised 30 % L-alpha
      phosphatidylserine and 70 % L-alpha-phosphatidylcholine. For the study of
      interactions 10 mg/l annexin A5, 0.15 g/l beta2-glycoprotein I, 10 g/l of IgG
      fraction from healthy blood donor, 10 g/l of IgG fraction from a patient with
      anti-beta2-glycoprotein I antibodies and 0.4 g/l of isolated IgG anti-beta2
      glycoprotein I antibodies from the same patients in Hepes buffered saline with
      1.5 mM Ca2+ were used. We confirmed the clustering of beta2-glycoprotein I on
      planar phospholipid bilayers. We also found that in the presence of annexin A5,
      beta2-glycoprotein I does not bind to planar phospholipid bilayers. However, when
      adding the anti-beta2-glycoprotein I antibodies, the growth of beta2-glycoprotein
      I-anti-beta2-glycoprotein I antibodies complexes in the presence of incompletely
      crystallized annexin A5 on planar phospholipid bilayers was observed. Results
      confirm the possible thrombomodulatory activity of anti-beta2-glycoprotein
      antibodies through their effect on crystalline annexin A5. In addition, the
      hypothesis that the presence of possibly pathologic antigen-antibody pair itself
      is not sufficient to start the pathological process is confirmed and visualized
      for the first time. 

PMID- 27683380
TI  - Occurrence of Vitamin 25(OH)D3 Insufficiency in Young Women with Metabolic
      Syndrome.
AB  - Vitamin D insufficiency is prevalent and may be associated with higher risk for
      metabolic syndrome. Low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 is known to perturb cellular
      function in many tissues, including the endocrine pancreas, which are involved in
      the pathogenesis of obesity and type 2 diabetes. This study examined the vitamin
      25(OH)D3 concentration and its relationship with the metabolic syndrome among 52
      young women aged 20-40 yrs with overweight and obese. As defined by revised
      International Diabetes Federation (IDF 2005) criteria, 27 of the 52 women had the
      metabolic syndrome (52%). Women with MS had significantly lower mean
      concentration of vitamin 25(OH)D3. Vitamin D insufficiency was more prevalent in
      women with MS, compared with those who did not fulfill the criteria for this
      syndrome (63% vs 37%, respectively) as well as among women with metabolic
      syndrome mild deficiency occurred much more frequently than in without MS (58% vs
      26%, respectively). When serum concentrations of 25(OH)D3 were categorized in
      tertiles, there was a decreasing prevalence of MS in women with increasing
      concentrations of 25(OH)D3. The study findings suggest that insufficiency of
      vitamin 25(OH)D3 is more common in women with excessive body weight and metabolic
      syndrome than in women with excessive body weight without metabolic syndrome. 

PMID- 27683382
TI  - Trace Technology for Assays of Novel Biomarkers.
AB  - The availability of an easily measurable specific marker for diagnosis of a
      disease is an important but not always reachable objective. Emergency area is an
      area where decisions must be taken as quick as possible, and sometimes it is not
      clear if the patient is well enough to be treated as an outpatient or must be
      hospitalized. During last few years many new biomarkers and techniques for their
      measurement have been developed, and surely some others will appear. The aim of
      this report was to present TRACE technology for specific assays such as:
      copeptin, proadrenomedullin and proatrial natriuretic peptide. Ongoing research
      is being done to decide in which diseases they might be useful and if they will
      be needed for diagnosis, prognosis or treatment monitoring. Results are not
      conclusive yet, but in the future some of these markers could be used in routine
      laboratory work if their utility is documented by new data. 

PMID- 27683383
TI  - Call for Enrolling More Professionals in the IFCC Project on Laboratory Errors
      and Patient Safety.
AB  - Patient safety is the foundation of good care. In the last decades, a body of
      evidence has been accumulated to demonstrate that pre- and post-analytical phase
      are more vulnerable to errors in laboratory medicine than the analytical phase.
      Aims of the project of the IFCC Working Group on "Laboratory Errors and Patient
      Safety" (WG-LEPS) are: a) to develop a series of Quality Indicators (QIs),
      specifically designed for clinical laboratories, b) to create a common reporting
      system for clinical laboratories based on standardized data collection, and c) to
      define state-of the-art and Quality Specifications (QSs) for each QI Preliminary
      results demonstrate that a Model of Quality Indicators can serve as a tool to
      monitor and control the pre-, intra- and post-analytical activities. However,
      only after enrolling a more consistent number of clinical laboratories, it should
      be possible to assure consistency to the data collected and reliability to the
      QIs identified and to related QSs. 

PMID- 27683381
TI  - Angiotensin I - Converting Enzyme Gene Polymorphism and Activity in Patients with
      Ischemic Stroke.
AB  - The possible association of ACE polymorphism with ischemic stroke (IS) was
      evaluated in 65 patients with IS and 330 age and BMI-matched controls. ACE
      genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). There was no
      significant difference in ACE genotype/allele frequencies between case and
      control group (p>0.05). Patients with D allele had 4,7 times higher risk for
      large vessel IS than healthy persons D allele possessors. Persons with D allele
      had 9.2 times higher risk for large vessel disease than small vessel disease.
      These data suggest a possible association of ACE gene polymorphism with
      pathogenesis of large vessel IS. 

PMID- 27683384
TI  - The Cardiac Markers and Oxidative Stress Parameters in Advanced Non-Small Cell
      Lung Cancer Patients Receiving Cisplatin-Based Chemotherapy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cardiotoxicity is a well known long-term consequence of lung cancer
      chemotherapy, however little is known about early subclinical changes in cardiac
      function. AIM: The goal of the study was to assess early cardiotoxic effects of
      cisplatin-containing chemotherapy in stage III and IV lung cancer patients,
      measuring serum levels of selected cardiac markers in relation to oxidant
      effects. METHODS: We quantified the immediate impact of chemotherapy on cardiac
      troponin T (TnT), creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB) and N- terminal pro
      brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in blood samples obtained from 12 non-small
      cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. All markers were measured using commercially
      available immunoassays. To investigate the oxidant effects of cisplatin
      containing chemotherapy, we evaluated reduced glutathione (GSH), nitrite (NO2),
      derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) and thiols (SH). Samples were
      collected prior to chemotherapy and 1 day after the first cycle of cisplatin
      administration. RESULTS: Chemotherapy did not cause statistically significant
      elevations in serum CK-MB. Serum TnT levels were undetectable at both time points
      in 11 out of 12 patients with a threshold of 0.01 ng/ml. In the single patient
      with undetectable TnT at the baseline, after the first infusion TnT level
      reversibly rose to 0.03 ng/ml. The pre-treatment value of NT-proBNP was slightly
      elevated in 7 out of 12 lung cancer patients. In 1 case NT-proBNP level
      significantly increased after chemotherapy (from 221.8 to 1489.0 pg/ml p<0.001),
      in the remaining 11 patients it was stable Cisplatin-based combination
      chemotherapy induced significant nitrite production in 5 patients (p<0.05). The
      other measured oxidative stress parameters remained unchanged after the first
      infusion. CONCLUSION: This pilot study demonstrated occasional elevations of
      cardiac biomarkers during cisplatin administration. Administration of cisplatin
      containing chemotherapy caused significant nitroxidative stress in some patients.
      The relevance of cardiovascular complications in cancer patients and
      identification individual risk factors of developing cardiovascular toxicity
      merit further evaluation.

PMID- 27683385
TI  - Gender Associated Lipid and Apolipoprotein Profile in Patients with Age-Related
      Macular Degeneration.
AB  - The role of lipid parameters disorder in the development of age-related macular
      degeneration (AMD) is unclear. The aim of this study was to analyze lipid profile
      in these patients and to test the influence of gender on lipid profile of AMD
      patients, especially in the early and late form of the disease. 82 patients with
      AMD (mean age 70.3 yrs) and 80 age-matched control subjects were included in this
      study. Serum lipid and apolipoproteiin levels were determined using standardized
      methods. AMD patients had significantly higher values of total cholesterol
      (P=0.000), HDL-cholesterol (P=0.0003) and LDL-cholesterol (P=0.000) compared to
      control group. Significantly higher values of apo A1 (P=0.039), apo E (P=0.002),
      total-cholesterol (P=0.000), LDL-chol. (P=0.026), total HDL-chol (P=0.000), HDL3
      chol. (P=0.005) and non-HDL-cholesterol (P=0.029) were found in female AMD
      patients compared to males with AMD. Females with the advanced form of the
      disease had significantly higher total cholesterol (P=0.006), HDL-C (P=0.004),
      non HDL-C (P=0.05) and apo E (P=0.014) compared to males with the same form of
      the disease. There is a significant disorder of lipid parameters in AMD patients
      especially in females. More severe forms of AMD are followed by the increase of
      atherogenic lipoproteins and apolipoproteins, and females have higher values of
      these parameters compared to males with the same form of AMD. 

PMID- 27683386
TI  - Procalcitonin and Other Biomarkers of Sepsis in Newborns in the Intensive Care
      Unit.
AB  - Neonatal sepsis is one of the most significant causes of mortality and morbidity
      in infants. Among numerous parameters available to confirm the presence of sepsis
      in newborns procalcitonin (PCT) has been chosen. The aim of this study was the
      determination of PCT, C-reactive protein (CRP) serum amyloid A (SAA),
      plasminogen, protein C, antithrombin III (AT III) and white blood cell count
      (WBC) in blood sample obtained by puncture of the umbilical vein. Sixty two
      newborn infants were included in the study: 31 with suspected bacterial infection
      and 31 healthy babies Serum procalcitonin was measured using Kryptor analyzer
      (Brahms Aktiengesellschaft, Germany); serum hsCRP and SAA on the Behring
      Nephelometer II (Dade Behring Diagnostics GmbH, Marburg, Germany); plasma
      plasminogen, protein C and AT III on BCT Coagulation system, (Dade Behring
      Diagnostics GmbH, Marburg, Germany); and WBC count was determined in the whole
      blood using hematological analyzer ADVIA 120 Hematology System (Bayer, Germany).
      The obtained mean values of PCT, hsCRP, SAA, WBC, plasminogen, AT III, protein C
      in newborn's samples with suspected bacterial infection/healthy newborns were:
      0.188 ng/L / 0.121 ng/L; 1.20 mg/L / 1.30 mg/L, 1.28% / 1.70%; 16.0 x
      10(9)/L/12.0 x 10(9) / L, 61.0% / 59.0%, 52.0% / 64.5%, 39.0% / 41.0%,
      respectively. Neonates with bacterial infection had significantly higher values
      of PCT (p <0.001), WBC (p <0.001) and CRP (p <0.05) compared to healthy babies.
      Based on these results, it may be concluded that procalcitonin is useful for
      early diagnosis of sepsis in newborns. 

PMID- 27683387
TI  - Vitamin D - Analyte of the Millennium.

PMID- 27683388
TI  - Why are Chlamydia and HPV Major Public Health Problems?

PMID- 27683389
TI  - Association Between Vitamin D Deficiency and Allergic Diseases.
AB  - Vitamin D is important for the regulation of bone and muscle metabolism and other
      functions in the human body. The hydroxylated forms of vitamin D2 and D3 are the
      most important, however only 1,25(OH)D2 is a fully active product. This hormone
      exert its pleiotropic actions via the specific receptor VDR, an important
      transcription factor. The optimal vitamin D concentration in the blood is >20
      ng/mL whereas insufficiency and deficiency are 10-20 ng/mL and <10 ng/mL,
      respectively. To maintain the optimal vitamin D status the total vitamin D intake
      in children should be at least 400 IU/day. Several studies have shown the effects
      of vitamin D on proinflammatory cytokines, regulatory T cells and immune
      response. Vitamin D is a very important activator of the immune response, and in
      hypovitaminosis D, T killer cells are not able to fight off serious infections. A
      negative correlation between IgE and vitamin D concentration and a positive
      relation between vitamin D and lung function was documented in children and
      teenagers with asthma. In asthmatic children the vitamin D deficiency is
      associated with a higher corticosteroid use. Vitamin D supplementation in
      patients with steroid resistant asthma can potentially increase the
      glucocorticoid therapeutic response. Recently, a new mediator in allergy
      pathogenesis was reported - IL-33 and its soluble receptor ST2. IL-33 promotes
      the Th2 lymphocytes response as well as the activation of both mast cells and
      eosinophils via the ST2 receptor. 

PMID- 27683391
TI  - Letter to the Editor: Measured Values Incompatible with Human Life.

PMID- 27683390
TI  - Effect of Oxidative Stress in Hemodialysed Patients.
AB  - AIMS SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Markers of oxidative stress and inflammatory
      activation of endothelium, as well as the adipose tissue secreted adipokines,
      e.g. adiponectin show altered pattern in renal failure. However, their internal
      relations have not been fully evaluated in this special patient population. In
      our cross sectional study, beside the routine clinical and biochemical
      parameters, plasma malondialdehyde, glutathione (GSH), catalase, total
      peroxidase, as well as serum E-selectin and adiponectin were measured in 70
      hemodialysed (HD) patients. RESULTS: GSH showed negative correlations with
      systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) values, while a positive one with HDL
      cholesterol level, as expected. Interestingly, the level of sE-selectin was
      inversely correlated only with the age. In multiple regression analyses where
      anthropometric, BP and laboratory parameters were included and sE-selectin was
      the dependent variable, the inverse association between the age and level of sE
      Selectin turned out being an independent factor. CONCLUSIONS: In HD kidney
      failure patients of the biochemical cardiovascular risk markers those related to
      oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, or altered adipokine homeostasis are
      not necessarily strongly associated. Larger studies may be needed to confirm our
      novel observation, a negative and independent correlation of age to sE-Selectin
      level.

PMID- 27683392
TI  - Pediatric Intestinal Failure-Associated Liver Disease: Challenges in Identifying
      Clinically Relevant Biomarkers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD) is complex and
      diagnosed by concurrent use of parenteral nutrition, clinical presentation, and
      alterations in hepatic biomarkers exclusive of other causes of liver disease. In
      comparison with individual measures, composite biomarkers may provide a more
      effective means for assessing disease progression and response to treatment than
      single parameters. Since IFALD is considered by some to be a type of drug-induced
      liver injury (DILI), those diagnostic criteria could potentially be used in this
      population. Using a preexisting database of children treated for IFALD, our aim
      was to determine if a similar composite biomarker could be applied to this
      population. STUDY DESIGN: Adult DILI criteria were applied at baseline, when
      treatment for IFALD (ie, direct bilirubin >=2.0 mg/dL) was initiated. RESULTS: A
      total of 214 patients with IFALD treated at Boston Children's Hospital were
      identified; 168 patients were eligible for analysis. Most patients analyzed were
      male (61%) and preterm (87%). Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) >=2* upper limit of
      normal (ULN) captured the least amount of DILI (11%), while gamma
      glutamyltransferase (GGT) >=1* ULN accounted for the most (62%). Using adult DILI
      criteria, 60 (39%) patients with IFALD were found to have DILI. Substituting GGT
      >=1* ULN for ALP >=2* ULN improved the sensitivity, with 105 (69%) of patients
      meeting at least 1 criterion for DILI. CONCLUSION: Numerous challenges made it
      difficult to apply the DILI criteria to children with IFALD. Direct bilirubin,
      fractionated ALP, and perhaps GGT may be more suitable. Given its complex
      etiology and the age-based differences due to hepatic immaturity and growth, a
      more suitable composite marker needs to be developed to assess IFALD in this
      population.

PMID- 27683393
TI  - Vitamin D Status: Current Opinion on Critical Levels for Plasma Calcium and Bone
      Mineral Homeostasis.
AB  - Currently there is an unprecedented level of interest regarding the purported
      wide-ranging beneficial effects of an adequate vitamin D status translating into
      marked increases in test requests for clinical laboratories. The well
      characterised endocrine pathway of vitamin D metabolism and action is solely
      responsible for vitamin D regulating plasma calcium and phosphate homeostasis. A
      large body of data confirm that vitamin D exerts activities within each of the
      major bone cells and that these same cells are capable of synthesising the active
      metabolite, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D from 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Such data arising
      from in vitro studies, animal models and clinical sources are consistent with a
      paradigm that local metabolism of vitamin D by bone cells to form 1,25
      dihydroxyvitamin D and its consequent local actions within bone cells exerts an
      anabolic effect to increase bone mineral status. The data reviewed here provide
      plausible mechanisms for both catabolic and anabolic actions of vitamin D on bone
      depending on dietary calcium intake. 

PMID- 27683394
TI  - The Reference Level of Serum S-100B Protein for Poor Prognosis in Patients with
      Intracranial Extracerebral Hematoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: S-100B protein, blood-brain barrier permeability marker, is one of a
      few biochemical indicators useful in the evaluation of traumatic brain injury.
      Our aim was to correlate serum concentration of S-100B with clinical condition
      and CT head scan findings as well as to estimate the level of the protein
      significant for clinical outcome prediction. METHODS: The cohort of 41 subjects
      underwent clinical examination by the neurosurgeon, consciousness was evaluated
      with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). Diagnosis was established on the basis of CT head
      scans. Venous blood samples were collected before surgery. Serum concentration of
      S-100B protein was estimated using electrochemiluminesce immunoassays (ECLIA) on
      Cobas 6000 Analyzer (Roche Diagnostics). Clinical outcome was measured applying
      Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). Finally, data were analyzed with Statistica, v. 8.0
      (StatSoft, Inc. 2007). RESULTS: The average S-100B concentration was 0.95 +/-
      1.75 MUg/L. Statistical analysis revealed significant correlation between S-100B
      and GCS, GOS and dimers-D concentration (p<0.001, Spearman correlation test).
      There were statistically significant differences in the S-100B concentration
      depending on the presence of brain oedema (1.29+/-2.02 vs. 0.06+/-0.03; p<0.01,
      Mann-Whitney test) or contusion foci (1.37+/-1.77 vs. 0.72+/-1.92; p<0.01) in CT
      scans. The S-100B concentration of 0.288 MUg/L was determined as a cut-off point
      for unfavorable clinical outcome prediction (ROC, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS:
      Association between serum S-100B concentration and clinical, radiological or
      laboratory findings prove its usefulness as a diagnostic marker for assessment of
      brain trauma severity. The concentration of the protein >0.288 MUg/L is
      associated with poor prognosis.

PMID- 27683395
TI  - The Role of IL-33 in the Inflammation Process of Asthma and Atherosclerosis.
AB  - Interleukin-33 (IL-33) is a newly found cytokine of the interleukin-1 (IL-1)
      family. It's mainly expressed by epithelial and endothelial cells. This
      expression is upregulated by pro-inflammatory stimulation, thus has an important
      role in inflammatory responses, such as hypersensitive diseases (asthma),
      autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis), cardiovascular diseases (heart
      failure) and neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer). Several studies explored the
      complicated mechanism of IL-33 action in asthma and atherosclerosis, as this IL
      is significantly increased in these pathologies, and suggested its potential use
      in the therapeutic procedures. 

PMID- 27683396
TI  - Shell We Date? ESR Dating Sangamon Interglacial Episode Deposits at Hopwood Farm,
      IL.
AB  - During the Sangamon Episode, North America occasionally experienced warm
      climates. At Hopwood Farm, IL, a small kettle lake filled with sediment after the
      Illinois Episode glaciers retreated from southern Illinois. To date those
      deposits, 14 mollusc samples newly collected with associated sediment from three
      depths at Hopwood Farm were dated by standard electron spin resonance (ESR)
      dating. ESR can date molluscs from ~0.5 ka to >2 Ma in age with 5-10% precision,
      by comparing the accumulated radiation dose with the total radiation dose rate
      from the mollusc and its environment. Because all molluscs contained <=0.6 ppm U,
      their ages do not depend on the assumed U uptake model. Using five different
      species, ESR analyses for 14 mollusc subsamples from Hopwood Farm showed that
      Unit 3, a layer rich in lacustrine molluscs, dates at 102 +/- 7 ka to 90 +/- 6
      ka, which correlates with Marine (Oxygen) Isotope Stage 5c-b. Thus, the period
      with the highest non-arboreal pollen at Hopwood also correlates with the European
      Brorup, Dansgaard-Oeschger Event DO 23, a time period when climates were cooling
      and drying somewhat over the same period.

PMID- 27683398
TI  - Pentraxin 3 as a Novel Marker in Cardiovascular Diseases?
AB  - Pentraxin 3 (also known as TNFAIP5, TSG-14) belongs to the superfamily of
      proteins characterized by cyclic multimeric structure. Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is
      synthesized locally at the inflammatory sites by endothelial and smooth muscle
      cells upon exposure to inflammatory signals such as IL-1beta, TNF-alpha or ox
      LDL, but not IL-6. Furthermore, PTX3 is highly expressed in vascular cells and
      myocardial cells in patients with cardiomyopathy. These data suggest that
      pentraxin 3 may be a useful biomarker for local vascular inflammation and
      cardiovascular system disorders. 

PMID- 27683399
TI  - Prevalence of Helicobacter Pylori in Different Surgical Diseases: A Preliminary
      Report.
AB  - The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori
      infection in different surgical diseases in patients with six different cancer
      types. We analyzed sixty consecutive patients with malignancy (gastric cancer,
      pancreatic cancer, hepatocellular cancer, intestinal cancer, colon cancer, rectal
      cancer). Detection of specific IgA and IgG antibodies to Helicobacter pylori in
      human serum was determined by Enzygnost Anti-Helicobacter pylori II/IgA (IgG)
      using ELISA processor (Siemens, Germany). This study confirmed statistically
      significant association between Helicobacter pylori seropositivity and all types
      of cancer included in the study. All patients had elevated levels of Helicobacter
      pylori IgA and IgG antibodies. Patients with examined cancer types that underwent
      abdominal surgery exibited a strong antibody reaction to Helicobacter pylori. 

PMID- 27683397
TI  - Nanoparticles: Is Toxicity a Concern?
AB  - Nanotechnology involving manipulation of atoms and molecules at the nanoscale is
      one of the frontier areas of research in modern science. During the last few
      years, nanotechnology has witnessed breakthroughs in the fields of medicine,
      environment, therapeutics, drug development and biotechnology. This is due to the
      unique properties of nanomaterials (e.g. chemical, mechanical, optical, magnetic,
      and biological) which make them desirable for commercial and medical
      applications. Considering the theory and practice of using nanoparticles,
      nanotechnology has a great potential in improving treatment of various disorders
      and in vitro diagnostics. However, there is not much information available on the
      toxicity of nanoparticles in relation to human health. Toxic effect of
      nanomaterials on humans is the primary concern of the health industry.
      Nanomaterials are able to cross biological membranes and access cells, tissues
      and organs that larger-sized particles normally cannot. Nanomaterials can gain
      access to the blood stream via inhalation or ingestion. This may lead to both
      genotoxicity and biochemical toxicity. In this review we try to show which types,
      sizes and concentrations of nanoparticles are safe for human use and this will
      help in developing diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic models using
      nanoparticles. 

PMID- 27683400
TI  - Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Within Normal Range Does Not Affect Bone Turnover in
      Euthyroid Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporotic Fracture - A Preliminary Report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pathogenic role of TSH suppression in the damaged bone tissue, in
      contrast to increased concentrations of thyroid hormones is still unknown. The
      aim of study was to evaluate the relationship between serum TSH and biochemical
      bone turnover markers in postmenopausal women with normal thyroid function and to
      answer whether the differences in TSH concentration within reference range may
      affect bone metabolism. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 34 women (60-93 years old) admitted
      to the hospital after osteoporotic fracture participated in the study. Serum
      propeptide of type 1 procollagen (P1NP) as a bone formation marker and
      crosslinked C-terminal telopeptides (CTX-I), as a bone resorption marker and TSH
      were assayed. RESULTS: Median P1NP (p=0,05) was significantly higher in the 1st
      tertile of TSH values (0,35-1,88 mlU/mL). In the 3rd tertile of TSH
      concentrations (3,42-4,94 mlU/mL), the highest CTX-I value was found that exceed
      the reference range for age. No differences were found in bone markers between a
      group of euthyroid and a group of subjects with TSH<0,35 mlU/mL. No relationship
      was observed between TSH and bone formation and resorption markers in the whole
      group of euthyroid postmenopausal women, however bone formation was found to be
      in the lower reference range for age in the euthyroid subjects as well as in
      these with decreased TSH. Weight and BMI correlated negatively with CTX (r=-0,68
      p<0,03) in fractured women in the 1st tertile of TSH. CONCLUSION: We found no
      consistent evidence that TSH concentrations within reference range was associated
      with changes in bone turnover markers.

PMID- 27683401
TI  - Significance of K(L/V)WX(I/L/V)P Epitope of the B2Gpi in Its (Patho)Physiologic
      Function.
AB  - beta2-glycoprotein I (beta2GPI) is a major autoantigen of autoimmune
      thrombophilia, known as the antiphospholipid syndrome. The exact mechanism
      underlying the beta2GPI's involvement in the disease is not fully elucidated, as
      it is not its physiological role. We used random phage peptide library to
      identify sequences binding to beta2GPI. Obtained K(L/V)WX(I/L/V)P motif,
      primarily designated as target unrelated, was confirmed as the selective binder
      of beta2GPI. Based on this motif we confirmed the previously suggested role of
      polar residues in beta2GPI interactions, and identified some already known and
      some new putative beta2GPI binding proteins. The latter can help to further
      elucidate beta2GPI's (patho)physiological role. 

PMID- 27683402
TI  - Severe Hyponatremia with Hypouricemia in a Patient with Medullary Hemorrhage: A
      Case Report.
AB  - Hyponatremia is the commonest electrolyte abnormality in hospitalized patients
      and occurs due to various causes. Here we present a case of SIADH who was
      diagnosed using commonly available biochemical tests. This case report also
      discusses the interaction of the laboratory physician with the treating clinician
      and the approach needed to arrive at a correct diagnosis. It highlights the
      importance of serum uric acid and fractional excretion of urinary uric acid in
      the diagnosis of SIADH. It also discusses the approach needed to distinguish
      SIADH from Cerebral Salt wasting syndrome, where the presenting feature is also
      hyponatremia. 

PMID- 27683403
TI  - Reference Intervals of Common Clinical Chemistry Analytes for Adults in Hong
      Kong.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Defining reference intervals is a major challenge because of the
      difficulty in recruiting volunteers to participate and testing samples from a
      significant number of healthy reference individuals. Historical literature
      citation intervals are often suboptimal because they're be based on obsolete
      methods and/or only a small number of poorly defined reference samples. METHODS:
      Blood donors in Hong Kong gave permission for additional blood to be collected
      for reference interval testing. The samples were tested for twenty-five routine
      analytes on the Abbott ARCHITECT clinical chemistry system. Results were analyzed
      using the Rhoads EP evaluator software program, which is based on the CLSI/IFCC
      C28-A guideline, and defines the reference interval as the 95% central range.
      RESULTS: Method specific reference intervals were established for twenty-five
      common clinical chemistry analytes for a Chinese ethnic population. The intervals
      were defined for each gender separately and for genders combined. Gender specific
      or combined gender intervals were adapted as appropriate for each analyte.
      CONCLUSION: A large number of healthy, apparently normal blood donors from a
      local ethnic population were tested to provide current reference intervals for a
      new clinical chemistry system. Intervals were determined following an accepted
      international guideline. Laboratories using the same or similar methodologies may
      adapt these intervals if deemed validated and deemed suitable for their patient
      population. Laboratories using different methodologies may be able to
      successfully adapt the intervals for their facilities using the reference
      interval transference technique based on a method comparison study.

PMID- 27683404
TI  - The Effect Size: Beyond Statistical Significance.

PMID- 27683405
TI  - Intracoronary nitrite suppresses the inflammatory response following primary
      percutaneous coronary intervention.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Recent work suggests that intracoronary nitrite reduces myocardial
      infarct size following primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) for
      acute myocardial infarction (AMI), although the exact mechanisms are unclear. We
      explored the effects of nitrite on reperfusion-induced inflammation, by assessing
      the levels of specific pro-inflammatory mediators, chemokines and adhesion
      molecules in plasma and circulating cell subtypes as exploratory end points in
      the NITRITE-AMI cohort. METHODS: Peripheral blood leucocyte subsets, cell
      adhesion molecules, high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP), the monocyte
      and neutrophil chemoattractants CCL2 and CXCL1, CXCL5, respectively were measured
      in the blood of patients who received either intracoronary sodium nitrite (N=40)
      or placebo (N=40) during PPCI for AMI. Major adverse cardiac events were recorded
      at 3 years post-PPCI. RESULTS: In the placebo-treated patients, total circulating
      neutrophil numbers and levels of hs-CRP were raised postreperfusion and then
      decreased over time; in nitrite-treated patients these changes were suppressed
      compared with placebo up to 6 months post-PPCI (p<0.01). This effect was
      associated with reduced expression of neutrophil CD11b, plasma CXCL1, CXCL5 and
      CCL2 levels (p<0.05). There were no differences in the number of other any other
      leucocyte population measured (monocytes and lymphocytes) or activation markers
      expressed by these cells between the treatment groups. These effects were
      associated with a reduction in both microvascular obstruction and infarct size.
      CONCLUSIONS: Important reductions in neutrophil numbers and activation post-PPCI
      in patients with ST elevated myocardial infarction were associated with nitrite
      treatment, an effect we propose likely underlies, at least in part, the
      beneficial effects of nitrite upon infarct size. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER:
      NCT01584453.

PMID- 27683406
TI  - Impedance to retrograde and forward flow in chronic mitral regurgitation and the
      physiology of a double outlet ventricle.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Mitral regurgitation (MR) is generally characterised as exhibiting a
      'low impedance leak into the left atrium'. This notion is widely accepted without
      measured impedance data. The aim of this study was to define the impedance to
      retrograde and forward blood flow and to examine hydraulic (pressure-volume) and
      mechanical (stress-shortening) function in chronic severe MR. METHODS: A
      mathematical model of a double outlet ventricle was developed and the ratio of
      retrograde to forward impedance was plotted over a wide range of regurgitant
      fraction (RF). The model predicts that an impedance ratio >1 indicates that the
      impedance to retrograde flow exceeds that of forward flow. Left ventricular (LV)
      systolic pressure/flow rate was used as an index of impedance (mm Hg/mL/s). Data
      from 10 patients with severe MR were used to assess the clinical applicability of
      the model. All patients had degenerative valve disease with partial flail
      leaflet, an RF >50% and an ejection fraction (EF) >0.60. There were seven males
      and three females, aged 59+/-10. LV volumes as well as retrograde and forward
      flow rates were determined with echocardiographic and Doppler techniques.
      RESULTS: The model indicates that the impedance ratio is >1 when the RF ranges
      from zero to 57%. Clinical data: end-diastolic volume=184+/-47 mL; EF=0.63+/-3%;
      RF=53+/-4%. Values for retrograde and forward impedance were 0.77+/-0.17 and
      0.63+/-0.12 (p=0.003); the impedance ratio was 1.22+/-0.19. Total impedance to LV
      emptying was low (0.35+/-0.06). The ratio of systolic wall stress to EF (580+/-81
      g/cm2) was normal. Data are mean+/-SD. CONCLUSIONS: The model, supported by
      clinical data, indicates that the impedance to retrograde flow exceeds the
      impedance to forward flow in chronic severe MR. These findings refute the notion
      of a low impedance leak into the left atrium. The double outlet of an enlarged
      ventricle provides a mechanism for low total impedance to ejection in the
      presence of a normal stress-shortening relation.

PMID- 27683407
TI  - Estimating cancer risk from invasive cardiac procedures in children.

PMID- 27683408
TI  - Role of Social Media and the Internet in Education.
AB  - Since the advent of the Internet, and in particular the development of the
      interactive version of the web, Web 2.0, use of Social Media has developed into a
      major strategy for businesses and organizations such as the IFCC to use for the
      purposes of Public Relations and Education. The early Internet 'Web 1.0' was a
      largely static environment which did not allow interaction between organizations
      and their customers and/or members and as such was mainly used as an information
      repository rather than a dynamic environment for the exchange of ideas and active
      marketing and education. Since the development of Web 2.0 we have seen a massive
      increase in web based traffic which could be loosely called 'social networking'
      which initially was mainly networking between individuals but more recently has
      developed into a major marketing resource allowing networking between
      organizations and individuals on the web. It follows then that by developing a
      Social Media presence on platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and other
      social media sites organizations can use this networking for the purposes of
      marketing, public relations, and in the case of IFCC, education of members and
      other interested individuals across the globe. 

PMID- 27683409
TI  - Critical Appraisal of Microbiology Guidelines Endorsed by two Professional
      Organisations: Societe Francaise De Microbiologie (SFM) and American Society of
      Microbiology (ASM).
AB  - Medical practice guidelines (GLs) being tools that are mainly designed to
      evaluate medical professionals, it sounds logical, and fair, that professionals
      should in turn evaluate GLs. Microbiology being a medical discipline, we used the
      AGREE instrument, i.e. an established evaluation tool for GLs, in order to
      evaluate the quality of two major microbiology guidelines, i.e. the SFM GLs and
      the ASM GLs). Both guidelines remain sub-optimal in their levels of quality, and
      obtain scores that are not very different from the average scores obtained by
      many other guidelines in various medical disciplines. We therefore believe that
      both guidelines need to be modified before they can be recommended without
      provisos. A higher degree of multi-disciplinary work, including a more formal
      implication of methodologists, as well as of infectious disease clinicians, and
      of economists, might perhaps enable future editions of these guidelines to reach
      higher levels of quality. 

PMID- 27683410
TI  - Pitfalls in the Measurements and Assesment of Glomerular Filtration Rate and How
      to Escape them.

PMID- 27683412
TI  - Congenital Hyperferritinemia Diagnosed in A 2 Month Old-A Case Report from India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In clinical medicine, ferritin is predominantly utilized as a serum
      marker of total body iron stores. In cases of iron deficiency and overload, serum
      ferritin serves a critical role in both diagnosis and management. Elevated serum
      and tissue ferritin are linked to coronary artery disease, malignancy, and poor
      outcomes following stem cell transplantation. Ferritin is directly implicated in
      less common but potentially devastating human diseases including sideroblastic
      anemias, neurodegenerative disorders, and hemophagocytic syndrome. METHOD: We
      report a case of congenital hyperferritinemia with serum iron within reference
      range, along with bronchopneumonia, acyanotic congenital heart disease, anemia,
      hypocalcaemia and dysmorphism in a 2 month old baby. Symptomatic treatment was
      given. RESULT: The baby was discharged after 7 days. In a stable condition and
      having gained some weight.He was diagnosed as a case of congenital
      hyperferritinemia as C reactive protein levels normalized but ferritin levels
      remained high and A37C mutation within the iron-responsive element of L-ferritin
      was detected. He was born to consanguineous parents, there was history of
      cataract in the family and his mother also had high serum ferritin levels.
      CONCLUSION: This case is an example of the detection of a rare genetic disorder
      in a child admitted with apparently innocuous symptoms of fever and inflammation.
      Our case underlines the importance of monitoring ferritin levels, along with
      other signs of inflammation in order to differentiate congenital
      hyperferritinemia from inflammatory cause.

PMID- 27683411
TI  - Potential Markers in Cardiac Hypertrophy?
AB  - Cardiomyopathies are diagnosed based on medical history of patient (symptoms and
      family history), physical examination, results of echocardiogram and in some
      situations additionally ECG or chest-X-ray results. Currently used non-invasive
      diagnostic methods, could be complemented by biochemical tests. In this review
      some emerging potential biomarkers such as: osteopontin, ST-2 receptor,
      osteoprotegerin, neopterin, urocortins, growth differentiation factor 15 and
      urotensin II are described. In current article human and non human investigations
      have been reviewed, since rat is most commonly used model in experimental
      cardiology and gives important foundations to clinical knowledge. 

PMID- 27683413
TI  - The Laboratory's Role in Opioid Pain Medication Monitoring.
AB  - Opioid analgesics are the most potent pain medications therefore they are often
      used for the treatment of chronic malignant and non-malignant pain. Their strong
      addictive potential requires close monitoring of patients on opioid therapy for
      possible non-compliance with prescriptions, for drug diversion, and for proof of
      avoidance of non-prescribed or illicit opioids. Monitoring can be performed by
      urine drug screens or qualitative or quantitative drug confirmation assays.
      Natural, semi-synthetic and synthetic opioids have dissimilar chemical structures
      and they undergo extensive metabolism. Phase one metabolic reactions of opioids
      can produce other opioids with similar structures to other, non-prescribed
      medications. Only detailed and concurrent analysis of parent drugs and
      metabolites can provide accurate clinical information regarding patient
      compliance. Traditional immunoassays, often used for urine drug screening, react
      with only a small number of opioids or only with a single medication and they
      exhibit variable cross reactivity with their phase two metabolites. Additionally
      the limit of detection of these immunoassays may not be sufficient for medical
      purposes, therefore clinical interpretation of immunoassay test results can be
      challenging. Recently liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry (LCMSMS) based
      assays have been adapted by many clinical laboratories. These LCMSMS tests can
      provide information about the presence of several opioids and their metabolites
      in a single sample at clinically meaningful detection limits, allowing accurate
      assessment of patient compliance. This review article will investigate in details
      the various opioids, their metabolism and the challenges the testing laboratories
      and ordering clinicians face. 

PMID- 27683414
TI  - The EMT transcription factor Zeb2 controls adult murine hematopoietic
      differentiation by regulating cytokine signaling.
AB  - Epithelial-to-mesenchymal-transition (EMT) is critical for normal embryogenesis
      and effective postnatal wound healing, but is also associated with cancer
      metastasis. SNAIL, ZEB, and TWIST families of transcription factors are key
      modulators of the EMT process, but their precise roles in adult hematopoietic
      development and homeostasis remain unclear. Here we report that genetic
      inactivation of Zeb2 results in increased frequency of stem and progenitor
      subpopulations within the bone marrow (BM) and spleen and that these changes
      accompany differentiation defects in multiple hematopoietic cell lineages. We
      found no evidence that Zeb2 is critical for hematopoietic stem cell self-renewal
      capacity. However, knocking out Zeb2 in the BM promoted a phenotype with several
      features that resemble human myeloproliferative disorders, such as BM fibrosis,
      splenomegaly, and extramedullary hematopoiesis. Global gene expression and
      intracellular signal transduction analysis revealed perturbations in specific
      cytokine and cytokine receptor-related signaling pathways following Zeb2 loss,
      especially the JAK-STAT and extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathways.
      Moreover, we detected some previously unknown mutations within the human Zeb2
      gene (ZFX1B locus) from patients with myeloid disease. Collectively, our results
      demonstrate that Zeb2 controls adult hematopoietic differentiation and lineage
      fidelity through widespread modulation of dominant signaling pathways that may
      contribute to blood disorders.

PMID- 27683417
TI  - Microfluidic Chips for Semen Analysis.
AB  - The gold standard of semen analysis is still an manual method, which is time
      consuming, labour intensive and needs thorough quality control. Microfluidics can
      also offer advantages for this application. Therefore a first step in the
      development of a microfluidic chip has been made, which enables the man the semen
      analysis at home. In this article recent efforts to determine the concentration
      and motility using a microfluidic chip are summarized. 

PMID- 27683415
TI  - C1q and HMGB1 reciprocally regulate human macrophage polarization.
AB  - A healthy immune system results from a balance of stimulatory and inhibitory
      pathways that allow effective responses to acute insults, without descending into
      chronic inflammation. Failed homeostasis is characteristic of autoimmune diseases
      such as systemic lupus erythematosus. Although HMGB1 induces proinflammatory M1
      like macrophage differentiation, we describe a mechanism by which C1q modulates
      this activity and collaborates with HMGB1 to induce the differentiation of
      monocytes to anti-inflammatory M2-like macrophages. These anti-inflammatory
      macrophages are unresponsive to dendritic cell induction factors, effectively
      removing them from participation in an adaptive immune response. This pathway is
      mediated through a complex with RAGE and LAIR-1 and depends on relative levels of
      C1q and HMGB1. Importantly, these data provide insight into a homeostatic
      mechanism in which C1q and HMGB1 can cooperate to terminate inflammation, and
      which may be impaired in C1q-deficient patients with autoimmune disease.

PMID- 27683418
TI  - Miniaturization for Point-of-Care Analysis: Platform Technology for Almost Every
      Biomedical Assay.
AB  - Platform technologies for the changing need of diagnostics are one of the main
      challenges in medical device technology. From one point-of-view the demand for
      new and more versatile diagnostic is increasing due to a deeper knowledge of
      biomarkers and their combination with diseases. From another point-of-view a
      decentralization of diagnostics will occur since decisions can be made faster
      resulting in higher success of therapy. Hence, new types of technologies have to
      be established which enables a multiparameter analysis at the point-of-care.
      Within this review-like article a system called Fraunhofer ivD-platform is
      introduced. It consists of a credit-card sized cartridge with integrated
      reagents, sensors and pumps and a read-out/processing unit. Within the cartridge
      the assay runs fully automated within 15-20 minutes. Due to the open design of
      the platform different analyses such as antibody, serological or DNA-assays can
      be performed. Specific examples of these three different assay types are given to
      show the broad applicability of the system. 

PMID- 27683419
TI  - Recent Developments in Miniaturized PCR-Microchips, Microarrays and
      Microdroplets.
AB  - Microminiaturization of assays and lab-on-a-chip devices hold considerable
      promise for the future of analysis, especially in point-of-care testing. This
      article focuses on developments that have occurred during the last five years in
      the specific area of microchip PCR and miniaturized PCR in arrays of reaction
      vessels and droplets. Although, this area continues to be an active focus of
      research and development and the variety and ingenuity of microchip PCR and
      integrated microchip PCR devices continue to increase, commercialization lags
      behind the progress being made in digital PCR and arrays for real-time PCR. 

PMID- 27683416
TI  - Prolyl-4-hydroxylase 2 and 3 coregulate murine erythropoietin in brain pericytes.
AB  - A classic response to systemic hypoxia is the increased production of red blood
      cells due to hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-mediated induction of erythropoietin
      (EPO). EPO is a glycoprotein hormone that is essential for normal erythropoiesis
      and is predominantly synthesized by peritubular renal interstitial fibroblast
      like cells, which express cellular markers characteristic of neuronal cells and
      pericytes. To investigate whether the ability to synthesize EPO is a general
      functional feature of pericytes, we used conditional gene targeting to examine
      the von Hippel-Lindau/prolyl-4-hydroxylase domain (PHD)/HIF axis in cell
      expressing neural glial antigen 2, a known molecular marker of pericytes in
      multiple organs. We found that pericytes in the brain synthesized EPO in mice
      with genetic HIF activation and were capable of responding to systemic hypoxia
      with the induction of Epo. Using high-resolution multiplex in situ hybridization,
      we determined that brain pericytes represent an important cellular source of Epo
      in the hypoxic brain (up to 70% of all Epo-expressing cells). We furthermore
      determined that Epo transcription in brain pericytes was HIF-2 dependent and
      cocontrolled by PHD2 and PHD3, oxygen- and 2-oxoglutarate-dependent prolyl-4
      hydroxylases that regulate HIF activity. In summary, our studies provide
      experimental evidence that pericytes in the brain have the ability to function as
      oxygen sensors and respond to hypoxia with EPO synthesis. Our findings
      furthermore suggest that the ability to synthesize EPO may represent a functional
      feature of pericytes in the brain and kidney.

PMID- 27683420
TI  - Future Prospects in Breast Cancer Research - Cancer Stem Cells.
AB  - Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women. Although
      significant advances in the prevention, diagnosis and management are made, still
      every year half a million women die of breast cancer. Personalised treatment has
      the potential to increase treatment efficacy, and hence decrease mortality rates.
      Moreover, understanding cancer biology and translating this knowledge to the
      clinic, will improve the breast cancer therapy regime tremendously. Recently, it
      has been proposed that cancer stem cells (CSC) play an important role in tumour
      biology. CSC have the ability for self-renewal and are pivotal in setting the
      heterogeneous character of a tumour. Additionally, CSC possess several
      characteristics that make them resistant and more aggressive to the conventional
      chemo- and radiotherapy. Nowadays, breast cancer therapy is focused on killing
      the differentiated tumour cells, leaving the CSC unharmed, potentially causing
      recurrence of the disease and metastasis. Specific targeting of the CSC will
      improve the disease-free survival of breast cancer patients. In this article, two
      methods are described, aiming at specifically attacking the differentiated tumour
      cells ('Apoptosis chip') and the cancer stem cell. For this, microfluidics is
      used. 

PMID- 27683422
TI  - Biomarkers Beyond the Natriuretic Peptides for Chronic Heart Failure: Galectin-3
      and Soluble ST2.
AB  - B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and NT-proBNP are widely used plasma biomarkers
      for the diagnosis of acute decompensated heart failure and prognosis for future
      cardiac disease. The clinical performance of these tests for management of
      chronic heart failure is somewhat limited by the markers' high biological
      variation. Biomarkers such as galectin-3 and soluble ST2 that reflect ongoing
      remodeling via cardiac fibrosis of the heart may provide complementary
      information to the natriuretic peptides in the management of chronic heart
      failure with regards to risk stratification for future adverse cardiac events
      (death, myocardial infarction, and need for heart transplantation). However,
      implementation of these biomarkers into routine clinical practice requires
      documentation that these tests will enable therapeutic decisions that can be made
      to improve clinical outcomes, and the availability of commercial assays. This
      report will discuss the need for novel heart failure biomarkers, ideal
      characteristics of assays, and review and compare the clinical performance of
      assays for galectin-3 and sST2 for chronic heart failure disease management. 

PMID- 27683421
TI  - Metastasis and Circulating Tumor Cells.
AB  - Cancer is a prominent cause of death worldwide. In most cases, it is not the
      primary tumor which causes death, but the metastases. Metastatic tumors are
      spread over the entire human body and are more difficult to remove or treat than
      the primary tumor. In a patient with metastatic disease, circulating tumor cells
      (CTCs) can be found in venous blood. These circulating tumor cells are part of
      the metastatic cascade. Clinical studies have shown that these cells can be used
      to predict treatment response and their presence is strongly associated with poor
      survival prospects. Enumeration and characterization of CTCs is important as this
      can help clinicians make more informed decisions when choosing or evaluating
      treatment. CTC counts are being included in an increasing number of studies and
      thus are becoming a bigger part of disease diagnosis and therapy management. We
      present an overview of the most prominent CTC enumeration and characterization
      methods and discuss the assumptions made about the CTC phenotype. Extensive CTC
      characterization of for example the DNA, RNA and antigen expression may lead to
      more understanding of the metastatic process. 

PMID- 27683423
TI  - A Complement for the WHO Laboratory Manual for the Examination and Processing of
      Human Semen (First Edition, 2010).

PMID- 27683424
TI  - Risk Factors for Graft Loss in Pediatric Renal Transplant Recipients After
      Transfer of Care.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Improvements in transplantation have increased the survival of
      children after kidney transplantation. These patients have complex needs, and the
      current medical system is not prepared to effectively transfer the care of these
      individuals from pediatric to adult health-care systems. Too often, transfer
      occurs during moments of crisis and is associated with poor outcomes. OBJECTIVE:
      The aim of this study was to use a national database, the Scientific Registry of
      Transplant Recipients, to test the hypothesis that the increased risk of graft
      loss after transfer of care (from pediatric to adult services) for young adult
      kidney transplant recipients over a 2- to 3-year posttransfer follow-up period
      was related to these posttransfer risk factors (medication noncompliance, acute
      rejection, insurance status). DESIGN: A retrospective, longitudinal,
      correlational design using secondary data was used to evaluate the transfer of
      care of 250 kidney transplant recipients (ages 16-25). RESULTS: Seventy-seven
      (30.8%) individuals lost their graft within 3 years after transfer of care.
      Medication noncompliance, acute rejection, and serum creatinine >2.0 mg/dL at
      transfer were significant predictors of graft loss after accounting for multiple
      other factors. CONCLUSION: These individuals are at risk for graft loss after
      transfer of care and may benefit from increased personalized care during this
      risky period.

PMID- 27683426
TI  - Flow Cytometry in the Diagnosis of Myelodysplastic Syndromes.
AB  - Myelodysplastic syndromes are clonal hematopoietic stem cell disorders. Their
      exact etiology is unknown. Myelodysplastic syndromes cause progressive bone
      marrow failure resulting in pancytopenia and refractory, transfusion-dependent
      anemia. One can observe typical morphological alterations in the erythroid,
      myeloid and/or megakaryocytic cell lineage. Blast counts may also be increased.
      The pathologic cells are genetically unstable, and a myelodysplastic syndrome
      might transform into acute myeloid leukemia. The overall survival of these
      diseases range between few months to around ten years. Correct diagnosis and
      accurate prognostic classification is essential. In the past decades several
      scoring systems were established beginning with the French-American-British
      classification to the most recent Revised International Prognostic Scoring
      System. In all of these classifications bone marrow morphology is still the most
      important factor, though nowadays the genetic aberrations and flow cytometry
      findings are also included. The diagnosis and prognostic classification of
      myelodysplastic syndromes remain a great challenge for hematologists. 

PMID- 27683425
TI  - Brain activation for spontaneous and explicit false belief tasks overlaps: new
      fMRI evidence on belief processing and violation of expectation.
AB  - There is extensive discussion on whether spontaneous and explicit forms of ToM
      are based on the same cognitive/neural mechanisms or rather reflect qualitatively
      different processes. For the first time, we analyzed the BOLD signal for false
      belief processing by directly comparing spontaneous and explicit ToM task
      versions. In both versions, participants watched videos of a scene including an
      agent who acquires a true or false belief about the location of an object (belief
      formation phase). At the end of the movies (outcome phase), participants had to
      react to the presence of the object. During the belief formation phase, greater
      activity was found for false vs true belief trials in the right posterior
      parietal cortex. The ROI analysis of the right temporo-parietal junction (TPJ),
      confirmed this observation. Moreover, the anterior medial prefrontal cortex
      (aMPFC) was active during the outcome phase, being sensitive to violation of both
      the participant's and agent's expectations about the location of the object.
      Activity in the TPJ and aMPFC was not modulated by the spontaneous/explicit task.
      Overall, these data show that neural mechanisms for spontaneous and explicit ToM
      overlap. Interestingly, a dissociation between TPJ and aMPFC for belief tracking
      and outcome evaluation, respectively, was also found.

PMID- 27683427
TI  - Prediction of Therapy Response and Prognosis in Leukemias by Flow Cytometric MDR
      Assays.
AB  - Multidrug resistance (MDR) is an unwanted phenomenon, that may cause therapy
      failure in several neoplasms including hematological malignancies. The purpose of
      any type of laboratory MDR assay is to reliably identify such patients and to
      provide useful data to clinicians with a relatively short turnaround time. MDR
      can be multicausal and several previous data identified a group of transmembrane
      proteins - the ATP-binding casette (ABC) proteins - that may be involved in MDR
      in various hematological malignancies. The prototype of these proteins is the P
      glycoprotein (Pgp, MDR1, ABCB1) that is a seven-membrane spanning transmembrane
      protein capable of extruding several cytotoxic drugs that are of key importance
      in the treatment of hematological disorders. Similarly other ABC proteins -
      Multidrug resistance associated protein 1 (ABCC1) and breast cancer resistance
      protein (ABCG2) are both capable of pumping out cytotoxic drugs. Here, we present
      flow cytometric methods to identify MDR proteins by antigen and activity assays.
      The advantage of flow technology is the short turnaround time and its relative
      easiness compared to nucleic acid based technologies. However, for the activity
      assays, it should be noted, that these functional tests require live cells, thus
      adequate results can only be provided if the specimen transport can be completed
      within 6 hours of sample collection. Identification of MDR proteins provides
      prognostic information and may modulate therapy, thus signifies a clinically
      useful information in the evaluation of patients with leukemias. 

PMID- 27683428
TI  - Flow Cytometric Investigation of Classical and Alternative Platelet Activation
      Markers.
AB  - Platelets show a substantial role in the maintenance of vascular integrity when
      these cells after a rapid activation adhere to the vessel wall lesion, aggregate
      with other platelets and leukocytes resulting in an arterial thrombosis. Analysis
      of in vivo platelet activation at an early time point is crucial in the detection
      of developing thrombotic events. In addition, the forecast of future
      complications as well as the evaluation of the efficacy of anti- platelet
      medication are also essential in a large group of patients. Changes in the levels
      of platelet receptors or alteration in other surface properties due to intra- and
      extracellular responses to a stimulus can be measurable primarily by flow
      cytometry with specific antibodies via the assessment of classical and
      alternative platelet activation markers. Some of these biomarkers have been
      already used in routine laboratory settings in many cases, while others still
      stand in the phase of research applications. Deficiency in platelet receptors is
      also accessible with this technique for the diagnosis of certain bleeding
      disorders. We here describe the most important types of platelet activation
      markers, and give an overview how the levels of these markers are altered in
      different diseases. 

PMID- 27683429
TI  - Measurement of Soluble Biomarkers by Flow Cytometry.
AB  - Microparticle based flow cytometric assays for determination of the level of
      soluble biomarkers are widely used in several research applications and in some
      diagnostic setups. The major advantages of these multiplex systems are that they
      can measure a large number of analytes (up to 500) at the same time reducing
      assay time, costs and sample volume. Most of these assays are based on antigen
      antibody interactions and work as traditional immunoassays, but nucleic acid
      alterations - by using special hybridization probes -, enzyme- substrate or
      receptor-ligand interactions can be also studied with them. The applied beads are
      nowadays provided by the manufacturers, but cheaper biological microbeads can be
      prepared by any user. One part of the systems can be used on any research or
      clinical cytometers, but some companies provide dedicated analyzers for their
      multiplex bead arrays. Due to the high standardization of the bead production and
      the preparation of the assay components the analytical properties of these assays
      are quite reliable with a wide range of available applications. Cytokines,
      intracellular fusion proteins, activated/phosphorylated components of different
      signaling pathways, transcription factors and nuclear receptors can be identified
      and quantitated. The assays may serve the diagnostics of autoimmune disorders,
      different viral and bacterial infections, as well as genetic alterations such as
      single nucleotide polymorphisms, small deletions/insertions or even nucleotide
      triplet expansions can be also identified. The most important principles,
      technical details and applications of these systems are discussed in this short
      review. 

PMID- 27683430
TI  - Calcium Influx Characteristics During T Lymphocyte Activation Measured with Flow
      Cytometry.
AB  - T lymphocytes are of paramount importance in many intercellular reactions, such
      as the regulation of the inflammatory response and immune reactivity. Until the
      recent past, single-cell techniques were used for the investigation of calcium
      influx during T lymphocyte activation. Therefore, over the recent years we have
      created a novel approach that allows simultaneous recording of calcium influx in
      several lymphocyte subsets using flow cytometry. Our research group developed a
      robust algorithm (FacsKin) for the evaluation of the acquired data that fits
      functions to median values of the fluorescent marker of interest and calculates
      relevant parameters describing each function. Over the recent years, we have
      investigated calcium influx characteristics applying this method in a number of
      autoimmune disorders and under different physiological conditions (such as the
      neonatal period and pregnancy). In this review, we aim to give a brief summary of
      our findings and of the common characteristics of calcium influx in the
      investigated disorders, namely: multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis
      (RA), type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and
      preeclampsia (PE). Based on our results, a number of dominant features were
      identified that were present in most of the investigated autoimmune diseases. 

PMID- 27683431
TI  - Advances in Oral Coagulants.
AB  - This article reviews current and future treatment practices concerning oral
      anticoagulants. In the second decade of the 21st millennium clinicians can
      finally treat thrombotic disease with long-awaited new oral anticoagulant
      medications. In addition, improvements have been made in managing warfarin, the
      traditional but far from obsolete medication. The first part of this review will
      cover current advances with warfarin treatment. The second portion will discuss
      specific active coagulation factor inhibitors, the new oral anticoagulants. 

PMID- 27683432
TI  - Education & Training in Laboratory Medicine in the United States.

PMID- 27683433
TI  - A Review of Bachelor's Degree Medical Laboratory Scientist Education and Entry
      Level Practice in the United States.
AB  - The baccalaureate degree is generally the degree that provides the laboratory
      professional with the greatest level of general scientific background, training,
      job flexibility, and advancement opportunities. It is widely considered the
      requirement for entry-level work in the field of medical laboratory science,
      especially for those that covet work in management or specialty areas. This paper
      focuses on the educational models and levels of practice for MLS professionals
      including the entry level competencies of new professionals at the baccalaureate
      level. The accreditation of MLS programs and professional certification serve as
      important quality management systems to ensure program quality and professional
      competency prior to the start of entry level work. 

PMID- 27683434
TI  - Post-Baccalaureate Laboratory Specialist Certifications and Master's Degrees in
      Laboratory Medicine.
AB  - Opportunities to advance one's knowledge and position are available within the
      clinical laboratory arena. By obtaining a specialist credential in chemistry,
      hematology or microbiology, a laboratorian has demonstrated advance knowledge and
      ability in their respective discipline. These specialist certifications open
      doors within and outside the laboratory profession and may lead to promotion. The
      specialist in blood banking credential is unique in that accredited training
      programs are available, some of which are affiliated with universities and
      graduate credit is granted for program completion. Other avenues available
      include pathologist assistants programs, diplomats in laboratory management and
      Master of Science degrees in clinical laboratory science. There are a number of
      choices available to achieve your professional goal. 

PMID- 27683435
TI  - Postdoctoral Professional Fellowships in Laboratory Medicine.
AB  - Doctoral level scientists often pursue a traditional academic route, focusing
      their efforts on research and education. However, additional options exist for
      those that are interested in using their laboratory and research skills in a
      clinical setting. Clinical laboratory directors serve as the interface between
      the clinical laboratory and the users of laboratory test results. This article
      describes these career paths options for PhD scientists. Clinical laboratory
      directors are primarily trained via one of two routes: physicians that have been
      trained in clinical pathology or non-physician doctoral scientists that have
      completed professional fellowship training. This article will focus on the latter
      of these 2 routes. In the United States, completing a postdoctoral fellowship in
      laboratory-specific professional fields qualifies non-physician doctoral
      scientists as laboratory directors and consultants. Their expert consultation
      provides invaluable insight into testing procedures such as possible sources of
      interference or inaccurate test results, preferred testing for specific clinical
      situations, and confirmatory methods. They must also be knowledgeable about
      current instrumentation, assay limitations, and the newest available
      technologies. One of the older and more developed professional fellowships in the
      United States, clinical chemistry, encompasses many laboratory disciplines and
      will be highlighted in detail. Training information specific to clinical
      immunology, clinical microbiology, and clinical genetics is also discussed. 

PMID- 27683436
TI  - An Overview of United States Physician Training, Certification, and Career
      Pathways in Clinical Pathology (Laboratory Medicine).
AB  - Clinical Pathology (CP) - also known as Laboratory Medicine - is a rewarding and
      yet under-recognized career option for United States (U.S.) and international
      medical school graduates. The present article outlines the training pathway
      toward becoming a clinical pathologist in the U.S, including undergraduate,
      graduate, and post-graduate phases of training. As the current state of CP
      residency training in the U.S. is the result of decades of curriculum reform,
      that progression is briefly reviewed to provide context for the shift toward
      competency-based education during residency and beyond. Options for fellowship
      training in CP subspecialties, as well as the current emphasis on Maintenance of
      Certification (MOC) and Maintenance of Licensure (MOL) are also discussed. This
      article concludes with a general overview of career pathways and options for
      those with CP training. 

PMID- 27683437
TI  - The Development of the Doctorate in Clinical Laboratory Science in the U.S.
AB  - In the United States, a new post-baccalaureate degree has been introduced in the
      medical laboratory sciences profession whose hallmark is advanced clinical
      practice beyond that of the entry level generalist. After more than a decade of
      exploring the most appropriate level of education and training in laboratory
      medicine to meet the demands of a changing health care system, the first
      Doctorate of Clinical Laboratory Science (DCLS) program is now offered. This
      article discusses the collaborative effort among professional organizations and
      stakeholders to develop the framework for the DCLS degree. In addition, the
      roles, responsibilities and justification for need of the DCLS are presented
      along with accreditation standards for DCLS programs and future challenges for
      this new member of the health care delivery team. 

PMID- 27683438
TI  - Cell Culture Models and Pharmacological Perspective for the Study of Breast
      Cancer Markers.
AB  - Among the most prevalent neoplasias, breast cancer shows an astonishing tendency.
      Unfortunately this cancer has a high mortality worldwide, requiring sustained
      management of all actors involved in public health in order to get an early
      diagnosis and treatment. The methods associated with conventional cytogenetics
      and molecular cell culture, besides early detection of gene expression patterns
      associated with cancer susceptibility, have contributed to identify inherited
      genes and metabolic disorders related to obesity, which are also involved in
      breast cancer. In any case, a broad study of the above mentioned factors can give
      a predictive value to support the design of public health models to determine
      cancer risk in order to decrease the mortality from this disease. (1) Cell
      cultures offers a wide range of scientific approach for the study of breast
      cancer, including the analysis of biological function of several compounds in
      search of increasingly effective treatments with fewer side effects against this
      malignancy. (2). 

PMID- 27683439
TI  - Establishment of Biological Reference Intervals and Reference Curve for Urea by
      Exploratory Parametric and Non-Parametric Quantile Regression Models.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The validity of the entire renal function tests as a diagnostic tool
      depends substantially on the Biological Reference Interval (BRI) of urea.
      Establishment of BRI of urea is difficult partly because exclusion criteria for
      selection of reference data are quite rigid and partly due to the
      compartmentalization considerations regarding age and sex of the reference
      individuals. Moreover, construction of Biological Reference Curve (BRC) of urea
      is imperative to highlight the partitioning requirements. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      This a priori study examines the data collected by measuring serum urea of 3202
      age and sex matched individuals, aged between 1 and 80 years, by a kinetic UV
      Urease/GLDH method on a Roche Cobas 6000 auto-analyzer. RESULTS: Mann-Whitney U
      test of the reference data confirmed the partitioning requirement by both age and
      sex. Further statistical analysis revealed the incompatibility of the data for a
      proposed parametric model. Hence the data was non-parametrically analysed. BRI
      was found to be identical for both sexes till the 2(nd) decade, and the BRI for
      males increased progressively 6(th) decade onwards. Four non-parametric models
      were postulated for construction of BRC: Gaussian kernel, double kernel, local
      mean and local constant, of which the last one generated the best-fitting curves.
      CONCLUSION: Clinical decision making should become easier and diagnostic
      implications of renal function tests should become more meaningful if this BRI is
      followed and the BRC is used as a desktop tool in conjunction with similar data
      for serum creatinine.

PMID- 27683440
TI  - Cystatin C in Acute Coronary Syndrome.
AB  - Cystatin C has been regarded as a novel sensitive marker for the assessment of
      renal function, and the role of cystatin C as a predictor of cardiovascular
      events in patients with impaired renal function has been confirmed in clinical
      studies. In this study we assessed the association between cystatin C and
      Coronary artery disease [CAD] in a consecutive series of patients with normal
      kidney function in order to avoid the well-known effect of overt renal
      insufficiency on coronary atherosclerosis, and evaluate whether cystatin C has an
      ability to identify individuals at a higher risk for CAD among patients belonging
      to a low-risk category according to estimated glomerular filtration rate .The
      current study and review of literature demonstrated that serum levels of cystatin
      C, were independently associated with the development of CAD. 

PMID- 27683442
TI  - Pharmacogenomics and Theranostics in Practice: A summary of the Euromedlab-ESPT
      (The European Society of Pharmacogenomics and Theranostics) satellite symposium,
      May 2013.

PMID- 27683441
TI  - NT-proBNP: A Guide to Improve the Management of Patients with Heart Failure.
AB  - N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a versatile
      biomarker, that has been extensively studied in large cohorts of individuals in
      the general population, in subjects at risk for developing left ventricular
      dysfunction and cardiovascular events, and in patients with chronic or acutely
      decompensated heart failure (HF). In this paper, the pros and cons of using
      natriuretic peptide testing to manage patients with HF are presented and
      discussed over 3 broad areas: (1) dyspnea triage in the emergency room, (2)
      natriuretic peptide-guided treatment of chronic HF, and (3) management of
      patients with HF in primary care and nursing homes. 

PMID- 27683443
TI  - Platelet Function Testing-Guided Antiplatelet Therapy.
AB  - Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the Western world.
      Several factors have led to the increase in vascular disorders, including the
      aging population, unhealthy lifestyles, increasing rates of diabetes and raised
      lipids, and further risk factors resulting in inflammation and calcification of
      the vascular endothelium. Activated platelets in damaged blood vessels can
      trigger arterial thrombus formation, leading to vascular occlusion with
      subsequent organ hypoperfusion and clinical manifestation of myocardial
      infarction, stroke, or peripheral artery disease. Platelet inhibitors such as
      aspirin and clopidogrel (Plavix((r)) and generics) are prescribed as primary or
      secondary prevention to attenuate chronic platelet activation. However, a
      significant proportion of patients do not respond adequately to uniform
      antiplatelet treatment. These 'non-responders' have an increased risk for stent
      thrombosis, stroke, and other ischemic complications. Platelet function (PF)
      tests can identify these patients thus enabling physicians to offer personalized
      and alternative treatment strategies. Recent alternatives to clopidogrel include
      prasugrel (Efient((r))) and ticagrelor (Brilique((r))) - that are both more
      potent than clopidogrel but also more expensive and associated with a higher risk
      of bleeding complications. Given these drawbacks, PF testing might help
      clinicians to prescribe optimal antiplatelet agent to maximize patient safety and
      efficacy while minimizing costs. While randomized studies using different test
      systems have left clinicians puzzled about the medical value of tailored
      antiplatelet therapy, accumulated evidence from recent studies on tailored
      antiplatelet therapies and the association with improved outcomes have now
      resulted in a consensus expert opinion for the specific adoption of PF
      diagnostics into clinical practice. 

PMID- 27683444
TI  - Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers for Alzheimer's Disease: Emergence of the Solution
      to an Important Unmet Need.
AB  - Alzheimer's Disease (AD) represents an increasing problem as the overall
      population ages. The identification of reliable biomarkers of AD has, therefore,
      become increasingly important. This is not only for risk prediction and diagnosis
      in order to provide appropriate care, but also to identify those patients at high
      risk of AD development who may be eligible for inclusion in clinical trials of
      novel therapies. Treatment in the early stages of the disease are urgently
      needed, as these are expected to yield the greatest benefits. The cerebrospinal
      fluid biomarkers amyloid beta (1-42), hyperphosphorylated Tau and total Tau have
      been most extensively evaluated. Their combination has been shown to be valuable
      in identifying AD patients, including those who will progress to AD among a wider
      group of subjects with only subjective memory complaints or in very early disease
      stages. While commercially available diagnostic tests for these biomarkers are
      available, implementation in clinical practice is associated with a number of
      problems, such as absorption of amyloid beta (1-42) to laboratory tubes, a high
      degree of batch-to-batch variation with the current test, and the lack of
      certified reference material. Therefore, there is a need for increased automation
      and implementation on routine diagnostic platforms in order to support the cost
      effective and reliable introduction of the tests on a wider scale. As the use of
      these biomarkers in research and in clinical practice continues to expand,
      extensive standardisation efforts are being put in place to address the
      challenges associated with the use of these biomarkers. Together with the
      development of additional biomarkers for early and differential diagnosis, this
      casts good foresight to serve the needs of an increasing patient population. 

PMID- 27683445
TI  - Clinical Application of Pharmacogenetics: Where are We Now?
AB  - Pharmacogenetic (PGx) testing has the potential to improve drug therapy in an
      individual by informing appropriate drug dosing or drug selection in order to
      maximize efficacy and safety. Although multiple studies have illustrated the
      potential benefits of such testing when applied to specific drugs across a broad
      range of therapy areas, the uptake of PGx testing in routine clinical practice
      has been relatively limited. Implementation appears to be hampered by the absence
      of sufficiently strong evidence linking the results of testing with actionable
      benefits in terms of clinical outcomes. Meanwhile, there are now adequate data to
      allow dosing recommendations as have been developed by bodies including the Dutch
      Pharmacogenetics Working Group (DPWG) and the Clinical Pharmacogenetics
      Implementation Consortium (CPIC) in several settings, including TPMT/thiopurines,
      CYP2C19/clopidogrel, CYP2D6/codeine, VKORC1-CYP2C9/warfarin, HLA-B*5701/abacavir,
      SLCO1B1/simvastatin and HLAB*5801/allopurinol. The International Federation of
      Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) and the International
      Association of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring and Clinical Toxicology (IATDMCT) have
      also recently initiated surveys in order to better understand the extent of, and
      the role played by, PGx testing in clinical practice. This should help identify
      where further training and education may be beneficial. To this end, in
      collaboration with ESPT, the IFCC Pharmacogenetic Laboratory Network has now been
      formed, with the aim of improving the uptake and quality of PGx testing. 

PMID- 27683447
TI  - Between-Subject Variation of the Within-Subject Biological Variation.

PMID- 27683446
TI  - The Advance of Personalized and Stratified Therapies in Bronchial Asthma:
      Phenotypes - Endotypes - Biomarkers.
AB  - Bronchial asthma (BA) is a chronic inflammatory condition with increasing
      incidence and prevalence worldwide. BA is currently the most prevalent chronic
      disease in pediatric patients. The majority of BA patients are therapeutically
      well controlled with guideline based anti-inflammatory therapies; however, there
      is also a clinically recognized proportion of patients who do not benefit from
      currently available medication for several reasons. This is the starting point
      for further investigation into the complexity of the inflammatory phenotype of
      BA. Recently, the heterogeneity in terms of cellular and molecular pathways
      underlying BA has been recognized and established. These different pathogenic
      mechanisms are defined as 'endotypes'. The best studied endotype so far is the
      association with T-helper type 2 (TH2) cell eosinophilic airway inflammation.
      Recently, a number of different therapeutic strategies have been clinically
      explored which target certain mediators of this pathway, including the
      interleukins IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13. It is now clear that patients with the TH2
      endotype largely benefit from novel biologicals in this area. However, the
      challenge for diagnostics is to identify patients exhibiting this endotype, and
      this is the starting point for the search for new biomarkers. One biomarker that
      has recently been selected based on differential gene expression analysis, and
      which seems to be strongly associated with the TH2 endotype, is periostin. In
      this article we will provide a state of the art update on the definition of
      clinical phenotypes, pathogenetic endotypes and biomarker development for
      improving BA treatment. 

PMID- 27683448
TI  - Iron Indices in Patients with Functional Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite high ferritin level, HDCKD patients may have functional iron
      deficiency even after intravenous iron (iv) therapy. The aim of this study was to
      test the hypothesis that lowered serum transferrin level may contribute to
      functional anemia and erythropoietin hypo responsiveness by the failure to
      transport accumulated tissue iron to the relevant target tissue. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: The study subjects were divided into four groups. Group-A: HDCKD
      Patients receiving iv iron (n=290). Group-B: Patients not initiated on to
      hemodialysis (NDCKD), and received oral iron (n=38). Group-C: HDCKD patients with
      erythropoietin hypo responsiveness (n=9). Group-D: Healthy controls (n=36). The
      group-A, patients were sub-divided into five groups (A-1 to A-5) based on their
      serum ferritin levels. RESULTS: Serum ferritin and tissue iron levels in group-A
      and C patients were significantly greater than the group-D(p<0.0001) and group-B
      patients(p<0.001). Transferrin level of group-A and C showed lowered values and
      consequently a higher %TSAT when compared to group-D. The percent of patients
      with iron overload was 2.6%, 31%, and 44% in group-B, group-A and group-C
      respectively. Serum transferrin level significantly correlated with TIBC in group
      A and B patients (p<0.0001;p<0.05 respectively). Transferrin level significantly
      correlated with TIBC in all subgroups of HDCKD(p<0.05) with the exception in
      subgroup-A2 and with hemoglobin in subgroups A3 (p<0.05) and A5(p<0.01)
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The lowered transferrin level prevents the proper
      transport of the iron to the hematopoietic sites, which may be a reason for the
      low hemoglobin synthesis and also for the development of erythropoietin hypo
      responsiveness in some of the dialysis patients.

PMID- 27683449
TI  - Stroke-induced blood-brain barrier breakdown along the vascular tree - No
      preferential affection of arteries in different animal models and in humans.
AB  - Stroke-induced blood-brain barrier breakdown promotes complications like cerebral
      edema and hemorrhagic transformation, especially in association with
      therapeutical recanalization of occluded vessels. As arteries, capillaries and
      veins display distinct functional and morphological characteristics, we here
      investigated patterns of blood-brain barrier breakdown for each segment of the
      vascular tree in rodent models of embolic, permanent, and transient middle
      cerebral artery occlusion, added by analyses of human stroke tissue. Twenty-four
      hours after ischemia induction, loss of blood-brain barrier function towards FITC
      albumin was equally observed for arteries, capillaries, and veins in rodent
      brains. Noteworthy, veins showed highest ratios of leaky vessels, whereas
      capillaries exhibited the most and arteries the least widespread perivascular
      tracer extravasation. In contrast, human autoptic stroke tissue exhibited
      pronounced extravasations of albumin around arteries and veins, while the
      pericapillary immunoreactivity appeared only faint. Although electron microscopy
      revealed comparable alterations of the arterial and capillary endothelium
      throughout the applied animal models, structural loss of arterial smooth muscle
      cells was only observed in the translationally relevant model of embolic middle
      cerebral artery occlusion. In light of the so far available concepts of stroke
      treatment, the consideration of a differential vascular pathophysiology along the
      cerebral vasculature is likely to allow development of novel effective treatment
      strategies.

PMID- 27683450
TI  - Incidence, hemodynamic, and electrical characteristics of spreading
      depolarization in a swine model are affected by local but not by intravenous
      application of magnesium.
AB  - The aim was to characterize the effects of magnesium sulfate, using i.v. bolus
      and local administration, using intrinsic signal imaging, and on
      electrocorticographic activity during the induction and propagation of spreading
      depolarizations in the gyrencephalic porcine brain. Local application of
      magnesium sulfate led to a complete inhibition of spreading depolarizations. One
      hour after washing out the topical magnesium sulfate, re-incidence of the
      spreading depolarizations was observed in 50% of the hemispheres. Those spreading
      depolarizations showed attenuation in hemodynamic characteristics and speed in
      intrinsic optical signal imaging. The electrical amplitude decreased through
      electrocorticographic activity. Intravenous magnesium therapy showed no
      significant effects on spreading depolarization incidence and characteristics.

PMID- 27683453
TI  - One in five with bowel cancer diagnosed as emergency had previous "red flag"
      symptoms.

PMID- 27683451
TI  - Effects of voluntary exercise on structure and function of cortical
      microvasculature.
AB  - Aerobic activity has been shown highly beneficial to brain health, yet much
      uncertainty still surrounds the effects of exercise on the functioning of
      cerebral microvasculature. This study used two-photon fluorescence microscopy to
      examine cerebral hemodynamic alterations as well as accompanying geometric
      changes in the cortical microvascular network following five weeks of voluntary
      exercise in transgenic mice endogenously expressing tdTomato in vascular
      endothelial cells to allow visualization of microvessels irrespective of their
      perfusion levels. We found a diminished microvascular response to a hypercapnic
      challenge (10% FiCO2) in running mice when compared to that in nonrunning
      controls despite commensurate increases in transcutaneous CO2 tension. The flow
      increase to hypercapnia in runners was 70% lower than that in nonrunners (p =
      0.0070) and the runners' arteriolar red blood cell speed changed by only half the
      amount seen in nonrunners (p = 0.0085). No changes were seen in resting
      hemodynamics or in the systemic physiological parameters measured. Although a few
      unperfused new vessels were observed on visual inspection, running did not
      produce significant morphological differences in the microvascular morphometric
      parameters, quantified following semiautomated tracking of the microvascular
      networks. We propose that voluntary running led to increased cortical
      microvascular efficiency and desensitization to CO2 elevation.

PMID- 27683452
TI  - Measuring vascular reactivity with resting-state blood oxygenation level
      dependent (BOLD) signal fluctuations: A potential alternative to the breath
      holding challenge?
AB  - Measurement of the ability of blood vessels to dilate and constrict, known as
      vascular reactivity, is often performed with breath-holding tasks that
      transiently raise arterial blood carbon dioxide (PaCO2) levels. However,
      following the proper commands for a breath-holding experiment may be difficult or
      impossible for many patients. In this study, we evaluated two approaches for
      obtaining vascular reactivity information using blood oxygenation level-dependent
      signal fluctuations obtained from resting-state functional magnetic resonance
      imaging data: physiological fluctuation regression and coefficient of variation
      of the resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging signal. We studied a
      cohort of 28 older adults (69 +/- 7 years) and found that six of them (21%) could
      not perform the breath-holding protocol, based on an objective comparison with an
      idealized respiratory waveform. In the subjects that could comply, we found a
      strong linear correlation between data extracted from spontaneous resting-state
      functional magnetic resonance imaging signal fluctuations and the blood
      oxygenation level-dependent percentage signal change during breath-holding
      challenge ( R2 = 0.57 and 0.61 for resting-state physiological fluctuation
      regression and resting-state coefficient of variation methods, respectively).
      This technique may eliminate the need for subject cooperation, thus allowing the
      evaluation of vascular reactivity in a wider range of clinical and research
      conditions in which it may otherwise be impractical.

PMID- 27683454
TI  - An Emerging Role of TEX101 Protein as a Male Infertility Biomarker.
AB  - Infertility is an important aspect of human reproduction. It affects up to 15% of
      couples, with the male factor contributing to approximately 50% of all cases.
      Azoospermia is one of the most severe forms of male infertility, which is
      characterized by the absence of sperm in semen. The mechanisms underlying male
      infertility remain unknown. Currently, clinicians rely on semen analysis to
      predict the reproductive potential of a male, and testicular biopsy is the only
      reliable method to diagnose different subtypes of azoospermia. Recently, advances
      in proteomics encouraged the search for novel male infertility biomarkers in
      seminal plasma. In this review, we focus on TEX101, a testicular germ cell
      specific protein, one of the most promising male infertility biomarkers. We
      discuss its role in spermatogenesis and fertilization and summarize our current
      knowledge about this new potential biomarker. 

PMID- 27683455
TI  - Genetic and Epigenetic Changes After Spermatogonial Stem Cell Culture and
      Transplantation.
AB  - Men with testicular failure, either primary or secondary, have been shown to be
      interested in fertility preservation. Spermatogonial stem cell (SSC)
      transplantation is currently being investigated as a treatment for this.
      Currently this experimental technique consists of cryopreservation of a
      testicular biopsy prior to cancer treatment, followed by optional in vitro
      expansion of SSCs and auto transplantation after cancer treatment. This technique
      may restore the pool of SSCs resulting in restoration of spermatogenesis. While
      this technique has not been applied to humans due to its highly experimental
      nature and concerns of malignant contamination, animal studies have been
      successful. While the offspring obtained from SSCs appear to be healthy in rodent
      models, there is relatively little data on any genetic and epigenetic changes
      that occur in either the transplanted SSCs or offspring. In humans, male germ
      cells undergo unique and extensive chromatin and epigenetic remodeling soon after
      their destiny as a spermatocyte has been secured. Errors in this remodeling may
      cause altered genetic information to be transmitted to offspring, resulting in
      abnormalities. This is particularly pertinent for cancer patients as SSCs
      obtained from these men may have a predisposition for genetic instability even
      prior to starting gonadotoxic therapies. In this article, landmarks in the
      evolution of SSC transplantation are reviewed, along with presently known
      genetic, epigenetic, and imprinting abnormalities that may occur after in vitro
      propagation and transplantation. 

PMID- 27683456
TI  - Mechanisms of Androgen-Independent Prostate Cancer.
AB  - Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men in
      North America. Almost all prostate cancers begin in an androgen-dependent state,
      so androgen deprivation therapy is administered and results in improved clinical
      outcomes. However, over time, some cancerous cells are able to survive and grow
      during this treatment, resulting in androgen-independent prostate cancer. At this
      point, the disease is fatal, as there are no effective targeted therapies
      available. Most prostate cancer tumors require androgen receptor (AR) signalling
      for survival. During the progression to androgen-independence, this signalling
      cascade has been found to be altered at many levels within prostate cancers.
      Mechanisms that enhance AR signalling during androgen deprivation include: AR
      gene amplifications, AR gene mutations, changes in expression of AR co-regulatory
      proteins, changes in expression of steroid-generating enzymes, ligand-independent
      activation of AR via 'outlaw' pathways, and AR-independent pathways that become
      activated, termed 'bypass' pathways. One or more of these aforementioned changes
      can lead to prostate cancer cells to gain androgen-independent properties.
      Understanding the molecular alterations that occur during this process will allow
      for improved therapeutic strategies to target key molecules and pathways
      important for this progression. 

PMID- 27683457
TI  - Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Screening and New Biomarkers for Prostate Cancer
      (PCa).
AB  - PSA screening reduces PCa-mortality but the disadvantages overdiagnosis and
      overtreatment require multivariable risk-prediction tools to select appropriate
      treatment or active surveillance. This review explains the differences between
      the two largest screening trials and discusses the drawbacks of screening and its
      meta-analysisxs. The current American and European screening strategies are
      described. Nonetheless, PSA is one of the most widely used tumor markers and
      strongly correlates with the risk of harboring PCa. However, while PSA has
      limitations for PCa detection with its low specificity there are several
      potential biomarkers presented in this review with utility for PCa currently
      being studied. There is an urgent need for new biomarkers especially to detect
      clinically significant and aggressive PCa. From all PSA-based markers, the FDA
      approved prostate health index (phi) shows improved specificity over percent free
      and total PSA. Another kallikrein panel, 4K, which includes KLK2 has recently
      shown promise in clinical research studies but has not yet undergone formal
      validation studies. In urine, prostate cancer gene 3 (PCA3) has also been
      validated and approved by the FDA for its utility to detect PCa. The potential
      correlation of PCA3 with cancer aggressiveness requires more clinical studies.
      The detection of the fusion of androgen-regulated genes with genes of the
      regulatory transcription factors in tissue of (~)50% of all PCa-patients is a
      milestone in PCa research. A combination of the urinary assays for TMPRSS2:ERG
      gene fusion and PCA3 shows an improved accuracy for PCa detection. Overall, the
      field of PCa biomarker discovery is very exciting and prospective. 

PMID- 27683458
TI  - miRNA in Prostate Cancer: New Prospects for Old Challenges.
AB  - Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among men but
      has limited prognostic biomarkers available for follow up. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are
      small non-coding RNAs that regulate expression of their target genes.
      Accumulating experimental evidence reports differential miRNA expression in PCa,
      and that miRNAs are actively involved in the pathogenesis and progression of PCa.
      miRNA and androgen receptor signaling cross-talk is an established factor in PCa
      pathogenesis. Differential miRNA expression was found between patients with high
      versus low Gleason scores, and was also observed in patients with biochemical
      failure, hormone-resistant cancer and in metastasis. Metastasis requires
      epithelial-mesenchymal transition which shares many cancer stem cell biological
      characteristics and both are associated with miRNA dysregulation. In the era of
      personalized medicine, there is a broad spectrum of potential clinical
      applications of miRNAs. These applications can significantly improve PCa
      management including their use as diagnostic and/or prognostic markers, or as
      predictive markers for treatment efficiency. Preliminary evidence demonstrates
      that miRNAs can also be used for risk stratification. Circulatory miRNAs can
      serve as non-invasive biomarkers in urine and/or serum of PCa patients. More
      recently, analysis of miRNAs and circulating tumor cells are gaining significant
      attention. Moreover, miRNAs represent an attractive new class of therapeutic
      targets for PCa. Here, we summarize the current knowledge and the future
      prospects of miRNAs in PCa, their advantages, and potential challenges as tissue
      and circulating biomarkers. Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most commonly diagnosed
      cancer among men in western populations. The American Cancer Society estimated
      239, 590 new cases and 29, 720 expected deaths in the USA in 2013. One in every
      six men are at risk of developing PCa during their lifetime (1). Currently, the
      standard biomarker for PCa diagnosis is prostate-specific antigen (PSA), which
      has its limitations, leading to the risks of PCa over diagnosis and harmful
      overtreatment. The prognostic value of PSA is also questionable (2). Stepping
      into the new epoch of personalized medicine, molecular markers are urgently
      needed to improve the different aspects of PCa management (3). miRNAs represent
      an attractive class of emerging biomarkers that can help in this regard (4;5). 

PMID- 27683460
TI  - Estimation of Alert and Change Limits of Haematological Quantities and its
      Application in the Plausibility Control.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In the process of quality assurance of the measured values of the
      clinical laboratory, one of the purposes is to perform the validation of
      patients' measured values in the most objective way. This validation process is
      called plausibility control which may be defined as the set of procedures used to
      decide if a patient's measured value is valid according to established clinical
      and biological criteria. The aim of this study is to propose a model to estimate
      alert and change limits of measured values of the blood cell count, to be applied
      to detect doubtful patients' measured values. METHODS: Some alert and change
      limits were estimated from the emergency laboratory database of the year 2010
      using different percentiles. A verification of the suitability of the proposed
      model was also performed. RESULTS: Most of the fractions of the measured values
      excluded by the alert and change limits were according to the theoretical
      expected. The overall fraction of the number of doubtful clinical laboratory
      reports ranged between 0.6 and 47.6 %. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed model helps,
      improves and standardizes the process of detection of doubtful measured values
      since they are produced objectively. These limits can also be configured in a
      laboratory information system letting the clinical laboratory professional staff
      to save time and efforts.

PMID- 27683462
TI  - Risk Management for Point-of-Care Testing.
AB  - Point-of-care testing (POCT) is growing in popularity, and with this growth comes
      an increased chance of errors. Risk management is a way to reduce errors.
      Originally developed for the manufacturing industry, risk management principles
      have application for improving the quality of test results in the clinical
      laboratory. The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI), EP23-A
      Laboratory Quality Control based on Risk Management guideline, introduces risk
      management to the clinical laboratory and describes how to build and implement a
      quality control plan for a laboratory test. A simple, unit-use blood gas analyzer
      is utilized as an example for developing a laboratory quality control plan. The
      US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has revised the Clinical and
      Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) interpretive guidelines to provide a new
      quality control option, individualized quality control plans (IQCP), for
      decreasing the frequency of analyzing liquid controls from two levels each day of
      testing to manufacturer recommended frequencies in conjunction with a device's
      built-in internal control processes and the risk of error when testing with that
      device. IQCPs have the advantage of allowing laboratories the flexibility to
      adopt alternative control processes in concert with traditional liquid controls
      to improve efficiency and cost effectiveness while providing optimal quality POCT
      results for patient care. 

PMID- 27683463
TI  - Virtual Support of a Point of Care Testing Network.

PMID- 27683459
TI  - Urothelial Bladder Cancer Urinary Biomarkers.
AB  - Urothelial bladder cancer is the fourth most prevalent male malignancy in the
      United States and also one of the ten most lethal. Superficial or non-muscle
      invasive bladder cancer has a high rate of recurrence and can progress to muscle
      invasive disease. Conventional surveillance requires regular cystoscopy and is
      used often with urinary cytology. Unfortunately, the cystoscopy procedure is
      invasive for patients and costly for health care providers. Urinary biomarkers
      have the potential to improve bladder cancer diagnosis, the efficiency and also
      the cost-effectiveness of follow up. It may also be possible for urinary
      biomarkers to help prognosticate particularly for patients with high-grade
      bladder cancer who may want enhanced assessment of their risk of disease
      progression. In this review the important historical urinary biomarkers and the
      newly emerging biomarkers are discussed. As will be presented, although many of
      the tests have good performance characteristics, unfortunately no single test can
      fulfill all the roles currently provided by cystoscopy and cytology. It is likely
      that in the future, urinary biomarker testing will be used selectively in a
      personalized manner to try and improve prognostication or reduce the necessity
      for invasive cystoscopy in patients understanding the limits of the test. 

PMID- 27683461
TI  - Principles of Point of Care Culture, the Spatial Care PathTM, and Enabling
      Community and Global Resilience: Enabling Community and Global Resilience.
AB  - GOALS: This article a) defines point of care (POC) culture; b) presents seven
      underlying fundamental principles; c) describes the importance of needs
      assessment; d) introduces a new innovation, the spatial care pathTM; and e)
      illustrates how POC testing that properly fulfills needs and spatial care pathsTM
      enable community and global resilience. OBSERVATIONS: Often, POC testing
      supplants the conventional clinical laboratory, which may be too distant,
      prohibitively expensive, or simply not available in limited-resource settings.
      New POC technologies "fit" future medical problem solving. Screening and testing
      directly in the home or primary care facilitate rapid diagnosis, monitoring, and
      treatment. In contrast to the past where attention has been placed on emergency
      departments, hospitals, and referral centers, the spatial care pathTM starts with
      the patient and guides him or her through an efficient strategy of care in small
      world networks (SWNs) defined by local geography and topology, long-standing
      customs, public health jurisdictions, and geographic information systems (GIS).
      CONCLUSIONS: POC testing needs in limited-resource settings are striking.
      Fulfillment is best guided by thorough understanding of POC culture. Quick
      feedback and fast decision-making by patients and physicians alike yield
      significant value that motivates changes in patient lifestyles and physician
      interactions. Culturally sensitive technology assimilation addresses leadership
      challenges in nations adapting to increasing populations of young and old,
      despite scarcity of resources. The spatial care pathTM facilitates an essential
      balance of prevention and intervention in public health and shifts future focus
      to the patient, empowerment, and primary care within the context of POC culture.

PMID- 27683464
TI  - Recent Advances in Point-of-Care Diagnostics for Cardiac Markers.
AB  - National and international cardiology guidelines have recommended a 1-hour
      turnaround time for reporting results of cardiac troponin to emergency department
      personnel, measured from the time of blood collection to reporting. Use of point
      of-care testing (POCT) can reduce turnaround times for cardiac markers, but
      current devices are not as precise or sensitive as central laboratory assays. The
      gap is growing as manufacturers of mainframe immunoassay instruments have or will
      release troponin assays that are even higher than those currently available.
      These assays have analytical sensitivity that enables detection of nearly 100% of
      all healthy subjects which is not possible for current POCT assays. Use of high
      sensitivity troponin results in a lower value for the 99(th) percentile of a
      healthy population. Clinically, this enables for the detection of more cases of
      myocardial injury. In order to compete analytically, next generation POCT assays
      will to make technologic advancements, such as the use of microfluidic to better
      control sample delivery, nanoparticles or nanotubes to increase the surface-to
      volume ratios for analytes and antibodies, and novel detection schemes such as
      chemiluminescence and electrochemical detectors to enhance analytical
      sensitivity. Multi-marker analysis using POCT is also on the horizon for tests
      that complement cardiac troponin. 

PMID- 27683465
TI  - Glucose Meter Use in the Intensive Care Unit: Much Ado About Something.
AB  - Glucose meters are a fast and convenient way to measure circulating blood
      glucose. Like many technologies in healthcare, the use of glucose meters within
      the hospital has evolved significantly over the last few decades. This change has
      been driven predominantly by changes in the approach to glycemic control for
      critically ill patients. Both glycemic control in the intensive care unit (ICU),
      and use of glucose meters to manage insulin dosing during glycemic control, are
      likely to remain controversial topics in the years to come. This review will
      elaborate on the evidence for and against use of glucose meters in the ICU to
      monitor glucose concentrations during glycemic control, and provide some tips for
      point of care programs on how to evaluate glucose monitors for this purpose. 

PMID- 27683466
TI  - Infection Transmission Associated with Point of Care Testing and the Laboratory's
      Role in Risk Reduction.
AB  - Lack of knowledge and confusion exists regarding safe and appropriate use of
      blood glucose monitoring equipment. Increasing numbers of diabetics, and
      exponential growth in blood glucose monitoring presents increased opportunities
      for infection transmission between patients. Diabetics have increased exposure to
      blood and blood borne pathogens from frequent blood glucose monitoring. Risk
      factors have been identified in infectious outbreaks and by analysis of testing
      practice. Point of care blood glucose meters are frequently contaminated by
      blood. Bacterial and viral organisms survive on surfaces and in dried blood.
      Instrumentation is shared between patients, and is heavily utilized in
      institutional settings, so that serial testing is performed on multiple patients
      within a short timeframe. Hand hygiene, glove changes and meter disinfection
      between testing events has been found to be inconsistent. Time pressure for meter
      usage competes with proper cleaning and disinfection procedures. Meter storage
      areas are frequently contaminated by blood. Multi-use lancets, improperly used
      for serial patient blood sampling, are a source for infection transmission. Test
      strips in vials, frequently contaminated by bacterial organisms, present
      potential hazard. The responsibility of the clinical laboratory is to insure
      successful implementation of practices that insure patient safety. Risk reduction
      strategies include single-use auto-disabling skin puncture devices for blood
      sampling; hand hygiene and glove change for every testing event; effective meter
      cleaning and disinfection for every testing event; meter use restriction to a
      single patient; safe practices for glucose meter storage; infection control
      practices to reduce contamination of blood glucose test strips or changes in test
      strip packaging and test strip dispensing. 

PMID- 27683467
TI  - Primary Hypoparathyroidism Misdiagnosed as Epilepsy - A Case Report: Seizures,
      hypocalcemia and cerebral calcification.
AB  - Absent or inappropriately low intact parathyroid hormone along with hypocalcemia
      is the diagnostic criterion of hypoparathyroidism. Clinically, hypoparathyroidism
      manifests predominantly as neuromuscular dysfunction caused by hypocalcemia. We
      present here a case of hypoparathyroidism wrongly and ineffectively treated as
      epilepsy for four years prior to reporting to our hospital. Hypoparathyroidism
      was diagnosed in our patient on the basis of low serum calcium (ionized and
      total), high phosphate and very low IPTH levels in face of normal magnesium
      levels along with radiological evidence of cerebral calcification. The authors
      stress on the need to include hypoparathyroidism in the differential diagnosis of
      seizures and the need to treat with 1, 25 dihydroxycholecalciferol. 

PMID- 27683468
TI  - Polish Code of Ethics of a Medical Laboratory Specialist.
AB  - Along with the development of medicine, increasingly significant role has been
      played by the laboratory diagnostics. For over ten years the profession of the
      medical laboratory specialist has been regarded in Poland as the autonomous
      medical profession and has enjoyed a status of one of public trust. The process
      of education of medical laboratory specialists consists of a five-year degree in
      laboratory medicine, offered at Medical Universities, and of a five-year
      Vocational Specialization in one of the fields of laboratory medicine such as
      clinical biochemistry, medical microbiology, medical laboratory toxicology,
      medical laboratory cytomorphology and medical laboratory transfusiology. An
      important component of medical laboratory specialists' identity is awareness of
      inherited ethos obtained from bygone generations of workers in this particular
      profession and the need to continue its further development. An expression of
      this awareness is among others Polish Code of Ethics of a Medical Laboratory
      Specialist (CEMLS) containing a set of values and a moral standpoint
      characteristic of this type of professional environment. Presenting the ethos of
      the medical laboratory specialist is a purpose of this article. Authors focus on
      the role CEMLS plays in areas of professional ethics and law. Next, they
      reconstruct the Polish model of ethos of medical diagnostic laboratory personnel.
      An overall picture consists of a presentation of the general moral principles
      concerning execution of this profession and rules of conduct in relations with
      the patient, own professional environment and the rest of the society. Polish
      model of ethical conduct, which is rooted in Hippocratic medical tradition,
      harmonizes with the ethos of medical laboratory specialists of other European
      countries and the world. 

PMID- 27683470
TI  - Peer Review in Scientific Publications: Benefits, Critiques, & A Survival Guide.
AB  - Peer review has been defined as a process of subjecting an author's scholarly
      work, research or ideas to the scrutiny of others who are experts in the same
      field. It functions to encourage authors to meet the accepted high standards of
      their discipline and to control the dissemination of research data to ensure that
      unwarranted claims, unacceptable interpretations or personal views are not
      published without prior expert review. Despite its wide-spread use by most
      journals, the peer review process has also been widely criticised due to the
      slowness of the process to publish new findings and due to perceived bias by the
      editors and/or reviewers. Within the scientific community, peer review has become
      an essential component of the academic writing process. It helps ensure that
      papers published in scientific journals answer meaningful research questions and
      draw accurate conclusions based on professionally executed experimentation.
      Submission of low quality manuscripts has become increasingly prevalent, and peer
      review acts as a filter to prevent this work from reaching the scientific
      community. The major advantage of a peer review process is that peer-reviewed
      articles provide a trusted form of scientific communication. Since scientific
      knowledge is cumulative and builds on itself, this trust is particularly
      important. Despite the positive impacts of peer review, critics argue that the
      peer review process stifles innovation in experimentation, and acts as a poor
      screen against plagiarism. Despite its downfalls, there has not yet been a
      foolproof system developed to take the place of peer review, however, researchers
      have been looking into electronic means of improving the peer review process.
      Unfortunately, the recent explosion in online only/electronic journals has led to
      mass publication of a large number of scientific articles with little or no peer
      review. This poses significant risk to advances in scientific knowledge and its
      future potential. The current article summarizes the peer review process,
      highlights the pros and cons associated with different types of peer review, and
      describes new methods for improving peer review. 

PMID- 27683471
TI  - Ethics in Online Publications.
AB  - Journals have been publishing the results of scientific investigations since the
      founding of Philosophical Transactions in 1665. Since then we have witnessed a
      massive expansion in the number of journals to the point that there are now
      approximately 28,000 active, peer reviewed journals collectively publishing more
      than 1.8 million articles per year. Before the mid-1990s, these journals were
      only available on paper but by the end of the 20th century, most journals had
      moved to online platforms. Online publication has also served as the impetus for
      the move to 'open-access' to the information contained in journals. The fact that
      a publication is 'on-line' and 'open-access' does not negate the responsibility
      of the author and the publisher to publish in an ethical way. [1] The document
      produced by the IFCC Ethics Task Force (TF-E) on publication ethics states that
      'Ethics in Science at its broadest level encompasses research ethics, medical
      ethics, publication ethics, conflicts of interest, ethical responsibilities as
      educator, plus many other areas.' Thus publication ethics is a continuum from the
      first step of research design through to the information being read by the
      reader. In general terms 'publication ethics' includes the ethical behaviour of
      the authors in writing and submitting a scientific manuscript to a publisher for
      the purpose of publication, thus any discussion of publication ethics must
      include the role of the authors, referees, publisher and reader and the issues of
      authorship (and the use of 'ghosts'), plagiarism, duplicate publication
      (including in different languages), image manipulation (particularly in the era
      of digitisation), and conflict of interest [2]. To aid the authors, and others
      involved in the process of publication, a number of resources are now available
      particularly those from the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) [3] and the
      World Association of Medical Editors (WAME) [4]. More recently the issue of
      'publisher ethics' has also been raised, particularly with the sudden increase of
      what could be termed 'predatory' publishers utilising the open access model to
      publish low quality articles, which often do not adhere to the guidelines
      mentioned above, utilising an author-pays model of open-access publishing for
      their own profit [5]. 

PMID- 27683469
TI  - KLK-targeted Therapies for Prostate Cancer.
AB  - Alternative treatments are urgently needed for prostate cancer, especially to
      address the aggressive metastatic castration-resistant disease. Proteolytic
      enzymes are involved in cancer growth and progression. The prostate produces
      several proteases, the most abundant ones being two members of the kallikrein
      related peptidase (KLK) family, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and KLK2. Despite
      the wide use of PSA as a clinical marker, the function(s) of PSA and other KLKs
      in prostate cancer are poorly known. Hypothetic roles of KLKs in prostate cancer
      include activities that may both promote and inhibit cancer growth and
      metastasis, including the antiangiogenic activity of PSA. Thus it may be possible
      to control prostate cancer growth by modulating the proteolytic activities of
      KLKs. PSA and KLK2 are especially attractive targets for prostate cancer
      treatment because of their proposed roles in tumor development and inhibition of
      angiogenesis in combination with their prostate selective expression. So far the
      number of molecules affecting selectively the activity of KLKs is limited and
      none of these are used to treat prostate cancer. Prodrugs that, after cleavage of
      the peptide part by PSA or KLK2, release active drug molecules, and PSA-targeted
      therapeutic vaccines have already been tested clinically in humans and the first
      results have been encouraging. Although KLKs are attractive targets for prostate
      cancer treatment, much remains to be done before their potential can be fully
      elucidated. The objective of this review is to address the current state of the
      KLKs as novel therapeutic targets for prostate cancer treatment. 

PMID- 27683472
TI  - Open Access Publishing in the Electronic Age.
AB  - The principle of open-access (OA) publishing is more and more prevalent also on
      the field of laboratory medicine. Open-access journals (OAJs) are available
      online to the reader usually without financial, legal, or technical barriers.
      Some are subsidized, and some require payment on behalf of the author. OAJs are
      one of the two general methods for providing OA. The other one is self-archiving
      in a repository. The electronic journal of the IFCC (eJIFCC) is a platinum OAJ-
      i.e. there is no charge to read, or to submit to this journal. Traditionally, the
      author was required to transfer the copyright to the journal publisher.
      Publishers claimed this was necessary in order to protect author's rights.
      However, many authors found this unsatisfactory, and have used their influence to
      affect a gradual move towards a license to publish instead. Under such a system,
      the publisher has permission to edit, print, and distribute the article
      commercially, but the author(s) retain the other rights themselves. An OA mandate
      is a policy adopted by a research institution, research funder, or government
      which requires researchers to make their published, peer-reviewed journal
      articles and conference papers OA by self-archiving their peer-reviewed drafts in
      a repository ("green OA") or by publishing them in an OAJ ("gold OA"). Creative
      Commons (CC) is a nonprofit organization that enables the sharing and use of
      creativity and knowledge through free legal tools. The free, easy-to-use
      copyright licenses provide a simple, standardized way to give the public
      permission to share and use creative work. CC licenses let you easily change your
      copyright terms from the default of "all rights reserved" to "some rights
      reserved." OA publishing also raises a number of new ethical problems (e.g.
      predatory publishers, fake papers). Laboratory scientists are encouraged to
      publish their scientific results OA (especially in eJIFCC). They should, however,
      be aware of their rights, institutional mandate, the procedures of publishing and
      post-printing, and the potential risks of OAP. Recent research shows that OA
      articles are wider seen, and are just starting to be better cited than equivalent
      papers published in traditional subscription journals. 

PMID- 27683473
TI  - How to Write a Scientific Paper: Practical Guidelines.
AB  - Precise, accurate and clear writing is essential for communicating in health
      sciences, as publication is an important component in the university criteria for
      academic promotion and in obtaining funding to support research. In spite of
      this, the development of writing skills is a subject infrequently included in the
      curricula of faculties of medicine and allied health sciences. Therefore clinical
      investigators require tools to fill this gap. The present paper presents a brief
      historical background to medical publication and practical guidelines for writing
      scientific papers for acceptance in good journals. 

PMID- 27683474
TI  - Kallikrein-Related Peptidases in Prostate Cancer: From Molecular Function to
      Clinical Application.
AB  - Prostate cancer is a leading contributor to male cancer-related deaths worldwide.
      Kallikrein-related peptidases (KLKs) are serine proteases that exhibit
      deregulated expression in prostate cancer, with KLK3, or prostate specific
      antigen (PSA), being the widely-employed clinical biomarker for prostate cancer.
      Other KLKs, such as KLK2, show promise as prostate cancer biomarkers and,
      additionally, their altered expression has been utilised for the design of KLK
      targeted therapies. There is also a large body of in vitro and in vivo evidence
      supporting their role in cancer-related processes. Here, we review the literature
      on studies to date investigating the potential of other KLKs, in addition to PSA,
      as biomarkers and in therapeutic options, as well as their current known
      functional roles in cancer progression. Increased knowledge of these KLK-mediated
      functions, including degradation of the extracellular matrix, local invasion,
      cancer cell proliferation, interactions with fibroblasts, angiogenesis,
      migration, bone metastasis and tumour growth in vivo, may help define new roles
      as prognostic biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets for this cancer. 

PMID- 27683475
TI  - Estimating the need for palliative care at the population level: A cross-national
      study in 12 countries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To implement the appropriate services and develop adequate
      interventions, detailed estimates of the needs for palliative care in the
      population are needed. AIM: To estimate the proportion of decedents potentially
      in need of palliative care across 12 European and non-European countries. DESIGN:
      This is a cross-sectional study using death certificate data.
      SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: All adults (?18 years) who died in 2008 in Belgium, Czech
      Republic, France, Hungary, Italy, Spain (Andalusia, 2010), Sweden, Canada, the
      United States (2007), Korea, Mexico, and New Zealand ( N = 4,908,114). Underlying
      causes of death were used to apply three estimation methods developed by Rosenwax
      et al., the French National Observatory on End-of-Life Care, and Murtagh et al.,
      respectively. RESULTS: The proportion of individuals who died from diseases that
      indicate palliative care needs at the end of life ranged from 38% to 74%. We
      found important cross-country variation: the population potentially in need of
      palliative care was lower in Mexico (24%-58%) than in the United States (41%-76%)
      and varied from 31%-83% in Hungary to 42%-79% in Spain. Irrespective of the
      estimation methods, female sex and higher age were independently associated with
      the likelihood of being in need of palliative care near the end of life. Home and
      nursing home were the two places of deaths with the highest prevalence of
      palliative care needs. CONCLUSION: These estimations of the size of the
      population potentially in need of palliative care provide robust indications of
      the challenge countries are facing if they want to seriously address palliative
      care needs at the population level.

PMID- 27683476
TI  - Palliative care for Parkinson's disease: Patient and carer's perspectives
      explored through qualitative interview.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Palliative care is recommended for non-malignant illnesses, including
      Parkinson's disease. However, past research with healthcare workers highlights
      unmet palliative needs in this population and referral rates to Specialist
      Palliative Care are low. Some healthcare workers perceive a 'fear' in their
      patients about introducing palliative care. However, less is known about the
      views of people with Parkinson's disease and their carers about palliative care.
      AIM: (1) To explore the palliative care and related issues most affecting people
      with Parkinson's disease and their families and (2) to examine perceptions
      about/understanding of palliative care. DESIGN: This was a qualitative study;
      semi-structured interviews were conducted, transcribed and analysed using
      thematic analysis. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: A total of 31 people participated, both
      people with Parkinson's disease ( n = 19) and carers ( n = 12), across three
      Movement Disorder Clinics in the Republic of Ireland. RESULTS: People with
      Parkinson's disease and their carers were unfamiliar with the term palliative
      care. When informed of the role of palliative care, most felt that they would
      benefit from this input. People with Parkinson's disease and carers experienced a
      high illness burden and wanted extra support. Crises requiring Specialist
      Palliative Care involvement may occur at diagnosis and later, with advancing
      illness. Participants wanted more information about palliative care and
      especially further supports to address their psychosocial needs. CONCLUSION: A
      holistic palliative care approach could address the complex physical and
      psychosocial symptoms experienced by people with Parkinson's disease and their
      carers, and people with Parkinson's disease and their carers are open to
      palliative care. Further research needs to explore how palliative care can be
      introduced into the routine care for people with Parkinson's disease.

PMID- 27683477
TI  - Diagnostic Errors and Laboratory Medicine - Causes and Strategies.
AB  - While the frequency of laboratory errors varies greatly, depending on the study
      design and steps of the total testing process (TTP) investigated, a series of
      papers published in the last two decades drew the attention of laboratory
      professionals to the pre- and post-analytical phases, which currently appear to
      be more vulnerable to errors than the analytical phase. In particular, a high
      frequency of errors and risk of errors that could harm patients has been
      described in both the pre-pre- and post-post-analytical steps of the cycle that
      usually are not under the laboratory control. In 2008, the release of a Technical
      Specification (ISO/TS 22367) by the International Organization for
      Standardization played a key role in collecting the evidence and changing the
      perspective on laboratory errors, emphasizing the need for a patient-centred
      approach to errors in laboratory testing. 

PMID- 27683478
TI  - Towards Better Test Utilization - Strategies to Improve Physician Ordering and
      Their Impact on Patient Outcomes.
AB  - Laboratory medicine is the single highest volume medical activity in healthcare
      and demand for laboratory testing is increasing disproportionately to medical
      activity. It has been estimated that $6.8 billion of medical care in the US
      involves unnecessary testing and procedures that do not improve patient care and
      may even harm the patient. Physicians face many challenges in accurately,
      efficiently and safely ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests. In order to
      improve patient outcomes, laboratory tests must be appropriately ordered,
      properly conducted, reported in a timely manner, correctly interpreted and affect
      a decision for future diagnosis and treatment of the patient. 

PMID- 27683479
TI  - Collaborating with International Clinical Organizations.
AB  - The provision of quality laboratory services for patient care to improve
      healthcare outcomes is at the centre of the work of the International Federation
      of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC). However the day to day work
      of laboratory medicine practitioners largely does not involve direct contact with
      patients. The IFCC Executive Board has therefore included in its strategic plan
      activities to highlight collaboration with clinical organizations. 

PMID- 27683480
TI  - The Impact for Patient Outcomes of Failure to Follow Up on Test Results. How Can
      We Do Better?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization-World Alliance for Patient Safety has
      identified test result management as a priority area. Poor test result follow-up
      can have major consequences for the quality of care, including missed diagnoses
      and suboptimal patient outcomes. Over the last three decades there has been
      considerable growth in the number of requests for pathology and radiology
      services which has added to the complexity of how patient care is delivered and
      test results are managed. This can contribute to a lack of clarity about where
      and with whom responsibility for test follow-up should reside: a problem that is
      compounded by a lack of clear definitions about what are critical, unexpected or
      significantly abnormal results. AIM OF THIS PAPER: This paper will present a
      narrative review highlighting key issues related to the problem of failure to
      follow up laboratory test results, and outline potential solutions. CONCLUSIONS:
      Information technology (IT) has the potential to enhance the performance and
      safety of test result management processes. Effective solutions must engage all
      stakeholders, including consumers, in arriving at decisions about who needs to
      receive results, how and when they are communicated, and how they are
      acknowledged and acted upon and the documentation of these actions.

PMID- 27683482
TI  - Evaluating Biomarkers for Guiding Treatment Decisions.
AB  - The genetic revolution is expected to lead to improved targeting of new and
      existing forms of treatment. Rather than a one-size-fits-all blockbuster strategy
      in battling disease with drugs and other interventions, a more precise approach
      is becoming available, one in which treatment is only offered to those likely to
      benefit. The identification of those likely to benefit from treatment could be
      based on one or more biomarkers, but in an era where medical decisions aim to be
      evidence-based, the use of treatment selection markers should not just be based
      on hope and optimism, but on solid data from sound research. The performance of
      the treatment selection marker should be expressed in quantitative terms, similar
      to the way we express the clinical performance of diagnostic markers, or the
      performance of prognostic markers. 

PMID- 27683481
TI  - The Clinical and Health Economic Value of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics.
AB  - The ultimate goal of diagnostic testing is to guide disease management in order
      to improve patient outcomes and patient well-being. Patient populations are
      rarely homogenous and accurate diagnostic tests can dissect the patient
      population and identify those patients with similar symptoms but very different
      underlying pathophysiology that will respond differently to different treatments.
      This stratification of patients can direct patients to appropriate treatment and
      is likely to result in clinical benefits for patients and economic benefits for
      the healthcare system. In this article we look at the clinical and economic
      benefits afforded by clinical laboratory diagnostics in three disease areas that
      represent substantial clinical and healthcare burdens to society; heart failure,
      Alzheimer's disease and asthma. 

PMID- 27683483
TI  - Clinical Characterization, Genetics, and Long-Term Follow-up of a Large Cohort of
      Patients With Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum.
AB  - To gain a better understanding of the clinical and genetic features associated
      with agenesis of corpus callosum, we enrolled and characterized 162 patients with
      complete or partial agenesis of corpus callosum. Clinical and genetic protocols
      allowed us to categorize patients as syndromic subjects, affected by complex
      extra-brain malformations, and nonsyndromic subjects without any additional
      anomalies. We observed slight differences in sex ratio (56% males) and agenesis
      type (52% complete). Syndromic agenesis of corpus callosum subjects were
      prevalent (69%). We detected associated cerebral malformations in 48% of
      patients. Neuromotor impairment, cognitive and language disorders, and epilepsy
      were frequently present, regardless of the agenesis of corpus callosum subtype.
      Long-term follow-up allowed us to define additional indicators: syndromic
      agenesis of corpus callosum plus patients showed the most severe clinical
      features while isolated complete agenesis of corpus callosum patients had the
      mildest symptoms, although we observed intellectual disability (64%) and epilepsy
      (15%) in both categories. We achieved a definitive (clinical and/or genetic)
      diagnosis in 42% of subjects.

PMID- 27683486
TI  - Testosterone Deficiency - Establishing A Biochemical Diagnosis.
AB  - Testosterone deficiency is a common and often unrecognized disorder impacting the
      lives of many men. Symptoms related to low testosterone are relatively non
      specific and clinicians must therefore ensure that a patients' symptomatology is
      supported by a biochemical profile suggestive of testosterone deficiency. There
      are many options available to determine a patient's testosterone level and
      laboratories will vary in the type of biochemical assessment they provide. In
      assessing patients with suspected low testosterone, the presence of symptoms and
      a low total testosterone is usually sufficient to initiate therapy. In equivocal
      cases, measurement of free or bioavailable testosterone with a reliable assay can
      further clarify the clinical picture. By understanding the differences between
      total, free and bioavailable testosterone, and the accuracy and reliability of
      their measurement, clinicians can better interpret their patients' biochemical
      testosterone profile. 

PMID- 27683484
TI  - Prostate Cancer Genetics: A Review.
AB  - Over the past decades, research has focussed on identifying the genetic
      underpinnings of prostate cancer. It has been recognized that a number of forms
      of genetic changes coupled with epigenetic and gene expression changes can
      increase the prediction to develop prostate cancer. This review outlines the role
      of somatic copy number alterations (SCNAs), structural rearrangements, point
      mutations, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as well as miRNAs.
      Identifying relevant genetic changes offers the ability to develop novel
      biomarkers to allow early and accurate detection of prostate cancer as well as
      provide risk stratification of patients following their diagnosis. The concept of
      personalized or individualized medicine has gained significant attention.
      Therefore, a better understanding of the genetic and metabolic pathways
      underlying prostate cancer development offers the opportunity to explore new
      therapeutic interventions with the possibility of offering patient-specific
      targeted therapy. 

PMID- 27683485
TI  - Metabolomics and its Application to the Development of Clinical Laboratory Tests
      for Prostate Cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There is a critical need to develop clinical laboratory assays that
      provide risk assessment for men at elevated risk for prostate cancer, and once
      diagnosed, could further identify those men with clinically significant disease.
      METHODS: Recent advancements in analytical instrumentation have enabled mass
      spectrometry-based metabolomics methodologies. Further advancements in
      chromatographic techniques have facilitated high throughput, quantitative assays
      for a broad spectrum of biochemicals. RESULTS: Screening metabolomics techniques
      have been applied to biospecimens from large cohorts of men comparing those
      individuals with prostate cancer to those with no evidence of malignancy. Work
      beginning in tissues has identified biochemical profiles that correlate with
      disease and disease severity, including tumor grade and stage. Some of these
      metabolic abnormalities, such as dramatic elevations in sarcosine, have been
      found to translate into biological fluids, especially blood and urine, which can
      be sampled in a minimally invasive manner. DISCUSSION: The differential
      abundances of these tumor-associated metabolites have been found to improve the
      performance of clinical prognostic/diagnostic tools. CONCLUSION: The outlook is
      bright for metabolomic technology to address clinical diagnostic needs for
      prostate cancer patient management. Early validation of specific clinical tests
      provides a preview of further successes in this area. Metabolomics has shown its
      utility to complement and augment traditional clinical approaches as well as
      emerging genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic methodologies, and is expected to
      play a key role in the precision medicine-based management of the prostate cancer
      patient.

PMID- 27683488
TI  - Organization of the POCT Unit.
AB  - Point-of-care testing (POCT) has evolved as an important part of laboratory
      medicine by virtue of its compactness, portability, and the feasibility of
      operation by nonlaboratory personnel, where fast and accurate testing methods are
      a primary concern and, as a result, improving the patient care. To successfully
      achieve POCT quality in networks, a multidisciplinary organizational approach is
      required. A clearly defined organizational structure should be put in place for
      proper functioning and optimum utilization of each POCT unit. The POCT unit must
      include designated authority, responsibility, and accountability. 

PMID- 27683489
TI  - Physical activity programme reduces major disability in elderly people, study
      shows.

PMID- 27683487
TI  - Clinical Relevance of Trace Bands on Serum Electrophoresis in Patients Without a
      History of Gammopathy.
AB  - Serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) and immunofixation is commonly used to screen
      for plasma cell dyscrasias. Interpretation of these tests is qualitative by
      nature and can yield trace, faint, or scarcely visible immunoglobulin bands
      (TFS), which can be difficult to classify. Whether these bands should be reported
      at all is challenging given their unknown clinical significance. In the present
      study, we retrospectively analyzed 14,036 physician-ordered protein SPE and
      immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) tests on serum and urine specimens (from
      4,091 patients) during the period of 2000-2010. We found that 17% of all IFE
      results evaluated for the presence of monoclonal gammopathies (2,389 out of
      14,036) contained TFS bands, representing 4.2% (173 out of 4091) of all patients
      evaluated. Sixty of these patients (42%) had no previous history of gammopathy,
      and were clinically evaluated over a mean period of up to five years from the
      original diagnosis of plasma cell pathology. None of these patients had
      progressed to multiple myeloma, lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma, plasmacytoma, or
      leukemia. The remaining 82 patients (58%) had a previous history of gammopathy,
      but had not progressed to any symptomatic plasma cell dyscrasia. Evaluation of
      these patients was followed for a median period of 4.3 years, with a mean of 21.5
      IFE tests per individual. These data suggest that for patients without a previous
      history of gammopathy, the presence of TFS bands on serum protein electrophoresis
      does not warrant frequent follow up investigation as commonly practiced. Routine
      follow up of patients with a prior history of gammopathy, conversely, are
      warranted and may contribute to overall survival with multiple treatment options
      now available. For those interpreting IFE results, it may be worth considering
      these data when composing comments regarding suggested repeat testing frequency
      by SPE/IFE or alternate test methods. 

PMID- 27683490
TI  - Are Guidelines Guiding us on How to Utilize Laboratory Tests?
AB  - Increasing patient risks and costs associated with the delivery of health care
      services have been related to inappropriate and uncontrolled use of biomarkers
      which make evidence-based guideline recommendations for best practice
      increasingly important. The translation of basic scientific discoveries into
      clinically meaningful studies and then to evidence-based clinical practice
      guidelines (CPGs) or health policy is, however, not straightforward. CPGs are
      potentially the most influential publications as they aim to guide clinical
      decisions and impact patient outcomes; hence, current approaches to their
      development often fail scientific publication standards. Critical appraisal of
      CPGs has revealed that many do not involve laboratory professionals in
      formulating recommendations on the use of tests; the composition of the panel
      could influence the scope of guidelines and over-represent certain stakeholders'
      views; numerous CPGs do not have rigorous evidence-based methodology and miss
      essential information important for the correct interpretation and application of
      laboratory results. 

PMID- 27683491
TI  - Defining the Path Forward: Guidance for Laboratory Medicine Guidelines.
AB  - The National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry (NACB) has developed consensus
      based guidelines for the laboratory evaluation and monitoring of patients with
      specified disorders for two decades. In 1997, the NACB recognized the need to
      standardize the process of guideline development and promulgated its first
      Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for this purpose. In 2010, the American
      Association of Clinical Chemistry (AACC) and NACB created the Evidence-Based
      Laboratory Medicine Committee (EBLMC). Among other roles, this group was given
      responsibility to provide oversight of clinical practice guideline development in
      accordance with SOP guidance and using currently accepted good practices. In
      2011, the U.S. Institute of Medicine (IOM) published two reports of relevance:
      'Clinical Practice Guidelines We Can Trust' and 'Finding What Works in Health
      Care - Standards for Systematic Reviews.' These reports were created as part of a
      response to a legislative mandate from the U.S. Congress requesting that steps be
      taken to implement recommendations from lOM's report on 'Knowing What Works in
      Health Care' (2008). The latest revision of the laboratory medicine practice
      guidelines (LMPG) SOP was in part driven by these reports. NACB continues to
      develop LMPGs at a rate of roughly one per year through standard processes
      detailed in its 2014 revision of the SOP. This article describes the NACB and
      EBLMC experience in developing LMPGs with a focus on the evolution and use of the
      latest SOP. AACC and NACB have established a solid track record in
      collaboratively working with many clinical societies and professional
      organizations on clinical practice guideline development. Presently, three LMPG's
      are in various stages of development and all with the collaboration of other
      clinical/professional groups. The practices and tools being used for current
      LMPGs in progress are also highlighted in the context of the challenges that
      presently exist for effective clinical practice guideline development in the U.S.

PMID- 27683492
TI  - Grading Evidence for Laboratory Test Studies Beyond Diagnostic Accuracy:
      Application to Prognostic Testing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Evidence-based guideline development requires transparent methodology
      for gathering, synthesizing and grading the quality and strength of evidence
      behind recommendations. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development
      and Evaluation (GRADE) project has addressed diagnostic test use in many of their
      publications. Most of the work has been directed at diagnostic tests and no
      consensus has been reached for prognostic biomarkers. AIM OF THIS PAPER: The
      GRADE system for rating the quality of evidence and the strength of a
      recommendation is described. The application of GRADE to diagnostic testing is
      discussed and a description of application to prognostic testing is detailed.
      Some strengths and limitations of the GRADE process in relation to clinical
      laboratory testing are presented. CONCLUSIONS: The GRADE system is applicable to
      clinical laboratory testing and if correctly applied should improve the reporting
      of recommendations for clinical laboratory tests by standardising the style of
      recommendation and by encouraging transparent reporting of the actual guideline
      process.

PMID- 27683493
TI  - Evidence and Cost Effectiveness Requirements for Recommending New Biomarkers.

PMID- 27683495
TI  - Quality Management Systems in the Clinical Laboratories in Latin America.
AB  - The implementation of management systems in accordance with standards like ISO
      9001:2008 (1,2) in the clinical laboratories has conferred and added value of
      reliability and therefore a very significant input to patient safety. As we know
      the ISO 9001:2008 (1) a certification standard, and ISO 15189:2012 (2) an
      accreditation standard, both, at the time have generated institutional memory
      where they have been implemented, the transformation of culture focused on
      correct execution, control and following, evidence needed and the importance of
      register. 

PMID- 27683494
TI  - How Useful are Laboratory Practice Guidelines?
AB  - Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) relating to laboratory diagnostic testing are
      increasingly produced with the aim of standardizing practice and improving
      patient care based on the best available evidence. However, the production of a
      CPG is merely the first step in the process of getting evidence into practice, to
      be undertaken by laboratories and other stakeholders. This process should
      evaluate the information provided in the guidelines on laboratory tests, devise a
      strategy for implementing the CPG or the laboratory aspects of the CPG and
      finally, once implemented, assess the impact of the CPG on clinical practice,
      patient outcomes and costs of care. The purpose of CPG evaluation by the
      laboratory is to determine whether sufficient information is provided on the
      particular test recommended. CPGs may not always be written with the involvement
      of a laboratory specialist and this underlies the paucity of relevant information
      in some national guidelines. When laboratory specialists are involved, CPGs can
      provide practical information which supports local laboratories as well as
      clinicians in the implementation and appropriate use of recommendations.
      Implementation of CPGs is an often neglected area that needs attention and
      thought. There are many barriers to successful implementation, which may vary at
      local level. These need to be identified early if CPGs are to be successfully
      adhered to. The effectiveness of CPGs also needs to be audited using process and
      health outcome indicators. Clinical audit is an effective tool for assessing
      adherence to recommendations and for measuring the impact and success of the CPG.

PMID- 27683496
TI  - External Quality Assessment Schemes in Latin America.
AB  - As professionals of the clinical laboratory we must generate clinically useful
      results, products and services for the patients' health care. Laboratories must
      participate in one or more proficiency testing (PT) or external quality
      assessment (EQA) programs as part of routine quality assurance. Nevertheless
      participating per se is not enough. There are critical factors to take into
      consideration when selecting a PT or EQA providers. In most cases the survey's
      providers offer assigned values obtained from consensus of results provided by
      the participants for comparison, it is critical to evaluate consistency of the
      comparison group before interpretation and decision-making. 

PMID- 27683497
TI  - Laboratory Accreditation in Argentina.
AB  - Laboratory accreditation is an essential element in the healthcare system since
      it contributes substantially to decision-making, in the prevention, diagnosis,
      treatment and follow-up of the health status of the patients, as well as in the
      organization and management of public healthcare. Therefore, the clinical
      biochemistry professional works continuously to provide reliable results and
      contributes to the optimization of operational logistics and integration of a
      laboratory into the health system. ISO 15189 accreditation, ensures compliance of
      the laboratory to minimize instances of error through the planning, prevention,
      implementation, evaluation and improvement of its procedures, which provides
      skill areas that involve both training undergraduate and graduate professionals
      in clinical biochemistry. 

PMID- 27683498
TI  - The Accreditation Experience of Clinical Laboratories and Blood Banks in Mexico.
AB  - The accreditation of clinical laboratories and blood banks based on ISO 15189 is
      now being consolidated in Mexico, and is coordinated by the Mexican accreditation
      entity innovative strategies, A.C. (ema) and supported by the activities of the
      committee of clinical laboratories and blood banks. The active participation in
      working groups formed by the technical committee of clinical laboratories and
      blood banks in specific areas, has contributed to the formulation of technical
      documents and criteria of evaluation that strengthen the current accreditation
      scheme. The national registry of evaluation (PNE) consists of technical experts
      and evaluators from different disciplines of clinical laboratory; the evaluators
      actively participate in accreditation assessment, with an ultimate goal to
      receive training and feedback for continuous improvement of its own performance. 

PMID- 27683499
TI  - Experience of Implementing ISO 15189 Accreditation at a University Laboratory.
AB  - The present article summarizes the authors' experience with the implementation of
      a quality management system based on ISO 17025 and ISO 15189 standards at
      university laboratories. The accreditation of the analytical procedures at the
      Universidad Mariano Galvez represented a challenge due to the unique nature of an
      educational institution and the difference in nature to the standards
      implemented. Sample handling and care of the patient were combined to achieve an
      integrated management system. We explain the development of the management
      system, the obstacles and benefits of the system and concluding that it is
      possible to design a management system based on ISO 15189 for the university lab
      that allowed delivering results assuring technical competence to patient care and
      welfare. 

PMID- 27683500
TI  - Quality Control in Screening for Infectious Diseases at Blood Banks. Rationale
      and Methodology.
AB  - Quality control procedures are indispensable to ensure the reliability of the
      results provided by laboratories responsible for serological screening in blood
      banks. International recommendations on systems of quality management classify as
      a top component the inclusion of two types of control: (a) internal quality
      control (IQC) and (b) external quality control (EQC). In EQC it is essential to
      have, at least, a monthly frequency of laboratory assessment. On the other hand,
      IQC involves the daily use of low-reactivity control sera, which should be
      systematically added in all run, carried out in the laboratory for each
      parameter. Through the IQC analysis some variations in the criteria of run
      acceptance and rejection may be revealed, but it is of paramount importance to
      ensure the previous definition of these criteria and even more importantly, the
      adherence to them; and that corresponds to the validation of analytical runs of
      each test. Since 2010 this has been, for instance, the experience of the PNCQ*,
      developing external quality control programmes on serology for blood banks. These
      programmes use samples of lyophilized sera well-characterized for the reactivity
      related to the parameters used for the serological screening of blood donors. The
      programmes have used blind panels of six samples for monthly assessments. In the
      last 50 assessments, which involved 68 blood banks in Brazil, a significant
      number of instances of non-compliance were observed in all monthly assessments.
      These results provide strong support to the recommendation of systematic monthly
      assessments. (*) National Quality Control Programme (PNCQ). 

PMID- 27683501
TI  - Harmonization of Clinical Laboratory Test Results.
AB  - Clinical laboratory testing is now a global activity with laboratories no longer
      working in isolation but as regional and national networks, and often at
      international levels. We now have all of the electronic gadgetry via internet
      technology at our fingertips to rapidly and accurately measure and report on
      laboratory testing but are our test results harmonized? 

PMID- 27683503
TI  - Harmonization Initiatives in Europe.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Modern medicine is more and more based on protocols and guidelines;
      clinical laboratory data play very often a relevant role in these documents and
      for this reason the need for their harmonization is increasing. To achieve
      harmonized results the harmonization process must not be limited to only the
      analytical part, but has to include the pre- and the post-analytical phases.
      RESULTS: To fulfill this need the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and
      Laboratory Medicine (EFLM) has started several initiatives. A Working Group on
      harmonization of the total testing process (WG-H) has been created with the aims
      of: 1) surveying and summarizing national European and pan European harmonization
      initiatives; 2) promoting and coordinating the dissemination of especially
      promising harmonization initiatives among the EFLM member societies; and 3)
      taking initiatives to harmonize nomenclature, units and reference intervals at a
      European level. The activity of the WG started this year with a questionnaire
      targeted at surveying the status of various harmonization activities, especially
      those in the pre- and post-analytical phase categories, among the European
      laboratory medicine societies. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of the
      questionnaire, some activities promoting the dissemination of best practice in
      blood sampling, sample storage and transportation, in collaboration with WG on
      the pre-analytical phase, will be promoted, and initiatives to spread to all the
      European countries the use of SI units in reporting, will be undertaken.
      Moreover, EFLM has created a Task and Finish Group on standardization of the
      color coding for blood collection tube closures that is actively working to
      accomplish this difficult task through collaboration with manufacturers.

PMID- 27683502
TI  - Harmonization of Clinical Laboratory Information - Current and Future Strategies.
AB  - According to a patient-centered viewpoint, the meaning of harmonization in the
      context of laboratory medicine is that the information should be comparable
      irrespective of the measurement procedure used and where and/or when a
      measurement is made. Harmonization represents a fundamental aspect of quality in
      laboratory medicine as its ultimate goal is to improve patient outcomes through
      the provision of an accurate and actionable laboratory information. Although the
      initial focus has to a large extent been to harmonize and standardize analytical
      processes and methods, the scope of harmonization goes beyond to include all
      other aspects of the total testing process (TTP), such as terminology and units,
      report formats, reference intervals and decision limits, as well as tests and
      test profiles request and criteria for interpretation. Two major progresses have
      been made in the area of harmonization in laboratory medicine: first, the
      awareness that harmonization should take into consideration not only the
      analytical phase but all steps of the TTP, thus dealing with the request, the
      sample, the measurement, and the report. Second, as the processes required to
      achieve harmonization are complicated, a systematic approach is needed. The
      International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) has
      played a fundamental and successful role in the development of standardized and
      harmonized assays, and now it should continue to work in the field through the
      collaboration and cooperation with many other stakeholders. 

PMID- 27683504
TI  - The International Consortium for Harmonization of Clinical Laboratory Results
      (ICHCLR) - A Pathway for Harmonization.
AB  - Results from clinical laboratory measurement procedures must be equivalent to
      enable effective use of clinical guidelines for disease diagnosis and patient
      management. Analytical results that are harmonized and independent of the
      measurement system, time, and location of testing is essential for providing
      adequate patient care. The key to generating harmonized results is establishing
      traceability to an accepted reference standard where available. Awareness of the
      benefits of having traceable measurement results that are harmonized has
      increased along with efforts to develop approaches to enable and facilitate the
      implementation of harmonization. Although several organizations are addressing
      harmonization of test procedures, centralized and cooperative global oversight is
      needed to ensure that the most important tests are being addressed and resources
      are optimally used. Working with its domestic and international partners, the
      American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC) has created an International
      Consortium for Harmonization of Clinical Laboratory Results. Advances in this
      area will improve the quality of patient care. 

PMID- 27683505
TI  - Harmonization of Clinical Laboratory Test Results: The Role of the IVD Industry.
AB  - At the start of the 21st century, a dramatic change occurred in the clinical
      laboratory community. Concepts from Metrology, the science of measurement, began
      to be more carefully applied to the in vitro diagnostic (IVD) community, that is,
      manufacturers. A new appreciation of calibrator traceability evolved. Although
      metrological traceability always existed, it was less detailed and formal. The In
      Vitro Diagnostics Directive (IVDD) of 2003 required manufacturers to provide
      traceability information, proving assays were anchored to internationally
      accepted reference materials and/or reference methods. The intent is to ensure
      comparability of patient test results, regardless of the analytical system used
      to generate them. Results of equivalent quality allows for the practical use of
      electronic health records (EHRs) capture a patient's complete laboratory test
      history and allow healthcare providers to diagnose and treat patients, confident
      the test results are suitable for correct interpretation, i.e., are "fit for
      purpose" and reflect a real change in a patient's condition and not just
      "analytical noise." The healthcare benefits are obvious but harmonization of test
      systems poses significant challenges to the IVD Industry. Manufacturers must
      learn the theory of metrological traceability and apply it in a practical manner
      to assay calibration schemes. It's difficult to effect such a practical
      application because clinical laboratories do not test purified analytes using
      reference measurement procedures but instead deal with complex patient samples,
      e.g., whole blood, serum, plasma, urine, etc., using "field methods."
      Harmonization in the clinical laboratory is worth the effort to achieve optimal
      patient care. 

PMID- 27683506
TI  - Opinion Paper: Deriving Harmonised Reference Intervals - Global Activities.
AB  - Harmonisation of reference intervals (RIs) refers to use of the same or common RI
      across different platforms and /or assays for a specified analyte. It occurs
      optimally for those analytes where there is sound calibration and traceability in
      place and evidence from a between-method comparison shows that bias would not
      prevent the use of a common RI. The selection of the RI will depend on various
      sources of information including local formal RI studies, published studies from
      the literature, laboratory surveys, manufacturer's product information, relevant
      guidelines, and mining of databases. Pre-analytical and partitioning issues,
      significant figures and flagging rates, are assessed for each analyte. Several
      countries and regions including the Nordic countries, United Kingdom, Japan,
      Turkey, and Australasia are using common RIs that have been determined either by
      direct studies or by a consensus process. In Canada, the Canadian Society of
      Clinical Chemists Taskforce is assessing the feasibility of establishing common
      reference values using the CALIPER (Canadian Laboratory Initiative on Pediatric
      Reference Intervals) and CHMS (The Canadian Health Measures Survey) databases as
      the basis. Development of platform-specific common reference values for each of
      the major analytical systems may be a more practical approach especially for the
      majority of analytes that are not standardised against a primary reference method
      and are not traceable to a primary or secondary reference material. We encourage
      laboratories to consider adopting reference intervals consistent with those used
      by other laboratories in your region where it is possible and appropriate for
      your local population. Local validation of the adopted reference interval is also
      recommended as per CLSI guidelines. 

PMID- 27683507
TI  - Critical Risk Results - An Update on International Initiatives.
AB  - Direct communication of significant (often life-threatening) results is a
      universally acknowledged role of the pathology laboratory, and an important
      contributor to patient safety. Amongst the findings of a recent survey of 871
      laboratories from 30 countries by the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry
      and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM), only 3 tests were noted to be common to 90% of
      alert lists, and only 48% of laboratories consulted clinicians in developing
      these alert lists despite ISO15189 recommendations to do so. These findings are
      similar to previous national surveys demonstrating significant variation
      worldwide in how critical risk results are managed and also in how these
      protocols are developed. In order to promote "best practice" and harmonization of
      critical risk results management, guidelines and recommendations have been
      published, most recently by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI)
      and Australasian Association of Clinical Biochemists (AACB). These statements in
      particular have placed strong emphasis on patient risk and risk assessment in the
      management of critical risk results. This focus has resulted in recommendations
      to adopt new terminology, the consideration of risk assessment when compiling
      alert tables, consultative involvement of laboratory users in setting up
      protocols, and the need for outcome-based evidence to support our practices. With
      time it is expected that emerging evidence and technological improvements will
      facilitate the advancement of laboratories down this path to harmonization, best
      practice, and improve patient safety. 

PMID- 27683508
TI  - Using Agency Nurses to Fill RN Vacancies Within Specialized Hospice and
      Palliative Care.
AB  - The use of agency nurses offers flexibility in filling registered nurse (RN)
      openings during times of shortage, yet little is known about their use in
      specialized palliative care. In an effort to fill this knowledge gap, this study
      determined whether significant relationships existed between full-time and part
      time RN vacancies and the use of agency RNs within specialized hospices that
      deliver perinatal end-of-life care to women and their families in the event of
      miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or other neonatal complications resulting in
      death. This study used data from the 2007 National Home and Hospice Care Survey
      and multivariate regression methods to estimate the association between RN
      vacancies and agency RNs use. Approximately 13% of perinatal hospices in 2007
      used agency nurses. Increases in full-time RN vacancies are associated with a
      significant increase in the use of agency RNs, while part-time RN vacancies are
      associated with a significant decrease in agency RNs. These results suggest that
      full-time agency RNs were used as a supplemental workforce to fill vacancies
      until the full-time position is recruited. However, for part-time vacancies, the
      responsibilities of those positions shifted onto existing staff and the position
      was not filled.

PMID- 27683510
TI  - Herbal medicine (Gyejibongneyong-hwan) for treating primary dysmenorrhoea: a
      protocol for a systematic review of randomised controlled trials.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Gyejibongneyong-hwan (GBH), also known as Guizhi Fuling formula,
      and is widely used for uterine fibroids in East Asian countries. Many clinical
      trials assessing the efficacy and safety of GBH formula for the treatment of
      dysmenorrhoea have been reported. This review will assess the clinical evidence
      for and against the use of GBH formula as a treatment for dysmenorrhoea. It will
      also discuss the proposed mechanism(s) that could link herbal medicine to
      improvements in dysmenorrhoea. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Fourteen databases will be
      searched until September 2016. We will include randomised controlled trials
      (RCTs) examining GBH decoctions for any type of dysmenorrhoea. All RCTs of
      decoctions or modified decoctions will be included. The methodological qualities
      of the RCTs will be assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration tool for assessing
      risk of bias. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This systematic review will be published
      in a peer-reviewed journal. The review will also be disseminated electronically
      and in print. It will be updated to inform and guide healthcare practices. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42015023419.

PMID- 27683511
TI  - When are clinical trials beneficial for study patients and future patients? A
      factorial vignette-based survey of institutional review board members.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The ethicists believe that the goal of clinical research is to benefit
      future and not current (trial) patients. Many clinicians believe that the
      clinical trial enrolment offers best management for their patients. The objective
      of our study was to identify the situations when a clinical trial is beneficial
      for the patients enrolled in the trial and future patients. DESIGN: Factorial
      vignette-based cross-sectional survey via the internet. PARTICIPANTS:
      Institutional review board (IRB) members of the US Medical Schools. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: Each participant was invited to review 9 clinical vignettes related to
      (1) study approval and (2) the assessment if the study is designed to help future
      or current patients more. RESULTS: A total of 232 IRB members from 42
      institutions participated. When considering approval of the trial, we found that
      uncertainty about treatment effects (OR=1.13; 95% CI 1.08 to 1.19) and
      requirement for continuation of standard therapy (OR=3.84; 95% CI 2.7 to 5.55)
      were the only statistically significant factors affecting IRB members' decisions
      to approve the study. The odds of IRB members approving a trial increased when a
      trial proposed to enrol patients with life-threatening versus chronic
      debilitating disease (OR=2.04; 95% CI 1.47 to 2.86). We also found that similar
      factors affected judgements related to the assessment whether the trial will
      benefit future or current patients more-(1) future patients: uncertainty
      (OR=1.27; 95% CI 1.18 to 1.37); continuation of standard treatment (OR=1.66; 95%
      CI 1.07 to 2.56); seriousness of condition (OR=1.78; 95% CI 1.15 to 2.28); (2)
      current patients: uncertainty (OR=1.54; 95% CI 1.4 to 1.7); continuation of
      standard therapy (OR=2.17; 95% CI 1.39 to 3.44). CONCLUSIONS: IRB members view
      the proposed studies to be beneficial for current patients and future patients if
      there is uncertainty regarding treatment effects and if studies do not require
      stopping the current treatment. This finding supports the design and use of
      pragmatic trials which may reduce therapeutic misconception and improve trial
      enrolment, speeding up therapeutic discoveries.

PMID- 27683509
TI  - The National Early Warning Score (NEWS) for outcome prediction in emergency
      department patients with community-acquired pneumonia: results from a 6-year
      prospective cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the accuracy of the National Early Warning Score (NEWS)
      to predict mortality and adverse clinical outcomes for patients with community
      acquired pneumonia (CAP) compared to standard risk scores such as the pneumonia
      severity index (PSI) and CURB-65. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of patients included
      in a previous randomised-controlled trial with a median follow-up of 6.1 years.
      SETTINGS: Patients with CAP included on admission to the emergency departments
      (ED) of 6 tertiary care hospitals in Switzerland. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 925
      patients with confirmed CAP were included. NEWS, PSI and CURB-65 scores were
      calculated on admission to the ED based on admission data. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE:
      Our primary outcome was all-cause mortality within 6 years of follow-up.
      Secondary outcomes were adverse clinical outcome defined as intensive care unit
      (ICU) admission, empyema and unplanned hospital readmission all occurring within
      30 days after admission. We used regression models to study associations of
      baseline risk scores and outcomes with the area under the receiver operating
      curve (AUC) as a measure of discrimination. RESULTS: 6-year overall mortality was
      45.1% (n=417) with a stepwise increase with higher NEWS categories. For 30 day
      and 6-year mortality prediction, NEWS showed only low discrimination (AUC 0.65
      and 0.60) inferior compared to PSI and CURB-65. For prediction of ICU admission,
      NEWS showed moderate discrimination (AUC 0.73) and improved the prognostic
      accuracy of a regression model, including PSI (AUC from 0.66 to 0.74, p=0.001)
      and CURB-65 (AUC from 0.64 to 0.73, p=0.015). NEWS was also superior to PSI and
      CURB-65 for prediction of empyema, but did not well predict rehospitalisation.
      CONCLUSIONS: NEWS provides additional prognostic information with regard to risk
      of ICU admission and complications and thereby improves traditional clinical-risk
      scores in the management of patients with CAP in the ED setting. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN95122877; Post-results.

PMID- 27683512
TI  - Online self-assessment of cardiovascular risk using the Joint British Societies
      (JBS3)-derived heart age tool: a descriptive study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: A modified version of the Joint British Societies (JBS3) 'heart age'
      tool was introduced online to broaden access to personalised risk assessment to
      the general population and encourage participation in the National Health Service
      (NHS) Health Check programme. This study reports on its early uptake and the
      profiles of those who used the self-assessment tool to determine their own
      cardiovascular risk. DESIGN: Observational, retrospective analysis of online tool
      use. SETTING: Between February and July 2015, user data collected from the NHS
      Choices website, where the tool was hosted, were analysed anonymously using
      standard analytic packages. RESULTS: The online tool landing page was viewed 1.4
      million times in the first 5 months, with increased activity following limited
      media coverage. Of the 575 782 users completing the data journey with a valid
      'heart age' result, their demographic and risk factor profiles broadly resembled
      the population of England, although both younger users and males (60%) were over
      represented. Almost 50% and 79% did not know or enter their blood pressure or
      total cholesterol values, respectively. Estimated heart age was higher than
      chronological age for 79% of all users, and also for 69% of younger users under
      40 years who are at low 10-year risk and not invited for NHS Health Checks.
      CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest a high level of public interest in self
      assessment of cardiovascular risk when an easily understood metric is used,
      although a large number of users lack awareness of their own risk factors. The
      heart age tool was accessed by a group not easily reached by conventional
      approaches yet is at high cardiovascular risk and would benefit most from early
      and sustained risk reduction. These are both important opportunities for
      interventions to educate and empower the public to manage better their
      cardiovascular risk and promote population-level prevention.

PMID- 27683513
TI  - Effects of universally offered parenting interventions for parents with infants:
      a systematic review.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: From a developmental perspective, infancy is a critical stage of
      life. Early childhood interventions aim to support caretakers, but the effects of
      universal interventions for parents with infants are unknown. The objective is to
      determine the effects of universal parenting interventions offered to parents
      with infants 0-12 months on measures of child development and parent-child
      relationship. DESIGN: A systematic review using the Preferred Reporting Items for
      Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis. We extracted publications from 10 databases
      in June 2013, January 2015 and June 2016 and supplemented with grey and hand
      search. Risk of bias was assessed, and effect sizes were calculated.
      PARTICIPANTS: Inclusion criteria are: (1) randomised controlled trials of
      structured, psychosocial interventions offered to a universal population of
      parents with infants 0-12 months old in western OECD countries, (2) interventions
      that include a minimum of 3 sessions with at least half of the sessions delivered
      postnatally and (3) programme outcomes reported for child development or parent
      child relationship. RESULTS: 14 papers representing 7 studies are included. There
      were no statistically significant effects of the intervention for the majority of
      the primary outcomes across the studies. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this review
      are mixed. No clear conclusions can be drawn regarding the effects of universally
      offered parenting interventions on child development and parent-child
      relationship for this age group.

PMID- 27683514
TI  - Predictive value of miR-210 as a novel biomarker for pre-eclampsia: a systematic
      review protocol.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a serious condition affecting 3-5% of all
      pregnancies worldwide. However, underlying molecular pathogenesis of this disease
      has largely remained unknown. Recently, several studies have indicated the
      possibility role of microRNAs, especially miR-210, in the aetiology of PE. The
      aim of this systematic review is to assess the possible role of miR-210 as a
      novel biomarker for the prediction of PE. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Using a
      combination of mesh terms 'preeclampsia', 'microRNA' and their equivalents, an
      electronic search will be performed for all observational studies (cross
      sectional, case-control and cohort) in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase,
      Cochrane, LILACS and OvidSP MEDLINE from January 2005 to December 2015.
      Furthermore, other sources are searched, including grey literature, reference
      lists of relevant primary studies as well as key journals. Study selection, data
      extraction and quality assessment of studies will be performed independently by 2
      reviewers, and any disagreement will be resolved by consensus. If sufficient data
      are available, it will be combined by either fixed or random effects models. We
      will investigate the source)s(and degree of heterogeneity using 'Heterogeneity
      chi2' and I2. Heterogeneity would be investigated through either subgroup
      analysis or metaregression. Stata V.11.1 will be used for data analysis. ETHICS
      AND DISSEMINATION: The results of this study are disseminated in peer-reviewed
      journal articles and academic presentations. Formal ethical approval is not
      required, since the secondary data will be collected. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER:
      CRD42015032345.

PMID- 27683515
TI  - Investigation of social, demographic and health variations in the usage of
      prescribed and over-the-counter medicines within a large cohort (South Yorkshire,
      UK).
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Prescribed and over-the-counter (non-prescribed) medicine usage has
      increased in recent years; however, there has been less investigation of the
      socioeconomic predictors of use. This has been due to a lack of data, especially
      for over-the-counter medicines. Our study aims to understand how prescribed and
      over-the-counter medicine patterns vary by demographic, social and health
      characteristics within a large population cohort. DESIGN: Cross-sectional data
      analysis. SETTING: South Yorkshire, UK. PARTICIPANTS: 27 806 individuals from
      wave 1 of the Yorkshire Health Study (2010-2012). MEASURES: Individuals self
      reported each medicine they were taking and whether each was prescribed or not.
      The medicines were grouped into 14 categories (eg, cardiovascular system,
      infection, contraception). Negative binomial regression models were used to
      analyse the count of medicine usage. We included demographic (age, gender,
      ethnicity), social (education), health-related (body mass index, smoking, alcohol
      consumption, physical activity) factors and chronic health conditions (eg,
      stroke, anxiety and heart disease) in our analyses. RESULTS: 49% of men and 62%
      of women were taking medicine with the majority of this prescribed (88% and 83%,
      respectively). Health conditions were found to be positively associated with
      prescribed medicine usage, but mixed in their associated with over-the-counter
      medicines. Educational attainment was negatively associated with prescribed and
      positively associated with over-the-counter usage. CONCLUSIONS: Our study
      addresses a dearth of evidence to provide new insights into how behaviours in
      medicine usage vary by demographic, social and health-related factors.
      Differences in over-the-counter medicine usage by educational attainment may help
      our understanding of the determinants of health inequalities.

PMID- 27683516
TI  - Extent and pattern of burden of care and its associated factors among Eritrean
      families of persons living with schizophrenia: a cross-sectional study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the caregiving burden and its associated factors among
      Eritrean families of persons living with schizophrenia. METHODS: A cross
      sectional study was conducted for 146 caregivers with their respective known
      patients with schizophrenia of Saint Mary's Neuropsychiatric National Referral
      Hospital (SMNNRH). Data were collected using Pai and Kapur's Family Burden
      Interview Schedule (FBIS), the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and
      self-prepared sociodemographic sheet. Data were analysed using SPSS V.21.
      Descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA)
      and multiple regression analysis was employed to analyse the data. RESULTS: In
      this study, 84 (57.5%) were males and 62 (42.5%) were females. The mean age was
      33.96+10.37 (median=31) for the patients and 46.76+13.96 (median=48) for the
      caregivers. Total mean objective score was 29.47+6.67. Family caregivers who were
      single (F=3.224, p<0.005, effect size (ES)=0.064), had educational level at
      elementary (F=5.647 p=0.001, ES=0.11), had low monthly income (t=7.727, p<0.001,
      ES=0.01) and were dissatisfied with family support (t=2.889, p<0.01, ES=0.01)
      experienced greater burden relative to the counterparts. Caregiver's age
      (beta=0.156; p<0.05), duration of caregiving (beta=0.131; p<0.05), monthly
      household family income (beta=-0.298; p<0.001), history of self-injury
      (beta=0.151; p=0.05), positive scale (beta=0.344; p<0.001), negative scale
      (beta=0.278; p<0.001) and general psychopathological scale (beta=0.146; p<0.01)
      emerged as significant predictors of objective burden. CONCLUSIONS: Family
      caregivers of a person living with schizophrenia experience a significant burden
      of care. Our findings highlight that there is a need of strengthening social and
      psychological support to reduce the caregiving burden.

PMID- 27683517
TI  - Decisional support for young people who self-harm: protocol for a feasibility
      trial.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Self-harm is common in adolescents, and it is the strongest
      predictor of suicide. Young people who self-harm are often unsure of how and
      where to get help. Decision aids (DAs) have been shown to help with decisional
      conflict where there is uncertainty around different options. We have developed
      an online DA to support young people in help-seeking for self-harm. A feasibility
      trial will examine the acceptability of the online intervention and the ability
      to recruit and follow-up participants within a school setting. METHODS AND
      ANALYSIS: In this parallel arm, single-blind feasibility trial, 60 participants
      aged 12-18 years who have self-harmed in the past 12 months, will be randomised
      to either (1) a group receiving the online DA or (2) a control group receiving
      general information about feelings and emotions. Both groups will complete
      measures assessing decision-making and help-seeking behaviour. The school
      counsellor will be notified of any participants who have been randomised to
      ensure safeguarding for the young person. Participants in both groups will be
      followed up at 4 weeks, and the measures will be repeated. Qualitative interviews
      will be conducted with a subset of participants to explore their views and
      experiences of the DA and of participation in the study. ETHICS AND
      DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval was granted by King's College London (KCL)
      College Research Ethics Committee. Results of this study will help to clarify if
      we can recruit and administer an online decisional support intervention within a
      school setting for young people who self-harm. The study will inform the design
      and implementation of a larger randomised controlled trial to test the
      effectiveness of the DA. Dissemination of the study findings will target
      publication in peer-reviewed journals of general and special interest. The funder
      will be sent a report outlining the major findings of the study. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN11230559.

PMID- 27683518
TI  - Adherence to the Tobacco Control Act, 2007: presence of a workplace policy on
      tobacco use in bars and restaurants in Nairobi, Kenya.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Despite extensive knowledge about effective tobacco control
      interventions, the prevalence of tobacco use in many middle- and low-income
      countries continues to rise. In these countries, public appreciation of levels of
      protection provided by laws and regulations on tobacco use and exposure to
      tobacco smoke is limited. After ratification of the Framework Convention on
      Tobacco Control, Kenya enacted the Tobacco Control Act, 2007, banning smoking in
      public places except in designated smoking areas. OBJECTIVE: To assess adherence
      to the Tobacco Control Act, 2007 by determining the presence of a workplace
      policy on tobacco use in bars and restaurants. METHODS: A survey of 176 liquor
      licensed bars and restaurants in Nairobi County was carried out. Their managers
      were asked about the presence of a workplace policy governing smoking of tobacco,
      and observations made on provisions that determine adherence to the Tobacco
      Control Act, 2007. RESULTS: Smoking took place in almost all bars and restaurants
      (150 (85%)). Half the establishments (86 (49%)) had a workplace policy governing
      tobacco use among employees, although a difference between bars (11 (23%)) and
      restaurants (75 (58%)) was recorded (p<0.001). Establishments at which managers
      had lower levels of education were less likely to have a workplace policy
      (p<0.001) and less likely to have 'no smoking' signs and designated smoking areas
      (p<0.005). CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Kenya's implementation of the Tobacco
      Control Act, 2007 does not provide sufficient protection of patrons and workers
      in bars and restaurants. It is important to sensitise hospitality workers to the
      dangers of tobacco smoke. Bar and restaurants managers should have a minimum post
      secondary education level. The Tobacco Control Act, 2007 requires strengthening
      to ensure that bars and restaurants have a smoke-free environment.

PMID- 27683519
TI  - Patient-controlled hospital admission for patients with severe mental disorders:
      study protocol for a nationwide prospective multicentre study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Patient-controlled hospital admission for individuals with severe
      mental disorders is a novel approach in mental healthcare. Patients can admit
      themselves to a hospital unit for a short stay without being assessed by a
      psychiatrist or contacting the emergency department. Previous studies assessing
      the outcomes of patient-controlled hospital admission found trends towards
      reduction in the use of coercive measures and length of hospital stay; however,
      these studies have methodological shortcomings and small sample sizes. Larger
      studies are needed to estimate the effect of patient-controlled hospital
      admission on the use of coercion and of healthcare services. DESIGN AND METHODS:
      We aim to recruit at least 315 patients who are offered a contract for patient
      controlled hospital admissions in eight different hospitals in Denmark. Patients
      will be followed-up for at least 1 year to compare the use of coercive measures
      and of healthcare services, the use of medications and suicidal behaviour.
      Descriptive statistics will be used to investigate hospitalisations, global
      assessment of functioning (GAF) and patient satisfaction with treatment. To
      minimise selection bias, we will match individuals using patient-controlled
      hospital admission and controls with a 1:5 ratio via a propensity score based on
      the following factors: sex, age group, primary diagnosis, substance abuse as
      secondary diagnosis, coercion, number of psychiatric bed days, psychiatric
      history, urbanity and suicidal behaviour. Additionally, a historical control
      study will be undertaken in which patients serve as their own control group prior
      to index date. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study has been approved by The
      Danish Health and Medicines Authority (j.nr.: 3-3013-934/1/) and by The Danish
      Data Protection Agency (j.nr.: 2012-58-0004). The study was categorised as a
      register study by The Danish Health Research Ethics Committee and therefore no
      further approval was needed (j.nr.: H-2-2014-FSP70). Findings will be
      disseminated through scientific publications, presentations and in a PhD thesis.

PMID- 27683520
TI  - School restrictions on outdoor activities and weight status in adolescent
      children after Japan's 2011 Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant disaster: a mid-term to
      long-term retrospective analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Radiation fears following Japan's 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster
      affected levels of physical activity in local children. We assessed the
      postdisaster versus predisaster weight status in school children and evaluated to
      what extent school restrictions on outdoor activities that were intended to
      reduce radiation exposure risk affected child weight. PARTICIPANTS: We considered
      children aged 13-15 years from 4 of the 5 secondary schools in Soma City (n=1030,
      99.1% of all children in the city), located in 35-50 km from the Fukushima
      nuclear plant, postdisaster (2012 and 2015) and predisaster (2010). METHODS:
      Weight status, in terms of body mass index (BMI), percentage of overweight (POW)
      and incidence of obesity and underweight (defined as a POW >=20% and <=-20%,
      respectively) were examined and compared predisaster and postdisaster using
      regression models. We also constructed models to assess the impact of school
      restrictions on outdoor activity on weight status. RESULTS: After adjustment for
      covariates, a slight decrease in mean BMI and POW was detected in females in 2012
      (-0.37, 95% CI -0.68 to -0.06; and -1.97, 95% CI -3.57 to -0.36, respectively).
      For male children, obesity incidence increased in 2012 (OR for obesity: 1.45, 95%
      CI 1.02 to 2.08). Compared with predisaster weight status, no significant weight
      change was identified in 2015 in either males or females. School restrictions on
      outdoor activities were not significantly associated with weight status.
      CONCLUSIONS: 4 years following the disaster, weight status has recovered to the
      predisaster levels for males and females; however, a slight decrease in weight in
      females and a slight increase in risk of obesity were observed in males 1 year
      following the disaster. Our findings could be used to guide actions taken during
      the early phase of a radiological disaster to manage the postdisaster health
      risks in adolescent children.

PMID- 27683522
TI  - The Hungarian Society of Laboratory Medicine - Serving Patients for 70 Years.

PMID- 27683521
TI  - Impacts of the 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident on emergency medical service times
      in Soma District, Japan: a retrospective observational study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the influence of the 3.11 triple disaster (earthquake,
      tsunami and nuclear accident) on the emergency medical service (EMS) system in
      Fukushima. METHODS: Total EMS time (from EMS call to arrival at a hospital) was
      assessed in the EMS system of Soma district, located 10-40 km north of the
      nuclear plant, from 11 March to 31 December 2011. We defined the affected period
      as when total EMS time was significantly extended after the disasters compared
      with the historical control data from 1 January 2009 to 10 March 2011. To
      identify risk factors associated with the extension of total EMS time after the
      disasters, we investigated trends in 3 time segments of total EMS time; response
      time, defined as time from an EMS call to arrival at the location, on-scene time,
      defined as time from arrival at the location to departure, and transport time,
      defined as time from departure from the location to arrival at a hospital.
      RESULTS: For the affected period from week 0 to week 11, the median total EMS
      time was 36 (IQR 27-52) minutes, while that in the predisaster control period was
      31 (IQR 24-40) min. The percentage of transports exceeding 60 min in total EMS
      time increased from 8.2% (584/7087) in the control period to 22.2% (151/679) in
      the affected period. Among the 3 time segments, there was the most change in
      transport time (standardised mean difference: 0.41 vs 0.13-0.17). CONCLUSIONS:
      EMS transport was significantly delayed for ~3 months, from week 1 to 11 after
      the 3.11 triple disaster. This delay may be attributed to malfunctioning
      emergency hospitals after the triple disaster.

PMID- 27683523
TI  - Biochemical Markers of Myocardial Damage.
AB  - Heart diseases, especially coronary artery diseases (CAD), are the leading causes
      of morbidity and mortality in developed countries. Effective therapy is available
      to ensure patient survival and to prevent long term sequelae after an acute
      ischemic event caused by CAD, but appropriate therapy requires rapid and accurate
      diagnosis. Research into the pathology of CAD have demonstrated the usefulness of
      measuring concentrations of chemicals released from the injured cardiac muscle
      can aid the diagnosis of diseases caused by myocardial ischemia. Since the mid
      1950s successively better biochemical markers have been described in research
      publications and applied for the clinical diagnosis of acute ischemic myocardial
      injury. Aspartate aminotransferase of the 1950s was replaced by other cytosolic
      enzymes such as lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase and their isoenzymes that
      exhibited better cardiac specificity. With the availability of immunoassays,
      other muscle proteins, that had no enzymatic activity, were also added to the
      diagnostic arsenal but their limited tissue specificity and sensitivity lead to
      suboptimal diagnostic performance. After the discovery that cardiac troponins I
      and T have the desired specificity, they have replaced the cytosolic enzymes in
      the role of diagnosing myocardial ischemia and infarction. The use of the
      troponins provided new knowledge that led to revision and redefinition of
      ischemic myocardial injury as well as the introduction of biochemicals for
      estimation of the probability of future ischemic myocardial events. These
      markers, known as cardiac risk markers, evolved from the diagnostic markers such
      as CK-MB or troponins, but markers of inflammation also belong to these groups of
      diagnostic chemicals. This review article presents a brief summary of the most
      significant developments in the field of biochemical markers of cardiac injury
      and summarizes the most recent significant recommendations regarding the use of
      the cardiac markers in clinical practice. 

PMID- 27683524
TI  - Non-Invasive Assessment of Viability in Human Embryos Fertilized in Vitro.
AB  - Human reproduction is a relatively inefficient process and therefore the number
      of infertile couples is high. Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have
      facilitated the birth of over five million children worldwide. ART, however,
      superimposes its own relative inefficiency on the preexisting inefficiency of
      normal reproduction. The efficiency (expressed as pregnancy rate) is generally
      not more than 30%. Modern reproductive medicine is gradually moving from multiple
      embryo transfer to the transfer of a single embryo, mainly because of obvious and
      unwanted side effects of multiple embryo transfer (e.g. "epidemic" multiple
      pregnancies). This concept, however, requires a fast, professional selection of
      the most viable embryo during the first few days of ART. Thus the aim of a modern
      ART is the safe transfer of a healthy, viable, single embryo. Accurate and rapid
      methods of quantifying embryo viability are needed to reach this goal.
      Methodological advances have the potential to make an important contribution, and
      there has been a drive to develop alternative non-invasive methods to better meet
      clinical needs. Metabolic and genetic profiling of spent embryo culture (SEC)
      media should offer an exceptional opportunity for the assessment of embryo
      viability. The current review focuses on the latest non-invasive diagnostic
      approaches for pre-implantation viability assessment of in vitro fertilized
      embryos. 

PMID- 27683525
TI  - The Clinical Value of Soluble Urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptor (suPAR)
      Levels in Autoimmune Connective Tissue Disorders.
AB  - The assessment of the general inflammatory condition of patients with autoimmune
      connective tissue disorders (ACTD) is a major challenge. The use of traditional
      inflammatory markers including CRP-levels and erythrocyte sedimentation rate
      (ESR) is limited by several preanalytical factors and their low specificities.
      Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) is one of the novel
      candidate markers that is increasingly used in immune mediated disorders. In our
      studies we compared suPAR levels of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA),
      systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc) and ankylosing
      spondylitis with those of healthy controls. suPAR provided valuable clinical
      information on disease activity in RA, SLE and SSc. We identified a subgroup of
      remitted RA patients, who presented still clinical symptoms of inflammatory
      activity which correlated to high plasma suPAR (while ESR and CRP were normal).
      In SLE we established specific suPAR cut-off values that support the
      discrimination between patients with high and those with moderate SLE activity.
      In patients with SSc suPAR correlated with objective measures of lung and other
      complications. In the majority of ACTDs including SLE, SSc or RA, suPAR is
      seemingly a good biomarker that would provide valuable clinical information.
      However, before the introduction of this novel parameter in laboratory repertoire
      important issues should be elucidated. These include the establishment of
      appropriate and disease specific cutoff values, clarification of interfering
      preanalytical values and underlying conditions and declaration of age- and gender
      specific reference ranges. 

PMID- 27683528
TI  - Clinical Laboratories - Production Factories or Specialized Diagnostic Centers.
AB  - Since a large proportion of medical decisions are based on laboratory results,
      clinical laboratories should meet the increasing demand of clinicians and their
      patients. Huge central laboratories may process over 10 million tests annually;
      they act as production factories, measuring emergency and routine tests with
      sufficient speed and accuracy. At the same time, they also serve as specialized
      diagnostic centers where well-trained experts analyze and interpret special test
      results. It is essential to improve and constantly monitor this complex
      laboratory service, by several methods. Sample transport by pneumatic tube
      system, use of an advanced laboratory information system and point-of-care
      testing may result in decreased total turnaround time. The optimization of test
      ordering may result in a faster and more cost-effective laboratory service.
      Autovalidation can save time for laboratory specialists, when the analysis of
      more complex results requires their attention. Small teams of experts responsible
      for special diagnostic work, and their interpretative reporting according to
      predetermined principles, may help to minimize subjectivity of these special
      reports. Although laboratory investigations have become so diversely developed in
      the past decades, it is essential that the laboratory can provide accurate
      results relatively quickly, and that laboratory specialists can support the
      diagnosis and monitoring of patients by adequate interpretation of esoteric
      laboratory methods. 

PMID- 27683530
TI  - Alan McGlennan: Happy despite appearances.

PMID- 27683527
TI  - Interpretation of Blood Microbiology Results - Function of the Clinical
      Microbiologist.
AB  - The proper use and interpretation of blood microbiology results may be one of the
      most challenging and one of the most important functions of clinical microbiology
      laboratories. Effective implementation of this function requires careful
      consideration of specimen collection and processing, pathogen detection
      techniques, and prompt and precise reporting of identification and susceptibility
      results. The responsibility of the treating physician is proper formulation of
      the analytical request and to provide the laboratory with complete and precise
      patient information, which are inevitable prerequisites of a proper testing and
      interpretation. The clinical microbiologist can offer advice concerning the
      differential diagnosis, sampling techniques and detection methods to facilitate
      diagnosis. Rapid detection methods are essential, since the sooner a pathogen is
      detected, the better chance the patient has of getting cured. Besides the gold
      standard blood culture technique, microbiologic methods that decrease the time in
      obtaining a relevant result are more and more utilized today. In the case of
      certain pathogens, the pathogen can be identified directly from the blood culture
      bottle after propagation with serological or automated/semi-automated systems or
      molecular methods or with MALDI-TOF MS (matrix-assisted laser desorption
      ionization time of flight mass spectrometry). Molecular biology methods are also
      suitable for the rapid detection and identification of pathogens from aseptically
      collected blood samples. Another important duty of the microbiology laboratory is
      to notify the treating physician immediately about all relevant information if a
      positive sample is detected. The clinical microbiologist may provide important
      guidance regarding the clinical significance of blood isolates, since one-third
      to one-half of blood culture isolates are contaminants or isolates of unknown
      clinical significance. To fully exploit the benefits of blood culture and other
      (non- culture based) diagnoses, the microbiologist and the clinician should
      interact directly. 

PMID- 27683531
TI  - Foreword of the Editor.

PMID- 27683526
TI  - Deficiencies of the Natural Anticoagulants - Novel Clinical Laboratory Aspects of
      Thrombophilia Testing.
AB  - Venous thrombosis is a typical common complex disease as acquired and genetic
      causes play a role in its development. The different "loss of function" mutations
      of the natural anticoagulant system lead to antithrombin (AT), protein C (PC) and
      protein S (PS) deficiencies. Since thrombophilia testing has high cost and it has
      several methodological issues (analytical, pre-analytical), which makes the
      interpretation of results difficult, considerations should be made on the
      indications of testing, on the parameters that are measured and on the best
      available method to use. The latest guideline on clinical and laboratory
      management of thrombophilia kept the relatively old laboratory recommendations
      unchanged. This is partly because of the existence of unresolved problems with
      the laboratory tests used for diagnosis. Based on the literature and our previous
      research here we discuss the unresolved problems, the recently raised questions
      and issues concerning AT, PC and PS laboratory diagnosis and summarize the recent
      findings in molecular genetic investigations. 

PMID- 27683529
TI  - Adding Value in the Postanalytical Phase.
AB  - Apart from maintaining the highest quality of analytical test results,
      laboratories are now getting more focused on how to achieve the greatest impact
      of laboratory results on their patient's outcome. Laboratory professionals are
      now in the learning phase of implementing new practices at different steps of the
      extra-analytical phases of the testing process where laboratories used to
      contribute seldom, only sporadically. Recently, the achievable levels of
      harmonization and responsible contributors at various steps of the testing
      process have also been proposed. Based on this proposal some tasks of the extra
      analytical phase should become primarily the responsibility of laboratories with
      the involvement of clinicians, like additive testing, individualized
      interpretative commenting and reporting results with clinical urgency in
      postanalytical (PA) phase. These tasks can be good targets to start with or to
      increase patient outcome-oriented extra-analytical activities of laboratories.
      The status of the present practice of the PA activities for which laboratories
      proposed to be primarily responsible in the testing process - laboratory-driven
      PA tasks - will be reviewed below. In addition, approaches of quality assessment
      (QA) with quality specifications of these laboratory-driven PA tasks and the
      available best practice recommendations in the light of the achievable level of
      harmonization will be discussed. Laboratory professionals are encouraged to
      improve their methodological, theoretical and communicational skills and take the
      lead and participate in the discussed PA activities that can assist in
      translating laboratory test results into clinical meaning and thereby lead to
      better clinical utilization of laboratory test results. 

PMID- 27683532
TI  - The World is Changing - Are We Ready?

PMID- 27683534
TI  - Can Natriuretic Peptides be Used to Guide Therapy?
AB  - Over the last 15 years, the hypothesis that intensified treatment directed at
      reducing natriuretic peptide (NP) concentrations may improve the outcomes of
      patients with heart failure (HF) has been scrutinized in several prospective
      clinical trials, with conflicting results. Collectively, however, the data
      suggest that NP concentrations may be useful in guiding HF management and
      improving HF-related morbidity and mortality. In this review, we summarize the
      existing data investigating the use of NPs as targets for outpatient HF therapy.
      We focus on the information gathered in randomized clinical trials and
      comprehensive meta-analyses, and also on the recommendations of international
      guidelines (primarily guidelines from the European Society of Cardiology and the
      American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association). Although the results
      for this approach are promising overall, additional well-designed prospective
      randomized controlled trials (e.g., the GUIDE-IT trial) are necessary to confirm
      or refute the utility of NP-guided outpatient HF management. 

PMID- 27683533
TI  - Analytical Issues with Natriuretic Peptides - has this been Overly Simplified?
AB  - Natriuretic peptides (NPs) were first described as cardiac biomarkers more than
      two decades ago. Since that time, numerous studies have confirmed NPs' diagnostic
      and prognostic utilities as biomarkers of myocardial function. However, we must
      now admit that despite the NPs' relatively long period of use in clinical
      practice, our understanding of the biochemistry and the variety of circulating
      forms of NPs, as well as of their potential as biomarkers, remains far from being
      complete and comprehensive. The highly complex nature and wide diversity of
      circulating forms of NPs make their accurate measurements in plasma far more
      complex than initially believed. A highly simplistic view of the NPs' use is that
      elevated values of NPs indicate the severity of heart failure and thus reflect
      the prognosis. However, as shown by a variety of studies, deep understanding of
      how the NP system works will be required for correct interpretation of test
      results in routine practice of cardiovascular disease. In this review, we
      summarize the recent advances in understanding of the complexity of the NP system
      and discuss related analytical issues, which open new horizons, as well as
      challenges for clinical diagnostics. 

PMID- 27683535
TI  - High Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin Assays - How to Implement them Successfully.
AB  - High sensitivity troponin (hsTn) assays provide an unprecedented opportunity to
      improve the detection and treatment of cardiac injury from coronary and non
      coronary causes. They may also play a role in guiding the primary and secondary
      prevention of cardiovascular disease. However, to derive maximal benefit from
      their use, careful planning for the implementation of these new assays is
      required. In this manuscript, we will discuss actions that can be taken during
      hsTn pre-implementation, implementation and post-implementation phases. Key
      concepts for consideration in the pre-implementation phase include: the
      establishment of a multi-disciplinary implementation team; development of quality
      control procedures; education of clinical staff; modification of existing
      clinical workflow and provision of computerized decision support. Strategies for
      ensuring successful implementation and post-implementation phases will also be
      discussed. 

PMID- 27683536
TI  - Soluble ST2 and Galectin-3: What We Know and Don't Know Analytically.
AB  - The proteins soluble ST2 (sST2) and galectin-3 are currently gaining mounting
      interest as candidate biomarkers in cardiac disease. Both, sST2 and galectin-3
      have been included in the 2013 ACCF/AHA guideline for additive risk
      stratification of patients with acute and chronic heart failure. The aim of this
      review is to provide information on analytical considerations of measuring
      circulating sST2 and galectin-3 including knowledge on in vitro stability,
      biological variation and reference ranges of both analytes. 

PMID- 27683538
TI  - Emerging and Disruptive Technologies.
AB  - Several emerging or disruptive technologies can be identified that might, at some
      point in the future, displace established laboratory medicine technologies and
      practices. These include increased automation in the form of robots, 3-D
      printing, technology convergence (e.g., plug-in glucose meters for smart phones),
      new point-of-care technologies (e.g., contact lenses with sensors, digital and
      wireless enabled pregnancy tests) and testing locations (e.g., Retail Health
      Clinics, new at-home testing formats), new types of specimens (e.g., cell free
      DNA), big biology/data (e.g., million genome projects), and new regulations
      (e.g., for laboratory developed tests). In addition, there are many emerging
      technologies (e.g., planar arrays, mass spectrometry) that might find even
      broader application in the future and therefore also disrupt current practice.
      One interesting source of disruptive technology may prove to be the Qualcomm
      Tricorder XPrize, currently in its final stages. 

PMID- 27683537
TI  - ST2 and Galectin-3: Ready for Prime Time?
AB  - ST2 and galectin-3 are emerging biomarkers in the field of heart failure and have
      been extensively studied, and that whether they provide additional prognostic
      value on top of the clinical models and the gold standard in HF, (NT-pro)BNP. Our
      aim was to provide a comprehensive review of these emerging HF-related biomarkers
      in chronic, acute and incident heart failure. Regardless of the type of heart
      failure, both biomarkers seem to have an additional effect on top of the clinical
      model including natriuretic peptides. Strategies that combine multiple biomarkers
      may ultimately prove to be beneficial in the guidance of HF therapy in the
      future. However, additional prognostic value appears to be limited, and what we
      need is to prospectively test the consistent observations, which then might lead
      to the implementation of ST2 and galectin-3 in heart failure algorithms. 

PMID- 27683539
TI  - Converting Multi-Shell and Diffusion Spectrum Imaging to High Angular Resolution
      Diffusion Imaging.
AB  - Multi-shell and diffusion spectrum imaging (DSI) are becoming increasingly
      popular methods of acquiring diffusion MRI data in a research context. However,
      single-shell acquisitions, such as diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and high
      angular resolution diffusion imaging (HARDI), still remain the most common
      acquisition schemes in practice. Here we tested whether multi-shell and DSI data
      have conversion flexibility to be interpolated into corresponding HARDI data. We
      acquired multi-shell and DSI data on both a phantom and in vivo human tissue and
      converted them to HARDI. The correlation and difference between their diffusion
      signals, anisotropy values, diffusivity measurements, fiber orientations,
      connectivity matrices, and network measures were examined. Our analysis result
      showed that the diffusion signals, anisotropy, diffusivity, and connectivity
      matrix of the HARDI converted from multi-shell and DSI were highly correlated
      with those of the HARDI acquired on the MR scanner, with correlation coefficients
      around 0.8~0.9. The average angular error between converted and original HARDI
      was 20.7 degrees  at voxels with signal-to-noise ratios greater than 5. The
      network topology measures had less than 2% difference, whereas the average nodal
      measures had a percentage difference around 4~7%. In general, multi-shell and DSI
      acquisitions can be converted to their corresponding single-shell HARDI with high
      fidelity. This supports multi-shell and DSI acquisitions over HARDI acquisition
      as the scheme of choice for diffusion acquisitions. 

PMID- 27683540
TI  - Synapse-Centric Mapping of Cortical Models to the SpiNNaker Neuromorphic
      Architecture.
AB  - While the adult human brain has approximately 8.8 * 10(10) neurons, this number
      is dwarfed by its 1 * 10(15) synapses. From the point of view of neuromorphic
      engineering and neural simulation in general this makes the simulation of these
      synapses a particularly complex problem. SpiNNaker is a digital, neuromorphic
      architecture designed for simulating large-scale spiking neural networks at
      speeds close to biological real-time. Current solutions for simulating spiking
      neural networks on SpiNNaker are heavily inspired by work on distributed high
      performance computing. However, while SpiNNaker shares many characteristics with
      such distributed systems, its component nodes have much more limited resources
      and, as the system lacks global synchronization, the computation performed on
      each node must complete within a fixed time step. We first analyze the
      performance of the current SpiNNaker neural simulation software and identify
      several problems that occur when it is used to simulate networks of the type
      often used to model the cortex which contain large numbers of sparsely connected
      synapses. We then present a new, more flexible approach for mapping the
      simulation of such networks to SpiNNaker which solves many of these problems.
      Finally we analyze the performance of our new approach using both benchmarks,
      designed to represent cortical connectivity, and larger, functional cortical
      models. In a benchmark network where neurons receive input from 8000 STDP
      synapses, our new approach allows 4* more neurons to be simulated on each
      SpiNNaker core than has been previously possible. We also demonstrate that the
      largest plastic neural network previously simulated on neuromorphic hardware can
      be run in real time using our new approach: double the speed that was previously
      achieved. Additionally this network contains two types of plastic synapse which
      previously had to be trained separately but, using our new approach, can be
      trained simultaneously. 

PMID- 27683541
TI  - Extracellularly Recorded Somatic and Neuritic Signal Shapes and Classification
      Algorithms for High-Density Microelectrode Array Electrophysiology.
AB  - High-density microelectrode arrays (HDMEA) have been recently introduced to study
      principles of neural function at high spatial resolution. However, the exact
      nature of the experimentally observed extracellular action potentials (EAPs) is
      still incompletely understood. The soma, axon and dendrites of a neuron can all
      exhibit regenerative action potentials that could be sensed with HDMEA
      electrodes. Here, we investigate the contribution of distinct neuronal sources of
      activity in HDMEA recordings from low-density neuronal cultures. We recorded EAPs
      with HDMEAs having 11,011 electrodes and then fixed and immunostained the
      cultures with beta3-tubulin for high-resolution fluorescence imaging.
      Immunofluorescence images overlaid with the activity maps showed EAPs both at
      neuronal somata and distal neurites. Neuritic EAPs had mostly narrow triphasic
      shapes, consisting of a positive, a pronounced negative peak and a second
      positive peak. EAPs near somata had wide monophasic or biphasic shapes with a
      main negative peak, and following optional positive peak. We show that about 86%
      of EAP recordings consist of somatic spikes, while the remaining 14% represent
      neuritic spikes. Furthermore, the adaptation of the waveform shape during bursts
      of these neuritic spikes suggested that they originate from axons, rather than
      from dendrites. Our study improves the understanding of HDMEA signals and can aid
      in the identification of the source of EAPs. 

PMID- 27683542
TI  - The Endogenous Hallucinogen and Trace Amine N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) Displays
      Potent Protective Effects against Hypoxia via Sigma-1 Receptor Activation in
      Human Primary iPSC-Derived Cortical Neurons and Microglia-Like Immune Cells.
AB  - N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a potent endogenous hallucinogen present in the
      brain of humans and other mammals. Despite extensive research, its physiological
      role remains largely unknown. Recently, DMT has been found to activate the sigma
      1 receptor (Sig-1R), an intracellular chaperone fulfilling an interface role
      between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria. It ensures the correct
      transmission of ER stress into the nucleus resulting in the enhanced production
      of antistress and antioxidant proteins. Due to this function, the activation of
      Sig-1R can mitigate the outcome of hypoxia or oxidative stress. In this paper, we
      aimed to test the hypothesis that DMT plays a neuroprotective role in the brain
      by activating the Sig-1R. We tested whether DMT can mitigate hypoxic stress in in
      vitro cultured human cortical neurons (derived from induced pluripotent stem
      cells, iPSCs), monocyte-derived macrophages (moMACs), and dendritic cells
      (moDCs). Results showed that DMT robustly increases the survival of these cell
      types in severe hypoxia (0.5% O2) through the Sig-1R. Furthermore, this
      phenomenon is associated with the decreased expression and function of the alpha
      subunit of the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) suggesting that DMT-mediated
      Sig-1R activation may alleviate hypoxia-induced cellular stress and increase
      survival in a HIF-1-independent manner. Our results reveal a novel and important
      role of DMT in human cellular physiology. We postulate that this compound may be
      endogenously generated in situations of stress, ameliorating the adverse effects
      of hypoxic/ischemic insult to the brain. 

PMID- 27683545
TI  - Construction and Operation of a High-Speed, High-Precision Eye Tracker for Tight
      Stimulus Synchronization and Real-Time Gaze Monitoring in Human and Animal
      Subjects.
AB  - Measurements of the fast and precise movements of the eye-critical to many
      vision, oculomotor, and animal behavior studies-can be made non-invasively by
      video oculography. The protocol here describes the construction and operation of
      a research-grade video oculography system with ~0.1 degrees  precision over the
      full typical viewing range at over 450 Hz with tight synchronization with
      stimulus onset. The protocol consists of three stages: (1) system assembly, (2)
      calibration for both cooperative, and for minimally cooperative subjects (e.g.,
      animals or infants), and (3) gaze monitoring and recording. 

PMID- 27683543
TI  - How to Evaluate Phase Differences between Trial Groups in Ongoing
      Electrophysiological Signals.
AB  - A growing number of studies endeavor to reveal periodicities in sensory and
      cognitive functions, by comparing the distribution of ongoing (pre-stimulus)
      oscillatory phases between two (or more) trial groups reflecting distinct
      experimental outcomes. A systematic relation between the phase of spontaneous
      electrophysiological signals, before a stimulus is even presented, and the
      eventual result of sensory or cognitive processing for that stimulus, would be
      indicative of an intrinsic periodicity in the underlying neural process. Prior
      studies of phase-dependent perception have used a variety of analytical methods
      to measure and evaluate phase differences, and there is currently no established
      standard practice in this field. The present report intends to remediate this
      need, by systematically comparing the statistical power of various measures of
      "phase opposition" between two trial groups, in a number of real and simulated
      experimental situations. Seven measures were evaluated: one parametric test
      (circular Watson-Williams test), and three distinct measures of phase opposition
      (phase bifurcation index, phase opposition sum, and phase opposition product)
      combined with two procedures for non-parametric statistical testing (permutation,
      or a combination of z-score and permutation). While these are obviously not the
      only existing or conceivable measures, they have all been used in recent studies.
      All tested methods performed adequately on a previously published dataset (Busch
      et al., 2009). On a variety of artificially constructed datasets, no single
      measure was found to surpass all others, but instead the suitability of each
      measure was contingent on several experimental factors: the time, frequency, and
      depth of oscillatory phase modulation; the absolute and relative amplitudes of
      post-stimulus event-related potentials for the two trial groups; the absolute and
      relative trial numbers for the two groups; and the number of permutations used
      for non-parametric testing. The concurrent use of two phase opposition measures,
      the parametric Watson-Williams test and a non-parametric test based on summing
      inter-trial coherence values for the two trial groups, appears to provide the
      most satisfactory outcome in all situations tested. Matlab code is provided to
      automatically compute these phase opposition measures. 

PMID- 27683544
TI  - Computer Simulations Support a Morphological Contribution to BDNF Enhancement of
      Action Potential Generation.
AB  - Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) regulates both action potential (AP)
      generation and neuron morphology. However, whether BDNF-induced changes in neuron
      morphology directly impact AP generation is unclear. We quantified BDNF's effect
      on cultured cortical neuron morphological parameters and found that BDNF
      stimulates dendrite growth and addition of dendrites while increasing both
      excitatory and inhibitory presynaptic inputs in a spatially restricted manner. To
      gain insight into how these combined changes in neuron structure and synaptic
      input impact AP generation, we used the morphological parameters we gathered to
      generate computational models. Simulations suggest that BDNF-induced neuron
      morphologies generate more APs under a wide variety of conditions. Synapse and
      dendrite addition have the greatest impact on AP generation. However, subtle
      alterations in excitatory/inhibitory synapse ratio and strength have a
      significant impact on AP generation when synaptic activity is low. Consistent
      with these simulations, BDNF rapidly enhances spontaneous activity in cortical
      cultures. We propose that BDNF promotes neuron morphologies that are
      intrinsically more efficient at translating barrages of synaptic activity into
      APs, which is a previously unexplored aspect of BDNF's function. 

PMID- 27683546
TI  - Bumblebees Perform Well-Controlled Landings in Dim Light.
AB  - To make a smooth touchdown when landing, an insect must be able to reliably
      control its approach speed as well as its body and leg position-behaviors that
      are thought to be regulated primarily by visual information. Bumblebees forage
      and land under a broad range of light intensities and while their behavior during
      the final moments of landing has been described in detail in bright light, little
      is known about how this is affected by decreasing light intensity. Here, we
      investigate this by characterizing the performance of bumblebees, B. terrestris,
      landing on a flat platform at two different orientations (horizontal and
      vertical) and at four different light intensities (ranging from 600 lx down to 19
      lx). As light intensity decreased, the bees modified their body position and the
      distance at which they extended their legs, suggesting that the control of
      landing in these insects is visually mediated. Nevertheless, the effect of light
      intensity was small and the landings were still well controlled, even in the
      dimmest light. We suggest that the changes in landing behavior that occurred in
      dim light might represent adaptations that allow the bees to perform smooth
      landings across the broad range of light intensities at which they are active. 

PMID- 27683549
TI  - What pediatric nonprogressors and natural SIV hosts teach us about HIV.
AB  - A subset of HIV-infected children shows an unusually benign course of infection
      that recapitulates key immunological aspects of the natural SIV infection of
      sooty mangabeys (Muenchhoff et al.).

PMID- 27683548
TI  - Behavioral and TMS Markers of Action Observation Might Reflect Distinct Neuronal
      Processes.
AB  - Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) studies have shown that observing an
      action induces muscle-specific changes in corticospinal excitability. From a
      signal detection theory standpoint, this pattern can be related to sensitivity,
      which here would measure the capacity to distinguish between two action
      observation conditions. In parallel to these TMS studies, action observation has
      also been linked to behavioral effects such as motor priming and interference. It
      has been hypothesized that behavioral markers of action observation could be
      related to TMS markers and thus represent a potentially cost-effective mean of
      assessing the functioning of the action-perception system. However, very few
      studies have looked at possible relationships between these two measures. The aim
      of this study was to investigate if individual differences in sensitivity to
      action observation could be related to the behavioral motor priming and
      interference effects produced by action observation. To this end, 14 healthy
      participants observed index and little finger movements during a TMS task and a
      stimulus-response compatibility task. Index muscle displayed sensitivity to
      action observation, and action observation resulted in significant motor
      priming+interference, while no significant effect was observed for the little
      finger in both task. Nevertheless, our results indicate that the sensitivity
      measured in TMS was not related to the behavioral changes measured in the
      stimulus-response compatibility task. Contrary to a widespread assumption, the
      current results indicate that individual differences in physiological and
      behavioral markers of action observation may be unrelated. This could have
      important impacts on the potential use of behavioral markers in place of more
      costly physiological markers of action observation in clinical settings. 

PMID- 27683547
TI  - Causal Interactions between Frontal(theta) - Parieto-Occipital(alpha2) Predict
      Performance on a Mental Arithmetic Task.
AB  - Many neuroimaging studies have demonstrated the different functional
      contributions of spatially distinct brain areas to working memory (WM) subsystems
      in cognitive tasks that demand both local information processing and
      interregional coordination. In WM cognitive task paradigms employing
      electroencephalography (EEG), brain rhythms such as theta and alpha have been
      linked to specific functional roles over given brain areas, but their functional
      coupling has not been extensively studied. Here we analyzed an arithmetic task
      with five cognitive workload levels (CWLs) and demonstrated functional/effective
      coupling between the two WM subsystems: the central executive located over
      frontal (F) brain areas that oscillates on the dominant theta rhythm
      (Frontal(theta)/F(theta)) and the storage buffer located over parieto-occipital
      (PO) brain areas that operates on the alpha2 dominant brain rhythm (Parieto
      Occipital(alpha2)/PO(alpha2)). We focused on important differences between and
      within WM subsystems in relation to behavioral performance. A repertoire of brain
      connectivity estimators was employed to elucidate the distinct roles of
      amplitude, phase within and between frequencies, and the hierarchical role of
      functionally specialized brain areas related to the task. Specifically, for each
      CWL, we conducted a) a conventional signal power analysis within both frequency
      bands at F(theta) and PO(alpha2), b) the intra- and inter-frequency phase
      interactions between F(theta) and PO(alpha2), and c) their causal phase and
      amplitude relationship. We found no significant statistical difference of signal
      power or phase interactions between correct and wrong answers. Interestingly, the
      study of causal interactions between F(theta) and PO(alpha2) revealed frontal
      brain region(s) as the leader, while the strength differentiated between correct
      and wrong responses in every CWL with absolute accuracy. Additionally, zero time
      lag between bilateral F(theta) and right PO(a2) could serve as an indicator of
      mental calculation failure. Overall, our study highlights the significant role of
      coordinated activity between F(theta) and PO(alpha2) via their causal
      interactions and the timing for arithmetic performance. 

PMID- 27683551
TI  - Prevention of atherosclerosis by bioactive palmitoleate through suppression of
      organelle stress and inflammasome activation.
AB  - De novo lipogenesis (DNL), the conversion of glucose and other substrates to
      lipids, is often associated with ectopic lipid accumulation, metabolic stress,
      and insulin resistance, especially in the liver. However, organ-specific DNL can
      also generate distinct lipids with beneficial metabolic bioactivity, prompting a
      great interest in their use for the treatment of metabolic diseases. Palmitoleate
      (PAO), one such bioactive lipid, regulates lipid metabolism in liver and improves
      glucose utilization in skeletal muscle when it is generated de novo from the
      obese adipose tissue. We show that PAO treatment evokes an overall lipidomic
      remodeling of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membranes in macrophages and mouse
      tissues, which is associated with resistance of the ER to hyperlipidemic stress.
      By preventing ER stress, PAO blocks lipid-induced inflammasome activation in
      mouse and human macrophages. Chronic PAO supplementation also lowers systemic
      interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and IL-18 concentrations in vivo in hyperlipidemic
      mice. Moreover, PAO prevents macrophage ER stress and IL-1beta production in
      atherosclerotic plaques in vivo, resulting in a marked reduction in plaque
      macrophages and protection against atherosclerosis in mice. These findings
      demonstrate that oral supplementation with a product of DNL such as PAO can
      promote membrane remodeling associated with metabolic resilience of intracellular
      organelles to lipid stress and limit the progression of atherosclerosis. These
      findings support therapeutic PAO supplementation as a potential preventive
      approach against complex metabolic and inflammatory diseases such as
      atherosclerosis, which warrants further studies in humans.

PMID- 27683550
TI  - Nonprogressing HIV-infected children share fundamental immunological features of
      nonpathogenic SIV infection.
AB  - Disease-free infection in HIV-infected adults is associated with human leukocyte
      antigen-mediated suppression of viremia, whereas in the sooty mangabey and other
      healthy natural hosts of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), viral replication
      continues unabated. To better understand factors preventing HIV disease, we
      investigated pediatric infection, where AIDS typically develops more rapidly than
      in adults. Among 170 nonprogressing antiretroviral therapy-naive children aged >5
      years maintaining normal-for-age CD4 T cell counts, immune activation levels were
      low despite high viremia (median, 26,000 copies/ml). Potent, broadly neutralizing
      antibody responses in most of the subjects and strong virus-specific T cell
      activity were present but did not drive pediatric nonprogression. However,
      reduced CCR5 expression and low HIV infection in long-lived central memory CD4 T
      cells were observed in pediatric nonprogressors. These children therefore express
      two cardinal immunological features of nonpathogenic SIV infection in sooty
      mangabeys-low immune activation despite high viremia and low CCR5 expression on
      long-lived central memory CD4 T cells-suggesting closer similarities with
      nonpathogenetic mechanisms evolved over thousands of years in natural SIV hosts
      than those operating in HIV-infected adults.

PMID- 27683552
TI  - Hyperelastic "bone": A highly versatile, growth factor-free, osteoregenerative,
      scalable, and surgically friendly biomaterial.
AB  - Despite substantial attention given to the development of osteoregenerative
      biomaterials, severe deficiencies remain in current products. These limitations
      include an inability to adequately, rapidly, and reproducibly regenerate new
      bone; high costs and limited manufacturing capacity; and lack of surgical ease of
      handling. To address these shortcomings, we generated a new, synthetic
      osteoregenerative biomaterial, hyperelastic "bone" (HB). HB, which is composed of
      90 weight % (wt %) hydroxyapatite and 10 wt % polycaprolactone or poly(lactic-co
      glycolic acid), could be rapidly three-dimensionally (3D) printed (up to 275
      cm(3)/hour) from room temperature extruded liquid inks. The resulting 3D-printed
      HB exhibited elastic mechanical properties (~32 to 67% strain to failure, ~4 to
      11 MPa elastic modulus), was highly absorbent (50% material porosity), supported
      cell viability and proliferation, and induced osteogenic differentiation of bone
      marrow-derived human mesenchymal stem cells cultured in vitro over 4 weeks
      without any osteo-inducing factors in the medium. We evaluated HB in vivo in a
      mouse subcutaneous implant model for material biocompatibility (7 and 35 days),
      in a rat posterolateral spinal fusion model for new bone formation (8 weeks), and
      in a large, non-human primate calvarial defect case study (4 weeks). HB did not
      elicit a negative immune response, became vascularized, quickly integrated with
      surrounding tissues, and rapidly ossified and supported new bone growth without
      the need for added biological factors.

PMID- 27683553
TI  - Dysregulation of angiopoietin-1 plays a mechanistic role in the pathogenesis of
      cerebral malaria.
AB  - Cerebral malaria is a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality.
      Interventions targeting the underlying pathophysiology of cerebral malaria may
      improve outcomes compared to treatment with antimalarials alone. Microvascular
      leak plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria. The
      angiopoietin (Ang)-Tie-2 system is a critical regulator of vascular function. We
      show that Ang-1 expression and soluble Tie-2 expression were associated with
      disease severity and outcome in a prospective study of Ugandan children with
      severe malaria and in a preclinical murine model of experimental cerebral
      malaria. Ang-1 was necessary for maintenance of vascular integrity and survival
      in a mouse model of cerebral malaria. Therapeutic administration of Ang-1
      preserved blood-brain barrier integrity and, in combination with artesunate
      treatment, improved survival beyond that with artesunate alone. These data define
      a role for dysregulation of the Ang-Tie-2 axis in the pathogenesis of cerebral
      malaria and support the evaluation of Ang-Tie-2-based interventions as potential
      adjunctive therapies for treating severe malaria.

PMID- 27683555
TI  - The Dissociation between Polarity, Semantic Orientation, and Emotional Tone as an
      Early Indicator of Cognitive Impairment.
AB  - The present study aims to identify early cognitive impairment through the
      efficient use of therapies that can improve the quality of daily life and prevent
      disease progress. We propose a methodology based on the hypothesis that the
      dissociation between oral semantic expression and the physical expressions,
      facial gestures, or emotions transmitted in a person's tone of voice is a
      possible indicator of cognitive impairment. Experiments were carried out with
      phrases, analyzing the semantics of the message, and the tone of the voice of
      patients through unstructured interviews in healthy people and patients at an
      early Alzheimer's stage. The results show that the dissociation in cognitive
      impairment was an effective indicator, arising from patterns of inconsistency
      between the analyzed elements. Although the results of our study are encouraging,
      we believe that further studies are necessary to confirm that this dissociation
      is a probable indicator of cognitive impairment. 

PMID- 27683556
TI  - Immunogenomics of Hypermutated Glioblastoma: A Patient with Germline POLE
      Deficiency Treated with Checkpoint Blockade Immunotherapy.
AB  - : We present the case of a patient with a left frontal glioblastoma with
      primitive neuroectodermal tumor features and hypermutated genotype in the setting
      of a POLE germline alteration. During standard-of-care chemoradiation, the
      patient developed a cervical spine metastasis and was subsequently treated with
      pembrolizumab. Shortly thereafter, the patient developed an additional metastatic
      spinal lesion. Using whole-exome DNA sequencing and clonal analysis, we report
      changes in the subclonal architecture throughout treatment. Furthermore, a
      persistently high neoantigen load was observed within all tumors. Interestingly,
      following initiation of pembrolizumab, brisk lymphocyte infiltration was observed
      in the subsequently resected metastatic spinal lesion and an objective
      radiographic response was noted in a progressive intracranial lesion, suggestive
      of active central nervous system (CNS) immunosurveillance following checkpoint
      blockade therapy. SIGNIFICANCE: It is unclear whether hypermutated glioblastomas
      are susceptible to checkpoint blockade in adults. Herein, we provide proof of
      principle that glioblastomas with DNA-repair defects treated with checkpoint
      blockade may result in CNS immune activation, leading to clinically and
      immunologically significant responses. These patients may represent a genomically
      stratified group for whom immunotherapy could be considered. Cancer Discov;
      6(11); 1230-6. (c)2016 AACR.See related commentary by Snyder and Wolchok, p.
      1210This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1197.

PMID- 27683559
TI  - Changes of Femoral Photolethysmographic Waveform Characteristics in Anesthetized
      Dogs with Increased Blood Pressure Induced by Epinephrine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Blood pressure (BP) has been proven to play an important role in
      changes of the morphology of a pulse waveform. However, the extent of change of
      the morphology because of BP signaling has yet to be accurately confirmed.
      OBJECTIVES: This study aims to disclose the accurate effect of BP on the changes
      in the morphology of the pulse waveform. METHODS: Two dogs' invasive
      intraventricular BP (varied by ejecting different doses of epinephrine) and their
      femoral arterial pulse waveform (FAPW) signals were synchronously recorded. For
      each BP increase, a normalized single cardiac beat pulse from the FAPW signal was
      fitted by five Gaussian curves and the changes in the Gaussian parameters
      (height, peak position, and time support) were observed. RESULTS: The height
      parameter increased while the position and time support parameters decreased with
      increasing systolic BP (SBP). The height ratio and the peak intervals between the
      first two components decreased with increasing SBP. CONCLUSIONS: These results
      may contribute to the better understanding of the underlying changes of arterial
      pulse properties at different BP levels and demonstrate the potential application
      value of the Gaussian fitting method for clinically assessing pulse morphology
      and evaluating the well-being of artery system.

PMID- 27683557
TI  - TGFbeta1-Mediated SMAD3 Enhances PD-1 Expression on Antigen-Specific T Cells in
      Cancer.
AB  - : Programmed death-1 (PD-1) is a coinhibitory receptor that downregulates the
      activity of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) in cancer and of virus-specific
      T cells in chronic infection. The molecular mechanisms driving high PD-1
      expression on TILs have not been fully investigated. We demonstrate that TGFbeta1
      enhances antigen-induced PD-1 expression through SMAD3-dependent, SMAD2
      independent transcriptional activation in T cells in vitro and in TILs in vivo
      The PD-1hi subset seen in CD8+ TILs is absent in Smad3-deficient tumor-specific
      CD8+ TILs, resulting in enhanced cytokine production by TILs and in draining
      lymph nodes and antitumor activity. In addition to TGFbeta1's previously known
      effects on T-cell function, our findings suggest that TGFbeta1 mediates T-cell
      suppression via PD-1 upregulation in the tumor microenvironment (TME). They
      highlight bidirectional cross-talk between effector TILs and TGFbeta-producing
      cells that upregulates multiple components of the PD-1 signaling pathway to
      inhibit antitumor immunity. SIGNIFICANCE: Engagement of the coinhibitory receptor
      PD-1 or its ligand, PD-L1, dramatically inhibits the antitumor function of TILs
      within the TME. Our findings represent a novel immunosuppressive function of
      TGFbeta and demonstrate that TGFbeta1 allows tumors to evade host immune
      responses in part through enhanced SMAD3-mediated PD-1 expression on TILs. Cancer
      Discov; 6(12); 1366-81. (c)2016 AACRThis article is highlighted in the In This
      Issue feature, p. 1293.

PMID- 27683554
TI  - Toward an Integration of Deep Learning and Neuroscience.
AB  - Neuroscience has focused on the detailed implementation of computation, studying
      neural codes, dynamics and circuits. In machine learning, however, artificial
      neural networks tend to eschew precisely designed codes, dynamics or circuits in
      favor of brute force optimization of a cost function, often using simple and
      relatively uniform initial architectures. Two recent developments have emerged
      within machine learning that create an opportunity to connect these seemingly
      divergent perspectives. First, structured architectures are used, including
      dedicated systems for attention, recursion and various forms of short- and long
      term memory storage. Second, cost functions and training procedures have become
      more complex and are varied across layers and over time. Here we think about the
      brain in terms of these ideas. We hypothesize that (1) the brain optimizes cost
      functions, (2) the cost functions are diverse and differ across brain locations
      and over development, and (3) optimization operates within a pre-structured
      architecture matched to the computational problems posed by behavior. In support
      of these hypotheses, we argue that a range of implementations of credit
      assignment through multiple layers of neurons are compatible with our current
      knowledge of neural circuitry, and that the brain's specialized systems can be
      interpreted as enabling efficient optimization for specific problem classes. Such
      a heterogeneously optimized system, enabled by a series of interacting cost
      functions, serves to make learning data-efficient and precisely targeted to the
      needs of the organism. We suggest directions by which neuroscience could seek to
      refine and test these hypotheses. 

PMID- 27683558
TI  - Current Therapeutic Cannabis Controversies and Clinical Trial Design Issues.
AB  - This overview covers a wide range of cannabis topics, initially examining issues
      in dispensaries and self-administration, plus regulatory requirements for
      production of cannabis-based medicines, particularly the Food and Drug
      Administration "Botanical Guidance." The remainder pertains to various cannabis
      controversies that certainly require closer examination if the scientific,
      consumer, and governmental stakeholders are ever to reach consensus on safety
      issues, specifically: whether botanical cannabis displays herbal synergy of its
      components, pharmacokinetics of cannabis and dose titration, whether cannabis
      medicines produce cyclo-oxygenase inhibition, cannabis-drug interactions, and
      cytochrome P450 issues, whether cannabis randomized clinical trials are properly
      blinded, combatting the placebo effect in those trials via new approaches, the
      drug abuse liability (DAL) of cannabis-based medicines and their regulatory
      scheduling, their effects on cognitive function and psychiatric sequelae,
      immunological effects, cannabis and driving safety, youth usage, issues related
      to cannabis smoking and vaporization, cannabis concentrates and vape-pens, and
      laboratory analysis for contamination with bacteria and heavy metals. Finally,
      the issue of pesticide usage on cannabis crops is addressed. New and disturbing
      data on pesticide residues in legal cannabis products in Washington State are
      presented with the observation of an 84.6% contamination rate including
      potentially neurotoxic and carcinogenic agents. With ongoing developments in
      legalization of cannabis in medical and recreational settings, numerous
      scientific, safety, and public health issues remain. 

PMID- 27683560
TI  - Contribution of Post-translational Phosphorylation to Sarcomere-Linked
      Cardiomyopathy Phenotypes.
AB  - Secondary shifts develop in post-translational phosphorylation of sarcomeric
      proteins in multiple animal models of inherited cardiomyopathy. These signaling
      alterations together with the primary mutation are predicted to contribute to the
      overall cardiac phenotype. As a result, identification and integration of post
      translational myofilament signaling responses are identified as priorities for
      gaining insights into sarcomeric cardiomyopathies. However, significant questions
      remain about the nature and contribution of post-translational phosphorylation to
      structural remodeling and cardiac dysfunction in animal models and human
      patients. This perspective essay discusses specific goals for filling critical
      gaps about post-translational signaling in response to these inherited mutations,
      especially within sarcomeric proteins. The discussion focuses primarily on pre
      clinical analysis of animal models and defines challenges and future directions
      in this field. 

PMID- 27683561
TI  - MYBPC1, an Emerging Myopathic Gene: What We Know and What We Need to Learn.
AB  - Myosin Binding Protein-C (MyBP-C) comprises a family of accessory proteins that
      includes the cardiac, slow skeletal, and fast skeletal isoforms. The three
      isoforms share structural and sequence homology, and localize at the C-zone of
      the sarcomeric A-band where they interact with thick and thin filaments to
      regulate the cycling of actomyosin crossbridges. The cardiac isoform, encoded by
      MYBPC3, has been extensively studied over the last several decades due to its
      high mutational rate in congenital hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathy. It is
      only recently, however, that the MYBPC1 gene encoding the slow skeletal isoform
      (sMyBP-C) has gained attention. Accordingly, during the last 5 years it has been
      shown that MYBPC1 undergoes extensive exon shuffling resulting in the generation
      of multiple slow variants, which are co-expressed in different combinations and
      amounts in both slow and fast skeletal muscles. The sMyBP-C variants are
      subjected to PKA- and PKC-mediated phosphorylation in constitutive and
      alternatively spliced sites. More importantly, missense, and nonsense mutations
      in MYBPC1 have been directly linked with the development of severe and lethal
      forms of distal arthrogryposis myopathy and muscle tremors. Currently, there is
      no mammalian animal model of sMyBP-C, but new technologies including CRISPR/Cas9
      and xenografting of human biopsies into immunodeficient mice could provide unique
      ways to study the regulation and roles of sMyBP-C in health and disease. 

PMID- 27683562
TI  - A Descriptive Study of Feelings of Arrested Escape (Entrapment) and Arrested
      Anger in People Presenting to an Emergency Department Following an Episode of
      Self-Harm.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To explore the role of elevated feelings of anger and
      desires to escape (fight/flight), which are experienced as inhibited, blocked,
      and arrested (i.e., arrested anger and arrested flight/escape leading to feelings
      of entrapment). This descriptive study developed measures of arrested anger and
      arrested flight and explored these in the context of a recent self-harm event in
      people presenting to a Hospital's Emergency Department (ED). METHODS: Fifty-eight
      individuals presenting to an ED following an act of self-harm were recruited.
      Participants completed newly developed measures of arrested flight, arrested
      anger and anger with self in regard to self-harm, and suicide intent and
      depression. RESULTS: Ninety-three percent of participants presented after self
      poisoning. The majority (95%) reported having experienced high escape motivation
      that felt blocked (arrested flight) with 69% reporting feeling angry with someone
      but unable to express it (arrested anger). For many participants (53.7%), strong
      desires to escape from current situations and/or to express anger did not
      diminish immediately after the act. LIMITATIONS: As with many studies, a select
      group of participants agreed to take part and we did not keep records of how many
      refused. There are no other validated measures of arrested escape and arrested
      anger and so for this study, our short item-focused measures rely on face
      validity. CONCLUSION: Arrested defenses of fight and flight, and self-criticism
      are common in those who have self-harmed and may continue after acts of self
      harm. Many participants revealed that talking about their experiences of escape
      motivation and blocked anger (using our measures) was helpful to them. PRACTICE
      POINTS: Feelings of entrapment and arrested anger are common in people who self
      harmClinicians could benefit from increased awareness and measures of arrested
      flight and arrested angerDiscussing these concepts and experiences appears to be
      useful to people who have self-harmedFurther research is needed on how best to
      help people with such experiences.

PMID- 27683564
TI  - A Comprehensive Evaluation of a Lifelong Learning Program: Program 60.
AB  - Lifelong learning programs meet older adults' educational needs and further
      support their health and well-being leading to more successful aging. In
      particular, university-based lifelong learning programs have provided older
      adults with opportunities to not only develop skills and knowledge but also
      expand new social networks with people of different ages. This study evaluated a
      university-based lifelong learning program, Program 60, to identify the
      relationships between participants' experiences in the program and their quality
      of life. An online survey was employed, and 107 participants completed the self
      report survey. The participants reported that classes helped increase their
      emotional satisfaction and that they enjoyed taking classes with younger
      students. Their experiences in the program reliably predicted psychological and
      social elements of their quality of life ( p = .004 and p = .019, respectively).
      Study results provide helpful information for the development of lifelong
      learning programs that are responsive to the increasing demands of older adults.

PMID- 27683565
TI  - High-School Teachers' Beliefs about Effort and Their Attitudes toward Struggling
      and Smart Students in a Confucian Society.
AB  - Previous studies conducted in Western societies showed that instructors' beliefs
      about intellectual ability affected their attitudes toward students. However, in
      many East Asian societies influenced by Confucian culture, teachers not only hold
      beliefs of ability but also two kinds of beliefs about effort: obligation
      oriented belief (i.e., believing that effort-making is a student's role
      obligation) and improvement-oriented belief (i.e., believing that effort can
      conquer the limitations of one's ability). This study aimed to investigate the
      relationships between teachers' effort beliefs and their attitudes toward
      favoritism, praise, and expectations toward struggling and smart students. The
      participants were 151 Taiwanese high-school teachers. Results of Structure
      Equation Modeling showed that (1) teachers' obligation-oriented belief about
      effort was positively correlated with their favoritism, praise, short-term and
      long-term expectations of struggling students, but negatively correlated with
      their favoritism and praise of smart students, (2) teachers' improvement
      orientated belief about effort was negatively correlated with their short-term
      expectation of smart students and favoritism of struggling students, but
      positively correlated with their praise of smart students, and (3) the entity
      theory of intelligence was negatively correlated with favoritism and praise of
      struggling students, but positively correlated with favoritism of smart students.
      The theoretical and cultural implications are discussed. 

PMID- 27683563
TI  - Childhood Trauma and COMT Genotype Interact to Increase Hippocampal Activation in
      Resilient Individuals.
AB  - Both childhood trauma and a functional catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT)
      genetic polymorphism have been associated with posttraumatic stress disorder
      (PTSD) and depression; however, it is still unclear whether the two interact and
      how this interaction relates to long-term risk or resilience. Imaging and
      genotype data were collected on 73 highly traumatized women. DNA extracted from
      saliva was used to determine COMT genotype (Val/Val, n = 38, Met carriers, n =
      35). Functional MRI data were collected during a Go/NoGo task to investigate the
      neurocircuitry underlying response inhibition. Self-report measures of adult and
      childhood trauma exposure, PTSD and depression symptom severity, and resilience
      were collected. Childhood trauma was found to interact with COMT genotype to
      impact inhibition-related hippocampal activation. In Met carriers, more childhood
      trauma was associated with decreased hippocampal activation, whereas in the
      Val/Val group childhood trauma was related to increased hippocampal activation.
      Second, hippocampal activation correlated negatively with PTSD and depression
      symptoms and positively with trait resilience. Moreover, hippocampal activation
      mediated the relationship between childhood trauma and psychiatric risk or
      resilience in the Val/Val, but not in the Met carrier group. These data reveal a
      potential mechanism by which childhood trauma and COMT genotype interact to
      increase risk for trauma-related psychopathology or resilience. Hippocampal
      recruitment during inhibition may improve the ability to use contextual
      information to guide behavior, thereby enhancing resilience in trauma-exposed
      individuals. This finding may contribute to early identification of individuals
      at risk and suggests a mechanism that can be targeted in future studies aiming to
      prevent or limit negative outcomes. 

PMID- 27683566
TI  - Contribution of Visuospatial and Motion-Tracking to Invisible Motion.
AB  - People experience an object's motion even when it is occluded. We investigate the
      processing of invisible motion in three experiments. Observers saw a moving
      circle passing behind an invisible, irregular hendecagonal polygon and had to
      respond as quickly as possible when the target had "just reappeared" from behind
      the occluder. Without explicit cues allowing the end of each of the eight hidden
      trajectories to be predicted (length ranging between 4.7 and 5 deg), we found as
      expected, if visuospatial attention was involved, anticipation errors, providing
      that information on pre-occluder motion was available. This indicates that the
      observers, rather than simply responding when they saw the target, tended to
      anticipate its reappearance (Experiment 1). The new finding is that, with a
      fixation mark indicating the center of the invisible trajectory, a linear
      relationship between the physical and judged occlusion duration is found, but not
      without it (Experiment 2) or with a fixation mark varying in position from trial
      to trial (Experiment 3). We interpret the role of central fixation in the
      differences in distinguishing trajectories smaller than 0.3 deg, by suggesting
      that it reflects spatiotemporal computation and motion-tracking. These two
      mechanisms allow visual imagery to form of the point symmetrical to that of the
      disappearance, with respect to fixation, and then for the occluded moving target
      to be tracked up to this point. 

PMID- 27683567
TI  - Emotion Regulation in Schema Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
AB  - Schema therapy (ST) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) have both shown to be
      effective treatment methods especially for borderline personality disorder. Both,
      ST and DBT, have their roots in cognitive behavioral therapy and aim at helping
      patient to deal with emotional dysregulation. However, there are major
      differences in the terminology, explanatory models and techniques used in the
      both methods. This article gives an overview of the major therapeutic techniques
      used in ST and DBT with respect to emotion regulation and systematically puts
      them in the context of James Gross' process model of emotion regulation.
      Similarities and differences of the two methods are highlighted and illustrated
      with a case example. A core difference of the two approaches is that DBT directly
      focusses on the acquisition of emotion regulation skills, whereas ST does seldom
      address emotion regulation directly. All DBT-modules (mindfulness, distress
      tolerance, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness) are intended to
      improve emotion regulation skills and patients are encouraged to train these
      skills on a regular basis. DBT assumes that improved skills and skills use will
      result in better emotion regulation. In ST problems in emotion regulation are
      seen as a consequence of adverse early experiences (e.g., lack of safe
      attachment, childhood abuse or emotional neglect). These negative experiences
      have led to unprocessed psychological traumas and fear of emotions and result in
      attempts to avoid emotions and dysfunctional meta-cognitive schemas about the
      meaning of emotions. ST assumes that when these underlying problems are
      addressed, emotion regulation improves. Major ST techniques for trauma
      processing, emotional avoidance and dysregulation are limited reparenting,
      empathic confrontation and experiential techniques like chair dialogs and imagery
      rescripting. 

PMID- 27683569
TI  - Learning from the Past-The Need for Empirical Evidence on the Transfer Effects of
      Computer Programming Skills.

PMID- 27683568
TI  - Impaired Self-Monitoring of Inner Speech in Schizophrenia Patients with Verbal
      Hallucinations and in Non-clinical Individuals Prone to Hallucinations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous research has shown that various memory errors reflecting
      failure in the self-monitoring of speech were associated with auditory/verbal
      hallucinations in schizophrenia patients and with proneness to hallucinations in
      non-clinical individuals. METHOD: We administered to 57 schizophrenia patients
      and 60 healthy participants a verbal memory task involving free recall and
      recognition of lists of words with different structures (high-frequency, low
      frequency, and semantically organisable words). Extra-list intrusions in free
      recall were tallied, and the response bias reflecting tendency to make false
      recognitions of non-presented words was computed for each list. RESULTS: In the
      male patient subsample, extra-list intrusions were positively associated with
      verbal hallucinations and inversely associated with negative symptoms. In the
      healthy participants the extra-list intrusions were positively associated with
      proneness to hallucinations. A liberal response bias in the recognition of the
      high-frequency words was associated with verbal hallucinations in male patients
      and with proneness to hallucinations in healthy men. Meanwhile, a conservative
      response bias for these high-frequency words was associated with negative
      symptoms in male patients and with social anhedonia in healthy men. CONCLUSION:
      Misattribution of inner speech to an external source, reflected by false
      recollection of familiar material, seems to underlie both clinical and non
      clinical hallucinations. Further, both clinical and non-clinical negative
      symptoms may exert on verbal memory errors an effect opposite to that of
      hallucinations.

PMID- 27683570
TI  - How Math Anxiety Relates to Number-Space Associations.
AB  - Given the considerable prevalence of math anxiety, it is important to identify
      the factors contributing to it in order to improve mathematical learning.
      Research on math anxiety typically focusses on the effects of more complex
      arithmetic skills. Recent evidence, however, suggests that deficits in basic
      numerical processing and spatial skills also constitute potential risk factors of
      math anxiety. Given these observations, we determined whether math anxiety also
      depends on the quality of spatial-numerical associations. Behavioral evidence for
      a tight link between numerical and spatial representations is given by the SNARC
      (spatial-numerical association of response codes) effect, characterized by faster
      left-/right-sided responses for small/large digits respectively in binary
      classification tasks. We compared the strength of the SNARC effect between high
      and low math anxious individuals using the classical parity judgment task in
      addition to evaluating their spatial skills, arithmetic performance, working
      memory and inhibitory control. Greater math anxiety was significantly associated
      with stronger spatio-numerical interactions. This finding adds to the recent
      evidence supporting a link between math anxiety and basic numerical abilities and
      strengthens the idea that certain characteristics of low-level number processing
      such as stronger number-space associations constitute a potential risk factor of
      math anxiety. 

PMID- 27683571
TI  - Profiles of Perfectionism and School Anxiety: A Review of the 2 * 2 Model of
      Dispositional Perfectionism in Child Population.
AB  - The 2 * 2 model of dispositional perfectionism has been very well received by
      researchers of the topic, leading to the creation of new studies that have
      analyzed the way in which the four proposed subtypes are distinctly associated
      with measures of adaptation and maladjustment. The goal of this study was to
      determine the possible existence of four profiles of child perfectionism that are
      congruent with the subtypes proposed by the 2 * 2 model, and whether these
      subtypes are associated with school anxiety, in accordance with the hypotheses
      established by the model. The sample was composed of 2157 students from Spanish
      Primary Education aged between 8 and 11 years (M = 9.60, SD = 1.24). The Child
      and Adolescent Perfectionism Scale was used to assess Socially Prescribed
      Perfectionism and Self-Oriented Perfectionism, and the School Anxiety Inventory
      for Primary Education was used to measure school anxiety. The results of cluster
      analysis identified four differential groups of perfectionists similar to the
      subtypes defined by the 2 * 2 model: Non-Perfectionism, Pure Personal Standards
      Perfectionism (Pure PSP), Pure Evaluative Concerns Perfectionism (Pure ECP), and
      Mixed Perfectionism. The four groups presented a differentiable pattern of
      association with school anxiety, with the exception of Pure PSP and Pure ECP,
      which showed no significant differences. Participants classified as Non
      perfectionists presented the most adaptive outcomes, whereas subjects included in
      the Mixed Perfectionism group scored significantly higher on school anxiety than
      the three remaining groups. To conclude, the results partially supported the
      hypotheses of the 2 * 2 model, questioning the consideration of Self-Oriented
      Perfectionism as a positive manifestation of perfectionism and showing that it is
      the combination of high scores in both perfectionist dimensions, Self-Oriented
      Perfectionism and Socially Prescribed Perfectionism that implies higher levels of
      school anxiety. These findings should be taken into account when generalizing the
      2 * 2 model to child population. 

PMID- 27683572
TI  - Stress at School? A Qualitative Study on Illegitimate Tasks during Teacher
      Training.
AB  - What do I expect when stating that "I am going to be a teacher"? Social roles,
      including professional roles, often become part of people's identity and thus, of
      the self. As people typically strive for maintaining a positive sense of self,
      threats to one's role identity are likely to induce stress. In line with these
      considerations, Semmer et al. recently (e.g., Semmer et al., 2007, 2015)
      introduced "illegitimate tasks" as a new concept of stressors. Illegitimate
      tasks, which are defined as unnecessary or unreasonable tasks, threaten the self
      because they signal a lack of appreciation regarding one's professional role.
      Teacher training is a phase of role transition in which the occurrence of
      illegitimate tasks becomes likely. A holistic understanding of these tasks,
      however, has been missing up to now. Is there already a professional role
      identity during teacher training that is vulnerable to threats like the
      illegitimacy of tasks? What are typical illegitimate tasks in the context of
      teacher training? In order to close this research gap, 39 situations taken from
      16 interviews with teaching trainees were analyzed in the present study on the
      basis of qualitative content analysis. Seminars and standing in to hold lessons
      for other teachers were identified as most prevalent illegitimate tasks. More
      specifically, unnecessary tasks could be classified as sub challenging,
      inefficient and lacking in organization (e.g., writing reports about workshops no
      one will ever read). Unreasonable tasks appeared overextending, fell outside
      responsibility, and lacked supervisory support. Training interventions focusing
      upon task design and supervisory behavior are suggested for improvement. 

PMID- 27683574
TI  - Transcription Profiling Analysis of Mango-Fusarium mangiferae Interaction.
AB  - Malformation caused by Fusarium mangiferae is one of the most destructive mango
      diseases affecting the canopy and floral development, leading to dramatic
      reduction in fruit yield. To further understand the mechanism of interaction
      between mango and F. mangiferae, we monitored the transcriptome profiles of buds
      from susceptible mango plants, which were challenged with F. mangiferae. More
      than 99 million reads were deduced by RNA-sequencing and were assembled into
      121,267 unigenes. Based on the sequence similarity searches, 61,706 unigenes were
      identified, of which 21,273 and 50,410 were assigned to gene ontology categories
      and clusters of orthologous groups, respectively, and 33,243 were mapped to 119
      KEGG pathways. The differentially expressed genes of mango were detected, having
      15,830, 26,061, and 20,146 DEGs respectively, after infection for 45, 75, and 120
      days. The analysis of the comparative transcriptome suggests that basic defense
      mechanisms play important roles in disease resistance. The data also show the
      transcriptional responses of interactions between mango and the pathogen and more
      drastic changes in the host transcriptome in response to the pathogen. These
      results could be used to develop new methods to broaden the resistance of mango
      to malformation, including the over-expression of key mango genes. 

PMID- 27683573
TI  - Insights into the Quorum Sensing Regulon of the Acidophilic Acidithiobacillus
      ferrooxidans Revealed by Transcriptomic in the Presence of an Acyl Homoserine
      Lactone Superagonist Analog.
AB  - While a functional quorum sensing system has been identified in the acidophilic
      chemolithoautotrophic Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans ATCC 23270(T) and shown to
      modulate cell adhesion to solid substrates, nothing is known about the genes it
      regulates. To address the question of how quorum sensing controls biofilm
      formation in A. ferrooxidans (T), the transcriptome of this organism in
      conditions in which quorum sensing response is stimulated by a synthetic
      superagonist AHL (N-acyl homoserine lactones) analog has been studied. First, the
      effect on biofilm formation of a synthetic AHL tetrazolic analog, tetrazole 9c,
      known for its agonistic QS activity, was assessed by fluorescence and electron
      microscopy. A fast adherence of A. ferrooxidans (T) cells on sulfur coupons was
      observed. Then, tetrazole 9c was used in DNA microarray experiments that allowed
      the identification of genes regulated by quorum sensing signaling, and more
      particularly, those involved in early biofilm formation. Interestingly, afeI
      gene, encoding the AHL synthase, but not the A. ferrooxidans quorum sensing
      transcriptional regulator AfeR encoding gene, was shown to be regulated by quorum
      sensing. Data indicated that quorum sensing network represents at least 4.5% (141
      genes) of the ATCC 23270(T) genome of which 42.5% (60 genes) are related to
      biofilm formation. Finally, AfeR was shown to bind specifically to the regulatory
      region of the afeI gene at the level of the palindromic sequence predicted to be
      the AfeR binding site. Our results give new insights on the response of A.
      ferrooxidans to quorum sensing and on biofilm biogenesis. 

PMID- 27683575
TI  - Activation of Langerhans-Type Dendritic Cells Alters Human Cytomegalovirus
      Infection and Reactivation in a Stimulus-Dependent Manner.
AB  - Oral mucosal Langerhans cells (LC) are likely to play important roles in host
      defense against infection by human cytomegalovirus (CMV). We previously showed
      that in vitro-differentiated immature LC (iLC) populations contain smaller
      amounts of infected cells but produce higher yields than mature LC (mLC)
      cultures, obtained by iLC stimulation with fetal bovine serum (FBS), CD40 ligand
      (CD40L) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Here, we sought to determine if exposure to
      select stimuli can improve LC permissiveness to infection, if specific components
      of the mLC cocktail are responsible for lowering viral yields, if this is due to
      defects in progeny production or release, and if these restrictions are also
      effective against reactivated virus. None of the stimuli tested extended the
      proportion of infected cells to 100%, suggesting that the block to infection
      onset cannot be fully removed. While CD40L and FBS exerted positive effects on
      viral progeny production per cell, stimulation with LPS alone or in combination
      with CD40L was detrimental. Reductions in viral titers were not due to defects in
      progeny release, and the permissive or restrictive intracellular environment
      established upon exposure to each stimulus appeared to act in a somewhat similar
      way toward lytic and latent infections. 

PMID- 27683576
TI  - Mineral vs. Organic Amendments: Microbial Community Structure, Activity and
      Abundance of Agriculturally Relevant Microbes Are Driven by Long-Term
      Fertilization Strategies.
AB  - Soil management is fundamental to all agricultural systems and fertilization
      practices have contributed substantially to the impressive increases in food
      production. Despite the pivotal role of soil microorganisms in agro-ecosystems,
      we still have a limited understanding of the complex response of the soil
      microbiota to organic and mineral fertilization in the very long-term. Here, we
      report the effects of different fertilization regimes (mineral, organic and
      combined mineral and organic fertilization), carried out for more than a century,
      on the structure and activity of the soil microbiome. Organic matter content,
      nutrient concentrations, and microbial biomass carbon were significantly
      increased by mineral, and even more strongly by organic fertilization.
      Pyrosequencing revealed significant differences between the structures of
      bacterial and fungal soil communities associated to each fertilization regime.
      Organic fertilization increased bacterial diversity, and stimulated microbial
      groups (Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Zygomycota) that are known to prefer
      nutrient-rich environments, and that are involved in the degradation of complex
      organic compounds. In contrast, soils not receiving manure harbored distinct
      microbial communities enriched in oligotrophic organisms adapted to nutrient
      limited environments, as Acidobacteria. The fertilization regime also affected
      the relative abundances of plant beneficial and detrimental microbial taxa, which
      may influence productivity and stability of the agroecosystem. As expected, the
      activity of microbial exoenzymes involved in carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorous
      mineralization were enhanced by both types of fertilization. However, in contrast
      to comparable studies, the highest chitinase and phosphatase activities were
      observed in the solely mineral fertilized soil. Interestingly, these two enzymes
      showed also a particular high biomass-specific activities and a strong negative
      relation with soil pH. As many soil parameters are known to change slowly, the
      particularity of unchanged fertilization treatments since 1902 allows a profound
      assessment of linkages between management and abiotic as well as biotic soil
      parameters. Our study revealed that pH and TOC were the majors, while nitrogen
      and phosphorous pools were minors, drivers for structure and activity of the soil
      microbial community. Due to the long-term treatments studied, our findings likely
      represent permanent and stable, rather than transient, responses of soil
      microbial communities to fertilization. 

PMID- 27683577
TI  - Is Quorum Sensing Interference a Viable Alternative to Treat Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa Infections?
AB  - Quorum sensing (QS) coordinates the expression of multiple virulence factors in
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa; hence its inhibition has been postulated as a new
      alternative to treat its infections. In particular, QS interference approaches
      claim that they attenuate bacterial virulence without directly decreasing
      bacterial growth and suggest that in vivo the immune system would control the
      infections. Moreover, since in vitro experiments performed in rich medium
      demonstrate that interfering with QS decreases the production of virulence
      factors without affecting bacterial growth it was assumed than in vivo therapies
      will minimize the selection of resistant strains. Therefore, the underlying
      assumptions toward an effective implementation of a successful Quorum sensing
      interference (QSI) therapy for treating P. aeruginosa infections are that (i) QS
      only exerts important effects in the regulation of virulence genes but it does
      not affect metabolic processes linked to growth, (ii) the expression of virulence
      factors is only positively regulated by QS, (iii) inhibition of virulence factors
      in vivo do not affect bacterial growth, (iv) the immune system of the infected
      patients will be able to get rid of the infections, and (v) the therapy will be
      effective in the strains that are actively producing the infections.
      Nevertheless, for QSI in P. aeruginosa, substantial experimental evidence against
      the validity of most of these assumptions has accumulated during the past years,
      suggesting that a far better understanding of its virulence and its behavior
      during infections is needed in order to design truly solid QSI therapeutic
      alternatives to combat this remarkable pathogen. 

PMID- 27683578
TI  - Features of Memory-Like and PD-1(+) Human NK Cell Subsets.
AB  - Human NK cells are distinguished into CD56(bright)CD16(-) cells and
      CD56(dim)CD16(+) cells. These two subsets are conventionally associated with
      differential functional outcomes and are heterogeneous with respect to the
      expression of KIR and CD94/NKG2 heterodimers that represent the two major types
      of HLA-class I-specific receptors. Recent studies indicated that immature
      CD56(bright) NK cells, homogeneously expressing the inhibitory CD94/NKG2A
      receptor, are precursors of CD56(dim) NK cells that, in turn, during their
      process of differentiation, lose expression of CD94/NKG2A and subsequentially
      acquire inhibitory KIRs and LIR-1. The terminally differentiated phenotype of
      CD56(dim) cells is marked by the expression of the CD57 molecule that is
      associated with poor responsiveness to cytokine stimulation, but retained
      cytolytic capacity. Remarkably, this NKG2A(-)KIR(+)LIR-1(+)CD57(+)CD56(dim) NK
      cell subset when derived from individuals previously exposed to pathogens, such
      as human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), may contain "memory-like" NK cells. These cells
      are generally characterized by an upregulation of the activating receptor
      CD94/NKG2C and a downregulation of the inhibitory receptor Siglec-7. The "memory
      like" NK cells are persistent over time and display some hallmarks of adaptive
      immunity, i.e., clonal expansion, more effective antitumor and antiviral immune
      responses, longevity, as well as given epigenetic modifications. Interestingly,
      unknown cofactors associated with HCMV infection may induce the onset of a
      recently identified fully mature NK cell subset, characterized by marked
      downregulation of the activating receptors NKp30 and NKp46 and by the unexpected
      expression of the inhibitory PD-1 receptor. This phenotype correlates with an
      impaired antitumor NK cell activity that can be partially restored by antibody
      mediated disruption of PD-1/PD-L interaction. 

PMID- 27683581
TI  - Optimally estimating the sample mean from the sample size, median, mid-range,
      and/or mid-quartile range.
AB  - The era of big data is coming, and evidence-based medicine is attracting
      increasing attention to improve decision making in medical practice via
      integrating evidence from well designed and conducted clinical research. Meta
      analysis is a statistical technique widely used in evidence-based medicine for
      analytically combining the findings from independent clinical trials to provide
      an overall estimation of a treatment effectiveness. The sample mean and standard
      deviation are two commonly used statistics in meta-analysis but some trials use
      the median, the minimum and maximum values, or sometimes the first and third
      quartiles to report the results. Thus, to pool results in a consistent format,
      researchers need to transform those information back to the sample mean and
      standard deviation. In this article, we investigate the optimal estimation of the
      sample mean for meta-analysis from both theoretical and empirical perspectives. A
      major drawback in the literature is that the sample size, needless to say its
      importance, is either ignored or used in a stepwise but somewhat arbitrary
      manner, e.g. the famous method proposed by Hozo et al. We solve this issue by
      incorporating the sample size in a smoothly changing weight in the estimators to
      reach the optimal estimation. Our proposed estimators not only improve the
      existing ones significantly but also share the same virtue of the simplicity. The
      real data application indicates that our proposed estimators are capable to serve
      as "rules of thumb" and will be widely applied in evidence-based medicine.

PMID- 27683580
TI  - Tr1-Like T Cells - An Enigmatic Regulatory T Cell Lineage.
AB  - The immune system evolved to respond to foreign invaders and prevent autoimmunity
      to self-antigens. Several types of regulatory T cells facilitate the latter
      process. These include a subset of Foxp3(-) CD4(+) T cells able to secrete IL-10
      in an antigen-specific manner, type 1 regulatory (Tr1) T cells. Although their
      suppressive function has been confirmed both in vitro and in vivo, their
      phenotype remains poorly defined. It has been suggested that the surface markers
      LAG-3 and CD49b are biomarkers for murine and human Tr1 cells. Here, we discuss
      these findings in the context of our data regarding the expression pattern of
      inhibitory receptors (IRs) CD49b, TIM-3, PD-1, TIGIT, LAG-3, and ICOS on Tr1-like
      human T cells generated in vitro from CD4(+) memory T cells stimulated with
      alphaCD3 and alphaCD28 antibodies. We found that there were no differences in IR
      expression between IL-10(+) and IL-10(-) T cells. However, CD4(+)IL-10(+) T cells
      isolated ex vivo, following a short stimulation and cytokine secretion assay,
      contained significantly higher proportions of TIM-3(+) and PD-1(+) cells. They
      also expressed significantly higher TIGIT mRNA and showed a trend toward
      increased TIM-3 mRNA levels. These data led us to conclude that large pools of
      IRs may be stored intracellularly; hence, they may not represent ideal candidates
      as cell surface biomarkers for Tr1-like T cells. 

PMID- 27683582
TI  - Floral Initiation in Response to Planting Date Reveals the Key Role of Floral
      Meristem Differentiation Prior to Budding in Canola (Brassica napus L.).
AB  - In Brassica napus, floral development is a decisive factor in silique formation,
      and it is influenced by many cultivation practices including planting date.
      However, the effect of planting date on floral initiation in canola is poorly
      understood at present. A field experiment was conducted using a split plot
      design, in which three planting dates (early, 15 September, middle, 1 October,
      and late, 15 October) served as main plot and five varieties differing in
      maturity (1358, J22, Zhongshuang 11, Zheshuang 8, and Zheyou 50) employed as
      subplot. The purpose of this study was to shed light on the process of floral
      meristem (FM) differentiation, the influence of planting date on growth period
      (GP) and floral initiation, and silique formation. The main stages of FM
      developments can be divided into four stages: first, the transition from shoot
      apical meristem to FM; second, flower initiation; third, gynoecium and androecium
      differentiation; and fourth, bud formation. Our results showed that all genotypes
      had increased GPs from sowing to FM differentiation as planting date was delayed
      while the GPs from FM differentiation to budding varied year by year except the
      very early variety, 1358. Based on the number of flowers present at the different
      reproductive stages, the flowers produced from FM differentiation to budding
      closely approximated the final silique even though the FM differentiated
      continuously after budding and peaked generally at the middle flowering stage.
      The ratio of siliques to maximum flower number ranged from 48 to 80%. These
      results suggest that (1) the period from FM differentiation to budding is vital
      for effective flower and silique formation although there was no significant
      correlation between the length of the period and effective flowers and siliques,
      and (2) the increased number of flowers from budding were generally ineffective.
      Therefore, maximizing flower numbers prior to budding will improve silique
      numbers, and reducing FM degeneration should also increase final silique
      formation. From the results of our study, we offer guidelines for planting canola
      varieties that differ in maturity in order to maximize effective flower numbers. 

PMID- 27683579
TI  - T-Cell-Based Immunotherapy for Osteosarcoma: Challenges and Opportunities.
AB  - Even though combining surgery with chemotherapy has significantly improved the
      prognosis of osteosarcoma patients, advanced, metastatic, or recurrent
      osteosarcomas are often non-responsive to chemotherapy, making development of
      novel efficient therapeutic methods an urgent need. Adoptive immunotherapy has
      the potential to be a useful non-surgical modality for treatment of osteosarcoma.
      Recently, alternative strategies, including immunotherapies using naturally
      occurring or genetically modified T cells, have been found to hold promise in the
      treatment of hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. In this review, we will
      discuss possible T-cell-based therapies against osteosarcoma with a special
      emphasis on combination strategies to improve the effectiveness of adoptive T
      cell transfer and, thus, to provide a rationale for the clinical development of
      immunotherapies. 

PMID- 27683583
TI  - Selenium Biofortification in Radish Enhances Nutritional Quality via Accumulation
      of Methyl-Selenocysteine and Promotion of Transcripts and Metabolites Related to
      Glucosinolates, Phenolics, and Amino Acids.
AB  - Two selenium (Se) fertilization methods were tested for their effects on levels
      of anticarcinogenic selenocompounds in radish (Raphanus sativus), as well as
      other nutraceuticals. First, radish was grown on soil and foliar selenate applied
      7 days before harvest at 0, 5, 10, and 20 mg Se per plant. Selenium levels were
      up to 1200 mg Se/kg DW in leaves and 120 mg Se/kg DW in roots. The thiols
      cysteine and glutathione were present at 2-3-fold higher levels in roots of Se
      treated plants, and total glucosinolate levels were 35% higher, due to increases
      in glucoraphanin. The only seleno-aminoacid detected in Se treated plants was Se
      methyl-SeCys (100 mg/kg FW in leaves, 33 mg/kg FW in roots). The levels of
      phenolic aminoacids increased with selenate treatment, as did root total nitrogen
      and protein content, while the level of several polyphenols decreased. Second,
      radish was grown in hydroponics and supplied with 0, 5, 10, 20, or 40 MUM
      selenate for 1 week. Selenate treatment led to a 20-30% increase in biomass.
      Selenium concentration was 242 mg Se/kg DW in leaves and 85 mg Se/kg DW in roots.
      Cysteine levels decreased with Se in leaves but increased in roots; glutatione
      levels decreased in both. Total glucosinolate levels in leaves decreased with Se
      treatment due to repression of genes involved in glucosinolates metabolism. Se
      methyl-SeCys concentration ranged from 7-15 mg/kg FW. Aminoacid concentration
      increased with Se treatment in leaves but decreased in roots. Roots of Se treated
      plants contained elevated transcript levels of sulfate transporters (Sultr) and
      ATP sulfurylase, a key enzyme of S/Se assimilation. No effects on polyphenols
      were observed. In conclusion, Se biofortification of radish roots may be achieved
      via foliar spray or hydroponic supply. One to ten radishes could fulfill the
      daily human requirement (70 MUg) after a single foliar spray of 5 mg selenate per
      plant or 1 week of 5-10 MUM selenate supply in hydroponics. The radishes
      metabolized selenate to the anticarcinogenic compound Se-methyl-selenocysteine.
      Selenate treatment enhanced levels of other nutraceuticals in radish roots,
      including glucoraphanin. Therefore, Se biofortification can produce plants with
      superior health benefits. 

PMID- 27683585
TI  - Prediction of Host-Derived miRNAs with the Potential to Target PVY in Potato
      Plants.
AB  - Potato virus Y has emerged as a threatening problem in all potato growing areas
      around the globe. PVY reduces the yield and quality of potato cultivars. During
      the last 30 years, significant genetic changes in PVY strains have been observed
      with an increased incidence associated with crop damage. In the current study,
      computational approaches were applied to predict Potato derived miRNA targets in
      the PVY genome. The PVY genome is approximately 9 thousand nucleotides, which
      transcribes the following 6 genes:CI, NIa, NIb-Pro, HC-Pro, CP, and VPg. A total
      of 343 mature miRNAs were retrieved from the miRBase database and were examined
      for their target sequences in PVY genes using the minimum free energy (mfe),
      minimum folding energy, sequence complementarity and mRNA-miRNA hybridization
      approaches. The identified potato miRNAs against viral mRNA targets have
      antiviral activities, leading to translational inhibition by mRNA cleavage and/or
      mRNA blockage. We found 86 miRNAs targeting the PVY genome at 151 different
      sites. Moreover, only 36 miRNAs potentially targeted the PVY genome at 101 loci.
      The CI gene of the PVY genome was targeted by 32 miRNAs followed by the
      complementarity of 26, 19, 18, 16, and 13 miRNAs. Most importantly, we found 5
      miRNAs (miR160a-5p, miR7997b, miR166c-3p, miR399h, and miR5303d) that could
      target the CI, NIa, NIb-Pro, HC-Pro, CP, and VPg genes of PVY. The predicted
      miRNAs can be used for the development of PVY-resistant potato crops in the
      future. 

PMID- 27683584
TI  - Proteomic Profiling of the Interactions of Cd/Zn in the Roots of Dwarf Polish
      Wheat (Triticum polonicum L.).
AB  - Cd and Zn have been shown to interact antagonistically or synergistically in
      various plants. In the present study of dwarf polish wheat (DPW)roots, Cd uptake
      was inhibited by Zn, and Zn uptake was inhibited by Cd, suggesting that Cd and Zn
      interact antagonistically in this plant. A study of proteomic changes showed that
      Cd, Zn, and Cd+Zn stresses altered the expression of 206, 303, and 190 proteins
      respectively. Among these, 53 proteins were altered significantly in response to
      all these stresses (Cd, Zn, and Cd+Zn), whereas 58, 131, and 47 proteins were
      altered in response to individual stresses (Cd, Zn, and Cd+Zn, respectively).
      Sixty-one differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were induced in response to
      both Cd and Zn stresses; 33 proteins were induced in response to both Cd and
      Cd+Zn stresses; and 57 proteins were induced in response to both Zn and Cd+Zn
      stresses. These results indicate that Cd and Zn induce differential molecular
      responses, which result in differing interactions of Cd/Zn. A number of proteins
      that mainly participate in oxidation-reduction and GSH, SAM, and sucrose
      metabolisms were induced in response to Cd stress, but not Cd+Zn stress. This
      result indicates that these proteins participate in Zn inhibition of Cd uptake
      and ultimately cause Zn detoxification of Cd. Meanwhile, a number of proteins
      that mainly participate in sucrose and organic acid metabolisms and oxidation
      reduction were induced in response to Zn stress but not Cd+Zn stress. This result
      indicates that these proteins participate in Cd inhibition of Zn uptake and
      ultimately cause the Cd detoxification of Zn. Other proteins induced in response
      to Cd, Zn, or Cd+Zn stress, participate in ribosome biogenesis, DNA metabolism,
      and protein folding/modification and may also participate in the differential
      defense mechanisms. 

PMID- 27683586
TI  - Mitochondrial ROS and the Effectors of the Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway in Aging
      Cells: The Discerning Killers!
AB  - It has become clear that mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) are not
      simply villains and mitochondria the hapless targets of their attacks. Rather, it
      appears that mitochondrial dysfunction itself and the signaling function of mtROS
      can have positive effects on lifespan, helping to extend longevity. If events in
      the mitochondria can lead to better cellular homeostasis and better survival of
      the organism in ways beyond providing ATP and biosynthetic products, we can
      conjecture that they act on other cellular components through appropriate
      signaling pathways. We describe recent advances in a variety of species which
      promoted our understanding of how changes of mtROS generation are part of a
      system of signaling pathways that emanate from the mitochondria to impact
      organism lifespan through global changes, including in transcriptional patterns.
      In unraveling this, many old players in cellular homeostasis were encountered.
      Among these, maybe most strikingly, is the intrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway,
      which is the conduit by which at least one class of mtROS exercise their actions
      in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. This is a pathway that normally
      contributes to organismal homeostasis by killing defective or otherwise unwanted
      cells, and whose various compounds have also been implicated in other cellular
      processes. However, it was a surprise that that appropriate activation of a cell
      killing pathway can in fact prolong the lifespan of the organism. In the soma of
      adult C. elegans, all cells are post-mitotic, like many of our neurons and
      possibly some of our immune cells. These cells cannot simply be killed and
      replaced when showing signs of dysfunction. Thus, we speculate that it is the
      ability of the apoptotic pathway to pull together information about the
      functional and structural integrity of different cellular compartments that is
      the key property for why this pathway is used to decide when to boost defensive
      and repair processes in irreplaceable cells. When this process is artificially
      stimulated in mutants with elevated mtROS generation or with drug treatments it
      leads to lifespan prolongations beyond the normal lifespan of the organism. 

PMID- 27683587
TI  - Cyclophilin D Is Involved in the Regulation of Autophagy and Affects the Lifespan
      of P. anserina in Response to Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress.
AB  - The mitochondrial permeability transition pore plays a key role in programmed
      cell death and the induction of autophagy. Opening of the pore is regulated by
      the mitochondrial peptidyl prolyl-cis, trans-isomerase cyclophilin D (CYPD).
      Previously it was shown in the aging model organism Podospora anserina that
      PaCYPD abundance increases during aging and that PaCypD overexpressors are
      characterized by accelerated aging. Here, we describe a role of PaCYPD in the
      regulation of autophagy. We found that the accelerated aging phenotype observed
      in a strain overexpressing PaCypD is not metacaspase-dependent but is accompanied
      by an increase of general autophagy and mitophagy, the selective autophagic
      degradation of mitochondria. It thus is linked to what has been defined as
      "autophagic cell death" or "type II" programmed cell death. Moreover, we found
      that the previously demonstrated age-related induction of autophagy in wild-type
      aging depends on the presence of PaCYPD. Deletion of PaCypD leads to a decrease
      in autophagy in later stages of age and under paraquat-mediated oxidative stress.
      Finally, we report that PaCYPD is also required for mitohormesis, the beneficial
      effect of mild mitochondrial stress. Thus, PaCYPD plays a key role in the context
      dependent regulation of pathways leading to pro-survival and pro-death effects of
      autophagy. 

PMID- 27683588
TI  - Aspirating and Nonaspirating Swallow Sounds in Children: A Pilot Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cervical auscultation (CA) may be used to complement
      feeding/swallowing evaluations when assessing for aspiration. There are no
      published pediatric studies that compare the properties of sounds between
      aspirating and nonaspirating swallows. AIM: To establish acoustic and perceptual
      profiles of aspirating and nonaspirating swallow sounds and determine if a
      difference exists between these 2 swallowing types. METHODS: Aspiration sound
      clips were obtained from recordings using CA simultaneously undertaken with
      videofluoroscopic swallow study. Aspiration was determined using the Penetration
      Aspiration Scale. The presence of perceptual swallow/breath parameters was rated
      by 2 speech pathologists who were blinded to the type of swallow. Acoustic data
      between groups were compared using Mann Whitney U-tests, while perceptual
      differences were determined by a test of 2 proportions. Combinations of
      perceptual parameters of 50 swallows (27 aspiration, 23 no aspiration) from 47
      children (57% male) were statistically analyzed using area under a receiver
      operating characteristic (aROC), sensitivity, specificity, and positive and
      negative predictive values to determine predictors of aspirating swallows.
      RESULTS: The combination of post-swallow presence of wet breathing and wheeze and
      absence of GRS and normal breathing was the best predictor of aspiration (aROC =
      0.82, 95% CI, 0.70-0.94). There were no significant differences between these 2
      swallow types for peak frequency, duration, and peak amplitude. CONCLUSION: Our
      pilot study has shown that certain characteristics of swallow obtained using CA
      may be useful in the prediction of aspiration. However, further research
      comparing the acoustic swallowing sound profiles of normal children to children
      with dysphagia (who are aspirating) on a larger scale is required.

PMID- 27683590
TI  - An Infertile Patient with Abnormal Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone.

PMID- 27683591
TI  - Commentary.

PMID- 27683592
TI  - Commentary.

PMID- 27683593
TI  - Correction.

PMID- 27683594
TI  - Increased C3 Acylcarnitine Concentration in a Newborn.

PMID- 27683595
TI  - Three Patients with an Unusual Pattern on Urine Immunofixation.

PMID- 27683596
TI  - An Abrupt Hepatitis B Seroconversion.

PMID- 27683597
TI  - Where Has All the Hemoblobin A1c Gone?

PMID- 27683598
TI  - Interpretation of Jo Ractliffe's Drying fish on the beach at Ilha in Pen and Ink.

PMID- 27683589
TI  - Less is more: Nutrient limitation induces cross-talk of nutrient sensing pathways
      with NAD+ homeostasis and contributes to longevity.
AB  - Nutrient sensing pathways and their regulation grant cells control over their
      metabolism and growth in response to changing nutrients. Factors that regulate
      nutrient sensing can also modulate longevity. Reduced activity of nutrient
      sensing pathways such as glucose-sensing PKA, nitrogen-sensing TOR and S6 kinase
      homolog Sch9 have been linked to increased life span in the yeast, Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae, and higher eukaryotes. Recently, reduced activity of amino acid
      sensing SPS pathway was also shown to increase yeast life span. Life span
      extension by reduced SPS activity requires enhanced NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine
      dinucleotide, oxidized form) and nicotinamide riboside (NR, a NAD+ precursor)
      homeostasis. Maintaining adequate NAD+ pools has been shown to play key roles in
      life span extension, but factors regulating NAD+ metabolism and homeostasis are
      not completely understood. Recently, NAD+ metabolism was also linked to the
      phosphate (Pi)-sensing PHO pathway in yeast. Canonical PHO activation requires Pi
      starvation. Interestingly, NAD+ depletion without Pi-starvation was sufficient to
      induce PHO activation, increasing NR production and mobilization. Moreover, SPS
      signaling appears to function in parallel with PHO signaling components to
      regulate NR/NAD+ homeostasis. These studies suggest that NAD+ metabolism is
      likely controlled by and/or coordinated with multiple nutrient sensing pathways.
      Indeed, cross-regulation of PHO, PKA, TOR and Sch9 pathways was reported to
      potentially affect NAD+ metabolism; though detailed mechanisms remain unclear.
      This review discusses yeast longevity-related nutrient sensing pathways and
      possible mechanisms of life span extension, regulation of NAD+ homeostasis, and
      cross-talk among nutrient sensing pathways and NAD+ homeostasis.

PMID- 27683599
TI  - Botanical Books, Taxonomy, and the Art of Georgia O'Keeffe.

PMID- 27683601
TI  - Why we should care about the mysteries of pulmonary hypertension.

PMID- 27683600
TI  - Molecular Imaging of Angiogenesis in Cardiac Regeneration.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Myocardial infarction (MI) leading to heart failure displays
      an important cause of death worldwide. Adequate restoration of blood flow to
      prevent this transition is a crucial factor to improve long-term morbidity and
      mortality. Novel regenerative therapies have been thoroughly investigated within
      the past decades. RECENT FINDINGS: Increased angiogenesis in infarcted myocardium
      has shown beneficial effects on the prognosis of MI; therefore, the proangiogenic
      capacity of currently tested treatments is of specific interest. Molecular
      imaging to visualize formation of new blood vessels in vivo displays a promising
      option to monitor proangiogenic effects of regenerative substances. SUMMARY:
      Based on encouraging results in preclinical models, molecular angiogenesis
      imaging has recently been applied in a small set of patients. This article
      reviews recent literature on noninvasive in vivo molecular imaging of
      angiogenesis after MI as an integral part of cardiac regeneration.

PMID- 27683602
TI  - Integration of complex data sources to provide biologic insight into pulmonary
      vascular disease (2015 Grover Conference Series).
AB  - The application of complex data sources to pulmonary vascular diseases is an
      emerging and promising area of investigation. The use of -omics platforms, in
      silico modeling of gene networks, and linkage of large human cohorts with DNA
      biobanks are beginning to bear biologic insight into pulmonary hypertension.
      These approaches to high-throughput molecular phenotyping offer the possibility
      of discovering new therapeutic targets and identifying variability in response to
      therapy that can be leveraged to improve clinical care. Optimizing the methods
      for analyzing complex data sources and accruing large, well-phenotyped human
      cohorts linked to biologic data remain significant challenges. Here, we discuss
      two specific types of complex data sources-gene regulatory networks and DNA
      linked electronic medical record cohorts-that illustrate the promise, challenges,
      and current limitations of these approaches to understanding and managing
      pulmonary vascular disease. 

PMID- 27683606
TI  - A systematic review and meta-analysis of trials using statins in pulmonary
      arterial hypertension.
AB  - Statins improve pulmonary vascular remodeling and right ventricular hypertrophy
      in animal models of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, clinical
      trials assessing the efficacy of statins in patients with PAH have reported mixed
      results. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we assess the efficacy of
      statins in patients with PAH. We included randomized controlled clinical trials
      (RCTs) that evaluated the efficacy of statins in patients with PAH. Primary
      outcomes were mortality and change in 6-minute walk distance (6MWD). Data are
      presented as odds ratio (OR) and weighted mean difference (WMD), with 95%
      confidence intervals (CIs), for binary and continuous variables, respectively. We
      included 4 RCTs of high quality. The mean age of participants was 42 +/- 13
      years, and 70% were women. The statins used were simvastatin at 40-80 mg in two
      trials, atorvastatin 10 mg in one trial, and rosuvastatin 10 mg in the other. In
      the pooled-data analysis, there was no statistically significant improvement in
      mortality (OR: 0.75 [95% CI: 0.32-1.74]), 6MWD (WMD: -9.27 [95% CI: -27.73 to
      9.20]), or cardiac index (WMD: 0.11 [95% CI: -0.04 to 0.27]) with statin therapy
      when compared to placebo. There was no difference in adverse events leading to
      withdrawal of therapy between statin and placebo groups. These data suggest that
      statins are not beneficial in the treatment of PAH. There is a need for large,
      well-conducted clinical trials assessing the effects of statins in patients with
      PAH. Future trials should include homogeneous patient populations and should be
      long-term, event-driven trials with combined morbidity and mortality end points. 

PMID- 27683604
TI  - The emerging role of epigenetics in pulmonary arterial hypertension: an important
      avenue for clinical trials (2015 Grover Conference Series).
AB  - Epigenetics is an emerging field of research and clinical trials in cancer
      therapy that also has applications for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), as
      there is evidence that epigenetic control of gene expression plays a significant
      role in PAH. The three types of epigenetic modification include DNA methylation,
      histone modification, and RNA interference. All three have been shown to be
      involved in the development of PAH. Currently, the enzymes that perform these
      modifications are the primary targets of neoplastic therapy. These targets are
      starting to be explored for therapies in PAH, mostly in animal models. In this
      review we summarize the basics of each type of epigenetic modification and the
      known sites and molecules involved in PAH, as well as current targets and
      prospects for clinical trials. 

PMID- 27683603
TI  - Role of oxidized lipids in pulmonary arterial hypertension.
AB  - Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a multifactorial disease characterized
      by interplay of many cellular, molecular, and genetic events that lead to
      excessive proliferation of pulmonary cells, including smooth muscle and
      endothelial cells; inflammation; and extracellular matrix remodeling. Abnormal
      vascular changes and structural remodeling associated with PAH culminate in
      vasoconstriction and obstruction of pulmonary arteries, contributing to increased
      pulmonary vascular resistance, pulmonary hypertension, and right ventricular
      failure. The complex molecular mechanisms involved in the pathobiology of PAH are
      the limiting factors in the development of potential therapeutic interventions
      for PAH. Over the years, our group and others have demonstrated the critical
      implication of lipids in the pathogenesis of PAH. This review specifically
      focuses on the current understanding of the role of oxidized lipids, lipid
      metabolism, peroxidation, and oxidative stress in the progression of PAH. This
      review also discusses the relevance of apolipoprotein A-I mimetic peptides and
      microRNA-193, which are known to regulate the levels of oxidized lipids, as
      potential therapeutics in PAH. 

PMID- 27683605
TI  - Novel signaling pathways in pulmonary arterial hypertension (2015 Grover
      Conference Series).
AB  - The proliferative endothelial and smooth muscle cell phenotype, inflammation, and
      pulmonary vascular remodeling are prominent features of pulmonary arterial
      hypertension (PAH). Mutations in bone morphogenetic protein type 2 receptor
      (BMPR2) have been identified as the most common genetic cause of PAH and females
      with BMPR2 mutations are 2.5 times as likely to develop heritable forms of PAH
      than males. Higher levels of estrogen have also been observed in males with PAH,
      implicating sex hormones in PAH pathogenesis. Recently, the estrogen metabolite
      16alpha-OHE1 (hydroxyestrone) was implicated in the regulation of miR29, a
      microRNA involved in modulating energy metabolism. In females, decreased miR96
      enhances serotonin's effect by upregulating the 5-hydroxytryptamine 1B (5HT1B)
      receptor. Because PAH is characterized as a quasi-malignant disease, likely due
      to BMPR2 loss of function, altered signaling pathways that sustain this cancer
      like phenotype are being explored. Extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2
      and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) play a critical role in
      proliferation and cell motility, and dysregulated MAPK signaling is observed in
      various experimental models of PAH. Wnt signaling pathways preserve pulmonary
      vascular homeostasis, and dysregulation of this pathway could contribute to
      limited vascular regeneration in response to injury. In this review, we take a
      closer look at sex, sex hormones, and the interplay between sex hormones and
      microRNA regulation. We also focus on MAPK and Wnt signaling pathways in the
      emergence of a proproliferative, antiapoptotic endothelial phenotype, which then
      orchestrates an angioproliferative process of vascular remodeling, with the hope
      of developing novel therapies that could reverse the phenotype. 

PMID- 27683607
TI  - Clinical classification in pediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension associated
      with congenital heart disease.
AB  - Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a frequent cause of pediatric pulmonary
      arterial hypertension (PAH), with diverse etiology and outcome. We aimed to
      describe phenotypic heterogeneity in pediatric PAH associated with CHD (PAH-CHD),
      assess the applicability of the Nice CHD classification, and explore whether this
      classification accurately reflects patient/disease characteristics and survival.
      All children with CHD from a contemporary cohort of consecutive pediatric PAH
      patients followed in three major referral centers (Denver, New York, the
      Netherlands) were characterized and classified on the basis of the latest
      proposed clinical classification for PAH-CHD (World Symposium on Pulmonary
      Hypertension, Nice, 2013). According to this classification, 24% of 134 children
      were classified into group 1, 14% into group 2, 19% into group 3, and 30% into
      group 4; 11% could not be classified. Types of CHD and hemodynamic profile
      differed between groups, with the highest right atrial pressure in group 4 (P <
      0.040). Group 3 children had Down syndrome less frequently (P = 0.011) but other
      (un)defined syndromes most frequently (P = 0.063) and received most intense PAH
      targeted therapy (P = 0.003). With 15 deaths and one lung transplant (12%; median
      follow-up: 4.3 years), survival differences could not be demonstrated between the
      groups in the Nice CHD classification. Pediatric PAH-CHD is a heterogeneous
      condition frequently associated with extracardiac, developmental factors that are
      believed to affect disease development. The Nice CHD classification identifies
      groups with specific patient/disease characteristics. However, a substantial
      proportion of children could not be classified. Group 3 forms a distinct disease
      entity. Its prognostic value could not be determined because of the low number of
      events. The Nice CHD classification supports clinical characterization of PAH
      CHD; however, further refinement is needed to classify all children with PAH-CHD.

PMID- 27683609
TI  - Assessment of the physiologic contribution of right atrial function to total
      right heart function in patients with and without pulmonary arterial
      hypertension.
AB  - Total right heart function requires normal function of both the right ventricle
      and the right atrium. However, the degree to which right atrial (RA) function and
      right ventricular (RV) function each contribute to total right heart function has
      not been quantified. In this study, we aimed to quantify the contribution of RA
      function to total right heart function in a group of pulmonary arterial
      hypertension (PAH) patients compared to a cohort of normal controls without
      cardiovascular disease. The normal cohort comprised 35 subjects with normal
      clinical echocardiograms, while the PAH cohort included 37 patients, of whom 31
      had echocardiograms before and after initiation of PAH-specific therapy. Total
      right heart function was measured via tricuspid annular plane excursion (TAPSE).
      TAPSE was broken down into two components, the excursion occurring during RA
      contraction (TAPSERA) and that occurring before RA contraction (TAPSERV). RA
      fractional area change (RA-FAC) was also compared between the two groups. In the
      PAH cohort, more than half of the total TAPSE occurred during atrial systole,
      compared to less than one-third in the normal cohort (51.0% vs. 32.1%; P <
      0.0001). There was a significant correlation between RA-FAC and TAPSE in the PAH
      cohort but not in the normal cohort. TAPSE improved significantly in the
      posttreatment cohort (1.7 vs. 2.1 cm), but TAPSERA continued to account for about
      half of the total TAPSE after treatment. RA function accounts for a significantly
      greater proportion of total right heart function in patients with PAH than in
      normal subjects. 

PMID- 27683608
TI  - Hemodynamic evidence of vascular remodeling in combined post- and precapillary
      pulmonary hypertension.
AB  - Although commonly encountered, patients with combined postcapillary and
      precapillary pulmonary hypertension (Cpc-PH) have poorly understood pulmonary
      vascular properties. The product of pulmonary vascular resistance and compliance,
      resistance-compliance (RC) time, is a measure of pulmonary vascular physiology.
      While RC time is lower in postcapillary PH than in precapillary PH, the RC time
      in Cpc-PH and the effect of pulmonary wedge pressure (PWP) on RC time are
      unknown. We tested the hypothesis that Cpc-PH has an RC time that resembles that
      in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) more than that in isolated postcapillary
      PH (Ipc-PH). We analyzed the hemodynamics of 282 consecutive patients with PH
      referred for right heart catheterization (RHC) with a fluid challenge from 2004
      to 2013 (cohort A) and 4,382 patients who underwent RHC between 1998 and 2014 for
      validation (cohort B). Baseline RC time in Cpc-PH was higher than that in Ipc-PH
      and lower than that in PAH in both cohorts (P < 0.001). In cohort A, RC time
      decreased after fluid challenge in patients with Ipc-PH but not in those with PAH
      or Cpc-PH (P < 0.001). In cohort B, the inverse relationship of pulmonary
      vascular compliance and resistance, as well as that of RC time and PWP, in Cpc-PH
      was similar to that in PAH and distinct from that in Ipc-PH. Our findings
      demonstrate that patients with Cpc-PH have pulmonary vascular physiology that
      resembles that of patients with PAH more than that of Ipc-PH patients. Further
      study is warranted to identify determinants of vascular remodeling and assess
      therapeutic response in this subset of PH. 

PMID- 27683610
TI  - An observational study of inhaled-treprostinil respiratory-related safety in
      patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension.
AB  - Inhaled treprostinil (Tyvaso) has been shown to be a safe and effective addition
      to pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) oral therapies; however, the respiratory
      related safety profile of inhaled treprostinil required further elucidation in
      the setting of routine clinical care. The objectives of this study were to
      characterize respiratory-related adverse events (AEs) associated with current or
      recent treatment with inhaled treprostinil and to compare the incidence of
      respiratory-related AEs in PAH patients treated with inhaled treprostinil with
      that in patients treated with other Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved
      PAH therapies. This was a long-term, prospective, observational study. All
      respiratory-related AEs were recorded during the study. The number of PAH
      patients enrolled was 1,333, 666 treated with inhaled treprostinil and 667
      controls (treated with an FDA-approved PAH therapy other than inhaled
      treprostinil), for a total of 958 and 1,094 patient-years of exposure,
      respectively. In the inhaled-treprostinil group, 1,281 respiratory-related AEs
      were reported in 403 patients (61%), and in the control group, 1,295 respiratory
      related AEs were reported in 388 patients (58%). Cough, throat irritation, nasal
      discomfort, and hemoptysis were the most common respiratory-related AEs
      (occurring in >=2% of patients in either treatment group) that demonstrated a
      higher number of events per patient-year of exposure in the inhaled-treprostinil
      group than in the control group (risk ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.487
      [1.172-1.887], 3.777 [2.050-6.956], 2.039 [1.072-3.879], and 1.957 [1.024-3.741],
      respectively). Overall, inhaled treprostinil was well tolerated by PAH patients
      in routine clinical care, with respiratory-related AEs consistent with the known
      safety profile (trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01266265). 

PMID- 27683611
TI  - An international physician survey of pulmonary arterial hypertension management.
AB  - We conducted an international study to evaluate practices in the diagnosis and
      management of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) globally across different
      geographic regions. Between July and October 2012, PAH-treating physicians
      completed a 15-minute online questionnaire and provided patient record data for
      their 3 or 5 most recent patients with PAH. Overall, 560 physicians (Europe: 278;
      United States: 160; Argentina: 53; Japan: 69) completed the questionnaire and
      provided data for 2,618 patients. The proportion of physicians who described
      themselves as working in or affiliated with a specialized pulmonary hypertension
      center ranged from 13% in Argentina to 74% in the United States. At the time of
      diagnosis, patients' New York Heart Association functional class differed
      significantly between regions. At the time of last assessment, functional class
      had improved overall, and differences between regions had largely disappeared. A
      large proportion of patients did not undergo right heart catheterization for the
      diagnosis of PAH (Europe: 7%-21%; United States: 21%; Japan: 19%; Argentina:
      51%). Variations in management included greater use of phosphodiesterase 5
      inhibitors in the United States than in Europe and Japan and greater use of
      triple or greater combination therapy in Japan than in other regions. Results
      from this study, which includes a global aspect of PAH care, demonstrate that
      there are significant differences in PAH management between regions and low
      adherence to guidelines recommending right heart catheterization for the
      diagnosis of PAH. 

PMID- 27683612
TI  - Versican accumulates in vascular lesions in pulmonary arterial hypertension.
AB  - Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a lethal condition for which there is no
      effective curative pharmacotherapy. PAH is characterized by vasoconstriction,
      wall thickening of pulmonary arteries, and increased vascular resistance.
      Versican is a chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan in the vascular extracellular
      matrix that accumulates following vascular injury and promotes smooth-muscle cell
      proliferation in systemic arteries. Here, we investigated whether versican may
      play a similar role in PAH. Paraffin-embedded lung sections from patients who
      underwent lung transplantation to treat PAH were used for immunohistochemistry.
      The etiologies of PAH in the subjects involved in this study were idiopathic PAH,
      scleroderma, and congenital heart disease (atrial septal defect) with left-to
      right shunt. Independent of the underlying etiology, increased versican
      immunostaining was observed in areas of medial thickening, in neointima, and in
      plexiform lesions. Western blot of lung tissue lysates confirmed accumulation of
      versican in patients with PAH. Double staining for versican and CD45 showed only
      occasional colocalization in neointima of high-grade lesions and plexiform
      lesions. In vitro, metabolic labeling with [(35)S]sulfate showed that human
      pulmonary artery smooth-muscle cells (hPASMCs) produce mainly chondroitin sulfate
      glycosaminoglycans. In addition, hypoxia, but not cyclic stretch, was
      demonstrated to increase both versican messenger RNA expression and protein
      synthesis by hPASMCs. Versican accumulates in vascular lesions of PAH, and the
      amount of versican correlates more with lesion severity than with underlying
      etiology or inflammation. Hypoxia is a possible regulator of versican
      accumulation, which may promote proliferation of pulmonary smooth-muscle cells
      and vascular remodeling in PAH. 

PMID- 27683615
TI  - Pregnancy as a possible trigger for heritable pulmonary arterial hypertension.
AB  - It is unclear whether pregnancy is a trigger or accelerant for idiopathic
      pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Alternatively, its frequency close to the
      onset of symptoms and diagnosis in the idiopathic PAH population may represent a
      coincidence in a disease that predominates in young women. We describe a carrier
      of a BMPR2 gene mutation who had an uneventful first pregnancy but had aggressive
      PAH during her second pregnancy and now has ongoing heritable PAH. The possible
      role of pregnancy as a trigger in this vulnerable patient is discussed. Databases
      of patients with heritable PAH should be explored to see whether pregnancy is
      related to overt manifestation of the disease. 

PMID- 27683613
TI  - Cyp2c44 gene disruption exacerbated pulmonary hypertension and heart failure in
      female but not male mice.
AB  - Epoxyeicosatrienoicacids (EETs), synthesized from arachidonic acid by
      epoxygenases of the CYP2C and CYP2J gene subfamilies, contribute to hypoxic
      pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) in mice. Despite their roles in HPV, it is
      controversial whether EETs mediate or ameliorate pulmonary hypertension (PH). A
      recent study showed that deficiency of Cyp2j did not protect male and female mice
      from hypoxia-induced PH. Since CYP2C44 is a functionally important epoxygenase,
      we hypothesized that knockout of the Cyp2c44 gene would protect both sexes of
      mice from hypoxia-induced PH. We tested this hypothesis in wild-type (WT) and
      Cyp2c44 knockout (Cyp2c44 (-/-)) mice exposed to normoxia (room air) and hypoxia
      (10% O2) for 5 weeks. Exposure of WT and Cyp2c44 (-/-) mice to hypoxia resulted
      in pulmonary vascular remodeling, increased pulmonary artery resistance, and
      decreased cardiac function in both sexes. However, in female Cyp2c44 (-/-) mice,
      compared with WT mice, (1) pulmonary artery resistance and right ventricular
      hypertrophy were greater, (2) cardiac index was lower, (3) left ventricular and
      arterial stiffness were higher, and (4) plasma aldosterone levels were higher,
      but (5) there was no difference in levels of EET in lungs and heart.
      Paradoxically and unexpectedly, we found that Cyp2c44 disruption exacerbated
      hypoxia-induced PH in female but not male mice. We attribute exacerbated PH in
      female Cyp2c44 (-/-) mice to elevated aldosterone and as-yet-unknown systemic
      factors. Therefore, we suggest a role for the human CYP2C genes in protecting
      women from severe PH and that this could be one of the underlying causes for a
      better 5-year survival rate in women than in men. 

PMID- 27683616
TI  - Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, pregnancy, and a pulmonary
      endarterectomy: a rare challenge.
AB  - It is well described that patients with group 1 forms of pulmonary arterial
      hypertension have a high risk of mortality during pregnancy and in the early
      postpartum period. However, to the authors' knowledge, the diagnosis and
      management of group 4 pulmonary hypertension due to chronic thromboembolic
      pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) during pregnancy with early postpartum pulmonary
      endarterectomy (PEA) has not been previously reported. We report the case of a 28
      year-old woman who received a diagnosis of CTEPH during her pregnancy, was
      managed as an inpatient by a multidisciplinary team throughout the pregnancy and
      early postpartum period, and underwent PEA 6 weeks after delivery. While the
      management of acute pulmonary embolus in pregnancy is well described, this unique
      case of CTEPH diagnosed during pregnancy illustrates several challenging
      management issues. 

PMID- 27683614
TI  - Sphingosine-1-phosphate is involved in the occlusive arteriopathy of pulmonary
      arterial hypertension.
AB  - Despite several advances in the pathobiology of pulmonary arterial hypertension
      (PAH), its pathogenesis is not completely understood. Current therapy improves
      symptoms but has disappointing effects on survival. Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P)
      is a lysophospholipid synthesized by sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) and SphK2.
      Considering the regulatory roles of S1P in several tissues leading to
      vasoconstriction, inflammation, proliferation, and fibrosis, we investigated
      whether S1P plays a role in the pathogenesis of PAH. To test this hypothesis, we
      used plasma samples and lung tissue from patients with idiopathic PAH (IPAH) and
      the Sugen5416/hypoxia/normoxia rat model of occlusive PAH. Our study revealed an
      increase in the plasma concentration of S1P in patients with IPAH and in early
      and late stages of PAH in rats. We observed increased expression of both SphK1
      and SphK2 in the remodeled pulmonary arteries of patients with IPAH and PAH rats.
      Exogenous S1P stimulated the proliferation of cultured rat pulmonary arterial
      endothelial and smooth-muscle cells. We also found that 3 weeks of treatment of
      late-stage PAH rats with an SphK1 inhibitor reduced the increased plasma levels
      of S1P and the occlusive pulmonary arteriopathy. Although inhibition of SphK1
      improved cardiac index and the total pulmonary artery resistance index, it did
      not reduce right ventricular systolic pressure or right ventricular hypertrophy.
      Our study supports that S1P is involved in the pathogenesis of occlusive
      arteriopathy in PAH and provides further evidence that S1P signaling may be a
      novel therapeutic target. 

PMID- 27683618
TI  - Postural tachycardia syndrome is not caused by deconditioning.

PMID- 27683617
TI  - NADPH oxidase 4 is not involved in hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension.

PMID- 27683621
TI  - Myocardial Mitochondria at the Intersection of Health and Disease.

PMID- 27683622
TI  - Chorioamniotic Separation Found on Obstetric Ultrasound and Perinatal Outcome.
AB  - Objective This study aims to evaluate pregnancy outcomes in patients with
      spontaneous and iatrogenic chorioamniotic separation diagnosed by ultrasound
      after 17 weeks. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study of women with a
      singleton pregnancy who were diagnosed with chorioamniotic separation (n = 106)
      after 17 weeks' gestation from January 2000 to January 2013. Patients with
      chorioamniotic separation were compared with a group of patients who had
      obstetric ultrasounds without a diagnosis of chorioamniotic separation. Those
      without chorioamniotic separation were matched (1:1) on gestational age on the
      date of the ultrasound ( +/- 2 weeks) (n = 106). The primary outcome was preterm
      delivery (< 37 weeks). Secondary outcomes included intrauterine growth
      restriction, stillbirth, and neonatal morbidity. Results The rate of preterm
      delivery was significantly higher for those with chorioamniotic separation than
      for those without (57.5 vs. 17.1%, p < 0.0001). There were no significant
      differences in the rate of aneuploidy, intrauterine growth restriction,
      stillbirth, or neonatal demise. The rate of stillbirth was significantly higher
      among those with chorioamniotic separation diagnosed before 24 weeks as compared
      with those diagnosed after 24 weeks (9.7 vs. 0%, p = 0.03). Conclusions
      Chorioamniotic separation is associated with preterm delivery. If diagnosed
      before 24 weeks, the rate of stillbirth is significantly higher. 

PMID- 27683623
TI  - Differences between Men and Women Enrolling in Smoking Cessation Programs Using
      Yoga as a Complementary Therapy.
AB  - This study compares the characteristics of men and women, respectively,
      participating in two randomized controlled pilot studies whose primary aims were
      to test the feasibility of yoga as a complementary therapy for smoking cessation.
      Participants were aged 18-65, generally healthy and were daily smokers. Analysis
      of variance (ANOVA) and chi-square tests examined gender differences in smoking
      rate, potential treatment mediators, and covariates (e.g., smoking history,
      health status, weight concerns, mood, and prior withdrawal symptoms). A total of
      55 women and 38 men participated in the study. Differences between men and women
      at enrollment included: women reported significantly greater withdrawal
      (p<0.005), anxiety (p=0.032), and depression (p=0.027) symptoms than men. More
      women than men (91% vs. 66%) reported having been told by their doctor to quit
      smoking (p=0.003), had an existing smoking-related illness (33% vs. 13%;
      p=0.032), and reported smoking for weight control (15% vs. 0%; p=0.014). Results
      showed good feasibility for recruiting both men and women into a study using yoga
      as a complementary therapy for smoking cessation. Results also indicate that
      interventions may need to be tailored to meet different needs (e.g., addressing
      co-morbid depression) between men and women.

PMID- 27683624
TI  - Cell Phone Use and Child and Adolescent Reading Proficiency.
AB  - This study examined the association between cell phone use, including minutes
      spent talking and number of text messages sent, and two measures of children's
      reading proficiency - tests of word decoding and reading comprehension - in the
      United States. Data were drawn from the Child Development Supplement to the Panel
      Study of Income Dynamics, a nationally representative survey of 1,147 children 10
      18 in 2009. Children whose parents were better educated, who had higher family
      incomes, who had fewer siblings, and who lived in urban areas were more likely to
      own or share a cell phone. Among those with access to a phone, children who spent
      more time talking on the phone were less proficient at word decoding, whereas
      children who spent more time sending text messages had greater reading
      comprehension. Although girls spent more time texting than did boys, there were
      no gender differences in the association between time spent talking or number of
      text messages sent with achievement. In spite of racial/ethnic differences in
      cell phone use levels, there were no racial/ethnic differences in the association
      between cell phone use and reading proficiency.

PMID- 27683620
TI  - BSN723T Prevents Atherosclerosis and Weight Gain in ApoE Knockout Mice Fed a
      Western Diet.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study tests the hypothesis that BSN723T can prevent the
      development of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- knockout mice fed a
      Western (high fat, high cholesterol, and high sucrose) diet. BSN723T is a
      combination drug therapy consisting of D-tagatose and dihydromyricetin (BSN723).
      BACKGROUND: D-tagatose has an antihyperglycemic effect in animal and human
      studies and shows promise as a treatment for type 2 diabetes and obesity. Many
      claims regarding BSN723's pharmacological activities have been made including
      anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, anti-inflammatory, and anti
      atherosclerotic effects. To our knowledge this is the first study that combines D
      tagatose and BSN723 for the treatment of hyperlipidemia and the prevention of
      atherosclerosis. METHODS: ApoE-deficient mice were randomized into five groups
      with equivalent mean body weights. The mice were given the following diets for 8
      weeks: Group 1 - Standard diet; Group 2 - Western diet; Group 3 - Western diet
      formulated with D-tagatose; Group 4 - Western diet formulated with BSN723; Group
      5 - Western diet formulated with BSN723T. Mice were measured for weight gain,
      tissue and organ weights, total serum cholesterol and triglycerides and formation
      of atherosclerosis. RESULTS: The addition of D-tagatose, either alone or in
      combination with BSN723, prevented the increase in adipose tissue and weight gain
      brought on by the Western diet. Both D-tagatose and BSN723 alone reduced total
      cholesterol and the formation of atherosclerosis in the aorta compared to mice on
      the Western diet. Addition of BSN723 to D-tagatose (BSN723T) did not increase
      efficacy in prevention of increases in cholesterol or atherosclerosis compared to
      D-tagatose alone. CONCLUSION: Addition of either D-tagatose or BSN723 alone to a
      Western diet prevented weight gain, increases in total serum cholesterol and
      triglycerides, and the formation of atherosclerosis. However, there was no
      additive or synergistic effect on the measured parameters with the combination
      BSN723T treatment.

PMID- 27683619
TI  - The Contrary Impact Of Diabetes And Exercise On Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase
      Function.

PMID- 27683626
TI  - Deceased organ donation for transplantation: Challenges and opportunities.
AB  - Organ transplantation saves thousands of lives every year but the shortage of
      donors is a major limiting factor to increase transplantation rates. To allow
      more patients to be transplanted before they die on the wait-list an increase in
      the number of donors is necessary. Patients with devastating irreversible brain
      injury, if medically suitable, are potential deceased donors and strategies are
      needed to successfully convert them into actual donors. Multiple steps in the
      process of deceased organ donation can be targeted to increase the number of
      organs suitable for transplant. In this review, after describing this process, we
      discuss current challenges and potential strategies to expand the pool of
      deceased donors. 

PMID- 27683625
TI  - Association of Increasing GFR with Change in Albuminuria in the General
      Population.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hyperfiltration at the single-nephron level has been
      proposed as an early stage of kidney dysfunction of different origins. Evidence
      supporting this hypothesis in humans is lacking, because there is no method of
      measuring single-nephron GFR in humans. However, increased whole-kidney GFR in
      the same individual implies an increased single-nephron GFR, because the number
      of nephrons does not increase with age. We hypothesized that an increase in GFR
      would be associated with an increased albumin-to-creatinine ratio in a cohort of
      the general population. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: We
      measured GFR by iohexol clearance at baseline in 2007-2009 and follow-up after
      5.6 years in a representative sample of 1246 persons (aged 50-62 years) who were
      nondiabetic from the general population of Tromso, northern Norway. Participants
      were without cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, or diabetes at baseline. We
      investigated the association between change in GFR and change in albumin-to
      creatinine ratio. Increased GFR was defined as a positive change in GFR (change
      in GFR>0 ml/min) from baseline to follow-up. An albumin-to-creatinine ratio >30
      mg/g was classified as albuminuria. RESULTS: Change in GFR was positively
      associated with a change in albumin-to-creatinine ratio in the entire cohort in
      the multiple linear regression. The albumin-to-creatinine ratiofollow-up-to
      albumin-to-creatinine ratiobaseline ratio increased by 8.0% (95% confidence
      interval, 1.4 to 15.0) per SD increase in change in GFR. When participants with
      increased GFR (n=343) were compared with those with a reduced GFR (n=903), the
      ratio increased by 16.3% (95% confidence interval, 1.1 to 33.7). The
      multivariable adjusted odds ratio for incident albuminuria (n=14) was 4.98 (95%
      confidence interval, 1.49 to 16.13) for those with an increased GFR (yes/no).
      CONCLUSIONS: Increasing GFR is associated with an increase in albumin-to
      creatinine ratio and incident albuminuria in the general nondiabetic population.
      These findings support single-nephron hyperfiltration as a risk factor for
      albuminuria in the general population.

PMID- 27683627
TI  - Cryptosporidium infection in solid organ transplantation.
AB  - Diarrhea is a common complication in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients and
      may be attributed to immunosuppressive drugs or infectious organisms such as
      bacteria, viruses or parasites. Cryptosporidium usually causes self-limited
      diarrhea in immunocompetent hosts. Although it is estimated that cryptosporidium
      is involved in about 12% of cases of infectious diarrhea in developing countries
      and causes approximately 748000 cases each year in the United States, it is still
      an under recognized and important cause of infectious diarrhea in SOT recipients.
      It may run a protracted course with severe diarrhea, fluid and electrolyte
      depletion and potential for organ failure. Although diagnostic methodologies have
      improved significantly, allowing for fast and accurate identification of the
      parasite, treatment of the disease is difficult because antiparasitic drugs have
      modest activity at best. Current management includes fluid and electrolyte
      replacement, reduction of immunosuppression and single therapy with Nitazoxanide
      or combination therapy with Nitazoxanide and other drugs. Future drug and vaccine
      development may add to the currently poor armamentarium to manage the disease.
      The current review highlights key epidemiological, diagnostic and management
      issues in the SOT population. 

PMID- 27683629
TI  - Recent insights in the pathogenesis of post-transplantation lymphoproliferative
      disorders.
AB  - Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is an aggressive complication
      of solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation that arises in up to
      20% of transplant recipients. Infection or reactivation of the Epstein-Barr virus
      (EBV), a ubiquitous human herpesvirus, in combination with chronic
      immunosuppression are considered as the main predisposing factors, however
      insight in PTLD biology is fragmentary. The study of PTLD is complicated by its
      morphological heterogeneity and the lack of prospective trials, which also impede
      treatment optimization. Furthermore, the broad spectrum of underlying disorders
      and the graft type represent important confounding factors. PTLD encompasses
      different malignant subtypes that resemble histologically similar lymphomas in
      the general population. Post-transplant diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (PT-DLBCL),
      Burkitt lymphoma (PT-BL) and plasmablastic lymphoma (PT-PBL) occur most
      frequently. However, in many studies various EBV(+) and EBV(-) PTLD subtypes are
      pooled, complicating the interpretation of the results. In this review, studies
      of the gene expression pattern, the microenvironment and the genetic profile of
      PT-DLBCL, PT-BL and PT-PBL are summarized to better understand the mechanisms
      underlying post-transplantation lymphomagenesis. Based on the available findings
      we propose stratification of PTLD according to the histological subtype and the
      EBV status to facilitate the interpretation of future studies and the
      establishment of clinical trials. 

PMID- 27683632
TI  - Hemodynamic monitoring in heart failure and pulmonary hypertension: From analog
      tracings to the digital age.
AB  - Hemodynamic monitoring has long formed the cornerstone of heart failure (HF) and
      pulmonary hypertension diagnosis and management. We review the long history of
      invasive hemodynamic monitors initially using pulmonary artery (PA) pressure
      catheters in the hospital setting, to evaluating the utility of a number of
      implantable devices that can allow for ambulatory determination of intracardiac
      pressures. Although the use of indwelling PA catheters has fallen out of favor in
      a number of settings, implantable devices have afforded clinicians an opportunity
      for objective determination of a patient's volume status and pulmonary pressures.
      Some devices, such as the CardioMEMS and thoracic impedance monitors present as
      part of implantable cardiac defibrillators, are supported by a body of evidence
      which show the potential to reduce HF related morbidity and have received
      regulatory approval, whereas other devices have failed to show benefit and, in
      some cases, harm. Clearly these devices can convey a considerable amount of
      information and clinicians should start to familiarize themselves with their use
      and expect further development and refinement in the future. 

PMID- 27683631
TI  - Genetic barriers in transplantation medicine.
AB  - The successful of transplantation is determined by the shared human leukocyte
      antigens (HLAs) and ABO blood group antigens between donor and recipient. In
      recent years, killer cell receptor [i.e., killer cell immunoglobulin-like
      receptor (KIR)] and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I chain-related
      gene molecule (i.e., MICA) were also reported as important determinants of
      transplant compatibility. At present, several different genotyping techniques
      (e.g., sequence specific primer and sequence based typing) can be used to
      characterize blood group, HLA, MICA and KIR and loci. These molecular techniques
      have several advantages because they do not depend on the availability of anti
      sera, cellular expression and have greater specificity and accuracy compared with
      the antibody-antigen based typing. Nonetheless, these molecular techniques have
      limited capability to capture increasing number of markers which have been
      demonstrated to determine donor and recipient compatibility. It is now possible
      to genotype multiple markers and to the extent of a complete sequencing of the
      human genome using next generation sequencer (NGS). This high throughput
      genotyping platform has been tested for HLA, and it is expected that NGS will be
      used to simultaneously genotype a large number of clinically relevant
      transplantation genes in near future. This is not far from reality due to the
      bioinformatics support given by the immunogenetics community and the rigorous
      improvement in NGS methodology. In addition, new developments in immune tolerance
      based therapy, donor recruitment strategies and bioengineering are expected to
      provide significant advances in the field of transplantation medicine. 

PMID- 27683630
TI  - Physical rehabilitation for lung transplant candidates and recipients: An
      evidence-informed clinical approach.
AB  - Physical rehabilitation of lung transplant candidates and recipients plays an
      important in optimizing physical function prior to transplant and facilitating
      recovery of function post-transplant. As medical and surgical interventions in
      lung transplantation have evolved over time, there has been a demographic shift
      of individuals undergoing lung transplantation including older individuals, those
      with multiple co-morbidites, and candidates with respiratory failure requiring
      bridging to transplantation. These changes have an impact on the rehabilitation
      needs of lung transplant candidates and recipients. This review provides a
      practical approach to rehabilitation based on research and clinical practice at
      our transplant centre. It focuses on functional assessment and exercise
      prescription during an uncomplicated and complicated clinical course in the pre
      transplant, early and late post-transplant periods. The target audience includes
      clinicians involved in pre- and post-transplant patient care and rehabilitation
      researchers. 

PMID- 27683633
TI  - Current techniques for AB0-incompatible living donor liver transplantation.
AB  - For a long time, it was considered medical malpractice to neglect the blood group
      system during transplantation. Because there are far more patients waiting for
      organs than organs available, a variety of attempts have been made to transplant
      AB0-incompatible (AB0i) grafts. Improvements in AB0i graft survival rates have
      been achieved with immunosuppression regimens and plasma treatment procedures.
      Nevertheless, some grafts are rejected early after AB0i living donor liver
      transplantation (LDLT) due to antibody mediated rejection or later biliary
      complications that affect the quality of life. Therefore, the AB0i LDLT is an
      option only for emergency situations, and it requires careful planning. This
      review compares the treatment possibilities and their effect on the patients'
      graft outcome from 2010 to the present. We compared 11 transplant center regimens
      and their outcomes. The best improvement, next to plasma treatment procedures,
      has been reached with the prophylactic use of rituximab more than one week before
      AB0i LDLT. Unfortunately, no standardized treatment protocols are available. Each
      center treats its patients with its own scheme. Nevertheless, the transplant
      results are homogeneous. Due to refined treatment strategies, AB0i LDLT is a
      feasible option today and almost free of severe complications. 

PMID- 27683634
TI  - Tregs and kidney: From diabetic nephropathy to renal transplantation.
AB  - Kidney transplantation is recognised as the most effective treatment for patients
      with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Kidney transplantation continues to face
      several challenges including long-term graft and patient survival, and the side
      effects of immunosuppressive therapy. The tendency in kidney transplantation is
      to avoid the side effects of immunosuppresants and induce immune tolerance.
      Regulatory T-cells (Tregs) contribute to self-tolerance, tolerance to alloantigen
      and transplant tolerance, mainly by suppressing the activation and function of
      reactive effector T-cells. Additionally, Tregs are implicated in the pathogenesis
      of diabetes, which is the leading cause of ESRD, suggesting that these cells play
      a role both in the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease and the induction of
      transplant tolerance. Several strategies to achieve immunological tolerance to
      grafts have been tested experimentally, and include combinations of co
      stimulatory blockade pathways, T-cell depletion, in vivo Treg-induction and/or
      infusion of ex-vivo expanded Tregs. However, a successful regimen that induces
      transplant tolerance is not yet available for clinical application. This review
      brings together certain key studies on the role of Tregs in ESRD, diabetes and
      kidney transplantation, only to emphasize that many more studies are needed to
      elucidate the clinical significance and the therapeutic applications of Tregs. 

PMID- 27683635
TI  - Updates on antibody-mediated rejection in intestinal transplantation.
AB  - Antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) has increasingly emerged as an important cause
      of allograft loss after intestinal transplantation (ITx). Compelling evidence
      indicates that donor-specific antibodies can mediate and promote acute and
      chronic rejection after ITx. However, diagnostic criteria for ABMR after ITx have
      not been established yet and the mechanisms of antibody-mediated graft injury are
      not well-known. Effective approaches to prevent and treat ABMR are required to
      improve long-term outcomes of intestine recipients. Clearly, ABMR after ITx has
      become an important area for research and clinical investigation. 

PMID- 27683636
TI  - Pharmacological Tie2 activation in kidney transplantation.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the therapeutic potential of vasculotide (VT) - a Tie2
      activating therapeutic - in kidney transplantation. METHODS: We performed a
      murine MHC-mismatched renal transplant model (C57Bl/6 male into Balb/c female)
      with 60 min cold and 30 min warm ischemia time. 500 ng VT was administered i.p.
      to donor mice 1 h before organ removal. In addition, recipients received 500 ng
      VT i.p. directly and 3 d after surgery. Survival was monitored and remaining
      animals were sacrificed 28 d after transplantation. In this model, we analyzed:
      (1) organ function; (2) Kaplan-Meier survival; (3) organ damage (periodic acid
      Schiff staining) via semi-quantitative scoring [0-4 (0 = no injury/inflammation
      to 4 = very severe injury/inflammation)]; (4) expression of renal endothelial
      adhesion molecules (ICAM-1) via immunofluorescence (IF) staining, immunoblotting
      and qPCR; (5) infiltration of inflammatory cells (IF Gr-1, F4/80); and (6)
      fibrosis via staining of alpha-smooth muscle actin (alphaSMA), Sirius red
      staining and immunoblotting of SMAD3 activation. RESULTS: Exogenous activation of
      Tie2 with VT resulted in diminished expression of peritubular and glomerular
      endothelial adhesion molecules. Consequently, infiltration of inflammatory cells
      (analyzed as ICAM-1, Gr-1 and F4/80 positive cells) was reduced in VT-treated
      mice compared to controls. Additionally, VT was protective against fibrogenesis
      after kidney transplantation. Trends towards lower serum creatinine (vehicle: 142
      +/- 17 MUmol/L vs VT: 94 +/- 23 MUmol/L), urea (vehicle: 76 +/- 5 mmol/L vs VT:
      60 +/- 8 mmol/L) and lactate dehydrogenase (vehicle: 1288 +/- 383 iU vs VT: 870
      +/- 275 iU) were observed on day 6 after transplantation. Kaplan-Meier survival
      analysis showed improved survival rates in the VT-treated mice that did not reach
      statistical significance (27% vs 54%, P = 0.24, n = 11 per group). Exogenous
      activation of Tie2 via VT might reduce infiltration of inflammatory cells into
      renal tissue thereby protecting the transplant from early graft dysfunction
      potentially affecting long-term function. CONCLUSION: Protection of the
      endothelial microvasculature via the Tie2 axis in the early transplant setting
      might hold promise as a therapeutic target.

PMID- 27683638
TI  - Underutilization of palliative care services in the liver transplant population.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate use of palliative care services in patients with end-stage liver
      disease who do not have access to liver transplant. METHODS: Evaluated were end
      stage liver disease patients who were removed from the liver transplant wait-list
      or died prior to transplant at a single transplant center over a 2-year period.
      Those who were removed due to noncompliance or ultimately transplanted elsewhere
      were excluded from this study. Patient characteristics associated with palliative
      care consultation were assessed using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Six
      hundred and eighty-three patients were listed for liver transplant in 2013-2014
      with 107 (16%) dying (n = 62) or removed for clinical decompensation prior to
      liver transplant (n = 45): Median age was 58 years, and the majority were male
      (66%), Caucasian (53%), had Child C cirrhosis (61%) or hepatocellular carcinoma
      (52%). The palliative care team was consulted in only 18 of the 107 patients
      (17%) who died or were removed, 89% of which occurred as inpatients. Half of
      these consultations occurred within 72 h of death. In univariable analysis,
      patients of younger age, white race, and higher end-stage liver disease scores at
      time of listing and delisting were more likely to receive palliative care
      services. Only younger age [Odds ratio (OR) = 0.92; P = 0.02] and Caucasian race
      (OR = 4.90; P = 0.02) were still associated with integration of palliative care
      services through multivariable analysis. CONCLUSION: Palliative care services are
      grossly underutilized in older, non-white patients with cirrhosis on the liver
      transplant wait-list. We encourage early integration of these services into
      clinical decision-making in the transplant population, with further studies aimed
      at understanding barriers to consultation.

PMID- 27683637
TI  - Thromboelastographic reference ranges for a cirrhotic patient population
      undergoing liver transplantation.
AB  - AIM: To describe the thromboelastography (TEG) "reference" values within a
      population of liver transplant (LT) candidates that underline the differences
      from healthy patients. METHODS: Between 2000 and 2013, 261 liver transplant
      patients with a model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score between 15 and 40
      were studied. In particular the adult patients (aged 18-70 years) underwent to a
      first LT with a MELD score between 15 and 40 were included, while all patients
      with acute liver failure, congenital bleeding disorders, and anticoagulant and/or
      antiplatelet drug use were excluded. In this population of cirrhotic patients,
      preoperative haematological and coagulation laboratory tests were collected, and
      the pretransplant thromboelastographic parameters were studied and compared with
      the parameters measured in a previously studied population of 40 healthy
      subjects. The basal TEG parameters analysed in the cirrhotic population of liver
      candidates were as follows: Reaction time (r), coagulation time (k), Angle-Rate
      of polymerization of clot (alpha Angle), Maximum strenght of clot (MA),
      Amplitudes of the TEG tracing at 30 min and 60 min after MA is measured (A30 and
      A60), and Fibrinolysis at 30 and 60 min after MA (Ly30 and Ly60). The possible
      correlation between the distribution of the reference range and the gender, age,
      MELD score (higher or lower than 20) and indications for transplantation (liver
      pathology) were also investigated. In particular, a MELD cut-off value of 20 was
      chosen to verify the possible correlation between the thromboelastographic
      reference range and MELD score. RESULTS: Most of the TEG reference values from
      patients with end-stage liver disease were significantly different from those
      measured in the healthy population and were outside the suggested normal ranges
      in up to 79.3% of subjects. Wide differences were found among all TEG variables,
      including r (41.5% of the values), k (48.6%), alpha (43.7%), MA (79.3%), A30
      (74.4%) and A60 (80.9%), indicating a prevailing trend to hypocoagulability. The
      differences between the mean TEG values obtained from healthy subjects and the
      cirrhotic population were statistically significant for r (P = 0.039), k (P <
      0.001), MA (P < 0.001), A30 (P < 0.001), A60 (P < 0.001) and Ly60 (P = 0.038),
      indicating slower and less stable clot formation in the cirrhotic patients. In
      the cirrhotic population, 9.5% of patients had an r value shorter than normal,
      indicating a tendency for faster clot formation. Within the cirrhotic patient
      population, gender, age and the presence of hepatocellular carcinoma or alcoholic
      cirrhosis were not significantly associated with greater clot firmness or
      enhanced whole blood clot formation, whereas greater clot strength was associated
      with a MELD score < 20, hepatitis C virus and cholestatic-related cirrhosis (P <
      0.001; P = 0.013; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The range and distribution of TEG
      values in cirrhotic patients differ from those of healthy subjects, suggesting
      that a specific thromboelastographic reference range is required for liver
      transplant candidates.

PMID- 27683639
TI  - Evaluating twenty-years of follow-up after orthotopic liver transplantation, best
      practice for donor-recipient matching: What can we learn from the past era?
AB  - AIM: To characterize major determinants of 20-year survival after liver
      transplantation (LT). METHODS: This longitudinal single-institution study
      includes 313 consecutive patients who received a LT between 1988 and 1992.
      Pretransplant clinical characteristics and laboratory values were assessed and
      compared between 20-year survivors and non-survivors. Particular attention was
      paid to the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (labMELD)-score and the
      Eurotransplant Donor Risk Index (ET-DRI) to unravel their impact on 20-year
      survival after LT. RESULTS: Twenty-year survivors were significantly younger (44
      vs 50 years, P = 0.001), more likely to be female (49% vs 36%, P = 0.03) and less
      likely to be obese at the time of LT (19% vs 32%, P = 0.011). Mean labMELD-score
      (P = 0.156), rate of high-urgency LT (P = 0.210), cold-ischemia time (P = 0.994),
      rate of retransplantation (P = 0.12) and average donor age (28 vs 33 years, P =
      0.099) were not statistically different. The mean estimated glomerular filtration
      rate was higher among survivors (P = 0.007). ET-DRI > 1.4 (P = 0.020) and donor
      age >= 30 years (P < 0.022) had significant influence on 20-year survival. The
      overall survival was not significantly impacted by labMELD-score categories (P =
      0.263). CONCLUSION: LT offers excellent long-term results in case of optimal
      donor and recipient conditions. However, mainly due to the current organ
      shortage, these ideal circumstances are rarely given; thus algorithms for donor
      recipient matching need to be refined, in order to enable a maximum benefit for
      the recipients of high quality as well as marginal organs.

PMID- 27683640
TI  - Incidence and Risk Factors of Hypomagnesemia in Head and Neck Cancer Patients
      Treated with Cetuximab.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hypomagnesemia is a common adverse event during cetuximab (Cmab)
      treatment. However, few reports have investigated the incidence and risk factors
      of hypomagnesemia in head and neck cancer patients treated with Cmab. METHODS: We
      retrospectively reviewed 131 head and neck cancer patients who received Cmab
      containing therapy. Main eligibility criteria were >=3 Cmab administrations, no
      prior EGFR-directed therapy, and no prophylactic Mg supplementation. RESULTS:
      Median baseline serum Mg level and number of Cmab administrations were 2.2 mg/dl
      and 8, respectively. Overall incidence of hypomagnesemia was 50.4% (grade 1,
      46.6%; grade 2, 3.1%; grade 3, 0%; and grade 4, 0.8%) and differed between
      patients treated with palliative chemotherapy and bioradiation (Cmab and
      radiation) (63 versus 24%; P < 0.01). Independent risk factors were low baseline
      serum Mg [odds ratio (OR) 161.988, 95% confidence interval (CI) 9.436-2780.895],
      >=7 Cmab administrations (OR 3.56, 95% CI 1.16-13.98), and concurrent
      administration of platinum (cisplatin; OR 23.695, 95% CI 5.219-107.574,
      carboplatin; OR 5.487, 95% CI 1.831-16.439). Respective incidence of
      hypomagnesemia in patients in high- (concurrent platinum and >=7 Cmab
      administrations) and low-risk (no concurrent platinum and <7 Cmab
      administrations) groups was 66.0 and 6.6% (P < 0.001, OR 28.0). CONCLUSION: Cmab
      is associated with a significant risk of hypomagnesemia in patients with head and
      neck cancer with longer term administration and concurrent platinum therapy. High
      risk patients should be treated with particular care.

PMID- 27683628
TI  - BK nephropathy in the native kidneys of patients with organ transplants: Clinical
      spectrum of BK infection.
AB  - Nephropathy secondary to BK virus, a member of the Papoviridae family of viruses,
      has been recognized for some time as an important cause of allograft dysfunction
      in renal transplant recipients. In recent times, BK nephropathy (BKN) of the
      native kidneys has being increasingly recognized as a cause of chronic kidney
      disease in patients with solid organ transplants, bone marrow transplants and in
      patients with other clinical entities associated with immunosuppression. In such
      patients renal dysfunction is often attributed to other factors including
      nephrotoxicity of medications used to prevent rejection of the transplanted
      organs. Renal biopsy is required for the diagnosis of BKN. Quantitation of the BK
      viral load in blood and urine are surrogate diagnostic methods. The treatment of
      BKN is based on reduction of the immunosuppressive medications. Several compounds
      have shown antiviral activity, but have not consistently shown to have beneficial
      effects in BKN. In addition to BKN, BK viral infection can cause severe urinary
      bladder cystitis, ureteritis and urinary tract obstruction as well as
      manifestations in other organ systems including the central nervous system, the
      respiratory system, the gastrointestinal system and the hematopoietic system. BK
      viral infection has also been implicated in tumorigenesis. The spectrum of
      clinical manifestations from BK infection and infection from other members of the
      Papoviridae family is widening. Prevention and treatment of BK infection and
      infections from other Papovaviruses are subjects of intense research. 

PMID- 27683642
TI  - Dry needling in patients with chronic heel pain due to plantar fasciitis: A
      single-blinded randomized clinical trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study examined the effects of dry needling on chronic heel pain
      due to plantar fasciitis. METHODS: During this single-blinded clinical trial, 20
      eligible patients were randomized into two groups: A case group treated with dry
      needling and a control group. Patients' plantar pain severity, (using modified
      visual analog scale [VAS] scoring system), range of motion of ankle joint in
      dorsiflexion [ROMDF] and plantar extension[ROMPE] and foot function index (using
      standard questionnaires of SEM5 and MDC7) were assessed at baseline, four weeks
      after intervention and four weeks after withdrawing treatment. Independent sample
      t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, paired t-test, Wilcoxon signed rank tests, and chi
      square test were used for data analysis. RESULTS: The mean VAS scores in the case
      group was significantly lower than the control group after four weeks of
      intervention (p<0.001). Comparison of the ROMDF and ROMPE did not reveal any
      significant changes after four weeks of intervention in the case and control
      groups (p=0.7 and p=0.65, respectively). The mean of MDC7 and SEM5 scores in the
      case group were significantly lower than the control group following four weeks
      of intervention (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Despite the insignificant effect on ROMDF
      and ROMPE, trigger point dry needling, by improving the severity of heel pain,
      can be used as a good alternative option before proceeding to more invasive
      therapies of plantar fasciitis.

PMID- 27683643
TI  - Concise, intensive or longitudinal medical education courses, which is more
      effective in perceived self-efficacy and development of faculty members?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Teachers' self-efficacy and development may be conceptualized as
      their beliefs in their own ability to plan, organize and carry out activities
      that are required to attain educational goals. In this study, we examined the
      effect of different medical education training courses (six-day, one- month short
      term and sixmonth long- term courses) on perceived self-efficacy and
      development. METHODS: This before-after quasi-experimental study was performed on
      39 faculty members of Tehran University of Medical Sciences who participated in
      faculty development courses in 2013. We used valid and reliable scales to measure
      their perceived self-efficacy and empowerment. RESULTS: The results revealed a
      significant increase in faculty members' perceived self-efficacy in pre and
      posttests in one-month and six-month courses, but no significant difference was
      found in the six-day course (p=0.004, p<0.001 and p=0.235, respectively). These
      results were the same for perceived empowerment (p<0.001, p<0.001 and p=0.716 for
      one-month, six-month and six-day courses, respectively). A significant difference
      was detected in perceived self-efficacy and participant empowerment components
      based on the training course (p=0.005; Wilk's Lambda=0.345, Partial eta2=0.413).
      CONCLUSION: This study revealed that long- term courses were more effective than
      the short- term ones. Thus, longitudinal courses are recommended for more
      effectiveness.

PMID- 27683641
TI  - Chicken gga-miR-19a Targets ZMYND11 and Plays an Important Role in Host Defense
      against Mycoplasma gallisepticum (HS Strain) Infection.
AB  - Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG), one of the most pathogenic Mycoplasmas, can cause
      chronic respiratory disease (CRD) in chickens. It has been suggested that micro
      ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) are involved in microbial pathogenesis. However,
      little is known about the roles of miRNAs in MG infection. Previously, we found
      by deep sequencing that gga-miR-19a was significantly up-regulated in the lungs
      of MG-infected chicken embryos. In this work, we confirmed that gga-miR-19a was
      up-regulated in both MG-infected chicken embryonic lungs and MG-infected DF-1
      (chicken embryo fibroblast) cells. At 72 h post-transfection, we found that the
      over-expression of gga-miR-19a significantly enhanced the proliferation of MG
      infected DF-1 cells by promoting the transition from the G1 phase to the S and G2
      phases, while a gga-miR-19a inhibitor repressed the proliferation of MG-infected
      DF-1 cells by arresting the cell cycle in the G1 phase. Moreover, we found that
      gga-miR-19a regulated the expression of the host zinc-finger protein, MYND-type
      containing 11 (ZMYND11), through binding to its 3' untranslated region (3'-UTR).
      DAVID analysis revealed that ZMYND11 could negatively regulate the NF-kappaB (NF
      kappaB) signaling pathway in chickens (Gallus gallus). Upon MG infection, gga-miR
      19a, NF-kappaB, MyD88, and TNF-alpha were all up-regulated, whereas ZMYND11 was
      down-regulated. The over-expression of gga-miR-19a in the DF-1 cells did not
      affect the above gene expression patterns, and gga-miR-19a inhibitor repressed
      the expression of NF-kappaB, MyD88, and TNF-alpha, but enhanced the expression of
      ZMYND11. In conclusion, gga-miR-19a might suppress the expression of ZMYND11 in
      MG-infected chicken embryonic lungs and DF-1 cells, activate the NF-kappaB
      signaling pathway, and promote pro-inflammatory cytokines expression, the cell
      cycle progression and cell proliferation to defend against MG infection.

PMID- 27683644
TI  - Contextualization and validation of the interprofessional collaborator assessment
      rubric (ICAR) through simulation: Pilot investigation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Simulation can be used for educating, evaluating and assessing
      psychometric properties of an instrument. The aim of this study was to
      contextualize and assess the validity and reliability of the Interprofessional
      Collaborative Assessment tool (ICAR) in an Iranian context using simulation.
      METHODS: In this descriptive study, contextualization of the ICAR was assessed
      through several steps. Firstly, validity assessment was approved through expert
      panels and Delphi rounds. Secondly, reliability assessment was done by arranging
      a simulation video and assessing reproducibility, test-retest (ICC), internal
      consistency (Cronbach's Alpha) and inter-rater reliability (Kappa).The
      participants included 26 experts, 27 students and 6 staff of the Standardized
      Simulation Office of Teheran University of Medical Sciences. RESULTS:
      Contextualization and validity of the ICAR were approved in an Iranian context.
      The reliability of the tool was computed to be 0.71 according to Cronbach's
      Alpha. The test-retest was calculated to be 0.76. CONCLUSION: The Iranian ICAR
      can be a useful tool for evaluating interprofessional collaborative competencies.
      The development of the instrument through a simulation scenario has been a
      positive prospect for researchers.

PMID- 27683645
TI  - Does outsourcing paramedical departments of teaching hospitals affect educational
      status of the students?
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is an increasing trend of outsourcing public departments.
      Teaching hospitals also outsourced some of their departments to private sectors.
      The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the educational status of
      students in public and outsourced departments of teaching hospitals affiliated to
      Iran University of Medical Sciences. METHODS: This study was conducted in six
      teaching hospitals of Iran University of Medical Sciences, which had public and
      outsourced teaching departments in 2015. One hundred fifty students from the
      departments of radiology, physiotherapy and laboratory participated in this study
      and their perceptions about their educational status were assessed. A valid and
      reliable questionnaire was used; participation in the study was voluntary.
      Descriptive statistics such as mean (SD), t-test and Kolmogorov-Smirnov were
      used. RESULTS: No difference was detected between the educational status of
      students in public and outsourced departments of radiology, physiotherapy and
      laboratory (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Based on the students' perception, the private
      sectors could maintain the educational level of the teaching departments similar
      to the public departments. It is recommended to involve all the stakeholders such
      as hospital administrators, academic staff and students in the decision- making
      process when changes in teaching environments are being considered.

PMID- 27683646
TI  - Sensitivity to nitazoxanide among metronidazole resistant Helicobacter pylori
      strains in patients with gastritis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In this study, the efficacy of nitazoxanide in the treatment of
      Helicobacter pylori isolates, which were resistant to metronidazole, was
      examined. METHODS: One hundred twenty two patients who underwent endoscopy
      examinations at Kasra and Laleh hospitals in Tehran from November 2014 to July
      2015 were enrolled. Helicobacter pylori strains were isolated from the patients'
      endoscopy biopsies by bacteriological culture. Those bacterial isolates resistant
      to metronidazole were examined for susceptibility to nitazoxanide. Serial agar
      dilution method was utilized to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations
      for the antibiotics. RESULTS: From 122 gastric biopsy specimens, 55 H. pylori
      isolates were recovered (45%); of which, 40 (72.7%) were resistant to
      metronidazole. Comparing the MIC values of nitazoxanide with metronidazole
      revealed significant differences (p<0.05). The MIC50 and MIC90 values for
      nitazoxanide and metronidazole were 8 and >=8MUg/ml, and 32 and 64MUg/ml,
      respectively. CONCLUSION: The high levels of metronidazole resistance suggest
      that this medication may not be beneficial for first-line therapy in Iran.
      However, considering the relative effectiveness of nitazoxanide, it may be
      considered a suitable alternative for patients in Iran.

PMID- 27683647
TI  - The effect of educational programs based on the theory of planned behavior on
      parental supervision in students' television watching.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Excessive and uncontrolled television watching by children
      predisposes them to some risks such as developmental, social and psychological
      disorders. Parents play an important role in nurturing their children and
      controlling the factors affecting their health. The aim of this study was to
      determine the impact of health education programs on parents' supervision skills
      to control their children's television watching habits based on the theory of
      planned behavior. METHODS: One hundred twenty parents of the students at the
      first and fifth grades of primary school were randomly divided into an
      intervention and a control group. Data were collected by a self-report
      questionnaire at the beginning of and one month after intervention. An
      educational intervention was implemented for the case group parents, who were
      divided into four 15-member groups, in the form of three 45-60 minute sessions
      with focus group discussions. Moreover, the parents were provided with children
      and television booklet. Data were entered into SPSS-16 and were analyzed using
      Chi-square, paired t test, Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon tests. RESULTS: After the
      intervention, significant changes were detected in the intervention group with
      respect to the mean hours of watching television (from 6.74+/-2.02 to 4.28+/
      2.40; p= 0.039), knowledge scores (from 5.8+/-2.1 to 7.7+/-1.9; p= 0.001),
      attitude towards less television watching (from 35.5+/-11.5 to 48.4+/-8.9;
      p=0.003), subjective norms (from 11.8+/-8.1 to 24.5+/-8.6; p>0.001) and
      behavioral intention (from 18.6+/-7.4 to 31.8+/-5.1; p=0.001). CONCLUSION: The
      results revealed that educational interventions based on the theory of planned
      behavior are capable of changing knowledge, attitude, subjective norm and
      intention of parents towards controlling and monitoring their children's
      television watching and can improve the performance of parental control and
      reduce the hours of TV watching by children. Therefore, this pattern is suggested
      for reforming the nurturing skills of parents about other behavioral problems of
      their children.

PMID- 27683648
TI  - Designing a national plan for improving sexual health in Iran: An experience of
      an Islamic country.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prevalence of sexual dysfunction varies from 20% to 40% in men and
      women in different studies in Iran. Despite its high prevalence, it seems that
      this issue has been neglected, particularly in Islamic countries. The aim of this
      study was to assess sexual health in Iran. This was a mixed method study.
      METHODS: Data were collected through evaluating country's sexual health programs
      and literature review. Sexual health status was drafted and formed following a
      sound analysis by stakeholders. After conducting interviews and focus group
      discussions, the main points of the meetings, influencing factors of the present
      status and oncoming strategies were obtained upon experts' opinions. RESULTS:
      Review of general policies and the literature showed that although there is
      adequate support for improving sexual health status in the country, sexual health
      status has been decreased in the last decade. Based on Iranian sexual health
      indicators and experts' opinions, the focus points could be divided into the
      following groups: Structural and functional -political, legal-behavior, and
      cultural. CONCLUSION: Breaking the taboo of sexual health issues would require
      attention from the policy makers especially in Islamic nations to facilitate the
      steps on the road to sexual health. In this regard, clarified vision, strategic
      goals and interventional policies are proposed. An inter-sectional cooperation is
      needed to implement interventions to promote sexual health status.

PMID- 27683649
TI  - How to integrate social care services into primary health care? An experience
      from Iran.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Social issues have prominent effects on the peoples' physical and
      mental health and on the health risk factors. In Iran, many organizations provide
      social care services to their target population. This study aimed to explore the
      roles and functions of Primary Health Care (PHC) system in providing social care
      services in Iran. METHODS: This was a qualitative study, for which data were
      collected via three sources: A review of the literature, in-depth interviews and
      focus group discussions with experts and stakeholders. The main objective was to
      find a way to integrate social care into the Iranian PHC system. A conventional
      content analysis was performed to explore the data. RESULTS: Overall, 20 experts
      were interviewed and the acquired data were classified into four major categories
      including priorities, implementation, requirements and stewardship. The main
      challenges were the existing controversies in the definition of social care,
      social service unit disintegration, multiple stewards for social care services,
      weaknesses of rules and regulations and low financing of the public budget.
      Social care services can be divided into two categories: Basic and advanced.
      Urban and rural health centers, as the first level of PHC, could potentially
      provide basic social care services for their defined population and catchment
      areas such as detecting social harms in high risk individuals and families and
      providing counseling for people in need. They can also refer the individuals to
      receive advanced services. CONCLUSION: Iran has a successful history of
      establishing the PHC System especially in rural areas. This network has an
      invaluable capacity to provide social health services. Establishing these
      services needs some prerequisites such as a reform PHC structure, macro support
      and technical intersectoral collaboration. They should also be piloted and
      evaluated before they could be implemented in the whole country.

PMID- 27683650
TI  - Effective factors in expansion of medical tourism in Iran.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Medical tourism (MT) refers to circumstances in which people travel
      for medical treatments. The present study focuses on determining factors
      affecting MT in Iran. METHODS: The study uses a mixed method approach. Initially,
      through a qualitative study, 12 experts were interviewed deeply; then, 22
      participants in three equal focus groups expressed their ideas about growth and
      development of MT in Iran. Based on the expressed ideas, 120 factors were
      identified and accordingly a structured questionnaire was developed. Some members
      from the focus groups confirmed the questionnaire's face and content validity.
      The reliability of pertinent items was confirmed using Cronbach's alpha=0.8.
      Afterwards, 61 eligible subjects filled out this questionnaire. RESULTS: The
      findings showed that "healthcare quality" and "high level of expertise" are two
      most attractive factors in MT. However, other factors such as "healthcare costs",
      and "visa facilities" are among key factors as well. Also, the role of "the
      healthcare providers" was found to be more prominent than the roles of "the
      government" and "the general tourist services". CONCLUSION: Although some
      attractive MT factors are present currently, MT expansion to a desirable level in
      Iran requires a comprehensive plan of which its factors were discussed in this
      paper.

PMID- 27683651
TI  - Manipulation of IL-10 gene expression by Toxoplasma gondii and its products.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study was designed to evaluate whether or not T. gondii and its
      derivatives can change the gene expression level of IL-10 in murine leukocytes in
      vivo. METHODS: Fifty BALB/c mice were divided into 5 groups, four of which
      received the excretory/secretory product (ESP) from cell culture medium, the ESP
      from cell free medium, the Toxoplasma lysate product (TLP) and the active
      tachyzoites, respectively. The fifth group was considered as control and received
      PBS. The peritoneal leukocytes from the mice were collected. Their total RNA were
      extracted and converted to cDNA and the gene expression levels of IL-10 in the
      samples were evaluated by quantitative real time-PCR using the REST-2009
      software. RESULTS: The findings showed a decrease in the expression level of IL
      10 in the TLP group (p=0.004). Moreover, the IL-10 gene expression level was
      upregulated in the group of the ESP from cell culture medium (p=0.04) and the
      active tachyzoite group (p=0.04). The expression of IL-10 gene in the group of
      ESP from cell-free medium was not significant compared to the control one
      (p=0.45). CONCLUSION: T. gondii and its derivatives are able to increase (the
      active T. gondii tachyzoite and the ESP from cell culture medium) and decrease
      (the TLP) the gene expression level of IL-10 in a murine model. The question
      remains to be examined in further study about which molecules are involved in
      this process.

PMID- 27683652
TI  - Atypical Manifestation of LPS-Responsive Beige-Like Anchor Deficiency Syndrome as
      an Autoimmune Endocrine Disorder without Enteropathy and Immunodeficiency.
AB  - Monogenic primary immunodeficiency syndromes can affect one or more endocrine
      organs by autoimmunity during childhood. Clinical manifestations include type 1
      diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, and vitiligo.
      Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-responsive beige-like anchor protein (LRBA) deficiency
      was described in 2012 as a novel primary immunodeficiency, predominantly causing
      immune dysregulation and early onset enteropathy. We describe the heterogeneous
      clinical course of LRBA deficiency in two siblings, mimicking an autoimmune
      polyendocrine disorder in one of them in presence of the same underlying genetic
      mutation. The third child of consanguineous Egyptian parents (Patient 1)
      presented at 6 months of age with intractable enteropathy and failure to thrive.
      Later on, he developed symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, autoimmune hemolytic
      anemia, thrombocytopenia, and infectious complications due to immunosuppressive
      treatment. The severe enteropathy was non-responsive to the standard treatment
      and led to death at the age of 22 years. His younger sister (Patient 2) presented
      at the age of 12 to the endocrinology department with decompensated
      hypothyroidism, perioral vitiligo, delayed pubertal development, and growth
      failure without enteropathy and immunodeficiency. Using whole exome sequencing,
      we identified a homozygous frameshift mutation (c.6862delT, p.Y2288MfsX29) in the
      LRBA gene in both siblings. To our knowledge, our patient (Patient 2) is the
      first case of LRBA deficiency described with predominant endocrine phenotype
      without immunodeficiency and enteropathy. LRBA deficiency should be considered as
      underlying disease in pediatric patients presenting with autoimmune endocrine
      symptoms. The same genetic mutation can manifest with a broad phenotypic spectrum
      without genotype-phenotype correlation. The awareness for disease symptoms among
      non-immunologists might be a key to early diagnosis. Further functional studies
      in LRBA deficiency are necessary to provide detailed information on the origin of
      autoimmunity in order to develop reliable predictive biomarkers for affected
      patients. 

PMID- 27683653
TI  - Antibody Drug Conjugates Differentiate Uptake and DNA Alkylation of
      Pyrrolobenzodiazepines in Tumors from Organs of Xenograft Mice.
AB  - Pyrrolobenzodiazepine (PBD)-dimer is a DNA minor groove alkylator, and its CD22
      THIOMAB antibody drug conjugate (ADC) demonstrated, through a disulfide linker,
      an efficacy in tumor reduction for more than 7 weeks with minimal body weight
      loss in xenograft mice after a single 0.5-1 mg/kg i.v. dose. The DNA alkylation
      was investigated here in tumors and healthy organs of mice to understand the
      sustained efficacy and tolerability. The experimental procedures included the
      collection of tumors and organ tissues of xenograft mice treated with the ADC
      followed by DNA isolation/hydrolysis/quantitation and payload recovery from
      reversible DNA alkylation. PBD-dimer formed a considerable amount of adducts with
      tissue DNA, representing approximately 98% (at 24 hours), and 99% (at 96 hours)
      of the total PBD-dimer in tumors, and 78-89% in liver and lung tissues,
      suggesting highly efficient covalent binding of the released PBD-dimer to tissue
      DNA. The amount of PBD-DNA adducts in tumor tissues was approximately 24-fold (at
      24 hours) and 70-fold (at 96 hours) greater than the corresponding amount of
      adducts in liver and lung tissues. In addition, the DNA alkylation levels
      increased 3-fold to 4-fold from 24 to 96 hours in tumors [41/106 base pairs (bp)
      at 96 hours] but remained at the same level (1/106 bp) in livers and lungs. These
      results support the typical target-mediated cumulative uptake of ADC into tumors
      and payload release that offers an explanation for its sustained antitumor
      efficacy. In addition, the low level of DNA alkylation in normal tissues is
      consistent with the tolerability observed in mice.

PMID- 27683654
TI  - Things I wish I'd known: desiderata for early career psychiatrists.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to disseminate advice imparted to
      early career psychiatrists by a panel of senior colleagues at a Royal Australian
      and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists symposium, reflecting on things they
      wished they had known at the earlier stage in their careers. METHODS: Key themes
      were extracted from notes taken at the symposium, where opinions were expressed
      by three senior psychiatrists. RESULTS: There are components in building a
      sustainable career as a psychiatrist, which include considering one's work
      environment and relationships with colleagues; self-care, mentorship and
      reflective practice; and seeking opportunities to teach and research for career
      progression. CONCLUSIONS: The mentorship and advice from senior colleagues can be
      highly influential. In order to sustain a career that has reward, meaning and
      longevity, psychiatrists would do well to pay attention to aspects of self-care,
      stay connected to their loved ones, seek an optimal work-life balance and take an
      interest in their long term career plans.

PMID- 27683655
TI  - Mental health services planning for G20 summit in Brisbane and assessment of
      impact.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to inform planning for similar events,
      our aim was to describe planning undertaken by Brisbane Mental Health Services
      for the 2014 G20 Summit and the impact of the Summit on service use. METHODS: We
      analysed routinely collected service data comparing presentations and discharges
      for the same time period in two consecutive years. RESULTS: While presentations
      to mental health services increased from the previous year across a five-month
      period (including the month of G20), the week of the G20 Summit showed little
      change. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings will be useful to other services that prepare
      for major events, such as G20. Our experience shows that, with detailed planning
      and extra resources, the G20 Summit passed without any major mental health
      incidents or major increase for mental health presentations.

PMID- 27683657
TI  - Methylphenidate in the treatment of an adolescent female with obsessive
      compulsive disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a case report.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We describe a case whereby a 15-year-old female with treatment
      resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) was treated with methylphenidate
      for co-morbid attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The ADHD-OCD co
      morbidity has often been overlooked clinically due to conflicting opinions about
      their underlying neurobiology and treatment options. CONCLUSIONS: In this
      adolescent with co-morbid ADHD and OCD, we observed that the adjunctive use of
      methylphenidate resulted in enhanced treatment response to both psychological and
      pharmacological interventions for OCD. This case highlights the need to identify
      and treat co-morbid ADHD in OCD cases where progress has stalled.

PMID- 27683656
TI  - Effectiveness of a single day induction programme in changing medical students'
      attitudes towards the speciality of forensic psychiatry.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a day visit in changing
      attitudes towards a high-security forensic psychiatric hospital, with regard to
      the current recruitment difficulties in psychiatry. METHODS: Broadmoor Hospital,
      a UK high-security psychiatric hospital, runs day visits for medical students,
      led by doctors. At the beginning and the end of the day students wrote their
      responses to the question, 'What do you think of Broadmoor?' Attitudes and themes
      were identified, and their prevalence was analysed. RESULTS: The responses of 296
      students were initially analysed; however, 19 responses had to be excluded
      because they were illegible or incomplete. Before the visit, 15 responses were
      rated as positive, 169 neutral and 93 negative. After the visit, 205 responses
      were positive, 69 neutral and three negative. The themes that changed markedly
      following the visit were those indicating a change to favourable attitude.
      CONCLUSIONS: A single day visit was shown to be effective in altering the
      attitudes of medical students towards forensic psychiatry within a high-security
      psychiatric hospital.

PMID- 27683658
TI  - Value Chains of Public and Private Health-care Services in a Small EU Island
      State: A SWOT Analysis.
AB  - The global financial and macroeconomic crisis of 2008/2009 and the ensuing
      recessions obliged policy makers to maximize use of resources and cut down on
      waste. Specifically, in health care, governments started to explore ways of
      establishing collaborations between the public and private health-care sectors.
      This is essential so as to ensure the best use of available resources, while
      securing quality of delivery of care as well as health systems sustainability and
      resilience. This qualitative study explores complementary and mutual attributes
      in the value creation process to patients by the public and private health-care
      systems in Malta, a small European Union island state. A workshop was conducted
      with 28 professionals from both sectors to generate two separate value chains,
      and this was followed by an analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and
      threats (SWOT). The latter revealed several strengths and opportunities, which
      can better equip health-policy makers in the quest to maximize provision of
      health-care services. Moreover, the analysis also highlighted areas of weaknesses
      in both sectors as well as current threats of the external environment that,
      unless addressed, may threaten the state's health-care system sustainability and
      resilience to macroeconomic shocks. The study goes on to provide feasible
      recommendations aimed at maximizing provision of health-care services in Malta. 

PMID- 27683659
TI  - DGK-theta: Structure, Enzymology, and Physiological Roles.
AB  - Diacylglycerol kinases (DGKs) are a family of enzymes that catalyze the ATP
      dependent phosphorylation of diacylglycerol (DAG) to phosphatidic acid (PtdOH).
      The recognition of the importance of these enzymes has been increasing ever since
      it was determined that they played a role in the phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns)
      cycle and a number of excellent reviews have already been written [(see van
      Blitterswijk and Houssa, 2000; Kanoh et al., 2002; Merida et al., 2008; Tu-Sekine
      and Raben, 2009, 2011; Shulga et al., 2011; Tu-Sekine et al., 2013) among
      others]. We now know there are ten mammalian DGKs that are organized into five
      classes. DGK-theta is the lone member of the Type V class of DGKs and remains as
      one of the least studied. This review focuses on our current understanding of the
      structure, enzymology, regulation, and physiological roles of this DGK and
      suggests some future areas of research to understand this DGK isoform. 

PMID- 27683660
TI  - Filamentation protects Candida albicans from amphotericin B-induced programmed
      cell death via a mechanism involving the yeast metacaspase, MCA1.
AB  - The budding yeast Candida albicans is one of the most significant fungal
      pathogens worldwide. It proliferates in two distinct cell types: blastopores and
      filaments. Only cells that are able to transform from one cell type into the
      other are virulent in mouse disease models. Programmed cell death is a controlled
      form of cell suicide that occurs when C. albicans cells are exposed to fungicidal
      drugs like amphotericin B and caspofungin, and to other stressful conditions. We
      now provide evidence that suggests that programmed cell death is cell-type
      specific in yeast: Filamentous C. albicans cells are more resistant to
      amphotericin B- and caspofungin-induced programmed cell death than their
      blastospore counterparts. Finally, our genetic data suggests that this phenomenon
      is mediated by a protective mechanism involving the yeast metacaspase, MCA1.

PMID- 27683661
TI  - "Don't Believe Your Eyes" Ipratropium Induced Mydriasis: A Case Report and Review
      of the Literature.
AB  - Unilateral fixed mydriasis can be an ominous sign; however in many cases, it is
      benign and represents pharmacologic mediated action on the iris dilator or
      sphincter. Differentiation between pharmacologic mediated anisocoria and
      physiologic anisocoria can be challenging but may save on costly imaging. An 83
      year-old woman was admitted with critical limb ischemia and subsequently
      developed respiratory failure treated with positive pressure ventilation and
      ipratropium nebulizers. She was noted to have left unilateral mydriasis without
      other neurologic deficits. Brain magnetic resonance imaging with MR angiography
      showed no evidence for a mass lesion or posterior communicating artery aneurysm.
      Her anisocoria self-resolved within 36 hours after nebulizer treatments were
      stopped. Ipratropium bromide is one of the most common medications used in the
      hospital setting and should be consider as a possible etiology when examining
      patients with unilateral mydriasis in the absence of other neurologic findings.

PMID- 27683662
TI  - Does community-based suicide prevention decrease suicide attempts? Strategies for
      reaching zero suicide.

PMID- 27683663
TI  - Using Electronic Health Record Data to Identify Prostate Cancer Patients That May
      Qualify for Active Surveillance.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The introduction of the protein-specific antigen (PSA) test in care
      means that prostate cancer (PCa) is being detected earlier and more frequently.
      The result of increased screening using PSA, digital rectal examination and
      awareness of prostate was an increase in the number of men with low risk cancers.
      Active surveillance has become a viable alternative to immediate treatment with
      surgery, radiation and other forms of localized treatment. Evidence suggests that
      there is no significant difference in mortality rates between AS and surgery. In
      addition, patients may potentially delay other complications associated with
      surgery, radiation or deprivation therapy. METHODS: This quality improvement
      study using a delivery system science framework describes the electronic
      identification of AS candidates given an evidence-based identification criteria
      based upon national guidelines and clinical judgement. The study population
      (n=649) was drawn from health records of all patients who received a prostate
      biopsy (n=1731) at Intermountain Healthcare from 1/1/2013 to 12/31/2014.
      Automated and manual abstraction was performed. Receiver operating characteristic
      (ROC) analysis was used to compare AS-eligible patients to the actual treatment
      received to identify potential care improvement opportunities. Among those with
      complete data, 24.7% of this population (n=160) met "AS-eligible" criteria. 39.1%
      of the population had not received surgery, radiation or androgen deprivation
      therapy and were considered as being treated using an AS approach. 9% of AS
      eligible patients did not receive AS; 27% of patients who did not meet AS
      eligible criteria received AS. Estimated guideline adherence measured using area
      under the curve was 0.70 (95% CI: 0.66-0.73). Modest variation in criteria
      parameters for identifying AS-eligible patients did not significantly change
      estimated adherence levels. CONCLUSION: Implementation of evidence-based criteria
      for detection of AS candidates is feasible using electronic health record data
      and provides a reasonable basis for delivery system evaluation of practice
      patterns and for quality improvement.

PMID- 27683664
TI  - Using Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing Algorithms to Automate the
      Evaluation of Clinical Decision Support in Electronic Medical Record Systems.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: As the number of clinical decision support systems (CDSSs)
      incorporated into electronic medical records (EMRs) increases, so does the need
      to evaluate their effectiveness. The use of medical record review and similar
      manual methods for evaluating decision rules is laborious and inefficient. The
      authors use machine learning and Natural Language Processing (NLP) algorithms to
      accurately evaluate a clinical decision support rule through an EMR system, and
      they compare it against manual evaluation. METHODS: Modeled after the EMR system
      EPIC at Maine Medical Center, we developed a dummy data set containing physician
      notes in free text for 3,621 artificial patients records undergoing a head
      computed tomography (CT) scan for mild traumatic brain injury after the
      incorporation of an electronic best practice approach. We validated the accuracy
      of the Best Practice Advisories (BPA) using three machine learning algorithms-C
      Support Vector Classification (SVC), Decision Tree Classifier
      (DecisionTreeClassifier), k-nearest neighbors classifier (KNeighborsClassifier)
      by comparing their accuracy for adjudicating the occurrence of a mild traumatic
      brain injury against manual review. We then used the best of the three algorithms
      to evaluate the effectiveness of the BPA, and we compared the algorithm's
      evaluation of the BPA to that of manual review. RESULTS: The electronic best
      practice approach was found to have a sensitivity of 98.8 percent (96.83-100.0),
      specificity of 10.3 percent, PPV = 7.3 percent, and NPV = 99.2 percent when
      reviewed manually by abstractors. Though all the machine learning algorithms were
      observed to have a high level of prediction, the SVC displayed the highest with a
      sensitivity 93.33 percent (92.49-98.84), specificity of 97.62 percent (96.53
      98.38), PPV = 50.00, NPV = 99.83. The SVC algorithm was observed to have a
      sensitivity of 97.9 percent (94.7-99.86), specificity 10.30 percent, PPV 7.25
      percent, and NPV 99.2 percent for evaluating the best practice approach, after
      accounting for 17 cases (0.66 percent) where the patient records had to be
      reviewed manually due to the NPL systems inability to capture the proper
      diagnosis. DISCUSSION: CDSSs incorporated into EMRs can be evaluated in an
      automatic fashion by using NLP and machine learning techniques.

PMID- 27683665
TI  - Framework for Deploying a Virtualized Computing Environment for Collaborative and
      Secure Data Analytics.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Large amounts of health data generated by a wide range of health
      care applications across a variety of systems have the potential to offer
      valuable insight into populations and health care systems, but robust and secure
      computing and analytic systems are required to leverage this information.
      FRAMEWORK: We discuss our experiences deploying a Secure Data Analysis Platform
      (SeDAP), and provide a framework to plan, build and deploy a virtual desktop
      infrastructure (VDI) to enable innovation, collaboration and operate within
      academic funding structures. It outlines 6 core components: Security, Ease of
      Access, Performance, Cost, Tools, and Training. CONCLUSION: A platform like SeDAP
      is not simply successful through technical excellence and performance. It's
      adoption is dependent on a collaborative environment where researchers and users
      plan and evaluate the requirements of all aspects.

PMID- 27683666
TI  - A Focus Group Exploration of Automated Case-Finders to Identify High-Risk Heart
      Failure Patients Within an Urban Safety Net Hospital.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Leveraging "big data" as a means of informing cost-effective care
      holds potential in triaging high-risk heart failure (HF) patients for
      interventions within hospitals seeking to reduce 30-day readmissions. OBJECTIVE:
      Explore provider's beliefs and perceptions about using an electronic health
      record (EHR)-based tool that uses unstructured clinical notes to risk-stratify
      high-risk heart failure patients. METHODS: Six providers from an inpatient HF
      clinic within an urban safety net hospital were recruited to participate in a
      semistructured focus group. A facilitator led a discussion on the feasibility and
      value of using an EHR tool driven by unstructured clinical notes to help identify
      high-risk patients. Data collected from transcripts were analyzed using a
      thematic analysis that facilitated drawing conclusions clustered around
      categories and themes. RESULTS: From six categories emerged two themes: (1)
      challenges of finding valid and accurate results, and (2) strategies used to
      overcome these challenges. Although employing a tool that uses electronic medical
      record (EMR) unstructured text as the benchmark by which to identify high-risk
      patients is efficient, choosing appropriate benchmark groups could be challenging
      given the multiple causes of readmission. Strategies to mitigate these challenges
      include establishing clear selection criteria to guide benchmark group
      composition, and quality outcome goals for the hospital. CONCLUSION: Prior to
      implementing into practice an innovative EMR-based case-finder driven by
      unstructured clinical notes, providers are advised to do the following: (1)
      define patient quality outcome goals, (2) establish criteria by which to guide
      benchmark selection, and (3) verify the tool's validity and reliability.
      Achieving consensus on these issues would be necessary for this innovative EHR
      based tool to effectively improve clinical decision-making and in turn, decrease
      readmissions for high-risk patients.

PMID- 27683667
TI  - v3NLP Framework: Tools to Build Applications for Extracting Concepts from
      Clinical Text.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Substantial amounts of clinically significant information are
      contained only within the narrative of the clinical notes in electronic medical
      records. The v3NLP Framework is a set of "best-of-breed" functionalities
      developed to transform this information into structured data for use in quality
      improvement, research, population health surveillance, and decision support.
      BACKGROUND: MetaMap, cTAKES and similar well-known natural language processing
      (NLP) tools do not have sufficient scalability out of the box. The v3NLP
      Framework evolved out of the necessity to scale-up these tools up and provide a
      framework to customize and tune techniques that fit a variety of tasks, including
      document classification, tuned concept extraction for specific conditions,
      patient classification, and information retrieval. INNOVATION: Beyond
      scalability, several v3NLP Framework-developed projects have been efficacy tested
      and benchmarked. While v3NLP Framework includes annotators, pipelines and
      applications, its functionalities enable developers to create novel annotators
      and to place annotators into pipelines and scaled applications. DISCUSSION: The
      v3NLP Framework has been successfully utilized in many projects including general
      concept extraction, risk factors for homelessness among veterans, and
      identification of mentions of the presence of an indwelling urinary catheter.
      Projects as diverse as predicting colonization with methicillin-resistant
      Staphylococcus aureus and extracting references to military sexual trauma are
      being built using v3NLP Framework components. CONCLUSION: The v3NLP Framework is
      a set of functionalities and components that provide Java developers with the
      ability to create novel annotators and to place those annotators into pipelines
      and applications to extract concepts from clinical text. There are scale-up and
      scale-out functionalities to process large numbers of records.

PMID- 27683668
TI  - Leadership Perspectives on Operationalizing the Learning Health Care System in an
      Integrated Delivery System.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Healthcare leaders need operational strategies that support
      organizational learning for continued improvement and value generation. The
      learning health system (LHS) model may provide leaders with such strategies;
      however, little is known about leaders' perspectives on the value and application
      of system-wide operationalization of the LHS model. The objective of this project
      was to solicit and analyze senior health system leaders' perspectives on the LHS
      and learning activities in an integrated delivery system. METHODS: A series of
      interviews were conducted with 41 system leaders from a broad range of clinical
      and administrative areas across an integrated delivery system. Leaders' responses
      were categorized into themes. FINDINGS: Ten major themes emerged from our
      conversations with leaders. While leaders generally expressed support for the
      concept of the LHS and enhanced system-wide learning, their concerns and
      suggestions for operationalization where strongly aligned with their functional
      area and strategic goals. DISCUSSION: Our findings suggests that leaders tend to
      adopt a very pragmatic approach to learning. Leaders expressed a dichotomy
      between the operational imperative to execute operational objectives efficiently
      and the need for rigorous evaluation. Alignment of learning activities with
      system-wide strategic and operational priorities is important to gain leadership
      support and resources. Practical approaches to addressing opportunities and
      challenges identified in the themes are discussed. CONCLUSION: Continuous
      learning is an ongoing, multi-disciplinary function of a health care delivery
      system. Findings from this and other research may be used to inform and
      prioritize system-wide learning objectives and strategies which support reliable,
      high value care delivery.

PMID- 27683669
TI  - Using a Patient Portal to Transmit Patient Reported Health Information into the
      Electronic Record: Workflow Implications and User Experience.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This project implemented an integrated patient self-reported
      screening tool in a patient portal and assessed clinical workflow and user
      experience in primary care practices. METHODS: An electronic health risk
      assessment based on the CMS Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) was developed to
      integrate self-reported health information into the patient's electronic health
      record (EHR). Patients enrolled in care coordination tested the implementation.
      The evaluation plan included quantitative and qualitative measures of patient
      adoption, provider adoption, workflow impact, financial impact, and technology
      impact. FINDINGS: Seventy-two patients completed the sample AWV, and 80% of the
      questionnaires had clinical findings that required provider follow-up. Patients
      expressed satisfaction with the portal, as it enabled them to view their health
      record and enter information. Implementation did not reduce office staff time.
      Providers and office staff agreed that an electronic system for adding
      information to their record would increase patient satisfaction, but they
      expressed concern with the need to promptly review the information and the time
      involved to accomplish this prior to an office visit. DISCUSSION: Despite
      satisfaction among patients, portal adoption is still low, due to technological
      limitations and to the lack of adaptability to primary care practice workflow.
      Notwithstanding those barriers, the use of the portal for completion of
      repetitive tasks, such as screening tools, should be encouraged. CONCLUSIONS:
      Patients can effectively use portals to complete the patient reported section of
      the CMS AWV. However, if the information is not completed during the same day of
      the office visit, the time required to address health findings outside of a
      regular office visit is uncompensated, and diminished the enthusiasm for this
      process among primary care practice staff.

PMID- 27683670
TI  - Introduction of an Area Deprivation Index Measuring Patient Socioeconomic Status
      in an Integrated Health System: Implications for Population Health.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Intermountain Healthcare is a fully integrated delivery system
      based in Salt Lake City, Utah. As a learning healthcare system with a mission of
      performance excellence, it became apparent that population health management and
      our efforts to move towards shared accountability would require additional
      patient-centric metrics in order to provide the right care to the right patients
      at the right time. Several European countries have adopted social deprivation
      indices in measuring the impact that social determinants can have on health. Such
      indices provide a geographic, area-based measure of how socioeconomically
      deprived residents of that area are on average. Intermountain's approach was to
      identify a proxy measure that did not require front-line data collection and
      could be standardized for our patient population, leading us to the area
      deprivation index or ADI. This paper describes the specifications and calculation
      of an ADI for the state of Utah. Results are presented along with introduction of
      three use cases demonstrating the potential for application of an ADI in quality
      improvement in a learning healthcare system. CASE DESCRIPTION: The Utah ADI shows
      promise in providing a proxy for patient-reported measures reflecting key socio
      economic indicators useful for tailoring patient interventions to improve health
      care delivery and patient outcomes. Strengths of this approach include a
      consistent standardized measurement of social determinants, use of more granular
      block group level measures and a limited data capture burden for front-line
      teams. While the methodology is generalizable to other communities, results of
      this index are limited to block groups within the state of Utah and will differ
      from national calculations or calculations for other states. The use of composite
      measures to evaluate individual characteristics must also be approached with
      care. Other limitations with the use of U.S. Census data include use of estimates
      and missing data. CONCLUSION: Initial applications in three meaningfully
      different areas of an integrated health system provide initial evidence of its
      broad applicability in addressing the impact of social determinants on health.
      The variation in socio-economic status by quintile also has potential for
      clinical significance, though more research is needed to link variation in ADI
      with variation in health outcomes overall and by disease type.

PMID- 27683671
TI  - Concordium 2015: Strategic Uses of Evidence to Transform Delivery Systems.
AB  - In September 2015 the EDM Forum hosted AcademyHealth's newest national
      conference, Concordium. The 11 papers featured in the eGEMs "Concordium 2015"
      special issue successfully reflect the major themes and issues discussed at the
      meeting. Many of the papers address informatics or methodological approaches to
      natural language processing (NLP) or text analysis, which is indicative of the
      importance of analyzing text data to gain insights into care coordination and
      patient-centered outcomes. Perspectives on the tools and infrastructure
      requirements that are needed to build learning health systems were also recurrent
      themes. 

PMID- 27683673
TI  - Parent & Child Perceptions of Child Health after Sibling Death.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Understanding children's health after a sibling's death and what
      factors may affect it is important for treatment and clinical care. This study
      compared children's and their parents' perceptions of children's health and
      identified relationships of children's age, gender, race/ethnicity, anxiety, and
      depression and sibling's cause of death to these perceptions at 2 and 4 months
      after sibling death. METHODS: 64 children and 48 parents rated the child's health
      "now" and "now vs before" the sibling's death in an ICU or ER or at home shortly
      after withdrawal of life-prolonging technology. Children completed the Child
      Depression Inventory and Spence Children's Anxiety Scale. Sibling cause of death
      was collected from hospital records. RESULTS: At 2 and 4 months, 45% to 54% of
      mothers' and 53% to 84% of fathers' ratings of their child's health "now" were
      higher than their children's ratings. Child health ratings were lower for:
      children with greater depression; fathers whose children reported greater
      anxiety; mothers whose child died of a chronic condition. Children's ratings of
      their health "now vs before" their sibling's death did not differ significantly
      from mothers' or fathers' ratings at 2 or 4 months. Black fathers were more
      likely to rate the child's health better "now vs before" the death; there were no
      significant differences by child gender and cause of death in child's health "now
      vs before" the death. CONCLUSIONS: Children's responses to a sibling's death may
      not be visually apparent or become known by asking parents. Parents often
      perceive their children as healthier than children perceive themselves at 2 and 4
      months after sibling death, so talking with children separately is important.
      Children's perceptions of their health may be influenced by depression, fathers'
      perceptions by children's anxiety, and mother's perceptions by the cause of
      sibling death.

PMID- 27683672
TI  - Vascular mineralocorticoid receptor regulates microRNA-155 to promote
      vasoconstriction and rising blood pressure with aging.
AB  - Hypertension is nearly universal yet poorly controlled in the elderly despite
      proven benefits of intensive treatment. Mice lacking mineralocorticoid receptors
      in smooth muscle cells (SMC-MR-KO) are protected from rising blood pressure (BP)
      with aging, despite normal renal function. Vasoconstriction is attenuated in aged
      SMC-MR-KO mice, thus they were used to explore vascular mechanisms that may
      contribute to hypertension with aging. MicroRNA (miR) profiling identified miR
      155 as the most down-regulated miR with vascular aging in MR-intact but not SMC
      MR-KO mice. The aging-associated decrease in miR-155 in mesenteric resistance
      vessels was associated with increased mRNA abundance of MR and of predicted miR
      155 targets Cav1.2 (L-type calcium channel (LTCC) subunit) and angiotensin type-1
      receptor (AgtR1). SMC-MR-KO mice lacked these aging-associated vascular gene
      expression changes. In HEK293 cells, MR repressed miR-155 promoter activity. In
      cultured SMCs, miR-155 decreased Cav1.2 and AgtR1 mRNA. Compared to MR-intact
      littermates, aged SMC-MR-KO mice had decreased systolic BP, myogenic tone, SMC
      LTCC current, mesenteric vessel calcium influx, LTCC-induced vasoconstriction and
      angiotensin II-induced vasoconstriction and oxidative stress. Restoration of miR
      155 specifically in SMCs of aged MR-intact mice decreased Cav1.2 and AgtR1 mRNA
      and attenuated LTCC-mediated and angiotensin II-induced vasoconstriction and
      oxidative stress. Finally, in a trial of MR blockade in elderly humans, changes
      in serum miR-155 predicted the BP treatment response. Thus, SMC-MR regulation of
      miR-155, Cav1.2 and AgtR1 impacts vasoconstriction with aging. This novel
      mechanism identifies potential new treatment strategies and biomarkers to improve
      and individualize antihypertensive therapy in the elderly. 

PMID- 27683676
TI  - Spine surgery in Nepal: the 2015 earthquake.
AB  - At noon on Saturday, 25 April 2015, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal. It
      was centered in the Himalaya northwest of Kathmandu, the capital of over 1
      million people. The violent tremors were felt as far away as New Delhi, India
      1,000 km from the epicenter, but the worst of its destructive force was
      experienced in the heavily populated Kathmandu valley and in the remote
      mountainous villages of the Himalaya. Ancient temples crumbled; poorly
      constructed buildings collapsed; men, women, and children were trapped and
      injured, sometimes fatally. Avalanches killed mountain climbers, Sherpa guides,
      and porters at Everest base camp (EBC). The death toll to date exceeds 8,600 with
      as many as 20,000 injured. Spinal Health International (SHI), a nonprofit
      volunteer organization, has been active in Nepal in past years and responded to
      requests by Nepali spine surgeons for assistance with traumatic spine injury
      victims following the earthquake. SHI volunteers were present during the 2(nd)
      major earthquake of magnitude 7.3 on 12 May 2015. Past and current experiences in
      Nepal will be presented. 

PMID- 27683675
TI  - Systematic reviews and meta-analyses in spine surgery, neurosurgery and
      orthopedics: guidelines for the surgeon scientist.
AB  - The research evidence in the realm of surgery is expanding at a rapid pace, and
      thus corresponds with an increasing need to critically appraise and synthesize
      the available literature. Particularly in fields such as spine surgery,
      neurosurgery and orthopedics which traditionally have little Class I randomized
      clinical data, reviews are important to pool the available evidence on clinical
      questions which are otherwise difficult to answer. Whilst systematic reviews and
      meta-analyses have the potential to provide critical and updated surgical
      evidence to guide clinical decisions, poorly performed analyses and
      misinterpretation of such reviews may have a detrimental effect on patient care
      and outcomes. We present a summary of the critical steps in performing a
      systematic review and meta-analysis, allowing the surgeon scientist to better
      interpret and perform their own systematic reviews and meta-analyses. 

PMID- 27683674
TI  - Lumbar interbody fusion: techniques, indications and comparison of interbody
      fusion options including PLIF, TLIF, MI-TLIF, OLIF/ATP, LLIF and ALIF.
AB  - Degenerative disc and facet joint disease of the lumbar spine is common in the
      ageing population, and is one of the most frequent causes of disability. Lumbar
      spondylosis may result in mechanical back pain, radicular and claudicant
      symptoms, reduced mobility and poor quality of life. Surgical interbody fusion of
      degenerative levels is an effective treatment option to stabilize the painful
      motion segment, and may provide indirect decompression of the neural elements,
      restore lordosis and correct deformity. The surgical options for interbody fusion
      of the lumbar spine include: posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF),
      transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF), minimally invasive transforaminal
      lumbar interbody fusion (MI-TLIF), oblique lumbar interbody fusion/anterior to
      psoas (OLIF/ATP), lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) and anterior lumbar
      interbody fusion (ALIF). The indications may include: discogenic/facetogenic low
      back pain, neurogenic claudication, radiculopathy due to foraminal stenosis,
      lumbar degenerative spinal deformity including symptomatic spondylolisthesis and
      degenerative scoliosis. In general, traditional posterior approaches are
      frequently used with acceptable fusion rates and low complication rates, however
      they are limited by thecal sac and nerve root retraction, along with iatrogenic
      injury to the paraspinal musculature and disruption of the posterior tension
      band. Minimally invasive (MIS) posterior approaches have evolved in an attempt to
      reduce approach related complications. Anterior approaches avoid the spinal
      canal, cauda equina and nerve roots, however have issues with approach related
      abdominal and vascular complications. In addition, lateral and OLIF techniques
      have potential risks to the lumbar plexus and psoas muscle. The present study
      aims firstly to comprehensively review the available literature and evidence for
      different lumbar interbody fusion (LIF) techniques. Secondly, we propose a set of
      recommendations and guidelines for the indications for interbody fusion options.
      Thirdly, this article provides a description of each approach, and illustrates
      the potential benefits and disadvantages of each technique with reference to
      indication and spine level performed. 

PMID- 27683677
TI  - Foraminal height measurement techniques.
AB  - BACKGROUND: One of the proposed advantages of anterior lumbar interbody fusion
      (ALIF) is restoration of disc height and hence an indirect foraminal height
      restoration. While this proposed advantage is often quoted in the literature,
      there are few robust studies demonstrating restoration of foraminal volume. Thus,
      this study aimed to review the literature and discuss the progression and
      development of foramen measurement techniques. METHODS: A review of the
      literature was performed to identify studies which reported foraminal height and
      dimensions following fusion surgery in cadaveric models or patients. RESULTS:
      Techniques in prior studies used to quantify foraminal dimensions before and
      after fusion operations include analysis from plain radiographs, computed
      tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Recent studies
      have attempted to standardize foraminal dimension measurements with the use of
      orthogonal software, accelerator-based measurements and the use of multiple
      images for three-dimensional reconstruction of the foramen volume. CONCLUSIONS:
      Consistent results have demonstrated significant increases in foraminal area and
      height following anterior lumbar interbody distraction, providing evidence that
      ALIF can indirectly increase foraminal height. Future studies should use
      standardized measurement approaches such as the Pedicle-to-Pedicle technique with
      CT or MRI images to determine changes in foraminal dimensions.

PMID- 27683678
TI  - Technical note: microdiscectomy and translaminar approach.
AB  - Lumbar disk herniation (LDH) is a degenerative pathology. Although LDH generally
      occurs without migration of the fragment to the levels above or below, in 10% of
      the cases, this circumstance might happen. In these cases, the standard
      interlaminar approach, described by Caspar cannot be performed without
      laminotomies, interlaminectomies, or partial or total facetectomies. The
      translaminar approach is the only "tissue-sparing" technique viable in cases of
      cranially migrated LDH encroaching on the exiting nerve root in the preforaminal
      zones, for the levels above L2-L3, and in the preforaminal and foraminal zones,
      for the levels below L3-L4 (L5-S1 included, if a total microdiscectomy is
      unnecessary). This approach is more effective than the standard one, because it
      resolves the symptoms; it is associated with less postoperative pain and faster
      recovery times without the risk of iatrogenic instability, and it can also be
      used in cases with previous signs of radiographic instability. The possibility to
      spare the flavum ligament is one of the main advantages of this technique. For
      these reasons, the translaminar approach is a valid technique in terms of safety
      and efficacy. In this article the surgical technique will be extensively analyzed
      and the tips and tricks will be highlighted. 

PMID- 27683680
TI  - Rural neurosurgical and spinal laboratory setup.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increasing focus has been placed on the use of simulation in
      neurosurgical and spinal surgical training worldwide, with the establishment of
      many surgical laboratories dedicated to such purpose. So far, the opportunities
      for hands-on cadaveric training in the areas of neurosurgery and spine surgery
      remain limited in Australia, owing to various factors, including the abolition of
      dissection in many medical schools, high maintenance requirements and widespread
      geographical distribution of surgical trainees. METHODS: We established a cadaver
      based neurosurgical laboratory based at the medical school of the University of
      New England in Armidale, Australia, which is used by the surgical dissection
      course for junior surgical trainees offered by the university. We reported our
      experiences in setting up a neurosurgical research laboratory, and explored the
      feasibility of establishing a cost-effective anatomical research facility in a
      rural setting in Australia. RESULTS: We found that Genelyn(TM)-fixed cadavers had
      limited movements of the head as required for adequate surgical positioning and
      exposure. Furthermore, we discovered that bodies embalmed via the femoral vein
      had poorly perfused heads after surgical exposure, and thus decapitation had to
      be performed unfortunately for our purpose. Cadaver samples and surgical
      equipment were sourced from various veterinary practices and commercial
      companies. Using human and animal cadavers, this laboratory provided trainees
      with hands-on opportunities to improve their surgical skills and neuroanatomical
      knowledge, as well as develop familiarity with highly specialized surgical
      equipment. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated the feasibility of establishing a cost
      effective neurosurgical research laboratory in Australia and discussed various
      aspects of its maintenance.

PMID- 27683681
TI  - Surgery for spinal tuberculosis: a multi-center experience of 582 cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) of the spine is a common site of osseous TB,
      accounting for 50%-60% of cases. Spinal TB still occurs in both developed and
      developing countries. The diagnosis of spinal TB is difficult and it commonly
      presents at an advanced stage. Delays in establishing diagnosis and management
      result in complications such as spinal cord compression and spinal deformity.
      METHODS: A total of 582 patients with TB of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar
      spine with moderate to severe cord compression were studied. Variable degrees of
      neurological deficit with deformity were treated from January, 2003 to July,
      2014. Thoracotomy along with anterolateral decompression and autogenous strut
      bone grafting with simultaneous fixation by screws and rods were performed in 113
      cases. Posterior decompression, posterior interbody and posterolateral fusion by
      bone graft with stabilization by transpedicular screws and rods were done in the
      remaining 469 cases. Appropriate anti-TB drugs were given to all patients for 18
      24 months. The follow-up period was 3 months to 10 years. RESULTS: The average
      age was 32.5 years. All patients survived surgery. There were 7 cases of
      superficial infections (1.2%) whilst there were 4 cases (0.7%) of deep
      infections. Revision surgery was performed in 6 patients (1.0%). Implant failure
      occurred in 4 cases (0.7%) whilst malposition of screws occurred in 12 cases
      (2.1%). Perioperative bleeding complications were reported for 4 patients (0.7%).
      Neurological improvement occurred in all patients except for 2 cases (0.3%).
      Preoperatively, the majority of patients (n=221, 38%) were classified with Class
      A on the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIS) neurological impairment scale.
      This was significantly reduced postoperatively to 0.4%. CONCLUSIONS: For patients
      with spinal TB anterior debridement, auto graft bone fusion, anterior or
      posterior fixation appears to be effective in arresting disease, correcting
      kyphotic deformity and maintaining correction until solid spinal fusion.

PMID- 27683679
TI  - The outcome of pedicle screw instrumentation removal for ongoing low back pain
      following posterolateral lumbar fusion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Our aim was to determine whether patients derived benefit from
      removal of pedicle screw instrumentation for axial pain without other cause using
      our surgical technique and patient selection. A secondary aim was to investigate
      factors that were associated with poorer outcomes for this procedure as well as
      complication rate in this cohort. METHODS: Theater records from a single spinal
      surgeon's practice were reviewed to identify patients that had undergone lumbar
      fusion for discogenic back pain with subsequent pedicle screw instrumentation
      removal (Expedium, DePuy Synthes) in the preceding 3 years with a minimum of 18
      months follow-up. Inclusion criteria were persisting midline axial back pain with
      computed tomography (CT)-confirmed solid fusion with non-radicular symptoms and
      nil other potential causes found, e.g., infection. Case note review along with
      pre- and post-operative Oswestry disability index (ODI) questionnaires and visual
      analog scores (VAS) were assessed for all patients. Surgical technique included
      re-use of previous midline posterior incision and the Wiltse approach with
      removal of implants, confirmation of a solid fusion mass, washout and bone
      grafting of removal sites. RESULTS: From 50 consecutive patients who underwent
      removal of posterolateral instrumentation for an index elective lumbar fusion for
      discogenic back pain, 34 patients were identified that met the criteria with a
      mean follow-up of 25 months (range, 18-36 months). The VAS and ODI improved in
      22/34 (65%) of participants. The mean cohort VAS score was 6.6 pre-surgery and
      4.3 post-surgery (P=0.04). Preoperative and postoperative mean Oswestry
      disability scores were 64 and 41, respectively (P=0.05). There was a
      statistically significant difference in the proportion of patients with poorer
      compared to satisfactory outcomes with regards to compensable status,
      preoperative grade II opioid use and shorter time between fusion and removal
      procedure. Complications were one postoperative hematoma and one superficial
      wound infection, both of which settled without re-operation. CONCLUSIONS:
      Approximately two thirds of patients were satisfied with removal of
      instrumentation for treatment of residual low back pain (LBP) following elective
      lumbar fusion and recorded reduced VAS and grade II opioid use. A subset of
      patients remained that did not derive benefit and were associated with
      compensable status, preoperative grade II opioid use and a shorter time between
      fusion and removal procedure. A prospective cohort study with preoperative
      diagnostic injections and standardized imaging and microscopic techniques would
      strengthen future studies. However, this study suggests that removal of
      instrumentation is safe and provides modest benefit as a palliative procedure for
      a subset of patients with significant disability from chronic LBP without an
      underlying cause following lumbar fusion.

PMID- 27683683
TI  - Treatment of symptomatic thoracic disc herniations with lateral interbody fusion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Symptomatic thoracic herniated discs have historically been treated
      using open exposures (i.e., thoracotomy), posing a clinical challenge given the
      approach related morbidity. Lateral interbody fusion (LIF) is one modern
      minimally disruptive alternative to thoracotomy. The direct lateral technique for
      lumbar pathologies has seen a sharp increase in procedural numbers; however
      application of this technique in thoracic pathologies has not been widely
      reported. METHODS: This study presents the results of three cases where LIF was
      used to treat symptomatic thoracic disc herniations. Indications for surgery
      included thoracic myelopathy, radiculopathy and discogenic pain. Patients were
      treated with LIF, without supplemental internal fixation, and followed for 24
      months postoperatively. RESULTS: Average length of hospital stay was 5 days. One
      patient experienced mild persistent neuropathic thoracic pain, which was managed
      medically. At 3 months postoperative all patients had returned to work and by 12
      months all patients were fused. From preoperative to 24-month follow-up there
      were mean improvements of 83.3% in visual analogue scale (VAS), 75.3% in Oswestry
      Disability Index (ODI), and 79.2% and 17.4% in SF-36 physical (PCS) and mental
      component scores (MCS), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: LIF is a viable minimally
      invasive alternative to conventional approaches in treating symptomatic thoracic
      pathology without an access surgeon, rib resection, or lung deflation.

PMID- 27683682
TI  - Anterior cervical disc arthroplasty (ACDA) versus anterior cervical discectomy
      and fusion (ACDF): a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surgical approaches are usually required in cases of severe cervical
      disc disease. The traditional method of anterior cervical disc fusion (ACDF) has
      been associated with reduced local mobility and increased occurrence of adjacent
      segment disease. The newer method of anterior cervical disc arthroplasty (ACDA)
      relies upon artificial discs of various products. Current literature is
      inconsistent in the comparative performance of these methods with regards to
      clinical, radiological and patient outcomes. METHODS: Electronic databases,
      including OVID Medline, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled
      Trials and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, were comprehensively searched
      to retrieve studies comparing the treatment outcomes of ACDF and ACDA. Baseline
      characteristics and outcome data were extracted from eligible articles. RESULTS:
      Two hundred and fifty five articles were identified through the database
      searches, and after screening 28 studies were included in the systematic review
      and meta-analysis. A total of 4,070 patients were included (2156 ACDA, 1914
      ACDF). There was no significant difference between the two groups in operation
      time, blood loss during operation, long-term all-complication rate and
      reoperation rate at the level of injury. The ACDA group had significantly better
      neurological outcomes, as well as a significantly lower rate of adjacent segment
      diseases. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with ACDF, the ACDA procedure is associated with
      improved reoperation rate and reduction in neurological deficits amongst
      previously demonstrated benefits. There is heterogeneity in ACDA devices; future
      studies are required to investigate the impact of this technique on treatment
      outcomes.

PMID- 27683685
TI  - Malignant paraganglioma, a rare presentation with foot drop: a case report.
AB  - Paragangliomas (or extra-adrenal paragangliomas) are rare neuroendocrine tumors
      that arise from the extra-adrenal autonomic paraganglia, small organs consisting
      mainly of neuroendocrine cells that are derived from the embryonic neural crest
      and have the ability to secrete catecholamines. This is in contrast to
      pheochromocytomas, where tumors occur in the adrenal gland. Malignant
      paraganglioma is a very rare presentation. We present a case report of a 56-year
      old woman with acute foot drop with no previous significant background history.
      To the best of our knowledge, the current case represents the first case of
      malignant paraganglioma with acute foot drop presentation. 

PMID- 27683684
TI  - Granular cell tumors of the spinal canal: intramedullary case report and a review
      of the literature.

PMID- 27683687
TI  - From small seeds grow big trees.

PMID- 27683686
TI  - Axial interbody arthrodesis of the L5-S1 segment: a systematic review of the
      literature.

PMID- 27683688
TI  - Comparison of ALIF vs. XLIF for L4/5 interbody fusion: pros, cons, and literature
      review.
AB  - The incidence of lumbar fusion for the treatment of various degenerative lumbar
      spine diseases has increased dramatically over the last twenty years. Many lumbar
      fusion techniques have been developed and popularized, each with its own
      advantages and disadvantages. Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) initially
      introduced in the 1930's, has become a common and widely accepted technique for
      lumbar fusions over the last decade offering several advantages over standard
      posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) or transforaminal lumbar interbody
      fusion (TLIF). More recently, the lateral trans-psoas approach termed extreme,
      direct or lateral lumbar interbody fusion (XLIF, DLIF, LLIF) is gaining
      widespread popularity. The aim of this paper is to compare the approaches,
      advantages and disadvantages of ALIF and XLIF for L4/5 interbody fusion based on
      relevant literature. 

PMID- 27683689
TI  - Bone morphogenetic protein in pediatric spine fusion surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of literature describing the use of bone graft
      substitutes to achieve fusion in the pediatric spine. Outcomes and complications
      involving the off-label use of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) in the
      pediatric spine are not clearly defined. The purpose of this study is to review
      the existing literature with respect to reported outcomes and complications
      involving the use of low-dose BMP-2 in pediatric patients. METHODS: A Medline and
      PubMed literature search was conducted using the words bone morphogenetic
      protein, BMP, rh-BMP-2, bone graft substitutes, and pediatric spine. RESULTS: To
      date, there are few published reports on this topic. Complications and
      appropriate BMP-2 dosage application in the pediatric spine remain unknown.
      CONCLUSIONS: This report describes the potential for BMP-2 to achieve successful
      arthrodesis of the spine in pediatric patients. Usage should be judicious as
      complications and long-term outcomes of pediatric BMP-2 usage remain undefined in
      the existing literature.

PMID- 27683690
TI  - Third-generation percutaneous vertebral augmentation systems.
AB  - Currently, there is no general consensus about the management of osteoporotic
      vertebral fractures (OVF). In the past, conservative treatment for at least one
      month was deemed appropriate for the majority of vertebral fractures. When pain
      persisted after conservative treatment, it was necessary to consider surgical
      interventions including: vertebroplasty for vertebral fractures with less than
      30% loss of height of the affected vertebral body and kyphoplasty for vertebral
      fractures with greater than 30% loss of height. Currently, this type of treatment
      is not feasible. Herein we review the characteristics and methods of operation of
      three of the most common percutaneous vertebral augmentation systems (PVAS) for
      the treatment of OVF: Vertebral Body Stenting((r)) (VBS), OsseoFix((r)) and Spine
      Jack((r)). VBS is a titanium device accompanied by a hydraulic (as opposed to
      mechanical) working system which allows a partial and not immediate possibility
      to control the opening of the device. On the other hand, OsseoFix((r)) and Spine
      Jack((r)) are accompanied by a mechanical working system which allows a
      progressive and controlled reduction of the vertebral fracture. Another important
      aspect to consider is the vertebral body height recovery. OsseoFix((r)) has an
      indirect mechanism of action: the compaction of the trabecular bone causes an
      increase in the vertebral body height. Unlike the Vertebral Body Stenting((r))
      and Spine Jack((r)), the OsseoFix((r)) has no direct lift mechanism. Therefore,
      for these characteristics and for the force that this device is able to provide.
      In our opinion, Spine Jack((r)) is the only device also suitable for the
      treatment OVF, traumatic fracture (recent, old or inveterate) and primary or
      secondary bone tumors. 

PMID- 27683691
TI  - Surgical treatment of far lateral lumbar disc herniation: a safe and simple
      approach.
AB  - Lumbar discectomy is one of the most commonly performed neurosurgical procedure.
      Far lateral disc herniations (FLDH) make up a minor portion of the total
      discectomy workload for spine surgeons. Due to their lower incidence, as well as
      their different anatomical positioning compared to the more common para-median
      disc herniation, the surgical procedures involved in releasing the neural
      compression caused by FLDHs are often challenging and at times frustrating to
      most spine surgeons, resulting in suboptimal outcomes for the patient related to
      the higher risk of spinal instability from facet joint disruption and may even be
      associated with nerve root injury. We discuss here a safe and simple approach to
      tackle FLDH. 

PMID- 27683692
TI  - Comparison of surgical outcomes after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion:
      does the intra-operative use of a microscope improve surgical outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The primary aim of this study was to assess and compare the
      complications profile as well as long-term clinical outcomes between patients
      undergoing an Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) procedure with and
      without the use of an intra-operative microscope. METHODS: One hundred and forty
      adult patients (non-microscope cohort: 81; microscope cohort: 59) undergoing ACDF
      at a major academic 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 2-year follow-up. Patients completed the neck disability index (NDI),
      short-form 12 (SF-12) and visual analog pain scale (VAS) before surgery, then at
      3, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. Clinical outcomes and complication rates
      were compared between both patient cohorts. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics
      were similar between both cohorts. The mean +/- standard deviation duration of
      surgery was longer in the microscope cohort (microscope: 169+/-34 minutes vs. non
      microscope: 98+/-42 minutes, P<0.001). There was no significant difference
      between cohorts in the incidence of nerve root injury (P=0.99) or incidental
      durotomy (P=0.32). At 3 months post-operatively, both cohorts demonstrated
      similar improvement in VAS-neck pain (P=0.69), NDI (P=0.86), SF-12 PCS (P=0.84)
      and SF-12 MCS (P=0.75). At 2-year post-operatively, both the microscope and non
      microscope cohorts demonstrated similar improvement from base line in NDI
      (microscope: 13.52+/-25.77 vs. non-microscope: 19.51+/-27.47, P<0.18), SF-12 PCS
      (microscope: 4.15+/-26.39 vs. non-microscope: 11.98+/-22.96, P<0.07), SF-12 MCS
      (microscope: 9.47+/-32.38 vs. non-microscope: 16.19+/-30.44, P<0.21).
      Interestingly at 2 years, the change in VAS neck pain score was significantly
      different between cohorts (microscope: 2.22+/-4.00 vs. non-microscope: 3.69+/
      3.61, P<0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that the intra-operative use
      of a microscope does not improve overall surgery-related outcomes, nor does it
      lead to superior long-term outcomes in pain and functional disability, 2 years
      after index surgery.

PMID- 27683693
TI  - Interspinous process spacers versus traditional decompression for lumbar spinal
      stenosis: systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Interspinous spacers are used in selected patients for the treatment
      of lumbar spinal stenosis. The uses of interspinous devices are still debated,
      with reports of significantly higher reoperation rates and unfavourable cost
      effectiveness compared to traditional decompression techniques. METHODS: Six
      electronic databases were searched from their date of inception to December 2015.
      Relevant studies were identified using specific eligibility criteria and data was
      extracted and analyzed based on predefined primary and secondary endpoints.
      RESULTS: Eleven comparative studies were obtained for qualitative and
      quantitative assessment, data extraction and analysis. There was no significant
      difference in VAS back pain, leg pain or ODI scores for standalone interspinous
      process device (IPD) vs. bony decompression. However, standalone IPD was
      associated with lower surgical complications (4% vs. 8.7%, P=0.03) but higher
      long-term reoperation rates (23.7% vs. 8.5%, P<0.00001). IPD as an adjunct to
      decompression had comparable patient-reported scores, complications and
      reoperation rates to decompression alone. CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence indicates
      no superiority for mid- to long-term patient-reported outcomes for IPD compared
      with traditional bony decompression, with lesser surgical complications but at
      the risk of significantly higher reoperation rates and costs.

PMID- 27683694
TI  - Cervical spine immobilization in the elderly population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Immobilization of the cervical spine is a cornerstone of spinal
      injury management. In the context of suspected cervical spine injury, patients
      are immobilized in a 'neutral position' based on the head and trunk resting on a
      flat surface. It is hypothesized that the increased thoracic kyphosis and loss of
      cervical lordosis seen in elderly patients may require alternative cervical
      immobilization, compared with the 'neutral position'. METHODS: To investigate
      this, an audit of pan-scan CT performed on consecutive major trauma patients aged
      over 65 years was carried out over a 6-month period. Utilizing the pan-CT's
      localizing scout film, a novel measurement, the 'chin-brow horizontal' angle was
      independently measured by a senior spine surgeon (RJM) and a neurosurgeon (PJR)
      with the gantry used as a horizontal zero- degree reference. The benefit of the
      'chin-brow horizontal' angle in the trauma setting is it can be assessed from the
      bedside whilst the patient is immobilized against a flat surface. RESULTS: During
      the 6-month study period, 58 patients were identified (30 male, 28 female), with
      an average age of 77.6 years (minimum 65, maximum 97). Results showed that 'chin
      brow horizontal' angles varied widely, between +15.8 degrees in flexion to -30.5
      degrees in extension (mean -12.4 degrees in extension, standard deviation 9.31
      degrees. The interobserver correlation was 0.997 (95% CI: 0.995-0.998).
      CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that, due to degenerative changes commonly
      seen in elderly patients, the routine use of the 'neutral position' adopted for
      cervical spine immobilization may not be appropriate in this population. We
      suggest that consideration be taken in cervical spine immobilization, with
      patients assessed on an individual basis including the fracture morphology, to
      minimize the risk of fracture displacement and worsened neurological deficit.

PMID- 27683695
TI  - Independent predictors of reliability between full time employee-dependent
      acquisition of functional outcomes compared to non-full time employee-dependent
      methodologies: a prospective single institutional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prospective acquisition of reliable patient-reported outcomes
      (PROs) measures demonstrating the effectiveness of spine surgery, or lack
      thereof, remains a challenge. The aims of this study are to compare the
      reliability of functional outcomes metrics obtained using full time employee
      (FTE) vs. non-FTE-dependent methodologies and to determine the independent
      predictors of response reliability using non FTE-dependent methodologies.
      METHODS: One hundred and nineteen adult patients (male: 65, female: 54)
      undergoing one- and two-level lumbar fusions at Duke University Medical Center
      were enrolled in this prospective study. Enrollment criteria included available
      demographic, clinical and baseline functional outcomes data. All patients were
      administered two similar sets of baseline questionnaires-(I) phone interviews
      (FTE-dependent) and (II) hardcopy in clinic (patient self-survey, non-FTE
      dependent). All patients had at least a two-week washout period between phone
      interviews and in-clinic self-surveys to minimize effect of recall.
      Questionnaires included Oswestry disability index (ODI) and Visual Analog Back
      and Leg Pain Scale (VAS-BP/LP). Reliability was assessed by the degree to which
      patient responses to baseline questionnaires differed between both time points.
      RESULTS: About 26.89% had a history an anxiety disorder and 28.57% reported a
      history of depression. At least 97.47% of patients had a High School Diploma or
      GED, with 49.57% attaining a 4-year college degree or post-graduate degree.
      29.94% reported full-time employment and 14.28% were on disability. There was a
      very high correlation between baseline PRO's data captured between FTE-dependent
      compared to non-FTE-dependent methodologies (r=0.89). In a multivariate logistic
      regression model, the absence of anxiety and depression, higher levels of
      education (college or greater) and full-time employment, were independently
      associated with high response reliability using non-FTE-dependent methodologies.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that capturing health-related quality of life
      data using non-FTE-dependent methodologies is highly reliable and maybe a more
      cost-effective alternative. Well-educated patients who are employed full-time
      appear to be the most reliable.

PMID- 27683696
TI  - Decompression versus decompression and fusion for degenerative lumbar stenosis:
      analysis of the factors influencing the outcome of back pain and disability.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objective of this study is to evaluate the factors influencing
      the outcome of back pain and disability in patients operated for lumbar stenosis
      without instability and deformity using two classical surgical techniques:
      decompression alone and decompression plus fusion. METHODS: This is a
      retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent lumbar surgery with standard
      posterior decompression or standard posterior decompression plus pedicle screw
      fixation for degenerative lumbar stenosis without deformity, spondylolisthesis or
      instability at our department from June 2010 to January 2014. They were divided
      into two groups: decompression group (D) and decompression-fusion group (F). We
      analyzed the following factors: age, gender, levels of stenosis, pre-surgical
      "micro-instability", and post-surgical "micro-instability". RESULTS: A total of
      174 patients were enrolled in the study. Both Graphic Rating Scale (GRS) and
      Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were significantly decreased after surgery
      (P<0.001). Female patients appeared to have lesser improvements from surgery, for
      both D and F groups. An analysis of variance using the decrease of pain (GRS pre
      post) as dependent variable and type of surgery, age, gender and their
      interaction as factors showed that the main effects of type of surgery and gender
      were significant. The analysis of variance for the decrease of pain (GRS) and
      disability (ODI) according to the levels of stenosis showed a significant
      interaction for GRS scores. Female patients that underwent fixation surgery
      reported the least improvement in disability. A significant interaction was found
      on the one-way analysis of variance for the D group without pre-surgical micro
      instability using post-surgical micro-instability as factor. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      study supports posterior decompression alone as the gold standard option as
      treatment for lumbar stenosis without instability and deformity. Additional
      fusion should be considered only to prevent post-surgical instability. The "micro
      instability" is a radiological finding that has its clinical surrogate but is not
      able to guide the choice of the type of surgery. Moreover the significance of
      "micro-instability" is still unclear. We suggest a prospective study following
      patients with asymptomatic micro-instability to definitively understand the
      clinical history.

PMID- 27683698
TI  - Kyphotic deformity after laminectomy surgery for a gunshot wound to the spine: a
      case report.
AB  - Spinal kyphotic deformity after spinal laminectomy or laminoplasty is more common
      in pediatric patients than adults. Laminectomy can lead to decreased cartilage
      growth, anterior wedging and posterior spinal muscle insufficiency which can
      result in kyphotic deformity. Herein we outline a case report of a child
      presenting with kyphotic deformity after receiving a spinal laminectomy to treat
      a penetrating spinal trauma. The 8-year-old male presented with penetrating
      spinal trauma following a gunshot wound and subsequently underwent L1 laminectomy
      and thecal sac decompression to remove the foreign body. In a follow-up
      examination approximately one month after surgery, imaging revealed kyphotic
      deformity and the patient was referred to the Rasoul-e-Akram Hospital. The
      patient then underwent surgical reconstruction. The postoperative computed
      tomography (CT) scan showed appropriate repair of sagittal balance and the
      patient's symptoms gradually improved. Post-laminectomy kyphosis is a notable
      concern and complication in the pediatric population and can occur shortly after
      surgery. The following interventions can decrease the likelihood of post
      laminectomy kyphosis: minimal muscle dissection and bone removal during
      laminectomy, avoidance of facet disruption, use of laminoplasty rather than
      laminectomy, postoperative immobilization/bracing and regular follow-up for early
      detection and treatment of any deformity. 

PMID- 27683697
TI  - Far lateral microdiscectomy: a minimally-invasive surgical technique for the
      treatment of far lateral lumbar disc herniation.
AB  - Lumbar disc herniation arises when the annulus fibrosus of the vertebral disc
      fails, thus allowing displacement of the nucleus pulposus and other tissue. The
      term far lateral is used variably in the literature and usually refers to an
      extraforaminal displacement in the peridiscal zone peripheral to the sagittal
      plane of the most lateral part of the pedicle at the same level. Non-surgical
      treatments of far lateral disc herniation include physical therapy, anti
      inflammatory medication, and corticosteroid injections. Where these conservative
      measures fail, surgical intervention may be required. Several surgical techniques
      for the treatment of far lateral herniations have been investigated, including
      total or medial facetectomy, laminectomy, hemilaminectomy, approaches through the
      pars interarticularis, and lateral approaches between the transverse processes
      via the intertransverse muscle and ligament. We present our far lateral
      microdiscectomy technique which involves accessing the nerve root lateral to the
      foramen through a small paramedian incision and use of an operating microscope.
      Far lateral microdiscectomy offers the prospect of better long-term results than
      other surgical techniques because of less extensive muscle dissection and
      preservation of the integrity of the facet joint. 

PMID- 27683699
TI  - Acute hemorrhagic paraplegia in a thoracic spinal hemangioblastoma after free
      diving.

PMID- 27683700
TI  - Scoliosis associated with idiopathic lumbosacral epidural lipomatosis.
AB  - There are very few reports of spinal epidural lipomatosis (SEL) in association
      with scoliosis. A 49-year-old man presented with persistent back pain and right
      hip lump. The lumbar spine X-rays showed scoliosis (Lenke classification 5BN).
      Lumbar MRI demonstrated circumferential epidural fat deposit from L1 to lower S2
      level. There was no obvious etiology of SEL except mild increased body mass index
      (BMI). The patient was managed with conservative treatment. After 6 months
      medication (limaprost and ginkgo), his symptoms were relieved. 

PMID- 27683701
TI  - Neurotropic cutaneous malignant melanoma with contiguous spread to spinal cord,
      an extremely rare presentation.
AB  - Neurotropic melanoma (NM) is a rare variant of cutaneous melanomas. Compared with
      conventional melanoma, NM is more locally aggressive with an increased tendency
      for local recurrence but less likely for nodal or distant metastases. The often
      amelanotic, benign appearance may lead to treatment issues such as late
      presentation, diagnostic delay, misdiagnosis, insufficient surgical margins, and
      recurrence with resulting poor outcome. To our knowledge, this is the first case
      report of NM with contiguous spread to the spinal cord. We present a case report
      of a 73-year-old male with gradual decline in mobility over the period of few
      months. He deteriorated very rapidly whilst inpatient with progressive
      myelopathy, loss of sphincter function and dysphonia with dysphagia due to
      involvement of lower cranial nerves. The neurotropic nature of the disease and
      prevalence in the head and neck region results in perineural and neural invasion
      with resulting neuropathies. Patient underwent posterior cervical decompression
      and resection of the higher cervical intramedullary spinal cord NM lesion. He
      recovered well with improvement of his limb weakness as well as bulbar function.
      Wide local excision (WLE) with adjuvant radiotherapy where indicated remains the
      current practice for treatment, with chemotherapy predominately being reserved as
      a salvage treatment for patients with disseminated disease. 

PMID- 27683702
TI  - Adjacent segment degeneration and disease following cervical arthroplasty: a
      systematic review and meta-analysis.

PMID- 27683703
TI  - Percutaneous resolution of lumbar facet joint cysts as an alternative treatment
      to surgery: a meta-analysis.

PMID- 27683704
TI  - Surgery for spinal stenosis: more thought, less metal?

PMID- 27683706
TI  - Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) autograft versus graft
      substitutes: what do patients prefer?-A clinical study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patient dissatisfaction with donor site morbidity has led to the
      search for alternative grafting options and techniques. This report compares
      patient satisfaction rates between autograft and graft substitutes for anterior
      cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). METHODS: This study was performed with the
      approval of the local area health network ethics committee. Over a 9-year period,
      the author performed 574 ACDF procedures (697 levels). Of these, 22 patients had
      previous surgery with autograft, with a subsequent ACDF procedure performed using
      a graft substitute. Patients rated their satisfaction with pain, recovery, and
      preference of autograft versus a bone graft substitute. Graft substitutes used
      include: tricalcium phosphate/hydroxyapatite (TCP/HA) composite and iFactor
      placed within a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cage. RESULTS: Results demonstrated
      that 21/22 patients achieved a solid fusion with the graft substitute. A total of
      20/22 patients rated the autograft incision more painful than the anterior
      cervical incision, and 21/22 preferred the graft substitute. Three patients had
      adjacent segment disc replacement performed after autograft/ACDF. All patients
      reported preference for the total disc replacement (TDR) procedure in terms of
      recovery and postoperative pain. CONCLUSIONS: Patient satisfaction with bone
      graft substitutes is very high compared with autograft with all but one (21/22)
      preferring the graft substitute option. The author questions the traditional
      recommendation that autograft is the "gold standard" for ACDF. In modern age of
      graft substitutes, autograft should not be considered the gold standard, but an
      index option between other options for comparison.

PMID- 27683705
TI  - Minimally invasive surgery in adult degenerative scoliosis: a systematic review
      and meta-analysis of decompression, anterior/lateral and posterior lumbar
      approaches.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive approaches for the treatment of adult degenerative
      scoliosis have been increasingly implemented. However, little data exists
      regarding the safety and complication profiles of minimally invasive lumbar
      interbody fusion (LIF) for adult degenerative scoliosis. This study aimed to
      greater understand different minimally invasive surgical approaches for adult
      degenerative scoliosis with respect to clinical outcomes, changes in radiographic
      measurements, and complication profiles via meta-analytical techniques. METHODS:
      A systematic search of six databases from inception to September 2015 was
      performed by two independent reviewers. Relevant studies were those that
      described the safety and/or effectiveness of minimally invasive anterior or
      lateral LIF (LLIF), transforaminal LIF (TLIF), and decompression only. Meta
      analytical techniques and meta-regression were used to pool overall rates, and
      compare the different techniques. There was no financial funding or conflict of
      interest. RESULTS: A total of 29 studies (1,228 patients) were included in this
      meta-analysis. Total pooled fusion rate was 95.9% (95% CI: 92.7-98.2%) for the
      anterior/lateral approach. The pooled construct or hardware-related complications
      was 4.3%, and was similar among anterior/lateral (4.4%) and posterior (5.2%)
      techniques. The total pooled pseudoarthrosis rate was 4.3% for the lateral
      approach. The overall pooled rate of motor deficit was 2.7% (95% CI: 1.7-4.0%).
      Subgroup meta-regression demonstrated that the anterior/lateral approach had the
      highest rate of motor deficits (3.6% LLIF vs. 0.7% TLIF vs. 0.5% decompression,
      P=0.004). The overall pooled rate of sensory deficit was 2.4%, highest for the
      anterior/lateral technique (3.3%) compared to TLIF (0.7%) and decompression
      (0.5%). The infection rate, dural tears/CSF leak, cardiac and pulmonary events
      were similar among the techniques, with a pooled value of 2.6%, 3.9%, 1.7%, and
      1.4%, respectively. Similarly satisfactory radiological outcomes were obtained
      amongst the different approaches. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive spine
      technologies may be used for the surgical treatment of lumbar degenerative
      scoliosis with acceptable complication rates, functional and radiological
      outcome. Future studies, specifically multi-centered longitudinal, examining the
      adequacy of minimally invasive spine surgery is warranted to compare long-term
      outcomes with the traditional procedure.

PMID- 27683708
TI  - Percutaneous thoracolumbar decompression combined with percutaneous pedicle screw
      fixation and fusion: a method for treating spinal degenerative pain in a biplane
      angiography suite with the avoidance of general anesthesia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Spondylytic degeneration of the axial lumbar spine is a major cause
      of pain and disability. Recent advances in spinal surgical instrumentation,
      including percutaneous access and fusion techniques, have made possible the
      performance of instrumented fusion through small incisions. By blending
      strategies of interventional pain management, neuroradiology, and conventional
      spine surgery, it is now feasible to treat spinal axial pain using permanent
      fixation techniques and local anesthesia in the setting of a fluoroscopy suite
      using mild sedation and local anesthesia. METHODS: The author presents a series
      of percutaneous thoracolumbar fusion procedures performed in a biplane
      neuroangiographic suite and without general anesthesia for the treatment of
      spondylytic pain. All procedures utilized pedicle screw fixation, harvesting of
      local bone autograft, and application of bone fusion material. RESULTS: In this
      series of 13 patients, a statistically significant reduction of pain was seen at
      both the 2-week post-operative timepoint, as well as at the time of longest
      follow-up (mean 40 weeks). DISCUSSION: The advanced and rapid imaging
      capabilities afforded by a neuroangiographic suite can be safely combined with
      percutaneous fusion techniques so as to allow for fusion therapies to be applied
      to patients where the avoidance of general anesthesia is desirable.

PMID- 27683707
TI  - Effects of cement augmentation on the mechanical stability of multilevel spine
      after vertebral compression fracture.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies on the effects of cement augmentation or vertebroplasty on
      multi-level spine after vertebral compression fractures are lacking. This paper
      seeks to establish a 3-vertebrae ovine model to determine the impact of
      compression fracture on spine biomechanics, and to discover if cement
      augmentation can restore mechanical stability to fractured spine. METHODS: Five
      lumbar spine segments (L1-L3) were obtained from 5-year-old female Merino sheep.
      Standardized wedge-compression fractures were generated in each L2 vertebra, and
      then augmented with polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) cement mixed with 30% barium
      sulphate powder. Biomechanical pure moment testing in axial rotation (AR),
      flexion/extension (FE) and lateral bending (LB) was carried out in the intact,
      fractured and repaired states. Range of motion (ROM) and neutral zone (NZ)
      parameters were compared, and plain radiographs taken at every stage. RESULTS:
      Except for a significant increase in ROM between the intact and fractured states
      in AR between L1 and L2 (P<0.05), there were no other significant differences in
      ROM or NZ between the other groups. There was a trend towards an increase in ROM
      and NZ in all directions after fracture, but this did not reach significance.
      Normal biomechanics was only minimally restored after augmentation. CONCLUSIONS:
      Results suggest that cement augmentation could not restore mechanical stability
      of fractured spine. Model-specific factors may have had a role in these findings.
      Caution should be exercised when applying these results to humans.

PMID- 27683710
TI  - Cervical disc herniation as a trigger for temporary cervical cord ischemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Disc herniations are only reported in few case reports as a rare
      cause of acute spinal ischemia. A surgical treatment has not been described so
      far in these reports with analysis of diffusion weighted magnetic resonance
      imaging (DWI/MRI) before and after surgery. The aim of our study is to report a
      case of cervical spinal cord ischemia caused by cervical disc herniation and
      discuss the literature concerning diagnostic and treatment options. METHODS: A 72
      year-old female patient developed an acute progressive tetraparesis with emphasis
      on the upper extremities. MRI showed a disc herniation at the cervical segment
      5/6 (C5/6) with consecutive spinal canal stenosis and additional signs of spinal
      cord ischemia in T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) and DWI reaching from C3 to C5 level.
      With the MRI being highly suggestive for anterior spinal cord ischemia, we
      hypothesized that this might be caused by compression of the anterior spinal
      artery through the significant disc herniation. Therefore, we decided to perform
      an anterior discectomy and fusion at C5/6 level. RESULTS: Following surgery, the
      patient's symptoms showed immediate regression with complete recovery after two
      months in correspondence with the normalization in the control MRI scan of
      cervical cord. CONCLUSIONS: Assumedly our patient suffered from a partial
      anterior spinal artery syndrome, possibly caused by a disc herniation-related
      compression that was reversible following surgery. This was accompanied by a
      complete resolution of spinal cord signal abnormalities in T2WI and DWI.

PMID- 27683709
TI  - Variables associated with remission in spinal surgical site infections.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is few medical literature regarding factors associated with
      remission after surgical and medical treatment of postoperative spine infections.
      METHODS: Single-centre case-control study 2007-2014. Cluster-controlled Cox
      regression model with emphasis on surgical and antibiotic-related parameters.
      RESULTS: Overall, we found 66 episodes in 48 patients (49 episodes with
      metalwork) who had a median follow-up of 2.6 years (range, 0.5 to 6.8 years). The
      patients had a median of two surgical debridements. The median duration of
      antibiotic therapy was 8 weeks, of which 2 weeks parenteral. Clinical recurrence
      after treatment was noted in 13 episodes (20%), after a median interval of 2
      months. In 53 cases (80%), the episodes were considered as in remission. By
      multivariate analyses, no variable was associated with remission. Especially, the
      following factors were not significantly related to remission: number of surgical
      interventions [hazard ratio (HR) 0.9; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.8-1.1];
      infection due to Staphylococcus aureus (HR 0.9; 0.8-1.1), local antibiotic
      therapy (HR 1.2; 0.6-2.4), and, duration of total (HR 1.0; 0.99-1.01) (or just
      parenteral) (HR 1.0; 0.99-1.01) antibiotic use. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with
      post-operative spine infections, remission is achieved in 80%. The number of
      surgical debridement or duration of antibiotic therapy shows no association with
      recurrence, suggesting that individual risk factors might be more important than
      the duration of antibiotic administration.

PMID- 27683711
TI  - Clinical presentation and surgical outcomes of an intramedullary C2 spinal cord
      cavernoma: a case report and review of the relevant literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The spinal cord intramedullary cavernoma (SCIC) is a rare form of
      hemangioma that typically behaves as a space-occupying lesion resulting in
      neurological symptoms, including bladder and bowel dysfunction. To date, there
      have been few reports characterizing the clinical presentations and surgical
      outcomes of cavernomas at the C2 spinal level or the potential for resolution of
      bladder and bowel symptoms postoperatively. This case details the clinical course
      of a patient with a C2 cavernoma with an atypical neurological presentation and
      rapid improvement in both bladder and bowel function postoperatively. This case
      reviews the relevant literature and describes the patient's clinical
      presentation, radiological and pathological findings and post-surgical progress.
      METHODS: A 56-year-old male presented with sensory changes in his right hand,
      which rapidly progressed over ensuing weeks to bilateral sensory changes in the
      upper and lower limbs, gait imbalance, urinary and faecal incontinence and loss
      of temperature perception. He subsequently developed significant weakness in the
      upper limbs. A MRI identified a hematoma in the cervical cord at the C2 level.
      Given his rapid neurological decline and the social and clinical implications of
      his bladder and bowel instability, a surgical approach to therapy was adopted.
      RESULTS: Postoperatively, there was steady improvement in motor and sensory
      function and a complete return of bladder and bowel function. CONCLUSIONS:
      Intramedullary spinal cord cavernomas, although rare, can cause significant
      neurological deficits and morbidity. Surgical excision can provide significant
      benefits, including restoration of bladder and bowel function.

PMID- 27683712
TI  - Fusion in degenerative spondylolisthesis: how to reconcile conflicting evidence.

PMID- 27683713
TI  - Point of view: a randomized, controlled trial of fusion surgery for lumbar spinal
      stenosis-lessons learnt and practical considerations.

PMID- 27683714
TI  - A novel strategy of non-fusion instrumentation with coflex interlaminar
      stabilization after decompression for lumbar spinal stenosis.

PMID- 27683715
TI  - Fusion surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis?

PMID- 27683726
TI  - Systemic resistance in citrus to Tetranychus urticae induced by conspecifics is
      transmitted by grafting and mediated by mobile amino acids.
AB  - Recent research suggests that systemic signalling and communication between roots
      and leaves plays an important role in plant defence against herbivores. In the
      present study, we show that the oviposition of the two-spotted spider mite
      Tetranychus urticae in the systemic leaves of citrus rootstock Citrus aurantium
      (sour orange) was reduced by 50% when a lower leaf was previously infested with
      conspecifics. Metabolomic and gene expression analysis of the root efflux
      revealed a strong accumulation of glutamic acid (Glu) that triggered the
      expression of the citrus putative glutamate receptor (GRL) in the shoots.
      Additionally, uninfested sour orange systemic leaves showed increased expression
      of glutamate receptors and higher amounts of jasmonic acid (JA) and 12-oxo
      phytodienoic acid in plants that were previously infested. Glu perception in the
      shoots induced the JA pathway, which primed LOX-2 gene expression when citrus
      plants were exposed to a second infestation. The spider mite-susceptible citrus
      rootstock Cleopatra mandarin (C. unshiu) also expressed systemic resistance,
      although the resistance was less effective than the resistance in sour orange.
      Surprisingly, the mobile signal in Cleopatra mandarin was not Glu, which suggests
      a strong genotype-dependency for systemic signalling in citrus. When the cultivar
      Clemenules (C. clementina) was grafted onto sour orange, there was a reduction in
      symptomatic leaves and T. urticae populations compared to the same cultivar
      grafted onto Cleopatra mandarin. Thus, systemic resistance is transmitted from
      the roots to the shoots in citrus and is dependent on rootstock resistance.

PMID- 27683729
TI  - Effects of curcumin in experimental diabetic nephropathy.
AB  - Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is currently well established as the most common cause
      of end-stage renal disease in most parts of the world. Notwithstanding the
      expanding basic and clinical research in this field, the pathogenesis remains far
      from clear and hence the treatment of DN remains suboptimal. There is a critical
      need for the development of newer therapeutic strategies including alternative
      and complementary therapies. One of the natural products that was extensively
      studied in cancer and other chronic disease states such as diabetes is curcumin,
      an active ingredient in turmeric, a spice extensively used in India. In this
      manuscript, we present a critical review of the experimental and clinical
      evidence that supports the use of curcumin and its analogs in DN as well as the
      various proposed mechanisms for its biological actions in health and disease
      states.

PMID- 27683727
TI  - The role of OsPT8 in arsenate uptake and varietal difference in arsenate
      tolerance in rice.
AB  - Arsenic (As) contamination in paddy soil can cause phytotoxicity and elevated As
      accumulation in rice grain. Rice varieties vary in As uptake and tolerance, but
      the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, the aus variety Kasalath
      was found to be more tolerant to arsenate [As(V)] than the japonica variety
      Nipponbare, but the two varieties showed similar arsenite [As(III)] tolerance.
      Nipponbare took up more phosphate (Pi) and As(V) than Kasalath. The expression of
      genes for Pi transporters or Pi homeostasis regulation was quantified. Nipponbare
      showed 2- to 3-fold higher expression of the Pi transporter genes OsPT2 and OsPT8
      than Kasalath. Two ospt8 mutants were isolated from the Kasalath background and
      compared with an ospt8 mutant in the Nipponbare background. Mutation in OsPT8 in
      both backgrounds decreased As(V) uptake by 33-57%, increased As(V) tolerance
      assayed by root elongation by >100-fold, and abolished the varietal differences
      in As(V) uptake and tolerance. The results show that OsPT8 plays a key role in
      As(V) uptake and that As(V) uptake mediated by OsPT8 exerts a profound toxic
      effect on root elongation. The results also suggest that differential OsPT8
      expression explains the varietal differences in As(V) uptake and tolerance
      between Kasalath and Nipponbare.

PMID- 27683730
TI  - Opponent's comments.

PMID- 27683728
TI  - Interaction between RNA helicase ROOT INITIATION DEFECTIVE 1 and GAMETOPHYTIC
      FACTOR 1 is involved in female gametophyte development in Arabidopsis.
AB  - ROOT INITIATION DEFECTIVE 1 (RID1) is an Arabidopsis DEAH/RHA RNA helicase. It
      functions in hypocotyl de-differentiation, de novo meristem formation, and cell
      specification of the mature female gametophyte (FG). However, it is unclear how
      RID1 regulates FG development. In this study, we observed that mutations to RID1
      disrupted the developmental synchrony and retarded the progression of FG
      development. RID1 exhibited RNA helicase activity, with a preference for
      unwinding double-stranded RNA in the 3' to 5' direction. Furthermore, we found
      that RID1 interacts with GAMETOPHYTIC FACTOR 1 (GFA1), which is an integral
      protein of the spliceosome component U5 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP)
      particle. Substitution of specific RID1 amino acids (Y266F and T267I) inhibited
      the interaction with GFA1. In addition, the mutated RID1 could not complement the
      seed-abortion phenotype of the rid1 mutant. The rid1 and gfa1 mutants exhibited
      similar abnormalities in pre-mRNA splicing and down-regulated expression of some
      genes involved in FG development. Our results suggest that an interaction between
      RID1 and the U5 snRNP complex regulates essential pre-mRNA splicing of the genes
      required for FG development. This study provides new information regarding the
      mechanism underlying the FG developmental process.

PMID- 27683731
TI  - Opponent's comments.

PMID- 27683737
TI  - Pandemic Preparedness: Nationally-Led Simulation to Test Hospital Systems.

PMID- 27683738
TI  - Psychosocial Factors, Knowledge and Attitudes Influencing Skin and Heart Valve
      Donation among Healthcare Professionals in Singapore.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In Singapore, tissue donation is covered under the Medical
      (Therapy, Education and Research) Act. The objective of this study is to review
      the demographic and psychosocial factors, which may cause
      hesitation/unwillingness amongst healthcare professionals towards tissue
      donation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey comprising 18-items was conducted at
      the Singapore General Hospital and National Heart Centre Singapore. A total of
      521 individuals participated in the survey. Descriptive statistics were performed
      for the demographic profiles of participants, the factors leading to the support
      of tissue donation, reasons for hesitation/reluctance to donate tissue and
      motivating factors to discuss tissue donation with next-of-kin. Pearson's chi
      square and Fisher's exact tests were employed to assess possible association
      between various factors and support towards tissue donation. Analyses were
      performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences V.21.0 software. RESULTS:
      A total of 64.9% of participants had heard about skin donation; 48.9% had heard
      about heart valve donation; 4.5% were tissue pledgers. The primary reason for pro
      donation was the altruism of "improving someone's quality of life". However, a
      majority stated they "can decide this in the later part of life" as their main
      reason for hesitation; 82.3% were willing to discuss their tissue donation wish
      with next-of-kin, while 53.1% were likely to make the decision of donation on
      behalf of their deceased next-of-kin. CONCLUSION: RESULTS highlighted important
      psychosocial and professional factors that influence the hesitation/ reluctance
      towards donation. Hence, there is a need to re-strategise educational efforts in
      accordance with the target audiences and address specific misconceptions and
      concerns.

PMID- 27683739
TI  - Impact of Direct Cardiovascular Laboratory Activation by Emergency Physicians on
      False-Positive Activation Rates.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Door-to-balloon (DTB) time is critical to ST elevation myocardial
      infarction (STEMI) patients' survival. Although DTB time is reduced with direct
      cardiovascular laboratory (CVL) activation by emergency physicians, concerns
      regarding false-positive activation remain. We evaluate false-positive rates
      before and after direct CVL activation and factors associated with false-positive
      activations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective single centre study
      of all emergency CVL activation 3 years before and after introduction of direct
      activation in July 2007. False-positive activation is defined as either: 1)
      absence of culprit vessel with coronary artery thrombus or ulceration, or 2)
      presence of chronic total occlusion of culprit vessel, with no cardiac biomarker
      elevations and no regional wall abnormalities. All false-positive cases were
      verified by reviewing their coronary angiograms and patient records. RESULTS: A
      total of 1809 subjects were recruited; 84 (4.64%) identified as false-positives.
      Incidence of false-positive before and after direct activation was 4.1% and 5.1%
      respectively, which was not significant (P = 0.315). In multivariate logistic
      regression analysis, factors associated with false-positive were: female (odds
      ratio (OR): 2.104 [1.247-3.548], P = 0.005), absence of chest pain (OR: 5.369
      [3.024-9.531], P <0.0001) and presence of only left bundle branch block (LBBB) as
      indication for activation (OR: 65.691 [19.870-217.179], P <0.0001). CONCLUSION:
      Improvement in DTB time with direct CVL activation by emergency physicians is not
      associated with increased false-positive activations. Factors associated with
      false-positive, especially lack of chest pain or LBBB, can be taken into account
      to optimise STEMI management.

PMID- 27683740
TI  - Focal Nodular Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: Comparison of Ultrasonographic Features
      with Malignant and Other Benign Nodules.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) can present as focal nodular disease.
      This study aimed to determine the distinguishing sonographic features of nodules
      in biopsy-proven focal HT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 388 thyroid
      nodules from 310 patients who underwent ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration
      biopsy (FNAB). There were 28 focal HT, 27 malignant and 333 other benign nodules.
      Sonographic features of focal HT nodules on prebiopsy ultrasound were compared
      with malignant nodules and other benign nodules using multinomial logistic
      regression adjusting for the correlation between multiple nodules obtained from
      the same patient. RESULTS: Most focal HT nodules were purely solid (92.8%), iso
      hyperechoic (70.4%), had regular margins (75.0%) and central vascularity (85.7%).
      Hypoechogenicity (29.6% vs 42.3%; P = 0.017) and microcalcifications (3.6% vs
      44.4%; P = 0.003) were significantly less common in focal HT than malignant
      nodules. None of the focal HT nodules demonstrated marked hypoechogenicity,
      irregular margins or cervical lymphadenopathy, which are traditionally associated
      with malignancy. Compared to other benign nodules, focal HT nodules were
      significantly more likely to be purely solid (92.8% vs 49.0%; P = 0.016), ill
      defined (25.0% vs 7.0%; P = 0.004) and lack comet-tail artefacts (92.9% vs 66.1%;
      P = 0.012), which in combination were 17.9% sensitive and 94.6% specific for
      focal HT. CONCLUSION: Awareness of the above-described sonographic appearances of
      focal HT may aid in differentiating them from malignant nodules and risk-stratify
      for FNAB. While there is substantial overlap with other benign nodules, a
      combination of the above-mentioned 3 ultrasound features is highly specific for
      focal HT and can prompt further serological evaluation in clinically unsuspected
      HT.

PMID- 27683733
TI  - Pediatric low-grade gliomas: implications of the biologic era.
AB  - For the past decade, it has been recognized that pediatric low-grade gliomas
      (LGGs) and glial-neuronal tumors carry distinct molecular alterations with
      resultant aberrant intracellular signaling in the Ras-mitogen-activated protein
      kinase pathway. The conclusions and recommendations of a consensus conference of
      how best to integrate the growing body of molecular genetic information into
      tumor classifications and, more importantly, for future treatment of pediatric
      LGGs are summarized here. There is uniform agreement that molecular
      characterization must be incorporated into classification and is increasingly
      critical for appropriate management. Molecular-targeted therapies should be
      integrated expeditiously, but also carefully into the management of these tumors
      and success measured not only by radiographic responses or stability, but also by
      functional outcomes. These trials need to be carried out with the caveat that the
      long-term impact of molecularly targeted therapy on the developing nervous
      system, especially with long duration treatment, is essentially unknown.

PMID- 27683741
TI  - Use of Prediction Models for Risk Analysis and Decision-Making in Public Health
      The Catch-22 Conundrum.

PMID- 27683742
TI  - Reply to "Use of Prediction Models for Risk Analysis and Decision-Making in
      Public Health-The Catch-22 Conundrum".

PMID- 27683743
TI  - Comparison of the Haemodynamic Parameters of Venous and Arterial Coronary Artery
      Bypass Conduits.

PMID- 27683744
TI  - Circulating Microparticle Double-Stranded Deoxyribonucleic Acid in Systemic Lupus
      Erythematosus.

PMID- 27683745
TI  - Lumbar Radiculopathy - Incremental Value of Magnetic Resonance Neurography over
      Non-Contributory Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

PMID- 27683746
TI  - Diffuse Indurated Skin.

PMID- 27683747
TI  - Detection of obstructive uropathy and assessment of differential renal function
      using two functional magnetic resonance urography tools. A comparison with
      diuretic renal scintigraphy in infants and children.
AB  - AIM: After detection of obstructive uropathy (OU), the indication for or against
      surgery is primarily based on the differential renal function (DRF). This is to
      compare functional magnetic resonance urography (fMRU) with dynamic renal
      scintigraphy (DRS) to assess OU and DRF in infants and children. PATIENTS,
      METHODS: Retrospective analysis in 30 patients (female: 16; male: 14; median age:
      5.5 years [0.2-16.5]), divided into subgroup A (age: 0-2 years; n = 16) and B (>
      2-17 years; n = 14). fMRU was assessed by measuring renal transit time (RTT) and
      volumetric DRF with CHOP fMRU tool (CT) and ImageJ MRU plug-in (IJ). OU detection
      by fMRU was compared with DRS (standard of reference) using areas under the
      curves (AUC) in ROC analyses. Concordant DRF was assumed if absolute deviation
      between fMRU and DRS was <= 5 %. RESULTS: DRS confirmed fixed OU in 4/31 kidneys
      (12.9 %) in subgroup A. AUC of CT was 0.94 compared with 0.93 by IJ. Subgroup B
      showed fixed OU in 1/21 kidneys (4.8 %) with AUCs of 0.98 each. RTT measured
      neither by CT nor by IJ in confirmed fixed OU was < 1200 s - resulting in
      negative predictive values of 1.0 each. In subgroup A, DRF was concordant in 81.3
      % of the kidneys for CT and DRS compared with 75.0 % for IJ and DRS. In subgroup
      B, CT and DRS were concordant in 91.7 %, and IJ and DRS in 45.8 % of the kidneys.
      CONCLUSION: fMRU accurately excluded fixed OU in infants and children,
      independent from the software used for quantification. However, assessment of DRF
      with fMRU deviated from DRS especially in infants who may profit most from early
      intervention. Thus, fMRU cannot fully replace DRS as primary functional
      examination. If, for clinical reasons, fMRU is performed in first place and it
      cannot exclude fixed OU, it should be followed by DRS for validation and DRF
      quantification.

PMID- 27683749
TI  - IL-10-Modulated Human Dendritic Cells for Clinical Use: Identification of a
      Stable and Migratory Subset with Improved Tolerogenic Activity.
AB  - Dendritic cells (DCs) are key regulators of protective immune responses and
      tolerance to (self-)Ags. Therefore, the scientific rationale for the use of
      tolerogenic DC therapy in the fields of allergies, autoimmunity, and
      transplantation medicine is strong. In this study, we analyzed the tolerogenic
      capacity of IL-10-modulated DC (IL-10DC) subpopulations to identify a DC subset
      that combines potent immunosuppressive activities with valuable immune properties
      for clinical implementation. IL-10DCs consist of two phenotypically distinct
      subpopulations: CD83highCCR7+ IL-10DCs and CD83lowCCR7- IL-10DCs. Suppressor
      assays with activated effector T cells revealed that CD4+ regulatory T cells
      generated by CD83high IL-10DCs (iTreg+) exhibited a significantly higher
      suppressive capacity compared with CD4+ regulatory T cells generated by CD83low
      IL-10DCs (iTreg-). In this context, iTreg+ displayed a more activated phenotype
      (proliferation, cytokine production) compared with iTreg- In contrast to CD83low
      IL-10DCs, CD83high IL-10DCs exerted a strong migratory capacity toward the
      secondary lymphoid organ chemokine CCL21 and retained a functionally stable
      phenotype under inflammatory conditions. In addition, CD83high IL-10DCs expressed
      significantly higher levels of surface and soluble CD25. Functional analysis
      demonstrated that IL-10DC-related soluble CD25 efficiently inhibited the
      proliferation of activated T cells and that blockade of CD25 function abolished
      the induction of regulatory T cells by IL-10DCs, indicating a critical role for
      IL-10DC-related CD25 in shifting the immune response toward an iTreg- controlled
      tolerance reaction. In conclusion, the selective use of the CD83high IL-10DC
      subset may result in a higher efficacy of tolerance induction in vivo and may
      support the development of novel DC vaccination strategies for transplantations,
      as well as for allergic and autoimmune diseases.

PMID- 27683748
TI  - Adipose Tissue Dendritic Cells Are Independent Contributors to Obesity-Induced
      Inflammation and Insulin Resistance.
AB  - Dynamic changes of adipose tissue leukocytes, including adipose tissue macrophage
      (ATM) and adipose tissue dendritic cells (ATDCs), contribute to obesity-induced
      inflammation and metabolic disease. However, clear discrimination between ATDC
      and ATM in adipose tissue has limited progress in the field of immunometabolism.
      In this study, we use CD64 to distinguish ATM and ATDC, and investigated the
      temporal and functional changes in these myeloid populations during obesity. Flow
      cytometry and immunostaining demonstrated that the definition of ATM as
      F4/80+CD11b+ cells overlaps with other leukocytes and that CD45+CD64+ is specific
      for ATM. The expression of core dendritic cell genes was enriched in CD11c+CD64-
      cells (ATDC), whereas core macrophage genes were enriched in CD45+CD64+ cells
      (ATM). CD11c+CD64- ATDCs expressed MHC class II and costimulatory receptors, and
      had similar capacity to stimulate CD4+ T cell proliferation as ATMs. ATDCs were
      predominantly CD11b+ conventional dendritic cells and made up the bulk of CD11c+
      cells in adipose tissue with moderate high-fat diet exposure. Mixed chimeric
      experiments with Ccr2-/- mice demonstrated that high-fat diet-induced ATM
      accumulation from monocytes was dependent on CCR2, whereas ATDC accumulation was
      less CCR2 dependent. ATDC accumulation during obesity was attenuated in Ccr7-/-
      mice and was associated with decreased adipose tissue inflammation and insulin
      resistance. CD45+CD64+ ATM and CD45+CD64-CD11c+ ATDCs were identified in human
      obese adipose tissue and ATDCs were increased in s.c. adipose tissue compared
      with omental adipose tissue. These results support a revised strategy for
      unambiguous delineation of ATM and ATDC, and suggest that ATDCs are independent
      contributors to adipose tissue inflammation during obesity.

PMID- 27683751
TI  - A Tetravalent Formulation Based on Recombinant Nucleocapsid-like Particles from
      Dengue Viruses Induces a Functional Immune Response in Mice and Monkeys.
AB  - Despite the considerable effort that has been invested in elucidating the
      mechanisms of protection and immunopathogenesis associated with dengue virus
      infections, a reliable correlate of protection against the disease remains to be
      found. Neutralizing Abs, long considered the prime component of a protective
      response, can exacerbate disease severity when present at subprotective levels,
      and a growing body of data is challenging the notion that their titers are
      positively correlated with disease protection. Consequently, the protective role
      of cell-mediated immunity in the control of dengue infections has begun to be
      studied. Although earlier research implicated cellular immunity in dengue
      immunopathogenesis, a wealth of newer data demonstrated that multifunctional CD8+
      T cell responses are instrumental for avoiding the more severe manifestations of
      dengue disease. In this article, we describe a new tetravalent vaccine candidate
      based on recombinant dengue virus capsid proteins, efficiently produced in
      Escherichia coli and purified using a single ion-exchange chromatography step.
      After aggregation to form nucleocapsid-like particles upon incubation with an
      oligodeoxynucleotide containing immunostimulatory CpG motifs, these Ags induce,
      in mice and monkeys, an IFN-gamma-secreting cell response that significantly
      reduces viral load after challenge without the contribution of antiviral Abs.
      Therefore, this new vaccine candidate may not carry the risk for disease
      enhancement associated with Ab-based formulations.

PMID- 27683750
TI  - High Doses of GM-CSF Inhibit Antibody Responses in Rectal Secretions and Diminish
      Modified Vaccinia Ankara/Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Vaccine Protection in
      TRIM5alpha-Restrictive Macaques.
AB  - We tested, in rhesus macaques, the effects of a 500-fold range of an admixed
      recombinant modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) expressing rhesus GM-CSF (MVA/GM-CSF)
      on the immunogenicity and protection elicited by an MVA/SIV macaque 239 vaccine.
      High doses of MVA/GM-CSF did not affect the levels of systemic envelope (Env)
      specific Ab, but it did decrease the expression of the gut-homing receptor
      alpha4beta7 on plasmacytoid dendritic cells (p < 0.01) and the magnitudes of Env
      specific IgA (p = 0.01) and IgG (p < 0.05) in rectal secretions. The protective
      effect of the vaccine was evaluated using 12 weekly rectal challenges in rhesus
      macaques subgrouped by tripartite motif-containing protein 5alpha (TRIM5alpha)
      genotypes that are restrictive or permissive for infection by the challenge virus
      SIVsmE660. Eight of nine TRIM5alpha-restrictive animals receiving no or the
      lowest dose (1 * 105 PFU) of MVA/GM-CSF resisted all 12 challenges. In the
      comparable TRIM5alpha-permissive group, only 1 of 12 animals resisted all 12
      challenges. In the TRIM5alpha-restrictive animals, but not in the TRIM5alpha
      permissive animals, the number of challenges to infection directly correlated
      with the magnitudes of Env-specific rectal IgG (r = +0.6) and IgA (r = +0.6), the
      avidity of Env-specific serum IgG (r = +0.5), and Ab dependent cell-mediated
      virus inhibition (r = +0.6). Titers of neutralizing Ab did not correlate with
      protection. We conclude that 1) protection elicited by MVA/SIVmac239 is strongly
      dependent on the presence of TRIM5alpha restriction, 2) nonneutralizing Ab
      responses contribute to protection against SIVsmE660 in TRIM5alpha-restrictive
      animals, and 3) high doses of codelivered MVA/GM-CSF inhibit mucosal Ab responses
      and the protection elicited by MVA expressing noninfectious SIV macaque 239 virus
      like particles.

PMID- 27683752
TI  - Humoral Immunity Provides Resident Intestinal Eosinophils Access to Luminal
      Antigen via Eosinophil-Expressed Low-Affinity Fcgamma Receptors.
AB  - Eosinophils are native to the healthy gastrointestinal tract and are associated
      with inflammatory diseases likely triggered by exposure to food allergens (e.g.,
      food allergies and eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders). In models of
      allergic respiratory diseases and in vitro studies, direct Ag engagement elicits
      eosinophil effector functions, including degranulation and Ag presentation.
      However, it was not known whether intestinal tissue eosinophils that are
      separated from luminal food Ags by a columnar epithelium might similarly engage
      food Ags. Using an intestinal ligated loop model in mice, in this study we
      determined that resident intestinal eosinophils acquire Ag from the lumen of Ag
      sensitized but not naive mice in vivo. Ag acquisition was Ig-dependent;
      intestinal eosinophils were unable to acquire Ag in sensitized Ig-deficient mice,
      and passive immunization with immune serum or Ag-specific IgG was sufficient to
      enable intestinal eosinophils in otherwise naive mice to acquire Ag in vivo.
      Intestinal eosinophils expressed low-affinity IgG receptors, and the activating
      receptor FcgammaRIII was necessary for Ig-mediated acquisition of Ags by isolated
      intestinal eosinophils in vitro. Our combined data suggest that intestinal
      eosinophils acquire lumen-derived food Ags in sensitized mice via FcgammaRIII Ag
      focusing and that they may therefore participate in Ag-driven secondary immune
      responses to oral Ags.

PMID- 27683754
TI  - Use of aspirin as sole oral antiplatelet therapy in acute flow diversion for
      ruptured dissecting aneurysms.
AB  - Subarachnoid hemorrhage secondary to rupture of a circumferential dissecting
      aneurysm continues to be a treatment dilemma. Vessel sacrifice, when possible,
      continues to be the safest option but in certain cases this is not possible due
      to lack of collateral supply. In such cases, coil assisted endovascular flow
      diversion has become a potential option but the requirement for dual antiplatelet
      therapy in an unsecured intracranial aneurysm continues to raise concern.We
      present a 48-year-old man with a World Federation of Neurological Surgeons grade
      5 subarachnoid hemorrhage, secondary to a ruptured intradural left vertebral
      artery dissecting aneurysm, who was treated successfully with a pipeline
      embolization device with Shield technology using aspirin and a single intravenous
      loading dose of abciximab. To our knowledge, this is the first case of an acute
      flow diversion performed using only aspirin as the sole oral antiplatelet agent.

PMID- 27683753
TI  - IL-33 Precedes IL-5 in Regulating Eosinophil Commitment and Is Required for
      Eosinophil Homeostasis.
AB  - Eosinophils are important in the pathogenesis of many diseases, including asthma,
      eosinophilic esophagitis, and eczema. Whereas IL-5 is crucial for supporting
      mature eosinophils (EoMs), the signals that support earlier eosinophil lineage
      events are less defined. The IL-33R, ST2, is expressed on several inflammatory
      cells, including eosinophils, and is best characterized for its role during the
      initiation of allergic responses in peripheral tissues. Recently, ST2 expression
      was described on hematopoietic progenitor subsets, where its function remains
      controversial. Our findings demonstrate that IL-33 is required for basal
      eosinophil homeostasis, because both IL-33- and ST2-deficient mice exhibited
      diminished peripheral blood eosinophil numbers at baseline. Exogenous IL-33
      administration increased EoMs in both the bone marrow and the periphery in wild
      type and IL-33-deficient, but not ST2-deficient, mice. Systemic IL-5 was also
      increased under this treatment, and blocking IL-5 with a neutralizing Ab ablated
      the IL-33-induced EoM expansion. The homeostatic hypereosinophilia seen in IL-5
      transgenic mice was significantly lower with ST2 deficiency despite similar
      elevations in systemic IL-5. Finally, in vitro treatment of bone marrow cells
      with IL-33, but not IL-5, led to specific early expansion of IL-5Ralpha
      expressing precursor cells. In summary, our findings establish a basal defect in
      eosinophilopoiesis in IL-33- and ST2-deficient mice and a mechanism whereby IL-33
      supports EoMs by driving both systemic IL-5 production and the expansion of IL
      5Ralpha-expressing precursor cells.

PMID- 27683755
TI  - Remote aspiration thrombectomy in large vessel acute ischemic stroke.
AB  - The use of balloon guide catheters in acute ischemic stroke intervention has been
      associated with improved reperfusion rates and clinical outcomes. This technique
      acts by promoting flow arrest and subsequent reversal to capture the thrombus
      debris that may be generated during the clot retrieval process. However, to the
      best of our knowledge, the use of BGC to remotely aspirate and remove
      intracranial thrombus has not been previously described. We report a three case
      series of patients with acute ischemic stroke from supraclinoidal internal
      carotid artery occlusions treated with remote aspiration thrombectomy through a
      BGC placed at the cervical internal carotid artery, leading to complete
      reperfusion without the need for intracranial catheterization. Remote
      thrombectomy in the setting of intracranial internal carotid artery occlusion may
      constitute a relatively fast and inexpensive initial thrombectomy maneuver.
      Further investigation is warranted.

PMID- 27683757
TI  - Enhanced platelet MRP4 expression and correlation with platelet function in
      patients under chronic aspirin treatment.
AB  - Platelet multidrug resistance protein4 (MRP4)-overexpression has a role in
      reducing aspirin action. Aspirin in vivo treatment enhances platelet MRP4
      expression and MRP4 mediated transport inhibition reduces platelet function and
      delays thrombus formation. The aim of our work was to verify whether MRP4
      expression is enhanced in platelets obtained from patients under chronic aspirin
      treatment and whether it correlates with residual platelet reactivity. We
      evaluated changes on mRNA and protein-MRP4 expression and platelet aggregation in
      four populations: healthy volunteers (HV), aspirin-free control population (CTR),
      patients who started the treatment less than one month ago (ASA<1 month patients)
      and aspirinated patients who started the treatment more than two months ago
      (ASA>2 months patients). In platelets obtained from ASA>2 months patients, it was
      found a statistically significant MRP4 enhancement of both mRNA and protein
      expression compared to HV, CTR and ASA<1 month patients. Platelets obtained from
      ASA>2 months patients that present high levels of platelet MRP4, have higher
      serum TxB2 levels and collagen-induced platelet aggregation compared to patient
      with low levels of MRP4 in platelets. In addition collagen induced platelet
      aggregation is higher in in vitro aspirinated platelets obtained from patients
      with high levels of MRP4 patients compared to those obtained from patients with
      low MRP4 levels. We can assert that, in patients under chronic aspirin treatment,
      platelets that present high MRP4 levels have an increase of residual platelet
      reactivity, which is due in part to incomplete COX-1 inhibition, and in part to
      COX-1-independent mechanism.

PMID- 27683756
TI  - Circulating protein Z concentration, PROZ variants, and unexplained cerebral
      infarction in young and middle-aged adults.
AB  - Protein Z (PZ) is a vitamin K-dependent plasma protein that exhibits both pro-
      and anticoagulant properties. Both low and high PZ levels have been linked to
      ischaemic stroke. Although PZ-lowering gene variants have been found to be less
      common in ischaemic stroke, the relationship remains unclear. We investigated PZ
      levels and PROZ variants in a multi-ethnic case-control study of unexplained
      stroke in participants aged 18 to 64. Plasma PZ was measured in cases (>=2 months
      post-stroke) and controls. PZ polymorphisms G79A (rs3024735) and A13G (2273971)
      were genotyped. A combined genetic score (0-4 minor alleles) was created assuming
      additive effects. A total of 715 individuals (1:1.4 cases:controls) was included.
      Analyses revealed evidence of a non-linear association. After adjusting for
      demographic and clinical covariates, PZ levels >2.5 ug/ml (90th %ile) were
      significantly associated with cryptogenic stroke (OR 2.41 [95 % CI 1.34, 4.34])
      as compared with lower levels. Higher genetic score was related to progressively
      lower levels of PZ, and the presence of four minor alleles was associated with
      lower odds of stroke (adjusted OR 0.26 [95 % CI 0.07, 0.96]) versus 0 minor
      alleles. In this multi-ethnic study of young and middle-aged adults, there was
      evidence of a non-linear positive association between PZ level and unexplained
      stroke, with a directionally consistent association for genetic variants related
      to PZ levels and cryptogenic stroke. These findings support elevated PZ levels as
      a risk factor for cryptogenic stroke.

PMID- 27683759
TI  - A novel platelet-type von Willebrand disease mutation (GP1BA p.Met255Ile)
      associated with type 2B "Malmo/New York" von Willebrand disease.
AB  - Interaction between von Willebrand factor (VWF) and platelet GPIbalpha is
      required for primary haemostasis. Lack or loss-of-function in the ligand-receptor
      pair results in bleeding complications. Paradoxically, gain-of-function mutations
      in VWF or GPIbalpha also result in bleeding complications as observed in type 2B
      von Willebrand disease (VWD) and platelet-type- (PT-) VWD, respectively. A
      similar phenotype is observed with increased ristocetin-induced platelet
      agglutination and disappearance of the highest molecular weight multimers of VWF.
      We evaluated a patient with a bleeding disorder and a biological presentation
      compatible with type 2B VWD. VWF and platelet functional assays, sequencing of
      the VWF and GP1BA genes, and expression studies in HEK cells were performed.
      Sequencing of the VWF gene in the propositus revealed a heterozygous p.Pro1266Leu
      mutation previously found in type 2B VWD Malmo/New York. These variants are
      characterised by a mild phenotype and a normal VWF multimer composition
      suggesting the presence of a second mutation in our propositus. Sequencing of the
      GP1BA gene revealed a heterozygous c.765G>A substitution changing Met at position
      255 of GPIbalpha to Ile. This new mutation is located in the beta-switch domain
      where five other gain-of-function mutations have been reported in PT-VWD.
      Expression of GPIbalpha Ile255 in HEK GPIb-IX cells resulted in enhanced VWF
      binding compared to wild-type, similar to known PT-VWD mutations (p.Val249,
      p.Ser249 and p.Val255) indicating that it contributes to the propositus defects.
      This first report associating PT- with type 2B VWD illustrates the importance of
      combining biological assays with genetic testing to better understand the
      clinical phenotype.

PMID- 27683760
TI  - Pathophysiological relevance of macrophage subsets in atherogenesis.
AB  - Macrophages are highly heterogeneous and plastic cells. They were shown to play a
      critical role in all stages of atherogenesis, from the initiation to the necrotic
      core formation and plaque rupture. Lesional macrophages primarily derive from
      blood monocyte, but local macrophage proliferation as well as differentiation
      from smooth muscle cells have also been described. Within atherosclerotic
      plaques, macrophages rapidly respond to changes in the microenvironment, shifting
      between pro- (M1) or anti-inflammatory (M2) functional phenotypes. Furthermore,
      different stimuli have been associated with differentiation of newly discovered
      M2 subtypes: IL-4/IL-13 (M2a), immune-complex (M2b), IL-10/glucocorticoids (M2c),
      and adenosine receptor agonist (M2d). More recently, additional intraplaque
      macrophage phenotypes were also recognized in response to CXCL4 (M4), oxidized
      phospholipids (Mox), haemoglobin/haptoglobin complexes (HA-mac/M(Hb)), and heme
      (Mhem). Such macrophage polarization was described as a progression among
      multiple phenotypes, which reflect the activity of different transcriptional
      factors and the cross-talk between intracellular signalling. Finally, the
      distribution of macrophage subsets within different plaque areas was markedly
      associated with cardiovascular (CV) vulnerability. The aim of this review is to
      update the current knowledge on the role of macrophage subsets in atherogenesis.
      In addition, the molecular mechanisms underlying macrophage phenotypic shift will
      be summarised and discussed. Finally, the role of intraplaque macrophages as
      predictors of CV events and the therapeutic potential of these cells will be
      discussed.

PMID- 27683758
TI  - Combination therapy for inhibitor reversal in haemophilia A using monoclonal anti
      CD20 and rapamycin.
AB  - Development of antibodies (inhibitors) against coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) is
      a major complication of intravenous replacement therapy in haemophilia A (HA).
      Current immune tolerance induction (ITI) regimens are not universally effective.
      Rituximab, a B cell-depleting antibody against CD20, has shown mixed results for
      inhibitor reversal in patients. This study aims to develop a combinatorial
      therapy for inhibitor reversal in HA, using anti-murine CD20 (anti-mCD20)
      antibody and rapamycin, which targets both B and T cell responses. Additionally,
      it extensively characterises the role of the IgG backbone in B cell depletion by
      anti-CD20 antibodies. For this, inhibitors were generated in BALB/c-HA mice by
      weekly IV injection of FVIII. Subsequently, anti-mCD20 (18B12) with IgG2a or IgG1
      backbone was injected IV in two doses three weeks apart and B cell depletion and
      recovery was characterised. Rapamycin was administered orally 3x/week (for 1
      month) while continuing FVIII injections. Altering the IgG backbone of anti-mCD20
      from IgG2a to IgG1 reduced overall depletion of B cells (including memory B
      cells), and marginal zone, B-10, and B-1b cells were specifically unaffected.
      While neither antibody was effective alone, in combination with rapamycin, anti
      mCD20 IgG2a but not IgG1 was able to reverse inhibitors in HA mice. This regimen
      was particularly effective for starting titres of ~10 BU. Although IgG1 anti
      mCD20 spared potentially tolerogenic B cell subsets, IgG2a directed sustained
      hyporesponsiveness when administered in conjunction with rapamycin. This regimen
      represents a promising treatment for inhibitor reversal in HA, as both of these
      compounds have been extensively used in human patients.

PMID- 27683761
TI  - Young platelets out-of-control.

PMID- 27683762
TI  - A simplified table for staging embryos of the pipid frog Pipa arrabali.
AB  - Pipa is a Neotropical genus of frogs that dwell in freshwater environments. It
      includes four species that lack free-swimming larvae (P. aspera, P. arrabali, P.
      pipa, and P. snethlageae) and three with tadpoles (P. carvalhoi, P. myersi, and
      P. parva). Developmental tables such as the one proposed by Nieuwkoop and Faber
      might be useful for Pipa species with tadpoles. However, for the other Pipa
      species, to determine stages by this table or by any of the tables already
      prepared for frogs without tadpoles (e.g., Crinia nimbus, Eleutherodactylus
      coqui, and Oreobates barituensis) is impossible. By using embryonic, juvenile,
      and subadult specimens, we generated a staging table for P. arrabali, from the
      moment limb buds were first observed until birth, based on diagnostic features
      such as snout-vent length; growth, morphology, and reabsorption of the external
      tail; growth and differentiation of fore and hind limbs; development of intestine
      and vent tube; position of the angle of the mouth relative to nostrils and eyes;
      and color of preserved individuals. Based on these observations, we discuss some
      noteworthy traits (e.g., posture of hands and feet). We also compare the pattern
      of development of P. arrabali with that of other anuran species (with and without
      tadpoles).

PMID- 27683763
TI  - The effects of forest-savanna-grassland gradients on bird communities of
      Chiquitano Dry Forests domain, in western Brazil.
AB  - Different vegetation types are distributed in mountains according to altitude,
      topography and soil. The composition and structure of bird communities in these
      areas can change in relation to the vegetation gradient, with particular
      communities occupying each habitat type. In this study we present the changes in
      composition, species richness and bird abundance over the gradient of forests,
      savannas and altitudinal grasslands of Macico do Urucum, a mountainous region
      located in the Chiquitano Dry Forests domain in western Brazil. We recorded 165
      bird species through qualitative and quantitative methods. Forested savannas,
      riparian forests and submontane forests presented the highest richness and
      abundance of birds, while arboreal savannas and altitudinal grasslands had
      intermediate and low values, respectively. The bird composition was similar
      between riparian and submontane forests, while other vegetation types present
      more dissimilar bird communities. Our results show differences in composition,
      richness and bird abundance among the vegetation types present at Macico do
      Urucum, and highlight an important function of vegetation gradients for the
      conservation of bird communities in mountains. Additionally, this is the first
      study of the bird communities in the Brazilian Chiquitano Dry Forests, an
      important domain in the west of Brazil which has been poorly studied.

PMID- 27683764
TI  - THE IMPORTANCE OF BRAZILIAN SOCIETY OF METABOLIC AND BARIATRIC SURGERY AND ITS
      INTERACTION WITH THE XXI WORLD CONGRESS OF IFSO IN BRAZIL.

PMID- 27683765
TI  - IMPROVEMENT IN OXIDATIVE STRESS AFTER DUODENOJEJUNOSTOMY IN AN EXPERIMENTAL MODEL
      OF TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS.
AB  - Background:: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is a multifactorial syndrome with severe
      complications. Oxidative stress is accepted as a causal factor of chronic
      complications. Aim:: To demonstrate alterations in oxidative stress after
      metabolic surgery. Methods:: Twenty-four 2-day-old Wistar rats were used. In 16,
      Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus was induced by 100 mg/kg streptozotocin injection. The
      development of diabetes was confirmed after 10 weeks using an oral glucose
      tolerance test. Eight diabetic rats composed the diabetic surgical group; the
      remaining eight composed the diabetic group. Eight animals in which diabetes was
      not induced formed the clinical control group. The Marchesini technique was used
      in the diabetic surgical group. After 90 days, the rats were sacrificed, and the
      oxidative stress markers were measured. Results:: Thiobarbituric acid reactive
      substances, superoxide dismutase and catalase were significantly reduced in the
      diabetic surgical group compared to the diabetic group. Conclusion:: The
      duodenojejunostomy was effective in controlling the exacerbated oxidative stress
      present in diabetic rats. Racional:: Diabete melito tipo 2 e sindrome
      multifatorial com complicacoes graves. O estresse oxidativo e aceito como um
      fator causal de complicacoes cronicas. Objetivo:: Demonstrar alteracoes no
      estresse oxidativo apos a cirurgia metabolica. Metodos:: Foram utilizados 24
      ratos Wistar de dois dias de idade. Em 16, diabete melito tipo 2 foi induzida por
      100 mg/kg de injecao de estreptozotocina. O desenvolvimento do diabete foi
      confirmado apos 10 semanas, utilizando teste oral de tolerancia a glucose. Oito
      ratos diabeticos compuseram o grupo cirurgico diabetico; os oito restantes
      constituiram o grupo diabetico. Oito animais em que nao foi induzido o diabete
      formaram o grupo controle clinico. A tecnica de Marchesini foi utilizada no grupo
      cirurgico diabetico. Apos 90 dias, os ratos foram sacrificados, e os marcadores
      de estresse oxidativo foram medidos. Resultados:: Acido tiobarbiturico,
      superoxido dismutase e catalase foram significativamente reduzidos no grupo
      cirurgico diabetico quando comparado ao grupo diabetico. Conclusao:: O
      duodenojejunostomia foi eficaz no controle do estresse oxidativo exacerbado
      presente em ratos diabeticos.

PMID- 27683766
TI  - LINEA ALBA COLLAGEN ASSESSMENT IN MORBIDLY OBESE PATIENTS.
AB  - Background:: The evaluation of collagen in the abdominal wall has been
      increasingly studied because of the relevance on collagen in the healing process
      after laparotomy. Aim:: To evaluate the amount of collagen in the linea alba of
      patients undergoing laparotomic bariatric surgery and comparing with non-obese
      cadavers. Methods:: Were evaluated 88 samples of aponeurosis from abdominal linea
      alba of 44 obese patients (obesity group) and 44 non-obese cadavers (control
      group). The samples were collected in 2013 and 2104, and were sorted according to
      age (18-30, 31-45 and 46-60), gender, BMI, waist and cervical circumference, and
      subcutaneous tissue thickness. Material for biopsy was collected from the
      supraumbilical region of the linea alba for immunohistochemical analysis
      differentiating collagen type 1 and type 3 and the 1/3 ratio. Image-Pro Plus
      pixel counting software was used to measure the amount of collagen. Results:: The
      obesity group evidenced mean age 44.11+/-9.90 years; 18-30 age group had three
      (6.8%) obese individuals; 31-45 had 22 (50%) and 46-60 had 19 (43.1%). Females
      were present in 81.8% (n=36); BMI (kg/m2) was 48.81+/-6.5; waist circumference
      (cm) was 136.761+/-13.55; subcutaneous tissue thickness (cm) 4.873+/-0.916.
      Considering age groups, gender and BMI, there were statistical differences in all
      tests when compared with the cadavers. Conclusion:: The amount of collagen in the
      linea alba above the umbilical region in the morbidly obese patients was smaller
      than in the non-obese cadavers in the same age group. Racional:: A avaliacao do
      colageno na parede abdominal e cada vez mais estudada, em virtude da relevancia
      dele no processo cicatricial apos laparotomia. Objetivo:: Avaliar a quantidade de
      colageno na linha alba de pacientes submetidos a cirurgia bariatrica e compara-la
      com a de cadaveres nao-obesos. Metodo:: Foram avaliados dois grupos com total de
      88 amostras da aponeurose da linha alba abdominal, divididas em 44 de pacientes
      obesos (grupo obesidade) com indicacao de cirurgia bariatrica e 44 de cadaveres
      nao-obesos (grupo controle). As amostras foram retiradas da linha alba abdominal
      no periodo de 2013 a 2014 e inicialmente foram separadas conforme faixas etarias
      (18-30, 31-45 e 46-60), genero, medidas de IMC, circunferencia abdominal e
      cervical e espessura do subcutaneo do individuo. Foi coletado material para
      biopsia da linha alba supraumbilical para analise imunoistoquimica, diferenciando
      o colageno tipo I e III e sua relacao de tipo I/III. Utilizou-se o programa de
      contagem de pixels Image-Pro Plus(r), que mensurou a quantidade do colageno.
      Resultados:: O grupo obesidade teve idade 44,11+/-9,90 anos, Na faixa etaria de
      18-30 anos foram incluidos tres (6,8%) obesos; na de 31-45 anos 22 (50%) e na de
      46-60 anos 19 (43,1%). O genero feminino apresentou predominio, com 36 (81,8%)
      pacientes. O IMC (kg/m2) foi de 48,81+/-6,5; a circunferencia abdominal (cm) foi
      de 136,761+/-13,55; a espessura do subcutaneo (cm) foi de 4,873+/-0,916. A
      quantidade de colageno tipo I foi de 134.683,3+/-206.657,4; a de colageno tipo
      III foi de 413.137,2+/-283.656,1; a razao do colageno tipo I/III foi 0,419+/
      0,636. Considerando-se faixas de idade, genero e IMC, foram constatadas
      diferencas estatisticas em todas as analises quando comparadas com as dos
      cadaveres. Conclusao:: Os obesos morbidos apresentaram quantidade de colageno na
      linha alba supraumbilical menor que a do grupo controle de cadaveres nao-obesos
      na mesma faixa etaria.

PMID- 27683768
TI  - EFFECT OF SIZE OF INTESTINAL DIVERSIONS IN OBESE PATIENTS WITH METABOLIC SYNDROME
      SUBMITTED TO GASTRIC BYPASS.
AB  - Background:: There is no consensus on the ideal size of intestinal loops in
      gastric bypass of bariatric surgeries. Aim:: To evaluate the metabolic outcome of
      patients submitted to gastric bypass with alimentary and biliopancreatic loops of
      different sizes. Methods: : Was conducted a retrospective cohort study in
      diabetic obese patients (BMI>=35 kg/m2) with metabolic syndrome submitted to
      gastric bypass. The patients were divided into three groups according to the size
      of the intestinal loop: group 1, biliopancreatic limb 50 cm length and alimentary
      limb 100 cm length; group 2 , biliopancreatic limb 50 cm length and alimentary
      limb 150 cm length; and group 3, biliopancreatic limb 100 cm length and
      alimentary limb 150 cm length. The effect of gastric bypass with different sizes
      of intestinal loops in relation to the parameters that define metabolic syndrome
      was determined. Results: : Sixty-three patients were evaluated, and they had a
      mean age of 44.7+/-9.4 years. All were diabetics, with 62 (98.4%) being
      hypertensive and 51 (82.2%) dyslipidemic. The three groups were homogeneous in
      relation to the variables. In 24 months, there was a remission of systemic
      arterial hypertension in 65% of patients in group 1, 62.5% in group 2 and 68.4%
      in group 3. Remission of diabetes occurred in 85% of patients in group 1, 83% in
      group 2 and 84% in group 3. There was no statistical difference in %LEW between
      the groups, and waist measurements decreased in a homogeneous way in all groups.
      The size of loops also had no influence on the improvement in dyslipidemia.
      Conclusion: : Variation in size of intestinal loops does not appear to influence
      improvement in metabolic syndrome in this group of patients. Racional:: Nao ha
      consenso sobre o tamanho ideal das alcas intestinais no bypass gastrico em Y-de
      Roux em cirurgias bariatricas. Objetivo:: Avaliar os desfechos metabolicos de
      pacientes submetidos ao bypass gastrico com alca intestinal alimentar e
      biliopancreatica de tamanhos diferentes. Metodos: : Realizou-se coorte
      retrospectiva em pacientes obesos (IMC>=35 kg/m2) diabeticos com sindrome
      metabolica submetidos ao bypass gastrico em Y-de-Roux. Foram divididos em tres
      grupos conforme a dimensao das alcas intestinais: grupo 1, alca biliopancreatica
      de 50 cm e alca alimentar de 100 cm; grupo 2, alca biliopancreatica de 50 cm e
      alca alimentar de 150 cm e grupo 3, alca biliopancreatica de 100 cm e alca
      alimentar de 150 cm. Foram avaliados os parametros que compoem a sindrome
      metabolica. Resultados: : Incluiram-se 63 pacientes, com media de idade de 44.7+/
      9.4 anos. Todos eram diabeticos, 62 (98.4%) hipertensos e 51 (82.2%)
      dislipidemicos. Os tres grupos eram homogeneos em relacao as variaveis estudadas.
      Em 24 meses houve remissao da hipertensao arterial sistemica em 65% do grupo 1,
      62.5% no grupo 2 e 68.4% no grupo 3. A remissao do diabete melito tipo 2 ocorreu
      em 85% dos pacientes do grupo 1, 83% no grupo 2, e 84% no grupo 3. Nao houve
      diferenca estatistica na porcentagem de perda do excesso de peso entre os grupos
      e as medidas da cintura abdominal reduziram de forma homogenea em todos os
      grupos. A dimensao das alcas tambem nao influenciou na melhora da dislipidemia.
      Conclusao: : A variacao da dimensao das alcas intestinais nao influenciou na
      melhora da sindrome metabolica neste grupo de pacientes.

PMID- 27683767
TI  - COMPLICATIONS RELATED TO GASTRIC BYPASS PERFORMED WITH DIFFERENT GASTROJEJUNAL
      DIAMETERS.
AB  - Background:: Among the options for surgical treatment of obesity, the most widely
      used has been the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The gastrojejunal anastomosis can be
      accomplished in two ways: handsewn or using circular and linear stapled. The
      complications can be divided in early and late. Aim:: To compare the incidence of
      early complications related with the handsewn gastrojejunal anastomosis in
      gastric bypass using Fouchet catheter with different diameters. Method:: The
      records of 732 consecutive patients who had undergone the bypass were
      retrospectively analyzed and divided in two groups, group 1 with 12 mm
      anastomosis (n=374), and group 2 with 15 mm (n=358). Results:: The groups showed
      anastomotic stenosis with rates of 11% and 3.1% respectively, with p=0.05. Other
      variables related to the anastomosis were also analyzed, but without statistical
      significance (p>0.05). Conclusion:: The diameter of the anastomosis of 15 mm was
      related with lower incidence of stenosis. It was found that these patients had
      major bleeding postoperatively and lower surgical site infection, and in none was
      observed presence of anastomotic leak. Racional: : Entre as opcoes para o
      tratamento cirurgico da obesidade, o mais utilizado e o bypass gastrico em Y-de
      Roux. A anastomose gastrojejunal dele pode ser realizada de duas maneiras,
      manualmente ou utilizando grampeador linear e circular, e as complicacoes sao
      dividas em precoces e tardias. Objetivo:: Comparar a incidencia de complicacoes
      precoces relacionadas com a confeccao manual da anastomose gastrojejunal no
      bypass gastrico utilizando sonda de Fouchet com calibres diferentes. Metodos::
      Foi realizada analise retrospectiva transversal com 732 pacientes submetidos ao
      procedimento, divididos em dois grupos, grupo 1 com anastomose de 12 mm (n=374),
      e grupo 2 de 15 mm (n=358). Resultados:: Os grupos apresentaram taxas de estenose
      de anastomose de 11% e 3,1% respectivamente, com p=0,05. Outras variaveis
      relacionadas a anastomose tambem foram analisadas, porem sem significancia
      estatistica (p>0,05). Conclusao:: O diametro da anastomose de 15 mm esteve
      relacionado a menor ocorrencia de estenoses. Verificou-se, contudo, que estes
      pacientes apresentaram maior sangramento no pos-operatorio e menor infeccao de
      sitio cirurgico. Nao ocorreram fistulas na presente casuistica.

PMID- 27683769
TI  - EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM ROUX-EN-Y GASTRIC BYPASS ON BODY WEIGHT AND CLINICAL
      METABOLIC COMORBIDITIES IN BARIATRIC SURGERY SERVICE OF A UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL.
AB  - Background:: Due to the high failure rate observed in the clinical treatment of
      morbid obesity an increase in bariatric surgery indications, as an alternative
      for the control of obesity and comorbidities, is noticeable. Aim:: To evaluate
      the performance of type 2 diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure and dyslipidemia
      in patients submitted to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in late follow-up. Methods::
      Retrospective analysis of 59 patients included in the bariatric surgery program.
      Anthropometric (height and body weight) and laboratory (LDLc, HDLc, VLDLc,
      triglyceride -TG - and glucose) data were collected on pre- and postoperative
      stages, through medical records. Results:: Among the patients, 86% were female
      aged 43+/-11, of whom 52% had attended high school. The average postoperative
      time was 7+/-3 years. During the postoperative period, there were decreases of
      weight and body mass index, respectively (133+/-06 kg vs 91+/-04 kg p<0.05 e 49+/
      74 kg/m2 vs 33+/-79 kg/m2, p<0.05). In comparison to the preoperative stage,
      lower concentrations of glucose (101.00+/-26.99 vs 89,11+/-15.19, p=0.014), total
      cholesterol rates (179.00+/-37,95 vs 167.48+/-28,50, p=0.016), LDLc (104.30+/
      33.12 vs 91.46+/-24.58, p=0.016), VLDLc (25.40+/-11,12 vs 15.68+/-7.40, p<0.01),
      and TG (143.35+/-86.35 vs 82.45+/-37.39, p<0.01) and higher concentrations of
      HDLc (43.53+/-8.23 vs 57.90+/-15.60, p<0.01) were identified in the postoperative
      stage. 40% of hypertensive patients were still undergoing high blood pressure
      treatment during the postoperative stage. There was remission of type 2 diabetes
      mellitus and dyslipidemia on 81% and 94% of the cases, respectively. Conclusion::
      Roux-en-Y gastric bypass has proven itself to be an effective long term
      procedure, promoting weight loss, remission of DM2 and dyslipidemia. Racional::
      Em funcao do alto grau de falencia que se observa no tratamento clinico da
      obesidade morbida, observa-se um aumento da procura pela cirurgia bariatrica como
      alternativa para o controle da obesidade e comorbidades. Objetivo:: Avaliar a
      evolucao do diabete melito tipo 2, da hipertensao arterial sistemica e da
      dislipidemia em pacientes submetidos a gastroplastia redutora em Y-de-Roux no
      periodo de pos-operatorio tardio. Metodos:: Analise retrospectiva de 59 pacientes
      inseridos em programa de cirurgia bariatrica. Foram coletados dados
      antropometricos (altura e peso corporal) e laboratoriais (LDLc, HDLc, VLDLc,
      triglicerideo -TG - e glicose) nos periodos pre e pos-operatorio por meio de
      prontuarios medicos. Resultados:: Entre os pacientes, 86% eram mulheres com idade
      de 43+/-11 anos e 52% tinham cursado o ensino medio. O tempo medio de pos
      operatorio foi de 7+/-3 anos. Houve reducao no peso e no indice de massa corporal
      no pos-operatorio, respectivamente (133+/-06 kg vs 91+/-04 kg p<0,05 e 49+/-74
      kg/m2 vs 33+/-79 kg/m2, p<0,05). Observou-se concentracoes inferiores no pos
      operatorio, comparado com o pre-operatorio, da glicose (101,00+/-26,99 vs 89,11+/
      15,19, p=0,014), colesterol total (179,00+/-37,95 vs 167,48+/-28,50, p=0,016),
      LDLc (104,30+/-33,12 vs 91,46+/-24,58, p=0,016), VLDLc (25,40+/-11,12 vs 15,68+/
      7,40, p<0,01), e TG (143,35+/-86,35 vs 82,45+/-37,39, p<0,01) e maiores de HDLc
      (43,53+/-8,23 vs 57,90+/-15,60, p<0,01 ). No pos-operatorio 40% dos pacientes
      hipertensos ainda estavam em tratamento para hipertensao arterial sistemica.
      Houve remissao do diabete melito tipo 2 e da dislipidemia em 81% e 94% dos casos,
      respectivamente. Conclusao:: A gastroplastia redutora em Y-de-Roux mostrou ser
      procedimento eficaz em longo prazo, com resultados persistentes na perda de peso,
      remissao do DM2 e da dislipidemia.

PMID- 27683770
TI  - INTESTINAL MALROTATION IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING BARIATRIC SURGERY.
AB  - Background:: Intestinal malrotation is a rare congenital anomaly. In adults is
      very difficult to recognize due to the lack of symptoms. Diagnosis is usually
      incidental during surgical procedures or at autopsy. Aim:: To review the
      occurrence and recognition of uneventful intestinal malrotation discovered during
      regular cases of bariatric surgeries. Methods:: Were retrospectively reviewed the
      medical registry of 20,000 cases undergoing bariatric surgery, from January 2002
      to January 2016, looking for the occurrence of intestinal malrotation and
      consequences in the intraoperative technique and immediate evolution of the
      patients. Results:: Five cases (0,025%) of intestinal malrotation were found. All
      of them were males, aging 45, 49, 37,52 and 39 years; BMI 35, 42, 49, 47 and 52
      kg/m2, all of them with a past medical history of morbid obesity. The patient
      with BMI 35 kg/m2 suffered from type 2 diabetes also. All procedures were
      completed by laparoscopic approach, with no conversions. In one patient was not
      possible to move the jejunum to the upper abdomen in order to establish the
      gastrojejunostomy and a sleeve gastrectomy was performed. In another patient was
      not possible to fully recognize the anatomy due to bowel adhesions and a single
      anastomosis gastric bypass was preferred. No leaks or bleeding were identified.
      There were no perioperative complications. All patients were discharged 72 h
      after the procedure and no immediate 30-day complications were reported.
      Conclusion:: Patients with malrotation can successfully undergo laparoscopic
      bariatric surgery. May be necessary changes in the surgical original strategy
      regarding the malrotation. Surgeons must check full abdominal anatomical
      condition prior to start the division of the stomach. Racional: : Ma-rotacao
      intestinal e rara anomalia congenita em adultos de dificil reconhecimento devido
      a falta de sintomas. O diagnostico e feito geralmente incidentalmente durante
      procedimentos cirurgicos ou durante autopsia. Objetivo:: Verificar a ocorrencia e
      reconhecimento nao eventual da ma-rotacao intestinal durante operacoes
      bariatricas sequenciais. Metodo:: Retrospectivamente foram analisados os
      prontuarios medicos de 20.000 casos de operacoes bariatricas de janeiro 2002 a
      janeiro de 2016, procurando por ocorrencia de ma-rotacao intestinal, sua
      interferencia na tecnica operatoria aplicada e a evolucao imediata no pos
      operatorio. Resultados:: Foram encontrados cinco casos (0.025%) de ma-rotacao
      intestinal em homens com idades de 37, 39, 45, 49 e 52 anos e IMC de 35, 42, 49,
      47 e 52 kg/m2. O paciente com IMC de 35 kg/m2 tambem sofria de diabete melito
      tipo 2. Todos os procedimentos foram realizados atraves de laparoscopia, sem
      conversoes. Em um paciente nao foi possivel mover o jejuno para o abdome superior
      a fim de realizar gastrojejunostomia; foi, entao, realizada gastrectomia
      vertical. Em outro paciente, nao foi possivel reconhecer totalmente a anatomia
      devido as aderencias intestinais e foi decidido realizar bypass gastrico com
      anastomose unica. Nenhum vazamento ou sangramento foi identificado. Nao houve
      nenhuma complicacao pos-operatoria. Todos os pacientes foram liberados 72 h apos
      o procedimento e nenhuma complicacao foi notificada nos primeiros 30 dias.
      Conclusoes:: A cirurgia bariatrica laparoscopica pode ser realizada com sucesso
      em pacientes com ma-rotacao. Mudancas talvez sejam necessarias com relacao a
      anomalia. Os cirurgioes devem verificar toda a condicao anatomica abdominal antes
      de iniciar a seccao gastrica.

PMID- 27683771
TI  - PSYCHOLOGICAL PROFILE OF PATIENTS ELIGIBLE FOR BARIATRIC SURGERY.
AB  - Background: : The psychologist who works in bariatric surgery has a role to
      receive, evaluate, prepare and educate the patient who will undergo the surgical
      procedure. Psychological evaluation becomes important in so far as allows us to
      obtain data on personal and familiar history and allow tracing of possible
      psychopathology. Aim: : To collect data on psychological evaluations of patients
      in a bariatric surgery service of a public hospital in order to describe the
      psychological profile of patients in this service. Method: : Data were collected
      from 827 patients between 2001 and 2015, using data from an interview, Beck
      Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Binge Eating Scale
      (BES). Results: : The mean age of patients before surgery was 39 years+/- 10, the
      mean BMI was 51 kg/m2+7, and most patients (81%) were female. The average score
      on the BDI was 14.8+8 and women had significantly higher scores than men. On the
      BAI the average score was 11+8 and on the ECAP was 14+8, both with no difference
      between groups. Conclusions: : Psychosocial characteristics of the patients
      points to the significant presence of indicators of depression, with low levels
      of anxiety and binge eating. Racional:: O psicologo que atua na area da cirurgia
      bariatrica tem papel de acolher, avaliar, preparar e conscientizar o paciente que
      vai ser submetido ao procedimento cirurgico. A avaliacao psicologica reveste-se
      de importancia na medida em que obtem dados sobre historia pessoal e familiar,
      alem do rastreio de possiveis alteracoes psicopatologicas. Objetivo: : Analisar
      as avaliacoes psicologicas dos pacientes de um servico de cirurgia bariatrica de
      um hospital publico, buscando tracar o perfil psicologico dos pacientes deste
      servico. Metodos: : Foram coletados dados de 827 pacientes entre 2001 e 2015,
      utilizando-se dados de uma entrevista, Inventario Beck de Depressao (BDI),
      Inventario Beck de Ansiedade (BAI) e Escala de Compulsao Alimentar Periodica
      (ECAP). Resultados: : A idade media dos pacientes antes da operacao foi 39
      anos+10 e o IMC medio foi 51 kg/m2+7, sendo a maioria (81%) do genero feminino. A
      pontuacao media no BDI foi 14,8+8 e as mulheres tiveram pontuacao
      significativamente maior que os homens. No BAI a pontuacao media foi 11+ 8 e no
      ECAP 14+ 8, ambos sem diferenca entre os grupos. Conclusao: : A caracterizacao
      psicossocial dos pacientes avaliados aponta para a presenca significativa de
      indicadores de depressao, com baixos niveis de ansiedade e de compulsao
      alimentar.

PMID- 27683772
TI  - INFLAMMATORY DISORDERS ASSOCIATED WITH HELICOBACTER PYLORI IN THE ROUX-EN-Y
      BYPASS GASTRIC POUCH.
AB  - Background: : The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in obese candidates for
      bariatric surgery and its role in the emergence of inflammatory lesions after
      surgery has not been well established. Aim: : To identify the incidence of
      inflammatory lesions in the stomach after bariatric surgery and to correlate it
      with H. pylori infection. Methods: : This is a prospective study with 216
      patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. These patients underwent
      histopathological endoscopy to detect H. pylori prior to surgery. Positive cases
      were treated with antibiotics and a proton inhibitor pump followed by endoscopic
      follow-up in the 6th and 12th month after surgery. Results: : Most patients were
      female (68.1%), with grade III obesity (92.4%). Preoperative endoscopy revealed
      gastritis in 96.8%, with H. pylori infection in 40.7% (88/216). A biopsy was
      carried out in 151 patients, revealing H. pylori in 60/151, related to signs of
      inflammation in 90% (54/60). In the 6th and 12th month after surgery, the
      endoscopy and the histopathological exam showed a normal gastric pouch in 84% of
      patients and the incidence of H. pylori was 11% and 16%, respectively. The
      presence of inflammation was related to H. pylori infection (p<0,001).
      Conclusion:: H. pylori has a similar prevalence in both obese patients scheduled
      to undergo bariatric surgery and the general population. There is a low incidence
      of it in the 6th and 12th months after surgery, probably owing to its eradication
      when detected prior to surgery. When inflammatory disease is present in the new
      gastric reservoir it is directly related to H. pylori infection. Racional: :
      Helicobacter pylori e responsavel por varias doencas gastrointestinais. Com o
      aumento de cirurgia bariatrica no pais, ha poucos estudos sobre a prevalencia
      desta bacteria em obesos com indicacao cirurgica e o seu papel no surgimento de
      lesoes inflamatorias no pos-operatorio. Objetivo - : Identificar a incidencia de
      lesoes inflamatorias no estomago pos-cirurgia bariatrica e correlacionar com a
      infeccao por H. pylori. Metodos - : Estudo prospectivo com dois grupos de
      pacientes. Em ambos os grupos verificou-se a prevalencia do H. pylori no pre
      operatorio atraves de histopatologia, mas em apenas um dos grupos, nos casos de
      H. pylori positivo realizou-se o tratamento com antibioticoterapia e inibidor de
      bomba de proton com realizacao de nova endoscopia no 6 degrees  e 12 degrees  mes
      pos-operatorio. Resultados: : Avaliou-se 216 pacientes, com as seguintes
      caracteristicas: sexo feminino (68,1%), faixa etaria entre 30-40 anos, com 31,9%
      e 31%, respectivamente. De acordo com o IMC, 17,6% apresentavam obesidade
      moderada, 82,4% obesidade severa/morbida e 9,7% superobesidade. Nos pacientes
      submetidos a endoscopia, a positividade do H. pylori se manifestou em 40,7%,
      sendo responsavel pela atividade inflamatoria na mucosa gastrica (p<0,001). No
      pos-operatorio, investigou-se a mucosa gastrica atraves de endoscopia e
      histopatologia no 6 degrees  e 12 degrees  mes, que demonstrou normalidade no
      neorreservatorio gastrico em 84% dos pacientes, e a incidencia de H. pylori foi
      11% aos seis meses e 16% aos 12 meses, sendo a presenca de processo inflamatorio
      relacionado com a infeccao pela bacteria (p<0,001). Conclusao: - H. pylori
      apresenta prevalencia similar tanto em obesos que irao submeter-se a cirurgia
      bariatrica quanto a populacao em geral; ha baixa incidencia dele no 6 degrees  e
      12 degrees  mes apos a operacao e isto deve-se provavelmente a sua erradicacao
      quando detectado no pre-operatorio; quando presente a doenca inflamatoria no
      neorreservatorio gastrico possui relacao direta com a infeccao por H. pylori.

PMID- 27683773
TI  - GASTRIC AND JEJUNAL HISTOPATHOLOGICAL CHANGES IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING BARIATRIC
      SURGERY.
AB  - Background:: Morbid obesity is a multifactorial disease that increasingly is
      being treated by surgery. Aim: : To evaluate gastric histopathological changes in
      obese, and to compare with patients who underwent gastrojejunal bypass and the
      jejunal mucosa after the surgery. Methods:: This is an observational study
      performed at a tertiary public hospital, evaluating endoscopic biopsies from 36
      preoperative patients and 35 postoperative. Results:: In the preoperative group,
      80.6% had chronic gastritis, which was active in 38.9% (77.1% and 20.1%,
      respectively, in the postoperative). The postoperative group had a significant
      reduction in H. pylori infection (p=0.0001). A longer length of the gastric stump
      and a time since surgery of more than two years were associated with Helicobacter
      pylori infection. The jejunal mucosa was normal in 91.4% and showed slight
      nonspecific chronic inflammation in 8.6%. Conclusion:: There was a reduction in
      the incidence of Helicobacter pylori infection in the postoperative group. A
      longer length of the gastric stump and longer time elapsed since surgery were
      associated with Helicobacter pylori infection. The jejunal mucosa was considered
      normal in an absolute majority of patients. Racional: : A obesidade morbida e
      doenca multifatorial cujo tratamento cirurgico e cada vez mais indicado.
      Objetivo: : Avaliar alteracoes histopatologicas gastricas em obesos e comparar
      com os submetidos a bypass gastrojejunal e a mucosa jejunal apos a operacao.
      Metodo:: Estudo observacional realizado em hospital publico terciario avaliando
      biopsias endoscopicas de 36 pacientes no pre-operatorio e 35 no pos-operatorio.
      Resultados:: No pre-operatorio 80,6% apresentaram gastrite cronica, 38,9% em
      atividade (77,1% e 20,1%, respectivamente, no pos-operatorio). O grupo pos
      operatorio apresentou diminuicao significativa na infeccao por Helicobacter
      pylory (p=0,0001). Maior comprimento do coto gastrico e tempo de operacao
      superior a dois anos associaram-se a infeccao por Helicobacter pylori. A mucosa
      jejunal foi normal em 91,4% e apresentava leve inflamacao cronica inespecifica em
      8,6%. Conclusao:: Houve diminuicao da infeccao por Helicobacter pylori apos a
      operacao. Maior comprimento do coto gastrico e do tempo de operacao associaram-se
      a infeccao por Helicobacter pylori. A mucosa jejunal foi considerada normal na
      maioria absoluta dos pacientes do grupo pos-operatorio.

PMID- 27683774
TI  - EVALUATION OF THE THORACOABDOMINAL MOBILITY OF OBESE SUBJECTS IN PRE-BARIATRIC
      SURGERY.
AB  - Background:: Obesity can affect the thorax, diaphragm, and alterations in
      respiratory function even if the lungs are within normality. The respiratory
      compliance is very reduced by the increase in fat mass. Aim:: To evaluate the
      effect of the physical therapeutic respiratory exercises on the thoracoabdominal
      mobility of obese individuals in pre-bariatric surgery. Methods:: Cross-sectional
      and descriptive study, which used the cirtometry (axillary, xiphoid and
      abdominal) to evaluate the mobility of 74 individuals, 27 men and 47 women, in
      pre-bariatric surgery, assisted by the team EMAD, after eight weeks of
      physiotherapy, following a protocol of exercises, reevaluating and compared the
      measures pre and post intervention. Results:: Had positive correlation abdominal
      mobility in the total volume of all participants (p=0.010) and also for all the
      measures in the measurement of residual volume in three levels (p=0.000).
      Comparing genders, in total volume, cirtometry abdominal greater for women
      (p=0.015) when compared to men and residual volume, significance for either men
      or women in all measurements (p=0.000). Conclusion:: Obese patients that
      underwent the physiotherapeutic treatment during the preoperative period, had pre
      respiratory dynamics improved by the increase in the mobility of the chest cavity
      and by the improvement of respiratory conscience. Racional: : A obesidade pode
      afetar o torax e o diafragma, determinando alteracoes na funcao respiratoria,
      mesmo quando os pulmoes se apresentam dentro da normalidade. A complacencia
      respiratoria e muito reduzida pelo aumento de massa gordurosa. Objetivo:: Avaliar
      o efeito de exercicios fisioterapeuticos respiratorios sobre a mobilidade
      toracica de individuos obesos no pre-operatorio de cirurgia bariatrica. Metodo::
      Estudo transversal e descritivo, que utilizou a cirtometria (axilar, xifoide e
      abdominal) para avaliar a mobilidade de 74 individuos, 27 homens e 47 mulheres,
      em pre-operatorio de cirurgia bariatrica, assistidos pela equipe EMAD, apos oito
      semanas de fisioterapia, seguindo um protocolo de exercicios, reavaliando e
      comparado as medidas pre e pos a intervencao. Resultado:: Apresentaram correlacao
      positiva a mobilidade abdominal no volume total de todos os participantes
      (p=0,010) e tambem para todas as medidas na mensuracao do volume residual nos
      tres niveis (p=0,000). Comparando os sexos, no volume total, a cirtometria
      abdominal maior das mulheres (p=0,015) quando comparada a dos homens e no volume
      residual, significancia tanto para os homens quanto para as mulheres em todas as
      mensuracoes (p=0,000). Conclusao:: Obesos que se submeteram ao tratamento
      fisioterapeutico durante o periodo pre-operatorio, tiveram dinamica respiratoria
      melhorada pelo aumento da mobilidade da caixa toracica e pela melhora da
      consciencia respiratoria.

PMID- 27683775
TI  - POSTOPERATIVE EFFECT OF PHYSICAL THERAPY RELATED TO FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY AND
      RESPIRATORY MUSCLE STRENGTH IN PATIENTS SUBMITTED TO BARIATRIC SURGERY.
AB  - Background: : Respiratory physiotherapy plays an important role preventing
      complications in bariatric surgery. Aim: : To assess the effects of out-patient
      physiotherapy during post-operative period through respiratory pressures and
      functional capacity in individuals submitted to bariatric surgery. Method: : A
      prospective longitudinal and controlled study was done in adults with body mass
      index (BMI) equal or greater than 40 kg/m2, who have been submitted to bariatric
      surgery. They were divided into two groups: intervention-group, who performed out
      patient physiotherapy twice a week, from thirty to sixty days after surgery; and
      the control-group, who only followed home instructions. Both groups were
      evaluated before surgery and sixty days after surgery through manovacuometry, six
      minute walk test and the Borg Scale of perceived exertion. Results:: Twenty
      participants were included the intervention-group and twenty-three in the control
      group. Both groups had significant and similar weight loss after surgery. The
      manovacuometry presented no differences comparing pre- and post-surgery and in
      the comparison between the groups. The result of the six-minute walk test for the
      intervention-group increased by 10.1% in the post-operative period in relation to
      pre-. The Borg scale of perceived exertion in the intervention-group in pre
      surgery decreased by 13.5% in the post-surgery compared to pre-surgery. In the
      control-group there was no difference comparing pre- and post-operative values,
      as in the comparison with the intervention-group. Conclusion: : The low-intensity
      exercise program, carried out between the 30th and the 60th day after bariatric
      surgery provided better functional capacity; did not change respiratory muscle
      strength; and improved the perceived exertion rate. Racional: : A fisioterapia
      respiratoria tem papel importante na prevencao das complicacoes da cirurgia
      bariatrica. Objetivo: : Avaliar os efeitos da fisioterapia ambulatorial no pos
      operatorio atraves das pressoes respiratorias e da capacidade funcional dos
      individuos submetidos a cirurgia bariatrica. Metodo: : Estudo prospectivo,
      longitudinal, randomizado e controlado, em adultos com IMC>=40 kg/m2, que se
      submeteram a cirurgia bariatrica, Foram divididos em dois grupos: grupo
      intervencao, que realizou fisioterapia ambulatorialmente, duas vezes por semana,
      do trigesimo ao sexagesimo dia de pos-operatorio; e grupo controle, que seguiu
      orientacoes domiciliares. Ambos os grupos foram avaliados no pre-operatorio e
      apos 60 dias da operacao atraves das pressoes respiratorias com a
      manovacuometria, do teste da caminhada de 6 min e do indice de percepcao de
      esforcos pela escala de Borg. Resultados: : Foram incluidos 20 participantes no
      grupo intervencao e 23 no grupo controle, ambos com perda de peso significativa e
      similar no pos-operatorio. A manovacuometria nao demonstrou diferencas nas
      pressoes respiratorias na comparacao entre o pre-operatorio e o pos-operatorio e
      na comparacao entre os grupos. O resultado do teste da caminhada de 6 min para o
      grupo intervencao aumentou em 10,1% no pos-operatorio em relacao ao pre
      operatorio. A percepcao de esforco pela escala de Borg no grupo intervencao
      reduziu em 13,5% no pos-operatorio comparado ao pre. No grupo controle nao foi
      observada diferenca entre o pre e o pos-operatorio bem como na comparacao com o
      grupo intervencao. Conclusao: : O programa de exercicios de baixa intensidade
      realizado entre o 30o e o 60o dia de pos-operatorio de cirurgia bariatrica
      promoveu melhor capacidade funcional; nao modificou a forca muscular
      respiratoria; e melhorou o indice de percepcao de esforco.

PMID- 27683776
TI  - SURFACE ELECTROMYOGRAPHY OF MASSETER AND TEMPORAL MUSCLES WITH USE PERCENTAGE
      WHILE CHEWING ON CANDIDATES FOR GASTROPLASTY.
AB  - Background:: Surface electromyography identifies changes in the electrical
      potential of the muscles during each contraction. The percentage of use is a way
      to treat values enabling comparison between groups. Aim:: To analyze the
      electrical activity and the percentage of use of masseter and temporal muscles
      during chewing in candidates for gastric bypass. Methods:: It was used Surface
      Electromyography Miotool 200,400 (Miotec (r), Porto Alegre/RS, Brazil) integrated
      with Miograph 2.0 software, involving patients between 20-40 years old. Were
      included data on electrical activity simultaneously and in pairs of temporal
      muscle groups and masseter at rest, maximum intercuspation and during the chewing
      of food previously classified. Results:: Were enrolled 39 patients (59 women),
      mean age 27.1+/-5.7. The percentage of use focused on temporal muscle, in a range
      of 11-20, female literacy (n=11; 47.82) on the left side and 15 (65.21) on the
      right-hand side. In the male, nine (56.25) at left and 12 (75.00) on the right
      hand side. In masseter, also in the range of 11 to 20, female literacy (n=10;
      43.48) on the left side and 11 (47.83) on the right-hand side. In the male, nine
      (56.25) at left and eight (50.00) on the right-hand side. Conclusion:: 40-50% of
      the sample showed electrical activity in muscles (masseter and temporal) with
      variable values, and after processing into percentage value, facilitating the
      comparison of load of used electrical activity between the group, as well as
      usage percentage was obtained of muscle fibers 11-20% values involving,
      representing a range that is considered as a reference to the group studied. The
      gender was not a variable. Racional:: A eletromiografia de superficie identifica
      variacoes dos potenciais eletricos dos musculos durante cada contracao realizada.
      O percentual de uso e uma forma de tratar valores possibilitando comparacao entre
      grupos. Objetivo:: Analisar a atividade eletrica e o percentual de uso dos
      musculos masseteres e temporais durante a mastigacao em candidatos a
      gastroplastia. Metodos:: Utilizado Eletromiografo de Superficie Miotool 200/400
      (Miotec(r), Porto Alegre/RS, Brasil) integrado ao software Miograph 2.0 em
      pacientes entre 20-40 anos candidatos a gastroplastia. Foram incluidos dados
      relativos a atividade eletrica simultanea e em pares dos grupos musculares
      temporais e masseteres em repouso, maxima intercuspidacao habitual e durante
      mastigacao de alimento previamente classificado. Resultados:: Foram analisados 39
      pacientes (59% feminino), media de idade de 27,1+5,7. O percentual de uso se
      concentrou em musculatura temporal, em faixa de 11-20% no sexo feminino (n=11;
      47,82%) referente a lateral esquerda e 15 (65,21%) na lateral direita. No
      masculino, nove (56,25%) na lateral esquerda e 12 (75,00%) na lateral direita. Em
      masseteres, tambem na faixa de 11-20% no sexo feminino (n=10; 43,48%) referente a
      lateral esquerda e 11 (47,83%) na lateral direita. No masculino, nove (56,25%) na
      lateral esquerda e oito (50,00%) na lateral direita. Conclusao:: Entre 40-50% da
      amostra houve variacao na atividade eletrica em masseteres e temporais, e, apos
      transformacao em valor percentual, facilitou-se a comparacao da carga de
      atividade eletrica utilizada entre o grupo, bem como obteve-se percentual de uso
      de fibras musculares envolvendo valores de 11-20%, representando uma faixa que se
      considera como referencial para o grupo estudado. O genero nao constituiu
      variavel em pacientes obesos morbidos.

PMID- 27683777
TI  - MASTICATORY FUNCTION OF OBESE CANDIDATES TO BARIATRIC SURGERY FROM DISTINCT
      SOCIOECONOMIC CLASSES.
AB  - Background:: Obesity and metabolic syndrome can be labeled as worldwide outbreak;
      thus, both have led to serious public health problem. Oral health can be worsened
      by both, obesity and metabolic syndrome. Tooth loss harms masticatory function,
      essential status to whom will be submitted to bariatric surgery. Aim:: Assess
      masticatory function of obese candidates to bariatric surgery, who belong to
      distinct socioeconomic class range, in order to recognize hazard factors and the
      bias of socioeconomic factor in this context. Methods:: Observational cross
      section study, with samples comprised by two groups of patients, with distinct
      socioeconomic class range, one of them belonging to public health system (SUSG)
      and the other to private clinic (CPG), candidates to bariatric surgery. Were
      assessed anthropometric data, comorbidities and medicines usage, blood tests,
      habits and the number of dental functional units. Results:: The groups SUSG and
      CPG were homogeneous taking into account gender (p=0,890) and age range
      (p=0,170). The number of dental functional units was higher in the private group
      (p<0.001). The impaired masticatory function was rather present among public
      group (p<0.001) and female gender (p<0,001). Regarded as blood tests, fasting
      glucose was higher in female in SUSG (p<0,001). The following hazard factors have
      corroborated to have patients rated as impaired masticatory function: belong to
      public service (OR: 8.420, p=0.003), higher age (OR: 1.186, p<0.001), female
      gender (OR: 0.153, p=0.029), diabetes mellitus (OR: 2.545, p=0.045) and smokers
      (OR: 2.951, p=0.043). Conclusion:: The general health and masticatory function of
      female SUSG were worse, highlighting the socioeconomic condition as hazard
      factor. Racional:: Obesidade e sindrome metabolica sao graves problemas de saude
      publica, com caracteristicas de epidemia mundial. A saude bucal e agravada por
      ambas as condicoes. Perda dentaria prejudica funcao mastigatoria, condicao
      essencial para o paciente que sera submetido a cirurgia bariatrica. Objetivo::
      Avaliar a funcao mastigatoria de pacientes obesos candidatos a cirurgia
      bariatrica pertencentes a dois servicos de saude com padroes socioeconomicos
      distintos, afim de identificar fatores de risco e a influencia do fator
      socioeconomico nesta condicao. Metodos:: Estudo observacional transversal, com
      amostra constituida por dois grupos de pacientes obesos, com condicoes
      socioeconomicas distintas, um pertencente ao sistema publico de saude (GSUS) e
      outro a clinica privada (GCP), candidatos a cirurgia bariatrica. Foram analisados
      dados antropometricos, comorbidades e uso de medicamentos para seu controle,
      exames laboratoriais, habitos e o numero de unidades funcionais dentarias
      presentes. Resultados:: Os grupos GSUS e GCP foram homogeneos quanto ao genero
      (p=0,890) e faixa etaria (p=0,170). A media de unidades funcionais dentarias foi
      maior no grupo privado (p<0,001). A funcao mastigatoria prejudicada foi mais
      presente no grupo GSUS e no genero feminino (p<0,001). Quanto aos exames
      laboratoriais: glicemia de jejum esteve mais alterada em mulheres do GSUS
      (p<0,001). Foram fatores de risco independentes para ter funcao mastigatoria
      prejudicada: ter origem no servico publico de saude (OR: 8,420 - p=0,003), maior
      idade (OR: 1,186 - p<0,001), ser do genero feminino (OR: 0,153 - p=0,029),
      portador de diabete melito (OR: 2,545 - p=0,045) e tabagista (OR: 2,951 -
      p=0,043). Conclusao:: A saude geral e funcao mastigatoria de mulheres do GSUS
      foram piores, ressaltando a condicao socioeconomica como fator de risco.

PMID- 27683778
TI  - ASSESSMENT OF BODY FAT IN OBESE PATIENTS PREOPERATIVELY FOR BARIATRIC SURGERY.
AB  - Background: : The study of body composition in patient candidates for bariatric
      surgery is directly related to the increase and distribution of body fat in the
      development of cardiovascular disease. Aim: : To correlate anthropometric
      indicators and bioelectrical impedance in the assessment of body fat in female
      candidates for bariatric surgery. Methods:: Cross-sectional, observational study
      of 88 women. The weight, height, body mass index and waist circumference data
      were evaluated in the anthropometric analysis. The body fat was determinate by
      bioelectrical impedance conducted according to the manufacturer's recommended
      technique with a specific severe obesity formula. The patients were divided into
      two subgroups according to the average waist circumference and body mass index
      for better analysis of the results. Results:: The group had a mean age of 39.7
      years (+/-7.2), average weight of 125.6 kg (+/-16.2), mean body mass index of
      48.7 kg/m2 (+/-6.4) and the mean waist circumference 137.6 cm (+/-12.4). Negative
      and significant relationship between BMI values waist circumference and
      resistance obtained by bioelectrical impedance were found. By analyzing the two
      groups the mean BMI and waist circumference, a significant relationship was
      observed, ie, the higher the degree of obesity less resistance was obtained by
      bioelectrical impedance. The higher is the obesity the lower is value found for
      resistance. Conclusion:: The increase of anthropometric indicators (BMI and waist
      circumference) determined reduction in resistance and reactance obtained by
      bioelectrical impedance analysis in obese women candidates to bariatric surgery.
      Racional:: O estudo da composicao corporal em pacientes candidatas a cirurgia
      bariatrica tem relacao direta com o aumento e distribuicao da gordura corporal e
      no desenvolvimento de doencas cardiovasculares. Objetivo:: Estudar a correlacao
      entre indicadores antropometricos e da bioimpedancia eletrica na avaliacao da
      gordura corporal em mulheres candidatas a cirurgia bariatrica. Metodos:: Estudo
      transversal, observacional com 88 pacientes. Na analise antropometrica foram
      avaliados os dados de peso, altura, IMC e circunferencia da cintura. Para
      bioimpedancia eletrica utilizou-se a tecnica recomendada pelo fabricante do
      aparelho e formula especifica para obeso grave na determinacao da gordura
      corporal. Para melhor analise dos resultados as pacientes foram divididas em dois
      subgrupos de acordo com a media de circunferencia da cintura e IMC. Resultados: :
      O grupo apresentou media de idade 39,7 anos (+/-7,2), media de peso 125,6 kg (+/
      16,2), media de IMC 48,7 kg/m2 (+/-6,4) e media de circunferencia da cintura
      137,6 cm (+/-12,4). Foram encontradas relacoes negativas e significativas entre
      os valores de IMC, circunferencia da cintura e a resistencia obtida atraves da
      bioimpedancia eletrica. Ao analisar os dois subgrupos de valores medios de IMC e
      circunferencia da cintura, observou-se relacao significativa, ou seja, quanto
      maior o grau de obesidade menor e a resistencia obtida atraves da bioimpedancia
      eletrica. Conclusao:: O aumento dos indicadores antropometricos (IMC e
      circunferencia da cintura) determinaram reducao nas variaveis resistencia e
      reatancia obtidas pela bioimpedancia eletrica em mulheres candidatas a cirurgia
      bariatrica.

PMID- 27683779
TI  - SERUM VITAMIN B12, IRON AND FOLIC ACID DEFICIENCIES IN OBESE INDIVIDUALS
      SUBMITTED TO DIFFERENT BARIATRIC TECHNIQUES.
AB  - Background:: Different surgical techniques to combat obesity combine
      malabsorption with restrictive procedures and can lead to metabolic problems,
      such as micronutrient deficiencies. Aim:: Assess vitamin B12, iron and folic acid
      deficiencies associated with the lifestyle of obese individuals having been
      submitted to different bariatric techniques. Methods:: A retrospective analysis
      was performed using the electronic charts of patients submitted to bariatric
      surgery involving adjustable gastric banding and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass at the
      Sao Joao Hospital Center in the city of Porto, Portugal, between 2005 and 2010.
      The following data were collected: surgical technique, sex, age, marital status,
      serum concentrations of vitamin B12, iron and folic acid and postoperative
      lifestyle. A 5% significance level was used for the statistical analysis
      (p<0.05). Results:: Among 286 individuals evaluated, females accounted for 90.9%
      of the overall sample (both techniques). Gastric banding was performed more
      (68.9%), but greater nutrient deficiencies were found following gastric bypass.
      Iron was the most prevalent deficiency (21.3%), followed by vitamin B12 (16.9%)
      and folic acid (4.5%). Mild to moderate alcohol intake, adherence to the diet and
      the use of multivitamins reduced the frequency, but did not avoid micronutrient
      deficiency. Conclusion: : Vitamin B12, iron and folic acid deficiencies were
      found in the first and second year following the two bariatric techniques
      analyzed and were more frequent among individuals submitted to gastric bypass.
      Racional:: As diferentes tecnicas da cirurgia da obesidade combinam ma absorcao
      com procedimentos restritivos e podem levar a complicacoes metabolicas, entre as
      quais se destacam as deficiencias de micronutrientes. Objetivo:: Avaliar a
      deficiencia de vitamina B12, ferro e acido folico e fatores associados ao estilo
      de vida de obesos submetidos a diferentes tecnicas cirurgicas. Metodos:: Analise
      retrospectiva dos prontuarios eletronicos de pacientes submetidos a cirurgia
      bariatrica pelas tecnicas de banda gastrica ajustavel e bypass gastrico em Y-de
      Roux, no Centro Hospitalar de Sao Joao, E.P.E., Porto - Portugal, no periodo de
      2005-2010. Foram coletadas: tecnica cirurgica, sexo, idade, estado civil,
      concentracoes sericas de vitamina B12, ferro e acido folico e o estilo de vida no
      pos-operatorio. Para analise estatistica foi utilizado nivel de significancia de
      5% (p< 0,05). Resultados:: Dentre os 286 individuos avaliados, houve predominio
      do sexo feminino (90,9%) em ambas as tecnicas cirurgicas, sendo a banda gastrica
      a mais realizada (68,9%); no entanto maiores deficiencias de micronutrientes
      foram detectadas apos o bypass gastrico. A deficiencia de micronutriente mais
      prevalente foi a de ferro (21,3%), seguida da vitamina B12 (16,9%) e do acido
      folico (4,5%). A ingestao de bebida alcoolica de leve-moderada, a adesao a dieta
      e o uso de polivitaminicos reduziu a frequencia, mas nao evitou a carencia de
      micronutrientes. Conclusao: : A deficiencia de vitamina B12, ferro e acido folico
      foi observada durante o primeiro e o segundo anos apos as duas tecnicas
      avaliadas, sendo mais frequente nos pacientes submetidos ao bypass gastrico.

PMID- 27683780
TI  - PRE- AND POSTOPERATIVE IN BARIATRIC SURGERY: SOME BIOCHEMICAL CHANGES.
AB  - Background:: The bariatric surgery may cause some nutritional deficiencies. Aim:
      : To compare the serum levels of biochemical markers, in iimmediate post-surgical
      patients who were submitted to bariatric surgery. Methods: : Non-concurrent
      prospective cross-sectional study. The analysis investigated data in medical
      charts of pre-surgical and immediate post-surgical patients who were submitted to
      bariatric surgery, focusing total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol,
      triglycerides, C reactive protein, vitamin B12 levels, folic acid, homocysteine
      values, iron and serum calcium at the referred period. Results: : Twenty-nine
      patients of both genders were evaluated. It was observed weight loss from 108.53
      kg to 78.69 kg after the procedure. The variable LDL-c had a significant
      difference, decreasing approximately 30.3 mg/dl after the surgery. The vitamin
      B12 serum average levels went from 341.9 pg/ml to 667.2 pg/ml. The triglycerides
      values were in a range of 129.6 mg/dl-173.3 mg/dl, and 81.9 mg/dl-105.3 mg/dl at
      the pre- and postoperative respectively. CRP levels fall demonstrated reduction
      of inflammatory activity. The variable homocysteine was tested in a paired manner
      and it did not show a significant changing before or after, although it showed a
      strong correlation with LDL cholesterol. Conclusion: : Eligible patients to
      bariatric surgery frequently present pre-nutritional deficiencies, having
      increased post-surgical risks when they don't follow an appropriate nutritional
      follow-up. Racional: : A cirurgia bariatrica pode causar deficiencias
      nutricionais. Objetivo: : Comparar os niveis sericos bioquimicos de pacientes
      submetidos a cirurgia bariatrica no pre e pos-operatorio precoce. Metodos: :
      Estudo transversal, retrospectivo nao concorrente. A analise considerou a
      investigacao de prontuarios de pacientes submetidos a gastroplastia no periodo
      pre-operatorio e pos-operatorio precoce, analisando resultado bioquimicos de
      colesterol total, HDL colesterol, LDL colesterol, triglicerides, proteina C
      reativa, dosagens de vitamina B12, acido folico, valores de homocisteina, ferro e
      calcio sericos, no referido periodo. Resultados: : Compuseram a amostra 29
      pacientes de ambos os sexos. Houve reducao de peso apos o procedimento cirurgico
      com media de 108,53 kg para 78,69 kg. A variavel LDL-c apresentou diferenca
      significativa com diminuicao de aproximadamente 30,3 mg/dl apos a gastroplastia.
      Com relacao a media de niveis sericos de vitamina B12 ela passou de 341,9 pg/ml
      para 667,2 pg/ml. Os valores de triglicerides encontravam-se na faixa de 129,6
      mg/dl-173,3 mg/dl, e 81,9 mg/dl-105,3 mg/dl no pre e pos-cirurgico,
      respectivamente. Foi evidenciada reducao da atividade inflamatoria verificada
      mediante queda dos niveis de PCR. A variavel homocisteina foi avaliada de maneira
      pareada e nao apresentou mudanca significativa no antes e depois, havendo,
      contudo, forte correlacao com o LDL-colesterol. Conclusao: : Pacientes candidatos
      a cirurgia bariatrica frequentemente apresentam deficiencias nutricionais
      anteriores ao procedimento com riscos aumentados no periodo pos-cirurgico quando
      nao aderem ao acompanhamento nutricional adequado.

PMID- 27683781
TI  - EARLY POSTOPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS IN ROUX-EN-Y GASTRIC BYPASS.
AB  - Background: : Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is one of the most common bariatric
      surgery and leads to considerable weight loss in the first months. Aim: : To
      quantify the main early postoperative complications in patients submitted to the
      gastric bypass. Method: : Observational retrospective cohort. Data of 1051
      patients with class II obesity associated with comorbidities or class III obesity
      submitted to the gastric bypass with 30 days of follow-up starting from the date
      of the surgery. Results:: The age average was 36 years with a predominance of
      females (81.1%). The mean preoperative body mass index was 43 kg/m2. The major
      complication was fistula (2.3%), followed by intestinal obstruction (0.5%) and
      pulmonary embolism (0.5%). Death occurred in 0.6% of the cases. Conclusion:: In
      the period of 30 days after surgery the overall complication rate was 3.8%;
      reoperation was necessary in 2.6% and death occurred in 0.6%. Fistula was the
      main complication and the leading cause of hospitalization in intensive care
      unit, reoperation and death. Racional:: Bypass gastrico em Y-de-Roux e uma das
      operacoes bariatricas mais comuns e leva a perdas consideraveis de peso ja nos
      primeiros meses. Objetivo:: Quantificar as principais complicacoes pos
      operatorias precoces em pacientes submetidos ao bypass gastrico. Metodo:: Coorte
      retrospectiva observacional. Amostra de 1051 pacientes portadores de obesidade
      grau II associada a comorbidades ou grau III submetidos ao bypass gastrico com
      acompanhamento de 30 dias a partir da data da operacao. Resultados:: A idade
      media dos pacientes foi de 36 anos com predominancia de mulheres (81,1%). O
      indice de massa corporal pre-operatorio medio foi de 43 kg/m2. A principal
      complicacao foi fistula (2,3%), seguida de obstrucao intestinal (0,5%) e
      tromboembolismo pulmonar (0,5%). Obito ocorreu em 0,6% dos casos. Conclusao:: No
      periodo de 30 dias de pos-operatorio a taxa geral de complicacoes foi de 3,8%; a
      de reoperacao de 2,6% e obito em 0,6%. A fistula foi a principal complicacao e a
      principal causa de internamento em unidade de terapia intensiva, de reoperacao e
      de obito.

PMID- 27683782
TI  - KNEE ARTHROSCOPIC VISIBILITY ALTERATIONS IN OBESE AND NON-OBESE PATIENTS.
AB  - Background:: Obesity is a chronic disease and has become the most prevalent
      public health problem worldwide. The impact of obesity on knee is strong and the
      BMI is correlated with the different alterations. Aim:: Compare surgical
      visualization of arthroscopic field in partial meniscectomy in obese and non
      obese. Method:: Sixty patients were selected, 30 obese and 30 non-obese who
      underwent arthroscopic partial meniscectomy. The arthroscopic surgical procedures
      were recorded and analyzed. For the analysis of visualization was used the
      Johnson's classification (2000). Results:: Were analyzed 48 men and 12 women, the
      average age was 42.9 years with BMI between 21.56 to 40.14 kg/m2. The
      distribution of visibility of the surgical field according to the classification
      was: grade 1 - 38/60 (63.3%); grade 2 - 13/60 (21.6%); grade 3 - 6/60 (10%);
      grade 4 - 3/60 (5%). Conclusion:: Knee arthroscopy did not show a significant
      difference in the visibility of arthroscopic field in obese and non-obese
      patients. Thus, it should not be indicated as the preferred method of diagnostic
      evaluation of joint changes in these patients. Racional: : A obesidade e doenca
      cronica e tem se tornado o problema de saude publica mais prevalente em todo
      mundo. O impacto dela no joelho e grande e o IMC esta correlacionado com as
      diferentes alteracoes existentes. Objetivo: : Comparar a visualizacao do campo
      videoartroscopico na meniscectomia parcial de joelho em pacientes obesos e nao
      obesos. Metodo: : Foram selecionados 60 pacientes, sendo 30 obesos e 30 nao
      obesos que realizaram meniscectomia parcial videoartroscopica. Os procedimentos
      videoartroscopicos foram gravados e posteriormente analisados. Foi utilizada na
      analise a classificacao de visibilidade do campo videoartroscopico de Johnson
      (2000). Resultados: : Foram analisados 48 homens e 12 mulheres com idade media de
      42,9 anos e IMC de 21,56 a 40,14 kg/m2. A distribuicao da visibilidade do campo
      cirurgico foi: grau 1 - 38/60 (63,3%); grau 2 - 13/60 (21,6%); grau 3 - 6/60
      (10%); grau 4 - 3/60 (5%). Conclusao:: A artroscopia de joelho nao demonstrou
      diferenca significativa quanto a visualizacao do campo videoartroscopico em
      pacientes obesos e nao obesos. Desta forma, nao deve ser indicada como metodo
      preferencial de avaliacao diagnostica das alteracoes articulares nesses
      pacientes.

PMID- 27683783
TI  - SAFETY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF SINGLE ANASTOMOSIS DUODENAL SWITCH PROCEDURE:
      PRELIMINARY RESULT FROM A SINGLE INSTITUTION.
AB  - Background:: Single anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy
      (SADI-S) was introduced into bariatric surgery by Sanchez-Pernaute et al. as an
      advancement of the biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. Aim:: To
      evaluate the SADI-S procedure with regard to weight loss, comorbidity resolution,
      and complication rate in the super obese population. Methods: : A retrospective
      chart review was performed on initial 72 patients who underwent laparoscopic or
      robot-assisted laparoscopic SADI-S between December 17th, 2013 and July 29th,
      2015. Results: : A total of 48 female and 21 male patients were included with a
      mean age of 42.4+/-10.0 years (range, 22-67). The mean body mass index (BMI) at
      the time of procedure was 58.4+/-8.3 kg/m2 (range, 42.3-91.8). Mean length of
      hospital stay was 4.3+/-2.6 days (range, 3-24). Thirty-day readmission rate was
      4.3% (n=3), due to tachycardia (n=1), deep venous thrombosis (n=1), and viral
      gastroenteritis (n=1). Thirty-day reoperation rate was 5.8% (n=4) for perforation
      of the small bowel (n=1), leakage (n=1), duodenal stump leakage (n=1), and
      diagnostic laparoscopy (n=1). Percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) was 28.5+/
      8.8 % (range, 13.3-45.0) at three months (n=28), 41.7+/-11.1 % (range, 19.6-69.6)
      at six months (n=50), and 61.6+/-12.0 % (range, 40.1-91.2) at 12 months (n=23)
      after the procedure. A total of 18 patients (26.1%) presented with type II
      diabetes mellitus at the time of surgery. Of these patients, 9 (50.0%) had their
      diabetes resolved, and six (33.3%) had it improved by 6-12 months after SADI-S.
      Conclusions: : SADI-S is a feasible operation with a promising weight loss and
      diabetes resolution in the super-obese population. Racional: : Anastomose unica
      em bypass duodenoileal com gastrectomia vertical (SADI-S) foi introduzida na
      cirurgia bariatrica por Sanchez-Pernaute et al. como um avanco da derivacao
      biliopancreatica com switch duodenal. Objetivo:: Avaliar o procedimento SADI-S no
      que diz respeito a perda de peso, resolucao de comorbidades e taxa de
      complicacoes na populacao de superobesos. Metodos:: Estudo retrospectivo com 72
      pacientes iniciais que foram submetidos a laparoscopia ou por robo-assistida SADI
      S laparoscopica entre 17 de dezembro de 2013 e 29 de Julho de 2015. Resultados::
      Foram incluidos 48 pacientes do sexo feminino e 21 do masculino com media idade
      de 42,4+/-10,0 anos (variacao, 22-67). O indice de massa corporal (IMC) no
      momento do procedimento foi de 58,4+/-8,3 kg/m2 (42,3-91,8). O tempo medio de
      permanencia hospitalar foi de 4,3+/-2,6 dias (3-24). A taxa de readmissao em 30
      dias foi de 4,3% (n=3), devido a taquicardia (n=1), trombose venosa profunda
      (n=1), e gastroenterite viral (n=1). A taxa de reoperacao em 30 dias foi de 5,8%
      (n=4) para a perfuracao do intestino delgado (n=1), fistula (n=1), deiscencia do
      coto duodenal (n=1), e laparoscopia de diagnostico (n=1). Percentagem de excesso
      de perda de peso (% PEP) foi de 28,5+/-8,8% (13,3-45,0) em tres meses (n=28),
      41,7+/-11,1% (19,6-69,6) em seis meses (n=50), e 61,6+/-12,0% (40,1-91,2) aos 12
      meses (n=23) apos o procedimento. Um total de 18 pacientes (26,1%) apresentou-se
      com diabete melito tipo 2, no momento da operacao. Desses, nove (50,0%) tiveram
      seu diabete resolvido, e seis (33,3%) tinham melhorado em 6-12 meses apos SADI-S.
      Conclusoes:: SADI-S e operacao viavel com promissora perda de peso e de resolucao
      do diabete melito na populacao de superobesos.

PMID- 27683785
TI  - SIMPLIFIED LAPAROSCOPIC GASTRIC BYPASS WITH GASTROJEJUNAL LINEAR MECHANICAL
      ANASTOMOSIS: TECHNICAL ASPECTS.
AB  - Background:: Gastric bypass is a restrictive and malabsorptive surgery. The
      restrictive part consists in the creation of a small gastric pouch. The
      gastrointestinal bypass serves as the malabsorptive element. Aim: : To describe a
      simplified gastric bypass approach for morbid obese patients, showing our
      results, and also remarking the importance of this technique for reducing the
      learning curve. Method:: The patient is positioned in a split legs position and
      carefully strapped to the operating room table, with the surgeon between the
      patient's legs. Five trocars are inserted after pneumoperitoneum at the
      umbilicus. Dissection of the esophagogastric angle and lesser curvature is
      mandatory before the gastric pouch manufacturing. This pouch is done with two
      blue load staplers. Using a blue load linear stapler inserted only half way into
      the hole in the pouch is used to perform the gastrojejunal anastomosis and in
      order to create an anastomosis that is about 2 cm in length. A side-to-side
      jejunojejunostomy is done with a white load linear stapler. The last step of the
      gastric bypass consists in the cut of the jejunum between the two anastomosis
      with a white load linear stapler. Blue test is performed in order to detect
      leaks. Results: : From January 2012 to December 2015, 415 simplified RYGB were
      performed. Gender: 67% female and 33 % males. Average of BMI 44.7. Mean age was
      42 years old. Mean operative time 79 min. 39 % of this sample had T2 diabetes.
      Regarding complications were observed, one fistula, one gastrojejunal stenosis
      and one obstruction due to a bezoar. Conclusion: : The described technique is a
      simplified approach in which all the anastomosis are performed in the upper part
      of the abdomen, allowing the surgeons to be more systematized and avoiding them
      to make mistakes in the confection of the Roux-en-Y anastomosis. This simplified
      gastric bypass is a safe and reproducible technique. Racional: : Bypass gastrico
      e cirurgia restritiva e malabsortiva. A parte restritiva consiste na criacao de
      uma pequena bolsa gastrica. O bypass gastrointestinal serve como o elemento
      malabsortivo. Objetivo: : Descrever uma abordagem de bypass gastrico simplificado
      para pacientes obesos morbidos, mostrando os resultados, e tambem destacando a
      importancia desta tecnica para reduzir a curva de aprendizagem. Metodo: : O
      paciente e posicionado em posicao de pernas abertas e cuidadosamente amarrado a
      mesa da sala de operacao com o cirurgiao entre as pernas. Cinco trocarteres sao
      inseridos apos pneumoperitonio no umbigo. Disseccao do angulo esofagogastrico e
      curvatura menor e obrigatoria antes da realizacao da bolsa gastrica. Esta bolsa e
      feita com dois grampeadores de carga azuis. Usando um grampeador carga linear
      azul inserido apenas a meio caminho para dentro do orificio na bolsa e executada
      a anastomose gastrojejunal a fim de criar anastomose de cerca de 2 cm de
      comprimento. Jejunojejunostomia laretolateral e feita com um grampeador carga
      linear branca. A ultima etapa do bypass gastrico consiste no corte do jejuno
      entre as duas anastomoses com um grampeador carga linear branco. Teste de azul e
      realizado de modo a detectar vazamentos. Resultados: : De janeiro de 2012 a
      dezembro de 2015, foram realizadas 415 RYGB simplificadas. Genero: 67% homens e
      33% mulheres. A media do IMC foi de 44,7 e a de idade 42 anos. A media de tempo
      operatorio foi de 79 min. 39% desta amostra tinha diabete melito tipo 2. Quanto
      as complicacoes foram observadas uma fistula, uma estenose gastrojejunal e uma
      obstrucao devido a bezoar. Conclusao: : A tecnica descrita e uma abordagem
      simplificada, na qual todas as anastomoses sao realizadas na parte superior do
      abdome, permitindo aos cirurgioes serem mais sistematizados e evitando cometerem
      erros na confeccao da anastomose em Y-de-Roux. Este bypass gastrico simplificado
      e tecnica segura e reprodutivel.

PMID- 27683784
TI  - SADI-S WITH RIGHT GASTRIC ARTERY LIGATION: TECHNICAL SYSTEMATIZATION AND EARLY
      RESULTS.
AB  - Background:: Bariatric surgery is performed all over the world with close to
      500.000 procedures per year. The most performed techniques are Roux-en-Y gastric
      bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. Despite this data, the most effective procedure,
      biliopancreatic diversion with or without duodenal switch, represents only no
      more than 1.5% of the procedures. Technical complexity, morbidity, mortality, and
      severe nutritional adverse effects related to the procedure are the main fears
      that prevent most universal acceptance. Aim:: To explain the technical aspects
      and the benefits of the SADI-S with right gastric artery ligation as an effective
      simplification from the original duodenal switch. Methods:: Were included all
      patients undergoing this procedure from the November 2014 to May 2016, describing
      and analysing aspects of this technique, the systematization and early
      complications associated with the procedure. Results:: A series of 67 patients
      were operated; 46 were women (68.7%); mean age of the group was 44 years old (33
      56); and an average BMI of 53.5 kg/m2 (50-63.5). Surgical time was 115 min (80
      180). A total of five patients (7.5%) had any complication and two (2.9%) had to
      be reoperated. There were two patients with leak, one at the duodenal stump and
      other at the esophagogastric angle. There was no mortality. Patients stayed at
      the hospital a median of 2.5 days (1-25). Conclusions:: SADI-S with right gastric
      artery ligation is a safe procedure with few preliminary complications. The
      technical variations introduced to the classical duodenal switch are reproducible
      and may allow this procedure to be more popular. All the complications in this
      series were not related to the ligation of the right gastric artery. Racional::
      Cerca de 500.000 cirurgias bariatricas sao realizadas a cada ano em todo o mundo.
      As tecnicas mais realizadas sao o bypass gastrico em Y-de-Roux e a gastrectomia
      vertical. A derivacao biliopancreatica, com ou sem duodenal switch, e considerada
      tecnica mais eficaz no tratamento cirurgico do paciente obeso morbido;
      entretanto, representa nao mais do que 1,5% dos procedimentos na atualidade, pois
      sua complexidade tecnica, morbimortalidade e graves efeitos adversos nutricionais
      impedem aceitacao mais universal. Objetivo:: Descrever os aspectos tecnicos e os
      beneficios do SADI-S com ligadura da arteria gastrica direita como um modo
      simplificado do duodenal switch original. Metodos:: Foram incluidos todos os
      pacientes submetidos a este procedimento entre novembro 2014 e maio de 2016. Alem
      da descricao da sistematizacao da tecnica operatoria, foram analisadas as
      complicacoes precoces associadas ao procedimento. Resultados:: Uma serie de 67
      pacientes foi operada no periodo analisado; 46 eram mulheres (68,7%) e a media de
      idade foi de 44 anos (33-56). O IMC medio foi de 53,5 kg/m2 (50-63,5). O tempo
      cirurgico medio foi de 115 min (80-180) e a permanencia hospitalar media foi de
      2,5 dias (1-25). Complicacoes foram observadas em cinco pacientes (7,5%) e dois
      (2,9%) tiveram de ser reoperados. Duas pacientes evoluiram com fistula, uma no
      coto duodenal e outra na juncao esofagogastrica. Nao houve mortalidade.
      Conclusao:: SADI-S com ligadura da arteria gastrica direita e procedimento seguro
      com poucas complicacoes precoces. A simplificacao tecnica em relacao ao duodenal
      switch classico pode permitir que este procedimento se torne mais popular. Todas
      as complicacoes observadas nesta serie nao estavam relacionadas com a ligadura da
      arteria gastrica direita.

PMID- 27683786
TI  - ENDOSCOPIC SLEEVE GASTROPLASTY - MINIMALLY INVASIVE THERAPY FOR PRIMARY OBESITY
      TREATMENT.
AB  - Background: : Less invasive and complex procedures have been developed to treat
      obesity. The successful use of Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty using OverStitch(r)
      (Apollo Endosurgery, Austin, Texas, USA) has been reported in the literature.
      Aim: : Present technical details of the procedure and its surgical/ endoscopic
      preliminary outcome. Method: : The device was used to perform plications along
      the greater curvature of the stomach, creating a tubulization similar to a sleeve
      gastrectomy. Result:: A male patient with a BMI of 35.17 kg/m2 underwent the
      procedure, with successful achievement of four plications, and preservation of
      gastric fundus. The procedure was successfully performed in 50 minutes, time
      without bleeding or other complications. The patient presented mild abdominal
      pain and good acceptance of liquid diet. Conclusions: : The endoscopic
      gastroplasty procedure was safe, with acceptable technical viability, short in
      duration and without early complications. Racional: : Procedimentos menos
      invasivos e complexos tem sido desenvolvidos para o tratamento da obesidade. A
      gastroplastia vertical endoscopica com uso de OverStitch(r) (Apollo Endosurgery,
      Austin, TX, EUA) ja foi relatada com sucesso na literatura. Objetivo: :
      Apresentar detalhes tecnicos do procedimento e seu resultado
      cirurgico/endoscopico preliminar. Metodo: : O equipamento foi utilizado para
      realizar plicaturas ao longo da grande curvatura gastrica, objetivando
      tubulizacao do estomago semelhante a gastrectomia vertical. Resultado: : O metodo
      foi aplicado em paciente com IMC 35,17 kg/m2, sendo realizadas quatro plicaturas,
      preservando o fundo gastrico. O procedimento foi realizado com sucesso em 50 min,
      sem sangramento ou outras complicacoes. O paciente evoluiu com dor abdominal
      leve, e teve boa aceitacao de dieta liquida. Conclusao: : A realizacao da
      gastroplastia endoscopica foi segura, com viabilidade tecnica aceitavel e
      reprodutivel, com curto tempo de procedimento, sem complicacoes precoces.

PMID- 27683787
TI  - PROPOSAL OF A REVISIONAL SURGERY TO TREAT SEVERE NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCY POST
      GASTRIC BYPASS.
AB  - Background: The gastric bypass has nutritional and electrolyte disturbances rate
      of approximately 17%. The most common deficits are protein malnutrition, ferric
      and zinc, in addition to the vitamin. Although rare, some malnutrition stages
      reach such severity that ends up being necessary hospitalization and sometimes
      revisional or reversal surgical procedures. Aim: : To present a proposal of
      surgical revision for treatment of severe malnutrition after bariatric surgery.
      Methods: : The procedure is to reconstitute the food transit through the duodenum
      and proximal jejunum, keeping the gastric bypass restrictive component. As an
      additional strategy, the gastric fundus resection is performed, aiming to
      intensify the suppression of the greline and avoiding excessive weight regain.
      Results: : After initial stabilization, nutritional and electrolytic support, the
      procedure was performed in two patients as definitive treatment of malnutrition
      status. Good results were observed at one year follow up. Conclusion: : As
      improvement option and/or resolution of the nutritional alterations, surgical
      therapy is one of the alternatives. There is still no consensus on the surgical
      technique to be performed. This procedure is based on pathophysiological factors
      for the treatment of this condition, with good initial results, without
      significant clinical alterations. Longer follow-up will determine its
      effectiveness. Racional: : O bypass gastrico consta com taxa de disturbios
      nutricionais e eletroliticos de aproximadamente 17%. Os deficits mais frequentes
      sao a desnutricao proteica, ferrica e de zinco, alem das vitaminicas. Apesar de
      raros, alguns quadros de desnutricao atingem tal gravidade que acaba sendo
      indicada internacao e, por vezes, procedimentos cirurgicos revisionais ou de
      reversao. Objetivo: : Apresentar proposta de cirurgia revisional para tratamento
      de desnutricao severa apos bypass gastrico. Metodos: : O procedimento consiste em
      reconstituir o transito alimentar pelo duodeno e jejuno proximal, mantendo o
      componente restritivo do bypass gastrico. Como estrategia adicional, e realizada
      resseccao do fundo gastrico, visando intensificar a supressao da grelina e
      evitando reganho excessivo de peso. Resultado: : Apos estabilizacao inicial com
      suporte hidroeletrlitico e nutricional, o procedimento foi realizado em dois
      pacientes como tratamento definitivo do quadro de desnutricao. Bons resultados
      foram observados em seguimento de um ano. Conclusao: : Como opcao de melhora e/ou
      resolucao da defasagem nutricional, a terapia cirurgica e uma das alternativas.
      Ainda nao ha consenso quanto a tecnica a ser utilizada. O procedimento aqui
      apresentado e baseado em fatores fisiopatologicos para o tratamento desta
      condicao, com bons resultados iniciais, sem efeitos colaterais significativos.
      Seguimento de mais longo prazo e necessario para determinacao de sua eficacia.

PMID- 27683788
TI  - THE ROLE OF METABOLIC SURGERY FOR PATIENTS WITH OBESITY GRADE I AND TYPE 2
      DIABETES NOT CONTROLLED CLINICALLY.
AB  - Introduction: Even considering the advance of the medical treatment in the last
      20 years with new and more effective drugs, the outcomes are still disappointing
      as the control of obesity and type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) with a large number
      of patients under the medical treatment still not reaching the desired outcomes.
      Objective: : To present a Metabolic Risk Score to better guide the surgical
      indication for T2DM patients with body mass index (BMI) where surgery for obesity
      is still controversial. Method: : Research was conducted in Pubmed, Medline,
      Pubmed Central, Scielo and Lilacs between 2003-2015 correlating headings:
      metabolic surgery, obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. In addition,
      representatives of the societies involved, as an expert panel, issued opinions.
      Results: : Forty-five related articles were analyzed by evidence-based medicine
      criteria. Grouped opinions sought to answer the following questions: Why
      metabolic and not bariatric surgery?; Mechanisms involved in glycemic control;
      BMI as a single criterion for surgical indication for uncontrolled T2DM; Results
      of metabolic surgery studies in BMI<35 kg/m2; Safety of metabolic surgery in
      patients with BMI<35 kg/m2; Long-term effects of surgery in patients with
      baseline BMI<35 kg/m2 and Proposal for a Metabolic Risk Score. Conclusion: :
      Metabolic surgery has well-defined mechanisms of action both in experimental and
      human studies. Gastrointestinal interventions in T2DM patients with IMC<=35 kg/m2
      has similar safety and efficacy when compared to groups with greater BMIs,
      leading to the improvement of diabetes in a superior manner than clinical
      treatment and lifestyle changes, in part through weight loss independent
      mechanisms . There is no correlation between baseline BMI and weight loss in the
      long term with the success rate after any surgical treatment. Gastrointestinal
      surgery treatment may be an option for patients with T2DM without adequate
      clinical control, with a BMI between 30 and 35, after thorough evaluation
      following the parameters detailed in Metabolic Risk Score defined by the surgical
      societies. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), because of its well known safety and
      efficacy and longer follow-up studies, is the main surgical technique indicated
      for patients eligible for surgery through the Metabolic Risk Score. The vertical
      sleeve gastrectomy may be considered if there is an absolute contraindication for
      the RYGB. T2DM patients should be evaluated by the multiprofessional team that
      will assess surgical eligibility, preoperative work up, follow up and long term
      monitoring for micro and macrovascular complications. Introducao:: Mesmo
      considerando o avanco do tratamento clinico ocorrido nos ultimos 20 anos, com
      novos e mais eficientes medicamentos, os dados ainda sao desanimadores quanto ao
      controle da obesidade e da diabete melito tipo 2 (DMT2),com grande parcela de
      doentes em tratamento clinico ficando fora da meta desejada de controle.
      Objetivo:: Apresentar proposta de Escore de Risco Metabolico para melhor orientar
      a indicacao cirurgica do diabete em pacientes com indice de massa corporea (IMC)
      mais baixo nos quais o uso de procedimento cirurgico para obesidade ainda e
      controverso. Metodo:: Foi realizada pesquisa nas bases de dados Pubmed, Medline,
      Pubmed Central, Scielo e Lilacs entre 2003-2015 correlacionando os
      descritores:cirurgia metabolica, obesidade e diabete melito tipo 2.
      Adicionalmente, representantes das sociedades envolvidas emitiram opinioes em
      pontos nos quais nao existia na literatura trabalhos com graus de evidencia
      elevados. Resultados:: Foram encontrados 45 artigos relacionados que foram
      analisados pelos criterios da medicina baseada em evidencias. As opinioes
      agrupadas procuraram responder as seguintes questoes: Porque cirurgia metabolica
      e nao bariatrica?; Mecanismos envolvidos no controle glicemico; IMC como criterio
      isolado de indicacao cirurgica para o DMT2 nao controlado; Resultados de estudos
      de cirurgia metabolica em IMC<35 kg/m2; Seguranca da cirurgia metabolica em
      pacientes com IMC<35 kg/m2; Efeitos em longo prazo da cirurgia em pacientes com
      IMC inicial <35 kg/m2; Proposta de Escore de Risco Metabolico. Conclusao:: A
      cirurgia metabolica tem mecanismos de acao bem definidos tanto em estudos
      experimentais quanto em seres humanos. As intervencoes gastrointestinais em
      diabeticos com IMC<=35 kg/m2 possuem seguranca e eficacia semelhantes aos grupos
      com IMCs maiores, levando a melhora do diabete de forma superior aos tratamentos
      clinicos e mudancas de estilo de vida, em parte atraves de mecanismos
      independentes da perda ponderal. Nao ha correlacao entre o IMC inicial e perda
      ponderal em longo prazo com os indices de sucesso do tratamento cirurgico. O
      tratamento cirurgico e opcao para os pacientes portadores de DMT2 sem adequado
      controle clinico, com IMC entre 30 e 35, apos minuciosa avaliacao seguindo os
      parametros dispostos no Escore de Risco Metabolico aqui proposto. DGYR e a
      tecnica indicada para os pacientes selecionados no Escore, existindo a
      possibilidade de indicacao da gastrectomia vertical para os casos em que exista
      contraindicacao para ela. O paciente deve ser avaliado por equipe
      multiprofissional envolvida na indicacao, preparo e acompanhamento apos as
      operacoes e acompanhados com monitorizacao de complicacoes micro e
      macrovasculares.

PMID- 27683791
TI  - PATHOPHYSIOLOGY, DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENTOF DUMPING SYNDROME AND ITS RELATION TO
      BARIATRIC SURGERY.
AB  - Introduction: The dumping syndrome is frequent in bariatric surgery. It is
      probably the most common syndrome following partial or complete gastrectomy. Its
      prevalence in partial gastrectomy can reach up to 50%, thus it can be a
      significant complication arising from some types of bariatric surgeries.
      Objective: : Critical analysis on dumping syndrome, its pathophysiology,
      diagnosis and treatment. Methods: : A literature review was performed using the
      key words: 'dumping syndrome', 'bariatric surgery' and 'rapid dumping syndrome'.
      Inclusion criteria were: books, original works, case reports and meta-analyzes,
      and the exclusion criterion was literature review. Concerning the publication
      time, articles were screened between 1960 and May 2015. Results: : The dumping
      syndrome is complication arising from obesity surgeries, but also can be a result
      of vagus nerve damage. Diagnosis is done primarily through the use of
      questionnaires based on scores. Conclusion: : The Sigstad score and Arts survey
      are valid means for assessing the dumping syndrome. Initial therapy consists in
      the adoption of dietary measures, short acting drugs administration. Introducao:
      : A sindrome de dumping e frequente apos operacoes bariatricas. E, provavelmente,
      a mais comum das sindromes que sucedem gastrectomias parciais ou completas. Sua
      prevalencia, em gastrectomias parciais pode chegar a ate 50%, tornando-se assim
      complicacao significante em alguns tipos de operacoes bariatricas. Objetivo: :
      Realizar analise critica sobre a sindrome de dumping em sua fisiopatologia,
      diagnostico e tratamento. Metodos: : Foi realizada revisao bibliografica
      utilizando os descritores: 'sindrome de dumping', 'cirurgia bariatrica' e
      'sindrome do esvaziamento rapido'. Os criterios de inclusao foram: livros,
      trabalhos originais, relatos de caso e metanalises; excluiram-se as revisoes
      bibliograficas. Quanto ao tempo de publicacao, foram selecionados artigos entre
      1960 e maio de 2015. Resultados: : A sindrome de dumping e complicacao
      gastrointestinal oriunda de operacoes para obesidade, mas tambem pode ocasionar
      se como consequencia de danos no nervo vago. Seu diagnostico e realizado
      primordialmente atraves da aplicacao de questionarios baseados em pontuacoes.
      Conclusao: : O escore de Sigstad e questionario de Arts sao meios validos para
      avaliacao da sindrome de dumping. A terapia inicial consiste na adocao de medidas
      dieteticas, ou farmacos administraveis de acao curta.

PMID- 27683789
TI  - TENDINOPATHY AND OBESITY.
AB  - Introduction: : Tendinopathies and tendon tears account for over 30% of all
      musculoskeletal consultations. Obesity, which is becoming one of the world's most
      prevalent public health issues, may be associated with this condition. Objective:
      : To review the literature about tendinopathies and obesity association. Methods:
      : This is a descriptive exploratory study using the portal Medline. Literature in
      English language from 2006 to 2014 were reviewed. Results: : The pathogenesis of
      tendinopathies includes inflammatory, regenerative and degenerative processes
      that happen simultaneously from early to late phases of the disease. Mechanical
      stress upon tendons seems to be one of the most important factors to initiate the
      inflammatory response, but it's not the only one that can deflagrate it: there
      are other extrinsic, genetic and metabolic factors that may be involved.
      Therefore, tendinopathies in obese patients can be due to tendon overload because
      of the excess of weight, but also because of increased production of pro
      inflammatory mediators related to fat tissue such as adipokines. This pro
      inflammatory state that obese people can suffer is known as adiposopathy, or sick
      fat syndrome. Weight loss is associated with decrease in adipokines and
      improvement of musculoskeletal symptoms. Conclusion: : The relation of obesity
      and tendinopathies is supported by evidences of recent studies, exemplified in
      this review of literature. Introducao: : As tendinopatias e as fissuras em
      tendoes respondem por 30% de todas as consultas medicas. A obesidade, que esta se
      tornando um dos problemas de saude publica mais prevalentes no mundo, pode estar
      associada com esta condicao. Objetivo: Revisar a literatura acerca da associacao
      entre obesidade e tendinopatias. Metodos: : Este e um estudo exploratorio e
      descritivo utilizando artigos em lingua inglesa do portal medico Medline, do
      periodo de 2006 a 2014. Resultados: : Na patogenese das tendinopatias incluem-se
      elementos inflamatorios, regenerativos e degenerativos que aparecem de maneira
      simultanea em todos os estagios da doenca. O estresse mecanico sobre os tendoes
      parece ser um dos mais importantes na promocao do processo inflamatorio inicial.
      Todavia nao e o unico. Existem fatores ambientais, geneticos e metabolicos
      atuando de maneira ativa. Portanto, as tendinopatias em individuos obesos podem
      se dever a sobrecarga mecanica pelo excesso de peso, mas, tambem, pelo aumento na
      producao de mediadores pro-inflamatorios relacionados ao tecido adiposo, como as
      adipocinas. O estado pro-inflamatorio existente no individuo obeso e conhecido
      como adiposopatia ou sindrome da "gordura doente". A perda de peso esta associada
      com decrescimo das adipocinas e diminuicao da sintomatologia musculoesqueletica.
      Conclusao: : A associacao da obesidade com tendinopatias tem sido fundamentada em
      estudos recentes como os desta revisao de literatura.

PMID- 27683790
TI  - THE ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION IS AMENDED AFTER BARIATRIC SURGERY? AN INTEGRATIVE
      REVIEW.
AB  - Background: Bariatric surgery has been an alternative when conservative methods
      of weight loss fail. Patients undergoing bariatric surgery have an increased risk
      of up to 6.5% of problems related to alcohol. Objective: : Integrative review out
      to analyze the change of alcohol consumption in this public. Method: : Database
      was accessed from June of 2015 to January of 2016 by searching "bariatric
      surgery" AND "alcoholism", and their Portuguese equivalents. ScienceDirect,
      PubMed, Lilacs and Medline, besides manual search, were searched. To be included,
      the paper should have been published between 2005-2016 and related to bariatric
      surgery and alcoholism. Theses, dissertations, unpublished papers, case reports
      and theoretical studies were excluded, and a database was subsequently composed.
      Results: : In 2005 there was only a review of change in alcohol metabolism in
      patients undergoing bariatric surgery. There were no publications in 2006. In
      2007, only one study was published, and it did not meet the inclusion criteria.
      In 2010, there was an increase of 13% in publications and of 20% in 2012,
      reaching 40% in 2013. Conclusion: : The prevalence and incidence of alcohol
      consumption in relation to the postoperative time was six months to three years
      with higher incidence for follow-up treatment by men. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
      showed greater association with increased consumption of alcohol during the
      postoperative period. Alcohol consumption proved to be essential to be faced in
      bariatric surgery. Introducao: A cirurgia bariatrica tem-se mostrado alternativa
      para o insucesso dos metodos conservadores de emagrecimento. Pacientes submetidos
      a ela tem 6,5% aumento do risco de terem problemas relacionados ao alcool.
      Objetivo: : Realizar revisao integrativa para verificar alteracao do consumo de
      alcool neste publico. Metodo: : A base de dados Science Direct, PubMed, Lilacs,
      Medline e busca manual foram acessadas entre os meses de junho de 2015 a janeiro
      de 2016 com os descritores "cirurgia bariatrica" e "alcoolismo" e equivalentes em
      ingles Os criterios de inclusao foram publicacoes entre junho de 2005 a janeiro
      de 2016 relacionadas a cirurgia bariatrica e ao consumo de alcool. Foram
      excluidas teses, dissertacoes, trabalhos nao publicados, relatos de casos e
      estudos teoricos. Resultados: : No ano de 2005 houve somente uma revisao
      relacionada a alteracao do metabolismo do alcool em pacientes submetidos a
      cirurgia bariatrica. Nao houve publicacoes em 2006. Em 2007, houve uma publicacao
      fora dos criterios desta revisao. Em 2010, observou-se aumento de 13% e 20% em
      2012, atingindo 40% em 2013. Conclusao: : A prevalencia e a incidencia do consumo
      de alcool em relacao ao tempo de pos-operatorio foi de seis meses a tres anos com
      maior seguimento do tratamento por homens. O bypass gastrico em Y-de-Roux
      apresentou maior associacao com o aumento do consumo de alcool durante o pos
      operatorio. O consumo de alcool e problema que deve ser enfrentado na realizacao
      da cirurgia bariatrica.

PMID- 27683792
TI  - IMPACT OF VITAMIN D AND CALCIUM DEFICIENCY IN THE BONES OF PATIENTS UNDERGOING
      BARIATRIC SURGERY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW.
AB  - Introduction: : Bariatric surgery is considered the most effective tool in the
      control and treatment of severe obesity, but patients undergoing this procedure
      are at increased risk of developing nutritional deficiencies by limiting the
      intake and absorption of many nutrients. Objective: : To assess the impact of
      vitamin D deficiency and calcium in bone in patients after gastric bypass in Roux
      en-Y, pointing directly at the type of administration, doses and effects after
      surgery. Method: : Was conducted a systematic review with articles related to the
      topic of the last 10 years searched in PubMed (US National Library of Medicine
      National Institutes of Health, Medline, Lilacs, Scielo and Cochrane using the
      headings "bariatric surgery", "bone", "obesity", "vitamin D '', "calcium" AND
      "absorption". Exclusion criteria to research on animals, smokers, pregnant women
      and patient treated with bisphosphonates. Results: : Five articles were included
      in this review. All refer that bariatric surgery can lead to nutritional
      deficiencies and poor absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins and other
      micronutrients such as calcium. Conclusion: : Patients submitted to RYGB should
      make use of multivitamins and minerals especially vitamin D and calcium to
      prevent bone fractures. Monitoring, treatment and control of risk factors are
      essential to prevent complications after this operation. Introducao: : A cirurgia
      bariatrica e considerada o tratamento mais eficaz no controle e tratamento da
      obesidade severa; porem, individuos submetidos a este procedimento apresentam
      maior risco de desenvolver deficiencias nutricionais pela limitacao na ingestao e
      absorcao de muitos nutrientes. Objetivo: : Avaliar o impacto da deficiencia de
      vitamina D e do calcio osseo de pacientes apos gastroplastia em Y-de-Roux,
      relacionando tipo de administracao, dose e efeito pos-cirurgico. Metodo: :
      Realizou-se revisao sistematica com artigos relacionados ao tema dos ultimos 10
      anos e pesquisados na PubMed (US National Library of Medicine National Institutes
      of Health, Medline, Lilacs, Scielo e Cochrane usando os descritores "bariatric
      surgery", "bone", "obesity", " vitamin D'', "calcium'' AND "absortion". Foram
      excluidos os estudos em animais, fumantes, gravidas ou gestantes e individuos que
      ingeriram bisfosfonatos. Resultados: : Foram incluidos ao final cinco artigos.
      Todos referem que a cirurgia bariatrica pode levar a deficiencias nutricionais
      como ma absorcao de gorduras, vitaminas lipossoluveis, micronutrientes e calcio.
      Conclusao: : Os pacientes submetidos ao RYGB devem fazer uso de polivitaminicos e
      minerais principalmente a vitamina D e o calcio para evitar fraturas osseas.
      Monitoramento, tratamento e controle dos fatores de risco sao essenciais para
      prevenir estas complicacoes apos a operacao.

PMID- 27683793
TI  - SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY IN PATIENTS WITH MORBID OBESITY AND HIV.
AB  - Introduction:: It is estimated that there are nearly 40 million people with the
      human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) worldwide. Due to the advent of antiretroviral
      drugs, it has been observed increasing in obesity and metabolic rates among
      patients undergoing treatment. Thus, numerous surgical therapies for weight loss
      are proposed for continuous improvement in health of patients with HIV, being the
      vertical gastrectomy an option for intact intestinal transit. Objective:: To
      evaluate the applicability of the vertical gastrectomy in patients with morbid
      obesity and HIV. Methods:: Was conducted a systematic review of the literature,
      in the electronic databases Scopus, Pubmed, Cinahl, Scielo, Cochrane and Lilacs,
      from 1998 to 2015. MeSH headings used in data collection were "Gastrectomy" and
      "Morbid obesity" being combined with the descriptor "HIV". Were found 2148
      articles in Scopus, 1234 in PubMed and 784 in Cinahl. The articles were analyzed
      by the Jadad Quality Scale, being reduced to 40 articles, subsequently reassessed
      using an elaborated form by the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP),
      reaching 12 articles in the end. Conclusion:: It was found that vertical
      gastrectomy constitutes a safe and effective method, with low mortality and low
      rate of postoperative complications, being recommended as surgical technique in
      patients with obesity, HIV and comorbidities. Introducao:: Estima-se que haja
      quase 40 milhoes de pessoas com o virus da imunodeficiencia adquirida (HIV) no
      mundo. Com o advento dos antirretrovirais, observou-se aumento da obesidade e de
      taxas metabolicas nos pacientes em tratamento. Assim, inumeras terapias
      cirurgicas para a perda de peso estao sendo estudadas para a melhoria continua da
      saude dos pacientes com HIV, sendo a gastrectomia vertical uma opcao de transito
      integro. Objetivo:: Avaliar a aplicabilidade da gastrectomia vertical em
      pacientes com obesidade morbida e HIV. Metodos:: Foi realizada revisao
      sistematica de literatura, de artigos publicados nas bases eletronicas de dados
      Scopus, Pubmed, Cinahl, Scielo, Cochrane e Lilacs, no periodo de 1998 a 2015. Os
      descritores do MeSH utilizados na coleta dos dados foram "Gastrectomia" e
      "Obesidade morbida", sendo combinados com o descritor "HIV". Resultados: : Foram
      encontrados 2.148 artigos na Scopus, 1.234 no Pubmed e 784 na Cinahl. Os artigos
      foram analisados pela Escala de Qualidade de Jadad, reduzindo para um total de 40
      artigos, os quais foram posteriormente reavaliados, utilizando um formulario
      elaborado pelo Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP), chegando ao montante
      de 12 artigos ao final. Conclusao:: Verificou-se que a gastrectomia vertical
      constitui metodo seguro e eficaz, apresentando baixa morbimortalidade e baixo
      indice de complicacoes pos-operatorias, sendo tecnica cirurgica segura para uso
      em pacientes com obesidade, HIV e comorbidades.

PMID- 27683795
TI  - Misadventure during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: why it happened? how to
      prevent and recover from it?

PMID- 27683794
TI  - FROM COMPLEX EVOLVING TO SIMPLE: CURRENT REVISIONAL AND ENDOSCOPIC PROCEDURES
      FOLLOWING BARIATRIC SURGERY.
AB  - Background: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is a standard therapy in bariatric
      surgery. Sleeve gastrectomy and gastric banding, although with good results in
      the literature, are showing higher rates of treatment failure to reduce obesity
      associated morbidity and body weight. Other problems after bariatric may occur,
      as band erosion, gastroesophageal reflux disease and might be refractory to
      medication. Therefore, a laparoscopic conversion to a RYGB can be an effective
      alternative, as long as specific indications for revision are fulfilled.
      Objective: The objective of this study was to analyse own and literature data on
      revisional bariatric procedures to evaluate best alternatives to current
      practice. Methods: Institutional experience and systematic review from the
      literature on revisional bariatric surgery. Results: Endoscopic procedures are
      recently applied to ameliorate failure and complications of bariatric procedures.
      Therapy failure following RYGB occurs in up to 20%. Transoral outlet reduction is
      currently an alternative method to reduce the gastrojejunal anastomosis. The
      diameter and volume of sleeve gastrectomy can enlarge as well, which can be
      reduced by endoscopic full-thickness sutures longitudinally. Dumping syndrome and
      severe hypoglycemic episodes (neuroglycopenia) can be present in patients
      following RYGB. The hypoglycemic episodes have to be evaluated and usually can be
      treated conventionally. To avoid partial pancreatectomy or conversion to normal
      anatomy, a new laparoscopic approach with remnant gastric resection and jejunal
      interposition can be applied in non-responders alternatively. Hypoglycemic
      episodes are ameliorated while weight loss is sustained. Conclusion: Revisional
      and endoscopic procedures following bariatric surgery in patients with collateral
      symptomatic or treatment failure can be applied. Conventional non-surgical
      approaches should have been applied intensively before a revisional surgery will
      be indicated. Former complex surgical revisional procedures are evolving to less
      complicated endoscopic solutions.

PMID- 27683796
TI  - Laparoscopic re-sleeve gastrectomy for weight regain after modified laparoscopic
      sleeve gastrectomy: first case report and surgery in South America.

PMID- 27683797
TI  - GASTRIC RESERVOIR NECROSIS POST GASTRO-JEJUNAL BYPASS. THE IMPORTANCE OF CLINICAL
      EVALUATION IN THE DECISION MAKING PROGRESS: CASE REPORT.

PMID- 27683798
TI  - Long-term Efficacy of Vedolizumab for Crohn's Disease.
AB  - Background and Aims: Vedolizumab is a gut-selective alpha4beta7 integrin
      antagonist therapy for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. The GEMINI long
      term safety [LTS] trial is an ongoing open-label study investigating the safety
      of vedolizumab. We present interim exploratory analyses of efficacy in patients
      with Crohn's disease. Methods: Patients from the C13004, GEMINI 2 and GEMINI 3
      studies and vedolizumab-naive patients could enrol in GEMINI LTS and received
      vedolizumab every 4 weeks. Data were collected from May 22, 2009 to June 27,
      2013. Outcomes of clinical response and remission, defined by the Harvey-Bradshaw
      Index, and health-related quality of life [HRQL] were assessed for up to 152
      weeks of treatment in the efficacy population. Results: Among patients with
      response at week 6 in GEMINI 2 who received vedolizumab continuously, 83%
      [n=100/120] and 89% [n=62/70] of patients with available data were in remission
      after 104 and 152 weeks, respectively. Increased dosing frequency from every 8
      weeks [GEMINI 2] to every 4 weeks [GEMINI LTS] improved outcomes in patients who
      had withdrawn early from GEMINI 2, with 47% [n=27/57] experiencing clinical
      response and 32% [n=18/57] in remission at week 52 of GEMINI LTS [up from 39% and
      4% before the dose increase]. Similar improvements were observed regardless of
      prior tumour necrosis factor [TNF] antagonist exposure. Long-term benefits of
      HRQL were also observed. Conclusions: The clinical benefits of vedolizumab
      continued with long-term treatment regardless of prior TNF antagonist exposure.
      Increased dosing frequency might improve outcomes in patients who lose response
      to conventional 8-weekly dosing.

PMID- 27683799
TI  - Development and Validation of Risk Matrices for Crohn's Disease Outcomes in
      Patients Who Underwent Early Therapeutic Interventions.
AB  - Introduction: The establishment of prognostic models for Crohn's disease [CD] is
      highly desirable, as they have the potential to guide physicians in the decision
      making process concerning therapeutic choices, thus improving patients' health
      and quality of life. Our aim was to derive models for disabling CD and
      reoperation based solely on clinical/demographic data. Methods: A multicentric
      and retrospectively enrolled cohort of CD patients, subject to early surgery or
      immunosuppression, was analysed in order to build Bayesian network models and
      risk matrices. The final results were validated internally and with a
      multicentric and prospectively enrolled cohort. Results: The derivation cohort
      included a total of 489 CD patients [64% with disabling disease and 18% who
      needed reoperation], while the validation cohort included 129 CD patients with
      similar outcome proportions. The Bayesian models achieved an area under the curve
      of 78% for disabling disease and 86% for reoperation. Age at diagnosis, perianal
      disease, disease aggressiveness and early therapeutic decisions were found to be
      significant factors, and were used to construct user-friendly matrices depicting
      the probability of each outcome in patients with various combinations of these
      factors. The matrices exhibit good performance for the most important criteria:
      disabling disease positive post-test odds = 8.00 [2.72-23.44] and reoperation
      negative post-test odds = 0.02 [0.00-0.11]. Conclusions: Clinical and
      demographical risk factors for disabling CD and reoperation were determined and
      their impact was quantified by means of risk matrices, which are applicable as
      bedside clinical tools that can help physicians during therapeutic decisions in
      early disease management.

PMID- 27683800
TI  - Long-term Efficacy of Vedolizumab for Ulcerative Colitis.
AB  - Background and Aims: The GEMINI long-term safety [LTS] study is a continuing
      phase 3 trial investigating the safety and efficacy of vedolizumab, an
      alpha4beta7 integrin antagonist for ulcerative colitis [UC] and Crohn's disease.
      We provide an interim analysis of efficacy in patients with UC. Methods: Patients
      from the C13004 and GEMINI 1 studies and a cohort of vedolizumab-naive patients
      received open-label vedolizumab every 4 weeks. Interim data were collected from
      May 22, 2009 to June 27, 2013. Clinical response and remission, evaluated using
      partial Mayo scores, and health-related quality of life [HRQL] were assessed for
      up to 152 weeks of cumulative treatment in the efficacy population. Results: As
      of June 27, 2013, 63% of the efficacy population [n = 532/845] were continuing
      treatment. Among patients who responded to vedolizumab induction and had data
      available, 88% [n = 120/136] were in remission after 104 weeks of exposure (96%
      [n = 70/73] after 152 weeks). Among patients who withdrew from every-8-week
      vedolizumab maintenance in GEMINI 1 [n = 32] before week 52, increased dosing to
      every 4 weeks in GEMINI LTS resulted in response and remission rates of 41% and
      28%, respectively, after 52 weeks, an increase from 19% and 6%, respectively,
      from before the dose increase. Similar benefits were demonstrated regardless of
      prior tumour necrosis factor-antagonist exposure. Durable benefits on HRQL were
      also observed. Conclusions: Patients with UC experienced clinical and HRQL
      improvements with continued vedolizumab treatment. Increased dosing frequency to
      every 4 weeks was beneficial in patients who had loss of response to 8-weekly
      dosing.

PMID- 27683801
TI  - Cell-specific Activation of the Nrf2 Antioxidant Pathway Increases Mucosal
      Inflammation in Acute but Not in Chronic Colitis.
AB  - Background and Aims: The transcription factor Nrf2 is a major modulator of the
      cellular antioxidant response. Oxidative burst of infiltrating macrophages leads
      to a massive production of reactive oxygen species in inflamed tissue of
      inflammatory bowel disease patients. This oxidative burst contributes to tissue
      destruction and epithelial permeability, but it is also an essential part of the
      antibacterial defence. We therefore investigated the impact of the Nrf2
      orchestrated antioxidant response in both acute and chronic intestinal
      inflammation. Methods: To study the role of Nrf2 overexpression in mucosal
      inflammation, we used transgenic mice conditionally expressing a constitutively
      active form of Nrf2 [caNrf2] either in epithelial cells or in the myeloid cell
      lineage. Acute colitis was induced by dextran sulphate sodium [DSS] in transgenic
      and control animals, and changes in gene expression were evaluated by genome-wide
      expression studies. Long-term effects of Nrf2 activation were studied in mice
      with an IL-10-/- background. Results: Expression of caNrf2 either in epithelial
      cells or myeloid cells resulted in aggravation of DSS-induced acute colitis.
      Aggravation of inflammation by caNrf2 was not observed in the IL-10-/- model of
      spontaneous chronic colitis, where even a trend towards reduced prolapse rate was
      observed. Conclusions: Our findings show that a well-balanced redox homeostasis
      is as important in epithelial cells as in myeloid cells during induction of
      colitis. Aggravation of acute DSS colitis in response to constitutive Nrf2
      expression emphasises the importance of tight regulation of Nrf2 during the onset
      of intestinal inflammation.

PMID- 27683802
TI  - Ano-genital Granulomatosis and Crohn's Disease: A Case Series of Males Presenting
      with Genital Lymphoedema.
AB  - Background and Aims: Ano-genital granulomatosis is a rare chronic granulomatous
      condition of the skin that causes lymphoedema of the external genitalia. There is
      a reported association with Crohn's disease. Mechanisms of disease and optimal
      methods of treatment are poorly understood. Methods: A retrospective casenote
      review of 25 male patients with ano-genital granulomatosis presenting with
      genital lymphoedema was performed to determine the clinical and histopathological
      features of this condition and its relationship to intestinal Crohn's disease.
      Results: A combination of penile and scrotal oedema was reported at presentation
      in 80% of patients; 40% of patients had associated intestinal Crohn's disease.
      The average time from symptom onset to diagnosis was 52.7 months. Half of
      cutaneous biopsies contained non-caseating granulomas and 14% contained
      intralymphatic granulomas. In all, 72% of patients responded to oral steroids
      initially but recurrence was common. Complete or partial response was achieved in
      60% of patients treated with azathioprine. Three of six patients responded to
      anti-tumour necrosis factor [TNF] therapy. A small proportion of patients
      required circumcision or de-bulking surgery for more debilitating disease.
      Conclusions: Ano-genital granulomatosis is a rare condition that presents with
      genital lymphoedema, and there is frequently a protracted delay in diagnosis.
      There is a very strong association with intestinal Crohn's disease. Genital
      lymphoedema associated with gastrointestinal symptoms should prompt careful
      evaluation to exclude both ano-genital granulomatosis and Crohn's disease.

PMID- 27683803
TI  - African Americans and Short-Term Outcomes after Surgery for Crohn's Disease: An
      ACS-NSQIP Analysis.
AB  - Background: Previous reports on racial disparities in the treatment of Crohn's
      disease [CD] in African American [AA] patients have shown differences in both
      medical and surgical treatments in this population. No study thus far has
      examined the effect of AA race on outcomes after surgery for CD. Methods:
      Utilizing the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program [NSQIP] Participant
      User File [PUF] for the years 2005-2013, we examined the effect of AA race on
      postoperative complications in patients with CD undergoing intestinal surgery.
      Results: AA patients had a significantly higher rate of complications overall
      compared to non-AA patients [23.5% vs 18.9%, p = 0.002]. Postoperative sepsis
      [10.9% vs 6.6%, p < 0.001] and surgical site infection [17.6% vs 14.8%, p =
      0.037] were most significant. After adjustment for age, sex, preoperative disease
      severity and lifestyle factors [smoking], race remained a statistically
      significant factor in postoperative complication rate. Only after additional
      adjustment was made for comorbidities and American Society of Anesthesiologists
      class did race lose significance within our model. Conclusion: African Americans
      experience a greater amount of postoperative complications following surgery for
      Crohn's disease. Preoperative disease management, addressing smoking status and
      control of comorbid disease are important factors in addressing the racial
      disparities in the surgical treatment of Crohn's disease.

PMID- 27683804
TI  - Storage of Calophyllum brasiliense Cambess. seeds.
AB  - Calophyllum brasiliense is a species native to Brazil and has potential for use
      in the timber industry, in the reforestation of degraded areas, besides having
      medicinal properties. Its propagation is mainly by seeds which, depending on
      their recalcitrant characteristics, leads to difficulty in conservation, due to
      changes in its physiological potential during storage. Aiming to contribute to
      the expansion of its cultivation, rational use and conservation, the objective of
      this study was to investigate the behavior of C. brasiliense seeds during
      storage. Different packings (paper, aluminum and polyethylene) and environmental
      conditions (room temperature and cold chamber) were quarterly tested over 12
      months, by evaluating germination viability and vigor. Based on the results, it
      was concluded that packaging in polyethylene and freezer storage provided the
      best conditions for the conservation of seeds, keeping them viable for a period
      of nine months.

PMID- 27683805
TI  - Seasonal variation of limnological features and trophic state index of two
      oligotrophic reservoirs of southeast Brazil.
AB  - Limnological features of two reservoirs were studied in dry (August 2013) and
      rainy (January 2014) periods to evaluate the water quality that supply the city
      of Guarulhos, southeast Brazil. Water samples were collected in three depths and
      the following characteristics were measured: alkalinity, dissolved O2, free and
      total CO2, HCO3, soluble reactive silica, dissolved and total nitrogen and
      phosphorus, and chlorophyll-a. Water transparency was also measured and
      temperature, pH and electric conductivity profiles were obtained. Great seasonal
      and low spatial variability of the water characteristics occurred in the
      reservoirs. High values of water transparency, free CO2 availability, and low of
      pH, soluble reactive silica and total and dissolved nutrients values were
      recorded at the dry period, and different conditions were found at the rainy
      season. The two reservoirs were characterized by low nutrients, chlorophyll-a and
      turbidity, and high transparency, these features being typical of oligotrophic
      systems. The two reservoirs still remain under low anthropogenic impact
      conditions, and are presently considered reference systems for the SPMR, Sao
      Paulo Metropolitan Region. The need for actions that will reduce the input of
      nutrients from the neighboring cities and the main tributaries of the
      hydrographic basin is emphasized to maintain the ecological quality of the
      reservoirs and their reference conditions among the SPRM reservoirs.

PMID- 27683806
TI  - Thermal and photo-stability of the antioxidant potential of Spirulina platensis
      powder.
AB  - This work aimed to evaluate the thermal and photo stability of the antioxidant
      potential (AP) of the Spirulina platensis biomass. Thermal stability was
      established at 25oC, 40oC and 50oC for 60 days, in the dark, protected from
      light. Photo stability was evaluated using UV (15 W, lambda = 265 nm) and
      fluorescent (20 W, 0.16 A, power factor FP > 0.5, 50/60 Hz, 60 lm/w, 1200 lm)
      light for 90 days in capsules, glass and Petri dishes, at room temperature. The
      AP of the biomass in these conditions was determined at intervals (every 7 and 30
      days in the studies of thermal and photo stability, respectively) using the
      induction of the oxidation of a lipid system by heat and aeration. In this lipid
      system, the biomass submitted to degradation was used as an antioxidant. The
      kinetics of the reaction was determined by the Arrhenius method. Thermal
      degradation was found to follow zero order kinetics, whereas photo degradation
      followed first order kinetics. The AP decreased 50% after 50 days at 25 degrees
      C. At 40 degrees C and 50 degrees C, the AP decreased more than 50% after 35 and
      21 days of exposition, respectively. The decrease of the AP of Spirulina was more
      sensible to UV and fluorescence light. After 30 days of exposition, the AP
      decreased more than 50% in all storage conditions tested. The antioxidant
      potential of Spirulina platensis is easily degraded when the biomass is exposed
      to heat and light, indicating the need for care to be taken in its storage.

PMID- 27683807
TI  - Host-parasite relationship between Biomphalaria amazonica (Paraense, 1966) and
      Schistosoma mansoni (Sambon, 1907).
AB  - Biomphalaria amazonica is a planorbid species considered a potential host of
      Schistosoma mansoni. It is widely distributed in the Neotropical zone,
      particularly in the North and Centre-West of Brazil and in the North of Bolivia.
      The aim of the present study was to determine the host-parasite relationship
      between B. amazonica and S. mansoni (BH and SJ strains). Specimens of B.
      amazonica and their snail-conditioned water were examined in terms of their
      ability to attract miracidia. The infectivity of the mollusks was determined by
      exposing them to 20 miracidia of both strains. Sporocyst development and
      amebocyte reactions were studied after each mollusk specimen was exposed to 100
      miracidia. Although no cercariae were eliminated, specimens of B. amazonica
      proved capable of attracting 77% of the miracidia they were exposed to. Viable
      sporocysts with no amebocyte reaction were found 96 hours after the exposure to
      miracidia. These results indicate the susceptibility of B. amazonica to the BH
      and SJ strains of S. mansoni, and therefore demonstrate the importance of this
      planorbid species as a potential vector of the trematode in the areas where it
      occurs.

PMID- 27683808
TI  - The efficacy of clove oil as an anaesthetic and in euthanasia procedure for small
      sized tropical fishes.
AB  - Clove oil is used as a fish anesthetic because it is a natural and inexpensive
      product with low toxicity risks. The goal of the present study was to determine
      the appropriate concentration of clove oil for small-sized tropical fish to be
      used in mark-recapture studies or when individuals are to be sacrificed. We
      applied three different clove oil concentrations (D1=0.05 mL, D2=0.10 mL and
      D3=0.20 mL per 500 mL of water) on three small-sized fish species. We found a
      negative relationship between induction time and treatment for two species
      (Hyphessobrycon sp.1 and Hemigrammus sp.), while concentration was unrelated to
      recovery time. Fish body length was positively related to induction time in the
      D2 treatment for Hemigrammus sp., and negatively for Hyphessobrycon sp.1 in the
      D1 treatment, but was unrelated to recovery time for three species and
      treatments. Mortality rates varied across treatments, but higher rates were
      observed with higher clove oil concentrations. We conclude that 0.05 mL of clove
      oil per 500 mL of water is the most efficient dose for studies where fish will be
      released back to their natural habitats, while 0.20 mL of clove oil is
      recommended for studies that require fish euthanization for further laboratory
      analyses.

PMID- 27683809
TI  - Susceptibility of Biomphalaria glabrata submitted to concomitant infection with
      Angiostrongylus costaricensis and Schistosoma mansoni.
AB  - The easy adaptation of Angiostrongylus costaricensis, nematode responsible for
      abdominal angiostrongyliasis to several species of terrestrial and freshwater
      molluscs and the differences observed in the interactions of trematodes with
      their intermediate hosts have induced us to study the concomitant infection of
      Biomphalaria glabrata with Schistosoma mansoni and A. costaricensis. Prior
      exposure of B. glabrata to A. costaricensis (with an interval of 48 hours),
      favored the development of S. mansoni, observing higher infection rate, increased
      release of cercariae and increased survival of molluscs, when compared to
      molluscs exposed only to S. mansoni. Prior exposure of B. glabrata to A.
      costaricensis and then to S. mansoni also enabled the development of A.
      costaricensis since in the ninth week of infection, higher amount of A.
      costaricensis L3 larvae was recovered (12 larvae / mollusc) while for molluscs
      exposed only to A. costaricensis, the number of larvae recovered was lower (8
      larvae / mollusc). However, pre-exposure of B. glabrata to S. mansoni (with an
      interval of 24 hours), and subsequently exposure to A. costaricensis proved to be
      very harmful to B. glabrata, causing extensive mortality of molluscs, reduced pre
      patent period to release cercariae and greater recovery of L3 A. costaricensis
      larvae.

PMID- 27683810
TI  - Distribution and genetic diversity of the human polyomaviruses JC and BK in
      surface water and sewage treatment plant during 2009 in Porto Alegre, Southern
      Brazil.
AB  - The human polyomaviruses JC and BK (JCPyV and BKPyV) are ubiquitous, species
      specific viruses that belong to the family Polyomaviridae. These viruses are
      known to be excreted in human urine, and they are potential indicators of human
      wastewater contamination. In order to assess the distribution of both JCPyV and
      BKPyV in urban water samples collected from a sewage treatment plant (STP) and
      from a canalized water stream of Porto Alegre, Brazil, two nested-PCR assays were
      optimized and applied to the samples collected. The amplicons obtained were
      submitted to sequencing, and the sequences were analyzed with sequences of human
      polyomaviruses previously deposited in GenBank. Twelve out of 30 water samples
      (40%) were JCPyV positive, whereas six samples (20%) were BKPyV positive. The
      sequencing results confirmed the presence of JCPyV subtypes 1 and 3, whereas only
      BKPyV Ia and Ib were found. This study shows for the first time the presence of
      human polyomaviruses in surface water and in samples collected in a sewage
      treatment plant in southern Brazil.

PMID- 27683811
TI  - Assessment of the impact of changes in temperature in Biomphalaria glabrata (Say,
      1818) melanic and albino variants infected with Schistosoma mansoni (Sambon,
      1907).
AB  - Fluctuations in population density of planorbid hosts of S. mansoni are
      influenced by climatic factors. The knowledge about interference from changes in
      water temperature in these populations is an important aspect of the epidemiology
      of schistosomiasis. In this experiment, it is explored the influence of different
      temperatures on the development of Schistosoma mansoni in Biomphalaria glabrata
      melanic and albino variants. The results indicated an intrinsic relationship
      between temperature and development of the parasite in the intramollusc phase,
      independent of the pigmentation of the mantle of the molluscs. The higher the
      temperature, the shorter the period necessary for the development of the parasite
      was while the higher the mortality of infected mollusks. It is concluded that, in
      the presence of climate change, the increasement of temperature in cold and
      flooded regions may encourage the establishment of new foci of transmission of
      schistosomiasis by changing the geographic extent and extending the
      epidemiological transmission potential. In warm climates, higher temperatures,
      however, could compromise the transmission of the disease because of biological
      stress suffered by parasite and host. Under these conditions, it can result in
      the death of the parasite or a change in their ability to infect new host species
      of molluscs in new areas. Mantle pigmentation patterns in molluscs have not shown
      significant interference in the development of the parasite.

PMID- 27683812
TI  - High species richness of native pollinators in Brazilian tomato crops.
AB  - Pollinators provide an essential service to natural ecosystems and agriculture.
      In tomatoes flowers, anthers are poricidal, pollen may drop from their pore when
      flowers are shaken by the wind. However, bees that vibrate these anthers increase
      pollen load on the stigma and in fruit production. The present study aimed to
      identify the pollinator richness of tomato flowers and investigate their
      morphological and functional traits related to the plant-pollinator interaction
      in plantations of Central Brazil. The time of anthesis, flower duration, and the
      number and viability of pollen grains and ovules were recorded. Floral visitors
      were observed and collected. Flower buds opened around 6h30 and closed around
      18h00. They reopened on the following day at the same time in the morning,
      lasting on average 48 hours. The highest pollen availability occurred during the
      first hours of anthesis. Afterwards, the number of pollen grains declined,
      especially between 10h00 to 12h00, which is consistent with the pollinator
      visitation pattern. Forty bee species were found in the tomato fields, 30 of
      which were considered pollinators. We found that during the flowering period,
      plants offered an enormous amount of pollen to their visitors. These may explain
      the high richness and amount of bees that visit the tomato flowers in the study
      areas. The period of pollen availability and depletion throughout the day
      overlapped with the bees foraging period, suggesting that bees are highly
      effective in removing pollen grains from anthers. Many of these grains probably
      land on the stigma of the same flower, leading to self-pollination and subsequent
      fruit development. Native bees (Exomalopsis spp.) are effective pollinators of
      tomato flowers and are likely to contribute to increasing crop productivity. On
      the other hand, here tomato flowers offer large amounts of pollen resource to a
      high richness and amount of bees, showing a strong plant-pollinator interaction
      in the study agroecosystem.

PMID- 27683813
TI  - Nematodes associated with Iguana iguana (Linnaeus, 1758) (Squamata, Iguanidae) in
      Semi-arid areas of Northeastern Brazil.
AB  - Nematodes were analyzed in Iguana iguana, a large lizard Iguanidae that is widely
      distributed throughout the Americas. The aims of the study were investigate the
      helminths associated with the lizard, I. iguana in semi-arid areas of
      northeastern Brazil and analyze the parasitological indices (prevalence, and mean
      intensity of infection). A total of 18 specimens of I. iguana were examined (8
      males and 10 females). The overall prevalence of infection was 66.6% (12/18),
      while in males, it was 75% (6/8) and in females, 60% (6/10). Iguana iguana was
      identified as a new host for Physaloptera sp., Atractis sp., Piratuba sp. and
      Subulura sp. This registered contributes to the knowledge of helminth diversity
      associated with this host.

PMID- 27683814
TI  - The impact of edge effect on termite community (Blattodea: Isoptera) in fragments
      of Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest.
AB  - Habitat fragmentation is considered to be one of the biggest threats to tropical
      ecosystem functioning. In this region, termites perform an important ecological
      role as decomposers and ecosystem engineers. In the present study, we tested
      whether termite community is negatively affected by edge effects on three
      fragments of Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest. Termite abundance and vegetation
      structure were sampled in 10 transects (15 * 2 m), while termite richness,
      activity, and soil litter biomass were measured in 16 quadrants (5 * 2 m) at
      forest edge and interior of each fragment. Habitat structure (i.e. number of
      tree, diameter at breast height and soil litter biomass) did not differ between
      forest edge and interior of fragments. Termite richness, abundance and activity
      were not affected by edge effect. However, differences were observed in the beta
      diversity between forest edge and interior as well as in the fragments sampled.
      The beta diversity partitioning indicates that species turnover is the
      determinant process of termite community composition under edge effect. Our
      results suggest that conservation strategies should be based on the selection of
      several distinct sites instead of few rich sites (e.g. nesting).

PMID- 27683815
TI  - First record of Scobina poeciloides (Ashmead, 1895) (Hymenoptera: Argidae) for
      Brazil and update of geographical distribution of three species of Scobina
      Lepeletier & Serville, 1828 for the State of Rio Grande do Sul.
AB  - It is recorded for the first time in the state of Rio Grande do Sul the
      occurrence of Scobina melanocephala (Lepeletier, 1823), Scobina thoracica
      (Jorgensen, 1913) and Scobina poeciloides (Ashmead, 1895), being this last the
      first record for Brazil. Scobina melanopyga (Klug, 1834) and Scobina torquata
      (Konow, 1903) were also found in the study. The analyzed material was collected
      utilizing Malaise traps in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) fields and is deposited
      at the Entomological Collection of Santa Cruz do Sul.

PMID- 27683816
TI  - Phosphoglycerate Kinase-A Novel Streptococcal Factor Involved in Neutrophil
      Activation and Degranulation.
AB  - BACKGROUND:  Neutrophils have been proposed as important contributors to the
      hyperinflammatory responses that are associated with severe invasive
      Streptococcus pyogenes infections. In particular, streptococcal surface proteins
      have been implicated as potent neutrophil activators. Here we explore the impact
      of streptococcus-secreted factors on neutrophil activation and degranulation.
      METHODS:  Primary human neutrophils were exposed to supernatants prepared from
      cultures of invasive S. pyogenes strains of varying serotypes in the stationary
      growth phase. Neutrophil activation was assessed by measurement of secreted
      resistin, an azurophilic granule marker, and by determination of the secretome
      profile, using mass spectrometry. RESULTS:  Marked variation in resistin release
      and the neutrophil secretome profile were observed following exposure to
      different strains. A high resistin response was triggered exclusively by SpeB
      negative strains, suggesting that at least 1 stimulatory factor is susceptible to
      SpeB proteolytic degradation. Further analysis, including proteomics and
      stimulation analyses, identified phosphoglycerate kinase as a stimulatory factor
      for neutrophils. CONCLUSIONS:  Taken together, results of this study reveal a
      novel secreted streptococcal factor that, in the absence of SpeB, can trigger
      neutrophil activation and degranulation. This finding is of interest in light of
      reports of hypervirulent SpeB-negative S. pyogenes variants present during
      invasive infections.

PMID- 27683818
TI  - Adeno-Associated Virus Serotype 9-Expressed ZMapp in Mice Confers Protection
      Against Systemic and Airway-Acquired Ebola Virus Infection.
AB  - Adeno-associated viral vectors can be used as a platform for delivering
      biological countermeasures against pandemic and biological threats. We show that
      vector delivery of two antibody components of the ZMapp product is effective in
      mice against systemic and airway challenge with a mouse-adapted strain of Ebola
      virus. This platform provides a generic manufacturing solution and overcomes some
      of the delivery challenges associated with repeated administration of the
      protective protein.

PMID- 27683817
TI  - CD36 Provides Host Protection Against Klebsiella pneumoniae Intrapulmonary
      Infection by Enhancing Lipopolysaccharide Responsiveness and Macrophage
      Phagocytosis.
AB  - Klebsiella pneumoniae remains an important cause of intrapulmonary infection and
      invasive disease worldwide. K. pneumoniae can evade serum killing and
      phagocytosis primarily through the expression of a polysaccharide capsule, but
      its pathogenicity is also influenced by host factors. We examined whether CD36, a
      scavenger receptor that recognizes pathogen and modified self ligands, is a host
      determinant of K. pneumoniae pathogenicity. Despite differences in serum
      sensitivity and virulence of 3 distinct K. pneumoniae (hypermucoviscous K1,
      research K2, and carbapenemase-producing ST258) strains, the absence of CD36
      significantly increased host susceptibility to acute intrapulmonary infection by
      K. pneumoniae, regardless of strain. We demonstrate that CD36 enhances LPS
      responsiveness to K. pneumoniae to increase downstream cytokine production and
      macrophage phagocytosis that is independent of polysaccharide capsular antigen.
      Our study provides new insights into host determinants of K. pneumoniae
      pathogenicity and raises the possibility that functional mutations in CD36 may
      predispose individuals to K. pneumoniae syndromes.

PMID- 27683820
TI  - Asymptomatic Cerebrospinal Fluid HIV-1 Viral Blips and Viral Escape During
      Antiretroviral Therapy: A Longitudinal Study.
AB  - We examined longitudinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples (median, 5
      samples/patients; interquartile range [IQR], 3-8 samples/patient) in 75
      neurologically asymptomatic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients
      receiving antiretroviral therapy. Twenty-seven patients (36%) had >=1 CSF HIV RNA
      load of >20 copies/mL (23% had >=1 load of >50 copies/mL), with a median HIV RNA
      load of 50 copies/mL (IQR, 32-77 copies/mL). In plasma, 42 subjects (52%) and 22
      subjects (29%) had an HIV RNA load of >20 and >50 copies/mL, respectively. Two
      subjects had an increasing virus load in consecutive CSF samples, representing
      possible CSF escape. Of 418 samples, 9% had a CSF HIV RNA load of >20 copies/mL
      (5% had a load of >50 copies/mL) and 19% had a plasma HIV RNA load of >20
      copies/mL (8% had a load of >50 copies/mL). A CSF-associated virus load of >20
      copies/mL was associated with higher CSF level of neopterin. In conclusion, CSF
      escape was rare, and increased CSF HIV RNA loads usually represented CSF virus
      load blips.

PMID- 27683821
TI  - Direct-Acting Antiviral-Induced Hepatitis C Virus Clearance Does Not Completely
      Restore the Altered Cytokine and Chemokine Milieu in Patients With Chronic
      Hepatitis C.
AB  - BACKGROUND:  Persistent infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes profound
      alterations of the cytokine and chemokine milieu in peripheral blood. However, it
      is unknown to what extend these alterations affect the progression of liver
      disease and whether HCV clearance normalizes soluble inflammatory mediators.
      METHODS:  We performed multianalyte profiling of 50 plasma proteins in 28
      patients with persistent HCV infection and advanced stages of liver fibrosis or
      cirrhosis and 20 controls with fatty liver disease. The patients were treated for
      24 weeks with sofosbuvir and ribavirin and underwent sampling longitudinally. Ten
      patients experienced viral relapse after treatment cessation. RESULTS:  The
      cytokine and chemokine expression pattern was markedly altered in patients with
      chronic HCV infection as compared to healthy controls and patients with
      nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Distinct soluble factors were associated with the
      level of fibrosis/cirrhosis, viral replication, or treatment outcome. The
      baseline expression level of 10 cytokines distinguished patients with a sustained
      viral response from those who experienced viral relapse. While the majority of
      upregulated analytes declined during and after successful therapy, HCV clearance
      did not lead to a restoration of parameters that were suppressed. CONCLUSIONS: 
      Chronic HCV infection appears to disrupt the milieu of soluble inflammatory
      mediators even after viral clearance. Thus, HCV cure does not lead to complete
      immunological restitution.

PMID- 27683819
TI  - MicroRNA-125b Prevents Cardiac Dysfunction in Polymicrobial Sepsis by Targeting
      TRAF6-Mediated Nuclear Factor kappaB Activation and p53-Mediated Apoptotic
      Signaling.
AB  - BACKGROUND:  This study examined the effect of microRNA-125b (miR-125b) on sepsis
      induced cardiac dysfunction. METHODS:  Mouse hearts were transfected with
      lentivirus expressing miR-125b (LmiR-125b) 7 days before cecal ligation and
      puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis. Cardiac function was examined by echocardiography
      before and 6 hours after CLP (n = 6/group). Survival was monitored following CLP
      induced sepsis (n = 12/group). RESULTS:  LmiR-125b transfection significantly
      attenuated cardiac dysfunction due to CLP-induced sepsis. Fractional shortening
      and ejection fraction values were significantly (P < .05) higher in the LmiR-125b
      treated CLP group than in the untreated CLP group. Survival outcome in LmiR-125b
      transfected septic mice was markedly improved, compared with mice with CLP
      induced sepsis. Transfection of LmiR-125b into the heart significantly suppressed
      the expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, decreased the accumulation of macrophages
      and neutrophils in the myocardium, and decreased serum levels of tumor necrosis
      factor alpha and interleukin 1beta by targeting tumor necrosis factor receptor
      associated factor 6 (TRAF6)-mediated nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB)
      activation. In addition, sepsis-induced myocardial apoptosis was markedly
      attenuated by LmiR-125b transfection through suppression of p53, Bax, and Bak1
      expression. In vitro transfection of endothelial cells with miR-125b mimics
      attenuate LPS-induced ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression by suppressing TRAF6 and NF
      kappaB activation. CONCLUSIONS:  Increased myocardial miR-125b expression
      attenuates sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction and improves survival. miR-125b may
      be a target for septic cardiomyopathy.

PMID- 27683824
TI  - NICE clinical guideline NG39: Major trauma: assessment and initial management.

PMID- 27683823
TI  - Invasive pulmonary fungal infections in patients with connective tissue disease:
      a retrospective study from northern China.
AB  - Invasive pulmonary fungal infection (IPFI) is a potentially fatal complication in
      patients with connective tissue disease (CTD). The current study aimed to uncover
      the clinical characteristics and risk factors of patients with IPFI-CTD. The
      files of 2186 CTD patients admitted to a single center in northern China between
      January 2011 and December 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 47 CTD
      patients with IPFI were enrolled into this study and assigned to the CTD-IPFI
      group, while 47 uninfected CTD patients were assigned to the control group.
      Clinical manifestations were recorded, and risk factors of IPFI were calculated
      by stepwise logistical regression analysis. Forty-seven (2.15%) CTD patients
      developed IPFI. Systemic lupus erythematosus patients were responsible for the
      highest proportion (36.17%) of cases with IPFI. Candida albicans (72.3%)
      accounted for the most common fungal species. CTD-IPFI patients had significantly
      elevated white blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive
      protein and fasting glucose values compared to controls (P<0.05). Cough, sputum
      and blood in phlegm were the most common symptoms. Risk factors of IPFI in CTD
      included maximum prednisone dose >=30 mg/day within 3 months prior to infection,
      anti-microbial drug therapy, and interstitial pneumonia. CTD patients who have
      underlying interstitial pneumonia, prior prednisone or multiple antibiotics, were
      more likely to develop IPFI.

PMID- 27683825
TI  - COA7 (C1orf163/RESA1) mutations associated with mitochondrial leukoencephalopathy
      and cytochrome c oxidase deficiency.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Assembly of cytochrome c oxidase (COX, complex IV, cIV), the terminal
      component of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, is assisted by several factors,
      most of which are conserved from yeast to humans. However, some of them,
      including COA7, are found in humans but not in yeast. COA7 is a 231aa-long
      mitochondrial protein present in animals, containing five Sel1-like
      tetratricopeptide repeat sequences, which are likely to interact with partner
      proteins. METHODS: Whole exome sequencing was carried out on a 19 year old woman,
      affected by early onset, progressive severe ataxia and peripheral neuropathy,
      mild cognitive impairment and a cavitating leukodystrophy of the brain with
      spinal cord hypotrophy. Biochemical analysis of the mitochondrial respiratory
      chain revealed the presence of isolated deficiency of cytochrome c oxidase (COX)
      activity in skin fibroblasts and skeletal muscle. Mitochondrial localization
      studies were carried out in isolated mitochondria and mitoplasts from
      immortalized control human fibroblasts. RESULTS: We found compound heterozygous
      mutations in COA7: a paternal c.410A>G, p.Y137C, and a maternal c.287+1G>T
      variants. Lentiviral-mediated expression of recombinant wild-type COA7 cDNA in
      the patient fibroblasts led to the recovery of the defect in COX activity and
      restoration of normal COX amount. In mitochondrial localization experiments, COA7
      behaved as the soluble matrix protein Citrate Synthase. CONCLUSIONS: We report
      here the first patient carrying pathogenic mutations of COA7, causative of
      isolated COX deficiency and progressive neurological impairment. We also show
      that COA7 is a soluble protein localized to the matrix, rather than in the
      intermembrane space as previously suggested.

PMID- 27683826
TI  - Oropharyngeal dysphagia and related factors in post-cardiac surgery: a systematic
      review.
AB  - Purpose: To identify the main factors associated with oropharyngeal dysphagia
      following cardiac surgery through a systematic review of the literature. Methods:
      A bibliographic search was conducted in the PubMed and ScienceDirect databases
      using the following keywords: "cardiac surgery", "deglutition disorders", and
      "dysphagia". Selection criteria: Articles published in Portuguese, English, or
      Spanish addressing oropharyngeal dysphagia following cardiac surgery were
      selected with no time limitation. Only studies available in full were included.
      Data analysis: First, articles were screened for title and abstract.
      Subsequently, they were submitted to full assessment by two blinded referees. The
      following data were extracted: authors, year of publication, study design, sample
      size, variables evaluated, and main results. Results: The main factors related to
      oropharyngeal dysphagia in post-cardiac surgery were advanced age, presence of
      comorbidities and other diseases, intubation time, and surgical conditions.
      Conclusion: The studies showed high heterogeneity, demonstrating that individuals
      who undergo cardiac surgical procedures, especially the elderly, present several
      factors related to oropharyngeal dysphagia postoperatively, such as
      cardiopulmonary bypass, transesophageal echocardiography, associated
      comorbidities, development of postoperative sepsis, and previous heart
      conditions.

PMID- 27683822
TI  - Cigarette Smoking and Inflammation, Monocyte Activation, and Coagulation in HIV
      Infected Individuals Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy, Compared With Uninfected
      Individuals.
AB  - Smoking may affect cardiovascular disease risk more strongly in human
      immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals than HIV-uninfected
      individuals. We hypothesized that an interaction at the level of the immune
      system may contribute to this increased risk. We assessed soluble markers of
      inflammation (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hsCRP]), immune activation
      (soluble [s]CD14 and sCD163), and coagulation (D-dimer) in HIV-infected and
      uninfected never, former, and current smokers. Smoking was independently
      associated with higher hsCRP levels and lower sCD163 levels and was borderline
      significantly associated with higher sCD14 and D-dimer levels. We found no
      evidence of a differential effect of smoking in HIV-infected individuals as
      compared to uninfected individuals.

PMID- 27683827
TI  - Relationship between perception of tongue position and measures of tongue force
      on the teeth.
AB  - Purpose: To verify whether there are differences of tongue force on the teeth at
      rest and during swallowing between individuals who report appropriate tongue
      position and those who report tongue thrust. Methods: Tongue forces on the teeth
      were evaluated in 28 participants aged 19 to 31 years. To this end, a
      Flexiforce(r) resistive sensor was fixed to the palatal surface of the maxillary
      right central incisor (tooth 8) and was connected to an amplifier circuit, a data
      acquisition board, and a computer. Measurements were taken at rest and during
      saliva swallowing. Participants were asked about their habitual tongue position
      and where the apex of tongue touched when they swallowed. The Mann Whitney test
      was used for statistical analysis at 5% significance level. Results: At habitual
      position, tongue force on the teeth was 0.00 N both for participants that
      reported tongue touch and for those who did not. At directed swallowing, tongue
      force was 0.34 N for the group of individuals whose tongues touch the teeth and
      0.08 N for the group of individuals whose tongues do not touch the teeth. This
      difference was significant. Conclusion: No significant difference was found
      between the tongue forces of participants of both groups at habitual position.
      However, participants with tongue thrust during directed swallowing presented
      greater force than those whose tongues do not touch the teeth during this task.

PMID- 27683829
TI  - Performance of children at risk for reading difficulties submitted to an
      intervention program.
AB  - Purpose: To assess the applicability of an intervention program to children at
      risk for reading disabilities. Methods: This experimental study compared 10
      children at risk for reading difficulty submitted to a phonological decoding
      intervention program (study group) with 10 other children at risk for reading
      difficulty not submitted to the program (control group). The intervention program
      was based on two international studies. It comprised 24 sessions: the first 12
      sessions were conducted with groups of two to three children, whereas the others
      were performed individually. The sessions lasted 50 minutes and were held twice a
      week. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Student's t-test and the
      Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test. Results: Children at risk for reading difficulties
      submitted to the phonological decoding intervention program showed statistically
      significant improvement at post-assessment in the performance of the following
      skills: letter naming; phoneme-grapheme relationship; phonological awareness;
      phonological working memory for non-words; phonological working memory for digits
      in direct order; alphabet recognition in sequence; writing under dictation of
      words and pseudowords; reading of words and pseudowords. Conclusion: The
      phonological decoding intervention program showed applicability to improve the
      prerequisite skills of reading and writing of children at risk for reading
      disabilities.

PMID- 27683828
TI  - Primary care health professionals' perception and knowledge on notification of
      noise-induced hearing loss in Curitiba - Parana.
AB  - Objective: The article aims to analyze the perception and knowledge of health
      professionals working in primary health care networks in the Municipality of
      Curitiba - Parana, regarding the compulsory notification of Induced Hearing Loss
      Noise (NIHL) in the National Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN).
      Methods: We performed a transversal cohort study in Curitiba, analyzing
      perception and knowledge of health professionals working in the primary health
      care networks in the Municipality of Curitiba, regarding the compulsory
      notification of NIHL in SINAN, from 2007 to 2014, featuring the reported cases
      and exploring the situational analysis of the NIHL notification, through a
      questionnaire and a structured news conference. Results: The primary care
      professionals' survey showed that 50% were doctors and the predominant age group
      was 26-30 years, with 56.2% reported as being able to identify health problems
      related to work, but only 43.7% feel able to identify cases of NIHL. Conclusion:
      It was found that health professionals know the features and feel able to
      identify cases of NIHL, but still do not report suspected NIHL cases and do not
      consider occupational health an institutionalized program that is part of the
      service.

PMID- 27683830
TI  - Cultural adaptation of the Test of Narrative Language (TNL) into Brazilian
      Portuguese.
AB  - Purpose: To accomplish the translation and cultural adaptation of the Test of
      Narrative Language (TNL) into Brazilian Portuguese. Methods: The TNL is a formal
      instrument which assesses narrative comprehension and oral narration of children
      between the ages of 5-0 and 11-11 (years-months). The TNL translation and
      adaptation process had the following steps: (1) translation into the target
      language; (2) summary of the translated versions; (3) back-translation; (4)
      checking of the conceptual, semantics and cultural equivalence process and (5)
      pilot study (56 children within the test age range and from both genders).
      Results: The adapted version maintained the same structure as the original
      version: number of tasks (both, three comprehension and oral narration),
      narrative formats (no picture, sequenced pictures and single picture) and scoring
      system. There were no adjustments to the pictures. The "McDonald's Story" was
      replaced by the "Snack Bar History" to meet the semantic and experiential
      equivalence of the target population. The other stories had semantic and
      grammatical adjustments. Statistically significant difference was found when
      comparing the raw score (comprehension, narration and total) of age groups from
      the adapted version. Conclusion: Adjustments were required to meet the
      equivalence between the original and the translated versions. The adapted version
      showed it has the potential to identify differences in oral narratives of
      children in the age range provided by the test. Measurement equivalence for
      validation and test standardization are in progress and will be able to
      supplement the study outcomes.

PMID- 27683831
TI  - Letter to the editors.

PMID- 27683832
TI  - Effects of rapid maxillary expansion in cleft patients resulting from the use of
      two different expanders.
AB  - Objective:: The aim of this study was to evaluate the skeletal and dental effects
      of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) in cleft patients using two types of
      expanders. Methods:: Twenty unilateral cleft lip and palate patients were
      randomly divided into two groups, according to the type of expander used: (I)
      modified Hyrax and (II) inverted Mini-Hyrax. A pretreatment cone-beam computed
      tomographic image (T0) was taken as part of the initial orthodontic records and
      three months after RME, for bone graft planning (T1). Results:: In general, there
      was no significant difference among groups (p > 0.05). Both showed a significant
      transverse maxillary expansion (p < 0.05) and no significant forward and/or
      downward movement of the maxilla (p > 0.05). There was greater dental crown than
      apical expansion. Maxillary posterior expansion tended to be larger than anterior
      opening (p < 0.05). Cleft and non-cleft sides were symmetrically expanded and
      there was no difference in dental tipping between both sides (p > 0.05).
      Conclusions:: The appliances tested are effective in the transverse expansion of
      the maxilla. However, these appliances should be better indicated to cleft cases
      also presenting posterior transverse discrepancy, since there was greater
      expansion in the posterior maxillary region than in the anterior one.

PMID- 27683833
TI  - Risk of falls in Brazilian elders with and without low back pain assessed using
      the Physiological Profile Assessment: BACE study.
AB  - Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a common musculoskeletal condition among
      elders and is associated with falls. However, the underlying biological risk
      factors for falling among elders with LBP has been poorly investigated. The
      Physiological Profile Assessment (PPA) is a validated fall-risk assessment tool
      that involves the direct assessment of sensorimotor abilities and may contribute
      to the understanding of risk factors for falls among elders with LBP. Objective:
      To assess fall risk using the PPA in elders with and without LBP. Method: This is
      an observational, comparative, cross-sectional study with elders aged >=65 years.
      The present study was conducted with a subsample of participants from the Back
      Complaints in the Elders (BACE) - Brazil study. Fall risk was assessed using the
      PPA, which contains five tests: visual contrast sensitivity, hand reaction time,
      quadriceps strength, lower limb proprioception, and postural sway. Results: Study
      participants included 104 individuals with average age of 72.3 (SD=4.0) years,
      divided into two groups: GI) 52 participants with LBP; GII) 52 participants
      without LBP. The participants with LBP had a significantly higher fall risk (1.10
      95% CI 0.72 to 1.48), greater postural sway (49.78 95% CI 13.54 to 86.01), longer
      reaction time (58.95 95% CI 33.24 to 84.65), and lower quadriceps strength (-4.42
      95% CI -8.24 to -0.59) compared to asymptomatic participants. There was no
      significant difference for vision and proprioception tests between LBP and non
      LBP participants. Conclusion: Elders with LBP have greater risk for falls than
      those without LBP. Our results suggest fall-risk screening may be sensible in
      elders with LBP.

PMID- 27683834
TI  - Is handgrip strength normalized to body weight a useful tool to identify
      dynapenia and functional incapacity in post-menopausal women?
AB  - Objective: To investigate whether handgrip strength normalized to body weight
      could be a useful clinical tool to identify dynapenia and assess functional
      capacity in post-menopausal women. Method: A total of 136 postmenopausal women
      were recruited. Body composition (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry [DEXA], Bio
      electrical Impedence Analysis [BIA]), grip strength (dynamometer) and functional
      capacity (senior fitness tests) were evaluated. Dynapenia was established
      according to a handgrip strength index (handgrip strength divided by body weight
      (BW) in Kg/KgBW) obtained from a reference population of young women: Type I
      dynapenic (<0.44 kg/KgBW) and type II dynapenic (<0.35 kg/KgBW). Results: The
      results show a positive correlation between handgrip strength index (in kg/KgBW)
      and alternate-step test (r=0.30, p<0.001), chair-stand test (r=0.25, p<0.005) and
      one-leg stance test (r=0.335, p<0.001). The results also showed a significant
      difference in non-dynapenic compared to type I dynapenic and type II dynapenic
      for the chair-stand test (Non-dynapenic: 12.0+/-3.0; Type I: 11.7+/-2.5; Type II:
      10.3+/-3.0) (p=0.037 and p=0.005, respectively) and the one-leg stance test (Non
      dynapenic: 54.2+/-14.2; Type I: 43.8+/-21.4; Type II: 35.0+/-21.8) (p=0.030 and
      p=0.004, respectively). Finally, a significant difference was observed between
      type II dynapenic and non-dynapenic for the chair-stand test (p=0.032), but not
      with type I dynapenic. Conclusion: The results showed that handgrip strength was
      positively correlated with functional capacity. In addition, non-dynapenic women
      displayed a better functional status when compared to type I and type II
      dynapenic women. Thus, the determination of the handgrip strength thresholds
      could be an accessible and affordable clinical tool to identify people at risk of
      autonomy loss.

PMID- 27683835
TI  - Profile of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease classified as
      physically active and inactive according to different thresholds of physical
      activity in daily life.
AB  - Objective: To compare the profiles of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease (COPD) considered physically active or inactive according to different
      classifications of the level of physical activity in daily life (PADL). Method:
      Pulmonary function, dyspnea, functional status, body composition, exercise
      capacity, respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, and presence of
      comorbidities were assessed in 104 patients with COPD. The level of PADL was
      quantified with a SenseWear Armband activity monitor. Three classifications were
      used to classify the patients as physically active or inactive: 30 minutes of
      activity/day with intensity >3.2 METs, if age >=65 years, and >4 METs, if age <65
      years; 30 minutes of activity/day with intensity >3.0 METs, regardless of patient
      age; and 80 minutes of activity/day with intensity >3.0 METs, regardless of
      patient age. Results: In all classifications, when compared with the inactive
      group, the physically active group had better values of anthropometric variables
      (higher fat-free mass, lower body weight, body mass index and fat percentage),
      exercise capacity (6-minute walking distance), lung function (forced vital
      capacity) and functional status (personal care domain of the London Chest
      Activity of Daily Living). Furthermore, patients classified as physically active
      in two classifications also had better peripheral and expiratory muscle strength,
      airflow obstruction, functional status, and quality of life, as well as lower
      prevalence of heart disease and mortality risk. Conclusion: In all classification
      methods, physically active patients with COPD have better exercise capacity, lung
      function, body composition, and functional status compared to physically inactive
      patients.

PMID- 27683836
TI  - Ultrasound imaging in women's arm flexor muscles: intra-rater reliability of
      muscle thickness and echo intensity.
AB  - Background: Different ultrasound parameters have been frequently used to assess
      changes associated with training, aging, immobilization, and neuromuscular
      diseases. However, an exploratory reliability analysis of the echo intensity (EI)
      and muscle thickness (MT) of the forearm flexors is scarce, especially in women.
      Objective: The purpose of the present study was to determine the intra-rater
      reliability of MT and EI assessed by ultrasound in young women. Method:
      Ultrasonographic MT and EI were acquired in the forearm flexors of 41 young women
      (22+/-2 yrs). Reliability was calculated using intraclass correlation coefficient
      (ICC2,1), standard error of measurement (SEM), coefficient of variation (CV),
      smallest detectable change (SDC), and Bland and Altman plot analysis. Results:
      ICC values for MT and EI were 0.88 (95% CI: 0.78-0.93). The SEM and CV values
      were lower than 10%. Bland and Altman analysis revealed that ultrasound mean
      differences were 0.27 mm (Limits of Agreement - LOA 95%: - 2.6 to 3.2 mm) and 
      0.09 a.u. (LOA 95%: - 10.9 to 10.7 a.u.). Conclusion: MT and EI assessed by
      ultrasonography in young women appear to be reliable and may be used to monitor
      changes in muscle mass induced by strength training when these changes exceed the
      precision of ultrasound.

PMID- 27683837
TI  - Effects of functional and analytical strength training on upper-extremity
      activity after stroke: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - Objective: To investigate the effects of functional strengthening (using
      functional movements) and analytical strengthening (using repetitive movements)
      on level of activity and muscular strength gain in patients with chronic
      hemiparesis after stroke. Method: A randomized, assessor-blinded trial was
      conducted in a therapist-supervised home rehabilitation program. Twenty-seven
      patients with chronic stroke were randomly allocated one of two groups:
      functional strengthening (FS) (n=13) and analytical strengthening (AS) (n=14).
      Each group received a five-week muscle strengthening protocol (30 minutes per
      day, three times per week) including functional movements or analytical
      movements, respectively. Pre-, post-, and ten-month follow-up outcomes included
      the Upper-Extremity Performance Test (primary outcome), Shoulder and Grip
      Strength, Active Shoulder Range of Motion (ROM), the Fugl-Meyer Assessment, and
      the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) (secondary outcomes). Results: There was
      significant improvement in the Upper-Extremity Performance Test for the combined
      unilateral and bilateral task scores in the FS Group (mean difference 2.4; 95%
      CI=0.14 to 4.6) in the 10-month follow-up. No significant difference was observed
      between groups in the other outcomes (p>0.05). Conclusion: A five-week home-based
      functional muscle strengthening induced positive results for the upper-extremity
      level of activity of patients with moderate impairment after chronic stroke.

PMID- 27683838
TI  - Factors associated with attitudes and beliefs of elders with acute low back pain:
      data from the study Back Complaints in the Elders (BACE).
AB  - Background: The attitudes and beliefs that older people have about acute low back
      pain (LBP) may influence the coping mechanisms and the adoption of treatment
      strategies in this population. Objective: The aim of this study was to identify
      the factors associated with the attitudes and beliefs of elderly patients with
      acute low back pain using the Back Beliefs Questionnaire. Method: This is a cross
      sectional study with a subsample of the study "Back Complaints in the Elders"
      (BACE), composed of 532 older Brazilians of both genders with acute LBP. We
      investigated sociodemographic and clinical aspects, self-perceived health,
      psychosocial and emotional state, falls, and functional capacity. Multiple
      regression models were constructed to measure possible associations. Results: The
      percentage of female participants was 85.7% and the mean age was 69.04 (SD=6.2).
      Disability, symptoms of depression, and expectation of return to activities were
      independently associated with attitudes and beliefs concerning LBP. Conclusion:
      Screening of psychosocial factors is essential to the prevention of persistent
      and recurrent LBP. Early signs of these factors can help identify symptoms and
      behaviors for effective interventions.

PMID- 27683839
TI  - Effectiveness of a healthy lifestyle intervention for low back pain and
      osteoarthritis of the knee: protocol and statistical analysis plan for two
      randomised controlled trials.
AB  - Background: These trials are the first randomised controlled trials of telephone
      based weight management and healthy lifestyle interventions for low back pain and
      knee osteoarthritis. This article describes the protocol and statistical analysis
      plan. Method: These trials are parallel randomised controlled trials that
      investigate and compare the effect of a telephone-based weight management and
      healthy lifestyle intervention for improving pain intensity in overweight or
      obese patients with low back pain or knee osteoarthritis. The analysis plan was
      finalised prior to initiation of analyses. All data collected as part of the
      trial were reviewed, without stratification by group, and classified by baseline
      characteristics, process of care and trial outcomes. Trial outcomes were
      classified as primary and secondary outcomes. Appropriate descriptive statistics
      and statistical testing of between-group differences, where relevant, have been
      planned and described. Conclusions: A protocol for standard analyses was
      developed for the results of two randomised controlled trials. This protocol
      describes the data, and the pre-determined statistical tests of relevant outcome
      measures. The plan demonstrates transparent and verifiable use of the data
      collected. This a priori protocol will be followed to ensure rigorous standards
      of data analysis are strictly adhered to.

PMID- 27683841
TI  - Parasites of marine, freshwater and farmed fishes of Portugal: a review.
AB  - An extensive literature review is made of the parasites in marine and freshwater
      fish in mainland Portugal, the Portuguese archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira,
      as well as in farmed fish. The host(s) of each parasite species, its location in
      the host, site of capture of the host, whenever possible, and all the available
      bibliographic references are described. The economic importance of some parasites
      and the zoonotic relevance of some parasitic forms are discussed. A general
      overview of the data is provided, and some research lines are suggested in order
      to increase and complement the current body of knowledge about the parasites of
      fish from Portugal. 

PMID- 27683840
TI  - Acute effects of Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure (EPAP) on different levels
      in ventilation and electrical activity of sternocleidomastoid and parasternal
      muscles in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients: a randomized
      controlled trial.
AB  - Objective: To investigate the acute effects of EPAP on the activity of
      sternocleidomastoid (SCM), parasternal muscles and ventilatory parameters in COPD
      patients. Method: Twenty-four patients with COPD were studied using surface
      electromyography (sEMG) and a ventilometer. Patients were randomly assigned to
      EPAP 10 cmH2O-EPAP10 or 15 cmH2O-EPAP15 for 20 minutes. Results: The parasternal
      muscle sEMG activity increased during EPAP10 and EPAP15; however, a greater and
      significant increase was observed with EPAP10 (mean between-group difference:
      12.5% RMS, 95% CI: 9.5 to 15.4, p<0.001). In relation to the baseline, at 10 and
      20 minutes and upon recovery, respectively parasternal activity increased by
      23.9%, 28.9% and 19.1% during EPAP10 and by 10.7% at 10 and 20 minutes and upon
      recovery, respectively, 11.4% and 6.9% during EPAP15 at 10 and 20 minutes and
      upon recovery, respectively. The sEMG activity of SCM muscle showed an opposite
      pattern, increasing with EPAP15 and decreasing with EPAP10 (mean between-group
      difference: 15.5% RMS, 95% CI: 12.6 to 18.4, p<0.001). SCM muscle activity during
      EPAP15, increased by 4.8% and 6.1% at 10 and 20 minutes and decreased by -4.0%
      upon recovery compared to decreases of -5.6%, -20.6% and -21.3% during EPAP10 at
      10, 20 minutes, and recovery. Ventilation at both EPAP intensities promoted
      significant reductions in respiratory rate (RR) and dyspnea, more pronounced in
      EPAP15: RR (mean between-group difference: -3,8bpm, 95%CI: -7,5 to -0,2, p=0,015)
      and dyspnea (mean between-group difference: -1.01, 95%CI: -1.4 to -0.53, p=0.028)
      . Conclusion: In COPD patients, the use of EPAP10 was more effective in reducing
      accessory inspiratory activity and increasing parasternal activity, which was
      accompanied by an improvement in ventilation and a reduction in dyspnea.

PMID- 27683842
TI  - Post-immunization immunohistochemical expression of Caspase 3 and p53 apoptotic
      markers in experimental hydatidosis.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate post-immunization apoptotic changes in
      experimental hydatidosis, using Caspase 3 and p53 immunohistochemical markers.
      Two groups of rabbits were immunized with a crude antigen (group 1) or a
      partially purified antigen (group 2) and were compared to an infected non
      immunized control group. More effective immune responses were obtained in group 2
      than group 1, signified by fewer and smaller cystic lesions and more severe
      destructive changes. Normal growth of cysts was attained in the control group,
      with no expression of apoptotic markers. Significantly higher expression of
      Caspase 3 and p53 were observed in group 1 compared to group 2, as indicated by
      OD and area percentage, respectively (Group 1 Caspase 3: 0.89+/-0.21, 93.5%+/
      6.2; Group 1 p53: 0.46+/-0.18, 53.26%+/-11.6; Group 2 Caspase 3: 0.52+/-0.15,
      49.23%+/-11.7; Group 2 p53: 0.19+/-0.4, 18.17%+/-7.3). Vaccine-induced immune
      responses and cellular damage may underlie the expression of apoptotic markers
      that appeared to result in a degenerative and atrophic course of action upon
      immunization. The results of the current study emphasize the importance of
      immunization for the stimulation of protective immune responses and in preventing
      mechanisms of evasion to ensure normal cell growth. A cost/benefit control
      program that implements proper vaccine preparations should be further assessed
      for complete elimination of severe infections in endemic areas. 

PMID- 27683843
TI  - Neurologic involvement in patients with atypical Chediak-Higashi disease.

PMID- 27683844
TI  - Switching generic antiepileptic drug manufacturer not linked to seizures: A case
      crossover study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: With more antiepileptic drugs (AED) becoming available in generic
      form, we estimated the risk of seizure-related events associated with refilling
      generic AEDs and the effect of switching between different manufacturers of the
      same generic drug. METHODS: We designed a population-based case-crossover study
      using the Medicaid Analytic eXtract and a US commercial health insurance
      database. We identified 83,001 generic AED users who experienced a seizure
      related hospital admission or emergency room visit between 2000 and 2013 and
      assessed whether they received a refill of the same AED from the same
      manufacturer or a different manufacturer. Patients served as their own controls
      and conditional logistic regression was used to compare exposure to a refill
      during the hazard period, defined as days 2-36 preceding the seizure-related
      event, to exposure during the control period, defined as days 51-85 preceding the
      seizure-related event. RESULTS: Generic AED refilling was associated with an 8%
      increase in the odds of seizure-related events (odds ratio [OR] 1.08; 95%
      confidence interval [CI] 1.06-1.11). The OR following a switch to a different
      manufacturer of the same AED was 1.09 (95% CI 1.03-1.15); however, after
      adjusting for the process of refilling, there was no association between
      switching and seizure-related hospital visits (OR 1.00; 95% CI 0.94-1.07).
      CONCLUSIONS: Among patients on a generic AED, refilling the same AED was
      associated with an elevated risk of seizure-related event; however, there was no
      additional risk from switching during that refill to a different manufacturer.
      Generic AEDs available to US patients, with Food and Drug Administration
      validated bioequivalence, appear to be safe clinical choices.

PMID- 27683845
TI  - Prevalence of polyneuropathy in the general middle-aged and elderly population.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of chronic polyneuropathy in an unselected
      community-dwelling population of middle-aged and elderly people. METHODS: The
      current study was embedded in the prospective, population-based Rotterdam Study.
      Between June 2013 and October 2015, 1,310 participants (mean age 70 years, 55%
      female) were screened for the presence of polyneuropathy. This screening
      consisted of a questionnaire, neurologic examination, and nerve conduction
      studies. Polyneuropathy was diagnosed by a consensus panel that categorized
      participants into no, possible, probable, or definite polyneuropathy, depending
      on the level of abnormality of the screening. Medical records were scrutinized to
      evaluate whether the disorder was diagnosed before and laboratory investigations
      were performed to determine the presence of associated risk factors. RESULTS:
      Prevalence of definite polyneuropathy was 5.5% (95% confidence interval 4.4-6.9),
      age-standardized to the population of the Netherlands 4.0% (3.1-5.3). Prevalence
      was higher in male participants (6.7% compared to 4.5%) and increased with age.
      When combining probable and definite polyneuropathy, age-standardized prevalence
      was 9.4% (7.9-11.1). Almost half of the polyneuropathies (49%) were newly
      diagnosed. The majority of polyneuropathies were idiopathic (46%). Diabetes,
      present in 31% of participants with polyneuropathy, was the most commonly found
      risk factor. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of polyneuropathy in the general middle-aged
      and elderly population is at least 4%, and increases with age. Almost half of the
      cases were newly diagnosed, indicating that the presence of polyneuropathy is
      underreported or underdiagnosed. Currently, almost half of the polyneuropathies
      are idiopathic. Future prospective cohort studies should focus on identifying new
      determinants of polyneuropathy.

PMID- 27683848
TI  - Charter on Physician Professional Flourishing.
AB  - Medical care delivery has adapted to scientific and societal change in the past.
      However, today's advancing scientific accomplishments and care capabilities, in
      the context of current societal and economic developments and our emerging
      digital age, are challenging physician resilience and endurance and trust in the
      medical profession. Why has this happened and can these characteristics and
      perceptions of physicians be reversed? The Charter on Physician Professional
      Flourishing is a method designed to restore the promise of the medical profession
      and trust in it. It describes a process to reinvigorate patient-centered care
      from the caregiving physician's perspective. It integrates discipline ethics,
      behavioral character ethics, and optimized physician-patient dialogue, while
      considering past, current, and predicted future context and professional
      sustainability. Its primary outcomes are enhanced quality of care and cost
      containment and the ability to reassert the voice of the patient in health care
      planning negotiations.

PMID- 27683846
TI  - Deconstructing tolerance with clobazam: Post hoc analyses from an open-label
      extension study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate potential development of tolerance to adjunctive clobazam
      in patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. METHODS: Eligible patients enrolled in
      open-label extension study OV-1004, which continued until clobazam was
      commercially available in the United States or for a maximum of 2 years outside
      the United States. Enrolled patients started at 0.5 mg.kg-1.d-1 clobazam, not to
      exceed 40 mg/d. After 48 hours, dosages could be adjusted up to 2.0 mg.kg-1.d-1
      (maximum 80 mg/d) on the basis of efficacy and tolerability. Post hoc analyses
      evaluated mean dosages and drop-seizure rates for the first 2 years of the open
      label extension based on responder categories and baseline seizure quartiles in
      OV-1012. Individual patient listings were reviewed for dosage increases >=40% and
      increasing seizure rates. RESULTS: Data from 200 patients were included. For
      patients free of drop seizures, there was no notable change in dosage over 24
      months. For responder groups still exhibiting drop seizures, dosages were
      increased. Weekly drop-seizure rates for 100% and >=75% responders demonstrated a
      consistent response over time. Few patients had a dosage increase >=40%
      associated with an increase in seizure rates. CONCLUSIONS: Two-year findings
      suggest that the majority of patients do not develop tolerance to the antiseizure
      actions of clobazam. Observed dosage increases may reflect best efforts to
      achieve seizure freedom. It is possible that the clinical development of
      tolerance to clobazam has been overstated. CLINICALTRIALSGOV IDENTIFIER:
      NCT00518713 and NCT01160770. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: This study provides
      Class III evidence that the majority of patients do not develop tolerance to
      clobazam over 2 years of treatment.

PMID- 27683847
TI  - Cognitive reserve in frontotemporal degeneration: Neuroanatomic and
      neuropsychological evidence.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if cognitive reserve (CR) contributes to interindividual
      differences in frontal gray matter density (GMD) and executive impairment that
      underlie heterogeneity in the disease course of confirmed frontotemporal lobar
      degeneration (FTLD) pathology. METHODS: Fifty-five patients with autopsy
      confirmation or a pathogenic mutation consistent with underlying tau (FTLD-tau)
      or TDP-43 (FTLD-TDP) pathology and 90 demographically comparable healthy controls
      were assessed with T1 MRI and neuropsychological measures (Mini-Mental State
      Examination, letter fluency, forward digit span, Rey complex figure, and Boston
      Naming Test). CR was indexed using a composite measure of education and
      occupation. We used t tests to identify reduced GMD in patients with FTLD
      relative to controls, regression analyses to relate reduced GMD to CR index, and
      correlations to relate regions of GMD associated with CR to performance on
      neuropsychological measures. RESULTS: Patients with FTLD demonstrated impairment
      on neuropsychological measures. Patients with FTLD exhibited reduced bilateral
      frontotemporal GMD relative to controls, consistent with the known anatomic
      distribution of FTLD pathology. Higher CR index was associated with superior
      letter fluency and with GMD in right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex,
      orbitofrontal cortex, rostral frontal cortex, and inferior frontal gyrus.
      Furthermore, we found that higher GMD in frontal regions associated with CR was
      associated with superior letter fluency. CONCLUSIONS: Executive control and
      verbal ability assessed by letter fluency in FTLD is mediated in part by CR and
      frontal GMD. The identification of factors influencing cognitive and anatomic
      heterogeneity in FTLD suggests that CR should be considered in symptom detection,
      prognosis, and treatment.

PMID- 27683849
TI  - More data on the safety of generic substitution: Yes, the blue tablet is OK?

PMID- 27683850
TI  - Relative effect of APOE epsilon4 on neuroimaging biomarker changes across the
      lifespan.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To provide a comprehensive understanding of APOE epsilon4 effects
      across the lifespan on the 3 main neuroimaging biomarkers. METHODS: Two hundred
      seven community-dwelling, cognitively normal APOE epsilon4 carriers and
      noncarriers aged 20-87 years were involved in this study. They underwent
      structural MRI, fluorodeoxyglucose-PET, and florbetapir-PET scans. The effects of
      APOE, age, and APOE * age interaction were assessed voxel-wise for each modality.
      RESULTS: There was no significant effect of APOE or APOE * age interaction on
      gray matter volume and glucose metabolism, although decreases with age tended to
      be stronger in noncarriers than in carriers. In contrast, beta-amyloid (Abeta)
      deposition was significantly higher in carriers compared with noncarriers in a
      largely distributed network, and there was a significant APOE * age interaction
      such that Abeta deposition increased nonlinearly with age in APOE epsilon4
      carriers only. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight a differential effect of APOE
      epsilon4 on amyloid vs neurodegeneration biomarkers. APOE epsilon4 mainly
      influences Abeta deposition, while the effects on gray matter volume and glucose
      metabolism are at best subtle. CLINICALTRIALSGOV IDENTIFIER: NCT01638949.

PMID- 27683851
TI  - Posterior interosseous neuropathy: Supinator syndrome vs fascicular radial
      neuropathy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the spatial pattern of lesion dispersion in posterior
      interosseous neuropathy syndrome (PINS) by high-resolution magnetic resonance
      neurography. METHODS: This prospective study was approved by the local ethics
      committee and written informed consent was obtained from all patients. In 19
      patients with PINS and 20 healthy controls, a standardized magnetic resonance
      neurography protocol at 3-tesla was performed with coverage of the upper arm and
      elbow (T2-weighted fat-saturated: echo time/repetition time 52/7,020
      milliseconds, in-plane resolution 0.27 * 0.27 mm2). Lesion classification of the
      radial nerve trunk and its deep branch (which becomes the posterior interosseous
      nerve) was performed by visual rating and additional quantitative analysis of
      normalized T2 signal of radial nerve voxels. RESULTS: Of 19 patients with PINS,
      only 3 (16%) had a focal neuropathy at the entry of the radial nerve deep branch
      into the supinator muscle at elbow/forearm level. The other 16 (84%) had proximal
      radial nerve lesions at the upper arm level with a predominant lesion focus 8.3
      +/- 4.6 cm proximal to the humeroradial joint. Most of these lesions (75%)
      followed a specific somatotopic pattern, involving only those fascicles that
      would form the posterior interosseous nerve more distally. CONCLUSIONS: PINS is
      not necessarily caused by focal compression at the supinator muscle but is
      instead frequently a consequence of partial fascicular lesions of the radial
      nerve trunk at the upper arm level. Neuroimaging should be considered as a
      complementary diagnostic method in PINS.

PMID- 27683852
TI  - Physical activity and the incidence of multiple sclerosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study whether physical activity during adulthood or early life is
      associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) incidence in 2 prospective cohorts of
      women. METHODS: Women in the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) (n = 81,723; 1986-2004)
      and NHS II (n = 111,804; 1989-2009) reported recent physical activity at baseline
      and in selected follow-up questionnaires. Using this information, we calculated
      total metabolic equivalent hours of physical activity per week, a measure of
      energy expenditure. There were 341 confirmed MS cases with first symptoms after
      baseline. Participants also reported early-life activity. To estimate relative
      rates (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), we used Cox proportional hazards
      models, adjusting for age, latitude of residence at age 15, ethnicity, smoking,
      supplemental vitamin D, and body mass index at age 18. RESULTS: Compared with
      women in the lowest baseline physical activity quartile, women in the highest
      quartile had a 27% reduced rate of MS (RRpooled = 0.73, 95% CI 0.55-0.98; p-trend
      0.08); this trend was not present in 6-year lagged analyses. Change in physical
      activity analyses suggested that women reduced activity before onset of MS
      symptoms. In NHS and NHS II, higher strenuous activity at ages 18-22 years was
      weakly associated with a decreased MS rate. However, in NHS II, total early-life
      activity at ages 12-22 was not associated with MS. CONCLUSIONS: Though higher
      physical activity at baseline was weakly associated with lower MS risk, this may
      have been due to women reducing physical activity in response to subclinical MS.

PMID- 27683854
TI  - The uses of history and of philosophy within psychiatry.

PMID- 27683853
TI  - The urgent need for contemporary clinical trials in patients with asymptomatic
      carotid stenosis.
AB  - Asymptomatic extracranial internal carotid artery atherosclerotic stenosis
      increases with age and is more common in men. Studies performed more than 2
      decades ago showed that carotid endarterectomy reduced the rate of stroke in
      carefully selected patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis compared with
      medical therapy in the long term. Those trials were completed more than 20 years
      ago and with advances in the treatment of atherosclerotic disease, the question
      has been raised to as to whether endarterectomy is still of value for patients
      with asymptomatic narrowing. Perioperative risk of carotid revascularization
      procedures has also declined. Due to improvements in both medical and surgical
      treatments for carotid artery stenosis, it is timely to reevaluate the efficacy
      of carotid intervention relative to medical treatment for patients with
      asymptomatic stenosis.

PMID- 27683855
TI  - John Cade and the biographer's art.

PMID- 27683856
TI  - RANZCP Advocacy and the New Fellows.

PMID- 27683857
TI  - Developing leadership competencies among medical trainees: five-year experience
      at the Cleveland Clinic with a chief residents' training course.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Challenges in healthcare demand great leadership. In response,
      leadership training programs have been developed within academic medical centers,
      business schools, and healthcare organizations; however, we are unaware of any
      well-developed programs for physicians-in-training. METHODS: To address this gap,
      we developed a two-day leadership development course for chief residents (CRs) at
      the Cleveland Clinic, framed around the concept of emotional intelligence. This
      paper describes our five-year experience with the CRs leadership program.
      RESULTS: Since inception, 105 CRs took the course; 81 (77%) completed before-and
      after evaluations. Participants indicated that they had relatively little prior
      knowledge of the concepts that were presented and that the workshop greatly
      enhanced their familiarity with leadership competencies. Qualitative analysis of
      open-ended responses indicated that attendees valued the training, especially in
      conflict resolution and teamwork, and indicated specific action plans for
      applying these skills. Furthermore, the workshop spurred some participants to
      express plans to learn more about leadership competencies. CONCLUSIONS: This
      study extends prior experience in offering an emotional intelligence-based
      leadership workshop for CRs. Though the program is novel, further research is
      needed to more fully understand the impact of leadership training for CRs and for
      the institutions and patients they serve.

PMID- 27683858
TI  - Critical appraisal.

PMID- 27683860
TI  - Smoke-free acute psychiatric settings are a safe and ethical public health
      intervention.

PMID- 27683861
TI  - Context matters: communicating the need for biomarkers for mental illnesses to
      the general public.

PMID- 27683863
TI  - From the President.

PMID- 27683865
TI  - Talking with Dr Philip Mosley.

PMID- 27683862
TI  - Drug and alcohol management in Australia.

PMID- 27683869
TI  - SNAP-Ed (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education) Increases Long-Term
      Food Security among Indiana Households with Children in a Randomized Controlled
      Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Food insecurity is negatively associated with US children's dietary
      intake and health. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP
      Ed) aims to alleviate food insecurity by offering nutrition, budgeting, and
      healthy lifestyle education to low-income individuals and families. OBJECTIVE:
      The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term impact of the Indiana
      SNAP-Ed on food security among households with children. METHODS: A randomized,
      controlled, parallel study design with SNAP-Ed as an intervention was carried out
      during a 4- to 10-wk intervention period. Intervention group participants
      received the first 4 Indiana SNAP-Ed curriculum lessons. Study participants (n =
      575) were adults aged >=18 y from low-income Indiana households with >=1 child
      living in the household. Both treatment groups completed an assessment before and
      after the intervention period and 1 y after recruitment. The 18-item US Household
      Food Security Survey Module was used to classify the primary outcomes of food
      security for the household and adults and children in the household. A linear
      mixed model was used to compare intervention with control group effects over time
      on food security. RESULTS: Mean +/- SEM changes in household food security score
      and food security score among household adults from baseline to 1-y follow-up
      were 1.2 +/- 0.4 and 0.9 +/- 0.3 units lower, respectively, in the intervention
      group than in the control group (P < 0.01). The mean change in food security
      score from baseline to 1-y follow-up among household children was not
      significantly different in the intervention group compared with the control
      group. CONCLUSIONS: SNAP-Ed improved food security over a longitudinal time frame
      among low-income Indiana households with children in this study. SNAP-Ed may be a
      successful intervention to improve food security.

PMID- 27683868
TI  - Stunting in Infancy Is Associated with Decreased Risk of High Body Mass Index for
      Age at 8 and 12 Years of Age.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Effects of early-life stunting on adiposity development later in
      childhood are not well understood, specifically with respect to age in the onset
      of overweight and obesity. OBJECTIVES: We analyzed associations of infant
      stunting with prevalence of, incidence of, and reversion from high body mass
      index-for-age z score (BMIZ) later in life. We then estimated whether
      associations of infant stunting with BMIZ varied by sex, indigenous status, and
      rural or urban residence. METHODS: Data were collected from 1942 Peruvian
      children in the Young Lives cohort study at ages 1, 5, 8, and 12 y. Multivariable
      generalized linear models estimated associations of stunting (height-for-age z
      score <-2) at age 1 y with risk of BMIZ > 1 and BMIZ > 2 prevalence, incidence
      (moving above a BMIZ threshold between ages), and reversion (moving below a BMIZ
      threshold between ages) at later ages. RESULTS: After adjustment for covariates,
      stunting at age 1 y was associated with a lower prevalence of BMIZ > 1 at age 8 y
      (RR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.66, 1.00; P = 0.049) and 12 y (RR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.61, 0.91;
      P = 0.004), as well as a lower prevalence of BMIZ > 2 at age 8 y. Stunting was
      not associated with incident risk of BMIZ > 1 or BMIZ > 2. Stunting was
      positively associated at age 5 y with risk of reversion from BMIZ > 1 (RR: 1.22;
      95% CI: 1.05, 1.42; P = 0.008) and BMIZ > 2. We found evidence that the
      association of stunting with prevalent and incident BMIZ > 1 was stronger for
      urban children at ages 5 and 8 y, and for nonindigenous children at age 8 y.
      CONCLUSIONS: Stunting predicted a lower risk of prevalent BMIZ > 1 and BMIZ > 2,
      even after controlling for potential confounders. This finding may be driven in
      part by a higher risk of reversion from BMIZ > 1 by age 5 y. Our results
      contribute to an understanding of how nutritional stunting in infancy is
      associated with BMIZ later in life.

PMID- 27683870
TI  - Retinol Isotope Dilution Is Applied during Restriction of Vitamin A Intake to
      Predict Individual Subject Total Body Vitamin A Stores at Isotopic Equilibrium.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Retinol isotope dilution (RID) equations are used to determine
      vitamin A status and the efficacy of vitamin A intervention programs. Recent work
      related to RID methods has focused on modifying the "Olson equation" to improve
      the accuracy of predictions of vitamin A total body stores (TBS) in individual
      subjects. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the hypothesis that short-term restriction
      of vitamin A intake would result in accurate RID prediction of vitamin A TBS in
      individuals. METHODS: We applied model-based compartmental analysis to a 6
      component model derived from published retinol kinetic studies on 12 individuals
      with a wide range of vitamin A stores and determined vitamin A TBS in the steady
      state. Then we simulated the impact of eliminating or strictly limiting vitamin A
      intake at the time of isotope administration, while maintaining plasma retinol
      homeostasis, on retinol specific activity in plasma (SAp; fraction of dose/MUmol
      retinol) and stores, and we calculated TBS using the simplified RID equation TBS
      = 0.75 * 1/SAp, where the fractional absorption of tracer was set at 0.75 and SAp
      was simulated 5 d after dosing. RESULTS: When vitamin A intake was zero or
      strictly limited (0.25 MUmol/d), mean TBS predicted by the equation at 5 d after
      dose administration divided by TBS determined by using the model was 1.00 (range:
      0.959-1.04) or 1.02 (range: 0.983 - 1.06), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: By
      eliminating or strictly limiting vitamin A input, isotopic equilibrium was
      reached by 5 d. At isotopic equilibrium, SAp is the same as that in the body's
      exchangeable vitamin A pools; under these conditions, SAp may be measured at any
      time from 5 d on and used to calculate TBS.

PMID- 27683871
TI  - A Dietary Supply of Docosahexaenoic Acid Early in Life Is Essential for Immune
      Development and the Establishment of Oral Tolerance in Female Rat Offspring.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The early postnatal period is critical for immunity, and feeding
      docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has been demonstrated to affect immune development.
      OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the importance of feeding
      DHA during suckling and/or weaning on immune function and oral tolerance (OT).
      METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 nutritionally
      adequate diets throughout lactation (21 d): a control (n = 12, 0% DHA) diet or a
      DHA (n = 8, 0.9% DHA) diet. At 11 d, suckled pups from each dam were randomly
      assigned to a mucosal OT challenge: placebo or ovalbumin. At week 5, all pups
      systemically received ovalbumin + adjuvant to induce systemic immunization. At 21
      d, pups from each dam were randomly assigned to 1 of the 2 diets for 21 d in a
      factorial design after which immune function and OT were assessed. RESULTS:
      Feeding dams DHA during lactation resulted in a 40-60% higher splenocyte
      production of interleukin (IL)-10 when stimulated with concanavalin A,
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS), or ovalbumin and a 100% higher production of interferon
      (IFN)-gamma with LPS (P < 0.05) than feeding the control diet to the pups. In
      comparison with pups fed the control diet, feeding DHA at weaning resulted in a
      25% lower type 1 T helper (IL-1beta) and type 2 T helper (IL-6) response by
      splenocytes after LPS stimulation and a 33% lower plasma concentration of
      ovalbumin-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) G (P < 0.05). Pups that did not receive
      additional DHA during the study had a 70% higher plasma concentration of
      ovalbumin-specific IgE than did the pups that received DHA at suckling and/or
      weaning (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Feeding additional DHA during suckling had a
      beneficial programming effect on the ability of immune cells to produce IFN-gamma
      and IL-10, and feeding DHA during weaning resulted in a lower inflammatory
      response. Providing no dietary DHA in either of the critical periods of immune
      development prevented the establishment of OT in female rat offspring.

PMID- 27683872
TI  - Lifestyle and Other Factors Explain One-Half of the Variability in the Serum 25
      Hydroxyvitamin D Response to Cholecalciferol Supplementation in Healthy Adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many factors have been associated with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D
      [25(OH)D] concentrations in observational studies, with variable consistency.
      However, less information is available on factors affecting the magnitude of
      changes in serum 25(OH)D resulting from vitamin D supplementation. OBJECTIVE:
      This study aimed to identify factors associated with the serum 25(OH)D response
      to supplementation with 1000 IU cholecalciferol/d during the first year of a
      large, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled colorectal adenoma
      chemoprevention trial. METHODS: Eligible older adults who were not vitamin D
      deficient [serum 25(OH)D >=12 ng/mL] were randomly assigned in a modified 2 * 2
      factorial design to 1 of 4 groups: daily 1000 IU cholecalciferol, 1200 mg Ca as
      carbonate, both, or placebo. Women could elect 2-group (calcium +/-
      cholecalciferol) random assignment. In secondary analyses, we used multivariable
      models to assess factors associated with serum 25(OH)D concentrations in all
      enrollees (n = 2753) and with relative changes in serum 25(OH)D after 1 y
      cholecalciferol supplementation among those randomly assigned (n = 2187).
      RESULTS: In multivariable models, 8 factors accounted for 50% of the variability
      of proportional change in serum 25(OH)D after cholecalciferol supplementation.
      Larger increases were associated with being female (34.5% compared with 20.5%; P
      < 0.001) and with lower baseline serum 25(OH)D (P < 0.0001), optimal adherence to
      study pill intake (P = 0.0002), wearing long pants and sleeves during sun
      exposure (P = 0.0002), moderate activity level (P = 0.01), use of extra vitamin D
      containing supplements during the trial (P = 0.03), and seasons of blood draw (P
      <= 0.002). Several genetic polymorphisms were associated with baseline serum
      25(OH)D and/or serum response, but these did not substantially increase the
      models' R2 values. Other factors, including body mass index, were associated with
      serum 25(OH)D at baseline but not with its response to supplemental
      cholecalciferol. CONCLUSIONS: The factors that most affected changes in serum
      25(OH)D concentrations in response to cholecalciferol supplementation included
      sex, baseline serum 25(OH)D, supplement intake adherence, skin-covering clothes,
      physical activity, and season. Genetic factors did not play a major role. This
      trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00153816.

PMID- 27683873
TI  - Maternal Dietary Patterns during Pregnancy Are Associated with Child Growth in
      the First 3 Years of Life.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Child obesity is a major problem in the United States. Identifying
      early-life risk factors is necessary for prevention. Maternal diet during
      pregnancy is a primary source of fetal energy and might influence risk of child
      obesity. OBJECTIVE: We prospectively investigated the influence of maternal
      dietary patterns during pregnancy on child growth in the first 3 y of life in 389
      mother-child pairs from the Pregnancy, Infection, and Nutrition study. METHODS:
      Dietary patterns were derived with the use of latent class analysis (LCA) based
      on maternal diet, collected with the use of a food-frequency questionnaire at 26
      29 wk gestation. Associations between maternal dietary patterns and child body
      mass index (BMI)-for-age z score and overweight or obesity were assessed with the
      use of linear regression and log-binomial regression, respectively. We used
      linear mixed models to estimate childhood growth patterns in relation to maternal
      dietary patterns. RESULTS: Three patterns were identified from LCA: 1) fruits,
      vegetables, refined grains, red and processed meats, pizza, french fries, sweets,
      salty snacks, and soft drinks (latent class 1); 2) fruits, vegetables, baked
      chicken, whole-wheat bread, low-fat dairy, and water (latent class 2); and 3)
      white bread, red and processed meats, fried chicken, french fries, and vitamin C
      rich drinks (latent class 3). In crude analyses, the latent class 3 diet was
      associated with a higher BMI-for-age z score at 1 and 3 y of age and a higher
      risk of overweight or obesity at 3 y of age than was the latent class 2 diet.
      These associations were not detectable after adjustment for confounding factors.
      We observed an inverse association between the latent class 3 diet and BMI-for
      age z score at birth after adjustment for confounding factors that was not
      evident in the crude analysis (latent class 3 compared with latent class 2-beta: 
      0.41; 95% CI: -0.79, -0.03). CONCLUSION: In this prospective study, a less
      healthy maternal dietary pattern was associated with early childhood weight
      patterns.

PMID- 27683875
TI  - Subjective health complaints, work-related stress and self-efficacy in Norwegian
      aircrew.
AB  - Background: The European civilian aviation industry has undergone major changes
      in the last decade. Despite this, there is little knowledge about work-related
      stress and subjective health complaints (SHCs) affecting Norwegian aircrew. Aims:
      To investigate the relationships between work-related stress, self-efficacy and
      SHCs in commercial aircrew in Norway and to explore differences between cockpit
      and cabin crew. Methods: Aircrew members from the three major airlines operating
      from Norway completed an electronically distributed questionnaire. Linear
      regression analyses were used to investigate the association between work-related
      stress, self-efficacy and SHCs. Results: There was a 21% response rate. Among the
      843 study subjects, tiredness, sleep problems, bloating, low back pain, headaches
      and neck pain were the most prevalent SHCs. Cabin crew reported significantly
      higher numbers, prevalences and mean values for all SHCs compared with cockpit
      crew (P < 0.05). In total, 20% reported high stress levels. High levels of work
      related stress were significantly associated with all SHC factors in both groups.
      Self-efficacy partly moderated the relationship between stress and psychological
      complaints in both cockpit and cabin crew, and for musculoskeletal complaints in
      cockpit crew. The model explained 23 and 32% of the variance in psychological
      complaints for cockpit and cabin crew, respectively. Conclusions: Commercial
      aircrew in Norway reported high numbers of SHCs, and high levels of work-related
      stress were associated with high numbers of SHC. More knowledge is needed on the
      physical, organizational and psychosocial stressors affecting cockpit and cabin
      crew in order to create a healthier work environment for these groups.

PMID- 27683876
TI  - Anti-Sulfoglucuronosyl Paragloboside Antibody: A Potential Serologic Marker of
      Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
AB  - Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized
      by progressive degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons. Although the
      etiology of ALS is obscure, genetic studies of familiar ALS suggest a
      multifactorial etiology for this condition. Similarly, there probably are
      multiple causes for sporadic ALS. Autoimmune-mediated motor neuron dysfunction is
      one proposed etiology for sporadic ALS. In the present study, anti-glycolipid
      antibodies including GM1, GD1b, GD3, and sulfoglucuronosyl paragloboside (SGPG)
      were investigated in the sera of a large number of patient samples, including 113
      ALS patients and 50 healthy controls, by means of enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      assay with affinity parametric complex criterion evaluation and thin-layer
      chromatography immunooverlay (immuno-TLC). Anti-SGPG antibodies were found in the
      sera of 13.3% ALS patients (15 out of 113). The highest titer reached 1:1600. The
      presence of anti-SGPG antibodies in the serum samples was also confirmed by
      immuno-TLC. Importantly, a multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the
      presence of anti-SGPG antibody was positively correlated with age (p < .01) and
      negatively correlated with ALS Functional Rating Scale score (p < .05). Moreover,
      the localization of SGPG-immunoreactivity on the motor neurons of rat spinal cord
      and a mouse motor neuronal cell line, NSC-34 was observed by an
      immunofluorescence method. These data suggest that SGPG could represent a
      specific pathogenic antigen in those ALS patients. The presence of anti-SGPG
      antibodies in the serum of ALS patients should represent a diagnostic biomarker
      of ALS, and it could reflect the severity of the disease.

PMID- 27683874
TI  - Cocoa Flavanol Intake and Biomarkers for Cardiometabolic Health: A Systematic
      Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cocoa flavanols may improve cardiometabolic health. Evidence from
      small short-term randomized clinical trials (RCTs) remains inconsistent, and
      large long-term RCTs testing the efficacy of cocoa flavanols are still lacking.
      OBJECTIVE: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs to quantify
      the effect of cocoa flavanol intake on cardiometabolic biomarkers. METHODS: We
      searched PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library for RCTs that evaluated
      the effects of cocoa flavanols on biomarkers relevant to vascular disease
      pathways among adults. Data were extracted following a standardized protocol. We
      used DerSimonian and Laird random-effect models to compute the weighted mean
      differences (WMDs) and 95% CIs. We also examined potential modification by
      intervention duration, design, age, sex, comorbidities, and the form and amount
      of cocoa flavanol intake. RESULTS: We included 19 RCTs that comprised 1131
      participants, and the number of studies for a specific biomarker varied. The
      amount of cocoa flavanols ranged from 166 to 2110 mg/d, and intervention duration
      ranged from 2 to 52 wk. Cocoa flavanol intake significantly improved insulin
      sensitivity and lipid profile. The WMDs between treatment and placebo were -0.10
      mmol/L (95% CI: -0.16, -0.04 mmol/L) for total triglycerides, 0.06 mmol/L (95%
      CI: 0.02, 0.09 mmol/L) for HDL cholesterol, -2.33 MUIU/mL (95% CI: -3.47, -1.19
      MUIU/mL) for fasting insulin, -0.93 (95% CI: -1.31, -0.55) for the homeostatic
      model assessment of insulin resistance, 0.03 (95% CI: 0.01, 0.05) for the
      quantitative insulin sensitivity check index, 2.54 (95% CI: 0.63, 4.44) for the
      insulin sensitivity index, -0.83 mg/dL (95% CI: -0.88, -0.77 mg/dL) for C
      reactive protein, and 85.6 ng/mL (95% CI: 16.0, 155 ng/mL) for vascular cell
      adhesion molecule 1. No significant associations were found for other biomarkers.
      None of the modifiers seemed to qualitatively modify the effects of cocoa
      flavanol intake. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that cocoa flavanol intake has
      favorable effects on select cardiometabolic biomarkers among adults. These
      findings support the need for large long-term RCTs to assess whether cocoa
      flavanol intake reduces the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular events.

PMID- 27683877
TI  - Intranasal Administration of Interferon Beta Attenuates Neuronal Apoptosis via
      the JAK1/STAT3/BCL-2 Pathway in a Rat Model of Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic
      Encephalopathy.
AB  - Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is an injury that often leads to
      detrimental neurological deficits. Currently, there are no established therapies
      for HIE and it is critical to develop treatments that provide protection after
      HIE. The objective of this study was to investigate the ability of interferon
      beta (IFNbeta) to provide neuroprotection and reduce apoptosis after HIE.
      Postnatal Day 10 rat pups were subjected to unilateral carotid artery ligation
      followed by 2.5 hr of exposure to hypoxia (8% O2). Intranasal administration of
      human recombinant IFNbeta occurred 2 hr after HIE and infarct volume, body
      weight, neurobehavioral tests, histology, immunohistochemistry, brain water
      content, blood-brain barrier permeability, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and
      Western blot were all used to evaluate various parameters. The results showed
      that both IFNbeta and the Type 1 interferon receptor expression decreases after
      HIE. Intranasal administration of human recombinant IFNbeta was able to be
      detected in the central nervous system and was able to reduce brain infarction
      volumes and improve neurological behavior tests 24 hr after HIE. Western blot
      analysis also revealed that human recombinant IFNbeta treatment stimulated Stat3
      and Bcl-2 expression leading to a decrease in cleaved caspase-3 expression after
      HIE. Positive Fluoro-Jade C staining also demonstrated that IFNbeta treatment was
      able to decrease neuronal apoptosis. Furthermore, the beneficial effects of
      IFNbeta treatment were reversed when a Stat3 inhibitor was applied. Also an
      intraperitoneal administration of human recombinant IFNbeta into the systemic
      compartment was unable to confer the same protective effects as intranasal
      IFNbeta treatment.

PMID- 27683878
TI  - Transcriptional Fingerprint of Hypomyelination in Zfp191null and Shiverer
      (Mbpshi) Mice.
AB  - The transcriptional program that controls oligodendrocyte maturation and central
      nervous system (CNS) myelination has not been fully characterized. In this study,
      we use high-throughput RNA sequencing to analyze how the loss of a key
      transcription factor, zinc finger protein 191 (ZFP191), results in
      oligodendrocyte development abnormalities and CNS hypomyelination. Using a
      previously described mutant mouse that is deficient in ZFP191 protein expression
      (Zfp191null), we demonstrate that key transcripts are reduced in the whole brain
      as well as within oligodendrocyte lineage cells cultured in vitro To determine
      whether the loss of myelin seen in Zfp191null mice contributes indirectly to
      these perturbations, we also examined the transcriptome of a well-characterized
      mouse model of hypomyelination, in which the myelin structural protein myelin
      basic protein (MBP) is deficient. Interestingly, Mbpshi (shiverer) mice had far
      fewer transcripts perturbed with the loss of myelin alone. This study
      demonstrates that the loss of ZFP191 disrupts expression of genes involved in
      oligodendrocyte maturation and myelination, largely independent from the loss of
      myelin. Nevertheless, hypomyelination in both mouse mutants results in the
      perturbation of lipid synthesis pathways, suggesting that oligodendrocytes have a
      feedback system that allows them to regulate myelin lipid synthesis depending on
      their myelinating state. The data presented are of potential clinical relevance
      as the human orthologs of the Zfp191 and MBP genes reside on a region of
      Chromosome 18 that is deleted in childhood leukodystrophies.

PMID- 27683879
TI  - Enhanced Histochemical Detection of Iron in Paraffin Sections of Mouse Central
      Nervous System Tissue: Application in the APP/PS1 Mouse Model of Alzheimer's
      Disease.
AB  - Histochemical methods of detecting iron in the rodent brain result mainly in the
      labeling of oligodendrocytes, but as all cells utilize iron, this observation
      suggests that much of the iron in the central nervous system goes undetected.
      Paraffin embedding of tissue is a standard procedure that is used to prepare
      sections for microscopic analysis. In the present study, we questioned whether we
      could modify the iron histochemical procedure to enable a greater detection of
      iron in paraffin sections. Indeed, various modifications led to the widespread
      labeling of iron in mouse brain tissue (for instance, labeling of neurons and
      neuropil). Sites of focal concentrations, such as cytoplasmic punctate or
      nucleolar staining, were also observed. The modified procedures were applied to
      paraffin sections of a mouse model (APP/PS1) of Alzheimer's disease. Iron was
      revealed in the plaque core and rim. The plaque rim had a fibrillary or granular
      appearance, and it frequently contained iron-labeled cells. Further analysis
      indicated that the iron was tightly associated with the core of the plaque, but
      less so with the rim. In conclusion, modifications to the histochemical staining
      revealed new insights into the deposition of iron in the central nervous system.
      In theory, the approach should be transferrable to organs besides the brain and
      to other species, and the underlying principles should be incorporable into a
      variety of staining methods.

PMID- 27683880
TI  - Is diesel equipment in the workplace safe or not?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Recently, diesel motor exhaust (DME) has been classified as a known
      human carcinogen. We used data from epidemiological studies of diesel exposures
      to perform a quantitative risk assessment to calculate DME exposure levels,
      expressed as elemental carbon (EC), corresponding to acceptable risk (AR) and
      maximum tolerable risk (MTR) levels of 4 to 10-5 and 4 to 10-3 for the lifetime
      excess probability of dying from lung cancer. METHODS: Previously published slope
      estimates (n=14) of the exposure-response curve (ERC) for EC exposure and lung
      cancer were used in life-table analyses to calculate EC exposure levels
      corresponding to the specified AR and MTR levels. RESULTS: Considered ERC slope
      factors ranged from 0.00060 to 0.0012 natural logarithm of the relative rate
      (InRR) per MUg/m3 years based on different selections of studies and study
      specific risk estimates. Exposure limits based on these slope factors were
      between 0.009-0.017 and 0.85-1.67 MUg/m3 EC for the AR and MTR, respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: Derived exposure limits based on the AR and MTR are around or well
      below 1 MUg/m3 EC. Such limits are below current occupational exposure levels,
      and in some instances even below environmental exposure levels. Although
      uncertainties exist in the exact slope factors, these results indicate that an
      acceptable excess lung cancer mortality risk can only be achieved at very low DME
      exposure levels, suggesting that diesel engines using older technologies should
      be removed from the workplace when possible or emissions strictly controlled.

PMID- 27683882
TI  - The response of the vestibulosympathetic reflex to linear acceleration in the
      rat.
AB  - The vestibulosympathetic reflex (VSR) increases blood pressure (BP) upon arising
      to maintain blood flow to the brain. The optimal directions of VSR activation and
      whether changes in heart rate (HR) are associated with changes in BP are still
      not clear. We used manually activated pulses and oscillatory linear accelerations
      of 0.2-2.5 g along the naso-occipital, interaural, and dorsoventral axes in
      isoflurane-anesthetized, male Long-Evans rats. BP and HR were recorded with an
      intra-aortic sensor and acceleration with a three-dimensional accelerometer.
      Linear regressions of BP changes in accelerations along the upward, downward, and
      forward axes had slopes of ~3-6 mmHg . g-1 (P < 0.05). Lateral and backward
      accelerations did not produce consistent changes in BP. Thus upward, downward,
      and forward translations were the directions that significantly altered BP. HR
      was unaffected by these translations. The VSR sensitivity to oscillatory forward
      backward translations was ~6-10 mmHg . g-1 at frequencies of ~0.1 Hz (0.2 g),
      decreasing to zero at frequencies above 2 Hz (1.8 g). Upward, 70 degrees  tilts
      of an alert rat increased BP by 9 mmHg . g-1 without changes in HR, indicating
      that anesthesia had not reduced the VSR sensitivity. The similarity in BP induced
      in alert and anesthetized rats indicates that the VSR is relatively insensitive
      to levels of alertness and that the VSR is likely to cause changes in BP through
      modification of peripheral vascular resistance. Thus the VSR, which is directed
      toward the cardiovascular system, is in contrast to the responses in the alert
      state that can produce sweating, alterations in BP and HR, and motion sickness.

PMID- 27683881
TI  - Effects of high-frequency stimulation of the internal pallidal segment on
      neuronal activity in the thalamus in parkinsonian monkeys.
AB  - Deep brain stimulation of the internal globus pallidus (GPi) is a major treatment
      for advanced Parkinson's disease. The effects of this intervention on electrical
      activity patterns in targets of GPi output, specifically in the thalamus, are
      poorly understood. The experiments described here examined these effects using
      electrophysiological recordings in two Rhesus monkeys rendered moderately
      parkinsonian through treatment with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine
      (MPTP), after sampling control data in the same animals. Analysis of spontaneous
      spiking activity of neurons in the basal ganglia-receiving areas of the ventral
      thalamus showed that MPTP-induced parkinsonism is associated with a reduction of
      firing rates of segments of the data that contained neither bursts nor
      decelerations, and with increased burst firing. Spectral analyses revealed an
      increase of power in the 3- to 13-Hz band and a reduction in the gamma-range in
      the spiking activity of these neurons. Electrical stimulation of the
      ventrolateral motor territory of GPi with macroelectrodes, mimicking deep brain
      stimulation in parkinsonian patients (bipolar electrodes, 0.5 mm intercontact
      distance, biphasic stimuli, 120 Hz, 100 MUs/phase, 200 MUA), had antiparkinsonian
      effects. The stimulation markedly reduced oscillations in thalamic firing in the
      13- to 30-Hz range and uncoupled the spiking activity of recorded neurons from
      simultaneously recorded local field potential (LFP) activity. These results
      confirm that oscillatory and nonoscillatory characteristics of spontaneous
      activity in the basal ganglia receiving ventral thalamus are altered in MPTP
      induced parkinsonism. Electrical stimulation of GPi did not entrain thalamic
      activity but changed oscillatory activity in the ventral thalamus and altered the
      relationship between spikes and simultaneously recorded LFPs.

PMID- 27683883
TI  - Persistence of reduced neuromotor noise in long-term motor skill learning.
AB  - It is well documented that variability in motor performance decreases with
      practice, yet the neural and computational mechanisms that underlie this decline,
      particularly during long-term practice, are little understood. Decreasing
      variability is frequently examined in terms of error corrections from one trial
      to the next. However, the ubiquitous noise from all levels of the sensorimotor
      system is also a significant contributor to overt variability. While neuromotor
      noise is typically assumed and modeled as immune to practice, the present study
      challenged this notion. We investigated the long-term practice of a novel motor
      skill to test whether neuromotor noise can be attenuated, specifically when aided
      by reward. Results showed that both reward and self-guided practice over 11 days
      improved behavior by decreasing noise rather than effective error corrections.
      When the challenge for obtaining reward increased, subjects reduced noise even
      further. Importantly, when task demands were relaxed again, this reduced level of
      noise persisted for 5 days. A stochastic learning model replicated both the
      attenuation and persistence of noise by scaling the noise amplitude as a function
      of reward. More insight into variability and intrinsic noise and its malleability
      has implications for training and rehabilitation interventions.

PMID- 27683884
TI  - Transmission of auditory sensory information decreases in rate and temporal
      precision at the endbulb of Held synapse during age-related hearing loss.
AB  - Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is largely attributed to structural changes and
      functional declines in the peripheral auditory system, which include synaptopathy
      at the inner hair cell/spiral ganglion cell (SGC) connection and the loss of
      SGCs. However, functional changes at the central terminals of SGCs, namely the
      auditory nerve synapses in the cochlear nucleus, are not yet fully understood
      during ARHL. With the use of young (1-3 mo) and old (25-30 mo) CBA/CaJ mice, this
      study evaluated the intrinsic properties of the bushy neurons postsynaptic to the
      endbulb of Held synapses, and the firing properties of these neurons to direct
      current injections as well as to synaptic inputs from the auditory nerve. Results
      showed that bushy neurons in old mice are more excitable and are able to fire
      spikes at similar rate and timing to direct current injections as those in young
      mice. In response to synaptic inputs, however, bushy neurons from old mice fired
      spikes with significantly decreased rate and reduced temporal precision to
      stimulus trains at 100 and 400 Hz, with the drop in firing probability more
      profound at 400 Hz. It suggests that transmission of auditory information at the
      endbulb is declined in both rate and timing during aging, which signifies the
      loss of sensory inputs to the central auditory system under ARHL. The study
      proposes that, in addition to damages at the peripheral terminals of SGCs as well
      as the loss of SGCs, functional decline at the central terminals of surviving
      SGCs is also an essential component of ARHL.

PMID- 27683885
TI  - Neuron-glia cross talk revealed in reverberating networks by simultaneous
      extracellular recording of spikes and astrocytes' glutamate transporter and K+
      currents.
AB  - Astrocytes uptake synaptically released glutamate with electrogenic transporters
      (GluT) and buffer the spike-dependent extracellular K+ excess with background K+
      channels. We studied neuronal spikes and the slower astrocytic signals on
      reverberating neocortical cultures and organotypic slices from mouse brains.
      Spike trains and glial responses were simultaneously captured from individual
      sites of multielectrode arrays (MEA) by splitting the recorded traces into
      appropriate filters and reconstructing the original signal by deconvolution. GluT
      currents were identified by using dl-threo-beta-benzyloxyaspartate (TBOA). K+
      currents were blocked by 30 MUM Ba2+, suggesting a major contribution of inwardly
      rectifying K+ currents. Both types of current were tightly correlated with the
      spike rate, and their astrocytic origin was tested in primary cultures by
      blocking glial proliferation with cytosine beta-d-arabinofuranoside (AraC). The
      spike-related, time-locked inward and outward K+ currents in different regions of
      the astrocyte syncytium were consistent with the assumptions of the spatial K+
      buffering model. In organotypic slices from ventral tegmental area and prefrontal
      cortex, the GluT current amplitudes exceeded those observed in primary cultures
      by several orders of magnitude, which allowed to directly measure transporter
      currents with a single electrode. Simultaneously measuring cell signals
      displaying widely different amplitudes and kinetics will help clarify the neuron
      glia interplay and make it possible to follow the cross talk between different
      cell types in excitable as well as nonexcitable tissue.

PMID- 27683887
TI  - Neurons as oscillators.
AB  - Regularly spiking neurons can be described as oscillators. In this article we
      review some of the insights gained from this conceptualization and their
      relevance for systems neuroscience. First, we explain how a regularly spiking
      neuron can be viewed as an oscillator and how the phase-response curve (PRC)
      describes the response of the neuron's spike times to small perturbations. We
      then discuss the meaning of the PRC for a single neuron's spiking behavior and
      review the PRCs measured from a variety of neurons in a range of spiking regimes.
      Next, we show how the PRC can be related to a number of common measures used to
      quantify neuronal firing, such as the spike-triggered average and the
      peristimulus histogram. We further show that the response of a neuron to
      correlated inputs depends on the shape of the PRC. We then explain how the PRC of
      single neurons can be used to predict neural network behavior. Given the PRC,
      conduction delays, and the waveform and time course of the synaptic potentials,
      it is possible to predict neural population behavior such as synchronization. The
      PRC also allows us to quantify the robustness of the synchronization to
      heterogeneity and noise. We finally ask how to combine the measured PRCs and the
      predictions based on PRC to further the understanding of systems neuroscience. As
      an example, we discuss how the change of the PRC by the neuromodulator
      acetylcholine could lead to a destabilization of cortical network dynamics.
      Although all of these studies are grounded in mathematical abstractions that do
      not strictly hold in biology, they provide good estimates for the emergence of
      the brain's network activity from the properties of individual neurons. The study
      of neurons as oscillators can provide testable hypotheses and mechanistic
      explanations for systems neuroscience.

PMID- 27683886
TI  - Learning the trajectory of a moving visual target and evolution of its tracking
      in the monkey.
AB  - An object moving in the visual field triggers a saccade that brings its image
      onto the fovea. It is followed by a combination of slow eye movements and catch
      up saccades that try to keep the target image on the fovea as long as possible.
      The accuracy of this ability to track the "here-and-now" location of a visual
      target contrasts with the spatiotemporally distributed nature of its encoding in
      the brain. We show in six experimentally naive monkeys how this performance is
      acquired and gradually evolves during successive daily sessions. During the early
      exposure, the tracking is mostly saltatory, made of relatively large saccades
      separated by low eye velocity episodes, demonstrating that accurate (here and
      now) pursuit is not spontaneous and that gaze direction lags behind its location
      most of the time. Over the sessions, while the pursuit velocity is enhanced, the
      gaze is more frequently directed toward the current target location as a
      consequence of a 25% reduction in the number of catch-up saccades and a 37%
      reduction in size (for the first saccade). This smoothing is observed at several
      scales: during the course of single trials, across the set of trials within a
      session, and over successive sessions. We explain the neurophysiological
      processes responsible for this combined evolution of saccades and pursuit in the
      absence of stringent training constraints. More generally, our study shows that
      the oculomotor system can be used to discover the neural mechanisms underlying
      the ability to synchronize a motor effector with a dynamic external event.

PMID- 27683888
TI  - Trial-to-trial adaptation in control of arm reaching and standing posture.
AB  - Classical theories of motor learning hypothesize that adaptation is driven by
      sensorimotor error; this is supported by studies of arm and eye movements that
      have shown that trial-to-trial adaptation increases with error. Studies of
      postural control have shown that anticipatory postural adjustments increase with
      the magnitude of a perturbation. However, differences in adaptation have been
      observed between the two modalities, possibly due to either the inherent
      instability or sensory uncertainty in standing posture. Therefore, we
      hypothesized that trial-to-trial adaptation in posture should be driven by error,
      similar to what is observed in arm reaching, but the nature of the relationship
      between error and adaptation may differ. Here we investigated trial-to-trial
      adaptation of arm reaching and postural control concurrently; subjects made
      reaching movements in a novel dynamic environment of varying strengths, while
      standing and holding the handle of a force-generating robotic arm. We found that
      error and adaptation increased with perturbation strength in both arm and
      posture. Furthermore, in both modalities, adaptation showed a significant
      correlation with error magnitude. Our results indicate that adaptation scales
      proportionally with error in the arm and near proportionally in posture. In
      posture only, adaptation was not sensitive to small error sizes, which were
      similar in size to errors experienced in unperturbed baseline movements due to
      inherent variability. This finding may be explained as an effect of uncertainty
      about the source of small errors. Our findings suggest that in rehabilitation,
      postural error size should be considered relative to the magnitude of inherent
      movement variability.

PMID- 27683889
TI  - Reduced temporal processing in older, normal-hearing listeners evident from
      electrophysiological responses to shifts in interaural time difference.
AB  - Previous electrophysiological studies of interaural time difference (ITD)
      processing have demonstrated that ITDs are represented by a nontopographic
      population rate code. Rather than narrow tuning to ITDs, neural channels have
      broad tuning to ITDs in either the left or right auditory hemifield, and the
      relative activity between the channels determines the perceived lateralization of
      the sound. With advancing age, spatial perception weakens and poor temporal
      processing contributes to declining spatial acuity. At present, it is unclear
      whether age-related temporal processing deficits are due to poor inhibitory
      controls in the auditory system or degraded neural synchrony at the periphery.
      Cortical processing of spatial cues based on a hemifield code are susceptible to
      potential age-related physiological changes. We consider two distinct predictions
      of age-related changes to ITD sensitivity: declines in inhibitory mechanisms
      would lead to increased excitation and medial shifts to rate-azimuth functions,
      whereas a general reduction in neural synchrony would lead to reduced excitation
      and shallower slopes in the rate-azimuth function. The current study tested these
      possibilities by measuring an evoked response to ITD shifts in a narrow-band
      noise. Results were more in line with the latter outcome, both from measured
      latencies and amplitudes of the global field potentials and source-localized
      waveforms in the left and right auditory cortices. The measured responses for
      older listeners also tended to have reduced asymmetric distribution of activity
      in response to ITD shifts, which is consistent with other sensory and cognitive
      processing models of aging.

PMID- 27683890
TI  - Electrosensory processing in Apteronotus albifrons: implications for general and
      specific neural coding strategies across wave-type weakly electric fish species.
AB  - Understanding how the brain processes sensory input to generate behavior remains
      an important problem in neuroscience. Towards this end, it is useful to compare
      results obtained across multiple species to gain understanding as to the general
      principles of neural coding. Here we investigated hindbrain pyramidal cell
      activity in the weakly electric fish Apteronotus albifrons We found strong
      heterogeneities when looking at baseline activity. Additionally, ON- and OFF-type
      cells responded to increases and decreases of sinusoidal and noise stimuli,
      respectively. While both cell types displayed band-pass tuning, OFF-type cells
      were more broadly tuned than their ON-type counterparts. The observed
      heterogeneities in baseline activity as well as the greater broadband tuning of
      OFF-type cells were both similar to those previously reported in other weakly
      electric fish species, suggesting that they constitute general features of
      sensory processing. However, we found that peak tuning occurred at frequencies
      ~15 Hz in A. albifrons, which is much lower than values reported in the closely
      related species Apteronotus leptorhynchus and the more distantly related species
      Eigenmannia virescens In response to stimuli with time-varying amplitude (i.e.,
      envelope), ON- and OFF-type cells displayed similar high-pass tuning curves
      characteristic of fractional differentiation and possibly indicate optimized
      coding. These tuning curves were qualitatively similar to those of pyramidal
      cells in the closely related species A. leptorhynchus In conclusion, comparison
      between our and previous results reveals general and species-specific neural
      coding strategies. We hypothesize that differences in coding strategies, when
      observed, result from different stimulus distributions in the natural/social
      environment.

PMID- 27683892
TI  - Developmental experience-dependent plasticity in the first synapse of the
      Drosophila olfactory circuit.
AB  - Evidence accumulating over the past 15 years soundly refutes the dogma that the
      Drosophila nervous system is hardwired. The preponderance of studies reveals
      activity-dependent neural circuit refinement driving optimization of behavioral
      outputs. We describe developmental, sensory input-dependent plasticity in the
      brain olfactory antennal lobe, which we term long-term central adaption (LTCA).
      LTCA is evoked by prolonged exposure to an odorant during the first week of
      posteclosion life, resulting in a persistently decreased response to aversive
      odors and an enhanced response to attractive odors. This limited window of early
      use, experience-dependent plasticity represents a critical period of olfactory
      circuit refinement tuned by initial sensory input. Consequent behavioral
      adaptations have been associated with changes in the output of olfactory
      projection neurons to higher brain centers. Recent studies have indicated a
      central role for local interneuron signaling in LTCA presentation. Genetic and
      molecular analyses have implicated the mRNA-binding fragile X mental retardation
      protein and ataxin-2 regulators, Notch trans-synaptic signaling, and cAMP signal
      transduction as core regulatory steps driving LTCA. In this article, we discuss
      the structural, functional, and behavioral changes associated with LTCA and
      review our current understanding of the molecular pathways underlying these
      developmental, experience-dependent changes in the olfactory circuitry.

PMID- 27683893
TI  - Integration of motion energy from overlapping random background noise increases
      perceived speed of coherently moving stimuli.
AB  - The perception of visual motion can be profoundly influenced by visual context.
      To gain insight into how the visual system represents motion speed, we
      investigated how a background stimulus that did not move in a net direction
      influenced the perceived speed of a center stimulus. Visual stimuli were two
      overlapping random-dot patterns. The center stimulus moved coherently in a fixed
      direction, whereas the background stimulus moved randomly. We found that human
      subjects perceived the speed of the center stimulus to be significantly faster
      than its veridical speed when the background contained motion noise.
      Interestingly, the perceived speed was tuned to the noise level of the
      background. When the speed of the center stimulus was low, the highest perceived
      speed was reached when the background had a low level of motion noise. As the
      center speed increased, the peak perceived speed was reached at a progressively
      higher background noise level. The effect of speed overestimation required the
      center stimulus to overlap with the background. Increasing the background size
      within a certain range enhanced the effect, suggesting spatial integration. The
      speed overestimation was significantly reduced or abolished when the center
      stimulus and the background stimulus had different colors, or when they were
      placed at different depths. When the center- and background-stimuli were
      perceptually separable, speed overestimation was correlated with perceptual
      similarity between the center- and background-stimuli. These results suggest that
      integration of motion energy from random motion noise has a significant impact on
      speed perception. Our findings put new constraints on models regarding the neural
      basis of speed perception.

PMID- 27683895
TI  - Specialized Regulatory T Cells for Optimal Suppression of T Cell Responses in GN.

PMID- 27683891
TI  - Callosal dysfunction explains injury sequelae in a computational network model of
      axonal injury.
AB  - Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) often results in neurobehavioral aberrations
      such as impaired attention and increased reaction time. Diffusion imaging and
      postmortem analysis studies suggest that mTBI primarily affects myelinated axons
      in white matter tracts. In particular, corpus callosum, mediating
      interhemispheric information exchange, has been shown to be affected in mTBI. Yet
      little is known about the mechanisms linking the injury of myelinated callosal
      axons to the neurobehavioral sequelae of mTBI. To address this issue, we devised
      and studied a large, biologically plausible neuronal network model of cortical
      tissue. Importantly, the model architecture incorporated intra- and
      interhemispheric organization, including myelinated callosal axons and distance
      dependent axonal conduction delays. In the resting state, the intact model
      network exhibited several salient features, including alpha-band (8-12 Hz)
      collective activity with low-frequency irregular spiking of individual neurons.
      The network model of callosal injury captured several clinical observations,
      including 1) "slowing down" of the network rhythms, manifested as an increased
      resting-state theta-to-alpha power ratio, 2) reduced response to attention-like
      network stimulation, manifested as a reduced spectral power of collective
      activity, and 3) increased population response time in response to stimulation.
      Importantly, these changes were positively correlated with injury severity,
      supporting proposals to use neurobehavioral indices as biomarkers for determining
      the severity of injury. Our modeling effort helps to understand the role played
      by the injury of callosal myelinated axons in defining the neurobehavioral
      sequelae of mTBI.

PMID- 27683894
TI  - Visual sensitivity of frontal eye field neurons during the preparation of
      saccadic eye movements.
AB  - Primate vision is continuously disrupted by saccadic eye movements, and yet this
      disruption goes unperceived. One mechanism thought to reduce perception of this
      self-generated movement is saccadic suppression, a global loss of visual
      sensitivity just before, during, and after saccadic eye movements. The frontal
      eye field (FEF) is a candidate source of neural correlates of saccadic
      suppression previously observed in visual cortex, because it contributes to the
      generation of visually guided saccades and modulates visual cortical responses.
      However, whether the FEF exhibits a perisaccadic reduction in visual sensitivity
      that could be transmitted to visual cortex is unknown. To determine whether the
      FEF exhibits a signature of saccadic suppression, we recorded the visual
      responses of FEF neurons to brief, full-field visual probe stimuli presented
      during fixation and before onset of saccades directed away from the receptive
      field in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) We measured visual sensitivity during
      both epochs and found that it declines before saccade onset. Visual sensitivity
      was significantly reduced in visual but not visuomotor neurons. This reduced
      sensitivity was also present in visual neurons with no movement-related
      modulation during visually guided saccades and thus occurred independently from
      movement-related activity. Across the population of visual neurons, sensitivity
      began declining ~80 ms before saccade onset. We also observed a similar
      presaccadic reduction in sensitivity to isoluminant, chromatic stimuli. Our
      results demonstrate that the signaling of visual information by FEF neurons is
      reduced during saccade preparation, and thus these neurons exhibit a signature of
      saccadic suppression.

PMID- 27683896
TI  - Genetically Encoded Voltage Indicators: Opportunities and Challenges.
AB  - A longstanding goal in neuroscience is to understand how spatiotemporal patterns
      of neuronal electrical activity underlie brain function, from sensory
      representations to decision making. An emerging technology for monitoring
      electrical dynamics, voltage imaging using genetically encoded voltage indicators
      (GEVIs), couples the power of genetics with the advantages of light. Here, we
      review the properties that determine indicator performance and applicability,
      discussing both recent progress and technical limitations. We then consider GEVI
      applications, highlighting studies that have already deployed GEVIs for
      biological discovery. We also examine which classes of biological questions GEVIs
      are primed to address and which ones are beyond their current capabilities. As
      GEVIs are further developed, we anticipate that they will become more broadly
      used by the neuroscience community to eavesdrop on brain activity with
      unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Genetically
      encoded voltage indicators are engineered light-emitting protein sensors that
      typically report neuronal voltage dynamics as changes in brightness. In this
      review, we systematically discuss the current state of this emerging method,
      considering both its advantages and limitations for imaging neural activity. We
      also present recent applications of this technology and discuss what is feasible
      now and what we anticipate will become possible with future indicator
      development. This review will inform neuroscientists of recent progress in the
      field and help potential users critically evaluate the suitability of genetically
      encoded voltage indicator imaging to answer their specific biological questions.

PMID- 27683897
TI  - Age-Related Changes in Axonal and Mitochondrial Ultrastructure and Function in
      White Matter.
AB  - The impact of aging on CNS white matter (WM) is of general interest because the
      global effects of aging on myelinated nerve fibers are more complex and profound
      than those in cortical gray matter. It is important to distinguish between axonal
      changes created by normal aging and those caused by neurodegenerative diseases,
      including multiple sclerosis, stroke, glaucoma, Alzheimer's disease, and
      traumatic brain injury. Using three-dimensional electron microscopy, we show that
      in mouse optic nerve, which is a pure and fully myelinated WM tract, aging axons
      are larger, have thicker myelin, and are characterized by longer and thicker
      mitochondria, which are associated with altered levels of mitochondrial shaping
      proteins. These structural alterations in aging mitochondria correlate with lower
      ATP levels and increased generation of nitric oxide, protein nitration, and lipid
      peroxidation. Moreover, mitochondria-smooth endoplasmic reticulum interactions
      are compromised due to decreased associations and decreased levels of calnexin
      and calreticulin, suggesting a disruption in Ca(2+) homeostasis and defective
      unfolded protein responses in aging axons. Despite these age-related
      modifications, axon function is sustained in aging WM, which suggests that age
      dependent changes do not lead to irreversible functional decline under normal
      conditions, as is observed in neurodegenerative diseases. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT:
      Aging is a common risk factor for a number of neurodegenerative diseases,
      including stroke. Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative damage with age are
      hypothesized to increase risk for stroke. We compared axon-myelin-node
      mitochondrion-smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) interactions in white matter
      obtained at 1 and 12 months. We show that aging axons have enlarged volume,
      thicker myelin, and elongated and thicker mitochondria. Furthermore, there are
      reduced SER connections to mitochondria that correlate with lower calnexin and
      calreticulin levels. Despite a prominent decrease in number, elongated aging
      mitochondria produce excessive stress markers with reduced ATP production.
      Because axons maintain function under these conditions, our study suggests that
      it is important to understand the process of normal brain aging to identify
      neurodegenerative changes.

PMID- 27683898
TI  - Neural Signatures of Value Comparison in Human Cingulate Cortex during Decisions
      Requiring an Effort-Reward Trade-off.
AB  - Integrating costs and benefits is crucial for optimal decision-making. Although
      much is known about decisions that involve outcome-related costs (e.g., delay,
      risk), many of our choices are attached to actions and require an evaluation of
      the associated motor costs. Yet how the brain incorporates motor costs into
      choices remains largely unclear. We used human fMRI during choices involving
      monetary reward and physical effort to identify brain regions that serve as a
      choice comparator for effort-reward trade-offs. By independently varying both
      options' effort and reward levels, we were able to identify the neural signature
      of a comparator mechanism. A network involving supplementary motor area and the
      caudal portion of dorsal anterior cingulate cortex encoded the difference in
      reward (positively) and effort levels (negatively) between chosen and unchosen
      choice options. We next modeled effort-discounted subjective values using a novel
      behavioral model. This revealed that the same network of regions involving dorsal
      anterior cingulate cortex and supplementary motor area encoded the difference
      between the chosen and unchosen options' subjective values, and that activity was
      best described using a concave model of effort-discounting. In addition, this
      signal reflected how precisely value determined participants' choices. By
      contrast, separate signals in supplementary motor area and ventromedial
      prefrontal cortex correlated with participants' tendency to avoid effort and seek
      reward, respectively. This suggests that the critical neural signature of
      decision-making for choices involving motor costs is found in human cingulate
      cortex and not ventromedial prefrontal cortex as typically reported for outcome
      based choice. Furthermore, distinct frontal circuits seem to drive behavior
      toward reward maximization and effort minimization. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The
      neural processes that govern the trade-off between expected benefits and motor
      costs remain largely unknown. This is striking because energetic requirements
      play an integral role in our day-to-day choices and instrumental behavior, and a
      diminished willingness to exert effort is a characteristic feature of a range of
      neurological disorders. We use a new behavioral characterization of how humans
      trade off reward maximization with effort minimization to examine the neural
      signatures that underpin such choices, using BOLD MRI neuroimaging data. We find
      the critical neural signature of decision-making, a signal that reflects the
      comparison of value between choice options, in human cingulate cortex, whereas
      two distinct brain circuits drive behavior toward reward maximization or effort
      minimization.

PMID- 27683900
TI  - Shared Neural Mechanisms for the Evaluation of Intense Sensory Stimulation and
      Economic Reward, Dependent on Stimulation-Seeking Behavior.
AB  - Why are some people strongly motivated by intense sensory experiences? Here we
      investigated how people encode the value of an intense sensory experience
      compared with economic reward, and how this varies according to stimulation
      seeking preference. Specifically, we used a novel behavioral task in combination
      with computational modeling to derive the value individuals assigned to the
      opportunity to experience an intense tactile stimulus (mild electric shock). We
      then examined functional imaging data recorded during task performance to see how
      the opportunity to experience the sensory stimulus was encoded in stimulation
      seekers versus stimulation-avoiders. We found that for individuals who positively
      sought out this kind of sensory stimulation, there was common encoding of
      anticipated economic and sensory rewards in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex.
      Conversely, there was robust encoding of the modeled probability of receiving
      such stimulation in the insula only in stimulation-avoidant individuals. Finally,
      we found preliminary evidence that sensory prediction error signals may be
      positively signed for stimulation-seekers, but negatively signed for stimulation
      avoiders, in the posterior cingulate cortex. These findings may help explain why
      high intensity sensory experiences are appetitive for some individuals, but not
      for others, and may have relevance for the increased vulnerability for some
      psychopathologies, but perhaps increased resilience for others, in high sensation
      seeking individuals. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: People vary in their preference for
      intense sensory experiences. Here, we investigated how different individuals
      evaluate the prospect of an unusual sensory experience (electric shock), compared
      with the opportunity to gain a more traditional reward (money). We found that in
      a subset of individuals who sought out such unusual sensory stimulation,
      anticipation of the sensory outcome was encoded in the same way as that of
      monetary gain, in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex. Further understanding of
      stimulation-seeking behavior may shed light on the etiology of psychopathologies
      such as addiction, for which high or low sensation-seeking personality has been
      identified as a risk factor.

PMID- 27683902
TI  - Field Potential Oscillations in the Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis Correlate
      with Compulsion in a Rat Model of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
AB  - The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) is implicated in anxiety and
      reward processing, both of which are associated with obsessive-compulsive
      disorder (OCD). Specific neuronal groups in the BNST related to anxiety and
      reward have been identified, but quantitative data about the information carried
      by local field potential (LFP) signals in this area during obsession/compulsion
      are lacking. Here we investigate the BNST LFP in the schedule-induced polydipsia,
      an animal model of OCD. We implanted electrodes bilaterally in the BNST and
      random control brain regions in 32 male Wistar rats, and recorded corresponding
      LFP during compulsive and noncompulsive behavior. We first applied high-frequency
      (100 Hz) electrical stimulation through the implanted electrodes and analyzed its
      effects on compulsive behavior. We then performed time-frequency analysis of LFPs
      and statistically compared the normalized power of delta (1-4 Hz), theta (4-8
      Hz), alpha (8-12 Hz), beta (12-30 Hz), and lower gamma (30-45 Hz) bands between
      different groups. Our data showed that the normalized delta, beta, and gamma
      powers in the right BNST were specifically correlated with compulsive behaviors.
      delta and gamma oscillations increased and decreased during the initiation phase
      of compulsion, respectively, whereas beta increased after compulsion stopped.
      Moreover, the effect of BNST electrical stimulation, in terms of suppression of
      compulsion, was significantly correlated with the percentage change of these
      bands during compulsion. Our research reveals potential biomarkers and underlying
      neurophysiological mechanisms of compulsion and warrants further assessment of
      the use of LFP for closed-loop neuromodulation in OCD. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT:
      Although specific neuronal groups in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis
      (BNST) related to anxiety and reward circuitries have been identified,
      psychopathological information carried by local field potentials in the BNST has
      not yet been described. We discovered that normalized powers of the right BNST
      delta, beta, and gamma oscillations were highly correlated with compulsion.
      Specifically, delta and gamma oscillations increased and decreased during the
      initiation phase of compulsion, respectively, whereas beta increased after
      compulsion stopped. Such correlations were not found in other parts of the brain
      during compulsion, or in the BNST during noncompulsive behavior. Current findings
      reveal real-time neurophysiological biomarkers of compulsion and warrant further
      assessment of the use of local field potentials for closed-loop neuromodulation
      for OCD.

PMID- 27683899
TI  - Partial Adaptation of Obtained and Observed Value Signals Preserves Information
      about Gains and Losses.
AB  - Given that the range of rewarding and punishing outcomes of actions is large but
      neural coding capacity is limited, efficient processing of outcomes by the brain
      is necessary. One mechanism to increase efficiency is to rescale neural output to
      the range of outcomes expected in the current context, and process only
      experienced deviations from this expectation. However, this mechanism comes at
      the cost of not being able to discriminate between unexpectedly low losses when
      times are bad versus unexpectedly high gains when times are good. Thus, too much
      adaptation would result in disregarding information about the nature and absolute
      magnitude of outcomes, preventing learning about the longer-term value structure
      of the environment. Here we investigate the degree of adaptation in outcome
      coding brain regions in humans, for directly experienced outcomes and observed
      outcomes. We scanned participants while they performed a social learning task in
      gain and loss blocks. Multivariate pattern analysis showed two distinct networks
      of brain regions adapt to the most likely outcomes within a block. Frontostriatal
      areas adapted to directly experienced outcomes, whereas lateral frontal and
      temporoparietal regions adapted to observed social outcomes. Critically, in both
      cases, adaptation was incomplete and information about whether the outcomes arose
      in a gain block or a loss block was retained. Univariate analysis confirmed
      incomplete adaptive coding in these regions but also detected nonadapting outcome
      signals. Thus, although neural areas rescale their responses to outcomes for
      efficient coding, they adapt incompletely and keep track of the longer-term
      incentives available in the environment. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Optimal value
      based choice requires that the brain precisely and efficiently represents
      positive and negative outcomes. One way to increase efficiency is to adapt
      responding to the most likely outcomes in a given context. However, too strong
      adaptation would result in loss of precise representation (e.g., when the
      avoidance of a loss in a loss-context is coded the same as receipt of a gain in a
      gain-context). We investigated an intermediate form of adaptation that is
      efficient while maintaining information about received gains and avoided losses.
      We found that frontostriatal areas adapted to directly experienced outcomes,
      whereas lateral frontal and temporoparietal regions adapted to observed social
      outcomes. Importantly, adaptation was intermediate, in line with influential
      models of reference dependence in behavioral economics.

PMID- 27683901
TI  - A Critical Period in Purkinje Cell Development Is Mediated by Local Estradiol
      Synthesis, Disrupted by Inflammation, and Has Enduring Consequences Only for
      Males.
AB  - Identifying and understanding critical periods in brain development is essential
      to decoding the long-term impact of widespread, poorly defined, and frequently
      occurring insults such as inflammation. Using the laboratory rat Rattus
      norvegicus, we have discovered a narrowly constrained critical period in Purkinje
      neuron development subject to dysregulation by inflammation. The onset and offset
      of heightened vulnerability are attributed to a tightly orchestrated gene
      expression profile present only during the second postnatal week and not the
      first or third weeks. Genes expressed during this time code for enzymes and
      receptors which are critical not only for prostaglandin production and activity
      but also for estradiol production via the aromatase enzyme and estradiol action
      via the alpha isoform of the estrogen receptor. The two synthetic pathways are
      connected by prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) activation of the aromatase enzyme, as we
      reported previously (Dean et al., 2012b) and confirm here. Dysregulation of the
      PGE2-estradiol pathway during the second week by treatment with PGE2 or
      lipopolysaccharides produces enduring consequences as a result of reduced growth
      of Purkinje dendritic trees and impaired juvenile social play behavior, but only
      in males. The deleterious consequences of inflammation locally in the cerebellum
      are prevented by peripheral treatment with the cyclooxygenase inhibitor
      nimesulide or the aromatase inhibitor formestane. These findings highlight a
      novel regulatory pathway that creates a critical period in brain development
      vulnerable to dysregulation by inflammation. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The
      cerebellum is increasingly appreciated for its role in social, emotional, and
      cognitive behaviors. It is consistently and severely affected in neuropsychiatric
      disorders originating during development, such as autism spectrum disorder and
      schizophrenia. We have identified a critical period in rat development during the
      second week of life that is dysregulated by inflammatory insults. An intrinsic
      program of gene expression determines the critical period. The enduring
      consequences of inflammation during the second postnatal week are stunted
      dendrites of the cerebellum's principal neurons, Purkinje cells, and impairments
      in later social behavior. These changes are not evident if inflammation occurs
      during the first or third week, highlighting the importance of fine-grained
      analyses of developmental processes and the factors that influence them.

PMID- 27683903
TI  - Dissociable Changes of Frontal and Parietal Cortices in Inherent Functional
      Flexibility across the Human Life Span.
AB  - Extensive evidence suggests that frontoparietal regions can dynamically update
      their pattern of functional connectivity, supporting cognitive control and
      adaptive implementation of task demands. However, it is largely unknown whether
      this flexibly functional reconfiguration is intrinsic and occurs even in the
      absence of overt tasks. Based on recent advances in dynamics of resting-state
      functional resonance imaging (fMRI), we propose a probabilistic framework in
      which dynamic reconfiguration of intrinsic functional connectivity between each
      brain region and others can be represented as a probability distribution. A
      complexity measurement (i.e., entropy) was used to quantify functional
      flexibility, which characterizes heterogeneous connectivity between a particular
      region and others over time. Following this framework, we identified both
      functionally flexible and specialized regions over the human life span (112
      healthy subjects from 13 to 76 years old). Across brainwide regions, we found
      regions showing high flexibility mainly in the higher-order association cortex,
      such as the lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC), lateral parietal cortex, and
      lateral temporal lobules. In contrast, visual, auditory, and sensory areas
      exhibited low flexibility. Furthermore, we observed that flexibility of the right
      LPFC improved during maturation and reduced due to normal aging, with the
      opposite occurring for the left lateral parietal cortex. Our findings reveal
      dissociable changes of frontal and parietal cortices over the life span in terms
      of inherent functional flexibility. This study not only provides a new framework
      to quantify the spatiotemporal behavior of spontaneous brain activity, but also
      sheds light on the organizational principle behind changes in brain function
      across the human life span. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Recent neuroscientific
      research has demonstrated that the human capability of adaptive task control is
      primarily the result of the flexible operation of frontal brain networks.
      However, it remains unclear whether this flexibly functional reconfiguration is
      intrinsic and occurs in the absence of an overt task. In this study, we propose a
      probabilistic framework to quantify the functional flexibility of each brain
      region using resting-state fMRI. We identify regions showing high flexibility
      mainly in the higher-order association cortex. In contrast, primary and unimodal
      visual and sensory areas show low flexibility. On the other hand, our findings
      reveal dissociable changes of frontal and parietal cortices in terms of inherent
      functional flexibility over the life span.

PMID- 27683905
TI  - Multivariate Pattern Analysis Reveals Category-Related Organization of Semantic
      Representations in Anterior Temporal Cortex.
AB  - The neural substrates of semantic representation have been the subject of much
      controversy. The study of semantic representations is complicated by difficulty
      in disentangling perceptual and semantic influences on neural activity, as well
      as in identifying stimulus-driven, "bottom-up" semantic selectivity unconfounded
      by top-down task-related modulations. To address these challenges, we trained
      human subjects to associate pseudowords (TPWs) with various animal and tool
      categories. To decode semantic representations of these TPWs, we used
      multivariate pattern classification of fMRI data acquired while subjects
      performed a semantic oddball detection task. Crucially, the classifier was
      trained and tested on disjoint sets of TPWs, so that the classifier had to use
      the semantic information from the training set to correctly classify the test
      set. Animal and tool TPWs were successfully decoded based on fMRI activity in
      spatially distinct subregions of the left medial anterior temporal lobe (LATL).
      In addition, tools (but not animals) were successfully decoded from activity in
      the left inferior parietal lobule. The tool-selective LATL subregion showed
      greater functional connectivity with left inferior parietal lobule and ventral
      premotor cortex, indicating that each LATL subregion exhibits distinct patterns
      of connectivity. Our findings demonstrate category-selective organization of
      semantic representations in LATL into spatially distinct subregions, continuing
      the lateral-medial segregation of activation in posterior temporal cortex
      previously observed in response to images of animals and tools, respectively.
      Together, our results provide evidence for segregation of processing hierarchies
      for different classes of objects and the existence of multiple, category-specific
      semantic networks in the brain. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The location and
      specificity of semantic representations in the brain are still widely debated. We
      trained human participants to associate specific pseudowords with various animal
      and tool categories, and used multivariate pattern classification of fMRI data to
      decode the semantic representations of the trained pseudowords. We found that:
      (1) animal and tool information was organized in category-selective subregions of
      medial left anterior temporal lobe (LATL); (2) tools, but not animals, were
      encoded in left inferior parietal lobe; and (3) LATL subregions exhibited
      distinct patterns of functional connectivity with category-related regions across
      cortex. Our findings suggest that semantic knowledge in LATL is organized in
      category-related subregions, providing evidence for the existence of multiple,
      category-specific semantic representations in the brain.

PMID- 27683904
TI  - Kinetics of Inhibitory Feedback from Horizontal Cells to Photoreceptors:
      Implications for an Ephaptic Mechanism.
AB  - Inhibitory feedback from horizontal cells (HCs) to cones generates center
      surround receptive fields and color opponency in the retina. Mechanisms of HC
      feedback remain unsettled, but one hypothesis proposes that an ephaptic mechanism
      may alter the extracellular electrical field surrounding photoreceptor synaptic
      terminals, thereby altering Ca(2+) channel activity and photoreceptor output. An
      ephaptic voltage change produced by current flowing through open channels in the
      HC membrane should occur with no delay. To test for this mechanism, we measured
      kinetics of inhibitory feedback currents in Ambystoma tigrinum cones and rods
      evoked by hyperpolarizing steps applied to synaptically coupled HCs.
      Hyperpolarizing HCs stimulated inward feedback currents in cones that averaged 8
      9 pA and exhibited a biexponential time course with time constants averaging 14
      17 ms and 120-220 ms. Measurement of feedback-current kinetics was limited by
      three factors: (1) HC voltage-clamp speed, (2) cone voltage-clamp speed, and (3)
      kinetics of Ca(2+) channel activation or deactivation in the photoreceptor
      terminal. These factors totaled ~4-5 ms in cones meaning that the true fast time
      constants for HC-to-cone feedback currents were 9-13 ms, slower than expected for
      ephaptic voltage changes. We also compared speed of feedback to feedforward
      glutamate release measured at the same cone/HC synapses and found a latency for
      feedback of 11-14 ms. Inhibitory feedback from HCs to rods was also significantly
      slower than either measurement kinetics or feedforward release. The finding that
      inhibitory feedback from HCs to photoreceptors involves a significant delay
      indicates that it is not due to previously proposed ephaptic mechanisms.
      SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Lateral inhibitory feedback from horizontal cells (HCs)
      to photoreceptors creates center-surround receptive fields and color-opponent
      interactions. Although underlying mechanisms remain unsettled, a longstanding
      hypothesis proposes that feedback is due to ephaptic voltage changes that
      regulate photoreceptor synaptic output by altering Ca(2+) channel activity.
      Ephaptic processes should occur with no delay. We measured kinetics of inhibitory
      feedback currents evoked in photoreceptors with voltage steps applied to
      synaptically coupled HCs and found that feedback is too slow to be explained by
      ephaptic voltage changes generated by current flowing through continuously open
      channels in HC membranes. By eliminating the proposed ephaptic mechanism for HC
      feedback regulation of photoreceptor Ca(2+) channels, our data support earlier
      proposals that synaptic cleft pH changes are more likely responsible.

PMID- 27683906
TI  - Hypocretin/Orexin Peptides Alter Spike Encoding by Serotonergic Dorsal Raphe
      Neurons through Two Distinct Mechanisms That Increase the Late
      Afterhyperpolarization.
AB  - Orexins (hypocretins) are neuropeptides that regulate multiple homeostatic
      processes, including reward and arousal, in part by exciting serotonergic dorsal
      raphe neurons, the major source of forebrain serotonin. Here, using mouse brain
      slices, we found that, instead of simply depolarizing these neurons, orexin-A
      altered the spike encoding process by increasing the postspike
      afterhyperpolarization (AHP) via two distinct mechanisms. This orexin-enhanced
      AHP (oeAHP) was mediated by both OX1 and OX2 receptors, required Ca(2+) influx,
      reversed near EK, and decayed with two components, the faster of which resulted
      from enhanced SK channel activation, whereas the slower component decayed like a
      slow AHP (sAHP), but was not blocked by UCL2077, an antagonist of sAHPs in some
      neurons. Intracellular phospholipase C inhibition (U73122) blocked the entire
      oeAHP, but neither component was sensitive to PKC inhibition or altered PKA
      signaling, unlike classical sAHPs. The enhanced SK current did not depend on IP3
      mediated Ca(2+) release but resulted from A-current inhibition and the resultant
      spike broadening, which increased Ca(2+) influx and Ca(2+)-induced-Ca(2+)
      release, whereas the slower component was insensitive to these factors.
      Functionally, the oeAHP slowed and stabilized orexin-induced firing compared with
      firing produced by a virtual orexin conductance lacking the oeAHP. The oeAHP also
      reduced steady-state firing rate and firing fidelity in response to stimulation,
      without affecting the initial rate or fidelity. Collectively, these findings
      reveal a new orexin action in serotonergic raphe neurons and suggest that, when
      orexin is released during arousal and reward, it enhances the spike encoding of
      phasic over tonic inputs, such as those related to sensory, motor, and reward
      events. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Orexin peptides are known to excite neurons via
      slow postsynaptic depolarizations. Here we elucidate a significant new orexin
      action that increases and prolongs the postspike afterhyperpolarization (AHP) in
      5-HT dorsal raphe neurons and other arousal-system neurons. Our mechanistic
      studies establish involvement of two distinct Ca(2+)-dependent AHP currents
      dependent on phospholipase C signaling but independent of IP3 or PKC. Our
      functional studies establish that this action preserves responsiveness to phasic
      inputs while attenuating responsiveness to tonic inputs. Thus, our findings bring
      new insight into the actions of an important neuropeptide and indicate that, in
      addition to producing excitation, orexins can tune postsynaptic excitability to
      better encode the phasic sensory, motor, and reward signals expected during
      aroused states.

PMID- 27683907
TI  - The Neurotrophic Factor Receptor p75 in the Rat Dorsolateral Striatum Drives
      Excessive Alcohol Drinking.
AB  - Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling in the dorsolateral striatum
      (DLS) keeps alcohol intake in moderation. For example, activation of the BDNF
      receptor tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) in the DLS reduces intake in rats
      that consume moderate amounts of alcohol. Here, we tested whether long-term
      excessive consumption of alcohol produces neuroadaptations in BDNF signaling in
      the rat DLS. We found that BDNF was no longer able to gate alcohol self
      administration after a history of repeated cycles of binge alcohol drinking and
      withdrawal. We then elucidated the possible neuroadaptations that could block the
      ability of BDNF to keep consumption of alcohol in moderation. We report that
      intermittent access to 20% alcohol in a two-bottle choice paradigm that models
      excessive alcohol drinking produces a mobilization of DLS p75 neurotrophin
      receptor (p75NTR), whose activities oppose those of the Trk receptors, including
      TrkB. These neuroadaptations were not observed in the DLS of rats exposed to
      continuous access to 10% alcohol or in rats consuming sucrose. Furthermore, short
      hairpin RNA (shRNA)-mediated knockdown of the p75NTR gene in the DLS, as well as
      intra-DLS infusion or systemic administration of the p75NTR modulator, LM11A-31,
      significantly reduced binge drinking of alcohol. Together, our results suggest
      that excessive alcohol consumption produces a change in BDNF signaling in the
      DLS, which is mediated by the recruitment of p75NTR. Our data also imply that
      modulators of p75NTR signaling could be developed as medications for alcohol
      abuse disorders. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Neuroadaptations gate or drive
      excessive, compulsive alcohol drinking. We previously showed that brain-derived
      neurotrophic factor and its receptor, TrkB, in the dorsolateral striatum (DLS),
      are part of an endogenous system that keeps alcohol drinking in moderation. Here,
      we show that a history of excessive alcohol intake produces neuroadaptations in
      the DLS that preclude BDNF's ability to gate alcohol self-administration in rats
      by the recruitment of the low-affinity neurotrophin receptor, p75NTR, whose
      activities opposes those of the Trk receptors. Finally, we show that the
      administration of the p75NTR modulator, LM11A-31, significantly reduces excessive
      alcohol intake suggesting that the drug may be developed as a new treatment for
      alcohol abuse disorders.

PMID- 27683908
TI  - Inhibition of YAP/TAZ Activity in Spinal Cord Suppresses Neuropathic Pain.
AB  - Neuropathic pain, often caused by nerve injury, is a major clinical challenge.
      Mechanisms that underlie neuropathic pain remain elusive and effective
      medications are limited. Numerous investigations of pain mechanisms have focused
      on alterations and phenotypic switches of the nociceptive transmitters and
      modulators, as well as on their receptors and downstream signaling pathways that
      have already exerted roles in the pain processes of mature nervous systems. We
      have demonstrated recently that nerve injury may elicit neuronal alterations that
      recapitulate events occurring during development. Signaling of the representative
      activated molecule Wnt thus becomes a trigger for the development of neuropathic
      pain and is a potential therapeutic target. We report that the transcriptional
      regulators YAP and TAZ, which orchestrate Wnt response via incorporation in the
      beta-catenin destruction complex, are key in the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain
      and may serve as an "ON-OFF" switch for neuropathic pain status in rats.
      Peripheral nerve injury causes rapid-onset and long-lasting nuclear accumulation
      of YAP/TAZ/beta-catenin in the spinal dorsal horn. Spinal inhibition or knock
      down of either YAP or TAZ suppresses mechanical allodynia induced by nerve injury
      or the pain initiators lysophosphatidic acid and Wnt3a. Promoting the nuclear
      accumulation of YAP/TAZ leads to mechanical hypersensitivity in naive animals.
      Further, we discovered a new small molecule, dCTB, which targets YAP/TAZ/beta
      catenin and can greatly suppress neuropathic pain and the associated
      neurochemical alterations. Our study reveals that YAP and TAZ are core mechanisms
      underlying the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain and are targets in the screening
      for potent analgesics for the treatment of neuropathic pain. SIGNIFICANCE
      STATEMENT: Mechanisms that underlie neuropathic pain remain elusive. We have
      demonstrated recently that nerve injury can activate Wnt signaling, which becomes
      a trigger for the development of neuropathic pain. We report that the
      transcriptional regulators YAP and TAZ, which orchestrate Wnt response via
      incorporation in the beta-catenin destruction complex, are key in the
      pathogenesis of neuropathic pain and may serve as an "ON-OFF" switch for
      neuropathic pain status. Further, we discovered a new small molecule, dCTB, which
      targets YAP/TAZ/beta-catenin and can greatly suppress neuropathic pain. Our study
      reveals that YAP and TAZ are core mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of
      neuropathic pain and are targets in the screening of potent analgesics for the
      treatment of neuropathic pain.

PMID- 27683910
TI  - Amygdala EphB2 Signaling Regulates Glutamatergic Neuron Maturation and Innate
      Fear.
AB  - The amygdala serves as emotional center to mediate innate fear behaviors that are
      reflected through neuronal responses to environmental aversive cues. However, the
      molecular mechanism underlying the initial neuron responses is poorly understood.
      In this study, we monitored the innate defensive responses to aversive stimuli of
      either elevated plus maze or predator odor in juvenile mice and found that
      glutamatergic neurons were activated in amygdala. Loss of EphB2, a receptor
      tyrosine kinase expressed in amygdala neurons, suppressed the reactions and led
      to defects in spine morphogenesis and fear behaviors. We further found a coupling
      of spinogenesis with these threat cues induced neuron activation in developing
      amygdala that was controlled by EphB2. A constitutively active form of EphB2 was
      sufficient to rescue the behavioral and morphological defects caused by ablation
      of ephrin-B3, a brain-enriched ligand to EphB2. These data suggest that kinase
      dependent EphB2 intracellular signaling plays a major role for innate fear
      responses during the critical developing period, in which spinogenesis in
      amygdala glutamatergic neurons was involved. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Generation
      of innate fear responses to threat as an evolutionally conserved brain feature
      relies on development of functional neural circuit in amygdala, but the molecular
      mechanism remains largely unknown. We here identify that EphB2 receptor tyrosine
      kinase, which is specifically expressed in glutamatergic neurons, is required for
      the innate fear responses in the neonatal brain. We further reveal that EphB2
      mediates coordination of spinogenesis and neuron activation in amygdala during
      the critical period for the innate fear. EphB2 catalytic activity plays a major
      role for the behavior upon EphB-ephrin-B3 binding and transnucleus neuronal
      connections. Our work thus indicates an essential synaptic molecular signaling
      within amygdala that controls synapse development and helps bring about innate
      fear emotions in the postnatal developing brain.

PMID- 27683909
TI  - Genetic Restoration of Plasma ApoE Improves Cognition and Partially Restores
      Synaptic Defects in ApoE-Deficient Mice.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia in individuals over
      the age of 65 years. The most prevalent genetic risk factor for AD is the
      epsilon4 allele of apolipoprotein E (ApoE4), and novel AD treatments that target
      ApoE are being considered. One unresolved question in ApoE biology is whether
      ApoE is necessary for healthy brain function. ApoE knock-out (KO) mice have
      synaptic loss and cognitive dysfunction; however, these findings are complicated
      by the fact that ApoE knock-out mice have highly elevated plasma lipid levels,
      which may independently affect brain function. To bypass the effect of ApoE loss
      on plasma lipids, we generated a novel mouse model that expresses ApoE normally
      in peripheral tissues, but has severely reduced ApoE in the brain, allowing us to
      study brain ApoE loss in the context of a normal plasma lipid profile. We found
      that these brain ApoE knock-out (bEKO) mice had synaptic loss and dysfunction
      similar to that of ApoE KO mice; however, the bEKO mice did not have the learning
      and memory impairment observed in ApoE KO mice. Moreover, we found that the
      memory deficit in the ApoE KO mice was specific to female mice and was fully
      rescued in female bEKO mice. Furthermore, while the AMPA/NMDA ratio was reduced
      in ApoE KO mice, it was unchanged in bEKO mice compared with controls. These
      findings suggest that plasma lipid levels can influence cognition and synaptic
      function independent of ApoE expression in the brain. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: One
      proposed treatment strategy for Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the reduction of
      ApoE, whose epsilon4 isoform is the most common genetic risk factor for the
      disease. A major concern of this strategy is that an animal model of ApoE
      deficiency, the ApoE knock-out (KO) mouse, has reduced synapses and cognitive
      impairment; however, these mice also develop dyslipidemia and severe
      atherosclerosis. Here, we have shown that genetic restoration of plasma ApoE to
      wild-type levels normalizes plasma lipids in ApoE KO mice. While this does not
      rescue synaptic loss, it does completely restore learning and memory in the mice,
      suggesting that both CNS and plasma ApoE are independent parameters that affect
      brain health.

PMID- 27683913
TI  - Putative Cell Adhesion Membrane Protein Vstm5 Regulates Neuronal Morphology and
      Migration in the Central Nervous System.
AB  - During brain development, dynamic changes in neuronal membranes perform critical
      roles in neuronal morphogenesis and migration to create functional neural
      circuits. Among the proteins that induce membrane dynamics, cell adhesion
      molecules are important in neuronal membrane plasticity. Here, we report that V
      set and transmembrane domain-containing protein 5 (Vstm5), a cell-adhesion-like
      molecule belonging to the Ig superfamily, was found in mouse brain. Knock-down of
      Vstm5 in cultured hippocampal neurons markedly reduced the complexity of
      dendritic structures, as well as the number of dendritic filopodia. Vstm5 also
      regulates neuronal morphology by promoting dendritic protrusions that later
      develop into dendritic spines. Using electroporation in utero, we found that
      Vstm5 overexpression delayed neuronal migration and induced multiple branches in
      leading processes during corticogenesis. These results indicate that Vstm5 is a
      new cell-adhesion-like molecule and is critically involved in synaptogenesis and
      corticogenesis by promoting neuronal membrane dynamics. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT:
      Neuronal migration and morphogenesis play critical roles in brain development and
      function. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time that V-set and
      transmembrane domain-containing protein 5 (Vstm5), a putative cell adhesion
      membrane protein, modulates both the position and complexity of central neurons
      by altering their membrane morphology and dynamics. Vstm5 is also one of the
      target genes responsible for variations in patient responses to treatments for
      major depressive disorder. Our results provide the first evidence that Vstm5 is a
      novel factor involved in the modulation of the neuronal membrane and a critical
      element in normal neural circuit formation during mammalian brain development.

PMID- 27683912
TI  - Chemogenetic Activation of an Extinction Neural Circuit Reduces Cue-Induced
      Reinstatement of Cocaine Seeking.
AB  - The ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) has been shown to negatively regulate
      cocaine-seeking behavior, but the precise conditions by which vmPFC activity can
      be exploited to reduce cocaine relapse are currently unknown. We used viral
      mediated gene transfer of designer receptors (DREADDs) to activate vmPFC neurons
      and examine the consequences on cocaine seeking in a rat self-administration
      model of relapse. Activation of vmPFC neurons with the Gq-DREADD reduced
      reinstatement of cocaine seeking elicited by cocaine-associated cues, but not by
      cocaine itself. We used a retro-DREADD approach to confine the Gq-DREADD to vmPFC
      neurons that project to the medial nucleus accumbens shell, confirming that these
      neurons are responsible for the decreased cue-induced reinstatement of cocaine
      seeking. The effects of vmPFC activation on cue-induced reinstatement depended on
      prior extinction training, consistent with the reported role of this structure in
      extinction memory. These data help define the conditions under which chemogenetic
      activation of extinction neural circuits can be exploited to reduce relapse
      triggered by reminder cues. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The ventromedial prefrontal
      cortex (vmPFC) projection to the nucleus accumbens shell is important for
      extinction of cocaine seeking, but its anatomical proximity to the relapse
      promoting projection from the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex to the nucleus
      accumbens core makes it difficult to selectively enhance neuronal activity in one
      pathway or the other using traditional pharmacotherapy (e.g., systemically
      administered drugs). Viral-mediated gene delivery of an activating Gq-DREADD to
      vmPFC and/or vmPFC projections to the nucleus accumbens shell allows the
      chemogenetic exploitation of this extinction neural circuit to reduce cocaine
      seeking and was particularly effective against relapse triggered by cocaine
      reminder cues.

PMID- 27683914
TI  - Transfer after Dual n-Back Training Depends on Striatal Activation Change.
AB  - The dual n-back working memory (WM) training paradigm (comprising auditory and
      visual stimuli) has gained much attention since studies have shown widespread
      transfer effects. By including a multimodal dual-task component, the task is
      demanding to the human cognitive system. We investigated whether dual n-back
      training improves general cognitive resources or a task-specific WM updating
      process in participants. We expected: (1) widespread transfer effects and the
      recruitment of a common neuronal network by the training and the transfer tasks
      and (2) narrower transfer results and that a common activation network alone
      would not produce transfer, but instead an activation focus on the striatum,
      which is associated with WM updating processes. The training group showed
      transfer to an untrained dual-modality WM updating task, but not to single-task
      versions of the training or the transfer task. They also showed diminished
      neuronal overlap between the training and the transfer task from pretest to
      posttest and an increase in striatal activation in both tasks. Furthermore, we
      found an association between the striatal activation increase and behavioral
      improvement. The control groups showed no transfer and no change in the amount of
      activation overlap or in striatal activation from pretest to posttest. We
      conclude that, instead of improving general cognitive resources (which would have
      required a transfer effect to all transfer tasks and that a frontal activation
      overlap between the tasks produced transfer), dual n-back training improved a
      task-specific process: WM updating of stimuli from two modalities. SIGNIFICANCE
      STATEMENT: The current study allows for a better understanding of the cognitive
      and neural effects of working memory (WM) training and transfer. It shows that
      dual n-back training mainly improves specific processes of WM updating, and this
      improvement leads to narrow transfer effects to tasks involving the same
      processes. On a neuronal level this is accompanied by increased neural activation
      in the striatum that is related to WM updating. The current findings challenge
      the view that dual n-back training provokes a general boosting of the WM system
      and of its neural underpinnings located in frontoparietal brain regions. Instead,
      the findings imply the relevance of task-specific brain regions which are
      involved in important cognitive processes during training and transfer tasks.

PMID- 27683911
TI  - Impact of Sex and Menopausal Status on Episodic Memory Circuitry in Early
      Midlife.
AB  - Cognitive neuroscience of aging studies traditionally target participants age 65
      and older. However, epidemiological surveys show that many women report increased
      forgetfulness earlier in the aging process, as they transition to menopause. In
      this population-based fMRI study, we stepped back by over a decade to
      characterize the changes in memory circuitry that occur in early midlife, as a
      function of sex and women's reproductive stage. Participants (N = 200; age range,
      45-55) performed a verbal encoding task during fMRI scanning. Reproductive
      histories and serologic evaluations were used to determine menopausal status.
      Results revealed a pronounced impact of reproductive stage on task-evoked
      hippocampal responses, despite minimal difference in chronological age. Next, we
      examined the impact of sex and reproductive stage on functional connectivity
      across task-related brain regions. Postmenopausal women showed enhanced bilateral
      hippocampal connectivity relative to premenopausal and perimenopausal women.
      Across women, lower 17beta-estradiol concentrations were related to more
      pronounced alterations in hippocampal connectivity and poorer performance on a
      subsequent memory retrieval task, strongly implicating sex steroids in the
      regulation of this circuitry. Finally, subgroup analyses revealed that high
      performing postmenopausal women (relative to low and middle performers) exhibited
      a pattern of brain activity akin to premenopausal women. Together, these findings
      underscore the importance of considering reproductive stage, not simply
      chronological age, to identify neuronal and cognitive changes that unfold in the
      middle decades of life. In keeping with preclinical studies, these human findings
      suggest that the decline in ovarian estradiol production during menopause plays a
      significant role in shaping memory circuitry. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Maintaining
      intact memory function with age is one of the greatest public health challenges
      of our time, and women have an increased risk for memory disorders relative to
      men later in life. We studied adults early in the aging process, as women
      transition into menopause, to identify neuronal and cognitive changes that unfold
      in the middle decades of life. Results demonstrate regional and network-level
      differences in memory encoding-related activity as a function of women's
      reproductive stage, independent of chronological age. Analyzing data without
      regard to sex or menopausal status obscured group differences in circuit-level
      neural strategies associated with successful memory retrieval. These findings
      suggest that early changes in memory circuitry are evident decades before the age
      range traditionally targeted by cognitive neuroscience of aging studies.

PMID- 27683917
TI  - Active immunotherapy may delay disability in progressive MS.

PMID- 27683915
TI  - Conductive Hearing Loss Has Long-Lasting Structural and Molecular Effects on
      Presynaptic and Postsynaptic Structures of Auditory Nerve Synapses in the
      Cochlear Nucleus.
AB  - Sound deprivation by conductive hearing loss increases hearing thresholds, but
      little is known about the response of the auditory brainstem during and after
      conductive hearing loss. Here, we show in young adult rats that 10 d of monaural
      conductive hearing loss (i.e., earplugging) leads to hearing deficits that
      persist after sound levels are restored. Hearing thresholds in response to clicks
      and frequencies higher than 8 kHz remain increased after a 10 d recovery period.
      Neural output from the cochlear nucleus measured at 10 dB above threshold is
      reduced and followed by an overcompensation at the level of the lateral
      lemniscus. We assessed whether structural and molecular substrates at auditory
      nerve (endbulb of Held) synapses in the cochlear nucleus could explain these long
      lasting changes in hearing processing. During earplugging, vGluT1 expression in
      the presynaptic terminal decreased and synaptic vesicles were smaller. Together,
      there was an increase in postsynaptic density (PSD) thickness and an upregulation
      of GluA3 AMPA receptor subunits on bushy cells. After earplug removal and a 10 d
      recovery period, the density of synaptic vesicles increased, vesicles were also
      larger, and the PSD of endbulb synapses was larger and thicker. The upregulation
      of the GluA3 AMPAR subunit observed during earplugging was maintained after the
      recovery period. This suggests that GluA3 plays a role in plasticity in the
      cochlear nucleus. Our study demonstrates that sound deprivation has long-lasting
      alterations on structural and molecular presynaptic and postsynaptic components
      at the level of the first auditory nerve synapse in the auditory brainstem.
      SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Despite being the second most prevalent form of hearing
      loss, conductive hearing loss and its effects on central synapses have received
      relatively little attention. Here, we show that 10 d of monaural conductive
      hearing loss leads to an increase in hearing thresholds, to an increased central
      gain upstream of the cochlear nucleus at the level of the lateral lemniscus, and
      to long-lasting presynaptic and postsynaptic structural and molecular effects at
      the endbulb of the Held synapse. Knowledge of the structural and molecular
      changes associated with decreased sensory experience, along with their potential
      reversibility, is important for the treatment of hearing deficits, such as
      hyperacusis and chronic otitis media with effusion, which is prevalent in young
      children with language acquisition or educational disabilities.

PMID- 27683916
TI  - Highly active immunomodulatory therapy ameliorates accumulation of disability in
      moderately advanced and advanced multiple sclerosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate variability and predictability of disability trajectories
      in moderately advanced and advanced multiple sclerosis (MS), and their
      modifiability with immunomodulatory therapy. METHODS: The epochs between Expanded
      Disability Status Scale (EDSS) steps 3-6, 4-6 and 6-6.5 were analysed. Patients
      with relapse-onset MS and having reached 6-month confirmed baseline EDSS step
      (3/4/6) were identified in MSBase, a global observational MS cohort study. We
      used multivariable survival models to examine the impact of disease-modifying
      therapy, clinical and demographic factors on progression to the outcome EDSS step
      (6/6.5). Sensitivity analyses with varying outcome definitions and inclusion
      criteria were conducted. RESULTS: For the EDSS 3-6, 4-6 and 6-6.5 epochs, 1560,
      1504 and 1231 patients were identified, respectively. Disability trajectories
      showed large coefficients of variance prebaseline (0.92-1.11) and postbaseline
      (2.15-2.50), with no significant correlations. The probability of reaching the
      outcome step was not associated with prebaseline variables, but was increased by
      higher relapse rates during each epoch (HRs 1.58-3.07; p<0.001). A greater
      proportion of each epoch treated with higher efficacy therapies was associated
      with lower risk of reaching the outcome disability step (HRs 0.72-0.91 per 25%;
      p<=0.02). 3 sensitivity analyses confirmed these results. CONCLUSIONS: Disease
      progression during moderately advanced and advanced MS is highly variable and
      amnesic to prior disease activity. Lower relapse rates and greater time on higher
      efficacy immunomodulatory therapy after reaching EDSS steps 3, 4 and 6 are
      associated with a decreased risk of accumulating further disability. Highly
      effective immunomodulatory therapy ameliorates accumulation of disability in
      moderately advanced and advanced relapse-onset MS.

PMID- 27683918
TI  - Clinical features of functional (psychogenic) eye movement disorders.

PMID- 27683919
TI  - Too fast: rare neuropathic pain state associated with easy activation of NaV1.9.

PMID- 27683946
TI  - Quantum Scattering Calculations of Transport Properties for the H-N2 and H-CH4
      Collision Pairs.
AB  - Transport properties for collisions of hydrogen atoms with molecular nitrogen and
      methane were calculated through close-coupling quantum scattering calculations.
      For these calculations, potential energy surfaces for the interaction of H atoms
      with these molecules, with their geometries fixed at the respective equilibrium
      structures, were obtained with a coupled cluster method that included single,
      double, and (perturbatively) triple excitations [RCCSD(T)]. The computed
      transport properties for H-N2 were found to be similar in magnitude to those
      computed in a previous study but significantly different from those obtained
      through the conventional approach that employs isotropic Lennard-Jones (LJ) (12
      6) potentials. The differences in the transport properties for H-CH4 computed in
      this work and those estimated with isotropic LJ potentials are somewhat smaller.

PMID- 27683920
TI  - Selective subcortical contributions to gait impairments in males with the FMR1
      premutation.

PMID- 27683947
TI  - Stranski-Krastanov and Volmer-Weber CVD Growth Regimes To Control the Stacking
      Order in Bilayer Graphene.
AB  - Aside from unusual properties of monolayer graphene, bilayer has been shown to
      have even more interesting physics, in particular allowing bandgap opening with
      dual gating for proper interlayer symmetry. Such properties, promising for device
      applications, ignited significant interest in understanding and controlling the
      growth of bilayer graphene. Here we systematically investigate a broad set of
      flow rates and relative gas ratio of CH4 to H2 in atmospheric pressure chemical
      vapor deposition of multilayered graphene. Two very different growth windows are
      identified. For relatively high CH4 to H2 ratios, graphene growth is relatively
      rapid with an initial first full layer forming in seconds upon which new graphene
      flakes nucleate then grow on top of the first layer. The stacking of these flakes
      versus the initial graphene layer is mostly turbostratic. This growth mode can be
      likened to Stranski-Krastanov growth. With relatively low CH4 to H2 ratios,
      growth rates are reduced due to a lower carbon supply rate. In addition bi-, tri
      , and few-layer flakes form directly over the Cu substrate as individual islands.
      Etching studies show that in this growth mode subsequent layers form beneath the
      first layer presumably through carbon radical intercalation. This growth mode is
      similar to that found with Volmer-Weber growth and was shown to produce highly
      oriented AB-stacked materials. These systematic studies provide new insight into
      bilayer graphene formation and define the synthetic range where gapped bilayer
      graphene can be reliably produced.

PMID- 27683949
TI  - Depression and anxiety were low amongst virally suppressed, long-term treated HIV
      infected individuals enrolled in a public sector antiretroviral program in
      Thailand.
AB  - HIV/AIDS and anxiety/depression are interlinked. HIV-infected patients suffering
      from depression may be at risk for poor adherence which may contribute to HIV
      disease progression. Additionally, an HIV diagnosis and/or using certain
      antiretroviral agents may trigger symptoms of anxiety/depression. The objective
      of the study was to assess the prevalence and factors associated with anxiety and
      depression in HIV-infected patients from the Thai National HIV Treatment Program.
      This cross-sectional study was performed from January 2012 to December 2012 in
      HIV-infected out-patients, aged >=18 years, from three HIV referral centers.
      Symptoms of anxiety and depression were measured using the Thai-validated
      Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). A score of >=11 was defined as
      having anxiety and depression. Associated factors were assessed by multivariate
      logistic regression. Totally 2023 (56% males) patients were enrolled. All
      patients received antiretroviral therapy (ART) for a mean duration of 7.7 years.
      Median CD4 was 495 cells/mm3. Ninety-five percent had HIV-RNA < 50 copies/ml.
      Thirty-three percent were currently on efavirenz (EFV)-based ART. The prevalence
      of anxiety and depression were 4.8% and 3.1%, respectively. About 1.3% had both
      anxiety and depression. In multivariate logistic models, the female sex [OR =
      1.6(95%CI 1.1-2.3), p = .01], having adherence <90% [OR = 2.2(95%CI 1.5-3.4), p <
      .001], fair/poor quality of life (QOL) [OR = 7.2 (95%CI 3.6-14.2), p < .001] and
      EFV exposure [OR = 1.6(95%CI 1.1-2.3), p = .01], were independently associated
      with having anxiety or depression. Our findings demonstrated that prevalence of
      depression and anxiety was low amongst virally suppressed, long-term
      antiretroviral-treated HIV-infected individuals. Some key characteristics such as
      the female sex, poor adherence, poor/fair QOL and EFV exposure are associated
      with anxiety and depression. These factors can be used to distinguish who would
      need a more in-depth evaluation for these psychiatric disorders.

PMID- 27683951
TI  - Number Density Distribution of Small Particles around a Large Particle:
      Structural Analysis of a Colloidal Suspension.
AB  - Some colloidal suspensions contain two types of particles-small and large
      particles-to improve the lubricating ability, light absorptivity, and so forth.
      Structural and chemical analyses of such colloidal suspensions are often
      performed to understand their properties. In a structural analysis study, the
      observation of the number density distribution of small particles around a large
      particle (gLS) is difficult because these particles are randomly moving within
      the colloidal suspension by Brownian motion. We obtain gLS using the data from a
      line optical tweezer (LOT) that can measure the potential of mean force between
      two large colloidal particles (PhiLL). We propose a theory that transforms PhiLL
      into gLS. The transform theory is explained in detail and tested. We demonstrate
      for the first time that LOT can be used for the structural analysis of a
      colloidal suspension. LOT combined with the transform theory will facilitate
      structural analyses of the colloidal suspensions, which is important for both
      understanding colloidal properties and developing colloidal products.

PMID- 27683950
TI  - Pediatric traumatic brain injury affects multisensory integration.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) on
      multisensory integration in relation to general neurocognitive functioning.
      METHOD: Children with a hospital admission for TBI aged between 6 and 13 years (n
      = 94) were compared with children with trauma control (TC) injuries (n = 39),
      while differentiating between mild TBI without risk factors for complicated TBI
      (mildRF-; n = 19), mild TBI with >=1 risk factor (mildRF+; n = 45), and
      moderate/severe TBI (n = 30). We measured set-shifting performance based on
      visual information (visual shift condition) and set-shifting performance based on
      audiovisual information, requiring multisensory integration (audiovisual shift
      condition). Effects of TBI on set-shifting performance were traced back to task
      strategy (i.e., boundary separation), processing efficiency (i.e., drift rate),
      or extradecisional processes (i.e., nondecision time) using diffusion model
      analysis. General neurocognitive functioning was measured using estimated full
      scale IQ (FSIQ). RESULTS: The TBI group showed selectively reduced performance in
      the audiovisual shift condition (p = .009, Cohen's d = -0.51). Follow-up analyses
      in the audiovisual shift condition revealed reduced performance in the mildRF+
      TBI group and moderate/severe TBI group (ps <= .025, ds <= -0.61). These effects
      were traced back to lower drift rate (ps <= .048, ds <= -0.44), reflecting
      reduced multisensory integration efficiency. Notably, accuracy and drift rate in
      the audiovisual shift condition partially mediated the relation between TBI and
      FSIQ. CONCLUSION: Children with mildRF+ or moderate/severe TBI are at risk for
      reduced multisensory integration efficiency, possibly contributing to decreased
      general neurocognitive functioning. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27683952
TI  - Epidemiology of football (soccer) injuries in the 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 seasons
      of the Italian Serie A.
AB  - Epidemiological studies on football (soccer) injuries are needed to assess both
      the magnitude of the problem and the effectiveness of preventive programmes.
      However, few data are available for Italy, which hosts one of the main football
      leagues in Europe. In this study, we aimed to describe the epidemiology of
      football injuries in the 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 seasons of the Italian Serie A.
      Information about injury location, type, date of occurrence and duration of
      absence was obtained from www.football-lineups.com , a free collaborative
      international database on football. Overall, 363 injuries occurred throughout the
      two seasons affecting 286 players. The most commonly reported injuries were thigh
      strain and knee injury, which accounted for 42% and 19% of all injuries,
      respectively. Injury incidence increased with age and was particularly higher
      from August to October. Results suggest that injury prevention strategies should
      be introduced from the preseason to reduce the risk of injuries, especially
      muscle strains.

PMID- 27683953
TI  - Downregulation of lysosomal and further gene expression characterization in lung
      cancer patients with bone metastasis.
AB  - Molecular and functional mechanisms of bone metastases were poorly understood.
      This study was to screen out differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and functional
      proteins in bone metastases from lung for better understanding of the molecular
      and functional mechanisms. Our results suggested CTSS, CTSD, MX1, NKX2-1 might
      play a decisive role in bone metastasis. Collectively, these results demonstrated
      that bone metastasis from lung cancer would lead to changes in lysosome function,
      which may affect the decomposition and elimination of old bone matrix, thus
      affecting bone turnover. In addition, our findings provided new insights into the
      prediction and treatment of bone metastases.

PMID- 27683955
TI  - Evidence of Coupling between the Motions of Water and Peptides.
AB  - Studies of protein dynamics at low temperatures are generally performed on
      hydrated powders and not in biologically realistic solutions of water because of
      water crystallization. However, here we avoid the problem of crystallization by
      reducing the size of the biomolecules. We have studied oligomers of the amino
      acid l-lysine, fully dissolved in water, and our dielectric relaxation data show
      that the glass transition-related dynamics of the oligomers is determined by the
      water dynamics, in a way similar to that previously observed for solvated
      proteins. This implies that the crucial role of water for protein dynamics can be
      extended to other types of macromolecular systems, where water is also able to
      determine their conformational fluctuations. Using the energy landscape picture
      of macromolecules, the thermodynamic criterion for such solvent-slaved
      macromolecular motions may be that the macromolecules need the entropy
      contribution from the solvent to overcome the enthalpy barriers between different
      conformational substates.

PMID- 27683954
TI  - Novel model of double transgenic mouse results in autoimmune diabetes in males.
AB  - Identifying the type of diabetogenic CD8+ T cells that initiate autoimmune
      diabetes (AID) is a critical step in designing appropriate strategies for the
      early detection of beta cell-directed autoimmunity and its progression to
      diabetes. We generated a novel double transgenic (Tg) mouse model on the
      naturally diabetes resistant C57Bl/6 background, co-expressing two transgenes
      including a specific TCR anti-lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus nucleoprotein
      (LCMV-NP) carried by CD8+ T cells and LCMV-NP (as neo-self antigen) expressed by
      pancreatic beta cells. The resulting double Tg mouse showed partial thymic
      deletion of the NP-specific CD8+ T cells. The escaping autoreactive NP-specific
      CD8+ T cells joining the periphery were activated and gained effector functions.
      Both male and female mice mounted anti-NP antibodies, but only one-fourth adult
      males spontaneously developed AID. Significant upregulation of the CD44 and CD122
      markers as compared to healthy male and female mice characterized the phenotype
      of diabetogenic CD8+ T cells in diabetic male mice. We also show that only 10% of
      these CD8+  T cells expressed programmed death 1 receptor (PD-1). Together, these
      results suggest that in our double Tg mouse model, Ag-specific effector
      CD44+CD122+PD-1-CD8+ T cell subpopulation is associated with the pathogenesis of
      AID.

PMID- 27683956
TI  - Emotional prosody effects on verbal memory in older and younger adults.
AB  - Prosody, or the way things are said, can modify the meaning of utterances making
      qualitatively different affective prosodies useful for understanding how auditory
      affective information is processed and remembered. In this study, we collected
      behavioral data from 225 younger (M age = 20.8 years, SD = 2.5 years; 119 males)
      and 225 older adults (M age = 71.6 years, SD = 6.5 years; 119 males) in order to
      examine age differences in emotional prosody effects on verbal memory.
      Participants were randomly divided into three subgroups according to different
      prosody listening conditions (positive, negative, and neutral) and prosody
      effects on a yes-no recognition memory task were investigated. The results showed
      how older adults who listened to the story read with a neutral prosody remembered
      more words than those who listened to the same story with a positive or negative
      prosody. Younger adults showed no valence effects. Our findings highlighted an
      age and affective prosody interaction that affects remembering in older adults
      alone.

PMID- 27683957
TI  - Effect of the binding interaction of an emissive niacin derivative on the
      conformation and activity of a model plasma protein: A spectroscopic and
      simulation-based approach.
AB  - The present work demonstrates a detailed photophysics of bio-active drug-like
      acid viz., 2-hydroxynicotinic acid (2-HNA) and its interaction with a model
      plasma protein Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA). The drug which is in essence a vitamin
      B3 derivative, is capable of exhibiting ultrafast lactim-lactam cross-over
      response and thereby the modulation of the lactam emission within the bio
      environment of the protein has been depicted spectroscopically to reveal the drug
      protein interaction. Apart from evaluating the binding constant, the probable
      location of the neutral drug molecule within the protein cavity (hydrophobic
      subdomain IIIA) has been explored by AutoDock-based blind docking simulation
      technique. In this microheterogeneous medium, slow solvent reorientation time
      with respect to the emissive lifetime of the drug explicate the Red Edge Effect
      (REE). To complement the findings about the binding process, chaotrope-induced
      protein denaturation has also been inspected. The probe also illustrates a
      perceptible difference in rotational relaxation time in confined medium than in
      aqueous medium which strengthen our verdict. Unfolding of the protein in the
      presence of the drug molecule has been probed by the decrease of the alpha
      helical content, obtained via circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, which is also
      supported by the gradual slaughter of the esterase activity of the protein in the
      presence of the drug molecule.

PMID- 27683958
TI  - An overview of drug delivery vehicles for cancer treatment: Nanocarriers and
      nanoparticles including photovoltaic nanoparticles.
AB  - Cancer is a complicated disease for which finding a cure presents challenges. In
      recent decades, new ways to treat cancer are being sought; one being
      nanomedicine, which manipulates nanoparticles to target a cancer and release
      drugs directly to the cancer cells. A number of cancer treatments based on
      nanomedicine are under way and mostly are in preclinical trials owing to
      challenges in administration, safety, and effectiveness. One alternative method
      for drug delivery is the use of photovoltaic nanoparticles, which has the
      potential to deliver drugs via light activation. The concepts are based on
      standard photovoltaic cell that holds opposite charges on its surfaces and
      releases drugs when charge intensity or polarity changes upon photo-stimulation
      such as from a laser source or sunlight. This review will cover some recent
      progress in cancer treatment using nanoparticles, including photovoltaic
      nanoparticles.

PMID- 27683960
TI  - In Vivo Gene Transfer to Schwann Cells in the Rodent Sciatic Nerve by
      Electroporation.
AB  - The formation of the myelin sheath by Schwann cells (SCs) is essential for rapid
      conduction of nerve impulses along axons in the peripheral nervous system. SC
      selective genetic manipulation in living animals is a powerful technique for
      studying the molecular and cellular mechanisms of SC myelination and
      demyelination in vivo. While knockout/knockin and transgenic mice are powerful
      tools for studying SC biology, these methods are costly and time consuming. Viral
      vector-mediated transgene introduction into the sciatic nerve is a simpler and
      less laborious method. However, viral methods have limitations, such as toxicity,
      transgene size constraints, and infectivity restricted to certain developmental
      stages. Here, we describe a new method that allows selective transfection of
      myelinating SCs in the rodent sciatic nerve using electroporation. By applying
      electric pulses to the sciatic nerve at the site of plasmid DNA injection, genes
      of interest can be easily silenced or overexpressed in SCs in both neonatal and
      more mature animals. Furthermore, this in vivo electroporation method allows for
      highly efficient simultaneous expression of multiple transgenes. Our novel
      technique should enable researchers to efficiently manipulate SC gene expression,
      and facilitate studies on SC development and function.

PMID- 27683959
TI  - Multifaceted Assessment of Health Literacy in People Receiving Dialysis:
      Associations With Psychological Stress and Quality of Life.
AB  - Health literacy (HL) refers to a person's ability to engage effectively with
      health information and services. We aimed to describe the HL of people receiving
      dialysis and the factors associated with it. A cross-sectional design was used,
      with demographic and clinical data as predictors. Participants were people
      receiving dialysis at a metropolitan health service in Melbourne, Australia.
      Health consumers with conditions not requiring dialysis were included for
      comparison. The Health Literacy Questionnaire, Kidney Disease Quality of Life-36,
      and Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 were administered. Participants (M age =
      68.2 +/- 13.7 years; n = 57 males) were 76 people receiving hemodialysis within a
      dialysis unit, 16 people receiving home peritoneal dialysis, and 8 people
      receiving home hemodialysis. Participants scored higher on the HL domains social
      support for health and engagement with health care providers but lower on active
      management of health than the comparison group (n = 813). Hierarchical cluster
      analysis revealed 2 clusters within the dialysis sample representing higher (n =
      43) and lower (n = 57) profiles of HL. The higher HL cluster reported better
      quality of life across 4 of 5 domains of the Kidney Disease Quality of Life-36,
      fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety, and higher serum albumin (mean
      difference = 2.06 g/L, p = .04) than the lower HL cluster. These results show
      that people receiving dialysis feel better supported and informed about their
      health than other health consumers but are less active in managing it. Higher HL
      is associated with better mental health and quality of life. Identifying HL
      characteristics may help direct specific interventions to improve patient
      education and support.

PMID- 27683961
TI  - "Phagosome Closure Assay" to Visualize Phagosome Formation in Three Dimensions
      Using Total Internal Reflection Fluorescent Microscopy (TIRFM).
AB  - Phagocytosis is a mechanism used by specialized cells to internalize and
      eliminate microorganisms or cellular debris. It relies on profound rearrangements
      of the actin cytoskeleton that is the driving force for plasma membrane extension
      around the particle. In addition, efficient engulfment of large material relies
      on focal exocytosis of intracellular compartments. This process is highly dynamic
      and numerous molecular players have been described to have a role during
      phagocytic cup formation. The precise regulation in time and space of all of
      these molecules, however, remains elusive. In addition, the last step of
      phagosome closure has been very difficult to observe because inhibition by RNA
      interference or dominant negative mutants often results in stalled phagocytic cup
      formation. We have set up a dedicated experimental approach using total internal
      reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM) combined with epifluorescence to
      monitor step by step the extension of pseudopods and their tips in a phagosome
      growing around a particle loosely bound to a coverslip. This method allows us to
      observe, with high resolution the very tips of the pseudopods and their fusion
      during closure of the phagosome in living cells for two different fluorescently
      tagged proteins at the same time.

PMID- 27683964
TI  - Remission of Marginal Zone Lymphoma After HCV Eradication With New Direct
      Antiviral Agents.

PMID- 27683962
TI  - An obesity paradox: an inverse correlation between body mass index and
      atherosclerosis of the aorta.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Morbid obesity generally has been associated with higher
      morbidity and mortality for a variety of diseases. However, a number of
      exceptions to this have been reported and referred to as the "obesity paradox."
      The purpose of the present study was to obtain objective data on aortic
      atherosclerosis and its relationship to body mass index (BMI, kg/m2), based on
      autopsy findings in a large cohort of overweight and obese decedents. METHODS:
      Decedents were >=18 years who had autopsies between 2003 and 2014, a subset of
      whom were morbidly obese (BMI>=40). Autopsy findings were reviewed and compared
      to a control group (BMI<40) who had consecutive autopsies performed between
      January 2013 and June 2014. Atherosclerosis was assessed by gross pathologic
      examination using a semiquantitative grading scale (from 0 to 3), and for
      statistical analysis, the scores were stratified into two groups: nonsevere (<2)
      or severe (>=2). RESULTS: There were 304 decedents in the study: 66 were morbidly
      obese (BMI>=40), 94 were either Class I or II obese (BMI 30-40), 127 were either
      overweight (BMI 25.0-29.9) or normal weight (BMI 20-24.9), and 17 were
      underweight (BMI<20). Decedents with mild atherosclerosis were significantly
      younger than those with severe disease (55.2 vs. 67.3, P<.0001). Decedents were
      further stratified by age and BMI. Univariate analysis revealed that decedents
      >60 years were more likely to have severe atherosclerosis than those <=60 years
      (61% vs. 30%, P<.0001). There was a highly significant (P=.008) inverse
      relationship between severe aortic atherosclerosis and BMI. Twenty of 66
      decedents (30%) with a BMI>=40 had severe atherosclerosis vs. 122 of 238
      decedents (51%) with BMIs<40 (P=.001). As BMI increased, the probability of
      developing severe disease decreased. Hypertension increased the probability of
      having severe atherosclerosis (54% vs. 33%, P=.007). After adjusting for other
      covariates, multivariable analysis revealed that age and hypertension were still
      positively correlated with the severity of atherosclerosis (P=.014 and 0.028,
      respectively), and the inverse relationship between BMI and atherosclerosis
      remained (adjusted relative risk of BMI>=40 vs. <40=0.64, 95% confidence
      interval: 0.4-1; P=.03). CONCLUSIONS: Our data extend the previously described
      obesity paradox to another disease entity, atherosclerosis of the aorta. Morbid
      obesity appeared to have a protective effect for developing severe aortic
      atherosclerosis, for the reasons for which are yet to be determined. However, the
      mean age at death of decedents with BMIs>=40 was younger than those with BMIs in
      the 20-30 range (55.9 vs. 63.2 years, P=.001), confirming that morbid obesity was
      not associated with increased longevity.

PMID- 27683963
TI  - The Effect of Right Colon Retroflexion on Adenoma Detection: A Systematic Review
      and Meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although colonoscopy with polypectomy can prevent up to 80% of
      colorectal cancers, a significant adenoma miss rate still exists, particularly in
      the right colon. Previous studies addressing right colon retroflexion have
      revealed discordant evidence regarding the benefit of this maneuver on adenoma
      detection with concomitant concerns about safety and rates of maneuver success.
      In this meta-analysis, we sought to determine the effect of right colon
      retroflexion on improving adenoma detection compared with conventional
      colonoscopy without retroflexion, as well as determine the rates of retroflexion
      maneuver success and adverse events. METHODS: Multiple databases including
      MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science were searched for studies on right colon
      retroflexion and its impact on adenoma detection compared with conventional
      colonoscopy. Pooled analyses of adenoma detection and retroflexion success were
      based on mixed-effects and random-effects models with heterogeneity analyses.
      RESULTS: Eight studies met the inclusion criteria (N=3660). The primary analysis
      comparing colonoscopy with right-sided retroflexion versus conventional
      colonoscopy to determine the per-adenoma miss rate in the right colon was 16.9%
      (95% confidence interval, 12.5%-22.5%). The overall rate of successful
      retroflexion was 91.9% (95% confidence interval, 86%-95%) and rate of adverse
      events was 0.03%. CONCLUSIONS: Colonoscopy with right-sided retroflexion
      significantly increases the detection of adenomas in the right colon compared
      with conventional colonoscopy with a high rate of maneuver success and small risk
      of adverse events. Thus, reexamination of the right colon in retroflexed view
      should be strongly considered in future standard of care colonoscopy guidelines
      for quality improvement in colon cancer prevention.

PMID- 27683965
TI  - Endoscopic Management of Recurrent Dysphagia in a Patient With Allgrove Syndrome.

PMID- 27683966
TI  - Sport psychiatry and psychotherapeutic intervention, circa 2016.
AB  - The focus of this paper is to provide an update on the use of psychotherapy as a
      treatment in sport psychiatry, and the use of this approach to address common
      psychiatric issues encountered with this population. Specifically, family
      therapy, individual therapy, and group psychotherapy prescribed alone, or in
      combination with medication, will be examined as methods to manage
      issues/disorders often associated with athletes. These include obsessive
      compulsive rituals and perfectionism, and aggressive and risky behaviours, such
      as gambling, infidelity, substance use, and suicidal ideation, narcissism, and
      aggression in the context of individual and team competitive sports.

PMID- 27683967
TI  - Adult separation anxiety disorder in complicated grief: an exploratory study on
      frequency and correlates.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Complicated grief (CG) has been the subject of increasing attention
      in the past decades but its relationship with separation anxiety disorder (SEPAD)
      is still controversial. The aim of the current study was to explore the
      prevalence and clinical significance of adult SEPAD in a sample of help-seeking
      individuals with CG. METHODS: 151 adults with CG, enrolled in a randomized
      controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of (CG) treatment to that of
      interpersonal therapy, were assessed by means of the Inventory of Complicated
      Grief (ICG), the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV, the Hamilton Rating
      Scale for Depression (HAM-D), the Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS), the
      Adult Separation Anxiety Questionnaire (ASA-27), the Grief Related Avoidance
      Questionnaire (GRAQ), the Peritraumatic Dissociative Experiences Questionnaire
      (PDEQ), and the Impact of Events Scale (IES). RESULTS: 104 (68.9%) individuals
      with CG were considered to have SEPAD (ASA-27 score >=22). Individuals with SEPAD
      were more likely to have reported a CG related to the loss of another close
      relative or friend (than a parent, spouse/partner or a child) (p=.02), as well as
      greater scores on the ICG (p=<.001), PDEQ (p=.004), GRAQ (p<.001), intrusion
      (p<.001) and avoidance (p=<.001) IES subscales, HAM-D (p<.001) and WSAS (p=.006).
      ASA-27 total scores correlated with ICG (p<.0001), PDEQ (p<.001) GRAQ (p<.0001)
      scores and both the IES intrusion (p<.0001) and IES avoidance (p<.0001) subscale
      scores. People with SEPAD had higher rates of lifetime post-traumatic stress
      disorder (PTSD) (p=.04) and panic disorder (PD) (p=.01). CONCLUSIONS: SEPAD is
      highly prevalent among patients with CG and is associated with greater symptom
      severity and impairment and greater comorbidity with PTSD and PD. Further studies
      will help to confirm and generalize our results and to determine whether adult
      SEPAD responds to CG treatment and/or moderates CG treatment response.

PMID- 27683968
TI  - Synergistic effect of PEGylation and pentoxifylline addition on immunoprotection
      of pancreatic islets.
AB  - In this study, a method is proposed to reduce immunological response of immune
      system against Langerhans islets by PEGylation of islets combined with adjuvant
      therapy. For this purpose, the best composition for a mixture of succinimidyl
      valeric acid activated mPEG (mPEG-SVA) with different molecular weights (MWs) and
      for a mixture of succinimidyl carbonate activated mPEG (mPEG-SC) with different
      MWs was determined separately. Then, the effect of pentoxifylline (PTX) as an
      adjuvant drug on immunological response against PEGylated islets at best mPEG
      composition was studied. The extent of mPEGs reaction, the amount of interlukin-2
      (IL-2) and perforin secretion, and the viability of lymphocytes and islets in
      homo and co-cultures in the presence of PTX at different concentrations were
      considered for the in vitro evaluation of the proposed method. It was found, that
      a mixture of mPEG-SVA with MWs of 10 and 5 kDa at a composition of 75 and 25%,
      respectively, was the best formulation. Also, the addition of PTX drug to co
      culture medium increased the protection of PEGylated islets against immune system
      and a concentration of 75 MUg mL-1 of PTX was suitable for islet protection with
      no adverse effect on immune cells.

PMID- 27683969
TI  - Metabolic demand and muscle damage induced by eccentric cycling of knee extensor
      and flexor muscles.
AB  - : The aim of this study was to examine the metabolic demand and extent of muscle
      damage of eccentric cycling targeting knee flexor (FLEX) and knee extensor (EXT)
      muscles. METHODS: Eight sedentary men (23.3 +/- 0.7 y) underwent two eccentric
      cycling sessions (EXT and FLEX) of 30 min each, at 60% of the maximum power
      output. Oxygen consumption (VO2), heart rate (HR) and rated perceived exertion
      (RPE) were measured during cycling. Countermovement and squat jumps (CMJ and SJ),
      muscle flexibility, muscle soreness and pain pressure threshold (PPT) of knee
      extensor and flexor muscles were measured before, immediately after and 1-4 days
      after cycling. RESULTS: FLEX showed greater VO2 (+23%), HR (+14%) and RPE (+18%)
      than EXT. CMJ and SJ performance decreased similarly after cycling. Muscle
      soreness increased more after EXT than FLEX and PPT decreased in knee extensor
      muscles after EXT and decreased in knee flexor muscles after FLEX. Greater loss
      of muscle flexibility in knee flexor muscles after FLEX was observed. CONCLUSION:
      Eccentric cycling of knee flexor muscles is metabolically more demanding than
      that of knee extensors, however muscle damage induced is similar. Knee flexors
      experienced greater loss of muscle flexibility possibly due to increased muscle
      stiffness following eccentric contractions.

PMID- 27683970
TI  - Effects of Semont maneuver on benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: a meta
      analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common type
      of peripheral vertigo. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the Semont
      maneuver (SM) for BPPV treatment, compared with other methods. METHODS: Studies
      were selected in relevant databases under pre-defined criteria up to June 2015.
      The Cochrane evaluation system was used to assess the quality of the studies.
      Effect size was indicated as a risk-ratio (RR) with corresponding 95%
      confidential interval (CI). Statistical analysis was conducted under a randomized
      or fixed-effects model. Sub-group analysis was performed. RESULTS: Ten studies
      were included in the meta-analysis. All of the studies presented a low attrition
      bias, but a high selection and reporting bias. SM had a much higher recovery rate
      (SM vs no treatment: RR = 2.60, 95% CI = 1.97-3.44, p < 0.01; SM vs sham: RR =
      4.89, 95% CI = 3.01-7.94, p < 0.01), and lower recurrence rate than those from
      controls (SM vs no treatment: RR = 0.11, 95% CI = 0.04-0.31, p < 0.01). Overall,
      SM had similar outcomes with Epley maneuver (EM) and Brandt-Daroff exercise (BDE)
      in terms of recovery rate, recurrence rate, and side-effects. CONCLUSION: SM is
      as effective as EM and BDE for BPPV treatment.

PMID- 27683971
TI  - Stroke due to non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis as initial presentation of
      breast invasive ductal carcinoma.
AB  - We present a case of a 71-year-old woman with recurrent stroke episodes due to
      non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE) leading to the diagnosis of an early
      stage breast carcinoma. NBTE is associated with a variety of inflammatory states,
      including malignancy. NBTE presents itself with systemic embolization, mostly
      stroke. Treatment consists of treating the underlying condition and start of
      systemic anticoagulation therapy. Cardiac surgery is restricted to highly
      selected cases, since prognosis usually is limited by the neoplasm, which usually
      is in an advanced stage at time of diagnosis of NBTE. The malignancy usually is
      diagnosed prior to NBTE. Cases presenting with NBTE leading to the diagnosis of
      malignancy, however, are rarely reported. To our knowledge, we present the first
      case leading to the diagnosis of an early-stage breast carcinoma.

PMID- 27683972
TI  - Preparation and Delivery of Protein Microcrystals in Lipidic Cubic Phase for
      Serial Femtosecond Crystallography.
AB  - Membrane proteins (MPs) are essential components of cellular membranes and
      primary drug targets. Rational drug design relies on precise structural
      information, typically obtained by crystallography; however MPs are difficult to
      crystallize. Recent progress in MP structural determination has benefited greatly
      from the development of lipidic cubic phase (LCP) crystallization methods, which
      typically yield well-diffracting, but often small crystals that suffer from
      radiation damage during traditional crystallographic data collection at
      synchrotron sources. The development of new-generation X-ray free-electron laser
      (XFEL) sources that produce extremely bright femtosecond pulses has enabled room
      temperature data collection from microcrystals with no or negligible radiation
      damage. Our recent efforts in combining LCP technology with serial femtosecond
      crystallography (LCP-SFX) have resulted in high-resolution structures of several
      human G protein-coupled receptors, which represent a notoriously difficult target
      for structure determination. In the LCP-SFX technique, LCP is recruited as a
      matrix for both growth and delivery of MP microcrystals to the intersection of
      the injector stream with an XFEL beam for crystallographic data collection. It
      has been demonstrated that LCP-SFX can substantially improve the diffraction
      resolution when only sub-10 um crystals are available, or when the use of smaller
      crystals at room temperature can overcome various problems associated with larger
      cryocooled crystals, such as accumulation of defects, high mosaicity and
      cryocooling artifacts. Future advancements in X-ray sources and detector
      technologies should make serial crystallography highly attractive and practicable
      for implementation not only at XFELs, but also at more accessible synchrotron
      beamlines. Here we present detailed visual protocols for the preparation,
      characterization and delivery of microcrystals in LCP for serial crystallography
      experiments. These protocols include methods for conducting crystallization
      experiments in syringes, detecting and characterizing the crystal samples,
      optimizing crystal density, loading microcrystal laden LCP into the injector
      device and delivering the sample to the beam for data collection.

PMID- 27683973
TI  - Monosomal karyotype is not a predictor of dismal outcome in childhood de novo
      acute myeloid leukemia.
AB  - Monosomal karyotype (MK) is known as a far end of the unfavorable cytogenetics in
      adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML), while available data in childhood AML is
      scarce. In this study, we investigated the prevalence and prognostic value of MK
      with retrospectively analyzed 119 patients newly diagnosed with childhood de novo
      AML. Ten patients (8.4%) revealed to have MK. All MK-positive (MK(+)) AML were
      associated with complex cytogenetic abnormalities and belonged to the cytogenetic
      adverse-risk group. Nine of MK(+) patients (90%) achieved complete remission. The
      event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) of MK(+) adverse group were
      comparable to the ESF and OS of MK-negative non-adverse group (EFS 60.0+/-15.5%
      vs 59.0+/-5.1%, P=0.925; OS 70.0+/-14.5% vs 58.1+/-5.3%, P=0.696). In
      multivariate analysis, MK was not an independent adverse prognostic factor for
      EFS (hazard ratio 0.45, 95% C.I. 0.13-1.50, P=0.194). In addition, 7 of 9 MK(+)
      patients who received allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT)
      survived event-free, with a median follow-up of 64 months. In conclusion, MK did
      not act as an adverse prognostic factor in childhood de novo AML. Allogeneic HSCT
      might have contributed to the excellent outcome of MK(+) childhood de novo AML.

PMID- 27683975
TI  - Multifidus Muscle Atrophy Not Observed Following Two-segment Anterior Interbody
      Fusion: A Rabbit Model Study With a 12-Month Follow-up.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study evaluated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and
      histologic changes in the multifidus muscle after anterior spinal fusion.
      OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of spinal fusion on the multifidus muscle in
      an anterior rabbit model through the use of MRI and histologic evaluation.
      SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Retraction and splitting approach are known to be
      important factors in postoperative injury and atrophy of the multifidus muscle.
      The effect and possible mechanism of spinal fusion as an independent factor
      remains unknown. METHODS: Thirty-six New Zealand white rabbits were divided into
      two groups. Animals in the fusion group underwent two-level anterior spinal
      fusion whereas those in the control group underwent similar surgery without
      spinal fusion. The status of the multifidus muscle was evaluated with MRI and
      histological analysis at preoperative, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and
      12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: All rabbits in the fusion group achieved
      solid fusion. The mean T1-weighted and T2-weighted signal intensity ratios of
      gross multifidus to psoas muscles were all approximately 1.0 postoperatively,
      with no remarkable difference between the groups. The mean lesser diameter of
      myofibrils in either group did not significantly differ between the preoperative
      and postoperative specimens. There was no significant fibrotic change or fatty
      degeneration for either group. Decrease in acetylcholine activity or granular
      degeneration of the neuromuscular junction were not observed, and normal shape
      and size were found in nearly all samples at all time points in both groups (P >
      0.05). CONCLUSION: After two-segment anterior spinal fusion, multifidus atrophy
      was not observed throughout a 12-month follow up. The rabbit model of anterior
      fusion is better suited to study the effect of fusion alone on the status of the
      multifidus muscle. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

PMID- 27683974
TI  - Cross-resistance and synergy with bendamustine in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
AB  - Bendamustine (BEN) has structural similarities to an alkylating agent and a
      nucleoside analog, and effective against tumor cells that are resistant to
      standard therapy. In this study we compared the activities of BEN against that of
      the alkylating agent, chlorambucil (CLB), and the nucleoside analogs, fludarabine
      (FLU) and deoxyadenosine/pentostatin (dADO/PEN), in primary chronic lymphocytic
      leukemia (CLL) cells in vitro. Cross-resistance was observed between BEN, CLB and
      FLU, with previously treated patients or those with a deletion 17p being most
      resistant. In contrast, some resistant CLL cells retained moderate sensitivity to
      dADO/PEN. Like FLU and CLB, BEN induced apoptosis through both the mitochondrial
      and death receptor pathways. There was a greater increase in DNA double-strand
      breaks (DSB) following FLU, as compared to BEN and CLB. Synergistic cytotoxicity
      was seen on combining BEN or CLB with FLU or dADO/PEN, but not when combining BEN
      with CLB. These results demonstrate that BEN acts as an alkylating agent,
      demonstrates cross-resistance to CLB and FLU and resistance to cells with a del
      17p. Synergistic cytotoxic activity was seen between BEN and dADO/PEN suggesting
      that the combination of BEN and PEN should be evaluated in the clinic.

PMID- 27683976
TI  - Increased Total Anesthetic Time Leads to Higher Rates of Surgical Site Infections
      in Spinal Fusions.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review of a consecutive series of spinal fusions
      comparing patient and procedural characteristics of patients who developed
      surgical site infections (SSIs) after spinal fusion. OBJECTIVE: It is known that
      increased surgical time (incision to closure) is associated with a higher rate of
      postoperative SSIs. We sought to determine whether increased total anesthetic
      time (intubation to extubation) is a factor in the development of SSIs as well.
      SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND DATA: In spine surgery for deformity and degenerative
      disease, SSI has been associated with operative time, revealing a nearly 10-fold
      increase in SSI rates in prolonged surgery. Surgical time is associated with
      infections in other surgical disciplines as well. No studies have reported
      whether total anesthetic time (intubation to extubation) has an association with
      SSIs. METHODS: Surgical records were searched in a retrospective fashion to
      identify all spine fusion procedures performed between January 2010 and July
      2012. All SSIs during that timeframe were recorded and compared with the list of
      cases performed between 2010 and 2012 in a case-control design. RESULTS: There
      were 20 (1.7%) SSIs in this fusion cohort. On univariate analyses of operative
      factors, there was a significant association between total anesthetic time
      (Infection 7.6 +/- 0.5 hrs vs. no infection -6.0 +/- 0.1 hrs, P < 0.001) and
      increasing operative time (infection 5.5 +/- 0.4 hrs vs. no infection - 4.4 +/-
      0.06 hrs, P < 0.01) with infections, whereas level of pathology and emergent
      surgery were not significant. On multivariate logistic analysis, BMI and total
      anesthetic time remained independent predictors of SSI whereas ASA status and
      operative time did not. CONCLUSION: Increasing BMI and total anesthetic time were
      independent predictors of SSIs in this cohort of over 1000 consecutive spinal
      fusions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

PMID- 27683977
TI  - Anterior Spinal Overgrowth Is the Result of the Scoliotic Mechanism and Is
      Located in the Disc.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the presence and
      magnitude of anterior spinal overgrowth in neuromuscular scoliosis and compare
      this with the same measurements in idiopathic scoliosis and healthy spines.
      SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Anterior spinal overgrowth has been described as a
      potential driver for the onset and progression of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
      (AIS). Whether this anterior overgrowth is specific for AIS or also present in
      nonidiopathic scoliosis has not been reported. METHODS: Supine computed
      tomography (CT) scans of thirty AIS patients (thoracic Cobb 21-81 degrees ),
      thirty neuromuscular (NM) scoliotic patients (thoracic Cobb 19-101 degrees ) and
      30 nonscoliotic controls were used. The difference in length in per cents between
      the anterior and posterior side {[(DeltaA-P)/P]*100%, abbreviated to A-P%} of
      each vertebral body and intervertebral disc, and between the anterior side of the
      spine and the spinal canal (A-C%) were determined. RESULTS: The A-P% of the
      thoracic curves did not differ between the AIS (+1.2 +/- 2.2%) and NM patients
      (+0.9 +/- 4.1%, P = 0.663), both did differ, however, from the same measurements
      in controls (-3.0 +/- 1.6%; P < 0.001) and correlated linearly with the Cobb
      angle (AIS r = 0.678, NM r = 0.687). Additional anterior length was caused by
      anterior elongation of the discs (AIS: A-P% disc +17.5 +/- 12.7% vs. A-P% body 
      2.5 +/- 2.6%; P < 0.001, NM: A-P% disc +19.1 +/- 18.0% vs. A-P% body -3.5 +/-
      5.1%; P < 0.001). The A-C% T1-S1 in AIS and NM patients were similar (+7.9 +/-
      1.8% and +8.7 +/- 4.0%, P = 0.273), but differed from the controls (+4.2 +/-
      3.3%; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: So called anterior overgrowth has been postulated
      as a possible cause for idiopathic scoliosis, but apparently it occurs in
      scoliosis with a known origin as well. This suggests that it is part of a more
      generalized scoliotic mechanism, rather than its cause. The fact that the
      intervertebral discs contribute more to this increased anterior length than the
      vertebral bodies suggests an adaptation to altered loading, rather than a primary
      growth disturbance. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

PMID- 27683979
TI  - ?
AB  - The Royal Air Force recently sacked an enrolled nurse who had given five years
      service. Her sin? She was a lesbian. Nothing else. Her nursing skills weren't
      open to question, there was no sudden drop in the standard of care she gave to
      patients. In fact, the RAF was willing to invest in her future and she was
      undertaking a conversion course.

PMID- 27683978
TI  - Potentiodynamic Corrosion Testing.
AB  - Different metallic materials have different polarization characteristics as
      dictated by the open circuit potential, breakdown potential, and passivation
      potential of the material. The detection of these electrochemical parameters
      identifies the corrosion factors of a material. A reliable and well-functioning
      corrosion system is required to achieve this. Corrosion of the samples was
      achieved via a potentiodynamic polarization technique employing a three-electrode
      configuration, consisting of reference, counter, and working electrodes. Prior to
      commencement a baseline potential is obtained. Following the stabilization of the
      corrosion potential (Ecorr), the applied potential is ramped at a slow rate in
      the positive direction relative to the reference electrode. The working electrode
      was a stainless steel screw. The reference electrode was a standard Ag/AgCl. The
      counter electrode used was a platinum mesh. Having a reliable and well
      functioning in vitro corrosion system to test biomaterials provides an in
      expensive technique that allows for the systematic characterization of the
      material by determining the breakdown potential, to further understand the
      material's response to corrosion. The goal of the protocol is to set up and run
      an in vitro potentiodynamic corrosion system to analyze pitting corrosion for
      small metallic medical devices.

PMID- 27683980
TI  - ?
AB  - Abracadahra: a young visitor to the new children's out-patient department at
      Airedale General Hospital in Yorkshire enjoys the magic created by Paul
      Sunderland, one of the performers who provided entertainment at the official
      opening recently. The clinic is staffed by experienced children's nurses and
      nursery nurses.

PMID- 27683982
TI  - School nurse cleared by council over sex lessons.
AB  - The school nurse accused of giving over-explicit sex education to children in
      Leeds, has been vindicated by the official inquiry into the affair.

PMID- 27683981
TI  - Lesbian nurse sacked by RAF.
AB  - The Royal Air Force has sacked an enrolled nurse after a colleague revealed she
      was a lesbian. Jeanette Smith has vowed to fight the decision to terminate her
      military career after she became a victim of the latest purge of homosexuals from
      the armed forces.

PMID- 27683983
TI  - Panel decides on Ralph grievance.
AB  - The panel investigating complaints against embattled UKCC Registrar Colin Ralph
      was understood to have upheld the grievance taken out against him by senior
      staff, as Nursing Standard went to press.

PMID- 27683984
TI  - South Tees to vote on 8.8% offer.
AB  - Unions at South Tees Acute Hospitals NHS Trust are to ballot members on local
      trust contracts on whether to accept an 8.8 per cent pay package.

PMID- 27683985
TI  - Evidence lacking' on water births.
AB  - The case of a full term baby boy who became ill after being delivered in a
      birthing tub at North Middlesex Hospital in London is highlighted in a British
      Medical Journal report which says reliable evidence is lacking about water
      births.

PMID- 27683986
TI  - Hospital faces probe over disciplinary delay.
AB  - The UKCC is likely to question the hospital which dismissed a nurse over an
      unsigned drug sheet as to why it took four months to report the matter to the
      Professional Conduct Committee.

PMID- 27683987
TI  - Pay schemes based on trust performance are inadequate.
AB  - A shift in Government thinking away from individual performance-related pay
      schemes for nurses in favour of deals based on their trust's wider performance
      has been dismissed by the RCN as inadequate.

PMID- 27683988
TI  - Singing nurse to contest suspension.
AB  - A community nurse who greeted an elderly patient by singing the 1960s Cher hit
      'Bang! Bang! you shot me down', is now fighting a suspension after being reported
      to managers by a colleague.

PMID- 27683989
TI  - Massive coverage for re-admission survey.
AB  - Widespread national and local media coverage followed the publication of the
      results of Nursing Standard's joint survey with BBC TV's Here and Now' programme
      on patient readmission rates.

PMID- 27683990
TI  - RCN and DoH set to clash on confidentiality guidelines.
AB  - The Department of Health and the professional bodies' joint working party on
      patient confidentiality appear to be headed for a major clash over the
      Government's newly-released draft guidelines on confidentiality.

PMID- 27683991
TI  - New report out on inspectors.
AB  - Teams inspecting private nursing homes and hospitals are 'seriously' understaffed
      and underresourced, says an RCN report to he launched tomorrow.

PMID- 27683993
TI  - ?
AB  - Home and garden: the Hyde Nursing Home, officially opened in Cheshire last week,
      includes a garden dedicated to Mary Seacole, the black nurse who worked with
      Florence Nightingale. Pictured, left to right, are: Staff nurse Lynn Pritchard,
      home manager Hazel Shaw and care assistant Sandra Harrison.

PMID- 27683995
TI  - Jobs boost for students.
AB  - A Shropshire trust has offered qualified nursing jobs to all its students who
      finished training this year because it does not want to waste its investment in
      their education.

PMID- 27683992
TI  - HVs concerned over guidance on smacking.
AB  - Health visitors have expressed concern over reports that the Government may give
      parents and childminders freedom to smack.

PMID- 27683996
TI  - Demand for investment in MH training.
AB  - Government investment in staff training was demanded by the Royal College of
      Nursing last week in the wake of a report which claimed 13 murders carried out by
      mentally ill people could have been avoided.

PMID- 27683997
TI  - New book on workers' stress.
AB  - Examples of workers whose mental and physical health has been damaged by stress
      at work have been published in a book by the London Hazards Centre.

PMID- 27683998
TI  - Derbyshire nurses hit back.
AB  - Derbyshire nurses have hit back after accusations in recent press reports that
      they ignored a male patient who claimed he had to ring the ward on his mobile
      phone to get attention.

PMID- 27683999
TI  - Extra time for school nurses.
AB  - The Royal College of Nursing has won an important victory for school nurses
      carrying out the Government's national measles immunisation campaign, buying them
      extra time to complete work which was forced aside.

PMID- 27684000
TI  - ?
AB  - In the frame: Nurse Shantie Mohammed, currently a student on an RGN conversion
      course, was one of the entrants in an art competition organised at the Royal
      Hospitals NHS Trust in London. The contest was the first event organised by the
      hospital's new art support group and attracted paintings and sculpture from staff
      including nurses, doctors and porters, as well as patients.

PMID- 27684001
TI  - All-in-one baby vaccine launched.
AB  - A 'quadruple' vaccine which could help nurses reduce the number of injections
      needed by babies under the national immunisation programme was launched by
      Lederle-Praxis last week.

PMID- 27684003
TI  - Report suggests private health deals would increase union membership.
AB  - The Labour Party must be prepared to embrace the concept of private health care
      providers working in tandem with the NHS if it is to maintain a 'credible' health
      agenda, a report by the Independent Healthcare Association has warned.

PMID- 27684004
TI  - Education the key to family planning.
AB  - Nurses providing information on contraception and family planning in deprived
      Third World countries should be aware of their clients' educational levels, a
      report on contraception from the World Health Organization has said.

PMID- 27684005
TI  - US nurses back new bill in Congress.
AB  - The President of the American Nurses Association, Virginia Trotter Betts, has
      formally backed the troubled bill which would provide all Americans with
      universal health care coverage.

PMID- 27684006
TI  - Summer school welcomes Swaziland nurse.
AB  - A Swazi nurse made her first ever trip to a western country to attend the 14th
      International Summer School run by the RCN and Michigan State University's
      College of Nursing held in London recently.

PMID- 27684007
TI  - Nurse prescribing study sites announced.
AB  - The two colleges where nurses will study in preparation for the introduction of
      nurse prescribing pilot sites have been announced as the countdown to the
      scheme's introduction continues.

PMID- 27684008
TI  - RCN to establish advice group on travel and health.
AB  - A national travel health group to help nurses increase awareness of health risks
      abroad will be launched by the Royal College of Nursing in September.

PMID- 27684009
TI  - Child's needs not affected by state of parents' marriage.
AB  - The level to which the needs of children are met is not affected by the state of
      their parents' marriage, a US study claims.

PMID- 27684011
TI  - Japan's high-rise living linked to miscarriages.
AB  - Women living on the fifth floor and above in tower blocks are more than twice as
      likely to suffer a miscarriage, a Japanese study has claimed.

PMID- 27684010
TI  - Doctors fail to recognise distress signs in cancer patients.
AB  - Doctors are failing to identify areas where breast cancer sufferers are most
      profoundly affected, the results of a recent study in Devon have suggested.

PMID- 27684012
TI  - Diabetes care too patchy, claims report.
AB  - A shortage of diabetes specialist nurses and inadequate education of practice
      nurses has led to wide variations across the UK in the care of people with
      diabetes, a government commissioned report has claimed.

PMID- 27684013
TI  - Survival of people with cerebral palsy.
AB  - Survival rates of mild and moderately disabled children with cerebral palsy are
      not much lower than those for unaffected children, Liverpool researchers say.

PMID- 27684014
TI  - Suicide prevention called into doubt.
AB  - It is doubtful hat effect We suicide prevention strategies can be implemented
      either in primary care or mental health services, Scottish researchers report.

PMID- 27684015
TI  - Treatment for problem menopausal hot flushes.
AB  - Postmenopausal women unable to take oestrogens because they have breast cancer
      might gain relief from hot flushes by taking megestrol.

PMID- 27684017
TI  - Pink, Hands, red faces: UKCC bites back.
AB  - I thought that your readers may be interested to note that the UKCC's
      'ostentatious' and 'expensive' office accommodation costs the UKCC a peppercorn
      rent of L250 pier annum.

PMID- 27684016
TI  - One-off injection to protect against 'flu?
AB  - The days of annual vaccinations to protect vulnerable groups against influenza
      might be numbered if trials of a new compound prove successful.

PMID- 27684018
TI  - Funny money for the ex-army mummies.
AB  - I welcome the news that Fiona Boag, the former nurse who seriously injured her
      back lifting a patient, was awarded a decent sum in compensation (L205,000 for
      back injury, News, July 27).

PMID- 27684019
TI  - There are too many hours in the day.
AB  - During my recent time as chair of Guy's Hospital Student Nurse Council, the most
      oft-repeated concern from students was that of the 10-12 hour shift.

PMID- 27684020
TI  - Missing: about 6,000 RCN members.
AB  - Your assistance is required in solving a mystery. There are reputedly over 6,000
      Greater Glasgow Branch RCN members, but unfortunately the majority have not been
      seen at the branch meetings. Have they been kidnapped? Are they lost?

PMID- 27684021
TI  - Trust me, I'm a member of staff.
AB  - It might be of interest to health service managers to know that a colleague and
      myself co-ordinated a six- month project in which we led a group of eight staff
      providing counselling to all those working within our trust.

PMID- 27684022
TI  - The hippy, hippy shake-up.
AB  - I think I may have discovered the answer to the growing list of complaints about
      NI IS waiting lists under this Tory Government. Make sure you live in an area
      which has a Labour MP.

PMID- 27684023
TI  - How is it for you?
AB  - ... Unsupportive managers, job insecurity, an ever-changing working environment?

PMID- 27684025
TI  - Information exchange.
AB  - I am an enrolled nurse undertaking an open learning course and working on an
      elderly care unit. As part of my study I am revising our pain
      management/assessment practices and plan to introduce pain assessment tools to
      the unit. I would like any information on pain management or anyone's experience
      of using pain assessment tools on elderly care units.

PMID- 27684024
TI  - Please, have Mercy upon us.
AB  - Thank you very much to Nursing Standard for advertising the Mercy House
      Foundation last year when we needed new volunteers. Now we are having to raise
      L350,000 to provide a family respite centre for clients and families affected by
      HIV/AIDS.

PMID- 27684026
TI  - Nursing and social policy: care in context Nursing and social policy: care in
      context Gough P Maslin-Prothero S and Masterson A , Butterworth/Heinemann 304pp
      L14.95 0-7506-1872-8.
AB  - Nursing and Social Policy: Care in Context is written primarily for those
      students engaged on Project 2000 courses. Its catchment, however, is likely to be
      broader, perhaps, across the undergraduate areas in nursing and allied health
      care, as well as those new to management in nursing and those engaged in policy
      related work.

PMID- 27684028
TI  - Violence and Health Care Professionals Til Wykes , editor Chapman & Hall 266pp
      L14.99 0-412-46170-6.
AB  - Violence and Health Care Professionals is a logical, concise and detailed book
      adopting a multidisciplinary approach to this problem which affects every health
      care professional.

PMID- 27684027
TI  - Urological nursing Urological nursing C Laker Scutari Press 362pp L24.99 1 -871
      364-84-1 [Formula: see text].
AB  - Urological Nursing is a multicontributed book edited by Clive Laker.

PMID- 27684029
TI  - News from the society.
AB  - This supplement to Nursing Standard provides an important conduit for the Tissue
      Viability Society (TVS) because it reaches all those who are most involved in the
      maintenance of skin integrity. The effective working relationship between the
      Society, through its current and previous supplement editors, and Nursing
      Standard staff has now existed for over six years and I hope that it will
      continue to develop.

PMID- 27684031
TI  - DoH report focuses on leg ulcer research.
AB  - A report commissioned by the Department of Health containing a review of research
      into leg ulcer management was launched earlier this summer.

PMID- 27684032
TI  - New wound management package keeps nurses up-to-date.
AB  - A comprehensive teaching package for nurses involved in wound management has been
      launched.

PMID- 27684030
TI  - More pressure sore prevention research needed.
AB  - Comments by a top nurse at the Scottish Office that research into prevention of
      pressure sores had 'been done to death' have sparked controversy.

PMID- 27684033
TI  - Aspirin could improve ulcer healing rate.
AB  - The healing rate of chronic venous leg ulcers could be speeded up by aspirin,
      according to a study published in The Lancet.

PMID- 27684035
TI  - Listings.

PMID- 27684034
TI  - Wound care in three European countries.
AB  - With the advent of the Single European Act in 1987, it was envisaged that there
      should be greater co-operation within the European Union (EU). This has led to
      the need for nurses to communicate and work with their colleagues in other
      European countries. With this changing climate, it is therefore vital that nurses
      broaden their vision of nursing, and become aware of what is happening in
      hospitals in other countries.

PMID- 27684036
TI  - Laparoscopic pyelolithotomy versus percutaneous nephrolithotomy for treatment of
      large renal pelvic calculi (diameter >2 cm): a meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To systematically assess the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic
      pyelolithotomy (LP) versus percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for the treatment
      of renal pelvic calculi >2 cm. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane
      Library, and Google Scholar about LP and PCNL for the treatment of renal stones.
      The retrieval time ended in September 2015. Two reviewers independently assessed
      the quality of all included studies. The available data in the studies were
      analyzed using the RevMan 5.2 software. RESULTS: Four randomized controlled
      trials (RCTs) and nine Non-Randomized Concurrent Controlled Trials (NRCCTs) were
      included, involving a total of 766 patients. This meta-analysis showed that LP
      has a statistically higher stone-free rate than PCNL [I2 = 0, OR = 0.26 (95% CI
      0.10-0.64), p = 0.003], lower drop in hemoglobin level [I2 = 0, difference in
      mean drop = -0.83 (95% CI -1.05 to -0.61), p < 0.00001] and lower postoperation
      fever [I2 = 0, OR = 0.36 (95% CI 0.14-0.89), p = 0.03], and PCNL is associated
      with a lower length of hospital stay [I2 = 74%, difference in mean of hospital
      stay = 0.72 (95% CI 0.04-1.40), p = 0.04]. CONCLUSION: LP is an alternative for
      the treatment of large solitary renal stone. LP may have a higher stone-free
      rate, lesser blood loss, lower postoperation fever rate, while PCNL may have a
      lower length of hospital stay. However, further well designed and large volume
      randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings.

PMID- 27684038
TI  - Response to Calgani et al.

PMID- 27684037
TI  - Streamlined genetic education is effective in preparing women newly diagnosed
      with breast cancer for decision making about treatment-focused genetic testing: a
      randomized controlled noninferiority trial.
AB  - PURPOSE: Increasingly, women newly diagnosed with breast cancer are being offered
      treatment-focused genetic testing (TFGT). As the demand for TFGT increases,
      streamlined methods of genetic education are needed. METHODS: In this
      noninferiority trial, women aged <50 years with either a strong family history
      (FH+) or other features suggestive of a germ-line mutation (FH-) were randomized
      before definitive breast cancer surgery to receive TFGT education either as brief
      written materials (intervention group (IG)) or during a genetic counseling
      session at a familial cancer clinic (usual-care group (UCG)). Women completed
      self-report questionnaires at four time points over 12 months. RESULTS: A total
      of 135 women were included in the analysis, all of whom opted for TFGT.
      Decisional conflict about TFGT choice (primary outcome) was not inferior in the
      IG compared with the UCG (noninferiority margin of -10; mean difference = 2.45;
      95% confidence interval -2.87-7.76; P = 0.36). Costs per woman counseled in the
      IG were significantly lower (AUD$89) compared with the UCG (AUD$173; t(115) =
      6.02; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: A streamlined model of educating women newly
      diagnosed with breast cancer about TFGT seems to be a cost-effective way of
      delivering education while ensuring that women feel informed and supported in
      their decision making, thus freeing resources for other women to access
      TFGT.Genet Med 19 4, 448-456.

PMID- 27684039
TI  - Congenital heart defects in Noonan syndrome and RIT1 mutation.

PMID- 27684040
TI  - Development of an Antigen-driven Colitis Model to Study Presentation of Antigens
      by Antigen Presenting Cells to T Cells.
AB  - Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammation which affects the
      gastrointestinal tract (GIT). One of the best ways to study the immunological
      mechanisms involved during the disease is the T cell transfer model of colitis.
      In this model, immunodeficient mice (RAG(-/-) recipients) are reconstituted with
      naive CD4(+) T cells from healthy wild type hosts. This model allows examination
      of the earliest immunological events leading to disease and chronic inflammation,
      when the gut inflammation perpetuates but does not depend on a defined antigen.
      To study the potential role of antigen presenting cells (APCs) in the disease
      process, it is helpful to have an antigen-driven disease model, in which a
      defined commensal-derived antigen leads to colitis. An antigen driven-colitis
      model has hence been developed. In this model OT-II CD4(+) T cells, that can
      recognize only specific epitopes in the OVA protein, are transferred into RAG(-/
      ) hosts challenged with CFP-OVA-expressing E. coli. This model allows the
      examination of interactions between APCs and T cells in the lamina propria.

PMID- 27684042
TI  - Nucleus-associated actin in Amoeba proteus.
AB  - The presence, spatial distribution and forms of intranuclear and nucleus
      associated cytoplasmic actin were studied in Amoeba proteus with
      immunocytochemical approaches. Labeling with different anti-actin antibodies and
      staining with TRITC-phalloidin and fluorescent deoxyribonuclease I were used. We
      showed that actin is abundant within the nucleus as well as in the cytoplasm of
      A. proteus cells. According to DNase I experiments, the predominant form of
      intranuclear actin is G-actin which is associated with chromatin strands.
      Besides, unpolymerized actin was shown to participate in organization of a
      prominent actin layer adjacent to the outer surface of nuclear envelope. No
      significant amount of F-actin was found in the nucleus. At the same time, the
      amoeba nucleus is enclosed in a basket-like structure formed by circumnuclear
      actin filaments and bundles connected with global cytoplasmic actin cytoskeleton.
      A supposed architectural function of actin filaments was studied by treatment
      with actin-depolymerizing agent latrunculin A. It disassembled the circumnuclear
      actin system, but did not affect the intranuclear chromatin structure. The
      results obtained for amoeba cells support the modern concept that actin is
      involved in fundamental nuclear processes that have evolved in the cells of
      multicellular organisms.

PMID- 27684041
TI  - Interstitial Lung Disease in India. Results of a Prospective Registry.
AB  - RATIONALE: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a heterogeneous group of acute and
      chronic inflammatory and fibrotic lung diseases. Existing ILD registries have had
      variable findings. Little is known about the clinical profile of ILDs in India.
      OBJECTIVES: To characterize new-onset ILDs in India by creating a prospective ILD
      using multidisciplinary discussion (MDD) to validate diagnoses. METHODS: Adult
      patients of Indian origin living in India with new-onset ILD (27 centers, 19
      Indian cities, March 2012-June 2015) without malignancy or infection were
      included. All had connective tissue disease (CTD) serologies, spirometry, and
      high-resolution computed tomography chest. ILD pattern was defined by high
      resolution computed tomography images. Three groups independently made diagnoses
      after review of clinical data including that from prompted case report forms:
      local site investigators, ILD experts at the National Data Coordinating Center
      (NDCC; Jaipur, India) with MDD, and experienced ILD experts at the Center for ILD
      (CILD; Seattle, WA) with MDD. Cohen's kappa was used to assess reliability of
      interobserver agreement. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 1,084 patients
      were recruited. Final diagnosis: hypersensitivity pneumonitis in 47.3% (n = 513;
      exposure, 48.1% air coolers), CTD-ILD in 13.9%, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
      in 13.7%. Cohen's kappa: 0.351 site investigator/CILD, 0.519 site
      investigator/NDCC, and 0.618 NDCC/CILD. CONCLUSIONS: Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
      was the most common new-onset ILD in India, followed by CTD-ILD and idiopathic
      pulmonary fibrosis; diagnoses varied between site investigators and CILD experts,
      emphasizing the value of MDD in ILD diagnosis. Prompted case report forms
      including environmental exposures in prospective registries will likely provide
      further insight into the etiology and management of ILD worldwide.

PMID- 27684043
TI  - High-resolution tide projections reveal extinction threshold in response to sea
      level rise.
AB  - Sea-level rise will affect coastal species worldwide, but models that aim to
      predict these effects are typically based on simple measures of sea level that do
      not capture its inherent complexity, especially variation over timescales shorter
      than 1 year. Coastal species might be most affected, however, by floods that
      exceed a critical threshold. The frequency and duration of such floods may be
      more important to population dynamics than mean measures of sea level. In
      particular, the potential for changes in the frequency and duration of flooding
      events to result in nonlinear population responses or biological thresholds
      merits further research, but may require that models incorporate greater
      resolution in sea level than is typically used. We created population simulations
      for a threatened songbird, the saltmarsh sparrow (Ammodramus caudacutus), in a
      region where sea level is predictable with high accuracy and precision. We show
      that incorporating the timing of semidiurnal high tide events throughout the
      breeding season, including how this timing is affected by mean sea-level rise,
      predicts a reproductive threshold that is likely to cause a rapid demographic
      shift. This shift is likely to threaten the persistence of saltmarsh sparrows
      beyond 2060 and could cause extinction as soon as 2035. Neither extinction date
      nor the population trajectory was sensitive to the emissions scenarios underlying
      sea-level projections, as most of the population decline occurred before
      scenarios diverge. Our results suggest that the variation and complexity of
      climate-driven variables could be important for understanding the potential
      responses of coastal species to sea-level rise, especially for species that rely
      on coastal areas for reproduction.

PMID- 27684044
TI  - Continuous IV Infusion is the Choice Treatment Route for Arginine-vasopressin
      Receptor Blocker Conivaptan in Mice to Study Stroke-evoked Brain Edema.
AB  - Stroke is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. Stroke
      is complicated by brain edema and other pathophysiological events. Among the most
      important players in the development and evolution of stroke-evoked brain edema
      is the hormone arginine-vasopressin and its receptors, V1a and V2. Recently, the
      V1a and V2 receptor blocker conivaptan has been attracting attention as a
      potential drug to reduce brain edema after stroke. However, animal models which
      involve conivaptan applications in stroke research need to be modified based on
      feasible routes of administration. Here the outcomes of 48 hr continuous
      intravenous (IV) are compared with intraperitoneal (IP) conivaptan treatments
      after experimental stroke in mice. We developed a protocol in which middle
      cerebral artery occlusion was combined with catheter installation into the
      jugular vein for IV treatment of conivaptan (0.2 mg) or vehicle. Different
      cohorts of animals were treated with 0.2 mg bolus of conivaptan or vehicle IP
      daily. Experimental stroke-evoked brain edema was evaluated in mice after
      continuous IV and IP treatments. Comparison of the results revealed that the
      continuous IV administration of conivaptan alleviates post-ischemic brain edema
      in mice, unlike the IP administration of conivaptan. We conclude that our model
      can be used for future studies of conivaptan applications in the context of
      stroke and brain edema.

PMID- 27684045
TI  - Long-term Analysis of Lip Augmentation With Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System
      (SMAS) Tissue Transfer Following Biplanar Extended SMAS Rhytidectomy.
AB  - Importance: To our knowledge, long-term, objective results of lip augmentation
      using superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) tissue transfer beyond 1 year
      have not been previously described. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy,
      longevity, and safety of lip augmentation using SMAS tissue transfer. Design,
      Setting, and Participants: A retrospective single-blind cohort study was designed
      to evaluate all patients who underwent surgical lip augmentation using SMAS
      following rhytidectomy between January 1, 2000, and November, 16, 2015, at a
      private facial plastic surgery practice in Birmingham, Alabama. Preoperative
      photographs of each patient served as controls and were compared with
      postoperative photographs at 3 months, 1 year, and 5 years after lip
      augmentation. A total of 104 images (from 26 individual patients) were reviewed
      by 12 blinded observers using a validated lip augmentation grading scale.
      Exposures: Lip augmentation using SMAS. Main Outcomes and Measures: Median lip
      volumes of all patients at each postoperative interval (3 months, 1 year, and 5
      years) compared with preoperative lip volumes. Secondary outcome measures
      included postoperative complications. Results: A total of 423 patients were
      identified who underwent surgical lip augmentation using SMAS. Sixty patients
      with approximately 5 years or more of postoperative photographs were reviewed for
      complications. Twenty-six patients had 3-month, 1-year, and 5-year postoperative
      follow-up photographs and were included in the photographic evaluation. The mean
      age of these patients at the time of surgery was 54.6 years (range, 41.2-80.6
      years. Fifty-nine of the 60 patients (98.3%) were female. Two of 60 patients
      (3.3%) with 5 years or more of postoperative follow-up developed complications
      requiring intervention. Both the superior lip and the inferior lip showed
      statistically significant increases in volume at 3 months, 1 year, and 5 years (P
      <= .004 for the superior lip after 5 years; P <= .001 for all other comparisons)
      after SMAS lip augmentation. The greatest median increase was observed in the
      superior lip at 3 months, while the smallest median increase was observed for the
      inferior lip at 5 years. The degree of increase in median volume seemed to weaken
      slightly over time, but remained statistically significant even at 5 years.
      Conclusions and Relevance: SMAS lip augmentation is an effective and safe method
      for lip augmentation that can yield natural, long-lasting results with minimal
      risk. The degree of augmentation tends to fade slightly over time, but remains
      significant for at least 5 years postoperatively. Level of Evidence: 3.

PMID- 27684047
TI  - Update on second-trimester surgical abortion.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the recent literature on surgical second-trimester
      abortion, with specific attention to cervical preparation techniques. RECENT
      FINDINGS: Confirming previous studies, a recent retrospective observational
      cohort study, including 54 911 abortions, estimated the total abortion-related
      complication rate to be 0.41% for second-trimester or later procedures. Cervical
      preparation is known to reduce risks associated with second-trimester dilation
      and evacuation (D&E). When considering adjuncts to osmotic dilators for cervical
      preparation prior to D&E after 16 weeks, both misoprostol and mifepristone are
      effective alone and in combination or as adjuncts to osmotic dilators.
      Misoprostol consistently has been shown to cause more pain and cramping than
      placebo, but is an effective adjunct to osmotic dilators after 16 weeks. Although
      mifepristone has fewer side-effects, at its current price, it may not be as cost
      effective as misoprostol. SUMMARY: Second-trimester abortion is safe. The use of
      mifepristone and misoprostol for second-trimester abortion has improved safety
      and efficacy of medical and surgical methods when used alone or in combination
      and as adjuncts to osmotic dilators. An important aspect of D&E, cervical
      preparation, is not a one-size-fits-all practice; the approach and methods are
      contingent on patient, provider and setting and should consider all the evidence
      based options.

PMID- 27684046
TI  - West Nile virus transmission: results from the integrated surveillance system in
      Italy, 2008 to 2015.
AB  - In Italy a national Plan for the surveillance of imported and autochthonous human
      vector-borne diseases (chikungunya, dengue, Zika virus disease and West Nile
      virus (WNV) disease) that integrates human and veterinary (animals and vectors)
      surveillance, is issued and revised annually according with the observed
      epidemiological changes. Here we describe results of the WNV integrated
      veterinary and human surveillance systems in Italy from 2008 to 2015. A real time
      data exchange protocol is in place between the surveillance systems to rapidly
      identify occurrence of human and animal cases and to define and update the map of
      affected areas i.e. provinces during the vector activity period from June to
      October. WNV continues to cause severe illnesses in Italy during every
      transmission season, albeit cases are sporadic and the epidemiology varies by
      virus lineage and geographic area. The integration of surveillance activities and
      a multidisciplinary approach made it possible and have been fundamental in
      supporting implementation of and/or strengthening preventive measures aimed at
      reducing the risk of transmission of WNV trough blood, tissues and organ donation
      and to implementing further measures for vector control. 

PMID- 27684048
TI  - Burkholderia cenocepacia K56-2 trimeric autotransporter adhesin BcaA binds TNFR1
      and contributes to induce airway inflammation.
AB  - Chronic lung disease caused by persistent bacterial infections is a major cause
      of morbidity and mortality in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). CF pathogens
      acquire antibiotic resistance, overcome host defenses, and impose uncontrolled
      inflammation that ultimately may cause permanent damage of lungs' airways. Among
      the multiple CF-associated pathogens, Burkholderia cenocepacia and other
      Burkholderia cepacia complex bacteria have become prominent contributors of
      disease progression. Here, we demonstrate that BcaA, a trimeric autotransporter
      adhesin (TAA) from the epidemic strain B. cenocepacia K56-2, is a tumor necrosis
      factor receptor 1-interacting protein able to regulate components of the tumor
      necrosis factor signaling pathway and ultimately leading to a significant
      production of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-8. Notably, this study is the first
      to demonstrate that a protein belonging to the TAA family is involved in the
      induction of the inflammatory response during B. cenocepacia infections,
      contributing to the success of the pathogen. Moreover, our results reinforce the
      relevance of the TAA BcaA as a multifunctional protein with a major role in B.
      cenocepacia virulence.

PMID- 27684051
TI  - Stable Red-Emissive Cationic Dithienotropylium Dyes.
AB  - A series of thiophene-fused tropylium ions, containing various electron-donating
      amino groups at the terminal positions, was synthesized. The fusion of the
      thiophene rings, as well as the presence of the terminal amino groups endows the
      cationic tropylium ion with excellent stability and high pKR+ values. X-ray
      crystallographic analysis of these compounds revealed a pronounced quinoidal
      character for the amino-substituted dithienotropylium skeletons. These compounds
      exhibit attractive photophysical properties such as strong absorption in the
      visible region combined with red fluorescence. Theoretical calculations suggested
      that the 3,3'-bithiophene substructure should be crucial for attaining these
      photophysical properties.

PMID- 27684052
TI  - Mitochondria-Targeted Antioxidants and Uncouplers of Oxidative Phosphorylation in
      Treatment of the Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS).
AB  - Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) development is accompanied by
      mitochondrial dysfunction and excessive ROS production. Mitochondrial
      dysfunctions also occur in many SIRS-related diseases and may be critical for
      their pathogenesis; therefore, a use of mitochondria-targeted drugs is a
      promising trend in SIRS research and therapy. Here, we review recent studies
      concerning the application of the mitochondria-targeted antioxidants and
      uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation in animal models of SIRS and related
      diseases. We propose that a new class of uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation,
      lipophilic cations could be a base for a new generation of drugs for SIRS
      treatment. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 904-912, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27684050
TI  - Effect of feeder free poly(lactide-co-glycolide) scaffolds on morphology,
      proliferation, and pluripotency of mouse embryonic stem cells.
AB  - The aim of the study has been to evaluate the morphology, proliferation, and
      pluripotency maintenance of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) cultivated on
      poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) scaffolds. The scaffolds were hydrolyzed with NaOH
      (treated) and nonhydrolyzed (untreated). Morphological and mechanical
      characterization of the scaffolds was performed. mESC were evaluated for cell
      viability, cytotoxicity, expression of pluripotency markers, colony morphology,
      and overall distribution. The treatment generated a reduction in the hydrophobic
      characteristics of the scaffolds, leading to a higher wettability compared to the
      untreated group. The viability, cytotoxicity, number of colonies, and the
      thickness of the cell layer presented similar results between the scaffold
      groups. The viability test showed that it was possible to cultivate the mESCs on
      the scaffolds. The cytotoxicity analysis showed that the PLGA scaffolds were not
      harmful for the cells. The cells maintained the expression of the pluripotency
      markers Oct4 and Sox2. The number of colonies and the thickness of the cell layer
      on the scaffold showed that they were not able to colonize the entire volume of
      the scaffolds. The area occupied by the mESCs was the same between the treated
      and untreated groups after 14 days in culture. It is possible to conclude that
      both conditions are equally suitable for maintaining mESC culture. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 424-432, 2017.

PMID- 27684053
TI  - Outcomes of Open vs Laparoscopic Rectal Cancer Resection.

PMID- 27684049
TI  - An orally administered butyrate-releasing derivative reduces neutrophil
      recruitment and inflammation in dextran sulphate sodium-induced murine colitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Butyrate has shown benefits in inflammatory bowel
      diseases. However, it is not often administered orally because of its rancid
      smell and unpleasant taste. The efficacy of a more palatable butyrate-releasing
      derivative, N-(1-carbamoyl-2-phenylethyl) butyramide (FBA), was evaluated in a
      mouse model of colitis induced by dextran sodium sulphate (DSS). EXPERIMENTAL
      APPROACH: Male 10 week-old BALB/c mice received DSS (2.5%) in drinking water (for
      5 days) followed by DSS-free water for 7 days (DSS group). Oral FBA
      administration (42.5 mg.kg-1 ) was started 7 days before DSS as preventive (P
      FBA), or 2 days after DSS as therapeutic (T-FBA); both treatments lasted 19 days.
      One DSS-untreated group received only tap water (CON). KEY RESULTS: FBA
      treatments reduced colitis symptoms and colon damage. P-FBA and T-FBA
      significantly decreased polymorphonuclear cell infiltration score compared with
      the DSS group. FBA reversed the imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory
      cytokines (reducing inducible NOS protein expression, CCL2 and IL-6 transcripts
      in colon and increasing TGFbeta and IL-10). Morever, P-FBA and T-FBA limited
      neutrophil recruitment (by expression and localization of the neutrophil granule
      protease Ly-6G), restored deficiency of the butyrate transporter and improved
      intestinal epithelial integrity, preventing tight-junction impairment (zonulin-1
      and occludin). FBA, similar to its parental compound sodium butyrate, inhibited
      histone deacetylase-9 and restored H3 histone acetylation, exerting an anti
      inflammatory effect through NF-kappaB inhibition and the up-regulation of
      PPARgamma. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: FBA reduces inflammatory intestinal
      damage in mice indicating its potential as a postbiotic derivative without the
      problems associated with the oral administration of sodium butyrate. LINKED
      ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed section on Principles of
      Pharmacological Research of Nutraceuticals. To view the other articles in this
      section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.11/issuetoc.

PMID- 27684054
TI  - High glucose concentration abrogates sevoflurane post-conditioning
      cardioprotection by advancing mitochondrial fission but dynamin-related protein 1
      inhibitor restores these effects.
AB  - AIM: Hyperglycaemia-induced cell injury is a primary cause of cardiovascular
      complications in patients with diabetes. In vivo studies demonstrated that
      sevoflurane post-conditioning (SpostC) was cardioprotective against
      ischaemia/reperfusion injury, which was blocked by hyperglycaemia. This study
      investigated whether high glucose concentration abrogated SpostC cardioprotection
      in vitro by advancing mitochondrial fission and whether mitochondrial division
      inhibitor-1 (Mdivi-1) restored SpostC cardioprotection in cultured primary
      neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NCMs). METHODS: Primary cultured NCMs in low and
      high glucose concentrations were subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury.
      SpostC was carried out by adding 2.4% sevoflurane to the cells at the beginning
      of reoxygenation for 15 min. Cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level,
      cell death, mitochondrial morphology, mitochondrial membrane potential and
      mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening level, as well as
      fission- and fusion-related proteins, were measured after H/R injury. Mdivi-1
      treatment was performed 40 min before hypoxia to inhibit DRP1. RESULTS: SpostC
      protected cultured cardiomyocytes by increasing cell viability and reducing the
      LDH level and cell death following H/R, but high glucose concentration eliminated
      the cardioprotective effect. High glucose concentration abrogated SpostC
      cardioprotection via mitochondrial fragmentation (evidenced by decreased
      mitochondrial interconnectivity and elongation) and facilitation of mPTP opening.
      Decreased mitochondrial membrane potential was investigated with increased DRP1,
      FIS1 and MFN2 and decreased MFN1 and OPA1 expressions. Mdivi-1 (100 MUmol L-1 )
      inhibited excessive mitochondrial fission and restored the cardioprotective
      effect of SpostC in high glucose conditions. CONCLUSION: SpostC-induced
      cardioprotection against H/R injury was impaired under high glucose
      concentrations, but the inhibition of excess mitochondrial fission restored these
      effects.

PMID- 27684055
TI  - Hydroxido-Supported and Carboxylato Bridge-Driven Aggregation for Discrete [Ni4]
      and Interconnected [Ni2]n Complexes.
AB  - Four different carboxylato bridges have been efficiently utilized for growth of
      three tetranuclear nickel(II) complexes [Ni4(MU3-H2L)2(MU3-OH)2(MU1,3
      CH3CO2)2](ClO4)2 (1), [Ni4(MU3-H2L)2(MU3-OH)2(MU1,3-C2H5CO2)2](ClO4)2.1/2H2O (2),
      and [Ni4(MU3-H2L)2(MU3-OH)2(MU1,3-O2C-C6H4-pNO2)2](ClO4)(p-NO2-C6H4-CO2).DMF.5H2O
      (3) and one dinuclear nickel(II)-based chain complex {[Ni2(MU-H2L)(MU1,3
      O2CCH2Ph)2(H2O)](ClO4).1/2(CH3OH)}n (4). These were obtained via the reaction of
      Ni(ClO4)2.6H2O with H3L [2,6-bis((2-(2-hydroxyethylamino)ethylimino)methyl)-4
      methylphenol] and RCO2Na (R = CH3,C2H5, p-NO2C6H4, and PhCH2). This family of
      complexes is developed from {Ni2(MU-H2L)}3+ fragments following self-aggregation.
      The complexes were characterized by X-ray crystallography and magnetic
      measurements. The changes from acetate, propionate, and p-nitrobenzoate to
      phenylacetate groups resulted in two different types of coordination aggregation.
      These compounds are new examples of [Ni4] and [Ni2]n complexes where organization
      of the building motifs are guided by the type of the carboxylate groups
      responsible for in-situ generation and utilization of HO- bridges with alteration
      in the aggregation process within the same ligand environment. Studies on the
      magnetic behavior of the compounds reveal that the exchange coupling within 1-4
      is predominantly antiferromagnetic in nature.

PMID- 27684056
TI  - Successful strategy to treat a solitary cystic melanoma brain metastasis.

PMID- 27684057
TI  - Proteomic Profiling Reveals the Induction of UPR in Addition to DNA Damage
      Response in HeLa Cells Treated With the Thiazolo[5,4-b]Quinoline Derivative
      D3ClP.
AB  - 9-[(3-chloro)phenylamine]-2-[3-(diethylamine)propylamine]thiazolo[5,4-b]quinolone
      (D3ClP) is a bioisostere of N-(4-(acridin-9-ylamino)-3
      methoxyphenyl)methanesulfonamide (m-AMSA) a DNA topoisomerase II inhibitor with
      proven cytotoxic activity and known to induce DNA damage and apoptotic cell death
      in K562 cells. However, recent evidence is not consistent with DNA topoisomerase
      II (DNA TOP2) as the primary target of D3ClP, in contrast to m-AMSA. We provide
      evidence of histone gammaH2AX phosphorylation at Ser135 in HeLa cells treated
      with D3ClP, a marker of DNA double strand repair through Mre11-Rad50-Nbs1 (MRN)
      pathway. Using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry, the
      upregulation of the protein GRP78, the cleavage of Cytokeratin 18, and the
      downregulation of prothymosine, calumenin, and the alpha chain of the nascent
      polypeptide associated complex were observed in HeLa cells treated with D3ClP. An
      increase in GRP78 has been related with the onset and progression of the unfolded
      protein response (UPR), a process aimed to reduce endoplasmic reticulum (ER)
      stress and protein misfolding. The IRE1-alpha dependent splicing of mRNA encoding
      X-box binding protein 1 was detected. Microtubule-associated Proteins 1A/1B,
      Light Chain 3-II (LC3b-II) accumulation was observed, and suggest some
      involvement of autophagy. The production of the pro-apoptotic protein DNA-damage
      inducible protein 153 (GADD-153) was also detected. These results, are consistent
      with the induction of the UPR and the DNA-Damage Response in D3ClP-treated HeLa
      cells, and are also consistent with a concurrent apoptotic cell death. J. Cell.
      Biochem. 118: 1164-1173, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27684058
TI  - Clinical translation of a mesenchymal stromal cell-based therapy developed in a
      large animal model and two case studies of the treatment of atrophic
      pseudoarthrosis.
AB  - Pseudoarthrosis is a relatively frequent complication of fractures, in which the
      lack of mechanical stability and biological stimuli results in the failure of
      bone union, most frequently in humerus and tibia. Treatment of recalcitrant
      pseudoarthrosis relies on the achievement of satisfactory mechanical stability
      combined with adequate local biology. Herein we present two cases of atrophic
      pseudoarthrosis that received a tissue-engineering product (TEP) composed of
      autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSC) combined with
      deantigenized trabecular bone particles from a tissue bank. The feasibility of
      the treatment and osteogenic potential of the cell-based medicine was first
      demonstrated in an ovine model of critical size segmental tibial defect. Clinical
      grade autologous BM-MSC were produced following a good manufacturing practice
      compliant bioprocess. Results were successful in one case, with pseudoarthrosis
      resolution, and inconclusive in the other one. The first patient presented
      atrophic pseudoarthrosis of the humeral diaphysis and was treated with
      osteosynthesis and TEP resulting in satisfactory consolidation at month 6. The
      second case presented a recalcitrant pseudoarthrosis of the proximal tibia and
      the Masquelet technique was followed before filling the defect with the TEP. This
      patient presented a neuropathic pain syndrome unrelated to the treatment that
      forced the amputation of the extremity 3 months later. In this case, the
      histological analysis of the tissue formed at the defect site provided evidence
      of neovascularization but no overt bone remodelling activity. It is concluded
      that the use of expanded autologous BM-MSC to treat pseudoarthrosis was
      demonstrated to be feasible and safe, provided that no clinical complications
      were reported, and early signs of effectiveness were observed. Copyright (c) 2016
      John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27684059
TI  - Arthroscopy of the Dorsal and Plantar Pouches of the Tarsocrural Joint for the
      Treatment of Osteochondritis Dissecans in the Horse: Clinical Features and Follow
      Up.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical details and pathology within the dorsal and
      plantar pouches of the tarsocrural joint of a population of horses that underwent
      arthroscopic surgery for tarsocrural osteochondritis dissecans (OCD). STUDY
      DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. ANIMALS: Horses referred for arthroscopic
      treatment of tarsocrural OCD between 2005 and 2013 (102 horses; 144 joints).
      METHODS: Case records of all horses that had tarsocrural arthroscopy for OCD at
      Rossdales Equine Hospital, Newmarket, United Kingdom were included. Cases from 3
      ECVS Diplomates were included, 1 of whom routinely examined 70 plantar pouches
      concurrently with routine dorsal pouch investigation. A structured questionnaire
      was used to obtain follow-up data alongside examination of racing records where
      appropriate. Descriptive data and 95% CI were calculated. RESULTS: Of the 70
      joints that had both dorsal and plantar pouches examined, there was cartilage
      erosion/degeneration in 22 dorsal pouches (31.4%), cartilage wear lines in 32
      plantar pouches (45.7%), and fragments were removed at the time of surgery from 7
      plantar pouches (10.0%). Of the plantar pouches with wear lines, 18 (25.7%) had
      no evidence of cartilage abnormalities (separate from the OCD lesion) within the
      dorsal pouch. From the 102 horses with available follow-up, 34 horses (66.7%)
      achieved their intended use postsurgery. CONCLUSION: Routine plantar pouch
      investigation is warranted in cases of tarsocrural OCD to provide further
      information on the health of the joint and allows for removal of fragments from
      the plantar pouch that may not have been identified by routine diagnostic
      radiography.

PMID- 27684060
TI  - Boldness, Aggression, and Shoaling Assays for Zebrafish Behavioral Syndromes.
AB  - A behavioral syndrome exists when specific behaviors interact under different
      contexts. Zebrafish have been test subjects in recent studies and it is important
      to standardize protocols to ensure proper analyses and interpretations. In our
      previous studies, we have measured boldness by monitoring a series of behaviors
      (time near surface, latency in transitions, number of transitions, and darts) in
      a 1.5 L trapezoidal tank. Likewise, we quantified aggression by observing bites,
      lateral displays, darts, and time near an inclined mirror in a rectangular 19 L
      tank. By dividing a 76 L tank into thirds, we also examined shoaling preferences.
      The shoaling assay is a highly customizable assay and can be tailored for
      specific hypotheses. However, protocols for this assay also must be standardized,
      yet flexible enough for customization. In previous studies, end chambers were
      either empty, contained 5 or 10 zebrafish, or 5 pearl danios (D. albolineatus).
      In the following manuscript, we present a detailed protocol and representative
      data that accompany successful applications of the protocol, which will allow for
      replication of behavioral syndrome experiments.

PMID- 27684061
TI  - Influence of the State of the Subarachnoid Space of the Cranial Base in
      Hydrocephalus Resolution after Endoscopy.
AB  - Objective To compare the resolution rate of hydrocephalus after endoscopy
      (predominantly endoscopic third ventriculostomy [ETV]) using flexible endoscopes
      during a 5-year period in patients with a permeable and a nonpermeable
      subarachnoid space (SAS). Material and Methods We conducted a retrospective
      cohort study of the videos and records of 150 hydrocephalic patients chosen
      randomly who underwent ETV (and other endoscopic procedures) with a flexible
      endoscope. The patients were classified into two groups based on the
      neuroendoscopic findings. The first group included patients with a permeable SAS,
      and the second group included patients with a nonpermeable SAS. A normal SAS or
      one with slight arachnoiditis was considered permeable. Adhesive arachnoiditis
      and immature or mechanically obliterated SASs were considered nonpermeable.
      Results We found a success rate of 70% in patients with a permeable SAS versus
      33% in patients with a nonpermeable SAS. The baseline characteristics of both
      groups were homogeneous. We obtained a statistically significant difference (p <
      0.0001) with hazard ratio (HR) 3.42 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.88-6.22).
      Another important factor involved was age that showed a statistically significant
      difference (p < 0.0018) with HR 3.28 (95% CI, 1.55-6.93). Conclusion The
      permeability of the SAS is an important prognostic factor in the resolution rate
      of hydrocephalus after ETV (and other endoscopic procedures) using flexible
      neuroendoscopes. Therefore we recommend that the characteristics of the SAS be
      examined following every endoscopic procedure for hydrocephalus to identify
      patients at risk of recurrence.

PMID- 27684062
TI  - Genotyping Oral Commensal Bacteria to Predict Social Contact and Structure.
AB  - Social network structure is a fundamental determinant of human health, from
      infectious to chronic diseases. However, quantitative and unbiased approaches to
      measuring social network structure are lacking. We hypothesized that genetic
      relatedness of oral commensal bacteria could be used to infer social contact
      between humans, just as genetic relatedness of pathogens can be used to determine
      transmission chains of pathogens. We used a traditional, questionnaire survey
      based method to characterize the contact network of the School of Public Health
      at a large research university. We then collected saliva from a subset of
      individuals to analyze their oral microflora using a modified deep sequencing
      multilocus sequence typing (MLST) procedure. We examined micro-evolutionary
      changes in the S. viridans group to uncover transmission patterns reflecting
      social network structure. We amplified seven housekeeping gene loci from the
      Streptococcus viridans group, a group of ubiquitous commensal bacteria, and
      sequenced the PCR products using next-generation sequencing. By comparing the
      generated S. viridans reads between pairs of individuals, we reconstructed the
      social network of the sampled individuals and compared it to the network derived
      from the questionnaire survey-based method. The genetic relatedness significantly
      (p-value < 0.001) correlated with social distance in the questionnaire-based
      network, and the reconstructed network closely matched the network derived from
      the questionnaire survey-based method. Oral commensal bacterial are thus likely
      transmitted through routine physical contact or shared environment. Their genetic
      relatedness can be used to represent a combination of social contact and shared
      physical space, therefore reconstructing networks of contact. This study provides
      the first step in developing a method to measure direct social contact based on
      commensal organism genotyping, potentially capable of unmasking hidden social
      networks that contribute to pathogen transmission.

PMID- 27684063
TI  - Pulsed Light Stimulation Increases Boundary Preference and Periodicity of
      Episodic Motor Activity in Drosophila melanogaster.
AB  - There is considerable interest in the therapeutic benefits of long-term sensory
      stimulation for improving cognitive abilities and motor performance of stroke
      patients. The rationale is that such stimulation would activate mechanisms of
      neural plasticity to promote enhanced coordination and associated circuit
      functions. Experimental approaches to characterize such mechanisms are needed.
      Drosophila melanogaster is one of the most attractive model organisms to
      investigate neural mechanisms responsible for stimulation-induced behaviors with
      its powerful accessibility to genetic analysis. In this study, the effect of
      chronic sensory stimulation (pulsed light stimulation) on motor activity in w1118
      flies was investigated. Flies were exposed to a chronic pulsed light stimulation
      protocol prior to testing their performance in a standard locomotion assay. Flies
      responded to pulsed light stimulation with increased boundary preference and
      travel distance in a circular arena. In addition, pulsed light stimulation
      increased the power of extracellular electrical activity, leading to the
      enhancement of periodic electrical activity which was associated with a centrally
      generated motor pattern (struggling behavior). In contrast, such periodic events
      were largely missing in w1118 flies without pulsed light treatment. These data
      suggest that the sensory stimulation induced a response in motor activity
      associated with the modifications of electrical activity in the central nervous
      system (CNS). Finally, without pulsed light treatment, the wild-type genetic
      background was associated with the occurrence of the periodic activity in wild
      type Canton S (CS) flies, and w+ modulated the consistency of periodicity. We
      conclude that pulsed light stimulation modifies behavioral and
      electrophysiological activities in w1118 flies. These data provide a foundation
      for future research on the genetic mechanisms of neural plasticity underlying
      such behavioral modification.

PMID- 27684066
TI  - Household Knowledge of Antimicrobials and Antimicrobial Resistance in the Wake of
      an Accredited Drug Dispensing Outlet (ADDO) Program Rollout in Tanzania.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Private sector drug shops are an important source of medicines in
      Tanzania. In 2003, the government introduced the accredited drug dispensing
      outlet (ADDO) program to improve access to good-quality medicines in rural and
      peri-urban areas that have frequent drug shortages in public health facilities
      and few or no registered pharmacies. However, increasing access may also
      contribute to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) due to the potential overuse and
      misuse of drugs. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional household survey in four
      regions in mainland Tanzaniato characterize consumer care-seeking habits and
      medicines use and to determine the extent to which members of the community are
      knowledgeable about antimicrobials and AMR. Within the regions, we applied a
      multistage cluster sampling design, cascading from districts, wards, and villages
      to households. Multivariate logistic analysis was done to determine variables
      influencing knowledge of antimicrobials and AMR, while controlling for
      confounding factors. Variables included age, occupation, level of education,
      membership in an insurance scheme, and wealth status. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: We
      revealed that communities in four Tanzanian regions have low levels of knowledge
      of the concepts of antimicrobials and their use and AMR. Level of public
      understanding rose with wealth status and education. Only one-third of 1,200
      respondents (33.6%) had ever heard of a medicine called an antimicrobial, and 5
      15% could name at least one antimicrobial spontaneously. Some thought other
      medicines, such as paracetamol were antimicrobial (7.5%). People were equally
      likely to agree that pneumonia should be treated with an antimicrobial (21.4%) as
      well as common cold (28.4%). Understanding of AMR risks was better, particularly
      related to HIV and AIDS (32.2%) and malaria (38.6%)-most likely due to
      information campaigns focused on those two diseases. The level of knowledge
      decreased the further away respondents lived from an ADDO (p = 0.0001) and where
      ADDO density was lower (p = 0.001), which supports the use of ADDO dispensers as
      sources of community information and change agents for more appropriate medicine
      use. CONCLUSION: Lack of knowledge about antimicrobials and AMR in Tanzanian
      communities needs to be addressed through multi-pronged strategies that focus on
      prescribers and the public-especially those who are poorer and less educated.

PMID- 27684065
TI  - The CARD9 Polymorphisms rs4077515, rs10870077 and rs10781499 Are Uncoupled from
      Susceptibility to and Severity of Pulmonary Tuberculosis.
AB  - Genetic variants in the CARD9 gene predispose to inflammatory disorders and
      chronic infectious diseases. Tuberculosis (TB), a chronic infectious disease
      affecting the lung, is lethal in Card9-deficient mice. We hypothesized that
      polymorphisms in the CARD9 gene influence TB progression and disease-associated
      lung damage in humans. We tested genotype distributions of the CARD9
      polymorphisms rs4077515, rs10781499 and rs10870077 in TB patients and healthy
      subjects in a Caucasian cohort. SNPs were in linkage disequilibrium and none of
      the haplotypes was significantly enriched in the TB group. We determined total
      and differential leukocyte count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and plasma
      abundance of cytokines and chemokines as markers for systemic inflammation and
      scored chest X-rays to assess lung involvement in TB subjects. Most disease
      parameters segregated independently of the CARD9 haplotypes. In contrast to
      multifactorial chronic inflammation, selected genetic variants in the CARD9 gene
      leave host responses apparently unaffected in TB, at least in the population
      analyzed here.

PMID- 27684067
TI  - The Relationship between Behavioural Changes, Cognitive Symptoms, and Functional
      Disability in Primary Progressive Aphasia: A Longitudinal Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The contribution of behavioural changes to functional decline is yet
      to be explored in primary progressive aphasia (PPA). OBJECTIVES: (1) investigate
      functional changes in two PPA variants [semantic (svPPA) and non-fluent
      (nfvPPA)], at baseline and after 12 months; (2) investigate baseline differences
      in behavioural changes between groups, and (3) explore predictors of functional
      decline after a 12-month period. METHODS: A longitudinal study involving 29
      people with PPA (18 svPPA; 11 nfvPPA) seen annually in Sydney/Australia was
      conducted. A total of 114 functional and behavioural assessments were included
      for within-group (repeated-measures ANOVA; annual rate of change; multiple
      regression analyses) and between-group analyses (pairwise comparisons). RESULTS:
      Functional profiles in svPPA and nfvPPA were similar in people with up to 5 years
      of disease duration. Behavioural changes were marked in svPPA patients
      (stereotypical behaviour and apathy) but did not predict annual rate of change of
      functional abilities; global cognitive scores at baseline did. Despite mild
      behavioural changes in nfvPPA (disinhibition, apathy), these were significant
      predictors of annual rate of functional change. CONCLUSIONS: The presentation and
      interplay of behavioural changes and functional disability differ in svPPA and
      nfvPPA. These varying factors should be taken into account when considering
      prognosis, disease management, and selection of outcome measures for
      interventions.

PMID- 27684064
TI  - Spermidine Suppresses Age-Associated Memory Impairment by Preventing Adverse
      Increase of Presynaptic Active Zone Size and Release.
AB  - Memories are assumed to be formed by sets of synapses changing their structural
      or functional performance. The efficacy of forming new memories declines with
      advancing age, but the synaptic changes underlying age-induced memory impairment
      remain poorly understood. Recently, we found spermidine feeding to specifically
      suppress age-dependent impairments in forming olfactory memories, providing a
      mean to search for synaptic changes involved in age-dependent memory impairment.
      Here, we show that a specific synaptic compartment, the presynaptic active zone
      (AZ), increases the size of its ultrastructural elaboration and releases
      significantly more synaptic vesicles with advancing age. These age-induced AZ
      changes, however, were fully suppressed by spermidine feeding. A genetically
      enforced enlargement of AZ scaffolds (four gene-copies of BRP) impaired memory
      formation in young animals. Thus, in the Drosophila nervous system, aging AZs
      seem to steer towards the upper limit of their operational range, limiting
      synaptic plasticity and contributing to impairment of memory formation.
      Spermidine feeding suppresses age-dependent memory impairment by counteracting
      these age-dependent changes directly at the synapse.

PMID- 27684070
TI  - Morphological Characterization of Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma Type 1, the
      Efficiency of Its Surgical Treatment.
AB  - AIM: Papillary renal cell carcinoma type 1 (pRCC1) represents the second most
      common type of malignant renal epithelial tumour. The origin of its
      characteristic appearance, its growth mechanism, and the long-term efficiency of
      its surgical treatment remain uncertain. Our aim was to determine typical
      characteristics of surgically treated pRCC1. METHODS: pRCC1 was verified in 83 of
      1,629 (5.1%) kidney tumours surgically treated in the period of January 2007
      January 2016. The clinical and radiological characteristics, type of surgery,
      histopathology results and follow up data were recorded. Spearman correlation,
      Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance, Fisher's exact, and chi-square test were
      used to analyse appropriate variables. The overall survival rate was evaluated
      using the Gehan-Wilcoxon test and the Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS:
      The mean tumour size was 52.0 mm (15-180); 98.8% of the tumours showed a
      spherical shape and in 82.1%, exophytic growth was observed. Partial nephrectomy
      was performed in 80.7%. A majority (81.9%) were classified as pT1. Tumours, 89.2%
      of them, belonged to Fuhrman grade 1 or 2. The mean follow-up was 46.8 months.
      The overall survival was associated with pT category (p <= 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS:
      Typical signs of pRCC1 are a spherical shape, exophytic growth and low Fuhrman's
      grade. More than three-fourths of pRCC1 could be treated by the nephron-sparing
      surgery.

PMID- 27684068
TI  - Deficiency of Interleukin-15 Confers Resistance to Obesity by Diminishing
      Inflammation and Enhancing the Thermogenic Function of Adipose Tissues.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: IL-15 is an inflammatory cytokine secreted by many cell types. IL-15
      is also produced during physical exercise by skeletal muscle and has been
      reported to reduce weight gain in mice. Contrarily, our findings on IL-15
      knockout (KO) mice indicate that IL-15 promotes obesity. The aim of this study is
      to investigate the mechanisms underlying the pro-obesity role of IL-15 in adipose
      tissues. METHODS: Control and IL-15 KO mice were maintained on high fat diet
      (HFD) or normal control diet. After 16 weeks, body weight, adipose tissue and
      skeletal mass, serum lipid levels and gene/protein expression in the adipose
      tissues were evaluated. The effect of IL-15 on thermogenesis and oxygen
      consumption was also studied in primary cultures of adipocytes differentiated
      from mouse preadipocyte and human stem cells. RESULTS: Our results show that IL
      15 deficiency prevents diet-induced weight gain and accumulation of lipids in
      visceral and subcutaneous white and brown adipose tissues. Gene expression
      analysis also revealed elevated expression of genes associated with adaptive
      thermogenesis in the brown and subcutaneous adipose tissues of IL-15 KO mice.
      Accordingly, oxygen consumption was increased in the brown adipocytes from IL-15
      KO mice. In addition, IL-15 KO mice showed decreased expression of pro
      inflammatory mediators in their adipose tissues. CONCLUSIONS: Absence of IL-15
      results in decreased accumulation of fat in the white adipose tissues and
      increased lipid utilization via adaptive thermogenesis. IL-15 also promotes
      inflammation in adipose tissues that could sustain chronic inflammation leading
      to obesity-associated metabolic syndrome.

PMID- 27684069
TI  - Microscale In Vitro Assays for the Investigation of Neutral Red Retention and
      Ethoxyresorufin-O-Deethylase of Biofuels and Fossil Fuels.
AB  - Only few information on the potential toxic effectiveness of biofuels are
      available. Due to increasing worldwide demand for energy and fuels during the
      past decades, biofuels are considered as a promising alternative for fossil fuels
      in the transport sector. Hence, more information on their hazard potentials are
      required to understand the toxicological impact of biofuels on the environment.
      In the German Cluster of Excellence "Tailor-made Fuels from Biomass" design
      processes for economical, sustainable and environmentally friendly biofuels are
      investigated. In an unique and interdisciplinary approach, ecotoxicological
      methods are applied to gain information on potential adverse environmental
      effects of biofuels at an early phase of their development. In the present study,
      three potential biofuels, ethyl levulinate, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran and 2
      methylfuran were tested. Furthermore, we investigated a fossil gasoline fuel, a
      fossil diesel fuel and an established biodiesel. Two in vitro bioassays, one for
      assessing cytotoxicity and one for aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonism, so called
      dioxin-like activity, as measured by Ethoxyresorufin-O-Deethylase, were applied
      using the permanent fish liver cell line RTL-W1 (Oncorhynchus mykiss). The
      special properties of these fuel samples required modifications of the test
      design. Points that had to be addressed were high substance volatility, material
      compatibility and low solubility. For testing of gasoline, diesel and biodiesel,
      water accommodated fractions and a passive dosing approach were tested to address
      the high hydrophobicity and low solubility of these complex mixtures. Further
      work has to focus on an improvement of the chemical analyses of the fuel samples
      to allow a better comparison of any effects of fossil fuels and biofuels.

PMID- 27684071
TI  - Arterio-Venous Fistula: Is it Critical for Prolonged Survival in the over 80's
      Starting Haemodialysis?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dialysis in elderly patients (>80-years-old) carries a poor
      prognosis, but little is known about the most effective vascular access method in
      this age group. An arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is both time-consuming and
      initially expensive, requiring surgical insertion. A central venous catheter
      (CVC) is initially a cheaper alternative, but carries a higher risk of infection.
      We examined whether vascular access affected 1-year and 2-year mortality in
      elderly patients commencing haemodialysis. METHODS: Initial vascular access,
      demographic and survival data for elective haemodialysis patients >80-years was
      collated using regional databases. A cohort of conservatively managed patients
      was included for comparison. A log-rank test was used to compare survival between
      groups and a chi-square test was used to compare 1-year and 2-year survival.
      RESULTS: 167 patients (61% male) were included: CVC (101), AVF (25) and
      conservative management (41). Mean age (median) of starting haemodialysis (eGFR
      <=10mL/min/1.73m2): CVC; 83.4 (2.3) and AVF; 82.3 (1.8). Mean age of
      conservatively managed patients reaching an eGFR <=10mL/min/1.73m2 was 85.8
      (3.6). Mean (median) survival on dialysis was 2.2 (1.8) years for AVF patients,
      2.1 (1.2) for CVC patients, and 1.5 (0.9) for conservatively managed patients (p
      = 0.107, controlling for age/sex p = 0.519). 1-year and 2-year mortality: AVF
      (28%/52%); CVC (49%/57%), and conservative management (54%/68%). There was no
      significant difference between the groups at 1-year (p = 0.108) or 2-years (p =
      0.355). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that there is no significant survival
      benefit over a 2-year period when comparing vascular access methods. In
      comparison to conservative management, survival benefit was marginal. The
      decision of whether and how (choice of their vascular access method) to dialysis
      the over 80s is multifaceted and requires a tailored, multidisciplinary approach.

PMID- 27684072
TI  - Tenure Track Policy Increases Representation of Women in Senior Academic
      Positions, but Is Insufficient to Achieve Gender Balance.
AB  - Underrepresentation of women in senior positions is a persistent problem in
      universities worldwide, and a wide range of strategies to combat this situation
      is currently being contemplated. One such strategy is the introduction of a
      tenure track system, in which decisions to promote scientific staff to higher
      ranks are guided by a set of explicit and transparent criteria, as opposed to
      earlier situations in which decisions were based on presumably more subjective
      impressions by superiors. We examined the effect of the introduction of a tenure
      track system at Wageningen University (The Netherlands) on male and female
      promotion rates. We found that chances on being promoted to higher levels were
      already fairly equal between men and women before the tenure track system was
      introduced, and improved-more for women than for men-after the introduction of
      the tenure track system. These results may partly be explained by affirmative
      actions, but also by the fact that legacy effects of historical discrimination
      have led to a more competitive female population of scientists. In spite of these
      outcomes, extrapolations of current promotion rates up to 2025 demonstrate that
      the equal or even higher female promotion rates do not lead to substantial
      improvement of the gender balance at higher levels (i.e., associate professor and
      higher). Since promotion rates are small compared to the total amount of staff,
      the current distribution of men and women will, especially at higher levels,
      exhibit a considerable degree of inertia-unless additional affirmative action is
      taken.

PMID- 27684075
TI  - Relative Importance of Climate Variables to Population Vital Rates: A
      Quantitative Synthesis for the Lesser Prairie-Chicken.
AB  - Climate change is expected to affect temperature and precipitation means and
      extremes, which can affect population vital rates. With the added complexity of
      accounting for both means and extremes, it is important to understand whether one
      aspect is sufficient to predict a particular vital rate or if both are necessary.
      To compare the predictive ability of climate means and extremes with geographic,
      individual, and habitat variables, we performed a quantitative synthesis on the
      vital rates of lesser prairie-chickens (Tympanuchus pallidictinus) across their
      geographic range. We used an information theoretic approach to rank models
      predicting vital rates. We were able to rank climate models for three vital
      rates: clutch size, nest success, and subadult/adult seasonal survival. Of these
      three vital rates, a climate model was never the best predictor even when
      accounting for potentially different relationships between climate variables and
      vital rates between different ecoregions. Clutch size and nest success were both
      influenced by nesting attempt with larger clutches and greater success for first
      nesting attempts than second nesting attempts. Clutch size also increased with
      latitude for first nesting attempts but decreased with latitude for second
      nesting attempts. This resulted in similar clutch sizes for first and second nest
      attempts at southern latitudes but larger clutches for first nest attempts than
      second nest attempts at northern latitudes. Survival was greater for subadults
      than adults, but there were few estimates of subadult survival for comparison.
      Our results show that individual characteristics and geographic variables are
      better for predicting vital rates than climate variables. This may due to low
      samples sizes, which restricted our statistical power, or lack of precision in
      climate estimates relative to microclimates actually experienced by individuals.
      Alternatively, relationships between climate variables and vital rates may be
      constrained by time lags or local adaptation.

PMID- 27684074
TI  - Toward achieving harmonization in a nano-cytotoxicity assay measurement through
      an interlaboratory comparison study.
AB  - Development of reliable cell-based nanotoxicology assays is important for
      evaluation of potentially hazardous engineered nanomaterials. Challenges to
      producing a reliable assay protocol include working with nanoparticle dispersions
      and living cell lines, and the potential for nano-related interference effects.
      Here we demonstrate the use of a 96-well plate design with several measurement
      controls and an interlaboratory comparison study involving five laboratories to
      characterize the robustness of a nanocytotoxicity MTS cell viability assay based
      on the A549 cell line. The consensus EC50 values were 22.1 mg/L (95% confidence
      intervals 16.9 mg/L to 27.2 mg/L) and 52.6 mg/L (44.1 mg/L to 62.6 mg/L) for
      positively charged polystyrene nanoparticles for the serum-free and serum
      conditions, respectively, and 49.7 MUmol/L (47.5 MUmol/L to 51.5 MUmol/L) and
      77.0 MUmol/L (54.3 MUmol/L to 99.4 MUmol/L) for positive chemical control cadmium
      sulfate for the serum-free and serum conditions, respectively. Results from the
      measurement controls can be used to evaluate the sources of variability and their
      relative magnitudes within and between laboratories. This information revealed
      steps of the protocol that may need to be modified to improve the overall
      robustness and precision. The results suggest that protocol details such as cell
      line ID, media exchange, cell handling, and nanoparticle dispersion are critical
      to ensure protocol robustness and comparability of nanocytotoxicity assay
      results. The combination of system control measurements and interlaboratory
      comparison data yielded insights that would not have been available by either
      approach by itself.

PMID- 27684076
TI  - Experimental Study of a Reference Model Vertical-Axis Cross-Flow Turbine.
AB  - The mechanical power, total rotor drag, and near-wake velocity of a 1:6 scale
      model (1.075 m diameter) of the US Department of Energy's Reference Model
      vertical-axis cross-flow turbine were measured experimentally in a towing tank,
      to provide a comprehensive open dataset for validating numerical models.
      Performance was measured for a range of tip speed ratios and at multiple Reynolds
      numbers by varying the rotor's angular velocity and tow carriage speed,
      respectively. A peak power coefficient CP = 0.37 and rotor drag coefficient CD =
      0.84 were observed at a tip speed ratio lambda0 = 3.1. A regime of weak linear Re
      dependence of the power coefficient was observed above a turbine diameter
      Reynolds number ReD ~ 106. The effects of support strut drag on turbine
      performance were investigated by covering the rotor's NACA 0021 struts with
      cylinders. As expected, this modification drastically reduced the rotor power
      coefficient. Strut drag losses were also measured for the NACA 0021 and
      cylindrical configurations with the rotor blades removed. For lambda = lambda0,
      wake velocity was measured at 1 m (x/D = 0.93) downstream. Mean velocity,
      turbulence kinetic energy, and mean kinetic energy transport were compared with
      results from a high solidity turbine acquired with the same test apparatus. Like
      the high solidity case, mean vertical advection was calculated to be the largest
      contributor to near-wake recovery. However, overall, lower levels of streamwise
      wake recovery were calculated for the RM2 case-a consequence of both the
      relatively low solidity and tapered blades reducing blade tip vortex shedding
      responsible for mean vertical advection-and lower levels of turbulence caused by
      higher operating tip speed ratio and therefore reduced dynamic stall. Datasets,
      code for processing and visualization, and a CAD model of the turbine have been
      made publicly available.

PMID- 27684073
TI  - Quantitative imaging reveals real-time Pou5f3-Nanog complexes driving
      dorsoventral mesendoderm patterning in zebrafish.
AB  - Formation of the three embryonic germ layers is a fundamental developmental
      process that initiates differentiation. How the zebrafish pluripotency factor
      Pou5f3 (homologous to mammalian Oct4) drives lineage commitment is unclear. Here,
      we introduce fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy and fluorescence
      correlation spectroscopy to assess the formation of Pou5f3 complexes with other
      transcription factors in real-time in gastrulating zebrafish embryos. We show, at
      single-cell resolution in vivo, that Pou5f3 complexes with Nanog to pattern
      mesendoderm differentiation at the blastula stage. Later, during gastrulation,
      Sox32 restricts Pou5f3-Nanog complexes to the ventrolateral mesendoderm by
      binding Pou5f3 or Nanog in prospective dorsal endoderm. In the ventrolateral
      endoderm, the Elabela / Aplnr pathway limits Sox32 levels, allowing the formation
      of Pou5f3-Nanog complexes and the activation of downstream BMP signaling. This
      quantitative model shows that a balance in the spatiotemporal distribution of
      Pou5f3-Nanog complexes, modulated by Sox32, regulates mesendoderm specification
      along the dorsoventral axis.

PMID- 27684077
TI  - The Prognostic Role of the Platelet-Lymphocytes Ratio in Gastric Cancer: A Meta
      Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Systemic inflammatory parameters, such as the elevator PLR (platelet
      lymphocyte ratio), the NLR (neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio) and the platelet count
      (PLT), have been found to be associated with the prognosis in gastric cancer;
      however, these results, especially those relating to the PLR, remain
      inconsistent. So we aimed to evaluate the prognostic role of the PLR in gastric
      cancer by conducting and presenting the findings of this meta-analysis. METHODS:
      We conducted a systematic literature search in PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane
      Library to evaluate the prognostic value of the PLR in gastric cancer. The
      quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Newcastle Ottawa Quality
      Assessment Scale (NOS). The hazard ratio (HR) /Odds Ratio (OR) and its 95%
      confidence were pooled using a random effects model. A funnel plot based on
      overall survival was used to evaluate the publication bias. RESULTS: It total, 8
      studies comprising 4513 patients with gastric cancer met the pre-setting
      inclusion criteria. In comparison to the normal PLR, an elevated PLR was
      correlated with a higher risk of lymph node metastasis with an OR of 1.50 (95%
      Cl:1.24-1.82; I2 = 17%) and serosal invasion (T3 +T4) risk with an OR of 2.01
      (95% Cl: 1.49-2.73; I2 = 55%), and an elevated PLR also increased the advanced
      stage (III +IV) risk with an OR of 1.99 (95% Cl: 1.60-2.46; I2 = 28%). An
      elevated PLR was not a reliable predictor for OS with an HR of 0.99 (95% CI: 0.9
      1.1; I2 = 12%). CONCLUSIONS: An elevated PLR was correlated with a higher risk of
      lymph node metastasis, serosal invasion and advanced stage (III +IV) risk in
      gastric cancer; however, the PLR may not act as a negative predictor for the
      overall survival of gastric cancer.

PMID- 27684078
TI  - Treatment of Massive Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears: A Cost-effectiveness
      Analysis.
AB  - Massive irreparable rotator cuff tears cause significant shoulder pain and
      dysfunction. Physical therapy (PT), arthroscopic debridement with biceps tenotomy
      (AD-BT), and hemiarthroplasty (HA) are treatments shown to reduce pain and
      improve quality of life. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) is a newer
      surgical treatment option that may offer improved function. A cost-effectiveness
      analysis of these interventions has never been performed, and no head-to-head
      comparative effectiveness trials currently exist. A Markov decision analytic
      model was used to compare RTSA, HA, AD-BT, and PT as treatments for elderly
      patients with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears. Probabilities for
      complications, perioperative death, conversion procedures, and reoperations were
      derived from the literature, and costs were determined by average Medicare
      reimbursement rates from 2011. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty yielded the
      most quality-adjusted life years (QALY) with 7.69, but greater benefits came at
      higher costs compared with other treatments. Sensitivity analyses showed that PT
      was the most cost-effective intervention at a health utility of 0.75 or greater
      (QALY 7.35). The health utility of RTSA was 0.72 or less (QALY 7.48) or RTSA
      probability of no complications was 0.83 or less (QALY 7.48 at cost of $23,830).
      Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty yielded benefits at a cost considered good
      value for money compared with other treatments. Reverse total shoulder
      arthroplasty is the preferred and most cost-effective treatment option for
      elderly patients with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears. For patients
      seeking pain relief without functional gains, AD-BT can be considered a cost
      effective and cheaper alternative. The cost-effectiveness analysis approach can
      help guide clinical practice as well as the policies of health care systems and
      insurers. [Orthopedics. 2017; 40(1):e65-e76.].

PMID- 27684079
TI  - Treatment of Atypical Compartment Syndrome Due to Proteus Infection.
AB  - Compartment syndrome is an orthopedic emergency with a multitude of etiologies.
      Although it is most commonly associated with trauma to the extremity, hematoma
      and infection are 2 rare etiologies of insidious compartment syndrome. Proteus
      mirabilis is an opportunistic gram-negative species that can infect the
      respiratory tract, urinary tract, and open wounds. The authors present the case
      of a 69-year-old woman who developed tissue necrosis and compartment syndrome
      secondary to an untreated hematoma infected by P mirabilis. This case involves an
      atypical presentation caused by an untreated infected hematoma, emphasizing the
      need for a high index of suspicion. Current literature supports immediate
      surgical intervention in the clinical scenario of fulminant compartment syndrome,
      regardless of compartment pressure findings. The probability of compartment
      syndrome in the patient presenting with pain, paresthesias, paresis, and pain
      with passive stretch, all of which were positive findings in this patient, has
      been reported to be 98%. Thus, Doppler evaluation and intercompartmental
      pressures were considered but forgone to expedite operative treatment. Emergent 4
      compartment fasciotomies, with excision and debridement of nonviable tissue, are
      potentially limb-saving procedures, intended to limit loss of function and
      obviate the need for lower extremity amputation. The decision was made to perform
      a dual-incision fasciotomy to avoid contamination of the uninvolved compartments
      with a standard single-incision approach. To date, this represents the first
      report in the English literature of the insidious onset of tissue necrosis
      secondary to a Proteus-infected hematoma, highlighting a unique etiology of
      atypical compartment syndrome. [Orthopedics. 2017; 40(1):e176-e178.].

PMID- 27684080
TI  - Acquired Upper Extremity Growth Arrest.
AB  - This study reviewed the clinical history and management of acquired growth arrest
      in the upper extremity in pediatric patients. The records of all patients
      presenting from 1996 to 2012 with radiographically proven acquired growth arrest
      were reviewed. Records were examined to determine the etiology and site of growth
      arrest, management, and complications. Patients with tumors or hereditary
      etiology were excluded. A total of 44 patients (24 boys and 20 girls) with 51
      physeal arrests who presented at a mean age of 10.6 years (range, 0.8-18.2 years)
      were included in the study. The distal radius was the most common site (n=24),
      followed by the distal humerus (n=8), metacarpal (n=6), distal ulna (n=5),
      proximal humerus (n=4), radial head (n=3), and olecranon (n=1). Growth arrest was
      secondary to trauma (n=22), infection (n=11), idiopathy (n=6), inflammation
      (n=2), compartment syndrome (n=2), and avascular necrosis (n=1). Twenty-six
      patients (59%) underwent surgical intervention to address deformity caused by the
      physeal arrest. Operative procedures included ipsilateral unaffected bone
      epiphysiodesis (n=21), shortening osteotomy (n=10), lengthening osteotomy (n=8),
      excision of physeal bar or bone fragment (n=2), angular correction osteotomy
      (n=1), and creation of single bone forearm (n=1). Four complications occurred; 3
      of these required additional procedures. Acquired upper extremity growth arrest
      usually is caused by trauma or infection, and the most frequent site is the
      distal radius. Growth disturbances due to premature arrest can be treated
      effectively with epiphysiodesis or osteotomy. In this series, the specific site
      of anatomic growth arrest was the primary factor in determining treatment.
      [Orthopedics. 2017; 40(1):e95-e103.].

PMID- 27684081
TI  - Effects of Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitor on Stress-Shielded Tendons.
AB  - Mechanical stress plays an important role in preserving the integrity of bone and
      ligament. Stress shielding reduces mechanical load on bone or tendons, resulting
      in tissue degradation. Previous studies showed that deterioration of the tendon
      structure during stress shielding is associated with elevated expression of tumor
      necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. This study examined the therapeutic potential of the
      TNF inhibitor etanercept in preventing morphologic deterioration of the Achilles
      tendon after stress shielding. Rats (N=48) were exposed to stress shielding of
      the left Achilles tendon and treated with etanercept or phosphate-buffered saline
      for 2 or 4 weeks. The right Achilles tendons were used as controls. After 2 or 4
      weeks, stress-shielded tendons appeared less smooth than control tendons, and the
      stress-shielded tendons formed adhesions with surrounding tissues. Transmission
      electron microscopy also showed disarray of the collagen fibrils and a
      significant increase in the number of small-diameter collagen fibrils. These
      changes were associated with increased expression of TNF-alpha, matrix
      metalloproteinase (MMP)-13, MMP-3, collagen I, and collagen III. Treatment with 2
      weeks of etanercept injection reduced morphologic changes in collagen
      organization and structure induced by stress shielding. Etanercept treatment also
      attenuated upregulation of MMP-13, MMP-3, and collagen III levels. However, no
      significant difference was observed between the etanercept group and the
      phosphate-buffered saline group after 4 weeks of treatment. The current findings
      show that TNF-alpha inhibition can protect against the early stages of tendon
      tissue remodeling induced by stress shielding, but additional interventions may
      be necessary to prevent tendon degeneration with long-term stress shielding.
      [Orthopedics. 2017; 40(1):49-55.].

PMID- 27684082
TI  - Intraobserver Reliability and Interobserver Agreement in Radiographic
      Classification of Heterotopic Ossification.
AB  - The most widely used radiologic classification system for heterotopic
      ossification after total hip arthroplasty (THA) is the Brooker scale. In 2002,
      Della Valle et al proposed a modified rating system for heterotopic ossification
      to increase intraobserver reliability and interobserver agreement. To date, no
      study comparing these 2 classification systems has been conducted. Moreover,
      these studies were grossly underpowered. In the current study, 3 clinicians
      reviewed the charts of 236 patients with documented radiographic heterotopic
      ossification at least 2 months after THA and independently graded the amount of
      heterotopic ossification according to the Brooker and Della Valle classification
      systems. Then the intraobserver reliability and the interobserver agreement of
      each classification system were calculated with Cohen's kappa (kappa) coefficient
      of agreement. The Brooker scale showed moderate to substantial intraobserver
      reliability (0.43<=kappa<0.71), and the Della Valle classification system showed
      substantial intraobserver reliability (0.65<=kappa<0.77). Both classification
      systems showed moderate interobserver agreement (0.40<=kappa<0.60). Della Valle
      grade C (ie, presence of bone spurs from the pelvis or femur leaving less than 1
      cm between opposing surfaces and apparent bone ankylosis) and Brooker grade IV
      had the best interobserver agreement. The best interobserver agreement for any
      grade was seen with grade C of the Della Valle classification system, which
      showed substantial interobserver reliability (0.60<=kappa<0.80). The Della Valle
      classification system may be slightly better in patients with large amounts of
      heterotopic ossification, but both classification systems lack sufficient clarity
      and are open to significant subjective interpretation. [Orthopedics. 2017;
      40(1):e54-e58.].

PMID- 27684083
TI  - Visibility of Tinted Chlorhexidine Gluconate Skin Preparation on Varied Skin
      Pigmentations.
AB  - Preoperative skin preparation with antimicrobial agents decreases the risk of
      surgical site infection, but concerns have been raised about the visibility of a
      common surgical preparatory agent (ChloraPrep; Becton, Dickinson & Co, Franklin
      Lakes, New Jersey), depending on skin pigmentation. Poor visibility may lead to
      failure to identify inadequately prepared skin, increasing the risk of surgical
      site infection. This study was conducted to determine whether different tints of
      ChloraPrep and different skin pigmentations affect the ability of orthopedic
      surgeons to identify the adequacy of skin preparation. The forearms of volunteers
      in 4 skin pigmentation categories (fair, medium-fair, medium-dark, and dark) were
      prepared with Hi-Lite Orange and Scrub Teal ChloraPrep, with 1 forearm prepared
      adequately and 1 prepared inadequately. Videos showing the forearms were obtained
      and compiled into a survey that was sent to orthopedic surgeons, who were asked
      to assess the adequacy of skin preparation. When the 4 pigmentation categories
      were aggregated, no difference was noted between Hi-Lite Orange and Scrub Teal
      tints in rates of correct identification of adequate skin preparation by
      respondents. When the preparation tint was not controlled for, respondents
      correctly identified the adequacy of skin preparation for fair and medium-fair
      pigmentations, but not for medium-dark and dark skin pigmentations. The Hi-Lite
      Orange tint was significantly easier to identify on fair and medium-fair skin
      pigmentations, and the Scrub Teal tint was easier to identify on medium-dark and
      dark skin pigmentations. To reduce the risk of surgical site infection, surgeons
      should use Hi-Lite Orange on patients whose skin is fair or medium-fair and Scrub
      Teal on patients whose skin is medium-dark or dark. [Orthopedics. 2017; 40(1):e44
      e48.].

PMID- 27684084
TI  - Spondylolysis and End Plate Arthrosis at L5-S1: A Cadaveric Study.
AB  - This study examined the effect of bilateral and unilateral L5 pars defects on the
      degree of disk degeneration at the L5-S1 level in cadaveric specimens. An
      observational study was performed of 690 cadaveric specimens selected at random.
      These specimens represent individuals who died between 1893 and 1938. The study
      included 558 male and 132 female cadavers. Of the 120 specimens with L5
      spondylolysis, 95 cases were bilateral and 25 were unilateral. The remaining 544
      specimens were used as the control cohort. Degenerative disk disease was measured
      by the classification of Eubanks et al. According to this classification,
      degenerative disk disease was graded from no arthrosis (grade 0) to complete
      ankylosis (grade IV). Linear regression analysis corrected for age, sex, and race
      showed that subjects with bilateral spondylolysis at L5 had a statistically
      significant increase in the amount of disk degeneration (P=.02) compared with
      those with unilateral lesions. Student's t tests showed significant differences
      (P<.001 and P=.002, respectively) in the amount of degeneration seen with both
      bilateral and unilateral spondylolysis above what would be predicted in the
      normal control population. A positive correlation was found between the number of
      pars defects at L5 and the degree of disk degeneration at L5-S1. These results
      support the idea that individuals with spondylolysis at these levels may be at
      increased risk for development of low back pain and reduced quality of life.
      [Orthopedics. 2017; 40(1):e59-e64.].

PMID- 27684085
TI  - Preliminary Trial of Intra-articular LMWF-5A for Osteoarthritis of the Knee.
AB  - This study was conducted to investigate the safety and efficacy of 3
      intraarticular injections of the low-molecular-weight fraction of 5% human serum
      albumin (LMWF-5A) administered every 2 weeks for knee pain as a result of
      osteoarthritis. This single-center, randomized, vehicle-controlled, double-blind,
      phase II study was designed to ensure the safety of multiple intra-articular
      injections of LMWF-5A and to explore its efficacy in reducing pain as a result of
      knee osteoarthritis. Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive 3 biweekly intra
      articular knee injections of either 4 mL LMWF-5A or vehicle control (saline),
      administered at weeks 0 (baseline), 2, and 4. Safety was examined as the
      incidence and severity of adverse events. Efficacy was assessed by the mean (SD)
      change between treatment groups in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities
      Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain score from baseline to week 20. A total of 40
      patients were randomized and received treatment. No drug-related serious adverse
      events and no deaths were reported. Adverse events were similar in patients who
      received saline (18, 90%) and LMWF-5A (19, 95%). Those treated with LMWF-5A had a
      significant decrease in pain at 20 weeks compared with the saline group (-1.41
      [SD, 0.81] vs -0.85 [SD, 0.64], P=.02), corresponding to improvement in pain at
      week 20 of 64% with LMWF-5A compared with 40% with saline. This preliminary
      clinical trial showed that repeated intra-articular injections of LMWF-5A are
      safe when administered at 2-week intervals and are effective in providing relief
      of the pain of osteoarthritis of the knee at 20 weeks. [Orthopedics. 2017;
      40(1):e49-e53.].

PMID- 27684086
TI  - Serum Cartilage Biomarkers and Shoulder Instability.
AB  - Differences in cartilage biomarkers have been noted in patients with anterior
      cruciate ligament tears, but little is known about any similar relationship with
      shoulder instability. This study evaluated the relationship between serum
      cartilage biomarkers and shoulder instability. The authors present a prospective
      cohort study of young athletes followed from 2006 to 2010. A nested case-control
      analysis was conducted within this cohort to evaluate the association between
      preinjury collagen type II cleavage (a marker for type II collagen cleavage) and
      procollagen II carboxy propeptide (a marker of cartilage synthesis) and the
      subsequent likelihood of shoulder instability during the 4-year follow-up period.
      Preinjury collagen type II cleavage and procollagen II carboxy propeptide levels
      in 51 subjects who had shoulder instability were compared with levels in 210
      subjects without documented anterior cruciate ligament or shoulder instability
      (control group) with commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
      kits. Mean preinjury collagen type II cleavage levels in patients who
      subsequently had shoulder instability were significantly lower than those in the
      control group (73.91 vs 79.24 pg/mL, P=.03). No significant difference was found
      in preinjury procollagen II carboxy propeptide levels compared with the control
      group (359.94 vs 396.37, P=.24). This study is the first to examine the
      relationship between baseline collagen biomarkers and subsequent shoulder
      instability. The finding of lower baseline collagen type II cleavage levels in
      patients with subsequent shoulder instability may represent a genetic
      predisposition or a compensatory mechanism by which cartilage degradation is
      decreased in those who are more likely to have instability. [Orthopedics. 2017;
      40(1):34-36.].

PMID- 27684087
TI  - Phagosome Migration and Velocity Measured in Live Primary Human Macrophages
      Infected with HIV-1.
AB  - Macrophages are phagocytic cells that play a major role at the crossroads between
      innate and specific immunity. They can be infected by the human immunodeficiency
      virus (HIV)-1 and because of their resistance to its cytopathic effects they can
      be considered to be persistent viral reservoirs. In addition, HIV-infected
      macrophages exhibit defective functions that contribute to the development of
      opportunistic diseases. The exact mechanism by which HIV-1 impairs the phagocytic
      response of macrophages was unknown. We had previously shown that the uptake of
      various particulate material by macrophages was inhibited when they were infected
      with HIV-1. This inhibition was only partial and phagosomes did form within HIV
      infected macrophages. Therefore, we focused on analyzing the fate of these
      phagosomes. Phagosome maturation is accompanied by migration of these
      compartments towards the cell center, where they fuse with lysosomes, generating
      phagolysosomes, responsible for degradation of the ingested material. We used IgG
      opsonized Sheep Red Blood Cells as a target for phagocytosis. To measure the
      speed of centripetal movement of phagosomes in individual HIV-infected
      macrophages, we used a combination of bright field and fluorescence confocal
      microscopy. We established a method to calculate the distance of phagosomes
      towards the nucleus, and then to calculate the velocity of the phagosomes. HIV
      infected cells were identified thanks to a GFP-expressing virus, but the method
      is applicable to non-infected cells or any type of infection or treatment.

PMID- 27684088
TI  - Ordering Single Cells and Single Embryos in 3D Confinement: A New Device for High
      Content Screening.
AB  - Biological cells are usually observed on flat (2D) surfaces. This condition is
      not physiological, and phenotypes and shapes are highly variable. Screening based
      on cells in such environments have therefore serious limitations: cell organelles
      show extreme phenotypes, cell morphologies and sizes are heterogeneous and/or
      specific cell organelles cannot be properly visualized. In addition, cells in
      vivo are located in a 3D environment; in this situation, cells show different
      phenotypes mainly because of their interaction with the surrounding extracellular
      matrix of the tissue. In order to standardize and generate order of single cells
      in a physiologically-relevant 3D environment for cell-based assays, we report
      here the microfabrication and applications of a device for in vitro 3D cell
      culture. This device consists of a 2D array of microcavities (typically 10(5)
      cavities/cm(2)), each filled with single cells or embryos. Cell position, shape,
      polarity and internal cell organization become then normalized showing a 3D
      architecture. We used replica molding to pattern an array of microcavities,
      'eggcups', onto a thin polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) layer adhered on a coverslip.
      Cavities were covered with fibronectin to facilitate adhesion. Cells were
      inserted by centrifugation. Filling percentage was optimized for each system
      allowing up to 80%. Cells and embryos viability was confirmed. We applied this
      methodology for the visualization of cellular organelles, such as nucleus and
      Golgi apparatus, and to study active processes, such as the closure of the
      cytokinetic ring during cell mitosis. This device allowed the identification of
      new features, such as periodic accumulations and inhomogeneities of myosin and
      actin during the cytokinetic ring closure and compacted phenotypes for Golgi and
      nucleus alignment. We characterized the method for mammalian cells, fission
      yeast, budding yeast, C. elegans with specific adaptation in each case. Finally,
      the characteristics of this device make it particularly interesting for drug
      screening assays and personalized medicine.

PMID- 27684090
TI  - Rotational Spectrum, Structure, and Interaction Energy of the
      Trifluoroethylene...Carbon Dioxide Complex.
AB  - Rotational spectra for four isotopologues of the 1:1 weakly bound complex between
      trifluoroethylene (HFC?CF2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) were recorded using 480 MHz
      bandwidth chirped-pulse and resonant cavity Fourier transform microwave
      spectroscopy between 5.0 and 18.5 GHz. Two planar forms are possible:
      experimental rotational constants, planar moments, and dipole moment components
      are consistent with the form in which CO2 is positioned at the CHF end of the TFE
      subunit and is approximately perpendicular to the C?C bond; the other form, with
      CO2 aligned roughly parallel to the C?C bond, is not observed, consistent with ab
      initio relative energy predictions. Symmetry-adapted perturbation theory (SAPT)
      calculations provided interaction energies for possible structural forms of this
      complex, and comparisons are made with this and other members of the series of
      carbon dioxide complexes with fluorinated ethylenes (vinyl fluoride, 1,1
      difluoroethylene, cis- and trans-1,2-difluoroethylene, and trifluoroethylene).

PMID- 27684089
TI  - High-Throughput, Multi-Image Cryohistology of Mineralized Tissues.
AB  - There is an increasing need for efficient phenotyping and histopathology of a
      variety of tissues. This phenotyping need is evident with the ambitious projects
      to disrupt every gene in the mouse genome. The research community needs rapid and
      inexpensive means to phenotype tissues via histology. Histological analyses of
      skeletal tissues are often time consuming and semi-quantitative at best,
      regularly requiring subjective interpretation of slides from trained individuals.
      Here, we present a cryohistological paradigm for efficient and inexpensive
      phenotyping of mineralized tissues. First, we present a novel method of tape
      stabilized cryosectioning that preserves the morphology of mineralized tissues.
      These sections are then adhered rigidly to glass slides and imaged repeatedly
      over several rounds of staining. The resultant images are then aligned either
      manually or via computer software to yield composite stacks of several layered
      images. The protocol allows for co-localization of numerous molecular signals to
      specific cells within a given section. In addition, these fluorescent signals can
      be quantified objectively via computer software. This protocol overcomes many of
      the shortcomings associated with histology of mineralized tissues and can serve
      as a platform for high-throughput, high-content phenotyping of musculoskeletal
      tissues moving forward.

PMID- 27684091
TI  - Sequential Deprotonation-Alkylation of Binaphthyloxy-Substituted
      Phosphonochalcogenoates: Chiral Tri- and Tetrasubstituted Carbon Centers Adjacent
      to a Phosphorus Atom.
AB  - Sequential deprotonation and alkylation of 1,1'-binaphthyloxy-substituted
      phosphonoselenoates and phosphonates resulted in the diastereoselective formation
      of chiral tri- and tetrasubstituted carbon centers adjacent to a phosphorus atom.

PMID- 27684092
TI  - An Innovative Running Wheel-based Mechanism for Improved Rat Training
      Performance.
AB  - This study presents an animal mobility system, equipped with a positioning
      running wheel (PRW), as a way to quantify the efficacy of an exercise activity
      for reducing the severity of the effects of the stroke in rats. This system
      provides more effective animal exercise training than commercially available
      systems such as treadmills and motorized running wheels (MRWs). In contrast to an
      MRW that can only achieve speeds below 20 m/min, rats are permitted to run at a
      stable speed of 30 m/min on a more spacious and high-density rubber running track
      supported by a 15 cm wide acrylic wheel with a diameter of 55 cm in this work.
      Using a predefined adaptive acceleration curve, the system not only reduces the
      operator error but also trains the rats to run persistently until a specified
      intensity is reached. As a way to evaluate the exercise effectiveness, real-time
      position of a rat is detected by four pairs of infrared sensors deployed on the
      running wheel. Once an adaptive acceleration curve is initiated using a
      microcontroller, the data obtained by the infrared sensors are automatically
      recorded and analyzed in a computer. For comparison purposes, 3 week training is
      conducted on rats using a treadmill, an MRW and a PRW. After surgically inducing
      middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo), modified neurological severity scores
      (mNSS) and an inclined plane test were conducted to assess the neurological
      damages to the rats. PRW is experimentally validated as the most effective among
      such animal mobility systems. Furthermore, an exercise effectiveness measure,
      based on rat position analysis, showed that there is a high negative correlation
      between the effective exercise and the infarct volume, and can be employed to
      quantify a rat training in any type of brain damage reduction experiments.

PMID- 27684093
TI  - Unimolecular Micelles of Amphiphilic Cyclodextrin-Core Star-Like Copolymers with
      Covalent pH-Responsive Linkage of Anticancer Prodrugs.
AB  - Multifunctional stable and stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems are important
      for efficient cancer treatment due to their advantages such as enhanced cancer
      targeting efficiency, improved pharmacokinetics, minimized drug leaching, and
      reduced undesirable side effects. Here we report a robust and pH-responsive
      anticancer drug delivery system based on unimolecular micelles of star-like
      amphiphilic copolymers. The polymers (denoted as CPOFs) were facilely synthesized
      via one-step atom transfer radical polymerization of functionalizable
      benzoaldehyde and hydrophilic poly[(oligo ethylene glycol) methyl ether
      methacrylate] as comonomers from the core of heptakis [2,3,6-tri-o-(2-bromo-2
      methyl propionyl]-beta-cyclodextrin as the initiator. Doxorubicin (DOX) as an
      anticancer drug was covalently linked to the benzoaldehyde groups of CPOFs
      through pH-sensitive Schiff-base bonds. The DOX-conjugated polymers, denoted as
      CPOF-DOX, formed robust unimolecular micelles with an average diameter of 18 nm
      in aqueous media. More importantly, these unimolecular micelles showed higher
      drug loading capacity and more controllable drug release characteristics,
      compared to our previous unimolecular micelles of beta-cyclodextrin-poly(lactic
      acid)-b-poly[(oligo ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylates] that physically
      encapsulated DOX via hydrophobic interaction. Moreover, the CPOF-DOX unimolecular
      micelles could be internalized by human cervical cancer HeLa cells in a stepwise
      way and showed less cytotoxicity compared to carrier-free DOX. We foresee that
      CPOF-DOX would provide a promising robust and controllable anticancer drug
      delivery system for future animal study and clinical trials for cancer treatment.

PMID- 27684095
TI  - Charge Transfer to Solvent Dynamics at the Ambient Water/Air Interface.
AB  - Electron-transfer reactions at ambient aqueous interfaces represent one of the
      most fundamental and ubiquitous chemical reactions. Here the dynamics of the
      charge transfer to solvent (CTTS) reaction from iodide was probed at the ambient
      water/air interface by phase-sensitive transient second-harmonic generation.
      Using the three allowed polarization combinations, distinctive dynamics assigned
      to the CTTS state evolution and to the subsequent solvating electron-iodine
      contact pair have been resolved. The CTTS state is asymmetrically solvated in the
      plane of the surface, while the subsequent electron solvation dynamics are very
      similar to those observed in the bulk, although slightly faster. Between 3 and 30
      ps, a small phase shift distinguishes an electron bound in a contact pair with
      iodine and a free hydrated electron at the water/air interface. Our results
      suggest that the hydrated electron is fully solvated in a region of reduced water
      density at the interface.

PMID- 27684094
TI  - Working with Auditory HEI-OC1 Cells.
AB  - HEI-OC1 is one of the few mouse auditory cell lines available for research
      purposes. Originally proposed as an in vitro system for screening of ototoxic
      drugs, these cells have been used to investigate drug-activated apoptotic
      pathways, autophagy, senescence, mechanism of cell protection, inflammatory
      responses, cell differentiation, genetic and epigenetic effects of
      pharmacological drugs, effects of hypoxia, oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum
      stress, and expression of molecular channels and receptors. Among other several
      important markers of cochlear hair cells, HEI-OC1 cells endogenously express
      prestin, the paradigmatic motor protein of outer hair cells. Thus, they can be
      very useful to elucidate novel functional aspects of this important auditory
      protein. HEI-OC1 cells are very robust, and their culture usually does not
      present big complications. However, they require some special conditions such as
      avoiding the use of common anti-bacterial cocktails containing streptomycin or
      other antibiotics as well as incubation at 33  degrees C to stimulate cell
      proliferation and incubation at 39  degrees C to trigger cell differentiation.
      Here, we describe how to culture HEI-OC1 cells and how to use them in some
      typical assays, such as cell proliferation, viability, death, autophagy and
      senescence, as well as how to perform patch-clamp and non-linear capacitance
      measurements.

PMID- 27684096
TI  - Taste-Guided Isolation of Bitter Lignans from Quercus petraea and Their
      Identification in Wine.
AB  - Quercoresinosides A and B (1 and 2), two new lignans, were isolated from a
      toasted Quercus petraea heartwood extract along with a known compound, 3-methoxy
      4-hydroxyphenol 1-O-beta-d-(6'-O-galloyl)glucopyranoside (3). The purification
      protocol was based on a taste-guided approach that sought to reveal new bitter
      compounds released from oak wood into wines and spirits. HRMS and NMR data were
      used to establish that compounds 1 and 2 are lignan derivatives bearing a
      glucosyl unit and a galloyl unit at the same positions. Hydrolysis of these
      compounds showed that they could be distinguished by the absolute configuration
      of their respective lyoniresinol genin as determined by chiral LC-HRMS in
      comparison with (+)- and (-)-lyoniresinol standards. Sensory analyses were
      performed in a non-oaked wine on the pure compounds 1-3. The three molecules
      exhibited a bitter taste at 2 mg/L that was particularly intense for compounds 2
      and 3. Finally, LC-HRMS demonstrated the occurrence of compounds 1-3 in oaked
      wine and brandy, which supports the hypothesis of their contributions to the
      increase in bitterness during oak aging.

PMID- 27684097
TI  - Characterizing Multiscale Mechanical Properties of Brain Tissue Using Atomic
      Force Microscopy, Impact Indentation, and Rheometry.
AB  - To design and engineer materials inspired by the properties of the brain, whether
      for mechanical simulants or for tissue regeneration studies, the brain tissue
      itself must be well characterized at various length and time scales. Like many
      biological tissues, brain tissue exhibits a complex, hierarchical structure.
      However, in contrast to most other tissues, brain is of very low mechanical
      stiffness, with Young's elastic moduli E on the order of 100s of Pa. This low
      stiffness can present challenges to experimental characterization of key
      mechanical properties. Here, we demonstrate several mechanical characterization
      techniques that have been adapted to measure the elastic and viscoelastic
      properties of hydrated, compliant biological materials such as brain tissue, at
      different length scales and loading rates. At the microscale, we conduct creep
      compliance and force relaxation experiments using atomic force microscope-enabled
      indentation. At the mesoscale, we perform impact indentation experiments using a
      pendulum-based instrumented indenter. At the macroscale, we conduct parallel
      plate rheometry to quantify the frequency dependent shear elastic moduli. We also
      discuss the challenges and limitations associated with each method. Together
      these techniques enable an in-depth mechanical characterization of brain tissue
      that can be used to better understand the structure of brain and to engineer bio
      inspired materials.

PMID- 27684098
TI  - Outbreak of trichinellosis related to eating imported wild boar meat, Belgium,
      2014.
AB  - Trichinellosis is a rare parasitic zoonosis caused by Trichinella following
      ingestion of raw or undercooked meat containing Trichinella larvae. In the past
      five years, there has been a sharp decrease in human trichinellosis incidence
      rates in the European Union due to better practices in rearing domestic animals
      and control measures in slaughterhouses. In November 2014, a large outbreak of
      trichinellosis occurred in Belgium, related to the consumption of imported wild
      boar meat. After a swift local public health response, 16 cases were identified
      and diagnosed with trichinellosis. Of the 16 cases, six were female. The
      diagnosis was confirmed by serology or the presence of larvae in the patients'
      muscle biopsies by histology and/or PCR. The ensuing investigation traced the
      wild boar meat back to Spain. Several batches of imported wild boar meat were
      recalled but tested negative. The public health investigation allowed us to
      identify clustered undiagnosed cases. Early warning alerts and a coordinated
      response remain indispensable at a European level. 

PMID- 27684100
TI  - Pre-clinical Orthotopic Murine Model of Human Prostate Cancer.
AB  - To study the multifaceted biology of prostate cancer, pre-clinical in vivo models
      offer a range of options to uncover critical biological information about this
      disease. The human orthotopic prostate cancer xenograft mouse model provides a
      useful alternative approach for understanding the specific interactions between
      genetically and molecularly altered tumor cells, their organ microenvironment,
      and for evaluation of efficacy of therapeutic regimens. This is a well
      characterized model designed to study the molecular events of primary tumor
      development and it recapitulates the early events in the metastatic cascade prior
      to embolism and entry of tumor cells into the circulation. Thus it allows
      elucidation of molecular mechanisms underlying the initial phase of metastatic
      disease. In addition, this model can annotate drug targets of clinical relevance
      and is a valuable tool to study prostate cancer progression. In this manuscript
      we describe a detailed procedure to establish a human orthotopic prostate cancer
      xenograft mouse model.

PMID- 27684099
TI  - Different modalities of entry in a large urban clinic in Uganda and impact on
      outcomes of patients assessing HIV care and treatment.
AB  - In resource-limited settings, a number of patients do not receive continuous HIV
      care. In this analysis, we compared outcomes in patients who entered care by
      different modality of entry. This was a retrospective analysis of all patients
      started on antiretroviral treatment (ART) at a large urban center in Uganda from
      2005 to 2012. Patients were categorized into three groups (1) Front door: started
      on ART without interruption during follow-up; (2) drop-out side door: restarted
      on ART after having an interruption >6 months and (3) transfer-in side door:
      transferred-in after being started on ART somewhere else. We compared
      characteristics at enrollment in the three groups and investigated the following
      outcomes: (1) retention in care (2) switch to second line. In the study period
      11,528 (87.2%) were enrolled through the front door, 1159 (8.7%) resumed ART
      after dropping out, while 527 (4%) patients were transferred in on ART. The three
      groups were generally comparable, although patients transferred in were sicker. A
      larger proportion of patients entered through the drop-out side door died or was
      lost to follow-up (37.3%), as compared to patients in the front door group
      (24.9%) and transferred-in side door group (17.7%). More patients in the front
      door group (32.1%) were transferred out during the follow-up. The highest
      probability of switching to second line was found in the transferred-in group.
      Patients who re-enter our program after dropping out are at higher risk of
      dropping out of care and often need to be switched to second-line ART. The high
      demand for second-line therapy among patients in transfer-in side door reflects
      failure in management of complicated patients who are usually require "up
      transfer" to better treatment centers. In future understanding, the different
      modes of entry into HIV care will be key in reshaping the general cascade of HIV
      care.

PMID- 27684101
TI  - Polychelated cryogels: hemoglobin adsorption from human blood.
AB  - The separation and purification methods are extremely important for the
      hemoglobin (Hb) which is a crucial biomolecule. The adsorption technique is
      popular among these methods and the cryogels have been used quite much due to
      their macropores and interconnected flow channels. In this study, the Hb
      adsorption onto the Cu(II) immobilized poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-glycidyl
      methacrylate), poly(HEMA-GMA)-Cu(II), cryogels was investigated under different
      conditions (pH, interaction time, initial Hb concentration, temperature and ionic
      strength) to optimize adsorption conditions. The swelling test, Fourier transform
      infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), surface area
      (BET), elemental and ICP-OES analysis were performed for the characterization of
      cryogels. Polyethyleneimine (PEI) molecule was used as a Cu(II)-chelating ligand.
      The Hb adsorption capacity of cryogels was determined as 193.8 mg Hb/g cryogel.
      The isolation of Hb from human blood was also studied under optimum adsorption
      conditions determined and the Hb (124.5 mg/g cryogel) was isolated. The
      adsorption model was investigated in the light of Langmuir and Freundlich
      adsorption isotherm models and it was determined to be more appropriate to the
      Langmuir adsorption isotherm model.

PMID- 27684102
TI  - Psilocybin for treating substance use disorders?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Evidence based treatment for Substance use disorders (SUD) includes
      psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy. However, these are only partially effective.
      Hallucinogens, such as psilocybin, may represent potential new treatment options
      for SUD. This review provides a summary of (human) studies on the putative
      therapeutic effects of psilocybin, and discusses the receptor systems, brain
      regions and cognitive and emotional processes mediating psilocybin's effects.
      Psilocybin's chemical structure is similar to that of serotonin. Dysregulations
      in the serotonin system are associated with alterations in stress hormones, such
      as cortisol, and mood disorders. After psilocybin administration cortisol levels
      spike and activate the executive control network, with subsequent increased
      control over emotional processes, and relief of negative thinking and persistent
      negative emotions. Preliminary data of ongoing alcohol and smoking addiction
      studies in humans shows promising effects of psilocybin administration on
      substance use. Importantly, psilocybin has a low risk of toxicity and dependence
      and can be used safely under controlled clinical conditions. Areas covered: This
      paper is a narrative review based on the search terms: psilocybin, substance use
      disorder, addiction, depression, serotonin. Literature on potential efficacy and
      mechanisms of action of psilocybin in SUD is discussed. Expert commentary: Recent
      positive findings with psilocybin need confirmation in well-designed placebo
      controlled randomized trials employing a large sample size.

PMID- 27684104
TI  - Feeling blue at the end of life: Trajectories of depressive symptoms from a
      distance-to-death perspective.
AB  - This article examines the end-of-life development of depressive symptoms and
      characterizes prototypical groups following the same depressive symptoms
      development. We modeled time-to-death-related trajectories of depressive symptoms
      (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale), applying a latent class
      growth analysis to deceased older adults from the English Longitudinal Study of
      Aging (Waves 1 to 5; NTime 1 (T1) = 2,219; MAge(T1) = 73.9 years, SDAge(T1) = 9.4
      years; 51% male, 1% non-White). Four prototypical trajectories of depressive
      symptoms were identified at the end of life: a stably nondepressed group (31.2%);
      2 groups with an exponential terminal symptom increase, of which 1 was
      nondepressed and 1 low depressed (8.3% and 38.4%, respectively); and a stably
      depressed group (22.2%). Using a combination of growth curve models and
      individual level and slope values as predictor variables showed that individuals
      suffering from increasing sensory, mobility, or overall health problems or
      decreasing quality of life were more likely to have an increase in symptoms of
      depression in their last years of life. Men were more likely to be stably
      nondepressed and women more likely to be chronically depressed. We conclude that
      a group-based analysis of end-of-life depressive symptoms is useful in adding to
      the understanding of distance-to-death psychology at large as well as pointing to
      preventive and intervention strategies when it comes to late-life depressive
      mood. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27684105
TI  - Risk taking across the life span: A comparison of self-report and behavioral
      measures of risk taking.
AB  - Aging has long been thought to be associated with changes in risk-taking
      propensity. But do different measures converge in showing similar age-related
      patterns? We conducted a study to investigate the convergent validity of
      different self-report and behavioral assessments of risk taking across adulthood
      (N = 902). Individuals between 18 and 90 years of age answered a self-report item
      and completed 2 incentivized behavioral tasks: a gambles task and the Balloon
      Analogue Risk Task. Our results indicate that although all measures show some
      patterns indicative of an age reduction in risk taking, the correlations between
      measures are small. Moreover, age differences in behavioral paradigms seem to
      emerge as a function of specific task characteristics, such as learning and
      computational demands. We discuss the importance of understanding how specific
      task characteristics engender age differences in risk taking and the need for
      future work that disentangles task demands from true age-related changes in risk
      taking propensity. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27684106
TI  - Longitudinal purpose in life trajectories: Examining predictors in late midlife.
AB  - Research shows midlife adults consistently report higher purpose in life (PIL)
      than older adults. However, less is known about the changes in PIL during the
      transition from midlife to older adulthood. This study examined 5-year changes of
      PIL among late-midlife adults in the Foley Longitudinal Study of Adulthood (n =
      163, MAge = 56.37). Results showed that most midlife adults reported higher
      stable PIL whereas some of them showed lower-stable PIL, with trait
      conscientiousness and race being significant predictors of PIL. Future studies
      should investigate when PIL tends to stabilize and how personality and racial
      experiences influence the development of PIL. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27684103
TI  - Daily events are important for age differences in mean and duration for negative
      affect but not positive affect.
AB  - Across midlife and into old age, older adults often report lower levels of
      negative affect and similar if not higher levels of positive affect than
      relatively younger adults. Researchers have offered a simple explanation for this
      result: Age is related to reductions in stressors and increases in pleasurable
      activities that result in higher levels of well-being. The current study examines
      subjective reports of emotional experience assessed across 8 days in a large
      sample of adults (N = 2,022) ranging from 35 to 84 years old. By modeling age
      differences before and after adjusting for daily positive uplifts and negative
      stressors, this article assesses the extent to which daily events account for age
      differences in positive and negative affect reports. Consistent with previous
      research, the authors found that older age is related to lower mean levels and
      shorter duration of a negative emotional experience in a model only adjusting for
      gender, education, and ethnicity. After adjusting for daily events, however, the
      linear age-related effects were no longer significant. For positive affect,
      adjusting for daily events did not alter age-related patterns of experiencing
      higher mean levels and longer positive experience duration, suggesting that other
      factors underlie age-related increases in positive affect. (PsycINFO Database
      Record

PMID- 27684108
TI  - Living with transversal upper limb reduction deficiency: limitations experienced
      by young adults during their transition to adulthood.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: During transition to adulthood young adults with disabilities are
      at risk of experiencing limitations due to changing physical and social
      requirements. PURPOSE: To determine whether young adults with transversal upper
      limb reduction deficiency (tULRD) have experienced limitations in various domains
      of participation during transition to adulthood and how they dealt with these
      limitations. PARTICIPANTS: Fifteen participants (mean age 21.4 years) with tULRD.
      METHODS: A qualitative study was performed using a semi-structured interview
      based on the Rotterdam Transition Profile to identify the limitations experienced
      in participation domains. RESULTS: Almost all the participants reported
      difficulties in finding a suitable study or job. Most young adults were convinced
      they were suitable for almost any study or job, but their teachers and potential
      employers were more reserved. Few difficulties were reported on the domains
      leisure activities, intimate relationships/sexuality, housing/housekeeping and
      transportation. Participants preferred to develop their own strategies for
      dealing with limitations. Various aids, adaptations and prostheses were used to
      overcome limitations. Rehabilitation teams were infrequently consulted for advice
      in solving transitional problems. CONCLUSION: Young adults with tULRD experience
      limitations mainly in choosing and finding a suitable study or job.
      Rehabilitation teams may play a more extensive role in supporting individuals
      with transitional problems. Implications for rehabilitation Most young adults
      with transversal upper limb reduction deficiency (tULRD) experience limitations
      in study and job selection during transition to adulthood, but they do not
      consult the rehabilitation team. Assessment of abilities in relation to job
      interests and practicing job specific bimanual activities may be helpful for
      young adults with a tULRD. How the rehabilitation teams can meet the needs of
      young adults with tULRD during transitional phases, when autonomy is of growing
      importance, should be investigated further.

PMID- 27684107
TI  - Effect of therapeutic plasma exchange on immunoglobulins in myasthenia gravis.
AB  - An integrated understanding of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) effects on
      immunoglobulins, autoantibodies, and natural or acquired (vaccine) protective
      antibodies in patients with autoimmune myasthenia gravis (MG) is lacking. Prior
      studies measured TPE effects in healthy volunteers or heterogeneous autoimmune
      disease populations. We prospectively profiled plasma IgA, IgM, IgG, IgG
      subclasses (IgG1-4), acetylcholine receptor autoantibodies (AChR+), and
      protective antibodies in patients with AChR + MG receiving TPE for an
      exacerbation. TPE was performed according to institutional practice and patients
      were profiled for up to 12 weeks. Ten patients were enrolled (median age = 72.9
      years; baseline MG-Composite = 21; median TPE treatments = 6 during their first
      course) and all improved. The maximum decrease in all immunoglobulins, including
      AChR autoantibodies, was achieved on the final day of the first TPE course (~60
      70% reduction). Three weeks post-TPE, mean AChR autoantibody, total IgG, IgG1,
      and IgG2 titers were below the reference range and had not recovered within 20%
      of baseline, whereas other measured immunoglobulins approached baseline values.
      We did not generally observe an "overshoot" of immunoglobulins above pre-TPE
      levels or accelerated recovery of pathologic AChR autoantibodies. Protective
      antibody profiles showed similar patterns as other IgGs and were detectable at
      levels associated with protection from infection. A slow return to baseline for
      IgGs (except IgG3) was observed, and we did not observe any obvious effect of
      concomitant medications on this recovery. Collectively, these findings enhance
      our understanding of the immunological effects of TPE and further support the
      concept of rapid immunoglobulin depletion for the treatment of patients with MG.

PMID- 27684109
TI  - Speech rhythm alterations in Spanish-speaking individuals with Alzheimer's
      disease.
AB  - Rhythm is the speech property related to the temporal organization of sounds.
      Considerable evidence is now available for suggesting that dementia of
      Alzheimer's type is associated with impairments in speech rhythm. The aim of this
      study is to assess the use of an automatic computerized system for measuring
      speech rhythm characteristics in an oral reading task performed by 45 patients
      with Alzheimer's disease (AD) compared with those same characteristics among 82
      healthy older adults without a diagnosis of dementia, and matched by age, sex and
      cultural background. Ranges of rhythmic-metric and clinical measurements were
      applied. The results show rhythmic differences between the groups, with higher
      variability of syllabic intervals in AD patients. Signal processing algorithms
      applied to oral reading recordings prove to be capable of differentiating between
      AD patients and older adults without dementia with an accuracy of 87%
      (specificity 81.7%, sensitivity 82.2%), based on the standard deviation of the
      duration of syllabic intervals. Experimental results show that the syllabic
      variability measurements extracted from the speech signal can be used to
      distinguish between older adults without a diagnosis of dementia and those with
      AD, and may be useful as a tool for the objective study and quantification of
      speech deficits in AD.

PMID- 27684110
TI  - Lessons learned in global family medicine education from a Besrour Centre
      capacity-building workshop.
AB  - At a global level, institutions and governments with remarkably different
      cultures and contexts are rapidly developing family medicine centred health and
      training programmes. Institutions with established family medicine programmes are
      willing to lend expertise to these global partners but run the risk of imposing a
      postcolonial, directive approach when providing consultancy and educational
      assistance. Reflecting upon a series of capacity building workshops in family
      medicine developed by the Besrour Centre Faculty Development Working Group, this
      paper outlines approaches to the inevitable challenges that arise between
      healthcare professionals and educators of differing contexts when attempting to
      share experience and expertise. Lessons learned from the developers of these
      workshops are presented in the desire to help others offer truly collaborative,
      context-centred faculty development activities that help emerging programmes
      develop their own clinical and educational family medicine frameworks.
      Established partner relationships, adequate preparation and consultation, and
      adaptability and sensitivity to partner context appear to be particularly
      significant determinants for success.

PMID- 27684111
TI  - Improving Prevention Curricula: Lessons Learned Through Formative Research on the
      Youth Message Development Curriculum.
AB  - This article describes formative research (a pilot study, interviews, and focus
      groups) conducted as part of a feasibility test of 2 versions (Analysis vs.
      Planning) of a brief media literacy intervention titled Youth Message Development
      (YMD). The intervention targets high school student alcohol use with activities
      to understand persuasion strategies, increase counter-arguing, and then apply
      these new skills to ad analysis or a more engaging ad poster planning activity.
      Based on the theory of active involvement (Greene, 2013), the Planning curriculum
      is proposed to be more effective than the Analysis curriculum. Overall, results
      of the formative research indicated that students (N = 182) and mentors/teachers
      (N = 53) perceived the YMD Planning curriculum as more interesting, involving,
      and novel, and these ratings were associated with increased critical thinking
      about the impact of advertising, lower alcohol use intentions, and fewer positive
      expectations about the effects of alcohol use. Qualitative feedback indicated a
      need to supplement alcohol-focused ad stimuli with ads targeting other
      advertising images, use incentives and competition-based activities to further
      enhance student motivation, and provide flexibility to enhance the
      appropriateness of the curriculum to various settings. These concerns led to the
      development of a revised curriculum and plans for further study.

PMID- 27684112
TI  - The Effect of Limited Health Literacy on How Internet Users Learn About Diabetes.
AB  - The Internet continues to be an important supplemental health information
      resource for an increasing number of U.S. adults, especially for those with a new
      or existing chronic condition. Here we examine how people use the Internet to
      learn about Type 2 diabetes and how health literacy (HL) influences this
      information-seeking behavior. We analyzed the searches of approximately 2 million
      people who queried for diabetes-related information on Microsoft's Bing search
      engine. The HL of searchers was imputed through a community-based HL score.
      Topics searched were categorized and subsequent websites were assessed for
      readability. Overall, diabetes information-seeking strategies via the Internet
      are similar among adults with limited and adequate HL skills. However, people
      with limited HL take a longer time to read pages that are quickly read by people
      with adequate HL and vice versa. Information seeking among the former is
      terminated prematurely, as is evident from a Hidden Markov Model of the search
      process. Our findings indicate that the reading level required to understand the
      majority of diabetes-related information is high. Especially on government
      websites, more than 80% of information requires a reading level corresponding to
      7th grade or higher. Our results indicate that individuals with lower HL may
      disproportionately struggle with Internet searches and fail to get an equivalent
      benefit from this information resource compared to users with greater HL. Future
      interventions should target the quality and ease of navigation of health care
      websites and find ways to leverage other relevant professionals to encourage and
      promote successful information access on the Web.

PMID- 27684114
TI  - Editorial.
AB  - When the chips are down you find out who your friends are. And nurses certainly
      found foes and unusual allies among the newspaper leader writers and columnists
      following the RCN's decision to proceed to ballot on removing its rule which
      prohibits industrial action. Many ethically-challenged journalists dished up a
      scandalous misrepresentation of the nurses' case, usually under banner headlines
      about 'fallen angels'. It's a measure of how worried the government is over the
      pay dispute that the Tory press went all out to dent the public image of nurses.
      It's a dangerous tack for newspapers, especially when their biased political
      opinions may not always find favour with readers. Many nurses are among the Daily
      Mail's readership for instance. After Lynda Lee Potter's outrageous drivel (see
      letters, page 41 ) one can only wonder how many nurses will continue to buy that
      newspaper. And there is also a clear gap between the views of informed media
      commentators and the opinion writers as our round-up of views shows (see
      features, page 18-21 ). But if nurses have fallen from their angelic status
      that's no bad thing. It's not an image nurses ever wanted, the irony is that the
      sections of the press which created and lived off that stereotype are now
      realising they may have got it wrong.

PMID- 27684113
TI  - The lives and sexual risk behaviours of rural, closeted men who have sex with men
      living in Montana.
AB  - The current study investigated the role of the rural environment in shaping men's
      decisions to remain closeted about their same-sex sexual activity and the
      cognitive, affective and behavioural consequences of that decision. In-depth
      qualitative interviews were conducted with 45 self-identified closeted men who
      have sex with men living in Montana. Because of the difficulty of finding
      closeted men, recruitment occurred using the Internet. Interviews were analysed
      to elicit overall themes influencing men's lives. An Outness Inventory was
      administered to determine men's perceived level of being 'out' to others. Men
      reported high levels of stress related to their need to live a double life in an
      attempt to conform to perceptions of masculinity within the rural cultural
      environment. Fear of being outed led men to seek out-of-town or out-of-state
      sexual partners indicating widespread sexual networks and increased risk for HIV
      infection. While men felt they were able to interact with their communities on a
      superficial level, many stressed their desire for a deeper sense of connection
      and social support. The majority of men in this study dreamed of a day when they
      could express their whole identity without fear.

PMID- 27684115
TI  - ?
AB  - There's mortar nursing: student nurses at the Bede, Newcastle and Northumbria
      College of Health Studies celebrate the college's merger with the University of
      Northumbria in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

PMID- 27684116
TI  - Danish nurses' strike declared illegal.
AB  - Nurses in Denmark were ordered to end their three-week pay strike last week,
      after the government passed a law to make the strike illegal. More than 12,000
      nurses held the biggest strike rally seen in Denmark for 10 years as the
      legislation was passed. The government will now set up a commission to
      investigate pay, working conditions and to propose changes. It is due to report
      back before October this year.

PMID- 27684117
TI  - UKCC calls on employers to develop a clear policy on sexual harrassment.
AB  - The UK Central Council has expressed concern over the number of cases of sexual
      harassment reported to its professional conduct committee.

PMID- 27684118
TI  - Yorkshire nurse first at the scene of light aircraft crash.
AB  - Within minutes of a light aircraft crashing in Yorkshire last week a nurse was
      hunting through the debris in a desperate bid to find survivors.

PMID- 27684119
TI  - RCN breaks with other unions over pay.
AB  - Fragile unity between the health unions shattered last week when the RCN broke
      away from union talks.

PMID- 27684120
TI  - Morale sinking in London.
AB  - Morale among nurses in London has sunk to 'rock bottom', claims a report launched
      last week by the pressure group London Health Emergency.

PMID- 27684121
TI  - Specialist training needed to deal with incontinence.
AB  - A major report on the causes and management of incontinence has recommended
      better training for nurses in both preregistration and post-basic courses.

PMID- 27684122
TI  - Differing levels of sick leave in NHS.
AB  - Health service staff take widely differing amounts of sick leave, a survey has
      shown.

PMID- 27684124
TI  - Back pain out.
AB  - A poster campaign aimed at preventing back pain has been launched by the British
      Safety Council. It urges employers to train employees in lifting techniques.
      Meanwhile, the National Back Pain Association has published an information
      booklet on avoiding and coping with back pain. Copies are available by sending a
      L2 donation to: Information, NBPA, 16 Elm tree Road, Teddington TW11 8ST.

PMID- 27684125
TI  - RCN concerned about closure plans.
AB  - Plans to close six colleges of nursing in Northern Ireland and replace them with
      two educational institutes by the end of June have sparked concerns from the RCN.
      The Northern Ireland National Board claims the restructuring is due to the
      decline in student numbers.

PMID- 27684126
TI  - Trusts facing merger must involve staff.
AB  - Trusts and health authorities facing merger must involve nurses and other staff
      in developing the aims of the new organisation, says an Audit Commission report.
      Dozens of trusts are believed to be considering merger, which, the report claims,
      causes anxiety among staff who fear for their future.

PMID- 27684127
TI  - Nurses must fight to get on new boards.
AB  - Nurses will have to 'fight their corner' in each area of the UK if they want to
      be represented on the new health authority boards, an NHS management expert has
      said.

PMID- 27684128
TI  - Unison condemns sacking.
AB  - A nurse was sacked to stop him taking forward a grievance against the managers of
      his unit, Unison has claimed.

PMID- 27684129
TI  - Bassetlaw nurse remanded in custody.
AB  - Amanda Jenkinson, the nurse charged with murdering a patient in the intensive
      care unit of Bassetlaw Hospital, was remanded in custody until June 21 by Worksop
      magistrates.

PMID- 27684130
TI  - ?
AB  - Winners of the Florence Nightingale awards line-up at the recent awards ceremony
      at the Mansion House in the City of London. Front row, from left: Julia Gilroy,
      Suzanne Hargreaves, Anthea Major and Shirley Dougherty'; back row; Leslie
      Chambers, Caroline Birtles, Marion Woan. Donna Morely, Helene Smith, Denise
      Morris, Margaret Colder and Maggi Jarvis.

PMID- 27684131
TI  - Fighting childhood asthma.
AB  - Community nurses, youth dub leaders and major childcare agencies met in London
      last week to set up an initiative to fight childhood asthma anti improve the well
      being of children with the condition.

PMID- 27684132
TI  - Nurse loses court compensation claim.
AB  - A nurse who claimed she seriously injured her back while giving a lecture called
      'Look after yourself has lost her High Court claim for compensation.

PMID- 27684133
TI  - Survey pinpoints health neurosis.
AB  - Women, people living alone, those living in urban rented accommodation and the
      unemployed are the most likely to be neurotic, a major survey of the nation's
      mental health has found.

PMID- 27684134
TI  - Collaboration set to tackle wound care problems in nursing homes.
AB  - A wound care research unit at Guy's Hospital and a private nursing home company
      have joined forces to tackle the problem area of chronic wound care for older
      people in long-term nursing homes.

PMID- 27684135
TI  - ?
AB  - David Nunn, who with Maura Buchanan, Linda Bailey and Rod Thompson was elected to
      the Congress agenda committee, which will agree motions for the 1996 Congress in
      Bournemouth.

PMID- 27684136
TI  - Means testing of older people firmly rejected.
AB  - A retired nurse who joined the NITS at its founding told Congress of her sense of
      betrayal at the means testing of care for elderly people.

PMID- 27684137
TI  - Nurses used to spy on suspect mothers.
AB  - Nurses are being used to gather criminal evidence against mothers suspected of
      abusing their children, a job which should be left to the police, a Congress
      fringe event heard.

PMID- 27684138
TI  - Macho culture blamed for poor health statistics of men.
AB  - The macho male culture prevents many men from owning up to their ill health and
      seeking treatment, Congress heard.

PMID- 27684140
TI  - RCN to reconsider policy on cautions after heated debate.
AB  - RCN Council is to look again at College policy on whether cautions imposed on
      nurses by the UK Central Council for professional misconduct should be revealed
      on request to employers. A heated Congress debate agreed to refer the matter to
      RCN Council due to the complexity of the issues involved.

PMID- 27684139
TI  - Self-harm treatment often misunderstood by carers.
AB  - Nurses who care for people who deliberately self-harm are still viewed by many as
      providing a 'suicide watch', Julie Owens, senior clinical nurse in the
      Personalities Disorders Department at Ashworth Hospital on Merseyside, told a
      Congress fringe event.

PMID- 27684141
TI  - ?
AB  - Very Important Bear: A non-voting member from the West Midlands Region attempts
      to raise a point of order and a procedural motion at the same time, no doubt to
      the displeasure of the Congress chair.

PMID- 27684142
TI  - Ward managers under pressure.
AB  - The ward manager's role is pivotal but undervalued, especially in financial
      terms, a meeting on the RCN Nursing Leadership Project heard.

PMID- 27684143
TI  - Children's nurses not specialists, seminar told.
AB  - The health and well-being of children and other client groups would be at risk if
      nurse education was remodelled as a generic education with specialist add-on
      qualifications.

PMID- 27684145
TI  - A hormone predictor of premature labour?
AB  - Australian researchers believe they have found a hormone which acts as a marker
      for premature labour.

PMID- 27684144
TI  - Guidance fills training gaps on ethical issues.
AB  - Nurses and doctors face the same ethical issues when caring for older people, was
      the message to a seminar held to mark the launch of The Older Person - Consent
      and Care, a joint publication from the British Medical Association and the RCN.

PMID- 27684146
TI  - Increasing compliance with self medication.
AB  - Self-medication programmes for older people result in significantly higher levels
      of compliance and understanding after hospital discharge.

PMID- 27684147
TI  - Viral infections and asthma exacerbations.
AB  - The majority of exacerbations of asthma in school age children are associated
      with upper respiratory tract viral infections, new research suggests.

PMID- 27684148
TI  - Rubber allergy and hepatitis vaccination.
AB  - Patients should be asked if they have a history of contact allergy to rubber
      before receiving hepatitis B vaccination.

PMID- 27684149
TI  - New society promotes Welsh for nurses.
AB  - Nurses in Wales have formed a new society to promote the Welsh language in their
      work. The chair of the new society, Eira Rowley, professional adviser to the
      Welsh National Board for Nursing, said with up to 80 per cent of patients in some
      areas speaking Welsh as their first language, it is important to speak Welsh
      wherever possible. Ms Rowley said some patients were penalised because they were
      not so familiar with English as their mother tongue.

PMID- 27684151
TI  - ?
AB  - Public support for the nurses is holding firm, if the reaction of people at
      Euston station last Tuesday is anything to go by.

PMID- 27684150
TI  - Attitudes can change.
AB  - Teamwork and flexibility are vital for nurses aiming to involve patients, a new
      report says. Five teams at nursing development units have told the authors of a
      King's Fund publication how they have tried to give patients a greater say in
      their care.

PMID- 27684152
TI  - That was the week that was.
AB  - As the Royal College of Nursing Congress drew to a close in Harrogate members
      were in no doubt their national pay campaign had gathered momentum. It was no
      longer just about a 3 per cent pay rise for every nurse in the country, but about
      the future of the NHS itself.

PMID- 27684154
TI  - ?
AB  - If you believe the rhetoric of government ministers and NHS managers, a reason
      for the introduction of local pay is the opportunity it offers to both sides to
      negotiate deals which reflect local circumstances. Philip Hunt, director of the
      National Association of Health Authorities and Trusts, made this point at a press
      conference at the recent RCN Congress.

PMID- 27684153
TI  - ...and mixed messages from the media.
AB  - The decision by RCN Congress to ballot on its no-strike rule prompted a spate of
      newspaper headlines saying 'angels fall from grace'.

PMID- 27684155
TI  - In and out of pocket.
AB  - About half of the UK's 500 trusts had still not made official pay offers to
      nurses last week. The Royal College of Nursing has called on its members to
      'expose employers who persist in dragging their feet on pay offers'.

PMID- 27684156
TI  - Challenging stress.
AB  - In November 1994, senior social worker John Walker won a High Court battle for
      compensation for stress leading to a second mental breakdown. It was the first
      time anyone had successfully sued an employer in such a case.

PMID- 27684157
TI  - Rule 12 debate was what it is all about.
AB  - I have just come out of the rule 12 debate. I am shaking and sweating. The result
      was historic. It reiterated the purpose of nursing: to care for people enough to
      safeguard the service in which that care is delivered. I write to say thank you
      to the Association of Nursing Students for giving me the privilege of attending,
      and thank you to voting members for giving me a future.

PMID- 27684158
TI  - We must turn our feelings into votes.
AB  - Congress has given Council approval for balloting the membership on amending rule
      12 of our constitution: an overwhelming 99 per cent in favour!

PMID- 27684159
TI  - Mail spread was a misrepresentation.
AB  - I feel I must reply to a double page spread in the Daily Mail (May 20) under the
      title 'Was this the week our nursing Angels fell from grace?'

PMID- 27684160
TI  - Family ties between Bugsy and Gerald?
AB  - I was greatly angered, as indeed was everyone else in the auditorium, when
      Christine Hancock read out the letter from health minister Gerald Malone.

PMID- 27684161
TI  - Don't let us fall into strike action trap.
AB  - The strike weapon is a blunt instrument and there is no strike action that will
      not in some way affect patients.

PMID- 27684162
TI  - Are we adventurers or ostriches?
AB  - One reason why I love the RCN is our amazing capacityto be adventurous one
      minute, and ostrich-like the next.

PMID- 27684163
TI  - Are student nurses part of pay picture?
AB  - Every week in Nursing Standard I read about the fight for the 3 per cent pay
      rise. As I agree with this wholeheartedly.

PMID- 27684164
TI  - I wanted to hear members' views.
AB  - Before Congress, an RCN spokesperson stated in Nursing Standard that Council had
      decided to hold a questions and discussion panel instead of a ministerial
      address. This was to stop ministers using Congress for major announcements and to
      hear more of members' views. I dug in and waited to see before making up my mind
      about this new system.

PMID- 27684165
TI  - ?
AB  - I was at Congress to hear the debate on rule 12, which would allow nurses to take
      legal industrial action - not strike action. No nurse would take action which
      would be detrimental to patient care.

PMID- 27684166
TI  - Spotlight on Irish was very welcome.
AB  - I was delighted to see the health needs of elderly Irish people highlighted at
      the breakfast seminar 'Delivering health gain messages to people from black and
      minority ethnic communities'.

PMID- 27684167
TI  - Recommending a staff charter.
AB  - It was suggested by the proposer of a resolution at Congress that with so many
      other charters around it was time to have a staff charter.

PMID- 27684168
TI  - Nurses' role in good health services for all.
AB  - The race and ethnicity subcommittee's breakfast meeting attracted 30 members from
      a range of backgrounds and clinical specialisms.

PMID- 27684169
TI  - Time to take stand on non-meat eating.
AB  - I agree with the points raised by Lynn Sawyer (Letters, May 10) regarding meat
      eating, BSE and the adoption of a vegan diet. How refreshing to see the issue
      raised positively.

PMID- 27684170
TI  - This year was much kinder to the trees.
AB  - Thank you. Thank you. Last year I wrote a letter about the amount of paper being
      handed out at Congress.

PMID- 27684171
TI  - Not everyone had access to congress.
AB  - May I highlight the fact that some of our members with disabilities were unable
      to attend Congress events this year because of stairs and other obstacles. Even
      at the steward's dinner, one member was left in the hallway because there was not
      enough room for a wheelchair to pass between the tables.

PMID- 27684172
TI  - Information exchange.
AB  - I am a staff nurse involved in a quality improvement team looking at integrated
      casenotes and collaborative care planning. I would welcome any information Amanda
      Jones, ward 8, Surgical Unit, Yshyty Gian Clwyd Bodeluyddon, Clwyd.

PMID- 27684173
TI  - Criticism of A&E services was unfair.
AB  - May I respond to Andrea Martin's 'Your guide to A&E services' (Healthy Debate,
      May 3).

PMID- 27684174
TI  - UKCC cannot correct 'abuse' by managers.
AB  - As an elected member of the UKCC, I applauded the inclusion of the resolution on
      preceptorship on the agenda as anything which raises the profile of the UKCC and
      encourages debate is welcome However, after listening to the debate a disquiet
      began to settle over me.

PMID- 27684175
TI  - Student view vital in education debate.
AB  - I want to express my dismay and upset at the events revolving around motion 13
      'Standards of nurse education'. How can standards of nurse education be discussed
      if student nurses and particularly members of the ANS executive sitting on
      Council, are prevented from voicing the student viewpoint?

PMID- 27684176
TI  - Readers Panel-How will you vote?
AB  - Our experts consider a hot topic of the day.

PMID- 27684177
TI  - Careering ahead through training and development.
AB  - A new era in neurosurgical care begins in July when the clinical services
      previously provided by the Brook and Maudsley Hospitals in South London are
      consolidated with the existing research facilities at King's Healthcare.

PMID- 27684178
TI  - Listings.
AB  - August 4-5 Third International Conference on Nurse Practitioner Practice - Cafe
      Royal, London, UK. Fee: RCN members/NS subscribers L188, non-members L235.
      Details: Nicola Fulton, Conference and Exhibition Unit, Nursing Standard, Viking
      House, 17-19 I Peterborough Road, Harrow, Middlesex HA1 2AX. Tel 0181 423 1066.

PMID- 27684179
TI  - Unusual presentation of trocar site hernia after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: case
      report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The exponential increase of bariatric surgery has resulted in a new
      diagnostic field of postoperative complications. One of the possibly serious
      complications is trocar site hernia. CASE REPORT: We present a rare case of
      trocar site hernia, in particular herniation of the blind loop of the
      jejunojejunostomy in a patient previously operated for laparoscopic gastric
      bypass. CONCLUSION: In patients with intermittent epigastric pain and
      regurgitation or nausea after RYGB, the differential diagnosis should include
      internal herniation and cholecystitis. Besides that, incarcerated trocar site
      hernia should also be considered. If obstructive symptoms are lacking, this might
      indicate Richter's hernia or herniation of the blind loop of the
      jejunojejunostomy. Due to the vague symptoms and the potentially late
      presentation, diagnosis can be challenging. However, this is a dangerous
      complication possibly leading to bowel strangulation and perforation, requiring
      urgent surgical repair.

PMID- 27684180
TI  - Investigation of resectability degree for adenoidal surgery in OSA children with
      the method of computational fluid dynamics.
AB  - CONCLUSION: From aspect of fluid dynamics, expanding patients' nasopharyngeal
      coronal-sectional area to 48.3-54.7% of normal area will bring the airflow
      velocity back to normal in adenoidal hypertrophy children. It might provide a
      suggestion for adenoidectomy range selection and whether total resection is
      necessary. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the nasopharyngeal airflow characteristics in
      pediatric OSA patients with adenoidal hypertrophy, and to explore the proper
      resection range for adenoidectomy Method: Nine OSA patients and four normal
      children were recruited. The CT scans of their upper airway were collected and
      used to construct three dimensional models for fluid dynamics analysis. Using
      computational fluid dynamics, indices such as velocity, pressure, and coronal
      sectional area were calculated. RESULTS: Compared with the normal, the OSA
      children showed three characteristics in nasopharyngeal: the airflow velocity was
      significantly higher (p < 0.05), the coronal-sectional area was significantly
      smaller (p < 0.01), while pressure showed no difference (p > 0.05). In a study of
      the relationship between velocity and coronal-sectional area, this study
      investigates different coronal-sectional areas from 30-300 mm2. It was found
      that, when patients' nasopharyngeal coronal-sectional area was expanded over 155
      170 mm2, namely 48.3-54.7% of normal area, airflow velocity in nasopharyngeal
      showed no difference than normal.

PMID- 27684182
TI  - Welcoming STAR Methods.

PMID- 27684181
TI  - Influence of hospital characteristics on quality of care in patients with
      community-acquired pneumonia.
AB  - PRINCIPLES: In-hospital care of patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)
      varies across hospitals. Understanding of the underlying factors is the basis for
      tailored quality improvements. Using data from a randomised controlled Swiss-wide
      multicentre trial, we compared length of stay (LOS) and other patient outcomes
      according to (A) the use of a procalcitonin (PCT)-based antibiotic stewardship
      protocol, (B) institution type (university vs non-university), and (C) historical
      time period in relation to the introduction of Diagnosis Related Group (DRG)
      reimbursement (2012). METHODS: We included 784 patients hospitalised with CAP
      from six institutions into this secondary analysis. We used multivariable
      regression models adjusted for age, comorbidities and disease severity to
      determine the influence of institution characteristics on LOS and patient
      outcomes. FINDINGS: LOS was significantly shorter in the institution using a PCT
      based antibiotic stewardship protocol (9.2 vs 5.3 days; adjusted mean difference
      3.92 days; 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.16-2.68) with shorter antibiotic
      treatment. There was no difference in LOS in university vs non-university
      hospitals, but antibiotic courses in university-type hospitals were longer (11.0
      vs 8.3 days; adjusted mean difference 2.59 days; 95% CI, 1.69-3.49). No
      significant difference in LOS was found when comparing the time period before and
      after the introduction of the DRG system in Switzerland. CONCLUSIONS: We found
      differences in LOS associated with theuse of a PCT-based antibiotic stewardship
      protocol, which remained robust after multivariable adjustment. Importantly, the
      type of institution and model of reimbursement did not influence LOS in our CAP
      cohort. More health services research studies are needed to establish causal
      effects.

PMID- 27684183
TI  - Principles of Systems Biology, No. 9.
AB  - Deep study of the microbiome, virome, and genetic code headline this month's Cell
      Systems call (Cell Systems 1, 307).

PMID- 27684184
TI  - Bringing Functional Genomics into Focus.
AB  - Styles et al. develop an optimized method that combines high-content microscopy
      and automated phenotypic analysis with genome-wide yeast genetics to identify
      genes in DNA damage repair.

PMID- 27684185
TI  - DNA Structure Helps Predict Protein Binding.
AB  - Incorporating information about DNA structure can increase the reliability of
      predictions of transcription factor binding sites.

PMID- 27684186
TI  - Deconvolution of the Human Endothelial Transcriptome.
AB  - A systems approach deconvolutes genes specific to and enriched in endothelium
      from whole-organ transcriptome data, with applications to other cell types and
      tissues.

PMID- 27684188
TI  - Measuring Influenza Neuraminidase Inhibition Antibody Titers by Enzyme-linked
      Lectin Assay.
AB  - Antibodies to neuraminidase (NA), the second most abundant surface protein on
      influenza virus, contribute toward protection against influenza. Traditional
      methods to measure NA inhibiting (NI) antibody titers are not practical for
      routine serology. This protocol describes the enzyme-linked lectin assay (ELLA),
      a practical alternative method to measure NI titers that is performed in 96 well
      plates coated with a large glycoprotein substrate, fetuin. NA cleaves terminal
      sialic acids from fetuin, exposing the penultimate sugar, galactose. Peanut
      agglutinin (PNA) is a lectin with specificity for galactose and therefore the
      extent of desialylation can be quantified using a PNA-horseradish peroxidase
      conjugate, followed by addition of a chromogenic peroxidase substrate. The
      optical density that is measured is proportional to NA activity. To measure NI
      antibody titers, serial dilutions of sera are incubated at 37  degrees C O/N on
      fetuin-coated plates with a fixed amount of NA. The reciprocal of the highest
      serum dilution that results in >=50% inhibition of NA activity is designated as
      the NI antibody titer. The ELLA provides a practical format for routine
      evaluation of human antibody responses following influenza infection or
      vaccination.

PMID- 27684189
TI  - Comparison of the effects of mini-implant and traditional anchorage on patients
      with maxillary dentoalveolar protrusion.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the treatment effects of mini-implants as anchor units with
      conventional methods of anchorage reinforcement in maxillary dentoalveolar
      protrusion patients in terms of skeletal, dental, and soft tissue changes.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched the databases of the Cochrane Library, PubMed,
      OVIDSP, CBM, VIP, WanFang Data, and CNKI covering December 1966 to March 2016 for
      randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and clinical controlled trials that compared
      the treatment effects of mini-implants with conventional anchorage reinforcement
      in maxillary dentoalveolar protrusion patients. Literature filtering, data
      extraction, and methodological quality evaluation were finished independently by
      two researchers and disagreements were solved by discussion. Meta-analysis was
      performed when possible; otherwise descriptive assessment was done. RESULTS:
      Through a predefined search strategy, we finally included 14 eligible studies.
      Eight outcomes were evaluated in this study: maxillary incisor retraction,
      maxillary molar movement, U1-SN, SNA, SN-MP, UL-E Plane, NLA and G-Sn-Pg.
      CONCLUSIONS: Mini-implant anchorage was more effective in retracting the anterior
      teeth, produced less anchorage loss, and had a greater effect on SN-MP for the
      high-angle patients than did traditional anchorage. Both mini-implants and
      traditional anchorage underwent decreases in on U1-SN and SNA. More qualified
      RCTs are required to make reliable recommendations about the anchorage capacity
      of mini-implant and traditional anchorage in patients with maxillary
      dentoalveolar protrusion, especially on the UL-E plane, NLA, and G-Sn-Pg.

PMID- 27684187
TI  - Genetic and Proteomic Interrogation of Lower Confidence Candidate Genes Reveals
      Signaling Networks in beta-Catenin-Active Cancers.
AB  - Genome-scale expression studies and comprehensive loss-of-function genetic
      screens have focused almost exclusively on the highest confidence candidate
      genes. Here, we describe a strategy for characterizing the lower confidence
      candidates identified by such approaches. We interrogated 177 genes that we
      classified as essential for the proliferation of cancer cells exhibiting
      constitutive beta-catenin activity and integrated data for each of the
      candidates, derived from orthogonal short hairpin RNA (shRNA) knockdown and
      clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas9-mediated
      gene editing knockout screens, to yield 69 validated genes. We then characterized
      the relationships between sets of these genes using complementary assays: medium
      throughput stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC)-based
      mass spectrometry, yielding 3,639 protein-protein interactions, and a CRISPR
      mediated pairwise double knockout screen, yielding 375 combinations exhibiting
      greater- or lesser-than-additive phenotypic effects indicating genetic
      interactions. These studies identify previously unreported regulators of beta
      catenin, define functional networks required for the survival of beta-catenin
      active cancers, and provide an experimental strategy that may be applied to
      define other signaling networks.

PMID- 27684190
TI  - Eruption rates of lower second premolars at different development stages
      evaluated with cone-beam computed tomography.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the eruption rates of lower second premolars
      (LPm2) at different developmental stages using cone-beam computed tomography
      (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospectively, 31 individuals (9.77 +/- 1.25
      years) had their LPm2 scored according to the Demirjian method, and afterwards
      they were split into three groups according to developmental stage, as follows: D
      = complete-formed crowns; E = root length less than crown height; and F = root
      length greater than or equal to crown height. Linear distances from the LPm2
      crown tip to the anatomical reference line (ARL) and to the occlusal plane line
      (OPL) were measured in paired CBCT scans (T1, T2), taken with an average interval
      of 8.6 months between them. Eruption rates (mm/y) were calculated and then
      compared between groups. RESULTS: Eruption rates were greater for LPm2 at stage F
      than at stages D or E (P < .01) regardless of whether they were measured from the
      ARL (D = 2.84 mm/y; E = 2.55 mm/y; F = 5.38 mm/y) or from the OPL (D = 1.82 mm/y;
      E = 2.02 mm/y; F = 5.26 mm/y). Eruption rates evaluated from the ARL and the OPL
      had no statistically significant differences (P = .052), and a positive
      correlation (r = .79, P < .001) between them was observed. CONCLUSIONS: LPm2 at
      Demirjian stage F showed greater eruption rates than at stages D or E, regardless
      of whether rates were measured from the ARL or the OPL. Faster eruption is
      expected for LPm2 at stage F. Evaluation of the LPm2's developmental stage using
      CBCT can aid in clinical decision making regarding the correct timing for
      intervention.

PMID- 27684191
TI  - Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Hecogenin in Experimental Animals: Possible
      Involvement of Inflammatory Cytokines and Myeloperoxidase.
AB  - Hecogenin is a steroidal sapogenin plays important role in treatment of variety
      of inflammatory diseases. We have investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of
      Hecogenin (50 ug/animal) (HG), Fluticasone (50 ug/animal) (FC) and
      Hecogenin+Fluticasone (HG+FC) combination (25 ug/animal, each) on various
      inflammatory models. The anti-inflammatory effect of HG, FC and HG+FC combination
      was studied on % inhibition of dry weight of granuloma tissue, Delta ear weight,
      myeloperoxidase assay, serum pro-inflammatory cytokines, colon weight to length
      ratio, macroscopic lesions, adhesion score, diarrhoea score and histopathological
      analysis of ear and colon tissue on Cotton pellets induced granuloma in rats,
      Croton oil induced ear edema in mice and TNBS induced granuloma in rats. Topical
      administration of HG and its combination with FC showed significant decrease
      (p<0.001) in the % inhibition of dry weight of granuloma tissue, Delta ear
      weight, myeloperoxidase level, serum pro-inflammatory cytokines levels, colon
      weigh to length ratio as compared with Cotton pellets treated with acetone groups
      and Croton oil treated animals. Further histopathological analysis of ear tissue
      showed significant decrease in dermal thickness and epidermal hyperplasia and
      colon tissue showed reduction of edema, infiltration of inflammatory cells and
      normalization of crypt structure compared to DC animals. Thus, the findings of
      present study suggest the possible role of HG in the treatment of inflammation by
      reducing the dose of FC in combination with HG.

PMID- 27684192
TI  - Co-inhibition of Notch and NF-kappaB Signaling Pathway Decreases Proliferation
      through Downregulating IkappaB-alpha and Hes-1 Expression in Human Ovarian Cancer
      OVCAR-3 Cells.
AB  - Background: Ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal gynecological malignancies
      and numerous changes in signaling cascades are involved in the initiation and
      progression of ovarian cancerous cells. Here, we investigated the role of NF
      kappaB and Notch pathways inhibition on human ovarian cancer OVCAR-3 cells
      proliferation and IkappaB-alpha and Hes-1 expression as 2 key genes in these
      pathways regulation. Methods: The effects of Bay 11-7085 and DAPT, NF-kappaB and
      Notch pathways specific inhibitors, on cell proliferation were evaluated using
      MTT assay. In addition, the cells were transfected by Notch and IKK-beta siRNAs.
      mRNA and protein levels of target genes were measured by quantitative reverse
      transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot after 48 h
      incubation with inhibitors and siRNAs. Results: Bay 11-7085 and DAPT
      significantly decreased the cell proliferation OVCAR-3. IkappaB-alpha and Hes-1
      mRNA levels decreased to 5 or 3% and 6% or 2% after treatment with Bay 11-7085 or
      DAPT, respectively (p<0.05). We also found that combination treatment exert a
      more potent effects on the expression of these gene (p<0.05). Moreover, siRNA
      transfection caused a significant reduction in IkappaB-alpha and Hes-1 mRNA
      levels (p<0.05). In the protein level, OVCAR-3 cell treatment with both chemichal
      inhibitors and specific siRNA cause a significant decrease in the expression of
      target genes (p<0.05) Conclusion: Our findings suggest that inhibition of NF
      kappaB and Notch signaling pathways can effectively reduce OVCAR-3 cells
      proliferation. Therefore, pharmacological targeting of the NF-kappaB and Notch
      signaling pathway could be a promising future treatment of ovarian cancer.

PMID- 27684193
TI  - EPA Method 1615. Measurement of Enterovirus and Norovirus Occurrence in Water by
      Culture and RT-qPCR. II. Total Culturable Virus Assay.
AB  - A standardized method is required when national studies on virus occurrence in
      environmental and drinking waters utilize multiple analytical laboratories. The
      U.S Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA) Method 1615 was developed with the
      goal of providing such a standard for measuring Enterovirus and Norovirus in
      these waters. Virus is concentrated from water using an electropositive filter,
      eluted from the filter surface with beef extract, and then concentrated further
      using organic flocculation. Herein we present the protocol from Method 1615 for
      filter elution, secondary concentration, and measurement of total culturable
      viruses. A portion of the concentrated eluate from each sample is inoculated onto
      ten replicate flasks of Buffalo Green Monkey kidney cells. The number of flasks
      demonstrating cytopathic effects is used to quantify the most probable number
      (MPN) of infectious units per liter. The method uses a number of quality controls
      to increase data quality and to reduce interlaboratory and intralaboratory
      variation. Laboratories must meet defined performance standards. Method 1615 was
      evaluated by examining virus recovery from reagent-grade and ground waters seeded
      with Sabin poliovirus type 3. Mean poliovirus recoveries with the total
      culturable assay were 111% in reagent grade water and 58% in groundwaters.

PMID- 27684195
TI  - Ring Expansion of Donor-Acceptor Cyclopropane via Substituent Controlled
      Selective N-Transfer of Oxaziridine: Synthetic and Mechanistic Insights.
AB  - A distinctive N-substituent controlled electrophilic N-transfer of oxaziridines
      with donor-acceptor cyclopropanes in the presence of MgI2 is reported. Contrary
      to earlier reports, the oxaziridine having bulkier N-substituents can also give N
      transferred product instead of the O-transferred one. Interestingly, the
      oxaziridines having alpha-H containing N-substituents lead to the pyrrolidine
      derivatives through [3 + 2] cycloaddition. A mechanistic reasoning for this
      divergent reactivity is depicted by density functional theory calculations and
      validated through energy decomposition analysis.

PMID- 27684194
TI  - Ferric Chloride-induced Murine Thrombosis Models.
AB  - Arterial thrombosis (blood clot) is a common complication of many systemic
      diseases associated with chronic inflammation, including atherosclerosis,
      diabetes, obesity, cancer and chronic autoimmune rheumatologic disorders. Thrombi
      are the cause of most heart attacks, strokes and extremity loss, making
      thrombosis an extremely important public health problem. Since these thrombi stem
      from inappropriate platelet activation and subsequent coagulation, targeting
      these systems therapeutically has important clinical significance for developing
      safer treatments. Due to the complexities of the hemostatic system, in vitro
      experiments cannot replicate the blood-to-vessel wall interactions; therefore, in
      vivo studies are critical to understand pathological mechanisms of thrombus
      formation. To this end, various thrombosis models have been developed in mice.
      Among them, ferric chloride (FeCl3) induced vascular injury is a widely used
      model of occlusive thrombosis that reports platelet activation and aggregation in
      the context of an aseptic closed vascular system. This model is based on redox
      induced endothelial cell injury, which is simple and sensitive to both
      anticoagulant and anti-platelets drugs. The time required for the development of
      a thrombus that occludes blood flow gives a quantitative measure of vascular
      injury, platelet activation and aggregation that is relevant to thrombotic
      diseases. We have significantly refined this FeCl3-induced vascular thrombosis
      model, which makes the data highly reproducible with minimal variation. Here we
      describe the model and present representative data from several experimental set
      ups that demonstrate the utility of this model in thrombosis research.

PMID- 27684196
TI  - Novel Production Protocol for Small-scale Manufacture of Probiotic Fermented
      Foods.
AB  - A novel dried bacterial consortium of Lactobacillus rhamnosus yoba 2012 and
      Streptococcus thermophilus C106 is cultured in 1 L of milk. This fresh starter
      can be used for the production of fermented milk and other fermented foods either
      at home or at small-scale in rural settings. For the fresh starter, 1 L of milk
      is pasteurized in a pan that fits into a larger pan containing water, placed on a
      source of heat. In this water bath, the milk is heated and incubated at 85 
      degrees C for 30 min. Thereafter, the milk is cooled down to 45  degrees C,
      transferred to a vacuum flask, inoculated with the dried bacteria and left for at
      least 16 hr between 30  degrees C and 45  degrees C. For the purpose of frequent
      home production, the fresh starter is frozen into ice cubes, which can be used
      for the production of small volumes of up to 2 L of fermented milk. For the
      purpose of small-scale production in resource-poor countries, pasteurization of
      up to 100 L of milk is conducted in milk cans that are placed in a large sauce
      pan filled with water and heated on a fire at 85  degrees C for 30 min, and
      subsequently cooled to 45  degrees C. Next, the 100 L batch is inoculated with
      the 1 L freshly prepared starter mentioned before. To assure an effective
      fermentation at a temperature between 30 and 45  degrees C, the milk can is
      covered with a blanket for 12 hr. For the production of non-dairy fermented
      foods, the fresh starter is left in a cheese cloth for 12 hr, and the drained-off
      whey can be subsequently used for the inoculation of a wide range of food raw
      materials, including vegetables and cereal-based foods.

PMID- 27684197
TI  - Improving the Intracellular Drug Concentration in Lung Cancer Treatment through
      the Codelivery of Doxorubicin and miR-519c Mediated by Porous PLGA Microparticle.
AB  - Porous PLGA microparticle for the coencapsulation of doxorubicin and miR-519c was
      successfully constructed through the water-oil-water emulsion solvent evaporation
      method, using ammonium bicarbonate as a porogen. It has been characterized with
      high porous surface, adaptive aerodynamic diameter (<10 MUm), favorable drug
      loading, and sustained release profile. The release supernatant exhibited a
      higher inhibition of cell proliferation than those from porous PLGA
      microparticles harboring a single component (doxorubicin or miR-519c),
      attributing to the enhanced induction of cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at
      S phase. Finally, the improved intracellular concentration of doxorubicin was
      elucidated by flow cytometry and liquid chromatography with tandem mass
      spectrometry, owing to the knockdown of drug transporter ABCG2 by miR-519c.
      Overall, the porous PLGA microparticle combining chemotherapy and gene therapy
      could facilitate the antitumor efficacy and reduce the side effects, and thus, it
      is potential to be used as a sustained release system for lung cancer treatment
      via pulmonary administration.

PMID- 27684199
TI  - The Penetrated Delivery of Drug and Energy to Tumors by Lipo-Graphene Nanosponges
      for Photolytic Therapy.
AB  - Delivery of drug and energy within responsive carriers that effectively target
      and accumulate in cancer cells promises to mitigate side effects and to enhance
      the uniquely therapeutic efficacy demanded for personalized medicine. To achieve
      this goal, however, these carriers, which are usually piled up at the periphery
      of tumors near the blood vessel, must simultaneously overcome the challenges
      associated with low tumor penetration and the transport of sufficient cargos to
      deep tumors to eradicate whole cancer cells. Here, we report a sponge-like carbon
      material on graphene nanosheet (graphene nanosponge)-supported lipid bilayers
      (lipo-GNS) that doubles as a photothermal agent and a high cargo payload platform
      and releases a burst of drug/energy (docetaxel (DTX) and gasified perfluorohexane
      (PFH)) and intense heat upon near-infrared irradiation. Ultrasmall lipo-GNS (40
      nm) modified with a tumor-targeting protein that penetrates tumor spheroids
      through transcytosis exhibited a 200-fold increase in accumulation relative to a
      270 nm variant of the lipo-GNS. Furthermore, a combination of therapeutic agents
      (DTX and PFH) delivered by lipo-GNS into tumors was gasified and released into
      tumor spheroids and successfully ruptured and suppressed xenograft tumors in 16
      days without distal harm when subjected to a single 10 min near-infrared laser
      treatment. Moreover, no tumor recurrence was observed over 60 days post
      treatment. This sophisticated lipo-GNS is an excellent delivery platform for
      penetrated, photoresponsive, and combined gasification/chemo-thermotherapy to
      facilitate tumor treatment and for use in other biological applications.

PMID- 27684200
TI  - Identification of the First Elementary Step in the Photocatalytic Reduction of
      Nitrobenzenethiols on a Metallic Surface.
AB  - Reduction of nitrobenzene is widely used for the assessment of the catalytic
      activities of nanoparticles, yet its mechanism is still largely unverified. Here,
      using the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), we have identified an
      intermediate of the first step in the photocatalytic reduction of
      nitrobenzenethiols (NBTs) on a metallic surface. The formation of the
      intermediate is identified by a fast red-shift of the NO2 symmetric-stretching
      peak of the SERS spectra of reacting NBTs, prior to the slow intensity decay. On
      the basis of the laser power dependences of the rates of spectral changes,
      electrochemical SERS, and quantum chemical calculations, we conclude that the
      intermediate is the anion radical of nitrobenzenethiol that is formed by the
      metal-to-molecule single-electron transfer reaction. The subsequent intensity
      decay of the peak, which is the rate-determining step of the whole reduction
      reaction, corresponds to another single-electron reduction of the anion radical
      into dihydroxyaminobenzenethiol or dianion of NBT.

PMID- 27684198
TI  - A Mimic of the Tumor Microenvironment: A Simple Method for Generating Enriched
      Cell Populations and Investigating Intercellular Communication.
AB  - Understanding the early heterotypic interactions between cancer cells and the
      surrounding non-cancerous stroma is important in elucidating the events leading
      to stromal activation and establishment of the tumor microenvironment (TME).
      Several in vitro and in vivo models of the TME have been developed; however, in
      general these models do not readily permit isolation of individual cell
      populations, under non-perturbing conditions, for further study. To circumvent
      this difficulty, we have employed an in vitro TME model using a cell growth
      substrate consisting of a permeable microporous membrane insert that permits
      simple generation of highly enriched cell populations grown intimately, yet
      separately, on either side of the insert's membrane for extended co-culture
      times. Through use of this model, we are capable of generating greatly enriched
      cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) populations from normal diploid human
      fibroblasts following co-culture (120 hr) with highly metastatic human breast
      carcinoma cells, without the use of fluorescent tagging and/or cell sorting.
      Additionally, by modulating the pore-size of the insert, we can control for the
      mode of intercellular communication (e.g., gap-junction communication, secreted
      factors) between the two heterotypic cell populations, which permits
      investigation of the mechanisms underlying the development of the TME, including
      the role of gap-junction permeability. This model serves as a valuable tool in
      enhancing our understanding of the initial events leading to cancer-stroma
      initiation, the early evolution of the TME, and the modulating effect of the
      stroma on the responses of cancer cells to therapeutic agents.

PMID- 27684201
TI  - Phage-Mediated Immuno-PCR for Ultrasensitive Detection of Cry1Ac Protein Based on
      Nanobody.
AB  - The widespread use of Cry proteins in transgenic plants for insect control has
      raised concerns about the environment and food safety in the public. An effective
      detection method for introduced Cry proteins is of significance for environmental
      risk assessment and product quality control. This paper describes a novel phage
      mediated immuno-PCR (iPCR) for the ultrasensitive determination of Cry proteins
      based on nanobodies. Three nanobodies against Cry1Ac protein were obtained from a
      naive phage displayed nanobody library without animal immunization process and
      were applied to the iPCR assay for Cry1Ac. The phage-mediated iPCR for Cry1Ac
      based on nanobodies showed a dynamic range of 0.001-100 ng/mL and a limit
      detection of 0.1 pg/mL. Specific measurement of this established method was
      performed by testing cross-reativity of other Cry1Ac analogues, and the result
      showed negligible cross-reactivity with other test Cry proteins (Cry1Ab, Cry1F,
      Cry3B). Furthermore, the phage-mediated iPCR based on nanobody should be easily
      applicable to the detection of many other Cry proteins.

PMID- 27684202
TI  - Curacin E from the Brittle Star Ophiocoma scolopendrina.
AB  - Bioassay-guided fractionation of the extract of the brittle star Ophiocoma
      scolopendrina afforded curacin E (1), a congener of curacin A (2). Curacin A (2)
      is an antimitotic agent of cyanobacterial origin. The structure of curacin E was
      studied by interpretation of NMR data and the ECD spectrum. Curacin E has an
      ethylcarbonyl terminus in its side chain and inhibits the proliferation of P388
      cells.

PMID- 27684203
TI  - How to Study Basement Membrane Stiffness as a Biophysical Trigger in Prostate
      Cancer and Other Age-related Pathologies or Metabolic Diseases.
AB  - Here we describe a protocol that can be used to study the biophysical
      microenvironment related to increased thickness and stiffness of the basement
      membrane (BM) during age-related pathologies and metabolic disorders (e.g.
      cancer, diabetes, microvascular disease, retinopathy, nephropathy and
      neuropathy). The premise of the model is non-enzymatic crosslinking of
      reconstituted BM (rBM) matrix by treatment with glycolaldehyde (GLA) to promote
      advanced glycation endproduct (AGE) generation via the Maillard reaction.
      Examples of laboratory techniques that can be used to confirm AGE generation, non
      enzymatic crosslinking and increased stiffness in GLA treated rBM are outlined.
      These include preparation of native rBM (treated with phosphate-buffered saline,
      PBS) and stiff rBM (treated with GLA) for determination of: its AGE content by
      photometric analysis and immunofluorescent microscopy, its non-enzymatic
      crosslinking by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS
      PAGE) as well as confocal microscopy, and its increased stiffness using
      rheometry. The procedure described here can be used to increase the rigidity
      (elastic moduli, E) of rBM up to 3.2-fold, consistent with measurements made in
      healthy versus diseased human prostate tissue. To recreate the biophysical
      microenvironment associated with the aging and diseased prostate gland three
      prostate cell types were introduced on to native rBM and stiff rBM: RWPE-1,
      prostate epithelial cells (PECs) derived from a normal prostate gland; BPH-1,
      PECs derived from a prostate gland affected by benign prostatic hyperplasia
      (BPH); and PC3, metastatic cells derived from a secondary bone tumor originating
      from prostate cancer. Multiple parameters can be measured, including the size,
      shape and invasive characteristics of the 3D glandular acini formed by RWPE-1 and
      BPH-1 on native versus stiff rBM, and average cell length, migratory velocity and
      persistence of cell movement of 3D spheroids formed by PC3 cells under the same
      conditions. Cell signaling pathways and the subcellular localization of proteins
      can also be assessed.

PMID- 27684205
TI  - Generation of a Humanized Mouse Liver Using Human Hepatic Stem Cells.
AB  - A novel animal model involving chimeric mice with humanized livers established
      via human hepatocyte transplantation has been developed. These mice, in which the
      liver has been repopulated with functional human hepatocytes, could serve as a
      useful tool for investigating human hepatic cell biology, drug metabolism, and
      other preclinical applications. One of the key factors required for successful
      transplantation of human hepatocytes into mice is the elimination of the
      endogenous hepatocytes to prevent competition with the human cells and provide a
      suitable space and microenvironment for promoting human donor cell expansion and
      differentiation. To date, two major liver injury mouse models utilizing
      fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase (Fah) and uroplasminogen activator (uPA) mice have
      been established. However, Fah mice are used mainly with mature hepatocytes and
      the application of the uPA model is limited by decreased breeding. To overcome
      these limitations, Alb-toxin receptor mediated cell knockout (TRECK)/SCID mice
      were used for in vivo differentiation of immature human hepatocytes and humanized
      liver generation. Human hepatic stem cells (HpSCs) successfully repopulated the
      livers of Alb-TRECK/SCID mice that had developed lethal fulminant hepatic failure
      following diphtheria toxin (DT) treatment. This model of a humanized liver in Alb
      TRECK/SCID mice will have functional applications in studies involving drug
      metabolism and drug-drug interactions and will promote other in vivo and in vitro
      studies.

PMID- 27684206
TI  - Antibacterial efficacy of silver nanoparticles synthesized employing Terminalia
      arjuna bark extract.
AB  - In the present investigation, we have explored simple, robust, inexpensive, and
      eco-friendly method for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using
      Terminalia arjuna bark extract (TA-AgNPs). Various parameters dictating the
      biosynthesis of TA-AgNPs such as time and temperature of reaction, concentration
      of AgNO3, and T. arjuna extract amount were investigated. Characterization of TA
      AgNPs was done via UV-vis spectroscopy along with FT-IR, XRD, SEM and dynamic
      light scattering. The antimicrobial activity of TA-AgNPs was investigated against
      Escherichia coli. Comparable zone of inhibition was exhibited by TA-AgNPs. This
      study suggests that TA-AgNPs possesses significant antibacterial properties.

PMID- 27684207
TI  - On the Occasion of an Important Anniversary.

PMID- 27684204
TI  - Community-wide outbreak of haemolytic uraemic syndrome associated with Shiga
      toxin 2-producing Escherichia coli O26:H11 in southern Italy, summer 2013.
AB  - In summer 2013, an excess of paediatric cases of haemolytic uraemic syndrome
      (HUS) in a southern region of Italy prompted the investigation of a community
      wide outbreak of Shiga toxin 2-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O26:H11
      infections. Case finding was based on testing patients with HUS or bloody
      diarrhoea for STEC infection by microbiological and serological methods. A case
      control study was conducted to identify the source of the outbreak. STEC O26
      infection was identified in 20 children (median age 17 months) with HUS, two of
      whom reported severe neurological sequelae. No cases in adults were detected.
      Molecular typing showed that two distinct STEC O26:H11 strains were involved. The
      case-control study showed an association between STEC O26 infection and
      consumption of dairy products from two local plants, but not with specific ready
      to-eat products. E.coli O26:H11 strains lacking the stx genes were isolated from
      bulk milk and curd samples, but their PFGE profiles did not match those of the
      outbreak isolates. This outbreak supports the view that infections with Stx2
      producing E. coli O26 in children have a high probability of progressing to HUS
      and represent an emerging public health problem in Europe. 

PMID- 27684209
TI  - The ability of an electrocardiogram to predict fatal and non-fatal cardiac events
      in asymptomatic middle-aged subjects.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The long-term prognostic value of a standard 12-lead
      electrocardiogram (ECG) for predicting cardiac events in apparently healthy
      middle-aged subjects is not well defined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 9511
      middle-aged subjects (mean age 43 +/- 8.2 years, 52% males) without a known
      cardiac disease and with a follow-up 40 years were included in the study. Fatal
      and non-fatal cardiac events were collected from the national registries. The
      predictive value of ECG was separately analyzed for 10 and 30 years. Major ECG
      abnormalities were classified according to the Minnesota code. RESULTS: Subjects
      with major ECG abnormalities (N = 1131) had an increased risk of cardiac death
      after 10-years (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.7; 95% confidence interval [95% CI],
      1.1-2.5, p = 0.009) and 30-years of follow-up (HR 1.3, 95% CI, 1.1-1.5, p <
      0.001). Model discrimination measured with the C-index showed only a minor
      improvement with the inclusion of ECG abnormalities: 0.851 versus 0.853 and 0.742
      versus 0.743 for 10- and 30-year follow-up, respectively. ECG did not predict non
      fatal cardiac events after 10-years or 30-years of follow-up. DISCUSSION: Major
      ECG abnormalities are associated with an increased risk of short and long-term
      cardiac mortality in middle-aged subjects. However, the improvement in
      discrimination between subjects with and without fatal cardiac events was
      marginal with abnormal ECG. KEY MESSAGES: Abnormalities observed on 12-lead
      electrocardiogram are shown to have prognostic significance for cardiac events in
      elderly subjects without known cardiac disease. Our results suggest that ECG
      abnormalities increase the risk of fatal cardiac events also in middle-aged
      healthy subjects.

PMID- 27684210
TI  - In vitro assessment of the roles of drug transporters in the disposition and drug
      drug interaction potential of olaparib.
AB  - 1. In vitro assessments were conducted to examine interactions between olaparib
      (a potent oral inhibitor of poly[ADP-ribose] polymerase) and drug transporters.
      2. Olaparib showed inhibition of the hepatic drug uptake transporters OATP1B1
      (IC50 values of 20.3 MUM and 27.1 MUM) and OCT1 (IC50 37.9 MUM), but limited
      inhibition of OATP1B3 (25% at 100 MUM); inhibition of the renal uptake
      transporters OCT2 (IC50 19.9 MUM) and OAT3 (IC50 18.4 MUM), but limited
      inhibition of OAT1 (13.5% at 100 MUM); inhibition of the renal efflux
      transporters MATE1 and MATE2K (IC50s 5.50 MUM and 47.1 MUM, respectively);
      inhibition of the efflux transporter MDR1 (IC50 76.0 MUM), but limited inhibition
      of BCRP (47% at 100 MUM) and no inhibition of MRP2. At clinically relevant
      exposures, olaparib has the potential to cause pharmacokinetic interactions via
      inhibition of OCT1, OCT2, OATP1B1, OAT3, MATE1 and MATE2K in the liver and
      kidney, as well as MDR1 in the liver and GI tract. Olaparib was found to be a
      substrate of MDR1 but not of several other transporters. 3. Our assessments
      indicate that olaparib is a substrate of MDR1 and may cause clinically meaningful
      inhibition of MDR1, OCT1, OCT2, OATP1B1, OAT3, MATE1 and MATE2K.

PMID- 27684211
TI  - Can probation officers identify remorse among male adolescent offenders?
AB  - Judgments about a youth's level of remorse are frequently used to make important
      decisions in the juvenile justice system that can have serious consequences to
      the person. Unfortunately, little is known about these ratings and what factors
      may influence them. In a sample of 325 1st-time youth offenders who were arrested
      for offenses of moderate severity, we tested whether probation officers' ratings
      of an adolescent's remorse soon after arrest were associated with the youth's
      self-report of showing a callous and unemotional interpersonal style, being
      arrested for a violent offense, and several demographic and background
      characteristics (e.g., age, race, socioeconomic status [SES], and intelligence).
      Our analyses indicated that both arrest for a violent offense and the
      adolescent's self-reported level of callous-unemotional (CU) traits were
      associated with probation officers' ratings of remorse. Further, youth age, SES,
      and intelligence neither were associated with these judgments nor moderated the
      association between CU traits and probation officers' ratings of remorse.
      However, youth race or ethnicity did moderate the association between CU traits
      and judgments of remorse, such that Latino youth who were high on CU traits
      showed a very low probability of being rated as remorseful. (PsycINFO Database
      Record

PMID- 27684212
TI  - Bactericidal, quorum quenching and anti-biofilm nanofactories: a new niche for
      nanotechnologists.
AB  - Despite several conventional potent antibacterial therapies, bacterial infections
      pose a significant threat to human health because they are emerging as the
      leading cause of death worldwide. Due to the development of antibiotic resistance
      in bacteria, there is a pressing demand to discover novel approaches for
      developing more effective therapies to treat multidrug-resistant bacterial
      strains and biofilm-associated infections. Therefore, attention has been
      especially devoted to a new and emerging branch of science "nanotechnology" to
      design non-conventional antimicrobial chemotherapies. A range of nanomaterials
      and nano-sized carriers for conventional antimicrobial agents have fully
      justified their potential to combat bacterial diseases by reducing cell
      viability, by attenuating quorum sensing, and by inhibiting/or eradicating
      biofilms. This communication summarizes emerging nano-antimicrobial therapies in
      treating bacterial infections, particularly using antibacterial, quorum
      quenching, and anti-biofilm nanomaterials as new approaches to tackle the current
      challenges in combating infectious diseases.

PMID- 27684213
TI  - It just feels weird!: a qualitative study of how children aged 10-18 years
      describe neuropathic pain.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to explore how children aged 10-18 years
      describe their neuropathic pain (NP). METHOD: This is a qualitative descriptive
      study using inductive content analysis. Semi-structured interviews were conducted
      with eight children, aged 10-18 years with varying diagnoses, who were
      experiencing NP. RESULTS: All children were able to describe their NP using a
      variety of strategies, including use of literal and figurative language. While
      some sensory descriptors commonly reported by adults were used, descriptions of
      NP pattern and impact were also integral to their narratives. Children were able
      to differentiate NP from nociceptive pain. Parents clarified and gave context to
      pain reports. CONCLUSIONS: NP is a complex experience necessitating consideration
      of the different ways that children describe their symptoms. Involvement of
      parents is invaluable to the process of taking a pain history with a child who is
      being screened for NP. Implications for Rehabilitation The findings of the study
      may inform the screening process for NP in children to facilitate earlier
      identification. Clinicians should consider the variety of ways that children may
      express their NP symptoms and the resulting impact. Clinicians should probe
      further when children report that symptoms are hard to describe or "weird".
      Presence of a parent during the child's pain assessment may assist with gathering
      a more complete picture.

PMID- 27684214
TI  - What has passed is prolog: new cellular and physiological roles of G6PD.
AB  - G6PD deficiency has been the most pervasive inherited disorder in the world since
      having been discovered. G6PD has an antioxidant role by functioning as a major
      nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) provider to reduce excessive
      oxidative stress. NADPH can produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive
      nitrogen species (RNS) mediated by NADPH oxidase (NOX) and nitric oxide synthase
      (NOS), respectively. Hence, G6PD also has a pro-oxidant role. Research in the
      past has focused on the enhanced susceptibility of G6PD-deficient cells or
      individuals to oxidative challenge. The cytoregulatory role of G6PD has largely
      been overlooked. By using a metabolomic approach, it is noted that upon oxidant
      challenge, G6PD-deficient cells will reprogram the GSH metabolism from
      regeneration to synthesis with exhaustive energy consumption. Recently, new
      cellular/physiologic roles of G6PD have been discovered. By using a proteomic
      approach, it has been found that G6PD plays a regulatory role in xenobiotic
      metabolism possibly via NOX and the redox-sensitive Nrf2-signaling pathway to
      modulate the expression of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes. Since G6PD is a key
      regulator responsible for intracellular redox homeostasis, G6PD deficiency can
      alter redox balance leading to many abnormal cellular effects such as the
      cellular inflammatory and immune response against viral infection. G6PD may play
      an important role in embryogenesis as G6PD-knockdown mouse cannot produce
      offspring and G6PD-deficient C. elegans with defective egg production and
      hatching. This array of findings indicates that the cellular and physiologic
      roles of G6PD, other than the classical role as an antioxidant enzyme, deserve
      further attention.

PMID- 27684215
TI  - Philosophical reflections on the mission of the European College of Sport
      Science: Challenges and opportunities.
AB  - The European College of Sport Science (ECSS) was established in part to promote
      the integrated study of sports and related phenomena from multi- and
      interdisciplinary perspectives. There are significant and enduring philosophical,
      epistemological and professional challenges and opportunities that arise from
      this integrationist perspective. In this article, we reflect upon the challenges
      that have arisen in the development of sport sciences in the attempt to realize
      the ECSS mission. We identify three paradigmatic approaches to sports science:
      (1) the mechanistic; (2) the hermeneutic and (3) the critical. We critically
      evaluate these paradigms and their potential within the broad framework of
      integrationist ambitions for sports science as a scientific field.

PMID- 27684217
TI  - ?
AB  - Virginia Bottomley and Stephen Dorrell switched roles last week. The job swap
      couldn't have been more timely, with the health department stuck in the now
      protracted pay dispute and the looming prospect of yet more discontent with GPs
      over 'out of hours' payments. A new face at the top of the department could
      certainly signal some movement on both fronts.

PMID- 27684218
TI  - ?
AB  - Anne Picking, chair of Unison's health sector, at the launch of her union's
      latest poster campaign.

PMID- 27684216
TI  - The role of older siblings in the sexual and reproductive health of Mexican
      origin young women in immigrant families.
AB  - In the USA, young people of Mexican-origin are more economically disadvantaged
      and experience higher birth rates than many other Latino groups. In this paper,
      we examine the influence of older siblings on the sexual and reproductive health
      of Mexican-origin immigrant women. Qualitative data were drawn from life history
      interviews with 21 first- and second-generation Mexican-origin women, aged 27-41
      years old, resident in the Metro Denver area. Data suggest that older siblings
      may protect younger sisters from risky sexual behaviours through older siblings'
      responsibility and care for younger siblings, close and supportive sibling
      relationships, older siblings' advice about both sexual health and academic
      success, and sibling modelling. These mechanisms appear particularly protective
      due to the social and economic hardships immigrant families often face.
      Implications include fostering healthy sibling relationships and involving older
      siblings more fully in the sexuality education of younger siblings.

PMID- 27684219
TI  - Appointment of Dorrell welcomed.
AB  - Nursing unions have welcomed the replacement of Virginia Bottomley by Stephen
      Dorrell as health secretary.

PMID- 27684220
TI  - RB posts set to face Nolan test.
AB  - New ways of appointing members of the nurses' pay Review Body are being
      considered by the government in a bid to ensure the system is as stringent as
      possible.

PMID- 27684222
TI  - RCN accuses Unison of smear campaign.
AB  - The RCN has accused some Unison stewards of attempting to smear the College in
      pay campaign leaflets which it has called 'a dossier of shame'.

PMID- 27684221
TI  - Hancock urges Dorrell to set deadline for no-offer trusts.
AB  - The Royal College of Nursing has written to new health secretary Stephen Dorrell
      urging him to set a final deadline of August 9 for the 41 trusts who have not yet
      made pay offers.

PMID- 27684223
TI  - Widespread criticism of league tables.
AB  - The government published its second set of hospital league tables last week amid
      wide criticism from nursing unions and opposition parties, who said they failed
      to take into account quality of care.

PMID- 27684224
TI  - Initiative on young people's health welcomed by unions.
AB  - The health of young people is the focus of a new government initiative launched
      last week by former health secretary Virginia Bottomley.

PMID- 27684225
TI  - Clinical supervision 'fundamental'.
AB  - Nurses need to convince managers that clinical supervision is fundamental to the
      future of nursing practice and nurses' personal development, chief nursing
      officer Yvonne Moores said last week.

PMID- 27684226
TI  - DoH approves launch of guidelines.
AB  - The health department has approved the launch of the first in a series of
      clinical guidelines for cost-effective practice.

PMID- 27684227
TI  - Major drive to help reduce hospital-acquired infections.
AB  - New research showing nearly one in ten of all inpatients in acute hospitals
      become infected after admission is set to lead to a major government drive aimed
      at reducing hospital- acquired infections.

PMID- 27684228
TI  - Protecting the nurse's right to whistleblow.
AB  - The UK Central Council has called on purchasers and providers to write into
      nurses' contracts the right to blow the whistle if they have concerns about care
      standards.

PMID- 27684229
TI  - RCN issues writs to pension firms.
AB  - The RCN has issued more than 20 writs against life assurance companies for mis
      selling personal pensions to nurses.

PMID- 27684231
TI  - The fight for our profession.
AB  - American nursing is facing its greatest threat ever as individual states attempt
      to implement healthcare changes following the collapse of President Bill
      Clinton's federal-wide health reforms, the American Nurses' Association's house
      of delegates heard last week.

PMID- 27684232
TI  - ?
AB  - Coretta Scott King (centre), widow of 1960s civil rights campaigner Martin Luther
      King, was a guest speaker at a special fund-raising dinner in support of a new
      campaign 'Nurses Challenge Violence'. Hillary Clinton sent a special message to
      the American Nurses' Foundation dinner saying she hoped the campaign would
      'resonate throughout the nation and encourage others to participate'. Also
      pictured are the ANA's president, Virginia Trotter Betts (right), and executive
      director, Geri Marullo.

PMID- 27684233
TI  - Division over degree-based nurse education.
AB  - The conference was divided on the issue of implementing degree-based nurse
      education, with many delegates stressing that funding and access to baccalaureate
      nursing degrees was limited.

PMID- 27684234
TI  - A 'single payer' mechanism for health funding is endorsed.
AB  - The concept of a 'single payer' mechanism for funding health care was given
      overwhelming endorsement by the ANA, with the rider that other funding schemes
      should not be ruled out.

PMID- 27684235
TI  - ENB to scrap student/teacher ratios.
AB  - Recent proposals made by the English National Board to stop recommending a ratio
      of staff to students in regulations for approving nursing and midwifery courses
      received harsh criticism from UKCC council last week.

PMID- 27684236
TI  - References to be put under review.
AB  - Character references are causing concern among student practitioners and
      principals of nurse and midwifery education institutions, Council heard last
      week.

PMID- 27684237
TI  - Employers get PREP requirements wrong.
AB  - Enrolled nurses are being wrongly informed by their employers that they have to
      convert to registered nurse status in order to meet the UKCC's post-registration
      education and practice (PREP) requirements, the Council heard last week.

PMID- 27684238
TI  - Practice-based general nurse 'not in interests of public safety', says Council.
AB  - A generalist practice nurse cannot perform the combined roles of a health
      visitor, district nurse and community psychiatric nurse, UKCC member Alison
      Norman claimed at the meeting last week.

PMID- 27684239
TI  - Resistance to paying for travel vaccines.
AB  - Many patients would forgo travel vaccination if they had to pay more than a
      standard prescription charge for it, according to recently published research.

PMID- 27684240
TI  - Women get raw deal in angina investigation.
AB  - Women get raw deal in angina investigation Women with treated angina are half as
      likely as men to be referred for hospital investigation, although the severity of
      their angina is similar.

PMID- 27684241
TI  - HPV testing improves cervical screening.
AB  - Testing for human papilloma virus (HPV) might be a useful adjunct to routine
      cervical cytology in young women, according to new research.

PMID- 27684242
TI  - Suspect laundry in infection outbreaks.
AB  - Infection control teams should take laundering services very seriously in
      outbreaks that seem to have no obvious cause.

PMID- 27684243
TI  - Auxiliaries have a very valuable role.
AB  - With reference to the article 'Qualified nurses under threat from NVQs?'
      (Viewpoint June 21), I would point out that a nursing home is, after all, a home
      for clients who need a service. If this service is, in the main, provided by just
      one person, who may eventually become a friend and confidant, then surely this is
      less confusing to an elderly person.

PMID- 27684244
TI  - Keep supervision issues separate.
AB  - Your recent coverage on clinical supervision 'Introducing clinical supervision: a
      guide' (Clinical, June 28) has provided a good insight into the difficulties of
      introducing it to our work settings. It is this implementation which has been a
      real concern to mental health groups in the Royal College of Nursing.

PMID- 27684245
TI  - Not everyone shuns P2000 students.
AB  - I was saddened to read of Neil Starkie's experience of negative attitudes towards
      Project 2000 students (Viewpoint June 28), but would like to reassure him that
      not all 'traditionally trained' nurses view them its incompetent.

PMID- 27684246
TI  - Who is really in cloud cuckoo land?
AB  - I am writing in reply to Lis Hughes' letter 'Wake up! You're living in cloud
      cuckoo land' (Viewpoint June 28).

PMID- 27684248
TI  - Information exchange.
AB  - I am a third year student nurse writing my final summative essay entitled
      'Improving the role of the nurse in the nutritional support of hospitalised
      patients aged 18 + '. I would appreciate any notes concerning the history of the
      nutrition nurse specialist.

PMID- 27684247
TI  - No need to feel threatened by NVQs.
AB  - Qualified nurses should not feel threatened by NVQs in care. Carol Dimon
      (Viewpoint June 21) rightly states that qualified nurses are trained to national
      standards. Well so are NVQ candidates. They have a Care qualification.

PMID- 27684249
TI  - Is quality being sold out to economy?
AB  - I am becoming increasingly worried about trends in the award of contracts for
      nursing education courses.

PMID- 27684250
TI  - Readers panel - Should wards be single sex?
AB  - Our experts consider a hot topic of the day.

PMID- 27684252
TI  - New this month.

PMID- 27684251
TI  - The spirit of care David Stoter M Mosby L9.95 168pp 0-723-41955-8 0723419558
      [Formula: see text].
AB  - What constitutes spiritual care? This question has been the subject of much
      discussion in recent years. While it is generally accepted that meaningful care
      has to cater for the whole person, there is great confusion over what constitutes
      spiritual care.

PMID- 27684254
TI  - New this month.

PMID- 27684253
TI  - Health and Culture:beyond the Western Paradigm Health and Culture:beyond the
      Western Paradigm O Collins Airhihenbuwa SAGE 152pp L15.50 0-8039-7157-5
      0803971575 [Formula: see text].
AB  - No doubt there is an increasing need for nursing texts which explain how health
      and illness are viewed from non-Western viewpoints. Anyone who has experienced
      severe illness in a vastly foreign culture will know how alarmingly
      disorientating it can be.

PMID- 27684255
TI  - Social caring The Individual in Society Bob Hallawell and Richard Brittle Scutari
      Press 227pp L14.99 1-871364-99-X 187136499X [Formula: see text].
AB  - So now we are all holistic practitioners, and never again will anybody be
      referred to as 'the kidney in bed seven'. Everyone slips up sometimes, however,
      and this book aims to help establish a sociological grounding among P2000 common
      foundation students in the wider aspects of health care.

PMID- 27684256
TI  - Life Changes: Conversations, Stories and Poems Life Changes: Conversations,
      Stories and Poems Action Factory Community Arts L3 93pp 1-899-30010-4 1899300104.
AB  - You could read this book easily inside 35 minutes, if you were a compulsive
      devourer of people's anecdotes. Life Changes is a fascinating collection of life
      events and memories, based on interviews with more than 2,000 residents in
      CrestaCare homes in England, the Isle of Man and Northern Ireland.

PMID- 27684257
TI  - Ethical foundations of health care Jane Singleton Ethical foundations of health
      care Susan McLaren Mushy 202pp L9-95 0-7234-1873-X 072341873X.
AB  - If you ever considered ethics a dry subject, then this book should help change
      your mind. The authors, Jane Singleton in particular, speak to readers from the
      page. In simple language, Singleton explains complex concepts, poses questions
      and used real-life examples to illustrate arguments.

PMID- 27684258
TI  - Acute medical illness in old age Alan Sinclair Acute medical illness in old age
      Ken Woodhouse Editors Chapman & Hall 281pp L45 (h/b) 0-412-56920-5 0412569205
      [Formula: see text].
AB  - The content of Acute Medical Illness in Old Age is not aimed specifically at
      those specialising in the care of elderly people. Other areas in which elderly
      people are encountered are covered and problems which need to be considered by
      physicians working in these areas arc described.

PMID- 27684259
TI  - Research appreciation: an initial guide for nurses and health care professionals
      Paula McGee Research appreciation: an initial guide for nurses and health care
      professionals Joy Notter Qnay Books 149pp L11 -95 1-85642-026-4 1856420264.
AB  - When writing an introductory book on any subject, a balance has to be struck
      between simplicity and complexity. This text moves uncomfortably between the two.

PMID- 27684260
TI  - New this month.

PMID- 27684261
TI  - Understanding nursing research Nancy burns and Susan grove WB Saunders
      Understanding nursing research nancy burns and susan grove 585pp L20 0-7216-4436
      8 0721644368 [Formula: see text].
AB  - This is an excellent resource book on nursing research and readers should not be
      deterred by the fact that it is written by two American professors. It is packed
      with interesting and informative discussion on all aspects of research.

PMID- 27684262
TI  - Survey doubts.
AB  - Do patient satisfaction surveys really tell the whole story? In the light of
      doubts about the validity of conventional survey methods, Nottingham University
      has launched a new Nursing Policy Studies publication outlining a less
      structured, more interview-based approach to patients' views about outpatient
      services.

PMID- 27684264
TI  - Cardiology ROM.
AB  - I Healthcare students can now learn about cardiology using the latest CD-Rom
      teaching technology.

PMID- 27684263
TI  - HRT conspiracy?
AB  - Is hormone replacement therapy a conspiracy? Author Sandra Coney claims in her
      book The Menopause Industry that menopausal women are being targeted by drugs
      companies and the medical profession to create a new growth industry.

PMID- 27684266
TI  - New this month.

PMID- 27684265
TI  - Assessing patients.
AB  - A new American video on assessing patients 'head-to- toe' has been launched by
      the Springhouse Corporation.

PMID- 27684267
TI  - Galling video.
AB  - Patients can get a televised preview of their own gallbladder operations, thanks
      to a new video, narrated by Tomorrow's World presenter, Judith Hann.

PMID- 27684268
TI  - Age Concern update.
AB  - Age Concern has released updated second editions of two books explaining the
      impact of HIV and AIDS on older people. A Crisis of Silence - HIV, AIDS and Older
      People sets out comprehensive recommendations for caring professionals working
      with older people. The latest edition, priced L5, contains new facts and figures
      on the numbers of older people affected by HIV and AIDS.

PMID- 27684269
TI  - Listings.
AB  - As there is such a huge demand for the publication of free listings, readers may
      wish to take advantage of a new service being launched by Nursing Standard. For
      further details please see the coupon on page 69 or contact Veronica Brown,
      telephone 0181 423 1066.

PMID- 27684270
TI  - The expanding role of the bile acid receptor farnesoid X in the intestine and its
      potential clinical implications.
AB  - Knowledge about the role of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) in the intestine is
      rapidly expanding. In pre-clinical animal models of inflammatory bowel disease
      and bile duct ligation, FXR activation has proven to directly target the three
      pillars of intestinal homeostasis: intestinal permeability, inflammation and
      bacterial translocation. The protective role of FXR-ligands on this homeostasis
      has implications for many intestinal pathologies like inflammatory bowel disease,
      ischemia reperfusion injury, the metabolic syndrome, colon cancer and even
      diarrhea. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms by which FXR-activation
      exerts these protective effects and we discuss its potential clinical
      applications.

PMID- 27684272
TI  - Varicella prevention - a lifelong and challenging affair.

PMID- 27684271
TI  - Facial reanimation using hypoglossal-facial nerve anastomosis after schwannoma
      removal.
AB  - CONCLUSION: In this series, the split type hypoglossal-facial nerve anastomosis
      resulted in more favorable outcomes in terms of both facial function and tongue
      atrophy. OBJECTIVE: This study compared surgical techniques for hypoglossal
      facial nerve anastomosis after schwannoma removal and evaluated which technique
      achieves better facial outcomes and less tongue morbidity. METHOD: This study
      included 14 patients who underwent hypoglossal-facial nerve anastomosis after
      schwannoma removal and were followed for more than 1 year. Three surgical
      techniques were performed: end-to-end, end-to-side, and split anastomoses. Facial
      palsy and tongue atrophy after anastomosis were evaluated using the scales
      suggested by House-Brackmann and Martins, respectively. Tumor volume and the time
      to surgery were also evaluated, and the effects on facial outcomes were analyzed.
      RESULTS: Overall, nine of 14 (64.3%) patients had favorable facial outcomes, and
      eight of 14 (57.1%) had favorable tongue outcomes. Regarding facial palsy, five
      of seven (71.4%) end-to-end, three of four (75%) split, and only one of three
      (33.3%) end-to-side patients had favorable facial function. Regarding tongue
      atrophy, all three (100%) end-to-side, three of four (75%) split, and two of
      seven (28.6%) end-to-end patients had favorable tongue outcomes. The effects of
      tumor volume and time to surgery on facial outcome were not significant.

PMID- 27684273
TI  - Efficient Sporulation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in a 96 Multiwell Format.
AB  - During times of nutritional stress, Saccharomyces cerevisiae undergoes
      gametogenesis, known as sporulation. Diploid yeast cells that are starved for
      nitrogen and carbon will initiate the sporulation process. The process of
      sporulation includes meiosis followed by spore formation, where the haploid
      nuclei are packaged into environmentally resistant spores. We have developed
      methods for the efficient sporulation of budding yeast in 96 multiwell plates, to
      increase the throughput of screening yeast cells for sporulation phenotypes.
      These methods are compatible with screening with yeast containing plasmids
      requiring nutritional selection, when appropriate minimal media is used, or with
      screening yeast with genomic alterations, when a rich presporulation regimen is
      used. We find that for this method, aeration during sporulation is critical for
      spore formation, and have devised techniques to ensure sufficient aeration that
      are compatible with the 96 multiwell plate format. Although these methods do not
      achieve the typical ~80% level of sporulation that can be achieved in large
      volume flask based experiments, these methods will reliably achieve about 50-60%
      level of sporulation in small-volume multiwell plates.

PMID- 27684274
TI  - Utility of Macrophage-activated Marker CD163 for Diagnosis and Prognosis in
      Pulmonary Tuberculosis.
AB  - RATIONALE: Among infectious diseases, tuberculosis (TB) is a leading cause of
      death worldwide. Accumulated knowledge has revealed that macrophages are deeply
      involved in the progression and pathogenesis of TB. We hypothesized that the
      evaluation of a macrophage activation marker may be useful in the diagnosis and
      assessment of pulmonary TB. OBJECTIVES: To examine the utility of the macrophage
      activation marker soluble CD163 (sCD163) as a diagnostic tool and measure of
      disease severity for pulmonary TB and tuberculous pleurisy. METHODS: We compared
      the concentration of sCD163 in serum samples of 180 patients with active
      pulmonary TB with concentrations in serum samples of 45 age- and sex-matched
      control subjects. We also measured sCD163 in pleural fluid samples of 100
      patients with pleural disease, including 31 patients with tuberculous pleurisy.
      MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: We found increased serum concentrations of sCD163
      in patients with active pulmonary TB compared with those of control subjects
      (1,643 +/- 1,737 ng/ml vs. 533.9 +/- 49.3 ng/ml; P < 0.0001). sCD163 levels were
      also higher in pleural fluid samples of patients with pulmonary TB than in those
      of patients with non-TB pleurisy (5,239 +/- 2,436 ng/ml vs. 2,877 +/- 1,191
      ng/ml; P < 0.0001). The levels of sCD163 in pleural effusions were significantly
      higher than serum levels obtained simultaneously from the same patients,
      particularly for patients with tuberculous pleurisy. Patients with a serum level
      of sCD163 above 1,300 ng/ml, had a mortality rate that was five times higher than
      that of patients with a lower sCD163 level (44.6% vs. 6.6%; P < 0.0001 by log
      rank test). Microscopic examination of lung and pleural tissue samples showed
      concordance of enhanced CD163 expression with the presence of caseating
      granulomas in tissue obtained from patients with TB. CONCLUSIONS: The macrophage
      activation marker CD163 was increased in patients with active pulmonary TB
      compared with age- and sex-matched control subjects. Increased levels of sCD163
      were associated with increased mortality in patients with pulmonary TB. sCD163
      also showed promise as a diagnostic tool for tuberculous pleurisy. These results
      warrant further study of sCD163 as a potentially useful biomarker for the
      diagnosis and assessment of pulmonary TB. Clinical trial registered with
      www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index-j.htm (UMIN000003400).

PMID- 27684275
TI  - Evaluation of the Efficacy And Toxicity of RNAs Targeting HIV-1 Production for
      Use in Gene or Drug Therapy.
AB  - Small RNA therapies targeting post-integration steps in the HIV-1 replication
      cycle are among the top candidates for gene therapy and have the potential to be
      used as drug therapies for HIV-1 infection. Post-integration inhibitors include
      ribozymes, short hairpin (sh) RNAs, small interfering (si) RNAs, U1 interference
      (U1i) RNAs and RNA aptamers. Many of these have been identified using transient
      co-transfection assays with an HIV-1 expression plasmid and some have advanced to
      clinical trials. In addition to measures of efficacy, small RNAs have been
      evaluated for their potential to affect the expression of human RNAs, alter cell
      growth and/or differentiation, and elicit innate immune responses. In the
      protocols described here, a set of transient transfection assays designed to
      evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of RNA molecules targeting post-integration
      steps in the HIV-1 replication cycle are described. We have used these assays to
      identify new ribozymes and optimize the format of shRNAs and siRNAs targeting HIV
      1 RNA. The methods provide a quick set of assays that are useful for screening
      new anti-HIV-1 RNAs and could be adapted to screen other post-integration
      inhibitors of HIV-1 replication.

PMID- 27684277
TI  - Psychosocial interventions for psychostimulant misuse.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Psychostimulant misuse is a continuously growing medical and social
      burden. There is no evidence proving the efficacy of pharmacotherapy.
      Psychosocial interventions could be a valid approach to help patients in reducing
      or ceasing drug consumption. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of psychosocial
      interventions for psychostimulant misuse in adults. SEARCH METHODS: We searched
      the Cochrane Drugs and Alcohol Group Specialised Register (via CRSLive); Cochrane
      Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); MEDLINE; EMBASE; CINAHL; Web of
      Science and PsycINFO, from inception to November 2015. We also searched for
      ongoing and unpublished studies via ClinicalTrials.gov (www.clinicaltrials.gov)
      and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry
      Platform (ICTRP) (apps.who.int/trialsearch/).All searches included non-English
      language literature. We handsearched references of topic-related systematic
      reviews and the included studies. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised
      controlled trials comparing any psychosocial intervention with no intervention,
      treatment as usual (TAU) or a different intervention in adults with
      psychostimulant misuse or dependence. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used the
      standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. MAIN RESULTS: We
      included a total of 52 trials (6923 participants).The psychosocial interventions
      considered in the studies were: cognitive behavioural therapy (19 studies),
      contingency management (25 studies), motivational interviewing (5 studies),
      interpersonal therapy (3 studies), psychodynamic therapy (1 study), 12-step
      facilitation (4 studies).We judged most of the studies to be at unclear risk of
      selection bias; blinding of personnel and participants was not possible for the
      type of intervention, so all the studies were at high risk of performance bias
      with regard to subjective outcomes; the majority of studies did not specify
      whether the outcome assessors were blind. We did not consider it likely that the
      objective outcomes were influenced by lack of blinding.The comparisons made were:
      any psychosocial intervention versus no intervention (32 studies), any
      psychosocial intervention versus TAU (6 studies), and one psychosocial
      intervention versus an alternative psychosocial intervention (13 studies). Five
      of included studies did not provide any useful data for inclusion in statistical
      synthesis.We found that, when compared to no intervention, any psychosocial
      treatment: reduced the dropout rate (risk ratio (RR): 0.83, 95% confidence
      interval (CI) 0.76 to -0.91, 24 studies, 3393 participants, moderate quality
      evidence); increased continuous abstinence at the end of treatment (RR: 2.14, 95%
      CI 1.27 to -3.59, 8 studies, 1241 participants, low quality evidence); did not
      significantly increase continuous abstinence at the longest follow-up (RR: 2.12,
      95% CI 0.77 to -5.86, 4 studies, 324 participants, low quality evidence);
      significantly increased the longest period of abstinence: (standardised mean
      difference (SMD): 0.48, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.63, 10 studies, 1354 participants, high
      quality evidence). However, it should be noted that the in the vast majority of
      the studies in this comparison the specific psychosocial treatment assessed in
      the experimental arm was given in add on to treatment as usual or to another
      specific psychosocial or pharmacological treatment which was received by both
      groups. So, many of the control groups in this comparison were not really
      untreated. Receiving some amount of treatment is not the same as not receiving
      any intervention, so we could argue that the overall effect of the experimental
      psychosocial treatment could be smaller if given in add on to TAU or to another
      intervention than if given to participants not receiving any intervention; this
      could translate to a smaller magnitude of the effect of the psychosocial
      intervention when it is given in add on.When compared to TAU, any psychosocial
      treatment reduced dropout rate (RR: 0.72, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.89, 6 studies, 516
      participants, moderate quality evidence), did not increase continuous abstinence
      at the end of treatment (RR: 1.27, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.72, 2 studies, 224
      participants, low quality evidence), did not increase longest period of
      abstinence (MD -3.15 days, 95% CI -10.35 to 4.05, 1 study, 110 participants, low
      quality evidence). No studies in this comparison assessed the outcome of
      continuous abstinence at longest follow-up.There were few studies comparing two
      or more psychosocial interventions, with small sample sizes and considerable
      heterogeneity in terms of the types of interventions assessed. None reported
      significant results.None of the studies reported harms related to psychosocial
      interventions. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The addition of any psychosocial treatment
      to treatment as usual (usually characterised by group counselling or case
      management) probably reduces the dropout rate and increases the longest period of
      abstinence. It may increase the number of people achieving continuous abstinence
      at the end of treatment, although this might not be maintained at longest follow
      up. The most studied and the most promising psychosocial approach to be added to
      treatment as usual is probably contingency management. However, the other
      approaches were only analysed in a few small studies, so we cannot rule out the
      possibility that the results were not significant because of imprecision. When
      compared to TAU, any psychosocial treatment may improve adherence, but it may not
      improve abstinence at the end of treatment or the longest period of
      abstinence.The majority of the studies took place in the United States, and this
      could limit the generalisability of the findings, because the effects of
      psychosocial treatments could be strongly influenced by the social context and
      ethnicity. The results of our review do not answer the most relevant clinical
      question, demonstrating which is the most effective type of psychosocial
      approach.Further studies should directly compare contingency management with the
      other psychosocial approaches.

PMID- 27684276
TI  - Next Generation Sequencing for the Detection of Actionable Mutations in Solid and
      Liquid Tumors.
AB  - As our understanding of the driver mutations necessary for initiation and
      progression of cancers improves, we gain critical information on how specific
      molecular profiles of a tumor may predict responsiveness to therapeutic agents or
      provide knowledge about prognosis. At our institution a tumor genotyping program
      was established as part of routine clinical care, screening both hematologic and
      solid tumors for a wide spectrum of mutations using two next-generation
      sequencing (NGS) panels: a custom, 33 gene hematological malignancies panel for
      use with peripheral blood and bone marrow, and a commercially produced solid
      tumor panel for use with formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue that targets 47
      genes commonly mutated in cancer. Our workflow includes a pathologist review of
      the biopsy to ensure there is adequate amount of tumor for the assay followed by
      customized DNA extraction is performed on the specimen. Quality control of the
      specimen includes steps for quantity, quality and integrity and only after the
      extracted DNA passes these metrics an amplicon library is generated and
      sequenced. The resulting data is analyzed through an in-house bioinformatics
      pipeline and the variants are reviewed and interpreted for pathogenicity. Here we
      provide a snapshot of the utility of each panel using two clinical cases to
      provide insight into how a well-designed NGS workflow can contribute to
      optimizing clinical outcomes.

PMID- 27684278
TI  - Measurements and Predictions of Binary Component Aerosol Particle Viscosity.
AB  - Organic aerosol particles are known to often absorb/desorb water continuously
      with change in gas phase relative humidity (RH) without crystallization. Indeed,
      the prevalence of metastable ultraviscous liquid or amorphous phases in aerosol
      is well-established with solutes often far exceeding bulk phase solubility
      limits. Particles are expected to become increasingly viscous with drying, a
      consequence of the plasticizing effect of water. We report here measurements of
      the variation in aerosol particle viscosity with RH (equal to condensed phase
      water activity) for a range of organic solutes including alcohols (diols to
      hexols), saccharides (mono-, di-, and tri-), and carboxylic acids (di-, tri-, and
      mixtures). Particle viscosities are measured over a wide range (10-3 to 1010 Pa
      s) using aerosol optical tweezers, inferring the viscosity from the time scale
      for a composite particle to relax to a perfect sphere following the coalescence
      of two particles. Aerosol measurements compare well with bulk phase studies (well
      within an order of magnitude deviation at worst) over ranges of water activity
      accessible to both. Predictions of pure component viscosity from group
      contribution approaches combined with either nonideal or ideal mixing reproduce
      the RH-dependent trends particularly well for the alcohol, di-, and tricarboxylic
      acid systems extending up to viscosities of 104 Pa s. By contrast, predictions
      overestimate the viscosity by many orders of magnitude for the mono-, di-, and
      trisaccharide systems, components for which the pure component subcooled melt
      viscosities are ?1012 Pa s. When combined with a typical scheme for simulating
      the oxidation of alpha-pinene, a typical atmospheric pathway to secondary organic
      aerosol (SOA), these predictive tools suggest that the pure component viscosities
      are less than 106 Pa s for ~97% of the 50,000 chemical products included in the
      scheme. These component viscosities are consistent with the conclusion that the
      viscosity of alpha-pinene SOA is most likely in the range 105 to 108 Pa s.
      Potential improvements to the group contribution predictive tools for pure
      component viscosities are considered.

PMID- 27684279
TI  - Iridium-Catalyzed Asymmetric Addition of Thiophenols to Oxabenzonorbornadienes.
AB  - A highly efficient asymmetric ring addition reaction of oxabenzonorbornadienes
      with thiophenols using an iridium/(S)-xyl-binap catalyst is developed. This
      catalyst system overcomes catalyst poisoning and background reactions and allows
      the formation of exclusive thiol addition products in high yields (up to 97%
      yield) with excellent enantioselectivities (up to 98% ee). Particularly
      noteworthy is that no competitive ring-opened side products are observed. X-ray
      crystal structure analysis confirmed the adduct is solely in the exo
      configuration.

PMID- 27684280
TI  - Genetic Engineering of an Unconventional Yeast for Renewable Biofuel and
      Biochemical Production.
AB  - Yarrowia lipolytica is a non-pathogenic, dimorphic and strictly aerobic yeast
      species. Owing to its distinctive physiological features and metabolic
      characteristics, this unconventional yeast is not only a good model for the study
      of the fundamental nature of fungal differentiation but is also a promising
      microbial platform for biochemical production and various biotechnological
      applications, which require extensive genetic manipulations. However, genetic
      manipulations of Y. lipolytica have been limited due to the lack of an efficient
      and stable genetic transformation system as well as very high rates of non
      homologous recombination that can be mainly attributed to the KU70 gene. Here, we
      report an easy and rapid protocol for the efficient genetic transformation and
      for gene deletion in Y. lipolytica Po1g. First, a protocol for the efficient
      transformation of exogenous DNA into Y. lipolytica Po1g was established. Second,
      to achieve the enhanced double-crossover homologous recombination rate for
      further deletion of target genes, the KU70 gene was deleted by transforming a
      disruption cassette carrying 1 kb homology arms. Third, to demonstrate the
      enhanced gene deletion efficiency after deletion of the KU70 gene, we
      individually deleted 11 target genes encoding alcohol dehydrogenase and alcohol
      oxidase using the same procedures on the KU70 knockout platform strain. It was
      observed that the rate of precise homologous recombination increased
      substantially from less than 0.5% for deletion of the KU70 gene in Po1g to 33%
      71% for the single gene deletion of the 11 target genes in Po1g KU70Delta. A
      replicative plasmid carrying the hygromycin B resistance marker and the Cre/LoxP
      system was constructed, and the selection marker gene in the yeast knockout
      strains was eventually removed by expression of Cre recombinase to facilitate
      multiple rounds of targeted genetic manipulations. The resulting single-gene
      deletion mutants have potential applications in biofuel and biochemical
      production.

PMID- 27684282
TI  - Omnidirectionally Stretchable and Transparent Graphene Electrodes.
AB  - Stretchable and transparent electrodes have been developed for applications in
      flexible and wearable electronics. For customer-oriented practical applications,
      the electrical and optical properties of stretchable electrodes should be
      independent of the directions of the applied stress, and such electrodes are
      called omnidirectionally stretchable electrodes. Herein, we report a simple and
      cost-effective approach for the fabrication of omnidirectionally stretchable and
      transparent graphene electrodes with mechanical durability and performance
      reliability. The use of a Fresnel lens-patterned electrode allows multilayered
      graphene sheets to achieve a concentric circular wavy structure, which is capable
      of sustaining tensile strains in all directions. The as-prepared electrodes
      exhibit high optical transparency, low sheet resistance, and reliable electrical
      performances under various deformation (e.g., bending, stretching, folding, and
      buckling) conditions. Furthermore, computer simulations have also been carried
      out to investigate the response of a Fresnel lens-patterned structure on the
      application of mechanical stresses. This study can be significant in a large
      variety of potential applications, ranging from stretchable devices to electronic
      components in various wearable integrated systems.

PMID- 27684281
TI  - Murine Flexor Tendon Injury and Repair Surgery.
AB  - Tendon connects skeletal muscle and bone, facilitating movement of nearly the
      entire body. In the hand, flexor tendons (FTs) enable flexion of the fingers and
      general hand function. Injuries to the FTs are common, and satisfactory healing
      is often impaired due to excess scar tissue and adhesions between the tendon and
      surrounding tissue. However, little is known about the molecular and cellular
      components of FT repair. To that end, a murine model of FT repair that
      recapitulates many aspects of healing in humans, including impaired range of
      motion and decreased mechanical properties, has been developed and previously
      described. Here an in-depth demonstration of this surgical procedure is provided,
      involving transection and subsequent repair of the flexor digitorum longus (FDL)
      tendon in the murine hind paw. This technique can be used to conduct lineage
      analysis of different cell types, assess the effects of gene gain or loss-of
      function, and to test the efficacy of pharmacological interventions in the
      healing process. However, there are two primary limitations to this model: i) the
      FDL tendon in the mid-portion of the murine hind paw, where the transection and
      repair occur, is not surrounded by a synovial sheath. Therefore this model does
      not account for the potential contribution of the sheath to the scar formation
      process. ii) To protect the integrity of the repair site, the FT is released at
      the myotendinous junction, decreasing the mechanical forces of the tendon, likely
      contributing to increased scar formation. Isolation of sufficient cells from the
      granulation tissue of the FT during the healing process for flow cytometric
      analysis has proved challenging; cytology centrifugation to concentrate these
      cells is an alternate method used, and allows for generation of cell preparations
      on which immunofluorescent labeling can be performed. With this method,
      quantification of cells or proteins of interest during FT healing becomes
      possible.

PMID- 27684283
TI  - Solvatochromic Probes Displaying Unprecedented Organic Liquids Discriminating
      Characteristics.
AB  - Four highly fluorescent derivatives of bis(phenyl-ethynyl-)-2-naphthyl (BPEN)
      with push-pull structures were designed and synthesized, of which azetidine was
      adopted as an electron-donating unit. For the electron withdrawing moiety, it
      varies from hydrogen, to formyl, then to the 2-ethoxyethyl derivative of
      dicyanovinyl, and finally to dicyanovinyl itself, and the corresponding
      fluorophores are denoted as A1, A2, A3, and A4, respectively. To enhance the
      solubility of the compounds, two n-hexadecyl residues were grafted onto the side
      positions of BPEN. Interestingly, introduction of azetidine not only improves the
      fluorescence quantum yield and enlarges the Stoke's shift of the parent compound
      but also endows them, in particular A2 and A4, exceptional capability to
      distinguish structurally relevant organic liquids, such as ethylbenzene and its
      isomers (o-xylenes, m-xylenes, and p-xylenes), monoalkyl-substituted benzene
      derivatives, gasolines of different grades, and other organic liquids.
      Theoretical calculation and Lippert-Mataga equation-based tests revealed the
      intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) nature of the solvatochromic properties of
      the compounds. Further quantitative analysis of the data obtained from studies of
      the probes/n-hexane-dioxane systems revealed the big differences in the dipole
      moments between the excited and ground states of A1, A2, A3, and A4, which are
      about 23, 29, 43, and 38 D, respectively. Moreover, the four novel fluorophores
      possess exceptional photochemical stability as demonstrated by the fact that more
      than 2 h of UV light illumination did not result in detectable reduction in the
      fluorescence emission of the fluorophores. It is the long wavelength absorption
      (>380, ~400, >410, and >430 nm), large molar absorption coefficient (>59 000, >52
      000, >39 000, and >34 000 cm-1 M-1), great color change (400-620 nm), and good
      solubility in common organic liquids that makes the as developed compounds, in
      particular A2 and A4, very competitive solvatochromic probes.

PMID- 27684285
TI  - New Generation of Gold Nanoshell-Coated Esophageal Stent: Preparation and
      Biomedical Applications.
AB  - Esophageal cancer is one of the six most common cancers in the world,
      constituting ~7% of the gastrointestinal cancers. Esophageal stents can be
      inserted into the esophagus to open the pathway as a palliative treatment for
      advanced esophageal cancer. For the treatment of esophageal cancer, a series of
      anticancer drug-loaded stents such as paclitaxel or 5-fluorouracil/esophageal
      stent combinations have been prepared by covering a nitinol stent with a polymer
      or hydrogel shell. For the first time, we developed a gold nanoshell (AuNS)
      coated stent with high photothermal efficiency and used in the repetitive
      photothermal therapy of esophageal cancer. The functionalized stent was prepared
      by using surface-coated polydopamine as the Au3+ anchor and template. The
      thickness of the AuNS can be easily adjusted by controlling the reaction time and
      amount of Au3+. The AuNS-coated stent efficiently increased the temperature of
      pork and porcine intestines irradiated with a near-infrared (NIR) laser. The deep
      penetration of the NIR laser and excellent stability of the stent provide
      opportunity for the clinical applications of the newly functionalized stent. In
      vitro toxicity experiments showed excellent biocompatibility and safety of this
      device. Compared with bare metal stent, AuNS-modified stent exhibits great
      potential to open the duct passageway and suppress tumor growth in future
      clinical applications.

PMID- 27684284
TI  - Inflammasome-Derived Exosomes Activate NF-kappaB Signaling in Macrophages.
AB  - Exosomes are secreted small vesicles that mediate various biological processes,
      such as tumorigenesis and immune response. However, whether the inflammasome
      signaling leads to the change of constituent of exosomes and its roles in immune
      response remains to be determined. We isolated the exosomes from macrophages with
      treatment of mock, endotoxin, or endotoxin/nigericin. A label-free quantification
      method by MS/MS was used to identify the components of exosomes. In total, 2331
      proteins were identified and 513 proteins were exclusively detected in exosomes
      with endotoxin and nigericin treatment. The differentially expressed proteins
      were classified by Gene Ontology and KEGG pathways. The immune response-related
      proteins and signaling pathways were specifically enriched in inflammasome
      derived exosomes. Moreover, we treated macrophages with the exosomes from
      different stimulation. We found that inflammasome-derived exosomes directly
      activate NF-kappaB signaling pathway, while the control or endotoxin-derived
      exosomes have no effect. The inflammatory signaling was amplified in neighbor
      cells in an exosome-dependent way. The inflammasome-derived exosomes might be
      used to augment the immune response in disease treatment, and preventing the
      transfer of these exosomes might ameliorate autoimmune diseases.

PMID- 27684287
TI  - Erratum for Euro Surveill. 2015;20(45).

PMID- 27684286
TI  - Preparation of Single-cohort Colonies and Hormone Treatment of Worker Honeybees
      to Analyze Physiology Associated with Role and/or Endocrine System.
AB  - Honeybee workers are engaged in various tasks related to maintaining colony
      activity. The tasks of the workers change according to their age (age-related
      division of labor). Young workers are engaged in nursing the brood (nurse bees),
      while older workers are engaged in foraging for nectar and pollen (foragers). The
      physiology of the workers changes in association with this role shift. For
      example, the main function of the hypopharyngeal glands (HPGs) changes from the
      secretion of major royal jelly proteins (MRJPs) to the secretion of carbohydrate
      metabolizing enzymes. Because worker tasks change as the workers age in typical
      colonies, it is difficult to discriminate the physiological changes that occur
      with aging from those that occur with the role shift. To study the physiological
      changes in worker tissues, including the HPGs, in association with the role
      shift, it would be useful to manipulate the honeybee colony population by
      preparing single-cohort colonies in which workers of almost the same age perform
      different tasks. Here we describe a detailed protocol for preparing single-cohort
      colonies for this analysis. Six to eight days after single-cohort colony
      preparation, precocious foragers that perform foraging tasks earlier than usual
      appear in the colony. Representative results indicated role-associated changes in
      HPG gene expression, suggesting role-associated HPG function. In addition to
      manipulating the colony population, analysis of the endocrine system is important
      for investigating role-associated physiology. Here, we also describe a detailed
      protocol for treating workers with 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), an active form of
      ecdysone, and methoprene, a juvenile hormone analogue. The survival rate of
      treated bees was sufficient to examine gene expression in the HPGs. Gene
      expression changes were observed in response to 20E- and/or methoprene-treatment,
      suggesting that hormone treatments induce physiological changes of the HPGs. The
      protocol for hormone treatment described here is appropriate for examining
      hormonal effects on worker physiology.

PMID- 27684288
TI  - Nematicidal Stemona Alkaloids from Stemona parviflora.
AB  - Eight new alkaloids, 3beta-n-butylstemonamine (1), 8-oxo-3beta-n-butylstemonamine
      (2), 3-n-butylneostemonine (3), 10-epi-3-n-butylneostemonine (4), 8-oxo
      oxymaistemonine (5) protostemonine N4-oxide (6), (19S)-hydroxy-21
      methoxystemofoline (7), and parvistemonine A (8), were isolated from the roots of
      Stemona parviflora, together with 17 known alkaloids. The structures of the new
      alkaloids were elucidated based on a comprehensive spectroscopic data analysis.
      The absolute configurations of 1-4 were determined by the ECD exciton chirality
      method and quantum ECD calculations. Protostemonine (10) and stemofoline (12)
      showed strong nematicidal activity against Panagrellus redivevus, with IC50
      values of 0.10 and 0.46 MUM, respectively.

PMID- 27684289
TI  - Does the use of HIV testing and counseling services influence condom use among
      low-paid female sex workers in Guangxi, China?
AB  - HIV testing and counseling (HTC) are increasingly used in China during routine
      medical care visits to health facilities. However, limited data are available
      regarding the association between the utilization of HTC services and condom use
      among low-paid female sex workers (FSWs) who are at high risk of HIV infection
      but are hard to reach. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 794 low-paid
      FSWs in a city of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in 2011. Results showed that
      71.7% of low-paid FSWs had utilized HTC services in the previous year and 65.7%
      reported having used a condom during the last sexual intercourse with their
      clients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that utilizing HTC
      services was significantly and positively associated with the condom use. It also
      indicated that low-paid FSWs who were older, married, had higher education,
      earned less money, had high number of clients, had a history of sexually
      transmitted diseases, or had little or no HIV knowledge were less likely to use a
      condom during the last sexual encounter. The study suggests that HTC services
      need to be scaled up and made more accessible for this vulnerable population.

PMID- 27684290
TI  - Evaluation of the Relationship Between Pharmacokinetics and the Safety of
      Aripiprazole and Its Cardiovascular Effects in Healthy Volunteers.
AB  - AIMS: The aim of this study was the evaluation of the possible relationship
      between pharmacokinetics and the safety of aripiprazole as well as its influence
      on blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and corrected QT (QTc) interval.
      METHODS: The study population comprised 157 healthy volunteers from 6
      bioequivalence clinical trials. Subjects were administered a single 10-mg oral
      dose of each formulation separated by a 28-day washout period. Plasma
      concentrations were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled
      to mass spectrometry. Blood pressure was measured at the following times: predose
      and 0.5, 2, 4, 6, and 8 hours postdose. An electrocardiogram was recorded at
      predose, 4, and 8 hours postdose. RESULTS: Area under the curve (AUC), maximum
      plasma concentration, half-life, and distribution volume corrected for weight
      were higher in women. Aripiprazole treatment produced a decrease of BP (9.3 mm Hg
      on systolic and 6.2 mm Hg on diastolic pressure) and an increase in HR (12.1
      beats per minute) and QTc interval (9.1 milliseconds). There were sex differences
      in BP, HR, and QTc interval. Women and subjects with higher AUC and maximum
      plasma concentration values were more prone to experience adverse drug reactions
      and gastrointestinal adverse reactions. The AUC was related with systolic BP and
      diastolic BP decrease and HR increase but there was no relationship between
      aripiprazole concentrations and QTc increase. CONCLUSIONS: Aripiprazole decreases
      BP and increases HR and QTc interval. Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and
      safety of aripiprazole are affected by sex. There is a directly proportional
      relationship between pharmacokinetic parameters and adverse drug reactions and
      effect on BP and HR.

PMID- 27684292
TI  - Statistics Commentary Series: Commentary No. 17-Validity.

PMID- 27684291
TI  - Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Operative Bleeding Risk: A Review of
      the Literature.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to review the data on the effect of selective
      serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) on bleeding during or after operative
      procedures and to offer guidelines for clinical management. DATA SOURCES: Search
      of PubMed and MEDLINE for all articles in English from 1990-2016 with key words
      depression, antidepressants, bleeding, platelets, and operation. STUDY SELECTION:
      Studies were included if they reported information on bleeding complications
      during operative or childbirth procedures in patients taking antidepressants.
      DATA EXTRACTION: Because of the limited number and heterogeneity of studies with
      respect to the range of operative procedures and definition of bleeding
      complications, a qualitative approach was taken to summarize results rather than
      abstracting and aggregating data. RESULTS: The weight of the evidence is that
      SSRI use increases the risk of bleeding complications during and immediately
      after surgery. However, given the limited data, we cannot estimate the risk for a
      given patient having a given procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians must consider the
      risk-to-benefit ratio of discontinuing an SSRI before an elective operative
      procedure. Discontinuing SSRI medications may result in discontinuation syndrome,
      symptom recrudescence, or relapse of depression, whereas continuing an SSRI
      during surgery exposes patients to significant bleeding risks. Antidepressant
      prescribers must be cognizant of and take responsibility for discussing this
      potential problem and considering different options. This issue must also be the
      responsibility of the doctor performing the procedure, but, frequently, it will
      be the prescribing physician who alerts the surgeon to the potential bleeding
      risk associated with SSRIs.

PMID- 27684293
TI  - Cataract surgery and age-related macular degeneration.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The following review describes the recent evidence regarding
      the effect of cataract surgery on age-related macular degeneration (AMD). RECENT
      FINDINGS: For patients with both visually significant cataracts and AMD, recent
      evidence supports the role of cataract surgery with reports demonstrating
      improved visual acuity, absence of significant disease progression, and improved
      quality of life. SUMMARY: Recent evidence does not find cataract surgery to cause
      or worsen AMD.

PMID- 27684294
TI  - Immediately sequential bilateral cataract surgery: advantages and disadvantages.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The number of cataract surgeries performed globally will
      continue to rise to meet the needs of an aging population. This increased demand
      will require healthcare systems and providers to find new surgical efficiencies
      while maintaining excellent surgical outcomes. Immediately sequential bilateral
      cataract surgery (ISBCS) has been proposed as a solution and is increasingly
      being performed worldwide. The purpose of this review is to discuss the
      advantages and disadvantages of ISBCS. RECENT FINDINGS: When appropriate patient
      selection occurs and guidelines are followed, ISBCS is comparable with delayed
      sequential bilateral cataract surgery in long-term patient satisfaction, visual
      acuity and complication rates. In addition, the risk of bilateral postoperative
      endophthalmitis and concerns of poorer refractive outcomes have not been
      supported by the literature. ISBCS is cost-effective for the patient, healthcare
      payors and society, but current reimbursement models in many countries create
      significant financial barriers for facilities and surgeons. SUMMARY: As demand
      for cataract surgery rises worldwide, ISBCS will become increasingly important as
      an alternative to delayed sequential bilateral cataract surgery. Advantages
      include potentially decreased wait times for surgery, patient convenience and
      cost savings for healthcare payors. Although they are comparable in visual acuity
      and complication rates, hurdles that prevent wide adoption include liability
      concerns as ISBCS is not an established standard of care, economic constraints
      for facilities and surgeons and inability to fine-tune intraocular lens selection
      in the second eye. Given these considerations, an open discussion regarding the
      advantages and disadvantages of ISBCS is important for appropriate patient
      selection.

PMID- 27684295
TI  - An Easy Method for Plant Polysome Profiling.
AB  - Translation of mRNA to protein is a fundamental and highly regulated biological
      process. Polysome profiling is considered as a gold standard for the analysis of
      translational regulation. The method described here is an easy and economical way
      for fractionating polysomes from various plant tissues. A sucrose gradient is
      made without the need for a gradient maker by sequentially freezing each layer.
      Cytosolic extracts are then prepared in a buffer containing cycloheximide and
      chloramphenicol to immobilize the cytosolic and chloroplastic ribosomes to mRNA
      and are loaded onto the sucrose gradient. After centrifugation, six fractions are
      directly collected from the bottom to the top of the gradient, without piercing
      the ultracentrifugation tube. During collection, the absorbance at 260 nm is read
      continuously to generate a polysome profile that gives a snapshot of global
      translational activity. Fractions are then pooled to prepare three different mRNA
      populations: the polysomes, mRNAs bound to several ribosomes; the monosomes,
      mRNAs bound to one ribosome; and mRNAs that are not bound to ribosomes. mRNAs are
      then extracted. This protocol has been validated for different plants and tissues
      including Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings and adult plants, Nicotiana benthamiana,
      Solanum lycopersicum, and Oryza sativa leaves.

PMID- 27684296
TI  - Determination of Colistin and Colistimethate Levels in Human Plasma and Urine by
      High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Colistin is a polypeptide antibiotic from the polymyxin E group used
      for the treatment of infections caused by multidrug-resistant gram-negative
      bacteria. The main constituents, accounting for approximately 85% of this
      mixture, are colistin A (polymyxin E1) and colistin B (polymyxin E2). The aim of
      this study was to develop and validate new and fast methods of quantification of
      colistin A and B and its precursors [colistin methanesulfonate sodium (CMS) A and
      B] by ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in plasma
      and urine with short pretreatment and run times. METHODS: Chromatography was
      performed on an Acquity UPLC-MS/MS system (WATERS) with a WATERS Acquity UPLC C18
      column (4.6 * 150 mm, 3.5 MUm particle size). The pretreatment of samples
      consists of precipitation and extraction into microcolumns plate and HLB 96-well
      plate 30 MUm-30 mg (OASIS) with a Positive Pressure-96 (WATERS). RESULTS:
      Quantification was performed using a multiple reaction monitoring of the
      following transitions: m/z 390.9 -> 385.1 for colistin A, m/z 386.2 -> 101.0 for
      colistin B, and m/z 602.4 -> 241.1 for polymyxin B1 sulfate. In plasma and urine,
      calibration curves were linear from 30 to 6000 ng/mL for colistin A and from 15
      to 3000 ng/mL for colistin B. With an acceptable accuracy and precision, the
      lower limit of quantification were set at 24.0 ng/mL and 12.0 ng/mL for colistin
      A and B in plasma, and at 18.0 ng/mL and 9.0 ng/mL for colistin A and B in urine.
      CONCLUSIONS: These LC-MS/MS methods of quantification for colistin A and B and
      its precursors (CMS A and B) in plasma and urine are fast, simple, specific,
      sensitive, accurate, precise, and reliable. Furthermore, they are linear and
      repeatable. These procedures were successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study
      of a critically ill patient suffering from ventilator-associated pneumonia, who
      was treated with nebulized CMS.

PMID- 27684297
TI  - Extent of Resection and Survival in Glioblastoma Multiforme.

PMID- 27684299
TI  - A Young Man With Hypercalcemia.

PMID- 27684298
TI  - Upregulation of miR-9 and Let-7a by nanoencapsulated chrysin in gastric cancer
      cells.
AB  - Chrysin, as a flavone, has showed cancer chemopreventive activity. The present
      study utilized the PLGA-PEG-chrysin to evaluate the expression of miR-9 and Let
      7a in human gastric cells. The structure of nanoparticles and encapsulated
      chrysin was evaluated using 1H NMR, FT-IR, and SEM. MTT assay was used for the
      evaluation of cytotoxicity effect of nanoencapsulated chrysin. Expression levels
      of miR-9 and Let7-a were studied by real-time PCR. The results demonstrated that
      chrysin-PLGA-PEG nanoparticles are more effective than pure chrysin in
      upregulation of miR-9 and Let-7a due to enhanced uptake by cells. Therefore, PLGA
      PEG could be a superior carrier for this kind of hydrophobic agent.

PMID- 27684300
TI  - Are 12-lead ECG findings associated with the risk of cardiovascular events after
      ischemic stroke in young adults?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Ischemic stroke (IS) in a young patient is a disaster and recurrent
      cardiovascular events could add further impairment. Identifying patients with
      high risk of such events is therefore important. The prognostic relevance of ECG
      for this population is unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 690 IS patients
      aged 15-49 years were included. A 12-lead ECG was obtained 1-14 d after the onset
      of stroke. We adjusted for demographic factors, comorbidities, and stroke
      characteristics, Cox regression models were used to identify independent ECG
      parameters associated with long-term risks of (1) any cardiovascular event, (2)
      cardiac events, and (3) recurrent stroke. RESULTS: Median follow-up time was 8.8
      years. About 26.4% of patients experienced a cardiovascular event, 14.5% had
      cardiac events, and 14.6% recurrent strokes. ECG parameters associated with
      recurrent cardiovascular events were bundle branch blocks, P-terminal force, left
      ventricular hypertrophy, and a broader QRS complex. Furthermore, more leftward P
      wave axis, prolonged QTc, and P-wave duration >120 ms were associated with
      increased risks of cardiac events. No ECG parameters were independently
      associated with recurrent stroke. CONCLUSION: A 12-lead ECG can be used for risk
      prediction of cardiovascular events but not for recurrent stroke in young IS
      patients. KEY MESSAGES ECG is an easy, inexpensive, and useful tool for
      identifying young ischemic stroke patients with a high risk for recurrent
      cardiovascular events and it has a statistically significant association with
      these events even after adjusting for confounding factors. Bundle branch blocks,
      P-terminal force, broader QRS complex, LVH according to Cornell voltage duration
      criteria, more leftward P-wave axis, prolonged QTc, and P-wave duration >120 ms
      are predictors for future cardiovascular or cardiac events in these patients. No
      ECG parameters were independently associated with recurrent stroke.

PMID- 27684301
TI  - Reliability of a Seven-Segment Foot Model with Medial and Lateral Midfoot and
      Forefoot Segments During Walking Gait.
AB  - In-vitro and invasive in-vivo studies have reported relatively independent motion
      in the medial and lateral forefoot segments during gait. However, most current
      surface-based models have not defined medial and lateral forefoot or midfoot
      segments. The purpose of the current study was to determine the reliability of a
      7-segment foot model that includes medial and lateral midfoot and forefoot
      segments during walking gait. Three-dimensional positions of marker clusters
      located on the leg and 6 foot segments were tracked as 10 participants completed
      5 walking trials. To examine the reliability of the foot model, coefficients of
      multiple correlation (CMC) were calculated across the trials for each
      participant. Three-dimensional stance time series and range of motion (ROM)
      during stance were also calculated for each functional articulation. CMCs for all
      of the functional articulations were >= 0.80. Overall, the rearfoot complex (leg
      calcaneus segments) was the most reliable articulation and the medial midfoot
      complex (calcaneus-navicular segments) was the least reliable. With respect to
      ROM, reliability was greatest for plantarflexion/dorsiflexion and least for
      abduction/adduction. Further, the stance ROM and time-series patterns results
      between the current study and previous invasive in-vivo studies that have
      assessed actual bone motion were generally consistent.

PMID- 27684302
TI  - Effect of Bronsted acids on the thiophenol-mediated radical addition
      translocation-cyclization process for the preparation of pyrrolidine derivatives.
AB  - A thiophenol-mediated method for the conversion of propargylamines to
      pyrrolidines under acidic conditions is described. This cascade reaction involves
      addition of a thiyl radical to the terminal alkyne followed by a 1,5-hydrogen
      transfer (radical translocation) and a rapid cyclization affording the
      pyrrolidine ring. Our studies reveal that complete protonation of the tertiary
      amine with 10 equivalents of trifluoroacetic acid avoids undesired hydrogen atom
      abstractions by the thiyl radicals.

PMID- 27684303
TI  - Subjective meanings of 'unintended' pregnancy: interviews from understanding
      fertility management in contemporary Australia.
AB  - Unintended pregnancy can be difficult to identify and conceptualise. We aimed to
      understand how unintended pregnancies are constructed, explained and situated in
      a reproductive life. A total of 41 women and 7 men aged 20-50 years were
      interviewed in depth. Transcripts were analysed using iterative hermeneutic
      techniques informed by narrative theory. Of 34 participants who had been pregnant
      or had a partner in pregnancy, 12 women and 1 man described 23 'unintended'
      pregnancies, about half of which ended in abortion. Their accounts reveal that an
      unintended pregnancy is identified subjectively, that the same pregnancy may be
      identified by one partner in the pregnancy as unintended and by the other as
      intended, and that a researcher's supposedly objective assessment of an
      unintended pregnancy may be inconsistent with the assessment of the woman who
      experienced it. A pejorative discourse was evident, predominantly among
      participants who did not report having an unintended pregnancy: women use an
      'unintended' pregnancy to entrap men. Accounts from five participants reporting
      an unintended pregnancy were selected for illustration. An appreciation of the
      role such a pregnancy might play in an individual life requires a nuanced
      understanding of the complexity of human experience and a resistance to simple
      binary categorisation.

PMID- 27684304
TI  - Deliberate and spontaneous sensations of disembodiment: capacity or flaw?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Hallucinations that involve shifts in the subjectively experienced
      location of the self, have been termed "out-of-body experiences" (OBEs). Early
      psychiatric accounts cast OBEs as a specific instance of depersonalisation and
      derealisation disorder (DPD-DR). However, during feelings of alienation and lack
      of body realism in DPD-DR the self is experienced within the physical body.
      Deliberate forms of "disembodiment" enable humans to imagine another's visuo
      spatial perspective taking (VPT), thus, if a strong relationship between
      deliberate and spontaneous forms of disembodiment could be revealed, then
      uncontrolled OBEs could be "the other side of the coin" of a uniquely human
      capacity. METHODS: We present a narrative review of behavioural and neuroimaging
      work emphasising methodological and theoretical aspects of OBE and VPT research
      and a potential relationship. RESULTS: Results regarding a direct behavioural
      relationship between VPT and OBE are mixed and we discuss reasons by pointing out
      the importance of using realistic tasks and recruiting genuine OBEers instead of
      general DPD-DR patients. Furthermore, we review neuroimaging evidence showing
      overlapping neural substrates between VPT and OBE, providing a strong argument
      for a relationship between the two processes. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that OBE
      should be regarded as a necessary implication of VPT ability in humans, or even
      as a necessary and potentially sufficient condition for the evolution of VPT.

PMID- 27684306
TI  - Understanding Texts with the Help of Experimentation: The Example of Cupellation
      in Arabic Scientific Literature.
AB  - The article aims to show how experimentation can help us understand historical
      texts, by focusing on the specific case of cupellation in Arabic scientific
      literature. It also provides new information about cupellation in the Arab-Muslim
      Middle Ages. The article consists of translations of three of the most detailed
      accounts of cupellation: Hamdani's Kitab al-jawharatayn al-'atiqatayn (first half
      of the fourth/tenth century), Maslama b. Qasim al-Qurtubi, Rutbat al-hakim (339
      342/950-953), and Mansur b. Ba'ra, Kitab kashf al-asrar al-'ilmiyya bi-dar al
      darb al-misriyya (615-635/1218-1238). These are accompanied by commentaries based
      on a series of experiments carried out in the course of archaeological research
      on cupellation, which are here used to shed new light on the medieval texts and
      resolve several problems in interpreting them. 

PMID- 27684305
TI  - The epidemiology of PTSD and depression in refugee minors who have resettled in
      developed countries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With an increasing number of refugees migrating across continents,
      the crisis is very apparent. AIM: A literature review of patterns, risk factors
      and effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression in refugee
      minors was carried out involving those who have resettled in different developed
      countries. METHODS: Papers were narrowed down by reading the abstracts and
      methods to ascertain whether the refugee children had resettled in developed
      countries and to ensure that they had not just been internally displaced.
      RESULTS: High incidences of PTSD and depression were found in refugee minors and
      poorer mental health was correlated with increased exposure to violence. Factors
      such as social support and family security were important in reducing the rates
      of PTSD and depression, whereas the implications of age and gender were unclear.
      Long-term effects from these mental illnesses indicated scholastic issues, but no
      further worsening of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Further research is needed regarding
      the follow-up of refugee minors with PTSD and depression to allow the
      establishment of more effective support systems, as long-term outcomes become
      more clearly understood. Few papers discuss the influence of religion, which may
      be an interesting line of future research as refugees move to more secular
      societies.

PMID- 27684307
TI  - Clinical neuropsychology practice and training in Canada.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This invited paper provides information about professional
      neuropsychology issues in Canada and is part of a special issue addressing
      international perspectives on education, training, and practice in clinical
      neuropsychology. METHOD: Information was gathered from literature searches and
      personal communication with other neuropsychologists in Canada. RESULTS: Canada
      has a rich neuropsychological history. Neuropsychologists typically have doctoral
      level education including relevant coursework and supervised practical
      experience. Licensure requirements vary across the 10 provinces and there are
      regional differences in salary. While training at the graduate and internship
      level mirrors that of our American colleagues, completion of a two-year
      postdoctoral fellowship in neuropsychology is not required to obtain employment
      in many settings and there are few postdoctoral training programs in this
      country. The majority of neuropsychologists are employed in institutional
      settings (e.g. hospitals, universities, rehabilitation facilities), with a
      growing number entering private practice or other settings. There are challenges
      in providing neuropsychological services to the diverse Canadian population and a
      need for assessment measures and normative data in multiple languages.
      CONCLUSIONS: Canadian neuropsychologists face important challenges in defining
      ourselves as distinct from other professions and other psychologists, in
      maintaining funding for high-quality training and research, in establishing
      neuropsychology-specific training and practice standards at the provincial or
      national level, and ensuring the clinical care that we provide is efficient and
      effective in meeting the needs of our patient populations and consumers, both
      within and outside of the publically funded health care system.

PMID- 27684311
TI  - CORRIGENDUM: The phenotypic spectrum of Schaaf-Yang syndrome: 18 new affected
      individuals from 14 families.

PMID- 27684308
TI  - Linagliptin plus metformin in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes and
      marked hyperglycemia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Few studies of oral glucose-lowering drugs exist in newly diagnosed
      type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients with marked hyperglycemia, and insulin is often
      proposed as initial treatment. We evaluated the oral initial combination of
      metformin and linagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, in this
      population. METHODS: We performed a pre-specified subgroup analysis of a
      randomized study in which newly diagnosed T2D patients with glycated hemoglobin
      A1c (HbA1c) 8.5%-12.0% received linagliptin/metformin or linagliptin monotherapy.
      Subgroups of baseline HbA1c, age, body-mass index (BMI), renal function, race,
      and ethnicity were evaluated, with efficacy measured by HbA1c change from
      baseline after 24 weeks. RESULTS: HbA1c reductions from baseline (mean 9.7%) at
      week 24 in the overall population were an adjusted mean -2.81% +/- 0.12% with
      linagliptin/metformin (n = 132) and -2.02% +/- 0.13% with linagliptin (n = 113);
      treatment difference -0.79% (95% CI -1.13 to -0.46, P < 0.0001). In patients with
      baseline HbA1c >=9.5%, HbA1c reduction was -3.37% with linagliptin/metformin (n =
      76) and -2.53% with linagliptin (n = 61); difference -0.84% (95% CI -1.32 to 
      0.35). In those with baseline HbA1c <9.5%, HbA1c reduction was -2.08% with
      linagliptin/metformin (n = 56) and -1.39% with linagliptin (n = 52); difference 
      0.69% (95% CI -1.23 to -0.15). Changes in HbA1c and treatment differences between
      the linagliptin/metformin and linagliptin groups were of similar magnitudes to
      the overall population across patient subgroups based on age, BMI, renal
      function, and race. Drug-related adverse events occurred in 8.8% and 5.7% of
      linagliptin/metformin and linagliptin patients, respectively; no severe
      hypoglycemia occurred. CONCLUSION: Linagliptin/metformin combination in newly
      diagnosed T2D patients with marked hyperglycemia was well tolerated and elicited
      substantial improvements in glycemic control regardless of baseline HbA1c, age,
      BMI, renal function, or race. Thus, newly diagnosed, markedly hyperglycemic
      patients may be effectively treated by combinations of oral agents. CLINICAL
      TRIAL REGISTRATION: www.clinicaltrials.gov identifier is NCT01512979.

PMID- 27684312
TI  - The architecture of prions: how understanding would provide new therapeutic
      insights.
AB  - Compelling evidence from the last three decades clearly shows that transmissible
      spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) develop as a result of a poorly understood
      misfolding event that converts the cellular prion protein (PrPC) to an isoform
      known as PrPSc which is aggregated, protease resistant and able to impose its
      aberrant conformation onto PrPC, leading to its accumulation in the central
      nervous system. Despite all the knowledge gathered in more than thirty years of
      research and the general understanding of the pathological processes, the
      molecular mechanisms remain elusive, making it difficult to develop rational
      therapeutic strategies for this group of incurable diseases. In this review
      article, we give an overview of what is known about prion architecture and how
      the limited structural information available has been used in the quest for
      remedies for these devastating disorders.

PMID- 27684314
TI  - Co-composting of two-phase olive-mill pomace and poultry manure with tomato
      harvest stalks.
AB  - In this study, two-phase olive-mill pomace with poultry manure and chopped tomato
      harvest stalks were composted at different initial carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratios
      with fixed free air space of 35%. Composting experiment was carried out in the 15
      aerobic reactors made of stainless steel and was monitored for 28 days. During
      the composting process, temperature, moisture content, organic matter (OM), pH,
      electrical conductivity, oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations, total carbon,
      total nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen ([Formula: see text]), nitrate nitrogen
      ([Formula: see text]), and total phosphorus were monitored. Compost mass and
      volume changes were determined at the beginning, during remixings, and at the end
      of composting. While the stabilization period took less time for the mixtures
      containing a high amount of poultry manure, the mixtures having the high portion
      of two-phase olive-mill pomace took a longer time due to the structure of olive
      stone and its lignin content. Dry matter loss (range: 18.1-34.0%.) in the
      mixtures increased with an increase in the share of poultry manure and tomato
      stalks in the initial mixture. OM loss (range: 21.7-46.1%) for tomato stalks
      (measured separately) during composting increased due to an increase in the ratio
      of poultry manure in the initial mixtures.

PMID- 27684315
TI  - Rapid Analysis of Circadian Phenotypes in Arabidopsis Protoplasts Transfected
      with a Luminescent Clock Reporter.
AB  - The plant circadian clock allows the anticipation of daily changes to the
      environment. This anticipation aids the responses to temporally predictable
      biotic and abiotic stress. Conversely, disruption of circadian timekeeping
      severely compromises plant health and reduces agricultural crop yields. It is
      therefore imperative that we understand the intricate regulation of circadian
      rhythms in plants, including the factors that affect motion of the
      transcriptional clockwork itself. Testing circadian defects in the model plant
      Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) traditionally involves crossing specific
      mutant lines to a line rhythmically expressing firefly luciferase from a
      circadian clock gene promoter. This approach is laborious, time-consuming, and
      could be fruitless if a mutant has no circadian phenotype. The methodology
      presented here allows a rapid initial assessment of circadian phenotypes.
      Protoplasts derived from mutant and wild-type Arabidopsis are isolated,
      transfected with a rhythmically expressed luminescent reporter, and imaged under
      constant light conditions for 5 days. Luminescent traces will directly reveal
      whether the free-running period of mutant plants is different from wild-type
      plants. The advantage of the method is that any Arabidopsis line can efficiently
      be screened, without the need for generating a stably transgenic luminescent
      clock marker line in that mutant background.

PMID- 27684316
TI  - Wearable In-Ear Encephalography Sensor for Monitoring Sleep. Preliminary
      Observations from Nap Studies.
AB  - RATIONALE: To date, EEG is the only quantifiable measure of the neural changes
      that define sleep. Although it is used widely for clinical testing, scalp
      electrode EEG is costly and is poorly tolerated by sleeping patients. OBJECTIVES:
      This was a pilot study to assess the agreement between EEG recordings obtained
      from a new ear-EEG sensor and those obtained simultaneously from standard scalp
      electrodes. METHODS: Participants were four healthy men, 25 to 36 years of age.
      During naps, EEG tracings were recorded simultaneously from the ear sensor and
      from standard scalp electrodes. A clinical expert, blinded to the data
      collection, analyzed 30-second epochs of recordings from both devices, using
      standardized criteria. The agreement between scalp- and ear-recordings was
      assessed. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: We scored 360 epochs (scalp-EEG and ear
      EEG), of which 254 (70.6%) were scored as non-REM sleep using scalp-EEG. The ear
      EEG sensor had a sensitivity of 0.88 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.82-0.92)
      and a specificity of 0.78 (95% CI, 0.70-0.84) in detecting N2/N3 sleep. The kappa
      coefficient between the scalp- and the ear-EEG was 0.65 (95% CI, 0.58-0.73). As a
      sleep monitor (all non-REM sleep stages vs. wake), the in-ear sensor had a
      sensitivity of 0.91 (95% CI, 0.87-0.94) and a specificity of 0.66 (95% CI, 0.56
      0.75). The kappa coefficient was 0.60 (95% CI, 0.50-0.69). CONCLUSIONS:
      Substantial agreement was observed between recordings derived from a new ear-EEG
      sensor and conventional scalp electrodes on four healthy volunteers during
      daytime naps.

PMID- 27684318
TI  - Kinetics and Mechanism of Bioactivation via S-Oxygenation of Anti-Tubercular
      Agent Ethionamide by Peracetic Acid.
AB  - The kinetics and mechanism of the oxidation of the important antitubercular
      agent, ethionamide, ETA (2-ethylthioisonicotinamide), by peracetic acid (PAA)
      have been studied. It is effectively a biphasic reaction with an initial rapid
      first phase of the reaction which is over in about 5 s and a second slower phase
      of the reaction which can run up to an hour. The first phase involves the
      addition of a single oxygen atom to ethionamide to form the S-oxide. The second
      phase involves further oxidation of the S-oxide to desulfurization of ETA to give
      2-ethylisonicotinamide. In contrast to the stability of most organosulfur
      compounds, the S-oxide of ETA is relatively stable and can be isolated. In
      conditions of excess ETA, the stoichiometry of the reaction was strictly 1:1:
      CH3CO3H + Et(C5H4)C(?S)NH2 -> CH3CO2H + Et(C5H4)C(?NH)SOH. In this oxidation, it
      was apparent that only the sulfur center was the reactive site. Though ETA was
      ultimately desulfurized, only the S-oxide was stable. Electrospray ionization
      (ESI) spectral analysis did not detect any substantial formation of the sulfinic
      and sulfonic acids. This suggests that cleavage of the carbon-sulfur bond occurs
      at the sulfenic acid stage, resulting in the formation of an unstable sulfur
      species that can react further to form more stable sulfur species. In this
      oxidation, no sulfate formation was observed. ESI spectral analysis data showed a
      final sulfur species in the form of a dimeric sulfur monoxide species, H3S2O2. We
      derived a bimolecular rate constant for the formation of the S-oxide of (3.08 +/-
      0.72) * 102 M-1 s-1. Oxidation of the S-oxide further to give 2
      ethylisonicotinamide gave zero order kinetics.

PMID- 27684317
TI  - Measurement of Vibration Detection Threshold and Tactile Spatial Acuity in Human
      Subjects.
AB  - Tests that allow the precise determination of psychophysical thresholds for
      vibration and grating orientation provide valuable information about
      mechanosensory function that are relevant for clinical diagnosis as well as for
      basic research. Here, we describe two psychophysical tests designed to determine
      the vibration detection threshold (automated system) and tactile spatial acuity
      (handheld device). Both procedures implement a two-interval forced-choice and a
      transformed-rule up and down experimental paradigm. These tests have been used to
      obtain mechanosensory profiles for individuals from distinct human cohorts such
      as twins or people with sensorineural deafness.

PMID- 27684319
TI  - Cooperative Palladium/Proline-Catalyzed Direct alpha-Allylic Alkylation of
      Ketones with Alkynes.
AB  - The cooperative palladium/l-proline-catalyzed direct alpha-allylic alkylation of
      ketones with alkynes is achieved. This reaction exhibits high atom economy since
      a leaving group is not liberated and a stoichiometric amount of extra oxidant is
      not needed. A broad range of functional groups are tolerated, and the reaction
      scope could be further expanded to aldehydes.

PMID- 27684320
TI  - Outcomes for family carers of a nurse-delivered hospital discharge intervention
      for older people (the Further Enabling Care at Home Program): Single blind
      randomised controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hospital discharge of older people receiving care at home offers a
      salient opportunity to identify and address their family caregivers' self
      identified support needs. OBJECTIVES: This study tested the hypothesis that the
      extent to which family caregivers of older people discharged home from hospital
      felt prepared to provide care at home would be positively influenced by their
      inclusion in the new Further Enabling Care at Home program. DESIGN: This single
      blind randomised controlled trial compared outcomes from usual care alone with
      those from usual care plus the new program. The program, delivered by a specially
      trained nurse over the telephone, included: support to facilitate understanding
      of the patient's discharge letter; caregiver support needs assessment; caregiver
      prioritisation of urgent needs; and collaborative guidance, from the nurse,
      regarding accessing supports. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Dyads were recruited from
      the medical assessment unit of a Western Australian metropolitan public hospital.
      Each dyad comprised a patient aged 70 years or older plus an English speaking
      family caregiver. METHODS: The primary outcome was the caregiver's self-reported
      preparedness to provide care for the patient. Data collection time points were
      designated as: Time 1, within four days of discharge; Time 2, 15-21days after
      discharge; Time 3, six weeks after discharge. Other measures included caregivers'
      ratings of: their health, patients' symptoms and independence, caregiver strain,
      family well-being, caregiver stress, and positive appraisals of caregiving. Data
      were collected by telephone. RESULTS: Complete data sets were obtained from 62
      intervention group caregivers and 79 controls. Groups were equivalent at
      baseline. Needs prioritised most often by caregivers were: to know whom to
      contact and what to expect in the future and to access practical help at home.
      Support guidance included how to: access help, information, and resources;
      develop crisis plans; obtain referrals and services; and organise legal
      requirements. Compared to controls, preparedness to care improved in the
      intervention group from Time 1 to Time 2 (effect size=0.52; p=0.006) and from
      Time 1 to Time 3 (effect size=0.43; p=0.019). These improvements corresponded to
      a change of approximately 2 points on the Preparedness for Caregiving instrument.
      Small but significant positive impacts were also observed in other outcomes,
      including caregiver strain. CONCLUSIONS: These unequivocal findings provide a
      basis for considering the Furthering Enabling Care at Home program's
      implementation in this and other similar settings. Further testing is required to
      determine the generalisability of results.

PMID- 27684321
TI  - Speaking up behaviours (safety voices) of healthcare workers: A metasynthesis of
      qualitative research studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A critical characteristic of effective teams in any setting is when
      each member is willing to speak up to share thoughts and ideas to improve
      processes. In spite of attempts by healthcare systems to encourage employees to
      speak up, employee silence remains a common cause of communication breakdowns,
      contributing to errors and suboptimal care delivery. Nurses in particular have
      reported low confidence in their communication abilities, and cite the belief
      that speaking up will not make a difference. OBJECTIVE: To develop an
      understanding of how nurses and other healthcare workers relate to safety voice
      behaviors and how this might influence clinical practice. DATA SOURCES: A search
      of the PubMed, CINAHL, and Academic Search Premier databases was conducted using
      keywords employee, nurse, qualitative, speak up, silence, safety, voice, and
      safety voice identified 372 articles with 11 retained after a review of the
      abstracts. Studies took place in Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, Hong Kong, East
      Africa, Ireland, Korea, New Zealand, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States
      representing 504 healthcare workers including 354 nurses. METHODS: This
      interpretive meta-synthesis of 11 qualitative articles published from 2005 to
      2015 was conducted using a social constructivist approach with thematic analysis.
      RESULTS: The four themes identified are: 1) hierarchies and power dynamics
      negatively affect safety voice, 2) open communication is unsafe and ineffective,
      3) embedded expectations of nurse behavior affect safety voice, and 4) nurse
      managers have a powerful positive or negative affect on safety voice.
      CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare workers worldwide report multiple social and hierarchy
      related fears surrounding the utilization of safety voice behaviors. Hesitance to
      speak up is pervasive among nurses, as is low self-efficacy related to safety
      voice. The presence of caring leaders, peer support, and an organizational
      commitment to safe, open cultures, may improve safety voice utilization among
      nurses and other healthcare workers.

PMID- 27684322
TI  - Imaging G Protein-coupled Receptor-mediated Chemotaxis and its Signaling Events
      in Neutrophil-like HL60 Cells.
AB  - Eukaryotic cells sense and move towards a chemoattractant gradient, a cellular
      process referred as chemotaxis. Chemotaxis plays critical roles in many
      physiological processes, such as embryogenesis, neuron patterning, metastasis of
      cancer cells, recruitment of neutrophils to sites of inflammation, and the
      development of the model organism Dictyostelium discoideum. Eukaryotic cells
      sense chemo-attractants using G protein-coupled receptors. Visual chemotaxis
      assays are essential for a better understanding of how eukaryotic cells control
      chemoattractant-mediated directional cell migration. Here, we describe detailed
      methods for: 1) real-time, high-resolution monitoring of multiple chemotaxis
      assays, and 2) simultaneously visualizing the chemoattractant gradient and the
      spatiotemporal dynamics of signaling events in neutrophil-like HL60 cells.

PMID- 27684323
TI  - Lung motion estimation by robust point matching and spatiotemporal tracking for
      4D CT.
AB  - We propose a deformable registration approach to estimate patient-specific lung
      motion during free breathing for four-dimensional (4D) computed tomography (CT)
      based on point matching and tracking between images in different phases. First, a
      robust point matching (RPM) algorithm coarsely aligns the source phase image onto
      all other target phase images of 4D CT. Scale-invariant feature transform (SIFT)
      is introduced into the cost function in order to accelerate and stabilize the
      convergence of the point matching. Next, the temporal consistency of the
      estimated lung motion model is preserved by fitting the trajectories of the
      points in the respiratory phase using L1 norm regularization. Then, the fitted
      positions of a point along the trajectory are used as the initial positions for
      the point tracking. Spatial mean-shift iteration is employed to track points in
      all phase images. The tracked positions in all phases are used to perform RPM
      again. These steps are repeated until the number of updated points is smaller
      than a given threshold sigma. With this method, the correspondence between the
      source phase image and other target phase image is established more accurately.
      Trajectory fitting ensures the estimated trajectory does not fluctuate violently.
      We evaluated our method by using the public DIR-lab, POPI-model, CREATIS and
      COPDgene lung datasets. In the experimental results, the proposed method achieved
      satisfied accuracy for image registration. Our method also preserved the topology
      of the deformation fields well for image registration with large deformation.

PMID- 27684324
TI  - Computer-Aided Detection (CADx) for Plastic Deformation Fractures in Pediatric
      Forearm.
AB  - Bowing fractures are incomplete fractures of tubular long bones, often observed
      in pediatric patients, where plain radiographic film is the non-invasive imaging
      modality of choice in routine radiological workflow. Due to weak association
      between bent bone and distinct cortex disruption, bowing fractures may not be
      diagnosed properly while reading plain radiography. Missed fractures and
      dislocations are common in accidents and emergency practice, particularly in
      children. These missed injuries can result in more complicated treatment or even
      long-term disability. The most common reason for missed fractures is that junior
      radiologists or physicians lack expertise in pediatric skeletal injury diagnosis.
      Not only is additional radiation exposure inevitable in the case of misdiagnosis,
      but other consequences include the patient's prolonged uncomfortableness and
      possible unnecessary surgical procedures. Therefore, a computerized image
      analysis system, which would be secondary to the radiologists' interpretations,
      may reduce adverse effects and improve the diagnostic rates of bowing fracture
      (detection and quantification). This system would be highly desirable and
      particularly useful in emergency rooms. To address this need, we investigated and
      developed a new Computer Aided Detection (CADx) system for pediatric bowing
      fractures. The proposed system has been tested on 226 cases of pediatric forearms
      with bowing fractures with respect to normal controls. Receiver operation
      characteristic (ROC) curves show that the sensitivity and selectivity of the
      developed CADx system are satisfactory and promising. A clinically feasible
      graphical user interface (GUI) was developed to serve the practical needs in the
      emergency room as a diagnostic reference. The developed CADx system also has
      strong potential to train radiology residents for diagnosing pediatric forearm
      bowing fractures.

PMID- 27684325
TI  - Laboratory Production of Biofuels and Biochemicals from a Rapeseed Oil through
      Catalytic Cracking Conversion.
AB  - The work is based on a reported study which investigates the processability of
      canola oil (bio-feed) in the presence of bitumen-derived heavy gas oil (HGO) for
      production of transportation fuels through a fluid catalytic cracking (FCC)
      route. Cracking experiments are performed with a fully automated reaction unit at
      a fixed weight hourly space velocity (WHSV) of 8 hr(-1), 490-530  degrees C, and
      catalyst/oil ratios of 4-12 g/g. When a feed is in contact with catalyst in the
      fluid-bed reactor, cracking takes place generating gaseous, liquid, and solid
      products. The vapor produced is condensed and collected in a liquid receiver at 
      15  degrees C. The non-condensable effluent is first directed to a vessel and is
      sent, after homogenization, to an on-line gas chromatograph (GC) for refinery gas
      analysis. The coke deposited on the catalyst is determined in situ by burning the
      spent catalyst in air at high temperatures. Levels of CO2 are measured
      quantitatively via an infrared (IR) cell, and are converted to coke yield. Liquid
      samples in the receivers are analyzed by GC for simulated distillation to
      determine the amounts in different boiling ranges, i.e., IBP-221  degrees C
      (gasoline), 221-343  degrees C (light cycle oil), and 343  degrees C+ (heavy
      cycle oil). Cracking of a feed containing canola oil generates water, which
      appears at the bottom of a liquid receiver and on its inner wall. Recovery of
      water on the wall is achieved through washing with methanol followed by Karl
      Fischer titration for water content. Basic results reported include conversion
      (the portion of the feed converted to gas and liquid product with a boiling point
      below 221  degrees C, coke, and water, if present) and yields of dry gas (H2
      C2's, CO, and CO2), liquefied petroleum gas (C3-C4), gasoline, light cycle oil,
      heavy cycle oil, coke, and water, if present.

PMID- 27684326
TI  - Interconnected Nanoflake Network Derived from a Natural Resource for High
      Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries.
AB  - Numerous natural resources have a highly interconnected network with developed
      porous structure, so enabling directional and fast matrix transport. Such
      structures are appealing for the design of efficient anode materials for lithium
      ion batteries, although they can be challenging to prepare. Inspired by nature, a
      novel synthesis route from biomass is proposed by using readily available
      auricularia as retractable support and carbon coating precursor to soak up metal
      salt solution. Using the swelling properties of the auricularia with the
      complexation of metal ions, a nitrogen-containing MnO@C nanoflake network has
      been easily synthesized with fast electrochemical reaction dynamics and a
      superior lithium storage performance. A subsequent carbonization results in the
      in situ synthesis of MnO nanoparticles throughout the porous carbon flake
      network. When evaluated as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries, an
      excellent reversible capacity is achieved of 868 mA h g-1 at 0.2 A g-1 over 300
      cycles and 668 mA h g-1 at 1 A g-1 over 500 cycles, indicating a high tolerance
      to the volume expansion. The approach investigated opens up new avenues for the
      design of high performance electrodes with highly cross-linked nanoflake
      structures, which may have great application prospects.

PMID- 27684327
TI  - Use of a Low-flow Digital Anesthesia System for Mice and Rats.
AB  - A traditional vaporizer depends on flowing gas and atmospheric pressure for
      passive anesthetic vaporization. Newly developed direct injection vaporizers
      utilize a syringe pump to directly administer volatile anesthetics into a gas
      stream. Unlike a traditional vaporizer, it can be used at very low flow rates,
      making it ideal for use on mice and rats. The equipment's capability to use low
      flow rates could result in a substantial cost savings due to the reduced need for
      anesthetic agents, compressed gas, and charcoal scavenging filters(1). A lower
      flow rate means less waste of anesthetic gas and likely reduces the risk of
      anesthetic exposure to laboratory personnel. Thus, the high levels of precision
      and safety associated with direct injection vaporizers, along with a reduced need
      for anesthetic agents, compressed gas, and charcoal filters are beneficial for
      research requiring small animal anesthesia. The goal of this protocol is to
      demonstrate the use of a syringe-driven direct injection vaporizer as part of a
      digital, low-flow anesthesia system. The direct injection vaporizer is capable of
      accurately delivering anesthesia at very low flow rates compared to a traditional
      vaporizer, making it a promising alternative for controlled gas anesthetic
      delivery to rodents.

PMID- 27684328
TI  - Use of a Battery of Chemical and Ecotoxicological Methods for the Assessment of
      the Efficacy of Wastewater Treatment Processes to Remove Estrogenic Potency.
AB  - Endocrine Disrupting Compounds pose a substantial risk to the aquatic
      environment. Ethinylestradiol (EE2) and estrone (E1) have recently been included
      in a watch list of environmental pollutants under the European Water Framework
      Directive. Municipal wastewater treatment plants are major contributors to the
      estrogenic potency of surface waters. Much of the estrogenic potency of
      wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents can be attributed to the discharge of
      steroid estrogens including estradiol (E2), EE2 and E1 due to incomplete removal
      of these substances at the treatment plant. An evaluation of the efficacy of
      wastewater treatment processes requires the quantitative determination of
      individual substances most often undertaken using chemical analysis methods. Most
      frequently used methods include Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GCMS/MS) or
      Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LCMS/MS) using multiple reaction
      monitoring (MRM). Although very useful for regulatory purposes, targeted chemical
      analysis can only provide data on the compounds (and specific metabolites)
      monitored. Ecotoxicology methods additionally ensure that any by-products
      produced or unknown estrogenic compounds present are also assessed via
      measurement of their biological activity. A number of in vitro bioassays
      including the Yeast Estrogen Screen (YES) are available to measure the estrogenic
      activity of wastewater samples. Chemical analysis in conjunction with in vivo and
      in vitro bioassays provides a useful toolbox for assessment of the efficacy and
      suitability of wastewater treatment processes with respect to estrogenic
      endocrine disrupting compounds. This paper utilizes a battery of chemical and
      ecotoxicology tests to assess conventional, advanced and emerging wastewater
      treatment processes in laboratory and field studies.

PMID- 27684329
TI  - Epidemiological and molecular investigation of a rubella outbreak, Romania, 2011
      to 2012.
AB  - We describe a rubella outbreak that occurred in Romania between September 2011
      and December 2012. During this period 24,627 rubella cases, 41.1% (n=10,134) of
      which female, were notified based on clinical criteria, and a total of 6,182
      individuals were found serologically positive for IgM-specific rubella antibody.
      The median age of notified cases was 18 years (range: <1-65) and the most
      affected age group 15 to 19 years (n=16,245 cases). Of all notified cases, 24,067
      cases (97.7%) reported no history of vaccination. Phylogenetic analysis of 19
      sequences (739 nucleotides each), from 10 districts of the country revealed that
      the outbreak was caused by two distinct rubella virus strains of genotype 2B,
      which co-circulated with both temporal and geographical overlap. In addition to
      the 6,182 IgM-positive rubella cases, 28 cases of congenital rubella syndrome
      (CRS) were identified, including 11 neonatal deaths and one stillbirth. The
      outbreak underscores the need to encourage higher vaccination uptake in the
      population, particularly in women of reproductive age, and to strengthen
      epidemiological and laboratory investigations of suspected rubella cases. Genetic
      characterisation of wild-type rubella virus is an essential component to enhance
      surveillance and here we report rubella virus sequences from Romania. 

PMID- 27684330
TI  - In Situ Synthesis of Fluorescent Carbon Dots/Polyelectrolyte Nanocomposite
      Microcapsules with Reduced Permeability and Ultrasound Sensitivity.
AB  - Designing and fabricating multifunctional nanocomposite microcapsules are
      considerable interests in both academic and industrial research aspects. This
      work first reports an innovative approach to in situ synthesize and assemble
      fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) into polyelectrolyte microcapsules, obtaining
      highly biocompatible nanocomposite microcapsules with excellent luminescence that
      facilitate imaging and identification in vitro, yet with the feasibility to load
      small molecules and ultrasound responsiveness to trigger their release. CDs are
      produced in situ in (PAH/PSS)4 microcapsule shells by carbonization of dextran
      molecules under relatively mild hydrothermal treatment. Compared with the
      collapsed and film-like (PAH/PSS)4 microcapsules, the novel composite
      microcapsules show a free-standing structure, smaller size, and thicker shell.
      CDs are proven to be fabricated and embedded in PAH/PSS multilayers, and the
      formed PAH/PSS/CD microcapsules are endowed with strong luminescence, as verified
      by the transmission electron microscopy, fluorescence spectra, and confocal laser
      scanning microscopy results. The in situ formation of CDs in capsule shells also
      empowers these capsules with ultrasound responsiveness and reduced permeability.
      The feasibility of encapsulation of small molecules (rhodamine B) and ultrasound
      triggered release is also shown. Most importantly, due to the intrinsic
      biocompatible property and photostability of CDs, these fluorescent PAH/PSS/CD
      microcapsules show negligible cell toxicity and low photobleaching, which are
      impossible for capsules composited with conventional organic dyes and
      semiconductor quantum dots.

PMID- 27684331
TI  - Time to take sexually transmitted infections seriously.

PMID- 27684332
TI  - Yellow fever vaccination coverage heterogeneities in Luanda province, Angola.

PMID- 27684333
TI  - An international registry for women exposed to Zika virus during pregnancy: time
      for answers.

PMID- 27684334
TI  - Ceftazidime-avibactam in ceftazidime-resistant infections.

PMID- 27684335
TI  - Ceftazidime-avibactam in ceftazidime-resistant infections.

PMID- 27684336
TI  - Plasmid-mediated colistin resistance in a patient infected with Klebsiella
      pneumoniae.

PMID- 27684337
TI  - Strategies of hospital antimicrobial stewardship associated with different health
      outcomes.

PMID- 27684338
TI  - Economic value of procalcitonin guidance.

PMID- 27684339
TI  - Influenza vaccine for international mass gatherings.

PMID- 27684340
TI  - Global burden of cutaneous leishmaniasis.

PMID- 27684342
TI  - The Middle East and hepatitis C virus infection: does it need special attention?

PMID- 27684343
TI  - Reconstruction of the hepatitis C virus epidemic in the USA.

PMID- 27684341
TI  - Further evidence to support the individualised treatment of gonorrhoea with
      ciprofloxacin.

PMID- 27684344
TI  - New data back early hypothesis for infectious microcephaly.

PMID- 27684345
TI  - Progress and pitfalls in prevention at AIDS 2016.

PMID- 27684346
TI  - Starting from scratch-the unique neglect of mycetoma.

PMID- 27684352
TI  - Non-destructive imaging of fragments of historical beeswax seals using high
      contrast X-ray micro-radiography and micro-tomography with large area photon
      counting detector array.
AB  - Historical beeswax seals are unique cultural heritage objects. Unfortunately, a
      number of historical sealing waxes show a porous structure with a strong tendency
      to stratification and embrittlement, which makes these objects extremely prone to
      mechanical damage. The understanding of beeswax degradation processes therefore
      plays an important role in the preservation and consequent treatment of these
      objects. Conventional methods applied for the investigation of beeswax materials
      (e.g. gas chromatography) are of a destructive nature or bring only limited
      information about the sample surface (microscopic techniques). Considering
      practical limitations of conventional methods and ethical difficulties connected
      with the sampling of the historical material, radiation imaging methods such as X
      ray micro-tomography presents a promising non-destructive tool for the onward
      scientific research in this field. In this contribution, we present the
      application of high-contrast X-ray micro-radiography and micro-tomography for the
      investigation of beeswax seal fragments. The method is based on the application
      of the large area photon-counting detector recently developed at our institute.
      The detector combines the advantages of single-photon counting technology with a
      large field of view. The method, consequently, enables imaging of relatively
      large objects with high geometrical magnification. In the reconstructed micro
      tomographies of investigated historical beeswax seals, we are able to reveal
      morphological structures such as stratification, micro-cavities and micro
      fractures with spatial resolution down to 5MUm non-destructively and with high
      imaging quality. The presented work therefore demonstrates that a combination of
      state-of-the-art hybrid pixel semiconductor detectors and currently available
      micro-focus x-ray sources makes it possible to apply X-ray micro-radiography and
      micro-tomography as a valuable non-destructive tool for volumetric beeswax seal
      morphological studies.

PMID- 27684351
TI  - Adductomics Pipeline for Untargeted Analysis of Modifications to Cys34 of Human
      Serum Albumin.
AB  - An important but understudied class of human exposures is comprised of reactive
      electrophiles that cannot be measured in vivo because they are short-lived. An
      avenue for assessing these meaningful exposures focuses on adducts from reactions
      with nucleophilic loci of blood proteins, particularly Cys34 of human serum
      albumin, which is the dominant scavenger of reactive electrophiles in serum. We
      developed an untargeted analytical scheme and bioinformatics pipeline for
      detecting, quantitating, and annotating Cys34 adducts in tryptic digests of human
      serum/plasma. The pipeline interrogates tandem mass spectra to find signatures of
      the Cys34-containing peptide, obtains accurate masses of putative adducts,
      quantitates adduct levels relative to a "housekeeping peptide", and annotates
      modifications based on a combination of retention time, accurate mass, elemental
      composition, and database searches. We used the adductomics pipeline to
      characterize 43 adduct features in archived plasma from healthy human subjects
      and found several that were highly associated with smoking status, race, and
      other covariates. Since smoking is a strong risk factor for cancer and
      cardiovascular disease, our ability to discover adducts that distinguish smokers
      from nonsmokers with untargeted adductomics indicates that the pipeline is
      suitable for use in epidemiologic studies. In fact, adduct features were both
      positively and negatively associated with smoking, indicating that some adducts
      arise from reactions between Cys34 and constituents of cigarette smoke (e.g.,
      ethylene oxide and acrylonitrile) while others (Cys34 oxidation products and
      disulfides) appear to reflect alterations in the serum redox state that resulted
      in reduced adduct levels in smokers.

PMID- 27684353
TI  - Autoxidation Products of Betulonaldehyde.
AB  - Three major degradation products resulted from the exposure of betulonaldehyde
      (1) to air in solution at room temperature. From HRMS and NMR data, the products,
      which were isolated by preparative supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC), were
      identified as betulonic acid (2) and C-17 hydroperoxide epimers 3 (beta-OOH) and
      4 (alpha-OOH). For 3 and 4, the H-18 multiplet pattern of the isolated products
      established the configuration at C-17.

PMID- 27684354
TI  - Cost-utility analysis of physician-pharmacist collaborative intervention for
      treating hypertension compared with usual care.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate long-term costs and outcomes attributable to a physician
      pharmacist collaborative intervention compared with physician management alone
      for treating essential hypertension. METHODS: A Markov model cohort simulation
      with a 6-month cycle length to predict acute coronary syndrome, stroke, and heart
      failure throughout lifetime was performed. A cohort of 399 patients was obtained
      from two prospective, cluster randomized controlled clinical trials implementing
      physician-pharmacist collaborative interventions in community-based medical
      offices in the Midwest, USA. Framingham risk equations and other algorithms were
      used to predict the vascular diseases. SBP reduction due to the interventions
      deteriorated until 5 years. Direct medical costs using a payer perspective were
      adjusted to 2015 dollar value, and the main outcome was quality-adjusted life
      years (QALYs); both were discounted at 3%. The intervention costs were estimated
      from the trials, whereas the remaining parameters were from published studies. A
      series of sensitivity analyses including changing patient risks of vascular
      diseases, probabilistic sensitivity analysis, and a cost-effectiveness
      acceptability curve were performed. RESULTS: The lifetime incremental costs were
      $26 807.83 per QALY (QALYs gained = 0.14). The intervention provided the greatest
      benefit for the high-risk patients, moderate benefit for the trial patients, and
      the lowest benefit for the low-risk patients. If a payer is willing to pay $50
      000 per QALY gained, in 48.6% of the time the intervention would be cost
      effective. CONCLUSION: Team-based care such as a physician-pharmacist
      collaboration appears to be a cost-effective strategy for treating hypertension.
      The intervention is most cost-effective for high-risk patients.

PMID- 27684355
TI  - Assays for the Degradation of Misfolded Proteins in Cells.
AB  - Protein misfolding and aggregation are associated with various neurodegenerative
      diseases. Cellular mechanisms that recognize and degrade misfolded proteins may
      serve as potential therapeutic targets. To distinguish degradation of misfolding
      prone proteins from other mechanisms that regulate their levels, one important
      method is to measure protein half-life in cells. However, this can be challenging
      because misfolding-prone proteins may exist in different forms, including the
      native form and misfolded forms of distinct characteristics. Here we describe
      assays to examine the half-life of misfolded proteins in mammalian cells using a
      highly aggregation-prone protein, Ataxin-1 with an extended polyglutamine (polyQ)
      stretch, and a conformationally unstable luciferase mutant as models.
      Cycloheximide chase is combined with cell fractionation to examine the turnover
      rate of misfolding-prone proteins in various cellular fractions. We further
      depict a fluorescence-based assay using an enhanced green fluorescence protein
      (EGFP)-fusion of the luciferase mutant, which can be adapted for high throughput
      screening on a microplate-reader.

PMID- 27684357
TI  - Systemic vasculitis and the gut.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Gastrointestinal system can be involved in primary and
      secondary vasculitides. The recent data regarding the pathophysiology, clinical
      findings, diagnosis, management, and outcome of gastrointestinal involvement in
      different types of vasculitis are reviewed. RECENT FINDINGS: Diagnosis of
      gastrointestinal vasculitis may be difficult and relies mostly on imaging,
      because biopsy samples are hard to obtain and superficial mucosal biopsies have a
      low yield. There are conflicting reports on the association of antineutrophilic
      cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) type with the frequency of gastrointestinal
      involvement in ANCA-associated vasculitis. Pancreatitis is a rare but serious
      complication of ANCA-associated vasculitis. Terminal ileitis may be observed in
      immunoglobulin A vasculitis and can be hard to distinguish from Crohn's disease.
      High fecal calprotectin levels can indicate active gastrointestinal involvement
      in both immunoglobulin A vasculitis and Behcet's syndrome. Refractory
      gastrointestinal involvement in Behcet's syndrome can be treated with thalidomide
      and/or TNF-alpha antagonists. The outcome of mesenteric vasculitis in systemic
      lupus erythematosus can be improved with high-dose glucocorticoids and
      cyclophosphamide or rituximab. SUMMARY: Gastrointestinal system can be commonly
      involved in immunoglobulin A vasculitis, ANCA-associated vasculitis,
      polyarteritis nodosa, and Behcet's syndrome and can be an important cause of
      morbidity and mortality. Treatment depends on the type of vasculitis and is
      usually with high-dose corticosteroids and immunosuppressives.

PMID- 27684358
TI  - Behcet's syndrome in nonendemic regions.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Behcet's syndrome is more common in certain geographic
      regions, however, can be seen outside of these areas and need to be included in
      the differential diagnosis of many patients, as it has overlapping features with
      many rheumatologic conditions. RECENT FINDINGS: Especially in regions with
      immigrant populations, there seem to be similarities to originating countries in
      Behcet's prevalence, but the syndrome is not limited to those from certain
      backgrounds and can be seen in others also. There is emerging evidence that even
      though the prevalence of Behcet's may be similar to that of endemic areas, in
      nonendemic regions the condition may be less severe, suggesting potential
      environment agents in determining the severity of the disease. In addition, women
      seem to be overrepresented in nonendemic areas and may explain part of the reason
      for less severe symptoms, as Behcet's tends to be more severe in men. SUMMARY:
      The somewhat different presentation of Behcet's syndrome in nonendemic areas
      needs to be considered when thinking about Behcet's in the differential diagnosis
      of patients. Research into potentially less severe form of the disease in
      nonendemic areas may provide new clues to the pathogenesis of this condition.

PMID- 27684359
TI  - Extent of Resection and Survival in Glioblastoma Multiforme.

PMID- 27684356
TI  - A Comprehensive Review of Topical Odor-Controlling Treatment Options for Chronic
      Wounds.
AB  - The process of wound healing is often accompanied by bacterial infection or
      critical colonization, resulting in protracted inflammation, delayed
      reepithelization, and production of pungent odors. The malodor produced by these
      wounds may lower health-related quality of life and produce psychological
      discomfort and social isolation. Current management focuses on reducing bacterial
      activity within the wound site and absorbing malodorous gases. For example,
      charcoal-based materials have been incorporated into dressing for direct
      adsorption of the responsible gases. In addition, multiple topical agents,
      including silver, iodine, honey, sugar, and essential oils, have been suggested
      for incorporation into dressings in an attempt to control the underlying
      bacterial infection. This review describes options for controlling malodor in
      chronic wounds, the benefits and drawbacks of each topical agent, and their mode
      of action. We also discuss the use of subjective odor evaluation techniques to
      assess the efficacy of odor-controlling therapies. The perspectives of employing
      novel biomaterials and technologies for wound odor management are also presented.

PMID- 27684360
TI  - Chemical treatment and chitosan coating of yeast cells to improve the
      encapsulation and controlled release of bovine serum albumin.
AB  - We investigate the encapsulation of bovine serum albumin (BSA) in chemical
      treated and chitosan-coated yeast cells, Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S.
      cerevisiae), for the controlled release of BSA. The chemical treatment can
      sufficiently enlarge the small-sized cell-wall cavities and/or break the
      integrity for the entrance of BSA to the interior of yeast cells, and the
      additional chitosan coating can well prevent the rapid release of encapsulated
      BSA from the yeast-derived microcapsules. The sodium hydroxide pretreated S.
      cerevisiae gives a maximum encapsulation yield of (10.1 +/- 0.2)% for BSA. An
      additional coating of S. cerevisiae with chitosan can reduce the initial burst
      release of BSA and extend the release period from 24 h in the chitosan-free case
      to 48 h in phosphate buffer at pH 7.4. The prepared microcapsules can well keep
      the shapes and sizes of yeast cells and thus show uniform sizes of 3.85 +/- 0.81
      MUm. The encapsulated BSA well retains its pristine ultraviolet spectroscopic and
      chromatographic behaviors. The present microencapsulation protocol has the
      advantages of convenient and mild operation, high encapsulation efficiency, and
      organic solvent-free nature, which is of reference value for establishing high
      performance controllable biomacromolecule-delivery systems.

PMID- 27684361
TI  - Prosthetic Voice Rehabilitation Following Laryngectomy: It's the Archer Not the
      Arrow.

PMID- 27684362
TI  - Preemptive strikes: Fear, hope, and defensive aggression.
AB  - Preemptive strikes are costly and harmful. Existing models of defensive
      aggression focus narrowly on the role fear plays in motivating preemptive
      strikes. Theoretically integrating the literatures on conflict, decision making,
      and emotion, the current research investigated how specific emotions associated
      with certainty or uncertainty, including fear, anger, disgust, hope, and
      happiness, influence preemptive strikes. Study 1 demonstrated that hope
      negatively predicts defensive exits from relationships in choice dilemmas.
      Studies 2 and 3 experimentally manipulated risk of being attacked in an
      incentivized, interactive decision making task-the Preemptive Strike Game. Risk
      of being attacked fueled preemptive strikes; reduced feelings of hope partially
      mediated this effect in Study 3. Studies 4 and 5 investigated preemptive strikes
      under uncertainty (rather than risk). In Study 4, reasoning about the factors
      that make one trustful of others curbed preemptive strikes; cogitating about the
      factors that underlie discrete emotions, however, did not influence defensive
      aggression. Study 5 demonstrated that the valence and uncertainty appraisals of
      incidental emotions interact in shaping preemptive strikes. Specifically,
      recalling an autobiographical emotional experience that produced hope
      significantly decreased attack rates relative to fear, happiness, and a control
      condition. Fear, anger, disgust, and happiness were either unrelated to
      preemptive strikes or showed inconsistent relationships with preemptive strikes
      across the 5 studies. These findings shed light on how emotions shape defensive
      aggression, advance knowledge on strategic choice under risk and uncertainty, and
      demonstrate hope's positive effects on social interactions and relationships.
      (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27684363
TI  - Romantic relationships in the ecosystem: Compassionate goals, nonzero-sum
      beliefs, and change in relationship quality.
AB  - According to the egosystem-ecosystem theory of social motivation, people with
      ecosystem motivation believe their interpersonal relationships work in nonzero
      sum ways. A longitudinal study of individuals in romantic relationships and a
      study of romantic couples who had a conflict discussion in the laboratory both
      showed that compassionate goals predict increased nonzero-sum beliefs through
      increased responsiveness and perceptions of partner's responsiveness and that
      nonzero-sum beliefs uniquely predict increased relationship quality through
      increased optimism that relationship problems can be overcome. The results
      support the view that motivational orientations shape people's lay theories that
      their relationship works in zero-sum or nonzero-sum ways, and further show that
      nonzero-sum beliefs are an important and unique predictor of change in
      relationship quality independent of responsiveness or perceived partner
      responsiveness. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27684364
TI  - Influence of indirect information on interpersonal trust despite direct
      information.
AB  - Trust is integral to successful relationships. The development of trust stems
      from how one person treats others, and there are multiple ways to learn about
      someone's trust-relevant behavior. The present research captures the development
      of trust to examine if trust-relevant impressions and behavior are influenced by
      indirect behavioral information (i.e., descriptions of how a person treated
      another individual)-even in the presence of substantial direct behavioral
      information (i.e., self-relevant, first-hand experience with a person).
      Participants had repeated interpersonal exchanges with a partner who was
      trustworthy or untrustworthy with participants' money. The present studies vary
      the frequency with which (Studies 1 & 2), the order in which (Study 3) and the
      number of people for whom (Study 4) indirect information (i.e., brief vignettes
      describing trustworthy or untrustworthy behavior) were presented. As predicted,
      across 4 studies, we observed a robust effect of indirect-information despite the
      presence of substantial direct information. Even after dozens of interactions in
      which a partner betrayed (or not), a brief behavioral description of a partner
      influenced participants' willingness to actually trust the partner with money,
      memory-based estimates of partner-behavior, and impressions of the partner. These
      effects were observed even though participants were also sensitive to partners'
      actual trust behavior, and even when indirect behavioral descriptions were only
      presented a single time. Impressions were identified as a strong candidate
      mechanism for the effect of indirect-information on behavior. We discuss
      implications of the persistence of indirect information for impression formation,
      relationship development, and future studies of trust. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27684365
TI  - Exercise cardiac power and the risk of coronary heart disease and cardiovascular
      mortality in men.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship of exercise
      cardiac power (ECP), defined as a ratio of directly measured maximal oxygen
      uptake with peak systolic blood pressure during exercise, with the risk of
      mortality from coronary heart diseases (CHD) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD).
      DESIGN: Population-based cohort study with an average follow-up of 25 years from
      eastern Finland. About 2358 men at baseline participated in exercise stress test
      and 182 CHD and 302 CVD deaths occurred. RESULTS: Men with low ECP (< 8.7
      mL/mmHg, lowest quartile) had a 3.5-fold (95% CI 2.1-5.8, p < 0.0001) risk of CHD
      mortality as compared with men with high ECP (>16.4 mL/mmHg, highest quartile)
      after adjusting for age and examination year. Low ECP was associated with a 2.8
      fold risk of CHD and 2.4-fold for CVD mortality after additional adjustment for
      conventional risk factors. After further adjustment for leisure time physical
      activity, the results hardly changed (HR 2.5, 95% CI 1.71-3.67, p < 0.001).
      CONCLUSION: ECP provides non-invasive and easily available measure for the
      prediction of CHD and CVD mortality. One of the most potential explanation for
      the association between ECP and the risk of CHD and CVD mortality is an elevated
      afterload and peripheral resistance indicated by hypertension. Key messages Index
      of exercise cardiac power defined as the ratio of directly measured maximal
      oxygen uptake (VO2max) with peak systolic blood pressure gives prognostic
      information in coronary heart disease (CHD) and CVD mortality risk
      stratification. ECP provides non-invasive and easily available measure for the
      prediction of CHD and CVD mortality. One of the most potential explanation for
      the association between ECP and the risk of CHD and CVD mortality is an elevated
      afterload and peripheral resistance indicated by hypertension.

PMID- 27684366
TI  - Chronic subdural haematomas in elderly population. Neurosurgical aspects and
      focus on the single-burr hole technique performed under assisted local
      anaesthesia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Chronic subdural haematomas (CSDH) is a common pathology that usually
      affects the elderly population. The incidence of CSDH has recently been
      increasing with the expansion of the aging population. The objective of our study
      was to evaluate the outcome following surgical drainage of CSDH in elderly
      patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 455
      consecutive patients with CSDHs over a 5-year period. Among them, all 121
      patients older than 80-year old were included in the study. Clinical status,
      comorbidities, type of surgical technique and outcome were analyzed. Outcome at
      last follow-up was measured using the Markwalder grading score and the Glasgow
      outcome scale. RESULTS: Patients ranged from 80- to 94-year old with a median age
      of 84 years (range 80-94). Ninety-eight percent of patients were surgically
      treated by a small burr hole under assisted local anaesthesia. About 69.2% of
      patients improved post-operatively. The mortality rate was 6.8%. CONCLUSION: CSDH
      is a common pathology in the elderly population. Patients with CSDHs often have
      comorbodities that need to be considered in deciding whether surgical treatment
      is indicated. When surgery is elected, small craniostomy techniques performed
      under assisted local anesthesia is safe and should be favored in this frail
      population.

PMID- 27684367
TI  - RNA-Seq Transcriptome Analysis of Direction-Selective T4/T5 Neurons in
      Drosophila.
AB  - Neuronal computation underlying detection of visual motion has been studied for
      more than a half-century. In Drosophila, direction-selective T4/T5 neurons show
      supralinear signal amplification in response to stimuli moving in their preferred
      direction, in agreement with the prediction made by the Hassenstein-Reichardt
      detector. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanism explaining how the Hassenstein
      Reichardt model is implemented in T4/T5 cells has not been identified yet. In the
      present study, we utilized cell type-specific transcriptome profiling with RNA
      seq to obtain a complete gene expression profile of T4/T5 neurons. We analyzed
      the expression of genes that affect neuronal computational properties and can
      underlie the molecular implementation of the core features of the Hassenstein
      Reichardt model to the dendrites of T4/T5 neurons. Furthermore, we used the
      acquired RNA-seq data to examine the neurotransmitter system used by T4/T5
      neurons. Surprisingly, we observed co-expression of the cholinergic markers and
      the vesicular GABA transporter in T4/T5 neurons. We verified the previously
      undetected expression of vesicular GABA transporter in T4/T5 cells using VGAT
      LexA knock-in line. The provided gene expression dataset can serve as a useful
      source for studying the properties of direction-selective T4/T5 neurons on the
      molecular level.

PMID- 27684368
TI  - Indication of Horizontal DNA Gene Transfer by Extracellular Vesicles.
AB  - The biological relevance of extracellular vesicles (EV) in intercellular
      communication has been well established. Thus far, proteins and RNA were
      described as main cargo. Here, we show that EV released from human bone marrow
      derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-hMSC) also carry high-molecular DNA in
      addition. Extensive EV characterization revealed this DNA mainly associated with
      the outer EV membrane and to a smaller degree also inside the EV. Our EV
      purification protocol secured that DNA is not derived from apoptotic or necrotic
      cells. To analyze the relevance of EV-associated DNA we lentivirally transduced
      Arabidopsis thaliana-DNA (A.t.-DNA) as indicator into BM-hMSC and generated EV.
      Using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) techniques we detected high
      copy numbers of A.t.-DNA in EV. In recipient hMSC incubated with tagged EV for
      two weeks we identified A.t.-DNA transferred to recipient cells. Investigation of
      recipient cell DNA using quantitative PCR and verification of PCR-products by
      sequencing suggested stable integration of A.t.-DNA. In conclusion, for the first
      time our proof-of-principle experiments point to horizontal DNA transfer into
      recipient cells via EV. Based on our results we assume that eukaryotic cells are
      able to exchange genetic information in form of DNA extending the known cargo of
      EV by genomic DNA. This mechanism might be of relevance in cancer but also during
      cell evolution and development.

PMID- 27684370
TI  - Breast Cancer Patients Have Greatly Benefited from the Progress in Molecular
      Oncology.
AB  - Cancer research has become a global enterprise, and the number of researchers, as
      well as the cost for their activities, has skyrocketed. The budget for the
      National Cancer Institute of the United States National Institutes of Health
      alone was US$5.2 billion in 2015. Since most of the research is funded by public
      money, it is perfectly legitimate to ask if these large expenses are worth it. In
      this brief commentary, we recapitulate some of the breakthroughs that mark the
      history of breast cancer research over the past decades and emphasize the
      resulting benefits for afflicted women. In 1971, only 40% of women diagnosed with
      breast cancer would live another 10 years. Today, nearly 80% of women reach that
      significant milestone in most developed countries. This dramatic change has
      afforded breast cancer patients many productive years and a better quality of
      life. Progress resulted largely from advances in the understanding of the
      molecular details of the disease and their translation into innovative,
      rationally designed therapies. These developments are founded on the revolution
      in molecular and cellular biology, an entirely new array of methods and
      technologies, the enthusiasm, optimism, and diligence of scientists and
      clinicians, and the considerable funding efforts from public and private sources.
      We were lucky to be able to spend our productive years in a period of scientific
      upheaval in which methods and concepts were revolutionized and that allowed us to
      contribute, within the global scientific community, to the progress in basic
      science and clinical practice.

PMID- 27684369
TI  - Testing the Role of Dorsal Premotor Cortex in Auditory-Motor Association Learning
      Using Transcranical Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).
AB  - Interactions between the auditory and the motor systems are critical in music as
      well as in other domains, such as speech. The premotor cortex, specifically the
      dorsal premotor cortex (dPMC), seems to play a key role in auditory-motor
      integration, and in mapping the association between a sound and the movement used
      to produce it. In the present studies we tested the causal role of the dPMC in
      learning and applying auditory-motor associations using 1 Hz repetitive
      Transcranical Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS). In this paradigm, non-musicians learn
      a set of auditory-motor associations through melody training in two contexts:
      first when the sound to key-press mapping was in a conventional sequential order
      (low to high tones mapped onto keys from left to right), and then when it was in
      a novel scrambled order. Participant's ability to match the four pitches to four
      computer keys was tested before and after the training. In both experiments, the
      group that received 1 Hz rTMS over the dPMC showed no significant improvement on
      the pitch-matching task following training, whereas the control group (who
      received rTMS to visual cortex) did. Moreover, in Experiment 2 where the pitch
      key mapping was novel, rTMS over the dPMC also interfered with learning. These
      findings suggest that rTMS over dPMC disturbs the formation of auditory-motor
      associations, especially when the association is novel and must be learned rather
      explicitly. The present results contribute to a better understanding of the role
      of dPMC in auditory-motor integration, suggesting a critical role of dPMC in
      learning the link between an action and its associated sound.

PMID- 27684371
TI  - Personality Traits Are Associated with Research Misbehavior in Dutch Scientists:
      A Cross-Sectional Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Personality influences decision making and ethical considerations.
      Its influence on the occurrence of research misbehavior has never been studied.
      This study aims to determine the association between personality traits and self
      reported questionable research practices and research misconduct. We hypothesized
      that narcissistic, Machiavellianistic and psychopathic traits as well as self
      esteem are associated with research misbehavior. METHODS: Included in this cross
      sectional study design were 535 Dutch biomedical scientists (response rate 65%)
      from all hierarchical layers of 4 university medical centers in the Netherlands.
      We used validated personality questionnaires such as the Dark Triad (narcissism,
      psychopathy, and Machiavellianism), Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale, the
      Publication Pressure Questionnaire (PPQ), and also demographic and job-specific
      characteristics to investigate the association of personality traits with a
      composite research misbehavior severity score. FINDINGS: Machiavellianism was
      positively associated (beta 1.28, CI 1.06-1.53) with self-reported research
      misbehavior, while narcissism, psychopathy and self-esteem were not. Exploratory
      analysis revealed that narcissism and research misconduct were more severe among
      persons in higher academic ranks (i.e., professors) (p<0.01 and p<0.001,
      respectively), and self-esteem scores and publication pressure were lower
      (p<0.001 and p<0.01, respectively) as compared to postgraduate PhD fellows.
      CONCLUSIONS: Machiavellianism may be a risk factor for research misbehaviour.
      Narcissism and research misbehaviour were more prevalent among biomedical
      scientists in higher academic positions. These results suggest that personality
      has an impact on research behavior and should be taken into account in fostering
      responsible conduct of research.

PMID- 27684372
TI  - Distribution and Outcomes of a Phenotype-Based Approach to Guide COPD Management:
      Results from the CHAIN Cohort.
AB  - RATIONALE: The Spanish guideline for COPD (GesEPOC) recommends COPD treatment
      according to four clinical phenotypes: non-exacerbator phenotype with either
      chronic bronchitis or emphysema (NE), asthma-COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS),
      frequent exacerbator phenotype with emphysema (FEE) or frequent exacerbator
      phenotype with chronic bronchitis (FECB). However, little is known on the
      distribution and outcomes of the four suggested phenotypes. OBJECTIVE: We aimed
      to determine the distribution of these COPD phenotypes, and their relation with
      one-year clinical outcomes. METHODS: We followed a cohort of well-characterized
      patients with COPD up to one-year. Baseline characteristics, health status (CAT),
      BODE index, rate of exacerbations and mortality up to one year of follow-up were
      compared between the four phenotypes. RESULTS: Overall, 831 stable COPD patients
      were evaluated. They were distributed as NE, 550 (66.2%); ACOS, 125 (15.0%); FEE,
      38 (4.6%); and FECB, 99 (11.9%); additionally 19 (2.3%) COPD patients with
      frequent exacerbations did not fulfill the criteria for neither FEE nor FECB. At
      baseline, there were significant differences in symptoms, FEV1 and BODE index
      (all p<0.05). The FECB phenotype had the highest CAT score (17.1+/-8.2, p<0.05
      compared to the other phenotypes). Frequent exacerbator groups (FEE and FECB)
      were receiving more pharmacological treatment at baseline, and also experienced
      more exacerbations the year after (all p<0.05) with no differences in one-year
      mortality. Most of NE (93%) and half of exacerbators were stable after one year.
      CONCLUSIONS: There is an uneven distribution of COPD phenotypes in stable COPD
      patients, with significant differences in demographics, patient-centered outcomes
      and health care resources use.

PMID- 27684373
TI  - How Nectar-Feeding Bats Localize their Food: Echolocation Behavior of
      Leptonycteris yerbabuenae Approaching Cactus Flowers.
AB  - Nectar-feeding bats show morphological, physiological, and behavioral adaptations
      for feeding on nectar. How they find and localize flowers is still poorly
      understood. While scent cues alone allow no precise localization of a floral
      target, the spatial properties of flower echoes are very precise and could play a
      major role, particularly at close range. The aim of this study is to understand
      the role of echolocation for classification and localization of flowers. We
      compared the approach behavior of Leptonycteris yerbabuenae to flowers of a
      columnar cactus, Pachycereus pringlei, to that to an acrylic hollow hemisphere
      that is acoustically conspicuous to bats, but has different acoustic properties
      and, contrary to the cactus flower, present no scent. For recording the flight
      and echolocation behaviour we used two infrared video cameras under stroboscopic
      illumination synchronized with ultrasound recordings. During search flights all
      individuals identified both targets as a possible food source and initiated an
      approach flight; however, they visited only the cactus flower. In experiments
      with the acrylic hemisphere bats aborted the approach at ca. 40-50 cm. In the
      last instant before the flower visit the bats emitted a long terminal group of 10
      20 calls. This is the first report of this behaviour for a nectar-feeding bat.
      Our findings suggest that L. yerbabuenae use echolocation for classification and
      localization of cactus flowers and that the echo-acoustic characteristics of the
      flower guide the bats directly to the flower opening.

PMID- 27684374
TI  - Vascular Dysfunction in Horses with Endocrinopathic Laminitis.
AB  - Endocrinopathic laminitis (EL) is a vascular condition of the equine hoof
      resulting in severe lameness with both welfare and economic implications. EL
      occurs in association with equine metabolic syndrome and equine Cushing's
      disease. Vascular dysfunction, most commonly due to endothelial dysfunction, is
      associated with cardiovascular risk in people with metabolic syndrome and
      Cushing's syndrome. We tested the hypothesis that horses with EL have vascular,
      specifically endothelial, dysfunction. Healthy horses (n = 6) and horses with EL
      (n = 6) destined for euthanasia were recruited. We studied vessels from the
      hooves (laminar artery, laminar vein) and the facial skin (facial skin arteries)
      by small vessel wire myography. The response to vasoconstrictors phenylephrine
      (10-9-10-5M) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT; 10-9-10-5M) and the vasodilator
      acetylcholine (10-9-10-5M) was determined. In comparison with healthy controls,
      acetylcholine-induced relaxation was dramatically reduced in all intact vessels
      from horses with EL (% relaxation of healthy laminar arteries 323.5 +/- 94.1% v
      EL 90.8 +/- 4.4%, P = 0.01, laminar veins 129.4 +/- 14.8% v EL 71.2 +/- 4.1%, P =
      0.005 and facial skin arteries 182.0 +/- 40.7% v EL 91.4 +/- 4.5%, P = 0.01). In
      addition, contractile responses to phenylephrine and 5HT were increased in intact
      laminar veins from horses with EL compared with healthy horses; these differences
      were endothelium-independent. Sensitivity to phenylephrine was reduced in intact
      laminar arteries (P = 0.006) and veins (P = 0.009) from horses with EL. Horses
      with EL exhibit significant vascular dysfunction in laminar vessels and in facial
      skin arteries. The systemic nature of the abnormalities suggest this dysfunction
      is associated with the underlying endocrinopathy and not local changes to the
      hoof.

PMID- 27684375
TI  - Alternative Isoform Analysis of Ttc8 Expression in the Rat Pineal Gland Using a
      Multi-Platform Sequencing Approach Reveals Neural Regulation.
AB  - Alternative isoform regulation (AIR) vastly increases transcriptome diversity and
      plays an important role in numerous biological processes and pathologies.
      However, the detection and analysis of isoform-level differential regulation is
      difficult, particularly in the face of complex and incompletely-annotated
      transcriptomes. Here we have used Illumina short-read/high-throughput RNA-Seq to
      identify 55 genes that exhibit neurally-regulated AIR in the pineal gland, and
      then used two other complementary experimental platforms to further study and
      characterize the Ttc8 gene, which is involved in Bardet-Biedl syndrome and non
      syndromic retinitis pigmentosa. Use of the JunctionSeq analysis tool led to the
      detection of several novel exons and splice junctions in this gene, including two
      novel alternative transcription start sites which were found to display
      disproportionately strong neurally-regulated differential expression in several
      independent experiments. These high-throughput sequencing results were validated
      and augmented via targeted qPCR and long-read Pacific Biosciences SMRT
      sequencing. We confirmed the existence of numerous novel splice junctions and the
      selective upregulation of the two novel start sites. In addition, we identified
      more than 20 novel isoforms of the Ttc8 gene that are co-expressed in this
      tissue. By using information from multiple independent platforms we not only
      greatly reduce the risk of errors, biases, and artifacts influencing our results,
      we also are able to characterize the regulation and splicing of the Ttc8 gene
      more deeply and more precisely than would be possible via any single platform.
      The hybrid method outlined here represents a powerful strategy in the study of
      the transcriptome.

PMID- 27684376
TI  - A study of physical activity comparing people with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease to
      normal control subjects.
AB  - PURPOSE: Charcot Marie Tooth disease (CMT) describes a group of hereditary
      neuropathies that present with distal weakness, wasting and sensory loss. Small
      studies indicate that people with CMT have reduced daily activity levels. This
      raises concerns as physical inactivity increases the risk of a range of co-
      morbidities, an important consideration in the long-term management of this
      disease. This study aimed to compare physical activity, patterns of sedentary
      behavior and overall energy expenditure of people with CMT and healthy matched
      controls. METHODS: We compared 20 people with CMT and 20 matched controls in a
      comparison of physical activity measurement over seven days, using an activity
      monitor. Patterns of sedentary behavior were explored through a power law
      analysis. RESULTS: Results showed a decrease in daily steps taken in the CMT
      group, but somewhat paradoxically, they demonstrate shorter bouts of sedentary
      activity and more frequent transitions from sedentary to active behaviors. No
      differences were seen in energy expenditure or time spent in sedentary, moderate
      or vigorous activity. CONCLUSION: The discrepancy between energy expenditure and
      number of steps could be due to higher energy requirements for walking, but also
      may be due to an over-estimation of energy expenditure by the activity monitor in
      the presence of muscle wasting. Alternatively, this finding may indicate that
      people with CMT engage more in activities or movement not related to walking.
      Implications for Rehabilitation Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease: * People with
      Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease did not show a difference in energy expenditure over
      seven days compared to healthy controls, but this may be due to higher energy
      costs of walking, and/or an over estimation of energy expenditure by the activity
      monitor in a population where there is muscle wasting. This needs to be
      considered when interpreting activity monitor data in people with neuromuscular
      diseases. * Compared to healthy controls, people with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
      had a lower step count over seven days, but exhibited more frequent transitions
      from sedentary to active behaviors * High Body Mass Index and increased time
      spent sedentary were related factors that have implications for general health
      status. * Understanding the profile of physical activity and behavior can allow
      targeting of rehabilitation interventions to address mobility and fitness.

PMID- 27684377
TI  - Impact of Reed Canary Grass Cultivation and Mineral Fertilisation on the
      Microbial Abundance and Genetic Potential for Methane Production in Residual Peat
      of an Abandoned Peat Extraction Area.
AB  - This study examined physiochemical conditions and prokaryotic community structure
      (the bacterial and archaeal 16S rRNA genes and mcrA gene abundances and
      proportions), and evaluated the effect of reed canary grass cultivation and
      mineral fertilisation on these factors, in the 60 cm thick residual peat layer of
      experimental plots located on an abandoned peat extraction area. The archaeal
      proportion was 0.67-39.56% in the prokaryotic community and the methanogens
      proportion was 0.01-1.77% in the archaeal community. When bacterial abundance was
      higher in the top 20 cm of peat, the archaea were more abundant in the 20-60 cm
      layer and methanogens in the 40-60 cm layer of the residual peat. The bacterial
      abundance was significantly increased, but archaeal abundance was not affected by
      cultivation. The fertiliser application had a slight effect on peat properties
      and on archaeal and methanogen abundances in the deeper layer of cultivated peat.
      The CH4 emission was positively related to mcrA abundance in the 20-60 cm of the
      bare peat, while in case of reed canary grass cultivation these two parameters
      were not correlated. Reed canary grass cultivation mitigated CH4 emission,
      although methanogen abundance remained approximately the same or even increased
      in different layers of residual peat under cultivated sites over time. This study
      supports the outlook of using abandoned peat extraction areas to produce reed
      canary grass for energy purposes as an advisable land-use practice from the
      perspective of atmospheric impact in peatland-rich Northern Europe.

PMID- 27684378
TI  - Obstructive Sleep Apnea Is Associated with Elevated High Sensitivity C-Reactive
      Protein Levels Independent of Obesity: Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study.
AB  - Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) has been recognized as a common health
      problem, and increasing obesity rates have led to further remarkable increases in
      the prevalence of OSA, along with more prominent cardiovascular morbidities.
      Though previous studies have reported an independent relationship between
      elevated high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels and OSA, the issue
      remains controversial owing to inadequate consideration of obesity and various
      confounding factors. So far, few population based studies of association between
      OSA and hsCRP levels have been published. Therefore, the purpose of the present
      study was to investigate whether OSA is associated with increased hsCRP levels
      independent of obesity in a large population-based study. A total of 1,835
      subjects (968 men and 867 women) were selected from a larger cohort of the
      ongoing Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES). Overnight polysomnography
      was performed on each participant. All participants underwent anthropometric
      measurements and biochemical analyses, including analysis of lipid profiles and
      hsCRP levels. Based on anthropometric data, body mass index (BMI) and waist hip
      ratio (WHR) were calculated and fat mass (FM) were measured by means of multi
      frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Mild OSA and moderate to severe
      OSA were defined by an AHI >5 and >=15, respectively. The population was sub
      divided into 3 groups based on the tertile cut-points for the distribution of
      hsCRP levels. The percentage of participants in the highest tertile of hsCRP
      increased dose-dependently according to the severity of OSA. After adjustment for
      potential confounders and obesity-related variables (BMI, WHR, and body fat) in a
      multiple logistic model, participants with moderate to severe OSA had 1.73-, 2.01
      , and 1.61-fold greater risks of being in the highest tertile of hsCRP levels
      than participants with non-OSA, respectively. Interaction between obesity (BMI
      >=25kg/m2) and the presence of moderate-to-severe OSA was significant on the
      middle tertile levels of hsCRP (OR = 2.4), but not on the highest tertile,
      compared to the lowest tertile. OSA is independently associated with elevated
      hsCRP levels and may reflect an increased risk for cardiovascular morbidity.
      However, we found that OSA and obesity interactively contribute to individuals
      with general levels of hsCRP (<1.01 mg/dl). The short-term and long-term effects
      of elevated hsCRP levels on cardiovascular risk in the context of OSA remain to
      be defined in future studies.

PMID- 27684380
TI  - Is it really good to talk? Testing the impact of providing concurrent verbal
      protocols on driving performance.
AB  - Questions have been raised regarding the impact that providing concurrent verbal
      protocols has on task performance in various settings; however, there has been
      little empirical testing of this in road transport. The aim of this study was to
      examine the impact of providing concurrent verbal protocols on driving
      performance. Participants drove an instrumented vehicle around a set route, twice
      whilst providing a concurrent verbal protocol, and twice without. A comparison
      revealed no differences in behaviour related to speed, braking and steering wheel
      angle when driving mid-block, but a significant difference in aspects of braking
      and acceleration at roundabouts. When not providing a verbal protocol,
      participants were found to brake harder on approach to a roundabout and
      accelerate more heavily coming out of roundabouts. It is concluded that providing
      verbal protocols may have a positive effect on braking and accelerating.
      Practical implications related to driver training and future research are
      discussed. Practitioner Summary: Verbal protocol analysis is used by ergonomists
      to understand aspects of cognition and decision-making during complex tasks such
      as driving and control room operation. This study examines the impact that it has
      on driving performance, providing evidence to support its continued use in
      ergonomics applications.

PMID- 27684381
TI  - Bilingual advantage, bidialectal advantage or neither? Comparing performance
      across three tests of executive function in middle childhood.
AB  - When bilinguals speak, both fluent language systems become activated in parallel
      and exert an influence on speech production. As a consequence of maintaining
      separation between the two linguistic systems, bilinguals are purported to
      develop enhanced executive control functioning. Like bilinguals, individuals who
      speak two dialects must also maintain separation between two linguistic systems,
      albeit to a lesser degree. Across three tests of executive function, we compared
      bilingual and bidialectal children's performance to that of a monolingual control
      group. No evidence for a bidialectal advantage was found. However, in line with a
      growing number of recent partial and failed replications, we observed a
      significant bilingual advantage only in one measure in one task. This calls the
      robustness of the bilingual advantage into question. A comprehensive review of
      studies investigating advantages of inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility
      in bilingual children reveals that the bilingual advantage is likely to be both
      task and sample specific, and the interaction between these factors makes
      qualification of the effect challenging. These findings highlight the importance
      of tracking the impact of dual linguistic systems across the lifespan using tasks
      calibrated for difficulty across different ages.

PMID- 27684379
TI  - Randomized Controlled Trials to Define Viral Load Thresholds for Cytomegalovirus
      Pre-Emptive Therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To help decide when to start and when to stop pre-emptive therapy for
      cytomegalovirus infection, we conducted two open-label randomized controlled
      trials in renal, liver and bone marrow transplant recipients in a single centre
      where pre-emptive therapy is indicated if viraemia exceeds 3000 genomes/ml (2520
      IU/ml) of whole blood. METHODS: Patients with two consecutive viraemia episodes
      each below 3000 genomes/ml were randomized to continue monitoring or to immediate
      treatment (Part A). A separate group of patients with viral load greater than
      3000 genomes/ml was randomized to stop pre-emptive therapy when two consecutive
      levels less than 200 genomes/ml (168 IU/ml) or less than 3000 genomes/ml were
      obtained (Part B). For both parts, the primary endpoint was the occurrence of a
      separate episode of viraemia requiring treatment because it was greater than 3000
      genomes/ml. RESULTS: In Part A, the primary endpoint was not significantly
      different between the two arms; 18/32 (56%) in the monitor arm had viraemia
      greater than 3000 genomes/ml compared to 10/27 (37%) in the immediate treatment
      arm (p = 0.193). However, the time to developing an episode of viraemia greater
      than 3000 genomes/ml was significantly delayed among those randomized to
      immediate treatment (p = 0.022). In Part B, the primary endpoint was not
      significantly different between the two arms; 19/55 (35%) in the less than 200
      genomes/ml arm subsequently had viraemia greater than 3000 genomes/ml compared to
      23/51 (45%) among those randomized to stop treatment in the less than 3000
      genomes/ml arm (p = 0.322). However, the duration of antiviral treatment was
      significantly shorter (p = 0.0012) in those randomized to stop treatment when
      viraemia was less than 3000 genomes/ml. DISCUSSION: The results illustrate that
      patients have continuing risks for CMV infection with limited time available for
      intervention. We see no need to alter current rules for stopping or starting pre
      emptive therapy.

PMID- 27684383
TI  - Role of self-reported hearing disability and measured hearing sensitivity in
      understanding participation restrictions and health-related quality of life: a
      study with hundred and three older adults with hearing loss.

PMID- 27684382
TI  - Assessing the real-world effect of laparoscopic bariatric surgery on the
      management of obesity-related comorbidities: A retrospective matched cohort study
      using a US Claims Database.
AB  - AIMS: To evaluate the real-world effect of laparoscopic bariatric surgery,
      comprising adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric
      bypass (LRYGB) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), on the management of
      obesity-related comorbidities. METHODS: Patients who underwent laparoscopic
      bariatric surgeries between 2006 and 2013 were identified from the Optum
      Clinformatics administrative claims database. Those surgical patients were
      matched to medically managed patients (controls) on selected patient
      characteristics. Comorbidity management was assessed every 6 months up to 5 years
      after the surgery or an assigned index date for control subjects (follow-up), by
      evaluating the number of medication classes used to treat type 2 diabetes,
      hypertension and dyslipidaemia, as well as by evaluating the percentages of
      patients free of medications for these comorbidities. RESULTS: Patients who
      underwent LAGB (n = 4208, mean age 46.3 years), LRYGB (n = 4308, mean age 46.4
      years) or LSG (n = 545, mean age 45.1 years) and patients in the control cohort
      (n = 9061, mean age 46.4 years) were similar in age, and the majority of patients
      in each study cohort were female (69.4%-75.8%). Compared with control subjects,
      patients who had laparoscopic bariatric surgery had significantly lower
      medication usage for obesity-related comorbidities, a trend that was evident at 6
      months and that continued for up to 5 years of follow-up. Sub-analyses of changes
      in selected laboratory test values over follow-up corroborated the primary
      analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who had laparoscopic bariatric surgery used fewer
      medications for type 2 diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidaemia and had
      significant improvement in cardiometabolic risk factors for up to 5 years of
      follow-up compared with matched control subjects.

PMID- 27684384
TI  - High Pneumocystis jirovecii colonization rate among haemodialysis patients.
AB  - Haemodialysis patients have been found to have an increased risk of developing
      Pneumocystis pneumonia (PcP) compared to the control population. To the best of
      our knowledge, no data are available on pulmonary colonization with Pneumocystis
      jirovecii in haemodialysis patients; therefore, the aim of this study was to
      determine the prevalence of pulmonary colonization with P. jirovecii in
      haemodialysis patients, and to find the related risk factors. Induced sputa of 62
      haemodialysis patients were investigated using quantitative polymerase chain
      reaction for the presence of P. jirovecii. 20.9% of the patients were colonized
      with P. jirovecii and 46.2% of whom had CD4 cell counts below 400/MUl. There was
      no significant correlation between colonization and time on dialysis treatment.
      As haemodialysis patients seem to be at higher risk of PcP than the general
      population, doctors should be aware of the high rate of P. jirovecii colonization
      amongst them. Furthermore, colonized patients remain a potential source of
      transmission of P. jirovecii to other patients or to health care workers.

PMID- 27684385
TI  - Identification of pneumococcal proteins that are functionally linked to
      penicillin-binding protein 2b (PBP2b).
AB  - The oval shape of pneumococci results from a combination of septal and lateral
      peptidoglycan synthesis. The septal cross-wall is synthesized by the divisome,
      while the elongasome drives cell elongation by inserting new peptidoglycan into
      the lateral cell wall. Each of these molecular machines contains penicillin
      binding proteins (PBPs), which catalyze the final stages of peptidoglycan
      synthesis, plus a number of accessory proteins. Much effort has been made to
      identify these accessory proteins and determine their function. In the present
      paper we have used a novel approach to identify members of the pneumococcal
      elongasome that are functionally closely linked to PBP2b. We discovered that
      cells depleted in PBP2b, a key component of the elongasome, display several
      distinct phenotypic traits. We searched for proteins that, when depleted or
      deleted, display the same phenotypic changes. Four proteins, RodA, MreD, DivIVA
      and Spr0777, were identified by this approach. Together with PBP2b these proteins
      are essential for the normal function of the elongasome. Furthermore, our
      findings suggest that DivIVA, which was previously assigned as a divisomal
      protein, is required to correctly localize the elongasome at the negatively
      curved membrane region between the septal and lateral cell wall.

PMID- 27684386
TI  - Postoperative radiotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The role of postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) in the treatment of
      patients with completely resected non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was not
      clear. A systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis was
      undertaken to evaluate available evidence from randomised controlled trials
      (RCTs). These results were first published in Lung Cancer in 2013. OBJECTIVES: To
      evaluate the effects of PORT on survival and recurrence in patients with
      completely resected NSCLC. To investigate whether predefined patient subgroups
      benefit more or less from PORT. SEARCH METHODS: We supplemented MEDLINE and
      CANCERLIT searches (1965 to 8 July 2016) with information from trial registers,
      handsearching of relevant meeting proceedings and discussion with trialists and
      organisations. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included trials of surgery versus surgery
      plus radiotherapy, provided they randomised participants with NSCLC using a
      method that precluded prior knowledge of treatment assignment. DATA COLLECTION
      AND ANALYSIS: We carried out a quantitative meta-analysis using updated
      information from individual participants from all randomised trials. We sought
      data on all participants from those responsible for the trial. We obtained
      updated individual participant data (IPD) on survival and date of last follow-up,
      as well as details on treatment allocation, date of randomisation, age, sex,
      histological cell type, stage, nodal status and performance status. To avoid
      potential bias, we requested information on all randomised participants,
      including those excluded from investigators' original analyses. We conducted all
      analyses on intention-to-treat on the endpoint of survival. MAIN RESULTS: We
      identified 14 trials evaluating surgery versus surgery plus radiotherapy.
      Individual participant data were available for 11 of these trials, and our
      analyses are based on 2343 participants (1511 deaths). Results show a significant
      adverse effect of PORT on survival, with a hazard ratio of 1.18, or an 18%
      relative increase in risk of death. This is equivalent to an absolute detriment
      of 5% at two years (95% confidence interval (CI) 2% to 9%), reducing overall
      survival from 58% to 53%. Subgroup analyses showed no differences in effects of
      PORT by any participant subgroup covariate.We did not undertake analysis of the
      effects of PORT on quality of life and adverse events. Investigators did not
      routinely collect quality of life information during these trials, and it was
      unlikely that any benefit of PORT would offset the observed survival
      disadvantage. We considered risk of bias in the included trials to be low.
      AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Results from 11 trials and 2343 participants show that PORT
      is detrimental to those with completely resected non-small cell lung cancer and
      should not be used in the routine treatment of such patients. Results of ongoing
      RCTs will clarify the effects of modern radiotherapy in patients with N2 tumours.

PMID- 27684387
TI  - The incorporation of fluoride and strontium in hydroxyapatite affects the
      composition, structure, and mechanical properties of human cortical bone.
AB  - Strontium ranelate and fluoride salts are therapeutic options to reduce fracture
      risk in osteoporosis. Incorporation of these elements in the physiological
      hydroxyapatite matrix of bone is accompanied by changes in bone remodeling,
      composition, and structure. However, a direct comparison of the effectiveness of
      strontium and fluoride treatment in human cortical bone with a focus on the
      resulting mechanical properties remains to be established. Study groups are
      composed of undecalcified specimens from healthy controls, treatment-naive
      osteoporosis cases, and strontium ranelate or fluoride-treated osteoporosis
      cases. Concentrations of both elements were determined using instrumental neutron
      activation analysis (INAA). Backscattered electron imaging was carried out to
      investigate the calcium content and the cortical microstructure. In comparison to
      osteoporotic patients, fluoride and strontium-treated patients have a lower
      cortical porosity indicating an improvement in bone microstructure. Mechanical
      properties were assessed via reference point indentation as a measure of bone's
      resistance to deformation. The strontium-incorporation led to significantly lower
      total indentation distance values compared to osteoporotic cases; controls have
      the highest resistance to indentation. In conclusion, osteoporosis treatment with
      strontium and fluoride showed positive effects on the microstructure and the
      mechanical characteristics of bone in comparison to treatment-naive osteoporotic
      bone. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 433-442,
      2017.

PMID- 27684388
TI  - Healthcare-seeking behaviour in relation to sexual and reproductive health among
      Thai-born women in Sweden: a qualitative study.
AB  - Thailand is one of the most common countries of origin among immigrants in Sweden
      and Thai immigrants comprise the immigrant group most frequently diagnosed with
      HIV. Little is known about their healthcare-seeking behaviour and views on HIV
      prevention. This study explored Thai women's healthcare-seeking behaviour in
      relation to sexual and reproductive health and their views on HIV prevention.
      Nineteen in-depth interviews were conducted with Thai-born women in the Stockholm
      area. Three themes were identified: (1) poor access to healthcare in Sweden,
      preferring to seek care in Thailand; (2) partners playing a key role in women's
      access to healthcare; (3) no perceived risk of HIV, but a positive attitude
      towards prevention. Despite expressing sexual and reproductive healthcare needs,
      most women had not sought this type of care, except for the cervical cancer
      screening programme to which they had been invited. Identified barriers for poor
      access to healthcare were lack of knowledge about the healthcare system and
      language difficulties. To achieve 'healthcare on equal terms', programmes and
      interventions must meet Thai women's healthcare needs and consider what factors
      influence their care-seeking behaviour. Integrating HIV prevention and
      contraceptive counselling into the cervical screening programme might be one way
      to improve access.

PMID- 27684389
TI  - Equity and Justice in Developmental Science: Discrimination, Social Exclusion,
      and Intergroup Attitudes.
AB  - In this article, the authors assert that (a) the topics of equity and justice
      reflect important areas of developmental science theory and research which have
      not yet been recognized as central areas of research in child development and
      developmental science, (b) a concern for social inequalities serves as a common
      thread binding equity and justice research across different areas in
      developmental science, and (c) equity and justice research can inform policies
      and practices that are designed to improve the lives of all children (including
      those who are members of stigmatized groups) reduce prejudice and bias, and
      create programs to rectify social inequalities. For this special section of Child
      Development, the authors provide the context for this research, and highlight the
      articles in this special section to demonstrate cutting-edge research in
      developmental science regarding equity and justice. The authors review current
      research and make recommendations for new lines of inquiry.

PMID- 27684390
TI  - Trajectories of Discrimination Across Adolescence: Associations With Academic,
      Psychological, and Behavioral Outcomes.
AB  - The authors explored trajectories of perceived discrimination over a 6-year
      period (five assessments in 6th-11th grade) in relation to academic, behavioral,
      and psychological adjustment in 8th and 11th grades. They distinguished
      discrimination from adults versus peers in addition to overt versus covert
      discrimination from peers. The sample included 226 African American, White,
      Dominican, Puerto Rican, and Chinese adolescents (ages 11-12 at Time 1) recruited
      in sixth grade from six public schools in New York City. All forms of
      discrimination increased during middle school and decreased during high school.
      The frequency with which adolescents reported different sources and types of
      discrimination varied across ethnicity/race, but not gender. Initial levels and
      rates of change in discrimination predicted academic, behavioral, and
      psychological adjustment in 8th and 11th grades, albeit in complex ways.

PMID- 27684391
TI  - Minority Adolescents in Ethnically Diverse Schools: Perceptions of Equal
      Treatment Buffer Threat Effects.
AB  - Can perceptions of equal treatment buffer the negative effects of threat on the
      school success of minority students? Focusing on minority adolescents from
      Turkish and Moroccan heritage in Belgium (Mage  = 14.5; N = 735 in 47 ethnically
      diverse schools), multilevel mediated moderation analyses showed: (a) perceived
      discrimination at school predicted lower test performance; (b) experimentally
      manipulated stereotype threat decreased performance (mediated by increased
      disengagement); (c) perceived equal treatment at school predicted higher
      performance (mediated by decreased disengagement); and (d) personal and peer
      perceptions of equal treatment buffered negative effects of discrimination and
      stereotype threat. Thus, (situational) stereotype threat and perceived
      discrimination at school both undermine minority student success, whereas
      perceived equal treatment can provide a buffer against such threats.

PMID- 27684392
TI  - Neighborhood Characteristics and Expectations of Racially Discriminatory
      Experiences Among African American Adolescents.
AB  - This study examined how youth's neighborhood characteristics informed their
      expectations of racial discrimination concurrently and longitudinally. Secondary
      analyses were conducted on data from Waves 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 of the Maryland
      Adolescent Development in Context Study, which permitted the examination of
      neighborhood influences among a socioeconomically diverse sample of African
      American parents and adolescents (n = 863; Mage  = 12.29). Youth exposed to more
      neighborhood disadvantage in seventh grade reported more negative concurrent
      neighborhood perceptions, which, in turn, predicted greater expectations of
      racial discrimination in eighth grade; youth's expectations remained stable into
      adulthood. Thus, support was found for the mediating role of youth's subjective
      neighborhood perceptions in the longitudinal relation between neighborhood
      structure and expectations of racial discrimination.

PMID- 27684393
TI  - Race-Based Humor and Peer Group Dynamics in Adolescence: Bystander Intervention
      and Social Exclusion.
AB  - Adolescents' evaluations of discriminatory race-based humor and their
      expectations about peer responses to discrimination were investigated in 8th-
      (Mage  = 13.80) and 10th-grade (Mage  = 16.11) primarily European-American
      participants (N = 256). Older adolescents judged race-based humor as more
      acceptable than did younger adolescents and were less likely to expect peer
      intervention. Participants who rejected discrimination were more likely to
      reference welfare/rights and prejudice and to anticipate that peers would
      intervene. Showing awareness of group processes, adolescents who rejected race
      based humor believed that peers who intervened would be more likely to be
      excluded. They also disapproved of exclusion more than did participants who
      supported race-based humor. Results expose the complexity of situations involving
      subtle discrimination. Implications for bullying interventions are discussed.

PMID- 27684394
TI  - Perceived Peer and Parent Out-Group Norms, Cultural Identity, and Adolescents'
      Reasoning About Peer Intergroup Exclusion.
AB  - Cultural group identity and group norms are significantly related to social
      exclusion evaluations (Bennett, ). This study examined 241 Jewish-American mid (M
      = 14.18 years, SD = 0.42) to late (M = 17.21 years, SD = 0.43; MageTOTAL  = 15.54
      years, SD = 1.57) adolescents' cultural identities and contextually salient
      perceived group norms in relation to their evaluations of Arab-American inclusion
      and exclusion across two contexts (peers vs. family at home). Results suggest
      that perceived group norms are related to the context in which they are applied:
      parents in the home and peers in the peer context. Peers remained a significant
      source of perceived group norms in the home context. Significant interactions
      emerged between perceived parent group norms and cultural identity. Findings
      highlight the need to address group-specific norms by context to ensure maximum
      effectiveness for intergroup interventions.

PMID- 27684395
TI  - Race Essentialism and Social Contextual Differences in Children's Racial
      Stereotyping.
AB  - The authors explored the differential emergence and correlates of racial
      stereotyping in 136 children ages 4-11 years across two broad social contexts:
      Hawai'i and Massachusetts. Children completed measures assessing race salience,
      race essentialism, and in-group and out-group stereotyping. Results indicated
      that the type of racial stereotypes emerging with age was context dependent. In
      both contexts in-group stereotyping increased with age. In contrast, there was
      only an age-related increase in out-group stereotyping in Massachusetts. Older
      children in Massachusetts reported more essentialist thinking (i.e., believing
      that race cannot change) than their counterparts in Hawai'i, which explained
      their higher out-group stereotyping. These results provide insight into the
      factors that may shape contextual differences in racial stereotyping.

PMID- 27684396
TI  - Development of Expectancies About Own- and Other-Gender Group Interactions and
      Their School-Related Consequences.
AB  - This study examined children's expectancies about interactions with own- and
      other-gender peers. Goals were to examine expectancies about the outcomes related
      to own- versus other-gender group interactions, assess cohort and temporal
      changes in expectancies, and assess the effect of expectancies on school-related
      outcomes. Students in second and fourth grades (N = 412, 47% girls, Mage  = 7.15
      and 9.10 years, respectively) were followed longitudinally for 1 year. Results
      supported hypotheses that social costs and inclusion-enjoyment that children
      expect in interactions with own- and other-gender peers represent four
      constructs. Expectancies varied by gender, age, and differentially predicted
      school outcomes with inclusion expectancies more strongly relating to outcomes
      than cost expectancies. Implications of children's expectancies about gendered
      contexts are discussed.

PMID- 27684397
TI  - How School Norms, Peer Norms, and Discrimination Predict Interethnic Experiences
      Among Ethnic Minority and Majority Youth.
AB  - This research tests how perceived school and peer norms predict interethnic
      experiences among ethnic minority and majority youth. With studies in Chile (654
      nonindigenous and 244 Mapuche students, M = 11.20 and 11.31 years) and the United
      States (468 non-Hispanic White and 126 Latino students, M = 11.66 and 11.68
      years), cross-sectional results showed that peer norms predicted greater comfort
      in intergroup contact, interest in cross-ethnic friendships, and higher contact
      quality, whereas longitudinal results showed that school norms predicted greater
      interest in cross-ethnic friendships over time. Distinct effects of school and
      peer norms were also observed for ethnic minority and majority youth in relation
      to perceived discrimination, suggesting differences in how they experience cross
      ethnic relations within school environments.

PMID- 27684398
TI  - Ethnic Attitudes and Social Projection in the Classroom.
AB  - This research examined the process and conditions of social projection of biased
      ethnic attitudes to classmates in two samples of Grades 4-6 children (n = 342,
      Mage  = 10.75, SD = 0.98; 49% girls; and n = 525, Mage  = 10.49 years, SD = 0.96;
      51% girls). Children reported on the ethnic group norm in their classroom and on
      their own ethnic attitudes. Multilevel analyses showed that ethnic majority
      (Studies 1 and 2) and ethnic minority (Study 2) children's norm perceptions were
      partly accurate as they not only reflected the aggregated attitudes in each
      classroom but also related to children's unique attitudes that indicated social
      projection. Projection was stronger for the most disadvantaged minority group and
      for children with less depressed affect.

PMID- 27684399
TI  - Developmental Dynamics of Intergroup Contact and Intergroup Attitudes: Long-Term
      Effects in Adolescence and Early Adulthood.
AB  - Intergroup contact represents a powerful way to improve intergroup attitudes and
      to overcome prejudice and discrimination. However, long-term effects of
      intergroup contact that consider social network dynamics have rarely been studied
      at a young age. Study 1 validated an optimized social network approach to
      investigate intergroup contact (N = 6,457; Mage  = 14.91 years). Study 2 explored
      the developmental trajectories of intergroup contact by applying this validated
      network approach in a cross-sequential design (four-cohort-four-wave; N = 3,815;
      13-26 years). Accelerated growth curve models showed that contact predicts the
      development of attitudes in adolescence, whereas acquired attitudes buffer
      against decreasing contact in adulthood. Findings highlight the potential of
      social network analysis and the developmental importance of early intergroup
      contact experiences.

PMID- 27684402
TI  - Corrigendum: Correction to Supporting Information.

PMID- 27684400
TI  - Growing Up Amid Ethno-Political Conflict: Aggression and Emotional
      Desensitization Promote Hostility to Ethnic Outgroups.
AB  - Ethno-political violence impacts thousands of youth and is associated with
      numerous negative outcomes. Yet little research examines adaptation to ethno
      political violence over time or across multiple outcomes simultaneously. This
      study examines longitudinal patterns of aggressive behavior and emotional
      distress as they co-occur among Palestinian (n = 600) youth exposed to ethno
      political violence over 3 years in three age cohorts (starting ages: 8, 11, and
      14). Findings indicate distinct profiles of aggressive behavior and emotional
      distress, and unique joint patterns. Furthermore, youth among key joint profiles
      (e.g., high aggression-emotional desensitization) are more likely to endorse
      normative beliefs about aggression toward ethnic outgroups. This study offers a
      dynamic perspective on emotional and behavioral adaptation to ethno-political
      violence and the implications of those processes.

PMID- 27684401
TI  - Commentary: The Role of Race/Ethnicity in a Developmental Science of Equity and
      Justice.
AB  - This commentary makes a case for the role of school racial/ethnic diversity in a
      new developmental science of equity and justice with a focus on intergroup
      attitudes, discrimination, and social exclusion. Creative ways to conceptualize
      and measure ethnic diversity as a multifaceted, dynamic, and fluid construct that
      changes across time and space are discussed. The commentary concludes with policy
      implications of this approach for improving the lives of children growing up in
      an increasingly multiracial/multiethnic society.

PMID- 27684403
TI  - Modulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 through connected pathways and growth factors is
      critical for extracellular matrix balance of intra-articular ligaments.
AB  - The healing mechanism of cruciate ligaments is not well elucidated. Crosstalk
      between adjacent tissues in the knee joint plays an important role in wound
      healing and tissue regeneration, but the gelatinase modulation in posterior
      cruciate ligament fibroblasts (PCLfs) and synovial cells (SCs) based on co
      culture is still elusive. The present study sought to systematically elucidate
      the gelatinase modulation in both PCLfs and SCs based on in vitro co-culture and
      in a rabbit PCL-injury model in vivo. It was found that injured PCLfs and SCs can
      secrete high gelatinases after co-culture. Cytokines promote greater gelatinase
      secretion by both injured PCLfs and SCs in the form of monomers and dimers.
      Pathway inhibitors can reduce injury-induced gelatinase activities, but the
      presence of cytokines restores the higher activity. Inhibitor cocktails can
      reduce gelatinase expression to a normal level even in the presence of cytokines.
      Growth factors promote wound healing of the injured PCL by enhancing cell
      migration, proliferation and collagen synthesis, but also upregulate gelatinases.
      Modified inhibitor cocktails containing growth factor can also reduce gelatinase
      expression to a normal level. This gelatinase modulation was also verified in a
      rabbit PCL injury model in vivo. Together, the results aids understanding of the
      mechanism of gelatinase modulation in injured PCL ligament post-crosstalk with
      synovium and infers that the gelatinases could be a potential as a therapeutic
      target for acute ligament injury. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27684404
TI  - Bullous drug eruption to Nigella sativa oil: Consideration of the use of a herbal
      medicine - clinical report and review of the literature.

PMID- 27684405
TI  - Internet-Based Psychotherapy for Adult Depression: What About the Mechanisms of
      Change?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy for depression (iCBT)
      has been advanced as a valuable alternative treatment option, generating
      promising results. However, little is known about its underlying mechanisms of
      change. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to provide an overview of the state of the art
      regarding the mechanisms of iCBT for adult depression, in the context of iCBT
      efficacy. METHOD: We conducted a systematic qualitative review of 37 randomized
      clinical trials, assessed the risk of bias in the included studies, and used a
      systematic evaluative framework to establish the scientific status of iCBT, based
      on evidence regarding clinical efficacy and mechanisms of change. RESULTS:
      Findings indicated that iCBT mechanisms of change are clearly underinvestigated,
      although iCBT is relatively efficacious, at least in the short term. The quality
      of iCBT randomized clinical trials proved to be suboptimal. CONCLUSIONS: The iCBT
      theory should be clearly specified and adequately investigated to design and
      implement highly efficacious therapeutic packages. Without considering the iCBT
      mechanisms of change along with iCBT efficacy, the extent to which iCBT is an
      empirically validated treatment remains questionable.

PMID- 27684407
TI  - Conservative Management of Unilateral Fractures of the Mandibular Rami in Horses.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To report the outcome of conservative management of unilateral
      fractures of the mandibular rami in horses. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case
      series. ANIMALS: 24 client-owned horses with unilateral mandibular fractures
      METHODS: Medical records (January 2000-January 2014) of horses with unilateral
      mandibular ramus fractures were retrieved. Only conservatively managed horses
      with follow-up information were included. Follow-up information on clinical
      outcome was retrieved from the medical records (n=11) or obtained by telephone
      interviews with the owners or trainers (n=13). RESULTS: Twenty-three horses (96%)
      returned to their previous or intended use and had no clinically evident
      masticatory or fracture healing-related problems at the time of follow-up. The
      owner of 1 horse (4%) reported it had tooth loosening, feed impaction, and
      masticatory problems. CONCLUSION: Conservative management of unilateral fractures
      of the mandibular rami is a treatment option in horses.

PMID- 27684406
TI  - Altered whole-brain connectivity in albinism.
AB  - Albinism is a group of congenital disorders of the melanin synthesis pathway.
      Multiple ocular, white matter and cortical abnormalities occur in albinism,
      including a greater decussation of nerve fibres at the optic chiasm, foveal
      hypoplasia and nystagmus. Despite this, visual perception is largely preserved.
      It was proposed that this may be attributable to reorganisation among cerebral
      networks, including an increased interhemispheric connectivity of the primary
      visual areas. A graph-theoretic model was applied to explore brain connectivity
      networks derived from resting-state functional and diffusion-tensor magnetic
      resonance imaging data in 23 people with albinism and 20 controls. They tested
      for group differences in connectivity between primary visual areas and in summary
      network organisation descriptors. Main findings were supplemented with analyses
      of control regions, brain volumes and white matter microstructure. Significant
      functional interhemispheric hyperconnectivity of the primary visual areas in the
      albinism group were found (P = 0.012). Tests of interhemispheric connectivity
      based on the diffusion-tensor data showed no significant group difference (P =
      0.713). Second, it was found that a range of functional whole-brain network
      metrics were abnormal in people with albinism, including the clustering
      coefficient (P = 0.005), although this may have been driven partly by overall
      differences in connectivity, rather than reorganisation. Based on the results, it
      was suggested that changes occur in albinism at the whole-brain level, and not
      just within the visual processing pathways. It was proposed that their findings
      may reflect compensatory adaptations to increased chiasmic decussation, foveal
      hypoplasia and nystagmus. Hum Brain Mapp 38:740-752, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27684408
TI  - The profession of neuropsychology in Spain: results of a national survey.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the current status of professional neuropsychology in
      Spain, with particular focus on the areas of professional training, current work
      situation, evaluation and diagnostic practice, rehabilitation, teaching, and
      research. METHODS: Three hundred and thirty-nine self-identified professionals in
      neuropsychology from Spain completed an online survey between July and December
      of 2013. Respondents had an average age of 35.8 years and 77% were women.
      RESULTS: Ninety-seven percent of the respondents identified as psychologists; 82%
      of the sample had a master's degree, and 33% a doctoral degree. The majority
      (91%) received their neuropsychological training at a graduate level; 88% engaged
      in neuropsychological evaluation, 59% in rehabilitation, 50% in research, and 40%
      in teaching. Average number of hours per week dedicated to work in
      neuropsychology was 29.7, with 28% of the respondents reporting working in
      hospitals, 17% in not-for-profit rehabilitation centers, 15% in universities, and
      14% in private clinics. Clinicians primarily work with individuals with stroke,
      traumatic brain injury, and dementia. The top perceived barriers to development
      of neuropsychology in Spain included lack of clinical and academic training
      opportunities, and negative attitude toward professional collaboration.
      CONCLUSIONS: The field of neuropsychology in Spain is young and rapidly growing.
      There is a need to regulate professional neuropsychology, improve graduate
      curricula, enhance existing clinical training, develop professional certification
      programs, validate and create normative data for existing neuropsychological
      tests, and create new, culturally relevant instruments.

PMID- 27684409
TI  - Pre-transplant bone marrow myeloma cells: less is better.

PMID- 27684410
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 27684411
TI  - Oncogenic Actions of SKP2 Involves Deregulation of CDK1 Turnover Mediated by
      FOXM1.
AB  - Cyclin-dependent kinases (cdks) are central catalytic units of cell division
      cycle. Among the cdk family members, cdk1 has critical roles in multiple phases
      of the cell cycle. Aberrant expression or hyper-actions of cdk1 are tumorigenic
      and yet the complex oncogenic network that regulates its turnover is poorly
      understood. We found a hitherto unexplored functional connection between skp2 and
      cdk1 turn over. In vitro knockdown or overexpression of skp2 in cultured cells
      reduced or induced cdk1 expression indicating skp2 as a positive driver for cdk1.
      A partial inhibitory role for p27 was identified in this context. Interestingly,
      concurrent overexpression of skp2 and p27 favored cdk1 upregulation in vitro,
      which correlated well with similar observations in clinical tumor samples. We
      found that the transcription factor FOXM1 may play a central role in the skp2
      cdk1 loop. Additional molecular involvement in the skp2-cdk1 loop was also
      explored. In conclusion, our results revealed hitherto unexplored p27 independent
      molecular mechanisms for skp2 driven tumor progression. Our results support the
      previous findings that skp2 may be a potential therapeutic target for the
      management of tumors. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 797-807, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27684412
TI  - Lipid effects of switching from prescription EPA+DHA (omega-3-acid ethyl esters)
      to prescription EPA only (icosapent ethyl) in dyslipidemic patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Residual cardiovascular risk and persistently elevated triglycerides
      (TGs) may remain despite statin therapy in patients with dyslipidemia.
      Prescription omega-3 fatty acid formulations containing docosahexaenoic acid
      (DHA) and/or eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) have been shown to reduce TGs and may
      potentially lower residual cardiovascular risk. However, DHA may raise low
      density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and compromise treatment goals. Icosapent
      ethyl (Vascepa(r)), a high-purity prescription EPA formulation, has been shown to
      lower TGs and other lipid parameters without raising LDL-C. There are no
      prospective, randomized, controlled trials of the effects of switching patients
      from omega-3-acid ethyl esters (Lovaza(r)), a prescription formulation containing
      EPA+DHA, to icosapent ethyl. METHODS: This retrospective chart review included
      records of high-risk patients aged >=18 years receiving stable statin therapy for
      dyslipidemia who had been switched from prescription omega-3-acid ethyl esters 4
      g/day to prescription icosapent ethyl 4 g/day and had available laboratory lipid
      profiles after receiving each for >=2 months. Lipid assessments were conducted by
      local laboratories. Patient records were excluded if there were changes in
      medication or health condition that could affect lipid parameters. RESULTS: The
      records of 8 patients (6 women and 2 men; 54-83 years) met eligibility criteria.
      Following the switch to icosapent ethyl, LDL-C changes ranged from +3.2% to 
      69.1% (reduced in 7 patients), total cholesterol was reduced in all patients (
      3.5% to -44.3%), and TG changes ranged from +32.4% to -59.0% (reduced in 6
      patients). Decreases or no changes in non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol
      were observed; changes in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol varied. No adverse
      events related to either product were reported. CONCLUSION: In this real-world
      retrospective analysis, switching high-risk statin-treated patients from omega-3
      acid ethyl esters to icosapent ethyl resulted in favorable lipid changes. The
      analysis was limited by the small patient numbers, but lipid results were
      consistent with randomized controlled trials and previous case series.

PMID- 27684414
TI  - Prognostic accuracy of antenatal neonatology consultation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Neonatologists provide antenatal counseling to support shared decision
      making for complicated pregnancies. Poor or ambiguous prognostication can lead to
      inappropriate treatment and parental distress. We sought to evaluate the accuracy
      of antenatal prognosticaltion. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort was assembled
      from a prospectively populated database of all outpatient neonatology
      consultations. On the basis of the written consultation, fetuses were
      characterized by diagnosis groups (multiple anomalies or genetic disorders,
      single major anomaly and obstetric complications), assigned to five prognostic
      categories (I=survivable, IIA=uncertain but likely survivable, II=uncertain,
      IIB=uncertain but likely non-survivable, III non-survivable) and two final
      outcome categories (fetal demise/in-hospital neonatal death or survival to
      hospital discharge). When possible, status at last follow-up was recorded for
      those discharged from the hospital. Prognostic accuracy was assessed using
      unweighted, multi-level likelihood ratios (LRs). RESULTS: The final cohort
      included 143 fetuses/infants distributed nearly evenly among the three diagnosis
      groups. Over half (64%) were assigned an uncertain prognosis, but most of these
      could be divided into 'likely survivable' or 'likely non-survivable' subgroups.
      Overall survival for the entire cohort was 62% (89/143). All but one of the
      fetuses assigned a non-survivable prognosis suffered fetal demise or died before
      hospital discharge. The neonatologist's antenatal prognosis accurately predicted
      the probability of survival by prognosis group (LR I=4.56, LR IIA=10.53, LR
      II=4.71, LR IIB=0.099, LR III=0.040). The LRs clearly differentiated between
      fetuses with high and low probability of survival. Eleven fetuses (7.7%) had
      misalignment between the predicted prognosis and outcome. Five died before
      discharge despite being given category I or IIA prognoses, whereas six infants
      with category IIB or III prognoses survived to discharge, though some of these
      were discharged to hospice care. CONCLUSIONS: The neonatologist's antenatal
      prognosis accurately predicted fetal-neonatal outcome. Infants with non
      survivable or uncertain but likely poor prognoses had a very low probability of
      survival, whereas those with good or uncertain prognoses had a high probability
      of survival. There were few cases of prognostic failure with most occurring in
      fetuses with one major or multiple anomalies. The few cases of prognostic failure
      suggest a need for caution. Honest disclosure of prognostic uncertainty and
      shared decision-making with families utilizing their personal values is critical
      in the antenatal encounter.

PMID- 27684413
TI  - Characteristics of neonatal transports in California.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the current scope of neonatal inter-facility transports.
      STUDY DESIGN: California databases were used to characterize infants transported
      in the first week after birth from 2009 to 2012. RESULTS: Transport of the 22 550
      neonates was classified as emergent 9383 (41.6%), urgent 8844 (39.2%), scheduled
      2082 (9.2%) and other 85 (0.4%). In addition, 2152 (9.5%) were initiated for
      delivery attendance. Most transports originated from hospitals without a neonatal
      intensive care unit (68%), with the majority transferred to regional centers
      (66%). Compared with those born and cared for at the birth hospital, the odds of
      being transported were higher if the patient's mother was Hispanic, <20 years
      old, or had a previous C-section. An Apgar score <3 at 10 min of age, cardiac
      compressions in the delivery room, or major birth defect were also risk factors
      for neonatal transport. CONCLUSION: As many neonates receive transport within the
      first week after birth, there may be opportunities for quality improvement
      activities in this area.

PMID- 27684415
TI  - Non-invasive high-frequency ventilation versus bi-phasic continuous positive
      airway pressure (BP-CPAP) following CPAP failure in infants <1250 g: a pilot
      randomized controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Non-invasive high-frequency ventilation (NIHFV), a relatively new
      modality, is gaining popularity despite limited data. We sought to evaluate the
      effectiveness of NIHFV versus bi-phasic continuous positive airway pressure (BP
      CPAP) in preterm infants failing CPAP. STUDY DESIGN: Infants with BW<1250 g on
      CPAP were randomly assigned to NIHFV or BP-CPAP if they met pre-determined
      criteria for CPAP failure. Infants were eligible for randomization after 72 h age
      and until 2000 g. Guidelines for adjustment of settings and criteria for failure
      of assigned mode were implemented. The primary aim was to assess feasibility of a
      larger trial. In addition, failure of assigned non-invasive respiratory support
      (NRS) mode, invasive mechanical ventilation (MV) 72 h and 7 days post
      randomization, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) were assessed. RESULTS:
      Thirty-nine infants were randomized to NIHFV (N=16) or BP-CPAP (N=23). There were
      no significant differences in mean (s.d.) postmenstrual age (28.6 (1.5) versus
      29.0 (2.3) weeks, P=0.47), mean (s.d.) weight at randomization (965.0 (227.0)
      versus 958.1 (310.4) g, P=0.94) or other baseline demographics between the
      groups. Failure of assigned NRS mode was lower with NIHFV (37.5 versus 65.2%,
      P=0.09), although not statistically significant. There were no differences in
      rates of invasive MV 72 h and 7 days post-randomization or BPD. CONCLUSION: NIHFV
      was not superior to BP-CPAP in this pilot study. Effectiveness of NIHFV needs to
      be proven in larger multi-center, appropriately powered trials before widespread
      implementation.

PMID- 27684416
TI  - Analysis of circulating human and viral microRNAs in patients with congenital
      cytomegalovirus infection.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common cause of congenital infection
      and can cause neurodevelopmental disabilities, although a majority of patients
      are asymptomatic. Biomarkers associated with disease severity would be desirable
      to distinguish asymptomatic from mildly symptomatic patients who may benefit from
      antiviral treatment. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding RNAs that may have the
      potential to serve as biomarkers. STUDY DESIGN: Thirteen infants with congenital
      CMV infection were enrolled, and plasma levels of 11 human- and 3 CMV-encoded
      miRNAs were quantitated by real-time PCR. Plasma levels of miRNAs and their
      associations with clinical features were evaluated. RESULTS: The levels of miR
      183-5p and miR-210-3p were significantly higher in patients with congenital CMV
      infection than in control infants, whereas no significant associations between
      levels of miRNAs and clinical features of congenital CMV infection were observed.
      CONCLUSION: Plasma miRNAs could be associated with the pathogenesis of congenital
      CMV infection and could be used as disease biomarkers.

PMID- 27684417
TI  - Identification of bacterial invasion in necrotizing enterocolitis specimens using
      fluorescent in situ hybridization.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Investigation of bacterial invasion into the intestinal wall in
      necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) specimens. STUDY DESIGN: We compared 43 surgical
      NEC specimens with 43 age-matched controls. We used fluorescent in situ
      hybridization (FISH), a universal bacterial probe together with species-specific
      probes for Clostridium spp., Enterobacteriaceae, bacteroides and
      enterococci/lactobacilli. We used a FISH scoring system to reveal invasion of the
      intestinal wall, in which 1 represented no colonies and 4 invasion of the
      intestinal wall. RESULTS: We observed invasion of the intestinal wall in 22/43 of
      the most affected NEC tissue samples as compared with 16/43 in the least affected
      NEC tissue samples (P=0.03). A FISH score of 4 was reached in 7/43 control cases.
      Enterobacteriaceae dominated the NEC specimens. Clostridium spp. were detected
      occasionally in NEC samples. CONCLUSION: Bacterial invasion of the intestinal
      wall is more present in most affected NEC tissue samples compared with least
      affected NEC tissue samples or controls. Enterobacteriaceae are prevalent in
      advanced NEC.

PMID- 27684418
TI  - Improving fortification with weekly analysis of human milk for VLBW infants.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To track individual mother's macronutrient variability in preterm
      human milk (HM) over 6 weeks of lactation. STUDY DESIGN: This was a prospective,
      observational study of mother's own milk from women who delivered a very low
      birth weight infant (<1500 g). A single, random maternal breast milk sample was
      collected and analyzed weekly for 6 consecutive weeks. Analysis was by mid
      infrared spectroscopy. RESULTS: Twenty women consented to provide at least one
      milk sample. Fat, protein and energy content varied widely among mothers and by
      week of lactation. Energy content ranged from 9.5 to 30.4 kcal oz-1 across the
      study period. Twenty-five percent of all samples had an energy content <17 kcal
      oz-1. Protein content ranged from 1.1 to 2.8 g dl-1 in the first week. Sixty
      three percent of all samples had a protein content <1.5 g dl-1. Fat and energy
      showed trends of increasing concentrations, whereas protein showed the expected
      decline over time. Lactose showed little variability by woman or by week of
      lactation. CONCLUSION: HM fat and protein content varied widely by individual
      woman over time. Week-to-week variability in fat and protein can impact growth.
      The ability to analyze HM is helpful to improve fortification of HM.

PMID- 27684419
TI  - Prospective economic evaluation alongside the non-invasive ventilation trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the cost-effectiveness of nasal continuous positive
      pressure (nCPAP) compared with nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation
      (NIPPV) in the context of the reported randomized clinical trial. STUDY DESIGN:
      Using patient-level data from the clinical trial, we undertook a prospectively
      planned economic evaluation. We measured costs, from a third-party payer
      perspective in all patients, and from a societal perspective in a subgroup with a
      time horizon through the earlier of discharge, death or 44 weeks post-menstrual
      age. RESULTS: From the third-party payer perspective, the mean cost of
      hospitalization per infant was statistically similar, $143 745 in the NIPPV group
      compared to $140 403 in the nCPAP group. Cost-effectiveness evaluation revealed a
      61% probability that NIPPV is more expensive and less effective than nCPAP.
      Similar results were found in subgroup analysis from a societal perspective.
      CONCLUSION: In addition to being clinically equivalent, economic evaluation
      confirms that NIPPV, as employed in this trial, is also not economically
      favorable.

PMID- 27684420
TI  - Sexual partner testing for HIV to eliminate mother-to-child HIV transmission: a
      needs assessment in an urban hospital community clinic.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To characterize pregnant patients' knowledge, attitudes and
      preferences regarding antenatal HIV testing for themselves and their sexual
      partners. STUDY DESIGN: Observational, mixed methods study of HIV-negative
      pregnant women from a university-based urban clinic. Participants completed an
      anonymous survey about HIV testing for themselves and their partners. Descriptive
      statistics, bivariable analyses, multivariable logistic regression and
      qualitative thematic analysis were utilized. RESULTS: One hundred and forty-two
      patients (mean age 28.6+/-5.5 years) participated. A majority (57.7%) were
      married or partnered, and 92.9% reported having at least one current sexual
      partner. Although a majority (62.8%) reported their partner had a prior HIV test,
      and 93.0% of these women were aware of test results, only 20.7% reported partner
      testing had occurred in the past 6 months. Women who had a prior HIV test, who
      were older or who were non-white were more likely to be aware of their partner's
      HIV status. A majority (66.9%) of women desired knowledge of their partner's
      current status and 76.0% believed their partners would like to know his HIV
      status; in addition, 74% were interested in receiving partner testing at the site
      of prenatal care. Qualitative analysis demonstrated that health concerns and
      believing HIV knowledge is important to the relationship were motivators for
      desiring partner testing. CONCLUSIONS: In this urban community, a majority of
      pregnant women do not know HIV test results of their sexual partner during the
      current pregnancy. Women desired to know their partner's HIV status and were
      receptive to partner testing at the site of prenatal care or other locations.
      Partner testing may be a critical step toward elimination of seroconversion
      during pregnancy and maternal-to-child HIV transmission.

PMID- 27684421
TI  - Clinically significant cardiopulmonary events and the effect of definition
      standardization on apnea of prematurity management.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To define the impact of care standardization on caffeine and
      cardiorespiratory monitoring at neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) discharge.
      STUDY DESIGN: Electronic records were abstracted for infants aged 24-36 weeks
      gestation with birth weights appropriate for gestational age. Infants who died,
      transferred prior to discharge, had major pulmonary anomalies, required a home
      monitor for mechanical ventilation or had a family history of sudden infant death
      syndrome were excluded. Data and records were used to indicate when the new
      definition of clinically significant cardiopulmonary events (CSCPEs) and
      concurrent education was implemented. Preimplementation and postimplementation
      cohorts were compared. RESULTS: Incidence fell from 74% diagnosed with apnea of
      prematurity at baseline to 49% diagnosed with CSCPE postimplementation (P<0.001).
      Infants discharged on caffeine reduced from 17% to 5% (P<0.001), and home monitor
      use also fell from 54% to 16% (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Standardizing definitions
      and treatments reduced the use of caffeine and cardiorespiratory monitors upon
      NICU dismissal.

PMID- 27684422
TI  - Preparedness of pediatric residents for fellowship: a survey of US neonatal
      perinatal fellowship program directors.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the preparedness of pediatric residents entering
      accredited neonatal-perinatal medicine (NPM) fellowships in the United States.
      STUDY DESIGN: A multi-domain, validated survey was distributed to Program
      Directors (PDs) of US NPM fellowship programs. The 47-item survey explored 5
      domains: professionalism, independent practice, psychomotor ability, clinical
      evaluation, and academia. A systematic, qualitative analysis on free-text
      comments was also performed. RESULTS: Sixty-one PDs completed the survey, for a
      response rate of 62% (61/98). For entering fellows, PDs assessed performance in
      professionalism positively, including 76% as communicating effectively with
      parents and 90% treating residents/house-staff with respect. In contrast, most
      PDs rated performance in psychomotor abilities negatively, including 59% and 79%
      as deficient in bag-and-mask ventilation and neonatal endotracheal intubation,
      respectively. Although 62% of PDs assessed entering fellows positively for
      genuine interest in academic projects, fewer than 10% responded positively that
      entering fellows understood research protocol design, basic statistics, or were
      capable of writing a cohesive manuscript well. Thematic clustering of qualitative
      data revealed deficits in psychomotor ability and academia/scholarship.
      CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of the perspective of front line educators, graduating
      pediatric residents are underprepared for subspecialty fellowship training in
      NPM. To provide the best preparation for pediatric graduates who pursue advanced
      training, changes to residency education to address deficiencies in these
      important competencies are warranted.

PMID- 27684423
TI  - Do serum and urinary concentrations of kidney injury molecule-1 in healthy
      newborns depend on birth weight, gestational age or gender?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of work was to establish the normal levels of serum and
      urinary kidney injury molecule-1 (sKIM-1 and uKIM-1) in healthy full-term
      newborns. STUDY DESIGN: The study included 88 healthy full-term neonates from
      normal, uncomplicated pregnancies. The serum and urinary concentrations of KIM-1
      in the material obtained in the first or second day of life were determined with
      a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. In addition,
      uKIM-1 was normalized for urinary creatinine concentration. RESULTS: Male and
      female newborns, as well as children in whom the samples were obtained in the
      first or second day of life, did not differ significantly in terms of their sKIM
      1 and uKIM-1 levels. Gestational age correlated inversely with sKIM-1 and
      positively with uKIM-1, but not with uKIM-1/cr. No correlation was found with
      birth weight and gender. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of sKIM-1 and uKIM
      1 levels in healthy full-term newborns during the first postnatal days. The data
      from healthy newborns may serve as the reference values for future studies in the
      youngest children.

PMID- 27684424
TI  - Photoplethysmographic waveform characteristics of newborns with coarctation of
      the aorta.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Fetal echocardiography, physical examination and pulse oximetry detect
      only half of coarctation of aorta (CoA) cases. We aimed to quantify delayed
      arrival and diminished amplitude of lower extremity photoplethysmographic (PPG)
      pulses relative to the right hand in affected patients. STUDY DESIGN: We studied
      8 CoA infants and 32 healthy controls. The pulse arrival time difference between
      foot and hand (f-hTD) and pulse amplitude ratio (F/H) were measured on PPG signal
      waveforms by digitally-determining maxima and minima of systolic decrease of
      light transmission. Mann-Whitney test was used for group comparisons. RESULTS: In
      comparison to healthy newborns, CoA infants' PPG waveforms demonstrated prolonged
      f-hTD (mean+/-s.d. of 73.2+/-26.6 versus 35.2+/-8.3 ms, P<0.001) and lower F/H
      (0.57+/-0.26 versus 0.99+/-0.58, P=0.014). CONCLUSIONS: F-hTD and F/H are
      quantifiable from hand- and foot-derived PPG waveforms and are significantly
      different in CoA versus healthy newborns. Larger studies are needed to validate
      PPG for improved critical congenital heart disease screening.

PMID- 27684427
TI  - Prolonged impairment of deglutition in supratentorial ischaemic stroke: the
      predictive value of Parramatta Hospitals' Assessment of Dysphagia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Up to 50% of ischaemic stroke patients show initial dysphagia, which
      may persist for months. Guidelines recommend switching nasogastric (NG) to
      percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube feeding at the second week after
      the stroke if impaired deglutition is expected for another 4 weeks. Precise
      prognostic criteria are lacking. We hypothesised that the Parramatta Hospitals'
      Assessment of Dysphagia (PAHD) performed 8 to 10 days after the stroke predicts
      impaired deglutition for another 4 weeks. METHODS: After a first dysphagia
      assessment (buccolingual motor function, liquid and semisolid swallow tests, "two
      out-of-six" scale) within 48 hours of onset, patients with a first hemispheric
      stroke and risk of aspiration, defined as a two-out-of-six scale score of >=2
      (dysphonia, dysarthria, abnormal gag reflex, abnormal volitional cough, cough /
      voice change after swallowing) were included and were assessed by a blinded rater
      using the PHAD. The same dysphagia assessments were repeated 8 to 10 days after
      the stroke (second assessment) and patients remained in the study if the two-out
      of-six scale score remained >=2. At a final evaluation by telephone after 4
      weeks, impaired deglutition was assessed with the Bogenhausen dysphagia score
      (BODS-2). Exclusion criteria were infratentorial or recurrent stroke and pre
      existing dysphagia. The primary objective was to define a threshold score and
      value of the PHAD at second assessment that predicted impaired deglutition as
      assessed with the BODS-2 (score >=4) at the final evaluation. The secondary
      objective was to explore the value of the PHAD assessed within 48 hours to
      predict impaired deglutition (BODS-2 >=4) at final evaluation. To evaluate the
      predictive value of the PHAD score assessed 8 to 10 days after stroke onset for
      impaired deglutition for another 4 weeks, we determined the area under the
      receiver operating curve (ROC AUC). RESULTS: Over a 1-year period, 29 out of 252
      assessed patients remained at risk of aspiration after the second assessment. In
      these patients, ROC analysis of PHAD recorded 8 to 10 days after the stroke
      showed excellent accuracy with an AUC of 0.971 (cut-off 71.5) predicting a BODS-2
      score of >=4 at final evaluation. The accuracy of ROC analysis of the PHAD score
      assessed within 48 hours of stroke onset to predict prolonged impairment of
      deglutition was poor (AUC 0.685). CONCLUSIONS: In a selected population at risk
      of aspiration, the PHAD with a threshold of 70 assessed in the second week after
      stroke onset may be a valuable tool to predict prolonged impairment of
      deglutition for another 4 weeks and to guide the decision about switching from NG
      to PEG tube feeding after supratentorial ischaemic stroke.

PMID- 27684425
TI  - Oral colostrum priming shortens hospitalization without changing the
      immunomicrobial milieu.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Oral colostrum priming (OCP) after birth in preterm infants is
      associated with improved weight gain and modification of the oral immunomicrobial
      environment. We hypothesized that OCP would modify salivary immune peptides and
      the oral microbiota in preterm infants. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a prospective,
      randomized clinical trial to determine the effects of OCP on salivary immune
      peptide representation in preterm infants (<32 weeks completed gestation at
      birth). Saliva samples were collected before and after OCP. Salivary immune
      peptide representation was determined via mass spectroscopy. Oral microbiota
      representation was determined via sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. RESULTS:
      Neonates who received OCP (n=48) had a 16-day reduction in the median length of
      hospitalization as compared with infants who did not receive OCP (n=51). No
      differences in salivary immune peptide sequence representation before OCP between
      groups were found. Longitudinal changes in peptides were detected (lysozyme C,
      immunoglobulin A, lactoferrin) but were limited to a single peptide difference
      (alpha-defensin 1) between primed and unprimed infants after OCP. We found no
      difference in microbial diversity between treatment groups at any time point, but
      diversity decreased significantly over time in both groups. OCP treatment
      marginally modified oral taxa with a decline in abundance of Streptococci in the
      OCP group at 30 days of life. CONCLUSIONS: OCP had neither an effect on the
      salivary peptides we examined nor on overall oral bacterial diversity and
      composition. Infants who received OCP had a reduced length of hospitalization and
      warrants further investigation.

PMID- 27684426
TI  - Opportunities for maternal transport for delivery of very low birth weight
      infants.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess frequency of very low birth weight (VLBW) births at non
      level III hospitals. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study using linked
      California birth certificate and discharge data of 2008 to 2010 for deliveries of
      singleton or first-born infant of multiple gestations with birth weight 400 to
      1500 g. Delivery rates by neonatal level of care were obtained. Risk of delivery
      at non-level III centers was estimated in univariable and multivariable models.
      RESULTS: Of the 1 508 143 births, 13 919 (9.2%) were VLBW; birth rate at non
      level III centers was 14.9% (8.4% in level I and 6.5% in level II). Median rate
      of VLBW births was 0.3% (range 0 to 4.7%) annually at level I and 0.5% (range 0
      to 1.6%) at level II hospitals. Antepartum stay for >24 h occurred in 14.0% and
      26.9% of VLBW births in level I and level II hospitals, respectively. CONCLUSION:
      Further improvement is possible in reducing VLBW infant delivery at suboptimal
      sites, given the window of opportunity for many patients.

PMID- 27684428
TI  - An Acute Retinal Model for Evaluating Blood Retinal Barrier Breach and Potential
      Drugs for Treatment.
AB  - A low-cost, easy-to-use and powerful model system is established to evaluate
      potential treatments that could ameliorate blood retinal barrier breach. An
      inflammatory factor, histamine, is demonstrated to compromise vessel integrity in
      the cultured retina through positive staining of IgG outside of the blood
      vessels. The effects of histamine itself and those of candidate drugs for
      potential treatments, such as lipoxin A4, are assessed using three parameters:
      blood vessel leakage via IgG immunostaining, activation of Muller cells via GFAP
      staining and change in neuronal dendrites through staining for MAP2. Furthermore,
      the layered organization of the retina allows a detailed analysis of the
      processes of Muller and ganglion cells, such as changes in width and continuity.
      While the data presented is with swine retinal culture, the system is applicable
      to multiple species. Thus, the model provides a reliable tool to investigate the
      early effects of compromised retinal vessel integrity on different cell types and
      also to evaluate potential drug candidates for treatment.

PMID- 27684431
TI  - Different Conformations of 2'-Deoxycytidine in the Gas and Solid Phases:
      Competition between Intra- and Intermolecular Hydrogen Bonds.
AB  - Computational results have been reported for 2'-deoxycytidine (dC), its gas phase
      isomers, tautomers, and their conformers, as well as for the crystalline phase.
      In addition to the neutral gas phase molecules, we have also considered
      associated radical anions and cations. The structural calculations were performed
      at the density functional and MP2 levels of theory. Vertical electron ionization
      energies and excess electron binding energies were determined using electron
      propagator theory. The alpha-anomer proved to be more stable by a fraction of
      kcal/mol than the biologically relevant canonical beta-anomer. The conformational
      space of canonical dC has been systematically probed. dC in the crystalline phase
      or DNA structures favors canonical anti conformations. These structures were used
      in past computational studies to model gas phase characteristics of dC. Our
      findings indicate, however, that the gas phase dC favors syn conformations. It
      has repercussions for earlier interpretations of gas phase experimental results
      based on these computational results. The thermodynamic dominance of syn
      conformations results from the formation of an intramolecular O5'-H13...O2
      hydrogen bond. The IR spectra of the most stable syn and anti canonical
      conformers differ markedly in the region of frequencies corresponding to NH/OH
      stretching modes. The MP2 value of deprotonation enthalpy of dC of 1411.7 kJ/mol
      is in very good agreement with the experimental value of 1409 +/- 2.5 kJ/mol. The
      most stable valence anions are characterized by electron vertical detachment
      energies (VDE) in the 0.8-1.0 eV range, in good agreement with the experimental
      VDE of 0.87 eV. The barrier for the glycosidic bond cleavage is significant in
      the neutral canonical dC, 40.0 kcal/mol, and it is reduced to 22 and 16 kcal/mol
      for the anionic and cationic radicals of dC, respectively. The cleavage reaction
      is exothermic by 4 kcal/mol for dC- and endothermic by 7 and 9 kcal/mol for dC+
      and dC, respectively. We decomposed the crystal cohesive energy into repulsive
      one-body terms associated with the syn-anti conformational changes, and the
      attractive intermolecular interaction term. We exposed that the syn-anti
      conformational changes are very favorable for intermolecular interactions; in
      particular they make the imino-amino side of the cytosine residue accessible to
      intermolecular interactions.

PMID- 27684430
TI  - Experimental Protocol to Investigate Particle Aerosolization of a Product Under
      Abrasion and Under Environmental Weathering.
AB  - The present article presents an experimental protocol to investigate particle
      aerosolization of a product under abrasion and under environmental weathering,
      which is a fundamental element to the approach of nanosafety-by-design of
      nanostructured products for their durable development. This approach is basically
      a preemptive one in which the focus is put on minimizing the emission of
      engineered nanomaterials' aerosols during the usage phase of the product's life
      cycle. This can be attained by altering its material properties during its design
      phase without compromising with any of its added benefits. In this article, an
      experimental protocol is presented to investigate the nanosafety-by-design of
      three commercial nanostructured products with respect to their mechanical
      solicitation and environmental weathering. The means chosen for applying the
      mechanical solicitation is an abrasion process and for the environmental
      weathering, it is an accelerated UV exposure in the presence of humidity and
      heat. The eventual emission of engineered nanomaterials is studied in terms of
      their number concentration, size distribution, morphology and chemical
      composition. The purpose of the protocol is to study the emission for test
      samples and experimental conditions which are corresponding to real life
      situations. It was found that the application of the mechanical stresses alone
      emits the engineered nanomaterials' aerosols in which the engineered nanomaterial
      is always embedded inside the product matrix, thus, a representative product
      element. In such a case, the emitted aerosols comprise of both nanoparticles as
      well as microparticles. But if the mechanical stresses are coupled with the
      environmental weathering, the experimental protocol reveals then the eventual
      deterioration of the product, after a certain weathering duration, may lead to
      the emission of the free engineered nanomaterial aerosols too.

PMID- 27684432
TI  - Multicomponent Coupling Reactions of Two N-Tosyl Hydrazones and Elemental Sulfur:
      Selective Denitrogenation Pathway toward Unsymmetric 2,5-Disubstituted 1,3,4
      Thiadiazoles.
AB  - A copper-mediated, three-component reaction between two different N-Ts hydrazones
      and elemental sulfur was developed, leading to a series of unsymmetric 2,5
      disubstituted 1,3,4-thiadiazoles in moderate yields with good functional group
      compatibility. This procedure features the employment of elemental sulfur and the
      selective denitrogenation between aryl and alkyl aldehyde N-tosyl hydrazones,
      allowing rapid access to unsymmetric 2,5-disubstituted 1,3,4-thiadiazoles
      frameworks with chemical diversity and complexity.

PMID- 27684429
TI  - Respiratory Effects of Indoor Heat and the Interaction with Air Pollution in
      Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
AB  - RATIONALE: There is limited evidence of the effect of exposure to heat on chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) morbidity, and the interactive effect
      between indoor heat and air pollution has not been established. OBJECTIVES: To
      determine the effect of indoor and outdoor heat exposure on COPD morbidity and to
      determine whether air pollution concentrations modify the effect of temperature.
      METHODS: Sixty-nine participants with COPD were enrolled in a longitudinal cohort
      study, and data from the 601 participant days that occurred during the warm
      weather season were included in the analysis. Participants completed home
      environmental monitoring with measurement of temperature, relative humidity, and
      indoor air pollutants and simultaneous daily assessment of respiratory health
      with questionnaires and portable spirometry. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:
      Participants had moderate to severe COPD and spent the majority of their time
      indoors. Increases in maximal indoor temperature were associated with worsening
      of daily Breathlessness, Cough, and Sputum Scale scores and increases in rescue
      inhaler use. The effect was detected on the same day and lags of 1 and 2 days.
      The detrimental effect of temperature on these outcomes increased with higher
      concentrations of indoor fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide (P < 0.05
      for interaction terms). On days during which participants went outdoors,
      increases in maximal daily outdoor temperature were associated with increases in
      Breathlessness, Cough, and Sputum Scale scores after adjusting for outdoor
      pollution concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with COPD who spend the
      majority of their time indoors, indoor heat exposure during the warmer months
      represents a modifiable environmental exposure that may contribute to respiratory
      morbidity. In the context of climate change, adaptive strategies that include
      optimization of indoor environmental conditions are needed to protect this high
      risk group from the adverse health effects of heat.

PMID- 27684433
TI  - 1,3-Oxazole derivatives as potential anticancer agents: Computer modeling and
      experimental study.
AB  - Microtubules play a significant role in cell growth and functioning. Therefore
      inhibition of the microtubule assemblies has emerged as one of the most promising
      cancer treatment strategies. Predictive QSAR models were built on a series of
      selective inhibitors of the tubulin were performed by using Associative Neural
      Networks (ANN). To overcome the problem of data overfitting due to the descriptor
      selection, a 5-fold cross-validation with variable selection in each step of the
      analysis was used. All developed QSAR models showed excellent statistics on the
      training (total accuracy: 0.96-0.97) and test sets (total accuracy: 0.95-97). The
      models were further validated by 11 synthesized 1,3-oxazole derivatives and all
      of them showed inhibitory effect on the Hep-2 cancer cell line. The most
      promising compound showed inhibitory activity IC50=60.2MUM. In order to
      hypothesize their mechanism of action the top three compounds were docked in the
      colchicine binding site of tubulin and showed reasonable docking scores as well
      as favorable interactions with the protein.

PMID- 27684434
TI  - Individual and developmental differences in preschoolers' categorization biases
      and vocabulary across tasks.
AB  - This study bridges prior research on young children's use of taxonomic versus
      thematic relations to categorize objects with prior research on their use of
      shared shape versus shared function to categorize artifacts. Specifically, this
      research examined associations in children's categorization tendencies across
      these two dichotomies, including assessments of individual differences,
      developmental trends, and vocabulary level. Preschoolers (3- to 5-year-olds)
      completed a receptive vocabulary assessment and two match-to-sample tasks: one
      pitting (superordinate) taxonomic and thematic relations against each other and
      one pitting shape and function similarity against each other. The results
      revealed individual and developmental variation in children's cross-task
      categorization biases, with a predominant tendency to focus on both thematic and
      function relations that became increasingly stronger with age. In 3- and 5-year
      olds, function-based categorization was also positively associated with verb
      vocabulary. These findings demonstrate an emerging tendency to focus on
      relational information during the preschool years that, among other learning
      effects, may benefit verb acquisition. The results are discussed in terms of the
      real-time processing and developmental factors that might contribute to the
      development of strategies for learning about objects and categories during early
      childhood.

PMID- 27684436
TI  - Study of the Relationship between Boundary Slip and Nanobubbles on a Smooth
      Hydrophobic Surface.
AB  - Surface nanobubbles, which are nanoscopic or microscopic gaseous domains forming
      at the solid/liquid interface, have a strong impact on the interface by changing
      the two-phase contact to a three-phase contact. Therefore, they are believed to
      affect the boundary condition and liquid flow. However, there are still disputes
      in the theoretical studies as to whether the nanobubbles can increase the slip
      length effectively. Furthermore, there are still no direct experimental studies
      to support either side. Therefore, an intensive study on the effective slip
      length for flows over bare surfaces with nanobubbles is essential for
      establishing the relation between nanobubbles and slip length. Here, we study the
      effect of nanobubbles on the slippage experimentally and theoretically. Our
      experimental results reveal an increase from 8 to 512 nm in slip length by
      increasing the surface coverage of nanobubbles from 1.7 to 50.8% and by
      decreasing the contact angle of nanobubbles from 42.8 to 16.6 degrees . This is
      in good agreement with theoretical results. Our results indicate that nanobubbles
      could always act as a lubricant and significantly increase the slip length. The
      surface coverage, height, and contact angle are key factors for nanobubbles to
      reduce wall friction.

PMID- 27684435
TI  - In-depth Physiological Analysis of Defined Cell Populations in Acute Tissue
      Slices of the Mouse Vomeronasal Organ.
AB  - In most mammals, the vomeronasal organ (VNO) is a chemosensory structure that
      detects both hetero- and conspecific social cues. Vomeronasal sensory neurons
      (VSNs) express a specific type of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) from at least
      three different chemoreceptor gene families allowing sensitive and specific
      detection of chemosensory cues. These families comprise the V1r and V2r gene
      families as well as the formyl peptide receptor (FPR)-related sequence (Fpr-rs)
      family of putative chemoreceptor genes. In order to understand the physiology of
      vomeronasal receptor-ligand interactions and downstream signaling, it is
      essential to identify the biophysical properties inherent to each specific class
      of VSNs. The physiological approach described here allows identification and in
      depth analysis of a defined population of sensory neurons using a transgenic
      mouse line (Fpr-rs3-i-Venus). The use of this protocol, however, is not
      restricted to this specific line and thus can easily be extended to other
      genetically modified lines or wild type animals.

PMID- 27684438
TI  - Joint acute and endocrine disruptive toxicities of malathion, cypermethrin and
      prochloraz to embryo-larval zebrafish, Danio rerio.
AB  - It remains a daunting challenge to determine ecotoxicological risks of exposure
      to mixtures of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in environmental toxicology.
      In the present study, we investigated acute and endocrine disruptive toxicities
      of cypermethrin (CPM), malathion (MAL), prochloraz (PRO) and their binary
      mixtures of MAL + CPM and MAL + PRO to the early life stages of zebrafish. In the
      acute lethal toxicity test, three pesticides exhibited different levels of
      toxicity to zebrafish larvae, and the order of toxicity was as follows: CPM > PRO
      > MAL. The binary mixture of MAL + CPM displayed a synergistic effect on
      zebrafish larvae after exposure for 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. However, binary mixture
      of MAL + PRO showed an antagonistic effect. To evaluate the estrogenic effect,
      the expression of genes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis was assessed
      after zebrafish embryos were exposed to CPM, MAL, PRO and their binary mixtures
      from blastula stage (1 h post-fertilization, 1 hpf) to 14 dpf (14 d post
      fertilization). Our data indicated that the transcription patterns of many key
      genes (vtg1, vtg2, era, erbeta1, erbeta2, cyp19a1a and cyp19a1b) were affected in
      hatched zebrafish after exposure to CPM, MAL and PRO. Moreover, following
      exposure to binary mixtures of 1000 MUg/L MAL +4 MUg/L CPM and 1000 MUg/L MAL
      +900 MUg/L PRO, the gene expressions were significantly changed compared with the
      individual pesticides. Our data provided a better understanding of bidirectional
      interactions of toxic response induced by these pesticides.

PMID- 27684437
TI  - Actinobacteria: Current research and perspectives for bioremediation of
      pesticides and heavy metals.
AB  - Actinobacteria exhibit cosmopolitan distribution since their members are widely
      distributed in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. In the environment they play
      relevant ecological roles including recycling of substances, degradation of
      complex polymers, and production of bioactive molecules. Biotechnological
      potential of actinobacteria in the environment was demonstrated by their ability
      to remove organic and inorganic pollutants. This ability is the reason why
      actinobacteria have received special attention as candidates for bioremediation,
      which has gained importance because of the widespread release of contaminants
      into the environment. Among organic contaminants, pesticides are widely used for
      pest control, although the negative impact of these chemicals in the
      environmental balance is increasingly becoming apparent. Similarly, the extensive
      application of heavy metals in industrial processes lead to highly contaminated
      areas worldwide. Several studies focused in the use of actinobacteria for
      cleaning up the environment were performed in the last 15 years. Strategies such
      as bioaugmentation, biostimulation, cell immobilization, production of
      biosurfactants, design of defined mixed cultures and the use of plant-microbe
      systems were developed to enhance the capabilities of actinobacteria in
      bioremediation. In this review, we compiled and discussed works focused in the
      study of different bioremediation strategies using actinobacteria and how they
      contributed to the improvement of the already existing strategies. In addition,
      we discuss the importance of omic studies to elucidate mechanisms and regulations
      that bacteria use to cope with pollutant toxicity, since they are still little
      known in actinobacteria. A brief account of sources and harmful effects of
      pesticides and heavy metals is also given.

PMID- 27684439
TI  - Fast Pyrolysis of Biomass Residues in a Twin-screw Mixing Reactor.
AB  - Fast pyrolysis is being increasingly applied in commercial plants worldwide. They
      run exclusively on woody biomass, which has favorable properties for conversion
      with fast pyrolysis. In order to increase the synergies of food production and
      the energetic and/or material use of biomass, it is desirable to utilize residues
      from agricultural production, e.g., straw. The presented method is suitable for
      converting such a material on an industrial scale. The main features are
      presented and an example of mass balances from the conversion of several biomass
      residues is given. After conversion, fractionated condensation is applied in
      order to retrieve two condensates - an organic-rich and an aqueous-rich one. This
      design prevents the production of fast pyrolysis bio-oil that exhibits phase
      separation. A two phase bio-oil is to be expected because of the typically high
      ash content of straw biomass, which promotes the production of water of reaction
      during conversion. Both fractionated condensation and the use of biomass with
      high ash content demand a careful approach for establishing balances. Not all
      kind of balances are both meaningful and comparable to other results from the
      literature. Different balancing methods are presented, and the information that
      can be derived from them is discussed.

PMID- 27684441
TI  - Hospitalisations with Hidradenitis Suppurativa: An Increasing Problem That
      Deserves Closer Attention.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a chronic inflammatory skin
      disease of the hair follicle, can lead to scarring and disability. With an
      estimated European prevalence of 1%, few epidemiological studies of HS have been
      performed, and none focused on hospitalisations. We aimed to study the time
      trends of HS hospitalisations and to evaluate the demographic characteristics,
      hospital incidence rate, readmissions, length of stay, comorbidities and risk
      factors of hospitalised HS patients. METHODS: We performed a retrospective
      observational study using a national administrative database in Portugal, with
      discharges between 2000 and 2014. All the inpatients aged 5 years or more with a
      diagnosis of HS were included. Variables analysed were age, sex, admission and
      discharge date, discharge outcome and diagnoses. RESULTS: A total of 1,177
      patients were hospitalised in this time period (48 were aged 18 years or younger)
      with a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.17. There was a hospital incidence rate of
      0.83 patients with HS per 100,000 person-years (95% CI = 0.78-0.88). The age
      group with the highest incidence rate was 20-29 years among women and 40-49 years
      among men. We recorded an increasing trend in the number of new hospitalised
      patients and in the hospital incidence rate of HS. Tobacco was the most common
      comorbidity/risk factor. Eighty-three percent of our population underwent HS
      surgery. CONCLUSION: This hospital-based incidence study showed that admission
      for HS is increasing and that the majority of the HS inpatients were surgical
      cases. In the future, prospective studies will be important to assess risk
      factors for hospitalisations and complications.

PMID- 27684442
TI  - Characterization of Heterocoagulation with Oppositely Charged Polymer Colloid
      Particles through Online Tracking of Light Transmittance.
AB  - Heterocoagulation of colloid particles with opposite surface charge has been used
      for the preparation of composite microspheres with specifically designed
      suprastructure, such as those with raspberry-like surface morphology and core
      shell microspheres, which are difficult to achieve through other techniques. Here
      we report our investigation on the heterocoagulation of cationic polystyrene (PS)
      particles with anionic poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) particles by a novel
      technique, i.e., by following online the evolution of the light transmittance in
      the process with practically no disturbance of the dispersion and no post
      treatment for the samples. Different heterocoagulations were conducted with PS
      and PMMA latexes with different latex mixing regimes and different particle sizes
      for both latexes. The evolution of the light transmittance in all of these
      processes, mainly with addition of anionic latex to cationic latex, was followed
      online. By combining TEM to detect the morphology of the composite microspheres
      formed and light scattering to follow the size evolution in the
      heterocoagulation, this work gives a clear picture of the heterocoagulation
      process. In addition, a set of mathematical equations are established in order to
      estimate the number ratio of the particles with opposite charge and the surface
      coverage percent of the large primary particle with the small ones. Results show
      that the particle size plays a key role in the process. The mechanism of the
      heterocoagulation process is discussed.

PMID- 27684440
TI  - An Open-Label Pilot Study of Metformin as a Concomitant Therapy on Patients with
      Prostate Cancer Undergoing Androgen Deprivation Treatment.
AB  - PURPOSE: The study aimed to evaluate the effects of metformin on insulin, C
      peptide and body weight in Chinese men undergoing androgen deprivation therapy
      (ADT). METHODS: Between March 2013 and June 2014, 62 newly diagnosed patients of
      prostate cancer (PCa) due to receive ADT were recruited from 7 hospitals in
      Shanghai. Patients were randomized to respectively receive ADT (n = 31) and ADT +
      metformin (n = 31) for 6 months. Fasting and postprandial serum levels of insulin
      and C-peptide, blood glucose, prostate specific antigen, body mass index (BMI)
      and waist circumference (WC) were measured at the beginning and end of 6-month
      treatment. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were comparable between the 2
      groups. Controlling for baseline levels, the ADT group had significantly higher
      levels of fasting glucose (p = 0.01) and higher WC (p = 0.04) than the ADT +
      metformin group. The levels of insulin, C-peptide and BMI did not differ
      significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Metformin may be potentially efficient as a
      concomitant therapy on patients with PCa undergoing androgen deprivation
      treatment.

PMID- 27684443
TI  - Deferred Growth Inhibition Assay to Quantify the Effect of Bacteria-derived
      Antimicrobials on Competition.
AB  - Competitive exclusion can occur in microbial communities when, for example, an
      inhibitor-producing strain outcompetes its competitor for an essential nutrient
      or produces antimicrobial compounds that its competitor is not resistant to. Here
      we describe a deferred growth inhibition assay, a method for assessing the
      ability of one bacterium to inhibit the growth of another through the production
      of antimicrobial compounds or through competition for nutrients. This technique
      has been used to investigate the correlation of nasal isolates with the exclusion
      of particular species from a community. This technique can also be used to screen
      for lantibiotic producers or potentially novel antimicrobials. The assay is
      performed by first culturing the test inhibitor-producing strain overnight on an
      agar plate, then spraying over the test competitor strain and incubating again.
      After incubation, the extent of inhibition can be measured quantitatively,
      through the size of the zone of clearing around the inhibitor-producing strain,
      and qualitatively, by assessing the clarity of the inhibition zone. Here we
      present the protocol for the deferred inhibition assay, describe ways to minimize
      variation between experiments, and define a clarity scale that can be used to
      qualitatively assess the degree of inhibition.

PMID- 27684444
TI  - Informing the Human Plasma Protein Binding of Environmental Chemicals by Machine
      Learning in the Pharmaceutical Space: Applicability Domain and Limits of
      Predictability.
AB  - The free fraction of a xenobiotic in plasma (Fub) is an important determinant of
      chemical adsorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination, and toxicity, yet
      experimental plasma protein binding data are scarce for environmentally relevant
      chemicals. The presented work explores the merit of utilizing available
      pharmaceutical data to predict Fub for environmentally relevant chemicals via
      machine learning techniques. Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR)
      models were constructed with k nearest neighbors (kNN), support vector machines
      (SVM), and random forest (RF) machine learning algorithms from a training set of
      1045 pharmaceuticals. The models were then evaluated with independent test sets
      of pharmaceuticals (200 compounds) and environmentally relevant ToxCast chemicals
      (406 total, in two groups of 238 and 168 compounds). The selection of a minimal
      feature set of 10-15 2D molecular descriptors allowed for both informative
      feature interpretation and practical applicability domain assessment via a
      bounded box of descriptor ranges and principal component analysis. The diverse
      pharmaceutical and environmental chemical sets exhibit similarities in terms of
      chemical space (99-82% overlap), as well as comparable bias and variance in
      constructed learning curves. All the models exhibit significant predictability
      with mean absolute errors (MAE) in the range of 0.10-0.18Fub. The models
      performed best for highly bound chemicals (MAE 0.07-0.12), neutrals (MAE 0.11
      0.14), and acids (MAE 0.14-0.17). A consensus model had the highest accuracy
      across both pharmaceuticals (MAE 0.151-0.155) and environmentally relevant
      chemicals (MAE 0.110-0.131). The inclusion of the majority of the ToxCast test
      sets within the AD of the consensus model, coupled with high prediction accuracy
      for these chemicals, indicates the model provides a QSAR for Fub that is broadly
      applicable to both pharmaceuticals and environmentally relevant chemicals.

PMID- 27684445
TI  - Plasmon-Enhanced Sub-Bandgap Photocatalysis via Triplet-Triplet Annihilation
      Upconversion for Volatile Organic Compound Degradation.
AB  - This study demonstrates the first reported photocatalytic decomposition of an
      indoor air pollutant, acetaldehyde, using low-energy, sub-bandgap photons
      harnessed through sensitized triplet-triplet annihilation (TTA) upconversion
      (UC). To utilize low-intensity noncoherent indoor light and maximize
      photocatalytic activity, we designed a plasmon-enhanced sub-bandgap photocatalyst
      device consisting of two main components: (1) TTA-UC rubbery polymer films
      containing broad-band plasmonic particles (Ag-SiO2) to upconvert sub-bandgap
      photons, and (2) nanodiamond (ND)-loaded WO3 as a visible-light photocatalyst
      composite. Effective decomposition of acetaldehyde was achieved using ND/WO3 (Eg
      = 2.8 eV) coupled with TTA-UC polymer films that emit blue photons (lambdaEm =
      425 nm, 2.92 eV) upconverted from green photons (lambdaEx = 532 nm, 2.33 eV),
      which are wasted in most environmental photocatalysis. The overall photocatalytic
      efficiency was amplified by the broad-band surface plasmon resonance of AgNP-SiO2
      particles incorporated into the TTA-UC films.

PMID- 27684448
TI  - Efficient Blue Electroluminescence Using Quantum-Confined Two-Dimensional
      Perovskites.
AB  - Solution-processed hybrid organic-inorganic lead halide perovskites are emerging
      as one of the most promising candidates for low-cost light-emitting diodes
      (LEDs). However, due to a small exciton binding energy, it is not yet possible to
      achieve an efficient electroluminescence within the blue wavelength region at
      room temperature, as is necessary for full-spectrum light sources. Here, we
      demonstrate efficient blue LEDs based on the colloidal, quantum-confined 2D
      perovskites, with precisely controlled stacking down to one-unit-cell thickness
      (n = 1). A variety of low-k organic host compounds are used to disperse the 2D
      perovskites, effectively creating a matrix of the dielectric quantum wells, which
      significantly boosts the exciton binding energy by the dielectric confinement
      effect. Through the Forster resonance energy transfer, the excitons down-convert
      and recombine radiatively in the 2D perovskites. We report room-temperature pure
      green (n = 7-10), sky blue (n = 5), pure blue (n = 3), and deep blue (n = 1)
      electroluminescence, with record-high external quantum efficiencies in the green
      to-blue wavelength region.

PMID- 27684447
TI  - Effectiveness of the live attenuated and the inactivated influenza vaccine in two
      year-olds - a nationwide cohort study Finland, influenza season 2015/16.
AB  - Although widely recommended, influenza vaccination of children is part of the
      national vaccination programme only in few countries. In addition to Canada and
      the United States (US), in Europe Finland and the United Kingdom have introduced
      live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) for healthy children in their
      programmes. On 22 June 2016, the US Advisory Committee on Immunizations
      Practices, voted against further use of LAIV due to no observed vaccine
      effectiveness (VE) over three consecutive influenza seasons (2013/14 to 2015/16).
      We summarise the results of a nationwide, register-based cohort study (N=55,258
      of whom 8,086 received LAIV and 4,297 TIV); all outcome (laboratory-confirmed
      influenza), exposure (vaccination) and confounding variable data were retrieved
      from four computerised national health registers, which were linked via a unique
      personal identity code assigned to all permanent Finnish residents regardless of
      nationality. Our study provides evidence of moderate effectiveness against any
      laboratory-confirmed influenza of the quadrivalent LAIV vaccine (VE: 51%; 95%
      confidence interval (CI): 28-66%) as well as the inactivated trivalent vaccine
      (VE: 61%; 95% CI: 31-78%) among two-year-olds during the influenza season 2015/16
      in Finland. Based on these data, Finland will continue using LAIV for young
      children in its National Immunisation Programme this coming influenza season. 

PMID- 27684446
TI  - In Vitro Transcription Assays and Their Application in Drug Discovery.
AB  - In vitro transcription assays have been developed and widely used for many years
      to study the molecular mechanisms involved in transcription. This process
      requires multi-subunit DNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RNAP) and a series of
      transcription factors that act to modulate the activity of RNAP during gene
      expression. Sequencing gel electrophoresis of radiolabeled transcripts is used to
      provide detailed mechanistic information on how transcription proceeds and what
      parameters can affect it. In this paper we describe the protocol to study how the
      essential elongation factor NusA regulates transcriptional pausing, as well as a
      method to identify an antibacterial agent targeting transcription initiation
      through inhibition of RNAP holoenzyme formation. These methods can be used a as
      platform for the development of additional approaches to explore the mechanism of
      action of the transcription factors which still remain unclear, as well as new
      antibacterial agents targeting transcription which is an underutilized drug
      target in antibiotic research and development.

PMID- 27684449
TI  - Consistent and cumulative effects of syntactic experience in children's sentence
      production: Evidence for error-based implicit learning.
AB  - Error-based implicit learning models (e.g., Chang, Dell, & Bock, 2006) propose
      that a single learning mechanism underlies immediate and long-term effects of
      experience on children's syntax. We test two key predictions of these models:
      That individual experiences of infrequent structures should yield both immediate
      and long-term facilitation, and that such learning should be consistent in
      individual speakers across time. Children (and adults) described transitive
      events in two picture-matching games, held a week apart. In both sessions, the
      experimenter's immediately preceding syntax (active vs. passive) dynamically
      influenced children's (and adults') syntactic choices in an individually
      consistent manner. Moreover, children showed long-term facilitation, through an
      increased likelihood to produce passives in Session 2, with speakers who were
      most likely to immediately repeat passives in Session 1 being most likely to
      produce passives in Session 2. Our results are consistent with an error-based
      syntactic learning mechanism that operates across the lifespan.

PMID- 27684450
TI  - Brightly Luminescent and Kinetically Inert Lanthanide Bioprobes Based on Linear
      and Preorganized Chelators.
AB  - The synthesis, photophysical properties, and kinetic stability of a series of
      water-soluble, highly emissive Tb(III) and Eu(III) complexes featuring
      triethylenetetraamine hexaacetic acid (TTHA) and cyclohexyl triethylenetetraamine
      hexaacetic acid (cyTTHA) chelator scaffolds and carbostyril sensitizers are
      reported. The unique and modular design of the chelators gives rise to striking
      quantum yields of emission in aqueous solutions (up to 54%) as well as the
      characteristic lanthanides' photophysical properties (long excited-state
      lifetimes, large effective Stokes shifts, and narrow emission peaks).
      Furthermore, the preorganized chelators (L3, L4, and L6) bind metal within
      minutes at ambient temperature yet exhibit substantial resistance to
      transchelation in the presence of a challenge solution (EDTA, 1 mM). Moreover,
      the Eu(III) complex of L4 remains stably luminescent in HeLa cells over hours,
      demonstrating the suitability of these compounds for live-cell imaging
      applications. Representative chelators suitable for derivatization and protein
      bioconjugation were also prepared that were functionalized with clickable azide
      and alkyne moieties, biotin, and trimethoprim (TMP). With exceptional long
      wavelength brightness, enhanced kinetic inertness, and an adaptable synthetic
      route, the reported lanthanide complexes are promising probes and labels for time
      gated bioanalysis, biosensing, and optical microscopy.

PMID- 27684451
TI  - Multi-pass Monte Carlo simulation method in nuclear transmutations.
AB  - Monte Carlo methods, in their direct brute simulation incarnation, bring
      realistic results if the involved probabilities, be they geometrical or
      otherwise, remain constant for the duration of the simulation. However, there are
      physical setups where the evolution of the simulation represents a modification
      of the simulated system itself. Chief among such evolving simulated systems are
      the activation/transmutation setups. That is, the simulation starts with a given
      set of probabilities, which are determined by the geometry of the system, the
      components and by the microscopic interaction cross-sections. However, the
      relative weight of the components of the system changes along with the steps of
      the simulation. A natural measure would be adjusting probabilities after every
      step of the simulation. On the other hand, the physical system has typically a
      number of components of the order of Avogadro's number, usually 1025 or 1026
      members. A simulation step changes the characteristics for just a few of these
      members; a probability will therefore shift by a quantity of 1/1025. Such a
      change cannot be accounted for within a simulation, because then the simulation
      should have then a number of at least 1028 steps in order to have some
      significance. This is not feasible, of course. For our computing devices, a
      simulation of one million steps is comfortable, but a further order of magnitude
      becomes too big a stretch for the computing resources. We propose here a method
      of dealing with the changing probabilities, leading to the increasing of the
      precision. This method is intended as a fast approximating approach, and also as
      a simple introduction (for the benefit of students) in the very branched subject
      of Monte Carlo simulations vis-a-vis nuclear reactors.

PMID- 27684452
TI  - Determination of 137Cs half-life with an ionization chamber.
AB  - The half-life of 137Cs was measured with an ionization chamber by following the
      decay of 5 sources over a 30 years period between 1983 and 2013. The ratio
      between the ionization chamber current for the cesium sources and 226Ra source
      was used for the half-life calculation. The value found for the 137Cs half-life
      is 10,955.2+/-10.7 days, where the uncertainty evaluation combines type A and B
      for one standard deviation.

PMID- 27684453
TI  - Study of the elemental composition of saliva of smokers and nonsmokers by X-ray
      fluorescence.
AB  - Cigarette smoking is a serious public health problem. According to data from the
      World Health Organization, it is estimated that currently more than 1.2 billion
      people worldwide do tobacco use and that smoking-related diseases are responsible
      for about 6 million deaths each. With attention to this, it is necessary to seek
      preventive and prognostic of trying to reduce these numbers and alert the public
      in general about the danger and the harm caused by its use. Thus, the objective
      of the research work undertaken was to evaluate and compare the chemical
      composition of collected saliva samples of smokers and nonsmokers by X-ray
      Fluorescence analyses. 32 individuals were selected, 16 of which used cigarette
      on a daily basis and the other 16 had never smoked. Saliva was collected with the
      help of a (sterile) disposable Pasteur pipette and samples sent to the Applied
      Nuclear Physics Laboratory at UNISO (LAFINAU), where analyzes were carried out.
      Individuals who agreed to participate in the study answered a questionnaire to
      define their profile of inclusion and signed an informed consent form (CEP
      Protocol no. 831.753 of 09/10/2014). The results clearly showed that there are
      differences in the concentrations of chemical elements in the saliva of smokers
      and non-smokers. The biggest discrepancies were found at concentrations of the
      chemical elements Sulfur, Phosphorus, Chlorine and Potassium, and smaller
      differences in the concentration of the elements Calcium, Manganese, Iron,
      Copper, Titanium, Vanadium and Nickel. In only one saliva sample, and in quite
      low amounts, arsenic was detected. The results indicate that smoking produces
      more significant changes in the saliva of women than in men, increasing the
      concentration of some elements in the saliva of female smokers, much more than in
      the male smokers. The cigarette usage time also appears to exert a greater
      influence on the composition of the saliva of women than in men, indicating that
      the damage caused by cigarette use may in fact be higher in women than in men.

PMID- 27684454
TI  - A parameterization of the chemistry-normality dependence of bulk etch rate in a
      CR-39 detector.
AB  - An empirical relationship describing the bulk etch rate is formulated. The
      equation involves two free fitting parameters, which reproduce the bulk etch rate
      for CR-39 by alpha particles at different normalities of the etching solution.
      The values of the fitting parameters were obtained from the experimental data.
      This relationship is used to predict the bulk etch rate at different normalities.

PMID- 27684455
TI  - Durable Response of Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Skin to Ipilimumab
      Immunotherapy.
AB  - A 72-year-old male patient was receiving second-line chemotherapy for metastatic
      squamous cell carcinoma of the skin (SCCS) when he was diagnosed with concurrent
      metastatic melanoma (BRAF mutant). Chemotherapy was ceased and he was treated
      with 4 cycles of ipilimumab immunotherapy. The patient experienced clinical
      benefit and durable remission in both malignancies and remains free of cancer
      progression 8 months after the last cycle of ipilimumab. Response of SCCS to
      ipilimumab has not been previously described, however this case and recent
      reports of pembrolizumab efficacy confirm the critical role of the immune system
      in SCCS pathogenesis and suggest further exploration of checkpoint immunotherapy
      for the treatment of this disease.

PMID- 27684456
TI  - Sit-to-stand-and-walk from 120% Knee Height: A Novel Approach to Assess Dynamic
      Postural Control Independent of Lead-limb.
AB  - Individuals with sensorimotor pathology e.g., stroke have difficulty executing
      the common task of rising from sitting and initiating gait (sit-to-walk: STW).
      Thus, in clinical rehabilitation separation of sit-to-stand and gait initiation -
      termed sit-to-stand-and-walk (STSW) - is usual. However, a standardized STSW
      protocol with a clearly defined analytical approach suitable for pathological
      assessment has yet to be defined. Hence, a goal-orientated protocol is defined
      that is suitable for healthy and compromised individuals by requiring the rising
      phase to be initiated from 120% knee height with a wide base of support
      independent of lead limb. Optical capture of three-dimensional (3D) segmental
      movement trajectories, and force platforms to yield two-dimensional (2D) center
      of-pressure (COP) trajectories permit tracking of the horizontal distance between
      COP and whole-body-center-of-mass (BCOM), the decrease of which increases
      positional stability but is proposed to represent poor dynamic postural control.
      BCOM-COP distance is expressed with and without normalization to subjects' leg
      length. Whilst COP-BCOM distances vary through STSW, normalized data at the key
      movement events of seat-off and initial toe-off (TO1) during steps 1 and 2 have
      low intra and inter subject variability in 5 repeated trials performed by 10
      young healthy individuals. Thus, comparing COP-BCOM distance at key events during
      performance of an STSW paradigm between patients with upper motor neuron injury,
      or other compromised patient groups, and normative data in young healthy
      individuals is a novel methodology for evaluation of dynamic postural stability.

PMID- 27684457
TI  - Effect of Bevacizumab Plus Temozolomide-Radiotherapy for Newly Diagnosed
      Glioblastoma with Different MGMT Methylation Status: A Meta-Analysis of Clinical
      Trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND MGMT methylation status can influence the therapeutic effect and
      prognosis of glioblastoma (GBM). There are conflicting results from studies
      evaluating the efficacy of bevacizumab (BV) when it is combined with temozolomide
      (TMZ) and radiotherapy (RT) in patients diagnosed with GBM with different MGMT
      methylation status. MATERIAL AND METHODS Data were extracted from publications in
      PubMed, Embase, and The Cochrane Library, with the last search performed March
      23, 2016. Data on overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and
      MGMT methylation status were obtained. RESULTS Data from 3 clinical trials for a
      total of 1443 subjects were used for this meta-analysis. MGMT methylated and
      unmethylated patients showed improved PFS in the BV group (pooled HRs, 0.769, 95%
      CIs 0.604-0.978, P=0.032; 0.675, 95%CIs 0.466-0.979, P=0.038). For patients with
      either type of GBM, BV did not improve the OS based on the pooled HRs 1.132 (95%
      CIs 0.876-1.462; P=0.345) for methylated and 1.018 (95% CIs 0.879-1.179; P=0.345)
      for unmethylated. CONCLUSIONS Bevacizumab combined with temozolomide-radiotherapy
      correlated with improved PFS for treatment of patients with different MGMT
      methylation status of newly diagnosed GBM. There was insufficient evidence to
      determine the synergistic effects of combining BV with TMZ and RT on improving
      survival in patients with different MGMT methylation status.

PMID- 27684458
TI  - Effects of Combined Photodynamic Therapy and Topical Bevacizumab Treatment on
      Corneal Neovascularization in Rabbits.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of combined photodynamic therapy (PDT) and
      topical bevacizumab treatment on corneal neovascularization in rabbits. METHODS:
      Corneal neovascularization was induced by placing a suture for 7 days in both
      eyes of 15 rabbits. After suture removal, the right eyes of the rabbits were
      divided into 3 treatment groups (n = 5 each): group 1, 5 mg/mL bevacizumab eye
      drops; group 2, PDT at 150 J/cm; and group 3, combined PDT and topical
      bevacizumab treatment. All 15 left eyes formed a control group. After 2 weeks of
      treatment, digital photographs were obtained and analyzed to determine the area
      of corneal neovascularization. The rabbits were then killed to measure vascular
      endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in corneal tissues. RESULTS: The corneal
      neovascularization area after treatment was significantly smaller in the 3
      treatment groups compared with that in the control group. A significant
      difference was observed between groups 1 and 2 and group 3, but not between
      groups 1 and 2. VEGF levels were significantly lower in groups 1 and 3 than in
      the control group. Although group 2 exhibited relatively higher VEGF levels
      compared with the control group, the difference was not significant. CONCLUSIONS:
      Our results suggest that combined PDT and topical bevacizumab treatment is
      significantly more effective than monotherapy for the treatment of corneal
      neovascularization in rabbits. Such quantitative comparison in the laboratory is
      believed to provide the theoretical basis for clinical application of combined
      PDT and topical bevacizumab treatment.

PMID- 27684459
TI  - Surgical Drainage of Lymphangiectasia Haemorrhagica Conjunctivae.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report a case of nonresolving lymphangiectasia haemorrhagica
      conjunctivae (LHC) successfully treated with surgical drainage. METHODS:
      Retrospective case report. RESULTS: A 17-year-old white girl presented with a
      history of a large red lesion affecting her right eye. Approximately 1 year
      earlier, she had noticed a small painless "red spot" affecting the inferior
      aspect of the conjunctiva of her right eye. Three months before presentation, she
      noticed a sudden increase in the size of the lesion. There was no history of
      trauma, and she was not a contact lens wearer. Her medical history was remarkable
      for a remote seizure disorder which had been stable on levetiracetam. Magnetic
      resonance imaging/magnetic resonance angiography of the brain and orbits was
      unremarkable. Anterior segment fluorescein angiography did not show any flow in
      the lesion, indicating a lymphatic origin of channels. Surgical drainage of the
      lesion was performed while sparing the affected conjunctiva resulting in an
      excellent cosmetic outcome. Incisional biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of LHC. The
      patient remained free of recurrence 6 months after the procedure. CONCLUSIONS:
      Nonresolving LHC can be managed successfully with conjunctival sparing surgical
      drainage with an excellent cosmetic outcome.

PMID- 27684460
TI  - Association Between Conjunctival and Corneal Calcification and Atherosclerotic
      Changes in the Carotid Artery in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate the association between atherosclerotic changes
      in the common carotid artery (CA) and conjunctival and corneal calcification
      (CCC) in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. METHODS: Fifty eyes of MHD
      patients with the highest CCC scores were enrolled. CCCs were scored according to
      the method described by Tokuyama et al. The eyes with the highest CCC scores were
      selected for further analysis. According to their CCC scores, the patients were
      classified into 3 groups: mild (0-2 score), moderate (3-5), and severe (6-10
      score). Atherosclerosis of the common CA was evaluated by determination of intima
      media thickness (IMT), peak systolic (PSV) and end diastolic (EDV) flow
      velocities, pulsatility index, and resistive index values by using Doppler
      ultrasonography. RESULTS: The mean IMT of the CA was 0.61 +/- 0.09 mm in the mild
      group, 0.82 +/- 0.16 mm in the moderate group, and 1.21 +/- 0.32 mm in the severe
      group (P < 0.001). The PSV and EDV were significantly higher in the severe group
      than in the mild and moderate groups (all, P < 0.001). The CCC score was
      positively correlated with the duration of hemodialysis, ocular surface disease
      index score, IMT, PSV, EDV, lymphocyte, calcium, and sedimentation rate. In
      multiple stepwise linear regression analysis, IMT was the best predictive factor
      for the CCC score (R = 0.812, beta = 9.526 +/- 1.05, and P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS:
      Our results suggest that chronic ocular ischemia due to atherosclerotic changes
      may have a role in the formation or progression of CCC in MHD patients.

PMID- 27684461
TI  - Factors Influencing the Quality of the Donor Cornea.

PMID- 27684462
TI  - Extent of Resection and Survival in Glioblastoma Multiforme-Reply.

PMID- 27684463
TI  - Prognostic value of circulating microRNA-21 for breast cancer: a systematic
      review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is an urgent need for novel noninvasive prognostic molecular
      tumor marker for monitoring the recurrence of breast cancer. MicroRNA-21 (miR-21)
      play a crucial role in the progression and aggressiveness of breast cancer, but
      its prognostic significance for patients with breast cancer remains inconclusive.
      The aim of this meta-analysis is to summarize the role of circulating miR-21 as a
      molecular marker in patients with breast cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eligible
      studies were searched from the PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases. The
      chi2 and I2 tests were used to evaluate heterogeneity between studies. The pooled
      hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated by a fixed
      effects model, if no heterogeneity existed. If there was heterogeneity, a random
      effects model was applied. The meta-analysis was conducted using the Review
      Manager 5 software. RESULTS: A total of 7 articles which included 1629 cases were
      selected for the meta-analysis. Elevated miR-21 expression was significantly
      predictive of poor overall survival (HR = 1.51, 95%CI 1.15-1.98, p = 0.003). The
      subgroup analysis consisted of in tissue sample (HR = 1.66, 95%CI 1.03-2.67, p =
      0.04) and serum sample (HR = 1.73, 95%CI 1.22-2.46, p = 0.002). The association
      between miR-21 expression level and lymph node metastasis was statistically
      significant (OR = 2.36, 95%CI 1.04-4.78, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Our findings
      suggest that the circulating miR-21 expression level can predict poor prognosis
      in patients with breast cancer.

PMID- 27684464
TI  - Device Life of the Tracheoesophageal Voice Prosthesis Revisited.
AB  - Importance: Voice prosthesis (VP) device life is a limiting factor of
      tracheoesophageal (TE) voice restoration that drives patient satisfaction, health
      care costs, and overall burden. Historic data suggest that TE VPs have an average
      device life of generally 3 to 6 months, but these data are typically derived from
      small samples using only 1 or 2 devices. Objective: To reexamine current device
      life in a large, contemporary cancer hospital in the United States that uses a
      wide assortment of VPs. Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective
      observational study included 390 laryngectomized patients with a
      tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) who had VP management at MD Anderson Cancer
      Center between July 1, 2003, and December 31, 2013. Main Outcomes and Measures:
      Tracheoesophageal voice-related outcomes were: (1) device life duration to VP
      removal, and (2) treatment-related and prosthetic-related factors influencing
      device failure. Primary independent variables included treatment history (extent
      of surgery and radiation history), VP type (indwelling vs nonindwelling, size,
      specialty features), and reason for removal (leakage, complication, other).
      Duration was examined using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Disease, treatment, and
      patient-specific factors were analyzed as predictors of duration. Results:
      Overall, 3648 VPs were placed in the 390 patients (median [range] age, 62 [34-92]
      years). Indwelling prostheses accounted for more than half (56%) of the devices
      placed (55%, 20-Fr diameter; 33%, 8-mm length). More than two-thirds (69%) of
      prostheses were removed because of leakage, while the rest were removed for other
      reasons. Median device life was 61 days for all prostheses. Indwelling and
      nonindwelling VPs had median device lives of 70 and 38 days, respectively. There
      was no significant difference between specialty prostheses compared with standard
      devices (median duration, 61 vs 70 days, respectively). The Provox ActiValve
      (Atos Medical) had the longest life. Neither radiation therapy nor extent of
      surgery had a meaningful impact on device life. Conclusions and Relevance: Our
      data suggest that VP duration demonstrates a lower durability than historically
      reported. This may reflect the intensification of treatment regimens that
      complicate TEP management in an era of organ preservation; however, further
      investigation is needed.

PMID- 27684465
TI  - Brain-computer interface for individuals after spinal cord injury.
AB  - PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of brain-computer interface
      (BCI) with patients on an inpatient spinal cord injury (SCI) unit. Research
      Method/Design: This study included 25 participants aged 18-64 who sustained
      traumatic or nontraumatic SCI and did not have severe cognitive or psychiatric
      impairment. Participants completed a variety of screening measures related to
      cognition, psychological disposition, pain, and technology experience/interest.
      The Emotiv electroencephalography system was used in conjunction with a cube
      rotation and manipulation game presented on a laptop computer. RESULTS: The
      majority of participants successfully completed the BCI game and reported
      enjoyment of the experience. Outside of a mild trend of lower performance among
      participants with a past or present head injury, there were no demographic
      variables, injury variables or screening measures significantly associated with
      BCI performance. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS: The BCI paradigm demonstrated
      feasibility and safety across participant age range, educational and vocational
      background, and level of injury. Despite the rapid integration of technology into
      rehabilitation health care settings, there are few evidence-based studies
      regarding the feasibility of technology with specific inpatient populations.
      Clinical implications and challenges of using this technology in a rehabilitation
      setting are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27684466
TI  - Reply to letter by Beyan and Beyan.

PMID- 27684467
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 27684469
TI  - The effect of vildagliptin relative to sulfonylurea as dual therapy with
      metformin (or as monotherapy) in Muslim patients with type 2 diabetes fasting
      during Ramadan in the Middle East: the VIRTUE study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of vildagliptin relative to sulfonylurea (SU) on
      hypoglycemic events, in Muslim patients from the Middle East with type 2 diabetes
      who fast during Ramadan. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with
      at least one hypoglycemic event (HE) during the fasting period. Secondary
      endpoints included change in weight, HbA1c levels, treatment adherence and
      overall safety. DESIGN AND METHODS: This multicenter, prospective, observational
      cohort study enrolled Muslim adult T2DM patients from Middle Eastern countries
      who received treatment with vildagliptin or SU as add on to metformin or
      monotherapy. During a ~16 week observation period, data was collected up to 6
      weeks before and 6 weeks after Ramadan fasting. RESULTS: A total of 584 patients
      from the Middle East enrolled in the study; 308 patients received vildagliptin
      and 265 received SU. Significantly fewer vildagliptin patients reported at least
      one HE (3.7% vildagliptin vs. 25.5% SU; p < .001). No grade 2 HEs were reported
      in vildagliptin patients versus two in SU patients (p = .128). Mean change in
      HbA1c at the end of study showed -0.18% between treatment difference in favor of
      vildagliptin, p = .001. Mean body weight change at the end of study showed -0.68
      kg between treatment difference in favor of vildagliptin, p < .001. Treatment
      exposure and adherence were high and similar in both cohorts. There were 4.3%
      adverse events reported in vildagliptin compared to 25.3% in the SU cohort, with
      hypoglycemia being the most experienced event in both cohorts. LIMITATIONS: Being
      observational and not mandating HE confirmation with blood glucose measurement
      (though it was done in a large number of patients) were key limitations.
      CONCLUSION: Anti-hyperglycemic treatment with vildagliptin led to significantly
      fewer hypoglycemia events compared to sulfonylurea treatment among Muslim
      diabetic patients who fast during Ramadan. Good glycemic control, weight control
      and safety results supported this outcome.

PMID- 27684470
TI  - What's in a name? Intolerance of uncertainty, other uncertainty-relevant
      constructs, and their differential relations to worry and generalized anxiety
      disorder.
AB  - A number of studies have examined the association of intolerance of uncertainty
      (IU) to trait worry and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). However, few studies
      have examined the extent of overlap between IU and other psychological constructs
      that bear conceptual resemblance to IU, despite the fact that IU-type constructs
      have been discussed and examined extensively within psychology and other
      disciplines. The present study investigated (1) the associations of IU, trait
      worry, and GAD status to a negative risk orientation, trait curiosity,
      indecisiveness, perceived constraints, self-oriented and socially prescribed
      perfectionism, intolerance of ambiguity, the need for predictability, and the
      need for order and structure and (2) whether IU is a unique correlate of trait
      worry and of the presence versus absence of Probable GAD, when overlap with other
      uncertainty-relevant constructs is accounted for. N = 255 adults completed self
      report measures of the aforementioned constructs. Each of the constructs was
      significantly associated with IU. Only IU, and a subset of the other uncertainty
      relevant constructs were correlated with trait worry or distinguished the
      Probable GAD group from the Non-GAD group. IU was the strongest unique correlate
      of trait worry and of the presence versus absence of Probable GAD.
      Indecisiveness, self-oriented perfectionism and the need for predictability were
      also unique correlates of trait worry or GAD status. Implications of the findings
      are discussed, in particular as they pertain to the definition,
      conceptualization, and cognitive-behavioral treatment of IU in GAD.

PMID- 27684471
TI  - Effects of dietary methionine on performance, egg quality and glutathione redox
      system in egg-laying ducks.
AB  - In this study, 6 dietary DL-methionine (Met) levels (2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5 and
      5.0 g/kg) were tested to estimate the dietary Met requirements of Longyan ducks
      from 19 to 46 weeks of age, and to investigate its effect on the glutathione
      redox system. In total, 1080 Longyan ducks aged 19 weeks were allocated randomly
      to the 6 dietary treatments, where each treatment comprised 6 replicate pens with
      30 ducks per pen. Met had no effects on egg production, yolk weight, yolk colour
      or the glutathione redox system, but the egg weight, egg mass and feed conversion
      ratio (FCR) were improved significantly by dietary Met supplementation. As the
      dietary Met concentration increased, the eggshell thickness and breaking strength
      decreased significantly, whereas the albumen weight increased significantly.
      According to broken-line regression analysis, the optimum Met requirements for
      egg weight, egg mass, FCR and albumen weight are 686, 661, 658 and 731 mg/bird/d,
      respectively, with a dietary crude protein level of 170 g/kg.

PMID- 27684473
TI  - Alarmin high mobility group box-1 in maternal serum as a potential biomarker of
      chorioamnionitis-associated preterm birth.
AB  - Chorioamnionitis is associated with an increased risk of spontaneous preterm
      birth. The aim of this study was to investigate the serum levels of high mobility
      group box-1 (HMGB1) in pregnancies with histological chorioamnionitis (HCA)
      associated preterm labor (PTL) with intact membranes or preterm premature rupture
      of membranes (PPROM), and to access the role of serum HMGB1 in HCA and HCA
      associated PTL. A total of 190 pregnant women were enrolled in this study: PLT
      patients with (n = 28) or without HCA (n = 36), PPROM patients with (n = 26) or
      without HCA (n = 65), and non-HCA PTL controls (n = 35). Maternal serum levels of
      HMGB1 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum HMGB1 levels were
      significantly higher in PTL or PPROM patients than in control group (p < 0.01,
      respectively). The PPROM patients also exhibited higher serum HMGB1 levels
      compared to PTL patients (p = 0.015). HCA patients were characterized by
      significantly increased levels of serum HMGB1 when compared with non-HCA patients
      (p < 0.01). Therefore, maternal serum HMGB1 may become a potential biomarker of
      HCA and HCA-associated PTL.

PMID- 27684474
TI  - A pragmatic implementation of a 6-day physiotherapy service in a mixed inpatient
      rehabilitation unit.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study determined the impact of a pragmatic 6-day physiotherapy
      service on length of stay, functional independence, gait and balance in people
      undergoing inpatient rehabilitation, compared to a 5-day service. METHOD: A
      prospective cohort study with historical comparison was undertaken in a mixed
      inpatient rehabilitation unit. Intervention period participants (2011) meeting
      inclusion criteria were eligible for a 6-day physiotherapy service. All other
      participants, including the historical cohort (2010) received usual care (5-day
      physiotherapy). Length of stay, functional independence, gait and balance
      performance were measured. RESULTS: A total of 536 individuals participated in
      this study; 270 in 2011 (60% received 6-day physiotherapy) and 266 in 2010.
      Participants in 2011 showed a trend for reduced length of stay (1.7 days, 95%CI 
      0.53 to 3.92) compared to 2010. Other measures showed no significant differences
      between cohorts. In 2011, those receiving 6-day physiotherapy were more
      dependent, but showed significantly improved functional independence and balance
      compared to those receiving 5-day physiotherapy (p < 0.040) without impacting
      length of stay. CONCLUSION: Implementing a 6-day physiotherapy service in a "real
      world" rehabilitation setting demonstrated a trend towards reduced length of
      stay, and improved functional gains. This service could lead to cost-savings for
      hospitals and improved patient flow. Implications for Rehabilitation "Real-world"
      implementation of a 6-day physiotherapy service in rehabilitation shows a trend
      for reducing length of stay. This reduction in length of stay may lead to cost
      savings for the hospital system, and improve patient flow into rehabilitation.
      Patients receiving 6-day physiotherapy made significant gains in balance and
      functional independence compared to patients receiving 5-day physiotherapy
      services in the rehabilitation setting.

PMID- 27684472
TI  - Genomic Analysis Reveals Novel Diversity among the 1976 Philadelphia
      Legionnaires' Disease Outbreak Isolates and Additional ST36 Strains.
AB  - Legionella pneumophila was first recognized as a cause of severe and potentially
      fatal pneumonia during a large-scale outbreak of Legionnaires' disease (LD) at a
      Pennsylvania veterans' convention in Philadelphia, 1976. The ensuing
      investigation and recovery of four clinical isolates launched the fields of
      Legionella epidemiology and scientific research. Only one of the original
      isolates, "Philadelphia-1", has been widely distributed or extensively studied.
      Here we describe the whole-genome sequencing (WGS), complete assembly, and
      comparative analysis of all Philadelphia LD strains recovered from that
      investigation, along with L. pneumophila isolates sharing the Philadelphia
      sequence type (ST36). Analyses revealed that the 1976 outbreak was due to
      multiple serogroup 1 strains within the same genetic lineage, differentiated by
      an actively mobilized, self-replicating episome that is shared with L.
      pneumophila str. Paris, and two large, horizontally-transferred genomic loci,
      among other polymorphisms. We also found a completely unassociated ST36 strain
      that displayed remarkable genetic similarity to the historical Philadelphia
      isolates. This similar strain implies the presence of a potential clonal
      population, and suggests important implications may exist for considering
      epidemiological context when interpreting phylogenetic relationships among
      outbreak-associated isolates. Additional extensive archival research identified
      the Philadelphia isolate associated with a non-Legionnaire case of "Broad Street
      pneumonia", and provided new historical and genetic insights into the 1976
      epidemic. This retrospective analysis has underscored the utility of fully
      assembled WGS data for Legionella outbreak investigations, highlighting the
      increased resolution that comes from long-read sequencing and a sequence type
      matched genomic data set.

PMID- 27684476
TI  - Relationship between Healthy Lifestyle and Sociodemographic Factors in
      Adolescents in Catalonia: Application of VISA-TEEN Questionnaire.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There is a clear relationship between the way of life and the
      health of individuals, and therefore, we can speak of healthy and unhealthy
      lifestyles. There are different surveys and questionnaires that evaluate the
      lifestyles of adolescents, but none of them offers a final score that can
      quantify the healthfulness of an adolescent's lifestyle. It was with this goal
      that the VISA-TEEN questionnaire is developed and validated. The objective of
      this study is to apply the questionnaire to a sample of adolescents who attend
      school in Catalonia to evaluate the healthfulness of their lifestyles and to
      relate the scores obtained to different sociodemographic variables. METHODS:
      Cross-sectional study. A total of 2,832 students from 25 schools in Catalonia
      responded to the questionnaire. A descriptive analysis was performed, calculating
      the mean (Standard deviation), median (p25, p75), and confidence interval. The
      results were calculated for the total population, factoring according to gender,
      age, urban/rural population, origin (native/immigrant), and family wealth, which
      was based on the Family Affluence Scale (FAS II). The significance of the
      difference was calculated for each factor with the appropriate statistical test.
      RESULTS: For the total score of healthy lifestyle, the youngest students and
      those with the highest family wealth obtained higher scores. With respect to
      eating habits, girls scored higher than boys, and higher scores were observed in
      natives and those with high family wealth. For physical activity, boys scored
      higher, as well as younger individuals, natives, and those from rural areas. With
      respect to substance abuse, the worst scores were found in older individuals,
      students from rural areas, and natives. The rational use of leisure technology
      was only associated with age (worsening scores with older age). Lastly, hygiene
      was better with girls, decreased with age, and was worse with natives than
      immigrants.

PMID- 27684477
TI  - Exome Sequencing and Prediction of Long-Term Kidney Allograft Function.
AB  - Current strategies to improve graft outcome following kidney transplantation
      consider information at the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) loci. Cell surface
      antigens, in addition to HLA, may serve as the stimuli as well as the targets for
      the anti-allograft immune response and influence long-term graft outcomes. We
      therefore performed exome sequencing of DNA from kidney graft recipients and
      their living donors and estimated all possible cell surface antigens mismatches
      for a given donor/recipient pair by computing the number of amino acid mismatches
      in trans-membrane proteins. We designated this tally as the allogenomics mismatch
      score (AMS). We examined the association between the AMS and post-transplant
      estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using mixed models, considering
      transplants from three independent cohorts (a total of 53 donor-recipient pairs,
      106 exomes, and 239 eGFR measurements). We found that the AMS has a significant
      effect on eGFR (mixed model, effect size across the entire range of the score: 
      19.4 [-37.7, -1.1], P = 0.0042, chi2 = 8.1919, d.f. = 1) that is independent of
      the HLA-A, B, DR matching, donor age, and time post-transplantation. The AMS
      effect is consistent across the three independent cohorts studied and similar to
      the strong effect size of donor age. Taken together, these results show that the
      AMS, a novel tool to quantify amino acid mismatches in trans-membrane proteins in
      individual donor/recipient pair, is a strong, robust predictor of long-term graft
      function in kidney transplant recipients.

PMID- 27684478
TI  - Single Plant Derived Nanotechnology for Synergistic Antibacterial Therapies.
AB  - Multiple new approaches to tackle multidrug resistant infections are urgently
      needed and under evaluation. One nanotechnology-based approach to delivering new
      relevant therapeutics involves silicon accumulator plants serving as a viable
      silicon source in green routes for the fabrication of the nanoscale drug delivery
      carrier porous silicon (pSi). If the selected plant leaf components contain
      medicinally-active species as well, then a single substance can provide not only
      the nanoscale high surface area drug delivery carrier, but the drug itself. With
      this idea in mind, porous silicon was fabricated from joints of the silicon
      accumulator plant Bambuseae (Tabasheer) and loaded with an antibacterial extract
      originating from leaves of the same type of plant (Bambuseae arundinacea).
      Preparation of porous silicon from Tabasheer includes extraction of biogenic
      silica from the ground plant by calcination, followed by reduction with magnesium
      in the presence of sodium chloride, thereby acting as a thermal moderator that
      helps to retain the mesoporous structure of the feedstock. The purified product
      was characterized by a combination of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy
      dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy,
      transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and low temperature nitrogen gas
      adsorption measurements. Antimicrobial activity and minimum inhibitory
      concentration of a leaf extract of Bambuseae arundinacea was tested against the
      bacteria Escherichia Coli (E. Coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. Aureus), along
      with the fungus Candida albicans (C. Albicans). A S. aureus active ethanolic leaf
      extract was loaded into the above Tabasheer-derived porous silicon. Initial
      studies indicate sustained in vitro antibacterial activity of the extract-loaded
      plant derived pSi (25 wt %, TGA), as measured by disk diffusion inhibitory zone
      assays. Subsequent chromatographic separation of this extract revealed that the
      active antimicrobial species present include stigmasterol and 2,6-dimethoxy-p
      benzoquinone.

PMID- 27684475
TI  - Cell-Free Systems Based on CHO Cell Lysates: Optimization Strategies, Synthesis
      of "Difficult-to-Express" Proteins and Future Perspectives.
AB  - Nowadays, biotechnological processes play a pivotal role in target protein
      production. In this context, Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells are one of the
      most prominent cell lines for the expression of recombinant proteins and revealed
      as a safe host for nearly 40 years. Nevertheless, the major bottleneck of common
      in vivo protein expression platforms becomes obvious when looking at the
      production of so called "difficult-to-express" proteins. This class of proteins
      comprises in particular several ion channels and multipass membrane proteins as
      well as cytotoxic proteins. To enhance the production of "difficult-to-express"
      proteins, alternative technologies were developed, mainly based on
      translationally active cell lysates. These so called "cell-free" protein
      synthesis systems enable an efficient production of different classes of
      proteins. Eukaryotic cell-free systems harboring endogenous microsomal structures
      for the synthesis of functional membrane proteins and posttranslationally
      modified proteins are of particular interest for future applications. Therefore,
      we present current developments in cell-free protein synthesis based on
      translationally active CHO cell extracts, underlining the high potential of this
      platform. We present novel results highlighting the optimization of protein
      yields, the synthesis of various "difficult-to-express" proteins and the
      cotranslational incorporation of non-standard amino acids, which was exemplarily
      demonstrated by residue specific labeling of the glycoprotein Erythropoietin and
      the multimeric membrane protein KCSA.

PMID- 27684479
TI  - Spatial Variations of the Methanogenic Communities in the Sediments of Tropical
      Mangroves.
AB  - Methane production by methanogens in mangrove sediments is known to contribute
      significantly to global warming, but studies on the shift of methanogenic
      community in response to anthropogenic contaminations were still limited. In this
      study, the effect of anthropogenic activities in the mangrove sediments along the
      north and south coastlines of Singapore were investigated by pyrosequencing of
      the mcrA gene. Our results showed that hydrogenotrophic, acetoclastic and
      methylotrophic methanogens coexist in the sediments. The predominance of the
      methylotrophic Methanosarcinales reflects the potential for high methane
      production as well as the possible availability of low acetate and high
      methylated C-1 compounds as substrates. A decline in the number of
      acetoclastic/methylotrophic methanogens in favor of hydrogenotrophic methanogens
      was observed along a vertical profile in Sungei Changi, which was contaminated by
      heavy metals. The diversity of methanogens in the various contaminated stations
      was significantly different from that in a pristine St. John's Island. The
      spatial variation in the methanogenic communities among the different stations
      was more distinct than those along the vertical profiles at each station. We
      suggest that the overall heterogeneity of the methanogenic communities residing
      in the tropical mangrove sediments might be due to the accumulated effects of
      temperature and concentrations of nitrate, cobalt, and nickel.

PMID- 27684480
TI  - Responsive upper limb and cognitive fatigue measures during light precision work:
      an 8-hour simulated micro-pipetting study.
AB  - Many contemporary occupations are characterised by long periods of low loads.
      These lower force levels, which are relevant to the development of work-related
      musculoskeletal disorders, are usually not the focus of fatigue studies. In
      studies that did measure fatigue in light manual or precision work, within and
      between measurement responses were inconsistent. The aim of this study was to
      identify fatigue measures that were responsive at lower force levels (<10% MVC)
      over the course of an 8-h period. A complementary set of fatigue measures,
      reflecting both neuromuscular and cognitive mechanisms, was measured during a
      light precision micro-pipetting task performed by 11 participants. Nine measures
      were found to be significantly responsive over the 8-h period, including: ratings
      of perceived fatigue, postural tremor, blink frequency and critical flicker
      fusion frequency threshold. Common field measures, specifically electromyography
      RMS amplitude and maximum voluntary contractions, did not lead to extraordinary
      time effects. Practitioner summary: The findings provide insight towards the
      responsiveness of a complementary set of field usable fatigue measures at low
      work intensities Although commonly used measures did not reveal significant
      increases in fatigue, nine alternative measures were significantly responsive
      over the 8-h period.

PMID- 27684482
TI  - Feed presentation options in Swine early fattening mitigates Salmonella shedding
      and specifically modulates the faecal microbiota.
AB  - AIMS: The object of this study was to determine the impact of only modifying the
      processing and/or particle size of pig feed on Salmonella shedding and faecal
      microbiota. METHODS AND RESULTS: Pigs were fed a diet that varied only by their
      processing (pellet or mash) and their particle size (500, 750 or 1250 MUm) for 21
      days. Salmonella detection in faeces and seroconversion were determined. Faecal
      microbiota was assessed by Ion Torrent amplicon sequencing and real-time PCR.
      Significantly fewer pigs (P < 0.05) shed Salmonella in the groups fed mash 500
      (1) and mash or pellet 1250 (5 each) compared to the commercial reference group
      (15) fed pellet 500. Both mash processing and large particle size raised the
      proportion and number of bacteria from the Bifidobacterium genus in the faecal
      microbiota of the pigs. Thirteen other taxa significantly varied (P < 0.0005)
      with feed presentation. CONCLUSION: Mash processing and/or large particle size in
      pig feed reduces Salmonella shedding prevalence and promotes beneficial
      populations of digestive microbiota. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This
      study is the first to demonstrate a difference in Salmonella shedding through
      only modifying pig feed presentation and is the first to extensively describe
      modifications of faecal microbiota.

PMID- 27684483
TI  - 24-month durability after crossover to the prostatic urethral lift from
      randomised, blinded sham.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the 24-month effectiveness of the prostatic urethral lift
      (PUL) procedure in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to
      benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) assessed through a crossover study. PATIENTS
      AND METHODS: In all, 53 patients underwent a sham procedure as part of the
      blinded, randomised L.I.F.T. (Luminal Improvement Following prostatic Tissue
      approximation for the treatment of LUTS secondary to BPH) study at 19 centres and
      elected to enrol in this crossover study. The crossover procedure involved
      placement of permanent implants (UroLift(r) system) into the prostatic lateral
      lobes. Patients were followed for 3 months after the sham procedure and then for
      24 months after crossover to PUL, with assessments of urinary symptom relief,
      quality of life (QoL), urinary flow rate, sexual function, and adverse events.
      RESULTS: At 24 months after crossover to PUL, the International Prostate Symptom
      Score (IPSS), QoL, BPH Impact Index, and maximum urinary flow rate improved 36%,
      40%, 54%, and 77% from baseline, respectively. Each IPSS parameter on average
      improved significantly from baseline (P < 0.005) and remained stable throughout
      follow-up. Symptom response after the sham procedure indicated initial
      improvement at 1 month with significant decay by 3 months. Adverse events were
      typically mild to moderate and patients returned rapidly to normal activity. Four
      patients (8%) required intervention with transurethral resection of the prostate
      and one patient required additional PUL implants within the 24-month period.
      There were no reported instances of de novo sustained erectile or ejaculatory
      dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: The PUL procedure is associated with rapid symptom
      relief, increased urinary flow rate and QoL improvement that remain stable over
      24 months. Morbidity is low and sexual function is preserved.

PMID- 27684484
TI  - Irreversible Inhibition of Glutathione S-Transferase by Phenethyl Isothiocyanate
      (PEITC), a Dietary Cancer Chemopreventive Phytochemical.
AB  - Dietary isothiocyanates abundant as glucosinolate precursors in many edible
      cruciferous vegetables are effective for prevention of cancer in chemically
      induced and transgenic rodent models. Some of these agents, including phenethyl
      isothiocyanate (PEITC), have already advanced to clinical investigations. The
      primary route of isothiocyanate metabolism is its conjugation with glutathione
      (GSH), a reaction catalyzed by glutathione S-transferase (GST). The pi class GST
      of subunit type 1 (hGSTP1) is much more effective than the alpha class GST of
      subunit type 1 (hGSTA1) in catalyzing the conjugation. Here, we report the
      crystal structures of hGSTP1 and hGSTA1 each in complex with the GSH adduct of
      PEITC. We find that PEITC also covalently modifies the cysteine side chains of
      GST, which irreversibly inhibits enzymatic activity.

PMID- 27684485
TI  - Incidence of underlying congenital cholesteatoma in 28 patients with persistent
      unilateral otitis media with effusion.

PMID- 27684481
TI  - Quantitative Proteomics of Sleep-Deprived Mouse Brains Reveals Global Changes in
      Mitochondrial Proteins.
AB  - Sleep is a ubiquitous, tightly regulated, and evolutionarily conserved behavior
      observed in almost all animals. Prolonged sleep deprivation can be fatal,
      indicating that sleep is a physiological necessity. However, little is known
      about its core function. To gain insight into this mystery, we used advanced
      quantitative proteomics technology to survey the global changes in brain protein
      abundance. Aiming to gain a comprehensive profile, our proteomics workflow
      included filter-aided sample preparation (FASP), which increased the coverage of
      membrane proteins; tandem mass tag (TMT) labeling, for relative quantitation; and
      high resolution, high mass accuracy, high throughput mass spectrometry (MS). In
      total, we obtained the relative abundance ratios of 9888 proteins encoded by 6070
      genes. Interestingly, we observed significant enrichment for mitochondrial
      proteins among the differentially expressed proteins. This finding suggests that
      sleep deprivation strongly affects signaling pathways that govern either energy
      metabolism or responses to mitochondrial stress. Additionally, the differentially
      expressed proteins are enriched in pathways implicated in age-dependent
      neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's, Huntington's, and Alzheimer's,
      hinting at possible connections between sleep loss, mitochondrial stress, and
      neurodegeneration.

PMID- 27684487
TI  - US long-haul truck driver work organization and the association with
      cardiometabolic disease risk.
AB  - Work organization, including long working hours, irregular work schedules, and
      job stress, has been associated with increased cardiometabolic disease (CMD) risk
      for numerous working populations. The purpose of this study was to examine the
      associations between work hours, work schedules, job stress, and CMD risk for a
      sample of US long-haul truck drivers (LHTDs). A nonexperimental, descriptive,
      cross-sectional design was employed to collect survey and anthropometric data
      from 260 US LHTDs at a major truck stop. The mean BMI was 33.40 kg/m2 and mean
      waist circumference was 114.77 cm. Using logistic regression, researchers found
      longer work hours, especially greater than 11 hours daily, were associated with
      increased odds for an extremely high risk of CMD. Results support comprehensive
      and integrated approaches that address work organization, and in particular long
      working hours, to reduce drivers' CMD risk.

PMID- 27684486
TI  - Arg126 and Asp49 Are Essential for the Catalytic Function of Microsomal
      Prostaglandin E2 Synthase 1 and Ser127 Is Not.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Prostaglandins are signaling molecules that regulate different
      physiological processes, involving allergic and inflammatory responses and
      cardiovascular control. They are involved in several pathophysiological
      processes, including inflammation and cancer. The inducible terminal enzyme,
      microsomal prostaglandin E synthase 1 (MPGES1), catalyses prostaglandin E2
      production during inflammation. MPGES1 has therefore been intensively studied as
      a pharmaceutical target and many competitive inhibitors targeting its active site
      have been developed. However, little is known about its catalytic mechanism. AIM:
      The objective of this study was to investigate which amino acids play a key role
      in the catalytic mechanism of MPGES1. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Based on results and
      predictions from previous structural studies, the amino acid residues Asp49,
      Arg73, Arg126, and Ser127 were chosen and altered by site-directed mutagenesis.
      The mutated enzyme variants were cloned and expressed in both the E. coli and the
      Baculovirus expression systems. Their catalytic significance was evaluated by
      activity measurements with prostanoid profiling. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Our
      study shows that Arg126 and Asp49 are absolutely required for the catalytic
      activity of MPGES1, as when exchanged, the enzyme variants loose activity. Ser127
      and Arg73 on the other hand, don't seem to be central to the catalytic mechanism
      because when exchanged, their variants retain considerable activity. Our finding
      that the Ser127Ala variant retains activity was surprising since high-resolution
      structural data supported a role in glutathione activation. The close proximity
      of Ser127 to the active site is, however, supported since the Ser127Cys variant
      displays 80% lowered activity.

PMID- 27684488
TI  - Infective endocarditis in haemodialysis patients: lower complications and same
      mortality rate as in non-haemodialysis patients.

PMID- 27684490
TI  - Immunotoxicological Evaluation of Genetically Modified Rice Expressing Cry1Ab/Ac
      Protein (TT51-1) by a 6-Month Feeding Study on Cynomolgus Monkeys.
AB  - The present study was performed to evaluate the food safety of TT51-1, a new type
      of genetically modified rice that expresses the Cry1Ab/Ac protein (Bt toxin) and
      is highly resistant to most lepidopteran pests. Sixteen male and 16 female
      cynomolgus monkeys were randomly divided into four groups: conventional rice (non
      genetically modified rice, non-GM rice), positive control, 17.5% genetically
      modified rice (GM rice) and 70% GM rice. Monkeys in the non-GM rice, positive
      control, and GM rice groups were fed on diets containing 70% non-GM rice, 17.5%
      GM rice or 70% GM rice, respectively, for 182 days, whereas animals in the
      positive group were intravenously injected with cyclophosphamide every other day
      for a total of four injections before the last treatment. Six months of treatment
      did not yield abnormal observations. Specifically, the following parameters did
      not significantly differ between the non-GM rice group and GM rice groups: body
      weight, food consumption, electrocardiogram, hematology, immuno-phenotyping of
      lymphocytes in the peripheral blood, mitogen-induced peripheral blood lymphocyte
      proliferation, splenocyte proliferation, KLH-T cell-dependent antibody response,
      organ weights and ratios, and histological appearance (p>0.05). Animals from the
      GM rice group differed from animals in the non-GM rice group (p<0.05) in several
      parameters: specifically, their body temperatures and serum alanine
      aminotransferase (ALT) levels were higher, whereas their levels of serum K+, Cl-
      and cytokines (IL-2, IL-4 and IL-5) were lower. Because dose- or time-dependent
      changes were not observed in this study and animals appeared histologically
      normal, the aforementioned differences were not considered to be adverse or
      related to the treatment with GM rice. In conclusion, a 6-month feeding study of
      TT51-1 did not show adverse immunotoxicological effects on cynomolgus monkeys.

PMID- 27684491
TI  - Adherence to Treatment and Factors Affecting Adherence of Epileptic Patients at
      Yirgalem General Hospital, Southern Ethiopia: A Prospective Cross-Sectional
      Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Non adherence of epileptic patients to antiepileptic medication often
      leads to an increased risk of seizures and worsening of disease, death and
      increased health care costs. OBJECTIVE: to assess adherence to treatment and
      factors affecting adherence of epileptic patients at Yirgalem General Hospital,
      Southern Ethiopia. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We conducted a cross-sectional study on
      epileptic patients from February 9 to 22, 2015. Data were collected from patients
      >=18 years old. Adherence was measured using the eight-item Morisky's medication
      adherence scale. All consecutive patients coming to epilepsy clinic during the
      study period were interviewed until the calculated sample size (210) was
      obtained. We collected patient demographics, perception about epilepsy and
      adherence to medication(s). We used chi-square tests and a binary logistic
      regression model for statistical analysis. Statistical significance was
      considered at P<0.05. RESULTS: out of a total of 210 participants, 194 were
      willing to participate and were studied. Of the 194 participants, 109 (56.2%)
      were males. The mean age of the participants was 33.62+/-11.44 years; range 18 to
      66 years. The majority, 123(63.41%), of the participants were taking two
      antiepileptic medications. Sixty two (32%) of the participants were adherent to
      their treatment. The most common reported reasons for non-adherence were
      forgetfulness 49(75.4%) and run out of pills 7(10.8%). Factors that affect
      medication adherence are epilepsy treatment for <1 year (P = 0.011), epilepsy
      treatment for 1-3 years (P = 0.002), epilepsy treatment for 3-5 years (P =
      0.007), being married (P = 0.006), grade 9-12 education (P = 0.028), college or
      university education (P = 0.002) and absence of co-morbidity (P = 0.008).
      CONCLUSIONS: The rate of adherence observed in this study was low. The most
      common reason for non- adherence was forgetfulness. Therefore, the hospital
      should devise strategies to improve adherence of epileptic patients at the
      hospital.

PMID- 27684492
TI  - Pregabalin for pain in fibromyalgia in adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This review updates part of an earlier Cochrane review on 'Pregabalin
      for acute and chronic pain in adults' (Moore 2009), and considers only
      fibromyalgia pain.Antiepileptic drugs have been used in pain management since the
      1960s. Pregabalin is an antiepileptic drug also used in management of chronic
      pain conditions, including fibromyalgia. Pain response with pregabalin is
      associated with major benefits for other symptoms, and improved quality of life
      and function in people with chronic painful conditions. OBJECTIVES: To assess the
      analgesic efficacy and adverse events of pregabalin for pain in fibromyalgia in
      adults, compared with placebo or any active comparator. SEARCH METHODS: We
      searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE,
      and EMBASE for randomised controlled trials from inception to May 2009 for the
      original review and to 16 March 2016 for this update. We also searched the
      reference lists of retrieved studies and reviews, and online clinical trial
      registries. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised, double-blind trials of
      eight weeks' duration or longer, comparing pregabalin with placebo or another
      active treatment for relief of pain in fibromyalgia, and reporting on the
      analgesic effect of pregabalin, with subjective pain assessment by the
      participant. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently
      extracted data and assessed trial quality and potential bias. Primary outcomes
      were participants with moderate pain relief (at least 30% pain relief over
      baseline or much or very much improved on Patient Global Impression of Change
      scale (PGIC)) or substantial pain relief (at least 50% pain relief over baseline
      or very much improved on PGIC). Where pooled analysis was possible, we used
      dichotomous data to calculate risk ratio and number needed to treat (NNT), using
      standard methods. We assessed the quality of the evidence using GRADE (Grading of
      Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) and created 'Summary of
      findings' tables. MAIN RESULTS: Our searches identified two new published studies
      with classic design, and one new published study with an enriched enrolment
      randomised withdrawal (EERW) design.We included eight studies. Five (3283
      participants) had a classic design in which participants were randomised at the
      start of the study to pregabalin (150, 300, 450, or 600 mg daily) or placebo,
      with assessment after 8 to 13 weeks of stable treatment. No studies included
      active comparators. Studies had low risk of bias, except that the last
      observation carried forward (LOCF) imputation method used in analyses of the
      primary outcomes could overestimate treatment effect.Pregabalin increased the
      number of participants experiencing substantial benefit (at least 50% pain
      intensity reduction after 12 or 13 weeks' stable treatment (450 mg: RR 1.8, 95%
      CI 1.4 to 2.1, 1874 participants, 5 studies, high quality evidence)). Substantial
      benefit with pregabalin 300 to 600 mg was experienced by about 14% of
      participants with placebo, but about 9% more with pregabalin 300 to 600 mg (22%
      to 24%) (high quality evidence). Pregabalin increased the number of participants
      experiencing moderate benefit (at least 30% pain intensity reduction after 12 or
      13 weeks' stable treatment) (450 mg: RR 1.5, 95% CI (1.3 to 1.7), 1874
      participants, 5 studies, high quality evidence). Moderate benefit with pregabalin
      300 to 600 mg was experienced by about 28% of participants with placebo, but
      about 11% more with pregabalin 300 to 600 mg (39% to 43%) (high quality
      evidence). A similar magnitude of effect was found using PGIC of 'very much
      improved' and 'much or very much improved'. NNTs for these outcomes ranged
      between 7 and 14 (high quality evidence).A small study (177 participants)
      compared nightly with twice-daily pregabalin, and concluded there was no
      difference in effect.Two studies (1492 participants began initial dose titration,
      687 participants randomised) had an EERW design in which those with good pain
      relief after titration were randomised, double blind, to continuing the effective
      dose (300 to 600 mg pregabalin daily) or a short down-titration to placebo for 13
      or 26 weeks. We calculated the outcome of maintained therapeutic response (MTR)
      without withdrawal, equivalent to a moderate benefit. Of those randomised, 40%
      had MTR with pregabalin and 20% with placebo (high quality evidence). The NNT was
      5, but normalised to the starting population tested it was 12. About 10% of the
      initial population would have achieved the MTR outcome, similar to the result
      from studies of classic design. MTR had no imputation concerns.The majority (70%
      to 90%) of participants in all treatment groups experienced adverse events.
      Specific adverse events were more common with pregabalin than placebo, in
      particular dizziness, somnolence, weight gain, and peripheral oedema, with number
      needed to harm of 3.7, 7.4, 18, and 19 respectively for all doses combined (high
      quality evidence). Serious adverse events did not differ between active treatment
      groups and placebo (very low quality evidence). Withdrawals for any reason were
      more common with pregabalin than placebo only with the 600 mg dose in studies of
      classic design. Withdrawals due to adverse events were about 10% higher with
      pregabalin than placebo, but withdrawals due to lack of efficacy were about 6%
      lower (high quality evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Pregabalin 300 to 600 mg
      produces a major reduction in pain intensity over 12 to 26 weeks with tolerable
      adverse events for a small proportion of people (about 10% more than placebo)
      with moderate or severe pain due to fibromyalgia. The degree of pain relief is
      known to be accompanied by improvements in other symptoms, quality of life, and
      function. These results are similar to other effective medicines in fibromyalgia
      (milnacipran, duloxetine).

PMID- 27684489
TI  - Immunoproteomic analysis of house dust mite antigens reveals distinct classes of
      dominant T cell antigens according to function and serological reactivity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: House dust mite (HDM) allergens are a common cause of allergy and
      allergic asthma. A comprehensive analysis of proteins targeted by T cells, which
      are implicated in the development and regulation of allergic disease independent
      of their antibody reactivity, is still lacking. OBJECTIVE: To comprehensively
      analyse the HDM-derived protein targets of T cell responses in HDM-allergic
      individuals, and investigate their correlation with IgE/IgG responses and protein
      function. METHODS: Proteomic analysis (liquid chromatography-tandem mass
      spectrometry) of HDM extracts identified 90 distinct protein clusters,
      corresponding to 29 known allergens and 61 novel proteins. Peripheral blood
      mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 20 HDM-allergic individuals were stimulated with
      HDM extracts and assayed with a set of ~2500 peptides derived from these 90
      protein clusters and predicted to bind the most common HLA class II types. 2D
      immunoblots were made in parallel to elucidate IgE and IgG reactivity, and
      putative function analyses were performed in silico according to Gene Ontology
      annotations. RESULTS: Analysis of T cell reactivity revealed a large number of T
      cell epitopes. Overall response magnitude and frequency was comparable for known
      and novel proteins, with 15 antigens (nine of which were novel) dominating the
      total T cell response. Most of the known allergens that were dominant at the T
      cell level were also IgE reactive, as expected, while few novel dominant T cell
      antigens were IgE reactive. Among known allergens, hydrolase activity and
      detectable IgE/IgG reactivity are strongly correlated, while no protein function
      correlates with immunogenicity of novel proteins. A total of 106 epitopes
      accounted for half of the total T cell response, underlining the heterogeneity of
      T cell responses to HDM allergens. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Herein, we
      define the T cell targets for both known allergens and novel proteins, which may
      inform future diagnostics and immunotherapeutics for allergy to HDM.

PMID- 27684494
TI  - Triggering of apoptosis in osteosarcoma cells by graphene/single-walled carbon
      nanotube hybrids via the ROS-mediated mitochondrial pathway.
AB  - Carbon nanomaterials are increasingly significant in the biological and medical
      fields, especially becoming promising candidates in treating difficult and
      complicated disease. Graphene/single-walled carbon nanotubes (G/SWCNT) hybrids is
      3D structure which has been constructed by combining 1D single-walled carbon
      nanotubes (SWCNTs) and 2D graphene. However, the effects of the nanomaterial on
      biological systems are limited. In this study, we report a systematic
      investigation of the cytotoxicity and in vivo biodistribution of G/SWCNT hybrids
      on osteosarcoma cells (HOS and U2OS). The CCK-8, neutral red, and lactic
      dehydrogenase assays demonstrated that the cytotoxicity of G/SWCNT hybrids
      exhibits a dose-dependent behavior on osteosarcoma cells. In our conditions, the
      hybrids were less cytotoxic than graphene and single-walled carbon nanotubes. The
      results also showed the apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells induced by G/SWCNT
      hybrids was through the increase of intracellular reactive oxygen species, the
      decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential, the alternation of apoptosis
      related proteins, and then triggered the ROS-mediated mitochondrial pathway.
      Moreover, the in vivo biodistribution of G/SWCNT hybrids was observed by
      histological analysis of major organs in mice, and showed that organs were
      neither damaged nor inflammatory. This study demonstrated that G/SWCNT hybrids
      could serve as a potential platform in anticancer therapy. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 443-453, 2017.

PMID- 27684493
TI  - Corexit-EC9527A Disrupts Retinol Signaling and Neuronal Differentiation in P19
      Embryonal Pluripotent Cells.
AB  - Corexit-EC9500A and Corexit-EC9527A are two chemical dispersants that have been
      used to remediate the impact of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Both
      dispersants are composed primarily of organic solvents and surfactants and act by
      emulsifying the crude oil to facilitate biodegradation. The potential adverse
      effect of the Corexit chemicals on mammalian embryonic development remains
      largely unknown. Retinol (vitamin A) signaling, mediated by all-trans retinoic
      acid (RA), is essential for neural tube formation and the development of many
      organs in the embryo. The physiological levels of RA in cells and tissues are
      maintained by the retinol signaling pathway (RSP), which controls the
      biosynthesis of RA from dietary retinol and the catabolism of RA to polar
      metabolites for removal. RA is a potent activating ligand for the RAR/RXR nuclear
      receptors. Through RA and the receptors, the RSP modulates the expression of many
      developmental genes; interference with the RSP is potentially teratogenic. In
      this study the mouse P19 embryonal pluripotent cell, which contains a functional
      RSP, was used to evaluate the effects of the Corexit dispersants on retinol
      signaling and associated neuronal differentiation. The results showed that
      Corexit-EC9500A was more cytotoxic than Corexit-EC9527A to P19 cells. At non
      cytotoxic doses, Corexit-EC9527A inhibited retinol-induced expression of the
      Hoxa1 gene, which encodes a transcription factor for the regulation of body
      patterning in the embryo. Such inhibition was seen in the retinol- and retinal-
      induced, but not RA-induced, Hoxa1 up-regulation, indicating that the Corexit
      chemicals primarily inhibit RA biosynthesis from retinal. In addition, Corexit
      EC9527A suppressed retinol-induced P19 cell differentiation into neuronal cells,
      indicating potential neurotoxic effect of the chemicals under the tested
      conditions. The surfactant ingredient, dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (DOSS), may
      be a major contributor to the observed effect of Corexit-EC9527A in the cell.

PMID- 27684495
TI  - Discourses of masculinity, femininity and sexuality in Uganda's Stand Proud, Get
      Circumcised campaign.
AB  - This paper analyses discourses of masculinity, femininity and sexuality in Stand
      Proud, Get Circumcised, a public health campaign promoting circumcision as an HIV
      prevention strategy in Uganda. The campaign includes posters highlighting the
      positive reactions of women to circumcised men, and is intended to support the
      national rollout of voluntary medical male circumcision. We offer a critical
      discourse analysis of representations of masculinity, femininity and sexuality in
      relation to HIV prevention. The campaign materials have a playful feel and, in
      contrast to ABC (Abstain, Be faithful, Use condoms) campaigns, acknowledge the
      potential for pre-marital and extra-marital sex. However, these posters exploit
      male anxieties about appearance and performance, drawing on hegemonic masculinity
      to promote circumcision as an idealised body aesthetic. Positioning women as the
      campaign's face reasserts a message that women are the custodians of family
      health and simultaneously perpetuates a norm of estrangement between men and
      their health. The wives' slogan, 'we have less chance of getting HIV', is
      misleading, because circumcision only directly prevents female-to-male HIV
      transmission. Reaffirming hegemonic notions of appearance- and performance-based
      heterosexual masculinity reproduces existing unsafe norms about masculinity,
      femininity and sexuality. In selling male circumcision, the posters fail to
      promote an overall HIV-prevention message.

PMID- 27684497
TI  - Anti-p200/laminin gamma1 pemphigoid associated with metastatic oesophageal
      cancer.

PMID- 27684496
TI  - Hematopoietically expressed homeobox (HHEX) gene polymorphism (rs5015480) is
      associated with increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus.
AB  - Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a metabolic disorder that occurs during
      pregnancy. HHEX and PROX1 are genetic loci associated with diabetes mellitus type
      2. HHEX and PROX1 play significant roles in carbohydrate intolerance and diabetes
      because these transcription factors may be involved in the regulation of insulin
      secretion and in glucose and lipid metabolism. The aim of this study was to
      examine the association between HHEX (rs5015480) and PROX1 (rs340874) gene
      polymorphisms and GDM. This study included 204 pregnant women with GDM and 207
      pregnant women with the normal glucose tolerance (NGT). The diagnosis of GDM was
      based on a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test at 24-28 weeks' gestation. There was
      a statistically significant prevalence of the HHEX rs5015480 CC genotype and C
      allele among women with GDM (C vs T allele, p = 0.021, odds ratio OR = 1.40, 95%
      CI: 1.05-1.87). Statistically significant higher increase of body mass and BMI
      during pregnancy was found in women with the HHEX rs5015480 CC genotype. The
      results of our study suggest an association between the HHEX gene rs5015480
      polymorphism and risk of GDM. The HHEX gene rs5015480 C allele may be a risk
      allele of GDM that is associated with increased BMI during pregnancy.

PMID- 27684498
TI  - Using Family-Based Exposure With Response Prevention to Treat Obsessive
      Compulsive Disorder in Young Children: A Case Study.
AB  - Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) using exposure with response prevention (ERP)
      is the treatment of choice for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD); however,
      developmental modifications should be considered when treating young children.
      This article presents a case study illustrating family-based CBT using ERP with a
      7-year-old boy. The delivery of ERP for this case was guided by 3 main
      principles: (a) family involvement with a focus on reducing family accommodation,
      (b) understanding the functional relation between the client's obsessions and
      compulsions, and (c) creating conditions to facilitate habituation during
      exposure. Outcomes for this case indicate significant improvement in functioning
      and OCD symptoms. Results highlight the importance of family involvement and the
      applicability of using a function-based habituation framework when delivering ERP
      to this unique population.

PMID- 27684499
TI  - Discrete capacity limits and neuroanatomical correlates of visual short-term
      memory for objects and spatial locations.
AB  - Working memory is responsible for keeping information in mind when it is no
      longer in view, linking perception with higher cognitive functions. Despite such
      crucial role, short-term maintenance of visual information is severely limited.
      Research suggests that capacity limits in visual short-term memory (VSTM) are
      correlated with sustained activity in distinct brain areas. Here, we investigated
      whether variability in the structure of the brain is reflected in individual
      differences of behavioral capacity estimates for spatial and object VSTM.
      Behavioral capacity estimates were calculated separately for spatial and object
      information using a novel adaptive staircase procedure and were found to be
      unrelated, supporting domain-specific VSTM capacity limits. Voxel-based
      morphometry (VBM) analyses revealed dissociable neuroanatomical correlates of
      spatial versus object VSTM. Interindividual variability in spatial VSTM was
      reflected in the gray matter density of the inferior parietal lobule. In
      contrast, object VSTM was reflected in the gray matter density of the left
      insula. These dissociable findings highlight the importance of considering domain
      specific estimates of VSTM capacity and point to the crucial brain regions that
      limit VSTM capacity for different types of visual information. Hum Brain Mapp
      38:767-778, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27684500
TI  - Frequency of Undetected Glove Perforation and Associated Risk Factors in Equine
      Surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate the frequency of undetected perforations in surgical
      gloves during equine surgery and to identify risk factors associated with
      occurrence. STUDY DESIGN: Observational cohort study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Surgical
      gloves-292 pairs. METHODS: Water leak tests were performed on gloves after equine
      surgery to detect perforations. Fifty pairs of unused gloves were also tested.
      Potential risk factors were recorded. Logistic regression was used to explore
      associations between putative risk factors and perforation. RESULTS: No
      perforations were detected in the unused gloves. Of 292 pairs of used gloves
      tested, 80 (27%) had at least one glove perforation per pair. The frequency of
      perforations was not different between surgery diplomates and residents (P=.69).
      The length and type of surgery were significantly associated with the likelihood
      of undetected glove perforation with surgeries longer than 60 minutes
      approximately 2.5 times more likely to result in glove perforation (P=.005).
      Surgery classified as soft tissue, orthopedic or exploratory celiotomy was 3
      times more likely to result in glove perforation than minimally invasive surgery.
      The perforations occurred significantly more frequently in the nondominant hand
      (19%) than the dominant hand (11%) (P=.009). CONCLUSION: There is a high
      occurrence of undetected glove perforation in equine surgery. Precautions can be
      suggested based on this study although further investigation is required to
      assess whether glove perforations are associated with surgical site infections.

PMID- 27684501
TI  - The practice of clinical neuropsychology in Australia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This paper describes the development and practice of clinical
      neuropsychology in Australia. METHOD: Clinical Neuropsychology has shown rapid
      growth in Australia over the past three decades. Comprehensive and specialized
      training programs are producing high quality graduates who are employed in a
      broad range of settings or private practice. RESULTS: Australia now has a
      substantial number of clinical neuropsychologists with specialist training.
      Whilst the majority of Australian clinical neuropsychologists still undertake
      assessment predominantly, there are growing opportunities for clinical
      neuropsychologists in rehabilitation and in a broad range of research contexts.
      Cultural issues relating to the assessment of Indigenous Australians and
      immigrants from many countries present significant challenges. Some major
      contributions have been made in the realms of test development and validation
      across various age groups. Australian clinical neuropsychologists are also
      contributing significantly to research in the fields of traumatic brain injury,
      aging and dementias, epilepsy, memory assessment, rehabilitation, substance
      abuse, and other psychiatric disorders. CONCLUSION: Expansion of roles of
      clinical neuropsychologists, in domains such as rehabilitation and research is
      seen as essential to underpin continuing growth of employment opportunities for
      the profession.

PMID- 27684502
TI  - Frequency of temporomandibular disorder signs and symptoms among call center
      employees.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed to investigate the frequency of signs and
      symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) among call center employees.
      METHODS: Workers from four call centers (CC) were invited to participate in this
      study. The examination was based on the Research Diagnostic Criteria for
      Temporomandibular Disorder (RDC/TMD). The tenderness of the masticator muscles
      was assessed on both sides by bilateral palpation. The mobility of the mandible
      was measured with a plastic millimeter ruler on opening, lateral excursions, and
      protrusion. RESULTS: In total, 124 call center employees with a mean age of 28.61
      +/- 4.71 (between 22 and 47 years of age) were enrolled in this study. There was
      no statistically significant relation between the numbers of calls answered in a
      day and teeth clenching, teeth grinding, earache, tinnitus, or pain on
      yawning/chewing. Only protrusive movement pain and joint noise were significantly
      higher among employees who answered more than 140 calls/day (p < 0.01). An
      evaluation of the TMD signs and symptoms in relation to job stress level revealed
      that job stress level significantly affected the incidence of headaches among
      call center employees (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated no
      statistically significant relation between TMD signs and symptoms and call center
      employees except protrusive movement pain and joint noise. This relation was seen
      only in the employees who answered more than 140 calls per day. Headache, teeth
      clenching, and TMJ noise were the signs and symptoms encountered most often in
      this study. Multicentered studies in different geographic locations should be
      conducted to eliminate the limitation of this study.

PMID- 27684503
TI  - Reply to letter to the editor.

PMID- 27684504
TI  - Risk profile and health vulnerability of female workers who pick cotton by
      organanochlorine pesticides from southern Punjab, Pakistan.
AB  - The present study was conducted to highlight the existing level of organochlorine
      pesticides (OCPs) from human milk (n = 45) and blood serum (n = 40) of female
      workers who pick cotton in Khanewal District, southern Punjab, Pakistan. Source
      apportionment, congener-specific analysis, and risk surveillance of OCPs are
      reported from human milk and blood samples. Levels of OCPs in milk and blood
      serum samples ranged from 15.7 ppb to 538.3 ppb and from 16.4 ppb to 747.1 ppb,
      respectively, and were lower than previously published reports from other regions
      of the globe. Congener-specific analysis revealed that DDTs were predominant,
      followed by hexachlorocyclohexane, chlordane, and hexachlorobenzene. Calculated
      results for source apportionment analysis suggested that contamination load was a
      new input of DDTs as well as the historic use of lindane in the study area.
      Levels of OCPs in milk and blood serum were significantly (p < 0.05) correlated
      with age, time period of picking cotton, and number of children. Health risk
      revealed that female workers had risk of cancer among 1 per million; however,
      noncarcinogenic risks were not considerable. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1193
      1201. (c) 2016 SETAC.

PMID- 27684505
TI  - Turn up the lysosome.
AB  - Lysosomes are digestive organelles of the endocytic and autophagic pathways.
      Increasing lysosome enzyme activities could help to clear pathological cellular
      waste. A recent study shows that lysosomal digestive functions can be promoted in
      isolated cells and mice by pharmacologically stimulating the autophagy- and
      lysosome-regulating transcription factors TFEB and ZKSCAN3 through previously
      unrecognized mTORC1-independent pathways acting via PKC. 

PMID- 27684507
TI  - Erratum: Sex hormones establish a reserve pool of adult muscle stem cells.

PMID- 27684506
TI  - Regional tumour glutamine supply affects chromatin and cell identity.
AB  - Limited perfusion of solid tumours produces a nutrient-deprived tumour core
      microenvironment. Low glutamine levels in the tumour core are now shown to lead
      to reduced levels of alpha-ketoglutarate and decreased histone demethylase
      activity, thereby promoting a less differentiated and more therapy-resistant
      state of the tumour cells. 

PMID- 27684508
TI  - Prognostic value of sentinel lymph node biopsy in melanomas of different
      Breslow's thickness.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is the most sensitive and
      accurate investigative modality for establishing regional node status in patients
      with melanoma, its role and benefit in melanoma of different Breslow's thickness
      is still controversial. OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed mainly to evaluate the
      effects of SLNB results on important outcome parameters in primary melanomas with
      different Breslow's thicknesses. METHODS: In a retrospective cohort (1990 to
      2014), all cases of single, primary localised cutaneous melanoma tumours were
      evaluated. Data collected consisted of tumour location, tumour type, ulceration,
      Breslow's thickness and SLNB result. In addition, locoregional recurrence,
      distant metastases, disease-free and overall survival were used as the important
      parameters to compare outcome among the various groups in the current study.
      RESULTS: A total of 1111 patients (527 female, 584 male; mean age 64.33 +/- 15.44
      years) were considered in the analyses in this study, with mean follow-up of 22
      77.3 days. The multivariate Cox analysis showed that age, ulceration, Breslow's
      depth and SLNB result significantly decreased disease-free survival. This
      analysis also demonstrated that age, gender, ulceration, Breslow's depth and SLNB
      result significantly affected overall survival. Furthermore, the Kaplan-Meier
      method showed that the patients with negative SLNB had longer disease-free
      survival than the patients with positive SLNB in thin, intermediate and thick
      melanomas (p <0.001, p <0.001 and p = 0.008, respectively). Additionally, in the
      patients with intermediate melanomas significant better overall survival outcome
      was observed in those with negative SLNB (p <0.001). Despite worse mean overall
      survival of the patients with thin or thick melanomas and positive SLNB compared
      with the patients with negative SLNB, this difference was not statistically
      significant (p = 0.077 and p = 0.13, respectively). CONCLUSION: Sentinel lymph
      node biopsy of melanomas provides important prognostic information and the
      outcome provides additional information for the management and treatment of the
      patient.

PMID- 27684510
TI  - A Fluorescence-based Assay of Phospholipid Scramblase Activity.
AB  - Scramblases translocate phospholipids across the membrane bilayer bidirectionally
      in an ATP-independent manner. The first scramblase to be identified and
      biochemically verified was opsin, the apoprotein of the photoreceptor rhodopsin.
      Rhodopsin is a G protein-coupled receptor localized in rod photoreceptor disc
      membranes of the retina where it is responsible for the perception of light.
      Rhodopsin's scramblase activity does not depend on its ligand 11-cis-retinal,
      i.e., the apoprotein opsin is also active as a scramblase. Although constitutive
      and regulated phospholipid scrambling play an important role in cell physiology,
      only a few phospholipid scramblases have been identified so far besides opsin.
      Here we describe a fluorescence-based assay of opsin's scramblase activity. Opsin
      is reconstituted into large unilamellar liposomes composed of
      phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol and a trace quantity of fluorescent NBD
      labeled PC (1-palmitoyl-2-{6-[7-nitro-2-1,3-benzoxadiazole-4-yl)amino]hexanoyl}
      sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine). Scramblase activity is determined by measuring the
      extent to which NBD-PC molecules located in the inner leaflet of the vesicle are
      able to access the outer leaflet where their fluorescence is chemically
      eliminated by a reducing agent that cannot cross the membrane. The methods we
      describe have general applicability and can be used to identify and characterize
      scramblase activities of other membrane proteins.

PMID- 27684512
TI  - A Direct, Early Stage Guanidinylation Protocol for the Synthesis of Complex
      Aminoguanidine-containing Natural Products.
AB  - The guanidine functional group, displayed most prominently in the amino acid
      arginine, one of the fundamental building blocks of life, is an important
      structural element found in many complex natural products and pharmaceuticals.
      Owing to the continual discovery of new guanidine-containing natural products and
      designed small molecules, rapid and efficient guanidinylation methods are of keen
      interest to synthetic and medicinal organic chemists. Because the nucleophilicity
      and basicity of guanidines can affect subsequent chemical transformations,
      traditional, indirect guanidinylation is typically pursued. Indirect methods
      commonly employ multiple protection steps involving a latent amine precursor,
      such as an azide, phthalimide, or carbamate. By circumventing these circuitous
      methods and employing a direct guanidinylation reaction early in the synthetic
      sequence, it was possible to forge the linear terminal guanidine containing
      backbone of clavatadine A to realize a short and streamlined synthesis of this
      potent factor XIa inhibitor. In practice, guanidine hydrochloride is elaborated
      with a carefully constructed protecting array that is optimized to survive the
      synthetic steps to come. In the preparation of clavatadine A, direct
      guanidinylation of a commercially available diamine eliminated two unnecessary
      steps from its synthesis. Coupled with the wide variety of known guanidine
      protecting groups, direct guanidinylation evinces a succinct and efficient
      practicality inherent to methods that find a home in a synthetic chemist's
      toolbox.

PMID- 27684514
TI  - Preparation of alpha-Acyloxy Ketones via Visible-Light-Driven Aerobic Oxo
      Acyloxylation of Olefins with Carboxylic Acids.
AB  - We developed a visible-light driven oxo-acyloxylation of aryl alkenes with
      carboxylic acids and molecular oxygen. A metal-free photoredox system, consisting
      of an acridinium photocatalyst, an organic base, and molecular sieve (MS) 4 A,
      promotes chemoselective aerobic photooxidation of aryl alkenes. This approach may
      provide a green, practical, and metal-free protocol for a wide range of alpha
      acyloxy ketones.

PMID- 27684513
TI  - Direct Observation of a Dark State in the Photocycle of a Light-Driven Molecular
      Motor.
AB  - Controlling the excited-state properties of light driven molecular machines is
      crucial to achieving high efficiency and directed functionality. A key challenge
      in achieving control lies in unravelling the complex photodynamics and especially
      in identifying the role played by dark states. Here we use the structure
      sensitivity and high time resolution of UV-pump/IR-probe spectroscopy to build a
      detailed and comprehensive model of the structural evolution of light driven
      molecular rotors. The photodynamics of these chiral overcrowded alkene
      derivatives are determined by two close-lying excited electronic states. The
      potential energy landscape of these "bright" and "dark" states gives rise to a
      broad excited-state electronic absorption band over the entire mid-IR range that
      is probed for the first time and modeled by quantum mechanical calculations. The
      transient IR vibrational fingerprints observed in our studies allow for an
      unambiguous identification of the identity of the "dark" electronic excited state
      from which the photon's energy is converted into motion, and thereby pave the way
      for tuning the quantum yield of future molecular rotors based on this structural
      motif.

PMID- 27684515
TI  - Identification of Small Molecule-binding Proteins in a Native Cellular
      Environment by Live-cell Photoaffinity Labeling.
AB  - Identifying the molecular target(s) of small molecules is a challenging but
      necessary step towards understanding their mechanism of action. While several
      target identification methods have been developed and used to successfully
      elucidate the binding proteins of a variety of small molecules, these techniques
      have drawbacks that make them unsuitable for detecting certain types of small
      molecule-target interactions. In particular, non-covalent interactions that
      depend on native cellular conditions, such as those of membrane proteins whose
      structures may be perturbed upon cell lysis, are often not amenable to affinity
      based target identification methods. Here, we demonstrate a method wherein a
      probe containing a photolabile group is used to covalently crosslink to the small
      molecule binding protein within the environment of the live cell, allowing the
      detection and isolation of the target protein without the need for maintenance of
      the interaction after cell lysis. This technique is a valuable tool for studying
      biologically interesting small molecules with unknown mechanisms, both in the
      context of basic biology as well as drug discovery.

PMID- 27684511
TI  - Constrictive Bronchiolitis in Cystic Fibrosis Adolescents with Refractory
      Pulmonary Decline.
AB  - RATIONALE: Refractory lung function decline in association with recurrent
      pulmonary exacerbations is a common, yet poorly explained finding in cystic
      fibrosis (CF). To investigate the histopathologic mechanisms of pulmonary
      deterioration during adolescence and early adulthood, we reviewed clinically
      indicated lung biopsy specimens obtained during a period of persistent decline.
      OBJECTIVES: To determine if peribronchiolar remodeling is prominent in lung
      biopsy specimens obtained in adolescents with CF refractory to conventional
      therapy. METHODS: Six adolescents with CF (mean age, 16.2 y; mean FEV1, 52%
      predicted at biopsy) with significant pulmonary deterioration over 12-24 months
      (mean FEV1 decline of 14% predicted/year) despite aggressive intervention
      underwent computed tomography imaging and ultimately lung biopsy to aid clinical
      management. In addition to routine clinical evaluation, histopathologic
      investigation included staining for transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta, a
      genetic modifier of CF lung disease), collagen deposition (a marker of fibrosis),
      elastin (to evaluate for bronchiectasis), and alpha-smooth muscle actin (to
      identify myofibroblasts). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: All computed tomography
      scans demonstrated a mix of bronchiectasis and hyperinflation that was variable
      across lung regions and within patients. Lung biopsy revealed significant
      peribronchiolar remodeling, particularly in patients with more advanced disease,
      with near complete obliteration of the peribronchiolar lumen (constrictive
      bronchiolitis). Myofibroblast differentiation (a TGF-beta-dependent process) was
      prominent in specimens with significant airway remodeling. CONCLUSIONS:
      Constrictive bronchiolitis is widely present in the lung tissue of adolescents
      with CF with advanced disease and may contribute to impaired lung function that
      is refractory to conventional therapy (antibiotics, antiinflammatories, and
      mucolytics). TGF-beta-dependent myofibroblast differentiation is prominent in
      areas of active fibrogenesis and may foster small airway remodeling in CF lung
      disease.

PMID- 27684516
TI  - Improved Polymerase Chain Reaction-restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism
      Genotyping of Toxic Pufferfish by Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry.
AB  - An improved version of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment
      length polymorphism (RFLP) method for genotyping toxic pufferfish species by
      liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS) is
      described. DNA extraction is carried out using a silica membrane-based DNA
      extraction kit. After the PCR amplification using a detergent-free PCR buffer,
      restriction enzymes are added to the solution without purifying the reaction
      solution. A reverse-phase silica monolith column and a Fourier transform high
      resolution mass spectrometer having a modified Kingdon trap analyzer are employed
      for separation and detection, respectively. The mobile phase, consisting of 400
      mM 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol, 15 mM triethylamine (pH 7.9) and methanol,
      is delivered at a flow rate of 0.4 ml/min. The cycle time for LC/ESI-MS analysis
      is 8 min including equilibration of the column. Deconvolution software having an
      isotope distribution model of the oligonucleotide is used to calculate the
      corresponding monoisotopic mass from the mass spectrum. For analysis of
      oligonucleotides (range 26-79 nucleotides), mass accuracy was 0.62 +/- 0.74 ppm
      (n = 280) and excellent accuracy and precision were sustained for 180 hr without
      use of a lock mass standard.

PMID- 27684517
TI  - Association between serum adropin level and burden of coronary artery disease in
      patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Previous studies revealed the relationship between stable coronary
      artery disease (CAD) and serum adropin level, but this relationship has not been
      investigated in patients with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction
      (NSTEMI). The present study is an analysis of the relationship between adropin
      and severity of CAD assessed based on SYNTAX score in patients with NSTEMI.
      METHODS: A total of 109 participants, 80 patients with NSTEMI and 29 healthy
      individuals, were prospectively enrolled in the study. Patients with NSTEMI were
      divided to 2 groups: high SYNTAX score (>=32) (35 patients) and low SYNTAX score
      (<32) (45 patients). Adropin level was measured from blood serum samples using
      enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test. RESULTS: Patients with NSTEMI and high
      SYNTAX score had significantly lower serum adropin level (2357.30 pg/mL+/-821.58)
      compared to NSTEMI patients with low SYNTAX score (3077.00 pg/mL+/-912.86) and
      control group (3688.00+/-956.65). Adropin cut-off value for predicting high
      SYNTAX score on receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis was determined
      to be 2759 pg/mL, with a sensitivity of 63% and a specificity of 57%. Adropin was
      an independent predictor for high SYNTAX score (odds ratio=0.999; 95% confidence
      interval: 0.998-1.000; p=0.007). CONCLUSION: Adropin could be an alternative
      blood sample value for predicting severity of CAD.

PMID- 27684519
TI  - Comparison of application of 2013 ACC/AHA guideline and 2011 European Society of
      Cardiology guideline for the management of dyslipidemias for primary prevention
      in a Turkish cohort.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is a major global cause of
      death. The common approach in primary prevention of cardiovascular disease is to
      identify patients at high risk for cardiovascular disease. This article analyzes
      and compares the application of 2013 American College of Cardiology/American
      Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guideline and the 2011 European Society of Cardiology
      (ESC) guideline for the management of dyslipidemias for primary prevention in
      Turkish population. METHODS: The study included 833 patients (482 women and 351
      men). Risk scores were calculated according to both guidelines and indications
      for statin treatment were determined according to sex and age group. Variables
      are presented as mean+/-SD or median with interquartile range for continuous data
      and as proportions for categorical data. Variables were analyzed by unpaired t
      test, Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square or Fischer's exact test as appropriate.
      RESULTS: The ACC/AHA would suggest statin treatment in 415 patients out of 833
      (49.5%), while ESC would recommend statin for 193 patients out of 833
      (23.1%)(p<0.001). Statins would be recommended for 40.4% of women and 62.6% of
      men for primary prevention by the ACC/AHA, while this figure was 12% for women
      and 38.4% for men according to the ESC guideline (p<0.001 for both). CONCLUSION:
      When compared to the ESC guideline, the ACC/AHA guideline suggests augmented
      statin treatment for primary prevention in Turkish population.

PMID- 27684520
TI  - Flexible, Highly Sensitive, and Wearable Pressure and Strain Sensors with
      Graphene Porous Network Structure.
AB  - A mechanical sensor with graphene porous network (GPN) combined with
      polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is demonstrated by the first time. Using the nickel
      foam as template and chemically etching method, the GPN can be created in the
      PDMS-nickel foam coated with graphene, which can achieve both pressure and strain
      sensing properties. Because of the pores in the GPN, the composite as pressure
      and strain sensor exhibit wide pressure sensing range and highest sensitivity
      among the graphene foam-based sensors, respectively. In addition, it shows
      potential applications in monitoring or even recognize the walking states, finger
      bending degree, and wrist blood pressure.

PMID- 27684518
TI  - The impact of protein oxidation on sustained and white coat hypertension.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The present study compared the unfavorable effects of protein
      oxidation and deoxyribonucleic acid damage on patients with white coat
      hypertension (WCH), sustained hypertension (HT), and normotensives. METHODS:
      Participants were allocated into 3 groups: 40 healthy controls, 36 patients with
      WCH, and 40 patients with sustained HT. Patients with risk factors for
      atherosclerosis, endocrine diseases, alcoholism, or masked hypertension were
      excluded. Plasma level of protein carbonyl (PCO), ischemia modified albumin
      (IMA), total thiol (T-SH), prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB), advanced protein
      oxidation products (AOPPs), and urinary level of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8
      OHdG) were measured and relationship between these oxidative stress parameters
      and WCH and sustained HT was analyzed. RESULTS: Ambulatory 24-hour, daytime and
      night-time systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings of sustained HT group
      were significantly higher than those of WCH and control groups (p<0.001, all).
      AOPPs, PCO, IMA, 8-OHdG, and PAB levels were significantly higher in HT group
      than WCH and control groups (p<0.001, all). Additionally, T-SH level was
      significantly lower in HT group than WCH and control groups (p<0.001). A similar
      statistically significant relationship was detected between WCH and control
      groups. CONCLUSION: Results indicate that increased level of AOPPs, PCO, IMA, 8
      OHdG, PAB, and decreased level of T-SH are likely to be indicators of oxidative
      stress, which may play a key role both in WCH and sustained HT.

PMID- 27684521
TI  - Protective Efficacy and Pulmonary Immune Response Following Subcutaneous and
      Intranasal BCG Administration in Mice.
AB  - Despite global coverage of intradermal BCG vaccination, tuberculosis remains one
      of the most prevalent infectious diseases in the world. Preclinical data have
      encouraged pulmonary tuberculosis vaccines as a promising strategy to prevent
      pulmonary disease, which is responsible for transmission. In this work, we
      describe the methodology used to demonstrate in the mouse model the benefits of
      intranasal BCG vaccination when compared to subcutaneous. Our data revealed
      greater protective efficacy following intranasal BCG administration. In addition,
      our results indicate that pulmonary vaccination triggers a higher immune response
      in lungs, including Th1 and Th17 responses, as well as an increase of
      immunoglobulin A (IgA) concentration in respiratory airways. Our data show
      correlation between protective efficacy and the presence of IL17-producing cells
      in lungs post-Mycobacterium tuberculosis challenge, suggesting a role for this
      cytokine in the protective response conferred by pulmonary vaccination. Finally,
      we detail the global workflow we have developed to study respiratory vaccination
      in the mouse model, which could be extrapolated to other tuberculosis vaccines,
      apart from BCG, targeting the mucosal response or other pulmonary routes of
      administration such as the intratracheal or aerosol.

PMID- 27684522
TI  - Effectiveness of the Language Intervention Programme for Preschool Children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This paper investigates the effectiveness of the Language Intervention
      Programme for the treatment of 14 preschool-aged children with primary language
      impairment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We used a waiting list control design, in which
      half the sample (7 children) received immediate intervention with the Language
      Intervention Programme, whereas the remaining children received treatment after a
      4-week delay. The intervention consisted of 8 individual biweekly sessions.
      Outcome measures of language ability (receptive semantic and morphosyntactic,
      expressive semantic and morphosyntactic, and metalinguistic) were taken before
      and after intervention. RESULTS: After 4 weeks of intervention, the experimental
      group showed significant improvements in language (receptive, expressive and
      metalinguistic skills), but no differences were found for those in the waiting
      control group. After 4 weeks of intervention for the control group, significant
      progress in language was also observed. CONCLUSION: The Language Intervention
      Programme was found to be effective in treating language skills of children with
      language impairment, providing clinical evidence for speech and language
      therapists to employ this programme for the treatment of preschool children with
      language disorders.

PMID- 27684523
TI  - QSAR Model of Unbound Brain-to-Plasma Partition Coefficient, Kp,uu,brain:
      Incorporating P-glycoprotein Efflux as a Variable.
AB  - We report development and prospective validation of a QSAR model of the unbound
      brain-to-plasma partition coefficient, Kp,uu,brain, based on the in-house data
      set of ~1000 compounds. We discuss effects of experimental variability, explore
      the applicability of both regression and classification approaches, and evaluate
      a novel, model-within-a-model approach of including P-glycoprotein efflux
      prediction as an additional variable. When tested on an independent test set of
      91 internal compounds, incorporation of P-glycoprotein efflux information
      significantly improves the model performance resulting in an R2 of 0.53, RMSE of
      0.57, Spearman's Rho correlation coefficient of 0.73, and qualitative prediction
      accuracy of 0.8 (kappa = 0.6). In addition to improving the performance, one of
      the key advantages of this approach is the larger chemical space coverage
      provided indirectly through incorporation of the in vitro, higher throughput data
      set that is 4 times larger than the in vivo data set.

PMID- 27684524
TI  - Predictive Model Development for Aviation Black Carbon Mass Emissions from
      Alternative and Conventional Fuels at Ground and Cruise.
AB  - The first order approximation (FOA3) currently employed to estimate BC mass
      emissions underpredicts BC emissions due to inaccuracies in measuring low smoke
      numbers (SNs) produced by modern high bypass ratio engines. The recently
      developed Formation and Oxidation (FOX) method removes the need for and hence
      uncertainty associated with (SNs), instead relying upon engine conditions in
      order to predict BC mass. Using the true engine operating conditions from
      proprietary engine cycle data an improved FOX (ImFOX) predictive relation is
      developed. Still, the current methods are not optimized to estimate cruise
      emissions nor account for the use of alternative jet fuels with reduced aromatic
      content. Here improved correlations are developed to predict engine conditions
      and BC mass emissions at ground and cruise altitude. This new ImFOX is paired
      with a newly developed hydrogen relation to predict emissions from alternative
      fuels and fuel blends. The ImFOX is designed for rich-quench-lean style combustor
      technologies employed predominately in the current aviation fleet.

PMID- 27684525
TI  - Insect-machine Hybrid System: Remote Radio Control of a Freely Flying Beetle
      (Mercynorrhina torquata).
AB  - The rise of radio-enabled digital electronic devices has prompted the use of
      small wireless neuromuscular recorders and stimulators for studying in-flight
      insect behavior. This technology enables the development of an insect-machine
      hybrid system using a living insect platform described in this protocol.
      Moreover, this protocol presents the system configuration and free flight
      experimental procedures for evaluating the function of the flight muscles in an
      untethered insect. For demonstration, we targeted the third axillary sclerite
      (3Ax) muscle to control and achieve left or right turning of a flying beetle. A
      thin silver wire electrode was implanted on the 3Ax muscle on each side of the
      beetle. These were connected to the outputs of a wireless backpack (i.e., a
      neuromuscular electrical stimulator) mounted on the pronotum of the beetle. The
      muscle was stimulated in free flight by alternating the stimulation side (left or
      right) or varying the stimulation frequency. The beetle turned to the ipsilateral
      side when the muscle was stimulated and exhibited a graded response to an
      increasing frequency. The implantation process and volume calibration of the 3
      dimensional motion capture camera system need to be carried out with care to
      avoid damaging the muscle and losing track of the marker, respectively. This
      method is highly beneficial to study insect flight, as it helps to reveal the
      functions of the flight muscle of interest in free flight.

PMID- 27684526
TI  - South-east Asian Zika virus strain linked to cluster of cases in Singapore,
      August 2016.
AB  - Zika virus (ZIKV) is an ongoing global public health emergency with 70 countries
      and territories reporting evidence of ZIKV transmission since 2015. On 27 August
      2016, Singapore reported its first case of local ZIKV transmission and identified
      an ongoing cluster. Here, we report the genome sequences of ZIKV strains from two
      cases and find through phylogenetic analysis that these strains form an earlier
      branch distinct from the recent large outbreak in the Americas. 

PMID- 27684528
TI  - Correction to "Synthesis of 2-Thiocarbohydrates and Their Binding to Concanavalin
      A".

PMID- 27684527
TI  - The effect of protonation of cytosine and adenine on their interactions with
      carbon nanotubes.
AB  - Placing electrical charges on nanomaterials is a means to extend their functional
      capabilities in nanoelectronics and sensoring applications. This paper explores
      the effect of charging nitrogen bases cytosine (Cyt) and adenine (Ade) via
      protonation on their noncovalent interaction with carbon nanotubes (CNT) using
      quantum chemical calculations performed at the M05-2X/6-31++G** level of theory
      alongside with a molecular graphics method. It is shown that the protonation of
      the bases causes threefold increase of the interaction energy in the CNT.Cyt.H+
      and SNT.Ade.H+ complexes as compared to the CNT complexes formed with neutral
      bases. There is also some shortening of the base-CNT distance by ca 0.13A. The
      visualization of the electrostatic potential distribution with the molecular
      graphics reveals that the positive potential due to the protonated bases extends
      to a cylindrical domain of the nanotube segment adjacent to the base binding
      site. Furthermore, subtraction of the electrostatic potential maps of the
      protonated bases from the maps of their complexes with CNTs reveals an area of
      negative potential on the CNT surface, which reflects the location of the
      adsorbed base. The positive charge transfer of ca 0.3 e from the protonated bases
      to the CNT strengthens the interaction in the CNT.Cyt.H+ and SNT.Ade.H+
      complexes. The analysis of the frontier orbitals shows that the LUMOs of the
      complexes mainly reside on the CNT, while the HOMOs spread over both components
      of each complex. The observed effects may facilitate the design of nanomaterials
      involving nitrogen bases and CNTs.

PMID- 27684529
TI  - Lower limb joint stiffness and muscle co-contraction adaptations to instability
      footwear during locomotion.
AB  - Unstable shoes (US) continually perturb gait which can train the lower limb
      musculature, but muscle co-contraction and potential joint stiffness strategies
      are not well understood. A shoe with a randomly perturbing midsole (IM) may
      enhance these adaptations. This study compares ankle and knee joint stiffness,
      and ankle muscle co-contraction during walking and running in US, IM and a
      control shoe in 18 healthy females. Ground reaction forces, three-dimensional
      kinematics and electromyography of the gastrocnemius medialis and tibialis
      anterior were recorded. Stiffness was calculated during loading and propulsion,
      derived from the sagittal joint angle-moment curves. Ankle co-contraction was
      analysed during pre-activation and stiffness phases. Ankle stiffness reduced and
      knee stiffness increased during loading in IM and US whilst walking (ankle, knee:
      p=0.008, 0.005) and running (p<0.001; p=0.002). During propulsion, the opposite
      joint stiffness re-organisation was found in IM whilst walking (both joints
      p<0.001). Ankle co-contraction increased in IM during pre-activation (walking:
      p=0.001; running: p<0.001), and loading whilst walking (p=0.003), not relating to
      ankle stiffness. Results identified relative levels of joint stiffness change in
      unstable shoes, providing new evidence of how stability is maintained at the
      joint level.

PMID- 27684531
TI  - Does physical exercise improve quality of life of advanced cancer patients?
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We discuss the principal issues about physical activity in
      advanced cancer patients through the analyses of the last articles and our
      experience in this field. RECENT FINDINGS: The efficacy of exercise training
      intervention could improve quality of life (QOL), fatigue and well being in
      advanced cancer patients. Several published studies have included, nevertheless,
      patients with early stage of disease and more recently, populations of patients
      with local advanced tumors of the breast, rectum and lung, who are undergoing
      neoadjuvant therapy. Despite the insufficient sample of patients in these
      studies, physical exercise is considered to improve both cardiopulmonary function
      and physical muscle fitness. Cancer-related fatigue is a devastating symptom in
      advanced cancer patients that implies loss of mobility and independence. SUMMARY:
      Physical exercise could be a treatment to increase skeletal muscle endurance and
      improve well being. In palliative medicine, physical activity could be applied to
      medical assistance or to design prospective and controlled trials so as to
      evaluate possible usefulness.

PMID- 27684530
TI  - Fabrication of Inverted Colloidal Crystal Poly(ethylene glycol) Scaffold: A Three
      dimensional Cell Culture Platform for Liver Tissue Engineering.
AB  - The ability to maintain hepatocyte function in vitro, for the purpose of testing
      xenobiotics' cytotoxicity, studying virus infection and developing drugs targeted
      at the liver, requires a platform in which cells receive proper biochemical and
      mechanical cues. Recent liver tissue engineering systems have employed three
      dimensional (3D) scaffolds composed of synthetic or natural hydrogels, given
      their high water retention and their ability to provide the mechanical stimuli
      needed by the cells. There has been growing interest in the inverted colloidal
      crystal (ICC) scaffold, a recent development, which allows high spatial
      organization, homotypic and heterotypic cell interaction, as well as cell
      extracellular matrix (ECM) interaction. Herein, we describe a protocol to
      fabricate the ICC scaffold using poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) and
      the particle leaching method. Briefly, a lattice is made from microsphere
      particles, after which a pre-polymer solution is added, properly polymerized, and
      the particles are then removed, or leached, using an organic solvent (e.g.,
      tetrahydrofuran). The dissolution of the lattice results in a highly porous
      scaffold with controlled pore sizes and interconnectivities that allow media to
      reach cells more easily. This unique structure allows high surface area for the
      cells to adhere to as well as easy communication between pores, and the ability
      to coat the PEGDA ICC scaffold with proteins also shows a marked effect on cell
      performance. We analyze the morphology of the scaffold as well as the
      hepatocarcinoma cell (Huh-7.5) behavior in terms of viability and function to
      explore the effect of ICC structure and ECM coatings. Overall, this paper
      provides a detailed protocol of an emerging scaffold that has wide applications
      in tissue engineering, especially liver tissue engineering.

PMID- 27684532
TI  - Adults with One or More Functional Disabilities - United States, 2011-2014.
AB  - Nearly 40 million persons in the United States have a disability, as defined by
      responses to six questions recommended by the U.S. Department of Health and Human
      Services as the national standard for identifying disabilities in population
      based health surveys (1). Although these questions have been used to estimate
      prevalence of functional disabilities overall, as well as types of functional
      disabilities (disability type), no study has yet investigated the characteristics
      of U.S. adults by number of disability types. Knowing the characteristics of
      persons living with multiple disability types is important for understanding the
      overall functional status of these persons. CDC analyzed data from the family
      component of the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) for the years 2011-2014
      to estimate the percentage of adults aged 18-64 years with one, two, three, or
      four or more disability types, by selected demographic and socioeconomic
      characteristics. Overall, 22.6 million (11.9%) working-age adults were found to
      have any disability, and in this population, most (12.8 million) persons had only
      one disability type. A generally consistent pattern between increasing indicators
      of low socioeconomic status and the number of disability types was observed.
      Understanding the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of working-age
      adults with disabilities, including those with multiple disability types, might
      help to further the inclusion of persons with disabilities in public health
      programs and policies. 

PMID- 27684534
TI  - An update clinical application of amniotic fluid-derived stem cells (AFSCs) in
      cancer cell therapy and tissue engineering.
AB  - Recent studies have elucidated that cell-based therapies are promising for cancer
      treatments. The human amniotic fluid stem (AFS) cells are advantageous cells for
      such therapeutic schemes that can be innately changed to express therapeutic
      proteins. HAFSCs display a natural tropism to cancer cells in vivo. They can be
      useful in cancer cells targeting. Moreover, they are easily available from
      surplus diagnostic samples during pregnancy and less ethical and legal concern
      are associated with the collection and application than other putative cells are
      subjected. This review will designate representatives of amniotic fluid and stem
      cell derived from amniotic fluid. For this propose, we collect state of human AFS
      cells data applicable in cancer therapy by dividing this approach into two main
      classes (nonengineered and engineered based approaches). Our study shows the
      advantage of AFS cells over other putative cells types in terms differentiation
      ability to a wide range of cells by potential and effective use in preclinical
      studies for a variety of diseases. This study has shown the elasticity of human
      AFS cells and their favorable potential as a multipotent cell source for
      regenerative stem cell therapy and capable of giving rise to multiple lineages
      including such as osteoblasts and adipocyte.

PMID- 27684535
TI  - Sensory Topography of Oral Structures.
AB  - Importance: Sensory function in the oral cavity and oropharynx is integral to
      effective deglutition and speech production. The main hurdle to evaluation of
      tactile consequences of upper aerodigestive tract diseases and treatments is
      access to a reliable clinical tool. We propose a rapid and reliable procedure to
      determine tactile thresholds using buckling monofilaments to advance care.
      Objective: To develop novel sensory testing monofilaments and map tactile
      thresholds of oral cavity and oropharyngeal structures. Design, Setting, and
      Participants: A prospective cross-sectional study of 37 healthy adults (12 men,
      25 women), specifically without a medical history of head and neck surgery,
      radiation, or chemotherapy, was carried out in an academic tertiary medical
      center to capture normative data on tactile sensory function in oral structures.
      Interventions: Cheung-Bearelly monofilaments were constructed by securing nylon
      monofilament sutures (2-0 through 9-0) in the lumen of 5-French ureteral
      catheters, exposing 20 mm for tapping action. Main Outcomes and Measures:
      Buckling force consistency was evaluated for 3 lots of each suture size. Sensory
      thresholds of 4 oral cavity and 2 oropharyngeal subsites in healthy participants
      (n = 37) were determined by classical signal detection methodology (d-prime >=1).
      In 21 participants, test-retest reliability of sensory thresholds was evaluated.
      Separately in 16 participants, sensory thresholds determined by a modified
      staircase method were cross-validated with those obtained by classical signal
      detection. Results: Buckling forces of successive suture sizes were distinct (P <
      .001), consistent (Cronbach alpha, 0.99), and logarithmically related (r = 0.99,
      P < .001). Test-retest reliability of sensory threshold determination was high
      (Cronbach alpha, >0.7). The lower lip, anterior tongue, and buccal mucosa were
      more sensitive than the soft palate, posterior tongue, and posterior pharyngeal
      wall (P < .001). Threshold determination by classical signal detection and
      modified staircase methods were highly correlated (r = 0.93, P < .001). Growth of
      perceptual intensity was logarithmically proportional to stimulus strength (P <
      .01). Conclusions and Relevance: Topography of normal oral cavity and
      oropharyngeal tactile sensation is organized in accordance to decreasing
      sensitivity along the anteroposterior trajectory and growth of perceptual
      intensity at all subsites is log-linear. Cheung-Bearelly monofilaments are
      accessible, disposable, and consistent esthesiometers. This novel clinical tool
      is deployable for quantitative sensory function assessment of oral cavity and
      oropharyngeal structures.

PMID- 27684533
TI  - RNA Sequencing to Predict Response to Neoadjuvant Anti-HER2 Therapy: A Secondary
      Analysis of the NeoALTTO Randomized Clinical Trial.
AB  - Importance: In neoadjuvant trials, treatment of human epidermal growth factor
      receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancers with dual HER2 blockade resulted in
      increased pathologic complete response (pCR) rates compared with each targeted
      agent alone. Amplification and/or overexpression of HER2 currently remains the
      only biomarker for therapeutic decisions, but it is insufficient to explain the
      heterogeneous response to anti-HER2 agents. Objective: To investigate the ability
      of clinically and biologically relevant genes and gene signatures (GSs) measured
      by RNA sequencing to predict the efficacy of anti-HER2 agents. Design, Setting,
      and Participants: The neoadjuvant NeoALTTO trial randomized 455 women with HER2
      positive early-stage breast cancer to trastuzumab, lapatinib, or the combination
      for 6 weeks followed by the addition of weekly paclitaxel for 12 weeks, followed
      by 3 cycles of fluorouracil, epirubicin, and cyclophosphamide after surgery. The
      present substudy, which was planned in the NeoALTTO main protocol, evaluated the
      association of pretreatment gene expression levels defined using RNA sequencing
      with pCR and event-free survival (EFS). Main Outcomes and Measures: Gene
      expression-based biomarkers using RNA sequencing were examined for their
      association with response to anti-HER2 therapy and long-term outcome. Results:
      Sequencing data were available for 254 (56%) of the NeoALTTO participants (mean
      [SD] age of substudy participants, 48.8 [11.2] years). The expression of
      ERBB2/HER2 was the most significant predictor of pCR, followed by HER2-enriched
      subtype, ESR1, treatment arm, ER immunohistochemical analysis scores, Genomic
      Grade Index, immune, proliferation, and AKT/mTOR GSs. Adjusting for
      clinicopathological variables and treatment arms, ERBB2/HER2, HER2-enriched
      subtype, ESR1, and Genomic Grade Index remained significant. Immune GSs were
      associated with higher pCR only in the combination arm (odds ratio, 2.1; 95% CI,
      1.2-4.0; interaction test P = .01), while the stroma GSs were significantly
      associated with higher pCR in the single arms and with lower pCR in the
      combination arm (odds ratio, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.25-0.84; P = .009). None of the
      evaluated variables was associated with EFS after correction for multiple
      testing, but this analysis was underpowered. Conclusions and Relevance: High
      levels of ERBB2/HER2 and low levels of ESR1 were associated with pCR in all
      treatment arms. In the combination arm, high expression of immune and stroma GSs
      were significantly associated with higher and lower pCR rates, respectively, and
      should be further explored as candidate predictive markers. Trial Registration:
      clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00553358.

PMID- 27684536
TI  - The role of colorism in explaining African American females' suspension risk.
AB  - African American female students' elevated suspension risk has received national
      attention. Despite a number of studies documenting racial/ethnic disparities in
      African American females' school suspension risk, few investigations have
      attempted to explain why these disparities occur. The purpose of this study was
      to examine the role of colorism in explaining suspension risk using a nationally
      representative sample of adolescent females. Controlling for individual- and
      school-level characteristics associated with school discipline such as student
      teacher relationships, prior discipline history, school size and type, the
      results indicate that colorism was a significant predictor of school suspension
      risk. African American female adolescents with darker complexions were almost
      twice as likely to receive an out-of-school suspension as their White female
      peers. This finding was not found for African American female students with
      lighter skin complexions. Implications for adopting a colorist framework for
      understanding school discipline outcomes and future research for advancing the
      field in this area are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27684537
TI  - Evaluating a computer flash-card sight-word recognition intervention with self
      determined response intervals in elementary students with intellectual
      disability.
AB  - A concurrent multiple-baseline across-tasks design was used to evaluate the
      effectiveness of a computer flash-card sight-word recognition intervention with
      elementary-school students with intellectual disability. This intervention
      allowed the participants to self-determine each response interval and resulted in
      both participants acquiring previously unknown words across all word sets.
      Discussion focuses on the need to evaluate and compare computer flash-card sight
      word recognition interventions with fixed and self-determined response intervals
      across students and dependent variables, including rates of inappropriate
      behavior and self-determination in students with intellectual disability.
      (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27684539
TI  - Single measure and gated screening approaches for identifying students at-risk
      for academic problems: Implications for sensitivity and specificity.
AB  - Educators need recommendations to improve screening practices without limiting
      students' instructional opportunities. Repurposing previous years' state test
      scores has shown promise in identifying at-risk students within multitiered
      systems of support. However, researchers have not directly compared the
      diagnostic accuracy of previous years' state test scores with data collected
      during fall screening periods to identify at-risk students. In addition, the
      benefit of using previous state test scores in conjunction with data from a
      separate measure to identify at-risk students has not been explored. The
      diagnostic accuracy of 3 types of screening approaches were tested to predict
      proficiency on end-of-year high-stakes assessments: state test data obtained
      during the previous year, data from a different measure administered in the fall,
      and both measures combined (i.e., a gated model). Extant reading and math data (N
      = 2,996) from 10 schools in the Midwest were analyzed. When used alone, both
      measures yielded similar sensitivity and specificity values. The gated model
      yielded superior specificity values compared with using either measure alone, at
      the expense of sensitivity. Implications, limitations, and ideas for future
      research are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27684538
TI  - Observer and student ratings of the class environment: A preliminary
      investigation of convergence.
AB  - The present study examined the relationship between student and observer ratings
      of the class environment. More specifically, class responses on the Responsive
      Environmental Assessment for Classroom Teaching (REACT; Theodore J. Christ &
      Colleagues, 2015) were compared with observer ratings on the Classroom Strategies
      Assessment System-Observer Form (Reddy, Fabiano, & Dudek, 2013). This study
      included 38 teachers and 582 students from 5 high-poverty schools. Observational
      data were reported as discrepancy scores, which reflect the difference between
      the recommended frequency and observed frequency of specific instructional and
      behavioral management strategies for classroom teachers. Pearson correlations
      were used to evaluate the relationship between the 6 subscales included on the
      REACT and the 9 subscales included on the CSAS-O. Results provide preliminary
      evidence for the relationship between observer and student ratings of the class
      environment. More specifically, as discrepancy scores decreased, student ratings
      of the class environment tended to be more positive. The relationship between the
      REACT and the CSAS-O differed across subscales; however, in general, subscales
      that were conceptually similar tended to demonstrate stronger relationships than
      subscales that were conceptually distinct. Thus, the observed results also
      provide preliminary evidence that students are capable of discriminating between
      the quality of different components of the class environment. The potential use
      of both observer and student ratings of the class environment to provide teachers
      with a more robust and comprehensive reference for professional development
      purposes is discussed within the context of a tiered model of support. (PsycINFO
      Database Record

PMID- 27684540
TI  - Intravitreal anti-VEGF drug use in industrialized nations: why are newly
      introduced medications causing us to inject more and not less?

PMID- 27684541
TI  - Online attention modification for social anxiety disorder: replication of a
      randomized controlled trial.
AB  - Social anxiety disorder (SAD) models posit vigilance for external social threat
      cues and exacerbated self-focused attention as key in disorder development and
      maintenance. Evidence indicates a modified dot-probe protocol may reduce symptoms
      of SAD; however, the efficacy when compared to a standard protocol and long-term
      maintenance of treatment gains remains unclear. Furthermore, the efficacy of such
      protocols on SAD-related constructs remains relatively unknown. The current
      investigation clarified these associations using a randomized control trial
      replicating and extending previous research. Participants with SAD (n = 113; 71%
      women) were randomized to complete a standard (i.e. control) or modified (i.e.
      active) dot-probe protocol consisting of 15-min sessions twice weekly for four
      weeks. Self-reported symptoms were measured at baseline, post-treatment, and 4
      month and 8-month follow-ups. Hierarchical linear modeling indicated significant
      self-reported reductions in symptoms of social anxiety, fear of negative
      evaluation, trait anxiety, and depression, but no such reductions in fear of
      positive evaluation. Symptom changes did not differ based on condition and were
      maintained at 8-month follow-up. Attentional biases during the dot-probe task
      were not related to symptom change. Overall, our results replicate support for
      the efficacy of both protocols in reducing symptoms of SAD and specific related
      constructs, and suggest a role of exposure, expectancy, or practice effects,
      rather than attention modification, in effecting such reductions. The current
      results also support distinct relationships between fears of negative and
      positive evaluation and social anxiety. Further research focused on identifying
      the mechanisms of change in attention modification protocols appears warranted.

PMID- 27684542
TI  - Protection of cumulus cells following dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Growing studies have demonstrated that dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
      may improve fertility outcomes in poor ovarian responders (PORs). The aim of this
      study was to compare clinical outcomes and cumulus cell (CC) expression before
      and after DHEA treatment in PORs undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles.
      METHODS: Six patients with poor ovarian response were enrolled in the study
      according to Bologna criteria. DHEA was supplied at least 2 months before
      patients entered into the next IVF cycle. Expression of apoptosis-related genes
      in CCs was determined by quantitative real-time PCR. Mitochondrial dehydrogenase
      activity of CCs was assessed by cell counting kit-8 assay. RESULTS: Metaphase II
      oocytes, maturation rate, embryos at Day 3, and fertilization rate significantly
      increased following DHEA treatment. Expression of cytochrome c, caspase 9, and
      caspase 3 genes in CCs were significantly reduced after DHEA therapy.
      Additionally, increased mitochondrial activity of CCs was observed following DHEA
      supplementation. CONCLUSIONS: DHEA supplementation may protect CCs via improved
      mitochondrial activity and decreased apoptosis, leading to better clinical
      outcomes in PORs.

PMID- 27684543
TI  - The role of empowerment and quality of life in depression severity among
      unemployed people with affective disorders receiving mental healthcare.
AB  - PURPOSE: Sick leave and unemployment are highly prevalent among people with
      affective disorders. Their depression severity is disabling and inversely related
      to having employment. No evidence-based vocational rehabilitation exists for this
      target group. Knowledge is therefore needed to understand the psychosocial
      factors that affect depression severity in order to develop new rehabilitation
      interventions. This study examined relationships between depression severity and
      empowerment, working life aspirations, occupational engagement, and quality of
      life in unemployed people with affective disorders receiving mental healthcare.
      METHOD: In this cross-sectional study of 61 participants, instruments on
      psychosocial factors and questions on descriptive sociodemographic and clinical
      characteristics were administered. Descriptive, correlation, and regression
      statistics were applied. RESULTS: Correlation and regression analyses showed
      significant inverse relations between depression severity and empowerment and
      quality of life. The odds for more severe depression decreased with higher
      empowerment and quality of life. However, neither extent of engagement in daily
      life nor working life aspiration was related to depression severity. CONCLUSIONS:
      An empowerment approach and strategies, which support the quality of life, are
      needed in development of vocational rehabilitation interventions, and bridging of
      mental healthcare and vocational services. Implications for Rehabilitation
      Enhancing empowerment and quality life in the return to work process can decrease
      depression severity in unemployed people with affective disorder. There is a need
      to address work issues in addition to symptom reduction in primary and mental
      healthcare. Bridging the service and time gap between vocational rehabilitation
      and healthcare is recommended for mitigating long-term unemployment for people
      with affective disorders who want to work.

PMID- 27684544
TI  - A novel chemometric classification for FTIR spectra of mycotoxin-contaminated
      maize and peanuts at regulatory limits.
AB  - The rapid identification of mycotoxins such as deoxynivalenol and aflatoxin B1 in
      agricultural commodities is an ongoing concern for food importers and processors.
      While sophisticated chromatography-based methods are well established for
      regulatory testing by food safety authorities, few techniques exist to provide a
      rapid assessment for traders. This study advances the development of a mid
      infrared spectroscopic method, recording spectra with little sample preparation.
      Spectral data were classified using a bootstrap-aggregated (bagged) decision tree
      method, evaluating the protein and carbohydrate absorption regions of the
      spectrum. The method was able to classify 79% of 110 maize samples at the
      European Union regulatory limit for deoxynivalenol of 1750 ug kg-1 and, for the
      first time, 77% of 92 peanut samples at 8 ug kg-1 of aflatoxin B1. A subset model
      revealed a dependency on variety and type of fungal infection. The employed CRC
      and SBL maize varieties could be pooled in the model with a reduction of
      classification accuracy from 90% to 79%. Samples infected with Fusarium
      verticillioides were removed, leaving samples infected with F. graminearum and F.
      culmorum in the dataset improving classification accuracy from 73% to 79%. A 500
      ug kg-1 classification threshold for deoxynivalenol in maize performed even
      better with 85% accuracy. This is assumed to be due to a larger number of samples
      around the threshold increasing representativity. Comparison with established
      principal component analysis classification, which consistently showed
      overlapping clusters, confirmed the superior performance of bagged decision tree
      classification.

PMID- 27684545
TI  - Assessment of food safety using a new real-time PCR assay for detection and
      quantification of virulence factors of enterococci in food samples.
AB  - AIMS: Development of Taqman MGB real-time PCR (q-PCR) assays for the quantitative
      detection of virulence factor genes in pure culture and food samples with regard
      to food safety assessment. METHODS AND RESULTS: New Taqman primers and probes
      were designed for the ace, esp and gelE genes based on the determinants of
      virulence profiles of enterococcal strains from GenBank. The high specificity and
      accuracy of the Taqman probe assay was confirmed. The limit of detection for the
      different virulence genes was 102  CFU ml-1 or CFU g-1 for pure culture and meat
      samples, and 103  CFU g-1 for cheese samples. CONCLUSION: This method provides
      the specific and rapid detection and quantification of ace, esp and gelE genes
      compared to conventional PCR assays, thus allowing the rapid and direct safety
      assessment of Enterococcus genus in food samples. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE
      STUDY: This study presents efficient methods that can be used directly on food
      products for the rapid quantification and tracing of virulence genes, regarding
      food safety assessment. Moreover, this is the first study to quantify these
      virulence factors using a specific Taqman q-PCR assay in food samples.

PMID- 27684546
TI  - E3 Ubiquitin Ligase RLIM Negatively Regulates c-Myc Transcriptional Activity and
      Restrains Cell Proliferation.
AB  - RNF12/RLIM is a RING domain-containing E3 ubiquitin ligase whose function has
      only begun to be elucidated recently. Although RLIM was reported to play
      important roles in some biological processes such as imprinted X-chromosome
      inactivation and regulation of TGF-beta pathway etc., other functions of RLIM are
      largely unknown. Here, we identified RLIM as a novel E3 ubiquitin ligase for c
      Myc, one of the most frequently deregulated oncoproteins in human cancers. RLIM
      associates with c-Myc in vivo and in vitro independently of the E3 ligase
      activity of RLIM. Moreover, RLIM promotes the polyubiquitination of c-Myc protein
      independently of Ser62 and Thr58 phosphorylation of c-Myc. However, RLIM-mediated
      ubiquitination does not affect c-Myc stability. Instead, RLIM inhibits the
      transcriptional activity of c-Myc through which RLIM restrains cell
      proliferation. Our results suggest that RLIM may function as a tumor suppressor
      by controlling the activity of c-Myc oncoprotein.

PMID- 27684547
TI  - Parents' perceptions of counselling following prenatal diagnosis of congenital
      anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract: a qualitative study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To explore parents' experiences of counselling after prenatal
      diagnosis of congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract. SUBJECTS AND
      METHODS: Parents of a child born between September 2012 and March 2015 with
      posterior urethral valves (PUV) or multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK) completed
      a semi-structured telephone interview, demographic survey, and the 21-item self
      report Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales questionnaire. Qualitative data were
      analysed thematically using NVivo10 software. RESULTS: In all, 17 parents (PUV,
      eight; MCDK, nine) participated (response rate 40%), and most were offered
      counselling during pregnancy (14/17). Parents described feelings of shock, fear
      and uncertainty after diagnosis, and desired early information on all aspects of
      their child's condition. Most participants were satisfied with the information
      received; however, unmet information needs relating to treatment and prognosis
      were identified, particularly amongst fathers and parents in the PUV group. Some
      parents felt relieved after counselling (12/17); however, emotional distress
      often persisted long after diagnosis. Parents described a need for written and
      web-based information resources, specialised psychological services, and parent
      support groups. CONCLUSION: While parents valued counselling, many continued to
      report unmet informational and psychological needs. Early counselling addressing
      topics important to parents and provision of additional resources and support
      services may improve parents' adjustment to their baby's diagnosis.

PMID- 27684548
TI  - Levosimendan Administration in Limb Ischemia: Multicomponent Signaling Serving
      Kidney Protection.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Acute renal failure is a severe complication of lower
      extremity major arterial reconstructions, which could even be fatal. Levosimendan
      is a dual-acting positive inotropic and vasodilatory agent, which is suspected to
      have protective effects against cardiac ischemia. However, there is no data
      available on lower limb or remote organ ischemic injuries therefore the aim of
      the study was to investigate the effect of levosimendan on lower limb ischemia
      reperfusion injury and the corollary renal dysfunction. METHODS: Male Wistar rats
      underwent 180 min bilateral lower limb ischemia followed by 4 or 24 hours of
      reperfusion. Intravenous Levosimendan was administered continuously
      (0.2MUg/bwkg/min) throughout the whole course of ischemia and the first 3h of
      reperfusion. Results were compared with sham-operated and ischemia-reperfusion
      groups. Hemodynamic monitoring was performed by invasive arterial blood pressure
      measurement. Kidney and lower limb muscle microcirculation was registered by a
      laser Doppler flowmeter. After 4h and 24h of reperfusion, serum, urine and
      histological samples were collected. RESULTS: Systemic hemodynamic parameters and
      microcirculation of kidney and the lower limb significantly improved in the
      Levosimendan treated group. Muscle viability was significantly preserved 4 and 24
      hours after reperfusion. At the same time, renal functional laboratory tests and
      kidney histology demonstrated significantly less expressive kidney injury in
      Levosimendan groups. TNF-alpha levels were significantly less elevated in the
      Levosimendan group 4 hours after reperfusion. CONCLUSION: The results claim a
      protective role for Levosimendan administration during major vascular surgeries
      to prevent renal complications.

PMID- 27684550
TI  - Chronic alcoholics retain dyspeptic symptoms, pan-enteric dysmotility, and
      autonomic neuropathy before and after abstinence.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To carry out a comprehensive study on gastrointestinal symptoms,
      motility and autonomic neuropathy in chronic alcoholics before and one year after
      abstinence. METHODS: Dyspeptic symptoms (questionnaires), fasting and
      postprandial gallbladder and gastric motility (ultrasonography), oro-cecal
      transit time (lactulose H2 -breath test), stool form score (indirect marker of
      colonic transit), and autonomic neuropathy (sweat spot test, R-R ratio) were
      assessed at baseline in 268 subjects (136 chronic alcoholics and 132 healthy
      controls). A subgroup of 39 patients was re-evaluated after 12 months of
      abstinence. RESULTS: Chronic alcoholics had increased dyspepsia, delayed gastric
      emptying and oro-cecal transit time but faster gallbladder emptying, with
      slightly accelerated colonic transit. Sympathetic, but not parasympathetic,
      autonomic dysfunction was found. Dyspeptic symptoms and functional alterations of
      gastric emptying and oro-cecal transit tests were still present after 12-month
      abstinence, whereas gallbladder motility, stool form score and sympathetic
      function improved. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic alcoholics exhibit combined and
      interdependent presence of dyspeptic symptoms, impaired motility at different
      levels of the gastrointestinal tract, with sympathetic dysfunction. Only a few of
      these abnormalities improve after one year of abstinence from alcohol.

PMID- 27684549
TI  - Structural Details of Ufd1 Binding to p97 and Their Functional Implications in ER
      Associated Degradation.
AB  - The hexameric ATPase p97 has been implicated in diverse cellular processes
      through interactions with many different adaptor proteins at its N-terminal
      domain. Among these, the Ufd1-Npl4 heterodimer is a major adaptor, and the p97
      Ufd1-Npl4 complex plays an essential role in endoplasmic reticulum-associated
      degradation (ERAD), acting as a segregase that translocates the ubiquitinated
      client protein from the ER membrane into the cytosol for proteasomal degradation.
      We determined the crystal structure of the complex of the N-terminal domain of
      p97 and the SHP box of Ufd1 at a resolution of 1.55 A. The 11-residue-long SHP
      box of Ufd1 binds at the far-most side of the Nc lobe of the p97 N domain
      primarily through hydrophobic interactions, such that F225, F228, N233 and L235
      of the SHP box contact hydrophobic residues on the surface of the p97 Nc lobe.
      Mutating these key interface residues abolished the interactions in two different
      binding experiments, isothermal titration calorimetry and co-immunoprecipitation.
      Furthermore, cycloheximide chase assays showed that these same mutations caused
      accumulation of tyrosinase-C89R, a well-known ERAD substrate, thus implying
      decreased rate of protein degradation due to their defects in ERAD function.
      Together, these results provide structural and biochemical insights into the
      interaction between p97 N domain and Ufd1 SHP box.

PMID- 27684552
TI  - Paul Broca's search for Basque skulls: The full story.
AB  - Paul Broca surmised that the short and broad-brachycephalic-skulls of the
      earliest European settlers had become longer and narrower-dolichocephalic-in
      modern populations due to the blending of different races. Swedish anatomist
      Anders Retzius had two brachycephalic skulls said to be from contemporary Basque
      individuals, a claim suited to test Broca's hypothesis. Broca worked with fellow
      anatomist and surgeon Pedro Gonzalez Velasco, the founding father of Spanish
      anthropology, to gather a large number of Basque skulls. In its time, this was
      the most fascinating collection owned by the Anthropological Society of Paris.
      This article explains how Broca and Velasco were able to gather such a sizeable
      array of specimens, which they had collected at a location known at first by the
      code name of "Z." Although Broca finally concluded that the origin of the Retzius
      skulls could not be determined, his research was to spark anthropologists'
      interest in the language and origins of the Basque people. 

PMID- 27684556
TI  - English Pig Farmers' Knowledge and Behaviour towards African Swine Fever
      Suspicion and Reporting.
AB  - African swine fever (ASF) is a notifiable, virulent swine disease, and is a major
      threat to animal health and trade for many European Union (EU) countries. Early
      detection of the introduction of ASF virus is of paramount importance to be able
      to limit the potential extent of outbreaks. However, the timely and accurate
      reporting of ASF primary cases strongly depends on how familiar pig farmers are
      with the clinical signs, and their motivation to report the disease. Here, an
      online questionnaire survey was conducted between December 2014 and April 2015 to
      investigate English pig farmers' knowledge and behaviour towards ASF in terms of
      clinical suspicion and reporting. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was
      used to identify factors influencing the two variables of interest: 1) farmers
      who "would immediately suspect ASF" if they observed clinical signs of fever,
      lethargy, reduced eating and high mortality on their farm and 2) farmers who
      "would immediately report ASF" if they suspected ASF on their farm. The
      questionnaire was completed by 109 pig farmers. Results indicate that pig farmers
      having poor knowledge about ASF clinical signs and limited concern about ASF
      compared with other pig diseases are less likely to consider the possibility of
      an outbreak of ASF on their farm. In addition, pig farmers lacking awareness of
      outbreaks in other countries, having a perception of the negative impact on them
      resulting from false positive reporting and the perceived complexity of reporting
      procedures are less likely to report an ASF suspicion. These findings indicate
      important areas for educational campaigns targeted at English pig farmers to
      focus on in an attempt to increase the likelihood of a rapid response in the
      event of an ASF outbreak.

PMID- 27684555
TI  - Single Synonymous Mutations in KRAS Cause Transformed Phenotypes in NIH3T3 Cells.
AB  - Synonymous mutations in the KRAS gene are clustered at G12, G13, and G60 in human
      cancers. We constructed 9 stable NIH3T3 cell lines expressing KRAS, each with one
      of these synonymous mutations. Compared to the negative control cell line
      expressing the wild type human KRAS gene, all the synonymous mutant lines
      expressed more KRAS protein, grew more rapidly and to higher densities, and were
      more invasive in multiple assays. Three of the cell lines showed dramatic loss of
      contact inhibition, were more refractile under phase contrast, and their
      refractility was greatly reduced by treatment with trametinib. Codon usage at
      these glycines is highly conserved in KRAS compared to HRAS, indicating selective
      pressure. These transformed phenotypes suggest that synonymous mutations found in
      driver genes such as KRAS may play a role in human cancers.

PMID- 27684557
TI  - Early risk indicators for hand, foot and mouth disease clusters in China.

PMID- 27684558
TI  - Long-Term Correlation between Influenza Vaccination Coverage and Incidence of
      Influenza-Like Illness in 14 European Countries.
AB  - We aimed to examine the long-term correlation between influenza vaccination
      coverage and the incidence of influenza-like illness (ILI) in the total and
      elderly populations of European countries for which data was available on at
      least six consecutive influenza seasons. We graphically visualised vaccination
      coverage and ILI incidence trends and calculated Spearman rank correlation
      coefficients. Additionally, we fitted a negative binomial regression model to
      estimate the change in ILI incidence per percentage point change in vaccination
      coverage. We found significant negative correlations for the total population of
      the Netherlands (rho = -0.60, p-value = 0.003) and for the elderly populations of
      England (rho = -0.80, p-value < 0.001) and Germany (rho = -0.57, p-value = 0.04).
      However, results were not consistent, and for some countries we observed
      significant positive correlations. Only for the elderly in England was there a
      significant decline in incidence rate per percentage point increase in
      vaccination coverage (incidence rate ratio = 0.93; 95% confidence interval 0.88
      0.99). Based on this ecological study it is not possible to provide evidence for
      a negative correlation between influenza vaccination coverage and ILI incidence.
      For future, aetiological studies to assess impact of influenza vaccinations on
      the population, there is a need for high quality data over long periods of time,
      on proportion of ILI caused by influenza virus infection, on severe outcome
      measures such as hospitalisation for influenza, and on other factors that
      potentially affect influenza transmission.

PMID- 27684559
TI  - The epithelial barrier and immunoglobulin A system in allergy.
AB  - Airway and intestinal epithelial layers represent first-line physical barriers,
      playing a key role in mucosal immunity. Barrier dysfunction, characterized by
      alterations such as disruption of cell-cell apical junctions and aberrant
      epithelial responses, probably constitutes early and key events for chronic
      immune responses to environmental antigens in the skin and in the gut. For
      instance, barrier dysfunction drives Th2 responses in atopic disorders or
      eosinophilic esophagitis. Such epithelial impairment is also a salient feature of
      allergic asthma and growing evidence indicates that barrier alterations probably
      play a driving role in this disease. IgA has been identified as the most abundant
      immunoglobulin in mucosa, where it acts as an active barrier through immune
      exclusion of inhaled or ingested antigens or pathogens. Historically, it has been
      thought to represent the serum factor underlying reaginic activity before IgE was
      discovered. Despite several studies about regulation and major functions of IgA
      at mucosal surfaces, its role in allergy remains largely unclear. This review
      aims at summarizing findings about epithelial functions and IgA biology that are
      relevant to allergy, and to integrate the emerging concepts and the recent
      developments in mucosal immunology, and how these could translate to clinical
      observations in allergy.

PMID- 27684560
TI  - Methods of milk expression for lactating women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding is important, however not all infants can feed at the
      breast and methods of expressing milk need evaluation. OBJECTIVES: To assess
      acceptability, effectiveness, safety, effect on milk composition, contamination
      and costs of methods of milk expression. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane
      Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (21 March 2016), handsearched
      relevant journals and conference proceedings, and contacted experts in the field
      to seek additional published or unpublished studies. We also examined reference
      lists of all relevant retrieved papers. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised and quasi
      randomised trials comparing methods at any time after birth. DATA COLLECTION AND
      ANALYSIS: Three review authors independently assessed trials for inclusion and
      risk of bias, extracted data and checked them for accuracy. MAIN RESULTS: This
      updated review includes 41 trials involving 2293 participants, with 22 trials
      involving 1339 participants contributing data for analysis. Twenty-six of the
      trials referred to mothers of infants in neonatal units (n = 1547) and 14 to
      mothers of healthy infants at home (n = 730), with one trial containing mothers
      of both neonatal and healthy older infants (n = 16). Eleven trials compared one
      or more types of pump versus hand expression and 14 studies compared one type of
      pump versus another type of pump, with three of these studies comparing both hand
      expression and pump types. Twenty studies compared a specific protocol or adjunct
      behaviour including sequential versus simultaneous pumping protocols, pumping
      frequency, provision of an education and support intervention, relaxation, breast
      massage, combining hand expression with pumping and a breast cleansing
      protocol.Due to heterogeneity in participants, interventions, and outcomes
      measured or reported, we were unable to pool findings for most of the specified
      outcomes. It was not possible therefore to produce a 'Summary of findings' table
      in this update. Most of the included results were derived from single studies.
      Trials took place in 14 countries under a variety of circumstances and were
      published from 1982 to 2015. Sixteen of the 30 trials that evaluated pumps or
      products had support from the manufacturers. The risk of bias of the included
      studies was variable. Primary outcomesOnly one of the 17 studies examining
      maternal satisfaction/acceptability with the method or adjunct behaviour provided
      data suitable for analysis. In this study, self-efficacy was assessed by asking
      mothers if they agreed or disagreed with the following statement: 'I don't want
      anyone to see me (hand expressing/pumping)'. The study found that mothers who
      were using the electric pump were more likely to agree with the statement
      compared to mothers hand expressing, (mean difference (MD) 0.70, 95% confidence
      interval (CI) 0.15 to 1.25; P = 0.01, participants = 68). Mothers who were hand
      expressing reported that the instructions for expression were clearer compared to
      the electric pump, (MD -0.40, 95% CI -0.75 to -0.05; P = 0.02, participants =
      68). Descriptive reporting of satisfaction in the other studies varied in the
      measures used, did not indicate a clear preference for one pump type, although
      there was satisfaction with some relaxation and support interventions.We found no
      clinically significant differences between methods related to contamination of
      the milk that compared any type of pump to hand expression (risk ratio (RR) 1.13,
      95% CI 0.79 to 1.61; P = 0.51, participants = 28), manual pump compared to hand
      expression, (MD 0.20, 95% CI -0.18 to 0.58; P = 0.30, participants = 142) a large
      electric pump compared to hand expression (MD 0.10, 95% CI -0.29 to 0.49; P =
      0.61, participants = 123), or a large electric pump compared to a manual pump (MD
      -0.10, 95% CI -0.46 to 0.26; P = 0.59, participants = 141).The level of maternal
      breast or nipple pain or damage was similar in comparisons of a large electric
      pump to hand expression (MD 0.02, 95% CI -0.67 to 0.71; P = 0.96, participants =
      68). A study comparing a manual and large electric pump, reported sore nipples in
      7% for both groups and engorgement in 4% using a manual pump versus 6% using an
      electric pump; and in one study no nipple damage was reported in the hand
      expression group, and one case of nipple damage in each of the manual pump and
      the large electric pump groups.One study examined adverse effects on infants,
      however as the infants did not all receive their mothers' expressed milk, we have
      not included the results. Secondary outcomesThe quantity of expressed milk
      obtained was increased, in some studies by a clinically significant amount, in
      interventions involving relaxation, music, warmth, massage, initiation of
      pumping, increased frequency of pumping and suitable breast shield size. Support
      programmes and simultaneous compared to sequential pumping did not show a
      difference in milk obtained. No pump consistently increased the milk volume
      obtained significantly.In relation to nutrient quality, hand expression or a
      large electric pump were found to provide higher protein than a manual pump, and
      hand expression provided higher sodium and lower potassium compared to a large
      electric pump or a manual pump. Fat content was higher with breast massage when
      pumping; no evidence of difference was found for energy content between
      methods.No consistent effect was found related to prolactin change or effect on
      oxytocin release with pump type or method. Economic aspects were not reported.
      AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The most suitable method for milk expression may depend on
      the time since birth, purpose of expression and the individual mother and infant.
      Low-cost interventions including initiation of milk expression sooner after birth
      when not feeding at the breast, relaxation, massage, warming the breasts, hand
      expression and lower cost pumps may be as effective, or more effective, than
      large electric pumps for some outcomes. Variation in nutrient content across
      methods may be relevant to some infants. Small sample sizes, large standard
      deviations, and the diversity of the interventions argue caution in applying
      these results beyond the specific method tested in the specific settings.
      Independently funded research is needed for more trials on hand expression,
      relaxation and other techniques that do not have a commercial potential.

PMID- 27684554
TI  - Adaptive Remodeling of Achilles Tendon: A Multi-scale Computational Model.
AB  - While it is known that musculotendon units adapt to their load environments,
      there is only a limited understanding of tendon adaptation in vivo. Here we
      develop a computational model of tendon remodeling based on the premise that
      mechanical damage and tenocyte-mediated tendon damage and repair processes modify
      the distribution of its collagen fiber lengths. We explain how these processes
      enable the tendon to geometrically adapt to its load conditions. Based on known
      biological processes, mechanical and strain-dependent proteolytic fiber damage
      are incorporated into our tendon model. Using a stochastic model of fiber repair,
      it is assumed that mechanically damaged fibers are repaired longer, whereas
      proteolytically damaged fibers are repaired shorter, relative to their pre-damage
      length. To study adaptation of tendon properties to applied load, our model
      musculotendon unit is a simplified three-component Hill-type model of the human
      Achilles-soleus unit. Our model results demonstrate that the geometric
      equilibrium state of the Achilles tendon can coincide with minimization of the
      total metabolic cost of muscle activation. The proposed tendon model
      independently predicts rates of collagen fiber turnover that are in general
      agreement with in vivo experimental measurements. While the computational model
      here only represents a first step in a new approach to understanding the complex
      process of tendon remodeling in vivo, given these findings, it appears likely
      that the proposed framework may itself provide a useful theoretical foundation
      for developing valuable qualitative and quantitative insights into tendon
      physiology and pathology.

PMID- 27684561
TI  - Effect of Polyaryl Hydrocarbons on Cytotoxicity in Monocytic Cells: Potential
      Role of Cytochromes P450 and Oxidative Stress Pathways.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), naphthalene (NPh), phenanthrene (Phe),
      benzo(a)antharacene (BeA), and benzo(b)fluoranthene (BeF) are known carcinogenic
      polyaryl hydrocarbons (PAHs) present in cigarette smoke. This study was designed
      to examine the relative effect of these constituents on the cytotoxicity of
      monocytic cells and the possible mechanism of PAH-mediated cytotoxicity. METHODS:
      We examined the acute (6-24 hours) and chronic (7 days) effects of these PAHs on
      the expression of cytochromes P450 (CYPs), oxidative stress, and cytotoxicity.
      The treated cells were examined for mRNA and protein levels of CYPs (1A1 and 3A4)
      and antioxidants enzymes (AOEs) superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1) and catalase.
      Further, we assessed the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), caspase-3
      cleavage activity, and cell viability. We performed these experiments in U937
      and/or primary monocytic cells. RESULTS: Of the five PAHs tested, after chronic
      treatment only BaP (100 nM) showed a significant increase in the expression of
      CYP1A1, AOEs (SOD1 and catalase), ROS generation, caspase-3 cleavage activity,
      and cytotoxicity. However, acute treatment with BaP showed only an increase in
      the mRNA expression of CYP1A1. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that of the
      five PAHs tested, BaP is the major contributor to the toxic effect of PAHs in
      monocytic cells, which is likely to occur through CYP and oxidative stress
      pathways.

PMID- 27684562
TI  - Neurotoxic Antibodies against the Prion Protein Do Not Trigger Prion Replication.
AB  - Prions are the infectious agents causing transmissible spongiform
      encephalopathies (TSE), progressive, inexorably lethal neurological diseases.
      Antibodies targeting the globular domain (GD) of the cellular prion protein PrPC
      trigger a neurotoxic syndrome morphologically and molecularly similar to prion
      disease. This phenomenon raises the question whether such antibodies induce
      infectious prions de novo. Here we exposed cerebellar organotypic cultured slices
      (COCS) to the neurotoxic antibody, POM1. We then inoculated COCS homogenates into
      tga20 mice, which overexpress PrPC and are commonly utilized as sensitive
      indicators of prion infectivity. None of the mice inoculated with COCS-derived
      lysates developed any signs of disease, and all mice survived for at least 200
      days post-inoculation. In contrast, all mice inoculated with bona fide prions
      succumbed to TSE after 55-95 days. Post-mortem analyses did not reveal any signs
      of prion pathology in mice inoculated with POM1-COCS lysates. Also, lysates from
      POM1-exposed COCS were unable to convert PrP by quaking. Hence, anti-GD
      antibodies do not catalyze the generation of prion infectivity. These data
      indicate that prion replication can be separated from prion toxicity, and suggest
      that anti-GD antibodies exert toxicity by acting downstream of prion replication.

PMID- 27684563
TI  - Formulation and in vitro and in vivo evaluation of a new osteoprotegerin-chitosan
      gel for bone tissue regeneration.
AB  - The osteoprotegerin (OPG) system plays a critical role in bone remodelling by
      regulating osteoclast formation and activity. The study aimed to determine the
      physicochemical properties and biocompatibility of a newly formulated OPG
      chitosan gel. The OPG-chitosan gel was formulated using human OPG protein and
      water-soluble chitosan. The physicochemical properties were determined using
      Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)
      and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Gel morphology was determined using
      scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and then it was subjected to a protein release
      assay and biodegradability test. An in vitro cytotoxicity test on normal human
      periodontal ligament (NHPL) fibroblasts and normal human (NH) osteoblasts was
      carried out using the AlamarBlue assay. In vivo evaluation in a rabbit model
      involved creating critical-sized defects in calvarial bone, filling with the OPG
      chitosan gel and sacrificing at 12 weeks. In vitro results demonstrated that the
      25 kDa OPG-chitosan gel had the highest rate of protein release and achieved 90%
      degradation in 28 days. At 12 weeks, the defects filled with 25 kDa OPG-chitosan
      gel showed significant (p < 0.05) new bone formation and the highest expression
      of osteocalcin and osteopontin compared to controls. Thus, the 25 kDa OPG
      chitosan gel could be a promising new biomaterial for tissue engineering. (c)
      2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 398-407, 2017.

PMID- 27684564
TI  - Gang masculinity and high-risk sexual behaviours.
AB  - High-risk sexual behaviours include practices such as relationship violence and
      substance use, which often cluster together among young people in high-risk
      settings. Youth gang members often show high rates of such behaviours, substance
      use and relationship violence. This paper draws on data from in-depth interviews
      with male and female gang members from six different gangs to explore the role of
      powerful socialising peer groups that set gender, sexual and relationship roles
      and expectations for their male and female members. High-risk sexual behaviours
      among gang members included sex with multiple partners and group sex. Gang norms
      included the belief that male members were sexually insatiable with multiple
      sexual partners and that female gang members should be sexually available to male
      members. Alcohol and drugs were seen to have a large influence on sexual desire
      and the inability to use condoms. Much sexual behaviour with gangs, such as group
      sex, was viewed with ambivalence and seen as somewhat coercive. Finally, gendered
      sexual expectations (boys as sexually insatiable and girls as sexually available)
      made forming long-term romantic relationships problematic for gang members. The
      influence of gang norms such as these must be addressed in future programmes and
      interventions with gang members.

PMID- 27684565
TI  - Expansion of the GLE1-associated arthrogryposis multiplex congenita clinical
      spectrum.
AB  - Mutations in GLE1 cause two recessive subtypes of arthrogryposis multiplex
      congenita (AMC), a condition characterized by joint contractures at birth, and
      all previously reported patients died in the perinatal period. GLE1 related AMC
      has been almost exclusively reported in the Finnish population and is caused by a
      relatively common pathogenic splicing mutation in that population. Here, we
      report two non-Finnish brothers with novel compound heterozygous splicing
      mutations in GLE1, one of whom has survived to 12 years of age. We also
      demonstrate low levels of residual wild type transcript in fibroblasts from the
      surviving brother, suggesting that this residual wild-type transcript may
      contribute to the relatively longer-term survival in this family. We provide a
      detailed clinical report on the surviving patient, providing the first insight
      into the natural history of this rare neuromuscular disease. We also suggest that
      lethal congenital contracture syndrome 1 (LCCS1) and lethal arthrogryposis with
      anterior horn disease (LAAHD), the two AMC subtypes related to GLE1, do not have
      sufficient clinical or molecular differentiation to be considered allelic
      disorders. Rather, GLE1 mutations cause a variable spectrum of AMC severity
      including a non-lethal variant described herein.

PMID- 27684568
TI  - Scanning electron microscopy of the adhesion of Treponema pallidum subspecies
      pallidum (Nichol strain) to human brain microvascular endothelial cells in vitro.

PMID- 27684566
TI  - Adiponectin and pro-inflammatory cytokines are modulated in Vietnamese patients
      with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
AB  - AIMS/INTRODUCTION: Adipose tissue-derived hormones are associated with metabolic
      disorders including type 2 diabetes mellitus. The present study investigated the
      levels of adiponectin and pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis
      factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta) and IL-10 in Vietnamese
      patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and their correlations with clinical
      parameters of overweight and type 2 diabetes mellitus. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Based on body mass index, 73 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were
      categorized either as overweight or non-overweight. As healthy controls, 57
      overweight and non-overweight individuals without type 2 diabetes mellitus were
      included. The adiponectin, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and IL-10 levels were measured in
      the sera samples in all study participants by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
      and were correlated with clinical parameters. RESULTS: The adiponectin levels
      were lower in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (2.5 +/- 1.5 MUg/mL)
      compared with controls (16 +/- 18.6 MUg/mL; P < 0.0001), and were decreased in
      overweight individuals compared with those who were not overweight. The TNF-alpha
      and IL-1beta levels were increased, whereas the IL-10 levels were decreased in
      patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and in overweight controls compared with
      non-overweight controls (P < 0.0001). The adiponectin levels were correlated with
      the TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-10 levels, and the clinical parameters of overweight
      and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The quantitative insulin sensitivity check index
      and homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance indexes were correlated with
      the relative ratios of adiponectin/TNF-alpha, adiponectin/IL-1beta,
      adiponectin/IL-10, TNF-alpha/IL-10 and IL-1beta/IL-10. CONCLUSIONS: Adiponectin
      and pro-inflammatory cytokines are associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and
      might serve as a prognostic marker and a therapeutic intervention for overweight
      related type 2 diabetes mellitus.

PMID- 27684567
TI  - Evaluation of Resistance-Associated Substitutions in NS5A Using Direct Sequence
      and Cycleave Method and Treatment Outcome with Daclatasvir and Asunaprevir for
      Chronic Hepatitis C Genotype 1.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of daclatasvir
      plus asunaprevir therapy in patients infected with hepatitis C virus and
      determine its relevance to resistant variants. METHODS: A total of 629
      consecutive patients infected with hepatitis C virus genotype 1 were assessed.
      Daclatasvir (60 mg/day) plus asunaprevir (200 mg/day) was given for 24 weeks. The
      virological responses and resistance-associated substitutions of hepatitis C
      virus mutants were examined by the direct sequence and cycleave methods were
      evaluated. RESULTS: Overall, 89.4% (555/621) of patients exhibited a sustained
      virological response (SVR). The SVR rates in the patients with wild type, mixed,
      and mutant type Y93 by direct sequencing were 92.5% (520/562), 70.3% (26/37), and
      42.9% (9/21), respectively. The SVR rates in the patients with 100%, 90%, 80%
      30%, and 20%-0% Y93 wild by the cycleave method were 93.4% (456/488),
      88.2%(30/34), 56.0%(14/25), and 36.8%(7/19), respectively. In contrast, the SVR
      rates for the wild type and mixed/mutant type L31 by direct sequencing were 90.2%
      (534/592) and 72.4% (21/29), respectively. In the multivariate analyses, the wild
      type Y93, no history of simeprevir therapy, the wild type L31, and low HCV RNA
      level were independent factors of SVR. CONCLUSION: NS5A resistance-associated
      substitutions, especially Y93H, were major factors predicting the SVR. Although
      direct sequencing can predict the SVR rate, the cycleave method is considered to
      be more useful for predicting the SVR when used in combination.

PMID- 27684570
TI  - Hyperbaric oxygen therapy promotes wound repair in ischemic and hyperglycemic
      conditions, increasing tissue perfusion and collagen deposition.
AB  - The treatment of chronic wounds remains inconsistent and empirical. Hyperbaric
      oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a promising method to improve wound repair but there is
      still a lack of understanding of its mechanisms of action and its indications are
      not yet clearly defined. We studied the effects of HBOT in four different wound
      conditions by inflicting bilateral wounds on the dorsal aspect of the feet of
      nonischemic or ischemic limbs in normoglycemic or hyperglycemic rats. To create
      an ischemic condition, arterial resection was performed unilaterally. Forty-four
      animals received HBOT five times a week until complete wound closure. Wound
      repair was compared with 44 rats receiving standard dressing only. HBOT increased
      blood flow and accelerated wound closure in ischemic and hyperglycemic wounds,
      most significantly when the two conditions were combined. Wound contraction and
      reepithelialization were similarly stimulated by HBOT. The acceleration of wound
      contraction was not associated with increased myofibroblasts expression, nor
      fibroblast recruitment or higher cell count in the granulation tissue. Of note,
      we observed a significant increase in collagen deposition in early time points in
      ischemic wounds receiving HBOT. This data emphasizes that an early application of
      HBOT might be crucial to its efficacy. We concluded that wounds where ischemia
      and hyperglycemia are combined, as it is often the case in diabetic patients,
      have the best chance to benefit from HBOT.

PMID- 27684569
TI  - Three Dimensional Human Neuro-Spheroid Model of Alzheimer's Disease Based on
      Differentiated Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells.
AB  - The testing of candidate drugs to slow progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD)
      requires clinical trials that are lengthy and expensive. Efforts to model the
      biochemical milieu of the AD brain may be greatly facilitated by combining two
      cutting edge technologies to generate three-dimensional (3D) human neuro-spheroid
      from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) derived from AD subjects. We created
      iPSC from blood cells of five AD patients and differentiated them into 3D human
      neuronal culture. We characterized neuronal markers of our 3D neurons by
      immunocytochemical staining to validate the differentiation status. To block the
      generation of pathologic amyloid beta peptides (Abeta), the 3D-differentiated AD
      neurons were treated with inhibitors targeting beta-secretase (BACE1) and gamma
      secretases. As predicted, both BACE1 and gamma-secretase inhibitors dramatically
      decreased Abeta generation in iPSC-derived neural cells derived from all five AD
      patients, under standard two-dimensional (2D) differentiation conditions.
      However, BACE1 and gamma-secretase inhibitors showed less potency in decreasing
      Abeta levels in neural cells differentiated under 3D culture conditions.
      Interestingly, in a single subject AD1, we found that BACE1 inhibitor treatment
      was not able to significantly reduce Abeta42 levels. To investigate underlying
      molecular mechanisms, we performed proteomic analysis of 3D AD human neuronal
      cultures including AD1. Proteomic analysis revealed specific reduction of several
      proteins that might contribute to a poor inhibition of BACE1 in subject AD1. To
      our knowledge, this is the first iPSC-differentiated 3D neuro-spheroid model
      derived from AD patients' blood. Our results demonstrate that our 3D human neuro
      spheroid model can be a physiologically relevant and valid model for testing
      efficacy of AD drug.

PMID- 27684571
TI  - Effect of Dose on Intra-Articular Amikacin Sulfate Concentrations Following
      Intravenous Regional Limb Perfusion in Horses.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare synovial concentrations of amikacin following intravenous
      regional limb perfusion (IVRLP) with two different doses, and to compare their
      ability to reach target concentrations for bacterial isolates from common
      orthopedic conditions. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized crossover experiment. ANIMALS:
      Six adult horses. METHODS: Horses received IVRLP with 2 and 3 g of amikacin in
      the cephalic vein of alternate limbs (20 minutes tourniquet application and >=14
      days washout period). Amikacin concentrations were quantified in synovial fluid
      collected from the middle carpal and metacarpophalangeal joints at 25 minutes,
      and 24, 36, and 48 hours after IVRLP. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC)
      were determined from equine bacterial isolates and ability to reach target
      amikacin concentrations were compared. RESULTS: Overall, middle carpal joint
      amikacin concentrations were higher following IVRLP with 3 g amikacin compared to
      2 g (P=.031), with significant differences at 25 minutes (P=.002) and 24 hours
      (P=.021). No differences were observed between doses in the metacarpophalangeal
      joint (P=.267). Target amikacin concentrations for Staphylococcus aureus and
      coagulase-negative staphylococci were achieved in middle carpal and
      metacarpophalangeal joints at 25 minutes with both dosages and for Escherichia
      coli and Actinobacillus spp. in the middle carpal joint at 25 minutes with 3 g.
      Target concentrations were not achieved for Enterococcus spp, Pseudomonas spp, or
      Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus. CONCLUSION: A 3 g amikacin dose is not
      justified in the majority of distal limb injuries, but should be reserved for
      isolates with an MIC higher than that achievable with a 2 g dose. Daily IVRLP may
      be necessary based on our results.

PMID- 27684572
TI  - Development and application of neuropsychology in Hong Kong: implications of its
      value and future advancement.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To review the development, application, and value of neuropsychology,
      and the standard education and training pathway for neuropsychologists or
      clinical neuropsychologists in Hong Kong. METHOD: The information provided here
      was gathered via a literature review of the status of neuropsychology and the
      validity of commonly adopted neuropsychological tests in Hong Kong. Additional
      details were acquired via the internet about local tertiary education curricula
      and the related requirements, the availability of professional associations for
      licensure or board certification, and relevant statistics/surveys conducted by
      the government. Some information about the clinical practice of neuropsychology
      was collected through personal communication with local clinical psychologists.
      RESULTS: The development of neuropsychology in Hong Kong over the past 20 years
      is rapid and productive, given the increasing application of advanced
      neuroimaging techniques, neuropsychological tests, and opportunities for
      exchanging up-to-date neuropsychological knowledge and professional training
      through international conferences, workshops, and seminars. Given that
      neuropsychology services are often provided by clinical psychologists who are
      master's degree graduates in clinical psychology, the relatively limited training
      in neuropsychological knowledge and skills and the lack of division for
      membership or mandatory registration as a neuropsychologist/clinical
      neuropsychologist may have an impact on the quality of clinical
      neuropsychological services and the development of this specialty. CONCLUSIONS:
      These findings signify a need for further improvement or refinement of
      educational and training pathways for neuropsychologist or clinical
      neuropsychologist along with the recognition of its value in clinical practice
      through registration of different disciplines of psychology in Hong Kong.

PMID- 27684573
TI  - Optimizing Trial Designs for Targeted Therapies.
AB  - An important objective in the development of targeted therapies is to identify
      the populations where the treatment under consideration has positive benefit risk
      balance. We consider pivotal clinical trials, where the efficacy of a treatment
      is tested in an overall population and/or in a pre-specified subpopulation. Based
      on a decision theoretic framework we derive optimized trial designs by maximizing
      utility functions. Features to be optimized include the sample size and the
      population in which the trial is performed (the full population or the targeted
      subgroup only) as well as the underlying multiple test procedure. The approach
      accounts for prior knowledge of the efficacy of the drug in the considered
      populations using a two dimensional prior distribution. The considered utility
      functions account for the costs of the clinical trial as well as the expected
      benefit when demonstrating efficacy in the different subpopulations. We model
      utility functions from a sponsor's as well as from a public health perspective,
      reflecting actual civil interests. Examples of optimized trial designs obtained
      by numerical optimization are presented for both perspectives.

PMID- 27684574
TI  - Prevalence of bruxism in undergraduate students.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of bruxism in
      students at the Federal University of the Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys in
      Brazil. The secondary objectives were to identify the factors associated with
      bruxism; prevalence of dental wear; and to distinguish the signs and symptoms of
      temporomandibular dysfunction when present, and verify its relationship with
      bruxism. METHODS: Two hundred fifty-three students (106 males, 147 females) were
      clinically examined and answered a questionnaire. Trained researchers performed
      the dental wear evaluation. The incisal edge and occlusal surface were classified
      as follows: no wear, wear into enamel, wear into dentin, and extensive wear into
      dentin. Demographic data and factors related to bruxism were obtained by a
      questionnaire. The participants who presented dental wear and habit of
      clenching/grinding teeth were classified as bruxers. The data were analyzed by
      the SPSS program (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The results showed that 31.6% of the
      students had bruxism. Of the 7084 teeth evaluated, 376 (5.3%) had some type of
      facet wear. The teeth that had the highest prevalence of wear facets were the
      canines. Stress, muscle pain, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, and TMJ noise
      were significantly associated with bruxism (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The
      prevalence of bruxism was 31.6% in this population. The factors most associated
      with bruxism were stress, muscle pain, TMJ pain, and TMJ noise.

PMID- 27684575
TI  - Anti-tumor efficacy study of the Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, ONO/GS
      4059, in combination with the glycoengineered type II anti-CD20 monoclonal
      antibody obinutuzumab (GA101) demonstrates superior in vivo efficacy compared to
      ONO/GS-4059 in combination with rituximab.
AB  - The activated B-cell diffuse large B-cell-like lymphoma (ABC-DLBCL) correlates
      with poor prognosis. The B-cell receptor signaling pathway is known to be
      dysregulated in NHL/CLL and given BTK is a downstream mediator of BCR signaling,
      BTK constitutes an interesting and obvious therapeutic target. Given the high
      potency and selectivity of the BTK inhibitor, ONO/GS-4059, it was hypothesized
      that, the anti-tumor activity of ONO/GS-4059 could be further enhanced by
      combining it with the anti-CD20 Abs, rituximab (RTX) or obinutuzumab (GA101).
      ONO/GS-4059 combined with GA101 or RTX was significantly better than the
      respective monotherapy with tumor growth inhibition (TGI) of 90% for the GA101
      combination and 86% for the RTX combination. In contrast, ibrutinib (PCI-32765)
      combined with RTX did not result in improved efficacy compared with respective
      monotherapy. Taken together these data indicate that the combination of ONO/GS
      4059 with rituximab and particularly obinutuzumab may be an effective treatment
      for ABC-DLBCL.

PMID- 27684576
TI  - Effect of liming on nickel bioavailability and toxicity to oat and soybean grown
      in field soils containing aged emissions from a nickel refinery.
AB  - Remediation of soils elevated in trace metals so that the soils may provide
      ecosystems services is typically achieved through pH adjustment or addition of
      sorbents. The present study aimed to generate higher-tier in situ toxicity data
      for elevated nickel (Ni) in soils with and without lime addition and to explore
      the effect of liming on soil chemistry and bioavailability of Ni to plants. A
      multiyear study of agronomic yield of field-grown oat and soybean occurred in 3
      adjacent fields that had received air emissions from a Ni refinery for 66 yr. The
      soil Ni concentration in the plots ranged between 1300 mg/kg and 4900 mg/kg, and
      each field was amended with either 50 Mg/ha, 10 Mg/ha, or 0 Mg/ha (or tonnes/ha)
      of crushed dolomitic limestone. As expected, liming raised the pH of the soils
      and subsequently reduced the plant availability of Ni. Toxicity thresholds
      (effective concentrations causing 50% reduction in growth) for limed soils
      supported the hypothesis that liming reduces toxicity. Relationships were found
      between relative yield and soil cation exchange capacity and between relative
      yield and soil pH, corroborating findings of the European Union Risk Assessments
      and the Metals in Asia studies, respectively. Higher tier ecotoxicity data such
      as these are a valuable contribution to risk assessment for Ni in soils. Environ
      Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1110-1119. (c) 2016 SETAC.

PMID- 27684577
TI  - Micro-Magellan: open-source, sample-adaptive, acquisition software for optical
      microscopy.

PMID- 27684578
TI  - The NIH Protein Capture Reagents Program (PCRP): a standardized protein affinity
      reagent toolbox.

PMID- 27684580
TI  - Genomics in 3D and 4D.

PMID- 27684579
TI  - DoCM: a database of curated mutations in cancer.

PMID- 27684581
TI  - Young blood for old hands? A recent anti-ageing trial prompts ethical questions.

PMID- 27684582
TI  - Learning to listen in primary care: some educational challenges.
AB  - Effective clinician listening and communicating directly affects patients'
      health, satisfaction with healthcare, and complaints. This influences healthcare
      policy and clinician training/assessment. Listening skills and consultation
      frameworks underpin training but are often poorly used in everyday clinical work.
      Primary care doctors provide continuity of care using listening skills to develop
      long term relationships. Additionally, they listen to patients and colleagues in
      other ways such as surveys, participation groups, and significant event reviews.
      All these factors challenge educators to offer systematic training which ensures
      that future primary care clinicians/leaders develop conscious competence in
      listening at different levels and in differing contexts.

PMID- 27684583
TI  - Emergency contraception: a survey of 1773 women.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to retrieve data on the characteristics and
      profile of women attending an emergency service (ES) to receive a prescription
      (mandatory until May 2015) for emergency contraception (EC). METHODS: In a
      retrospective study the following data were collected for all women requesting EC
      between January 2014 and June 2015: demographic characteristics, time between
      unprotected sexual intercourse (USI) and arrival at the ES, time between the last
      menstrual period and the USI, and type of EC prescribed. In a prospective study
      starting January 2015, a questionnaire was administered requesting the following
      information: reasons for requiring EC, previous EC use, source of knowledge about
      EC, prior contraception and age at first intercourse. RESULTS: During the whole
      study period, 1773 women requested EC: their mean age was 26.0 years; 78.5% were
      Italian; 91.5% were unmarried; 55.2% were still studying and 51.9% had high
      school education; 61.2% reached the ES within 12 h of the USI; and 42.4% had a
      USI during days 9-16 of their menstrual cycle. Levonorgestrel was prescribed in
      81.4% of women and ulipristal acetate in 17.7%. In the prospective part of the
      study (382 women), the majority (57.9%) requested EC for condom rupture; 49.5%
      reported previous use of EC; and 41.6% received information on the subject
      through friends. The vast majority (83.8%) reported prior use of contraception;
      in 25.4% the reason for not using it was the absence of a relationship.
      CONCLUSION: An exact profile of women requesting EC can help women in their
      choice of permanent contraception, and help clinicians in counselling women on
      appropriate contraception.

PMID- 27684584
TI  - Preparation of Extracellular Matrix Protein Fibers for Brillouin Spectroscopy.
AB  - Brillouin spectroscopy is an emerging technique in the biomedical field. It
      probes the mechanical properties of a sample through the interaction of visible
      light with thermally induced acoustic waves or phonons propagating at a speed of
      a few km/sec. Information on the elasticity and structure of the material is
      obtained in a nondestructive contactless manner, hence opening the way to in vivo
      applications and potential diagnosis of pathology. This work describes the
      application of Brillouin spectroscopy to the study of biomechanics in elastin and
      trypsin-digested type I collagen fibers of the extracellular matrix. Fibrous
      proteins of the extracellular matrix are the building blocks of biological
      tissues and investigating their mechanical and physical behavior is key to
      establishing structure-function relationships in normal tissues and the changes
      which occur in disease. The procedures of sample preparation followed by
      measurement of Brillouin spectra using a reflective substrate are presented
      together with details of the optical system and methods of spectral data
      analysis.

PMID- 27684586
TI  - Infrared Spectroscopy of NaCl(CH3OH)n Complexes in Helium Nanodroplets.
AB  - Infrared (IR) spectra of complexes between NaCl and methanol have been recorded
      for the first time. These complexes were formed in liquid helium nanodroplets by
      consecutive pick-up of NaCl and CH3OH molecules. For the smallest NaCl(CH3OH)n,
      complexes where n = 1-3, the IR data suggest that the lowest-energy isomer is the
      primary product in each case. The predominant contribution to the binding comes
      from ionic hydrogen bonds between the OH in each methanol molecule and the
      chloride ion in the NaCl, as established by the large red shift of the OH
      stretching bands compared with the isolated CH3OH molecule. For n >= 4, there is
      a dramatic shift from discrete vibrational bands to very broad absorption
      envelopes, suggesting a profound change in the structural landscape and, in
      particular, access to multiple low-energy isomers.

PMID- 27684585
TI  - Lavage-induced Surfactant Depletion in Pigs As a Model of the Acute Respiratory
      Distress Syndrome (ARDS).
AB  - Various animal models of lung injury exist to study the complex pathomechanisms
      of human acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and evaluate future
      therapies. Severe lung injury with a reproducible deterioration of pulmonary gas
      exchange and hemodynamics can be induced in anesthetized pigs using repeated lung
      lavages with warmed 0.9% saline (50 ml/kg body weight). Including standard
      respiratory and hemodynamic monitoring with clinically applied devices in this
      model allows the evaluation of novel therapeutic strategies (drugs, modern
      ventilators, extracorporeal membrane oxygenators, ECMO), and bridges the gap
      between bench and bedside. Furthermore, induction of lung injury with lung
      lavages does not require the injection of pathogens/endotoxins that impact on
      measurements of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. A disadvantage of the model
      is the high recruitability of atelectatic lung tissue. Standardization of the
      model helps to avoid pitfalls, to ensure comparability between experiments, and
      to reduce the number of animals needed.

PMID- 27684587
TI  - Understanding the Inter-relationship Between Periodontitis and Diabetes: Current
      Evidence and Clinical Implications.
AB  - Periodontal disease can impact systemic health through both direct and indirect
      mechanisms. Of the numerous periodontal-systemic inter-relationships studied,
      diabetes mellitus has been perhaps the most extensively evaluated. This article
      discusses the evidence and implications of periodontitis related to type 2
      diabetes, focusing on the epidemiology of periodontal disease and diabetes as
      well as the periodontitis- diabetes continuum.

PMID- 27684588
TI  - The Evolution and Revolution in Prosthodontics Continues.
AB  - The rate of innovations in prosthodontics has been picking up considerable
      momentum and products have emerged, demonstrating superb strength and high
      esthetics. Trends indicate a preference for metal-free restorations, as the
      offerings of zirconia products have become more nuanced. Also, innovative
      scanning systems provide dental teams a greater flexibility and enhanced
      productivity.

PMID- 27684589
TI  - Measuring Spray Droplet Size from Agricultural Nozzles Using Laser Diffraction.
AB  - When making an application of any crop protection material such as an herbicide
      or pesticide, the applicator uses a variety of skills and information to make an
      application so that the material reaches the target site (i.e., plant).
      Information critical in this process is the droplet size that a particular spray
      nozzle, spray pressure, and spray solution combination generates, as droplet size
      greatly influences product efficacy and how the spray moves through the
      environment. Researchers and product manufacturers commonly use laser diffraction
      equipment to measure the spray droplet size in laboratory wind tunnels. The work
      presented here describes methods used in making spray droplet size measurements
      with laser diffraction equipment for both ground and aerial application scenarios
      that can be used to ensure inter- and intra-laboratory precision while minimizing
      sampling bias associated with laser diffraction systems. Maintaining critical
      measurement distances and concurrent airflow throughout the testing process is
      key to this precision. Real time data quality analysis is also critical to
      preventing excess variation in the data or extraneous inclusion of erroneous
      data. Some limitations of this method include atypical spray nozzles, spray
      solutions or application conditions that result in spray streams that do not
      fully atomize within the measurement distances discussed. Successful adaption of
      this method can provide a highly efficient method for evaluation of the
      performance of agrochemical spray application nozzles under a variety of
      operational settings. Also discussed are potential experimental design
      considerations that can be included to enhance functionality of the data
      collected.

PMID- 27684590
TI  - Temperature-Switch Cytometry-Releasing Antibody on Demand from Inkjet-Printed
      Gelatin for On-Chip Immunostaining.
AB  - Complete integration of all sample preparation steps in a microfluidic device
      greatly benefits point-of-care diagnostics. In the most simplistic approach,
      reagents are integrated in a microfluidic chip and dissolved upon filling with a
      sample fluid by capillary force. This will generally result in at least partial
      reagent wash-off during sample inflow. However, many applications, such as
      immunostaining-based cytometry, strongly rely on a homogeneous reagent
      distribution across the chip. The concept of initially preventing release (during
      inflow), followed by a triggered instantaneous and complete release on demand
      (after filling is completed) represents an elegant and simple solution to this
      problem. Here, we realize this controlled release by embedding antibodies in a
      gelatin layer integrated in a microfluidic chamber. The gelatin/antibody layer is
      deposited by inkjet printing. Maturation of this layer during the course of
      several weeks, due to the ongoing physical cross-linking of gelatin, slows down
      the antibody release, thereby reducing antibody wash-off during inflow, and
      consequently helping to meet the requirement for a homogeneous antibody
      distribution in the filled chamber. After inflow, complete antibody release is
      obtained by heating the gelatin layer above its sol-gel transition temperature,
      which causes the rapid dissolution of the entire gelatin/antibody layer at
      moderate temperatures. We demonstrate uniform and complete on-chip immunostaining
      of CD4 positive (CD4+) T-lymphocytes in whole blood samples, which is critical
      for accurate cell counts. The sample preparation is realized entirely on-chip, by
      applying temperature-switched antibody release from matured gelatin/antibody
      layers.

PMID- 27684591
TI  - Taste Preference Assay for Adult Drosophila.
AB  - Olfactory and gustatory perception of the environment is vital for animal
      survival. The most obvious application of these chemosenses is to be able to
      distinguish good food sources from potentially dangerous food sources. Gustation
      requires physical contact with a chemical compound which is able to signal
      through taste receptors that are expressed on the surface of neurons. In insects,
      these gustatory neurons can be located across the animal's body allowing taste to
      play an important role in many different behaviors. Insects typically prefer
      compounds containing sugars, while compounds that are considered bitter tasting
      are avoided. Given the basic biological importance of taste, there is intense
      interest in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying this sensory
      modality. We describe an adult Drosophila taste assay which reflects the
      preference of the animals for a given tastant compound. This assay may be applied
      to animals of any genetic background to examine the taste preference for a
      desired soluble compound.

PMID- 27684592
TI  - Preparation of gold- and chlorine-impregnated bead-type activated carbon for a
      mercury sorbent trap.
AB  - This study aimed to develop a mercury (Hg) adsorption trap, which can be used to
      measure the concentration of elemental Hg in emissions from a Hg discharge
      facility, and evaluate its adsorption efficiency. The Hg spiking efficiency was
      compared by impregnating metallic and halogen materials that have high affinity
      for Hg into activated carbon (AC) to determine an accurate spiking method for Hg
      on AC. The Hg spiking efficiency was compared according to the type and content
      of the impregnated substances. AC impregnated with Cl and Au had a 15-20% higher
      Hg spiking efficiency compared to virgin AC. For Au impregnation at weight ratios
      of 0-20 wt% of adsorbent, spiking efficiencies of over 97% were observed under
      certain conditions. The Hg adsorption properties of the above adsorbent were
      determined experimentally, and the results were used to test the adsorption
      performance of Hg adsorption traps.

PMID- 27684593
TI  - Depletion of pentachlorophenol in soil microcosms with Byssochlamys nivea and
      Scopulariopsis brumptii as detoxification agents.
AB  - Pentachlorophenol (PCP) is a toxic compound which is widely used as a wood
      preservative product and general biocide. It is persistent in the environment and
      has been classified as a persistent organic pollutant to be reclaimed in many
      countries. Fungal bioremediation is an emerging approach to rehabilitating areas
      fouled by recalcitrant xenobiotics. In the present study, we isolated two fungal
      strains from an artificially PCP-contaminated soil during a long-term
      bioremediation study and evaluated their potential as bioremediation agents in
      depletion and detoxification of PCP in soil microcosms. The two fungal strains
      were identified as: Byssochlamys nivea (Westling, 1909) and Scopulariopsis
      brumptii (Salvanet-Duval, 1935). PCP removal and toxicity were examined during 28
      days of incubation. Bioaugmented microcosms revealed a 60% and 62% PCP removal by
      B. nivea and S. brumptii, respectively. Co-inoculation of B. nivea and S.
      brumptii showed a synergetic effect on PCP removal resulting in 95% and 80% PCP
      decrease when initial concentrations were 12.5 and 25 mg kg-1, respectively.
      Detoxification in bioaugmented soil and the efficient role of fungi in the
      rehabilitation of PCP contaminated soil were experimentally proven by toxicity
      assays. A decrease in inhibition of bioluminescence of Escherichia coli HB101
      pUCD607 and an increase of germination index of mustard (Brassica alba) seeds
      were observed in the decontaminated soils.

PMID- 27684594
TI  - Quantitative Measurement of Relative Retinoic Acid Levels in E8.5 Embryos and
      Neurosphere Cultures Using the F9 RARE-Lacz Cell-based Reporter Assay.
AB  - Retinoic acid (RA) is an important developmental morphogen that coordinates
      anteroposterior and dorsoventral axis patterning, somitic differentiation,
      neurogenesis, patterning of the hindbrain and spinal cord, and the development of
      multiple organ systems. Due to its chemical nature as a small amphipathic lipid,
      direct detection and visualization of RA histologically remains technically
      impossible. Currently, methods used to infer the presence and localization of RA
      make use of reporter systems that detect the biological activity of RA. Most
      established reporter systems, both transgenic mice and cell lines, make use of
      the highly potent RA response element (RARE) upstream of the RAR-beta gene to
      drive RA-inducible expression of reporter genes, such as beta-galactosidase or
      luciferase. The transgenic RARE-LacZ mouse is useful in visualizing
      spatiotemporal changes in RA signaling especially during embryonic development.
      However, it does not directly measure overall RA levels. As a reporter system,
      the F9 RARE-LacZ cell line can be used in a variety of ways, from simple
      detection of RA to quantitative measurements of RA levels in tissue explants.
      Here we describe the quantitative determination of relative RA levels generated
      in embryos and neurosphere cultures using the F9 RARE-LacZ reporter cell line.

PMID- 27684595
TI  - Measuring Granulocyte and Monocyte Phagocytosis and Oxidative Burst Activity in
      Human Blood.
AB  - The granulocyte and monocyte phagocytosis and oxidative burst (OB) activity assay
      can be used to study the innate immune system. This manuscript provides the
      necessary methodology to add this assay to an exercise immunology arsenal. The
      first step in this assay is to prepare two aliquots ("H" and "F") of whole blood
      (heparin). Then, dihydroethidium is added to the H aliquot, and both aliquots are
      incubated in a warm water bath followed by a cold water bath. Next,
      Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is added to the H aliquot and fluorescein
      isothiocyanate-labeled S. aureus is added to the F aliquot (bacteria:phagocyte =
      8:1), and both aliquots are incubated in a warm water bath followed by a cold
      water bath. Then, trypan blue is added to each aliquot to quench extracellular
      fluorescence, and the cells are washed with phosphate-buffered saline. Next, the
      red blood cells are lysed, and the white blood cells are fixed. Finally, a flow
      cytometer and appropriate analysis software are used to measure granulocyte and
      monocyte phagocytosis and OB activity. This assay has been used for over 20
      years. After heavy and prolonged exertion, athletes experience a significant but
      transient increase in phagocytosis and an extended decrease in OB activity. The
      post-exercise increase in phagocytosis is correlated with inflammation. In
      contrast to normal weight individuals, granulocyte and monocyte phagocytosis is
      chronically elevated in overweight and obese participants, and is modestly
      correlated with C-reactive protein. In summary, this flow cytometry-based assay
      measures the phagocytosis and OB activity of phagocytes and can be used as an
      additional measure of exercise- and obesity-induced inflammation.

PMID- 27684596
TI  - Renal sympathetic stimulation in patients with controlled hypertension and
      paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

PMID- 27684597
TI  - Takotsubo Syndrome: Does it matter if you have diabetes mellitus?

PMID- 27684598
TI  - Low ankle brachial index is associated with the magnitude of impaired walking
      endurance in patients with heart failure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Measurement of the ankle brachial index (ABI) is a simple,
      noninvasive means of diagnosing peripheral arterial disease, and has been shown
      to be associated with mortality rate. Here, we examined the association between
      ABI and physical function in patients with heart failure (HF). METHODS: The study
      population consisted of 524 admitted patients (67.2+/-13.9years, 343 males) with
      HF. Blood pressure and the ABI were determined by oscillometry. Prior to hospital
      discharge, ABI, 6-minute walking distance, walking velocity, handgrip strength,
      quadriceps isometric strength, and standing balance were determined. The 524
      patients were divided according to ABI as follows: ABI<=0.90 (low ABI), ABI 0.91
      to 0.99 (borderline ABI), and ABI 1.00 to 1.40 (normal ABI). RESULTS: Lower ABI
      values were associated with shorter 6-minute walking distance (p trend=0.001),
      slower walking velocity (p trend=0.023), and poorer standing balance (p
      trend=0.048). There were no significant associations between ABI and handgrip
      strength or quadriceps isometric strength. After adjusting for potential
      confounders, patients with ABI<=0.90 had shorter 6-minute walking distance
      compared to those with ABI 1.00 to 1.40 (adjusted mean value: 344m vs. 395m,
      respectively, p<0.001). There were no significant differences in any of the other
      physical function parameters examined. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with HF, low ABI
      is associated with the magnitude of impairment in walking endurance.

PMID- 27684599
TI  - Kounis syndrome due to antibiotics: A global overview from pharmacovigilance
      databases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Kounis syndrome (KS) is characterized by concurrent presence of
      anaphylactic and cardiac components. Available evidence suggests that antibiotics
      are frequently associated to KS. We therefore analyzed KS cases associated with
      antibiotics use from the two largest pharmacovigilance databases. METHODS: Two
      pharmacovigilance databases, EudraVigilance and VigiLyze, were searched for cases
      reporting the adverse reaction "Kounis Syndrome" with antibiotics as suspected
      active substance. We analyzed the period from December 1st, 2001 to February
      16th, 2016. For the most reported active substance, proportional reporting ratio
      (PRR) was calculated. RESULTS: A total of 10 cases of KS associated with
      antibiotic use were retrieved from EudraVigilance database. Mean patients' age
      was 58.2years and 70% were male. The most frequently reported suspected
      antibiotic was the combination amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (four cases). VigiLyze
      database reported 13 KS cases associated to antibiotics. Mean age was 56years and
      61% of patients were male. The most frequently reported antibiotic was again the
      combination amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (five cases). Seven duplicate cases were
      identified, leaving a total of 16 cases of KS, with six of them associated to
      amoxicillin/clavulanic acid use. The PRR value for amoxicillin/clavulanic acid
      against other kinds of antibiotics was 2.62 considering EudraVigilance data and
      1.61 considering VigiLyze data. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis provided a complete
      picture of the cases of KS associated with antibiotic use and identified a
      possible association between amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and KS. Since the number
      of cases is low, especially considering its wide use, further analyses are needed
      to confirm the association.

PMID- 27684600
TI  - Effects of Sulfidation, Magnetization, and Oxygenation on Azo Dye Reduction by
      Zerovalent Iron.
AB  - Applications of zerovalent iron (ZVI) for water treatment under aerobic
      conditions include sequestration of metals (e.g., in acid mine drainage) and
      decolorization of dyes (in wastewaters from textile manufacturing). The processes
      responsible for contaminant removal can be a complex mixture of reduction,
      oxidation, sorption, and coprecipitation processes, which are further complicated
      by the dynamics of oxygen intrusion, mixing, and oxide precipitation. To better
      understand such systems, the removal of an azo dye (Orange I) by micron-sized
      granular ZVI at neutral pH was studied in open (aerobic) stirred batch reactors,
      by measuring the kinetics of Orange I decolorization and changes in "geochemical"
      properties (DO, Fe(II), and Eh), with and without two treatments that might
      improve the long-term performance of this system: sulfidation by pretreatment
      with sulfide and magnetization by application of a weak magnetic field (WMF). The
      results show that the changes in solution chemistry are coupled to the dynamics
      of oxygen intrusion, which was modeled as analogous to dissolved oxygen sag
      curves. Both sulfidation and magnetization increased Orange I removal rates 2.4
      71.8-fold, but there was little synergistic benefit to applying both enhancements
      together. Respike experiments showed that the enhancement from magnetization
      carries over from magnetization to sulfidation, but not the reverse.

PMID- 27684601
TI  - Ocean acidification affects parameters of immune response and extracellular pH in
      tropical sea urchins Lytechinus variegatus and Echinometra luccunter.
AB  - The rising concentration of atmospheric CO2 by anthropogenic activities is
      changing the chemistry of the oceans, resulting in a decreased pH. Several
      studies have shown that the decrease in pH can affect calcification rates and
      reproduction of marine invertebrates, but little attention has been drawn to
      their immune response. Thus this study evaluated in two adult tropical sea urchin
      species, Lytechinus variegatus and Echinometra lucunter, the effects of ocean
      acidification over a period of 24h and 5days, on parameters of the immune
      response, the extracellular acid base balance, and the ability to recover these
      parameters. For this reason, the phagocytic capacity (PC), the phagocytic index
      (PI), the capacity of cell adhesion, cell spreading, cell spreading area of
      phagocytic amebocytes in vitro, and the coelomic fluid pH were analyzed in
      animals exposed to a pH of 8.0 (control group), 7.6 and 7.3. Experimental pH's
      were predicted by IPCC for the future of the two species. Furthermore, a recovery
      test was conducted to verify whether animals have the ability to restore these
      physiological parameters after being re-exposed to control conditions. Both
      species presented a significant decrease in PC, in the pH of coelomic fluid and
      in the cell spreading area. Besides that, Echinometra lucunter showed a
      significant decrease in cell spreading and significant differences in coelomocyte
      proportions. The recovery test showed that the PC of both species increased, also
      being below the control values. Even so, they were still significantly higher
      than those exposed to acidified seawater, indicating that with the re
      establishment of the pH value the phagocytic capacity of cells tends to restore
      control conditions. These results demonstrate that the immune system and the
      coelomic fluid pH of these animals can be affected by ocean acidification.
      However, the effects of a short-term exposure can be reversible if the natural
      values are re-established. Thus, the effects of ocean acidification could lead to
      consequences for pathogen resistance and survival of these sea urchin species.

PMID- 27684602
TI  - Content of biogenic amines in Lemna minor (common duckweed) growing in medium
      contaminated with tetracycline.
AB  - Aquatic plants are continuously exposed to a variety of stress factors. No data
      on the impact of antibiotics on the biogenic amines in duckweed (Lemna minor)
      have been available so far, and such data could be significant, considering the
      ecological role of this plant in animal food chains. In the tissues of control
      (non-stressed) nine-day-old duckweed, the following biogenic amines were
      identified: tyramine, putrescine, cadaverine, spermidine and spermine. Based on
      the tetracycline contents and the computed EC values, the predicted toxicity
      units have been calculated. The obtained results demonstrated phytoxicity caused
      by tetracycline in relation to duckweed growth rate, yield and the contents of
      chlorophylls a and b. The carotenoid content was not modified by tetracycline. It
      was found that tetracycline as a water pollutant was a stress factor triggering
      an increase in the synthesis of amines. Tetracycline at 19, 39 and 78MUM
      concentrations increased biogenic amine synthesis by 3.5 times. Although the
      content of tyramine increased fourteen times with the highest concentration of
      the drug (and of spermidine - only three-fold) the increase of spermidine was
      numerically the highest. Among the biogenic amines the most responsive to
      tetracycline were spermine and tyramine, while the least affected were putrescine
      and spermidine. Despite putrescine and spermidine being the least sensitive,
      their sum of contents increased five-fold compared to the control. These studies
      suggest that tetracycline in water reservoirs is taken up by L. minor as the
      antibiotic clearly modifies the metabolism of this plant and it may likely pose a
      risk.

PMID- 27684604
TI  - Genetic analysis of emerging risk factors in coronary artery disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Type 2 diabetes (T2D), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol
      (LDL-c), body mass index (BMI), blood pressure and smoking are established risk
      factors that play a causal role in coronary artery disease (CAD). Numerous common
      genetic variants associating with these and other risk factors have been
      identified, but their association with CAD has not been comprehensively examined
      in a single study. Our goal was to comprehensively evaluate the associations of
      established and emerging risk factors with CAD using genetic variants identified
      from Genome-wide Association Studies (GWAS). METHODS: We tested the effect of 60
      traditional and putative risk factors with CAD, using summary statistics obtained
      in GWAS. We approximated the regression of a response variable onto an additive
      multi-SNP genetic risk score in the Coronary Artery DIsease Genomewide
      Replication And Meta-analysis (CARDIoGRAM) consortium dataset weighted by the
      effect of the SNP on the risk factors. RESULTS: The strongest association with
      risk of CAD was for LDL-c SNPs (p = 3.96E-34). For non-established CAD risk
      factors, we found significant CAD associations for coronary artery calcification
      (CAC), Lp(a), LP-PLA2 activity, plaque, vWF and FVIII. In an attempt to identify
      independent associations between risk factors and CAD, only SNPs with an effect
      on the target trait were included. This identified CAD associations for Lp(a)(p =
      1.77E-21), LDL-c (p = 4.16E-06), triglycerides (TG) (p = 1.94E-05), height (p =
      2.06E-05), CAC (p = 3.13E-23) and carotid plaque (p = 2.08E-05). CONCLUSIONS: We
      identified SNPs associated with the emerging risk factors Lp(a), TG, plaque,
      height and CAC to be independently associated with risk of CAD. This provides
      further support for-ongoing clinical trials of Lp(a) and TG, and suggests that
      CAC and plaque could be used as surrogate markers for CAD in clinical trials.

PMID- 27684603
TI  - Effectiveness of seasonal influenza vaccine for adults and children in preventing
      laboratory-confirmed influenza in primary care in the United Kingdom: 2015/16 end
      of-season results.
AB  - The United Kingdom (UK) is in the third season of introducing universal
      paediatric influenza vaccination with a quadrivalent live attenuated influenza
      vaccine (LAIV). The 2015/16 season in the UK was initially dominated by influenza
      A(H1N1)pdm09 and then influenza of B/Victoria lineage, not contained in that
      season's adult trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV). Overall adjusted
      end-of-season vaccine effectiveness (VE) was 52.4% (95% confidence interval (CI):
      41.0-61.6) against influenza-confirmed primary care consultation, 54.5% (95% CI:
      41.6-64.5) against influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and 54.2% (95% CI: 33.1-68.6) against
      influenza B. In 2-17 year-olds, adjusted VE for LAIV was 57.6% (95% CI: 25.1 to
      76.0) against any influenza, 81.4% (95% CI: 39.6-94.3) against influenza B and
      41.5% (95% CI: -8.5 to 68.5) against influenza A(H1N1)pdm09. These estimates
      demonstrate moderate to good levels of protection, particularly against influenza
      B in children, but relatively less against influenza A(H1N1)pdm09. Despite
      lineage mismatch in the trivalent IIV, adults younger than 65 years were still
      protected against influenza B. These results provide reassurance for the UK to
      continue its influenza immunisation programme planned for 2016/17. 

PMID- 27684606
TI  - Effects of cigarette smoking on cardiovascular-related protein profiles in two
      community-based cohort studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Cardiovascular diseases account for the largest fraction of
      smoking-induced deaths. Studies of smoking in relation to cardiovascular-related
      protein markers can provide novel insights into the biological effects of
      smoking. We investigated the associations between cigarette smoking and 80
      protein markers known to be related to cardiovascular diseases in two community
      based cohorts, the Prospective Study of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors
      (PIVUS, n = 969, 50% women, all aged 70 years) and the Uppsala Longitudinal Study
      of Adult Men (ULSAM, n = 717, all men aged 77 years). METHODS: Smoking status was
      self-reported and defined as current smoker, former smoker or never-smoker.
      Levels of the 80 proteins were measured using the proximity extension assay, a
      novel PCR-based proteomics technique. RESULTS: We found 30 proteins to be
      significantly associated with current cigarette smoking in PIVUS (FDR<5%); and
      ten were replicated in ULSAM (p < 0.05). Matrix metalloproteinase-12 (MMP-12),
      growth/differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), urokinase plasminogen activator
      surface receptor (uPAR), TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand receptor 2 (TRAIL
      R2), lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor 1 (LOX-1), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF),
      matrix metalloproteinase-10 (MMP-10) and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) were
      positively associated, while endothelial cell-specific molecule 1 (ESM-1) and
      interleukin-27 subunit alpha (IL27-A) showed inverse associations. All of them
      remained significant in a subset of individuals without manifest cardiovascular
      disease. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study suggest that cigarette
      smoking may interfere with several essential parts of the atherosclerosis
      process, as evidenced by associations with protein markers representing
      endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, neointimal formation, foam cell formation
      and plaque instability.

PMID- 27684605
TI  - Complex association of serum alanine aminotransferase with the risk of future
      cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: We aimed to determine the prospective association between
      baseline serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and the incident
      cardiovascular disease (CVD) in people with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: In an open
      cohort setting, people with type 2 diabetes were followed for their first ever
      CVD presentation from 1995 to 2015. Statistical methods included Cox regression
      analysis for reporting of hazard ratios (HRs), artificial neural network
      modelings, and risk reclassification analyses. RESULTS: We found a nearly
      constant CVD hazard with baseline serum ALT levels below the 30 IU/L mark,
      whereas baseline serum ALT levels >= 30 IU/L remained an independent predictor of
      lower CVD rates in patients with type 2 diabetes in the final multivariate Cox
      proportional hazards regression model (HR: 0.204, 95%CI [0.060-0.689], pfor trend
      value = 0.006). Age, male gender and fasting plasma insulin levels independently
      predicted baseline serum ALT >= 30 IU/L among the population cohort. Augmentation
      of serum ALT into the weighted Framingham risk score resulted in a considerable
      net reclassification improvement (NRI) of coronary heart disease (CHD) risk
      prediction in the study population (NRI = 9.05% (8.01%-10.22%), p value < 0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: Serum ALT could successfully reclassify about 9% of the population
      with type 2 diabetes across the CHD-affected and CHD-free categories. Overall,
      our findings demonstrate a complex and nonlinear relationship for the risk of
      future CVD by baseline serum ALT levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Further
      studies are warranted to confirm whether this complex association could be
      translated into a clearly visible U or J-shaped figure.

PMID- 27684607
TI  - Probing the influence of unconscious fear-conditioned visual stimuli on eye
      movements.
AB  - Efficient threat detection from the environment is critical for survival.
      Accordingly, fear-conditioned stimuli receive prioritized processing and capture
      overt and covert attention. However, it is unknown whether eye movements are
      influenced by unconscious fear-conditioned stimuli. We performed a classical fear
      conditioning procedure and subsequently recorded participants' eye movements
      while they were exposed to fear-conditioned stimuli that were rendered invisible
      using interocular suppression. Chance-level performance in a forced-choice-task
      demonstrated unawareness of the stimuli. Differential skin conductance responses
      and a change in participants' fearfulness ratings of the stimuli indicated the
      effectiveness of conditioning. However, eye movements were not biased towards the
      fear-conditioned stimulus. Preliminary evidence suggests a relation between the
      strength of conditioning and the saccadic bias to the fear-conditioned stimulus.
      Our findings provide no strong evidence for a saccadic bias towards unconscious
      fear-conditioned stimuli but tentative evidence suggests that such an effect may
      depend on the strength of the conditioned response.

PMID- 27684608
TI  - How "mere" is the mere ownership effect in memory? Evidence for semantic
      organization processes.
AB  - Memory is better for items arbitrarily assigned to the self than for items
      assigned to another person (mere ownership effect, MOE). In a series of six
      experiments, we investigated the role of semantic processes for the MOE.
      Following successful replication, we investigated whether the MOE was contingent
      upon semantic processing: For meaningless stimuli, there was no MOE. Testing for
      a potential role of semantic elaboration using meaningful stimuli in an encoding
      task without verbal labels, we found evidence of spontaneous semantic processing
      irrespective of self- or other-assignment. When semantic organization was
      manipulated, the MOE vanished if a semantic classification task was added to the
      self/other assignment but persisted for a perceptual classification task.
      Furthermore, we found greater clustering of self-assigned than of other-assigned
      items in free recall. Taken together, these results suggest that the MOE could be
      based on the organizational principle of a "me" versus "not-me" categorization.

PMID- 27684609
TI  - When the dissolution of perceived body boundaries elicits happiness: The effect
      of selflessness induced by a body scan meditation.
AB  - Drawing on the Self-centeredness/Selflessness Happiness Model (SSHM), we
      hypothesized that a reduction in the salience of perceived body boundaries would
      lead to increase optimal emotional experience. These constructs were assessed by
      means of self-report measures. Participants (n=53) were randomly assigned to
      either the selflessness (induced by a body scan meditation) condition or the
      control condition. As expected, the reduction in perceived body salience was
      greater in the body scan meditation condition than in the control condition. The
      change in perceived body salience was accompanied by a change in happiness and
      anxiety. Participants in the body-scan meditation condition reported greater
      happiness and less anxiety than participants in the control condition. Happiness
      increased when the salience of body boundaries decreased. Mediation analyses
      reveal that the change in happiness was mediated by the change in perceived body
      boundaries, which suggests that selflessness elicits happiness via dissolution of
      perceived body boundaries.

PMID- 27684611
TI  - Health Informatics in the Public Health 3.0 Era: Intelligence for the Chief
      Health Strategists.

PMID- 27684610
TI  - Life priorities in the HIV-positive Asians: a text-mining analysis in young vs.
      old generation.
AB  - HIV/AIDS is one of the most urgent and challenging public health issues,
      especially since it is now considered a chronic disease. In this project, we used
      text mining techniques to extract meaningful words and word patterns from 45
      transcribed in-depth interviews of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) conducted
      in Taipei, Beijing, Shanghai, and San Francisco from 2006 to 2013. Text mining
      analysis can predict whether an emerging field will become a long-lasting source
      of academic interest or whether it is simply a passing source of interest that
      will soon disappear. The data were analyzed by age group (45 and older vs. 44 and
      younger). The highest ranking fragments in the order of frequency were: "care",
      "daughter", "disease", "family", "HIV", "hospital", "husband", "medicines",
      "money", "people", "son", "tell/disclosure", "thought", "want", and "years".
      Participants in the 44-year-old and younger group were focused mainly on disease
      disclosure, their families, and their financial condition. In older PLWHA, social
      supports were one of the main concerns. In this study, we learned that different
      age groups perceive the disease differently. Therefore, when designing
      intervention, researchers should consider to tailor an intervention to a specific
      population and to help PLWHA achieve a better quality of life. Promoting self
      management can be an effective strategy for every encounter with HIV-positive
      individuals.

PMID- 27684612
TI  - Control of the Public Health IT Physical Infrastructure: Findings From the 2015
      Informatics Capacity and Needs Assessment Survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite improvements in information technology (IT) infrastructure in
      public health, there is still much that can be done to improve the adoption of IT
      in state and local health departments, by better understanding the impact of
      governance and control structures of physical infrastructure. OBJECTIVE: To
      report out the current status of the physical infrastructure control of local
      health departments (LHDs) and to determine whether there is a significant
      association between an LHD's governance status and control of the physical
      infrastructure components. DESIGN: Data came from the 2015 Informatics Capacity
      and Needs Assessment Survey, conducted by Georgia Southern University in
      collaboration with the National Association of County and City Health Officials.
      PARTICIPANTS: A total of 324 LHDs from all 50 states completed the survey
      (response rate: 50%). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Outcome measures included control
      of LHD physical infrastructure components. Predictors of interest included LHD
      governance category. RESULTS: The majority of the control of the physical
      infrastructure components in LHDs resides in external entities. The type of
      governance structure of the LHD is significantly associated with the control of
      infrastructure. CONCLUSIONS: Additional research is needed to determine best
      practices in IT governance and control of physical infrastructure for public
      health.

PMID- 27684614
TI  - Electronic Health Records and Meaningful Use in Local Health Departments: Updates
      From the 2015 NACCHO Informatics Assessment Survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Electronic health records (EHRs) are evolving the scope of
      operations, practices, and outcomes of population health in the United States.
      Local health departments (LHDs) need adequate health informatics capacities to
      handle the quantity and quality of population health data. PURPOSE: The purpose
      of this study was to gain an updated view using the most recent data to identify
      the primary storage of clinical data, status of data for meaningful use, and
      characteristics associated with the implementation of EHRs in LHDs. METHODS: Data
      were drawn from the 2015 Informatics Capacity and Needs Assessment Survey, which
      used a stratified random sampling design of LHD populations. Oversampling of
      larger LHDs was conducted and sampling weights were applied. Data were analyzed
      using descriptive statistics and logistic regression in SPSS. RESULTS: Forty-two
      percent of LHDs indicated the use of an EHR system compared with 58% that use a
      non-EHR system for the storage of primary health data. Seventy-one percent of
      LHDs had reviewed some or all of the current systems to determine whether they
      needed to be improved or replaced, whereas only 6% formally conducted a readiness
      assessment for health information exchange. Twenty-seven percent of the LHDs had
      conducted informatics training within the past 12 months. LHD characteristics
      statistically associated with having an EHR system were having state or
      centralized governance, not having created a strategic plan related to
      informatics within the past 2 years throughout LHDs, provided informatics
      training in the past 12 months, and various levels of control over decisions
      regarding hardware allocation or acquisition, software selection, software
      support, and information technology budget allocation. CONCLUSION: A focus on EHR
      implementation in public health is pertinent to examining the impact of public
      health programming and interventions for the positive change in population
      health.

PMID- 27684615
TI  - Strengthening Local Health Department Informatics Capacity Through Advocacy,
      Education, and Workforce Development.

PMID- 27684613
TI  - Clinical Data Systems to Support Public Health Practice: A National Survey of
      Software and Storage Systems Among Local Health Departments.
AB  - CONTEXT: Numerous software and data storage systems are employed by local health
      departments (LHDs) to manage clinical and nonclinical data needs. Leveraging
      electronic systems may yield improvements in public health practice. However,
      information is lacking regarding current usage patterns among LHDs. OBJECTIVE: To
      analyze clinical and nonclinical data storage and software types by LHDs. DESIGN:
      Data came from the 2015 Informatics Capacity and Needs Assessment Survey,
      conducted by Georgia Southern University in collaboration with the National
      Association of County and City Health Officials. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 324
      LHDs from all 50 states completed the survey (response rate: 50%). MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: Outcome measures included LHD's primary clinical service data system,
      nonclinical data system(s) used, and plans to adopt electronic clinical data
      system (if not already in use). Predictors of interest included jurisdiction size
      and governance type, and other informatics capacities within the LHD. Bivariate
      analyses were performed using chi and t tests. RESULTS: Up to 38.4% of LHDs
      reported using an electronic health record (EHR). Usage was common especially
      among LHDs that provide primary care and/or dental services. LHDs serving smaller
      populations and those with state-level governance were both less likely to use an
      EHR. Paper records were a common data storage approach for both clinical data
      (28.9%) and nonclinical data (59.4%). Among LHDs without an EHR, 84.7% reported
      implementation plans. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that LHDs are
      increasingly using EHRs as a clinical data storage solution and that more LHDs
      are likely to adopt EHRs in the foreseeable future. Yet use of paper records
      remains common. Correlates of electronic system usage emerged across a range of
      factors. Program- or system-specific needs may be barriers or facilitators to EHR
      adoption. Policy makers can tailor resources to address barriers specific to LHD
      size, governance, service portfolio, existing informatics capabilities, and other
      pertinent characteristics.

PMID- 27684616
TI  - Interoperability of Information Systems Managed and Used by the Local Health
      Departments.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the post-Affordable Care Act era marked by interorganizational
      collaborations and availability of large amounts of electronic data from other
      community partners, it is imperative to assess the interoperability of
      information systems used by the local health departments (LHDs). OBJECTIVES: To
      describe the level of interoperability of LHD information systems and identify
      factors associated with lack of interoperability. DATA AND METHODS: This mixed
      methods research uses data from the 2015 Informatics Capacity and Needs
      Assessment Survey, with a target population of all LHDs in the United States. A
      representative sample of 650 LHDs was drawn using a stratified random sampling
      design. A total of 324 completed responses were received (50% response rate).
      Qualitative data were used from a key informant interview study of LHD
      informatics staff from across the United States. Qualitative data were
      independently coded by 2 researchers and analyzed thematically. Survey data were
      cleaned, bivariate comparisons were conducted, and a multivariable logistic
      regression was run to characterize factors associated with interoperability.
      RESULTS: For 30% of LHDs, no systems were interoperable, and 38% of LHD
      respondents indicated some of the systems were interoperable. Significant
      determinants of interoperability included LHDs having leadership support
      (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.54), control of information technology budget
      allocation (AOR = 2.48), control of data systems (AOR = 2.31), having a strategic
      plan for information systems (AOR = 1.92), and existence of business process
      analysis and redesign (AOR = 1.49). CONCLUSION: Interoperability of all systems
      may be an informatics goal, but only a small proportion of LHDs reported having
      interoperable systems, pointing to a substantial need among LHDs nationwide.

PMID- 27684617
TI  - Local Health Departments' Partners and Challenges in Electronic Exchange of
      Health Information.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Unprecedented amounts of data are produced by the health care and
      other sectors, presenting opportunities for local health departments (LHDs) to
      access these data. LHDs will need to participate in health information exchange
      (HIE) with a number of partners in order to benefit from these data resources.
      LHDs' participation in HIEs with specific partners has not been studied.
      OBJECTIVES: To describe the level of and challenges in LHD participation in HIE
      with other partners, and variation by LHD population size and governance type.
      DATA AND METHODS: This research uses data from the 2015 Informatics Capacity and
      Needs Assessment Survey, with a target population of all LHDs in the United
      States. A representative sample of 650 LHDs was drawn using a stratified random
      sampling design. A total of 324 completed responses were received with a 50%
      response rate. Survey data were cleaned, and bivariate comparisons were conducted
      using chi and Somer's D. RESULTS: Substantial variation existed in LHDs'
      participation in HIE by type of exchange partner. Although 71% participated in
      HIE with the state departments of health, only 12% with jail/correctional health,
      14% with health or county-based purchasing plans, and 15% with home health
      agencies. Compared with large LHDs (jurisdiction populations of >=500 000),
      smaller LHDs were more likely to participate in HIE with state departments of
      health, but less likely with other exchange partners. The challenges to HIE
      participation were technological, and organizational/interorganizational in
      nature and variation existed by LHDs' population size and governance structure
      with respect to state authority. CONCLUSIONS: Local public health agencies more
      commonly participate in HIE with some partners, but may need to improve HIE with
      many others. National strategies targeting an increase in HIE of LHDs may use our
      findings to focus those initiatives.

PMID- 27684618
TI  - Assessing Skills and Capacity for Informatics: Activities Most Commonly Performed
      by or for Local Health Departments.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the informatics activities performed by and for local
      health departments. DESIGN: Analysis of data from the 2015 Informatics Capacity
      and Needs Assessment Survey of local health departments conducted by the Jiann
      Ping Hsu College of Public Health at Georgia Southern University in collaboration
      with the National Association of County & City Health Officials. PARTICIPANTS:
      324 local health departments. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Informatics activities
      performed at or for local health departments in use and analysis of data, system
      design, and routine use of information systems. RESULTS: A majority of local
      health departments extract data from information systems (69.5%) and use and
      interpret quantitative (66.4%) and qualitative (55.1%) data. Almost half use
      geographic information systems (45.0%) or statistical or other analytical
      software (39.7%). Local health departments were less likely to perform project
      management (35.8%), business process analysis and redesign (24.0%), and
      developing requirements for informatics system development (19.7%). Local health
      departments were most likely to maintain or modify content of a Web site (72.1%).
      A third of local health departments (35.8%) reported acting as "super users" for
      their information systems. A significantly higher proportion of local health
      departments serving larger jurisdictions (500 000+) and those with shared
      governance reported conducting informatics activities. CONCLUSION: Most local
      health department informatics activities are completed by local health department
      staff within each department or a central department, but many state health
      departments also contribute to informatics at the local level. Larger local
      health departments and those with shared governance were more likely to perform
      informatics activities. Local health departments need effective leadership, a
      skilled workforce, strong partnerships, and policies that foster implementation
      of health information systems to successfully engage in informatics. Local health
      departments also face important training needs, including data analytics, project
      management, and geographical information systems, so they can adapt to the
      increasing availability of electronic data and changes in technology.

PMID- 27684619
TI  - Public Health Staff Development Needs in Informatics: Findings From a National
      Survey of Local Health Departments.
AB  - CONTEXT: Public health practice is information-intensive and information-driven.
      Public health informatics is a nascent discipline, and most public health
      practitioners lack necessary skills in this area. OBJECTIVE: To describe the
      staff development needs of local health departments (LHDs) related to
      informatics. DESIGN: Data came from the 2015 Informatics Capacity and Needs
      Assessment Survey, conducted by Georgia Southern University in collaboration with
      the National Association of County & City Health Officials. PARTICIPANTS: A total
      of 324 LHDs from all 50 states completed the survey (response rate: 50%). MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Outcome measures included LHDs' specific staff development
      needs related to informatics. Predictors of interest included jurisdiction size
      and governance type. RESULTS: Areas of workforce development and improvement in
      informatics staff of LHDs included using and interpreting quantitative data,
      designing and running reports from information systems, using and interpreting
      qualitative data, using statistical or other analytical software, project
      management, and using geographical information systems. Significant variation in
      informatics training needs exists depending on the size of the LHD population and
      governance type. CONCLUSION: Substantial training needs exist for LHDs across
      many areas of informatics ranging from very basic to specialized skills and are
      related to the size of LHD population and governance type.

PMID- 27684620
TI  - Urgent Challenges for Local Public Health Informatics.

PMID- 27684621
TI  - Investigating Informatics Activity, Control, and Training Needs in Large, Medium,
      and Small Health Departments.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: A recent National Association of City & County Health Officials
      survey shed light on informatics workforce development needs. Local health
      departments (LHDs) of various jurisdictional sizes and control over informatics
      may differ on training needs and activity. Understanding the precise nature of
      this variation will allow stakeholders to appropriately develop workforce
      development tools to advance the field. OBJECTIVE: To understand the informatics
      training needs for LHDs of different jurisdictional sizes. METHODS: Survey
      responses were analyzed by comparing training needs and LHD population size.
      RESULTS: Larger health departments consistently reported having greater
      informatics-related capacity and informatics-related training needs. Quantitative
      data analysis was identified as a primary need for large LHDs. In addition, LHDs
      that report higher control of informatics/information technology were able to
      engage in more informatics activities. CONCLUSION: Smaller LHDs need additional
      resources to improve informatics-related capacity and engagement with the field.

PMID- 27684622
TI  - Assessment of Local Health Department Utility of Syndromic Surveillance: Results
      of the 2015 Biosurveillance Needs Assessment Survey.

PMID- 27684623
TI  - Workforce Competencies in Syndromic Surveillance Practice at Local Health
      Departments.
AB  - CONTEXT: As the science and practice of syndromic surveillance (SyS) evolve, it
      has increasing utility for public health surveillance at the local level. Local
      health departments (LHDs) require specific organizational and workforce
      capabilities to use SyS data. In 2013, more than half of the LHDs reported using
      SyS, although little has been reported about LHD workforce capabilities in SyS.
      OBJECTIVE: To conduct an assessment of self-reported knowledge and skills in SyS
      tasks to effectively target technical assistance to different levels of LHD need.
      DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A stratified sampling design based on LHD
      jurisdiction population and SyS status was employed. Data were drawn from the
      2015 Biosurveillance Needs Assessment Survey, which captured variables related to
      LHD use of SyS, management of systems, and self-reported proficiencies in a
      typology of SyS functionalities developed by a workgroup of subject matter
      experts in SyS. Respondents were US-based LHD public health practitioners.
      Estimation weights were applied during analysis to determine the national
      representation of the responses. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Respondents self-reported
      proficiency in 26 SyS tasks within 5 categories, analyzed by LHD jurisdiction
      size and respondents' years of SyS experience. RESULTS: SyS expertise varied
      widely across LHDs. Less than 50% of workers who have access to SyS demonstrated
      overall proficiency within any of the task areas: communication, data use, data
      analysis, quality monitoring and assurance, and system design and development.
      SyS users were strongest in data use tasks. Proficiency in SyS practice
      corresponded directly with respondents' years of SyS experience and the LHD
      jurisdiction size. CONCLUSION: SyS practitioners display a wide range of
      proficiencies both within and across SyS tasks. Considerable gaps in
      proficiencies of all areas of SyS practice indicate a need for technical
      assistance and knowledge dissemination to improve SyS practice as an important
      component of an LHD surveillance strategy.

PMID- 27684625
TI  - Informatics as a Strategic Priority and Collaborative Processes to Build a
      Smarter, Forward-Looking Health Department.

PMID- 27684624
TI  - Accomplishments and Opportunities in Biosurveillance.

PMID- 27684626
TI  - Using Information Systems to Improve a Mid-Sized Local Health Department's
      Effectiveness in a Time of Rapid Change.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Informatics capacity building is resource and personnel intensive.
      Many local health departments (LHDs) face tradeoffs between using their resources
      to carry out existing mandates and using resources to build their capacity, for
      example, through informatics, to deliver essential services in a more effective
      and efficient manner. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this case study is to describe
      how a mid-sized LHD built and used information systems to support its strategic
      objectives, clinical services, and surveillance. METHODS: The mid-sized LHD
      described here was chosen for its "best practices" in informatics capacity
      building and use by NACCHO's study advisory committee. To conduct the case study,
      authors reviewed departmental documents and conducted semistructured interviews
      with key informants in the agency. Interviews were recorded, transcribed,
      thematically coded, and analyzed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Findings from the case
      study suggest that including capacity building in informatics as a strategic
      priority is one of the most effective ways to ensure that informatics are
      assessed, updated, and included in resource decisions. Leadership at all levels
      is critical to the successful implementation of informatics as is proactive
      partnership with community partners who have overlapping goals. The efficiency
      and effectiveness of LHDs rely on informatics capacity, especially when resources
      are challenged.

PMID- 27684627
TI  - The Methods Behind 2015 Informatics Capacity and Needs Assessment Study.
AB  - The 2015 Informatics Needs and Capacity of Local Health Departments (LHDs) survey
      is the most recent comprehensive source of quantitative data on LHD informatics.
      Conducted by the National Association of County & City Health Officials (NACCHO),
      this is the third nationally representative quantitative study of LHD informatics
      since 2009. The previous 2 comprehensive quantitative assessments were conducted
      by NACCHO in 2009-2010 and 2011. Given that public health informatics is rapidly
      evolving, the 2015 Informatics survey is a much-needed country-wide assessment of
      the current informatics needs and capacities of LHDs. This article outlines
      detailed methodology used in the 2015 Informatics survey, including instrument
      development, pretesting, sampling design and sample size, survey administration,
      and sampling weights. A 9-member advisory committee representing federal, state,
      and local health agency representatives guided the design and implementation of
      this study. The survey instrument was organized into 6 topic areas: demographics,
      physical infrastructure, skills and capacity available, public health workforce
      development needs, electronic health records, and health information exchange.
      The instrument was pretested with a sample of 20 LHDs and subsequently pilot
      tested with 30 LHDs. The survey was administered via the Qualtrics survey
      software to the sample of 650 LHDs, selected using stratified random sampling.
      The survey was fielded for approximately 8 weeks and 324 usable responses were
      received, constituting a response rate of 50%. Statistical weights were developed
      to account for 3 factors: (a) disproportionate response rate by population size
      (using 7 population strata), (b) oversampling of LHDs with larger population
      sizes, and

PMID- 27684628
TI  - An Iterative, Low-Cost Strategy to Building Information Systems Allows a Small
      Jurisdiction Local Health Department to Increase Efficiencies and Expand
      Services.
AB  - OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: The objective of this case study was to describe the
      process and outcomes of a small local health department's (LHD's) strategy to
      build and use information systems. The case study is based on a review of
      documents and semi-structured interviews with key informants in the Pomperaug
      District Health Department. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, coded, and
      analyzed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The case study here suggests that small LHDs
      can use a low-resource, incremental strategy to build information systems for
      improving departmental effectiveness and efficiency. Specifically, we suggest
      that the elements for this department's success were simple information systems,
      clear vision, consistent leadership, and the involvement, training, and support
      of staff.

PMID- 27684629
TI  - Factors Influencing Quality of Life Six Months after a First-Ever Ischemic
      Stroke: Focus on Thrombolyzed Patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This prospective follow-up study aimed to identify sociodemographic
      and clinical factors that may affect the quality of life (QoL) of patients with
      acute ischemic stroke during a 6-month follow-up. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In the
      acute phase, sociodemographic and clinical data were collected using the National
      Institute of Health Stroke Scale, Barthel Index, and modified Rankin Scale. QoL
      was assessed with the Stroke and Aphasia Quality of Life Scale-39 6 months after
      stroke. RESULTS: QoL was evaluated in 64 patients (aged 45-81 years) with a first
      ever ischemic stroke. Thrombolytic therapy was given to 80% of the patients.
      Stroke severity, dependence in activities of daily living, degree of handicap,
      and length of hospitalization were associated with QoL. QoL was not associated
      with age, gender, marital status, or years of education. CONCLUSION: In this
      study, most patients were treated with thrombolysis, and QoL results resembled
      those of earlier studies on patients without thrombolysis. Despite good physical
      recovery, the patients reported impairments in QoL. QoL assessments can give
      clinicians a more holistic picture of stroke recovery from the patient's
      perspective.

PMID- 27684630
TI  - Co-culture of Living Microbiome with Microengineered Human Intestinal Villi in a
      Gut-on-a-Chip Microfluidic Device.
AB  - Here, we describe a protocol to perform long-term co-culture of multi-species
      human gut microbiome with microengineered intestinal villi in a human gut-on-a
      chip microphysiological device. We recapitulate the intestinal lumen-capillary
      tissue interface in a microfluidic device, where physiological mechanical
      deformations and fluid shear flow are constantly applied to mimic peristalsis. In
      the lumen microchannel, human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells are cultured to
      form a 'germ-free' villus epithelium and regenerate small intestinal villi. Pre
      cultured microbial cells are inoculated into the lumen side to establish a host
      microbe ecosystem. After microbial cells adhere to the apical surface of the
      villi, fluid flow and mechanical deformations are resumed to produce a steady
      state microenvironment in which fresh culture medium is constantly supplied and
      unbound bacteria (as well as bacterial wastes) are continuously removed. After
      extended co-culture from days to weeks, multiple microcolonies are found to be
      randomly located between the villi, and both microbial and epithelial cells
      remain viable and functional for at least one week in culture. Our co-culture
      protocol can be adapted to provide a versatile platform for other host-microbiome
      ecosystems that can be found in various human organs, which may facilitate in
      vitro study of the role of human microbiome in orchestrating health and disease.

PMID- 27684631
TI  - The Value of Traditions New and Old.

PMID- 27684632
TI  - The Effect of Warm Water Intake on Bowel Movements in the Early Postoperative
      Stage of Patients Having Undergone Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Randomized
      Controlled Trial.
AB  - This study was aimed at determining the effect of oral administration of warm
      water during the postoperative initial stage on the time of first flatus in
      patients who had undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In the literature, it is
      emphasized that warm water has favorable effects on intestinal movements such as
      "reliving gastrointestinal spasms and helping peristalsis return." This
      randomized controlled trial and experimental study was conducted in a university
      hospital between May and December 2011. In the study sample, we included a total
      of 60 patients; 30 were in the experimental group (drank warm water), while the
      other 30 composed the control group. Patients were randomized through a simple
      random sampling method. The experimental group was provided with 200 ml of warm
      water at 98.6 degrees F (37 degrees C) in the fourth postoperative hour and were
      made to drink it within 15 minutes. Patients received no oral intake other than
      warm water until the eighth postoperative hour. The oral feeding of both groups
      started in the eighth postoperative hour with fluids and soft food. They shifted
      to the normal diet as tolerated. In the analysis of the data and percentage
      numbers, chi-square test and Fisher's exact test, Student's t test, Mann-Whitney
      U test, Kruskal-Wallis variance, and correlation analysis were used. The results
      of the data were considered reliable and statistically significant when they were
      in the reliability interval of 95% and p < .05. No significant differences were
      found between the patients in the experimental and control groups in terms of
      demographic features, bowel habits, surgery durations, postoperative
      applications, nausea/vomiting conditions, and initial mobilization times (p >
      .05). Groups were homogeneously distributed. Flatus expulsion in the experimental
      group was 11 +/- 4.2 hours and was determined to be 18.6 +/- 6 hours for patients
      in the control group (p < .05); in contrast, no significant difference was
      detected in terms of the times of stool defecation (p > .05). It was determined
      that warm water intake in the fourth postoperative hour significantly decreased
      the first flatus expulsion period and had a favorable impact on intestinal
      movements. 

PMID- 27684633
TI  - Comparison of Rectal and Esophageal Sensitivity in Women With Functional
      Heartburn.
AB  - This study tested the primary hypothesis that there is a correlation of maximum
      pain threshold (MPT) in the esophagus and rectum in persons with functional
      heartburn. Secondary aims evaluated correlations with initial perception
      threshold (IPT) and pain threshold (PT). This study explored objective sensory
      endpoints of IPT, PT, and MPT in the esophagus and rectum of 14 females with
      functional heartburn to determine whether visceral hypersensitivity is
      generalized or organ-specific. Data on volume and pressure measurements at IPT,
      PT, and MPT with esophageal and rectal barostat distention were collected. The
      relationship of sensation and pain to volume, pressure, and compliance was
      analyzed. Esophageal and rectal IPT balloon volume scores were highly and
      significantly correlated (r = .61, p = .02). Esophageal and rectal PT balloon
      volume scores were highly and significantly correlated (r = .6, p = .02).
      Esophageal and rectal MPT balloon volume scores were not correlated (r = .35, p =
      .26). The correlation of visceral sensitivity in the esophagus and rectum in
      persons with functional heartburn supports the hypothesis that visceral sensory
      changes in functional gastrointestinal disorders are not organ specific. 

PMID- 27684634
TI  - The Effects of a Self-Care Program on the Severity of Symptoms and Quality of
      Life of Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
AB  - Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic disease that needs special self-care
      strategies. The current study aimed at determining the effects of a self-care
      program on the severity of symptoms and quality of life of patients with IBS. In
      this randomized controlled clinical trial, 119 patients were randomly assigned to
      the experimental (n = 60) and control (n = 59) groups. Patients in both groups
      received the usual treatment of IBS by a gastroenterologist. The control group
      did not receive any intervention, whereas the experimental group was trained in
      the self-care program. The process of implementing the self-care program included
      designing and determining the content validity of the self-care training package,
      individual training, the first follow-up call, group training, and the second
      follow-up call. The instruments for collecting data were IBS-Quality of Life and
      IBS-Symptom Severity Scale. Two sets of evaluations (before and 2 months after
      the intervention) were done for both groups. The data were analyzed using SPSS
      software, Version 16. The results showed that there was not a significant
      difference between the two groups in the severity of symptoms and quality of life
      before the intervention (p > .05); however, the 2 groups were significantly
      different after the intervention (p < .0001). Implementation of the self-care
      program resulted in the improvement of quality of life and reduction in the
      symptom severity in the experimental group after the intervention (p < .0001),
      whereas no significant changes were observed in the control group (p > .05).
      Hence, the data supports that self-care program was effective in improving the
      quality of life and reducing the severity of symptoms in patients with IBS. 

PMID- 27684635
TI  - Supportive Communication to Facilitate Chinese Patients' Adaptation to a
      Permanent Colostomy: A Qualitative Case Study Approach.
AB  - This study, which is a part of action research, aims to explore how supportive
      communication can impact individuals' adaptation to a permanent colostomy in a
      Chinese cultural context. Two Chinese rectal cancer patients with complexity and
      difficulty in living with a permanent colostomy were selected using a qualitative
      case study approach. The researcher (H.T.) interacted with the participants along
      their journey from the preoperative period until the third postoperative month
      after discharge via face-to-face or telephone interviews. Content analysis was
      applied. Supportive communication was characterized by "communication as a
      supportive tool," which consisted of 4 elements: respect, description, empathy,
      and empowerment. The nursing strategies included (1) developing a collaborative
      relationship with patients and families; (2) understanding patients' concerns and
      problems; (3) discussing potential solutions; (4) encouraging patients to take
      action; (5) bringing out emotional expression; (6) normalizing negative emotions;
      and (7) protecting hope. The findings of this study informed that supportive
      communication is a valuable tool for nurses to provide informational and
      emotional support to Chinese patients in order to enhance their adaptation to
      living with a permanent colostomy. Developing an operational manual to enhance
      supportive communication for patients with colostomy is suggested. 

PMID- 27684636
TI  - Clinical Application of Prophylactic Ethanol Lock Therapy in Pediatric Patients
      With Intestinal Failure.
AB  - Patients with intestinal failure have an increased risk for catheter-related
      bloodstream infections that can necessitate central venous line replacement and
      result in morbidity, prolonged hospitalization, or mortality. For pediatric
      patients with intestinal failure, the severe loss of intestinal absorptive
      ability leads to reliance on parenteral nutrition to meet minimal needs required
      for growth and development. Reliance on parenteral nutrition, in turn, forces
      dependency on central venous lines. Recent research concentrating on the
      pediatric population with intestinal failure indicates that prophylactic ethanol
      lock therapy can reduce the rate of catheter-related bloodstream infections and
      decrease central venous line removal rates in this high-risk population.
      Prevention of catheter-related bloodstream infections is critical for patients
      with intestinal failure. Ethanol lock therapy policies and protocols are
      increasingly being developed in healthcare institutions. Despite these efforts,
      no standard guidelines currently exist for ethanol lock therapy, and research in
      this area, specifically involving the pediatric population, is limited. This
      article presents the evidence to date as a means for assisting nursing
      professionals to make informed clinical decisions regarding the use of ethanol
      lock therapy for pediatric patients with intestinal failure. 

PMID- 27684637
TI  - Evaluation of a Self-Management Program for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in
      China.
AB  - Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a chronic disease with a high incidence
      worldwide. The various symptoms have substantial impact on the quality of life of
      affected individuals. A long-term self-management program can increase the
      ability of patients to make behavioral changes, and health outcomes can improve
      as a consequence. This study's aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of a self
      management program for gastroesophageal reflux disease. A total of 115 patients
      with gastroesophageal reflux disease were allocated to the experimental group and
      the control group. The former received self-management intervention along with
      conventional drug therapy, whereas the latter received standard outpatient care
      and conventional drug therapy. After the clinical trial, the control group also
      received the same self-management intervention. The levels of self-management
      behaviors, self-efficacy, gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms, and
      psychological condition were compared. Those in the experimental group
      demonstrated significantly higher self-efficacy for managing their illness,
      showed positive changes in self-management behaviors, and had comparatively
      better remission of symptoms and improvement in psychological distress. The
      program helped patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease self-manage their
      illness as possible. 

PMID- 27684638
TI  - GASTROINTESTINAL STROMAL TUMOR IN A YOUNG MAN WITH SEVERE HEMATEMESIS: A CASE
      STUDY.

PMID- 27684639
TI  - ENDOSCOPIC OR SURGICAL INTERVENTION FOR PAINFUL OBSTRUCTIVE CHRONIC PANCREATITIS.

PMID- 27684640
TI  - STANDARDS OF INFECTION PREVENTION IN REPROCESSING FLEXIBLE GASTROINTESTINAL
      ENDOSCOPES.

PMID- 27684642
TI  - Influenza Vaccination Coverage Among Health Care Personnel - United States, 2015
      16 Influenza Season.
AB  - The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends annual influenza
      vaccination for all health care personnel to reduce influenza-related morbidity
      and mortality among both health care personnel and their patients (1-4). To
      estimate influenza vaccination coverage among U.S. health care personnel for the
      2015-16 influenza season, CDC conducted an opt-in Internet panel survey of 2,258
      health care personnel during March 28-April 14, 2016. Overall, 79.0% of survey
      participants reported receiving an influenza vaccination during the 2015-16
      season, similar to the 77.3% coverage reported for the 2014-15 season (5).
      Coverage in long-term care settings increased by 5.3 percentage points compared
      with the previous season. Vaccination coverage continued to be higher among
      health care personnel working in hospitals (91.2%) and lower among health care
      personnel working in ambulatory (79.8%) and long-term care settings (69.2%).
      Coverage continued to be highest among physicians (95.6%) and lowest among
      assistants and aides (64.1%), and highest overall among health care personnel who
      were required by their employer to be vaccinated (96.5%). Among health care
      personnel working in settings where vaccination was neither required, promoted,
      nor offered onsite, vaccination coverage continued to be low (44.9%). An
      increased percentage of health care personnel reporting a vaccination requirement
      or onsite vaccination availability compared with earlier influenza seasons might
      have contributed to the overall increase in vaccination coverage during the past
      6 influenza seasons. 

PMID- 27684643
TI  - The Trade-off Between Speed and Safety in Drug Approvals.

PMID- 27684644
TI  - Identified key genes related to carotid atheroma plaque from gene expression
      chip.
AB  - As one of the leading reason in morbidity and death in the world, atherosclerosis
      is usually associated with vessel stenosis, ulceration, and inflammatory cell
      infiltration. However, the formation mechanism of atheroma plaque is unknown. In
      this research, we have used bioinformatics tools to identify 118 differential
      expression genes from a GEO dataset. Besides, we also revealed KYNU as a crucial
      gene in atheroma plaque development.

PMID- 27684645
TI  - Investing Wisely in Health Care Capital.

PMID- 27684646
TI  - Experience theory, or How desserts are like losses.
AB  - Although many experiments have explored risk preferences for money, few have
      systematically assessed risk preferences for everyday experiences. We propose a
      conceptual model and provide convergent evidence from 7 experiments to suggest
      that, in contrast to a typical "zero" reference point for choices on money,
      reference points for choices of experiences are set at more extreme outcomes,
      leading to concave utility for negative experiences but convex utility for
      positive experiences. As a result, people are more risk-averse for negative
      experiences such as disgusting foods-as for monetary gains-but more risk-seeking
      for positive experiences such as desserts-as for monetary losses. These risk
      preferences for experiences are robust to different methods of elicitation.
      (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27684647
TI  - From disruptive to standard - making next-generation sequencing reliable: an
      interview with Christophe Roos.

PMID- 27684649
TI  - Emotion regulation strategies in daily life: mindfulness, cognitive reappraisal
      and emotion suppression.
AB  - Most empirical studies of emotion regulation have relied on retrospective trait
      measures, and have not examined the link between daily regulatory strategies and
      every day emotional well-being. We used a daily diary methodology with multilevel
      modelling data analyses (n = 187) to examine the influence of three emotion
      regulation strategies (mindfulness, cognitive reappraisal and emotion
      suppression) on the experience of daily negative and positive affect. Our results
      suggested that daily mindfulness was associated with lower negative and higher
      positive affect whereas the converse pattern was found for daily emotion
      suppression; cognitive reappraisal was related to daily positive, but not
      negative affect. When daily mindfulness, suppression and reappraisal were
      included in the same models, these strategies predicted unique variance in
      emotional well-being. Random slope analyses revealed substantial variability in
      the utility of these strategies. Indeed the presumably "adaptive" cognitive
      reappraisal strategy seemed to confer no benefit to the regulation of negative
      affect in approximately half the sample. Additional analyses revealed that age
      moderates the effect of cognitive reappraisal on daily negative affect: Higher
      use of reappraisal was associated with more negative affect for adolescents (aged
      17 to 19) but became associated with less negative affect with increasing age. We
      interpret these results in line with a contextual view of emotion regulation
      where no strategy is inherently "good" or "bad".

PMID- 27684648
TI  - Multicenter immunoassay validation of cerebrospinal fluid neurofilament light: a
      biomarker for neurodegeneration.
AB  - AIM: Neurofilament light (NfL) chain, a putative cerebrospinal fluid biomarker,
      can support neurodegenerative disease diagnosis and indicate disease severity and
      prognosis. Universal validation protocols when used to measure biomarkers can
      reduce pre and analytical laboratory variation, thus increasing end-user
      confidence in the consistency of validation data across sites. METHODOLOGY: Here,
      a commercially available NfL ELISA (UmanDiagnostics, Umea, Sweden) was validated
      in a multicentered setting using comprehensive newly developed standard operating
      procedures. RESULTS: The data showed good assay sensitivity and intra and
      interassay precision. Interlaboratory precision was, however, suboptimal.
      CONCLUSION: The UmanDiagnostics assay is suitable for the quantification of NfL
      in human cerebrospinal fluid. However, sources of interlaboratory variation in
      the data require further investigation.

PMID- 27684651
TI  - Triangulated Proxy Reporting: a technique for improving how communication
      partners come to know people with severe cognitive impairment.
AB  - PURPOSE: This paper explains and demonstrates the pilot application of
      Triangulated Proxy Reporting (TPR); a practical technique for enhancing
      communication around people who have severe cognitive impairment (SCI). METHODS
      AND RESULTS: An introduction explains SCI and how this impacts on communication;
      and consequently on quality of care and quality of life. This is followed by an
      explanation of TPR and its origins in triangulation research techniques. An
      illustrative vignette explicates its utility and value in a group home for a
      resident with profound multiple disabilities. The Discussion and Conclusion
      sections propose the wider application of TPR for different cohorts of people
      with SCIs, their communication partners and service providers. CONCLUSIONS: TPR
      presents as a practical technique for enhancing communication interactions with
      people who have SCI. The paper demonstrates the potential of the technique for
      improving engagement amongst those with profound multiple disabilities, severe
      acquired brain injury and advanced dementia and their partners in and across
      different care settings. Implications for Rehabilitation Triangulated Proxy
      Reporting (TPR) shows potential to improve communications between people with
      severe cognitive impairments and their communication partners. TPR can lead to
      improved quality of care and quality of life for people with profound multiple
      disabilities, very advanced dementia and severe acquired brain injury, who
      otherwise are very difficult to support. TPR is a relatively simple and
      inexpensive technique that service providers can incorporate into practice to
      improving communications between clients with severe cognitive impairments, their
      carers and other support professionals.

PMID- 27684650
TI  - Androgen Receptor Involvement in Rat Amelogenesis: An Additional Way for
      Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals to Affect Enamel Synthesis.
AB  - Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that interfere with the steroid axis can
      affect amelogenesis, leading to enamel hypomineralization similar to that of
      molar incisor hypomineralization, a recently described enamel disease. We
      investigated the sex steroid receptors that may mediate the effects of EDCs
      during rat amelogenesis. The expression of androgen receptor (AR), estrogen
      receptor (ER)-alpha, and progesterone receptor was dependent on the stage of
      ameloblast differentiation, whereas ERbeta remained undetectable. AR was the only
      receptor selectively expressed in ameloblasts involved in final enamel
      mineralization. AR nuclear translocation and induction of androgen-responsive
      element-containing promoter activity upon T treatment, demonstrated ameloblast
      responsiveness to androgens. T regulated the expression of genes involved in
      enamel mineralization such as KLK4, amelotin, SLC26A4, and SLC5A8 but not the
      expression of genes encoding matrix proteins, which determine enamel thickness.
      Vinclozolin and to a lesser extent bisphenol A, two antiandrogenic EDCs that
      cause enamel defects, counteracted the actions of T. In conclusion, we show, for
      the first time, the following: 1) ameloblasts express AR; 2) the androgen
      signaling pathway is involved in the enamel mineralization process; and 3) EDCs
      with antiandrogenic effects inhibit AR activity and preferentially affect
      amelogenesis in male rats. Their action, through the AR pathway, may specifically
      and irreversibly affect enamel, potentially leading to the use of dental defects
      as a biomarker of exposure to environmental pollutants. These results are
      consistent with the steroid hormones affecting ameloblasts, raising the issue of
      the hormonal influence on amelogenesis and possible sexual dimorphism in enamel
      quality.

PMID- 27684652
TI  - Diffusible signal factor-dependent quorum sensing in pathogenic bacteria and its
      exploitation for disease control.
AB  - Cell-to-cell signals of the diffusible signal factor (DSF) family are cis-2
      unsaturated fatty acids of differing chain length and branching pattern. DSF
      signalling has been described in diverse bacteria to include plant and human
      pathogens where it acts to regulate functions such as biofilm formation,
      antibiotic tolerance and the production of virulence factors. DSF family signals
      can also participate in interspecies signalling with other bacteria and
      interkingdom signalling such as with the yeast Candida albicans. Interference
      with DSF signalling may afford new opportunities for the control of bacterial
      disease. Such strategies will depend in part on detailed knowledge of the
      molecular mechanisms underlying the processes of signal synthesis, perception and
      turnover. Here, I review both recent progress in understanding DSF signalling at
      the molecular level and prospects for translating this knowledge into approaches
      for disease control.

PMID- 27684655
TI  - 'All the evidence points to a severe nursing shortage, but still government
      departments insist there is no crisis'.
AB  - Personnel managers in three NHS regions have set up taskforces to tackle the
      recruitment crisis which has hit the nursing profession. Birmingham went on
      'yellow alert' last month, not because of a shortage of money or beds, but
      because there weren't enough nurses. Successive reports throughout the year have
      highlighted the need for skilled staff in intensive care, theatres and neonatal
      care. It is now estimated that some L8 million is spent in trying to recruit
      nurses.'All the evidence points to a severe nursing shortage, hut still
      government departments insist there is no crisis.'

PMID- 27684654
TI  - Premorbid adjustment in individuals at ultra-high risk for developing psychosis:
      a case-control study.
AB  - AIM: Deterioration in premorbid adjustment is related to ultra-high risk (UHR)
      individuals developing psychosis, but it has not been examined how UHR
      individuals' development differs compared to healthy controls. This study
      investigates differences in premorbid adjustment between UHR individuals and a
      healthy control group. METHOD: A total of 48 UHR individuals and 50 healthy
      controls matched on group level for age, gender and parents' socio-economic
      status were included in the study. Both groups were assessed with the Premorbid
      Adjustment Scale (PAS). Based on the PAS scores, composite social and academic
      scales were computed. RESULTS: Compared to the healthy controls the UHR
      individuals' social and academic premorbid adjustment declined across age
      periods. Social premorbid adjustment declined particularly between late
      adolescence and adulthood. Academic premorbid adjustment declined particularly
      between childhood and early adolescence. The UHR individuals had more premorbid
      adjustment difficulties on both the social and academic scale, and on the
      individual PAS scales. CONCLUSION: From childhood UHR individuals have lower
      levels of social and academic premorbid adjustment compared to healthy controls,
      and the difficulties increase with age. As such, social and academic premorbid
      adjustment could be an important focus for early intervention.

PMID- 27684653
TI  - When to perform preoperative chest computed tomography for renal cancer staging.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To provide objective criteria for preoperative staging chest computed
      tomography (CT) in patients diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) because, in
      the absence of established indications, the decision for preoperative chest CT
      remains subjective. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 1 946 patients undergoing
      surgical treatment of RCC, whose data were collected in a prospective
      institutional database, were assessed. The outcome of the study was presence of
      pulmonary metastases at staging chest CT. A multivariable logistic regression
      model predicting positive chest CT was fitted. Predictors consisted of
      preoperative clinical tumour (cT) and nodal (cN) stage, presence of systemic
      symptoms and platelet count (PLT)/haemoglobin (Hb) ratio. RESULTS: The rate of
      positive chest CT was 6% (n = 119). At multivariable logistic regression, >=cT1b,
      cN1, systemic symptoms and Hb/PLT ratio were all associated with higher risk of
      positive chest CT (all P < 0.001). After 2000-sample bootstrap validation, the
      concordance index was found to be 0.88. At decision-curve analysis, the net
      benefit of the proposed strategy was superior to the select-all and select-none
      strategies. Accordingly, if chest CT had been performed when the risk of a
      positive result was >1%, a negative chest CT would have been spared in 37% of the
      population and a positive chest CT would have been missed in 0.2% of the
      population only. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed strategy estimates the risk of
      positive chest CT at RCC staging with optimum accuracy and the results were
      statistically and clinically relevant. The findings of the present study support
      a recommendation for chest CT in patients with >=cT1b, cN1, systemic symptoms or
      anaemia and thrombocythemia. Conversely, in patients with cT1a, cN0 without
      systemic symptoms, anaemia and thrombocythemia, chest CT could be omitted.

PMID- 27684656
TI  - ?
AB  - Sign of the times: a temporary staff agency in London's Oxford Street responds to
      recent evidence that nurses are leaving the profession to take up administrative
      posts.

PMID- 27684657
TI  - Dorrell says pay dispute worthwhile.
AB  - Health secretary Stephen Dorrell insists the nine month 1995 pay dispute was
      worth the effort, despite almost all nurses receiving exactly the same increase.

PMID- 27684658
TI  - Nurse shortages across the UK as holiday season approaches.
AB  - Trusts are bracing themselves for a new year of nursing shortages as recruitment
      problems spread from specialties into general nursing and from London to the rest
      of the UK.

PMID- 27684660
TI  - Concern over increase in injuries due to wheelie bins.
AB  - Nurses in West Yorkshire are dealing with a new health hazard - fractures caused
      by the use of wheelie bins.

PMID- 27684661
TI  - Cumberlege criticises TV programme for 'alarmist' report on cot death.
AB  - Junior health minister Baroness Cumberlege has slammed the TV programme The Cook
      Report as 'alarmist' after experts found no link between cot deaths and the
      emission of toxic gases from cot mattresses.

PMID- 27684662
TI  - ?
AB  - The Health Education Authority has launched a campaign aimed at encouraging women
      not to smoke during pregnancy after its researchers found 29 per cent of pregnant
      women do not give up.

PMID- 27684663
TI  - Industrial action closer as Scottish trust insists on changes to grades.
AB  - Nurses ac a community and mental health trust were preparing for a Christmas
      dispute over management plans to make sweeping changes to grades and staffing.

PMID- 27684664
TI  - Unions meet government over final details of 1995 pay deal.
AB  - A consensus to end the prolonged negotiations over the 1995 nurses' pay award was
      being discussed as Nursing Standard went to press.

PMID- 27684665
TI  - ?
AB  - Walking tall: Two casualties of land-mines in Afghanistan learning to walk with
      artificial limbs, pictured in the The State of the World's Children, the 50th
      anniversary report of UNICEF. More than I million people have been killed by
      exploding landmines since 1975, with 800 civilians dying each month.

PMID- 27684667
TI  - RCN tells 'Scrooge' trusts to pay up.
AB  - The Royal College of Nursing has accused 'Scrooge' trusts of spoiling Christmas
      for nurses by refusing to offer them a fair pay award.

PMID- 27684668
TI  - Plans to cut spending on red tape receive mixed response.
AB  - Government plans to slash L130 million from the health service management bill
      have received a mixed welcome from nursing unions.

PMID- 27684669
TI  - Liberal democrats claim health cuts are likely.
AB  - Government claims to have increased health spending for 1995-6 by 0.6 per cent
      'in real terms', in line with the Conservatives' 1992 manifesto pledge, are
      misleading, the Liberal Democrats have said.

PMID- 27684670
TI  - NHS employers' bodies to change.
AB  - The two main organisations representing NHS employers are set to be disbanded and
      replaced by two new bodies.

PMID- 27684671
TI  - Patient deaths in mental hospitals 'not investigated'.
AB  - A third of the deaths of patients detained under the Mental Health Act are never
      investigated, a report from the Mental Health Foundation charity claims.

PMID- 27684674
TI  - Primary care nurses' role in continence.
AB  - Brief training for primary care nurses in assessment and management of
      incontinence can have long term benefits for women, researchers report.

PMID- 27684672
TI  - Efficacy of smoking cessation strategies.
AB  - Neither high-dose nicotine replacement therapy nor intensive counselling seem to
      increase smoking cessation rates beyond those of lower doses and brief
      counselling.

PMID- 27684673
TI  - Stress adversely affects wound healing.
AB  - Psychological stress can adversely affect wound healing, which could have
      important clinical implications, according to researchers from Ohio.

PMID- 27684675
TI  - Nurses' stress caring for organ donors.
AB  - Nurses caring for organ donors and their families want stress debriefing sessions
      and more education on grief and coping theories, according to a nurse researcher.

PMID- 27684676
TI  - Review of the year 1995.

PMID- 27684677
TI  - Traumas and tests in the great outdoors.
AB  - There I was, abseiling down a 60ft: cliff to rescue a critically injured
      geologist while three RAF fighter jets screamed overhead - and I was earning 30
      Continuing Education points at the same time.

PMID- 27684678
TI  - Express delivery.
AB  - It is against the law in this country for anyone other than a midwife or a
      registered medical practitioner to contract with a woman to deliver her baby ( 1
      ). It is not unknown, however, for babies to arrive suddenly, without allowing
      enough time for the midwife to arrive or the woman to get to a hospital in time
      for the contract to be fulfilled. It is only in a case of sudden or urgent
      necessity' that an exception is made.

PMID- 27684679
TI  - The challenge of change.
AB  - The Nursing Update learning unit and six weekly articles in the Continuing
      Education series which comprise the third Clinical Practice and Management Awards
      series are all on management topics and are presented in relation to clinical
      cameos. The aim is to help nurses in clinical practice understand management, an
      approach which enables nurses and managers to work together to achieve the best
      practice within the available resources.

PMID- 27684680
TI  - How to use instant relaxation methods.
AB  - Nurses are only too familiar with the stress component of illness. The need to
      soothe a patient's fears and relieve the anxiety which invariably accompanies
      illness of any sort is well recognised. Many nurses have also studied methods of
      relieving stress including cognitive restructuring, social skills and relaxation
      training.

PMID- 27684681
TI  - Introducing training for care assistants.
AB  - National vocational qualifications (NVQs) are based upon national standards
      determined by representatives from employer organisations, unions, and education
      and training providers. The framework for NVQs is centred on the assumption that
      students gain knowledge and experience which makes them competent to carry out
      their role. NVQs are, therefore, composed of a number of units of competence. The
      units contain performance criteria against which the candidate is assessed and
      they also outline the knowledge that the candidate is expected to demonstrate.

PMID- 27684682
TI  - Bionursing: signs 3 of iron deficiency.
AB  - In the ninth article in our series on bionursing, the authors explain bow an undo
      standing of physiology can help nurses to identify the common signs and symptoms
      of iron deficiency and ensure patients receive prompt and appropriate treatment.

PMID- 27684684
TI  - Happy in a challenging job.
AB  - Many articles in the nursing press focus on dissatisfaction. But I am in the
      fortunate position of enjoying my job. I work as a research nurse for an
      intensive care unit specialising in areas such as acute liver failure, liver
      transplant, acute renal failure, paediatrics and acute respiratory distress
      syndrome.

PMID- 27684683
TI  - Time for some real answers on flu jab.
AB  - Is anyone else concerned about the flu vaccine and its promotion?

PMID- 27684685
TI  - Principles behind good communication.
AB  - Every nurse appreciates the importance of good communication. The job relies on
      it. Not long ago it was about building relationships with colleagues, patients
      and their relatives to ensure good care. Now the advent of the purchaser/provider
      arrangement and the marketing of service in the NHS has changed that.

PMID- 27684686
TI  - Running a nursing home - hard work and little money.
AB  - What an excellent article 'Nursing home nightmare' was (Viewpoint November 22).
      What a shame the author preferred to remain anonymous. It is true that market
      competition means nursing home owners do not confide in each other or leak
      information to the lcxal press, but it is high time they did.

PMID- 27684687
TI  - Freemasons are good citizens too.
AB  - In his letter 'Masonry viewed as anti-Christian' (Letters November 15), Dr Killey
      shows that he does not know much about Freemasonry.

PMID- 27684688
TI  - Don't misrepresent counsellors.
AB  - I would like to protest at the way counselling and counsellors are sometimes
      portrayed. A case in point was the November 15 cover of Nursing Standard.

PMID- 27684689
TI  - Consultants must begin to change.
AB  - I agree with your article about nurses and junior doctors' hours when it says
      consultants must change (Beat the Clock, Features December 6).

PMID- 27684690
TI  - Nursing standard a hit among younger readers!
AB  - Since the age of two my daughter Lynette has shown a great interest in my work as
      a staff nurse and enjoyed coming to visit me at my work as much as possible.

PMID- 27684691
TI  - First aid, not life support.
AB  - I was disappointed by 'Training which saves lives' (Newsfile November 29), in
      which the writer portrays Andrew Kent as a pioneer in training firefighters in
      advanced life support. How can this man, in a matter of days, train anyone in
      advanced life support?

PMID- 27684693
TI  - Down memory lane.
AB  - Doing battle with the off-duty - and the staff who all want to work the same
      shifts.

PMID- 27684692
TI  - Round the reforms.

PMID- 27684694
TI  - The gospel truth.
AB  - Christmas proved something of a public relations disaster for King I lerod. For
      2,000 years his reaction to news of the birth of the King of the Jews has been
      condemned as impetuous and a trifle excessive.

PMID- 27684695
TI  - Conference characters.
AB  - The nursing' conference has become a year- round fixture. At one time,
      conferences were limited to that slot in summer known as the 'sillyseason'. Now
      you can go to one every week. The titles cover every subject known to nursing,
      from acupressure to underwater birthing, from politics to esoteric nursing
      theory, but there are a number of features common to all. For example, there are
      the conference titles. No organiser likes to limit the speakers and this leads to
      noncommittal conference titles, such as Nursing Towards 2000 and Health Care: The
      Way Forward.

PMID- 27684696
TI  - Fair provision.
AB  - With winter's arrival my thoughts turn to those affected by sickle cell
      disorders. One of the most common problems for people suffering from this
      inherited blood disorder is the painful 'crisis' that accounts for over 90 per
      cent of their admissions to hospital and which can be triggered by cold weather.

PMID- 27684697
TI  - Help yourself.
AB  - Christmas is a time for celebrations, feasting and rejoicing. It's a time when
      over indulgence in rich food is accepted as the norm. My thoughts at this time
      turn towards the Asian diabetic patient for whom religious festivities are common
      and where sweet and rich foods form an important part of what is eaten.

PMID- 27684698
TI  - Equal access.
AB  - As nurse coordinator at Manchester's Chinese Health Information Centre, Mary Tso
      Kam Ha believes permanent mainstream funding is essential if she is to achieve
      her goal of a stable, well orientated service for this long established
      community.

PMID- 27684699
TI  - The great quest for leadership.
AB  - There is certainly a new imperative for leadership, not just in nursing or in the
      United Kingdom. The greatest call in business and politics throughout the western
      world is one for leadership. Even the NHS is slowly waking up to the need for
      less management and more leadership. So what makes a good leader? The
      professional literature is disappointingly sparse on the issue but there are
      massive amounts from industry, academia, the media and business - especially from
      the United States. The following attributes are by no means exhaustive but they
      come up again and again in the literature.

PMID- 27684700
TI  - A programme for nursing leadership.
AB  - Two years ago, the Royal College of Nursing set up a 'Nurses in Leadership'
      project to address the fact that despite many calls to develop and encourage
      nurse leaders, nurses continue to be under-represented in senior positions
      compared with other disciplines.

PMID- 27684702
TI  - Listing.

PMID- 27684701
TI  - Leadership: the hidden dangers.
AB  - Irrespective of the reasons for assuming a leadership role, the responsibility
      will have a significant impact on everyday life, sometimes beneficial and
      sometimes detrimental. The positive effects of occupying a leadership position
      are easy to see. Nothing breeds success like success, which in turn gives rise to
      increased enthusiasm and contentment. Others may experience the energy, pride and
      satisfaction and most will derive pleasure from their contribution to success,
      with a consequent increase in motivation. The success may be accompanied by
      public acclaim such as awards, publications and recognition within the
      organisation.

PMID- 27684703
TI  - Testing the status-legitimacy hypothesis: A multilevel modeling approach to the
      perception of legitimacy in income distribution in 36 nations.
AB  - The status-legitimacy hypothesis was tested by analyzing cross-national data
      about social inequality. Several indicators were used as indexes of social
      advantage: social class, personal income, and self-position in the social
      hierarchy. Moreover, inequality and freedom in nations, as indexed by Gini and by
      the human freedom index, were considered. Results from 36 nations worldwide
      showed no support for the status-legitimacy hypothesis. The perception that
      income distribution was fair tended to increase as social advantage increased.
      Moreover, national context increased the difference between advantaged and
      disadvantaged people in the perception of social fairness: Contrary to the status
      legitimacy hypothesis, disadvantaged people were more likely than advantaged
      people to perceive income distribution as too large, and this difference
      increased in nations with greater freedom and equality. The implications for the
      status-legitimacy hypothesis are discussed.

PMID- 27684704
TI  - Correction: Bone Fracture Pre-Ischemic Stroke Exacerbates Ischemic Cerebral
      Injury in Mice.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0153835.].

PMID- 27684707
TI  - Development of a decision aid for children faced with the decision to undergo
      dental treatment with sedation or general anaesthesia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Decision aids are tools used to help individuals faced with difficult
      healthcare decisions. They help patients further understand the treatment options
      available and encourage the sharing of information between patients and
      clinicians. AIM: To develop a decision aid for young patients faced with the
      decision to undergo dental treatment with inhalation sedation, intravenous
      sedation, or general anaesthesia (GA). DESIGN: Qualitative interviews with dental
      patients (aged 10-16 years), and their parents/guardians were used to inform the
      content of a draft decision aid. Following further revisions, a pilot evaluation
      of the decision aid was conducted. Patients referred for dental treatment with
      sedation or GA were recruited from a UK dental hospital. Patients (n = 15) and
      parents/guardians (n = 13) assigned to the intervention group received the
      decision aid and routine clinical counselling, whereas patients (n = 17) and
      parents/guardians (n = 13) in the control group only received routine clinical
      counselling. Participants completed measures of knowledge, decisional conflict,
      and dental anxiety. RESULTS: Knowledge scores were significantly higher for
      participants who received the decision aid when compared to standard care. There
      were no other significant differences between groups. CONCLUSIONS: A decision aid
      was successfully developed, and initial findings suggest such tools could be
      beneficial to dental sedation or GA patients and their parents/guardians. Further
      research is required on the use of such tools in primary care settings, with
      particular attention to the impact of the decision aid on attendance and
      completion rates of treatment.

PMID- 27684706
TI  - Shark Conservation: An Educational Approach Based on Children's Knowledge and
      Perceptions toward Sharks.
AB  - Shark conservation has become a focus of current international conservation
      efforts. However, the misunderstanding of sharks and their negative public
      portrayal may hinder their conservation. More importantly, the consumption of
      shark fin, which is very common in Chinese cultures, poses a significant threat
      to sharks. Hong Kong has long been the world's largest shark fin trading center.
      Shark conservation would become more sustainable if public understanding of this
      predatory fish and an appreciation of its ecological significance could be
      promoted. It is possible that the demand for fins could be effectively managed
      through long-term educational efforts targeted at younger generations. To provide
      essential baseline data for planning of these educational efforts, this project
      investigated the perceptions of 11 to 12 year-old primary school students in Hong
      Kong about sharks, and their understanding of ecological concepts and shark
      related knowledge. The findings indicate that these students lack sufficient
      knowledge and possess misconceptions about sharks and their ecological
      significance in the marine ecosystem. The students' conceptual understanding
      level is strongly correlated with their perceptions. Correlational analyses
      further demonstrated a positive association between formal education and
      perceptions toward shark conservation. The students who favoured shark fin
      consumption did so because of its tastiness, whereas concerns about shark
      population decline and the cruelty of shark hunting were the main reasons for not
      favoring shark fin consumption. This pilot study provides preliminary but
      important insights into primary school education regarding the conservation of
      sharks.

PMID- 27684708
TI  - Myasthenia Gravis Manifesting As Head Drop in an Elderly Adult with Parkinson's
      Disease.

PMID- 27684705
TI  - "Obesity Paradox" in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Asystematic Review and
      Meta-Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is unclear whether an "obesity paradox" exists in the respiratory
      system, especially in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and acute lung
      injury (ALI). Previous studies have postulated a causal relation between obesity
      and ARDS/ALI but have lacked power to form a definitive conclusion. OBJECTIVE: To
      investigate the relationships between obesity, ARDS/ALIrisk, and mortality.
      METHODS: A systematic search current to April 2016 was performed in Pubmed,
      EMBASE, Medline, Cochrane databases to find relevant studies. All studies that
      estimate the effect of obesity in the morbidity and mortality of ARDS/ALI were
      included. RESULTS: A total of 24 studies including 9,187,248 subjects were
      analyzed. The combined results from 16 studies that examined the effect of
      obesity in morbidity of ARDS/ALI showed an89% increase in odds ratio(pooled odds
      ratios (OR) 1.89, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.45 to 2.47). In subgroup
      analysis, compared to normal weight, obesity was associated with an increased
      risk of ARDS/ALI (OR1.57, 95% CI 1.30-1.90 for obese (BMI30-39.9kg/m2); OR1.75,
      95% CI 1.42-2.15 for obese(BMI>=30kg/m2); OR1.67, 95% CI 1.04-2.68 for morbid
      obese(BMI>=40kg/m2)). The combined results from 9 studies that examined the
      effect of obesity in mortality of ARDS/ALI had a pooled odds ratio(pooled OR
      0.63, 95% CI 0.41 to 0.98). Inversely, obesity was significantly associated with
      reduced risk of ARDS/ALI mortality(OR0.88, 95% CI 0.78-1.00 for
      overweight(BMI<=18.5m2); OR0.74, 95% CI 0.64-0.84 for obese (BMI30
      39.9kg/m2);OR0.84, 95% CI 0.75-0.94 for 60days mortality; OR0.38, 95% CI 0.22
      0.66 for 90days mortality). CONCLUSIONS: Our data identify obesity as an
      important risk factor for the development of ARDS/ALI; however, ARDS/ALI outcomes
      are improved in this population when compared to individuals with a normal body
      mass index. This meta-analysis results supported ''obesity paradox" in ARDS/ALI.

PMID- 27684710
TI  - Incidence of and Risk Factors for Pediatric Metachronous Contralateral Inguinal
      Hernia: Analysis of a 17-Year Nationwide Database in Taiwan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous prospective, retrospective, and meta-analysis studies
      revealed that the overall incidence of metachronous contralateral inguinal hernia
      (MCIH) ranges from 5.76% to 7.3%, but long-term follow-up postoperative data are
      scant. We identified the incidence and risk factors of MCIH in pediatric patients
      during the follow-up using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database
      (NHIRD). METHODS: Between 1996/01/01 and 2008/12/31, all pediatric patients with
      primary unilateral inguinal hernia repair who were born after 1996/01/01 were
      collected via ICD-9 diagnostic and procedure codes recorded in NHIRD. Patients
      with another operation during the same admission, complicated hernia, or
      laparoscopic procedure were excluded. Several reported risk factors, including
      age, sex, preterm birth, low body weight, and previous ventriculoperitoneal shunt
      placement, were used for analysis. The primary endpoint was the repairmen of MCIH
      following the initial surgery. All patients were followed until 2013/12/31 or
      withdrawal from national health insurance. RESULTS: A total of 31,100 pediatric
      patients underwent unilateral inguinal hernia repair, and 111.76 months of median
      follow-up data were collected. The overall rate of MCIH was 12.3%. Among the
      31,100 patients who had the hernia repair, 63.6% had MCIH within 2 years and
      91.5% had MCIH within 5 years. After initial surgery, the incidence of MCIH
      gradually and significantly decreased with age up to approximately 6 years.
      Multivariable analysis showed that age <4 y and girls were risk factors for
      subsequent MCIH. CONCLUSIONS: After 17 years of follow-up, the overall MCIH rate
      was 12.3%, and 91.7% of patients needed repair for MCIH within the first 5 years
      after initial surgery. Age <4 years and girls were risk factors for MCIH. The
      contralateral exploration for inguinal hernia should be considered among these
      patients.

PMID- 27684709
TI  - Arabidopsis CaM1 and CaM4 Promote Nitric Oxide Production and Salt Resistance by
      Inhibiting S-Nitrosoglutathione Reductase via Direct Binding.
AB  - Salt is a major threat to plant growth and crop productivity. Calmodulin (CaM),
      the most important multifunctional Ca2+ sensor protein in plants, mediates
      reactions against environmental stresses through target proteins; however, direct
      proof of the participation of CaM in salt tolerance and its corresponding
      signaling pathway in vivo is lacking. In this study, we found that AtCaM1 and
      AtCaM4 produced salt-responsive CaM isoforms according to real-time reverse
      transcription-polymerase chain reaction analyses; this result was verified based
      on a phenotypic analysis of salt-treated loss-of-function mutant and transgenic
      plants. We also found that the level of nitric oxide (NO), an important salt
      responsive signaling molecule, varied in response to salt treatment depending on
      AtCaM1 and AtCaM4 expression. GSNOR is considered as an important and widely
      utilized regulatory component of NO homeostasis in plant resistance protein
      signaling networks. In vivo and in vitro protein-protein interaction assays
      revealed direct binding between AtCaM4 and S-nitrosoglutathione reductase
      (GSNOR), leading to reduced GSNOR activity and an increased NO level.
      Overexpression of GSNOR intensified the salt sensitivity of cam4 mutant plants
      accompanied by a reduced internal NO level, whereas a gsnor deficiency increased
      the salt tolerance of cam4 plants accompanied by an increased internal NO level.
      Physiological experiments showed that CaM4-GSNOR, acting through NO,
      reestablished the ion balance to increase plant resistance to salt stress.
      Together, these data suggest that AtCaM1 and AtCaM4 serve as signals in plant
      salt resistance by promoting NO accumulation through the binding and inhibition
      of GSNOR. This could be a conserved defensive signaling pathway in plants and
      animals.

PMID- 27684711
TI  - Phylogeny of Elatinaceae and the Tropical Gondwanan Origin of the
      Centroplacaceae(Malpighiaceae, Elatinaceae) Clade.
AB  - The flowering plant family Elatinaceae is a widespread aquatic lineage inhabiting
      temperate and tropical latitudes, including ~35(-50) species. Its phylogeny
      remains largely unknown, compromising our understanding of its systematics.
      Moreover, this group is particularly in need of attention because the
      biogeography of most aquatic plant clades has yet to be investigated, resulting
      in uncertainty about whether aquatic plants show histories that deviate from
      terrestrial plants. We inferred the phylogeny of Elatinaceae from four DNA
      regions spanning 59 accessions across the family. An expanded sampling was used
      for molecular divergence time estimation and ancestral area reconstruction to
      infer the biogeography of Elatinaceae and their closest terrestrial relatives,
      Malpighiaceae and Centroplacaceae. The two genera of Elatinaceae, Bergia and
      Elatine, are monophyletic, but several traditionally recognized groups within the
      family are non-monophyletic. Our results suggest two ancient biogeographic events
      in the Centroplacaceae(Malpighiaceae, Elatinaceae) clade involving western
      Gondwana, while Elatinaceae shows a more complicated biogeographic history with a
      high degree of continental endemicity. Our results indicate the need for further
      taxonomic investigation of Elatinaceae. Further, our study is one of few to
      implicate ancient Gondwanan biogeography in extant angiosperms, especially
      significant given the Centroplacaceae(Malpighiaceae, Elatinaceae) clade's largely
      tropical distribution. Finally, Elatinaceae demonstrates long-term continental in
      situ diversification, which argues against recent dispersal as a universal
      explanation commonly invoked for aquatic plant distributions.

PMID- 27684712
TI  - Mixture of PLA-PEG and biotinylated albumin enables immobilization of avidins on
      electrospun fibers.
AB  - The application of nanotechnology in biomedical field has enormous potential in
      basic and applied research. Micro or nanofibers produced by electrospinning
      technique offer excellent properties because of large specific surface area, high
      porosity, and ability to incorporate functional additives. Here we embedded
      biotinylated bovine serum albumin into polylactic acid (PLA)-polyethylene glycol
      (PEG) fibers, which enabled specific immobilization of fluorescently labelled
      avidin. An alkaline phosphatase enzyme was immobilized via biotin-streptavidin
      interaction on the hybrid nanofibers, demonstrating the suitability of the
      material for biosensing applications. These functional nanofibers provide a
      promising platform for development of biosensors and other biofunctional
      materials utilizing avidin-biotin as a generic and robust immobilization method.
      (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 356-362, 2017.

PMID- 27684713
TI  - Understanding the meaning of marital relationship quality among couples in peri
      urban Ethiopia.
AB  - This study explores the meaning of marital relationship quality (MRQ) among
      couples in peri-urban Ethiopia. We examined the factor structure of MRQ by
      assessing the reliability and validity of four validated Western scales capturing
      domains of trust, commitment, satisfaction and communication through exploratory
      factor analysis. Although most of the items of the original Western scales were
      relevant for the study population, the domains did not mirror the original
      Western scales and varied by gender. Interestingly, while the domains of
      commitment and trust followed the Western scales and were very similar across
      gender, the third domain, which we labelled conflict differed by gender. For
      women, items from the constructive communication scale seemed relevant,
      indicating an interest in resolving conflicts, whereas for men, items from the
      satisfaction scale appeared more important, indicating a desire to avoid or
      reduce conflict in their relationships. Our study highlights the usefulness of
      adapting existing validated scales in a new context after assessing their
      psychometric properties. Such applications provide opportunities for broadening
      understanding of fundamental MRQ domains that may universally be shared cross
      culturally.

PMID- 27684714
TI  - Paraptosis-like cell death in Wistar rat granulosa cells.
AB  - Follicular atresia, a common process present in all mammals, involves apoptotic
      and autophagic cell death. However, the participation of paraptosis, a type of
      caspase-independent cell death, during follicular atresia is unknown. This study
      found swollen endoplasmic reticulum in the granulosa cells of adult Wistar rats.
      Calnexin was used as a marker of the endoplasmic reticulum at the ultrastructural
      and optical levels. The cells with swelling of the endoplasmic reticulum were
      negative to the TUNEL assay and active caspase-3 immunodetection, indicating that
      this swelling is not part of any apoptotic or autophagic process. Additionally,
      immunodetection of the CHOP protein was used as a marker of endoplasmic reticulum
      stress, and this confirmed the presence of the paraptosis process. These data
      suggest that paraptosis-like cell death is associated with the death of granulosa
      cells during follicular atresia in adult Wistar rats.

PMID- 27684715
TI  - Large Genomic Imbalances in Brugada Syndrome.
AB  - PURPOSE: Brugada syndrome (BrS) is a form of cardiac arrhythmia which may lead to
      sudden cardiac death. The recommended genetic testing (direct sequencing of
      SCN5A) uncovers disease-causing SNVs and/or indels in ~20% of cases. Limited
      information exists about the frequency of copy number variants (CNVs) in SCN5A in
      BrS patients, and the role of CNVs in BrS-minor genes is a completely unexplored
      field. METHODS: 220 BrS patients with negative genetic results were studied to
      detect CNVs in SCN5A. 63 cases were also screened for CNVs in BrS-minor genes.
      Studies were performed by Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification or
      Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS). RESULTS: The detection rate for CNVs in SCN5A
      was 0.45% (1/220). The detected imbalance consisted of a duplication from exon 15
      to exon 28, and could potentially explain the BrS phenotype. No CNVs were found
      in BrS-minor genes. CONCLUSION: CNVs in current BrS-related genes are uncommon
      among BrS patients. However, as these rearrangements may underlie a portion of
      cases and they undergo unnoticed by traditional sequencing, an appealing
      alternative to conventional studies in these patients could be targeted NGS,
      including in a single experiment the study of SNVs, indels and CNVs in all the
      known BrS-related genes.

PMID- 27684716
TI  - Planning for the worst: estimates of obesity and comorbidities in school-age
      children in 2025.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Member states of the World Health Organization have adopted
      resolutions aiming to achieve 'no increase on obesity levels' by 2025 (based on
      2010 levels) for infants, adolescents and adults. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess
      the scale of the problem facing health planners and service providers. METHODS
      AND RESULTS: Using data prepared by the Global Burden of Disease collaborative
      for 2000 and 2013, we have estimated that by 2025 some 268 million children aged
      5-17 years may be overweight, including 91 million obese, assuming no policy
      interventions have proven effective at changing current trends. We have also
      estimated the likely numbers of children in 2025 with obesity-related
      comorbidities: impaired glucose tolerance (12 million), type 2 diabetes (4
      million), hypertension (27 million) and hepatic steatosis (38 million). A
      supplemental table provides estimates for each of 184 nations. CONCLUSION: The
      2025 targets are unlikely to be met, and health service providers will need to
      plan for a significant increase in obesity-linked comorbidities.

PMID- 27684717
TI  - Why quality of life measurement is important in dermatology clinical practice: An
      expert-based opinion statement by the EADV Task Force on Quality of Life.
AB  - The aim of this study was to describe the many ways in which quality of life
      (QoL) measurement may potentially be advantageous in routine clinical dermatology
      practice. Thirteen members of the EADV Task Force on Quality of Life, eight
      dermatologists, three health psychologists, one epidemiologist and one
      pharmacoepidemiologist, independently listed all of the ways they thought this
      may be advantageous. A total of 108 different ways of using QoL information in
      clinical practice were suggested (median per participant = 8, range = 4-15), and
      were classified into 20 descriptive groups. These were sorted into the following
      five categories: inform clinical decisions, clinician-patient communication,
      awareness of skin disease burden, informing the consultation and clinical service
      administration. The wide range of potential benefits identified may not only
      encourage clinicians to use these measures but also highlights many areas
      requiring evidence to establish the true value of routine use of QoL measures.

PMID- 27684718
TI  - Transgenic Mice Expressing MCP-1 by the Urothelium Demonstrate Bladder
      Hypersensitivity, Pelvic Pain and Voiding Dysfunction: A Multidisciplinary
      Approach to the Study of Chronic Pelvic Pain Research Network Animal Model Study.
AB  - Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) is one of the key chemokines that play
      important roles in diverse inflammatory and chronic pain conditions. Interstitial
      cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a chronic and debilitating
      inflammatory condition of the urinary bladder characterized by the hallmark
      symptoms of pelvic pain and voiding dysfunction. To facilitate IC/BPS research,
      we used transgenic technology to develop a novel urothelial MCP-1 secretion mouse
      model (URO-MCP-1). A transgene consisting of the uroplakin II gene promoter and
      the mouse MCP-1 coding sequence with a secretory element was constructed and
      microinjected. URO-MCP-1 mice were found to express MCP-1 mRNA in the bladder
      epithelium and MCP-1 protein in the urine, and developed bladder inflammation 24
      hours after intravesical administration of a single sub-noxious dose of
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The inflamed bladders of URO-MCP-1 mice exhibited
      elevated mRNAs for interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, substance P precursor, and nerve
      growth factor as well as increased macrophage infiltration. In parallel with
      these phenotypic changes, URO-MCP-1 mice manifested significant functional
      changes at days 1 and 3 after cystitis induction. These functional changes
      included pelvic pain as measured by von Frey filament stimulation and voiding
      dysfunction (increased urinary frequency, reduced average volume voided per
      micturition, and reduced maximum volume voided per micturition) as measured by
      micturition cages. Micturition changes remained evident at day 7 after cystitis
      induction, although these changes were not statistically significant. Control
      wild-type C57BL/6 mice manifested no clear changes in histological, biochemical
      and behavioral features after similar cystitis induction with LPS. Taken
      together, our results indicate that URO-MCP-1 mice are hypersensitive to bladder
      irritants such as LPS and develop pelvic pain and voiding dysfunction upon
      cystitis induction, providing a novel model for IC/BPS research.

PMID- 27684719
TI  - Potential Interest in Circulating miR-BART17-5p As a Post-Treatment Biomarker for
      Prediction of Recurrence in Epstein-Barr Virus-Related Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-related micoRNAs (miRNAs), BamHI-A rightward
      transcripts (BART)-miRNAs, are released in a stable form from viable cells, which
      are abundant in patients with EBV-positive nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). We
      estimated copy numbers of circulating miR-BART2-5p, miR-BART17-5p, and miR-BART18
      5p as well as BamHI-W DNA as biomarkers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Serums from 31
      EBV-positive (confirmed by in situ hybridization for EBV-encoded small RNAs) NPC
      patients and 40 non-NPC controls were analyzed. Among the 31 NPC patients, serums
      at the initial diagnosis and three months after treatment were obtained from 20
      patients, and serums only at three months after treatment were obtained from 11
      patients. RESULTS: The sensitivity/specificity of circulating BamHI-W DNA, miR
      BART2-5p, miR-BART17-5p, and miR-BART18-5p for the diagnosis of NPC before
      treatment were 100 / 100, 85 / 85, 60 / 95, and 25 / 100%, respectively. For
      BamHI-W DNA, NPC patients with stage IV disease had significantly higher copy
      numbers than those with I-III. Copy numbers decreased significantly post
      treatment. In contrast, copy numbers of the three BART-miRNAs showed no
      significant correlation with the clinical stage at diagnosis or any significant
      post-treatment change. After treatment, BamHI-W DNA and miR-BART17-5p were
      detected in 5 and 6 cases out of 11 patients with recurrent or residual tumors,
      respectively. However, BamHI-W DNA and miR-BART17-5p were absent in all 20
      patients without relapse or residual tumors. CONCLUSION: The copy number of
      circulating BamHI-W DNA is a more useful biomarker for the initial diagnosis of
      NPC than the three BART-miRNAs examined. Post-treatment detection of miR-BART17
      5p is a potential biomarker of a poor prognosis.

PMID- 27684720
TI  - Biodegradable and plasma-treated electrospun scaffolds coated with recombinant
      Olfactomedin-like 3 for accelerating wound healing and tissue regeneration.
AB  - Three-dimensional biomimetic scaffolds resembling the native extracellular matrix
      (ECM) are widely used in tissue engineering, however they often lack optimal
      bioactive cues needed for acceleration of cell proliferation, neovascularization,
      and tissue regeneration. In this study, the use of the ECM-related protein
      Olfactomedin-like 3 (Olfml3) demonstrates the importance and feasibility of
      fabricating efficient bioactive scaffolds without in vitro cell seeding prior to
      in vivo implantation. First, in vivo proangiogenic properties of Olfml3 were
      shown in a murine wound healing model by accelerated wound closure and a 1.4-fold
      increase in wound vascularity. Second, subcutaneous implantation of tubular
      scaffolds coated with recombinant Olfml3 resulted in enhanced cell in-growth and
      neovascularization compared with control scaffolds. Together, our data indicates
      the potential of Olfml3 to accelerate neovascularization during tissue
      regeneration by promoting endothelial cell proliferation and migration. This
      study provides a promising concept for the reconstruction of damaged tissue using
      affordable and effective bioactive scaffolds.

PMID- 27684721
TI  - Assessing the attractive/repulsive force balance in axial cyclohexane C-Hax
      ...Yax contacts: A combined computational analysis in monosubstituted
      cyclohexanes.
AB  - The interactions of axial substituents in monosubstituted cyclohexane rings are
      studied in this work using an array of different computational techniques.
      Additionally, the anomalous axial preference for some bulky substituents is
      related to stabilizing dispersion interactions. We find that the C-Hax ...Yax
      contacts for various substituents with distances ranging from 2 to ~5 A may
      include attractive dispersion forces that can affect the conformational
      equilibrium; these forces co-exist with Pauli repulsive forces effected by Yax
      group due to van der Waals sphere penetration. At distances between 2 and 3 A
      stabilizing electron transfer interactions were calculated and the combination of
      natural bond orbital and QTAIM analysis showed that, in certain cases, Yax  = t
      Bu, Cax -O or Cax  = O or Sax  = O or Cax  = S this interaction can be
      characterized as an improper H-bond. DFT-D3 and non-covalent interactions
      calculations (NCIs) in cyclohexane derivatives with Yax  = SiOR3 including HYax
      ...Hcy surfaces at distances ranging between 4 and 6 A suggest that dispersion
      has a clear effect on the experimentally observed stabilization of the axial
      conformer. NCIs computed from the reduced density gradient help to visually
      identify and analyze these interactions. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27684722
TI  - FISH-Based Analysis of Clonally Derived CHO Cell Populations Reveals High
      Probability for Transgene Integration in a Terminal Region of Chromosome 1
      (1q13).
AB  - A basic goal in the development of recombinant proteins is the generation of cell
      lines that express the desired protein stably over many generations. Here, we
      constructed engineered Chinese hamster ovary cell lines (CHO-S) with a pCHO-hVR1
      vector that carried an extracellular domain of a VEGF receptor (VR) fusion gene.
      Forty-five clones with high hVR1 expression were selected for karyotype analysis.
      Using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and G-banding, we found that pCHO
      hVR1 was integrated into three chromosomes, including chromosomes 1, Z3 and Z4.
      Four clones were selected to evaluate their productivity under non-fed, non
      optimized shake flask conditions. The results showed that clones 1 and 2 with
      integration sites on chromosome 1 revealed high levels of hVR1 products (shake
      flask of approximately 800 mg/L), whereas clones 3 and 4 with integration sites
      on chromosomes Z3 or Z4 had lower levels of hVR1 products. Furthermore, clones 1
      and 2 maintained their productivity stabilities over a continuous period of 80
      generations, and clones 3 and 4 showed significant declines in their
      productivities in the presence of selection pressure. Finally, pCHO-hVR1
      localized to the same region at chromosome 1q13, the telomere region of normal
      chromosome 1. In this study, these results demonstrate that the integration of
      exogenous hVR1 gene on chromosome 1, band q13, may create a high protein
      producing CHO-S cell line, suggesting that chromosome 1q13 may contain a useful
      target site for the high expression of exogenous protein. This study shows that
      the integration into the target site of chromosome 1q13 may avoid the problems of
      random integration that cause gene silencing or also overcome position effects,
      facilitating exogenous gene expression in CHO-S cells.

PMID- 27684723
TI  - Trueness and Precision of Four Intraoral Scanners in Oral Implantology: A
      Comparative in Vitro Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the trueness and precision of four
      intraoral scanners used in oral implantology. METHODS: Two stone models were
      prepared, representing a partially and a totally edentulous maxilla, with three
      and six implant analogues, respectively, and polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK)
      cylinders screwed on. The models were digitized with an industrial scanner (IScan
      D104I(r)) used as a reference, and with four intraoral scanners (Trios(r); CS
      3500(r); Zfx Intrascan(r); Planscan(r)). Five scans were taken for each model,
      using each different intraoral scanner. All datasets were loaded into reverse
      engineering software (Geomagics 2012(r)), where intraoral scans were superimposed
      on the reference model, to evaluate general trueness, and superimposed on each
      other within groups, to evaluate general precision. General trueness and
      precision of any scanner were compared by model type, through an ANOVA model
      including scanner, model and their interaction. Finally, the distance and angles
      between simulated implants were measured in each group, and compared to those of
      the reference model, to evaluate local trueness. RESULTS: In the partially
      edentulous maxilla, CS 3500(r) had the best general trueness (47.8 MUm) and
      precision (40.8 MUm), followed by Trios(r) (trueness 71.2 MUm, precision 51.0
      MUm), Zfx Intrascan(r) (trueness 117.0 MUm, precision 126.2 MUm), and Planscan(r)
      (trueness 233.4 MUm, precision 219.8 MUm). With regard to general trueness,
      Trios(r) was significantly better than Planscan(r), CS 3500(r) was significantly
      better than Zfx Intrascan(r) and Planscan(r), and Zfx Intrascan(r) was
      significantly better than Planscan(r); with regard to general precision, Trios(r)
      was significantly better than Zfx Intrascan(r) and Planscan(r), CS 3500(r) was
      significantly better than Zfx Intrascan(r) and Planscan(r), and Zfx Intrascan(r)
      was significantly better than Planscan(r). In the totally edentulous maxilla, CS
      3500(r) had the best performance in terms of general trueness (63.2 MUm) and
      precision (55.2 MUm), followed by Trios(r) (trueness 71.6 MUm, precision 67.0
      MUm), Zfx Intrascan(r) (trueness 103.0 MUm, precision 112.4 MUm), and Planscan(r)
      (trueness 253.4 MUm, precision 204.2 MUm). With regard to general trueness,
      Trios(r) was significantly better than Planscan(r), CS 3500(r) was significantly
      better than Zfx Intrascan(r) and Planscan(r), and Zfx Intrascan(r) was
      significantly better than Planscan(r); with regard to general precision, Trios(r)
      was significantly better than Zfx Intrascan(r) and Planscan(r), CS 3500(r) was
      significantly better than Zfx Intrascan(r) and Planscan(r), and Zfx Intrascan(r)
      was significantly better than Planscan(r). Local trueness values confirmed these
      results. CONCLUSIONS: Although no differences in trueness and precision were
      found between partially and totally edentulous models, statistically significant
      differences were found between the different scanners. Further studies are
      required to confirm these results.

PMID- 27684724
TI  - Neuropsychology in Finland - over 30 years of systematically trained clinical
      practice.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this invited paper for a special issue of international
      practice in The Clinical Neuropsychologist is to provide information on training
      models, clinical practice, and professional issues within neuropsychology in
      Finland. METHOD: Relevant information was gathered via literature searches, a
      survey by the Neuropsychology Working Group of the Finnish Psychological
      Association, archives of the Finnish Neuropsychological Society, and personal
      communication with professionals in Finland. RESULTS: The roots of Finnish
      neuropsychology are linked to the early German tradition of experimental
      psychology. Since the 1970s, it has been strongly influenced by both the
      psychometric approach in the U.S. and the qualitative approach by Luria.
      Systematic specialization training program began in Finland in 1983. It was first
      organized by the Finnish Neuropsychological Society and since 1997 by Finnish
      universities. At present, around 260 neuropsychologists have completed this
      training. According to the survey by the Finnish Psychological Association in
      2014, 67% of Finnish neuropsychologists work in the public sector, 36% in the
      private sector, and 28% reported that they had private practice. Work includes
      assessments for 90% of the respondents, rehabilitation for 74%, and many are
      involved in teaching and research. Of the respondents, 20% worked both with
      adults and children, 44% with adults only and 36% with children only. Within test
      development, pediatric neuropsychology is an especially prominent field.
      CONCLUSIONS: A unique blend of approaches and a solid systematic training
      tradition has led to a strong position of neuropsychologists as distinguished
      experts in the Finnish health care system.

PMID- 27684726
TI  - Pathways of Acetyl-CoA Metabolism Involved in the Reversal of Palmitate-Induced
      Glucose Production by Metformin and Salicylate.
AB  - The pathways through which fatty acids induce insulin resistance have been the
      subject of much research. We hypothesise that by focussing on the reversal of
      insulin resistance, novel insights can be made regarding the mechanisms by which
      insulin resistance can be overcome. Using global gene and lipid expression
      profiling, we aimed to identify biological pathways altered during the prevention
      of palmitate-induced glucose production in hepatocytes using metformin and sodium
      salicylate. FAO hepatoma cells were treated with palmitate (0.075 mM, 48 h) with
      or without metformin (0.25 mM) and sodium salicylate (2 mM) in the final 24 h of
      palmitate treatment, and effects on glucose production were determined. RNA
      microarray measurements followed by gene set enrichment analysis were performed
      to investigate pathway regulation. Lipidomic analysis and measurement of secreted
      bile acids and cholesterol were also performed. Reversal of palmitate-induced
      glucose production by metformin and sodium salicylate was characterised by co
      ordinated down-regulated expression of pathways regulating acetyl-CoA to
      cholesterol and bile acid biosynthesis. All 20 enzymes that regulate the
      conversion of acetyl-CoA to cholesterol were reduced following metformin and
      sodium salicylate. Selected findings were confirmed using primary mouse
      hepatocytes. Although total intracellular levels of diacylglycerol,
      triacylglycerol and cholesterol esters increased with palmitate, these were not,
      however, further altered by metformin and sodium salicylate. 6 individual
      diacylglycerol, triacylglycerol and cholesterol ester species containing 18:0 and
      18:1 side-chains were reduced by metformin and sodium salicylate. These results
      implicate acetyl-CoA metabolism and C18 lipid species as modulators of hepatic
      glucose production that could be targeted to improve glucose homeostasis.

PMID- 27684725
TI  - Markers of Subclinical Cardiovascular Disease in Nonfunctional Adrenal
      Incidentaloma Patients without Traditional Cardiovascular Risk Factors.
AB  - Introduction: Data regarding cardiovascular risk in patients with non-functional
      adrenal incidentaloma (NFAI) are limited. The objectives of this study are to
      investigate markers of subclinical cardiovascular disease like carotid intima
      media thickness (CIMT), pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AIx),
      soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) and leptin levels in NFAI patients without
      traditional cardiovascular risk factors and healthy control group. Methods: This
      study involved 35 patients with NFAI (11 males, 24 females; mean age, 52.4+/-7.7
      years) and 35 healthy subjects as control group (11 males, 24 females; mean age,
      51.8+/-7.2 years). CIMT was evaluated by ultrasonographical methods. PWV and AIx
      were measured with TensioClinic arteriograph system. Serum leptin and sCD40L
      levels were measured by ELISA. Results: In NFAI patients group; CIMT (p<0.001),
      PWV (p<0.001), AIx brachial (p<0.001) and AIx aorta (p=0.008) were found higher
      than the control group. Cortisol levels after 1mg dexamethasone suppression test
      (DST) were higher (p=0.006) and DHEASO4 levels were lower (p=0.008) in NFAI
      patients than control group. We found that CIMT had positive correlation with age
      (r=0.484, p<0.005), triglycerides (r=0.378, p<0.005) and cortisol level after 1
      mg DST (r=0.346, p<0.005); PWV had positive correlation with total cholesterol
      (r=0.338, p<0.005) triglycerides (r=0.335, p<0.05) and insulin levels (r=0.426,
      p<0.005); AIx brachial had a positive correlation with triglycerides (r=0414,
      p<0.05) and negative correlation with DHEASO4 (r=-0.380, p<0.005); leptin levels
      had a positive correlation with body mass index (r=0.541, p<0.001) and HOMA-IR
      index. Conclusion: We showed that subjects with NFAI without traditional
      cardiovascular risk factors featured several disturbances (CIMT, PWV and AIx)
      compared to the control group that could be attributable to increased
      cardiovascular risk.

PMID- 27684727
TI  - A Rat Carotid Balloon Injury Model to Test Anti-vascular Remodeling Therapeutics.
AB  - The rat carotid balloon injury is a well-established surgical model that has been
      used to study arterial remodeling and vascular cell proliferation. It is also a
      valuable model system to test, and to evaluate therapeutics and drugs that negate
      maladaptive remodeling in the vessel. The injury, or barotrauma, in the vessel
      lumen caused by an inflated balloon via an inserted catheter induces subsequent
      neointimal growth, often leading to hyperplasia or thickening of the vessel wall
      that narrows, or obstructs the lumen. The method described here is sufficiently
      sensitive, and the results can be obtained in relatively short time (2 weeks
      after the surgery). The efficacy of the drug or therapeutic against the induced
      remodeling can be evaluated either by the post-mortem pathological and
      histomorphological analysis, or by ultrasound sonography in live animals. In
      addition, this model system has also been used to determine the therapeutic
      window or the time course of the administered drug. These studies can leadto the
      development of a better administrative strategy and a better therapeutic outcome.
      The procedure described here provides a tool for translational studies that bring
      drug and therapeutic candidates from bench research to clinical applications.

PMID- 27684728
TI  - Should the diagnosis of COPD be based on a single spirometry test?
AB  - Clinical guidelines indicate that a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
      diagnosis is made from a single spirometry test. However, long-term stability of
      diagnosis based on forced expiratory volume in 1 s over forced vital capacity
      (FEV1/FVC) ratio has not been reported. In primary care subjects at risk for
      COPD, we investigated shifts in diagnostic category (obstructed/non-obstructed).
      The data were from symptomatic 40+ years (ex-)smokers referred for diagnostic
      spirometry, with three spirometry tests, each 12+/-2 months apart. The
      obstruction was based on post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC < lower limit of normal
      (LLN) and <0.70 (fixed ratio). A total of 2,352 subjects (54% male, post
      bronchodilator FEV1 76.5% predicted) were studied. By LLN definition, 32.2% were
      obstructed at baseline, but 32.2% of them were no longer obstructed at years 1
      and/or 2. By fixed ratio, these figures were 46.6 and 23.8%, respectively.
      Overall, 14.3% of subjects changed diagnostic category by 1 year and 15.4% by 2
      years when applying the LLN cut-off, and 15.1 and 14.6% by fixed ratio. Change
      from obstructed to non-obstructed was more likely for patients with higher body
      mass index (BMI) and baseline short-acting bronchodilator (SABA) users, and less
      likely for older subjects, those with lower FEV1% predicted, baseline inhaled
      steroid users, and current smokers or SABA users at year 1. Change from non
      obstructed to obstructed was more likely for males, older subjects, current
      smokers and patients with lower baseline FEV1% predicted, and less likely for
      those with higher baseline BMI. Up to one-third of symptomatic (ex-)smokers with
      baseline obstruction on diagnostic spirometry had shifted to non-obstructed when
      routinely re-tested after 1 or 2 years. Given the implications for patients and
      health systems of a diagnosis of COPD, it should not be based on a single
      spirometry test.

PMID- 27684730
TI  - Labile plasma iron, more practical and more sensitive to iron overload in
      myelodysplastic syndromes.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: In order to gain an insight into labile plasma iron (LPI) in iron
      metabolism microenvironment in MDS. METHODS: We performed ELISA, quantitative
      real-time polymerase chain reaction, flow cytometry, MRI T2* assays to test LPI,
      iron biochemical parameters, and liver iron concentration (LIC) among 22 MDS
      patients. RESULTS: LPI has a statistical difference (P < 0.001 by analysis of
      variance (ANOVA)), which decreased gradually, among three groups, while no
      difference was found in adjusted serum ferritin (ASF) (P = 0.086 by ANOVA). After
      DFO treatment, serum hepcidin expression increased from 301.26 +/- 59.78 to
      340.33 +/- 49.78 ug/l (P = 0.032), while hepcidin/ASF was upregulated gradually
      from 0.16 +/- 0.08 to 0.22 +/- 0.03 (P = 0.045). APAF-1 expression (P = 0.047)
      and erythroid apoptosis rate (P = 0.009) decreased significantly, respectively.
      No statistical difference was found in EPO (P = 0.247) and GDF15 expression (P =
      0.172). LIC dropped from 9.83 +/- 4.84 to 6.28 +/- 4.01 mg/g dry weight (P <
      0.001). No significant difference was found in cardiac T2* (P = 0.594). LPI has a
      closer connection to LIC than ASF (r = 0.739, P < 0.001 vs. r = 0.321, P =
      0.034). DISCUSSION: LPI seems to be a real-time indicator which reflects body
      iron loading status instantaneously. Despite the limited knowledge available on
      LPI speciation in different types and degrees of IO, LPI measurements can be and
      are in fact used for identifying systemic IO and for initiating/adjusting
      chelation regimens.

PMID- 27684729
TI  - Recording Gamma Band Oscillations in Pedunculopontine Nucleus Neurons.
AB  - Synaptic efferents from the PPN are known to modulate the neuronal activity of
      several intralaminar thalamic regions (e.g., the centrolateral/parafascicular;
      Cl/Pf nucleus). The activation of either the PPN or Cl/Pf nuclei in vivo has been
      described to induce the arousal of the animal and an increment in gamma band
      activity in the cortical electroencephalogram (EEG). The cellular mechanisms for
      the generation of gamma band oscillations in Reticular Activating System (RAS)
      neurons are the same as those found to generate gamma band oscillations in other
      brains nuclei. During current-clamp recordings of PPN neurons (from parasagittal
      slices from 9 - 25 day-old rats), the use of depolarizing square steps rapidly
      activated voltage-dependent potassium channels that prevented PPN neurons from
      being depolarized beyond -25 mV. Injecting 1 - 2 sec long depolarizing current
      ramps gradually depolarized PPN membrane potential resting values towards 0 mV.
      However, injecting depolarizing square pulses generated gamma-band oscillations
      of membrane potential that showed to be smaller in amplitude compared to the
      oscillations generated by ramps. All experiments were performed in the presence
      of voltage-gated sodium channels and fast synaptic receptors blockers. It has
      been shown that the activation of high-threshold voltage-dependent calcium
      channels underlie gamma-band oscillatory activity in PPN neurons. Specific
      methodological and pharmacological interventions are described here, providing
      the necessary tools to induce and sustain PPN subthreshold gamma band oscillation
      in vitro.

PMID- 27684731
TI  - GATA3 rs3824662 gene polymorphism as possible risk factor in a cohort of Egyptian
      patients with pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia and its prognostic impact.
AB  - To investigate the possible role of GATA3 rs3824662 polymorphism as risk factor
      for the development of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in a cohort of Egyptian
      children and to evaluate its prognostic role. Typing of GATA3 rs3824662
      polymorphism was done using real-time PCR for 116 patients with ALL and 273
      healthy controls. The A allele and AA genotype were significantly higher in ALL
      patients (p = .015 and .016, respectively) especially B-ALL (p = .014 and .01,
      respectively). The AA genotype was associated with shorter disease free survival
      (DFS) in univariate (p = .017) and multivariate cox regression analysis (p =
      .028), increased incidence of relapse (p = .008) and poor prognosis (p = .028) in
      pediatric ALL. The GATA3 rs3824662 A allele and AA genotype may be risk factors
      for the development of pediatric ALL especially B-ALL in the studied cohort of
      Egyptian patients. The AA genotype is associated with shorter DSF, increased
      incidence of relapse and poor prognosis in pediatric ALL.

PMID- 27684732
TI  - Why do captive pied tamarins give birth during the day?
AB  - Diurnal primates typically give birth at night, when it is presumed that they are
      safer at a very vulnerable time, and this is reflected in an overwhelmingly
      nocturnal pattern of delivery in most species of Callitrichidae. However, over
      half (51.1%) of 88 births to pied tamarins (Saguinus bicolor) at Durrell Wildlife
      Park occurred during the day (0800-1700), almost always in the afternoon. Nearly
      three quarters of breeding females (17/23) had at least one diurnal birth,
      including females from all generations in captivity from wild-caught to fifth
      captive-born generation, and from all six matrilines represented at Durrell. The
      proportion of diurnal births has remained relatively stable over time despite
      management changes. We used generalized linear mixed modeling to investigate
      several factors that we hypothesized could affect time of birth: maternal
      experience, season, female rearing history, and whether or not the group was on
      public display. We fitted all possible models to the data, but none explained
      more than 7.5% of the variation. Daytime delivery had few statistically
      significant detrimental effects, although infant survival was somewhat lower and
      parental rejection increased in diurnal births. Pied tamarins do not seem to fit
      any of the hypotheses previously put forward to explain exceptions to the typical
      primate circadian pattern of delivery. Zoo Biol. 35:487-494, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27684733
TI  - Increased serum leptin and visfatin levels in patients with diffuse idiopathic
      skeletal hyperostosis: a comparative study.

PMID- 27684734
TI  - Best Practices for Genomic Assay Testing in Early-Stage Breast Cancer: Clinical
      and Medicolegal Perspectives.

PMID- 27684736
TI  - Analyse qualitative data.

PMID- 27684735
TI  - Integrated High-Performance Infrared Phototransistor Arrays Composed of
      Nonlayered PbS-MoS2 Heterostructures with Edge Contacts.
AB  - Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has attracted a great deal of attention in
      optoelectronic applications due to its high mobility, low off-state current and
      high on/off ratio. However, its intrinsic large bandgap limits its application in
      infrared detection. Here, we have developed a high-performance infrared
      photodetector by integrating nonlayered PbS and layered MoS2 nanostructures via
      van der Waals epitaxy. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate that
      PbS nanoplates are in contact with MoS2 edges through strong chemical
      hybridization, which is expected to offer a fast transmission path for carriers
      that enhances the response speed. The phototransistor exhibits a fast response
      (taurising = taudecay = 7.8 ms) as well as high photoresponsivity (4.5 * 104 A.W
      1) and Ilight/Idark (1.3 * 102) in the near-infrared spectral region at room
      temperature. In particular, the detectivity (D*) is as high as 3 * 1013 Jones,
      which is even better than that of commercial Si and InGaAs photodetectors.
      Furthermore, by controlling the growth and microfabrication patterning, periodic
      device arrays of PbS-MoS2 that are capable of infrared detection are achieved on
      Si/SiO2 substrates. Our work provides a possible method for the integration of
      photodetector arrays on Si-based electronic devices and lays a solid foundation
      for the practical applications of MoS2-based devices in the future.

PMID- 27684737
TI  - "Restorative Leadership" in the Digital Era of Implantology.

PMID- 27684739
TI  - Suppression of abnormal morphology and extracytoplasmic function sigma activity
      in Bacillus subtilis ugtP mutant cells by expression of heterologous glucolipid
      synthases from Acholeplasma laidlawii.
AB  - Glucolipids in Bacillus subtilis are synthesized by UgtP processively
      transferring glucose from UDP-glucose to diacylglycerol. Here we conclude that
      the abnormal morphology of a ugtP mutant is caused by lack of glucolipids, since
      the same morphology arises after abolition of glucolipid production by disruption
      of pgcA and gtaB, which are involved in UDP-glucose synthesis. Conversely,
      expression of a monoglucosyldiacylglycerol (MGlcDG) produced by 1,2
      diacylglycerol 3-glucosyltransferase from Acholeplasma laidlawii (alMGS) almost
      completely suppressed the ugtP disruptant phenotype. Activation of
      extracytoplasmic function (ECF) sigmas (SigM, SigV, and SigX) in the ugtP mutant
      was decreased by alMGS expression, and was suppressed to low levels by MgSO4
      addition. When alMGS and alDGS (A. laidlawii 1,2-diacylglycerol-3-glucose (1-2)
      glucosyltransferase producing diglucosyldiacylglycerol (DGlcDG)) were
      simultaneously expressed, SigX activation was repressed to wild type level. These
      observations suggest that MGlcDG molecules are required for maintenance of B.
      subtilis cell shape and regulation of ECF sigmas, and DGlcDG regulates SigX
      activity.

PMID- 27684738
TI  - Soil Lysimeter Excavation for Coupled Hydrological, Geochemical, and
      Microbiological Investigations.
AB  - Studying co-evolution of hydrological and biogeochemical processes in the
      subsurface of natural landscapes can enhance the understanding of coupled Earth
      system processes. Such knowledge is imperative in improving predictions of hydro
      biogeochemical cycles, especially under climate change scenarios. We present an
      experimental method, designed to capture sub-surface heterogeneity of an
      initially homogeneous soil system. This method is based on destructive sampling
      of a soil lysimeter designed to simulate a small-scale hillslope. A weighing
      lysimeter of one cubic meter capacity was divided into sections (voxels) and was
      excavated layer-by-layer, with sub samples being collected from each voxel. The
      excavation procedure was aimed at detecting the incipient heterogeneity of the
      system by focusing on the spatial assessment of hydrological, geochemical, and
      microbiological properties of the soil. Representative results of a few
      physicochemical variables tested show the development of heterogeneity.
      Additional work to test interactions between hydrological, geochemical, and
      microbiological signatures is planned to interpret the observed patterns. Our
      study also demonstrates the possibility of carrying out similar excavations in
      order to observe and quantify different aspects of soil-development under varying
      environmental conditions and scale.

PMID- 27684741
TI  - Searching new targets to counter drug resistance - GTPase-Obg mRNA expression
      analysis in Mycobacterium under stress and in silico docking with GTPase
      inhibitors.

PMID- 27684740
TI  - Effects of an extended flexible regimen of an oral contraceptive pill containing
      20 MUg ethinylestradiol and 3 mg drospirenone on menstrual-related symptoms: a
      randomised controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy for menstrual-related
      symptoms of an extended flexible regimen of an oral contraceptive pill containing
      20 MUg ethinylestradiol and 3 mg drospirenone in comparison with a 24/4 d
      cyclical regimen of the same formulation. METHODS: This randomised, non
      inferiority, open-label, multicentre study was conducted in women aged 18-39
      years. Their menstrual-related symptoms were assessed using the Penn Daily
      Symptom Rating (DSR17). Participants were randomised to use an extended flexible
      regimen of 20 MUg ethinylestradiol and 3 mg drospirenone (EE/DRSPe.flex),
      comprising 168 consecutive days with a 4-d hormone-free interval (HFI, allowing
      for management of unexpected bleeding) or a conventional 24/4 cyclical regimen of
      the same pill (EE/DRSP24/4). The primary measure of efficacy was the percentage
      change in DSR17 total score from baseline to cycle 6. The secondary measures of
      efficacy were the percentage changes in DSR17 total score from baseline after
      each 28-d interval throughout the entire study and in the scores for individual
      DSR17 symptoms. RESULTS: The primary analysis demonstrated that EE/DRSPe.flex was
      not inferior to EE/DRSP24/4 (Mean DSR17 score 9.1; 95% confidence interval (CI) -
      2.5, 20.6; p = 0.123). Analysis at intervals throughout the entire evaluation
      period showed greater reduction in DSR17 total score for EE/DRSPe.flex than for
      the 24/4 regimen (p < 0.001). The decreases in individual scores for the symptoms
      'poor coordination' and 'depression/feeling sad/down or blue' were greater for
      the extended flexible regimen than for the cyclical regimen (p < 0.05).
      CONCLUSION: The extended flexible regimen was not inferior to the 24/4 cyclical
      regimen in terms of the primary endpoint. It significantly improved symptoms in
      the interval analysis, and the effects on specific DSR17 symptoms, compared with
      the cyclical regimen.

PMID- 27684742
TI  - Production of Materials with Spatially-Controlled Cross-Link Density via Vat
      Photopolymerization.
AB  - We describe an efficient method to produce objects comprising spatially
      controlled and graded cross-link densities using vat photopolymerization additive
      manufacturing (AM). Using a commercially available diacrylate-based photoresin,
      3D printer, and digital light processing (DLP) projector, we projected grayscale
      images to print objects in which the varied light intensity was correlated to
      controlled cross-link densities and associated mechanical properties. Cylinder
      and bar test specimens were used to establish correlations between light
      intensities used for printing and cross-link density in the resulting specimens.
      Mechanical testing of octet truss unit cells in which the properties of the
      crossbars and vertices were independently modified revealed unique mechanical
      responses from the different compositions. From the various test geometries, we
      measured changes in mechanical properties such as increased strain-to-break in
      inhomogeneous structures in comparison with homogeneous variants.

PMID- 27684743
TI  - Proceedings of the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology Annual General
      Meeting - From Health to High Performance / Compte rendu du congres annuel de la
      Societe canadienne de physiologie de l'exercice - " From Health to High
      Performance ".

PMID- 27684744
TI  - Assaying Predatory Feeding Behaviors in Pristionchus and Other Nematodes.
AB  - This protocol provides multiple methods for the analysis and quantification of
      predatory feeding behaviors in nematodes. Many nematode species including
      Pristionchus pacificus display complex behaviors, the most striking of which is
      the predation of other nematode larvae. However, as these behaviors are absent in
      the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, they have thus far only recently been
      described in detail along with the development of reliable behavioral assays (1).
      These predatory behaviors are dependent upon phenotypically plastic but fixed
      mouth morphs making the correct identification and categorization of these
      animals essential. In P. pacificus there are two mouth types, the stenostomatous
      and eurystomatous morphs (2), with only the wide mouthed eurystomatous containing
      an extra tooth and being capable of killing other nematode larvae. Through the
      isolation of an abundance of size matched prey larvae and subsequent exposure to
      predatory nematodes, assays including both "corpse assays" and "bite assays" on
      correctly identified mouth morph nematodes are possible. These assays provide a
      means to rapidly quantify predation success rates and provide a detailed
      behavioral analysis of individual nematodes engaged in predatory feeding
      activities. In addition, with the use of a high-speed camera, visualization of
      changes in pharyngeal activity including tooth and pumping dynamics are also
      possible.

PMID- 27684745
TI  - Differing Causes of Lactic Acidosis and Deep Breathing in Cerebral Malaria and
      Severe Malarial Anemia May Explain Differences in Acidosis-Related Mortality.
AB  - Lactic acidosis (LA) is a marker for mortality in severe malaria, but the
      mechanisms that lead to LA in the different types of severe malaria and the
      extent to which LA-associated mortality differs by type of severe malaria are not
      well described. We assessed the frequency of LA in children admitted to Mulago
      Hospital, Kampala, Uganda with cerebral malaria (CM, n = 193) or severe malarial
      anemia (SMA, n = 216). LA was compared to mortality and measures of parasite
      biomass and sequestration (P. falciparum histidine-rich protein-2 (PfHRP2)
      concentration, platelet count), and to a measure of systemic tissue oxygen
      delivery (hemoglobin level). LA was more frequent in children with SMA than CM
      (SMA, 47.7%, CM, 34.2%, P = 0.006), but mortality was higher in children with CM
      (13.0%) than SMA (0.5%, P<0.0001). In CM, LA was associated with increased PfHRP2
      concentration and decreased platelet count but was not associated with hemoglobin
      level. In contrast, in SMA, LA was associated with a decreased hemoglobin level,
      but was not associated with PfHRP2 concentration or platelet count. LA was
      related to mortality only in CM. In multivariable regression analysis of the
      effect PfHRP2 and hemoglobin levels on LA and DB, only PfHRP2 level increased
      risk of LA and DB in CM, while in SMA, elevated hemoglobin strongly decreased
      risk of LA and DB, and PfHRP2 level modestly increased risk of LA. The study
      findings suggest that LA in CM is due primarily to parasite sequestration, which
      currently has no effective adjunctive therapy, while LA in SMA is due primarily
      to anemia, which is rapidly corrected with blood transfusion. Differing
      etiologies of LA in CM and SMA may explain why LA is associated with mortality in
      CM but not SMA.

PMID- 27684746
TI  - Transplantation Into the Mouse Ovarian Fat Pad.
AB  - Orthotopic transplantation assays in mice are invaluable for studies of cell
      regeneration and neoplastic transformation. Common approaches for orthotopic
      transplantation of ovarian surface and tubal epithelia include intraperitoneal
      and intrabursal administration of cells. The respective limitations of these
      methods include poorly defined location of injected cells and limited space
      volume. Furthermore, they are poorly suited for long-term structural preservation
      of transplanted organs. To address these challenges, we have developed an
      alternative approach, which is based on the introduction of cells and tissue
      fragments into the mouse fat pad. The mouse ovarian fat pad is located in the
      immediate vicinity of the ovary and uterine tube (aka oviduct, fallopian tube),
      and provides a familiar microenvironment for cells and tissues of these organs.
      In our approach fluorescence-labeled mouse and human cells, and fragments of the
      uterine tube are engrafted by using minimally traumatic dorsal incision surgery.
      Transplanted cells and their outgrowths are easily located in the ovarian fat pad
      for over 40 days. Long-term transplantation of the entire uterine tube allows
      correct preservation of all principle tissue components, and does not result in
      adverse side effects, such as fibrosis and inflammation. Our approach should be
      uniquely applicable for answering important biological questions such as
      differentiation, regenerative and neoplastic potential of specific cell
      populations. Furthermore, it should be suitable for studies of microenvironmental
      factors in normal development and cancer.

PMID- 27684747
TI  - High-throughput Screening of Carbohydrate-degrading Enzymes Using Novel Insoluble
      Chromogenic Substrate Assay Kits.
AB  - Carbohydrates active enzymes (CAZymes) have multiple roles in vivo and are widely
      used for industrial processing in the biofuel, textile, detergent, paper and food
      industries. A deeper understanding of CAZymes is important from both fundamental
      biology and industrial standpoints. Vast numbers of CAZymes exist in nature
      (especially in microorganisms) and hundreds of thousands have been cataloged and
      described in the carbohydrate active enzyme database (CAZy). However, the rate of
      discovery of putative enzymes has outstripped our ability to biochemically
      characterize their activities. One reason for this is that advances in genome and
      transcriptome sequencing, together with associated bioinformatics tools allow for
      rapid identification of candidate CAZymes, but technology for determining an
      enzyme's biochemical characteristics has advanced more slowly. To address this
      technology gap, a novel high-throughput assay kit based on insoluble chromogenic
      substrates is described here. Two distinct substrate types were produced:
      Chromogenic Polymer Hydrogel (CPH) substrates (made from purified polysaccharides
      and proteins) and Insoluble Chromogenic Biomass (ICB) substrates (made from
      complex biomass materials). Both CPH and ICB substrates are provided in a 96-well
      high-throughput assay system. The CPH substrates can be made in four different
      colors, enabling them to be mixed together and thus increasing assay throughput.
      The protocol describes a 96-well plate assay and illustrates how this assay can
      be used for screening the activities of enzymes, enzyme cocktails, and broths.

PMID- 27684748
TI  - Choosing a President.
AB  - This campaign season has set new bars-both high and low. 

PMID- 27684749
TI  - Should Health Care Providers Support Electronic Cigarettes for Smoking Cessation?
AB  - Evidence on safety and effectiveness isn't yet conclusive. 

PMID- 27684750
TI  - Mentoring New Nurses.

PMID- 27684751
TI  - Palliative Nursing.

PMID- 27684752
TI  - The Demise of Consented Autopsy.

PMID- 27684753
TI  - Improving Safety in Older Drivers.
AB  - Nurses can educate families and help assess older adults at risk for unsafe
      driving. 

PMID- 27684755
TI  - Five Variables Predict Whether Newly Licensed Nurses Stay on a Unit or Transfer.
AB  - Variety and autonomy top a list that includes job satisfaction and a BSN or
      higher degree. 

PMID- 27684758
TI  - Britain Honors Mary Seacole with a Memorial.
AB  - Is the statue stealing the spotlight from the Lady with a Lamp? Some say yes. 

PMID- 27684759
TI  - Analysis Finds About 20 Veterans Died Daily from Suicide Between 2001 and 2014.
AB  - The VA is launching aggressive measures aimed at prevention. 

PMID- 27684761
TI  - Little Evidence for Routine Visual Screening for Skin Cancer, Says the USPSTF.
AB  - The statement refers only to asymptomatic adults with no history of skin cancer. 

PMID- 27684762
TI  - Helping Elders 'Age in Place'.
AB  - With community commitment, older adults can remain healthy, independent, and in
      their own homes. 

PMID- 27684765
TI  - Nursing, Health Care, and the 2016 Presidential Race.
AB  - Nurses, whatever their political leanings, can influence the public conversation
      on health care. 

PMID- 27684766
TI  - Stronger Warning for Two Diabetes Drugs.

PMID- 27684767
TI  - Loperamide Abuse or Misuse Triggers Cardiac Events.

PMID- 27684772
TI  - For Advanced Cancer, What Treatment Is Next?
AB  - This article is the second in a series on palliative care developed in
      collaboration with the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA;
      http://hpna.advancingexpertcare.org). The HPNA aims to guide nurses in preventing
      and relieving suffering and in giving the best possible care to patients and
      families, regardless of the stage of disease or the need for other therapies. The
      HPNA offers education, certification, advocacy, leadership, and research. 

PMID- 27684768
TI  - New Drug Treats All Genotypes of Chronic HCV.

PMID- 27684773
TI  - Seeing Potential: The Joys of Teaching Nursing.
AB  - Updated several times a week with posts by a wide variety of authors, AJN's blog
      Off the Charts allows us to provide more timely-and often more personal
      perspectives on professional, policy, and clinical issues. Best of the Blog will
      be a regular column to bring AJN readers recent posts that we think deserve a
      wider audience. To read more, please visit: www.ajnoffthecharts.com. 

PMID- 27684774
TI  - Determining When an Activity Is or Is Not Research.
AB  - Practical and ethical considerations for nurses engaged in QI and other projects.

PMID- 27684775
TI  - Nurse-Led Intervention Helps Improve Infant Sleep.

PMID- 27684776
TI  - Acupressure Reduces Breast Cancer-Related Fatigue.

PMID- 27684777
TI  - Undiagnosed Valvular Heart Disease is Common in Older Adults.

PMID- 27684778
TI  - Rotating Night-Shift Work is Associated With Increased CHD Risk in Female RNS.

PMID- 27684779
TI  - Adjuvant Corticosteroid Therapy for Acute Bacterial Meningitis.
AB  - Editor's note: This is a summary of a nursing care-related systematic review from
      the Cochrane Library. 

PMID- 27684780
TI  - Teaching Children to Be Health Educators.
AB  - : A nursing school, an elementary school, and several local organizations
      initiated a pilot project to address hypertension in rural Hawaii. Their goal was
      to help increase awareness of hypertension in the community by partnering with
      sixth-grade students as health educators. As part of their pediatric clinical
      rotation, nursing students developed a curriculum and taught the elementary
      school students to take and record blood pressures. The sixth graders learned to
      use blood pressure monitors and took and recorded over 1,500 of their friends'
      and family members' blood pressures. The students were also able to correctly
      identify elevated findings. This pilot project is an example of how children can
      be taught to participate in a community collaboration to promote health care in
      their community. 

PMID- 27684781
TI  - Speaking Up to Save a Life.
AB  - A nurse's advocacy alters the path of a patient with locked-in syndrome. 

PMID- 27684782
TI  - The Traumatized Patient.
AB  - An irredeemable pain lies beneath some patients' nonspecific symptoms. 

PMID- 27684783
TI  - Lack of virological and serological evidence for continued circulation of highly
      pathogenic avian influenza H5N8 virus in wild birds in the Netherlands, 14
      November 2014 to 31 January 2016.
AB  - In 2014, H5N8 clade 2.3.4.4 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses of
      the A/Goose/Guangdong/1/1996 lineage emerged in poultry and wild birds in Asia,
      Europe and North America. Here, wild birds were extensively investigated in the
      Netherlands for HPAI H5N8 virus (real-time polymerase chain reaction targeting
      the matrix and H5 gene) and antibody detection (haemagglutination inhibition and
      virus neutralisation assays) before, during and after the first virus detection
      in Europe in late 2014. Between 21 February 2015 and 31 January 2016, 7,337 bird
      samples were tested for the virus. One HPAI H5N8 virus-infected Eurasian wigeon
      (Anas penelope) sampled on 25 February 2015 was detected. Serological assays were
      performed on 1,443 samples, including 149 collected between 2007 and 2013, 945
      between 14 November 2014 and 13 May 2015, and 349 between 1 September and 31
      December 2015. Antibodies specific for HPAI H5 clade 2.3.4.4 were absent in wild
      bird sera obtained before 2014 and present in sera collected during and after the
      HPAI H5N8 emergence in Europe, with antibody incidence declining after the
      2014/15 winter. Our results indicate that the HPAI H5N8 virus has not continued
      to circulate extensively in wild bird populations since the 2014/15 winter and
      that independent maintenance of the virus in these populations appears unlikely. 

PMID- 27684784
TI  - Tetracycline absorbed onto nitrilotriacetic acid-functionalized magnetic graphene
      oxide: Influencing factors and uptake mechanism.
AB  - A novel magnetic nanomaterial was synthesized by grafting nitrilotriacetic acid
      to magnetic graphene oxide (NDMGO), which was applied as an adsorbent for
      removing tetracycline (TC) from aqueous solutions. The nanomaterial was
      characterized using TG-DTA, SEM, TEM, XRD, VSM, XPS, Raman, BET surface area and
      zeta potential measurements. Several experimental conditions (solution pH,
      adsorption time, temperature, ionic strength and foreign ions) affecting the
      adsorption process were investigated. The results showed that the TC adsorption
      capacity could be affected by solution pH. The adsorption capacity of TC
      increased rapidly in the initial 20min and finally reached equilibrium was about
      600min. The pseudo-second-order kinetics provided the better correlation for the
      experiment data. Various thermodynamic parameters indicated that the adsorption
      was a spontaneous and endothermic process. The presence of NaCl and background
      electrolytes in the solution had a slight influence on TC adsorption. Hydrogen
      bonds, amidation reaction, pi-pi and cation-pi interaction between NDMGO and TC
      could be used to explain the adsorption mechanism. The regeneration experiment
      demonstrated that this nanomaterial possessed an excellent regeneration
      performance. Based on the experimental results and comparative analysis with
      other adsorbents, the NDMGO was a high-efficiency and reusable adsorbent for TC
      pollution control.

PMID- 27684785
TI  - A polyoxometalate-based supramolecular chemosensor for rapid detection of
      hydrogen sulfide with dual signals.
AB  - Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been verified as an important biological mediator in
      human physiological activities, but its rapid and accurate detection is remaining
      a challenge. Based on our early work, Eu-containing polyoxometalate/ionic liquid
      type gemini surfactant hybrid nanoparticles fabricated by EuW10O36.32H2O (Eu-POM)
      and 1,2-bis(3-hexadecylimidazolium-1-yl) ethane bromide ([C16-2-C16im]Br2) via
      ionic self-assembly (ISA) strategy, we modified the hybrids with copper (II) ion
      and used them as a novel turn-off supramolecular fluorescence probe for H2S
      immediate response. Although copper (II) ions can cause decrease of the
      fluorescence intensity, the probe with moderate amount of copper (II) still has a
      high performance in emission property. The copper (II) ion-modified
      supramolecular sensor (CSS) shows dual signals in the fluorescence intensity and
      absorbance for H2S detection, and the detection limit is about1.25MUM.
      Furthermore, CSS displays high selectivity for H2S in the presence of other
      anions and species (e.g. Cl-, Br-, I-, SO42-, SO32-, S2O32-, AC-, H2O2, HCO3-, l
      cysteine, homocysteine and l-glutathione), and also have potential for
      preferential imaging in vivo. Besides, the fluorescence quenching mechanism of
      CSS in the presence of H2S was explored. CuS generated by the reaction between
      Cu2+ and H2S was testified to act as a quencher, and the nonradiative resonance
      energy transfer mechanism was speculated to be responsible for fluorescence
      quenching. It is anticipated that the as-prepared CSS will be used as an
      efficient chemosensor for the rapid detection of H2S, which is critical for the
      diagnosis of some diseases, e.g. Alzhermer's disease, Down's syndrome, and
      diabetes, etc.

PMID- 27684786
TI  - Poly-l-lysine/heparin multilayer coatings prevent blood protein adsorption.
AB  - The adsorption of blood proteins, serum albumin (BSA), immunoglobulin G (IgG) and
      fibrinogen (FGN), onto model SiO2 planar surfaces coated with poly-l
      lysine/heparin multilayers (PLL/HEP) has been investigated by means of
      ellipsometry and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation. Aiming at the
      development of low fouling coatings, this study has been focused on the effects
      that the number of layers and the type of polyelectrolyte present on the topmost
      layer have on the adsorption of these proteins. The three proteins interact with
      PLL-ended coatings whereas HEP-ended coatings prevent the adsorption of both BSA
      and IgG and induce a decrease in the adsorbed amount of FGN, down to 0.4mg/m2 for
      three bilayers, as the number of PLL/HEP bilayers increases. These results
      suggest that heparin-ended multilayers prevent protein adsorption, which is an
      indicative of good blood compatibility. As a consequence we propose that PLL/HEP
      coatings could be used for the development of vascular medical devices.

PMID- 27684787
TI  - Synthesis and characterization of plasmonic and magnetically separable Ag/AgCl
      Bi2WO6@ Fe3O4@SiO2 core-shell composites for visible light-induced water
      detoxification.
AB  - A magnetic photocatalyst composite (Ag/AgCl-Bi2WO6) was proposed and
      investigated. Magnetic Bi2WO6 was hydrothermally loaded onto silica-coated Fe3O4
      which was synthesized by coprecipitation in addition to a modified Stober
      process. Ag nanoparticles were then photoreduced on the surface of Bi2WO6. The
      prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron
      microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared
      spectroscopy, and ultraviolet-visible light diffuse reflectance spectroscopy.
      Magnetic properties were investigated using a superconducting quantum interface
      magnetometer, with samples exhibiting quasi-superparamagnetic behaviour. The
      visible light-induced photocatalytic activities were evaluated by degrading a
      model dye, RhB, as well as a colourless aromatic organic compound, phenol.
      Samples found to possess an excellent performance in terms of detoxification.
      Pathways and mechanisms for the photocatalytic degradation of organic compounds
      in the presence of Ag/AgCl-(M) Bi2WO6 were also investigated and proposed.

PMID- 27684788
TI  - Averaging of nuclear modulation artefacts in RIDME experiments.
AB  - The presence of artefacts due to Electron Spin Echo Envelope Modulation (ESEEM)
      complicates the analysis of dipolar evolution data in Relaxation Induced Dipolar
      Modulation Enhancement (RIDME) experiments. Here we demonstrate that averaging
      over the two delay times in the refocused RIDME experiment allows for nearly
      quantitative removal of the ESEEM artefacts, resulting in potentially much better
      performance than the so far used methods. The analytical equations are presented
      and analyzed for the case of electron and nuclear spins S=1/2,I=1/2. The
      presented analysis is also relevant for Double Electron Electron Resonance (DEER)
      and Chirp-Induced Dipolar Modulation Enhancement (CIDME) techniques. The
      applicability of the ESEEM averaging approach is demonstrated on a Gd(III)
      Gd(III) rigid ruler compound in deuterated frozen solution at Q band (35GHz).

PMID- 27684789
TI  - Bioactive Sesquiterpenes from the Edible Mushroom Flammulina velutipes and Their
      Biosynthetic Pathway Confirmed by Genome Analysis and Chemical Evidence.
AB  - Twelve putative sesquiterpene synthases genes were found in clades along with
      enzymes with 1,6-, 1,10-, and 1,11-cyclase activities in the genome of Flammulina
      velutipes. Chemistry investigation of F. velutipes led to the identification of
      two seco-cuparane sesquiterpenes, flammufuranone A (1) and B (2); 13 new
      sesquiterpenes with nor-eudesmane, spiroaxane, cadinane, and cuparane skeletons
      (3-14, 16); as well as two new ergosterol derivatives (17 and 18). Sesquiterpenes
      (3-14) derived from 1,10-cyclizing enzyme were first reported from this mushroom.
      The absolute configurations in 1 (3R,7S) and 2 (3R,7R) were assigned by
      electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculation. The absolute configuration in 3
      was confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. The absolute configurations in the
      1,2-diol moiety of 13, and in the 1,3-diol moiety of 17 and 18 were determined
      using Snatzke's method. Among these compounds, 3, 5, 13, and 14 were found to
      inhibit the HMG-CoA reductase with IC50 of 114.7, 77.6, 55.5, and 87.1 MUM,
      respectively. Compounds 5, 6, 7, 10, 13, and 14 showed DPP-4 inhibitory activity
      with IC50 of 75.9, 83.7, 70.9, 79.7, 80.5, and 74.8 MUM, respectively. The
      biosynthesis for sesquiterpenes in F. velutipes was also discussed.

PMID- 27684790
TI  - Examining the interplay between depression, motivation, and antiretroviral
      therapy adherence: a social cognitive approach.
AB  - A large body of research identifies depressive symptoms as a barrier to optimal
      antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence, whereas treatment motivation has been
      characterized as a facilitator. There is evidence, however, that these patterns
      may not hold for some ART patients despite the widespread use of motivational
      techniques aimed at promoting adherence. Little is known about how the interplay
      between different levels of depressive symptoms and variations in the types and
      levels of motivation may influence ART adherence. The purpose of this study was
      to examine the relationship between depressive symptoms, two types of motivation,
      and adherence, with self-efficacy as a mediator. The sample consisted of 121 ART
      patients who reported various levels of depressive symptoms (mean age = 41 years;
      84% African-American; and 68% female). Path analysis revealed that self-efficacy
      fully mediated the relationship between the three predictor variables (depressive
      symptoms, intrinsic motivation, and extrinsic motivation) and adherence, chi2(3,
      N = 121) = .78, RMSEA = .00, SRMR = .02, CFI = 1.00, NNFI = 1.06. Findings
      suggest that interventions using motivational techniques to build adherence among
      patients with varying levels of depressive symptoms should address the role of
      treatment self-efficacy to improve their effectiveness.

PMID- 27684791
TI  - Comparison of vitrification and conventional slow freezing for cryopreservation
      of ovarian tissue with respect to the number of intact primordial follicles: A
      meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vitrification is the standard method for cryopreserving human oocytes
      and embryos, but its effects on ovarian tissue are uncertain. The purpose of this
      meta-analysis was to compare the proportion of intact primordial follicles in
      ovarian tissue cryopreserved with vitrification versus slow freezing. METHODS:
      Medline, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases were searched until
      November 11, 2014 using combinations of the search terms: ovarian tissue,
      cryopreservation, vitrification, follicle, follicles. Inclusion criteria were
      randomized controlled trails, two-arm prospective studies, and retrospective
      studies in which ovarian tissues were preserved by vitrification or conventional
      slow freezing. The primary outcome was the proportion of intact primordial
      follicles. RESULTS: Six studies were included in the meta-analysis. The number of
      patients ranged from 3 to 20, and age ranged from 20 to 43 years. Total number of
      morphologically intact follicles ranged from 14 to 2058, among which 6 to 724
      were primordial. The pooled odds ratio (OR) showed no significant difference in
      the proportion of intact primordial follicles after slow freezing or
      vitrification (OR = 1.228, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.769-1.961, P = 0.390).
      Sensitivity analysis using the leave-one-out approach indicated no considerable
      changes in the direction and magnitude of the pooled estimates when individual
      studies were excluded one at a time, indicating good reliability of the current
      analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Vitrification and slow freezing produce equivalent results
      with respect to intact primordial follicles for the cryopreservation of human
      ovarian tissue. However, the included studies varied in the cryopreservation
      protocols used.

PMID- 27684792
TI  - Halitosis and helicobacter pylori infection: A meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Halitosis is used to describe any disagreeable odor of expired air
      regardless of its origin. Numerous trials published have investigated the
      relation between Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) infection and halitosis, and even
      some regimes of H pylori eradication have been prescribed to those patients with
      halitosis in the clinic. We conducted a meta-analysis to define the correlation
      between H pylori infection and halitosis. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether there
      is a real correlation between H pylori infection and halitosis, and whether H
      pylori eradication therapy will help relieve halitosis. METHODS: We searched
      several electronic databases (The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, Web
      of Science, and Wanfangdata) up to December 2015. Studies published in English
      and Chinese were considered in this review. After a final set of studies was
      identified, the list of references reported in the included reports was reviewed
      to identify additional studies. Screening of titles and abstracts, data
      extraction and quality assessment was undertaken independently and in duplicate.
      All analyses were done using Review Manager 5.2 software. RESULTS: A total of 115
      articles were identified, 21 of which met the inclusion criteria and presented
      data that could be used in the analysis. The results showed that the OR of H
      pylori infection in the stomach between halitosis-positive patients and halitosis
      negative patients was 4.03 (95% CI: 1.41-11.50; P = 0.009). The OR of halitosis
      between H pylori-positive patients and H pylori-negative patients was 2.85 (95%
      CI: 1.40-5.83; P = 0.004); The RR of halitosis after successful H pylori
      eradication in those H pylori-infected halitosis-positive patients was 0.17 (95%
      CI: 0.08-0.39; P <0.0001), compared with those patients without successful H
      pylori eradication. And the RR of halitosis before successful H pylori
      eradication therapy was 4.78 (95% CI: 1.45-15.80; P = 0.01), compared with after
      successful H pylori eradication therapy. CONCLUSIONS: There is clear evidence
      that H pylori infection correlates with halitosis. H pylori infection might be
      important in the pathophysiological mechanism of halitosis, and H pylori
      eradication therapy may be helpful in those patients with refractory halitosis.

PMID- 27684793
TI  - Association of genetic variants in the receptor for advanced glycation end
      products gene with diabetic retinopathy: A meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major sight-threatening diabetic
      complication. Previous studies have examined the association of DR with multiple
      genetic variants in the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) gene,
      with inconsistent results. OBJECTIVE: To perform a systematic literature search
      and conduct meta-analyses to examine the association of genetic variants in RAGE
      with DR. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Google Scholar, and
      HuGE. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA AND PARTICIPANTS: Studies were on human
      subjects; the studies were case-control ones and included subjects who had DR and
      those who did not have DR; and the studies provided genotype data for genetic
      variants in RAGE, separately for subjects who had and did not have DR, or
      provided odds ratios (ORs) and the 95% confidence intervals (CIs), or provided
      sufficient data for the calculation of OR and the 95% CI. STUDY APPRAISAL AND
      SYNTHESIS METHODS: We used OR as a measure of association, and used random
      effects model in all the meta-analyses. Between-study heterogeneity was assessed
      using I, and publication bias was evaluated using Egger test. RESULTS: A total of
      13 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in our analyses. We
      found that Gly82Ser was significantly associated with DR (OR = 2.40, 95% CI: 1.46
      3.97; P = 0.001) using a recessive model. -374T/A also showed significant
      association with DR under a dominant model (OR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.03-1.43; P =
      0.023). We did not find a significant association of DR with other genetic
      variants in RAGE. LIMITATIONS: The number of included studies is small for some
      genetic variants; duration of diabetes varied across studies; most studies were
      conducted in Asia; and it is not clear whether the observed association can be
      generalized to other ethnicities; and we could not control for other potential
      confounding factors. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS OF KEY FINDINGS: We found that
      Gly82Ser in RAGE showed significant association with DR. More studies with larger
      sample sizes that control for important risk factors, such as duration of
      diabetes, are needed to validate our findings.

PMID- 27684794
TI  - Lack of increased signal intensity in the dentate nucleus after repeated
      administration of a macrocyclic contrast agent in multiple sclerosis: An
      observational study.
AB  - Recently, several studies reported increased signal intensity (SI) in the dentate
      nucleus (DN) after repeated application of gadolinium-based contrast agents
      (GBCAs), suggesting a deposition of gadolinium in this location. Patients with
      relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) frequently show increased
      permeability of the blood-brain barrier as part of the inflammatory process in
      the brain parenchyma, which theoretically might increase the risk of gadolinium
      deposition. In this retrospective study, we investigated a possible increasing SI
      in the DN after repeated administrations of the macrocyclic contrast agent
      gadoterate meglumine.Forty-one RRMS patients (33 women, mean age 38 years) with
      at least 6 prior gadolinium-enhanced examinations (single dose gadoterate
      meglumine) were identified. A total of 279 unenhanced T1-weighted examinations
      were analyzed.SI ratio differences did not differ between the first and last MRI
      examination, neither for the DN-to-pons ratio (P = 0.594) nor for the DN-to
      cerebellum ratio (P = 0.847). There was no correlation between the mean DN-to
      pons, or between the mean DN-to-cerebellum SI ratio and the number of MRI
      examinations (P = 0.848 and 0.891), disease duration (P = 0.676 and 0.985), and
      expanded disability status scale (EDSS) (P = 0.639 and 0.945).We found no signal
      increases in the DN after a minimum of 6 injections of the macrocyclic GBCA
      gadoterate meglumine in RRMS patients. This warrants further investigations in
      regard to the true pathophysiologic basis of intracerebral gadolinium deposition.

PMID- 27684795
TI  - Risk assessment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in pediatric patients with
      vitamin D deficiency: A questionnaire-based study.
AB  - The aim of the following study is to evaluate the risk of obstructive sleep apnea
      syndrome (OSAS) in subjects with vitamin D deficiency.Prospective and comparative
      study.We enrolled 240 subjects into the study. The participants were divided into
      2 groups based on 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels: low level of 25(OH)D (<20
      ng/mL) group (n = 120) and control (>20 ng/mL) group (n = 120). Subjects were
      classified as being at a high or low risk of developing OSAS by using the Berlin
      Questionnaire. Risk of developing OSAS, gender, age, and body mass index (BMI) z
      score were assessed by comparing the low level of 25(OH)D group and control
      group.No statistically significant difference was observed between the low level
      of 25(OH)D group and control group in terms of gender, age, and BMI z-score
      distributions; P = 0.323, P = 0.387, and P = 0.093, respectively. There were 24
      subjects with high risk of developing OSAS in 2 groups (17 subjects in the low
      level of 25[OH]D group and 7 subjects in the control group). In the low level of
      25(OH)D group, the risk of developing OSAS was found to be significantly higher
      than the control group (P = 0.030). BMI z-score was found significantly higher in
      high-risk groups than low-risk groups (P = 0.034 for low-level 25[OH]D group and
      P = 0.023 for control group).The findings revealed that low level of 25(OH)D
      increases the risk of developing OSAS. 

PMID- 27684796
TI  - Signal intensity ratio on magnetic resonance imaging as a prognostic factor in
      patients with cervical compressive myelopathy.
AB  - Patients with intramedullary signal intensity (SI) changes have a poor prognosis
      after surgical decompression in cervical compressive myelopathy (CCM); however,
      some patients show no clear relationship between the SI and postsurgical
      prognosis. This discrepancy may be because no comprehensive and proper
      quantitative evaluation exists to assess SI on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
      The purpose of this study was prospectively to evaluate the correlation between
      the clinical features, neurological outcome of patients with CCM, and the
      quantitative assessment of SI changes preoperatively and postoperatively, and the
      correlation with SI severity.A total of 112 patients with CCM at 1 or 2 levels
      underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. We quantitatively analyzed MR
      signal changes on T1-weighted MR images (T1WI), gadolinium
      diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA) contrast-enhanced T1WI, and T2
      weighted MR images (T2WI) using the signal intensity ratio (SIR). We evaluated
      the correlations between various variables and neurological outcome using the
      Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scale, and the severity of SI change by
      grade (i.e., grade 0 ["none"], grade 1 ["light"], and grade 2 ["bright on
      T2WI"]).Significant differences between the 3 grades existed in symptom duration,
      preoperative JOA score, SIR on T2WI, and JOA recovery ratio. The JOA recovery
      ratio was negatively correlated with symptom duration and the SIR on T2WI, and
      positively correlated with the preoperative JOA score and cord compression ratio,
      but not with the SIR on T1WI and contrast-enhanced T1WI. On the postoperative 12
      month follow-up MRI, the JOA recovery ratio and SIR on T2WI of the SI reversal
      patients were better than those of the nonreversal patients. On multiple
      regression analysis, the SIR on T2WI was the main significant prognostic factor
      of surgical outcome.The grading system on T2WI provided reliable predictive
      information for neurological outcome. Quantitative alterations in the SI on
      preoperative and postoperative T2WI, but not T1WI or contrast-enhanced T1WI,
      reflected the clinical features, surgical outcomes, and the correlation with SI
      severity. The patients with a longer duration of symptoms, lower cord compression
      ratio, severe myelopathy, intense signal change (i.e., grade 2) on the spinal
      cord, and an SIR greater than 1.55 had a poor recovery after a surgical
      operation. 

PMID- 27684797
TI  - The value of 3-dimensional longitudinal strain in the evaluation of complex
      coronary lesions in non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome patient.
AB  - The aim of this study is to investigate the value of 3-dimensional global peak
      longitudinal strain (GPLS) derived from the 3-dimensional speckle-tracking
      echocardiography (3D-STE) in the diagnosis of the complex non-ST-segment
      elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS) by comparing GPLS to the synergy
      between percutaneous coronary intervention with taxus and cardiac surgery
      (SYNTAX) score.A total of 59 inpatients with NSTE-ACS in our hospital between
      October 2014 and January 2015 were enrolled into our study. All these subjects
      underwent the coronary angiography (CAG) and 3D-STE examination. The results of
      CAG were used to calculate the SYNTAX scores in each subject. The GPLS was
      assessed with speckle-tracking analysis using the dedicated software developed by
      GE Healthcare (Horten, Norway).We grouped all subjects according to the SYNTAX
      scores. A total of 23 patients (39%) were grouped as complex NSTE-ACS in our
      experiment. In our analysis, the values of GPLS significantly decreased from low
      SYNTAX scores to intermediate or high SYNTAX scores (-14.0 +/- 2.7% and -9.5 +/-
      2.8%, respectively, P < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that GPLS
      and diabetes mellitus were independent predictors for complex NSTE-ACS. The area
      under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) for GPLS to evaluate
      patients with complex NSTE-ACS was 0.882 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.797
      0.967, P < 0.001) with an optimal cutoff value of -11.76% (sensitivity 82.6% and
      specificity 83.3%). The evaluative value of the adjusted AUC for evaluating
      patients with complex NSTE-ACS improved after inclusion of GPLS (C statistics,
      0.827-0.948, P < 0.001).The value of GPLS is significantly associated with the
      complexity of coronary artery lesions, according to SYNTAX score. Therefore, our
      study indicates that GPLS could be reproducible and efficient to evaluate the
      complex coronary artery disease in NSTE-ACS patients. 

PMID- 27684798
TI  - Association of obstructive sleep apnea plus hypertension and prevalent
      cardiovascular diseases: A cross-sectional study.
AB  - Current study sought to evaluate the associations of obstructive sleep apnea
      (OSA) plus hypertension (HTN) and prevalent cardiovascular diseases (CVD).This
      was a cross-sectional study and a total of 1889 subjects were enrolled. The apnea
      hypopnea index (AHI) was measured by polysomnography and OSA degree was
      classified as mild (AHI 5-14.9) and moderate-severe (AHI >= 15), and AHI < 5 was
      considered no-OSA. Mean and lowest oxyhemoglobin saturation (SaO2) was detected
      by pulse oximetry. Between-group differences were assessed and logistic
      regression analysis was used to analyze the association of OSA plus HTN and
      prevalent CVD.Compared to normotensive subjects, hypertensive subjects were older
      and had higher body mass index (BMI), neck girth, waist-hip ratio, AHI, and low
      density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level. Conversely, mean and lowest SaO2
      levels were significantly lower. Logistic regression analysis showed that in an
      unadjusted model, compared to subjects with no-OSA and no-HTN (reference group),
      the association of HTN plus moderate-severe-OSA and prevalent CVD was the most
      prominent (odds ratio [OR]: 2.638 and 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.942-3.583).
      In normotensive subjects, after adjusted for potential covariates, the
      associations of OSA (regardless of severity) and prevalent CVD were attenuated to
      nonsignificant. In hypertensive subjects, however, the associations remained
      significant but were reduced. Further adjusted for mean and lowest SaO2, the
      associations remained significant in HTN plus no-OSA (OR: 1.808, 95% CI: 1.207
      2.707), HTN plus mild-OSA (OR: 2.003, 95% CI: 1.346-2.980), and HTN plus moderate
      severe OSA (OR: 1.834, 95% CI: 1.214-2.770) groups.OSA plus HTN is associated
      with prevalent CVD, and OSA may potentiate the adverse cardiovascular effects on
      hypertensives patients but not normotensives. 

PMID- 27684799
TI  - Cranial and lumbosacral hypertrophic pachymeningitis associated with systemic
      lupus erythematosus: A case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hypertrophic pachymeningitis (HP) is a chronic disease characterized
      by inflammatory hypertrophy and fibrosis of dura mater. It can be divided into
      cranial and spinal forms depending on the location of the lesion. HP involving 2
      separate sites simultaneously is quite uncommon. CASE SUMMARY: This study
      presents a case of a 49-year-old woman with pathologically confirmed cranial and
      lumbosacral hypertrophic pachymeningitis associated with systemic lupus
      erythematosus (SLE), which is a rare etiology of HP. She experienced persistent
      numbness and pain of the left lower limb, followed by headache and seizures. In
      laboratory tests, levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein
      were elevated, and antinuclear antibodies and anti-double-strand deoxyribonucleic
      acid (DNA) antibodies were detected. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed dural
      thickening with homogenous gadolinium enhancement both at lumbosacral level and
      over cerebral convexities. Histology suggested chronic inflammation in spinal
      dura mater with extensive fibrosis, dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate, and focal
      vasculitis. Treatment with corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide was started with
      significant clinical and radiological improvement. CONCLUSION: HP is
      etiologically heterogeneous. Despite its rarity, SLE should be considered in the
      differential diagnosis of HP. Early recognition and therapy may provide an
      optimal outcome.

PMID- 27684800
TI  - Impact of early life adversity on EMG stress reactivity of the trapezius muscle.
AB  - Human and animal research indicates that exposure to early life adversity
      increases stress sensitivity later in life. While behavioral markers of adversity
      induced stress sensitivity have been suggested, physiological markers remain to
      be elucidated. It is known that trapezius muscle activity increases during
      stressful situations. The present study examined to what degree early life
      adverse events experienced during early childhood (0-11 years) and adolescence
      (12-17 years) moderate experimentally induced electromyographic (EMG) stress
      activity of the trapezius muscles, in an experimental setting. In a general
      population sample (n = 115), an anticipatory stress effect was generated by
      presenting a single unpredictable and uncontrollable electrical painful stimulus
      at t = 3 minutes. Subjects were unaware of the precise moment of stimulus
      delivery and its intensity level. Linear and nonlinear time courses in EMG
      activity were modeled using multilevel analysis. The study protocol included 2
      experimental sessions (t = 0 and t = 6 months) allowing for examination of
      reliability.Results show that EMG stress reactivity during the stress paradigm
      was consistently stronger in people with higher levels of early life adverse
      events; early childhood adversity had a stronger moderating effect than
      adolescent adversity. The impact of early life adversity on EMG stress reactivity
      may represent a reliable facet that can be used in both clinical and nonclinical
      studies. 

PMID- 27684801
TI  - Adaptation and validation of an adverse drug reaction preventability score for
      bleeding due to vitamin K antagonists.
AB  - Although drug therapy is inherently associated with the risk of adverse drug
      reactions (ADRs), some of these events are preventable. The estimated proportion
      of preventable ADRs varies from one study or clinical context to another.
      Bleeding caused by antithrombotic agents (and particularly vitamin K antagonists,
      VKAs) constitutes one of the most frequent causes of ADR-related
      hospitalization.Hence, the objective of the present study was to adapt and
      validate an ADR preventability score for bleeding due to VKAs and evaluate the
      preventability of bleeding in 906 consecutive hospitalized, VKA-treated adult
      patients with a risk of major bleeding (defined as an international normalized
      ratio >=5) over a 2-year period. A specific preventability scale for VKA
      associated bleeding was developed by adapting a published tool.Overall, 241 of
      the 906 patients in the study experienced at least 1 VKA-associated bleeding
      event. The scale's reliability was tested by 2 different evaluators. The inter
      rater reliability (evaluated by calculation of Cohen's kappa) ranged from "good"
      to "excellent." Lastly, the validated scale was used to assess the preventability
      of the VKA-associated bleeding. We estimated that bleeding was preventable or
      potentially preventable in 109 of the 241 affected patients (45.2%).We have
      developed a useful, reliable tool for evaluating the preventability of VKA
      associated bleeding. Application of the scale in a prospective study revealed
      that a high proportion of VKA-associated bleeding events in hospitalized, at-risk
      adult patients were preventable or potentially preventable. 

PMID- 27684802
TI  - The optimal dose of dexmedetomidine added to an sufentanil-based analgesic
      regimen for postoperative pain control in spine surgery: A probit analysis study.
AB  - Postoperative spinal patients remain a challenge for provision of postoperative
      analgesia. Patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) is a major method in
      reducing the severe pain after the surgery in our institution, but some adverse
      effects prevent the use of adequate dosage opioids.This study was determined
      using the probit analysis to investigate the optimal dose of dexmedetomidine
      (DEX) infusion for postoperative analgesia combined with sufentanil (SUF) in
      spine surgery.The dose of DEX needed to produce satisfactory analgesia conditions
      following combination of 3.0 MUg/kg SUF in PCIA pump, which was diluted to 250 mL
      with a 4 mL/h as background infusion. Patients were recruited with age 35 to 65
      years. The satisfactory criteria of postoperative analgesia were determined with
      a average satisfaction level of pain control, sedation, self-satisfaction, and
      adverse effects, among others. The dose of DEX was determined using the modified
      Dixon's up-and-down method (0.5 MUg/kg as a step size). The first patient was
      test at 3.0 MUg/kg DEX. The patient was assessed at 6, 12, 36 hours, and
      termination of PCIA following the continuous infusion of DEX-SUF mixture in PCIA
      after surgery.Twenty-five patients were enrolled by predetermined criteria. The
      optimal dose of DEX required for satisfactory analgesic was 4.33 (SD, 0.38)
      MUg/kg combined with 3.0 MUg/kg SUF via a PCIA volume of 250 mL by background
      infusion of 4 mL/h. Using probit analysis, the ED50 of DEX was 4.12 MUg/kg (95%
      confidence limits 3.74-4.52 MUg/kg) for satisfactory postoperative analgesic in
      spine surgery, the ED95 of DEX was 4.85 MUg/kg (95% confidence limits 4.48-7.13
      MUg/kg). There was no report of somnolence or respiratory depression, relevant
      bradycardia or hypotension, or over sedation in this study.The optimal dose of
      DEX was 4.33 (0.38) MUg/kg combined with 3.0 MUg/kg SUF diluted to 250 mL with a
      background infusion of 4 mL/h for satisfactory analgesic after spine surgery.
      From probit analysis, ED50 and ED95 of DEX were 4.12 MUg/kg (95% confidence
      limits 3.74-4.52 MUg/kg) and 4.85 MUg.kg (95% confidence limits 4.48-7.13
      MUg/kg), respectively. 

PMID- 27684803
TI  - Cervicogenic headache alleviation after cervical coblation nucleoplasty: A
      prospective cohort study.
AB  - A degenerative cervical disc is a pain generator for headaches, and headaches can
      benefit from cervical prolapse surgery. However, as an alternative intervention
      for open cervical surgery, no study has reported whether headaches can benefit
      from cervical nucleoplasty.The objective of this study was to evaluate the
      efficacy of cervical coblation nucleoplasty in the treatment of cervicogenic
      headaches.In a prospective cohort study performed between December 2013 and
      August 2015, 20 patients with cervicogenic headaches undergoing cervical
      nucleoplasty for shoulder-arm pain were recruited into group C, and 20 patients
      with cervicogenic headaches undergoing lumbar nucleoplasty for low back pain,
      matched for age and sex, were recruited into group L. Cervicogenic pain was
      diagnosed according to the International Headache Society criteria. During the 24
      month follow-up, pain visual analog scale (VAS) scores were collected as the
      primary outcomes, and significant pain relief rate, Neck Disability Index (NDI)
      headache scores, and Patients Satisfaction Index (PSI) scores were recorded as
      secondary outcomes to evaluate headache severity and physical function
      postoperatively.During the 24-month follow-up, a significant decrease in headache
      VAS scores was observed in group C but not in group L. NDI and PSI scores in
      group C were better than those in group L. In comparison with the final follow
      up, no significant differences in the NDI and PSI scores were found in all
      observations after surgery. In comparison to group L, >=50% pain relief was
      significantly better in group C. No serious complications were observed except
      for <=20% of ecchymoma at the needle insertion site.This prospective study
      indicated that cervicogenic headaches may benefit from nucleoplasty. 

PMID- 27684804
TI  - A case report of pancreatic metastasis from synovial sarcoma successfully treated
      by metastasectomy with adjuvant chemotherapy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Synovial sarcoma is a malignant soft tissue sarcoma which arises
      near joints. The most frequent metastasis sites of synovial sarcoma are the
      lungs, lymph nodes, and bone. Pancreatic metastasis is quite rare; only 3 cases
      have been reported worldwide to date. We herein present the 4th case of
      pancreatic metastasis from synovial sarcoma. METHODS AND RESULTS: A 32-year-old
      man underwent extended excision of synovial sarcoma in the left pelvis and femur
      in 2009. In 2013, follow-up contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a 35
      mm heterogeneously enhanced mass in the pancreas body. Endoscopic ultrasound
      guided fine needle aspiration of the mass revealed a diffuse proliferation of
      atypical spindle cells in a fascicular arrangement. Because the histology was
      quite similar to the resected specimen of synovial sarcoma in 2009, the mass was
      suspected to be a metastasis from synovial sarcoma. Laparoscopic distal
      pancreatectomy with adjuvant adriamycin/ifosfamide chemotherapy was subsequently
      performed. Synovial sarcoma-specific SS18-SSX1 (synovial sarcoma translocation,
      chromosome 18-synovial sarcoma X1) or SS18-SSX2 chimera mRNA was detected in the
      resected specimen, confirming the diagnosis of metastasis from synovial sarcoma.
      The patient did well for 30 months without recurrence. CONCLUSION: This case
      suggests that pancreatic metastasis from synovial sarcoma can be successfully
      treated by metastasectomy with adjuvant chemotherapy.

PMID- 27684806
TI  - Chemotherapy with or without estramustine for treatment of castration-resistant
      prostate cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recently, increasing relevant studies researched the efficacy of
      castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) patients using chemotherapy with or
      without estramustine, in order to assess the efficacy and toxicity of combining
      estramustine with chemotherapy for the treatment of CRPC. METHODS: Relevant
      randomized clinical trials were systematically searched from the databases
      Pubmed, Embase, and Web of science up to April 1, 2016. Data were centrally
      extracted and analyzed from the previous studies by 2 independent reviewers. The
      primary endpoint was overall survival (OS) with pooled hazard ratios. Secondary
      endpoints were prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response and grade 3 or 4 toxicity
      using pooled odds ratios. Stata version 12.0 software was used for statistical
      analysis. RESULTS: Overall, this meta-analysis identified 9 eligible articles,
      including a total of 956 patients, who had been accrued between January 1, 1993
      and December 1, 2010 and randomly divided into chemotherapy with estramustine and
      without estramustine. Chemotherapy (with or without estramustine) consisted of
      docetaxel, paclitaxel, ixabepilone, epirubicin, and vinblastine. Patients who
      received chemotherapy with estramustine had a better improvement in PSA response
      rate, comparing those without estramustine (OR = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.20-2.80).
      However, OS between the 2 groups indicated no significant differences (HR = 0.90,
      95% CI = 0.77-1.05). Besides, these results of meta-analysis showed no obvious
      differences between these 2 groups in grade 3 or 4 adverse effects, including
      anemia (OR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.38-1.57), neutropenia (OR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.59
      1.43), thrombocytopenia (OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.19-2.42), nausea (OR = 2.34, 95%
      CI = 0.81-6.72), vomiting (OR = 2.43, 95% CI = 0.69-8.51), diarrhea (OR = 3.45,
      95% CI = 0.93-12.76), fatigue (OR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.32-1.41), neuropathy (OR =
      0.54, 95% CI = 0.21-1.44), allergic reaction (OR = 1.60, 95% CI = 0.37-6.84),
      thromboembolic event (OR = 2.18, 95% CI = 0.86-5.51), and edema (OR = 1.02, 95%
      CI = 0.18-5.95). CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis indicated chemotherapy with
      additional estramustine increased the PSA response rate. However, OS and grade 3
      or 4 toxicity were not improved for these patients with CRPC.

PMID- 27684805
TI  - Reversible splenial lesion syndrome associated with lobar pneumonia: Case report
      and review of literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reversible splenial lesion syndrome (RESLES) is a rare clinico
      radiological disorder with unclear pathophysiology. Clinically, RESLES is defined
      as reversible isolated splenial lesions in the corpus callosum, which can be
      readily identified by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and usually resolve
      completely over a period of time. RESLES could be typically triggered by
      infection, antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), poisoning, etc. More factors are
      increasingly recognized. METHODS AND RESULTS: We reported herein an 18-year-old
      female patient with lobar pneumonia who developed mental abnormalities during
      hospitalization. An isolated splenial lesion in the corpus callosum was found by
      head MRI and the lesion disappeared 15 days later. Based on her clinical
      manifestations and radiological findings, she was diagnosed with lobar pneumonia
      associated RESLES. We further summarize the up-to-date knowledge about the
      etiology, possible pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, radiological features,
      treatment, and prognosis of RESLES. CONCLUSION: This report contributes to the
      clinical understanding of RESLES which may present with mental abnormalities
      after infection. The characteristic imaging of reversible isolated splenial
      lesions in the corpus callosum was confirmed in this report. The clinical
      manifestations and lesions on MRI could disappear naturally after 1 month without
      special treatment.

PMID- 27684807
TI  - Early risk prognosis of free-flap transplant failure by quantitation of the
      macrophage colony-stimulating factor in patient plasma using 2-dimensional liquid
      chromatography multiple reaction monitoring-mass spectrometry.
AB  - Although great success of microvascular free-flap transplantation surgery has
      been achieved in recent years, between 1.5% and 15% of flaps are still lost due
      to vascular occlusion. The clinical challenge remains to salvage a transplant in
      the case of vascular complications. Since flap loss is devastating for the
      patient, it is of utmost importance to detect signs of complications or of
      conspicuities as soon as possible. Rescue success rates highly depend on early
      revision. In this study, we collected blood samples during transplantation
      surgery from either the contributory artery or the effluent vein of the flap and
      applied a targeted mass spectrometry-based approach to quantify 24 acute phase
      proteins, cytokines, and growth factors in 63 plasma samples from 21 hospitalized
      patients, generating a dataset with 9450 protein concentration values.
      Biostatistical analyses of the targeted plasma protein concentrations in all 63
      plasma samples showed that venous concentrations of macrophage colony-stimulating
      factor (M-CSF) provided the highest accuracy for discriminating patients with
      either clinical conspicuities or complications from control individuals. Using
      21.33 ng/mL of M-CSF as the diagnostic threshold when analyzing venous blood
      plasma samples, the assay obtained a sensitivity of 0.93 and a specificity of
      0.85 with an area under the curve value of 0.902 in the receiver operating
      characteristic analysis. Overall, our results indicate that M-CSF is a potential
      molecular marker for early risk prognosis of free-flap transplant failure. 

PMID- 27684808
TI  - Performance of obesity indices for screening elevated blood pressure in pediatric
      population: Systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hypertension is closely related with obesity in pediatric population.
      Obesity indices were used for screening elevated blood pressure (BP) in children
      and adolescents. The present study was to perform a meta-analysis to assess the
      performance of obesity indices, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC),
      and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), for identifying elevated BP in children and
      adolescents. METHODS: Data sources were PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane,
      and SCOPUS up to May 2016. Studies providing measures of diagnostic performance
      of obesity indices and using age-, sex-, and height-specific BP 95% as reference
      standard (the definition of United State Fourth Report) were included. We
      extracted available data on true-positive, false-positive, true-negative, and
      false-negative to construct a 2 * 2 contingency table and computed the pooled
      summary statistics for the sensitivities and specificities to estimate the
      diagnostic performance. RESULTS: Nine eligible studies that evaluated 25,424
      children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 years were included in the meta-analysis.
      The pooled sensitivities were 42% (BMI), 42% (WC), and 43% (WHtR). The pooled
      specificities were 80% (BMI), 75% (WC), and 77% (WHtR). The areas under the curve
      (AUCs) of obesity indices were 0.7780 (BMI), 0.7181 (WC), and 0.6697 (WHtR),
      respectively. In this meta-analysis, the BP measurements were based on 3 visits
      in only 1 study. The prevalence of hypertension may be overestimated in these
      studies. CONCLUSIONS: The present meta-analysis showed that the performance of
      obesity indices for identifying elevated BP was poor. Our findings do not support
      the performance of WC and WHtR is superior to BMI to help identify children with
      elevated BP.

PMID- 27684809
TI  - Polidocanol versus glucose in the treatment of telangiectasia of the lower limbs
      (PG3T): Protocol for a randomized, controlled clinical trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Telangiectasias are defined as small venules abnormally dilated,
      located in the intradermal portion of the skin, of reddish or bluish tinge, their
      diameter not exceeding 1 mm; they are classified by the American Venous Forum as
      mild venous disease CEAP C1. Conventional treatment consists of chemical
      sclerotherapy, considered a minimally invasive technique with rapid clinical
      recovery. A wide variety of sclerosing solutions can be used for this purpose.
      METHODS/DESIGN: This project intends to include 96 patients that will be
      randomized to a triple-blind study. Inclusion criteria are women between 18 and
      65 years, with telangiectasia on the lateral thigh. Male patients, female
      patients with chronic venous disease CEAP 2 to 6, women with allergies, pregnant,
      breastfeeding, with any type of skin problems or any decompensated clinical
      disease will be excluded. All patients included will be submitted to venous
      ultrasound mapping in order to rule out venous disease not clinically visible,
      deep venous system insufficiency, and insufficiency of the ostial valve of the
      great saphenous vein. One group will be treated with glucose 75% solution and the
      other will receive polidocanol 0.2% diluted in glucose 70%. Each patient will
      receive only 1 treatment session in 1 single member. The volume of sclerosing
      solution will not exceed 5 mL and the treatment area will be limited to a region
      of 150 cm on the lateral thigh. Clinical follow-up will be: 1 initial visit, when
      the clinical report will be filled; photographic record and treatment with
      sclerotherapy (D0); follow-up visits after 7 and 60 days (D7 and D60,
      respectively), always with clinical and photographic documentation. DISCUSSION:
      The project intends to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sclerotherapy in
      eliminating telangiectasia in a predetermined area in order to establish efficacy
      and safety parameters for the treatments presented. CONCLUSION: This protocol for
      clinical trial will provide date to determine the efficacy and safety of
      sclerotherapy with the solutions presented. TRIAL REGISTRATION IDENTIFIER:
      ClinicalTrial.gov NCT02657252 Date: 01/12/2016 (retrospectively registered).

PMID- 27684810
TI  - Patterns of lymph node metastasis in locally advanced cervical cancer.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate patterns and locations of lymph node
      metastasis in locally advanced cervical cancers.A total of 244 consecutive
      patients with stage IIb cervical cancer were retrospectively evaluated. Contrast
      enhanced CT scans were used for lymph node grading. Lymph nodes with the shortest
      axis (>1 cm) were categorized as positive and those between 0.5 and 1 cm were
      categorized as suspicious. All lymph nodes (LNs) were also classified by their
      anatomic locations.Nine hundred thirty-one LNs (136 positive and 795 suspicious)
      were identified. Sixty-three (25.8%) patients had positive LNs, and 153 (62.7%)
      patients had only suspicious LNs. The metastatic pattern was predictable
      traveling from level 1 (external iliac, internal iliac, obturator, and mesorectum
      groups) through level 2 (common iliac and presacral groups) to level 3 (para
      aortic groups). In most groups, LNs were located within 1.0 cm of main blood
      vessels. Our novel findings were: presacral LNs metastases were rare (2/244,
      0.82%); the left common iliac group (LCI) had significantly more enlarged nodes
      than the right common iliac group (P = 0.00); the LCI and left down-para-aortic
      group were further away from blood vessels than expected (1.2 cm and 1.4 cm,
      respectively); no additional margin was needed in anterolateral direction for
      external iliac groups.The lymph node metastatic patterns are relatively
      predicable. Different expansions from vessels should be used to include LNs for
      different groups. Presacral nodes metastases are rare, and further study is
      warranted to see whether this region can be excluded from nodal CTV. 

PMID- 27684811
TI  - Identification of benign and malignant thyroid nodules by in vivo iodine
      concentration measurement using single-source dual energy CT: A retrospective
      diagnostic accuracy study.
AB  - This study proposed to determine whether in vivo iodine concentration measurement
      by single-source dual energy (SSDE) CT can improve differentiation between benign
      and malignant thyroid nodules. In total, 53 patients presenting with thyroid
      nodules underwent SSDE CT scanning. Iodine concentrations were measured for each
      nodule and normal thyroid tissue using the GSI-viewer image analysis software. A
      total of 26 thyroid nodules were malignant in 26 patients and confirmed by
      surgery; 33 nodules from 27 patients were benign, with 10 confirmed by surgery
      and others after follow-up. Iodine concentrations with plain CT were
      significantly lower in malignant than benign nodules (0.47 +/- 0.20 vs 1.17 +/-
      0.38 mg/mL, P = 0.00). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed an
      area under the curve (AUC) of 0.93; with a cutoff of 0.67, iodine concentration
      showed 92.3% sensitivity and 88.5% specificity in diagnosing malignancy. Iodine
      concentration obtained by enhanced and plain CT were significantly higher in
      malignant than benign nodules (9.05 +/- 3.35 vs 3.46 +/- 2.24 mg/mL, P = 0.00).
      ROC curve analysis showed an AUC of 0.93; with a cutoff value of 3.37, iodine
      concentration displayed 78% sensitivity, 95% specificity in diagnosing
      malignancy. Combining unenhanced with enhanced iodine concentrations, the
      diagnostic equation was: Y = -8.641 * unenhanced iodine concentration + 0.663 *
      iodine concentration. ROC curve showed an AUC of 0.98 (95% CI, 0.94, 1.00). With
      Y >= -2 considered malignancy, diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 96%,
      96.3%, respectively. This study concluded that SSDE CT can detect the differences
      in iodine uptake and blood supply between benign and malignant thyroid lesions. 

PMID- 27684812
TI  - The relationships among Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus exposure, exhaled nitric
      oxide, and exhaled breath condensate pH levels in atopic asthmatic children.
AB  - This study examined seasonal changes in indoor Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus 1
      (Der p 1)/Blattella germanica 1 (Bla g 1) antigen concentrations in the homes of
      atopic asthmatic and atopic nonasthmatic children. Possible associations between
      environmental allergen exposure and levels of exhaled breath indices were also
      evaluated.A total of 38 atopic children were recruited for this cross-sectional
      study: 22 were asthmatic and 16 were nonasthmatic. Home visits were conducted for
      indoor air and dust sampling each season. Exhaled nitric oxide (eNO)/spirometric
      measurements were taken and exhaled breath condensate (EBC) was collected after
      sampling of the domestic environment.The highest Der p 1 concentrations were on
      the top of mattresses in the homes of recruited children. The floors of kitchens
      and living rooms had the highest Bla g 1 concentrations in the homes of atopic
      asthmatic children. A positive correlation was found between Der p 1 exposure of
      mattress, bedroom floor, and living room floor and eNO levels in the atopic
      asthmatic children. The Der p 1 concentrations on the surfaces of mattress and
      bedroom floor were positively related to high eNO levels in the atopic asthmatic
      children after adjusting for season. No association was found between Der p 1
      exposure and EBC pH values in the recruited children.A positive correlation was
      found between Der p 1 exposure and high eNO levels in atopic asthmatic children,
      especially in Der p 1 exposure of mattress and bedroom floor. 

PMID- 27684813
TI  - Training on an inexpensive tablet-based device is equally effective as on a
      standard laparoscopic box trainer: A randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to assess whether an inexpensive tablet
      based box trainer (TBT) is at least equally effective compared with a standard
      box trainer (SBT) to learn basic laparoscopic skills (BLS). BLS training outside
      the operating room has been shown to be beneficial for surgical residency.
      However, simulation trainers are expensive and are not consistently available in
      all training centers. Therefore, TBT and other homemade box trainers were
      developed. METHODS: Medical students were randomized to either a TBT or an SBT
      and trained 4 fundamentals of laparoscopic surgery (FLS) tasks for 1 hour twice a
      week for 4 weeks. A baseline test before the training period and a posttraining
      test were performed. All students then completed a questionnaire to assess their
      assigned box trainer. The primary outcome measure was the improvement in total
      test scores. Improvement in the scores for the 4 individual FLS tasks was chosen
      as a secondary outcome measure. RESULTS: Thirty-two medical students were
      recruited. Baseline test scores did not differ significantly between the groups.
      BLS improved significantly in both groups for the total score and for all 4 tasks
      separately. Participants in the TBT group showed a greater improvement of total
      scores than those in the SBT group, although this did not reach statistical
      significance; noninferiority of the TBT compared with the SBT concerning the
      improvement of total scores could be demonstrated. Regarding the individual FLS
      tasks, noninferiority of the TBT could be shown for the pattern cutting and the
      suturing with intracorporeal knot-tying task. The acceptance of the TBT by the
      trainees was very good. CONCLUSION: Learning BLS on a homemade TBT is at least
      equally effective as on an SBT, with the advantage of being very cost saving.
      Therefore, this readily available box trainer may be used as an effective,
      flexible training device outside the operating room to improve accessibility to
      simulation training.

PMID- 27684814
TI  - Undiagnosed connective tissue diseases: High prevalence in pulmonary arterial
      hypertension patients.
AB  - Among different subgroups of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), those
      associated with connective tissue diseases (CTDs) have distinct hemodynamic and
      prognostic features; a correct etiologic diagnosis is thus mandatory.To estimate
      frequency and prognosis of previously undiagnosed CTDs in a suspect idiopathic
      (i) PAH cohort.Consecutive patients with PAH confirmed by right heart
      catheterization referred at the Cardiology Division of our Hospital without a
      previous rheumatological assessment or the occurrence of other conditions
      explaining PAH were checked for CTD by a clinical, laboratory, and instrumental
      evaluation. Survival in each group has also been analyzed.In our study 17 of 49
      patients were classified as CTD-PAH, corresponding to a prevalence (95% CI) of
      34.7% (21.7-49.6%). ANA positivity had 94% (71.3-99.9%) sensitivity and 78.1% (60
      90.7%) specificity for a diagnosis of CTD-PAH; Raynaud phenomenon (RP) showed
      83.3% (51.6-97.9%) sensitivity and 100% (90.5-100%) specificity for the diagnosis
      of Systemic Sclerosis (SSc)-PAH. At diagnosis, SSc patients were older and had a
      lower creatinine clearance compared with iPAH and other CTD-PAH. After a median
      follow-up of 44 (2-132) months, 18 of 49 (36.7%) patients died: 31.2% in the iPAH
      group, 20% in the CTD-, and 58.3% in the SSc-PAH group. Mortality was
      significantly higher in SSc-PAH (HR 3.32, 1.11-9.95, P <0.05) versus iPAH.We show
      a high prevalence of undiagnosed CTDs in patients with iPAH without a previous
      rheumatological assessment. All patients with RP were diagnosed with SSc. Our
      data stress the importance of a rheumatological assessment in PAH, especially
      because of the unfavorable prognostic impact of an associated SSc. 

PMID- 27684815
TI  - Rapid onset of radiation maculopathy after whole-brain radiation therapy: A case
      report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Radiation maculopathy is a phenomenon that occurs after radiation
      exposure. The rapid onset of unilateral macular atrophy without peripheral
      retinopathy after radiation has rarely been described. METHODS: A case report and
      literature review. RESULTS: We report a case of stage 4 non-small cell lung
      cancer under targeted therapy using Gefitinib who presented with severely
      impaired visual acuity related to rapid onset of unilateral macular atrophy and
      diminished photoreceptor inner segment/outer segment (IS/OS) junction 1 month
      after whole-brain radiation therapy. The fundus fluorescein angiography revealed
      an enlarged diamond-shaped clear-cut foveal avascular zone in the macula without
      peripheral retinal vascular changes that differed from typical radiation
      retinopathy. We confirmed the diagnosis by evaluating the total radiation dosage
      and by excluding target therapy-induced maculopathy based on a review of the
      medical literature. CONCLUSION: Current therapeutic interventions for macular
      atrophy after radiation therapy remain a challenge. Vasodilators or antiplatelet
      medication may be beneficial; however, long-term follow-up is needed. Further
      studies are required to support the use of early aggressive therapy for the
      prevention of radiation retinopathy.

PMID- 27684816
TI  - Tc-99m-ECD SPECT as the measure for therapeutic response in patients with
      cobalamin deficiency: Two case reports.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cobalamin (Cbl) is an essential vitamin for human health. While an
      increasing body of evidence supports the negative impact of Cbl deficiency on
      cognition, the causality has yet to be determined, and the reported therapeutic
      responses after Cbl supplement therapy have been inconsistent. Besides, few
      reports have described neuroimaging characteristics associated with the
      therapeutic response. METHODS: To describe and compare technetium-99m ethyl
      cysteinate dimer single-photon emission computed tomography (Tc-99m-ECD SPECT)
      findings in 2 patients with Cbl deficiency with distinct therapeutic responses.
      RESULTS: Case 1 scored 12/30 in the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and
      34/100 in the cognitive abilities screening instrument (CASI). Profound deficits
      in mental manipulation, drawing, short-term/long-term memory, and verbal fluency
      were noted. Case 2 scored 24/30 in the MMSE and 78/100 in the CASI, mainly due to
      impaired mental manipulation, abstract thinking, and borderline performance in
      short-term memory and verbal fluency. While both cases showed widespread
      hypoperfusion within bilateral frontotemporal regions and thalamus on Tc-99m-ECD
      SPECT, Case 2 demonstrated relatively preserved radio-uptake in the frontal
      regions, especially the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and prefrontal cortex
      (PFC), consistent with the better therapeutic response (Case 1: 12/30 to 11/30 in
      the MMSE; Case 2: 24/30 to 28/30 in the MMSE). CONCLUSION: Given that the ACC
      integrates the limbic system and frontosubcortical circuits and the PFC governs
      executive function, the extent and severity of hypofrontality may be responsible
      for the worse prognosis. Our Tc-99m-ECD SPECT observations revealed that the
      negative impact on cerebral metabolic tone is relevant to the severity of Cbl
      deficiency, and the functional integrity of the ACC and PFC is highly associated
      with the preservation of global cognitive function in our cases with Cbl
      deficiency.

PMID- 27684817
TI  - Three cases of congenital dysfibrinogenemia in unrelated Chinese families:
      heterozygous missense mutation in fibrinogen alpha chain Argl6His.
AB  - Congenital dysfibrinogenemia (CD) is a qualitative fibrinogen disorder caused by
      an abnormal fibrinogen molecule structure, leading to dysfunctional blood
      coagulation. This study describes 3 cases of dysfibrinogenemia identified in the
      unrelated Chinese pedigrees.Routine coagulation screening tests were performed on
      the probands and their families. The antigens and functionality of fibrinogen was
      measured using an immunoturbidimetry assay and the Clauss method, respectively.
      To identify the genetic mutation responsible for these dysfibrinogens, genomic
      DNA extracted from the blood was analyzed using PCR amplification and direct
      sequencing. The presence of the mutant chains was determined using matrix
      assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass
      spectroscopy. Purified plasma fibrinogen of 3 probands was analyzed using SDS
      PAGE, fibrinogen clottability, fibrin polymerization, fibrinopeptide release, and
      scanning electron microscopy (SEM).The 3 probands had a long thrombin time.
      Levels of functional fibrinogen were found to be very low, while the fibrinogen
      antigen was within the normal range. DNA sequencing revealed a heterozygous
      Arg16His substitution in the fibrinogen Aalpha chain (FGA). The mutant chains
      were found to be expressed using MALDI-TOF mass spectroscopy. SDS-PAGE did not
      reveal any difference in the molecular weights of 3 polypeptide chains between
      normal and abnormal fibrinogens. Fibrinogen clottability showed a slower fibrin
      clot formation than the healthy control. Fibrin polymerization, after addition of
      thrombin, showed a prolonged lag phase and decreased final turbidity. The
      kinetics of fibrinopeptides release revealed a decreased amount of the released
      fibrinopeptide A. SEM of the patient's fibrin clot was found to be
      abnormal.Results indicate that the 3 probands with dysfibrinogenemia were caused
      by mutations of Aalpha chain Arg16His. Mutation of this fibrinogen induced
      dysfunction of plasma fibrinogen. 

PMID- 27684818
TI  - Chest CT with iterative reconstruction algorithms for airway stent evaluation in
      patients with malignant obstructive tracheobronchial diseases.
AB  - The aim of the study was to investigate the image quality of low-dose CT images
      with different reconstruction algorithms including filtered back projection
      (FBP), hybrid iterative reconstruction (HIR), and iterative model reconstruction
      (IMR) algorithms by comparison of routine dose images with FBP reconstruction, in
      patients with malignant obstructive tracheobronchial diseases.In total, 60
      patients (59 +/- 9.3 years, 37 males) with airway stent who are randomly assigned
      into 2 groups (routine-dose [RD] and low-dose [LD] group, 30 for each) underwent
      chest CT on a 256-slice CT (RD-group 120 kV, 250 mAs, LD-group 120 kV, 120 mAs).
      Images were reconstructed with filtered back projection (FBP) algorithm in the RD
      group, whereas with FBP, HIR and IMR algorithms in the LD group. Effective
      radiation dose of both groups was recorded. Image-quality assessment was
      performed by 2 radiologists according to structure demarcation near stents,
      artifacts, noise, and diagnostic confidence using a 5-point scale (1 [poor] to 5
      [excellent]). Image noise and CNR were measured.The effective radiation dose of
      LD group was reduced 52.7% compared with the RD group (10.8 mSv +/- 0.58 vs 5.1
      mSv +/- 0.26, P = 0.00). LD-IMR images enabled lowest image noise and best
      subjective image quality scores of all 4 indices, when compared with RD images
      reconstructed with FBP (RD-FBP) images (all P < 0.05). LD images reconstructed
      with and with HIR (LD-HIR) images enabled higher score in subjective image
      quality of artifacts (P < 0.05), whereas it showed no difference in the other
      subjective image-quality indices and image noise. Significant higher image noise
      and lower score of subjective image quality were observed in LD-FBP images (all P
      < 0.05).Both IMR and HIR improved image quality of low-dose chest CT by
      comparison of routine dose images reconstructed with FBP. Meanwhile, IMR allows
      further image quality improvement than HIR. 

PMID- 27684820
TI  - 3-Dimensional shear wave elastography of breast lesions: Added value of color
      patterns with emphasis on crater sign of coronal plane.
AB  - Color patterns of 3-dimensional (3D) shear wave elastography (SWE) is a promising
      method in differentiating tumoral nodules recently. This study was to evaluate
      the diagnostic accuracy of color patterns of 3D SWE in breast lesions, with
      special emphasis on coronal planes.A total of 198 consecutive women with 198
      breast lesions (125 malignant and 73 benign) were included, who underwent
      conventional ultrasound (US), 3D B-mode, and 3D SWE before surgical excision. SWE
      color patterns of Views A (transverse), T (sagittal), and C (coronal) were
      determined. Sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the receiver operating
      characteristic curve (AUC) were calculated.Distribution of SWE color patterns was
      significantly different between malignant and benign lesions (P = 0.001). In
      malignant lesions, "Stiff Rim" was significantly more frequent in View C (crater
      sign, 60.8%) than in View A (51.2%, P = 0.013) and View T (54.1%, P = 0.035). AUC
      for combination of "Crater Sign" and conventional US was significantly higher
      than View A (0.929 vs 0.902, P = 0.004) and View T (0.929 vs 0.907, P = 0.009),
      and specificity significantly increased (90.4% vs 78.1%, P = 0.013) without
      significant change in sensitivity (85.6% vs 88.0%, P = 0.664) as compared with
      conventional US.In conclusion, combination of conventional US with 3D SWE color
      patterns significantly increased diagnostic accuracy, with "Crater Sign" in
      coronal plane of the highest value. 

PMID- 27684821
TI  - Patients with end-stage renal disease were at an increased risk of
      hospitalization for acute diverticulitis.
AB  - Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) show a high incidence of bacterial
      translocation and impaired gastrointestinal motility. The intestinal tract is
      believed to be the most crucial source of translocated bacteria. To evaluate the
      risk of colonic diverticulitis in patients with ESRD, we conducted a nationwide
      population-based cohort study. Patients who met the following 3 criteria were
      defined as patients with ESRD: patients diagnosed with ESRD who received regular
      hemodialysis between 2000 and 2005, patients who received hemodialysis for more
      than 90% of the time during the observation period (2000-2011), and patients with
      no prior history of hemodialysis between 1997 and 1999. We matched every patient
      with ESRD with 1 matched control on the basis of propensity scores. The first
      diagnosis of diverticulitis (ICD-9-CM codes 562.11 and 562.13) within the follow
      up period was defined as the primary endpoint. Hazard ratios (HRs) and their 95%
      confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the patients in the control
      group as the reference. We included 32,547 and 32,547 patients in the ESRD and
      matched control cohorts, respectively. The 12-year cumulative incidence of acute
      colonic diverticulitis for patients with ESRD was significantly higher than that
      for the controls (P < 0.001). After adjustment for age, sex, comorbidities, and
      medication use, the HR of acute colonic diverticulitis in the ESRD cohort was
      11.20 times greater than that in the control cohort (95% CI: 8.14-15.42). The
      results indicated that patients with ESRD are at an increased risk for acute
      colonic diverticulitis. 

PMID- 27684819
TI  - Impact of alcohol consumption and body mass index on mortality from nonneoplastic
      liver diseases, upper aerodigestive tract cancers, and alcohol use disorders in
      Korean older middle-aged men: Prospective cohort study.
AB  - Alcohol use is a leading risk factor for the global disease burden including
      liver diseases. However, the combined effect of alcohol use and body mass index
      (BMI) on alcohol-related diseases has seldom been examined. We examined whether
      alcohol consumption and BMI could act together to increase mortality from
      nonneoplastic liver diseases, upper aero-digestive tract (UADT) cancers, and
      alcohol use disorders (AUD) in middle-aged Korean men.107,735 men (mean age, 58.8
      years) participated in a postal survey in 2004 and were followed until 2010, by
      linkage to national death records. Hazard ratios (HRs) of cause-specific death
      were calculated after adjustment for confounders.Each 5-drink (approximately 45 g
      alcohol) higher weekly alcohol consumption was associated with increased
      mortality, by approximately 70% for nonneoplastic liver disease mortality (HR =
      1.70, P < 0.001), approximately 60% for UADT cancer mortality (HR = 1.64, P <
      0.001), and approximately 70% for AUD mortality (HR = 1.71, P < 0.001).
      Generally, BMI was inversely associated with these alcohol-related diseases (HR
      per each 5 kg/m higher BMI = 0.18-0.46, P < 0.001 for each cause), while, in
      participants with BMI >=25 kg/m, each 5 kg/m higher BMI was also associated with
      an elevated mortality from nonneoplastic liver diseases of approximately 150% (HR
      = 2.52, P = 0.001). Men with BMI < 21 kg/m and weekly alcohol consumption >=14
      drinks showed markedly higher mortality from nonneoplastic liver diseases (HR =
      5.7), alcoholic liver diseases (HR = 9.3), UADT cancers (HR = 10.5), and
      esophageal cancer (HR = 15.5), compared to men drinking less than 1 drink/wk with
      BMI >=25 kg/m. The combined effect of low BMI and high weekly alcohol consumption
      was 2.25- to 3.29-fold greater than the additive effect of each factor for these
      alcohol-related diseases (P < 0.05 for each cause).Alcohol consumption and low
      BMI were related to deaths from nonneoplastic liver diseases, UADT cancers, and
      AUD, with evidence of a supra-additive combined effect of both factors. High BMI
      was also related to deaths from nonneoplastic liver diseases. Men with a low BMI
      (<23 kg/m) are suggested to be prone to the harmful effects of alcohol. 

PMID- 27684822
TI  - Disseminated cysticercosis: clinical spectrum, Toll-like receptor-4 gene
      polymorphisms and role of albendazole: A prospective follow-up of 60 cases with a
      review of 56 published cases.
AB  - In this study, we describe clinical and imaging spectrum, and the natural course
      of patients with disseminated cysticercosis. How albendazole affects the course
      of disease has also been evaluated. We assessed the Toll-like receptor-4 gene
      polymorphisms, to know the reason for the apparently higher prevalence of
      disseminated cysticercosis in India.Sixty consecutive patients with disseminated
      cysticercosis were enrolled. Sixty age-and-sex-matched healthy controls were also
      enrolled for the purpose of genetic study. Twenty patients, who gave consent,
      were treated with albendazole along with corticosteroids. Forty patients did not
      give consent for antiparasitic therapy. Assessment for Toll-like receptor-4 gene
      polymorphisms (Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile genes) was done. Patients were followed
      for 6 months. We also performed a literature search of cases published in English
      language using PubMed electronic database and analyzed 56 cases thus
      available.There was an increased risk (6.63 fold and 4.61 fold) of disseminated
      cysticercosis in the presence of Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile polymorphisms in Toll
      like receptor-4, respectively. The allelic frequency of Gly (11% vs. 3%, P =
      0.024, odds ratio [OR] = 3.52) and Ile alleles (11% vs. 2%, P = 0.009, OR =
      4.738) in disseminated cysticercosis was high. Albendazole resulted in complete
      disappearance of all cerebral lesions in 35% (7/20) patients and reduction in
      lesion load in remaining 65% (13/20) patients. No significant change in number of
      cysticercal lesion was noted in patients who did not receive albendazole. No
      major adverse reaction following antiparasitic treatment was noted. Three deaths
      were recorded in patients who did not receive antiparasitic treatment.Of the 56
      cases reported in PubMed, 33 patients received antiparasitic treatment with
      follow-up data available for 31 patients. Most (24) of these patients received
      albendazole. A significant clinical and/or imaging improvements, on follow up,
      were observed in 27 patients. Of the 4 deaths recorded, 3 had a heavy parasitic
      load and died after praziquantel therapy.Toll-like receptor-4 gene polymorphisms
      are associated with an increased susceptibility to disseminated cysticercosis, in
      the Indian population. Albendazole treatment seems to reduce the lesion load and
      improve symptoms. 

PMID- 27684823
TI  - Clinical evaluation of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty using glycerol
      cryopreserved corneal tissues for refractory herpetic stromal keratitis: An
      observational study.
AB  - The study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of deep anterior lamellar
      keratoplasty (DALK) using glycerol-cryopreserved corneal tissues (GCCTs) in
      patients with refractive herpes simplex keratitis (HSK). This article was a
      retrospective, noncomparative, and interventional case series. Patients with HSK
      underwent DALK using GCCTs at Shanghai Tongji Hospital from 2012 to 2015. The
      best spectacle corrected visual acuity, recurrent inflammation, graft status,
      postoperative central graft thickness, and pre/postoperative complications were
      detected. The follow-up ranged from 24.4 +/- 5.6 months (range: 16-38 months).
      Overall, the best spectacle corrected visual acuity was increased from HM/10 cm
      to 0.15 before surgery to 0.41 +/- 0.14 (range: 0.1-0.8; P < 0.05) at 12 months
      postoperatively. Intraoperative microperforation occurred in 4 eyes (14.81%), and
      rejection episodes were encountered in 3 of 27 eyes (11.1%), and all of the eyes
      reversed. HSK recurred in 2 eyes (7.41%), 1 eye with repeated recurring HSK, and
      eventually led to perpetual corneal opacity and the patient refused a
      retransplantation. The mean entire corneal thickness was 0.519 +/- 0.018 mm
      (range: 0.5-0.56 mm) and the mean graft thickness was 0.405 +/- 0.033 mm (range:
      0.35-0.47 mm) in the final follow-up. The DALK using GCCTs was proven to be an
      effective and safe therapy in treating refractory HSK. 

PMID- 27684824
TI  - Diagnostic performance of gadoxetic acid (Primovist)-enhanced MR imaging versus
      CT during hepatic arteriography and portography for small hypervascular
      hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - To compare the diagnostic performance of gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) with that of computed tomography (CT) during hepatic
      arteriography and arterial portography (CT HA/AP) for detecting hepatocellular
      carcinoma (HCC) from small hypervascular nodules.This retrospective study
      included 38 patients with 131 hypervascular nodules (<=2 cm) who had underwent
      MRI and CT HA/AP within a 2-week interval. Two observers analyzed MRI while other
      2 observers analyzed CT HA/AP. Thereafter, MRI observers reviewed the CT HA/AP
      and magnetic resonance (MR) images again using both modalities. HCC was diagnosed
      by pathologic or imaging studies according to American Association for the Study
      of Liver Diseases (AASLD) criteria. Alternative free-response receiver operating
      characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed on a lesion-by-lesion basis.
      Diagnostic accuracy (area under the ROC curve [Az]), sensitivity, specificity,
      and positive and negative predictive values were calculated.The pooled Az was
      significantly higher for the combined modalities (0.946) than for MRI alone (0.9,
      P = 0.004), and for MRI than for CT HA/AP alone (0.827, P = 0.0154). Subgroup
      analysis for HCC <=1 cm showed the sensitivity of the combined modalities (79.4%)
      was significantly higher than for MRI (52.9%) and CT HA/AP alone (50%) (both, P <
      0.005). The specificity of the combined modalities was not different from MRI
      alone (98.8% vs. 97.3%, P = 0.5), but was significantly higher than for CT HA/AP
      alone (98.8% vs. 92.5%, P = 0.022).Hypervascular HCCs >1 to 2 cm can be diagnosed
      sufficiently by MRI. The combined modalities increased the diagnostic accuracy of
      HCCs <=1 cm, compared with MRI or CT HA/AP alone. 

PMID- 27684825
TI  - Atorvastatin inhibits insulin synthesis by inhibiting the Ras/Raf/ERK/CREB
      pathway in INS-1 cells.
AB  - BACKROUND: Type 2 diabetes has become a global epidemic disease. Atorvastatin has
      become a cornerstone in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis. However,
      increasing evidence showed that statins can dose-dependently increase the risk of
      diabetes mellitus. The mechanism is not clear. OBJECTIVE: The Ras complex pathway
      (Ras/Raf/extracellular signal-regulated kinase [ERK]/cAMP response element
      binding protein [CREB]) is the major pathway that regulates the gene
      transcription. Except for the inhibition of cholesterol synthesis by inhibiting
      the 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-COA) reductase, statins can also
      downregulate the phosphorylation of a series of downstream substrates including
      the key proteins of the Ras complex pathway, therefore may inhibit the insulin
      syntheses in pancreatic beta cells. In our study, we investigated the inhibitory
      effect and the underlying mechanism of atorvastatin on insulin synthesis in rat
      islets. METHODS: Islets were isolated from Wistar rats and cultured in Roswell
      Park Memorial Institute (RPMI)-1640 medium. The insulin content in the medium was
      measured by radioimmunoassay before and after the treatment of 50 MUM
      atorvastatin. Effect of atorvastatin on the expression of insulin message
      Ribonucleic acid (mRNA) in pancreatic islet beta cells was also detected using
      quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Western blotting was used to
      explore the possible role of the Ras complex pathway (Ras/Raf/ERK/CREB) in
      atorvastatin-inhibited insulin synthesis. The effects of atorvastatin on the
      binding of nuclear transcription factor p-CREB with CRE in INS-1 cells were
      examined via chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. RESULTS: Compared with the
      control group, the insulin level decreased by 27.1% at 24 hours after
      atorvastatin treatment. Atorvastatin inhibited insulin synthesis by decreasing
      insulin mRNA expression of pancreatic islet beta cells. The activities of Ras,
      Raf-1, and p-CREB in the Ras complex pathway were inhibited by 50 MUM
      atorvastatin in INS-1 cells in vitro. Moreover, 50 MUM atorvastatin reduced the
      binding of p-CREB with deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in INS-1 cells in vitro.
      CONCLUSION: Atorvastatin inhibits insulin synthesis in beta cells by inhibiting
      the activation of the Ras complex pathway.

PMID- 27684826
TI  - In vivo expansion and activation of gammadelta T cells as immunotherapy for
      refractory neuroblastoma: A phase 1 study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: CD3+ gammadelta+ T cells comprise 2% to 5% of circulating T cells
      with Vgamma9Vdelta2+ cells the dominant circulating subtype. Vgamma9Vdelta2+
      cells recognize non-peptide phosphoantigens and stress-associated NKG2D ligands
      expressed on malignant cells. Strategies that incorporate the tumoricidal
      properties of gammadelta T cells represent a promising immunotherapeutic strategy
      for treatment of solid malignancies including neuroblastoma (NB). In this
      prospective, non-randomized Phase I trial, we assessed whether circulating
      Vgamma9Vdelta2+ cells could be safely expanded using intravenous ZOL (Zoledronate
      [Zometa]) and subcutaneous Interleukin-2 (IL-2) in patients with refractory NB.
      METHODS: Patients 2 to 21 years of age with refractory neuroblastoma with no
      known curative therapeutic options received ZOL on day 1, and IL-2 on days 1 to 5
      and 15 to 19 of each 28-day cycle (n = 4). Lymphocyte immunophenotyping was
      assessed weekly. Immunophenotyping studies from the treatment group were compared
      with healthy pediatric controls (n = 16; range, 5y-15y) and of untreated NB
      disease controls (n = 9; range, 4m-18y). RESULTS: Treatment was well tolerated
      with no unexpected grade 3 and 4 toxicities. Lymphocyte subset counts did not
      differ significantly between volunteers and disease controls with the exception
      of gammadelta+ T cell counts that were significantly higher in healthy volunteers
      (212 + 93 vs. 89 + 42, P = 0.05). Study patients showed increases in circulating
      gammadelta+ T cell count (3-10 fold) after the first week, increasing into the
      range seen in healthy volunteers (125 + 37, P = 0.1940). Interestingly, all ZOL +
      IL-2 treated patients showed significant increases in CD3+CD4+CD27CD127 T cells
      that rose weekly in 2 patients throughout the 4 weeks of observation (maximum 41%
      and 24% of total CD3+CD4+ T cells, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In summary,
      combined ZOL and IL-2 is well tolerated and restored gammadelta+ T cell counts to
      the normal range with a moderate expansion of Natural Killer cells. Progressive
      increases in circulating CD4+ T cells with a regulatory phenotype cells may
      offset beneficial effects of this therapy.

PMID- 27684827
TI  - Motives of Dutch men who have sex with men for daily and intermittent HIV pre
      exposure prophylaxis usage and preferences for implementation: A qualitative
      study.
AB  - Although PrEP is not yet registered in Europe, including the Netherlands, its
      approval and implementation are expected in the near future. To inform future pre
      exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) implementation, this study aimed to gain insight into
      motives and preferences for daily or intermittent PrEP use among Dutch HIV
      negative men having sex with men (MSM).Between February and December 2013,
      semistructured interviews were conducted until data saturation was reached (N =
      20). Interviews were analyzed using the Grounded Theory approach.Motives for
      (not) using daily PrEP were based on beliefs about PrEP efficacy and side
      effects, preferences for other prevention strategies, self-perceived HIV risk,
      self-perceived efficacy of PrEP adherence, beliefs about possible benefits (e.g.,
      anxiety reduction, sex life improvement), and barriers of PrEP use (e.g., costs,
      monitoring procedures). The perceived benefits of intermittent versus daily PrEP
      use were the lower costs and side effects and the lower threshold to decision to
      start using intermittent PrEP. Barriers of intermittent PrEP versus daily PrEP
      use were the perceived need to plan their sex life and adhere to multiple
      prevention strategies. Although some perceived PrEP as a condom substitute,
      others were likely to combine PrEP and condoms for sexually transmitted
      infections (STI) prevention and increased HIV protection. Participants preferred
      PrEP service locations to have specialized knowledge of HIV, antiretroviral
      therapy, sexual behavior, STIs, patients' medical background, be easily
      approachable, be able to perform PrEP follow-up monitoring, and provide
      support.To maximize the public health impact of PrEP, ensuring high uptake among
      MSM at highest risk is important. Therefore, targeted information about PrEP
      efficacy and side effects need to be developed, barriers for accessing PrEP
      services should be minimized, and perceived self-efficacy to use PrEP should be
      addressed and improved. To prevent increases in STIs, condom use should be
      monitored and PrEP should be integrated into routine STI screening and
      counseling. 

PMID- 27684828
TI  - Pulmonary arterial hypertension in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: Data from
      the French pulmonary hypertension registry and review of the literature.
AB  - Occurrence of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in idiopathic inflammatory
      myopathies (IIMs) without extensive interstitial lung disease (ILD) has rarely
      been described in the medical literature. This study aimed to report all cases
      with association of PAH and IIM in the French Pulmonary Hypertension (PH)
      Registry, to identify IIM features associated with the presence of PAH, and to
      describe treatment modalities of these patients.All cases of IIM-PAH were
      retrieved from the French PH Registry, which gathers PH patients prospectively
      enrolled by 27 referral hospital centers across France. Patients were excluded if
      they had an extensive ILD or overlap syndrome. Characteristics of IIM-PAH
      patients were compared with a control group of IIM patients without PH.Among the
      5223 PH patients in the Registry, 34 had a diagnosis of IIM. Among them, 3 IIM
      PAH patients (2 females and 1 male) had no evidence of extensive ILD or overlap
      syndrome, and were included in this study. In these 3 patients, dermatomyositis
      (DM) was the only identified IIM. One patient had autoantibodies classically
      associated with IIM (anti-Ku). PAH had always developed after IIM onset, was
      severe in all cases, and led to a marked functional impairment.By pooling our
      cases with 6 patients previously reported in the literature, and comparing them
      with a control cohort of 35 IIM patients without PH, we identify several IIM
      characteristics possibly associated with PAH occurrence, including DM subtype
      (78% vs 46%; P = 0.02), skin involvement (P = 0.04), anti-SSA antibodies (P =
      0.05), and peripheral microangiopathy (P = 0.06).Overall, IIM-PAH patients were
      managed by corticosteroids and/or immunosuppressants, either alone or combined
      with PAH therapy. Patients did not seem to respond to IIM treatment alone.Our
      study reports for the first time the rare but possible association of PAH and IIM
      in a large prospective PH Registry. In that setting, PAH seems associated with
      DM, skin involvement, peripheral microangiopathy, and anti-SSA positivity. The
      best therapeutic strategy for IIM-PAH remains to be defined. 

PMID- 27684829
TI  - GABA+ levels in postmenopausal women with mild-to-moderate depression: A
      preliminary study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is increasingly being recognized that alterations of the GABAergic
      system are implicated in the pathophysiology of depression. This study aimed to
      explore in vivo gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the anterior cingulate
      cortex/medial prefrontal cortex (ACC/mPFC) and posterior-cingulate cortex (PCC)
      of postmenopausal women with depression using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (H
      MRS). METHODS: Nineteen postmenopausal women with depression and thirteen healthy
      controls were enrolled in the study. All subjects underwent H-MRS of the ACC/mPFC
      and PCC using the "MEGA Point Resolved Spectroscopy Sequence" (MEGA-PRESS)
      technique. The severity of depression was assessed by 17-item Hamilton Depression
      Scale (HAMD). Quantification of MRS data was performed using Gannet program.
      Differences of GABA+ levels from patients and controls were tested using one-way
      analysis of variance. Spearman correlation coefficients were used to evaluate the
      linear associations between GABA+ levels and HAMD scores, as well as estrogen
      levels. RESULTS: Significantly lower GABA+ levels were detected in the ACC/mPFC
      of postmenopausal women with depression compared to healthy controls (P = 0.002).
      No significant correlations were found between 17-HAMD/14-HAMA and GABA+ levels,
      either in ACC/mPFC (P = 0.486; r = 0.170/P = 0.814; r = -0.058) or PCC (P =
      0.887; r = 0.035/ P = 0.987; r = -0.004) in the patients; there is also no
      significant correlation between GABA+ levels and estrogen levels in patients
      group (ACC/mPFC: P = 0.629, r = -0.018; PCC: P = 0.861, r = 0.043). CONCLUSION:
      Significantly lower GABA+ levels were found in the ACC/mPFC of postmenopausal
      women with depression, suggesting that the dysfunction of the GABAergic system
      may also be involved in the pathogenesis of depression in postmenopausal women.

PMID- 27684830
TI  - Cetuximab concurrent with IMRT versus cisplatin concurrent with IMRT in locally
      advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A retrospective matched case-control study.
AB  - To evaluate the treatment efficacies and toxicities of concurrent cetuximab-based
      bioradiotherapy (BRT) or cisplatin-based chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in locally
      advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma. :Patients with previously untreated locally
      advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma were matched into pairs, and enrolled into the
      study. All patients were given either BRT or CRT. Survival outcomes, toxicities,
      and prognostic factors were evaluated. :A total of 112 patients were enrolled.
      The 5-year overall survival was 79.3% and 79.5% in CRT and BRT arm, respectively
      (P = 0.797) and the 5-year DFS was 73.5% and 74.6%, respectively (P = 0.953). In
      toxicity analysis, CRT arm had more significant decrease in white blood cell,
      platelet, hemoglobin, and severe vomiting, while more severe skin reactions and
      mucositis were shown in BRT arm. :BRT was not less efficacious than traditional
      CRT. They lead to different aspects of toxicities. If patients cannot stand more
      severe toxicities caused by CRT, BRT could be an ideal alternative. 

PMID- 27684831
TI  - Length to width ratio of the ductus venosus in simple screening for fetal
      congenital heart diseases in the second trimester.
AB  - Antenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CHD) is still low even though
      screening was first introduced over 25 years ago. The purpose of our study was to
      determine the efficacy of a second-trimester prenatal ultrasonographic method of
      screening for CHD.From September 2012 to September 2013, the length and width of
      the fetal ductus venosus were measured sonographically in 1006 singleton fetuses,
      and the ratio of length to width was calculated. The accuracy of each fetal
      measurement and Doppler ultrasonography were determined. The standard fetal
      echocardiographic evaluations including 2-dimensional gray-scale imaging, color,
      and Doppler color flow mapping were performed. The transducer was aligned to the
      long axis of the fetal trunk to view the ductus venosus in its full length,
      including the inlet (isthmus) and outlet portions of the vessel. The diameters of
      the vessel inner wall and mid-point of the ductus venosus were measured using
      calipers. All scans and fetal measurements were conducted by a registered
      sonographer with more than 20 years of perinatal ultrasound screening
      experience.Of the 1006 singleton fetuses between 19 and 28 weeks' gestation, 36
      had CHD. The ductus venosus length/width ratio (DVR) for the first CHD screening
      was extremely sensitive at 88.90%, with a specificity of 99.10% for the cardiac
      abnormalities included in this study. Chromosomal anomalies accompanied CHD in
      0.4% (4/1006) of all cases and 11.11% (4/36) of the CHD cases.The DVR differed
      significantly between fetuses with CHD and normal fetuses during the second
      trimester. Careful assessment of the ratio should be a part of the sonographic
      examination of every fetus. In the case of a small DVR, advanced echocardiography
      and karyotype analysis should be performed. The ratio is a helpful tool for
      screening CHD abnormalities prenatally in the Chinese population. 

PMID- 27684832
TI  - Abdominal obesity and structure and function of the heart in healthy male
      Koreans: The ARIRANG study.
AB  - Although central obesity is a more powerful predictor of cardiovascular disease
      (CVD) than general obesity, there is limited information on structural and
      functional changes of the heart in central obesity. Therefore, we evaluated the
      association between abdominal obesity and geometric and functional changes of the
      heart in healthy males. A total of 1460 healthy males aged 40 to 70 years without
      known CVD from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study on Atherosclerosis Risk
      of Rural Areas in the Korean General Population were included. All individuals
      underwent conventional 2-dimensional echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging
      to measure left atrial (LA) and left ventricle (LV) geometry and function.
      Increasing tertiles of waist circumference (WC) were associated with stepwise
      increases in LA volume, LV end-diastolic dimension, LV mass to height,
      deceleration time of E wave, and lower E/A ratio (all P trends <0.001). In
      multivariable logistic regression models, the odds ratios for LA enlargement, LV
      hypertrophy, LV enlargement, and diastolic dysfunction comparing the upper
      tertile of WC (>89 cm) to the lowest tertile (<82 cm) were 2.81 (95% confidence
      interval [CI] 2.24-3.54), 3.65 (95% CI 2.54-5.26), 4.23 (95% CI 2.61-6.87), and
      1.75 (95% CI 1.37-2.22), respectively. LV ejection fraction and relative wall
      thickness were not increased with increasing WC. The association between WC and
      LA enlargement, LV enlargement, and diastolic dysfunction persisted after
      stratification by body mass index tertiles. Central obesity may be a stronger
      predictor than general obesity of geometric and functional changes in the LV and
      LA. 

PMID- 27684833
TI  - Use of the GlideScope video laryngoscope for intubation during ex utero
      intrapartum treatment in a fetus with a giant cyst of the 4th branchial cleft: A
      case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In fetuses who are predicted to be at risk of catastrophic airway
      obstruction at delivery, the ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure is
      useful for securing the fetal airway while maintaining fetal oxygenation via
      placental circulation. Factors, including poor posture of the fetus and
      physician, narrow visual field, and issues of contamination in the aseptic
      surgical field, make fetal intubation during the EXIT procedure difficult.
      Herein, we report our experience of the usefulness of the GlideScope video
      laryngoscope (GVL) for intubation during the EXIT procedure. SYMPTOMS AND
      CLINICAL FINDINGS: A 28-year-old woman presented with a fetus having a cystic
      neck mass diagnosed on prenatal ultrasound at 25 weeks of gestation. We planned
      the EXIT procedure in conjunction with cesarean delivery at 38 weeks of
      gestation, as the mass enlarged to 4.9 cm * 3.2 cm, protruded externally at the
      neck, and subsequently resulted in polyhydramnios. THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTION AND
      OUTCOMES: After induction of anesthesia using intravenous thiopental (300 mg),
      adequate uterine relaxation was achieved with sevoflurane (2.0-3.0 vol%) combined
      with continuous intravenous infusion of nitroglycerin (0.5-1.0 MUg/kg/min) for
      maintaining uteroplacental circulation. After hysterotomy, the head and right
      upper limb of the fetus were partially delivered, and fetal heart tones were
      monitored with a sterile Doppler probe. After oropharyngeal suctioning to improve
      the visual field, the fetus was intubated successfully using a sterile GVL by an
      anesthesiologist, and the passage of the endotracheal tube beyond the vocal cords
      was confirmed on the screen of the GVL system. Immediately after the fetal airway
      was definitely secured, the fetus was fully delivered with umbilical cord
      clamping. After delivery, nitroglycerine administration was ceased and
      sevoflurane administration was reduced to 0.5 minimum alveolar concentration.
      Additionally, oxytocin (10 units) and carbetocin (100 MUg) were administered for
      recovery of uterine contraction. Cesarean delivery was successfully performed
      without any problems, and the neonate successfully underwent surgery for removal
      of the neck mass under general anesthesia on the 7th day after delivery. The
      neonate is developing normally. CONCLUSION: The GVL approach may be a useful
      noninvasive approach for establishing a clear fetal airway during the EXIT
      procedure.

PMID- 27684834
TI  - Neutrophils assist the metastasis of circulating tumor cells in pancreatic ductal
      adenocarcinoma: A new hypothesis and a new predictor for distant metastasis.
AB  - During our research on circulating tumor cells (CTCs) derived from tumor-adjacent
      vessels in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), we found that CTCs are
      sometimes surrounded by white blood cells (WBCs) in blood. We hypothesize that
      such interaction between WBCs and CTCs in blood is a mechanism by which WBCs
      assist in the metastasis of CTCs. We present our laboratory finding, with our
      evaluation of the association between the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR,
      the most investigated clinical parameter of WBCs) and distant metastasis after
      curative surgery in PDAC. The laboratory finding was presented through
      immunofluorescence. In the clinical segment, we performed a retrospective study
      on PDAC patients with distant metastasis after curative surgery who were referred
      to Peking University Third Hospital between 2005 and 2014. The data on the
      possible clinical factors were collected by a retrospective review of the
      patients' records. Immunofluorescence results showed that CTCs are surrounded by
      WBCs in tumor-adjacent vessels of PDAC patients. In the clinical segment, 112
      (70%) of a total of 160 PDAC patients were found to have developed distant
      metastases after surgery; among the 112 patients, only 89 had entire data and
      were enrolled for further analysis (84.3% patients had liver metastasis). No
      significant association was found between the NLR and overall survival (hazard
      ratio [HR] = 1.027, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.723-1.459, P = 0.88); however,
      a significant relationship between the NLR and distant metastasis after curative
      surgery was found on the univariate (HR = 1.641, 95% CI 1.058-2.545, P = 0.027)
      and multivariate analyses (HR = 2.15, 95% CI 1.279-3.615, P = 0.004). Neutrophils
      might assist in distant metastasis through interaction with CTCs in blood.
      Moreover, NLR is an effective predictor for distant metastasis after curative
      surgery for PDAC. 

PMID- 27684835
TI  - Efficacy and tolerability of oxycodone versus fentanyl for intravenous patient
      controlled analgesia after gastrointestinal laparotomy: A prospective,
      randomized, double-blind study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that oxycodone is effective in relieving acute
      postoperative pain. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and
      tolerability of oxycodone (O) versus fentanyl (F), and the adequate potency ratio
      of oxycodone and fentanyl in patients with intravenous patient-controlled
      analgesia after gastric laparotomy. METHODS: In this double-blinded, randomized,
      controlled study, 60 patients undergoing elective gastric laparotomy were
      allocated to receive either oxycodone or fentanyl for postoperative intravenous
      patient-controlled analgesia (potency ratio 60:1). The patients received
      ketorolac 60 mg before the end of anesthesia and then continued with patient
      controlled analgesia for 48 hours postsurgery. Pain severity, side effects and
      respiration rate were recorded 30 minutes, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after the
      surgery. Cumulative opioid requirements and patient satisfaction were also
      measured. RESULTS: The median consumption more than 48 hours after operation of
      oxycodone was 50 mg (range: 40.0-62.4 mg) and fentanyl was 0.8 mg (range: 0.6-1.1
      mg), and the percentage of patients requiring rescue medication was not
      statistically significant. Numeric rating scores at rest and upon movement were
      significantly lower in group O than in F (P < 0.05). Whereas the incidences of
      adverse events were similar between the groups (33.3% vs 27.6%, P = 0.64), a
      significant higher sedation scores were found in patients given fentanyl at 30
      minutes after the surgery (P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Oxycodone was comparable to
      fentanyl in the relief of postoperative pain following gastric laparotomy.
      Oxycodone not only provides better postoperative pain relief and less sedation,
      but also there was a tendency toward more side effects with oxycodone.

PMID- 27684837
TI  - Comparison of the efficacy and safety of intensive-dose and standard-dose statin
      treatment for stroke prevention: A meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous study indicated that high-dose statin treatment might
      increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke and adverse reactions. We aim to compare
      the efficacy and safety of intensive-dose and standard-dose statin treatment for
      preventing stroke in high-risk patients. METHODS: A thorough search was performed
      of multiple databases for publications from 1990 to June 2015. We selected the
      randomized clinical trials comparing standard-dose statin with placebo and
      intensive-dose statin with standard-dose statin or placebo for the prevention of
      stroke events in patients. Duplicate independent data extraction and bias
      assessments were performed. Data were pooled using a fixed-effects model or a
      random-effects model if significant heterogeneity was present. RESULTS: For the
      all stroke incidences, intensive-dose statin treatment compared with placebo
      treatment and standard-dose statin treatment compared with placebo treatment
      showed a significant 21% reduction in relative risk (RR) (RR 0.79, 95% confidence
      interval (CI) [0.71, 0.87], P < 0.00001) and an 18% reduction in RR (RR 0.82, 95%
      CI [0.73, 0.93], P = 0.002) in the subgroup without renal transplant recipients
      and patients undergoing regular hemodialysis separately. For the fatal stroke
      incidences, intensive-dose statin treatment compared with standard dose or
      placebo was effective reducing fatal stroke (RR 0.61, 95% CI [0.39, 0.96], P =
      0.03) and the RR was 1.01 (95% CI [0.85, 1.20], P = 0.90) in standard-dose statin
      treatment compared with placebo. CONCLUSION: The results of this meta-analysis
      suggest that intensive-dose statin treatment might be more favorable for reducing
      the incidences of all strokes than standard-dose statin treatment, especially for
      patients older than 65 years in reducing the incidences of all stroke incidences.

PMID- 27684836
TI  - Postoperative adverse outcomes among physicians receiving major surgeries: A
      nationwide retrospective cohort study.
AB  - Outcomes after surgeries involving physicians as patients have not been
      researched. This study compares postoperative adverse events between physicians
      as surgical patients and nonhealth professional controls.Using reimbursement
      claims data from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Program, we conducted a
      matched retrospective cohort study of 7973 physicians as surgical patients and
      7973 propensity score-matched nonphysician controls receiving in-hospital major
      surgeries between 2004 and 2010. We compared postoperative major complications,
      length of hospital stay, intensive care unit (ICU), medical expenditure, and 30
      day mortality.Compared with nonphysician controls, physicians as surgical
      patients had lower adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs)
      of postoperative deep wound infection (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.40-0.99; P < 0.05),
      prolonged length of stay (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.62-0.75; P < 0.0001), ICU admission
      (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.66-0.83; P < 0.0001), and increased medical expenditure (OR
      0.80, 95% CI 0.73-0.88; P < 0.0001). Physicians as surgical patients were not
      associated with 30-day in-hospital mortality after surgery. Physicians working at
      medical centers (P < 0.05 for all), dentists (P < 0.05 for all), and those with
      fewer coexisting medical conditions (P < 0.05 for all) had lower risks for
      postoperative prolonged length of stay, ICU admission, and increased medical
      expenditure.Although our study's findings suggest that physicians as surgical
      patients have better outcomes after surgery, future clinical prospective studies
      are needed for validation. 

PMID- 27684839
TI  - Comparison of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis and conventional plate
      osteosynthesis for humeral shaft fracture: A meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objective of this meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy and
      safety of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) and conventional plate
      osteosynthesis (CPO) for humeral shaft fracture. METHODS: Potential academic
      articles were identified from the Cochrane Library, Medline (1966-2016.3), PubMed
      (1966-2016.3), Embase (1980-2016.3), and ScienceDirect (1966-2016.3). Gray
      studies were identified from the references of the included literature.
      Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCT involving MIPO and CPO for
      humeral shaft fracture were included. Two independent reviewers performed
      independent data abstraction. I statistic was used to assess heterogeneity. Fixed
      or random effects model was used for meta-analysis. RESULTS: Two RCTs and 3 non
      RCTs met the inclusion criteria. There was a lower incidence of iatrogenic radial
      nerve palsy in patients with MIPO (P = 0.006). There was no statistically
      significant difference in in the risk of developing nonunion, delay union,
      malformation, screw loosening, infection, operation time, UCLA, and MEPS function
      score between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: MIPO decreased incidence of iatrogenic
      radial nerve palsy and is an efficacy and safety technique for humeral shaft
      fracture. Due to the limited quality and data of the evidence currently
      available, more high-quality RCTs are required.

PMID- 27684838
TI  - Uncommon liver tumors: Case report and literature review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Beside hepatocellular carcinoma, metastasis, and cholangiocarcinoma,
      the imaging findings of other relatively uncommon hepatic lesions are less
      discussed in the literature. Imaging diagnosis of these lesions is a daily
      challenge. In this article, we review the imaging characteristics of these
      neoplasms. METHODS: From January 2003 to December 2014, 4746 patients underwent
      liver biopsy or hepatic surgical resection in our hospital. We reviewed the
      pathological database retrospectively. Imaging of these lesions was reviewed.
      RESULTS: Imaging findings of uncommon hepatic lesions vary. We discuss the
      typical imaging characteristics with literature review. Clinical and pathological
      correlations are also described. Primary hepatic lymphoma consists only of 1% of
      the extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and is defined as the one involving only the
      liver and perihepatic lymph nodes within 6 months after diagnosis. Combined
      hepatocellular and cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CC) shares some overlapping imaging
      characteristics with both HCC and cholangiocarcinoma because of being an
      admixture of them. Angiosarcoma is the most common hepatic mesenchymal tumor and
      is hypervascular in nature. Inflammatory pseudotumor is often heterogeneous on
      ultrasonography and with enhanced septations and rims in the portovenous phase
      after contrast medium. Angiomyolipoma (AML) typically presents with macroscopic
      fat components with low signal on fat-saturated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
      and presence of drainage vessels. Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct
      (IPNB) is thought of as a counterpart to the pancreatic intraductal papillary
      mucinous neoplasm. Most of the IPNBs secrete mucin and cause disproportional
      dilatation of the bile ducts. Mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN) contains
      proteinaceous and colloidal components without ductal communication and
      characterizes with hyperintensity on T1-weighted imaging. Other extremely rare
      lesions, including epithelioid hemangioendothelioma and inflammatory pseudotumor
      like follicular dendritic cell sarcoma, are also discussed. Hepatoblastoma and
      mesenchymal hamartoma, mostly in children, are also briefly reviewed as well.
      CONCLUSION: It is important for radiologists to be familiar with the typical
      imaging features of the uncommon hepatic neoplasms. If imaging findings are not
      typical or diagnostic, further biopsy is required.

PMID- 27684840
TI  - Association of CD14 -159 (-260C/T) polymorphism and asthma risk: an updated
      genetic meta-analysis study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It has been reported that the cluster of differentiation 14 (CD14)
      gene -159C/T variant may be associated with asthma risk. However, some studies
      yielded conflicting results. Therefore, a comprehensive meta-analysis was
      designed to assess the precise association. METHODS: A systematic search in
      PubMed, Embase (Ovid), China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI), and Wan fang
      databases was conducted up to August 15, 2015. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence
      interval (CI) were used to pool the effect size. We used I to assess
      heterogeneity, and a funnel plot and Egger test to assess publication bias.
      RESULTS: In total, 34 studies involving 15,641 subjects were included in this
      meta-analysis. There was a statistically significant association between CD14 
      159C/T polymorphism and asthma risk observed in dominant model (TT+TC vs CC: OR =
      0.86, 95% CI = 0.77-0.97, P = 0.012) and codominant model (TC vs CC: OR = 0.88,
      95% CI = 0.78-0.99, P = 0.035) in adults. However, there may be no significant
      association between CD14 159C/T and atopic and nonatopic asthma risk. CONCLUSION:
      In summary, the overall results suggested that the CD14 -159C/T variant may
      decrease the risk of asthma susceptibility in adults. However, no significant
      association between CD14 159C/T and atopic and nonatopic asthma susceptibility
      was identified. More studies with larger sample size are needed to validate the
      findings from this study.

PMID- 27684841
TI  - The effectiveness and safety of tranexamic acid in bilateral total knee
      arthroplasty: A meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: A meta-analysis was performed to investigate the effectiveness and
      safety of tranexamic acid (TXA) for the treatment of blood loss after a bilateral
      total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: Patients prepared for bilateral TKA and
      intervention including TXA versus placebo were comprehensively retrieved from
      MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials
      (CENTRAL), and Web of Science from the time of the establishment of these
      databases to January 2016. The outcomes were all calculated by Stata 12.0
      software. The continuous endpoints (total blood loss and blood loss in drainage)
      were calculated as mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
      Binary variables (the need for transfusion, and the occurrence of deep venous
      thrombosis [DVT]) were calculated as relative risk (RR) with 95% CIs. RESULTS:
      Pooled results revealed that treatment with TXA associated with less need for
      transfusion (P = 0.000) and the value of Hb drop postoperatively (P = 0.290)
      after bilateral TKA. The results also indicated that TXA can decrease the total
      blood loss and blood loss in drainage after bilateral TKA (P < 0.05). Meanwhile,
      TXA can decrease the blood units transfused per patient by 1.23 U (P = 0.001).
      There is no statistically significant difference in terms of the occurrence of
      DVT between the 2 groups (P = 0.461). CONCLUSION: Based on the current evidence,
      TXA can decrease the need for transfusion and the total blood loss without
      increasing the occurrence of DVT, and its administration is recommended routinely
      in bilateral TKA.

PMID- 27684842
TI  - Uterus-like mass: A very rare and elusive entity a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Uterus-like mass (ULM) is an extremely rare lesion. Gross morphology
      of ULM resembling a uterus. It can occur in various organs in the abdominal
      cavity, even in the spinal cord. The histogenesis of ULM remains uncertain. A
      number of hypotheses have been proposed including metaplasia, congenital anomaly,
      and heterotopia theory. METHODS: We describe a case of 43-year-old male presented
      with a complaint of acute low abdominal pain. Pelvic ultrasound found a large
      pelvic mass embedded in the broad ligament. RESULTS: The mass contains a variable
      thickness smooth muscle layer lined with endometrial glands and stroma which
      resembling a uterus. Eventually, the patient was diagnosed as ULM by
      histopathological examination. CONCLUSION: Except hypomenorrhea, the patient did
      not have any other associated abnormalities. We suggest this case supports the
      metaplasia theory that ULM is a benign mass formed by the proliferation of
      ectopic endometrial stromal cells or pluripotent mesenchymal cells of the 2nd
      Mullerian system.

PMID- 27684843
TI  - An association of platelet indices with blood pressure in Beijing adults:
      Applying quadratic inference function for a longitudinal study.
AB  - The quadratic inference function (QIF) method becomes more acceptable for
      correlated data because of its advantages over generalized estimating equations
      (GEE). This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between platelet indices and
      blood pressure using QIF method, which has not been studied extensively in real
      data settings.A population-based longitudinal study was conducted in Beijing from
      2007 to 2012, and the median of follow-up was 6 years. A total of 6515 cases, who
      were aged between 20 and 65 years at baseline and underwent routine physical
      examinations every year from 3 Beijing hospitals were enrolled to explore the
      association between platelet indices and blood pressure by QIF method. The
      original continuous platelet indices were categorized into 4 levels (Q1-Q4) using
      the 3 quartiles of P25, P50, and P75 as a critical value. GEE was performed to
      make a comparison with QIF.After adjusting for age, usage of drugs, and other
      confounding factors, mean platelet volume was negatively associated with
      diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (Equation is included in full-text article.)in
      males and positively linked with systolic blood pressure (SBP) (Equation is
      included in full-text article.). Platelet distribution width was negatively
      associated with SBP (Equation is included in full-text article.). Blood platelet
      count was associated with DBP (Equation is included in full-text article.)in
      males.Adults in Beijing with prolonged exposure to extreme value of platelet
      indices have elevated risk for future hypertension and evidence suggesting using
      some platelet indices for early diagnosis of high blood pressure was provided. 

PMID- 27684844
TI  - Association of telomere length in peripheral leukocytes with chronic hepatitis B
      and hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Telomere plays a critical role in the maintenance of
      genomic stability in eukaryotic chromosomes. More and more findings have shown
      that alteration in telomere length may involve in normal somatic cells and some
      diseases, however, whether the telomere length is associated with the development
      and/or progression of hepatic diseases remains poorly understood. METHODS: A case
      control study was employed to illustrate the correlation of relative telomere
      length (RTL) with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
      In this study, 152 patients with HCC, 212 patients with CHB, and 184 healthy
      controls were recruited. Genomic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted from
      the peripheral blood leukocytes, and fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain
      reaction (FQ-PCR) was used to detect telomere repeated numbers and 36B4 copy
      numbers. The RTL was calculated by telomere repeat copy number to single-copy
      gene number ratio in each sample compared with a reference DNA sample. RESULTS:
      We found that the RTL in HCC group was the longest, followed by CHB group, and
      healthy control group was the shortest, showing significant statistical
      differences. When participants were categorized into longer and shorter group
      according to medium value in healthy controls, individuals who had longer RTL had
      a significant increased risk of CHB (odds ratio [OR]: 1.83, 95% confidence
      interval [CI]: 1.22-2.73) when the healthy control was used as the reference
      groups; furthermore, longer RTL also showed higher incidence of HCC (OR: 3.22,
      95% CI: 2.01-5.17; OR: 1.58, 95% CI:1.03-2.41) when healthy control and CHB were
      used as the reference groups, respectively. When participants were categorized
      further into 4 groups according to quartile values of RTL in healthy controls, it
      showed that the longest RTL was also associated with an increased risk of CHB
      (OR: 2.09, 95% CI: 1.17-3.74) and HCC (OR: 4.31, 95% CI: 2.18-8.52; OR: 2.86, 95%
      CI: 1.53-5.34) when control and control/CHB group were used as the reference
      groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the alteration of
      telomere length in peripheral leukocytes might be involved in the hepatitis B
      virus infection and HCC events, and RTL might be a potential useful predictor of
      CHB and HCC.

PMID- 27684845
TI  - The prevalence and factors associate with vocal nodules in general population:
      Cross-sectional epidemiological study.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to analyze the prevalence of vocal nodules and to
      identify factors related with an increased risk for vocal nodules.This study was
      conducted using data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination
      Survey 2008 to 2011. The subjects consisted of 19,636 men and women aged >=19
      years. Related factors such as age, marital status, incomes, and education level
      were assessed in individual interviews, and health-related behaviors including
      smoking, alcohol, and activity were assessed with self-administered
      questionnaires. Also, examination survey such as laryngoscopy examination, basic
      physical examination, and blood sampling was conducted.The prevalence of vocal
      nodules was 1.31% (n = 258). Among variable factors, age, education level, and
      voice disorder were related with the presence of vocal nodules (P < 0.05). Other
      factors including sex, alcohol, smoking, physical activities, hypertension,
      obesity, waist circumference and metabolic syndrome, hypercholesterolemia, serum
      calcium, and vitamin D did not show any meaningful relationship with the presence
      of vocal nodules.This result may help reduce the incidence of vocal nodules and
      offer proper management for patients with vocal nodules, and may also facilitate
      efficient allocation of public health resources. 

PMID- 27684846
TI  - Clinical significance of hyperhomocysteinemia in infective endocarditis: A case
      control study.
AB  - Blood coagulation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of infective endocarditis
      (IE). Conditions associated with thrombophilia could enhance IE vegetation
      formation and promote embolic complications.In this study, we assessed
      prevalence, correlates, and clinical consequences of hyper-homocysteinemia (h
      Hcy) in IE.Homocysteine (Hcy) plasma levels were studied in 246 IE patients and
      258 valvular heart disease (VHD) patients, as well as in 106 healthy controls.IE
      patients showed Hcy levels comparable to VHD patients (14.9 [3-81] vs 16 [5-50]
      MUmol/L, respectively; P = 0.08). H-Hcy was observed in 48.8% of IE patients and
      55.8% of VHD (P = 0.13). Vegetation size and major embolic complications were not
      related to Hcy levels. IE patients with h-Hcy had a higher prevalence of chronic
      kidney disease and a higher 1-year mortality (19.6% vs 9.9% in those without h
      Hcy; OR 2.21 [1.00-4.89], P = 0.05). However, at logistic regression analysis, h
      Hcy was not an independent predictor of 1-year mortality (OR 1.87 [95% CI 0.8
      4.2]; P = 0.13).Our data suggest h-Hcy in IE is common, is related to a worse
      renal function, and may be a marker of cardiac dysfunction rather than infection.
      H-Hcy does not appear to favor IE vegetation formation or its symptomatic embolic
      complications. 

PMID- 27684847
TI  - Dental arch dimensional changes after adenoidectomy or tonsillectomy in children
      with airway obstruction: A meta-analysis and systematic review under PRISMA
      guidelines.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Children with severe airway obstruction tend to have a vertical
      direction of growth, class II malocclusion, and narrow arches. Adenoidectomy and
      tonsillectomy were recommended for the promotion of balanced dentition growth in
      these children.The aim of this study was to determine the effect of adenoidectomy
      and tonsillectomy on the growth of dental morphology in children with airway
      obstruction. METHODS: A comprehensive search of the Medline, Embase, Web of
      science, and OVID databases for studies published through to January 17, 2016 was
      conducted. Prospective, comparative, clinical studies assessing the efficacy of
      adenoidectomy, or tonsillectomy in children with airway obstruction were
      included. The weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI)
      were used for continuous variables. Forest plots were drawn to demonstrate
      effects in the meta-analyses. RESULTS: Eight papers were included in our study.
      We found that adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy led to a significant change in
      nasal-breathing in children with airway obstruction. Children with airway
      obstruction had a significantly narrower posterior maxillary dental arch than
      children without airway obstruction (WMD = -0.94, 95% CI [-1.13, -0.76]; P <
      0.001). After surgery, these children still had a significantly narrower dental
      arch than the nasal-breathing children (WMD = -0.60, 95% CI [-0.79, -0.42]; P <
      0.001). In terms of dental arch width, malocclusion, palatal height, overjet,
      overbite, dental arch perimeter, and arch length, a tendency toward normalization
      was evident following adenoidectomy or tonsillectomy, with no significant
      differences evident between the surgical group and the normal group. The small
      number of studies and lack of randomized controlled trials were the main
      limitations of this meta-analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Following adenoidectomy and
      tonsillectomy, the malocclusion and narrow arch width of children with airway
      obstruction could not be completely reversed. Therefore, other treatments such as
      functional training or orthodontic maxillary widening should be considered after
      removing the obstruction in the airway.

PMID- 27684848
TI  - Cross-sectional pupillographic evaluation of relative afferent pupillary defect
      in age-related macular degeneration.
AB  - To evaluate, using pupillography, the difference between eyes affected by age
      related macular degeneration and their contralateral normal eyes with regard to
      the mean relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD) score. Also, to ascertain any
      correlations between this difference in RAPD score and differences in visual
      acuity or age-related macular degeneration (AMD) dimensions. Measurements were
      made using the RAPDx pupillographer (Konan Medical, Nishinomiya, Japan), which
      analyzes pupil response to light stimulation. Both best corrected visual acuity
      (converted to logMAR) and greatest linear dimension (GLD; calculated on the basis
      of fluorescence angiography images) were measured. The correlations between RAPD
      difference and logMAR difference, and GLD difference were then analyzed. The
      study included 32 patients (18 men, 14 women; mean age = 74.8 +/- 9.7 years) who
      had AMD in 1 eye and a normal fundus in the contralateral eye. Mean resting pupil
      diameter, mean latency onset of constriction, mean velocity of constriction, and
      recovery were not significantly different in AMD eyes compared with normal eyes.
      The mean amplitude of constriction was smaller (P = 0.028), and the mean latency
      of maximum constriction was shorter (P = 0.0013) in AMD eyes than in normal eyes.
      Regarding RAPD scores, there was a significant correlation between visual acuity
      difference and RAPD score differences of both amplitude (P < 0.001, r = 0.53) and
      latency (P = 0.034, r = 0.33). GLD difference was also significantly correlated
      with differences in both amplitude (P = 0.021, r = 0.36) and latency (P = 0.033,
      r = 0.33) scores. RAPD outcomes were correlated with visual acuity and AMD
      dimension. Automated pupillography may be a useful tool in monitoring the
      progression of AMD and assessing changes in retinal function that result from
      novel interventions. 

PMID- 27684849
TI  - Elastic stable intramedullary nailing for severely displaced distal tibial
      fractures in children.
AB  - Elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) has became a well-accepted method of
      osteosynthesis of diaphyseal fractures in the skeletally immature patient for
      many advantages, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the preliminary results
      of this minimally invasive treatment for severely displaced distal tibial
      diaphyseal metaphyseal junction (DTDMJ) fractures.This study was carried out over
      a 6-year period. Twenty-one severely displaced DTDMJ fractures treated using ESIN
      were evaluated clinically and radiographically. Complications were assessed: the
      patients were evaluated with regard to nonunion, malunion, infection, growth
      arrest, leg length discrepancy, implant irritation, and joint function.Mean age
      at the time of surgery was 7.8 years (range between 5.3 and 14.8 years), mean
      body weight 34.1 kg, all fractures were transverse or mild oblique type,
      including 3 open fractures, 5 multifragmented fractures, and 4 fractures
      associated with polytrauma; 6 cases were treated with antegrade ESIN of tibia
      while 15 cases need combined retrograde fibula and antegrade tibia fixation
      treatments. Follow-ups were ranging from 11 to 36 months, 19 fractures showed
      both clinical and radiographic evidence of healing within 5 months; all cases had
      full range motion of knee and ankle with symmetrical foot progress angle. Nail
      removal was at a mean 7.1 months, at final follow-up, no growth arrest or
      disturbances occurred. Five patients had complications; leg length discrepancy
      had decreased yet affected 2 patients, 2 cases showed delayed union, and 1 case
      developed restricted dorsal extension at the metatarsophalangeal joint of the
      hallux.ESIN is the treatment of choice for pediatric severely displaced DTDMJ
      fractures that cannot be reduced by closed reduction or ones that cannot be
      casted. The advantages include faster fracture healing, excellent functional and
      cosmetic results, safe and reliable surgical technique, and lower severe
      complication rate. 

PMID- 27684850
TI  - Barbed versus conventional 2-layer continuous running sutures for laparoscopic
      vaginal cuff closure.
AB  - We compared results using unidirectional barbed sutures and conventional sutures
      for vaginal cuff closure during total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH).The
      electronic medical records and surgical videos of 170 patients who underwent TLH
      between January 2013 and March 2015 at Uijeong-bu St. Mary's Hospital of Catholic
      University of Korea were reviewed. Vaginal cuffs were closed using the 2-layer
      continuous running technique with unidirectional barbed sutures (V-Loc; Covidien,
      Mansfield, MA) in 64 patients and with polycolic acid Vicryl; Ethicon,
      Somerville, NJ sutures in 106 patients. Procedure time, clinical characteristics,
      and postoperative complications were compared between the 2 study groups. There
      were no differences in clinical characteristics (age, body mass index, and
      demographic data) between groups. The mean suturing time was significantly
      reduced in the barbed group (7.2 vs 12.2 minutes; P < 0.001), although the mean
      number of stitches was greater than in the Vicryl group (14.1 vs 12.3, P <
      0.001). Perioperative complications, including episodes of vaginal bleeding,
      vaginal cuff cellulitis, and postoperative fever, did not differ between groups.
      There were no instances of vaginal cuff dehiscence in either group.
      Unidirectional barbed sutures can be used safely to reduce procedure time and
      surgical difficulty relative to conventional sutures in laparoscopic vaginal cuff
      closure. 

PMID- 27684851
TI  - FDG PET/CT response in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: Reader variability and
      association with clinical outcome.
AB  - F-18-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography
      (PET/CT) is essential for monitoring response to treatment in patients with
      diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and qualitative interpretation is commonly
      applied in clinical practice. We aimed to evaluate the interobserver agreements
      of qualitative PET/CT response in patients with DLBCL and the predictive value of
      PET/CT results for clinical outcome.PET/CT images were obtained for patients with
      DLBCL 3 times: at baseline, after 3 cycles of first-line chemotherapy (interim),
      and after completion of chemotherapy. Two nuclear medicine physicians (with 3 and
      8 years of experience with PET/CT) retrospectively assessed response to
      chemotherapy blinded to the clinical outcome using International Harmonization
      Project (IHP) criteria and Deauville 5-point score. The associations between
      PET/CT results and progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were
      assessed using Cox regression analysis.A total of 112 PET/CT images were included
      from 59 patients with DLBCL (36 male, 23 female; mean age 53 +/- 14 years). Using
      the IHP criteria, interobserver agreement was substantial (Cohen kappa = 0.76)
      with absolute agreement consistency of 89%. Using the Deauville score,
      interobserver agreement was moderate (Cohen weighted kappa = 0.54) and absolute
      consistency was 62%. The most common cause of disagreements was discordant
      interpretation of residual tumor uptake. With median follow-up period of 60
      months, estimated 5-year PFS and OS were 81% and 92%, respectively. Neither
      interim nor posttreatment PET/CT results by both readers were significantly
      associated with PFS. Interim PET/CT result by the more experienced reader using
      Deauville score was a significant factor for OS (P = 0.019).Moderate-to
      substantial interobserver agreement was observed for response assessments
      according to qualitative PET/CT criteria, and interim PET/CT result could predict
      OS in patients with DLBCL. Further studies are necessary to further standardize
      the PET/CT-based response criteria for more consistent interpretation. 

PMID- 27684852
TI  - Preoperative evaluation value of aortic arch lesions by multidetector computed
      tomography angiography in type A aortic dissection.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to preoperatively evaluate the value of aortic arch
      lesions by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) angiography in type A aortic
      dissection (AD).From January 2013 to December 2015, we enrolled 42 patients with
      type A AD who underwent MDCT angiography in our hospital. The institutional
      database of patients was retrospectively reviewed to identify MDCT angiography
      examinations for type A AD. Surgical corrections were conducted in all patients
      to confirm diagnostic accuracy.In this study, the diagnostic accuracy of MDCT
      angiography was 100% in all 42 patients. The intimal tear site locations that
      were identified in patients included the ascending aorta (n = 25), aortic arch (n
      = 12), and all other sites (n = 5). Compared with the control group, there were
      significant differences in the aortic arch anatomy among the cases. Regarding the
      distance between the left common carotid and left subclavian arteries, compared
      with the control group, most cases with type A AD had a significant
      variation.MDCT angiography plays an important role in detecting aortic arch
      lesions of type A AD, especially in determining the location of the intimal entry
      site and change of branch blood vessels. Surgeons can formulate an appropriate
      operating plan, according to the preoperative MDCT diagnosis information. 

PMID- 27684854
TI  - A nationwide survey of clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of
      acute kidney injury (AKI) - patients with and without preexisting chronic kidney
      disease have different prognoses.
AB  - Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication in hospitalized patients. The
      International Society of Nephrology implemented the "0 by 25" initiative aimed at
      preventing deaths from treatable AKI worldwide by 2025 and conducted a global
      snapshot survey in 2014. We joined in the project and conducted this study to
      compare the epidemiology, risk factors, and prognosis between patients with pure
      AKI and those with acute-on-chronic kidney disease (ACKD). In this study, we
      prospectively collected demographic parameters and data on clinical
      characteristics, baseline comorbidities, management, and outcomes of 201 AKI
      patients in 18 hospitals in Taiwan from September 2014 to November 2014. The in
      hospital mortality rate was 16%. AKI was mostly attributed to sepsis (52%).
      Multivariate logistic regression indicated that oliguria was a positive
      independent predictor of in-hospital mortality, whereas preexisting CKD and
      exposure to nephrotoxic agents were negative independent predictors. The
      prevalence of vasopressor use, intensive care unit care, and mortality were
      significantly higher in pure AKI patients than in ACKD patients. Moreover, serum
      creatinine (SCr) levels significantly increased within 7 days after AKI diagnosis
      in nonsurvivors but not in survivors in the pure AKI group. By contrast, SCr
      levels were persistently lower in nonsurvivors than in survivors in the ACKD
      group during the same period. We thus determined that the prognosis of ACKD
      patients differed from that of pure AKI patients. Considering the CKD history in
      the future AKI staging system may improve prognosis prediction. 

PMID- 27684855
TI  - Estimating the costs of supporting safety-net transformation into patient
      centered medical homes in post-Katrina New Orleans.
AB  - There is a need to understand the costs associated with supporting, implementing,
      and maintaining the system redesign of small and medium-sized safety-net clinics.
      The authors aimed to understand the characteristics of clinics that transformed
      into patient-centered medical homes and the incremental cost for
      transformation.The sample was 74 clinics in Greater New Orleans that received
      funds from the Primary Care Access and Stabilization Grant program between 2007
      and 2010 to support their transformation. The study period was divided into
      baseline (September 21, 2007-March 21, 2008), transformation (March 22, 2008
      March 21, 2009), and maintenance (March 22, 2009-September 20, 2010) periods, and
      data were collected at 6-month intervals. Baseline characteristics for the
      clinics that transformed were compared to those that did not. Fixed-effect models
      were conducted for cost estimation, controlling for baseline differences, using
      propensity score weights.Half of the 74 primary care clinics achieved
      transformation by the end of the study period. The clinics that transformed had
      higher total cost, more clinic visits, and a larger female patient proportion at
      baseline. The estimated incremental cost for clinics that underwent
      transformation was $37.61 per visit per 6 months, and overall it cost $24.86 per
      visit per 6 months in grant funds to support a clinic's transformation.Larger
      sized clinics and those with a higher female proportion were more likely to
      transform. The Primary Care Access and Stabilization Grant program provided
      approximately $24.86 per visit over the 2 and 1/2 years. This estimated
      incremental cost could be used to guide policy recommendations to support primary
      care transformation in the United States. 

PMID- 27684853
TI  - Comparison between adrenal venous sampling and computed tomography in the
      diagnosis of primary aldosteronism and in the guidance of adrenalectomy.
AB  - In our series of patients with primary aldosteronism, we compared diagnostic
      concordance and clinical outcomes after adrenalectomy between adrenal venous
      sampling (AVS) and computed tomography (CT) imaging.Our retrospective analysis
      included 886 patients with primary aldosteronism diagnosed in our hospital
      between 2005 and 2014. Of them, 269 patients with CT unilateral adrenal disease
      were included in the analysis on the diagnostic concordance and 126 patients with
      follow-up data in the analysis on clinical outcomes after adrenalectomy.
      Hypertension was considered cured if systolic/diastolic blood pressure (BP) was
      controlled (<140/90 mm Hg) without medication and improved if BP was controlled
      with a reduced number of antihypertensive drugs.In 269 patients with CT
      unilateral adrenal disease, the overall concordance rate between AVS and CT was
      50.5% for lateralization on the same side. The concordance rate decreased with
      increasing age, with highest rate of 61% in patients aged <30 years (n = 16). In
      126 patients with follow-up data after adrenalectomy, the AVS- (n = 96) and CT
      guided patients (n = 30) had similar characteristics before adrenalectomy. After
      andrenalectomy, the AVS-guided patients had a significantly higher serum
      potassium concentration (4.3 +/- 0.3 vs 4.0 +/- 0.5 mmol/L, P = 0.04) and rate of
      cured and improved hypertension (98% vs 87%, P = 0.03). The AVS-guided patients
      (n = 50) had slightly higher cured rate than the CT-guided patients (n = 11) in
      those older than 50 years (26.0% vs 18.2%, P = 0.72). The age below which the
      cured rate in the CT-guided patients was 100% was 30 years.AVS guidance had
      moderate concordance with CT and slightly improved clinical outcomes after
      adrenalectomy. The age below which CT unilateralization achieved 100% cured rate
      was approximately 30 years. 

PMID- 27684856
TI  - Successful treatment of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma with intralesional
      cryosurgery: Case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Wide excision or Mohs surgery is the standard treatment of skin
      squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Superficial SCC or tumor smaller than 1 cm has
      been treated successfully with open spray cryosurgery. Larger tumor may not be as
      effective because tissue destruction is usually superficial. Intralesional
      cryosurgery (IC) may provide a deeper and better cell killing effect in larger
      tumors. We investigated the safety and efficacy of treating nodular SCC in 4
      patients with IC. METHODS: Four patients with nodular SCC/keratoacanthoma (tumor
      size, 1-2.5 cm, average 1.48 cm) on the face and extremity were treated with IC.
      An 18-ga needle was connected to a cryogun and inserted into the center of the
      tumor after local anesthesia. The tumors were treated with 2 freeze-thaw cycles
      with a 5- to 10-mm free margin. Additional IC or open spray cryosurgery was
      applied if residual tumor was noted during monthly follow-up. RESULTS: No patient
      required analgesics or experienced wound infection after the procedures. After
      IC, all tumors reduced 40% to 75% in size within 1 week. Two patients received 1
      additional spray cryosurgery. Complete remission was noted in all tumors (100%)
      in 2 months. No recurrence was noted during follow-up (average 5.1 years). All
      patients were satisfied with the results. CONCLUSION: Our observation suggests
      that IC can be simple and effective alternative treatment for SCC patients whose
      condition is not suitable for or who refused operation.

PMID- 27684857
TI  - The role of radiofrequency ablation for treatment of metachronous isolated
      hepatic metastasis from colorectal cancer.
AB  - We investigated recurrence pattern and oncologic outcomes after treatment of
      metachronous isolated liver metastases from colorectal cancer according to
      treatment modality.We retrospectively analyzed 123 patients treated with hepatic
      resection and 82 patients treated with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for
      metachronous isolated hepatic metastasis from colorectal cancer (HMCRC). We
      compared clinicopathological data, recurrence pattern, and recurrence-free
      survival (RFS) rates after the treatment of hepatic metastasis between patients
      treated with RFA and resection.The patients in the 2 groups were similar in
      gender, location of primary tumor, disease-free interval to hepatic metastasis,
      pathologic stage of primary tumor, and number of hepatic metastasis. The age was
      older in RFA group but it was not statistically different. The mean diameter of
      the largest hepatic mass was greater in the resection group than in the RFA group
      (3.1 vs 1.9 cm, P < 0.001). Chemotherapy after the treatment of hepatic
      metastasis was more commonly given in hepatic resection group (76.4% vs 62.2%, P
      = 0.04). Recurrence after the treatment of hepatic metastasis was not
      significantly different between the 2 groups (54.5% vs 65.9% in the resection and
      RFA groups). However, intrahepatic recurrence without extra-hepatic metastases
      was more common in the RFA group than in the resection group (47.5% vs 12.1%, P <
      0.001). The RFS rate after the treatment of hepatic metastasis was significantly
      higher in resection group (48.6% vs 33.7%, P = 0.015). The size and number of
      hepatic metastasis, primary tumor stage, disease-free interval to hepatic
      metastasis, and the modality of treatment (RFA vs resection) for hepatic
      metastasis were confirmed as associated factors with re-recurrence after the
      treatment of hepatic metastasis. Among patients with solitary hepatic metastases
      of <=3 cm, marginal recurrence was higher in the RFA group (3% vs 17.2%) and re
      RFA was performed to achieve comparable recurrence rate (3% vs 5.2%, P = 0.662),
      the RFS rate was not different between the resection and RFA group (52.4% vs
      53.4%, P = 0.491).Surgical resection for HMCRC showed higher RFS. However, the
      RFS rate in patients with a solitary hepatic metastasis of <=3 cm was similar
      between the resection and RFA groups. 

PMID- 27684858
TI  - Low serum albumin concentrations are associated with disease severity in patients
      with myasthenia gravis.
AB  - Serum albumin (S-Alb) is a widely used biomarker of nutritional status and
      disease severity in patients with autoimmune diseases. We investigated the
      correlation between S-Alb and the severity of myasthenia gravis (MG).A total
      number of 166 subjects were recruited in the study. Subjects were divided into 3
      groups (T1 to T3) by S-Alb levels: T1: 21.1 to 38.4 g/L, T2: 38.5 to 41.5 g/L,
      T3: 41.6 to 48.9 g/L. Regression analysis was performed to determine the
      correlation of initial albumin concentrations and the severity of disease of
      MG.Lower levels of S-Alb were observed in subjects with increased disease
      severity than those with slight disease severity, meanwhile, incidence of
      myasthenia crisis increased in the lower albumin tertiles (P < 0.001). The
      disease severity assessment was performed according to the criteria established
      by the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America. After adjusting for age, sex,
      body mass index (BMI), and duration of disease, it showed that higher S-Alb
      concentrations were associated with lower disease severity. Odds ratios (ORs) of
      T2 to T3 were 0.241 (95% CI: 0.103-0.566, P < 0.001), 0.140 (95% CI: 0.054-0.367,
      P < 0.001) when compared with subjects in the T1, respectively. When subjects
      were stratified into hypoalbuminemia and normal albumin groups, we found that the
      association between S-Alb and MG remained significant in the hypoalbuminemia
      group only (OR: 0.693, 95% CI: 0.550-0.874, P = 0.002) after further adjustment
      for age, sex, BMI, and duration of disease.This is the first study to demonstrate
      that S-Alb was independently associated with MG severity. In patients with low S
      Alb, S-Alb concentration could be a potential biomarker for MG disability. 

PMID- 27684859
TI  - Serum fibroblast growth factor 19 is decreased in patients with overt
      hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism.
AB  - As a newly emerging metabolic regulator, accumulating evidence suggests that the
      circulating fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) level correlated with lipid and
      glucose metabolism. Several independent groups have found that FGF19 was highly
      likely associated with multiple metabolic disorders. Thyroid dysfunction is
      believed to be associated with metabolism diseases. However, to date, few studies
      have investigated the role of FGF19 in patients with thyroid dysfunctions. For
      this purpose, a cross-sectional study was done to estimate the role of FGF19 in
      patients with different thyroid functions. Compared with the healthy control, the
      present study revealed that serum FGF19 levels were significantly decreased in
      overt hypothyroidism patients (78.7 [52.7-121.2] vs 292.4 [210.2-426.5] pg/mL, P
      <0.001). FGF19 concentration was also lower in the subclinical hypothyroidism
      group than it was in the healthy control group (95.8 [71.7-126.3] vs 292.4 [210.2
      426.5] pg/mL, P <0.001). However, there was no significant difference in FGF19
      level between the isolated thyroid autoantibody positive group and the healthy
      control group (252.0 [205.9-353.5] vs 292.4 [210.2-426.5] pg/mL, P >0.05). Also,
      serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) was an independent predictor of FGF19. In
      conclusion, thyroid insufficiency but not thyroid autoimmunity may have impacted
      serum FGF19 concentrations. As the role of FGF19 is becoming more and more
      important in the pathogenesis of many metabolic diseases, we proposed that the
      thyroid hormone level should be taken into account when the serum concentration
      is explained. Further studies are needed to elucidate the role of FGF19 in the
      development of hypothyroidism. 

PMID- 27684860
TI  - Pedunculated carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma of the nasal cavity: A unique case
      report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (CXPA) is an epithelial malignancy
      arising in or from a benign pleomorphic salivary adenoma. The parotid gland is
      the most common location of CXPAs. Minor salivary gland CXPAs of the nasal cavity
      are exceedingly rare, with only 6 documented in the literature. METHODS AND
      RESULT: We present a 7th case: an unusual pedunculated intranasal CXPA, which had
      a favorable outcome after a wide endoscopic excision and the longest follow-up
      period reported to date. The clinical features, immunohistochemical
      characteristics, treatment choices, and disease outcomes of the intranasal CXPAs
      reported in previous studies are also reviewed. CONCLUSION: This case
      demonstrates the importance of considering the possibility of CXPA in the
      differential diagnosis of minor salivary gland malignancies in the nasal cavity.

PMID- 27684861
TI  - Longitudinal association between early atopic dermatitis and subsequent attention
      deficit or autistic disorder: A population-based case-control study.
AB  - Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the common allergic diseases in children. The
      presence of allergic diseases was found to have association with the risk of
      developing attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autistic spectrum
      disorder (ASD) in children, but it is still inconclusive. This study was to
      investigate the longitudinal relationship between AD developed during toddlerhood
      and subsequent development of ADHD or ASD in later childhood. Toddlers born
      between 1998 and 2008 and diagnosed with AD at the age younger than 3 years and
      older than 1 month were retrieved from Taiwan's National Health Insurance
      Research Database. Age- and gender-matched toddlers with no lifetime AD were
      enrolled as the control group. All enrolled toddlers were followed until 2011 to
      identify the development of ADHD or ASD. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was
      performed to analyze the hazard ratios (HRs). The risks associated with allergic
      comorbidities were analyzed. A total of 18,473 toddlers were enrolled into the AD
      group. The presence of AD significantly increased the risk of developing ADHD (HR
      = 2.92, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.48-3.45) or ASD (HR = 8.90, 95% CI =
      4.98-15.92) when aged 3 years or older. Children from the AD group with 3
      comorbidities together, namely, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and
      asthma, had the greatest risk of developing ADHD and ASD (ADHD: HR = 4.67, 95% CI
      = 3.81-5.43; ASD: HR = 16.65, 95% CI = 8.63-30.60). In conclusion, toddlers who
      suffer from AD at the age younger than 3 years are at a higher risk of developing
      ADHD and ASD during later childhood. Pediatricians taking care of toddlers with
      AD should have knowledge of this increased risk of developing ADHD and ASD later
      in life, especially when children have certain comorbidities such as allergic
      rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and asthma. 

PMID- 27684862
TI  - Comparison of soft tissue balancing, femoral component rotation, and joint line
      change between the gap balancing and measured resection techniques in primary
      total knee arthroplasty: A meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This meta-analysis was designed to compare the accuracy of soft
      tissue balancing and femoral component rotation as well as change in joint line
      positions, between the measured resection and gap balancing techniques in primary
      total knee arthroplasty. METHODS: Studies were included in the meta-analysis if
      they compared soft tissue balancing and/or radiologic outcomes in patients who
      underwent total knee arthroplasty with the gap balancing and measured resection
      techniques. Comparisons included differences in flexion/extension, medial/lateral
      flexion, and medial/lateral extension gaps (LEGs), femoral component rotation,
      and change in joint line positions. Finally, 8 studies identified via electronic
      (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library) and manual searches were included.
      All 8 studies showed a low risk of selection bias and provided detailed
      demographic data. There was some inherent heterogeneity due to uncontrolled bias,
      because all included studies were observational comparison studies. RESULTS: The
      pooled mean difference in gap differences between the gap balancing and measured
      resection techniques did not differ significantly (-0.09 mm, 95% confidence
      interval [CI]: -0.40 to +0.21 mm; P = 0.55), except that the medial/LEG
      difference was 0.58 mm greater for measured resection than gap balancing (95% CI:
      -1.01 to -0.15 mm; P = 0.008). Conversely, the pooled mean difference in femoral
      component external rotation (0.77 degrees , 95% CI: 0.18 degrees  to 1.35 degrees
      ; P = 0.01) and joint line change (1.17 mm, 95% CI: 0.82 to 1.52 mm; P < 0.001)
      were significantly greater for the gap balancing than the measured resection
      technique. CONCLUSION: The gap balancing and measured resection techniques showed
      similar soft tissue balancing, except for medial/LEG difference. However, the
      femoral component was more externally rotated and the joint line was more
      elevated with gap balancing than measured resection. These differences were
      minimal (around 1 mm or 1 degrees ) and therefore may have little effect on the
      biomechanics of the knee joint. This suggests that the gap balancing and measured
      resection techniques are not mutually exclusive.

PMID- 27684863
TI  - Efficacy of rituximab and plasmapharesis in an adult patient with antifactor H
      autoantibody-associated hemolytic uremic syndrome: A case report and literature
      review.
AB  - Antifactor H antibody (anti-CFHAb) is found in 6% to 25% cases of atypical
      hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) in children, but has been only exceptionally
      reported in adults. There is no consensus about the best treatment for this type
      of aHUS. We report the case of an adult patient treated successfully with plasma
      exchange (PE), steroids, and rituximab.A 27-year-old Caucasian male presented to
      hospital with anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute renal failure. One week
      earlier, he had digestive problems with diarrhea. The diagnosis of anti-CFHAb
      associated aHUS (82,000 AU/mL) without CFHR gene mutations was established.He
      received Rituximab 375 mg/m (4 pulses) with PE and steroids. This treatment
      achieved renal and hematological remission at day (D) 31 and negative anti-CFHAb
      at D45 (<100 AU/mL). At D76, a fifth rituximab pulse was performed while CD19 was
      higher than 10/mm. Steroids were stopped at month (M) 9. The patient has not
      relapsed during long-term follow-up (M39).Rituximab therapy can be considered for
      anti-CFHAb-associated aHUS. Monitoring of anti-CFHAb titer may help to guide
      maintenance therapeutic strategies including Rituximab infusion. 

PMID- 27684864
TI  - Minimal change disease in a patient with myasthenia gravis: A case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Myasthenia gravis superimposed with proteinuria is a very rare
      disorder with only 39 cases reported so far. Of these cases, the most commonly
      associated disorder is minimal change disease. Myasthenia gravis and minimal
      change disease are both related to the dysfunction of T lymphocytes and hence the
      2 disorders may be connected. METHODS: Here we report the first case on a patient
      diagnosed with myasthenia gravis concurrently with the minimal change disease,
      and it was presented in the absence of thymoma or thymic hyperplasia. RESULTS:
      Treatment for myasthenia gravis also lowered proteinuria of minimal change
      disease. He ever experienced good control for myasthenia gravis and minimal
      change disease. However, pneumonia related septic shock occurred to him and
      finally he was dead. Minimal change disease is generally considered to occur
      subsequent to the onset of myasthenia gravis with causal association. After
      extensive literature review, we noted only 47.8% minimal change disease had
      occurred after the onset of myasthenia gravis. CONCLUSION: Minimal change disease
      mostly occurs in children and if diagnosed in adults, clinicians should search
      for a potential cause such as myasthenia gravis and other associated thymic
      disorders.

PMID- 27684865
TI  - Injury of the dorsolateral prefronto-thalamic tract in a patient with depression
      following mild traumatic brain injury: A case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Depression, a prevalent psychiatric disorder, is associated with
      abnormality in the prefrontal cortex, particularly the left dorsolateral
      prefrontal cortex. In this study, we report on a patient with severe depression
      who showed injury of the dorsolateral prefronto-thalamic tract following mild
      traumatic brain injury, which was demonstrated by diffusion tensor tractography
      (DTT). METHODS AND RESULTS: A 63-year-old female patient suffered an in-car
      accident. The patient lost consciousness for approximately 10 minutes and
      experienced posttraumatic amnesia approximately 30 minutes from the time of the
      accident. Her Glasgow Coma Scale score was 15. No specific lesion was observed on
      the conventional brain magnetic resonance imaging. Since the onset of head
      trauma, she had shown continuous depression and on 32 month evaluation, she
      exhibited severe depression (Beck Depression Inventory-II: 42 [full score: 63
      score] and Patient Health Questionnaire-9: 24 [full score: 27 score]). RESULTS:
      On 32-month DTT, partical tearing of the dorsolateral prefronto-thalamic tract
      was observed in the right hemisphere and thinning in the left hemisphere.
      CONCLUSION: Injury of the dorsolateral prefronto-thalamic tract was demonstrated
      in a patient with depression following mild traumatic brain injury, using DTT. We
      believe that injury of the dorsolateral prefronto-thalamic tract might be a
      pathogenetic mechanism of depression in patients with brain injury.

PMID- 27684866
TI  - Transsacrococcygeal approach to ganglion impar block for treatment of chronic
      coccygodynia after spinal arachnoid cyst removal: A case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Coccygodynia is a pain in the region of the coccyx that radiates to
      the sacral, perineal area. The cause of the pain is often unknown. Coccygodynia
      is diagnosed through the patient's past history, a physical examination, and
      dynamic radiographic study, but the injection of local anesthetics or a
      diagnostic nerve blockade are needed to distinguish between somatic, neuropathic,
      and combined pain. Ganglion impar is a single retroperitoneal structure made of
      both paravertebral sympathetic ganglions. Although there are no standard
      guidelines for the treatment of coccygodynia, ganglion impar blockade is one of
      the effective options for treatment. METHODS: Here, we report a 42-year-old
      female patient presenting with severe pain in the coccygeal area after spinal
      arachnoid cyst removal. RESULTS: Treatment involved neurolysis with absolute
      alcohol on the ganglion impar through the transsacrococcygeal junction. Pain was
      relieved without any complications. CONCLUSION: Our case report offers the
      ganglion impar blockade using the transsacrococcygeal approach with absolute
      alcohol can improve intractable coccydynia.

PMID- 27684867
TI  - Spontaneously removed biliary stent drainage versus T-tube drainage after
      laparoscopic common bile duct exploration.
AB  - Several studies have shown the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic common bile
      duct exploration (LCBDE) as a minimally invasive treatment options for
      choledocholithiasis. Use of T-tube or biliary stent drainage tube placement after
      laparoscopic choledochotomy for common bile duct (CBD) stones is still under
      debate. This study tried to confirm the safety of spontaneously removable biliary
      stent in the distal CBD after LCBDE to allow choledochus primary closure. A total
      of 47 patients with choledocholithiasis underwent LCBDE with primary closure and
      internal drainage using a spontaneously removable biliary stent drainage tube
      (stent group, N = 22) or T-tube (T-tube group, N = 25). Operative parameters and
      outcomes are compared. Surgical time, intraoperative blood loss, length of
      hospital stay, drainage tube removal time, postoperative intestinal function
      recovery, and cost of treatment were all significantly lower in the stent group
      as compared to that in the T-tube group (P < 0.05 for all). Otherwise, Bile
      leakage between the two groups had no significant difference (P > 0.05). The
      biliary stent drainage tube was excreted spontaneously 4 to 14 days after surgery
      with the exception of one case, where endoscopic removal of biliary tube was
      required due to failure of its spontaneous discharge. LCBDE with primary closure
      and use of spontaneously removable biliary stent drainage showed advantage over
      the use of traditional T-tube drainage in patients with choledocholithiasis. 

PMID- 27684868
TI  - Long-term remission after low dose radiotherapy in patient with extensive
      squamous cell carcinoma of the hand: A case report.
AB  - RATIONALE FOR CASE REPORT: Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma (cSCC) of the hand
      is uncommon and tends to have poorer outcomes. Surgical resection with wide
      margins around the tumor is recommended as the treatment of choice, and
      radiotherapy is considered second-line treatment. Nodal evaluation involves
      dissection necessitating some morbidity. The role of less invasive modalities of
      nodal evaluation is not well established. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of
      locally advanced case of hand cSCC. Positron emission tomography-computed
      tomography (PET-CT) showed disease involving full thickness of the hand as well
      as the ipsilateral axillary node. To achieve adequate surgical margins would have
      necessitated amputation at the wrist, which the patient did not consent to.
      Instead, he was given a two-and-a-half week course radiotherapy to the hand
      without axillary radiation. With the radiotherapy treatment, he managed to
      achieve complete remission of disease while retaining full function of the hand,
      which was maintained at 22 months post-treatment. MAIN LESSONS: CSCC of the hand
      is uncommon and challenging to treat. Radiotherapy is a highly effective
      treatment modality which is able to achieve functional preservation. Care should
      be taken when evaluating nodal status using PET-CT.

PMID- 27684869
TI  - Hemopericardium caused by a mobile retained epicardial pacing wire after
      ventricular septal defect repair: A case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Epicardial pacing wires (EPWs) are commonly employed for diagnosis
      and treatment of arrhythmia in the acute phase after cardiac surgery. Although
      rare, retained EPWs may cause mild-to-catastrophic complications. The present
      case demonstrates hemopericardium caused by a mobile retained EPW. METHODS: A 49
      year-old woman presented to our emergency department with clinical signs of
      impending cardiac tamponade. She had undergone ventricular septal defect repair 7
      years before this admission. An initial computed tomography (CT) scan revealed
      hemopericardium with suspicion of a possible intracardiac lesion. Review of the
      first and second CT scans, however, revealed a mobile retained EPW penetrating
      the pericardium in the first scan, which had moved out of the pericardium in the
      second scan. RESULTS: Because cardiac injury by the EPW was suspected, the
      patient was transferred to another medical center for further treatment.
      CONCLUSION: According to our experience with this case, diagnosis may be
      incorrect if CT is unable to obtain decisive images of the mobile EPW at the
      correct time. Multiplanar reconstruction and volume rendering can increase
      diagnostic accuracy. In conclusion, if hemopericardium is present without clear
      etiology in a patient with a retained EPW, a nearby mobile EPW may be the cause.

PMID- 27684870
TI  - Coreceptor usage of Chinese HIV-1 and impact of X4/DM transmission clusters among
      recently infected men who have sex with men.
AB  - To characterize the current frequency of HIV-1 coreceptor usage in China and
      assess the candidacy of CCR5 antagonists for treatment of HIV infections. In
      addition, we aimed to evaluate the potential of X4/DM virus transmission in
      recently infected men who have sex with men (MSM) individuals.Viral tropism
      testing was performed on samples from 399 MSM individuals and on 2408 available
      Chinese HIV-1 V3 sequences downloaded from the Los Alamos database using
      Geno2pheno and WebPSSM in combination. The transmission clusters were evaluated
      using pol sequences from 291 recently infected MSM with a maximum likelihood,
      maximum pairwise distance, and Bayesian inference.A higher prevalence of X4/DM
      viruses was observed in individuals infected with CRF01_AE strains than with
      subtype B (27.8% vs 12.2%, P < 0.001) and CRF07_BC/CRF08_BC/C (27.8% vs 1.0%, P <
      0.001). Seven clusters containing only X4/DM viruses were detected in 40
      transmission clusters. No significant difference in proportions between clustered
      X4/DM viruses and R5 viruses was found (P = 0.683).The high proportion of CXCR4
      usage for CRF01_AE strains may result in the loss of susceptibility to maraviroc
      since CRF01_AE has become the most prevalent strains in China. The high
      prevalence of X4/DM viruses among recently CRF01_AE-infected individuals may be
      attributed to the stochasticity of HIV transmission, which implied that the early
      viral tropism screening and treatment would be the key for controlling the
      epidemic of CRF01_AE strains in China. 

PMID- 27684871
TI  - Efficacy of ultrasound-guided fascia iliaca compartment block after hip
      hemiarthroplasty: A prospective, randomized trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) provides an analgesic
      effect in patients with femur fractures. However, the postoperative pain after
      hip surgery is different from that after femur fracture, because of the
      difference in the degree and location of tissue trauma. Whether FICB provides
      effective postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty
      is not well understood. Moreover, there is no prospective randomized study to
      evaluate FICB as a postoperative analgesia in hemiarthroplasty. Therefore, we
      performed a randomized and prospective study to determine the effect of FICB
      after hemiarthroplasty. The objective of this study was to compare the opioid
      consumption between patients who received intravenous patient-controlled
      analgesia (PCA) with and without FICB. METHODS: Twenty-two patients aged 70 to 90
      years who underwent bipolar hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fracture were
      recruited and allocated randomly into 2 groups: FICB group (n = 11) and Non-FICB
      group (n = 11). All patients received spinal anesthesia with 10 mg of 0.5%
      hyperbaric bupivacaine. After surgery, the FICB was conducted using a modified
      technique with 0.2% ropivacaine (40 mL) under ultrasonographic guidance, and the
      intravenous PCA was administered to patients in both groups in the separate block
      room. The PCA was set up in the only bolus mode with no continuous infusion. The
      visual analog scale (VAS) and the opioid consumption were noted at 4, 8, 12, 24,
      and 48 hours postoperatively. RESULTS: The VAS was similar in both groups. The
      fentanyl requirement at 4, 8, and 12 hours was low in the FICB group. The total
      amount of fentanyl required in the first 24 hours was 246.3 MUg in the FICB group
      and 351.4 MUg in the Non-FICB group. No patient developed any residual sensory
      motor deficit during the postoperative period. Patients in the Non-FICB group had
      nausea (n = 2), and pruritus (n = 1), and 1 patient had nausea in the FICB group
      during postoperative 2 days. CONCLUSION: The FICB has a significant opioid
      sparing effect in first 24 hours after hemiarthroplasty. This suggests that FICB
      is an effective way for multimodal analgesia in hip surgery.

PMID- 27684873
TI  - Risk factors for "late-to-test" HIV diagnosis in Riverside County, California.
AB  - Patients diagnosed late in the course of HIV infection are at an increased risk
      of negative health outcomes and are more likely to transmit HIV to others. Using
      the CDC's definition for AIDS, we analyzed case report data from persons
      diagnosed with AIDS within 12 months of an HIV diagnosis ("late-to-test") in
      Riverside County, CA, between 2009 and 2014. Of 1385 HIV cases, 422 (30.5%) were
      late-to-test. Factors associated with late-to-test were: having no insurance (P =
      0.005), being Hispanic (P = 0.002) and being between 45 and 64 years of age (P <
      0.001). Females (P = 0.013) and those in the eastern region of Riverside County
      (P = 0.002) were less likely to be late-to-test. In the absence of universal HIV
      testing, interventions to decrease late testing are needed. 

PMID- 27684872
TI  - Increased Enterococcus faecalis infection is associated with clinically active
      Crohn disease.
AB  - This study was performed to investigate the relationship between the abundance of
      pathogenic gut microbes in Chinese patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
      and disease severity.We collected clinical data and fecal samples from 47 therapy
      naive Chinese patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), 67 patients with Crohn
      disease (CD), and 48 healthy volunteers. Bacteria levels of Fusobacterium species
      (spp), enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis (B fragilis), enteropathogenic
      Escherichia coli (E coli), and Enterococcus faecalis (E faecalis) were assessed
      by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Spearman correlation coefficients were
      calculated to test associations between bacterial content and clinical
      parameters.Compared to healthy controls, the levels of both Fusobacterium spp and
      E faecalis were significantly increased in the feces of patients with IBD (P <
      0.01). B fragilis levels were higher (P < 0.05) and E faecalis levels lower (P <
      0.05) in patients with CD compared to those with UC. Increased E faecalis
      colonization in CD associated positively with disease activity (P = 0.015), Crohn
      disease activity index (CDAI; R = 0.3118, P = 0.0108), and fecal calprotectin (P
      = 0.016).E faecalis and Fusobacterium spp are significantly enriched in patients
      with IBD, and increased E faecalis infection is associated with clinically active
      CD. 

PMID- 27684874
TI  - Predictive factors for anti-HBs status after 1 booster dose of hepatitis B
      vaccine.
AB  - In Taiwan, infants need to receive 3 doses of hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine
      under the public health policy from the government. However, there are many young
      adults who even though received complete HBV vaccination in their childhood would
      lose the positive response of anti-hepatitis B surface antibody (HBs) and need
      the booster dose of HBV vaccine. The aim of our study is to determine the
      powerful predictive factor for screening the candidates who need only 1 booster
      dose of HB vaccine then they can regain positive postbooster anti-HBs status (?10
      mIU/mL) or protective postbooster anti-HBs status (?100 mIU/mL).We recruited 103
      university freshmen who were born after July 1986 with complete HBV vaccination
      in childhood, but displayed negative results for hepatitis B surface antigen and
      anti-HBs levels at their health examinations upon university entry. They received
      1 booster dose of HB vaccine, and their anti-HBs titers were rechecked 4 weeks
      after the booster administration. Multivariate analysis logistic regression for
      positive postbooster anti-HBs status (?10 mIU/mL, model 1) and protective
      postbooster anti-HBs status (?100 mIU/mL, model 2) was done with predictive
      factors of prebooster anti-HBs level, body mass index, serum glutamate pyruvate
      transaminase level, and sex.Twenty-four students got positive postbooster anti
      HBs status (10-100 mIU/mL) and 50 students got protective postbooster anti-HBs
      status (?100 mIU/mL). In the model of multivariate analysis logistic regression
      for positive postbooster anti-HBs status (?10 mIU/mL), prebooster anti-HBs level
      was the strongest predictive factor. The odds ratio was 218.645 and the P value
      was 0.001. Even in the model of multivariate analysis logistic regression for
      protective postbooster anti-HBs status (?100 mIU/mL), prebooster anti-HBs level
      was still the strongest predictive factor, but the odds ratio of a protective
      booster effect was 2.143, with 95% confidence interval between 1.552 and 2.959,
      and the P value was less than 0.001.Prebooster anti-HBs level can be the powerful
      predictive factor for positive postbooster anti-HBs status (?10 mIU/mL) and
      protective postbooster anti-HBs status (?100 mIU/mL). According to the result of
      this study, if someone received complete HBV vaccination in childhood, but
      displayed negative results for hepatitis B surface antigen and anti-HBs levels
      around 2 decades later, 1 booster dose of HBV vaccine could help him or her to
      regain positive postbooster anti-HBs status (?10 mIU/mL) under the strong
      predictive factor of prebooster anti-HBs level higher than 1 mIU/mL. The other 2
      HBV vaccines could be saved and the case could also save money and time. 

PMID- 27684876
TI  - EIF2AK4 mutation in pulmonary veno-occlusive disease: A case report and review of
      the literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD) is a rare and devastating
      cause of pulmonary arterial hypertension with a non-specific clinical
      presentation and a relatively specific presentation in high-resolution thoracic
      CT scan images. Definitive diagnosis is made by histological examination in
      previous. According to the 2015 ESC/ERS Guidelines, detection of a mutation in
      the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 alpha kinase 4 (EIF2AK4) without
      histological confirmation is recommended to validate the diagnosis of PVOD.
      METHODS: We report the case of a 27-year-old man who was admitted for persistent
      cough and dyspnea that had lasted for 5 months and had developed and experienced
      progressive dyspnea for the last 2 months. The echocardiogram and right heart
      catheterization without vasodilator challenge confirmed the diagnosis of
      pulmonary arterial hypertension. Other tests, such as high-resolution thoracic CT
      scan, V/Q scan, pulmonary function test with diffusion capacity, and blood tests,
      excluded other associated diseases which could have caused pulmonary
      hypertension. RESULTS: The initial diagnosis at admission was idiopathic
      pulmonary arterial hypertension and an oral vasodilator (sildenafil) was given.
      However, the dyspnea subsequently worsened, and the patient was transferred to a
      regional lung transplant center, where he died of heart failure 1 week later.
      Using exome sequencing, we found an EIF2AK4 mutation, which was sufficient to
      confirm the diagnosis of PVOD. CONCLUSION: This is the first reported case of
      EIF2AK4 mutation in PVOD in a Chinese patient population. We found the frameshift
      EIF2AK4 mutation c.1392delT (p.Arg465fs) in this case. Up to now, there has been
      a paucity of data on this rare disease, and the exact role of EIF2AK4 loss-of
      function mutations in the pathogenesis of PVOD is still unknown. More
      investigations should be conducted in the future.

PMID- 27684875
TI  - Risk factors for early mortality after hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - Despite advances in surgical technique and medical care, liver resection for
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a high-risk major operation. The present
      study evaluated the risk factors for early mortality after hepatectomy.We
      retrospectively reviewed records of patients undergoing liver resection for HCC
      between 1983 and 2015. A point score (Risk Assessment for early Mortality (RAM)
      score) for hepatectomy was developed based on multivariate analyses.Three hundred
      eighty-three patients (11.3%) expired within 6 months after the operation.
      Logistic regression analyses identified that operative duration >270 minutes and
      blood loss >800 cc were significant predictors of major surgical complications (P
      = 0.013 and 0.002, respectively). On the other hand, diabetes mellitus, albumin
      <=3.5 g/dL, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) >200 ng/mL, major surgical procedure, blood
      loss >800 cc, and major surgical complications were independent risk factors for
      early mortality after hepatectomy (P = 0.019, <0.001, <0.001, 0.006, 0.018, and
      <0.001, respectively). Risk Assessment for early Mortality score (RAM score)
      identified 3 subgroups of patients with distinct 6-month mortality rate, with
      Class III (score 10) having highest risk of early mortality.Our study
      demonstrated that meticulous surgical techniques to minimize blood loss and avoid
      prolonged operative time may help decrease the occurrence of major surgical
      complications. In addition to major surgical complications, diabetes mellitus,
      hypoalbuminemia, high AFP, massive blood loss, and major surgical procedure are
      also associated with early mortality after liver resection. Further study is
      warranted to validate the utility of RAM score as a bedside scoring system to
      predict postoperative outcome. 

PMID- 27684877
TI  - Prevalence and risk factors of sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy: A retrospective
      cohort study.
AB  - The aim of the study is to evaluate the epidemiology and clinical features of
      sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SICM).A retrospective cohort study was conducted.A
      total of 210 adult patients with sepsis or septic shock admitted to a Japanese
      tertiary care hospital from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2015, who underwent
      transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) on admission.The definition of SICM was
      ejection fraction (EF) < 50% and a >=10% decrease compared to the baseline EF
      which recovered within 2 weeks, in sepsis or septic shock patients.Our primary
      outcome was the incidence rate of SICM. Our secondary outcomes were the in
      hospital mortality rate and length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay according to
      the presence or absence of SICM. In total, 29 patients (13.8%) were diagnosed
      with SICM. The prevalence rate of SICM was significantly higher in male than in
      female (P = 0.02). Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that the
      incidence of SICM was associated with younger age (odds ratio [OR], 0.97; 95%
      confidence interval [CI], 0.95-0.99), higher lactate level on admission (OR,
      1.18; 95% CI, 1.05-1.32) and history of heart failure (HF) (OR, 3.77; 95% CI,
      1.37-10.40). There were no significant differences in the in-hospital and 30-day
      mortality between patients with and without SICM (24.1% vs 12.7%, P = 0.15; 20.7%
      vs 12.1%, P = 0.23). Lengths of hospital and ICU stay were significantly longer
      in patients with SICM than in those without SICM (median, 43 vs 26 days, P =
      0.04; 9 vs 5 days, P < 0.01).SICM developed in 13.8% of patients with sepsis and
      septic shock. A younger age, higher lactate levels on admission and history of HF
      were risk factors. 

PMID- 27684879
TI  - Laminoplasty with lateral mass screw fixation for cervical spondylotic myelopathy
      in patients with athetoid cerebral palsy: A retrospective study.
AB  - Although several studies report various treatment solutions for cervical
      spondylotic myelopathy in patients with athetoid cerebral palsy, long-term follow
      up studies are very rare. None of the reported treatment solutions represent a
      gold standard for this disease owing to the small number of cases and lack of
      long-term follow-up. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of laminoplasty
      with lateral mass screw fixation to treat cervical spondylotic myelopathy in
      patients with athetoid cerebral palsy from a single center.This retrospective
      study included 15 patients (9 male patients and 6 female patients) with athetoid
      cerebral palsy who underwent laminoplasty with lateral mass screw fixation for
      cervical spondylotic myelopathy at our hospital between March 2006 and June 2010.
      Demographic variables, radiographic parameters, and pre- and postoperative
      clinical outcomes determined by the modified Japanese Orthopedic Association
      (JOA), Neck Disability Index (NDI), and visual analog scale (VAS) scores were
      assessed.The mean follow-up time was 80.5 months. Developmental cervical spinal
      canal stenosis (P = 0.02) and cervical lordosis (P = 0.04) were significantly
      correlated with lower preoperative modified JOA scores. The mean modified JOA
      scores increased from 7.97 preoperatively to 12.1 postoperatively (P < 0.01). The
      mean VAS score decreased from 5.30 to 3.13 (P < 0.01), and the mean NDI score
      decreased from 31.73 to 19.93 (P < 0.01). There was a significant negative
      correlation between developmental cervical spinal canal stenosis and recovery
      rate of the modified JOA score (P = 0.01).Developmental cervical spinal canal
      stenosis is significantly related to neurological function in patients with
      athetoid cerebral palsy. Laminoplasty with lateral mass screw fixation is an
      effective treatment for cervical spondylotic myelopathy in patients with athetoid
      cerebral palsy and developmental cervical spinal canal stenosis. 

PMID- 27684878
TI  - Effect of sex differences in remifentanil requirements for the insertion of a
      laryngeal mask airway during propofol anesthesia: A prospective randomized trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Remifentanil can improve insertion of a laryngeal mask airway (LMA)
      during induction with propofol. Recently, it has been suggested that there is a
      sex difference in opioid requirements for this procedure. The purposes of this
      study were to determine the effective effect-site concentration (Ce) of
      remifentanil for the facilitation of LMA insertion in male and female patients
      during propofol anesthesia without neuromuscular blockade and to evaluate whether
      there are sex differences in the Ce of remifentanil required for successful LMA
      insertion. METHODS: Forty-eight patients (24 male, 24 female) with American
      Society of Anesthesiologists physical status 1 or 2, aged 20 to 60 years,
      scheduled for minor orthopedic surgery under general anesthesia were enrolled.
      Anesthesia was induced by target-controlled infusion (TCI) of propofol and
      remifentanil. The target Ce of propofol was 5 MUg/mL initially and was reduced to
      3.5 MUg/mL after loss of consciousness. The Ce of remifentanil given to each
      patient was determined by the response of the previously tested patient using 0.5
      ng/mL as a step size. The 1st patient was tested at a Ce of 3.0 ng/mL of
      remifentanil. Successful LMA insertion was defined as smooth insertion without
      patient movement or significant resistance to mouth opening. RESULTS: The
      effective Ce of remifentanil required for successful LMA insertion on 50% of
      occasions (effective effect-site concentration for 50% [EC50]) as estimated by
      Dixon method was significantly lower in women (2.18 +/- 0.35 ng/mL) than in men
      (2.82 +/- 0.53 ng/mL) (P = 0.02). Using the isotonic regression method, the
      effective Ce of remifentanil required for successful LMA insertion on 95% of
      occasions (EC95) (95% confidence interval [CI]) was significantly lower in women
      (3.38 [3.0-3.48] ng/mL) than in men (3.94 [3.80-3.98] ng/mL). CONCLUSION: The Ce
      of remifentanil required to facilitate successful LMA insertion is higher during
      propofol induction by TCI in men than in women. When using remifentanil for LMA
      insertion, patient sex should be taken into account for appropriate dosing.

PMID- 27684880
TI  - Interleukin-8 gene polymorphism -251T>A contributes to Alzheimer's disease
      susceptibility.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Published association studies have investigated the correlation
      between interleukin-8 (IL-8) gene polymorphism -251T>A and susceptibility to
      Alzheimer's disease (AD); however, the results are conflicting. Thus, we
      conducted the meta-analysis to reassess the effect of IL-8 gene -251T>A variant
      on the risk of AD. METHODS: Relevant studies regarding this association were
      electronically searched and identified from the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library,
      China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and the Chinese Biomedicine Database.
      The odds ratios (ORs) with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs)
      were pooled to calculate the strength of this association. RESULTS: Nine studies
      with a total of 1406 cases and 2152 controls were included in the meta-analysis.
      Overall, a significant association of IL-8 gene -251T>A polymorphism with
      increased risk of AD was observed in several genetic models (allele, A vs T:
      OR=1.32, 95%CI=1.16-1.50; homozygous, AA vs TT: OR=1.70, 95%CI=1.21-2.21;
      heterozygous, TA vs TT: OR=1.37, 95%CI=1.12-1.69; recessive, AA vs TA+TT:
      OR=1.40, 95%CI=1.12-1.75). Similarly, such association was also revealed both in
      Asian and European populations in the subgroup analysis by ethnicity. CONCLUSION:
      The current study suggested that IL-8 gene polymorphism -251T>A may contribute to
      the susceptibility to AD.

PMID- 27684881
TI  - Lymph nodes metastasis of gastric cancer: Measurement with multidetector CT
      oblique multiplanar reformation-correlation with histopathologic results.
AB  - The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the ability of
      multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) oblique multiplanar reformation (MPR)
      for differentiating metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) in patients with gastric
      cancer.Seventy-nine patients with gastric cancer underwent preoperative computed
      tomography (CT). One-to-one correlation of LN was made between CT oblique
      multiplanar reformation and histopathologic slides. Long diameters, short
      diameters, and short-to-long axis ratios of LNs were evaluated to differentiate
      metastasis.Short diameters of nodes performed better for diagnosing metastasis
      than long diameters and short-to-long ratios. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy,
      and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of short diameter were
      57.8%, 74.7%, 68.2%, and 0.713, respectively. With different thresholds of short
      diameters of nodes (No. 8 group >6 mm and other groups >4 mm), total sensitivity,
      specificity, and accuracy can reach 57.2%, 79.0%, and 70.3%, respectively.MDCT
      oblique MPR images have certain reference value to distinguish metastasis of LNs
      in gastric cancer. The diagnostic power for LN metastasis of gastric cancer can
      be improved by using different threshold for No. 8 group LNs and other groups. 

PMID- 27684882
TI  - Crohn's disease mistaken for long-standing idiopathic mesenteric panniculitis: A
      case report and management algorithm.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mesenteric panniculitis (MP) is mostly an associated sign of an intra
      abdominal or systemic inflammatory primary disease. Nevertheless, etiological and
      differential diagnosis of idiopathic MP can be challenging when an associate
      primary cause is not in the foreground. METHODS: We report here the case of an
      isolated small bowel Crohn's disease, long time considered as idiopathic MP.
      RESULTS: This patient presented to our department with a 10-year history of acute
      abdominal symptoms evolving with flare-up and remission. A diagnosis of
      idiopathic MP was made based on compatible CT-scan features along with normal
      laboratory tests and upper and lower bowel endoscopies. As symptoms recurred, a
      steroid course was proposed which dramatically improved his condition for years.
      Finally, an explorative laparoscopy was performed because of concern of
      malignancy when he returned to our unit with a steroid refractory flare-up and
      weight loss, along with MP nodes growing up to 10 mm. Crohn's disease was
      eventually diagnosed, based on histopathological middle-gut bowel resection and
      numerous granulomas in mesenteric nodes without necrosis. CONCLUSION: This case
      emphasizes the importance of excluding inflammatory intestinal lesions before
      making the diagnosis of idiopathic MP (fecal calprotectin, magnetic resonance
      enterography, wireless capsule endoscopy).

PMID- 27684883
TI  - Competitive Transplants to Evaluate Hematopoietic Stem Cell Fitness.
AB  - The gold standard definition of a hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) is a cell that
      when transferred into an irradiated recipient will have the ability to
      reestablish blood cell production for the lifespan of the recipient. This
      protocol explains how to set up a functional assay to compare the HSC capacities
      of two different populations of cells, such as bone marrow from mice of two
      different genotypes, and how to analyze the recipient mice by flow cytometry. The
      protocol uses HSC equivalents rather than cell sorting for standardization and
      discusses the advantages and disadvantages of both approaches. We further discuss
      different variations to the basic protocol, including serial transplants,
      limiting dilution assays, homing assays and non-competitive transplants,
      including the advantages and preferred uses of these varied approaches. These
      assays are central for the study of HSC function and could be used not only for
      the investigation of fundamental HSC intrinsic aspects of biology but also for
      the development of preclinical assays for bone marrow transplant and HSC
      expansion in culture.

PMID- 27684884
TI  - Synchronous Low-grade Appendiceal Mucinous Neoplasm and Primary Peritoneal Low
      grade Serous Carcinoma: A First Description of These 2 Neoplasms Presenting
      Together as Suspected Peritoneal Carcinomatosis.
AB  - Low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm is a neoplasm typically of appendiceal
      origin, which is characterized by diffuse peritoneal involvement by pools of
      mucin with mucinous epithelium lacking high-grade cytologic atypia, and
      clinically presents as suspected peritoneal carcinomatosis. A similar clinical
      presentation can sometimes be seen with disseminated low-grade serous carcinomas
      of the peritoneum, fallopian tubes, or ovaries; however, this neoplasm is
      histologically characterized by tubal-type epithelium and invasive or confluent
      growth. In this case report, we describe a patient presenting with a clinical
      examination and radiologic features suggestive of peritoneal carcinomatosis and a
      prominent pelvic mass; however, after pathologic review, the patient was proven
      to have peritoneal involvement by both low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm of
      appendiceal origin and a low-grade peritoneal primary serous carcinoma. In short,
      we present the first description of low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm and
      serous carcinoma of the peritoneum presenting synchronously, providing
      morphologic characterization and immunohistochemical studies supporting the
      diagnosis, and illustrating a rare instance in which 2 neoplastic processes are
      underlying clinically suspected peritoneal carcinomatosis.

PMID- 27684885
TI  - Primary Ovarian Malignant PEComa: A Case Report.
AB  - Perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa) is a rare mesenchymal neoplasm
      characterized by expression of both melanocytic and smooth muscle markers.
      PEComas are rarely encountered in the female genital tract. We report a case of
      malignant primary PEComa of the ovary, and discuss the differential diagnosis.
      This represents the first case of primary typical malignant PEComa of the ovary.

PMID- 27684886
TI  - Local Mosquito-Borne Transmission of Zika Virus - Miami-Dade and Broward
      Counties, Florida, June-August 2016.
AB  - During the first 6 months of 2016, large outbreaks of Zika virus disease caused
      by local mosquito-borne transmission occurred in Puerto Rico and other U.S.
      territories, but local mosquito-borne transmission was not identified in the
      continental United States (1,2). As of July 22, 2016, the Florida Department of
      Health had identified 321 Zika virus disease cases among Florida residents and
      visitors, all occurring in either travelers from other countries or territories
      with ongoing Zika virus transmission or sexual contacts of recent travelers.*
      During standard case investigation of persons with compatible illness and
      laboratory evidence of recent Zika virus infection (i.e., a specimen positive by
      real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction [rRT-PCR], or positive
      Zika immunoglobulin M [IgM] with supporting dengue serology [negative for dengue
      IgM antibodies and positive for dengue IgG antibodies], or confirmation of Zika
      virus neutralizing antibodies by plaque reduction neutralization testing [PRNT])
      (3), four persons were identified in Broward and Miami-Dade counties whose
      infections were attributed to likely local mosquito-borne transmission. Two of
      these persons worked within 120 meters (131 yards) of each other but had no other
      epidemiologic connections, suggesting the possibility of a local community-based
      outbreak. Further epidemiologic and laboratory investigations of the worksites
      and surrounding neighborhood identified a total of 29 persons with laboratory
      evidence of recent Zika virus infection and likely exposure during late June to
      early August, most within an approximate 6-block area. In response to limited
      impact on the population of Aedes aegypti mosquito vectors from initial ground
      based mosquito control efforts, aerial ultralow volume spraying with the
      organophosphate insecticide naled was applied over a 10 square-mile area
      beginning in early August and alternated with aerial larviciding with Bacillus
      thuringiensis subspecies israelensis (Bti), a group biologic control agent, in a
      central 2 square-mile area. No additional cases were identified after
      implementation of this mosquito control strategy. No increases in emergency
      department (ED) patient visits associated with aerial spraying were reported,
      including visits for asthma, reactive airway disease, wheezing, shortness of
      breath, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Local and state health departments serving
      communities where Ae. aegypti, the primary vector of Zika virus, is found should
      continue to actively monitor for local transmission of the virus.(?). 

PMID- 27684887
TI  - Highlights in Gastrointestinal (Colorectal) Cancer Treatment: The Primary Tumor
      Sidedness Debate and Advances in Immunotherapy.

PMID- 27684888
TI  - A Zero-Dimensional Model and Protocol for Simulating Patient-Specific Pulmonary
      Hemodynamics From Limited Clinical Data.
AB  - In pulmonary hypertension (PH) diagnosis and management, many useful functional
      markers have been proposed that are unfeasible for clinical implementation. For
      example, assessing right ventricular (RV) contractile response to a gradual
      increase in pulmonary arterial (PA) impedance requires simultaneously recording
      RV pressure and volume, and under different afterload/preload conditions. In
      addition to clinical applications, many research projects are hampered by limited
      retrospective clinical data and could greatly benefit from simulations that
      extrapolate unavailable hemodynamics. The objective of this study was to develop
      and validate a 0D computational model, along with a numerical implementation
      protocol, of the RV-PA axis. Model results are qualitatively compared with
      published clinical data and quantitatively validated against right heart
      catheterization (RHC) for 115 pediatric PH patients. The RV-PA circuit is
      represented using a general elastance function for the RV and a three-element
      Windkessel initial value problem for the PA. The circuit mathematically sits
      between two reservoirs of constant pressure, which represent the right and left
      atriums. We compared Pmax, Pmin, mPAP, cardiac output (CO), and stroke volume
      (SV) between the model and RHC. The model predicted between 96% and 98% of the
      variability in pressure and 98-99% in volumetric characteristics (CO and SV).
      However, Bland Altman plots showed the model to have a consistent bias for most
      pressure and volumetric parameters, and differences between model and RHC to have
      considerable error. Future studies will address this issue and compare specific
      waveforms, but these initial results are extremely promising as preliminary proof
      of concept of the modeling approach.

PMID- 27684889
TI  - Implementation of the Four-Category Classification of Cesarean Section Urgency in
      Clinical Practice. A Prospective Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study is aimed at investigating the clinical efficacy of the 4
      category classification of urgent cesarean section. METHODS: Women giving birth
      from September 2012 to December 2014 were prospectively investigated. Urgency C
      section categories were color-coded: red - maternal/fetal life threat; yellow -
      maternal/fetal compromise, not life-threatening; and green - early delivery
      necessary. Results were audited. RESULTS: A total of 4,754 women gave birth in
      the period considered, 1,313 (27.6%) with C-section of which 867 were urgent. The
      code was red in 0.98% of women, and 91.5% of newborns were delivered <=30';
      yellow in 5.1%; and green in 11.7%. The mean decision-to-delivery interval (DDI)
      +/- SD was 19.6 +/- 9.5 min, 36.6 +/- 15.3 (p < 0.01), and 80.3 +/- 52.8 (p <
      0.01), respectively; and mean umbilical pH was 7.24 +/- 0.10, 7.29 +/- 0.08 (p <
      0.05), and 7.33 +/- 0.04 (p < 0.01) in the red, yellow, and green groups,
      respectively. Two (4.2%) red and 4 (2.2%) yellow newborns were acidotic. Mean DDI
      +/- SD decreased from 21.7 +/- 9.7 min in the period September 2012 to February
      2013 to 17.4 +/- 9.7 min in the period February to December 2014 (p = NS).
      CONCLUSIONS: Four-category classification led to achieving the target time in
      >90% of category 1 emergency C-sections, and stratified newborns with
      significantly different acidosis levels.

PMID- 27684891
TI  - Effects of Functional Training and Calf Stretching on Risk of Falls in Older
      People: A Pilot Study.
AB  - This study aimed to determine the effects of a functional training and ankle
      stretching program in triceps surae torque, passive stiffness index, and in the
      risk for fall indicators in older adults. Twenty women (73.4 +/- 7.3 years) were
      allocated into an intervention or control group. The 12-week intervention
      consisted of functional training and calf stretching exercises performed twice a
      week. Measurements of peak passive and active torque, passive stiffness, maximum
      dorsiflexion angle, and indexes of risk for falls (Timed Up and Go, functional
      reach test, QuickScreen-test) were collected. There were no significant
      differences for all variables, except the maximum dorsiflexion angle, which
      increased in the intervention group from 33.78 +/- 8.57 degrees  to 38.89 +/-
      7.52 degrees . The exercise program was not sufficient to enhance performance on
      functional tests and decrease the risk for falls in older adults. The significant
      increase in the maximum dorsiflexion indicates a positive impact of stretching
      exercises.

PMID- 27684890
TI  - Involvement of the caudate nucleus head and its networks in sporadic amyotrophic
      lateral sclerosis-frontotemporal dementia continuum.
AB  - We investigated common structural and network changes across the sporadic
      amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-frontotemporal dementia (FTD) continuum.
      Based on cluster analysis using the frontotemporal assessment battery, 51
      patients with sporadic ALS were subdivided into three groups: 25 patients with
      ALS with cognitive deficiency (ALS-CD); seven patients who satisfied FTD criteria
      (ALS-FTD), and 19 patients with ALS with normal cognitive function (ALS-NC).
      Compared with the controls, gray matter images from patients with ALS-FTD showed
      atrophic changes in the following order of severity: caudate head, medial frontal
      gyrus, thalamus, amygdala, putamen, and cingulate gyrus (peak level, uncorrected
      p < 0.001). The caudate head was significant at the cluster level using FWE
      correction (p < 0.05). Diffusion tensor imaging with tract-based spatial
      statistics revealed white matter changes in the areas surrounding the caudate
      head, the internal capsule, and the anterior horn of the lateral ventricle in the
      ALS-CD and ALS-FTD. Probabilistic diffusion tractography showed a significant
      decrease in structural connectivity between the caudate head and the dorsomedial
      frontal cortex and the lateral orbitofrontal cortex, even in the ALS-NC. Our
      results indicated that the caudate head and its networks were the most vulnerable
      to lesion in sporadic ALS-FTD-spectrum patients associated with cognitive decline
      with FTD features.

PMID- 27684892
TI  - Activities of daily living in people with lower limb amputation: outcomes of an
      intervention to reduce dependence in pre-prosthetic phase.
AB  - PURPOSE: The main objective was to assess the change in the functional
      independence in basic activities of daily living (ADL) following a pre-prosthetic
      intervention in people with lower-limb amputation (LLA). Secondary objectives
      were to identify the factors contributing to the success of this intervention,
      and to analyze the effects on the presence of unmet needs for home adaptation.
      METHOD: The ADL intervention was early and pre-prosthetic; it was focused on six
      self-care activities. Fifty-two adults with LLA, who required assistance in self
      care, were included. Functional independence (Barthel) was assessed at baseline
      and after intervention (T2). Successful intervention was defined as independent
      performance of all self-care activities. RESULTS: There was a significant
      improvement in Barthel scores between baseline and T2 in toileting (p < 0.001),
      bed-chair transfers (p < 0.001), dressing (p < 0.001), bathing/showering (p <
      0.001), and feeding (p = 0.025). The proportion of homes with an unmet need for
      adaptation decreased significantly in bathroom (p = 0.008) and other internal
      areas (p = 0.031). Intervention was successful for 61.5% of participants. In a
      multivariate model, age was significantly associated with successful intervention
      (OR 0.66, 95%CI 0.52-0.83). CONCLUSIONS: A short and pre-prosthetic ADL
      intervention improves functional independence and reduces the need for home
      adaptation. ADL programs should be included in rehabilitation strategies.
      Implications for Rehabilitation Because basic activities of daily living (ADL)
      can be seriously compromised after a lower-limb amputation, it is important for
      this population to improve or maintain their level of independence. A short and
      pre-prosthetic ADL intervention is an effective method for an early recovery of
      functional independence in self-care activities and promotes home adaptation. Age
      is an important determinant of functional recovery, and most subjects can achieve
      independence in basic ADL regardless of the level of amputation. A pre-prosthetic
      ADL program should be included in rehabilitation strategies for adults with lower
      limb amputation.

PMID- 27684894
TI  - Targeted expression of HvHMA2 increases the mineral content of the inner
      endosperm in barley.
AB  - Cereals are a major source of dietary energy and protein but are nutritionally
      poor in micronutrients. Zinc (Zn) biofortification of staple crops has been
      proposed as a promising strategy to combat the global challenge of human Zn
      deficiency. The aim of this study was to improve the Zn content in the edible
      part of the barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) grain by enhancing Zn translocation into
      the developing seeds. We demonstrate that the barley plasma membrane P-type
      ATPase Zn transporter, HvHMA2 is an efficient candidate for mineral
      biofortification of crops. Following a cisgenic approach to produce transgenic
      homozygous barley line over-expressing HvHMA2 in the transfer cells of the grain,
      resulted in a doubling of a wide range of nutrients including Zn, iron (Fe), and
      magnesium (Mg) in the inner endosperm. This article is protected by copyright.
      All rights reserved.

PMID- 27684893
TI  - Pathogenic Escherichia coli and enteric viruses in biosolids and related top soil
      improvers in Italy.
AB  - AIMS: To investigate the presence of genomic traits associated with a set of
      enteric viruses as well as pathogenic Escherichia coli in top soil improvers
      (TSI) from Italy. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty-four TSI samples originating from
      municipal sewage sludges, pig manure, green and household wastes were analysed by
      real time PCR for the presence of hepatitis E virus (HEV), porcine and human
      adenovirus (HuAdV), norovirus, rotavirus and diarrhoeagenic E. coli. None of the
      samples was found positive for HEV or rotavirus. Four samples were positive for
      the presence of nucleic acids from human norovirus, two of them being also
      positive for HuAdV. Real time PCR screening gave positive results for many of the
      virulence genes characteristic of diarrhoeagenic E. coli in 21 samples. These
      included the verocytotoxin-coding genes, in some cases associated with intimin
      coding gene, and markers of enteroaggregative, enterotoxigenic and enteroinvasive
      E. coli. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide evidence that enteric viruses and
      pathogenic E. coli may be released into the environment through the use of sludge
      derived TSI. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The results highlight that the
      TSI-related environmental risk for the food chain should be more deeply assessed.

PMID- 27684896
TI  - Editorial.
AB  - There is a new and healthy drive in the NHS to ensure that research underpins all
      activity. The health secretary put his stamp of approval on the research priority
      last week when he delivered the opening address at a scientific health
      conference. Stephen Dorrell declared that research should be undertaken and
      implemented to improve patient care. Mr Dorrell wants an 'effectiveness index'
      readily available to practitioners to ensure the best research underpins clinical
      care and treatment. And while the health department has invested in research and
      development and is pushing evidence based practice, it does appear that research
      is not research in the government's eyes if the findings are contrary to its
      policies. In the week that Mr Dorrell preached about evidence based practice, the
      health department itself was found wanting in disseminating a research report
      which was politically embarrassing.

PMID- 27684895
TI  - Scleroderma overlap syndromes.

PMID- 27684897
TI  - Report endorses patient-focused care.
AB  - Nurses working in patient- focused care hospitals fear they will be given low
      status tasks unwanted by other professionals, a government commissioned report
      has found.

PMID- 27684898
TI  - Twelve hour shifts bad for patient care.
AB  - Patient care suffers when nurses are made to switch from eight hour to 12 hour
      shifts, a new study has shown.

PMID- 27684899
TI  - Purchasers uncertain of practice nurses' role.
AB  - Practice nurses see their wide range of work as a strength, while health
      authorities and trusts can view it as a problem, the Scientific Basis of Health
      Services conference heard.

PMID- 27684900
TI  - Ex-patient returns to train at hospital.
AB  - A woman is to train to be a nurse at the hospital which saved her life.

PMID- 27684901
TI  - Back injury nurse wins case.
AB  - A district nurse who won L50,000 compensation for a back injury has encouraged
      fellow nurses to pursue claims.

PMID- 27684904
TI  - ?
AB  - An image from pressure group Baby Milk Action's 1996 calendar, published last
      week. Copies available from Baby Milk Action, 23 St Andrew's Street, Cambridge
      CB2 3AX.

PMID- 27684902
TI  - Bar codes used on ward tasks.
AB  - Researchers brought supermarket technology on to the wards to help nurses assess
      the best way to use their time, last week's Scientific Basis of Health Services
      conference heard.

PMID- 27684905
TI  - Tender delay sparks fears for Scottish nurse teachers' jobs.
AB  - Nurse teachers in Scotland are facing an uncertain future I because the Scottish
      Office has delayed an announcement about I who will run their colleges.

PMID- 27684908
TI  - Every hospital will be linked to information superhighway.
AB  - Labour leader Tony Blair has promised to link the entire National Health Service
      to the information superhighway.

PMID- 27684907
TI  - Doomed hospital has soaring sickness rate.
AB  - Nurse sickness rates at a doomed north London hospital have soared, sparking
      fears for patient safety, an RCN officer claimed last week.

PMID- 27684909
TI  - Labour will scrap gagging clauses in NHS contracts.
AB  - Labour has pledged to fight moves to turn the NHS into a second-rate 'safety net'
      service for the poor.

PMID- 27684911
TI  - Private firms' contracts will be honoured.
AB  - Calls for a Labour government to cancel contracts which allow private firms to
      run NHS hospitals have been resisted by the party's health team.

PMID- 27684910
TI  - Talk to midwives as well as GPs says RCM.
AB  - Labour health planners have been urged to pay less attention to doctors and more
      to midwives when developing maternity service policies.

PMID- 27684912
TI  - Professor says research must provide evidence for changes.
AB  - The survival of nursing will depend on a coherent research strategy in which
      innovation is preceded by evidence to support change, the audience at the annual
      Winifred Raphael Memorial Lecture was told.

PMID- 27684913
TI  - Swedish nurses are likely to strike in support of pay claim.
AB  - Swedish nurses have threatened to go on strike if their bosses fail to offer them
      a pay rise of at least 11 per cent this year.

PMID- 27684914
TI  - Economics course leads to ward sisters' efficiency project.
AB  - Nurses in Sweden are helping their health service save thousands of pounds and
      making the healthcare system more efficient, according to a report in a Swedish
      newspaper.

PMID- 27684916
TI  - Cholesterol predicts CHD risk in women.
AB  - The association between high total cholesterol and mortality from coronary heart
      disease is comparable in men and women, according to a major research study from
      The Netherlands.

PMID- 27684915
TI  - RCN announces new Council members for 1995 to 1999.
AB  - The Royal College of Nursing has announced the new line up of its ruling Council
      following the election of members for 1995 to 1999.

PMID- 27684917
TI  - Vitamin A for common cause of blindness?
AB  - Large doses of vitamin A might help prevent age related macular degeneration
      (ARMD) and blindness, American researchers think.

PMID- 27684918
TI  - HCV carriers and risk of spread to family.
AB  - Preventive measures against the spread of hepatitis C (HCV) might not be
      necessary in close contacts of symptomless carriers, researchers from Rome
      report.

PMID- 27684919
TI  - Scarring reduced by new gel formula.
AB  - A gel developed by a Manchester researcher holds out the promise of reduced
      scarring.

PMID- 27684920
TI  - Capital calls.
AB  - Where would you go to hire an elephant? No, this is not the first line of a corny
      joke but a genuine enquiry to Capital Radio's helpline. The London radio station
      has been fielding such questions, and rather more serious ones, since 1994, as a
      service to its listeners.

PMID- 27684921
TI  - Football stars a welcome sight for health promotion.
AB  - How refreshing to see a photograph of the much maligned, but also adulated, Eric
      Cantona on the news pages (October 4).

PMID- 27684923
TI  - Bags of urine don't have to be on display.
AB  - Thank you for your excellent CE article on care of urinary catheters, (Nursing
      Standard September 27) but I must point out a glaring omission from the text.
      Nowhere did it say 'In order to preserve patient privacy and dignity if at all
      possible either conceal the bag under bedclothes, or at the very least hang it
      opaque side out'.

PMID- 27684922
TI  - Mental illness bias must be stopped.
AB  - I would like to say how true and interesting I found Mike Lehane's article
      'Mental illness can damage your career', I (Viewpoint September 27).

PMID- 27684924
TI  - One Minute Wisdom.
AB  - For many years waiting lists have been top of the politicians' agenda. Often we
      hear political parties quoting waiting lists statistics to either indicate good
      or poor management of the National Health Service.

PMID- 27684925
TI  - Clinical reference amendment.
AB  - In the article 'A critical appraisal of preceptorship' (Nursing Standard. 1995.
      9, 45, 25-28), the author cited reference number 23 incorrectly. The correct
      reference should read: Kershaw B. Clinical credibility and nurse teachers.
      Nursing Standard. 1990.4, 51,46-47.

PMID- 27684926
TI  - One rule for them, another for nurses.
AB  - The article 'employers resist a national pay deal' (News September 27) states
      that Ipswich Hospital has awarded nurses 3 per cent.

PMID- 27684927
TI  - Will nurses fork out for PREP training?
AB  - I see a survey by the MSF and Leeds University says women are more likely to pay
      for their own training (News October 4).

PMID- 27684928
TI  - Sensible footwear can avoid litigation.
AB  - In response to the letter 'Some parts of the uniform don't fit' (Letters
      September 12) the writer states she hates wearing duty shoes and tights and feels
      the hierarchy makes her wear them for insurance purposes.

PMID- 27684929
TI  - Information exchange.

PMID- 27684931
TI  - Listings.

PMID- 27684930
TI  - protecting the patient or just playing politics?
AB  - Our experts consider a hot topic of the day.

PMID- 27684932
TI  - Body posture and gender impact neural processing of power-related words.
AB  - Judging others' power facilitates successful social interaction. Both gender and
      body posture have been shown to influence judgments of another's power. However,
      little is known about how these two cues interact when they conflict or how they
      influence early processing. The present study investigated this question during
      very early processing of power-related words using event-related potentials
      (ERPs). Participants viewed images of women and men in dominant and submissive
      postures that were quickly followed by dominant or submissive words. Gender and
      posture both modulated neural responses in the N2 latency range to dominant
      words, but for submissive words they had little impact. Thus, in the context of
      dual-processing theories of person perception, information extracted from both
      behavior (i.e., posture) and from category membership (i.e., gender) are
      recruited side-by-side to impact word processing.

PMID- 27684933
TI  - Preparedness for side effects and bother in symptomatic men after radical
      prostatectomy in a prospective, non-randomized trial, LAPPRO.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many clinicians believe that preparedness before surgery for possible
      post-surgery side effects reduces the level of bother experienced from urinary
      incontinence and decreased sexual health after surgery. There are no published
      studies evaluating this belief. Therefore, we aimed to study the level of
      preparedness before radical prostatectomy and the level of bother experienced
      from urinary incontinence and decreased sexual health after surgery. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: We prospectively collected data from a non-selected group of men
      undergoing radical prostatectomy in 14 centers between 2008 and 2011. Before
      surgery, we asked about preparedness for surgery-induced urinary problems and
      decreased sexual health. One year after surgery, we asked about bother caused by
      urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. As a measure of the association
      between preparedness and bothersomeness we modeled odds ratios (ORs) by means of
      logistic regression. RESULTS: Altogether 1372 men had urinary incontinence one
      year after surgery as well as had no urinary leakage or a small urinary dribble
      before surgery. Among these men, low preparedness was associated with bother
      resulting from urinary incontinence [OR 2.84; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.59
      5.10]. In a separate analysis of 1657 men we found a strong association between
      preparedness for decreased sexual health and experiencing bother from erectile
      dysfunction (OR 5.92; 95% CI 3.32-10.55). CONCLUSION: In this large-sized
      prospective trial, we found that preparedness before surgery for urinary problems
      or sexual side effects decreases bother from urinary incontinence and erectile
      dysfunction one year after surgery.

PMID- 27684936
TI  - Correction: Efficient Removal of Co2+ from Aqueous Solution by 3
      Aminopropyltriethoxysilane Functionalized Montmorillonite with Enhanced
      Adsorption Capacity.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0159802.].

PMID- 27684935
TI  - An Elderly Woman with Tongue Ischemia.

PMID- 27684934
TI  - Poxvirus uracil-DNA glycosylase-An unusual member of the family I uracil-DNA
      glycosylases.
AB  - Uracil-DNA glycosylases are ubiquitous enzymes, which play a key role repairing
      damages in DNA and in maintaining genomic integrity by catalyzing the first step
      in the base excision repair pathway. Within the superfamily of uracil-DNA
      glycosylases family I enzymes or UNGs are specific for recognizing and removing
      uracil from DNA. These enzymes feature conserved structural folds, active site
      residues and use common motifs for DNA binding, uracil recognition and catalysis.
      Within this family the enzymes of poxviruses are unique and most remarkable in
      terms of amino acid sequences, characteristic motifs and more importantly for
      their novel non-enzymatic function in DNA replication. UNG of vaccinia virus,
      also known as D4, is the most extensively characterized UNG of the poxvirus
      family. D4 forms an unusual heterodimeric processivity factor by attaching to a
      poxvirus-specific protein A20, which also binds to the DNA polymerase E9 and
      recruits other proteins necessary for replication. D4 is thus integrated in the
      DNA polymerase complex, and its DNA-binding and DNA scanning abilities couple DNA
      processivity and DNA base excision repair at the replication fork. The
      adaptations necessary for taking on the new function are reflected in the amino
      acid sequence and the three-dimensional structure of D4. An overview of the
      current state of the knowledge on the structure-function relationship of D4 is
      provided here.

PMID- 27684937
TI  - Image analysis of neutrophil nuclear morphology: Learning about phenotypic range
      and its reliable analysis from patients with pelger-Huet-anomaly and treated with
      colchicine.
AB  - The nuclear morphology of neutrophils depends on different endogenous and
      exogenous factors, which can lead to hypo- or hypersegmentation of the normally 2
      4 segmented nucleus. Hyposegmentation can be due to mutations in the LBR-gene
      (Pelger-Huet-Anomaly) or can be induced, for example, by colchicine treatment.
      The range of this phenotypic variation is known as "norm of reaction," which can
      be of major relevance for clinical diagnosis and therapeutic intervention. In
      this project, we studied the norm of reaction in 26 subjects with 0-3 wild type
      LBR alleles. In addition, the phenotypic variation was analyzed in 3 patients
      with Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF), before and after colchicine treatment.
      We measured the phenotype nuclear segmentation of neutrophils based on two
      conventional qualitative methods, the "rule of threads" and the "rule of thirds."
      In addition, we tested a morphometric quantitative approach, the "circularity
      index." The circularity index was superior in cases with hyposegmentation; the
      rule of thirds with respect to hypersegmentation. Approximately 65% of the
      observed phenotypic variance was explainable by the number of LBR wild type
      alleles. The gene-dosage effect followed a non-additive, hysteresis-like
      characteristic with lower and upper plateaus. Colchicine treatment had a clear,
      although minor phenotypic effect compared to the number of LBR wild type genes or
      the mutation type. Thus, the nuclear morphology of granulocytes and its norm of
      reaction can be regarded as an excellent model both for detailing the interplay
      between endogenous and exogenous factors and for clinical diagnostic purposes.
      (c) 2016 International Clinical Cytometry Society.

PMID- 27684939
TI  - 'We go to the bush to prove that we are also men': traditional circumcision and
      masculinity in the accounts of men who have sex with men in township communities
      in South Africa.
AB  - In predominantly isiXhosa-speaking township communities in South Africa, men who
      have sex with men negotiate their identities and sexual practices alongside
      heteronormative cultural scripts of what it means to be a man. Such idealised
      notions of masculinity are predicated on the selective appropriation of cultural
      practices that preserve (heterosexual) male privilege and power. In this paper,
      we explore the identity work done by men who have sex with men, with particular
      reference to male circumcision as a cultural practice widely drawn on to inform
      and regulate normative masculinity. Through a narrative-discursive analysis of
      the accounts provided by men who have sex with men from township communities, we
      highlight how participants' dissident sexualities are constructed as compromising
      their masculine identities. Participating in cultural practices such as
      traditional circumcision aligns participants to the idealised forms of
      masculinity that afford men full citizenship in their communities. Study findings
      suggest that sexual dissidence is less troubling to participants than deviating
      from gendered markers of hegemonic masculinity, and point to ways in which
      marginalised men might have an interest in maintaining the dominant gendered
      order. We conclude with implications for research and programmatic work with gay,
      bisexual and other men who have sex with men.

PMID- 27684938
TI  - CD147 and Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer is one of the most common non-cutaneous malignancies
      in men. We aimed to systemically evaluate the relationship between the expression
      of CD147 in tissues and the clinicopathological features of prostate cancer.
      METHODS AND FINDINGS: PubMed (1966-2016), EMBASE (1980-2016), the Cochrane
      Library (1996-2016), Web of Science (1945-2016), China National Knowledge
      Infrastructure (1982-2016), and the WanFang databases (1988-2016) were searched.
      Literature quality assessment was performed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Meta
      analysis was performed by using Review Manager 5.3 and Stata 13.0. A total of
      12591 prostate cancer patients from 14 studies were included. The results of the
      meta-analysis showed that there were significant differences in the positive
      expression rate in the following comparisons: prostatic cancer tissues vs. normal
      prostate tissues (odds ratio [OR] = 26.93, 95% confidence interval [CI] 7.95
      91.20, P < 0.00001), prostatic cancer tissues vs. benign prostatic hyperplasia
      tissues (OR = 20.54, 95% CI 8.20-51.44, P < 0.00001), high Gleason score vs. low
      Gleason score (OR = 2.39, 95% CI 1.33-4.27, P = 0.03), TNM III to IV vs. TNM I to
      II (OR = 9.95, 95% CI 4.96-19.96, P < 0.00001), low or moderate differentiation
      vs. high differentiation (OR = 8.12, 95% CI 3.69-17.85, P < 0.00001), lymph node
      metastasis vs. non-lymph node metastasis (OR = 4.31, 95% CI 1.11-16.71, P =
      0.03), and distant metastasis vs. non-distant metastasis (OR = 8.90, 95% CI 3.24
      24.42, P < 0.00001). CONCLUSION: The CD147 positive expression rate was closely
      related to the clinical characteristics of prostate cancer, but more research is
      needed to confirm the findings owing to the results of the subgroups.

PMID- 27684941
TI  - Two poles of the Th 17-cell-mediated disease spectrum: Analysis of a case series
      of 21 patients with concomitant lupus erythematosus and psoriasis.

PMID- 27684940
TI  - Gene Polymorphisms of FABP2, ADIPOQ and ANP and Risk of Hypertriglyceridemia and
      Metabolic Syndrome in Afro-Caribbeans.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of metabolic abnormalities
      and cardiovascular risk factors that are highly heritable and polygenic. We
      investigated the association of allelic variants of three candidate genes,
      rs1799883-FABP2, rs1501299-ADIPOQ and rs5065-ANP with MetS and its components,
      individually and in combination, using a genetic risk score. METHODS: A cross
      sectional study was conducted in 462 Afro-Caribbeans subjects without
      cardiovascular complications or lipid-lowering medications. Cardiovascular risk
      factors and MetS components (NCEP-ATPIII criteria) were recorded. The 3 SNPs were
      genotyped. The genetic risk score was calculated by summing the number of risk
      alleles at each locus. Logistic regressions were used. RESULTS: Fifty-eight
      participants (12.6%) were diabetics and 116 (25.1%) had a MetS. In a dominant
      model, rs1799883 was associated with hypertriglyceridemia (OR 2.22; P = 0.014)
      and hypertriglyceridemic waist (HTGW), (P = 0.014) but not significantly with
      overweight (P = 0.049), abdominal obesity (P = 0.033) and MetS (P = 0.068). In a
      dominant model, the OR of MetS and HTGW for rs1501299 were 1.80 (P = 0.028) and
      2.19 (P = 0.040) respectively. In a recessive model, the OR of
      hypertriglyceridemia for rs5065 was 1.94 (P = 0.075). The genetic risk score was
      significantly associated with MetS. Subjects carrying 4-5 risk alleles (18.8%)
      had a nearly 2.5-fold-increased risk of MetS compared to those carrying 0-1 risk
      allele (24.3%): OR 2.31; P = 0.025. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the
      association of FABP2, ANP and ADIPOQ gene variants with MetS or its components in
      Afro-Caribbeans and suggests a cumulative genetic influence of theses variants on
      this syndrome and a potential effect on lipid metabolism.

PMID- 27684942
TI  - Drosophila Adaptation to Viral Infection through Defensive Symbiont Evolution.
AB  - Microbial symbionts can modulate host interactions with biotic and abiotic
      factors. Such interactions may affect the evolutionary trajectories of both host
      and symbiont. Wolbachia protects Drosophila melanogaster against several viral
      infections and the strength of the protection varies between variants of this
      endosymbiont. Since Wolbachia is maternally transmitted, its fitness depends on
      the fitness of its host. Therefore, Wolbachia populations may be under selection
      when Drosophila is subjected to viral infection. Here we show that in D.
      melanogaster populations selected for increased survival upon infection with
      Drosophila C virus there is a strong selection coefficient for specific Wolbachia
      variants, leading to their fixation. Flies carrying these selected Wolbachia
      variants have higher survival and fertility upon viral infection when compared to
      flies with the other variants. These findings demonstrate how the interaction of
      a host with pathogens shapes the genetic composition of symbiont populations.
      Furthermore, host adaptation can result from the evolution of its symbionts, with
      host and symbiont functioning as a single evolutionary unit.

PMID- 27684943
TI  - The Efficacy of Natalizumab versus Fingolimod for Patients with Relapsing
      Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review, Indirect Evidence from
      Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trials and Meta-Analysis of Observational Head-to
      Head Trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although Fingolimod (FGD) and Natalizumab (NTZ) appear to be
      effective in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), they have never been
      directly compared in a randomized clinical trial (RCT). METHODS AND FINDINGS: We
      evaluated the comparative efficacy of FGD vs. NTZ using a meta-analytical
      approach. Data from placebo-controlled RCTs was used for indirect comparisons and
      observational data was utilized for head-to-head comparisons. We identified 3
      RCTs (2498 patients) and 5 observational studies (2576 patients). NTZ was
      associated with a greater reduction in the 2-year annualized relapse rate (ARR;
      SMDindirect = -0.24;95% CI: from -0.44 to -0.04; p = 0.005) and with the
      probability of no disease activity at 2 years (ORindirect:1.82, 95% CI: from 1.05
      to 3.15) compared to FGD, while no differences between the two therapies were
      found in the proportion of patients who remained relapse-free (ORindirect =
      1.20;95% CI: from 0.84 to 1.71) and those with disability progression (ORindirect
      = 0.76;95% CI: from 0.48 to 1.21) at 2 years. In the analysis of observational
      data, we found no significant differences between NTZ and FGD in the 2-year ARR
      (SMD = -0.05; 95% CI: from -0.26 to 0.16), and 2-year disability progression
      (OR:1.08;95% CI: from 0.77 to 1.52). However, NTZ-treated patients were more
      likely to remain relapse-free at 2-years compared to FGD (OR: 2.19;95% CI: from
      1.15 to 4.18; p = z0.020). CONCLUSIONS: Indirect analyses of RCT data and head-to
      head comparisons of observational findings indicate that NTZ may be more
      effective than FGD in terms of disease activity reduction in patients with RRMS.
      However, head-to-head RCTs are required to independently confirm this preliminary
      observation.

PMID- 27684944
TI  - PB2-Q591K Mutation Determines the Pathogenicity of Avian H9N2 Influenza Viruses
      for Mammalian Species.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Influenza A subtype H9N2 is widespread and prevalent in poultry. It
      has repeatedly transmitted zoonotically to cause mild influenza-like illness in
      humans and is regarded as a potential pandemic candidate. In additon, the six
      internal genes of H7N9 and H10N8 viruses which caused infection in human in China
      as well as some of the highly pathogenic H5N1 strains are origined from H9N2.
      Previous studies have shown that the mammalian adaptation PB2-Q591K contributes
      to the pathogenicity of H5N1 and H7N9 viruses. However, the role of the PB2-Q591K
      mutation in H9N2 subtype is still not well understood. METHODS: To define and
      compare the individual role of PB2-Q591K substitution in the PB2 gene segment of
      H9N2 in relation to polymerase activity, replication competence and the
      pathogenicity using in vitro and in vivo models. RESULTS: The PB2-Q591K mutation
      in H9N2 virus enhanced the polymerase activity and virus replication in human
      NHBE cells when compared to the wild type strain. Mice infected with the PB2
      mutant showed significant weight loss, higher virus replication and immune
      responses in the lungs. CONCLUSIONS: Our evidences suggest that the PB2-Q591K, in
      addition to the -E627K mutation in H9N2 enhanced the pathogenicity in mammalian
      host.

PMID- 27684945
TI  - Oral administration of antioxidants improves skin wound healing in diabetic mice.
AB  - Oxidative stress aggravates several long-term complications in diabetes mellitus.
      We evaluated the effectiveness of the oral administration of antioxidants
      (vitamins E and C, 40 and 100 mg/kg b.w., respectively) on skin wound healing
      acceleration in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. Mice were wounded 30 days after
      the induction of diabetes. Antioxidants were effective in preventing oxidative
      stress, as assessed by TBARS. The enzymes catalase, glutathione reductase,
      glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase were increased in diabetics on
      the 3rd day post-wounding; catalase and glutathione peroxidase remained still
      augmented in diabetics after 14th day postwounding, and the treatment with
      vitamins restored their activities to control. After 3 days, diabetic mice showed
      lower infiltration of inflammatory cells (including CD11b+ and Ly6G+ cells) and
      reduced levels of KC, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-12 p40 when compared with
      control mice. The treatment restored cytokine levels. After 14 days, diabetic
      mice showed late wound closure, persistent inflammation and delayed
      reepithelialization, accompanied by an increase in MIG+ /CD206- macrophages
      whereas CD206+ /MIG- macrophages were decreased. Cytokines IL-12p40, TNF-alpha,
      IL-1beta, and KC were increased and normal levels were restored after treatment
      with antioxidants. These results suggest that oxidative stress plays a major role
      in diabetic wound healing impairment and the oral administration of antioxidants
      improves healing by modulating inflammation and the antioxidant system with no
      effect on glycemia.

PMID- 27684947
TI  - Interactions of Aqueous Imidazolium-Based Ionic Liquid Mixtures with Solid
      Supported Phospholipid Vesicles.
AB  - Despite the environmentally friendly reputation of ionic liquids (ILs), their
      safety has been recently questioned given their potential as cytotoxic agents.
      The fundamental mechanisms underlying the interactions between ILs and cells are
      less studied and by far not completely understood. Biomimetic films are here
      important biophysical model systems to elucidate fundamental aspects and
      mechanisms relevant for a large range of biological interaction ranging from
      signaling to drug reception or toxicity. Here we use dissipative quartz crystal
      microbalance QCM-D to examine the effect of aqueous imidazolium-based ionic
      liquid mixtures on solid-supported biomimetic membranes. Specifically, we assess
      in real time the effect of the cation chain length and the anion nature on a
      supported vesicle layer of the model phospholipid DMPC. Results indicate that
      interactions are mainly driven by the hydrophobic components of the IL, which
      significantly distort the layer and promote vesicle rupture. Our analyses
      evidence the gradual decrease of the main phase transition temperature upon
      increasing IL concentration, reflecting increased disorder by weakening of lipid
      chain interactions. The degree of rupture is significant for ILs with long
      hydrophobic cation chains and large hydrophobic anions whose behavior is
      reminiscent of that of antimicrobial peptides.

PMID- 27684948
TI  - Past, present, and future of neuropsychology in Argentina.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the history, current situation, and future challenges of
      Argentinian neuropsychology. METHOD: A brief historical description highlighting
      the most representative authors and publications is made. In addition, a survey
      was administered to a sample of 135 neuropsychologists practicing neuropsychology
      in Argentina. The survey explored the current neuropsychological practices among
      the respondents. RESULTS: Results show that most Argentinian neuropsychologists
      are: psychologists, women, and work in the clinical field in the country's major
      cities. Besides, the practice of neuropsychology is mostly unregulated with few
      training opportunities. CONCLUSIONS: Argentinian neuropsychology emerged from
      neurology in the early twentieth century and slowly progressed until the 1960s
      when the first organized research groups were created. Since then, a substantial
      and steady progress followed. However, more training opportunities and a better
      regulation of the discipline are needed. No similar studies have been conducted
      in the past, thus becoming one of the first to describe the development of
      neuropsychology in Argentina.

PMID- 27684950
TI  - Letter to the Editor to the article: The Effects of a Transition to Minimalist
      Shoe Running on Intrinsic Foot Muscle Size.

PMID- 27684946
TI  - Maternal obesity and neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders in offspring.
AB  - There is a growing body of evidence from both human epidemiologic and animal
      studies that prenatal and lactational exposure to maternal obesity and high-fat
      diet are associated with neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders in
      offspring. These disorders include cognitive impairment, autism spectrum
      disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, cerebral palsy, anxiety and
      depression, schizophrenia, and eating disorders. This review synthesizes human
      and animal data linking maternal obesity and high-fat diet consumption to
      abnormal fetal brain development and neurodevelopmental and psychiatric morbidity
      in offspring. In addition, it highlights key mechanisms by which maternal obesity
      and maternal diet might impact fetal and offspring neurodevelopment, including
      neuroinflammation; increased oxidative stress, dysregulated insulin, glucose, and
      leptin signaling; dysregulated serotonergic and dopaminergic signaling; and
      perturbations in synaptic plasticity. Finally, the review summarizes available
      evidence regarding investigational therapeutic approaches to mitigate the harmful
      effects of maternal obesity on fetal and offspring neurodevelopment. (c) 2016
      John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27684949
TI  - Development and Application of the Remote Food Photography Method to Measure Food
      Intake in Exclusively Milk Fed Infants: A Laboratory-Based Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Accurate methods of assessing food intake in infants are needed to
      assess the relationship between infant feeding practices and risk of childhood
      obesity. Current methods are either subjective or have limited ability for use
      beyond clinical research settings. OBJECTIVE: To assess the accuracy of the RFPM
      to evaluate simulated milk intake including energy, macronutrient, and
      micronutrient intake compared to direct weighing within a controlled study.
      METHODS: Individuals were recruited to prepare three 2 fl oz, 4 fl oz, 6 fl oz,
      and 8 fl oz servings of infant formula and to capture photographs at different
      stages of preparation (dry powdered formula, prepared formula, and liquid waste)
      using the SmartIntake(r) application. Gram weights of the bottles were obtained
      by the RFPM and direct weighing. Using the United States Department of
      Agriculture National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, energy,
      macronutrient, and micronutrient values were generated from gram weights.
      RESULTS: Intake of formula prepared from powder measured by the RFPM was
      equivalent to weighed intake within 7.5% equivalence bounds among all servings
      and each serving size. The mean difference between methods varied among servings
      sizes with the RFPM underestimating intake by 1.6 +/- 0.4 kcals in 2 fl oz
      servings, 4.8 +/- 0.6 kcals in 4 fl oz servings, and 6.2 +/- 1.0 kcals in 6 fl oz
      servings, and overestimating intake by 0.1 +/- 1.2 kcals in 8 fl oz servings.
      Bland-Altman analysis showed that the RFPM overestimated intake at lower levels
      food intake and underestimated intake at higher levels. Considering photographs
      of only the prepared formula bottle and the bottle with formula waste to simulate
      ready-to-feed formula and human breast milk, intake estimated by the RFPM was
      equivalent to the directly weighed intake within 7.5% for all servings.
      CONCLUSIONS: The RFPM has higher accuracy than subjective methods and similar
      accuracy as compared to the objective methods in estimating simulated intake of
      milk and formula with lower burden to caregivers. The RFPM is a viable method for
      measuring intake in exclusively milk fed infants by caregivers in a controlled
      environment with potential for widespread use in research and clinical practice.

PMID- 27684951
TI  - Response to the Letter to the Editor for article: The Effects of a Transition to
      Minimalist Shoe Running on Intrinsic Foot Muscle Size.

PMID- 27684952
TI  - A Step by Step Protocol for Subretinal Surgery in Rabbits.
AB  - Age related macular degeneration (AMD), retinitis pigmentosa, and other RPE
      related diseases are the most common causes for irreversible loss of vision in
      adults in industrially developed countries. RPE transplantation appears to be a
      promising therapy, as it may replace dysfunctional RPE, restore its function, and
      thereby vision. Here we describe a method for transplanting a cultured RPE
      monolayer on a scaffold into the subretinal space (SRS) of rabbits. After
      vitrectomy xenotransplants were delivered into the SRS using a custom made
      shooter consisting of a 20-gauge metallic nozzle with a polytetrafluoroethylene
      (PTFE) coated plunger. The current technique evolved in over 150 rabbit surgeries
      over 6 years. Post-operative follow-up can be obtained using non-invasive and
      repetitive in vivo imaging such as spectral domain optical coherence tomography
      (SD-OCT) followed by perfusion-fixed histology. The method has well-defined steps
      for easy learning and high success rate. Rabbits are considered a large eye
      animal model useful in preclinical studies for clinical translation. In this
      context rabbits are a cost-efficient and perhaps convenient alternative to other
      large eye animal models.

PMID- 27684954
TI  - Appropriate use of inhaled corticosteroids in COPD: the candidates for safe
      withdrawal.
AB  - International guidance on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management
      recommends the use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in those patients at
      increased likelihood of exacerbation. In spite of this guidance, ICS are
      prescribed in a large number of patients who are unlikely to benefit. Given the
      evidence of the risks associated with ICS and the limited indications for their
      use, there is interest in understanding the effects of withdrawing ICS when
      prescribed inappropriately. In this review, we discuss the findings of large ICS
      withdrawal trials, with primary focus on the more recent trials using active
      comparators. Data from these trials indicate that ICS may be withdrawn without
      adverse impact on exacerbation risk and patient-reported outcomes in patients
      with moderate COPD and no history of frequent exacerbations. Considering the
      safety concerns associated with ICS use, these medications should be withdrawn in
      patients for whom they are not recommended, while maintaining adequate
      bronchodilator therapy.

PMID- 27684955
TI  - G Protein-selective GPCR Conformations Measured Using FRET Sensors in a Live Cell
      Suspension Fluorometer Assay.
AB  - Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based studies have become increasingly
      common in the investigation of GPCR signaling. Our research group developed an
      intra-molecular FRET sensor to detect the interaction between Galpha subunits and
      GPCRs in live cells following agonist stimulation. Here, we detail the protocol
      for detecting changes in FRET between the beta2-adrenergic receptor and the
      Galphas C-terminus peptide upon treatment with 100 uM isoproterenol hydrochloride
      as previously characterized(1). Our FRET sensor is a single polypeptide
      consisting serially of a full-length GPCR, a FRET acceptor fluorophore
      (mCitrine), an ER/K SPASM (systematic protein affinity strength modulation)
      linker, a FRET donor fluorophore (mCerulean), and a Galpha C-terminal peptide.
      This protocol will detail cell preparation, transfection conditions, equipment
      setup, assay execution, and data analysis. This experimental design detects small
      changes in FRET indicative of protein-protein interactions, and can also be used
      to compare the strength of interaction across ligands and GPCR-G protein
      pairings. To enhance the signal-to-noise in our measurements, this protocol
      requires heightened precision in all steps, and is presented here to enable
      reproducible execution.

PMID- 27684953
TI  - Quantitative Proteomic Profiling the Molecular Signatures of Annexin A5 in Lung
      Squamous Carcinoma Cells.
AB  - Lung cancer remains the leading cancer killer around the world. It's crucial to
      identify newer mechanism-based targets to effectively manage lung cancer. Annexin
      A5 (ANXA5) is a protein kinase C inhibitory protein and calcium dependent
      phospholipid-binding protein, which may act as an endogenous regulator of various
      pathophysiological processes. However, its molecular mechanism in lung cancer
      remains poorly understood. This study was designed to determine the mechanism of
      ANXA5 in lung cancer with a hope to obtain useful information to provide a new
      therapeutic target. We used a stable isotope dimethyl labeling based quantitative
      proteomic method to identify differentially expressed proteins in NSCLC cell
      lines after ANXA5 transfection. Out of 314 proteins, we identified 26 and 44
      proteins that were down- and up-regulated upon ANXA5 modulation, respectively.
      The IPA analysis revealed that glycolysis and gluconeogenesis were the
      predominant pathways modulated by ANXA5. Multiple central nodes, namely HSPA5,
      FN1, PDIA6, ENO1, ALDOA, JUP and KRT6A appeared to occupy regulatory nodes in the
      protein-protein networks upon ANXA5 modulation. Taken together, ANXA5 appears to
      have pleotropic effects, as it modulates multiple key signaling pathways,
      supporting the potential usefulness of ANXA5 as a potential target in lung
      cancer. This study might provide a new insight into the mechanism of ANXA5 in
      lung cancer.

PMID- 27684956
TI  - The SNARC Effect in Chinese Numerals: Do Visual Properties of Characters and Hand
      Signs Influence Number Processing?
AB  - The SNARC effect refers to an association of numbers and spatial properties of
      responses that is commonly thought to be amodal and independent of stimulus
      notation. We tested for a horizontal SNARC effect using Arabic digits, simple
      form Chinese characters and Chinese hand signs in participants from Mainland
      China. We found a horizontal SNARC effect in all notations. This is the first
      time that a horizontal SNARC effect has been demonstrated in Chinese characters
      and Chinese hand signs. We tested for the SNARC effect in two experiments (parity
      judgement and magnitude judgement). The parity judgement task yielded clear,
      consistent SNARC effects in all notations, whereas results were more mixed in
      magnitude judgement. Both Chinese characters and Chinese hand signs are
      represented non-symbolically for low numbers and symbolically for higher numbers,
      allowing us to contrast within the same notation the effects of heavily learned
      non-symbolic vs. symbolic representation on the processing of numbers. In
      addition to finding a horizontal SNARC effect, we also found a robust numerical
      distance effect in all notations. This is particularly interesting as it
      persisted when participants reported using purely visual features to solve the
      task, thereby suggesting that numbers were processed semantically even when the
      task could be solved without the semantic information.

PMID- 27684957
TI  - beta-Catenin Accumulation Is Associated With Increased Expression of Nanog
      Protein and Predicts Maintenance of MSC Self-Renewal.
AB  - Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are self-renewing cells with the ability to
      differentiate into organized, functional network of cells. Recent studies have
      revealed that activation of the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway by a glycogen synthase
      kinase (GSK)-3-specific pharmacological inhibitor, Bio, results in the
      maintenance of self-renewal in both mouse and human ES cells. The molecular
      mechanism behind the maintenance of hMSCs by these factors, however, is not fully
      understood. We found that rEGF enhances the level of beta-catenin, a component of
      the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway. Furthermore, it was found that beta
      catenin upregulates Nanog. EGF activates the beta-catenin pathway via the Ras
      protein and also increased the Nanog protein and gene expression levels 2 h after
      rEGF treatment. These results suggest that adding EGF can enhance beta-catenin
      and Nanog expression in MSCs and facilitate EGF-mediated maintenance of MSC self
      renewal. EGF was shown to augment MSC proliferation while preserving early
      progenitors within MSC population and thus did not induce differentiation. Thus,
      EGF not only can be used to expand MSC in vitro but also be utilized to
      autologous transplantation of MSCs in vivo.

PMID- 27684959
TI  - Erythromelalgia in patients with essential thrombocythemia and polycythemia vera.

PMID- 27684958
TI  - MetaPhinder-Identifying Bacteriophage Sequences in Metagenomic Data Sets.
AB  - Bacteriophages are the most abundant biological entity on the planet, but at the
      same time do not account for much of the genetic material isolated from most
      environments due to their small genome sizes. They also show great genetic
      diversity and mosaic genomes making it challenging to analyze and understand
      them. Here we present MetaPhinder, a method to identify assembled genomic
      fragments (i.e.contigs) of phage origin in metagenomic data sets. The method is
      based on a comparison to a database of whole genome bacteriophage sequences,
      integrating hits to multiple genomes to accomodate for the mosaic genome
      structure of many bacteriophages. The method is demonstrated to out-perform both
      BLAST methods based on single hits and methods based on k-mer comparisons.
      MetaPhinder is available as a web service at the Center for Genomic Epidemiology
      https://cge.cbs.dtu.dk/services/MetaPhinder/, while the source code can be
      downloaded from https://bitbucket.org/genomicepidemiology/metaphinder or
      https://github.com/vanessajurtz/MetaPhinder.

PMID- 27684960
TI  - Effect of platelet-rich plasma on degeneration change of rotator cuff muscles: In
      vitro and in vivo evaluations.
AB  - Atrophy with fatty degeneration is often seen in rotator cuff muscles with torn
      tendons. PRP has been reported to enhance tissue repair processes after tendon
      ruptures. However, the effect of PRP on atrophy and fatty degeneration of the
      muscle is not yet known. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of PRP on
      degeneration change of rotator cuff muscles in vitro and in vivo. A murine
      myogenic cell line and a rat rotator cuff tear model were used in this study and
      PRP was administrated into subacromial space which is widely used in clinical
      practice. In in vitro study, administration of PRP to C2C12 cells stimulated cell
      proliferation while inhibited both myogenic and adipogenic differentiation. In in
      vivo study, administration of PRP suppressed Oil Red-O positive lipid droplet
      formation. The expression of adipogenic genes was also decreased by PRP
      administration. In conclusion, PRP promoted proliferation of myoblast cells,
      while inhibiting adipogenic differentiation of myoblast cells and suppressing
      fatty degeneration change in rat torn rotator cuff muscles. Further
      investigations are needed to determine the clinical applicability of the PRP. (c)
      2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop
      Res 35:1806-1815, 2017.

PMID- 27684961
TI  - Association of the IKZF1 5' UTR variant rs1456896 with lupus nephritis in a
      northern Han Chinese population.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Polymorphisms of IKAROS family zinc finger 1 (IKZF1) have been found
      to be associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by genome-wide
      association studies (GWAS). The aim of the current study was to investigate the
      association between IKZF1 functional variants and lupus nephritis (LN) in a
      northern Han Chinese population and analyse their relationship with clinical and
      pathological phenotypes in LN. METHOD: The association between IKZF1 functional
      variants and LN was analysed for the lead variant rs1456896 with both GWAS and
      expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) top hits in 500 LN patients and 500
      healthy controls. Replication was conducted in an independent cohort comprising
      798 LN patients and 704 healthy controls. Using the ENCODE (Encyclopedia of DNA
      Elements) databases, functional annotations and differential gene expression data
      were evaluated. RESULTS: A significant association between the single nuclear
      polymorphism (SNP) rs1456896 and susceptibility to LN was observed in the two
      different cohorts (p = 9.32 * 10-3 and p = 3.00 * 10-2) and reinforced in
      combination (p = 1.36 * 10-3). In silico analysis indicates that rs1456896 is a
      regulatory variant and lower mRNA expressions of IKZF1 were observed in both
      peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and renal biopsies from SLE patients
      compared to normal controls. Although patients with the protective genotype AA of
      rs1456896 seemed to have more pronounced clinical manifestations and a lower
      ratio of histological classes III and IV, no significant associations between
      rs1456896 genotypes and sub-phenotypes of LN were detected. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      results suggest that the rs1456896 A allele is associated with protective
      susceptibility to LN. However, this association did not seem to be implicated in
      the disease and histopathological severity of LN in the current population.

PMID- 27684962
TI  - Cytosolic Delivery of Nanolabels Prevents Their Asymmetric Inheritance and
      Enables Extended Quantitative in Vivo Cell Imaging.
AB  - Long-term in vivo imaging of cells is crucial for the understanding of cellular
      fate in biological processes in cancer research, immunology, or in cell-based
      therapies such as beta cell transplantation in type I diabetes or stem cell
      therapy. Traditionally, cell labeling with the desired contrast agent occurs ex
      vivo via spontaneous endocytosis, which is a variable and slow process that
      requires optimization for each particular label-cell type combination. Following
      endocytic uptake, the contrast agents mostly remain entrapped in the
      endolysosomal compartment, which leads to signal instability, cytotoxicity, and
      asymmetric inheritance of the labels upon cell division. Here, we demonstrate
      that these disadvantages can be circumvented by delivering contrast agents
      directly into the cytoplasm via vapor nanobubble photoporation. Compared to
      classic endocytic uptake, photoporation resulted in 50 and 3 times higher loading
      of fluorescent dextrans and quantum dots, respectively, with improved signal
      stability and reduced cytotoxicity. Most interestingly, cytosolic delivery by
      photoporation prevented asymmetric inheritance of labels by daughter cells over
      subsequent cell generations. Instead, unequal inheritance of endocytosed labels
      resulted in a dramatic increase in polydispersity of the amount of labels per
      cell with each cell division, hindering accurate quantification of cell numbers
      in vivo over time. The combined benefits of cell labeling by photoporation
      resulted in a marked improvement in long-term cell visibility in vivo where an
      insulin producing cell line (INS-1E cell line) labeled with fluorescent dextrans
      could be tracked for up to two months in Swiss nude mice compared to 2 weeks for
      cells labeled by endocytosis.

PMID- 27684963
TI  - How can educators support general practice (GP) trainees to develop resilience to
      prevent burnout?
AB  - CONTEXT: Burnout impacts adversely on professional and personal life, and holds
      implications for patient care. Current research on burnout mainly focuses on
      established general practitioners but it is unclear how early the signs of
      burnout really start. This work seeks to identify whether specific GP trainee
      groups are particularly at risk of burnout and the aspects of training they find
      stressful. METHODS: A longitudinal cohort study, collecting qualitative and
      quantitative data through a single mode of data collection (questionnaire) took
      place with trainees from all GP training years (ST1-3), across a vocational
      training scheme (n = 48). Data gathered included the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory
      (OLBI). RESULTS: Higher than anticipated levels of burnout were displayed by all
      trainees. A sub-group self reporting higher levels of burnout comprised all
      female, UK-trained-at-undergraduate GP trainees, with a partner but no children.
      Top reported stressors included knowledge/uncertainty, workload/time pressures
      and ePortfolio. Less than 50% of trainees perceived their burnout levels to be as
      high as their OLBI showing potential lack of insight. CONCLUSIONS: This research
      demonstrates that high levels of burnout are experienced in GP trainees as early
      as the first year of training. Early identification of burnout amongst trainees
      is essential by GP educators to help protect the future GP workforce.

PMID- 27684965
TI  - Imaging Cell Viability on Non-transparent Scaffolds - Using the Example of a
      Novel Knitted Titanium Implant.
AB  - Intervertebral disc degeneration and disc herniation is one of the major causes
      of lower back pain. Depletion of extracellular matrix, culminating in nucleus
      pulposus (NP) extrusion leads to intervertebral disc destruction. Currently
      available surgical treatments reduce the pain but do not restore the mechanical
      functionality of the spine. In order to preserve mechanical features of the
      spine, total disc or nucleus replacement thus became a wide interest. However,
      this arthroplasty era is still in an immature state, since none of the existing
      products have been clinically evaluated. This study intends to test the
      biocompatibility of a novel nucleus implant made of knitted titanium wires.
      Despite all mechanical advantages, the material has its limits for conventional
      optical analysis as the resulting implant is non-transparent. Here we present a
      strategy that describes in vitro visualization, tracking and viability testing of
      osteochondro-progenitor cells on the scaffold. This protocol can be used to
      visualize the efficiency of the cleaning protocol as well as to investigate the
      biocompatibility of these and other non-transparent scaffolds. Furthermore, this
      protocol can be used to show adherence pattern of cells as well as cell viability
      and proliferation rates on/in the scaffold. This in vitro biocompatibility
      testing assay provides a propitious tool to analyze cell-material interaction in
      non-transparent and opaque scaffolds.

PMID- 27684964
TI  - Attentional biases in children of depressed mothers: An event-related potential
      (ERP) study.
AB  - Although a number of studies have reported that children of depressed, compared
      to nondepressed, parents exhibit biased attention to sad facial stimuli, the
      direction of this bias remains unclear; some studies find evidence of
      preferential attention toward sad faces whereas others find evidence of attention
      avoidance. In the current study, we used event-related potentials (ERPs) to
      assess children's attention to emotional stimuli using a spatial cueing task.
      Across all indices of attention bias (N2pc and sustained posterior contralateral
      negativity [SPCN] time locked to face onset, P3b time locked to probe onset,
      reaction times [RTs] to probes), children of mothers with a history of major
      depressive disorder (MDD) during the child's life exhibited less attention to sad
      faces than children of never depressed mothers. For two of these indices (SPCN
      and RTs), the attention biases for the offspring of depressed mothers was not
      specific to sadness and was observed for all emotional expressions. Group
      differences in the ERP indices were maintained when controlling for the influence
      of mothers' and children's current symptoms of depression and anxiety, mothers'
      history of anxiety disorders, and children's history of MDD and anxiety
      disorders, suggesting that the results are specific to mothers' history of MDD.
      (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27684966
TI  - Intestinal immunostimulatory activity of neutral polysaccharide isolated from
      traditionally fermented Korean brown rice vinegar.
AB  - In this study, diverse intestinal immunostimulatory activities were demonstrated
      for polysaccharides (KBV-CP) isolated from Korean brown rice vinegar.
      Monosaccharide composition analysis indicated that KBV-CP was composed mainly of
      neutral sugar units, primarily glucose and mannose. In vitro, KBV-CP
      significantly augmented the productions of immunoglobulin A (IgA) and IgA-related
      cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF
      beta) in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, results of an in vitro co-culture
      system of intestinal Caco-2 cells and RAW 264.7 macrophage cells suggested that
      KBV-CP is not only cytotoxic to Caco-2 cells but also capable of being
      transported across the small intestinal barrier. Oral administration of KBV-CP
      every other day for 20 days induced the IgA production by Peyer's patch cells as
      well as in intestinal fluid and fecal extract. In addition, the production of IgA
      related cytokines such as TGF-beta and IL-6, and granulocyte macrophage colony
      stimulating factor was triggered.

PMID- 27684968
TI  - A Second Look at Pathology Reports and Slides.

PMID- 27684967
TI  - delta-MnO2-Mn3O4 Nanocomposite for Photochemical Water Oxidation: Active
      Structure Stabilized in the Interface.
AB  - Pure phase manganese oxides have been widely studied as water oxidation
      catalysts, but further improvement of their activities is much challenging.
      Herein, we report an effective method to improve the water oxidation activity by
      fabricating a nanocomposite of Mn3O4 and delta-MnO2 with an active interface. The
      nanocomposite was achieved by a partial reduction approach which induced an in
      situ growth of Mn3O4 nanoparticles from the surface of delta-MnO2 nanosheets. The
      optimum composition was determined to be 38% Mn3O4 and 62% delta-MnO2 as
      confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) and X-ray absorption spectra
      (XAS). The delta-MnO2-Mn3O4 nanocomposite is a highly active water oxidation
      catalyst with a turnover frequency (TOF) of 0.93 s-1, which is much higher than
      the individual components of delta-MnO2 and Mn3O4. We consider that the enhanced
      water oxidation activity could be explained by the active interface between two
      components. At the phase interface, weak Mn-O bonds are introduced by lattice
      disorder in the transition of hausmannite phase to birnessite phase, which
      provides active sites for water oxidation catalysis. Our study illustrates a new
      view to improve water oxidation activity of manganese oxides.

PMID- 27684970
TI  - In Reply.

PMID- 27684969
TI  - Cross-reactivity of Anti-Treponema Immunohistochemistry With Non-Treponema
      Spirochetes: A Simple Call for Caution.

PMID- 27684971
TI  - Constructing Comments in a Pathology Report: Advice for the Pathology Resident.

PMID- 27684972
TI  - Contributions From the University of Michigan New Frontiers in Pathology 2015
      Conference.

PMID- 27684973
TI  - Morphologic, Molecular, and Taxonomic Evolution of Renal Cell Carcinoma: A
      Conceptual Perspective With Emphasis on Updates to the 2016 World Health
      Organization Classification.
AB  - Molecular and morphologic interrogation has driven a much-needed reexamination of
      renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Indeed, the recently released 2016 World Health
      Organization classification now recognizes 12 distinct RCC subtypes, as well as
      several other emerging/provisional RCC entities. From a clinical perspective,
      accurate RCC classification may have important implications for patients and
      their families, including prognostic risk stratification, targeted therapeutics
      selection, and identification for genetic testing. In this review, we provide a
      conceptual framework for approaching RCC diagnosis and classification by
      categorizing RCCs as tumors with clear cytoplasm, papillary architecture, and
      eosinophilic (oncocytic) cytoplasm. The currently recognized 2016 World Health
      Organization classification for RCC subtypes is briefly discussed, including new
      diagnostic entities (clear cell papillary RCC, hereditary leiomyomatosis and RCC
      associated RCC, succinate dehydrogenase-deficient RCC, tubulocystic RCC, and
      acquired cystic disease-associated RCC) and areas of evolving RCC classification,
      such as transcription elongation factor B subunit 1 (TCEB1)-mutated RCC/RCC with
      angioleiomyoma-like stroma/RCC with leiomyomatous stroma, RCC associated with
      anaplastic lymphoma receptor tyrosine kinase (ALK) gene rearrangement,
      thyroidlike follicular RCC, and RCC in neuroblastoma survivors. For each RCC
      subtype, relevant clinical, molecular, gross, and microscopic findings are
      reviewed, and ancillary studies helpful for its differential diagnosis are
      presented, providing a practical approach to modern RCC classification. 

PMID- 27684974
TI  - Cytologic and Immunohistochemical Evaluation of Low-Grade Spindle Cell Lesions of
      the Gastrointestinal Tract.
AB  - Spindle cell lesions of the gastrointestinal tract are relatively uncommon
      compared with the frequency of their epithelial counterparts. Although
      gastrointestinal stromal tumors and leiomyomas are the most commonly encountered
      spindle cell lesions in the stomach and esophagus, respectively, there are other
      less common diagnostic entities that should be considered for accurate diagnoses
      as well as appropriate patient treatment and clinical follow-up. Given the
      morphologic overlap of low-grade spindle cell lesions on cytologic preparations,
      ancillary studies play a key role in differentiating these lesions from one
      another. 

PMID- 27684975
TI  - Atypical Apocrine Adenosis: Diagnostic Challenges and Pitfalls.
AB  - Apocrine change in the breast is an extremely common finding. In most cases, the
      benign or malignant nature of the lesion is easily recognized. Apocrine adenosis
      is used to describe sclerosing adenosis with apocrine change. The term apocrine
      atypia is used when there is significant cytologic atypia in apocrine cells,
      characterized by a 3-fold nuclear enlargement, prominent/multiple nucleoli, and
      hyperchromasia. Atypical apocrine adenosis is diagnosed when apocrine adenosis
      and apocrine atypia are superimposed. However, there are no definite criteria to
      distinguish atypical apocrine adenosis from apocrine ductal carcinoma in situ.
      Immunohistochemical markers can be confounding and may lead to erroneous
      diagnoses. Atypical apocrine features in sclerosing lesions may be misinterpreted
      as invasive carcinoma if the underlying lesion is not recognized. In the absence
      of definite features of malignancy, the diagnosis of apocrine ductal carcinoma in
      situ may be extremely difficult. In the present article, we review atypical
      apocrine adenosis focusing on diagnostic challenges and their implications on
      clinical management. 

PMID- 27684976
TI  - Papillary Lesions of the Breast: A Practical Approach to Diagnosis.
AB  - Papillary lesions of the breast span the spectrum of benign, atypical, and
      malignant. Subclassification of these lesions may be diagnostically challenging,
      especially with limited sampling via core biopsy. This review outlines the
      features of papillary lesions of the breast and provides a practical approach to
      distinguishing diagnostically challenging lesions by using key morphologic
      features and, when helpful, immunohistochemical studies. 

PMID- 27684977
TI  - Blood and Bone Marrow Evaluation for Eosinophilia.
AB  - Evaluation of peripheral blood and bone marrow for an indication of persistent
      eosinophilia can be a challenging task because there are many causes of
      eosinophilia and the morphologic differences between reactive and neoplastic
      causes are often subtle or lack specificity. The purpose of this review is to
      provide an overview of the differential diagnosis for eosinophilia, to recommend
      specific steps for the pathologist evaluating blood and bone marrow, and to
      emphasize 2 important causes of eosinophilia that require specific ancillary
      tests for diagnosis: myeloproliferative neoplasm with PDGFRA rearrangement and
      lymphocyte-variant hypereosinophilic syndrome. 

PMID- 27684978
TI  - Intraductal Tubulopapillary Neoplasm of the Pancreas: An Update From a
      Pathologist's Perspective.
AB  - CONTEXT: -Intraductal tubulopapillary neoplasm (ITPN) is a rare intraductal
      epithelial neoplasm of the pancreas recently recognized as a distinct entity by
      the World Health Organization classification in 2010. It is defined as an
      intraductal, grossly visible, tubule-forming epithelial neoplasm with high-grade
      dysplasia and ductal differentiation without overt production of mucin. The
      diagnosis can be challenging owing to morphologic overlap with other intraductal
      lesions and its rarity. While recent advances in molecular genetic studies of
      ITPN have provided new tools to facilitate clinical diagnosis, the limited number
      of cases has yielded limited follow-up data to guide management. OBJECTIVE: -To
      provide a clinical, pathologic, and molecular update on ITPN with respect to
      clinical presentation, imaging findings, histopathologic features, differential
      diagnosis, biological behavior, molecular characteristics, and treatment options.
      DATA SOURCES: -Analysis of the pertinent literature (PubMed) and authors'
      research and clinical practice experience based on institutional and consultation
      materials. CONCLUSIONS: -Clinical presentation, imaging findings, histopathology,
      immunohistochemistry studies, molecular characteristics, prognosis, and treatment
      options of ITPN are reviewed. Important differential diagnoses with other
      intraductal neoplasms of the pancreas-especially intraductal papillary mucinous
      neoplasm-using histopathologic, molecular, and immunohistochemical studies, are
      discussed. Despite the recent progress, more studies are necessary to assess the
      biology and genetics of ITPN for a better understanding of the prognostic factors
      and treatment options.

PMID- 27684979
TI  - Plasmablastic Lymphoma: A Review of Clinicopathologic Features and Differential
      Diagnosis.
AB  - Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a challenging diagnosis given its rarity and lack
      of expression of markers that are usually used by pathologists in establishing
      hematopoietic lineage. However, knowledge of the characteristic clinical setting,
      sites of involvement, and morphologic features of plasmablastic lymphoma can aid
      in the correct diagnosis of a suspected large cell lymphoma that is negative for
      B-cell- and T-cell-specific antigens. Herein, we review the clinical and
      pathologic features of plasmablastic lymphoma with an emphasis on the
      differential diagnosis of hematolymphoid neoplasms with immunoblastic morphology
      and/or evidence of plasmacytic differentiation by immunophenotype. 

PMID- 27684980
TI  - A Historical Perspective and Expose on Serrated Polyps of the Colorectum.
AB  - This article offers a historical perspective on the discovery of 3 types of
      serrated colorectal polyps recognized in the past 60 years. The first to be
      discovered was the hyperplastic polyp, which is still the most commonly
      encountered serrated polyp. In the past 20 years, the carcinoma-associated
      sessile serrated adenoma/polyp has been recognized, but its diagnosis can be
      difficult owing to overlapping histologic features with hyperplastic polyps. Less
      is known about the third type, the traditional serrated adenoma, because it is
      far less common than the other 2 types, and its association with cancer is
      currently under investigation. 

PMID- 27684981
TI  - Survey of Irradiation Practice for the Prevention of Transfusion-Associated Graft
      versus-Host Disease.
AB  - CONTEXT: -Transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease is a rare, often fatal
      complication of cellular blood product transfusion. The requirement that at-risk
      groups receive irradiated products reduces the incidence of transfusion
      associated graft-versus-host disease. A comprehensive survey of irradiation
      practices has not been performed since 1989; meanwhile, new indications for
      irradiation have emerged. OBJECTIVE: -To assess current irradiation practices at
      College of American Pathologists member institutions. Changes in irradiation
      practice indicated by comparing results of a survey of irradiation practices in
      1989 with those of a survey performed in 2014 may reveal how the field has
      developed and what areas (if any) remain to be improved. DESIGN: -A supplemental
      College of American Pathologists survey was sent out with questions regarding
      irradiation practices for specific conditions and circumstances. The questions
      included conditions for which irradiation is generally considered required for
      the prevention of transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease as well as
      those not considered to be a special risk. RESULTS: -An average of 2100
      organizations responded to each question regarding their irradiation practices.
      Irradiation for transfusion from blood relatives, human leukocyte antigen-matched
      products, preterm infants, and Hodgkin disease were the most common indications
      cited. A few organizations had universal irradiation, whereas others irradiated
      products by floor/unit or by service. CONCLUSIONS: -For some at-risk populations
      irradiation of cellular blood products is more common than in 1989, whereas for
      others this practice has been reduced. Although gains have been made since the
      last national survey of irradiation practices, work remains to eliminate the
      possibility of transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease from known at
      risk populations.

PMID- 27684982
TI  - Physician Satisfaction With Clinical Laboratory Services: A College of American
      Pathologists Q-Probes Study of 81 Institutions.
AB  - CONTEXT: -Assessment of customer satisfaction is a vital component of the
      laboratory quality improvement program. OBJECTIVE: -To survey the level of
      physician satisfaction with hospital clinical laboratory services. DESIGN: 
      Participating institutions provided demographic information and survey results of
      physician satisfaction, with specific features of clinical laboratory services
      individually rated on a scale of 5 (excellent) to 1 (poor). RESULTS: -Eighty-one
      institutions submitted 2425 surveys. The median overall satisfaction score was
      4.2 (10th percentile, 3.6; 90th percentile, 4.6). Of the 16 surveyed areas
      receiving the highest percentage of excellent/good ratings (combined scores of 4
      and 5), quality of results was highest along with test menu adequacy, staff
      courtesy, and overall satisfaction. Of the 4 categories receiving the lowest
      percentage values of excellent/good ratings, 3 were related to turnaround time
      for inpatient "STAT" (tests performed immediately), outpatient STAT, and esoteric
      tests. The fourth was a new category presented in this survey: ease of electronic
      order entry. Here, 11.4% (241 of 2121) of physicians assigned below-average (2)
      or poor (1) scores. The 5 categories deemed most important to physicians included
      quality of results, turnaround times for inpatient STAT, routine, and outpatient
      STAT tests, and clinical report format. Overall satisfaction as measured by
      physician willingness to recommend their laboratory to another physician remains
      high at 94.5% (2160 of 2286 respondents). CONCLUSIONS: -There is a continued
      trend of high physician satisfaction and loyalty with clinical laboratory
      services. Physician dissatisfaction with ease of electronic order entry
      represents a new challenge. Test turnaround times are persistent areas of
      dissatisfaction, representing areas for improvement.

PMID- 27684983
TI  - Automated Bright-Field Dual-Color In Situ Hybridization for MDM2: Interobserver
      Reproducibility and Correlation With Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization in a
      Series of Soft Tissue Consults.
AB  - CONTEXT: -Atypical lipomatous tumors/well-differentiated liposarcomas contain
      alterations in the 12q13-15 region resulting in amplification of MDM2 and nearby
      genes. Identifying MDM2 amplification is a useful ancillary test, as the
      histologic mimics of atypical lipomatous tumors/well-differentiated liposarcomas
      have consistently shown a lack of MDM2 amplification. OBJECTIVE: -To assess the
      interobserver reproducibility of a bright-field assay for MDM2 amplification
      (dual-color, dual-hapten in situ hybridization [DDISH]) among reviewers with
      varying degrees of experience with the assay and to assess the concordance of
      MDM2 DDISH with MDM2 fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). DESIGN: -In
      total, 102 cases were assessed in parallel for MDM2 by FISH and DDISH. MDM2
      amplification was defined as an MDM2 to chromosome 12 ratio of 2.0 or greater,
      whereas an MDM2 to chromosome 12 ratio of less than 2 was nonamplified.
      Fluorescence in situ hybridization was scored in the routine clinical laboratory
      and DDISH was evaluated by 3 different pathologists blinded to the final
      diagnosis and FISH results. RESULTS: -Fluorescence in situ hybridization
      categorized 27 cases (26%) as MDM2 amplified and 75 cases (74%) as nonamplified;
      the consensus DDISH diagnosis was 98% concordant with FISH. Agreement between
      MDM2 DDISH by each reviewer and MDM2 FISH was highly concordant (99%, 98%, and
      98%, respectively, for reviewers 1, 2 and 3). The kappa agreement of the 3
      reviewers scoring DDISH was excellent (kappa = 0.949, 0.95, and 0.95,
      respectively, for reviewers 1, 2, and 3). CONCLUSIONS: -This study highlights
      excellent concordance between DDISH and FISH in MDM2 copy number assessment.
      Moreover, excellent interobserver reproducibility of the DDISH assay was found
      among reviewers with varying levels of experience evaluating bright-field assays.

PMID- 27684984
TI  - Application of the Bethesda Classification for Thyroid Fine-Needle Aspiration:
      Institutional Experience and Meta-analysis.
AB  - CONTEXT: -Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies have been an important component
      in the preoperative evaluation of thyroid nodules. Until the introduction of the
      Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (BSRTC) in 2008, individual
      institutions had developed their own diagnostic categories. The BSRTC proposed 6
      categories in an attempt to standardize reporting of thyroid FNA. OBJECTIVE: -To
      present a 15-year experience of thyroid FNA at one institution, including data
      before and after introduction of the BSRTC. The risk of malignancy is compared
      with the meta-analysis of high-quality published data. DATA SOURCES: -Data
      sources were PubMed, a manual search of references, and institutional data.
      CONCLUSIONS: -The diagnostic categories developed at our institution were similar
      to those proposed by the BSRTC, with best fit into the 6 categories easily
      accomplished and reported in the final 2 years of the study. Significant
      differences were noted in the frequencies of cases in diagnostic categories
      Benign (II; P = .003), Suspicious for follicular neoplasm/Follicular neoplasm
      (IV; P < .001), and Malignant (VI; P = .003) after the introduction of the BSRTC.
      Eighteen published articles met the criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis.
      The risk of malignancy in each category in our institution was similar to that
      determined in the meta-analysis, except for Insufficient for diagnosis (I; 20%
      versus 9%-14%). Meta-analysis showed an overlapping 95% CI of risk of malignancy
      between Atypia of undetermined significance/Follicular lesion of undetermined
      significance (III; 11%-23%) and Suspicious for follicular neoplasm/Follicular
      neoplasm (IV; 20%-29%), suggesting similar risks of malignancy. The use of newer
      molecular tests for these indeterminate cases may further refine risk assessment.

PMID- 27684985
TI  - Infantile Digital Fibroma: A Rare Fibromatosis.
AB  - Infantile digital fibroma is a rare benign lesion that usually occurs during the
      first 2 years of life. It can be multiple, but it is usually a single lesion. If
      it grows large enough it can cause joint deformities or interfere with everyday
      activities. Microscopically, the neoplastic cells usually have inclusion bodies
      that are best highlighted with a Masson trichrome stain but can often be seen on
      hematoxylin-eosin staining. Treatment for this entity is usually watchful waiting
      because of its ability to spontaneously regress, but excision is recommended if
      the lesion is symptomatic. More recently, fluorouracil or injectable steroids
      have shown great promise in inducing regression without the complications that
      accompany surgery. 

PMID- 27684986
TI  - Primary Biliary Mixed Adenoneuroendocrine Carcinoma (MANEC): A Short Review.
AB  - Mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinomas (MANECs) are composite neoplasms with areas
      of adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma intermingled with neuroendocrine
      carcinoma or neuroendocrine tumor, each composing at least 30% of the neoplasm.
      MANECs are very infrequent overall, and they are more commonly diagnosed in the
      appendix, colon, and stomach. Biliary MANECs are particularly rare, and their
      histogenesis is debated because neuroendocrine cells are seldom identified in the
      normal biliary tract. They can show one of the 3 different architectural patterns
      described in Lewin's original classification: collision tumors, combined lesions,
      or amphicrine neoplasms. The neuroendocrine component is usually of a high grade,
      with small or large cell cytomorphology, whereas the adenocarcinoma component is
      either an intestinal or biliary type. Clinical presentation is characterized by
      locally advanced disease at the time of initial diagnosis. Recent studies suggest
      that treatment should be guided by the most aggressive histologic component. 

PMID- 27684988
TI  - Fluency tasks generate beta-gamma activity in language-related cortical areas of
      patients during stereo-EEG monitoring.
AB  - A quantitative method was developed to map cortical areas responsive to cognitive
      tasks during intracerebral stereo-EEG recording sessions in drug-resistant
      patients candidate for epilepsy surgery. Frequency power changes were evaluated
      with a computer-assisted analysis in 7 patients during phonemic fluency tasks.
      All patients were right-handed and were explored with depth electrodes in the
      dominant frontal lobe. We demonstrate that fluency tasks enhance beta-gamma
      frequencies and reduce background activities in language network regions of the
      dominant hemisphere. Non-reproducible changes were observed in other explored
      brain areas during cognitive tests execution.

PMID- 27684987
TI  - Sulfate Separation by Selective Crystallization with a Bis-iminoguanidinium
      Ligand.
AB  - A simple and effective method for selective sulfate separation from aqueous
      solutions by crystallization with a bis-guanidinium ligand, 1,4-benzene
      bis(iminoguanidinium) (BBIG), is demonstrated. The ligand is synthesized as the
      chloride salt (BBIG-Cl) by in situ imine condensation of terephthalaldehyde with
      aminoguanidinium chloride in water, followed by crystallization as the sulfate
      salt (BBIG-SO4). Alternatively, BBIG-Cl is synthesized ex situ in larger scale
      from ethanol. The sulfate separation ability of the BBIG ligand is demonstrated
      by selective and quantitative crystallization of sulfate from seawater. The
      ligand can be recycled by neutralization of BBIG-SO4 with aqueous NaOH and
      crystallization of the neutral bis-iminoguanidine, which can be converted back
      into BBIG-Cl with aqueous HCl and reused in another separation cycle. Finally,
      (35)S-labeled sulfate and beta liquid scintillation counting are employed for
      monitoring the sulfate concentration in solution. Overall, this protocol will
      instruct the user in the necessary skills to synthesize a ligand, employ it in
      the selective crystallization of sulfate from aqueous solutions, and quantify the
      separation efficiency.

PMID- 27684989
TI  - Effect of fly ash on properties of crushed brick and reclaimed asphalt in
      pavement base/subbase applications.
AB  - Fly Ash (FA), an abundant by-product with no carbon footprint, is a potential
      stabilizer for enhancing the physical and geotechnical properties of pavement
      aggregates. In this research, FA was used in different ratios to stabilize
      crushed brick (CB) and reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) for pavement base/subbase
      applications. The FA stabilization of CB and RAP was targeted to improve the
      strength and durability of these recycled materials for pavement base/subbase
      applications. The Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) and resilient modulus
      (MR) development of the stabilized CB and RAP aggregates was studied under room
      temperature and at an elevated temperatures of 40 degrees C, and results compared
      with unbound CB and RAP. Analysis of atomic silica content showed that when the
      amount of silica and alumina crystalline was increased, the soil structure matrix
      deteriorated, resulting in strength reduction. The results of UCS and MR testing
      of FA stabilized CB and RAP aggregates indicated that FA was a viable binder for
      the stabilization of recycled CB and RAP. CB and RAP stabilized with 15% FA
      showed the highest UCS results at both room temperature and at 40 degrees C.
      Higher temperature curing was also found to result in higher strengths.

PMID- 27684990
TI  - Nanosized zero-valent iron as Fenton-like reagent for ultrasonic-assisted
      leaching of zinc from blast furnace sludge.
AB  - Ultrasonic-assisted sulphuric acid leaching combined with a Fenton-like process,
      utilizing nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI), was investigated to enhance the
      leaching of zinc from the blast furnace sludge (BFS). The leaching of iron (Fe)
      and zinc (Zn) from the sludge was investigated using Milli-Q water/BFS ratio of
      10 and varying the concentration of hydrogen peroxide, sulphuric acid, the
      temperature, the input energy for ultrasound irradiation, and the presence or
      absence of nZVI as a Fenton reagent. The results showed that with 1g/l addition
      of nZVI and 0.05M of hydrogen peroxide, the kinetic rate of Zn leaching increased
      with a maximum dissolution degree of 80.2%, after 5min treatment. In the absence
      of nZVI, the maximum dissolution degree of Zn was 99.2%, after 15min treatment
      with 0.1M of hydrogen peroxide. The rate of Zn leaching at several concentrations
      of hydrogen peroxide is accelerated in the presence of nZVI although a reduction
      in efficiency was observed. The loss of Fe was no more than 3%. On the basis of
      these results, the possible route for BFS recycling has been proposed (BFS slurry
      mixed with sulphuric acid and hydrogen peroxide is recirculated under ultrasonic
      irradiation then separated).

PMID- 27684991
TI  - Procedure for Adaptive Laboratory Evolution of Microorganisms Using a Chemostat.
AB  - Natural evolution involves genetic diversity such as environmental change and a
      selection between small populations. Adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) refers
      to the experimental situation in which evolution is observed using living
      organisms under controlled conditions and stressors; organisms are thereby
      artificially forced to make evolutionary changes. Microorganisms are subject to a
      variety of stressors in the environment and are capable of regulating certain
      stress-inducible proteins to increase their chances of survival. Naturally
      occurring spontaneous mutations bring about changes in a microorganism's genome
      that affect its chances of survival. Long-term exposure to chemostat culture
      provokes an accumulation of spontaneous mutations and renders the most adaptable
      strain dominant. Compared to the colony transfer and serial transfer methods,
      chemostat culture entails the highest number of cell divisions and, therefore,
      the highest number of diverse populations. Although chemostat culture for ALE
      requires more complicated culture devices, it is less labor intensive once the
      operation begins. Comparative genomic and transcriptome analyses of the adapted
      strain provide evolutionary clues as to how the stressors contribute to mutations
      that overcome the stress. The goal of the current paper is to bring about
      accelerated evolution of microorganisms under controlled laboratory conditions.

PMID- 27684992
TI  - A Method of Targeted Cell Isolation via Glass Surface Functionalization.
AB  - One of the limiting factors to the adoption and advancement of personalized
      medicine is the inability to develop diagnostic tools to probe individual nuances
      in expression from patient to patient. Current methodologies that try to separate
      cells to fill this niche result in disruption of physiological expression, making
      the separation technique useless as a diagnostic tool. In this protocol, we
      describe the functionalization and optimization of a surface for the cellular
      capture and release. This functionalized surface integrates biotinylated
      antibodies with a glass surface functionalized with an aminosilane (APTES),
      desthiobiotin and streptavidin. Cell release is facilitated through the
      introduction of biotin, allowing the recollection and purification of cells
      captured by the surface. This release is done through the targeting of the
      secondary moiety desthiobiotin, which results in a much more gentle release
      paradigm. This reduction in harsh reagents and shear forces reduces changes in
      cellular expression. The functionalized surface captures up to 80% of cells in a
      single cell mixture and has demonstrated 50% capture in a dual-cell mixture.
      Applications of this technology to xenografts and cancer separation studies are
      investigated. Quantification techniques for surface verification such as plate
      reader and ImageJ analyses are described as well.

PMID- 27684993
TI  - Mesenteric Tumor Deposits in Midgut Small Intestinal Neuroendocrine Tumors Are a
      Stronger Indicator Than Lymph Node Metastasis for Liver Metastasis and Poor
      Prognosis.
AB  - Mesenteric tumor deposits (MTDs) are not included in the American Joint Committee
      on Cancer (AJCC) staging system for midgut small intestinal neuroendocrine tumors
      (NETs). We examined the prognostic significance of MTDs associated with midgut
      NETs. Hematoxylin and eosin slides from 132 resected jejunal/ileal NETs were
      reviewed for AJCC tumor stage, lymph node (LN) metastasis, MTDs, and hepatic
      metastases. MTDs were defined as discrete irregular mesenteric tumor nodules
      discontinuous from the primary tumor. Clinical or pathologic evidence of
      metastases and survival data were abstracted from electronic medical records. The
      cohort included 72 male and 60 female patients with a median age of 60 years. LN
      metastasis, MTDs, and liver metastasis were present in 80%, 68%, and 58% of
      patients, respectively. Female sex and presence of MTDs were independent
      predictors of liver metastasis. The odds ratio for hepatic metastasis in the
      presence of MTDs was 16.68 (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.66-59.73) and 0.81
      (95% CI, 0.20-3.26) for LN metastasis. Age, MTDs, and hepatic metastasis were
      associated with disease-specific survival (DSS) in univariate analysis. Primary
      tumor histologic grade, pT3/T4 stage, and LN metastasis were not associated with
      DSS. Multivariate analysis of liver metastasis-free survival stratified by tumor
      grade showed that MTDs were associated with adverse outcomes. The hazard ratio
      for MTDs was 4.58 (95% CI, 1.89-11.11), compared with 0.98 (95% CI, 0.47-2.05)
      for LN metastasis. MTDs, but not LN metastasis, in midgut NETs are a strong
      predictor for hepatic metastasis and are associated with poor DSS.

PMID- 27684994
TI  - Optimization of breathing instructions and timing of late arterial phase
      acquisition on gadobutrol-enhanced MRI of the liver.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare a protocol with higher concentration macrocyclic gadolinium
      based contrast agent (GBCA) [study group] to the traditional protocol with lower
      concentration linear GBCAs [control group] for breath-held arterial phase
      magnetic resonance imaging. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 136 patients were
      quantitatively evaluated for image quality (IQ), breathing artifacts (BA), and
      timing of the arterial phase (Tap). Quantitative analysis was also performed.
      RESULTS: No significant differences in IQ, BA and Tap (P>.05). Study group
      exhibited less enhancement of the aorta (P=.0091) and smaller standard deviation
      for the portal vein enhancement (P=.0173). CONCLUSION: Similar arterial-phase
      image quality can be achieved with a macrocyclic GBCA compared to traditional
      linear GBCA.

PMID- 27684995
TI  - Applicability and discriminative value of a semiautomatic three-dimensional
      spherical volume for the assessment of the apparent diffusion coefficient in
      suspicious breast lesions-feasibility study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of a semiautomatic, three
      dimensional volume of interest (3D sphere) for measuring the apparent diffusion
      coefficient (ADC) in suspicious breast lesions compared to conventional single
      slice two-dimensional regions of interest (2D ROIs). METHOD: This institutional
      review-board-approved study included 56 participants with Breast Imaging
      Reporting and Data System 4/5 lesion. All received diffusion-weighted imaging
      magnetic resonance imaging prior to biopsy (b=0-1500 s/mm2). ADC values were
      measured in the lesions with both methods. Reproducibility and accuracies were
      compared. RESULTS: Area under the curve was 0.93 [95% confidence interval (CI)
      0.86-0.99] for the 3D sphere and 0.91 (95% CI 0.84-0.98) for the 2D ROIs without
      significantly differing reproducibility (P=.45). CONCLUSION: A semiautomatic 3D
      sphere could reliably estimate ADC values in suspicious breast lesions without
      significant difference compared to conventional 2D ROIs.

PMID- 27684996
TI  - Evaluation of aqueductal cerebrospinal fluid flow dynamics with phase-contrast
      cine magnetic resonance imaging in normal pediatric cases.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine differences according to age groups and
      gender in the parameters of aqueductal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow in
      childhood using phase-contrast cine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study included 47 boys and 36 girls for a
      total of 83 healthy children. The cases were divided into three groups depending
      on age as infants (1-12 months), children (12-120 months), and adolescents (120
      204 months). To quantitatively evaluate CSF flow, images in the transverse plane
      were taken at the cerebral aqueduct level using the phase-contrast MR angiography
      technique in a 1.5-T MR unit. Peak and average velocity (cm/s), cranial
      direction, caudal direction and net volume (ml), and aqueduct area (mm2) were
      calculated. To assess differences between the groups, a one-way analysis of
      variance and least significant difference tests were used. RESULTS: A
      statistically significant difference was determined between children and
      adolescents in peak velocity and caudal direction volume (P=.012 and P=.039,
      respectively) and between infants and children in cranial direction volume
      (P=.036). Peak velocity, cranial direction, and net volume were higher in boys
      (P=.050, P=.016, and P=.029, respectively). There were no differences by age and
      gender in the aqueduct area. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study determined the
      normal values for the CSF flow parameters of velocity, volume, and aqueduct area
      using phase-contrast MRI in healthy children. Velocity and volume parameters
      varied according to age and sex and were not affected in the aqueductal area.

PMID- 27684997
TI  - Nd3+-Sensitized Upconversion Nanostructure as a Dual-Channel Emitting Optical
      Probe for Near Infrared-to-Near Infrared Fingerprint Imaging.
AB  - Lanthanide upconversion nanophosphors (Ln-UCNPs) have attracted great attention
      in a variety of fields, benefiting from low background fluorescence interference
      and a high signal-to-noise ratio of upconversion luminescence. However, the
      establishment of Ln-UCNPs with dual near-infrared (NIR) emission channels still
      remains challenging. Herein, we report the design and synthesis of Nd3+
      sensitized NaYbF4:Tm@NaYF4:Yb@NaNdF4:Yb hierarchical-structured nanoparticles
      that emit NIR luminescence at 696 and 980 nm under excitation at 808 nm. The
      sensitizer-rich NaYbF4 core promotes efficient energy transfer to Tm3+. The
      interlayer of NaYF4:Yb effectively prevents the cross-relaxation process from
      Tm3+ to Nd3+ and thus enhances the luminescence emission. The introduction of
      Nd3+ ion as the sensitizer transforms the excitation wavelength from 980 to 808
      nm, which subtly averts the laser-induced thermal effect and offers a new pathway
      for the NIR emission channel at 980 nm. The as-prepared nanoparticles were
      further applied in developing latent and blood fingerprint images, which
      exhibited high signal-to-noise ratio and distinguishable details under 808 nm
      excitation with negligible thermal damage to the sample. Our work provides a
      promising strategy to realize NIR-to-NIR dual-channel emissions in Ln-UCNPs. With
      further functionalization, such nanoparticles are expected to have great
      potential in forensic and biological sciences.

PMID- 27684999
TI  - Decreased effectiveness of the influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 strain in live attenuated
      influenza vaccines: an observational bias or a technical challenge?

PMID- 27684998
TI  - Transition to Parenthood and HIV Infection in Rural Zimbabwe.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The relationship between the risk of acquiring human immunodeficiency
      virus (HIV) infection and people's choices about life course events describing
      the transition to parenthood-sexual debut, union (in the form of marriage,
      cohabitation, or long-term relationship), and parenthood-is still unclear. A
      crucial role in shaping this relationship may be played by the sequence of these
      events and by their timing. This suggests the opportunity to focus on the life
      courses in their entirety rather than on the specific events, thus adopting a
      holistic approach that regards each individual's life course trajectory as a
      whole. METHODS: We summarise the individual life courses describing the
      transition to parenthood using ordered sequences of the three considered events.
      We aim to (i) investigate the association between the sequences and HIV
      infection, and (ii) understand how these sequences interact with known mechanisms
      for HIV transmission, such as the length of sexual exposure and the experience of
      non-regular sexual partnerships. For this purpose, we use data from a general
      population cohort study run in Manicaland (Zimbabwe), a Sub-Saharan African area
      characterised by high HIV prevalence. RESULTS: For both genders, individuals who
      experienced either premarital or delayed childbearing have higher HIV risk
      compared to individuals following more standard transitions. This can be
      explained by the interplay of the sequences with known HIV proximate
      determinants, e.g., a longer exposure to sexual activity and higher rates of
      premarital sex. Moreover, we found that people in the younger birth cohorts
      experience more normative and safer sequences. CONCLUSIONS: The shift of younger
      generations towards more normative transitions to parenthood is a sign of
      behaviour change that might have contributed to the observed reduction in HIV
      prevalence in the area. On the other hand, for people with less normative
      transitions, targeted strategies are essential for HIV prevention.

PMID- 27685000
TI  - Multiscale Simulations on Spectral Tuning and the Photoisomerization Mechanism in
      Fluorescent RNA Spinach.
AB  - Fluorescent RNA aptamer Spinach can bind and activate a green fluorescent protein
      (GFP)-like chromophore (an anionic DFHBDI chromophore) displaying green
      fluorescence. Spectroscopic properties, spectral tuning, and the
      photoisomerization mechanism in the Spinach-DFHBDI complex have been investigated
      by high-level QM and hybrid ONIOM(QM:AMBER) methods (QM method: (TD)DFT, SF
      BHHLYP, SAC-CI, LT-DF-LCC2, CASSCF, or MS-CASPT2), as well as classical molecular
      dynamics (MD) simulations. First, our benchmark calculations have shown that TD
      DFT and spin-flip (SF) TD-DFT (SF-BHHLYP) failed to give a satisfactory
      description of absorption and emission of the anionic DFHBDI chromophore.
      Comparatively, SAC-CI, LT-DF-LCC2, and MS-CASPT2 can give more reliable
      transition energies and are mainly used to further study the spectra of the
      anionic DFHBDI chromophore in Spinach. The RNA environmental effects on the
      spectral tuning and the photoisomerization mechanism have been elucidated. Our
      simulations show that interactions of the anionic cis-DFHBDI chromophore with two
      G-quadruplexes as well as a UAU base triple suppress photoisomerization of
      DFHBDI. In addition, strong hydrogen bonds between the anionic cis-DFHBDI
      chromophore and nearby nucleotides facilitate its binding to Spinach and further
      inhibit the cis-trans photoisomerization of DFHBDI. Solvent molecules, ions, and
      loss of key hydrogen bonds with nearby nucleotides could induce dissociation of
      the anionic trans-DFHBDI chromophore from the binding site. These results provide
      new insights into fluorescent RNA Spinach and may help rational design of other
      fluorescent RNAs.

PMID- 27685001
TI  - Classification and quantification of palm oil adulteration via portable NIR
      spectroscopy.
AB  - Short wave near infrared spectroscopy (NIR) method was used to detect the
      presence of lard adulteration in palm oil. MicroNIR was set up in two different
      scan modes to study the effect of path length to the performance of spectral
      measurement. Pure and adulterated palm oil sample were classified using soft
      independent modeling class analogy (SIMCA) algorithm with model accuracy more
      than 0.95 reported for both transflectance and transmission modes. Additionally,
      by employing partial least square (PLS) regression, the coefficient of
      determination (R2) of transflectance and transmission were 0.9987 and 0.9994 with
      root mean square error of calibration (RMSEC) of 0.5931 and 0.6703 respectively.
      In order to remove the uninformative variables, variable selection using
      cumulative adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) has been performed. The result of
      R2 and RMSEC after variable selection for transflectance and transmission were
      improved significantly. Based on the result of classification and quantification
      analysis, the transmission mode has yield better prediction model compared to the
      transflectance mode to distinguish the pure and adulterated palm oil.

PMID- 27685002
TI  - Spectroscopic investigation on porphyrins nano-assemblies onto gold nanorods.
AB  - The interaction between gold nanorods (Au NRs), synthesized by a conventional
      seeded growth protocol, and the anionic tetrakis-(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin
      (TPPS4) has been investigated through various spectroscopic techniques. At
      neutral pH, the formation of H-aggregates and the inclusion of porphyrin monomers
      in CTAB micelles covering the nanorods have been evidenced. Under mild acidic
      conditions (pH=3) a nano-hybrid assembly of porphyrin J-aggregates and Au NRs has
      been revealed. For the sake of comparison, Cu(II) and Zn(II) metal porphyrin
      derivatives as well as a cationic porphyrin have been studied in the same
      experimental conditions, showing that: i) CuTPPS4 forms porphyrin H-dimers onto
      the Au NRs; ii) ZnTPPS4 undergoes to demetallation, followed by acidification of
      the central core and eventually aggregation onto Au NRs; iii) cationic porphyrin
      does not interact with Au NRs.

PMID- 27685003
TI  - Resonance Raman spectroscopy study of protonated porphyrin.
AB  - Resonance Raman microscopy was used to study the resonance Raman scattering of
      the diacid (diprotonated form) of free-base porphyrin (21H,23H-porphine) in a
      crystal powder and KBr pellets. Intensive lines in the spectral range between
      100/1000cm-1 have been detected and assigned as spectral manifestation of out-of
      plane modes. The Raman spectra were simulated by means of DFT methods and
      compared with the experimental data. It is evident from experimental and
      theoretical results that the activation of out-of-plane modes arises from saddle
      distortion of the porphyrin macrocycle upon formation of its diprotonated form.

PMID- 27685004
TI  - Pre-resonance enhancement of exceptional intensity in Aggregation-Induced Raman
      Optical Activity (AIROA) spectra of lutein derivatives.
AB  - Recently reported new phenomenon of Aggregation-Induced Raman Optical Activity is
      demonstrated here for the first time in the pre-resonance conditions for lutein
      diacetate and 3'-epi-lutein supramolecular self-assembles. We demonstrate that
      minor alterations in the lutein structure (e.g. acetylation of hydroxyl groups or
      different configuration at one of the chiral center) can lead to definitely
      different spectral profiles and optical properties due to formation of aggregates
      of different structure and type. Lutein forms only H-aggregates, lutein diacetate
      only J-aggregates, while 3'-epi-lutein can occur in both forms simultaneously.
      Variety of aggregates' structures is so large that not only the type of
      aggregation is different, but also their chirality. It is remarkable that even in
      the pre-resonance conditions, aggregation of lutein derivatives can lead to the
      intense ROA signal, and moreover, 3'-epi-lutein demonstrated the highest
      resonance ROA CID ratio that has ever been reported.

PMID- 27685005
TI  - Changes in healthcare access and utilization among participants in a public
      housing relocation program in Atlanta, Georgia.
AB  - Using survey data from participants in a public housing relocation program in
      Atlanta, Georgia, we examine post-relocation changes in healthcare access (having
      a usual source of care, having an unmet need) and utilization (receiving a
      medical exam). Although participants moved to safer, less impoverished
      neighborhoods, some participants experienced improvements in access and
      utilization whereas others experienced declines. The supply of healthcare
      providers in the new neighborhood and having health insurance were associated
      with improvements in access for this population. Future relocation efforts may
      seek to assist individuals with choosing a new neighborhood that has accessible
      healthcare resources for low-income populations.

PMID- 27685006
TI  - Unexpected, Latent Radical Reaction of Methane Propagated by Trifluoromethyl
      Radicals.
AB  - Thorough mechanistic studies and DFT calculations revealed a background radical
      pathway latent in metal-catalyzed oxidation reactions of methane at low
      temperatures. Use of hydrogen peroxide with TFAA generated a trifluoromethyl
      radical (*CF3), which in turn reacted with methane gas to selectively yield
      acetic acid. It was found that the methyl carbon of the product was derived from
      methane, while the carbonyl carbon was derived from TFAA. Computational studies
      also support these findings, revealing the reaction cycle to be energetically
      favorable.

PMID- 27685007
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 27685008
TI  - Repeated Prolonged Exercise Decreases Maximal Fat Oxidation in Older Men.
AB  - INTRODUCTION/PURPOSE: Fat metabolism and muscle adaptation was investigated in
      six older trained men (age, 61 +/- 4 yr; VO2max, 48 +/- 2 mL.kg.min) after
      repeated prolonged exercise). METHODS: A distance of 2706 km (1681 miles) cycling
      was performed over 14 d, and a blood sample and a muscle biopsy were obtained at
      rest after an overnight fast before and 30 h after the completion of the cycling.
      VO2max and maximal fat oxidation were measured using incremental exercise tests.
      HR was continuously sampled during cycling to estimate exercise intensity.
      RESULTS: The daily duration of exercise was 10 h and 31 +/- 37 min, and the mean
      intensity was 53% +/- 1% of VO2max. Body weight remained unchanged. VO2max and
      maximal fat oxidation rate decreased by 6% +/- 2% (P = 0.04) and 32% +/- 8% (P <
      0.01), respectively. The exercise intensity that elicits maximal fat oxidation
      was not significantly decreased. Plasma free fatty acid (FA) concentration
      decreased (P < 0.002) from 500 +/- 77 MUmol.L to 160 +/- 38 MUmol.L. Plasma
      glucose concentration as well as muscle glycogen, myoglobin, and triacylglycerol
      content remained unchanged. Muscle citrate synthase and beta-hydroxy-acyl-CoA
      dehydrogenase activities were unchanged, but the protein expression of HKII,
      GLUT4, and adipose triacylglycerol lipase were significantly increased.
      CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the decreased maximal fat oxidation was probably due to
      lower exogenous plasma fatty acid availability and the muscle adaptation pattern
      indicates an increased glucose transport capacity and an increased muscle
      lipolysis capacity supporting an increased contribution of exogenous glucose and
      endogenous fat during exercise.

PMID- 27685009
TI  - Effect of Dry Needling on Thigh Muscle Strength and Hip Flexion in Elite Soccer
      Players.
AB  - PURPOSE: Increase in muscle force, endurance, and flexibility is desired in elite
      athletes to improve performance and to avoid injuries, but it is often hindered
      by the occurrence of myofascial trigger points. Dry needling (DN) has been shown
      effective in eliminating myofascial trigger points. METHODS: This randomized
      controlled study in 30 elite youth soccer players of a professional soccer
      Bundesliga Club investigated the effects of four weekly sessions of DN plus water
      pressure massage on thigh muscle force and range of motion of hip flexion. A
      group receiving placebo laser plus water pressure massage and a group with no
      intervention served as controls. Data were collected at baseline (M1), treatment
      end (M2), and 4 wk follow-up (M3). Furthermore, a 5-month muscle injury follow-up
      was performed. RESULTS: DN showed significant improvement of muscular endurance
      of knee extensors at M2 (P = 0.039) and M3 (P = 0.008) compared with M1 (M1:294.6
      +/- 15.4 N.m.s, M2:311 +/- 25 N.m.s; M3:316.0 +/- 28.6 N.m.s) and knee flexors at
      M2 compared with M1 (M1:163.5 +/- 10.9 N.m.s, M2:188.5 +/- 16.3 N.m.s) as well as
      hip flexion (M1: 81.5 degrees  +/- 3.3 degrees , M2:89.8 degrees  +/- 2.8 degrees
      ; M3:91.8 degrees  +/- 3.8 degrees ). Compared with placebo (3.8 degrees  +/- 3.8
      degrees ) and control (1.4 degrees  +/- 2.9 degrees ), DN (10.3 degrees  +/- 3.5
      degrees ) showed a significant (P = 0.01 and P = 0.0002) effect at M3 compared
      with M1 on hip flexion; compared with nontreatment control (-10 +/- 11.9 N.m), DN
      (5.2 +/- 10.2 N.m) also significantly (P = 0.049) improved maximum force of knee
      extensors at M3 compared with M1. During the rest of the season, muscle injuries
      were less frequent in the DN group compared with the control group. CONCLUSION:
      DN showed a significant effect on muscular endurance and hip flexion range of
      motion that persisted 4 wk posttreatment. Compared with placebo, it showed a
      significant effect on hip flexion that persisted 4 wk posttreatment, and compared
      with nonintervention control, it showed a significant effect on maximum force of
      knee extensors 4 wk posttreatment in elite soccer players.

PMID- 27685010
TI  - Exercise and Transversus Abdominis Muscle Atrophy after 60-d Bed Rest.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate atrophy in the deep abdominal muscles,
      spinal extensors, and the effect of high-load resistive exercise with and without
      whole-body vibration after 60 d of strict bed rest. METHODS: Twenty-four subjects
      underwent 60 d of head-down tilt bed rest and performed either resistive
      vibration exercise (RVE), resistive exercise only (RE), or no exercise control
      (2nd Berlin BedRest Study). The thickness of the transversus abdominis, internal
      oblique, and erector spinae muscles and the area of the multifidus muscle were
      measured bilaterally via real-time ultrasound. Intention-to-treat analysis was
      implemented, and P values were adjusted by the false discovery rate method.
      RESULTS: At the end of the bed rest, transversus abdominis thickness was reduced
      by 18.3% in the inactive group (P = 0.00011) with no significant change in the
      RVE (-4.0%; P = 0.014 vs control) or RE (-5.0%; P = 0.10 vs control) groups. In
      the inactive subjects, internal oblique thickness reduced by 10.6% (P = 0.0025)
      and by 7% (P > 0.05) in each of the training groups. The lengthening of the
      lumbar spine was greatest on day 1 (+7.4%, P = 0.004) and day 2 (+6.3%, P =
      0.004; day 54: +4.1%, P = 0.023). A 4.7% reduction of multifidus area was
      observed on day 1 of bed rest (P = 0.0049) and a 4.2% reduction of erector spinae
      thickness was observed on day 2 (P = 0.0011). Extensor atrophy and spinal
      lengthening was not affected by exercise. No significant difference was seen
      between RVE and RE. CONCLUSION: Bed rest leads to atrophy of the transversus
      abdominis and internal oblique muscles. The exercise program, which implemented
      lower-limb and back extension exercises against shoulder restraints, was able to
      reduce atrophy seen in transversus abdominis in bed rest.

PMID- 27685011
TI  - Evidence for Direct Transmetalation of AuIII-F with Boronic Acids.
AB  - The underlying reactivity of AuIII-F species with aryl boronic acids has been
      studied in detail taking advantage of four novel, stable difluoro-[(C^N)AuF2],
      arylmonofluoro-[(C^N)AuArF], and alkylmonofluoro-[(C^N)AuAlkF] gold(III)
      complexes, prepared and isolated in monomeric form. We provide the first
      experimental evidence for a direct AuIII-F/B transmetalation preceding the Csp2
      Csp2 or Csp3-Csp2 bond formation.

PMID- 27685012
TI  - Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) and Gene Expression Analysis of Fos
      expressing Neurons from Fresh and Frozen Rat Brain Tissue.
AB  - The study of neuroplasticity and molecular alterations in learned behaviors is
      switching from the study of whole brain regions to the study of specific sets of
      sparsely distributed activated neurons called neuronal ensembles that mediate
      learned associations. Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) has recently
      been optimized for adult rat brain tissue and allowed isolation of activated
      neurons using antibodies against the neuronal marker NeuN and Fos protein, a
      marker of strongly activated neurons. Until now, Fos-expressing neurons and other
      cell types were isolated from fresh tissue, which entailed long processing days
      and allowed very limited numbers of brain samples to be assessed after lengthy
      and complex behavioral procedures. Here we found that yields of Fos-expressing
      neurons and Fos mRNA from dorsal striatum were similar between freshly dissected
      tissue and tissue frozen at -80 oC for 3 - 21 days. In addition, we confirmed the
      phenotype of the NeuN-positive and NeuN-negative sorted cells by assessing gene
      expression of neuronal (NeuN), astrocytic (GFAP), oligodendrocytic (Oligo2) and
      microgial (Iba1) markers, which indicates that frozen tissue can also be used for
      FACS isolation of glial cell types. Overall, it is possible to collect, dissect
      and freeze brain tissue for multiple FACS sessions. This maximizes the amount of
      data obtained from valuable animal subjects that have often undergone long and
      complex behavioral procedures.

PMID- 27685013
TI  - Knee rotationplasty: motion of the body centre of mass during walking.
AB  - Knee rotationplasty (KRP) is a type of surgery in which the rotated ankle serves
      as a new knee after being removed for bone tumor. Although this limb salvage
      surgery is rarely indicated in properly selected patients, it may offer
      functional advantages over transfemoral amputation, and more durable results
      compared with a prosthesis. The walking mechanics of adult patients after KRP is
      believed to be close to that of below-knee amputees. In this study, we evaluated
      steady-state walking of KRP patients from the viewpoint of the overall muscle
      power needed to keep the body centre of mass in motion. Three adult patients
      after KRP, all athletes, were evaluated. Ground reactions during walking were
      recorded during six subsequent strides on a force treadmill. The positive
      mechanical work and power sustaining the motion of the centre of mass and the
      recovery of muscle energy due to the pendulum-like mechanism of walking were
      computed and compared with those obtained in previous studies from above-knee,
      below-knee amputees and healthy individuals. In KRP patients, walking was
      sustained by a muscle power output which was 1.4-3.6 times lower during the step
      performed on the rotated limb than on the subsequent step. The recovery of muscle
      energy was slightly lower (0.9) or higher (1.3-1.4 times) on the affected side.
      In two out of the three KRP patients, our findings were more similar to those
      from above-knee amputees than to those from below-knee amputees. After KRP, the
      rotated limb does not necessarily provide the same power provided by below-knee
      amputation. This may have a relevance for the paralympic classification of KRP
      athletes.

PMID- 27685014
TI  - Notes from the Field: Measles Outbreak of Unknown Source - Shelby County,
      Tennessee, April-May 2016.
AB  - On April 15, 2016, local public health officials in Shelby County, Tennessee,
      were notified of a positive measles immunoglobulin M (IgM) test for a male aged
      18 months (patient A). On April 18, 2016, a second positive measles IgM test was
      reported for a man aged 50 years (patient B). Both patients had rash onset on
      April 9, 2016. The Shelby County Health Department initiated an investigation,
      and confirmatory testing for measles virus on oropharyngeal swabs by polymerase
      chain reaction (PCR) at CDC was positive for both patients. On April 21, 2016,
      public health officials were notified of a third suspected measles case in a
      female aged 7 months (patient C) who had developed a rash on April 14; PCR
      testing was positive. Genotyping conducted at CDC identified genotype B3 measles
      virus in all three cases. Genotype B3 is known to be circulating globally and has
      previously been associated with imported cases in the United States (1). 

PMID- 27685015
TI  - Optical Coherence Tomographic Angiography in Acute Macular Neuroretinopathy.
AB  - Importance: Acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMN) is a rare, yet increasingly
      recognized, entity identified predominantly in young healthy females with acute
      onset of paracentral scotomas. The exact pathophysiology is unknown but an
      underlying vascular process is suspected. This study used optical coherence
      tomographic angiography (OCTA) to assess for any evidence of vascular flow
      abnormality in the retina or choroid in this elusive disease. Observations: Three
      eyes from 2 young female patients with classic features of AMN are presented.
      Multimodal imaging testing, including near-infrared reflectance, spectral-domain
      OCT, and OCTA (Carl Zeiss Meditec), were performed. Near-infrared reflectance
      identified typical hyporeflective tear-drop parafoveal lesions, which
      corresponded to OCTA flow deficits at the level of the choriocapillaris.
      Conclusions and Relevance: Recognizing that these findings are based only on 3
      eyes from 2 patients, lesions in AMN may result from a vascular insult in the
      choriocapillaris. The evaluation of OCTA was with the knowledge of the AMN
      diagnosis, which may have biased the interpretation.

PMID- 27685016
TI  - One cell model establishment to inhibit CaMKIIgamma mRNA expression in the dorsal
      root ganglion neuron by RNA interfere.
AB  - CaMKIIgamma in dorsal root ganglion neurons is closely related to the neuropathic
      pain, neuron injury induced by local anesthetics. To get great insight into the
      function of CaMKIIgamma in dorsal root ganglion neurons, we need one cell model
      to specially inhibit the CaMKIIgamma mRNA expression. The present study was aimed
      to establish one cell model to specially inhibit the CaMKIIgamma mRNA expression.
      We designed the CaMKIIgamma shRNA sequence and connected with pYr-1.1 plasmid.
      The ligation product of the CaMKIIgammashRNA and pYr-1.1 plasmid was recombined
      with pAd/PL-DEST vector into pAD-CaMKIIgamma-shRNA. adenovirus vector. pAD
      CaMKIIgamma-shRNA. adenovirus vector infected the dorsal root ganglion neuron to
      inhibit the CaMKIIgamma mRNA expression in vitro. The pAD-CaMKIIgamma-shRNA
      adenovirus vector was verified to be correct by the digestion, sequence. And pAD
      CaMKIIgamma-shRNA. adenovirus vector can infect the DRG cells to inhibit the
      CaMKIIgamma mRNA or protein expression by the real-time polymerase chain reaction
      (PCR) or western blotting. Those results showed that we successfully constructed
      one adenovirus vector that can infect the dorsal root ganglion neuron to inhibit
      the CaMKIIgamma mRNA and protein expression. That will supply with one cell model
      for the CaMKIIgamma function study.

PMID- 27685017
TI  - A Computational Efficient Method to Assess the Sensitivity of Finite-Element
      Models: An Illustration With the Hemipelvis.
AB  - Assessing the sensitivity of a finite-element (FE) model to uncertainties in
      geometric parameters and material properties is a fundamental step in
      understanding the reliability of model predictions. However, the computational
      cost of individual simulations and the large number of required models limits
      comprehensive quantification of model sensitivity. To quickly assess the
      sensitivity of an FE model, we built linear and Kriging surrogate models of an FE
      model of the intact hemipelvis. The percentage of the total sum of squares (%TSS)
      was used to determine the most influential input parameters and their possible
      interactions on the median, 95th percentile and maximum equivalent strains. We
      assessed the surrogate models by comparing their predictions to those of a full
      factorial design of FE simulations. The Kriging surrogate model accurately
      predicted all output metrics based on a training set of 30 analyses (R2 = 0.99).
      There was good agreement between the Kriging surrogate model and the full
      factorial design in determining the most influential input parameters and
      interactions. For the median, 95th percentile and maximum equivalent strain, the
      bone geometry (60%, 52%, and 76%, respectively) was the most influential input
      parameter. The interactions between bone geometry and cancellous bone modulus
      (13%) and bone geometry and cortical bone thickness (7%) were also influential
      terms on the output metrics. This study demonstrates a method with a low time and
      computational cost to quantify the sensitivity of an FE model. It can be applied
      to FE models in computational orthopaedic biomechanics in order to understand the
      reliability of predictions.

PMID- 27685019
TI  - Confidence in forced-choice recognition: What underlies the ratings?
AB  - Two-alternative forced-choice recognition tests are commonly used to assess
      recognition accuracy that is uncontaminated by changes in bias. In such tests,
      participants are asked to endorse the studied item out of 2 presented
      alternatives. Participants may be further asked to provide confidence judgments
      for their recognition decisions. It is often assumed that both recognition
      decisions and confidence judgments in 2-alternative forced-choice recognition
      tests depend on participants' assessments of a difference in strength of memory
      evidence supporting the 2 alternatives-the relative account. In the present study
      we focus on the basis of confidence judgments and we assess the relative account
      of confidence against the absolute account of confidence, by which in assigning
      confidence participants consider only strength of memory evidence supporting the
      chosen alternative. The results of the study show that confidence in 2
      alternative forced-choice recognition decisions is higher when memory evidence is
      stronger for the chosen alternative and also when memory evidence is stronger for
      the unchosen alternative. These patterns of results are consistent with the
      absolute account of confidence in 2-alternative forced-choice recognition but
      they are inconsistent with the relative account. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27685018
TI  - The role of long-term memory in a test of visual working memory: Proactive
      facilitation but no proactive interference.
AB  - We report 4 experiments examining whether associations in visual working memory
      are subject to proactive interference from long-term memory (LTM). Following a
      long-term learning phase in which participants learned the colors of 120 unique
      objects, a working memory (WM) test was administered in which participants
      recalled the precise colors of 3 concrete objects in an array. Each array in the
      WM test consisted of 1 old (previously learned) object with a new color (old
      mismatch), 1 old object with its old color (old-match), and 1 new object.
      Experiments 1 to 3 showed that WM performance was better in the old-match
      condition than in the new condition, reflecting a beneficial contribution from
      LTM. In the old-mismatch condition, participants sometimes reported colors
      associated with the relevant shape in LTM, but the probability of successful
      recall was equivalent to that in the new condition. Thus, information from LTM
      only intruded in the absence of reportable information in WM. Experiment 4 tested
      for, and failed to find, proactive interference from the preceding trial in the
      WM test: Performance in the old-mismatch condition, presenting an object from the
      preceding trial with a new color, was equal to performance with new objects.
      Experiment 5 showed that long-term memory for object-color associations is
      subject to proactive interference. We conclude that the exchange of information
      between LTM and WM appears to be controlled by a gating mechanism that protects
      the contents of WM from proactive interference but admits LTM information when it
      is useful. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27685021
TI  - Orthographic neighborhood effects in recognition and recall tasks in a
      transparent orthography.
AB  - The number of orthographic neighbors of a word influences its probability of
      being retrieved in recognition and free recall memory tests. Even though this
      phenomenon is well demonstrated for English words, it has yet to be demonstrated
      for languages with more predictable grapheme-phoneme mappings than English. To
      address this issue, 4 experiments were conducted to investigate effects of number
      of orthographic neighbors (N) and effects of frequency of occurrence of
      orthographic neighbors (NF) on memory retrieval of Brazilian Portuguese words.
      One hundred twenty-four Brazilian Portuguese speakers performed first a lexical
      decision task (LDT) on words that were factorially manipulated according to N and
      NF, and intermixed with either nonpronounceable nonwords without orthographic
      neighbors (Experiments 1A and 2A), or with pronounceable nonwords with a large
      number of orthographic neighbors (Experiments 1B and 2B). The words were later
      used as probes on either recognition (Experiments 1A and 1B) or recall tests
      (Experiments 2A and 2B). Words with 1 orthographic neighbor were consistently
      better remembered than words with several orthographic neighbors in all
      recognition and recall tests. Notably, whereas in Experiment 1A higher false
      alarm rates were yielded for words with several rather than 1 orthographic
      neighbor, in Experiment 1B higher false alarm rates were yielded for words with 1
      rather than several orthographic neighbors. Effects of NF, on the other hand,
      were not consistent among memory tasks. The effects of N on the recognition and
      recall tests conducted here are interpreted in light of dual process models of
      recognition. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27685020
TI  - The effect of semantic transparency on the processing of morphologically derived
      words: Evidence from decision latencies and event-related potentials.
AB  - Decomposition theories of morphological processing in visual word recognition
      posit an early morpho-orthographic parser that is blind to semantic information,
      whereas parallel distributed processing (PDP) theories assume that the
      transparency of orthographic-semantic relationships influences processing from
      the beginning. To test these alternatives, the performance of participants on
      transparent (foolish), quasi-transparent (bookish), opaque (vanish), and
      orthographic control words (bucket) was examined in a series of 5 experiments. In
      Experiments 1-3 variants of a masked priming lexical-decision task were used;
      Experiment 4 used a masked priming semantic decision task, and Experiment 5 used
      a single-word (nonpriming) semantic decision task with a color-boundary
      manipulation. In addition to the behavioral data, event-related potential (ERP)
      data were collected in Experiments 1, 2, 4, and 5. Across all experiments, we
      observed a graded effect of semantic transparency in behavioral and ERP data,
      with the largest effect for semantically transparent words, the next largest for
      quasi-transparent words, and the smallest for opaque words. The results are
      discussed in terms of decomposition versus PDP approaches to morphological
      processing. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27685023
TI  - Conflict and bias in heuristic judgment.
AB  - Conflict has been hypothesized to play a key role in recruiting deliberative
      processing in reasoning and judgment tasks. This claim suggests that changing the
      task so as to add incorrect heuristic responses that conflict with existing
      heuristic responses can make individuals less likely to respond heuristically and
      can increase response accuracy. We tested this prediction in experiments
      involving judgments of argument strength and word frequency, and found that
      participants are more likely to avoid heuristic bias and respond correctly in
      settings with 2 incorrect heuristic response options compared with similar
      settings with only 1 heuristic response option. Our results provide strong
      evidence for conflict as a mechanism influencing the interaction between
      heuristic and deliberative thought, and illustrate how accuracy can be increased
      through simple changes to the response sets offered to participants. (PsycINFO
      Database Record

PMID- 27685022
TI  - Looking inward and back: Real-time monitoring of visual working memories.
AB  - Confidence in our memories is influenced by many factors, including beliefs about
      the perceptibility or memorability of certain kinds of objects and events, as
      well as knowledge about our skill sets, habits, and experiences. Notoriously, our
      knowledge and beliefs about memory can lead us astray, causing us to be overly
      confident in eyewitness testimony or to overestimate the frequency of recent
      experiences. Here, using visual working memory as a case study, we stripped away
      all these potentially misleading cues, requiring observers to make confidence
      judgments by directly assessing the quality of their memory representations. We
      show that individuals can monitor the status of information in working memory as
      it degrades over time. Our findings suggest that people have access to
      information reflecting the existence and quality of their working memories, and
      furthermore, that they can use this information to guide their behavior.
      (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27685024
TI  - The use of echocardiography for the non-invasive evaluation of coronary artery
      disease.
AB  - In the Western world, there are now millions of patients who undergo clinical
      procedures that evaluate coronary artery status each year. Methods span from
      direct imaging using angiography, computerized tomography, to nuclear magnetic
      imaging as well as to functional studies, such as positron emission tomography.
      These techniques have provided significant information to physicians, but there
      is still need for an improved accessibility. Angiographic methods are expensive
      and expose the patient to significant amounts of radiation, undesirable in
      younger patients. Among the novel technologies for coronary diagnostics,
      transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) of coronary arteries has provided an
      important alternative, particularly in everyday practice. Diagnostic arterial TTE
      can allow determination of the coronary wall lumen in at least three major
      coronary segments (left main [LM], left arterial descending [LAD] and right
      coronary artery [RCA]). Coronary wall thickness using the LAD has been
      preliminarily shown to be related to the risk of coronary events. Since it is
      well ascertained that coronary lesions found in any location indicate that at
      least 80% of the coronary tree is affected, this is very important clinical
      information. Evaluation of coronary status by TTE is a novel technology providing
      important information in ischemic syndromes, in cases of coronary malformations
      and other coronary diseases. KEY MESSAGES Coronary evaluation can be carried out
      by a variety of both invasive and non-invasive methods, many requiring radiation
      exposure or patient immobility. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) of the
      coronaries can, in particular, evaluate the coronary wall thickness, and this may
      be directly related to the coronary disease risk. TTE is a useful method for the
      monitoring of coronary flow reserve and can allow the detection of coronary
      malformations.

PMID- 27685025
TI  - ALSUntangled No. 36: Accilion.

PMID- 27685026
TI  - Small at Birth, but How Small? The Definition of SGA Revisited.

PMID- 27685027
TI  - Pharmacoepigenetics of the role of DNA methylation in MU-opioid receptor
      expression in different human brain regions.
AB  - AIM: Exposure to opioids has been associated with epigenetic effects. Studies in
      rodents suggested a role of varying degrees of DNA methylation in the
      differential regulation of MU-opioid receptor expression across the brain.
      METHODS: In a translational investigation, using tissue acquired postmortem from
      21 brain regions of former opiate addicts, representing a human cohort with
      chronic opioid exposure, MU-opioid receptor expression was analyzed at the level
      of DNA methylation, mRNA and protein. RESULTS & CONCLUSION: While high or low MU
      opioid receptor expression significantly correlated with local OPRM1 mRNA levels,
      there was no corresponding association with OPRM1 methylation status. Additional
      experiments in human cell lines showed that changes in DNA methylation associated
      with changes in MU-opioid expression were an order of magnitude greater than
      differences in brain. Hence, different degrees of DNA methylation associated with
      chronic opioid exposure are unlikely to exert a major role in the region
      specificity of MU-opioid receptor expression in the human brain.

PMID- 27685028
TI  - The experience of transitioning from relapsing remitting to secondary progressive
      multiple sclerosis: views of patients and health professionals.
AB  - PURPOSE: The majority of people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) initially present
      with discreet periods of relapses followed by partial remission of symptoms
      (RRMS). Over time, most pwMS transition to secondary progressive MS (SPMS),
      characterized by a gradual accumulation of disability. This study aimed to
      explore the experiences, coping and needs associated with transitioning from RRMS
      to SPMS. METHOD: Data were collected via semi-structured interviews with nine
      pwMS and seven specialist MS health professionals (HPs). Thematic analysis was
      used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Four major themes were identified: "Is this
      really happening?"; "Becoming a reality"; "A life of struggle"; and "Brushing
      oneself off and moving on." Findings suggested a process of moving from
      uncertainty towards confirmation of one's diagnostic label. Being reclassified
      with SPMS served as a turning point for many, and was accompanied by a range of
      cognitive, emotional and behavioral responses. The value of adequate information
      and support surrounding the transition, and the potential benefit of education
      and support for health professionals in relation to the transition were
      indicated. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding pwMS' experiences of the transition is
      essential if clinicians are to provide pwMS with appropriate support during the
      transition. Implications for Rehabilitation The timing and delivery of
      preparatory education for patients about the transition to SPMS should be
      carefully considered. Sufficient information and follow-up support following the
      reclassification of SPMS is crucial but sometimes lacking. The importance of
      sensitive communication of the reclassification of SPMS was highlighted. MS
      Specialist health professionals may potentially benefit from training and support
      around communication of the reclassification of SPMS. Given the potential
      negative psychological impact of the transition, the psychological wellbeing of
      the patients during the transition to SPMS should be monitored and responded to
      appropriately.

PMID- 27685030
TI  - UV-B radiation reduces in vitro germination of Metarhizium anisopliae s.l. but
      does not affect virulence in fungus-treated Aedes aegypti adults and development
      on dead mosquitoes.
AB  - AIMS: Control of diurnal Aedes aegypti with mycoinsecticides should consider the
      exposure of fungus-treated adults to sunlight, and especially to UV-B radiation
      that might affect activity of conidia applied on the mosquito's surface. METHODS
      AND RESULTS: Germination of Metarhizium anisopliae s.l. IP 46 conidia on SDAY
      medium was not affected at the lowest level of radiation with UV-B, 0.69 kJ m-2 ,
      but was retarded and reduced at higher 2.075 and 4.15 kJ m-2 , and completely
      inhibited at >=8.3 kJ m-2 . In contrast, germination of conidia applied onto
      fibreglass nettings and exposed from 0 to 16.6 kJ m-2 did not differ
      significantly among levels of irradiance exposure and the controls. There was
      also no significant impact of UV-B up to 16.6 kJ m-2 on the adulticidal activity
      of IP 46 and on the subsequent conidiogenesis on cadavers. The Quaite-weighted UV
      B irradiance in the laboratory (1152 mW m-2 ) was higher than the natural
      sunlight irradiance observed in the city of Goiania in Central Brazil on midday
      (706 mW m-2 in August to 911 mW m-2 in October 2015). CONCLUSIONS: UV-B does not
      impair the activity of IP 46 conidia applied previously to radiation on A.
      aegypti adults. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Findings contribute to a
      better understanding of the effectiveness of M. anisopliae against day-active A.
      aegypti and its potential for biological mosquito control.

PMID- 27685033
TI  - 'It is the systems imposed on trusts rather than the people who are to blame for
      the inefficiencies'.
AB  - News that health secretary Stephen Dorrell has pledged to reduce NHS bureaucracy
      is welcome, albeit that it is an extraordinary about turn for the government.
      Long forgotten presumably is the fact that the increase in administration and
      paperwork was as a direct result of the NHS reforms. But better later than never.

PMID- 27685032
TI  - Polyethyleneimine-Coated Gold Nanoparticles: Straightforward Preparation of
      Efficient DNA Delivery Nanocarriers.
AB  - A novel one-pot method for the synthesis of polyethyleneimine (PEI)-coated gold
      nanoparticles (AuPEI-NPs) that combines the reductant-stabilizer properties of
      PEI with microwave irradiation starting from hydrogen tetrachloroaurate acid
      (HAuCl4 ) and branched PEI 25 kDa (b25kPEI) was explored. The method was
      straightforward, green, and low costing, for which the Au/PEI ratio (1:1 to 1:128
      w/w) was a key parameter to modulate their capabilities as DNA delivery
      nanocarriers. Transfection assays in CHO-k1 cells demonstrated that AuPEI-NPs
      with 1:16 and 1:32 w/w ratios behaved as effective DNA gene vectors with improved
      transfection efficiencies (twofold) and significantly lower toxicity than
      unmodified b25kPEI and Lipofectamine 2000. The transfection mediated by these
      AuPEI-NP-DNA polyplexes preferentially used the caveolae-mediated route for
      intracellular internalization, as shown by studies performed by using specific
      internalization inhibitors as well as colocalization with markers of clathrin-
      and caveolae-dependent pathways. The AuPEI-NP polyplexes preferentially used the
      more efficient caveolae internalization pathway to promote transfection, a fact
      that supports their higher transfection efficiency relative to that of
      Lipofectamine 2000. In addition, intracellular trafficking of the AuPEI-NPs was
      studied by transmission electron microscopy.

PMID- 27685035
TI  - ?
AB  - Royal London hospital nurses Nicola Eccersley, left, and Cathy Green laid a
      wreath List week at the statue of nurse Edith Cavell to mark the 80th
      anniversary' of her death. She was executed in 1915 after helping allied troops
      escape from occupied Belgium during World War 1.

PMID- 27685034
TI  - Unions seem certain to accept pay deal.
AB  - The nurses' pay dispute seems certain to be resolved next week after Unison
      members voted in favour of a framework agreement which will allow trusts to
      negotiate local deals this year.

PMID- 27685036
TI  - RCN members will be asked to approve rise in subscriptions.
AB  - Royal College of Nursing members will be asked to approve a L3.50 increase in
      subscriptions for 1996 at the RCN's annual general meeting in Edinburgh today.

PMID- 27685038
TI  - Theatre nurses congress told timing of consent from patients is important.
AB  - Asking patients to consent to treatment weeks before they undergo surgery could
      present problems if their minds or circumstances change in the period between the
      granting of consent and their operation, the National Association of Theatre
      Nurses' (NATN) annual congress heard.

PMID- 27685039
TI  - Inferiority complex is stopping nurse managers developing a strategic role.
AB  - Nurse managers undersell their abilities because they are more concerned with
      just doing the job, a report from the King's Fund has found.

PMID- 27685040
TI  - Doctors receive guidance on being polite to patients.
AB  - Doctors have been told they must be polite to patients and respect their opinions
      under new guidelines published last week by their regulatory body, the General
      Medical Council.

PMID- 27685041
TI  - Call for inquiry into 'spread of freemasonry' in nursing.
AB  - One of the contestants in this week's election for the chair of the RCN Council
      has written to fellow council members following revelations that he is a
      freemason.

PMID- 27685042
TI  - Award to help health authorities become crystal clear.
AB  - The Plain English Campaign is set to launch a new award to encourage health
      authorities to stop talking and writing in impenetrable jargon and gobbledygook.

PMID- 27685044
TI  - Hancock tells Dorrell nurses should be on new boards.
AB  - RCN general secretary Christine Hancock left health secretary Stephen Dorrell in
      no doubt at nurses' anger over their widespread exclusion from the new health
      authorities when the two met at a conference fringe meeting.

PMID- 27685043
TI  - External chair for inquiry into death of baby Ryan.
AB  - An external chair has been appointed to direct the inquiry into the circumstances
      surrounding the death of baby Ryan Smith, aged 11 months. The chair will select a
      GP and a senior nurse to join the inquiry.

PMID- 27685045
TI  - Cautious welcome for plans to reduce NHS bureaucracy.
AB  - Government attempts to cut bureaucracy in the health service must reduce the
      burden on nurses and other clinical staff, the Royal College of Nursing has
      insisted.

PMID- 27685046
TI  - Health secretary unrecognised but still disliked.
AB  - Only one in twelve voters recognise health secretary, Stephen Dorrell and most
      people think he's a liability to the government, a Gallup poll for the Daily
      Telegraph found.

PMID- 27685047
TI  - Delegate says community care is failing her dying son.
AB  - Health secretary Stephen Dorrell has asked an anxious mother for details of how
      community care has failed to provide adequate cover for her son who is dying of
      motor neurone disease.

PMID- 27685049
TI  - Thousands of nurses sacked as turmoil over pay continues in South Africa.
AB  - At least 7,000 nurses have been sacked for going on strike in the Eastern Cape as
      turmoil grows over pay in South Africa.

PMID- 27685048
TI  - Health service staff support French public sector strike.
AB  - French nurses supported the public sector strike which brought the country to a
      standstill last week, but few actually took action.

PMID- 27685050
TI  - Swedish midwife begins legal fight over right to equal pay.
AB  - A Swedish midwife who believes she would earn more if she were a man could be
      about to make legal history in her quest for a better salary.

PMID- 27685052
TI  - Neonatal nurses and medication workload.
AB  - A significant amount of neonatal nurses' time is spent on medication-related
      activities which might in part be undertaken by a pharmacy service.

PMID- 27685051
TI  - Criticism as European drive to fight cancer makes no mention of nurses.
AB  - A nurse has criticised a new European campaign to fight cancer because it makes
      no mention of nurses.

PMID- 27685053
TI  - Cirrhosis deaths cut by urgent drugs.
AB  - Early administration of terlipressin plus glyceryl trinitrate to people with
      gastrointestinal bleeding associated with cirrhosis reduces mortality, French
      researchers report.

PMID- 27685055
TI  - Detecting tuberculosis from the breath.
AB  - A device which can detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis in breath is under
      development in America.

PMID- 27685054
TI  - Serious MRSA infection in the community.
AB  - Serious methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection might occur
      outside hospitals, following acquisition in the community and patients misusing
      drugs might be at increased risk.

PMID- 27685056
TI  - ?
AB  - Normal toileting is not simply a matter of learning to respond to bladder and
      bowel pressures by relaxing, but rather is a complex operant and social learning
      process that has been hindered by a reduced learning capacity and by
      institutionalisation ( 1 ).

PMID- 27685057
TI  - Coming up roses for ENs in wales.
AB  - After reading the article about Rose McLoughlin 'An EN by any other name....'
      (News August 30) I realise how fortunate we are in Wales for the recognition
      given to the value of ENs.

PMID- 27685058
TI  - Nurses' promotion project is a big hit with shoppers.
AB  - The slogan 'The menopause: be aware you can prepare' was used on a recent health
      promotion campaign when five student nurses from the University of Portsmouth
      went to Cascades Shopping Centre in Portsmouth to give help and advice to women
      on the menopause.

PMID- 27685060
TI  - Some celebrities more apt than others.
AB  - With regard to Emily Biggins letter 'Football stars a welcome sight for health
      promotion', (Viewpoint Letters) I do get Emily's drift about the good celebrities
      can do in promoting health, but surely some are more fit for the job than others.
      I mean how healthy is a kung fu kick to the head?

PMID- 27685059
TI  - Health visitors find success on abuse.
AB  - Having read the excellent article (Clinical September 13) about 'Helping adults
      cope with abuse as children' by Janet Jones, psychological therapist, we would
      like to inform you about a similar programme we have been involved with over the
      last years in Somerset.

PMID- 27685061
TI  - Labour right about ungagging NHS staff.
AB  - I was pleased to see Labour plans to scrap the' gagging clause in NHS staff
      contracts (News October 1).

PMID- 27685062
TI  - Inclined to agree with tabloid opinions.
AB  - 'Bring back real nurses' read the Daily Mail headline on its letters page. Sadly
      nursing has changed.

PMID- 27685063
TI  - Once bitten, twice shy of some A&Es.
AB  - After suffering a dog bite I attended the A&E department of my local teaching
      hospital.

PMID- 27685064
TI  - One minute wisdom.
AB  - During a recent holiday in America I was invited to a local 'health fair'.
      Curious about what to expect took my family along.

PMID- 27685065
TI  - Information exchange.
AB  - We are trying to arrange a 20-year nurses' reunion. The group commenced nursing
      in September 1976 at the Royal Liverpool Hospital College.

PMID- 27685067
TI  - Student of the year winner.
AB  - Susan Berwick is the winner of this year's ANS/Nursing Standardstudent nurse of
      the year award.

PMID- 27685066
TI  - Editorial.
AB  - Having been practising now for a year, I realise nursing in the real world can be
      a tough proposition.

PMID- 27685069
TI  - Testicular cancer campaign promotes self examination.
AB  - The Department of Health is running a new campaign to encourage testicular self
      examination among young men, aimed in particular at schools and colleges.

PMID- 27685068
TI  - Scottish student is youngest Lib Dem councillor.
AB  - Claire Hamblen, 21, a student nurse and Scotland's youngest local Liberal
      Democrat councillor, was recently featured in Cosmopolitan magazine.

PMID- 27685070
TI  - Drink campaign targets students.
AB  - A student alcohol awareness campaign was launched last month to raise awareness
      of the harm excess alcohol can cause.

PMID- 27685073
TI  - Students left with no supervision.
AB  - The increased use of bank and agency staff combined with the growth of short-term
      contracts are endangering the quality of clinical supervision on wards.

PMID- 27685072
TI  - Stress survival guide.
AB  - A survival guide aimed at helping students cope with the stress of student life
      is now available from the mental health charity MIND.

PMID- 27685071
TI  - Rent rise rooms in poor condition.
AB  - Student nurses at Guy's Hospital in London arc living in appalling conditions
      despite rents having risen from L50 to L151, a nurse has claimed.

PMID- 27685074
TI  - Sabbatical officer to urge students to 'get involved'.
AB  - Erica Forth, sabbatical student officer for the north of England will be
      encouraging nurse students to get involved in the life and organisation of their
      colleges.

PMID- 27685075
TI  - Reed to promote constructive criticism of college courses.
AB  - 'Get motivated,' says jenni Reed, ANS sabbatical officer responsible for
      encouraging RCN recruitment and organisation in the south. She wants to increase
      membership of the college believing it has a great deal to offer students.

PMID- 27685076
TI  - On a bursary so I can't get a loan.
AB  - I am a student nurse starting my branch programme at Christ Church College,
      Canterbury.

PMID- 27685078
TI  - Listing.

PMID- 27685077
TI  - Am the only lesbian nurse?
AB  - Prior to entering nursing I encountered many nurses who were lesbians. Now that I
      am here I can hear closet doors slamming all around me.

PMID- 27685079
TI  - Attachment to God, religious tradition, and firm attributes in workplace
      commitment.
AB  - Research on organizational commitment suggests there is an association between
      American theists' emotional attachment to God and their emotional commitment to
      the workplace. A sense of divine calling has been shown to partially mediate this
      association but, beyond that, little is known. The purpose of this study is to
      shed further light on the relationship between secure attachment to God and
      affective organizational commitment. I do so by testing whether the employee's
      religious tradition is associated with affective organizational commitment and
      whether the employee's firm attributes moderate the relationship between
      attachment to God and organizational commitment. Results suggest that: 1)
      Catholics evince higher levels of organizational commitment than Evangelicals,
      and 2) firm size significantly moderates the relationship between attachment to
      God and organizational commitment across religious affiliations.

PMID- 27685080
TI  - Communication between patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome and
      healthcare personnel during the initial visit to a continuous positive airway
      pressure clinic.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To describe facilitators and barriers from a patient
      perspective in communications between patients with obstructive sleep apnoea
      syndrome and healthcare personnel during the first meeting when continuous
      positive airway pressure is initiated. BACKGROUND: Adherence to continuous
      positive airway pressure treatment tends to be poor, especially at the initial
      phase of treatment. Communication between the patient and healthcare personnel
      has not been studied from the patient perspective, as either a barrier or
      facilitator for adherence. METHODS: A descriptive design using qualitative
      content analysis was used. Interviews with 25 patients with obstructive sleep
      apnoea syndrome took place after their initial visit at four continuous positive
      airway pressure clinics. A deductive analysis based on The 4 Habits Model (i.e.
      emphasise the importance of investing in the beginning of the consultation,
      elicit the patient's perspective, demonstrate empathy and invest in the end of
      the consultation) was conducted. RESULTS: Building confidence (i.e. structure
      building, information transfer, commitment) or hindering confidence (i.e.
      organisational insufficiency, stress behaviour, interaction deficit) was
      associated with investing in the beginning. Motivating (i.e. situational insight,
      knowledge transfer, practical training) or demotivating (i.e. expectations,
      dominance and power asymmetry, barriers) was associated with eliciting the
      patient's perspective. Building hope (i.e. awareness, sensitivity, demonstration
      of understanding) or hindering hope (i.e. unprepared, uncommitted,
      incomprehension) was associated with showing empathy. Agreement (i.e.
      confirmation, responsibilities, comprehensive information) or disagreement (i.e.
      structural obscurity, irresponsibility, absent-mindedness) was associated with
      investing in the end. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding of facilitators and barriers, as
      described by patients, can be used to improve contextual conditions and
      communication skills among healthcare personnel. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE:
      A patient-centred communication technique should be used in relation to all
      stages of The 4 Habits Model to facilitate shared decision-making and improve
      adherence to continuous positive airway pressure treatment.

PMID- 27685081
TI  - Management of Major Bleeding Related to Novel Oral Anticoagulant Agents Use in
      Frail Elderly Adults.

PMID- 27685082
TI  - Chemical Composition and Allelopathic Potential of Essential Oils from
      Citharexylum spinosum L. Grown in Tunisia.
AB  - Citharexylum spinosum L. (Verbenaceae) also known as Citharexylum quadrangulare
      Jacq. or Citharexylum fruticosum L. is an exotic tree introduced many years ago
      in Tunisia, specially used as a street and park ornamental tree. Essential oils
      (EOs) were obtained by hydrodistillation of the different parts (roots, stems,
      leaves, flowers and fruits; drupes) collected from trees grown in the area of
      Monastir (Tunisia). In total, 84 compounds, representing 90.1 - 98.4% of the
      whole oil composition, were identified by GC-FID and GC/MS analyses. The root EO
      was distinguished by its high content in monoterpene hydrocarbons (alpha
      phellandrene; 30.8%) whereas that obtained from stems was dominated by
      sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (cuparene; 16.4%). The leaf oil was rich in an
      apocarotenoid derivative (hexahydrofarnesylacetone; 26%) and an aliphatic
      hydrocarbon (nonadecane; 14.5%). Flowers oil was rich in esters (2-phenylethyl
      benzoate; 33.5%). Finally, drupes oil was rich in oxygenated sesquiterpenes (beta
      eudesmol; 33.1%). Flowers oil showed a significant phytotoxic effect against
      lettuce seeds germination, it induces a total inhibition when tested at 1 mg/ml.
      Root and shoot elongation seemed to be more affected than germination. The
      inhibition of the shoot length varied from 3.6% to 100% and that of the root from
      16.1% to 100%. The highest inhibition of 100% was detected for flower oil tested
      at 1 mg/ml. Our in vitro studies suggest a possible and new alternative use of C.
      spinosum EOs in herbicidal formulations, further experiments involving field
      conditions are necessary to confirm its herbicidal potential.

PMID- 27685083
TI  - Beyond love: a qualitative analysis of factors associated with teenage pregnancy
      among young women with pregnancy experience in Bolgatanga, Ghana.
AB  - Globally, an estimated 16 million young women aged 15 to 19 years give birth
      every year. Most teenage pregnancies are unintended and being pregnant or
      delivering a baby as a teenager can have serious adverse consequences. Knowledge
      of the environmental factors and social cognitive determinants influencing young
      women's failure to protect against unintended pregnancy is necessary to address
      the high rate of teenage pregnancies. We conducted semi-structured in-depth
      interviews with 21 young women, who had experience of pregnancy, in Bolgatanga,
      Ghana. The interview protocol included themes (relationships, sex, pregnancy,
      family planning) and determinants (knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, norms,
      risk perceptions) derived from empirical studies and theories related to
      sexuality behaviour. Findings show that young women's motivations for sexual
      relationships are mostly 'beyond love' and seem to focus on economic factors. The
      main means of sexual protection seems to be condom use. Other forms of
      contraception were believed to be linked to infertility. Sexuality remains a
      largely taboo topic for open discussion and sex education in schools seems
      limited to abstinence-only messages. The need for more open communication on
      matters of sexuality with young people and the provision of a more comprehensive
      sexuality education in school to address teenage pregnancies in Ghana, is
      discussed.

PMID- 27685084
TI  - Influence of pH on the structure and stability of the sweet protein MNEI.
AB  - MNEI is a single-chain derivative of the sweet protein monellin that, in recent
      years, has become an accepted model for studying protein dynamic properties such
      as folding and aggregation. Although MNEI is very resistant at acidic pH,
      exposure to neutral or alkaline pH strongly affects its stability. We have
      performed a thorough NMR study of the dynamic properties of MNEI at different
      pHs. The results demonstrate that, at physiological temperature, exposure to
      higher pH increases MNEI flexibility. The changes, originating from a well
      defined region in the protein, are transmitted to the whole structure and are
      likely to be the key for triggering unfolding processes.

PMID- 27685085
TI  - Pseudoangiomatous Xanthelasmoid Mastocytosis - a new histopathological entity.

PMID- 27685086
TI  - Fungal Super Glue: The Biofilm Matrix and Its Composition, Assembly, and
      Functions.

PMID- 27685087
TI  - Quantitative Expression Analysis in Brassica napus by Northern Blot Analysis and
      Reverse Transcription-Quantitative PCR in a Complex Experimental Setting.
AB  - Analysis of gene expression is one of the major ways to better understand plant
      reactions to changes in environmental conditions. The comparison of many
      different factors influencing plant growth challenges the gene expression
      analysis for specific gene-targeted experiments, especially with regard to the
      choice of suitable reference genes. The aim of this study is to compare
      expression results obtained by Northern blot, semi-quantitative PCR and RT-qPCR,
      and to identify a reliable set of reference genes for oilseed rape (Brassica
      napus L.) suitable for comparing gene expression under complex experimental
      conditions. We investigated the influence of several factors such as sulfur
      deficiency, different time points during the day, varying light conditions, and
      their interaction on gene expression in oilseed rape plants. The expression of
      selected reference genes was indeed influenced under these conditions in
      different ways. Therefore, a recently developed algorithm, called GrayNorm, was
      applied to validate a set of reference genes for normalizing results obtained by
      Northern blot analysis. After careful comparison of the three methods mentioned
      above, Northern blot analysis seems to be a reliable and cost-effective
      alternative for gene expression analysis under a complex growth regime. For using
      this method in a quantitative way a number of references was validated revealing
      that for our experiment a set of three references provides an appropriate
      normalization. Semi-quantitative PCR was prone to many handling errors and
      difficult to control while RT-qPCR was very sensitive to expression fluctuations
      of the reference genes.

PMID- 27685088
TI  - Pneumococcal Serotypes Colonise the Nasopharynx in Children at Different
      Densities.
AB  - Prevalence of pneumococcal serotypes in carriage and disease has been described
      but absolute serotype colonisation densities have not been reported. 515
      paediatric nasal swab DNA extracts were subjected to lytA qPCR and molecular
      serotyping by microarray. Absolute serotype densities were derived from total
      pneumococcal density (qPCR cycle threshold and standard curve) and relative
      abundance (microarray) and varied widely. Compared to all serotype densities
      observed, the strongest evidence of differences was seen for serotypes 21 and 35B
      (higher) and 3, 38 and non-typeables (lower) (p<0.05) with a similar hierarchy
      when only a single serotype carriage was assessed. There was no evidence of any
      overall density differences between children with single or multiple serotypes
      detected but serotypes with mid-range densities were more prevalent. The
      hierarchy of distinct pneumococcal serotype carriage densities described here for
      the first time, may help explain the dynamics of transmission between children.

PMID- 27685089
TI  - Effects of low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields on plateau frostbite
      healing in rats.
AB  - Plateau frostbite (PF) treatments have remained a clinical challenge because this
      condition injures tissues in deep layers and affected tissues exhibit unique
      pathological characteristics. For instance, low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic
      field (PEMF) can affect tissue restoration and penetrate tissues. Therefore, the
      effect of PEMF on PF healing should be investigated. This study aimed to evaluate
      the effects of low-frequency PEMF on PF healing systematically. Ninety-six
      Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly and equally divided into three groups: normal
      control, partial thickness plateau frostbite (PTPF), and PTPF with low-frequency
      PEMF exposure (PTPF + PEMF). PTPF wounds were induced in the dorsum of the rats.
      The PTPF + PEMF group was exposed to low-frequency PEMF daily. During PF healing,
      wound microcirculation in each group was monitored through contrast
      ultrasonography. Wound appearance, histological observation, and wound tensile
      strength were also evaluated. Results showed that the rate of the
      microcirculation restoration of the PTPF + PEMF group was nearly 25% faster than
      that of the PTPF group, and wound appearance suggested that the healing of the
      PTPF group was slower than that of the PTPF + PEMF group. Histological
      observation revealed that PEMF accelerated the growth of different deep tissues,
      as confirmed by tensile strength examination. Low-frequency PEMF could penetrate
      PF tissues, promote their restoration, and provide a beneficial effect on PF
      healing. Therefore, this technique may be a potential alternative to treat PF.

PMID- 27685090
TI  - Comparative proteome profiling of bleomycin-induced lung toxicity in rats by 2D
      nano-LC-MS/MS and spectral counting.
AB  - The mechanisms involved in bleomycin-induced lung toxicity have not been fully
      understood to date. This work aimed to compare the proteome profiling of
      bleomycin-induced lung toxicity by using 2D-nano-LC-MS/MS and spectral counting.
      By comparing the spectral counts of identified proteins between control and
      bleomycin-treated groups, we noted that 102 proteins were upregulated and 28
      proteins were downregulated in the bleomycin-treated group. Among these
      differently expressed proteins, five proteins were chosen for validation by
      Western blot analysis. The levels of these five proteins were consistent with
      proteomic results. These potential mediators can facilitate the translation of
      the underlying mechanisms of bleomycin-induced lung toxicity to molecular targets
      in the clinical arena.

PMID- 27685092
TI  - Comparative Metagenomics Reveal Phylum Level Temporal and Spatial Changes in
      Mycobiome of Belowground Parts of Crocus sativus.
AB  - Plant-fungal associations have been explored by routine cultivation based
      approaches and cultivation based approaches cannot catalogue more than 5% of
      fungal diversity associated with any niche. In the present study, an attempt has
      been made to catalogue fungal diversity associated with belowground parts i.e.
      rhizosphere and cormosphere, of Crocus sativus (an economically important herb)
      during two growth stages, using cultivation independent ITS gene targeted
      approach, taking bulk soil as reference. The 454 pyrosequencing sequence data
      analysis suggests that the fungal diversity was niche and growth stage specific.
      Fungi diversity, in the present case, was not only different between the two
      organs (roots and corm) but the dominance pattern varies between the cormosphere
      during two growth stages. Zygomycota was dominant fungal phylum in the
      rhizosphere whereas Basidiomycota was dominant in cormosphere during flowering
      stage. However in cormosphere though Basidiomycota was dominant phylum during
      flowering stage but Zygomycota was dominant during dormant stage. Interestingly,
      in cormosphere, the phyla which was dominant at dormant stage was rare at
      flowering stage and vice-versa (Basidiomycota: Flowering = 93.2% Dormant = 0.05%
      and Zygomycota: Flowering = 0.8% Dormant = 99.7%). At genus level, Rhizopus was
      dominant in dormant stage but was rare in flowering stage (Rhizopus: Dormant =
      99.7% Flowering = 0.55%). This dynamics is not followed by the bulk soil fungi
      which was dominated by Ascomycota during both stages under study. The genus
      Fusarium, whose species F. oxysporum causes corm rot in C. sativus, was present
      during both stages with slightly higher abundance in roots. Interestingly, the
      abundance of Rhizopus varied a great deal in two stages in cormosphere but the
      abundance of Fusarium was comparable in two growth stages (Bulk soil Flowering =
      0.05%, Rhizosphere Flowering = 1.4%, Cormosphere Flowering = 0.06%, Bulk soil
      Dormant = 2.47% and cormosphere dormant = 0.05%). This is the first report on the
      fungal diversity associated with the root of Crocus sativus and first report on
      the fungi associated with corm of any plant with the temporal and spatial
      variation in the fungal community structure.

PMID- 27685091
TI  - NUCLEAR FACTOR Y, Subunit C (NF-YC) Transcription Factors Are Positive Regulators
      of Photomorphogenesis in Arabidopsis thaliana.
AB  - Recent reports suggest that NF-Y transcription factors are positive regulators of
      skotomorphogenesis in Arabidopsis thaliana. Three NF-YC genes (NF-YC3, NF-YC4,
      and NF-YC9) are known to have overlapping functions in photoperiod dependent
      flowering and previous studies demonstrated that they interact with basic leucine
      zipper (bZIP) transcription factors. This included ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5 (HY5),
      which has well-demonstrated roles in photomorphogenesis. Similar to hy5 mutants,
      we report that nf-yc3 nf-yc4 nf-yc9 triple mutants failed to inhibit hypocotyl
      elongation in all tested light wavelengths. Surprisingly, nf-yc3 nf-yc4 nf-yc9
      hy5 mutants had synergistic defects in light perception, suggesting that NF-Ys
      represent a parallel light signaling pathway. As with other photomorphogenic
      transcription factors, nf-yc3 nf-yc4 nf-yc9 triple mutants also partially
      suppressed the short hypocotyl and dwarf rosette phenotypes of CONSTITUTIVE
      PHOTOMORPHOGENIC 1 (cop1) mutants. Thus, our data strongly suggest that NF-Y
      transcription factors have important roles as positive regulators of
      photomorphogenesis, and in conjunction with other recent reports, implies that
      the NF-Y are multifaceted regulators of early seedling development.

PMID- 27685093
TI  - Oral Cooling and Carbonation Increase the Perception of Drinking and Thirst
      Quenching in Thirsty Adults.
AB  - Fluid ingestion is necessary for life, and thirst sensations are a prime
      motivator to drink. There is evidence of the influence of oropharyngeal
      stimulation on thirst and water intake in both animals and humans, but how those
      oral sensory cues impact thirst and ultimately the amount of liquid ingested is
      not well understood. We investigated which sensory trait(s) of a beverage
      influence the thirst quenching efficacy of ingested liquids and the perceived
      amount ingested. We deprived healthy individuals of liquid and food overnight (>
      12 hours) to make them thirsty. After asking them to drink a fixed volume (400
      mL) of an experimental beverage presenting one or two specific sensory traits, we
      determined the volume ingested of additional plain, 'still', room temperature
      water to assess their residual thirst and, by extension, the thirst-quenching
      properties of the experimental beverage. In a second study, participants were
      asked to drink the experimental beverages from an opaque container through a
      straw and estimate the volume ingested. We found that among several oro-sensory
      traits, the perceptions of coldness, induced either by cold water (thermally) or
      by l-menthol (chemically), and the feeling of oral carbonation, strongly enhance
      the thirst quenching properties of a beverage in water-deprived humans
      (additional water intake after the 400 ml experimental beverage was reduced by up
      to 50%). When blinded to the volume of liquid consumed, individual's estimation
      of ingested volume is increased (~22%) by perceived oral cold and carbonation,
      raising the idea that cold and perhaps CO2 induced-irritation sensations are
      included in how we normally encode water in the mouth and how we estimate the
      quantity of volume swallowed. These findings have implications for addressing
      inadequate hydration state in populations such as the elderly.

PMID- 27685094
TI  - Postdoctoral training in clinical neuropsychology in America: how did we get here
      and where do recent applicants suggest we go next?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The United States appears to be the only country which typically
      requires completion of a two-year postdoctoral fellowship for one to be
      considered competent to practice clinical neuropsychology. We review the history
      of how this came to be in the United States. Further, we describe obstacles that
      postdoctoral trainees face during this stage of training. METHOD: We first
      describe the most significant events leading to the requirement of a two-year
      fellowship in clinical neuropsychology. Next, we describe factors that trainees
      face when selecting and completing postdoctoral training. Finally, we review the
      results of the most recent annual survey of applicants for postdoctoral training
      to measure their experiences. RESULTS: Postdoctoral training in the United States
      is a relatively recent requirement in neuropsychology. Trainees face many
      obstacles when obtaining a postdoctoral position some of which can be addressed
      by the field. CONCLUSIONS: Training in Clinical Neuropsychology in the United
      States has evolved considerably over at least the last 45 or so years to the
      point that a two-year postdoctoral fellowship is now required for one to be a
      candidate for board certification through the American Board of Clinical
      Neuropsychology. We review many of the challenges that postdoctoral trainees face
      and provide survey data to describe their experiences and preferences.

PMID- 27685095
TI  - [Sporadic Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (sLAM) and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) -
      Pulmonary Manifestations].

PMID- 27685096
TI  - Visualization of Vascular and Parenchymal Regeneration after 70% Partial
      Hepatectomy in Normal Mice.
AB  - A modified silicone injection procedure was used for visualization of the hepatic
      vascular tree. This procedure consisted of in-vivo injection of the silicone
      compound, via a 26 G catheter, into the portal or hepatic vein. After silicone
      injection, organs were explanted and prepared for ex-vivo micro-CT (uCT)
      scanning. The silicone injection procedure is technically challenging. Achieving
      a successful outcome requires extensive microsurgical experience from the
      surgeon. One of the challenges of this procedure involves determining the
      adequate perfusion rate for the silicone compound. The perfusion rate for the
      silicone compound needs to be defined based on the hemodynamic of the vascular
      system of interest. Inappropriate perfusion rate can lead to an incomplete
      perfusion, artificial dilation and rupturing of vascular trees. The 3D
      reconstruction of the vascular system was based on CT scans and was achieved
      using preclinical software such as HepaVision. The quality of the reconstructed
      vascular tree was directly related to the quality of silicone perfusion.
      Subsequently computed vascular parameters indicative of vascular growth, such as
      total vascular volume, were calculated based on the vascular reconstructions.
      Contrasting the vascular tree with silicone allowed for subsequent histological
      work-up of the specimen after uCT scanning. The specimen can be subjected to
      serial sectioning, histological analysis and whole slide scanning, and thereafter
      to 3D reconstruction of the vascular trees based on histological images. This is
      the prerequisite for the detection of molecular events and their distribution
      with respect to the vascular tree. This modified silicone injection procedure can
      also be used to visualize and reconstruct the vascular systems of other organs.
      This technique has the potential to be extensively applied to studies concerning
      vascular anatomy and growth in various animal and disease models.

PMID- 27685097
TI  - Resolving macromolecular structures from electron cryo-tomography data using
      subtomogram averaging in RELION.
AB  - Electron cryo-tomography (cryo-ET) is a technique that is used to produce 3D
      pictures (tomograms) of complex objects such as asymmetric viruses, cellular
      organelles or whole cells from a series of tilted electron cryo-microscopy (cryo
      EM) images. Averaging of macromolecular complexes found within tomograms is known
      as subtomogram averaging, and this technique allows structure determination of
      macromolecular complexes in situ. Subtomogram averaging is also gaining in
      popularity for the calculation of initial models for single-particle analysis. We
      describe herein a protocol for subtomogram averaging from cryo-ET data using the
      RELION software (http://www2.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk/relion). RELION was originally
      developed for cryo-EM single-particle analysis, and the subtomogram averaging
      approach presented in this protocol has been implemented in the existing workflow
      for single-particle analysis so that users may conveniently tap into existing
      capabilities of the RELION software. We describe how to calculate 3D models for
      the contrast transfer function (CTF) that describe the transfer of information in
      the imaging process, and we illustrate the results of classification and
      subtomogram averaging refinement for cryo-ET data of purified hepatitis B capsid
      particles and Saccharomyces cerevisiae 80S ribosomes. Using the steps described
      in this protocol, along with the troubleshooting and optimization guidelines,
      high-resolution maps can be obtained in which secondary structure elements are
      resolved subtomogram.

PMID- 27685098
TI  - A simple approach for measuring FRET in fluorescent biosensors using two-photon
      microscopy.
AB  - Genetically encoded fluorescent protein (FP)-based biosensor probes are useful
      tools for monitoring cellular events in living cells and tissues. Because these
      probes were developed for one-photon excitation approaches, their broad two
      photon excitation (2PE) and poorly understood photobleaching characteristics have
      made their implementation in studies using two-photon laser-scanning microscopy
      (TPLSM) challenging. Here we describe a protocol that simplifies the use of
      Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based biosensors in TPLSM. First, the
      TPLSM system is evaluated and optimized using FRET standards expressed in living
      cells, which enables the determination of spectral bleed-through (SBT) and the
      confirmation of FRET measurements from the known standards. Next, we describe how
      to apply the approach experimentally using a modified version of the A kinase
      activity reporter (AKAR) protein kinase A (PKA) biosensor as an example-first in
      cells in culture and then in hepatocytes in the liver of living mice. The
      microscopic imaging can be accomplished in a day in laboratories that routinely
      use TPLSM.

PMID- 27685099
TI  - Separation and parallel sequencing of the genomes and transcriptomes of single
      cells using G&T-seq.
AB  - Parallel sequencing of a single cell's genome and transcriptome provides a
      powerful tool for dissecting genetic variation and its relationship with gene
      expression. Here we present a detailed protocol for G&T-seq, a method for
      separation and parallel sequencing of genomic DNA and full-length polyA(+) mRNA
      from single cells. We provide step-by-step instructions for the isolation and
      lysis of single cells; the physical separation of polyA(+) mRNA from genomic DNA
      using a modified oligo-dT bead capture and the respective whole-transcriptome and
      whole-genome amplifications; and library preparation and sequence analyses of
      these amplification products. The method allows the detection of thousands of
      transcripts in parallel with the genetic variants captured by the DNA-seq data
      from the same single cell. G&T-seq differs from other currently available methods
      for parallel DNA and RNA sequencing from single cells, as it involves physical
      separation of the DNA and RNA and does not require bespoke microfluidics
      platforms. The process can be implemented manually or through automation. When
      performed manually, paired genome and transcriptome sequencing libraries from
      eight single cells can be produced in ~3 d by researchers experienced in
      molecular laboratory work. For users with experience in the programming and
      operation of liquid-handling robots, paired DNA and RNA libraries from 96 single
      cells can be produced in the same time frame. Sequence analysis and integration
      of single-cell G&T-seq DNA and RNA data requires a high level of bioinformatics
      expertise and familiarity with a wide range of informatics tools.

PMID- 27685100
TI  - Mapping 3D genome architecture through in situ DNase Hi-C.
AB  - With the advent of massively parallel sequencing, considerable work has gone into
      adapting chromosome conformation capture (3C) techniques to study chromosomal
      architecture at a genome-wide scale. We recently demonstrated that the inactive
      murine X chromosome adopts a bipartite structure using a novel 3C protocol,
      termed in situ DNase Hi-C. Like traditional Hi-C protocols, in situ DNase Hi-C
      requires that chromatin be chemically cross-linked, digested, end-repaired, and
      proximity-ligated with a biotinylated bridge adaptor. The resulting ligation
      products are optionally sheared, affinity-purified via streptavidin bead
      immobilization, and subjected to traditional next-generation library preparation
      for Illumina paired-end sequencing. Importantly, in situ DNase Hi-C obviates the
      dependence on a restriction enzyme to digest chromatin, instead relying on the
      endonuclease DNase I. Libraries generated by in situ DNase Hi-C have a higher
      effective resolution than traditional Hi-C libraries, which makes them valuable
      in cases in which high sequencing depth is allowed for, or when hybrid capture
      technologies are expected to be used. The protocol described here, which involves
      ~4 d of bench work, is optimized for the study of mammalian cells, but it can be
      broadly applicable to any cell or tissue of interest, given experimental
      parameter optimization.

PMID- 27685102
TI  - Evaluation of cassette-based digital radiography detectors using standardized
      image quality metrics: AAPM TG-150 Draft Image Detector Tests.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to evaluate several of the standardized image
      quality metrics proposed by the American Association of Physics in Medicine
      (AAPM) Task Group 150. The task group suggested region-of-interest (ROI)-based
      techniques to measure nonuniformity, minimum signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), number
      of anomalous pixels, and modulation transfer function (MTF). This study evaluated
      the effects of ROI size and layout on the image metrics by using four different
      ROI sets, assessed result uncertainty by repeating measurements, and compared
      results with two commercially available quality control tools, namely the
      Carestream DIRECTVIEW Total Quality Tool (TQT) and the GE Healthcare Quality
      Assurance Process (QAP). Seven Carestream DRX-1C (CsI) detectors on mobile DR
      systems and four GE FlashPad detectors in radiographic rooms were tested. Images
      were analyzed using MATLAB software that had been previously validated and
      reported. Our values for signal and SNR nonuniformity and MTF agree with values
      published by other investigators. Our results show that ROI size affects
      nonuniformity and minimum SNR measurements, but not detection of anomalous
      pixels. Exposure geometry affects all tested image metrics except for the MTF. TG
      150 metrics in general agree with the TQT, but agree with the QAP only for local
      and global signal nonuniformity. The difference in SNR nonuniformity and MTF
      values between the TG-150 and QAP may be explained by differences in the
      calculation of noise and acquisition beam quality, respectively. TG-150's SNR
      nonuniformity metrics are also more sensitive to detector nonuniformity compared
      to the QAP. Our results suggest that fixed ROI size should be used for
      consistency because nonuniformity metrics depend on ROI size. Ideally, detector
      tests should be performed at the exact calibration position. If not feasible, a
      baseline should be established from the mean of several repeated measurements.
      Our study indicates that the TG-150 tests can be used as an independent
      standardized procedure for detector performance assessment.

PMID- 27685101
TI  - Radiation leakage dose from Elekta electron collimation system.
AB  - This study provided baseline data required for a greater project, whose objective
      was to design a new Elekta electron collimation system having significantly
      lighter electron applicators with equally low out-of field leakage dose.
      Specifically, off-axis dose profiles for the electron collimation system of our
      uniquely configured Elekta Infinity accelerator with the MLCi2 treatment head
      were measured and calculated for two primary purposes: 1) to evaluate and
      document the out-of-field leakage dose in the patient plane and 2) to validate
      the dose distributions calculated using a BEAMnrc Monte Carlo (MC) model for out
      of-field dose profiles. Off-axis dose profiles were measured in a water phantom
      at 100 cm SSD for 1 and 2 cm depths along the in-plane, cross-plane, and both
      diagonal axes using a cylindrical ionization chamber with the 10 * 10 and 20 * 20
      cm2 applicators and 7, 13, and 20 MeV beams. Dose distributions were calculated
      using a previously developed BEAMnrc MC model of the Elekta Infinity accelerator
      for the same beam energies and applicator sizes and compared with measurements.
      Measured results showed that the in-field beam flatness met our acceptance
      criteria (+/- 3% on major and +/-4% on diagonal axes) and that out-of-field mean
      and maximum percent leakage doses in the patient plane met acceptance criteria as
      specified by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Cross-plane out
      of-field dose profiles showed greater leakage dose than in-plane profiles,
      attributed to the curved edges of the upper X-ray jaws and multileaf collimator.
      Mean leakage doses increased with beam energy, being 0.93% and 0.85% of maximum
      central axis dose for the 10 * 10 and 20 * 20 cm2 applicators, respectively, at
      20 MeV. MC calculations predicted the measured dose to within 0.1% in most
      profiles outside the radiation field; however, excluding model-ing of nontrimmer
      applicator components led to calculations exceeding measured data by as much as
      0.2% for some regions along the in-plane axis. Using EGSnrc LATCH bit filtering
      to separately calculate out-of-field leakage dose components (photon dose,
      primary electron dose, and electron dose arising from interactions in various
      collimating components), MC calculations revealed that the primary electron dose
      in the out-of-field leakage region was small and decreased as beam energy
      increased. Also, both the photon dose component and electron dose com-ponent
      resulting from collimator scatter dominated the leakage dose, increasing with
      increasing beam energy. We concluded that our custom Elekta Infinity with the
      MLCi2 treatment head met IEC leakage dose criteria in the patient plane. Also,
      accuracy of our MC model should be sufficient for our use in the design of a new,
      improved electron collimation system.

PMID- 27685103
TI  - Surface imaging, laser positioning or volumetric imaging for breast cancer with
      nodal involvement treated by helical TomoTherapy.
AB  - A surface imaging system, Catalyst (C-Rad), was compared with laser-based
      positioning and daily mega voltage computed tomography (MVCT) setup for breast
      patients with nodal involvement treated by helical TomoTherapy. Catalyst-based
      positioning performed better than laser-based positioning. The respective
      modalities resulted in a standard deviation (SD), 68% confidence interval (CI) of
      positioning of left-right, craniocaudal, anterior-posterior, roll: 2.4 mm, 2.7
      mm, 2.4 mm, 0.9 degrees  for Catalyst positioning, and 6.1 mm, 3.8 mm, 4.9 mm,
      1.1 degrees  for laser-based positioning, respectively. MVCT-based precision is a
      combination of the interoperator variability for MVCT fusion and the patient
      movement during the time it takes for MVCT and fusion. The MVCT fusion
      interoperator variability for breast patients was evaluated at one SD left-right,
      craniocaudal, ant-post, roll as: 1.4 mm, 1.8 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.0 degrees . There was
      no statistically significant difference between the automatic MVCT registration
      result and the manual adjustment; the automatic fusion results were within the
      95% CI of the mean result of 10 users, except for one specific case where the
      patient was positioned with large yaw. We found that users add variability to the
      roll correction as the automatic registration was more consistent. The patient
      position uncertainty confidence interval was evaluated as 1.9 mm, 2.2 mm, 1.6 mm,
      0.9 degrees  after 4 min, and 2.3 mm, 2.8 mm, 2.2 mm, 1 degrees  after 10 min.
      The combination of this patient movement with MVCT fusion interoperator
      variability results in total standard deviations of patient posi-tion when
      treatment starts 4 or 10 min after initial positioning of, respectively: 2.3 mm,
      2.8 mm, 2.0 mm, 1.3 degrees  and 2.7 mm, 3.3 mm, 2.6 mm, 1.4 degrees . Surface
      based positioning arrives at the same precision when taking into account the time
      required for MVCT imaging and fusion. These results can be used on a patient-per
      patient basis to decide which positioning system performs the best after the
      first 5 fractions and when daily MVCT can be omitted. Ideally, real-time
      monitoring is required to reduce important intrafraction movement.

PMID- 27685106
TI  - Is the dose distribution distorted in IMRT and RapidArc treatment when patient
      plans are swapped across beam-matched machines?
AB  - The purpose of this study is to evaluate the degree of dose distribution
      distortion in advanced treatments like IMRT and RapidArc when patient plans are
      swapped across dosimetrically equivalent so-called "beam-matched" machines. For
      this purpose the entire work is divided into two stages. At forefront stage all
      basic beam properties of 6 MV X-rays like PDD, profiles, output factors, TPR20/10
      and MLC transmission of two beam-matched machines - Varian Clinac iX and Varian
      600 C/D Unique - are compared and evaluated for differences. At second stage 40
      IMRT and RapidArc patient plans from the pool of head and neck (H&N) and pelvis
      sites are selected for the study. The plans are swapped across the machines for
      dose recalculation and the DVHs of target and critical organs are evaluated for
      dose differences. Following this, the accuracy of the beam-matching at the TPS
      level for treatments like IMRT and RapidArc are compared. On PDD, profile
      (central 80%) and output factor comparison between the two machines, a maxi-mum
      percentage disagreement value of -2.39%, -2.0% and -2.78%, respectively, has been
      observed. The maximum dose difference observed at volumes in IMRT and RapidArc
      treatments for H&N dose prescription of 69.3 Gy/33 fractions is 0.88 Gy and 0.82
      Gy, respectively. Similarly, for pelvis, with a dose prescription of 50 Gy/25
      fractions, a maximum dose difference of 0.55 Gy and 0.53 Gy is observed at
      volumes in IMRT and RapidArc treatments, respectively. Overall results of the
      swapped plans between two machines' 6 MV X-rays are well within the limits of
      accepted clinical tolerance.

PMID- 27685104
TI  - Secondary cancer-incidence risk estimates for external radiotherapy and high-dose
      rate brachytherapy in cervical cancer: phantom study.
AB  - This study was designed to estimate radiation-induced secondary cancer risks from
      high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy and external radiotherapy for patients with
      cervical cancer based on measurements of doses absorbed by various organs. Organ
      doses from HDR brachytherapy and external radiotherapy were measured using glass
      rod dosimeters. Doses to out-of-field organs were measured at various loca-tions
      inside an anthropomorphic phantom. Brachytherapy-associated organ doses were
      measured using a specialized phantom that enabled applicator insertion, with the
      pelvis portion of the existing anthropomorphic phantom replaced by this new
      phantom. Measured organ doses were used to calculate secondary cancer risk based
      on Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation (BEIR) VII models. In both treatment
      modalities, organ doses per prescribed dose (PD) mostly depended on the distance
      between organs. The locations showing the highest and lowest doses were the right
      kidney (external radiotherapy: 215.2 mGy; brachytherapy: 655.17 mGy) and the
      brain (external radiotherapy: 15.82 mGy; brachytherapy: 2.49 mGy), respectively.
      Organ doses to nearby regions were higher for brachytherapy than for external
      beam therapy, whereas organ doses to distant regions were higher for external
      beam therapy. Organ doses to distant treatment regions in external radiotherapy
      were due primarily to out-of-field radiation resulting from scattering and
      leakage in the gantry head. For brachytherapy, the highest estimated lifetime
      attributable risk per 100,000 population was to the stomach (88.6), whereas the
      lowest risks were to the brain (0.4) and eye (0.4); for external radiotherapy,
      the highest and lowest risks were to the thyroid (305.1) and brain (2.4). These
      results may help provide a database on the impact of radiotherapy-induced
      secondary cancer incidence dur-ing cervical cancer treatment, as well as suggest
      further research on strategies to counteract the risks of radiotherapy-associated
      secondary malignancies.

PMID- 27685105
TI  - Characteristics of quantitative perfusion parameters on dynamic contrast-enhanced
      MRI in mammographically occult breast cancer.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to compare the characteristics of quantitative per
      fusion parameters obtained from dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with mammographically occult (MO) breast
      cancers and those with mammographically visible (MV) breast cancers. Quantitative
      parameters (AUC, Ktrans, kep, ve, vp, and wi) from 13 MO breast cancers and 16 MV
      breast cancers were mapped after the DCE-MRI data were acquired. Various prog
      nostic factors, including axillary nodal status, estrogen receptor (ER),
      progesterone receptor (PR), Ki-67, p53, E-cadherin, and human epidermal growth
      factor receptor 2 (HER2) were obtained in each group. Fisher's exact test was
      used to compare any differences of the various prognostic factors between the two
      groups. The Mann- Whitney U test was applied to compare the quantitative
      parameters between these two groups. Finally, Spearman's correlation was used to
      investigate the relation-ships between perfusion indices and four factors - age,
      tumor size, Ki-67, and p53 - for each group. Although age, tumor size, and the
      prognostic factors were not statistically different between the two groups, the
      mean values of the quantitative parameters, except wi in the MV group, were
      higher than those in the MO group without statistical significance (p = 0.219).
      The kep value was significantly differ-ent between the two groups (p = 0.048),
      but the other parameters were not. In the MO group, vp with size, ve with p53,
      and Ktrans and vp with Ki-67 had significant correlations (p < 0.05). However, in
      the MV group, only kep showed significant correlation with age. The kep value was
      only the perfusion parameter of statistical significance between MO and MV breast
      cancers.

PMID- 27685107
TI  - Initial clinical experience with ArcCHECK for IMRT/VMAT QA.
AB  - Many devices designed for the purpose of performing patient-specific IMRT/VMAT QA
      are commercially available. In this work we report our experience and initial
      clinical results with the ArcCHECK. The ArcCHECK consists of a cylindrical array
      of diode detectors measuring entry and exit doses. The measured result is a
      cumulative dose displayed as a 2D matrix. The detector array requires both an
      absolute dose calibration, and a calibration of the detector response, relative
      to each other. In addition to the calibrations suggested by the manufacturer,
      various tests were performed in order to assess its stability and performance
      prior to clinical introduction. Tests of uniformity, linearity, and repetition
      rate dependence of the detector response were conducted and described in this
      work. Following initial test-ing, the ArcCHECK device was introduced in the
      clinic for routine patient-specific IMRT QA. The clinical results from one year
      of use were collected and analyzed. The gamma pass rates at the 3%/3 mm criterion
      were reported for 3,116 cases that included both IMRT and VMAT treatment plans
      delivered on 18 linear accelera-tors. The gamma pass rates were categorized based
      on the treatment site, treatment technique, type of MLCs, operator, ArcCHECK
      device, and LINAC model. We recorded the percent of failures at the clinically
      acceptable threshold of 90%. In addition, we calculated the threshold that
      encompasses two standard deviations (2 SD) (95%) of QAs (T95) for each category
      investigated. The commissioning measurements demonstrated that the device
      performed as expected. The uniformity of the detector response to a constant
      field arc delivery showed a 1% standard deviation from the mean. The variation in
      dose with changing repetition rate was within 1 cGy of the mean, while the
      measured dose showed a linear relation with delivered MUs. Our initial patient QA
      results showed that, at the clinically selected passing criterion, 4.5% of cases
      failed. On average T95 was 91%, rang-ing from 73% for gynecological sites to
      96.5% for central nervous system sites. There are statistically significant
      differences in passing rates between IMRT and VMAT, high-definition (HD) and non
      HD MLCs, and different LINAC models (p-values << 0.001). An additional
      investigation into the failing QAs and a com-parison with ion-chamber
      measurements reveals that the differences observed in the passing rates between
      the different studied factors can be largely explained by the field size
      dependence of the device. Based on our initial experience with the ArcCHECK, our
      passing rates are, on average, consistent with values reported in the AAPM TG
      119. However, the significant variations between QAs that were observed based on
      the size of the treatment fields may need to be corrected to improve the
      specificity and sensitivity of the device.

PMID- 27685108
TI  - Simultaneously integrated boost (SIB) spares OAR and reduces treatment time in
      locally advanced cervical cancer.
AB  - We performed a dosimetric comparison of sequential IMRT (sIMRT) and simul
      taneously integrated boost (SIB) IMRT to boost PET-avid lymph nodes while
      concurrently treating pelvic targets to determine the potential of SIB IMRT to
      reduce overall treatment duration in locally advanced cervical cancer. Ten
      patients receiving definitive radiation therapy were identified retrospectively.
      RTOG consensus guidelines were followed to delineate the clinical target volume
      and organs at risk (OAR), which were then expanded per IMRT consortium guidelines
      to yield the planning target volume (PTV). Dosimetric parameters for PTVs and OAR
      including conformity (CI95%) were collected and compared using Wilcoxon signed
      rank tests with Bonferroni correction. The median PTV volume was 1843 cc (1088
      2225 cc) and the median boost volume was 43 cc (15-129 cc). Comparable target
      volume coverage was achieved with sIMRT and SIB plans, while hot spots were
      significantly reduced using SIB. SIB plans improved sparing for all OAR, though
      only rectum and small bowel doses were statistically significant. Comparing sIMRT
      and SIB plans averaged over all patients, rectal doses were V45: 70.8% vs. 64.5%
      (p = 0.002) and 0.1 cc: 50.7 Gy vs. 48.7 Gy (p = 0.006). For small bowel, sIMRT
      and SIB IMRT plans yielded V45: 13.4% vs. 11.4% (p = 0.006) and 1 cc: 54.4 Gy vs.
      52.6 Gy (p = 0.006), respectively. Doses to femoral heads and blad-der trended
      towards significance in favor of SIB plans. The mean treatment time was 25 versus
      29 days for SIB and sIMRT plans, respectively. When compared to sIMRT, SIB for
      treatment of nodal targets provides a significant, but small, dose reduction
      (3.8%-4.4%) to OAR, which leads to comparable biological dose despite higher
      fractional doses. Furthermore, SIB IMRT reduces overall treatment time and
      simplifies the planning process, and should be considered for targeting PET
      positive nodal disease in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer.

PMID- 27685109
TI  - Revisiting fetal dose during radiation therapy: evaluating treatment techniques
      and a custom shield.
AB  - To create a comprehensive dataset of peripheral dose (PD) measurements from a new
      generation of linear accelerators with and without the presence of a newly
      designed fetal shield, PD measurements were performed to evaluate the effects of
      depth, field size, distance from the field edge, collimator angle, and beam modi
      fiers for common treatment protocols and modalities. A custom fetal lead shield
      was designed and made for our department that allows external beam treatments
      from multiple angles while minimizing the need to adjust the shield during
      patient treatments. PD measurements were acquired for a comprehensive series of
      static fields on a stack of Solid Water. Additionally, PDs from various
      clinically relevant treatment scenarios for pregnant patients were measured using
      an anthropomorphic phantom that was abutted to a stack of Solid Water. As
      expected, the PD decreased as the distance from the field edge increased and the
      field size decreased. On aver-age, a PD reduction was observed when a 90 degrees 
      collimator rotation was applied and/or when the tertiary MLCs and jaws defined
      the field aperture. However, the effect of the collimator rotation (90 degrees 
      versus 0 degrees ) in PD reduction was not found to be clini-cally significant
      when the tertiary MLCs were used to define the field aperture. In the presence of
      both the MLCs and the fetal shield, the PD was reduced by 58% at a distance of 10
      cm from the field edge. The newly designed fetal shield may effectively reduce
      fetal dose and is relatively easy to setup. Due to its design, we are able to use
      a broad range of treatment techniques and beam angles. We believe the acquired
      comprehensive PD dataset collected with and without the fetal shield will be
      useful for treatment teams to estimate fetal dose and help guide decisions on
      treat-ment techniques without the need to perform pretreatment phantom
      measurements.

PMID- 27685110
TI  - Translucent poly(vinyl alcohol) cryogel dosimeters for simultaneous dose buildup
      and monitoring during chest wall radiation therapy.
AB  - Chest wall radiation therapy treatment delivery was monitored using a 5 mm thick
      radiochromic poly(vinyl alcohol) cryogel that also provided buildup material. The
      cryogels were used to detect positioning errors and measure the impact of shifts
      for a chest wall treatment that was delivered to a RANDO phantom. The phantom was
      shifted by +/- 2, +/- 3, and +/- 5 mm from the planned position in the
      anterior/posterior (A/P) direction; these shifts represent setup errors and the
      uncertainty associated with lung filling during breath-hold. The two-dimensional
      absolute dose distributions measured in the cryogel at the planned position were
      compared with the distributions at all shifts from this position using gamma
      analysis (3%/3 mm, 10% threshold). For shifts of +/- 2, +/- 3, and +/- 5 mm the
      passing rates ranged from 94.3% to 95.6%, 74.0% to 78.8%, and 17.5% to 22.5%,
      respectively. These results are consistent with the same gamma analysis performed
      on dose planes calculated in the middle of the cryogel and on the phantom surface
      using our treatment plan-ning system, which ranged from 94.3% to 95.0%, 76.8% to
      77.9%, and 23.5% to 24.3%, respectively. The Pinnacle dose planes were then
      scaled empirically and compared to the cryogel measurements. Using the same gamma
      metric, the pass rates ranged from 97.0% to 98.4%. The results of this study
      suggest that cryogels may be used as both a buildup material and to evaluate
      errors in chest wall treat-ment positioning during deep-inspiration breath-hold
      delivery. The cryogels are sensitive to A/P chest wall shifts of less than 3 mm,
      which potentially allows for the detection of clinically relevant errors.

PMID- 27685111
TI  - Verification measurements of an eMC algorithm using a 2D ion chamber array.
AB  - The aim of this study was to assess the suitability of the Im'RT MatriXX 2D ion
      chamber array for performing verification measurements on the Varian Eclipse
      electron Monte Carlo (eMC) algorithm for a range of clinical energies (6, 12, and
      20 MeV) on a Varian 2100iX linear accelerator. Firstly, the suitability of the
      MatriXX for measuring percentage depth doses (PDD) in water was assessed,
      including characterization of the inherent buildup found in the MatriXX. Secondly
      the suitability of the MatriXX for measuring dose distributions in homogeneous
      and heterogeneous phantoms was assessed using gamma analysis at 3%/3 mm. It was
      found that after adjusting the PDD curves for the inherent buildup, that the
      position of R50,D measured using the MatriXX agreed to within 1 mm to the PDDs
      generated using the eMC algorithm for all energies used in this study. Gamma
      analysis at 3%/3mm showed very good agreement (> 95%) for all cases in both
      homogeneous and heterogeneous phantoms. It was concluded that the Im'RT MatriXX
      is a suitable device for performing eMC verification and could potentially be
      used for routine energy checks of electron beams.

PMID- 27685112
TI  - Implementation and evaluation of a protocol management system for automated
      review of CT protocols.
AB  - Protocol review is important to decrease the risk of patient injury and increase
      the consistency of CT image quality. A large volume of CT protocols makes manual
      review labor-intensive, error-prone, and costly. To address these challenges, we
      have developed a software system for automatically managing and monitoring CT
      proto-cols on a frequent basis. This article describes our experiences in the
      implementation and evaluation of this protocol monitoring system. In particular,
      we discuss various strategies for addressing each of the steps in our protocol
      monitoring workflow, which are: maintaining an accurate set of master protocols,
      retrieving protocols from the scanners, comparing scanner protocols to master
      protocols, reviewing flagged differences between the scanner and master
      protocols, and updating the scanner and/or master protocols. In our initial
      evaluation focusing only on abdo-men and pelvis protocols, we detected 309
      modified protocols in a 24-week trial period. About one-quarter of these modified
      protocols were determined to contain inappropriate (i.e., erroneous) protocol
      parameter modifications that needed to be corrected on the scanner. The most
      frequently affected parameter was the series description, which was
      inappropriately modified 47 times. Two inappropriate modifications were made to
      the tube current, which is particularly important to flag as this parameter
      impacts both radiation dose and image quality. The CT protocol changes detected
      in this work provide strong motivation for the use of an automated CT protocol
      quality control system to ensure protocol accuracy and consistency.

PMID- 27685113
TI  - Dosimetric impact of cylinder size in high-dose rate vaginal cuff brachytherapy
      (VCBT) for primary endometrial cancer.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dosimetric impact of cylinder size
      in high-dose-rate (HDR) vaginal cuff brachytherapy (VCBT). Sample plans of HDR
      VCBT in a list of cylinders ranging from 2.5 to 4 cm in diameter at 0.5 cm incre
      ment were created and analyzed. The doses were prescribed either at the 0.5cm
      depth with 5.5 Gy for 4 fractions or at the cylinder surface with 8.8 Gy for 4
      frac-tions, in various treatment lengths. A 0.5 cm shell volume called PTV_Eval
      was contoured for each plan and served as the target volume for dosimetric
      evaluation. The cumulative and differential dose volume histograms (c-DVH and d
      DVH), mean doses (D-mean) and the doses covering 90% (D90), 10% (D10), and 5%
      (D5) of PTV_Eval were calculated. In the 0.5 cm depth regimen, the DVH curves
      were found to have shifted toward the lower dose zone when a larger cylinder was
      used, but in the surface regimen the DVH curves shifted toward the higher dose
      zone as the cylinder size increased. The D-means of the both regimens were
      between 6.9 and 7.8 Gy and dependent on the cylinder size but independent of the
      treatment length. A 0.5 cm variation of diameter could result in a 4% change of D
      mean. Average D90s were 5.7 (ranging from 5.6 to 5.8 Gy) and 6.1 Gy (from 5.7 to
      6.4 Gy), respectively, for the 0.5 cm and surface regimens. Average D10 and D5
      were 9.2 and 11 Gy, respectively, for the 0.5 cm depth regimen, and 8.9 and 9.7
      Gy, respectively, for the surface regimen. D-mean, D90, D10, and D5 for other
      prescription doses could be calculated from the lookup tables of this study.
      Results indicated that the cylinder size has moderate dosimetric impact, and that
      both regimens are comparable in dosimetric quality.

PMID- 27685114
TI  - On the use of a convolution-superposition algorithm for plan checking in lung
      stereotactic body radiation therapy.
AB  - Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) aims to deliver a highly conformal
      ablative dose to a small target. Dosimetric verification of SBRT for lung tumors
      presents a challenge due to heterogeneities, moving targets, and small fields.
      Recent software (M3D) designed for dosimetric verification of lung SBRT treatment
      plans using an advanced convolution-superposition algorithm was evaluated. Ten
      lung SBRT patients covering a range of tumor volumes were selected. 3D CRT plans
      were created using the XiO treatment planning system (TPS) with the superposition
      algorithm. Dose was recalculated in the Eclipse TPS using the AAA algorithm, M3D
      verification software using the collapsed-cone-convolution algorithm, and in
      house Monte Carlo (MC). Target point doses were calculated with RadCalc software.
      Near-maximum, median, and near-minimum target doses, conformity indices, and lung
      doses were compared with MC as the reference calculation. M3D 3D gamma passing
      rates were compared with the XiO and Eclipse. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used
      to compare each calculation method with XiO with a threshold of significance of p
      < 0.05. M3D and RadCalc point dose calculations were greater than MC by up to
      7.7% and 13.1%, respectively, with M3D being statistically significant (s.s.).
      AAA and XiO calculated point doses were less than MC by 11.3% and 5.2%,
      respectively (AAA s.s.). Median and near-minimum and near-maximum target doses
      were less than MC when calculated with AAA and XiO (all s.s.). Near-maximum and
      median target doses were higher with M3D compared with MC (s.s.), but there was
      no difference in near-minimum M3D doses compared with MC. M3D-calculated
      ipsilateral lung V20 Gy and V5 Gy were greater than that calculated with MC
      (s.s.); AAA- and XiO-calculated V20 Gy was lower than that calculated with MC,
      but not statistically different to MC for V5 Gy. Nine of the 10 plans achieved
      M3D gamma passing rates greater than 95% and 80%for 5%/1 mm and 3%/1 mm criteria,
      respectively. M3D typically calculated a higher target and lung dose than MC for
      lung SBRT plans. The results show a range of calculated doses with different
      algorithms and suggest that M3D is in closer agree-ment with Monte Carlo, thus
      discrepancies between the TPS and M3D software will be observed for lung SBRT
      plans. M3D provides a useful supplement to verification of lung SBRT plans by
      direct measurement, which typically excludes patient specific heterogeneities.

PMID- 27685115
TI  - Diode-based transmission detector for IMRT delivery monitoring: a validation
      study.
AB  - The purpose of this work was to evaluate the potential of a new transmission
      detector for real-time quality assurance of dynamic-MLC-based radiotherapy. The
      accuracy of detecting dose variation and static/dynamic MLC position deviations
      was measured, as well as the impact of the device on the radiation field (surface
      dose, transmission). Measured dose variations agreed with the known variations
      within 0.3%. The measurement of static and dynamic MLC position deviations
      matched the known deviations with high accuracy (0.7-1.2 mm). The absorption of
      the device was minimal (~ 1%). The increased surface dose was small (1%-9%) but,
      when added to existing collimator scatter effects could become significant at
      large field sizes (>= 30 * 30 cm2). Overall the accuracy and speed of the device
      show good potential for real-time quality assurance.

PMID- 27685116
TI  - Technical Note: A respiratory monitoring and processing system based on computer
      vision: prototype and proof of principle.
AB  - Monitoring and controlling respiratory motion is a challenge for the accuracy and
      safety of therapeutic irradiation of thoracic tumors. Various commercial systems
      based on the monitoring of internal or external surrogates have been developed
      but remain costly. In this article we describe and validate Madibreast, an in
      house-made respiratory monitoring and processing device based on optical tracking
      of external markers. We designed an optical apparatus to ensure real-time
      submillimetric image resolution at 4 m. Using OpenCv libraries, we optically
      tracked high-contrast markers set on patients' breasts. Validation of spatial and
      time accuracy was performed on a mechanical phantom and on human breast.
      Madibreast was able to track motion of markers up to a 5 cm/s speed, at a frame
      rate of 30 fps, with submillimetric accuracy on mechanical phantom and human
      breasts. Latency was below 100 ms. Concomitant monitoring of three different
      locations on the breast showed discrepancies in axial motion up to 4 mm for deep
      breathing patterns. This low-cost, computer-vision system for real-time motion
      monitoring of the irradiation of breast cancer patients showed submillimetric
      accuracy and acceptable latency. It allowed the authors to highlight differences
      in surface motion that may be correlated to tumor motion.v.

PMID- 27685117
TI  - Investigation on using high-energy proton beam for total body irradiation (TBI).
AB  - This work investigated the possibility of using proton beam for total body
      irradia-tion (TBI). We hypothesized the broad-slow-rising entrance dose from a
      monoen-ergetic proton beam can deliver a uniform dose to patient with varied
      thickness. Comparing to photon-based TBI, it would not require any patient
      specific com-pensator or beam spoiler. The hypothesis was first tested by
      simulating 250 MeV, 275 MeV, and 300 MeV protons irradiating a wedge-shaped water
      phantom in a paired opposing arrangement using Monte Carlo (MC) method. To allow
      +/- 7.5% dose variation, the maximum water equivalent thickness (WET) of a
      treatable patient separation was 29 cm for 250 MeV proton, and > 40 cm for 275
      MeV and 300 MeV proton. The compared 6 MV photon can only treat patients with up
      to 15.5 cm water-equivalent separation. In the second step, we simulated the dose
      deposition from the same beams on a patient's whole-body CT scan. The maximum
      patient separation in WET was 23 cm. The calculated whole-body dose variations
      were +/- 8.9%, +/- 9.0%, +/- 9.6%, and +/- 14% for 250 MeV proton, 275 MeV
      proton, 300 MeV proton, and 6 MV photon. At last, we tested the current machine
      capability to deliver a monoenergetic proton beam with a large uniform field.
      Experiments were performed on a compact double scattering single-gantry proton
      system. With its C-shaped gantry design, the source-to-surface distance (SSD)
      reached 7 m. The measured dose deposition curve had 22 cm relatively flat
      entrance region. The full width half maximum field size was measured 105 cm. The
      current scatter filter had to be redesigned to produce a uniform intensity at
      such treatment distance. In con-clusion, this work demonstrated the possibility
      of using proton beam for TBI. The current commercially available proton machines
      would soon be ready for such task.

PMID- 27685118
TI  - A noise power spectrum study of a new model-based iterative reconstruction
      system: Veo 3.0.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to evaluate performance of the third generation of
      model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR) system, Veo 3.0, based on noise power
      spectrum (NPS) analysis with various clinical presets over a wide range of
      clinically applicable dose levels. A CatPhan 600 surrounded by an oval, fat
      equivalent ring to mimic patient size/shape was scanned 10 times at each of six
      dose levels on a GE HD 750 scanner. NPS analysis was performed on images
      reconstructed with various Veo 3.0 preset combinations for comparisons of those
      images reconstructed using Veo 2.0, filtered back projection (FBP) and adaptive
      statistical iterative reconstruc-tion (ASiR). The new Target Thickness setting
      resulted in higher noise in thicker axial images. The new Texture Enhancement
      function achieved a more isotropic noise behavior with less image artifacts. Veo
      3.0 provides additional reconstruction options designed to allow the user choice
      of balance between spatial resolution and image noise, relative to Veo 2.0. Veo
      3.0 provides more user selectable options and in general improved isotropic noise
      behavior in comparison to Veo 2.0. The overall noise reduction performance of
      both versions of MBIR was improved in comparison to FBP and ASiR, especially at
      low-dose levels.

PMID- 27685119
TI  - MRI quantification of pancreas motion as a function of patient setup for particle
      therapy -a preliminary study.
AB  - Particle therapy (PT) has shown positive therapeutic results in local control of
      locally advanced pancreatic lesions. PT effectiveness is highly influenced by
      target localization accuracy both in space, since the pancreas is located in
      proximity to radiosensitive vital organs, and in time as it is subject to
      substantial breathing-related motion. The purpose of this preliminary study was
      to quantify pancreas range of motion under typical PT treatment conditions. Three
      common immobilization devices (vacuum cushion, thermoplastic mask, and compressor
      belt) were evaluated on five male patients in prone and supine positions.
      Retrospective four-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging data were reconstructed
      for each condition and the pancreas was manually segmented on each of six
      breathing phases. A k-means algorithm was then applied on the manually segmented
      map in order to obtain clusters representative of the three pancreas segments:
      head, body, and tail. Centers of mass (COM) for the pancreas and its segments
      were computed, as well as their displacements with respect to a reference
      breathing phase (beginning exhalation). The median three-dimensional COM
      displacements were in the range of 3 mm. Latero-lateral and superior-inferior
      directions had a higher range of motion than the anterior-posterior direction.
      Motion analysis of the pancreas segments showed slightly lower COM displacements
      for the head cluster compared to the tail cluster, especially in prone position.
      Statistically significant differences were found within patients among the
      investigated setups. Hence a patient-specific approach, rather than a general
      strategy, is suggested to define the optimal treatment setup in the frame of a
      millimeter positioning accuracy.

PMID- 27685120
TI  - Patient-specific 17-segment myocardial modeling on a bull's eye map.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to develop and validate cardiac computed tomog
      raphy (CT) quantitative analysis software with a patient-specific, 17-segment
      myocardial model that uses electrocardiogram (ECG)-gated cardiac CT images to
      differentiate between normal controls and severe aortic stenosis (AS) patients.
      ECG-gated cardiac CT images from 35 normal controls and 144 AS patients were
      semiautomatically segmented to create a patient-specific, 17-segment myocardial
      model. Two experts then manually determined the anterior and posterior interven
      tricular grooves to be boundaries between the 1st and 2nd segments and between
      the 3rd and 4th segments, respectively, to correct the model. Each segment was
      automatically identified as follows. The outer angle of two boundaries was
      divided to differentiate the 1st, 4th, 5th, and 6th segments in the basal plane,
      whereas the inner angle divided the 2nd and 3rd segments. The segments of the
      midplane were similarly divided. Segmental area distributions were quantitatively
      evaluated on the bull's-eye map on the basis of the morphological boundaries by
      measuring the area of each segment. Segmental areas of severe AS patients and
      normal controls were significantly different (t-test, all p-values < 0.011) in
      the proposed model because the septal regions of the severe AS patients were
      smaller than those of normal controls and the difference was enough to divide the
      two groups. The capabilities of the 2D segmental areas (p < 0.011) may be
      equivalent to those of 3D segmental analysis (all p-values < 0.001) for
      differentiating the two groups (t-test, all p-values < 0.001). The proposed
      method is superior to the conventional 17-segment in relation to reflection of
      patient-specific morphological variation and allows to obtain a more precise
      mapping between segments and the AHA recommended nomenclature. It can be used to
      differentiate severer AS patients and normal controls and also helps to
      understand the left ventricular morphology at a glance.

PMID- 27685122
TI  - A comparative study of identical VMAT plans with and without jaw tracking
      technique.
AB  - The unwanted radiation transmission through the multileaf collimators could be
      reduced by the jaw tracking technique which is commercially available on Varian
      TrueBeam accelerators. On the basis of identical plans, this study aims to
      investigate the dosimetric impact of jaw tracking on the volumetric-modulated arc
      therapy (VMAT) plans. Using Eclipse treatment planning system (TPS), 40 jaw
      tracking VMAT plans with various tumor volumes and shapes were optimized. Fixed
      jaw plans were created by editing the jaw coordinates of the jaw-tracking plans
      while other parameters were identical. The deliverability of this artificial
      modification was verified using COMPASS system via three-dimentional gamma
      analysis between the measurement-based reconstruction and the TPS-calculated dose
      distribution. Dosimetric parameters of dose-volume histogram (DVH) were compared
      to assess the improvement of dose sparing for organs at risk (OARs) in jaw
      tracking plans. COMPASS measurements demonstrated that over 96.9% of structure
      volumes achieved gamma values less than 1.00 at criteria of 3 mm/3%. The
      reduction magnitudes of maximum and mean dose to various OARs ranged between
      0.06% ~ 6.76% (0.04 ~ 7.29 Gy) and 0.09% ~ 7.81% (0.02 ~ 2.78 Gy), respectively,
      using jaw tracking, agreeing with the disparities of radiological characteristics
      between MLC and jaws. Jaw tracking does not change the delivery efficiency and
      total monitor units. The dosimetric comparison of VMAT plans with and without jaw
      tracking confirms the physics hypotheses that reduced transmission through
      tracking jaws will reduce doses to OARs without sacrificing the target dose
      coverage because it is meant to be covered by radiation beams going through the
      opening.

PMID- 27685123
TI  - Clinical experience with planning, quality assurance, and delivery of burst-mode
      modulated arc therapy.
AB  - "Burst-mode" modulated arc therapy (hereafter referred to as "mARC") is a form of
      volumetric-modulated arc therapy characterized by variable gantry rotation speed,
      static MLCs while the radiation beam is on, and MLC repositioning while the beam
      is off. We present our clinical experience with the planning techniques and plan
      quality assurance measurements of mARC delivery. Clinical mARC plans for five
      representative cases (prostate, low-dose-rate brain, brain with partial-arc
      vertex fields, pancreas, and liver SBRT) were generated using a Monte Carlo-based
      treatment planning system. A conventional-dose-rate flat 6 MV and a high-dose
      rate non-flat 7 MV beam are available for planning and delivery. mARC plans for
      intact-prostate cases can typically be created using one 360 degrees  arc, and
      treatment times per fraction seldom exceed 6 min using the flat beam; using the
      nonflat beam results in slightly higher MU per fraction, but also in delivery
      times less than 4 min and with reduced mean dose to distal organs at risk. mARC
      also has utility in low-dose-rate brain irradiation; mARC fields can be designed
      which deliver a uniform 20 cGy dose to the PTV in approximately 3-minute
      intervals, making it a viable alternative to conventional 3D CRT. For brain cases
      using noncoplanar arcs, delivery time is approximately six min using the nonflat
      beam. For pancreas cases using the nonflat beam, two overlapping 360 degrees 
      arcs are required, and delivery times are approximately 10 min. For liver SBRT,
      the time to deliver 800 cGy per frac-tion is at least 12 min. Plan QA
      measurements indicate that the mARC delivery is consistent with the plan
      calculation for all cases. mARC has been incorporated into routine practice
      within our clinic; currently, on average approximately 15 patients per day are
      treated using mARC; and with the exception of LDR brain cases, all are treated
      using the nonflat beam.

PMID- 27685124
TI  - Dosimetric comparison between cone/Iris-based and InCise MLC-based CyberKnife
      plans for single and multiple brain metastases.
AB  - We performed an evaluation of the CyberKnife InCise MLC by comparing plan
      qualities for single and multiple brain lesions generated using the first version
      of InCise MLC, fixed cone, and Iris collimators. We also investigated differences
      in delivery efficiency among the three collimators. Twenty-four patients with
      single or multiple brain mets treated previously in our clinic on a CyberKnife M6
      using cone/Iris collimators were selected for this study. Treatment plans were
      generated for all lesions using the InCise MLC. Number of monitor units, delivery
      time, target coverage, conformity index, and dose falloff were compared between
      MLC- and clinical cone/Iris-based plans. Statistical analysis was performed using
      the non-parametric Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney signed-rank test. The planning accuracy
      of the MLC-based plans was validated using chamber and film measurements. The
      InCise MLC-based plans achieved mean dose and target coverage comparable to the
      cone/Iris-based plans. Although the conformity indices of the MLC-based plans
      were slightly higher than those of the cone/Iris-based plans, beam delivery time
      for the MLC-based plans was shorter by 30% ~ 40%. For smaller targets or cases
      with OARs located close to or abutting target volumes, MLC-based plans provided
      inferior dose conformity compared to cone/Iris-based plans. The QA results of MLC
      based plans were within 5% absolute dose difference with over 90% gamma passing
      rate using 2%/2 mm gamma criteria. The first version of InCise MLC could be a
      useful delivery modality, especially for clinical situations for which delivery
      time is a limiting factor or for multitarget cases.

PMID- 27685125
TI  - Evaluation of the uncertainty in an EBT3 film dosimetry system utilizing net
      optical density.
AB  - Radiochromic film has become an important tool to verify dose distributions for
      intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and quality assurance (QA) procedures. A
      new radiochromic film model, EBT3, has recently become available, whose
      composition and thickness of the sensitive layer are the same as those of
      previous EBT2 films. However, a matte polyester layer was added to EBT3 to
      prevent the formation of Newton's rings. Furthermore, the symmetrical design of
      EBT3 allows the user to eliminate side-orientation dependence. This film and the
      flatbed scanner, Epson Perfection V750, form a dosimetry system whose intrinsic
      characteristics were studied in this work. In addition, uncertainties associated
      with these intrinsic characteristics and the total uncertainty of the dosimetry
      system were determined. The analysis of the response of the radiochromic film
      (net optical density) and the fitting of the experimental data to a potential
      function yielded an uncertainty of 2.6%, 4.3%, and 4.1% for the red, green, and
      blue channels, respectively. In this work, the dosimetry system presents an
      uncertainty in resolving the dose of 1.8% for doses greater than 0.8 Gy and less
      than 6 Gy for red channel. The films irradiated between 0 and 120 Gy show
      differences in the response when scanned in portrait or landscape mode; less
      uncertainty was found when using the portrait mode. The response of the film
      depended on the position on the bed of the scanner, contributing an uncertainty
      of 2% for the red, 3% for the green, and 4.5% for the blue when placing the film
      around the center of the bed of scanner. Furthermore, the uniformity and
      reproducibility radiochromic film and reproducibility of the response of the
      scanner contribute less than 1% to the overall uncertainty in dose. Finally, the
      total dose uncertainty was 3.2%, 4.9%, and 5.2% for red, green, and blue
      channels, respectively. The above uncertainty values were obtained by mini-mizing
      the contribution to the total dose uncertainty of the film orientation and film
      homogeneity.

PMID- 27685126
TI  - A dosimetric comparison of copper and Cerrobend electron inserts.
AB  - The purpose of this work was to evaluate differences in dose resulting from the
      use of copper aperture inserts compared to lead-alloy (Cerrobend) aperture
      inserts for electron beam therapy. Specifically, this study examines if copper
      aperture inserts can be used clinically with the same commissioning data measured
      using lead-alloy aperture inserts. The copper inserts were acquired from
      .decimal, LLC and matching lead-alloy, Cerrobend inserts were constructed in
      house for 32 com-binations of nine square insert field sizes (2 * 2 to 20 * 20
      cm2) and five applicator sizes (6 * 6 to 25 * 25 cm2). Percent depth-dose and off
      axis relative dose profiles were measured using an electron diode in water for
      select copper and Cerrobend inserts for a subset of applicators (6 * 6, 10 * 10,
      25 * 25 cm2) and energies (6, 12, 20 MeV) at 100 and 110 cm source-to-surface
      distances (SSD) on a Varian Clinac 21EX accelerator. Dose outputs were measured
      for all field size-insert combina-tions and five available energies (6-20 MeV) at
      100 cm SSD and for a smaller subset at 110 cm SSD. Using these data, 2D planar
      absolute dose distributions were generated and compared. Criteria for agreement
      were +/- 2% of maximum dose or 1 mm distance-to-agreement for 99% of points. A
      gamma analysis of the beam dosimetry showed 94 of 96 combinations of insert size,
      applicator, energy, and SSD were within the 2%/1 mm criteria for > 99% of points.
      Outside the field, copper inserts showed less bremsstrahlung dose under the
      insert compared to Cerrobend (greatest difference was 2.5% at 20 MeV and 100 cm
      SSD). This effect was most prominent at the highest energies for combinations of
      large applicators with small field sizes, causing some gamma analysis failures.
      Inside the field, more electrons scattered from the collimator edge of copper
      compared to Cerrobend, resulting in an increased dose at the field edge for
      copper at shallow depths (greatest increase was 1% at 20 MeV and 100 cm SSD).
      Dose differences decreased as the SSD increased, with no gamma failures at 110 cm
      SSD. Inserts for field sizes >= 6 * 6 cm2 at any energy, or for small fields (<=
      4 * 4 cm2) at energies < 20 MeV, showed dosimetric differences less than 2%/1 mm
      for more than 99% of points. All areas of comparison criteria failures were from
      lower out-of-field dose under copper inserts due to a reduction in bremsstrahlung
      production, which is clinically beneficial in reducing dose to healthy tissue
      outside of the planned treatment volume. All field size-applicator size-energy
      combinations passed 3%/1 mm criteria for 100% of points. Therefore, it should be
      clinically acceptable to utilize copper insets with dose distributions measured
      with Cerrobend inserts for treatment planning dose calculations and monitor unit
      calculations.

PMID- 27685127
TI  - Surface dose variations in 6 and 10 MV flattened and flattening filter-free (FFF)
      photon beams.
AB  - As the use of linear accelerators operating in flattening filter-free (FFF) modes
      becomes more widespread, it is important to have an understanding of the surface
      doses delivered to patients with these beams. Flattening filter removal alters
      the beam quality and relative contributions of low-energy X-rays and
      contamination electrons in the beam. Having dosimetric data to describe the
      surface dose and buildup regions under a range of conditions for FFF beams is
      important if clinical decisions are to be made. An Elekta Synergy linac with
      standard MLCi head has been commissioned to run at 6 MV and 10 MV running with
      the flattening filter in or out. In this linac the 6 MV FFF beam has been energy
      matched to the clinical beam on the central axis (D10). The 10 MV beam energy has
      not been adjusted. The flattening filter in both cases is replaced by a thin (2
      mm) stainless steel plate. A thin window parallel plate chamber has been used to
      measure a comprehensive set of surface dose data in these beams for variations in
      field size and SSD, and for the presence of attenuators (wedge, shadow tray, and
      treatment couch). Surface doses are generally higher in FFF beams for small field
      sizes and lower for large field sizes with a crossover at 10 * 10 cm2 at 6 MV and
      25 * 25 cm2 at 10 MV. This trend is also seen in the presence of the wedge,
      shadow tray, and treatment couch. Only small differences (< 0.5%) are seen
      between the beams on varying SSD. At both 6 and 10 MV the filter-free beams show
      far less variation with field size than conventional beams. By removing the
      flattening filter, a source of contamination electrons is exchanged for a source
      of low-energy photons (as these are no longer attenuated). In practice these two
      components almost balance out. No significant effects on surface dose are
      expected by the introduction of FFF delivery.

PMID- 27685128
TI  - RadShield: semiautomated shielding design using a floor plan driven graphical
      user interface.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to introduce and describe the development of
      RadShield, a Java-based graphical user interface (GUI), which provides a base
      design that uniquely performs thorough, spatially distributed calculations at
      many points and reports the maximum air-kerma rate and barrier thickness for each
      barrier pursuant to NCRP Report 147 methodology. Semiautomated shielding design
      calculations are validated by two approaches: a geometry-based approach and a
      manual approach. A series of geometry-based equations were derived giv-ing the
      maximum air-kerma rate magnitude and location through a first derivative root
      finding approach. The second approach consisted of comparing RadShield results
      with those found by manual shielding design by an American Board of Radiology
      (ABR)-certified medical physicist for two clinical room situations: two adjacent
      catheterization labs, and a radiographic and fluoroscopic (R&F) exam room.
      RadShield's efficacy in finding the maximum air-kerma rate was compared against
      the geometry-based approach and the overall shielding recommendations by
      RadShield were compared against the medical physicist's shielding results.
      Percentage errors between the geometry-based approach and RadShield's approach in
      finding the magnitude and location of the maximum air-kerma rate was within
      0.00124% and 14 mm. RadShield's barrier thickness calculations were found to be
      within 0.156 mm lead (Pb) and 0.150 mm lead (Pb) for the adjacent catheteriza
      tion labs and R&F room examples, respectively. However, within the R&F room
      example, differences in locating the most sensitive calculation point on the
      floor plan for one of the barriers was not considered in the medical physicist's
      calculation and was revealed by the RadShield calculations. RadShield is shown to
      accurately find the maximum values of air-kerma rate and barrier thickness using
      NCRP Report 147 methodology. Visual inspection alone of the 2D X-ray exam
      distribution by a medical physicist may not be sufficient to accurately select
      the point of maximum air-kerma rate or barrier thickness.

PMID- 27685129
TI  - Comprehensive dosimetric planning comparison for early-stage, non-small cell lung
      cancer with SABR: fixed-beam IMRT versus VMAT versus TomoTherapy.
AB  - Volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) is emerging as a leading technology in
      treating early-stage, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with stereotactic
      ablative radiotherapy (SABR). However, two other modalities capable of deliver
      ing intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) include fixed-beam and helical
      TomoTherapy (HT). This study aims to provide an extensive dosimetric compari-son
      among these various IMRT techniques for treating early-stage NSCLC with SABR. Ten
      early-stage NSCLC patients were retrospectively optimized using three fixed-beam
      techniques via nine to eleven beams (high and low modulation step-and-shoot (SS),
      and sliding window (SW)), two VMAT techniques via two partial arcs (SmartArc (SA)
      and RapidArc (RA)), and three HT techniques via three different fan beam widths
      (1 cm, 2.5 cm, and 5 cm) for 80 plans total. Fixed-beam and VMAT plans were
      generated using flattening filter-free beams. SS and SA, HT treatment plans, and
      SW and RA were optimized using Pinnacle v9.1, Tomoplan v.3.1.1, and Eclipse
      (Acuros XB v11.3 algorithm), respectively. Dose-volume histogram statistics, dose
      conformality, and treatment delivery efficiency were analyzed. VMAT treatment
      plans achieved significantly lower values for contralat-eral lung V5Gy (p <=
      0.05) compared to the HT plans, and significantly lower mean lung dose (p <
      0.006) compared to HT 5 cm treatment plans. In the comparison between the VMAT
      techniques, a significant reduction in the total monitor units (p = 0.05) was
      found in the SA plans, while a significant decrease was observed in the dose
      falloff parameter, D2cm, (p = 0.05), for the RA treatments. The maximum cord dose
      was significantly reduced (p = 0.017) in grouped RA&SA plans com-pared to SS.
      Estimated treatment time was significantly higher for HT and fixed-beam plans
      compared to RA&SA (p < 0.001). Although, a significant difference was not
      observed in the RA vs. SA (p = 0.393). RA&SA outperformed HT in all parameters
      measured. Despite an increase in dose to the heart and bronchus, this study
      demonstrates that VMAT is dosimetrically advantageous in treating early-stage
      NSCLC with SABR compared to fixed-beam, while providing significantly shorter
      treatment times.

PMID- 27685130
TI  - Method and phantom to study combined effects of in-plane (x,y) and z-axis
      resolution for 3D CT imaging.
AB  - Increasingly, the advent of multislice CT scanners, volume CT scanners, and total
      body spiral acquisition modes has led to the use of Multi Planar Reconstruction
      and 3D datasets. In considering 3D resolution properties of a CT system it is
      important to note that both the in-plane (x,y) and z-axis (slice thickness)
      influence the visual-ization and detection of objects within the scanned volume.
      This study investigates ways to consider both the in-plane resolution and the z
      axis resolution in a single phantom wherein analytic or visualized analysis can
      yield information on these combined effects. A new phantom called the "Wave
      Phantom" is developed that can be used to sample the 3D resolution properties of
      a CT image, including in-plane (x,y) and z-axis information. The key development
      in this Wave Phantom is the incorporation of a z-axis aspect of a more
      traditional step (bar) resolution gauge phantom. The phantom can be examined
      visually wherein a cutoff level may be seen; and/or the analytic analysis of the
      various characteristics of the waveform profile by including amplitude,
      frequency, and slope (rate of climb) of the peaks, can be extracted from the Wave
      Pattern using mathematical analysis such as the Fourier transform. The combined
      effect of changes in in-plane resolution and z-axis (thickness), are shown, as
      well as the effect of changes in either in-plane resolu-tion, or z-axis
      thickness. Examples of visual images of the Wave pattern as well as the analytic
      characteristics of the various harmonics of a periodic Wave pattern resulting
      from changes in resolution filter and/or slice thickness, and position in the
      field of view are shown. The Wave Phantom offers a promising way to investigate
      3D resolution results from combined effect of in-plane (x-y) and z-axis
      resolution as contrasted to the use of simple 2D resolution gauges that need to
      be used with separate measures of z-axis dependency, such as angled ramps. It
      offers both a visual pattern as well as a pattern amenable to analytic analysis
      using Fourier Transform methods, and is believed to offer an image quality test
      closer to the diagnostic task where the 2D image has the hidden third (z) axis
      effects.

PMID- 27685131
TI  - Technical Note: Out-of-field dose measurement at near surface with plastic
      scintillator detector.
AB  - Out-of-field dose depends on multiple factors, making peripheral dosimetry com
      plex. Only a few dosimeters have the required features for measuring peripheral
      dose. Plastic scintillator dosimeters (PSDs) offer numerous dosimetric advantages
      as required for out-of-field dosimetry. The purpose of this study is to determine
      the potential of using PSD as a surface peripheral dosimeter. Measurements were
      performed with a parallel-plate ion chamber, a small volume ion chamber, and with
      a PSD. Lateral-dose measurements (LDM) at 0.5 cm depth and depth-dose curve (PDD)
      were made and compared to the dose calculation provided by a treatment planning
      system (TPS). This study shows that a PSD can measure a dose as low as 0.51 +/-
      0.17 cGy for photon beam and 0.58 +/- 0.20 cGy for electron beam with a
      difference of 0.2 and 0.1 cGy compared to a parallel-plate ion chamber. This
      study demonstrates the potential of using PSD as an out-of-field dosimeter since
      measure-ments with PSD avoid averaging over a too-large depth, at 1 mm diameter,
      and can make precise measurement at very low dose. Also, electronic equilibrium
      is easier to reach with PSD due to its small sensitive volume and its water
      equivalence.

PMID- 27685132
TI  - An EPID-based system for gantry-resolved MLC quality assurance for VMAT.
AB  - Multileaf collimator (MLC) positions should be precisely and independently mea
      sured as a function of gantry angle as part of a comprehensive quality assurance
      (QA) program for volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT). It is also ideal that
      such a QA program has the ability to relate MLC positional accuracy to patient
      specific dosimetry in order to determine the clinical significance of any
      detected MLC errors. In this work we propose a method to verify individual MLC
      trajectories during VMAT deliveries for use as a routine linear accelerator QA
      tool. We also extend this method to reconstruct the 3D patient dose in the
      treatment planning sys-tem based on the measured MLC trajectories and the
      original DICOM plan file. The method relies on extracting MLC positions from EPID
      images acquired at 8.41fps during clinical VMAT deliveries. A gantry angle is
      automatically tagged to each image in order to obtain the MLC trajectories as a
      function of gantry angle. This analysis was performed for six clinical VMAT plans
      acquired at monthly intervals for three months. The measured trajectories for
      each delivery were compared to the MLC positions from the DICOM plan file. The
      maximum mean error detected was 0.07 mm and a maximum root-mean-square error was
      0.8 mm for any leaf of any delivery. The sensitivity of this system was
      characterized by introducing random and systematic MLC errors into the test
      plans. It was demonstrated that the system is capable of detecting random and
      systematic errors on the range of 1-2mm and single leaf calibration errors of 0.5
      mm. The methodology developed in the work has potential to be used for efficient
      routine linear accelerator MLC QA and pretreatment patient-specific QA and has
      the ability to relate measured MLC positional errors to 3D dosimetric errors
      within a patient volume.

PMID- 27685133
TI  - Correlation of quantitative dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI with microvascular
      density in necrotic, partial necrotic, and viable liver tumors in a rabbit model.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to examine the correlation of quantitative dynamic
      contrast-enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with microvessel density
      (MVD) in necrotic, partial necrotic, and viable tumors using a rabbit VX2 liver
      tumor model. Nine rabbits were used for this study. The complete necrotic area
      (CNA), partial necrotic area (PNA), and viable tumor area (VTA) of liver tumors
      were experimentally induced by radiofrequency ablation (RFA). DCE-MRI data were
      processed based on the extended Kety model to estimate Ktrans, ve and vp
      parameters. The boundaries among CNA, PNA, and VTA were delineated based on H&E
      stain images, and MVD was assessed for each subregion of each VX2 tumor based.
      There were no correlations between ph-parameters (Ktrans, ve, and vp) and MVD for
      CNA. For PNA, the Ktrans values were positively correlated with the MVD (r =
      0.8124, p < 0.001). For VTA, we found a positive correlation between Ktrans
      values and the MVD (r = 0.5743, p < 0.05). Measuring from both the PNA and the
      VTA, mean Ktrans values were positively correlated with mean MVD (r = 0.8470, p <
      0.0001). In a rabbit VX2 liver tumor model, Ktrans values correlated well with
      MVD counts of PNA and VTA in liver tumors.

PMID- 27685134
TI  - Dosimetric validation for an automatic brain metastases planning software using
      single-isocenter dynamic conformal arcsDosimetric validation for an automatic
      brain metastases planning software using single-isocenter dynamic conformal arcs.
AB  - An automatic brain-metastases planning (ABMP) software has been installed in our
      institution. It is dedicated for treating multiple brain metastases with
      radiosurgery on linear accelerators (linacs) using a single-setup isocenter with
      noncoplanar dynamic conformal arcs. This study is to validate the calculated
      absolute dose and dose distribution of ABMP. Three types of measurements were
      performed to validate the planning software: 1, dual micro ion chambers were used
      with an acrylic phantom to measure the absolute dose; 2, a 3D cylindrical phantom
      with dual diode array was used to evaluate 2D dose distribution and point dose
      for smaller targets; and 3, a 3D pseudo-in vivo patient-specific phantom filled
      with polymer gels was used to evaluate the accuracy of 3D dose distribution and
      radia-tion delivery. Micro chamber measurement of two targets (volumes of 1.2 cc
      and 0.9 cc, respectively) showed that the percentage differences of the absolute
      dose at both targets were less than 1%. Averaged GI passing rate of five
      different plans measured with the diode array phantom was above 98%, using
      criteria of 3% dose difference, 1 mm distance to agreement (DTA), and 10% low
      dose threshold. 3D gel phantom measurement results demonstrated a 3D displacement
      of nine targets of 0.7 +/- 0.4 mm (range 0.2 ~ 1.1 mm). The averaged two
      dimensional (2D) GI passing rate for several region of interests (ROI) on axial
      slices that encompass each one of the nine targets was above 98% (5% dose
      difference, 2 mm DTA, and 10% low-dose threshold). Measured D95, the minimum dose
      that covers 95% of the target volume, of the nine targets was 0.7% less than the
      calculated D95. Three different types of dosimetric verification methods were
      used and proved the dose calculation of the new automatic brain metastases
      planning (ABMP) software was clinical acceptable. The 3D pseudo-in vivo patient
      specific gel phantom test also served as an end-to-end test for validating not
      only the dose calculation, but the treatment delivery accuracy as well.

PMID- 27685135
TI  - Characterization of a 2.5 MV inline portal imaging beam.
AB  - A new megavoltage (MV) energy was recently introduced on Varian TrueBeam linear
      accelerators for imaging applications. This work describes the experimental
      characterization of a 2.5 MV inline portal imaging beam for commissioning,
      routine clinical use, and quality assurance purposes. The beam quality of the 2.5
      MV beam was determined by measuring a percent depth dose, PDD, in water phantom
      for 10 * 10 cm2 field at source-to-surface distance 100 cm with a CC13 ion
      chamber, plane parallel Markus chamber, and GafChromic EBT3 film. Absolute
      dosimetric output calibration of the beam was performed using a traceable
      calibrated ionization chamber, following the AAPM Task Group 51 procedure. EBT3
      film measurements were also performed to measure entrance dose. The output
      stability of the imaging beam was monitored for five months. Coincidence of 2.5
      MV imaging beam with 6 MV therapy beam was verified with hidden-target cubic
      phantom. Image quality was studied using the Leeds and QC3 phantom. The depth of
      maximum dose, dmax, and percent dose at 10 cm depth were, respectively, 5.7 mm
      and 51.7% for CC13, 6.1 mm and 51.9% for Markus chamber, and 5.1 mm and 51.9% for
      EBT3 film. The 2.5 MV beam quality is slightly inferior to that of a 60Co
      teletherapy beam; however, an estimated kQ of 1.00 was used for output
      calibration purposes. The beam output was found to be stable to within 1% over a
      five-month period. The relative entrance dose as measured with EBT3 films was
      63%, compared to 23% for a clinical 6 MV beam for a 10 * 10 cm2 field. Overall
      coincidence of the 2.5 MV imaging beam with the 6 MV clinical therapy beam was
      within 0.2 mm. Image quality results for two com-monly used imaging phantoms were
      superior for the 2.5 MV beam when compared to the conventional 6 MV beam. The
      results from measurements on two TrueBeam accelerators show that 2.5 MV imaging
      beam is slightly softer than a therapeutic 60Co beam, it provides superior image
      quality than a 6 MV therapy beam, and has excellent output stability. These 2.5
      MV beam characterization results can serve as reference for clinics planning to
      commission and use this novel energy-image modality.

PMID- 27685136
TI  - Spot scanning proton therapy minimizes neutron dose in the setting of radiation
      therapy administered during pregnancy.
AB  - This is a real case study to minimize the neutron dose equivalent (H) to a fetus
      using spot scanning proton beams with favorable beam energies and angles. Minimum
      neutron dose exposure to the fetus was achieved with iterative planning under the
      guidance of neutron H measurement. Two highly conformal treatment plans, each
      with three spot scanning beams, were planned to treat a 25-year-old pregnant
      female with aggressive recurrent chordoma of the base of skull who elected not to
      proceed with termination. Each plan was scheduled for delivery every other day
      for robust target coverage. Neutron H to the fetus was measured using a REM500
      neutron survey meter placed at the fetus position of a patient simulating
      phantom. 4.1 and 44.1 MUSv/fraction were measured for the two initial plans. A
      vertex beam with higher energy and the fetal position closer to its central axis
      was the cause for the plan that produced an order higher neutron H. Replacing the
      vertex beam with a lateral beam reduced neutron H to be comparable with the other
      plan. For a prescription of 70 Gy in 35 fractions, the total neutron H to the
      fetus was estimated to be 0.35 mSv based on final measurement in single fraction.
      In comparison, the passive scattering proton plan and photon plan had an
      estimation of 26 and 70 mSv, respectively, for this case. While radiation therapy
      in pregnant patients should be avoided if at all possible, our work demonstrated
      spot scanning beam limited the total neutron H to the fetus an order lower than
      the suggested 5 mSv regulation threshold. It is far superior than passive
      scattering beam and careful beam selection with lower energy and keeping fetus
      further away from beam axis are essential in minimizing the fetus neutron
      exposure.

PMID- 27685137
TI  - Comparison of automatic image registration uncertainty for three IGRT systems
      using a male pelvis phantom.
AB  - A series of phantom images using the CIRS Virtual Human Male Pelvis was acquired
      across available dose ranges for three image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) imaging
      systems: Elekta XVI CBCT, Varian TrueBeam CBCT, and TomoTherapy MV CT. Each image
      was registered to a fan-beam CT within the XVI software 100 times with random
      initial offsets. The residual registration error was analyzed to assess the role
      of imaging hardware and reconstruction in the uncertainty of the IGRT process.
      Residual translation errors were similar for all systems and < 0.5 mm. Over the
      clinical dose range for prostate IGRT images (10-25 mGy), all imaging systems
      provided acceptable matches in > 90% of registrations when incorporating residual
      rotational error using a dual quaternion derived distance metric. Outside normal
      dose settings, large uncertainties were observed at very low and very high dose
      levels. No trend between initial offset and residual registration error was
      observed. Patient images may incur higher uncertainties than this phantom study;
      however, these results encourage automatic matching for standard dose settings
      with review by treatment staff.

PMID- 27685138
TI  - Difference in dose-volumetric data between the analytical anisotropic algorithm,
      the dose-to-medium, and the dose-to-water reporting modes of the Acuros XB for
      lung stereotactic body radiation therapy.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to evaluate the difference in dose-volumetric data
      between the analytical anisotropic algorithms (AAA) and the two dose reporting
      modes of the Acuros XB, namely, the dose to water (AXB_Dw) and dose to medium
      (AXB_Dm) in lung stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). Thirty-eight plans were
      generated using the AXB_Dm in Eclipse Treatment Planning System (TPS) and then
      recalculated with the AXB_Dw and AAA, using identical beam setup. A dose of 50 Gy
      in 4 fractions was prescribed to the isocenter and the planning target volume
      (PTV) D95%. The isocenter was always inside the PTV. The following dose
      volumetric parameters were evaluated; D2%, D50%, D95%, and D98% for the internal
      target volume (ITV) and the PTV. Two-tailed paired Student's t-tests determined
      the statistical significance. Although for most of the parameters evaluated, the
      mean differences observed between the AAA, AXB_Dm, and AXB_Dw were statistically
      significant (p < 0.05), absolute differences were rather small, in general less
      than 5% points. The maximum mean difference was observed in the ITV D50% between
      the AXB_Dm and the AAA and was 1.7% points under the isocenter prescription and
      3.3% points under the D95 prescription. AXB_Dm produced higher values than AXB_Dw
      with differences ranging from 0.4 to 1.1% points under isocenter prescription and
      0.0 to 0.7% points under the PTV D95% prescription. The differences observed
      under the PTV D95% prescription were larger compared to those observed for the
      isocenter prescription between AXB_Dm and AAA, AXB_Dm and AXB_Dw, and AXB_Dw and
      AAA. Although statistically significant, the mean differences between the three
      algorithms are within 3.3% points.

PMID- 27685140
TI  - Accuracy of one algorithm used to modify a planned DVH with data from actual dose
      delivery.
AB  - Detection and accurate quantification of treatment delivery errors is important
      in radiation therapy. This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of DVH based QA in
      quantifying delivery errors. Eighteen previously treated VMAT plans (prostate,
      H&N, and brain) were randomly chosen for this study. Conventional IMRT delivery
      QA was done with the ArcCHECK diode detector for error-free plans and plans with
      the following modifications: 1) induced monitor unit differences up to +/- 3.0%,
      2) control point deletion (3, 5, and 8 control points were deleted for each arc),
      and 3) gantry angle shift (2 degrees  uniform shift clockwise and
      counterclockwise). 2D and 3D distance-to-agreement (DTA) analyses were performed
      for all plans with SNC Patient software and 3DVH software, respectively.
      Subsequently, accuracy of the reconstructed DVH curves and DVH parameters in 3DVH
      software were analyzed for all selected cases using the plans in the Eclipse
      treatment planning system as standard. 3D DTA analysis for error-induced plans
      generally gave high pass rates, whereas the 2D evaluation seemed to be more
      sensitive to detecting delivery errors. The average differences for DVH
      parameters between each pair of Eclipse recalculation and 3DVH prediction were
      within 2% for all three types of error-induced treatment plans. This illustrates
      that 3DVH accurately quantifies delivery errors in terms of actual dose delivered
      to the patients. 2D DTA analysis should be routinely used for clinical
      evaluation. Any concerns or dose discrepancies should be further analyzed through
      DVH-based QA for clinically relevant results and confirmation of a conventional
      passing-rate-based QA.

PMID- 27685139
TI  - Thin-film CdTe detector for microdosimetric study of radiation dose enhancement
      at gold-tissue interface.
AB  - Presence of interfaces between high and low atomic number (Z) materials, often
      encountered in diagnostic imaging and radiation therapy, leads to radiation dose
      perturbation. It is characterized by a very narrow region of sharp dose
      enhancement at the interface. A rapid falloff of dose enhancement over a very
      short distance from the interface makes the experimental dosimetry nontrivial. We
      use an in-house-built inexpensive thin-film Cadmium Telluride (CdTe)
      photodetector to study this effect at the gold-tissue interface and verify our
      experimental results with Monte Carlo (MC) modeling. Three-micron thick thin-film
      CdTe photodetectors were fabricated in our lab. One-, ten- or one hundred-micron
      thick gold foils placed in a tissue-equivalent-phantom were irradiated with a
      clinical Ir-192 high-dose-rate (HDR) source and current measured with a CdTe
      detector in each case was compared with the current measured for all uniform
      tissue-equivalent phantom. Percentage signal enhancement (PSE) due to each gold
      foil was then compared against MC modeled percentage dose enhancement (PDE),
      obtained from the geometry mimicking the experimental setup. The experimental
      PSEs due to 1, 10, and 100 MUm thick gold foils at the closest measured distance
      of 12.5MUm from the interface were 42.6 +/- 10.8 , 137.0 +/- 11.9, and 203.0 +/-
      15.4, respectively. The corresponding MC modeled PDEs were 38.1 +/- 1, 164 +/- 1,
      and 249 +/- 1, respectively. The experimental and MC modeled values showed a
      closer agreement at the larger distances from the interface. The dose enhancement
      in the vicinity of gold-tissue interface was successfully measured using an in
      house-built, high-resolution CdTe-based photodetector and validated with MC
      simulations. A close agreement between experimental and the MC modeled results
      shows that CdTe detector can be utilized for mapping interface dose distribution
      encountered in the application of ionizing radiation.

PMID- 27685141
TI  - Implementation of a double Gaussian source model for the BEAMnrc Monte Carlo code
      and its influence on small fields dose distributions.
AB  - The shape of the radiation source of a linac has a direct impact on the delivered
      dose distributions, especially in the case of small radiation fields.
      Traditionally, a single Gaussian source model is used to describe the electron
      beam hitting the target, although different studies have shown that the shape of
      the electron source can be better described by a mixed distribution consisting of
      two Gaussian components. Therefore, this study presents the implementation of a
      double Gaussian source model into the BEAMnrc Monte Carlo code. The impact of the
      double Gaussian source model for a 6 MV beam is assessed through the comparison
      of different dosimetric parameters calculated using a single Gaussian source,
      previously com-missioned, the new double Gaussian source model and measurements,
      performed with a diode detector in a water phantom. It was found that the new
      source can be easily implemented into the BEAMnrc code and that it improves the
      agreement between measurements and simulations for small radiation fields. The
      impact of the change in source shape becomes less important as the field size
      increases and for increasing distance of the collimators to the source, as
      expected. In particular, for radiation fields delivered using stereotactic
      collimators located at a distance of 59 cm from the source, it was found that the
      effect of the double Gaussian source on the calculated dose distributions is
      negligible, even for radiation fields smaller than 5 mm in diameter. Accurate
      determination of the shape of the radiation source allows us to improve the Monte
      Carlo modeling of the linac, especially for treatment modalities such as IMRT,
      were the radiation beams used could be very narrow, becoming more sensitive to
      the shape of the source.

PMID- 27685142
TI  - Simple quality assurance method of dynamic tumor tracking with the gimbaled linac
      system using a light field.
AB  - We proposed a simple visual method for evaluating the dynamic tumor tracking
      (DTT) accuracy of a gimbal mechanism using a light field. A single photon beam
      was set with a field size of 30 * 30 mm2 at a gantry angle of 90 degrees . The
      center of a cube phantom was set up at the isocenter of a motion table, and 4D
      modeling was performed based on the tumor and infrared (IR) marker motion. After
      4D modeling, the cube phantom was replaced with a sheet of paper, which was
      placed perpen-dicularly, and a light field was projected on the sheet of paper.
      The light field was recorded using a web camera in a treatment room that was as
      dark as possible. Calculated images from each image obtained using the camera
      were summed to compose a total summation image. Sinusoidal motion sequences were
      produced by moving the phantom with a fixed amplitude of 20 mm and different
      breathing periods of 2, 4, 6, and 8 s. The light field was projected on the sheet
      of paper under three conditions: with the moving phantom and DTT based on the
      motion of the phantom, with the moving phantom and non-DTT, and with a stationary
      phantom for comparison. The values of tracking errors using the light field were
      1.12 +/- 0.72, 0.31 +/- 0.19, 0.27 +/- 0.12, and 0.15 +/- 0.09 mm for breathing
      periods of 2, 4, 6, and 8s, respectively. The tracking accuracy showed dependence
      on the breath-ing period. We proposed a simple quality assurance (QA) process for
      the tracking accuracy of a gimbal mechanism system using a light field and web
      camera. Our method can assess the tracking accuracy using a light field without
      irradiation and clearly visualize distributions like film dosimetry.

PMID- 27685143
TI  - A methodology for on-board CBCT imaging dose using optically stimulated
      luminescence detectors.
AB  - Cone-beam computed tomography CBCT systems are used in radiation therapy for
      patient alignment and positioning. The CBCT imaging procedure for patient setup
      adds substantial radiation dose to patient's normal tissue. This study pre-sents
      a complete procedure for the CBCT dosimetry using the InLight optically
      stimulated-luminescence (OSL) nanoDots. We report five dose parameters: the mean
      slice dose (DMSD); the cone beam dose index (CBDIW); the mean volume dose (DMVD);
      point-dose profile, D(FOV); and the off-field Dose. In addition, CBCT skin doses
      for seven pelvic tumor patients are reported. CBCT-dose mea-surement was
      performed on a custom-made cylindrical acrylic body phantom (50cm length, 32cm
      diameter). We machined 25 circular disks (2 cm thick) with grooves and holes to
      hold OSL-nanoDots. OSLs that showed similar sensitivities were selected and
      calibrated against a Farmer-type ionization-chamber (0.6 CT) before being
      inserted into the grooves and holes. For the phantom scan, a standard CBCT
      imaging protocol (pelvic sites: 125 kVp, 80 mA and 25 ms) was used. Five dose
      parameters were quantified: DMSD, CBDIW, DMVD, D(FOV), and the off-field dose.
      The DMSD for the central slice was 31.1 +/- 0.85 mGy, and CBDIW was 34.5+/- 0.6
      mGy at 16cm FOV. The DMVD was 25.6 +/- 1.1 mGy. The off-field dose was 10.5 mGy.
      For patients, the anterior and lateral skin doses attributable to CBCT imaging
      were 39.04 +/- 4.4 and 27.1 +/- 1.3 mGy, respectively.OSL nanoDots were
      convenient to use in measuring CBCT dose. The method of selecting the nanoDots
      greatly reduced uncertainty in the OSL measurements. Our detailed calibration
      procedure and CBCT dose measurements and calculations could prove useful in
      developing OSL routines for CBCT quality assessment, which in turn gives them the
      property of high spatial resolution, meaning that they have the potential for
      measurement of dose in regions of severe dose-gradients.

PMID- 27685144
TI  - Canadian Partnership for Quality Radiotherapy (CPQR) and the Canadian
      Organization of Medical Physicists (COMP) - Driving safety and quality assurance
      practice in Canada through the development of technical quality control
      guidelines.

PMID- 27685145
TI  - Erratum: Evaluation of the tool "Reg Refine" for user-guided deformable image
      registration.

PMID- 27685146
TI  - Embracing Progress: Thoughts on Open Access Publishing, the JACMP, and its $500
      Article Publication Fee.

PMID- 27685147
TI  - Alexander P. Turner, PhD (1940-2016).

PMID- 27685148
TI  - Syndecan-4 Is an Independent Predictor of All-Cause as Well as Cardiovascular
      Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Left ventricular hypertrophy is associated withincreased mortality in
      hemodialysis (HD) patients.Syndecan-4 plays a role in many processes that are
      involved in the heart fibrosis and hypertrophy.We designed this study to
      prospectively determine whether syndecan-4 was predictive of mortality in a group
      of HD patients. METHODS: In total, 191 HD patients were included. Clinical,
      biochemical and echocardiographic parameters were recorded. HD patients were
      followed-up for 23.18 +/- 4.02 months. RESULTS: Syndecan-4 levels correlated
      strongly with geometrical echocardiographic parameters and ejection fraction.
      Relations with pressure-related parameters were weak and only marginally
      significant. Using the receiver operating characteristics the optimal cut-off
      points in predicting all-cause as well as cardiovascular (CV) mortality were
      evaluated and patients were divided into low and high syndecan-4 groups. A Kaplan
      Meier analysis showed that the cumulative incidences of all-cause as well as CV
      mortality were higher in high serum syndecan-4 group compared with those with low
      serum syndecan-4 (p<0.001 in both cases).A multivariate Cox proportional hazards
      regression analysis revealed syndecan-4 concentration to be an independent and
      significant predictor of all-cause (hazard ratio, 2.99; confidence interval, 2.34
      to 3.113; p<0.001)as well as CV mortality (hazard ratio, 2.81;confidence
      interval, 2.28to3.02; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Serum syndecan-4 concentration
      reflects predominantly geometrical echocardiographic parameters. In HD patients
      serum syndecan-4 concentration is independently associated with all-cause as well
      as CV mortality.

PMID- 27685149
TI  - Classical Hodgkin lymphoma-type PTLD after solid organ transplantation in
      children: a report on 17 patients treated according to subsequent GPOH-HD
      treatment schedules.
AB  - Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) is a severe complication after
      solid organ transplantation (SOT). Classical Hodgkin lymphoma-type (HL-) PTLD is
      a rare subtype, and systematic data on treatment and prognosis are lacking. We
      report on 17 pediatric patients with classical HL-PTLD. HL-PTLD developed late at
      a median of 8.1 years after SOT. It was commonly EBV-positive (16/17) and
      expressed both CD30 (all tumors) and CD20 (8/17 tumors). Patients were treated
      with chemotherapy +/- involved field radiotherapy (IF-RT) according to the
      respective GPOH-HD protocol tailored by stage and LDH. Overall survival at 2 and
      5 years was 86% with 81% of patients surviving event-free. Six patients had
      additional rituximab treatment; in two it was given as upfront monotherapy and in
      four was given concurrently with their chemotherapy. Rituximab monotherapy did
      not lead to long-term remission. In conclusion, treatment of HL-PTLD with
      classical HL chemotherapy is effective and tolerable. New treatment modalities
      such as CD30-targeted or EBV-specific agents may diminish toxicity.

PMID- 27685151
TI  - Ultrastrong Graphene-Based Fibers with Increased Elongation.
AB  - A new method to prepare graphene-based fibers with ultrahigh tensile strength,
      conductivity, and increased elongation is reported. It includes wet-spinning the
      mixture of GO aqueous dispersion with phenolic resin solution in a newly
      developed coagulation bath, followed by annealing. The introduced phenolic carbon
      increased densification of graphene fibers through reducing defects and increased
      interfacial interaction among graphene sheets by forming new C-C bonds, thus
      resulting in the increasing of stiffness, toughness, and conductivity
      simultaneously.

PMID- 27685150
TI  - Macrophage Stimulating Protein Enhances Hepatic Inflammation in a NASH Model.
AB  - Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a common liver disease characterized by
      hepatic lipid accumulation (steatosis) and inflammation. Currently, therapeutic
      options are poor and the long-term burden to society is constantly increasing.
      Previously, macrophage stimulating protein (MSP)-a serum protein mainly secreted
      by liver-was shown to inhibit oxidized low-density lipoprotein
      (OxLDL)/lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced inflammation in mouse macrophages.
      Additionally, MSP could reduce palmitic acid (PA)-induced lipid accumulation and
      lipogenesis in the HepG2 cell line. Altogether, these data suggest MSP as a
      suppressor for metabolic inflammation. However, so far the potential of MSP to be
      used as a treatment for NASH was not investigated. We hypothesized that MSP
      reduces lipid accumulation and hepatic inflammation. To investigate the effects
      of MSP in the early stage of NASH, low-density lipoprotein receptor (Ldlr-/-)
      mice were fed either a regular chow or a high fat, high cholesterol (HFC) diet
      for 7 days. Recombinant MSP or saline (control) was administrated to the mice by
      utilizing subcutaneously-implanted osmotic mini-pumps for the last 4 days. As
      expected, mice fed an HFC diet showed increased plasma and hepatic lipid
      accumulation, as well as enhanced hepatic inflammation, compared with chow-fed
      controls. Upon MSP administration, the rise in cholesterol and triglyceride
      levels after an HFC diet remained unaltered. Surprisingly, while hepatic
      macrophage and neutrophil infiltration was similar between the groups, MSP
      treated mice showed increased gene expression of pro-inflammatory and pro
      apoptotic mediators in the liver, compared with saline-treated controls. Contrary
      to our expectations, MSP did not ameliorate NASH. Observed changes in
      inflammatory gene expression suggest that further research is needed to clarify
      the long-term effects of MSP.

PMID- 27685152
TI  - Proficiency in Motivational Interviewing among Nurses in Child Health Services
      Following Workshop and Supervision with Systematic Feedback.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Research on training in motivational interviewing (MI) has shown
      eroding skills after workshops not followed by additional training input
      (supervision/coaching). There is a need for more research evaluating different
      types and lengths of post-workshop training with follow-up periods extending six
      months. This study is an extension of a previous evaluation of the level of
      proficiency in MI after workshop and four sessions of supervision among nurses in
      Swedish child health services. AIMS: To explore the level of MI proficiency among
      nurses participating in an intervention to prevent childhood obesity (n = 33),
      after receiving five additional sessions of supervision including feedback on
      observed practice, as well as level of proficiency at follow-up. METHODS: Level
      of proficiency was measured 4 and 12 months after completed supervision using
      recorded practice samples coded according to the Motivational Interviewing
      Treatment Integrity (MITI) Code. Potential predictors of outcome were
      investigated. RESULTS: Proficiency remained on the same levels after nine
      sessions of supervision as after four sessions, and was generally low. The
      percentage of nurses reaching the proficiency level ranged from 18.2 to 54.5%
      across indicators. MI-spirit had increased significantly at follow-up, and the
      rest of the indicators remained on the same levels. No predictors of outcome were
      found. CONCLUSIONS: Comprehensive training programs with prolonged post-workshop
      supervision and feedback on observed practice may help to sustain but not improve
      participants' proficiency in MI. Potential explanations to the results and
      suggestions for future research are discussed.

PMID- 27685153
TI  - Awe and scientific explanation.
AB  - Past research has established a relationship between awe and explanatory
      frameworks, such as religion. We extend this work, showing (a) the effects of awe
      on a separate source of explanation: attitudes toward science, and (b) how the
      effects of awe on attitudes toward scientific explanations depend on individual
      differences in theism. Across 3 studies, we find consistent support that awe
      decreases the perceived explanatory power of science for the theistic (Study 1
      and 2) and mixed support that awe affects attitudes toward scientific
      explanations for the nontheistic (Study 3). (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27685154
TI  - The impact of negative emotions on self-concept abstraction depends on accessible
      information processing styles.
AB  - Research suggests that anger promotes global, abstract processing whereas sadness
      and fear promote local, concrete processing (see Schwarz & Clore, 2007 for a
      review). Contrary to a large and influential body of work suggesting that
      specific affective experiences are tethered to specific cognitive outcomes, the
      affect-as-cognitive-feedback account maintains that affective experiences confer
      positive or negative value on currently dominant processing styles, and thus can
      lead to either global or local processing (Huntsinger, Isbell, & Clore, 2014).
      The current work extends this theoretical perspective by investigating the impact
      of discrete negative emotions on the self-concept. By experimentally manipulating
      information processing styles and discrete negative emotions that vary in
      appraisals of certainty, we demonstrate that the impact of discrete negative
      emotions on the spontaneous self-concept depends on accessible processing styles.
      When global processing was accessible, individuals in angry (negative, high
      certainty) states generated more abstract statements about themselves than
      individuals in either sad (Experiment 1) or fearful (Experiment 2; negative, low
      certainty) states. When local processing was made accessible, however, the
      opposite pattern emerged, whereby individuals in angry states generated fewer
      abstract statements than individuals in sad or fearful states. Together these
      studies provide new insights into the mechanisms through which discrete emotions
      influence cognition. In contrast to theories assuming a dedicated link between
      emotions and processing styles, these results suggest that discrete emotions
      provide feedback about accessible ways of thinking, and are consistent with
      recent evidence suggesting that the impact of affect on cognition is highly
      context-dependent. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27685155
TI  - Detecting transient emotional responses with improved self-report measures and
      instructions.
AB  - Psychological research often yields null results on self-reported emotion as
      measured by the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS; Watson, Clark, &
      Tellegen, 1988), even when using manipulations that might intuitively be expected
      to be emotionally impactful. Three studies reported here support the hypothesis
      that changes in self-reported negative emotion may be detected more sensitively
      when discrete emotions are measured rather than by either PANAS NA or a measure
      created by combining discrete emotions, and when participants were instructed to
      report how they felt during an emotion-eliciting event versus how they felt
      afterward. In Study 1, emotion was manipulated with disgusting photographs, in
      Study 2, with recall of social exclusion/inclusion, and in Study 3, with
      reminders of personal mortality. Discussion focuses on implications for detecting
      emotional changes in psychological research, and the inadvisability of
      interpreting null results on an insensitive measure as indicating that emotional
      changes did not occur. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27685156
TI  - Generation of Two-color Antigen Microarrays for the Simultaneous Detection of IgG
      and IgM Autoantibodies.
AB  - Autoantibodies, which are antibodies against self-antigens, are present in many
      disease states and can serve as markers for disease activity. The levels of
      autoantibodies to specific antigens are typically detected with the enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. However, screening for multiple
      autoantibodies with ELISA can be time-consuming and requires a large quantity of
      patient sample. The antigen microarray technique is an alternative method that
      can be used to screen for autoantibodies in a multiplex fashion. In this
      technique, antigens are arrayed onto specially coated microscope slides with a
      robotic microarrayer. The slides are probed with patient serum samples and
      subsequently fluorescent-labeled secondary antibodies are added to detect binding
      of serum autoantibodies to the antigens. The autoantibody reactivities are
      revealed and quantified by scanning the slides with a scanner that can detect
      fluorescent signals. Here we describe methods to generate custom antigen
      microarrays. Our current arrays are printed with 9 solid pins and can include up
      to 162 antigens spotted in duplicate. The arrays can be easily customized by
      changing the antigens in the source plate that is used by the microarrayer. We
      have developed a two-color secondary antibody detection scheme that can
      distinguish IgG and IgM reactivities on the same slide surface. The detection
      system has been optimized to study binding of human and murine autoantibodies.

PMID- 27685157
TI  - Studies on the probing stimulants for the white-backed planthopper, Sogatella
      furcifera (Homoptera: Delphacidae) in rice plant (Oryza sativa L.).
AB  - To elucidate the probing stimulants in rice plants for the white-backed
      planthopper, Sogatella furcifera, bioassay-guided separations were conducted,
      which led to the isolation of four active compounds. Using NMR and LC-MS spectra,
      their structures were determined as isoorientin 2"-O-(6'''-(E)
      feruloyl)glucoside, isoorientin 2"-O-(6'''-(E)-p-coumaroyl)glucoside, tricin 5-O
      glucoside, and isoscoparin 2"-O-(6'''-(E)-feruloyl)glucoside.

PMID- 27685158
TI  - Anticipated Notification of Sexual Partners following STD Diagnosis among Men Who
      Have Sex with Men and Transgender Women in Lima, Peru: A Mixed Methods Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: New strategies to support partner notification (PN) are critical for
      STD control and require detailed understanding of how specific individual and
      partnership characteristics guide notification decisions. METHODS: From 2011 to
      2012, 397 MSM and TW recently diagnosed with HIV, syphilis, or another STD
      completed a survey on anticipated notification of recent sexual partners and
      associated factors. Qualitative interviews were conducted with a subset of
      participants to provide further depth to quantitative findings. Prevalence ratios
      and generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were used to analyze participant
      and partner-level factors associated with anticipated PN. RESULTS: Among all
      partners reported, 52.5% were described as "Very Likely" or "Somewhat Likely" to
      be notified. Anticipated notification was more likely for main partners than
      casual (adjusted Prevalence Ratio [aPR], 95% CI: 0.63, 0.54-0.75) or commercial
      (aPR, 95% CI: 0.44, 0.31-0.62) partners. Other factors associated with likely
      notification included perception of the partner as an STD source (aPR, 95% CI:
      1.27, 1.10-1.48) and anticipated future sexual contact with the partner (aPR, 95%
      CI: 1.30, 1.11-1.52). An HIV diagnosis was associated with a lower likelihood of
      notification than non-HIV STDs (aPR: 0.68, 0.55-0.86). Qualitative discussion of
      the barriers and incentives to PN reflected a similar differentiation of
      anticipated notification according to partnership type and type of HIV/STD
      diagnosis. DISCUSSION: Detailed attention to how partnership characteristics
      guide notification outcomes is essential to the development of new PN strategies.
      By accurately and thoroughly assessing the diversity of partnership interactions
      among individuals with HIV/STD, new notification techniques can be tailored to
      partner-specific circumstances.

PMID- 27685160
TI  - In Situ Impregnation of Silver Nanoclusters in Microporous Chitosan-PEG Membranes
      as an Antibacterial and Drug Delivery Percutaneous Device.
AB  - An in situ synthesis method for preparing silver nanoclusters (AgNCs) embedded in
      chitosan-polyethylene glycol (CS-PEG) membranes is disclosed. The aim is to
      develop implantable multifunctional devices for biofilm inhibition and drug
      release to reduce percutaneous device related complications (PDRCs). A multiple
      array of characterization techniques confirmed the formation of fluorescent AgNCs
      with sizes of ~3 nm uniformly distributed in CS-PEG matrix and their active role
      in determining the fraction and interconnectivity of the microporous membranes.
      The presence and increasing contents of AgNCs enhanced the mechanical stability
      of membranes and decreased their susceptibility to degradation in the presence of
      lysozyme and H2O2. Moreover, the presence and increasing concentrations of AgNCs
      hindered biofilm formation against Escherichia coli (Gram negative) and
      Staphylococcus aureus (Gram positive) and enabled a sustainable release of an
      anti-inflammatory drug naproxen in vitro until 24 h. The overall results gathered
      and reported in this work make the AgNCs impregnated CS-PEG membranes highly
      promising multifunctional devices combining efficient antibacterial activity and
      biocompatibility with active local drug delivery.

PMID- 27685161
TI  - Rationale for Embedded Musculoskeletal Care in Air Force Training and Operational
      Units.

PMID- 27685159
TI  - Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes Affect the Outcome of Patients with Operable
      Triple-Negative Breast Cancer in Combination with Mutated Amino Acid Classes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stromal tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) density is an outcome
      predictor in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Herein we asked whether TILs
      are related to coding mutation load and to the chemical class of the resulting
      mutated amino acids, i.e., charged, polar, and hydrophobic mutations. METHODS: We
      examined paraffin tumors from TNBC patients who had been treated with adjuvant
      chemotherapy mostly within clinical trials (training cohort, N = 133; validation,
      N = 190) for phenotype concordance; TILs density; mutation load and types.
      RESULTS: Concordance of TNBC phenotypes was 42.1% upon local / central, and 72%
      upon central / central pathology assessment. TILs were not associated with
      mutation load, type and class of mutated amino acids. Polar and charged mutation
      patterns differed between TP53 and PIK3CA (p<0.001). Hydrophobic mutations
      predicted for early relapse in patients with high nodal burden and <50% TILs
      tumors (training: HR 3.03, 95%CI 1.11-8.29, p = 0.031; validation: HR 2.90, 95%CI
      0.97-8.70, p = 0.057), especially if compared to patients with >50% TILs tumors
      (training p = 0.003; validation p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: TILs density is
      unrelated to mutation load in TNBC, which may be regarded as an unstable
      phenotype. If further validated, hydrophobic mutations along with TILs density
      may help identifying TNBC patients in higher risk for relapse.

PMID- 27685162
TI  - Developing a Salivary Antibody Multiplex Immunoassay to Measure Human Exposure to
      Environmental Pathogens.
AB  - The etiology and impacts of human exposure to environmental pathogens are of
      major concern worldwide and, thus, the ability to assess exposure and infections
      using cost effective, high-throughput approaches would be indispensable. This
      manuscript describes the development and analysis of a bead-based multiplex
      immunoassay capable of measuring the presence of antibodies in human saliva to
      multiple pathogens simultaneously. Saliva is particularly attractive in this
      application because it is noninvasive, cheaper and easier to collect than serum.
      Antigens from environmental pathogens were coupled to carboxylated microspheres
      (beads) and used to measure antibodies in very small volumes of human saliva
      samples using a bead-based, solution-phase assay. Beads were coupled with
      antigens from Campylobacter jejuni, Helicobacter pylori, Toxoplasma gondii,
      noroviruses (G I.1 and G II.4) and hepatitis A virus. To ensure that the antigens
      were sufficiently coupled to the beads, coupling was confirmed using species
      specific, animal-derived primary capture antibodies, followed by incubation with
      biotinylated anti-species secondary detection antibodies and streptavidin-R
      phycoerythrin reporter (SAPE). As a control to measure non-specific binding, one
      bead set was treated identically to the others except it was not coupled to any
      antigen. The antigen-coupled and control beads were then incubated with
      prospectively-collected human saliva samples, measured on a high throughput
      analyzer based on the principles of flow cytometry, and the presence of
      antibodies to each antigen was measured in Median Fluorescence Intensity units
      (MFI). This multiplex immunoassay has a number of advantages, including more data
      with less sample; reduced costs and labor; and the ability to customize the assay
      to many targets of interest. Results indicate that the salivary multiplex
      immunoassay may be capable of identifying previous exposures and infections,
      which can be especially useful in surveillance studies involving large human
      populations.

PMID- 27685163
TI  - Dissemination and implementation science in program evaluation: A telemental
      health clinical consultation case example.
AB  - Increased attention has been placed on evaluating the extent to which clinical
      programs that support the behavioral health needs of youth have effective
      processes and result in improved patient outcomes. Several theoretical frameworks
      from dissemination and implementation (D&I) science have been put forth to guide
      the evaluation of behavioral health program implemented in the context of real
      world settings. Although a strong rationale for the integration of D&I science in
      program evaluation exists, few examples exist available to guide the evaluator in
      integrating D&I science in the planning and execution of evaluation activities.
      This paper seeks to inform program evaluation efforts by outlining two D&I
      frameworks and describing their integration in program evaluation design.
      Specifically, this paper seeks to support evaluation efforts by illustrating the
      use of these frameworks via a case example of a telemental health consultation
      program in pediatric primary care designed to improve access to behavioral health
      care for children and adolescents in rural settings. Lessons learned from this
      effort, as well as recommendations regarding the future evaluation of programs
      using D&I science to support behavioral health care in community-based settings
      are discussed.

PMID- 27685164
TI  - Validation of photographs usage to evaluate meat visual acceptability of young
      bulls finished in feedlot fed with or without essential oils.
AB  - Forty 1/2 Brown Swiss*1/2 Nellore crossbred bulls were distributed into three
      experimental groups: CON - diet without addition of essential oils; CLO - diet
      with average 5,000mg/animal/day of clove essential oils and CIN - diet with
      average 5,000mg/animal/day of cinnamon essential oils to evaluate three
      methodologies of visual acceptability: with steaks directly in Trays and
      Sequential and Random photos. Seventeen consumers evaluated visual appearance of
      meat using a 9-point structured hedonic scale. CON group presented higher shelf
      life than essential oils groups. Trays and Sequential scores were similar in the
      majority of days; thus digital images could be used to evaluate colour evolution.
      However, Random photos resulted in lower scores and slower acceptability decrease
      than Trays and Sequential photos (p<0.05) among the second and fifth day of
      display. Random photos presented a lower and more constant standard deviation
      than Trays and Sequential photos (p<0.01) indicating that this methodology
      promoted a higher standard situation for meat colour evaluation.

PMID- 27685165
TI  - Rapid Subtractive Patterning of Live Cell Layers with a Microfluidic Probe.
AB  - The microfluidic probe (MFP) facilitates performing local chemistry on biological
      substrates by confining nanoliter volumes of liquids. Using one particular
      implementation of the MFP, the hierarchical hydrodynamic flow confinement (hHFC),
      multiple liquids are simultaneously brought in contact with a substrate. Local
      chemical action and liquid shaping using the hHFC, is exploited to create cell
      patterns by locally lysing and removing cells. By utilizing the scanning ability
      of the MFP, user-defined patterns of cell monolayers are created. This protocol
      enables rapid, real-time and spatially controlled cell patterning, which can
      allow selective cell-cell and cell-matrix interaction studies.

PMID- 27685166
TI  - In Situ Monitoring of Diffusion of Guest Molecules in Porous Media Using Electron
      Paramagnetic Resonance Imaging.
AB  - A method is demonstrated to monitor macroscopic translational diffusion using
      electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) imaging. A host-guest system with nitroxide
      spin probe 3-(2-Iodoacetamido)-2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-1-pyrrolidinyloxy (IPSL) as a
      guest inside the periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO) aerogel UKON1-GEL as a
      host and ethanol as a solvent is used as an example to describe the protocol.
      Data is shown from a previous publication, where the protocol has been applied to
      both IPSL and Tris(8-carboxy-2,2,6,6-perdeutero-tetramethyl-benzo[1,2-d:4,5
      d']bis(1,3)dithiole) methyl (Trityl) as guest molecules and UKON1-GEL and SILICA
      GEL as host systems. A method is shown to prepare aerogel samples that cannot be
      synthesized directly in the sample tube for measurement due to a size change
      during synthesis. The aerogel is attached to sample tubes using heat shrink
      tubing and a pressure cooker to reach the necessary temperature without
      evaporating the solvent in the process. The method does not assume a clearly
      defined initial distribution of guest molecules at the start of the measurement.
      Instead, it requires a reservoir on top of the aerogel and experimentally
      determines the influx rate during data analysis. The diffusion is monitored
      continually over a period of 20 hr by recording the 1d spin density profile
      within the sample. The spectrometer settings for the imaging experiment are
      described quantitatively. Data analysis software is provided to take the
      resonator sensitivity profile into account and to numerically solve the diffusion
      equation. The software determines the macroscopic translational diffusion
      coefficient by least square minimization of the difference between the experiment
      and the numerical solution of the diffusion equation.

PMID- 27685168
TI  - Strong Cooperative Spin Crossover in 2D and 3D FeII-MI,II Hofmann-Like
      Coordination Polymers Based on 2-Fluoropyrazine.
AB  - Self-assembling iron(II), 2-fluoropyrazine (Fpz), and [MII(CN)4]2- (MII = Ni, Pd,
      Pt) or [AuI(CN)2]- building blocks have afforded a new series of two- (2D) and
      three-dimensional (3D) Hofmann-like spin crossover (SCO) coordination polymers
      with strong cooperative magnetic, calorimetric, and optical properties. The
      iron(II) ions, lying on inversion centers, define elongated octahedrons
      equatorially surrounded by four equivalent centrosymmetric MU4-[MII(CN)4]2-
      groups. The axial positions are occupied by two terminal Fpz ligands affording
      significantly corrugated 2D layers {Fe(Fpz)2([MII(CN)4]}. The Pt and Pd
      derivatives undergo thermal- and light-induced SCO characterized by T1/2
      temperatures centered at 155.5 and 116 K and hysteresis loops 22 K wide, while
      the Ni derivative is high spin at all temperatures, even at pressures of 0.7 GPa.
      The great stability of the high-spin state in the Ni derivative has tentatively
      been ascribed to the tight packing of the layers, which contrasts with that of Pt
      and Pd derivatives in the high- and low-spin states. The synthesis and structure
      of the 3D frameworks formulated {Fe(Fpz)[Pt(CN)4]}.1/2H2O and
      {Fe(Fpz)[Au(CN)2]2}, where Fpz acts as bridging ligand, which is also discussed.
      The former is high spin at all temperatures, while the latter displays very
      strong cooperative SCO centered at 243 K accompanied by a hysteresis loop 42.5 K
      wide. The crystal structures and SCO properties are compared with those of
      related complexes derived from pyrazine, 3-fluoropyridine, and pyridine.

PMID- 27685167
TI  - Hypoxia-activated prodrugs in the treatment of advanced pancreatic
      adenocarcinoma.
AB  - Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive malignancy with poor survival and high
      mortality rate with 250 000 deaths per year worldwide. The unique pancreatic
      cancer microenvironment serves as a major obstacle in the effective treatment of
      this malignancy. The microenvironment consists not only of pancreatic ductal
      adenocarcinoma cells but also comprises cells of pancreatic cancer stellate,
      vascular, and immune origin combined with a dense extracellular matrix containing
      collagen. The aforementioned pathology leads to an increased intratumor pressure
      combined with an erratic vascular proliferation within the tumor causing hypoxia
      and decreased drug delivery. This has led both scientists and clinicians to
      develop and study drugs with unique mechanisms of action to target the pancreatic
      cancer microenvironment. Herein, we discuss the pancreatic cancer hypoxic
      microenvironment, development of hypoxia-activated prodrugs, and results of
      trials utilizing those drugs to target pancreatic cancer.

PMID- 27685169
TI  - ?

PMID- 27685170
TI  - Leveraging Gibbs Ensemble Molecular Dynamics and Hybrid Monte Carlo/Molecular
      Dynamics for Efficient Study of Phase Equilibria.
AB  - We describe an extension of the Gibbs ensemble molecular dynamics (GEMD) method
      for studying phase equilibria. Our modifications to GEMD allow for direct control
      over particle transfer between phases and improve the method's numerical
      stability. Additionally, we found that the modified GEMD approach had advantages
      in computational efficiency in comparison to a hybrid Monte Carlo (MC)/MD Gibbs
      ensemble scheme in the context of the single component Lennard-Jones fluid. We
      note that this increase in computational efficiency does not compromise the close
      agreement of phase equilibrium results between the two methods. However,
      numerical instabilities in the GEMD scheme hamper GEMD's use near the critical
      point. We propose that the computationally efficient GEMD simulations can be used
      to map out the majority of the phase window, with hybrid MC/MD used as a follow
      up for conditions under which GEMD may be unstable (e.g., near-critical
      behavior). In this manner, we can capitalize on the contrasting strengths of
      these two methods to enable the efficient study of phase equilibria for systems
      that present challenges for a purely stochastic GEMC method, such as dense or low
      temperature systems, and/or those with complex molecular topologies.

PMID- 27685171
TI  - Analysis of the impact of a cognitive task on the posture of elderly subjects
      with depression compared with healthy elderly subjects.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: While previous studies have demonstrated that depressive elderly
      subjects (DES) experience difficulties in the processing of simultaneous
      cognitive tasks, few have examined the coupling of cognitive tasks with seemingly
      'automatic' tasks, such as standing upright. Current patient management focuses
      on pharmacological treatments and cognitive-behavioral therapies. METHODS:
      Healthy elderly (HES) and non-treated DES were included. Postural sway in DES was
      compared with that in HES while in single-task and dual-task conditions. The
      single-task consisted of standing upright. For the dual-task, the subjects
      recalled various items from memory or counted while standing upright. Postural
      sway was evaluated by computing the center of pressure (CoP) area and path
      length. RESULTS: DES showed greater postural sway than HES in all conditions. The
      HES showed a greater CoP area in the dual-task than in the single-task
      conditions. In DES, the CoP area in the single-task condition was similar to that
      in the dual-task condition. CONCLUSIONS: The greater postural sway observed in
      DES may be a cause of a greater risk of falls. We showed that even seemingly
      automatic tasks, such as maintaining an upright posture, are affected by
      depression. SIGNIFICANCE: These results are important for the management of DES.

PMID- 27685172
TI  - Long Term Ex Vivo Culture and Live Imaging of Drosophila Larval Imaginal Discs.
AB  - Continuous imaging of live tissues provides clear temporal sequence of biological
      events. The Drosophila imaginal discs have been popular experimental subjects for
      the study of a wide variety of biological phenomena, but long term culture that
      allows normal development has not been satisfactory. Here we report a culture
      method that can sustain normal development for 18 hours and allows live imaging.
      The method is validated in multiple discs and for cell proliferation,
      differentiation and migration. However, it does not support disc growth and
      cannot support cell proliferation for more than 7 to 12 hr. We monitored the
      cellular behavior of retinal basal glia in the developing eye disc and found that
      distinct glia type has distinct properties of proliferation and migration. The
      live imaging provided direct proof that wrapping glia differentiated from
      existing glia after migrating to the anterior front, and unexpectedly found that
      they undergo endoreplication before wrapping axons, and their nuclei migrate up
      and down along the axons. UV-induced specific labeling of a single carpet glia
      also showed that the two carpet glia membrane do not overlap and suggests a
      tiling or repulsion mechanism between the two cells. These findings demonstrated
      the usefulness of an ex vivo culture method and live imaging.

PMID- 27685173
TI  - A driving simulator evaluation of potential speed reductions using two innovative
      designs for signalised urban intersections.
AB  - Intersections are typically associated with a higher level of crash risk than
      other types of facilities on the road network. Standard cross-road intersections
      are particularly hazardous because by their very design, drivers may travel
      through at speeds that are incompatible with human biomechanical tolerance should
      a crash occur. Further, drivers are exposed to dangerous conflict angles, which
      are likely to result in serious injury. This paper examines the effectiveness of
      two new intersection designs aimed at restricting potentially dangerous conflict
      angles while reducing driver speeds through the intersection. These designs,
      named the "Cut-Through" and the "Squircle", incorporate key features of both
      signalised intersections and roundabouts. The intersections are controlled by
      signals similar to a signalised roundabout. Instead of a standard central island,
      right turning traffic (equivalent to left turns in jurisdictions that drive on
      the right) cut through the central island, thereby avoiding traffic interlocks
      and delays that can occur with the traditional signalised roundabout. Across two
      driving simulator studies, vehicle speed data were collected on approach to and
      through each of the proposed intersection designs. Performance was benchmarked
      against equivalent standard signalised cross-road intersections and standard non
      signalised roundabouts. Notably, drivers reduced their speeds by approximately 30
      40% when negotiating both the Cut-Through and the Squircle compared to the
      standard signalised intersections. The safety potentials of the two new
      intersection designs are discussed within the guidelines of the Safe Systems
      principles.

PMID- 27685175
TI  - Dehydrogenative Synthesis of Carboxylic Acids from Primary Alcohols and Hydroxide
      Catalyzed by a Ruthenium N-Heterocyclic Carbene Complex.
AB  - Primary alcohols have been reacted with hydroxide and the ruthenium complex
      [RuCl2(IiPr)(p-cymene)] to afford carboxylic acids and dihydrogen. The
      dehydrogenative reaction is performed in toluene, which allows for a simple
      isolation of the products by precipitation and extraction. The transformation can
      be applied to a range of benzylic and saturated aliphatic alcohols containing
      halide and (thio)ether substituents, while olefins and ester groups are not
      compatible with the reaction conditions. Benzylic alcohols undergo faster
      conversion than other substrates, and a competing Cannizzaro reaction is most
      likely involved in this case. The kinetic isotope effect was determined to be
      0.67 using 1-butanol as the substrate. A plausible catalytic cycle was
      characterized by DFT/B3LYP-D3 and involved coordination of the alcohol to the
      metal, beta-hydride elimination, hydroxide attack on the coordinated aldehyde,
      and a second beta-hydride elimination to furnish the carboxylate.

PMID- 27685174
TI  - Individual employee's perceptions of " Group-level Safety Climate" (supervisor
      referenced) versus " Organization-level Safety Climate" (top management
      referenced): Associations with safety outcomes for lone workers.
AB  - Research has shown that safety climate is among the strongest predictors of
      safety behavior and safety outcomes in a variety of settings. Previous studies
      have established that safety climate is a multi-faceted construct referencing
      multiple levels of management within a company, most generally: the organization
      level (employee perceptions of top management's commitment to and prioritization
      of safety) and group level (employee perceptions of direct supervisor's
      commitment to and prioritization of safety). Yet, no research to date has
      examined the potential interaction between employees' organization-level safety
      climate (OSC) and group-level safety climate (GSC) perceptions. Furthermore,
      prior research has mainly focused on traditional work environments in which
      supervisors and workers interact in the same location throughout the day. Little
      research has been done to examine safety climate with regard to lone workers. The
      present study aims to address these gaps by examining the relationships between
      truck drivers' (as an example of lone workers) perceptions of OSC and GSC, both
      potential linear and non-linear relationships, and how these predict important
      safety outcomes. Participants were 8095 truck drivers from eight trucking
      companies in the United States with an average response rate of 44.8%. Results
      showed that employees' OSC and GSC perceptions are highly correlated (r= 0.78),
      but notable gaps between the two were observed for some truck drivers. Uniquely,
      both OSC and GSC scores were found to have curvilinear relationships with safe
      driving behavior, and both scores were equally predictive of safe driving
      behavior. Results also showed the two levels of climate significantly interacted
      with one another to predict safety behavior such that if either the OSC or GSC
      scores were low, the other's contribution to safety behavior became stronger.
      These findings suggest that OSC and GSC may function in a compensatory manner and
      promote safe driving behavior even when either OSC or GSC scores are low. The
      results of this study provide critical insight into the supplementary interaction
      between perceptions of OSC and GSC. Recommendations for future research, as well
      as practical recommendations for organizational intervention, are discussed.

PMID- 27685176
TI  - Ynamides as Racemization-Free Coupling Reagents for Amide and Peptide Synthesis.
AB  - A highly efficient, two-step, one-pot synthetic strategy for amides and peptides
      was developed by employing ynamides as novel coupling reagents under extremely
      mild reaction conditions. The ynamides not only are effective for simple amide
      and dipeptide synthesis but can also be used for peptide segment condensation.
      Importantly, no racemization was detected during the activation of chiral
      carboxylic acids. Excellent amidation selectivity toward amino groups in the
      presence of -OH, -SH, -CONH2, ArNH2, and the NH of indole was observed, making
      the protection of these functional groups unnecessary in amide and peptide
      synthesis.

PMID- 27685177
TI  - Extraction and Analysis of Microbial Phospholipid Fatty Acids in Soils.
AB  - Phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) are key components of microbial cell membranes.
      The analysis of PLFAs extracted from soils can provide information about the
      overall structure of terrestrial microbial communities. PLFA profiling has been
      extensively used in a range of ecosystems as a biological index of overall soil
      quality, and as a quantitative indicator of soil response to land management and
      other environmental stressors. The standard method presented here outlines four
      key steps: 1. lipid extraction from soil samples with a single-phase chloroform
      mixture, 2. fractionation using solid phase extraction columns to isolate
      phospholipids from other extracted lipids, 3. methanolysis of phospholipids to
      produce fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs), and 4. FAME analysis by capillary gas
      chromatography using a flame ionization detector (GC-FID). Two standards are
      used, including 1,2-dinonadecanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (PC(19:0/19:0)) to
      assess the overall recovery of the extraction method, and methyl decanoate
      (MeC10:0) as an internal standard (ISTD) for the GC analysis.

PMID- 27685178
TI  - Polymeric lipid vesicles with pH-responsive turning on-off membrane for programed
      delivery of insulin in GI tract.
AB  - A kind of polymeric lipid vesicles (PLVs) with pH-responsive turning on-off
      membrane for programed delivery of insulin in gastrointestinal (GI) tract was
      developed, which was self-assembled from the grafted amphipathic polymer of N
      tocopheryl-N'-succinyl-E-poly-l-lysine (TP/SC-g-PLL). By controlling the grafting
      ratio of hydrophobic alkane and ionizable carboxyl branches, the permeability of
      membrane was adjustable and thus allowing insulin release in a GI-pH dependent
      manner. The effects of grafting degree of substitution (DS) on the pH-responsive
      behavior of the formed vesicles were confirmed by critical aggregation
      concentration determination, morphology and size characterization. Their
      transepithelial permeability across the GI tract was proved by both confocal
      visualization in vitro model of Caco-2 cellular monolayer and in vivo
      hypoglycemic study in diabetic rats. Accordingly, the work described here
      indicated that the self-assembled PLVs could be a promising candidate for
      improving the GI delivery of hydrophilic biomacromolecule agents.

PMID- 27685180
TI  - Erratum: Vol. 65, No. 36.
AB  - In the report, "Investigation of Escherichia coli Harboring the mcr-1 Resistance
      Gene - Connecticut, 2016," the Acknowledgments should have included the
      following: Alycia McNutt, David Santoro, Christina Nishimura, Diane Noel,
      Katherine A. Kelley Public Health Laboratory, Connecticut Department of Public
      Health. 

PMID- 27685179
TI  - Adverse events in children and adolescents treated with quetiapine: an analysis
      of adverse drug reaction reports from the Danish Medicines Agency database.
AB  - Quetiapine is a low-affinity dopamine D2 receptor antagonist, approved for the
      treatment of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia in children and adolescents by
      the Food and Drug Administration, but not by European Medicine Agency. Although
      knowledge of adverse drug reactions in children and adolescents is scarce,
      quetiapine is increasingly being used for youth in Denmark. The aim of this case
      study is to discuss adverse drug events (ADEs) spontaneously reported to the
      Danish Medicines Agency on quetiapine used in the pediatric population in
      relation to adversive drug reactions (ADRs) reported in the European Summary of
      Product Characteristics (SPCs). The ADE report database at Danish Medicines
      Agency was searched for all quetiapine ADRs involving individuals (<18 years) in
      the period 1997-2015. Fifteen ADE case reports were retrieved, scrutinized, and
      categorized. The average age was 14.8 years (range 10-17 years) and six patients
      were boys. The main reported ADEs were (i) endocrine, for example,
      hyperprolactinemia and hyperthyroidism, (ii) cardiac, for example, tachycardia
      and QT prolongation, (iii) neurological, for example, seizures and cerebral
      hemorrhage, and (iv) psychiatric, for example, hallucinations. As some of the
      reported ADEs are life threatening and not listed as ADRs in the SPCs, off-label
      use of quetiapine in children and adolescents gives rise to safety concerns.

PMID- 27685181
TI  - Bilateral Hypopyons as a Presenting Symptom.

PMID- 27685182
TI  - A Robust and Subject-Specific Hemodynamic Model of the Lower Limb Based on
      Noninvasive Arterial Measurements.
AB  - Cardiovascular diseases are currently the leading cause of mortality in the
      population of developed countries, due to the constant increase in cardiovascular
      risk factors, such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, overweight, tobacco use,
      lack of physical activity, etc. Numerous prospective and retrospective studies
      have shown that arterial stiffening is a relevant predictor of these diseases.
      Unfortunately, the arterial stiffness distribution across the human body is
      difficult to measure experimentally. We propose a numerical approach to determine
      the arterial stiffness distribution of an arterial network using a subject
      specific one-dimensional model. The proposed approach calibrates the optimal
      parameters of the reduced-order model, including the arterial stiffness, by
      solving an inverse problem associated with the noninvasive in vivo measurements.
      An uncertainty quantification analysis has also been carried out to measure the
      contribution of the model input parameters variability, alone or by interaction
      with other inputs, to the variation of clinically relevant hemodynamic indices,
      here the arterial pulse pressure. The results obtained for a lower limb model,
      demonstrate that the numerical approach presented here can provide a robust and
      subject-specific tool to the practitioner, allowing an early and reliable
      diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases based on a noninvasive clinical examination.

PMID- 27685183
TI  - Animal experimentation: Oh, when will they ever learn?

PMID- 27685184
TI  - Attitudes toward the use of animals in chronic versus acute pain research:
      results of a web-based forum.
AB  - When asked about the use of animals in biomedical research, people often state
      that the research is only acceptable if pain and distress are minimised. However,
      pain is caused when the aim is to study pain itself, resulting in unalleviated
      pain for many of the animals involved. Consequently, the use of animals in pain
      research is often considered contentious. To date, no research has explored
      people's views toward different types of animal-based pain research (e.g. chronic
      or acute pain). This study used a web-based survey to explore people's
      willingness to support the use of mice in chronic versus acute pain research. The
      majority of the participants opposed the use of mice for either chronic (68.3%)
      or acute (63.1%) pain research. There was no difference in the levels of support
      or opposition for chronic versus acute pain research. Unsupportive participants
      justified their opposition by focusing on the perceived lack of scientific merit,
      or the existence of non-animal alternatives. Supporters emphasised the potential
      benefits that could arise, with some stating that the benefits outweigh the
      costs. The majority of the participants were opposed to pain research involving
      mice, regardless of the nature and duration of the pain inflicted, or the
      perceived benefit of the research. A better understanding of public views toward
      animal use in pain research may provide a stronger foundation for the development
      of policy governing the use of animals in research where animals are likely to
      experience unalleviated pain.

PMID- 27685185
TI  - Autologous co-culture of primary human alveolar macrophages and epithelial cells
      for investigating aerosol medicines. Part I: model characterisation.
AB  - The development of new formulations for pulmonary drug delivery is a challenge on
      its own. New in vitro models which address the lung are aimed at predicting and
      optimising the quality, efficacy and safety of inhaled drugs, to facilitate the
      more rapid translation of such products into the clinic. Reducing the complexity
      of the in vivo situation requires that such models reproducibly reflect essential
      physiological factors in vitro. The choice of cell types, culture conditions and
      the experimental set-up, can affect the outcome and the relevance of a study. In
      the alveolar space of the lung, epithelial cells and alveolar macrophages are the
      most important cell types, forming an efficient cellular barrier to aerosols. Our
      aim was to mimic this barrier with primary human alveolar cells. Cell densities
      of alveolar macrophages and epithelial cells, isolated from the same human donor,
      were optimised, with a focus on barrier properties. The combination of 300,000
      epithelial cells/cm2 together with 100,000 macrophages/cm2 showed a functional
      barrier (transepithelial electrical resistance > 500Omega.cm2). This cell model
      was combined with the Pharmaceutical Aerosol Deposition Device on Cell Cultures.
      The functionality of the in vitro system was investigated with spray-dried
      fluorescently labelled poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid particles loaded with
      ovalbumin as a model drug.

PMID- 27685186
TI  - Autologous co-culture of primary human alveolar macrophages and epithelial cells
      for investigating aerosol medicines. Part II: evaluation of IL-10-loaded
      microparticles for the treatment of lung inflammation.
AB  - Acute respiratory distress syndrome is linked to inflammatory processes in the
      human lung. The aim of this study was to mimic in vitro the treatment of lung
      inflammation by using a cell-based human autologous co-culture model. As a
      potential trial medication, we developed a pulmonary dry powder formulation
      loaded with interleukin-10 (IL-10), a potent anti-inflammatory cytokine. The
      inflammatory immune response was stimulated by lipopolysaccharide. The co-culture
      was combined with the Pharmaceutical Aerosol Deposition Device on Cell Cultures
      )PADDOCC), to deposit the IL-10-loaded microparticles on the inflamed co-culture
      model at the air-liquid interface. This treatment significantly reduced the
      secretion of interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor, as compared to the
      deposition of placebo (unloaded) particles. Our results show that the alveolar co
      culture model, in combination with a deposition device such as the PADDOCC, may
      serve as a powerful tool for testing the safety and efficacy of dry powder
      formulations for pulmonary drug delivery.

PMID- 27685188
TI  - The European Citizens' Stop Vivisection Initiative and the revision of Directive.
AB  - Animal experimentation is presented to the public as an ongoing debate between
      research scientists on one hand, and the animal protection community on the
      other. An opportunity to break out of this mindset presented itself in the form
      of a European Citizens' Initiative, Stop Vivisection, which challenged Directive
      2010/63/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on the protection of
      animals for scientific purposes. The manifesto of the initiative called upon the
      European Commission to replace the existing Directive with a new proposal that
      does away with animal experimentation, and instead makes compulsory the use of
      human data as a predictive modality for the study of human diseases and responses
      to drugs. Although the Initiative succeeded in gathering the required one million
      signatures, the European Commission ultimately rejected the proposal. However,
      some of the lessons learned from the Initiative may well be relevant to the
      revision of Directive 2010/63/EU, due to take place by 2017.

PMID- 27685187
TI  - Expectations for the methodology and translation of animal research: a survey of
      the general public, medical students and animal researchers in North America.
AB  - To determine what are considered acceptable standards for animal research (AR)
      methodology and translation rate to humans, a validated survey was sent to: a) a
      sample of the general public, via Sampling Survey International (SSI; Canada),
      Amazon Mechanical Turk (AMT; USA), a Canadian city festival (CF) and a Canadian
      children's hospital (CH); b) a sample of medical students (two first-year
      classes); and c) a sample of scientists (corresponding authors and academic
      paediatricians). There were 1379 responses from the general public sample (SSI, n
      = 557; AMT, n = 590; CF, n = 195; CH, n = 102), 205/330 (62%) medical student
      responses, and 23/323 (7%, too few to report) scientist responses. Asked about
      methodological quality, most of the general public and medical student
      respondents expect that: AR is of high quality (e.g. anaesthesia and analgesia
      are monitored, even overnight, and 'humane' euthanasia, optimal statistical
      design, comprehensive literature review, randomisation and blinding, are
      performed), and costs and difficulty are not acceptable justifications for lower
      quality (e.g. costs of expert consultation, or more laboratory staff). Asked
      about their expectations of translation to humans (of toxicity, carcinogenicity,
      teratogenicity and treatment findings), most expect translation more than 60% of
      the time. If translation occurred less than 20% of the time, a minority disagreed
      that this would "significantly reduce your support for AR". Medical students were
      more supportive of AR, even if translation occurred less than 20% of the time.
      Expectations for AR are much higher than empirical data show to have been
      achieved.

PMID- 27685189
TI  - Acute oral toxicity testing: Scientific evidence and practicability should govern
      Three Rs activities.
AB  - Acute oral toxicity is determined for regulatory hazard classification or non
      classification. The European Union Reference Laboratory for Alternatives to
      Animal Testing (EURL ECVAM) recommends the following modules for acute oral
      toxicity testing: a) the use of the in vitro 3T3 Neutral Red Uptake (NRU) test to
      identify substances not requiring classification and to estimate starting doses
      for in vivo acute oral toxicity studies; and b) the use of data from sub-acute
      toxicity studies to identify substances not requiring classification. However,
      the application of these modules in a regulatory context would require a
      predefined, validated and formally accepted testing strategy and data
      interpretation procedure, which are not available. Furthermore, the application
      of the 3T3 NRU assay for starting dose estimations could in fact increase the
      number of animals used. Finally, only very few substances exist for which data
      from sub-acute or other repeated dose studies are available, but data from acute
      studies are not. Therefore, in practice, the prediction of acute toxicity by
      using sub-acute toxicity data is generally irrelevant. It could even lead to a
      risk of overdosing in the range-finding study, which may result in the death of
      many or all of the animals used.

PMID- 27685190
TI  - Pathogenesis of ligaments ossification in spondyloarthritis: insights and doubts.
AB  - Despite intensive research in spondyloarthritis pathogenesis, some important
      questions still remain unanswered, particularly concerning enthesis new bone
      formation. Several evidences suggest that it prevalently occurs by endochondral
      ossification, however it remains to identify factors that can induce and
      influence its initiation and progression. Recent progress, achieved in animal
      models and in vitro and genetic association studies, has led us to hypothesize
      that several systemic factors (adipokines and gut hormones) and local factors
      (BMP and Wnt signaling) as well as angiogenesis and mechanical stress are
      involved. We critically review and summarize the available data and delineate the
      possible mechanisms involved in enthesis ossification, particularly at spinal
      ligament level. KEY MESSAGES Complete understanding of spondyloarthritis
      pathophysiology requires insights into inflammation, bone destruction and bone
      formation, which are all located in entheses and lead all together to ankylosis
      and functional disability. Several factors probably play a role in the
      pathogenesis of bone formation in entheses including not only cytokines but also
      several systemic factors such as adipokines and gut hormones, and local factors,
      such as BMP and Wnt signaling, as well as angiogenesis and mechanical stress.
      Data available about pathophysiology of new bone formation in spondyloarthritis
      are limited and often conflicting and future studies are needed to better
      delineate it and to develop new therapeutic approaches.

PMID- 27685191
TI  - Proper Emotion Recognition, Dysfunctional Emotion Regulation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: A considerable number of adolescents exhibit severe self-regulation
      deficits in affect and behavior, which are referred to as affective dysregulation
      (AD). AD may be conceptualized as a dimensional trait that, in its extreme form,
      resembles the diagnostic categories of severe mood dysregulation (SMD) or
      disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD). Assuming a shared pathway of
      psychopathology in AD and SMD, similar underlying dysfunctional mechanisms in
      emotion processing, particularly emotion recognition (RECOG) and regulation
      (REGUL), may be postulated. METHOD: Adolescent inpatients with AD (CAD, N = 35),
      without AD (CCG, N = 28), and nonclinical controls (NCG; N = 28) were
      administered a morphed facial recognition task (RECOG). REGUL abilities, levels
      of irritability as well as depressive symptoms were also assessed. RESULTS: We
      found no significant group differences in accuracy and thresholds for RECOG
      abilities. Patients with AD reported more dysfunctional REGUL strategies than did
      CCG and NCG. Both depression and AD, but not irritability, influenced the overall
      degree of maladaptive REGUL. CONCLUSION: The broad phenotype of AD does not
      involve the deficits in RECOG reported for adolescents with a narrow phenotype
      (SMD); regarding REGUL strategies, AD seems to be associated with specific
      impairments.

PMID- 27685193
TI  - [Risk factors for self-injurious, aggressive, and stereotypic behavior in
      children and youths with visual impairments].
AB  - Objective: To increase the limited knowledge concerning the form and risk factors
      of self-injurious, aggressive, and stereotypic behavior in children and youths
      with visual impairments. Method: Parents of 83 children and youths with visual
      impairments report on the characteristics of visual impairment, the social
      communicative competence of their children, and the frequency and severity of
      self-injurious, aggressive, and stereotypic behaviors. Results: Stereotypic
      behaviors are reported more often than the other behavioral abnormalities. The
      frequencies of stereotypic and self-injurious behaviors are correlated with each
      other. Children with higher social-communicative competence received lower scores
      in stereotypic and self-injurious behaviors (range of correlation coefficients
      between -.26 and -.48). Furthermore, the developmental delay of cognitive and
      adaptive competence is associated with the frequency and severity of these self
      injurious behaviors (F = 4.65, p = .012/F > 5.65, p < 0.01). For blind children,
      the parents describe a higher frequency and severity of stereotypic and self
      injurious behaviors. The frequency of self-injurious behavior is lower for
      children in an integrative setting. Conclusions: Frequency and severity of
      stereotypic and self-injurious behavior varies with characteristics of the
      child's visual impairment and additional disabilities. This association is not
      supported for aggressive behaviors.

PMID- 27685192
TI  - Emetophobia - A Metacognitive Therapeutic Approach for an Overlooked Disorder.
AB  - Objective: Emetophobia is the specific fear of vomiting that usually commences
      during childhood and adolescence. Cognitive behavioral therapy aims to expose
      patients to vomiting. In this paper, a newly developed metacognitive concept and
      treatment approach to this disorder is illustrated within a small case series.
      Methods: Three adolescent girls with emetophobia were treated with metacognitive
      therapy (MCT). Measures of anxiety, worry, depression, and metacognitions before
      and after the treatment were documented. Results: All patients recovered during
      the course of 8 to 11 sessions, and measurements of anxiety, worry, depression,
      and metacognitions dropped markedly. Conclusions: MCT presents a valuable
      treatment option for emetophobia in adolescents.

PMID- 27685194
TI  - Mild Hypothermia in a Child with Low-Dose Risperidone.
AB  - Risperidone is a widely used, second-generation antipsychotic approved for
      treating schizophrenia as well as for treating aggression in children and
      adolescents with mental retardation. The substance has a well-established risk
      profile including alterations of body temperature. Apart from hyperthermia with
      and without full-blown malignant neuroleptic syndrome, low body temperatures
      (hypothermia) have also been reported anecdotally, usually appearing in the
      context of comedication. Here, we report a case of hypothermia associated with a
      low-dose risperidone monotherapy in a child.

PMID- 27685195
TI  - Three-dimensional modeling of the cochlea by use of an arc fitting approach.
AB  - PURPOSE: A cochlea modeling approach is presented allowing for a user defined
      degree of geometry simplification which automatically adjusts to the patient
      specific anatomy. Model generation can be performed in a straightforward manner
      due to error estimation prior to the actual generation, thus minimizing modeling
      time. Therefore, the presented technique is well suited for a wide range of
      applications including finite element analyses where geometrical simplifications
      are often inevitable. METHODS: The method is presented for n=5 cochleae which
      were segmented using a custom software for increased accuracy. The linear basilar
      membrane cross sections are expanded to areas while the scalae contours are
      reconstructed by a predefined number of arc segments. Prior to model generation,
      geometrical errors are evaluated locally for each cross section as well as
      globally for the resulting models and their basal turn profiles. The final
      combination of all reconditioned features to a 3D volume is performed in Autodesk
      Inventor using the loft feature. RESULTS: Due to the volume generation based on
      cubic splines, low errors could be achieved even for low numbers of arc segments
      and provided cross sections, both of which correspond to a strong degree of model
      simplification. Model generation could be performed in a time efficient manner.
      CONCLUSION: The proposed simplification method was proven to be well suited for
      the helical cochlea geometry. The generated output data can be imported into
      commercial software tools for various analyses representing a time efficient way
      to create cochlea models optimally suited for the desired task.

PMID- 27685197
TI  - Follow-Up of Venom Immunotherapy on Flow Cytometry and Definition of a Protective
      Index.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A major problem of venom-specific immunotherapy (VIT) is the absence
      of reliable parameters for deciding treatment discontinuation. AIM OF THE STUDY:
      Intracutaneous tests (ICTs), the basophil activation test (BAT), specific IgEs
      (sIgEs) and blocking factor (BF) activity were measured during VIT. We made an
      evaluation by means of a protective index (PI) including ICT, BAT and BF values.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: A population of 45 patients who had experienced a systemic
      reaction after an insect sting were tested before VIT (T0), at 1 week (T1w), at
      10 weeks (T10w) and at 21 weeks (T21w), and, for a subgroup of 17 patients, at 3
      5 years (T3-5y). Basophil activation (expressed in % CD63 and in the area under
      the curve) and BF activity were measured by flow cytometry using the CCR3/CD63
      protocol. RESULTS: The first 21 weeks of follow-up showed no significant
      variation in the ICT, sIgE and BAT measurements, except for BAT, by eliminating
      weak negative anti-IgE responses. In these conditions, the decrease in basophil
      activation was significant at T10w (p = 0.009) and T21w (p = 0.009). Increased BF
      activity was also significant at T10w (p = 0.008) and T21w (p = 0.002). The PI
      threshold calculated from the mean +/- 3 standard errors (SE) was 64.8 (14.7 +/-
      16.7, n = 25) at T0. PI increase was significant at T3-5y (3,430 +/- 6,282; p <
      0.001). CONCLUSION: VIT induced a significant decrease in ICT values and basophil
      activation, along with an increase in serum BF activity, significant after 10
      weeks of VIT. Evaluated in a larger population, the PI could represent a new tool
      for the clinico-biological follow-up of VIT efficacy.

PMID- 27685198
TI  - Cyclometalated Gold(III) Complexes: Synthesis, Reactivity, and Physicochemical
      Properties.
AB  - This Review showcases the ability of bi- and tridentate ligands to stabilize gold
      in high oxidation states through the formation of mono- and biscyclometalated
      gold(III) complexes. In-depth studies on the synthesis, intrinsic reactivity,
      catalytic relevance, and photophysical properties of stabilized gold(III) species
      have been carried out, setting the stage for exciting developments in various
      research areas, such as catalysis, inorganic and bioinorganic chemistry, ligand
      design, and materials science.

PMID- 27685196
TI  - Two-year follow-up of outcomes related to scarring and distress in children with
      severe burns.
AB  - PURPOSE: We assessed the perception of scarring and distress by pediatric burn
      survivors with burns covering more than one-third of total body surface area
      (TBSA) for up to 2 years post-burn. METHODS: Children with severe burns were
      admitted to our hospital between 2004 and 2012, and consented to this IRB
      approved-study. Subjects completed at least one Scars Problems and/or Distress
      questionnaire between discharge and 24 months post burn. Outcomes were modeled
      with generalized estimating equations or using mixed linear models. Significance
      was accepted at p < 0.01. RESULTS: Responses of 167 children with a mean age of 7
      +/- 5 years and burns covering an average 54 +/- 14% of TBSA were analyzed.
      Significant improvements over the 2-year period were seen in reduction of pain,
      itching, sleeping disturbance, tightness, range of motion, and strength (p <
      0.01). There was a significantly increased persistent desire to hide the scarred
      body areas over time (p < 0.01). The perception of mouth scarring, inability to
      portray accurate facial expressions, and skin coloration did not improve over the
      follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: According to self-assessment questionnaires,
      severely burned children exhibit significant improvements in their overall
      perception of scarring and distress. However, these patients remain self
      conscious with respect to their body image even 2 years after burn injury.
      Implications for Rehabilitation According to self-assessment questionnaires,
      severely burned children perceive significant improvements in scarring and
      distress during the first 2 years post burn. Significant improvements were seen
      in reduction of pain, itching, sleeping disturbances, tightness, range of motion,
      and strength (p < 0.01). Burn care providers should improve the treatment of
      burns surrounding the mouth that with result in scarring, and develop strategies
      to prevent skin discoloration. Careful evaluation of pain and sleeping disorders
      during the first year post burn are warranted to improve the patient
      rehabilitation. Overall, significantly more female patients expressed a
      persistent desire to hide their scarred body areas. The rehabilitation team
      should provide access to wigs or other aids to pediatric burn survivors to
      address these needs.

PMID- 27685199
TI  - Steric-Structure-Dependent Gel Formation, Hierarchical Structures, Rheological
      Behavior, and Surface Wettability.
AB  - A series of bicholesteryl-based gelators with different central linker atoms C,
      N, and O (abbreviated to GC, GN, and GO, respectively) have been designed and
      synthesized. The self-assembly processes of these gelators were investigated by
      using gelation tests, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, field-emission
      transmission electron microscopy, UV/Vis absorption, IR spectroscopy, X-ray
      diffraction, rheology, and contact-angle experiments. The gelation ability, self
      assembly morphology, rheological, and surface-wettability properties of these
      gelators strongly depend on the central linker atom of the gelator molecule.
      Specifically, GC and GN can form gels in three different solvents, whereas GO can
      only form a gel in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF). Morphologies from nanofibers and
      nanosheets to nanospheres and nanotubes can be obtained with different central
      atoms. Gels of GC, GN, and GO formed in the same solvent (DMF) have different
      tolerances to external forces. All xerogels gave a hydrophobic surface with
      contact angles that ranged from 121 to 152 degrees . Quantum-chemical
      calculations indicate that the GC, GN, and GO molecules have very different
      steric structures. The results demonstrate that the central linker atom can
      efficiently modulate the molecular steric structure and thus regulate the
      supramolecular self-assembly process and properties of gelators.

PMID- 27685200
TI  - ?
AB  - For most nurses, the complex system through which their pay and conditions are
      negotiated are of no consequence. They simply want a fair reward for their work.
      When they do not get it they are as capable as any group of venting their anger
      and frustration. Ultimately what concerns them is the environ- ment in which they
      work and the standard of care which they are able to deliver. But over the course
      of 1995, nurses have become increasingly aware of the consequences of inequitable
      pay systems and the dangers inherent in local pay determination. There is now a
      widely held belief among nurses that ' protecting the future of the Review Body
      is crucial to the profession's future I and its ability to carry out safe,
      effective nursing care. This week, however, the Nursing and Midwifery Staffs
      Negotiating Council could well make a decision contrary to those views.

PMID- 27685201
TI  - Midwives hold power balance in pay vote.
AB  - Nursing unions met yesterday in a bid to settle this year's pay dispute, with
      midwifery organisations seeming to hold the balance of power.

PMID- 27685202
TI  - The consensus statement.
AB  - 'We believe that the professional staff of the NHS arc a vital national resource.

PMID- 27685203
TI  - ?
AB  - Save Bart's Hospital campaigners, including nurses and other health staff,
      marched through Westminster last week as Parliament reconvened.

PMID- 27685204
TI  - Politicians blamed for creating local pay 'clamour'.
AB  - The move towards local pay is being driven by (politicians who want to be able to
      deny responsibility for nurses' wages being unfair, RCN director of labour
      relations Phil Gray claimed.

PMID- 27685205
TI  - Call for workforce planning as nurse shortage looms.
AB  - A national committee should be set up to oversee workforce planning for nursing,
      a leading academic researcher has argued.

PMID- 27685206
TI  - Nurse chief quizzed over college delays.
AB  - Scotland's chief nursing officer Anne Jarvie came under fire over delays in
      announcing which colleges will run nurse education in Scotland next year.

PMID- 27685207
TI  - ?
AB  - The Question Time panel, left to right: Nursing Standard editor Norah Casey; RCN
      general secretary Christine Hancock; the Rt. Rev. Richard Holloway, Bishop of
      Edinburgh; Scotland's chief nurse Anne Jarvie: Brian Potter from the BMA; and BBC
      Scotland's health correspondent Pennie Taylor.

PMID- 27685208
TI  - Council seeks better care access for prostitutes.
AB  - Prostitutes should have easy access to primary care services and should be able
      to disclose their occupation to health service providers, RCN Council agreed.

PMID- 27685209
TI  - 'End delay in nurse prescribing pilot results'.
AB  - RCN Council is to call on the National Health Service Executive to stop the
      'unnecessary delay' in publishing the results of the nurse prescribing pilot
      projects.

PMID- 27685210
TI  - ?
AB  - Freemason Douglas Beattie (above) failed to become council chair at last week's
      meeting. He was defeated by 14 votes to nine by Pat Hughes. Sandra James was
      elected vice-chair and Jim McAllister was elected unopposed as honorary treasurer
      of the college.

PMID- 27685211
TI  - Call for more openness to silence the RCN gossips.
AB  - Royal College of Nursing general secretary Christine Hancock has called for
      openness in the RCN following press reports about Council members who are
      freemasons.

PMID- 27685212
TI  - Trust staff ready to be first into action.
AB  - Nurses at a Scottish mental health trust could be the first Royal College of
      Nursing members to take industrial action.

PMID- 27685215
TI  - UKCC deny slow progress on EN task force.
AB  - The UK Central Council has refuted claims it has acted unduly slowly in setting
      up a task force on the future of enrolled nurses.

PMID- 27685214
TI  - Anger over lack of warning on contraceptive pill advice.
AB  - Nurses slammed the government last week after it failed to give them adequate
      warning of a health department announcement that seven brands of the
      contraceptive pill increase the risk of blood clots.

PMID- 27685216
TI  - Scheme to help fund cost of older people living in residential care welcomed.
AB  - Nurses have welcomed government proposals, announced last week, to fund the
      nursing costs of older people living in private residential homes.

PMID- 27685217
TI  - Two Scottish nurses awarded fellowships for research.
AB  - Two Scottish nurses were awarded fellowships from the Royal College of Nursing
      last week for their outstanding contribution to nursing research.

PMID- 27685218
TI  - Slow uptake of RCN counselling by journalists at West murder trial.
AB  - Journalists in Winchester covering the Rosemary West trial have been slow to take
      up counselling offered to them by the Royal College of Nursing and Winchester &
      Eastleigh Healthcare NHS Trust.

PMID- 27685219
TI  - HVA to present Dorrell with paper on primary care.
AB  - A paper on the nurse's role in a primary care-led NHS is to be presented to
      health secretary Stephen Dorrell by the Health Visitors' Association.

PMID- 27685221
TI  - ?
AB  - The RCN has welcomed Labour's appointment of Harriet Hannan as shadow health
      secretary. RCN general secretary Christine Hancock said: 'The RCN has had a close
      working relationship with Harriet Harman for a number of years. She really
      understands and values the special contribution skilled nurses make to patient
      care.' Ms Harman said: 'I am looking forward to working with the doctors, nurses
      and many other health service workers who are holding this great public service
      together despite the Conservative government.'

PMID- 27685222
TI  - Nurse practitioners to take over GPs' nursing home work.
AB  - Nurse practitioners could soon be taking over GPs' work in nursing and
      residential homes, an RCN nurse managers' conference heard.

PMID- 27685223
TI  - NHS culture of 'presenteeism' is misguided.
AB  - Nursing managers are being drawn into working long hours by a misguided NHS
      culture of 'presenteeism', Glynis Markham of the NHS Women's Unit warned.

PMID- 27685224
TI  - Labour envisages health service with urban cottage hospitals run by nurses.
AB  - The future of the health service lies in urban cottage hospitals run by nurses in
      local communities, with GPs providing medical insight, Labour health spokesperson
      Tessa Jowell told the conference.

PMID- 27685225
TI  - Nurses' practical skills must not lose out to higher education, warns health
      minister.
AB  - Nursing must beware of abandoning its basic skills as it develops educationally,
      junior health minister Baroness Julia Cumberlege warned the RCN networking
      conference.

PMID- 27685226
TI  - Terbinafine for toe-nail tinea treatment.
AB  - Terbinafine is more effective than itraconazole in the treatment of toenail
      tinea, German researchers say.

PMID- 27685227
TI  - Influences on children's food choices.
AB  - Children associate'healthy' food with the concept of a proper meal and homemade
      foods, according to a researcher.

PMID- 27685228
TI  - Transdermal nicotine to reduce fibrinogen?
AB  - There is a possibility that transdermal nicotine might have a beneficial
      influence on cardiovascular risk factors, researchers say.

PMID- 27685229
TI  - The deal in detail.
AB  - If, as expected, the framework deal was approved by nursing unions yesterday,
      this is how it will work.

PMID- 27685230
TI  - Hypoglycaemia.
AB  - AIM AND INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES The aim of this article is to define
      hypoglycaemia and discuss its prevention and management in people with diabetes
      mellitus. After reading this article, the nurse should be able to: ? Define the
      aims of care for individuals with diabetes U Identify symptoms and causes of
      hypoglycaemia ? Suggest w'ays to prevent or minimise the risk of hypoglycaemia ?
      Treat hypoglycaemia effectively ? Educate patients regarding hypoglycaemia and
      identify when to involve the diabetes specialist nurse.

PMID- 27685231
TI  - Increased health problems at work.
AB  - I would like co make a few comments on, Research shows that shiftwork can damage
      your health' (Editorial October 11).

PMID- 27685232
TI  - Is stress counselling a waste of money?
AB  - I read in Nursing Standard (News October 11) that nurses who had witnessed the
      shooting of a patient were undergoing stress counselling.

PMID- 27685233
TI  - Good health care at a price.
AB  - There was furore and consternation recently at the comments made by Rodney
      Walker, outgoing chair of the NHS Trust Federation, that people should pay for
      their own health care.

PMID- 27685234
TI  - Ill-informed and inexperienced views.
AB  - At a recent meeting of the RCN Adolescent Special Interest Group, there was a
      feeling of dismay at the Reader's Panel discussion of where teenagers should be
      nursed (Viewpoint August 23). Given the background of the panel members, none of
      whom appeared to work directly with young people, it was difficult to see the
      point of the discussion. A more balanced discussion might have ensued if the
      selected panel had included paediatric nurses and those experienced in adolescent
      care.

PMID- 27685235
TI  - Free advice service from the RCN.
AB  - The feature on employment and work permits (No Limits October 18) clearly
      highlights the absurdity of rejecting a competent, professional and willing
      labour resource in the face of mounting evidence of nurse shortages.

PMID- 27685236
TI  - Patient welfare - not top priority.
AB  - As an independent community psychiatric nurse and co-manager of an independent
      CPN service in south and west Devon, I wets compelled to respond to your recently
      published article entitled 'Piggy in the middle' (Viewpoint October 11).

PMID- 27685237
TI  - Information exchange.
AB  - * The Multiple Sclerosis Society is undertaking a national investigation into the
      needs of the 85,000 people in the UK diagnosed with MS, their families and
      carers.

PMID- 27685238
TI  - Roll up, roll up.
AB  - Much has been written concerning the role of the healthcare assistant and the
      National Vocational Qualification in Direct Care ( 1 ).

PMID- 27685240
TI  - Know your rights.
AB  - Your contract of employment is the basis of many of your employment rights. It is
      the agreement you have with your employer setting out your terms and conditions
      of employment.

PMID- 27685239
TI  - Sell out of the century.
AB  - For the best part of two years I have been working in a nursing home- setting at
      healthcare assistant level. I am now a Project 2000 student.

PMID- 27685241
TI  - Mills & boon: reality or just romantic fantasy?
AB  - Our experts consider a hot topic of the day.

PMID- 27685242
TI  - Listings.
AB  - As there is such a huge demand for the publication of free listings, readers may
      wish to take advantage of a new service being launched by Nursing Standard. For
      further details see the coupon in the appointments section or contact Kim
      Bowdler, telephone 0181 423 1066.

PMID- 27685243
TI  - Increased social distance makes people more risk-neutral.
AB  - Individuals are consistently observed to be risk-averse over gains and risk
      seeking over losses. This study examined whether increased social distance would
      change these behavioral patterns. To test our hypothesis, social distance was
      manipulated by asking the participants to make decisions either for themselves or
      for another person (Experiment 1), either for a known person or for an unknown
      person (Experiment 2), and either for a close friend or for a distant friend
      (Experiment 3). The results of Experiments 1 and 3 showed that increased social
      distance made people more risk-neutral, and such an effect was stronger in the
      gain domain than in the loss domain. However, the effect of social distance was
      not observed in Experiment 2. These findings suggest that risk preferences are
      influenced by the social distance between decision makers and beneficiaries.

PMID- 27685244
TI  - The liminal self in people with multiple sclerosis: an interpretative
      phenomenological exploration of being diagnosed.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To explore the lived experience of the meaning of being
      diagnosed with multiple sclerosis on the individual's sense of self. BACKGROUND:
      The time leading up to and immediately following the diagnosis of multiple
      sclerosis has been identified as a time period shrouded by uncertainty and one
      where individuals have a heightened desire to seek accurate information and
      support. The diagnosis brings changes to the way one views the self which has
      consequences for biographical construction. DESIGN: A hermeneutic
      phenomenological study. METHODS: In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted
      with 10 people recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The data were analysed
      using interpretative phenomenological analysis. FINDINGS: This study presents the
      three master themes: the 'road to diagnosis', 'the liminal self' and 'learning to
      live with multiple sclerosis'. The diagnosis of multiple sclerosis may be
      conceptualised as a 'threshold moment' where the individual's sense of self is
      disrupted from the former taken-for-granted way of being and propose a framework
      which articulates the transition. CONCLUSION: The findings highlight the need for
      healthcare professionals to develop interventions to better support people
      affected by a new diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. The conceptual framework which
      has been developed from the data and presented in this study provides a new way
      of understanding the impact of the diagnosis on the individual's sense of self
      when affected by a new diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. This framework can guide
      healthcare professionals in the provision of supportive care around the time of
      diagnosis. RELEVANCE FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE: The findings provide practitioners
      with a new way of understanding the impact of the diagnosis on the individual's
      sense of self and a framework which can guide them in the provision of supportive
      care around the time of diagnosis.

PMID- 27685245
TI  - An Unusual Cause of Hematuria: Primary Bladder Melanoma in an Older Man.

PMID- 27685246
TI  - Essential Oils Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of Six Conifers Harvested
      in Lebanon.
AB  - The chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oils (EOs)
      of six conifers harvested in Lebanon, Abies cilicica, Cupressus sempervirens,
      Juniperus excelsa, Juniperus oxycedrus, Cedrus libani and Cupressus macrocarpa
      gold crest, were investigated. The EOs were obtained by hydrodistillation using a
      Clevenger-type apparatus and characterized by GC and GC/MS analyses. A principal
      components analysis based on Pearson correlation between essential oils chemical
      analyses was also conducted. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of
      these essentials oils were determined against a range of bacteria and fungi
      responsible for cutaneous infections in human, using the broth microdilution
      technique. The EOs showed the most interesting bioactivity on the dermatophytes
      species (MIC values 32 - 64 MUg/ml). Each of the major compounds of C. macrocarpa
      as well as an artificial reconstructed EO were tested on Trichophyton rubrum
      showing a contribution of the minor components to the overall activity.

PMID- 27685247
TI  - Ni interferes in the Cu-regulated transcriptional switch petJ/petE in
      Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803.
AB  - Plastocyanin (petE) plays an essential role in photosynthesis as an electron
      carrier between cytochrome b6 f and photosystem I, and in some cyanobacteria it
      can be replaced by the haem-containing protein, cytochrome c6 (petJ). In
      Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, transcription of petE and petJ is activated and
      repressed, respectively, by Cu. Here, we show that Ni can act similarly to Cu in
      inducing petE and repressing petJ, thus leading to a partial switch between
      cytochrome c6 and plastocyanin. Transcription of these genes is only altered by
      Ni in Cu-depleted medium, and none of the Ni-dependent transcription factors
      described in Synechocystis, NrsR and InrS seem to be involved in this regulation.
      Finally, we show that plastocyanin is essential for growth under conditions of
      excess Ni.

PMID- 27685248
TI  - Dermoscopy of small-size basal cell carcinoma: a case-control study.

PMID- 27685249
TI  - Screening sunscreens: protecting the biomechanical barrier function of skin from
      solar ultraviolet radiation damage.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation is ubiquitous in human life and well
      known to cause skin damage that can lead to harmful conditions such as erythema.
      Although sunscreen is a popular form of protection for some of these conditions,
      it is unclear whether sunscreen can maintain the mechanical barrier properties of
      skin. The objective of this study was to determine whether in vitro thin-film
      mechanical analysis techniques adapted for biological tissue are able to
      characterize the efficacy of commonly used UV inhibitors and commercial
      sunscreens to protect the biomechanical barrier properties of stratum corneum
      (SC) from UV exposure. METHODS: The biomechanical properties of SC samples were
      assayed through measurements of the SC's drying stress profile and delamination
      energy. The drying stresses within SC were characterized from the curvature of a
      borosilicate glass substrate onto which SC had been adhered. Delamination
      energies were characterized using a double-cantilever beam (DCB) cohesion testing
      method. Successive DCB specimens were prepared from previously separated
      specimens by adhering new substrates onto each side of the already tested
      specimen to probe delamination energies deeper into the SC. These properties of
      the SC were measured before and after UV exposure, both with and without
      sunscreens applied, to determine the role of sunscreen in preserving the barrier
      function of SC. RESULTS: The drying stress in SC starts increasing sooner and
      rises to a higher plateau stress value after UVA exposure as compared to non-UV
      exposed control specimens. For specimens that had sunscreen applied, the UVA
      exposed and non-UV-exposed SC had similar drying stress profiles. Additionally,
      specimens exposed to UVB without protection from sunscreen exhibited
      significantly lower delamination energies than non-UV-exposed controls. With
      commercial sunscreen applied, the delamination energy for UV-exposed and non-UV
      exposed tissue was consistent, even up to large doses of UVB. CONCLUSION: In
      vitro thin-film mechanical analysis techniques can readily characterize the
      effects of SC's exposure to UV radiation. The methods used in this study
      demonstrated commercial sunscreens were able to preserve the biomechanical
      properties of SC during UV exposure, thus indicating the barrier function of SC
      was also maintained.

PMID- 27685250
TI  - DNA methylation changes at SNCA intron 1 in patients with dementia with Lewy
      bodies.
AB  - AIM: It is difficult to diagnose dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) because it
      exhibits clinical and neuropathological overlap with both Alzheimer's disease and
      Parkinson's disease. The alpha-synuclein protein is a major component of Lewy
      bodies, and accumulation of alpha-synuclein aggregates causes synaptic
      dysfunction in DLB. Epigenetic changes at the synuclein alpha ( SNCA ) gene may
      be involved in DLB pathogenesis. METHODS: We examined DNA methylation rates at 10
      CpG sites located in intron 1 of SNCA and SNCA mRNA expression in peripheral
      leukocytes to compare DLB patients (n = 20; nine men, 11 women; age = 78.8 +/-
      7.7 years) with healthy controls (n = 20; eight men, 12 women; age = 77.0 +/- 6.9
      years). RESULTS: The methylation rate at CpG 4 ( P  = 0.002) and the overall mean
      methylation rate at these sites (P < 0.001) were significantly lower in DLB
      patients than in healthy controls after Bonferroni correction. Although SNCA126 ,
      a partial form of SNCA mRNA expression, was significantly increased in DLB ( P  =
      0.017), there was no significant difference in total SNCA mRNA expression between
      DLB patients and healthy controls ( P  = 0.165). No correlation was observed
      between SCNA mRNA expression levels and blood DNA methylation rates in either DLB
      or healthy controls. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicated that lower methylation
      rates may be a biomarker for DLB.

PMID- 27685251
TI  - Metabolic and hepatic effects of bloodletting in dysmetabolic iron overload
      syndrome: A randomized controlled study in 274 patients.
AB  - : Dysmetabolic iron overload syndrome (DIOS) is a common cause of
      hyperferritinemia, accounting for a mild increase of iron stores in insulin
      resistant subjects. Iron removal could improve insulin sensitivity. We performed
      a prospective, randomized, controlled trial (NCT01015525) in nondiabetic DIOS
      patients with hepatic iron >50 MUmol/g at magnetic resonance imaging to compare
      the metabolic and hepatic outcomes of 1-year maintenance of serum ferritin levels
      <50 MUg/L by bloodletting associated with lifestyle and diet advice (LFDA) to
      those of LFDA only. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) with stratification by
      center (n = 8) and hyperglycemia (>5.6 mmol/L). Sample size was calculated to
      provide 90% power and a difference in fasting glycemia of 0.25 mmol/L. Analysis
      was done in an intention-to-treat population. In 2010-2014, 146 patients were
      randomly assigned to receive venesections with LFDA and 128 to LFDA only. At the
      end of the study, comparison of iron-depleted patients and controls showed
      ferritin levels 71 +/- 48 MUg/L after removal of 4.9 +/- 1.6 L of blood versus
      733 +/- 277 MUg/L (P < 0.0001), glycemia 5.44 +/- 0.7 versus 5.49 +/- 0.7 mmol/L
      (P = 0.57), body weight +0.5 +/- 4.3% versus -0.6 +/- 3.3% (P = 0.03),
      homeostasis model of assessment of insulin resistance 3.39 versus 2.40 (P =
      0.002), alanine aminotransaminase 33 +/- 22 versus 37 +/- 21 IU/L (P = 0.10),
      aspartate aminotransaminase 27 +/- 13 versus 27 +/- 10 IU/L (P = 0.81), gamma
      glutamyl transferase 54 +/- 138 versus 49 +/- 35 IU/L (P = 0.72), Fatty Liver
      Index 58.9 +/- 24.6 versus 61.2 +/- 22.9 (P = 0.37), and Fibrosis-4 score 1.5 +/-
      0.6 versus 1.30 +/- 0.6 (P = 0.51). Fatigue occurred in 25.3% of venesected
      patients versus 2.3% of controls (P < 0.0001). In the subgroup of patients who
      lost weight, glycemia, homeostasis model of assessment of insulin resistance,
      serum ferritin, lipid profile, and liver function tests improved irrespective of
      bloodletting. CONCLUSION: In DIOS patients, iron depletion by bloodletting does
      not improve metabolic and hepatic features, is associated with weight gain, and
      is not as well tolerated as expected; sustained modification of diet and
      lifestyle habits remains the first therapeutic intervention in DIOS. (Hepatology
      2017;65:465-474).

PMID- 27685253
TI  - Neuropsychology in Japan: history, current challenges, and future prospects.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this special issue was to describe the cross-cultural
      differences in neuropsychology throughout the world. The current state of
      neuropsychology in Japan is discussed in this manuscript. METHOD: Information on
      six topics, including (1) the history of Japanese neuropsychology, (2) licensure
      system, (3) job opportunities, (4) neuropsychological clinical services, (5)
      neuropsychological tests, and (6) neuropsychological research, was gathered via
      literature searches, official organization websites, and personal communication
      with clinical psychologists and other professionals in Japan. RESULTS:
      Neuropsychology reached Japan from the west in the late 1800s, a period of rapid
      political and social modernization. Professional associations were founded in the
      1960s and 1970s and continued to grow. The need for neuropsychological assessment
      in Japan is growing; however, credential requirements for neuropsychologists have
      not yet been established. To practice clinical psychology in Japan, one must
      obtain a Master's degree and pass a licensure examination that is administered by
      a private professional foundation. Clinical psychologists often conduct
      neuropsychological tests; however, they have little training in
      neuropsychological assessment. While many western neuropsychological tests have
      been translated into Japanese and are used in clinical settings, the majority of
      translated tests have not been standardized and their psychometric properties
      remain poorly understood. Standardization and development of normative data in
      Japan is warranted. CONCLUSIONS: Given that needs for neuropsychological services
      are increasing, it is essential for clinical psychologists in Japan to improve
      their skills in neuropsychological evaluations. Japanese graduate schools must
      work to establish neuropsychology programs to educate and train clinical
      neuropsychologists.

PMID- 27685254
TI  - [Impulsivity-focused Group Intervention to reduce Binge Eating Episodes in
      Patients with Binge Eating Disorder - A Group Training Program].
AB  - Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is an eating disorder where cognitive behavioural
      therapy (CBT) could already show reliable efficacy. Relying on basic research,
      CBT interventions which especially focus on impulsivity could be effective,
      because binge eating episodes represent highly impulsive eating behaviour. For
      this reason, we developed a treatment concept about an impulsivity-focused
      behavioural group intervention for patients with BED, called IMPULS. The efficacy
      of IMPULS is currently investigated in a randomised controlled trial 1. IMPULS is
      drafted as a weekly group training programme with 5-6 participants per group. The
      essential interventions are food-related cue exposure with response prevention
      and the development of self-control strategies. These interventions are adapted
      onto the impulsivity concept from conventional treatment of addictive disorders
      and BED.

PMID- 27685252
TI  - Inactivation of Prions and Amyloid Seeds with Hypochlorous Acid.
AB  - Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is produced naturally by neutrophils and other cells to
      kill conventional microbes in vivo. Synthetic preparations containing HOCl can
      also be effective as microbial disinfectants. Here we have tested whether HOCl
      can also inactivate prions and other self-propagating protein amyloid seeds.
      Prions are deadly pathogens that are notoriously difficult to inactivate, and
      standard microbial disinfection protocols are often inadequate. Recommended
      treatments for prion decontamination include strongly basic (pH >=~12) sodium
      hypochlorite bleach, >=1 N sodium hydroxide, and/or prolonged autoclaving. These
      treatments are damaging and/or unsuitable for many clinical, agricultural and
      environmental applications. We have tested the anti-prion activity of a weakly
      acidic aqueous formulation of HOCl (BrioHOCl) that poses no apparent hazard to
      either users or many surfaces. For example, BrioHOCl can be applied directly to
      skin and mucous membranes and has been aerosolized to treat entire rooms without
      apparent deleterious effects. Here, we demonstrate that immersion in BrioHOCl can
      inactivate not only a range of target microbes, including spores of Bacillus
      subtilis, but also prions in tissue suspensions and on stainless steel. Real-time
      quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) assays showed that BrioHOCl treatments
      eliminated all detectable prion seeding activity of human Creutzfeldt-Jakob
      disease, bovine spongiform encephalopathy, cervine chronic wasting disease, sheep
      scrapie and hamster scrapie; these findings indicated reductions of >=103- to 106
      fold. Transgenic mouse bioassays showed that all detectable hamster-adapted
      scrapie infectivity in brain homogenates or on steel wires was eliminated,
      representing reductions of >=~105.75-fold and >104-fold, respectively.
      Inactivation of RT-QuIC seeding activity correlated with free chlorine
      concentration and higher order aggregation or destruction of proteins generally,
      including prion protein. BrioHOCl treatments had similar effects on amyloids
      composed of human alpha-synuclein and a fragment of human tau. These results
      indicate that HOCl can block the self-propagating activity of prions and other
      amyloids.

PMID- 27685255
TI  - [Development and Validation of a Screening Instrument for Complex PTSD].
AB  - Chronic interpersonal traumata systematically result in psychological impairments
      referred to as complex post-traumatic stress disorder (cPTSD or DESNOS). This
      diagnosis will be newly established in the ICD-11 system. However, there is need
      for diagnostic instruments to assess cPTSD. The aim was to develop a screening
      form to identify patients at risk for cPTSD. The Screening for complex PTSD
      (SkPTBS) tests a) experience of potential traumatic events, b) related
      influential features and risk factors, and c) symptoms of cPTSD. 325 patients
      (mean age 51.5+/-8.7 years; 62.1% female) filled out the screening instrument at
      the beginning of their inpatient psychotherapy. The primary criterion for testing
      SkPTBS validity was the diagnosis of complex PTSD at the end of the inpatient
      treatment. The proportion of patients with cPTSD was 8.9% (n=29). SkPTBS items
      were selective, and the scale showed very good reliability (alpha=0.91). Factor
      analysis revealed a one-dimensional structure. SkPTBS total values predicted
      having cPTSD diagnosis and were correlated with global symptom severity (SCL-90
      R) and depressive symptoms (BDI-II). There is evidence for high clinical utility
      of SkPTBS. A revised version was developed.

PMID- 27685256
TI  - [Psychosocial Distress at Different Time Intervals after Burn Injury].
AB  - Burn injuries can result in long-term mental and physical health problems. We
      investigated if patients at different time periods since the burn injury differed
      with regard to psychosocial impairment. Patients who were treated as inpatients
      because of burn injury between 2006 and 2012 were asked about quality of life
      (Burn Specific Health Scale - Brief; BSHS-B), anxiety and depression (Hospital
      Anxiety and Depression Scale - Deutsche Version; HADS-D), posttraumatic stress
      disorder (Impact of Event Scale - Revised; IES-R), stigmatization (Perceived
      Stigmatization Questionnaire; PSQ) and social support (Fragebogen zur sozialen
      Unterstutzung; F-SozU-7). The sample (146 patients) was divided into 4 groups
      according to the time period elapsed since the burn injury. There were no
      significant differences in psychosocial distress between the 4 groups. The same
      applied to sociodemographic and burn specific variables. 18 (12.4%) patients had
      the cutoff of >=11 for anxiety and 22 (15.2%) for depression on the HADS; 16
      (11.1%) patients screened positive for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). No
      differences were found for current psycho(pharmaco)therapy and the wish for
      psychotherapy. The results suggest persistence of psychosocial burden over time
      after burn injury. Psychosocial interventions might thus be indicated even many
      years after burn injuries.

PMID- 27685258
TI  - A Push-pull Protocol to Reduce Colonization of Bird Nest Boxes by Honey Bees.
AB  - Introduction of the invasive Africanized honey bee (AHB) into the Neotropics is a
      serious problem for many cavity nesting birds, specifically parrots. These bees
      select cavities that are suitable nest sites for birds, resulting in competition.
      The difficulty of removing bees and their defensive behavior makes a prevention
      protocol necessary. Here, we describe a push-pull integrated pest management
      protocol to deter bees from inhabiting bird boxes by applying a bird safe
      insecticide, permethrin, to repel bees from nest boxes, while simultaneously
      attracting them to pheromone-baited swarm traps. Shown here is an example
      experiment using Barn Owl nest boxes. This protocol successfully reduced
      colonization of Barn Owl nest boxes by Africanized honey bees. This protocol is
      flexible, allowing adjustments to accommodate a wide range of bird species and
      habitats. This protocol could benefit conservation efforts where AHB are located.

PMID- 27685257
TI  - Moderate Hypothermia Provides Better Protection of the Intestinal Barrier than
      Deep Hypothermia during Circulatory Arrest in a Piglet Model: A Microdialysis
      Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to assess the effects of different temperature
      settings of hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA) on intestinal barrier function
      in a piglet model. METHODS: Twenty Wuzhishan piglets were randomly assigned to 40
      min of HCA at 18 degrees C (DHCA group, n = 5), 40 min of HCA at 24 degrees C
      (MHCA group, n = 5), normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB group, n = 5) or
      sham operation (SO group, n = 5). Serum D-lactate (SDL) and lipopolysaccharide
      (LPS) levels were determined. Microdialysis parameters (glucose, lactate,
      pyruvate and glycerol) in the intestinal dialysate were measured. After 180 min
      of reperfusion, intestinal samples were harvested for real-time polymerase chain
      reaction and western blotting measurements for E-cadherin and Claudin-1. RESULTS:
      Higher levels of SDL and LPS were detected in the DHCA group than in the MHCA
      group (P < 0.001). Both MHCA and DHCA groups exhibited lower glucose levels,
      higher lactate and glycerol levels and a higher lactate to pyruvate (L/P) ratio
      compared with the CPB group (p<0.05); the DHCA group had higher lactate and
      glycerol levels and a higher L/P ratio (p<0.05) but similar glucose levels
      compared to the MHCA group. No significant differences in E-cadherin mRNA or
      protein levels were noted. Upregulation of claudin-1 mRNA levels was detected in
      both the DHCA and MHCA animals' intestines (P < 0.01), but only the DHCA group
      exhibited a decrease in claudin-1 protein expression (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: HCA
      altered the energy metabolism and expression of epithelial junctions in the
      intestine. Moderate hypothermia (24 degrees C) was less detrimental to the
      markers of normal functioning of the intestinal barrier than deep hypothermia (18
      degrees C).

PMID- 27685260
TI  - Genomic Regions Associated With Interspecies Communication in Dogs Contain Genes
      Related to Human Social Disorders.
AB  - Unlike their wolf ancestors, dogs have unique social skills for communicating and
      cooperating with humans. Previously, significant heritabilities for human
      directed social behaviors have been found in laboratory beagles. Here, a Genome
      Wide Association Study identified two genomic regions associated with dog's human
      directed social behaviors. We recorded the propensity of laboratory beagles,
      bred, kept and handled under standardized conditions, to initiate physical
      interactions with a human during an unsolvable problem-task, and 190 individuals
      were genotyped with an HD Canine SNP-chip. One genetic marker on chromosome 26
      within the SEZ6L gene was significantly associated with time spent close to, and
      in physical contact with, the human. Two suggestive markers on chromosome 26,
      located within the ARVCF gene, were also associated with human contact seeking.
      Strikingly, four additional genes present in the same linkage blocks affect
      social abilities in humans, e.g., SEZ6L has been associated with autism and COMT
      affects aggression in adolescents with ADHD. This is, to our knowledge, the first
      genome-wide study presenting candidate genomic regions for dog sociability and
      inter-species communication. These results advance our understanding of dog
      domestication and raise the use of the dog as a novel model system for human
      social disorders.

PMID- 27685263
TI  - Biliary/Pancreas.

PMID- 27685261
TI  - Somalia: A Nation at the Crossroads of Extreme Poverty, Conflict, and Neglected
      Tropical Diseases.

PMID- 27685259
TI  - Multi-Center Evaluation of the Fully Automated PCR-Based IdyllaTM KRAS Mutation
      Assay for Rapid KRAS Mutation Status Determination on Formalin-Fixed Paraffin
      Embedded Tissue of Human Colorectal Cancer.
AB  - Since the advent of monoclonal antibodies against epidermal growth factor
      receptor (EGFR) in colorectal cancer therapy, the determination of RAS mutational
      status is needed for therapeutic decision-making. Most prevalent in colorectal
      cancer are KRAS exon 2 mutations (40% prevalence); lower prevalence is observed
      for KRAS exon 3 and 4 mutations (6%) and NRAS exon 2, 3, and 4 mutations (5%).
      The IdyllaTM KRAS Mutation Test on the molecular diagnostics IdyllaTM platform is
      a simple (<2 minutes hands-on time), highly reliable, and rapid (approximately 2
      hours turnaround time) in vitro diagnostic sample-to-result solution. This test
      enables qualitative detection of 21 mutations in codons 12, 13, 59, 61, 117, and
      146 of the KRAS oncogene being clinically relevant according to the latest
      clinical guidelines. Here, the performance of the IdyllaTM KRAS Mutation Assay,
      for Research Use Only, was assessed on archived formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded
      (FFPE) tissue sections by comparing its results with the results previously
      obtained by routine reference approaches for KRAS genotyping. In case of
      discordance, samples were assessed further by additional methods. Among the 374
      colorectal cancer FFPE samples tested, the overall concordance between the
      IdyllaTM KRAS Mutation Assay and the confirmed reference routine test results was
      found to be 98.9%. The IdyllaTM KRAS Mutation Assay enabled detection of 5
      additional KRAS-mutated samples not detected previously with reference methods.
      As conclusion the IdyllaTM KRAS Mutation Test can be applied as routine tool in
      any clinical setting, without needing molecular infrastructure or expertise, to
      guide the personalized treatment of colorectal cancer patients.

PMID- 27685264
TI  - Colorectal Cancer Prevention.

PMID- 27685265
TI  - Clinical Vignettes/Case Reports - Stomach.

PMID- 27685262
TI  - Specific Endocytosis Blockade of Trypanosoma cruzi Exposed to a Poly-LAcNAc
      Binding Lectin Suggests that Lectin-Sugar Interactions Participate to Receptor
      Mediated Endocytosis.
AB  - Trypanosoma cruzi is a protozoan parasite transmitted by a triatomine insect, and
      causing human Chagas disease in South America. This parasite undergoes a complex
      life cycle alternating between non-proliferative and dividing forms. Owing to
      their high energy requirement, replicative epimastigotes of the insect midgut
      display high endocytic activity. This activity is mainly restricted to the
      cytostome, by which the cargo is taken up and sorted through the endosomal
      vesicular network to be delivered to reservosomes, the final lysosomal-like
      compartments. In African trypanosomes tomato lectin (TL) and ricin, respectively
      specific to poly-N-acetyllactosamine (poly-LacNAc) and beta-D-galactose, allowed
      the identification of giant chains of poly-LacNAc in N-glycoproteins of the
      endocytic pathway. We show that in T. cruzi epimastigote forms also,
      glycoproteins of the endocytic pathway are characterized by the presence of N
      linked glycans binding to both ricin and TL. Affinity chromatography using both
      TL and Griffonia simplicifolia lectin II (GSLII), specific to non-reducing
      terminal residue of N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), led to an enrichment of
      glycoproteins of the trypanosomal endocytic pathway. Incubation of live parasites
      with TL, which selectively bound to the cytostome/cytopharynx, specifically
      inhibited endocytosis of transferrin (Tf) but not dextran, a marker of fluid
      endocytosis. Taken together, our data suggest that N-glycan modification of
      endocytic components plays a crucial role in receptor-mediated endocytosis of T.
      cruzi.

PMID- 27685268
TI  - Submitted, Not Presented: Biliary/Pancreas.

PMID- 27685269
TI  - Submitted, Not Presented: Colon.

PMID- 27685271
TI  - Submitted, Not Presented: Endoscopy.

PMID- 27685270
TI  - Submitted, Not Presented: Colorectal Cancer Prevention.

PMID- 27685272
TI  - Submitted, Not Presented: Endoscopy Video Forum.

PMID- 27685273
TI  - Submitted, Not Presented: Esophagus.

PMID- 27685274
TI  - Submitted, Not Presented: Functional Bowel Disease.

PMID- 27685275
TI  - Submitted, Not Presented: Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

PMID- 27685276
TI  - Submitted, Not Presented: Liver.

PMID- 27685277
TI  - Submitted, Not Presented: Outcomes Research.

PMID- 27685278
TI  - Submitted, Not Presented: Pediatrics.

PMID- 27685279
TI  - Submitted, Not Presented: Small Intestine/Unclassified.

PMID- 27685280
TI  - Submitted, Not Presented: Stomach.

PMID- 27685281
TI  - Submitted, Not Presented: Clinical Vignettes/Case Reports - Biliary/Pancreas.

PMID- 27685282
TI  - Submitted, Not Presented: Clinical Vignettes/Case Reports - Colon.

PMID- 27685283
TI  - Submitted, Not Presented: Clinical Vignettes/Case Reports - Colorectal Cancer
      Prevention.

PMID- 27685284
TI  - Submitted, Not Presented: Clinical Vignettes/Case Reports - Endoscopy.

PMID- 27685285
TI  - Submitted, Not Presented: Clinical Vignettes/Case Reports - Esophagus.

PMID- 27685286
TI  - Submitted, Not Presented: Clinical Vignettes/Case Reports - Functional Bowel
      Disease.

PMID- 27685287
TI  - Submitted, Not Presented: Clinical Vignettes/Case Reports - Inflammatory Bowel
      Disease.

PMID- 27685288
TI  - Submitted, Not Presented: Clinical Vignettes/Case Reports - Liver.

PMID- 27685289
TI  - Submitted, Not Presented: Clinical Vignettes/Case Reports - Pediatrics.

PMID- 27685290
TI  - Submitted, Not Presented: Clinical Vignettes/Case Reports - Small
      Intestine/Unclassified.

PMID- 27685291
TI  - Submitted, Not Presented: Clinical Vignettes/Case Reports - Stomach.

PMID- 27685292
TI  - Endoscopy.

PMID- 27685293
TI  - Endoscopy Video Forum.

PMID- 27685294
TI  - Esophagus.

PMID- 27685297
TI  - Liver.

PMID- 27685295
TI  - Functional Bowel Disease.

PMID- 27685296
TI  - Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

PMID- 27685298
TI  - Outcomes Research.

PMID- 27685299
TI  - Pediatrics.

PMID- 27685300
TI  - Small Intestine/Unclassified.

PMID- 27685301
TI  - Stomach.

PMID- 27685302
TI  - Clinical Vignettes/Case Reports - Biliary/Pancreas.

PMID- 27685303
TI  - Colon.

PMID- 27685304
TI  - Clinical Vignettes/Case Reports - Colon.

PMID- 27685305
TI  - Clinical Vignettes/Case Reports - Colorectal Cancer Prevention.

PMID- 27685306
TI  - Clinical Vignettes/Case Reports - Endoscopy.

PMID- 27685308
TI  - Clinical Vignettes/Case Reports - Functional Bowel Disease.

PMID- 27685307
TI  - Clinical Vignettes/Case Reports - Esophagus.

PMID- 27685310
TI  - Clinical Vignettes/Case Reports - Liver.

PMID- 27685309
TI  - Clinical Vignettes/Case Reports - Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

PMID- 27685311
TI  - Clinical Vignettes/Case Reports - Outcomes Research.

PMID- 27685312
TI  - Clinical Vignettes/Case Reports - Pediatrics.

PMID- 27685313
TI  - Clinical Vignettes/Case Reports - Small Intestine/Unclassified.

PMID- 27685315
TI  - Pharmacologic maintenance strategies following allogeneic hematopoietic cell
      transplantation for acute myeloid leukemia.
AB  - The use of pharmacologic agents to maintain remission following allogeneic
      hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is a topic of increasing interest and
      exploration for patients with high-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This review
      details published and ongoing studies focused on post-transplant pharmacologic
      maintenance for AML. While early phase studies have demonstrated the safety and
      tolerability of various maintenance approaches following HCT, the results of
      several ongoing randomized prospective studies will be required to determine the
      clinical efficacy needed to expand this approach from experimental to standard of
      care.

PMID- 27685314
TI  - Effect of an Antibacterial Monomer on the Antibacterial Activity of a Pit-and
      Fissure Sealant.
AB  - Resin-based pit-and-fissure sealants are often used to form a barrier on the
      occlusal surface of molars to treat caries lesions; however, bacteria can remain
      in the pit and fissures without detection, increasing the risk of secondary
      caries. Sealants with antimicrobial properties or microbial repellent actions
      might be advantageous. The aim of this study was to assess the inhibitory effect
      of a 2-methacryloxylethyl dodecyl methyl ammonium bromide (MAE-DB)-incorporated
      sealant against Streptococcus mutans. MAE-DB (4% wt) was incorporated into a
      commercially available sealant, Eco-S resin-based pit-and-fissure sealant
      (Vericom Co., Ltd., Korea); a sealant without MAE-DB served as a negative
      control, and ClinproTM Sealant (3MTM ESPETM), a fluoride-releasing resin, was
      used as a commercial control. The effects of the cured sealants and their eluents
      on the growth of S. mutans were determined according to colony-forming unit
      counts and metabolic tests. The effects of the cured sealants on the adherence
      and membrane integrity of S. mutans were investigated using confocal laser
      scanning microscopy (CLSM) in conjunction with fluorescent indicators. Compared
      with the negative control and commercial control, the cured MAE-DB-incorporated
      pit-and-fissure sealant exhibited a significant inhibitory effect on the growth
      of S. mutans (P < 0.05), whereas the eluents did not show any detectable
      antibacterial activity. The commercial control also showed no detectable
      bactericidal activity. Moreover, the aged experimental material retained its
      property of contact inhibition of biofilm formation. The fluorescence analysis of
      CLSM images demonstrated that the cured MAE-DB-incorporated sealant could hamper
      the adherence of S. mutans and exert a detrimental effect on bacterial membrane
      integrity. The incorporation of MAE-DB can render a pit-and-fissure sealant with
      contact antibacterial activity after polymerization via influencing the growth,
      adherence, and membrane integrity of S. mutans. Therefore, MAE-DB-containing pit
      and-fissure sealant shows promise for preventing or controlling dental caries on
      occlusal pit and fissures of molars.

PMID- 27685316
TI  - Long-Term Storage at -80 degrees C: Effect on Rate of Recovery of Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis From Direct Acid-Fast Bacilli Smear-Positive Sputum Samples.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the difference in the rate of
      recovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) from routinely cultured sputum and
      long-term stored sputum specimens (at -80 degrees C) using Lowenstein-Jensen (LJ)
      media, Mycobacterium Growth Indicator Tube (BBL MGIT(TM) ), and Middlebrook 7H11
      (MB 7H11) agar. METHODS: Direct acid-fast bacilli smear-positive sputum specimens
      (both before and after storage [n = 136]) were studied (after culturing on LJ
      media, BBL MGIT(TM) , and MB 7H11 agar) and the performances were compared.
      RESULTS: For the detection of MTB, BBL MGIT(TM) and MB 7H11 agar (before storage)
      demonstrated a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) of
      98.28%, 30.77%, 92.68%, 66.67%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 97.41%,
      30.77%, 92.62%, 57.14%, respectively, when compared to LJ media (before storage).
      Similarly, BBL MGIT(TM) and MB 7H11 agar (after storage) demonstrated a
      sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 95.5%, 38.89%, 90.6%, 58.33%, and
      95.5%, 66.67 %, 94.64%, 70.59%, respectively, when compared to LJ media (after
      storage) for the detection of MTB. CONCLUSION: None of the culture techniques
      independently (both before and after storage) detected growth of MTB from all the
      sputum specimens studied. However, BBL MGIT(TM) system and LJ media combination
      (both before and after storage) effectively detected the growth of MTB from
      sputum specimens when compared to other culture technique combinations.

PMID- 27685317
TI  - Problem formulation for risk assessment of combined exposures to chemicals and
      other stressors in humans.
AB  - When the human health risk assessment/risk management paradigm was developed, it
      did not explicitly include a "problem formulation" phase. The concept of problem
      formulation was first introduced in the context of ecological risk assessment
      (ERA) for the pragmatic reason to constrain and focus ERAs on the key questions.
      However, this need also exists for human health risk assessment, particularly for
      cumulative risk assessment (CRA), because of its complexity. CRA encompasses the
      combined threats to health from exposure via all relevant routes to multiple
      stressors, including biological, chemical, physical and psychosocial stressors.
      As part of the HESI Risk Assessment in the 21st Century (RISK21) Project, a
      framework for CRA was developed in which problem formulation plays a critical
      role. The focus of this effort is primarily on a chemical CRA (i.e., two or more
      chemicals) with subsequent consideration of non-chemical stressors, defined as
      "modulating factors" (ModFs). Problem formulation is a systematic approach that
      identifies all factors critical to a specific risk assessment and considers the
      purpose of the assessment, scope and depth of the necessary analysis, analytical
      approach, available resources and outcomes, and overall risk management goal.
      There are numerous considerations that are specific to multiple stressors, and
      proper problem formulation can help to focus a CRA to the key factors in order to
      optimize resources. As part of the problem formulation, conceptual models for
      exposures and responses can be developed that address these factors, such as
      temporal relationships between stressors and consideration of the appropriate
      ModFs.

PMID- 27685318
TI  - Diphosphine-Protected Au22 Nanoclusters on Oxide Supports Are Active for Gas
      Phase Catalysis without Ligand Removal.
AB  - Investigation of atomically precise Au nanoclusters provides a route to
      understand the roles of coordination, size, and ligand effects on Au catalysis.
      Herein, we explored the catalytic behavior of a newly synthesized Au22(L8)6
      nanocluster (L = 1,8-bis(diphenylphosphino) octane) with in situ uncoordinated Au
      sites supported on TiO2, CeO2, and Al2O3. Stability of the supported Au22
      nanoclusters was probed structurally by in situ extended X-ray absorption fine
      structure (EXAFS) and high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission
      electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM), and their ability to adsorb and oxidize CO was
      investigated by IR absorption spectroscopy and a temperature-programmed flow
      reaction. Low-temperature CO oxidation activity was observed for the supported
      pristine Au22(L8)6 nanoclusters without ligand removal. Density functional theory
      (DFT) calculations confirmed that the eight uncoordinated Au sites in the intact
      Au22(L8)6 nanoclusters can chemisorb both CO and O2. Use of isotopically labeled
      O2 demonstrated that the reaction pathway occurs mainly through a redox
      mechanism, consistent with the observed support-dependent activity trend of CeO2
      > TiO2 > Al2O3. We conclude that the uncoordinated Au sites in the intact
      Au22(L8)6 nanoclusters are capable of adsorbing CO, activating O2, and catalyzing
      CO oxidation reaction. This work is the first clear demonstration of a ligand
      protected intact Au nanocluster that is active for gas-phase catalysis without
      the need of ligand removal.

PMID- 27685319
TI  - Achieving competencies in family medicine through continuing professional
      development.

PMID- 27685321
TI  - Couples coping with cardiovascular disease: A systematic review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for both
      men and women. Its potential ramifications on all aspects of life, for patients
      and partners, are just beginning to be understood. Although research has focused
      on the individual who has received the diagnosis, relatively little is known
      about how couples manage CVD. This article presents a systematic review of
      literature that focuses on how couples cope with one partner's CVD diagnosis. A
      systematic review is warranted to orient practitioners, policy makers, and
      researchers to the state of existing knowledge and its gaps and to identify what
      still needs to be done. METHOD: Data were extracted from 25 peer-reviewed
      articles that met our inclusion criteria. Content examined included theory
      integration, coping constructs and instruments, samples, analyses, and findings.
      RESULTS: Most articles successfully integrated theory in the studies' respective
      conceptualizations and designs. Most used valid and reliable instruments to
      measure coping. Principal limitations included problematic sampling strategies
      and analysis techniques, thereby limiting external validity. DISCUSSION:
      Principal implications of this review's findings relate to our fields' need to
      provide more care focused on dyads (vs. individual patients), adopt an integrated
      model in health care, and conduct systemic, longitudinal research to gain a
      better grasp on how coping changes over time. Doing so will serve to better equip
      providers in the support of patients and partners living with CVD. (PsycINFO
      Database Record

PMID- 27685320
TI  - Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship Models for the Antioxidant Activity
      of Polysaccharides.
AB  - In this study, quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) models for the
      antioxidant activity of polysaccharides were developed with 50% effective
      concentration (EC50) as the dependent variable. To establish optimum QSAR models,
      multiple linear regressions (MLR), support vector machines (SVM) and artificial
      neural networks (ANN) were used, and 11 molecular descriptors were selected. The
      optimum QSAR model for predicting EC50 of DPPH-scavenging activity consisted of
      four major descriptors. MLR model gave EC50 = 0.033Ara-0.041GalA-0.03GlcA
      0.025PC+0.484, and MLR fitted the training set with R = 0.807. ANN model gave the
      improvement of training set (R = 0.96, RMSE = 0.018) and test set (R = 0.933,
      RMSE = 0.055) which indicated that it was more accurately than SVM and MLR models
      for predicting the DPPH-scavenging activity of polysaccharides. 67 compounds were
      used for predicting EC50 of the hydroxyl radicals scavenging activity of
      polysaccharides. MLR model gave EC50 = 0.12PC+0.083Fuc+0.013Rha-0.02UA+0.372. A
      comparison of results from models indicated that ANN model (R = 0.944, RMSE =
      0.119) was also the best one for predicting the hydroxyl radicals scavenging
      activity of polysaccharides. MLR and ANN models showed that Ara and GalA appeared
      critical in determining EC50 of DPPH-scavenging activity, and Fuc, Rha, uronic
      acid and protein content had a great effect on the hydroxyl radicals scavenging
      activity of polysaccharides. The antioxidant activity of polysaccharide usually
      was high in MW range of 4000-100000, and the antioxidant activity could be
      affected simultaneously by other polysaccharide properties, such as uronic acid
      and Ara.

PMID- 27685322
TI  - Deficits awareness in persons with mild cognitive impairment and family care
      partners.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: An emerging perspective of dyadic coping with chronic illness
      argues that concordance in the appraisal of illness is crucial for collaborative
      attempts at seeking information, making treatment decisions, and planning for
      long-term management of the illness and psychological and physical adjustments of
      both the care provider and care recipient. The present study examined whether
      persons with mild cognitive impairment (PwMCIs) and their family care partners
      (CPs) exhibited concordance in their awareness of deficits in the PwMCIs.
      Furthermore, this study explored the differences in concordance based on the
      relationship of the informant to the PwMCI, specifically spouse CP (SCP) versus
      adult child CP (ACCP). METHOD: PwMCI-SCP pairs (n = 55) and PwMCI-ACCP (n = 14)
      pairs provided reports on their awareness of PwMCI's functional and cognitive
      deficits. CPs also reported their knowledge about dementia. RESULTS: SCPs, but
      not ACCPs, reported greater deficits in everyday activity than PwMCIs' self
      reports. Additionally, compared to SCPs, ACCPs had more accurate knowledge about
      dementia, and their perception of PwMCI deficits corresponded more closely to
      PwMCI's self-perception. DISCUSSION: These findings demonstrate that concordance
      in awareness of PwMCI deficits varies across functional and cognitive areas and
      types of dyads. The results also highlight the importance of mild cognitive
      impairment-related education and support programs for care dyads to strengthen
      concordance, which is likely an important underpinning for effective coping as
      the illness progresses. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27685323
TI  - Antibody Labeling with Fluorescent Dyes Using Magnetic Protein A and Protein G
      Beads.
AB  - Antibodies labeled with small molecules like fluorescent dyes, cytotoxic drugs,
      and radioactive tracers are essential tools in biomedical research,
      immunodiagnostics and more recently as therapeutic agents. Traditional methods
      for labeling antibodies with small molecules require purified antibodies at
      relatively high concentration, involve multiple dialysis steps and have limited
      throughput. However, several applications, including the field of Antibody Drug
      Conjugates (ADCs), will benefit from new methods that will allow labeling of
      antibodies directly from cell media. Such methods may allow antibodies to be
      screened in biologically relevant assays, for example, the receptor-mediated
      antibody internalization assay in the case of ADCs. Here, we describe a method
      (on-bead method) that enables labeling of small amounts of antibodies directly
      from cell media. This approach utilizes high capacity magnetic Protein A and
      Protein G affinity beads to capture antibodies from the cell media followed by
      labeling with small molecules using either amine or thiol chemistry and
      subsequent elution of the labeled antibodies. Taking fluorescent dyes as
      surrogates for small molecules, we demonstrate the on-bead labeling of three
      different mouse antibodies directly from cell media using both amine and thiol
      labeling chemistry. The high binding affinity of antibodies to Protein A and
      Protein G ensures high recoveries as well as high purity of the labeled
      antibodies. In addition, use of magnetic beads allows multiple samples to be
      handled manually, thereby significantly improving labeling throughput.

PMID- 27685324
TI  - Enzymatic activity of cell-free extracts from Burkholderia oxyphila OX-01 bio
      converts (+)-catechin and (-)-epicatechin to (+)-taxifolin.
AB  - This study characterized the enzymatic ability of a cell-free extract from an
      acidophilic (+)-catechin degrader Burkholderia oxyphila (OX-01). The crude OX-01
      extracts were able to transform (+)-catechin and (-)-epicatechin into (+)
      taxifolin via a leucocyanidin intermediate in a two-step oxidation. Enzymatic
      oxidation at the C-4 position was carried out anaerobically using H2O as an
      oxygen donor. The C-4 oxidation occurred only in the presence of the 2R-catechin
      stereoisomer, with the C-3 stereoisomer not affecting the reaction. These results
      suggest that the OX-01 may have evolved to target both (+)-catechin and (-)
      epicatechin, which are major structural units in plants.

PMID- 27685325
TI  - Associations of Novel and Traditional Vascular Biomarkers of Arterial Stiffness:
      Results of the SAPALDIA 3 Cohort Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There is a lack of evidence concerning associations
      between novel parameters of arterial stiffness as cardiovascular risk markers and
      traditional structural and functional vascular biomarkers in a population-based
      Caucasian cohort. We examined these associations in the second follow-up of the
      Swiss Cohort Study on Air Pollution and Lung and Heart Diseases in Adults
      (SAPALDIA 3). METHODS: Arterial stiffness was measured oscillometrically by pulse
      wave analysis to derive the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), brachial-ankle
      (baPWV) and aortic pulse wave velocity (aPWV), and amplitude of the forward and
      backward wave. Carotid ultrasonography was used to measure carotid intima-media
      thickness (cIMT) and carotid lumen diameter (LD), and to derive a distensibility
      coefficient (DC). We used multivariable linear regression models adjusted for
      several potential confounders for 2,733 people aged 50-81 years. RESULTS: CAVI,
      aPWV and the amplitude of the forward and backward wave were significant
      predictors of cIMT (p < 0.001). All parameters were significantly associated with
      LD (p < 0.001), with aPWV and the amplitude of the forward wave explaining the
      highest proportion of variance (2%). Only CAVI and baPWV were significant
      predictors of DC (p < 0.001), explaining more than 0.3% of the DC variance.
      CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that novel non-invasive oscillometric arterial
      stiffness parameters are differentially associated with specific established
      structural and functional local stiffness parameters. Longitudinal studies are
      needed to follow-up on these cross-sectional findings and to evaluate their
      relevance for clinical phenotypes.

PMID- 27685327
TI  - Zirconium-Catalyzed Asymmetric Carboalumination of Unactivated Terminal Alkenes.
AB  - Carbometalation of alkenes with stereocontrol offers an important opportunity for
      asymmetric C-C bond formation. However, the scope of catalytic stereoselective
      carbometalation of alkenes had until recently been limited to electronically
      biased alkenes or those with the presence of directing groups or other auxiliary
      functionalities to overcome the challenge associated with regio- and
      stereoselectivity. Catalytic asymmetric carbometalation of unactivated alkenes on
      the other hand remained as a formidable challenge. To address this long-standing
      problem, we sought to develop Zr-catalyzed asymmetric carboalumination of alkenes
      (namely, ZACA reaction) encouraged by our discovery of Zr-catalyzed alkyne
      carboalumination in 1978. Zr-catalyzed methylalumination of alkynes (ZMA) shows
      high regioselectivity and nearly perfect stereoselectivity. Its mechanistic
      studies have revealed that the ZMA reaction involves acyclic carbometalation with
      "superacidic" bimetallic reagents generated by interaction between two Lewis
      acids, i.e., alkylalanes and 16-electron zirconocene derivatives through dynamic
      polarization and ate complexation, affectionately termed as the "two-is-better
      than-one" principle. With the encouraging results of Zr-catalyzed
      carboalumination of alkynes in hand, we sought to develop its alkene version for
      discovering a catalytic asymmetric C-C bond-forming reaction by using alkylalanes
      and suitable chiral zirconocene derivatives, which would generate "superacidic"
      bimetallic species to promote the desired carbometalation of alkenes. However,
      this proved to be quite challenging. Three major competing side reactions occur,
      i.e., (i) beta-H transfer hydrometalation, (ii) bimetallic cyclic
      carbometalation, and (iii) Ziegler-Natta polymerization. The ZACA reaction was
      finally discovered by employing Erker's (-)-(NMI)2ZrCl2 as the catalyst and
      chlorinated hydrocarbon as solvent to suppress the undesired side reactions
      mentioned above. The ZACA reaction has evolved as a powerful tool for the
      efficient preparation of a wide range of chiral natural products through the
      following methodological developments: (1) three mutually complementary protocols
      for methyl-branched chiral alkanols; (2) water, MAO, and IBAO as promoters to
      accelerate otherwise sluggish carboaluminations; (3) one-step homologation
      synthesis of deoxypropionates based on one-pot ZACA-Pd-catalyzed vinylation
      tandem process; (4) ZACA-lipase-catalyzed acetylation-transition-metal-catalyzed
      cross-coupling processes for preparing various virtually enantiopure chiral
      alcohols; (5) the chemoselective ZMA and ZACA reactions as well as alkyne
      elementometalation-Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling for constructing a variety of
      chiral compounds containing regio- and stereodefined substituted alkenes; (6) the
      ZACA reaction of dienes to generate chiral organocyclic compounds including those
      with all-carbon quaternary stereocenters.

PMID- 27685326
TI  - Association of MicroRNA-149 Polymorphism with Lung Cancer Risk in Chinese Non
      Smoking Female: A Case-Control Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Rs2292832 is a single nucleotide polymorphism located in the
      precursor of mir-149 and was reported to be associated with varieties of
      malignancies. So far, the effect of miR-149 rs2292832 polymorphism on lung cancer
      risk was unclear. In addition, cooking oil fume exposure was demonstrated to be
      an important environmental risk factor in Chinese female. The aim of the present
      study was to evaluate the associations of rs2292832 polymorphism, cooking oil
      fume exposure and multiplicative interaction of cooking oil fume exposure and
      rs2292832 polymorphism with lung cancer risk in Chinese non-smoking female
      population. METHODS: The present study was a hospital-based case-control study
      conducted in Chinese non-smoking females. 555 lung cancer patients and 395 cancer
      free controls were interviewed to collect demographic data and exposure status of
      environmental risk factors, and then donate 10 ml venous blood which was used to
      be genotyped by Taqman allelic discrimination method. The statistical analyses
      were performed on SPSS 13.0 software. RESULTS: The association between miR-149
      rs2292832 polymorphism and risk of lung cancer(TC vs. TT: OR = 1.006, 95%CI =
      0.767-1.321, P = 0.963; CC vs. TT: OR = 0.41, 95%CI = 0.532-1.329, P = 0.458;
      Dominant model: OR = 0.965, 95%CI = 0.745-1.251, P = 0.788; Recessive model: OR =
      0.816, 95%CI = 0.528-1.259, P = 0.357, adjusted for age), non-small cell lung
      cancer(TC vs. TT: OR = 1.006, 95%CI = 0.767-1.321, P = 0.963; CC vs. TT: OR =
      0.841, 95%CI = 0.532-1.329, P = 0.458, adjusted for age), lung adenocarcinoma(TC
      vs. TT: OR = 0.944, 95%CI = 0.700-1.273, P = 0.707; CC vs. TT: OR = 0.801, 95%CI
      = 0.485-1.323, P = 0.386, adjusted for age) and squamous cell carcinoma(TC vs.
      TT: OR = 1.025, 95%CI = 0.641-1.638, P = 0.919; CC vs. TT: OR = 0.792, 95%CI =
      0.346-1.813, P = 0.581, adjusted for age) were all not statistically significant.
      Result of Logistic regression showed that the multiplicative interaction of
      cooking oil fume exposure and rs2292832 polymorphism was not statistically
      significant (P = 0.063 for lung cancer and P = 0.064 for lung adenocarcinoma).
      CONCLUSION: MicroRNA-149 rs2292832 polymorphism may not be associated with lung
      cancer risk in Chinese non-smoking female.

PMID- 27685329
TI  - Intravascular Delivery of Biologics to the Rat Kidney.
AB  - The renal microvascular compartment plays an important role in the progression of
      kidney disease and hypertension, leading to the development of End Stage Renal
      Disease with high risk of death for cardiovascular events. Moreover, recent
      clinical studies have shown that renovascular structure and function may have a
      great impact on functional renal recovery after surgery. Here, we describe a
      protocol for the delivery of drugs into the renal artery of rats. This procedure
      offers significant advantages over the frequently used systemic administration as
      it may allow a more localized therapeutic effect. In addition, the use of rodents
      in pharmacodynamic analysis of preclinical studies may be cost effective, paving
      the way for the design of translational experiments in larger animal models.
      Using this technique, infusion of rat recombinant Vascular Endothelial Growth
      Factor (VEGF) protein in rats has induced activation of VEGF signaling as shown
      by increased expression of FLK1, pAKT/AKT, pERK/ERK. In summary, we established a
      protocol for the intrarenal delivery of drugs in rats, which is simple and highly
      reproducible.

PMID- 27685330
TI  - Associations between an Invasive Plant (Taeniatherum caput-medusae, Medusahead)
      and Soil Microbial Communities.
AB  - Understanding plant-microbe relationships can be important for developing
      management strategies for invasive plants, particularly when these relationships
      interact with underlying variables, such as habitat type and seedbank density, to
      mediate control efforts. In a field study located in California, USA, we
      investigated how soil microbial communities differ across the invasion front of
      Taeniatherum caput-medusae (medusahead), an annual grass that has rapidly invaded
      most of the western USA. Plots were installed in habitats where medusahead
      invasion is typically successful (open grassland) and typically not successful
      (oak woodland). Medusahead was seeded into plots at a range of densities (from 0
      50,000 seeds/m2) to simulate different levels of invasion. We found that
      bacterial and fungal soil community composition were significantly different
      between oak woodland and open grassland habitats. Specifically, ectomycorrhizal
      fungi were more abundant in oak woodlands while arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and
      plant pathogens were more abundant in open grasslands. We did not find a direct
      effect of medusahead density on soil microbial communities across the simulated
      invasion front two seasons after medusahead were seeded into plots. Our results
      suggest that future medusahead management initiatives might consider plant
      microbe interactions.

PMID- 27685331
TI  - Pain severity reduction in subjects with knee osteoarthritis decreases motor
      cognitive dual-task costs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pain has disruptive effects on cognitive functions leading to a
      decreased capability to multi task. This might be the reason why pain is a fall
      risk factor in dual-task situations. This study aims to relate a
      decrease/increase in pain severity with a decrease/increase in dual-task costs of
      gait variability, which is associated with fall risk, in patients with
      osteoarthritis prior to and 6-8weeks after total knee replacement. METHODS: We
      assessed the variability of minimum toe clearance in normal walking and dual-task
      walking in 36 patients (14 male and 22 female participants; age=mean 64.4, SD
      (9.2) years) with knee osteoarthritis one day before total knee replacement and
      again 6-8weeks after the operation. We assessed pain severity with the Brief Pain
      Inventory. Dual-task costs were calculated as the percentage change of gait
      variability from single-task walking to dual-task walking. We subtracted the post
      test values from the pre-test values of both outcomes to get absolute changes. We
      calculated the correlation using Kendall's Tau. FINDINGS: Subjects with a high
      difference of pain severity were more likely to have higher differences of dual
      task costs of gait variability (rtau=0.416, p=0.000). INTERPRETATION: Our data
      suggest that a reduction of pain severity goes along with a reduction in dual
      task costs. This indicates that pain might have substantial influence on fall
      risk in daily-life multi-task situations due to its detrimental effects on
      cognitive processes which may be adequately addressable by interventions that
      alleviate pain.

PMID- 27685332
TI  - Determinants and Time Trends for Ischaemic and Haemorrhagic Stroke in a Large
      Chinese Population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The clinical epidemiology of stroke has been widely investigated in
      Caucasian populations, but the changes over time in the proportion of ischaemic
      to haemorrhagic strokes is less clear, especially in the Chinese population.
      AIMS: Our objective was to study the determinants and time trends for ischaemic
      and haemorrhagic stroke, in relation to age, in a large Chinese population
      cohort. METHODS: Using a medical insurance database in the southwest of China
      from 2001 to 2012, time trends in age-adjusted ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke
      incidence and the contributing risk factors associated with age were
      investigated. RESULTS: Among 425,901 individuals without prior stroke (52.4%
      male, median age 54), the rate of ischaemic stroke (per 1000 patient-years)
      decreased between 2002-2007, then remained broadly similar between 2008-2012. The
      rate of haemorrhagic stroke showed a similar trend, being approximately 1.3-1.9
      from 2008-2012. Compared to patients age<65, ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke
      incidences (rate, 95% confidential interval, CI) were higher in the elderly
      population (age <65 versus age >=65: ischaemic: 3.64, 3.33-4.00, vs 14.33, 14.01
      14.60; haemorrhagic: 1.09, 1.00-1.10 vs 2.52,2.40-2.70, respectively, both
      p<0.001). There were no significant differences in haemorrhagic stroke rates
      between the elderly and the very elderly population. Ischaemic and haemorrhagic
      stroke shared similar risk factors (age, hypertension, coronary artery disease
      (CAD), vascular disease, and diabetes mellitus) (all p<0.05). In subjects age<75
      years, CAD (7.17, 4.14-12.37) and diabetes mellitus (3.27, 2.42-4.42) contributed
      most to the developing of haemorrhagic stroke (all p<0.001). Amongst the very
      elderly, vascular disease (2.24, 1.49-3.37) was an additional major risk factor
      for haemorrhagic stroke, together with CAD and diabetes mellitus (all p<0.001).
      CONCLUSION: In this large Chinese cohort, there was an increased risk of
      ischaemic stroke compared to haemorrhagic stroke with ageing. CAD, vascular
      disease, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension were major contributors to the
      development of hemorrhagic stroke in the very elderly Chinese population.

PMID- 27685333
TI  - Assays to Detect UV-reflecting Structures and Determine their Importance in Mate
      Preference using the Sailfin Molly Poecilia latipinna.
AB  - Many organisms use cues and signals beyond human sensitivity during social
      interactions. It is important to take into account how organisms perceive their
      worlds when trying to understand their behavior and ecology. Sensitivity to the
      ultraviolet spectrum (UV; 300 - 400 nm) is found across multiple genera of birds,
      fish, reptiles, amphibians, and even mammals. This protocol describes a technique
      for examining organisms for the presence of UV-reflecting structures and a method
      for testing whether these cues are used as social signals in the context of mate
      choice. A spectrophotometer is used to detect the presence of UV reflectance and
      variation in reflective intensity between individuals and sexes. An example of
      this technique is presented in which a dichotomous mate choice test exposes
      sexually receptive individuals to opposite sex individuals whose visual
      appearance can be manipulated by filters that either transmit full spectrum or
      block UV wavelengths. This system allowed for the determination that female, but
      not male, sailfin mollies (Poecilia latipinna) were using UV markings as part of
      their mating decisions. These types of studies serve to expand our knowledge of
      the range of organisms that utilize UV and provide insight into how UV plays a
      role in their lives.

PMID- 27685334
TI  - Fluorescent Orthotopic Mouse Model of Pancreatic Cancer.
AB  - Pancreatic cancer remains one of the cancers for which survival has not improved
      substantially in the last few decades. Only 7% of diagnosed patients will survive
      longer than five years. In order to understand and mimic the microenvironment of
      pancreatic tumors, we utilized a murine orthotopic model of pancreatic cancer
      that allows non-invasive imaging of tumor progression in real time. Pancreatic
      cancer cells expressing green fluorescent protein (PANC-1 GFP) were suspended in
      basement membrane matrix, high concentration, (e.g., Matrigel HC) with serum-free
      media and then injected into the tail of the pancreas via laparotomy. The cell
      suspension in the high concentration basement membrane matrix becomes a gel-like
      substance once it reaches room temperature; therefore, it gels when it comes in
      contact with the pancreas, creating a seal at the injection site and preventing
      any cell leakage. Tumor growth and metastasis to other organs are monitored in
      live animals by using fluorescence. It is critical to use the appropriate filters
      for excitation and emission of GFP. The steps for the orthotopic implantation are
      detailed in this article so researchers can easily replicate the procedure in
      nude mice. The main steps of this protocol are preparation of the cell
      suspension, surgical implantation, and whole body fluorescent in vivo imaging.
      This orthotopic model is designed to investigate the efficacy of novel
      therapeutics on primary and metastatic tumors.

PMID- 27685335
TI  - Information-Seeking Behavior of Greek Nursing Students: A Questionnaire Study.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate factors influencing the use of
      electronic journals by nursing students through identification of information
      needs, information resources used, and barriers to seeking information. A cross
      sectional study was conducted using a specially designed structured
      questionnaire. Of 600 nursing students, 505 agreed to participate, indicating a
      response rate of 84.2%. Participants sought out nurses and doctors, printed
      materials, scholarly databases/e-journals, and seminars as information resources.
      Participants reported that they searched for information for themselves, parents,
      and inpatients. Most searched for information for diet or special nutrition needs
      and for specific diseases. The obstacles faced included lack of time and cost.
      Training in information literacy is important to enhance the skills of nursing
      students.

PMID- 27685336
TI  - Structurally Flexible and Solution Stable [Ln4TM8(OH)8(L)8(O2CR)8(MeOH)y](ClO4)4:
      A Playground for Magnetic Refrigeration.
AB  - The family of compounds of general formula
      [LnIII4TMII8(OH)8(L)8(O2CR)8(MeOH)y](ClO4)4 {[Gd4Zn8(OH)8(hmp)8(O2CiPr)8](ClO4)4
      (1a); [Y4Zn8(OH)8(hmp)8(O2CiPr)8](ClO4)4 (1b);
      [Gd4Cu8(OH)8(hmp)8(O2CiPr)8](ClO4)4 (2a); [Y4Cu8(OH)8(hmp)8(O2CiPr)8](ClO4)4
      (2b); [Gd4Cu8(OH)8(hep)8(O2CiPr)8](ClO4)4 (3a);
      [Gd4Cu8(OH)8(Hpdm)8(O2CtBu)8](ClO4)4 (4a); [Gd4Cu8(OH)8(ea)8(O2CMe)8](ClO4)4
      (5a); [Gd4Ni8(OH)8(hmp)8(O2CEt)8(MeOH)6](ClO4)4 (6a);
      [Y4Ni8(OH)8(hmp)8(O2CEt)8(MeOH)6](ClO4)4 (6b);
      [Gd4Co8(OH)8(hmp)8(O2CEt)8(MeOH)6](ClO4)4 (7a);
      [Y4Co8(OH)8(hmp)8(O2CEt)8(MeOH)6](ClO4)4 (7b)} can be formed very simply and in
      high yields from the reaction of Ln(NO3)3.6H2O and TM(ClO4)2.6H2O and the
      appropriate ligand blend in a mixture of CH2Cl2 and MeOH in the presence of a
      suitable base. Remarkably, almost all the constituent parts, namely the
      lanthanide (or rare earth) ions LnIII (here Ln = Gd or Y), the transition metal
      ions TMII (here TM = Zn, Cu, Ni, Co), the bridging ligand L (Hhmp = 2
      (hydroxymethyl)pyridine; Hhep = 2-(hydroxyethyl)pyridine; H2pdm = pyridine-2,6
      dimethanol; Hea = 2-ethanolamine), and the carboxylates can be exchanged while
      maintaining the structural integrity of the molecule. NMR spectroscopy of
      diamagnetic complex 1b reveals the complex to be fully intact in solution with
      all signals from the hydroxide, ligand L, and the carboxylates equivalent on the
      NMR time scale, suggesting the complex possesses greater symmetry in solution
      than in the solid state. High resolution nano-ESI mass spectrometry on
      dichloromethane solutions of 2a and 2b shows both complexes are present in two
      charge states with little fragmentation; with the most intense peak in each
      spectrum corresponding to [Ln4Cu8(OH)8(hmp)8(O2CiPr)8](ClO4)22+. This family of
      compounds offers an excellent playground for probing how the magnetocaloric
      effect evolves by introducing either antiferromagnetic or ferromagnetic
      interactions, or magnetic anisotropy, by substituting the nonmagnetic ZnII (1a)
      with CuII (2a), NiII (6a) or CoII (7a), respectively. The largest magnetocaloric
      effect is found for the ferromagnetically coupled complex 6a, while the
      predominant antiferromagnetic interactions in 2a yield an inverse magnetocaloric
      effect; that is, the temperature increases on lowering the applied field, under
      the proper experimental conditions. In spite of increasing the magnetic density
      by adding ions that bring in antiferromagnetic interactions (2a) or magnetic
      anisotropy (7a), the magnetocaloric effect is overall smaller in 2a and 7a than
      in 1a, where only four GdIII spins per molecule contribute to the magnetocaloric
      properties.

PMID- 27685337
TI  - Effect of antiviral therapy for HCV on lipid levels.
AB  - BACKGROUND: HCV has complex interactions with human lipid metabolism leading to
      down regulation of cholesterol levels. Interferon (IFN) therapy has been shown to
      decrease cholesterol even further. With the availability of second-generation
      direct-acting antiviral agents (DAA) the effect of suppressing and eliminating
      HCV on lipid metabolism warrants reevaluation. METHODS: Prospective German
      multicentre cohort on HCV- and HIV-HCV-infected patients treated with direct
      antiviral agents (GECCO). Lipids were assessed at baseline, during and after
      therapy. Wilcoxon test corrected for multiple testing was used. RESULTS: For the
      analysis, 520 patients with chronic hepatitis C were available. Patients with
      chronic hepatitis C were treated as follows: sofosbuvir (SOF)/pegylated IFN (PEG
      IFN)/ribavirin (RBV; HCV=34, HIV-HCV=36), SOF/RBV (HCV=47, HIV-HCV=16),
      SOF/simeprevir (HCV=9, HCV-HIV=2), SOF/daclatasvir +/- RBV (HCV=27, HIV-HCV=47),
      SOF/ledipasvir +/- RBV (HCV=147, HCV-HIV=100) and
      ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir +/- dasabuvir +/- RBV (2D, HCV=2, HCV-HIV=6;
      3D, HCV=39, HCV-HIV=8). On treatment there was a statistically significant
      increase in total cholesterol for any IFN-free DAA regimen, which was maintained
      after end of therapy. Changes of total cholesterol were driven by changes in low
      density lipoprotein cholesterol, whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol
      remained unchanged. In contrast, total cholesterol decreased on SOF/PEG-IFN/RBV
      and increased after end of therapy above baseline levels. Triglycerides increased
      during treatment with SOF/PEG-IFN/RBV, but not on DAA-only regimens. CONCLUSIONS:
      Suppressing and eliminating HCV with IFN-free DAA regimens increased cholesterol
      levels, but had no effect on triglycerides. In contrast IFN-based therapy
      decreased cholesterol and increased triglycerides during treatment and led to
      increases in cholesterol after achieving sustained virological response.

PMID- 27685340
TI  - Generic Adaptive Resolution Method for Reverse Mapping of Polymers from Coarse
      Grained to Atomistic Descriptions.
AB  - In this paper, we propose a new generic approach for reverse mapping from coarse
      grained to atomistic scale based on the adaptive resolution scheme (AdResS). In
      AdResS simulation, two spatial domains, modeled at two different scales, are
      brought together in a concurrent simulation by defining a hybrid region where
      particles can switch representation from one model to another. We use AdResS as a
      central part of a reverse mapping algorithm from a different perspective by
      treating the whole simulation box as a hybrid region and changing the resolution
      as a function of time during the course of a molecular dynamics simulation. The
      proposed method depends only on a single parameter that controls the reverse
      mapping process and it is independent of atomistic and coarse-grained force
      fields. We performed a reverse mapping of three different systems, simple
      molecules (dodecane), polymer chains (polyethylene) and ring molecules
      (trimethylol melamine) with a degree of coarse-graining ranging from two to ten
      heavy atoms. The conformational and dynamical properties of the reconstructed
      systems are in excellent agreement with the reference atomistic simulation.

PMID- 27685338
TI  - Relative differences in resting-state brain connectivity associated with long
      term intensive lifestyle intervention.
AB  - A number of studies have reported that type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is
      associated with alterations in resting-state activity and connectivity in the
      brain. There is also evidence that interventions involving physical activity and
      weight loss may affect brain functional connectivity. In this study, we examined
      the effects of nearly 10 years of an intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI),
      designed to induce and sustain weight loss through lower caloric intake and
      increased physical activity, on resting-state networks in adults with T2DM. We
      performed a cross-sectional comparison of global and local characteristics from
      functional brain networks between individuals who had been randomly assigned to
      ILI or a control condition of health education and support. Upon examining brain
      networks from 312 participants (average age: 68.8 for ILI and 67.9 for controls),
      we found that ILI participants (N=160) had attenuated local efficiency at the
      network-level compared with controls (N=152). Although there was no group
      difference in the network-level global efficiency, we found that, among ILI
      participants, nodal global efficiency was elevated in left fusiform gyrus, right
      middle frontal gyrus, and pars opercularis of right inferior frontal gyrus. These
      effects were age-dependent, with more pronounced effects for older participants.
      Overall these results indicate that the individuals assigned to the ILI had brain
      networks with less regional and more global connectivity, particularly involving
      frontal lobes. Such patterns would support greater distributed information
      processing. Future studies are needed to determine if these differences are
      associated with age-related compensatory function in the ILI group or worse
      pathology in the control group.

PMID- 27685341
TI  - Investigation of Intradomain Motions of a Y-Family DNA Polymerase during
      Substrate Binding and Catalysis.
AB  - DNA polymerases catalyze DNA synthesis through a stepwise kinetic mechanism that
      begins with binding to DNA, followed by selection, binding, and incorporation of
      a nucleotide into an elongating primer. It is hypothesized that subtle active
      site adjustments in a polymerase to align reactive moieties limit the rate of
      correct nucleotide incorporation. DNA damage can impede this process for many DNA
      polymerases, causing replication fork stalling, genetic mutations, and
      potentially cell death. However, specialized Y-family DNA polymerases are
      structurally evolved to efficiently bypass DNA damage in vivo, albeit at the
      expense of replication fidelity. Dpo4, a model Y-family polymerase from
      Sulfolobus solfataricus, has been well-studied kinetically, structurally, and
      computationally, which yielded a mechanistic understanding of how the Y-family
      DNA polymerases achieve their unique catalytic properties. We previously employed
      a real-time Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) technique to characterize
      the global conformational motions of Dpo4 during DNA binding as well as
      nucleotide binding and incorporation by monitoring changes in distance between
      sites on the polymerase and DNA, and even between domains of Dpo4. Here, we
      extend the utility of our FRET methodology to observe conformational transitions
      within individual domains of Dpo4 during DNA binding and nucleotide
      incorporation. The results of this novel, intradomain FRET approach unify
      findings from many studies to fully clarify the complex DNA binding mechanism of
      Dpo4. Furthermore, intradomain motions in the Finger domain during nucleotide
      binding and incorporation, for the first time, report on the rate-limiting step
      of a single-nucleotide addition catalyzed by Dpo4.

PMID- 27685339
TI  - 17beta-Estradiol augments antidepressant efficacy of escitalopram in
      ovariectomized rats: Neuroprotective and serotonin reuptake transporter
      modulatory effects.
AB  - The prevalence or recurrence of depression is seriously increased in women during
      the transition to and after menopause. The chronic hypo-estrogenic state of
      menopause may reduce the response to antidepressants; however the influence of
      estrogen therapy on their efficacy is still controversial. This study aimed at
      investigating the effects of combining escitalopram with 17beta-estradiol on
      depression and cognitive impairment induced by ovariectomy, an experimental model
      of human menopause. Young adult female Wistar rats were subjected to either sham
      operation or ovariectomy. Ovariectomized animals were treated chronically with
      escitalopram (10mg/kg/day, i.p) alone or with four doses of 17beta-estradiol
      (40MUg/kg, s.c) given prior to the behavioral tests. Co-administration of 17beta
      estradiol improved escitalopram-induced antidepressant effect in forced swimming
      test verified as more prominent decrease in the immobility time without opposing
      its memory enhancing effect in Morris water maze. 17beta-estradiol augmented the
      modulatory effects of escitalopram on the hippocampal levels of brain-derived
      neurotrophic factor and serotonin reuptake transporter as well as tumor necrosis
      factor-alpha without altering its effects on the gene expressions of serotonin
      receptor 1A, estrogen receptors alpha and beta, or acetylcholinestearase content.
      This combined therapy afforded synergistic protective effects on the brain
      histopathological architecture, particularly, the hippocampus. The antidepressant
      effect of 17beta-estradiol was abolished by pretreatment with estrogen receptor
      antagonist, tamoxifen (10mg/kg, p.o). In conclusion, 17beta-estradiol-induced
      antidepressant effect was confined to intracellular estrogen receptors
      activation. Moreover, 17beta-estradiol enhanced escitalopram's efficiency in
      ameliorating menopausal-like depression, via exerting synergistic neuroprotective
      and serotonin reuptake transporter modulatory effects, without impeding
      escitalopram-mediated cognitive improvement.

PMID- 27685343
TI  - Synthesis of Aminoindolizidines through the Chemoselective and Diastereoselective
      Catalytic Hydrogenation of Indolizines.
AB  - Indolizidines are bioactive heterocyclic compounds of great potential normally
      prepared following multistep routes. However, to the best of our knowledge, the
      synthesis of 1-aminoindolizidines has never been reported. Herein, 1
      (dialkylamino)-3-substituted indolizidines have been straightforwardly
      synthesized using an atom-economic protocol that involves a copper-catalyzed
      three-component synthesis of indolizines followed by heterogeneous catalytic
      hydrogenation. The latter was found to be chemoselective using platinum(IV) oxide
      as the catalyst at 3.7 atm, providing the aminoindolizidines in modest-to-high
      yields (35-95%) and high diastereoselectivity (92:8 to >99:1). It has been
      experimentally demonstrated that the hydrogenation occurs through the
      intermediate 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroindolizine, which contains a pyrrole moiety.
      Moreover, the diastereomerically pure 1-(dibenzylamino)-3-substituted
      indolizidines could be further transformed into the corresponding monobenzylated
      or fully debenzylated aminoindolizidines by selective hydrogenolysis catalyzed by
      Pt/C or Pd/C, respectively, under ambient conditions.

PMID- 27685342
TI  - Massively parallel sequencing of 68 insertion/deletion markers identifies novel
      microhaplotypes for utility in human identity testing.
AB  - Short tandem repeat (STR) loci are the traditional markers used for kinship,
      missing persons, and direct comparison human identity testing. These markers hold
      considerable value due to their highly polymorphic nature, amplicon size, and
      ability to be multiplexed. However, many STRs are still too large for use in
      analysis of highly degraded DNA. Small bi-allelic polymorphisms, such as
      insertions/deletions (INDELs), may be better suited for analyzing compromised
      samples, and their allele size differences are amenable to analysis by capillary
      electrophoresis. The INDEL marker allelic states range in size from 2 to 6 base
      pairs, enabling small amplicon size. In addition, heterozygote balance may be
      increased by minimizing preferential amplification of the smaller allele, as is
      more common with STR markers. Multiplexing a large number of INDELs allows for
      generating panels with high discrimination power. The NexteraTM Rapid Capture
      Custom Enrichment Kit (Illumina, Inc., San Diego, CA) and massively parallel
      sequencing (MPS) on the Illumina MiSeq were used to sequence 68 well
      characterized INDELs in four major US population groups. In addition, the STR
      Allele Identification Tool: Razor (STRait Razor) was used in a novel way to
      analyze INDEL sequences and detect adjacent single nucleotide polymorphisms
      (SNPs) and other polymorphisms. This application enabled the discovery of unique
      allelic variants, which increased the discrimination power and decreased the
      single-locus random match probabilities (RMPs) of 22 of these well-characterized
      INDELs which can be considered as microhaplotypes. These findings suggest that
      additional microhaplotypes containing human identification (HID) INDELs may exist
      elsewhere in the genome.

PMID- 27685344
TI  - The Impact of Paravertebral Block Analgesia on Breast Cancer Survival After
      Surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The impact of regional anesthesia on breast cancer
      recurrence is controversial. We tested the hypothesis that the use of
      paravertebral block (PVB) analgesia during breast cancer surgery prolongs the
      recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) of women with breast
      cancer. METHODS: Seven hundred ninety-two women with nonmetastatic breast cancer
      were included in this retrospective study. Patients were divided based on the
      administration of PVB analgesia for mastectomy surgeries. One hundred ninety
      eight (25%) were given a PVB, the remainder were treated with opioid-based
      analgesia. Propensity score matching was developed using several variables.
      Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess the impact of PVB
      analgesia on RFS and OS. RESULTS: The median follow-up times for RFS and OS were
      5.8 and 6 years, respectively. In the propensity score matching model, a total of
      396 women were included in each group of treatment (non-PVB group, n = 198 vs PVB
      group, n = 198). As expected, the fentanyl consumption was significantly lower in
      PVB (122.8 +/- 77.85 MUg) patients than non-PVB subjects (402.23 +/- 343.8 MUg).
      Other variables were not statistically significant. After adjusting for several
      important covariates, the analysis indicated that the use of PVB is not
      associated with a significant change in RFS [1.60 (0.81-3.16), P = 0.172] or OS
      [1.28 (0.55-3.01)] survival. DISCUSSION: This retrospective study does not
      support the hypothesis that the use of regional analgesia is associated with
      longer survival after surgery for breast cancer.

PMID- 27685346
TI  - The Optimal Analgesic Block for Total Knee Arthroplasty.
AB  - Peripheral nerve block for total knee arthroplasty is ideally motor sparing while
      providing effective postoperative analgesia. To achieve these goals, one must
      understand surgical dissection techniques, distribution of nociceptive
      generators, sensory innervation of the knee, and nerve topography in the thigh.

PMID- 27685345
TI  - Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for Postoperative
      Analgesia: Could Neurostimulation Replace Continuous Peripheral Nerve Blocks?

PMID- 27685347
TI  - A Randomized Controlled Trial of Ultrasound Versus Nerve Stimulator Guidance for
      Axillary Brachial Plexus Block.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ultrasound-guided techniques improve outcomes in regional anesthesia
      when compared with traditional techniques; however, this assertion has not been
      studied with novices. The primary objective of this study was to compare sensory
      and motor block after axillary brachial plexus block when performed by novice
      trainees allocated to an ultrasound- or nerve-stimulator-guided group. A
      secondary objective was to compare the rates of skill acquisition between the 2
      groups. METHODS: This study was a prospective, randomized, observer-blinded, 2
      arm controlled trial. Anesthesia trainees participating in this trial were
      novices to axillary brachial plexus block and sonography. All trainee
      participants underwent a standardized training program. The primary outcome was
      combined sensory and motor block in the relevant territories 30 minutes after
      completion of block. A global rating scale was used to assess trainee block
      performance. RESULTS: The study was ceased after 12 trainees completed 153
      blocks. There was no difference between groups in combined motor/sensory score (P
      = 0.28) or as a function of block number (P = 0.38). There was no difference in
      onset between groups (P = 0.38). In both groups, there was an increase in the
      global rating scale score (P < 0.0001) and reduced preblock survey and block
      performance times (P = 0.001) with experience. CONCLUSIONS: We were unable to
      demonstrate a difference in the efficacy of axillary brachial plexus block
      performed by novices when ultrasound guidance was compared with a nerve
      stimulator technique. There was evidence of similarly improved clinical
      performance of novices in both groups.

PMID- 27685348
TI  - Determining the Learning Curve for Acquiring Core Sonographic Skills for
      Ultrasound-Guided Axillary Brachial Plexus Block.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to determine the
      learning curve for capturing sonograms and identifying anatomical structures
      relevant to ultrasound-guided axillary brachial plexus block and to determine if
      massed was superior to distributed practice for this core sonographic skill.
      METHODS: Ten University of Melbourne, third- or fourth-year Doctor of Medicine
      students were randomized to massed or distributed practice. Participants
      performed 15 supervised learning sessions comprising scanning followed by
      feedback. A "sonographic proficiency score" was calculated by summing parameters
      in acquiring and interpreting the sonogram, and identifying relevant anatomical
      structures. RESULTS: Between the 1st and 10th sessions, the proficiency scores
      increased (P = 0.043). Except for one, all participants had relatively rapid
      increases in their "sonographic proficiency scores." There was no difference in
      proficiency scores between the 15th and 10th sessions (P > 0.05). There was no
      difference in scores between groups for the first session, (P = 0.40), 15th
      session (P = 0.10), or at any time. There was no difference in the slope of the
      increase in "sonographic proficiency score" over the first 10 scanning sessions
      between groups [massed, 1.1 (0.32); distributed, 0.90 (0.15); P = 0.22) presented
      as mean (SD)]. The 95% confidence interval for the difference in slopes between
      massed and distributed groups was -0.15 to 0.56. CONCLUSIONS: The proficiency of
      participants in capturing sonograms and identifying anatomical structures
      improved significantly over 8 to 10 learning sessions. Because of sample size
      issues, we cannot make a firm conclusion regarding massed versus distributed
      practice for this core sonographic skill.

PMID- 27685349
TI  - Screening and Optimization of Nerve Targets and Parameters Reveals Inhibitory
      Effect of Pudendal Stimulation on Rat Bladder Hypersensitivity.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Neuromodulation has been reported to reliably improve
      symptoms of bladder overactivity and sometimes pain. The effect of electrical
      stimulation of several nerve pathways demonstrated to alter cystometric responses
      to bladder distension was examined on nociceptive responses in models of bladder
      hypersensitivity. METHODS: Bladder hypersensitivity was produced by several
      published methods including neonatal inflammation, acute inflammation, and
      chronic stress. Effects of different sites of stimulation (L6 and T13 nerve
      roots, proximal and distal pudendal nerves [PNs]) on nociceptive reflex responses
      to urinary bladder distension in urethane-anesthetized female rats were assessed
      and a parametric analysis of parameters of stimulation was performed. RESULTS:
      Bilateral biphasic stimulation of the proximal PNs resulted in statistically
      significant inhibition of visceromotor and cardiovascular responses to bladder
      distension in rats made hypersensitive by neonatal bladder inflammation. We found
      a range of optimal stimulation frequencies (5-10 Hz) which produced robust
      inhibitory effects when using short pulse widths (100-240 MUs). Onset of
      inhibition was within minutes and persisted for several minutes after the
      stimulus was discontinued. Use of bilateral PN stimulation in acute inflammation
      and stress-induced hypersensitivity models as well as unilateral stimulation,
      very distal PN cutaneous branch stimulation, and stimulation of the T13 and L6
      nerve roots all proved ineffective with the parameters used. CONCLUSIONS: This
      study suggests that inhibitory effects of bilateral PN stimulation can be evoked
      in a rodent hypersensitivity model at relatively low frequencies with short pulse
      widths. The onset of effect is rapid, which suggests the potential for treating
      episodic pain in painful bladder disorders.

PMID- 27685350
TI  - Labor Epidural Intolerance Due to a Congenitally Narrowed Spinal Canal.
AB  - Reports exist of severe upper back pain of unknown etiology after administration
      of large volumes into the epidural space. We present a case of an otherwise
      healthy parturient who developed severe upper back and neck pain after receiving
      only a small volume of epidural medication. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a
      congenitally narrowed spinal canal because of short pedicle syndrome. Epidural
      injectate occupies and compresses a percentage of the spinal canal and its
      neuronal contents. This may result in pain and epidural intolerance when
      continued injectate reaches a critical point, a threshold that is lower with
      shortened pedicles or congenital spinal stenosis. We believe a similar mechanism
      may explain the pain that patients sometimes experience after administration of
      large epidural volumes.

PMID- 27685351
TI  - Molecular Mechanism of Facilitated Dissociation of Fis Protein from DNA.
AB  - Fis protein is a nucleoid-associated protein that plays many roles in
      transcriptional regulation and DNA site-specific recombination. In contrast to
      the naive expectation based on stoichiometry, recent single-molecule studies have
      shown that the dissociation of Fis protein from DNA is accelerated by increasing
      the concentration of the Fis protein. Because the detailed molecular mechanism of
      facilitated dissociation is still not clear, in this study, we employ
      computational methods to explore the binding landscapes of Fis:DNA complexes with
      various stoichiometries. When two Fis molecules are present, simulations uncover
      a ternary complex, where the originally bound Fis protein is partially
      dissociated from DNA. The simulations support a three-state sequential kinetic
      model (N ? I -> D) for facilitated dissociation, thus explaining the
      concentration-dependent dissociation.

PMID- 27685354
TI  - Transcriptional Analysis by Nascent RNA FISH of In Vivo Trophoblast Giant Cells
      or In Vitro Short-term Cultures of Ectoplacental Cone Explants.
AB  - The placenta derives from one extra-embryonic lineage, the trophectoderm. In the
      peri-implantation murine blastocyst, mural trophectoderm cells differentiate into
      primary trophoblast giant cells (TGCs) while the polar trophectoderm overlying
      the inner cell mass continues to proliferate later differentiating into secondary
      TGCs. TGCs play a key role in developing placenta and are essential for a
      successful pregnancy. Investigation of transcriptional regulation of specific
      genes during post-implantation development can give insights into TGCs
      development. Cells of the ectoplacental cone (EPC) from embryos at 7-7.5 days of
      gestation (E7-7.5), derived from the polar trophectoderm, differentiate into
      secondary TGCs1. TGCs can be studied in situ, on cryostat sections of embryos at
      E7 although the number of TGCs is very low at this stage. An alternative means of
      analyzing secondary TGCs is to use short-term cultures of individual EPCs from E7
      embryos. We propose a technique to investigate the transcriptional status of
      genes of interest both in vivo and in vitro at the single-cell level using
      fluorescent in situ hybridization (RNA FISH) to visualize nascent transcripts.
      This technique provides a direct readout of gene expression and enables
      assessment of the chromosomal status of TGCs, which are large endoreplicating
      cells. Indeed, a key feature of terminal differentiation of TGCs is that they
      exit the cell cycle and undergo multiple rounds of endoreplication.This approach
      can be applied to detect expression of any gene expressed from autosomes and/or
      sex chromosomes and can provide important information into developmental
      mechanisms as well as placental diseases.

PMID- 27685352
TI  - Human intracranial recordings link suppressed transients rather than 'filling-in'
      to perceptual continuity across blinks.
AB  - We hardly notice our eye blinks, yet an externally generated retinal interruption
      of a similar duration is perceptually salient. We examined the neural correlates
      of this perceptual distinction using intracranially measured ECoG signals from
      the human visual cortex in 14 patients. In early visual areas (V1 and V2), the
      disappearance of the stimulus due to either invisible blinks or salient blank
      video frames ('gaps') led to a similar drop in activity level, followed by a
      positive overshoot beyond baseline, triggered by stimulus reappearance. Ascending
      the visual hierarchy, the reappearance-related overshoot gradually subsided for
      blinks but not for gaps. By contrast, the disappearance-related drop did not
      follow the perceptual distinction - it was actually slightly more pronounced for
      blinks than for gaps. These findings suggest that blinks' limited visibility
      compared with gaps is correlated with suppression of blink-related visual
      activity transients, rather than with "filling-in" of the occluded content during
      blinks.

PMID- 27685356
TI  - QuickStats: Colorectal Cancer Screening* Among Adults Aged 50-75 Years, by
      Race/Ethnicity(?) - National Health Interview Survey,(S) United States, 2000
      2015.
AB  - During 2000-2015, among adults aged 50-75 years, the use of colorectal cancer
      tests or procedures increased for all racial/ ethnic groups included in the
      analysis. Colorectal screening percentages more than doubled for non-Hispanic
      black, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic Asian adults during that period. Despite these
      increases, in 2015, the prevalence of colorectal cancer screening was higher
      among non-Hispanic white (65.6%) adults than among non-Hispanic black (60.3%),
      non-Hispanic Asian (52.1%), and Hispanic (47.4%) adults. 

PMID- 27685355
TI  - Phospholipid complexation of NMITLI118RT+: way to a prudent therapeutic approach
      for beneficial outcomes in ischemic stroke in rats.
AB  - Withania somnifera Dunal (Solanaceae) known as Ashwagandha, a popular plant of
      Indian origin is known to possess tremedous medicinal potential, often used as
      anti-inflammatory, anti-platelet, antihypertensive, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic
      and adaptogenic candidate. Some of its chemotypes developed by CSIR, India
      includes NMITLI-101, NMITLI-118, NMITLI-128. In this study the investigators have
      attempted development of a phytosomal complex of NMITLI118RT + (standardized
      ethanolic extract of a new chemotype of W. somnifera Dunal.), its pharmaceutical
      characterization and evaluation of its neuro-protective potential against
      experimenal stroke in rats in continuation with their previous work in this area.
      The phytosomal complex (NIMPLC) was prepared by following a cohesive optimization
      design and was characterized on the basis of solubility, dissolution profile, FT
      IR, DSC-TGA analysis, zeta potential, physical stability, forced degradation and
      photolytic degradation. Results were suggestive of a pharmaceutically acceptable
      formulation. NIMPLC was taken up further for biological evaluation using the
      middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model in rats. It could be demonstrated
      that the beneficial effects of NMITLI118RT + could be augmented by NIMPLC in 1 h
      pre and 6 h post treatment as was evident from reduction in MDA levels, increment
      in GSH levels, reduction in neurological deficit (ND) scores and reduction in
      infarct size. The study could successfully demonstrate the beneficial effects of
      NIMPLC in brain function restoration following stroke.

PMID- 27685353
TI  - A non canonical subtilase attenuates the transcriptional activation of defence
      responses in Arabidopsis thaliana.
AB  - Proteases play crucial physiological functions in all organisms by controlling
      the lifetime of proteins. Here, we identified an atypical protease of the
      subtilase family [SBT5.2(b)] that attenuates the transcriptional activation of
      plant defence independently of its protease activity. The SBT5.2 gene produces
      two distinct transcripts encoding a canonical secreted subtilase [SBT5.2(a)] and
      an intracellular protein [SBT5.2(b)]. Concomitant to SBT5.2(a) downregulation,
      SBT5.2(b) expression is induced after bacterial inoculation. SBT5.2(b) localizes
      to endosomes where it interacts with and retains the defence-related
      transcription factor MYB30. Nuclear exclusion of MYB30 results in its reduced
      transcriptional activation and, thus, suppressed resistance. sbt5.2 mutants, with
      abolished SBT5.2(a) and SBT5.2(b) expression, display enhanced defence that is
      suppressed in a myb30 mutant background. Moreover, overexpression of SBT5.2(b),
      but not SBT5.2(a), in sbt5.2 plants reverts the phenotypes displayed by sbt5.2
      mutants. Overall, we uncover a regulatory mode of the transcriptional activation
      of defence responses previously undescribed in eukaryotes.

PMID- 27685357
TI  - Comparison of Treatment Outcomes between Breast Conserving Surgery Followed by
      Radiotherapy and Mastectomy Alone in Patients with T1-2 Stage and 1-3 Axillary
      Lymph Nodes in the Era of Modern Adjuvant Systemic Treatments.
AB  - PURPOSE: The role of postmastectomy radiotherapy in the treatment of T1-2 primary
      tumor with 1-3 positive lymph nodes is controversial. We compared treatment
      outcomes between breast conserving surgery followed by radiotherapy (BCS+RT) and
      total mastectomy alone (TM) in the setting of modern adjuvant systemic
      treatments. METHODS: Patients with T1-2 primary breast cancer and 1-3 positive
      lymph nodes who were treated between 2001 and 2011 were divided into 2 groups
      based on the treatment approach: BCS+RT (n = 169) and TM (n = 117). All patients
      received adjuvant chemotherapy including taxanes. Adjuvant endocrine therapy was
      administered to patients with positive hormone receptors according to their
      menstrual status. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 76.5 months, 21 patients
      (7.3%) experienced locoregional recurrence as the first event, including 7
      patients (4.1%) in the BCS+RT group and 14 patients (12.0%) in the TM group. The
      5-year cumulative incidence rate of locoregional recurrence was 2.5% for BCS+RT
      versus 9.5% for TM (p = 0.016). Competing risk regression analysis revealed that
      TM was associated with a relative risk for locoregional recurrence of 5.347 (p =
      0.003). TM was also associated with a significantly lower 5-year disease-free
      survival rate compared with BCS+RT (hazard ratio, 2.024; 95% confidence interval,
      1.090-3.759; p = 0.026). CONCLUSION: To improve treatment outcomes for TM even
      after modern systemic treatments, postmastectomy radiotherapy might be required
      for patients with T1-2 primary breast cancer and 1-3 positive lymph nodes.

PMID- 27685358
TI  - Remote Quantitative Sensory Testing and Neuropathic Ocular Pain.

PMID- 27685359
TI  - Linear and Nonlinear Viscoelastic Arterial Wall Models: Application on Animals.
AB  - This work deals with the viscoelasticity of the arterial wall and its influence
      on the pulse waves. We describe the viscoelasticity by a nonlinear Kelvin-Voigt
      model in which the coefficients are fitted using experimental time series of
      pressure and radius measured on a sheep's arterial network. We obtained a good
      agreement between the results of the nonlinear Kelvin-Voigt model and the
      experimental measurements. We found that the viscoelastic relaxation time-defined
      by the ratio between the viscoelastic coefficient and the Young's modulus-is
      nearly constant throughout the network. Therefore, as it is well known that
      smaller arteries are stiffer, the viscoelastic coefficient rises when approaching
      the peripheral sites to compensate the rise of the Young's modulus, resulting in
      a higher damping effect. We incorporated the fitted viscoelastic coefficients in
      a nonlinear 1D fluid model to compute the pulse waves in the network. The damping
      effect of viscoelasticity on the high-frequency waves is clear especially at the
      peripheral sites.

PMID- 27685360
TI  - Tarantula Hair Keratoconjunctivitis with Concurrent Fungal Infection in a Rat
      Terrier.
AB  - A 9 yr old rat terrier presented with corneal ulceration and conjunctivitis that
      developed acutely after digging among dry leaves in wooded northern Arizona.
      Ophthalmic examination revealed multiple linear foreign bodies throughout the
      adnexal tissue and cornea of the left eye. Manual removal of material was
      unsuccessful. The palpebral conjunctiva required excision with tenotomy scissors
      to remove structures and allow corneal healing. Microscopic examination revealed
      structures believed to be setae from a Theraphosidae tarantula. This was
      confirmed morphologically by an entomologist and by comparison with hairs from a
      captive spider of the suspected species. The excised tissue also contained
      fruiting bodies, hyphae, and microconidia consistent with Aspergillus spp. The
      captive spider hairs also cultured positive for Aspergillus, suggesting a
      relationship between this fungus and tarantulas in captivity and in their native
      habitat. This is the first report in the veterinary literature to confirm
      tarantula hair as the causative agent in keratoconjunctivitis and corneal
      ulceration, adding it to the list of differential diagnoses for ocular foreign
      body. This is also the first report to suggest a relationship between Aspergillus
      and tarantulas of the Theraphosidae family, which should be considered in the
      diagnostics and treatment of patients with suspected tarantula hair
      keratoconjunctivitis.

PMID- 27685361
TI  - Temporary Rectal Stenting for Management of Severe Perineal Wounds in Two Dogs.
AB  - Perineal wounds in dogs present a challenge due to limited local availability of
      skin for closure and constant exposure to fecal contaminants. This report
      describes temporary rectal stenting in two dogs following severe perineal wounds.
      Dog 1 presented with a 4 * 4 cm full-thickness perineal slough secondary to
      multiple rectal perforations. A 12 mm internal diameter endotracheal tube was
      placed per-rectum as a temporary stent to minimize fecal contamination. The stent
      was removed 18 days after placement, and the perineal wound had healed at 32 days
      post-stent placement, when a minor rectal stricture associated with mild,
      intermittent tenesmus was detected. Long-term outcome was deemed good. Dog 2
      presented with multiple necrotic wounds with myiasis, circumferentially
      surrounding the anus and extending along the tail. A 14 mm internal diameter
      endotracheal tube was placed per-rectum. The perineal and tail wounds were
      managed with surgical debridement and wet-to-dry and honey dressings prior to
      caudectomy and negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). Delayed secondary wound
      closure and stent removal were performed on day six without complication. Long
      term outcome was deemed excellent. Temporary rectal stenting may be a useful
      technique for fecal diversion to facilitate resolution of complex perineal
      injuries, including rectal perforation.

PMID- 27685362
TI  - Border Collie Collapse: Owner Survey Results and Veterinary Description of
      Videotaped Episodes.
AB  - Completed surveys were obtained from owners of 165 border collies experiencing
      repeated episodes of abnormal gait or collapse during strenuous exercise.
      Unremarkable veterinary evaluation and lack of disease progression over time made
      common systemic, cardiac, and neurologic causes of exercise intolerance unlikely.
      Survey questions addressed signalment, age of onset, description of episodes, and
      owner perception of factors associated with collapse. Most dogs were young adults
      (median 2 yr) when episodes began, and they had experienced from 2 to more than
      100 episodes (median 6) prior to their owners completing the survey. Retrieving
      was the activity most commonly associated with episodes (112/165 dogs, 68%),
      followed by herding stock (39/165 dogs, 24%). Owners reported that high
      environmental temperatures (111/165 dogs, 67%) and excitement (67/165 dogs, 41%)
      increased the likelihood of their dog having an episode during strenuous
      activity. Veterinary evaluation of videotapes of presumed border collie collapse
      (BCC) episodes (40 dogs) were used to provide a description of the typical
      features of BCC episodes. Altered mentation, symmetrical ataxia affecting all
      four limbs, increased pelvic limb extensor tone and toe scuffing or knuckling,
      truncal swaying, and falling to the side were common features, suggesting that
      BCC may be an episodic diffuse central nervous system disorder.

PMID- 27685363
TI  - 2016 AAHA/IAAHPC End-of-Life Care Guidelines.
AB  - End-of-life (EOL) care and decisionmaking embody the critical final stage in a
      pet's life and are as important and meaningful as the sum of the clinical care
      provided for all prior life stages. EOL care should focus on maximizing patient
      comfort and minimizing suffering while providing a collaborative and supportive
      partnership with the caregiver client. Timely, empathetic, and nonjudgmental
      communication is the hallmark of effective client support. Veterinarians should
      not allow an EOL patient to succumb to a natural death without considering the
      option of euthanasia and ensuring that other measures to alleviate discomfort and
      distress are in place. Animal hospice care addresses the patient's unique
      emotional and social needs as well as the physical needs traditionally treated in
      clinical practice. An EOL treatment plan should consist of client education;
      evaluating the caregiver's needs and goals for the pet; and a collaborative,
      personalized, written treatment plan involving the clinical staff and client.
      Primary care practices should have a dedicated team to implement palliative and
      hospice care for EOL patients. How the healthcare team responds to a client's
      grief after the loss of a pet can be a key factor in the client's continued
      loyalty to the practice. Referral to professional grief-support counseling can be
      a helpful option in this regard.

PMID- 27685364
TI  - A "Light Meal" Three Hours Preoperatively Decreases the Incidence of Gastro
      Esophageal Reflux in Dogs.
AB  - Emerging evidence from veterinary and medical clinical research shows that
      reducing preoperative fasting time may reduce the incidence of gastro-esophageal
      reflux (GER) intraoperatively. In order to evaluate the effect of two different
      preoperative fasting times on the incidence of GER during general anesthesia, 120
      dogs were randomly assigned to two groups: administration of canned food 3 h
      before premedication (group C3, n = 60) and administration of canned food 10 h
      before premedication (group C10, n = 60). The animals were premedicated with
      propionyl-promazine. Anesthesia was induced with thiopental sodium and maintained
      with halothane. A pH electrode was introduced into the esophagus, and the
      esophageal pH was constantly monitored. Esophageal pH of less than 4 or greater
      than 7.5 was taken as an indication of GER. Three of the 60 dogs of group C3 and
      12 of the 60 dogs of group C10 experienced a GER episode, the difference being
      statistically significant (P = .025). Feeding the dog 3 h before anesthesia at a
      half daily rate reduces significantly the incidence of GER during anesthesia,
      compared to the administration of the same amount and type of food 10 h before
      anesthesia. The administration of a half daily dose of an ordinary canine diet
      may be useful in clinical practice.

PMID- 27685365
TI  - Computed Tomographic Evaluation of Presumptively Normal Canine Sternal Lymph
      Nodes.
AB  - The sternal lymph nodes receive drainage from a wide variety of structures in the
      thoraco-abdominal region. Evaluation of these lymph nodes is essential,
      especially in cancer patients. Computed tomography (CT) can detect sternal lymph
      nodes more accurately than radiography or ultrasonography, and the criteria of
      the sternal lymphadenopathy are unknown. The purpose of this retrospective study
      was to describe the CT characteristics of the sternal lymph nodes in dogs
      considered unlikely to have lymphadenopathy. The ratio of the short axis
      dimension of the sternal lymph nodes to the thickness of the second sternebra was
      also investigated. At least one sternal lymph node was identified in each of the
      152 dogs included in the study. The mean long axis and short axis dimensions were
      0.700 cm and 0.368 cm, respectively. The mean ratio of the sternal lymph nodes to
      the second sternebrae was 0.457, and the 95% prediction interval ranged from
      0.317 to 0.596 (almost a fixed value independent of body weight). These findings
      will be useful when evaluating sternal lymphadenopathy using CT.

PMID- 27685366
TI  - Fatal Oleander Toxicosis in Two Miniature Horses.
AB  - Two young American miniature horses from the same farm were evaluated by a
      veterinarian due to presence of lethargy, anorexia, and cardiac arrhythmias. Both
      horses were treated aggressively with IV fluids and other supportive measures.
      The first horse died approximately 72 hr after the start of clinical signs and
      the second horse was humanely euthanized due to poor response to treatment.
      Oleander toxicosis was suspected based on the types of clinical signs present and
      due to several oleander plants and dried leaves present on the property. Oleander
      toxicosis was confirmed by the presence of oleandrin in gastrointestinal contents
      and digoxin in the serum of second horse.

PMID- 27685367
TI  - Cardiogenic Pulmonary Edema in a Dog Following Initiation of Therapy for
      Concurrent Hypoadrenocorticism and Hypothyroidism.
AB  - A 5 yr old intact female cocker spaniel dog weighing 7.8 kg was referred with
      anorexia, vomiting, and depression. At referral, the dog was diagnosed initially
      with typical hypoadrenocorticism, and 2 d later, concurrent primary
      hypothyroidism was detected. Hormonal replacement therapies, including
      fludrocortisone, prednisolone, and levothyroxine, were initiated, but a few days
      later the dog became abruptly tachypneic, and thoracic radiographs indicated the
      development of pulmonary edema. Echocardiography showed that there were
      abnormalities indicating impaired left ventricular function, although the heart
      valves were normal. Following treatment with pimobendan and furosemide, the
      pulmonary edema resolved. The dog had no recurrence of the clinical signs after
      10 mo of follow-up, despite being off all cardiac medications; consequently, the
      cardiac failure was transient or reversible in this dog. The case report
      describes the stepwise diagnosis and successful treatment of cardiogenic
      pulmonary edema after initiation of hormonal replacement therapy for concurrent
      hypoadrenocorticism and hypothyroidism in a dog.

PMID- 27685369
TI  - Cross cultural adaptations and psychometric domains of Brazilian version of
      PROFILE PD for Parkinson's disease.
AB  - PURPOSE: The PROFILE PD scale was developed specifically to evaluate patients
      with Parkinson's disease (PD) within the context of the International
      Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, directly applied to
      physical therapy practice. The study aimed to translate and cross-culturally
      adapt the PROFILE PD scale to Portuguese-Brazil, and to analyze its psychometric
      domains. METHODS: Fifty participants with PD participated in the study. We
      assessed the clarity of the Brazilian version of the scale by physiotherapists,
      presence of floor and ceiling effects, interrater and test-retest reliabilities,
      in addition to discriminant, concurrent (UPDRS) and construct validity, internal
      consistence, minimal detectable change (MDC), and responsiveness. RESULTS: The
      scale was considered highly clear for physical therapists. The interrater ICC was
      0.74 and Wk was 0.89 for the total score. For test-retest reliability, the total
      ICC score was 0.99. The analysis of concurrent validity showed the Spearman
      correlation between Brazilian version of PROFILE PD and UPDRS (rho = 0.77; p <
      0.001). Factor analyses demonstrated that the test comprises a single scale.
      Brazilian version of PROFILE PD was able to discriminate the subject with PD in
      mild and moderate stages, and in mild and severe stages. A high internal
      consistency was found (alpha = 0.99). MDC was 2.41 points and there were no floor
      and ceiling effects. Also, the scale was responsive to physical therapy
      intervention, with improvement in 8 points after two months (effect size = 0.85).
      CONCLUSION: The Brazilian version of PROFILE PD is an instrument reliable, valid,
      and responsive to physical therapy intervention, that can be used to quantify
      impairments and limitations in patients with PD and can provide an overall
      summary of the impact of disease, useful for physiotherapy practice. Implications
      for Rehabilitation PROFILE PD is a reliable and valid instrument to be applied in
      Brazilian Parkinson disease patients. This scale is design specially to be used
      in physical therapy practice within the contexts surrounding the International
      Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. PROFILE PD was able to
      discriminate between patients in mild and moderate stages of disease which is
      difficult in clinical practice mainly because the scale used for this relies on
      balance and gait rather than a global profile.

PMID- 27685370
TI  - Nurses' perceptions of spiritual care and attitudes toward the principles of
      dying with dignity: A sample from Turkey.
AB  - Spiritual care is vital for holistic care and dying with dignity. The aim of this
      study was to determine nurses' perceptions of spiritual care and their attitudes
      toward dying with dignity. This study was conducted with 289 nurses working at a
      public hospital. Results showed three things. First, spiritual care perceptions
      and attitudes toward dying with dignity were more positive in female participants
      than in male participants. Second, there was a correlation between participants'
      education levels and their perceptions of spiritual care. Third, there was also a
      correlation between participants' attitudes toward dying with dignity and their
      perceptions of spiritual care.

PMID- 27685368
TI  - Oligomeric viral proteins: small in size, large in presence.
AB  - Viruses are obligate parasites that rely heavily on host cellular processes for
      replication. The small number of proteins typically encoded by a virus is faced
      with selection pressures that lead to the evolution of distinctive structural
      properties, allowing each protein to maintain its function under constraints such
      as small genome size, high mutation rate, and rapidly changing fitness
      conditions. One common strategy for this evolution is to utilize small building
      blocks to generate protein oligomers that assemble in multiple ways, thereby
      diversifying protein function and regulation. In this review, we discuss specific
      cases that illustrate how oligomerization is used to generate a single defined
      functional state, to modulate activity via different oligomeric states, or to
      generate multiple functional forms via different oligomeric states.

PMID- 27685374
TI  - Anger at claim that at risk children are being sent to A&E.
AB  - Children at risk of abuse are being sent to A&E departments by primary healthcare
      teams who do not want to compromise their relationship with the child's family, a
      child health lecturer has claimed.

PMID- 27685373
TI  - ?
AB  - News that diploma students lack practical skills will probably come as no
      surprise to clinical nurses. But Project 2000 critics need reminding that the
      lack of 'hands-on' expertise is nothing to do with the amount of time diploma
      students spend in the practice environment. Neither is it due to their
      supernumerary status. It is more likely that student failings in practical skills
      are because of inadequate practice based support and mentorship.

PMID- 27685371
TI  - Photoreduction of Shewanella oneidensis Extracellular Cytochromes by Organic
      Chromophores and Dye-Sensitized TiO2.
AB  - The transfer of photoenergized electrons from extracellular photosensitizers
      across a bacterial cell envelope to drive intracellular chemical transformations
      represents an attractive way to harness nature's catalytic machinery for solar
      assisted chemical synthesis. In Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 (MR-1), trans-outer
      membrane electron transfer is performed by the extracellular cytochromes MtrC and
      OmcA acting together with the outer-membrane-spanning porin?cytochrome complex
      (MtrAB). Here we demonstrate photoreduction of solutions of MtrC, OmcA, and the
      MtrCAB complex by soluble photosensitizers: namely, eosin Y, fluorescein,
      proflavine, flavin, and adenine dinucleotide, as well as by riboflavin and flavin
      mononucleotide, two compounds secreted by MR-1. We show photoreduction of MtrC
      and OmcA adsorbed on RuII -dye-sensitized TiO2 nanoparticles and that these
      protein-coated particles perform photocatalytic reduction of solutions of MtrC,
      OmcA, and MtrCAB. These findings provide a framework for informed development of
      strategies for using the outer-membrane-associated cytochromes of MR-1 for solar
      driven microbial synthesis in natural and engineered bacteria.

PMID- 27685375
TI  - Project 2000 nurses lack practical skills.
AB  - Newly qualified nurses lack practical skills and have difficulty Applying
      theoretical knowledge to practice, studies into the learning experiences of
      Project 2000 student nurses have found.

PMID- 27685376
TI  - ?
AB  - Thorpe House nursing home, Yorkshire, is prepared for water cuts, which the RCN
      has warned could cause problems for old and frail people. Yorkshire Water last
      week sought permission to cut off supplies for 24 hours at a time, on a rota
      basis from December.

PMID- 27685372
TI  - Inhibitory Effect of Multivalent Rhamnobiosides on Recombinant Horseshoe Crab
      Plasma Lectin Interactions with Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1.
AB  - To evaluate the molecular interaction of recombinant horseshoe crab plasma lectin
      (rHPL) with Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, multivalent rhamnobioside derivatives
      were designed. Eight rhamnoclusters with three or four alpha(1-3)-rhamnobiosides
      attached to different central cores, such as methyl gallate, pentaerythritol, and
      N-Boc Tris, through either an ethylene glycol or a tetraethylene glycol linker,
      were assembled in two consecutive azide-alkyne cycloaddition click reactions. The
      synthetic method embraced the preparation of two alpha(1-3)-rhamnobiosides with
      different linker arms and their conjugation, in stoichiometric or
      substoichiometric amounts, to propargyl ether-functionalized tri- or tetravalent
      scaffolds. A divalent derivative and two self-assembling rhamnobiosides were also
      prepared. The different architectures and valences of the rhamnoclusters provided
      an opportunity to evaluate the impact of topology and valency on the binding
      properties toward rHPL. Inhibitory ELISA data showed that all covalently linked
      rhamnoclusters could inhibit P. aeruginosa PAO1 recognition activity of rHPL with
      high efficacy. Trivalent rhamnobiosides showed a stronger inhibitory effect on P.
      aeruginosa PAO1 binding, and the more flexible clusters on a pentaerythritol or a
      Tris core were superior to the less flexible methyl gallate-based clusters.
      Interestingly, the length of the linker arms had a very low impact on the binding
      ability of the rhamnoclusters. Herein, the two trivalent derivatives on an N-Boc
      protected Tris central core were the best inhibitors. The self-assembling
      amphiphilic rhamnobioside derivatives were found to display no multivalent
      effect.

PMID- 27685377
TI  - Once bitten.
AB  - Health visitors in Bolton have launched a campaign on the danger of leaving
      animals unattended in the presence of small children.

PMID- 27685379
TI  - Better healthy eating guidance needed for pregnant women.
AB  - Community nurses and midwives are failing to give pregnant women adequate healthy
      eating guidance, causing low weight births and potential ill health in later
      life, says a report published last week by the NCH Action for Children and the
      Maternity Alliance.

PMID- 27685378
TI  - Nurses demand safeguards as hospital invites private bids for all services.
AB  - Nurses set to work at a new Scottish hospital, which last week invited private
      firms to bid to provide its nursing services, have demanded their existing terms
      and conditions be protected.

PMID- 27685380
TI  - Audience shocked by video showing genital mutilation.
AB  - Nurses and other health professionals were stunned and angered last week by a
      video of a young girl undergoing genital mutilation, which was shown at a seminar
      jointly sponsored by the Royal College of Nursing and the National Council of
      Women.

PMID- 27685383
TI  - Labour claims NHS rationing costs nurses' jobs.
AB  - Nursing staff are key victims of increased health service rationing, Labour
      health spokesperson Harriet Harman said last week.

PMID- 27685381
TI  - ?
AB  - Put a not in it: packs for next year's No Smoking Day, being held on March 13,
      are now being distributed. For further information telephone 0171 413 1919.

PMID- 27685385
TI  - Central figure in establishment of nursing standard dies.
AB  - Douglas de Cent, who was the driving force behind the establishment of Nursing
      Standard in 1968, has died.

PMID- 27685384
TI  - Call to report colleagues who put patients at risk of harm.
AB  - Nurses must report colleagues who they think are not fit to practise if they
      suspect patients may be at risk, the organisation representing patients'
      watchdogs urged this week.

PMID- 27685386
TI  - Courses to help staff make the grade can be a waste of time.
AB  - Nurse practitioners are wasting time and resources attending training courses
      only to return to their old jobs and 'do nothing different', a London conference
      heard last week.

PMID- 27685387
TI  - ?
AB  - Nurse Janet Betts and her husband Paul Betts, whose daughter Leah died last week
      after collapsing into a coma after taking an Ecstasy tablet at her 18th birthday
      party. Mrs Betts, who regularly talks to schools about the dangers of drugs, has
      responded to the tragedy by stepping up her campaign.

PMID- 27685388
TI  - Restructure plans push staff to brink.
AB  - Nursing officers have been called to a meeting with managers at Renfrewshire
      Healthcare Trust this week to discuss the restructuring proposals that have
      brought staff to the brink of industrial action.

PMID- 27685389
TI  - Scottish summit.
AB  - The Royal College of Nursing, the Royal College of Midwives, the Scottish Health
      Visitors' Association and the Community and District Nurses' Association met
      Scottish health minister Lord James Douglas-Hamilton last week. They told the
      minister about low morale among Scottish nurses and the unions' fears of nurse
      shortages.

PMID- 27685390
TI  - Children's nurse chosen to advise Commons committee.
AB  - The Royal College of Nursing's adviser on children's nursing has been appointed
      as special adviser to the House of Commons health select committee.

PMID- 27685393
TI  - Fire crew charge nurse saves lives.
AB  - An A&E charge nurse's secondment to Greater Manchester's fire service to teach
      basic trauma life support to fire crews has led to lives being saved.

PMID- 27685391
TI  - Nurse practitioners 'should learn from mistakes in USA'.
AB  - Nurse practitioners in the UK should learn from the mistakes of their American
      counterparts, the RCN A&E Association's annual conference was told.

PMID- 27685395
TI  - ?
AB  - A shot in the arm: nurses were given the opportunity to practise cannulation at a
      skills workshop during the conference.

PMID- 27685394
TI  - Bereaved relatives grateful for A&E follow-up service.
AB  - Relatives find it extremely useful to be contacted after the sudden death of a
      loved one, the evaluation of one A&E department's follow-up service has found.

PMID- 27685396
TI  - A&E staff accused of treating crime victims insensitively.
AB  - Nurses and doctors treat victims of violence with insensitivity and fail to
      address their psychological and social needs, a nurse and manager in a London A&E
      department said last week.

PMID- 27685397
TI  - Joint prostheses at risk from GI surgery.
AB  - Some patients with joint prostheses should receive prophylactic antibiotics
      before gastrointestinal surgery, according to researchers. While it is usual for
      patients with prosthetic heart valves to receive prophylaxis, those with joint
      replacements have not been considered to be at risk of infection. The researchers
      report a woman who had had a knee replacement six years ago and an elective
      haemorrhoidectomy three months before the reported admission.

PMID- 27685398
TI  - Vitamin a dose and birth defects.
AB  - American researchers say they have quantified the risk of the teratogenicity of
      Vitamin A in the results of a study of 22,000 pregnant women carried out between
      1984 and 1987. An increased proportion of babies with birth defects was found in
      women who had taken supplements of over 10,000iu per day.

PMID- 27685399
TI  - Protective clothing in epistaxis treatment.
AB  - There is a high incidence of blood contamination during the treatment of
      epistaxis, particularly if nasal packing is required. To assess the risk of blood
      contamination of staff during treatment and to gauge patients' opinions of the
      use of protective clothing, 50 consecutive patients with epistaxis were studied.
      Staff treating them wore gloves, mask, face visor, hat and apron.

PMID- 27685400
TI  - Same rights for nursing studentsThe four organisations which represent nearly all
      the UK's nursing students say they do not receive the same rights as other
      students. By issuing a joint charter, Tomorrow's Nurses and Midwives, they aim to
      change this.
AB  - Nursing students do not receive the same rights as other students, despite nurse
      teaching's move into higher education, the four organisations which represent
      almost all nursing students have claimed.

PMID- 27685401
TI  - Failing older people.
AB  - Elderly people who suffer a broken hip are often not receiving the nursing care
      they need or deserve, according to a major report from the Audit Commission,
      which monitors efficiency in the health service.

PMID- 27685402
TI  - More nursing input needed.
AB  - Do you have ideas which could help your health authority buy better services for
      your patients?

PMID- 27685403
TI  - Shift in service for mentally ill.
AB  - In her response to my article 'Piggy in the middle' (Viewpoint October 11), Sarah
      Sinnett makes some assumptions which I feel require correction(Letters October
      25).

PMID- 27685404
TI  - Look at the positive aspects of our work.
AB  - I wish we could live in the ideal world, was my first thought after reading the
      letters (November 1) which showed obvious disillusionment, sadness, and anger. Of
      course we want to give holistic care and I believe we should continually strive
      to achieve this.

PMID- 27685406
TI  - Anger at blinkered comments.
AB  - I write to respond to Ms Helen Russell-Johnson's slight on the readers panel
      discussion on where adolescents should be nursed (Ill-informed and inexperienced
      views, Letters, October 25).

PMID- 27685405
TI  - National Association for Staff Support.
AB  - The recent flurry of features and correspondence on stress among nurses, has made
      me think that it is timely to remind Nursing Standard readers of the existence of
      the National Association for Staff Support known as NASS.

PMID- 27685407
TI  - Nurses are central to primary care.
AB  - Your story about our primary healthcare conference seems to imply that the
      nursing profession is being left out of the process of developing primary care
      services in London, 'Nurses side-stepped in capital's primary healthcare plans'
      (News November 8). Nothing could be further from the truth.

PMID- 27685408
TI  - Advertising poor hygiene in nursing.
AB  - Yet again, I was most disconcerted to see on television, nursing staff with the
      use of gloved hands, lifting the lid of a large rubbish pedalled bin, to put
      waste in. The programme was emphasising the need for more blood donors.

PMID- 27685409
TI  - Oestrogen levels could be affected.
AB  - As I understand it, randomised trials show that oestrogen replacement
      substantially or totally prevents post-menopause bone loss. Tamoxifen is an
      antioestrogen agent. Has the osteoporotic value been , explained to women
      volunteering for the four-year tamoxifen trials mentioned in Nursing Standard on
      October 18 (News)?

PMID- 27685412
TI  - Bottomley is still causing damage.
AB  - Poor Mrs Bottomley, shuffled away to Heritage but still managing to scratch at
      the health of our nation.

PMID- 27685411
TI  - Flaw in rules for student nurses.
AB  - It has often been argued that by attaining university status, nurse education may
      be transformed to the benefit of the profession as a whole.

PMID- 27685410
TI  - Over-emphasis on sex in relationships.
AB  - Apart from risking cancer by using the Pill, millions of women are at risk from
      venous thrombosis and embolism, heart disease, diabetes, gall bladder diseases,
      depression, hypertension, disorders in lipid levels and in the metabolism of
      carbohydrates.

PMID- 27685414
TI  - Masonry viewed as anti-Christian.
AB  - People have every right to be suspicious of the secrecy of Masonry. Masonry
      induces a very strong fraternal bond (Letters November 8).

PMID- 27685413
TI  - Clarification.
AB  - Linda Nazarko was reported as saying nursing homes could be run effectively
      without nurses, with nursing 'bought in' ('Policy needed on new care homes' News
      November 8). She has asked it to be made clear that this is a view of some social
      services departments, not her own.

PMID- 27685415
TI  - Information exchange.

PMID- 27685416
TI  - Downgrading.
AB  - Last month Workface explained chat a contract cannot be changed without the
      agreement of both parties ( 1 ).

PMID- 27685417
TI  - A century of X-rays.
AB  - The first cardiac catheterisation of the human heart is attributed to a German
      surgeon, Dr Werner Forssmann. Against the wishes of his superiors but with the
      help of his nurse assistant, Gerda Ditzen, Dr Forssmann catheterised himself
      using a uro- logic catheter via a cutdown in his arm. Having passed the catheter
      through a vein into the right side of his heart, he calmly walked to the X-ray
      department for a chest X-ray to confirm the precise position of the catheter
      within his heart. It is reported that he catheterised himself a total of nine
      times ( 1 , 2 ).

PMID- 27685418
TI  - Cardiac alert.
AB  - Cardiac Alert is a transtelephonic ECG monitoring service for general
      practitioners and high risk cardiac patients. Figures provided by the British I
      leart Foundation currently estimate that 300,000 people suffer a heart attack in
      the UK each year; 25 per cent of these people the within one hour. Of the 75 per
      cent who reach hospital alive, two-thirds go on to live for a year or more. Thus
      43 per cent of all heart attack victims are dead within a year. World Health
      Organization figures show the mortality rate from coronary heart disease in Great
      Britain as one of the highest in the world.

PMID- 27685419
TI  - Heartlines.
AB  - Lady killer'Britain's number one lady killer isn't a man', reads the message on
      posters currently on display in 12 cities throughout the UK as part of a campaign
      launched recently by the British Heart Foundation to raise awareness about the
      fact that heart disease kills one in four women in the UK, the highest mortality
      rate in Western Europe. A woman from northern Britain is nearly twice as likely
      to the from heart disease as a woman in the south.

PMID- 27685420
TI  - Listings.
AB  - As there is such a huge demand, for the publication of free listings, readers may
      wish to take advantage of a new service being launched by Nursing Standard. For
      further details see the coupon in the appointments section or contact Kim
      Bawdier, telephone 0181 423 1066.

PMID- 27685421
TI  - Risk of lymph node metastasis and recommendations for elective nodal treatment in
      squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity and maxillary sinus: a SEER analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Risk of nodal involvement in patients with squamous cell carcinomas
      (SCC) of the nasal cavity and maxillary sinus has not been well defined,
      especially by risk factors beyond local T-stage. Additional criteria defining
      patients at highest risk, as well as specific nodal levels at highest risk, has
      been limited in small retrospective series. We describe a population-based
      assessment of specific nodal involvement in this group. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The
      Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database from 2004 to 2010
      identified 1283 eligible patients with SCC of the nasal cavity or maxillary
      sinus. Neck involvement and individual nodal level involvement at presentation
      were assessed, and comparison made with a contemporaneous cohort of patients with
      a borderline clinically significant risk of nodal involvement and recurrence.
      RESULTS: Among 1283 patients, 182 (14.2%) had nodal involvement at presentation
      (4-27% by site and local extension). T-stage alone was associated with higher
      rates of nodal involvement in maxillary sinus SCC, while higher T-stage and size
      >2 cm were associated with higher rates of nodal involvement in nasal cavity SCC
      on multivariable analysis. Facial nodes and cervical nodes at levels 1 and 2 have
      the highest rates of involvement in T4a nasal cavity SCC, whereas nodal levels 1,
      2, and/or 3 have the highest rates of involvement in T2 or higher maxillary sinus
      SCC when compared with a clinical reference standard. CONCLUSION: In this
      population-based study, there are high rates of initial nodal involvement when
      stratified by local extent determined by T-stage in nasal cavity SCC and
      maxillary sinus SCC, and independently by size in nasal cavity SCC. Involvement
      of the facial and nodal levels 1-3 varies depending on site and local extent of
      tumor involvement. These observations may help guide treatment decision making in
      the inclusion of and extent of elective nodal treatment fields.

PMID- 27685422
TI  - A systematic review of observational pain assessment instruments for use with
      nonverbal intubated critically ill adult patients in the emergency department: an
      assessment of their suitability and psychometric properties.
AB  - AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To examine the psychometric properties and suitability of the
      available observational pain instruments for potential use with nonverbal
      critically ill adult patients in the emergency department. BACKGROUND: In the
      emergency department, assessing pain in critically ill patients is challenging,
      especially those unable to communicate the presence of pain. Critically ill
      patients are commonly unable to verbally communicate pain due to altered oral
      communication (e.g. endotracheal intubation) and/or diminished consciousness
      (e.g. sedation, delirium), placing them at great risk of inadequate pain
      management. Over half of intensive care critically ill intubated patients
      experience moderate-to-severe pain whilst intubated and mechanically ventilated.
      DESIGN: Systematic review. DATA SOURCES: The CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, ProQuest
      databases, and the Cochrane Library and the National Institute of Clinical
      Excellence were also searched from their date of inception to April 2016, with no
      language restrictions applied. REVIEW METHOD: Studies were identified using
      predetermined inclusion criteria. Data were extracted and summarised and
      underwent evaluation using published classification of psychometric tests for
      consistency of interpretation. RESULTS: Twenty-six studies evaluating five
      observational pain assessment instruments that had been used with critically ill
      intubated patients were identified. All five instruments included behavioural
      indicators, with two including physiologic indicators. All five instruments have
      undergone validity and reliability testing involving nonverbal critically ill
      intubated patients, three were examined for feasibility, and one instrument
      underwent sensitivity and specificity testing. None have been tested within the
      emergency department with nonverbal critically ill intubated adult patients.
      CONCLUSION: The use of an appropriate and valid observational pain assessment
      instrument is fundamental to detecting and optimising pain management in
      nonverbal critically ill intubated patients in the emergency department. Of the
      observational pain assessment instruments reviewed, the Critical-Care Pain
      Observation Tool was identified as most appropriate for testing in a prospective
      trial in an emergency department setting.

PMID- 27685423
TI  - Secondary Combined Immunodeficiency in Pediatric Patients after the Fontan
      Operation: Three Case Reports.
AB  - The Fontan operation or total cavopulmonal connection (TCPC) is a palliative
      surgical correction of rare and complex inborn cardiac malformations that are
      characterized by univentricular circulation. Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE)
      develops in 4-13% of patients after the Fontan procedure. Fontan-related PLE
      leads to secondary combined immunodeficiency marked by hypogammaglobulinemia and
      predominantly CD4+ lymphocytopenia. Here, we present 3 case reports of patients
      with secondary immunodeficiency after the Fontan operation. The severity of
      hypogammaglobulinemia correlated with the nature of the infectious complications;
      however, clinical manifestations of T cell deficiency such as severe viral or
      opportunistic infections were not observed. The clinical consequences of the
      secondary combined immunodeficiency were modified by immunoglobulin replacement
      treatment and antibiotic prophylaxis. Heart transplantation led to the resolution
      of PLE signs and the restitution of IgG levels in 1 transplanted patient. Our
      experience shows that the immunological follow-up was delayed in all 3 patients.
      We suggest that all patients should be followed regularly by a clinical
      immunologist after the Fontan surgery.

PMID- 27685424
TI  - Barrett's Esophagus Commonly Diagnosed in Elderly Men with Limited Life
      Expectancy.

PMID- 27685425
TI  - Sport science integration: An evolutionary synthesis.
AB  - The aim of the paper is to point out one way of integrating the supposedly
      incommensurate disciplines investigated in sports science. General, common
      principles can be found among apparently unrelated disciplines when the focus is
      put on the dynamics of sports-related phenomena. Dynamical systems approaches
      that have recently changed research in biological and social sciences among
      others, offer key concepts to create a common pluricontextual language in sport
      science. This common language, far from being homogenising, offers key synthesis
      between diverse fields, respecting and enabling the theoretical and experimental
      pluralism. It forms a softly integrated sports science characterised by a basic
      dynamic explanatory backbone as well as context-dependent theoretical
      flexibility. After defining the dynamic integration in living systems, unable to
      be captured by structural static approaches, we show the commonalities between
      the diversity of processes existing on different levels and time scales in
      biological and social entities. We justify our interpretation by drawing on some
      recent scientific contributions that use the same general principles and
      concepts, and diverse methods and techniques of data analysis, to study different
      types of phenomena in diverse disciplines. We show how the introduction of the
      dynamic framework in sport science has started to blur the boundaries between
      physiology, biomechanics, psychology, phenomenology and sociology. The advantages
      and difficulties of sport science integration and its consequences in research
      are also discussed.

PMID- 27685426
TI  - Essential Oil of Thymus munbyanus subsp. coloratus from Algeria:
      Chemotypification and in vitro Biological Activities.
AB  - Thymus munbyanus subsp. coloratus (Lamiaceae) is a small shrub endemic to Algeria
      and Morocco where is found in lawns, rockeries and mountainous regions. From a
      phytochemical point of view this taxon has never been characterized. In this work
      we have analysed the chemical compositions of the essential oils obtained from
      inflorescences and vegetative parts by GC/MS. A new chemotype, i.e. borneol
      chemotype, was characterized for the first time in the species. Furthermore, we
      assessed the biological activities of essential oils, namely the antioxidant,
      antimicrobial and cytotoxicity on tumor cells that were evaluated by the DPPH,
      ABTS, and FRAP, disc diffusion, and MTT methods, respectively. Biological assays
      highlighted a moderate inhibitory effect on Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia
      coli and Candida albicans (inhibition zone diameter in the range 9 - 10 mm), and
      noteworthy cytotoxicity on A375 human melanoma cells (IC50 of 46.95 MUg/ml).

PMID- 27685427
TI  - Amorphous protein aggregation monitored using fluorescence self-quenching.
AB  - Biophysical understanding of amorphous protein aggregation can significantly
      impact diverse area of biotechnology. Here, we report the time dependent salt
      induced formation of amorphous aggregation as monitored by fluorescence self
      quenching and compare the results with conventional methods for detecting protein
      aggregation [static light scattering (LS) and dynamic light scattering (DLS)]. As
      a model protein, we used a bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI) variant
      extended by two glycines (C2G) at its C terminus, and three variants where three
      types of Solubility Controlling Peptide tags (SCP tags) made of five serines
      (C5S), alanines (C5A) or aspartic acids (C5D) were added to the C terminus of
      C2G. All variants have a native-like BPTI structure and trypsin inhibitory
      activity, but different solubilities controlled by the SCP tags. The BPTIs were
      labeled using NHS-Fluorescein (FAM) conjugated to BPTI's lysines, and we measured
      the changes in fluorescence intensity occurring upon the addition of NaCl. The
      fluorescence of all FAM-BPTIs decreased almost immediately, albeit to a different
      extent, upon addition of salt and became constant after 10 min for 24 h or more.
      On the other hand, LS and DLS signal changes were dependent on the type of tags.
      Namely, C2G's LS and DLS signals changed immediately, the signals of C5S and C5A
      tagged FAM-BPTIs increased slowly from 10 min to 24 h, and those of C5D remained
      constant. These observations indicated the presence of at least one intermediate
      step, with increased protein-protein interaction yielding a 'molecular
      condensation' phase. According to this model, C2G would rapidly turn from
      'condensates' to aggregates, whereas C5S and C5A tagged FAM-BPTIs would do so
      slowly, and the soluble C5D tagged variant would remain in the molecular
      condensation state.

PMID- 27685428
TI  - Update of literature from cystic fibrosis registries 2012-2015. Part 6:
      Epidemiology, nutrition and complications.
AB  - Patient registries provide useful information to afford more knowledge on rare
      diseases like Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Twenty-two studies originating from national
      CF registries, focusing on demographics, survival, genetics, nutritional status,
      and non-pulmonary complications, were published between December 2011 and March
      2015. The purpose of this review article is to examine these reports, aiming
      attention to the clinical characteristics of CF patients included in the
      registries, current, and estimated future epidemiological data, the role of
      gender gap, the increasing survival in different countries. Some studies offer
      insights into pubertal growth and non-pulmonary complications, such as liver
      disease, nephropathy, and cancer. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017;52:390-398. (c) 2016
      Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27685429
TI  - Comparing 2 National Organization-Level Workplace Health Promotion and
      Improvement Tools, 2013-2015.
AB  - Creating healthy workplaces is becoming more common. Half of employers that have
      more than 50 employees offer some type of workplace health promotion program. Few
      employers implement comprehensive evidence-based interventions that reach all
      employees and achieve desired health and cost outcomes. A few organization-level
      assessment and benchmarking tools have emerged to help employers evaluate the
      comprehensiveness and rigor of their health promotion offerings. Even fewer tools
      exist that combine assessment with technical assistance and guidance to implement
      evidence-based practices. Our descriptive analysis compares 2 such tools, the
      Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Worksite Health ScoreCard and
      Prevention Partners' WorkHealthy America, and presents data from both to describe
      workplace health promotion practices across the United States. These tools are
      reaching employers of all types (N = 1,797), and many employers are using a
      comprehensive approach (85% of those using WorkHealthy America and 45% of those
      using the ScoreCard), increasing program effectiveness and impact.

PMID- 27685430
TI  - Association of Material Deprivation Status, Access to Health Care Services, and
      Lifestyle With Screening and Prevention of Disease, Montreal, Canada, 2012.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to provide information on the
      effect of disparities in material deprivation, access to health care services,
      and lifestyle on the likelihood of undergoing screening for disease prevention.
      METHODS: We used data from a probability sample (N = 10,726) of the Montreal
      population aged 15 years or older and assessed 6 dependent variables (screening
      for breast cancer, cervical cancer, colon cancer, blood glucose, and high blood
      pressure and receipt of the seasonal influenza vaccination), and 3 independent
      variables (disparities in material deprivation, access to health care services,
      and personal lifestyle habits). We used logistic regression to analyze data and
      determine associations. RESULTS: Use of preventive health services increased as
      material deprivation declined, access to health care improved, and lifestyle
      habits became healthier. The combined effect of household income, an individual
      measure, and the material deprivation index (consisting of quintiles representing
      a range from the most privileged [quintile 1: best education, employment, and
      income] to the most deprived [quintile 5: least education, employment, and
      income) an ecological measure, showed that having a Papanicolaou test was
      significantly associated with high annual household income (>=$40,000) even if
      the woman resided in a deprived neighborhood (quintiles 4 and 5 of the material
      deprivation index) (odds ratio [OR], 1.38; 95% confidence interval (95% [CI],
      1.04-1.84), whereas odds of having a mammogram or influenza vaccination were
      significantly associated with living in a privileged neighborhood (quintiles 1,
      2, and 3 of the material deprivation index) even among people with a low annual
      household income (<$40,000) (mammogram: OR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.00-2.38; influenza
      vaccination: OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.04-1.66). CONCLUSION: In addition to influencing
      lifestyle habits and access to health care services, disparities in material
      deprivation influence whether a person uses preventive health services. Public
      health professionals need to establish screening outreach programs in
      socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods to enhance public participation in
      disease prevention programs and reduce disparities in health.

PMID- 27685431
TI  - Age-Associated Perceptions of Physical Activity Facilitators and Barriers Among
      Women in Rural Southernmost Illinois.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Women living in rural areas in the United States experience
      disproportionately high rates of diseases such as obesity and heart disease and
      are less likely than women living in urban areas to meet daily physical activity
      (PA) recommendations. The purpose of our research was to understand age-specific
      perceptions of barriers and facilitators to rural women engaging in PA and to
      identify strategies to promote PA among these women. METHODS: As part of a
      community health assessment to learn about women's health issues, 110 adult women
      participated in 14 focus groups. The women were divided into 4 age groups, and
      focus groups were held in various community settings. We used qualitative
      analysis methods to explore themes in the women's narratives, including themes
      related to PA knowledge, PA behavior, and access to PA facilities. RESULTS:
      Participants described multiple and often conflicting individual, social, and
      environmental barriers and facilitators to PA. Several barriers and facilitators
      were shared across age groups (eg, competing priorities and inadequate knowledge
      about PA's role in disease prevention and disease management). Other barriers
      (eg, illness and injury) and facilitators (eg, PA as a social opportunity)
      differed by age group. CONCLUSION: Rural women in southernmost Illinois have
      often contradictory barriers and facilitators to PA, and those barriers and
      facilitators are different at different points in a woman's life. Our findings
      suggest the need for multilevel, multisector approaches to promote PA.
      Additionally, this research supports the need for tailored PA promotion programs
      for rural women to address the barriers these women face across their lifespan.

PMID- 27685432
TI  - A Content Analysis of Vaping Advertisements on Twitter, November 2014.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Vaping has increased in popularity, and the potential harms and
      benefits are largely unknown. Vaping-related advertising is expected to grow as
      the vaping industry grows; people are exposed primarily to vaping advertisements
      on the Internet, and Twitter is an especially popular social medium among young
      people. The primary objective of our study was to describe the characteristics of
      vaping-related advertisements on Twitter. METHODS: We collected data on 403,079
      English-language tweets that appeared during November 2014 and contained vaping
      related keywords. Using crowdsourcing services, we identified vaping-related
      advertisements in a random sample of 5,000 tweets. The advertisement tweets were
      qualitatively coded for popular marketing tactics by our research team. We also
      inferred the demographic characteristics of followers of 4 Twitter handles that
      advertised various novel vape products. RESULTS: The random sample of 5,000
      vaping-related tweets included 1,156 (23%) advertisement tweets that were further
      analyzed. Vape pens were advertised in nearly half of the advertisement tweets
      (47%), followed by e-juice (21%), which commonly mentioned flavors (42%). Coupons
      or price discounts were frequently observed (32%); only 3% of tweets mentioned
      vaping as a way to quit smoking or as an alternative to smoking. One handle had a
      disproportionately high percentage of racial/ethnic minority followers.
      CONCLUSION: Vaping poses a threat to smoking prevention progress, and it is
      important for those in tobacco control to understand and counter the tactics used
      by vaping companies to entice their consumers, especially on social media where
      young people can easily view the content.

PMID- 27685433
TI  - Deepening Insights of Charge Transfer and Photophysics in a Novel Donor-Acceptor
      Cocrystal for Waveguide Couplers and Photonic Logic Computation.

PMID- 27685434
TI  - Highly Anisotropic, Highly Transparent Wood Composites.

PMID- 27685435
TI  - Cognitive dysfunction in major depression and bipolar disorder: Assessment and
      treatment options.
AB  - Cognitive dysfunction is a recognized feature of mood disorders, including major
      depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD). Cognitive impairment is
      associated with poor overall functional outcome and is therefore an important
      feature of illness to optimize for patients' occupational and academic outcomes.
      While generally people with BD appear to have a greater degree of cognitive
      impairment than those with MDD, direct comparisons of both patient groups within
      a single study are lacking. There are a number of methods for the assessment of
      cognitive function, but few are currently used in clinical practice. Current
      symptoms, past course of illness, clinical features, such as the presence of
      psychosis and comorbid conditions, may all influence cognitive function in mood
      disorders. Despite the general lack of assessment of cognitive function in
      clinical practice, clinicians are increasingly targeting cognitive symptoms as
      part of comprehensive treatment strategies. Novel pharmacological agents may
      improve cognitive function, but most studies of standard mood stabilizers, such
      as lithium and the anticonvulsants, have focused on whether or not the
      medications impair cognition. Non-pharmacological strategies, such as cognitive
      remediation and exercise, are increasingly studied in patients with mood
      disorders. Despite the growing interest in strategies to manage cognitive
      function, there is a paucity of high-quality trials examining either
      pharmacological or non-pharmacological modes of intervention.

PMID- 27685436
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 27685438
TI  - Atrioesophageal Fistula after Minimally Invasive Video-Assisted Epicardial
      Ablation for Lone Atrial Fibrillation.
AB  - Minimally invasive video-assisted epicardial beating heart ablation for lone
      atrial fibrillation claims to be safe and effective. We, however, report on three
      patients with an atrioesophageal fistula after this procedure. The exact
      pathogenesis of this complication is unknown. All patients presented around 6
      weeks after surgery with either fever or neurological deficits. Diagnosis can be
      made by computed tomography scan. We advocate an aggressive surgical approach
      with closure of the atrial defect on cardiopulmonary bypass and closure and
      reinforcement of the esophagus with an intercostal muscle flap in a single-stage
      surgery. Some caution as to the low-risk character of this procedure seems to be
      realistic.

PMID- 27685437
TI  - Neuropsychology in India.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This is an invited paper for a special issue with the objective to
      provide information on neuropsychology in India. METHOD: Information was gathered
      from a literature search and personal communication with professionals working in
      the field of neuropsychology. RESULTS: Neuropsychology as a specialization
      started in India approximately 40 years ago. The early years witnessed the use of
      Western tools for assessing patients with organic brain damage. Subsequent years
      saw the development of indigenous tools for use with the vast majority of the
      Indian population and also a few Western tests adapted to suit the needs of the
      unique Indian clientele. The starting of the Neuropsychology unit at the National
      Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in Bangalore in 1975
      resulted in changing of the course of training and practice of Neuropsychology.
      The field of assessments has witnessed indigenous tests being developed, while
      rehabilitation programs have brought about a decline in cognitive deficits in
      several clinical conditions. Currently, work within the field of neuropsychology
      has focused on child, geriatric, acquired brain injury, and forensic populations
      with a development of unique rehabilitations to suit needs of several clinical
      conditions. However, there are very few neuropsychologists in the country, and
      only one nodal training center, which limits the availability of training to the
      large population of the country. CONCLUSION: Despite the shortcomings, the field
      of neuropsychology has received much attention in the recent years with the
      number of referrals and professionals increasing.

PMID- 27685439
TI  - First Hands-On Experience with the Application of a Newly Designed Double
      Branched Thoracic Catheter for Thoracic Interventions.
AB  - Background We investigated the technical handling of a y-shaped double-branched
      thoracic catheter with the aim of combining the effect of two separate catheters
      and the ease of use of a single one. Methods A total of 20 catheters were placed
      consecutively in 20 patients. Results In all patients, it was technically simple
      to position the catheter, whether in open or video-assisted surgery. The handling
      during removal corresponded to that of a single drain. Conclusion This type of
      drain appears to hold a lot of potential compared with the use of a single drain.
      Further studies with defined and larger patient populations should be performed.

PMID- 27685440
TI  - Preparation of a Corannulene-functionalized Hexahelicene by Copper(I)-catalyzed
      Alkyne-azide Cycloaddition of Nonplanar Polyaromatic Units.
AB  - The main purpose of this video is to show 6 reaction steps of a convergent
      synthesis and prepare a complex molecule containing up to three nonplanar
      polyaromatic units, which are two corannulene moieties and a racemic hexahelicene
      linking them. The compound described in this work is a good host for fullerenes.
      Several common organic reactions, such as free-radical reactions, C-C coupling or
      click chemistry, are employed demonstrating the versatility of functionalization
      that this compound can accept. All of these reactions work for planar aromatic
      molecules. With subtle modifications, it is possible to achieve similar results
      for nonplanar polyaromatic compounds.

PMID- 27685441
TI  - A naturally-occurring 'cold earth' spot in Northern China.
AB  - Permafrost is determined to a large extent by the Earth's surface temperature,
      therefore it distributes mainly in high altitude and latitude regions. However,
      stable, warm (about -1  degrees C) permafrost occurs within a scree slope in
      northern China that is more than 600 km south of the southernmost limit of
      latitudinal permafrost on the Eurasian Continent. It is at an elevation of only
      900 m above sea level (ASL). The area has a mean annual air temperature (MAAT) of
      6 to 8  degrees C. Thermal processes of the scree slope, investigated through
      field monitoring and numerical simulation, showed that the permafrost is caused
      by winter air convection within the porous rock deposits and is stable as air
      convection does not occur in summer time. The deposit is covered by a 30-cm-thick
      peaty soil layer dated (carbon C-14) to between 1,000 to 1,600 years ago. The
      layer also contributes to the permafrost's existence due to the peat's thermal
      conductivity offset when frozen and thawed. The existence of permafrost under
      such warm climatic conditions confirms the effectiveness of using crushed rock
      layer as basement or slope cover to protect the warm permafrost subgrade of the
      recently-constructed Qinghai-Tibet Railway (QTR), even under the predicted
      climate warming conditions.

PMID- 27685442
TI  - Detection of candidate biomarkers of prostate cancer progression in serum: a
      depletion-free 3D LC/MS quantitative proteomics pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common male cancer in the United
      Kingdom and we aimed to identify clinically relevant biomarkers corresponding to
      stage progression of the disease. METHODS: We used enhanced proteomic profiling
      of PCa progression using iTRAQ 3D LC mass spectrometry on high-quality serum
      samples to identify biomarkers of PCa. RESULTS: We identified >1000 proteins.
      Following specific inclusion/exclusion criteria we targeted seven proteins of
      which two were validated by ELISA and six potentially interacted forming an
      'interactome' with only a single protein linking each marker. This network also
      includes accepted cancer markers, such as TNF, STAT3, NF-kappaB and IL6.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our linked and interrelated biomarker network highlights the
      potential utility of six of our seven markers as a panel for diagnosing PCa and,
      critically, in determining the stage of the disease. Our validation analysis of
      the MS-identified proteins found that SAA alongside KLK3 may improve
      categorisation of PCa than by KLK3 alone, and that TSR1, although not significant
      in this model, might also be a clinically relevant biomarker.

PMID- 27685446
TI  - Older patients with early-stage diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: the role of
      consolidation radiotherapy after chemoimmunotherapy.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to examine the association between RT and overall
      survival for older patients (>60 years) with early-stage diffuse large B-cell
      lymphoma (DLBCL) using standard and propensity score (PS)-adjusted Cox
      proportional hazards models. From 1998 to 2012, 2207 patients were over the age
      of 60 years, received chemoimmunotherapy with or without RT and were included in
      this study. Use of consolidation RT was associated with lower clinical stage,
      head/neck involved site, lack of 'B' symptoms, lower co-morbidity score, and
      higher socioeconomic status (all p < .05). Examining 1721 patients for survival
      outcomes (1998-2008), the 5-year overall survival for patients receiving RT was
      80.1% versus 69.8% for those not receiving RT (p < .01). After PS-matching for co
      variates, RT use remained associated with improved overall survival (HR = 0.63,
      95% CI, 0.51-0.79, p < .01). Over the study period, RT utilization decreased from
      38.5% to 28.8%. Consolidation RT was associated with improved OS for older
      patients with early-stage DLBCL receiving chemoimmunotherapy.

PMID- 27685443
TI  - Axillary lymph node micrometastases decrease triple-negative early breast cancer
      survival.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) are the most deadly form of
      breast cancer (BC) subtypes. Axillary lymph node involvement (ALNI) has been
      described to be prognostic in BC taken as a whole, but its prognostic value in
      each subtype is unclear. We explored the prognostic impact of ALNI and especially
      of small size axillary metastases in early TNBCs. METHODS: We analysed in this
      multicentre study all patients treated for early TNBC in 12 French cancer
      centres. We explored the correlation between clinicopathological data and ALNI,
      with a specific focus on the dichotomisation between macrometastases and occult
      metastases, which is defined as the presence of isolated tumour cells or
      micrometastases. The prognostic value of ALNI both in terms of disease-free
      survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) was also explored. RESULTS: We included
      1237 TNBC patients. Five-year DFS and OS were 83.7% and 88.5%, respectively. The
      identified independent prognostic features for DFS were tumour size >20 mm
      (hazard ratio (HR)=1.86; 95% CI: 1.11-3.10, P=0.018), lymphovascular invasion
      (HR=1.69; 95% CI: 1.21-2.34, P=0.002) and ALNI both in case of macrometastases
      (HR=1.97; 95% CI: 1.38-2.81, P<0.0001) and occult metastases (HR=1.72; 95% CI:
      1.1-2.71, P=0.019). DFS and OS were similar between tumours with occult
      metastases and macrometastases. Tumours presenting at least two pejorative
      features (out of ALNI, lymphovascular invasion and large tumour size) displayed a
      significantly poorer DFS in both the training set and validation set,
      independently of chemotherapy administration. Tumours with no more than one of
      the above-cited pejorative features had a 5-year OS of ?90% vs 70% for other
      cases (P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Axillary lymph node involvement is a key
      prognostic feature for early TNBC when isolated tumour cells were identified in
      lymph nodes. This impact is independent of chemotherapy use.

PMID- 27685444
TI  - The complexity of integrins in cancer and new scopes for therapeutic targeting.
AB  - Cancer is a complex disease and progresses within a dynamically evolving
      extracellular matrix that controls virtually every aspect of the tumour and
      tumour-associated cells. Interactions with the extracellular microenvironment are
      predominately mediated by a family of cell-surface transmembrane receptors called
      integrins. Integrin-matrix engagement leads to the formation of adhesion plaques,
      consisting of signalling and adaptor proteins, at the plasma membrane that link
      the extracellular matrix to the regulation of the cell cytoskeleton. In this
      review, we will highlight exciting data that identify new roles for integrins and
      integrin-dependent signalling in cancer away from the plasma membrane, discuss
      the implications of integrin-dependent regulation of Met and ErbB2 growth factor
      receptors and highlight the role of specific integrins in different stages of
      cancer development including maintenance of cancer stem cells.

PMID- 27685447
TI  - Changes in the Plasticity of HIV-1 Nef RNA during the Evolution of the North
      American Epidemic.
AB  - Because of a high mutation rate, HIV exists as a viral swarm of many sequence
      variants evolving under various selective pressures from the human immune system.
      Although the Nef gene codes for the most immunogenic of HIV accessory proteins,
      which alone makes it of great interest to HIV research, it also encodes an RNA
      structure, whose contribution to HIV virulence has been largely unexplored. Nef
      RNA helps HIV escape RNA interference (RNAi) through nucleotide changes and
      alternative folding. This study examines Historic and Modern Datasets of patient
      HIV-1 Nef sequences during the evolution of the North American epidemic for local
      changes in RNA plasticity. By definition, RNA plasticity refers to an RNA
      molecule's ability to take alternative folds (i.e., alternative conformations).
      Our most important finding is that an evolutionarily conserved region of the HIV
      1 Nef gene, which we denote by R2, recently underwent a statistically significant
      increase in its RNA plasticity. Thus, our results indicate that Modern Nef R2
      typically accommodates an alternative fold more readily than Historic Nef R2.
      Moreover, the increase in RNA plasticity resides mostly in synonymous nucleotide
      changes, which cannot be a response to selective pressures on the Nef protein. R2
      may therefore be of interest in the development of antiviral RNAi therapies.

PMID- 27685445
TI  - FOXO3a and the MAPK p38 are activated by cetuximab to induce cell death and
      inhibit cell proliferation and their expression predicts cetuximab efficacy in
      colorectal cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cetuximab, a monoclonal antibody against EGFR used for the treatment
      of colorectal cancer (CRC), is ineffective in many patients. The aim of this
      study was to identify the signalling pathways activated by cetuximab in CRC cells
      and define new biomarker of response. METHODS: We used in vitro, in vivo models
      and clinical CRC samples to assess the role of p38 and FOXO3a in cetuximab
      mechanism of action. RESULTS: We show that cetuximab activates the MAPK p38.
      Specifically, p38 inhibition reduced cetuximab efficacy on cell growth and cell
      death. At the molecular level, cetuximab activates the transcription factor
      FOXO3a and promotes its nuclear translocation via p38-mediated phosphorylation,
      leading to the upregulation of its target genes p27 and BIM and the subsequent
      induction of apoptosis and inhibition of cell proliferation. Finally, we found
      that high FOXO3a and p38 expression levels are associated with better response
      rate and improved outcome in cetuximab-treated patients with CRC harbouring WT
      KRAS. CONCLUSIONS: We identify FOXO3a as a key mediator of cetuximab mechanism of
      action in CRC cells and define p38 as its activator in this context. Moreover,
      high FOXO3a and p38 expression could predict the response to cetuximab in
      patients with CRC harbouring WT KRAS.

PMID- 27685449
TI  - Do chromosome changes in blood cells implicate formaldehyde as a leukemogen?
AB  - Formaldehyde (FA) is a mutagenic chemical - a property mitigated in vivo by rapid
      detoxification and limited tissue distribution following inhalation of the free
      agent. Endogenously produced FA is necessary for life and required for one-carbon
      transfer reactions; however, FA derived from external sources (exogenous FA),
      which may be in the form of methanol, may increase in vivo concentrations above
      naturally occurring physiological levels. Both endogenous and exogenous FA
      produce DNA monoadducts, DNA-DNA and DNA-protein cross-links (DDX and DPX) but,
      when exposed to exogenously-derived free FA, DNA monoadducts, DDX, and DPX are
      only produced at initial sites of contact. In contrast, methanol may systemically
      induce DNA adducts distally. FA also induces oxidative stress/lipid peroxidation
      with some individuals suggesting the resulting reactive aldehydes may have the
      potential to induce distal site DNA damage with the resulting reactive aldehydes
      having the potential to induce distal site DNA damage. Chromosome changes in the
      form of aberrations or micronuclei in blood cells have been studied in FA-exposed
      animals and humans, with most of the former being negative. Human occupational
      studies have given mixed results for such changes in peripheral blood lymphocytes
      (PBLs) which circulate widely but do not reflect recent bone marrow (BM) events.
      Recent studies reporting changes in human BM or hematopoietic precursor cells
      (HPCs) either have had confounding exposures or could not distinguish in vivo
      from in vitro occurrences. The reported genetic changes in circulating blood
      cells do not provide convincing support for FA's classification as a human
      leukemogen.

PMID- 27685450
TI  - Abdominal Cystic-Like Lesion as a Rare Complication of Neglected Infectious
      Disease.

PMID- 27685451
TI  - Providing support to nursing students in the clinical environment: a nursing
      standard requirement.
AB  - AIM: This discussion paper poses the question 'What enables or deters Registered
      Nurses to take up their professional responsibility to support undergraduate
      nursing students through the provision of clinical education?'. BACKGROUND:
      Embedded within many nursing standards are expectations that Registered Nurses
      provide support and professional development to undergraduate nursing students
      undertaking clinical placements. Expectations within nursing standards that
      Registered Nurses provide support and professional development to nursing
      students are important because nursing students depend on Registered Nurses to
      help them to become competent practitioners. RESULTS: Contributing factors that
      enable and deter Registered Nurses from fulfilling this expectation to support
      nursing students in their clinical learning include; workloads, preparedness for
      the teaching role, confidence in teaching and awareness of the competency
      requirement to support students. CONCLUSION: Factors exist which can enable or
      deter Registered Nurses from carrying out the licence requirement to provide
      clinical education and support to nursing students.

PMID- 27685448
TI  - Health-Related Quality of Life and Survival of Cholangiocarcinoma Patients in
      Northeastern Region of Thailand.
AB  - In northeast Thailand, cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a major cause of mortality.
      Patients with CCA have a poor prognosis and short-term survival. The purpose of
      this study was to investigate the association between health-related quality of
      life (HRQOL) and survival time, and to explore whether change in HRQOL score is
      related to survival among CCA patients. The study was performed between February
      2011 and January 2012, and included 171 patients with newly diagnosed CCA from 5
      tertiary hospitals in four provinces of northeast Thailand. The HRQOL was
      measured at baseline, 1 month, and 2 months after diagnosis by the FACT-Hep
      questionnaire (Thai version 4). The outcome was survival time from diagnosis.
      Cox's proportional hazard model was used to evaluate the association between
      HRQOL and survival time. A higher overall score on HRQOL was associated with a
      significantly better survival (HR per 5 units increase in HRQOL was 0.92, 95% CI:
      0.88-0.96). Two of the separate domains contributing to the overall HRQOL
      functional well-being and hepatobiliary cancer subscale-were found to have
      independent effects on survival, even after adjustment for potential confounding
      variables, and the other domains of HRQOL. CCA patient whose HRQOL scores had
      improved (>=9 units) at the 1st month of follow up had a reduced probability of
      dying from the disease (HR: 0.56, 0.32-0.95) after adjustment for the same
      confounding factors. A positive association between HRQOL at diagnosis and
      survival time was found. An improvement in HRQOL score in the first months after
      diagnosis further increases survival.

PMID- 27685453
TI  - Dimensionality and Valency Dependent Quantum Growth of Metallic Nanostructures: A
      Unified Perspective.
AB  - Quantum growth refers to the phenomena in which the quantum mechanically confined
      motion of electrons in metallic wires, islands, and films determines their
      overall structural stability as well as their physical and chemical properties.
      Yet to date, there has been a lack of a unified understanding of quantum growth
      with respect to the dimensionality of the nanostructures as well as the valency
      of the constituent atoms. Based on a first-principles approach, we investigate
      the stability of nanowires, nanoislands, and ultrathin films of prototypical
      metal elements. We reveal that the Friedel oscillations generated at the edges
      (or surfaces) of the nanostructures cause corresponding oscillatory behaviors in
      their stability, leading to the existence of highly preferred lengths (or
      thicknesses). Such magic lengths of the nanowires are further found to depend on
      both the number of valence electrons and the radial size, with the oscillation
      period monotonously increasing for alkali and group IB metals, and monotonously
      decreasing for transition and group IIIA-VA metals. When the radial size of the
      nanowires increases to reach ~10 A, the systems equivalently become nanosize
      islands, and the oscillation period saturates to that of the corresponding
      ultrathin films. These findings offer a generic perspective of quantum growth of
      different classes of metallic nanostructures.

PMID- 27685452
TI  - The Stress-Strain Data of the Hip Capsule Ligaments Are Gender and Side
      Independent Suggesting a Smaller Contribution to Passive Stiffness.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The ligaments in coherence with the capsule of the hip joint are
      known to contribute to hip stability. Nevertheless, the contribution of the
      mechanical properties of the ligaments and gender- or side-specific differences
      are still not completely clear. To date, comparisons of the hip capsule ligaments
      to other tissues stabilizing the pelvis and hip joint, e.g. the iliotibial tract,
      were not performed. MATERIALS & METHODS: Hip capsule ligaments were obtained from
      17 human cadavers (9 females, 7 males, 13 left and 8 right sides, mean age 83.65
      +/- 10.54 years). 18 iliofemoral, 9 ischiofemoral and 17 pubofemoral ligaments
      were prepared. Uniaxial stress-strain properties were obtained from the load
      deformation curves before the secant elastic modulus was computed. Strain,
      elastic modulus and cross sections were compared. RESULTS: Strain and elastic
      modulus revealed no significant differences between the iliofemoral (strain 129.8
      +/- 11.1%, elastic modulus 48.8 +/- 21.4 N/mm2), ischiofemoral (strain 128.7 +/-
      13.7%, elastic modulus 37.5 +/- 20.4 N/mm2) and pubofemoral (strain 133.2 +/-
      23.7%, elastic modulus 49.0 +/- 32.1 N/mm2) ligaments. The iliofemoral ligament
      (53.5 +/- 15.1 mm2) yielded a significantly higher cross section compared to the
      ischiofemoral (19.2 +/- 13.2 mm2) and pubofemoral (15.2 +/- 7.2 mm2) ligament. No
      significant gender- or side-specific differences were determined. A comparison to
      the published data on the iliotibial tract revealed lower elasticity and less
      variation in the ligaments of the hip joint. CONCLUSION: Comparison of the
      mechanical data of the hip joint ligaments indicates that their role may likely
      exceed a function as a mechanical stabilizer. Uniaxial testing of interwoven
      collagen fibers might lead to a misinterpretation of the mechanical properties of
      the hip capsule ligaments in the given setup, concealing its uniaxial properties.
      This underlines the need for a polyaxial test setup using fresh and non-embalmed
      tissues.

PMID- 27685454
TI  - Learning globally to enhance local practice: an international programme in
      primary care & family health.
AB  - PURPOSE: In a global context of growing health inequities, international learning
      experiences have become a popular strategy for equipping health professionals
      with skills, knowledge, and competencies required to work with the populations
      they serve. This study sought to analyse the Chilean Interprofessional Programme
      in Primary Health Care (CIPPHC), a 5 week international learning experience
      funded by the Ministry of Health in Chile targeted at Chilean primary care
      providers and delivered in Toronto by the Department of Family and Community
      Medicine at the University of Toronto. METHOD: The study focused on three cohorts
      of students (2010-2012). Anonymous programme evaluations were analysed and semi
      structured interviews conducted with programme alumni. Simple descriptive
      statistics were gathered from the evaluations and the interviews were analysed
      via thematic content analysis. RESULTS: The majority of participants reported
      high levels of satisfaction with the training programme, knowledge gain,
      particularly in the areas of the Canadian model of primary care, and found the
      materials delivered to be applicable to their local context. CONCLUSIONS: The
      CIPPHC has proven to be a successful educational initiative and provides valuable
      lessons for other academic centres in developing international interprofessional
      training programmes for primary care health care providers.

PMID- 27685455
TI  - Clinical Impact and Cost-Effectiveness of an Education Program for PD Patients: A
      Randomized Controlled Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by its impact on quality of
      life, constituting a substantial economic burden on society. Education programs
      implicating patients more in the management of their illness and complementing
      medical treatment may be a beneficial adjunct in PD. This study assessed the
      impact of an education program on quality of life and its cost-effectiveness in
      PD patients. METHODS: This single-center, prospective, randomized study assessed
      an education program consisting of individual and group sessions over a 12-month
      period. A total of 120 PD patients were assigned to either the Treated by
      Behavioral Intervention group (TTBI) or the no TTBI group. The primary outcome
      criterion was quality of life assessed using PDQ39. The Unified Parkinson's
      Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and psychological status were collected. An economic
      evaluation was performed, including calculations of incremental cost
      effectiveness ratios (ICERs). RESULTS: After 12 months of follow-up, changes
      recorded in the PDQ39 between the groups were not significantly different but
      better changes were observed in each dimension in the TTBI group compared to the
      no TTBI group. UPDRS I, II and total score were significantly improved in TTBI
      group compared to the no TTBI group. Mean annual costs did not differ
      significantly between the two groups. CONCLUSION: This study suggested that the
      education program positively impacts the perceived health of PD patients without
      increasing medical costs.

PMID- 27685458
TI  - An update on the pharmaceutical management of thrombosis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Anticoagulants such as heparins and vitamin K antagonists (VKA) are
      effective for thrombosis prevention and treatment, but are associated with the
      risk of bleeding and other limitations, spurring the search for improved drugs.
      Areas covered: to evaluate the newer anticoagulants, focusing on those tested in
      phase III clinical trials such as direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), antisense
      oligonucleotides (ASO) and warfarin analogues. DOACs such as dabigatran,
      rivaroxaban, apixaban and edoxaban are licensed for stroke prevention in atrial
      fibrillation and treatment of venous thromboembolism, dabigatran, rivaroxaban and
      apixaban for postoperative thromboprophylaxis in patients undergoing elective hip
      or knee arthroplasty and rivaroxaban for secondary prevention of acute coronary
      syndromes. ASO interfering with Factor XI hepatic synthesis were effective and
      safe for thromboprophylaxis in elective knee arthroplasty. Expert opinion: DOACs
      have overcome some limitations of anticoagulants such as VKA, but are still
      associated with a risk of bleeding and they lack both standardized and widely
      available tests measuring their anticoagulant effect and a reversal agent, except
      for idarucizumab, specific for dabigatran, in case of major or life threatening
      bleeding or emergency surgery. Agents targeting Factor XI and possibly Factor XII
      may be ideal anticoagulants, as they can prevent thrombosis with low bleeding
      risk.

PMID- 27685456
TI  - Positive affect and its association with viral control among women with HIV
      infection.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We assessed the relationship between positive affect and viral
      suppression among women with HIV infection. METHOD: Three waves of 6-month data
      were analyzed from 995 women on HIV antiretroviral therapy participating in the
      Women's Interagency HIV Study (10/11-3/13). The predictor variable was self
      reported positive affect over 2 waves of data collection, and the outcome was
      suppressed viral load, defined as plasma HIV-1 RNA <200 copies/mL, measured at a
      third wave. RESULTS: Women with higher positive affect (36%) were more likely to
      have viral suppression at a subsequent wave (OR 1.92, 95% CI [1.34, 2.74]).
      Adjusting for covariates and their interactions, including negative affect, Wave
      1 viral suppression, adherence, study site, recruitment cohort, substance use,
      heavy drinking, relationship status, interpersonal difficulties, and
      demographics, a statistically significant interaction was detected between
      negative affect, positive affect and viral suppression, t(965) = -2.7, p = .008.
      The association of positive affect and viral suppression differed at negative
      affect quartile values. For those reporting no negative affect, the AOR for
      positive affect and viral suppression was 2.41 (95% CI [1.35, 4.31]); at a
      negative affect score of 2, the AOR was 1.44 (95% CI [0.87, 2.36]); and at a
      score of 5.5, the AOR was 0.58 (95% CI [0.24, 1.42]). CONCLUSION: Our central
      finding related to the interaction effect, that positive affect is associated
      with viral control under conditions of lower negative affect, is consistent with
      previous theory and research with other health outcomes, and can help guide
      efforts to further delineate mechanisms linking affect and health. (PsycINFO
      Database Record

PMID- 27685459
TI  - NMR Scalar Couplings across Intermolecular Hydrogen Bonds between Zinc-Finger
      Histidine Side Chains and DNA Phosphate Groups.
AB  - NMR scalar couplings across hydrogen bonds represent direct evidence for the
      partial covalent nature of hydrogen bonds and provide structural and dynamic
      information on hydrogen bonding. In this article, we report heteronuclear 15N-31P
      and 1H-31P scalar couplings across the intermolecular hydrogen bonds between
      protein histidine (His) imidazole and DNA phosphate groups. These hydrogen-bond
      scalar couplings were observed for the Egr-1 zinc-finger-DNA complex. Although
      His side-chain NH protons are typically undetectable in heteronuclear 1H-15N
      correlation spectra due to rapid hydrogen exchange, this complex exhibited two
      His side-chain NH signals around 1H 14.3 ppm and 15N 178 ppm at 35  degrees C.
      Through various heteronuclear multidimensional NMR experiments, these signals
      were assigned to two zinc-coordinating His side chains in contact with DNA
      phosphate groups. The data show that the Ndelta1 atoms of these His side chains
      are protonated and exhibit the 1H-15N cross-peaks. Using heteronuclear 1H, 15N,
      and 31P NMR experiments, we observed the hydrogen-bond scalar couplings between
      the His 15Ndelta1/1Hdelta1 and DNA phosphate 31P nuclei. These results
      demonstrate the direct involvement of the zinc-coordinating His side chains in
      the recognition of DNA by the Cys2His2-class zinc fingers in solution.

PMID- 27685457
TI  - Colorimetric Detection of Bacteria Using Litmus Test.
AB  - There are increasing demands for simple but still effective methods that can be
      used to detect specific pathogens for point-of-care or field applications. Such
      methods need to be user-friendly and produce reliable results that can be easily
      interpreted by both specialists and non-professionals. The litmus test for pH is
      simple, quick, and effective as it reports the pH of a test sample via a simple
      color change. We have developed an approach to take advantage of the litmus test
      for bacterial detection. The method exploits a bacterium-specific RNA-cleaving
      DNAzyme to achieve two functions: recognizing a bacterium of interest and
      providing a mechanism to control the activity of urease. Through the use of
      magnetic beads immobilized with a DNAzyme-urease conjugate, the presence of
      bacteria in a test sample is relayed to the release of urease from beads to
      solution. The released urease is transferred to a test solution to hydrolyze urea
      into ammonia, resulting in an increase of pH that can be visualized using the
      classic litmus test.

PMID- 27685461
TI  - Controlled Synthesis and Fluorescence Tracking of Highly Uniform Poly(N
      isopropylacrylamide) Microgels.
AB  - Stimuli-sensitive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) microgels have various
      prospective practical applications and uses in fundamental research. In this
      work, we use single particle tracking of fluorescently labeled PNIPAM microgels
      as a showcase for tuning microgel size by a rapid non-stirred precipitation
      polymerization procedure. This approach is well suited for prototyping new
      reaction compositions and conditions or for applications that do not require
      large amounts of product. Microgel synthesis, particle size and structure
      determination by dynamic and static light scattering are detailed in the
      protocol. It is shown that the addition of functional comonomers can have a large
      influence on the particle nucleation and structure. Single particle tracking by
      wide-field fluorescence microscopy allows for an investigation of the diffusion
      of labeled tracer microgels in a concentrated matrix of non-labeled microgels, a
      system not easily investigated by other methods such as dynamic light scattering.

PMID- 27685460
TI  - A Triple Co-Culture Model of the Human Respiratory Tract to Study Immune
      Modulatory Effects of Liposomes and Virosomes.
AB  - The respiratory tract with its ease of access, vast surface area and dense
      network of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) represents an ideal target for immune
      modulation. Bio-mimetic nanocarriers such as virosomes may provide
      immunomodulatory properties to treat diseases such as allergic asthma. In our
      study we employed a triple co-culture model of epithelial cells, macrophages and
      dendritic cells to simulate the human airway barrier. The epithelial cell line
      16HBE was grown on inserts and supplemented with human blood monocyte-derived
      macrophages (MDMs) and dendritic cells (MDDCs) for exposure to influenza
      virosomes and liposomes. Additionally, primary human nasal epithelial cells
      (PHNEC) and EpCAM+ epithelial progenitor cell mono-cultures were utilized to
      simulate epithelium from large and smaller airways, respectively. To assess
      particle uptake and phenotype change, cell cultures were analyzed by flow
      cytometry and pro-inflammatory cytokine concentrations were measured by ELISA.
      All cell types internalized virosomes more efficiently than liposomes in both
      mono- and co-cultures. APCs like MDMs and MDDCs showed the highest uptake
      capacity. Virosome and liposome treatment caused a moderate degree of activation
      in MDDCs from mono-cultures and induced an increased cytokine production in co
      cultures. In epithelial cells, virosome uptake was increased compared to
      liposomes in both mono- and co-cultures with EpCAM+ epithelial progenitor cells
      showing highest uptake capacity. In conclusion, all cell types successfully
      internalized both nanocarriers with virosomes being taken up by a higher
      proportion of cells and at a higher rate inducing limited activation of MDDCs.
      Thus virosomes may represent ideal carrier antigen systems to modulate mucosal
      immune responses in the respiratory tract without causing excessive inflammatory
      changes.

PMID- 27685464
TI  - Digit ratio (2D:4D) and handgrip strength in a Chinese population of Han
      ethnicity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In humans, the relative lengths of the index finger to the ring
      finger (2D:4D) is a sexually dimorphic trait which correlated with prenatal sex
      steroids and has been increasingly used as a promising tool to evaluate the
      impact of prenatal hormone exposure in some traits, such as physical performance.
      Handgrip strength (HGS) is one potent index of physical ability and its
      relationship with 2D:4D ratio has been discussed in several ethnic groups. AIMS:
      To investigate whether there is a correlation between 2D:4D ratio and HGS in
      Chinese college students of Ningxia Han ethnicity. METHODS: 608 students (211
      males and 397 females) of Han ethnicity were recruited from Ningxia medical
      university. Photocopies and HGS of both hands were collected at Yinchuan city, in
      the Ningxia province of China. RESULTS: Sexual dimorphism of 2D:4D and HGS were
      found, males had significantly lower 2D:4D and greater HGS than females. 2D:4D in
      both hands were significantly negative correlated with HGS in females and not in
      males. CONCLUSIONS: 2D:4D ratio is negative correlated with HGS in a Chinese
      population of Ningxia Han ethnicity and this association should be considered on
      the anthropological research within an evolutionary concept in the future.

PMID- 27685463
TI  - Agmatine Reduces Lipopolysaccharide-Mediated Oxidant Response via Activating
      PI3K/Akt Pathway and Up-Regulating Nrf2 and HO-1 Expression in Macrophages.
AB  - Macrophages are key responders of inflammation and are closely related with
      oxidative stress. Activated macrophages can enhance oxygen depletion, which
      causes an overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and leads to further
      excessive inflammatory response and tissue damage. Agmatine, an endogenous
      metabolite of L-arginine, has recently been shown to have neuroprotective effects
      based on its antioxidant properties. However, the antioxidant effects of agmatine
      in peripheral tissues and cells, especially macrophages, remain unclear. In this
      study we explored the role of agmatine in mediating antioxidant effects in RAW
      264.7 cells and studied its antioxidant mechanism. Our data demonstrate that
      agmatine is an activator of Nrf2 signaling that markedly enhances Nrf2 nuclear
      translocation, increases nuclear Nrf2 protein level, up-regulates the expression
      of the Nrf2 downstream effector HO-1, and attenuates ROS generation induced by
      Lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We further demonstrated that the agmatine-induced
      activation of Nrf2 is likely through the PI3K/Akt pathway. LY294002, a specific
      PI3K/Akt inhibitor, abolished agmatine-induced HO-1 up-regulation and ROS
      suppression significantly. Inhibiting HO-1 pathway significantly attenuated the
      antioxidant effect of agmatine which the products of HO-1 enzymatic activity
      contributed to. Furthermore, the common membrane receptors of agmatine were
      evaluated, revealing that alpha2-adrenoceptor, I1-imidazoline receptor or I2
      imidazoline receptor are not required by the antioxidant properties of agmatine.
      Taken together, our findings revealed that agmatine has antioxidant activity
      against LPS-induced ROS accumulation in RAW 264.7 cells involving HO-1 expression
      induced by Nrf2 via PI3K/Akt pathway activation.

PMID- 27685462
TI  - Cytokine Patterns in Tuberculosis Infection; IL-1ra, IL-2 and IP-10 Differentiate
      Borderline QuantiFERON-TB Samples from Uninfected Controls.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Interferon gamma release assays (IGRAs) do not discriminate between
      active tuberculosis (TB) and latent TB infection (LTBI), which limit their use in
      TB endemic areas. Subjects with QuantiFERON-TB (QFT) results around the
      diagnostic cut-off more likely show inconsistent results on serial testing which
      makes the interpretation of the assay difficult. We have studied potential
      biomarkers in patients with various stages of TB infection and with borderline
      QFT tests compared to those with higher values. METHODS: 27 soluble biomarkers
      were analysed in QFT supernatants from patients with active TB (n = 18),
      individuals with LTBI (n = 48) and from QFT negative controls (n = 16) by the
      Multiplex bead assay. The LTBI group was classified into two groups according to
      QFT IFN-gamma levels; QFT borderline (0.35-0.70 IU/mL, n = 11) or QFT high (>0.70
      IU/mL, n = 36). RESULTS: The levels of IL-1ra, IL-2, IL-13, IL-15, IFN-gamma, IP
      10 and MCP-1 in background corrected TB antigen stimulated supernatants (TBAg
      Nil) significantly distinguished both active TB and LTBI QFT high groups from the
      QFT negative controls (p<=0.004). In addition, IL-1ra, IL-2 and IP-10
      significantly differentiated the QFT borderline group from the controls
      (p<=0.001). Still, in the QFT borderline group the IL-1ra and IP-10 levels were
      not significant different from neither the QFT high nor the active TB group,
      whereas the IL-2 levels were lower (p<=0.003). The level of IP-10 showed the best
      separation between the QFT borderline group and the QFT negative controls (AUC
      0.92) and offered 100% sensitivity for active TB. CONCLUSION: IL-1ra, IL-2 and IP
      10 differentiate QFT borderline samples from uninfected controls and the majority
      of QFT borderline subjects were classified as LTBI by these markers. Still,
      inconsistency was seen, and further studies are needed to examine the performance
      of alternative markers before concluded if they could be used as diagnostics
      tools.

PMID- 27685465
TI  - Predictors for everyday functioning in preschool children born preterm and at
      term.

PMID- 27685466
TI  - Micropatterning and Assembly of 3D Microvessels.
AB  - In vitro platforms to study endothelial cells and vascular biology are largely
      limited to 2D endothelial cell culture, flow chambers with polymer or glass based
      substrates, and hydrogel-based tube formation assays. These assays, while
      informative, do not recapitulate lumen geometry, proper extracellular matrix, and
      multi-cellular proximity, which play key roles in modulating vascular function.
      This manuscript describes an injection molding method to generate engineered
      vessels with diameters on the order of 100 um. Microvessels are fabricated by
      seeding endothelial cells in a microfluidic channel embedded within a native type
      I collagen hydrogel. By incorporating parenchymal cells within the collagen
      matrix prior to channel formation, specific tissue microenvironments can be
      modeled and studied. Additional modulations of hydrodynamic properties and media
      composition allow for control of complex vascular function within the desired
      microenvironment. This platform allows for the study of perivascular cell
      recruitment, blood-endothelium interactions, flow response, and tissue
      microvascular interactions. Engineered microvessels offer the ability to isolate
      the influence from individual components of a vascular niche and precisely
      control its chemical, mechanical, and biological properties to study vascular
      biology in both health and disease.

PMID- 27685468
TI  - The Angle Labor Pain Questionnaire: Reliability, Validity, Sensitivity to Change,
      and Responsiveness During Early Active Labor Without Pain Relief.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The Angle Labor Pain Questionnaire (A-LPQ) is a new, condition
      specific, multidimensional psychometric instrument that measures the most
      important dimensions of women's childbirth pain experiences using 5 subscales:
      The Enormity of the Pain, Fear/Anxiety, Uterine Contraction Pain, Birthing Pain,
      and Back Pain/Long Haul. This study assessed the A-LPQ's test-retest reliability
      during early active labor without pain relief. METHODS: Two versions of the A-LPQ
      were randomly administered to laboring women during 2 test sessions separated by
      a 20-minute window. Participants were of mixed parity, contracting >=3 minutes
      apart, cervical dilation <=6 cm, and without pain relief. Changes in pain were
      rated using the Patient Global Impression of Change Scale. Overall pain intensity
      and pain coping were rated using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and the Verbal
      Rating Scale (VRS) and the Pain Mastery Scale (PMS) respectively. A-LPQ test
      retest reliability (primary outcome), Cronbach's alpha, and concurrent validity
      with NRS, VRS, and PMS scores were assessed (n=104). Responsiveness was assessed
      in 55 women who reported changes in pain. RESULTS: A-LPQ summary and subscale
      scores demonstrated good test-retest reliability (ICCs, 0.96 to 0.89), trivial to
      moderate sensitivity to change, and high responsiveness to minimal changes in
      pain (0.85 to 1.50). Cronbach's alpha for A-LPQ summary scores was excellent
      (0.94) and ranged from 0.72 to 0.94 for subscales. Concurrent validity was
      supported by moderate to strong correlations with NRS and VRS scores for overall
      pain intensity and PMS scores for pain coping. DISCUSSION: Findings support A-LPQ
      use for assessing women's childbirth pain experiences.

PMID- 27685467
TI  - Determining Immune System Suppression versus CNS Protection for Pharmacological
      Interventions in Autoimmune Demyelination.
AB  - A major hallmark of the autoimmune demyelinating disease multiple sclerosis (MS)
      is immune cell infiltration into the brain and spinal cord resulting in myelin
      destruction, which not only slows conduction of nerve impulses, but causes axonal
      injury resulting in motor and cognitive decline. Current treatments for MS focus
      on attenuating immune cell infiltration into the central nervous system (CNS).
      These treatments decrease the number of relapses, improving quality of life, but
      do not completely eliminate relapses so long-term disability is not improved.
      Therefore, therapeutic agents that protect the CNS are warranted. In both animal
      models as well as human patients with MS, T cell entry into the CNS is generally
      considered the initiating inflammatory event. In order to assess if a drug
      protects the CNS, any potential effects on immune cell infiltration or
      proliferation in the periphery must be ruled out. This protocol describes how to
      determine whether CNS protection observed after drug intervention is a
      consequence of attenuating CNS-infiltrating immune cells or blocking death of CNS
      cells during inflammatory insults. The ability to examine MS treatments that are
      protective to the CNS during inflammatory insults is highly critical for the
      advancement of therapeutic strategies since current treatments reduce, but do not
      completely eliminate, relapses (i.e., immune cell infiltration), leaving the CNS
      vulnerable to degeneration.

PMID- 27685469
TI  - Potassium-Mediated Hydrophosphorylation of Heterocumulenes with Diarylphosphane
      Oxide and Sulfide.
AB  - The preparation of the hydrophosphorylation catalysts succeeds via the metalation
      of dimesitylphosphane oxide and diphenylphosphane sulfide with potassium hydride
      in ethereal solvents such as tetrahydropyran (THP) and tetrahydrofuran (THF)
      yielding the tetramers [(thp)K(OPMes2)]4 (1a) and [(thf)3{K(OPMes2)}4] (1b) as
      well as [(thp)KSPPh2]infinity (2) with a strand-like structure in the crystalline
      state. In ethereal solution these complexes very slowly degrade into KPAr2 and
      KE2PAr2 (E = O, S). The catalytic conversion of iPr-N?C?E' (E' = O, S) and of R
      N?C?N-R (R = iPr, cHex) to the addition products Ar2P(E)-C(=E')-NHR (Ar = Ph,
      Mes; E = O, S; E' = O, S, NR) was studied in the presence of catalytic amounts of
      Ar2PEK (Ar = Ph, Mes; E = O, S). Steric hindrance prevents the addition of
      dimesitylphosphane oxide to N,N'-diisopropylcarbodiimide, whereas
      diphenylphosphane oxide and sulfide smoothly add to iPr-N?C?N-iPr yielding
      Ph2P(E)-C(?N-iPr)-NHiPr (E = O, S).

PMID- 27685470
TI  - Transient and Prolonged Response of Chicken Cecum Mucosa to Colonization with
      Different Gut Microbiota.
AB  - In this study we determined protein and gene expression in the caeca of newly
      hatched chickens inoculated with cecal contents sourced from hens of different
      ages. Over 250 proteins exhibited modified expression levels in response to
      microbiota inoculation. The most significant inductions were observed for ISG12
      2, OASL, ES1, LYG2, DMBT1-L, CDD, ANGPTL6, B2M, CUZD1, IgM and Ig lambda chain.
      Of these, ISG12-2, ES1 and both immunoglobulins were expressed at lower levels in
      germ-free chickens compared to conventional chickens. In contrast, CELA2A, BRT-2,
      ALDH1A1, ADH1C, AKR1B1L, HEXB, ALDH2, ALDOB, CALB1 and TTR were expressed at
      lower levels following inoculation of microbiota. When chicks were given
      microbiota preparations from different age donors, the recipients mounted
      differential responses to the inoculation which also differed from the response
      profile in naturally colonised birds. For example, B2M, CUZD1 and CELA2A
      responded differently to the inoculation with microbiota of 4- or 40-week-old
      hens. The increased or decreased gene expression could be recorded 6 weeks after
      the inoculation of newly hatched chickens. To characterise the proteins that may
      directly interact with the microbiota we characterised chicken proteins that co
      purified with the microbiota and identified a range of host proteins including
      CDD, ANGPTL6, DMBT1-L, MEP1A and Ig lambda. We propose that induction of ISG12-2
      results in reduced apoptosis of host cells exposed to the colonizing commensal
      microbiota and that CDD, ANGPTL6, DMBT1-L, MEP1A and Ig lambda reduce contact of
      luminal microbiota with the gut epithelium thereby reducing the inflammatory
      response.

PMID- 27685471
TI  - NS3 Resistance-Associated Variants (RAVs) in Patients Infected with HCV Genotype
      1a in Spain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Resistance-associated variants have been related to treatment failure
      of hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy with direct-acting antiviral drugs. The aim of
      our study was to analyze the prevalence of clinically relevant resistance
      associated variants within NS3 in patients infected with HCV genotype 1a (GT1a)
      in Spain. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study on 2568 patients from 115
      hospitals throughout Spain (2014-2015). The viral NS3 protease gene was amplified
      by nested polymerase chain reaction and sequenced by Sanger sequencing using an
      ABI PRISM 377 DNA sequencer. Additionally, clade information for genotype 1a was
      obtained by using the software geno2pheno (http://hcv.geno2pheno.org/). RESULTS:
      In total, 875 out of 2568 samples were from human immunodeficiency virus
      (HIV)/HCV-coinfected patients. Q80K was the main RAV found in our patients
      (11.1%) and the rest of the resistance-associated variants had a lower frequency,
      including S122G (6.23%), T54S (3.47%), V55A (2.61%), and V55I (2.15%), which were
      among the most frequent after Q80K. Overall, 286 samples had the Q80K
      polymorphism (11.1%) and 614 (23.9%) were GT1a clade I. HIV/HCV-coinfected
      patients had a higher frequency of Q80K and GT1a clade I than HCV-monoinfected
      patients (12.9% vs. 9.6% [p = 0.012] and 28.5% vs. 21.4% [p<0.001],
      respectively). Both the prevalence of Q80K and GT1a clade I were not uniform
      throughout the country (p<0.001), which ranged from 7.3%-22.2% and 15.7%-42.5%,
      respectively. The frequency of the Q80K polymorphism was far higher in patients
      infected with GT1a clade I than in patients infected with GT1a clade II (41.5%
      vs. 1.6%; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of most resistance-associated
      variants in NS3 was low in patients infected with HCV GT1a in Spain, except for
      Q80K (11.1%), which was also notably higher in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients. The
      vast majority of Q80K polymorphisms were detected in GT1a clade I.

PMID- 27685472
TI  - Illegal use patterns, side effects, and analytical methods of ketamine.
AB  - In Asian countries, such as China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, ketamine (KT) is one of
      the most prevalent illicit use drugs. KT is regulated by various drug-related
      laws in many countries, such as Korea, Taiwan, China, U.S.A, Netherlands, UK,
      Australia, Mexico, and Canada. This review research explored pharmacology and
      side effects of KT, the illicit use patterns of KT, the analytical methods of KT
      in biological samples, and the concentrations of KT from abusers and non-abusers.
      Many side effects of KT have been reported mental and physical problems. Although
      many studies conducted various analytical methods for KT, this research focused
      on the urine and hair analysis and compared some parameters of samples,
      instruments, columns, extraction methods, internal standards, LOD/LOQ levels,
      metabolites, NK/K ratio, cut off values, and m/z values. Our research also
      compared the concentrations of KT in biological samples from abusers and non
      abusers. Many rapid and precise analytical methods for illegal KT use are needed
      to be developed and applied to real samples. To minimize and prevent harm from
      KT, the authorities and appropriate agencies require a careful assessment,
      evaluation, early identification, and surveillance of KT users in both clinical
      and social settings. In addition, there is a need to construct a stricter
      legislative management and provide preventive education to younger individuals
      because illegal KT use is relatively common among the young populations.

PMID- 27685475
TI  - Exploring the Catalytic Mechanism of Human Glutamine Synthetase by Computer
      Simulations.
AB  - Glutamine synthetase is an important enzyme that catalyzes the ATP-dependent
      formation of glutamine from glutamate and ammonia. In mammals, it plays a key
      role in preventing excitotoxicity in the brain and detoxifying ammonia in the
      liver. In plants and bacteria, it is fundamental for nitrogen metabolism, being
      critical for the survival of the organism. In this work, we show how the use of
      classical molecular dynamics simulations and multiscale quantum
      mechanics/molecular mechanics simulations allowed us to examine the structural
      properties and dynamics of human glutamine synthetase (HsGS), as well as the
      reaction mechanisms involved in the catalytic process with atomic level detail.
      Our results suggest that glutamine formation proceeds through a two-step
      mechanism that includes a first step in which the gamma-glutamyl phosphate
      intermediate forms, with a 5 kcal/mol free energy barrier and a -8 kcal/mol
      reaction free energy, and then a second rate-limiting step involving the ammonia
      nucleophilic attack, with a free energy barrier of 19 kcal/mol and a reaction
      free energy of almost zero. A detailed analysis of structural features within
      each step exposed the relevance of the acid-base equilibrium related to protein
      residues and substrates in the thermodynamics and kinetics of the reactions.
      These results provide a comprehensive study of HsGS dynamics and establish the
      groundwork for further analysis regarding changes in HsGS activity, as occur in
      natural variants and post-translational modifications.

PMID- 27685473
TI  - Blood concentrations of new designer benzodiazepines in forensic cases.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: A number of new designer benzodiazepines have reached the illegal
      drug market over the past years. Toxicological interpretation of concentrations
      of these drugs in blood is quite challenging as very limited human data have
      previously been published. The aim of this study was to report blood
      concentrations of new designer benzodiazepines in a population of drugged drivers
      as well as some other criminal offenders, and to relate this to clinical
      impairment. METHODS: The present material represents cases involving new designer
      benzodiazepines (clonazolam, diclazepam, flubromazepam, flubromazolam and
      pyrazolam) and etizolam, submitted for analyses during the period July 1, 2013
      May 31, 2016. Analyses were performed using an ultra-performance liquid
      chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. Blood concentrations and results
      from the clinical test of impairment are reported. RESULTS: New designer
      benzodiazepines were detected in 77 cases during the study period. The median
      (range) concentrations were 0.012mg/L (0.00048-0.10) for flubromazolam (n=25),
      0.055mg/L (0.0047-1.2) for flubromazepam (n=24), 0.013mg/L (0.0021-0.057) for
      diclazepam (n=15), 0.050mg/L (0.019-0.17) for etizolam (n=14), 0.0053mg/L (0.0019
      0.011) for clonazolam (n=7) and 0.074mg/L for pyrazolam (n=1). In six cases,
      designer benzodiazepines were the only drugs detected in blood, and in two of
      those cases, the physician had given the conclusion of "considerably impaired"
      upon performing the clinical test for impairment. CONCLUSION: Given the lack of
      previously published data on human concentrations, results presented in this
      study could be helpful in interpretation of blood concentrations of new designer
      benzodiazepines. This is crucial for the assessment of the importance of
      toxicological results in suspected drugged drivers, rape victims, etc.

PMID- 27685477
TI  - Recognition and Management of Shaken Baby Syndrome.

PMID- 27685474
TI  - Nitrobenzodiazepines: Postmortem brain and blood reference concentrations.
AB  - Reference concentrations are needed to evaluate postmortem toxicology results and
      usually femoral blood is the specimen of choice. However, brain tissue has been
      suggested as a viable alternative specimen, since postmortem blood concentrations
      can be difficult to interpret due to postmortem redistribution, among other
      factors. Here we present reference concentrations of postmortem brain and femoral
      blood of the nitrobenzodiazepines clonazepam, flunitrazepam, and nitrazepam that
      are of particular interest since they commonly are converted to their
      corresponding 7-aminometabolites in the postmortem situation. The drugs and
      metabolites were quantified in both matrices using LC-MS-MS in 69 cases. In 63
      cases the compounds were judged not to have been of significance for the death (C
      cases), whereas they were considered to have been a contributing factor in 6
      cases (B cases). No cases were observed with a nitrobenzodiazepine being the sole
      cause of death (A cases). The brain-blood ratios for clonazepam and nitrazepam
      were 5.5 and 4.7, respectively, while the brain-blood ratios for the 7
      aminometabolites ranged from 0.4 to 0.5. Flunitrazepam only occurred as the 7
      aminometabolite. A positive correlation between brain and blood concentrations
      was found with Spearman's rank correlation coefficients (rs) ranging from 0.77 to
      0.96. The measured femoral blood concentrations agree with literature values, but
      only few brain concentrations were available for comparison. The drug-metabolite
      ratios for clonazepam and nitrazepam were 10-12 times higher in brain than in
      blood. The pre-analytical variation in brain of 5.9% was fairly low, suggesting
      that brain tissue is a useful alternative to blood. The reported brain and
      femoral blood concentrations serve as reference values in postmortem
      investigations.

PMID- 27685476
TI  - Resident Working Hours and Outcome Measures.

PMID- 27685478
TI  - Smoking Behaviour Among People Living with HIV and AIDS: A Sub-Group Comparison.
AB  - Recent advancements in the treatment of HIV have significantly improved long-term
      health outcomes and life expectancy among people living with HIV/AIDS. As such,
      healthcare professionals have begun to focus more seriously on health protective
      behaviour changes that could further reduce mortality including smoking and
      tobacco dependence. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 438 people living
      with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) attending a clinic in an urban area to measure current
      smoking behaviours. After removing missing data, the final sample was 402 service
      users. Among those surveyed 141 (35.0%) were current smokers with 35 (8.2%) ex
      smokers. Rates among key sub-groups were higher. Comparatively, smoking
      prevalence was very low among African migrants (8, 7.2%), particularly African
      born women (1, 1.3%). In line with international studies, smoking prevalence
      among PLWHA was nearly double that of the general population. These findings come
      at a time when smoking in the general population in Ireland is at an all-time
      low, making the need to address tobacco dependence among PLWHA all the more
      vital.

PMID- 27685479
TI  - Dedicated Orthogeriatric Service Saves the HSE a Million Euro.
AB  - Hip fracture is common in older adults and is associated with high morbidity,
      mortality and significant health care costs. A pilot orthogeriatrics service was
      established in an acute hospital. We aimed to establish the cost effectiveness of
      this service. Length of hospital stay, discharge destination and rehabilitation
      requirements were analysed for a one year period and compared to patients who
      received usual care prior to the service. We calculated the costs incurred and
      savings produced by the orthogeriatric service. Median length of stay was reduced
      by 3 days (p < 0.001) saving ?266,976. There was a 19% reduction in
      rehabilitation requirements saving ?192,600. Median rehabilitation length of stay
      was reduced by 6.5 days saving ?171,093. Reductions in long term care
      requirements led to savings of ?10,934 per week. Costs to establish such a
      service amount to ?171,564. The introduction of this service led to improved
      patient outcomes in a cost effective manner.

PMID- 27685480
TI  - Standardised versus Individualised Parenteral Nutrition. Further Food for
      Thought.
AB  - Parenteral Nutrition may be prescribed as a standard PN (SPN) formulation or as
      an individualised PN (IPN) formulation. SPN may have advantages in terms of rapid
      availability, less prescription errors, decreased risk of infection and cost
      savings but IPN, specifically tailored to an infants needs, may achieve better
      outcomes in terms of nutrient intake and weight gain. The aim of our study was to
      determine if VLBW infants in our NICU benefited from receiving IPN over currently
      available SPN solutions. Our findings were that VLBW infants prescribed IPN
      received significantly more amino acid (28%), glucose (6%), energy (11%) and
      calcium (8%) from the aqueous phase of PN than had they received a similar volume
      of SPN. The benefits were seen over all the days for which PN was administered.
      In conclusion, IPN was found to offer significant benefits to our VLBW infants.
      Modifications to currently available SPN would result in better SPN formulations.
      Our study also supported the recent recommendation to reduce the
      calcium:phosphate ratio in PN solutions to avoid early hypophosphataemia.

PMID- 27685481
TI  - Irish Medical Students Understanding of the Intern Year.
AB  - Upon completion of medical school in Ireland, graduates must make the transition
      to becoming interns. The transition into the intern year may be described as
      challenging as graduates assume clinical responsibilities. Historically, a survey
      of interns in 1996 found that 91% felt unprepared for their role. However, recent
      surveys in 2012 have demonstrated that this is changing with preparedness rates
      reaching 52%. This can be partially explained by multiple initiatives at the
      local and national level. Our study aimed evaluate medical student understanding
      of the intern year and associated factors. An online, cross-sectional survey was
      sent out to all Irish medical students in 2013 and included questions regarding
      their understanding of the intern year. Two thousand, two hundred and forty-eight
      students responded, with 1,224 (55.4%) of students agreeing or strongly agreeing
      that they had a good understanding of what the intern year entails. This rose to
      485 (73.7%) among senior medical students. Of junior medical students, 260
      (42.8%) indicated they understood what the intern year, compared to 479 (48.7%)
      of intermediate medical students. Initiatives to continue improving preparedness
      for the intern year are essential in ensuring a smooth and less stressful
      transition into the medical workforce.

PMID- 27685482
TI  - Foot Drop: Looking Beyond Common Peroneal Nerve Palsy: A Neurophysiology Centre
      Experience.
AB  - Foot drop is a complex symptom with a considerable range in aetiology, severity
      and prognosis. We aim to characterise the aetiologies of foot drop and assess the
      diagnostic contribution of neurophysiologic testing (NCS/EMG). Retrospective
      review of consecutive referrals of foot drop to the Neurophysiology Department in
      Cork University Hospital was performed over a two year period (January 2012 to
      December 2013). Of a total of 59 referrals, common peroneal nerve (CPN) palsy
      comprised only slightly more than half of cases; 3(5%) have central origin; 3(5%)
      have motor neuron disease. Six (10%) have diabetes; 7(12%) have cancer; 5(8%)
      were bilateral. NCS/EMG altered initial working diagnosis in 14 out of 52 (27%)
      cases whereby initial diagnosis was provided. However one-third of all cases
      revealed additional coexistent pathology in an anatomic location remote to that
      of the primary diagnosis. Foot drop with central and proximal localisations are
      important and under recognised. NCS/EMG is valuable and also reveals additional
      pathology which warrants investigation.

PMID- 27685484
TI  - Cows Milk Allergy: A Cohort of Patients from a University Hospital.
AB  - The study illustrates advantages of Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy, a new service
      started at St. Lukes General Hospital in patient care since April 2014.
      Retrospective review of Bronchoscopies and referrals to Tertiary care unit for
      Bronchoscopy, prior and after initiation of service at St. Lukes Hospital were
      studied. Total 106 procedures were performed out of which 103(98%) were for
      diagnostic purpose. Common Indications for bronchoscopy were functional airway
      assessment in 38 cases (35%) of chronic cough, 26 cases (24.8%) of suspected
      Malignancy. The average time taken for procedure was 15 + 1 minute with overall
      rate of complication recorded in 1 case (0.95%). 32(30%) inpatients were referred
      before Bronchoscopy services were started locally.15(14%) patients were referred
      for Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) after diagnostic procedure performed at St.
      Lukes Hospital. To conclude, Bronchoscopy is a safe procedure used for diagnosis
      of various Lung conditions. The services offered locally reduced the time and
      cost involved in referrals. The diagnostic Bronchoscopies performed for
      Malignancy at St. Lukes Hospital have rightly increased references for EBUS at
      Tertiary care Unit.

PMID- 27685483
TI  - Profile of Frequent Attenders to a Dublin Inner City Emergency Department.
AB  - A retrospective review of the demographics, co-morbidities and substance misuse
      of the 20 most frequent presenters to the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital
      emergency department during 2014 was carried out in an attempt to better
      understand the epidemiology of their presentations. Eighty-five percent were male
      and 15% female (p<0.001). The average age was 40.6 years with a median 38.5
      years. All were unemployed and 7 (35%) had no fixed abode. Thirteen patients
      (65%) lived an average of 4.5 kilometres from the ED. In this study the presence
      of a mental illness, homelessness, alcohol or drug misuse were associated with
      significantly higher attendance rates (p=0.001, p<0.001, p<0.05, p<0.001
      respectively). Early identification of these patients and targeting them for
      effective case-based community-led treatment strategies could improve their
      quality of life, decrease their cost of care and ultimately lead to more
      effective utilisation of our already overburdened emergency departments.

PMID- 27685485
TI  - The Evolution of Spinal Surgery in the West of Ireland, 2005-2013.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine the changes in both the short and long
      term, in the trends within the practice of spinal surgery in Galway University
      Hospitals (GUH) over a seven year period, January 2005 to January 2013. The
      absolute number of spinal surgery cases has increased from 147 in 2005, to 257
      cases by 2013. Multiple level spine surgery accounts for 51% (131) of all cases
      by 2013, which is an increase from 31% (45) in 2005. On analysis of the trends
      within spinal surgery during the study period, a statistically significant
      (p<0.05) increase in all aspects of spinal surgery was noted, with the exception
      of surgeries for single level, lumbar and infection pathology respectively. The
      average waiting time for lumbar decompression and instrumentation climbed for an
      average of 1.3 months in 2008 to 12.1 months by 2012.The volume and complexity of
      spinal surgery has increased during the study period, in the West of Ireland.

PMID- 27685486
TI  - Transient Hyperphosphatasaemia of Infancy: An Often Unrecognised and Thus Over
      Investigated Condition.
AB  - Transient hyperphosphatasaemia of infancy (THI) is a benign condition
      characterised by a rapid rise and fall in plasma alkaline phosphatase (ALP)
      activity without biochemical or clinical evidence of underlying bone or liver
      disease. It is most often identified incidentally during routine blood testing;
      hence it is important to recognise this phenomenon in order to avoid unnecessary
      investigations and inappropriate referrals. This review has provided some useful
      insight into the characteristics associated with the THI and the routine clinical
      practice when isolated elevation of plasma ALP is found in patients at two sites
      in Republic of Ireland. Over a period of two years, 107,468 requests for plasma
      ALP analysis were received, of which a total of 250 patients were identified with
      a plasma ALP activity above 1000IU/L. The biochemical diagnosis of THI was
      considered in 62 patients, 15 (25%) of these were inappropriately investigated
      and 5 (13%) were unnecessarily referred to tertiary care by their general
      practitioners. We recommend that if an isolated high plasma ALP activity is
      detected during routine blood testing without any indication of bone or liver
      disease, it is important to consider THI in the differential diagnosis and to
      repeat the plasma ALP in 7-10 days. This should be further confirmed by the
      normalisation of the plasma ALP activity in 2-3 months or by ALP isoenzyme
      analysis where deemed appropriate by the laboratory.

PMID- 27685487
TI  - The Practice of Vitamin D Deficiency Assessment in a Geriatric Day Hospital.
AB  - There has been no clear consensus on the assessment and treatment of vitamin D
      deficiency prior to the publication of the National Osteoporosis Society (NOS)
      Vitamin D Guideline in 2014. The aim of our study was to assess the practice in a
      medicine for the older person day hospital setting relative to this guideline. A
      6-month retrospective analysis of all new patients who attended service from
      January to July 2013 was carried out. Seventy-six patients were included in the
      final analysis. Mean age was 83 years. 39 (51%) patients had sufficient levels
      while 37 (49%) patients had insufficient levels; 14 (19%) being inadequate and 23
      (30%) deficient. Eighteen patients who had insufficient levels were subsequently
      prescribed supplements; 13 (72%) received vitamin D3 in combination with calcium
      while 5 (28%) received vitamin D3 alone. Based on the findings of this study, we
      have made some recommendations and adopted the guideline.

PMID- 27685488
TI  - Early Pregnancy Ultrasound and Management: Effect of a Multifaceted Training on
      Physician Knowledge.
AB  - Vaginal bleeding is a common event in early pregnancy, with 20-40% of pregnancies
      affected. Prompt diagnosis and management of bleeding is important, both to
      reduce morbidity and to avoid excessive emotional distress. This was a
      prospective study of an educational programme aimed at Obstetrics and Gynaecology
      BST trainees in the National Maternity Hospital, Dublin. The educational
      programme consisted of didactic lectures, and simulation and practical sessions.
      A questionnaire reviewing early pregnancy complications was used to assess
      participant knowledge. Six trainees participated in the programme, with five
      (83%) answering the questionnaire. The pre-education questionnaire showed a
      generally poor level of knowledge of early pregnancy complications with 8/50
      (16%) questions answered correctly. Following the educational intervention there
      was a statistically significant increase in participant knowledge with 45/50
      (90%) questions answered correctly. A significant increase in participant
      knowledge of early pregnancy complications followed our multifaceted educational
      programme. Study limitations exist, however we have shown the potential value of
      our educational programme.

PMID- 27685489
TI  - Which Organ is Responsible for the Pathogenesis of Obesity?
AB  - Obesity is associated with significant complications and healthcare costs, but
      our ability to treat obesity has been limited by our understanding of its
      pathogenesis. We surveyed diabetologists and obesity related health care
      professionals asking them which organ they believed to be responsible for the
      pathogenesis of obesity. Participants favoured a central nervous system (CNS)
      aetiology. The response echoes evidence from genome wide association studies
      identifying a link between obesity and CNS loci. Our most successful obesity
      therapies involve the manipulation of subcortical area of the brain involved in
      energy balance. Future success in the management of obesity will be determined by
      our ability to define the pathogenesis of the disease in individual cases, moving
      from a one-size-fits-all, to more focused interventions.

PMID- 27685490
TI  - Mycobacterium avium complex pulmonary disease: characteristics and treatment in
      an Irish patient cohort.
AB  - The prevalence of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) pulmonary disease is
      increasing globally. However, reliable national and international data relating
      to its epidemiology and management is lacking. During the period 2003-2014, MAC
      was isolated from the pulmonary samples of 75 patients at the Irish Mycobacteria
      Reference Laboratory (IMRL). Most patients (42, 56%) had underlying pulmonary
      disease, and 37 (49%) had clinical/radiographic characteristics consistent with
      MAC pulmonary disease. However, only 18 patients (24%) fulfilled internationally
      accepted criteria for diagnosis/treatment of this disease. Treatment was started
      in 13 (72%) of these cases, which is similar to internationally published
      treatment rates. The diagnosis of significant MAC pulmonary disease can be
      difficult, and treatment is not always warranted even when diagnostic criteria
      are met.

PMID- 27685493
TI  - Progressive Contractures due to Eosinophilic Fasciitis in a 17 year old Male.

PMID- 27685492
TI  - First reported finding of a Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma in a patient post
      Liver Transplant.
AB  - The case history of a liver transplant recipient is presented, who presented with
      acute dyspnoea after an innocuous fall. His early management was complicated and
      he was eventually diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma. This is the first such
      case report in the literature.

PMID- 27685491
TI  - Pre-Hospital Fast Positive Cases Identified by DFB Ambulance Paramedics: Final
      Clinical Diagnosis.
AB  - Ischaemic stroke clinical outcomes are improved by earlier treatment with
      intravenous thrombolysis. An existing pathway at the Mater University Hospital
      for assessment of suspected acute stroke in the Emergency Department was updated,
      aiming to shorten door-to-needle time. This study examines the final clinical
      diagnosis of Dublin Fire Brigade Ambulance Paramedic identified Face-Arm-Speech
      Test (FAST) positive patients presenting to the Emergency Department over a 7
      month period. A retrospective analysis was carried out of 177 consecutive FAST
      positive patients presenting between March and November 2014. The final clinical
      diagnosis was acute stroke in 57.1% (n=101) of patients. Of these, 76 were
      ischaemic strokes of whom 56.5% (n=43) were thrombolysed. In the pre-hospital
      setting Ambulance Paramedics can identify, with reasonable accuracy, acute stroke
      using the FAST test. Over half of the ischaemic stroke patients presenting via
      this pathway can be treated with intravenous thrombolysis.

PMID- 27685494
TI  - Lyme disease in modern Ireland: the importance of home imaging.

PMID- 27685495
TI  - An Audit of Paediatric Prescribing of Amoxicillin.

PMID- 27685497
TI  - Tuberculosis in India: a case of innovation and control, by Nora Engel.

PMID- 27685496
TI  - Asymmetric Synthesis of Homocitric Acid Lactone.
AB  - A short, diastereoselective synthesis of homocitric acid lactone is described.
      The key step is a bioinspired aldol addition to set the stereogenic center in an
      intermediate that requires only modest oxidation state manipulation to complete
      the synthesis. This approach enables rapid generation of isotopomers in which
      carbon and hydrogen can be replaced by heavier nuclei at nearly every position.

PMID- 27685498
TI  - A CASE OF CONE DYSTROPHY ASSOCIATED WITH CHOROIDAL NEOVASCULARIZATION.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report a case of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in a patient with
      cone dystrophy (CD). METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: A 20-year-old woman presented
      with diminished vision in her right eye. Fundus examination showed perifoveal
      retinal pigment epithelial changes and retinal hemorrhage consistent with
      subretinal CNV in the right eye, and mild retinal pigment epithelial changes with
      a dull foveal reflex in the left eye. Optical coherence tomography analysis and
      fundus fluorescein angiography also confirmed the subfoveal CNV in the right eye.
      Electroretinography showed decreased amplitudes in photopic and 30-Hz flicker
      tests in both eyes, which confirmed cone dystrophy. A single intravitreal
      ranibizumab injection resolved the edema and stabilized the CNV during the follow
      up of 6 months. CONCLUSION: Cone dystrophy is an inherited ocular disorder
      characterized by loss of cone photoreceptors. Association of CNV has been
      reported in patients with fundus flavimaculatus, best dystrophy, gyrate atrophy,
      choroideremia, retinitis pigmentosa, adult-onset foveomacular vitelliform
      dystrophy, Sorsby macular dystrophy, Bietti crystalline dystrophy, and myotonic
      dystrophy-related macular dystrophy. We report a case of a patient with CD in
      whom CNV developed in one eye and responded to a single ranibizumab injection.

PMID- 27685499
TI  - YOUNGEST REPORTED CASE OF MACULAR TELANGIECTASIA (MAC TEL) TYPE 2.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report the occurrence of macular telangiectasia (Mac Tel) Type 2 in a
      28-year-old lady. METHODS: Retrospective case report. RESULTS: A 28-year-old
      obese diabetic lady presented with mild blurring of vision and reading difficulty
      for 2 months. Clinical examination revealed the presence of myopic refraction and
      features suggestive of macular telangiectasia Type 2 on fundus evaluation. Fundus
      fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography confirmed the diagnosis
      of Mac Tel Type 2, Stage 3. As there was no evidence of subretinal neovascular
      membrane, she was advised to follow-up regularly. CONCLUSION: Mac Tel Type 2 or
      idiopathic juxtafoveal telangiectasia is a condition commonly reported in middle
      age or elderly people. Presentation in a young individual alerts us to the
      possibility of this condition occurring at an early age and also stresses on the
      need for meticulous examination to detect subtle signs of the condition in the
      young.

PMID- 27685500
TI  - FOVEAL HYPOPLASIA: DIAGNOSIS USING OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe the clinical presentations and image findings of a patient
      with foveal hypoplasia. METHODS: Observational case report of one patient. The
      clinical presentation of the patient was documented by fluorescein angiography,
      optical coherence tomography, and optical coherence tomography angiography.
      RESULTS: A 55-year-old healthy white female with bilateral foveal hypoplasia
      without nystagmus was presented. There were no signs suggestive of ocular
      albinism. Absence of foveal depression was noted on both clinical examination and
      optical coherence tomography. Lack of foveal avascular zone was confirmed on
      fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography angiography. CONCLUSION:
      To the best of our knowledge this is the first report of findings in foveal
      hypoplasia examined by angio-optical coherence tomography. Optical coherence
      tomography angiography is an easy, rapid, and noninvasive tool that allows
      imaging of the retinal microvasculature without intravenous dye injection.

PMID- 27685501
TI  - RETINAL VASCULAR TORTUOSITY AND EXUDATIVE RETINOPATHY IN A FAMILY WITH
      DYSKERATOSIS CONGENITA MASQUERADING AS FAMILIAL EXUDATIVE VITREORETINOPATHY.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report a novel presentation of dyskeratosis congenita masquerading as
      familial exudative vitreoretinopathy. METHODS: Observational case series
      involving single family and literature review. RESULTS: A brother and sister were
      diagnosed with familial exudative vitreoretinopathy at ages 4 and 2,
      respectively. Both patients were managed with laser photocoagulation. Eight years
      after the initial presentation, both siblings developed pancytopenia secondary to
      bone marrow failure. Laboratory work-up revealed severely shortened telomere
      length in both patients, and genetic testing revealed a missense mutation in the
      gene that encodes the reverse transcriptase component of telomerase, confirming
      the diagnosis of dyskeratosis congenita. The father of both children was a
      carrier of the same mutation, who exhibited marked retinal vascular tortuosity of
      the second-order vessels. CONCLUSION: Dyskeratosis congenita is a severe
      multisystem disorder, which should be considered in cases of pediatric exudative
      retinopathies with concurrent signs and/or symptoms of bone marrow failure.

PMID- 27685502
TI  - RETINAL DETACHMENT ASSOCIATED WITH PERIPHERAL TEAR OF THE RETINAL PIGMENT
      EPITHELIUM IN PACHYCHOROID SPECTRUM DISEASE.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe a rare case of an exudative retinal detachment associated
      with a peripheral tear of the retinal pigment epithelium in a young myopic
      pachychoroid eye. METHODS: Clinical case report and literature review. Imaging
      was obtained with color fundus photography, spectral domain optical coherence
      tomography, fluorescein angiography, and fluorescein angiography. RESULTS: A 33
      year-old white man presented with an exudative choroidopathy resulting in an
      exudative neurosensory detachment, associated with peripheral retinal pigment
      epithelium tears. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography demonstrated a
      pachychoroid (628 MUm) with subfoveal fluid. Despite a secondary pars-plana
      vitrectomy with silicone oil and later, Densiron-68 (Labtician Ophthalmics Inc)
      endotamponade, there was an area of persistent subretinal fluid inferiorly. A
      previously placed scleral buckle was removed, and scleral window surgery
      performed, with complete resolution of fluid and restoration of vision. Choroidal
      thickness improved to 333 MUm postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Peripheral retinal
      pigment epithelium tear-associated retinal detachment can be seen in patients
      with pachychoroid spectrum disease. Scleral window surgery may be considered in
      the management of these retinal detachments.

PMID- 27685503
TI  - Heterodiazocines: Synthesis and Photochromic Properties, Trans to Cis Switching
      within the Bio-optical Window.
AB  - Diazocines, bridged azobenzenes, exhibit superior photophysical properties
      compared to parent azobenzenes such as high switching efficiencies, quantum
      yields, and particularly switching wavelengths in the visible range. Synthesis,
      however, proceeds with low yields, and derivatives are difficult to prepare. We
      now present two heterodiazocines which are easier to synthesize, and the general
      procedures should also provide facile access to derivatives. Moreover, both
      compounds can be switched with light in the far-red (650 nm). Accessibility and
      photophysical properties make them ideal candidates for applications such as
      photoswitchable drugs and functional materials.

PMID- 27685504
TI  - Affinity Labeling Detection of Endogenous Receptors from Zebrafish Embryos.
AB  - By combining the powers of Affinity Labeling and Immunoprecipitation (AFLIP), a
      technique for the detection of low abundance receptors in zebrafish embryos has
      been implemented. This technique takes advantage of the selectivity and
      sensitivity conferred by affinity labeling of a given receptor by its ligand with
      the specificity of the immunoprecipitation. We have used AFLIP to detect the type
      III TGF-beta receptor (TGFBR3), also know as betaglycan, during early zebrafish
      development. AFLIP was instrumental in validating the efficacy of a TGFBR3
      morphant zebrafish phenotype. In the first step, embryo protein extracts are
      prepared and used to generate 125I-TGF-beta2-TGFBR3 complexes that are purified
      by immunoprecipitation. Later, these complexes are covalently cross-linked and
      revealed using SDS-PAGE separation and autoradiography detection. This technique
      requires the availability of a labeled ligand for, and a specific antibody
      against, the receptor to be detected, and shall be easily adapted to identify any
      growth factor or cytokine receptor that meets these requirements.

PMID- 27685505
TI  - Controversies with self-emulsifying drug delivery system from pharmacokinetic
      point of view.
AB  - Self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) is an isotropic mixture of lipid,
      surfactant and co-surfactant, which forms a fine emulsion when comes in contact
      of an aqueous medium with mild agitation. SEDDS is considered as a potential
      platform for oral delivery of hydrophobic drug in order to overcome their poor
      and irregular bioavailability challenges. In spite of fewer advantages like
      improved solubility of drug, bypassing lymphatic transport etc., SEDDS faces
      different controversial issues such as the use of appropriate terminology (self
      microemulsifying drug delivery system; SMEDDS or self-nanoemulsifying drug
      delivery system; SNEDDS), presence of high amount of surfactant, correlation of
      in vitro model to in vivo studies, lack of human volunteer study and effect of
      conversion of SEDDS to final administrable dosage form on pharmacokinetic
      behavior of the drug. In this review, potential issues or questions on SEDDS are
      identified and summarized from the pharmacokinetic point of view. Primarily this
      review includes the conflict between the influences of droplet size, variation in
      correlation between in vitro lipolysis or ex-vivo intestinal permeation and
      pharmacokinetic parameters, variation in in vivo results of solid and liquid
      SEDDS, and potential challenges or limitation of pharmacokinetic studies on human
      volunteers with orally administered SEDDS. In the past decades, hundreds of in
      vivo studies on SEDDS have been published. In the present study, only the
      relevant article on in vivo pharmacokinetic studies with orally administered
      SEDDS published in past 5-6 years are analyzed for an up to date compilation.

PMID- 27685507
TI  - The happiest place on earth.

PMID- 27685508
TI  - Anomalous abductor digiti minimi in Guyon canal: A cadaver study.
AB  - A routine cadaver dissection revealed a noteworthy anomalous muscle in the distal
      anterior forearm. Clinicians should be aware of this finding and consider it as a
      differential diagnosis in patients with wrist disorders such as ulnar tunnel
      syndrome from occlusion of the ulnar canal. A space-occupying lesion, such as the
      anomalous muscle found in this dissection, is an important potential source of
      ulnar canal obstruction. 

PMID- 27685509
TI  - Letters to the Editor.

PMID- 27685510
TI  - Autism spectrum disorder.

PMID- 27685511
TI  - An urgent finding on a cervical spine MRI.
AB  - Cervical myelopathy is the most common spinal cord disorder in patients age 55
      years and older in the United States. A high index of suspicion is critical for
      detecting early signs and symptoms and initiating early intervention, which
      directly correlates with better patient outcomes. 

PMID- 27685512
TI  - An interesting case of intracerebral MRSA.
AB  - This article describes a patient whose intracerebral MRSA may have been caused by
      a spider bite to the thigh 2 months earlier. The patient's headache, nausea, and
      vomiting initially were thought to be caused by a high-grade glioma. Most brain
      abscesses have otogenic sources and are not from distant hematogenous spread.
      Although systemic antibiotics help with symptomatology, surgical eradication
      (when feasible) followed by IV antibiotics, provides definitive treatment. 

PMID- 27685513
TI  - The inherited patient on opioids: A challenge for primary care clinicians.
AB  - Chronic pain is a common problem, affecting more than 100 million people in the
      United States, and primary care providers are highly likely to encounter patients
      on chronic opioid therapy. Initial encounters with a new patient already on high
      dose opioids can be difficult and lead to apprehension for both patient and
      provider. This article describes how to use current opioid prescribing
      guidelines, conduct a comprehensive pain assessment, and implement risk
      mitigation strategies to improve patient safety and effectively manage this
      patient population. 

PMID- 27685514
TI  - The economic effect of a physician assistant or nurse practitioner in rural
      America.
AB  - Revenues generated by physician assistants (PAs) and NPs in clinics and hospitals
      create employment opportunities and wages, salaries, and benefits for staff,
      which in turn are circulated throughout the local economy. An input-output model
      was used to estimate the direct and secondary effects of a rural primary care PA
      or NP on the community and surrounding area. This type of model explains how
      input/output from one sector of industry can be the output/input for another
      sector. Given two example scenarios, a rural PA or NP can have an employment
      effect of 4.4 local jobs and labor income of $280,476 from the clinic. The total
      effect to a community with a hospital increases to 18.5 local jobs and $940,892
      of labor income. 

PMID- 27685515
TI  - The GMENAC report and the PA profession.
AB  - The 1980 report of the Graduate Medical Education National Advisory Committee
      (GMENAC) predicted a surplus of physicians by 1990 and 2000. The report appeared
      to have a depressing effect on the growth of the PA profession in the early
      1980s; in the 9 years following its release, no new PA programs were started and
      a number of existing programs closed. The GMENAC forecast proved to be inaccurate
      and the PA profession saw significant program growth in the 1990s and beyond. A
      lesson of GMENAC is that accurately predicting health workforce supply and demand
      is difficult. 

PMID- 27685516
TI  - An isolated hip fracture and groin pain in an older woman.

PMID- 27685519
TI  - What is causing this man's rectal pain and urinary retention?

PMID- 27685517
TI  - HINTS for differentiating peripheral from central causes of vertigo.
AB  - Dizziness and vertigo are common and difficult complaints encountered by
      providers. The differential diagnosis is large and varies from benign to life
      threatening disorders. The true challenge becomes differentiating benign
      peripheral vertigo from central vertigo. The HINTS examination can help
      differentiate peripheral from central causes of dizziness and vertigo. 

PMID- 27685520
TI  - A distant close encounter.

PMID- 27685521
TI  - The use of proteomic technologies in breast cancer research.
AB  - The main findings in the field of breast cancer proteomic research as well as
      modern strategies, technologies and methods of validation are reviewed. A special
      attention is focused on validated proteomic biomarkers of breast cancer. The data
      on proteomic profiling of stroma, tumor microenvironment, involvement of proteins
      in tumor progression, invasion and metastasis, and mechanisms of action of new
      generation drugs, are analyzed. The results of proteomic analysis are of high
      clinical importance and significantly improve tumor molecular profiling,
      stratification of patients, screening, diagnostics, and therapy of breast cancer.

PMID- 27685522
TI  - Insights into the mechanism of natural terpenoids as NF-kappaB inhibitors: an
      overview on their anticancer potential.
AB  - The transcription factor, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) is one of the principal
      inducible protein in mammals known to control the gene expression in many
      critical physiological responses such as oxidative stress, inflammation etc. and
      has been shown to play an important role in the pathogenesis of cancer.
      Terpenoids are major constituents present in nutritionally used fruits,
      vegetables and different spices which possess various pharmacological action
      including anticancer activity. Various terpenoids, viz. monoterpenoids,
      sesquiterpenoids, diterpenoids, sesterterpenoids, triterpenoids, tetraterpenoids
      and polyterpenoids inhibit NF-kB signa-ling pathway through IkB phosphorylation,
      DNA binding, p65 translocation etc. Keeping in mind these facts, the present
      review revealed the anti-cancer potential of naturally occurring terpenoids
      highlighting their mechanism of NF-kB inhibition. This review also focuses on
      some of the naturally occurring terpenoids belonging to various chemical
      categories with potential inhibitory effects on NF-kB and their role in the
      treatment of cancer. 

PMID- 27685523
TI  - Correlation of iodine symporter expression in highly and low malignant cell lines
      of human breast cancer differed in their sensitivity to doxorubicin.
AB  - To investigate the relationship of sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) expression with
      molecular phenotype of highly and low malignant cell lines of human breast cancer
      (BC) with different sensitivity to doxorubicin (Dox). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The
      cell lines used in the analysis included T47D, MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468, and
      MCF/Dox. NIS expression was studied by immunocytochemical method. RESULTS: The
      strongest iodine symporter expression (248 +/- 1.9; 272 +/- 3.2 and 289 +/- 2.8
      points, respectively) were found in cells of highly malignant cell lines - MDA-MB
      231, MDA-MB-468, and MCF-7/Dox. NIS expression was significantly weaker (< 120
      points) in two BC cell lines of low malignancy (MCF-7 and T47D). In addition, the
      reduced sensitivity to Dox is associated with elevation of NIS expression in both
      high and low malignant cells. We have demonstrated correlations between NIS
      levels and certain indices of BC malignancy, namely proliferative activity (r =
      0.51), receptor status (estrogen receptor; r = -0.47; and progesteron receptor; r
      = -0.47) and invasiveness (r = 0.46). CONCLUSIONS: Our data evidence that NIS
      expression level correlates with BC cells indices of malignancy and their
      sensitivity to Dox. The results obtained suggest the necessity for further
      studies of NIS expression in BC patients aimed at prognosing disease course and
      monitoring treatment efficacy with anthracyclines.

PMID- 27685524
TI  - Enterosorption combined with granulocyte colony stimulating factor decreases
      melphalan gonadal toxicity.
AB  - Today due to improvements in cancer treatment there is an increasing number of
      long-term cancer survivors, many of whom suffer from infertility caused by
      malignancy itself and chemo- or radiotherapy. Also, anticancer therapy may cause
      myelosuppression. Presently granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) is used
      for prevention and treatment of myelosuppression. Another treatment option used
      to decrease intoxication and ameliorate side effects of cancer therapy is
      sorption technology. The aim of our investigation was to study the efficiency of
      combined use of enterosorption and G-CSF to decrease gonadal toxicity of
      chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Melphalan (L-PAM) injected i.v. at a single
      dose of 4 mg/kg to white inbred rats was used as gonadotoxic and myelosuppressing
      agent. Carbon enterosorbent C2 was administered by intragastric route as a
      suspension in saline at a dose of 5 ml per 1 kg of rats' body weight (or 900
      mg/kg of the dry mass of enterosorbent) daily for 3 days before and for 7 days
      after L-PAM injection. G-CSF was injected once a day for 4 days starting from the
      next day after L-PAM administration at a dose of 50 ug/kg. Histological
      preparations of testicular tissues were examined by light microscopy. RESULTS:
      Our findings have shown that melphalan caused marked damage of testicular tissues
      and seminiferous, especially spermatogenic epithelium. The most expressed
      protection of the histological structure of testes was observed when
      enterosorbent and G-CSF were used in combination. CONCLUSION: Gonadal toxicity of
      chemotherapy could be efficiently decreased by the combined use of enterosorption
      and G-CSF.

PMID- 27685525
TI  - 2-Deoxy-D-glucose enhances dichloroacetate antitumor action against Lewis lung
      carcinoma.
AB  - Aerobic glycolysis that supports high proliferation rate and survival of tumor
      cells in unfavorable conditions is among fundamental features of tumor
      metabolism. The search for active modulators of energetic metabolism capable of
      suppressing tumor growth and metastasis could result in higher effectiveness of
      anticancer therapy. AIM: To study antitumor and antimetastatic activity of the
      modulators of energetic metabolism dichloroacetate (DCA) and 2-deoxy-D-glucose
      (2DG) used in combination treatment of Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC). MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: As experimental tumor model, LLC/R9 variant was used. DCA and 2DG were
      administered per os to S57Bl/6 mice 5 times per week for 3 weeks at a total dose
      of 1.5 and 0.98 g/kg, respectively, as single agents or in combination starting
      from the following day after tumor cell transplantation. Growth of primary tumor
      and number and volume of lung metastases were registered. Lactate and pyruvate
      content was determined by enzymatic methods using lactate dehydrogenase. Electron
      paramagnetic resonance was used for analyzing the functional state of the
      components of mitochondrial respiratory chain. Engulfing activity and reactive
      oxygen species (ROS) production in tumor-associated CD14(+) cells was analyzed by
      flow cytometer with the use of FITC-labeled staphylococcus, and by
      spectrofluorometry with the use of 2.7-dichlorofluorescein diacetate,
      respectively. RESULTS: DCA administered as a single agent did not affect primary
      tumor growth but decreased the number and volume of lung metastases by 60% (p <
      0.05) and 90% (p < 0.05), respectively. In mice treated with 2DG only, primary
      tumor volume as well as the number and volume of lung metastases were not
      affected. Combination treatment with DCA and 2DG resulted in the decrease of
      primary tumor volume, the number and volumes of lung metastases by 70; 46, and
      90%, respectively (p < 0.05). High antitumor activity of DCA + 2DG was associated
      with 31% decrease (p < 0.05) of lactate content in tumor tissue and 120% increase
      (p < 0.01) of ROS production in CD14(+) cells recruited to the region of tumor
      growth. CONCLUSION: 2DG that possesses neither antitumor nor antimetastatic
      activity against LLC/R9 significantly enhanced antitumor activity of DCA with
      accompanying inhibition of glycolysis and increase of cytotoxic activity of
      CD14(+) cells infiltrating tumor tissue. Taking into account significant
      antimetastatic activity of DCA this substance could be considered as a promising
      antimetastatic agent.

PMID- 27685526
TI  - Lactoferrin expression in breast cancer in relation to biologic properties of
      tumors and clinical features of disease.
AB  - To determine the patterns of lactoferrin (LF) expression in breast cancer (BC) in
      relation to biologic properties of the neoplasms and clinical features of the
      disease course. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical specimens of 266 BC patients (115
      patients with BC of stages I-II - retrospective study, and 151 BC patients -
      prospective study) were analyzed. Morphological, immunohistochemical and
      statistical methods were used. RESULTS: The number of LF-positive tumors in
      retrospective and prospective groups was similar (52.1 and 52.8%, respectively).
      Among common clinical criteria for prognosis of the disease outcome in BC
      patients (patient's age; stage of the disease; histological type, differentiation
      grade, receptor status; presence of metastases), a strong correlation was found
      only between expression indexes of LF and estrogen receptors (ER). In ER-positive
      tumors expression of LF was significantly higher than in ER-negative tumors (35
      vs 18%). 5-Year survival rate of BC patients was higher in LF-positive group (70
      vs 52% in LF-negative group). The presence of regional metastasis tended to
      correlate with an increased number of LF-positive tumors. In the patients with
      invasive ductal carcinoma, expression level of LF moderately correlated with
      occurrence of luminal A subtype (r = 0.43), while in the patients with invasive
      lobular carcinoma this index strongly correlated with occurrence of luminal B
      subtype (r = 0.71). LF expression correlated positively with low and moderate
      differentiation grade of luminal B or basal tumors, and negatively with luminal B
      or basal tumors of high differentiation grade (r = -0.57 and -0.63,
      respectively). CONCLUSION: It has been shown that LF expression in breast tumors
      correlated with life expectancy of BC patients and important physiologic and
      clinical features of the disease, while the character of such relation strongly
      depended on molecular phenotype of tumor, i.e. luminal A, luminal B or basal.

PMID- 27685527
TI  - The efficacy of tissue factor -603A/G and +5466A>G polimorphisms at the
      development of venous thromboembolism in cancer patients.
AB  - Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is one of the most common complications in cancer
      patients. Although factor V Leiden (FVL) is the most common genetic defect
      causing thrombosis, the impact of gene abnormalities on thrombotic tendency in
      cancer patients remains poorly explored. Tissue factor (TF) is a major
      physiologic initiator of blood coagulation. This is the first study regarding the
      association of TF gene -603A/G and +5466A>G polymorphisms with VTE in malignancy.
      Materials and Me-thods: The study consists of two groups: cancer patients with
      VTE were included as Group 1 (n = 46); Group 2 comprises 196 cancer patients
      without VTE. Restriction fragment length polymorphism method was used for the
      detection of polymorphisms of TF -603A/G in the 5?upstream region and TF 5466A/G
      in intron 2. FVL, PT G20210A and MTHFR C677T polymorphisms were determined by
      using commercially available Light Cycler kits. The genotype and allele
      frequencies between the groups were compared using chi2 or Fisher exact test, if
      appropriate. RESULTS: No differences were observed in the distribution of TF gene
      -603A/G genotype frequencies between the groups. Although a slightly increased
      incidence of +5466GA genotype was in Group 1 (17.4% vs 11.2%), it did not achieve
      statistical significance. The prevalence of FVL was significantly greater in
      Group 1 compared with Group 2 (41.3% vs 4.1%, p < 0.05). Difference in frequency
      of 677TT+CT (MTHFR) + 5466GG (TF) genotypes combination was found in women of two
      investigated Groups (p < 0.05). No differences were also in genotypes and allele
      frequencies of MTHFR C677T and PT G20210A between two Groups (p > 0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: The present study did not show significant association of TF gene 
      603A/G and +5466A>G polymorphisms with VTE in malignancy, however, further larger
      studies including different ethnic population are needed to confirm our findings.

PMID- 27685528
TI  - The effect of omega-fatty acids on mRNA expression level of PPARgamma in patients
      with gastric adenocarcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The antineoplastic role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor
      gamma (PPARgamma) ligandshas previously been demonstrated in several gastric
      cancer cell lines. Activation of PPARgamma by polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs)
      inhibits growth and proliferationof tumor cells. In this double-blind clinical
      study, we evaluate the effect of PUFAs on PPARgamma mRNA expression in patients
      with gastric adenocarcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 34 chemotherapy
      naive patients diagnosed with gastric adenocarcinoma were enrolled in the present
      study. According to treatment strategies, all subjects were divided into two
      groups, the first group (17 individuals) received cisplatin without supplements
      and the second group (17 individuals) received cisplatin plus orally administered
      PUFAs supplements for 3 weeks. The gastric biopsy samples were obtained from all
      participants before and after treatment, and PPARgamma mRNA expression levels
      were evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction using
      validated reference genes. RESULTS: Our findings revealed that PPARgamma mRNA
      expression is significantly upregulated in group II afterreceiving cisplatin plus
      orally administered PUFAs supplements for three weeks (p < 0.0001), whereas
      PPARgamma mRNA expression did not show significant alteration in group I after
      receiving cisplatin alone. CONCLUSION: The results of the study evidence that
      PPARgamma may act as a potential target for the therapy of human gastric
      adenocarcinoma.

PMID- 27685529
TI  - Chronic myeloid leukemia in patient with the Klinefelter syndrome.
AB  - AIM: Genetic inborn along with acquired diseases arise due to the lesions in
      genome of multipotent hematopoietic stem cells. The aim was to study an influence
      of constitutional anomaly, Klinefelter syndrome, and additional structural
      rearrangements on the BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeted therapy
      efficacy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We describe a 32-year-old male patient with
      chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) who was detected to have sex chromosomal
      abnormality during evaluation for Philadelphia chromosome. RESULTS: At diagnosis
      of CML, two clones were detected by standard cytogenetic investigation of bone
      marrow cells: 1) clone with translocation t(9;22)(q34;q11), with two sex X
      chromosomes and absence sex chromosome Y; 2) clone with t(9;22) and unbalanced
      t(Y;20)(q11;q13). Analysis of blast transformed lymphocytes from peripheral blood
      showed karyotype 47,XXY. Monitoring of targeted therapy with second generation
      inhibitor of BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase indicated a cytogenetic remission and
      absence of BCR-ABL1 fusion signals after 11 months. CONCLUSIONS: Absence of
      translocation t(9;22)(q34;q11) in blast transformed T-lymphocytes at diagnosis of
      CML evidences that this translocation may appear not only at the level of
      multipotent haemopoietic cell progenitors but also may have oligo lineage myeloid
      origin. Presence of additional structural chromosomal abnormality in the clone
      with t(9;22)(q34;q11) does not affect the efficacy of therapy with the use of
      second generation BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitor.

PMID- 27685530
TI  - Metastasis of two malignant tumors of different genesis in axillary lymph node (a
      case report).
AB  - This case report describes a rare clinical condition: metastasis of synchronous
      multiple primary tumors - skin melanoma and breast cancer in one axillary lymph
      node, confirmed with the results of clinical, morphological and
      immunohistochemical study of surgical material from 40 year-old woman. 

PMID- 27685532
TI  - A rare clinical case of the isolated primary frontal bone osteoma.
AB  - AIM: To study a rare clinical case of isolated primary osteoma localized in the
      frontal bone, provide its detailed clinical and pathomorphological analysis, and
      evaluate statistical indicators of occurrence frequency and localization of
      facial skeleton osteomas during 2006-2015. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The
      retrospective case records analysis of patients undergoing treatment in the ma
      xillofacial department of Lviv Regional Clinical Hospital and suffering from
      facial skeleton osteomas was conducted. The clinical examination was carried out
      in accordance with the inspection protocol required for the examination of
      patients diagnosed with tumors and tumor-like neoplasms in a particular clinical
      case. Frontal and lateral views were used in the course of X-ray imaging.
      Histological studies included macroscopy and microscopy. RESULTS: According to
      the retrospective case record analysis made over the last 10 years 346 cases of
      facial bone osteoma were revealed and proved histologically comprising 3.7% of
      all benign osteogeneous maxillofacial tumors. For the first time in 10 years
      osteoma localized in the frontal bone had been revealed and thoroughly studied.
      Macroscopically - a semi-spherical and immovable neoformation 7 cm in diameter of
      hard consistency, splaying out at 4 cm and being adherent with the frontal bone.
      Roentgenologically - homogeneous intense shadowing of a round form with
      relatively distinct outlines complying with clinical sizes. According to the
      histological data, the tumor consists mostly of the solid osseous tissue and the
      spongy osseous tissue with the evident thickened trabeculas of the bone located
      in different directions. CONCLUSION: The analysis of historical data demonstrated
      extremely rare localization of primary osteoma of the frontal bone, and indicated
      the uniqueness of the case and significant clinical importance of its detailed
      study.

PMID- 27685531
TI  - Accessory spleen hypertrophy mimicking colon cancer metastasis.
AB  - Accessory spleen is a congenital form of an ectopic splenic tissue. In this
      report, we present a case of a patient who was followed with the diagnosis of
      rectal and sigmoid colon cancer and an accessory spleen hypertrophy, which was
      thought to be colon cancer metastasis in the left hypochondriac region. After
      colectomy and splenectomy, accessory spleen that mimics cancer metastasis was
      diffrentially diagnosed using scintigraphy. 

PMID- 27685533
TI  - Yevhenii Petrovych Sidorik (1931-2016).
AB  - Professor Yevhenii Petrovych Sidorik, well-known scientist in the fields of
      biophysics and experimental oncology, double Laureate of the State Prize in
      Science and Technology, Laureate of O.O. Bohomolets Prize and R.E. Kavetsky Prize
      of the NAS of Ukraine died on the 86(th) year of his life. 

PMID- 27685535
TI  - Influence of Computer-Generated Mosaic Photographs on Retinopathy of Prematurity
      Diagnosis and Management.
AB  - Importance: Telemedicine is becoming an increasingly important component of
      clinical care for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), but little information exists
      regarding the role of mosaic photography for ROP telemedicine diagnosis.
      Objective: To examine the potential effect of computer-generated mosaic
      photographs on the diagnosis and management of ROP. Design, Setting, and
      Participants: In this prospective cohort study performed from July 12, 2011,
      through September 21, 2015, images were acquired from ROP screening at 8 academic
      institutions, and ROP experts interpreted 40 sets (20 sets with individual fundus
      photographs with >=3 fields and 20 computer-generated mosaic photographs) of wide
      angle retinal images from infants with ROP. All experts independently reviewed
      the 40 sets and provided a diagnosis and management plan for each set presented.
      Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome measure was the sensitivity and
      specificity of the ROP diagnosis by experts that was calculated using a consensus
      reference standard diagnosis, determined from the diagnosis of fundus photographs
      by 3 experienced readers in combination with the clinical diagnosis based on
      ophthalmoscopic examination. Mean unweighted kappa statistics were used to
      analyze the mean intergrader agreement among experts for diagnosis of zone,
      stage, plus disease, and category. Results: Nine ROP experts (4 women and 5 men)
      who have been practicing ophthalmology for a mean of 10.8 years (range, 3-24
      years) consented to participate. Diagnosis by the mosaic photographs compared
      with diagnosis by multiple individual photographs resulted in improvements in
      sensitivity for diagnosis of stage 2 disease or worse (95.9% vs 88.9%;
      difference, 7.0; 95% CI, 3.5 to 10.5; P = .02), plus disease (85.7% vs 63.5%;
      difference, 22.2; 95% CI, 7.6 to 36.9; P = .02), and treatment-requiring ROP
      (84.4% vs 68.5%; difference, 15.9; 95% CI, 0.8 to 31.7; P = .047). With use of
      the kappa statistic, mosaic photographs, compared with multiple individual
      photographs, resulted in improvements in intergrader agreement for diagnosis of
      plus disease or not (0.54 vs 0.40; mean kappa difference, 0.14; 95% CI, 0.07 to
      0.21; P = .004), stage 3 disease or worse or not (0.60 vs 0.52; mean kappa
      difference, 0.06; 95% CI, -0.06 to 0.18; P = .04), and type 2 ROP or not (0.58 vs
      0.51; mean kappa difference, 0.07; 95% CI, 0.03 to 0.11; P = .04). After viewing
      the mosaic photographs, experts altered their choice of management in 42 of 180
      responses (23.3%; 95% CI, 17.1%-29.5%). Conclusions and Relevance: Compared with
      multiple individual photographs, computer-generated mosaic photographs were
      associated with improved accuracy of image-based diagnosis for certain categories
      (eg, plus disease, stage 2 disease or worse, and treatment-requiring ROP) of ROP
      by experts. It is unclear, however, whether these findings are generalizable, and
      the results of this study may not be relevant to mosaic grading of other retinal
      vascular conditions.

PMID- 27685536
TI  - Biaxial Properties of the Left and Right Pulmonary Arteries in a Monocrotaline
      Rat Animal Model of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.
AB  - In a monocrotaline (MCT) induced-pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) rat animal
      model, the dynamic stress-strain relation was investigated in the circumferential
      and axial directions using a linear elastic response model within the quasi
      linear viscoelasticity theory framework. Right and left pulmonary arterial
      segments (RPA and LPA) were mechanically tested in a tubular biaxial device at
      the early stage (1 week post-MCT treatment) and at the advanced stage of the
      disease (4 weeks post-MCT treatment). The vessels were tested circumferentially
      at the in vivo axial length with matching in vivo measured pressure ranges.
      Subsequently, the vessels were tested axially at the mean pulmonary arterial
      pressure by stretching them from in vivo plus 5% of their length. Parameter
      estimation showed that the LPA and RPA remodel at different rates: axially, both
      vessels decreased in Young's modulus at the early stage of the disease, and
      increased at the advanced disease stage. Circumferentially, the Young's modulus
      increased in advanced PAH, but it was only significant in the RPA. The damping
      properties also changed in PAH; in the LPA relaxation times decreased
      continuously as the disease progressed, while in the RPA they initially increased
      and then decreased. Our modeling efforts were corroborated by the restructuring
      organization of the fibers imaged under multiphoton microscopy, where the
      collagen fibers become strongly aligned to the 45 deg angle in the RPA from an
      uncrimped and randomly organized state. Additionally, collagen content increased
      almost 10% in the RPA from the placebo to advanced PAH.

PMID- 27685539
TI  - Synthesis and composition of amino acid linking groups conjugated to compounds
      used for the targeted imaging of tumors: a patent evaluation of US20160011199A1.
AB  - The present patent discloses the identification of small-molecule fluorescent
      probes constituted by pteroic acid moiety connected to near-infrared (NIR) dye
      via amino acids. These folate receptor (FR) targeted conjugates were shown to
      have high affinity for tumors that overexpress FRs. A selected compound from this
      new class, pteroyl-L-tyrosine-S0456 (OTL-0038), displays high affinity and
      specificity for FRs and was shown (i) to accumulate in vivo in tumor cells
      expressing FRs, and (ii) to be non-toxic in mice at clinical dose x 1000. This
      compound holds considerable promise for the location and detection of tumoral
      cells in the context of fluorescence guided surgery.

PMID- 27685537
TI  - Folded gastrulation and T48 drive the evolution of coordinated mesoderm
      internalization in flies.
AB  - Gastrulation constitutes a fundamental yet diverse morphogenetic process of
      metazoan development. Modes of gastrulation range from stochastic translocation
      of individual cells to coordinated infolding of an epithelial sheet. How such
      morphogenetic differences are genetically encoded and whether they have provided
      specific developmental advantages is unclear. Here we identify two genes, folded
      gastrulation and t48, which in the evolution of fly gastrulation acted as a
      likely switch from an ingression of individual cells to the invagination of the
      blastoderm epithelium. Both genes are expressed and required for mesoderm
      invagination in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster but do not appear during
      mesoderm ingression of the midge Chironomus riparius. We demonstrate that early
      expression of either or both of these genes in C.riparius is sufficient to invoke
      mesoderm invagination similar to D.melanogaster. The possible genetic simplicity
      and a measurable increase in developmental robustness might explain repeated
      evolution of similar transitions in animal gastrulation.

PMID- 27685538
TI  - Limited Benefit of the New Shorter Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis Regimen in
      Europe.

PMID- 27685540
TI  - Evolutionary Diversification of Prey and Predator Species Facilitated by
      Asymmetric Interactions.
AB  - We investigate the influence of asymmetric interactions on coevolutionary
      dynamics of a predator-prey system by using the theory of adaptive dynamics. We
      assume that the defense ability of prey and the attack ability of predators all
      can adaptively evolve, either caused by phenotypic plasticity or by behavioral
      choice, but there are certain costs in terms of their growth rate or death rate.
      The coevolutionary model is constructed from a deterministic approximation of
      random mutation-selection process. To sum up, if prey's trade-off curve is
      globally weakly concave, then five outcomes of coevolution are demonstrated,
      which depend on the intensity and shape of asymmetric predator-prey interactions
      and predator's trade-off shape. Firstly, we find that if there is a weakly
      decelerating cost and a weakly accelerating benefit for predator species, then
      evolutionary branching in the predator species may occur, but after branching
      further coevolution may lead to extinction of the predator species with a larger
      trait value. However, if there is a weakly accelerating cost and a weakly
      accelerating benefit for predator species, then evolutionary branching in the
      predator species is also possible and after branching the dimorphic predator can
      evolutionarily stably coexist with a monomorphic prey species. Secondly, if the
      asymmetric interactions become a little strong, then prey and predators will
      evolve to an evolutionarily stable equilibrium, at which they can stably coexist
      on a long-term timescale of evolution. Thirdly, if there is a weakly accelerating
      cost and a relatively strongly accelerating benefit for prey species, then
      evolutionary branching in the prey species is possible and the finally
      coevolutionary outcome contains a dimorphic prey and a monomorphic predator
      species. Fourthly, if the asymmetric interactions become more stronger, then
      predator-prey coevolution may lead to cycles in both traits and equilibrium
      population densities. The Red Queen dynamic is a possible outcome under
      asymmetric predator-prey interactions.

PMID- 27685542
TI  - Solid and liquid modernity: A comparison of the social geography of places to die
      in the UK and Australia.
AB  - Preferred place of care and death is a widely used quality measure for palliative
      and end of life care services. In this article we explore the use of Zygmunt
      Bauman's ideas on solid and liquid modernity to understand the complexity of the
      social geographical contexts of delivering and receiving care. Although solid
      ways of dying offer certainty and standardized care, more liquid ways allow for
      individualized care connected to family and communities. Understanding the
      complex tensions between solid and liquid aspects of palliative care may allow
      practitioners to help dying people to die in the ways and places they prefer.

PMID- 27685543
TI  - Expression and Purification of EPHA2 Tyrosine Kinase Domain for Crystallographic
      and NMR Studies.
AB  - The receptor tyrosine kinase EPHA2 is overexpressed in several cancers (breast,
      head and neck, non-small-cell lung cancer). Small-molecule-based inhibition of
      the EPHA2 kinase domain (KD) is seen as an important strategy for therapeutic
      intervention. However, obtaining structural information by crystallography or NMR
      spectroscopy for drug discovery is severely hampered by the lack of pure,
      homogeneous protein. Here, different fragments of the EPHA2 KD were expressed and
      purified from both bacterial (Escherichia coli, BL21(DE3) cells) and insect cells
      (Spodoptera frugiperda, Sf9 cells).1 H,15 N HSQC was used to determine the proper
      folding and homogeneity of all the constructs. Protein from E. coli was well
      folded but unstable, and it did not crystallize. However, a construct (D596-G900)
      produced in Sf9 cells yielded homogenous, well-folded protein that crystallized
      readily, thereby resulting in eleven new EPHA2-ligand crystal structures. We have
      also established a strategy for selective and uniform 15 N-amino acid labeling of
      EPHA2 KD in Sf9 cells for investigating dynamics and EPHA2-drug interactions by
      NMR.

PMID- 27685546
TI  - Proving nurses work.
AB  - Nearly everyone knows someone, a relative or friend who has been hit by
      unemployment and with three million people currently out of work it's hardly
      surprising. Nurses are no more immune from the recession than any other public
      sector staff. The days when a nursing qualification meant a job for life have
      long since past. The prospect of unemployment among nurses may have won public
      sympathy and a media outcry many years ago, now they are just another group of
      workers facing the inevitability of the dole queue. Or are they?

PMID- 27685547
TI  - Assessing a woundAccurate wound assessment is a prerequisite to planning
      appropriate nursing care and is essential to ensure the most appropriate choice
      of wound dressing products. However, this assessment is something practitioners
      often find difficult ( 1 ).
AB  - The aim of this Learning Unit is to develop your knowledge of wound assessment,
      and to increase your understanding of the rationale for effective planning,
      implementation and valuation of wound care.

PMID- 27685541
TI  - Decomposing the relationship between cognitive functioning and self-referent
      memory beliefs in older adulthood: what's memory got to do with it?
AB  - With advancing age, episodic memory performance shows marked declines along with
      concurrent reports of lower subjective memory beliefs. Given that normative age
      related declines in episodic memory co-occur with declines in other cognitive
      domains, we examined the relationship between memory beliefs and multiple domains
      of cognitive functioning. Confirmatory bi-factor structural equation models were
      used to parse the shared and independent variance among factors representing
      episodic memory, psychomotor speed, and executive reasoning in one large cohort
      study (Senior Odyssey, N = 462), and replicated using another large cohort of
      healthy older adults (ACTIVE, N = 2802). Accounting for a general fluid cognitive
      functioning factor (comprised of the shared variance among measures of episodic
      memory, speed, and reasoning) attenuated the relationship between objective
      memory performance and subjective memory beliefs in both samples. Moreover, the
      general cognitive functioning factor was the strongest predictor of memory
      beliefs in both samples. These findings are consistent with the notion that
      dispositional memory beliefs may reflect perceptions of cognition more broadly.
      This may be one reason why memory beliefs have broad predictive validity for
      interventions that target fluid cognitive ability.

PMID- 27685544
TI  - Synergistic mortality between a neonicotinoid insecticide and an ergosterol
      biosynthesis-inhibiting fungicide in three bee species.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neonicotinoid insecticides have been identified as an important
      factor contributing to bee diversity declines. Nonetheless, uncertainties remain
      about their impact under field conditions. Most studies have been conducted on
      Apis mellifera and tested single compounds. However, in agricultural
      environments, bees are often exposed to multiple pesticides. We explore the
      synergistic mortality between a neonicotinoid (clothianidin) and an ergosterol
      biosynthesis-inhibiting fungicide (propiconazole) in three bee species (A.
      mellifera, Bombus terrestris, Osmia bicornis) following oral exposure in the
      laboratory. RESULTS: We developed a new approach based on the binomial proportion
      test to analyse synergistic interactions. We estimated uptake of clothianidin per
      foraging bout in honey bees foraging on seed-coated rapeseed fields. We found
      significant synergistic mortality in all three bee species exposed to non-lethal
      doses of propiconazole and their respective LD10 of clothianidin. Significant
      synergism was only found at the first assessment times in A. mellifera (4 and 24
      h) and B. terrestris (4 h), but persisted throughout the experiment (96 h) in O.
      bicornis. O. bicornis was also the most sensitive species to clothianidin.
      CONCLUSION: Our results underscore the importance to test pesticide combinations
      likely to occur in agricultural environments, and to include several bee species
      in environmental risk assessment schemes. (c) 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID- 27685548
TI  - Pink pledge to work for a more open UK Council.
AB  - Whistleblowing nurse Graham Pink has pledged to work for a more open UKCC after
      his success in the first ever direct elections to Council.

PMID- 27685545
TI  - Towards N-Alkylimidazole Borane-based Hypergolic Fuels.
AB  - Over the past few decades, toxic and highly volatile hydrazine derivatives have
      been the main fuel choices for liquid bipropellants, especially in traditional
      hypergolic rocket engines. The search for new hypergolic fuels as replacements
      for hydrazine derivatives is of great interest to researchers. In this study, a
      series of N-alkylimidazole borane compounds has been synthesized and
      characterized. Interestingly, these compounds display promising applications as
      potential hypergolic fuels owing to their excellent physiochemical properties
      including low melting points, high thermal stability, low viscosities, and unique
      hypergolic reactivity. Compared with popular hypergolic ionic liquids, the cost
      effective and scaling-up advantages of these materials highlight their promising
      potential as high-performance fuels in liquid bipropellant formulations.

PMID- 27685550
TI  - New campaign highlights threats to patient services.
AB  - The RCN and Nursing Standard this week jointly launched a major national campaign
      to highlight the threats to patient services caused by cuts in nursing posts. It
      will also advise nurses facing redundancy.

PMID- 27685552
TI  - Nurse teacher jobs under threat?
AB  - Nurse teacher jobs could be threatened by North West Thames Regional Health
      Authority plans to offer a contract for pre-registration nurse training to the
      University of Hertfordshire.

PMID- 27685549
TI  - Bed closures at trust units.
AB  - A BBC Radio 4 survey has revealed that beds have closed at 60 per cent of Trust
      acute units because they had already completed their contracts.

PMID- 27685553
TI  - Pledge to fight reorganisation of Belfast health service.
AB  - Calls for a government inquiry and pledges to take the fight for the health
      service to the European Parliament were made at a meeting of the Eastern Health
      Board in Northern Ireland.

PMID- 27685555
TI  - Silenced by redundancy fears.
AB  - Redundancy-scared health professionals are afraid to speak out over the
      'horrendous' levels of unemployment-related psychiatric illness currently
      blighting communities, psychiatrists warned last week.

PMID- 27685554
TI  - Trust's 'ageist' cuts could mean costly stays in hospital.
AB  - A health Trust's 'ageist' plans to axe 18 community nurses' health promotion
      posts will force elderly clients into needless and costly hospitalisation, the
      Royal College of Nursing has warned.

PMID- 27685556
TI  - Radical plans for nurse teachers.
AB  - Radical plans to shake up nurse teacher preparation have been welcomed by the RCN
      Council. The plans, drawn up by a College working group, recommend the phasing
      out of BEd degrees as suitable qualifying courses for nurse teachers.

PMID- 27685557
TI  - Emigration offers less opportunity.
AB  - Canada, once a magnet for British nurse emigrants, is now experiencing its own
      unemployment crisis, a Nova Scotian nurse has warned a London conference.

PMID- 27685558
TI  - Health service ignores what is known to work.
AB  - 'Apple pie' marketing statements like 'Meeting Customers' Needs' and 'Putting
      Quality Services First' have been ridiculed by Professor Alan Maynard, Director
      of the Centre for Health Economics at York University.

PMID- 27685559
TI  - Cash help for nurses should boost women managers.
AB  - Nurses who undertake Master's degrees with the aim of becoming senior NHS
      managers may get cash help from the government, Health Secretary Virginia
      Bottomley announced last week.

PMID- 27685560
TI  - Doubts about reformed health service.
AB  - Junior health minister Baroness Cumberlege admitted last week that not all
      doctors and nurses are convinced of the benefits of the reformed health service.

PMID- 27685561
TI  - Simple analgesics: choosing with care.
AB  - The aim of this Learning Unit is to develop your knowledge of 'over-the-counter'
      analgesics so that you can give informed advice to patients and clients.

PMID- 27685563
TI  - Overseas expertise could be lost.
AB  - The United Kingdom could lose the valuable expertise of overseas nurses under
      government plans to restrict immigration, according to the RCN.

PMID- 27685562
TI  - Funding plan could end two tier system.
AB  - Liberal Democrat Health and Community Care Spokesperson Liz Lynne is consulting
      nurses and other health professionals about a funding plan which she claims would
      end the two-tier system being created by the health reforms.

PMID- 27685564
TI  - Nurses are being gagged over reporting NHS faults.
AB  - Political blackmail, gags and penalties arc being used to stop nurses disclosing
      faults in the health service, parliament was told last week.

PMID- 27685565
TI  - ?
AB  - More financial assistance and support should be given to home carers. The
      Princess Royal argued when she gave the second annual lecture in aid of the
      Florence Nightingale Museum last week. Her Royal Highness, pictured arriving at
      St Thomas' Hospital, said society undervalues home care, and although it was
      possible to buy care, not everyone wants to or can afford it.

PMID- 27685567
TI  - Policy for NHS to help in foreign emergencies.
AB  - A national United Kingdom health policy to release National Health Service
      personnel for emergencies in developing countries should be a priority, says a
      new report.

PMID- 27685566
TI  - CGFNS applications invited.
AB  - Applications for the August 11 United States Commission on Graduates of Foreign
      Nursing Schools (CGFNS) exam must be completed and filed at the Philadelphia
      office by April 26.

PMID- 27685568
TI  - Needs of the terminally ill must be recognised.
AB  - The needs of people who are terminally ill must be urgently recognised and met if
      they are not to be disadvantaged by impending community care changes, say new
      guidelines published by the National Council for Hospice and Specialist
      Palliative Care Services.

PMID- 27685569
TI  - Midwifery training needs to be more balanced.
AB  - Midwifery training has become too academic and needs balancing by traditional
      apprenticeship methods, Professor Leslie Page, a member of the Department of
      Health's Expert Maternity Group, said last week. Intellectual and practical
      skills are 'not mutually exclusive', she told delegates at the English National
      Board's second annual national midwifery conference.

PMID- 27685570
TI  - UK breast cancer deaths highest in europe.
AB  - Infant mortality in the United Kingdom has dropped by a third since 1981, but
      breast cancer kills more women in the United Kingdom than in any other European
      county, the latest social trends figures from the Central Statistical Office
      show.

PMID- 27685571
TI  - URCC direct election results.
AB  - The following people have been electee! to the UK Central Council. They will take
      up their seats in April.

PMID- 27685573
TI  - Inappropriate dilatation and curettage in the NHS.
AB  - Dilatation and curettage (D&C), a diagnostic method used to treat women with
      menstrual problems, is often employed inappropriately and at large cost to the
      NHS, new research suggests.

PMID- 27685574
TI  - Primary health warning on stress in Asian women.
AB  - Primary health care teams must be alert in detecting psychological stress among
      Asian women, who are often reluctant to seek advice from mental health services,
      the Commission for Racial Equality warned last week.

PMID- 27685575
TI  - Partners of Parkinson sufferers 'share symptoms'.
AB  - Partners of people suffering from Parkinson's disease have been found to share
      some of the symptoms of the illness.

PMID- 27685576
TI  - Arrest rhythm indicator of survival after CPR.
AB  - The most important indicator for a successful outcome of cardiorespiratory
      resuscitation is the heart rhythm at the time of the arrest.

PMID- 27685577
TI  - Compliance poor in asthma treatment.
AB  - Health professionals must look at other ' means of improving patient compliance
      with treatment for asthma rather than relying on education in isolation.

PMID- 27685578
TI  - Mobile screening for diabetic retinopathy.
AB  - Mobile diabetic eye screening units might be particularly effective in
      identifying previously unrecognised retinopathy in rural areas.

PMID- 27685579
TI  - Right hand, right foot, right osteoarthritis?
AB  - Are you more likely to get osteoarthritis of the right hip if you are right
      dominant? Oxford researchers think this might be the case.

PMID- 27685580
TI  - Early osteopathy gives best results.
AB  - Suitable patients should be encouraged to see an osteopath early on in an illness
      episode, researchers suggest.

PMID- 27685581
TI  - Beating the stigma.
AB  - Mental health has again come under scrutiny recently, particularly the problems
      which can ensue when the community care net fails to hold.

PMID- 27685582
TI  - Tailor-made talk.
AB  - Patients whose first language is not English can present nursing staff with
      difficult communication problems. But in South Derbyshire help is at hand, as
      Charlotte Alderman reports.

PMID- 27685583
TI  - Leaving a legacy.
AB  - The Victorians used to boast that the sun never set on the British Empire. Now
      the Commonwealth Nurses Federation, with its membership of 53 National Nursing
      Associations spread right around the globe, can make a similar claim.

PMID- 27685584
TI  - An insecure future.
AB  - Nurses were incensed when Chancellor of the Exchequer Norman Lamont said in his
      Autumn statement that it was not unreasonable for public sector employees to
      accept a 1.5 per cent pay limit because they enjoyed job security. Not only are
      nurses angry about an imposed realterms reduction in their salaries; it is
      becoming increasingly clear that nurses no longer enjoy the kind of job security
      they have in the past.

PMID- 27685585
TI  - Chief nurses still loyal to nursing.
AB  - Gary Jones poses the question 'Have chief nurses abandoned nursing?' (Letters,
      January 13). No, chief nurses have not abandoned nursing.

PMID- 27685587
TI  - 'Tabloid press' view to nursing home care.
AB  - I would like to respond to Barbara Green's article 'A poor substitute for care'
      (Feature, January 20).

PMID- 27685586
TI  - A degree of disagreement.
AB  - In the news item 'Financial support for nurse teachers' (News, January 13),
      Stuart Mahon is reported as saying: 'If nursing is to be credible in the higher
      education sector, we have to have nurses who can lead nursing at that level,
      supported by a nursing degree.'

PMID- 27685589
TI  - Mental health act covers many issues.
AB  - May I thank David Maclsaac (Letters, January 20) for highlighting the point that
      a first-level RMN or RNMH is ; required to apply Section 5(4)of the Mental Health
      Act.

PMID- 27685588
TI  - Childminders can be connubial people too.
AB  - I have found a solution to child care which may be of interest to working
      mothers.

PMID- 27685590
TI  - ?
AB  - When are we going to see a balance in what is printed concerning elderly care? It
      seems that, as in the tabloid press, only the shocking and unacceptable receive
      mention.

PMID- 27685592
TI  - A popular and dedicated nurse.
AB  - A picture of Neil Bradshaw, senior staff nurse in our elderly care unit, appeared
      on the front cover of the January 6 issue of Nursing Standard.

PMID- 27685591
TI  - ?
AB  - * I was extremely concerned with Barbara Green's fictional account of life in a
      nursing home. There are few features on home care in the nursing press and many
      readers may feel that this feature offers an authoritative view.

PMID- 27685593
TI  - Information exchange.
AB  - * I am currently undertaking a staff nurse development course and have a project
      to complete based on what information is available for patients regarding sexual
      relationships after total hip arthroplasty.

PMID- 27685594
TI  - Pamela Hawthorn: a celebration.
AB  - Pam Hawthorn's cruel illness drew to a close a career of many achievements, and a
      rich vein of potential still to be explored.

PMID- 27685595
TI  - Go forth and multi-skill.
AB  - Hi there, health care workers. Remember I was telling you about multi-skilling as
      part of my new nursing model?

PMID- 27685596
TI  - Clinical Supervision and Mentorship in Nursing Clinical Supervision and
      Mentorship in Nursing T Butterworth and J Tangier Chapman & Hall 246pp L13.95 0
      412-34910-8.
AB  - The United Kingdom Central Council's 'PREP' document emphasises the need for
      nurses to maintain and develop their standards of practice to meet the needs of
      patients and the health services. In Clinical Supervision and Mentorship in
      Nursing, Tony Butterworth and Jean Faugier have brought together various examples
      and models of clinical supervision which demonstrate ways in which standards of
      practice can be enhanced in line with the UKCC's aim.

PMID- 27685597
TI  - Dimensions of professional nursing, 6th edition Dimensions of professional
      nursing, 6th edition L Y Kelly Pergamon Press 748pp L21.95 0-08-040303-4.
AB  - For any nurse requiring insights and rationale for the impact of the US ethos of
      professional nursing upon that of the United Kingdom, they need look no further.

PMID- 27685599
TI  - Career listings.

PMID- 27685598
TI  - The ECG Made Easy The ECG Made Easy 4th edition J R Hampton Churchill Livingstone
      106pp L4.50 0-443-04507-0.
AB  - The ECG Made Easy has, for some time, been the pocket reference for junior
      doctors. Its simple and easy to follow text has made it invaluable in the
      clinical setting.

PMID- 27685601
TI  - Evaluation of gender-specific aspects in quality-of-life in patients with larynx
      carcinoma.
AB  - CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that gender-specific differences in health
      related quality-of-life (HRQoL) exist in patients with larynx carcinoma. In
      previous studies these differences might have been concealed by predominantly
      male subject groups. Future studies should consider a gender-specific analysis
      that suits the patient's idiosyncrasies associated with laryngeal cancer.
      OBJECTIVES: There is little research concerning gender differences in quality-of
      life (QoL) in patients with larynx carcinoma. Since laryngeal cancer is
      predominantly found in males, most studies examining HRQoL are based on a mainly
      male subject group. HRQoL needs to be assessed to determine the impact of disease
      and treatment and to evaluate possible treatment regimes. This study examined
      gender differences concerning HRQoL in 53 patients using EORTC QLQ-C30, and QLQ
      H&N35 questionnaires. METHODS: Patients treated with larynx carcinoma were given
      two questionnaires to assess HRQoL. The questionnaires were analyzed for each sex
      separately, as well as for the entire population. RESULTS: Female patients report
      significantly worse HRQoL than males. Age could not be identified as a
      significant predictor for HRQoL when males and females were analyzed together,
      and does not significantly predict HRQoL in men. However, age was found to be a
      significant predictor for HRQoL when only females were analyzed.

PMID- 27685602
TI  - Attitudes to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender parents seeking health care
      for their children in two early parenting services in Australia.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To examine the attitudes to and knowledge and beliefs about
      homosexuality of nurses and allied professionals in two early parenting services
      in Australia. BACKGROUND: Early parenting services employ nurses and allied
      professionals. Access and inclusion policies are important in community health
      and early childhood service settings. However, little is known about the
      perceptions of professionals who work within early parenting services in relation
      to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender families. DESIGN: This is the final in
      a series of studies and was undertaken in two early parenting services in two
      states in Australia using a cross-sectional design with quantitative and
      qualitative approaches. METHODS: Validated questionnaires were completed by 51
      nurses and allied professionals and tested with chi-squared test of independence
      (or Fisher's exact test), Mann-Whitney U-test, Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of
      variance or Spearman's rank correlation. Thematic analysis examined qualitative
      data collected in a box for free comments. RESULTS: Of the constructs measured by
      the questionnaires, no significant relationships were found in knowledge,
      attitude and gay affirmative practice scores by sociodemographic variables or
      professional group. However, attitude scores towards lesbians and gay men were
      significantly negatively affected by conservative political affiliation (p =
      0.038), held religious beliefs (p = 0.011) and frequency of praying (p = 0.018).
      Six overall themes were found as follows: respect, parenting role, implications
      for the child, management, disclosure, resources and training. CONCLUSIONS: The
      study provided an in-depth analysis of the attitudes, knowledge and beliefs of
      professionals in two early parenting services, showing that work is needed to
      promote acceptance of diversity and the inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and
      transgender families in planning, developing, evaluating and accessing early
      parenting services. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Access and inclusion plans
      for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender families are crucial in early
      parenting services in Australia and should be included in professional
      development programmes.

PMID- 27685603
TI  - Periodontitis as a Modifiable Risk Factor for Dementia: A Nationwide Population
      Based Cohort Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine whether periodontitis is a modifiable risk factor for
      dementia. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: National Health Insurance
      Research Database in Taiwan. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals aged 65 and older with
      periodontitis (n = 3,028) and an age- and sex-matched control group (n = 3,028).
      MEASUREMENTS: Individuals with periodontitis were compared age- and sex-matched
      controls with for incidence density and hazard ratio (HR) of new-onset dementia.
      Periodontitis was defined according to International Classification of Diseases,
      Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes 523.3-5 diagnosed by
      dentists. To ensure diagnostic validity, only those who had concurrently received
      antibiotic therapies, periodontal treatment other than scaling, or scaling more
      than twice per year performed by certified dentists were included. Dementia was
      defined according to ICD-9-CM codes 290.0-290.4, 294.1, 331.0-331.2. RESULTS:
      After adjustment for confounding factors, the risk of developing dementia was
      calculated to be higher for participants with periodontitis (HR = 1.16, 95%
      confidence interval = 1.01-1.32, P = .03) than for those without. CONCLUSION:
      Periodontitis is associated with greater risk of developing dementia. Periodontal
      infection is treatable, so it might be a modifiable risk factor for dementia.
      Clinicians must devote greater attention to this potential association in an
      effort to develop new preventive and therapeutic strategies for dementia.

PMID- 27685604
TI  - Analogy motor learning by young children: a study of rope skipping.
AB  - Research in psychology suggests that provision of an instruction by analogy can
      enhance acquisition and understanding of knowledge. Limited research has been
      conducted to test this proposition in motor learning by children. The purpose of
      the present study was to examine the feasibility of analogy instructions in motor
      skill acquisition by children. Thirty-two children were randomly assigned to one
      of the two instruction protocols: analogy and explicit instruction protocols for
      a two-week rope skipping training. Each participant completed a pretest (Lesson
      1), three practice sessions (Lesson 2-4), a posttest and a secondary task test
      (Lesson 5). Children in the analogy protocol displayed better rope skip
      performance than those in the explicit instruction protocol (p < .001). Moreover,
      a cognitive secondary task test indicated that children in the analogy protocol
      performed more effectively, whereas children in the explicit protocol displayed
      decrements in performance. Analogy learning may aid children to acquire complex
      motor skills, and have potential benefits related to reduced cognitive processing
      requirements.

PMID- 27685605
TI  - Transglutaminase 2 strongly binds to an extracellular matrix component other than
      fibronectin via its second C-terminal beta-barrel domain.
AB  - Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is a ubiquitous crosslinking enzyme present in both
      intra- and extracellular in many cell types and tissues. TG2 is upregulated upon
      cellular stress or injury, and extracellular TG2 is implicated in several human
      diseases, including celiac disease. However, incomplete knowledge about
      extracellular TG2 biology limits our understanding of how TG2 is involved in
      disease. Here, we demonstrate that binding of TG2 to the ECM of small intestinal
      tissue sections is the sum of binding to fibronectin (FN) via its N-terminal
      domain and binding to an abundant, novel extracellular matrix (ECM) interaction
      partner via its second C-terminal beta-barrel domain. The latter interaction
      dominates and gives rise to the characteristic reticular staining pattern of
      extracellular TG2. Of relevance for celiac disease, we show that self
      multimerized TG2 does not efficiently deposit in the intestinal ECM, and TG2
      complexes may thus become free-floating antigens in tissues in contrast to
      monomeric TG2 that would readily become sequestered by the ECM. Upon injection of
      monoclonal antibody targeting the FN-binding site, we observe antibody deposition
      on extracellular TG2 in cryosections, suggesting that the FN-binding site of TG2
      is exposed in vivo. This would explain how and why celiac autoantibodies
      recognizing the FN-binding site of TG2 can bind TG2 in vitro, in situ as well as
      in vivo.

PMID- 27685606
TI  - Allergen-Induced Increases in Interleukin-25 and Interleukin-25 Receptor
      Expression in Mature Eosinophils from Atopic Asthmatics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Interleukin (IL)-25 plays a pivotal role in type 2 immune responses.
      In a baseline cross-sectional study, we previously showed that IL-25 plasma
      levels and IL-25 receptor (IL-25R: IL-17RA, IL-17RB, and IL-17RA/RB) expression
      on mature blood eosinophils are increased in atopic asthmatics compared to normal
      nonatopic controls. This study investigated allergen-induced changes in IL-25 and
      IL-25R expression in eosinophils from asthmatics. METHODS: Dual responder atopic
      asthmatics (n = 14) were enrolled in this randomized diluent-controlled crossover
      allergen challenge study. Blood was collected before and 24 h after the
      challenge. The surface expression of IL-25R was evaluated by flow cytometry on
      eosinophils and Th2 memory cells. In addition, plasma levels of IL-25 were
      measured by ELISA, and functional responses to IL-25 including type 2 cytokine
      expression, degranulation, and the migrational responsiveness of eosinophils were
      evaluated in vitro. RESULTS: Following the allergen but not the diluent
      inhalation challenge, significant increases in the expression of IL-17RB and IL
      17RA/B were found on eosinophils but not on Th2 memory cells. IL-25 plasma levels
      and the number of eosinophils but not of Th2 memory cells expressing
      intracellular IL-25 increased significantly in response to the allergen but not
      the diluent challenge. Stimulation with physiologically relevant concentrations
      of IL-25 in vitro caused (i) degranulation of eosinophils (measured by eosinophil
      peroxidase release), (ii) enhanced intracellular expression of IL-5 and IL-13,
      and (iii) priming of eosinophil migration to eotaxin. IL-25 stimulated
      intracellular cytokine expression, and the migration of eosinophils was blocked
      in the presence of a neutralizing IL-25 antibody. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings
      suggest that the IL-25/IL-25R axis may play an important role in promoting the
      recruitment and proinflammatory function of eosinophils in allergic asthma.

PMID- 27685607
TI  - Integrative analysis of Arabidopsis thaliana transcriptomics reveals intuitive
      splicing mechanism for circular RNA.
AB  - A new regulatory class of small endogenous RNAs called circular RNAs (circRNAs)
      has been described as miRNA sponges in animals. Using 16 Arabidopsis thaliana RNA
      Seq data sets, we identified 803 circRNAs in RNase R-/non-RNase R-treated
      samples. The results revealed the following features: Canonical and noncanonical
      splicing can generate circRNAs; chloroplasts are a hotspot for circRNA
      generation; furthermore, limited complementary sequences exist not only in
      introns, but also in the sequences flanking splice sites. The latter finding
      suggests that multiple combinations between complementary sequences may
      facilitate the formation of the circular structure. Our results contribute to a
      better understanding of this novel class of plant circRNAs.

PMID- 27685608
TI  - Omalizumab in patient with aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease and chronic
      idiopathic urticaria.
AB  - Aspirin hypersensitivity associated with chronic rhinosinusitis-with or without
      nasal polyposis-and asthma resistant to conventional therapy defines the aspirin
      exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD). We describe the case of a 15-year-old
      female patient with adverse reaction to aspirin, chronic rhinosinusitis, and
      severe asthma. She also experienced chronic idiopathic urticaria worsened by non
      steroidal anti-inflammatory drug administration. AERD was diagnosed based on
      clinical history and symptoms. Given the poor responsiveness to standard therapy
      for respiratory and cutaneous symptoms, omalizumab was administered for 24 weeks
      with control of respiratory symptoms and short term improvement of cutaneous
      symptoms. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017;52:E26-E28. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27685609
TI  - A randomised controlled trial to measure the effects and costs of a dental caries
      prevention regime for young children attending primary care dental services: the
      Northern Ireland Caries Prevention In Practice (NIC-PIP) trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dental caries is the most common disease of childhood. The NHS
      guidelines promote preventative care in dental practices, particularly for young
      children. However, the cost-effectiveness of this policy has not been
      established. OBJECTIVE: To measure the effects and costs of a composite fluoride
      intervention designed to prevent caries in young children attending dental
      services. DESIGN: The study was a two-arm, parallel-group, randomised controlled
      trial, with an allocation ratio of 1 : 1. Randomisation was by clinical trials
      unit, using randomised permuted blocks. Children/families were not blinded;
      however, outcome assessment was blinded to group assessment. SETTING: The study
      took place in 22 NHS dental practices in Northern Ireland, UK. PARTICIPANTS: The
      study participants were children aged 2-3 years, who were caries free at
      baseline. INTERVENTIONS: The intervention was composite in nature, comprising a
      varnish containing 22,600 parts per million (p.p.m.) fluoride, a toothbrush and a
      50-ml tube of toothpaste containing 1450 p.p.m. fluoride; plus standardised,
      evidence-based prevention advice provided at 6-monthly intervals over 3 years.
      The control group received the prevention advice alone. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
      The primary outcome measure was conversion from caries-free to caries-active
      states. Secondary outcome measures were the number of decayed, missing or filled
      tooth surfaces in primary dentition (dmfs) in caries-active children, the number
      of episodes of pain, the number of extracted teeth and the costs of care. Adverse
      reactions (ARs) were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 1248 children (624 randomised
      to each group) were recruited and 1096 (549 in the intervention group and 547 in
      the control group) were included in the final analyses. A total of 87% of the
      intervention children and 85% of control children attended every 6-month visit (p
      = 0.77). In total, 187 (34%) children in the intervention group converted to
      caries active, compared with 213 (39%) in the control group [odds ratio (OR)
      0.81, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.64 to 1.04; p = 0.11]. The mean number of
      tooth surfaces affected by caries was 7.2 in the intervention group, compared
      with 9.6 in the control group (p = 0.007). There was no significant difference in
      the number of episodes of pain between groups (p = 0.81). However, 164 out of the
      total of 400 (41%) children who converted to caries active reported toothache,
      compared with 62 out of 696 (9%) caries-free children (OR 7.1 95% CI 5.1 to 9.9;
      p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the number of
      teeth extracted in caries-active children (p = 0.95). Ten children in the
      intervention group had ARs of a minor nature. The average direct dental care cost
      was L155.74 for the intervention group and L48.21 for the control group over 3
      years (p < 0.05). The mean cost per carious surface avoided over the 3 years was
      estimated at L251.00. LIMITATIONS: The usual limitations of a trial such as
      generalisability and understanding the underlying reasons for the outcomes apply.
      There is no mean willingness-to-pay threshold available to enable assessment of
      value for money. CONCLUSIONS: A statistically significant effect could not be
      demonstrated for the primary outcome. Once caries develop, pain is likely. There
      was a statistically significant difference in dmfs in caries-active children in
      favour of the intervention. Although adequately powered, the effect size of the
      intervention was small and of questionable clinical and economic benefit. FUTURE
      WORK: Future work should assess the caries prevention effects of interventions to
      reduce sugar consumption at the population and individual levels. Interventions
      designed to arrest the disease once it is established need to be developed and
      tested in practice. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN36180119
      and EudraCT 2009-010725-39. FUNDING: This project was funded by the National
      Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and
      will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 20, No. 71. See
      the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

PMID- 27685610
TI  - Removal of Pertechnetate-Related Oxyanions from Solution Using Functionalized
      Hierarchical Porous Frameworks.
AB  - Efficient and cost-effective removal of radioactive pertechnetate anions from
      nuclear waste is a key challenge to mitigate long-term nuclear waste storage
      issues. Traditional materials such as resins and layered double hydroxides (LDHs)
      were evaluated for their pertechnetate or perrhenate (the non-radioactive
      surrogate) removal capacity, but there is room for improvement in terms of
      capacity, selectivity and kinetics. A series of functionalized hierarchical
      porous frameworks were evaluated for their perrhenate removal capacity in the
      presence of other competing anions.

PMID- 27685611
TI  - Efficacy of Teaching the Gambee Suture Pattern Using Simulated Small Intestine
      versus Cadaveric Small Intestine.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine if instruction using simulated small intestine (SSI) is
      as effective as using cadaveric small intestine to teach the Gambee suture
      pattern to second year veterinary students. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective,
      randomized, blinded study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Second year veterinary students
      (n=59). METHODS: Students were randomly assigned to groups using SSI or equine
      cadaver small intestine (CSI) to learn the Gambee suture pattern. The same
      educator, an experienced surgical instructor, instructed all students.
      Instruction consisted of verbal description of the technique with a schematic
      diagram followed by a demonstration. Students then practiced the technique with
      supervision and verbal feedback. One week later, 3 board certified surgeons
      experienced in surgical instruction evaluated each student suturing equine CSI
      and scored them using a rubric developed and validated for surgical skills
      assessment. RESULTS: Fifty-nine students were enrolled (4 students were absent
      for the lab during which the assessment was performed; 55 students were available
      for evaluation). Of the 55 students evaluated, 26 were in the SSI group and 29
      were in the CSI group. There was no significant difference between CSI and SSI
      groups in ability to perform the Gambee suture pattern using equine CSI 1 week
      following training. CONCLUSION: SSI is as effective as equine cadaveric small
      intestine tissue to teach the Gambee suture pattern to second year veterinary
      students. If cadaver tissue is unavailable or undesirable, SSI could be used to
      instruct suture placement techniques.

PMID- 27685615
TI  - Lamb-dip spectroscopy of the C-N stretching band of methylamine by using
      frequency-tunable microwave sidebands of CO2 laser lines.
AB  - Lamb-dip spectroscopy of the C-N stretching band of methylamine has been
      systematically extended to P-, Q-, and R-branch by using microwave sidebands of a
      large number of CO2 laser lines as frequency-tunable infrared sources in a sub
      Doppler spectrometer. Lamb-dip signals of more than 150 spectral lines have been
      observed with a resolution of 0.4 MHz and their frequencies have been precisely
      measured with an accuracy of +/-0.1 MHz. More than 30 closed combination loops
      have been formed, which unambiguously confirm the assignments. For over 150
      vibrational excited levels in 27 substates, refined term values have been
      determined and expanded in J(J + 1) power-series to determine the substate
      origins and the effective rotational constants. For transitions with Aa torsion
      inversion symmetry in torsional state upsilont = 0, 57 K-doublet lines displaying
      asymmetry splittings have been observed and the splitting constants for levels
      with K = 1, 2, and 3 in the excited states have been determined. Our results
      provide accurate experimental information for spectroscopic studies of the
      interesting vibrational perturbations and intermode interactions related to the C
      N stretching mode, directly support astronomical surveys, and are very relevant
      in practice to identification and frequency determination of the CO2-laser-pumped
      far-infrared laser lines of methylamine.

PMID- 27685614
TI  - siRNA Transfection and EMSA Analyses on Freshly Isolated Human Villous
      Cytotrophoblasts.
AB  - Human primary villous cytotrophoblasts are a very useful source of primary cells
      to study placental functions and regulatory mechanisms, and to comprehend
      diseases related to pregnancy. In this protocol, human primary villous
      cytotrophoblasts freshly isolated from placentas through a standard DNase/trypsin
      protocol are microporated with small interfering RNA (siRNA). This approach
      provided greater efficiency for siRNA transfection when compared to a lipofection
      based method. Transfected cells can subsequently be analyzed by standard Western
      blot within a time frame of 3-4 days post-transfection. In addition, using
      cultured primary villous cytotrophoblasts, Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay
      (EMSA) analysis was optimized and performed on extracts from days 1 to 4. The use
      of these cultured primary cells and the protocol described allow for an
      evaluation of the implication of specific genes and transcription factors in the
      process of villous cytotrophoblast differentiation into a syncytiotrophoblast
      like cell layer. However, the limited time span allowable in culture precludes
      the use of methods requiring more time, such as generation of a stable cell
      population. Therefore testing of this cell population requires highly optimized
      gene transfer protocols.

PMID- 27685613
TI  - [Malnutrition in Elderly Trauma Patients - Comparison of Two Assessment Tools].
AB  - Background: The prevalence of malnutrition in hospitalised patients is reported
      to be between 16 and 55 % across disciplines. Within hospital care, screening for
      malnutrition is required. However, in orthopaedics and trauma surgery, there is
      still no generally accepted recommendation for the methods for such a data
      survey. In the present study, the following aspects are to be investigated with
      the help of two established scores: (1) the prevalence of malnutrition in the
      patient population of geriatric trauma care, and (2) the correlation between
      methods of data survey. Material and Methods: Between June 2014 and June 2015, a
      consecutive series of hospitalised trauma patients were studied prospectively
      with two validated screening instruments to record nutritional status. The study
      was carried out at a municipal trauma surgery hospital, which is a first level
      interregional trauma centre as well as a university hospital. The Nutritional
      Risk Screening (NRS) and the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA Short and Long
      Form) were used. All patients were divided into three age groups: < 65 years, 65
      80 years, and > 80 years. The prevalence of malnutrition in geriatric trauma
      patients and the correlation between the screening instruments were determined.
      For a better comparison, prescreening and main assessment were applied to all
      patients. For statistical evaluation, both quantitative and semi-quantitative
      parameters were used. Furthermore, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Spearman's
      correlation analysis and the chi-square test were applied. These tests were two
      sided and had a level of significance of 5 %. The present study was partially
      funded by the Oskar-Helene-Heim Foundation. Results: 521 patients (43.8 % women,
      56.2 % men), with a mean age of 53.96 +/- 18.13 years, were statistically
      evaluated within the present study. Depending on the method of the data survey,
      malnutrition (NRS>=3) in geriatric trauma patients varied from 31.3 % (65-80
      years) to 60 % (> 80 years). With MNA, 28.8 and 54.3 % of patients were at risk
      of malnutrition (MNA 17-23.5), while the fractions of patients already suffering
      from malnutrition (MNA < 17) were 5.4 and 8.6 %, respectively. The correlation
      between the NRS and MNA total scores increases with the age of the patients. The
      correlation coefficient for patients under 65 years is r = - 0.380, while among
      patients aged between 65 and 80, it is r = - 0.481, and for patients over 80
      years, there is a medium to strong correlation of r = - 0.638 (each with a
      Spearman correlation of p < 0.001). For the total population as well as the
      different age groups, statistically significant correlations were recorded
      between the categorised scores (chi-square test for linear trend, p < 0.001).
      Summary: The present study demonstrates high prevalence of malnutrition among the
      geriatric trauma patients. Because of its easy and rapid application, the NRS has
      an advantage in clinical use. It was shown that the two methods of data survey
      were highly correlated.

PMID- 27685612
TI  - Phase I trial of GBS-01 for advanced pancreatic cancer refractory to gemcitabine.
AB  - GBS-01, an extract from the fruit of Arctium lappa L. is an orally administered
      drug rich in arctigenin, which has been reported to exert antitumor activity by
      attenuating the tolerance of cancer cells to glucose deprivation. We investigated
      the maximum tolerated dose of GBS-01 based on the frequency of the dose-limiting
      toxicities (DLTs) and pharmacokinetics in patients with advanced pancreatic
      cancer refractory to gemcitabine. GBS-01 was given orally at escalating doses
      from 3.0 g (containing 1.0 g burdock fruit extract) to 12.0 g q.d. A DLT was
      defined as a grade 4 hematological toxicity and grade 3 or 4 non-hematological
      toxicity appearing during the first 28 days of treatment. Fifteen patients (GBS
      01 dose level 1 [3.0 g], three patients; dose level 2 [7.5 g], three patients;
      and dose level 3 [12.0 g], nine patients) were enrolled. None of the patients at
      any of the three dose levels showed any sign of DLTs. The main adverse events
      were increased serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, hyperglycemia, and increased
      serum total bilirubin; however, all the toxicities were mild. Of the 15 patients,
      1 showed confirmed partial response and 4 patients had stable disease. The median
      progression-free and overall survival of the patients were 1.1 and 5.7 months,
      respectively. The pharmacokinetic study revealed a high bioavailability of
      arctigenin and rapid conjugation of the drug with glucuronic acid. The
      recommended dose of GBS-01 was 12.0 g q.d, and favorable clinical responses were
      obtained. This trial was registered at UMIN-CTR (http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index
      j.htm), identification number UMIN000005787.

PMID- 27685622
TI  - Posttranslational arginylation enzyme Ate1 affects DNA mutagenesis by regulating
      stress response.
AB  - Arginyltransferase 1 (Ate1) mediates protein arginylation, a poorly understood
      protein posttranslational modification (PTM) in eukaryotic cells. Previous
      evidence suggest a potential involvement of arginylation in stress response and
      this PTM was traditionally considered anti-apoptotic based on the studies of
      individual substrates. However, here we found that arginylation promotes cell
      death and/or growth arrest, depending on the nature and intensity of the
      stressing factor. Specifically, in yeast, mouse and human cells, deletion or
      downregulation of the ATE1 gene disrupts typical stress responses by bypassing
      growth arrest and suppressing cell death events in the presence of disease
      related stressing factors, including oxidative, heat, and osmotic stresses, as
      well as the exposure to heavy metals or radiation. Conversely, in wild-type cells
      responding to stress, there is an increase of cellular Ate1 protein level and
      arginylation activity. Furthermore, the increase of Ate1 protein directly
      promotes cell death in a manner dependent on its arginylation activity. Finally,
      we found Ate1 to be required to suppress mutation frequency in yeast and
      mammalian cells during DNA-damaging conditions such as ultraviolet irradiation.
      Our study clarifies the role of Ate1/arginylation in stress response and provides
      a new mechanism to explain the link between Ate1 and a variety of diseases
      including cancer. This is also the first example that the modulation of the
      global level of a PTM is capable of affecting DNA mutagenesis.

PMID- 27685621
TI  - miR-612 suppresses stem cell-like property of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by
      modulating Sp1/Nanog signaling.
AB  - In our previous study we found that miR-612 negatively regulated stem cell-like
      property and tumor metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HCC). In this
      study, we try to elucidate underlying mechanism of the regulation, and find that
      miR-612 inversely modulate the mRNA and protein level of epithelial cell adhesion
      molecule as well as CD133, negatively regulate the numbers and sizes of tumor
      spheres, directly inhibit the protein level of Sp1, and subsequently reduce
      transcription activity of Nanog. Of importance, the higher levels of Sp1 and
      Nanog in biopsies are the more unfavorable prognoses of HCC patients are found
      after tumor resection. Taken together, miR-612 has a suppressive role on HCC
      stemness via Sp1/Nanog signaling pathway.

PMID- 27685624
TI  - Short-term EGFR blockade enhances immune-mediated cytotoxicity of EGFR mutant
      lung cancer cells: rationale for combination therapies.
AB  - The epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI)
      erlotinib has been approved for years as a first-line therapy for patients
      harboring EGFR-sensitizing mutations. With the promising implementation of
      immunotherapeutic strategies for the treatment of lung cancer, there is a growing
      interest in developing combinatorial therapies that could utilize immune
      approaches in the context of conventional or targeted therapies. Tumor cells are
      known to evade immune attack by multiple strategies, including undergoing
      phenotypic plasticity via a process designated as the epithelial-mesenchymal
      transition (EMT). As signaling through EGFR is a major inducer of EMT in
      epithelial cells, we have investigated the effect of EGFR inhibition with
      erlotinib on tumor phenotype and susceptibility to immune attack. Our data shows
      that short-term exposure of tumor cells to low-dose erlotinib modulates tumor
      plasticity and immune-mediated cytotoxicity in lung cancer cells harboring a
      sensitizing EGFR mutation, leading to a remarkable enhancement of tumor lysis
      mediated by innate NK cells and antigen-specific T cells. This effect positively
      correlated with the ability of short-term EGFR blockade to modulate tumor
      phenotype towards a more epithelial one, as well as to increase susceptibility to
      caspase-mediated apoptosis. The effect, however, was lost when erlotinib was
      utilized for long periods of time in vitro or in vivo, which resulted in gain of
      mesenchymal features and decreased (rather than increased) tumor lysis in
      response to immune effector mechanisms. Our data provides rationale for potential
      combinations of erlotinib and immunotherapies for the treatment of lung
      carcinomas in the early setting, before the establishment of tumor relapse with
      long-term EGFR inhibition.

PMID- 27685623
TI  - Kinase-independent function of RIP1, critical for mature T-cell survival and
      proliferation.
AB  - The death receptor, Fas, triggers apoptotic death and is essential for
      maintaining homeostasis in the peripheral lymphoid organs. RIP1 was originally
      cloned when searching for Fas-binding proteins and was later shown to associate
      also with the signaling complex of TNFR1. Although Fas exclusively induces
      apoptosis, TNFR1 primarily activates the pro-survival/pro-inflammatory NF-kappaB
      pathway. Mutations in Fas lead to lymphoproliferative (lpr) diseases, and
      deletion of TNFR1 results in defective innate immune responses. However, the
      function of RIP1 in the adult lymphoid system has not been well understood,
      primarily owing to perinatal lethality in mice lacking the entire RIP1 protein in
      germ cells. This current study investigated the requirement for RIP1 in the T
      lineage using viable RIP1 mutant mice containing a conditional and kinase-dead
      RIP1 allele. Disabling the kinase activity of RIP1 had no obvious impact on the T
      cell compartment. However, T-cell-specific deletion of RIP1 led to a severe T
      lymphopenic condition, owing to a dramatically reduced mature T-cell pool in the
      periphery. Interestingly, the immature T-cell compartment in the thymus appeared
      intact. Further analysis showed that mature RIP1-/- T cells were severely
      defective in antigen receptor-induced proliferative responses. Moreover, the RIP1
      /- T cells displayed greatly increased death and contained elevated caspase
      activities, an indication of apoptosis. In total, these results revealed a novel,
      kinase-independent function of RIP1, which is essential for not only promoting
      TCR-induced proliferative responses but also in blocking apoptosis in mature T
      cells.

PMID- 27685625
TI  - TAK1 regulates caspase 8 activation and necroptotic signaling via multiple cell
      death checkpoints.
AB  - Necroptosis has emerged as a new form of programmed cell death implicated in a
      number of pathological conditions such as ischemic injury, neurodegenerative
      disease, and viral infection. Recent studies indicate that TGFbeta-activated
      kinase 1 (TAK1) is nodal regulator of necroptotic cell death, although the
      underlying molecular regulatory mechanisms are not well defined. Here we reported
      that TAK1 regulates necroptotic signaling as well as caspase 8-mediated apoptotic
      signaling through both NFkappaB-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Inhibition
      of TAK1 promoted TNFalpha-induced cell death through the induction of RIP1
      phosphorylation/activation and necrosome formation. Further, inhibition of TAK1
      triggered two caspase 8 activation pathways through the induction of RIP1-FADD
      caspase 8 complex as well as FLIP cleavage/degradation. Mechanistically, our data
      uncovered an essential role for the adaptor protein TNF receptor-associated
      protein with death domain (TRADD) in caspase 8 activation and necrosome formation
      triggered by TAK1 inhibition. Moreover, ablation of the deubiqutinase CYLD
      prevented both apoptotic and necroptotic signaling induced by TAK1 inhibition.
      Finally, blocking the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway prevented the degradation of
      key pro-survival signaling proteins and necrosome formation. Thus, we identified
      new regulatory mechanisms underlying the critical role of TAK1 in cell survival
      through regulation of multiple cell death checkpoints. Targeting key components
      of the necroptotic pathway (e.g., TRADD and CYLD) and the ubiquitin-proteasome
      pathway may represent novel therapeutic strategies for pathological conditions
      driven by necroptosis.

PMID- 27685626
TI  - miRNA-558 promotes gastric cancer progression through attenuating Smad4-mediated
      repression of heparanase expression.
AB  - Previous studies have indicated that as the only mammalian endo-beta-D
      glucuronidase, heparanase (HPSE) is up-regulated and associated with poor
      prognosis in gastric cancer, while the underlying mechanisms still remain to be
      determined. Herein, through integrative analysis of public datasets, we found
      microRNA-558 (miR-558) and SMAD family member 4 (Smad4) as the crucial
      transcription regulators of HPSE expression in gastric cancer, with their
      adjacent target sites within the promoter of HPSE. We identified that endogenous
      miR-558 activated the transcription and expression of HPSE in gastric cancer cell
      lines. In contrast, Smad4 suppressed the nascent transcription and expression of
      HPSE via directly binding to its promoter. Mechanistically, miR-558 recognized
      its complementary site within HPSE promoter to decrease the binding of Smad4 in
      an Argonaute 1-dependent manner. Ectopic expression or knockdown experiments
      indicated that miR-558 promoted the in vitro and in vivo tumorigenesis and
      aggressiveness of gastric cancer cell lines via attenuating Smad4-mediated
      repression of HPSE expression. In clinical gastric cancer specimens, up
      regulation of miR-558 and down-regulation of Smad4 were positively correlated
      with HPSE expression. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that miR-558 and
      Smad4 were associated with unfavourable and favourable outcome of gastric cancer
      patients, respectively. Therefore, these findings demonstrate that miR-558
      facilitates the progression of gastric cancer through directly targeting the HPSE
      promoter to attenuate Smad4-mediated repression of HPSE expression.

PMID- 27685629
TI  - Bivalent IAP antagonists inhibit TRAF2-bound cIAPs and limit TNF-mediated NF
      kappaB signaling.

PMID- 27685627
TI  - CHK1 and RAD51 activation after DNA damage is regulated via urokinase
      receptor/TLR4 signaling.
AB  - Mechanisms of DNA damage and repair signaling are not completely understood that
      hinder the efficiency of cancer therapy. Urokinase-type plasminogen activator
      receptor (PLAUR) is highly expressed in most solid cancers and serves as a marker
      of poor prognosis. We show that PLAUR actively promotes DNA repair in cancer
      cells. On the contrary, downregulation of PLAUR expression results in delayed DNA
      repair. We found PLAUR to be essential for activation of Checkpoint kinase 1
      (CHK1); maintenance of cell cycle arrest after DNA damage in a TP53-dependent
      manner; expression, nuclear import and recruitment to DNA-damage foci of RAD51
      recombinase, the principal protein involved in the homologous recombination
      repair pathway. Underlying mechanism implies auto-/paracrine signaling of
      PLAUR/TLR4 receptor complex leading to activation of CHK1 and DNA repair. The
      signaling is induced by a danger molecule released by DNA-damaged cells and
      mediates, at least partially, activation of DNA-damage response. This study
      describes a new mechanism of DNA repair activation initiated by auto-/paracrine
      signaling of membrane receptors PLAUR/TLR4. It adds to the understanding of role
      of PLAUR in cancer and provides a rationale for therapeutic targeting of
      PLAUR/TLR4 interaction in TP53-positive cancers.

PMID- 27685628
TI  - The Fra-1-miR-134-SDS22 feedback loop amplifies ERK/JNK signaling and reduces
      chemosensitivity in ovarian cancer cells.
AB  - The Fra-1 transcription factor is frequently upregulated in multiple types of
      tumors. Here we found that Fra-1 promotes miR-134 expression. miR-134 activates
      JNK and ERK by targeting SDS22, which in turn induces Fra-1 expression and leads
      to miR-134 upregulation. In addition, miR-134 augmented H2AX S139 phosphorylation
      by activating JNK and promoted non-homologous end joining (NHEJ)-mediated DNA
      repair. Therefore, ectopic miR-134 expression reduced chemosensitivity in ovarian
      cancer cells. Furthermore, miR-134 promotes cell proliferation, migration and
      invasion of ovarian cancer cells, and enhances tumor growth in vivo. Of
      particular significance, both Fra-1 and miR-134 are upregulated in ovarian cancer
      tissues, and Fra-1 and miR-134 expression is positively correlated. High levels
      of miR-134 expression were associated with a reduced median survival of ovarian
      cancer patients. Our study revealed that a Fra-1-miR-134 axis drives a positive
      feedback loop that amplifies ERK/JNK signaling and reduces chemosensitivity in
      ovarian cancer cells.

PMID- 27685631
TI  - Mesenchymal stem cells stimulate intestinal stem cells to repair radiation
      induced intestinal injury.
AB  - The loss of stem cells residing in the base of the intestinal crypt has a key
      role in radiation-induced intestinal injury. In particular, Lgr5+ intestinal stem
      cells (ISCs) are indispensable for intestinal regeneration following exposure to
      radiation. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have previously been shown to improve
      intestinal epithelial repair in a mouse model of radiation injury, and,
      therefore, it was hypothesized that this protective effect is related to Lgr5+
      ISCs. In this study, it was found that, following exposure to radiation,
      transplantation of MSCs improved the survival of the mice, ameliorated intestinal
      injury and increased the number of regenerating crypts. Furthermore, there was a
      significant increase in Lgr5+ ISCs and their daughter cells, including Ki67+
      transient amplifying cells, Vil1+ enterocytes and lysozyme+ Paneth cells, in
      response to treatment with MSCs. Crypts isolated from mice treated with MSCs
      formed a higher number of and larger enteroids than those from the PBS group. MSC
      transplantation also reduced the number of apoptotic cells within the small
      intestine at 6 h post-radiation. Interestingly, Wnt3a and active beta-catenin
      protein levels were increased in the small intestines of MSC-treated mice. In
      addition, intravenous delivery of recombinant mouse Wnt3a after radiation reduced
      damage in the small intestine and was radioprotective, although not to the same
      degree as MSC treatment. Our results show that MSCs support the growth of
      endogenous Lgr5+ ISCs, thus promoting repair of the small intestine following
      exposure to radiation. The molecular mechanism of action mediating this was found
      to be related to increased activation of the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway.

PMID- 27685630
TI  - Pharmacologic inhibition of reactive gliosis blocks TNF-alpha-mediated neuronal
      apoptosis.
AB  - Reactive gliosis is an early pathological feature common to most
      neurodegenerative diseases, yet its regulation and impact remain poorly
      understood. Normally astrocytes maintain a critical homeostatic balance. After
      stress or injury they undergo rapid parainflammatory activation, characterized by
      hypertrophy, and increased polymerization of type III intermediate filaments
      (IFs), particularly glial fibrillary acidic protein and vimentin. However, the
      consequences of IF dynamics in the adult CNS remains unclear, and no
      pharmacologic tools have been available to target this mechanism in vivo. The
      mammalian retina is an accessible model to study the regulation of astrocyte
      stress responses, and their influence on retinal neuronal homeostasis. In
      particular, our work and others have implicated p38 mitogen-activated protein
      kinase (MAPK) signaling as a key regulator of glutamate recycling, antioxidant
      activity and cytokine secretion by astrocytes and related Muller glia, with
      potent influences on neighboring neurons. Here we report experiments with the
      small molecule inhibitor, withaferin A (WFA), to specifically block type III IF
      dynamics in vivo. WFA was administered in a model of metabolic retinal injury
      induced by kainic acid, and in combination with a recent model of debridement
      induced astrocyte reactivity. We show that WFA specifically targets IFs and
      reduces astrocyte and Muller glial reactivity in vivo. Inhibition of glial IF
      polymerization blocked p38 MAPK-dependent secretion of TNF-alpha, resulting in
      markedly reduced neuronal apoptosis. To our knowledge this is the first study to
      demonstrate that pharmacologic inhibition of IF dynamics in reactive glia
      protects neurons in vivo.

PMID- 27685632
TI  - Hsa-miR-623 suppresses tumor progression in human lung adenocarcinoma.
AB  - Our previous study revealed that Ku80 was overexpressed in lung cancer tissues
      and hsa-miR-623 regulated the Ku80 expression; however, the detailed function of
      hsa-miR-623 in lung cancer was unclear. We identified that hsa-miR-623 bound to
      the 3'-UTR of Ku80 mRNA, thus significantly decreasing Ku80 expression in lung
      adenocarcinoma cells. Hsa-miR-623 was downregulated in lung adenocarcinoma
      tissues compared with corresponding non-tumorous tissues, and its expression was
      inversely correlated with Ku80 upregulation. Downregulation of hsa-miR-623 was
      associated with poor clinical outcomes of lung adenocarcinoma patients. Hsa-miR
      623 suppressed lung adenocarcinoma cell proliferation, clonogenicity, migration
      and invasion in vitro. Hsa-miR-623 inhibited xenografts growth and metastasis of
      lung adenocarcinoma in vivo. Ku80 knockdown in lung adenocarcinoma cells
      suppressed tumor properties in vitro and in vivo similar to hsa-miR-623
      overexpression. Further, hsa-miR-623 overexpression decreased matrix
      metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 expression levels, with decreased ERK/JNK
      phosphorylation. Inhibition of hsa-miR-623 or overexpression of Ku80 promoted
      lung adenocarcinoma cell invasion, activated ERK/JNK phosphorylation and
      increased MMP-2/9 expressions, which could be reversed by ERK kinase inhibitor or
      JNK kinase inhibitor. In summary, our results showed that hsa-miR-623 was
      downregulated in lung adenocarcinoma and suppressed the invasion and metastasis
      targeting Ku80 through ERK/JNK inactivation mediated downregulation of MMP-2/9.
      These findings reveal that hsa-miR-623 may serve as an important therapeutic
      target in lung cancer therapy.

PMID- 27685634
TI  - Activation of necroptosis in human and experimental cholestasis.
AB  - Cholestasis encompasses liver injury and inflammation. Necroptosis, a necrotic
      cell death pathway regulated by receptor-interacting protein (RIP) 3, may mediate
      cell death and inflammation in the liver. We aimed to investigate the role of
      necroptosis in mediating deleterious processes associated with cholestatic liver
      disease. Hallmarks of necroptosis were evaluated in liver biopsies of primary
      biliary cholangitis (PBC) patients and in wild-type and RIP3-deficient (RIP3-/-)
      mice subjected to common bile duct ligation (BDL). The functional link between
      RIP3, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and antioxidant response was investigated in vivo
      after BDL and in vitro. We demonstrate increased RIP3 expression and mixed
      lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL) phosphorylation in liver samples of
      human PBC patients, coincident with thioflavin T labeling, suggesting activation
      of necroptosis. BDL resulted in evident hallmarks of necroptosis, concomitant
      with progressive bile duct hyperplasia, multifocal necrosis, fibrosis and
      inflammation. MLKL phosphorylation was increased and insoluble aggregates of
      RIP3, MLKL and RIP1 formed in BLD liver tissue samples. Furthermore, RIP3
      deficiency blocked BDL-induced necroinflammation at 3 and 14 days post-BDL. Serum
      hepatic enzymes, fibrogenic liver gene expression and oxidative stress decreased
      in RIP3-/- mice at 3 days after BDL. However, at 14 days, cholestasis aggravated
      and fibrosis was not halted. RIP3 deficiency further associated with increased
      hepatic expression of HO-1 and accumulation of iron in BDL mice. The functional
      link between HO-1 activity and bile acid toxicity was established in RIP3
      deficient primary hepatocytes. Necroptosis is triggered in PBC patients and
      mediates hepatic necroinflammation in BDL-induced acute cholestasis. Targeting
      necroptosis may represent a therapeutic strategy for acute cholestasis, although
      complementary approaches may be required to control progression of chronic
      cholestatic liver disease.

PMID- 27685636
TI  - JAK polymorphisms: jack of all cytokines, masters GVHD?

PMID- 27685633
TI  - Long noncoding RNAs in the progression, metastasis, and prognosis of
      osteosarcoma.
AB  - Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a class of non-protein-coding molecules longer
      than 200 nucleotides that are involved in the development and progression of many
      types of tumors. Numerous lncRNAs regulate cell proliferation, metastasis, and
      chemotherapeutic drug resistance. Osteosarcoma is one of the main bone tumor
      subtypes that poses a serious threat to adolescent health. We summarized how
      lncRNAs regulate osteosarcoma progression, invasion, and drug resistance, as well
      as how lncRNAs can function as biomarkers or independent prognostic indicators
      with respect to osteosarcoma therapy.

PMID- 27685635
TI  - Circulating histones are major mediators of systemic inflammation and cellular
      injury in patients with acute liver failure.
AB  - Acute liver failure (ALF) is a life-threatening systemic disorder. Here we
      investigated the impact of circulating histones, recently identified inflammatory
      mediators, on systemic inflammation and liver injury in murine models and
      patients with ALF. We analyzed histone levels in blood samples from 62 patients
      with ALF, 60 patients with chronic liver disease, and 30 healthy volunteers. We
      incubated patients' sera with human L02 hepatocytes and monocytic U937 cells to
      assess cellular damage and cytokine production. d-galactosamine plus
      lipopolysaccharide (GalN/LPS), concanavalin A (ConA), and acetaminophen (APAP)
      were given to C57BL/6N mice to induce liver injury, respectively, and the
      pathogenic role of circulating histones was studied. Besides, the protective
      effect of nonanticoagulant heparin, which can bind histones, was evaluated with
      in vivo and ex vivo investigations. We observed that circulating histones were
      significantly increased in patients with ALF, and correlated with disease
      severity and mortality. Significant systemic inflammation was also pronounced in
      ALF patients, which were associated with histone levels. ALF patients' sera
      induced significant L02 cell death and stimulated U937 cells to produce
      cytokines, which were abrogated by nonanticoagulant heparin. Furthermore,
      circulating histones were all released remarkably in GalN/LPS, ConA, and APAP
      treated mice, and associated with high levels of inflammatory cytokines. Heparin
      reduced systemic inflammation and liver damage in mice, suggesting that it could
      interfere with histone-associated liver injury. Collectively, these findings
      demonstrate that circulating histones are critical mediators of systemic
      inflammation and cellular damage in ALF, which may be potentially translatable
      for clinical use.

PMID- 27685637
TI  - Interleukin-13 immune gene therapy prevents CNS inflammation and demyelination
      via alternative activation of microglia and macrophages.
AB  - Detrimental inflammatory responses in the central nervous system are a hallmark
      of various brain injuries and diseases. With this study we provide evidence that
      lentiviral vector-mediated expression of the immune-modulating cytokine
      interleukin 13 (IL-13) induces an alternative activation program in both
      microglia and macrophages conferring protection against severe oligodendrocyte
      loss and demyelination in the cuprizone mouse model for multiple sclerosis (MS).
      First, IL-13 mediated modulation of cuprizone induced lesions was monitored using
      T2 -weighted magnetic resonance imaging and magnetization transfer imaging, and
      further correlated with quantitative histological analyses for inflammatory cell
      influx, oligodendrocyte death, and demyelination. Second, following IL-13 immune
      gene therapy in cuprizone-treated eGFP+ bone marrow chimeric mice, we provide
      evidence that IL-13 directs the polarization of both brain-resident microglia and
      infiltrating macrophages towards an alternatively activated phenotype, thereby
      promoting the conversion of a pro-inflammatory environment toward an anti
      inflammatory environment, as further evidenced by gene expression analyses.
      Finally, we show that IL-13 immune gene therapy is also able to limit lesion
      severity in a pre-existing inflammatory environment. In conclusion, these results
      highlight the potential of IL-13 to modulate microglia/macrophage responses and
      to improve disease outcome in a mouse model for MS. GLIA 2016;64:2181-2200.

PMID- 27685639
TI  - Formation and Dynamics of Electron-Irradiation-Induced Defects in Hexagonal Boron
      Nitride at Elevated Temperatures.
AB  - The atomic structure, stability, and dynamics of defects in hexagonal boron
      nitride (h-BN) are investigated using an aberration-corrected transmission
      electron microscope operated at 80 kV between room temperature and 1000  degrees
      C. At temperatures above 700  degrees C, parallelogram- and hexagon-shaped
      defects with zigzag edges become prominent, in contrast to the triangular defects
      typically observed at lower temperatures. The appearance of 120 degrees  corners
      at defect vertices indicates the coexistence of both N- and B-terminated zigzag
      edges in the same defect. In situ dynamics studies show that the hexagonal holes
      grow by electron-induced sputtering of B-N chains, and that at high temperatures
      these chains can migrate from one defect corner to another. We complement the
      experiments with first-principles calculation which consider the thermal
      equilibrium formation energy of different defect configurations. It is shown
      that, below a critical defect size, hexagonal defects have the lowest formation
      energy and therefore are the more-stable configuration, and triangular defects
      are energetically metastable but can be "frozen in" under experimental
      conditions. We also discuss the possible contributions of several dynamic
      processes to the temperature-dependent defect formation.

PMID- 27685638
TI  - Human exposure to environmental contaminants and congenital anomalies: a critical
      review.
AB  - Congenital anomalies are an important cause of infant mortality and disability.
      Developmental exposure to environmental contaminants is thought to increase the
      risk for congenital anomalies. Herein, we describe a critical review of the
      literature conducted between February and March 2014 yielding 3057 references
      from which 97 unique relevant articles published from 2003 through 2014 were
      evaluated. Common congenital anomalies including hypospadias, cryptorchidism,
      anogenital distance (AGD), congenital heart defects and oral clefts were well
      represented in the literature whereas other outcomes such as neural tube defects,
      limb deficiency defects and gastroschisis were rarely described. While
      definitions used for congenital anomalies and methods of ascertainment were
      usually consistent across studies, inconsistencies were frequently found in
      grouping of different congenital heart defects. Despite strong links between some
      congenital anomalies and parental occupation, these studies are unable to provide
      clear insight into the specific chemicals responsible owing to lack of direct
      measures of exposure. In comparison, data are mixed for contaminant exposures at
      concentrations representative of results from contemporary biomonitoring studies.
      Of the environmental contaminants studied, the association between phthalate
      exposures and developmental abnormalities of the male reproductive tract received
      the greatest attention. Important limitations of the literature studied relate to
      adequacy of sample size, absence of or weaknesses in exposure assessment
      methodologies, failure to account for biological plausibility and grouping of
      congenital anomalies with divergent mechanisms. We conclude that the literature
      is inadequate at this time to support a conclusion that exposure to environmental
      contaminants are or are not associated with increased risks for congenital
      anomalies in the general population.

PMID- 27685642
TI  - Detecting deception in children: A meta-analysis.
AB  - Although research reveals that children as young as 3 can use deception and will
      take steps to obscure truth, research concerning how well others detect
      children's deceptive efforts remains unclear. Yet adults regularly assess whether
      children are telling the truth in a variety of contexts, including at school, in
      the home, and in legal settings, particularly in investigations of maltreatment.
      We conducted a meta-analysis to synthesize extant research concerning adults'
      ability to detect deceptive statements produced by children. We included 45
      experiments involving 7,893 adult judges and 1,858 children. Overall, adults
      could accurately discriminate truths/lies at an average rate of 54%, which is
      slightly but significantly above chance levels. The average rate at which true
      statements were correctly classified as honest was higher (63.8%), whereas the
      rate at which lies were classified as dishonest was not different from chance
      (47.5%). A small positive correlation emerged between judgment confidence and
      judgment accuracy. Professionals (e.g., social workers, police officers,
      teachers) slightly outperformed laypersons (e.g., college undergraduates).
      Finally, exploratory analyses revealed that the child's age did not significantly
      affect the rate at which adults could discriminate truths/lies from chance.
      Future research aimed toward improving lie detection accuracy might focus more on
      individual differences in children's lie-telling abilities in order to uncover
      any reliable indicators of deception. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27685641
TI  - Firms' compliance with complex regulations.
AB  - This study addresses the question of what explains compliance with complex
      regulations, which are technical, extensive, and often subject to modifications.
      Based on official (anonymized) data of financial intermediaries in the
      Netherlands (N = 602), we examined the association between compliance (measured
      as number of law violations) and the extent to which regulatory complexity is
      perceived as fair (i.e., the perception that the extensive regulation generates
      unnecessary difficulties for the firm). We hypothesized that perceiving
      regulatory complexity as fair would motivate firms to acquire knowledge of the
      regulation, and that this knowledge in turn would improve their ability to
      comply. In line with our hypothesis, the results of a series of tests show that
      knowledge mediates the association between perceived fairness and compliance (95%
      confidence intervals). These findings indicate that (a) regulatory complexity is
      not necessarily unfair, (b) the well-established direct association between
      fairness perceptions and compliance is less straightforward when regulations are
      highly complex (because it involves a fundamental mediating mechanism), and (c)
      firms' compliance behavior may respond to not only cost-benefit analyses, but
      also to fairness perceptions about the law. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27685643
TI  - Effects of a proven error on evaluations of witness testimony.
AB  - Witnesses frequently make an error when reporting events they have observed.
      Although some error in witness reports is to be expected and does not mean the
      testimony as a whole is flawed, an important question is how such an error
      affects judgments of credibility of the witness. In 2 experiments we investigated
      the impact of a single demonstrated (probative or nonprobative) detail inaccuracy
      on judgments of the likely reliability of witness memory. Potential mediators
      (witness dishonesty and forgetfulness) were examined to explain the relationship
      between inaccuracy and perceived reliability of the witness's memory report. The
      presence of a single inaccuracy affected observers' judgments of the reliability
      of the other elements of testimony and the testimony as a whole. There was also
      some evidence that the less probative the detail the more other elements of the
      reported account of the event were questioned. The mediation analyses showed that
      a single testimonial error contributed to the witness being perceived as
      dishonest or forgetful, attributions that in turn shaped perceptions of witness
      credibility. These findings suggest that legal professionals should be cautious
      when highlighting an isolated testimonial error given the potential for it to
      suggest more widespread testimonial unreliability. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27685640
TI  - The RNA Chaperone Hfq Is Involved in Colony Morphology, Nutrient Utilization and
      Oxidative and Envelope Stress Response in Vibrio alginolyticus.
AB  - Hfq is a global regulator that is involved in environmental adaptation of
      bacteria and in pathogenicity. To gain insight into the role of Hfq in Vibrio
      alginolyticus, an hfq deletion mutant was constructed in V. alginolyticus ZJ-T
      strain and phenotypically characterized. Deletion of hfq led to an alteration of
      colony morphology and reduced extracellular polysaccharide production, a general
      impairment of growth in both rich medium and minimal media with different carbon
      sources or amino acids, enhanced sensitivity to oxidative stress and to several
      antibiotics. Furthermore, a differential transcriptomic analysis showed
      significant changes of transcript abundance for 306 protein coding genes, with
      179 genes being up regulated and 127 down-regulated. Several of these changes
      could be related to the observed phenotypes of the mutant. Transcriptomic data
      also provided evidence for the induction of the extracytoplasmic stress response
      in absence of Hfq. Altogether, these findings point to broad regulatory functions
      for Hfq in V. alginolyticus cells, likely to underlie an important role in
      pathogenicity.

PMID- 27685644
TI  - Evaluating lineup fairness: Variations across methods and measures.
AB  - Triers of fact sometimes consider lineup fairness when determining the
      suggestiveness of an identification procedure. Likewise, researchers often
      consider lineup fairness when comparing results across studies. Despite their
      importance, lineup fairness measures have received scant empirical attention and
      researchers inconsistently conduct and report mock-witness tasks and lineup
      fairness measures. We conducted a large-scale, online experiment (N = 1,010) to
      examine how lineup fairness measures varied with mock-witness task methodologies
      as well as to explore the validity and reliability of the measures. In comparison
      to descriptions compiled from multiple witnesses, when individual descriptions
      were presented in the mock-witness task, lineup fairness measures indicated a
      higher number of plausible lineup members but more bias toward the suspect.
      Target-absent lineups were consistently estimated to be fairer than target
      present lineups-which is problematic because it suggests that lineups containing
      innocent suspects are less likely to be challenged in court than lineups
      containing guilty suspects. Correlations within lineup size measures and within
      some lineup bias measures indicated convergent validity and the correlations
      across the lineup size and lineup bias measures demonstrated discriminant
      validity. The reliability of lineup fairness measures across different
      descriptions was low and reliability across different sets of mock witnesses was
      moderate to high, depending on the measure. Researchers reporting lineup fairness
      measures should specify the type of description presented, the amount of detail
      in the description, and whether the mock witnesses viewed target-present and/or 
      absent lineups. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27685645
TI  - Fair lineups are better than biased lineups and showups, but not because they
      increase underlying discriminability.
AB  - Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis has recently come in vogue for
      assessing the underlying discriminability and the applied utility of lineup
      procedures. Two primary assumptions underlie recommendations that ROC analysis be
      used to assess the applied utility of lineup procedures: (a) ROC analysis of
      lineups measures underlying discriminability, and (b) the procedure that produces
      superior underlying discriminability produces superior applied utility. These
      same assumptions underlie a recently derived diagnostic-feature detection theory,
      a theory of discriminability, intended to explain recent patterns observed in ROC
      comparisons of lineups. We demonstrate, however, that these assumptions are
      incorrect when ROC analysis is applied to lineups. We also demonstrate that a
      structural phenomenon of lineups, differential filler siphoning, and not the
      psychological phenomenon of diagnostic-feature detection, explains why lineups
      are superior to showups and why fair lineups are superior to biased lineups. In
      the process of our proofs, we show that computational simulations have assumed,
      unrealistically, that all witnesses share exactly the same decision criteria.
      When criterial variance is included in computational models, differential filler
      siphoning emerges. The result proves dissociation between ROC curves and
      underlying discriminability: Higher ROC curves for lineups than for showups and
      for fair than for biased lineups despite no increase in underlying
      discriminability. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27685646
TI  - Imaging Anatomical Research on the Operative Windows of Oblique Lumbar Interbody
      Fusion.
AB  - To provide applied anatomical evidence of the preoperative assessment of oblique
      lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF), the anatomical parameters of the OLIF operative
      window were observed through computed tomography angiography (CTA). We selected
      imaging data from 60 adults (30 males, 30 females) who underwent abdominal CTA
      and T12-S1 vertebral computed tomography (CT) with three-dimensional
      reconstruction. The OLIF operative windows at the L1-2, L2-3, L3-4, L4-5 and L5
      S1 levels were as follows: the vascular window, bare window, psoas major window,
      ideal operative window, and actual operative window. Each level's actual
      operative window was statistically analyzed based on an actual operative window
      of <1 cm and >=1 cm. The vascular window was largest at L4-5 (1.72 +/- 0.58 cm).
      The bare window was largest at L5-S1 (1.59 +/- 0.93 cm) and smallest at L3-4
      (1.37 +/- 0.51 cm). The psoas major window was largest at L3-4 (1.14 +/- 0.35 cm)
      and smallest at L1-2 (0.41 +/- 0.34 cm). The ideal operative window was largest
      at L4-5 (3.74 +/- 0.36 cm) and smallest at L1-2 (3.23 +/- 0.30 cm). The actual
      operative window was largest at L3-4, followed by L2-3, L4-5, L1-2, and L5-S1,
      which were 2.51 +/- 0.56 cm, 2.28 +/- 0.54 cm, 2.01 +/- 0.74 cm, 1.80 +/- 0.45 cm
      and 1.59 +/- 0.93 cm, respectively (P = 0.000), and the percentages of the actual
      surgical window were 69%, 66%, 53%, 56% and 43%, respectively. The actual
      surgical window was <1 cm in 2 cases at L1-2 (3.3%), 4 cases at L4-5 (6.7%), and
      17 cases at L5-S1 (28.3%) (11 males and 6 females). The regional anatomy of each
      level related to OLIF has its own peculiarities, and not all levels are suitable
      for OLIF. Before OLIF surgery, surgeons should analyze the imaging anatomy and
      select the appropriate surgical procedures.

PMID- 27685648
TI  - Transcriptional patterns of reverse remodeling with left ventricular assist
      devices: a consistent signature.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy has revolutionized
      the treatment of patients with advanced heart failure. Although originally
      intended for bridge-to-transplantation and destination therapy indications, a
      small subset of patients supported with LVADs exhibit complete myocardial
      recovery leading to device explanation. However, genetic and molecular
      determinants of partial and/or complete myocardial recovery remain largely
      unknown. Areas covered: We summarize current knowledge on alterations in heart
      failure transcriptome in response to LVAD support, as well as discuss common gene
      signatures potentially responsible for the reverse remodeling phenotype in the
      failing human heart. Expert commentary: Reverse remodeling after LVAD is likely a
      continuum between fully and partially recovered myocardium. Multicenter cardiac
      tissue repositories linked with detailed phenotype information may facilitate
      identification of genetic signals responsible for myocardial recovery in LVAD
      supported patients in the foreseeable future.

PMID- 27685647
TI  - Adenofection: A Method for Studying the Role of Molecular Chaperones in Cellular
      Morphodynamics by Depletion-Rescue Experiments.
AB  - Cellular processes such as mitosis and cell differentiation are governed by
      changes in cell shape that largely rely on proper remodeling of the cell
      cytoskeletal structures. This involves the assembly-disassembly of higher-order
      macromolecular structures at a given time and location, a process that is
      particularly sensitive to perturbations caused by overexpression of proteins.
      Methods that can preserve protein homeostasis and maintain near-to-normal
      cellular morphology are highly desirable to determine the functional contribution
      of a protein of interest in a wide range of cellular processes. Transient
      depletion-rescue experiments based on RNA interference are powerful approaches to
      analyze protein functions and structural requirements. However, reintroduction of
      the target protein with minimum deviation from its physiological level is a real
      challenge. Here we describe a method termed adenofection that was developed to
      study the role of molecular chaperones and partners in the normal operation of
      dividing cells and the relationship with actin remodeling. HeLa cells were
      depleted of BAG3 with siRNA duplexes targeting the 3'UTR region. GFP-tagged BAG3
      proteins were reintroduced simultaneously into >75% of the cells using
      recombinant adenoviruses coupled to transfection reagents. Adenofection enabled
      to express BAG3-GFP proteins at near physiological levels in HeLa cells depleted
      of BAG3, in the absence of a stress response. No effect was observed on the
      levels of endogenous Heat Shock Protein chaperones, the main stress-inducible
      regulators of protein homeostasis. Furthermore, by adding baculoviruses driving
      the expression of fluorescent markers at the time of cell transduction
      transfection, we could dissect mitotic cell dynamics by time-lapse microscopic
      analyses with minimum perturbation of normal mitotic progression. Adenofection is
      applicable also to hard-to-infect mouse cells, and suitable for functional
      analyses of myoblast differentiation into myotubes. Thus adenofection provides a
      versatile method to perform structure-function analyses of proteins involved in
      sensitive biological processes that rely on higher-order cytoskeletal dynamics.

PMID- 27685649
TI  - A Field-Deployable Reverse Transcription Recombinase Polymerase Amplification
      Assay for Rapid Detection of the Chikungunya Virus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-borne virus currently
      transmitted in about 60 countries. CHIKV causes acute flu-like symptoms and in
      many cases prolonged musculoskeletal and joint pain. Detection of the infection
      is mostly done using RT-RCR or ELISA, which are not suitable for point-of-care
      diagnosis. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: In this study, a reverse transcription
      recombinase polymerase amplification (RT-RPA) assay for the detection of the
      CHIKV was developed. The assay sensitivity, specificity, and cross-reactivity
      were tested. CHIKV RT-RPA assay detected down to 80 genome copies/reaction in a
      maximum of 15 minutes. It successfully identified 18 isolates representing the
      three CHIKV genotypes. No cross-reactivity was detected to other alphaviruses and
      arboviruses except O'nyong'nyong virus, which could be differentiated by a
      modified RPA primer pair. Seventy-eight samples were screened both by RT-RPA and
      real-time RT-PCR. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the CHIKV RT-RPA
      assay were determined at 100%. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The developed RT-RPA
      assay represents a promising method for the molecular detection of CHIKV at point
      of need.

PMID- 27685650
TI  - Evaluation DNA-/BSA-binding properties of a new europium complex containing 2,9
      dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline.

PMID- 27685652
TI  - SparkText: Biomedical Text Mining on Big Data Framework.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many new biomedical research articles are published every day,
      accumulating rich information, such as genetic variants, genes, diseases, and
      treatments. Rapid yet accurate text mining on large-scale scientific literature
      can discover novel knowledge to better understand human diseases and to improve
      the quality of disease diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. RESULTS: In this
      study, we designed and developed an efficient text mining framework called
      SparkText on a Big Data infrastructure, which is composed of Apache Spark data
      streaming and machine learning methods, combined with a Cassandra NoSQL database.
      To demonstrate its performance for classifying cancer types, we extracted
      information (e.g., breast, prostate, and lung cancers) from tens of thousands of
      articles downloaded from PubMed, and then employed Naive Bayes, Support Vector
      Machine (SVM), and Logistic Regression to build prediction models to mine the
      articles. The accuracy of predicting a cancer type by SVM using the 29,437 full
      text articles was 93.81%. While competing text-mining tools took more than 11
      hours, SparkText mined the dataset in approximately 6 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: This
      study demonstrates the potential for mining large-scale scientific articles on a
      Big Data infrastructure, with real-time update from new articles published daily.
      SparkText can be extended to other areas of biomedical research.

PMID- 27685651
TI  - Analysis of the Yeast Peptidome and Comparison with the Human Peptidome.
AB  - Peptides function as signaling molecules in species as diverse as humans and
      yeast. Mass spectrometry-based peptidomics techniques provide a relatively
      unbiased method to assess the peptidome of biological samples. In the present
      study, we used a quantitative peptidomic technique to characterize the peptidome
      of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and compare it to the peptidomes of
      mammalian cell lines and tissues. Altogether, 297 yeast peptides derived from 75
      proteins were identified. The yeast peptides are similar to those of the human
      peptidome in average size and amino acid composition. Inhibition of proteasome
      activity with either bortezomib or epoxomicin led to decreased levels of some
      yeast peptides, suggesting that these peptides are generated by the proteasome.
      Approximately 30% of the yeast peptides correspond to the N- or C-terminus of the
      protein; the human peptidome is also highly represented in N- or C-terminal
      protein fragments. Most yeast and humans peptides are derived from a subset of
      abundant proteins, many with functions involving cellular metabolism or protein
      synthesis and folding. Of the 75 yeast proteins that give rise to peptides, 24
      have orthologs that give rise to human and/or mouse peptides and for some, the
      same region of the proteins are found in the human, mouse, and yeast peptidomes.
      Taken together, these results support the hypothesis that intracellular peptides
      may have specific and conserved biological functions.

PMID- 27685655
TI  - Perpendicular State of an Electronically Excited Stilbene: Observation by
      Femtosecond-Stimulated Raman Spectroscopy.
AB  - In the photoisomerization path of stilbene, a perpendicular state P on the S1
      potential energy surface is expected just before internal conversion through a
      conical intersection S1/S0. For decades the observation of P was thwarted by a
      short lifetime tauP in combination with slow population flow over a barrier. But
      these limitations can be overcome by ethylenic substitution. Following optical
      excitation of trans-1,1'-dicyanostilbene, P is populated significantly (tauP = 27
      ps in n-hexane) and monitored by an exited-state absorption band at 370 nm. Here
      we report stimulated Raman lines of P. The strongest, at 1558 cm-1, is attributed
      to stretching vibrations of the phenyl rings. Transient electronic states,
      resonance conditions, and corresponding Raman signals are discussed.

PMID- 27685654
TI  - Species Determination and Quantitation in Mixtures Using MRM Mass Spectrometry of
      Peptides Applied to Meat Authentication.
AB  - We describe a simple protocol for identifying and quantifying the two components
      in binary mixtures of species possessing one or more similar proteins. Central to
      the method is the identification of 'corresponding proteins' in the species of
      interest, in other words proteins that are nominally the same but possess species
      specific sequence differences. When subject to proteolysis, corresponding
      proteins will give rise to some peptides which are likewise similar but with
      species-specific variants. These are 'corresponding peptides'. Species-specific
      peptides can be used as markers for species determination, while pairs of
      corresponding peptides permit relative quantitation of two species in a mixture.
      The peptides are detected using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mass
      spectrometry, a highly specific technique that enables peptide-based species
      determination even in complex systems. In addition, the ratio of MRM peak areas
      deriving from corresponding peptides supports relative quantitation. Since
      corresponding proteins and peptides will, in the main, behave similarly in both
      processing and in experimental extraction and sample preparation, the relative
      quantitation should remain comparatively robust. In addition, this approach does
      not need the standards and calibrations required by absolute quantitation
      methods. The protocol is described in the context of red meats, which have
      convenient corresponding proteins in the form of their respective myoglobins.
      This application is relevant to food fraud detection: the method can detect 1%
      weight for weight of horse meat in beef. The corresponding protein, corresponding
      peptide (CPCP) relative quantitation using MRM peak area ratios gives good
      estimates of the weight for weight composition of a horse plus beef mixture.

PMID- 27685656
TI  - Generation of VDR Knock-Out Mice via Zygote Injection of CRISPR/Cas9 System.
AB  - CRISPR/Cas9 system has become a new versatile technology for genome engineering
      in various species. To achieve targeted modifications at the same site in both
      human and mice genomes by a CRISPR/Cas9 nuclease, we designed two target sites in
      conserved regions of vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene, which cover more than 17 kb
      of chromosome region depending on the species. We first validated the efficacy of
      single sgRNA mediated gene specific modifications were 36% and 31% in HEK293T
      cells. Concurrently, targeted of the intervening genomic segments deletions were
      generated in chromosomes when two sgRNAs worked simultaneously. The large genomic
      DNA segments up to 23.4 Kb could be precisely deleted in human chromosomes.
      Subsequently, Cas9 mRNA and sgRNAs targeting VDRT1 and VDRT2 were co
      microinjected into one-cell-stage embryos of C57BL/6 mice. Verified by T7E1 assay
      and DNA sequencing analysis, 12 mice showed VDR targeted disruption and 8 of
      which were biallelic knock-out, which demonstrated obvious phenotype of hair
      thinning. Furthermore, expression changes of Vitamin D metabolism genes in VDR-/
      mice were detected. These results indicated that CRISPR/Cas9 mediated knock-out
      of VDR diminished its gene function in vivo. The off-target effects of
      CRISPR/Cas9 in VDR-/- founder mice were analyzed. Our results showed that
      CRISPR/Cas9 system could be employed to target the same sites in different
      species, when sgRNAs are designed within conserved regions, and therefore will be
      critically important and applicable for human disease model.

PMID- 27685657
TI  - Use of intraoperative CT to predict the accuracy of microelectrode recording
      during deep brain stimulation surgery. A proof of concept study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Intraoperative computed tomography (iCT) is currently used to confirm
      the target location of the microelectrode (ME) during microelectrode recording
      (MER) and ultimate location of deep brain stimulation (DBS) leads at our
      institution. We evaluated whether iCT can be used to predict the trajectory and
      accuracy of the ME track. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Intraoperative imaging profiles
      of ten consecutive patients who had undergone DBS surgery were retrospectively
      reviewed. We found that cranial iCT, in addition to visualizing the target, also
      visualizes the extra-cranial segment of the guide tube (ECGT) used to insert the
      ME. We propose a hypothetical technique that extrapolates the trajectory of only
      the ECGT down to target depth using planning software. In order to provide a
      proof of concept analysis of this hypothetical technique, we retrospectively
      assessed post MER placement iCT studies and used planning software to visualize
      only the ECGT. An extrapolated vector was drawn along the long axis of the ECGT
      down to the same depth (z) as the ME. The obtained x and y coordinates were
      subsequently recorded and compared to the x and y coordinates of the ME tip to
      validate this technique. RESULTS: The average radial error between ECGT
      trajectory coordinates and final ME tip coordinates was 0.93+/-0.1mm (mean+/
      SEM). CONCLUSION: The use of iCT to predict accuracy of microelectrode location
      is feasible. In the future, performing iCT before guide tube penetration of dura
      can allow for trajectory prediction and if needed, correction of the ME, thereby
      potentially improving accuracy and reducing the number of MER tracks.

PMID- 27685658
TI  - Clinical outcome and intraoperative neurophysiology for focal limb dystonic
      tremor without generalized dystonia treated with deep brain stimulation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Dystonic tremor (DT) is defined as a postural/kinetic tremor
      occurring in the body region affected by dystonia. DT is typically characterized
      by focal tremors with irregular amplitudes and variable frequencies typically
      below 7Hz. Pharmacological treatment is generally unsuccessful and guidelines for
      deep brain stimulation (DBS) targeting and indications are scarce. In this
      article, we present the outcome and neurophysiologic data of two patients with
      refractory, focal limb DT treated with Globus Pallidus interna (Gpi) DBS and
      critically review the current literature regarding surgical treatment of DT
      discussing stereotactic targets and treatment considerations. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: A search of literature concerning treatment of DT was conducted.
      Additionally, Gpi DBS was performed in two patients with DT and microelectrode
      recordings for multi unit analysis (MUAs) and local field potentials (LFPs) were
      obtained. RESULTS: The mean percentage improvement in tremor severity was 80.5%
      at 3 years follow up. MUAs and LFPs did not show significant differences in DT
      patients compared with other forms of dystonia or PD except for higher
      interspikes bursting indices. LFP recordings in DT demonstrated high power at low
      frequencies with action (<3.5Hz). CONCLUSIONS: Gpi DBS is an effective treatment
      in patients with focal limb DT without associated generalized dystonia.
      Intraoperative neurophysiologic findings suggest that DT is part of phenotypic
      motor manifestations in dystonia.

PMID- 27685660
TI  - Investigating Rates of Hunting and Survival in Declining European Lapwing
      Populations.
AB  - Understanding effects of harvest on population dynamics is of major interest,
      especially for declining species. European lapwing Vanellus vanellus populations
      increased from the 1960s until the 1980s and declined strongly thereafter. About
      400,000 lapwings are harvested annually and it is thus of high conservation
      relevance to assess whether hunting was a main cause for the observed changes in
      lapwing population trends. We developed a multi-event cause-specific mortality
      model which we applied to a long-term ring-recovery data set (1960-2010) of >
      360,000 records to estimate survival and cause-specific mortalities. We found no
      temporal change in survival over the last 50 years for first-year (FY) and older
      birds (after first-year; AFY) originating from different ringing areas. Mean
      survival was high, around 0.60 and 0.80 for FY and AFY individuals, respectively.
      The proportion of total mortality due to hunting was <0.10 over the study period
      and the estimated proportion of harvested individuals (kill rate) was <0.05 in
      each year. Our result of constant survival indicates that demographic processes
      other than survival were responsible for the pronounced change in lapwing
      population trends in the 1980s. Our findings lend support to the hypothesis that
      hunting was not a significant contributor to the large-scale decline of lapwing
      populations. To halt the ongoing decline of European lapwing populations
      management should focus on life history stages other than survival (e.g.
      productivity). Further analyses are required to investigate the contribution of
      other demographic rates to the decline of lapwings and to identify the most
      efficient conservation actions.

PMID- 27685659
TI  - Multimodal Quantitative Phase Imaging with Digital Holographic Microscopy
      Accurately Assesses Intestinal Inflammation and Epithelial Wound Healing.
AB  - The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease, i.e., Crohn's disease and Ulcerative
      colitis, has significantly increased over the last decade. The etiology of IBD
      remains unknown and current therapeutic strategies are based on the unspecific
      suppression of the immune system. The development of treatments that specifically
      target intestinal inflammation and epithelial wound healing could significantly
      improve management of IBD, however this requires accurate detection of
      inflammatory changes. Currently, potential drug candidates are usually evaluated
      using animal models in vivo or with cell culture based techniques in vitro.
      Histological examination usually requires the cells or tissues of interest to be
      stained, which may alter the sample characteristics and furthermore, the
      interpretation of findings can vary by investigator expertise. Digital
      holographic microscopy (DHM), based on the detection of optical path length
      delay, allows stain-free quantitative phase contrast imaging. This allows the
      results to be directly correlated with absolute biophysical parameters. We
      demonstrate how measurement of changes in tissue density with DHM, based on
      refractive index measurement, can quantify inflammatory alterations, without
      staining, in different layers of colonic tissue specimens from mice and humans
      with colitis. Additionally, we demonstrate continuous multimodal label-free
      monitoring of epithelial wound healing in vitro, possible using DHM through the
      simple automated determination of the wounded area and simultaneous determination
      of morphological parameters such as dry mass and layer thickness of migrating
      cells. In conclusion, DHM represents a valuable, novel and quantitative tool for
      the assessment of intestinal inflammation with absolute values for parameters
      possible, simplified quantification of epithelial wound healing in vitro and
      therefore has high potential for translational diagnostic use.

PMID- 27685662
TI  - Quasi-One-Step Six-Electron Electrochemical Reduction of an Octahedral
      Hexanuclear Molybdenum(II) Cluster.
AB  - We report for the first time quasi-one-step six-electron electrochemical
      reduction of a new hexanuclear molybdenum(II) bromide cluster having terminal 3,5
      dinitrobenzoate ligands: [Mo6Br8(DNBA)6]2-. The electrochemical responses of the
      cluster were studied based on cyclic (CV), differential pulse, and normal pulse
      voltammetries, together with the analytical simulations of the CV and
      spectroelectrochemistry. CV simulations have revealed that the electrochemical
      reaction of the cluster proceeds in an EEEEEE scheme, and the potential
      differences between the two adjacent reduction steps are in the range of 15-30
      mV. These potential differences indicate quite smooth and quasi-one-step six
      electron reduction of the cluster.

PMID- 27685661
TI  - Comparison of Three Different Methods for Determining Cell Proliferation in
      Breast Cancer Cell Lines.
AB  - Measuring cell proliferation can be performed by a number of different methods,
      each with varying levels of sensitivity, reproducibility and compatibility with
      high-throughput formatting. This protocol describes the use of three different
      methods for measuring cell proliferation in vitro including conventional
      hemocytometer counting chamber, a luminescence-based assay that utilizes the
      change in the metabolic activity of viable cells as a measure of the relative
      number of cells, and a multi-mode cell imager that measures cell number using a
      counting algorithm. Each method presents its own advantages and disadvantages for
      the measurement of cell proliferation, including time, cost and high-throughput
      compatibility. This protocol demonstrates that each method could accurately
      measure cell proliferation over time, and was sensitive to detect growth at
      differing cellular densities. Additionally, measurement of cell proliferation
      using a cell imager was able to provide further information such as morphology,
      confluence and allowed for a continual monitoring of cell proliferation over
      time. In conclusion, each method is capable of measuring cell proliferation, but
      the chosen method is user-dependent.

PMID- 27685663
TI  - Molecular diagnosis and immunotherapy.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To describe recent insights into how molecular diagnosis can
      improve indication and selection of suitable allergens for specific immunotherapy
      and increase the safety of this therapy. RECENT FINDINGS: As specific allergen
      immunotherapy targets specific allergens, identification of the disease-eliciting
      allergen is a prerequisite for accurate prescription of treatment. In areas of
      complex sensitization to aeroallergens or in cases of hymenoptera venom allergy,
      the use of molecular diagnosis has demonstrated that it may lead to a change in
      indication and selection of allergens for immunotherapy in a large proportion of
      patients when compared with diagnosis based on skin prick testing and/or specific
      IgE determination with commercial extracts. These changes in immunotherapy
      prescription aided by molecular diagnosis have been demonstrated to be cost
      effective in some scenarios. Certain patterns of sensitization to grass or olive
      pollen and bee allergens may identify patients with higher risk of adverse
      reaction during immunotherapy. SUMMARY: Molecular diagnosis, when used with other
      tools and patients' clinical records, can help clinicians better to select the
      most appropriate patients and allergens for specific immunotherapy and, in some
      cases, predict the risk of adverse reactions. The pattern of sensitization to
      allergens could potentially predict the efficacy of allergen immunotherapy
      provided that these immunotherapy products contain a sufficient amount of these
      allergens. Nevertheless, multiplex assay remains a third-level approach, not to
      be used as screening method in current practice.

PMID- 27685665
TI  - Design of Potent and Druglike Nonphenolic Inhibitors for Catechol O
      Methyltransferase Derived from a Fragment Screening Approach Targeting the S
      Adenosyl-l-methionine Pocket.
AB  - A fragment screening approach designed to target specifically the S-adenosyl-l
      methionine pocket of catechol O-methyl transferase allowed the identification of
      structurally related fragments of high ligand efficiency and with activity on the
      described orthogonal assays. By use of a reliable enzymatic assay together with X
      ray crystallography as guidance, a series of fragment modifications revealed an
      SAR and, after several expansions, potent lead compounds could be obtained. For
      the first time nonphenolic and small low nanomolar potent, SAM competitive COMT
      inhibitors are reported. These compounds represent a novel series of potent COMT
      inhibitors that might be further optimized to new drugs useful for the treatment
      of Parkinson's disease, as adjuncts in levodopa based therapy, or for the
      treatment of schizophrenia.

PMID- 27685664
TI  - The First Report of miRNAs from a Thysanopteran Insect, Thrips palmi Karny Using
      High-Throughput Sequencing.
AB  - Thrips palmi Karny (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is the sole vector of Watermelon bud
      necrosis tospovirus, where the crop loss has been estimated to be around USD 50
      million annually. Chemical insecticides are of limited use in the management of
      T. palmi due to the thigmokinetic behaviour and development of high levels of
      resistance to insecticides. There is an urgent need to find out an effective
      futuristic management strategy, where the small RNAs especially microRNAs hold
      great promise as a key player in the growth and development. miRNAs are a class
      of short non-coding RNAs involved in regulation of gene expression either by mRNA
      cleavage or by translational repression. We identified and characterized a total
      of 77 miRNAs from T. palmi using high-throughput deep sequencing. Functional
      classifications of the targets for these miRNAs revealed that majority of them
      are involved in the regulation of transcription and translation, nucleotide
      binding and signal transduction. We have also validated few of these miRNAs
      employing stem-loop RT-PCR, qRT-PCR and Northern blot. The present study not only
      provides an in-depth understanding of the biological and physiological roles of
      miRNAs in governing gene expression but may also lead as an invaluable tool for
      the management of thysanopteran insects in the future.

PMID- 27685667
TI  - The Effectiveness of Real-Time Feedback with an Audible Pulse: A Preliminary
      Study in Renal Doppler Ultrasonography.
AB  - PURPOSE: The effectiveness of real-time feedback using an audible pulse in renal
      Doppler ultrasonography was evaluated. METHODS: This study was approved by the
      institutional review board of our hospital. Written informed consent was provided
      by all volunteers at enrollment. The 26 healthy volunteers enrolled in this study
      underwent Doppler ultrasound of both kidneys using audible and inaudible pulses
      in randomized order and at 1-week intervals. Doppler waveforms were obtained at
      the interlobar or arcuate arteries using a 2-mm Doppler gate. Each session was
      considered complete when reproducible waveforms were obtained for 5 s in three
      predefined regions of the kidney. The scan times needed to obtain waveforms of
      the right and left kidneys were recorded separately. Measurements were compared
      using a paired t-test and a two-sample Wilcoxon rank-sum test. RESULTS: The total
      recorded Doppler sonography scan time for each kidney ranged from 33 to 146 s.
      The mean scan time was 56.83 s (right, 58.19 s; left, 55.46 s) in the audible
      session and 72.58 s (right, 72.08 s; left, 73.08 s) in the inaudible session. The
      scan times were significantly shorter in the audible than inaudible session
      (p<0.001), whereas the difference in the scan times between the right and left
      kidneys was not significant. The order of the sessions had no effect on the total
      scan time. CONCLUSION: Real-time feedback using an audible pulse may encourage
      patient cooperation during breath-holding and can shorten the time needed to
      perform Doppler ultrasonography.

PMID- 27685666
TI  - Structures of the Streptococcus sanguinis SrpA Binding Region with Human
      Sialoglycans Suggest Features of the Physiological Ligand.
AB  - Streptococcus sanguinis is a leading cause of bacterial infective endocarditis, a
      life-threatening infection of heart valves. S. sanguinis binds to human platelets
      with high avidity, and this adherence is likely to enhance virulence. Previous
      studies suggest that a serine-rich repeat adhesin termed SrpA mediates the
      binding of S. sanguinis to human platelets via its interaction with sialoglycans
      on the receptor GPIbalpha. However, in vitro binding assays with SrpA and defined
      sialoglycans failed to identify specific high-affinity ligands. To improve our
      understanding of the interaction between SrpA and human platelets, we determined
      cocrystal structures of the SrpA sialoglycan binding region (SrpABR) with five
      low-affinity ligands: three sialylated trisaccharides (sialyl-T antigen, 3'
      sialyllactose, and 3'-sialyl-N-acetyllactosamine), a sialylated tetrasaccharide
      (sialyl-LewisX), and a sialyl galactose disaccharide component common to these
      sialoglyans. We then combined structural analysis with mutagenesis to further
      determine whether our observed interactions between SrpABR and glycans are
      important for binding to platelets and to better map the binding site for the
      physiological receptor. We found that the sialoglycan binding site of SrpABR is
      significantly larger than the sialoglycans cocrystallized in this study, which
      suggests that binding of SrpA to platelets either is multivalent or occurs via a
      larger, disialylated glycan.

PMID- 27685668
TI  - Elevation Pattern in Growth Coherency on the Southeastern Tibetan Plateau.
AB  - It is generally expected that inter-annual changes in radial growth among trees
      would be similar to the increase in altitude due to the limitation of
      increasingly harsher climatic factors. Here, we examine whether this pattern
      exists in alpine forests on the southeastern Tibetan Plateau. Increment cores
      were collected from mature trees at the lower, middle and upper limits of balfour
      spruce (Picea likiangensis var. balfouriana (Rehd. et Wils.) Hillier ex Slsvin)
      forests at the Buze and Yela Mountains in Basu County, Changdu Prefecture of
      Tibet, China. The treeline elevations are 4320 m and 4510 m a.s.l. for Buze and
      Yela, respectively. Tree-ring widths were measured, crossdated, and detrended to
      obtain a sequence of ring-width indices for each individual sample. Annual growth
      rate, climate sensitivity, growth-climate relationships, and growth synchrony
      among trees were calculated and compared across altitudes. In Buze Mountain, the
      annual growth rate of trees has no significant difference across altitudes. The
      mean sensitivity of trees is lower at the treelines than at lower elevations.
      Tree growth has stronger correlation with winter temperature at upper elevations
      than at lower elevations, has significant correlation with moisture, not
      temperature, in the growing season, and the growth response to moisture is lower
      at the treeline than at lower elevations. The correlation among individual tree
      ring sequences is lower at the treeline than at sites at lower elevation. In Yela
      Mountain, the characterisitics of annual growth rate, mean sensitivity, tree
      growth-climate relationships, and inter-serial correlation are similar to those
      in Buze, but their differences along altitudinal gradients are less significant
      as those in Buze. Our data do not support the general expectation of growth
      convergence among individuals with increasing altitude. We conclude that
      individual heterogeneity and microhabitat diversity are important features for
      treeline trees that may dampen the growth synchrony in trees. The results
      obtained in this study expand our knowledge about the pattern of forest growth
      along altitudinal gradients in high-elevation regions and demonstrate the
      importance of checking the growth of tree individuals before analyzing the
      average signal.

PMID- 27685669
TI  - Prometryn and humic acid induce Cytochrome P450 1A expression in Danio rerio
      (zebrafish).
AB  - Humic acid (HA) is a major component of dissolved organic matter, is ubiquitous
      in the aquatic environment and influences the biological toxicity of organic
      pollutants. In this study, we investigated the cytochrome P450 1A (CYP 1A) mRNA
      expression and ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity in the gills and
      liver of zebrafish following exposure to the s-triazine herbicide prometryn with
      or without HA present. Prometryn induced both CYP 1A mRNA expression and EROD
      activity. The CYP 1A mRNA expression of zebrafish that were exposed to a
      combination of prometryn and HA was increased compared to those exposed to
      prometryn alone. A likely cause for CYP 1A induction is the impact of special
      components of HA, functioning as aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) agonists. In
      combination with HA, these increase prometryn levels in tissues. Similar results
      for EROD activity were evident. In our time course study, CYP 1A mRNA expression
      reached maximum values during 24h. This revealed CYP 1A mRNA transcription as a
      comparatively sensitive toxicity index. In a recovery experiment, we found a
      faster decrease of CYP 1A mRNA expression to control levels (CK) in gills
      compared to liver tissue. Following exposure to HA, CYP 1A mRNA expression in
      liver tissue displayed a faster decrease to CK levels. HA induced enhanced
      metabolic rates for prometryn. In contrast, recovery regularity of CYP 1A
      expression in gills was independent of the presence of HA. This result indicates
      different detoxification mechanisms for HA in liver and gills.

PMID- 27685670
TI  - Broad spectrum screening of 463 organic contaminants in rivers in Macedonia.
AB  - Target screening of 463 organic contaminants in surface water using ultra high
      performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry
      (UHPLC-QTOF-MS) with direct injection was performed in spring of 2015 in northern
      Macedonia, at six sampling sites in four rivers belonging to Vardar basin: Kriva,
      Zletovska, Bregalnica and Vardar. The aim of the study was to differentiate
      between various types of organic contamination characteristic for different types
      of anthropogenic activities, such as mining, agriculture, and urbanization.
      Depending on the studied river, 9-16% of analyzed compounds were detected. The
      highest total levels of organic contaminants were recorded in agriculturally
      impacted Bregalnica River (1839-1962ngL-1) and Vardar River downstream from the
      city of Skopje (1945ngL-1), whereas the lowest level was found in the mining
      impacted Zletovska River (989ngL-1). The principal organic contaminants of the
      Bregalnica River were herbicides (45-55% of all detected compounds; 838-1094ngL
      1), with the highest concentrations of bentazone (407-530ngL-1) and molinate (84
      549ngL-1), common herbicides in rice cultivation. The main organic contaminants
      in the other rivers were drugs (70-80% of all detected compounds), with
      antibiotics as a predominant drug class. The highest drug concentrations were
      measured in the Vardar River, downstream from Skopje (1544ngL-1). Screening of
      surface water by UHPLC-QTOF-MS was proven as a practical tool for fast collection
      of comprehensive preliminary information on organic contamination of natural
      waters, which can present a significant contribution in the monitoring and
      preservation of good ecological status of freshwater ecosystems.

PMID- 27685671
TI  - Acute and sub-chronic effects of sub-lethal cadmium exposure on energy metabolism
      in the freshwater shrimp, Paratya curvirostris.
AB  - Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic trace element enriched in waters through activities such
      as mining and agriculture. The freshwater shrimp Paratya curvirostris inhabits
      near-coastal, lowland streams potentially impacted by Cd, but nothing is known
      regarding its sensitivity to this metal. An acute (96h) median lethal
      concentration (LC50) of 405ugL-1 was derived for P. curvirostris, placing it
      among the most tolerant of freshwater shrimp species. Acute (4 d; 0, 50 and
      100ugL-1) and sub-chronic (10 d; 0, 25 and 50ugL-1) exposures then investigated
      effects of Cd on energy metabolism (respiration rate, excretion rate, O:N ratio).
      In contrast to effects in previously studied species, Cd induced an increased
      respiration rate, which when coupled with an unchanged excretion rate, resulted
      in an increased O:N ratio. These data were explained by an increased reliance on
      carbohydrate and/or lipid as a metabolic substrate stimulated by increased
      metabolic costs of toxicant exposure. Similar effects were seen across all time
      points, although the lowest effective Cd concentration decreased with increased
      exposure time. Overall, results suggest that Cd is unlikely to be a significant
      environmental stressor to P. curvirostris, except in highly contaminated
      freshwaters, and/or where Cd co-occurs with hypoxia.

PMID- 27685673
TI  - Emerging New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase-1-type-producing Gram-negative bacteria
      isolated from Cairo University Pediatric Hospital, Cairo, Egypt.
AB  - New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase (NDM) compromises the efficacy of almost all
      beta-lactam antibiotics, including carbapenems. This study aimed to screen for
      the blaNDM-1-type gene and NDM-1-type carbapenemase production among Gram
      negative bacteria in Cairo University Pediatric Hospital (Cairo, Egypt). Among
      382 Gram-negative clinical isolates collected over the period October 2013 to May
      2014, 100 clinical isolates showing reduced carbapenem (imipenem and meropenem)
      susceptibility were included in this study. Initial phenotypic screening for NDM
      enzyme production was performed by Etest for metallo-beta-lactamases (EMBL).
      Genotypic detection of the blaNDM-1-type gene was done by TaqMan real-time PCR.
      Metallo-beta-lactamase production was detected in 23% of the isolates by EMBL,
      whereas 24% of the isolates were found to be positive for the blaNDM-1-type gene
      by real-time PCR. The EMBL sensitivity was 79.2%, specificity was 94.7%, positive
      predictive value was 82.6%, negative predictive value was 93.5% and overall
      accuracy was 91.0%. Seventeen (70.8%) of blaNDM-1-type-positive cases were
      hospital-acquired in origin, whilst 7 cases (29.2%) were community-acquired.
      Eleven isolates (45.8%) harbouring blaNDM-1-type were found in critical care
      units. In conclusion, the high prevalence of blaNDM-1-type carbapenemase gene
      among Gram-negative bacteria, with its great potential for spread in intensive
      care units, warrants the attention of a nationwide surveillance programme to
      contain its spread.

PMID- 27685674
TI  - Creating the next steps to care: Maternal heath, improvisation, and Fulani women
      in Niamey, Niger.
AB  - On paper, Niger's maternal healthcare system is extensively outlined by policies
      which assure access to certain services and create hierarchical referral chains.
      In practice it remains intensely improvisational: actors in the system must
      frequently make up the next steps to giving and receiving care, often outside the
      existing policies and procedures. Although population health in Niger has
      improved since the recently enacted gratuite des soins policy (which guarantees
      free access to certain material and child health services), care on the ground is
      still dictated by difficult circumstances and scarce resources. Health workers
      often lack the required medications and supplies; nevertheless, they must find
      ways to deliver services. Patients seeking maternal health services are
      frequently dissatisfied with the care they receive and so move forward of their
      own volition, by negotiating with health workers or by looking for services
      elsewhere. This research builds on recent scholarly work on improvisation, and
      asks us to further look at the ways that improvisation can be informed by the
      identity of the actors. Examining case studies of women from the Fulani ethnic
      group illustrates how particular cultural differences can inform improvisation.
      Analysing improvisation can also have policy implications; identifying typical
      points of departure from the official maternal health care system can reveal
      points where Niger can bolster its commitment to a universally high quality of
      care.

PMID- 27685672
TI  - Nutrient-induced antibiotic resistance in Enterococcus faecalis in the eutrophic
      environment.
AB  - Nutrient deposition and extensive use of antibiotics are increasing worldwide,
      especially in freshwater ecosystems. Bacteria display resistance to certain
      antibiotics and thus survive for extended periods in eutrophic environments. In
      this study, model ecosystems were established to investigate the effect of
      nitrate and phosphate nutrient salts on antibiotic resistance in strains of
      Enterococcus faecalis. Mesocosms were replicated to evaluate the ecological
      effects of nutrient influx. The mesocosms were divided into four different
      nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) regimens. Enterococcus faecalis strains were
      isolated on Days 0, 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 40, 60 and 95 to evaluate their sensitivity
      to ampicillin, oxytetracycline (OXY), ciprofloxacin (CIP), chloramphenicol (CHL),
      vancomycin and erythromycin (ERY). Resistance genes for ERY (ermB, msrC and
      mefA), OXY [tet(M), tet(L) and tet(S)] and CHL (cat) as well as the enterococcal
      surface protein gene (esp) were investigated by PCR. The total nitrogen, total
      phosphorus, chemical oxygen demand permanganate index (CODMn), chlorophyll-a,
      Secchi depth and trophic level index were observed. In conclusion, addition of N
      and P had a significant influence on the resistance phenotypes of E. faecalis to
      OXY, CHL and ERY. Only high dosage led to CIP resistance. Higher total N
      concentrations resulted in the development of relatively higher resistance to OXY
      and CIP. The resistance genes tet(L) and tet(S) for OXY, msrC for ERY and cat for
      CHL were found to be associated with resistance in E. faecalis.

PMID- 27685675
TI  - Correspondence.

PMID- 27685676
TI  - QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE FOLLOW-UP USING OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY
      ANGIOGRAPHY OF RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION TREATED WITH ANTI-VEGF: Optical Coherence
      Tomography Angiography Follow-up of Retinal Vein Occlusion.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate changes of vascular flow of patients treated with
      intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor for macular
      edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO) with optical coherence tomography
      angiography (OCTA). METHODS: Patients with RVO with macular edema and treated
      with intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factors were
      retrospectively evaluated. The following examinations were performed before and
      after treatment: best-corrected visual acuity, spectral domain optical coherence
      tomography, fluorescein angiography, and OCTA (Optovue, Inc). Automatic
      measurement of vascular density of the superficial and deep capillary plexus was
      also performed and compared with age- and sex-matched healthy subjects. RESULTS:
      Twenty-eight eyes of 28 patients (mean age 66.2 years; males 19%) were evaluated,
      including 13 central RVO, 11 branch RVO, and 4 hemicentral RVO. After treatment,
      mean central macular thickness significantly decreased from 644 MUm to 326 MUm
      and best-corrected visual acuity increased from 20/125 to 20/63 (P < 0.01 for
      both results). On OCTA, perifoveal capillary disruption (P = 0.029) and the
      number of cysts in the superficial capillary plexus and deep capillary plexus (P
      < 0.002) significantly decreased after treatment. The mean vascular density in
      the superficial capillary plexus slightly decreased during follow-up from 46.44%
      to 45.01% (not significantly). These densities were significantly less than those
      observed in healthy controls (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Optical coherence
      tomography angiography showed regression of macular edema, reduced capillary
      disruption and cysts, and slight decrease in mean macular vascular density with
      time and despite treatment. Thus, OCTA enables qualitative and quantitative
      evaluation during follow-up of patients treated for RVO.

PMID- 27685679
TI  - External Drainage for Primary Surgical Management of Uveal Melanoma Exudative
      Retinal Detachment.

PMID- 27685682
TI  - Commentary on Zeremski et al. (2016): Improvements in HCV-related Knowledge Among
      Substance Users on Opioid Agonist Therapy After an Educational Intervention.

PMID- 27685680
TI  - A One-Hole Cu4S Cluster with N2O Reductase Activity: A Structural and Functional
      Model for CuZ.
AB  - During bacterial denitrification, two-electron reduction of N2O occurs at a
      [Cu4(MU4-S)] catalytic site (CuZ*) embedded within the nitrous oxide reductase
      (N2OR) enzyme. In this Communication, an amidinate-supported [Cu4(MU4-S)] model
      cluster in its one-hole (S = 1/2) redox state is thoroughly characterized. Along
      with its two-hole redox partner and fully reduced clusters reported previously,
      the new species completes the two-electron redox series of [Cu4(MU4-S)] model
      complexes with catalytically relevant oxidation states for the first time. More
      importantly, N2O is reduced by the one-hole cluster to produce N2 and the two
      hole cluster, thereby completing a closed cycle for N2O reduction. Not only is
      the title complex thus the best structural model for CuZ* to date, but it also
      serves as a functional CuZ* mimic.

PMID- 27685681
TI  - Creation of Abdominal Adhesions in Mice.
AB  - Abdominal adhesions consist of fibrotic tissue that forms in the peritoneal space
      in response to an inflammatory insult, typically surgery or intraabdominal
      infection. The precise mechanisms underlying adhesion formation are poorly
      understood. Many compounds and physical barriers have been tested for their
      ability to prevent adhesions after surgery with varying levels of success. The
      mouse and rat are important models for the study of abdominal adhesions. Several
      different techniques for the creation of adhesions in the mouse and rat exist in
      the literature. Here we describe a protocol utilizing abrasion of the cecum with
      sandpaper and sutures placed in the right abdominal sidewall. The mouse is
      anesthetized and the abdomen is prepped. A midline laparotomy is created and the
      cecum is identified. Sandpaper is used to gently abrade the surface of the cecum.
      Next, several figure-of-eight sutures are placed into the peritoneum of the right
      abdominal sidewall. The abdominal cavity is irrigated, a small amount of starch
      is applied, and the incision is closed. We have found that this technique
      produces the most consistent adhesions with the lowest mortality rate.

PMID- 27685685
TI  - Doctors At Greater Risk Of A Malpractice Claim.

PMID- 27685684
TI  - Society News: ASAM Magazine.

PMID- 27685683
TI  - Response to Commentary on Zeremski et al. (2016): Improvements in HCV-related
      Knowledge Among Substance Users on Opioid Agonist Therapy After an Educational
      Intervention.

PMID- 27685686
TI  - The Role Of Medical Personnel In Sports Concussion.

PMID- 27685687
TI  - DVT presentations to an Emergency Department: A study of guideline based care and
      decision making.
AB  - Pre-test probability scoring and blood tests for deep venous thrombosis (DVT)
      assessment are sensitive but not specific leading to increased demands on
      radiology services. 385 patients presenting to an Emergency Department with
      suspected DVT were studied to explore our actual work up of patients with
      possible DVT relating to risk stratification, further investigation and follow
      up. Of the 205 patients with an initially negative scan, 36 (17.6%) were brought
      for review to the Emergency Department Consultant clinic. 34 (16.6%) patients
      underwent repeat compression ultrasound with 5 (2.4%) demonstrating a DVT on the
      second scan. Repeat compression ultrasound scans were performed on 34 (16.6%) of
      patients with an initially negative scan with essentially the same diagnostic
      yield as other larger studies where 100% of such patients had repeat scanning.
      Where there is ongoing concern, repeat above knee compression ultrasound within
      one week will pick up a small number of deep venous thromboses.

PMID- 27685688
TI  - Myasthenia gravis: a population-based epidemiological study.
AB  - Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a disorder affecting components of the neuromuscular
      junction. Epidemiological studies show rising incidence and prevalence rates. The
      aim of this study was to determine the incidence and prevalence of MG in the
      Republic of Ireland. Data sources included patient lists from consultant
      neurologists and ophthalmologists, a neuroimmunology laboratory, general
      practitioners and the Myasthenia Gravis Association. A total of 1715 cases were
      identified, of which 706 definite, probable or possible autoimmune and congenital
      MG cases were included. The overall prevalence rate from the data obtained is
      15.38/100,000. The study demonstrated a female preponderance (female:male of 1.3:
      1) and some geographical variation within Ireland. The average incidence rate for
      the years 2000 to 2009 was 11.3 per year; the rate for the current decade is 18
      per year. The increasing number of diagnoses may be due to improved access to
      diagnostic investigations and increasing awareness of the clinical
      manifestations.

PMID- 27685689
TI  - Bevacizumab compared with diode laser in stage 3 posterior retinopathy of
      prematurity: A 5 year follow up.
AB  - We conducted a prospective randomized study to compare outcomes of intravitreal
      Bevacizumab versus diode laser in thirty eyes of fifteen premature babies with
      zone 1 or posterior zone 2 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). We recorded
      complications, regression/reactivation of ROP, visual outcome, refractive error
      and systemic complications. The Bevacizumab treated eyes showed rapid regression
      of the ROP with resolution of plus disease and flattening of the ridge at 48
      hours post injection. In 3 Bevacizumab treated eyes, reactivation occurred and
      were treated with laser (3 eyes) or a further Bevacizumab injection (1 eye). Of
      the diode laser treated eyes, one showed progression and was treated with
      Bevacizumab. At 5 year follow up, good outcomes were observed in both treatment
      groups. Hoever, less myopia was found in the Bevacizumab compared with the diode
      laser treated eyes.

PMID- 27685690
TI  - A National Survey on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Paediatric Growth Hormone
      Deficiency.
AB  - Many countries have established regulations regarding growth hormone (GH)
      treatment in children, to standardise care and reduce cost. In this study, we
      describe current practice in Ireland surrounding child measurement and the
      approach to diagnosis of GH deficiency. A questionnaire was sent to 139
      paediatricians in Ireland and 35 (9 paediatric endocrinologists) responded. Only
      13 (37.1%) use the recommended 2-person technique for measuring children under 2.
      Amongst GH prescribers, there were a variety of GH Stimulation Tests used, sex
      steroid priming was used by 8 (80%) and the general cut off for a passed test was
      consistent (7ng/ml). Brand rotation (n=5, 50%) and cost (n=3, 30%) were the most
      common criteria for deciding the formulation of GH prescribed. We recommend that
      departments review their child measurement technique and equipment. We also
      advise the establishment of national guidelines for the use of GH, and a
      prospective registry for GH treated children.

PMID- 27685691
TI  - Reporting of Acute Flaccid Paralysis in Children under 15 years of age: Improving
      Surveillance, January 2009 - December 2014.
AB  - Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance, including case investigation and
      specimen collection is a gold standard method for poliomyelitis surveillance. The
      expected annual non-polio AFP rate <15 years of age in Ireland is = 1/100 000
      population. This study reviewed all cases of AFP reported to the Irish Paediatric
      Surveillance Unit and the Health Protection Surveillance Centre between January
      2009 and December 2014 and compared reporting rates with the expected incidence
      rate annually. We assessed quality of surveillance data in terms of completeness
      of investigation for each case reported. Forty-three AFP cases in children <15
      years were notified; 35 of which were confirmed. Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)
      accounted for 48.6% (n=17) of AFP notifications. In 2014, the expected annual AFP
      target rate was reached. This study identified possible under-reporting of AFP
      paediatric cases in Ireland between 2009-2013. Completeness of investigations has
      improved over time, but requires further work.

PMID- 27685692
TI  - Healthcare utilisation among cancer survivors over 50 years of age.
AB  - There are now over 104,000 people living in Ireland with a cancer diagnosis.
      Using The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), healthcare utilisation of
      cancer survivors (aged 50 +) was compared with those without a history of cancer
      across service providers. Our cancer variable was stratified by time since
      diagnosis (2-5, 6-10, 11+ years) and type (breast, prostate, colorectal and a
      miscellaneous group of other cancers). While the probability of cancer survivors
      accessing GP services was not significant different to respondents without a
      history of cancer, the probability of an outpatient specialist office visit was
      19.5, 11.8 and 14.0 percentage points higher, respectively for those 2-5years, 6
      10 years and 11 years or more after their cancer diagnosis and was statistically
      significant. In Ireland, the pattern of GP and specialist use appears less well
      defined compared to other European countries. This suggests an overarching policy
      response is required for cancer survivorship care.

PMID- 27685693
TI  - Flexible Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy Service; An aid to patient management.
AB  - The study illustrates advantages of Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy, a new service
      started at St. Lukes General Hospital in patient care since April 2014.
      Retrospective review of Bronchoscopies and referrals to Tertiary care unit for
      Bronchoscopy, prior and after initiation of service at St. Lukes Hospital were
      studied. Total 106 procedures were performed out of which 103(98%) were for
      diagnostic purpose. Common Indications for bronchoscopy were functional airway
      assessment in 38 cases (35%) of chronic cough, 26 cases (24.8%) of suspected
      Malignancy. The average time taken for procedure was 15 + 1 minute with overall
      rate of complication recorded in 1 case (0.95%). 32(30%) inpatients were referred
      before Bronchoscopy services were started locally.15(14%) patients were referred
      for Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) after diagnostic procedure performed at St.
      Lukes Hospital. To conclude, Bronchoscopy is a safe procedure used for diagnosis
      of various Lung conditions. The services offered locally reduced the time and
      cost involved in referrals. The diagnostic Bronchoscopies performed for
      Malignancy at St. Lukes Hospital have rightly increased references for EBUS at
      Tertiary care Unit.

PMID- 27685695
TI  - Bayesian Analysis of Blood Transfusion in Dracula.

PMID- 27685694
TI  - Utilization and Yield of Nerve Conduction Studies and Electromyography in Older
      Adults.
AB  - Older adults are at increased risk of both central and peripheral neurological
      disorders. Impaired nerve and muscle deficits contribute to morbidity and reduced
      quality of life. Our aim was to define the utilization and yield of nerve
      conduction studies (NCS) and electromyography (EMG) in older adults. We reviewed
      NCS and EMG records for all patients older than age 65 in the year 2012. Of 1,530
      NCS and EMGs performed, 352 (23%) were in patients older than 65 (mean age 73.7,
      52% male). 288 (83.7%) of NCS were abnormal as were 102 (71.8%) of EMGs. The
      likelihood of having an abnormal test result increased with increasing age. The
      most common diagnosis was peripheral neuropathy 231 (65.4%). The incidence of
      peripheral neuropathy is particularly high in this age group and detection is
      vital to prevent morbidity and improve quality of life.

PMID- 27685696
TI  - Vaccination in Renal Transplant Patients (VcRtp study).

PMID- 27685698
TI  - Planning the Future of Ireland's Healthcare.

PMID- 27685697
TI  - Beware of the devastating pulmonary aspergillosis syndromes in certain
      environments.

PMID- 27685699
TI  - Paediatrics and Child Health in General Practice: the trainees' perspective.

PMID- 27685700
TI  - Fabricating Cotton Analytical Devices.
AB  - A robust, low-cost analytical device should be user-friendly, rapid, and
      affordable. Such devices should also be able to operate with scarce samples and
      provide information for follow-up treatment. Here, we demonstrate the development
      of a cotton-based urinalysis (i.e., nitrite, total protein, and urobilinogen
      assays) analytical device that employs a lateral flow-based format, and is
      inexpensive, easily fabricated, rapid, and can be used to conduct multiple tests
      without cross-contamination worries. Cotton is composed of cellulose fibers with
      natural absorptive properties that can be leveraged for flow-based analysis. The
      simple but elegant fabrication process of our cotton-based analytical device is
      described in this study. The arrangement of the cotton structure and test pad
      takes advantage of the hydrophobicity and absorptive strength of each material.
      Because of these physical characteristics, colorimetric results can persistently
      adhere to the test pad. This device enables physicians to receive clinical
      information in a timely manner and shows great potential as a tool for early
      intervention.

PMID- 27685701
TI  - Assessment of Somatosensory Function in Patients With Idiopathic Dry Eye
      Symptoms.
AB  - Importance: Somatosensory dysfunction likely underlies dry eye (DE) symptoms in
      many individuals yet remains an understudied component of the disease. Its
      presence has important diagnostic and therapeutic implications. Objective: To
      assess the integrity of nociceptive system processes in persons with DE and
      ocular pain using quantitative sensory testing (QST) techniques applied at a site
      remote from the eye. Design, Setting, and Participants: A cross-sectional study
      conducted at Miami Veterans Affairs Hospital included 118 individuals with a wide
      variety of DE symptoms and signs. The study was conducted from October 31, 2013,
      to January 28, 2016. Interventions: Individuals completed questionnaires
      regarding ocular symptoms (5-Item Dry Eye Questionnaire [DEQ5], Ocular Surface
      Disease Index [OSDI], and Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory modified for the eye
      [NPSI-E]), psychological status, and medication use and underwent an ocular
      surface examination. The QST metrics included measures of vibratory and thermal
      thresholds and cold and hot pain temporal summation (surrogate measures of
      central sensitization) on the forearm. Main Outcomes and Measures: Correlations
      among DE and ocular pain symptom severity with QST metrics measured on the
      forearm. The OSDI score ranges from 0 to 100, with 100 indicating the most severe
      DE symptoms. The DEQ5 score ranges from 0 to 22, with the highest score
      indicating the most severe symptoms, and the NPSI-E score ranges from 0 to 100,
      with the highest score indicating the most severe symptoms. Psychological state
      was measured with the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire, the PTSD Checklist
      Military Version for PTSD, and the Symptom Checklist-90 for anxiety. Results: Of
      the 118 patients who participated in the study, 105 (88.9%) were men (mean [SD]
      age, 60 [10] years), and a mean of 41% had PTSD, 10% depression, and 0.93%
      anxiety. Using stepwise linear regression analyses, significant associations were
      identified between overall DE symptom severity and posttraumatic stress disorder
      scores and tear breakup time (DEQ5 model: R = 0.54; OSDI model: R = 0.61, P <
      .001). All other variables (ie, demographics, comorbidities, medications, tear
      film factors, and QST metrics) dropped out of these models. When specifically
      considering neuropathic-like qualities of DE pain, however, anxiety and hot pain
      temporal summation at the forearm explained 17% of the variability in ocular
      burning (R = 0.41; P < .001), and PTSD score, tear breakup time, and hot pain
      temporal summation at the forearm explained 25% of the variability in sensitivity
      to wind (R = 0.50; P < .001) and 30% of the variability in total NPSI-E scores (R
      = 0.55; P < .001). Conclusions and Relevance: Our findings demonstrate that
      neuropathic-like DE pain symptom severity correlates with quantitative measures
      of pain sensitivity at a site remote from the eye. This result provides
      additional evidence that DE symptoms are not only manifestations of a local
      disorder but also involve somatosensory dysfunction beyond the trigeminal system.

PMID- 27685702
TI  - Low-level laser therapy with helium-neon laser improved viability of osteoporotic
      bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells from ovariectomy-induced osteoporotic
      rats.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influences of helium-neon (He-Ne)
      and infrared (IR) lasers on the viability and proliferation rate of healthy and
      ovariectomy-induced osteoporotic (OVX) bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
      (BMMSCs) in vitro. MSCs harvested from the BM of healthy and OVX rats were
      culture expanded. He-Ne and IR lasers were applied three times at energy
      densities of 0.6, 1.2, and 2.4??J/cm2 for BMMSCs. BMMSCs viability and
      proliferation rate were evaluated by MTT assay on days 2, 4, 6, 14, and 21. The
      results showed that healthy BMMSCs responded optimally to 0.6??J/cm2 using an IR
      laser after three times of laser radiation. Moreover, it was found that OVX
      BMMSCs responded optimally to 0.6??J/cm2 with He-Ne laser and one-time laser
      radiation. It is concluded that the low-level laser therapy (LLLT) effect depends
      on the physiological state of the BMMSCs, type of the laser, wavelength, and
      number of laser sessions. The biostimulation efficiency of LLLT also depends on
      the delivered energy density. LLLT can enhance the viability and proliferation
      rate of healthy and especially osteoporotic autologous BMMSCs, which could be
      very useful in regenerative medicine.

PMID- 27685703
TI  - Aberrant methylation of nucleotide excision repair genes is associated with
      chronic arsenic poisoning.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To define whether aberrant methylation of DNA repair genes is
      associated with chronic arsenic poisoning. METHODS: Hundred and two endemic
      arsenicosis patients and 36 healthy subjects were recruited. Methylight and
      bisulfite sequencing (BSP) assays were used to examine the methylation status of
      ERCC1, ERCC2 and XPC genes in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) and skin
      lesions of arsenicosis patients and NaAsO2-treated HaCaT cells. RESULTS:
      Hypermethylation of ERCC1 and ERCC2 and suppressed gene expression were found in
      PBLs and skin lesions of arsenicosis patients and was correlated with the level
      of arsenic exposure. Particularly, the expression of ERCC1 and ERCC2 was
      associated with the severity of skin lesions. In vitro studies revealed an
      induction of ERCC2 hypermethylation and decreased mRNA expression in response to
      NaAsO2 treatment. CONCLUSION: Hypermethylation of ERCC1 and ERCC2 and concomitant
      suppression of gene expression might be served as the epigenetic marks associated
      with arsenic exposure and adverse health effects.

PMID- 27685704
TI  - A cognitive-based model of tool use in normal aging.
AB  - While several cognitive domains have been widely investigated in the field of
      aging, the age-related effects on tool use are still an open issue and hardly any
      studies on tool use and aging is available. A significant body of literature has
      indicated that tool use skills might be supported by at least two different types
      of knowledge, namely, mechanical knowledge and semantic knowledge. However,
      neither the contribution of these kinds of knowledge to familiar tool use, nor
      the effects of aging on mechanical and semantic knowledge have been explored in
      normal aging. The aim of the present study was to fill this gap. To do so, 98
      healthy elderly adults were presented with three tasks: a classical, familiar
      tool use task, a novel tool use task assessing mechanical knowledge, and a
      picture matching task assessing semantic knowledge. The results showed that aging
      has a negative impact on tool use tasks and on knowledge supporting tool use
      skills. We also found that aging did not impact mechanical and semantic knowledge
      in the same way, confirming the distinct nature of those forms of knowledge.
      Finally, our results stressed that mechanical and semantic knowledge are both
      involved in the ability to use familiar tools.

PMID- 27685705
TI  - Video-assisted thoracic surgery for left upper lobectomy for complex lesions: how
      to extend the indication with optimal safety?
AB  - The feasibility of extending the VATS approach to locally advanced NSCLC has been
      described with good clinical outcome. These complex resections are still
      technically challenging and patient safety must remain the highest priority. In
      this article, we describe our routine VATS approach for left upper lobectomy in
      proximal, locally advanced lesions. Both surgical and anaesthesiology teams are
      trained during simulation sessions to respond rapidly in case of urgent
      thoracotomy. Encircling arterial and venous vessels allow control of inadvertent
      bleeding during difficult dissection. Also, whenever needed the double vessel
      control technique is a time saver waiting for conversion to thoracotomy.

PMID- 27685707
TI  - Miscarriage at advanced maternal age and the search for meaning.
AB  - Although it has been documented that miscarriage is a common pregnancy outcome
      and more likely to happen among women aged 35 years and older, there is very
      little research on the quality of such a lived experience. This study features
      phenomenological interviews of 10 women aged 35 years and older. Theoretical
      frameworks of ambiguous loss and feminism guide the design and analysis. The
      salient themes suggest that women experience miscarriage from a physical,
      emotional, temporal, and social context that includes intense loss and grief,
      having a sense of otherness, a continuous search for meaning, and feelings of
      regret and self-blame.

PMID- 27685706
TI  - SFRP2 Is Associated with Increased Adiposity and VEGF Expression.
AB  - AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess depot-specific expression and secretion
      of secreted frizzled-related protein 2 (sFRP2) by adipose tissue and its effect
      on adipocyte biology. We measured serum sFRP2 concentrations in 106 patients in
      vivo to explore its relationship to fat mass, glycaemia and insulin resistance.
      METHODS: Expression of sFRP2 in mouse and human tissues was assessed using
      polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. Western blot confirmed secretion of
      sFRP2 by adipose tissue into cell culture medium. Effects of recombinant sFRP2 on
      lipogenesis and preadipocyte proliferation were measured. Preadipocyte expression
      of the angiogenic genes vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and nuclear
      factor of activated T-cells 3 (NFATC3) was measured after recombinant sFRP2
      exposure. Complementary clinical studies correlating human serum sFRP2 with age,
      gender, adiposity and insulin secretion were also performed. RESULTS: sFRP2
      messenger RNA (mRNA) was expressed in mouse and human adipose tissue. In humans,
      sFRP2 mRNA expression was 4.2-fold higher in omental than subcutaneous adipose.
      Omental adipose tissue secreted 63% more sFRP2 protein than subcutaneous.
      Treatment with recombinant sFRP2 did not impact on lipogenesis or preadipocyte
      proliferation but was associated with increased VEGF mRNA expression. In human
      subjects, circulating insulin levels positively correlated with serum sFRP2, and
      levels were higher in patients with abnormal glucose tolerance (34.2ng/ml)
      compared to controls (29.5ng/ml). A positive correlation between sFRP2 and BMI
      was also observed. CONCLUSIONS: Circulating sFRP2 is associated with adipose
      tissue mass and has a potential role to drive adipose angiogenesis through
      enhanced VEGF expression.

PMID- 27685709
TI  - Are we moving from absence of proof to proof of absence?

PMID- 27685708
TI  - Quantum-Transport Characteristics of a p-n Junction on Single-Layer TiS3.
AB  - By using density functional theory and non-equilibrium Green's function-based
      methods, we investigated the electronic and transport properties of a TiS3
      monolayer p-n junction. We constructed a lateral p-n junction on a TiS3 monolayer
      using Li and F adatoms. An applied bias voltage caused significant variability in
      the electronic and transport properties of the TiS3 p-n junction. In addition,
      the spin-dependent current-voltage characteristics of the constructed TiS3 p-n
      junction were analyzed. Important device characteristics were found, such as
      negative differential resistance and rectifying diode behaviors for spin
      polarized currents in the TiS3 p-n junction. These prominent conduction
      properties of the TiS3 p-n junction offer remarkable opportunities for the design
      of nanoelectronic devices based on a recently synthesized single-layered
      material.

PMID- 27685710
TI  - A Charge-Transfer-Induced Self-Healing Supramolecular Hydrogel.
AB  - In this study, a dual-component charge-transfer (CT)-induced supramolecular
      hydrogel was fabricated using pyrene-tailored pyridinium (PYP) and 2,4,7
      trinitrofluorenone (TNF) as the electron donor and acceptor, respectively. Its
      thermal stability and mechanical property have been modulated effectively by
      altering the concentration or molar ratio of PYP and TNF. Moreover, this CT
      hydrogel exhibited a distinct injectable self-healing property that could be
      utilized to create desired patterns on substrates. Such property holds potential
      for this CT hydrogel in fields like three-dimensional printing and surface
      coating.

PMID- 27685711
TI  - Thesaurus project launched.
AB  - A two-year project to develop a 'nursing thesaurus', offering unambiguous,
      standardised terminology for use in health care, was launched last week by the
      NHS Management Executive.

PMID- 27685712
TI  - Survey shows poor health for England.
AB  - The damning findings of the first government survey of the nation's health
      underline the importance of nurses' involvement in health promotion, unions
      claimed last week.

PMID- 27685713
TI  - ?
AB  - Suffer the little children: Lydia Burke, a practice nurse from Hackney, addresses
      a public meeting for parents protesting against the outcome of the recent
      specialty review of paediatric services in London, which proposes re-siting the
      Queen Elizabeth Hospital to the Royal London Hospital. Parents fear the plans
      will leave Hackney with no hospital services for children.

PMID- 27685714
TI  - Committee rejects forceful approach.
AB  - The Commons Health Select Committee is today expected to reject Health Secretary
      Virginia Bottomley's proposal for community supervision orders compelling people
      with severe mental health problems to comply with treatment. Mrs Bottomley's call
      followed an incident at London Zoo in which a man reportedly suffering from
      schizophrenia was injured after entering the lions' enclosure. Tom Sandford, RCN
      Adviser in Mental Health, said: 'This is good news for mental health users and
      community psychiatric nurses, and for civil rights in this country: ' He called
      for more funding for community mental health services and the promotion of
      alternative treatments acceptable to users.

PMID- 27685715
TI  - Prophit slams 'grossly distorted' reports.
AB  - Former Edinburgh University Professor of Nursing Penny Prophit has hit back at
      allegations which questioned her academic credibility. And in a dramatic
      development, she has been appointed International Visiting Professor to the
      Colorado-based Centre for Human Caring, which has an affiliate centre in
      Scotland.

PMID- 27685717
TI  - 200 healthcare posts at risk.
AB  - Up to 200 jobs could be lost at Grimsby Health Trust in a bid to recover a L2
      million budget deficit, unions claimed last week. And management have agreed that
      nursing redundancies are unavoidable.

PMID- 27685718
TI  - London Trust to axe nursing jobs.
AB  - A North London Trust with a L4 million deficit is set to make nearly 70 staff
      redundant, it emerged last week.

PMID- 27685719
TI  - Complaints soar as nurses blamed for poor paperwork.
AB  - Complaints received by the Health Service Commissioner have reached record
      levels, with the situation exacerbated by nurses' poor record keeping.

PMID- 27685720
TI  - Nursing managers are told: 'hierarchy is stifling change'.
AB  - Senior nursing managers have been urged to 'dump the hierarchy' in a bid to make
      health services more responsive to change.

PMID- 27685721
TI  - Leap in Welsh incidence of Hepatitis A shows rising poverty.
AB  - The incidence of Hepatitis A in Wales has increased more than five-fold in four
      years.

PMID- 27685722
TI  - Hospitals urged to drop dated values.
AB  - Old-fashioned public sector attitudes mean hospitals are throwing away
      opportunities for service innovation that would benefit both NHS and private
      patients, a leading marketing expert has claimed.

PMID- 27685723
TI  - ?
AB  - Countries in South America are striving to reach the World Health Organization's
      goal of 'Health for all by the year 2000' through a comprehensive primary care
      strategy developed at local level under the guidance of the Pan American Health
      Organisation. The PAHO says, in the fourth of a series of reports on
      'Communicating for Health', that the urgent need to improve the health status of
      economically and socially disadvantaged parts of the population ranks high among
      the challenges facing the region.

PMID- 27685725
TI  - NALGO urges more accountability.
AB  - A 'middle tier of accountability' should be retained within the NHS to counter
      damaging aspects of the new reforms, NALGO claimed last week.

PMID- 27685726
TI  - ?
AB  - Art on the tiles: Patients from St Ann's Hospital, in London, aided by art
      student Sam Taft (above), have designed a range of ceramic tiles to brighten up
      the hospital's corridors. Twenty patients joined hi the Haringey Community Arts
      project.

PMID- 27685727
TI  - World news.
AB  - More than 15 million 15-19 year olds become pregnant worldwide every year, with
      one in three teenage pregnancies ending in abortion, a new survey reveals.

PMID- 27685728
TI  - NHS pays the price.
AB  - Unemployment and the fear of redundancy are costing the NHS more than L70 million
      each year in GP visits and prescription costs, according to a report from the
      Office of Health Economics.

PMID- 27685729
TI  - Fibre may inhibit effect of antidepressants.
AB  - If a patient's depression fails to be relieved by seemingly adequate doses of
      antidepressants it may be worth enquiring about his or her diet.

PMID- 27685730
TI  - Pen torch useful in diagnosis of red eye.
AB  - A simple test with a pen torch may help to distinguish between mild and serious
      ocular problems in patients who present with unilateral red eye.

PMID- 27685731
TI  - MRI helps in diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.
AB  - Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help in the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis,
      but not to exclude it.

PMID- 27685732
TI  - Gains in quality of life following angioplasty.
AB  - Patients can gain significant improvements in their perceived quality of life and
      health-related quality of life following percutaneous transluminal coronary
      angioplasty (PTCA).

PMID- 27685733
TI  - Test identifies type of renal failure.
AB  - Measurement of carbamylated haemoglobin can be useful in differentiating between
      patients with acute or chronic renal failure.

PMID- 27685734
TI  - In the wake of the Braer.
AB  - Lis Cook, a Shetland-based district nurse/midwife, was in the middle of a well
      deserved holiday on January 5. The excitement of the New Year festivities was
      beginning to wane, the weather was ferocious and she was wondering how to keep
      her four children occupied. A friend rang with the answer: a dramatic air-sea
      rescue was being mounted just off the west coast of the South Mainland where she
      lives. This type of rescue is usually spectacular, so Lis quickly got her
      children into the car and drove to Garths Ness to watch the action. By the time
      they got there, it was obvious that no rescue was on the go.

PMID- 27685735
TI  - The cost of caring.
AB  - What happens when I can no longer cope l with looking after my wife at home? She
      W I would have to go into a residential nursing home where the fees would be
      upwards of L400 a week, at a conservative guess. So, I am being paid L33.70 a
      week to do a job that would otherwise cost L400 a week plus. Is that fair?'

PMID- 27685736
TI  - Trends in managing schizophrenia.
AB  - Aims The aims of this article are to inform the reader of recent advances in the
      concepts related to schizophrenia, and in the care and treatment of people with
      schizophrenia.

PMID- 27685737
TI  - Did I call NHS nurses overpaid?
AB  - A few months ago, I wrote that NHS nurses are overpaid for the work they do
      (Level of skills in nursing homes, March 3).

PMID- 27685738
TI  - Pain in Spain needs no restraints.
AB  - I cannot adequately describe my frustration and anger at the treatment of
      delegates to the International Council of Nurses' Congress in Madrid.

PMID- 27685739
TI  - For better or worse, vive la difference.
AB  - I have just read the thoroughly depressing article, 'Ordinariness in nursing: a
      study'(Clinical, June 16). Dissections and post mortems are, by comparison,
      cheerful.

PMID- 27685740
TI  - In praise of the RCN's plea for involvement.
AB  - I should like to challenge the assumptions Ann Catlow made in arguing against the
      training of health care assistants under the patient focused hospitals initiative
      to perform tasks normally undertaken by 'skilled professionals such as
      phlebotomists'.

PMID- 27685741
TI  - Moral slingshots in ethical glass houses.
AB  - Last week I watched Joan Bakewell on BBC television as she explored the issues
      surrounding some clinicians' decisions to refuse to treat people who fail to
      comply with the stipulation that they give up smoking.

PMID- 27685742
TI  - No U-turn, and focus is firmly on patients.
AB  - I would take issue with Ann Catlow's claim that the RCN has done a U-turn on its
      attitudes towards patient focused hospitals (June 2).

PMID- 27685744
TI  - Setting the research record straight.
AB  - Your news feature, Team spirit (June 23), though a well- presented and accurate
      report on the community research project I co-ordinate, contained one error that
      reflects badly on standards of care in Dorset. The article stated: 'More than a
      third [of clients] had pressure sores.'

PMID- 27685743
TI  - Concern over violent attacks warranted.
AB  - Mike George is right to be concerned about the underreporting of violent attacks
      on staff (News features, June 2).

PMID- 27685745
TI  - Information exchange.
AB  - * I am working as an enrolled nurse on an intensive care unit. I plan to begin a
      follow-up bereavement service for patients' relatives.

PMID- 27685746
TI  - Gossip.
AB  - The health service is in a mess and it's all your fault...again.

PMID- 27685747
TI  - A Student's Dictionary of Psychology, 2nd edition A Student's Dictionary of
      Psychology, 2nd edition P Stratton N Hayes Edward Arnold 224pp L10.99 0-340-56926
      3.
AB  - As suggested by the title, A Student's Dictionary of Psychology contains over 200
      pages of definitions of terms and words used in psychology.

PMID- 27685748
TI  - When a baby dies N Kobner When a baby dies and A Henley SANDS/Pandora 256pp L6.99
      0-04-440566-9.
AB  - It is difficult to recommend When a Baby Dies, an articulate and well-presented
      book, to anyone without great sadness that such a book should be necessary, that
      from every 100 established at least one family will need the advice and help it
      offers. The material discusses the incidence and trauma of a baby's death,
      particularly the parents' bewildered grief resulting from late miscarriage,
      stillbirth or after only a few weeks of their baby's life.

PMID- 27685749
TI  - Conflicts in Care Conflicts in Care L Mackey Chapman & Hall 298pp L13-95 0-412
      47860-9 [Formula: see text].
AB  - Four years ago, Lesley Mackay wrote a brilliant exposition on nursing and the
      problems it presented patients, managers, the government and themselves called
      Nursing a Problem (Milton Keynes, OUP).

PMID- 27685750
TI  - No fat spreadsheet.
AB  - This is another one of Borland's cut- down bargains. They are offering a smaller
      version of their well-known Quattro Pro spreadsheet program for less than L50.

PMID- 27685751
TI  - Listings.
AB  - August 6-8 An International Nurse Practitioners' Conference will be held at the
      cafe Royal, London. The organisers are Nursing Standard, and the Royal College of
      Nursing's Institute of Advanced Nursing Education and Community Nursing
      Association. Details from Karen Waterman, Nursing Standard, 17-19 Peterborough
      Road, Harrow, Middlesex HAL 2AX. Tel 081-423 1066. September 2-4 The RCN Society
      of Paediatric Nursing, inassociationwith Paediatric Nursing and Nursing Standard,
      will hold the first UK International Paediatric Nursing Conference at Churchill
      College, University of Cambridge. The theme is 'Commitment to care'. The fee is
      L2S0 for RCN members and L300 for non-members, excluding VAT. Details from Karen
      Waterman, Nursing Standard, Viking House, 17-19 Peterborough Road, Harrow HA1
      2AX. Tel 081-423 1066.

PMID- 27685752
TI  - Editorial: Being responsive: promoting LGBTI health and well-being.

PMID- 27685753
TI  - Inhibition of phosphodiesterase 3, 4, and 5 induces endolymphatic hydrops in
      mouse inner ear, as evaluated with repeated 9.4T MRI.
AB  - CONCLUSION: The data indicate important roles for phosphodiesterase (PDE) 3, 4,
      5, and related cAMP and cGMP pools in the regulation of inner ear fluid
      homeostasis. Thus, dysfunction of these enzymes might contribute to pathologies
      of the inner ear. OBJECTIVE: The mechanisms underlying endolymphatic hydrops, a
      hallmark of inner ear dysfunction, are not known in detail; however, altered
      balance in cAMP and cGMP signaling systems appears to be involved. Key components
      of these systems are PDEs, enzymes that modulate the amplitude, duration,
      termination, and specificity of cAMP and cGMP signaling. METHOD: To evaluate the
      role of PDE3, 4, and 5 and associated cAMP and cGMP pools in inner ear function,
      the effect of cilostamide (PDE3 inhibitor), rolipram (PDE4 inhibitor), and
      sildenafil (PDE5 inhibitor), administrated via mini-osmotic pumps, on mouse inner
      ear fluid homeostasis was evaluated using 9.4T in vivo MRI in combination with
      intraperitoneally administered Gadolinium contrast. Also, using human saccule as
      a model, the expression of PDEs and related signaling molecules and targets was
      studied using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: PDE3, PDE4, as well as PDE5
      inhibitors resulted in the development of endolymphatic hydrops. Furthermore,
      PDE3B, PDE4D, and some related signaling components were shown to be expressed in
      the human saccule.

PMID- 27685754
TI  - Change in Quality of Life and Its Association with Oral Health and Other Factors
      in Community-Dwelling Elderly Adults-A Prospective Cohort Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine whether changes in oral health status were associated
      with decline in quality of life (QoL). DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING:
      Carlos Barbosa, southern Brazil. PARTICIPANTS: A random sample of 872 community
      dwelling individuals aged 60 and older was evaluated in 2004. The current study
      population consisted of 389 participants available for follow-up in 2012.
      MEASURES: Change in QoL was assessed through the use of the short version of the
      World Health Organization QoL Assessment tool (WHOQOL-BREF) at baseline and
      follow-up. Each WHOQOL domain generates a score, with changes being calculated
      for each domain. Individuals with the same or higher scores at follow-up were
      categorized as having improved QoL, and those with lower scores were categorized
      as having a decline in QoL. Sociodemographic and health variables were assessed
      in an interview, and tooth loss, use of dental prostheses, and satisfaction with
      chewing ability and oral appearance were verified through oral examinations.
      Interviews and examinations were repeated. Risk ratios (RRs) relative to the
      outcome and independent variables were estimated using Poisson regression with a
      robust variance estimator. RESULTS: Tooth loss was a risk factor for decline in
      the psychological domain of QoL (RR = 1.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.02
      1.06). Improvement in satisfaction with chewing ability was a protective factor
      for decline in this same domain (RR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.50-0.97). Greater
      satisfaction with oral appearance was a protective factor against decline in
      social (RR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.72-0.98) and environmental (RR = 0.77, 95% CI =
      0.61-0.97) domain scores. CONCLUSION: Preventing tooth loss and recognizing and
      properly addressing concerns about chewing and dental appearance can affect the
      general well-being of community-dwelling elderly adults.

PMID- 27685755
TI  - Using visual guidance to retrain an experienced golfer's gaze: A case study.
AB  - Eye movements are essential for both predictive and reactive control of complex
      motor skills such as the golf swing. We examined the use of a visually guided
      learning protocol to retrain an experienced golfer's point-of-gaze immediately
      prior to execution of the full golf swing; his swing, and his gaze behaviour, had
      become established over more than a decade of practice and competition.
      Performance and eye movement data were obtained, from baseline, through
      intervention, to retention, for a total of 159 shots struck at a target 200 yards
      away. Results show that, at baseline, not only was the golfer's point-of-gaze not
      at the intended/predicted location, at the top-rear of the ball, but there was
      also high trial-to-trial variability. A bespoke visual guidance protocol improved
      his gaze behaviour considerably, in terms of accuracy and consistency - and this
      was reflected in accuracy and consistency of his shots. Implications of
      oculomotor interventions for the relearning of established motor skills are
      discussed.

PMID- 27685756
TI  - Crystal structure of beta1->6-galactosidase from Bifidobacterium bifidum S17:
      trimeric architecture, molecular determinants of the enzymatic activity and its
      inhibition by alpha-galactose.
AB  - : In a search for better comprehension of beta-galactosidase function and
      specificity, we solved the crystal structures of the GH42 beta-galactosidase
      BbgII from Bifidobacterium bifidum S17, a well-adapted probiotic microorganism
      from the human digestive tract, and its complex with d-alpha-galactose. BbgII is
      a three-domain molecule that forms barrel-shaped trimers in solution. BbgII
      interactions with d-alpha-galactose, a competitive inhibitor, showed a number of
      residues that are involved in the coordination of ligands. A combination of site
      directed mutagenesis of these amino acid residues with enzymatic activity
      measurements confirmed that Glu161 and Glu320 are fundamental for catalysis and
      their substitution by alanines led to catalytically inactive mutants. Mutation
      Asn160Ala resulted in a two orders of magnitude decrease of the enzyme kcat
      without significant modification in its Km , whereas mutations Tyr289Phe and
      His371Phe simultaneously decreased kcat and increased Km values. Enzymatic
      activity of Glu368Ala mutant was too low to be detected. Our docking and
      molecular dynamics simulations showed that the enzyme recognizes and tightly
      binds substrates with beta1->6 and beta1->3 bonds, while binding of the
      substrates with beta1->4 linkages is less favorable. DATABASE: Structural data
      are available in the PDB under the accession numbers 4UZS and 4UCF.

PMID- 27685757
TI  - HPV for cervical cancer screening (HPV FOCAL): Complete Round 1 results of a
      randomized trial comparing HPV-based primary screening to liquid-based cytology
      for cervical cancer.
AB  - : Complete Round 1 data (baseline and 12-month follow-up) for HPV FOCAL, a
      randomized trial establishing the efficacy of HPV DNA testing with cytology
      triage as a primary screen for cervical cancer are presented. Women were
      randomized to one of three arms: Control arm - Baseline liquid-based cytology
      (LBC) with ASCUS results triaged with HPV testing; Intervention and Safety arms -
      Baseline HPV with LBC triage for HPV positives. Results are presented for 15,744
      women allocated to the HPV (intervention and safety combined) and 9,408 to the
      control arms. For all age cohorts, the CIN3+ detection rate was higher in the HPV
      (7.5/1,000; 95%CI: 6.2, 8.9) compared to the control arm (4.6/1,000; 95%CI: 3.4,
      6.2). The CIN2+ detection rates were also significantly higher in the HPV
      (16.5/1,000; 95%CI: 14.6, 18.6) vs. the control arm (10.1/1,000; 95%CI: 8.3,
      12.4). In women >=35 years, the overall detection rates for CIN2+ and CIN3+ were
      higher in the HPV vs. the control arm (CIN2+:10.0/1,000 vs. 5.2/1,000; CIN3+:
      4.2/1,000 vs. 2.2/1,000 respectively, with a statistically significant difference
      for CIN2+). HPV testing detected significantly more CIN2+ in women 25-29 compared
      to LBC (63.7/1,000; 95%CI: 51.9, 78.0 vs. 32.4/1,000; 95%CI: 22.3, 46.8). HPV
      testing resulted in significantly higher colposcopy referral rates for all age
      cohorts (HPV: 58.9/1,000; 95%CI: 55.4, 62.7 vs. CONTROL: 30.9/1,000; 95%CI: 27.6,
      34.6). At completion of Round 1 HPV-based cervical cancer screening in a
      population-based program resulted in greater CIN2+ detection of across all age
      cohorts compared to LBC screening.

PMID- 27685758
TI  - Physician driven variation in the care of children with spinal muscular atrophy
      type 1.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increasing numbers of families are requesting active supportive
      management for their child with spinal muscular atrophy type 1 (SMA1), leading to
      longer survival and greater prevalence of affected children. Strong opinions
      exist among physicians for and against the provision of care measures prolonging
      life. OBJECTIVE: To describe current practice in the care of SMA1 in Canada, and
      explore the factors underlying inter-physician variability. METHODS: A cross
      sectional survey of Canadian hospital-based pediatric neurologists and pediatric
      respirologists was performed in 2015. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals
      were calculated to compare proportions between groups. RESULTS: There was a 54%
      completion rate (99 physicians). Over half of participants believed that a
      disease modifying therapy was likely within 10 years. Quebec respirologists were
      50 times less likely to offer long-term non-invasive ventilation (NIV) than
      respirologists in other provinces (OR 50.6, 95% CI 2.4-1075.3), and 20 times less
      likely to discuss tracheostomy with families (OR 20.4, 95% CI 2.0-211.8). High
      raters of perceived happiness of affected children were more likely to find NIV
      an acceptable measure for acute (OR 6.7, 95% CI 1.7-26.0) and chronic (OR 13.7,
      95% CI 4.0-46.4) respiratory failure and prophylactic use (OR 5.8, 95% CI 2.2
      15.6). CONCLUSION: Physician knowledge, opinions, subjective perception of child
      happiness, and regional factors, all influence physicians' practices and the
      shared decision-making process. Parents may not be informed or offered all the
      services available to their child. Knowledge translation initiatives are needed
      to enhance SMA1 care. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017;52:662-668. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27685759
TI  - Towards a consensus on genotyping schemes for surveillance and outbreak
      investigations of Cryptosporidium, Berlin, June 2016.

PMID- 27685760
TI  - Domino Staudinger/aza-Wittig/Mannich Reaction: An Approach to Diversity of Di-
      and Tetrahydropyrrole Scaffolds.
AB  - A highly efficient and selective domino reaction producing valuable di- and
      tetrahydropyrrole-based skeletons from azidoethyl-substituted CH-acids and
      (thio)carbonyl compounds has been developed. By involving the additional
      functional groups in starting compounds into the domino reaction or
      postmodification of the primary reaction products, the simple construction of the
      pharmaceutically relevant three- and polycyclic azaheterocyclic scaffolds was
      demonstrated.

PMID- 27685761
TI  - Effect of Cortical Screw Diameter on Reduction and Stabilization of Type III
      Distal Phalanx Fractures: An Equine Cadaveric Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare reduction of type III distal phalangeal fractures using 4.5
      and 5.5 mm cortical screws placed in lag fashion and an intact hoof capsule
      model. STUDY DESIGN: Cadaveric experimental study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Hooves from
      12 adult horses (n=24). METHODS: Sagittal fractures were created in pairs of
      distal phalanges after distal interphalangeal joint disarticulation and were
      reduced with either 4.5 or 5.5 mm cortical screws placed in lag fashion.
      Contralateral phalanges served as non-reduced controls. Fracture reduction
      following screw placement was assessed by comparing pre-reduction and post
      reduction fracture gap measurements from radiographs using paired t-tests.
      Effects of incremental loading (0, 135, 270, 540, 800, 1070, and 1335 kg) on
      fracture gaps in 6 phalanges reduced with 4.5 mm screws and 5 phalanges reduced
      with 5.5 mm screws were measured from fluoroscopic images and assessed by 2-way
      ANOVA. Significance was set at P<.05. RESULTS: Type III distal phalanx fractures
      were reliably created. Only 5.5 mm cortical screws, not 4.5 mm screws,
      significantly reduced fracture gaps and constrained fracture gap expansion 3 cm
      distal to the articular surface. Compressive loading closed the fracture gaps at
      the articular surface in both non-reduced control groups and those reduced with
      either 5.5 or 4.5 mm screws. CONCLUSION: The 5.5 mm cortical screws were more
      effective than 4.5 mm screws in reducing type III distal phalanx fractures and
      restricting distal fracture gap expansion under load.

PMID- 27685762
TI  - Drug induced interstitial lung disease in oncology phase I trials.
AB  - Interstitial lung disease is a serious drug-related condition that can cause life
      threatening organ failure. The incidence and risk factors of drug-induced
      interstitial lung disease (DILD) are unknown in oncology phase I trials. This
      study analyzed clinical information from 8906 patients with malignancies who were
      enrolled in 470 phase I trials sponsored by the Cancer Therapy Evaluation
      Program, National Cancer Institute, from 1988 to 2014. Logistic and Cox
      statistical analyses were utilized to determine clinical differences between
      patients who developed DILD and patients who did not. In this study, the overall
      incidence rate of patients with pulmonary toxicity was 2.7%. The overall
      incidence rate for DILD was 0.77%, whereas for grade 3 or 4 DILD it was 0.31%.
      Median time to occurrence of DILD was 1.4 months. The Cox hazard analysis
      indicated smaller body surface area and a combination of thoracic radiation with
      investigational drug regimens were significant risk factors for time to
      occurrence of interstitial lung disease. Investigators should carefully monitor
      for DILD in oncology patients enrolled in phase I trials with identified risk
      factors. A 6-month observation period would be sufficient to detect the onset of
      most DILD in such patients.

PMID- 27685763
TI  - How do relatives cope with eating disorders? Results from an Italian multicentre
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to: (1) describe coping strategies in relatives of
      patients with eating disorders (EDs); (2) analyze coping strategies according to
      the different EDs; (3) identify correlations between patients' clinical
      characteristics, relatives' socio-demographic characteristics and coping
      strategies. METHODS: Patients and their relatives consecutively attending three
      outpatient units for EDs at the Universities of Naples SUN, Salerno and Catanzaro
      were recruited. Coping strategies were assessed through the Family Coping
      Questionnaire for Eating Disorders (FCQ-ED). It consists of 32 items, grouped
      into two factors: problem-oriented ("seek for information", "positive
      communication") and emotion-focused ("avoidance," "collusion," "coercion")
      strategies, plus one item on seeking for spiritual help. RESULTS: Seventy-two
      patients and 127 relatives were recruited. The most frequently reported coping
      strategies by relatives were seeking for information, positive communication,
      seeking for spiritual help; the first two coping strategies were positively
      correlated with the level of education of both patients and relatives. Mothers
      reported avoidance less frequently than other relatives. Relatives of patients
      with BN reported collusion and coercion more frequently compared to relatives of
      patients with AN. DISCUSSION: This report represents an initial attempt to
      understand the complex relationship among clinical, social and personal variables
      involved in the development of coping strategies. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals,
      Inc.(Int J Eat Disord 2017; 50:587-592).

PMID- 27685764
TI  - Emotional influences on perception and working memory.
AB  - Although there has been steady progress elucidating the influence of emotion on
      cognition, it remains unclear precisely when and why emotion impairs or
      facilitates cognition. The present study investigated the mechanisms involved in
      the influence of emotion on perception and working memory (WM), using modified 0
      back and 2-back tasks, respectively. First, results showed that attentional focus
      modulated the impact of emotion on perception. Specifically, emotion facilitated
      perceptual task performance when it was relevant to the task, but it impaired
      performance when it was irrelevant to the task. The differential behavioural
      effect of emotion on perception as a function of attentional focus diminished
      under high WM load. Second, attentional focus did not directly modulate the
      impact of emotion on WM, but rather its influence depended on the dynamic
      relationship between internal representations. Specifically, WM performance was
      worse when the material already being held online and the new input were of
      matching emotions (e.g. both were negative), compared to when they were not. We
      propose that the competition between "bottom-up" and "top-down" processing for
      limited cognitive resources explains the nature of the influence of emotion on
      both perception and WM.

PMID- 27685765
TI  - Relationship between Widening and Position of the Tunnels and Clinical Results of
      Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction to Knee Osteoarthritis: 30 Patients at
      a Minimum Follow-Up of 10 Years.
AB  - To evaluate the relationship between tunnel position and widening and long-term
      clinical results in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, a
      retrospective cohort of 30 patients undergoing ACL reconstruction with double
      semitendinous plus double gracilis (SAC technique) with longer than 10-year
      follow-up was selected. CT scans in the first 3 months and at final follow-up was
      evaluated. Position, angle, and widening of tunnels including Nebelung criteria
      were recorded in all CT scans. Physical, KT-1000, and clinical evaluation were
      performed at final follow-up. Outcomes and knee arthritis severity were evaluated
      at final follow-up. Mean follow-up was 11.2 +/- 1.2. At final follow-up, 85 and
      57% of tibial and femoral tunnels, respectively, developed some degree of
      enlargement. Frontal tibial angle (mean) was 72 degrees , sagittal tibial angle
      63 degrees , frontal femoral angle 47 degrees , sagittal femoral angle 20 degrees
      , and tunnels divergence angle 36 degrees . Preoperatively, KT-1000 30L and
      Lachman test scores were 5.52 and 5.79 respectively. In the last follow-up, 30L
      and manual Lachman test scores were 0.97 and 1.13, respectively (p < 0.001). In
      IKDC scale, pivot shift and Jerk tests showed 83 and 84% grade A results,
      respectively (p < 0.0001). In Fairbank scale, 23% worsened one grade and 27%
      worsened more than one grade (p < 0.005). Tibial tunnels widened more than
      femoral tunnels and further dilatation was found between intermediate and final
      follow-up. Higher incidence of tibial tunnel widening was observed in patients
      with tunnel verticalization. Tibial tunnel dilation was associated with long-term
      degenerative changes but not with final knee instability.

PMID- 27685766
TI  - The "Hoop" Plate for Posterior Bicondylar Shear Tibial Plateau Fractures:
      Description of a New Surgical Technique.
AB  - High-energy fractures of the proximal tibia with extensive fragmentation of the
      posterior rim of the tibial plateau are challenging. This technique aims to
      describe a method on how to embrace the posterior rim of the tibial plateau by
      placing a horizontal precontoured one-third tubular plate wrapped around its
      corners. This method, which we named "hoop plating," is mainly indicated for
      cases of crushed juxta-articular rim fractures, aiming to restore cortical
      containment of the tibial plateau. Through a lateral approach with a fibular head
      osteotomy (Lobenhoffer approach), both anterolateral and posterolateral fragments
      are directly reduced and supported by a one-third tubular plate of adequate
      length. The plate is inserted from lateral to medial deep to all soft tissues,
      and its position is checked with fluoroscopy. The implant sits exactly on the
      posterior cortex of the tibial plateau and provides containment for the reduced
      juxta-articular posterior cortex and rim. We begin with immediate range of
      motion. Toe-touch weight-bearing with crutches is allowed with the operated knee
      in full extension. Weight-bearing is gradually increased only after 6 weeks as
      bone healing is taking place. Clinical follow-up is performed at 1, 3, 6, and 12
      weeks. If the radiological exam confirms that the fracture is healed, the patient
      is allowed to proceed to muscle strengthening and bear weight entirely. The "hoop
      plating" may be a good option for the management in cases of extensive posterior
      tibial plateau articular surface fracture and impaction with rim and posterior
      cortical wall fragmentation.

PMID- 27685767
TI  - Infrapatellar Fat Pad Excision during Total Knee Arthroplasty Did Not Alter the
      Patellar Tendon Length: A 5-Year Follow-Up Study.
AB  - Partial or total resection of the infrapatellar fat pad (IPFP) helps surgeon
      improve access to lateral tibial plateau for better placement of the knee
      prosthesis. We aimed to investigate the effect of IPFP excision on clinical and
      radiologic outcomes including patellar tendon length (PTL), range of motion, and
      functional scores after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) at 5-year follow-up. We
      retrospectively evaluated postoperative first X-rays (day 0) and postoperative
      final 5-year control views of 228 knees in patients with primary osteoarthritis
      who underwent TKA between September 2006 and December 2009 in our hospital.
      Exclusion criteria were patients who had lateral release, patellar resurfacing,
      septic or aseptic loosening, fracture around the replaced knee, any other prior
      knee surgery, or any systemic inflammatory disease. IPFP was completely resected
      in all knees to enhance surgical exposure and patellar mobilization. Radiologic
      evaluation of PTL was performed in early postoperative and 5-year control X-rays
      comparatively. The mean early postoperative PTL was 47.4 +/- 6 (range: 35-72),
      the mean final postoperative PTL was 47 +/- 6.3 (range: 33-68) (p = 0.1). The
      average preoperative flexion was 115 +/- 11 degrees, whereas it was 111 +/- 4
      degrees, postoperatively (p = 0.73). Both the clinical and functional outcome
      scores improved in all patients. IPFP excision during TKA did not alter PTL at 5
      year follow-up. A focus on other surgical and/or host-related factors may help
      clarify contradictory patellar tendon shortening reported in the literature.

PMID- 27685768
TI  - Evolving Beyond Craft Surgery Is Both Inevitable and Essential.
AB  - Given the increasing emphasis in health care on improving outcomes, reproducible
      results, and creating value for the patient, orthopedic surgery in particular
      must necessarily continue to progress away from an individualized and a surgeon
      specific technical craft and toward a highly automated and computer-integrated
      process in which surgeon and digitized systems interact to provide the most
      reproducible and consistent outcomes possible. In doing so, orthopedic surgery
      would follow the same path that every other highly reliable and safety conscious
      industry has adopted by absolute necessity. This evolution should therefore not
      be discouraged but rather embraced and accelerated.

PMID- 27685769
TI  - Aberrant changes of somatostatin and neuropeptide Y in brain of a genetic rat
      model for epilepsy: tremor rat.
AB  - Excessive excitation or loss of inhibitory neurotransmission has been closely
      related to epileptic activity. Somatostatin (SST) and Neuropeptide Y (NPY) are
      members of endogenous neuropeptides which are recognized as important modulator
      of classical neurotransmitter, distributed abundantly in mammalian central
      nervous system. Abnormal expression of these two neuropeptides evidenced in some
      epileptic models highlights the relevance of SST or NPY in the pathogenesis of
      epilepsy. The tremor rat (TRM) is a genetic epileptic animal model which can
      manifest tonic convulsions without any external stimuli. The present study aimed
      to investigate the distribution and expression of SST and NPY in TRM brains,
      including hippocampus, temporal lobe cortex and cerebellum. Our RT-PCR data
      showed that up-regulated mRNA expression of SST and NPY was discovered in TRM
      hippocampus and temporal lobe cortex compared with control (Wistar) rats. The
      peptide levels of these neuropeptides in brain areas mentioned above were both
      apparently higher than that in normal Wistar rats as well. However, in
      cerebellums, neither SST nor NPY was significantly changed compared with control
      group. The immunohistochemical data showed that SST and NPY were widely present
      throughout CA1, CA3 and the hilus of hippocampus, the entorhinal cortex of
      temporal lobe cortex, as well as cerebellar Purkinje layer. In conclusion, our
      results discovered the aberrant changes of SST and NPY in several TRM brain
      regions, suggesting that the peptidergic system might be involved in TRM
      epileptiform activity. 

PMID- 27685770
TI  - High-dose 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D supplementation elongates the lifespan of
      Huntington's disease transgenic mice.
AB  - Huntington's disease is an autosomal dominant progressive neurodegenerative
      disease, which results in a decreased quality of life and an early death. A high
      prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was first described in a 2013 study in
      patients with manifest Huntington's disease, where serum vitamin D level was
      found to be associated with motor capabilities of the patients. Our objective was
      to investigate the effect of a high-dose vitamin D3 supplementation on a
      transgenic mouse model of Huntington's disease. Our study was performed on N171
      82Q Huntington's disease transgenic mice in age- and gender-matched groups. We
      collected data on the motor state and survival of the mice. The results
      demonstrate that though vitamin D3 had no effect on the motor performance of
      transgenic mice, but significantly increased the lifespan of transgenic animals
      (Kaplan-Meier survival curves: vehicle-supplemented group: 73 (67-94) days vs.
      vitamin D3-supplemented group: 101 (74-109) days, p=0.048 Mantel-Cox log rank
      test). Further investigations are needed to determine whether a neuroprotective
      or a general corroborative effect of vitamin D leads to the measured effect. Our
      findings support the potential influence of vitamin D deficiency on the disease
      course and propose that vitamin D may be an effective supplementary treatment to
      beneficially influence clinical features of Huntington's disease. 

PMID- 27685771
TI  - Effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on non-veridical decision
      making.
AB  - We test the emerging hypothesis that prefrontal cortical mechanisms involved in
      non-veridical decision making do not overlap with those of veridical decision
      making. Healthy female subjects performed an experimental task assessing free
      choice, agent-centered decision making (The Cognitive Bias Task) and a veridical
      control task related to visuospatial working memory (the Moving Spot Task).
      Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was applied to the left and right
      dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) using 1 Hz and 10 Hz (intermittent) rTMS
      and sham protocols. Both 1 Hz and 10 Hz stimulation of the DLPFC triggered a
      shift towards a more context-independent, internal representations driven non
      veridical selection bias. A significantly reduced preference for choosing objects
      based on similarity was detected, following both 1 Hz and 10 Hz treatment of the
      right as well as 1 Hz rTMS of the left DLPFC. 1 Hz rTMS treatment of the right
      DLPFC also triggered a significant improvement in visuospatial working memory
      performance on the veridical task. The effects induced by prefrontal TMS mimicked
      those of posterior lesions, suggesting that prefrontal stimulation influenced
      neuronal activity in remote cortical regions interconnected with the stimulation
      site via longitudinal fasciculi. 

PMID- 27685772
TI  - The effects of edaravone in ketamine-induced model of mania in rats.
AB  - Bipolar disorder is a chronic disease characterized by recurring episodes of
      mania and depression that can lead to disability. This study investigates the
      protective effects of edaravone (3-methyl-1-phenyl-2-pyrazolin-5-one), a drug
      with well-known antioxidant properties, in a model of mania induced by ketamine
      in rats. Locomotor activity was assessed in the open-field test. Superoxide
      dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances
      (TBARS) levels were measured in order to evaluate oxidative damage in the rat
      hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Increased locomotor activity (hyperlocomotion)
      was observed at the open-field test with ketamine treatment (25 mg/kg, i.p., 8
      days). Edaravone (18 mg/kg) treatment did not prevent hyperlocomotion in the
      mania model induced with ketamine in rats, but lithium chloride (47.5 mg/kg,
      i.p., positive control) did prevent hyperlocomotion. Edaravone and lithium
      chloride treatments were found to reduce the increase in SOD and CAT activity
      following ketamine administration in a non-significant manner but caused no
      change in TBARS levels. 

PMID- 27685773
TI  - Continuous MPTP intoxication in the Gottingen minipig results in chronic
      parkinsonian deficits.
AB  - Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder, resulting from
      progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta
      (SNc). Neuroprotective therapies in PD are still not available, perhaps because
      animal models do not imitate the chronic and progressive nature of the clinical
      state of PD. To address this, we performed a feasibility study aimed at
      establishing a chronic non-primate large animal PD model in Gottingen minipigs
      based on continuous infusion of the neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6
      tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). Twelve female Gottingen minipigs were divided into
      groups of 2-4 animals and implanted with infusion pumps for continuous
      intramuscular MPTP delivery of 4-24 mg MPTP/day for 11 weeks. The animals showed
      parkinsonian symptoms with bradykinesia, rigidity, coordination and chewing
      difficulties. Symptoms were stable in the 12 and 18 mg MPTP/day groups, whereas
      the remaining groups showed partial or full behavioral recovery. Digital gait
      analysis, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) measurements and
      stereological counts of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive (TH+) neurons in the SNc
      revealed a dose-related decrease in gait velocity, striatal metabolite levels and
      neuron numbers with increasing doses of MPTP. No neuronal inclusions were
      observed, but alpha-synuclein staining intensified with increased cumulative MPTP
      dosages. We conclude that this large-animal model of chronic MPTP administration
      in Gottingen minipigs shows trends of stable parkinsonian deficits at 18 mg
      MPTP/day in all modalities examined. This PD model shares many of the
      characteristics seen in patients and, although preliminary, holds considerable
      promise for future pre-clinical trials of neuroprotective therapies. 

PMID- 27685774
TI  - Rat white matter injury model induced by endothelin-1 injection: technical
      modification and pathological evaluation.
AB  - White matter injury is an important cause of functional disability of the brain.
      We comprehensively analyzed a modified endothelin-1 (ET-1) injection-induced
      white matter injury model in the rat which is very valuable for investigating the
      underlying mechanisms of subcortical ischemic stroke. ET-1 was stereotactically
      injected into the internal capsule of the rat. To avoid complications with
      leakage of ET-1 into the lateral ventricle, the safest trajectory angle to the
      target was established. Rats with white matter injury were extensively evaluated
      for structural changes and functional sequelae, using motor function tests,
      magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, histopathology evolution, volume estimation of
      the lesion, and neuroanatomical identification of affected neurons using the
      retrograde tracer hydroxystilbamidine. Optimization of the trajectory of the ET-1
      injection needle provided excellent survival rate. MR imaging visualized the
      white matter injury 2 days after surgery. Motor function deficit appeared
      temporarily after the operation. Histological studies confirmed damage of axons
      and myelin sheaths followed by inflammatory reaction and gliosis similar to
      lacunar infarction, with lesion volume of less than 1% of the whole brain.
      Hydroxystilbamidine injected into the lesion revealed wide spatial distribution
      of the affected neuronal population. Compared with prior ET-1 injection models,
      this method induced standardized amount of white matter damage and temporary
      motor function deficit in a reproducible and safe manner. The present model is
      valuable for studying the pathophysiology of not only ischemia, but a broader set
      of white matter damage conditions in the lissencephalic brain. 

PMID- 27685775
TI  - Effects of social stress and clomipramine on emotional memory in mice.
AB  - We have previously observed impairing effects of social defeat stress (CSDS) on
      inhibitory avoidance (IA) in mice. Given the similarity between changes produced
      by social stress in animals and symptoms of certain human psychopathologies such
      as depression and anxiety, the effects of the antidepressant clomipramine on IA
      impairment produced by CSDS were evaluated in the present study. Male CD1 mice
      were randomly assigned to the groups: non-stressed+saline, non
      stressed+clomipramine, stressed+saline and stressed+clomipramine. Stressed
      animals were subjected to daily agonistic encounters (10 min) in the home cage of
      the aggressor over a 20-day period. Just before each encounter, non-stressed and
      stressed mice were injected i.p. with saline or clomipramine (10 mg/kg) according
      to their experimental condition. 24 hours after the last CSDS session, all the
      mice were tested in a step-through IA task. In the IA training phase, animals
      were punished by a shock to the paw when they entered the dark compartment of the
      apparatus. In the IA test phase (one week later) the same procedure took place,
      but without shock. Complementary measures were obtained by evaluating all the
      animals in an elevated plus maze (locomotor activity and emotionality) and on a
      hot plate (analgesia). IA learning was confirmed in all groups except the
      stressed+saline group, which was the only one that exhibited higher anxiety
      levels. No variations were observed in either locomotor activity or analgesia. In
      conclusion, CSDS induces anxiety and impairs emotional memory in mice; the
      negative effects of CSDS on memory appear to be attenuated by clomipramine, and
      these detrimental effects do not seem to be secondary to the effects of CSDS on
      locomotor activity, emotionality or pain sensitivity. 

PMID- 27685777
TI  - Spatial memory formation differentially affects c-Fos expression in retrosplenial
      areas during place avoidance training in rats.
AB  - The retrosplenial cortex is involved in spatial memory function, but the
      contribution of its individual areas is not well known. To elucidate the
      involvement of retrosplenial cortical areas 29c and 30 in spatial memory, we
      analyzed the expression of c-Fos in these areas in the experimental group of rats
      that were trained in a spatial place avoidance task, i.e. to avoid shocks
      presented in an unmarked sector of a stable arena under light conditions. Control
      rats were trained in the same context as the experimental rats either without
      (Control-noUS) or with shocks (Control-US) that were delivered in a random,
      noncontingent manner for three days. On the first day of place avoidance
      learning, the experimental group exhibited c-Fos induction in area 29c, similar
      to both control groups. In area 30, similarly high levels of c-Fos expression
      were observed in the experimental and Control-US groups. On the third day of
      training, when the experimental group efficiently avoided c-Fos expression in
      areas 29c and 30 was lower compared with the first day of training. In area 29c c
      Fos level was also lower in the experimental than in comparison to the Control-US
      group. In area 30, c-Fos expression in the experimental group was lower than in
      both control groups. In conclusion, areas 29c and 30 appear to be activated
      during spatial memory acquisition on the first day of training, whereas area 30
      seems suppressed during long-term memory functioning on the third day of training
      when rats effectively avoid. 

PMID- 27685776
TI  - The false-positive responses of analgesic drugs to the intradermal serotonin- and
      compound 48/80-induced scratches as an animal model of itch.
AB  - Intradermal injection of pruritogens such as serotonin, histamine and compound
      48/80 into the skin and then, the evaluation of the scratching behavior is the
      commonly used animal model to advance pruritic research and drug development.
      However, predictive validity of this model is poorly documented. There is a close
      interaction between itch and pain sensations with regard to mediation through an
      anatomically and functionally identical neuronal pathway. One approach is whether
      the existing animal model of itch differentiates itch or pain to show efficacy of
      clinically effective analgesic drugs as a back translation. In this study, we
      explored the effects of different group of analgesic drugs on serotonin and
      compound 48/80-induced scratching behavior in Balb-C mice. Serotonin (25 MUg) and
      compound 48/80 (100 MUg) was injected intradermally in a volume of 50 MUl into
      the rostral part of skin on the back of male mice and scratches were counted for
      a 30-min observation period. Morphine (1, 3, 10 mg/kg), tramadol (20, 40, 80
      mg/kg), cannabinoid agonist CP 55,940 (0.1, 0.3, 1 mg/kg), paracetamol (100, 200,
      300 mg/kg) and diclofenac (50, 100, 200 mg/kg) were given intraperitoneally 30
      min prior to pruritogen injection. The analgesic drugs dose dependently blocked
      serotonin and compound 48/80-induced straching behavior with exerting complete
      inhibition at certain doses. Our data suggests that intradermal pruritogen
      induced scratching models may not discriminate pain and itch sensations and give
      false positive results when standard analgesic drugs are used. 

PMID- 27685778
TI  - An anatomical study of the transversus nuchae muscle: Application to better
      understanding occipital neuralgia.
AB  - The transversus nuchae muscle appears inconsistently in the occipital region. It
      has gained attention as one of the muscles composing the superficial
      musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS). The purpose of this study was to clarify its
      detailed anatomical features. We examined 124 sides of 62 cadavers. The
      transversus nuchae muscle was identified when present and examined after it had
      been completely exposed. We also examined its relationship to the occipital
      cutaneous nerves.The transversus nuchae muscle was detected in 40 sides (40/124,
      32.2%) of 26 cadavers; it was present bilaterally in 14 and unilaterally in 12.
      It originated from the external occipital protuberance; 43% of the observed
      muscles inserted around the mastoid process, and 58% curved upward around the
      mastoid process and became the uppermost bundle of the platysma. In one case, an
      additional bundle originated from the lower posterior border of the
      sternocleidomastoid muscle and coursed obliquely upward along with platysma.
      Ninety percent of the muscles ran below the sling through which the greater
      occipital nerve passed; 65% of the lesser occipital nerves ran deep to the
      muscle, and 55% of the great auricular nerves ran superficial to it. Our
      observations clarify the unique anatomical features of the transversus nuchae
      muscle. We found that it occurs at a rate similar to that described in previous
      reports, but its arrangement is variable. Further investigations will be
      performed to clarify its innervation and other anatomical features. Clin. Anat.
      30:32-38, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27685779
TI  - A framework for cumulative risk assessment in the 21st century.
AB  - The ILSI Health and Environmental Sciences Institute (HESI) has developed a
      framework to support a transition in the way in which information for chemical
      risk assessment is obtained and used (RISK21). The approach is based on detailed
      problem formulation, where exposure drives the data acquisition process in order
      to enable informed decision-making on human health safety as soon as sufficient
      evidence is available. Information is evaluated in a transparent and consistent
      way with the aim of optimizing available resources. In the context of risk
      assessment, cumulative risk assessment (CRA) poses additional problems and
      questions that can be addressed using the RISK21 approach. The focus in CRA to
      date has generally been on chemicals that have common mechanisms of action.
      Recently, concern has also been expressed about chemicals acting on multiple
      pathways that lead to a common health outcome, and non-chemical other conditions
      (non-chemical stressors) that can lead to or modify a common outcome.
      Acknowledging that CRAs, as described above, are more conceptually,
      methodologically and computationally complex than traditional single-stressor
      risk assessments, RISK21 further developed the framework for implementation of
      workable processes and procedures for conducting assessments of combined effects
      from exposure to multiple chemicals and non-chemical stressors. As part of the
      problem formulation process, this evidence-based framework allows the
      identification of the circumstances in which it is appropriate to conduct a CRA
      for a group of compounds. A tiered approach is then proposed, where additional
      chemical stressors and/or non-chemical modulating factors (ModFs) are considered
      sequentially. Criteria are provided to facilitate the decision on whether or not
      to include ModFs in the formal quantitative assessment, with the intention to
      help focus the use of available resources to have the greatest potential to
      protect public health.

PMID- 27685780
TI  - Culture, myths and panic: Three decades and beyond with an HIV/AIDS epidemic in
      Zimbabwe.
AB  - Zimbabwe is going through a generalised acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
      epidemic. The first five years of the epidemic (1985-1990) were characterised by
      lack of medicines against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and an exponential
      increase in prevalence (65-fold) and incidence (13-fold), which were fuelled by
      high-risk sexual behaviour. The high HIV prevalence, mortality and stigma yielded
      great fear and panic in the population, which are thought to have led to
      confusion and hopelessness, and, in turn, increased risky sexual behaviour. The
      country's government and civil society embarked on HIV awareness campaigns that
      are claimed to have played a central role in slowing down the epidemic since the
      mid-2000s. HIV-related mortality then fell by 70% between 2003 and 2013, which is
      attributed to high uptake of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and prevention of
      mother-to-child transmission (95%) prophylaxis. However, the epidemic has been
      characterised by a low paediatric ART coverage (35% in 2011 to 46.12% in 2013).
      Year 2014 saw an increase in adolescent and young adult HIV prevalence, which may
      be signalling a rebound of the epidemic. A more holistic approach which deals
      with the epidemic in its socio-political context is required to effectively lower
      the country's HIV burden.

PMID- 27685781
TI  - Assessment of the interaction procedure between Pt(IV) prodrug [Pt(5,5'-dmbpy)Cl4
      and human serum albumin: Combination of spectroscopic and molecular modeling
      technique.
AB  - In this study, a cytotoxic Pt(IV) complex [Pt(5,5'-dmbpy)Cl4 (5,5'-dmbpy is 5,5'
      dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine) was selected to investigate its affinity to human serum
      albumin (HSA) by spectroscopy and molecular docking methods. This complex has a
      bidentate nitrogen donor ligand with four chloride anions attached to a Pt(IV)
      metal in a distorted octahedral environment. The fluorescence data showed this
      complex quench the intrinsic fluorescence of HSA through a static quenching
      mechanism. The binding constant (Kb) and the number of binding sites (n) were
      obtained based on the results of fluorescence measurements. UV-vis, circular
      dichroism spectroscopy, and three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy proved
      that the Pt(IV) complex could slightly change the secondary structure of protein.
      Thermodynamic parameters show that the Pt(IV) complex binds to HSA through
      electrostatic and Vander Waals interactions with one binding site. The molecular
      docking results confirmed the spectroscopic results and showed that Pt(IV)
      complex is embedded into subdomain IIA of protein. The aim of this study is to
      describe the performance of effective anti-cancer drugs when faced with proteins
      such as HSA.

PMID- 27685782
TI  - Continuous up to 4 Years Entecavir Treatment of HBV-Infected Adolescents - A
      Longitudinal Study in Real Life.
AB  - This study evaluated the long-term (up to 4 years) efficacy and safety of
      entecavir ETV treatment and analysed the significance of baseline and on
      treatment factors in long-term ETV outcomes in adolescents with chronic hepatitis
      B (CHB). We determined the cumulative virological and serological outcomes of 44
      adolescents with CHB receiving ETV for up to 4 years. To investigate the dynamics
      of HBV DNA, ALT activity and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion over
      time and their associations with the considered factors, generalized estimating
      equation (GEE) models were used. The cumulative rates of undetectable HBV DNA
      (<20 IU/ml) and HBeAg seroconversion after 4 years were 89.7% and 55.4%,
      respectively. In the study group, we showed that having undetectable HBV DNA at
      the 6th or 12th month of therapy predicted the achievement of a sustained
      response rate (SRR, defined as the loss of HBV DNA, loss of HBeAg and ALT
      normalization) at year 3 of ETV therapy (P = 0.048, OR = 5.83; P = 0.012; OR =
      14.57, respectively). The GEE analysis indicated that of the different factors,
      the duration of ETV therapy had a strong impact on the achievement of virological
      suppression, HBeAg seroconversion and SRR in adolescents. Each month after the
      initiation of therapy, the odds of loss of HBV DNA increased by approximately 5%
      (OR = 1.05, P<0.0001), on average. Additionally, the GEE analysis revealed that
      adolescents with an age at infection of >=10 years had 3 times higher odds of
      achieving undetectable HBV DNA than patients with a younger infection age (OR =
      3.67, P = 0.028). None of the ETV-treated patients reported significant adverse
      effects. ETV is an effective and safe treatment option for adolescents with CHB.
      Undetectable HBV DNA in the 6th and/or 12th month of ETV treatment and older age
      at infection could predict maintained virological suppression.

PMID- 27685783
TI  - Operating Characteristics of a Tuberculosis Screening Tool for People Living with
      HIV in Out-Patient HIV Care and Treatment Services, Rwanda.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization (WHO) 2010 guidelines for intensified
      tuberculosis (TB) case finding (ICF) among people living with HIV (PLHIV)
      includes a recommendation that PLHIV receive routine TB screening. Since 2005,
      the Rwandan Ministry of Health has been using a five-question screening tool. Our
      study objective was to assess the operating characteristics of the tool designed
      to identify PLHIV with presumptive TB as measured against a composite reference
      standard, including bacteriologically confirmed TB. METHODS: In a cross-sectional
      study, the TB screening tool was routinely administered at enrolment in
      outpatient HIV care and treatment services at seven public health facilities.
      From March to September 2011, study enrollees were examined for TB disease
      irrespective of TB screening outcome. The examination consisted of a chest
      radiograph (CXR), three sputum smears (SS), sputum culture (SC) and polymerase
      chain reaction line-probe assay (Hain test). PLHIV were classified as having
      "laboratory-confirmed TB" with positive results on SS for acid-fast bacilli, SC
      on Lowenstein-Jensen medium, or a Hain test. RESULTS: Overall, 1,767 patients
      were enrolled and screened of which; 1,017 (57.6%) were female, median age was 33
      (IQR, 27-41), and median CD4+ cell count was 385 (IQR, 229-563) cells/mm3. Of the
      patients screened, 138 (7.8%) were diagnosed with TB of which; 125 (90.5%) were
      laboratory-confirmed pulmonary TB. Of 404 (22.9%) patients who screened positive
      and 1,363 (77.1%) who screened negative, 79 (19.5%) and 59 (4.3%), respectively,
      were diagnosed with TB. For laboratory-confirmed TB, the tool had a sensitivity
      of 54.4% (95% CI 45.3-63.3), specificity of 79.5% (95% CI 77.5-81.5), PPV of
      16.8% and NPV of 95.8%. CONCLUSION: TB prevalence among PLHIV newly enrolling
      into HIV care and treatment was 65 times greater than the overall population
      prevalence. However, the performance of the tool was poorer than the predicted
      performance of the WHO recommended TB screening questions.

PMID- 27685784
TI  - Intrusive Memories of Distressing Information: An fMRI Study.
AB  - Although intrusive memories are characteristic of many psychological disorders,
      the neurobiological underpinning of these involuntary recollections are largely
      unknown. In this study we used functional magentic resonance imaging (fMRI) to
      identify the neural networks associated with encoding of negative stimuli that
      are subsequently experienced as intrusive memories. Healthy partipants (N = 42)
      viewed negative and neutral images during a visual/verbal processing task in an
      fMRI context. Two days later they were assessed on the Impact of Event Scale for
      occurrence of intrusive memories of the encoded images. A sub-group of
      participants who reported significant intrusions (n = 13) demonstrated stronger
      activation in the amygdala, bilateral ACC and parahippocampal gyrus during verbal
      encoding relative to a group who reported no intrusions (n = 13). Within-group
      analyses also revealed that the high intrusion group showed greater activity in
      the dorsomedial (dmPFC) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC), inferior
      frontal gyrus and occipital regions during negative verbal processing compared to
      neutral verbal processing. These results do not accord with models of intrusions
      that emphasise visual processing of information at encoding but are consistent
      with models that highlight the role of inhibitory and suppression processes in
      the formation of subsequent intrusive memories.

PMID- 27685785
TI  - Bisphenol A and Bisphenol S Induce Distinct Transcriptional Profiles in
      Differentiating Human Primary Preadipocytes.
AB  - Bisphenol S (BPS) is increasingly used as a replacement plasticizer for bisphenol
      A (BPA) but its effects on human health have not been thoroughly examined. Recent
      evidence indicates that both BPA and BPS induce adipogenesis, although the
      mechanisms leading to this effect are unclear. In an effort to identify common
      and distinct mechanisms of action in inducing adipogenesis, transcriptional
      profiles of differentiating human preadipocytes exposed to BPA or BPS were
      compared. Human subcutaneous primary preadipocytes were differentiated in the
      presence of either 25 MUM BPA or BPS for 2 and 4 days. Poly-A RNA-sequencing was
      used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Functional analysis of
      DEGs was undertaken in Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. BPA-treatment resulted in 472
      and 176 DEGs on days 2 and 4, respectively, affecting pathways such as liver X
      receptor (LXR)/retinoid X receptor (RXR) activation, hepatic fibrosis and
      cholestasis. BPS-treatment resulted in 195 and 51 DEGs on days 2 and 4,
      respectively, revealing enrichment of genes associated with adipogenesis and
      lipid metabolism including the adipogenesis pathway and cholesterol biosynthesis.
      Interestingly, the transcription repressor N-CoR was identified as a negative
      upstream regulator in both BPA- and BPS-treated cells. This study presents the
      first comparison of BPA- and BPS-induced transcriptional profiles in human
      differentiating preadipocytes. While we previously showed that BPA and BPS both
      induce adipogenesis, the results from this study show that BPS affects adipose
      specific transcriptional changes earlier than BPA, and alters the expression of
      genes specifically related to adipogenesis and lipid metabolism. The findings
      provide insight into potential BPS and BPA-mediated mechanisms of action in
      inducing adipogenesis in human primary preadipocytes.

PMID- 27685786
TI  - Animal models for glucocorticoid-induced postmenopausal osteoporosis: An updated
      review.
AB  - Glucocorticoid-induced postmenopausal osteoporosis is a severe osteoporosis, with
      high risk of major osteoporotic fractures. This severe osteoporosis urges more
      extensive and deeper basic study, in which suitable animal models are
      indispensable. However, no relevant review is available introducing this model
      systematically. Based on the recent studies on GI-PMOP, this brief review
      introduces the GI-PMOP animal model in terms of its establishment, evaluation of
      bone mass and discuss its molecular mechanism. Rat, rabbit and sheep with their
      respective merits were chosen. Both direct and indirect evaluation of bone mass
      help to understand the bone metabolism under different intervention. The crucial
      signaling pathways, miRNAs, osteogenic- or adipogenic- related factors and
      estrogen level may be the predominant contributors to the development of
      glucocorticoid-induced postmenopausal osteoporosis.

PMID- 27685787
TI  - Decitabine and 5-azacitidine both alleviate LPS induced ARDS through anti
      inflammatory/antioxidant activity and protection of glycocalyx and inhibition of
      MAPK pathways in mice.
AB  - Decitabine (5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine, DAC) and 5-azacitidine (Aza), an inhibitor of
      DNA methyltransferases, possess a wide range of anti-metabolic and anti-cancer
      activities. This study examined the effects of DAC and Aza on inflammatory and
      oxidative injuries, as well as on glycocalyx and MAPK signaling pathways, in a
      LPS-stimulated ARDS mouse model. Results of ELISA revealed that DAC and Aza
      significantly inhibited the production of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta and prevented
      LPS-induced elevation of myeloperoxidase and malondialdehyde levels in serum. The
      W/D ratio of lung and histopathologic examination with hematoxylin and eosin
      staining showed that DAC and Aza pretreatment substantially improved lung tissue
      injury. DAC and Aza reduced the level of glycocalyx degradation products (e.g.,
      heparan sulfate and haluronic acid) and protected glycocalyx integrity. Western
      blot assay demonstrated that DAC and Aza both significantly suppressed LPS
      induced activation of the MAPK signaling pathways by blocking the phosphorylation
      of JNK, ERK and P38 in lung tissues. Bisulfite sequencing PCR and real time-PCR
      showed that DAC reversed the RASSF1A promoter hypermethylation and furthermore
      elevated the expression of RASSF1A, which is a tumor suppressor that regulates
      MAPK signaling pathway. These results suggested that DAC inhibited the MAPK
      signaling pathway in LPS-induced ARDS mice might via demethylation in RASSF1A
      promoter region and by restoring its expression. This study highlighted the close
      relationship between DNA methylation and the development and progression of ARDS.

PMID- 27685788
TI  - Enhancement of orofacial antinociceptive effect of carvacrol, a monoterpene
      present in oregano and thyme oils, by beta-cyclodextrin inclusion complex in
      mice.
AB  - Orofacial pain is associated with diagnosis of chronic pain of head, face, mouth,
      neck and all the intraoral structures. Carvacrol, a naturally occurring
      isoprenoid with diverse class of biological activities including anti
      inflammatory, analgesic, antitumor and antioxidant properties. Now, the
      antinociceptive effect was studied in mice pretreatment with carvacrol (CARV) and
      beta-cyclodextrin complex containing carvacrol (CARV-betaCD) in formalin-,
      capsaicin-, and glutamate- induced orofacial nociception. Mice were pretreated
      with vehicle (0.9% Nacl, p.o.), CARV (10 and 20mg/kg, p.o.), CARV-betaCD (10 and
      20mg/kg, p.o.) or MOR (10mg/kg, i.p.) before the nociceptive behavior induced by
      subcutaneous injections (s.c.) of formalin (20MUl, 2%), capsaicin (20MUl, 2.5MUg)
      or glutamate (20MUl, 25MUM) into the upper lip respectively. The interference on
      motor coordination was determined using rotarod and grip strength meter
      apparatus. CARV-betaCD reduced the nociceptive during the two phases of the
      formalin test, whereas CARV did not produced the reduction in face-rubbing
      behavior in the initial phase. CARV-betaCD (20mg/kg, p.o.) produced 49.3%
      behavior pain while CARV alone at 20mg/kg, p.o, produced 28.7% of analgesic
      inhibition in the second phase of formalin test. CARV, CARV-betaCD and Morphine
      (MOR) showed a significant reduction against nociception caused by capsaicin or
      glutamate injection. Thus the encapsulation of carvacrol in beta-cyclodextrin can
      acts as a considerable therapeutic agent with pharmacological interest for the
      orofacial pain management.

PMID- 27685789
TI  - FK228 augmented temozolomide sensitivity in human glioma cells by blocking
      PI3K/AKT/mTOR signal pathways.
AB  - Temozolomide is a novel cytotoxic agent currently used as first-line chemotherapy
      for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Romidepsin (FK228), a histone deacetylase
      inhibitor, is a promising new class of antineoplastic agent with the capacity to
      induce growth arrest and/or apoptosis of cancer cells. However, combination of
      the two drugs in glioma remains largely unknown. In the present study, we
      evaluated the combinatory effects of FK228 with TMZ in glioma, and its molecular
      mechanisms responsible for these effects. Glioma cell lines were treated with
      TMZ, FK228 or the combination of drugs. The resistance effect including
      cytotoxicity and apoptosis was determined in glioma cells, respectively. We
      further evaluated the effects of FK228 in the PI3K/Akt-signaling pathway in
      vitro. Mice engrafted with 5*106 LN382 cells were treated with TMZ, FK228 or the
      combination of two drugs, and tumor weights and volumes were measured,
      respectively. FK228 enhanced the cytotoxic effects of TMZ in glioma cells
      compared to vehicle-treated controls or each drug alone. The combination of FK228
      and TMZ-induced apoptosis was demonstrated by increased expression of cleaved
      Caspase 3, Bax, cleaved-PARP, and decreased Bcl-2 expression. Furthermore, the
      expression of key components of the PI3K/Akt-signaling pathway showed that
      combination of FK228 and TMZ block PI3K/Akt pathways in vitro. This block effect
      was also confirmed in vivo in mice models. Mice treated with both FK228 and TMZ
      drugs showed significantly reduced tumor weights and volumes, compared to each
      drug alone. Our results suggested that FK228 augmented temozolomide sensitivity
      in human glioma cells partially by blocking PI3K/AKT/mTOR signal pathways. It
      thus may provide a promising target for improving the therapeutic outcome of TMZ
      resistant gliomas, although further studies will be needed.

PMID- 27685790
TI  - The influence of lipoic acid on caveolin-1-regulated antioxidative enzymes in the
      mouse model of acute ulcerative colitis.
AB  - AIM: This study was undertaken to verify if two-weeks treatment of lipoic acid
      (LA) influence colon damage and pro-inflammatory cytokine synthesis during DSS
      induced acute colitis. Moreover, as LA has anti-oxidative properties, we analyzed
      its influence on the level of antioxidative enzymes, HO-1 and eNOS, and their
      regulator- caveolin-1. METHODS: LA was administrated to male C57/BALBc mice at a
      dose of 25 or 50mg/kg/day (i.p.) for 21days. Acute colitis was induced by
      administration of 4% DSS (w/v) in drinking water for 5days, followed by 2days of
      normal drinking water. Mice in LA+DSS groups were treated with LA (25 or
      50mg/kg/day; i.p.) starting 14days prior to 4% DSS. Control group received saline
      for 21days. In the colon tissue we measured myeloperoxidase activity (MPO), IL
      1beta, IL-6, IL-17A, IL-23 (ELISA method), and tissue level of cav-1, phospho
      eNOS, total eNOS and HO-1 (Western blot). RESULTS: Administration of DSS
      significantly increased total colon damage (p<0.001), myeloperoxidase (MPO)
      activity (p<0.05) and pro-inflammatory IL-6 (p<0.05). There was also a tendency
      towards higher IL-1beta, IL-17A, and IL-23 in the colon. LA alone did not
      influence total colon damage, MPO activity, and pro-inflammatory cytokines
      concentration compared to control (p<0.05). Notably, mice treated with LA and DSS
      had significantly decreased total colon damage score (p<0.001), despite augmented
      colon MPO activity (p<0.01), but similar (IL-17A) or even significantly higher
      level (IL-1beta, IL-23) as compared to the DSS group (p<0.05). IL-6 was
      insignificantly decreased after LA treatment at a dose of 50mg/kg. In acute
      colitis there was a tendency towards an increase in cav-1 and HO-1 and a decrease
      p-eNOS/total eNOS ratio. Moreover, the LA+DSS groups had higher expression of HO
      1 and p-eNOS/total eNOS (p<0.05) compared to the DSS group, and a tendency
      towards higher cav-1 level. The changes did not depend on LA dose. CONCLUSION:
      Our study indicated that LA, at lower doses, may influence cav-1-regulated
      antioxidative enzyme levels (HO-1 and p-eNOS/total eNOS) despite an increase in
      colon pro-inflammatory cytokine levels during acute colitis. Hence, LA treatment
      may be - to some extent - beneficial in attenuation of acute colitis.

PMID- 27685791
TI  - Anti-Trichomonas vaginalis activity of betulinic acid derivatives.
AB  - Caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, trichomoniasis is the most common non-viral STD
      worldwide. Currently, metronidazole and tinidazole are the only drugs approved
      for treatment of the condition. However, problems such as metronidazole-resistant
      T. vaginalis isolates and allergic reactions have been reported. Based on data
      previously published by our group, structural changes in betulinic acid (1) were
      performed, generating three new compounds that were tested for in vitro anti
      T.vaginalis activity in this study. Whereas derivative 2 did not demonstrate anti
      T. vaginalis activity, derivatives 3 and 4 reduced trophozoite viability by 100%,
      with MIC values of 50MUM. The structural difference of two compounds was
      performed only on the C-28 position. Derivative 3 showed low cytotoxicity against
      Vero cells in 24h; however, derivative 4 was highly cytotoxic, but efficient when
      associated with metronidazole in the synergism assay. ROS production by
      neutrophils was reduced, and derivative 3 showed anti-inflammatory effect.
      Collectively, the results of this study provide in vitro evidence that betulinic
      acid derivatives 3 and 4 are potential compounds with anti-T. vaginalis activity.

PMID- 27685792
TI  - Functionalized nanosponges for controlled antibacterial and antihypocalcemic
      actions.
AB  - The aim of the present work was to develop lysozyme impregnated surface-active
      nanosponges to maintain its conformational stability and break bacterial cell
      walls by catalyzing the hydrolysis of 1,4-beta-linkages between N-acetyl-d
      glucosamine and N-acetylmuramic acid residues present in peptidoglycan layer
      surrounding the bacterial cell membrane, and for controlling the release of
      calcium in hypocalcemia condition. Different carbonyl diimidazole cross-linked
      beta-cyclodextrin nanosponges with and without CaCO3 and CMC were prepared by
      polymer condensation method. The surface-active nanosponges were impregnated by
      lysozyme due to their ability to adsorb protein. Lysozyme impregnated nanosponges
      had a monomodal particle size distribution of 347.46+/-3.07 to 550.34+/-5.23nm,
      with a narrow distribution. The zeta potentials were sufficiently increased upon
      lysozyme impregnation, suggesting stable formulations by preventing aggregation.
      The in vitro release studies showed controlled release of lysozyme and calcium
      over a period of 24h. FTIR studies confirmed the impregnation of lysozyme on
      nanosponges and encapsulation of calcium in nanosponges. Lysozyme formulation
      showed promising conformational stability by DSC. It can be concluded that the
      stable nanosponges formulation is a promising carrier for antibacterial protein
      and preventing depletion of calcium in antibiotic associated hypocalcemic
      condition.

PMID- 27685794
TI  - In vitro and in vivo inhibition of aldose reductase and advanced glycation end
      products by phloretin, epigallocatechin 3-gallate and [6]-gingerol.
AB  - Hyperglycemic stress activates polyol pathway and aldose reductase (AR) key
      enzyme responsible for generating secondary complications during diabetes. In
      this study the therapeutic potential of phloretin, epigallocatechin 3-gallate
      (EGCG) and [6]-gingerol were evaluated for anti-glycating and AR inhibitory
      activity in vitro and in vivo systems. Human retinal pigment epithelial (HRPE)
      cells were induced with high glucose supplemented with the phloretin, EGCG and
      [6]-gingerol. Aldose reductase activity, total advanced glycation end products
      (AGEs) and enzyme inhibitor kinetics were assessed. Male C57BL/6J mice were
      randomly assigned to one of the different treatments (bioactive compounds at 2
      concentrations each) with either a low fat diet or high fat diet (HFD). After
      sixteen weeks, AGE accumulation and AR activity was determined in heart, eyes and
      kidney. High glucose induced toxicity decreased cell viability compared to the
      untreated cells and AR activity increased to 2-5 folds from 24 to 96h. Pre
      treatment of cells with phloretin, EGCG and [6]-gingerol improved cell viability
      and inhibited AR activity. The enzyme inhibition kinetics followed a non
      competitive mode of inhibition for phloretin and EGCG whereas [6]-gingerol
      indicated uncompetitive type of inhibition against AR. Data from the animal
      studies showed high plasma glucose levels in HFD group over time, compared to the
      low fat diet. HFD group developed cataract and AR activity increased to 4 folds
      compared to the group with low fat diet. Administration of EGCG, phloretin and
      [6]-gingerol significantly reduced blood sugar levels, AGEs accumulation, and AR
      activity. These findings could provide a basis to consider using the selected
      dietary components alone or in combination with other therapeutic approaches to
      prevent diabetes-related complications in humans.

PMID- 27685793
TI  - TAK-242 treatment ameliorates liver ischemia/reperfusion injury by inhibiting
      TLR4 signaling pathway in a swine model of Maastricht-category-III cardiac death.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aims to test the effects of TAK-242 on liver transplant
      viability in a model of swine Maastricht-category-III cardiac death. METHODS: A
      swine DCD Maastricht-III model of cardiac death was established, and TAK-242 was
      administered prior to the induction of cardiac death. The protein and mRNA level
      of TLR4 signaling pathway molecules and cytokines that are important in mediating
      immune and inflammatory responses were assessed at different time points
      following the induction of cardiac death. RESULTS: After induction of cardiac
      death, both the mRNA and protein levels of key molecules (TLR4, TRAF6, NF-kappaB,
      ICAM-1, MCP-1 and MPO), TNF-alpha and IL-6 increased significantly. Infusion of
      TAK-242 1h before induction of cardiac death blocked the increase of immune and
      inflammatory response molecules. However, the increase of TLR4 level was not
      affected by infusion of TAK-242. Histology study showed that infusion of TAK-242
      protect liver tissue from damage during cardiac death. CONCLUSIONS: These results
      indicates that TLR4 signaling pathway may contribute to ischemia/reperfusion
      injury in the liver grafts, and blocking TLR4 pathway with TAk-242 may reduce
      TLR4-mediated tissue damage.

PMID- 27685797
TI  - Day surgery regional anesthesia in children: safety and improving outcomes, do
      they make a difference?
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The objective of this review is to provide an overview of
      recent developments in pediatric regional anesthesia and elucidate outcomes as it
      relates to patient safety and overall satisfaction. RECENT FINDINGS: Since the
      inception of the Pediatric Regional Anesthesia Network database, the acquisition
      of data has enabled the pediatric anesthesiologist to extrapolate results and
      translate them into useful outcomes. Despite the growing trend to provide
      regional anesthesia in the pediatric population, there continues to be a paucity
      of available research studies to evaluate outcomes of various regional nerve
      blocks. This review serves as a conduit to explore the most recent data
      available, in each regional anesthetic technique, as it relates to outcomes such
      as analgesia, patient safety and satisfaction. SUMMARY: Despite the limited
      number of randomized controlled trials evaluating the safety of individual
      regional anesthetic techniques, the growing body of data, such as presented in
      the Pediatric Regional Anesthesia Network database, suggests a high degree of
      safety in performing various regional anesthetic modalities. Modern medicine
      should continue to embrace the use of regional anesthesia, particularly in the
      ambulatory setting, to reduce perioperative pain and improve patient outcomes.

PMID- 27685796
TI  - Insights into the Utility of the Focal Adhesion Scaffolding Proteins in the
      Anaerobic Fungus Orpinomyces sp. C1A.
AB  - Focal adhesions (FAs) are large eukaryotic multiprotein complexes that are
      present in all metazoan cells and function as stable sites of tight adhesion
      between the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the cell's cytoskeleton. FAs consist
      of anchor membrane protein (integrins), scaffolding proteins (e.g. alpha-actinin,
      talin, paxillin, and vinculin), signaling proteins of the IPP complex (e.g.
      integrin-linked kinase, alpha-parvin, and PINCH), and signaling kinases (e.g.
      focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and Src kinase). While genes encoding complete focal
      adhesion machineries are present in genomes of all multicellular Metazoa;
      incomplete machineries were identified in the genomes of multiple non-metazoan
      unicellular Holozoa, basal fungal lineages, and amoebozoan representatives. Since
      a complete FA machinery is required for functioning, the putative role, if any,
      of these incomplete FA machineries is currently unclear. We sought to examine the
      expression patterns of FA-associated genes in the anaerobic basal fungal isolate
      Orpinomyces sp. strain C1A under different growth conditions and at different
      developmental stages. Strain C1A lacks clear homologues of integrin, and the two
      signaling kinases FAK and Src, but encodes for all scaffolding proteins, and the
      IPP complex proteins. We developed a protocol for synchronizing growth of C1A
      cultures, allowing for the collection and mRNA extraction from flagellated
      spores, encysted germinating spores, active zoosporangia, and late inactive
      sporangia of strain C1A. We demonstrate that the genes encoding the FA
      scaffolding proteins alpha-actinin, talin, paxillin, and vinculin are indeed
      transcribed under all growth conditions, and at all developmental stages of
      growth. Further, analysis of the observed transcriptional patterns suggests the
      putative involvement of these components in alternative non-adhesion-specific
      functions, such as hyphal tip growth during germination and flagellar assembly
      during zoosporogenesis. Based on these results, we propose putative alternative
      functions for such proteins in the anaerobic gut fungi. Our results highlight the
      presumed diverse functionalities of FA scaffolding proteins in basal fungi.

PMID- 27685798
TI  - Potpourri for the holiday season.

PMID- 27685795
TI  - Full-Length Isoform Sequencing Reveals Novel Transcripts and Substantial
      Transcriptional Overlaps in a Herpesvirus.
AB  - Whole transcriptome studies have become essential for understanding the
      complexity of genetic regulation. However, the conventionally applied short-read
      sequencing platforms cannot be used to reliably distinguish between many
      transcript isoforms. The Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) RS II platform is capable
      of reading long nucleic acid stretches in a single sequencing run. The
      pseudorabies virus (PRV) is an excellent system to study herpesvirus gene
      expression and potential interactions between the transcriptional units. In this
      work, non-amplified and amplified isoform sequencing protocols were used to
      characterize the poly(A+) fraction of the lytic transcriptome of PRV, with the
      aim of a complete transcriptional annotation of the viral genes. The analyses
      revealed a previously unrecognized complexity of the PRV transcriptome including
      the discovery of novel protein-coding and non-coding genes, novel mono- and
      polycistronic transcription units, as well as extensive transcriptional overlaps
      between neighboring and distal genes. This study identified non-coding
      transcripts overlapping all three replication origins of the PRV, which might
      play a role in the control of DNA synthesis. We additionally established the
      relative expression levels of gene products. Our investigations revealed that the
      whole PRV genome is utilized for transcription, including both DNA strands in all
      coding and intergenic regions. The genome-wide occurrence of transcript overlaps
      suggests a crosstalk between genes through a network formed by interacting
      transcriptional machineries with a potential function in the control of gene
      expression.

PMID- 27685799
TI  - Timing of postoperative respiratory emergencies: when do they really occur?
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Opioid-induced postoperative respiratory depression has
      garnered attention and calls for vigilance. However, a higher level of monitoring
      equates to increased use of hospital resources and is impractical to apply for
      all postoperative patients. Understanding the temporal pattern of postoperative
      respiratory emergency occurrences would allow for improved triage of monitoring
      resources for high-risk patients. Our objective is to describe the temporal
      pattern of risk of postoperative opioid-induced respiratory failure. RECENT
      FINDINGS: The literature suggests that postoperative opioid-induced respiratory
      depression is more frequent and severe than previously believed. In response,
      national patient advocacy groups have proposed improved postoperative monitoring
      of high-risk patients, especially those with sleep-disordered breathing.
      Published series of patients who have had adverse respiratory events suggest that
      the first 24 postsurgical hours comprise the period of highest risk, with most
      events occurring within the first 12 h. Further, study findings have suggested
      that adverse respiratory events often occur shortly after administration of
      opioid analgesics. SUMMARY: Emerging evidence indicates that the first
      postsurgical day carries the highest risk of adverse respiratory events, and this
      risk is often associated with opioid administration. Resources for increased
      monitoring should be directed to these high-risk times.

PMID- 27685801
TI  - Prefrontal cortex, temporal cortex, and hippocampus volume are affected in
      suicidal psychiatric patients.
AB  - Suicide is a leading cause of death in America, with over 40,000 reported
      suicides per year. Mental illness is a major risk factor for suicidality. This
      study attempts to validate findings of volumetric differences from studies on
      suicidality. Psychiatric inpatients classified as having mildly severe or severe
      depression were separated into two groups: suicide attempted in the past two
      months (SA; n=20), non-suicidal control group (DA; n=20); these patients were all
      depressed and not significantly different for age, gender, race, marital status,
      education level, anxiety level, and substance abuse. Healthy controls (HC; n=20)
      were not significantly different from the suicidal groups for age and gender.
      Volunteers underwent MRI to assess volumes of cortical lobes, corpus callosum,
      and subcortical regions of interest, including the thalamus, insula, limbic
      structures, and basal ganglia. The right hippocampal volume of the SA group was
      significantly reduced compared to healthy controls. The frontal and temporal lobe
      volumes of the SA group were significantly decreased compared to the DA group.
      These volumetric reductions confirm previous findings and support the hypothesis
      that fronto-temporal function may be altered in suicidal patients.

PMID- 27685800
TI  - Altered neurotransmitter metabolism in adolescents with high-functioning autism.
AB  - Previous studies have suggested that alterations in excitatory/inhibitory
      neurotransmitters might play a crucial role in autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
      Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) can provide valuable information
      about abnormal brain metabolism and neurotransmitter concentrations. However, few
      1H-MRS studies have been published on the imbalance of the two most abundant
      neurotransmitters in ASD: glutamate (Glu) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
      Moreover, to our knowledge none of these published studies is performed with a
      study population consisting purely of high-functioning autism (HFA) adolescents.
      Selecting only individuals with HFA eliminates factors possibly related to
      intellectual impairment instead of ASD. This study aims to assess Glu and GABA
      neurotransmitter concentrations in HFA. Occipital concentrations of Glu and GABA
      plus macromolecules (GABA+) were obtained using 1H-MRS relative to creatine (Cr)
      in adolescents with HFA (n=15 and n=13 respectively) and a healthy control group
      (n=17). Multiple linear regression revealed significantly higher Glu/Cr and lower
      GABA+/Glu concentrations in the HFA group compared to the controls. These results
      imply that imbalanced neurotransmitter levels of excitation and inhibition are
      associated with HFA in adolescents.

PMID- 27685802
TI  - Less Empathic and More Reactive: The Different Impact of Childhood Maltreatment
      on Facial Mimicry and Vagal Regulation.
AB  - Facial mimicry and vagal regulation represent two crucial physiological responses
      to others' facial expressions of emotions. Facial mimicry, defined as the
      automatic, rapid and congruent electromyographic activation to others' facial
      expressions, is implicated in empathy, emotional reciprocity and emotions
      recognition. Vagal regulation, quantified by the computation of Respiratory Sinus
      Arrhythmia (RSA), exemplifies the autonomic adaptation to contingent social cues.
      Although it has been demonstrated that childhood maltreatment induces alterations
      in the processing of the facial expression of emotions, both at an explicit and
      implicit level, the effects of maltreatment on children's facial mimicry and
      vagal regulation in response to facial expressions of emotions remain unknown.
      The purpose of the present study was to fill this gap, involving 24 street
      children (maltreated group) and 20 age-matched controls (control group). We
      recorded their spontaneous facial electromyographic activations of corrugator and
      zygomaticus muscles and RSA responses during the visualization of the facial
      expressions of anger, fear, joy and sadness. Results demonstrated a different
      impact of childhood maltreatment on facial mimicry and vagal regulation.
      Maltreated children did not show the typical positive-negative modulation of
      corrugator mimicry. Furthermore, when only negative facial expressions were
      considered, maltreated children demonstrated lower corrugator mimicry than
      controls. With respect to vagal regulation, whereas maltreated children
      manifested the expected and functional inverse correlation between RSA value at
      rest and RSA response to angry facial expressions, controls did not. These
      results describe an early and divergent functional adaptation to hostile
      environment of the two investigated physiological mechanisms. On the one side,
      maltreatment leads to the suppression of the spontaneous facial mimicry normally
      concurring to empathic understanding of others' emotions. On the other side,
      maltreatment forces the precocious development of the functional synchronization
      between vagal regulation and threatening social cues facilitating the recruitment
      of fight-or-flight defensive behavioral strategies.

PMID- 27685803
TI  - Lake eutrophication and brownification downgrade availability and transfer of
      essential fatty acids for human consumption.
AB  - Fish are an important source of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic
      acid (DHA) for birds, mammals and humans. In aquatic food webs, these highly
      unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA) are essential for many physiological processes and
      mainly synthetized by distinct phytoplankton taxa. Consumers at different trophic
      levels obtain essential fatty acids from their diet because they cannot produce
      these sufficiently de novo. Here, we evaluated how the increase in phosphorus
      concentration (eutrophication) or terrestrial organic matter inputs
      (brownification) change EPA and DHA content in the phytoplankton. Then, we
      evaluated whether these changes can be seen in the EPA and DHA content of
      piscivorous European perch (Perca fluviatilis), which is a widely distributed
      species and commonly consumed by humans. Data from 713 lakes showed statistically
      significant differences in the abundance of EPA- and DHA-synthesizing
      phytoplankton as well as in the concentrations and content of these essential
      fatty acids among oligo-mesotrophic, eutrophic and dystrophic lakes. The EPA and
      DHA content of phytoplankton biomass (mgHUFAg-1) was significantly lower in the
      eutrophic lakes than in the oligo-mesotrophic or dystrophic lakes. We found a
      strong significant correlation between the DHA content in the muscle of
      piscivorous perch and phytoplankton DHA content (r=0.85) as well with the
      contribution of DHA-synthesizing phytoplankton taxa (r=0.83). Among all DHA
      synthesizing phytoplankton this correlation was the strongest with the
      dinoflagellates (r=0.74) and chrysophytes (r=0.70). Accordingly, the EPA+DHA
      content of perch muscle decreased with increasing total phosphorus (r2=0.80) and
      dissolved organic carbon concentration (r2=0.83) in the lakes. Our results
      suggest that although eutrophication generally increase biomass production across
      different trophic levels, the high proportion of low-quality primary producers
      reduce EPA and DHA content in the food web up to predatory fish. Ultimately, it
      seems that lake eutrophication and brownification decrease the nutritional
      quality of fish for human consumers.

PMID- 27685804
TI  - Identification of beta Clamp-DNA Interaction Regions That Impair the Ability of
      E. coli to Tolerate Specific Classes of DNA Damage.
AB  - The E. coli dnaN-encoded beta sliding clamp protein plays a pivotal role in
      managing the actions on DNA of the 5 bacterial DNA polymerases, proteins involved
      in mismatch repair, as well as several additional proteins involved in DNA
      replication. Results of in vitro experiments indicate that the loading of beta
      clamp onto DNA relies on both the DnaX clamp loader complex as well as several
      discrete sliding clamp-DNA interactions. However, the importance of these DNA
      interactions to E. coli viability, as well as the ability of the beta clamp to
      support the actions of its numerous partner proteins, have not yet been examined.
      To determine the contribution of beta clamp-DNA interactions to the ability of E.
      coli to cope with different classes of DNA damage, we used alanine scanning to
      mutate 22 separate residues mapping to 3 distinct beta clamp surfaces known or
      nearby those known to contact the DNA template, including residues P20-L27
      (referred to here as loop I), H148-Y154 (loop II) and 7 different residues lining
      the central pore of the beta clamp through which the DNA template threads. Twenty
      of these 22 dnaN mutants supported bacterial growth. While none of these 20
      conferred sensitivity to hydrogen peroxide or ultra violet light, 12 were
      sensitized to NFZ, 5 were sensitized to MMS, 8 displayed modestly altered
      frequencies of DNA damage-induced mutagenesis, and 2 may be impaired for
      supporting hda function. Taken together, these results demonstrate that discrete
      beta clamp-DNA interaction regions contribute to the ability of E. coli to
      tolerate specific classes of DNA damage.

PMID- 27685805
TI  - Population-Based Incidence Rates of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia in the
      Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Era.
AB  - Importance: A substantial effect of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines on
      reducing HPV-related cervical disease is essential before modifying clinical
      practice guidelines in partially vaccinated populations. Objective: To determine
      the population-based cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) trends when
      adjusting for changes in cervical screening practices that overlapped with HPV
      vaccination implementation. Design, Setting, and Participants: The New Mexico HPV
      Pap Registry, which captures population-based estimates of both cervical
      screening prevalence and CIN, was used to compute CIN trends from January 1,
      2007, to December 31, 2014. Under New Mexico Administrative Code, the New Mexico
      HPV Pap Registry, a statewide public health surveillance program, receives
      mandatory reporting of all cervical screening (cytologic and HPV testing) and any
      cervical, vulvar, and vaginal histopathological findings for all women residing
      in New Mexico irrespective of outcome. Main Outcome Measures: Prespecified
      outcome measures included low-grade CIN (grade 1 [CIN1]) and high-grade CIN
      (grade 2 [CIN2] and grade 3 [CIN3]). Results: From 2007 to 2014, a total of 13
      520 CIN1, 4296 CIN2, and 2823 CIN3 lesions were diagnosed among female
      individuals 15 to 29 years old. After adjustment for changes in cervical
      screening across the period, reductions in the CIN incidence per 100 000 women
      screened were significant for all grades of CIN among female individuals 15 to 19
      years old, dropping from 3468.3 to 1590.6 for CIN1 (annual percentage change
      [APC], -9.0; 95% CI, -12.0 to -5.8; P < .001), from 896.4 to 414.9 for CIN2 (APC,
      -10.5; 95% CI, -18.8 to -1.2; P = .03), and from 240.2 to 0 for CIN3 (APC, -41.3;
      95% CI, -65.7 to 0.3; P = .05). Reductions in the CIN2 incidence were also
      significant for women 20 to 24 years old, dropping from 1027.7 to 627.1 (APC, 
      6.3; 95% CI, -10.9 to -1.4; P = .02). Conclusions and Relevance: Population-level
      decreases in CIN among cohorts partially vaccinated for HPV may be considered
      when clinical practice guidelines for cervical cancer screening are reassessed.
      Evidence is rapidly growing to suggest that further increases in raising the age
      to start screening are imminent, one step toward integrating screening and
      vaccination.

PMID- 27685806
TI  - Kininogen Cleavage Assay: Diagnostic Assistance for Kinin-Mediated Angioedema
      Conditions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Angioedema without wheals (AE) is a symptom characterised by
      localised episodes of oedema presumably caused by kinin release from kininogen
      cleavage. It can result from a hereditary deficiency in C1 Inhibitor (C1Inh), but
      it can present with normal level of C1Inh. These forms are typically difficult to
      diagnose although enhanced kinin production is suspected or demonstrated in some
      cases. OBJECTIVES: We wanted to investigate bradykinin overproduction in all AE
      condition with normal C1Inh, excluding cases with enhanced kinin catabolism, and
      to propose this parameter as a disease biomarker. METHODS: We retrospectively
      investigated high molecular weight kininogen (HK) cleavage pattern, using gel
      electrophoresis and immunorevelation. Plasma samples were drawn using the same
      standardised procedure from blood donors or AE patients with normal C1Inh
      conditions, normal kinin catabolism, and without prophylaxis. RESULTS:
      Circulating native HK plasma concentrations were similar in the healthy men
      (interquartile range: 98-175MUg/mL, n = 51) and in healthy women (90-176MUg/mL, n
      = 74), while HK cleavage was lower (p<0.001) in men (0-5%) than women (3-9%).
      Patients exhibited lower native HK concentration (p<10-4; 21-117MUg/mL, n = 31
      for men; 0-84MUg/mL, n = 41 for women) and higher HK cleavage (p<10-4; 10-30% and
      14-89%, respectively) than healthy donors. Pathological thresholds were set at:
      <72MUg/mL native HK, >14.4% HK cleavage for men; <38MUg/mL; native HK, >33.0% HK
      cleavage for women, with >98% specificity achieved for all parameters. In plasma
      from patients undergoing recovery two months after oestrogen/progestin
      combination withdrawal (n = 13) or two weeks after AE attack (n = 2), HK cleavage
      was not fully restored, suggesting its use as a post-attack assay. CONCLUSION: As
      a diagnostic tool, HK cleavage can offer physicians supportive arguments for
      kinin production in suspected AE cases and improve patient follow-up in clinical
      trials or prophylactic management.

PMID- 27685807
TI  - The Role of Cystathionine-gamma-Lyase In Blunt Chest Trauma in Cigarette Smoke
      Exposed Mice.
AB  - Pretraumatic cigarette smoke (CS) exposure aggravates posttraumatic acute lung
      injury (ALI). Cystathionine-gamma-lyase (CSE) protects against ALI and CS
      exposure-induced chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD). Therefore, we tested
      the hypothesis whether genetic CSE knockout (CSE) would aggravate posttraumatic
      ALI after CS exposure. After 3 to 4 weeks of CS exposure, anesthetized wild-type
      (WT) and CSE mice underwent blunt chest trauma, surgical instrumentation and 4 h
      of lung-protective mechanical ventilation. We measured hemodynamics, lung
      mechanics, gas exchange, metabolism, and acid-base status together with blood and
      tissue cytokine and chemokine levels, tissue expression of mediator proteins,
      parameters of oxidative and nitrosative stress, and histology. CSE mice without
      CS exposure showed higher cytokine and chemokine levels, and this was further
      enhanced by CS exposure, particularly in males. CS exposure in WT mice aggravated
      posttraumatic alveolar membrane thickening, dystelectasis, and inflammatory cell
      accumulation, which was associated with higher thoracopulmonary compliance.
      Pretraumatic CS exposure in CSE mice produced a similar response, except for less
      alveolar membrane thickening, most likely due to lung hyperinflation. CS-exposed
      WT mice showed the most pronounced metabolic acidosis, while CS exposure in CSE
      mice resulted in the lowest blood glucose levels. Urinary output and anesthesia
      rate were highest in male CS-exposed CSE animals. In conclusion, in murine acute
      on-chronic pulmonary disease, CSE knockout aggravated posttraumatic inflammation,
      which was further worsened upon pretraumatic CS exposure, and this effect was
      particularly pronounced in males. Hence, maintaining CSE expression is critically
      important for stress adaptation during ALI and CS-induced COPD, most likely in a
      gender-dependent manner.

PMID- 27685808
TI  - Novel Synthetic Oxazines Target NF-kappaB in Colon Cancer In Vitro and
      Inflammatory Bowel Disease In Vivo.
AB  - Aberrant activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) has been linked with
      the pathogenesis of several proinflammatory diseases including number of cancers
      and inflammatory bowel diseases. In the present work, we evaluated the anticancer
      activity of 1,2-oxazines derivatives against colorectal cancer cell lines and
      identified 2-((2-acetyl-6,6-dimethyl-4-phenyl-5,6-dihydro-2H-1,2-oxazin-3
      yl)methyl)isoindoline-1,3-dione (API) as the lead anticancer agent among the
      tested compounds. The apoptosis inducing effect of API was demonstrated using
      flow cytometry analysis and measuring the caspase 3/7 activity in API treated
      cells. Based on the literature on inhibition of NF-kappaB by oxazines, we
      evaluated the effect of 1,2-oxazines against the ability of NF-kappaB binding to
      DNA, NF-kappaB-dependent luciferase expression and IkappaBalpha phosphorylation.
      We found that, API abrogate constitutive activation of NF-kappaB and inhibits
      IkappaBalpha phosphorylation in HCT116 cells. Our in silico analysis revealed the
      binding of oxazines to the hydrophobic cavity that present between the interface
      of p65 and IkappaBalpha. Given the relevance with aberrant activation of NF
      kappaB in inflammation bowel disease (IBD), we evaluated the effect of API on
      dextran sulphate sodium-induced IBD mice model. The treatment of IBD induced mice
      with API decreased the myeloperoxidase activity in colonic extract, modulated the
      colon length and serum levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF
      alpha, IFN-gamma, IL-6, IL-1beta and IL-10. Furthermore, the histological
      analysis revealed the restoration of the distorted cryptic epithelial structure
      of colon in the API treated animals. In conclusion, we comprehensively validated
      the NF-kappaB inhibitory efficacy of API that targets NF-kappaB in in vitro colon
      cancer and an in vivo inflammatory bowel disease model.

PMID- 27685810
TI  - Surface Disinfectants for Burn Units Evaluated by a New Double Method, Using
      Microorganisms Recently Isolated From Patients, on a Surface Germ-Carrier Model.
AB  - Assessment methods of surface disinfection based on international standards
      (Environmental Protection Agency, European Norms, etc) do not correspond to
      hospital reality. New evaluation methods of surfaces disinfection are proposed to
      choose the most suitable disinfectant to act against clinically relevant
      microorganisms detected on the surfaces of burn units. 1) "Immediate effect": 6
      products were compared using a glass germ-carrier and 20 recently isolated
      microorganisms from different patients in the intensive care units. Disinfectants
      were applied with microfiber cloths. Log10 reductions were calculated for colony
      forming units produced after 15 minutes of disinfectant application. 2) "Residual
      effect": the glass germ-carriers were previously impregnated with one of the
      studied disinfectants. After a 30-minute wait period, they were then contaminated
      with 1 microorganism (from the 20 above-mentioned). After 15 minutes, the
      disinfectant was inhibited and the log10 reduction of colony forming units was
      assessed. The immediate effect (disinfection and microorganism dragging and
      transferring from the surface to the cloth) produced complete elimination of the
      inoculums for all products used except one (a diluted quaternary ammonium). The
      average residual effect found on the 20 microorganisms was moderate: 2 to 3 log10
      colony forming unit reduction with chlorine dioxide or 0.5% chlorhexidine (and
      lower with the other products), obtaining surfaces refractory to recontamination,
      at least, during 30 minutes. Two tests should be performed before advising
      surface disinfectant: 1) direct effect and 2) residual efficacy. These
      characteristics should be considered when a new surface disinfectant is chosen.
      Chlorine dioxide has a similar or better direct effect than sodium hypochlorite
      and a similar residual effect than chlorhexidine.

PMID- 27685809
TI  - Epidemiology and Outcome of Patients With Burns Treated With Cerium Nitrate
      Silversulfadiazine.
AB  - In this study, the outcome of treatment with Flammacerium in burn patients is
      studied. The retrospective study involved patients with acute burns admitted to
      the Burn Centre of Martini Hospital, Groningen, The Netherlands, between 2009 and
      2014. The outcome parameters were mortality, complications (noninfectious and
      infectious), need of surgery, and length of stay. The group of patients consisted
      of 853 patients, of which 554 were male (64.9%). There were 23 patients with a
      total burn size of 40% TBSA or more (2.7%). In total, 13 of the 853 patients
      (1.5%) died, and none of them were children (<16 years). The overall mortality in
      the group of patient with burns >40% TBSA was 30.4%. In the elderly group (>70
      years), the mortality rate was 6.3%. Treatment with Flammacerium is applicable in
      all thermal burn patients. Especially children, elderly patients, and patients
      with severe burns can benefit from a more conservative treatment with
      Flammacerium whereby the first operation can be postponed until the patient is
      stabilized and in which the wounds can be covered directly with skin transplants.

PMID- 27685812
TI  - First Locally Transmitted Zika Virus Cases Identified in the United States.

PMID- 27685811
TI  - Isolation, Culture and Transduction of Adult Mouse Cardiomyocytes.
AB  - Cultured cardiomyocytes can be used to study cardiomyocyte biology using
      techniques that are complementary to in vivo systems. For example, the purity and
      accessibility of in vitro culture enables fine control over biochemical analyses,
      live imaging, and electrophysiology. Long-term culture of cardiomyocytes offers
      access to additional experimental approaches that cannot be completed in short
      term cultures. For example, the in vitro investigation of dedifferentiation, cell
      cycle re-entry, and cell division has thus far largely been restricted to rat
      cardiomyocytes, which appear to be more robust in long-term culture. However, the
      availability of a rich toolset of transgenic mouse lines and well-developed
      disease models make mouse systems attractive for cardiac research. Although
      several reports exist of adult mouse cardiomyocyte isolation, few studies
      demonstrate their long-term culture. Presented here, is a step-by-step method for
      the isolation and long-term culture of adult mouse cardiomyocytes. First,
      retrograde Langendorff perfusion is used to efficiently digest the heart with
      proteases, followed by gravity sedimentation purification. After a period of
      dedifferentiation following isolation, the cells gradually attach to the culture
      and can be cultured for weeks. Adenovirus cell lysate is used to efficiently
      transduce the isolated cardiomyocytes. These methods provide a simple, yet
      powerful model system to study cardiac biology.

PMID- 27685814
TI  - Safety Standards for Invasive Procedures.

PMID- 27685813
TI  - Super-resolution optical microscopy study of telomere structure.
AB  - Chromosome ends are shielded from exonucleolytic attack and inappropriate end
      joining by terminal structures called telomeres; these structures are potential
      targets for anticancer drugs. Telomeres are composed of a simple DNA sequence (5?
      TTAGGG-3? in humans) repeated more than a thousand times, a short 3? single
      stranded overhang, and numerous proteins. Electron microscopy has shown that the
      3? overhang pairs with the complementary strand at an internal site creating a
      small displacement loop and a large double-stranded "t-loop." Our goal is to
      determine whether all telomeres adopt the t-loop configuration, or whether there
      are two or more distinct configurations. Progress in optimizing super-resolution
      (SR) microscopy for this ongoing investigation is reported here. Results suggest
      that under certain conditions sample preparation procedures may disrupt chromatin
      by causing loss of nucleosomes. This finding may limit the use of SR microscopy
      in telomere studies.

PMID- 27685815
TI  - The Use of Aspirin in Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease.

PMID- 27685816
TI  - Timing of Therapeutic Hypothermia for Inborn and Outborn Infants with Neonatal
      Encephalopathy.
AB  - Therapeutic hypothermia is now the standard of care for infants with moderate to
      severe hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy. Sixty-three infants received therapeutic
      hypothermia at Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH) from 2010-2014. Median
      gestational age was 40 weeks. Eighteen (29%) infants were Sarnat grade 3, 41(65%)
      grade 2 and 4(6%) grade 1. Nineteen outborn infants arrived in CUMH at a median
      (IQR) age of 310 (270, 420) minutes. Four (21%) outborn infants were within the
      target temperature range on arrival. Median (IQR) time (minutes) from birth to
      achieve target temperature was 136 (90, 195) for inborn and 300 (240, 360) for
      outborn infants (p < .01). Overall, 35 (56%) infants had electrical seizures, 42
      (74%) had a normal MRI at a median (IQR) age of 7(6,9) days and the median(IQR)
      length of stay was 9 (7,11) days. Although no difference in seizures or MRI
      findings was seen, passive cooling does not achieve consistent temperature
      control for outborn infants.

PMID- 27685817
TI  - Epidemiology of Injury in Gaelic Handball.
AB  - The initial step in developing injury prevention strategies is to establish the
      epidemiology of injury. However there has been no published research on injury in
      Gaelic handball. This study describes the epidemiology of injury in 75 Gaelic
      handball players utilising a retrospective questionnaire. 88% of participants
      reported one or more injuries. Injuries to the upper limb were prevalent (52.9%),
      followed by the lower limb (30.3%). The shoulder (17.6%), finger (10.5%) and
      ankle (9.8%) were the primary sites of injury. Injuries occurred most frequently
      in December (9.7%), January (9.7%), February (9.7%) and November (8.7%). Injuries
      predominantly occurred during games (82.4%). Injuries were primarily severe
      (54.7%), with 14.6% of participants admitted to hospital due to injury. Given
      that this is the only study on Gaelic handball to date, prospective
      epidemiological studies and further research on injury prevention strategies are
      necessary.

PMID- 27685818
TI  - The Association Between 25 Hydroxyvitamin D and Airway Obstruction in Asthma.
AB  - Since Vitamin D has anti-inflammatory effects we wondered whether the association
      between low serum 25OHD and airway obstruction in moderate persistent asthma
      might be explained by inflammatory pathways that worsen asthma. All subjects
      examined were Irish Caucasians with moderate persistent asthma and none took
      systemic steroid therapy. In addition to computerized spirometry, we measured
      BMI, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), total IgE, Eosinophil Cationic Protein
      (ECP), and high sensitive C- reactive protein (hs-CRP). One hundred (47 male)
      subjects completed the testing. Within single level of asthma severity, 25OHD
      levels were related to post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC (r = 0.26, p< 0.01), but
      multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that the association was not
      explained by obesity or inflammatory markers. We find a relationship exists
      between airway obstruction and 25OHD levels in asthmatic adults, and the effect
      is not explained by the presence of potential confounders such as obesity,
      allergy and systemic inflammation.

PMID- 27685819
TI  - Spontaneous Pneumothorax; a Collapse in Management?
AB  - Revised guidelines for the management of spontaneous pneumothoraces were
      published by the British Thoracic Society in 2010, however compliance remains
      poor. A retrospective review was performed on patients diagnosed with a
      pneumothorax over a 26 month period (January 2012 to March 2014). Of the 57
      patients identified, 43 (75%) were diagnosed with spontaneous pneumothorax. 12
      patients (21%) had pre-existing lung disease, and 16 patients (28%) admitted to
      having had a previously documented pneumothorax. 19 patients (33%) were reported
      as smokers. The main symptoms reported were chest pain (93%) and shortness of
      breath (54%). Observation was appropriate in 18 cases (31%), while aspiration
      alone was performed in 9 (16%) with chest drains required in 25 cases (44%). Five
      patients (9%) were admitted directly under a medical team. Our study demonstrated
      good compliance with BTS guidelines. The decision to observe, aspirate, insert a
      chest drain or directly refer to the medical team was appropriate in the majority
      of cases studied.

PMID- 27685820
TI  - Headache Management in Community Pharmacies.
AB  - Many headache patients self-medicate and choose their preferred analgesic from a
      range of acute analgesics available on the high-street and from community
      pharmacies. Little is known about their presenting symptoms, headache diagnosis
      and their preferred treatments. A questionnaire was distributed to community
      pharmacies in the Munster region of Ireland and was administered to patients
      requesting treatment for headache. A total of 1023 completed questionnaires were
      received, 76.7% (n=765) were female and 51.8% were aged 18-39 years. 53.3%
      (n=542) were not previously diagnosed by a GP and 49.6% (n=502) had never sought
      advice from a pharmacist. According to the symptoms described, 32% (n=327) had
      episodic migraine and a further 15.2% (n=155) had probable episodic migraine.
      30.3% (n=310) had tension type headache. 10.7% (n=105) had chronic daily
      headache. Codeine based products were the preferred treatment choice for 43.1%
      (n=441). Triptans were the most effective, 68.6% (n=166), in those for whom they
      were previously prescribed. 11.8% (n=121) had medication-overuse. The community
      pharmacist is an important resource in headache management. An expanded role
      incorporating best practice management guidelines has the potential to improve
      the outcomes for many headache sufferers.

PMID- 27685821
TI  - Group B Streptoccocal Meningitis and Ventriculo-peritoneal Shunts.
AB  - There is no available Irish data on the rate of Ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) shunt
      insertion in infants with group B streptococcus (GBS) meningitis. We performed a
      retrospective case series of 40 infants with GBS meningitis over 6 years. Four
      (10%) infants required insertion of VP shunt for hydrocephalus. Those infants who
      required a VP shunt initially presented with seizures, lethargy and a low serum
      white cell count.

PMID- 27685822
TI  - Osteosarcoma in a Patient Receiving Long-Term TNF Inhibitor Therapy.
AB  - Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have an increased risk of
      developing malignancy. The use of immunosuppressive therapies and tumour necrosis
      factor (TNF) inhibitors in these patients may provide a further risk for the
      development of malignancy. We report the clinical and pathological findings of a
      high grade osteosarcoma in a patient with Crohns disease receiving TNF inhibitor
      therapy. In this case, a 32-year old female presented with a painful right knee
      after receiving maintenance adalimumab for Crohns disease for a period of six
      years. There is a substantial hypothetical link between TNF inhibitor regimens
      such as adalimumab and an increased risk of malignancy. TNF inhibitor therapy
      should be ceased and chemotherapy and surgery is an effective combined modality
      approach in these patients. The role of TNF inhibitors in patients after cancer
      diagnosis is uncertain and further research is required to assess efficacy and
      safety.

PMID- 27685823
TI  - Superficial Siderosis.
AB  - Herein, we describe a case of 69 year old man who presented with gradual
      bilateral hearing impairment and unsteadiness. Examination showed bilateral
      sensorineural deafness and cerebellar ataxia. Neuroimaging revealed a rim of
      hypointensity surrounding the brain stem, superficial cerebellar fissures and
      extending into the cervical spinal cord consistent with the diagnosis of
      superficial siderosis (SS). Investigations failed to identify any reversible
      cause for the condition.

PMID- 27685824
TI  - Patients safety incident reporting: the who, what, where, when and why?
AB  - The landscape of patient safety is changing nationally and internationally.
      Recently, the number of preventable deaths in the USA annually is estimated at
      between 200,000-400,000.Nationally and internationally under-reporting of patient
      safety incidents is an opportunity for improvement. In 2015, 58.6% of patient
      related claims received by the State Claims Agency (SCA) had no previous patient
      safety incident reported, despite the legal obligation to report adverse events
      to the SCA. A detailed, national survey of the acute hospitals identified that
      there is significant variation in the modes and patterns of incident reporting,
      including variation in the percentage of incidents reported to the SCA, who
      decides what is reported, how it is reported, the backlog of incidents not
      reported and the time delay before reporting. This knowledge confirms that
      currently, comparisons between hospitals of equal activity are inaccurate.
      Reduction in variation and increased standardisation of patient safety incident
      reporting is required.

PMID- 27685825
TI  - A Case of Sporadic Pulmonary Lymphangioleiomyomatosis.

PMID- 27685826
TI  - Which Factors are Important in Determining the Length of Stay in Bronchiolitis?

PMID- 27685827
TI  - Appropriateness of Medical Admissions and of Continued In-Patient Stay at an
      Acute Hospital.

PMID- 27685828
TI  - Encouraging Oral Analgesia in the Fasted Child Attending a Trauma Review Clinic.

PMID- 27685829
TI  - Oxygen-Molecule Adsorption and Dissociation on BCN Graphene: A First-Principles
      Study.
AB  - Boron and nitrogen co-doped (BCN) graphene is an attractive material for use as a
      metal-free oxygen reduction reaction electrocatalyst and as other catalysts due
      to its unique structure and electronic properties. Reported here is the
      structure, determined by using density functional theory, of the active O2 
      dissociation site of BCN graphene containing different types of BN cluster. The
      results show that the edge termination and shape of substitutional BN clusters
      are two important factors that determine the catalytic activity of BCN graphene
      for the dissociation of molecular oxygen. N-Terminated triangular BN (t-BN)
      cluster doping can reduce the energy barrier more effectively compared to a t-BN
      with a B edge or quadrangular BN cluster. Interestingly, the B atom neighboring
      the N edge, only in the case of N-terminated t-BN doping, is determined to be the
      most active site for O2 dissociation due to the barrier being as low as 0.08 eV.
      The electronic structure calculations reveal that in addition to the large
      positive charge densities, the catalytic activity of graphene enhanced by B,N
      doping is also attributed to the increased density of states of the pi* states of
      the active site around the Fermi level.

PMID- 27685830
TI  - Doctors and Witches, Conscience and Violence: Abortion Provision on American
      Television.
AB  - CONTEXT: Popular entertainment may reflect and produce-as well as potentially
      contest-stigma regarding abortion provision. Knowledge of how providers are
      portrayed on-screen is needed to improve understanding of how depictions may
      contribute to the stigmatization of real providers. METHODS: All abortion
      provision plotlines on American television from 2005 to 2014 were identified
      through Internet searches. Plotlines were assessed in their entirety and coded
      for genre, abortion provision space, provider characteristics, method and
      efficacy of provision, and occurrence of violence. Inductive content analysis was
      used to identify themes in how these features were depicted. RESULTS: Fifty-two
      plotlines involving abortion provision were identified on 40 television shows; a
      large majority of plotlines appeared in dramas, particularly in the subgenre of
      medical dramas. Medical spaces were depicted as normal and safe for abortion
      provision, and nonmedical spaces were often portrayed as remote and unsafe. Legal
      abortion care using medical methods was depicted as effective and safe, and legal
      providers were presented as compassionate, while providers operating outside of
      medical and legal authority were depicted as ineffective, dangerous and uncaring.
      Fictional providers were largely motivated by the belief that abortion provision
      is a necessary and moral service. Plotlines linked abortion provision to
      violence. CONCLUSIONS: The differing ways in which legal and illegal abortion are
      portrayed reveal potential consequences regarding real-world abortion provision,
      and suggest that representations situated in medical contexts may work to
      legitimate and destigmatize such provision.

PMID- 27685831
TI  - Water-dispersible Hollow Microporous Organic Network Spheres as Substrate for
      Electroless Deposition of Ultrafine Pd Nanoparticles with High Catalytic Activity
      and Recyclability.
AB  - Microporous organic networks (MONs) have been considered as an ideal substrate to
      stabilize active metal nanoparticles. However, the development of highly water
      dispersible hollow MONs nanostructures which can serve as both the reducing agent
      and stabilizer is highly desirable but still challenging. Here we report a
      template-assisted method to synthesize hollow microporous organic network (H-MON)
      spheres using silica spheres as hard template and 1,3,5-triethynylbenzene as the
      building blocks through a Glaser coupling reaction. The obtained water
      dispersible H-MON spheres bearing sp- and sp2 -hybridized carbon atoms possess a
      highly conjugated electronic structure and show low reduction potential; thus,
      they can serve as a reducing agent and stabilizer for electroless deposition of
      highly dispersed Pd clusters to form a Pd/H-MON spherical hollow nanocomposite.
      Benefitting from their high porosity, large surface area, and excellent solution
      dispersibility, the as-prepared Pd/H-MON hollow nanocomposite exhibits a high
      catalytic performance and recyclability toward the reduction of 4-nitrophenol.

PMID- 27685832
TI  - Emergency nurses' decisions regarding frequency and nature of vital sign
      assessment.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To explore the factors emergency nurses use to inform their
      decisions regarding frequency and nature of vital sign assessment. BACKGROUND:
      Research related to clinical deterioration and vital sign assessment in the
      emergency department is in its infancy. Studies to date have explored the
      frequency of vital sign assessment in the emergency department; however, there
      are no published studies that have examined factors that emergency nurses use to
      inform their decisions regarding frequency and nature of ongoing vital sign
      assessment. DESIGN: A prospective exploratory design was used. Data were
      collected using a survey consisting of eight patient vignettes. METHODS: The
      study was conducted in one emergency department in metropolitan Melbourne.
      Participants were emergency nurses permanently employed at the study site.
      RESULTS: A 96% response rate was achieved (n = 47/49). The most common frequency
      of patient reassessment nominated by participants was 15 or 30 minutely, with an
      equal number of participants choosing these frequency intervals. Abnormality in
      initial vital sign parameters was the most common factor identified for choosing
      either a 15- or 30-minute assessment interval. Frequency of assessment decisions
      was influenced by years of emergency nursing experience in one vignette and level
      of postgraduate qualification in three vignettes. Heart rate, respiratory rate
      and blood pressure were all nominated by over 80% of participants as vital signs
      that participants considered important for reassessment. The frequency and nature
      of vital signs selected varied according to vignette content. There were
      significant negative correlations between assessment of conscious state and years
      of nursing experience and assessment of respiratory rate and years of emergency
      nursing experience. Level of postgraduate qualification did not influence
      selection of parameters for reassessment. CONCLUSION: Emergency nurses are
      tailoring vital sign assessment to patients' clinical status, and nurses are
      integrating known vital sign data into vital sign decision-making. RELEVANCE TO
      CLINICAL PRACTICE: Accurate assessment and interpretation of vital sign data is
      fundamental to patient safety. Emergency nurses are responsible for the initial
      and ongoing assessment of undiagnosed or undifferentiated patients. Prior to
      medical assessment, emergency nurses are solely responsible for patient
      assessment, escalation of care and implementation of interventions within nursing
      scope of practice.

PMID- 27685834
TI  - Behavioral History of Withdrawal Influences Regulation of Cocaine Seeking by
      Glutamate Re-Uptake.
AB  - Withdrawal from cocaine regulates expression of distinct glutamate re-uptake
      transporters in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). In this study, we examined the
      cumulative effect of glutamate re-uptake by multiple excitatory amino acid
      transporters (EAATs) on drug-seeking at two different stages of withdrawal from
      self-administered cocaine. Rats were trained on fixed ratio 1 (FR1), progressing
      to FR5 schedule of reinforcement. After one day of withdrawal, microinfusion of a
      broad non-transportable EAAT antagonist, DL-threo-beta-benzyloxyaspartate (DL
      TBOA), into the NAc shell dose-dependently attenuated self-administration of
      cocaine. Sucrose self-administration was not affected by DL-TBOA, indicating an
      effect specific to reinforcing properties of cocaine. The attenuating effect on
      cocaine seeking was not due to suppression of locomotor response, as DL-TBOA was
      found to transiently increase spontaneous locomotor activity. Previous studies
      have established a role for EAAT2-mediated re-uptake on reinstatement of cocaine
      seeking following extended withdrawal and extinction training. We found that
      blockade of NAc shell EAATs did not affect cocaine-primed reinstatement of
      cocaine seeking. These results indicate that behavioral history of withdrawal
      influences the effect of re-uptake mediated glutamate clearance on cocaine
      seeking. Dynamic regulation of glutamate availability by re-uptake mechanisms may
      impact other glutamate signaling pathways to account for such differences.

PMID- 27685833
TI  - Nutraceuticals in hypercholesterolaemia: an overview.
AB  - : Growing attention is now being given to the possible preventive/alternative
      ways to avoid illness onset. Changes in lifestyle and food habits are taking over
      from the conventional pharmaceutical-based approach, especially for chronic
      pathologies. Nutraceuticals have been proposed as key tools for the prevention
      and cure of some pathological conditions. This is leading research to develop new
      formulations based on these pharma-foods addressed in a specific way to prevent
      and cure health issues, which, in turn, will have an effect on therapy-related
      costs sustained by any National Health Organization. According to existing
      regulations, nutraceuticals cannot be categorized as either food or drugs but, by
      definition, often inhabit a grey area in between the two, being assimilated into
      food supplements, notwithstanding the beneficial properties that they can provide
      for some pathological conditions. A nutraceuticals-based approach for health
      management, in particular for some pathological conditions, has resulted in a
      worldwide growing 'nutraceutical' revolution. An outstanding example is the
      approach to the 'metabolic syndrome', which includes overweight, obesity and
      cardiovascular-related diseases, causing a sort of cascade of chronic health
      conditions, which is becoming a norm in modern life. Hypercholesterolaemia is one
      of these. It represents an example of a pathology that can be linked to both a
      poor lifestyle and dietary habits. The nutraceutical approach to
      hypercholesterolaemia is described in the present review as a possible
      alternative to the conventional drug-based therapy. LINKED ARTICLES: This article
      is part of a themed section on Principles of Pharmacological Research of
      Nutraceuticals. To view the other articles in this section visit
      http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.11/issuetoc.

PMID- 27685836
TI  - Immune complexome analysis reveals the specific and frequent presence of immune
      complex antigens in lung cancer patients: A pilot study.
AB  - Cancer immunotherapies such as antibodies targeting T cell checkpoints, or
      adaptive tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) transfer, have been developed to
      boost the endogenous immune response against human malignancies. However,
      activation of T cells by such antibodies can lead to the risk of autoimmune
      diseases. Also, the selection of tumor-reactive T cells for TIL relies on
      information regarding mutated antigens in tumors and does not reflect other
      factors involved in protein antigenicity. It is therefore essential to engineer
      therapeutic interventions by which T cell reactivity against tumor cells is
      selectively enhanced (i.e., "focused cancer immunotherapy") based on tumor
      antigens that are specifically expressed in the tumor of a certain cancer and in
      many patients with this cancer. Immune complexes (ICs) are the direct and stable
      products of immunological recognition by humoral immunity. Here, we searched for
      tumor-specific IC antigens in each of five cancers (lung (n = 28), colon (n =
      20), bladder (n = 20), renal cell (n = 15) and malignant lymphoma (n = 9)), by
      using immune complexome analysis that comprehensively identifies and profiles the
      constituent antigens in ICs. This analysis indicated that gelsolin and inter
      alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy chains were specifically and frequently detected
      (at a frequency higher than 80%), and that phosphoproteins (VENTX, VCIP135) were
      also specifically present in the ICs of lung cancer patients. Immune complexome
      analysis successfully identified several tumor-specific IC antigens with high
      detection frequency in lung cancer patients. These specific antigens are required
      to validate the clinical benefit by further analysis using a large number of
      patients.

PMID- 27685835
TI  - The extreme hyper-reactivity of selected cysteines drives hierarchical disulfide
      bond formation in serum albumin.
AB  - After mild reduction of serum albumin, seven among the 34 cysteines forming the
      disulfide network displayed a surprising hyper-reactivity. Compared to the thiol
      group of glutathione, the average reactivity of these cysteines towards
      disulfides and thiol reagents was more than 100 times higher. Using mass
      spectrometry and kinetic data, we identified all these unusual residues, with
      Cys75, Cys123 and Cys264 showing the highest reactivity. This effect was mainly
      due to a low pKa of the sulfhydryl groups and may explain the very fast formation
      of early disulfides in the nascent protein suggesting the existence of a
      hierarchical propensity to form such covalent links in selected regions during
      oxidative folding. An identical pattern of hyper-reactive cysteines was found in
      albumins from six different mammals. This hyper-reactivity is much higher than
      the one found in other proteins containing multiple cysteines only devoted to
      structural disulfide bonds. It is possible that such hyper-reactive cysteines
      could also be present in other proteins, although their existence has been
      completely ignored so far.

PMID- 27685837
TI  - CD163 levels, pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine secretion of monocytes in
      children with pulmonary tuberculosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Childhood tuberculosis (TB) comprises an important part of the
      world's TB burden. Monocytes set up the early phase of infection because of
      innate immune responses. Understanding the changes in monocyte subsets during
      multisystem infectious diseases may be important for the development of novel
      diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the
      monocyte phenotype together with the cytokine secretion profiles of children with
      pulmonary tuberculosis. STUDY DESIGN: Thirteen patients with pulmonary TB were
      enrolled as study group, and 14 healthy subjects as control group. Surface
      expressions of CD16, CD14, CD62L, CD163, CCR2, and HLA-DR of monocytes were
      analyzed by flow cytometry. The presence of IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, IL-10, IL-12,
      IL-23, and soluble form of CD163 (sCD163) in the antigen- and LPS-stimulated
      whole blood culture supernatants were detected using ELISA and Luminex. RESULTS:
      Higher percentages of CD14++ CD16+ and CD14+ CD16++ monocyte subsets, and CCR2,
      CD62L and CD163 expression on circulating monocytes in children with pulmonary
      tuberculosis were obtained. Diminished levels of ESAT-6/CFP-10-induced IL-10 and
      increased levels of TB-antigen and LPS-stimulated sCD163 were found in childhood
      with pulmonary TB. CONCLUSIONS: High expression of CD14++ CD16+ , CD14+ CD16++ ,
      CD14+ CCR2+ , and CD14+ CD62L+ cells in childhood TB, and monocyte-derived
      cytokines reflected both pro- and anti-inflammatory profiles. Higher sCD163 and
      CD14+ CD163+ monocytes might help physicians in the differential diagnosis of
      pulmonary TB in children. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017;52:675-683. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27685839
TI  - Uncatalyzed Hydrogenation of First-Row Main Group Multiple Bonds.
AB  - Room temperature hydrogenation of an SIDep-stabilized diboryne (SIDep=1,3
      bis(diethylphenyl)-4,5-dihydroimidazol-2-ylidene) and a cAAC-supported
      diboracumulene (cAAC=1-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-3,3,5,5-tetramethylpyrrolidin-2
      ylidene) provided the first selective route to the corresponding 1,2
      dihydrodiborenes. DFT calculations showed an overall exothermic (DeltaG=19.4 kcal
      mol-1 ) two-step asynchronous H2 addition mechanism proceeding via a bridging
      hydride.

PMID- 27685838
TI  - National survey of colistin resistance among carbapenemase-producing
      Enterobacteriaceae and outbreak caused by colistin-resistant OXA-48-producing
      Klebsiella pneumoniae, France, 2014.
AB  - From January 2014 to December 2014, 972 consecutive non-replicate carbapenemase
      producing Enterobacteriaceae isolates from colonised or infected patients were
      collected at the Associated French National Reference Centre as part of the
      French national survey on antimicrobial resistance. It included 577 Klebsiella
      spp. (59%), 236 Escherichia coli (24%), 108 Enterobacter spp. (11%), 50
      Citrobacter spp. (5%), and a single Salmonella spp. isolate (0.1%). Of 561 K.
      pneumoniae isolates, 35 were found to be resistant to colistin (6.2%). PFGE
      analysis revealed a clonal outbreak involving 15 K. pneumoniae isolates belonging
      to sequence type ST11, recovered in a single hospital in the Picardie region in
      northern France. Those clonally related isolates showed variable levels of
      resistance to colistin, ranging from 4 to 64 mg/L. They harboured the blaOXA-48
      carbapenemase gene and the blaCTX-M-15 extended-spectrum beta-lactamase gene.
      Among the 91 Enterobacter cloacae isolates, seven were resistant to colistin and
      produced different types of carbapenemases. Surprisingly, none of the E. coli and
      Citrobacter spp. isolates showed resistance to colistin. This national survey
      including carbapenemase-producing isolates recovered in 2014 reported a high rate
      of colistin resistance in K. pneumoniae and E. cloacae (6.2% and 7.7%,
      respectively) in France. 

PMID- 27685840
TI  - In Vitro Evaluation of the Size, Knot Holding Capacity, and Knot Security of the
      Forwarder Knot Compared to Square and Surgeon's Knots Using Large Gauge Suture.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the strength, size, and holding capacity of the self
      locking forwarder knot compared to surgeon's and square knots using large gauge
      suture. STUDY DESIGN: In vitro mechanical study. STUDY POPULATION: Knotted
      suture. METHODS: Forwarder, surgeon's, and square knots were tested on a
      universal testing machine under linear tension using 2 and 3 USP polyglactin 910
      and 2 USP polydioxanone. Knot holding capacity (KHC) and mode of failure were
      recorded and relative knot security (RKS) was calculated as a percentage of KHC.
      Knot volume and weight were assessed by digital micrometer and balance,
      respectively. ANOVA and post hoc testing were used tocompare strength between
      number of throws, suture, suture size, and knot type. P<.05 was considered
      significant. RESULTS: Forwarder knots had a higher KHC and RKS than surgeon's or
      square knots for all suture types and number of throws. No forwarder knots
      unraveled, but a proportion of square and surgeon's knots with <6 throws did
      unravel. Forwarder knots had a smaller volume and weight than surgeon's and
      square knots with equal number of throws. The forwarder knot of 4 throws using 3
      USP polyglactin 910 had the highest KHC, RKS, and the smallest size and weight.
      CONCLUSION: Forwarder knots may be an alternative for commencing continuous
      patterns in large gauge suture, without sacrificing knot integrity, but further
      in vivo and ex vivo testing is required to assess the effects of this sliding
      knot on tissue perfusion before clinical application.

PMID- 27685841
TI  - Zebularine enhances apoptosis of human osteosarcoma cells by suppressing
      methylation of ARHI.
AB  - ARHI is an imprinted tumor suppressor gene and its methylation suppresses ARHI
      transcription levels to cause the development and progression of malignant
      tumors. Zebularine exerts a demethylation function for tumor suppressor genes.
      Our study aims to investigate the effect and mechanism of action of zebularine on
      the epigenetic modification of the ARHI gene, and whether this effect may
      modulate the viability and apoptosis of human osteosarcoma cells. We found that
      zebularine inhibited the viability and promoted apoptosis in osteosarcoma cells.
      Zebularine potentiated the expression of ARHI at both the protein and mRNA level.
      This was related to the downregulation of methylation of ARHI caused by
      zebularine. Zebularine suppressed the interaction of DNA methyltransferase 1
      (DNMT1) with histone methyltransferase G9a, but had no effect on G9a alone.
      Knockdown of DNMT1 or G9a can induce a reduction of ARHI methylation. Therefore,
      we inferred that zebularine was likely to directly repress DNMT1 alone, but G9a
      was necessary to regulate the function of DNMT1 on ARHI methylation. Moreover,
      knockdown of ARHI rescued cell viability and apoptosis under the zebularine
      treated condition. We showed that zebularine inhibited viability and promoted
      apoptosis by disturbing the interaction between DNMT1 and G9a, thereby resulting
      in lower ARHI methylation and elevated ARHI expression in osteosarcoma cells.

PMID- 27685843
TI  - Site-specific methylation patterns of the GAL and GALR1/2 genes in head and neck
      cancer: Potential utility as biomarkers for prognosis.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of the promoter
      methylation status of galanin (GAL) and galanin receptor 1/2 (GALR1/2) by
      assessing their association with disease-free survival and known prognostic
      factors in head and neck cancer. We generated methylation profiles of GAL and
      GALR1/2 in tumor samples obtained from 202 patients with head and neck squamous
      cell carcinoma (HNSCC); these included 43 hypopharynx, 42 larynx, 59 oral cavity,
      and 58 oropharynx tumor samples. CpG island hypermethylation status of the three
      genes was analyzed using quantitative methylation-specific PCR (Q-MSP). In order
      to determine the prognostic value of the methylation status of these genes, the
      associations between methylation index and various clinical characteristics,
      especially tumor site, were assessed for tumors from patients with HNSCC. The
      methylation index was positively correlated with female gender (P = 0.008) and
      disease recurrence (P = 0.01) in oral cancer and human papillomavirus (HPV)
      positive (P = 0.004) status and disease recurrence (P = 0.005) in oropharyngeal
      cancer. Among patients with oral and oropharyngeal cancer, promoter
      hypermethylation of GAL, GALR1, or GALR2 was statistically correlated with a
      decrease in disease-free survival (log-rank test, P = 0.036 and P = 0.042,
      respectively). Furthermore, methylation of GAL, GALR1, or GALR2 exhibited the
      highest association with poor survival (log-rank test, P = 0.018) in patients
      with HPV-negative oropharyngeal cancers. As such, GAL and GALR1/2 methylation
      status may serve as an important site-specific biomarker for prediction of
      clinical outcome in patients with HNSCC. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27685842
TI  - Is the Noradrenergic Symptom Cluster a Valid Construct in Adjunctive Treatment of
      Major Depressive Disorder?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify symptoms potentially representative of a noradrenergic
      symptom cluster as possible predictors of response to the selective
      norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (NRI) edivoxetine when used as monotherapy or
      adjunctive treatment in patients with DSM-IV-TR major depressive disorder (MDD).
      METHODS: Pooled data from 4 adjunctive treatment trials (selective serotonin
      reuptake inhibitor [SSRI] + edivoxetine 6-18 mg/d vs SSRI + placebo; N = 2,066)
      and data from 1 monotherapy trial (edivoxetine 6-18 mg/d versus placebo; N = 495)
      were used to identify predictors of response related to noradrenergic symptoms
      using a resampling-based ensemble tree method. The trials were conducted from
      2008 to 2013. RESULTS: In the pooled adjunctive trials, no subgroup was
      identified that demonstrated a greater edivoxetine-placebo treatment difference
      than the overall patient cohort. In the edivoxetine monotherapy trial, no
      subgroup showing greater mean edivoxetine-placebo differences on the Montgomery
      Asberg Depression Rating Scale versus the overall patient cohort was identified;
      a subgroup (67%) with high baseline Massachusetts General Hospital Cognitive and
      Physical Functioning Questionnaire (CPFQ) total score (>= 28) showed
      statistically significantly (P = .02) greater mean edivoxetine-placebo
      differences on the Sheehan Disability Scale versus the overall patient cohort,
      and subgroups with baseline CPFQ total score >= 28 (65%), CPFQ cognition
      dimension score >= 16 (63%), or CPFQ physical dimension score >= 13 (59%) showed
      statistically significantly (P <= .025) greater mean edivoxetine-placebo
      differences on the CPFQ total score versus the overall patient cohort.
      CONCLUSIONS: While we could not identify symptoms predictive of response to the
      selective NRI edivoxetine used as adjunctive treatment, impaired cognition and
      physical symptoms may predict greater improvement during monotherapy. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers: NCT00840034, NCT01173601,
      NCT01187407, NCT01185340, NCT00795821.

PMID- 27685844
TI  - Circulating Plasma Levels of MicroRNA-21 and MicroRNA-221 Are Potential
      Diagnostic Markers for Primary Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are potential biomarkers in various malignancies.
      We aim to characterize miRNA expression in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC)
      and identify circulating plasma miRNAs with potential diagnostic and prognostic
      utility. METHODS: Using deep-sequencing techniques, miRNA expression between
      tumor samples and non-neoplastic liver parenchyma were compared. Overexpressed
      miRNAs were measured in plasma from an independent cohort of patients with
      cholangiocarcinoma using RT-qPCR and compared with that healthy volunteers. The
      discriminatory ability of the evaluated plasma miRNAs between patients and
      controls was evaluated with receiving operating characteristic (ROC) curves.
      RESULTS: Small RNAs from 12 ICC and 11 tumor-free liver samples were evaluated.
      Unsupervised hierarchical clustering using the miRNA expression data showed clear
      grouping of ICC vs. non-neoplastic liver parenchyma. We identified 134 down
      regulated and 128 upregulated miRNAs. Based on overexpression and high fold
      change, miR21, miR200b, miR221, and miR34c were measured in plasma from an
      independent cohort of patients with ICC (n = 25) and healthy controls (n = 7).
      Significant overexpression of miR-21 and miR-221 was found in plasma from ICC
      patients. Furthermore, circulating miR-21 demonstrated a high discriminatory
      ability between patients with ICC and healthy controls (AUC: 0.94). CONCLUSION:
      Among the differentially expressed miRNAs in ICC, miR-21 and miR-221 are
      overexpressed and detectable in the circulation. Plasma expression levels of
      these miRNAs, particularly miR-21, accurately differentiates patients with ICC
      from healthy controls and could potentially serve as adjuncts in diagnosis.
      Prospective validation and comparison with other hepatobiliary malignancies is
      required to establish their potential role as diagnostic and prognostic
      biomarkers.

PMID- 27685846
TI  - Unusual Salt and pH Induced Changes in Polyethylenimine Solutions.
AB  - Linear PEI is a cationic polymer commonly used for complexing DNA into
      nanoparticles for cell-transfection and gene-therapy applications. The polymer
      has closely-spaced amines with weak-base protonation capacity, and a hydrophobic
      backbone that is kept unaggregated by intra-chain repulsion. As a result, in
      solution PEI exhibits multiple buffering mechanisms, and polyelectrolyte states
      that shift between aggregated and free forms. We studied the interplay between
      the aggregation and protonation behavior of 2.5 kDa linear PEI by pH probing,
      vapor pressure osmometry, dynamic light scattering, and ninhydrin assay. Our
      results indicate that: At neutral pH, the PEI chains are associated and the
      addition of NaCl initially reduces and then increases the extent of
      association.The aggregate form is uncollapsed and co-exists with the free
      chains.PEI buffering occurs due to continuous or discontinuous charging between
      stalled states.Ninhydrin assay tracks the number of unprotonated amines in
      PEI.The size of PEI-DNA complexes is not significantly affected by the free vs.
      aggregated state of the PEI polymer. Despite its simple chemical structure,
      linear PEI displays intricate solution dynamics, which can be harnessed for
      environment-sensitive biomaterials and for overcoming current challenges with DNA
      delivery.

PMID- 27685845
TI  - Lack of Postprandial Peak in Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Adults with
      Prader-Willi Syndrome.
AB  - CONTEXT: Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is characterized by severe hyperphagia.
      Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and leptin are reciprocally involved in
      energy homeostasis. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the role of BDNF and leptin in satiety
      in genetic subtypes of PWS. DESIGN: Experimental study. SETTING: University
      hospital. SUBJECTS: 90 adults: 30 PWS patients; 30 age-sex-BMI-matched obese
      controls; and 30 age-sex-matched lean controls. INTERVENTIONS: Subjects ingested
      a liquid meal after fasting >=10 hours. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Leptin and BDNF
      levels in plasma extracted before ingestion and 30', 60', and 120' after
      ingestion. Hunger, measured on a 100-point visual analogue scale before ingestion
      and 60' and 120' after ingestion. RESULTS: Fasting BDNF levels were lower in PWS
      than in controls (p = 0.05). Postprandially, PWS patients showed only a truncated
      early peak in BDNF, and their BDNF levels at 60' and 120' were lower compared
      with lean controls (p<0.05). Leptin was higher in PWS patients than in controls
      at all time points (p<0.001). PWS patients were hungrier than controls before and
      after eating. The probability of being hungry was associated with baseline BDNF
      levels: every 50-unit increment in BDNF decreased the odds of being hungry by 22%
      (OR: 0.78, 95%CI: 0.65-0.94). In uniparental disomy, the odds of being hungry
      decreased by 66% (OR: 0.34, 90%CI: 0.13-0.9). Postprandial leptin patterns did no
      differ among genetic subtypes. CONCLUSIONS: Low baseline BDNF levels and lack of
      postprandial peak may contribute to persistent hunger after meals. Uniparental
      disomy is the genetic subtype of PWS least affected by these factors.

PMID- 27685847
TI  - Asarone from Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma Potentiates the Nerve Growth Factor
      Induced Neuronal Differentiation in Cultured PC12 Cells: A Signaling Mediated by
      Protein Kinase A.
AB  - Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma (ATR), the rhizome of Acorus tatarinowii Schott, is
      being used clinically to treat neurological disorders. The volatile oil of ATR is
      being considered as an active ingredient. Here, alpha-asarone and beta-asarone,
      accounting about 95% of ATR oil, were evaluated for its function in stimulating
      neurogenesis. In cultured PC12 cells, application of ATR volatile oil, alpha
      asarone or beta-asarone, stimulated the expression of neurofilaments, a bio
      marker for neurite outgrowth, in a concentration-dependent manner. The co
      treatment of ATR volatile oil, alpha-asarone or beta-asarone, with low
      concentration of nerve growth factor (NGF) potentiated the NGF-induced neuronal
      differentiation in cultured PC12 cells. In addition, application of protein
      kinase A inhibitors, H89 and KT5720, in cultures blocked the ATR-induced
      neurofilament expression, as well as the phosphorylation of cAMP-responsive
      element binding protein (CREB). In the potentiation of NGF-induced signaling in
      cultured PC12 cells, alpha-asarone and beta-asarone showed synergistic effects.
      These results proposed the neurite-promoting asarone, or ATR volatile oil, could
      be useful in finding potential drugs for treating various neurodegenerative
      diseases, in which neurotrophin deficiency is normally involved.

PMID- 27685848
TI  - Fluid composition and acute kidney injury.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To describe recent advances in the understanding of the role
      of fluid composition in renal outcomes in critically ill patients. RECENT
      FINDINGS: The debate on fluid composition is now focused in a pragmatic
      discussion on fluid electrolyte composition. The resurgence of this debate was
      propelled by several observational studies that suggested that balanced (i.e.,
      low chloride) solutions were associated with less acute kidney injury in
      critically ill patients. Nevertheless, a cluster randomized trial failed to show
      any benefit of balanced solutions. This trial, however, may have failed to detect
      an effect because of low global illness severity and little fluid infused. If
      balanced solutions are to be associated with less acute kidney injury, it will
      probably be in high risk, aggressively resuscitated patients. Additionally, the
      causal loop involving unbalanced solution infusion, induction of hyperchloremia
      and acute kidney injury is yet to be closed. Other factors, such as buffer type,
      speed of infusion and temperature, among others, may also be important. SUMMARY:
      Recent evidence suggests that crystalloid fluid composition matters and can
      influence renal outcomes in critically ill patients. Further studies should
      assess the impact and cost-efficiency of balanced solutions in the context of
      high-risk scenarios.

PMID- 27685849
TI  - Family-centered outcomes during and after critical illness: current outcomes and
      opportunities for future investigation.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Family-centered outcomes during and after critical illness
      assess issues that are most important to family members. An understanding of
      family-centered outcomes is necessary to support the provision of family-centered
      care and to foster development of interventions to improve care and communication
      in the ICU. RECENT FINDINGS: Current family-centered outcomes in critical care
      include satisfaction with care, including end-of-life care, symptoms of
      psychological distress, and health-related quality of life. Novel measures
      include assessments of decisional conflict, decision regret, therapeutic
      alliance, and caregiver burden, as well as positive adaptations and resilience.
      SUMMARY: Critical illness places a significant burden on family members. A wide
      variety of family-centered outcomes are available to guide improvements in care
      and communication. Future research should focus on developing sensitive and
      responsive measures that capture key elements of the family member experience
      during and after critical illness.

PMID- 27685850
TI  - Genes mirror migrations and cultures in prehistoric Europe-a population genomic
      perspective.
AB  - Genomic information from ancient human remains is beginning to show its full
      potential for learning about human prehistory. We review the last few years'
      dramatic finds about European prehistory based on genomic data from humans that
      lived many millennia ago and relate it to modern-day patterns of genomic
      variation. The early times, the Upper Paleolithic, appears to contain several
      population turn-overs followed by more stable populations after the Last Glacial
      Maximum and during the Mesolithic. Some 11000 years ago the migrations driving
      the Neolithic transition start from around Anatolia and reach the north and the
      west of Europe millennia later followed by major migrations during the Bronze
      Age. These findings show that culture and lifestyle were major determinants of
      genomic differentiation and similarity in pre-historic Europe rather than
      geography as is the case today.

PMID- 27685853
TI  - Error in Author Name Tagging.

PMID- 27685851
TI  - The joint contribution of maternal history of early adversity and adulthood
      depression to socioeconomic status and potential relevance for offspring
      development.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We examined the interactive effects of maternal childhood adversity
      and later adulthood depression on subsequent socioeconomic status (SES). METHODS:
      Our community sample ranged from 230 to 243 mothers (across measures) drawn from
      a prospective, longitudinal cohort study. Maternal childhood adversity scores
      were derived using an integrated measure derived from the Childhood Trauma
      Questionnaire (CTQ) and the Parental Bonding Index (PBI). Maternal depression was
      measured in the prenatal period with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies
      Depression Scale (CES-D). SES measures included maternal highest level of
      education and family income as obtained prenatally. RESULTS: The analyses yielded
      significant interaction effects between maternal childhood adversity and prenatal
      depression that predicted income, prenatally. Women who reported higher levels of
      childhood adversity combined with higher levels of self-reported depressive
      symptoms were significantly more likely to live in low SES environments. Results
      also showed that level of education was predicted by childhood adversity
      independent of maternal symptoms of depression. CONCLUSION: The results suggest
      that SES is influenced by a life course pathway that begins in childhood and
      includes adversity-related mental health outcomes. Since child health and
      development is influenced by both maternal mental health and SES, this pathway
      may also contribute to the intergenerational transmission of the risk for
      psychopathology in the offspring. The results also emphasize the importance of
      studying potential precursors of low SES, a well-documented environmental risk
      factor for poor developmental outcomes in the offspring.

PMID- 27685852
TI  - Age effect on autobiographical memory specificity: A study on autobiographical
      memory specificity in elderly survivors of childhood trauma.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is accompanied
      by altered autobiographical memories (AM) of the traumatic incident itself as
      well as of non-trauma-related events. Several studies have shown that trauma
      exposed individuals developing PTSD have a reduced capacity to access specific
      past events that are not related to the traumatic event compared to those who do
      not develop PTSD. However, one study including a group of elderly adults did not
      find significant differences in AM between PTSD and non-PTSD participants. The
      present study investigated whether PTSD is associated with impaired AM of trauma
      related and non-trauma-related memories in the elderly. METHOD: Forty-four
      elderly participants, displaced during childhood from former German territories
      after the end of World War II (WWII), were examined. This group comprised 19
      participants with and 25 participants without PTSD. These participants were
      compared to 23 non-traumatized non-displaced elderly participants. RESULTS: PTSD,
      non-PTSD and non-traumatized participants do not differ significantly in their
      ability to recall specific memories of their past. Moreover, participants with
      PTSD did not recall more trauma-related memories than non-PTSD participants.
      LIMITATIONS: The traumatized participants reached for assessment might represent
      the most resilient individuals, which might constrain generalizability of our
      results to other trauma populations. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms preliminary
      evidence that PTSD is not associated with AM impairment in the elderly. We
      suggest that aging may alter the relationship between trauma and AM impairment in
      traumatized participants with PTSD, which need to be confirmed by longitudinal
      studies.

PMID- 27685854
TI  - Niche Partitioning among Mesocarnivores in a Brazilian Wetland.
AB  - We investigated the home range size, habitat selection, as well as the spatial
      and activity overlap, of four mid-sized carnivore species in the Central
      Pantanal, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. From December 2005 to September 2008, seven
      crab-eating foxes Cerdocyon thous, seven brown-nosed coatis Nasua nasua, and six
      ocelots Leopardus pardalis were radio-collared and monitored. Camera trap data on
      these species were also collected for the crab-eating raccoon Procyon
      cancrivorus. We hypothesized that there would be large niche differentiation in
      preferred habitat-type or active period between generalist species with similar
      diet, and higher similarity in habitat-type or activity time between the
      generalist species (crab-eating foxes and coatis) and the more specialized
      ocelot. Individual home ranges were estimated using the utilization distribution
      index (UD- 95% fixed Kernel). With data obtained from radio-collared individuals,
      we evaluated habitat selection using compositional analysis. Median home range
      size of ocelots was 8 km2. The proportion of habitats within the home ranges of
      ocelots did not differ from the overall habitat proportion in the study area, but
      ocelots preferentially used forest within their home range. The median home range
      size of crab-eating foxes was 1.4 km2. Foxes showed second-order habitat
      selection and selected savanna over shrub-savanna vegetation. The median home
      range size for coati was 1.5 km2. Coati home ranges were located randomly in the
      study area. However, within their home range, coatis occurred more frequently in
      savanna than in other vegetation types. Among the four species, the overlap in
      activity period was the highest (87%) between ocelots and raccoons, with the
      least overlap occurring between the ocelot and coati (25%). We suggest that
      temporal segregation of carnivores was more important than spatial segregation,
      notably between the generalist coati, crab-eating fox and crab-eating raccoon.

PMID- 27685855
TI  - Tumor-Infiltrating Macrophages in Post-Transplant, Relapsed Classical Hodgkin
      Lymphoma Are Donor-Derived.
AB  - Tumor-associated inflammatory cells in classical Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL) typically
      outnumber the neoplastic Hodgkin/Reed-Sternberg (H/RS) cells. The composition of
      the inflammatory infiltrate, particularly the fraction of macrophages, has been
      associated with clinical behavior. Emerging work from animal models demonstrates
      that most tissue macrophages are maintained by a process of self-renewal under
      physiologic circumstances and certain inflammatory states, but the contribution
      from circulating monocytes may be increased in some disease states. This raises
      the question of the source of macrophages involved in human disease, particularly
      that of CHL. Patients with relapsed CHL following allogeneic bone marrow
      transplant (BMT) provide a unique opportunity to begin to address this issue. We
      identified 4 such patients in our archives. Through molecular chimerism and/or XY
      FISH studies, we demonstrated the DNA content in the post-BMT recurrent CHL was
      predominantly donor-derived, while the H/RS cells were derived from the patient.
      Where possible to evaluate, the cellular composition of the inflammatory
      infiltrate, including the percentage of macrophages, was similar to that of the
      original tumor. Our findings suggest that the H/RS cells themselves define the
      inflammatory environment. In addition, our results demonstrate that tumor
      associated macrophages in CHL are predominantly derived from circulating
      monocytes rather than resident tissue macrophages. Given the association between
      tumor microenvironment and disease progression, a better understanding of
      macrophage recruitment to CHL may open new strategies for therapeutic
      intervention.

PMID- 27685858
TI  - Working with Commercially Available Quantum Dots for Immunofluorescence on Tissue
      Sections.
AB  - Quantum dots are semiconductor fluorescent nanocrystals that exhibit excellent
      characteristics compared with more commonly used organic fluorescent dyes. For
      many years quantum dot conjugated products have been available in multiple forms
      for fluorescence imaging of tissue sections under the trademark name Qdot(r).
      They have much increased brightness, narrow emission spectrum, large Stokes shift
      and photostability compared with conventional organic fluorescent dyes, which
      together make them the fluorophores of choice for demanding requirements. Vivid
      Qdots are recent replacements for original Qdots, modified to improve brightness,
      however this has affected the fluorescence stability in commonly used conditions
      for immunohistochemistry. We present here our investigation of the stability of
      original and Vivid Qdots in solution and in immunohistochemistry, highlight the
      potential pitfalls and propose a protocol for stable and reliable multiplex
      staining with current commercially available original and Vivid Qdots.

PMID- 27685856
TI  - Characterization of Botrytis cinerea negative-stranded RNA virus 1, a new
      mycovirus related to plant viruses, and a reconstruction of host pattern
      evolution in negative-sense ssRNA viruses.
AB  - The molecular characterization of a novel negative single-stranded RNA virus
      infecting the plant pathogenic fungus Botrytis cinerea is reported here.
      Comparison of the sequence of Botrytis cinerea negative-stranded RNA virus 1
      (BcNSRV-1) showed a strong identity with RNA dependent RNA polymerases (RdRps) of
      plant pathogenic emaraviruses and tospoviruses. We have also found all the
      molecular signatures present in the RdRp of the genus Emaravirus and in other
      genera of family Bunyaviridae: the conserved TPD triplet and RY dinucleotide, the
      three basic residues in premotif A and the conserved motifs A, B, C, D, and E.
      Our results showed that BcNSRV-1 is phylogenetically close to members of the
      genus Emaravirus and of the family Bunyaviridae, and an ancestral state
      reconstruction using the conserved RdRp motifs of type members of each family of
      (-)ssRNA viruses indicated that BcNSRV-1 could possibly derive from an
      invertebrate and vertebrate-infecting virus.

PMID- 27685859
TI  - Direction of the Relationship Between Acceptance of Illness and Health-Related
      Quality of Life in Chronic Heart Failure Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study provides an in-depth insight into the relationships
      between illness acceptance and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of chronic
      heart failure (CHF) patients. Although HRQoL is a well-established endpoint in
      CHF, little is known on illness acceptance in this group. AIMS: The aim of this
      study is to critically reconsider the direction of a relationship between HRQoL
      and illness acceptance in CHF patients. METHODS: The study included 204 patients
      (160 men and 44 women; mean age, 63 +/- 11 years) with at least 6-month clinical
      evidence of CHF corresponding to New York heart Association (NYHA) classes I to
      IV. All the patients were examined with the Minnesota Living With Heart Failure
      Questionnaire (MLHFQ) and Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS). RESULTS: Univariate
      analysis showed that the level of illness acceptance correlated inversely with
      patient age, and the level of HRQoL decreased with the severity of CHF (NYHA
      class). A relationship between illness acceptance and HRQoL was analyzed by
      structural equation modeling. Model 1 was based on the assumption that HRQoL is
      modulated by illness acceptance, and model 2 tested the opposite relationship.
      Both models included patient age and NYHA class as extrinsic determinants of AIS
      and MLHFQ scores, respectively. Model 2 proved to be well fitted (chi [df = 2] =
      3.22, P = .20, root-mean-square error of approximation = 0.055). Scores on the
      AIS correlated inversely with age (bage->AIS = -0.15, SE = 0.05, P = .002) and
      HRQoL (bQoL->AIS = -0.15, SE = 0.02, P < .001), and an increase in NYHA class was
      reflected by an increase in HRQoL scores (bNYHA->QoL = 5.75, SE = 1.97, P =
      .004). CONCLUSION: Patients with CHF may not accept their disease due to
      deteriorated HRQoL. As a result, they may be uninvolved in the therapeutic
      process, which leads to exacerbation of CHF, further deterioration of HRQoL, and
      inability to accept the illness.

PMID- 27685860
TI  - Recruitment Strategies and Costs Associated With Enrolling People With Insomnia
      and High Blood Pressure Into an Online Behavioral Sleep Intervention: A Single
      Site Pilot Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recruitment in clinical research is a common challenge and source of
      study failure. The reporting of recruitment methods and costs in hypertension
      trials is limited especially for smaller, single-site trials, online intervention
      trials, and trials using newer online recruitment strategies. OBJECTIVE: The aims
      of this study are to describe and examine the feasibility of newer online-e-mail
      recruitment strategies and traditional recruitment strategies used to enroll
      participants with insomnia and high blood pressure into an online behavioral
      sleep intervention study (Sleeping for Heart Health). METHODS: The 16 online-e
      mail-based and traditional recruitment strategies used are described. Recruitment
      strategy feasibility was examined by study interest and enrollee yields,
      conversion rates, and costs (direct, remuneration, labor, and cost per enrollee).
      RESULTS: From August 2014 to October 2015, 183 people were screened and 58
      (31.7%) enrolled in the study (51.1 +/- 12.9 years, 63.8% female, 72.4% African
      American, 136 +/- 12/88 +/- 7 mm Hg, 87.9% self-reported hypertension, 67.2% self
      reported antihypertensive medication use). The recruitment strategies yielding
      the highest enrollees were the university hospital phone waiting message system
      (25.4%), Craigslist (22.4%), and flyers (20.3%) at a per enrollee cost of $42.84,
      $98.90, and $128.27, respectively. The university hospital phone waiting message
      system (55.6%) and flyers (54.5%) had the highest interested participant to
      enrolled participant conversion rate of all recruitment strategies. CONCLUSION:
      Approximately 70% of all enrolled participants were recruited from the university
      hospital phone waiting message system, Craigslist, or flyers. Given the
      recruitment challenges that most researchers face, we encourage the documenting,
      assessing, and reporting of detailed recruitment strategies and associated
      recruitment costs so that other researchers may benefit.

PMID- 27685862
TI  - Protocol for Data Collection and Analysis Applied to Automated Facial Expression
      Analysis Technology and Temporal Analysis for Sensory Evaluation.
AB  - We demonstrate a method for capturing emotional response to beverages and
      liquefied foods in a sensory evaluation laboratory using automated facial
      expression analysis (AFEA) software. Additionally, we demonstrate a method for
      extracting relevant emotional data output and plotting the emotional response of
      a population over a specified time frame. By time pairing each participant's
      treatment response to a control stimulus (baseline), the overall emotional
      response over time and across multiple participants can be quantified. AFEA is a
      prospective analytical tool for assessing unbiased response to food and
      beverages. At present, most research has mainly focused on beverages.
      Methodologies and analyses have not yet been standardized for the application of
      AFEA to beverages and foods; however, a consistent standard methodology is
      needed. Optimizing video capture procedures and resulting video quality aids in a
      successful collection of emotional response to foods. Furthermore, the
      methodology of data analysis is novel for extracting the pertinent data relevant
      to the emotional response. The combinations of video capture optimization and
      data analysis will aid in standardizing the protocol for automated facial
      expression analysis and interpretation of emotional response data.

PMID- 27685861
TI  - Perceptions of Disease-Related Stress: A Key to Better Understanding Patient
      Reported Outcomes Among Survivors of Congenital Heart Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Disease-related stressors for survivors of congenital heart disease
      (CHD) have been qualitatively described but not quantified nor examined in
      relationship to important patient-reported outcomes (PROs). OBJECTIVE: The aims
      of this study are to (1) identify the types and degree of disease-related stress
      experienced by CHD survivors based on age, functional status, and sex, (2)
      examine differences in stress and PROs by age, functional status, and sex, and
      (3) determine the unique contribution of perceived stress to variability in PROs.
      METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 173 adolescents and emerging and young adults
      who were recruited from both pediatric and adult CHD clinics was conducted.
      Participants rated the degree to which they found various aspects of CHD
      stressful and completed PROs of health-related quality of life and emotional
      distress. Differences in perceptions of stress across predictors were determined
      using analyses of variance and chi analyses. The relative contribution of
      perceived stress predicting PROs was examined using stepwise linear regression.
      RESULTS: Two items emerged as being stressful for almost half of the sample,
      including concerns about future health and having scars or other signs of medical
      procedures. Adolescents reported less perceived stress than emerging or young
      adults, and survivors with even mild functional limitations reported higher
      perceived stress than did those without any symptoms. Perceptions of stress
      significantly contributed to variability in PROs above and beyond other
      predictors and was the only variable to explain unique variance in emotional
      distress. CONCLUSIONS: Having even mild functional impairment may have
      significant deleterious consequences on PROs via increased perceptions of stress.
      Stress may be modifiable using cognitive behavioral therapy.

PMID- 27685864
TI  - Classifying and Standardizing Panfacial Trauma With a New Bony Facial Trauma
      Score.
AB  - Importance: The practice of facial trauma surgery would benefit from a useful
      quantitative scale that measures the extent of injury. Objective: To develop a
      facial trauma scale that incorporates only reducible fractures and is able to be
      reliably communicated to health care professionals. Design and Setting: A
      cadaveric tissue study was conducted from October 1 to 3, 2014. Ten cadaveric
      heads were subjected to various degrees of facial trauma by dropping a fixed mass
      onto each head. The heads were then imaged with fine-cut computed tomography. A
      Bony Facial Trauma Scale (BFTS) for grading facial trauma was developed based
      only on clinically relevant (reducible) fractures. The traumatized cadaveric
      heads were then scored using this scale as well as 3 existing scoring systems.
      Regression analysis was used to determine correlation between degree of incursion
      of the fixed mass on the cadaveric heads and trauma severity as rated by the
      scoring systems. Statistical analysis was performed to determine correlation of
      the scores obtained using the BFTS with those of the 3 existing scoring systems.
      Scores obtained using the BFTS were not correlated with dentition (95% CI, -0.087
      to 1.053; P = .08; measured as absolute number of teeth) or age of the cadaveric
      donor (95% CI, -0.068 to 0.944; P = .08). Main Outcome Measures: Facial trauma
      scores. Results: Among all 10 cadaveric specimens (9 male donors and 1 female
      donor; age range, 41-87 years; mean age, 57.2 years), the facial trauma scores
      obtained using the BFTS correlated with depth of penetration of the mass into the
      face (odds ratio, 4.071; 95% CI, 1.676-6.448) P = .007) when controlling for
      presence of dentition and age. The BFTS scores also correlated with scores
      obtained using 3 existing facial trauma models (Facial Fracture Severity Scale,
      rs = 0.920; Craniofacial Disruption Score, rs = 0.945; and ZS Score, rs = 0.902;
      P < .001 for all 3 models). In addition, the BFTS was found to have excellent
      interrater reliability (0.908; P = .001), which was similar to the interrater
      reliability of the other 3 tested trauma scales. Scores obtained using the BFTS
      were not correlated with dentition (odds ratio, .482; 95% CI, -0.087 to 1.053; P
      = .08; measured as absolute number of teeth) or age of the cadaveric donor (odds
      ratio, .436; 95% CI, -0.068 to 0.944; P = .08). Conclusions and Relevance: Facial
      trauma severity as measured by the BFTS correlated with depth of penetration of
      the fixed mass into the face. In this study, the BFTS was clinically relevant,
      had high fidelity in communicating the fractures sustained in facial trauma, and
      correlated well with previously validated models. Level of Evidence: NA.

PMID- 27685863
TI  - Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of MRLK Family Genes
      Associated with Strawberry (Fragaria vesca) Fruit Ripening and Abiotic Stress
      Responses.
AB  - Malectin-like domain-containing receptor-like kinases (MRLK) constitute a large
      and divergent family of proteins in plants; however, little is known about the
      role of MRLKs in fruit growth and development. In this study, we characterized
      MRLK family genes in diploid strawberry, Fragaria vesca. Based on an analysis of
      malectin-like domain and a search in the strawberry genome and NCBI database, we
      identified 62 FvMRLKs in the strawberry genome, and classified these genes into
      six subfamilies with distinct malectin domains in the extracellular regions of
      the encoded proteins. Gene expression analysis indicated that more than 80% of
      the FvMRLKs were expressed in various tissues, with higher levels in roots than
      in other organs. Thirty-three FvMRLKs were found to be expressed in fruits during
      the early stages of development, and over 60% of these exhibited dramatic
      decreases in expression during fruit growth and development. Moreover, the
      expression of some FvMRLKs was sensitive to both environmental and internal cues
      that play critical roles in regulating strawberry fruit development and ripening.
      Collectively, this study provides valuable insight into the FvMRLKs gene family
      and its role in regulating strawberry fruit development and ripening.

PMID- 27685865
TI  - Reproductive health indicators and fetal medicine - many things will change.
AB  - Reproductive epidemiologists study disease outcomes over three time periods: (i)
      from conception, or before, to birth, (ii) from birth to death and (iii) from
      death and into the next generations. They have traditionally been short of data
      from the time of conception to birth, and we use data at birth to estimate fetal
      growth or the incidence of congenital malformations. Although we are interested
      in incidence data for defects that start early in gestation, we have to use
      prevalence data at birth. Cumulative incidence will only be similar to prevalence
      at birth given no competing risks - or no fetal death after the onset of the
      lesion. Routinely use of ultrasound methods in fetal medicine will change our
      monitoring of structural birth defects. We may now be able to link exposures to
      events with the right time sequence, for example on fetal growth deviations and
      get better data on fetal deaths also for twins and triplets. The scientific
      challenges will mainly come from induced abortions following ultrasound
      examinations. Ultrasound data from the time of pregnancy will be of crucial
      importance for studies on fetal programming or "developmental origins of health
      and disease" (DOHaD). In humans, babies that are small at birth have an increased
      risk of, eg, cardiovascular disease, as shown by DJ Barker in the 1980s (1), but
      this association is probably not a direct consequence of the low birth weight but
      rather caused by external or internal exposures during fetal life. DOHaD studies
      that use outcomes at birth, including weight, as exposures or intermediates may
      be biased. One notorious example is the apparent protective effect of smoking on
      the mortality of children with a low birth weight (2). This bias, partly related
      to collider stratification bias, is potentially less important in studies using
      direct ultrasound assessments. The risk of reverse causation may also be reduced
      in longitudinal studies based on ultrasound data. Fetal ultrasound examinations
      are also done to detect fetal structural abnormalities in order to start early
      treatment or terminate an effected pregnancy if that is permitted and requested
      by the parents. This change in timing and validity of determining congenital
      abnormalities (CA) will have substantial consequences for our monitoring of CA
      over time. Most of the existing monitoring systems are based on measuring
      prevalence of CA at time of birth, often allowing for a time period of detection
      from months to years since some of the CA are not detected at birth. They may be
      detected by ultrasound during gestation, but even for CA detectable in
      gestational weeks 20-24 and at birth, the sensitivity and specificity of times of
      diagnosing may differ so much that the measures are not comparable. Furthermore,
      the time from ultrasound to birth is sometimes interrupted by late fetal deaths
      and some of these deaths may be induced on indication. In any case, it will be
      difficult to reestablish long-term monitoring trends by applying birth correcting
      factors that will differ by the type of CA. We probably have to accept that long
      term time trends need years to be reestablished and will have to be based on
      updated diagnostic facilities that will change over time. It may be difficult to
      spot increases in the incidence of CA in the future. An increase could be real or
      related to better diagnostic facilities operating in the time period from
      conception to birth. Fetal medicine will sometimes make it possible to study
      causes and events in the proper time sequence, which is important since a cause
      has to precede an event as the only sine qua non causal criteria. Measurements of
      recurrence "risks" of CA in families have always been complicated. It is well
      known that several CA have a tendency to be repeated in a subsequent pregnancy,
      most likely related to genetic factors or other time stable environmental
      exposures. Better diagnostic facilities with an option for an induced abortion
      may encourage high-risk parents to try to become pregnant and this may affect
      estimates of recurrence risk. In any case, calculating recurrence risk for
      newborns following siblings with the CA in question will probably no longer work
      (maybe it never worked) since the desire to reach a given family size depends on
      many factors, including the perceived risk of a CA. Access to prenatal diagnostic
      data may therefore well produce data closer to recurrence risk than data recorded
      at the time of birth. Pediatrics and Perinatal Epidemiology recently published a
      series of papers initiated by Olga Basso (3, 4) addressing in part the problem of
      moving from time scale one (starting at conception) to time scale two (starting
      at birth). Part of the addressed problems relate to a lack of options for
      starting observations on causal factors at the onset of exposure or, at best,
      before exposure. If that exposure happens early in fetal life, outcomes will be
      complicated by fetal deaths that probably end observation for >=30% of subjects.
      That equals mortality rates we see for >=95-year-olds or equals a cumulative
      death risk seen for newborns from birth to >=65 years of age. If the exposure of
      interest is related to fetal death that opens up for strong collider
      stratification bias and selection when we condition on survival in our analyses
      for observations at the beginning of the second time scale (5). A negative
      association on that time scale need not reflect "prevention" in any sense other
      than suicides early in life will prevent later cancer deaths. It is difficult to
      imagine a counterfactual comparison to an exposed had he/she not been exposed and
      had survived fetal life. Those who were susceptible did not all survive. If we
      study fetal programming of adult diseases, we have to "condition on birth" in our
      studies, but we should be aware of the selection bias that follows. Fetal
      medicine will in many ways produce better data or data we never have had before,
      but it will change the conditions in many aspects of reproductive epidemiology.
      The main advantage in analytical epidemiology is to get the time sequence right
      from exposure to outcome to avoid the problem of reverse causation and to do
      proper mediation analyses. Conflict of interest The authors declare no conflicts
      of interest.

PMID- 27685866
TI  - Folic Acid-Metabolizing Enzymes Regulate the Antitumor Effect of 5-Fluoro-2'
      Deoxyuridine in Colorectal Cancer Cell Lines.
AB  - In colorectal cancer chemotherapy, the current standard of care includes
      combination therapy with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and leucovorin (LV). However, the
      factors that determine the LV-mediated enhancement of 5-FU antitumor activity are
      not fully understood. Therefore, we investigated the roles of thymidine synthase
      (TYMS), folate receptor 1 (FOLR1), dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR),
      phosphoribosylglycinamide formyltransferase (GART), methylenetetrahydrofolate
      dehydrogenase (MTHFD1), and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) in LV
      mediated enhancement of 5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine (FdUrd) cytotoxicity in vitro as
      a model of 5-FU antitumor activity. These genes were downregulated in DLD-1 and
      HCT116 human colorectal cancer cells by using small-interfering RNA. Reduced
      expression of TYMS mRNA significantly increased FdUrd cytotoxicity by 100- and
      8.3-fold in DLD-1 and HCT116 cells, respectively. In contrast, reducing the
      expression of FOLR1, DHFR, GART, MTHFD1, and MTHFR decreased FdUrd cytotoxicity
      by 2.13- to 12.91-fold in DLD-1 cells and by 3.52- to 10.36-fold in HCT116 cells.
      These results demonstrate that folate metabolism is important for the efficacy of
      FdUrd. Overall, the results indicate that it is important to clarify the
      relationship between folate metabolism-related molecules and 5-FU treatment in
      order to improve predictions of the effectiveness of 5-FU and LV combination
      therapy.

PMID- 27685867
TI  - Doping-Induced Absorption Bands in P3HT: Polarons and Bipolarons.
AB  - In this work, we focus on the formation of different kinds of charge carriers
      such as polarons and bipolarons upon p-type doping (oxidation) of the organic
      semiconductor poly(3- hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT). We elucidate the cyclic
      voltammogram during oxidation of this polymer and present spectroscopic changes
      upon doping in the UV/Vis/near-IR range as well as in the mid-IR range. In the
      low-oxidation regime, two absorption bands related to sub-gap transitions appear,
      one in the UV/Vis range and another one in the mid-IR range. The UV/Vis
      absorption gradually decreases upon further doping while the mid-IR absorption
      shifts to lower energy. Additionally, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR)
      measurements are performed, showing an increase of the EPR signal up to a certain
      doping level, which significantly decreases upon further doping. Furthermore, the
      absorption spectra in the UV/Vis range are analyzed in relation to the morphology
      (crystalline vs. amorphous) by using theoretical models. Finally, the calculated
      charge carriers from cyclic voltammogram are linked together with optical
      transitions as well as with the EPR signals upon p-type doping. We stress that
      our results indicate the formation of polarons at low doping levels and the
      existence of bipolarons at high doping levels. The presented spectroscopic data
      are an experimental evidence of the formation of bipolarons in P3HT.

PMID- 27685869
TI  - A Novel Hybrid Firefly Algorithm for Global Optimization.
AB  - Global optimization is challenging to solve due to its nonlinearity and
      multimodality. Traditional algorithms such as the gradient-based methods often
      struggle to deal with such problems and one of the current trends is to use
      metaheuristic algorithms. In this paper, a novel hybrid population-based global
      optimization algorithm, called hybrid firefly algorithm (HFA), is proposed by
      combining the advantages of both the firefly algorithm (FA) and differential
      evolution (DE). FA and DE are executed in parallel to promote information sharing
      among the population and thus enhance searching efficiency. In order to evaluate
      the performance and efficiency of the proposed algorithm, a diverse set of
      selected benchmark functions are employed and these functions fall into two
      groups: unimodal and multimodal. The experimental results show better performance
      of the proposed algorithm compared to the original version of the firefly
      algorithm (FA), differential evolution (DE) and particle swarm optimization (PSO)
      in the sense of avoiding local minima and increasing the convergence rate.

PMID- 27685868
TI  - The cell division control protein 42-Src family kinase-neural Wiskott-Aldrich
      syndrome protein pathway regulates human proplatelet formation.
AB  - : Essentials The role of the cytoskeleton during megakaryocyte differentiation
      was examined. Human megakaryocytes are derived from in vitro cultured CD34+
      cells. Cell division control protein 42 (CDC42) positively regulates proplatelet
      formation (PPF). Neural Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein, the main effector of
      CDC42 with Src positively regulates PPF. SUMMARY: Background Cytoskeletal
      rearrangements are essential for platelet release. The RHO small GTPase family,
      as regulators of the actin cytoskeleton, play an important role in proplatelet
      formation (PPF). In the neuronal system, CDC42 is involved in axon formation, a
      process that combines elongation and branching as for PPF. Objective To analyze
      the role of CDC42 and its effectors of the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein
      (WASP) family in PPF. Methods Human megakaryocytes (MKs) were obtained from CD34+
      cells. Inhibition of CDC42 in MKs was performed with the chemical inhibitor CASIN
      or with an active or a dominant-negative form of CDC42. The knock-down of N-WASP
      was obtained with a small hairpin RNA strategy Results Herein, we show that CDC42
      activity increased during MK differentiation. The use of the chemical inhibitor
      CASIN or of an active or a dominant-negative form of CDC42 demonstrated that
      CDC42 positively regulated PPF in vitro. We determined that N-WASP, but not WASP,
      regulated PPF. We found that N-WASP knockdown led to a marked decrease in PPF,
      owing to a defect in the demarcation membrane system (DMS). This was associated
      with RHOA activation, and a concomitant augmentation in the phosphorylation of
      mysosin light chain 2. Phosphorylation of N-WASP, creating a primed form of N
      WASP, increased during MK differentiation. Phosphorylation inhibition by two Src
      family kinase inhibitors decreased PPF. Conclusions We conclude that N-WASP
      positively regulates DMS development and PPF, and that the Src family kinases in
      association with CDC42 regulate PPF through N-WASP.

PMID- 27685870
TI  - Comparison of laparoscopic major hepatectomy with propensity score matched open
      cases from the National Clinical Database in Japan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The National Clinical Database (NCD) in Japan is a nationwide
      registry that collects the data of more than 1,200,000 surgical cases annually
      from over 3,500 hospitals. Based on the NCD data, this study compared the
      perioperative outcomes of major laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) with those of
      major open liver resection (OLR) using the propensity score matching method.
      METHODS: We collected data on 15,191 major hepatectomy cases (929 major LLR cases
      and 14,262 major OLR cases), and investigated the short-term outcomes in well
      matched groups. RESULTS: In the LLR group, 30-day mortality, in-hospital
      mortality, and operative mortality were 0.9%, 1.7%, and 1.7% respectively. The
      mean blood loss in the LLR group (865.4 +/- 1,148.2 ml) was significantly less
      than in the OLR group (1,053.8 +/- 1,176.6 ml), and the median postoperative
      hospital stay for the LLR patients (21.37 +/- 19.71 days) was significantly
      shorter than for the OLR patients (26.25 +/- 24.53 days). The complication rate
      in the LLR group (16.4%) was significantly lower than that in the OLR group
      (23.5%). CONCLUSION: LLR in selected patients is currently safely performed as
      well as OLR even in patients requiring major hepatectomy, associated with less
      blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and fewer complications.

PMID- 27685871
TI  - Healthcare-professional patients' conceptions of being ill and hospitalised - a
      phenomenographic study.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To describe the variation of conceptions of being ill and
      hospitalised, from the perspective of healthcare-professional patients.
      BACKGROUND: Previous literature focuses on either physicians' or nurses'
      experiences of being a patient, without aiming at determining a variation of ways
      of understanding that phenomena. Nor have we been able to identify any study
      reporting other healthcare professionals' experiences. DESIGN: This study has an
      inductive descriptive design. METHODS: Qualitative interviews with healthcare
      professionals (n = 16), who had been hospitalised for at least two days.
      Phenomenographic data analysis was conducted. RESULTS: The feelings of security
      were based on knowledge, insight and trust, and acceptance of the healthcare
      system. Being exposed and totally dependent due to illness provoked feelings of
      vulnerability and insecurity. The patients used their knowledge to achieve
      participation in the care. The more severe they perceived their illness to be,
      the less they wanted to participate and the more they expressed a need for being
      allowed to surrender control. The patients' ideal picture of care was sometimes
      disrupted, and based on their experience, they criticised care and made
      suggestions that could contribute to general care improvements. CONCLUSIONS:
      Healthcare-professional patients have various conceptions of being ill and
      hospitalised. Based on the general nature of the many needs expressed, we believe
      that the insights provided in this study can be transferred so as to also be
      valid for lay patients. Possibly, an overhaul of routines for discharge planning
      and follow-up, and adopting a person-centred approach to care, can resolve some
      of the identified shortcomings. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The results can
      be used for the purpose of developing knowledge for healthcare professions and
      for educational purposes.

PMID- 27685873
TI  - A New Hospital for the Children of Ireland.

PMID- 27685874
TI  - Technical Knockout: When is Traumatic Brain Injury 'just' a Concussion?

PMID- 27685875
TI  - Car Safety Seat Usage and Selection Among Families Attending University Hospital
      Limerick.
AB  - The safest way for children to travel within a car is by provision of a weight
      appropriate safety-seat. To investigate this, we conducted a cross-sectional
      study of adult parents who had children under 12 years, and collected information
      related to: car use, safety-seat legislation, and type of safety-seat employed.
      Data were reviewed on 120 children from 60 respondents. Ninety-eight (81.7%)
      children were transported daily by car. Forty-eight (81.4%) respondents were
      aware that current safety-seat legislation is based on the weight of the child.
      One hundred and seven (89.9%) children were restrained during travel using a car
      safety-seat. One hundred and two (96.2%) safety seats were newly purchased,
      installed in 82.3% (88) cases by family members with installation instructions
      fully read in 58 (55.2%) cases. Ninety-nine (83.2%) children were restrained
      using an appropriate safety-seat for their weight. The results show that four out
      of five families are employing the most appropriate safety-seat for their child,
      so providing an effective mechanism to reduce car-related injury. However, the
      majority of safety-seats are installed by family members, which may have child
      safety consequences.

PMID- 27685872
TI  - Clinical Pharmacology in Denmark in 2016 - 40 Years with the Danish Society of
      Clinical Pharmacology and 20 Years as a Medical Speciality.
AB  - The Danish Society of Clinical Pharmacology was founded in 1976, and mainly
      thanks to the persistent efforts of the society, clinical pharmacology became an
      independent medical speciality in Denmark in 1996. Since then, clinical
      pharmacology has gone from strength to strength. In the Danish healthcare system,
      clinical pharmacology has established itself as an indispensible part of the
      efforts to promote the rational, safe and economic use of drugs. Clinical
      pharmacologists are active in drug committees both in hospitals and in the
      primary sector. All clinical pharmacology centres offer a local medicines
      information service. Some centres have established an adverse drug effect manager
      function. Only one centre offers a therapeutic drug monitoring service. Clinical
      pharmacologists are responsible for the toxicological advice at the Danish Poison
      Information Centre at Bispebjerg University Hospital in the Capital Region. The
      Department of Clinical Pharmacology at Aarhus University Hospital works closely
      together with forensic toxicologists and pathologists, covering issues regarding
      illicit substances, forensic pharmacology, post-mortem toxicology, expert
      testimony and research. Therapeutic geriatric and psychiatric teach-inns for
      specialist and junior doctors are among the newest initiatives organized by
      clinical pharmacologists. Clinical pharmacologists work also in the Danish
      Medicines Agency and in the Danish pharmaceutical industry, and the latter has in
      particular a great growth potential for creating new jobs and career
      opportunities for clinical pharmacologists. As of July 2016, the Danish Society
      of Clinical Pharmacology has 175 members, and 70 of these are specialists in
      clinical pharmacology corresponding to approximately 2.5 specialists per 1000
      doctors (Denmark has in total 28,000 doctors) or approximately 12 specialists per
      one million inhabitants.

PMID- 27685877
TI  - The Efficacy of Bronchial Thermoplasty for Severe Persistent Asthma: The First
      National Experience.
AB  - There is an unmet need for new therapies in severe persistent asthma. Bronchial
      thermoplasty is a bronchoscopic procedure which employs radiofrequency energy to
      reduce airway smooth muscle and has been demonstrated to improve symptomatic
      control in severe persistent asthma in other populations. Seven patients have
      completed bronchial thermoplasty at a tertiary referral centre in Ireland. Asthma
      Control Test scores and data on hospitalisations, exacerbations, maintenance
      corticosteroid requirements, rescue bronchodilator use and peak expiratory flow
      rate (PEFR) were compared one year before and one year post treatment.
      Significant improvements were demonstrated in mean Asthma Control Test scores,
      from 8.9 to 14.7 (p = 0.036). Trends towards improvement were seen in mean
      hospitalisations (respective values for total in 12 month period 5.0, 0.9; p =
      0.059) and PEFR (181.4 l/min, 280 l/min respectively; p = 0.059). These data
      support the use of bronchial thermoplasty in severe persistent asthma in the
      Irish population.

PMID- 27685876
TI  - Attitudes toward Palliative Care and End of Life Issues: A Prospective Survey in
      Patients with Metastatic Cancer.
AB  - Palliative care (PC) positively impacts patient outcomes, decreases hospital
      admissions and improves quality of life. Despite evidence, PC resources are
      reported as under-utilised. Few studies have explored patient attitudes towards
      PC. This study evaluated patient attitudes towards PC. It was a prospective study
      conducted in oncology outpatient clinics. A 26-item questionnaire was distributed
      to those with metastatic cancer (N = 44). Sixty percent believed PC can make
      people feel better, 63.4% believed PC is offered when nothing more can be done.
      Most were unsure or disagreed that opioids are addictive. Eighty percent reported
      symptom control is more important than prolonging life. Sixty-one percent
      strongly agreed or agreed that "losing hope makes people die sooner". Although PC
      was deemed beneficial, a significant relationship exists between familiarity with
      PC and thinking it is offered when "nothing more can be done". Lack of knowledge
      about opioids, preference for symptom control over life prolonging measures and
      the importance of hope were also emphasised.

PMID- 27685878
TI  - A Prospective Analysis of the Relationship between Chronic Diseases and Adiposity
      in older adults: Findings from the Lifeways Cross-Generation Cohort Study of a
      Thousand Families 2001-2014.
AB  - This study assesses the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and adult
      chronic diseases (diabetes mellitus type 2 [DM2], cardiovascular diseases [CVD]
      and cancers), in grandparents in the Lifeways Cross-Generation Cohort Study. BMI
      was either measured or reported, at baseline or 10-year follow-up, in 1,244
      grandparents. Cumulative morbidity data were recorded at baseline, 3 and 10-year
      follow-up through questionnaires, General Practice note search, or both. Just
      over 42% of grandparents were overweight and 32.1% obese. In the multivariate
      analysis BMI showed a strong linear association with both DM2 (ptrend <0.001) and
      CVD (ptrend <0.001). There were no significant associations with cancers, but
      case numbers were small. Results were similar for waist circumference. This
      prospective study presents novel Irish data and confirms other recent Irish cross
      sectional reports on adiposity and adult chronic disease, highlighting the need
      for effective health promotion interventions in older adults.

PMID- 27685879
TI  - Critical Airway Compromise due to a Massive Vagal Schwannoma.
AB  - We describe the case of a 37-year-old man with a slowly enlarging neck lump and
      compressive symptoms. He presented to a separate institution 10 years prior where
      an observational approach was advocated. Following preoperative investigations
      and embolization, an 11cm vagal schwannoma was excised and vagus nerve was
      sacrificed. Although conservative management is appropriate for a select patient
      population, surgical excision is treatment of choice for cervical neurogenic
      tumours and paraganglionomas and must be considered in young patients or rapidly
      expanding tumours to avoid compressive symptoms, as in this case.

PMID- 27685880
TI  - Culture Negative Infective Endocarditits: a Changing Paradigm.
AB  - Traditionally, the modified Duke's criteria, based primarily on positive blood
      cultures, is used to diagnose Infective Endocarditis (IE). However, reports
      demonstrate that 31% of cases are diagnosed as Culture Negative Infective
      Endocarditis (CNIE)1. Consequently, empiric broad-spectrum antibiotics are
      prescribed to cover unidentified organisms and, as a result, antibiotic therapy
      may be compromised. Molecular diagnostic techniques aid with identifying
      causative organisms in cases of CNIE and we question if the increasing use of
      such technologies will change the local epidemiology of CNIE. We present the
      first case of Tropheryma whipplei Infective Endocarditis (TWIE) reported in
      Ireland.

PMID- 27685882
TI  - Band Heterotopia: An Unusual Cause of Seizures.

PMID- 27685881
TI  - Palliative Subcutaneous Terbutaline Infusion in Severe Asthma.
AB  - Continuous subcutaneous infusion of terbutaline (CSIT) has been shown to improve
      asthma control. As an adjunct to standard asthma pharmacotherapy, 3-12mg/day of
      CSIT can stabilise asthmatic symptoms, reduce hospitalisations and reduce
      corticosteroid need1,2. Asthmatics who demonstrate a wide diurnal variability in
      their peak-flows (>40%), termed brittle asthmatics tend to benefit the most from
      this therapy3. CSIT can have adverse effects and should only be used in
      specialist respiratory centres.

PMID- 27685883
TI  - Medical Student and General Practitioner Perceptions of Challenges in General
      Practice in Ireland.
AB  - In Ireland, there is a critical shortage in the supply of general practitioners
      that is projected to worsen. One possible response is to attempt to increase
      medical student interest in pursuing a career in general practice. Our study
      aimed to describe the challenges that medical students and general practitioners
      perceive in the field of general practice. A cross-sectional online survey of 96
      medical students (10.5% response rate) enrolled at the National University of
      Ireland, Galway and 35 general practitioners (24.6% response rate) who attended
      the Vasco da Gama Movement (VdGM) Forum in February 2015. VdGM is the WONCA
      Europe Network for new and future general practitioner. The most commonly
      perceived challenges included remuneration, stress, access to imaging, respect
      from fellow medical professionals, treating the ageing population, and complexity
      of patients. These challenges were also generally rated as of high priority.
      There was large congruence between students and practitioners as to the
      challenges and what priority they represented. Of medical student participants,
      18% indicated that general practice was their career of choice. Medical students
      and general practitioner have identified several challenges in the Irish general
      practice setting. Addressing these concerns is crucial to attract and retain
      future general practitioners.

PMID- 27685884
TI  - Beware of Non-Traumatic Chylothorax.

PMID- 27685885
TI  - Clinical Decision Rules for CT in Minor Head Injury.

PMID- 27685886
TI  - Hand in Hand: The Activity of a Soft Tissue Trauma Clinic in a Tertiary Referral
      Centre and its Association with Economic Prosperity.

PMID- 27685887
TI  - Basic Signaling in Cardiac Fibroblasts.
AB  - Cardiac fibroblasts are commonly known as supporting cells of the cardiac network
      and exert many essential functions that are fundamental for normal cardiac growth
      as well as for cardiac remodeling process during pathological conditions. This
      review focuses on the roles of cardiac fibroblasts in the formation and
      regulation of the extracellular matrix components, and in maintaining structural,
      biochemical and mechanical properties of the heart. Additionally, though
      considered as non-excitable cells, we review the functional expression in cardiac
      fibroblasts of a wide variety of transmembrane ion channels which activity may
      contribute to key regulation of cardiac physiological processes. All together,
      cardiac fibroblasts which actively participate to fundamental regulation of
      cardiac physiology and physiopathology processes may represent pertinent targets
      for pharmacological approaches of cardiac diseases and lead to new tracks of
      therapeutic strategies. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 725-730, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27685889
TI  - Transdiaphragmatic Approach to Attenuate Porto-Azygos Shunts Inserting in the
      Thorax.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the surgical technique and document the application of a
      transdiaphragmatic approach to attenuate porto-azygos shunts inserting in the
      thoracic section of the azygos vein. STUDY DESIGN: Cadaveric study and
      prospective case series. ANIMALS: Canine cadavers (n=6) and client-owned dogs
      with porto-azygos shunts inserting in the thoracic section of the azygos vein
      (n=9). METHODS: In the cadavers, the azygos vein was filled with aqueous latex.
      Landmarks were established for creating a safe transdiaphragmatic approach to the
      caudal intrathoracic portion of the azygos vein. In the clinical cases, porto
      azygos communication was diagnosed by trans-splenic portal scintigraphy. All
      shunts were attenuated close to their insertion site via ventral midline
      celiotomy and a transdiaphragmatic approach to the shunt. Perioperative
      complications were recorded. RESULTS: A 3-5 cm incision, 0.5-1 cm ventral and
      lateral to the level of the aortic hiatus, was made in the pars lumbalis part of
      the diaphragm. Stay sutures at both sides of the diaphragmatic incision were
      placed to open up the incision and a retractor was used to push the esophagus
      away from the aorta. Intrathoracic insertion of the shunt was confirmed
      intraoperative. Exposure of the shunt insertion site at the azygos vein was
      excellent in all clinical cases. No intraoperative or postoperative complications
      were encountered. CONCLUSION: If thoracic attenuation of a porto-azygos shunt is
      considered, a transdiaphragmatic approach exposes the insertion site for shunt
      attenuation. This approach is straightforward, without unnecessary abdominal
      organ manipulation, and since attenuates at the insertion, avoids missing
      additional contributing branches.

PMID- 27685890
TI  - Polycationic-Shelled Capsular and Tubular Nanostructures and Their Anionic-Guest
      Binding Properties.
AB  - For the development of novel nanospace with unique electrostatic character, we
      prepared new capsular and tubular nanostructures by the quantitative assembly of
      metal ions and bent bisacridinium ligands. The capsule and tube have closed
      spherical and open cylindrical cavities, respectively, with diameters of around 1
      nm surrounded by cationic polyaromatic panels. Thanks to the facile synthetic
      protocol (three steps), another polycationic capsule with an elliptical
      nanocavity was also prepared by using an elongated ligand. In spite of the
      absence of pendant hydrophilic groups, the spherical polyaromatic capsule shows
      sufficient water solubility due to the polycationic shell. Moreover, the highly
      cationic cavity (12+) can selectively encapsulate anionic organic compounds in
      water.

PMID- 27685888
TI  - K-Ras Activation Induces Differential Sensitivity to Sulfur Amino Acid Limitation
      and Deprivation and to Oxidative and Anti-Oxidative Stress in Mouse Fibroblasts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cancer cells have an increased demand for amino acids and require
      transport even of non-essential amino acids to support their increased
      proliferation rate. Besides their major role as protein synthesis precursors, the
      two proteinogenic sulfur-containing amino acids, methionine and cysteine, play
      specific biological functions. In humans, methionine is essential for cell growth
      and development and may act as a precursor for cysteine synthesis. Cysteine is a
      precursor for the biosynthesis of glutathione, the major scavenger for reactive
      oxygen species. METHODOLOGY AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We study the effect of K-ras
      oncogene activation in NIH3T3 mouse fibroblasts on transport and metabolism of
      cysteine and methionine. We show that cysteine limitation and deprivation cause
      apoptotic cell death (cytotoxic effect) in both normal and K-ras-transformed
      fibroblasts, due to accumulation of reactive oxygen species and a decrease in
      reduced glutathione. Anti-oxidants glutathione and MitoTEMPO inhibit apoptosis,
      but only cysteine-containing glutathione partially rescues the cell growth defect
      induced by limiting cysteine. Methionine limitation and deprivation has a
      cytostatic effect on mouse fibroblasts, unaffected by glutathione. K-ras
      transformed cells-but not their parental NIH3T3-are extremely sensitive to
      methionine limitation. This fragility correlates with decreased expression of the
      Slc6a15 gene-encoding the nutrient transporter SBAT1, known to exhibit a strong
      preference for methionine-and decreased methionine uptake. CONCLUSIONS AND
      SIGNIFICANCE: Overall, limitation of sulfur-containing amino acids results in a
      more dramatic perturbation of the oxido-reductive balance in K-ras-transformed
      cells compared to NIH3T3 cells. Growth defects induced by cysteine limitation in
      mouse fibroblasts are largely-though not exclusively-due to cysteine utilization
      in the synthesis of glutathione, mouse fibroblasts requiring an exogenous
      cysteine source for protein synthesis. Therapeutic regimens of cancer involving
      modulation of methionine metabolism could be more effective in cells with limited
      methionine transport capability.

PMID- 27685892
TI  - Development of an in vivo target-engagement biomarker for TRPA1 antagonists in
      humans.
AB  - AIM: To develop a non-invasive, safe and reproducible target-engagement biomarker
      for future TRPA1 antagonists in healthy volunteers. METHODS: Dose finding (n =
      11): 3%, 10%, and 30% cinnamaldehyde (CA) and placebo (= vehicle) was topically
      applied on the right forearm. One-way ANOVA with post-hoc Bonferroni was used to
      compare between doses. Reproducibility: 10% CA doses were topically applied
      during one visit on both arms (n = 10) or during two visits (n = 23) separated by
      a washout period of 7 days. CA-induced dermal blood flow (DBF) was assessed by
      laser Doppler imaging (LDI) at baseline and at 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 min post-CA.
      Paired t-test was used to compare between arms or visits. Concordance correlation
      coefficient (CCC) was calculated to assess reproducibility. Data are expressed as
      percent change from baseline (mean +/- 95% CI). RESULTS: All three doses
      increased DBF compared to vehicle at all time-points, with the maximum response
      at 10-20 min post-CA. Dose response was found when comparing AUC0-50min of 30% CA
      (51 364 +/- 8475%*min) with 10% CA (32 239 +/- 8034%*min, P = 0.03) and 3% CA (30
      226 +/- 11 958%*min, P = 0.015). 10% CA was chosen as an effective and safe dose.
      DBF response to 10% CA was found to be reproducible between arms (AUC0-50min ,
      CCC = 0.91) and visits (AUC0-50min , CCC = 0.83). Based on sample size
      calculations, this model allows a change in CA-induced DBF of 30-50% to be
      detected between two independent groups of maximum 10-15 subjects with 80% power.
      CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of CA-induced changes in DBF offers a safe, non-invasive
      and reproducible target-engagement biomarker in vivo in humans to evaluate TRPA1
      antagonists.

PMID- 27685891
TI  - Highly sensitive detection of invasive lung cancer cells by novel antibody
      against amino-terminal domain of laminin gamma2 chain.
AB  - The laminin gamma2 chain, a subunit of laminin-332 (alpha3beta3gamma2), is a
      molecular marker for invasive cancer cells, but its pathological roles in tumor
      progression remain to be clarified. It was recently found that the most N
      terminal, domain V (dV) of gamma2 chain has activities to bind CD44 and stimulate
      tumor cell migration and vascular permeability. In the present study, we prepared
      a mAb recognizing gamma2 dV. Immunoblotting with this antibody, for the first
      time, showed that proteolytic fragments containing dV in a range of 15-80 kDa
      were highly produced in various human cancer cell lines and lung cancer tissues.
      In immunohistochemistry of adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas of the
      lung, this antibody immunostained the cytoplasm of invasive tumor cells and
      adjacent stroma much more strongly than a widely used antibody recognizing the C
      terminal core part of the processed gamma2 chain. This suggests that the dV
      fragments are highly accumulated in tumor cells and stroma compared to the
      processed gamma2 protein. The strong tumor cell staining with the dV antibody
      correlated with the tumor malignancy grade. We also found that the laminin beta3
      and alpha3 chains were frequently overexpressed in tumor cells and tumor stroma,
      respectively. The cytoplasmic dV detection was especially prominent in tumor
      cells infiltrating stroma, but low in the cells surrounded by basement membranes,
      suggesting that the active tumor-stroma interaction is critical for the aberrant
      gamma2 expression. The present study suggests important roles of laminin gamma2 N
      terminal fragments in tumor progression.

PMID- 27685893
TI  - Local chemokine profiling in eosinophilic esophagitis: The synthetic absorptive
      matrix test.

PMID- 27685895
TI  - Overview on the current status of virtual high-throughput screening and
      combinatorial chemistry approaches in multi-target anticancer drug discovery;
      Part I.
AB  - Conventional drug design embraces the "one gene, one drug, one disease"
      philosophy. Nowadays, new generation of anti- cancer drugs, able to inhibit more
      than one pathway, is believed to play a major role in contemporary anticancer
      drug research. In this way, polypharmacology, focusing on multi-target drugs, has
      emerged as a new paradigm in drug discovery. A number of recent successful drugs
      have in part or in whole emerged from a structure-based research approach. Many
      advances including crystallography and informatics are behind these successes.
      Increasing insight into the genetics and molecular biology of cancer has resulted
      in the identification of an increasing number of potential molecular targets, for
      anticancer drug discovery and development. These targets can be approached
      through exploitation of emerging structural biology, "rational" drug design,
      screening of chemical libraries, or a combination of these methods. The result is
      the rapid discovery of new anticancer drugs. In this article we discuss the
      application of molecular modeling, molecular docking and virtual high-throughput
      screening to multi-targeted anticancer drug discovery. Efforts have been made to
      employ in silico methods for facilitating the search and design of selective
      multi-target agents. These computer aided molecular design methods have shown
      promising potential in facilitating drug discovery directed at selective multiple
      targets and is expected to contribute to intelligent lead anticancer drugs.

PMID- 27685894
TI  - Cortical inhibitory deficits in Huntington's disease are not influenced by
      gender.
AB  - Huntington's disease (HD) affects GABA-mediated inhibitory circuitry in the
      cortex. As there is evidence that sex hormones affect GABAergic function, we
      investigated whether gender modulates GABA-related pathophysiological changes in
      HD. Fifteen premanifest HD, 11 symptomatic HD and 16 healthy control participants
      were assessed with paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation applied to the
      primary motor cortex. Cortical inhibition was significantly reduced in
      symptomatic HD, compared with premanifest HD and controls. There was reduced
      inhibition in females overall, but no Group-by-Sex interaction. These findings
      suggest that sex hormones do not exert a direct influence on the mechanisms
      underpinning cortical inhibitory deficits in HD.

PMID- 27685896
TI  - Borderline ovarian tumors" A contemporary review of clinicopathological
      characteristics, diagnostic methods and therapeutic options.
AB  - Borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs) differ from the epithelial ovarian malignancies
      with their excellent prognosis, curability with surgery, and being seen in
      relatively young ages. Thus, fertility sparing and conservative surgical
      approaches are currently recommended. Preoperative diagnosis of BOTs can be
      challenging because, clinical and ultrasonographic features might overlap with
      invasive carcinomas and sometimes with benign adnexal masses. Certain
      characteristics such as stage at diagnosis, age of the patient and histologic
      features are important while deciding the extensiveness and the type of surgery.
      Detailed evaluation of the entire abdominal cavity and sampling all suspected
      areas are imperative during operation. Frozen section is essential for the
      intraoperative diagnosis, despite the fact that the diagnostic value of frozen
      section is not as high as in invasive ovarian carcinomas. Routine appendectomy
      and/or contralateral ovarian biopsy in cases of isolated tumor with normal
      appearing appendix and/or contralateral ovary are not recommended. Conservative
      approach might improve the recurrence rate without worsening the overall
      survival. The exact role of laparoscopic surgery with its advantages and
      disadvantages in the treatment of BOTs needs to be confirmed with further
      studies.

PMID- 27685897
TI  - Current therapeutic options targeting bone metastasis in metastatic castration
      resistant prostate cancer.
AB  - Prostate cancer is a major public health problem worldwide, still remaining the
      most common cancer among elder males in both Europe and USA, being responsible
      for approximately 30,000 deaths in USA in 2014. Nowadays, after decades of basic
      research, novel treatment options have emerged focusing on men suffering from
      metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer improving overall survival. It is
      also estimated that more than 90% of such patients develop bone metastasis,
      resulting in a significant increase in morbidity and mortality. The purpose of
      this review was to discuss the treatment options targeting bone metastasis in
      castration-resistant prostate cancer patients by examining the available
      literature focusing primarily in the role of zoledronic acid, denosumab and
      radium 223.

PMID- 27685898
TI  - Ganoderma Lucidum (Reishi Mushroom) and cancer.
AB  - Having a long historical past in traditional Chinese medicine, Ganoderma Lucidum
      (G. Lucidum) is a type of mushroom believed to extend life and promote health.
      Due to the increasing consumption pattern, it has been cultivated and marketed
      intensively since the 1970s. It is claimed to be effective in the prevention and
      treatment of many diseases, and in addition, it exerts anticancer properties.
      Almost all the data on the benefits of G. Lucidum are based on laboratory and
      preclinical studies. The few clinical studies conducted are questionable.
      Nevertheless, when the findings obtained from laboratory studies are considered,
      it turns that G. Lucidum is likely to have some benefits for cancer patients.
      What is important at this point is to determine the components that will provide
      these benefits, and use them in drug development, after testing their
      reliability. In conclusion, it would be the right approach to abstain from using
      and incentivizing this product, until its benefits and harms are set out clearly,
      by considering its potential side effects.

PMID- 27685899
TI  - Trastuzumab 1-year vs 9-week in early-stage HER2-positive, lymph node negative
      breast cancer patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: Optimal duration of adjuvant trastuzumab therapy in early-stage HER2
      positive, lymph node-negative breast cancer is unknown. To establish this, we
      compared 1-year and 9-week trastuzumab regimens in HER2-positive, lymph node
      negative early-stage breast cancer patients. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed
      4374 breast cancer patients. There were 181 early-stage, lymph node-negative
      breast cancer patients who were treated with adjuvant trastuzumab for either 9
      week or 1-year schedule. A total of 101 patients received trastuzumab for 9 weeks
      and the remaining 80 patients received this adjuvant therapy for 1 year. Disease
      free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates of both groups were
      calculated. RESULTS: There was no difference between groups according to OS. Five
      year OS rates were 95.5% in the 9-week group and 93.3% in the 1-year group
      (p=0.78). DFS was affected by age, having tamoxifen therapy and disease stage.
      Nine-week trastuzumab group was superior to 1-year group and 5-year DFS rates
      were 91% in 9-week group and 81.2% in 1-year group (p=0.02). However, the 1-year
      group had more stage II patients than the 9-week group. We did not find any
      difference between groups regarding developing congestive heart failure.
      CONCLUSION: It appeared that 9-week trastuzumab treatment was not inferior to 1
      year trastuzumab treatment in early-stage, lymph node-negative breast cancer
      patients.

PMID- 27685901
TI  - The role and the potential regulatory pathways of high expression of forkhead box
      C1 in promoting tumor growth and metastasis of basal-like breast cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the role of high forkhead box C1 (FOXC1) expression in
      basal-like breast cancer (BLBC) in vitro and vivo and the underlying regulatory
      mechanism. METHODS: The lentivirus vector with green fluorescent protein (GFP)
      was used. MDA-MB-231 cells expressing consistently high levels of FOXC1 (FOXC1
      MDA-MB-231) were established. The parental MDA-MB-231 cells served as controls.
      Western blot analysis was used to determine the FOXC1 expression. The invasion
      capability was tested using the Trans-well assay. The tumorigenicity and the
      pulmonary metastatic ability were determined in mice in vivo. Histopathology and
      microarray processing and analysis were performed, and the various pathways
      involved and the related genes were analyzed. RESULTS: The invasion ability of
      FOXC1-MDA-MB-231 cells was enhanced significantly (p<0.01). Pulmonary metastases
      were observed in vivo in 3 of 5 mice administered FOXC1-MDA-MB-231 cells through
      tail vein injection. However, no pulmonary metastatic lesions were observed with
      MDA-MB-231 cells. The average tumor volume was larger in the mice injected with
      FOXC1-MDA-MB-231 than in the control mice (p<0.05). The expression of Ki-67 in
      the FOXC1-MDA-MB-231 injected mice was higher than in the control mice. Ten of
      the most gene-enriched pathways and the critical genes (IL-6 and SNAI2) were
      found to be related to BLBC. CONCLUSION: Elevated expression of FOXC1 enhanced
      the invasion ability of BLCB cells in vitro and promoted tumor growth and
      metastatic ability in vivo. This function may be regulated by many gene-enriched
      pathways and some critical genes.

PMID- 27685900
TI  - Clinical characteristics and management of a Greek female patient cohort with
      breast ductal carcinoma in situ.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this retrospective single-centre study was to examine the
      histopathological characteristics of breast ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
      lesions in a cohort of Greek female patients and describe our experience
      regarding the clinical management of the disease. METHODS: The medical records
      from 1995 up to mid-2014 were scanned in order to trace DCIS cases. One hundred
      and seventy two patients (6.8% of all breast cancer cases) were diagnosed with
      pure DCIS and no invasive components; 32.0% underwent a second surgery, mainly
      due to first surgery positive margins. RESULTS: Age at first surgery ranged from
      27 to 79 years (mean+/-SD 50+/-11) and median tumor size was 10mm (interquartile
      range/IQR7equals;12mm). Comedo necrosis (CN) was identified in 28.5% of the
      cases. The detection of CN was significantly associated with older age at
      diagnosis, larger tumor size and lower probability of highly differentiated
      tumors. Radiotherapy (RT) and hormonotherapy (HT) were applied to 44.8% and 63.4%
      of the patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We implemented international
      practices (surgery, radiotherapy and prophylactic hormonal therapy) to patients
      diagnosed with DCIS and have observed only two relapses. It is our belief that
      DCIS requires a multidisciplinary approach and patient-tailored therapy which can
      potentially contribute to minimization of the local recurrence risk.

PMID- 27685902
TI  - Correlation of educational status and clinicopathological characteristics of
      breast cancer: a single center experience.
AB  - PURPOSE: Educational status may be an important parameter in assessing breast
      cancer risk and prognosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the
      correlation between the level of education and clinicopathological
      characteristics of breast cancer, including tumor grade, HER-2 and estrogen
      receptor (ER) status, tumor size, axillary lymph node involvement and metastasis.
      METHODS: The study included 1800 women who were diagnosed with invasive breast
      cancer during 2005-2013 at Hacettepe University Cancer Institute. Patients were
      divided into three groups according to their educational status at the time of
      diagnosis as follows: low (illiterate and elementary school, 5 years or less of
      education), medium (secondary school and upper secondary school, 6-12 years of
      education) and high (university level, more than 12 years of education). The
      associations between educational status and clinicopathologic features of breast
      cancer at the time of diagnosis were evaluated. RESULTS: In all patient, a
      significant relationship was found between educational status and T stages
      (p<0.0001). Patients with higher educational levels were reported to have smaller
      tumor size regardless to their age and were less likely to have axillary lymph
      node involvement (p=0.001) or metastasis (p=0.001). A significant correlation was
      found between educational status and ER positivity in patients over 50 years of
      age (p=0.03). When the patients of all ages were evaluated, no statistically
      significant correlation was shown (p=0.27) between educational status and ER
      positivity. A significant relationship was found between educational status and
      HER-2 status (p=0.003), regardless of the patients' age. HER-2 positivity
      increased in patients with low educational status, however this significance was
      lost in patients over the age of 50 (p=0.1). CONCLUSION: The relationship between
      educational status and biological factors in breast cancer are not conclusive as
      yet, but this particular study revealed that educational status played a major
      influence in each of the five breast cancer prognostic factors: ER status, HER-2
      status, tumor size, lymph node status and metastasis.

PMID- 27685903
TI  - Acceptable adverse outcomes after delayed breast reconstruction using abdominal
      advancement flap - a 15-year experience.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the adverse outcomes after delayed breast reconstruction
      (DBR) by abdominal advancement flap (AAF) and permanent prosthesis in patients
      treated with mastectomy due to unilateral breast carcinoma, as well as to
      determine which factors are predictive for their occurrence. METHODS: The study
      included 155 patients operated at the Institute for Oncology and Radiology of
      Serbia from 1996 to 2010. All patients had total mastectomy and axillary lymph
      node dissection, followed by specific oncological treatment. Patients were
      selected for DBR after complete diagnostic evaluation. Adverse events were
      evaluated in regard to patient, disease and prostheses-related factors. RESULTS:
      During follow-up, DBR adverse events were observed in 23.237percnt; of the
      patients - the majority (91.67%) had only one. The most frequent was capsule
      contracture (47.22%), followed by asymmetry (22.22%), infection (16.67%) and
      prosthesis rupture (16.67%). There were isolated cases of prosthesis prolapse and
      local disease recurrence. Infections were treated conservatively in all but one
      patient. Other events were managed by additional operation. Statistical analysis
      showed that complications occurred significantly more often in patients ?51 years
      (vs 18-40, vs 41-50), disease stage IIb (vs Ia), T2 (vs T1) tumors and adjuvant
      radiotherapy (vs without). Prostheses-related factors were not significant for
      DBR complications, neither body mass index (BMI), nor smoking habits.
      CONCLUSIONS: DBR using AAF and permanent prosthesis is a safe technique with
      acceptable complication rate. It provides one-time surgery with satisfactory
      aesthetic results and good postoperative recovery. Most frequent complication is
      capsule contracture. Patients' age and irradiation of the chest wall after
      mastectomy are predictive factors for complications.

PMID- 27685904
TI  - The mean platelet volume may predict the development of isolated bone metastases
      in patients with breast cancer: a retrospective study of the Young Researchers
      Committee of the Turkish Oncology Group (TOG).
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the predictive value of the mean platelet volume (MPV) and
      the MPV/platelet count ratio on the development of isolated bone metastasis in
      patients with breast cancer. METHODS: A total of 121 previously untreated female
      patients with isolated bone metastases from breast cancer (group 1) were included
      in this retrospective cohort study. The patients enrolled in this study had
      similar age, biological subtypes, and duration of follow-up after diagnosis.
      Group 1 was compared with both 71 previously untreated women with breast cancer
      with no metastases at all (group 2) and 39 healthy women (group 3). Demographic
      data, laboratory tests and histological features of all of the patients in groups
      1 and 2 were recorded and the study variables from each of the three groups were
      compared. RESULTS: In group 1, the cut-off value (9.2 fL) for the MPV was
      determined and patients were stratified into 4 subgroups. The MPV was higher in
      group 1 than in either group 2 or group 3. Group 1 patients had a MPV of 8.8+/
      3.1 fL (mean 5.1, range: 6.1-15.6) and the cut-off value for MPV was 9.2 fl. For
      patients in group 1, the MPV distribution was stratified into 4 groups as
      follows: group A included MPV values <6.08 fL, in group B values ranged from 6.09
      to 8.46 fL, group C included values from 8.47 to 10.05 fL, and group D included
      patients with MPV values >10.06 fL. MPV and the presence of lymphovascular
      invasion were found to be independent risk factors for the development of
      isolated bone metastases. CONCLUSION: We concluded that MPV can be used to
      predict the development of isolated bone metastases.

PMID- 27685905
TI  - Left laterality is an independent prognostic factor for metastasis in N3 stage
      breast cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Development of metastasis in patients with breast cancer (BC) is the
      most important negative prognostic factor and this process mainly begins with
      lymphatic involvement. Therefore, axillary, subclavicular, internal mammary or
      supraclavicular nodal involvement is a crucial step before metastasis. Anatomical
      differences between the right and left lymphatic drainages of the breasts may
      significantly affect the rate, site and time to development of distant
      metastasis. The purpose of this study was to investigate if laterality is an
      independent prognostic factor for metastasis in N3 breast cancer patients.
      METHODS: From a total of 4215 BC patients diagnosed between 1994 and 2015 in our
      center, 305 non-metastatic women with pathological N3 (pN3) nodal status at
      presentation were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into two groups:
      left and right BC. Analysis of overall survival (OS) and time to first metastasis
      (TTM) was performed according to Kaplan-Meier method with log-rank test. RESULTS:
      The median number of lymph node involvement and lymph node ratio (number of
      positive lymph nodes / total number of excised lymph nodes) between the two
      groups was equal (14 and 0,66 respectively). Recurrence was observed in 123
      patients [53 (35%) right vs 70 (44%) left group]. Patients with left BC had
      significantly higher rate of axial bone metastases compared with the right BC
      group (55.7 vs 35.8%, p<0.02, respectively). TTM was significantly shorter in the
      left BC group [49.1 months (95% CI 36.5-61.8) vs 103.6 months (95% CI 47.0-160);
      p7equals;0.03, respectively]. Median OS did not differ between the groups,
      however, there was a trend towards lower OS in patients with left BC (p=0.68).
      CONCLUSION: Left laterality in patients with pN3 non-metastatic BC is an
      independent prognostic factor associated with shorter TTM, increased risk of
      distant metastases and axial bone involvement compared with right laterality.

PMID- 27685906
TI  - The value of calprotectin S100A8/A9 complex as a biomarker in colorectal cancer:
      A systematic review.
AB  - PURPOSE: Associations between inflammation and carcinogenesis have been reported
      for many years, as originally postulated by Virchow in his studies, but the
      results from prospective cohort studies remain controversial. We evaluated the
      role of calprotectin as a biomarker for colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS: The
      MEDLINE/PubMed database was thoroughly searched using the keywords:
      "inflammation", "colorectal cancer, "calprotectin", "carcinogenesis" and/or
      "biomarkers". We focused on human and animal (rodent) studies of CRC and the role
      of calprotectin as a new biomarker and its potential value to the diagnosis,
      follow-up and CRC prognosis. RESULTS: According to the literature, calprotectin
      seems to be a reliable sensitive marker in the diagnosis and postoperative
      evaluation of CRC patients at the cost of low specificity and no correlation with
      the progress and stage of disease. CONCLUSIONS: Calprotectin stands for a novel
      but well-evaluated biomarker in CRC. The experimental studies focus on the CRC
      microenvironment and suggest that malignant cells and tissues overexpress S100A8
      and S100A9 and the heterodimer S100A8/A9.

PMID- 27685907
TI  - Cbl-b regulates the sensitivity of cetuximab through ubiquitin-proteasome system
      in human gastric cancer cells.
AB  - PURPOSE: Cetuximab is a monoclonal antibody against epidermal growth factor
      receptor (EGFR) and is approved for clinical use in combination with chemotherapy
      in patients affected by colorectal cancer (CRC), non small cell lung cancer
      (NSCLC), and head and neck cancer. Compared with these cancers, gastric cancer is
      relatively resistant to cetuximab and its regulatory mechanism is still unclear.
      METHODS: In this study, we assessed whether the ubiquitin- proteasome pathway is
      involved in regulating cetuximab-induced cells apoptosis in MGC803 and BGC823
      gastric cancer cell lines. RESULTS: The casitas B lineage lymphoma-b (Cbl-b), a
      kind of E3 ubiquitin ligase, was involved in this process. Specific silenced Cbl
      b expression increased the expression of EGFR. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings lead to
      a better understanding of the mechanism of cetuximab action, and suggests that
      Cbl-b increases the sensitivity of cetuximab in gastric cancer cells.

PMID- 27685908
TI  - Prognostic indicators following curative pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic
      carcinoma: A retrospective multivariate analysis of a single centre experience.
AB  - PURPOSE: Survival after curative resection of pancreatic, ampullary and lower
      common bile duct cancer remains very poor. The aim of this study was to assess
      important prognostic factors in patients with resectable pancreatic cancer.
      METHODS: From 2006 to 2010, 156 patients underwent pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) for
      malignancies of pancreatic, ampullary or lower common bile duct in our
      institution. Based on the inclusion criteria 101 patients were selected in our
      retrospective statistical analysis. Of these 101 cases of malignancies, 65.4%
      were located in the pancreatic head, 18.8% in the ampulla and 15.8% in the lower
      bile duct. 48.5% of patients underwent classical PD, and 51.5% pylorus-preserving
      pancreatoduodenectomy (PPPD). Clinical and pathological data were collected,
      Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate
      prognostic factors. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis revealed that blood
      transfusion, vascular invasion, T4 vs T1 stage, and R0 resection margins were
      significant negative predictors of survival. Conversely, ampullary (vs pancreatic
      ductal) and adjuvant chemotherapy were significantly associated with longer
      survival. Lymph node ratio (LNR), in all its forms, was not found to have a
      significant effect on survival. For all patients, tumor grading (p=0.042),
      resection margins (p=0.004), T stage (p=0.001), perineural invasion (p=0.029),
      vascular invasion (p=0.007) and age >65 years (p=0.009) were factors that
      impacted survival. CONCLUSION: Surgical resection margins, tumor grade, T stage,
      perineural invasion, vascular invasion, age >65 and adjuvant chemotherapy are the
      strongest predictors of survival after surgical resection of pancreatic,
      ampullary and lower common bile duct cancer. In this series, lymph node ratio did
      not impact survival.

PMID- 27685910
TI  - Bakuchiol inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest
      in SGC-7901 human gastric cancer cells.
AB  - PURPOSE: The main purpose of the present study was to evaluate the
      antiproliferative activity of bakuchiol in human gastric tumor cell line (SGC
      7901) along with an effort to demonstrate its mode of action. METHODS: he effect
      of the compound on cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay. Fluorescence and
      phase contrast microscopic techniques were used to study the effect of the
      compound on cellular morphology and apoptosis. Flow cytometry was used to assess
      the effect on cell cycle phase distribution. RESULTS: The results revealed that
      bakuchiol exerted potent, dose-dependent as well as time-dependent growth
      inhibitory effects in SGC-7901 cell proliferation with IC50 values of 58.4, 42.3
      and 32.5 MUM at 12, 24 and 48 hrs time intervals, respectively. On treatment with
      10, 50 and 100 MUM dose of bakuchiol for 48 hrs, phase contrast microscope
      revealed that the cells got detached from one another making clusters of small
      number of cells floating in the medium. After the cells were treated with 10, 50
      and 100 MUM of bakuchiol, cells began to emit orange red fluorescence more
      heavily at the centre of cells indicating apoptosis. Bakuchiol also induced sub
      G1 cell cycle arrest in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: The current findings
      reveal that bakuchiol is a potent cytotoxic agent against gastric cancer cells
      and its cytotoxicity is mediated through induction of apoptosis and sub-G1 cell
      cycle arrest.

PMID- 27685909
TI  - Selective cytotoxic effect of Rhododendron luteum extract on human colon and
      liver cancer cells.
AB  - PURPOSE: The genus Rhododendron is distributed entirely in the world with the
      exception of South and Central America and Africa, growing in a large diversity
      of climatic conditions. This genus is a rich source of phenolic compounds,
      especially flavonoids, essential oils, chromones, terpenoids, and steroids. It
      has many biological properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral,
      antibacterial, anticancer, antidiabetic, immunomodulatory, cardioprotective and
      hepatoprotective among others due to their polyphenolic constituents. The
      objective of the current study was to evaluate the antioxidant properties and
      cytotoxic activity of dimethyl sulfoxide extract of flowers of Rhododendron
      luteum (DEFR) for the first time. METHODS: The total polyphenolic contents (TPC),
      total flavonoid contents (TFC) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of
      the extract were evaluated using spectrophotometric procedures. The cytotoxic
      activity of the extract on three cancers (human breast, colon and liver
      carcinoma) and human foreskin fibroblast cells was determined using the MTT
      assay. RESULTS: TPC and FRAP values were found 54.2+/-0.38 mg gallic acid
      equivalents and 164.2+/-1.77 mg trolox equivalents per to g sample, respectively.
      R.luteum extract exhibited selective cytotoxicity against colon and liver cancer
      cells compared to normal fibroblast cells, while this selective cytotoxicity was
      not observed in breast cancer cells. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that the
      Rhododendron luteum may be a great source of antioxidant and antitumor natural
      agents due to their capability of decreasing cancer cells proliferation.

PMID- 27685911
TI  - Serum leptin levels may have diagnostic and predictive roles in patients with
      pancreatic adenocarcinoma treated with gemcitabine-based chemotherapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Leptin is a highly pleiotropic adipokine. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PA)
      and leptin relationship is important. Our aim was to investigate the serum levels
      of leptin in patients with PA, the relationship of leptin with tumor progression
      and known prognostic parameters and its diagnostic, predictive and prognostic
      role. METHODS: Thirty-three patients with PA were investigated. Serum samples
      were obtained on first admission before treatment and follow-up. Both serum
      leptin levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
      Age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) matched to 20 healthy controls were included
      in the analysis. RESULTS: The median patient age at diagnosis was 59 years (range
      32-84) and 20 (61%) patients were men. The tumor was located in the head of
      pancreas in 21 (63%) patients. The most common metastatic site was liver in 23
      patients with metastasis (N=19; 83%). The median follow-up time was 26.0 weeks
      (range 1.0-184.0). At the end of the observation period, 32 patients (97%) had
      died. The baseline serum leptin levels were significantly higher in patients with
      PA than in the control group (p=0.02). Thirty-nine percent of 23 metastatic
      patients who received palliative gemcitabine-based chemotherapy (gCTx) were gCTx
      responsive. Serum leptin levels were significantly higher in the gCTx
      unresponsive patients compared with gCTx -responsive (median 5.32 vs 1.16 ng/mL,
      p=0.004). Conversely, serum leptin concentration was found to have no prognostic
      role on survival (p=0.20). CONCLUSION: Serum leptin levels may be a good
      diagnostic and predictive tool on the response to gCTx in PA patients.

PMID- 27685912
TI  - Laparoscopic versus open total gastrectomy for advanced proximal gastric
      carcinoma: a matched pair analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Laparoscopic total gastrectomy for advanced proximal gastric carcinoma
      is a complex and challenging procedure, limited to a few expert centers. This
      study analyzed the short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic total
      gastrectomy for advanced proximal gastric carcinoma compared with open
      gastrectomy. METHODS: From January 2008 to January 2015, 61 patients underwent
      laparoscopic total gastrectomy for advanced proximal gastric carcinoma. They were
      matched and compared to 61 patients who underwent a conventional open operation.
      Short-term operative and postoperative outcomes as well as long-term outcomes,
      including overall survival and disease-free survival rates, were assessed.
      RESULTS: Patients were well matched for several preoperative factors. Overall
      postoperative 30-day complication rates were significantly higher for the open
      group. No significant difference was seen in 5-year overall survival and 5-year
      disease-free survival between the open and laparoscopic groups. The same result
      was seen in subgroup analyses of TNM stage. CONCLUSION: This study shows the
      feasibility of laparoscopic total gastrectomy for advanced proximal gastric
      carcinoma compared to open resection in regard to both short- and long-term
      outcomes. Laparoscopic surgery offers many advantages commonly attributed to
      laparoscopy and is well suited for proximal gastric carcinoma when performed by
      experienced surgeons.

PMID- 27685913
TI  - Metronomic S-1 chemotherapy plus transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE):
      a promising treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma refractory to TACE.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy and safety of metronomic S-1 chemotherapy
      combination with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) for the
      treatment of Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Stage B hepatocellular
      carcinoma (HCC) refractory to TACE. METHODS: Twenty six patients met the
      eligibility criteria and were enrolled. TACE was performed on day 1, and
      metronomic S-1 chemotherapy on days 2-15. Tumor assessment was performed one
      month later. The primary endpoints were time to progression (TTP) and adverse
      events (AE). RESULTS: Twenty six patients in total received 176 TACE
      interventions. There were 101 TACE interventions in 15 patients of metronomic S-1
      chemotherapy plus TACE (TS) and 75 in 11 patients of TACE monotherapy (TM).
      Fifteen TS patients received a total of 55 cycles of treatment with S-1, with a
      median of 4 cycles (range 2-6). The total dose of S-1 was 6165 mg per day in 15
      patients (average 120 mg, range 100-125). Median TTP and overall survival (OS) of
      TS group were 6 months (95% CI, 4.7-7.3) and 17 months (95% CI, 15.6-18.4),
      respectively, while for the TM group were 4 months (95% CI, 2.4-5.6) and 15
      months (95% CI, 9.2-20.8), respectively. Though there were higher tumor response
      rate (RR) and disease control rates (DCRs) in patients with TS, no significant
      differences were detected. Both treatment approaches were tolerable with low
      grade AE. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, metronomic S-1 chemotherapy plus
      TACE in the present study was tolerable and associated with a better but not
      statistically significant TTP, RR and OS. It showed that metronomic S-1
      chemotherapy plus TACE may be a promising treatment of BCLC Stage B HCC
      refractory to TACE.

PMID- 27685914
TI  - Inhibitory effects of Silibinin combined with doxorubicin in hepatocellular
      carcinoma; an in vivo study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the one of the most common cancers and
      the third leading cause of cancer related mortality in the world. Unacceptable
      side effect and development of treatment resistance are the major concerns with
      the conventional chemotherapeutic agents. Combination therapy using
      phytotherapeutic agents is attracting the attention of investigators in view of
      the current needs. METHODS: In the present study we have evaluated the
      synergistic effect of silibinin, a nontoxic phytotherapeutic agent in combination
      with doxorubicin, in advanced HCC using HEPG2 cells and an orthotopic rat model
      of HCC. RESULTS: The results showed that silibinin strongly synergized with
      doxorubicin-induced growth inhibition, G2-M arrest, and apoptosis of HEPG2 cells.
      Silibinin-doxorubicin combination also inhibited cdc2/p34 kinase activity when
      histone H1 was used as substrate. The combination regimen also moderately
      increased the expression of cdc25C-cyclin B1-cdc2/p34 associated upstream kinases
      (Chk1). Simultaneous treatment with silibinin-doxorubicin combination showed a
      41% increase in the apoptotic cell death (p=0.01), which was 3-fold higher than
      what was observed with silibinin or doxorubicin individually. In the orthotopic
      rat model treatment with silibinin-doxorubicin reduced tumor growth by close to
      30% at nearly twice lower dose of individual drugs in the combination group.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that combination therapy using silibinin
      doxorubicin may show a better therapeutic efficacy in patients with HCC. These
      findings need to be further validated in human clinical trials.

PMID- 27685915
TI  - The pretreatment albumin to globulin ratio, a validated biomarker, predicts
      prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: Although the albumin to globulin ratio (AGR) has been proven to be a
      prognostic factor in several cancers, no studies have assessed its prognostic
      significance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Therefore, this study aimed to
      investigate the prognostic value of the pretreatment AGR in the survival in HCC
      patients. METHODS: 150 patients were enrolled, who were confirmed of HCC from
      October 2008 to December 2012 in Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University.
      Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were obtained. Univariate and
      multivariate Cox regression analysis were used to investigate the association of
      clinicopathological parameters with HCC patients' survival. RESULTS: Patients
      were divided into 2 groups: AGR?1.18 and AGR ?1.18. Patients in the high AGR
      (?1.18) group had longer overall survival (OS) than those in the low AGR (<1.18)
      group (60.16 vs 20.48 months, p<0.001). Univariate analysis showed that portal
      vein tumor thrombosis, grade of differentiation, extrahepatic metastasis, BCLC
      stage, AFP level and AGR at diagnosis were significantly associated with OS.
      Multivariate analysis revealed that AGR (p<0.001) and grade of differentiation
      (p=0.007) were independent prognostic factors for survival of HCC patients. In
      subgroup analysis based on age and Child-Pugh class, AGR remained a significant
      prognostic parameter. CONCLUSION: Low pretreatment AGR was significantly
      associated with shorter OS in HCC patients. The pretreatment AGR could be a
      useful and effective prognostic index for identifying patients with poor
      prognosis, even when patients have well-preserved liver reserve function.

PMID- 27685918
TI  - Resveratrol in lung cancer- a systematic review.
AB  - PURPOSE: Resveratrol, a phytochemical known for its anti- oxidative properties
      has been explored worldwide for anticancer potential. We performed this
      systematic review and meta-analysis in order to register the efficacy of
      resveratrol against lung carcinogenesis. METHODS: We searched PubMed for
      preclinical studies reporting efficacy of resveratrol alone or in combination
      with drugs like curcumin, cisplatin etc. against lung carcinogenesis. RESULTS:
      The primary outcome of eligible studies included change in overall tumor
      incidence as well as tumor size. In all of the above studies involving either
      animal models or in vitro cancer cell experiments a statistically significant
      reduction in tumor incidence emerged as compared with the control groups,
      yielding a relative risk reduction of 0.64 (p=0.002). This meta- analysis
      confirmed the potential of resveratrol against lung carcinogenesis. CONCLUSION:
      It can be concluded that resveratrol holds a good potential for future use as a
      highly efficient therapeutic agent to deal with deadly lung carcinogenesis.

PMID- 27685916
TI  - Thymidylate synthase polymorphism in Mexican patients with colon cancer treated
      with 5-fluorouracil.
AB  - PURPOSE: We analyzed the genotype and allele frequency of variable number tandem
      repeats (VNTR)-thymidylate synthase (TS) and its relationship with the disease
      evolution in colon cancer patients. METHODS: We selected 24 paraffin-embedded
      colon cancer tissue samples from Mexican patients who received a 5-fluorouracil
      (5-FU)-based chemotherapy regimen. Tumor tissue was digested with proteinase K
      and genomic DNA was isolated by the standard method with phenol-chloroform
      extraction. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed for TS genotyping of
      VNTR and the results were evaluated directly in a stained agarose gel. RESULTS:
      The allele frequency of 2 repeats (2R) was greater (0.66) than 3R (0.34) in
      metastatic colon cancer (x2=10.24; p=0.001)) however, no difference in allelic
      distribution between 2R (0.54) and 3R (0.46) in non metastatic patients was
      observed (x2=0.640; p=0.424). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that Mexican
      patients with colon cancer present differences in the allelic distribution, the
      2R allele being the most frequent.

PMID- 27685919
TI  - Assessment of 64-slice spiral computed tomography with perfusion weighted imaging
      in the early diagnosis of ground-glass opacity lung cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the use of the 64-slice spiral computed tomography (CT) with
      perfusion-weighted imaging in the early diagnosis of ground-glass opacity lung
      cancers. METHODS: 412 patients with ground-glass opacities found by conventional
      CT scan in our hospital, and deemed highly suspected of being lung cancers, were
      enrolled in the study between February of 2012 and February of 2015. Sixty four
      slice spiral CTs with perfusion-weighted imaging were carried out on all
      patients, and the latest nodular contrast analysis software, MPR2D, 3D
      reconstruction technology, MIP technology and perfusion scanning technology were
      used to analyze lesion types, density, blood supply, peripheral signals, doubling
      time and tissue perfusion characteristics. This was repeated after one month, and
      the final pathologic diagnosis was used as a reference. RESULTS: There were 350
      (84.95%) patients who were ultimately diagnosed with lung cancer. The main lesion
      type of lung cancer was quasi-circular, the average CT density was 56.7+/-5.4 HU,
      bronchial arterial enhancement increased in the nodule, peripheral signals were
      mainly irregular burrs, and the average doubling time was 1.2+/-0.3 s. Comparing
      these parameters with the ones in the non-cancer group, the differences found
      were with statistical significance (p<0.05). Importantly, tissue perfusion
      parameters of blood flow, blood volume, mean transit time and permeability
      surface in the lung cancer group were all significantly higher than those in non
      cancer group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: From the findings in our study, we propose
      that 64-slice spiral CT with perfusion-weighted imaging can be used to diagnose
      ground-glass opacity lung cancer early, by taking into account variables such as
      lesion type, density, blood supply, peripheral signals, doubling time and tissue
      perfusion characteristics.

PMID- 27685917
TI  - Circulating and tissue galectin-1 and galectin-3 in colorectal carcinoma:
      association with clinicopathological parameters, serum CEA, IL-17 and IL23.
AB  - PURPOSE: Galectins are modulators of many processes critical for tumor
      progression and metastasis but their clinical significance is still unclear. The
      objective of this study was to analyze the clinical significance of Galectin-1
      and Galectin-3 in the tissue and sera of patients with colorectal carcinoma
      (CRC). Examined were also their association with serum CEA, IL-17 and IL-23 in
      CRC patients. METHODS: One hundred and twenty patients with CRC were included in
      this study. The expression of Galectin-1 and Galectin-3 in biopsy samples of CRC
      was determined using immunohistochemistry (N=120). The concentrations of Galectin
      1, Galectin-3, IL-17 and IL-23 in the sera of CRC patients (N=38) were determined
      by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Serum Galectin-1
      concentrations positively correlated with parameters of malignancy including
      perineural invasion (p=0.016), lymph node involvement and distant metastases
      (p=0.029). Higher expression of peritumoral Galectin-1 was associated with both
      presence of perineural invasion and poor differentiation of CRC. Serum CEA levels
      positively correlated with circulating Galectin-1, but inversely correlated with
      peritumoral Galectin-1 expression. There was no correlation between Galectin-3
      and clinicopathological parameters of CRC, but it was found that Galectin-3
      expression in the tumor tissue positively correlated with serum IL-17 and IL-23.
      Circulating Galectin-3 levels significantly correlated with IL-17 (p=0.042), but
      not with IL-23 in the sera of CRC patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that
      Galectin-1 and Galectin-3 exhibit protumorigenic activity in CRC by affecting
      different aspects of tumor progression. Galectin-1 facilitates tumor invasion and
      metastasis while Galectin-3 preferentially modulates tumor-associated
      inflammatory processes.

PMID- 27685920
TI  - Survival and prognostic factors in patients with brain metastasis: Single center
      experience.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical status,
      prognostic factors and treatment modalities affecting survival in patients with
      brain metastasis. We aimed to evaluate the whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT)
      outcomes of patients with brain metastasis in our center. METHODS: Clinical data
      of 315 patients referred to our center between 2004 and 2014 with metastatic
      brain cancers were collected and analysed for possible relationships between
      survival time, age, gender, Karnofsky performance status (KPS), recursive
      partitioning analysis (RPA), primary tumor, number of brain lesions, surgery,
      radiation therapy scheme, extracranial metastatic status and primary disease
      control status. RESULTS: The average patient age of onset was 58 years. The
      primary tumor site was lung (68%), breast (12%), melanoma (4%), colorectal
      (1.6%), sarcoma (1.3%) and unknown primary disease (4.4%). The rest of the
      patients had other primary sites. Eighty four (26.6%) patients had single brain
      metastasis, 71 (22.5%) had 2 or 3 lesions, and 159 (50.4%) patients had more than
      3 lesions. Leptomeningeal involvement was seen in combination of paranchymal
      involvement in 11 (3.5%) patients. Fifty patients had undergone surgical
      resection. WBRT was delivered to all of the patients. Median overall survival was
      6.7 months (95% CI, 5.80-7.74). Median overall survival of patients treated with
      combination of surgery and WBRT was significantly better compared with those
      treated with WBRT alone (13.5 vs 5.5 months, p=0.0001). One- and 2- year survival
      was 17 and 4.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The present study concludes that
      brain metastasis is common in cancer patients. The best overall survival was
      obtained by surgery+NBRT in good-condition patients. Treatment should be tailored
      on an individual basis to all these patients.

PMID- 27685921
TI  - Expression profiling of RE1-silencing transcription factor (REST), REST
      corepressor 1 (RCOR1), and Synapsin 1 (SYN1) genes in human gliomas.
AB  - PURPOSE: The repressor element 1 (RE-1) silencing transcription factor (REST) is
      a transcription factor which represses the expression of neuronal differentiation
      related genes including SYN1 gene. CoREST, encoded by RCOR1 gene, binds to the
      REST protein for remodeling of chromatin structure. Although there is a relation
      among REST, RCOR1, and SYN1 genes, the role of these genes in glioma tumors is
      still unclear. In this study, expressions of REST, RCOR1, and SYN1 genes were
      detected in primary cultures derived from tumor samples of diffuse astrocytoma
      (DA), anaplastic oligodendroglioma (AO), and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cases.
      METHODS: Expression profiles were analysed by RT-qPCR and the copy number
      variations were examined with qPCR in primary cultures. ChIP assay was performed
      to show binding characteristics of REST and CoREST proteins on promoter region of
      SYN1 gene. RESULTS: Means of relative expression for REST were as follows:
      0.7898, 0.7606, and 0.7318 in DA, AO, and GBM groups, respectively. For RCOR1,
      expression means in DA, AO, and GBM groups were 0.7203, 0.7334, and 0.7230,
      respectively. SYN1 expression means were as follows: 0.3936, 0.3192, and 0.3197
      in DA, AO, and GBM groups, respectively. Neither gain nor loss of copy numbers
      were detected for REST and RCOR1 genes in all groups. Copy loss for SYN1 was
      detected in primary culture of a DA case. REST and CoREST presented positive
      precipitation pattern on promoter region of SYN1 gene. CONCLUSIONS: Expressions
      of REST and RCOR1 genes may downregulate SYN1 expression in gliomas. Low
      expression pattern of SYN1 may maintain cancer stem-like phenotype which
      contributes to development of gliomas.

PMID- 27685923
TI  - Weekly cisplatin with radiotherapy for locally advanced head and neck squamous
      cell carcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: Although commonly used for the treatment of locally advanced head and
      neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) concomitant radio-chemotherapy (RT-CT) with
      weekly cisplatin has not been definitely studied. We conducted a single centre
      retrospective study with the aim to evaluate efficacy and acute toxicity of
      definitive concomitant RT-CT with 40 mg/m2 weekly cisplatin in patients with
      locally advanced HNSCC with a particular emphasis on RT modality (conventional or
      accelerated) and dose of cisplatin delivered. METHODS: One hundred and twelve
      consecutive patients were included. They were given cisplatin 40 mg/m2)week
      concomitantly with conventionally fractionated (CFRT) (N=33) or accelerated (ART)
      (N=79) RT. RESULTS: RT was delivered according to the treatment plan in 104
      patients and full dose was given to 107 patients. A median cumulative cisplatin
      dose of 240 mg/m2 was administered to patients treated with CFRT and of 200 mg/m2
      to those treated with ART. Overall complete response rate was 81.3%. With a
      median follow up of 38.4 months, median overall survival (OS) was 75 months, not
      influenced by RT type or cisplatin dose received. The most clinically significant
      grade 3 or 4 acute toxicities were stomatitis (35.7%), neutropenia (25%), anemia
      (12.5%) and acute kidney injury (5.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that a
      median cumulative dose of 200 mg/m2 cisplatin can be safely administered using a
      weekly regimen to patients treated with concomitant RT (CFRT or ART). Efficacy
      results and toxicity compare favorably with those described with triweekly
      cisplatin RT-CT, suggesting that a randomized comparison should be undertaken.

PMID- 27685922
TI  - Expression of CDCP1 and ADAM12 in the ovarian cancer microenvironment.
AB  - PURPOSE: The tumor microenvironment in ovarian cancer (OC) seems to play an
      important role, and besides tumor cells, biomarkers can derive from endothelial
      cells. We investigated CDCP1 and ADAM12 expression in relation with other
      clinical and pathological characteristics in OC patients. METHODS: We
      retrospectively evaluated patient files between 2006-2011. A histochemical score
      was developed to evaluate tumor staining, the microvessel density (MVD), and
      stromal expression patterns for both ADAM12 and CDCP1. A CD34 antibody was used
      to assess tumor MVD. RESULTS: 102 patients were selected and 83% had FIGO stage
      III/IV. A high CDCP1 tumor score correlated significantly with a shorter overall
      survival (OS) (p<0.01). Cases with positive CDCP1 had an elevated CD34 MVD
      (p<0.01). An absent/low ADAM12 tumor score correlated with significantly improved
      OS (p<0.01). Mean CD34 MVD was higher in cases with positive ADAM12 MVD
      (p=0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that both tumor markers are negative
      prognostic factors for overall survival and additional studies are required to
      validate their future potential.

PMID- 27685925
TI  - Incidence, mortality, and epidemiological aspects of cancers in Iran; differences
      with the world data.
AB  - PURPOSE: No comprehensive study of cancer incidence and mortality exists in Iran.
      This study aimed to evaluate the incidence, mortality and epidemiological aspects
      of cancers in our country. METHODS: In this study, information of cancer
      incidence and mortality in Iran was retrieved from International Cancer Registry
      data and reported by numbers, crude and standardized incidence and mortality
      rates. Cancer incidence and mortality in Iran were mapped and compared with
      neighboring countries and the world. RESULTS: A total of 84,829 cancer cases
      occurred in Iran in 2012. Overall, 39,991 cases (47.14%) were women and 44,838
      (52.85%) men with male to female ratio 1.12. There were 53,350 deaths, of which
      43.55% in women and 56.44% in men. The sex ratio of mortality was 1.29. Five
      cancers with the highest standardized incidence rates (SIR) were breast cancer
      (28.1), gastric cancer (15.2), prostate cancer (12.6), colorectal cancer (11.1),
      and esophageal cancer (8.6). Five cancers with the highest standardized mortality
      rates (SMR) were gastric cancer (12.9), breast cancer (9.9), esophageal cancer
      (7.8), lung cancer (6.9) and colorectal cancer (6.6). CONCLUSION: Our findings
      revealed that the incidence of some cancers increased compared to reports in
      previous years. The incidence and mortality were higher in men than in women.
      Common cancers should be detected early using screening tests such as colonoscopy
      and mammography. The tests can be especially useful in old age. Additional
      studies should be performed to investigate the causes of cancer incidence and
      mortality.

PMID- 27685924
TI  - High incidence of thyroid cancer among patients with acromegaly.
AB  - PURPOSE: Several studies have suggested that patients with acromegaly have an
      increased risk of thyroid, colorectal, breast and prostate cancers. In this study
      we determined the prevalence of malignant neoplasms in patients with acromegaly.
      METHODS: Cancer risk was evaluated in a cohort of 110 patients (M/F 48/62, age
      58.63+/-13.8 years, range 30-86) with acromegaly. Mean age at diagnosis of
      acromegaly was 46.37+/-13.11 years. Mean period of time since diagnosis of
      acromegaly was 12.26+9.6 years. RESULTS: From 110 patients, cancer was diagnosed
      in 26 (23.6%) patients. Thyroid cancer was the most common cancer and was
      diagnosed in 13 patients (11.8%); other cancers encountered were gastric cancer
      (N=2), endometrial cancer (N-2), and breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer
      (N-2), myelodysplastic syndrome, renal cell carcinoma, lung cancer and pancreatic
      carcinoma, one case each. Age, gender, age at the time of diagnosis of
      acromegaly, tumor size of pituitary adenoma and duration of disease were not
      associated with cancer development. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that
      patients with acromegaly have an increased risk of thyroid cancer and therefore
      they should undergo regular screening with hormonal and ultrasound evaluation of
      the thyroid and FNAB when required.

PMID- 27685926
TI  - Attachment orientations of Greek cancer patients in palliative care. A validation
      study of the Experiences in Close Relationships scale (ECR-M16).
AB  - PURPOSE: Health-care professionals may serve as attachment figures, nevertheless
      little research has been made in the palliative context. The psychometric
      properties of the brief ECR-M16 in Greek cancer patients were explored. METHODS:
      The ECR-M16 was translated into Greek (G-ECR-M16), and was administered to 100
      patients before starting palliative care and 7 days later to test its stability.
      Patients (N=35) also completed the EORTC QLQ-C30 scales. RESULTS: Cronbach's
      alphas for the discomfort for closeness, anxiety and avoidance scales were 0.871,
      0.762, and 0.761, respectively. Test-retest reliability was very satisfactory (p<
      0.0005). Factor analysis yielded three factors (58.75% of the variance). Known
      groups validity showed that discomfort with closeness had a statistically
      significant correlation with advanced disease stage (p=0.022). CONCLUSIONS: The G
      ECR-M16 is a valid research tool for the attachment patterns' impact in Greek
      cancer patients.

PMID- 27685927
TI  - Bone metastasis in breast cancer is treated by high-dose tamoxifen.
AB  - PURPOSE: Bone metastases in breast cancer are quite common, and some patients may
      have no other site of metastasis. An effective treatment is often endocrine
      agents administration (tamoxifen or antiaromatases), given mainly to
      postmenopausal women. Radiation treatment is also effective, although difficult
      to perform in cases of extensive skeletal disease. Chemotherapy does not help.
      The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of high-dose
      tamoxifen in female patients with breast cancer and bone metastasis. METHODS: 28
      patients with breast cancer were treated with high-dose tamoxifen. All of them
      had been pretreated with hormonal therapy including low-dose tamoxifen. RESULTS:
      The results were extremely positive with clinical amelioration and also
      disappearance of osteolysis in some patients. Twenty six out of 28 patients
      responded to the treatment, the criteria being mainly pain reduction and body
      mobilization (an amelioration which lasted 8 months-4 years). CONCLUSION:
      Tamoxifen is efficient when readministered at high dose to breast cancer patient
      with bone metastasis.

PMID- 27685928
TI  - Association of the HOTAIR rs4759314 polymorphism with cancer risk: a meta
      analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To explore the association between HOTAIR rs4759314 and cancer risk.
      METHODS: A comprehensive online search was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, and
      CNKI databases to identify relevant studies. The case-control studies related to
      HOTAIR rs4759314 polymorphism and cancer risk were selected according to the
      inclusion and exclusion criteria. The retrieval time was until November 2015.
      After extracting the basic data information and performing an evaluation of the
      quality of the literature, the meta-analysis was performed using STATA 12.0
      software, by calculating the odds ratio (OD) and 95% confidence interval (95%
      CI), and further subgroup analysis, literature publication bias testing, and
      sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: The studies included a total of 5025 patients with
      cancer and 5657 controls. The results found no significant association between
      the HOTAIR rs4759314 polymorphism and cancer risk in a Chinese population (G vs
      A, OR=1.06, 95% CI :0.87-1.30 ; GG/GA vs AA, OR=1.07, 95% CI: 0.87-1.32; GG vs
      GA/AA, OR=0.75, 95% CI:0.39-1.43; GA vs AA, OR=1.08, 95% CI: 0.88-1.33; GG vs AA,
      OR=0.76, 95% CI:0.39-1.45) (all p<0.05). However, A allelic gene was associated
      with lower risk of gastric cancer, while G allelic gene may act as a genetic
      susceptibility factor for gastric cancer in Chinese population. CONCLUSION: No
      significant association was noted between the HOTAIR rs4759314 polymorphism and
      cancer risk in a Chinese population.

PMID- 27685929
TI  - PTEN in laryngeal carcinomas.

PMID- 27685930
TI  - Re-affirming the necessity of sending even minor surgical specimens for
      histopathology: a case of inverted papilloma of the adenoids.

PMID- 27685931
TI  - Place of bevacizumab in radiation-induced edema and necrosis.

PMID- 27685932
TI  - Composite hairy cell leukemia and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

PMID- 27685933
TI  - Topoisomerase IIa expression in laryngeal and oral carcinomas: is it a reliable
      prognostic molecular marker?

PMID- 27685934
TI  - Hippocrates (ca 460-370 BC) on nasal cancer.
AB  - The prevalence of cancer in antiquity is rather an unknown scientific field.
      Nevertheless, During the 5th century BC, Hippocrates and his followers, studied
      thoroughly this fatal disease and proposed surgical techniques and palliative
      drugs to confront and treat the malignant tumors caused by the black bile (the 4
      humors theory). Inside Corpus Hippocraticum, nasal cancer was mentioned,
      alongside with its treatment. Local surgical excision, cautherization, drugs to
      relief the pain and face possible metastases combined with a possible pessary
      technique and endotracheal intubation, have been employed by the physicians of
      the era.

PMID- 27685935
TI  - Oocyte cryopreservation for fertility preservation in women with cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: It is necessary to clarify the fertility preservation-related
      points of concern that often frighten patients or physicians when it comes to
      deciding about oocyte cryopreservation for fertility preservation, which are
      often perceived as procedure limitations, are sometimes real and often
      theoretical and may make the prognosis worse. RECENT FINDINGS: Letrozole added to
      gonadotrophins for controlled ovarian stimulation is safe when applied to hormone
      sensitive cancer patients as it avoids associated high estradiol levels. This
      benefit is only for estrogens, but not for progesterone. Triggering ovulation
      with gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist bolus and adding the gonadotropin
      releasing hormone antagonist after oocyte retrieval help minimize its effect. A
      random start is currently widespread as neither results nor offspring are
      compromised, and it avoids waiting for menstruation and, therefore, delaying
      treatment. SUMMARY: The cumulative live birth rate is conditioned by the number
      of available oocytes and patient's age. Assisted reproductive technologies may
      help cancer patients to achieve pregnancy with good obstetric outcomes and
      apparent oncological safety. Although counseling should be provided on an
      individual basis, fertility preservation in cancer patients and later pregnancy
      in survivors after adequate treatment and follow-up should not be discouraged.

PMID- 27685937
TI  - Chemokine CXCL13 expression was up-regulated in Clostridium difficile infection.
AB  - Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is the leading cause of antibiotic- and
      healthcare-associated diarrhea. CXCL13 is a well-known CXC chemokine involved in
      inflammation, but its role in CDI remains unknown. In this study, serum and fecal
      samplings were collected from 51 CDI patients, 50 diarrhea patients without CDI
      and 50 healthy control subjects to determine the CXCL13 levels by enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Besides, a mouse model of C. difficile infection was
      established, and murine serum and colon tissues were collected for detection of
      CXCL13 expression using quantitative real-time RT-PCR, ELISA, Western blot, or
      immunohistochemistry. We found that CXCL13 concentration in serum and fecal
      samples from CDI patients was significantly higher compared with that from
      diarrhea patients without CDI and that from healthy controls. Elevated serum
      CXCL13 positively and significantly correlated with blood markers of inflammation
      and yielded an increased area under the ROC curve of 0.929. In murine C.
      difficile infection, CXCL13 were also dramatically increased in serum and
      infected colon tissues at the transcriptional and protein levels. The elevated
      CXCL13 levels positively and significantly correlated with inflammatory scores.
      Therefore, CDI is associated with enhanced release of CXCL13. This study
      indicated that CXCL13 may be pathogenically involved in CDI and served as a
      potential new biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis in CDI.

PMID- 27685936
TI  - Disruption of an Evolutionarily Novel Synaptic Expression Pattern in Autism.
AB  - Cognitive defects in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) include socialization and
      communication: key behavioral capacities that separate humans from other species.
      Here, we analyze gene expression in the prefrontal cortex of 63 autism patients
      and control individuals, as well as 62 chimpanzees and macaques, from natal to
      adult age. We show that among all aberrant expression changes seen in ASD brains,
      a single aberrant expression pattern overrepresented in genes involved synaptic
      related pathways is enriched in nucleotide variants linked to autism.
      Furthermore, only this pattern contains an excess of developmental expression
      features unique to humans, thus resulting in the disruption of human-specific
      developmental programs in autism. Several members of the early growth response
      (EGR) transcription factor family can be implicated in regulation of this
      aberrant developmental change. Our study draws a connection between the genetic
      risk architecture of autism and molecular features of cortical development unique
      to humans.

PMID- 27685939
TI  - Incorrect Affiliations and Updated Supplement.

PMID- 27685938
TI  - A multi-service practice research network study of large group psychoeducational
      cognitive behavioural therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This was a multi-service evaluation of the clinical and
      organisational effectiveness of large group psychoeducational CBT delivered
      within a stepped care model. METHOD: Clinical outcomes for 4451 participants in
      163 psychoeducational groups delivered across 5 services were analysed by
      calculating pre-post treatment anxiety (GAD-7) effect sizes (Cohen's d). Overall
      and between-service effects were compared to published efficacy benchmarks.
      Multilevel modelling was used to examine if variability in clinical outcomes was
      explained by differences in service, group and patient-level (case-mix)
      variables. RESULTS: The pooled GAD-7 (pre-post) effect size for all services was
      d = 0.70, which was consistent with efficacy benchmarks for guided self-help
      interventions (d = 0.69). One service had significantly smaller effects (d =
      0.48), which was explained by differences in group treatment length and case-mix.
      Variability between groups (i.e., group effects) explained up to 3.6% of variance
      in treatment outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Large group psychoeducational CBT is
      clinically effective, organisationally efficient and consistent with a stepped
      care approach to service design. Clinical outcome differences between services
      were explained by group and patient variables.

PMID- 27685940
TI  - E2-EPF UCP Possesses E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Activity via Its Cysteine 118 Residue.
AB  - Here, we show that E2-EPF ubiquitin carrier protein (UCP) elongated E3
      independent polyubiquitin chains on the lysine residues of von Hippel-Lindau
      protein (pVHL) and its own lysine residues both in vitro and in vivo. The
      initiation of the ubiquitin reaction depended on not only Lys11 linkage but also
      the Lys6, Lys48 and Lys63 residues of ubiquitin, which were involved in
      polyubiquitin chain formation on UCP itself. UCP self-association occurred
      through the UBC domain, which also contributed to the interaction with pVHL. The
      polyubiquitin chains appeared on the N-terminus of UCP in vivo, which indicated
      that the N-terminus of UCP contains target lysines for polyubiquitination. The
      Lys76 residue of UCP was the most critical site for auto-ubiquitination, whereas
      the polyubiquitin chain formation on pVHL occurred on all three of its lysines
      (Lys159, Lys171 and Lys196). A UCP mutant in which Cys118 was changed to alanine
      (UCPC118A) did not form a polyubiquitin chain but did strongly accumulate mono-
      and di-ubiquitin via auto-ubiquitination. Polyubiquitin chain formation required
      the coordination of Cys95 and Cys118 between two interacting molecules. The
      mechanism of the polyubiquitin chain reaction of UCP may involve the transfer of
      ubiquitin from Cys95 to Cys118 by trans-thiolation, with polyubiquitin chains
      forming at Cys118 by reversible thioester bonding. The polyubiquitin chains are
      then moved to the lysine residues of the substrate by irreversible isopeptide
      bonding. During the elongation of the ubiquitin chain, an active Cys118 residue
      is required in both parts of UCP, namely, the catalytic enzyme and the substrate.
      In conclusion, UCP possesses not only E2 ubiquitin conjugating enzyme activity
      but also E3 ubiquitin ligase activity, and Cys118 is critical for polyubiquitin
      chain formation.

PMID- 27685941
TI  - Vitamin D Status and Predictors of Hypovitaminosis D in Internationally Adopted
      Children.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate vitamin D status in internationally adopted children at
      first medical evaluation in Italy and to identify possible risk factors for
      hypovitaminosis D in this population. METHODS: 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]
      levels were analyzed in internationally adopted children consecutively recruited
      at one Italian Center between 2010 and 2014 as part of the first screening
      protocol. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were prospectively collected.
      Serum 25(OH)D levels <10 ng/mL, <20 ng/mL, and <30 ng/mL were used to define
      severe vitamin D deficiency, vitamin D deficiency and hypovitaminosis D,
      respectively. RESULTS: 962 internationally adopted children (median age: 5.47
      years; IQR:3.14-7.93) were included in the study. Median 25(OH)D level was 22.0
      ng/mL (IQR:15.0-30.0 ng/mL); 710/962 (73.8%) children showed hypovitaminosis D
      (<30 ng/mL), 388/962 (40.3%) had vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/dL), and 92/962
      (9.6%) had severe vitamin D deficiency (<10ng/mL). No case of clinical rickets
      was observed. Hypovitaminosis D was particularly frequent (>90%) in children
      adopted from Ethiopia, Peru, India, Bulgaria and Lithuania. At multivariate
      analysis an increased risk of hypovitaminosis D was found to be associated with:
      age >= 6 years, time spent in Italy >= 3 months, blood sample taken in winter,
      spring or fall, compared to summer. Gender, ethnicity/continent of origin,
      tubercular infection, intestinal parassitosis and BMI-z-score < -2 were not
      associated with vitamin D status. CONCLUSION: Hypovitaminosis D is common in
      internationally adopted children, from all ethnic group. The evaluation of serum
      25(OH)D level could be useful early after the adoption to promptly start vitamin
      D supplementation/treatment if needed.

PMID- 27685943
TI  - Maternal Antenatal Bereavement and Neural Tube Defect in Live-Born Offspring: A
      Cohort Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Maternal emotional stress during pregnancy has previously been
      associated with congenital neural malformations, but most studies are based on
      data collected retrospectively. The objective of our study was to investigate
      associations between antenatal maternal bereavement due to death of a close
      relative and neural tube defects (NTDs) in the offspring. METHODS: We performed a
      register-based cohort study including all live-born children (N = 1,734,190) from
      1978-2008. Exposure was bereavement due to loss of a close relative from one year
      before conception to the end of the first trimester of pregnancy. The outcome was
      NTDs in the offspring according to the International Classification of Disease.
      We used multivariate logistic regression to estimate prevalence odds ratios
      (ORs). RESULTS: A total of 2% children were born to mothers who lost a close
      relative prenatally. During 30 years of follow-up, 1,115 children were diagnosed
      with any NTDs: spina bifida (n = 889), anencephaly (n = 85) and encephalocele (n
      = 164). And 23 children were diagnosed with two types of NTDs. Overall, when
      comparing bereaved mothers to non-bereaved mothers, no significant increased
      prevalence of NTDs in the offspring was seen (OR = 0.84; 95% confidence interval:
      0.52-1.33). CONCLUSION: Overall maternal bereavement in the antenatal period was
      not related to NTDs in liveborn offspring.

PMID- 27685942
TI  - Obesity Impact Evaluated from Fat Percentage in Bone Mineral Density of Male
      Adolescents.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze bone mineral density (BMD) values in adolescents and to
      assess obesity impact, measured through body fat #x2013;on this variable through
      the assessment by DEXA. METHODOLOGY: A total of 318 males adolescents (12-17
      years) were evaluated considering weight, height, body mass index (BMI), bone
      mineral density (BMD), fat and lean mass. BMD was assessed for the arms, legs,
      hips, and lumbar regions, as well as for total amount. Stratification of the
      nutritional status was determined by body fat (%BF) percentage; comparison of
      groups was scrutinized by analysis of variance; and the association of variables
      was performed using Pearson's test. RESULTS: There was a progressive increase in
      weight, height, and BMD for all evaluated age groups following the advance of
      chronological age. A negative correlation was found between the %BF with BMD in
      all evaluated segments. Significant differences were found between the eutrophic
      group compared to the overweight group and the obesity group in the evaluated
      segments (P <0.01) noting a reduction of up to 12.92% for the lumbar region
      between eutrophic and obese. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that increase %BF is
      associated with lower BMD among male adolescents.

PMID- 27685944
TI  - Racial and Gender Disparities in Incidence of Lung and Bronchus Cancer in the
      United States: A Longitudinal Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Certain population groups in the United States carry a
      disproportionate burden of cancer. This work models and analyzes the dynamics of
      lung and bronchus cancer age-adjusted incidence rates by race (White and Black),
      gender (male and female), and prevalence of daily smoking in 38 U.S. states, the
      District of Columbia, and across eight U.S. geographic regions from 1999 to 2012.
      METHODS: Data, obtained from the U.S. Cancer Statistics Section of the Centers
      for Disease Control and Prevention, reflect approximately 77% of the U.S.
      population and constitute a representative sample for making inferences about
      incidence rates in lung and bronchus cancer (henceforth lung cancer). A
      longitudinal linear mixed-effects model was used to study lung cancer incidence
      rates and to estimate incidence rate as a function of time, race, gender, and
      prevalence of daily smoking. RESULTS: Between 1999 and 2012, age-adjusted
      incidence rates in lung cancer have decreased in all states and regions. However,
      racial and gender disparities remain. Whites continue to have lower age-adjusted
      incidence rates for this cancer than Blacks in all states and in five of the
      eight U.S. geographic regions. Disparities in incidence rates between Black and
      White men are significantly larger than those between Black and White women, with
      Black men having the highest incidence rate of all subgroups. Assuming that lung
      cancer incidence rates remain within reasonable range, the model predicts that
      the gender gap in the incidence rate for Whites would disappear by mid-2018, and
      for Blacks by 2026. However, the racial gap in lung cancer incidence rates among
      Black and White males will remain. Among all geographic regions, the Mid-South
      has the highest overall lung cancer incidence rate and the highest incidence rate
      for Whites, while the Midwest has the highest incidence rate for Blacks. Between
      1999 and 2012, there was a downward trend in the prevalence of daily smokers in
      both genders. However, males have significantly higher rates of cigarette smoking
      than females at all time points. The highest and lowest prevalence of daily
      smoking are found in the Mid-South and New England, respectively. There was a
      significant correlation between lung cancer incidence rates and smoking
      prevalence in all geographic regions, indicating a strong influence of cigarette
      smoking on regional lung cancer incidence rates. CONCLUSION: Although age
      adjusted incidence rates in lung cancer have decreased throughout the U.S.,
      racial and gender disparities remain. This longitudinal model can help health
      professionals and policy makers make predictions of age-adjusted incidence rates
      for lung cancer in the U.S. in the next five to ten years.

PMID- 27685945
TI  - Loss of Sodium/Hydrogen Exchanger NHA2 Exacerbates Obesity- and Aging-Induced
      Glucose Intolerance in Mice.
AB  - We previously demonstrated that the sodium/hydrogen exchanger NHA2, also known as
      NHEDC2 or SLC9B2, is critical for insulin secretion by beta-cells. To gain more
      insights into the role of NHA2 on systemic glucose homeostasis, we studied the
      impact of loss of NHA2 during the physiological aging process and in the setting
      of diet-induced obesity. While glucose tolerance was normal at 2 months of age,
      NHA2 KO mice displayed a significant glucose intolerance at 5 and 12 months of
      age, respectively. An obesogenic high fat diet further exacerbated the glucose
      intolerance of NHA2 KO mice. Insulin levels remained similar in NHA2 KO and WT
      mice during aging and high fat diet, but fasting insulin/glucose ratios were
      significantly lower in NHA2 KO mice. Peripheral insulin sensitivity, measured by
      insulin tolerance tests and hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamps, was unaffected by
      loss of NHA2 during aging and high fat diet. High fat diet diminished insulin
      secretion capacity in both WT and NHA2 KO islets and reduced expression of NHA2
      in WT islets. In contrast, aging was characterized by a gradual increase of NHA2
      expression in islets, paralleled by an increasing difference in insulin secretion
      between WT and NHA2 KO islets. In summary, our results demonstrate that loss of
      the sodium/hydrogen exchanger NHA2 exacerbates obesity- and aging-induced glucose
      intolerance in mice. Furthermore, our data reveal a close link between NHA2
      expression and insulin secretion capacity in islets.

PMID- 27685946
TI  - Calcific Aortic Valve Disease Is Associated with Layer-Specific Alterations in
      Collagen Architecture.
AB  - Disorganization of the valve extracellular matrix (ECM) is a hallmark of calcific
      aortic valve disease (CAVD). However, while microarchitectural features of the
      ECM can strongly influence the biological and mechanical behavior of tissues,
      little is known about the ECM microarchitecture in CAVD. In this work, we apply
      advanced imaging techniques to quantify spatially heterogeneous changes in
      collagen microarchitecture in CAVD. Human aortic valves were obtained from
      individuals between 50 and 75 years old with no evidence of valvular disease
      (healthy) and individuals who underwent valve replacement surgery due to severe
      stenosis (diseased). Second Harmonic Generation microscopy and subsequent image
      quantification revealed layer-specific changes in fiber characteristics in
      healthy and diseased valves. Specifically, the majority of collagen fiber changes
      in CAVD were found to occur in the spongiosa, where collagen fiber number
      increased by over 2-fold, and fiber width and density also significantly
      increased. Relatively few fibrillar changes occurred in the fibrosa in CAVD,
      where fibers became significantly shorter, but did not otherwise change in terms
      of number, width, density, or alignment. Immunohistochemical staining for lysyl
      oxidase showed localized increased expression in the diseased fibrosa. These
      findings reveal a more complex picture of valvular collagen enrichment and
      arrangement in CAVD than has previously been described using traditional analysis
      methods. Changes in fiber architecture may play a role in regulating the
      pathobiological events and mechanical properties of valves during CAVD.
      Additionally, characterization of the ECM microarchitecture can inform the design
      of fibrous scaffolds for heart valve tissue engineering.

PMID- 27685947
TI  - Baboon envelope pseudotyped lentiviral vectors efficiently transduce human B
      cells and allow active factor IX B cell secretion in vivo in NOD/SCIDgammac-/-
      mice.
AB  - : Essentials B cells are attractive targets for gene therapy and particularly
      interesting for immunotherapy. A baboon envelope pseudotyped lentiviral vector
      (BaEV-LV) was tested for B-cell transduction. BaEV-LVs transduced mature and
      plasma human B cells with very high efficacy. BaEV-LVs allowed secretion of
      functional factor IX from B cells at therapeutic levels in vivo. SUMMARY:
      Background B cells are attractive targets for gene therapy for diseases
      associated with B-cell dysfunction and particularly interesting for
      immunotherapy. Moreover, B cells are potent protein-secreting cells and can be
      tolerogenic antigen-presenting cells. Objective Evaluation of human B cells for
      secretion of clotting factors such as factor IX (FIX) as a possible treatment for
      hemophilia. Methods We tested here for the first time our newly developed baboon
      envelope (BaEV) pseudotyped lentiviral vectors (LVs) for human (h) B-cell
      transduction following their adaptive transfer into an NOD/SCIDgammac-/- (NSG)
      mouse. Results Upon B-cell receptor stimulation, BaEV-LVs transduced up to 80% of
      hB cells, whereas vesicular stomatitis virus G protein VSV-G-LV only reached 5%.
      Remarkably, BaEVTR-LVs permitted efficient transduction of 20% of resting naive
      and 40% of resting memory B cells. Importantly, BaEV-LVs reached up to 100%
      transduction of human plasmocytes ex vivo. Adoptive transfer of BaEV-LV
      transduced mature B cells into NOD/SCID/gammac-/- (NSG) [non-obese diabetic
      (NOD), severe combined immuno-deficiency (SCID)] mice allowed differentiation
      into plasmablasts and plasma B cells, confirming a sustained high-level gene
      marking in vivo. As proof of principle, we assessed BaEV-LV for transfer of human
      factor IX (hFIX) into B cells. BaEV-LVs encoding FIX efficiently transduced hB
      cells and their transfer into NSG mice demonstrated for the first time secretion
      of functional hFIX from hB cells at therapeutic levels in vivo. Conclusions The
      BaEV-LVs might represent a valuable tool for therapeutic protein secretion from
      autologous B cells in vivo in the treatment of hemophilia and other acquired or
      inherited diseases.

PMID- 27685949
TI  - Corneal keratocyte transition to mesenchymal stem cell phenotype and reversal
      using serum-free medium supplemented with fibroblast growth factor-2,
      transforming growth factor-beta3 and retinoic acid.
AB  - Keratocytes of the corneal limbal stroma can derive populations of mesenchymal
      stem cells (MSC) when expanded in vitro. However, once a corneal MSC (cMSC)
      phenotype is achieved, regaining the keratocyte phenotype can be challenging, and
      there is no standardised differentiation medium. Here, we investigated the
      transition of keratocytes to cMSC and compared different supplements in their
      ability to return cMSC to a keratocyte phenotype. Immunofluorescence and
      quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction demonstrated in vivo
      keratocyte expression of aldehyde dehydrogenase 3A1, CD34 and keratocan, but not
      any of the typical MSC markers (CD73, CD90, CD105). As the keratocytes were
      expanded in vitro, the phenotypic profile reversed and the cells expressed MSC
      markers but not keratocyte markers. Differentiating the cMSC back to a keratocyte
      phenotype using nonsupplemented, serum-free medium restored keratocyte markers
      but did not maintain cell viability or support corneal extracellular matrix
      production. Supplementing the differentiation medium with combinations of
      fibroblast growth factor-2, transforming growth factor-beta3 and retinoic acid
      maintained viability, restored expression of CD34, aldehyde dehydrogenase 3A1 and
      keratocan, and facilitated production of abundant extracellular matrix as shown
      by immunofluorescent staining for collagen-I and lumican, alongside quantitative
      assays for collagen and glycosaminoglycan production. However, no differentiation
      medium was able to downregulate the expression of MSC markers in the 21-day
      culture period. This study shows that the keratocyte to MSC transition can be
      partially reversed using serum-free media and supplementation with retinoic acid,
      fibroblast growth factor-2 and transforming growth factor-beta3 and can enhance
      this effect. This is relevant for development of corneal regenerative strategies
      that require the production of a keratocyte phenotype. Copyright (c) 2016 John
      Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27685948
TI  - Replicate and randomize, or lie.
AB  - Biological populations are naturally variable. Investigators need to replicate
      observations to estimate their characteristics. They must also randomize
      selection to estimate those characteristics without bias and with known
      confidence. Both replication and randomization are necessary.

PMID- 27685950
TI  - Comparison of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Mutations between Metastatic Lymph
      Node Diagnosed by EBUS-TBNA and Primary Tumor in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Although the use of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial
      needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is increasing for epidermal growth factor receptor
      (EGFR) testing in lung cancer, the discordance rate in EGFR mutations between
      lymph node (LN) samples obtained by EBUS-TBNA and primary tumor (PT) is not well
      known. Thus, we compared the EGFR mutation status of LN samples obtained by EBUS
      TBNA and PTs to estimate the efficacy of using EBUS-TBNA specimens for EGFR
      testing in advanced, non-squamous, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Using data of patients from the EBUS-TBNA database (N = 1914)
      obtained between January 2009 and January 2013, we identified 100 treatment
      naive, advanced, non-squamous NSCLC patients (stage 3 and 4) with matched LN
      specimens obtained by EBUS-TBNA and PT specimens. Of these, 74 patients with
      paired specimens were feasible for EGFR mutation analysis, which we performed
      using a direct sequencing method. RESULTS: Of the 74 cases, at least one major
      [exon 19 deleted (19del) and L858R] or minor (T790M, exon 20 insertion, and other
      point mutations) EGFR mutation was detected in 31 cases (41.9%), which included
      PT (n = 31, 41.9%) and LN (n = 28, 37.8%) specimens. Major mutations were
      detected in 25 PT (33.8%, 19del = 13, L858R = 12) and 22 LN (29.8%, 19del = 11,
      L858R = 11) specimens. The discordance rate in major mutations between matched PT
      and LN specimens was 4.1% (3/74). Among minor mutations, T790M was detected in LN
      specimen only in 2 cases with L858R in PT and LN. The discordance rate major and
      minor EGFR mutations combined between matched PT and LN specimens was 12% (9/74).
      CONCLUSIONS: We observed a high concordance rate of major EGFR mutations between
      matched LN specimens sampled by EBUS-TBNA and PTs, suggesting that LN samples
      obtained by EBUS-TBNA from advanced non-squamous NSCLC patients are effective for
      use in EGFR mutation testing.

PMID- 27685951
TI  - The effectiveness of nurse education and training for clinical alarm response and
      management: a systematic review.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To identify the effectiveness of education interventions
      provided for nurses for clinical alarm response and management. BACKGROUND: Some
      education has been undertaken to improve clinical alarm response, but the
      evidence for evaluating effectiveness for nurse education interventions is
      limited. DESIGN: Systematic review. METHODS: A systematic review of experimental
      studies published in English from 2005-2015 was conducted in four computerised
      databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and Scopus). After identification, screening
      and appraisal using Joanna Briggs Institute instruments, quality research papers
      were selected, data extraction and analysis followed. RESULTS: Five studies met
      the inclusion criteria for alarm response and no articles were concerned with
      clinical alarm education for management. All had different types and methods of
      interventions and statistical pooling was not possible. Response accuracy,
      response time and perceptions were consistent when different interventions were
      adopted. A positive effect was identified when learning about general alarms,
      single alarms, sequential alarms and medium-level alarms for learning as the
      primary task. Nurses who were musically trained had a faster and more accurate
      alarm response. Simulation interventions had a positive effect, but the effect of
      education provided in the care unit was greater. Overall, clinical alarm
      awareness was improved through education activities. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses are the
      main users of healthcare alarms and work in complex environments with high
      numbers of alarms, including nuisance alarms and other factors. Alarm-related
      adverse events are common. The findings of a small number of experimental studies
      with diverse evidence included consideration of various factors when formulating
      education strategies. The factors which influence effectiveness of nurse
      education are nurse demographics, nurse participants with musical training,
      workload and characteristics of alarms. Education interventions based in clinical
      practice settings increase education effectiveness, although simulation can be
      effective. No study shows any type of intervention results in sustained
      improvement. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: There are workload implications in
      education and the matching of load, number and type of alarms with nurse
      demographics which should be evaluated. There also needs to be a connection
      between education and the clinical setting to contribute to clinical alarm
      awareness for undergraduate nurses and practicing nurses. Education solely
      supported by employers is insufficient. Patient safety and long-term effects must
      be further explored.

PMID- 27685952
TI  - A population-based analysis of mortality in patients with Turner syndrome and
      hypoplastic left heart syndrome using the Texas Birth Defects Registry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is strongly associated with
      Turner syndrome (TS); outcome data when these conditions coexist is sparse. We
      aimed to investigate long-term survival and causes of death in this population.
      METHODS: The Texas Birth Defects Registry was queried for all live born infants
      with HLHS during 1999-2007. We used Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses to
      compare survival among patients with HLHS with TS (HLHS/TS+) to patients who had
      HLHS without genetic disorders or extracardiac birth defects (HLHS/TS-). RESULTS:
      Of the 542 patients with HLHS, 11 had TS (2.0%), 71 had other extracardiac birth
      defects or genetic disorders, and 463 had neither. The median follow-up time was
      4.2 y (interquartile range [IQR] 2.1-6.5). Comparing those with HLHS/TS+ to
      HLHS/TS-, 100% versus 35% were female (P < .001), and median birth weight was
      2140 g (IQR 1809-2650) versus 3196 g (IQR 2807-3540, P < .001). Neonatal
      mortality was 36% in HLHS/TS+ versus 27% in HLHS/TS- (log rank = 0.431). Ten of
      the 11 TS+ patients died during the study period for cumulative mortality of 91%
      versus 50% (hazard ratio (HR) for TS+: 2.90, 95% CI 1.53-5.48). Six patients died
      prior to surgery, 5 underwent Stage 1 palliation (S1P), 3 died after S1P, 2
      survived past S2P, and one of these died at age 19 mo. The underlying cause of
      death was listed as congenital heart disease on all the death certificates of
      HLHS/TS+ patients. In multivariable analysis controlling for low birth weight
      (<2500 g), TS remained associated with significantly increased cumulative
      mortality, although females without TS had higher mortality than males (HR for
      TS+ versus males: 2.42, 95% CI 1.24-4.73; HR for TS- females versus males: 1.41,
      95% CI 1.08-1.83). CONCLUSION: TS with HLHS is associated with significant
      mortality. The increased mortality in females without documented TS calls to
      question if TS is undetected in a portion of females with HLHS.

PMID- 27685953
TI  - Exhaustive Training Leads to Hepatic Fat Accumulation.
AB  - Recently, we demonstrated that an overtraining (OT) protocol for mice based on
      downhill running sessions increased the hepatic phosphorylation of 70-kDa
      ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 (S6K1; Thr389), a downstream target of the
      mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1). In liver, the overactivation of
      the Akt/mTORC1 pathway induces lipogenesis via regulation of the action of sterol
      regulatory element binding protein-1 (SREBP-1) at multiple steps. Herein, we
      verified the effects of three running OT models with same external load (i.e.,
      the product between intensity and volume of training), but performed in downhill,
      uphill and without inclination, on the proteins related to the mTORC1 signaling
      pathway, the protein content of the SREBP-1, ACC, and FAS, and the morphological
      characteristics of C57BL/6 mouse livers. In summary, the downhill running-induced
      OT model up-regulated the levels of major proteins of the mTORC1 signaling
      pathway, the protein levels of SREBP-1 (p125 precursor) and induced signs of cell
      swelling accompanied by acute inflammation. The other two OT protocols performed
      uphill and without inclination did not modulate the most analyzed molecular
      proteins, but induced hepatic morphological alterations, suggesting an acute
      pathological adaptation. The three OT models induced hepatic fat accumulation. J.
      Cell. Physiol. 232: 2094-2103, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27685954
TI  - Laparoscopic Evaluation of Umbilical Disorders in Calves.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe a laparoscopic technique for evaluating umbilical
      disorders in calves, including feasibility, visualization of umbilical
      structures, and related complications. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study.
      ANIMALS: Male calves (15 Holstein, 2 Montbeliard) with umbilical disorders
      (n=17). METHODS: Calves <2 months old with obvious umbilical disease were
      assessed by clinical examination and ultrasonography of the umbilical structures.
      Laparoscopic evaluation was performed in dorsal recumbency under subarachnoid
      lumbosacral anesthesia and sedation. An open insertion technique with short 60 mm
      cannulas was used after creating 2 portals 10 cm cranial to the umbilicus (one 5
      cm left of midline for the laparoscope and one 5 cm right of midline as an
      instrument portal). After laparoscopy, abnormal tissues were resected by
      laparotomy during the same anesthetic period. RESULTS: Laparoscopic evaluation of
      umbilical structures was performed quickly (mean surgery time 7.1 +/- 2.5
      minutes). Umbilical structures could be completely visualized in all calves
      without intraoperative complications. In addition to abnormalities previously
      detected on ultrasound, laparoscopy enabled detection of adhesions 7 calves that
      were not suspected on ultrasound, as well as focal enlargements of the umbilical
      arteries and urachus close to the bladder in 5 calves. Laparoscopy failed to
      detect abnormalities observed with ultrasound or laparotomy in 4 calves,
      including small hernias and omphalitis. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic evaluation of
      umbilical structures was performed safely and quickly in young calves and allowed
      complete evaluation of intra-abdominal umbilical structures and may, therefore,
      be a useful adjunct to physical examination and ultrasound to fully assess the
      abdomen in calves.

PMID- 27685955
TI  - Variation in Soil Respiration across Soil and Vegetation Types in an Alpine
      Valley.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Soils of mountain regions and their associated plant
      communities are highly diverse over short spatial scales due to the heterogeneity
      of geological substrates and highly dynamic geomorphic processes. The
      consequences of this heterogeneity for biogeochemical transfers, however, remain
      poorly documented. The objective of this study was to quantify the variability of
      soil-surface carbon dioxide efflux, known as soil respiration (Rs), across soil
      and vegetation types in an Alpine valley. To this aim, we measured Rs rates
      during the peak and late growing season (July-October) in 48 plots located in
      pastoral areas of a small valley of the Swiss Alps. FINDINGS: Four herbaceous
      vegetation types were identified, three corresponding to different stages of
      primary succession (Petasition paradoxi in pioneer conditions, Seslerion in more
      advanced stages and Poion alpinae replacing the climactic forests), as well as
      one (Rumicion alpinae) corresponding to eutrophic grasslands in intensively
      grazed areas. Soils were developed on calcareous alluvial and colluvial fan
      deposits and were classified into six types including three Fluvisols grades and
      three Cambisols grades. Plant and soil types had a high level of co-occurrence.
      The strongest predictor of Rs was soil temperature, yet we detected additional
      explanatory power of sampling month, showing that temporal variation was not
      entirely reducible to variations in temperature. Vegetation and soil types were
      also major determinants of Rs. During the warmest month (August), Rs rates varied
      by over a factor three between soil and vegetation types, ranging from 2.5 MUmol
      m-2 s-1 in pioneer environments (Petasition on Very Young Fluvisols) to 8.5 MUmol
      m-2 s-1 in differentiated soils supporting nitrophilous species (Rumicion on
      Calcaric Cambisols). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, this study provides quantitative
      estimates of spatial and temporal variability in Rs in the mountain environment,
      and demonstrates that estimations of soil carbon efflux at the watershed scale in
      complex geomorphic terrain have to account for soil and vegetation heterogeneity.

PMID- 27685956
TI  - Management of pharmaceutical substances in the environment: Lithuanian case
      study.
AB  - Investigation on the sources, discharges and related risks for the environment of
      the pharmaceutical substance (PhS) diclofenac (DCF) was performed in Lithuania, a
      country of the Baltic Sea region, for the first time. The investigation only
      refers to DCF as a PhS for human use; emissions from animal husbandry were not
      considered. In the first stage of the research, the main sources and pathways of
      DCF via substance flow analysis were identified within the country. During the
      second stage, DCF flows along the wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in two
      different cities were measured in order to assess the current levels of
      pharmaceutical residues in the environment. Furthermore, environmental risk
      assessment was carried out by taking into account the parameters of consumption
      data and elimination rate in WWTPs. Then, the assessment of different technical
      and managerial removal approaches was accomplished in an environmental management
      model of wastewater containing PhS, based on the framework of environmental
      systems theory.

PMID- 27685958
TI  - Improvement of the intersection method for the quantification of filamentous
      organisms: basis and practice for bulking and foaming bioindication purposes.
AB  - Bulking and foaming phenomena in activated sludge wastewater treatment plants are
      in most cases related to the abundance of filamentous microorganisms. Quantifying
      these microorganisms should be a preliminary stage in their control. In this
      paper, the simplicity of quantifying them based on the intersection method is
      demonstrated, by redescribing the theory and applying a new improved protocol;
      new data of interest are also provided. The improved method allows us to use it
      with stained smears, including epifluorescence techniques. The error that could
      be made, when considering the distribution of filamentous bacteria in fresh
      microscope preparations in two dimensions rather than three is negligible. The
      effect of the different types of filamentous microorganisms on the settleability
      was also studied. The effect of the total extended filament length on the sludge
      settleability was shown to depend on the type of filamentous organism and how it
      aggregates. When these groups of filamentous organisms are found in small
      aggregations and there is an increase in the number of filamentous organisms, the
      sludge volume index (SVI) increases proportionally to the filament length.
      However, when aggregation increases, the impact on the SVI is significantly
      lower.

PMID- 27685957
TI  - Occurrence of phosphorus, iron, aluminum, silica, and calcium in a eutrophic lake
      during algae bloom sedimentation.
AB  - Phosphorus (P) in a water body is mainly controlled by the interaction between
      surface sediment and the overlying water column after the complete control of
      external pollution. Significant enhancement of P in a water body would cause
      eutrophication of lakes. Thus, a better understanding is needed of the
      occurrences of P between the sediment and water column in eutrophic lakes. Here,
      we measured total phosphorus (TP) and major elements (Fe, Al, Ca, Mn, Si) in the
      water column, and total nitrogen, organic matter, TP and major oxides (Fe2O3,
      Al2O3, CaO, SiO2) in surface sediment of Chaohu Lake, a continuously eutrophic
      lake. The results showed that the rank of TP levels was western lake > eastern
      lake > southern lake. There were significantly positive correlations between TP
      (including water TP and sedimentary TP) and Fe, Al, Mn, while the correlation
      coefficients between water TP and sedimentary TP were -0.43, -0.41 and 0.18 for
      the western, eastern and southern lake respectively. The negative and significant
      correlations of water TP and sedimentary TP may indicate that the risk of
      sedimentary P release was great in the western and eastern lake during algae
      bloom sedimentation, while the southern lake showed weak P exchange between the
      sediment and water column.

PMID- 27685959
TI  - Assessment of the use of red mud as a catalyst for photodegradation of bisphenol
      A in wastewater treatment.
AB  - This study aimed to investigate the use of red mud (RM) - a byproduct of aluminum
      production, as a photocatalyst, which was characterized physical-chemically and
      used in the photodegradation of the target compound bisphenol A (BPA). Chemical
      processing was performed in the RM (acid treatment, chemical reduction and
      calcination) to verify the most active catalyst. From the results obtained, a
      complete degradation kinetics of BPA was carried out using a synthetic matrix
      (BPA in deionized water) and a real matrix (BPA in wastewater) using natural
      RM/calcined and TiO2 for comparison. The results indicated the potential use of
      the RM/calcined, which was able to degrade between 88 and 100% of the pollutant
      in a synthetic sample. Tests on a real effluent sample resulted in degradation
      rates that ranged from 59 to 100% with chemical oxygen demand reductions of up to
      23% using natural RM/calcined in comparison to TiO2. The blank system
      (irradiation of the solution without the use of a photocatalyst) and the natural
      RM/calcined one, resulted in reductions of the toxicity in the effluent sample
      (measured by EC20 using the marine bacteria Vibrio fischeri) of about 12 times,
      whereas the same treatment using TiO2 resulted in a toxicity reduction of only
      seven times. Within these results, the RM/calcined showed potential to be used in
      wastewater treatment in polishing processes.

PMID- 27685960
TI  - Prediction of coagulation and flocculation processes using ANN models and fuzzy
      regression.
AB  - Coagulation and flocculation are two main processes used to integrate colloidal
      particles into larger particles and are two main stages of primary water
      treatment. Coagulation and flocculation processes are only needed when colloidal
      particles are a significant part of the total suspended solid fraction. Our
      objective was to predict turbidity of water after the coagulation and
      flocculation process while other parameters such as types and concentrations of
      coagulants, pH, and influent turbidity of raw water were known. We used a
      multilayer perceptron (MLP), a radial basis function (RBF) of artificial neural
      networks (ANNs) and various kinds of fuzzy regression analysis to predict
      turbidity after the coagulation and flocculation processes. The coagulant used in
      the pilot plant, which was located in water treatment plant, was poly aluminum
      chloride. We used existing data, including the type and concentrations of
      coagulant, pH and influent turbidity, of the raw water because these types of
      data were available from the pilot plant for simulation and data was collected by
      the Tehran water authority. The results indicated that ANNs had more ability in
      simulating the coagulation and flocculation process and predicting turbidity
      removal with different experimental data than did the fuzzy regression analysis,
      and may have the ability to reduce the number of jar tests, which are time
      consuming and expensive. The MLP neural network proved to be the best network
      compared to the RBF neural network and fuzzy regression analysis in this study.
      The MLP neural network can predict the effluent turbidity of the coagulation and
      the flocculation process with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.96 and
      root mean square error of 0.0106.

PMID- 27685961
TI  - Evaluating photo-degradation of COD and TOC in petroleum refinery wastewater by
      using TiO2/ZnO photo-catalyst.
AB  - The aim of this study is to investigate the performance of combined solar photo
      catalyst of titanium oxide/zinc oxide (TiO2/ZnO) with aeration processes to treat
      petroleum wastewater. Central composite design with response surface methodology
      was used to evaluate the relationships between operating variables for TiO2
      dosage, ZnO dosage, air flow, pH, and reaction time to identify the optimum
      operating conditions. Quadratic models for chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total
      organic carbon (TOC) removals prove to be significant with low probabilities
      (<0.0001). The obtained optimum conditions included a reaction time of 170 min,
      TiO2 dosage (0.5 g/L), ZnO dosage (0.54 g/L), air flow (4.3 L/min), and pH 6.8
      COD and TOC removal rates of 99% and 74%, respectively. The TOC and COD removal
      rates correspond well with the predicted models. The maximum removal rate for TOC
      and COD was 99.3% and 76%, respectively at optimum operational conditions of TiO2
      dosage (0.5 g/L), ZnO dosage (0.54 g/L), air flow (4.3 L/min), reaction time (170
      min) and pH (6.8). The new treatment process achieved higher degradation
      efficiencies for TOC and COD and reduced the treatment time comparing with other
      related processes.

PMID- 27685962
TI  - Removal of phosphorus from water by using volcanic ash soil (VAS): batch and
      column experiments.
AB  - Using low-cost and naturally available materials is considered an optimal
      adsorbent for removing phosphorus (P) from water due to its simplicity and
      economic efficiency. This study examined the removal of P from water using
      volcanic ash soil (VAS) by batch and column experiments. The maximum adsorption
      capacity of P was 2.94 mg g-1, estimated from the batch experiment according to a
      Langmuir isotherm. The column study showed a higher adsorption capacity of 5.57
      mg g-1. The breakthrough curve showed that influent water containing 2 mg L-1 P
      was completely purified by VAS within 1,230 pore volumes (PV). The breakthrough
      and saturation points of the curves were 3,100 PV and 14,875 PV, respectively.
      After an adsorption column was loaded with 20,508 PV, a regeneration procedure
      was developed to determine whether an ion exchange of P with chloride occurred or
      adsorbed P in the columns could be eluted. Approximately 20% of P was recovered
      from columns by desorption tests, regardless of NaCl solution or deionized water.
      Specific surface area and mineral concentrations are both important
      characteristics that improve the adsorption capacity of VAS. The present study
      suggests that VAS is a promising adsorbent to remove P in water.

PMID- 27685963
TI  - Adsorption of cadmium by biochar produced from pyrolysis of corn stalk in aqueous
      solution.
AB  - The purpose of this work is to investigate adsorption characteristic of corn
      stalk (CS) biochar for removal of cadmium ions (Cd2+) from aqueous solution.
      Batch adsorption experiments were carried out to evaluate the effects of pH value
      of solution, adsorbent particle size, adsorbent dosage, and ionic strength of
      solution on the adsorption of Cd2+ onto biochar that was pyrolytically produced
      from CS at 300  degrees C. The results showed that the initial pH value of
      solution played an important role in adsorption. The adsorptive amount of Cd2+
      onto the biochar decreased with increasing the adsorbent dosage, adsorbent
      particle size, and ionic strength, while it increased with increasing the initial
      pH value of solution and temperature. Cd2+ was removed efficiently and quickly
      from aqueous solutions by the biochar with a maximum capacity of 33.94 mg/g. The
      adsorption process was well described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model
      with the correlation coefficients greater than 0.986. The adsorption isotherm
      could be well fitted by the Langmuir model. The thermodynamic studies showed that
      the adsorption of Cd2+ onto the biochar was a spontaneous and exothermic process.
      The results indicate that CS biochar can be considered as an efficient adsorbent.

PMID- 27685964
TI  - Characterization of dissolved organic matter in the secondary effluent of pulp
      and paper mill wastewater before and after coagulation treatment.
AB  - Meeting the regulatory discharge standards for pulp and paper mill wastewater has
      become ever more difficult because of its recalcitrant and colored dissolved
      organic matter (DOM). In this study, the variation of DOM from the secondary
      effluent of pulp and paper mill wastewater before and after coagulation was
      investigated based on hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity, apparent molecular weight
      (MW) and fluorescence. DOM fractions of the secondary effluent were all with the
      apparent MW <20 kDa. Particularly, the hydrophobic acids (HOA) fraction, mainly
      composed of humic-like materials, was the major component, and it also had the
      highest color and SUVA254 (UV254 to dissolved organic carbon ratio). Hydrophilic
      bases (HIB) and hydrophilic neutrals (HIN) fractions were the other important
      parts besides HOA. Coagulation can remove all DOM fractions to different extent,
      and it was more effective for organic compounds with MW > 5 kDa. The removal
      efficiencies of humic-like, fulvic-like and soluble microbial by-product-like
      constituents in HOA and HIB fractions were much higher than in other fractions.
      Even so, the coagulation effluent still contained large amounts of contaminants
      with complicated fluorophores and apparent MW <5 kDa, and HOA and HIN fractions
      were also the major parts in the coagulation effluent.

PMID- 27685965
TI  - Linking nitrification characteristic and microbial community structures in
      integrated fixed film activated sludge reactor by high-throughput sequencing.
AB  - The primary goal of this study is to investigate ammonia removal, abundance of
      nitrifying bacteria and microbial community structures in a laboratory-scale
      integrated fixed film activated sludge (IFAS) reactor. The results of Illumina
      MiSeq sequencing based on 16S rRNA genes showed Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes
      were the dominant phyla in both biofilm and suspended sludge samples in the IFAS
      reactor. The dominant ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) species was Nitrosomonas
      and the dominant nitrite-oxidizing bacteria species was Nitrospira. The
      contribution of biofilm to ammonia removal increased from 4.0 +/- 0.9% to 37.0 +/
      2% when the temperature decreased from 25  degrees C to 10  degrees C. The real
      time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) result showed the abundance of AOB in
      suspended sludge was higher than that in biofilm at the same time. However,
      nitrification is more dependent on attached growth than on suspended growth in
      the IFAS reactor at 15  degrees C and 10  degrees C and the abundance of AOB in
      biofilm was also higher than that in suspended sludge. The more robust ammonia
      removal rate at low temperatures by biofilm contributed to the relatively stable
      ammonia removal, and biofilm attached on carriers in the IFAS reactor is
      advantageous for nitrification in low-temperature environment.

PMID- 27685967
TI  - Modeling of eutrophication and strategies for improvement of water quality in
      reservoirs.
AB  - The purpose of this study is to survey the thermal regime and eutrophication
      states in Ilam reservoir in Iran as the case study. For this purpose and to find
      solutions for improving the water's quality in the reservoir, two general
      strategies for reducing the entering pollution loads and water depletions from
      the reservoir's outlets were analyzed by use of the CE-QUAL-W2 model. Results of
      the simulation of the present situation show the existence of thermal
      stratification during summer, which results in the qualitative stratification in
      the reservoir. According to the qualitative criteria, the Ilam reservoir's state
      is between mesotrophic and eutrophic. Results of the scenarios of reduction of
      the nutrients show that in the scenario of 50% reduction of the phosphorus and
      nitrogen loads into the reservoir, the state of the reservoir would recover from
      eutrophic to semi-eutrophic. Also, release of water from the reservoir during
      September, October and November would cause the restoration of the quality of
      water in the reservoir. To avoid the occurrence of critical eutrophication in the
      reservoir, reducing the ponding time in the reservoir by fast depletion,
      preventing entrance of the upstream villages' sewage and agricultural drained
      waters, which are sources of nitrate and phosphate contamination into the rivers,
      and also management of the usage of agricultural fertilizers have been suggested.

PMID- 27685966
TI  - Phthalate degradation by glow discharge plasma enhanced with pyrite in aqueous
      solution.
AB  - In order to prevent health risk from potential exposures to phthalates, a glow
      discharge plasma (GDP) process was applied for phthalate degradation in aqueous
      solution. The results revealed that the phthalate derivatives 4-hydroxyphthalic
      acid, 4-methylphthalic acid and 4-tert-butylphthalic anhydride could be degraded
      efficiently in GDP process (498 V, 0.2 A) with high removal efficiencies of over
      99% in 60 minutes. Additionally, pyrite as a promising heterogeneous iron source
      in the Fenton reaction was found to be favorable for GDP process. The phthalate
      degradation reaction could be significantly enhanced by the continuous formation
      of *OH and the inhibition of the quenching reaction in the pyrite Fenton system
      due to the constant dissolution of Fe(II) from pyrite surface. Meanwhile, the
      initial pH value showed little impact on the degradation of phthalates and the
      energy efficiency of GDP system for phthalate degradation ranged between 0.280 *
      10-9 and 1.210 * 10-9 mol/J, which is similar to the GDP system with phenol,
      bisphenol A and methyl tert-butyl ether as the substrates. Further, the X-ray
      diffraction and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray
      spectroscopy analyses indicated that the pyrite was relatively stable in GDP
      system and there was no obvious polymeric compound formed on the catalyst
      surface. Overall, this GDP process offers high removal efficiency, simple
      technology, considerable energy efficiency and the applicability to salt
      containing phthalate wastewater.

PMID- 27685968
TI  - Adsorption of reactive dye from aqueous solution and synthetic dye bath
      wastewater by Eucalyptus bark/magnetite composite.
AB  - In the present study, Eucalyptus camaldulensis bark/magnetite composite (EBMC)
      was used for a potential application as a low-cost adsorbent for the removal of
      Reactive Black 5 (RB5). The adsorption experiments were performed with aqueous
      solution (RB5 + distilled water) and synthetic dye bath wastewater (SDBW) in
      order to investigate the potential application of EBMC in the textile industry.
      The effects of the various parameters, the initial dye concentration, the
      temperature, the pH, and the EBMC dosage on the adsorption were investigated. It
      was found that the adsorption capacity of EBMC increases by increasing the RB5
      concentration and temperature and by decreasing the dosage of EBMC. 0.8 g EBMC
      was found to be sufficient for the removal of 250 mg/L RB5 from 150 mL SDBW with
      ~85% removal efficiency. The Koble-Corrigan isotherm model described the
      adsorption process more effectively (R2 = 0.997) than the Langmuir, Freundlich,
      the Dubinin-Radushkevich and the Jovanovic isotherm models. The Langmuir isotherm
      predicted a 370.7 mg/g maximum adsorption capacity. The thermodynamic analysis
      showed that the adsorption of RB5 onto the EBMC was an endothermic process. The
      multiple linear regression analysis was used in order to determine the cumulative
      effects of independent variables on the adsorption capacity.

PMID- 27685969
TI  - Algicidal activity of an actinomycete strain, Streptomyces rameus, against
      Microcystis aeruginosa.
AB  - An actinomycete strain (KKU-A3) with algicidal activity against Microcystis
      aeruginosa was isolated from soil in Khon Kaen Province, Thailand. Based on its
      phenotypic characteristics and 16S rDNA sequence, strain KKU-A3 was identified as
      Streptomyces rameus. Strain KKU-A3 also exhibited algicidal activity against the
      cyanobacteria Synechococcus elongatus, Cylindrospermum sp. and Oscillatoria sp. A
      mathematical and statistical technique was used to optimize the culture
      conditions and maximize its anti-Microcystis activity. The single factor
      experiments indicated that glucose and casein were the most effective carbon and
      nitrogen sources, respectively, and produced the highest anti-Microcystis
      activity. Response surface methodology indicated that the optimum culture
      conditions were 19.81 g/L glucose and 2.0 g/L casein at an initial pH of 7.8 and
      an incubation temperature of 30  degrees C. The anti-Microcystis activity
      increased from 82% to 95% under optimum conditions. In an internal airlift loop
      bioreactor, the removal of M. aeruginosa KKU-13 by the bacterium was investigated
      in batch and continuous flow experiments. In the batch experiment, KKU-A3
      displayed maximum anti-Microcystis activity of 95% at day 7, whereas in the
      continuous flow experiment, KKU-A3 displayed maximum anti-Microcystis activity of
      95% at day 10.

PMID- 27685970
TI  - An approach to biodegradation of chlorobenzenes: combination of Typha
      angustifolia and bacterial effects on hexachlorobenzene degradation in water.
AB  - Although rhizoremediation is an effective approach to remove organic pollutants
      from the environment, little is known about the mechanism of hexachlorobenzene
      (HCB) biodegradation in water. In this study, we used Typha angustifolia (T.
      angustifolia) grown in sterile Hoagland nutrient solution to determine the
      rhizosphere effects on the ability of bacteria in water to reduce HCB levels. The
      results revealed that T. angustifolia could facilitate HCB degradation and that
      the initial HCB concentration was the major factor responsible for HCB
      degradation in nutrient solution. Furthermore, HCB biodegradation in low-HCB
      nutrient solution with T. angustifolia fitted the first-order kinetics, owing to
      the high concentration of total organic carbon, low HCB toxicity, and unique
      bacterial community in the T. angustifolia rhizosphere. Denaturing gradient gel
      electrophoresis indicated that the rhizosphere effects and different dosages of
      HCB have significant effects on the bacterial communities by repressing and
      favoring certain populations. The most successful bacteria to adapt to HCB
      contamination was Bacillus sp., while the dominant bacterial phyla in HCB
      polluted water were Proteobacteria and Firmicutes.

PMID- 27685971
TI  - Characterization and application of surface-molecular-imprinted-polymer modified
      TiO2 nanotubes for removal of perfluorinated chemicals.
AB  - The removal of perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) during wastewater reclamation is a
      great concern. However, the existing advanced treatment processes are inefficient
      for the removal of PFCs from secondary effluents of municipal wastewater
      treatment plants (WWTPs) because other coexistent pollutants with less
      environmental significance are removed simultaneously. Therefore, research on
      high-selectivity, low-cost removal methods is needed. The S-MIP-TiO2 nanotube
      (NT) photocatalysts were fabricated, characterized and tested for removal of PFCs
      from wastewater for the first time. Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier
      transform infrared spectroscopy show that the TiO2 NTs (average diameter 60 nm)
      were successfully imprinted with functional groups (i.e. carboxyl). The
      adsorption selectivity and photocatalytic activity of the S-MIP-TiO2 NTs over
      perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) were improved compared with neat TiO2 NTs and
      interestingly, were higher at low PFOA concentrations (10 to 100 ng/L, as normal
      PFC concentrations in secondary effluents) than at high concentrations (10 to
      1,000 mg/L). With S-MIP-TiO2 NTs used as photocatalysts, some representative PFCs
      were selectively and rapidly removed from secondary effluents of a municipal
      WWTP. S-MIP-TiO2 NTs exhibited excellent regeneration performance. Thus,
      photocatalytic treatment using is promising for effective removal of PFCs from
      secondary effluents of municipal WWTPs.

PMID- 27685972
TI  - A study on Cu and Ag doped ZnO nanoparticles for the photocatalytic degradation
      of brilliant green dye: synthesis and characterization.
AB  - Novel polyvinyl pyrrolidone capped pure, Ag (1-3%) and Cu doped (1-3%) zinc oxide
      (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) were successfully synthesized via the co-precipitation
      method. The synthesized NPs were characterized by UV-visible spectrophotometry, X
      ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and field emission
      scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Compared to pure ZnO, the absorption bands
      of Ag and Cu doped ZnO NPs were shifted and, further, the band gap energy was
      also decreased which confirms the incorporation of Ag and Cu into the ZnO
      lattice. The XRD diffraction peak confirms that all the synthesized compounds are
      found to be of highly crystalline hexagonal wurtzite structure. In addition, the
      presence of Ag and Cu in the ZnO NPs was further evidenced from EDS analysis. FE
      SEM images established the morphology of the doped ZnO NPs which was not affected
      by the addition of Ag and Cu. The photocatalytic activity of undoped, Ag doped (1
      3%) and Cu doped (1-3%) ZnO NPs were tested with brilliant green dye under UV
      irradiation. Degradation study reveals that doping has a distinct effect on the
      photocatalytic behavior of ZnO NPs. In addition to that, kinetic, thermodynamic
      and reusability studies have been performed for the 2% Ag doped ZnO NPs.

PMID- 27685973
TI  - Fertilizer from dried human urine added to ash and lime - a potential product
      from eco-sanitation system.
AB  - This research explored the possibility of making fertilizer at a laboratory from
      source separated and untreated human urine added to ash and lime by drying at low
      temperatures. A mixture of ash and lime (1:1) was used as drying agent and human
      urine was applied as undiluted and fresh. Ash and lime were chosen as drying
      agents for maintaining a pH > 10 during the drying process, which should inhibit
      urea hydrolysis in urine, and thereby urea should be retained in the drying
      agent. The drying technique was developed and drying capacity of the system was
      quantified; three specific temperatures (20  degrees , 35  degrees , 60  degrees
      C) and two airflow rates (1 L/min and 5 L/min) were used in the experiment. A
      mass balance for nitrogen in the system was obtained. It was evident from the
      experiment that urea can be retained by maintaining a high pH (>10). Urine drying
      at 20  degrees C was not a feasible option, since rate of evaporation was very
      low. The highest retention of inflow nitrogen at 35  degrees C and 60  degrees C
      were 74% and 54%, respectively, in the produced fertilizer. Reduced evaporation
      rate, flooding of urine over drying agent, and blockage in airflow influenced
      nitrogen loss and concentration of nitrogen in the final product.

PMID- 27685974
TI  - Which is better for optimizing the biosorption process of lead - central
      composite design or the Taguchi technique?
AB  - The aim of this study is to evaluate central composite design (CCD) and the
      Taguchi technique in the adsorption process. Contact time, initial concentration,
      and pH were selected as the variables, and the removal efficiency of Pb was
      chosen for the designated response. In addition, face-centered CCD and the L9
      orthogonal array were used for the experimental design. The result indicated
      that, at optimum conditions, the removal efficiency of Pb was 80%. However, the
      value of R2 was greater than 0.95 for both the CCD and Taguchi techniques, which
      revealed that both techniques were suitable and in conformity with each other.
      Moreover, the results of analysis of variance and Prob > F < 0.05 showed the
      appropriate fit of the designated model with the experimental results. The
      probability of classifying the contributing variables by giving a percentage of
      the response quantity (Pb removal) made the Taguchi model an appropriate method
      for examining the effectiveness of different factors. pH was evaluated as the
      best input factor as it contributed 66.2% of Pb removal. The Taguchi technique
      was additionally confirmed by three-dimensional contour plots of CCD.
      Consequently, the Taguchi method with nine experimental runs and easy interaction
      plots is an appropriate substitute for CCD for several chemical engineering
      functions.

PMID- 27685976
TI  - Improvements in permeation and fouling resistance of PVC ultrafiltration
      membranes via addition of Tetronic-1107 and Triton X-100 as two non-ionic and
      hydrophilic surfactants.
AB  - Two non-ionic and hydrophilic surfactant additives, Tetronic-1107 and Triton X
      100, were added to poly(vinyl chloride)/NMP polymeric solution to prepare
      ultrafiltration membranes via immersion precipitation. Surfactants at three
      different weight percentages up to 6 wt% were added, and the fabricated membranes
      were characterized and their performance for water treatment in the presence of
      bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a foulant was assessed. The scanning electron
      microscopy images indicated remarkable changes in morphology due to higher
      thermodynamic instability after surfactant addition. The membranes are more
      porous with more macro-voids in the sub-layer. Plus, the membranes become more
      hydrophilic. Water flux increases for the modified membranes by nearly two times
      and the ability of membranes for flux recovery increases from 66% to over 83%.
      BSA rejection reduces slightly with the addition of surfactants, however this
      parameter is still almost over 90% for the membranes with the highest amount of
      surfactants.

PMID- 27685975
TI  - Impact of multiple wastewater feedings on the efficiency of nutrient removal in
      an IFAS-MBSBBR: number of feedings vs. efficiency of nutrient removal.
AB  - This article presents the results of research into the influence of one, two and
      three wastewater feedings in a cycle on efficiency and performance of combined
      biological nitrogen and phosphorus removal in an integrated fixed-film activated
      sludge and moving-bed sequencing batch biofilm reactor (IFAS-MBSBBR). The
      experiment lasted 158 days and was conducted in two laboratory models of the IFAS
      MBSBBR with an active volume of 28 L. It was found that along with an increase in
      the number of wastewater feedings, an increase in nitrogen removal efficiency was
      observed (from 56.9 +/- 2.30% for a single feeding to 91.4 +/- 1.77% for three
      feedings). Moreover, the contribution of simultaneous
      nitrification/denitrification in nitrogen removal increased (from 2.58% for a
      single feeding to 69.5% for three feedings). Systems with a greater number of
      feedings stimulated the process of denitrifying phosphorus removal. Regardless of
      the way in which wastewater feeding was applied to the IFAS-MBSBBR, highly
      efficient chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal (94.8 +/- 1.80%) and biological
      phosphorus removal (98.9 +/- 0.87%) were achieved.

PMID- 27685977
TI  - Removal of copper ions from aqueous solution by the sodium salt of the maleic
      acid-allylpropionate-styrene terpolymer.
AB  - The sodium salt of the maleic acid-allylpropionate-styrene terpolymer was used
      for recovery of copper ions from aqueous solution. Effects of contact time,
      sorbent weight and initial Cu2+ ion concentrations on removal efficiency were
      tested. The maximum experimental sorption capacity of the sorbent for copper ions
      is 0.71 g g-1. The sorption isotherm of copper ions onto a prepared polymer
      sorbent has been studied and the equilibrium data were analyzed using Langmuir
      and Freundlich isotherm models. The adsorption isotherm data showed that copper
      ions adsorption on the sorbent was better fitted to the Langmuir isotherm model.
      The Lagergren pseudo-first- and pseudo-second-order kinetic models were applied
      to examine the kinetics of the copper ions sorption by the synthesized sorbent.
      The kinetic data are best described by the pseudo-second-order model. The
      calculated value of the maximum sorption capacity by the pseudo-second-order
      equation (0.62 g g-1) corresponds well with its experimentally found value (0.71
      g g-1). Considering the obtained kinetic data, and the Fourier transform infrared
      spectroscopy (FT-IR) and UV-vis spectra of the sorbent after the sorption, it is
      possible to come to the conclusion that during the sorption process Cu2+ ions
      enter a complex with the carboxylic groups of the maleic acid units of the
      sorbent.

PMID- 27685978
TI  - Optimization of operation conditions for domestic sewage treatment using a
      sequencing batch biofilm filter.
AB  - A sequencing batch biofilm filter (SBBF) was applied to treat domestic sewage.
      The bioreactor consisted of fibrous filler in the upper part and ceramsite filter
      media in the lower part. The impacts of the most important factors including
      dissolved oxygen (DO), water temperature and hydraulic retention time (HRT) were
      evaluated on contaminants removal during the operation of the SBBF. Changes in DO
      (1.5-4.0 mg/L) and water temperature (2-30  degrees C) had little effect on the
      removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD), but had a greater impact on the removal
      of total nitrogen (TN) and NH4+-N. Changes in HRT (8-14 h) had little effect on
      the removal of COD, but had a greater impact on the removal of TN, NH4+-N and
      total phosphorus. The optimal operating parameters for the SBBF were as follows:
      DO of 2-3 mg/L, water temperature above 10  degrees C, and HRT of 10-13 h.
      Furthermore, a simple kinetic model was developed, reflecting the relationship
      between COD and HRT.

PMID- 27685979
TI  - Soil fertilization with wastewater biosolids - monitoring changes in the 'soil
      fertilizer-plant' system and phosphorus recovery options.
AB  - The aim of this study is to establish changes that may occur after a prolonged
      application of wastewater sludge treated to biosolids, in the 'soil-fertilizer
      plant' system. Thirteen experimental plots with different soil types planted with
      experimental crops were investigated in order to evaluate the suitability of
      these biosolids as soil conditioners and fertilizers. The biosolids were
      incorporated in soil starting in 2006 in different quantities (from 6 tons per
      ha) for various arrays. The rate of application was calculated on the basis of
      imported nitrogen and was consistent with the characteristics of the sludge, soil
      diversity, growing crop requirements, and other factors. In 2013 (after 7 years
      of land use) average soil samples from the same arrays were taken and analyzed.
      No chemical fertilizer was applied during the experimental period. The results
      show that the use of sewage biosolids as a soil improver in accordance with local
      legislation does not pose any serious environmental risks but can maintain and
      improve soil fertility and crop yield. A slight increase in Cu and Zn in plants
      was detected, however the content of heavy metals in all soil samples was below
      maximum allowable limits and no signs of phytotoxicity were observed.

PMID- 27685980
TI  - Metal-Free Hydrogen Atom Transfer from Water: Expeditious Hydrogenation of N
      Heterocycles Mediated by Diboronic Acid.
AB  - A hydrogenation of N-heterocycles mediated by diboronic acid with water as the
      hydrogen atom source is reported. A variety of N-heterocycles can be hydrogenated
      with medium to excellent yields within 10 min. Complete deuterium incorporation
      from stoichiometric D2 O onto substrates further exemplifies the H/D atom
      sources. Mechanism studies reveal that the reduction proceeds with initial 1,2
      addition, in which diboronic acid synergistically activates substrates and water
      via a six-membered ring transition state.

PMID- 27685981
TI  - Effects of high latitude protected areas on bird communities under rapid climate
      change.
AB  - Anthropogenic climate change is rapidly becoming one of the main threats to
      biodiversity, along with other threats triggered by human-driven land-use change.
      Species are already responding to climate change by shifting their distributions
      polewards. This shift may create a spatial mismatch between dynamic species
      distributions and static protected areas (PAs). As protected areas represent one
      of the main pillars for preserving biodiversity today and in the future, it is
      important to assess their contribution in sheltering the biodiversity
      communities, they were designated to protect. A recent development to investigate
      climate-driven impacts on biological communities is represented by the community
      temperature index (CTI). CTI provides a measure of the relative temperature
      average of a community in a specific assemblage. CTI value will be higher for
      assemblages dominated by warm species compared with those dominated by cold
      dwelling species. We here model changes in the CTI of Finnish bird assemblages,
      as well as changes in species densities, within and outside of PAs during the
      past four decades in a large boreal landscape under rapid change. We show that
      CTI has markedly increased over time across Finland, with this change being
      similar within and outside PAs and five to seven times slower than the
      temperature increase. Moreover, CTI has been constantly lower within than outside
      of PAs, and PAs still support communities, which show colder thermal index than
      those outside of PAs in the 1970s and 1980s. This result can be explained by the
      higher relative density of northern species within PAs than outside. Overall, our
      results provide some, albeit inconclusive, evidence that PAs may play a role in
      supporting the community of northern species. Results also suggest that
      communities are, however, shifting rapidly, both inside and outside of PAs,
      highlighting the need for adjusting conservation measures before it is too late.

PMID- 27685984
TI  - About Professor Abraham Aaron Buschke (1868-1943) and Wilhelm Ludwig Lowenstein
      (1895-1959): The fate of two Jewish dermatologists during the National Socialism.

PMID- 27685983
TI  - Consensus Analysis of Whole Transcriptome Profiles from Two Breast Cancer Patient
      Cohorts Reveals Long Non-Coding RNAs Associated with Intrinsic Subtype and the
      Tumour Microenvironment.
AB  - Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as crucial regulators of cellular
      processes and diseases such as cancer; however, their functions remain poorly
      characterised. Several studies have demonstrated that lncRNAs are typically
      disease and tumour subtype specific, particularly in breast cancer where lncRNA
      expression alone is sufficient to discriminate samples based on hormone status
      and molecular intrinsic subtype. However, little attempt has been made to assess
      the reproducibility of lncRNA signatures across more than one dataset. In this
      work, we derive consensus lncRNA signatures indicative of breast cancer subtype
      based on two clinical RNA-Seq datasets: the Utah Breast Cancer Study and The
      Cancer Genome Atlas, through integration of differential expression and
      hypothesis-free clustering analyses. The most consistent signature is associated
      with breast cancers of the basal-like subtype, leading us to generate a putative
      set of six lncRNA basal-like breast cancer markers, at least two of which may
      have a role in cis-regulation of known poor prognosis markers. Through in silico
      functional characterization of individual signatures and integration of
      expression data from pre-clinical cancer models, we discover that discordance
      between signatures derived from different clinical cohorts can arise from the
      strong influence of non-cancerous cells in tumour samples. As a consequence, we
      identify nine lncRNAs putatively associated with breast cancer associated
      fibroblasts, or the immune response. Overall, our study establishes the
      confounding effects of tumour purity on lncRNA signature derivation, and
      generates several novel hypotheses on the role of lncRNAs in basal-like breast
      cancers and the tumour microenvironment.

PMID- 27685982
TI  - The noradrenergic locus coeruleus as a chronic pain generator.
AB  - Central noradrenergic centers such as the locus coeruleus (LC) are traditionally
      viewed as pain inhibitory; however, complex interactions among brainstem pathways
      and their receptors modulate both inhibition and facilitation of pain. In
      addition to the well-described role of descending pontospinal pathways that
      inhibit spinal nociceptive transmission, an emerging body of research now
      indicates that noradrenergic neurons in the LC and their terminals in the dorsal
      reticular nucleus (DRt), medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), spinal dorsal horn, and
      spinal trigeminal nucleus caudalis participate in the development and maintenance
      of allodynia and hyperalgesia after nerve injury. With time after injury, we
      argue that the balance of LC function shifts from pain inhibition to pain
      facilitation. Thus, the pain-inhibitory actions of antidepressant drugs achieved
      with elevated noradrenaline concentrations in the dorsal horn may be countered or
      even superseded by simultaneous activation of supraspinal facilitating systems
      dependent on alpha1 -adrenoreceptors in the DRt and mPFC as well as alpha2 
      adrenoreceptors in the LC. Indeed, these opposing actions may account in part for
      the limited treatment efficacy of tricyclic antidepressants and noradrenaline
      reuptake inhibitors such as duloxetine for the treatment of chronic pain. We
      propose that the traditional view of the LC as a pain-inhibitory structure be
      modified to account for its capacity as a pain facilitator. Future studies are
      needed to determine the neurobiology of ascending and descending pathways and the
      pharmacology of receptors underlying LC-mediated pain inhibition and
      facilitation. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27685985
TI  - An In Silico Knockout Model for Gastrointestinal Absorption Using a Systems
      Pharmacology Approach - Development and Application for Ketones.
AB  - Gastrointestinal absorption and disposition of ketones is complex. Recent work
      describing the pharmacokinetics (PK) of d-beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) following
      oral ingestion of a ketone monoester ((R)-3-hydroxybutyl (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate)
      found multiple input sites, nonlinear disposition and feedback on endogenous
      production. In the current work, a human systems pharmacology model for
      gastrointestinal absorption and subsequent disposition of small molecules
      (monocarboxylic acids with molecular weight < 200 Da) was developed with an
      application to a ketone monoester. The systems model was developed by collating
      the information from the literature and knowledge gained from empirical
      population modelling of the clinical data. In silico knockout variants of this
      systems model were used to explore the mechanism of gastrointestinal absorption
      of ketones. The knockouts included active absorption across different regions in
      the gut and also a passive diffusion knockout, giving 10 gut knockouts in total.
      Exploration of knockout variants has suggested that there are at least three
      distinct regions in the gut that contribute to absorption of ketones. Passive
      diffusion predominates in the proximal gut and active processes contribute to the
      absorption of ketones in the distal gut. Low doses are predominantly absorbed
      from the proximal gut by passive diffusion whereas high doses are absorbed across
      all sites in the gut. This work has provided mechanistic insight into the
      absorption process of ketones, in the form of unique in silico knockouts that
      have potential for application with other therapeutics. Future studies on
      absorption process of ketones are suggested to substantiate findings in this
      study.

PMID- 27685987
TI  - Laparoscopic Rectal Resection-Ready for Prime Time?

PMID- 27685986
TI  - HIV-associated malignancies in children.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: HIV-infected children are at an increased risk of developing
      cancer. Many of the cancers in HIV-infected children are linked to
      immunosuppression and oncogenic coinfections. Worldwide most HIV-infected
      children live in sub-Saharan Africa, but cancer data for this population are
      scarce. In this article, we review the current literature on the epidemiology and
      prevention of cancer in HIV-infected children. RECENT FINDINGS: Combined
      antiretroviral therapy (cART) reduces the risk of developing cancer in HIV
      infected children. Cancer risk remains increased in children who start cART at
      older ages or more advanced immunosuppression as compared with children who start
      cART at younger age and with mild immunosuppression. Starting cART before severe
      immunosuppression develops is key to prevent cancer in HIV-infected children but
      most children in low-income countries start cART at severe immunosuppression
      levels. Vaccination against high-risk variants of human papillomavirus may
      protect again human papillomavirus-associated cancer later in life. However,
      tailoring of human papillomavirus vaccination guidelines for HIV-infected
      children and young women awaits answers to determine the best vaccination
      strategies. SUMMARY: Better data on the short-term and long-term risks of
      developing cancer and the effects of preventive measures in HIV-infected children
      from regions with high burden of HIV/AIDS are urgently needed.

PMID- 27685988
TI  - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Mismatch: A Case of Tracheal Hamartoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the diagnostic challenge of tracheal hamartoma in a
      patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). CLINICAL PRESENTATION
      AND INTERVENTION: A 65-year-old man with COPD was admitted with sudden onset of
      asphyxia attacks related to the position of his body. Computerized tomography
      (CT) of the neck showed a soft tissue mass with calcification, which occluded
      more than two-thirds of the proximal part of the trachea. The tumor was
      completely removed, and histopathology confirmed hamartoma. CONCLUSION: This case
      report showed the detection of a primary tracheal tumor on CT. This finding
      enabled the correct diagnosis and led to appropriate treatment in the form of
      surgery.

PMID- 27685989
TI  - Hemodynamics in Coronary Arterial Tree of Serial Stenoses.
AB  - Serial segmental narrowing frequently occurs in humans, which alters coronary
      hemodynamics and further affects atherosclerotic progression and plaque
      formation. The objective of this study was to understand the distribution of
      hemodynamic parameters in the epicardial left main coronary arterial (LMCA) tree
      with serial stenoses reconstructed from patient computer tomography angiography
      (CTA) images. A finite volume method was used in conjunction with the inlet
      pressure wave and outlet flow resistance. The time-averaged wall shear stress
      (TAWSS) and oscillatory shear index (OSI) were determined from the flow field. A
      stenosis at a mother vessel mainly deteriorated the hemodynamics near the
      bifurcation while a stenosis at a daughter vessel affected the remote downstream
      bifurcation. In comparison with a single stenosis, serial stenoses increased the
      peak pressure gradient along the main trunk of the epicardial left anterior
      descending arterial tree by > 50%. An increased distance between serial stenoses
      further increased the peak pressure gradient. These findings have important
      implications on the diagnosis and treatment of serial coronary stenoses.

PMID- 27685990
TI  - Cocaine-and Amphetamine Regulated Transcript (CART) Peptide Is Expressed in
      Precursor Cells and Somatotropes of the Mouse Pituitary Gland.
AB  - Cocaine-and Amphetamine Regulated Transcript (CART) peptide is expressed in the
      brain, endocrine and neuroendocrine systems and secreted into the serum. It is
      thought to play a role in regulation of hypothalamic pituitary functions. Here we
      report a spatial and temporal analysis of Cart expression in the pituitaries of
      adult and developing normal and mutant mice with hypopituitarism. We found that
      Prop1 is not necessary for initiation of Cart expression in the fetal pituitary
      at e14.5, but it is required indirectly for maintenance of Cart expression in the
      postnatal anterior pituitary gland. Pou1f1 deficiency has no effect on Cart
      expression before or after birth. There is no 1:1 correspondence between CART and
      any particular cell type. In neonates, CART is detected primarily in non
      proliferating, POU1F1-positive cells. CART is also found in some cells that
      express TSH and GH suggesting a correspondence with committed progenitors of the
      POU1F1 lineage. In summary, we have characterized the normal temporal and cell
      specific expression of CART in mouse development and demonstrate that postnatal
      CART expression in the pituitary gland requires PROP1.

PMID- 27685991
TI  - Multiplexed Molecular Imaging of Biomarker-Targeted SERS Nanoparticles on Fresh
      Tissue Specimens with Channel-Compressed Spectrometry.
AB  - Biomarker-targeted surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) nanoparticles (NPs)
      have been explored as a viable option for targeting and imaging multiple cell
      surface protein biomarkers of cancer. While it has been demonstrated that this
      Raman-encoded molecular imaging (REMI) technology may potentially be used to
      guide tumor-resection procedures, the REMI strategy would benefit from further
      improvements in imaging speed. Previous implementations of REMI have utilized
      1024 spectral channels (camera pixels) in a commercial spectroscopic CCD to
      detect the spectral signals from multiplexed SERS NPs, a strategy that enables
      accurate demultiplexing of the relative concentration of each NP "flavor" within
      a mixture. Here, we investigate the ability to significantly reduce the number of
      spectral-collection channels while maintaining accurate imaging and
      demultiplexing of up to five SERS NP flavors, a strategy that offers the
      potential for improved imaging speed and/or detection sensitivity in future
      systems. This strategy was optimized by analyzing the linearity of five
      multiplexed flavors of SERS NPs topically applied on tissues. The accuracy of
      this binning approach was then validated by staining tumor xenografts and human
      breast tumor specimens with a mixture of five NP flavors (four targeted NPs and
      one untargeted NP) and performing ratiometric imaging of specific vs. nonspecific
      NP accumulation. We demonstrate that with channel-compressed spectrometry using
      as few as 16 channels, it is possible to perform REMI with five NP flavors, with
      < 20% error, at low concentrations (< 10 pM) that are relevant for clinical
      applications.

PMID- 27685992
TI  - Sequence-Dependent T:G Base Pair Opening in DNA Double Helix Bound by Cren7, a
      Chromatin Protein Conserved among Crenarchaea.
AB  - T:G base pair arising from spontaneous deamination of 5mC or polymerase errors is
      a great challenge for DNA repair of hyperthermophilic archaea, especially
      Crenarchaea. Most strains in this phylum lack the protein homologues responsible
      for the recognition of the mismatch in the DNA repair pathways. To investigate
      whether Cren7, a highly conserved chromatin protein in Crenarchaea, serves a role
      in the repair of T:G mispairs, the crystal structures of Cren7-GTAATTGC and Cren7
      GTGATCGC complexes were solved at 2.0 A and 2.1 A. In our structures, binding of
      Cren7 to the AT-rich DNA duplex (GTAATTGC) induces opening of T2:G15 but not
      T10:G7 base pair. By contrast, both T:G mispairs in the GC-rich DNA duplex
      (GTGATCGC) retain the classic wobble type. Structural analysis also showed DNA
      helical changes of GTAATTGC, especially in the steps around the open T:G base
      pair, as compared to GTGATCGC or the matched DNAs. Surface plasmon resonance
      assays revealed a 4-fold lower binding affinity of Cren7 for GTAATTGC than that
      for GTGATCGC, which was dominantly contributed by the decrease of association
      rate. These results suggested that binding of Cren7 to DNA leads to T:G mispair
      opening in a sequence dependent manner, and therefore propose the potential roles
      of Cren7 in DNA repair.

PMID- 27685993
TI  - Prenatal Clinical Assessment of NT-proBNP as a Diagnostic Tool for Preeclampsia,
      Gestational Hypertension and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.
AB  - Common complications of pregnancy include preeclampsia (PE), gestational
      hypertension (GH) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Hypertensive disorders
      (PE/GH) and GDM may result in greater maternal, fetal and neonatal morbidity and
      mortality. Women with PE/GH, one of the most common causes of heart burden in an
      obstetrical setting, present with elevated serum levels of BNP and NT-proBNP. The
      aim of this study was to shed more light on the role of NT-proBNP in
      pathophysiology of PE, GH and GDM. The study included 156 pregnant women with
      singleton pregnancies. A total of 26 women developed arterial hypertension during
      pregnancy, 14 were diagnosed with PE, and GDM was detected in 81 patients. The
      control group included 35 women with uncomplicated pregnancies, normal arterial
      blood pressure and normal glucose concentrations. Patients with GH presented with
      significantly higher serum concentrations of NT-proBNPthan normotensive women
      (65.5 vs. 37.4 pg/ml; p = 0.0136). Serum levels of NT-proBNP in patients with PE
      were the highest of all the analyzed subsets, being significantly higher than in
      women without this condition (89.00 vs. 37.4pg/ml,p = 0,0136). However, women
      with and without GDM did not differ significantly in terms of their serum NT
      proBNPconcentrations. Serum NT-proBNP (pg/ml) (p = 0.0001) and BMI (p<0.0001)
      turned out to be independent predictors of GH on multivariate logistic regression
      analysis.Moreover, serum NT-proBNP (pg/ml) was identified as an independent
      indicator of PE (p = 0.0016). A significant inverse correlation was found between
      birth weight and maternal serum NT-proBNP concentrations. In our opinion, NT
      proBNP can be a useful clinical marker of GH and PE. Determination of NT-proBNP
      levels may be helpful in identification of patients with PE and GH and in their
      qualification for intensive treatment; this in turn, may be reflected by better
      neonatal outcomes.

PMID- 27685994
TI  - Dietary Vitamin C Intake Reduces the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Chinese Adults:
      HOMA-IR and T-AOC as Potential Mediators.
AB  - Despite growing interest in the protective role that dietary antioxidant vitamins
      may have in the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D), little epidemiological
      evidence is available in non-Western populations especially about the possible
      mediators underlying in this role. The present study aimed to investigate the
      association of vitamin C and vitamin E intakes with T2D risk in Chinese adults
      and examine the potential mediators. 178 incident T2D cases among 3483
      participants in the Harbin People Health Study (HPHS), and 522 newly diagnosed
      T2D among 7595 participants in the Harbin Cohort Study on Diet, Nutrition and
      Chronic Non-communicable Diseases (HDNNCDS) were studied. In the multivariable
      adjusted logistics regression model, the relative risks (RRs) were 1.00, 0.75,
      and 0.76 (Ptrend = 0.003) across tertiles of vitamin C intake in the HDNNCDS, and
      this association was validated in the HPHS with RRs of 1.00, 0.47, and 0.46
      (Ptrend = 0.002). The RRs were 1.00, 0.72, and 0.76 (Ptrend = 0.039) when T2D
      diagnosed by haemoglobin A1c in the HDNNCDS. The mediation analysis discovered
      that insulin resistance (indicated by homeostasis model assessment) and oxidative
      stress (indicated by plasma total antioxidative capacity) partly mediated this
      association. But no association was evident between vitamin E intake and T2D. In
      conclusion, our research adds further support to the role of vitamin C intake in
      reducing the development of T2D in the broader population studied. The results
      also suggested that this association was partly mediated by inhibiting or
      ameliorating oxidative stress and insulin resistance.

PMID- 27685996
TI  - Attenuating the Negative Impact of Unemployment: The Interactive Effects of
      Perceived Emotional Intelligence and Well-Being on Suicide Risk.
AB  - A growing body of research has demonstrated that deficits in well-being may be
      related to increased suicide risk, but there is only a limited number of studies
      that have focused on specific protective factors that can serve as a buffer
      against suicidal ideation and behaviours. Given that unemployment may be a factor
      leading to increased risk for suicide, this study assessed whether perceived EI
      might be a potential moderator in the relationship between life
      satisfaction/happiness and suicidal behaviours in a relatively large sample of
      unemployed individuals. Participants were 1125 unemployed (506 men and 619 women)
      who completed satisfaction with life and happiness questionnaires, the Suicidal
      Behaviours Questionnaire and the Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Test.
      Consistent with the interaction hypothesis, lower scores in life satisfaction and
      happiness were associated with higher levels of current suicidal behaviours, and
      perceived EI scores moderated these relationships. Interventions targeting well
      being via the promotion of emotional abilities may be useful in the prevention of
      suicidal ideation in the unemployed. The implications for these findings for
      research and practice are discussed.

PMID- 27685997
TI  - A Lipidomic Analysis of Placenta in Preeclampsia: Evidence for Lipid Storage.
AB  - In preeclampsia, maternal insulin resistance leads to defective expansion of
      adipocytes, enhanced adipocyte lipolysis, up-regulation of very low density
      lipoprotein synthesis, maternal hypertriglyceridaemia and the potential for
      ectopic fat storage. Our aim was to quantitate and compare the total amount and
      type of lipid in placenta from pregnancies complicated with preeclampsia and
      healthy pregnancies. Quantitative lipid analysis of lipid extracts from full
      thickness placental biopsies was carried out by shotgun lipidomics. Placental
      lipid profiles from pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia (n = 23) were
      compared to healthy pregnancies (n = 68), and placenta from intrauterine growth
      restriction pregnancies (n = 10) were used to control for gross differences in
      placental pathology. Placentae from pregnancies complicated with preeclampsia had
      higher neutral lipid content than healthy placentae (40% higher triacyglycerol (P
      = 0.001) and 33% higher cholesteryl ester (P = 0.004)) that was specific to
      preeclampsia and independent of maternal gestation.

PMID- 27685995
TI  - Genome Analysis of Osteosarcoma Progression Samples Identifies FGFR1
      Overexpression as a Potential Treatment Target and CHM as a Candidate Tumor
      Suppressor Gene.
AB  - Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary malignant tumor of bone, showing
      complex chromosomal rearrangements but with few known consistent changes. Deeper
      biological understanding is crucial to find new therapies to improve patient
      survival. We have sequenced the whole exome of two primary tumors (before and
      after chemotherapy), one metastatic tumor and a matched normal sample from two OS
      patients, to identify mutations involved in cancer biology. The metastatic
      samples were also RNA sequenced. By RNA sequencing we identified dysregulated
      expression levels of drug resistance- and apoptosis-related genes. Two fusion
      transcripts were identified in one patient (OS111); the first resulted in p53
      inactivation by fusing the first exon of TP53 to the fifth exon of FAM45A. The
      second fusion joined the two first exons of FGFR1 to the second exon of ZNF343.
      Furthermore, FGFR1 was amplified and highly expressed, representing a potential
      treatment target in this patient. Whole exome sequencing revealed large
      intertumor heterogeneity, with surprisingly few shared mutations. Careful
      evaluation and validation of the data sets revealed a number of artefacts, but
      one recurrent mutation was validated, a nonsense mutation in CHM (patient OS106),
      which also was the mutation with the highest expression frequency (53%). The
      second patient (OS111) had wild-type CHM, but a downregulated expression level.
      In a panel of 71 clinical samples, we confirmed significant low expression of CHM
      compared to the controls (p = 0.003). Furthermore, by analyzing public datasets,
      we identified a significant association between low expression and poor survival
      in two other cancer types. Together, these results suggest CHM as a candidate
      tumor suppressor gene that warrants further investigation.

PMID- 27685998
TI  - The Global Research Collaboration of Network Meta-Analysis: A Social Network
      Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Research collaborations in biomedical research have
      evolved over time. No studies have addressed research collaboration in network
      meta-analysis (NMA). In this study, we used social network analysis methods to
      characterize global collaboration patterns of published NMAs over the past
      decades. METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library were
      searched (at 9th July, 2015) to include systematic reviews incorporating NMA. Two
      reviewers independently selected studies and cross-checked the standardized data.
      Data was analyzed using Ucinet 6.0 and SPSS 17.0. NetDraw software was used to
      draw social networks. RESULTS: 771 NMAs published in 336 journals from 3459
      authors and 1258 institutions in 49 countries through the period 1997-2015 were
      included. More than three-quarters (n = 625; 81.06%) of the NMAs were published
      in the last 5-years. The BMJ (4.93%), Current Medical Research and Opinion
      (4.67%) and PLOS One (4.02%) were the journals that published the greatest number
      of NMAs. The UK and the USA (followed by Canada, China, the Netherlands, Italy
      and Germany) headed the absolute global productivity ranking in number of NMAs.
      The top 20 authors and institutions with the highest publication rates were
      identified. Overall, 43 clusters of authors (four major groups: one with 37
      members, one with 12 members, one with 11 members and one with 10 members) and 21
      clusters of institutions (two major groups: one with 62 members and one with 20
      members) were identified. The most prolific authors were affiliated with academic
      institutions and private consulting firms. 181 consulting firms and
      pharmaceutical industries (14.39% of institutions) were involved in 199 NMAs
      (25.81% of total publications). Although there were increases in international
      and inter-institution collaborations, the research collaboration by authors,
      institutions and countries were still weak and most collaboration groups were
      small sizes. CONCLUSION: Scientific production on NMA is increasing worldwide
      with research leadership of Western countries (most notably, the UK, the USA and
      Canada). More authors, institutions and nations are becoming involved in research
      collaborations, but frequently with limited international collaborations.

PMID- 27685999
TI  - Public Health Risks in Urban Slums: Findings of the Qualitative 'Healthy Kitchens
      Healthy Cities' Study in Kathmandu, Nepal.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Communities in urban slums face multiple risks to their health. These
      are shaped by intermediary and structural determinants. Gaining a clear
      understanding of these determinants is a prerequisite for developing
      interventions to reduce the health consequences of urban poverty. With 828
      million people living in slum conditions, the need to find ways to reduce risks
      to health has never been greater. In many low income settings, the kitchen is the
      epicentre of activities and behaviours which either undermine or enhance health.
      METHODS: We used qualitative methods of semi-structured interviews, observation
      and participatory workshops in two slum areas in Kathmandu, Nepal to gain women's
      perspectives on the health risks they faced in and around their kitchens. Twenty
      one women were interviewed and four participatory workshops with a total of 69
      women were held. The women took photographs of their kitchens to trigger
      discussions. FINDINGS: The main health conditions identified by the women were
      respiratory disease, gastrointestinal disease and burn injuries. Women clearly
      understood intermediary (psychosocial, material and behavioural) determinants to
      these health conditions such as poor ventilation, cooking on open fires, over
      crowding, lack of adequate child supervision. Women articulated the stress they
      experienced and clearly linked this to health conditions such as heart disease
      and uptake of smoking. They were also able to identify protective factors,
      particularly social capital. Subsequent analysis highlighted how female headed
      households and those with disabilities had to contend with greater risks to
      health. CONCLUSIONS: Women living in slums are very aware of the intermediary
      determinants-material, behavioural and psycho-social, that increase their
      vulnerability to ill health. They are also able to identify protective factors,
      particularly social capital. It is only by understanding the determinants at all
      levels, not just the behavioural, that we will be able to identify appropriate
      interventions.

PMID- 27686000
TI  - Different Training-Induced Skeletal Muscle Adaptations in COPD Patients with and
      without Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) improves oxidative capacity of
      peripheral muscles in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
      The exercise-induced oxidative skeletal muscle adaptation in COPD patients with
      inherited alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (A1ATD) has not been studied.
      OBJECTIVES: To compare PR effects on skeletal muscle adaptation in COPD patients
      with and without A1ATD. METHODS: Nine COPD patients with A1ATD (genotype PiZZ, 6
      receiving A1AT augmentation therapy), and 10 'usual' COPD patients (genotype
      PiMM) performed an incremental cycling test and underwent musculus vastus
      lateralis biopsies before and after a 3-week PR program including exercise
      training. RESULTS: PiZZ and PiMM patients improved peak work rate following PR
      (+9 +/- 11 W, p < 0.05, and +18 +/- 9 W, p < 0.001, between-group difference p <
      0.05). PiMM patients increased fibre type I (+8.1%), reduced fibre type IIA (
      2.1%) and hybrid fibre type IIA/IIX proportion (-3.9%). Following PR, PiMM
      patients also raised mitochondrial signalling proteins PGC-1alpha (4.5-fold), and
      TFAM (6.4-fold). PiZZ patients had no change in fibre type I but showed a shift
      of type IIA/IIX (-8.8%) towards fibre type IIA distribution (+8.9%). The
      capillary to fibre ratio increased by 28% (p < 0.05) in PiZZ, whereas no change
      was observed in PiMM patients. Linear regression analysis revealed that diffusion
      capacity and A1AT therapy are predictor variables for myofibre type I response to
      PR (r2 = 0.684, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Following a 3-week PR with comparable
      training modalities, PiMM but not PiZZ patients increased the oxidative myofibre
      type I proportion. This skeletal muscle adaptation pattern suggests better
      improvement of exercise capacity in PiMM than in PiZZ patients with COPD.

PMID- 27686002
TI  - Randomized clinical trial: a pilot study comparing efficacy of low-dose
      azathioprine and allopurinol to azathioprine on clinical outcomes in inflammatory
      bowel disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Treating inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) using thiopurines is
      effective; however, a high rate of adverse effects and lack of efficacy limit its
      use. Retrospective studies have suggested that treatment with low-dose
      thiopurines in combination with allopurinol is associated with higher remission
      rates and lower incidence of adverse events. AIM: To compare the rates of
      clinical remission and the rates of adverse events in IBD patients treated with
      either standard treatment with azathioprine or low-dose azathioprine in
      combination with allopurinol. METHODS: A prospective, open-label study,
      randomizing thiopurine-naive IBD patients with normal thiopurine
      methyltransferase to 24 weeks of treatment with either standard azathioprine dose
      or low-dose azathioprine and allopurinol. RESULTS: A total of 46 patients with
      ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease were randomized. We conducted an intention
      to treat analysis and found a significant (69.6%) proportion of the patients
      treated with low-dose azathioprine in combination with allopurinol was in
      clinical remission without the need for steroid or biologic treatment at week 24
      compared to 34.7% of the patients treated with azathioprine monotherapy (RR, 2.10
      [95% CI: 1.07-4.11]). In the azathioprine group, 47.8% of the patients compared
      to 30.4% of the patients in the azathioprine-allopurinol group had to withdraw
      from the study due to adverse events (RR, 1.47 [95% CI: 0.76-2.85]) Conclusions:
      This study indicated that by changing the treatment strategy from standard weight
      based dosing of azathioprine to weight-based low-dose azathioprine in combination
      with allopurinol, we can increase remission rates in patients with IBD.

PMID- 27686001
TI  - Aberrant DNA methylations in chondrosarcoma.
AB  - Chondrosarcoma (CS) is the second most common primary malignant bone tumor.
      Unlike other bone tumors, CS is highly resistant to conventional chemotherapy and
      radiotherapy, thus resulting in poor patient outcomes. There is an urgent need to
      establish alternative therapies for CS. However, the etiology and pathogenesis of
      CS still remain elusive. Recently, DNA methylation-associated epigenetic changes
      have been found to play a pivotal role in the initiation and development of human
      cancers, including CS, by regulating target gene expression in different cellular
      pathways. Elucidating the mechanisms of DNA methylation alteration may provide
      biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis, as well as novel treatment options for
      CS. We have conducted a critical review to summarize the evidence regarding
      aberrant DNA methylation patterns as diagnostic biomarkers, predictors of
      progression and potential treatment strategies in CS.

PMID- 27686003
TI  - Why do entrepreneurial mHealth ventures in the developing world fail to scale?
AB  - Telemedicine is an increasingly common approach to improve healthcare access in
      developing countries with fledgling healthcare systems. Despite the strong
      financial, logistical and clinical support from non-governmental organisations
      (NGOs), government ministries and private actors alike, the majority of
      telemedicine projects do not survive beyond the initial pilot phase and achieve
      their full potential. Based on a review of 35 entrepreneurial telemedicine and
      mHealth ventures, and 17 reports that analyse their operations and challenges,
      this article provides a narrative review of recurring failure modes, i.e. factors
      that lead to failure of such venture pilots. Real-world examples of successful
      and failed ventures are examined for key take-away messages and practical
      strategies for creating commercial viable telemedicine operations. A better
      understanding of these failure modes can inform the design of sustainable and
      scalable telemedicine systems that effectively address the growing healthcare
      disparities in developing countries.

PMID- 27686005
TI  - Emerging drugs for the treatment of angina pectoris.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Angina pectoris, or symptomatic myocardial ischaemia, reflects an
      impairment of coronary blood flow, and usually a deficiency of available
      myocardial energetics. Treatment options vary with the precise cause, which may
      vary with regards to the roles of increased myocardial oxygen demand versus
      reduced supply. Traditionally, organic nitrates, beta-adrenoceptor antagonists,
      and non-dihydropyridine calcium antagonists were the only commonly used
      prophylactic anti-anginal agents. However, many patients failed to respond
      adequately to such therapy, and/or were unsuitable for their use. Areas covered:
      A number of 'new' agents have been shown to represent ancillary forms of
      prophylactic anti-anginal therapy and are particularly useful in patients who are
      relatively unsuitable for either percutaneous or surgical revascularisation.
      These include modulators of myocardial metabolic efficiency, such as perhexiline,
      trimetazidine and ranolazine, as well as high dose allopurinol, nicorandil and
      ivabradine. The advantages and disadvantages of these various agents are
      summarized. Expert opinion: 'Optimal' medical treatment of angina pectoris now
      includes use of agents primarily intended to reduce risk of infarction (e.g.
      statins, aspirin, ACE inhibitors). In patients whose angina persists despite the
      use of 'standard' anti-anginal therapy, and who are not ideal for invasive
      revascularization options, a number of emerging drugs offer prospects of
      symptomatic relief.

PMID- 27686004
TI  - Increased PD-1/STAT1 ratio may account for the survival benefit in decitabine
      therapy for lower risk myelodysplastic syndrome.
AB  - Decitabine is an effective therapy for patients with lower risk myelodysplastic
      syndrome (MDS). However, the mechanisms of decitabine's therapeutic effect are
      not well established. Forty-four lower risk MDS patients received decitabine
      therapy. 59.1% patients achieved treatment response, and 53.8% patients who were
      RBC/platelet-dependent cast off the transfusion burden. The median overall
      survival (OS) was 19.0 months after decitabine treatment. Moreover, polarization
      toward type 1 in the CD8 + subset was enhanced, and a significantly increased
      expression of the PD-1, PD-L1, and PD-1/STAT1 ratio was observed in these lower
      risk MDS. The patients with amplification of PD-1/STAT1 ratio (2-4) achieved
      longer OS. Thus, our results suggest that the effect mechanism of decitabine
      toward lower risk MDS may be the moderate increase of PD-1/STAT1, which
      contributes to hematopoietic improvement. These findings suggest that a different
      PD-1-related strategy from those used to treat higher risk patients could be used
      for lower risk MDS patients.

PMID- 27686006
TI  - Layered and Pb-Free Organic-Inorganic Perovskite Materials for Ultraviolet
      Photoresponse: (010)-Oriented (CH3NH3)2MnCl4 Thin Film.
AB  - Organic-inorganic lead perovskite materials show impressive performance in
      photovoltaics, photodetectors, light-emitting diodes, lasers, sensors, medical
      imaging devices, and other applications. Although organic-inorganic lead
      perovskites have shown good performance in numerous fields, they contain toxic
      Pb, which is expected to cause environmental pollution in future large-scale
      applications. Thus, the photoelectric properties of Pb-free organic-inorganic
      perovskite materials should be developed and studied. In this paper, we report on
      the photoresponse of Pb-free organic-inorganic hybrid manganese perovskite
      (CH3NH3)2MnCl4. To the best of our knowledge, this study demonstrates the first
      time that organic-inorganic hybrid manganese perovskites are used for this type
      of application. We found that the solution-processed MA2MnCl4 thin film tends to
      be oriented along the b-axis direction on the TiO2 surface. The evident
      photoresponse of the FTO/TiO2/MA2MnCl4/carbon electrode devices was observed
      under 10-30 Hz flashlight frequencies and a 330 nm light beam. This simple,
      green, and low-cost photoresponsive device is beneficial for the future
      industrial production of optical recorders and optical memory devices.

PMID- 27686007
TI  - Facile Stimuli-Responsive Transformation of Vesicle to Nanofiber to
      Supramolecular Gel via omega-Amino Acid-Based Dynamic Covalent Chemistry.
AB  - This paper reports an interesting type of self-assembly systems based on dynamic
      covalent bonds. The systems are pH-responsible and reversible, which could be
      utilized for controlling the morphology transformation of the assemblies. In
      alkaline conditions, the amine group of 11-aminoundecanoic acid (AUA) can connect
      with the aldehyde group of benzaldehyde (BA) or 1-naphthaledhyde (NA) by dynamic
      covalent bond to form a small organic building block accompanied by the
      morphological transformation from vesicles to fibers. When pH is lowered to a
      neutral value, the dynamic covalent bonds (imine bonds) can be hydrolyzed,
      leading to the dissociation of fibers and appearance of spherical aggregates. The
      transformation was confirmed reversible as fibers appeared again when the pH was
      changed back to alkaline value. In addition, a reversibly controlled gel was
      designed based on the nanofiber formation. NaCl, which is capable of greatly
      enhance the nanofiber density and cross-linking, was used to induce the growth of
      free-standing gel from free-flowing nanofiber system, and the resultant gel was
      proven to be pH-reversible.

PMID- 27686010
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 27686008
TI  - New roles for mean platelet volume measurement in the clinical practice?
AB  - Several hundreds of studies recently investigated mean platelet volume (MPV) as
      measured by electronic cell counters in a wide variety of acquired diseases, and
      most of them found that platelet size was significantly increased with respect to
      healthy subjects. On this basis, it has been suggested that MPV can be used for
      diagnostic purposes. Moreover, investigation of subjects with arterial thrombosis
      not only revealed that their platelets were larger than those of controls, but
      also found that a high MPV predicted poor prognosis. Despite the large amount of
      available data, the pathogenesis of increased platelet size in these conditions
      is unclear. In particular, we do not know whether the increased platelet size is
      the cause or the consequence of thrombosis. Differences in MPV between patients
      and controls are usually very small and they reach the statistical significance
      because of the large number of investigated patients and the standardized
      methodology for MPV measurement. In real life, the wide variability of MPV
      possibly due to platelet count, sex, age, and ethnicity, as well as the very poor
      standardization of the methodologies used for MPV measurement, makes it
      impossible to decide whether an individual patient has normal or instead slightly
      increased MPV. So, MPV has presently no role in making diagnosis and defining
      prognosis in any acquired illness.

PMID- 27686009
TI  - The effect of non-native and non-regional speech testing on a multi-lingual
      population.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to evaluate the speech perception of
      Malaysian Chinese adults using the Taiwanese Mandarin HINT (MHINT-T) and the
      Malay HINT (MyHINT). DESIGN: The MHINT-T and the MyHINT were presented in quiet
      and noise (front, right and left) conditions under headphones. Results for the
      two tests were compared with each other and with the norms for each test. STUDY
      SAMPLE: Malaysian Chinese native speakers of Mandarin (N = 58), 18-31 years of
      age with normal hearing. RESULTS: On average, subjects demonstrated poorer speech
      perception ability than the normative samples for these tests. Repeated measures
      ANOVA showed that speech reception thresholds (SRTs) were slightly poorer on the
      MHINT-T than on the MyHINT for all test conditions. However, normalized SRTs were
      poorer by 0.6 standard deviations for MyHINT as compared with MHINT-T.
      CONCLUSIONS: MyHINT and MHINT-T can be used as norm-referenced speech perception
      measures for Mandarin-speaking Chinese in Malaysia.

PMID- 27686011
TI  - Dietary macronutrient composition affects hypothalamic appetite regulation in
      chicks.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective was to determine the effects of high-protein and high
      fat diets, and fasting and refeeding, on appetite regulation in chicks. METHODS:
      Day of hatch chicks were fed one of four diets: basal, high protein (25% crude
      protein), and 15 and 30% high fat (15 and 30% metabolizable energy derived from
      soybean oil, respectively), and assigned to one of three treatments at 4 days:
      (1) access to feed, (2) 3 hours of fasting, or (3) fasting followed by 1 hour of
      refeeding. The hypothalamus was collected, total RNA isolated, and mRNA abundance
      measured. RESULTS: Food intake was reduced in chicks fed the high-protein and
      high-fat diets. Agouti-related peptide, neuropeptide Y (NPY), NPY receptors 1, 2,
      and 5, melanocortin receptors 3 and 4 (MC3R and 4R, respectively), mesotocin,
      corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), and CRF receptor sub-type 2 (CRFR2) mRNAs
      were greatest in chicks that consumed the basal diet. Refeeding was associated
      with increased MC3R mRNA in the high-protein diet group. CRFR2 mRNA was increased
      by fasting and refeeding in chicks that consumed the high-protein diet.
      DISCUSSION: Food intake and hypothalamic gene expression of some important
      appetite-associated factors were reduced in chicks fed the high-protein or high
      fat diets. Fasting and refeeding accentuated several differences and results
      suggest that the CRF and melanocortin pathways are involved.

PMID- 27686012
TI  - Interventions to support recovery after domestic and sexual violence in primary
      care.
AB  - Experiences of domestic and sexual violence are common in patients attending
      primary care. Most often they are not identified due to barriers to asking by
      health practitioners and disclosure by patients. Women are more likely than men
      to experience such violence and present with mental and physical health symptoms
      to health practitioners. If identified through screening or case finding as
      experiencing violence they need to be supported to recover from these traumas.
      This paper draws on systematic reviews published in 2013-2015 and a further
      literature search undertaken to identify recent intervention studies relevant to
      recovery from domestic and sexual violence in primary care. There is limited
      evidence as to what interventions in primary care assist with recovery from
      domestic violence; however, they can be categorized into the following areas:
      first line response and referral, psychological treatments, safety planning and
      advocacy, including through home visitation and peer support programmes, and
      parenting and mother-child interventions. Sexual violence interventions usually
      include trauma informed care and models to support recovery. The most promising
      results have been from nurse home visiting advocacy programmes, mother-child
      psychotherapeutic interventions, and specific psychological treatments (Cognitive
      Behaviour Therapy, Trauma informed Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and, for sexual
      assault, Exposure and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
      Interventions). Holistic healing models have not been formally tested by
      randomized controlled trials, but show some promise. Further research into what
      supports women and their children on their trajectory of recovery from domestic
      and sexual violence is urgently needed.

PMID- 27686013
TI  - Metabolic time-course response after resistance exercise: A metabolomics
      approach.
AB  - This study analysed the time course of the global metabolic acute response after
      resistance exercise (RE), with the use of proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H
      NMR) spectroscopy. Ten young healthy males performed 4 sets of 10 repetitions at
      70% of one-repetition maximum in the leg press and knee extension exercises and
      had the serum metabolome assessed at 5, 15, 30 and 60 min post-RE. Measurements
      were also performed 1 h earlier and immediately before the exercises, as an
      attempt to characterise each participant's serum metabolome at rest. One-way
      ANOVA was applied and the significance level was set at P <= 0.05. RE promoted an
      increase in 2-hydroxybutyrate, 2-oxoisocaproate, 3-hydroxyisobutyrate, alanine,
      hypoxanthine, lactate, pyruvate and succinate concentrations. However,
      isoleucine, leucine, lysine, ornithine and valine had their concentrations
      decreased post-RE compared with at rest. This is the first study to show
      significant changes in serum concentration of metabolites such as 2
      oxoisocaproate, 2-hydroxybutyrate, 3-hydroxyisobutyrate, lysine, hypoxanthine and
      pyruvate post-RE, attesting metabolomics as an interesting approach to advance in
      the understanding of global RE-induced metabolic changes. Moreover, the present
      data could influence the time point of blood collection in the future studies
      that aims to investigate metabolism and exercise.

PMID- 27686014
TI  - Characteristics and origins of air pollutants in Wuhan, China, based on
      observations and hybrid receptor models.
AB  - : To identify the characteristics of air pollutants and factors attributing to
      the formation of haze in Wuhan, this study analyzed the hourly observations of
      air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, O3, and CO) from March 1, 2013, to
      February 28, 2014, and used hybrid receptor models for a case study. The results
      showed that the annual average concentrations for PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, O3, and
      CO during the whole period were 89.6 MUg m-3, 134.9 MUg m-3, 54.9 MUg m-3, 32.4
      MUg m-3, 62.3 MUg m-3, and 1.1 mg m-3, respectively. The monthly variations
      revealed that the peak values of PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, and CO occurred in
      December because of increased local emissions and severe weather conditions,
      while the lowest values occurred in July mainly due to larger precipitation. The
      maximum O3 concentrations occurred in warm seasons from May to August, which may
      be partly due to the high temperature and solar radiation. Diurnal analysis
      showed that hourly PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and CO concentrations had two ascending
      stages accompanying by the two traffic peaks. However, the O3 concentration
      variations were different with the highest concentration in the afternoon. A case
      study utilizing hybrid receptor models showed the significant impact of regional
      transport on the haze formation in Wuhan and revealed that the mainly potential
      polluted sources were located in the north and south of Wuhan, such as Baoding
      and Handan in Hebei province, and Changsha in Hunan province. IMPLICATIONS: Wuhan
      city requires a 5% reduction of the annual mean of PM2.5 concentration by the end
      of 2017. In order to accomplish this goal, Wuhan has adopted some measures to
      improve its air quality. This work has determined the main pollution sources that
      affect the formation of haze in Wuhan by transport. We showed that apart from the
      local emissions, north and south of Wuhan were the potential sources contributing
      to the high PM2.5 concentrations in Wuhan, such as Baoding and Handan in Hebei
      province, Zhumadian and Jiaozuo in Henan province, and Changsha and Zhuzhou in
      Hunan province.

PMID- 27686015
TI  - Toward an Effective Ebola Virus Vaccine.
AB  - Long-term control of viral outbreaks requires the use of vaccines to impart
      acquired resistance and ensuing protection. In the wake of an epidemic,
      established immunity against a particular disease can limit spread and
      significantly decrease mortality. Creation of a safe and efficacious vaccine
      against Ebola virus (EBOV) has proven elusive so far, but various inventive
      strategies are now being employed to counteract the threat of outbreaks caused by
      EBOV and related filoviruses. Here, we present a current overview of progress in
      the field of Ebola virus vaccine development.

PMID- 27686016
TI  - Resection of Liver Metastases in Colorectal Cancer in the Era of Expanding
      Systemic Therapy.
AB  - About 25% of patients with colorectal cancer develop liver metastases after
      resection of the primary tumor, and surgical resection of the metastases offers
      the only opportunity for long-term survival. However, only 20% of patients
      present with resectable disease. Deciding which patients should be offered
      surgery, and which should receive additional treatment in the form of
      perioperative chemotherapy, is complex. For the majority of patients who present
      with technically irresectable liver-limited disease, systemic downsizing
      chemotherapy offers the only opportunity to reach surgery and potential cure.
      Molecular analysis of tumor tissue is improving patient stratification, allowing
      more appropriate treatment selection, but is not yet a regular part of clinical
      practice. Decision making is limited by a lack of clear prospective evidence, and
      so multidisciplinary team assessment is essential to optimize outcomes.

PMID- 27686017
TI  - Oral Combination Therapies for Hepatitis C Virus Infection: Successes,
      Challenges, and Unmet Needs.
AB  - The current standard of care for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV)
      consists of interferon-free direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regimens, including
      combinations of DAAs and fixed-dose combination pills. DAAs for HCV are likely to
      be heralded as one of medicine's greatest advancements. Viral eradication rates
      are pushing 100% for many HCV-infected populations, including patients with
      HIV/HCV coinfection, decompensated cirrhosis, liver and kidney transplants, and
      end-stage liver disease. We highlight the greatest successes of combination DAA
      therapies, discuss the ongoing challenges, and identify the remaining patient
      subgroups with unmet medical needs.

PMID- 27686018
TI  - Highly Effective New Treatments for Psoriasis Target the IL-23/Type 17 T Cell
      Autoimmune Axis.
AB  - Psoriasis vulgaris, affecting the skin, is one of the most common organ-specific
      autoimmune diseases in humans. Until recently, psoriasis was treated by agents or
      approaches discovered largely through serendipity. Many of the available drugs
      were inherently quite toxic when used as continuous treatment for many years in
      this chronic disease. However, an increasing understanding of disease-specific
      immune pathways has spurred development of pathway-targeted therapeutics during
      the past decade. Psoriasis is now the most effectively treated human autoimmune
      disease, with high-level clinical improvements possible in ~90% of patients using
      a new generation of drugs that selectively target the IL-23/Type 17 T cell axis.
      Thus, psoriasis is a model for the success of a translational-medicine approach
      based on cellular and molecular dissection of disease pathogenesis in humans.

PMID- 27686019
TI  - Neprilysin Inhibitors: Emerging Therapy for Heart Failure.
AB  - Biologically active natriuretic peptides (NPs) are an integral part of cardiac
      homeostasis as they help to maintain sodium and fluid balance. When homeostasis
      is perturbed by neurohormonal activation in heart failure, levels of NPs rise in
      response. Neprilysin (NEP) is a naturally occuring enzyme that breaks down NPs.
      Scientists have recently discovered a novel pharmacologic agent that combines a
      NEP inhibitor and an angiotensin receptor blocker. In a large clinical trial,
      this new drug was found to reduce hospitalization and mortality in systolic heart
      failure. The challenges of implementing this therapy include patient selection,
      cost, and risk of side effects including angioedema and Alzheimer's disease.

PMID- 27686020
TI  - Cardiac Pacing and Defibrillation Devices: Cost and Effectiveness.
AB  - Implantable cardiac pacing and defibrillation devices are effective and commonly
      used therapies for patients with cardiac rhythm disorders. Because device
      implantation is not easily reversible, as well as the high healthcare costs
      inherent in device use, a clear understanding of the clinical benefits relative
      to costs is essential for both appropriate clinical use and rational policy
      making. Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) have been among the best
      investigated therapies in medicine; these devices have been the topic of numerous
      clinical and economic evaluations during the past 30 years. However, many
      important questions remain unclarified. We review the evidence supporting the
      clinical benefits of CIEDs, including effectiveness in extending survival as well
      as improving quality of life. We also summarize the economic studies that have
      investigated costs associated with these devices and their overall cost
      effectiveness, and we highlight important potential areas for future research.

PMID- 27686021
TI  - Management of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus During Pregnancy.
AB  - Reproductive issues including contraception, fertility, and pregnancy are
      important components of the comprehensive care of women with systemic lupus
      erythematosus (SLE). SLE pregnancies are complicated due to risk for maternal
      disease exacerbation and potential for fetal and neonatal complications. Pre
      pregnancy assessment is important to identify patients with severe disease
      related damage who should avoid pregnancy, counsel patients to conceive when
      disease has been stable and inactive on appropriate medications, and assess
      relevant risk factors including renal disease, antiphospholipid antibody, and
      anti-Ro/SS-A and anti-La/SS-B antibodies. With careful planning, monitoring, and
      care, most women with SLE can anticipate a successful pregnancy.

PMID- 27686022
TI  - Checkpoint adaptation: Keeping Cdc5 in the T-loop.

PMID- 27686023
TI  - Structural and biophysical properties of h-FANCI ARM repeat protein.
AB  - Fanconi anemia complementation groups - I (FANCI) protein facilitates DNA ICL
      (Inter-Cross-link) repair and plays a crucial role in genomic integrity. FANCI is
      a 1328 amino acids protein which contains armadillo (ARM) repeats and EDGE motif
      at the C-terminus. ARM repeats are functionally diverse and evolutionarily
      conserved domain that plays a pivotal role in protein-protein and protein-DNA
      interactions. Considering the importance of ARM repeats, we have explored
      comprehensive in silico and in vitro approach to examine folding pattern. Size
      exclusion chromatography, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and glutaraldehyde
      crosslinking studies suggest that FANCI ARM repeat exist as monomer as well as in
      oligomeric forms. Circular dichroism (CD) and fluorescence spectroscopy results
      demonstrate that protein has predominantly alpha- helices and well-folded
      tertiary structure. DNA binding was analysed using electrophoretic mobility shift
      assay by autoradiography. Temperature-dependent CD, Fluorescence spectroscopy and
      DLS studies concluded that protein unfolds and start forming oligomer from 30
      degrees C. The existence of stable portion within FANCI ARM repeat was examined
      using limited proteolysis and mass spectrometry. The normal mode analysis,
      molecular dynamics and principal component analysis demonstrated that helix-turn
      helix (HTH) motif present in ARM repeat is highly dynamic and has anti-correlated
      motion. Furthermore, FANCI ARM repeat has HTH structural motif which binds to
      double-stranded DNA.

PMID- 27686024
TI  - Interaction between hippocampal serotonin and cannabinoid systems in reactivity
      to spatial and object novelty detection.
AB  - Functional interaction between cannabinoid and serotonin neuronal systems have
      been reported in different tasks related to memory assessment. The present study
      investigated the effect of serotonin 5-HT4 agents into the dorsal hippocampus
      (the CA1 region) on spatial and object novelty detection deficits induced by
      activation of cannabinoid CB1 receptors (CB1Rs) using arachidonylcyclopropylamide
      (ACPA) in a non-associative behavioral task designed to forecast the ability of
      rodents to encode spatial and non-spatial relationships between distinct stimuli.
      Post-training, intra-CA1 microinjection of 5-HT4 receptor agonist RS67333 or 5
      HT4 receptor antagonist RS23597 both at the dose of 0.016MUg/mouse impaired
      spatial memory, while cannabinoid CB1R antagonist AM251 (0.1MUg/mouse)
      facilitated object novelty memory. Also, post-training, intraperitoneal
      administration of CB1R agonist ACPA (0.005-0.05mg/kg) impaired both memories.
      However, a subthreshold dose of RS67333 restored ACPA response on both memories.
      Moreover, a subthreshold dose of RS23597 potentiated ACPA (0.01mg/kg) and
      reversed ACPA (0.05mg/kg) responses on spatial memory, while it potentiated ACPA
      response at the dose of 0.005 or 0.05mg/kg on object novelty memory. Furthermore,
      effective dose of AM251 restored ACPA response at the higher dose. AM251 blocked
      response induced by combination of RS67333 or RS23597 and the higher dose of ACPA
      on both memories. Our results highlight that hippocampal 5-HT4 receptors
      differently affect cannabinoid signaling in spatial and object novelty memories.
      The inactivation of CB1 receptors blocks the effect of 5-HT4 agents into the CA1
      region on memory deficits induced by activation of CB1Rs via ACPA.

PMID- 27686025
TI  - Lack of effect of chronic ketamine administration on depression-like behavior and
      frontal cortex autophagy in female and male ICR mice.
AB  - The acute antidepressant effects of ketamine provide hope for the development of
      a fast acting approach to treat depression but the consequences of chronic
      treatment with ketamine are still unclear. One theory regarding the acute effect
      is that ketamine acts through activation of mTOR but chronic activation of mTOR
      may lead to reduced autophagy and reduced autophagy could have negative
      consequences on neuronal plasticity and survival and on affect. To study the
      interaction between chronic ketamine administration, autophagy and depression the
      present study tested the effects of 3 weeks daily administration of 5 or 10mg/kg
      ketamine in both female and male ICR mice on behavior in the open field and the
      forced swim test and on frontal cortex levels of beclin-1 and p62, two proteins
      that serve as markers of autophagy. The results show that acute administration of
      ketamine results in an antidepressant-like effect in the FST, chronic ketamine
      had no effects in the behavioral tests. There was no difference in the acute or
      chronic groups between female and male mice. Additionally, chronic ketamine did
      not alter frontal cortex levels of autophagy markers. The present study suggests
      that in ICR mice, chronic ketamine does not have the same clear effects that are
      seen after acute treatment. The lack of difference between females and males and
      the lack of effects on autophagy after chronic treatment is discussed.

PMID- 27686027
TI  - Parkinson's disease psychosis as a serotonin-dopamine imbalance syndrome.
AB  - Parkinson's disease psychosis (PDP) is theoretically a serotonin-dopamine
      imbalance syndrome due to disruption of the normal balance between the
      serotonergic and dopaminergic neurotransmitter systems in key brain circuits.

PMID- 27686026
TI  - The role of neuropeptide CART in the lateral hypothalamic-ventral tegmental area
      (LH-VTA) circuit in motivation.
AB  - Rats with electrode implanted in the lateral hypothalamus (LH)-medial forebrain
      bundle (MFB) area actively engage in intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS).
      However, the neuronal substrate that translates the electrical pulses into the
      neural signals, and integrates the information with mesolimbic reward system, has
      remained elusive. We test the hypothesis that the cocaine- and amphetamine
      regulated transcript (CART) neurons in the LH-MFB area may support this function.
      The ICSS activity via an electrode in LH-MFB area was facilitated by CART (55
      102) peptide stereotaxically injected in the lateral ventricle or posterior
      ventral tegmental area (pVTA), but attenuated by CART antibody. While the ICSS
      experience seems to activate CART cells in the LH, the pVTA showed significant
      increment in the CART fiber terminals on the dopamine cells, increase in tyrosine
      hydroxylase (TH)-immunoreactivity, and CART and synaptophysin colabeled elements.
      Neuronal tracing experiments revealed that CART cells of the LH-MFB region
      project to the pVTA. The rats with stereotaxically implanted cannulae in pVTA
      avidly self-infused CART (55-102) suggesting a role for the peptide in
      motivation, however, CART (1-39) was ineffective. CART self-infusing activity was
      inhibited by dopamine D1 receptors antagonist, given directly in the nucleus
      accumbens shell (AcbSh). The rats trained to self-administer CART (55-102) showed
      enhanced TH immunoreactivity in the cells of pVTA and fibers in AcbSh. We suggest
      that CART neurons of the LH-MFB area may play a role in conveying reward
      information to the mesolimbic dopamine neurons, which in turn may arouse the goal
      directed behavior.

PMID- 27686030
TI  - Promoting academic careers of women in medicine.

PMID- 27686028
TI  - Lamotrigine compared to placebo and other agents with antidepressant activity in
      patients with unipolar and bipolar depression: a comprehensive meta-analysis of
      efficacy and safety outcomes in short-term trials.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To meta-analytically summarize lamotrigine's effectiveness and safety
      in unipolar and bipolar depression. METHODS: We conducted systematic PubMed and
      SCOPUS reviews (last search =10/01/2015) of randomized controlled trials
      comparing lamotrigine to placebo or other agents with antidepressant activity in
      unipolar or bipolar depression. We performed a random-effects meta-analysis of
      depression ratings, response, remission, and adverse effects calculating
      standardized mean difference (SMD) and risk ratio (RR) +/-95% confidence
      intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Eighteen studies (n=2152, duration=9.83 weeks) in
      patients with unipolar depression (studies=4, n=187; monotherapy vs lithium=1,
      augmentation of antidepressants vs placebo=3) or bipolar depression (studies=14,
      n=1965; monotherapy vs placebo=5, monotherapy vs lithium or
      olanzapine+fluoxetine=2, augmentation of antidepressants vs placebo=1,
      augmentation of mood stabilizers vs placebo=3, augmentation of mood stabilizers
      vs trancylpromine, citalopram, or inositol=3) were meta-analyzed. Lamotrigine's
      efficacy for depressive symptoms did not differ significantly in monotherapy vs
      augmentation studies (vs. placebo: p=0.98, I2=0%; vs active agents: p=0.48,
      I2=0%) or in unipolar vs bipolar patients (vs placebo: p=0.60, I2=0%), allowing
      pooling of each placebo-controlled and active-controlled trials. Lamotrigine
      outperformed placebo regarding depressive symptoms (studies=11, n=713 vs n=696;
      SMD=-0.15, 95% CI=-0.27, -0.02, p=0.02, heterogeneity: p=0.24) and response
      (after removing one extreme outlier; RR=1.42, 95% CI=1.13-1.78; p=0.003,
      heterogeneity: p=0.08). Conversely, lamotrigine did not differ regarding efficacy
      on depressive symptoms, response, or remission from lithium,
      olanzapine+fluoxetine, citalopram, or inositol (studies=6, n=306 vs n=318, p
      values=0.85-0.92). Adverse effects and all-cause/specific-cause discontinuation
      were similar across all comparisons. CONCLUSIONS: Lamotrigine was superior to
      placebo in improving unipolar and bipolar depressive symptoms, without causing
      more frequent adverse effects/discontinuations. Lamotrigine did not differ from
      lithium, olanzapine+fluoxetine, citalopram, or inositol.

PMID- 27686029
TI  - Efficacy and safety of dextrose-insulin in unmasking non-diagnostic Brugada ECG
      patterns.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Typical diagnostic, coved-type 1, Brugada ECG patterns fluctuate
      spontaneously over time with a high proportion of non-diagnostic ECG patterns.
      Insulin modulates ion transport mechanisms and causes hyperpolarization of the
      resting potential. We report our experience with unmasking J-ST changes in
      response to a dextrose-insulin test. METHODS: Nine patients, mean age 40.5+/
      19.4years (range: 15-65years), presented initially with a non-diagnostic ECG
      pattern, which was suggestive of Brugada syndrome (group I). They were compared
      with 10 patients with normal ECG patterns (group II). Participants received an
      infusion of 50g of 50% dextrose, followed by 10IU of intravenous regular insulin.
      Positive changes were defined by conversion to a diagnostic ECG pattern. RESULTS:
      The dextrose-insulin test was positive in six of seven (85.7%) patients (kappa
      0.79, p=0.02) that was confirmed with a pharmacologic test (kappa 1, p=0.003).
      One had an inconclusive test, and two with a negative test had an early
      repolarization ECG pattern. All subjects in group II had a negative test
      (p<0.01). The maximum changes of the J-ST segment were observed 41.3+/
      31.4minutes (range 3-90minutes) after dextrose-insulin infusion. One patient had
      monomorphic ventricular bigeminy without spontaneous or induced ventricular
      fibrillation. CONCLUSION: Changes in J-ST segment in the Brugada syndrome are
      influenced by glucose-insulin, and this report reproduces and supports the
      efficacy and safety of this metabolic test in the differential diagnosis of
      patients with non-diagnostic ECG patterns.

PMID- 27686031
TI  - [Infectious and neoplasic complications after kidney transplantation].
AB  - Infections and malignancies are the expected complications of immunosuppressive
      therapy, which non-specifically impairs cellular and humoral immune responses in
      renal transplant recipients. Infections were usually frequent and severe during
      the early post-transplant period (first year). Recent diagnostic methods
      (molecular biology) and availability of new antivirals, antifungal and antibiotic
      drugs made rapid diagnosis and systematic preventive strategies much easier and
      this resulted in a significant reduction of infections and infectious death in
      this population. However, new infectious agents like BK polyomavirus, hepatitis E
      virus, parvovirus (as well as Chigunkunya, West Nile and others in particular
      areas) were recently recognized as responsible of aggressive infections in the
      immunocompromised host. Malignancies are also common after transplantation, due
      to the intensity and duration of immunosuppression. Skin cancers and
      lymphoproliferative disorders are the most common and are undoubtedly caused by
      viral infections, but incidence of non-skin cancers is also increased. After
      reduction of immunosuppression, treatment is similar to non-transplant patients:
      Results are usually poor and cancer is now the third cause of death in transplant
      recipients. Due to their anti-proliferative and anti-tumoral properties,
      incidence of de novo cancer significantly decreased in patients receiving mTor
      inhibitors as maintenance immunosuppression; furthermore, in patients already
      diagnosed with Kaposi sarcoma or recurrent skin cancers, introduction of mTor was
      associated with stabilisation and/or regression of malignant lesions.

PMID- 27686032
TI  - [Beware, polyarteritis nodosa still exists in nephrology!]
AB  - Renal involvement of systemic vasculitides is an emergency in nephrology.
      Although it has become very rare, the diagnosis of polyarteritis nodosa must be
      considered in some patients. A 70-year-old patient, previously healthy, presented
      with acute renal failure and malignant hypertension and abundant albuminuria.
      Subcutaneous nodule, orchitis and mononeuritis appeared subsequently. The search
      for auto-immunity or viral infection was negative. Markers of thrombotic
      microangiopathy, present initially, resolved after blood pressure control. After
      a renal computed tomography with contrast medium injection was considered normal,
      without any micro-aneurysm, a renal biopsy was performed. It showed vascular
      lesions and glomerular ischemia. It was complicated by hemorragic shock after
      36hours. The diagnosis of periarteritis nodosa was finally made after arterial
      angiography showed millimetric renal micro-aneurysms. In case of systemic
      vasculitis with renal involvement, periarteritis nodosa must be part of
      differential diagnosis, especially in case of malignant hypertension,
      subcutaneous nodosa and orchitis, and despite albuminuria. This implies the
      search for micro-aneurysms with arterial angiography, and the contraindication of
      renal biopsy, associated with a high risk of severe hemorrhage. Periarteritis
      nodosa still exists in nephrology, even without hepatitis B infection. The
      association of acute renal failure with medium vessel vasculitis, with negative
      ANCA, must alert the nephrologist and lead to arterial angiography not to renal
      biopsy.

PMID- 27686033
TI  - [Inadequacy of the African-American ethnic factor to estimate glomerular
      filtration rate in an African general population: Results from Cote d'Ivoire].
AB  - Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimation is fundamental in clinical
      nephrology. It is usually estimated from equations based on serum creatinine. An
      ethnic factor is currently recommended for the black population for the two most
      used equations, i.e. the Chronic Kidney Disease-Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD
      EPI) and Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) study equations. However,
      these factors were determined from African-American subjects. Therefore, their
      use in the African subject (non-American) remained questionable. To date, no data
      are available in West Africa for the adequacy of these ethnic coefficients, as
      compared with a measurement of GFR by a reference method. One hundred and twenty
      subjects of the general population, with no nephrologic history, were included in
      the study (60 women and 60 men). GFR was determined by a reference method, i.e.
      the plasma clearance of iohexol. The performance (bias, standard deviation,
      accuracy within 30%) of both CKD-EPI and MDRD study equations were assessed with
      and without the ethnic factors. GFR measurements (mGFR) according iohexol
      reference method were 100+/-19mL/min/1.73m2. The MDRD study equation without any
      ethnic factor underestimates mGFR by -9+/-16mL/min/1.73m2, whereas the MDRD study
      equation with the ethnic factor overestimates mGFR by +10+/-18mL/min/1.73m2.
      Regarding the CKD-EPI equation, bias and accuracy within 30% are significantly
      better without than with the ethnic factor. Indeed, bias is 16+/-2mL/min/1.73m2
      and 18+/-17mL/min/1.73m2 and accuracy is 93% and 76%, without and with the ethnic
      factor, respectively (P<0.0001). We show for the first time in African population
      that the performance of CKD-EPI and MDRD study equations is significantly better,
      in a general population, without the "African-American" ethnic factor. The
      "African-American" ethnic factor should not be applied in West Africa.

PMID- 27686034
TI  - Lipid droplets in the ovine uterus during the estrous cycle: Effects of
      nutrition, arginine, and FSH.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate lipid droplet (LD) expression in uteri of
      FSH-treated or nontreated sheep administered with arginine (Arg) or vehicle
      (saline, Sal) and fed a control (C), excess (overfed, O) or restricted (underfed,
      U) diet. In experiment 1, ewes from each diet were randomly assigned to Arg or
      Sal treatments administered three times daily starting on Day 0 of the first
      estrous cycle until blood sample and uterine tissue collection at the early- or
      mid-luteal phase of the second estrous cycle or the late-luteal phase of the
      first estrous cycle. In experiment 2, ewes were injected twice daily with FSH on
      Days 13 to 15 of the first estrous cycle, and blood samples and uterine tissue
      were collected at the early- and mid-luteal phases of the second estrous cycle.
      Cryopreserved in optimum cutting temperature (OCT) compound, cross-sections of
      uterine horn were stained with boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY; marker of LDs)
      followed by 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining and image analysis to
      determine the proportion (%) of area occupied by LD in luminal epithelium (LE)
      and endometrial glands (EGs). Control ewes maintained, O ewes gained, and U ewes
      lost body weight during the experiments. Serum progesterone concentration was not
      affected by nutritional plane or Arg treatment and was 5.5-fold greater in FSH-
      than Sal-treated ewes. LDs were detected in LE and superficial EG (close to LE)
      but not deep EG, or other uterine compartments, and area occupied by LD was
      greater in LE than in EG. In experiment 1, in LE and EG, area occupied by LDs was
      greater in C than in O or U; greater in Arg than in Sal; and greater at the late
      , less at mid-, and least at early-luteal phases. In experiment 2, in LE and EG,
      area occupied by LDs was greater at mid- than in early-luteal phase. Comparison
      of data from FSH-treated and nontreated ewes (e.g., experiment 1 vs. experiment
      2) demonstrated that FSH increased the area occupied by LD in LE and EG
      regardless of diet. Interactions between FSH treatment, stage of the estrous
      cycle, and plane of nutrition demonstrated that FSH increased the area occupied
      by LD in LE and EG at the mid-luteal phase in O and U. Thus, LDs are
      differentially distributed in uterine compartments, and area occupied by LD in
      endometrium is affected by nutritional plane, Arg or FSH, and stage of the
      estrous cycle. Such changes in dynamics of LD in the endometrium during the
      estrous cycle indicate their specific role in uterine functions.

PMID- 27686035
TI  - Lipogenesis in a wing-polymorphic cricket: Canalization versus morph-specific
      plasticity as a function of nutritional heterogeneity.
AB  - The influence of variable nutritional input on life history adaptation is a
      central, but incompletely understood aspect of life history physiology. The wing
      polymorphic cricket, Gryllus firmus, has been extensively studied with respect to
      the biochemical basis of life history adaptation, in particular, modification of
      lipid metabolism that underlies the enhanced accumulation of lipid flight fuel in
      the dispersing morph [LW(f)=long wings with functional flight muscles] relative
      to the flightless (SW=short-winged) morph. To date, biochemical studies have been
      undertaken almost exclusively using a single laboratory diet. Thus, the extent to
      which nutritional heterogeneity, likely experienced in the field, influences this
      key morph adaptation is unknown. We used the experimental approach of the
      Geometric Framework for Nutrition and employed 13 diets that differed in the
      amounts and ratios of protein and carbohydrate to assess how nutrient amount and
      balance affects morph-specific lipid biosynthesis. Greater lipid biosynthesis and
      allocation to the soma in the LW(f) compared with the SW morph (1) occurred
      across the entire protein-carbohydrate landscape and (2) is likely an important
      contributor to elevated somatic lipid in the LW(f) morph across the entire
      protein-carbohydrate landscape. Nevertheless, dietary carbohydrate strongly
      affected lipid biosynthesis in a morph-specific manner (to a greater degree in
      the LW(f) morph). Lipogenesis in the SW morph may be constrained due to its more
      limited lipid storage capacity compared to the LW(f) morph. Elevated activity of
      NADP+-isocitrate dehydrogenase (NADP+-IDH), an enzyme that produces reducing
      equivalents for lipid biosynthesis, was correlated with and may be an important
      cause of the increased lipogenesis in the LW(f) morph across most, but not all
      regions of the protein-carbohydrate landscape. By contrast, ATP-citrate lyase
      (ACL), an enzyme that catalyzes the first step in the pathway of fatty acid
      biosynthesis, showed complex morph-specific patterns of activity that were
      strongly contingent upon diet. Morph-specific patterns of NADP+-IDH and ACL
      activities across the nutrient landscape were much more complex than expected
      from previous studies on a single diet. Collectively, our results indicate that
      the biochemical basis of an important life history adaptation, morph-specific
      lipogenesis, can be canalized in the face of substantial nutritional
      heterogeneity. However, in some regions of the protein-carbohydrate landscape, it
      is strongly modulated in a morph-specific manner.

PMID- 27686036
TI  - Fetal fibronectin testing in threatened preterm labor: time to stop.

PMID- 27686037
TI  - Pregnancy as a window to future health: short-term costs and consequences.

PMID- 27686038
TI  - A high-throughput bioimaging study to assess the impact of chitosan-based
      nanoparticle degradation on DNA delivery performance.
AB  - : By using imaging flow cytometry as a powerful statistical high-throughput
      technique we investigated the impact of degradation on the biological performance
      of trimethyl chitosan (TMC)-based nanoparticles (NPs). In order to achieve high
      transfection efficiencies, a precise balance between NP stability and degradation
      must occur. We altered the biodegradation rate of the TMC NPs by varying the
      degree of acetylation (DA) of the polymer (DA ranged from 4 to 21%), giving rise
      to NPs with different enzymatic degradation profiles. While this parameter did
      not affect NP size, charge or ability to protect plasmid DNA, NPs based on TMC
      with an intermediate DA (16%) showed the highest transfection efficiency.
      Subsequently, by means of a single quantitative technique, we were able to
      follow, for each tested formulation, major steps of the NP-mediated gene delivery
      process - NP cell membrane association, internalization and intracellular
      trafficking, including plasmid DNA transport towards the nucleus. NP cytotoxicity
      was also possible to determine by quantification of cell apoptosis. Overall, the
      obtained data revealed that the biodegradation rate of these NPs affects their
      intracellular trafficking and, consequently, their efficiency to transfect cells.
      Thus, one can use the polymer DA to modulate the NPs towards attaining different
      degradation rates and tune their bioactivity according to the desired
      application. Furthermore, this novel technical approach revealed to be a valuable
      tool for the initial steps of nucleic acid vector design. STATEMENT OF
      SIGNIFICANCE: By changing the biodegradation rate of trimethyl chitosan-based
      nanoparticles (NPs) one was able to alter the NP ability to protect or
      efficiently release DNA and consequently, to modulate their intracellular
      dynamics. To address the influence of NP degradation rate in their transfection
      efficiency we took advantage of imaging flow cytometry, a high-throughput
      bioimaging technique, to unravel some critical aspects about NP formulation such
      as the distinction between internalized versus cell-associated/adsorbed NP, and
      even explore NP intracellular localization. Overall, our work provides novel
      information about the importance of vector degradation rate for gene delivery
      into cells, as a way to tune gene expression as a function of the desired
      application, and advances novel approaches to optimize nanoparticle formulation.

PMID- 27686039
TI  - Anti-infective efficacy, cytocompatibility and biocompatibility of a 3D-printed
      osteoconductive composite scaffold functionalized with quaternized chitosan.
AB  - : Contaminated or infected bone defects remain serious challenges in clinical
      trauma and orthopaedics, and a bone substitute with both osteoconductivity and
      antibacterial properties represents an improvement for treatment strategy. In
      this study, quaternized chitosan (hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride
      chitosan, HACC) was grafted to 3D-printed scaffolds composed of polylactide-co
      glycolide (PLGA) and hydroxyapatite (HA), in order to design bone engineering
      scaffolds endowed with antibacterial and osteoconductive properties. We found
      that both the PLGA/HA/HACC and PLGA/HACC composite scaffolds decreased bacterial
      adhesion and biofilm formation under in vitro and in vivo conditions.
      Additionally, ATP leakage assay indicated that immobilizing HACC on the scaffolds
      could effectively disrupt microbial membranes. Using human bone marrow-derived
      mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs), we demonstrated that HA incorporated scaffolds,
      including PLGA/HA and PLGA/HA/HACC, favoured cell attachment, proliferation,
      spreading and osteogenic differentiation compared to HA-free PLGA or PLGA/HACC
      scaffolds. Finally, an in vivo biocompatibility assay conducted on rats, showed
      that HA incorporated scaffolds (including PLGA/HA and PLGA/HA/HACC scaffolds)
      exhibited good neovascularization and tissue integration. Taken together, our
      findings support the approach for developing porous PLGA/HA/HACC composite
      scaffold with potential clinical application in the treatment of infected bone.
      STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Although plenty of conductive scaffold biomaterials
      have been exploited to improve bone regeneration under infection, potential
      tissue toxicity under high concentration and antibiotic-resistance are their main
      deficiencies. This study indicated that HACC-grafted PLGA/HA composite scaffold
      prepared using an innovative 3D-printing technique and covalent grafting strategy
      showed significantly enhanced antibacterial activities, especially against the
      antibiotic-resistant strains, together with good osteogenic activity and
      biocompatibility. Therefore, it provides an effective porous composite scaffold
      to combat the infected bone defect in clinic with decreased risks of bacterial
      resistance and open a feasible strategy for the modification of scaffold
      interfaces involved in the bone regeneration and anti-infection.

PMID- 27686040
TI  - In vitro and in vivo assessment of controlled release and degradation of
      acoustically responsive scaffolds.
AB  - : Spatiotemporally controlled release of growth factors (GFs) is critical for
      regenerative processes such as angiogenesis. A common strategy is to encapsulate
      the GF within hydrogels, with release being controlled via diffusion and/or gel
      degradation (i.e., hydrolysis and/or proteolysis). However, simple encapsulation
      strategies do not provide spatial or temporal control of GF delivery, especially
      non-invasive, on-demand controlled release post implantation. We previously
      demonstrated that fibrin hydrogels, which are widely used in tissue engineering
      and GF delivery applications, can be doped with perfluorocarbon emulsion, thus
      yielding an acoustically responsive scaffold (ARS) that can be modulated with
      focused ultrasound, specifically via a mechanism termed acoustic droplet
      vaporization. This study investigates the impact of ARS and ultrasound properties
      on controlled release of a surrogate payload (i.e., fluorescently-labeled
      dextran) and fibrin degradation in vitro and in vivo. Ultrasound exposure
      (2.5MHz, peak rarefactional pressure: 8MPa, spatial peak time average intensity:
      86.4mW/cm2), generated up to 7.7 and 21.7-fold increases in dextran release from
      the ARSs in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Ultrasound also induced
      morphological changes in the ARS. Surprisingly, up to 2.9-fold greater blood
      vessel density was observed in ARSs compared to fibrin when implanted
      subcutaneously, even without delivery of pro-angiogenic GFs. The results
      demonstrate the potential utility of ARSs in generating controlled release for
      tissue regeneration. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Simple encapsulation of a
      molecular payload within a conventional hydrogel scaffold does not provide
      spatial or temporal control of payload release. Yet, spatiotemporally controlled
      release of bioactive payloads is critical for tissue regeneration, which often
      utilizes hydrogel scaffolds to facilitate processes such as angiogenesis. This
      work investigates the design and performance (both in vitro and in vivo) of
      hydrogel scaffolds where release of a fluorescent payload is non-invasively and
      spatiotemporally-controlled using focused ultrasound. We also quantitatively
      characterize the degradation and vascularization of the scaffolds. Our results
      may be of interest to groups working on controlled release strategies for
      implants, especially within the field of tissue engineering.

PMID- 27686042
TI  - Biodegradable functional polycarbonate micelles for controlled release of
      amphotericin B.
AB  - : Amphotericin B (AmB), a poorly soluble and toxic antifungal drug, was
      encapsulated into polymeric micelles self-assembled from phenylboronic acid
      functionalized polycarbonate/PEG (PEG-PBC) and urea-functionalized
      polycarbonate/PEG (PEG-PUC) diblock copolymers via hydrogen-bonding, boronate
      ester bond, and/or ionic interactions between the boronic acid group in the
      micellar core and amine group in AmB. Three micellar formulations were prepared:
      AmB/B micelles using PEG-PBC, AmB/U micelles using PEG-PUC and AmB/B+U mixed
      micelles using 1:1molar ratio of PEG-PBC and PEG-PUC. The average particle sizes
      of the micelles were in the range of 54.4-84.8nm with narrow size distribution
      and zeta potentials close to neutral. UV-Vis absorption analysis indicated that
      AmB/B micelles significantly reduced AmB aggregation status due to the
      interactions between AmB and the micellar core, while Fungizone(r) and AmB/U
      micelles had no effect. AmB/B+U mixed micelles exerted an intermediate effect.
      Both AmB/B micelles and AmB/B+U mixed micelles showed sustained drug release,
      with 48.6+/-2.1% and 59.2+/-1.8% AmB released respectively after 24hunder sink
      conditions, while AmB/U micelles displayed a burst release profile. All AmB
      loaded micelles showed comparable antifungal activity to free AmB or
      Fungizone(r), while AmB/B micelles and AmB/B+U mixed micelles were much less
      hemolytic than other formulations. Histological examination showed that AmB/B and
      AmB/B+U micelles led to a significantly lower number of apoptotic cells in the
      kidneys compared to Fungizone(r), suggesting reduced nephrotoxicity of the
      micellar formulations in vivo. These phenylboronic acid-functionalized polymeric
      micelle systems are promising drug carriers for AmB to reduce non-specific
      toxicities without compromise in antifungal activity. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE:
      There is a pressing need for a novel and cost-effective delivery system to reduce
      the toxicity induced by the antifungal agent, amphotericin B (AmB). In this
      study, phenylboronic acid-functionalized polycarbonate/PEG diblock copolymers
      were used to fabricate micelles for improved AmB-micelle interaction via the
      manipulation of hydrogen-bonding, boronate ester bond, ionic and hydrophobic
      interactions. Compared to free AmB and Fungizone(r), the resultant micellar
      systems displayed improved stability while reducing non-specific toxicities
      without a compromise in antifungal activity. These findings demonstrate the
      potential of biodegradable functional polycarbonate micellar systems as promising
      carriers of AmB for the treatment of systemic fungal infections.

PMID- 27686041
TI  - Direct silanization of zirconia for increased biointegration.
AB  - : High-performance bioinert ceramics such as zirconia have been used for
      biomedical devices since the early seventies. In order to promote
      osseointegration, the historical solution has been to increase the specific
      surface of the implant through roughness. Nevertheless these treatments on
      ceramics may create defects at the surface, exposing the material to higher
      chances of early failure. In zirconia, such treatments may also affect the
      stability of the surface. More recently, the interest of improving
      osseointegration of implants has moved the research focus towards the actual
      chemistry of the surface. Inspired by this, we have adapted the current knowledge
      and techniques of silica functionalization and applied it to successfully
      introduce 3-aminopropyldimethylethoxy silane (APDMES) directly on the surface of
      zirconia (3Y-TZP). We used plasma of oxygen to clean the surface and promote
      hydroxylation of the surface to increase silane density. The samples were
      extensively characterized by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and
      contact angle, mechanically tested and its cytotoxicity was evaluated through
      cell adhesion and proliferation tests. Additionally, aging was studied to discard
      negative effects of the treatment on the stability of the tetragonal phase. No
      adverse effect was found on the mechanical response of treated samples. In
      addition, plasma-treated samples exhibited an unexpectedly higher resistance to
      aging. Finally, silane density was 35% lower than the one reported in literature
      for silica. However cells displayed a qualitatively higher spreading in
      opposition to the rounder appearance of cells on untreated zirconia. These
      results lay the foundations for the next generation of zirconia implants with
      biologically friendlier surfaces. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The use of zirconia
      based ceramics in biomedical devices is broad and well accepted, especially in
      dental implants. However, they do not bond naturally to bone, therefore to ensure
      fixation surgeons typically rely on roughness at different scales, or on cements.
      Alternatively in this work we present a new perspective of surface modification
      through chemistry to enhance the interaction between surface and biological
      environment, without the downsides of roughness. This surface treatment is
      proposed for zirconia, which allowed a direct silanization of its surface and a
      higher cell attachment. The results of this research may open the possibility for
      the next generation of bioinert ceramic implants with more advanced tailored
      surfaces for increased osseointegration.

PMID- 27686043
TI  - Psychosocial Influences on Acceptability and Feasibility of Salivary Cortisol
      Collection From Community Samples of Children.
AB  - Salivary cortisol is considered to be a safe and noninvasive measure of
      hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis functioning, and is a commonly measured
      biomarker of the human stress response in pediatric research. However, cortisol
      is highly variable and sensitive to a wide range of factors, creating a challenge
      for reliable salivary cortisol collection in the community setting. Furthermore,
      the acceptability of salivary cortisol collection in community samples of
      children is largely unknown. The purpose of this integrative review was to
      investigate current evidence on the acceptability and feasibility of salivary
      cortisol collection in community samples of children. In an analysis framed by
      the Theory of Planned Behavior, data extracted from 31 studies revealed six
      categories of psychosocial influences on acceptability and feasibility:
      uncertainty and misconceptions, cultural and ethnic values, family rules and
      values, difficulty following protocols and procedures, burden of multiple
      samples, and child refusal or resistance. Further research is required to fully
      understand the factors that influence acceptability and feasibility of salivary
      cortisol collection in community samples of children. Understanding individual,
      family, and community perceptions of biobehavioral research will lead to more
      culturally sensitive and feasible community-based research methods. (c) 2016
      Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27686044
TI  - Cholesterol metabolism as a prognostic marker in patients with mildly symptomatic
      nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little is known about whether the alteration of cholesterol
      metabolism reflects abdominal organ impairments due to heart failure. Therefore,
      we investigated the prognostic value of cholesterol metabolism by evaluating
      serum campesterol and lathosterol levels in patients with early-stage nonischemic
      dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM). METHODS: We enrolled 64 patients with NIDCM
      (median age 57.5 years, 31% female) with New York Heart Association functional
      class I/II. Serum campesterol and lathosterol levels were measured in all
      patients. The patients were then divided into four subsets based on the median
      non-cholesterol sterol levels (campesterol 3.6MUg/mL, lathosterol 1.4MUg/mL):
      reference (R-subset), high-campesterol/high-lathosterol; absorption-reduced (A
      subset), low-campesterol/high-lathosterol; synthesis-reduced (S-subset), high
      campesterol/low-lathosterol; double-reduced (D-subset), low-campesterol/low
      lathosterol. Endpoint was a composite of cardiac events, including cardiac
      related death, hospitalization for worsening heart failure, and lethal
      arrhythmia. RESULTS: Median brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) level was 114pg/mL.
      Mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 31.4%. D-subset had the lowest total
      cholesterol level and cardiac index and the highest BNP level and pulmonary
      capillary wedge pressure. D-subset also had the highest cardiac event rate during
      the mean 3.8 years of follow-up (log-rank p=0.001). Multivariate regression
      analysis showed that D-subset was an independent determinant of cardiac events.
      The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that total
      cholesterol <153mg/dL was a best cut-off value for discrimination of the D
      subset. CONCLUSIONS: The combined reduction of campesterol and lathosterol that
      indicated intestinal cholesterol absorption and liver synthesis predicts future
      cardiac events in patients with mildly symptomatic NIDCM.

PMID- 27686046
TI  - Columnar structured FePt films epitaxially grown on large lattice mismatched
      intermediate layer.
AB  - The microstructure and magnetic properties of the FePt films grown on large
      mismatched ZrN (15.7%) intermediate layer were investigated. With using ZrN
      intermediate layer, FePt 10 nm films exhibited (001) texture except for some
      weaker FePt (110) texture. Good epitaxial relationships of FePt (001) <100>//ZrN
      (001) <100>//TiN (001) <100> among FePt and ZrN/TiN were revealed from the
      transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results. As compared with TiN intermediate
      layer, although FePt-SiO2-C films grown on ZrN/TiN intermediate layer showed
      isotropic magnetic properties, the large interfacial energy and lattice mismatch
      between FePt and ZrN would lead to form columnar structural FePt films with
      smaller grain size and improved isolation. By doping ZrN into the TiN layer,
      solid solution of ZrTiN was formed and the lattice constant is increased
      comparing with TiN and decreased comparing with ZrN. Moreover, FePt-SiO2-C films
      grown on TiN 2 nm-20 vol.% ZrN/TiN 3 nm intermediate layer showed an improved
      perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. Simultaneously, columnar structure with
      smaller grain size retained.

PMID- 27686047
TI  - Stroke: Remote white matter integrity influences cognitive function after stroke.

PMID- 27686045
TI  - The influence of facility and home pen design on the welfare of the laboratory
      housed dog.
AB  - We have an ethical and scientific obligation to Refine all aspects of the life of
      the laboratory-housed dog. Across industry there are many differences amongst
      facilities, home pen design and husbandry, as well as differences in features of
      the dogs such as strain, sex and scientific protocols. Understanding how these
      influence welfare, and hence scientific output is therefore critical. A
      significant proportion of dogs' lives are spent in the home pen and as such, the
      design can have a considerable impact on welfare. Although best practice
      guidelines exist, there is a paucity of empirical evidence to support the
      recommended Refinements and uptake varies across industry. In this study, we
      examine the effect of modern and traditional home pen design, overall facility
      design, husbandry, history of regulated procedures, strain and sex on welfare
      indicating behaviours and mechanical pressure threshold. Six groups of dogs from
      two facilities (total n=46) were observed in the home pen and tested for
      mechanical pressure threshold. Dogs which were housed in a purpose-built modern
      facility or in a modern design home pen showed the fewest behavioural indicators
      of negative welfare (such as alert or pacing behaviours) and more indicators of
      positive welfare (such as resting) compared to those in a traditional home pen
      design or traditional facility. Welfare indicating behaviours did not vary
      consistently with strain, but male dogs showed more negative welfare indicating
      behaviours and had greater variation in these behaviours than females. Our
      findings showed more positive welfare indicating behaviours in dogs with higher
      mechanical pressure thresholds. We conclude that factors relating to the design
      of home pens and implementation of Refinements at the facility level have a
      significant positive impact on the welfare of laboratory-housed dogs, with a
      potential concomitant impact on scientific endpoints.

PMID- 27686048
TI  - Huntington disease: Selective deactivation of Huntington disease mutant allele by
      CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing.

PMID- 27686050
TI  - Herceptin-functionalized pure paclitaxel nanocrystals for enhanced delivery to
      HER2-postive breast cancer cells.
AB  - The objective of this study was to prepare Herceptin (HCT)-functionalized
      paclitaxel nanocrystals and evaluated their cell-specific interactions, cellular
      accumulation, and growth inhibition in HER2-positve breast cancer cells as a
      tumor-targeted delivery module. Paclitaxel (PTX) was fabricated in the form of
      nanocrystals (PNCs) by a sono-precipitation method, and HCT were coated using a
      facile non-covalent method (PNCs-HCT). Our results showed that the PNCs-HCT were
      stable for at least 1month at 4 degrees C with no noticeable desorption of HCT.
      The release test showed that PNCs-HCT exhibited sustained drug release similar to
      only PNCs but with a higher release rate than only PTX powder. Cellular uptake,
      cytotoxicity, and cell cycle arrest studies revealed that PNCs-HCT exhibit
      greater binding affinity and higher cell-specific internalization to HER2
      positive breast cancer cell lines as compared to PNCs, followed by enhanced cell
      growth inhibition. HCT-functionalized PNCs presented in this study offer a
      promising strategy for targeted pure drug nanocrystal delivery and enhancing the
      efficiency of anticancer therapy.

PMID- 27686049
TI  - An endoplasmic reticulum stress-regulated lncRNA hosting a microRNA megacluster
      induces early features of diabetic nephropathy.
AB  - It is important to find better treatments for diabetic nephropathy (DN), a
      debilitating renal complication. Targeting early features of DN, including renal
      extracellular matrix accumulation (ECM) and glomerular hypertrophy, can prevent
      disease progression. Here we show that a megacluster of nearly 40 microRNAs and
      their host long non-coding RNA transcript (lnc-MGC) are coordinately increased in
      the glomeruli of mouse models of DN, and mesangial cells treated with
      transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF- beta1) or high glucose. Lnc-MGC is
      regulated by an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related transcription factor,
      CHOP. Cluster microRNAs and lnc-MGC are decreased in diabetic Chop-/- mice that
      showed protection from DN. Target genes of megacluster microRNAs have functions
      related to protein synthesis and ER stress. A chemically modified oligonucleotide
      targeting lnc-MGC inhibits cluster microRNAs, glomerular ECM and hypertrophy in
      diabetic mice. Relevance to human DN is also demonstrated. These results
      demonstrate the translational implications of targeting lnc-MGC for controlling
      DN progression.

PMID- 27686051
TI  - Photosensitizer-conjugated tryptophan-containing peptide ligands as new dual
      targeted theranostics for cancers.
AB  - Here we report that new dual-targeted theranostic anti-cancer agents can be
      produced by simple conjugation of photosensitizers with tryptophan-containing
      peptide ligands via cyclic disulfide linkages. In the proof-of-concept study,
      photosensitizers conjugated with EGFR-targeting peptide GE11 (C-EGFR) were in
      close proximity with tryptophan residues in the conjugate, resulting in quenching
      of its fluorescence and singlet oxygen generation. C-EGFR specifically binds to
      target receptors on the cancer cell surface, after which it is internalized via
      receptor-mediated endocytosis. Intracellular cleavage of cyclic disulfide bonds
      allows separation of the photosensitizers from the tryptophan residue, after
      which they emit near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence and produce a phototoxic effect
      in the target cells. This strategy enabled us to accomplish simultaneous real
      time NIR fluorescence imaging of EGFR-overexpressing cancer cells with high
      contrast and selective photodynamic therapy.

PMID- 27686052
TI  - A comparative study between melt granulation/compression and hot melt
      extrusion/injection molding for the manufacturing of oral sustained release
      thermoplastic polyurethane matrices.
AB  - During this project 3 techniques (twin screw melt granulation/compression (TSMG),
      hot melt extrusion (HME) and injection molding (IM)) were evaluated for the
      manufacturing of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)-based oral sustained release
      matrices, containing a high dose of the highly soluble metformin hydrochloride.
      Whereas formulations with a drug load between 0 and 70% (w/w) could be processed
      via HME/(IM), the drug content of granules prepared via melt granulation could
      only be varied between 85 and 90% (w/w) as these formulations contained the
      proper concentration of binder (i.e. TPU) to obtain a good size distribution of
      the granules. While release from HME matrices and IM tablets could be sustained
      over 24h, release from the TPU-based TSMG tablets was too fast (complete release
      within about 6h) linked to their higher drug load and porosity. By mixing
      hydrophilic and hydrophobic TPUs the in vitro release kinetics of both
      formulations could be adjusted: a higher content of hydrophobic TPU was
      correlated with a slower release rate. Although mini-matrices showed faster
      release kinetics than IM tablets, this observation was successfully countered by
      changing the hydrophobic/hydrophilic TPU ratio. In vivo experiments via oral
      administration to dogs confirmed the versatile potential of the TPU platform as
      intermediate-strong and low-intermediate sustained characteristics were obtained
      for the IM tablets and HME mini-matrices, respectively.

PMID- 27686053
TI  - Fabrication of non-dissolving analgesic suppositories using 3D printed moulds.
AB  - Conventional suppositories sometimes fail in exerting their therapeutic activity
      as the base materials melt inside body cavities. Also they are not suitable to
      provide long term treatment. Biomedical grade silicone elastomers may be used to
      fabricate non-dissolvable suppositories to overcome these disadvantages. We
      kneaded 4 analgesics into the 2 kinds of silicone polymers at 1%, 5% and 10% drug
      loading, respectively, to test their mechanical properties and drug release
      profiles. The optimized drug-polymer combinations were used to fabricate
      suppositories, and three dimensional printing (3DP) was used to create the
      suppository moulds. Subsequently, the drug release profiles and biocompatibility
      of the suppositories were studied. It was found that, the mechanical properties
      of the drug laden silicone elastomers and the rate of drug release from the
      elastomers can be tuned by varying drug-polymer combinations. The silicone
      elastomers containing 1% (w/w) and 5% (w/w) diclofenac sodium were the optimal
      formulations with prolonged drug release and biocompatibility at cellular level.
      These properties, together with complex geometries offered by 3DP technique,
      potentially made the non-dissolving suppositories promising therapeutic agents
      for personalized medicine.

PMID- 27686054
TI  - Immunometabolic circuits in trained immunity.
AB  - The classical view that only adaptive immunity can build immunological memory has
      recently been challenged. Both in organisms lacking adaptive immunity as well as
      in mammals, the innate immune system can adapt to mount an increased resistance
      to reinfection, a de facto innate immune memory termed trained immunity. Recent
      studies have revealed that rewiring of cellular metabolism induced by different
      immunological signals is a crucial step for determining the epigenetic changes
      underlying trained immunity. Processes such as a shift of glucose metabolism from
      oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis, increased glutamine metabolism
      and cholesterol synthesis, play a crucial role in these processes. The discovery
      of trained immunity opens the door for the design of novel generations of
      vaccines, for new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of immune deficiency
      states, and for modulation of exaggerated inflammation in autoinflammatory
      diseases.

PMID- 27686055
TI  - Analyses of optimal body mass index for infertile patients with either polycystic
      or non-polycystic ovary syndrome during assisted reproductive treatment in China.
AB  - We observed the effect of body mass index (BMI) on pregnancy outcomes in Chinese
      patients undergoing assisted reproductive treatment (ART). All the patients were
      divided into polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) group and non-PCOS group, and then
      according to BMI, each group was subdivided into 6 subgroups: group 1 (BMI < 18
      kg/m2), group 2 (18-20 kg/m2), group 3 (20-22 kg/m2), group 4 (22-24 kg/m2),
      group 5 (24-26 kg/m2) and group 6 (BMI > 26.0 kg/m2). We found that in 20 to 25
      year-old patients, the pregnancy rate was not significantly correlated with BMI
      in PCOS patients; while in non-POCS patients, the pregnancy rate significantly
      decreased at the BMI cut-off point value of 24-26 kg/m2. The pregnancy rate
      significantly declined at the BMI cut-off point values of 22-24 kg/m2 and 18-20
      kg/m2, respectively in 25 to 35-year-old and in over 35-year-old PCOS patients;
      while in over 25-year-old non-PCOS patients, no significant correlation between
      pregnancy rate and BMI was observed. We conclude that for under 25-year-old non
      PCOS patients, ART should be performed after BMI is controlled under 26 kg/m2.
      For PCOS patients, if age is 25 to 35 years or over 35 years, BMI should be
      controlled below 24 kg/m2 or below 20 kg/m2, respectively.

PMID- 27686056
TI  - Material gain engineering in GeSn/Ge quantum wells integrated with an Si
      platform.
AB  - It is shown that compressively strained Ge1-xSnx/Ge quantum wells (QWs) grown on
      a Ge substrate with 0.1 <= x <= 0.2 and width of 8 nm <= d <= 14 nm are a very
      promising gain medium for lasers integrated with an Si platform. Such QWs are
      type-I QWs with a direct bandgap and positive transverse electric mode of
      material gain, i.e. the modal gain. The electronic band structure near the center
      of Brillouin zone has been calculated for various Ge1-xSnx/Ge QWs with use of the
      8-band kp Hamiltonian. To calculate the material gain for these QWs, occupation
      of the L valley in Ge barriers has been taken into account. It is clearly shown
      that this occupation has a lot of influence on the material gain in the QWs with
      low Sn concentrations (Sn < 15%) and is less important for QWs with larger Sn
      concentration (Sn > 15%). However, for QWs with Sn > 20% the critical thickness
      of a GeSn layer deposited on a Ge substrate starts to play an important role.
      Reduction in the QW width shifts up the ground electron subband in the QW and
      increases occupation of the L valley in the barriers instead of the Gamma valley
      in the QW region.

PMID- 27686057
TI  - Editorial Comment to Use of sigmoid colon in orthotopic neobladder
      reconstruction: Long-term results.

PMID- 27686058
TI  - Potential role of gene-environment interactions in ion transport mechanisms in
      the etiology of renal cell cancer.
AB  - We investigated the ion transport mechanism (ITM) in renal cell cancer (RCC)
      etiology using gene-environment interactions between candidate single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) and associated environmental factors, including dietary
      intakes of sodium, potassium and fluid, hypertension and diuretic medication. A
      literature-based selection of 13 SNPs in ten ITM genes were successfully
      genotyped in toenail DNA of 3,048 subcohort members and 419 RCC cases from the
      Netherlands Cohort Study. Diet and lifestyle were measured with baseline
      questionnaires. Cox regression analyses were conducted for main effects and gene
      environment interactions. ADD1_rs4961 was significantly associated with RCC risk,
      showing a Hazard Ratio (HR) of 1.24 (95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.01-1.53)
      for the GT + TT (versus GG) genotype. Four of 65 tested gene-environment
      interactions were statistically significant. Three of these interactions
      clustered in SLC9A3_rs4957061, including the ones with fluid and potassium
      intake, and diuretic medication. For fluid intake, the RCC risk was significantly
      lower for high versus low intake in participants with the CC genotype (HR(95%
      CI): 0.47(0.26-0.86)), but not for the CT + TT genotype (P-interaction = 0.002).
      None of the main genetic effects and gene-environment interactions remained
      significant after adjustment for multiple testing. Data do not support the
      general hypothesis that the ITM is a disease mechanism in RCC etiology.

PMID- 27686060
TI  - Interspecific sensitivity of bees towards dimethoate and implications for
      environmental risk assessment.
AB  - Wild and domesticated bee species are exposed to a variety of pesticides which
      may drive pollinator decline. Due to wild bee sensitivity data shortage, it is
      unclear if the honey bee Apis mellifera is a suitable surrogate species in the
      current EU risk assessment scheme. Furthermore, the underlying causes for
      sensitivity differences in bees are not established. We assessed the acute
      toxicity (median lethal dose, LD50) of dimethoate towards multiple bee species,
      generated a species sensitivity distribution and derived a hazardous dose (HD5).
      Furthermore, we performed a regression analysis with body weight and dimethoate
      toxicity. HD5 lower 95% confidence limit was equal to honey bee mean LD50 when
      applying a safety factor of 10. Body weight proved to be a predictor of
      interspecific bee sensitivity but did not explain the pattern completely. Using
      acute toxicity values from honey bees and a safety factor of 10 seems to cover
      the interspecific sensitivity range of bees in the case of dimethoate. Acute
      endpoints of proposed additional test species, the buff-tailed bumblebee Bombus
      terrestris and the red mason bee Osmia bicornis, do not improve the risk
      assessment for the entire group. However, this might not apply to other
      insecticides such as neonicotinoids.

PMID- 27686059
TI  - A randomised controlled trial evaluating renal protective effects of selenium
      with vitamins A, C, E, verapamil, and losartan against extracorporeal shockwave
      lithotripsy-induced renal injury.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the protective effects of selenium with vitamins A, C and
      E (selenium ACE, i.e. antioxidants), verapamil (calcium channel blocker), and
      losartan (angiotensin receptor blocker) against extracorporeal shockwave
      lithotripsy (ESWL)-induced renal injury. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A randomised
      controlled trial was conducted between August 2012 and February 2015. Inclusion
      criteria were adult patients with a single renal stone (<2 cm) suitable for ESWL.
      Patients with diabetes, hypertension, congenital renal anomalies, moderate or
      marked hydronephrosis, or preoperative albuminuria (>300 mg/L) were excluded.
      ESWL was performed using the electromagnetic DoLiS lithotripter. Eligible
      patients were randomised into one of four groups using sealed closed envelopes:
      Group1, control; Group 2, selenium ACE; Group 3, losartan; and Group 4,
      verapamil. Albuminuria and urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin
      (uNGAL) were estimated after 2-4 h and 1 week after ESWL. The primary outcome was
      differences between albuminuria and uNGAL. Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic
      resonance imaging was performed before ESWL, and at 2-4 h and 1 week after ESWL
      to compare changes in renal perfusion. RESULTS: Of 329 patients assessed for
      eligibility, the final analysis comprised 160 patients (40 in each group).
      Losartan was the only medication that showed significantly lower levels of
      albuminuria after 1 week (P < 0.001). For perfusion changes, there was a
      statistically significant decrease in the renal perfusion in patients with
      obstructed kidneys in comparison to before ESWL (P = 0.003). These significant
      changes were present in the control or antioxidant group, whilst in the losartan
      and verapamil groups renal perfusion was not significantly decreased.
      CONCLUSIONS: Losartan was found to protect the kidney against ESWL-induced renal
      injury by significantly decreasing post-ESWL albuminuria. Verapamil and losartan
      maintained renal perfusion in patients with post-ESWL renal obstruction.

PMID- 27686061
TI  - Electrospun nanofibres to mimic natural hierarchical structure of tissues:
      application in musculoskeletal regeneration.
AB  - Biomimetic scaffolds mimicking the natural hierarchical structure of tissues have
      recently attracted the interest of researchers and provide a promising strategy
      to resemble the nonhomogeneous property of tissues. This review provides an
      overview of the various hierarchical length scales in the native tissues of the
      musculoskeletal system. It further focuses on electrospinning as a technique to
      mimic the tissue structures with specific emphasis on bone. The effect of
      cellular alignment, infiltration, vascularisation, and differentiation in these
      nanostructures has also been discussed. An outline of the various additive
      manufacturing techniques in combination with electrospinning has been elaborated.
      The review concludes with the challenges and future directions to understand the
      intricacies of bottom-up approach to engineer the systems at a macroscale.
      Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27686062
TI  - Do Circadian Rhythms Draw the Patterns of Sustained Mental Vigor and Ailment?
AB  - Preclinical Research Circadian rhythms are fundamental processes in all cells
      that coordinate a variety of cellular functions related to a specific time of the
      day. Disruption of circadian rhythms markedly impacts homeostasis. In this
      Commentary, we present data that disruption of circadian rhythm may lead to the
      pathogenesis of neurodegenerative states. In this context, we further argue that
      there is an urgent need of developing new generations of compounds,
      chronobiotics, to modulate the molecular substrates of circadian timing system.
      Chronobiotics conceptually offer an effective way for restoration and protection
      from the consequences of the circadian disruption. We also briefly discuss
      whether dysfunctional circadian rhythms are a major driver of aging. Drug Dev Res
      77 : 469-473, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27686063
TI  - The effect of select seminal plasma proteins on endometrial mRNA cytokine
      expression in mares susceptible to persistent mating-induced endometritis.
AB  - In the horse, breeding induces a transient endometrial inflammation. A subset of
      mares are unable to resolve this inflammation, and they are considered
      susceptible to persistent mating-induced endometritis PMIE Select seminal plasma
      proteins cysteine-rich secretory protein-3 (CRISP-3) and lactoferrin have been
      shown to affect the innate immune response to sperm in vitro. The objective of
      this study was to determine whether the addition of CRISP-3 and lactoferrin at
      the time of insemination had an effect on the mRNA expression of endometrial
      cytokines in susceptible mares after breeding. Six mares classified as
      susceptible to PMIE were inseminated during four consecutive oestrous cycles with
      treatments in randomized order of: 1 mg/ml CRISP-3, 150 MUg/ml lactoferrin,
      seminal plasma (positive control) or lactated Ringer's solution (LRS; negative
      control) to a total volume of 10 ml combined with 1 * 109 spermatozoa pooled from
      two stallions. Six hours after treatment, an endometrial biopsy was obtained for
      qPCR analysis of selected genes associated with inflammation (pro-inflammatory
      cytokines interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-8, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha,
      interferon (INF)-gamma, anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-1RN and IL-10, and
      inflammatory-modulating cytokine IL-6). Seminal plasma treatment increased the
      mRNA expression of IL-1beta (p = .019) and IL-8 (p = .0068), while suppressing
      the mRNA expression of TNF (p = .0013). Lactoferrin also suppressed the mRNA
      expression of TNF (p = .0013). In conclusion, exogenous lactoferrin may be
      considered as one modulator of the complex series of events resulting in the
      poorly regulated pro-inflammatory response seen in susceptible mares.

PMID- 27686064
TI  - May cannabinoids prevent the development of chemotherapy-induced diarrhea and
      intestinal mucositis? Experimental study in the rat.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The antineoplastic drug 5-fluoruracil (5-FU) is a pirimidine analog,
      which frequently induces potentially fatal diarrhea and mucositis. Cannabinoids
      reduce gastrointestinal motility and secretion and might prevent 5-FU-induced gut
      adverse effects. Here, we asked whether cannabinoids may prevent diarrhea and
      mucositis induced by 5-FU in the rat. METHODS: Male Wistar rats received vehicle
      or the non-selective cannabinoid agonist WIN 55,212-2 (WIN; 0.5 mg kg-1 injection
      1 , 1 injection day-1 , 4 consecutive days) by intraperitoneal (ip) route; on the
      first 2 days, animals received also saline or 5-FU (150 mg kg-1 injection-1 ,
      cumulative dose of 300 mg kg-1 ). Gastrointestinal motor function was
      radiographically studied after barium contrast intragastric administration on
      experimental days 1 and 4. Structural alterations of the stomach, small intestine
      and colon were histologically studied on day 4. PAS staining and
      immunohistochemistry for Ki67, chromogranin A and CD163 were used to detect
      secretory, proliferating, and endocrine cells, and activated macrophages
      respectively. KEY RESULTS: As shown radiographically, 5-FU induced significant
      gastric emptying delay (on days 1 and 4) and diarrhea (on day 4). WIN did not
      significantly alter the motility curves obtained for either control or 5-FU
      treated animals but tended to reduce the severity of 5-FU-induced diarrhea and
      increased permanence of barium from day 1 to the beginning of day 4 in 5-FU
      treated animals. 5-FU-induced mucositis was severe and not counteracted by WIN.
      CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES: 5-FU-induced diarrhea, but not mucositis, was partly
      prevented by WIN at a low dose. Cannabinoids might be useful to prevent
      chemotherapy-induced diarrhea.

PMID- 27686065
TI  - A non-targeted metabolite profiling pilot study suggests that tryptophan and
      lipid metabolisms are linked with ADHD-like behaviours in dogs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent and
      multifactorial neuropsychiatric disorder in the human population worldwide.
      Complex etiology and clinical heterogeneity have challenged the research,
      diagnostics and treatment of the disease. Hyperactive and impulsive behaviour has
      also been observed in dogs, and they could offer a physiologically relevant model
      for human ADHD. As a part of our ongoing study to understand the molecular
      etiology of canine anxiety traits, this study was aimed to pilot an approach to
      identify metabolic biomarkers in canine ADHD-like behaviours for research,
      diagnostics and treatment purposes. METHODS: We collected fresh plasma samples
      from 22 German Shepherds with varying ADHD-like behaviours. All dogs were on the
      same controlled diet for 2 weeks prior to sampling. A liquid chromatography
      combined with mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based non-targeted metabolite profiling
      was performed to identify plasma metabolites correlating with the ADHD-like
      behaviour of the dogs. RESULTS: 649 molecular features correlated with ADHD-like
      behavioural scores (praw < 0.05), and three of them [sn-1 LysoPC(18:3),
      PC(18:3/18:2) and sn-1 LysoPE(18:2)] had significant correlations also after FDR
      correction (pFDR < 0.05). Phospholipids were found to negatively correlate with
      ADHD-like behavioural scores, whereas tryptophan metabolites 3-indolepropionic
      acid (IPA) and kynurenic acid (KYNA) had negative and positive correlations with
      ADHD-like behavioural scores, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our study identified
      associations between canine ADHD-like behaviours and metabolites that are
      involved in lipid and tryptophan metabolisms. The identified metabolites share
      similarity with earlier findings in human and rodent ADHD models. However, a
      larger replication study is warranted to validate the discoveries prior to
      further studies to understand the biological role of the identified metabolites
      in canine ADHD-like behaviours.

PMID- 27686066
TI  - Mortality and treatment costs of hospitalized chronic kidney disease patients
      between the three major health insurance schemes in Thailand.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thailand has reformed its healthcare to ensure fairness and
      universality. Previous reports comparing the fairness among the 3 main healthcare
      schemes, including the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS), the Civil Servant Medical
      Benefit Scheme (CSMBS) and the Social Health Insurance (SHI) have been published.
      They focused mainly on provision of medication for cancers and human
      immunodeficiency virus infection. Since chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients
      have a high rate of hospitalization and high risk of death, they also require
      special care and need more than access to medicine. We, therefore, performed a 1
      year, nationwide, evaluation on the clinical outcomes (i.e., mortality rates and
      complication rates) and treatment costs for hospitalized CKD patients across the
      3 main health insurance schemes. METHODS: All adult in-patient CKD medical
      expense forms in fiscal 2010 were analyzed. The outcomes focused on were clinical
      outcomes, access to special care and equipment (especially dialysis), and
      expenses on CKD patients. Factors influencing mortality rates were evaluated by
      multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: There were 128,338 CKD patients,
      accounting for 236,439 admissions. The CSMBS group was older on average, had the
      most severe co-morbidities, and had the highest hospital charges, while the UCS
      group had the highest rate of complications. The mortality rates differed among
      the 3 insurance schemes; the crude odds ratio (OR) for mortality was highest in
      the CSMBS scheme. After adjustment for biological, economic, and geographic
      variables, the UCS group had the highest risk of in-hospital death (OR 1.13;95 %
      confidence interval (CI) 1.07-1.20; p < 0.001) while the SHI group had lowest
      mortality (OR 0.87; 95 % CI 0.76-0.99; p = 0.038). The circumscribed healthcare
      benefits and limited access to specialists and dialysis care in the UCS may
      account for less favorable comparison with the CSMBS and SHI groups. CONCLUSIONS:
      Significant differences are observed in mortality rates among CKD patients from
      among the 3 main healthcare schemes. Improvements in equity of care might
      minimize the differences.

PMID- 27686067
TI  - What are the barriers to access to mental healthcare and the primary needs of
      asylum seekers? A survey of mental health caregivers and primary care workers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We aimed to assess the opinion of primary care workers, social
      workers, translators and mental health caregivers who work with asylum seekers
      about the latter's unmet needs and barriers to access to mental healthcare.
      METHODS: We used a Likert scale to assess the opinion of 135 primary care workers
      (general practitioners, nurses, social workers and translators) and mental health
      caregivers about the proportion of asylum seekers with psychiatric disorders,
      their priority needs and their main barriers to mental health services. RESULTS:
      Insufficient access to adequate financial resources, poor housing and security
      conditions, access to employment, professional training and legal aid were
      considered as priority needs, as were access to dental and mental healthcare. The
      main barriers to access to mental healthcare for asylum seekers included a
      negative representation of psychiatry, fear of being stigmatized by their own
      community and poor information about existing psychiatric services. CONCLUSIONS:
      We found a good correlation between the needs reported by healthcare providers
      and those expressed by the asylum-seeking population in different studies. We
      discuss the need for greater mobility and accessibility to psychiatric services
      among this population.

PMID- 27686068
TI  - Functional analysis of PrkA - a putative serine protein kinase from Mesorhizobium
      alhagi CCNWXJ12-2 - in stress resistance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Serine/threonine protein kinases are highly conserved kinases with a
      wide distribution in microbes and with multiple functions. Mesorhizobium alhagi
      CCNWXJ12-2, a alpha-proteobacterium which could be able to form symbiosis with
      Alhagi sparsifolia in northwest of China, contains a putative PrkA-family serine
      protein kinase, PrkA. In our previous study, the expression of prkA was found to
      be downregulated in high-salt conditions. To elucidate the function of M. alhagi
      PrkA, a prkA deletion mutant was constructed and the phenotypes of the mutant
      were analyzed. RESULTS: The salt and alkaline tolerance and antioxidant capacity
      of the wild-type strain and the prkA deletion mutant was measured. Our results
      showed that the deletion mutant had higher salt and alkaline tolerance than the
      wild-type strain. The total cellular Na+ content was measured and showed no
      significant difference between the wild-type strain and the mutant. The prkA
      deletion mutant also showed a higher H2O2 tolerance than the wild-type strain.
      Therefore the activities of antioxidant enzymes were measured. Catalase activity
      was similar in the wild-type and the deletion mutant, while the superoxide
      dismutase activity in the mutant was higher than that in the wild-type.
      CONCLUSIONS: We firstly analyze the function of a serine protein kinase, PrkA, in
      M. alhagi. Our data indicate that PrkA could reduce the survival of M. alhagi
      under environmental stress and deletion of prkA dramatically improved the salt
      and alkaline tolerance and antioxidant capacity of M. alhagi.

PMID- 27686070
TI  - Analysis of the complete genome sequence of euphorbia ringspot virus, an atypical
      member of the genus Potyvirus.
AB  - The complete genome sequence of an isolate of euphorbia ringspot virus (EuRSV)
      was determined by deep sequencing and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) RT
      PCR. It has an RNA genome of 10,154 nucleotides in size, excluding the poly(A)
      tail, and encodes a polyprotein of 3265 amino acids. Phylogenetic analysis from
      this study supports the earlier taxonomic assignment to the genus Potyvirus;
      however, a gene encoding the HAM1h protein, inserted between NIb and CP of the
      EuRSV genome, which was previously only observed for cassava brown streak virus
      and Ugandan cassava brown streak virus of the genus Ipomovirus, is an unusual
      feature of this potyvirus, which otherwise has typical potyvirus genome features.

PMID- 27686069
TI  - Developmental piRNA profiles of the invasive vector mosquito Aedes albopictus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In eukaryotic organisms, Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) control the
      activities of mobile genetic elements and ensure genome maintenance. Recent
      evidence indicates that piRNAs are involved in multiple biological pathways,
      including transcriptional regulation of protein-coding genes, sex determination
      and even interactions between host and pathogens. Aedes albopictus is a major
      invasive species that transmits a number of viral diseases in humans. Ae.
      albopictus has the largest genome and the highest abundance of repetitive
      sequences when compared with members that belong to Culicidae with a published
      genome. Analysis of piRNA profiles will provide a developmental and evolutionary
      perspective on piRNAs in Ae. albopictus. METHODS: piRNAs were identified and
      characterized during the development of Ae. albopictus, and piRNA expression
      patterns in adult males and females as well as sugar-fed females and blood-fed
      females were compared. RESULTS: Our results reveal that, despite the large genome
      size of Ae. albopictus, the piRNA pool of Ae. albopictus (1.2 * 107) is smaller
      than those of Aedes aegypti (1.7 * 107) and Drosophila melanogaster (1.6 * 107).
      In Ae. albopictus, piRNAs displayed the highest abundance at the embryo stage and
      the lowest abundance at the pupal stage. Approximately 50 % of the piRNAs mapped
      to intergenic regions with no known functions. Approximately 30 % of the piRNAs
      mapped to repetitive elements, and 77.69 % of these repeat-derived piRNAs mapped
      to Class I TEs; 45.42 % of the observed piRNA reads originated from piRNA
      clusters, and most of the top 10 highest expressed piRNA clusters and 100 highest
      expressed piRNAs from each stage displayed biased expression patterns across the
      developmental stages. All anti-sense-derived piRNAs displayed a preference for
      uridine at the 5' end; however, the sense-derived piRNAs showed adenine bias at
      the tenth nucleotide position and a typical ping-pong signature, suggesting that
      the biogenesis of piRNAs was conserved throughout development. Our results also
      show that 962 piRNAs displayed sex-biased expression, and 522 piRNAs showed
      higher expression in the blood-fed females than in the sugar-fed females.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that piRNAs, aside from silencing transposable
      elements in Ae. albopictus, may have a role in other biological pathways.

PMID- 27686072
TI  - Susceptibility of chickens, quail, and pigeons to an H7N9 human influenza virus
      and subsequent egg-passaged strains.
AB  - H7N9 human influenza virus A/Anhui/1/2013 (Anhui2013) showed low pathogenicity in
      chickens, quail, and pigeons, with quail being the most susceptible among the
      species tested. IVPIE1-1, which was recovered from a dead chicken after
      intravenous inoculation of Anhui 2013, had broader tissue tropism in chickens
      than did the original inoculum, as well as amino acid substitutions in the
      polymerase acidic gene and neuraminidase gene segments, but its pathogenicity was
      not enhanced. Viruses obtained after passage of Anhui 2013 in 10- and 14-day-old
      embryonated eggs showed rapid accumulation of amino acid substitutions at the
      receptor-binding site of the hemagglutinin protein. Two strains obtained through
      egg passage, 10E4/14E17 and 10E4/10E13, replicated better in intranasally
      infected chickens than did the original Anhui 2013 strain, yet the new isolates
      showed low pathogenicity in chickens despite their amino acid substitutions. The
      increased virus replication in chickens of 10E4/14E17 and 10E4/10E13 was not
      correlated with temperature-sensitive replication, given that virus replication
      was suppressed at increased temperatures. The existence of highly susceptible
      hosts, such as quail, which permit asymptomatic infection, facilitates increased
      mutation of the virus through amino acid substitution at the receptor-binding
      site, and this might be one of the mechanisms underlying the prolonged
      circulation of H7N9 influenza virus.

PMID- 27686071
TI  - Expression patterns of endogenous avian retrovirus ALVE1 and its response to
      infection with exogenous avian tumour viruses.
AB  - Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are genomic elements that are present in a wide
      range of vertebrates and have been implicated in a variety of human diseases,
      including cancer. However, the characteristic expression patterns of ERVs,
      particularly in virus-induced tumours, is not fully clear. DNA methylation was
      analysed by bisulfite pyrosequencing, and gene expression was analysed by RT
      qPCR. In this study, we first found that the endogenous avian retrovirus ALVE1
      was highly expressed in some chicken tissues (including the heart, bursa, thymus,
      and spleen) at 2 days of age, but its expression was markedly decreased at 35
      days of age. In contrast, the CpG methylation level of ALVE1 was significantly
      lower in heart and bursa at 2 days than at 35 days of age. Moreover, we found
      that the expression of ALVE1 was significantly inhibited in chicken embryo
      fibroblast cells (CEFs) and MSB1 cells infected with avian leukosis virus
      subgroup J (ALVJ) and reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) at the early stages of
      infection. In contrast, the expression of the ALVE1 env gene was significantly
      induced in CEFs and MSB1 cells infected with Marek's disease virus (MDV).
      However, the methylation and expression levels of the ALVE1 long terminal repeat
      (LTR) did not show obvious alterations in response to viral infection. The
      present study revealed the expression patterns of ALVE1 in a variety of chicken
      organs and tissues and in chicken cells in response to avian tumour virus
      infection. These findings may be of significance for understanding the role and
      function of ERVs that are present in the host genome.

PMID- 27686073
TI  - The prevalence of enteric RNA viruses in stools from diarrheic and non-diarrheic
      people in southwestern Alberta, Canada.
AB  - Southwestern Alberta is a region of Canada that has high rates of enteritis as
      well as high densities of livestock. The presence of enteric RNA viruses,
      specifically norovirus (NoV) GI, GII, GIII, GIV; sapovirus (SaV); rotavirus (RV);
      and astrovirus (AstV), was evaluated in stools from diarrheic (n = 2281) and non
      diarrheic (n = 173) people over a 1-year period in 2008 and 2009. Diarrheic
      individuals lived in rural (46.6 %) and urban (53.4 %) settings and ranged in age
      from less than 1 month to 102 years, and the highest prevalence of infection in
      these individuals was in November. In all, viruses were detected in diarrheic
      stools from 388 individuals (17.0 %). NoV GII was the most frequently detected
      virus (8.0 %; n = 182) followed by SaV (4.3 %; n = 97), RV (2.0 %; n = 46), AstV
      (1.8 %; n = 42), NoV GI (0.9 %; n = 20), and NoV GIV (0.1 %; n = 1). Animal NoV
      GIII was never detected. The prevalence of mixed viral infections in diarrheic
      individuals was 2.8 % (n = 11). Children from 1 to 5 years of age accounted for
      the highest prevalence of positive stools, followed by the elderly individuals
      (>=70 years). Only NoV GII (1.2 %; n = 2) and SaV (1.2 %; n = 2) were detected in
      stools from non-diarrheic people. Sequence analysis of a subset of stools
      revealed homology to NoV, SaV and RV sequences from humans but not to strains
      from non-human animals. The results of this study do not support the hypothesis
      that viruses of animal origin have a significant impact on the occurrence of
      acute gastroenteritis caused by RNA enteric viruses in people living in
      southwestern Alberta.

PMID- 27686074
TI  - Molecular detection of enteric viruses from diarrheic calves in Egypt.
AB  - Neonatal calf diarrhea (NCD) is a major cause of morbidity, mortality and
      economic losses in the beef and dairy industries. This study was conducted to
      investigate the existence of enteric viruses in two Egyptian farms with a history
      of recurrent diarrhea. Fecal samples were collected from 25 diarrheic calves. RNA
      was extracted and tested by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT
      PCR) for the presence of rotavirus, norovirus, astrovirus, torovirus, coronavirus
      and bovine viral diarrhea virus. Overall, 76 % (19/25) of samples tested positive
      for one or more viruses. Rota-, noro- and astroviruses were detected in 48 %, 24
      % and 32 % of tested samples, respectively. About 37 % (7/19) of positive samples
      had two different viruses. One-month-old calves were the group most vulnerable to
      infections. Based on phylogenetic analysis, bovine rotaviruses were of genotypes
      G6 and G10, bovine noroviruses were in GIII.2, and bovine astroviruses were in
      the BAstV lineage 1. Astrovirus sequences showed a high level nucleotide sequence
      similarity with the Brazilian BAstV sequences available in GenBank. We believe
      this is the first report of bovine norovirus and bovine astrovirus circulating
      among calves in Egypt. Further epidemiological studies are recommended to
      investigate their presence on a wider scale, to predict their association with
      NCD, and to design appropriate diagnostic and control methods.

PMID- 27686075
TI  - Bee Venom Ameliorates Cognitive Dysfunction Caused by Neuroinflammation in an
      Animal Model of Vascular Dementia.
AB  - Vascular dementia (VaD) is caused by the reduction of blood supply by vessel
      occlusion and is characterized by progressive cognitive decline. VaD incidence
      has been growing due to the aging population, placing greater strain on social
      and economic resources. However, the pathological mechanisms underlying VaD
      remain unclear. Many studies have used the bilateral common carotid artery
      occlusion (BCCAO) animal model to investigate potential therapeutics for VaD. In
      this study, we investigated whether bee venom (BV) improves cognitive function
      and reduces neuroinflammation in the hippocampus of BCCAO animals. Animals were
      randomly divided into three groups: a sham group (n = 15), BCCAO control group (n
      = 15), and BV-treated BCCAO group (n = 15). BCCAO animals were treated with 0.1
      MUg/g BV at ST36 ("Joksamli" acupoint) four times every other day. In order to
      investigate the effect of BV treatment on cognitive function, we performed a Y
      maze test. In order to uncover any potential relationship between these results
      and neuroinflammation, we also performed Western blotting in the BCCAO group.
      Animals that had been treated with BV showed an improved cognitive function and a
      reduced expression of neuroinflammatory proteins in the hippocampus, including
      Iba-1, TLR4, CD14, and TNF-alpha. Furthermore, we demonstrated that BV treatment
      increased pERK and BDNF in the hippocampus. The present study thus underlines the
      neuroprotective effect of BV treatment against BCCAO-induced cognitive impairment
      and neuroinflammation. Our findings suggest that BV may be an effective
      complementary treatment for VaD, as it may improve cognitive function and
      attenuate neuroinflammation associated with dementia.

PMID- 27686076
TI  - Carnosic Acid Protects Mitochondria of Human Neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y Cells Exposed
      to Paraquat Through Activation of the Nrf2/HO-1Axis.
AB  - Carnosic acid (CA; C20H28O4), which is also called salvin, is a major phenolic
      diterpene found in Rosmarinus officinalis L. and exhibits antioxidant, anti
      inflammatory, and antiproliferative properties. CA activates the nuclear factor
      erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) transcription factor, leading to the
      upregulation of antioxidant and phase II detoxification enzymes, such as heme
      oxygenase-1 (HO-1), glutathione reductase (GR), gamma-glutamate-cysteine ligase
      (gamma-GCL), and glutathione S-transferase (GST), among others. We have
      previously demonstrated that CA upregulates the total and mitochondrial synthesis
      of glutathione (GSH), causing mitochondrial protection against paraquat (PQ) and
      methylglyoxal (MG). Nonetheless, the complete mechanism by which CA prevented
      mitochondrial dysfunction was not clear yet. Here, we examine whether HO-1 would
      be involved in the CA-induced mechanism of mitochondrial protection in SH-SY5Y
      treated cells. SH-SY5Y cells were pretreated with CA (1 MUM) for 12 h prior to a
      challenge with PQ at 100 MUM for additional 24 h. Zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP
      IX; a specific inhibitor of HO-1; 10 MUM) was utilized prior to exposure to CA in
      order to investigate whether HO-1 was involved in the cytoprotective effects
      elicited by CA. We found that the CA-induced Nrf2-dependent HO-1 upregulation
      ameliorated, at least in part, the mitochondrial function in PQ-treated cells.
      Therefore, CA protected mitochondria of SH-SY5Y cells and exerted anti-apoptotic
      effects by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 axis.

PMID- 27686077
TI  - PPAR-alpha Modulates the Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Melatonin in the Secondary
      Events of Spinal Cord Injury.
AB  - Melatonin is the principal secretory product of the pineal gland, and its role as
      an immunomodulator is well established. Recent evidence shows that melatonin is a
      scavenger of oxyradicals and peroxynitrite and reduces the development of
      inflammation and tissue injury events associated with spinal cord trauma.
      Previous results suggest that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha
      (PPAR-alpha), a nuclear receptor protein that functions as a transcription factor
      activated by fatty acids, plays a role in control of secondary inflammatory
      process associated with spinal cord injury (SCI).With the aim to characterize the
      role of PPAR-alpha in melatonin-mediated anti-inflammatory activity, we tested
      the efficacy of melatonin (30 mg/kg) in an experimental model of spinal cord
      trauma, induced in mice, by the application of vascular clips (force of 24 g) to
      the dura via a four-level T5-T8 laminectomy, and comparing mice lacking PPAR
      alpha (PPAR-alpha KO) with wild-type (WT) mice.The results obtained indicate that
      melatonin-mediated anti-inflammatory activity is weakened in PPAR-alpha KO mice,
      as compared to WT controls. In particular, melatonin was less effective in PPAR
      alpha KO, compared to WT mice, as evaluated by inhibition of the degree of spinal
      cord inflammation and tissue injury, neutrophil infiltration, pro-inflammatory
      cytokine expression, nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation, and inducible
      nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression. This study indicates that PPAR-alpha can
      contribute to the anti-inflammatory activity of melatonin in SCI.

PMID- 27686079
TI  - Pas de Deux.
AB  - In this personal essay, Mark Osteen uses the metaphor of a pas de deux to
      dramatize how caring for his autistic son has enriched his scholarship and
      teaching. In his early years as the father of an autistic child, Osteen's
      parental and professional roles clashed, but gradually he learns to use what his
      son teaches him-particularly about nonverbal communication and multiple forms of
      intelligence-to develop a theory of empathetic scholarship and to enhance his
      pedagogy.

PMID- 27686078
TI  - Association of ACYP2 and TSPYL6 Genetic Polymorphisms with Risk of Ischemic
      Stroke in Han Chinese Population.
AB  - The development of ischemic stroke is associated with advanced age. Telomere
      length, as a marker of biological aging, has been reported to influence the risk
      of several age-related diseases, including ischemic stroke. Recent studies have
      identified the genetic variant within ACYP2 and TSPYL6 associated with shorter
      telomere length. The objective of this study is to investigate the putative
      association of ischemic stroke with common polymorphisms in ACYP2 and TSPYL6
      genes in a Chinese Han population. We found that the risk alleles of six single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), including rs11125529, rs12615793, rs843711,
      rs11896604, and rs843706 within both ACYP2 and TSPYL6, and rs17045754 in ACYP2
      gene, were related with increased risk of ischemic stroke according to both
      allelic and genotype association analyses. The significant correlations between
      ACYP2 and TSPYL6 SNPs and ischemic stroke risk were also observed in dominant,
      recessive, and additive models, respectively. Two blocks in high linkage
      disequilibrium were identified in this study, and two haplotypes were associated
      with higher ischemic stroke susceptibility. In conclusion, the genetic
      polymorphisms of ACYP2 and TSPYL6 are associated with increased risk of
      developing ischemic stroke. Further studies with larger sample sizes are required
      to validate our findings.

PMID- 27686081
TI  - [Back to the Future. Vaccine trials against Ebola in the history of resistance to
      immunization].
AB  - Vaccine trials against Ebola virus have been conceived and organized, in August
      2014, after the epidemic started in three countries of West Africa. If the
      preparedness had been missing, the planners tried to anticipate the resistance to
      vaccination, in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia. This article offers a
      retrospective view on the resistances to vaccination throughout its history, from
      smallpox inoculation to anti-polio vaccine. Resistances have been linked to the
      political contexts and the rejection of an oppressive power, either local or
      foreign, as well as mistakes and scientific uncertainties. The analysis of the
      historical factors of resistance leads to reverse the question: what convinces
      people to accept a vaccine trial, despite the obscurities of the immunization
      processes inside the body? The article hypothesizes that Guineans and West
      Africans face a dilemma similar to their counterparts in the past, whether or not
      to rally to an experimental immunization, the results of which are still pending.
      They may appropriate the Western beliefs about the efficacy of vaccines to their
      own ways of circumventing misfortune. Further field studies will be required to
      assess the role of the vaccinal trials and the response to the epidemic in the
      "convalescence" of these societies, being aware that the trials will not allow a
      complete assessment of the vaccines, because of the end of the epidemic.

PMID- 27686082
TI  - Re: Prognostic value of CALR vs. JAK2V617F mutations on splenomegaly, leukemic
      transformation, thrombosis, and overall survival in patients with primary
      fibrosis: a meta-analysis.

PMID- 27686080
TI  - Metal Nanomaterial Toxicity Variations Within the Vascular System.
AB  - Engineered nanomaterials (ENM) are anthropogenic materials with at least one
      dimension less than 100 nm. Their ubiquitous employment in biomedical and
      industrial applications in the absence of full toxicological assessments raises
      significant concerns over their safety on human health. This is a significant
      concern, especially for metal and metal oxide ENM as they may possess the
      greatest potential to impair human health. A large body of literature has
      developed that reflects adverse systemic effects associated with exposure to
      these materials, but an integrated mechanistic framework for how ENM exposure
      influences morbidity remains elusive. This may be due in large part to the
      tremendous diversity of existing ENM and the rate at which novel ENM are
      produced. In this review, the influence of specific ENM physicochemical
      characteristics and hemodynamic factors on cardiovascular toxicity is discussed.
      Additionally, the toxicity of metallic and metal oxide ENM is presented in the
      context of the cardiovascular system and its discrete anatomical and functional
      components. Finally, future directions and understudied topics are presented.
      While it is clear that the nanotechnology boom has increased our interest in ENM
      toxicity, it is also evident that the field of cardiovascular nanotoxicology
      remains in its infancy and continued, expansive research is necessary in order to
      determine the mechanisms via which ENM exposure contributes to cardiovascular
      morbidity.

PMID- 27686083
TI  - Identification, prevention and management of cardiovascular risk in chronic
      myeloid leukaemia patients candidate to ponatinib: an expert opinion.
AB  - Ponatinib (Iclusig, ARIAD Pharmaceuticals-Incyte Co.) is a third-generation
      structure-guided tyrosine kinase inhibitor that is approved for treatment of
      Philadelphia chromosome-positive leukaemias resistant or intolerant to other
      inhibitors. The clinical use of ponatinib is complicated by the possible
      development of cardiovascular events, primarily hypertension and arterial or
      venous thrombotic events. The US Food and Drug Administration and the European
      Medicine Agency recommend that the cardiovascular profile of patients candidate
      for ponatinib should be carefully evaluated. For patients deemed to carry a high
      risk of cardiovascular events, other life-saving therapeutic options should be
      considered. When alternative options are not available, treatment with ponatinib
      is indicated but requires that haematologists and cardiologists collaborate and
      identify modalities of surveillance and risk mitigation in the best interest of
      the patient. This article reports on the expert opinion provided by a panel of
      Italian haematologists, cardiologists and clinical pharmacologists. It summarises
      suggestions that may help to improve the therapeutic index of ponatinib,
      primarily in the settings of chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukaemia.

PMID- 27686084
TI  - Markers of endothelial dysfunction and leucocyte activation in Saudi and non
      Saudi haplotypes of sickle cell disease.
AB  - Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an autosomal recessive inherited hemoglobinopathy,
      characterized by chronic hemolysis and recurrent vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC).
      This study investigates changes in leucocyte subsets and the relationship between
      cell adhesion molecule expression and disease manifestations in patients during
      steady state and acute VOC. We compared soluble E-selectin and P-selectin levels
      in 84 SCD patients, in steady state and during VOC to 84 healthy controls. Using
      immunophenotyping, we also compared lymphocyte subsets in these three groups.
      Further, we compared E-selectin and P-selectin levels in patients of Saudi
      ethnicity to non-Saudi patients, in all three groups. Lymphocyte subsets showed
      high percentages of total T lymphocytes, T helper and suppressor lymphocytes, B
      lymphocytes as well as NK cells in patients with SCD during steady state, while B
      lymphocytes and NK cells were significantly higher during acute VOC crisis. High
      levels of both soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin) and soluble P-selectin (sP
      selectin) markers were demonstrated in the serum of patients with SCD during both
      steady state and acute VOC. Levels of selectins were significantly higher in
      acute VOC. The immunophenotypic expression of L-selectin, on leucocytes, was high
      in SCD both during steady state and during acute VOC in comparison to normal
      control subjects. There was no significant difference in all three study groups
      between Saudi and non-Saudi patients. These findings suggest that patients with
      SCD have increased expression of adhesion molecules: E-selectin and P-selectin,
      which play an important role in the pathogenesis of VOC. Despite the distinct
      phenotype of Saudi patients with SCD, there was no significant difference in
      levels of soluble E-selectin and soluble P-selectin between Saudi and non-Saudi
      patients in all three groups. While sickle cell disease is a well-recognized
      state of chronic inflammation, the role of specific adhesion molecules is
      steadily unraveling. Studies are underway to investigate the potential role of
      selectin antagonists, for prevention and reversal of acute vascular occlusions in
      SCD patients.

PMID- 27686085
TI  - Endothelial progenitor cells improve the quality of transplanted hematopoietic
      stem cells and maintain longer term effects in mice.
AB  - Engraftment of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) is a pre-requisite for the success
      of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Fetal blood cell (FBC)-derived
      endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are known to facilitate HSC reconstitution in
      the early phase. However, longer term effects on HSCs remain unclear. The purpose
      of this study was to evaluate the effect of EPCs on the quality of transplanted
      hematopoietic stem cells in mouse HSCT model. BALB/c mice were randomly divided
      into four groups, namely, control, total body irradiation only, HSCT, and HSCT +
      EPCs (with infusion of 5 * 105 EPCs). Mice was sacrificed on days 7, 14, 21, and
      28 post-HSCT for the analysis of the bone marrow pathology by H&E staining,
      measurement of c-kit+sca-1+, c-kit+, apoptosis, and necrosis by flow cytometry as
      well as colony formation assay. Secondary transplantation involved the injection
      of transplanted BALB/c-derived HSCs into new TBI-treated BALB/c mice. Compared
      with HSCT, EPCs infusion promoted the differentiation and reduced apoptosis of
      transplanted HSCs, possibly through promotion of vascular repair of the bone
      marrow microenvironment via differentiation into the bone marrow endothelial
      cells. Significantly, EPCs' effect on HSCs was maintained for a long period as
      demonstrated using a secondary transplantation approach. These data revealed EPCs
      improved the quality and quantity of transplanted HSCs and maintained their
      effects over the longer term, suggesting a novel approach to improve HSCT
      efficiency and outcomes.

PMID- 27686086
TI  - Radiological findings and radiation exposure during trauma workup in a cohort of
      1124 level 1 trauma patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: During the initial assessment of patients with potential severe
      injuries, radiological examinations are performed in order to rapidly diagnose
      clinically relevant injuries. Previous studies have shown that performing these
      examinations routinely is not always necessary and that trauma patients are
      exposed to substantial radiation doses. The aim of this study was to assess the
      amount and findings of radiological examinations during the initial assessment of
      trauma patients and to determine the radiation doses to which these patients are
      exposed to. METHODS: We analyzed the 1124 patients included in a randomized
      trial. All radiological examinations during the initial assessment (i.e., primary
      and secondary survey) were assessed. The examination results were categorized as
      positive findings (i.e., (suspicion for) traumatic injury) and normal findings.
      The effective radiation doses for the examinations were calculated separately for
      each patient. RESULTS: Eight hundred and three patients were male (71 %), median
      age was 38 years, and 1079 patients sustained blunt trauma (96 %). During initial
      assessment, almost 3900 X-rays were performed, of which 25.4 % showed positive
      findings. FAST of the abdomen was performed in 989 patients (88 %), with positive
      findings in 10.6 %. Additional CT scanning of specific body regions was performed
      1890 times in 813 patients (72.1 %), of which approximately 43.4 % revealed
      positive findings. Hemodynamically stable patients showed more normal findings on
      the radiographic studies than unstable patients. The mean radiation doses for the
      total population was 8.46 mSv (+/-7.7) and for polytraumatized patients (ISS >=
      16) 14.3 mSv (+/-9.5). CONCLUSION: Radiological diagnostics during initial
      assessment of trauma patients show a high rate of normal findings in our trauma
      system. The radiation doses to which trauma patients are exposed are
      considerable. Considering that the majority of the injured patients are
      hemodynamically stable, we suggest more selective use of X-ray and CT scanning.

PMID- 27686090
TI  - Alcohol consumption in Europe is still cause for alarm despite decrease, says
      WHO.

PMID- 27686088
TI  - Introduction to the Special Section on Culture and Variants of Sex/Gender: Bias
      and Stigma.
AB  - As a side effect of globalization, the ideological and religious heterogeneity of
      many local populations is increasing. This trend is particularly noticeable at
      tertiary-care medical centers serving patients with rare conditions such as
      somatic intersexuality or gender dysphoria and transgenderism (both with and
      without somatic intersexuality). This special section is designed to familiarize
      clinicians and researchers with culture-associated gender bias and stigma that
      may influence attitudes to individuals with somatic or behavioral gender
      atypicalities.

PMID- 27686087
TI  - Influence of Three Citrus Herbicides on Potential Production of Sorghum bicolor
      'Topper 76-6' as a Bioenergy Crop.
AB  - Planting bioenergy crops on land previously used for citrus production may offer
      an alternative source of revenue for growers looking for alternative-to-citrus
      crops. However, residual herbicides used in citrus production may adversely
      affect alternative crops. This study evaluated effects of three herbicides
      (bromacil, norflurazon, and simazine) commonly used in citrus production on the
      bioenergy crop Sorghum bicolor 'Topper 76-6'. Plants were exposed to herbicides
      in soil for 1-5 weeks and observations of effects on photosynthetic quantum
      yield, leaf greenness, height, and biomass were made. Results indicate that
      concentrations of bromacil and norflurazon greater than 0.09 and 0.07 mg/kg and
      simazine >0.46 mg/kg will impair growth and development in similar soils.
      Concentrations below these may also be toxic.

PMID- 27686089
TI  - The Diversity and Prevalence of Sexual Orientation Self-Labels in a New Zealand
      National Sample.
AB  - In this study, we asked participants to "describe their sexual orientation" in an
      open-ended measure of self-generated sexual orientation. The question was
      included as part of the New Zealand Attitudes and Values Study (N = 18,261)
      2013/2014 wave, a national probability survey conducted shortly after the first
      legal same-sex marriages in New Zealand. We present a two-level classification
      scheme to address questions about the prevalence of, and demographic differences
      between, sexual orientations. At the most detailed level of the coding scheme, 49
      unique categories were generated by participant responses. Of those who responded
      with the following, significantly more were women: bisexual (2.1 % of women,
      compared to 1.5 % of men), bicurious (0.7 % of women, 0.4 % of men), and asexual
      (0.4 % of women and less than 0.1 % of men). However, significantly fewer women
      than men reported being lesbian or gay (1.8 % of women, compared to 3.5 % of
      men). Those openly identifying as bicurious, bisexual, or lesbian/gay were
      significantly younger than those with a heterosexual orientation. This study
      shows diversity in the terms used in self-generated sexual orientations, and
      provides up-to-date gender, age, and prevalence estimates for the New Zealand
      population. Finally, results reveal that a substantial minority of participants
      may not have understood the question about sexual orientation.

PMID- 27686091
TI  - 4-Nitrobenzene Grafted in Porous Silicon: Application to Optical Lithography.
AB  - In this work, we report a method to process porous silicon to improve its
      chemical resistance to alkaline solution attacks based on the functionalization
      of the pore surface by the electrochemical reduction of 4-nitrobenzendiazonium
      salt. This method provides porous silicon with strong resistance to the etching
      solutions used in optical lithography and allows the fabrication of tailored
      metallic contacts on its surface. The samples were studied by chemical,
      electrochemical, and morphological methods. We demonstrate that the grafted
      samples show a resistance to harsh alkaline solution more than three orders of
      magnitude larger than that of pristine porous silicon, being mostly unmodified
      after about 40 min. The samples maintained open pores after the grafting, making
      them suitable for further treatments like filling by polymers. Optical
      lithography was performed on the functionalized samples, and electrochemical
      characterization results are shown. 

PMID- 27686092
TI  - Social Maturity and Executive Function Among Deaf Learners.
AB  - Two experiments examined relations among social maturity, executive function,
      language, and cochlear implant (CI) use among deaf high school and college
      students. Experiment 1 revealed no differences between deaf CI users, deaf
      nonusers, and hearing college students in measures of social maturity. However,
      deaf students (both CI users and nonusers) reported significantly greater
      executive function (EF) difficulties in several domains, and EF was related to
      social maturity. Experiment 2 found that deaf CI users and nonusers in high
      school did not differ from each other in social maturity or EF, but individuals
      who relied on sign language reported significantly more immature behaviors than
      deaf peers who used spoken language. EF difficulties again were associated with
      social maturity. The present results indicate that EF and social maturity are
      interrelated, but those relations vary in different deaf subpopulations. As with
      academic achievement, CI use appears to have little long-term impact on EF or
      social maturity. Results are discussed in terms of their convergence with
      findings related to incidental learning and functioning in several domains.

PMID- 27686094
TI  - Gallstone mimicry: a rare cause of abdominal pain.

PMID- 27686095
TI  - The English Version of the Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome-Quality of Life Scale
      for Children and Adolescents (C&A-GTS-QOL).
AB  - Gilles de la Tourette syndrome is a chronic neuropsychiatric disorder that can
      have a detrimental impact on the health-related quality of life of children with
      the condition. To date no patient-reported health-related quality of life
      measures have been developed for children and adolescents in the English
      language. This study validated the first disease-specific scale for the
      quantitative assessment of health-related quality of life in 118 children and
      adolescents with Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (C&A-GTS-QOL) following language
      adaptation from Italian to English in the United Kingdom. Standard statistical
      methods were used to test the psychometric properties of the rating scale.
      Principal component factor analyses led to the identification of six health
      related quality of life domains (cognitive, copro-phenomena, psychological,
      physical, obsessive-compulsive, and activities of daily living), explaining 66.7%
      of the overall variance. The C&A-GTS-QOL demonstrated satisfactory scaling
      assumptions and acceptability; validity was supported by interscale correlations
      (range 0.2-0.7), confirmatory factor analysis, and correlation patterns with
      other rating scales and clinical variables.

PMID- 27686096
TI  - Efficacy of Low-Dose Corticosteroid Therapy Versus High-Dose Corticosteroid
      Therapy in Bell's Palsy in Children.
AB  - Bell's palsy is the most common cause of acute peripheral facial nerve paralysis,
      but the optimal dose of corticosteroids in pediatric patients is still unclear.
      This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of low-dose
      corticosteroid therapy compared with high-dose corticosteroid therapy in children
      with Bell's palsy. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on the dose of oral
      prednisolone regimen initiated. The severity of idiopathic facial nerve paralysis
      was graded according to the House-Brackmann Grading Scale. The patients were re
      assessed in terms of recovery rate at the first, third, and sixth months of
      treatment. There was no significant difference in complete recovery between the 2
      groups after 1, 3, and 6 months of treatment. In our study, we concluded that
      even at a dose of 1 mg/kg/d, oral prednisolone was highly effective in the
      treatment of Bell's palsy in children.

PMID- 27686093
TI  - Hepatic overexpression of cAMP-responsive element modulator alpha induces a
      regulatory T-cell response in a murine model of chronic liver disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Th17 cells are a subset of CD4+ T-helper cells characterised by
      interleukin 17 (IL-17) production, a cytokine that plays a crucial role in
      inflammation-associated diseases. The cyclic AMP-responsive element modulator
      alpha (CREMalpha) is a central mediator of T-cell pathogenesis, which contributes
      to increased IL-17 expression in patients with autoimmune disorders. Since an
      increased Th17 response is associated with a poor prognosis in patients with
      chronic liver injury, we investigated the relevance of Th17 cells for chronic
      liver disease (CLD) and hepatocarcinogenesis. DESIGN: Transgenic mice
      overexpressing CREMalpha were crossed with hepatocyte-specific Nemo knockout mice
      (NemoDeltahepa) to generate NemoDeltahepa/CREMalphaTg mice. The impact of
      CREMalphaTg on CLD progression was examined. Additionally, soft agar colony
      formation assays, in vitro studies, adoptive transfer of bone marrow-derived
      cells (BMDCs) and T cells, and gene arrays in T cells were performed. RESULTS: 8
      week-old NemoDeltahepa/CREMalphaTg mice presented significantly decreased
      transaminase levels, concomitant with reduced numbers of CD11b+ dendritic cells
      and CD8+ T cells. CREMalphaTg overexpression in NemoDeltahepa mice was associated
      with significantly reduced hepatic fibrogenesis and carcinogenesis at 52 weeks.
      Interestingly, hepatic stellate cell-derived retinoic acid induced a regulatory T
      cell (Treg) phenotype in CREMalphaTg hepatic T cells. Moreover, simultaneous
      adoptive transfer of BMDCs and T cells from CREMalphaTg into NemoDeltahepa mice
      ameliorated markers of liver injury and hepatitis. CONCLUSIONS: Our results
      demonstrate that overexpression of CREMalpha in T cells changes the inflammatory
      milieu, attenuating initiation and progression of CLD. Unexpectedly, our study
      indicates that CREMalpha transgenic T cells shift chronic inflammation in
      NemoDeltahepa livers towards a protective Treg response.

PMID- 27686097
TI  - HIF-2alpha phosphorylation by CK1delta promotes erythropoietin secretion in liver
      cancer cells under hypoxia.
AB  - Hypoxia inducible factor 2 (HIF-2) is a transcriptional activator implicated in
      the cellular response to hypoxia. Regulation of its inducible subunit, HIF-2alpha
      (also known as EPAS1), involves post-translational modifications. Here, we
      demonstrate that casein kinase 1delta (CK1delta; also known as CSNK1D)
      phosphorylates HIF-2alpha at Ser383 and Thr528 in vitro We found that disruption
      of these phosphorylation sites, and silencing or chemical inhibition of CK1delta,
      reduced the expression of HIF-2 target genes and the secretion of erythropoietin
      (EPO) in two hepatic cancer cell lines, Huh7 and HepG2, without affecting the
      levels of HIF-2alpha protein expression. Furthermore, when CK1delta-dependent
      phosphorylation of HIF-2alpha was inhibited, we observed substantial cytoplasmic
      mislocalization of HIF-2alpha, which was reversed upon the addition of the
      nuclear protein export inhibitor leptomycin B. Taken together, these data suggest
      that CK1delta enhances EPO secretion from liver cancer cells under hypoxia by
      modifying HIF-2alpha and promoting its nuclear accumulation. This modification
      represents a new mechanism of HIF-2 regulation that might allow HIF isoforms to
      undertake differing functions.

PMID- 27686099
TI  - Older age is associated with more MRI-detected inflammation in hand and foot
      joints.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Although MRI is recommended for diagnostic use in detecting joint
      inflammation, its value in clinical practice has not been settled. Older symptom
      free persons show more MRI-detected inflammation in their hands and feet. Within
      arthritis patients, a similar effect could be present (a general age effect). The
      association of age with MRI inflammation could also be enhanced by disease
      (disease-dependent age effect). Because both effects could have diagnostic
      consequences, we evaluated the association between age-at-onset and MRI-detected
      inflammation in early arthritis and RA. METHODS: Unilateral contrast-enhanced MRI
      of the MCP joint, wrist and MTP joints was performed in 589 newly presenting
      early arthritis patients, of whom 229 had RA. Bone marrow oedema, synovitis and
      tenosynovitis were summed, yielding the MRI inflammation score. MRI findings were
      associated with age and compared with those of 193 (previously reported) symptom
      free controls. RESULTS: Early arthritis and RA-patients had, respectively, 2.6
      (95% CI: 2.3, 3.0, P < 0.001) and 3.7 times (95% CI: 3.2, 4.3, P < 0.001) higher
      MRI inflammation scores than controls (adjusted for age). At higher age of onset,
      early arthritis and RA patients had higher MRI inflammation scores (1.03/year, P
      < 0.001). A similar effect was observed in controls (1.03/year, P < 0.001). The
      interaction term age*group (arthritis/RA vs controls) was non-significant (P =
      0.80 and P = 0.23), suggesting that the age effect was not disease dependent. At
      the joint level, older RA patients had more extended MRI inflammation, but the
      preferential locations were similar. CONCLUSION: Older age is associated with
      more MRI-detected inflammation, and the effect was similar in arthritis and
      controls. This age effect should be considered when interpreting hand and foot
      MRI for diagnostic purposes.

PMID- 27686100
TI  - The PTPN22 R620W polymorphism in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated
      vasculitis in Mexican Mestizos.

PMID- 27686098
TI  - REV-ERBalpha influences the stability and nuclear localization of the
      glucocorticoid receptor.
AB  - REV-ERBalpha (encoded by Nr1d1) is a nuclear receptor that is part of the
      circadian clock mechanism and regulates metabolism and inflammatory processes.
      The glucocorticoid receptor (GR, encoded by Nr3c1) influences similar processes,
      but is not part of the circadian clock, although glucocorticoid signaling affects
      resetting of the circadian clock in peripheral tissues. Because of their similar
      impact on physiological processes, we studied the interplay between these two
      nuclear receptors. We found that REV-ERBalpha binds to the C-terminal portion and
      GR to the N-terminal portion of HSP90alpha and HSP90beta, a chaperone responsible
      for the activation of proteins to ensure survival of a cell. The presence of REV
      ERBalpha influences the stability and nuclear localization of GR by an unknown
      mechanism, thereby affecting expression of GR target genes, such as IkappaBalpha
      (Nfkbia) and alcohol dehydrogenase 1 (Adh1). Our findings highlight an important
      interplay between two nuclear receptors that influence the transcriptional
      potential of each other. This indicates that the transcriptional landscape is
      strongly dependent on dynamic processes at the protein level.

PMID- 27686102
TI  - Letter by Mattingly et al Regarding Article, "Endovascular Hypothermia in Acute
      Ischemic Stroke: Pilot Study of Selective Intra-Arterial Cold Saline Infusion".

PMID- 27686101
TI  - The role of female hormonal factors in the development of rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - RA is the most common chronic systemic autoimmune disease, with a higher
      prevalence in women, suggesting female hormonal factors play a role in the
      development of the disease. However, many controversies still exist. The aim of
      this review was to appraise data from recent research concerning female hormonal
      factors and their association with RA disease development. The study of female
      hormonal factors is challenging because serum levels may differ throughout a
      woman's lifetime and interact with various environmental, immunological, genetic
      and endocrine factors influencing the development of autoimmunity. As some female
      hormonal factors may be potentially modifiable, understanding their impact on RA
      development is clinically relevant and may result in specific preventive
      interventions in high-risk populations.

PMID- 27686103
TI  - Response by Chen et al to Letter Regarding Article, "Endovascular Hypothermia in
      Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Pilot Study of Selective Intra-Arterial Cold Saline
      Infusion".

PMID- 27686104
TI  - Validation of Noninvasive In Vivo Compound Ultrasound Strain Imaging Using
      Histologic Plaque Vulnerability Features.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Carotid plaque rupture is a major cause of stroke. Key
      issue for risk stratification is early identification of rupture-prone plaques. A
      noninvasive technique, compound ultrasound strain imaging, was developed
      providing high-resolution radial deformation/strain images of atherosclerotic
      plaques. This study aims at in vivo validation of compound ultrasound strain
      imaging in patients by relating the measured strains to typical features of
      vulnerable plaques derived from histology after carotid endarterectomy. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Strains were measured in 34 severely stenotic (>70%) carotid
      arteries at the culprit lesion site within 48 hours before carotid
      endarterectomy. In all cases, the lumen-wall boundary was identifiable on B-mode
      ultrasound, and the imaged cross-section did not move out of the imaging plane
      from systole to diastole. After endarterectomy, the plaques were processed using
      a validated histology analysis technique. RESULTS: Locally elevated strain values
      were observed in regions containing predominantly components related to plaque
      vulnerability, whereas lower values were observed in fibrous, collagen-rich
      plaques. The median strain of the inner plaque layer (1 mm thickness) was
      significantly higher (P<0.01) for (fibro)atheromatous (n=20, strain=0.27%) than
      that for fibrous plaques (n=14, strain=-0.75%). Also, a significantly larger area
      percentage of the inner layer revealed strains above 0.5% for (fibro)atheromatous
      (45.30%) compared with fibrous plaques (31.59%). (Fibro)atheromatous plaques were
      detected with a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative
      predictive value of 75%, 86%, 88%, and 71%, respectively. Strain did not
      significantly correlate with fibrous cap thickness, smooth muscle cell, or
      macrophage concentration. CONCLUSIONS: Compound ultrasound strain imaging allows
      differentiating (fibro)atheromatous from fibrous carotid artery plaques.

PMID- 27686105
TI  - Histomorphologic features of early gastric carcinoma treated by endoscopic
      submucosal dissection: relation to efficiency of endoscopic resection.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Early gastric cancer (EGC) is defined as cancer invasion confined to
      the mucosa or submucosa, irrespective of lymph node metastasis. Recently
      endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has been widely accepted for the treatment
      for dysplasia and EGC without lymph node metastases. While the method has been
      advanced in Far East countries, ESD is still being developed in Europe and has
      not gained enough popularity although it has been recommended as the treatment of
      choice for superficial gastric neoplastic lesions by European Society of
      Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) in 2015. METHODS: The aim of the study was to
      perform a retrospective analysis of clinical and histomorphologic features of 58
      cases of EGCs removed by ESD in a university hospital in Western Pomerania in
      Poland and to evaluate factors related to the efficiency of ESD resection.
      RESULTS: With univariate analysis, indications for ESD with the highest R0 rate
      were found in EGCs limited to mucosa (T1a, small mucosal, M), without muscularis
      mucosa invasion, localised in the middle/lower part of stomach and intestinal
      type in histological examination. The R0 complete resection rate was
      significantly (p < 0.0001) lower for T1b than that for T1a tumours (21.4% vs.
      100%). Tumours with submucosal involvement were associated with lower efficiency
      of ESD procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Our data showed that in EGCs with favourable
      histomorphologic characteristics, ESD seemed to be a totally efficient and safe
      method of treatment in a European small-volume centre. R0 resection rate reached
      81.1% of cases and median time of the ESD procedure was 61.5 min.

PMID- 27686106
TI  - Biological underpinnings of trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder: focusing
      on genetics and epigenetics.
AB  - Certain individuals are more susceptible to stress and trauma, as well as the
      physical and mental health consequences following such exposure, including risk
      for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This differing vulnerability is likely
      to be influenced by genetic predisposition and specific characteristics of the
      stress itself (nature, intensity and duration), as well as epigenetic mechanisms.
      In this review we provide an overview of research findings in this field. We
      highlight some of the key genetic risk factors identified for PTSD, and the
      evidence that epigenetic processes might play a role in the biological response
      to trauma, as well as being potential biomarkers of PTSD risk. We also discuss
      important considerations for future research in this area.

PMID- 27686108
TI  - Formulating a novel prognostic index for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: T cells
      break the SILence.

PMID- 27686107
TI  - Development of a mobile phone-based intervention to improve adherence to
      secondary prevention of coronary heart disease in China.
AB  - Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a major disease burden globally and in China, but
      secondary prevention among CHD patients remains insufficient. Mobile health
      (mHealth) technology holds promise for improving secondary prevention but few
      previous studies included both provider-facing and patient-directed measures. We
      conducted a physician needs assessment survey (n = 59), physician interviews (n =
      6), one focus group and a short cellphone message validation survey (n = 14) in
      Shanghai and Hainan, China. Based on these results, we developed a multifaceted
      mHealth intervention that includes: (1) a provider-facing bilingual mobile app
      guiding prescription of evidence-based medications for secondary prevention and
      (2) a patient-directed short messaging system automatically sending reminders to
      patients regarding medication adherence and lifestyle changes (4-5 messages per
      week for 12 weeks). This combined intervention has the potential to improve
      secondary prevention of CHD and to be adapted to other countries and healthcare
      conditions.

PMID- 27686110
TI  - A comparative evaluation of off-the-shelf distributed semantic representations
      for modelling behavioural data.
AB  - In this paper we carry out an extensive comparison of many off-the-shelf
      distributed semantic vectors representations of words, for the purpose of making
      predictions about behavioural results or human annotations of data. In doing this
      comparison we also provide a guide for how vector similarity computations can be
      used to make such predictions, and introduce many resources available both in
      terms of datasets and of vector representations. Finally, we discuss the
      shortcomings of this approach and future research directions that might address
      them.

PMID- 27686109
TI  - Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic evaluation of ibrutinib for the treatment of
      chronic lymphocytic leukemia: rationale for lower doses.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Ibrutinib, a first-in-class covalent inhibitor of Bruton's tyrosine
      kinase (BTK), is approved in many countries for the treatment of
      relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and for previously
      untreated disease with a 17p deletion and, most recently, as a frontline therapy
      for CLL. In controlled trials in CLL, ibrutinib produced high response rates and
      improved survival in both the frontline and relapsed settings. While ibrutinib
      controls CLL with impressive efficacy, it only infrequently induces complete
      remissions, particularly of relapsed CLL, and does not eradicate minimal residual
      disease. Finally, ibrutinib is extremely expensive, has off-target toxicities,
      and requires indefinite therapy. Areas covered: In this article, we provide an
      overview of the CLL therapeutic landscape and discuss the pharmacokinetic and
      pharmacodynamic aspects of ibrutinib. Major clinical trials of ibrutinib in CLL
      are summarized, and its safety profile explored. Expert opinion: Ibrutinib
      represents a transformative advance in CLL management and has validated BTK as a
      therapeutic target in this disease, but has some limitations, leading to the
      emergence of other BTK inhibitors and mechanism-based combination strategies.
      Given complete BTK occupancy at lower doses of ibrutinib and declining levels of
      BTK on ibrutinib therapy, lower doses of ibrutinib in CLL are being explored.

PMID- 27686112
TI  - Comparison of in silico tools for binding site prediction applied for structure
      based design of autolysin inhibitors.
AB  - Autolysin E (AtlE) is a bacteriolytic enzyme which plays an important role in
      division and growth of bacterial cells and therefore represents a promising
      potential drug target. Its 3D structure has been recently elucidated. We used in
      silico prediction tools to study substrate or ligand (inhibitor) binding regions
      of AtlE. We applied several freely available tools and a commercial tool for
      binding site identification and compared results of the prediction. Calculation
      time, number of predictions and output data provided by specific software vary
      according to the different approaches utilized by specific method categories.
      Despite different approaches, binding sites in similar locations on the protein
      were predicted. Specific amino acid residues that form these binding sites were
      predicted as binding residues. The predicted residues, especially those with
      predicted highest conservation score, could theoretically have catalytic and
      binding properties. According to our results, we assume that E138, which has the
      highest conservation score, is the catalytic residue and F161, G162 and Y224,
      which are also highly conserved, are responsible for substrate binding. Ligands
      developed with binding specificity towards these residues could inhibit the
      catalysis and binding of the substrate of AtlE. The molecules with inhibitory
      potency could therefore represent potential new antibacterial agents. 

PMID- 27686114
TI  - Working with sports organizations and teams.
AB  - Athletes and coaches at all competitive levels will utilize sports performance
      and psychiatric services at very high rates if the services are offered on-site
      and free of charge and are broad in scope and culturally sensitive. Services
      should be available throughout the team year and cover areas such as team
      building, mental preparation, stress control, substance prevention, sleep and
      energy regulation, injury recovery, crisis intervention, and mental disorder
      treatment. The staff offering these services should be diverse by gender,
      profession, and culture, and the fees should be paid by the organization. When
      these services are endorsed by the team's leaders and integrated with the
      athletic training/medical/player development staff, their utilization will grow
      quickly and lead to positive outcomes individually and collectively.

PMID- 27686113
TI  - Practical considerations for the application of ear simulators in the calibration
      of audiometers in the extended high frequency region.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Calibration service providers for audiometric equipment often
      encounter impracticalities in fully implementing the International
      Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) guidelines for the extended high frequency
      region. This report evaluates some of the work-around solutions sometimes
      employed in practice and the implications these have for audiometer calibration
      results and uncertainties. DESIGN: The impact of using four different microphone
      configurations on the ear simulator calibration in the frequency range 125 Hz to
      20 kHz, and especially in the extended high frequency range from 10 kHz to 20
      kHz, was investigated, at a range of temperatures. RESULTS: Variations in the
      response of the ear simulator of up to 6 dB were observed with the different
      microphone configurations. In addition, using the microphone without its
      protection grid produced a dip in the high frequency response of approximately 15
      dB. CONCLUSION: While deviation from the practices required in IEC standards is
      not recommended, replacing the microphone protection grid with a specially
      fabricated collar (essentially a grid with the top removed) was found to
      constrain deviations in response to within +/-2 dB. It was also concluded that
      simply removing the microphone protection grid resulted in a wholly
      unsatisfactory performance.

PMID- 27686111
TI  - Using precise word timing information improves decoding accuracy in a multiband
      accelerated multimodal reading experiment.
AB  - The blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) signal measured in functional magnetic
      resonance imaging (fMRI) experiments is generally regarded as sluggish and poorly
      suited for probing neural function at the rapid timescales involved in sentence
      comprehension. However, recent studies have shown the value of acquiring data
      with very short repetition times (TRs), not merely in terms of improvements in
      contrast to noise ratio (CNR) through averaging, but also in terms of additional
      fine-grained temporal information. Using multiband-accelerated fMRI, we achieved
      whole-brain scans at 3-mm resolution with a TR of just 500 ms at both 3T and 7T
      field strengths. By taking advantage of word timing information, we found that
      word decoding accuracy across two separate sets of scan sessions improved
      significantly, with better overall performance at 7T than at 3T. The effect of TR
      was also investigated; we found that substantial word timing information can be
      extracted using fast TRs, with diminishing benefits beyond TRs of 1000 ms.

PMID- 27686115
TI  - Time-of-day affects prospective memory differently in younger and older adults.
AB  - The goal of this study was to investigate the impact of circadian arousal on
      prospective memory performance as a function of age. We tested a younger (18-34
      years) and an older group (56-95 years) of participants on- and off-peak with
      regard to their circadian arousal patterns in a computer-based laboratory
      experiment. For the prospective memory task, participants had to press a
      particular key whenever specific target words appeared in an ongoing concreteness
      judgment task. The results showed that prospective memory performance was better
      on- than off-peak in younger but not older participants. Younger participants
      consistently outperformed older participants in all conditions. We conclude that
      prospective remembering underlies time-of-day effects which most likely reflect
      controlled processes.

PMID- 27686116
TI  - Use of non-antiretroviral drugs among individuals with and without HIV-infection:
      a Danish nationwide study.
AB  - AIM: We investigated the use of non-antiretroviral drugs in the HIV-infected
      compared to the general population. METHODS: From the Danish HIV Cohort Study, we
      identified all HIV-infected individuals older than 18 years at HIV diagnosis who
      received care in Denmark through 1995-2013 and reported no injection drug abuse
      or hepatitis C infection. Population controls were identified from The Danish
      Civil Registration System and matched on age and gender (5:1). We analyzed the
      proportion of individuals who redeemed 0-1, 2-4, 5-9, or 10 or more non
      antiretroviral drugs. Data were analyzed according to calendar time, age, time
      from initiation of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) and stratified by
      gender, geographical origin and route of HIV transmission. We further analyzed
      the use of the 25 most used non-antiretroviral drug classes. RESULTS: We
      identified 4,928 HIV-infected individuals (median age: 37; 76.4% males). Overall,
      the HIV-infected population had a higher use of non-antiretroviral drugs compared
      to the background population. Whereas, the use of non-antiretroviral drugs in the
      HIV-infected population only changed marginally with time, the use in the
      background population increased considerably. Thus, use in the HIV-infected
      population only differed marginally from that of the background population in
      recent years. This difference was most pronounced in men who have sex with men
      (MSM). CONCLUSION: Compared to the background population, HIV infected
      individuals have increased use of non-antiretroviral drugs. The excess use is
      mainly observed in MSM and has decreased with calendar time, why it in recent
      years only differs marginally from that observed in the background population.

PMID- 27686117
TI  - Kinematical analysis of the V2 ski skating technique: A longitudinal study.
AB  - To characterise timing of movements and evaluate performance effects of technique
      alterations in V2 ski skating, 13 elite male cross-country skiers (age, 23 +/- 2
      years; stature, 182 +/- 6 cm; body mass, 76 +/- 8 kg; V2 VO2max, 79.3 +/- 4.4 mL
      . kg-1 . min-1) were tested four times during the preparation and competition
      phase on a roller ski treadmill. Each test consisted of submaximal intensities of
      exercise for determination of oxygen cost followed by one 1000-m performance
      test. Hip movement (from accelerometer data) and joint angles (2D video) were
      determined for high-intensity exercise (6 degrees  and 3.5 m . s-1; ~ 97-100% of
      VO2peak). Each ski thrust consisted of three phases: gliding phase (18-50% of
      cycle time), poling phase (50-70% of cycle time), and kick phase (70-78% of cycle
      time). Flexion/extension of the hip initiated all phases, followed by the
      respective joints in legs and arms. Mixed-model analysis, adjusting for
      systematic time-point effects, identified that both reduced vertical hip
      acceleration and increased cycle time gave a small likely reduction in oxygen
      cost and 1000-m time. In conclusion, well-developed hip movement is a key
      characteristic of the V2 technique for elite-standard skiers' long-term
      performance development.

PMID- 27686118
TI  - Red blood cell storage age - what we know from clinical trials.

PMID- 27686120
TI  - Introduction: Central Questions about Personality: Orgins, Differences, and
      Malleability.

PMID- 27686119
TI  - Changing prevalence and resistance patterns in children with drug-resistant
      tuberculosis in Mumbai.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prevalence of drug-resistant (DR) tuberculosis (TB) in children
      is increasing. Although, in India, multi-drug-resistant (MDR) TB rates have been
      relatively stable, the number of children with pre-extensively drug-resistant and
      extensively drug-resistant (XDR) TB is increasing. AIM: To determine whether the
      prevalence of DR TB in children in Mumbai is changing and to study the evolving
      patterns of resistance. METHODS: A retrospective study was undertaken in 1311
      paediatric patients referred between April 2007 and March 2013 to the Paediatric
      TB clinic at B. J. Wadia Hospital for Children, Mumbai. Children were defined as
      having DR TB on the basis of drug susceptibility testing (DST) of Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis grown on culture of body fluids (in the case of extra pulmonary TB)
      or from gastric lavage/bronchi-alveolar lavage/sputum in patients with pulmonary
      TB or from DST of the contacts. The prevalence of DR TB was calculated and the
      type of DR was evaluated yearly and in the pre-2010 and post-2010 eras. RESULTS:
      The overall prevalence of DR TB was 86 (6.6%) with an increase from 23 (5.6%)
      patients pre-2010 to 63 (7%) post-2010 (P = 0.40). Nine (10.4%) patients were
      diagnosed on the basis of contact with a parent with DR TB. Overall
      fluoroquinolone resistance increased from 9 (39.1%) pre-2010 to 59 (93.7%) post
      2010 (P = 0.0001): moxifloxacin resistance increased from 2 (8.7%) to 29 (46%) (P
      = 0.0018) and ofloxacin resistance increased from 7 (30.4%) to 30 (47.6%) (P =
      0.14). Ethionamide resistance also increased from 6 (26.1%) to 31 (49.2%) (P =
      0.04), aminoglycoside resistance was one (4.3%) pre-2010 and 12 (19%) post-2010
      (P = 0.17) and resistance remained virtually the same for both amikacin [0 pre
      2010 and 6 (9.5%) after 2010] and kanamycin [one (4.3%) pre- and 6 (9.5%) post
      2010]. Of the first-line drugs, resistance remained the same for isoniazid [23
      (100%) to 61 (96.8%)], rifampicin [22 (95.7%) to 51 (80.9%),P = 0.17],
      pyrazinamide [15 (65.2%) to 35 (55.6%), P = 0.47], ethambutol [14 (60.9%) to 38
      (60.3%), P = 1.00] and streptomycin [19 (82.6%) to 50 (79.4%), P = 1.00].
      Resistance to PAS remained unchanged [2 (8.7%) to 5 (7.9%), P = 1.00].
      CONCLUSION: There is increasing resistance to second-line anti-tuberculosis (ATT)
      drugs, particularly flouroquinolones and ethionamide. Hence, there is an urgent
      need to avoid the use of ATT drugs for non-tuberculous infection and to increase
      surveillance for DR TB in adults as MDR TB in children is usually through contact
      with an adult with infectious MDR TB.

PMID- 27686121
TI  - Design, synthesis, and evaluation of pyrazolo-pyrazole derivatives on
      Methylisocitratelyase of Pseudomonas aeruginosa: in silico and in vitro study.
AB  - Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic micro-organism causing diseases both
      in animals and humans. In case of human pathology, the role of P. aeruginosa is
      one of the major concerns in intensive care septicemia. Presently, the drug
      resistance strains of P. aeruginosa are arising mainly by developing multiple
      mechanisms due to its natural and acquired resistance to many of the
      antimicrobial agents commonly used in clinical practice. As a result, there is a
      direct need to invent new drugs so that they may restrict the outbreak of
      multidrug resistant strains. Virtual high-throughput insilico screening, which
      helps to identify the chemical ligands that bind to the enzymes, is an important
      tool in drug discovery and the drugs discovered in this way are clinically
      tested. In this study, Methylisocitratelyase (MICL), which is essential for the
      survival of the bacterium and which doesn't show any similarity with the humans,
      was selected to evaluate the functions of high-affinity inhibitors (PPI-analogs)
      that are identified using the virtual screening approach. By adopting the
      computational analysis tools, structural, functional, and inhibitor interactions
      of MICL against P. aeruginosa were identified. The PPIA-32 is found to be the
      best binding interactions with MICL. PPIA-32 reduces the binding affinity for
      substrate to residues required for MICL enzyme activity and also Root Mean Square
      Deviation simulations show the most stable nature of PPA32-MICL(complex) than
      that of MICL alone, thereby effectively inhibiting the growth of virulent P.
      aeruginosa. To our surprise, the same phenomenon is also identified with other
      gram-negative bacteria like Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and
      Salmonella typhi.

PMID- 27686123
TI  - Biomimetic Designing of Functional Silk Nanotopography Using Self-assembly.
AB  - In nature inorganic-organic building units create multifunctional hierarchical
      architectures. Organic silk protein is particularly attractive in this respect
      because of its micro-nanoscale structural blocks that are attributed to
      sophisticated hierarchical assembly imparting flexibility and compressibility to
      designed biohybrid materials. In the present study, aqueous silk fibroin is
      assembled to form nano/microtopography on inorganic silica surface via a facile
      diffusion-limited aggregation process. This process is driven by electrostatic
      interaction and only possible at a specified aminated surface chemistry. The self
      assembled topography depends on the age and concentration of protein solution as
      well as on the surface charge distribution of the template. The self-assembled
      silk trails closely resemble natural cypress leaf architecture, which is
      considered a structural analogue of neuronal cortex. This assembled surface
      significantly enhances anchorage of neuronal cell and cytoskeletal extensions,
      providing an effective nano/microtopographical cue for cellular recognition and
      guidance.

PMID- 27686122
TI  - Control of non-apoptotic nurse cell death by engulfment genes in Drosophila.
AB  - Programmed cell death occurs as a normal part of oocyte development in
      Drosophila. For each egg that is formed, 15 germline-derived nurse cells transfer
      their cytoplasmic contents into the oocyte and die. Disruption of apoptosis or
      autophagy only partially inhibits the death of the nurse cells, indicating that
      other mechanisms significantly contribute to nurse cell death. Recently, we
      demonstrated that the surrounding stretch follicle cells non-autonomously promote
      nurse cell death during late oogenesis and that phagocytosis genes including
      draper, ced-12, and the JNK pathway are crucial for this process. When
      phagocytosis genes are inhibited in the follicle cells, events specifically
      associated with death of the nurse cells are impaired. Death of the nurse cells
      is not completely blocked in draper mutants, suggesting that other engulfment
      receptors are involved. Indeed, we found that the integrin subunit, alphaPS3, is
      enriched on stretch follicle cells during late oogenesis and is required for
      elimination of the nurse cells. Moreover, double mutant analysis revealed that
      integrins act in parallel to draper. Death of nurse cells in the Drosophila ovary
      is a unique example of programmed cell death that is both non-apoptotic and non
      cell autonomously controlled.

PMID- 27686126
TI  - Relationship between hsTnI and coronary stenosis in asymptomatic women with
      rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a condition associated with accelerated
      progression of atherosclerosis in affected individuals. Myocardial assessment
      using exercise testing in such patients, however, is often difficult to perform.
      Our objective was to determine the factors associated with severe coronary
      stenosis using computed tomography (CT) angiography of the coronary arteries in
      asymptomatic patients with RA. METHODS: Forty-four women with RA were examined
      using CT angiography to detect atherosclerotic involvement and significant
      coronary stenosis (>50 %). CT findings were correlated with the cardiovascular
      risk score, and with classical and most recent parameters of atherosclerosis.
      RESULTS: CT angiography of the coronary arteries revealed severe stenosis (>70 %)
      in 9 % of patients. High-sensitivity troponin I level was associated with severe
      coronary stenosis (odds ratio 6.37; 95 % confidence interval 1.53 - 26.48; P =
      0.011). Adjustment for confounders did not alter this result (P = 0.039). In
      contrast, classical and modified Systemic Coronary Risk Evaluation scores had no
      value in predicting severe stenosis (P >= 0.49). CONCLUSION: The present study
      showed the possible benefits of a coronary CT angiography in women with RA and
      asymptomatic ischemic coronary heart disease. Increased levels of high
      sensitivity troponin I may be a potential indication for this type of
      examination. However, further studies are needed to confirm these results.

PMID- 27686125
TI  - Challenges of implementing a large scale larviciding campaign against malaria in
      rural Burkina Faso - lessons learned and recommendations derived from the EMIRA
      project.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent malaria control and elimination attempts show remarkable
      success in several parts of sub-Saharan Africa. Vector control via larval source
      management represents a new and to date underrepresented approach in low income
      countries to further reduce malaria transmission. Although the positive impact of
      such campaigns on malaria incidence has been researched, there is a lack of data
      on which prerequisites are needed for implementing such programs on a routine
      basis on large scale. Our objectives are to point out important steps in
      implementing an anti-malaria larviciding campaign in a resource and
      infrastructure restraint setting and share the lessons learned from our
      experience during a three-year intervention study in rural Burkina Faso. METHODS:
      We describe the approaches we followed and the challenges that have been
      encountered during the EMIRA project, a three-year study on the impact of
      environmental larviciding on vector ecology and human health. An inventory of all
      performed work packages and associated problems and peculiarities was assembled.
      RESULTS: Key to the successful implementation of the larviciding program within a
      health district was the support and infrastructure from the local research center
      run by the government. This included availability of trained scientific personnel
      for local project management, data collection and analysis by medical personnel,
      entomologists and demographers and teams of fieldworkers for the larviciding
      intervention. A detailed a priori assessment of the environment and vector
      breeding site ecology was essential to calculate personnel requirements and the
      need for larvicide and application apparel. In our case of a three-year project,
      solid funding for the whole duration was an important issue, which restricted the
      number of possible donors. We found the acquisition of qualified field personnel
      in fair numbers not to be always easy and training in application techniques and
      basic entomologic knowledge required several weeks of theoretical and practical
      formation. A further crucial point was to establish an effective quality control
      system that ensured the timely verification of larviciding success and
      facilitated in time data handling. While the experiences of running a larviciding
      campaign may vary globally, the experiences gained and the methods used in the
      Nouna health district may be employed in similar settings. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      observations highlight important components and strategies that should be taken
      into account when planning and running a similar larviciding program against
      malaria in a resource limited setting. A strong local partnership, meticulous
      planning with the possibility of ad-hoc adaption of project components and a
      reliable source of funding turned out to be crucial factors to successfully
      accomplish such a project.

PMID- 27686124
TI  - High attack frequency in patients with angioedema due to C1-inhibitor deficiency
      is a major determinant in switching to home therapy: a real-life observational
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hereditary angioedema with C1-inhibitor deficiency (C1-INH-HAE) is
      characterized by recurrent attacks of swelling that affect various body sites.
      Such attacks are a frequent cause of visits to the emergency department and are
      often treated in the hospital. In recent years, self-administration of C1
      inhibitor (C1-INH) concentrates at home has become an increasingly used option,
      with a positive impact on patient outcomes and quality of life. METHODS: This was
      an observational study of 6 months' duration in 56 patients with C1-INH-HAE
      referred to a HAE center in southern Italy. The patients received three types of
      treatment for their swelling attacks: C1-INH concentrates administered at home (n
      = 25); icatibant administered at home (n = 12); and C1-INH concentrates
      administered in the hospital (n = 19). The objectives of this observational study
      were to compare therapy compliance (defined as the proportion of treated attacks)
      and quality of life in home- and hospital-treated patients, and to identify
      factors associated with the decision to use home therapy. RESULTS: Overall, 918
      attacks were reported over 6 months, of which 544 (59.2 %) were treated. Total
      number of reported attacks and the mean (+/-SD) number of attacks per patient,
      respectively, in the three groups were: 611 and 24.4 (+/-26.1) for home-based C1
      INH; 191 and 15.9 (+/-12.0) for home-based icatibant; 166 and 6.1 (+/-6.5) for
      hospital-based C1-INH. Differences in attack frequency between home- and hospital
      based treatments were statistically significant (p = 0.002), while patient
      demographic characteristics and the disease severity score did not correlate with
      the use of home therapy. Compliance with therapy was significantly better with
      home-based therapy (71.2 % of treated attacks with C1-INH and 44.0 % with
      icatibant) than with hospital-based therapy (21.6 %, p = 0.003). Quality of life
      showed an opposite trend, with patients on hospital-based treatment reporting the
      highest quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Home-based therapy was associated with
      better compliance compared with hospital-based therapy. The choice to adopt home
      based therapy appeared to correlate with a high attack frequency. Home-based
      therapy is a valid treatment option for patients with C1-INH-HAE and should be
      offered to all such patients, and especially to those with high attack frequency.

PMID- 27686128
TI  - Insect odorant receptor trafficking requires calmodulin.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Like most animals, insects rely on their olfactory systems for
      finding food and mates and in avoiding noxious chemicals and predators. Most
      insect olfactory neurons express an odorant-specific odorant receptor (OR) along
      with Orco, the olfactory co-receptor. Orco binds ORs and permits their
      trafficking to the dendrites of antennal olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs), where
      together, they are suggested to form heteromeric ligand-gated non-selective
      cation channels. While most amino acid residues in Orco are well conserved across
      insect orders, one especially well-conserved region in Orco's second
      intracellular loop is a putative calmodulin (CaM) binding site (CBS). In this
      study, we explore the relationship between Orco and CaM in vivo in the olfactory
      neurons of Drosophila melanogaster. RESULTS: We first found OSN-specific knock
      down of CaM at the onset of OSN development disrupts the spontaneous firing of
      OSNs and reduces Orco trafficking to the ciliated dendrites of OSNs without
      affecting their morphology. We then generated a series of Orco CBS mutant
      proteins and found that none of them rescue the Orco-null Orco 1 mutant
      phenotype, which is characterized by an OR protein trafficking defect that blocks
      spontaneous and odorant-evoked OSN activity. In contrast to an identically
      constructed wild-type form of Orco that does rescue the Orco 1 phenotype, all the
      Orco CBS mutants remain stuck in the OSN soma, preventing even the smallest
      odorant-evoked response. Last, we found CaM's modulation of OR trafficking is
      dependent on activity. Knock-down of CaM in all Orco-positive OSNs after OR
      expression is well established has little effect on olfactory responsiveness
      alone. When combined with an extended exposure to odorant, however, this late
      onset CaM knock-down significantly reduces both olfactory sensitivity and the
      trafficking of Orco only to the ciliated dendrites of OSNs that respond to the
      exposed odorant. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we show CaM regulates OR trafficking
      and olfactory responses in vivo in Drosophila olfactory neurons via a well
      conserved binding site on the olfactory co-receptor Orco. As CaM's modulation of
      Orco seems to be dependent on activity, we propose a model in which the CaM/Orco
      interaction allows insect OSNs to maintain appropriate dendritic levels of OR
      regardless of environmental odorant concentrations.

PMID- 27686129
TI  - Spontaneous Gastric Perforation in Two Adolescents.
AB  - BACKGROUND Spontaneous gastric perforation is a rare clinical disorder. The
      majority of the available data have been reported in the neonatal age group.
      There are a few cases of spontaneous gastric perforation in preschool children.
      To our knowledge, there is no published information on spontaneous gastric
      perforation in older children and adolescents. CASE REPORT We describe the
      presentation and clinical course of two adolescent children who presented with
      spontaneous gastric perforation. Both children presented with acute onset
      abdominal pain, which progressively worsened. In both cases, the patient were
      taken urgently to the operating room after imaging studies had shown
      pneumoperitoneum. In both cases, surgery revealed gastric perforation with no
      obvious etiology, specifically no -ulcer, inflammation, or other pathology.
      CONCLUSIONS These two cases highlight the importance of including spontaneous
      gastric perforation, not just the typical duodenal/gastric ulcer, in the
      differential of a patient with severe abdominal pain and distension, who has
      imaging showing pneumoperitoneum.

PMID- 27686127
TI  - qKAT: a high-throughput qPCR method for KIR gene copy number and haplotype
      determination.
AB  - Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs), expressed on natural killer
      cells and T cells, have considerable biomedical relevance playing significant
      roles in immunity, pregnancy and transplantation. The KIR locus is one of the
      most complex and polymorphic regions of the human genome. Extensive sequence
      homology and copy number variation makes KIRs technically laborious and expensive
      to type. To aid the investigation of KIRs in human disease we developed a high
      throughput, multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction method to determine
      gene copy number for each KIR locus. We used reference DNA samples to validate
      the accuracy and a cohort of 1698 individuals to evaluate capability for precise
      copy number discrimination. The method provides improved information and
      identifies KIR haplotype alterations that were not previously visible using other
      approaches.

PMID- 27686130
TI  - Efficacy of anorectal biofeedback in scleroderma patients with fecal
      incontinence: a case-control study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether anorectal biofeedback therapy can improve the
      symptoms of fecal incontinence (FI) in patients with scleroderma when compared to
      patients with functional FI, and also whether there is any effect on anorectal
      physiology or quality of life (QOL). FI in patients with scleroderma is highly
      prevalent and is associated with significant loss of QOL. Biofeedback has been
      proven to be an effective treatment for functional FI, but there are no data to
      support its use in scleroderma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 13 consecutive female
      patients (median age 59, IQR 47-65 years) with scleroderma, and 26 age- and
      parity-matched female patients with functional FI (disease controls, 2:1),
      underwent biofeedback therapy for management of FI. Fecal incontinence severity
      index (FISI), anorectal physiology, feeling of control and QOL were collected
      before and after 6 weeks of biofeedback therapy, with additional scoring repeated
      at 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: After biofeedback treatment FISI, feeling of
      control and QOL significantly improved in both groups (p < 0.005). There was no
      difference in the degree in improvement in physiology, FISI or QOL between
      scleroderma patients and functional FI patients. Long-term improvement in FISI
      and control were seen in both groups and for QOL only in the scleroderma cohort
      (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with scleroderma benefit from biofeedback
      therapy to the same extent as that achieved in patients with functional FI. There
      are significant improvements in symptoms, physiology and QOL. Biofeedback is an
      effective, low-risk treatment option in this patient group.

PMID- 27686131
TI  - 1000 cases of tubeless video-assisted thoracic surgery at the Rome Tor Vergata
      University.
AB  - In the early 2000s, the 'Awake Thoracic Surgery Research Group' at Tor Vergata
      University began a program of thoracic operations in awake nonintubated patients.
      To our knowledge this was the first program created with this specific purpose.
      Since then over 1000 tubeless operations have been carried out successfully,
      making this series one of the widest in the world. Both nononcologic and
      oncologic conditions were successively approached and major operations for lung
      cancer are now being performed. Uniportal access was progressively adopted with
      significant positive outcomes in postoperative recovery, patient acceptance and
      economical costs. Failure rates due to patient's intolerance and open surgery
      conversion are progressively reducing. Tubeless thoracic surgery can be
      accomplished in a safe manner with effective results.

PMID- 27686132
TI  - Effect of nine diets on mRNAs of phase-II conjugation enzymes in livers of mice.
AB  - 1. Phase-II enzymes are important in metabolizing many xenobiotics including
      prescription drugs and chemical carcinogens. Whereas it is known that diet can
      alter the expression of phase-II conjugation enzymes, the previous studies are
      limited in using only two or three diets and examining only a few enzymes. 2.
      Adult male C57BL6 mice were fed one of nine diets for 3 weeks. Of the 87 genes
      encoding major hepatic phase-II enzymes, approximately one-half (43) were altered
      by at least one diet. Diet restriction altered the hepatic expression of the most
      genes encoding phase-II enzymes (27), followed by lab chow (15), atherogenic diet
      (13), high-fat diet (10), western diet (7), high-fructose diet (5), and essential
      fatty acid-deficient diet (3), whereas the low n-3 fatty acid diet had no effect
      on the hepatic expression of these phase-II enzymes. 3. This comprehensive study
      provides detailed information on which conjugation enzymes are changed by these
      diets, and these data can be used to further investigate the mechanism for these
      changes in messenger RNAs, and whether these changes result in alterations in
      enzyme activity and drug action.

PMID- 27686134
TI  - Functioning of medial olivocochlear bundle in right- and left-handed individuals.
AB  - Functional symmetry of medial olivocochlear bundle (MOCB) as a function of
      handedness remains to be well investigated. The current study aimed to assess the
      functional symmetry of MOCB through contralateral inhibition of otoacoustic
      emissions (OAEs) in right- and left-handed individuals. Thirteen left-handed and
      13 right-handed individuals in the age range of 19-25 years participated.
      Behavioural experiment involved measuring speech perception in noise and vocal
      reaction time. Physiological experiment involved measuring the contralateral
      inhibition of OAEs in both the ears of participants. Findings of the current
      study revealed lack of functional asymmetry in right- as well as left-handed
      individuals. Results of the current study suggest that right- as well as left
      handed individuals do not demonstrate functional asymmetry at the level of
      descending auditory pathways unlike the higher cortical centres.

PMID- 27686133
TI  - Potential allelopathic azaphilones produced by the endophytic Chaetomium globosum
      TY1 inhabited in Ginkgo biloba using the one strain-many compounds method.
AB  - On the basis of the one strain-many compounds strategy, seven azaphilones,
      including Chaetomugilin A (1), D (2), S (3), I (4), J (5), Q (6) and O (7), were
      isolated from the endophytic Chaetomium globosum TY1. Their structures were
      identified by NMR and HRESIMS spectrometry data. All azaphilones were evaluated
      for plant growth regulation using eight species of herbaceous plant seeds
      seedling growth bioassay, which showed the plant growth influence of the
      seedling. Among these compounds tested, Chaetomugilin O (7) with tetrahydrofuran
      exhibited higher response index and lower IC50 values than positive control
      glyphosate, a broad-spectrum systemic herbicide. 1-3 also showed better or
      similar inhibit activity to glyphosate. The structure-allelopathic activity
      relationship analysis of these isolated azaphilones indicates that both
      tetrahydrofuran and tetrahydrofuran combine with lactones ring groups give potent
      inhibition of seedling growth. Chaetomugilin O and Chaetomugilin A, D, S could be
      used to develop natural eco-friendly herbicides.

PMID- 27686136
TI  - Demineralized Bone Matrix Scaffolds Modified by CBD-SDF-1alpha Promote Bone
      Regeneration via Recruiting Endogenous Stem Cells.
AB  - The reconstruction of bone usually depends on substitute transplantation, which
      has drawbacks including the limited bone substitutes available, comorbidity,
      immune rejection, and limited endogenous bone regeneration. Here, we constructed
      a functionalized bone substitute by combining application of the demineralized
      bone matrix (DBM) and collagen-binding stromal-cell-derived factor-1alpha (CBD
      SDF-1alpha). DBM was a poriferous and biodegradable bone substitute, derived from
      bovine bone and consisting mainly of collagen. CBD-SDF-1alpha could bind to
      collagen and be controllably released from the DBM to mobilize stem cells. In a
      rat femur defect model, CBD-SDF-1alpha-modified DBM scaffolds could efficiently
      mobilize CD34+ and c-kit+ endogenous stem cells homing to the injured site at 3
      days after implantation. According to the data from micro-CT, CBD-SDF-1alpha
      modified DBM scaffolds could help the bone defects rejoin with mineralization
      accumulated and bone volume expanded. Interestingly, osteoprotegerin (OPG) and
      osteopontin (OPN) were highly expressed in CBD-SDF-1alpha group at an early time
      after implantation, while osteocalcin (OCN) was more expanded. H&E and Masson's
      trichrome staining showed that the CBD-SDF-1alpha-modified DBM scaffold group had
      more osteoblasts and that the bone defect rejoined earlier. The ultimate strength
      of the regenerated bone was investigated by three-point bending, showing that the
      CBD-SDF-1alpha group had superior strength. In conclusion, CBD-SDF-1alpha
      modified DBM scaffolds could promote bone regeneration by recruiting endogenous
      stem cells.

PMID- 27686135
TI  - Personality traits and clinical/biochemical course in the first year after kidney
      transplant.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The relationship between personality and health is frequently studied
      in scientific research. This study investigated the clinical/biochemical course
      of kidney transplant patients based on personality traits. METHODS: A
      longitudinal study assessed 114 kidney transplant patients (men = 68 and women =
      46) with an average age of 47.72 years (SD = 11.4). Personality was evaluated
      using the Brazilian Factorial Personality Inventory (BFP/Big Five Model).
      Clinical variables were analyzed based on patient charts (estimated glomerular
      filtration rate (eGFR), hypertension, acute rejection, infection, graft loss, and
      death). Personality types were assessed by hierarchical cluster analysis.
      RESULTS: Two groups with personality types were differentiated by psychological
      characteristics: Cluster 1 - average neuroticism, high surgency, agreeableness
      and conscientiousness, and low openness; Cluster 2 - high neuroticism, average
      surgency and agreeableness, average conscientiousness, and low openness. There
      was no statistically significant difference between the clusters in terms of
      hypertension, acute infection, graft loss, death, and Human Leukocyte Antigen
      (HLA) I and II panel reactive antibodies. eGFR was associated with the
      personality types. Cluster 2 was associated with a better renal function in the 9
      month follow-up period after kidney transplantation. CONCLUSION: In this study,
      patients from Cluster 2 exhibited higher eGFR 9 months after the transplant
      procedure compared to those from Cluster 1. Monitoring these patients over a
      longer period may provide a better understanding of the relationship between
      personality traits and clinical course during the post-transplant period.

PMID- 27686137
TI  - Effects of categorical representation on visuospatial working memory in autism
      spectrum disorder.
AB  - We tested whether individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are impaired in
      visuospatial working memory or in the use of the semantic system, in particular
      in categorization processes at the service of working memory. The performance of
      high-functioning individuals with ASD (N = 21) in a visual same-different task
      adapted from Lachmann and van Leeuwen [e.g., Lachmann, T., & van Leeuwen, C.
      (2010). Representational economy, not processing speed, determines preferred
      processing strategy of visual patterns. Acta Psychologica, 134(3), 290-298] was
      compared to those of typically developed controls (N = 25). In a categorical
      identity task, two successive patterns had to be judged as the same if they
      belonged to the same equivalence set (cf. Garner, W. R., & Clement, D. E. (1963).
      Goodness of pattern and pattern uncertainty. Journal of Verbal Learning and
      Verbal Behavior, 2, 446-452), including all possible rotation and reflection
      transformations (R&R category), and as different otherwise. In a physical
      identity task, only patterns that matched in both shape and orientation had to be
      responded to as the same; all others, including category matches, had to be
      classified as different. Equivalence sets had different sizes (ESS). Earlier
      studies showed an increase in reaction time (RT) with increasing ESS and, for the
      physical identity task, a response conflict for category matching. Both of these
      effects were interpreted as evidence for a categorical code by which individual
      patterns are mentally represented. Assuming that categorization processes are
      deficient in individuals with ASD, we expected no ESS effects and, in the
      physical identity task, absence of a response conflict for these individuals. In
      contrast, we found individuals with ASD to be generally as sensitive to ESS as
      controls, and they showed a response conflict in the physical identity task.
      Thus, categorical processing seems to be intact in ASD. However, a strong overall
      group effect was found in RTs: Individuals with ASD are considerably slower than
      controls.

PMID- 27686138
TI  - Simulated patients versus seminars to train case history and feedback skills in
      audiology students: A randomized controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare simulated patients (SP) versus seminars for training
      audiology students to take a case history and give feedback with adult patients.
      DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial with cross-over. STUDY SAMPLE: Twenty-four
      audiology students, five SPs, two clinical educators (CE) and three evaluators.
      Students were randomly allocated to Group 1 who completed SP then seminar
      training or Group 2 who completed seminar then SP training. The SP training saw
      each student work with an SP in a clinic room and receive individualized
      feedback. The seminar training saw the student group work with a single CE in a
      lecture room and receive group feedback. All students were assessed taking a case
      history and giving feedback to an SP before, between, and after the training
      blocks. RESULTS: Mixed model analyses of derived factors for case history and
      feedback showed significant (p < 0.05) effects for assessment occasion (i.e.
      student skills improved with more training) but not for training sequence (i.e.
      order of training did not affect skill improvements) or training type (i.e. type
      of training did not affect skill improvements). CONCLUSION: SP training provided
      no benefit over seminar training in audiology students learning case history and
      feedback skills with adult patients.

PMID- 27686141
TI  - Letter to the Editor.

PMID- 27686140
TI  - Prognosis following infectious spondylodiscitis: work in progress.

PMID- 27686139
TI  - Resolution of low-velocity control in golf putting differentiates professionals
      from amateurs.
AB  - It is difficult for humans to apply small amounts of force precisely during motor
      control. However, experts who have undergone extended training are thought to be
      able to control low-velocity movement with precision. We investigated the
      resolution of motor control in golf putting. A total of 10 professional and 10
      high-level amateur golfers participated. Putting distances were 0.6-3.3 m, in
      increments of 0.3 m. We measured the impact velocity and the club-face angle at
      impact, and the acceleration profile of the downswing. The professionals showed
      significantly smaller coefficients of variation with respect to impact velocity
      and smaller root mean square errors in relation to acceleration profiles than did
      the amateurs. To examine the resolution of motor control for impact velocity, we
      investigated intra-participant differences in the impact velocity of the club
      head at two adjacent distances. We found that professionals had higher velocity
      precision when putting small distance intervals than did amateurs. That is,
      professionals had higher resolution of low-velocity control than did high-level
      amateurs. Our results suggest that outstanding performance at a task involves the
      ability to recognise small distinctions and to produce appropriate movements.

PMID- 27686142
TI  - Molybdenum-containing nitrite reductases: Spectroscopic characterization and
      redox mechanism.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This review summarizes the spectroscopic results, which will provide
      useful suggestions for future research. In addition, the fields that urgently
      need more information are also advised. BACKGROUND: Nitrite-NO-cGMP has been
      considered as an important signaling pathway of NO in human cells. To date, all
      the four known human molybdenum-containing enzymes, xanthine oxidase, aldehyde
      oxidase, sulfite oxidase, and mitochondrial amidoxime-reducing component, have
      been shown to function as nitrite reductases under hypoxia by biochemical,
      cellular, or animal studies. Various spectroscopic techniques have been applied
      to investigate the structure and catalytic mechanism of these enzymes for more
      than 20 years. METHODS: We summarize the published data on the applications of UV
      vis and EPR spectroscopies, and X-ray crystallography in studying nitrite
      reductase activity of the four human molybdenum-containing enzymes. RESULTS: UV
      vis has provided useful information on the redox active centers of these enzymes.
      The utilization of EPR spectroscopy has been critical in determining the
      coordination and redox status of the Mo center during catalysis. Despite the lack
      of substrate-bound crystal structures of these nitrite reductases, valuable
      structural information has been obtained by X-ray crystallography. CONCLUSIONS:
      To fully understand the catalytic mechanisms of these
      physiologically/pathologically important nitrite reductases, structural studies
      on substrate-redox center interaction are needed.

PMID- 27686143
TI  - Outcome of inflammatory bowel disease patients treated with TNF-alpha inhibitors:
      two-year follow-up.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Biological medications, particularly TNF-alpha inhibitors, are used
      increasingly for active inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Even though they are
      superior to many older medications in achieving remission and mucosal healing,
      primary nonresponse and loss of response remain significant problems, and a
      remarkable proportion of patients still need surgery at some point. OBJECTIVE: To
      study the outcome of IBD patients treated with TNF-alpha inhibitors, either
      infliximab or adalimumab, with a two-year follow-up. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      Patient data from the hospital electronic patient documents of IBD patients
      treated with TNF-alpha inhibitors were studied. The main targets of interest were
      treatment response, the remission rate and the number of patients operated, as
      well as reasons for the discontinuation of treatment. Remission was defined both
      endoscopically and by faecal calprotectin. RESULTS: Altogether 100 patients were
      included. Only 29% of the patients achieved remission during the two-year follow
      up. 26% of the Crohn's disease patients and 36% of the ulcerative colitis
      patients underwent surgery during the follow-up. A significant proportion of
      patients experienced side effects of the medication (21%) or discontinued the
      therapy for other reasons (altogether 63%). CONCLUSIONS: In this single centre
      study of 100 IBD patients treated with TNF-alpha inhibitors, less than one-third
      of the patients achieved remission, and a significant proportion had side effects
      and needed surgery during the two-year follow-up. There is an obvious need for
      more effective therapies with less side effects for IBD patients.

PMID- 27686145
TI  - High-Level Expression of Toll-Like Receptors on Dendritic Cells in Adult Patients
      with Burns on >=90% of Total Body Surface Area (TBSA).
AB  - BACKGROUND As a serious clinical problem, severe burn injury disturbs the immune
      system, resulting in progressive suppression of immune response. TLRs are
      associated with immune system activation, but the effect of TLRs levels on
      circulating cDCs of severe burn injury patients has not been fully assessed.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS Ten patients with total body surface area (TBSA) burned >90%
      admitted to our institution were enrolled in this study. We analyzed TLR2, TLR4,
      and TLR9 expression on the circulating cDCs by using multicolor flow cytometric
      analysis in patients at 14 days to 28 days after burn injury according to
      mortality, and We also assessed Demographics, clinical outcomes, organ function,
      and inflammatory and acute-phase responses. RESULTS No difference in TBSA, sex,
      age, or number of operations before the first 14 days after injury were observed
      between surviving and non-surviving burn patients. The levels of TLR2, TLR4, and
      TLR9 in circulating cDCs were significantly and consistently elevated in all
      patients compared to age-matched healthy volunteers, and survivors exhibited
      higher TLR2 and TLR4 values than non-survivors. Of the survivors, TLR2 and TLR4
      levels were higher at 28 days than at 14 days after injury, while the difference
      in TLR9 levels was not significant. TLR2 levels of non-survivors at 28 days after
      injury decreased, and the TLR4 and TLR9 levels showed no significant difference.
      CONCLUSIONS TLRs levels in circulating cDCs are highly activated in severe burn
      injury patients up to 28 days after injury. The low expression of TLR2 in cDCs
      may be useful as a potential marker predicting the poor prognosis of severe burn
      patients.

PMID- 27686146
TI  - Population pharmacokinetics of mycophenolic acid and its glucuronide metabolite
      in lung transplant recipients with and without cystic fibrosis.
AB  - 1. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a disease affecting multiple organs that may reduce
      the systemic exposure of some drugs. The objective of this work was to
      characterize and compare the population pharmacokinetics (PK) of the
      immunosuppressant mycophenolic acid (MPA), and its glucuronide metabolite (MPAG)
      in adult lung transplant recipients with and without CF (NCF) following repeated
      oral administration of the prodrug mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). 2. A population
      PK model was developed, with simultaneous modeling of MPA and MPAG, using
      nonlinear mixed effects modeling. MPA and MPAG serum concentration-time data were
      adequately described by a compartmental model including enterohepatic
      recirculation (EHR). Both MPA and MPAG apparent clearance values were
      significantly elevated (>65%) in patients with CF (24.1 and 1.95 L/h,
      respectively) compared to the values in the NCF patients (14.5 and 1.12 L/h,
      respectively), suggesting a notable influence of CF on MPA absorption and
      disposition. 3. The population PK model developed from our study successfully
      characterized the absorption, distribution, elimination and EHR of MPA and the
      metabolite MPAG in lung transplant recipients with or without CF. This model may
      help to further understand the impact of CF to the overall clinical effects of
      MPA therapy including immunosuppression and gastrointestinal side effects.

PMID- 27686144
TI  - Impact of maternal nutrition in pregnancy and lactation on offspring gut
      microbial composition and function.
AB  - Evidence supporting the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease Hypothesis
      indicates that maternal nutrition in pregnancy has a significant impact on
      offspring disease risk later in life, likely by modulating developmental
      processes in utero. Gut microbiota have recently been explored as a potential
      mediating factor, as dietary components strongly influence microbiota abundance,
      function and its impact on host physiology. A growing body of evidence has
      additionally indicated that the intrauterine environment is not sterile as once
      presumed, indicating that maternal-fetal transmission of microbiota may occur
      during pregnancy. In this article, we will review the body of literature that
      supports this emerging hypothesis, as well as highlight the work in relevant
      animal models demonstrating associations with maternal gestational nutrition and
      the offspring gut microbiome that may influence offspring physiology and
      susceptibility to disease.

PMID- 27686147
TI  - Efficient exciton generation in atomic passivated CdSe/ZnS quantum dots light
      emitting devices.
AB  - We demonstrate the first-ever surface modification of green CdSe/ZnS quantum dots
      (QDs) using bromide anions (Br-) in cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). The
      Br- ions reduced the interparticle spacing between the QDs and induced an
      effective charge balance in QD light-emitting devices (QLEDs). The fabricated
      QLEDs exhibited efficient charge injection because of the reduced emission
      quenching effect and their enhanced thin film morphology. As a result, they
      exhibited a maximum luminance of 71,000 cd/m2 and an external current efficiency
      of 6.4 cd/A, both significantly better than those of their counterparts with
      oleic acid surface ligands. In addition, the lifetime of the Br- treated QD based
      QLEDs is significantly improved due to ionic passivation at the QDs surface.

PMID- 27686148
TI  - Lateral opening in the intact beta-barrel assembly machinery captured by cryo-EM.
AB  - The beta-barrel assembly machinery (BAM) is a ~203 kDa complex of five proteins
      (BamA-E), which is essential for viability in E. coli. BAM promotes the folding
      and insertion of beta-barrel proteins into the outer membrane via a poorly
      understood mechanism. Several current models suggest that BAM functions through a
      'lateral gating' motion of the beta-barrel of BamA. Here we present a cryo-EM
      structure of the BamABCDE complex, at 4.9 A resolution. The structure is in a
      laterally open conformation showing that gating is independent of BamB binding.
      We describe conformational changes throughout the complex and interactions
      between BamA, B, D and E, and the detergent micelle that suggest communication
      between BAM and the lipid bilayer. Finally, using an enhanced reconstitution
      protocol and functional assays, we show that for the outer membrane protein OmpT,
      efficient folding in vitro requires lateral gating in BAM.

PMID- 27686149
TI  - Estill Voice Training and voice quality control in contemporary commercial
      singing: an exploratory study.
AB  - Estill Voice Training (EVT) is a widely known programme for developing vocal
      skills based on partitioning the process of vocal production in order to reach
      control of specific structures in the vocal mechanism. The present retrospective
      small-scale exploratory study aims at reporting preliminary data about the
      efficacy of EVT - in terms of voice quality control on a specific vocal exercise 
      in contemporary commercial singers with a Certificate of Figure Proficiency
      (CFP). Thirty-five contemporary commercial singers (professional or semi
      professional pop and rock singers) with no vocal complaints were recruited. The
      experimental group was composed of twenty singers who studied EVT and had a CFP.
      The control group was composed of fifteen singers who studied in Italian
      contemporary popular music institutions but were not familiar with EVT. Voice
      quality control was assessed through acoustic and perceptual analysis on a
      specific vocal exercise requiring sound pitch, perturbation and spectral energy
      distribution control. The acoustic analysis showed some significant differences
      between the two groups of singers both in sound perturbation control and spectral
      energy distribution control, suggesting a higher voice quality control ability
      for the experimental group. The perceptual evaluation confirmed a higher ability
      for the experimental group to produce recognizable voice qualities in this
      specific task. The reported preliminary results seem to suggest EVT as an
      effective educational system for developing voice quality control ability in
      contemporary commercial singers.

PMID- 27686150
TI  - Proteome Profiling of Urinary Exosomes Identifies Alpha 1-Antitrypsin and H2B1K
      as Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers for Urothelial Carcinoma.
AB  - MALDI-TOF spectrometry has not been used for urinary exosome analysis. We used it
      for determining UC biomarkers. From 2012 to 2015, we enrolled 129 consecutive
      patients with UC and 62 participants without UC. Exosomes from their urine were
      isolated, and analyzed through MALDI-TOF spectrometry. Immunohistochemical (IHC)
      analysis of another 122 UC and 26 non-UC tissues was conducted to verify the
      discovered biomarkers. Two peaks at m/z 5593 (fragmented peptide of alpha-1
      antitrypsin; sensitivity, 50.4%; specificity, 96.9%) and m/z 5947 (fragmented
      peptide of histone H2B1K sensitivity, 62.0%; specificity, 92.3%) were identified
      as UC diagnosis exosome biomarkers. UC patients with detectable histone H2B1K
      showed 2.29- and 3.11-fold increased risks of recurrence and progression,
      respectively, compared with those with nondetectable histone H2B1K. Verification
      results of IHC staining revealed significantly higher expression of alpha 1
      antitrypsin (p = 0.038) and H2B1K (p = 0.005) in UC tissues than in normal
      tissues. The expression of alpha 1-antitrypsin and H2B1K in UC tissues was
      significantly correlated with UC grades (p < 0.05). Urinary exosome proteins
      alpha 1-antitrypsin and histone H2B1K, which are identified through MALDI-TOF
      analysis, could facilitate rapid diagnosis and prognosis of UC.

PMID- 27686151
TI  - Higher prevalence of elevated LDL-C than non-HDL-C and low statin treatment rate
      in elderly community-dwelling Chinese with high cardiovascular risk.
AB  - Lipid levels are increasing in all age groups in the Chinese population, but the
      use of statin treatment in the elderly is not well documented. We examined serum
      lipids, statin usage and achievement of lipid goals in 3950 subjects aged >=65
      years. Established CVD was present in 7.77% of participants and increased CVD
      risk was common. Elevated LDL-C according to CVD risk level was present in 46.70%
      of all subjects and was more frequent (p < 0.01) than elevated non-HDL-C at
      32.58%. With increasing age, LDL-C was unchanged but triglycerides and non-HDL-C
      decreased and HDL-C increased. Individuals at moderate risk for CVD had higher
      TC, LDL-C, and non-HDL-C than low-risk subjects, but the values were lower in
      high- and very-high-risk individuals, probably because of the use of statin which
      was 28.57% in high-risk subjects with established CVD and 37.60% in very-high
      risk individuals, but only 2.62% in those with estimated high-risk and 3.75% in
      those with high-risk from diabetes. More subjects in each risk group reached the
      non-HDL-C goal than the LDL-C goal because of the relatively low triglycerides
      and VLDL-C levels. These findings demonstrate a high prevalence of elevated LDL-C
      but low rate of statin treatment in elderly community-dwelling Chinese.

PMID- 27686152
TI  - Loss to follow-up and HIV incidence in female sex workers in Kaiyuan, Yunnan
      Province China: a nine year longitudinal study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Longitudinal studies of female sex workers (FSWs) are vulnerable to
      loss to follow-up (LTFU) due to this population's high mobility and low
      willingness to self-identify as FSWs. LTFU in cohort studies is a critical
      problem and may lead to bias in estimation of incidence and exposure-outcome
      associations. The aim of this study was to analyze LTFU and HIV incidence and
      their associated factors in a 9-year longitudinal study of FSWs in Kaiyuan,
      Yunnan Province, China. METHODS: This analysis includes all HIV-1 seronegative
      FSWs who were recruited into a prospective study in Kaiyuan with at least one
      follow-up visit after enrollment from March 2006 to November 2013. Participants
      were visited in 6-month intervals after enrollment. Their demographic and
      behavioral data and blood specimens for HIV and sexual transmitted disease
      testing were collected at enrollment and at each follow-up visit. The
      administrative censoring date was December 31, 2014. Participants were considered
      LTFU if their last visit occurred 1 year or more before the administrative
      censoring date. Univariate and multivariable Cox regression models with time
      independent variables were used to investigate the hazard ratios (HR) and 95 %
      confidence intervals (CI) of the factors associated with LTFU and HIV
      acquisition. RESULTS: Of the 1158 FSWs, 950 were defined as LTFUs (LTFU rate:
      29.69, 95 % CI: 27.85-31.62 per 100 person years [PYs]), and 33 experienced HIV
      seroconversions (cumulative incidence: 1.06, 95 % CI: 0.74-1.47 per 100 PYs).
      After adjustment, we found that FSWs who used drugs were less likely to be LTFU
      compared with non-drug users (adjust hazard ratio [AHR]= 0.62, 95 % CI: 0.51
      0.76), though FSWs who used drug were associated with a higher risk of HIV
      acquisition (AHR = 3.06, 95 % CI: 1.49-6.30). Also, FSWs who always used condoms
      with clients in the previous month were associated with a higher risk of LTFU
      (AHR = 1.51, 95 % CI: 1.15-1.97), while they were negative associated with new
      HIV infection (AHR = 0.28, 95 % CI: 0.12-0.61). CONCLUSIONS: A high LTFU rate
      exists in the Kaiyuan FSW cohort study, and LTFU did not occur at random.
      Participants retained in the cohort tended to be at higher risk of HIV
      acquisition, which may result in an overestimate of the incidence of HIV
      infection from the Kaiyuan FSW cohort.

PMID- 27686154
TI  - Carrier Localization Effects in InGaN/GaN Multiple-Quantum-Wells LED Nanowires:
      Luminescence Quantum Efficiency Improvement and "Negative" Thermal Activation
      Energy.
AB  - Two-dimensional InGaN/GaN multiple-quantum-wells (MQW) LED structure was
      nanotextured into quasi-one-dimensional nanowires (NWs) with different average
      diameters with a combination approach of Ni nanoislands as mask + dry etching.
      Such nanotexturing bring out several appealing effects including deeper
      localization of carriers and significant improvement in quantum efficiency (e.g.,
      from 4.76% of the planar MQW structure to 12.5% of the 160 nm MQW NWs) of light
      emission in the whole interested temperature range from 4 K to 300 K. With the
      aid of localized-state ensemble (LSE) luminescence model, the photoluminescence
      spectra of the samples are quantitatively interpreted in the entire temperature
      range. In terms of distinctive temperature dependence of photoluminescence from
      these samples, a concept of "negative" thermal activation energy is tentatively
      proposed for the MQW NWs samples. These findings could lead to a deeper insight
      into the physical nature of localization and luminescence mechanism of excitons
      in InGaN/GaN nanowires.

PMID- 27686155
TI  - Social Network Analysis Reveals Potential Fission-Fusion Behavior in a Shark.
AB  - Complex social networks and behaviors are difficult to observe for free-living
      marine species, especially those that move great distances. Using implanted
      acoustic transceivers to study the inter- and intraspecific interactions of sand
      tiger sharks Carcharias taurus, we observed group behavior that has historically
      been associated with higher order mammals. We found evidence strongly suggestive
      of fission-fusion behavior, or changes in group size and composition of sand
      tigers, related to five behavioral modes (summering, south migration, community
      bottleneck, dispersal, north migration). Our study shows sexually dimorphic
      behavior during migration, in addition to presenting evidence of a potential
      solitary phase for these typically gregarious sharks. Sand tigers spent up to 95
      consecutive and 335 cumulative hours together, with the strongest relationships
      occurring between males. Species that exhibit fission-fusion group dynamics pose
      a particularly challenging issue for conservation and management because changes
      in group size and composition affect population estimates and amplify
      anthropogenic impacts.

PMID- 27686153
TI  - Inflammatory mediators in the development and progression of benign prostatic
      hyperplasia.
AB  - Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common urological disease in
      elderly men. Epidemiological data suggest a causal link between this condition
      and prostatic inflammation. The prostate is an immune-competent organ
      characterized by the presence of a complex immune system. Several stimuli,
      including infectious agents, urinary reflux, metabolic syndrome, the ageing
      process, and autoimmune response, have been described as triggers for the
      dysregulation of the prostatic immune system via different molecular pathways
      involving the development of inflammatory infiltrates. From a pathophysiological
      standpoint, subsequent tissue damage and chronic tissue healing could result in
      the development of BPH nodules.

PMID- 27686156
TI  - Mental health for nations.
AB  - Mental ill health is a universal phenomenon: that is, it is seen across all
      cultures and societies, even though the presentation may be culture-specific and
      affected by cultural norms and more. Governments have a moral and ethical duty to
      develop mental health services which are accessible, appropriate, and non
      discriminatory. Equity in funding mental health services is critical. As globally
      services and their quality vary dramatically, one should be proposing and
      agreeing on minimum standards of care. In this paper the basic components and
      minimum standards of care are described. It is imperative that services are non
      discriminatory. It is important that governments work with psychiatrists, other
      mental health professionals, and individuals with mental illness, their families,
      and carers to plan, develop, and deliver services with adequate funding.
      Employers and psychological first aid must also be remembered. Services must be
      geographically accessible. In this endeavour primary care services have a major
      role to play. Training and clinical decision-making must be part of the change in
      service delivery. It is imperative that every effort is made to keep the
      population mentally as well as physically healthy, and people who develop mental
      illness must have access to evidence-based treatment at the earliest possible
      opportunity.

PMID- 27686158
TI  - Discrimination and right to contract.

PMID- 27686157
TI  - Legal protection of the right to work: widening access to well-being through
      supportive workplaces.

PMID- 27686159
TI  - Economic development does not improve public mental health spending.
AB  - As a result of rapid globalization the Gross Domestic product of countries may
      have changed, but the gap between the very rich countries and poor countries has
      changed too, along with a change in social and economic strata within each
      society; although the rates of psychiatric disorders are affected by
      industrialization and urbanization, the financial pressures add yet another layer
      of burden. Global burden of disease due to mental illness is tremendously high
      and yet, in spite of pressures, there is no equity and increased discrimination
      related to mental illness. This paper presents some of the issues related to the
      economic state of the countries. In order to ensure that citizens receive the
      best treatments available it is important that socio-economic causes and gaps in
      treatment are identified and dealt with at national levels.

PMID- 27686160
TI  - Optimisation of a Naviglio-assisted extraction followed by determination of
      piperine content in Piper longum extracts.
AB  - Studies were made to increase the yield of piperine extraction using Naviglio
      Extractor(r) solid-liquid dynamic extractor (SLDE) from fruits of Piper longum.
      The effects of ratio w/v were investigated and optimised for the best method. The
      maximum yield of piperine (317.7 mg/g) from P. longum fruits was obtained in SLDE
      1:50 ethanol extract. Extraction yields of piperine obtained from Soxhlet
      extraction, decotion (International Organization for Standardization) and
      conventional maceration extraction methods were found to be 233.7, 231.8 and
      143.6 mg/g, respectively. The results of the present study indicated that
      Naviglio Extractor(r) is an effective technique for the extraction of piperine
      from long pepper.

PMID- 27686162
TI  - Hyaluronic Acid Stabilized Iodine-Containing Nanoparticles with Au Nanoshell
      Coating for X-ray CT Imaging and Photothermal Therapy of Tumors.
AB  - In recent years, considerable efforts have been made for the development of
      multifunctional nanoparticles with diagnosis and therapy functions. To achieve
      enhanced CT imaging and photothermal therapy on the tumor, we employed iodinated
      nanoparticles as template to construct Au nanoshell structure and demonstrated a
      facile but effective approach to synthesize biocompatible and well-dispersed
      multifunctional nanoparticles by coating iodinated nanoparticles with Au
      nanoshell and subsequent surface modification by hyaluronic acid. The resultant
      poly(2-methacryl(3-amide-2,4,6-triiodobenzoic acid))/polyethylenimine/Au
      nanoshell/hyaluronic acid (PMATIB/PEI/Au nanoshell/HA) nanoparticles had
      relatively high X-ray attenuation coefficient and photothermal efficiency. After
      intravenous injection into MCF-7 tumor-bearing mice, PMATIB/PEI/Au nanoshell/HA
      nanoparticles were efficiently accumulated in the tumor, remarkably enhanced the
      tumor CT imaging, and selectively ablated the tumor through the thermal treatment
      of lesions under the NIR irradiation. Thus, PMATIB/PEI/Au nanoshell/HA
      nanoparticles displayed a great potential for CT diagnosis and CT-guided, focused
      photothermal tumor therapy.

PMID- 27686161
TI  - Cerebrospinal fluid Presenilin-1 increases at asymptomatic stage in genetically
      determined Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Presenilin-1 (PS1), the active component of the intramembrane gamma
      secretase complex, can be detected as soluble heteromeric aggregates in
      cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The aim of this study was to examine the different
      soluble PS1 complexes in the lumbar CSF (CSF-PS1) of individuals with Alzheimer's
      disease (AD), particularly in both symptomatic and asymptomatic genetically
      determined AD, in order to evaluate their potential as early biomarkers. METHODS:
      Western blotting, differential centrifugation and co-immunoprecipitation served
      to determine and characterize CSF-PS1 complexes. We also monitored the assembly
      of soluble PS1 into complexes in a cell model, and the participation of Abeta in
      the dynamics and robustness of the stable PS1 complexes. RESULTS: There was an
      age-dependent increase in CSF-PS1 levels in cognitively normal controls, the
      different complexes represented in similar proportions. The total levels of CSF
      PS1, and in particular the proportion of the stable 100-150 kDa complexes,
      increased in subjects with autosomal dominant AD that carried PSEN1 mutations
      (eight symptomatic and six asymptomatic ADAD) and in Down syndrome individuals
      (ten demented and ten non-demented DS), compared with age-matched controls (n =
      23), even prior to the appearance of symptoms of dementia. The proportion of
      stable CSF-PS1 complexes also increased in sporadic AD (n = 13) and mild
      cognitive impaired subjects (n = 12), relative to age-matched controls (n = 17).
      Co-immunoprecipitation demonstrated the association of Abeta oligomers with
      soluble PS1 complexes, particularly the stable complexes. CONCLUSIONS: Our data
      suggest that CSF-PS1 complexes may be useful as an early biomarker for AD,
      reflecting the pathology at asymptomatic state.

PMID- 27686164
TI  - Contribution of four lifelong factors of cognitive reserve on late cognition in
      normal aging and Parkinson's disease.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cognitive reserve (CR) was proposed to explain how individual
      differences in brain function help to cope with the effects of normal aging and
      neurodegenerative diseases. Education, professional solicitations, and engagement
      in leisure and physical activities across the lifetime are considered as major
      determinants of this reserve. METHOD: Using multiple linear regression analyses,
      we tested separately in healthy elderly and Parkinson's disease (PD) populations
      to what extent cognitive performance in several domains was explained by (a) any
      of these four environmental lifespan variables; (b) demographic and clinical
      variables (age, gender, depression score, and, for the PD group, duration of
      disease and dopaminergic drugs). We also tested for an interaction, if any,
      between these lifespan variables and brain pathology indexed by global atrophy
      measured from high-resolution anatomical magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: Age
      was negatively associated with cognitive performance in the PD group. In healthy
      elderly participants, we observed significant positive associations between
      cognitive performance and (a) education, (b) leisure activities, and (c)
      professional solicitation (decisional latitude). Furthermore, participants with
      greater brain atrophy benefited more from CR. In PD patients, education and
      professional solicitations contributed to cognitive performance but to a lesser
      extent than in controls. CR factors modulated the relationship between cognition
      and brain atrophy only in patients with a slight or moderate brain atrophy.
      CONCLUSIONS: Education is the CR factor that contributed the most to late
      cognitive functioning in both groups, closely followed by leisure activity in
      normal aging and professional solicitations in PD. Our results also provide
      evidence suggesting that the effects of CR does not express similarly in normal
      aging and PD. From a broader perspective, these results seem to indicate that CR
      factors the most consistently practiced across lifespan (education and
      professional solicitation) are those that are the more strongly associated to
      late cognitive efficiency.

PMID- 27686163
TI  - Comparison of attitudes toward disability and people with disability among
      caregivers, the public, and people with disability: findings from a cross
      sectional survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A negative attitude toward disability is one of the potential
      barriers for people with disability (PWD) to achieve social equality. Although
      numerous studies have investigated attitudes toward disability, few have
      evaluated personal attitudes toward disability among PWD, and made comparisons
      with attitudes of healthy respondents. This study was to investigate and compare
      the attitudes of PWD, caregivers, and the public toward disability and PWD in
      China, to identify discrepancies in attitude among the three groupsand to examine
      potential influencing factors of attitude within each group. METHODS: A cross
      sectional study was conducted among 2912 PWD, 507 caregivers, and 354 members of
      the public in Guangzhou, China. Data were collected on participants' socio
      demographic information and personal attitudes toward disability using the
      Attitude to Disability Scale (ADS). ANOVA and ANCOVA were applied to compare the
      level of attitude among the three groups. Simple and multiple linear regression
      analyses were used to investigate the relationship between each background factor
      and attitude within each group. RESULTS: Over 90 % of caregivers were PWD's
      family members. After controlling the socio-demographic characteristics,
      caregivers had the lowest total scores of ADS (caregivers: 47.7; PWD: 52.3; the
      public: 50.5). Caregivers who had taken care of PWD for longer durations of time
      had a more negative attitude toward disability. In contrast, PWD who had been
      disabled for longer times had a more positive attitude toward disability.
      CONCLUSIONS: The current national social security system of China does not
      adequately support PWD's family-member caregivers who may need assistance coping
      with their life with PWDs. More research is needed, and the development of a new
      health-care model for PWD is warranted.

PMID- 27686165
TI  - Thyroid function and risk of type 2 diabetes: a population-based prospective
      cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The association of thyroid function with risk of type 2 diabetes
      remains elusive. We aimed to investigate the association of thyroid function with
      incident diabetes and progression from prediabetes to diabetes in a population
      based prospective cohort study. METHODS: We included 8452 participants (mean age
      65 years) with thyroid function measurement, defined by thyroid-stimulating
      hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4), and longitudinal assessment of diabetes
      incidence. Cox-models were used to investigate the association of TSH and FT4
      with diabetes and progression from prediabetes to diabetes. Multivariable models
      were adjusted for age, sex, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and glucose at
      baseline, amongst others. RESULTS: During a mean follow-up of 7.9 years, 798
      diabetes cases occurred. Higher TSH levels were associated with a higher diabetes
      risk (hazard ratio [HR] 1.13; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 1.08-1.18, per
      logTSH), even within the reference range of thyroid function (HR 1.24; 95 % CI,
      1.06-1.45). Higher FT4 levels were associated with a lower diabetes risk amongst
      all participants (HR 0.96; 95 % CI, 0.93-0.99, per 1 pmol/L) and in participants
      within the reference range of thyroid function (HR 0.96; 95 % CI, 0.92-0.99). The
      risk of progression from prediabetes to diabetes was higher with low-normal
      thyroid function (HR 1.32; 95 % CI, 1.06-1.64 for TSH and HR 0.91; 95 % CI, 0.86
      0.97 for FT4). Absolute risk of developing diabetes type 2 in participants with
      prediabetes decreased from 35 % to almost 15 % with higher FT4 levels within the
      normal range. CONCLUSIONS: Low and low-normal thyroid function are risk factors
      for incident diabetes, especially in individuals with prediabetes. Future studies
      should investigate whether screening for and treatment of (subclinical)
      hypothyroidism is beneficial in subjects at risk of developing diabetes.

PMID- 27686166
TI  - Acute effects of high-intensity intermittent training on kinematics and foot
      strike patterns in endurance runners.
AB  - The main purpose of this study was to evaluate running kinematic characteristics
      and foot strike patterns (FSP) during early and late stages of actual and common
      high-intensity intermittent training (HIIT): 5 * 2000 m with 120-s recovery
      between runs. Thirteen healthy, elite, highly trained male endurance runners
      participated in this study. They each had a personal record in the half-marathon
      of 70 +/- 2.24 min, and each had a minimum experience of 4 years of training and
      competition. Heart rate (HR) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were monitored
      during HIIT. High levels of exhaustion were reached by the athletes during HIIT
      (HRpeak: 174.30 bpm; RPE: 17.23). There was a significant increase of HRpeak and
      RPE during HIIT; nevertheless, time for each run remained unchanged. A within
      protocol paired t-test (first vs. last run) revealed no significant changes (P >=
      0.05) in kinematics variables and FSP variables during HIIT. There were no
      substantial changes on kinematics and FSP characteristics in endurance runners
      after fatigue induced by a HIIT. Only the minimum ankle alignment showed a
      significant change. The author suggests that these results might be due to both
      the high athletic level of participants and their experience in HIIT.

PMID- 27686167
TI  - Estimating audiometric thresholds using simultaneous acquisition of ASSR and ABR
      from QASSR in patients with sensorineural hearing loss.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the accuracy with which the innovative QASSR method
      predicts behavioral thresholds in adult patients with sensorineural hearing loss.
      DESIGN: Subjects were tested at four carrier frequencies (500, 1000, 2000, and
      4000 Hz).The resulting QASSR recordings were analyzed for thresholds and
      magnitude/phase characteristics. Tone-burst ABR was recovered from QASSR signal
      using CLAD method and analyzed in the time domain. The electrophysiological
      estimates were compared to hearing thresholds determined behaviorally. STUDY
      SAMPLE: Sixteen ears of nine volunteer subjects recruited from a clinical
      population. RESULTS: All mean threshold estimates differed less than 3 dB for
      QASSR and less than 5 dB for ABR at 1000, 2000 and 4000Hz (carrier or pure-tone
      test frequencies). The largest differences were observed for both at 500 Hz (5.63
      and 11.56 dB respectively).The audiometric configurations of QASSR and ABR
      estimates followed those of the respective behaviorally determined configurations
      across ears tested. CONCLUSIONS: QASSR method merges two dissimilar stimulation
      techniques, transient and steady-state, to create a hybrid stimulation-and
      analysis paradigm that seems to improve the overall performance of the
      electrophysiological threshold estimation. The unique feature of the QASSR
      technique is the additional information afforded by the transient ABR, recovered
      from the same recording. The QASSR thus holds promise to be a very useful tool
      for practical clinical applications.

PMID- 27686168
TI  - The safety and efficacy of high versus low vancomycin trough levels in the
      treatment of patients with infections caused by methicillin-resistant
      Staphylococcus aureus: a meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent guidelines have recommended vancomycin trough levels of 15-20
      mg/L for treatment of serious infections caused by methicillin-resistant
      Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). However, high trough levels may increase risk of
      nephrotoxicity and mortality, and high vancomycin trough levels have not been
      well studied. This study was designed to combine safety and efficacy results from
      independent studies and to compare between high and low vancomycin trough levels
      in the treatment of MRSA-infected patients using meta-analysis. METHODS: From 19
      eligible studies, 9 studies were included in meta-analysis to compare clinical
      success between high and low vancomycin trough levels, while 10 and 11 studies
      met criteria for comparing trough levels and nephrotoxicity and trough levels and
      mortality, respectively. The PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus
      databases, and hand searching were used to identify eligible studies dated up to
      March 2016. Of 2344 subjects with MRSA infection, 1036 were assigned to trough
      levels >=15 mg/L and 1308 to trough levels <15 mg/L. RESULTS: High vancomycin
      trough levels were found to be associated with risk of nephrotoxicity (odds ratio
      [OR] 2.14, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.42-3.23 and adjusted OR 3.33, 95 % CI
      1.91-5.79). There was no evidence of difference between high and low vancomycin
      trough levels for mortality (OR; 1.09; 95 % CI 0.75-1.60) or clinical success (OR
      1.07; 95 % CI 0.68-1.68). CONCLUSION: In this study, high vancomycin trough
      levels were identified as an independent factor associated with risk of
      nephrotoxicity in MRSA-infected patients. Association between vancomycin trough
      levels and both adverse effects and clinical outcomes requires further study.

PMID- 27686169
TI  - Laboratory Investigation of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs):  Recommendations
      of the Canadian Mpn Group.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To standardize diagnostic investigations for myeloproliferative
      neoplasms (MPNs) to increase homogeneity in patient care and to streamline
      diagnostic approaches in the most efficient and cost-effective manner. METHODS:
      The development of Canadian expert consensus recommendations for the diagnosis of
      MPNs began with a review of the following: clinical evidence, daily practice,
      existing treatment guidelines, and availability of diagnostic tools. Each group
      member was assigned a specific topic, which they discussed with the entire group
      during several consensus meetings. RESULTS: This document provides the Canadian
      MPN group's recommendations, proposed diagnostic algorithms, and background
      evidence upon which decisions were made. CONCLUSIONS: Standardization of
      diagnostic investigations will increase homogeneity in patient care and provide a
      foundation for future clinical research in this rapidly evolving therapeutic
      area. Streamlining diagnostic approaches in the most efficient and cost-effective
      manner will also result in significant cost saving for the health care system.

PMID- 27686170
TI  - CAL2 Immunohistochemical Staining Accurately Identifies CALR Mutations in
      Myeloproliferative Neoplasms.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Mutations in CALR (calreticulin) have been discovered in 50% to 80%
      of JAK2 (Janus kinase 2) and MPL (myeloproliferative leukemia protein) wild-type
      patients with Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPNs). We
      evaluate the performance of a monoclonal antibody for immunohistochemical
      detection of CALR mutations. METHODS: A computerized archival search was
      performed for cases of non-chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) MPNs with available
      CALR and JAK2 V617F mutational analysis data. Bone marrow biopsy specimens were
      stained with monoclonal antibody CAL2, and the percentage of stained
      megakaryocytes was calculated. In select cases, double immunofluorescence
      staining was done with CAL2 and each of the following: CD61, myeloperoxidase,
      CD34, and glycophorin A. RESULTS: We studied 38 bone marrow biopsy specimens of
      non-CML MPNs (primary myelofibrosis, n = 21; essential thrombocythemia, n = 15;
      and n = 2 post-polycythemia vera myelofibrosis) from 31 patients. All eight bone
      marrow biopsy specimens from patients with mutant CALR showed strong cytoplasmic
      staining of the megakaryocytes (83.5%; range, 50%-98%; median, 87%) with the CAL2
      antibody. Double immunofluorescence staining of the small mononuclear cells seen
      in CALR mutant cases revealed them to be myeloid blasts. CONCLUSIONS:
      Immunohistochemistry in routinely processed bone marrow biopsy specimens for
      mutated CALR is feasible and accurately identifies mutated cases, including rare
      cases with additional driver mutations.

PMID- 27686171
TI  - Detection of CALR Mutation in Clonal and Nonclonal Hematologic Diseases Using
      Fragment Analysis and Next-Generation Sequencing.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe three methods used to screen for frameshift mutations in
      exon 9 of the CALR gene. METHODS: Genomic DNA from 47 patients was extracted from
      peripheral blood and bone marrow using the EZ1 DNA Blood Kit (Qiagen, Valencia,
      CA) and quantified by the Quant-iT PicoGreen dsDNA Assay Kit (Invitrogen, San
      Diego, CA). After clinical history, cytogenetics, and molecular tests, patients
      were diagnosed with either clonal or nonclonal hematologic diseases. CALR
      screening was primarily performed using fragment analysis polymerase chain
      reaction, then next-generation sequencing and Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: Among
      the 18 patients diagnosed with clonal diseases, one had acute myeloid leukemia
      (positive for trisomy 8), and 17 had myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs),
      including chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), essential thrombocythemia (ET), primary
      myelofibrosis (PMF), and polycythemia vera (PV). Patients with CML were positive
      for the BCR-ABL1 fusion. Ten patients were positive for JAK2 (PMF, n = 1; ET, n =
      2; PV, n = 7), and three were CALR positive (ET, n = 1; PMF, n = 2). Patients
      diagnosed with a nonclonal disease were negative for JAK2, BCR-ABL, and CALR
      mutations. CONCLUSIONS: Screening for CALR mutations is essential in BCR-ABL
      negative MPNs since it not only provides valuable diagnostic and prognostic
      information but also identifies potential treatment targets. Since this study
      describes the importance of screening for known and novel biomarkers, we
      described in detail three methods that could be easily integrated into a clinical
      laboratory.

PMID- 27686172
TI  - Significant Reduction in Preanalytical Errors for Nonphlebotomy Blood Draws After
      Implementation of a Novel Integrated Specimen Collection Module.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Most preanalytical errors at our institution occur during
      nonphlebotomy blood draws. We implemented an electronic health record (EHR),
      interfaced the EHR to the laboratory information system, and designed a new
      specimen collection module. We studied the effects of the new system on
      nonphlebotomy preanalytical errors. METHODS: We used an electronic database of
      preanalytical errors and calculated the number and type of the most common errors
      in the emergency department (ED) and inpatient nursing for 3-month periods before
      (August-October 2014) and after (August-October 2015) implementation. The level
      of staff compliance with the new system was also assessed. RESULTS: The average
      monthly preanalytical errors decreased significantly from 7.95 to 1.45 per 1,000
      specimens in the ED (P < 0001) and 11.75 to 3.25 per 1,000 specimens in inpatient
      nursing (P < 0001). The rate of decrease was similar for mislabeled, unlabeled,
      wrong specimen received and no specimen received errors. Most residual errors
      (80% in the ED and 67% in inpatient nursing) occurred when providers did not use
      the new system as designed. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a customized specimen
      collection module led to a significant reduction in preanalytical errors.
      Improved compliance with the system may lead to further reductions in error
      rates.

PMID- 27686174
TI  - Clinical Action Curves:  Measuring the Magnitude of Physician Response to
      Abnormal Laboratory Results.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: While reference limits are foundational to interpreting clinical
      laboratory tests, they may not correspond to the actual values triggering
      clinical response. We propose to measure this using clinical action curves, which
      plot test values against an indicator of clinical action. METHODS: We selected
      repeat test ordering as a quantifiable, objective, useful measure that is readily
      calculable using available laboratory data. Using all results in Calgary in 2010
      2011 for eight analytes, clinical action curves for each analyte were plotted as
      the relationship between index test value and retesting hazard, modeled using Cox
      proportional hazards with restricted cubic splines. Clinical action limits were
      defined where retesting hazard rose 38% above baseline (25%-50% considered).
      RESULTS: In general, clinical action increased before the reference limits, and
      clinical action limits were narrower than reference limits. However, some
      reference limits showed no increased clinical action and may thus be ignored in
      practice. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical action curves and limits provide practical,
      objective tools for describing physician responses to test values. Results
      suggest that many normal results are treated as abnormal and vice versa; such
      discrepancies require further scrutiny and ultimately reconciliation via altered
      reference ranges or altered practice patterns.

PMID- 27686173
TI  - Effect of On-Site Support on Laboratory Practice for Human Immunodeficiency
      Virus, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Testing.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of on-site support in improving human
      immunodeficiency virus (HIV) rapid testing, tuberculosis (TB) sputum microscopy,
      and malaria microscopy among laboratory staff in a low-resource setting. METHODS:
      This cluster randomized trial was conducted at 36 health facilities in Uganda.
      From April to December 2010, laboratory staff at 18 facilities participated in
      monthly on-site visits, and 18 served as control facilities. After intervention,
      128 laboratory staff were observed performing 587 laboratory tests across three
      diseases: HIV rapid testing, TB sputum microscopy, and malaria microscopy.
      Outcomes were the proportion of laboratory procedures correctly completed for the
      three laboratory tests. RESULTS: Laboratory staff in the intervention arm
      performed significantly better than the control arm in correctly completing
      laboratory procedures for all three laboratory tests, with an adjusted relative
      risk (95% confidence interval) of 1.18 (1.10-1.26) for HIV rapid testing, 1.29
      (1.21-1.40) for TB sputum microscopy, and 1.19 (1.11-1.27) for malaria
      microscopy. CONCLUSIONS: On-site support significantly improved laboratory
      practices in conducting HIV rapid testing, TB sputum microscopy, and malaria
      microscopy. It could be an effective method for improving laboratory practice,
      without taking limited laboratory staff away from health facilities for training.

PMID- 27686175
TI  - Spindle Cell Lipomas Arising at Atypical Locations.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Spindle cell lipomas (SCLs) are benign lipomatous neoplasms that
      classically arise in the posterior neck, upper back, and shoulders of older male
      patients. We sought to characterize the occurrence of this entity at nonclassic
      sites. METHODS: All cases of SCL arising at atypical sites were retrieved from
      our archives. RESULTS: Of 439 total cases of SCL, 57 arose at atypical locations
      in 32 men and 25 women (age range, 27-79 years). The tumor sites included leg (n
      = 23), buttock/perineum/inguinal (n = 10), forearm (n = 9), finger (n = 9), foot
      (n = 2), toe (n = 2), hand (n = 1), and flank (n = 1). CD34 was positive staining
      in all cases tested (52/52), while desmin was negative in most tumors (48/50).
      Thirty-eight of 38 cases tested exhibited loss of Rb expression. No cases showed
      CPM/MDM2 amplification (0/48). No local recurrences have been reported (n = 39).
      CONCLUSIONS: SCLs may arise in the trunk, lower extremities, and distal upper
      extremities. While most SCLs arising in classic sites occur in male patients,
      there is a relatively equal sex distribution in tumors at atypical sites.
      Pathologists should be aware that SCLs arise at atypical locations to avoid
      misclassification as other lipomatous neoplasms, including atypical lipomatous
      tumor.

PMID- 27686176
TI  - Stromal PD-L1 Expression Is Associated With Better Disease-Free Survival in
      Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of
      breast cancer, and there is no approved targeted therapy. We studied the
      expression of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1) in
      TNBC. METHODS: Full-face sections from 136 TNBC cases without neoadjuvant therapy
      between 2004 and 2013 were stained and evaluated for immune cell PD-1 staining
      and stromal or tumoral PD-L1 staining using the H-score (staining percentage *
      intensity). Nottingham histologic grade, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), mitotic
      count, and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) were evaluated. Tumor size,
      lymph node status, Ki-67 score, metastasis, overall survival (OS), and disease
      free survival (DFS) were retrieved from medical records. RESULTS: Of the 136 TNBC
      cases, 69 (51%) had any PD-L1 staining and 35 (26%) had PD-L1 staining with an H
      score of 5 or more; 117 (86%) had any PD-1 staining and 68 (50%) had PD-1
      staining with an H-score of 5 or more. Tumor size and LVI were significantly
      associated with worse OS and DFS, and TILs and LVI were significantly associated
      with metastasis in univariate analysis. Stromal PD-L1 expression was
      significantly associated with better DFS in multivariate analysis. PD-1
      expression was not associated with DFS, OS, or metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: PD-L1
      expression is seen in a high proportion of TNBCs and associated with better DFS.

PMID- 27686178
TI  - Deciphering molecular aspects of interaction between anticancer drug mitoxantrone
      and tRNA.
AB  - Mitoxantrone (1,4-dihydroxy-5,8-bis[[2-[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]ethyl]amino]-9,10
      anthracenedione) is a synthetically designed antineoplastic agent and
      structurally similar to classical anthracyclines. It is widely used as a potent
      chemotherapeutic component against various kinds of cancer and possesses lesser
      cardio-toxic effects with respect to naturally occurring anthracyclines. In the
      present study, we have investigated the binding features of mitoxantrone-tRNA
      complexation at physiological pH using attenuated total reflection-Fourier
      transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy,
      isothermal titration calorimetry, and UV-visible absorption spectroscopic
      techniques. FTIR analysis reveals that mitoxantrone interacts mainly with
      heterocyclic base residues of tRNA along with slight external binding with
      phosphate-sugar backbone. In particular, mitoxantrone binds at uracil (C=O) and
      adenine (C=N) sites of biomolecule (tRNA). CD spectroscopic results suggest that
      there is no major conformational transition in native A-form of tRNA upon
      mitoxantrone-tRNA adductation except an intensification in the secondary
      structure of tRNA is evident. The association constant calculated for
      mitoxantrone-tRNA association is found to be 1.27 * 105 M-1 indicating moderate
      to strong binding affinity of drug with tRNA. Thermodynamically, mitoxantrone
      tRNA interaction is an enthalpy-driven exothermic reaction. Investigation into
      drug-tRNA interaction can play an essential role in the rational development of
      RNA targeting chemotherapeutic agents, which also delineate the structural
      functional relationship between drug and its target at molecular level.

PMID- 27686177
TI  - Phosphohistone-H3 Proliferation Index Is Superior to Mitotic Index and MIB-1
      Expression as a Predictor of Recurrence in Human Meningiomas.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the prognostic value of the phosphohistone-H3
      (PHH3) proliferation index (PI) in human meningiomas and compared the reliability
      with the conventional mitotic index and MIB-1 biomarker. METHODS: Proliferative
      activity was determined in 160 patients by standardized immunohistochemistry on
      tissue microarrays and related to recurrence. RESULTS: All three proliferation
      assessment methods were significantly associated with World Health Organization
      grade. The optimal cutoff values for recurrence prediction were 3% for the MIB-1
      PI and 0.5% for the PHH3 PI. Increased PHH3 PI was significantly associated with
      recurrence-free survival in univariate Cox proportional hazards regression
      analysis (P = .011) and remained an independent predictor in multivariate
      analysis (P = .005). Mitotic index and MIB-1 PI did not reach statistical
      significance. CONCLUSIONS: PHH3 immunostaining allowed for the easiest, fastest,
      and most objective assessment of proliferation and proved to be the most accurate
      and reliable method for predicting recurrence in patients resected for
      meningiomas.

PMID- 27686180
TI  - Is systematic screening and treatment for latent tuberculosis infection in HIV
      patients useful in a low endemic setting?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: A decreasing incidence of tuberculosis (TB) among HIV patients has
      been documented in high-income settings and screening for tuberculosis is not
      systematically performed in many clinics (such as ours). Our objectives are to
      evaluate whether a same decline of incidence was seen in our Belgian tertiary
      center and to evaluate whether systematic screening and prophylaxis of
      tuberculosis should remain part of routine practice. METHODS: Between 2005 and
      2012, the annual incidence of tuberculosis among adult HIV patients was measured.
      The impact of demographic characteristics and CD4 nadir on the incidence of
      active TB was evaluated. RESULTS: Among the 1167 patients who entered the cohort,
      42 developed active TB with a significant decrease of annual incidence from
      28/1000 patient-years in 2005 to 3/1000 patient-years in 2012. Among the 42
      cases, 83% were of sub-Saharan origin. Median CD4 cell count upon HIV diagnosis
      was significantly lower in TB cases and 60% had a nadir CD4 below 200/MUl. Thirty
      six percent of incident TB occurred within 14 days after HIV diagnosis.
      CONCLUSION: A significant decline of TB incidence in HIV patients was observed.
      Incident TB occurred mainly in African patients, with low CD4 upon HIV diagnosis.
      A significant proportion of TB cases were discovered early in follow-up which
      probably reflects TB already present upon HIV diagnosis. In a low endemic
      setting, exclusion of active TB upon HIV diagnosis remains a priority and
      screening for LTBI should focus on HIV patients from high risk groups such as
      migrants from endemic regions, especially in patients with low CD4 nadir.

PMID- 27686179
TI  - Pneumococcal infections in elderly patients attending hospital since PCV-13
      authorization in Spain.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To study the characteristics and outcomes of pneumococcal infections
      in patients aged >=65 years since the authorization of the 13-valent pneumococcal
      conjugate vaccine (PCV-13) in Spain. METHODS: All pneumococcal pneumonias,
      empyemas or primary bacteraemias treated at two hospitals in Majorca from 2010 to
      2015 were included. Clinical variables, serotypes, and antibiotic susceptibility
      were collected. RESULTS: Two hundred and forty-nine pneumonias, 11 primary
      bacteraemias, and 2 empyemas in 243 patients were studied; 181 (69.1%) men,
      median age 76 years (range: 66-99). Seven (2.6%) were pneumococcal-vaccinated.
      Bacteraemia was present in 127 (61.9%) cases and related to a higher severity, p=
      0.02, and not having chronic lung disease, p = 0.002. Ninety-seven (37%) episodes
      involved complications and 30 (11.5%) patients died. Mortality was related with
      the presence of complications at admission, p < 0.001. Only septic shock was more
      frequent in patients >=65 years during the period 2010-2015 compared to the
      period 2006-2010: 38 of 262 (14.5%) vs. 17 of 212 (8%), p = 0.02. Most infections
      (57.6%) were due to PCV-13 serotypes but were not related to a worse prognosis.
      The proportion of PCV-13 serotypes tended to decrease from 61% (non-invasive) and
      80% (invasive) in 2010-2011 to 33% and 47% in 2014-2015. The antibiotic
      susceptibility remained stable. CONCLUSIONS: Rates of pneumococcal vaccination in
      elderly patients with pneumococcal infections were very low. Except for septic
      shock, the main outcome variables (including mortality) were similar to the ones
      observed in the period preceding PCV-13 authorization. PCV-13 serotypes were
      responsible for most infections although they showed a decreasing trend.

PMID- 27686181
TI  - Risk factors of sleep disorder after stroke: a meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to evaluate potential risk factors of sleep disorder
      in stroke patients by conducting a meta-analysis. METHODS: Relevant articles were
      searched in PubMed, Medline, Springer, Elsevier, Science Direct, Cochrane
      Library, and Google scholar database up to May 2014. The effect size of risk
      factors, including gender, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia,
      smoking, alcohol use, previous stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
      (COPD), and habitual snoring were measured by odds ratio (OR) and corresponding
      95% confidence interval (95% CI). The heterogeneity of effect size across studies
      was evaluated by applying Cochran's Q-statistic and the I2 statistic. In
      addition, Egger's linear regression test was used to evaluate the publication
      bias. RESULTS: A total of 8 studies, involving 1381 stroke patients (578 patients
      with sleep disorder, and 803 patients without sleep disorder) were suitable for
      this meta-analysis. Pooled results showed significant association of sleep
      disorder risk in stoke patients with diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.09
      1.85), alcohol use (OR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.19-2.12) and habitual snoring (OR =
      14.77, 95% CI = 5.52-39.53). No significant association was found between risk of
      sleep disorder in stoke patients and other factors. Furthermore, heterogeneity
      was just presented among studies involving gender, hypertension and smoking.
      Egger's linear regression test showed no statistical publication bias.
      CONCLUSION: Diabetes mellitus, alcohol use, and habitual snoring are associated
      with a significantly increased risk of sleep disorder in stroke patients.
      HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Eight studies containing 1381 patients are included in this meta
      analysis. (2) Diabetes mellitus was associated with sleep disorder in stroke
      patients. (3) Alcohol use could increase the risk of sleep disorder in stroke
      patients. (4) Habitual snoring was obviously associated with sleep disorder in
      stroke patients.

PMID- 27686183
TI  - Reducing transfers of psychiatric inpatients to emergency rooms of general
      hospitals in Singapore: a clinical practice improvement project.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Patients admitted to a psychiatric hospital commonly suffer from
      comorbid medical problems which sometimes require urgent medical attention.
      Twenty-two percent of emergency medical transfers from the Institute of Mental
      Health (IMH) to the emergency rooms of general hospitals were preventable and
      could be managed at IMH itself. We undertook a quality improvement project to
      understand the reasons behind such preventable referrals and implemented changes
      to address this. METHODS: Using the model for improvement, we deconstructed our
      processes and analysed root causes for such preventable referrals. Thereafter
      changes were implemented with Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles to analyse their
      outcomes. RESULTS: During the 6-month study period, we achieved a 100% reduction
      in preventable referrals through strategies aimed at reducing pressure on our on
      call physicians in the making of medical decisions, maximising usage of our
      medical resources, constant education and raising awareness of this issue.
      CONCLUSIONS: Reducing preventable transfer of inpatients from a psychiatric
      hospital to the emergency departments of general hospitals is a worthwhile
      endeavour. Such initiatives optimise use of healthcare resources, improve patient
      care and increase satisfaction.

PMID- 27686182
TI  - Randomized clinical trial of the safety and immunogenicity of the Tdap vaccine in
      pregnant Mexican women.
AB  - Immunization with the tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine raises
      controversies on immunogenicity and possible antibody interference. We performed
      an experimental, double-blind, parallel group controlled clinical trial to
      evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of the Tdap vaccine in 204 pregnant women
      and their children and to determine its interference in antibody production.
      Pregnant women 18 to 38 y of age with 12 to 24 weeks gestation, a low obstetric
      risk, and without serious disease were randomly selected. The experimental group
      received 0.5 mL IM of Tdap and the control group normal saline. Six blood samples
      were drawn before and after solution application, and from the umbilical cord of
      the infants and at 2, 4, and 6 months of age. Pertactin and Pertussis toxin
      antibodies and possible interference of maternal antibodies with the vaccine were
      determined. In the experimental group, antibodies against Bordetella pertussis
      pertactin (anti-PRN) (112 E/mL 95% CI 89.9-139.9) and antibodies against
      pertussis toxin (anti-PT) (24.0 E/mL, 95% CI 18.3-31.4) were elevated in the
      mother before vaccination. These were higher in the umbilical cord and descended
      in the infant at 2 months (71.4 (95% CI 56.8-89.7 and 10.9; 95% CI 8.7-13.7,
      respectively). Anti-PT showed a delay in production. Tdap safety was confirmed
      with only mild local pain at 24 and 48 hours. Anti-PRN and anti-PT antibodies in
      the infant descend at 2 months of age. There is a delay in anti-PT in children of
      immunized mothers. Further studies are needed to elucidate its clinical
      significance.

PMID- 27686184
TI  - OTULIN deficiency causes auto-inflammatory syndrome.
AB  - Ubiquitin chains assembled via the N-terminal methionine (Met1 or linear
      ubiquitin), conjugated by the linear ubiquitin chain assembly complex (LUBAC),
      participate in NF-kappaBeta-dependent inflammatory signaling and immune
      responses. A recent report in Cell finds that OTULIN, a deubiquitinase that
      selectively cleaves Met1-linked ubiquitin chains, is essential for restraining
      inflammation in vivo.

PMID- 27686185
TI  - Dynamic actin cycling through mitochondrial subpopulations locally regulates the
      fission-fusion balance within mitochondrial networks.
AB  - Mitochondria form interconnected networks that dynamically remodel in response to
      cellular needs. Using live-cell imaging, we investigate the role of the actin
      cytoskeleton in regulating mitochondrial fission and fusion. We identify cycling
      of actin filaments onto and off of subsets of cellular mitochondria. The
      association of actin filaments with mitochondrial subpopulations is transient;
      actin quickly disassembles, then reassembles around a distinct subpopulation,
      efficiently cycling through all cellular mitochondria within 14 min. The focal
      assembly of actin induces local, Drp1-dependent fragmentation of the
      mitochondrial network. On actin disassembly, fragmented mitochondria undergo
      rapid fusion, leading to regional recovery of the tubular mitochondrial network.
      Cycling requires dynamic actin polymerization and is blocked by inhibitors of
      both Arp2/3 and formins. We propose that cyclic assembly of actin onto
      mitochondria modulates the fission/fusion balance, promotes network remodelling
      and content mixing, and thus may serve as an essential mechanism regulating
      mitochondrial network homeostasis.

PMID- 27686186
TI  - On the boundaries of ethics.

PMID- 27686187
TI  - [Ten years after the Sudbo-affair].

PMID- 27686188
TI  - Predictive testing should be in the child's best interests.

PMID- 27686189
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27686191
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27686190
TI  - [Not Available].